Bird observations made during visits to Motuhoropapa Island between Nov 2004 and Sep 2006 have been compiled and compared to a bird list published in 1985. Variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) and paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) were recorded on the island for the 1st time, and tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) were recorded breeding. The island has now been free of introduced rats since 2002; the implications of the absence of rodents for birds on the island are discussed.
New Zealand average atmospheric temperature showed little increase from the 1850s onwards for almost 100 years, but increased rapidly after c.1940. The increase in temperatures was accompanied, at least in parts of New Zealand, by an increase in precipitation,. We investigated the relationship between the arrival years (1st breeding) of the bird species that self-introduced to New Zealand during the 20th century and the period of turpentine increase. Because these birds come from Australia the warming might be a prerequisite to colonize New Zealand. When considering the 1st breeding years as events in a univariate point process the process is non-stationary and the rate function has its estimated maximum in 1953. This estimate may indicate that the sequence of invasions of New Zealand by additional bind species are discussed.
Three endemic forest bird species, masked shining parrot Prosopeia personata, giant forest honeyeater Gymnomyza viridis, and golden dove Chrysoenas luteovirens were surveyed using distance sampling from forest tracks at 4 sites on Viti Levu, Fiji. Repeat surveys were made at 1 site to better understand the factors affecting detectability. Seasonal changes in detectability reflected the number of calling birds and were almost certainly linked to breeding. The highest mean densities (41 masked shining parrot km-2 (birds), 33 giant forest honeyeater km-2 (calling birds) and 14 golden dove km-2 (calling males) were found in low
[First paragraph…]BirdLife International surveyed birds in Fiji from Oct 2002 to Aug 2005 to identify the country’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Most surveys were undertaken in wet forest, focussing on threatened and endemic birds. A few small seabird-nesting islands were surveyed and other incidental birdwatching was concentrated around Suva. Although many new data were collected on the resident birds, only 2 new vagrant species were recorded. This suggests that the birds of Fiji have been relatively well-documented (excepting pelagic seabirds which were very poorly covered by the BirdLife surveys). These records update the review of Fiji’s birds in Watling (2001).
The CLS:Argos location and data collection system is used widely by researchers tracking the movements of animals. The accuracy of the Argos location classes is undefined for most Argos locations for studies involving tracking animals. Published empirical data on the accuracy of animal-mounted transmitters are limited to stationary units. The accuracy of the positions is defined by Argos, except for location classes (LC) = 0, A, B, and Z. The distinction between ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’ is discussed using field measurements from 24,466 Argos records collected throughout the world, but mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, between 1992 and 2001. Factors affecting the defined ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’ are identified from this analysis. Neither the transmitter’s age, nor its attachment to a bird degraded its performance. However, the performance of transmitters in terms of the locations they provided was affected when the objects they were attached to moved rapidly, and, with 1 platform transmitter terminal (PTT), by altering of the proportion of location classes within the experiment, but not the ‘precision’ of the classes (LC = 3, 2, 1, and A). The ‘precision’ (rounded, measured as 1 SD of the mean of the distance of the location from the actual position occupied by the transmitter, for ”Location Classes” 3, 2, and 1 was
Males that defend territories with song benefit from sharing song types with their neighbours. Repertoire size, repertoire overlap between neighbouring birds, and song type delivery strategy were described for the South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus). The song elements of 27 male South Island saddlebacks in the Ulva Island population near Stewart Island was categorised into one of 33 discrete phrase types; 10 common and 23 rare types. No stereotyped song types were found in the population. All syllables had harmonics and were simple in structure, consisting of a maximum of 2 or 3 elements. Male South Island saddlebacks had small to moderate phrase type repertoires and exhibited relatively high degrees of phrase type sharing with neighbours, which was even more prevalent when phrase cores and introductory syllables were analysed separately. Birds used a mixed-mode singing strategy, but also repeated partial and full phrases in song bouts. Compared to song studies of its North Island counterpart, the South Island saddleback had a larger phrase repertoire size, but phrase type sharing between neighbours seems to be important in both subspecies.
The grey warbler (Gerygone igata) is the main host of the shining cuckoo (Chrysoccocyx lucidus) in New Zealand. I describe 4 observations of egg-laying by shining cuckoos in the nests of grey warblers, and 2 observations of adult cuckoos evicting, or attempting to evict, nestling warblers from non-parasitised nests. Nest were parasitised from 0658 to 1731 h NZDT, and the cuckoos took 5–18 s to lay their egg. In 3 nests in which it could be determined, the cuckoo left the nest with an egg in its bill. Warblers were present at 2 nests during parasitism and responded by attacking the cuckoo. Cuckoos evicted nestlings by pulling them out through the nest entrance and throwing them on the ground. Head- wounds on evicted chicks suggest they were pecked. Nestling eviction by adult shining cuckoos has not been previously reported and it may be a strategy to increase nest availability by inducing hosts to relay.
