49 AUSTRALI AN FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 2004, 21 , 49--U6 The Avifauna of Northern : Notes on a Wet-season Visit

ROHAN H. CLARKE Zoology Department, LaTrobe University, Victoria 3086 (Email: [email protected])

Summary A survey of the present on each of the northern of Boigu, Saibai and Dauan was conducted in January and February 2002. This is the first systematic survey of the region to be undertaken during the wet season. Despite a number of d1y-season visits by bird-watchers in the past, my surveys revealed 20-24 species on each island that had not previously been reported. Several species and subspecies that occur nowhere else in Australian territories were also detected during these surveys. Estimates of the number of individuals recorded on each island, as well as a full species list that incorporates records from this study and previous published and unpublished material, are provided. Given the short duration of the survey period, and the wealth of new information that was gathered, it is clear that much remains to be learnt about the region's avifauna.

Introduction Situated between 6 and 14 km offthe southern coast of New Guinea, the islands ofBoigu, Saibai and Dauan collectively form the north-western Torres Strait Island group*. Despite their close proximity to New Guinea, these islands are Australian territory. (population 380) is the largest of the group at 9625 ha. Situated 40 km west-north-west of Saibai Island is the slightly smaller Boigu Island (population 340) covering some 7150 ha. As both islands were fo rmed by the deposit of alluvial soil from the rivers of (for an overview see Jennings 1972), they are low-lying and have similar structural features. A coastal strip of mangroves is backed by a thin patchy strip of dry vine scrub, but the centre of each island is predominantly open grassy Pandanus and Melaleuca plains (more widespread on Saibai) and extensive brackish swamps that support freshwater mangroves (more widespread on Boigu). The centre of each island is accessible via dirt tracks in the dry season but following wet-season rains much of each island becomes flooded and impassable. On the northern coast of each island a modern township, associated airstrip, covered water supply, cemetery and refuse dump occupy a small area of the available land. In contrast, (population 165), situated c. 4 km west of Saibai Island, is significantly smaller (325 ha), rocky and mountainous. Indeed, at 297 m above sea level, the Devil's Marbles is the second-highest peak in Torres Strait. Despite its small size, a variety of habitats occurs on Dauan Island including a large stand of mangroves and a narrow coastal strip of dry vine scrub. The lower slopes of the island are dominated by tall grassland with emergent Pandanus, while boulder fi elds, with a patchy cover of vine scrub, dominate the upper slopes. On the south-facing slopes of the island small pockets of denser vine forest also occur. The modern township has developed along a narrow coastal strip backed by steep hills on the north-eastern side of the island.

*Permission to visit the northern Torres Strait Island group must be obtained in advance from the chairperson of each island council. Bird-watchers intending to visit these islands should also be aware that at present there is no infrastructure for tourists, Estuarine Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus occur in all wate1ways, mosquitoes are prevalent at certain times of the year and mosquito­ borne malaria and Japanese encephalitis, although infrequent, have both been reported. AUSTRALIAN so CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Although many of the bird species that occur in the northern Torres Strait group have a wider distribution in nearby Papua New Guinea, this remains the only place in an Australian territory where several avian taxa occur (e.g. Singing *, New Guinea Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus polychloros) (Draffan et a!. 1983, Carteret a!. 1997, Garnett & Crowley 2000). The presence of these birds, and the potential for visitors to locate species not previously recorded in Australia, make the area an increasingly popular destination for bird-watchers (e.g. Roberts 1996; Carteret a!. 1~97 ; Lansley 1997a,b; Carter 1999) . Despite the increasing number of visitors, published information on the avifauna of the region remains scant. Indeed, at present almost every bird-watching visitor is making new discoveries and regularly recording species previously thought to be vagrants (pers. obs.). Given that the avifauna! assemblage of this island group is unique in an Australian context, local, regional and federal agencies have both an obligation and responsibility to protect and conserve the fauna that occurs here. In recognition of this, Garnett & Crowley (2000) prepared a coordinated conservation plan for the birds of the northern Torres Strait islands. This plan highlighted the potential for visiting bird-watchers, in cooperation with local communities, to monitor the bird populations and their habitat. With this in mind, during January-February 2002, I visited all three islands to survey the birds. Although the islands have received increasing attention from bird-watchers, this appears to be the first attempt to thoroughly document the avifauna of the islands during a wet-season visit.

Conditions and activity

Boigu Island I was present on Boigu Island for the period 18- 26 January 2002. Weather was mostly fine and hot throughout my stay, with rain falling on two nights. Following heavy rainfalls in December 2001, freshwater swamps extended across much of the island south of the airstrip. Activity on the island included a daily traverse of the township, grass airstrip, grassy marshland to the south­ east of the airstrip and refuse dump, which provided an access point to mangroves and vine scrub. On three occasions I waded through the freshwater swamps towards the middle of the island for a distance of c. 2 km and entered the mangrove forest beyond the refuse dump for a distance of at least 100 m. On 23 January I was taken by boat via the island channel to the southern shore of Boigu Island where we landed at two locations to inspect narrow strips of vine scrub. On the same day I also visited a narrow strip of vine scrub and coconut palms near the northern entrance to the island channel and traversed a grassy marshland c. 2 km east of the township. On 24 January I searched for nocturnal species with the aid of a spotlight along the airstrip to a point just beyond the refuse dump. Seventy-two hours were spent searching for birds during my stay.

Saibai Island I was present on Saibai Island for the periods 26-31 January and 4-8 February 2002. Weather was mostly fine and hot throughout my stay, with heavy rain falling on just one night. As was the case on Boigu Island, following heavy rain in December 2001, freshwater swamps extended across much of the island. However, access was less restricted and I was able to walk to the centre of the island on several occasions. Activity on the island included a daily traverse of the township, and a visit to the mangroves and narrow strip of vine scrub beyond both the refuse dump to the east and cemetery to the west. Other areas visited less frequently included the grassy marshland inland of the radio mast, both the old and new town water supply, marshland and gardens inland and to the south-east of the airstrip, a strip of vine scrub c. 2 km south­ south-east of the airstrip and several large lagoons towards the centre of the island. l did not search for nocturnal species because of the presence of large numbers of mosquitoes. Sixty­ eight hours were spent searching for birds during the visit.

