DOCSLIB.ORG

Translocations of North Island Kokako, 1981-2011

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Translocations of North Island Kokako, 1981-2011 View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Lincoln University Research Archive 107 Notornis, 2013, Vol. 60: 107-114 0029-4470 © The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc. Translocations of North Island kokako, 1981-2011 JOHN INNES* Landcare Research, Private Bag 3127, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand LAURA E. MOLLES Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, P.O Box 84, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand HAZEL SPEED Department of Conservation, Auckland Area Office, P.O. Box 32026, Devonport, North Shore 0744, New Zealand Abstract The North Island kokako (Callaeas wilsoni) is a threatened endemic passerine whose distribution has declined greatly on the New Zealand mainland due primarily to predation by ship rats (Rattus rattus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). It persists in 21 populations, of which 10 (48%) have been established by translocation, and 1 has been supplemented by translocation. Of the 11 populations subject to translocation, 4 are on islands and the remainder are on the mainland; 7 translocations have resulted in successful new or supplemented populations and another 4 translocations are in progress. Translocations to another 5 sites did not establish breeding populations for various reasons. In total, there were 94 translocations of 286 kokako to the 16 sites, and the number released at a site averaged 18 (range 3-33) birds. Kokako were released at a site over an average period of 49 months (range 1-159 months) with a mean of 3 birds (maximum 10) released per day. The small numbers of kokako released and the long time required to complete a translocation were due to the difficulty and high expense of catching kokako. Translocations will continue to be important for the conservation of this species, to establish further new populations and to limit inbreeding depression and allele loss in existing populations. Innes, J.; Molles, L.E.; Speed, H. 2013. Translocations of North Island kokako, 1981-2011. Notornis 60(1): 107-114. Keywords New Zealand birds; translocation; conservation; ecological restoration INTRODUCTION of habitat clearance, the key cause of current North Island kokako (Callaeidae: Callaeas wilsoni) decline and limitation is predation of eggs and is an endemic New Zealand passerine classified as chicks and occasionally adult females by ship rats ‘endangered’ by Birdlife International but recently (Rattus rattus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus downgraded from ‘nationally endangered’ to vulpecula; Innes et al. 1999). The recently improved ‘nationally vulnerable’ in New Zealand (Miskelly conservation status of the kokako was due to et al. 2008). Although the historical decline in effective and sustained predator control combined kokako distribution was primarily the result with translocation to new sites, some of which were predator-free offshore islands. In 1999, only ca. 330 pairs of North Island kokako Received 8 Jul 2012; accepted 5 Mar 2012 remained in 13 relict populations and a further *Correspondence: [email protected] 70 pairs existed on 2 islands to which kokako had 108 Innes et al. been translocated in the previous decade. By 2010, Centre and other captive facilities, and 20 were the number had almost doubled to ca. 780 pairs captured from Tiritiri Matangi I to assist with the in 21 populations, of which 10 (48%) populations management of perceived inbreeding depression were established and 1 had been supplemented by there. translocation. The current goal of kokako recovery planning is to reach 1000 pairs by 2016, in sustainable Objectives and outcomes forest communities throughout the North I. The earliest releases of kokako to Little Barrier With the exception of 12 birds sourced from (Hauturu) and Kapiti Is were undertaken partly to captivity, all translocated kokako have been rescue birds threatened on the mainland by felling captured from the wild by attracting them with of native forests, primarily in the Bay of Plenty, and playback into mist-nets set in gaps within their partly to establish safe populations on pest-free forest habitat. Birds were then either transferred to islands as had been done successfully with other the new site immediately or held in temporary tent threatened bird species previously (Atkinson 2001; or permanently constructed aviaries for up to 10 Innes et al. 2010). Consequently these sites received days. The holding of birds was partly to aggregate many translocations of very small numbers of birds kokako until enough had been caught, when all over many years. However, research on declining were moved together, and partly to hold birds mainland populations during the 1990s revealed while disease screening was carried out and results substantial male excess due to high female mortality returned prior to release. Capture and transfer and poor nesting success in mainland populations techniques are described in detail in Flux and Innes (Innes et al. 1999; Flux et al. 2006), so in retrospect it (2001) and one account is also described in Marsh was clear that few females and few young birds had (1995). been