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Cockatoos

Notornis, 56 (2), 109-109

L. Ortiz-Catedral (2009)

Article Type: book review






Density and pair fidelity in a translocated population of North Island robin (Petroica longipes)

Notornis, 56 (4), 206-212

S. McGavin (2009)

Article Type: Paper

The North Island robin (Petroica longipes) was introduced to the Zealandia – Karori Sanctuary in 2001. The sanctuary is a mainland island (225 ha) in Wellington that is free from all mammalian predators except mice (Mus musculus), and enclosed by a predator-proof fence. During 2001 and 2002 a total of 76 robins were translocated from Kapiti I to the sanctuary. To assess changes in this population since its introduction, I surveyed and mapped territories of robins in a 37 ha section of the sanctuary in 2008. Density has continued to increase, from 0.7 robins/ha in 2003 to 2.5 robins/ha in 2008. This density is higher than other mainland sites. Of 46 adult robins seen within the study area at the start of the 2004-05 breeding season, at least 17 remained within the area in 2008, close to their 2004 territories. These included 4 robins from the original transfer. In all cases where both partners from 2004 were seen in the study area in 2008, the pair bond remained intact. My survey confirms continued increase in this introduced population and high pair fidelity.





Foraging behaviour and success of Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) in an urban environment

Notornis, 56 (4), 201-205

N.J. Murray; P.P. Shaw (2009)

Article Type: Paper

The foraging behaviour and success of Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) was investigated in a range of natural and artificial urban habitats in Queensland, Australia. Observations were made in tidal mudflat, freshwater wetland, rural grassland, urban park and landfill habitats. Australian white ibis exhibited a range of foraging behaviours, including both visual (fossicking, jabbing and pecking) and non-visual foraging behaviours (probing). The most common non-foraging behaviour was walking, followed by prey handling, pause and alert. Fighting was observed only in landfill habitats. Australian white ibis were able to capture food items in all habitats, although foraging success at landfills was more than twice as high as the other habitats. Food items captured at landfills required significantly more time to handle before swallowing. The ability of ibis to capture food items in all habitats indicates that they are effective habitat generalists.

Why did bellbirds (Anthornis m. melanura) return to New Plymouth, and why have they gone again?

Notornis, 56 (1), 34-39

D.G. Medway (2009)

Article Type: Paper

Between the 1850s and the early 1900s, most of the native forest of western Taranaki was systematically destroyed. This destruction likely accounted for the disappearance of bellbirds (Anthornis m. melanura), and other native birds, from most of that area. The return of bellbirds to New Plymouth in the 1920s may have been a direct result of increased food that had become available to them there. However, bellbirds have recently become rare visitors to New Plymouth. This may be the result of a possible reduction in the population of bellbirds in nearby Egmont National Park and/or increasing ambient temperatures in cooler months of the year.




Distribution and habitat use by New Zealand pipits (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) on the Volcanic Plateau

Notornis, 56 (4), 183-189

A.J. Beauchamp (2009)

Article Type: Paper

The distribution and habitat use of New Zealand pipits (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) in Tongariro National Park on the volcanic plateau of the North I was assessed in Nov 1998 and Mar 1999. Pipits were found at 13 of 22 sites. Surveys between Nov 1998 and Oct 2009 found pipits present all year at Lake Te Whaiau, Mangatepopo Road and Waipakihi Road. Pipits were also seen along the road through the wetland at Erua in winter and summer. At Lake Te Whaiua, pipit presence and use of habitats differed seasonally. The average maximum flock size in summer was 9.7 (se = 1.05, n = 11). Maximum roadside counts outside of the flocking period were 1.13 pipits km-

Use of song to monitor North Island tomtits (Petroica macrocephala toitoi) at Atuanui, Mount Auckland

Notornis, 56 (1), 40-43

B. Michaux (2009)

Article Type: Paper

Singing and territorial behaviour of North Island tomtits (Petroica macrocephala toitoi) were used to monitor population size over a 3-year period at Atuanui, Mount Auckland Scenic Reserve, North Auckland. Male tomtits were observed singing year-round with singing peaking in the period from Nov to Jan. The general territorial behaviour of Atuanui tomtits was similar to that reported for other North Island populations, with territorial males resident in all months and most territories occupied in successive years. Density of territories was stable over the 3-year period but vacancies in suitable habitat suggest the population is not at carrying capacity.

Population trends, breeding success and predation rates of Hutton

Notornis, 56 (3), 144-153

E. Sommer; M. Bell; P. Bradfield; K. Dunlop; P. Gaze; G. Harrow; P. McGahan; M. Morrisey; D. Walford; R. Cuthbert (2009)

Article Type: Paper

Monitoring of breeding success in 2006/07 and 2007/08, and visits in Dec 2007 to assess levels of stoat predation and burrow densities were undertaken in order to assess the status of Hutton