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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.

Observations on the red-footed booby on Mabualau Island, Fiji

Notornis, 31 (1), 23-29

Langham, N.P. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The red-footed booby (Sula sula) colony on Mabualau Island, Fiji, was visited from 1980 to 1982. Eggs were recorded throughout the year, and young were found in seven of the nine months of the year considered. The two peaks of nesting recorded were about 7-8 months apart. Only unsuccessful birds were likely to nest twice in the same year. Fledging success was low in both 1980 (55%) and 1981 (24%). Climatic factors rather than food supply or predators caused most mortality. The diet comprised flying fish and squid. Growth was similar to that on Aldabra Atoll, but fledging weight was higher. The timing of the breeding seasons is discussed.

Yellow bellbirds

Notornis, 31 (4), 278

P.D. Gaze (1984)

Article Type: Short Note

Breeding by fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) on Tiritiri Island

Notornis, 31 (4), 279-283

I.G. McLean (1984)

Article Type: Paper

Breeding by 11 pairs of fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) was studied on Tiritiri Island during the 1981/82 breeding season. All pairs observed attempted to breed in late September or early October, but only three pairs laid eggs before November. Eight pairs each produced only one successful clutch. No new nests were begun after early December. I conclude that fantails may have a shorter breeding season and lower overall breeding success on islands than on mainland New Zealand.

Breeding of the Chatham Island Warbler (Gerygone albofrontata)

Notornis, 31 (2), 97-105

Dennison, M.D., Robertson, H.A., Crouchley, D (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The breeding of the Chatham Island warbler (Gerygone albofrontata) was studied over five seasons on three islands in the Chatham Island Group. The breeding season is short, and only one brood is raised per year. On predator-free ‘petrel islands’, nests were low to the ground in dense vegetation, whereas on Chatham Island nests were high and in the open. Mean clutch size was 3.1 eggs (n=79). Incubation and nestling periods were both about 20 days. Density of breeding birds was highest in regenerating forest clumps on predator-free islands, with about 10 pairs per hectare. Comparisons are made with the breeding biology of the Grey Warbler (G. igata) of the New Zealand mainland and with other Gerygone species. Brood parasitism by the Shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus) and how vulnerable the Chatham Island Warbler is to extinction are discussed.

The distribution and numbers of gannets (Sula serrator) in New Zealand

Notornis, 31 (3), 232-261

K. Wodzicki, C.J.R. Robertson, H.R. Thompson, C.J.T. Alderton (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The 1980/81 distribution of the Australasian Gannet (Sula serrator) in New Zealand is described and population changes since 1946 are examined. A brief history of the 26 breeding colonies and 23 roosts is given. Over 99% of gannets nested in the 23 colonies round the northern half of the North Island in 1980/81. Gannet roosts are mostly near the breeding colonies.  The results of three national censuses taken since 1946 give an indication of the changes of the New Zealand gannet population in 34 years. The 1946/47 population was assessed at 21,115 pairs; 37,774 pairs were counted in 1969170 and 46,004 in 1980/81. The mean annual rate of increase for the whole population between 1946/47 and 1980/81 was 2.3%. In comparison with gannets in Australia, South Africa, and the North Atlantic, the gannet in New Zealand seems to be the only one steadily increasing and free from human interference.

The Alexandra Black-fronted Dotterels: 1982/83 season

Notornis, 31 (1), 31-39

Child, P., Child, M. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

In the 1982/83 season 13 adults of the Black-fronted dotterel (Charadrius rnelanops) were again found on the Manuherikia riverbed near Alexandra, the same number as in the previous season. Details of breeding case-histories for five pairs are given. Breeding success was very low because of predation and atypical persistent flooding throughout the season – which was also a very extended one, lasting from territorial occupancy in October to final fledging in April. The incubation period is not less than 23 days and is likely to average about 26. Some details of eggs, nests and territories, as well as some aspects of behaviour, are described.

Plumage, morphology and hybridisation of New Zealand stilts Himantopus spp.

Notornis, 31 (2), 106-130

Pierce, R.J. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

New Zealand has experienced two invasions of stilts, the first giving rise to the endemic Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezealandiae) and the second being that of the Pied Stilt (H. himantopus leucocephalus). The geographical separation of these forms was of insufficient duration for reproductive isolation to become complete, and introgressive hybridisation has occurred. Hybrids are usually intermediate in plumage and morphology between their parents and are distinguishable from immature Black Stilts. There was no evidence of hybrid infertility or lack of vigour. Through hybridisation, the Pied Stilt has become distinguishable from the Australian population of Pied Stilts by several characteristics, including shorter tarsus, longer tail, and variable plumage markings. Selective mating and a different wintering area have helped keep the small remnant population of Black Stilts from being absorbed into the much larger Pied Stilt population. On the basis of aspects of its morphology, ecology and behaviour, the Black Stilt merits its status as a full species.
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