[First paragraph …] New Zealand pipits (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) were apparently common in the open landscapes of the last glacial period (Worthy & Holdaway 1996). Before humans arrived, there were no mammalian predators in New Zealand but the pipit was an important food of the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) and the laughing owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) (Worthy & Holdaway 2002). New Zealand pipits would have been likely to increase as more open habitats New Zealand developed during the 700 years since Polynesian settlement, because their close relatives on continents live with mammalian and avian predators (Sibley & Ahlquist 1990), and New Zealand pipits have an 8-month (Aug–Mar) breeding season during which multiple clutches of 1–4 are raised (Heather & Robertson 1996). Pipits did apparently initially increase in numbers during the phase of forest and scrub clearance following European settlement (Buller 1888; Guthrie-Smith 1927), but no recent studies have found pipits in high densities in any habitat (Beauchamp 1995). The factors that could be controlling pipit numbers include the deteriorating quality of open habitats (Lovegrove 1980), and high levels of predation by endemic avian and introduced mammalian predators (Wilkinson & Wilkinson 1952).
[First paragraphs…] Petrels and albatrosses (Procellariiformes) exhibit features of extreme K-selection, with low annual reproductive output, long lifespan, and (typically) extremely delayed sexual maturity (Warham 1990). Diving petrels are, however, exceptional in the group in their relatively quick maturation. Some diving petrels return to natal colonies when only 1 year old, and most start breeding at only 2 or 3 years old (Richdale 1965; Marchant & Higgins 1990; Warham 1990; Miskelly & Taylor 2004).
Common diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix) have recently become re-established as a breeding species on Mana I (217 ha; 41°06´S 174°46´E) off the west coast of Wellington, southern North I, New Zealand, as a result of chick translocations, acoustic attraction, and natural re-colonisation (Miskelly & Taylor 2004; Miskelly et al. 2005). Diving petrels returning to, and colonising, Mana Is since 1997 have been monitored frequently (Miskelly & Taylor 2004; Taylor & Miskelly 2007). In addition to 118 chicks that fledged after being transferred from colonies elsewhere, 38 parent-reared chicks were banded at the main study colony on Mana I between 1999 and 2005. Of the 156 chicks, 31 had been recorded back at the colony by the end of 2005. Most returning chicks were first captured at 1 year old (n = 12) or 2 years old (n = 14).
[First paragraph…]In the recent short note on weka (Gallirallus australis) predation of sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus) chicks (Harper 2006), I suggested that small populations of petrels may be at some risk of extirpation through predation by weka. Hawke & Holdaway (2005) were quoted, in reference to the population of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica), but this recent reference was used solely as a current, and increasing rare, example of weka and petrels co-existing. The reference was not cited as an example of predation of Westland petrel chicks by weka, as incorrectly asserted. Indeed, it is encouraging to note that the adult survivorship and fladging success is high in the Westland petrel population studied, although even this paper highlights the threat of predators to small mainland colonies of Westland petrels and other petrels elsewhere (Cuthbert 2002; Waugh et al. 2006).
[First paragraphs…]Apology
An unfortunate sequence of events during the preparation of the March 2007 issue led to early, corrupt drafts of three papers being printed in error in place of the final versions as checked and approved by the authors. The papers (listed below in their original order of publication) are reprinted in this issue, in their final, uncorrupted form. The Editor regrets and apologises for the embarrassment and inconvenience caused to the authors by the errors in the published papers as a result of these circumstances, which were beyond their control.
Beauchamp. A.J.; Parrish, G.R. 2007. Wader (Charadriifomes) and royal spoonbill (Platalea regia) use of roosts in Whangarei Harbour and Ruakaka Estuary, Northland, 1973-2000. Notornis 54(1): 1-9.
Neuhäuser, M.; Cuming, P. 2007. Climate change and the arrival of self-introduced bird species in New Zealand. Notornis 54(1): 11-14.
Beauchamp, A.J. 2007. Notes on New Zealand pipit (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) home range, parental care, and the behaviour of dependent young. Notornis 54(1): 44-47.
