Worthy; T.H.; Olson, S.L. 2002. Relationships, adaptations, and habits of the extinct duck 'Euryanas' finschi. Notornis 49(1): 1-17.

The relationships, adaptations, and habits of the extinct, endemic Finsch's duck (Anas finschi Van Beneden, 1875) from New Zealand were determined from skeletal comparisons. Finsch's duck, usually placed in the monotypic genus Euryanas Oliver (1930), was found to be most similar to the Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata). Because the differences are mainly those associated with loss of flight, Euryanas is synonymised with Chenonetta, and the species should now be known as Chenonetta finschi.

Worthy, T. H. 2002. The New Zealand musk duck (Biziura delautouri Forbes, 1892). Notornis 49(1): 19-28.

The occurrence of musk ducks (Biziura) as fossils in New Zealand is reviewed and updated. Twenty-four bones plus 67 elements from at least 7 individuals, and a single skeleton are known. Morphological differences between the fossils and the extant Australian B. lobata support continued distinction of the New Zealand form as the separate species B. delautouri.

Banks, J.; Paterson, A. 2002. An unexpected pattern of molecular divergence in the blue penguin (Eudyptula minor) complex. Notornis 49(1): 29-38.

The blue penguins (genus Eudyptula) have been subjected to extensive taxonomic revision. In 1976, the genus was reduced from including 2 species to a single species (Eudyptula minor) with 6 subspecies, based on a morphometric analysis. Despite the later proposed rejection of the differentiation of subspecies in Eudyptula minor, following analysis of allozymes in some populations, the 6 subspecies have continued to be recognised in some popular and scientific literature. We compared the sequences of 3 mitochondrial gene regions (small ribosomal subunit, cytochrome oxidase b and the control region) from the 6 hypothesised subspecies to examine relationships within Eudyptula. We found evidence for 2 unexpected clades: the 1st consisting of Otago and Australian populations, the 2nd consisting of northern, Cook Strait, Chatham Island, and Banks Peninsula populations. Some support for these 2 clades was also found from a re-analysis of morphometric data and from a preliminary examination of vocalisations.

Banks, J.; Paterson, A. 2002. Sex roles of the South Island pied oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus finschi. Notornis 49(1): 39-44.

We compared the behaviour, energy expenditure, and food intake of male and female South Island pied oystercatchers, Haematopus ostralegus finschi, breeding in pasture and crop paddocks in Canterbury. In this monogamous species, females spent more time inactive than males (P=0.03) and there was a trend for males to spend more time in territory defence than females (P=0.08). There were no significant differences in other behaviours and the sexes did not differ in their food intake rates. We used literature values for this species to estimate the energy expended in each activity and the energy expenditure rate over the breeding season. Despite the differences in the proportion of time spent in territory defence and inactivity by the sexes, males had a lower rate of energy expenditure than females over the breeding season (P=0.07). We suggest that behavioural differences are unlikely to compensate female South Island pied oystercatchers for their costs of gamete production and the difference in energy expenditure may reflect the uncertainty of paternity of males.

Medway, D.G. 2002. A critical review of the prions (genus Pachyptila) collected and observed on Cook's voyages. Notornis 49(2): 59-75, Plates 1-3.

Three of the 6 widely accepted species of Pachyptila were first described and named on the basis of specimens collected between 1768 and 1780 during James Cook's 3 voyages of circumnavigation. Two of them, the thin-billed prion Pachyptila belcheri (Mathews,1912) and the broad-billed prion Pachyptila vittata (Forster,1777), were described and named on the 1st voyage as Procellaria turtur and Procellaria latirostris respectively, but those descriptions and names were never published at the time. As a result, the specific name which had been applied to 1 of them - turtur - became attached to a different taxon, the fairy prion Pachyptila turtur (Kuhl,1820). The description of Procellaria vittata by Reinhold Forster, and the painting of it by his son, which were based on specimens taken in the southern Indian Ocean during the 2nd voyage, actually relate to the Antarctic prion Pachyptila desolata (Gmelin,1789), and not to the broad-billed prion as previously believed. It would therefore be inappropriate to designate the bird in George Forster's painting of an Antarctic prion as the type of the broad-billed prion as has been suggested. The correct type locality of Procellaria vittata Forster, 1777 is 56º 31'S, 31º 19'E. Latham's description of the "Broad-billed Petrel", and therefore Gmelin's Procellaria vittata of 1789, is shown to have been based primarily on a specimen of the broad-billed prion. The type locality of Procellaria vittata Gmelin, 1789 is not known. Latham's description of the "Brown-banded Petrel", and therefore Gmelin's Procellaria desolata of 1789, was based on a 3rd voyage Pachyptila specimen from Kerguelen Island. However, Latham's description could apply to any 1 of the 3 species of Pachyptila which breed at that locality.

