28 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

A REVIEW OF THE PROCELLARIIFORMES OCCURRING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WATERS

JOHN B. COX

. SUMMARY fat~om line, an~ a more southern deep-sea COX, .J. B.. 1976. A Review of the Procellariiformes occurring In South Australian waters SA Orn region. T?e Sub-Tropical Convergence" 27: 25-82. ." ., penetrates Into the south-western extremies of This paper is primarily a detailed account of the the latt~r region. Thus three maritime zones known status of the albatrosses and petrels that occur are considered, and these will herein be known In. the seas off South Australia. The sources of th~ evidence of .status are detailed, and environmental as: Coastal Zone, the Deep-sea Zone (both factor~ that mfluence the movements of most species essentially sub-Tropical) and the Sub-Antarctic are discussed, .Problems associated with taxonomy Zone. are considered ~f there is doubt as to what forms By considering the species that inhabit each occ~r m the re~lOn, and identification points of most species are detailed, zone, a useful comparison is made with those 34 species .have. been recorded: two breeding and species which have occurred as derelicts upon 32 non-breeding visitors, the latter including at least the coastline. seve~ rare or vagrant species. The majority of the Data were collected in three basic ways: specIe.s that regularly disperse from their various breeding- grounds and into the region originate from observing the birds from sea and shore and more w~sterly ocean islands, and their movements are patrolling the beaches for specimens washed largely mfiuence.d by the prevailing westerly winds of ashore. Of these, the latter method is less useful the sub-Antarctic zone. Many may have evolved a in determining distribution because the birds regular dispersal movement because of these winds. Mortality of Procellariiformes is often considerable are of. doubtful origin. However, apart from when gales trap birds on a lee-shore of the coastline supplymg museums with valuable material, or when ecological fluctuations cause a species' food~ beach-derelicts do help to indicate the move­ supply to decline. Most beach derelicts consist of the ments of a species away from its normal range. weaker individuals of a species, many of which may Therefore by combination of these with observa­ have been subject to drift by the wind for great distances OVer the seas .before they eventually tions of the birds at sea, a more complete basis succumbed when. encountering a lee-shore. The for conclusions is formed. occurrence of larger than usual numbers of an The ideal method to observe seabirds is from individual species found dead on the coastline during a season indicates that the species was afflicted by a boat; but voyages cannot usually be obtained environmental or ecological adversities. without considerable expense. In South Aus­ tralia it has been found to be difficult even to INTRODUCTION charter a suitable boat. Fortunately though, No major review of the distributional status many species are easily seen from shore and the of albatrosses and petrels in South Australian gaps in our knowledge, that were left through waters has previously been undertaken. The a lack of previous positive and consistent work, brief summaries given by Condon (1969) and were diminished by the use of sea-watching. As Serventy et at (1971) are perhaps the best in all sciences it is necessary to use the different guides. sources of data that are available in order to The following review is based on recent avoid obscure or incorrect conclusions. extensive field and museum work) combined A prerequisite for observing seabirds is some with reviews of published data. It leaves knowledge of identification. Consequently this questions unanswered) being intended to report is discussed, often with reference to points not completed work and provide a firmer basis from generally considered. All these have been which future work might be conducted. confirmed by an examination of specimens. As For purposes of this paper) the region that the smaller albatrosses (Diomedea) have already is considered extends south from the South been discussed in a previous paper (Cox, 1973), Australian coastline between longitudes 1290 E their identification is only elaborated upon and 1410 E) to latitude 40" S (figure 1). This where necessary. area lies mainly within the sub-Tropical zone For identification, acquired experience is of surface waters (for a more complete account often essential; and this can only be gained bv of marine zonation, see Serventy et at) 1971, undertaking consistent field-work. . 3-20) which can be divided into two regions: The accounts given of recent observations are A shallow region where the continental shelf mainly a compilation of data obtained by Drs. slopes gradually from the coast to the 100 D. H. Close, J. H. Hatch and the author. JANUARY, 1976 29

Because of this collaboration it is impractical able work along certain avenues are proposed. to detail records individually. Therefore these The· appendix lists the species that are currently are accompanied by initials where it is thought in the S,A. Museum collection and available relevant. It should also be said that any views for study purposes. This includes species that expressed herein are riot necessarily shared, but do not occur in South Australian waters. are those only currently held by the author. Treatment of Records PROCEDURE Records by Close, Hatch and the author are Firstly, the treatment of data in this paper detailed, often with field notes, to enable future is given and then the methods used for their reviewers to judge them. collection are detailed. Then a systematic Within the region much of our present know­ account of the species is presented followed by ledge rests upon the many accounts of seabirds an account of Procellariiforme movements and seen from ships transecting the Australian Bight. the occurrences of beach-derelicts. Some visual This paper largely depends on these for records peculiarities are also detailed. The conclusions from the higher latitudes, but they do provide are summarised and, with marine zonal distri­ a fairly complete picture of the birds at sea if bution, partially analysed. Possible future the data contained are collated and synthesised. projects are discussed and suggestions for profit- It is noted that many of the accounts include

, 1, 1, 1, 1 1, , 35 \ I I + I I I I I I I 1 B 1 1 1 .1 1, I 1 I, 1 1 1 I 1 I I I, 1 1 1 1

"-M')(.>{'XXXX~X~C4l1 sUB-TRO 1 + . .. 0. _ + 4 0 1 +.J<)(~X~VER,.,,~------140 I __ -- J(fJr;;["tCE 135 • 40'---- "'~;C,.l( 130 C ~~"t.>(.sr Distributional Zones

Figure 1; Dotted lime enc1 oses area considered by this paper. A = coastal zone "B = deep-sea zone; C = sub-Antarctic zone. C:<>' 0' x=Major observation point A X =Minor observation point KILOMETRES ':'" ...... ;: Coursesof vessels from I -1-- I I 1 I which sea. observations o 10 0 zoo 300 400 t ~OO were made

300~

o» 0' d, ~; >. C Eyre en' Australian ;dl Peninsula >. ....t"" Bight ~ 0' ~ .... ~: 0 ~ 0' 35 t-"o Q' Km .... ,-I~--I 1 CI>' o 10 20 30 40 ~I-j l>:l' 4

-s ~-1.- ~ ~ (Q~ C?, ~. -0 "'..,:. ~ "'0-- port ~ ~ "f; Km Q.- \- ~ 6 -- 1'0 5 OUT0 HER N o C E A N 0 130 1350 140 B

Figure 2; Map of locations and sea-routes. JANUARY~ 1976 31 errors of identification and can be often shown evolutionary aspects' of members of the genus as incorrect by comparisons with other accounts. are far from clear and still remain something Because knowledge of identification was often of an enigma. . inadequate, earlier references tend particularly to show errors. METHODS As far as possible all "accounts have been RECENT FIELD STUDY scrutinised, objectively. It is not intended to Sea-watching resurrect discussion about records that are Sea-watching was regularly undertaken along generally omitted by authorities, such as Condon the eastern shoreline of the Gulf St. Vincent (1969), unless it is now thought that they are between 1968 and 1975; this still continues. correct. Many references include only a species This was mainly done from Brighton and name and these are therefore included only if Aldinga but visits were also made to most loca­ some other means of corroboration,. such as tions between Outer Harbor and Cape Jervis. described previous records, satisfies the present Observations were carried out during all seasons writer that they are correct. and during varying weather conditions. Treatment of Specimens Collected From September 1969 regular sea-watching Whenever thought relevant the location of was begun from various places on the southern cited specimens is given; but this is not practic­ coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. By 1971 pre­ able with many because of the numbers ference was given to the Waitpinga area during involved. the winter. Consequently fewer observations Some specimens were found to be mis­ were made during summer: Sea-watching at identified. In the case of S.A. Museum birds, Waitpinga still continues, but to December these were brought to the attention of S. A. 1974, 73 visits, sometimes with overnight stays, Parker who has accordingly re-labelled them were made. Other areas between Cape Jervis correctly. In these instances care has been taken and Goolwa were visited 23 times. Additionally, to give the correct registration number so that sea-watches were undertaken at Robe, Cape others may check if they so desire; but in the Spencer and various points on the western case of some species where misidentifications shores of the Spencer Gulf. have been too numerous - for example, over Depending upon many factors, such as 30 specimens of prions - it is impracticable to weather conditions and the relative abundance list all of them. It is also not the purpose of of the birds, time spent during each sea-watch this paper to point out all misidentifications, varied from a few hours to all day. Commonly attention being drawn to those that have been the duration at Waitpinga was from 07.00 until incorrectly cited in literature. 11.00. All specimens listed in this paper have been Positions selected from which to view the examined by the author. Others that could not birds were about 10-30 metres above sea-level be located, or some that it was not possible and .usually on a headland where the line of to view, may be included. Nevertheless, any of surf is minimal in width. At Newland Head the the latter that are cited will be listed as much frequented "ledge" is in a position unexamined. sheltered from south-westerly winds, about 15 In the case of seldom recorded species, all metres a.s.L, and provides shelter from salt known specimens may be listed. More frequently spray, while yet allowing observers to be close the total number examined will only be given to the sea and any birds. High vantage points for obvious practical reasons. Details and were usually avoided because they lengthen the locations of specimens in the latter category are viewing distances. available on request. Observations made at Sea Taxonomy Three voyages were taken on the shark- and This paper is not intended to include a cray-fishing vessel "Taperoo": (1) 30-31 July taxonomic review of the order. The classifica­ 1973 (D.C., J.C., J,H.), from Victor Harbor tion as given by Serventy et al, (1971) is to seas 20 km south of Cape Hart, Kangaroo followed with the exception that I do not treat Island; (2) 14-17 May 1974 (D.C., J.C.), from Puffinus puffin us, P. huttoni and P. gavia as Victor Harbor to seas 15 km south-west of Cape distinct species. With this group Murphy Willoughby, Kangaroo Island, via The Pages (1952' is followed and I treat them as members Islands, through Backstairs Passage and north of an I almost world-wide species-group. Also, to Rapid Bay; (3) 29-31 May 1974 (J.H.), I believe the classification of species within the from Victor Harbor to The Pages and seas 25 genus Pachyptila requires revision, because the km south-west of Cape Hart. 32 SO'UTFt AUSTR.ALIAN ORNITFtOLOGIST, 27

