Publications Archive

Observations made during visits to Rarotonga in July and August 1976 are detailed, with particular reference to land birds and petrels, a group not previously recorded. The outstanding feature of the land bird ecology is the apparent total restriction of the native species except long-tailed cuckoo to the central primitive forests and adjacent second growth. The native land bird fauna consists of only five species: long-tailed cuckoo, Pacific pigeon, Rarotonga fruit dove, Rarotonga flycatcher and the Rarotonga starling, of which the last three are endemic. The flycatcher and the starling are now very rare. The settled parts of Rarotonga contain virtually a single species, the introduced myna. Although its presence suggests a restriction on the spread of native birds into settled areas, similar conditions elsewhere might indicate that other factors may well have been responsible for such a habitat restriction. Early information on land birds and their status dating from Gill’s missionary times of the 1840s–1860s is noted. Observations of sea birds, especially the Herald petrel, a probable breeding species, are given.

A census of kingfishers was taken between the Waikato district and the Canterbury plains and linear density calculated by a new method. Kingfisher density declined progressively to the south, where birds were especially concentrated at lower elevations. They preferred open pasture habitat created by man. Contrary to established notions, the kingfisher may be at least partially migratory in New Zealand.

Several agonistic displays of Nestor notabilis (a parrot species endemic to New Zealand) are described.

Observations on Sterna vittata and S. virgata breeding and foraging at Marion Island are reported. The breeding season of S. vittata corresponds with the period of least strong wind. The breeding periodicity of S. virgata is apparently less affected by seasonal wind variation, since the bird obtains much of its prey on land.