Barlow, M.L.; Dowding, J.E. 2002. Breeding biology of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) at a colony near Invercargill, New Zealand. Notornis 49(2): 76-90.

We studied the breeding biology of a colony of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) near Invercargill, New Zealand, during 1992 and 1993. The mean clutch size did not differ between years and averaged 2.04. Measurements of 147 eggs averaged 64.5 ? 44.6 mm; there was no difference in size of A-eggs (1st-laid in a clutch) and B-eggs (2nd laid) in either year, but the few C-eggs laid were significantly smaller. The incubation period averaged 27.2 days (range 26-29 days); some earlier published values of 20-22 days appear to be in error. In 1992, growth rates of A-chicks were significantly higher than those of B-chicks. Growth rates of A-chicks were significantly higher in 1992 than in 1993. Fledging occurred at 33-39 days at an estimated average mass of 527 g in 1992 and 501 g in 1993. Minimum productivity was 1.04 and 0.62 chicks fledged pair-1 in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Weather during the period of chick growth was much wetter and windier in 1993 and we suggest that this reduced the ability of parents to feed chicks. Investigator disturbance, which has been implicated in lower reproductive success in some studies of Caspian terns, did not appear to have a major impact in our study. We believe this was partly because the birds were habituated to our activities and partly because of our methodology.

Woon, J.A.; Powlesland, R.G.; Edkins, C. 2002. Observations of the eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) in the Wellington region. Notornis 49 (2): 91-94.

Observations of eastern rosellas (Platycercus eximius) in the Wellington region were recorded during February 1994 to January 1997 by members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. Sixty-one percent of the 1227 sightings were made in 3 localities, Paraparaumu-Waikanae, Upper Hutt, and central Wellington. Most rosella sightings were in pastoral farmland (47%) and urban habitats, including parks, and golf courses (41%). Of the 400 sightings for which flock size was given, the mean was 3.6 rosellas, and flock size did not change significantly with season. Rosellas were seen feeding (n = 54) on buds and shoots (19%), flowers (5%), fruit (15%), and seeds (61%), with feeding on introduced plants making up 80% of the feeding observations.

McLeod, B.J.; Thompson, E.G. 2002. Predation on house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and hedge sparrows (Prunella modularis) by brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in captivity. Notornis 49(2): 95-99, Plate 5.

The incidence of predation on house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and hedge sparrows (Prunella modularis) by captive brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), and the bird tissues consumed following predation, were recorded over 26 weeks in a facility where possums were housed in single sex groups. A total of 44 sparrow carcasses was recovered; on average 1.7 birds were killed week-1 (range 0-9 sparrows week-1) in pens that each housed 8-12 possums. Tissue was eaten from fewer than half (48 %) of the birds killed. There were no significant differences in the incidences with which different tissues (brain, breast, legs or viscera) were eaten. This study corroborates observations of bird predation by possums in the wild. Importantly, it shows that a high proportion of birds killed by possums are not eaten.

Freeman, A.N.D.; Wilson, K.-J. 2002. Westland petrels and hoki fishery waste: opportunistic use of a readily available resource? Notornis 49(3): 139-144.

The importance of fisheries waste in the diet of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica) was assessed using 3 different techniques. Dietary studies showed that during the hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) fishing season (mid June - early September), fish waste formed c. 63% of the solid food brought back to the colony and fed to chicks. After the hoki season, fisheries waste contributed only c. 25% to the diet. A survey of Westland petrels at sea found that, although vessels fishing for hoki influence the petrels' distribution, only a small proportion of the population appears to use this food resource at any one time. Satellite tracking showed that, on average, birds spent 1/3rd of each foraging trip near vessels, but they foraged over much wider areas than those occupied by the fishing fleets. Although fishery waste now forms a substantial component of the Westland petrel's diet, the situation suggests opportunistic use of a readily available resource, rather than dependence.

Sagar, P.M.; Stahl, J.-C.; Molloy, J. 2002. The influence of experience, pair bond duration, and partner change on breeding frequency and success in southern Buller's mollymawk (Thalassarche bulleri bulleri). Notornis 49(3): 145-152.