Observations were made from the "M.V. W. R. P. Bourne, Dr. Hugh Ford, B. Glover Troubridge" in December 1969 and February and N. C. H. Reid. 1975 between Outer Harbor and Kingscote, Kangaroo Island (J.H.); and in February 1974 METHODS OF COUNTING SEABIRDS between Outer Harbor, Kingscote and Port From Land Lincoln (D.C.). The oldest criticism of observers watching Additionally, trips were made in a small boat birds passing a fixed spot is that they do not out from Brighton and up to 15 km into the know that those seen are not the same Gulf St. Vincent during March and December individuals flying around in circles. 1974 and January 1975 (]. C. and D. Vincent). Whether watching seabirds from a ship or Beach-Patrolling from land, it is usually impossible to record their Beaches were searched for derelict seabirds exact numbers. , Bearing in mind that it is as whenever possible, emphasis being placed on wrong to underestimate as it is to exaggerate, those on the eastern shores of the Gulf St. estimates have to be made. Many observers, Vincent and the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. including the author, are inclined to record a lower figure to avoid the suggestion of exaggera­ SPECIMENS 'tion, and this tendency becomes apparent if Apart from those collected on beaches, all consideration is given to the methods of count­ specimens in the S.A. Museum were examined. ing that are detailed below. These include those in the skin collection and In sea-watching, bird movements usually skeletal collection and those still in the museum become clear within a short time to experienced 1:reezers. observers. Sometimes the same bird may be The Cleland Collection (c/o J. B. Paton) observed passing in one direction with much was examined and many specimens that had regularity and frequency. On other occasions, been handed into the R.S.P.C.A. Additional so many individuals are seen once and not specimens were made available by others. again, that it becomes obvious that the vast majority are different birds. Sometimes a OTHER SOURCES OF DATA mixture of both events is clear. Movements A wide range of literature has been scrutinised can, however, be correlated with climatic apart from that cited. Because of the almost factors which clarify them. This matter is global range of the subject, some references discussed separately below (Coastal Move­ may have been overlooked. However, the ments). quantity read is believed to be sufficient for the Positive evidence of correct numbers was purposes of this paper. ascertained by using three methods and reason­ It is stated above that reliance is often placed able judgement. upon the accounts of birds seen from. ships (1) Noting individual characters on birds, transecting the Bight. Therefore it was neces­ ascertaining whether the same are seen sary to trace the various routes so they could again, then totalling the number seen with be aligned with the maritime zones. With the different markings. relevant species the latitudinal and longitudinal (2) Totalling individuals actually in view at positions are given, as accurately as possible. one time. Clarifying the routes of voyages; a ship en route (3) Finding how long it could take for birds from Melbourne to Perth or vice versa would that have passed to circle around before follow a course through the region on about reappearing. 38°S, through the curvature of the earth. Thus To explain the first method, individuals of any observations made on this route are from a species were often seen with unique markings. the southern sector of the deep-sea zone, often This was not so with smaller birds like shear­ very near the sub-Antarctic zone. Vessels tra­ waters, but was true of larger species such as velling via Adelaide remain very much in or albatrosses. These often possess different near the coastal zone until passing through plumage phases relating to age (Cox, 1973). Investigator Strait and beyond Kangaroo Island. Additionally, other individual characters were Then their course is west south-west through frequently seen. Often birds possessed asym­ south-central sectors of the Bight. It is from metrical whitish patches on the upper, surfaces these and other routes that species distribution of their wings. These were small and their can be determined. cause was not fully understood. They were not Additional data were supplied in the form of due solely to displaced feathers, for white personal communications, particularly from Dr. markings were often seen on single primaries JANUARY, 1976 33

or extending over a few coverts. Irrespective RESULTS of various wing positions, these markings were seen to remain constant in shape and size. Other A SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE markers seen at times were missing flight SPECIES feathers and plumage staining. These points Listed below are accounts of 35 species. The indicate the close range at which birds were Gould Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera has not often seen from shore. been definitely recorded from within the region, and the account of it is only included for its Clarifying the second method, albatrosses and giant petrels were usually seen flying alone or in interest. small, loose parties. Over the visible tract of Except for the seldom recorded species, where sea however, many such groups or individuals all known records are often listed, each account may have been in view. Single scans have often is detailed under the sub-titles: Recent Observa­ revealed 15-20 birds. Shearwaters often occurred tions; Literature; Specimens; Identification; in very large flocks, which were counted. and Discussion. The last method usually required two WANDERING ALBATROSS Diomedea observers. Often seabirds were seen to pass a exulans. given point in an endless stream without any visibly returning. In this circumstance a Recent Observations. minimum number was obtained by one observer During strong south-westerly winds, single following a leading bird until it disappeared. birds were seen on three occasions: off Parsons' Then he estimated the shortest possible time Head on 7 August 1971 (J.C.); close inshore that bird would take to circle around without off Waitpinga Beach on 19 September and 3 being seen, and rejoin the end of the stream. October 1975 (D.C., J.C.). The first bird had Starting from the same bird, a second observer the head and body white apart from a small counted the numbers passing until told to stop amount of dark mottling on the crown. Some by the first observer. The numbers obtained tail feathers were dark and the upperwings in this way were considerably greater than those were all dark apart from white patches on the arrived at by using the previous methods. central coverts. The latter two were whiter birds, but they still had much dark mottling By using the above methods, the numbers along the leading edge of the upperwing. recor~e? still remain lower than reality, but by combmmg all methods and using reasonable Literature judgement, more accurate figures were arrived Ferguson (1916) recorded the species almost at. every day while crossing Bight waters in August Consistent counting can reveal patterns which and January. Macgillivray (1920) observed 0S help to clarify movements and status. The many in June near 37 eti route from Fre­ results would be valuable if observations could mantle to Adelaide, but recorded none when be carried out simultaneously from many points land was in sight. Also near 37°S, Elkington along the Australian coastline. (1930) observed comparatively few in April. Brown (1948) saw Wanderers constantly be­ From Sea tween 38°S and 39°S in June, oiten with as ­ It has been found useful to compare the many as 12 together. Fisher (1963) observed numbers of birds seen at sea within the coastal one about 35 km off Cape Banks and four in zone with those seen from shore. As shown the Bight at 35°S during February. Glover below, the figures are essentially confirmatory. (pers. comm.) recorded 20-30 in Bight waters In counts from a cruising vessel, we found during October 1950. Swanson (1973) stated it advisable to total the birds at pre-selected that the species is rare in Kangaroo Island time lapses. This may not have been accurate waters and is ". . . less likely to be seen north for assessing actual numbers, as the birds were of the island." On one occasion in spring- he constantly moving also, but it was an excellent did, however, see 12 birds north-east of Cape method for ascertaining their distribution over Borda. Condon (1969) stated one was observed the area of sea covered. . in Backstairs Passage during July 1926. Albatrosses often congregated around a boat, Specimens especially when fish were being cleaned. Nearly 'Wandering Albatrosses are found cast upon 100 have been seen together within sight of the beaches rather in!requently. The 16 speci­ land. However, we felt that by encouraging mens that I have examined were obtained the albatrosses we may have been discouraging between August and February over a period of the smaller petrels from approaching. almost 70 years. 34 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 Identification . Be~ng o.ne of the two larger albatrosses, the identification of. Wanderers is comparatively eCl;SY· However, If they are fully adult confusion with the Royal. Albatross D ..epomophora may Occur. The differences are clearly given by Serv~nty et .al (~971) and Slater (1970), so require no discussion here. It should be noted ~owever, that the Royal Albatross has occurred III Western Australia (Serventy et al, 1971,64.), and th~r~fo:e can be expected within our region. Thus It IS Important that it should be looked for <:tmongst the Wanderers. Any decomposed specimens collected should not have their bill­ plates removed until after a proper examination because these are vital for identification pur: poses. Discussion The above data indicate that Wanderers are present in the deep-sea and sub-Antarctic zones throughout the year. Records from the coastal Figure 3; Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta zone are comparatively few, and their pre­ cauta off Cape Hart, July 1973. dominance between mid-winter and summer is probably due to the usually strong winds of can therefore be said to represent the nominate spring combined with a build-up of the bird's race cauta, because both other races salvini and numbers in winter. eremiia, retain a dark spot on the' nail of the Some of the records near the coastline are to lower mandible throughout adult life (Vooren, the west of Kangaroo Island and in the South­ 1973) . East, where :the continental shelf does not extend so far out to sea. Literature Two birds were seen by Macgillivray (1920) SHY ALBATROSS Diomedea cauta (Figure 3) off Port MacDonnell in June. Brown (1948) Recent Observations saw one on 2 July near 38°S 140°E. Fisher Observed on 18 dates at Waitpinga, during (1963) recorded the very large total of 515 May and from September to November (D. C., about 35 km off Cape Banks, and another 11 J. C., J. H. and N. C. H. Reid). Every year about 50 km off Cape Jaffa on 17 February birds were present during those times and they 1963. W. R. P. Bourne (pers. cornm.) "some­ were frequently seen close inshore even during times" saw Shy Albatrosses while crossing the calm weather, but their numbers were usually southern portion of the Bight. Swanson (1973) small. Six have been seen together during reported the species was common "from 20 to September, but groups of two-three were more 50 miles south" of Kangaroo Island, and stated usual. it was rare to the north, but moved into inshore N. C. H. Reid (pers. comm.) saw single birds waters during the summer. on three occasions off Whalers' Way, Eyre Specimens Peninsula, on 6 September 1973. Sixteen specimens that were collected on Up to eight were seen together from the South Australian beaches have been examined. "Tapero0', on 30-31 July 1973. These were These were found from the South-East to mainly well out from shore, about 15 km south Kangaroo Island and the Gulf St. Vincent. of Cape Hart. A few followed the boat in In the, S.A. Museum there are two skins of nearer, but this was possibly because they were D. cauta, SAM Reg. Nos. B27618 and B28665, being fed on offal and because a strong gale tha:t were collected near the mouth of the was blowing. Another was seen in similar South-West River, Kangaroo Island, by Ms. J. weather conditions off Parsons' Head on 4 July Davies in August 1966. Condon (1969: 23) 1973 (J.C.). listed one of these as a Grey-headed Albatross Most birds seen were immatures, judging by D. chrysostoma, and did not mention the other. their dark-tipped bills, grey hind necks and D. cauta differs from D. chrysostoma in many half-collars. Adults with more whitish heads ways, but apart its white underwirig with very and wholly pale bills were also seen and these narrow dark margins which can still be clearly JANUARY, 1976 35 seen on a closed wing, the bill has membraneous recorded as "Diomedea sp." with a mention that naricorn extending around the base of the W. B. Alexander considered the birds as refer­ culminicorn. D. chrysostoma only has this from able to D. cauta. It can be seen by the under­ the nostrils to the feathering, between the wing pattern that this identification was correct. culminicorn and the latericorns. It is also considered from the later data given Identification above, that at least one bird is referable to The. identification of this species has been D. cauta cauta. This suggests that Australian previously discussed (Cox, 1973) and doubts breeding birds do extend across the Bight and were expressed about separating D. cauta cauta into Western Australian waters. It therefore from D. cauta salvini in the field. Since that seems probable that Australian breeding birds paper, Vooren (1973) has said that salvini has range at sea along a coastal strip to the south a darker underside to the primary feathers. This of the continent, between the continental shelf, is supported byHarper and Kinsky (1974), who or just over, and the land. In summer the said that D. cauta eremita also possesses this birds move inshore and, contract eastwards to distinction from the nominate cauta: As yet, the vicinity of their breeding grounds. I have failed to note this point in the field. johnstoneez al (1975) summarised the breed­ ing and oceanic range of both D. cauta cauta Discussion and D. cauta salvini. They suggested both sub­ Shy Albatrosses occur as far west as the Bight, species may "have circumpolar distributions but are progressively commoner towards the when not breeding,' but added the footnote south-east. The species also does not seem to that 20 recoveries of birds banded on Albatross venture far beyond the continental shelf, because Island, Tasmania, were all from eastern Aus­ only a few have been reported from the more tralian waters. While evidence then indicates southerly regions. The waters over the edge that Australian breeding birds are not circum­ of the shelf may prove to be where most occur polar, the cauta population of the Aukland during the winter, while in the summer they do Islands still remain for consideration. As this appear to move inshore as Swanson (1973) population is unlike other populations of the stated. Our observations of birds close to land same subspecies in zonal distribution, but is like have been mainly during the spring and autumn. salvini, ecological and environmental aspects The lack of inshore records during the summer could influence non-breeding dispersal move­ indicate that birds contract in range to waters ments so that like salvini it is circumpolar. nearer their breeding islands in that season. Three cauta that were recovered off South Fisher's (1963) sightings clearly suggest this. Africa w~re banded off South Island, New Serventy (1935) showed three photographs of Zealand, (White, 1973). this species. These were taken near the Archi­ While data are incomplete, there is little pelago of the Recherche, Western Australia, and evidence that Australian cauta are circumpolar. Aukland Island cauta, however, possibly are, and records from the sub-Antarctic zone or away from Australian or New Zealand seas may well be referable to this population rather than to Australian birds. The almost circumpolar range of salvini has long been established (Murphy, 1936: 527). BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS (Diomedea melanophris (Figure 4) Recent Observations Observed on 81 dates from Robe, Goolwa, Port Elliot (J.C.), Viator Harbor, Waitpinga, Cape Jervis and Aldinga (D.C., lC., j.H. et al). Figure 6 illustrates the numbers recorded from the coastline between Goolwa and Cape Jervis. Repetition in the lower range of numbers sometimes occurs. It shows that few birds are present in the coastal waters of that region Figure 4; Adult Black-browed Albatross off until May, after which a gradual increase is Cape Hart, July 1973. evident, apart from an- inexplicable drop in 36 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

