Publications Archive

The distribution and abundance of the sea bird species seen during a cruise between New Zealand and the Bounty Islands in December 1970 are described. The field characters of white-capped mollymawk and Salvin’s mollymawk are discussed. Cape pigeons and Salvin’s mollymawks were very abundant around their breeding site on the Bounty Islands, but were scarce elsewhere white-capped mollymawks were numerous on the Pukaki Rise. White-chinned petrels were common towards the southern end of the study area (lat. 50° S). The white feathering at the base of the mandible could not be seen in these birds in the field. The Subtropical Convergence, which occurred about lat. 44° S, was a definite southern boundary of the distribution of Buller’s shearwater and the flesh-footed shearwater.

Observations on seabirds in Tongan waters during 18 voyages over a two year period are detailed. Of particular interest are records of the giant petrel, black-winged petrel, Herald petrel, and Audubon’s shearwater and illustrations are given of specimens of the two latter species.

A survey of the Wairarapa river system to discover the population and distribution of the black-fronted dotterel (Charadrius melanops) was carried out by Wellington and Wairarapa members of the OSNZ during November-December 1972. Further observations up to July 1973 are included. A total of 78 birds, mainly in pairs, was found. Their distribution is widespread, reflecting closely the distribution of their favoured habitat in the Wairarapa. Winter distribution is very similar, with many birds remaining in pairs but with some flocking in favoured feeding places. Their habitat, breeding and possible competition with banded dotterels (C. bicinctus) are briefly discussed in the hope of encouraging further study. Juvenile plumage is described. Known records of earlier sightings are given.

The first record of a gentoo penguin, a female found on St Kilda Beach, Otago, on 22 September 1970, is documented.

Kiwis fall into two distinct groups, striated (including the North Island, the South Island and the Stewart Island kiwis) and spotted (including the little spotted and the great spotted kiwis). Variation, both geographically and longitudinally, is evident. One major character, the tongue with its closely associated sensory tracts, is described and contrasted in three species of kiwi, the North Island kiwi (Apteryx australis mantelli), the great spotted kiwi (A. haasti) and the little spotted kiwi (A. oweni). It is concluded that the shape of the tongue has an important bearing on the type of food eaten and the terrain occupied by each of the species. The differences in the anatomy of the tongues indicate that the spotted kiwis are distinct from the striated kiwis and a different origin or a divergence of development resulting from early separation in the type of habitat occupied is suggested. The marked difference in the kind of plumage supports this hypothesis according to the contrasting habitats now occupied by the two groups of kiwis.