South Island robins (Petroica australis australis) have frontal spots of white feathers which can be moved independently of other contour plumage to produce sudden visual contrasts. There are differences in the degree to which either the spot or the crown feathers are displayed. Display of the spot is most often interspecific or given by a lone bird, whereas raising the crown feathers usually occurs in intraspecific contexts. Details of each display are described. Crown elevation seems to function as an advertisement of aggressive levels to other robins, and, therefore, its function seems to me more specific than described for other passerines. Display of the spot is seen in response to several threatening or alarming situations, showing some of the characteristics of display of the crown or crest in other passerines. Its function in advertisement of escape or submissive motivation is clear in most intraspecific contexts, but outwardly, display of the spot in interspecific context shows strong aggressive elements. Display of the frontal spot is discussed in relation to function and evolution in other Petroica species.
During the period 25 April to 5 July 1974 observations were made of the numbers and direction of Westland black petrels overflying the coastal road at points between Perpendicular Point (3 km north of Punakaiki) and Barrytown (16 km south of Punakaiki), north Westland, to determine the area used for breeding. Intensive searches of known breeding areas and areas to which birds were seen flying were then made and the distribution and numbers of burrows mapped.
Two pairs of moreporks (Ninox novaeseelandiae) in dense rata-podocarp and open beech forest were radio-tracked between August and October 1973. The home range of both pairs (minimum size 3.5 and 5.3 ha, respectively) included each forest type, and both pairs used several roost trees. During seven years of regular mist-netting 20 different owls passed through the two territories. Some of them, possibly juveniles, were caught only once and others up to 15 times. In each territory one bird was present for more than five years.
The adoption of Whero Island as a breeding station by the dimorphic Stewart Island shag over the last 20 years is described. A review of other known breeding stations of this subspecies suggests that breeding sites are subject to periods of nontenancy. The relatively few records of the Stewart Island shag indicate a distribution restricted to Foveaux Strait, and the Otago coast at Moeraki and near Dunedin. The total population is unlikely to exceed a few thousand birds.
This series attempts to condense observations made over seventeen years in areas being milled west of Taupo from 1944 to 1946 and in the south-west Urewera from 1946 to 1961. Daily counts were made of all birds seen and compiled into monthly charts. Estimates were made of birds heard only and notes kept of locality, weather and temperature, with sundry notes on song, calls, foods, breeding and behaviour. The files of charts are to be deposited in the library of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc., Auckland Institute & Museum. For each species there is given an account of general observations and, where significant, a breakdown of figures from the monthly charts. Part A deals with bellbird and tui.
During 1973, 1701 miles of coast were patrolled by 104 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and 6273 dead seabirds were found. Two wrecks contributed to this record total of birds. During July and August large numbers of blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), and a few other species, came ashore on both sides of Northland. This wreck was apparently caused by starvation. During September and October high numbers of species which normally frequent seas to the south and west of New Zealand were found on the south and west coasts. These birds were probably forced towards New Zealand by bad weather. New records for New Zealand are Antarctic petrel (Thalassoica antarctica) and white-tailed tropic bird (Phaethon lepturus). A new record for beach patrolling is fulmar prion (Pachyptila crassirostris). Third and fourth records of Gould’s petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) were obtained.
An immature cattle egret was observed over a period of three months. The ecosystem in which the bird was placed is discussed with particular reference to the associated cattle, territory occupied and interaction with other herons and with humans. Notes are given on aspects of behaviour including feeding, resting, preening and flight characterists.