July, until August and September when they that they were indeed Black-brewed. Swanson are most numerous. In mid-October and (1973) said that the species was common during November their numbers decline, not rising winter in the waters about Kangaroo Island. again until the next May. He stated it was "... by far the most numerous N. C. H. Reid (pers. comm.) saw several albatross ..." birds off Whalers' Way and three-plus off Cape Specimens Wiles, Eyre Peninsula, on 6 September 1973. A total of 23 beach-derelicts have been Observations were made by Dr. Hugh Ford examined, eight from the Gulf St. Vincent, and (pers. comm.) at Cap du Couedic, Kangaroo others from Robe to Kangaroo Island. Island; 30-plus, 12 October 1973; 15-plus, 20 Condon (1969: 23) listed under D. chrysos­ October 1973; and about 50 on 23 September toma "Specimen (several birds seen) from 1974. Brighton (May, 1968)." The specimen, S.A. The species was commonly seen at sea from Museum Reg. No. B27619, is in fact of the the "Taperoo." Maximum numbers totalled present species, D. melanophris, as judged by around the boat on single occasions were: 12 the lack of any membraneous naricorn about during mid-May; 20 in late May; 80-plus on the base of the culminicorn. It is an immature 30-31 July. bird with some grey on the head and neck and Literature a dark underwing. Ferguson (1916) said "The species appears Adults of this species are easily identifiable to be most abundant in the Great Australian in the field, but immatures may be confused Bight; on both occasions of crossing the Bight with those of the Grey-headed Albatross. With this species was the commonest bird seen." His care, experienced observers soon become aware observations were made during August and of the differences. These have already been January. Macgillivray (1920) and Le Souef discussed (Cox, 1973). (1922) continually saw them in the Bight Warham and Bourne (1974) said that the during September, Elkington (1930) in April, wide anterior margin to the underwing is prob­ Brown (1948) in June-July and B. Glover (pers. ably not a constant difference between the two comm.) saw three during October. Macgillivray races, D. m, melanophris and D. m. impauida, twice recorded the species off Port MacDonnell as was indicated by Cox (1973). I agree with and Serventy (1939) saw one off Robe in them and acknowledge that the iris colouration December. Although he only recorded them as of adult birds is probably the only certain means probables, Eckert's (1970) description of three of separation in the field. Most birds of this single birds seen off Flinders Island confirms species that I have seen in South Australia have

Figure 5; Mainly Black-browed Albatrosses feeding upon fish-offal from the "Taperoo," July 1973. This photograph illustrates the numbers that occur in the coastal zone; these birds forming but a portion of a large gathering. JANUARY, 1976 37

been adults. Sub-adults with dark bill-tips Black-browed have also been commonly seen, but very young Albatross birds with wholly dark bills have been seen 70 Numbers recorded only occasionally. Many of the adults have Cope Jervis - Wai1pingQ-Goolwa been noted to possess dark irides. This shows 1969-74 that most birds are referable to the nominate • 60 race. Although it occurs in New South Wales coastal waters (Simpson, 1972: 75), impavida has so far not been identified. . 50 Discussion There is no doubt that this species is a 40 common bird throughout the region, except in the coastal zone from November to May, when • it is uncommon. Also, few seem to penetrate • 30 far into the Gulf St. Vincent; it appears scarce • • north of Aldinga even in the winter. !II • 20 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS Diomedea • • chrysostoma • • Recent Observations This species was only seen on six occasions: Two dark-headed immatures and one adult off Parsons' Head on 3 August 1971 (J.C.); another, very sickly, dark-headed immature close to shore at Aldinga on 25 June 1972 (J.C.); a pale-headed immature at Newland's Head on 11 November 1972 was identified by Figure 6 ; Recorded numbers of Black-browed the underwing pattern, eye-markings and bill­ Albatrosses seen from the shore between Goolwa and shape (D.C., lC.); a dark-headed immature Cape Jervis, 1969-74. Solid squares represent positive at Newlands' Head on 15 May 1973 (D.C., J.C., numbers seen on anyone day; open circles represent J.H.); another similar bird on 15 June 1973 negative observations. Repetition is sometimes present (J.H.); and another of similar plumage at in the lower range of positive numbers. Parsons' Head on 1 September 1974 (J.e.). All sightings were during, or Shortly after a strong able to the Yellow-nosed Albatross D. chloro­ south-westerly wind. ' rliynchos. Literature Le Souef (1922) wrote that chrysostoma Gould (1865: 436) said he saw Grey-headed "... were more or less in constant attendance Albatrosses during a voyage from Launceston from Sydney till within a thousand miles from to Adelaide. He particularly noticed them Durban . .." He did not elaborate further. "... off Cape Jervis and Cape Northum­ It is therefore unknown whether he saw any berland." However, I believe his account within our region. On his voyage he saw should be treated with caution because early other more easily indentifiable birds but mis­ observers often seemed to call any smaller identified some (e.g. a bird he said was a "large albatrosses with grey on their heads chrysostoma, Black Petrel" can be recognised, from his written and they were not aware of the immature description on p. 52, to have been a Great Skua plumages (e.g. Macgillivray, 1920). Moreover Catharacta skua). His identification of alba­ it is very doubtful whether enough was known trosses should therefore be treated with caution. about these albatrosses in Gould's era to enable Condon (1969: 23) stated that several Grey­ them to be identified at sea. More recent headed Albatrosses were seen off Brighton in records also indicate that his account is 1968. As the specimen he aligned with them anomalous. has been shown to be a Black-browed (see Macgillivray (1920) saw four birds, in the above), they are obviously erroneous. Bight and near Kangaroo Island, and attributed Swanson (1973) found "... chrysostoma to them to chrysosioma. Some may well have been be rare at all latitudes," and reported that he this species, but Mathews (1920) disputed these usually saw only two or three individuals each sightings and showed that the description year. As he spent much time at sea in his Macgillivray gave for an earlier bird was refer- fishing boat it is inevitable that he would have 38 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

recorded a few strays. Our sightings (above) above, immature Black-brows with wholly confirm Swanson's in that we have seen only a blackish bills are few; enough to show that few in six years in spite of constant diligent any overlooked Grey-heads would be minute in searching. number. The possibility that immatures alone W. R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) had good move into our waters must be discounted be­ views of several, mainly adult, Grey-headed cause adults have been seen and collected. Albatrosses while crossing the Bight during Confusion with the Yellow-nosed cannot arise August 1974. His route was southerly and near among experienced observers, despite the con­ the sub-Tropical convergence where several are trary statement by Robinson (1971). likely to be seen; but even there, not continu­ The relative lack of definite reports indicate ously like the Black-brewed Albatrosses which that only a few Grey-headed Albatrosses pene­ he also said he saw. trate into the coastal zone each year. These are probably wind-drifted strays (see below), Specimens as the weather conditions during our observa­ Of the eight specimens listed by Condon tions suggest. (1969: 23) for South Australia, two were mis­ Evidence suggests that Serventy et al (1971: identified. Seven other specimens have been 75) were correct when they said that the examined, including four of the six that Robin­ species "... inhabits the sub-Antarctic zone son (1971) collected. Accepting that the other of surface water having a more southerly range two are correct, the number so far known to than that of the Black-brow: .." Their state­ have been collected in South Australia is 15. ment that Grey-headed Albatrosses are "Fairly Identification common in Australian Seas . . ." can be re­ The identification has been previously dis­ garded as referable to the southern zones of zhe cuss~d (Cox, 1973). region. Tickell's (1967) banding data also indicate that they are chiefly tied to the higher Discussion latitudinal seas. Dubious early records, and the. comparative frequency of Grey-headed Albatrosses occurring YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS Diomedea as beach-derelicts, have confused their correct chlororhynchos (Figure 7) status and distribution in South Australian waters. If they were common, then surely con­ Recent Observations tinuous observations from ship and shore would This species was seen on 89 dates from have revealed more amongst the large numbers Goolwa, Port Elliot (J.C.), Victor Harbor, of Black-browed and Yellow-nosed. As stated Waitpinga, Cape Jervis (D.C., lC., lH., et at), Aldinga, Hallett Cove and Brighton (lC., j.n.i. Figure 8 illustrates their recorded numbers, as shown under the Black-browed. More Yellow-nosed were seen in the St. Vincent Gulf than any other species of albatross. They were seen in varying weather conditions at Waitpinga during the winter; but with exceptions sometimes in June when none were seen even during onshore winds. Large numbers were usually observed during strong onshore winds in most other winter months, but even in calm weather some individuals were seen close inshore. One was seen by Dr. Hugh Ford (pers. comm.) off Cap du Couedic, Kangaroo Island, on 20 October 1973; several on 25 May 1974 and about 50 on 23 September 1974. This species outnumbered the Black-browed at sea during May 1974; 25 were seen off Cape Willoughby from the "Taperoo" (lH.). During July rarely more than six 'were seen together Figure 7; YeIIow-nosed Albatross off Cape at sea, while Black-brows were numerous (D.C., Willoughby, May 1974. j.c., j.n.). JANUARY, 1976 39

Literature Macgillivray (1920) saw at least three. birds Yellow-nosed Albatross near Kangaroo Island in June. Falla (1930) Numbers recorded 70 recorded the species between Melbourne and Cope Jervis - WailpingQ - Goolwa Adelaide. Swanson (1973) said that their 1969-74 numbers remained "... fairly constant during 60 the whole year," and that they occurred more commonly than other albatrosses north of Kan­ garoo Island. 50 Specimens Many specimens have been obtained in South 40 Australia. 28 have been examined, including • a fair proportion from the Gulf St. Vincent. • Three in the S.A. Museum were collected at • 30 sea in the latter area by Prof. F. Wood-Jones.

