Publications Archive

The banded dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus) is a short-distance migrant, breeding in New Zealand and wintering in some numbers in Australia. This study was done to check the hypothesis that the flight feathers are renewed before autumn migration and to determine the timing of the body moult. It is concluded that the flight feathers are renewed on or near the breeding grounds coinciding with the pre-basic body moult which is complete. The pre-alternate moult occurs on the wintering grounds and is incomplete, involving the body feathers only. A comparative table is given showing sequence of plumages.

The spur-winged plover (Lobibyx novaehollandiae) is an Australian species, self-introduced to New Zealand in 1932 and now established as a breeding species in Southland and parts of Otago. Its establishment and present distribution are outlined. The method of spread in five different localities is demonstrated. Local movement is described.

A survey of the land birds in three areas of the Fiji group, viz. the Nausori Highlands of Viti Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu Islands, was made in August/September 1970 by members of the society. All existing species and subspecies previously recorded from these areas, with the exception of a few ground-dwelling species, were observed and their present status assessed. Notes are made on the several species which have been exterminated or seriously depleted since the introduction of predators; but none of the existing avifauna appears to be endangered at the present time. One species new to Fiji is recorded; a megapode whose existence is only suspected from early native lore was probably sighted; and a probable new subspecies observed. Sea-birds and migratory waders are listed.

The crested grebe is one of New Zealand’s rarer breeding birds; it is now confined to the South Island. In Canterbury about 50 pairs were by 1969-70 present as regular breeding birds on 23 lakes; the nesting birds are largely clustered in five groups of lakes: the Lake Sumner group with four pairs; the Lake Pearson group with seven pairs; the Lake Coleridge group with 13 pairs; the Lake Heron group with 12 pairs; and the Lake Alexandrina group with 14 pairs. There has been a decrease of 35–40 per cent from some 80 plus pairs nesting on Canterbury lakes 20–30 years ago. Most of the breeding pairs are found in lakes above 2,000 feet altitude (up to over 2,600 feet), and with two or three exceptions (small lakes at high altitudes) these lakes do not freeze over in winter and the grebes are resident all year round.