Baillie, B.R.; Glaser, A.B. 2005. Roost habitat of a North Island blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) population. Notornis 52(1): 1-5.

Abstract A survey was undertaken in the Te Waiiti Stream, Bay of Plenty, in summer 2002/2003, to identify blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) roost habitat. Thirty-six roosts were identified along 18.5 km of stream channel, averaging three roosts per blue duck pair. Stable undercut banks were most commonly used as roost sites (42%), followed by log jams along stream banks (25%). Large woody debris (LWD) was a component of 50% of the roost sites, and there was a positive relationship between LWD loadings in the stream channel and number of LWD roosts. All roosts provided overhead and lateral cover, most likely an adaptive response to current and historic avian predators, and all were located at the water’s edge. The location and composition of roosts provided easy access to the stream channel, discrete cover for rearing juveniles and for moulting, and daytime shelter. There were indications that channel morphology characteristics in the lower section of the survey reach may be limiting roost habitat availability and blue duck occupancy. Suitable roost habitat is a year-round requirement for blue duck and should be considered when evaluating their habitat.
Keywords Blue duck; Hymenolaimus malacorhychos; roost; riparian; woody debris; Te Waiiti

Bester, A.J.; Charteris, M. 2005. The second census of Chatham Island shag and Pitt Island shag – are numbers declining? Notornis 52(1): 6-10.

Abstract A census of Chatham Island shag (Leucocarbo onslowi) and Pitt Island shag (Strictocarbo featherstoni), both endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, was conducted during their 2003/04 breeding season. Totals of 271 pairs of Chatham Island shags and 547 pairs of Pitt Island shags were recorded. Compared with the only previous survey (in 1997/98), numbers of both species were significantly lower. This decline most likely reflects broad scale marine changes affecting the birds’ food supply. Alternatively, it may suggest variability in the timing of breeding between seasons.
Keywords Chatham Island shag; Leucocarbo onslowi; Pitt Island shag; Strictocarbo featherstoni; census; population size; distribution

Bell, M.; Bell, B.D.; Bell, E.A. 2004. Translocation of fluttering shearwater (Puffinus gavia) chicks to create a new colony. Notornis 52(1): 11-15.

Abstract A trial translocation to establish a new fluttering shearwater (Puffinus gavia) colony is reported. From 1991 to 1996, 334 fluttering shearwater chicks were transferred from Long Island to Maud Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Chicks were artificially housed and hand-fed until fledging. Overall fledging success was 82%, 32 of the 273 chicks that fledged returned to Maud Island, and 30 have bred. Mean age of first breeding was 6.8 years (range 5-10 years). Returning chicks were heavier at fledging and spent longer on Maud Island than chicks that did not return. Transferred chicks showed typical post-fledging behaviour by dispersing to southeast Australian waters. The new colony has gradually increased, and 15 pairs bred in 2003/04. Methods developed have application to endangered species management.
Keywords Fluttering shearwater; Puffinus gavia; translocation; chick transfer; hand-rearing; colony establishment.

McAllan, I.A.W.; Hobcroft, D. 2005. The further spread of introduced birds in Samoa. Notornis 52(x): 16-20.

Abstract Five introduced bird species were observed in the wild in Samoa in November 2004. The red junglefowl Gallus gallus maintains wild populations in the mountainous areas; the rock dove Columba livia is presently confined to urban areas; and the red-vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer and jungle myna Acridotheres fuscus have increased their ranges markedly over the past six years. The last two species, found in most inhabited areas, may be close to their maximum possible distribution in Samoa. The common myna Acridotheres tristis has also increased in range significantly and efforts should be made to control this species.
Keywords Samoa; introduced birds; red-junglefowl; Gallus gallus; rock dove; Columba livia; jungle myna; Acridotheres fuscus; common myna; Acridotheres tristis; red-vented bulbul; Pycnonotus cafer

Miskelly, C; Empson, R.; Wright, K. 2005. Forest birds recolonising Wellington. Notornis 52(1): 21-26.

