Publications Archive

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.

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.

A group of 17 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand visited Savai’i from 19 August to 6 September 1979. Five mist nets were erected in the vicinity of the Palauli and Asau camps. The total catch was 31 birds of 10 species. These were measured, photographed and colour banded, notes being made on moult before release.

R.D. Etchecopar and Francois Hue. 1978. Volume I. Non passereaux. 586 .pp. 22 col. pl. by Paul Barruel and Francis Berille. Many line drawings and 275 maps. Papeete, Tahiti: les Editions du Pacifique. French text, English species names and index.

In September 1978 a colony of about 30-35 pairs of South Georgian diving petrels (Pelecanoides georgicus) was identified breeding among the sand dunes at Sealers’ Bay, Codfish Island, New Zealand (46° 46′ S, 167° 39′ E). This may be the only surviving colony of this species in the Australasian region. It is of considerable interest, furthermore, in being the only colony situated on the Subtropical Convergence (all others are in colder waters) and in being the only one sympatric with P. urinatrix chathamensis (all others are sympatric with P. u. exsul).

To The Editor (Notornis), 28 April 1980