put on these islands (Brown et al. 2004). The purpose of this paper is to document all From ca. 1996 onwards, most translocations kokako translocations undertaken during the of kokako were intended to establish new wild period from 1981-2011, briefly describing source populations at large pest-managed sites and a few and destination sites, translocation objectives key healthy mainland populations were harvested and outcomes, and factors that have influenced for this purpose. These birds were frequently translocation success. It expands and updates the young, with equal numbers of females and males, brief review in the Appendix of Molles et al. (2008). and sometimes they could be caught in larger numbers, with up to 10 being released in a day. METHODS Translocations to these sites – at Pukaha, Boundary We surveyed all available literature, mostly Stream, Ngapukeariki, Secretary I, Waitakere unpublished reports to the former New Zealand Ranges, Whirinaki and Otanewainuku – averaged Wildlife Service, the current Department of 20 kokako and only 5 releases each. Further releases Conservation (DOC), and to annual meetings of to these sites are likely, to maintain genetic diversity the North Island Kokako Recovery Group. We also and limit inbreeding. contacted key people within DOC and at managed Releases at 3 sites (Hunua Ranges, Pikiariki and sites to check facts and to resolve uncertainties. Puketi) were intended to supplement small remnant populations and speed population recovery. This was successful in the Hunua Ranges (Overdyck 1999; RESULTS HS, unpub. data) after 4 releases and where original Excluding translocations to captive breeding resident kokako were moderately abundant, but facilities, from 1981 to 2011 there were 94 not at the other sites that had single releases and translocations involving a total of 286 kokako to where few resident kokako remained. 16 sites (Appendix 1). The total number of kokako Five kokako were placed on Lady Alice I released at a site averaged 18 (range 3-33) birds. (Northland) in an attempt to get offspring from They were released at a site over an average period one of the last remaining Puketi Forest kokako that of 49 months (range 1-159 months) with a mean was at the time perceived to have unique genetic of 3 birds (maximum 10) released per day. Most material, but this was unsuccessful and in 2010 kokako were captured and removed from the the Kokako Recovery Group recommended that largest managed remaining populations, including remaining birds be removed and released in Puketi 59 birds from Te Urewera National Park, 46 birds Forest along with others from nearby Mataraua from Mapara, 27 birds from Kaharoa, 25 birds from Forest to establish a population in situ. Seven male Rotoehu, and 15 birds from Waipapa. These are all kokako were translocated to Mokoia I (135 ha) in forested, publically owned sites in the central North Lake Rotorua in Jun 2006 to allow tourists to see Island of New Zealand, administered by the New and hear the birds while removing the possibility of Zealand Department of Conservation. A further 25 breeding. The release of males only was a political birds were sourced via Mt Bruce National Wildlife compromise after the Kokako Recovery Group Translocations of kokako 109 objected to establishing a breeding population on Marlborough Forest, despite the possible anchoring such a small island. Finally, kokako were placed presence of 1 previously released male in Trounson on Tiritiri Matangi I starting in 1997 to attempt to (Gillies et al. 2003). preserve genetic material from Taranaki, where In 1997, a juvenile male and 2 female kokako the species is now extinct. The intention was that (1 adult and 1 juvenile) were translocated from a population of kokako with Taranaki genes would Mapara to Pikiariki Ecological Area, Pureora. The build up on Tiritiri Matangi I and then some adult female moved widely in Pikiariki before the individuals would be returned to a suitable pest- transmitter signal ended after 42 days, and the bird managed area in Taranaki. However, no suitable was not seen again. Both juveniles travelled to and site has yet been prepared in Taranaki, and ongoing from the large adjacent Waipapa Ecological Area management to limit breeding between closely for 6-9 months, and were last sighted in shrubland related individuals has been required on Tiritiri adjacent to Pikiariki in May 1998. Matangi I. Nonetheless, the presence of kokako Founder kokako released to 196 ha Tiritiri on Tiritiri Matangi I, which receives 35,000 visitors Matangi I in Aug 1997 ranged widely (up to 2.2 km annually, has probably yielded advocacy benefit. between monthly fixes) for 3 months before settling Overall, translocations have successfully into territories. Four males released 7 months later established new populations at 6 sites (Little Barrier, moved less and finally settled near the other birds Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi Is, Pukaha (Mt Bruce), (Jones 2000).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • New Zealand Comprehensive II Trip Report 31St October to 16Th November 2016 (17 Days)
