Challies, C.N.; Burleigh, R.R. 2004. Abundance and breeding distribution of the white-flippered penguin (Eudyptula minor albosignata) on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Notornis 51(1): 1-6.

Abstract A survey of the white-flippered penguin (Eudyptula minor albosignata) nesting colonies on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand was made during the 2000/01 and 2001/02 breeding seasons. Sixty-eight colonies were found of which 51 contained 5-20 nests, 12 21-50 nests, and 5 >50 nests. Altogether there were 2112 nests which equates to a population of c. 5870 birds. Adding the estimated 1650 nests on Motunau Island gave a total population for the subspecies of c. 10,460 birds. The colonies were distributed right around the peninsula with their occurrence increasing from west to east. Most were situated either on the peripheral coast (47%) or inside bays within 1 km of their entrance (38%). All but three of the colonies were on debris slopes below coastal bluffs with the nests concentrated mainly in rock piles. One colony was on an islet, and the other two were on farmland around the heads of bays. Thirty-four of the colonies were considered accessible to introduced mammalian predators, and 14 contained evidence predators had been present. If predator numbers remain high it seems inevitable that many of the surviving penguin colonies will be lost and others reduced in size.
Keywords white-flippered penguin; Eudyptula minor albosignata; Banks Peninsula; New Zealand; breeding distribution; numbers; habitat; predation.

Fraser, M.M.; Lalas, C. 2004. Seasonal variation in the diet of blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Oamaru, New Zealand. Notornis 51(1): 7-15.

Abstract The diet of blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Oamaru, New Zealand was examined by stomach flushing. The 22 species identified comprised 14 fishes, 1 cephalopod and 7 crustaceans. Slender sprat (Sprattus antipodum) accounted for more than half of the diet throughout most of the year while Graham’s gudgeon (Grahamichthys radiata) and arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii) were also important seasonally. Prey were either small, schooling, nearshore species or pelagic juveniles of larger species.
Keywords blue penguin; Eudyptula minor; diet; New Zealand; sprat; Sprattus.

McKinnon, H.L.; Fordham, R.A.; Lalas, C. 2004. Diet of coastal black shags (Phalacrocorax carbo). Notornis 51 (1): 16-20.

Abstract The diet of black shags (Phalacrocorax carbo) at Pencarrow, New Zealand, during April – October 1999 is described from otoliths, jawbones and pharyngeal tooth plates found in 119 regurgitated pellets of adults and four stomachs and two regurgitations of chicks. Black shags were primarily marine foragers, with only one freshwater item, crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) among 420 food items identified. Half of the diet comprised spotty (Notolabrus celidotus), but in total, 22 species were found in the pellets, including 17 fish species. The size of fish otoliths indicated significant differences in the length of the 11 most frequently occurring fish species. These ranged from an estimated length of 106 mm to 275 mm (mean length 220 mm) and were similar to those reported from other NZ studies. The mean length of fish taken by adults in winter was smaller compared with those in autumn and spring.
Keywords black shag; great cormorant; Phalacrocorax carbo; New Zealand; diet.

Smith, A.N.H.; Westbrooke, I.M. 2004. Changes in bird conspicuousness at Pureora Forest. Notornis 51(1): 21-25.

Abstract Five-minute bird counts in Pureora Forest Park were compared between one site in a 1978-81 study and two similar sites in a 1997-98 study. The two sites from the more recent study have had different levels of pest control since the historical survey. The mean number of birds detected per count was calculated for each species and the differences among the sites were tested for significance. The results suggest a dramatic decline over time (irrespective of pest control) in many small native insectivores, including the grey warbler (Gerygone igata), tomtit (Petroica macrocephala), fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris). A large increase in bellbird (Anthornis melanura) conspicuousness was detected. Increases were observed for robin (Petroica australis), kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni), kaka (Nestor meridionalis), parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) and kereru (NZ pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) between the historical site and the recent pest-controlled site, but tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) counts have decreased. The number of species with higher mean counts in the site with more intensive pest treatment suggests that pest control has had a positive effect on some bird populations. However, some species also increased at the site with less-intensive treatment, and tui is more conspicuous at this site than the controlled one. The study shows the value of historical bird count surveys for assessing long-term changes in bird populations, and suggests a need to make similar data sets from around New Zealand more readily available to researchers.
Keywords five-minute bird counts; bird fauna; bird populations; conspicuousness; Pureora Forest; New Zealand.

