Publications Archive

Egg-and-chick survival frequency in the yellow-eyed penguin was followed for nineteen nests in three breeding areas on the Otago Peninsula. Observations were made through the tenth post-hatching week for each nest. Survival rate was substantially worse than that reported by Richdale in 1957. There were also differences in survival rate among the three breeding areas within the sample. It is suggested that human and farm-animal activity is responsible for the relatively poor survival rates.

The distribution and behaviour of the seabirds observed from New Zealand to the Ross Sea are described. Information was obtained in December 1970 from an eight day traverse of the USCGC Staten Island which covered 39 degrees of latitude. Seabird distributions appeared to be governed by such hydrological features as the Antarctic Convergence and the 0°C sea surface isotherm (northern pack-ice edge). Analysis of published data indicate a progressive breakdown in the zonal distribution of seabirds from early to late summer. Summer warming leads to both the increased southward penetration of some subantarctic species, and the increased northward spread of some Antarctic species.

The technique of using recorded calls in order to induce territorial blue duck to show themselves is described. Its value as a census tool is discussed. On the last night of experimenting the blue duck mated, possibly caused by the stimulus of ‘rival pair’ sounds.