From satellite tracking data, we recognised 5 major flight patterns in the annual cycles of 3 Chatham albatrosses (Thalassarche eremita) tracked in 1997 and 1998: foraging flights while the birds were breeding; eastward and westward migrations across the southern Pacific Ocean; northward migration along the South American coast; and localised foraging at low latitudes off the northwest coast of South America. We hypothesised that the 5 modes of flight indicated different biological activity. The associated speeds, point-to-point distances flown day-1, and other indices of activity were inferred from distances and times between satellite location records. Mean minimum point-to-point flight speeds were up to 85 km h-1 and were a function of the time interval for the measurement. Daily rates of change for latitude and longitude and the minimum daily distances travelled were calculated. These are the 1st measurements for this species of the sustained speed of flight point-to-point over varied time periods, and for short and long distances throughout the year. These data and the analytical techniques developed show what information can be obtained from a few individuals, and the confounding variables that result from the satellites’ orbits, and the transmitting characteristics of long-duration PTT experiments. The interrupted reception of transmitters through the intermittent satellite passes biases speed and other measurements and difficulties interpreting these data are discussed. The results provide a guide to the design of satellite transmitter experiments for long distance and duration studies with other oceanic species. They also contribute to an understanding of where this species obtains its food, and of its potential risk of interaction with fisheries.
A massive northward movement and wreck of prions (Pachyptila) along the coast of Antofagasta, Chile is described, and I review the occurrence of prions along the west coast of South America. Prions breed in southern Chile and the sub-Antarctic and move northwards to the coasts of northern Chile and Peru in the Southern Hemisphere winter. Chilean and Peruvian wrecks are primarily P. belcheri, with smaller numbers of P. desolata. P. vittata has only been recorded once. The occurrence of P. salvini is unproven. There are no records of P. turtur; a purported specimen from Chile is actually P. belcheri. The only report of P. crassirostris is that of a bone fragment from an archaeological site on Easter Island, Chile.
Following the translocation of North Is kokako (Callaeas cinera wilsoni) to Kapiti I, southern North Is, New Zealand, Department of Conservation staff noted that most pairs were forming between individuals that came from the same source origin. This study investigated whether geographic variation in dialects influenced mate selection and, ultimately, pair formation on Kapiti I. Between Nov 1999 and Mar 2001 songs of male kokako that had paired and were resident at a single site were recorded. In addition, recordings were obtained from the Department of Conservation of birds in the source areas. Analysis of the songs indicated that kokako songs were typical of their areas of origin at the time of translocation and differed from songs of birds from different source areas. Translocated female kokako preferentially chose males whose repertoire was typical of the acoustic environment they experienced before translocation. Song analysis and pair formation of kokako born on Kapiti I indicates that the observed assortative mating was a temporary phenomenon in the years after translocation, which did not continue following juvenile recruitment.
[First paragraph …] A “Sandpiper” was among the many birds killed by a surveying party in Dusky Sound in southern New Zealand on 16 April 1773 during Lieutenant James Cook’s sojourn there in the course of his second (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 April 1773, and 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, the assistant naturalist and 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). Neither of the Forsters recorded taking any specimens of the new species back to England.
[First paragraph…] The c.130 species of albatrosses and petrels (Procellariiformes) all lay a single egg during each breeding attempt (Marchant & Higgins 1990; Warham 1990). There are few documented instances of members of the order laying a replacement egg following egg failure, and all but 1 of these examples has been from storm petrels (Hydrobatidae). Boersma et al. (1980) reported 29 nests of fork-tailed storm petrels (Oceanodroma furcata) where 2nd eggs were laid an average of 3 weeks after removal of the 1st egg (from a sample of 36 nests from which eggs were removed). In 1 nest, the same female laid a 3rd egg after the 2nd egg was removed. Both members of the pair were marked at only 1 of the 29 nests where replacement eggs were laid so the parentage of the replacement egg could not be confirmed, but at least 1 of the mates remained the same at a further 11 nests. Other examples of storm petrels apparently re-laying following egg failure include: British storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus), n = 2 (Gordon 1931; David 1957); Leach’s storm petrel (O. leucorhoa), n = 27, though only 1 instance was well-documented (Gross 1935; Wilbur 1969; Morse & Buchheister 1979); Madeiran storm petrel (O. castro), n = 8 (Allan 1962; Harris 1969); and Wilson’s storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus), n = 1 (Beck & Brown 1972).
Male and female South Is saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) have monomorphic plumage characteristics and are not easily distinguishable. In this study, we developed discriminant functions to classify males and females using birds of known sex from Ulva I. Three discriminant functions using tarsus length, body mass, and a combination of tarsus length and body mass could classify birds with 90% accuracy.
An editorial oversight prevented my being able to correct some minor errors in Flux’s (2006) interesting and informative response to our paper on the reduction in egg size in populations of exotic passerines in New Zealand. Specifically, despite the claim that the eggs were collected from ‘an unspecified area’, we clearly state in the reference from which the data were obtained (Cassey et al. 2005) that the eggs were collected in agricultural habitats at Benneydale in the Central North Island, and cited the map reference (175°22’ E, 38°32’ S).
I note also that our key variable of interest was average clutch volume, the product of egg volume consistent relationship, as might be inferred from Flux (2006), between average egg volume and clutch size between regions. However, I cannot help but agree that the much larger sample sizes available to Flux clearly cast considerable doubt on the generality of the relationship we derived and so I strongly encourage more studies that might further elucidate the mechanisms of the variability in reproductive output in exotic birds in New Zealand.
Satellite tracking, with the CLS:Argos system, has provided enormous benefits to wildlife studies, especially for oceanic bird species. The system provides 2 locations, (1 from each side of the satellite orbit), but they are irregular over time and of variable accuracy. Procedures are described here to identify outlier locations and retain the maximum number of valid observations from DIAG files, thus producing a more homogeneous data set from which to map distributions, track movements, and investigate behaviour, while determining the rate and direction of travel.
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).