Notornis, 23 (4), 310-319
Article Type: Paper
The status of 18 species of birds on Great Barrier Island is examined following a field survey in March 1975 and a review of published and unpublished records. Little black shag (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris), paradise duck (Tadorna variegata) and welcome swallow (Hirundo tahitica) appear new to the island, whereas white-faced heron (Ardea novaehollandiae), pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio) and Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) have increased over the last 10-15 years. The brown teal (Anas aucklandica) apparently remains widely distributed in suitable habitats, but the distribution and status of kokako (Callaeas cinerea) is uncertain. The island supports other rare fauna and more thorough biological surveys are required.