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Eleven bird species were recorded in an apple orchard at the Levin Horticultural Research Centre (HRC). Observations showed that only blackbirds and starlings damaged growing apples. Other species which fed on fallen or previously damaged fruit were goldfinch, greenfinch, house sparrow and silvereye. Birds inhabiting the orchard, but not feeding on apples, were chaffinch, fantail, hedge sparrow, song thrush and white-backed magpie.

The previous sparse literature on Tongan seabirds is reviewed and is expanded by records made on 60 voyages through the area here described as Tongan waters. Of the 37 species thought to occur, 5 are passage migrants; breeding has been confirmed in 8 species and could occur in a further 8. Eight species are thought to be visiting and the status of another 8 requires confirmation.

Sylviornis neocaledoniae n.g., nsp. (Aves, Ratite eteint de la Nouvelle-Caledonie, by Poplin, Francois 1980. C.R. Acad. Sc. Paris Vol. 290, Serie D, pp. 691-694.

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.

Birds were counted in four forest areas and an area of cutover forest in early summer. Marked differences in species composition and numbers counted were found. The role of soil fertility and vegetation in determining differences is discussed. Some observations on seasonal movements are given and a comparison is made with counts made at Reefton. The implications of these findings for reserves in Westland forests is discussed.