Gangloff, B.; Wilson, K-J. 2004. Feeding frequency, meal size and chick growth in Pycroft’s petrel (Pterodroma pycrofti): preparing for chick translocations in Pterodroma species. Notornis 51(1): 26-32.

Abstract Many Pterodroma species are threatened, and translocations to predator-free islands are desirable for several species. As these birds are highly philopatric, only chicks that have not yet imprinted on their natal colony should be transferred but techniques to identify suitably aged Pterodroma nestlings are needed. We investigated feeding frequency, meal size and chick growth in Pycroft’s petrel (P. pycrofti) on Red Mercury Island, New Zealand to provide this information. Mean daily probability of being fed decreased from 0.47 60-23 days before fledging to 0.004 in the last seven days before fledging. Mean meal size was 34 g and morphometric measurements at fledging were similar to mean adult measurements. The best indicator of chick age was wing length. Transferable Pycroft’s petrel chicks should have wings measuring 149 - 184 mm and weigh 218 - 250 g.
Keywords petrel; Pterodroma; Pycroft’s petrel; Pterodroma pycrofti; translocation; chick growth; meal size

Imber, M.J. 2004. Kermadec petrels (Pterodroma neglecta) at Ilha da Trindade, South Atlantic Ocean and in the North Atlantic. Notornis 51(1): 33-40.

Abstract Kermadec petrels (Pterodroma neglecta) are shown to be resident in the Atlantic Ocean, breeding at Ilha da Trindade, off Brazil, South Atlantic Ocean and migrating to the North Atlantic. Previously mistaken for Trindade petrels (Pterodroma arminjoniana) at Ilha da Trindade, they were identified by the whitish shafts and largely white inner webs of their primaries and, at the colony, by their distinctive call. Records of five non-breeding Kermadec petrels in the North Atlantic Ocean include the first Atlantic specimen from western United Kingdom in 1908. All of eight identifications of Kermadec petrels from Atlantic waters were dark phase birds, like those identified from the Indian Ocean, though, in the Pacific Ocean, the species is polymorphic. Trindade petrels from Ilha da Trindade are mostly the light phase (59%, n = 71), outnumber Kermadec petrels there by about 20:1 in collections, and disperse into the North Atlantic Ocean. As 70% (n = 43) of these two species combined observed at sea in the North Atlantic were dark phase, about 49% of North Atlantic records may have been Kermadec petrels. As they are in Pacific waters, Kermadec petrels may be more migratory and reach higher latitudes than do Trindade petrels. The Halipeurus feather louse hosted by Kermadec petrels in the Pacific Ocean has been identified from both petrels in Atlantic waters, but that hosted by Trindade petrels elsewhere has not been reported from Atlantic waters, possibly indicating earliest colonisation by Kermadec petrels. The morphometrics of Trindade petrels in the Atlantic Ocean cannot be established accurately until the generally larger Kermadec petrels are excluded from data sets.
Keywords Kermadec petrel; Pterodroma neglecta; Trindade petrel; Pterodroma arminjoniana; Ilha da Trindade; Atlantic Ocean; distribution; identification.

Kissling, W.D. 2004. Effects of time of day and observer position on waterbird counts. Notornis 51(1): 41-46.

Abstract The effects of time of day and observer vantage points on recorded waterbird species diversity and numbers of individuals of each species (especially New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae), the most common species) from a New Zealand wetland were analysed statistically and compared using rank abundance plots. There were significant differences between counts of total numbers of species, total numbers of individuals, and numbers of New Zealand scaup made from three observer positions and this effect was attributed to differences in observer elevation. Time of day had no significant effect on total numbers of species, total numbers of individuals of all species, and numbers of New Zealand scaup counted. However, rank abundance plots indicated a time of day effect on counts made at the least elevated of the observer positions. Overall, these effects were sufficient to introduce bias into waterbird counts and to require they be assessed during long-term monitoring programmes.
Keywords waterbird counts; bird community structure, rank-abundance plots; census method

Veitch, C.R.; Miskelly, C.M.; Harper, G.A.; Taylor, G.A.; Tennyson, A.J.D. 2004. Birds of the Kermadec Islands, South-west Pacific. Notornis 51(2): 61-90.

