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Home , Antarctic tern, Anthornis, Black stilt, Blue duck, Callaeidae, Callipepla

Wildlife List of Sub-Antarctic Islands of Compiled by Max Breckenridge

KEY • H – Heard only • L – Leader only • I – Introduced • E – Species is endemic to New Zealand • M – Species is endemic to Macquarie Island • e – Species is endemic to Australasia (, New Zealand, , ) • ssp – • NZ – New Zealand

BIRDS Species total: 116 Heard only: 1 Leader only: 3

KIWIS E (Apterygidae) Southern Brown E (Apteryx australis) – Single heard by some, and seen by others, on Ulva Island. Typically a nocturnal species.

DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL () Canada I (Branta canadensis) – Tens in , Te Anau, and Glentanner. Black e (Cygnus atratus) – Hundreds in Dunedin Harbour and Lake Dunstan. Paradise E (Tadorna variegata) – Tens/singles around Dunedin, Oban, and hundreds at Lake Dunstan. Blue E (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) – Single seen briefly from the bus window between Milford Sound and Te Anau. Pacific Black Duck L (Anas superciliosa) – Three at Milford Sound. Some likely hybrids also observed near Twizel. Mallard I (Anas platyrhynchos) – Tens/singles on several occasions. Not pure Mallards. Most individuals in NZ are hybrids with domestic varieties or Pacific Black Duck. Teal E (Anas aucklandica) – At least five individuals observed at Enderby Island along the shoreline and amongst ribbon kelp. A confiding pair of this flightless endemic greeted us at our beach landing. Campbell Islands Teal E (Anas nesiotis) – Great views of a confiding individual waiting for us at the dock on Campbell Island. E ( novaeseelandiae) – Singles at Lake Te Anau and tens around Queenstown and Twizel.

NEW WORLD (Odontophoridae) I ( californica) – Singles outside our hotel in Queenstown.

GREBES (Podicipedidae) Great Crested ( cristatus) [‘Australasian Crested Grebe’ (Podiceps c. australis)] – Singles at Lake Dunstan and near Twizel. The Australasian subspecies is a good candidate for a split due to its geographical isolation and permanent breeding .

PIGEONS & DOVES () Rock Pigeon I (Columba livia) – Tens in Dunedin and Queenstown. New Zealand Pigeon [Kereru] E (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) – Singles of this attractive dove at Orokonui, Stewart Island and .

CUCKOOS (Cuculidae) Long-tailed Koel [] H (Urodynamis taitensis) – One/two heard by some at Bradshaw Harbour in Doubtful Sound. A notoriously difficult species to see.

RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS (Rallidae) E (Gallirallus australis) – Up to ten individuals, including youngsters, allowing for excellent views on Ulva Island. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) – Tens near Twizel. Takahe E (Porphyrio hochstetteri) – The now resident pair at Orokonui put on a great show soon after we arrived at the sanctuary. An that only survives in pest-free locations.

STILTS & () Pied (Himantopus leucocephalus) – Tens at Lake Dunstan and a single with Black at Glentanner. E (Himantopus novaezelandiae) – Eight individuals, including a striking adult, allowed for an unforgettable experience at Glentanner in the shadow of Mount Cook. We enjoyed an hour of watching this small party as they fed within touching distance at times. Likely the world’s rarest shorebird with barely 200 birds remaining.

OYSTERCATCHERS (Haematopodidae) South Island Oystercatcher E (Haematopus finschi) – Tens in Dunedin Harbour and singles at Ulva Island and Glentanner. Variable Oystercatcher E (Haematopus unicolor) – Tens in Dunedin Harbour and singles at Ulva Island and Fiordland.

PLOVERS & LAPWINGS (Charadriidae) Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) – Tens in Dunedin Harbour and in fields north of Queenstown. Double-banded Plover e (Charadrius b. bicinctus) – Singles at Glentanner and Lake Dunstan. [‘Auckland Double-banded Plover’ (Charadrius b. exilis)] – Singles seen distantly on the boardwalk. Better views for those who did the long hike. Endemic subspecies to the Auckland Islands.