Abstract Kaka (Nestor meridionalis), red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae), whitehead (Mohoua albicilla), tomtit (Petroica macrocephala), and bellbird (Anthornis melanura) have all recently been reintroduced to sites in or near Wellington city. Prior to or concurrent with these translocations, unmarked individuals of all five species were detected in forested reserves on Wellington peninsula. Based on the number of birds seen, and frequency of sightings, we suggest that red-crowned parakeets, whiteheads and bellbirds have established resident populations in some reserves independent of translocations. We attribute these successful re-establishments to the effective control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rats (Rattus sp.) undertaken by Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.
Keywords Kaka; Nestor meridionalis; red-crowned parakeet; Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae; whitehead; Mohoua albicilla; tomtit; Petroica macrocephala; bellbird; Anthornis melanura; recolonisation; translocation; Wellington.

Robertson, H.A.; McLennan, J.A.; Colbourne, R.M.; McCann, A.J. 2005. Population status of great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haastii) near Saxon Hut, Heaphy Track, New Zealand. Notornis 52(Apteryx1): 27-33.

Abstract Recaptures of banded birds, and call counts, indicate a population of great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haastii) near Saxon Hut, Heaphy Track, in Kahurangi National Park has remained stable between 1987 and 2004. The number and the locations of occupied territories have changed little. Although few juveniles were encountered during searches with dogs, at least 10 of 22 territorial adults present in 1987 were replaced by a total of 12 birds over 17 years implying that recruitment kept pace with the annual adult mortality of about 4%. We suggest that the incidence of the main predators of kiwi (stoats, ferrets, cats and dogs) was low in this very wet area (rainfall >5500 mm/ year). Our findings support the current ‘Vulnerable’ conservation threat ranking for the species.
Keywords great spotted kiwi; Apteryx haastii; population; conservation status; predation

Jensen, L.A.; Snoyink, R.J. 2005. The distribution and numbers of Australasian crested grebe (kamana) in New Zealand, January 2004. Notornis 52(1): 34-42.

Abstract The Australasian crested grebe (kamana: Podiceps cristatus australis) is nationally endangered within New Zealand. A census, conducted on 24 January 2004 by 81 observers, recorded 300 adults and estimated a further 15 as present on 41 of the 93 lakes counted. Assuming approximately 30 grebes to be present on lakes not counted, the national population of adult crested grebes is estimated to be 340-350. This is 40% higher than the population recorded in 1980. In addition, 75 juveniles were counted on 18 lakes. As in the 1980 survey, approximately 55% of the adult crested grebes were recorded on Canterbury lakes. A significant regional change has occurred with birds now present on lakes in Otago, absent from Nelson lakes, and in reduced numbers in Marlborough, North Canterbury, Westland and Fiordland. In addition, a significant decline has occurred at Lake Alexandrina, one of the strongholds identified in the 1980s. Forty percent of the present adult population was recorded on two lakes, Lake Heron and Lake Hayes. We identify priority sites where management to reverse declines could be implemented and we recommend a suite of management actions.
Keywords crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, census, New Zealand, conservation

Tennyson, A.J.D.; Bartle, J.A. 2005. A scientific name for fulmar prions nesting at Auckland and Heard Islands. Notornis 52(1): 47-55.

Abstract We describe and name a new subspecies of fulmar prion as Pachyptila crassirostris flemingi. This little-known seabird has less than 1,000 pairs breeding at the Auckland Islands and 1,000-10,000 pairs breeding on Heard Island. It is probably largely sedentary around these islands in winter, with possible stragglers reaching mainland New Zealand and Tasmania.
Keywords fulmar prion; Pachyptila crassirostris; Pachyptila turtur; Auckland Islands; Kerguelen Island; Heard Island; new subspecies; taxonomy

Morgan, D.; Waas, J.R.; Innes, J. 2005. Magpie interactions with other birds in New Zealand: results from a literature review and public survey. Notornis 52(2): 61-74.

