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Bird observations in Western Samoa

  • Publication Type

    Journal Article

  • Publication Year

    1976

  • Author(s)

    A. Dhondt

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    23, 1

  • Pagination

    29-43

  • Article Type

    Paper

  • DOI

    https://doi.org/10.63172/226831advppf

Keywords

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Bird observations in Western Samoa

Notornis, 23 (1), 29-43

A. Dhondt (1976)

Article Type: Paper

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From January to July 1973, and again from January until September 1974, the author worked in Western Samoa and bird observations were occasionally made. Ashmole (1963) listed 31 species of breeding land birds. Another species must be added since the mynah (Acridotheres tristis) is now well established in the Apia area. A total of 29 species were observed and, of 13 of these, observations give information on breeding (nests found, nest building behaviour, adult with food or dependent juvenile). Of the Samoan triller (Lalage sharpei) a nest was found for the first time and some information on its ecology is given. Of a few common species, numerous observations show that they probably breed all year round: the banded rail (Rallus philippensis), the white-rumped swiftlet (Collocalia spodiopygia) and the Polynesian triller (Lalage maculosa). Two introduced species have a seasonal breeding season: the red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) and the mynah (Acridotheres tristis). For the other species for which observations on the breeding period were made the information available does not indicate whether breeding is seasonal or not: the Samoan fantail (Rhipidura nebulosa), the scarlet robin (Petroica multicolor), the wattled honeyeater (Foulehaio carunculata), and both starlings (Aplonis tabuensis and A. atrifuscus).