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The mineral content of the faeces of pukeko, Porphyrio p. melanotus

Notornis, 32 (1), 74-79

R.A. Fordham (1985)

Article Type: Paper

In coastal Manawatu pasture, faecal pellets of the pukeko (Porphyrio p. melanotus) vary in weight through the year and on average disintegrate in about 16 days (range 7-29). The seasonal concentrations of 11 minerals in the faeces are discussed briefly in relation to soil type and the topdressing regime. The addition of faecal minerals to the pasture is estimated per hectare through the year and per bird for autumn. The amounts deposited fall with increasing distance from the edge next to swamp and are largest in autumn when the population is highest.

Breeding of greenfinches in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Notornis, 32 (2), 85-93

B.W.H. MacMillan (1985)

Article Type: Paper

Information on the breeding of greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) was collected over three breeding seasons (1979-1981) in Hawke’s Bay from 104 nests, 78 clutches and 31 broods. The laying season lasted from mid-October to early February. The average clutch size was 4.60 eggs (n= 55 clutches). Sixty percent of completed clutches consisted of 5 eggs and 35% of 4 eggs. Twenty-seven percent of 297 eggs in 78 clutches resulted in young that flew. Predators removed 40 % of eggs and 31% of young. Comparisons were made with 191 greenfinch nest record cards collected over 47 years by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and with data from Britain. Clutch sizes and brood sizes of greenfinches in New Zealand were significantly smaller than in Britain.

The birds of Waimea Inlet

Notornis, 32 (4), 271-309

K.L. Owen; M.G. Sell (1985)

Article Type: Paper

Monthly bird counts were made at low tide in 14 tidal zones at Waimea Inlet, Nelson, from August 1976 to July 1978. Other records, extending from 1955 to 1984, are included. Seventy-five species were recorded: 52 estuarine species on the tidal flats and saltmarsh and 23 non-estuarine species on the inlet and its immediate shoreline. For the estuarine species, the frequency of sightings, use of tidal zones, numbers of birds, seasonal changes in numbers, distribution, breeding status, and habits are given. The numbers of birds at the inlet were highest from March to June in 1977 and 1978, owing to a winter increase in numbers of the South Island pied oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus) and red-billed gull (L. novaehollandiae). Of the Northern Hemisphere migratory waders in summer, the most common were the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa Iapponica) and the knot (Calidris canutus). The use of each tidal zone varied considerably month by month, some zones being notable for a high number of species, others for the particular species they attracted, often regularly. The information collected demonstrates the importance of the inlet to a wide variety of bird species.

Comparative biology of the burrowing petrels of the Crozet Islands

Notornis, 32 (3), 157-220

P. Jouventin; J.-L. Mougin; J.-C. Stahl; H. Weimerskirch (1985)

Article Type: Paper

This paper presents, as well as some earlier data, the results of a study of the burrowing petrels of the Crozet Islands (South Indian Ocean) made during the East Island expedition of September 1981 to February 1982. The 16 petrels are discussed and analysed in the following taxonomic groups: 4 gadfly petrels, 5 prions, 2 Procellaria petrels, 3 storm petrels and 2 diving petrels. For each group, biometric data and the breeding biology of each species are given. The timing of events (first return to land, laying, hatching, fledging), nest reoccupation, incubation schedule, chick growth and chick-feeding pattern were the main study topics. Abundance cycles during pairing, temporary egg desertions, nest selection, comparison with other localities and particularly ecological segregation of the petrels are discussed.

Henderson Island

Notornis, 32 (1), 83

W.R.P. Bourne; A.C.F. David (1985)

Article Type: Letter

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