*As all scientific names are presented in Table 1, except where subspecific identification is of interest, only E ngli sh names are provided in the text. VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 51

Wet-season clouds building over the Pandanus plain on Saibai Island, February 2002 Plate 7 Photo: Rohan Clarke

Dauan Island I was present on Dauan Island for the period 31 January to 4 February 2002. Conditions were mostly overcast but hot throughout, with rain falling on two nights and two days. A strong wind blew from the north-west on2- 3 Februaty. Daily activity included a traverse of the township, refuse dump and grassy peninsula on the north-east of the island. On 2 February I also traversed the island's upper slopes on the north-east side overlooking the grassy peninsula. On 3 February I walked around the entire island, spending several hours in dense vi ne forest on the south­ facing slopes of the island. Thirty-four hours were spent searching for birds during my stay.

Results and discussion An annotated list of species detected during the course of this fieldwork is presented in Appendix 1. It provides a measure of abundance for all species observed and other notes. A complete list of species recorded on all three islands, compiled using both published and unpublished sources, is also provided (Table 1). A total of98 species was recorded on Boigu Island including 24 species not previously reported. The total number of species reported from Boigu Island now stands at 131. On Saibai Island a total of 93 species was identified including 18 species not previously reported, bringing the total number of species recorded on this island to 133. A total of 41 species was recorded on Dauan Island, half of which (21 species) had not previously been reported. The total number of species reported from Dauan Island stands at 62. For the three islands combined, 121 species were recorded on this visit, including 24 species not previously recorded from the group. The total number of species reported from the group now stands at 167. The timing of this trip highlighted just how little is known about the seasonal AUSTRALIAN 52 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

movements of birds in northern Torres Strait. Previously, Little Terns were considered an uncommon visitor to Torres Strait (Draffan et al. 1983). However, with daily sightings on all three islands and flocks of up to 151 individuals being recorded, Torres Strait may prove to be an important site for this species in the austral summer. Similarly, for a number of species previously considered passage migrants through the region (Black-faced Monarch, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Common Koel and D ollarbird) (Draffanetal. 1983) a proportion of the population clearly over-summers· on the northern Torres Strait Islands. The surprising absence of several species further highlighted how much we have yet to learn about the region's avifauna. Why were there no Mangrove Golden Whistler, Spangled Drongo and Red-headed sightings from Dauan during a wet-season visit when previous observers (e.g. Carter 1999) have reported these species to be common in the dry season? Similarly, why were there no sightings of Pale White­ eye, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike or M agpie-lark on any islands when these species have frequently been reported in the dry season (Draffan et al. 1983), and are traditionally considered relatively site-faithful residents (Biakers et al. 1983)? Several species previously considered very rare in Australia were recorded frequently on some islands. As a result of this fieldwork, Spotted Whistling-Duck and Collared Imperial-Pigeon should perhaps join the Singing Starling in being recognised as regular visitors or even, as is likely with the Singing Starling, breeding residents on the islands. Sightings of Gurney's Eagle and Red-capped (Papuan) Flowerpecker represent only the second Australian record for each species. Garnett & Crowley (2000) identified the northern Torres Strait Islands as an area that supports a high concentration of near-threatened taxa that are likely to benefit from similar conservation management actions (see Table 1 for a list). As Australian populations of these taxa occupy a very small area ( < 100 km2), they would norma lly be classified as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List Criteria, Vulnerable: D2). However, given that all taxa have a global status of Least Concern and genetic interchange with populations in New Guinea is like ly to be substantial, the Australian status of each taxon has been downgraded to Near Threatened in accordance with IUCN Red List G uidelines [Near Threatened: e (genetic interchange beyond borders)] (Garnett & Crowley 2000, IUCN 2001). Following the results of this visit, provisional additions to the Jist of taxa considered Near Threatened are Collared Imperial-Pigeon, Red-capped Flowerpecker and the relevant subspecies of Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt dupenyii, Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus caeruliceps, Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi aruensis, Barking Owl Ninox connivens assimilis and Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster pallida. All are recommended for recognition as Near T hreatened on the grounds that they are likely to be regular visitors or resident in the northern Torres Strait Island group. Clearly, much remains to be learnt about the region's avifauna. In particular, further work is required to clarify the taxonomic identity of many of the birds occurring on the islands, as highlighted in the annotated Jist. Contributions from residents, including students at local schools, visiting naturalists, bird-watchers and scientists, should be encouraged.

Acknowledgements T his study would not have been possible without the valuable support of a number of people. In particular I thank Chairpersons Terry Waia, Edward Dau and Margaret Mau and the Island Councils for permission to visit. I also thank the chairpersons, council members and staff and Mike Carter for helpful discussions concerning access, logistics and accommodation. T he school principals on Boigu and Dauan provided accommodation, as did the Island Council on Saibai. I thank Klaus Uhlenhut, Lloyd Neilsen and Peter Slater for providing me with copies of unpublished trip lists. Mike Clarke, Kate Spli ttgerber, Tony Palliser and Richard Loyn made helpful comments VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 53

