Publications Archive

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.

This paper aims to bring together what is known of the silktail (Lamprolia) of Fiji, in order to provide a base line for future study and particularly in order to consider the status of the little-known L. v. kleinschmidti of Vanua Levu. The contribution of previous workers, especially Theodor Kleinschmidt, is examined which, together with recent work, strongly suggests that L. v. kleinschmidti is confined to the Natewa Peninsula of eastern Vanua Levu. What little is known of L. v. kleinschmidti in the field is presented, largely by comparison with the better-known L. v. victoriae of Taveuni. Based largely on field observations by 1973 and 1975 parties of OSNZ members and other available material, particular attention is given to population strength, feeding, display, breeding and voice. Discussion, largely speculative, considers the possible relationship of Lamprolia to the Paradisaeidae, and considers the implications of the distribution of the two forms. L. v. kleinschmidti seems more likely to be the relict population, from which L. v. victoriae has been recently derived.

Four new species, black shag, feral pigeon, shining cuckoo and long-tailed cuckoo, and one new breeding species, chaffinch, were recorded from the Snares in the summer of 1976-77. A total of 57 species (23 breeding species) have now been recorded from the Snares. The origins of the new recorded species are discussed. Several interesting band recoveries are presented.

A diurnal rhythm of the numbers of Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) leaving from the rookery was observed at Cape Bird, Ross Island, Antarctica. No diurnal rhythm in numbers of birds returning to the rookery was observed.

Several puzzling cases of foot-trembling are described in the black-fronted dotterel (Charadrius melanops) in the southern part of the North Island, preceded by an account of its normal habitat and feeding methods during the year. The significance of foot-trembling is discussed in the light of discussion in British Birds. Similar observations on any New Zealand birds are called for.

The disproportionately large kiwi egg and its formation were studied by following the increase in body mass of a hen through an egg cycle. Indirect calorimetry of the hen and bomb calorimetry of a kiwi egg were used with body mass data to estimate the rate of energy expenditure, the peak energy demand during egg production and the extent of fasting at laying time. The energy content of whole fresh egg was 11.55 Kj per g. The yolk, containing 91% of the energy of the kiwi egg, was completed during the first 74 days of the cycle, adding 174 to 203% to her standard metabolic budget.