Publications Archive

Results are given of a census made in August 1977 of cattle egret and other egrets, spoonbills and ibises in New Zealand. Approximately 300 cattle egrets were present. The year’s records are given for each region, together with observations on plumage and habits. Features of cattle egret distribution and plumage changes are discussed.

Descriptions, distribution, banding data and details of nesting seabirds are given for various islands within the Fiji group visited during 1974, 1975 and 1976. These include Vatu-i-Ra, Vatu Lami, Yabu Is., Mabulau, Nuku-i-Cikobia, Sovu, Cikobia-i-Lau, Qilaqila, Lakeba, Nanuku Levu, Nanuku Lailai and Nasautabu. Species found nesting were red-footed, masked and brown boobies, lesser frigate bird, white-tailed tropic bird, reef heron, black-naped, sooty, bridled and crested terns, common and white-capped noddies.

The present and past naturalized distribution of the red-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, in the Pacific is described. The species was first recorded in Fiji at the turn of the century and probably arrived with indentured Indian labour. Its restricted distribution in the Fiji lslands coincides with that of several weed species which constitute its main food supply and probably limit its spread.

By Ian Saem Majnep and Ralph Bulmer. Illustrations by Christopher Healey; published by Auckland University Press & Oxford University Press, 219 pp., 1977

Data on the distribution of the New Zealand falcon were collected from all likely sources and from field studies in five areas. The known status of the falcon is given and is summarised in two distribution maps. The entire population is estimated using known densities in study areas. About 3100–3200 pairs of “eastern falcons,” 450–850 pairs of “bush falcons” and 140–280 pairs of “southern falcons ” (total about 3700–4350 pairs) may exist. Probably 3000–4500 pairs is a realistic estimate of the falcon population; 2000 pairs at the least.