The plumage stages and moult of the Black-fronted Tern (Sterna albostriata) of New Zealand are described, largely from field observations, and measurements are given. The Black-fronted Tern is compared with the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) with the conclusion that they are not closely related. The characters of S. albostriata are those of Sterna rather than Chlidonias. The possibility of relationship with the Antarctic Tern (S. vittata) and the Kerguelen Tern (S. virgata) is revived and discussed.
To The Editor (Notornis), 28 April 1980
During 1978, 4,350 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 195 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. 15,605 dead seabirds were found. There was a major wreck of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) in November and December. In late August and September there was a wreck of Antarctic fulmars (Fulmarus glacialoides) and Antarctic petrels (Thalassoica antarctica). Localised wrecks caused high annual totals of Fairy prions (Pachyptila turtur), Fleshfooted shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes), Buller’s shearwaters (P. bulleri), Fluttering shearwaters (P. gavia) and Diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix). This is the third year that specimens of Soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis) and Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) have been found; the second year for Black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) and Little Tern (Sterna albifrons). A new record on the New Zealand mainland for Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes crestatus = chrysocome) and Leach’s Fork-tailed storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) is a new record for beach patrolling.
Published as compact discs (CD) and as tape cassettes
From December 1973 to March 1975, the food of feral cats (Felis catus) was studied at Macquarie Island; during the 1974-75 and 1975-76 summers, the food of Great Skuas (Stercorarius skua lonnbergi) was also partly studied. Data were obtained on the numbers, species and locations of remains of burrow-nesting petrels left by these two predators. Seven species of burrow-nesting petrels were identified from the remains found. These results when considered with previous records of burrownesting petrels at Macquarie Island indicate their status, relative abundance and distribution.