Abstract Accounts of magpie Gymnorhina tibicen attacks on birds in New Zealand were collated from literature and a survey of the public, and then summarised to identify the frequency and characteristics of reported attacks on different species. Magpies were reported attacking 45 bird species. Species commonly found in rural habitats (e.g., harrier hawk Circus approximans, blackbird Turdus merula) where magpies are abundant were attacked most; however, a directly proportional relationship between species abundance in rural habitats and reported attack frequency did not occur. Species consuming similar foods to magpie tended to be attacked more often, probably because these foods are more abundant in rural areas. Attacks on smaller birds (e.g., grey warbler Gerygone igata) regularly (66%) resulted in death, but deaths declined as victim weight increased. Non-contact attacks were most common for the largest species (e.g., kereru Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae). Non-contact and non-lethal contact attacks occurred throughout the year while attacks resulting in death occurred mainly during the magpie’s breeding season (July to November). This study indicates that magpies can attack a wide range of species but fails to determine why (no one explanation satisfies all cases). Limitations of the dataset and future research to control these are discussed.
Keywords Artamidae; Australian magpie; Gymnorhina tibicen; interspecific aggression; interspecific competition

Sagar, P.M.; Murdoch, R.; Sagar, M.W.; Thompson, D.R. 2005. Rockhopper penguin Eudyptes chrysocome filholi foraging at Antipodes Islands. Notornis 52(2): 75-81.

Abstract Foraging of female rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome filholi) during the chick stage was investigated at Antipodes Islands during December 2002 – January 2003. During the guard stage eight birds were tracked to foraging areas 22 – 54 km NNE or E from their nests. Birds foraging NNE did so over waters 500-1500 m deep, while those that travelled E foraged in water > 1500 m deep. The mean duration of these foraging trips was 1.37 days, significantly (p < 0.05) longer than trips undertaken by control birds. During the post-guard stage two birds were tracked during trips of 5 – 7 days, up to 119 km from the nest and in water > 1500 m deep. Male parents guarded the chicks more or less continuously, with most females returning to feed the chicks from mid afternoon. In the post-guard stage, most male parents returned to the nest each evening, but fewer females attended the nest at this time. Weight increases indicated that chicks were fed, on average, about once per day during both the guard and early post-guard stages. The foraging trips of female rockhopper penguins at Antipodes Islands were usually of longer duration and extended farther from the nest than birds breeding at Amsterdam, Kerguelen and Crozet Islands, but occupied a similar time and covered a greater distance than birds breeding at Staten Island. However, they were of considerably shorter duration and distance than birds breeding at Macquarie Island. This may be related to the differing marine environments around each of these breeding locations.
Keywords Rockhopper penguin; Eudyptes chrysocome filholi; guard stage; satellite tracking; population trend.

Jamieson, I.G.; Grant, J.L.; Beaven, B.M. Capture and handling of saddlebacks during pre-nesting does not affect timing of egg-laying or reproductive success. Notornis 52(2): 82-88.

Abstract We examine whether mist-netting and handling of birds (including taking blood samples) during the pre-nesting period caused egg-laying to be delayed in a threatened species, South Island saddleback (tïeke) Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus. We used data on egg-laying dates of first clutches for 12 pairs in 2002-03 and 22 pairs in 2003-04, of which 3 (2002-03) and 7 (2003-04) pairs had been caught and handled. There was a significant delay in the peak laying period of first clutches in 2003-04, which was associated with more birds being caught and handled. However, pairs that were handled showed typical laying dates of first clutches for both experienced and inexperienced pairs, and there was no significant correlation between the date when a pair was caught and the date of laying its first clutch. There were also no significant differences between handled and non-handled pairs in the number of chicks raised or fledged. Like saddlebacks, Stewart Island robins Petroica australis rakiura monitored at the same site showed a two-week delay in the average laying dates of first clutches in 2003-04. The five inexperienced robin pairs in 2002-03 laid their first clutches earlier in 2003-04, but all three experienced pairs laid later. Weather data indicated it was substantially colder before the nesting period in 2003 compared to 2002, suggesting that colder weather conditions plus a greater number of inexperienced pairs caused a delay in peak egg laying in both species in 2003-04 relative to 2002-03. We conclude that mist-netting, banding and bleeding – standard technique used in present-day research of threatened avian species – did not have any measured short-term effects on nesting behaviour or breeding success of South Island saddlebacks.
Keywords South Island saddleback; Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus; Stewart Island robins; Petroica australis rakiura; mist-netting; egg-laying; Ulva Island

Spear, L.B.; Ainley, D.G.; Webb, S.W. 2005. Distribution, abundance, habitat use and behaviour of three Procellaria petrels off South America. Notornis 52(2): 89-106.