    New Zealand Comprehensive II Trip Report 31st October to 16th November 2016 (17 days) The Critically Endangered South Island Takahe by Erik Forsyth Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth RBL New Zealand – Comprehensive II Trip Report 2016 2 Tour Summary New Zealand is a must for the serious seabird enthusiast. Not only will you see a variety of albatross, petrels and shearwaters, there are multiple- chances of getting out on the high seas and finding something unusual. Seabirds dominate this tour and views of most birds are alongside the boat. There are also several land birds which are unique to these islands: kiwis - terrestrial nocturnal inhabitants, the huge swamp hen-like Takahe - prehistoric in its looks and movements, and wattlebirds, the saddlebacks and Kokako - poor flyers with short wings Salvin’s Albatross by Erik Forsyth which bound along the branches and on the ground. On this tour we had so many highlights, including close encounters with North Island, South Island and Little Spotted Kiwi, Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Black-browed, Shy, Salvin’s and Chatham Albatrosses, Mottled and Black Petrels, Buller’s and Hutton’s Shearwater and South Island Takahe, North Island Kokako, the tiny Rifleman and the very cute New Zealand (South Island wren) Rockwren. With a few members of the group already at the hotel (the afternoon before the tour started), we jumped into our van and drove to the nearby Puketutu Island. Here we had a good introduction to New Zealand birding. Arriving at a bay, the canals were teeming with Black Swans, Australasian Shovelers, Mallard and several White-faced Herons.
    [Show full text]
  • SOUTH ISLAND SADDLEBACK RECOVERY PLAN (Philesturnus Carunculatus Carunculatus )
    THREATENED SPECIES RECOVERY PLAN SERIES NO.11 SOUTH ISLAND SADDLEBACK RECOVERY PLAN (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus ) Prepared by Andy Roberts (Southland Conservancy) for the Threatened Species Unit Threatened Species Unit Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10-420 Wellington New Zealand © 1994 ISSN 1170-3806 ISBN 0-478-01481-9 Key words: South Island saddleback, Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus, recovery plan ABSTRACT South Island saddlebacks (tieke) were widely distributed over the South and Stewart Islands in the 19th century. Their rapid decline was documented during the latter 19th century. Following a rodent invasion on their sole remaining island habitat South Island saddlebacks were under threat of immediate extinction. This was thwarted by prompt translocations of remaining birds to nearby predator-free islands. This plan outlines conservation goals and suggests options for continuing the recovery of this subspecies. Recovery is to be achieved through a programme of island habitat restoration and saddleback translocations. Eradication of rodents and weka is promoted by this plan, in some instances this plan suggests that discussions be held with the local Iwi to determine the appropriateness of these eradications. Saddlebacks are to be introduced or re-introduced to a number of islands around the South Island coast. When recovery has been achieved South Island saddleback populations may be established on up to 26 islands with a total of about 4000 individuals. At this population level they will not be ranked as threatened, but be classified as rare and no longer requiring a programme of on-going intensive conservation management. Recovery management proposed in this plan will be undertaken jointly by Department of Conservation staff, Iwi representatives and members of the public.
    [Show full text]
  • The Extraordinary Bill Dimorphism of the Huia
    The extraordinaory bill dimorphism of the Huia (Heteraclocba acutirostris): sexual selection or intersexual competition? School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P 0.Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand ABSTRACT Morphological comparison of the extinct Huia (fleteralocha acutirostris) with its closest known relatives suRRests that the pronounced sexual hill dimorphism of the former evolved through selection on female, rather th:~n male hill form Recnuse sexu:~l selection acts predominantly on males, 11 cannot readily explam such dimorphism in a non-polyandrous spccics. Greater female divergence in foraging-related anatomy In a species In which inales :ire the larger (and therefore presu~nahlysoclally don~in:~nt)scx is, however, consistent with the hypothesis hat sexual dimorphism can he an ad:~pt:~tionto reduce intersexual competition for food. Iletermining which sex changed most is a more rlgorous means of establishing the evolutionary significance of sexually dimorphic traits than interpretmon of current function. KEYWORDS: Hub, Callaeidae, sexual dimorphism, competition INTRODUCTION The extinct Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris), a large (450 mm) wood-foraging passer- ine endemic to New Zealand (Falla et al. 19791, displayed the most extreme sexual bill dimorphism known in birds (Rand 1952, Phillipps 1963, Selander 1966, Burton 1974). In contrast to the relatively short, robust bill of the male, that of the female was approxin~atelyone third longer, more slender and strongly decurved (Figure 1). With the exception of bill length, the Huia appeared to display the usual avian pattern of sexual size dimorphism, the male being significantly larger than the fe- male in both tarsus and wing length (Selander 1966).
