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The birds of Waimea Inlet

Notornis, 32 (4), 271-309

Owen, K.L., Sell, M.G. (1985)

Article Type: Paper

Monthly bird counts were made at low tide in 14 tidal zones at Waimea Inlet, Nelson, from August 1976 to July 1978. Other records, extending from 1955 to 1984, are included. Seventy-five species were recorded: 52 estuarine species on the tidal flats and saltmarsh and 23 non-estuarine species on the inlet and its immediate shoreline. For the estuarine species, the frequency of sightings, use of tidal zones, numbers of birds, seasonal changes in numbers, distribution, breeding status, and habits are given. The numbers of birds at the inlet were highest from March to June in 1977 and 1978, owing to a winter increase in numbers of the South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Southern Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus) and Red-billed Gull (L. novaehollandiae). Of the Northern Hemisphere migratory waders in summer, the most common were the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa Iapponica) and the Knot (Calidris canutus). The use of each tidal zone varied considerably month by month, some zones being notable for a high number of species, others for the particular species they attracted, often regularly. The information collected demonstrates the importance of the inlet to a wide variety of bird species.

The relationships of the extinct Chatham Island eagle

Notornis, 31 (4), 273-277

S.L. Olson (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The extinct subfossil eagle of the Chatham Islands is referable to the genus Haliaeetus rather than to Ichthyophaga wherein originally described. Haliaeetus australis, as it should now be known, is more similar to northern species of the genus, particularly H. pelagicus, than to the geographically closer species H. leucogaster, and its ancestors probably colonised the Chatham Islands from the Northern Hemisphere rather than from Australasia.

Solander Island birds

Notornis, 31 (2), 182-183

Cooper, W., Morrison, K. (1984)

Article Type: Short Note

Differentiating the sexes of the Brown Creeper

Notornis, 31 (1), 19-22

Cunningham, J.B. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The measurements of male and female Brown Creepers (Finschia novaeseelandiae) were compared to determine whether they are sexually dimorphic and, if so, which characters can be used to distinguish the sexes. In all the measured characters males were significantly larger than females. Possible selective advantages of the Brown Creeper’s sexual dimorphism are discussed. Wing length was found to be the most reliable discriminator of sex.

North Island Brown kiwi vocalisations and their use in censusing populations

Notornis, 31 (3), 191-201

R. Colbourne, R. Kleinpaste (1984)

Article Type: Paper

Vocalisations of the North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx australis mantelli) were monitored from March 1981 to July 1982 in Waitangi State Forest, Northland. Calling rates were found to be seasonally cyclic and correlated with breeding. Males calIed more often than females. Four categories of kiwi sounds are described and their possible functions discussed. A census of kiwis based on counts of calls underestimates the population: a banding study in a small area gives a much better indication of kiwi numbers. An estimated 800-1,000 kiwis inhabit Waitangi State Forest. Calling rates are density dependent and so can be used for comparison of kiwi population densities between two areas.

Notes on Sooty Shearwaters and other avifauna of the Chilean offshore island of Guafo

Notornis, 31 (3), 225-231

G.S. Clark, A.P. von Meyer, J.W. Nelson, J.N. Watt (1984)

Article Type: Paper

According to available literature, Isla Guafo, Chile, has been rarely visited by ornithologists. The authors have produced a tentative species list. Birds observed within 1 km of the island are included in the total of 62 species. Breeding information was obtained for some species.  The discovery of a large breeding colony of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) is important because it is the first known large colony in Chile north of the Fuegian area.
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