Abstract Birds recorded on the Kermadec Islands, south-west Pacific, between 1967 and 1998 are summarised. Population estimates and distributions are given for the 24 breeding species. Brown noddy (Anous stolidus) is recorded breeding there for the first time. Information on breeding chronology for most breeding species is presented. Sightings of 53 non-breeding and vagrant species are summarised; 24 of these were new records since the last comprehensive review was published in 1970. The total bird list for the Kermadec Islands is now 80 species, including records of giant petrels (Macronectes), frigatebirds (Fregata) and oystercatchers (Haematopus) not identified to species. A further 16 species are included in a suspense list. The Kermadec Islands have only seven indigenous land birds, but retain a diverse seabird fauna, very similar to those of Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. The land birds and seabirds of the largest island (Raoul) have been decimated by introduced cats (Felis catus) and rats (Rattus exulans, R. norvegicus). Introduced goats (Capra hircus) (since eradicated) drastically modified the vegetation of Raoul and Macauley Islands, and this also affected some bird species. Recommendations for restoration of the avifauna of these two islands are given.
Keywords Kermadec Islands; birds; breeding ecology; biogeography; cats; rats; restoration

Hadden, D.W. 2004. Birds of the northern atolls of the North Solomons Province of Papua New Guinea. Notornis 51(2): 91-102.

Abstract The North Solomons Province of Papua New Guinea consists of two main islands, Bougainville and Buka as well as several atolls to the north and east. The avifauna on five atolls, Nissan, Nuguria, Tulun, Takuu and Nukumanu, was recorded during visits in 2001. A bird list for each atoll group was compiled, incorporating previously published observations, and the local language names of birds recorded.
Keywords bird-lists; Nissan; Nuguria; Tulun; Takuu; Nukumanu; Papua New Guinea; avifauna

Wood, J. 2004. Annual and monthly patterns in recoveries of beach-wrecked Procellariiformes from Southland, New Zealand 1990-2000. Notornis 51(2): 103-112.

Abstract Recoveries of dead Procellariiformes made during 434 patrols along beaches in Southland, New Zealand, 1990 – 2000, were analysed to identify long-term trends and monthly patterns in recovery rates. Thirty-one species were recovered. Of 16 species for which >10 specimens were retrieved, there was evidence of between-year variation in recovery rates for six, and between-month variation for ten. Trends in annual recovery rates are suggestive of population changes. Trends in monthly recovery rates for most species were similar to those observed on a national scale, and can be explained by known seasonal movements of the species.
Keywords Procellariiformes; beached seabirds; Southland; New Zealand; seasonal patterns; population trends

McAllan, I.A.W. 2004. Corrections to the original citations and type localities of some birds described by John Gould and recorded from New Zealand. Notornis 51(3): 125-130.

Abstract The Checklist of the birds of New Zealand (3rd edition, 1990) contains errors in the citation of several taxa described by John Gould. Those listed for Apteryx owenii, Podiceps cristatus australis, Puffinus carneipes, Procellaria (=Pterodroma) solandri, Thalassidroma (=Oceanites) nereis, Oxyura australis, Gallinula tenebrosa, Himantopus leucocephalus, Himantopus novaezelandiae, Numenius minutus, Limosa limosa melanuroides, Nestor notabilis, Hirundo tahitica neoxena, Collocalia (=Hirundo) ariel and Ocypterus (=Artamus) superciliosus and Ocypterus personatus are highlighted and corrected.
Keywords nomenclature, New Zealand birds, John Gould

Medway, D.G. 2004. The extant type specimens of birds from New Zealand and the Society Islands collected on Cook’s second voyage and described by Anders Sparrman in Museum Carlsonianum (1786-1789). Notornis 51(3): 131-135.