SANDPIPERS & ALLIES (Scolopacidae) Bar-tailed (Limosa lapponica) – Up to 50 birds in Dunedin Harbour. Ruddy (Arenaria interpres) – Up to ten birds seen by those who did the long hike on Enderby Island. E (Coenocorypha aucklandica) – Singles seen by some on Campbell Island and during the long hike on Enderby Island. Up to ten birds heard on our day at Campbell.

Common Greenshank L ( nebularia) – A vagrant to New Zealand. A single was seen well, calling in flight, while anchored offshore from Enderby Island. Perhaps the most southerly record ever of this species!

SKUAS & JAEGERS (Stercorariidae) Brown (Stercorarius antarcticus) – Tens/singles seen each day in the Southern . Good numbers encountered onshore at Campbell, Macquarie, and Enderby Islands where they make a living scavenging around and seal colonies. Cute and confiding one minute, crafty and vicious the next! [‘Subantarctic Skua’ (Stercorarius a. lonnbergi)] – Plumage differences are difficult to discern between subspecies, but lonnbergi is the expected subspecies in the region. Parasitic Jaeger [Arctic Skua] L (Stercorarius parasiticus) – A pair seen flying south between Doubtful and Milford Sounds.

GULLS, & SKIMMERS () Black-billed E (Chroicocephalus bulleri) – Tens at Te Anau and around Queenstown, north to Twizel. One of the world’s most endangered as a result of its limited range and recent declines. Silver [Red-billed] Gull e (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus) – Tens/hundreds on several occasions across the South and Sub-Antarctic Islands. Often referred to as ‘Red-billed’ Gull in New Zealand, now considered a single species. Kelp [Southern Black-backed] Gull (Larus d. dominicanus) – Tens/hundreds observed on all but two days. Black-fronted E (Chlidonias albostriatus) – Singles seen in flight over fields near Te Anau and Queenstown. Good views at Lake Dunstan and Glentanner. White-fronted Tern e ( striata) – Tens/singles on several occasions. The common breeding tern in New Zealand. Antarctic Tern (Sterna v. [vittata group]) – Tens around Campbell and Auckland Islands (ssp. bethunei), and singles at Sandy Bay on Macquarie Island (ssp. macquariensis). A beautiful tern that breeds in the Sub-Antarctic.

PENGUINS (Spheniscidae) ( patagonicus) – Beautiful and boisterous. We had all the views one could desire of this remarkable bird during our time on Macquarie Island. We especially enjoyed our spell at a small colony at Sandy Bay, numbering around 6000 birds. Despite challenging conditions the following day, we were able to marvel at the spectacle of the Lusitania Bay colony from zodiacs where up to 100,000 birds breed. ( p. papua) – A small colony of up to 100 birds breed around the Base at the northern end of Macquarie Island. We had lovely views of up to 20 birds amongst the Elephant Seals on our day ashore. Yellow-eyed Penguin E ( antipodes) – Up to 40 of this unique and endangered penguin observed resting and waddling down the beach at Enderby Island. A single was observed at sea near Stewart Island and some were heard at Campbell Island. e ( m. minor) – A single in Dunedin Harbour, and good looks at up to ten individuals in the water while anchored in Halfmoon Bay at Stewart Island. E (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) – Our final penguin for the trip, and one of the most vulnerable and difficult members of the to find. We had fantastic looks at several sheltering in a rocky cove of Halfmoon Bay at Stewart Island. Single birds were seen briefly by some in the water at Dusky and Milford Sounds.