Identification 20 Identification has previously been discussed • (Cox, 1973), but it has been noted more re­ • • cently that some birds tend to have a slightly wider dark anterior margin to the underwing than others. Falla (1930) remarked .on this, and from a photograph he gave it can be seen that this margin tapers out from the carpal joint until it is widest at the -axilla, as was described by Cox. Recent observations by me indicate that only immatures may possess the 'wider margin. Every bird seen at a close enough Figure 8; Recorded numbers of Yellow-nosed range to discern a yellow culminicorn has had Albatrosses seen from the shore between Goolwa and Cape Jervis, 1969-74. Solid squares represent the more usual narrower margins. positive numbers seen on anyone day; open circles represent negative observations. Repetition is Discussion sometimes present in the lower range of positive The abundance of Yellow-nosed Albatrosses numbers. in the coastal zone and the absence of records from the Bight suggests that the species is mainly Our observations indicate that numbers are confined to the waters over the continental fairly constant throughout the winter, with shelf. To support this is the fact that ships peaks discernible during May and September­ travelling from Melbourne to Perth leave the October. In some years an obvious slump in shelf near Port MacDonnell and do not reach numbers has been noted during June and July. shelf waters again until near Albany, Western On some days during those months none was Australia. During such voyages Brown (1948) recorded even during strong onshore winds. and Ferguson (1916) have noted their absence This could suggest, 'as with the Black-browed, in the Bight and remarked on their abundance that apart from there being a regular winter off Western Australia. Serventy (1935) found population, birds may pass through South Aus­ the species abundant over the continental shelf tralian waters in spring and autumn to and from Albany to Eyre; and therefore it is most from wintering grounds perhaps further east. probable that their range is continuous through SOOTY ALBATROSS Phoebetria fusca to South Australia. If observations were made (Figure 9) . from western Eyre Peninsula, the presumably Literature artificial gap in the species' range between Eyre Ferguson (1916) described' birds of this and Kangaroo Island would almost certainly species in the western sector of the Bight. Others be closed. which he described as the Light-mantled Sooty Summarising, the Yellow-nosed probably Albatross P. palpebrata are undoubtedly imma­ occurs commonly in the coastal zone, north of tures of the Sooty Albatross. One of the latter most shipping routes, from Western Australia was seen in January at 38°S 139°E, to the to Kangaroo Island and beyond, with numbers south-west of Port" MacDonnell. Macgillivray progressively decreasing towards the South-East (1920) recorded the species near 37°S 1300E in of South Australia. June, and later saw three while within sight of 40 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

Kangaroo Island. He again recorded two birds measured as 102 mm; this placed it beyond while in sight of the coast opposite Port Mac­ the range of fusca but well within the' size range Donnell on 20 October 1926 (Macgillivray, of female palpebrata, according to the measure­ 1927). These were not described, but allowing ments that were given by Serventy et al (1971). that he had previously described fusca as "all­ For comparison there were two crania and one dark," confusion does not arise with palpebrata. skin of fusca, and four skins of palpebrata. Giant Petrels Macronectes sp. were also These confirmed that the head was referable to observed by him on his voyage. Falla (1930) palpebrate, although one fusca had. a stouter observed four in the Bight during September, dertrum than the others of that species. This even close enough to see their yellow sulcus on specimen was the bird that was listed by the lower mandible; but it is not clear whether Robinson (1971), and its straighter culminicorn two were within the region under consideration. leaves no doubt as to its identity. The feature Elkington (1930) saw three birds about 90 km was clearly illustrated in the photographs that south of Kangaroo Island, and four adults and Robinson gave of the specimen. an immature further into the Bight during The feathering around the base of the bill April. of Williams' specimen of palpebrata is a dark Specimens chocolate-brown, but that on the crown is The only one from South Australia examined largely ruffled and broken, showing the feather by me was the adult bird collected by Robinson bases and giving the outward appearance of (1971) at Goolwa Beach on 23 March 1970. being pale. This no doubt was the reason why the specimen was originally labelled as a Yellow­ Identification nosed Albatross. This is discussed under the next species. Another specimen in the S.A.M. was collected Discussion by Robinson (1971) at Goolwa Beach on 18 From the above data it appears that Sooty October 1969. Judging by its white quills to Albatrosses occur in small numbers in the deep­ the primary wing and central tail feathers, it is sea zone. Macgillivray's accounts and the an adult bird (see below). specimen indicate that strays occur in the A third South Australian specimen of palpe­ coastal zone. The positions of some of Mac­ brata in the S.A.M. (Reg. No. B27992) was gillivray's sightings were quite close to the edge found alive at Port Gawler Beach (55 km north of the continental shelf. of Adelaide) on 2 or 3 October 1971 by J. Pearson. LIGHT-MANTLED SOOTY ALBATROSS Phoebetria palpebrata (Figure 9) Identification Literature Because of their similarity, the identification Ferguson's accounts (1916) of this species are points of the two sibling'species of Phoebetria referable to immature fusca. While Macgilli­ are summarised together. vray (1920) was probably correct in some of his Serventy et al (1971: 79-80) .said adult fusca identifications of this species, because of his are "Wholly sooty brown above and. below," conflicting descriptions those he recorded are and have a yellow sulcus along the lower omitted here. mandible. They said that adult palpebrata Specimens have the "Body brownish grey, mantle ashy­ In the S.A. Museum there is a head of this grey/, and the sulcus is blue to violet. These species (Reg. No. B28657) that was collected at points are confirmed by other writers. Cape Jervis on 10 July 1966 by D. Williams. If adult, the two species can then be separated It was identifiable as Phoebetria by the sulcus by the colour of the mantle and of the sulcus. along the lower mandible, and as palpebrata by However, the colour of the latter does not the shape of the culminicorn and the size of the necessarily indicate that a bird is an adult dertrum. The head still possesses much because Serventy et al further said that juvenile feathering, and all the bill-plates are intact fusca may have this mandibular groove "yellow, apart from the culminicorn which is broken. grey or bluish in colour," while juvenile palpe­ An examination revealed that when viewed in brata may have it "brownish." profile the culminicorn, albeit broken, was From. this it seems that other points are. deeply concave and the nails of each mandible needed to. ascertain the maturity of a bird. were proportionately large. Murphy (1936) Murphy (1936) said that immatures of both considered this as distinctive of palpebrata; species have dark quills to the primary wing and [usca having a much straighter culminicorn 'and central tail feathers, and that these differ from relatively weaker dertrum. The culmen was those of adults, which are white. Slater (1970) JANUARY, 1976 41 supported this. Serventy et al also noted that because only during our later observations did the broken white eye-rims of adults are duller we attempt to differentiate them, all records on juveniles. are first compiled into a single review. Those Many of the accounts (cited above) <;>f these that have been separated will be discussed birds in the field confirm that these POInts are afterwards, as two species: noticeable within a reasonable range (see photo, Recent Observations Serventy et al, 1971: 81): -:r:herefore,Jf a ?ird Giant Petrels were seen on 51 dates from has white quills and eye-nms It can be identified Victor Harbor, Waitpinga, Cape Jervis, by the colour of the sulcus or the mantle. . If Brighton, Glenelg (D.C., J.C., J.H., et al), the quills or eye-rims are dark or dull the bird Hallett Cove (lC., J.H.), Aldinga (J.C.) and is a juvenile. ~mmature Port Noarlunga (J. H. and B. Glover). Murphy (1936) :aid fusca Hugh Ford (pers. comm.) saw one off Cape "... differ from adults In having a buffy collar, du Couedic, Kangaroo Island, on 23 September whitish nape," but said that in immature .resembl~s 1974. paipebrata the "... plumage that of One was seen off Cape Willoughby from the adults." Holgersen (1957) said that Immature "Taperoo" during May (J.H.) and a few were palpebrata he saw at sea had '''their pale mantle seen in the same region during July (D.C., J.C., more or less mottled with darker feathers." One J.H.). male bird he collected had the mantle "slightly The numbers recorded were generally lower mottled." than might be expected for a species described Allowances have to be made for atypical beca~se ~l; ~d as common (Condon, 1969) .. This is birds, as pointed out by.Server;ty et most birds seen were flying smgly, and during some individuals may be impossible to Identify a period in anyone day many such s~ngl<: birds the field if considerations are given to birds in were seen. This made accurate counting Impos­ of intermediate age groups. It seems quite .~ith c~re. sible because it could never be certain that the apparent however, t?at most adults same birds were not merely flying in wide and juveniles can be identified within :easonable circles. As the evidence usually suggests (see range in the field. As Holgersen said (1957) below) that this is not so, the numbers we when reporting a sighting of both species actually recorded must be minimal. While birds together: "The difference between the two were mainly seen flying singly, sometimes several species ... was striking." .. were in view dispersed over the sea. They Summarising: Adults have white eye-rims and appeared only to coz;re together w~en feeding, quills; fusca has a brownish mantle and yellow particularly on floating cuttlefish Just beyond sulcus; palpebrata has an ashy-grey mantle and the surf. bluish sulcus. Immatures have dark or dull All birds were recorded between mid-May eye-rims and quills; fusca has the mantle and mid-October. Their numbers were generally brownish but the nape and neck may be buffy whiti~h; low until August; but by September they were or palpebrata have their ashy-grey commonly seen. The largest number counted mantle mottled darker. was 18 in mid-September; usually only four to Discussion six were recorded each day in other months. While very few palpebrata appear to occur Almost all seen were wholly dark brown in the region, the beach-derelicts confirm that immatures; the exceptions were a few with paler strays do occur. Serventy et at (1971). stated facial areas, white phase birds, and one that the species normally is of sub-Antarctic and was seen in September 1974 that had a golden Antarctic seas. coloured nape patch (J.C.)·. This latter bird GIANT PETRELS Macronectes sp. was seen swimming and flying with another Since Bourne and Warham (1966) found that normal dark immature, and from the pale the Giant Petrels at Macquarie Island consisted colour of the bill-tip was probably giganteus. As the weather conditions were overcast, the of two forms the genus Macronectes has been reflections of the sun would not have caused considered to contain two sibling species; a this appearance, and therefore the bird was northern form, M. halli, breeding mainly in the likely to be an aberrant individual. sub-Antarctic regions; and a southern form, M. giganteus, breeding mainly in the An~ctic Literature regions. Johnstone (1974) stated that imrna­ There appears to be a lack of reports of tures of both species migrate northwards. Giant Petrels at any distance from the coast. As most accounts of Giant Petrels in South B. Glover (pers. comm.) saw one bird in the Australia do not separate the two species, and Bight on 24 October 1950, and W. R. P. 42 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 JANUARY, 19'76 43