Abstract We studied the distribution along the Pacific coast of South and Central America of three large petrels species that nest on New Zealand and subantarctic islands: white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis), Parkinson’s petrel (P. parkinsoni) and Westland petrel ( P. westlandica). During 15 cruises from 1980 to 1995, we conducted 1,020 hrs of surveys over 14,277 km2 of ocean from the shoreline to 1500 km off the coast from Chile north to Panama, and recorded 2114, 179, and 20 individuals, respectively, of the three species. White-chinned petrels occurred throughout the study area, but were most abundant off Chile, Parkinson’s petrels were most abundant along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, and Westland petrels off southern Chile. All three species preferred waters over the continental slope, although Parkinson’s petrel was abundant also over the continental shelf during the austral winter. Densities of each species were positively related to oceanographic properties that are associated with upwelling features. Abundance estimates, analyzed using generalized additive models, peaked during the non-breeding season of each species. Estimates were 722,000 White-chinned petrels during austral autumn (95% confidence interval “CI” = 349,000 – 907,000); 38,000 Parkinson’s petrels during austral autumn (95% CI = 28,000 – 50,000); and 3,500 Westland petrels during the austral spring (95% CI = 2,000 – 6,400). Scavenging appeared to be the primary feeding method of Procellaria, a habit that would make them susceptible to mortality as a result of their regular association with commercial fishing operations, particularly the recently developed long-line fishery on the continental slope of Chile.
Keywords White-chinned petrel; Westland petrel; Parkinson’s petrel; distribution; abundance; South America; Procellaria

Imber, M.J.; Bell, B.D.; Bell, E.A. 2005. Antipodes Islands birds in autumn 2001. Notornis 52(3): 125-132

Observations of birds on Antipodes Islands during 24 April - 6 June 2001 represent a season of the year for which data are lacking. Activity ashore of non-breeders of summer-breeding gadfly petrels Pterodroma spp. and black-bellied storm petrels (Fregetta tropica) continued until late May or even June. Data were obtained on the non-breeding behaviour, breeding cycle and burrow occupancy rates of grey petrels (Procellaria cinerea); only 50% of their burrows were occupied by breeding pairs. White-capped albatross (Thalassarche steadi) fledglings on Bollons Island were counted. There had been an autumnal immigration of some Passerines. Birds seen at sea on the voyages from Akaroa, Banks Peninsula and returning to Port Chalmers, Dunedin included the rarely-sighted Chatham taiko (Pterodroma magentae).
Keywords Albatrosses; petrels; storm petrels; Antipodes Islands; south-west Pacific; autumn; behaviour; seabirds at sea.

Quintana, R.D.; Pratolongo, P.D.; Agraz, J.L.; Benitez, O.; Mengual, A.R. 2005. Activity rhythms at a gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony at Cierva Point, Antarctic Peninsula. Notornis 52(3): 133-137

We studied activity rhythms at a gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony at Cierva Point, Antarctic Peninsula, during the 1992-93 summer. We counted the number of penguins crossing a specific point on their route to and from the colony. Penguins showed a strong daily rhythm of activity, with a two-peak pattern for those leaving the colony and a one-peak pattern for those returning. The peak of penguins departing to sea was at dawn, with a secondary peak in the afternoon which was coincident with the peak of returns. Although this behaviour could be explained by nest relief schedules, the pattern remained once crèches had formed. The main peak of departures strongly correlated with sunrise, which might support the existence of a light signal synchronizing activity. Even though an external factor could be triggering movements, an endogenous circadian clock might drive both patterns.
Keywords Activity rhythms, daily activity, circadian clock, gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis papua, Antarctic Peninsula.