Erect- E (Eudyptes sclateri) – The star of Campbell Island! An endangered species that only breeds on the all but inaccessible Antipodes, we were incredibly fortunate to find a single adult amongst a colony of rockhoppers during our zodiac cruise at Penguin Bay. This was a major bonus for the penguin listers among us, as Mike said at recap that evening, “seeing this penguin saved all of you a twenty-thousand dollar trip”. M (Eudyptes schlegeli) – A near-threatened species that only breeds on Macquarie Island. We had a great time observing their antics at Sandy Bay where a colony of over 20,000 birds spend the summer. Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) [‘Eastern Rockhopper Penguin’ (Eudyptes c. filholi)] – We were fortunate to visit a large colony of these vulnerable at Penguin Bay on Campbell Island. Many were also seen in the water from the ship as we cruised around Campbell Island. A small colony was seen distantly at the northern end of Macquarie Island. Snares Penguin E (Eudyptes robustus) – Unfortunately due to rough weather, we could not zodiac cruise at The Snares. However, we had as good views as you could hope for of hundreds of individuals of this vulnerable species from the ship as we cruised close to the island. Some of the best views were of birds in the water close to the ship.

ALBATROSSES (Diomedeidae) Gray-headed (Thalassarche chrysostoma) – A subtly stunning albatross. We had great looks at up to 25 individuals of this endangered species as we cruised around Campbell Island where up to 8,000 pairs breed. Buller’s Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) – Distant views of a couple near Carnley Harbour, were followed up by good looks at hundreds of birds at The Snares (up to 9,000 pairs breed here). Singles were seen at sea on the following three days. White-capped [Shy] Albatross (Thalassarche cauta steadi) – The most regularly encountered albatross species. More often seen at sea than near islands, but common around Stewart Island and the Fiordland coast. Salvin’s Albatross (Thalassarche salvini) – Singles observed just outside the entrance to Dunedin Harbour, off Stewart Island, and along the Fiordland coast. Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanorphis) – Treated by most institutions as two species. [‘Black-browed Albatross’ (Thalassarche m. melanorphis)] – Tens/singles of the endangered subspecies observed at sea from the 20th to the 23rd. [‘Campbell Albatross’ (Thalassarche m. impavida)] – Tens observed at sea around Campbell Island, and a portion of the 25,000 pairs that breed on Campbell Island observed nesting on cliffs. Also observed en route to Macqaurie Island the following day. Darker underwings and a creamy-yellow eye distinguish it from the nominate subspecies. Sooty Albatross (Phoebetria fusca) – A single north of Macquarie Island was observed by at least one participant and Zegrahm staff member, Sam, who identified it with photos. A very lucky find! Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) – Tens of this remarkable were enjoyed on several occasions during the trip. Some of our most memorable experiences were that of courting birds right overhead at Campbell Island and a pair with a fluffy youngster on Enderby Island. We also saw individuals on Macquarie Island and at sea to the north of the island. Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora) [‘Southern’ Royal Albatross (Diomedea e. epomorpha)] – Unforgettable views of individuals nesting on Campbell and Enderby Islands. Singles observed at sea on at least seven separate days. [‘Northern’ Royal Albatross (Diomedea e. sanfordi)] – Up to 35 individuals of this endangered subspecies were observed around Taiaroa Head near Dunedin on the first day of the trip. We had great looks at adults on their nests, from a hide, and of individuals flying just offshore. Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) – A familiar species, but with a confusing array of and subspecies. We encountered Wanderers on several occasions, but most were seen on the return from Macquarie Island and along the Fiordland coast. [‘Snowy’ Albatross (Diomedea e. exulans)] – The nominate subspecies. Several identified from photos taken while at sea between Macquarie and Auckland Islands. [‘Gibson’s’ Albatross (Diomedea e. gibsoni)] – The most common subspecies in the region, breeding on several of the Sub-Antarctic islands. Singles/tens of various ages seen at sea south of the Auckland Islands and along the Fiordland coast.