Table 1 Species lists for each island in the northern Torres Strait island group as at February 2002. Lists were developed from published material and personal communications (Draffan et al. 1983; O'Brien 1995; Roberts 1996; Carteret al. 1997; Lansley 1997a,b; Carter 1999; K. Uhlenhut and L. Neilsen pers. comm.). * = listed for the island but not recorded during this study, • = recorded during this study and previously reported from the island, e = recorded during this study but not previously reported from the island. B denotes that the species has been detected breeding (nest building, active nest or dependent young considet·ed incapable of crossing from PNG). Note that this breeding list is incomplete as not all references specifically document observations of breeding (e.g. Draffan et al. 1983). Species Boigu Is. Saibai Is.Dauan Is. Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt •B • B Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalrnata Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Spotted Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna guttata • • Radjah Shelduck Tadoma radjah • Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus • • Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa •B •B• Grey Teal Anas gracilis Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae • • Darter Anhinga melanogaster • Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax m elanoleucos • • Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris • • Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo • Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus • • * Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel • White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae • • Little Egret Egretta gmzetta • • • Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra • • White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica • • • Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Pied Heron Ardea picata • CB•? ) • (B?) Great Egret Ardea alba • Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia • • • Cattle Egret Ardea ibis • • Striated Heron Butorides striatus • Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus • • • Black Bittern Ixob1ychus flavicollis • • • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus • • Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca • • Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia • • Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus • Osprey Pandion haliaetus • • Black Kite Milvus migrans • Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus • • • Brahm iny Kite Haliastur indus • • • White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster • • Swamp Harrier Circus approximans * . ? AUSTRALIAN 54 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Table 1 continued Species Boigu Is. Saibai Is.Dauan Is. Brown Goshawk1 Accipiter fasciatus • Grey-headed Goshawk2 Accipiter poliocephalus Gurney's Eagle Aquila gurneyi Australian Hobby Falco longipennis • Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides • Brolga Crus rubicunda Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis • White-browed Crake Po17ana cinerea • Purple Swamphen Porphyria p01phyrio • • Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Red-backed Button-quail Turnix maculosa Red-chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax * Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii • Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago mega/a • • Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa • Whim brei Numenius phaeopus • • • Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis • • Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis • • Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia • Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola * • • Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos • Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes • • • Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus • • • Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria inte1pres • Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata • • • Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea • • Black-wi nged Stil t Himantopus himantopus • Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva • Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola • Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongo/us • • Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii • • • Red-kneed Dotterel E1ythrogonys cinctus • • • Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella • • • Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae • • Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica • • Caspian Tern Sterna caspia • • Crested Tern Sterna bergii • Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii • * Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana • Common Tern Sterna hirundo • VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 55

Table 1 continued Species Boigu Is. Saibai Is.Dauan Is. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata • • • Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus • • White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus • • Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica • Peaceful Dove3 Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis • • Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus • • • Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina Collared Imperial-Pigeon' Ducu/a mullerii • Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor • • Rainbow Lorikeet' Trichoglossus haematodus • • • Eclectus Parrot3 Eclectus roratus • Red-cheeked Parrot' Geoffi·oyus geoffi-oyi • • • Fig-Parrot spp. Cyclopsitta spp. • Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus • • • Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus • • • Little Bronze-Cuckoo Ch1ysococcyx m inutillus • • • Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea * • Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae • Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus • • * Barking Owl' Ninox connivens • Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus • Uniform Swiftlet2 Collocalia vanikorensis White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus • Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Little Kingfisher' A lcedo pusilla • • • Buff-breasted Paradise- Tanysiptera sylvia • • Kingfisher Rufous-bellied Kookaburra2 Dacelo gaudichaud Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris • • Rainbow Bee-eater Merops omatus Dollarbird Eurystomus orienta/is • Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor • Mangrove Gerygone' Ge1ygone levigaster • Large-billed Gerygone3 Gerygone magnirostris • • • Tawny-breasted Honeyeater3 Xanthotis flaviventer • CB?) • CB ?) Varied Honeyeater versicolor • • Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta • Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus • B • • Rufo us-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis • B • Dusky Honeyeater3 Myzornela obscura • AUSTRALIAN 56 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Table 1 continued Species Boigu Is. Saibai Is.Dauan Is. Red-headed Honeyeater3 Myzomela oythrocephala • Mangrove Golden Whistler Pachycephala melanura • White-bellied Whistler2 Pachycephala leucogaster "' Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Black-winged Monarch· Monarcha frater • • Frilled Monarch 2.3 Arses telescophthalmus Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra rufi.collis • • Leaden Flycatcher3 Myiagra rubecula Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto • B Restless F lycatcher Myiagra inquieta • • Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Northern FantaiP Rhipidura rufi.ventris • • Willie WagtaiJ3 Rhipidura leucophrys • B • Spangled Drongo3 Dicrurus bracteatus • B Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae • White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris • • Varied Triller La/age leucomela • • • Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus • • * White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus • • Black Butcherbird3 Cracticus quoyi • B • B • Trumpet Manucode 3 Manucodia keraudrenii * Torresian Crow3 Corvus orru • • House Sparrow Passer domesticus • B • Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax • Streak-headed Mannikin2 Lonchura tristissima Yellow-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia jugu/aris • B • Red-capped Flowerpecker' Dicaeum geelvinkianum • (B?)• Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Pacific Swallow2(?) Hirundo tahitica *? Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica * Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel • • • Tawny G rassbird Megalurus timoriensis Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis • Golden-headed Cisticola Cistico/a exilis • • Pale White-eye Zosterops citrinellus •* Metall ic Starling m etallica * Singing Starling3 Aplonis cantoroides • B • 'The subsrecies recorded from these islands should be recognised as Near Threatened (see main text). Species that appear to be vagrants are excl uded (e.g. Gurney's Eagle). "These cl aims are yet to be appraised by BARC and as such should be treated as unconfirmed. 3The subspecies recorded from these islands is considered Near Threatened biG arnett & Crowley (2000). VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 57 on a draft of this manuscript. Finally I am most grateful to the many locals who supported my research by welcoming me into their communities and providing logistical assistance such as access to boats.

References Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F. & Reilly, P.N. (1984), The Atlas of Australian Birds, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Carter, M. (1999), 'The north-western group of Torres Strait islands, with particular attention to Dauan', Australian Birding Winter, 3-7. Carter, M., O'Brien, R. & Macumber, N. (1997), 'Singing Aplonis cantoroides and other birds on Boigu Island, Torres Strait, ', Australian Bird Watcher !?, 20-24. Coates, B.J. (1985), The Birds of Papua New Guinea: including the Bismark Archipelago and Bougainville, vol. 1, Dove Publications, Brisbane. Coates, B.J. (1990), The Birds of Papua New Guinea: including the Bismark Archipelago and Bougainville, vol. 2, Dove Publications, Brisbane. Coates, B.J. & Peckover, W.S. (2001), The Birds of New Guinea and the Bismark Archipelago: A Photographic Guide, Dove Publications, Brisbane. Draffan, R.D.W., Garnett, S.T. & Malone, G.J. (1983), 'Birds of the Torres Strait: An annotated list and biogeographical analysis', Emu 83, 207-234. Ford, J. (1981 ), 'Morphological and behavioural evolution in populations of the Ge1ygone fusca complex', Emu 81, 57-81. Forshaw, J.M. (2002), Australian Parrots, 3rd rev. edn, Alexander Editions, Robina, Qld. Garnett, S.T. & Crowley, G.M. (2000), The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000, E nvironment Australia, Canberra. Higgins, P.J. (1999), Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 4, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Higgins, P.J. & Davies, S.J.J.F. (1996), Handbook ofAustralian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 3, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. & Steele, W.K. (2002), Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 6, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. IUCN (2001), IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1 , IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland. Jennings, J.N. (1972), 'Some attributes of Torres Strait', pp. 29- 38 in Walker, D. (Ed.), Bridge and Barrier: The Natural and Cultural Hist01y of Torres Strait, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University, Canberra. Lansley, P. (1997a), 'Saibai Island, Torres Strait- worth a visit', Australian Birding 3, 18- 19. Lansley, P. (1997b ), 'Boigu Island update', Australian Birding 3, 24. Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (1993), Handbook ofAustra lian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 1, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. O'Brien, R. (1995), 'Boigu Island, Torres Strait-a trip report', Australian Birding 2, 16- 17. Palliser, T. (2003), 'Rare birds in 2002: Birds Australia Rarities Committee', Wingspan 13, 22- 23. Roberts, G. (1996), 'A sight record of the Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides in Australia', Sunbird 26, 42. Schodde, R. & Mason, l.J. (1997), :.\ves (Columbidae to Coraciidae)', in Ho uston, K.K.W. & Wells, A (Eds), Zoological Catalogue ofAustralia, vol. 37.2, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Schodde, R. & Mason, l.J. (1999), The Direct01y ofAustralian Birds: , CSIRO Wildlife & Ecology, Canberra.

Received 77 September 2003 AUSTRALIAN 58 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Appendix 1 Annotated list of birds recorded on Boigu, Saibai and Dauan Islands, Torres Strait, in January and February 2002 This list contains only those species identified during fieldwork in January and February 2002. An estimate of the number of individuals observed on each island is provided, along with details of habitats and locations. Subspecific identification is largely assumed on range. Only New Guinea subspecies that extend into northern Torres Strait, but occur no farther south in Australia, are discussed here. These subspecies are of particular interest as they are a unique component of the Australian avifauna and may warrant an IUCN status of Near Threatened (seep. 52). Scientific names for all other species appear in Table 1. The fo llowing abbreviations have been used: BARC- Birds Australia Rarities Committee, BI - Boigu Island, DI - Dauan Island, PNG- Papua New Guinea, SI - Saibai Island, TS - Torres Strait. Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt dupenyii Three to four pairs regularly seen on BI and SI. Usually associated with narrow strips of vine scrub but also observed foraging in mangrove forest. Two to three large mounds observed on both islands indicate breeding. The New Guinea subspecies dupenyii is reputed to occur here; however, it is uncertain whether any specimens have been examined (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Wandering Whistling-Duck Seen daily in flooded grassy marshland, with a maximum count of 1500 on BI and 400 on SI. Spotted Whistling-Duck Not previously recorded in TS, up to 20 were seen daily in grassy marshland and occasionally mangroves on BI. Accepted by BARC (Case no. 331, Palliser 2003), this record serves to geographically connect accepted records from Cape York Peninsula with the population in the Trans Fly region of PNG where the species is apparently common (Palliser 2003). Radjah Shelduck Seen daily in grassy marshland with a maximum count of 500 on BI and 60 on SI. Green Pygmy-goose One male and two females on an inland lagoon on SI on 6 Feb. Pacific Black Duck Seen daily with a maximum count of 320 (in flight) on BI and 1000 on an inland lagoon on SI. Each evening large flocks (maximum 320) flew across to BI from PNG. Grey Teal Seen occasionally with other waterfowl. A maximum count of 18 on BI and three on SI. Australasian Grebe A loose congregation of 14 on an inland lagoon on SI seen over several days. Darter Singles seen occasionally in flight on BI and SI. Little Pied Cormorant One to two seen most days on BI including one flying across to PNG on 19 Jan. One to four seen daily on SI. Little Black Cormorant One flying from Sl to PNG on 29 Jan., six flying over airstrip on SI on 6 Feb. Great Cormorant Three flushed from a shallow marsh near the airstrip on BI on 26 Jan. Three flying inland over SI on 30 Jan. Considered an irregular visitor to PNG (Coates 1985). Australian Pelican Three soaring over freshwater swamps on BI on 19 Jan. Lesser Frigatebird One immature over the township on BI at dusk on 20 Jan. Three soaring in strong winds over south-western peninsula, DI, on 2 Feb. and two over DI on 3 Feb. White-faced Heron Singles seen twice on BI. One to three seen daily on SI. One feeding on a reef at low tide on DI. VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 59