Bourne (pers. comm.) saw several, mainly im­ Glenelg and Brighton during a south-westerly mature, birds while crossing the southern regions gale on 7 July (D.C., J.C., J.H., et al) .. They of the Bight during August 1974, Apart from were very close (one actually flew over the accounts of birds on the beaches, there are few beach about two metres above me) and often previous reports from within the coastal zone. settled on the calmer water in the lee of the Glenelg breakwater, close to the jetty. All were Specimens Beach-washed birds have been found on many clearly seen to have pale green bill-tips. A occasions and many are preserved in the S.A. white-phase bird was seen close inshore at New­ Museum. These have been collected during lands' Head on 6 September 1974 (J.C.). The all months, unlike the above sightings of birds plumage was all white apart from blackish in coastal waters. It therefore seems that, apart marks on one primary and on one scapular from a normal wintering population, some birds feather. The bill was seen to have a: pale green are prone to be blown onto our shores by strong .tip. Another white-phase individual was seen winds, regardless of the season. Apart from at the same place on 14 September 1974 (J.C.), four birds (see below), all specimens in the flying with an all-dark immature. It was un­ museum are dark immatures. This prevents marked apart from a well spotted breast. On them from being specifically recognised because the same day three dark immatures were noted the major point of differentiation, the bill to have pale green bill-tips, and another was colour, is lost on the dried skins. seen the next day (J. C., J. H., and N. C. H. Reid). Identification Giant Petrels are easily recognised at sea, Literature and their identification requires no discussion J. B. Paton (S.A. Orn, 26: 14) saw a white­ here. Specific differences are mentioned below. phase bird at Victor Harbor on 7 January 1970. Discussion ' D. Lake (pers. comm.) found and released On the basis of the above data it can be said another (or the same individual) white bird on that Giant Petrels are moderately common in a beach near Victor Harbor on 10 January the coastal zone during winter and early spring. 1970. He obtained an excellent series of photo­ Stragglers occur throughout the year. . graphs. Condon (1969: 24) listed another The scarcity of reports from other zones may white-phase bird which was "caught and liber­ be more apparent than real. If the majority of ated at Outer Harbor, June 1966." Nils birds that occur in the region are giganteus, S,:,anson (pers. comm.) said the majority of many might have been overlooked for a reason GIant Petrels seen by him have greenish bills. which Johnstone (1974) suggests, which is that Specimens species does not follow ships. It might be Two skins of white Giant Petrels are in the that Giant Petrels favour continental shelf S.A. Museum collection; one from near the waters and only pass through other oceanic Murray Mouth, January 1954, and one from zones, perhaps being similar to the Yellow-nosed Sellick's Beach, August 1955, (Reg. No. Albatross. This could favour their scavenging B24650). The latter bird is interesting because habits (see below; Feeding Behaviour}, It ma~ it is absolutely white, with no dark markings at al~o be thou.ght that as adults are mainly non­ all. Moreover the pallid colouration of its feet migratory, birds of the year are forced to forage as compared with the other white bird could further afield in the waters of more northerly suggest that it is an albino rather tharr-a true lands, the adults finding sufficient food in the white morpho Other skins are obviously refer­ coastal waters of their breeding islands. How­ able to gigante us, some having the bill colour ever, i.t was suggested by Simpson (1972: 69) noted on the label. that gtganteus forages out to sea while breeding on Macquarie Island. Discussion . From the limited data it seems that giganteus SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL Macronectes IS probably commoner than halli in the coastal giganteus zone. Recent Observations Two dark immatures with pale greenish un. NORTHERN GIANT PETREL Maotonectes tips were seen from the "Taperoo" a few halli kilometres off Cape Willoughby on. 30 July 1973 Recent Observations (D.C., J.C., J.H.). These did not follow the An all-dark immature Giant Petrel was ob­ boat, but merely flew by. Three similar birds served at Parsons' Head on 1 September 1974 frequented the suburban beachfront between (J.C.). Basing my opinion on the described 44 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

characters of halli, I identified the bird as that between dark immature and whitish headed species. adults is very much more blotchy, not having First observed flying with a Yellow-nosed the even freckling of halli. The photograph Albatross just beyond the surf, it settled and Johnstone (1974, Plate 7b) gave of halli, bears began to eat a floating cuttlefish. To avoid the a close resemblance to the specimen. breakers, the petrel once had to lift the cuttlefish Prof. F. Wood-Jones obtained specimen No. and fly out with it a short distance. Very good B6886 at sea in the Gulf St. Vincent on 14 views were obtained through lOx binoculars. August 1926. This bird is very similar in The bill was wholly pale apart from the nails plumage to the above specimen, but darker. It on both mandibles; these were largely dark and contrasted with the rest of the bill. A reddish has the additional data on the label about the tinge was just determined on the dertrum when bill colouration: "... very light hom colour, the bird was closest. The other bill-plates were tip darker." The specimen does not now show a whitish-straw colour. a dark bill-tip. On 14 September 1974, five birds were seen at Specimen No. B28142 was collected by J. B. Newlands' Head. All were dark immatures and Cleland at Encounter Bay on 21 January 1924. had whitish bills with dark nails (lC.). The It is an all-dark immature female. On the next day two more with dark bill-tips were seen label it says; "Integument between the plates at the same place (J. C., j. H., N. C. H. Reid). with a pinkish tinge." While this may not One bird with a dark bill tip was again seen at seem conclusive, Bourne and Warham (1966) Newlands' Head on 28 August 1975 (D.C., said the bill of halli is "... Often reddish along J.H.), and three were seen on 3 October 1975, the ridge of 'the culmen towards the tip . . ." including one whose bill was noted to have a This indicates that the specimen is probably reddish tip as it flew past at very close range of this species. On the now dried skin this (D.C., j.c.i. colour, and/or a dark tip, has disappeared. Apart from bill colouration, the only other Identification differences determinable from identified gigan­ Johnstone (1974) said that all age 'groups teus were that the individuals with dark bill-tips of giganteus have pale nails (unguis) to their seemed to have a more slender appearance, and bills, which even appear lighter than the other that curiously, whereas these appeared in profile bill-plates. All ages of halli possess dark nails to have a slightly up-tilted bill, the known which contrast with the other bill-plates. He giganteus seemed to show a down-tilted effect. also said that the nails have a pinkish or reddish It is not known whether this was due to differ­ tinge in halli, whereas in giganteus there are a ing bill-sizes, and I am aware of the immense lucent green. Plumage phases were also de­ variation in size of giganteus bills. tailed by him. While it may seem a small point with which to differentiate species, the dark colouration of Discussion the nails on the bills of the birds observed Johnstone (1974) stated banding results have was extensive. As Giant Petrel bills are massive, shown that young halli move northwards. How- the nails are large. With these being dark on . ever, it may be that some adults or older birds one bird and pale on another, an easy distinc­ also move north in winter because Simpson tion is formed at close range. (1972: 69) cited some photographed off New South Wales, and I have seen two apparent Specimens adults off Waitpinga. Because I did not see On examining the large number of Macro­ the bill-tip clearly, however, I could not regard nectes skins in the S.A. Museum, it was found the latter as definite halli. that at least two, and probably a third, were referable to halli. ANTARCTIC FULMAR Fulmarus glacialoides Specimen No. B2980 was obtained alive at (Figure 10) Henley Beach on July 1919 by H. Smith. Recent Observations According to the label, this bird was kept in During a strong south-westerly gale four captivity for the next three years. My opinion sightings of this species were obtained at Parsons' that it is halli is based upon plumage characters; Head on 1 September 1974, with at least two the facial area is pale and blends into darker individuals being involved (lC.). neck feathering; darker feathers are by the eye; The first bird was originally sighted a great and allover, from the facial area to the distance away, but flying towards me. At that abdomen, pale feather edgings give the plumage angle, and because no other birds were nearby a uniform freckled appearance. To my know­ for a size comparison, it appeared to resemble ledge, giganteus in the plumage intermediate a small, stout, pale albatross. The bird was JANUARY, 1976 45 eventually passed by a flying BIack-browed and after a strong south-westerly wind. They noted closed the range to about 300 m. the unmistakable markings that are character­ Description: A very pale petrel, about two­ istic of fulmars and supplied a written field thirds the size of a Yellow-nosed Albatross (which desoription of the birds. it later passed). Head, underparts and under­ wing whitish. Back, upperwings, rump and tail Another Antarctic Fulmar was seen close pale grey. Conspicuous white patches at the inshore at Newlands' on 3 October 1975 (D.C., bases of the inner primaries; blackish leading primaries and wing-tips. J.C.) . This was observed flying about 20 m The bill colour was not clearly seen. The bird offshore, and the bird alighted and sat on the was flying into the wind, using a tacking, rising water for about 10 minutes. Thus very good and falling motion similar to an albatross. Its views were obtained. speed was noticeably slower and it flapped its wings infrequently, more usually holding them in Nils Swanson (in pers. comm. to the Editor) a very slight bow. For the most part the wings saw an Antarctic Fulmar from his fishing boat were held very straight 'and rigid. The tips in Eastern Cove, Kangaroo Island, on 8 Sep­ were rounded. The body was thickset, the tail being short and rounded. tember 1975. He said the bird settled on the The bird was in view for about 10 minutes, water about 20 m away and it then swam to making slow progress against the wind. within 3 m of the boat. The pink bill with a Twenty minutes later a similar bird was seen black tip and blue nostrils was noted by him. approaching the observation point. It was Specimens following the same course as the previous bird, Although some were not retained as speci­ but on a line much nearer to shore, and passed mens, all ather known South Australian records by at a range of about 150 metres. are listed here for convenience. Description: Much the same as the first bird 1. Robinson (1971) obtained a specimen at except that the area of white on the inner primaries, although very conspicuous, appeared Goolwa Beach on 19 September 1970. more limited in extent. The grey mantle 2. A live bird was found between Victor blended ,into a greyish nape, and the bill was Harbor and Port Elliot on 24 September obviously very pale. 1970. This was cared for by P. Thwaite That bird was in view for about five minutes. (R.S.P.C.A.) and subsequently released in Just as it was lost from sight another was seen Backstairs Passage on 4 October 1970. approaching the observation point and following During the period of confinement an excel­ the same course. This established that there lent series of photographs were taken, were at least two birds. enabling D.C..and lC. to confirm the iden­ Plumage details of this third bird more re­ sembled the first, in that the extent of white tification. Through the generosity of P. on the primaries appeared similar. It passed at Thwaite, one of these is currently in my a range of 200-250 m, being in view for about' possession. 10 minutes. 3. A beach-washed bird was found at Grey Thirty minutes later a fourth bird was sighted (near Millicent, S.E.) during September following a similar course. It more resembled 1971. S.A.M. Reg. No. B27983 (Harri­ the second bird sighted. son). Once the first bird was clearly seen there was 4. A head in the S.A.M. was collected by Dr. no doubt that these were Antarctic Fulmars. C. B. Thomas at Parson's Beach on 29 Apart from recently examining specimens dead April 1972. and alive (see below), I have seen the Northern 5. A live bird was found at Tortachilla Beach, Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis on innumerable occa­ Port Willunga, on 5 September 1973 by a sions; such 'as when crewing aboard trawlers in Mr. Trebilcock. This was forwarded via the North Sea during 1966. the R.S.P.C.A. to A. Latham who kept it A striking feature of these Antarctic Fulmars alive until.15 September. While living, the was that, although they appeared very pale specimen was examined by D. C., l C. and overall, they were much less conspicuous .against lB. Paton. It is now in the S.A.M.; Reg. the sea than albatrosses or gulls, even m sun­ No. B27994. This is, or was, wrongly light. This could be because the actual coloura­ labelled as having been collected from tion of their head and breast is off-white and' Kingston Park. consequently may not have the same reflective 6. Dr. D. G. W. Hollands collected a decom­ qualities as the white on other seabirds. posed specimen, and he wrote: D.C. and lH. sighted birds on four occasions "On October 10th 1973 I picked up a close inshore at Newlands' Head on 28 August beach-washed bird of this species on the 1975. Again at least two individual birds could Eastern shore of THISTLE ISLAND. be defined. These sightings were made shortly The island is situated at the Western ~6 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST/ 27