    [Show full text]
  • Manawahe Kokako Survey Report November 2014
    Manawahe Kokako Survey Report November 2014 Photo by Bruce Bancroft Prepared for Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Manawahe Kokako Trust By Bruce Bancroft and Nicole Bancroft 1 Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3 Methods ................................................................................................................................... 3 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Table 1. Kokako Population Comparisons 2013/2014 ...................................................... 4 Other Birds .............................................................................................................................. 4 Pest Control ............................................................................................................................. 5 Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 5 Table 2. Manawahe Kokako Survey Results Over Time ................................................... 7 Table 3. Manawahe Kokako Pairs change over time. ........................................................ 8 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 9 References: .........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation
    SCIENCE OF ECOLOGY AND ART OF CONSERVATION Protection of native species by applying scientific principles of conservation can save New Zealand’s threatened flora and fauna from extinction. Indeed, safeguarding species diversity and abundance will ensure today’s gene pool contributes to the ability of species’ to adapt in tomorrow’s changing environment. Greater biodiversity thereby enhances opportunities for the future evolution of new species. Ecological degradation began with the arrival of humans (circa 1280 AD), along with their cargo of predators to this archipelago. Many species were lost when Polynesians and Europeans respectively destroyed 32% and 38% of the country’s natural forests. Polynesians caused the extinction of >70 native species and European’s another 12 species. Prolonged hunting and habitat loss precipitated extinction of ~58 bird species*. Introduced predators quickly gained supremacy over smaller avian and insect species. Kiore (Rattus exulans) alone led to the loss of ~23 small bird, bat, reptile and invertebrate species. The worldwide IUCN Red List contains 784 extinct species, of which 27 have been lost in the past 20 years. The Red List’s threatened species includes 45 New Zealand birds, including the North Island kokako, kaka, kiwi, kakapo and mohua. The country’s birds are prone to predation and their numbers in most cases continue to decline (Table 1). This includes extinction of the South Island kokako, last reported to occur in Teal Creek, Mount Aspiring National Park in 1967 (Fig. 1). North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) with their aquamarine wattle are few, and limited mostly to the Mainland Island Restoration Project, Otamatuna, Te Urewera National Park.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Authenticity of De-Extinct Organisms, and the Genesis Argument Douglas Campbell University of Canterbury, New Zealand
    Animal Studies Journal Volume 6 | Number 1 Article 5 2017 On the Authenticity of De-extinct Organisms, and the Genesis Argument Douglas Campbell University of Canterbury, New Zealand Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.uow.edu.au/asj Part of the Art and Design Commons, Australian Studies Commons, Creative Writing Commons, Digital Humanities Commons, Education Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Philosophy Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, and the Theatre and Performance Studies Commons Recommended Citation Campbell, Douglas, On the Authenticity of De-extinct Organisms, and the Genesis Argument, Animal Studies Journal, 6(1), 2017, 61-79. Available at:https://ro.uow.edu.au/asj/vol6/iss1/5 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] On the Authenticity of De-extinct Organisms, and the Genesis Argument Abstract Are the methods of synthetic biology capable of recreating authentic living members of an extinct species? An analogy with the restoration of destroyed natural landscapes suggests not. The er stored version of a natural landscape will typically lack much of the aesthetic value of the original landscape because of the different historical processes that created it – processes that involved human intentions and actions, rather than natural forces acting over millennia. By the same token, it would appear that synthetically recreated versions of extinct natural organisms will also be less aesthetically valuable than the originals; that they will be, in some strong sense, ‘inauthentic’, because of their peculiar history and mode of origin.
