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Birds of Africa

Notornis, 28 (2), 144

J. Fennell (1981)

Article Type: Book Review

The New Caledonian petrel

Notornis, 28 (3), 149-160

M.J. Imber; J.A.F. Jenkins (1981)

Article Type: Paper

When Pterodroma leucoptera was first recorded from New Zealand in 1942, the 10 beach-cast specimens were recognised as being distinct from Gould’s petrel (P. I. leucoptera), mainly because of their larger average dimensions. Their origin was unknown. Since then 10 more have been reported. Between 1971 and 1979, during studies of petrels in New Caledonia, R. de Naurois discovered populations of a form of Gould’s petrel breeding in the mountains and gave them the name P. I. caledonica, with a brief description. A New Caledonian specimen is identical with extant New Zealand specimens. Distinguishing features of the two subspecies are discussed: definite separation probably can be made in the hand only. Recent sightings of this species in the Tasman Sea are reported. Previous reports attributable to New Caledonian petrels are assembled: these show it to be an east-west migrant like several other petrels of this region. Gould’s petrel should be replaced by New Caledonian petrel in the New Zealand checklist.

The effect of attendance by three adults upon nest contents and chick growth in the southern great skua

Notornis, 27 (1), 79-85

A.J. Williams (1980)

Article Type: Paper

A small proportion of southern great skua (Stercorarius skua lonnbergi) nests at Marion Island (46° 54′ S, 37° 45′ E) are attended by three adults – a trio. The contents of the trio-attended nests and the growth of the three trio-attended chicks were studied in comparison with the contents of 16 nests and the growth of 23 chicks, attended by two adults. Eggs at two of the trio nests were laid exceptionally late in the season. No other difference in nest contents was found. Trio-attended chicks grew faster and probably attained independence with more substantial body reserves than chicks attended by two adults.

Breeding and development of the New Zealand fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa

Notornis, 27 (2), 105-113

I.G. McLean; P.F. Jenkin (1980)

Article Type: Paper

Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) breeding was studied on Cuvier Island during the summers of 1972 and 1973. Data are presented on nest sites, nest building, and breeding success on the island. A summary of the information available in the Ornithological Society of New Zealand nest record cards for fantails suggests that clutch size increases through the season but that numbers of fledglings do not.

The morphology, moult and taxonomic status of the black-fronted tern

Notornis, 27 (1), 45-67

C. Lalas; B.D. Heather (1980)

Article Type: Paper

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.
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