New Editor for Notornis
As already noted on the Ornithological Society of New Zealand website, Dr James Briskie assumed the Editorship of Notornis on 1 January 2008. He will be responsible for the journal from and including Volume 55, part 1, March 2008. The retiring Editor is responsible for all issues up to and including the December 2007 (Volume 54, part 4).
We counted the black shags (Phalacrocorax carbo) frequenting a night roost at Melling, 4.5 km up-river from the Hutt River mouth, Wellington, New Zealand, and studied the timing of breeding at various colonies in the Wellington region. Numbers at the roost were counted from Oct 1993 to Sep 1998: maximum and minimum mean monthly counts were in Feb and Aug, respectively. The main egg-laying period of 3 coastal colonies (0–2 km) (Mar–May) was c. 3 months earlier than at 2 inland (5 – 33 km) colonies (Jun–Aug. We discuss the possibility that the difference in timing of breeding by shags in colonies at different distances from the coast is related to the different timing of peak prey availability in the 2 habitats (coastal marine, and inland riverine).
[First paragraphs…] Lieutenant James Cook was at Dusky Sound in southern New Zealand for 6 weeks from Mar-May 1773 in the course of his 2nd voyage round the world. On board HMS Resolution with him were Reinhold Forster, the official naturalist on the voyage, and Forster’s son, George, as an assistant naturalist and natural history draughtsman (Beaglehole 1961).
On 15 Apr 1773 Cook, accompanied by the 2 Forsters, set out from the Resolution to continue a survey of the northwest side of Dusky Sound. The party arrived back on board on the evening of the following day bringing with them “about 9 Shags, about 40 Waterhens, 27 Ducks, 1 Curlew, 1 Woodcock, 1 Sandpiper, 1 large Pigeon, several Pohebirds, two large Parrots, a Parrokeet, & several other small birds” that had been killed during the previous 2 days. Cook sent to “every Mess of petty-Officers a parcel of birds & gave some to his boats-Crew” (Forster, in Hoare 1982: 256-257). The success of the expedition prompted George Forster to observe that “there is no part of New Zeeland so well stocked with birds of all kinds as Dusky Bay” (Forster, in Kahn 1968: 104).Reinhold Forster, in his Descriptiones Animalium that was written as the voyage proceeded, included a commentary that covers the period of his 1st visit to New Zealand from 27 Mar-7 Jun 1773. In this, Forster included Scolopax gallinago among the previously-known birds they had met with in New Zealand: “A single Tetrao coturnix of the order of game birds came my way. I will list the others here: Anas strepera; Procellaria vittata; Diomedea exulans & palpebrata; Pelecanus carbo, graculus & bassanus; Larus naevius & fuscus; Ardea alba & jugularis; Scolopax gallinago; Haematopus ostralegus” (Forster 1772-1775:1: 97; Lichtenstein 1844: 61). Scolopax gallinago, now Gallinago gallinago, is the common snipe.
[First paragraph…]The North Is kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) is an endangered member of the New Zealand endemic wattlebird family (Callaeatidae). Typically described as being omnivorous (e.g., Best & Bellingham 1990; Powlesland 1987), kokako eat predominantly fruit and leaves, but flowers, moss, and insects can be important depending on their availability (Innes et al. in press) and the time of year (Powlesland 1987). Despite its being widely distributed across the North Island before European settlement (Innes et al. in press), the kokako is now restricted to scattered locations on the mainland because of the effects of introduced mammalian pests and competitors, and habitat clearance (Innes et al. 2006). Several attempts have been made to introduce kokako to off-shore islands, and 6 kokako were transferred to Tiritiri Matangi I from Mangatutu (via a breeding programme at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre) and Mapara in 1997-98 (Innes & Flux 1999). The habitat of Tiritiri Matangi I consists of a mosaic of replanted and regenerating forest, 10-20 years old. The predominant species planted were pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), cabbage tree (Cordyline australis), and New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax). In addition, there are 4 small areas of remnant broadleaf coastal forest, whose canopies are dominated by kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile), pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), and taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi). The introduction of kokako to Tiritiri Matangi was controversial, because the island lacked the large areas of structurally complex forest thought to be necessary to sustain a population of kokako (Jones 2000).
[First paragraph…] The ‘sandspit’ on the True Right bank of the Manawatu River, in Foxton Beach Village, (175°14’E 40°30’S) is a significant roosting site for migratory and resident waders, gulls, terns, pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus), royal spoonbills (Platalea regia), shags, ducks, and other birds. The ‘sandspit’ is 2-5 ha, depending on the state of the tide, c.1 km from the Tasman Sea, It is surrounded on 3 sides by the main course of the river and by tidal flats, and as well as this natural isolation, it is protected as a “bird sanctuary” by local bye-laws.
