Publications Archive

This paper presents the results of 1975-76 Reef Heron enquiry in the form of a general account of the Reef Heron (Egretta sacra) in New Zealand, summarised locality reports with two maps and a discussion of the present status of the species.

This is a complete list of species and subspecies recorded from the Fiji Archipelago subsequent to the work of Mayr (1945), Mercer (1966) and King (1967). Some of these new records have been published previously, but fifteen new specific and sub-specific records of birds are listed here together with a new breeding record and confirmation of some earlier doubtful sightings.

The breeding and habits of the Antarctic Tern (Sterna vittata) were studied during a summer at the Snares Islands. Daily records were kept of ten nests situated on cliff ledges and rocks. Egg-laying occurred during two periods; late October/early November and late November. The usual clutch was one egg, but some two-egg clutches were laid. Re-laying probably occurred on one occasion when the first clutch was lost. Both parents incubated, and the incubation period averaged 24 days. The chicks were guarded for two to three days after hatching and were fed by both parents. Chicks fledged between 27 and 32 days after hatching. Adverse weather severely restricted chick growth during the early stages of development and was a major factor in chick mortality.

Factors causing predation of the clam Paphies (Mesodesma ventricosa), the well-known ” toheroa,” by Black-backed gulls are described. Counts of Black-backed gulls made at approximately monthly intervals along a 23 kilometre stretch of beach between January 1970 and January 1971 and in December 1972, together with further observations between 1968 and 1975 show that Black-backed Gulls are important predators of toheroa.