Adult Pied Heron roosting within the township on Boigu Island, January 2002 Plate 8 Photo: Rohan Clarke

Little Egret Seen daily, mostly ori freshwater habitats but occasionally on mudflats, on BI and SI with a maximum count of four and 10 respectively. Eastern Reef Egret One white morph, at eastern end of the township, BI, on 22 Jan. One white morph on north-western peninsula, DI, on 1 and 2 Feb. One grey morph seen daily on SI. Great-billed Heron A single bird seen foraging on mudflats on a falling tide at the eastern end of the BI township on 22 Jan. New forTS. Pied Heron Common on BI (particularly around the township and airstrip perimeter) with a maximum count of 250. Flocks left BI for PNG each evening. Single on DI on 2 Feb. following strong winds. Small numbers seen daily on SI with a maximum count of 22. Great Egret Seen daily mostly in freshwater habitats on BI and SI with maximum counts of three and 20 respectively. A single bird was seen on DI on 2 Feb. fo llowing strong winds. Intermediate Egret One to two seen occasionally on inland waters on Bl. Seen daily on SI with a maximum count of 30 on wetlands behind the township. Cattle Egret A single adult in breeding plumage in grassy marshland on SI, 27 Jan. New forTS. Striated Heron Two to three seen daily along the foreshore on BI and SI. A single bird seen on the southern shore of DI. Nankeen Night Heron Two to five immatures and adults seen daily in mangroves surrounding the airstrip and/or the township on BI, but a total of just two to three sightings on Sl and DI. Black Bittern One in the swamp beside the airstrip on 21 Jan. and one seen from a boat in mangroves on 23 Jan. on Bl. One in mangroves near the refuse dump on SI on 7 Feb. Glossy Ibis Two separate flocks of 15 and five seen flying to BI from PNG on 18 and 19 Jan. Flocks also seen flying from PNG to SI where this species was observed daily in grassy swampland with a maximum count of 40. Australian White Ibis One to two flying over BI or across to PNG on three occasions. A group of two and another of three seen flying to SI from PNG. AUSTRALIAN 60 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Royal Spoonbill Two sightings of a single bird foraging on mudflats on falling tides at the eastern end of the township, BI. Black-necked Stork A dead bird found beside the airstrip on BI. One to two seen daily in swampland behind the township on SI. Osprey A single bird flying along the foreshore on Sl on 4 Feb. Whistling J(jte Three to four seen daily over the townships on Bland SI. Two seen daily on DI. Brahminy Kite Occasional coastal sightings of one to two birds on all islands. White-bellied Sea-Eagle One to three birds (adults and immatures) daily on Bland SI. Harrier Circus sp. Female-plumaged harriers seen on three occasions over swampland and mangroves on SI. Although Swamp Harriers C. approximans have been identified on SI during dry-season visi ts (Lansley 1997a, Carter 1999), the timing of these three occurrences is more consistent with Papuan Harrier C. spilonotus spilothorax than Swamp Harrier. Unfortunately views were in adequate to reach a positive identification. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus dogwa (?) Seen daily around the township and/or Pandanus plain on SI with a maximum count of five adults and immatures. All individuals were small and noticeably paler than Brown Goshawks in southern Australia. Not previously reported from northern TS islands, suggesting a wet-season movement into the area, probably from PNG. Photographs of a single bird obtained on 26 Jan. and observations by M. Carter, R. Baxter and others in September 2002 suggest that these birds are of a form not previously recorded in Austra li a. A more detailed account dealing with the identity of these individuals has been prepared (M. Carter, R. Clarke & R. Baxter in !itt.). Gurney's Eagle A single bird soaring over swampland with Whistling Kites on Bl on 24 Jan. Only the second record for Australia. Accepted by BARC (Case no. 333, Palliser 2003). Peregrine Falcon One immature perched in a tree inland of the airstrip on BI on 19 Jan. Brolga One on a freshwater swamp behind the township on Sl from 27-30 Jan. A dead bird found on 4 Feb. in same general location. Butl"-banded Rail Three sightings of single birds on a freshwater swamp and on the edge of the airstrip on BI. White-browed Crake Four sightings of single birds around the township and in freshwater swamps on BI. Two birds together on a flooded track near an inland lagoon on SI on 6 Feb. Not previously reported from northern TS islands, suggesting a wet-season movement into the area. Latham's Snipe One seen on the ground and then flushed on the airstrip on BT on 23 Jan. in company with three Swinhoe's Snipe. Swinhoe's Snipe Three seen on the airstrip on Bl on 21 until 24 Jan. O ne in flooded grassland near the new town water supply on Sl on 27 Jan. Black-tailed Godwit A single bird on a freshwater swamp towards the centre of BI on 24 Jan. Whim brei Seen daily on Bl with maxi mum of 18 roosting together on a freshwater swamp and 50 flushed from mangroves in the island channel during observations from a boat. Two to three along the foreshore on SI on most days. Approximately 10 around the north­ western peninsul a and another three on the southern shore on Dl. Eastern Curlew One to two along the foreshore on BI and SI were seen most days. Marsh Sandpiper Five to 10 daily on both mudflats and inland waters on BT. One to two daily with a maximum of 12 on a freshwater swamp on SI. Common Greenshank One to two daily on both mudflats and inland waters on BI and SI. Two to three daily on mudflats on DI. Terek Sandpiper Twelve roosting on mudflats near the refuse dump on BI on 18 Jan. and small numbers on the mudflats on BI on other days. VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 61