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entrance to SPENCER GULF in latitude two specimens in the S.A.M. freezers (to 35 degrees South and longitude 136 May 1975). From their condition (sandy) degrees East. they were beach-washed birds obtained Description: The remains of a medium locally, but as yet there are no dataattri­ sized petrel. Upperparts pale grey. Under­ butable to them. parts white. Characteristic fulmar shape Identification of bill with long nasal tube. In the field, identification of a fulmar is com­ Measurements: Culmen 41.2 rom Wing paratively easy. The only other seabirds that 328 mm Tarsus 52 mm Mid toe and claw remotely resemble F. glacialoides in the 66 mm. These measurements made it Southern Hemisphere are the Grey Petrel Pro­ likely that this was a female bird. cellaria cinerea, which may have pale bases to The specimen is now in the keeping of the primaries, and the White-headed Petrel the National Museum of Victoria, Mel­ Pterod'roma lessoni. Both are different in many bourne." respects (see Slater, 1970) and have dark under­ He also forwarded a photograph of the wings, which in the fulmar is largely white. The specimen to me. Northern Fulmar differs from the southern bird 7. A live bird was found on the Goolwa Bar­ by its stouter bill with a longer nasal tube and rage lawns by Ms. Cleggett on 11 October the lack of a black tip; smaller size and a 1973. It was cared for by P. Thwaite usually white or wholly grey head and body. until it died on 20 October when the While the outer primary feathers of the identification was confirmed by D.C. and Antarctic Fulmar usually appear blackish, the J.C. The specimen is now thought to be in white inner webs become apparent when the the S.A. Institute of Technology. wing is spread. The inner web of all primary 8. R. Collier found a beach-washed. bird at feathers is largely white. Figure 10 illustrates Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, on 26 the second primary. November 1973. It was not collected, but Discussion the following notes were taken: The numbers of recent records indicate that "18 inches long, bill I! inches with tube either the Antarctic Fulmar is undergoing a ! inch. Wingspan four feet. Upper sur­ population explosion, similar to that which face silver-grey, lower uniform off-white." occur-red in the case of the Northern Fulmar In communication he said the bill was bone (Fisher, 1952), or that it is extending its winter colour with a black tip and the bird had range with birds travelling further north. probably died one or two weeks previously. Greater numbers have been found interstate and He also had drawn a primary feather in overseas (A. Morris, pel's. comm.; Cooper and the field. This illustrated the black outer Elliott, 1974). As Murphy (1936) said that web contrasting with the white inner web. Antarctic Fulmars winter in numbers near 9. A skull was found by D. Potter at the Tristan da Cunha, it does not seem unreason­ Eleanor River Mouth, Kangaroo Island, on able to assume that they would also occur north 26 May 1974; it is in the S.A.M. to the sub-Tropical convergence in the Austra­ 10. According to the label, a specimen in the lian region, and that strays would undoubtedly S.A.M. was collected alive at "The Coo­ succumb on the continent's lee-shores during rong," on <21 October 1974. It died on 30 cyclonic conditions. If so, it is more likely October (A. Latham). that the species is increasing in numbers rather 11. J. B. Paton found a decomposed specimen just extending its winter range. at King's Beach, Victor Harbor, on 12 October 1974 (Cleland Collection). CAPE PETREL Daption capensis 12. Two beach-washed birds were found on the Granites Beach, Kingston, S.-E., by B. Recent Observations Glover on 25 October 1974. The now Observed seven times at Waitpinga (D.C., skeletal remains are in the S.A.M. J.C., J.H.) and once off Brighton (J.C.) from 14-24. In addition to the above, eight specimens May to October. All were single birds apart were collected during September and from two off Newlands' Head on 28 August October 1975 from the coastline between 1975 (D.C., J.H.). the Coorong Beach and Waitpinga, Two Up to five were seen from the "Taperoo" of the specimens are in the Cleland Collec­ on 30-31 July 1973. tion and one is in the S.A. Museum. The All our observations were made during, or others were not 'retained. Also, there are shortly after, strong south-westerly winds. 48 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 2'7

Literature imately three minutes. We were variously using Falla (1930) noted the species in the Bight 8x40, 10x50 and 16x50 binoculars. at about 35°S 133°E (the latter is given as The petrel was wholly white apart from a 113°E, but is undoubtedly an error because he suspicion of grey on the dorsal wing coverts reached that position five days later) during and small dark tips on the underside of the September. B. Glover (pers. comm.) saw 12 outer primaries. The greyish on the wing in the Bight on 24 October 1950 and W. R. P. coverts was only apparent when the bird was Bourne (pers. comm.) saw the species continu­ out of full sunlight, and for most of the time ally in the southern regions of the Bight during it appeared brilliantly white, The darker tips August 1974. From Bird Reports (B. Glover) to the underside of the primaries were also in the S.A. Orn., the following records are also only seen occasionally and then they were hard available: J. B. Paton saw a bird near West to determine. Fortunately the petrel passed Island on 13 September 1967; J. A. and M. S. within a few metres of several Fluttering Shear­ McNamara saw one off Victor Harbor on 30 waters Puffinus puffinus and thus its size could August 1970; Nils Swanson recorded one at be judged to be slightly larger. Its wings were West Bay, Kangaroo Island, on 2 November longer and rounded, held forward and slightly 1970; D. Vincent saw one at Snug Cove, Kan­ bent at the wrist, and its tail was relatively garoo Island, on 9 March 1971. longer and only very slightly rounded. The Specimens flight, while tacking into .the wind in a typical Many beach-derelicts have been found, in­ petrel fashion, was purposeful in direction and cluding five on St. Vincent Gulf beaches in consisted of gliding and shallow flapping low 1974 (J. C. and J. Davies), and many have over the surface. There was no soaring or been examined. circling. I dentification The bill and eye could not be clearly defined, See Slater (1970). although it can be said that the bill was not pale. The plumage, shape and flight of this Discussion petrel only allow of two possible answers to its Few birds are as easy to identify as the Cape identification. It was either a Snow Petrel or Petrel. This fact probably influences the an almost complete and symmetrical albino of a number of records, in that few would be over­ similar sized petrel. Clearly the latter possi­ looked in the field. bility is difficult to assess, but while we have It therefore seems, from the above data, that been unable to find evidence of newt-total the species is not numerous except in the albinism in such a species as the Cape Petrel, southern sectors of the region. Birds appear which we consider to be nearest in form to the to occur in the coastal as well as deep-sea zones; bird seen, we found such with species of the and while most reports and specimens are attri­ genera Pachyptila and Puffinus, and therefore butal to the winter months, some have also cannot exclude the possibility. occurred at other times. We consider that the bird was a Snow Petrel SNOW PETREL Pagodroma nivea because, in terms of plumage several authorities The sighting of a bird of this species was mention the presence of darker areas on the documentated by both J.H. and myself, but dorsal surface of the wings and on the wing most work was done by the former. Thus the tips of Snow Petrels. Murphy (1936) said, following account is authored by John Hatch "Bjrds in juvenal or first contour plumage have and John Cox. shadowy grayish vermiculations on the dorsal On 15 September 1974 the authors and a surface, and a gray wash or specklings on the third observer, N. C. H. Reid, were conducting tips of the primaries." Similarly Godman a routine sea-watch from Newlands' Head, a (1910) mentioned that several British Museum vantage point some 13 km south-west of Victor specimens exhibit somewhat dusky primaries and Harbor on the South Australian south coast. he assumed that these are young birds. More We had been observing since daybreak at 07.15 recently Brown (1966) confirmed that all birds and at 08.45 sighted a petrel of very distinctive have a tendency to grey on the tips of the first plumage. Conditions for observations were two flight feathers and that this varies in inten­ excellent, the weather being fine, with a moder­ sity. He also said that breeding adults as well ating south-westerly wind (estimated force 3-4) as juvenal birds exhibit the grey vermiculations and the sun directly behind us. The petrel on the dorsal plumage. was first seen at about 1000 m and passed along Our identification is also based on the shape, the coast at an estimated minimum distance size and flight. The relatively long tail excludes of 250 m. It was under observation for approx- all petrels of similar size (Cox had seen a Cape JANUARY, 1976 49

Petrel the previous day) and the flight and The sky was overcast; therefore the sun did plumage excludes the Pterodroma petrels. little to influence the plumage colouration. In terms of distribution, the Snow Petrel is On the arrival of a Giant Petrel, after about clearly a bird with a very southerly range. one hour's observation, the bird flew up and was Apart from the very recent record below, they quickly whisked downwind. It turned and beat­ appear to range as far north as about Heard ing into the wind, took up a position behind the Island (Downes et al, 1959). The skin in the Giant Petrel. Both birds, often wheeling high, Gould collection at the National Museum, Mel­ flew nearly together for a short time until the bourne, is labelled " S seas of A" and thus could smaller was eventually swept downwind and not have been collected almost anywhere. Edgar seen again. (1971) mentioned a sight record off the North Description -in flight: Wings very long, and held like those of the first bird. Body stout, Island of New Zealand at exactly the same with the head held well in. Although noticeable, latitude as our observation. Perhaps of greatest the tail was not long. For the most part the interest is the recently published report (Hyett, wing-beats were shallow although more powerful 1974) of close views of a swimming Snow Petrel strokes were used occasionally; but usually the wings were held rigid as the bird swooped and in Port Phillip Bay. This observation was made soared. exactly three weeks after ours and it is not The plumage appeared very dark brown. The irrelevant to point out that the prevailing winds underwing coverts were very dark and contrasted during this time were westerly, with many strong against paler undersides of the primaries. The most outstanding point was the extremely blows. The two birds, if they were separate long wings. individuals, may well have been subject to the same extremes of weather in being drifted out At Newlands' Head on 21 September 1974.a of their normal range. Our observation was further bird was sighted during a strong south­ made at the tail end of a large and deep westerly wind (J.C.), along with another Ptero­ depression. At Newlands' Head during the droma sp. which could have been a Soft­ previous two weeks, both Antarctic Fulmar and plumaged Petrel P. mollis. Blue Petrel H alobaena caerulea were among The former was not seen clearly enough for other usually southern seabirds which were the bill and facial markings to be seen, but the seen. following points were noted: A large dark brown petrel. Wings long, swept­ GREAT-WINGED PETREL back and held in a slight bow. Body short and Pterodroma macroptera (Figure 11) stout; head hunched into shoulders. Underwing coverts very dark; undersides of primaries paler. Recent Observations Flight swooping and Clashing, often in circular During a south-westerly gale on 29 August motions and rising high. 1971, two Great-winged Petrels were seen at Literature Parsons' Head (J.C.). At 07.00, a large dark Falla (1930) recorded the species during petrel was observed flying very close inshore, September near 35°S 133°E. Fisher (1963) saw just beyond the surf. It had very long swept­ ten birds during February at 35°S 130°E. W. back wings held in a slight bow. The body R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) saw them continu­ was short and thick-set. The bird was flying ally while crossing the Bight during August into the wind and apparently struggling, because 1974. on two occasions it wheeled about and was quickly swept downwind for a considerable Specimens distance. Each time it returned along the line 1. Condon (1969: 24) listed a beach-derelict of shore, until another bird was seen sitting from St. Kilda. I could not trace the on the water, just beyond the breakers about specimen. 100 m away from me. The flying bird may 2. A skin in the S.A.M. was collected at have been circling this other, but although Brighton on 20 August 1917. passing directly over it, did not alight. A 60x 3. One of two crania in the S.A.M. was col­ tripod-mounted telescope was immediately lected at Robe by A. M. Morgan in 1923. trained on the swimming bird. Although it was Reg. No. B5300. often obscured by waves, good views were 4. Robinson (1971) found a bird at Goolwa obtained. on 20 September 1969 (skin in S.A.M.). Description: Much larger than passing Flutter­ 5. Robinson listed -two skeletons from Goolwa, ing Shearwaters. Dark brown plumage colouration. 27 September 1969 and 19 September 1970. Feathering around the base of the bill paler, I did not examine these. about the eye darker. Bill prominent, stout and black. The head appeared quite large, and was 6. J. McNamara found a beach-derelict at held well into the body. Goolwa on 7 December 1969. 50 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