    [Show full text]
  • The Distribution and Current Status of New Zealand Saddleback Philesturnus Carunculatus
    Bird Conservation International (2003) 13:79–95. BirdLife International 2003 DOI: 10.1017/S0959270903003083 Printed in the United Kingdom The distribution and current status of New Zealand Saddleback Philesturnus carunculatus SCOTT HOOSON and IAN G. JAMIESON Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand Summary This paper reviews and updates the distribution and status of two geographically distinct subspecies of New Zealand Saddleback Philesturnus carunculatus, a New Zealand forest passerine that is highly susceptible to predation by introduced mammals such as stoats and rats. The recovery of the North Island and South Island saddleback populations has been rapid since translocations to offshore islands free of exotic predators began in 1964, when both subspecies were on the brink of extinction. South Island saddlebacks have gone from a remnant population of 36 birds on one island to over 1,200 birds spread among 15 island populations, with the present capacity to increase to a maximum of 2,500 birds. We recommend that South Island saddleback be listed under the IUCN category of Near Threatened, although vigilance on islands for invading predators and their subsequent rapid eradication is still required. North Island saddlebacks have gone from a remnant population of 500 birds on one island to over 6,000 on 12 islands with the capacity to increase to over 19,000 individuals. We recommend that this subspecies be downgraded to the IUCN category of Least Concern. The factors that limited the early recovery of saddlebacks are now of less significance with recent advances in predator eradication techniques allowing translocations to large islands that were formerly unsuitable.
    [Show full text]
  • Fifty-Five Feathers Pack.Pdf
    It was a very cold winter down in the swamp. Gecko didn’t like winter. Without feathers and a snug nest of reeds, Gecko felt slow and sleepy in the cold. Pukeko looked out of her own warm nest and saw Gecko shivering in the cold. ‘Poor Gecko,’ she thought. ‘He’s not his usual summertime self. I wonder what I can do to help him.’ So Pukeko set off to the edge of the swamp where Wise Old Tree stood taller and older than all the other trees. Wise Old Tree would know what to do. Wise Old Tree knew everything. ‘Fifty-five feathers would make a fine cloak for a gecko.’ said Wise Old Tree. ‘Fifty-five feathers seems a lot for a lizard,’ gulped Pukeko. ‘It’s a very cold winter!’ said Wise Old Tree. ‘Well, I suppose I could spare a feather,’ thought Pukeko. ‘One pukeko feather is a start,’ smiled Wise Old Tree. At that moment two kakapo came blundering through the undergrowth. They had come to see Wise Old Tree to settle an argument. ‘You can’t fly!’ said one. ‘I can – I just choose not to!’ said the other. ‘You cannot fly!’ said Wise Old Tree. ‘You are too big and Heavy for your wings.’ I told you!’ said one. ‘Harrumph!!’ said the other. ‘And since you cannot fly…,’ said Wise Old Tree, ‘you probably have a feather or two to spare.’ So the two kakapo left one feather each for Gecko’s cloak before blundering back into the undergrowth arguing about something else.
    [Show full text]
  • Field Guides Birding Tours New Zealand 2011
    Field Guides Tour Report NEW ZEALAND 2011 Oct 27, 2011 to Nov 14, 2011 George Armistead & Andrew Crossland There must be a Wrybill in there somewhere! A huge flock of shorebirds takes flight at Miranda, one of NZ's premier shorebird sites. (Photo by guide George Armistead) Kia Ora, one and all! Our New Zealand 2011 adventure went off without a hitch. We arrived in Auckland fresh on the heels of the All Blacks victory in the Rugby World Cup, and found the kiwis in high spirits. This in spite of some anxiety over an upcoming national election, and an oil spill that had spoiled the shores of the Bay of Plenty. Combine these events with the recent earthquakes that had rocked Christchurch violently, and it indeed seemed a momentous time for those in New Zealand; residents and visitors alike. Perhaps blissfully oblivious to it all, the birds, thankfully, cooperated marvelously. New Zealand lived up to its reputation as a place harboring incredible, breath-taking scenery, and we enjoyed beautiful backdrops while soaking up sightings of unique strange landbirds, some of the world's rarest shorebirds, and of course a boatload of seabirds. Around Auckland, after tallying our first New Zealand Dotterels and Fernbirds, we went a-sea to visit the incomparable island of Tiritiri Matangi. We had many targets on this unique reserve, and were thankful to connect with nearly all of them. Nothing could top "Greg" the Takahe, but seeing some baby Blue (Little) Penguins in a nest and tallying a fantastic pair of Kokako, while being overrun with Tuis, Bellbirds, Stitchbirds and Saddlebacks was simply exhilarating.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Applications in Avian Conservation
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USGS Staff -- Published Research US Geological Survey 2011 Genetic Applications in Avian Conservation Susan M. Haig U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected] Whitcomb M. Bronaugh Oregon State University Rachel S. Crowhurst Oregon State University Jesse D'Elia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Collin A. Eagles-Smith U.S. Geological Survey See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub Haig, Susan M.; Bronaugh, Whitcomb M.; Crowhurst, Rachel S.; D'Elia, Jesse; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Epps, Clinton W.; Knaus, Brian; Miller, Mark P.; Moses, Michael L.; Oyler-McCance, Sara; Robinson, W. Douglas; and Sidlauskas, Brian, "Genetic Applications in Avian Conservation" (2011). USGS Staff -- Published Research. 668. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/668 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the US Geological Survey at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USGS Staff -- Published Research by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Authors Susan M. Haig, Whitcomb M. Bronaugh, Rachel S. Crowhurst, Jesse D'Elia, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Clinton W. Epps, Brian Knaus, Mark P. Miller, Michael L. Moses, Sara Oyler-McCance, W. Douglas Robinson, and Brian Sidlauskas This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ usgsstaffpub/668 The Auk 128(2):205–229, 2011 The American Ornithologists’ Union, 2011. Printed in USA. SPECIAL REVIEWS IN ORNITHOLOGY GENETIC APPLICATIONS IN AVIAN CONSERVATION SUSAN M. HAIG,1,6 WHITCOMB M. BRONAUGH,2 RACHEL S.