We investigated whether breeding frequency and breeding success of southern Buller's mollymawks (Thalassarche bulleri bulleri) were influenced by breeding experience and pair bond duration, using data from annual checks at 3 study colonies at The Snares from 1992 to 2001. Most pairs bred annually irrespective of the experience and length of the pair bond, although the proportions that did so varied with pair type. Thus, breeding frequency (% breeding in consecutive years) was lowest among pairs of 1st-time breeders (77%). Breeding frequency of those pairs after their 2nd attempt (89%) became similar to that of established pairs together for at least 1 previous breeding attempt (88%), or newly formed pairs in which one or both birds had previous breeding experience (91%). Overall breeding success was 71% and, in established pairs, breeding failure (loss of egg or chick) was associated with reduced breeding frequency (83% compared to 91% when successful). Lowest breeding success (58%) was associated with the attempts of 1st-time breeders. Performance of these pairs improved until the 3rd attempt (81%), when it became similar to that of established pairs (73%) and newly formed pairs in which one or both birds had previous breeding experience (77%). Divorce was rare (1.1-3.5% annually). First-time and former breeders mated more frequently with birds of similar status (85% and 58% respectively) than expected assuming random pairings. When changing partner, as a result of divorce or death, the average interval before breeding again was 2.1 years for males and 2.6 years for females, and so, on average, each change of partner resulted in the loss of 1 breeding attempt. Thus, the time taken to obtain a new partner has a lifetime reproductive cost.

Ross, E.L.; Brunton, D.H. 2002: Seasonal trends and nightly variation in colony attendance of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi). Notornis 49(3): 153-157.

The night-time activity of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) was measured at a colony on Tiritiri Matangi Island between 27 April and 10 December 1998. Considerable seasonal variation was observed (0 to >120 birds/night). A decline in numbers of birds at the colony in early June was likely resulted from the departure of both breeding (pre-laying stage) and non-breeding birds. Another decline at the end of September was most likely a consequence of the departure of non-breeding birds only. In general, as the season progressed there were fewer petrels per night, and they arrived later. The number of birds returning to the colony increased with increasing wind speeds and birds arrived earlier when winds were stronger. High wind speeds facilitate movement between breeding and foraging grounds for this pelagic species. A sampling period of 1 h from the arrival of the 1st bird provides sufficient information to discern definite patterns in numbers throughout the year.

Scofield, R.P.; Christie, D. 2002. Beach patrol records indicate a substantial decline in sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus) numbers. Notornis 49(3): 158-165.

Between 1961 and 1999 the number of adult sooty shearwaters found dead on beaches in northern New Zealand declined by about 64.4% and the number of fledglings by about 77.7%. Only 2 factors that we know about have been acting on the sooty shearwater population during the period studied and could have caused such a dramatic decline; a rise in sea temperature perhaps as a result of movement of the Sub-Antarctic Front and increase in harvest. Two other more recent phenomena, north Pacific fisheries mortality and climatic variation (El Nino Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation), may be involved, but we cannot find any direct evidence of their impact in our data. The impact of this decline has been recently found on the breeding islands. More study is required to fully understand how weather, patrol frequency, deposition rate, persistence rate, and live bird numbers vary and interact. Deposition and persistence experiments similar to those reported from overseas need to be done in New Zealand.

Young, E. C. 2002. Shorebird numbers and nesting habits on the Chatham Islands. Notornis 49(3): 166-174.

Nesting pairs of brown skuas (Catharacta lonnbergi), black-backed gulls (Larus dominicanus), red-billed gulls (Larus novaehollandiae), white-fronted terns (Sterna striata), Chatham Island oystercatchers (Haematopus chathamensis) and shore plovers (Thinornis novaeseelandiae) were counted during 10 seasons on Rangatira (South East) and Mangere islands of the Chatham Islands. It was concluded that the small numbers of skuas, oystercatchers, and shore plovers on the islands was a result of habitat shortage, but that populations of the colonially-breeding gull and tern numbers were constrained by food limitation in the surrounding seas. Whereas skuas, black-backed gulls and terns nested in the open with conspicuous nests the other shore species on the islands had concealed nests. Comparison with nesting on Chatham Island, the New Zealand mainland, and subantarctic islands suggested that concealed nesting by red-billed gulls, oystercatchers, and shore plovers was most likely in response to the presence on the islands of the predacious brown skua.

Barker, D; Williams, M. 2002. Breeding of brown teal (Anas chlorotis) at Okiwi, Great Barrier Island. Notornis 49(4): 199-208.

Breeding performance of brown teal (Anas chlorotis) nesting in a pastoral environment at Okiwi, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand was studied during 1997-99. Mean (±SD) clutch size in 47 nests was 5.4 (0.9), eggs hatched in 74% of nests (n=50), and 66% of eggs (n=236) hatched. Of 31 females fitted with radio transmitters, the nesting attempt by 7 (23%) was not detected and the remainder fledged a total of 15 young, a mean (±SD) annual productivity of 0.5 (1.3) fledglings female-1. Most broods (72%, n=32) became extinct within 10 days of hatching. Limited wetland habitat in the pastoral landscape concentrated nesting and brood rearing. Breeding statistics from this environment may not be representative of the wider population.