Mixed flock of waders. From left to right: Masked Lapwing, Common Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Lesser Sand Plover and Pacific Golden Plover, January 2002 Pl ate 9 Photo: Rohan Clarke Common Sandpiper Seen daily along the foreshore on all islands with maximum counts being 10 on BI, four on SI and 15 on DI. Grey-tailed Tattler Six to 12 seen daily on mudflats and roosting on freshwater swamp behind airstrip on BI. One to two daily on mudflats on SI. Eight to 10 daily on the foreshore on DI. Wandering Tattler A single bird heard and seen well on the rocky southern shore of DI on 3 Feb. Red-necked Stint Seen daily on BI with counts varying between 20 and 200. Between three and five seen on most days feeding on the foreshore on SI. Eight on the southern shore of DI on3 Feb. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Up to 30 seen daily mostly on freshwater swamps but also on the foreshore on BI. Between one and 14 seen on freshwater swamps on SI. Curlew Sandpiper Two to four seen most days either roosting on the airstrip or foraging on mudflats on Bl. Black-winged Stilt Up to six seen on freshwater swamps on BI. Pacific Golden Plover Between four and seven seen daily in and around the township on BI. Grey Plover One bird seen twice around the township of BI and four on the southern sid e of the island on 23 Jan. A single bird on the southern shoreline of DI on 3 Feb. Lesser Sand Plover Up to 300 roosting on freshwater swamps at high tide and smaller numbers daily on the mudflats on BI. Seen daily with up to 14 on the foreshore and airstrip on SI. Three to four daily on the north-western peninsula, and three along the southern shore on DI on 3 Feb. Greater Sand Plover Five to 10 seen roosting with Lesser Sand Plover on freshwater swamps at high tide and smaller numbers daily on the mudflats on BI. Only two sightings of one to two birds on the foreshore on ST. Three to four daily on the north-western peninsula and three along the southern shore on DI on 3 Feb. AUSTRALIAN 62 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Masked Lapwing Common in all open areas (particularly airstrips on BI and SI) on all islands. Maximum counts were 30 on BI, 75 on SI, and 40 on DI. Silver Gull One to five most days along the foreshore on SI. One on the beach in front of the school on DI on 2 Feb. Gull-billed Tern One to four most days over freshwater swamps or along foreshore on BI. One to six seen most days on the foreshore or on the swamp behind the township on SI. Caspian Tern One flying over a freshwater swamp on BI on 22 Jan. Three over an inland lagoon on SI on 6 Feb. Crested Tern Sixteen roosting with Little Terns on the eastern end of a small island off BI on 26 Jan. One to 10 seen most days along the coast on DI. Black-naped Tern A single individual at sea off the township on BI on 20 Jan. Common Tern Three at sea off the township on BI on 20 Jan. Little Tern Seen almost daily on BI with a maximum count of 151 roosting on the town water supply on 22 Jan. Four to 12 seen daily foraging at sea off the SI township. Three roosting on reef at low tide on DI on 1 Feb. Of the birds seen roosting on BI, approximately a third were in or near full breeding plumage. Given that both the northern Australian population and the Asian population breed in the austral autumn and winter (Higgins & Davies 1996), the origin of birds in breeding plumage in late January is unclear. Although not previously reported from the northern TS islands these observations suggest that the area may be an important site for the species during the austral summer. Whiskered Tern Four over freshwater swamps near the centre of BI on 19 Jan. and another two on the edge of the airstrip on BI the following day. Up to 35 seen on a large freshwater lagoon near the centre of SI. White-winged Black Tern Seen most days on BI with a maximum count of 12 roosting on the town water supply. Two sightings of a single individual on a freshwater lagoon on SI. Emerald Dove A single adult male on a small dry 'island' within flooded freshwater mangroves towards the middle of BI on 24 Jan. Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata papua Sighted most days on BI and SI with maximum counts of three (at the refuse dump) and 10 (on the Pandanus plain) respectively. Following Schodde & Mason (1997), it is assumed that these birds belong to the New Guinea subspecies papua. Bar-shouldered Dove Seen daily on BI and SI with maximum counts of30 (airstrip perimeter) and 12 (township) respectively. At least four around the refuse dump and another two to three in the township on DI. Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Three birds seen or heard on the southern slopes of the Devil's Marbles on DI on 3 Feb. Another individual was heard on the same day in mangroves on the north-western peninsula on DI. Collared Imperial-Pigeon Usually considered a vagrant to Australian territories, this species was seen daily on BI and SI, either as singles or in groups of two to three. Always in flight, most sightings were of birds flying to or from PNG. A total of 15 sightings was made on both BI and SI. Records reported here have been accepted by BARC (Case nos 337 and 338, Palliser 2003). Although there are only two previous records of this species from Australia (Palliser 2003), the number of sightings reported here suggests that the species may be a common visitor, at least in the wet season, to the islands of northern TS. A more detailed account of the occurrence of this species in northern TS is being prepared (Clarke & Carter in prep.). Pied Imperial-Pigeon Seen daily in small to moderate flocks on all three islands. Birds were clearly commuting between the islands and PNG. However, most birds when departing from DI flew towards SI rather than PNG. Maximum counts were small groups totalling 30 on BI on 19 Jan., three flocks totalling 120 on SI on 6 Feb. and a flock of30 on DI on 2 Feb. Rainbow Lorikeet Tiichoglossus haematodus caeruliceps Two flying over the cemetery on SI and towards PNG on 27 Jan. Three additional sightings of one to two birds at the cemetery VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 63 and refuse dump on SI. These birds almost certainly belong to the southern New Guinea subspecies caentliceps (Schodde & Mason 1997, Forshaw 2002). Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus polychloros Singles in flight on two to three occasions on all three islands. All sightings were in the evening and were of male-plumaged birds flying across to PNG. These birds belong to the New Guinea subspecies, as Eclectus Parrots do not occur farther south within TS (Schodde & Mason 1997, Forshaw 2002). Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi aruensis Three seen briefly in flight over mangroves beyond the refuse dump on Bl on 24 Jan. and another at the same location on 25 Jan. These are the first records for TS. As Red-cheeked Parrots do not occur farther south within TS it is presumed that these individuals belong to the southern New Guinea subspecies aruensts. Oriental Cuckoo Three sightings of what was probably the same individual over the township and near the refuse dump on BI. Three sightings of at least two individuals around town and at an inland lagoon on SI. One hepatic female seen in vine scrub on the southern slopes of the Devil's Marbles on DI on 3 Feb. Brush Cuckoo One to two heard or seen daily, mostly in mangroves, on BI and SI. One heard on the north-western peninsula on DI on 1 Feb. Little Bronze-Cuckoo Four sightings of at least two birds on edge of mangroves on BI. Three sightings of at least two individuals at the refuse dump and cemetery on SI. One adult at the refuse dump on DI on 3 Feb. All birds seen well had pale ear-coverts and thus belonged to the subspecies bamardi. Previously thought to be a passage migrant (Higgins 1999), clearly some individuals over-summer in northern TS. Common Koel Four in a patch of inland vine scrub and another at the cemetery on SI on 27 Jan. Previously thought to be a passage migrant (Draffan et a/. 1983), clearly some individuals over-summer in northern TS. Channel-billed Cuckoo A single bird seen flying over the township on SI on 26 Jan. Pheasant Coucal Two to three pairs seen daily in rank vegetation and long grass around the township on BI and SI. Barking Owl Ninox connivens assimilis At least two pairs around the township on Sl. One pair frequented the vine scrub around the refuse dump and was flushed in daylight hours on several occasions. The other pair was located inland of the radio mast and was heard calling at dusk on several evenings. These birds are likely to be of the New Guinea subspecies assimilis as this form apparently occurs in the adjacent Trans Fly region (Coates 1985). Large-tailed Nightjar Two seen with the aid of a spotlight on the western end of the airstrip on BI on 24 Jan. Uniform(?) Swiftlet Four all-dark swiftlets seen well in a flock of 80 Fork-tailed Swifts over the cemetery on Sl on 7 Feb. Identification of all -dark swiftlets is notoriously difficult and this tentative identification is based primarily on range. Although apparently common in the Trans Fly region of PNG (Coates 1985), this species has been reported from Australia on only a few occasions and requires a submission to BARC. Fork-tailed Swift One to six seen on several days flying low over mangroves around the township on BI and a flock of200 over the township on BI on 26 Jan. A flock of 80 over the cemetery on SI on 7 Feb. A flock of 40+ over the Devil's Marbles on DI on 2 Feb. Little Kingfisher Alcedo pusilia pusilia Two seen in mangroves beyond the refuse dump on BI on 20 Jan. and another on the edge of the airstrip on BI on 25 Jan. A single bird seen in mangroves on the track to the cemetery on SI on 30 Jan. Assumed to be of the nominate subspecies on geographic grounds (Schodde & Mason 1997). Sacred Kingfisher A si ngle bird seen flying past the Council guesthouse on SI on 5 Feb. A si ngle immature seen on the north-western peninsula on DI on 1 Feb. Dollarbird A single bird seen perched on the edge of tall mangroves overlooking grassland near the refuse dump on BI on 24 Jan. Previously thought to be a passage migrant, given this sighting it seems likely that some birds over-summer in northern TS. AUSTRALIAN 64 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Noisy Pitta A single bird calling loudly in dense vine scrub on the southern slopes of DI on 3 Feb. Mangrove Gerygone Ge1ygone levigaster pallida Two birds in mangroves near the refuse dump on SI on 29 Jan. Although Schodde & Mason (1999) indicated that the Mangrove Gerygone does not extend to northern TS, both Lansley (1997a) and Carter (1999) have previously recorded this species here. On geographic grounds it is highly probable that individuals are of the New Guinea subspeciespallida (see Ford 1981, Higginset al. 2002 for diagnosis). Large-billed Gerygone Ge1ygone magnirostris brunneipectus Four sightings of single birds in mangroves on BI. Common in mangroves on SI where three to five were seen daily. At least 10 seen daily in mangroves on north-western peninsula and small numbers elsewhere on DI. Subspecific identification assumed on range following Schodde & Mason (1999). Tawny-breasted Honeyeater XanthotisflaviventersaturatiorCommon on BI and SI but largely restricted to mangroves where five to 10 were seen daily. Following Schodde & Mason (1999), these birds were of a New Guinea subspecies that occurs nowhere else in Australia. Varied Honeyeater Very common in the township on BI with at least 30 being seen most days. Small numbers elsewhere in mangroves on BI. Generally uncommon on SI with three to four frequenting the foreshore in front of the airstrip, two to four near the refuse dump and two near the Council guesthouse. Brown Honeyeater Two seen at th e cemetery on SI on 28 Jan. and another two on the Pandanus plain on SI on 5 Feb. Brown-backed Honeyeater Five to 10 seen daily mostly in shrubs around freshwater on BI. One to four seen occasionally on SI (mostly on the Pandanus plain). One observed in the township and three on the north-western peninsula on Dl. Rufous-banded Honeyeater Five to 10 seen daily on BI and SI in most treed habitats. An active nest containing three eggs suspended over water was located in a freshwater swamp on Bl on 19 Jan. Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura fumata One to six seen daily, mostly in vicinity of the refuse dump and cemetery on SI. Following Schodde & Mason (1999), these birds were of a New Guinea subspecies that occurs nowhere else in Australia. Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela e1ythrocephala infuscata Three sightings of one to two individuals on the edge of mangroves on BI. Given previous reports (Carter 1999), this species was notable for its absence on Dl. Following Schodde & Mason (1999), these birds were of a New Guinea subspecies that occurs nowhere else in Australia. Mangrove Golden Whistler A single adult male near the refuse dump on BI on 20 Jan. was unexpected as this species is usually restricted to small islands. The species was notable for its absence on DI ( cf. Carter 1999). Following Schodde & Mason (1999) subspecific identification of birds in northern TS remains uncertain. Black-faced Monarch One to five seen daily in mangroves and vine scrub on BI (15 sightings) and SI (23 sightings). Notably, all birds were in a plumage resembling immatures from the Australian mai nland. Schodde & Mason (1999) have previously noted this in a series of 'summer' specimens from the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago. They suggested that either these birds represent over-summering immatures of the Australian migrant population (most likely) (also Coates 1990, Coates & Peckover 2001), or immatures bred locally, or adults of a paedomorphic form endem ic to the islands. Given that I sighted immature-type birds on 38 occasions and no adult-type birds, in the apparent absence of adults it would seem unlikely that they were immatures bred locally. As highlighted by Schodde & Mason (1999), the issue needs further investigation. Broad-billed Flycatcher One pair in mangroves beyond the refuse dump on BI. One pair in mangroves beyond the cemetery and one pair in a small patch of inland vine scrub on SI. Shining Flycatcher Five to 10 (mostly as pairs) seen on all three islands in a variety of denser habitats (mangroves, vine scrub, freshwater mangroves, etc.). An active nest located over water and containing two eggs was located in the island channel on BI on 23 Jan. VOL. 21 (2) Birds of Northern Torres Strait JUNE 2004 in the Wet 65