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7. A beach-derelict was found at Waitpinga For reasons given below, I treat albani as a on 11 November 1972 (D.C., J.C.) The synonym of macroptera; the nominate subspecies skull is in the S.A.M. Reg. No. B28847. from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It can 8. Allan Lees found a derelict on the Coorong be noted that although Serventy et al (1971: Beach near Salt Creek during December 91) said Western Australian birds differed from 1974. New Zealand birds by their darker facial colour­ 9. J. McNamara collected a beach-derelict at ation and by their measurements, they did not Victor Harbor on 8 February 1975. name the forms. Harper and Kinsky (1974) Numbers 6, 8 and 9 are currently being named the former macro ptera and the latter treated for skeletal preservation by the S.A.M. gouldi. Beach-derelicts are often quickly skeletonised, The definition Murphy and Pennoyer gave of the plumage on the underparts usually vanishing gouldi was that it is ". . . larger ... having a first. For this reason vagrants of other species generally heavier bill, with a long maxillary could occur 'and be overlooked. As Pterodroma unguis," and has a ". . . pronouncedly gray species have very similar skeletal structures, all face." decomposed specimens should be very carefully Serventy et al (1971: 91) listed the measure­ checked before being skeletonised. ments of seven Western Australian specimens Identification and of six from New Zealand. Murphy and Great-winged Petrels are distinguished from Pennoyer (1952: 8) listed six specimens' Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris by measurements of nominate macroptera from the their very dark underwing coverts (see under Atlantic. that species); from Fleshy-footed Shearwaters Atlantic W.Aust. N.Z. and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffin us car­ Wing . 298-319 304-317 303-328 neipes and P. pacificus, by their black bills, and vail 105-124.9 121-129 120-131 from any shearwater to anyone at all familiar Culmen .. 33.8-37.1 34-37.2 ·34.7-39.7 with seabirds, by their different shape and mode Tarsus .. 39.5-42.5 41-43 41.44 of flight. Mid-toe Of other dark Pterodroma, only three medium and claw...... 55.6-62 58-62 to large species lack white underwing patches: From these measurements it can be seen that Dark phase Soft-plumaged Petrels are much Western Australian birds more 'resemble Atlantic smaller and predominantly greyish (Elliott, birds in wing and culmen lengths, and are 1957) ; the Mascarene Petrel P. atterima, while intermediate between both other farms in ,tail unknown away from the south-western Indian and tarsus lengths. Ocean, is smaller and lacks any pale facial area Murphy and Pennoyer did not give measure­ (Godman, 1907) ; the Kerguelen Petrel P. brevi­ ments of the maxillary unguis. On beach­ rostris is discussed below. washed birds I have examined, the length of this was relative to the length of the culmen. Discussion Serventy et al said New Zealand birds are Serventy et al (1971) said that this species paler or greyer on the forehead, chin and occurs off the Western Australian coast. From throat than Western Australian birds. the above data and accounts of "transects of the The distribution of Procellariiformes indicates Bight, Great-winged Petrels appear to become that Pacific (E. Aust., N.Z.) populations are progressively rarer towards the east. However, generally separate from Indian Ocean (W. it is probable that small numbers regularly Aust.) populations. Puffin us carneipes and occur in the deep-sea zone. pacificus, Little Shearwater P. assimilis and Condon (1969: 24) used the subspecific name White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina gouldi for the Western Australian breeding are subspecifically divided. It may also be populations. In this respect he followed the noted that the distribution of many Southern nomenclature that was proposed by Murphy Ocean seabirds is either Pacific or Indian­ and Pennoyer (1952). However, I cannot Atlantic. Diomedea bulleri and D. chlororhyn­ accept this classification for reasons of morpho­ chos, Buller's and Yellow-nosed Albatrosses form logy and distribution; and it should also be an example. If the Western Australian and the mentioned -that Murphy 'and Pennoyer (pp. New Zealand populations of Pterodroma 13-14) only examined one Western Australian macroptera were of the same subspecies, which specimen (Mathews type of albani). They differed from the Atlantic-Indian Ocean islands synonymised this specimen and New Zealand populations, the situation would be unusual. gouldi even though they noted it as "... a Whichever classification is followed, South relatively small example." Australian specimens should still be referred to 01 t<:l , " '., ,.'

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LEADING EDGE 'Of WING SHOWING SHARP ,DEMARCATION OF SURFACES COLOURATION rn ,<', 0c:: ~ ~ rn ~ ;l; r- 1-1 ~ 0 ~ 1-1 ~ I 0 t"' I 0 Q 1-1 I, rn I .>-1 I .~ j i ./ " I \ Ke,rguele'n Petrel 1 i I

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the nominate macroptera because some do not flight. It headed into the wind, low over the possess grey (that is at all noticeable) about surface, "and finally alighted further out. Later the face. Specimen No. 7 of the above list it was seen flying off the end of the jetty for has an almost wholly dark brown face. Others about 10 minutes before landing 'again. Shortly which have some grey do not have it in so it rose and was whisked downwind, not to be pronounced a form that they can be referred to seen again. gouldi. All are within the size range of macrop­ Description in flight: A large grey and white tera. I believe that most either originate from petrel. Body, head and tail white. Back and upperwings light grey with a prominent 'M' Western Australia or from Indian-Atlantic marking across these. Underwings very dark, Ocean islands. paler on the undersides of the primary and outer secondary feathers, the dark coverts contrasting WHITE-HEADED PETREL with these. Pterodroma lessoni (Figure 13) When heading into the wind the flight was Recent Observations very low with shallow wing-beats; very erratic A White-headed Petrel was seen at Brighton and constantly changing direction, seeming to on 4 September 1973 during a strong south­ fly in circular courses while yet remaining low. westerly wind (J-C.). Every time the petrel gained height it was It was first observed at 16.00 flying about swept downwind, when its flight consisted of 10 m above a point half-way along the Brighton rising and falling motions. jetty, heading into the wind on a downward While P. Needle (pers. comm.) was driving glide appearing as if it had risen to fly over a car at Salisbury North, eight kilometres from this obstacle. Slowly beating into the wind, it the sea, he saw a White-headed Petrel flying headed south until after one more rise it settled and then observed it colliding into an electricity on the water. The bird was only briefly seen pylon on 7 June 1974. The bird was subse­ landed, mainly because the very rough seas quently delivered to J- B. Paton who kept it rendered it difficult to find. living for three days. ' Description: A very pale, large petrel with Literature very long swept back wings held slightly bowed. Body stout, the tail short. Head white with a On 19-20 September 1929, Falla (1930) bla~ mark. through the eye. Body plumage all recorded the species in Bight waters of the white, Tall and rump appeared white. Back region at 35°S. Brown (1948) saw one at 380S and upperwings mid-grey with a darker 'M' 0E marking across these. The latter was not very 140 on 2 July 1947. Bourne (pers. comm.) conspicuous. Underwing totally dark. saw several in the Bight during August 1974. .The general impression was of a white petrel Specimens WIth both surfaces of the wings dark and seen . Beach-washed birds have been collected many from behind, a contrasting white rail. ' times; I have examined 54. Dates of ,these At a point where the above bird may feasibly 'range throughout the year. have been swept onto the beach half-buried Identification headless remains were found on 1 October 1973 Seen clearly, White-headed Petrels are unmis­ after an exceptionally high-tide that may have Slat~r, washed them out of a crevice in the rocks takable (see 1970): The only other On 2 April 1974 another White-headed Petrel petrel of the region that It 'resembles is the was seen at Brighton during a south-westerly Soft-plu.maged Petrel, which has a grey rump gale. This was observed for two hours. and .tail, a dark crown, and well-defined markings on the breast. Shortly aft~r beinl? spotted at 14.20 it alighted on the water Immedlat~lyopposite, 150 m away, Discussion and t~en gradually drifted closer. Through a It. seem~ that White-headed Petrels occur 60x tripod-mounted telescope looking from a sparmgly 1~ the deep-sea zone. Judging by first-floor wmdow, the following notes were occurenc~s m recent years they regularly occur taken. as strays in the coastal zone, or succumb on lee­ Description of thl? bird on the water: Head shores after gales. whrte WIth ~. conspICUOUS black mark through the eye. Visible underparts white. Back pale grey, blending ~nto a grey hindneck and the KERGUELEN PETREL white hea.d. Wings very dark. Bill large and Pterodroma breuirostris (Figures 11-12) black, typical petrel shape. Recent Observations ,!hree gulls p:oceeaed to :mob' the petrel, h1ch Two probable (brief) sightings of this species :v defended Itself by arching its head onto were ~ade at Brighton in 1973 (J-C.), but It.S back and then snapping upwards with its there -IS only one sight record that can be bill. Eventually the attack caused it to take regarded as positive. 54 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 21