Sutton, R.R.; Cheyne, J.W.; Neilson, M.; Williams, M. 2002. Recoveries of Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) banded as ducklings in southern New Zealand. Notornis 49(4): 209-207.

Dispersal within New Zealand of Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis), banded as ducklings in Otago (n=489) and Southland (n=392) during 1971-1979, was determined from the locations at which 180 were shot by hunters. There were no statistically significant differences in recovery distributions of Otago and Southland birds either when recovered in their year of banding (y-o-b) or in all subsequent years combined (later). About 50% of total recoveries were made in the y-o-b and 2-thirds of these from within 200 km of the banding site. Recoveries in later years were more widely distributed than those made in the y-o-b. North Island recoveries were 28% of total recoveries and were from most large coastal and lowland wetlands as far as Northland, 1400 km from the banding site. Recovery distributions of ducklings were not significantly different from those previously determined for moulting adults banded in the same areas. However, ducklings in their 2nd year of life appear to be more distantly dispersed from their natal sites than during their 1st year or are adults from their moulting sites. We speculate that long distance dispersal may be undertaken mostly by birds that fail to breed in their natal regions in their 1st year of life, and that dispersing birds may become irregular breeders at varying distant locations.

Caithness, T.A.; Cheyne, J.W.; Neilson, J.M.; Rook, H.; Sutton, R.R.; Williams, M. 2002. Post-moult dispersal of Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) within New Zealand. Notornis 49(4): 219-232.

Dispersal of adult Australasian shovelers Anas rhynchotis in New Zealand after being banded during their annual moult was determined from the locations at which they were shot by hunters. Birds banded at 2 southern South Island and 2 North Island sites between 1972 and 1986 dispersed the length and breadth of New Zealand. Some shoveler were recovered within 90 days of banding at opposite ends of the country from their banding sites. There was no obvious pattern to the recoveries. Birds were recovered from most of New Zealand's large lowland and coastal wetlands except from West Coast, South Island. Modal recovery distances for shoveler banded at Lake Whangape, northern North Island, and recovered in their year of banding or in later years were 201-400 km. For shoveler banded in southern South Island, modal recovery distances were 0-100 km in the year-of-banding and 101-200 km in later years. Birds banded while moulting or breeding at or near the southern-most banding site were later recaptured moulting at the northern-most. Shoveler disperse more widely than other New Zealand waterfowl species and can be viewed as comprising a single national population.

Sagar, P.M.; Barker, R.J.; Geddes, D. 2002. Survival of breeding Finsch's oystercatchers (Haematopus finschi) on farmland in Canterbury, New Zealand. Notornis 49(4): 233-240.

We investigated the annual survival of Finsch's oystercatchers (Haematopus finschi) breeding on farmland in mid-Canterbury, New Zealand. Annual survival from 1987 to 2000 averaged 0.892, with evidence of a small amount of variation in survival rates through time (estimated SD = 0.034). We found no indication that survival rates differed between males and females. However, recapture probabilities showed that males had stronger fidelity to breeding territories than did females. These results are similar to those reported from populations of H. ostralegus in Europe. Because oystercatchers are long-lived, the survival rate of adults is the key component in determining population size. Intensification of agriculture on the breeding grounds and disruption to coastal feeding grounds may reverse the trend for population increase in this species. Consequently, the survival rate presented here provides a basis for predicting future population trends.

Tennyson, A. Taylor, R.; Talor, G.; Imber, M.; Greene, T. 2002. Unusual bird records from the Antipodes Islands in 1978-1995, with a summary of other species recorded at the island group. Notornis 49(4): 241-245.

Unusual bird records at the sub-antarctic Antipodes Islands from 1978 to 1995 increased the number of bird species recorded previously at the group by 15. The total avifauna now consists of 29 breeding species and 26 vagrant species.

Medway, D.G. 2002. History and causes of the extirpation of the Providence petrel (Pterodroma solandri) on Norfolk Island. Notornis 49(4): 246-258.

The population of Providence petrels (Pterodroma solandri) that nested on Norfolk Island at the time of 1st European settlement of that island in 1788 was probably > 1 million pairs. Available evidence indicates that Europeans harvested many more Providence petrels in the years immediately after settlement than previously believed. About 1,000,000 Providence petrels, adults and young, were harvested in the 4 breeding seasons from 1790 to 1793 alone. Despite these enormous losses, many Providence petrels were apparently still nesting on Norfolk Island in 1795 when they are last mentioned in documents from the island. However, any breeding population that may have survived there until 1814 when Norfolk Island was abandoned temporarily was probably exterminated by the combined activities of introduced cats and pigs which had become very numerous by the time the island was re-occupied in 1825.