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Population density and detectability of 3 species of Fijian forest birds

Notornis, 54 (2), 99-111

D. Jackson; R. Jit (2008)

Article Type: Paper

Three endemic forest bird species, masked shining parrot Prosopeia personata, giant forest honeyeater Gymnomyza viridis, and golden dove Chrysoenas luteovirens were surveyed using distance sampling from forest tracks at 4 sites on Viti Levu, Fiji. Repeat surveys were made at 1 site to better understand the factors affecting detectability. Seasonal changes in detectability reflected the number of calling birds and were almost certainly linked to breeding. The highest mean densities (41 masked shining parrot km-2 (birds), 33 giant forest honeyeater km-2 (calling birds) and 14 golden dove km-2 (calling males) were found in low- to mid-altitude old-growth forest. Densities in degraded re-growth forest and mahogany plantations were about 30% and 50% lower, respectively. Densities in upland forest were very low for masked shining parrot (2.5 km-2), but moderate for giant forest honeyeater (21 km-2)and golden dove (8 km-2). Provisional population estimates of 50,000 pairs of masked shining parrot, 70,000 pairs of GFH and 60,000 pairs of golden dove were made though attention is drawn to the limitations and uncertainties of these estimates. In common with many Pacific Islands, the endemic avifauna of Fiji is threatened by forest loss and degradation and a lack of protected areas. This study could assist in the design of effective protective areas as well as being a baseline for future surveys.

Direct observations of shining cuckoos (Chrysococcyx lucidus) parasitising and depredating grey warbler (Gerygone igata) nests

Notornis, 54 (1), 15-19

J.V. Briskie (2007)

Article Type: Paper

The grey warbler (Gerygone igata) is the main host of the shining cuckoo (Chrysoccocyx lucidus) in New Zealand. I describe 4 observations of egg-laying by shining cuckoos in the nests of grey warblers, and 2 observations of adult cuckoos evicting, or attempting to evict, nestling warblers from non-parasitised nests. Nest were parasitised from 0658 to 1731 h NZDT, and the cuckoos took 5–18 s to lay their egg. In 3 nests in which it could be determined, the cuckoo left the nest with an egg in its bill. Warblers were present at 2 nests during parasitism and responded by attacking the cuckoo. Cuckoos evicted nestlings by pulling them out through the nest entrance and throwing them on the ground. Head- wounds on evicted chicks suggest they were pecked. Nestling eviction by adult shining cuckoos has not been previously reported and it may be a strategy to increase nest availability by inducing hosts to relay.

Wader (Charadriiformes) and royal spoonbill (Platalea regia) use of roosts in Whangarei Harbour and at Ruakaka Estuary, Northland, 1973-2000

Notornis, 54 (1), 1-9

A.J. Beauchamp; G.R. Parrish (2007)

Article Type: Paper

Roost sites in Whangarei Harbour and Ruakaka Estuary were used regularly by 12 wader species and 6 other species were present occasionally between 1974 and 2000. Counts at 7 roost sites in Nov, Jun/Jul, and Mar showed that 4 species, eastern bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), lesser knot (Calidris canutus), pied stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus), and South Island pied oystercatcher (Himantopus ostralegus finschi) contributed 70–99% (median 94%) of the waders. Most of the common waders used several roosts at each tide, but numbers and species richness of resident and vagrant species were greatest along the southern margin of the harbour. Changes in roost structure and proximity to feeding areas, and differences in migration patterns affected counts at individual roosts and the overall totals of wading birds counted in the harbour and its environs.

Satellite tracking a New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)

Notornis, 54 (1), 20-27

J.D. Holland; R.R. McCutcheon (2007)

Article Type: Paper

We report the 1st use of a satellite transmitter to track the endemic New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae). The movements of an adult female bush falcon in Kaingaroa Forest east of Lake Taupo, central North Island were monitored during a 3-year period from Feb 2002. The geolocations of the falcon were mapped and revealed that the falcon remained close to her nesting territory throughout the study. The home range included an area of c. 200 km2. The falcon nested in pine compartments (0–3 years old) for 3 consecutive years; her nests averaged 5 km apart. After nightfall the falcon was located within the 95% isopleth of her home range, highlighting her sedentary nature. During the breeding season the falcon appeared to wander outside of her home range, with the furthest recorded distance from its centre being 137 km. Throughout the 3 years, observations suggest the falcon preferred to stay close to open areas, which may be related to the frequency of hunting opportunities.

Weka and petrels

Notornis, 54 (1), 56-56

D.J. Hawke (2007)

Article Type: Short Note

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