Alexander, L.; Duthie, C.; Fyfe, J.; Haws, Z.; Hunt, S.; Montoya, I.; Ochoa, C.; Siva, A.; Stringer, L.; Van Horik, J.; Burns, K.C. 2005. An experimental evaluation of food hoarding by North Island robins (Petroica australis longipes). Notornis 52(3): 138-142.

We experimentally evaluated the food hoarding behaviour of North Island robins (Petroica australis longipes) at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington. Mealworms were offered to free-ranging pairs of male and female robins to evaluate whether their food hoarding behaviour was similar to previous observations of South Island robins. We also tested theoretical predictions derived in the Northern Hemisphere, which argue that competitively subordinate birds should hoard more food than dominant birds. Results showed that the food hoarding behaviour of North Island robins was similar to South Island robins, except that North Island robins repeatedly used the same cache sites, which is rare in South Island robins. Data did not support the prediction that competitively subordinate birds hoard more food than dominant birds. Males acquired most of the mealworms offered to birds during trials, and won nearly all aggressive interactions observed between sexes. Therefore, males appeared to be competitively dominant to females in winter. However, males stored over five times as many mealworms as females, which is opposite to theoretical predictions. We interpret the reluctance of females to cache food as a strategy to avoid food loss to competitively dominant males.
Keywords Food hoarding; competition; experiment; North Island robin; Petroica australis

Barker, D.; Carroll, J.W.A.; Edmonds, H.K.; Fraser, J.R.; Miskelly, C.M. 2005. Discovery of a previously unknown Coenocorypha snipe in the Campbell Island group, New Zealand subantarctic. Notornis 52(3): 143-149.

A previously unknown population of Coenocorypha snipe was discovered on Jacquemart Island, a rat-free 19 ha islet adjacent to Campbell Island in the New Zealand subantarctic, on 9 November 1997. This was the first evidence of Coenocorypha snipe occurring in the Campbell Island group, which is believed to have been infested by Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) before the first naturalists visited in 1840. Rats were eradicated from 11,268 ha Campbell Island by the New Zealand Department of Conservation in July 2001. Two snipe were seen, and one caught, on Campbell Island adjacent to Jacquemart Island on 10 March 2005. The bird caught was a fully-feathered chick, indicating successful breeding on Campbell Island. The Campbell Island snipe remains undescribed and critically endangered.
Keywords Snipe; Coenocorypha; Campbell Island; Jacquemart Island; discovery; rodent impacts; recovery

Lee, M. 2005. Failed attempts to reintroduce bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) to Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, 1988-91. Notornis 52(3): 150-157.

New Zealand bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) disappeared suddenly from the northern New Zealand mainland and several large northern islands in the late 19th century. During the past 75 years, several unsuccessful attempts were made to reintroduce them. Between 1988 and 1991, four translocations (111 birds) were made to Waiheke Island near Auckland, sourced from Kaingaroa (21 birds) and Cuvier Island (90 birds). The birds were conspicuous immediately after release but became progressively less visible within six months and the translocations failed. While the cause(s) of failure are unknown, predation by mammalian predators, especially ship rats (Rattus rattus) is likely to have been a critical factor. Other possible reasons for failure of bellbird translocations are discussed, along with the reasons why original bellbird populations disappeared from northern New Zealand and subsequently failed to re-establish.
Keywords Anthornis melanura; bellbird; Waiheke Island; reintroduction; translocations; ship rat; Rattus

Hawke, D.J.; Clark, J.M.; Challies, C.N. 2005. Verification of seabird contributions to Australasian harrier diet at Motunau Island, North Canterbury, using stable isotope analysis. Notornis 52(3): 158-162.