SOUTHERN STORM- (Oceanitidae) Wilson’s Storm- (Oceanites oceanicus) – Five birds seen together while cruising around Campbell Island. Gray-backed Storm-Petrel (Garrodia nereis) – Singles observed at sea on at least three different occasions. Black-bellied Storm-Petrel (Fregetta tropica) – Singles observed at sea on our first two days at sea, with up to 50 birds seen at sea during the 25th.

SHEARWATERS & PETRELS () Southern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) – Singles on Campbell and Enderby Islands, with good numbers at Macquarie Island including several striking white morph birds. Far less common overall than Northern Giant-Petrel. Northern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes halli) – Singles/tens seen every day at sea and on each of the Sub- Antarctic islands. Cape [Pintado] Petrel (Daption capense australe) – Singles/tens seen at sea on several occasions. Common around Campbell Island and The Snares. Typically seen flying as close to the stern as possible! White-headed Petrel (Pterodroma lessonii) – A striking and graceful petrel of the southern . Up to 60 individuals observed at sea between Campbell and Macquarie Islands, then up to 120 birds on the northwards leg to the Auckland Islands. Mottled Petrel (Pterodroma inexpectata) – A small, but distinctive petrel that breeds in the region. Singles/tens observed at sea north of Macquarie Island, around Stewart Island and along the Fiordland coast. Cook’s Petrel (Pterodroma cookii) – Singles at sea around Stewart Island and the Fiordland coast. Fairy (Pachyptila turtur) – Singles/tens at sea around The Snares and Stewart Island. Antarctic [Dove] Prion (Pachyptila desolata) – Very common in waters north of and around Macquarie Island, with over 200 birds seen each day from the 22nd to 25th. One bird was found on deck on the 30th. White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) – Singles/tens on our first day at sea and along the Fiordland coast. Up to 80 birds at sea heading north from Macquarie Island. Buller’s (Ardenna bulleri) – An attractive shearwater, at least 15 individuals spotted amongst the Sooty on two different days cruising along the Fiordland coast. Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) – The most common seabird in the region. Singles/tens/hundreds seen every day at sea, with huge concentrations (<100,000) around Carnley Harbour and The Snares. Subantarctic Shearwater L ( elegans) – One bird spotted amongst the Sooty Shearwaters as we were approaching Carnley Harbour. Common Diving-Petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) – Singles on several occasions at sea, including one bird found on deck. Well over 500 birds seen at sea around The Snares and Stewart Island.

BOOBIES & () Australasian e (Morus serrator) – Single observed at sea just outside the heads of Breaksea Sound.

CORMORANTS & SHAGS (Phalacrocoracidae) Little Pied ( melanoleucos brevirostris) – Over a hundred individuals observed along Dunedin Harbour, with singles seen around Stewart Island, Fiordland and Lake Dunstan. Great [Australasian] Cormorant ( carbo novaehollandiae) – Tens at Lake Dunstan. E (Phalacrocorax [Stictocarbo] punctatus) – Tens at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin and at Dusky Sound. Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) – Singles each day in Fiordland. Stewart Island Shag E (Phalacrocorax chalconotus) – Two distinctive subspecies that may warrant full species status. [‘’ (Phalacrocorax c. chalconotus)] – A breeding colony of over 100 birds was observed below the albatross hide at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin. [‘’ (Phalacrocorax c. stewarti)] – Singles observed in Halfmoon Bay at Stewart Island. Auckland Islands Shag E (Phalacrocorax colensoi) – Endemic to the Auckland Islands. Up to 60 individuals observed around Enderby Island, collecting nesting material and breeding on cliffs along the north end of the island. Campbell Islands Shag E (Phalacrocorax campbelli) – Endemic to Campbell Island. Up to 50 individuals observed around Campbell Island. M (Phalacrocorax purpurascens) – An attractive blue-eyed shag, endemic to Macquarie Island. Up to 70 individuals observed nesting at the base, and smaller numbers at Sandy and Lusitania Bays.

HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS (Ardeidae) Great [Australasian] Egret (Ardea alba modesta) – Single bird at Milford Sound. White-faced (Egretta novaehollandiae) – Tens in Dunedin Harbour, and singles in Doubtful Sound and at Glentanner.

IBISES & SPOONBILLS () Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) – Up to 20 individuals along the and at Taiaroa Head.

HAWKS, EAGLES & KITES (Accipitridae) (Circus approximans) – A common sight over farmland, being one of only two raptors in New Zealand. Singles/tens around Dunedin, Te Anau, and north of Queenstown.

OWLS (Strigidae) E ( novaeseelandiae) – A single bird found roosting in a tight spot on Ulva Island. Located by a party of South Island Saddlebacks allowing views for all. New Zealand’s only endemic .

FALCONS & CARACARAS () New Zealand E (Falco novaeseelandiae) – A very lucky sighting for some of an individual on Enderby Island.

NEW ZEALAND E (Strigopidae) E (Nestor notabilis) – An endangered and enigmatic , fond of dismantling cars! Heard by some during a zodiac cruise in Bradshaw Harbour. Great views of an individual the following day in the carpark at The Chasm near Milford Sound. New Zealand [South Island] Kaka E (Nestor m. meridionalis) – Up to eight birds allowing great views on our first day at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin. Singles on Ulva and Stewart Islands.

OLD WORLD PARROTS () Red-crowned Parakeet [Kakariki] E (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) – Tens on Enderby and Ulva Islands. Yellow-crowned Parakeet E (Cyanoramphus auriceps) – Much less common than Red-crowned Parakeet. At least two individuals observed on Ulva Island. Eastern Rosella I (Platycercus eximius) – Introduced from Australia. A few birds seen briefly around Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin.

NEW ZEALAND E (Acanthisittidae) E (Acanthisitta c. chloris) – A tiny denizen of New Zealand’s native forests. Typically encountered in parties, making high-pitched calls. Most people had an assortment of views from Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin and Ulva Island.

HONEYEATERS (Meliphagidae) E (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) – A large and attractive with a fantastic repertoire. Singles/tens at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin, Enderby, Ulva and Stewart Islands. E ( melanura) – Singles/tens heard or seen most days on the South Island, also on Enderby, Ulva and Stewart Islands.

THORNBILLS & ALLIES (Acanthizidae) Gray Gerygone E (Gerygone igata) – Singles heard on several occasions during our time on the South Island, and good views of several on Ulva Island.

WHITEHEADS E (Mohouidae) E ( ochrocephala) – At least 10 individuals of this endangered forest species observed feeding and calling in small parties on Ulva Island where they have been reintroduced. [] E (Mohoua novaeseelandiae) – Singles observed at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin, on Ulva Island and in Fiordland.

BELLMAGPIES & ALLIES e (Cracticidae) Australian Magpie I (Gymnorhina tibicen) – Singles observed in farmland around Dunedin, Te Anau and north of Queenstown.

FANTAILS () New Zealand E (Rhipidura f. fuliginosa) – Ten/singles seen each day while on the South Island, with individuals also observed on Ulva Island. A striking black morph bird was observed in a frenzy with several other at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin.

WATTLEBIRDS E () South Island E (Philesturnus carunculatus) – A unique and striking species in the small ‘New Zealand Wattlebird’ family. Once widespread, now only found on pest-free offshore islands, including Ulva Island, where we had great views.

AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS e (Petroicidae) E ( a. australis) – A stocky and confiding inhabitant of native forests in New Zealand. Amazing views of several at Orokonui Sanctuaru near Dunedin, and several heard/seen in Fiordland.

[‘Stewart Island Robin’ (Petroica a. rakiura)] – Endemic subspecies to Stewart Island. Up to 20 friendly birds were encountered on Ulva Island. E (Petroica m. macrocephala) – A pretty and petite robin with a high-pitched song. Singles observed at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin, on Ulva Island, and Fiordland. [‘Auckland Islands Tomtit’ (Petroica m. marrineri)] – Several birds observed close to the beach on Enderby Island. Not as distinct a subspecies as those on The Snares.