Adult male Shining Flycatcher in mangroves on Dauan Island, February 2002 Plate 10 Photo: Rohan Cla rke

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventtis gularis One seen near the refuse dump and a pair seen near the island channel on Bl. A pair beyond the cemetery and another pair beyond the refuse dump in narrow strips of vine scrub bordered by mangroves on Sl. Following Schodde & Mason (1999), these birds were of a New Guinea subspecies that occurs nowhere else in Australia. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucopluys melaleuca Approximately six pairs seen on BI and four to five pairs on SI. Observed in a variety of more open habitats including the townships, edge of mangroves around the airstrips and the Pandanus plain (SI). A pair was observed constructing a nest on a pylon surrounded by water 50 m off the BI foreshore on 20 Jan. Following Schodde & Mason (1999), these birds were of a New Guinea subspecies that occurs nowhere else in Australia. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus carbonarius A common species on BI and SI with maximum daily counts of six and 20 respectively. Numbers on Sl appeared to increase in early Feb. with groups of up to 10 moving along the foreshore together. Notable for its absence on DI. Two fledglings at the eastern end of the township on Bl on 24 Jan. G iven that these observations occurred at a time when Australian mainland populations are breeding (Higgins et a!. 2002), it is assumed that these individuals were of the southern New Guinea subspecies. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike One to two see n occasionally on the edge of mangroves on BI. Three to four seen almost daily, mostly on the Pandanus plain, on Sl. Cicadabird Three sightings of single birds in vine scrub on BI and SI. One in dense vine scrub on southern side of DI on 3 Feb. Varied Triller Seen daily in groups of one to five on BI and SI. Appeared to favour vine scrub but also observed in mangroves. White-breasted Woodswallow Seen daily on BI and SI with maximum counts of 30+ over each township. Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi alecto Several birds heard or seen in mangroves on BI. At least three pairs in different stands of mangroves surrounding the township on Sl. One heard in mangroves on the north-western peninsula on Dl. As Black Butcherbirds do not occur farther south within TS (Draffan eta!. 1983), it is assumed that these individuals are the southern New Guinea subspecies alecto (Schodde & Mason 1999). Torresian Crow C01vus orru orru Two adults and one immature seen daily in the township and around th e refuse dump on BI. Up to 15 see n daily in all areas on SI as ones and twos AUSTRALIAN 66 CLARKE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

Male Yellow-bellied Sunbird at nest Plate II Photo: G.A. Cumming

but never flocking. Two adults and two immatures seen daily on Dl. As Torresian Crows do not occur farther south within TS (Draffan et al. 1983), it is assumed these individuals are the southern New Guinea subspecies orru (Schodde & Mason 1999). House Sparrow A common to abundant species in the townships on BI and SI with maximum counts of 100+ and 20 respectively. An adult male was seen carrying nesting material on BI on 20 Jan. This species has only recently colonised the northern TS islands (Carteret al. 1997, Lansley 1997a, Carter 1999). Yellow-bellied Sunbird A common species with 30 to 40 seen daily in treed habitats on all three islands. Red-capped (Papuan) Flowerpecker One female and one recently fledged juvenile perched in tall trees along the foreshore of SI on 5 Feb. This appears to be the second record for an Australian territory. Accepted by BARC (Case no. 357, T. Palliser pers. comm.). Although I considered the juvenile to be recently fledged because of its slightly shorter tail and close association with an adult female, whether it was bred locally or had crossed from PNG since fledging is unknown. Given several more recent records (M. Carter pers. comm.; BARC Case nos 355 and 356), this species may be resident in small numbers. Tree Martin Singles in flight on BI and SI on several occasions. Up to four over the peaks on DI on 2 Feb. Zitting Cisticola Two observed singing regularly on the grassy plain behind the radio masts on SI and another at the end of the airstrip on SI. Not previously reported from TS, these birds probably belong to the form that occurs in the southern Trans Fly region of PNG (Coates 1990). The Trans Fly form may be Cisticola juncidis laveryi, but this remains unconfirmed (Schodde & Mason 1999). ' Golden-headed Cisticola Common in tall grasslands on BI and Sl. About six individuals located on the lower northern slopes on Dl. A small flock seen flying low across the Pandanus plain on SI on 6 Feb. Singing Starling Seen daily in and around the township on BI with a maximum count of20. The birds were mostly roosting and attending free-flying but dependent young in a small stand of mangroves at the eastern end of the township on a daily basis. Also groups of two to five seen flying over mangroves and swampland up to 2 km from the township on several occasions. Resident and almost certainly breeding on the island (also Carteret al. 1997, Lansley 1997b ) . •