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

Notornis, 31 (2), 106-130

R.J. Pierce (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.

Foraging and social behaviour of the white-faced heron at Pauatahanui Inlet

Notornis, 31 (4), 285-299

P.J. Moore (1984)

Article Type: Paper

During a study from January to June 1982, white-faced herons (Ardea novaehollandiae) visited the mudflats of Pauatahanui Inlet in greatest numbers in summer and declined after April as they dispersed to farmland. When foraging, they were essentially searchers, usually wading and walking, but occasionally standing and waiting for prey. They also used more active feeding methods, disturbing prey by foot-stirring, wing-flicking, and false striking with the bill, and pursuing prey by running, wing-flapping and hopping. How they captured and handled prey depended on the prey species. White-faced herons maintained variable individual distances using several agonistic displays, including forward and upright displays, chases, fights, and associated calls.

A bird in the hand: Andreas Reischek and the stitchbird

Notornis, 31 (4), 300-311

G.R. Angehr (1984)

Article Type: Paper

Early accounts of Little Barrier Island by Andreas Reischek emphasise that the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) was very rare there in the 1880s. Re-examination of the original accounts, in conjunction with dated specimens, suggests that the stitchbird was in fact very rare in 1880 and 1882 but increased markedly in 1883 and 1885. The rarity of the species on Little Barrier in 1880 and 1882 coincided with its extinction on the mainland and may have been due to introduced disease. However, several fluctuations in population size have taken place since. At least 78 and up to 130 of the 181 extant 19th-century specimens were taken by Reischek.

Birds of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

Notornis, 30 (1), 77-79

P. Child; L.B. McPherson (1983)

Article Type: Book Review

Author: Dick Watling, illustrated by Chloe Talbot-Kelly. 1982. Millwood Press, Wellington. 176 pp; 15 colour plates; many other illustrations in colour and monochrome; distribution maps; 128 species fully documented.

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