We analysed 13C and 15N isotopic enrichment in Australasian harrier (Circus approximans) eggshell and two discarded harrier feathers from Motunau Island, a regionally important seabird breeding island. Among the prey remains found at the nest was a prion (Pachyptila sp.) wing fragment and a predated blue penguin (Eudyptula minor). We combined isotope data from the prey remains, plus potential prey items obtained from the mainland, to reconstruct harrier diet and evaluate incorporation of seabird nutrients. During egg material formation, blue penguins made up a major part of the female harrier’s diet. During autumn, when feathers were re-growing, the two feathers (which may or may not have been from different individuals) gave very different results. The feather with the more marine signature was growing when harrier diet included a significant proportion of blue penguin and/or fairy prion (Pachyptila turtur) material. Formation of the other feather may have occurred while harrier diet was primarily terrestrial. Our results are indicative of the usefulness of stable isotopic analysis in elucidating nutrient flows and contributions to animal diet.
Keywords Australasian harrier; Circus approximans; New Zealand; diet; carbon-13; nitrogen-15; stable isotope

Gaskin, C.; Baird, K. 2005. Observations of black and white storm petrels in the Hauraki Gulf, November 2003 - June 2005: Were they of New Zealand storm petrels? Notornis 52(4): 181-194.

We observed black and white-plumaged storm petrels on 27 seabird-watching trips to the outer Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, November 2003 - June 2005. We studied their plumage characteristics, behaviour and seasonal occurrence: the birds had common plumage characteristics and sightings of them were concentrated in the outer Hauraki Gulf from October to March and further offshore in April-May. Their presence in the Hauraki Gulf coincided with summer breeding of other seabirds, in particular white-faced storm petrels (Pelagodroma marina). Their pattern of occurrence off northern New Zealand suggests the birds may be breeding in the Hauraki Gulf; the Mokohinau Islands, rid of rats (Rattus exulans) 15 years ago, is a potential breeding site In our view these black and white storm petrels do not conform to descriptions of any extant species known from New Zealand waters, and, consequently, we speculate that our observations may have been of New Zealand storm petrels (Pealeornis maoriana Mathews1932), a species known from only three specimens collected in the 19th century.
Keywords Storm petrel; Hauraki Gulf; observations; New Zealand storm petrel.

Moore, P.J.; Bettany, S. 2005. Band recoveries of southern royal albatrosses (Diomedea epomophora) from Campbell Island, 1943-2003. Notornis 52(4): 195-205.

35,289 southern royal albatrosses (Diomedea epomophora) were banded on Campbell Island between 1941 and 1998, including 24,258 chicks and 11,031 adults. By 2003, 240 (0.68%) band recoveries and live recaptures away from Campbell Island had been reported. Birds banded as chicks were reported at a median age of 2 years (range 1-28 yrs), and adults at a median of 4 years after banding (range 0-27 yrs). The peak of band recoveries occurred close to the peak of banding in the late 1960s. Recoveries were generally made between latitudes 30-55°S in southern Australasia and South America; 43% were on coasts and 56% at sea. Birds recovered at sea (n = 134) were usually in waters over the continental shelf (up to c. 200 m deep water; 55% of records) or slope (200-1000 m; 19%). Distribution varied with age, with 56% of juveniles (<20 months old, n = 78) found on the west side of South America (especially in December - February), 54% of immature birds (<6 years old, n = 48) on the east side of South America (especially in June - July) and 55% of adults (= 6 years old, n = 114) in the New Zealand region. Most (94%, n = 102) birds recovered on the coast were dead, compared with 46% (n = 134) of those found at sea. Some birds were apparently caught to read bands, and 36% of the live birds (n = 78) were released without their bands, and of the remainder, 3 birds were seen again on Campbell Island. About half (49%, n = 61) of deaths at sea were caused by accidental capture on fishing lines. A possible decrease in the population during the 1970s - early 1980s coincided with the peak in long-line fishing in the New Zealand region and suggests this albatross could be affected by any new fisheries or intensification of fishing without adequate mitigation. It would be prudent to monitor the trends, dynamics and foraging of a range of New Zealand albatross species within an, as yet undeveloped, strategy for research and monitoring of seabirds in New Zealand.
Keywords Southern royal albatross; Diomedea epomophora; Campbell Island; southern ocean; band recoveries; dispersal; fisheries bycatch; mortality.

Walker, K.; Elliott, G. 2005. Population changes and biology of the Antipodean wandering albatross (Diomedea antipodensis). Notornis 52(4): 206-214.