LARKS (Alaudidae) Eurasian Skylark I (Alauda arvensis) – An individual observed bringing food to a nest right outside the albatross hide at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, and a couple of birds at Glentanner.

GRASSBIRDS & ALLIES (Locustellidae) New Zealand Fernbird E (Poodytes p. punctatus) – One or two birds observed by some while at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin.

SWALLOWS (Hirundinidae) Welcome Swallow e (Hirundo neoxena) – Singles observed in flight around Dunedin, Te Anau and north of Queenstown.

WHITE-EYES, YUHINAS & ALLIES (Zosteropidae) e ( l. lateralis) – Colonized New Zealand from in the early 1800’s. Singles/tens observed on several occasions on the mainland, Campbell, Enderby, Ulva and Stewart Islands.

THRUSHES & ALLIES (Turdidae) Song Thrush I (Turdus philomelos) – One or two individuals observed by some at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin and on Enderby Island. Eurasian Blackbird I (Turdus merula) – Singles observed on several occasions, including Campbell, Enderby, Ulva and Stewart Islands.

STARLINGS (Sturnidae) European Starling I (Sturnus vulgaris) – Singles/tens observed on several occasions, hundreds around Queenstown. Singles observed on Macquarie (!), Enderby and Stewart Islands.

ACCENTORS (Prunellidae) Dunnock I (Prunella modularis) – Seen by some on Enderby Island and around Dunedin and Queenstown.

OLD WORLD SPARROWS (Passeridae) House Sparrow I (Passer domesticus) – Tens around Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, and on Stewart Island.

WAGTAILS & PIPTS (Motacillidae) Australasian [New Zealand] Pipit (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) [‘New Zealand Pipit’ (Anthus n. aucklandicus)] – The subspecies found on Campbell and Auckland Islands. We observed several confiding individuals on Campbell and Enderby Islands.

FINCHES, EUPHONIAS & ALLIES (Fringillidae) Common Chaffinch I (Fringilla coelebs) – Singles observed at Milford Sound and near Twizel. European Greenfinch I (Chloris chloris) – Singles observed at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin and in Queenstown. Lesser Redpoll I (Acanthis cabaret) – Tens observed on several occasions, including all the Sub- Antarctic islands, apart from The Snares. European Goldfinch I (Carduelis carduelis) – Singles observed around Dunedin and north of Queenstown.

OLD WORLD BUNTINGS (Emberizidae) Yellowhammer I (Emberiza citrinella) – Singles observed by some at Orokonui Sanctuary and north of Queenstown.

MAMMALS

RABBITS (Leporidae) European I (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – Singles in fields near Dunedin and Queenstown.

EARED SEALS (Otariidae) Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) – Single/s on Macquarie Island near the base. New Zealand [Australasian] Fur Seal e () – Singles observed on several occasions at sea and on land. New Zealand [Hooker’s] Sea Lion E (Phocarctos hookeri) – Endangered, with a total population of 10,000 making it possibly the world’s rarest sea lion species. Singles on Campbell Island and a large colony on Enderby Island.

SEALS (Phocidae) Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) – Hundreds of these giant and flatulent species observed brawling, lounging and snoring while on Macquarie Island.

BEAKED WHALES (Ziphidae) Shepherd’s [Tasman’s] Beaked Whale L (Tasmacetus shepherdi) – Two or three individuals observed porpoising several times in rough conditions approximately 20 nautical miles NW of Macquarie Island. A distinctive, but rarely observed species, with most sightings from New Zealand, Tasmania, and Argentina.

MARINE DOLPHINS (Delphinidae) Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) – Multiple pods observed in Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Killer Whale [Orca] (Orcinus orca) – A loose pod of at least 10 individuals gave great views as they porpoised close to the ship while anchored offshore of Lusitania Bay at Macquarie Island.