Abstract Specimens of 12 species of birds from New Zealand and the Society Islands collected during Cook’s second voyage round the world (1772-1775) were described and illustrated by Anders Sparrman in Museum Carlsonianum (1786-1789). The Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm holds six specimens considered to be type specimens of some of those species. However, documentation discussed here indicates only three, spotted shag (Stictocarbo punctatus) and red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae) from New Zealand, and Tahiti lorikeet (Vini peruviana) from the Society Islands, are type specimens.
Keywords Cook’s second voyage; Sparrman; Museum Carlsonianum; New Zealand; Society Islands; extant type specimens

Thorsen, M.; Innes, J.; Nugent, G.; Prime, K. 2004. Parental care and growth rates of wild New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) nestlings. Notornis 51(3): 136-140.

Abstract Parental and nestling behaviour of New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) was observed from August 1998 to March 1999 at Motatau Forest, Northland, New Zealand. Four successful nests from three pairs were monitored using infra-red cameras and direct observation. Incubation was shared (female: dusk till 0643-1106 hrs; male: remainder of the day). Three stages of daytime nestling care were apparent: full-attendance brooding by either parent (day 0 to day 8-12); female-only brooding (day 9-13 to day 12-26); and feeding only (day 13-27 to fledging) except in wet weather. Females brooded the nestlings for significantly longer than did males. Young nestlings were fed more frequently, and for longer, than when older. Parents appeared to select fruit of pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea) and nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida) for feeding nestlings. Development and growth was rapid and one nestling weighed 565 g (similar to adult weight) by day 26. Feathers first appeared on day 5-8.
Keywords New Zealand pigeon; Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae; breeding; parental care; nestling growth; frugivory

Rohweder, D.A.; Lewis, B.D. 2004. Day–night foraging behaviour of banded dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus) in the Richmond River estuary, northern NSW, Australia. Notornis 51(3): 141-146.

Abstract The foraging behaviour of banded dotterels during day and night was compared at two sites in the Richmond River estuary, northern New South Wales, Australia. Dotterels foraged during all nights of the survey, although the majority of their food intake came from day feeding. Feeding success rate (no. prey/minute) did not differ significantly between lunar phases or night visibility categories but average feeding success rate was lower at night than during the day. Dotterels foraged on a range of prey including sentinel crabs (Macropthalamus spp.), soldier crabs (Mictyris longicarpus), shrimps (Penaeus spp.) and polychaete worms. At night soldier crabs represented a greater proportion of prey consumed than during the day. No polychaete worms were recorded being taken at night. Dotterels displayed a range of foraging behaviours, although the typical dotterel technique of wait-walk-peck-wait was most commonly recorded. Significant differences in the proportion of time that birds spent waiting, flying and vigilant, and the number of pecks/minute and paces/walk were recorded between day and night. Foraging behaviour did not differ between the study sites.
Keywords banded dotterel; Charadrius bicinctus; nocturnal foraging, New South Wales

Spennemann, D.H.R. 2004. The occurrence of owls in the Marshall Islands. Notornis 51(3): 147-151.

Abstract Short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) are capable of crossing long stretches of open water and have been successful colonisers of islands. In the central and western Pacific two established populations (on Hawai’i and on Pohnpei in Micronesia) seem to be the foci of repeated dispersal events. The paper reviews the historic and linguistic record for the occurrence of short-eared owls on the scattered atolls of the Marshall Islands, the easternmost group of Micronesia.
Keywords Marshall Islands; owl; short-eared owl; Asio flammeus; colonization; dispersal

Galbreath, R.; Brown, D. 2004. The tale of the lighthouse-keeper's cat: Discovery and extinction of the Stephens Island wren (Traversia lyalli). Notornis 51(4): 193-200.

