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Rare birds in CSN

Southern Bird, 8 (Dec), 12-12

D. Medway (2001)

Article Type: Article



A field technique for determining the sex of North Island kokako ( Callaeas cinerea wilsoni )

Notornis, 48 (4), 217-223

I. Flux; J. Innes (2001)

Article Type: paper

North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) appear sexually monomorphic. Females are, on average, slightly smaller than males in most body measurements. Mean tarsus length was significantly smaller among females at all sites and can be used to predict sex of unknown birds with up to 86% accuracy. A simple discriminant function, using tarsus and wing chord measurements, was derived which increased sex resolution to over 90% at some sites. This is sufficient accuracy to provide a useful field technique for kokako research and conservation management. Best discri- minant functions for different sites are presented and their geographical limitations are discussed. Flux, I.; Innes, J. 2001. A field technique for determining the sex of North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni).







Predator Pooh

Southern Bird, 3 (Sep), 6-6

D. Pye (2000)

Article Type: article



Foraging behaviour and diet of a reintroduced population of the South Island saddleback ( Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus )

Notornis, 47 (1), 7-12

J.P. Pierre (2000)

Article Type: paper

The South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) is one of two subspecies of the New Zealand saddleback. Despite the endangered status of this subspecies, it was not studied in detail until 1994, when 26 birds were released onto Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand. I report the foraging behaviour and diet of this reintroduced population during the first breeding season after release. South Island saddlebacks used their bills in a variety of ways when foraging, and were predominantly insectivorous. They obtained most food from the ground and five-finger (Pseudopanax arboreus), and the number of prey captured generally reflected the amount of time saddlebacks spent on foraging substrates. North and South Island saddlebacks are very similar in terms of foraging behaviour, prey handling techniques and types of invertebrate prey consumed. The foraging patterns and diet of South Island saddlebacks on Motuara Island differed from all potential competitors. I conclude that the success of the South Island saddleback transfer to Motuara Island should not be threatened by a lack of food or foraging opportunities.