The Antipodean wandering albatross (Diomedea antipodensis) is endemic to Antipodes Island in the New Zealand subantarctic. A programme of regular census and population study was initiated on Antipodes Island in 1994 to determine the status of the species. This paper reports on field work carried out every summer from 1994 to 2005. Aspects of breeding biology are described and compared with those of other species of wandering albatross, particularly the closely related Gibson’s wandering albatross (D. gibsoni) on Adams Island. Average annual survival over 10 years was 0.957. Productivity was measured over 11 years and averaged 0.74 chicks per nesting pair. Survivorship was similar to that in the increasing Diomedea exulans population on Crozet Island, and productivity higher than recorded in all other wandering albatross populations. Between 1994 and 1997, the average annual number of pairs nesting on Antipodes Island was 5136. There is evidence of population decline during the 1970s but numbers are now increasing.
Keywords Population; productivity; survival; Antipodean wandering albatross; Diomedea antipodensis; Antipodes Islands.

Elliott, G.; Walker, K. 2005. Detecting population trends of Gibson’s and Antipodean wandering albatrosses. Notornis 52(4): 215-222.

Counts, mark-recapture estimates of abundance, and simulations were used to assess the population trends of Antipodean wandering albatross (Diomedea antipodensis) and Gibson’s wandering albatross (D. gibsoni). Estimates of population size based on mark-recapture analysis had much greater power to detect trends than did annual counts of nests. In fact, nest counts were so variable that significant trends would only be detected when populations had already changed by more than 25%. Population simulation models were constructed using survival and productivity data from the two species, and recruitment data from closely related species. The simulation models were sensitive to variation in recruitment data and suggested that the recruitment of Gibson’s wandering albatrosses is significantly lower than that of Antipodean wandering albatrosses. The sensitivity of the models to variation in the surrogate data compromises the usefulness of such models as predictive tools. After large, probably fisheries-induced declines during the 1970s and 1980s, Antipodean wandering albatross populations are now increasing at about 3.1% per annum, while Gibson’s wandering albatross populations are static.
Keywords Population counts; mark-recapture, simulation model; Diomedea sp.

Nicholls, D.G.; Robertson, C.J.R.; Naef-Daenzer, B. 2005. Evaluating distribution modelling using kernel functions for northern royal albatrosses (Diomedea sanfordi) at sea off South America. Notornis 52(4): 223-235.

Satellite telemetry can provide unique information on the biology and behaviour of mobile animals such as albatrosses. Determining areas of concentrated activity, essential resources and time-related changes in range use is of great importance for theoretical biology, practical conservation, and fisheries management. Utilisation Distributions (UDs), from a probabilistic model of the relative time spent by an animal in an area, were prepared using a kernel function in a Geographical Information System. Properties of the model were investigated, using satellite-tracking data from six northern royal albatrosses (Diomedea sanfordi) during eight over-wintering visits to seas off South America. We analysed UD areas and shape for different settings of the kernel smoothing parameter, a variety of location subsets associated with different sample sizes, sampling time periods and telemetry regimes. Small samples and intermittent transmission regimes reduced the UD range area. Individual bird data sets were combined to give comparable UDs. The UD model may help comparison of range areas and the identification of resource use, but they cannot identify an activity without additional information. For pelagic seabirds, UD preparation and interpretation require judgement and care.
Keywords Utilisation distribution; kernel; GIS; home range; satellite telemetry; northern royal albatross; Diomedea sanfordi.

Cassey, P.; Blackburn, T.M.; Evans, K.L. 2005. Changes in egg size of exotic passerines introduced to New Zealand. Notornis 52(4): 243-246.

Bird species introduced to New Zealand from high northern latitudes are expected to change their breeding behaviour to conform to well-known geographic gradients in avian reproductive parameters. Here, we demonstrate reductions in average egg size and clutch volume for eight species of exotic passerine originating in the UK, and show that the magnitudes of these reductions appear to trade-off against reductions in annual variation in clutch size. Possible reasons for the trade-off are discussed.
Keywords Ashmole’s hypothesis; clutch volume; egg size; introduced birds; reproductive effort.