    [Show full text]
  • Feeding Association Between Fantails
    IAN G. McLEAN 165 Department of Zoology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Present address: Department of Biology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIK 3M4 FEEDING ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FANTAILS AND SADDLEBACKS: WHO BENEFITS? Summary: A feeding association between tWo New Zealand passerine birds, saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus, Callaeidae), and fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa, Muscicapidae) is described. Saddlebacks are poor fliers, give loud vocalisations, and feed noisily. These characteristics allow fantails to find saddlebacks and to capture insects disturbed by the saddleback's activity. Fantails follow at a distance of about 50 cm, and tend to remain behind and below the saddleback. Fantails use different feeding sites when feeding in association with saddlebacks than they use when feeding alone. Keywords: Feeding association, fantail, Rhipidura fuliginosa, Muscicapidae, saddleback, Philesturnus carunculatus, Callaeidae, feeding sites, Cuvier Island, New Zealand. Introduction Cuvier Island (36°26'S, 175°64'E) during two Some birds obtain a portion of their prey by weeks in each of May, August, November, and taking animals disturbed by the activities of other December 1973, and May 1981. Saddlebacks organisms. Examples of this use of others as became extinct on the island in the late nineteenth "beaters" (Diamond, 1981) are cattle egrets century, but 29 individuals were released there in (Bubulcus ibis) which follow large ungulates 1968. Approximately 100 were present on the (Thompson, Lanyon and Thompson, 1982), and study area in 1973, and 350 in 1981 birds that follow columns of army ants (Willis (C. R. Veitch, unpubl. data). Numbers of fantails and Oniki, 1978). Other examples may be found remained at about 40 during the two study in MacDonald and Henderson (1977), periods.
    [Show full text]
  • New Zealand Comprehensive II 23Rd October – 8Th November 2017 Trip Report
    New Zealand Comprehensive II 23rd October – 8th November 2017 Trip Report Gibson’s Wandering Albatross off Kaikoura by Erik Forsyth Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader Erik Forsyth Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to New Zealand Trip Report – RBL New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2017 2 Daily Diary New Zealand is a must for the serious seabird enthusiast. Not only will you see a variety of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, but there are multiple chances of getting out on the high seas and finding something unusual. Seabirds dominate this tour and views of most birds are right alongside the boat. There are also several land birds which are unique to these islands: the kiwis – terrestrial nocturnal inhabitants, the huge swamp-hen like Takahe – prehistoric in its looks and movements, and then the wattlebirds: the saddlebacks and kokako – poor flyers with short wings, which bound along the branches and on the ground. On this tour we had so many highlights, including close encounters with North Island, Southern Brown and Little Spotted Kiwis, walk-away views of a pair of North Island Kokako, both North and South Island Saddlebacks and a pair of the impressive South Island Takahe. With many boat trips the pelagic list was long, with Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Salvin’s, Black-browed, Campbell, White- capped and the scarce Grey-headed Albatrosses, Westland, Cook’s and White- chinned Petrels, Buller’s, Flesh-footed and Hutton’s Shearwaters, Common Diving New Zealand (Red-breasted) Plover by Erik Forsyth Petrel, and White-faced and the highly sought-after New Zealand Storm Petrels.
    [Show full text]