[First pargraph…] As I crossed a car park at 0740, 13 Apr 2006, on the Massey University grounds, Albany, Auckland, I observed a subadult Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) with an adult female blackbird (Turdus merula) in its bill. The blackbird appeared freshly dead, so I approached to check the bird. The magpie dropped the blackbird as I approached and then backed off c.4 m. The blackbird was still warm and had clearly died only recently. I left the blackbird on the ground, and retreated 10 m. The magpie quickly returned to the blackbird, and proceeded to feed on the body. Several times it picked up the blackbird and carried it up to 2 m, sometimes dragging it along the ground. Each time it stopped, the magpie turned the blackbird on to its belly, and removed feathers and pecked at its back and the back of its head. The magpie vigorously defended the blackbird when a different subadult magpie approached, and then continued to feed on the blackbird.
[First paragraphs…] Northern giant petrels (Macronectes halli) have a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Hemisphere, ranging from the pack ice northward to about 55°S, with occasional sightings as far north as 25°S. It breeds from Jul to Feb at several subantarctic islands, including the Prince Edward, Marion, Crozet, Kerguelen, Macquarie, Chatham, Stewart, Auckland, Antipodes, and Campbell groups (Harrison 1983).
Chick-rearing ends in early Mar almost every year (Harrison 1983; Voisin 1989). Northern giant petrels fledge in March (Patterson & Hunter 2000), after which. juvenile M. halli disperse widely at sea, reaching the coasts of Africa and Australia (Harrison 1983). They typically spend several years at sea before returning to their natal colonies and eventually breeding, but the dispersal and movements at sea of this bird are poorly known (Voisin 1989, 1990). At least some may circle Antarctica, and some venture northwards along the coasts of eastern Australia and southern South America, or to South Africa (Voisin 1990). Sightings have been documented in the Humboldt Current (37°S) in February (Weimerskirch et al. 1985). There have been other sightings farther north on the east coast of South America (Hunter 1984).
[First paragraph…]On 16 Nov 2005, we observed a pair of variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) at the eastern end of Rabbit Island, Tasman Bay. Both birds were banded and each had an orange Darvic flag on the tibia indicating that they had been marked as chicks in Tasman Bay. A search revealed a nest with 2 eggs. On 16 Dec, 1 egg had been lost and the other was pipping; the adults were aggressive towards us. The chick was seen following the parents on 18 Dec and until 21 Dec but was not seen after that date. There were many stoat (Mustela erminea) tracks in the vicinity.
[First paragraph…] A “Sandpiper” was among the many birds killed by a surveying party in Dusky Sound in southern New Zealand on 16 Apr 1773 during Lieutenant James Cook’s sojourn there in the course of his 2nd (1772-1775) voyage (Forster in Hoare 1982: 256). This “Sandpiper” is likely to be the specimen that Johann Reinhold Forster, the official naturalist on the voyage, described as Charadrius torquatula (Forster 1772-1775: II: 18v,19r). His description was dated 17 Apr 1773. He said that the bird inhabited “portu obscuro” (= Dusky Sound). Forster’s detailed manuscript description in Latin was edited and published later by Lichtenstein (1844: 108-109) who, however, omitted Forster’s date of description. What was almost certainly the same specimen was drawn by Forster’s son, George, an assistant naturalist and the natural history draughtsman on the voyage. George Forster’s undated painting, folio 121, is now in The Natural History Museum, London (Lysaght 1959: 301). The original painting has never been published, but it can be viewed online at http://piclib.nhm.ac.uk. Forster’s description and the younger Forster’s painting are of an adult male shore plover Thinornis novaeseelandiae (Gmelin, 1789). The Forsters are not known to have taken any specimens of the shore plover back to England.
Roost sites in Whangarei Harbour and Ruakaka Estuary were used regularly by 12 wader species and 6 other species were present occasionally between 1974 and 2000. Counts at 7 roost sites in Nov, Jun/Jul, and Mar showed that 4 species, eastern bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), lesser knot (Calidris canutus), pied stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus), and South Island pied oystercatcher (Himantopus ostralegus finschi) contributed 70–99% (median 94%) of the waders. Most of the common waders used several roosts at each tide, but numbers and species richness of resident and vagrant species were greatest along the southern margin of the harbour. Changes in roost structure and proximity to feeding areas, and differences in migration patterns affected counts at individual roosts and the overall totals of wading birds counted in the harbour and its environs.