Abstract The Stephens Island wren Traversia lyalli is widely quoted as having been discovered and promptly exterminated from its only locality, Stephens Island, New Zealand, by a single lighthouse keeper’s cat. Examination of archival and museum records indicates that this account is oversimplified, and throws more light on the roles of the lighthouse keeper David Lyall, the dealer Henry Travers, and the ornithologists Sir Walter Buller and Walter Rothschild. Extinction of the wren was more extended than generally stated: 10 specimens were evidently brought in by a cat in 1894, but another two-four were obtained in 1895, and two-three more after that and possibly as late as 1899. Fifteen of these specimens are still held in museums. Cat predation probably was the main factor in the wren’s extinction, but not necessarily by a single cat: cats became established on Stephens Island in 1894, increased rapidly and exterminated several other species before they were eliminated.
Keywords Stephens Island wren; Traversia lyalli; extinction; cat predation

Medway, D.G. 2004. The land bird fauna of Stephens Island, New Zealand in the early 1890s, and the cause of its demise. Notornis 51(4): 201-211.

Abstract Stephens Island provides the classic example in the New Zealand region of the effect that predation by feral cats (Felis catus) can have on an island land bird fauna. Twenty-five species of native New Zealand land birds were recorded on the island in the early 1890s when it was still forested and free of mammalian predators. It is probable that Stephens Island still had its original land bird fauna at that time. The land bird species included large populations of the extinct Stephens Island piopio (Turnagra capensis minor), and the endangered South Island saddleback (Philesturnus c. carunculatus). Cats were introduced to Stephens Island, probably in 1894. They soon became feral and multiplied rapidly. The evidence indicates that cats were responsible for the rapid demise of the native land bird fauna of the island.
Keywords Stephens Island; land birds; Stephens Island piopio; Turnagra capensis minor; South Island saddleback; Philesturnus c. carunculatus; forest reduction; cat predation; extirpations

Cooper, J.H.; Tennyson, A.J.D. 2004. New evidence on the life and death of Hawkins’ Rail Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi: Moriori accounts recorded by Sigvard Dannefaerd and Alexander Shand. Notornis 51(4): 212-216.

Abstract A previously unknown Moriori-based account of the extinct Hawkins’ rail (Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi) from the Chatham Islands is presented and discussed. The account, recorded by Sigvard Jacob Dannefaerd in a letter to Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild in 1895, includes details of the species’ appearance, behaviour and Moriori hunting methods. A second, similar description of a previously unidentified Chatham Islands bird is also linked to Hawkins’ rail. The clarity of the accounts suggests a considerably later extinction date for the species than previously supposed.
Keywords Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi; Hawkins’ rail; behaviour; extinction; Dannefaerd; Shand; Moriori

Dilks, P. 2004. Population status, breeding and ecology of Chatham Island Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae chathamensis). Notornis 51(4): 217-226.

Abstract Status, breeding, and foraging of Chatham Island tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae chathamensis) were studied on Rangatira Island, Chatham Islands between January 1995 and May 1999, with short visits made to adjacent Pitt Island throughout this period. The total population was estimated at ˜260 adults. Most birds were resident on Rangatira Island in spring, summer and autumn but moved to Pitt Island during the winter. In spring birds commuted between the two islands but became resident on Rangatira when breeding commenced. Radio transmitters were attached to adult tui to monitor breeding. No radio-tagged females bred (n = 13) but at least two of three radio-tagged males raised young. Adult tui were intolerant of disturbance during nesting so estimation of productivity was made by mapping the number of fledgling groups. Flax (Phormium tenax) nectar appeared to be the most important food for breeding tui and birds travelled long distances to visit flowering plants. Fruits of ngaio (Myoporum laetum), matipo (Myrsine chathamica), karamu (Coprosma chathamica), mahoe (Melicytus chathamicus) and muehlenbeckia (Muehlenbeckia australis) were also important foods. Invertebrates were most important when females were feeding their young. The amount of breeding that occurred each season was directly related to the abundance of flax flowers in spring, and in good flax flowering years tui were able to rear two broods. In poor flax flowering years many birds did not breed. Control of feral cats on Pitt Island would most likely result in a significant increase in this breeding population; however planting of flax adjacent to the forest areas on Chatham Island along with predator control may be necessary before tui can re-establish there.
Keywords Chatham Islands; tui; Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae chathamensis; breeding; seasonal movements; diet.