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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.