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Territorial spacing of the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)

Notornis, 25 (3), 203-212

N.C. Fox (1978)

Article Type: Paper

142 nesting sites in five study areas totalling 7 800 km2 around Marlborough, Kaikoura, North Canterbury, Cass and Fox Glacier were used to measure local densities of New Zealand falcons. Adult falcons are considered to be sedentary. The spacing of nesting territories in each study area is illustrated. Territories in Marlborough and North Canterbury averaged 3.80 and 3.95 km apart. Six territories near Fox Glacier averaged 13.7 km apart but some pairs had probably been overlooked. Falcon pairs in open country probably had home ranges of about 15.0 km2, and those in forest areas ranges of less than 189.0 km2.


Field study course, Bay of Plenty, January 1978

Notornis, 25 (4), 279-290

A.T. Edgar (1978)

Article Type: Paper

Activities during the Bay of Plenty study course of 8–15 January 1978 are described. 94 species seen during the course are listed, with notes on 27 other species not recorded during the course, but known to have occurred along this coastline in recent years.


Seabirds found dead in New Zealand in 1976

Notornis, 25 (2), 141-148

C.R. Veitch (1978)

Article Type: Paper

During 1976, 2,826 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 151 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. 5,990 dead seabirds were found. There were no major wrecks. A number of minor wrecks involving blue penguins (Eudyptula minor), white-headed petrels (Pterodroma lessoni), sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and fairy prions (Pachyptila turtur) are recorded. White-faced storm petrels (Pelagodroma marina) were found in higher numbers than ever before particularly on Canterbury South beaches. Patrols of Mason’s Bay, Stewart Island, were the major factor contributing to the highest ever total of mottled petrels (Pterodroma inexpectata). The grey ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) found is a second record and the black-fronted tern (Chlidonias hybrida) a new record for beach patrolling. The Christmas Island shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) found is a new record for the New Zealand region.








Distribution of the North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni)

Notornis, 25 (3), 165-185

R.B. Lavers (1978)

Article Type: Paper

The past and present distribution of the North Island kokako is determined from reported observations for four periods: pre-1900; 1900–1939; 1940–1959; and 1960–1970. Changes in distribution are described for nine geographical districts. Since the late 19th century distribution has contracted in areas to the north and south of the central Volcanic Plateau. This is attributed mainly to the removal of suitable forest habitat. The kokako is a weak flier and, with continued deforestation, populations are further isolated from one another and the survival of the species is threatened.









Golfing gulls

Notornis, 25 (4), 352-352

W.M. Jukes (1978)

Article Type: Short Note