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Breeding ecology and conservation of the black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni)

Notornis, 34 (1), 19-39

M.J. Imber (1987)

Article Type: Paper

The breeding of the black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) on Little Barrier Island was studied during 1971-75 in 22 study burrows and then reviewed at about 2-yearly intervals. Predation by feral cats affected the population most, causing the number of breeding and non-breeding birds associated with study burrows to decline from 39 in 1971-72 to 14 in 1976-77. Cats were eliminated between 1977 and 1980. By 1982-83 further attrition due to poor recruitment had stopped. The breeding season of the black petrel is from October to July. Eggs are laid from about 10 November to about 20 January but mainly in early December. Pre-laying activities are brief, but other phases of the breeding cycle are not. Incubation shifts and the nestling period may be long because of limitations of the food supply. The major breeding place is Great Barrier Island. Surveys there during chick-rearing in 1977 and 1978 revealed very little predation and relatively high breeding success. The cause of this is discussed.

Observations of breeding behaviour of spotless crake (Porzana tabuensis) and marsh crake (P. pusilla) at Pukepuke Lagoon

Notornis, 34 (3), 193-205

G. Kaufmann; R. Lavers (1987)

Article Type: Paper

Spotless crakes (Porzana tabuensis) and marsh crakes (Porzana pusilla) were studied by R. Lavers, April 1971-July 1972, and by G. Kaufmann, September-December 1982, at Pukepuke Lagoon, Manawatu. Eleven spotless crake nests were found. Eggs were laid between 30 August and 19 December. Earlier nests usually contained 3 eggs; later nests contained 4-5 eggs, and the eggs were larger. Copulation and major calls are described. One male incubated 40%, the female 60%, of the 35 hours observed. Eggs of 4 nests were eaten by predators. Two marsh crake nests were found, containing 4 and 6 eggs. Both nests were unsuccessful. Analysis of museum skins highlighted similarities in bill size and structure, suggesting that interspecific competition occurs.

The social structure of the weka (Gallirallus australis) at Double Cove, Marlborough Sounds

Notornis, 34 (4), 317-325

A.J. Beauchamp (1987)

Article Type: Paper

The study group comprised territorial pairs and non-territorial adults and sub-adults of weka (Gallirallus australis). Pairs were maintained all the year and occupied minimum areas of between 2.6 ha and 15.8 ha. Most non-territorials were younger than 18 months. All wekas that obtained territorial positions in the study period were under 2 years old. Most pairs bred successfully at least once per year and one bred successfully three times in the same year, raising nine young. Recruitment exceeded losses in the territorial group. In the 1985 season, 37.5% of the territorial birds were lost through death or displacement.

The foods of nesting and adult starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) poisoned by Lindane

Notornis, 34 (2), 89-94

Szlivka L. (1987)

Article Type: Paper

An accidental bird poisoning in May 1971 in the Obornjaca region, Yugoslavia, exterminated a starling colony. The food in 186 chick and 56 adult stomachs was analysed: more than 95% of the insects eaten were Orthoptera and Coleoptera, including many species harmful to agriculture. Differences in diet between the chicks and their parents may be explained by time of day or by the location in which adult birds foraged.

South Polar skua breeding colonies in the Ross Sea region, Antarctica

Notornis, 33 (3), 155-163

D.G. Ainley; S.H. Morrell; R.C. Wood (1986)

Article Type: Paper

Using ground and aerial surveys between 1980 and 1983, we increased the number of known breeding sites of the South Polar skua in the Ross Sea region from 21 to 55. Some 20 more sites may occur along parts of the coast which we did not survey, especially between Cape Adare and Cape Jones. We estimate that the Ross Sea region has about 15000 skuas. Up to 20% of breeders do not nest in association with penguins. Since the late 1950s, several colonies have increased, while others have decreased. Some colony changes have apparently been due to human activity. Information on banded birds indicates a low rate of exchange between colonies; some movement may be related to more food being available at refuse dumps at scientific bases.
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