Publications Archive

Contributors: Stanely Cramp (chief editor), K. E. L. Simmons, I. J . Ferguson-Lees, R. Gillmor, P. A. D. Hollom, R. Hudson, E. M. Nicholson, M. A. Ogilvie, P. J. S. Olney, K. H. Voous, J. Wattel. Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks. 722 pp. 108 col. pl. Oxford University Press 1977.

The feeding behaviour of the Auckland Island Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus exilis Falla 1978) was studied at Enderby Island for 12 days in April 1980. Up to 155 dotterels were at Derry Castle Reef, foraging along the rocky shore, frequenting several habitats from the maritime zone to the sublittoral fringe at low tide. The midlittoral zone was the source of the greatest biomass of food and may be even more important in the future as the maritime sward regenerates to taller denser vegetation. Only 15-20% of daylight time was spent foraging, with peaks at early morning, noon and evening. Amphipods up to 2 cm long were staple diet. They were obtained mainly by pecking in algae (seaweed) and in rock pools. The other prey was large also, comprising polychaetes, oligochaetes, isopods, crabs, insects and spiders. Probably most or all of the population winters at Derry Castle Reef.

The plumage stages and moult of the Black-fronted Tern (Sterna albostriata) of New Zealand are described, largely from field observations, and measurements are given. The Black-fronted Tern is compared with the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) with the conclusion that they are not closely related. The characters of S. albostriata are those of Sterna rather than Chlidonias. The possibility of relationship with the Antarctic Tern (S. vittata) and the Kerguelen Tern (S. virgata) is revived and discussed.

G. S. Tuck & H. Heinzel. 1978. 292 pages; 48 plates in colour, 313 maps, 138 line drawings. Collins, London.

Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) breeding was studied on Cuvier Island during the summers of 1972 and 1973. Data are presented on nest sites, nest building, and breeding success on the island. A summary of the information available in the Ornithological Society of New Zealand nest record cards for fantails suggests that clutch size increases through the season but that numbers of fledglings do not.