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From the end of the Glenelg jetty during a 3. Beach-derelict; Tunkalilla Beach, 4 Dec­ south-westerly gale on 7 July 1974, a Kerguelen ember 1954 (B. Glover and R. Schodde). Petrel was seen at 07.30 (lC.). It was flying Skeleton, S.A.M. B24558. into the wind and passed by ata range of 10 m. 4. Beach-derelict; Goolwa, 13 September Shortly after, gulls began chasing the petrel, 1970 (Robinson, 1971). but before it disappeared P. Reid, N. C. H. 5. Live bird; Milang, 30 August 1971 (S.A. Reid and R. Reid obtained brief views. Orn., 26: 122). I did not examine this Obviously trapped against the shore by the specimen. wind, the bird was subsequently observed until 6. Beach-derelict; Brighton, 1 August 1973 early afternoon in the vicinity of Glenelg and (J.C.). SAM. (freezer). Brighton. It was also seen by L. Dunkley and 7. Live bird;' Brighton, 5 September 1973 independently by D.C. and J.H. (lC.). Cleland Collection. 8 Beach-derelict; Brighton, 6 September 1973 The flight path of the petrel was usually (J.C.). S.A. Institute of Technology Reg. -very predictable. After travelling slowly south­ No. K2229. wards half against the wind and close to shore, 9. Live bird; Marino, 7 September 1973 (Ms. it was forced to head directly into the wind Wynn) . This specimen was examined by when reaching the area of coastline just past D.C., j.o. and B. Paton, and was sub­ Brighton that inclines to the south-west (south­ J. sequently delivered to -the S.A.M. A recent ern shore of Holdfast Bay). Not being able search' has failed to find it. to make progress against the wind for long, it 10.' Beach-derelict; Christies Beach, 7 Sep­ was swept back northwards until reaching the , tember 1973 (collector unknown). S.A.M. Glenelg area when it turned and repeated the freezer. performance. It was seen at very close range 11. Live bird; Marino, 13 September 1973 at least five times, often flying over the breakers. (collector unknown). Subsequently deliver­ Towards noon it frequently flew near gannets ed to the C.S.I.R.O. collection, Canberra. and even soared to considerable heights with them. 12. Skeletonised specimen; Somerton, 14 Sep­ tember 1973 (lC) Cleland Collection. The wingbeats were steady but infrequent, 13. Skeletonised specimen; Aldinga, 23 Sep­ and the flight was often very erratic irrespective tember 1974 (J.C.). Wings and sternum of height, being often notably fast and dashing. in SAM. When soaring into the wind it frequently 14. Beach-derelict; Aldinga, 25 September 1974 appeared to momentarily hang in the air. (lC.) . Cleland Collection. Description: A medium-sized .dark petrel with 15.' Beach-derelict; The Granites Beach, King­ a short body and very long wings. The neck ston, S.-E., 25 October 1974 (B. Glover) and head were thick and often gave the bird Skull (including bill-sheaths) and sternum a 'maned' appearance when viewed from above. The body plumage was mainly varying shades in the S.A.M. of grey, appearing much paler on the mantle 16'. Two decomposed beach-derelicts; Goolwa at times, paler in the facial region and blackish Beach, 2 October 1975 (J.C.). SAM. about the eye. The wings and tail were' very dark on the upper surfaces, but the leading! edge Identification of the underwings was almost whitish (this point In the field this species is identified from all was especially looked for; see below) and blended other Ptetodroma species by its dark greyish, into the dark coverts, which contrasted against pale grey undersides of the primary feathers. reflective plumage, a large-headed appearance The forehead was steep and abrupt in profile, and by a pale, almost' whitish area on the and the bill appeared blackish, short and stubby. leading edge of the underwing coverts between W. R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) obtained the axilla and the carpal joint. good .views of several Kerguelen Petrels, mainly Examination of macroptera specimens has in the south-eastern sector of the Bight, during revealed that this species does not possess a pale August 1974. area on the underwing coverts like brevirostris, and Elliott (1957) said that it is absent in Specimens dark-phase mollis. All other known records are listed. Differences between b'revirostris and all-dark 1.. A bird was found at Crafers in the Mount shearwaters are many (see Harper and Kinsky, Lofty Ranges, 2 November 1948. The skin 1974) and require no discussion here. is in the S.A.M. In the hand, apart from the very narrow 2. Live bird; Port Noarlunga, 1 September bill when viewed dorsally, the most noticeable 1954 (G. W. Hann). SAM. B24497. characters on the head are the very steep fore- 56 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 head feathers which curve up and outwards nation of 'a blackish diagonal stripe across a about 12 mm above the bill. white underwing and a grey breast and abdo- From the axilla to the carpal joint are whitish men. mottlings on the underwing coverts. Viewed SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL front on, these form a sharp line along the leading edge of the wing, being demarcated Pterodroma mollis (Figure 13) from the dark upperwing coverts. Underneath, W. R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) noted this this white mottling gradually lessens and blends species frequently, including at least one feeding, into the larger blackish underwing coverts. The mainly in the south-eastern sector of the Bight latter sharply contrasts with the silver-grey during August 1974. undersides to the primaries. A live specimen, Soft-plumaged Petrels commonly occur off being examined by D.C. and myself, was held south-western Australia, and derelicts have been at varying distances and angles to simulate collected in Victoria (Slater, 1970). Harper appearance in the field. It became quite clear (1973) considered that they replace the Mottled that the underwing pattern could be a valuable Petrel in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. He field mark. The undersides of the primaries also mentioned they are now suspected to breed can appear pale, almost whitish. Combined on the Antipodes Islands, south of New with the pale anterior edge, the dark coverts Zealand. It is therefore strange that no beach­ form a wide, almost diagonal, band along the derelicts have yet been found in South Aus­ wing. This was unvarying on all specimens, tralia, but I believe that only time and constant but one bird possessed three asymmetrical beach-patrolling is needed to produce the first. rufous-tinged coverts. These are medium-sized petrels with a greyish Harper et al (1972) summarised the identifi- uppersurface. The underwings are very dark cation of brevirostris, and commented on its but the undersurface of the head and body is grey reflective plumage. They did not mention white apart from an often complete band across the pale anterior edge to the underwing the upper breast. The crown and face are although it can just be seen on their given dark, except over the eye and towards the bill. photograph. Neither did Harper and Kinsky Thus it is not a difficult species to identify. (1974) mention this feature. Serventy et al (1971: 102) wrongly stated Discussion "The typical sub-species breeds at ... and on It seems clear from the above data that sub-tropical islands on the North Atlantic." records of the species in the coastal zone are . Th~ N?rth Atlant~c populations consist of two dependent 0!l the amount of beach-patrolling . ~envatlVe forms (m small enda~gered popula­ done; although reports from further afield nons, Bourne, 1972B); P. mollis feae of th~ suggest that in recent years abnormal numbers Cape ,verde Island.s and Desertas, and P. mollis have occurred in the 'Australasian region. madeirae of Madeira, What records there are may suggest that the species regularly occurs as a victim of cyclonic GOULD PETREL Pterodroma leucoptera conditions; that it normally inhabits higher Brown (1948) said birds he attributed to this latitudinal zones (Serventy et al, 1971) and is species were "the most common petrel about uncommon in the deep-sea zone. the ship," on 1-2 July 1947 at 38°S 133-139°E. His description matches only the small petrels MOTTLED PETREL of the sub-genus Cookilaria, but I consider the Pterodroma inexpectata (Figure 13) description is too brief to enable this to be Known by one beach-washed specimen from considered as a definite record of the Gould Yilki, near Victor Harbor, on 9 March 1974 Petrel. It could well be applied to other species (Paton, 1974). SAM. B28848. such as the Pycroft's Petrel Pterodroma pycwfti This occurrence provides an interesting for he did not mention comparative shades of example of a bird drifting from its normal range head colour on his birds, as would be required and succumbing on a lee-shore. Prior to the to differentiate them at sea. Gibson and Sefton finding of this bird, unusually strong and per­ (1957) remarked on this record and said "... it sistent south-easterly winds blew. The stretch is probable that P. leucoptera shows a predilec­ of coastline where it was found faces south tion for wanner seas in the winter months." As south-east. Mottled Petrels are mainly a bird the species is essentially of sub-Tropical and of the Pacific region, from the Antarctic to the Tropical distribution, I agree with that state­ Northern Hemisphere (Harper, 1973), and ment. However, this report at least indicates breed on islands to the south of New Zealand. that some Cookilaria may occur in the South This is the only petrel possessing the combi- Australian region. JANUARY, 1976 57

BLUE PETREL dark margin on the inner web of the second H alobaena caerulea (Figure 14) primary. Recent Observations 7. Beach-derelict; Goolwa, 4 October 1969 A Blue Petrel was seen at Newlands' Head (E. Milne). Skin, Robinson (1971). on 14 September 1974 (J.C.) during a strong 8. Beach-derelict; Goolwa, 8 August 1970. south-westerly gale. It was flying just beyond Skin, Robinson (1971). the breakers, travelling very fast downwind, 9. Beach-derelict; Middleton, 8 August 1970. and was only in view for a few minutes. Skin, Robinson (1971). Although close, the bird was very hard to 10. Beach-derelict; Brighton, 7 July 1972 discern; flying close to the water and being (J.C.). This was decomposed and minus viewed from above. the tail, but otherwise intact. The head, Description: A small grey petrel (Fluttering a wing and a leg were forwarded to the Shearwaters were nearby). Wings held rigid and S.A.M., labelled as H. caerulea. The iden­ only slightly bowed; very fast wing-beats on a tification 'was agreed with by H. T. Condon few occasions. Plumage predominantly pale (in litt.). Unfortunately the specimen grey above, with an indistinct 'M' marking across the wings and back. Head dark. Tail cannot 'now be found in the museum. grey with a very noticeable white tip. Under­ 11. Beach-derelict; Sellick's Beach, 8 September surfaces white, but not seen very clearly. 1973 (D.C., J.C.). Skin, S.A. Institute of The general impression was of a small pale Technology Reg. No. K2227. grey petrel with a prominent white tip to the tail. This rendered it unmistakable. Identification The prominent white tail-tip renders this Literature species unmistakable. The tail is pale grey at Robinson (1971) saw a bird at Goolwa Beach the base 'and only slightly darkens before being on 16 August 1970. Hisaccount suggested that abruptly demarcated from the white tip. This the bird (or birds) was the pending victim of a area of white is almost oval in shape, the central strong southerly wind. retrices having a larger area of white than Specimens those towards the outer. The outer retrices are All known specimens are listed. wholly white, but are usually concealed. 1. Beach-derelict; Port Willunga, 27 April Apart from the squared tail, the species can 1914 (E. Ashby). Skin, SAM. B19498. be distinguished from any Pachyptila by the 2. Beach-derelict; Sellick's Beach, 5 September broader white edgings to the scapulars, blackish 1954 (B. Glover and R. Schodde). Skin, crown, a lack of a pale supercillary stripe and SAM. B24557. by a mottled forehead. The white extremities 3. Beach-derelict; North Glenelg, 24 August to the plumage of a Blue Petrel makes it 1955 (B. Glover). Skin, SAM. B24652. appear 'frosted.' Condon (1969: 25) listed the first two A ready distinction from any Pterodroma, occurrences but, unaccountably, not this. which all have wholly blackish bills, is the pale 4. B. Glover (pers, comm.) found two beach­ grey stripe beneath the lateral groove on the derelicts at Waitpinga on 4 December 1954. lower mandible. This is quite noticeable on a These specimens now appear to be lost. fresh bird and contrasts with the remainder of 6. Remains of a beach-derelict; Goolwa, 23 the bill-plates, which are blackish. It is a useful September 1959 (A. R. McGill and B. character if the tail is destroyed. Glover). Wing, S.A.M. B28658. This was Discussion' identified by McGill as Pachyptila vittata, Finch and Bruce (1974) gave a brief sum­ the find originally consisting of two wings mary of the status of the Blue Petrel in and two legs (presumably attached to a Australian waters. They concluded that the body) according to data with the specimen. species is probably confined to the colder sur­ Condon (1969: 25) mentioned this under face water zones, south of the sub-Tropical P. vittata as "... an earlier claim (1959), convergence, and that the Australian occur­ based on some fragments and wings ..." rences ". . . may coincide with periods of His caution was justified, because after care­ cyclonic conditions . .." I fully agree with ful comparison against specimens of both this. From the known South Australian speci­ species, I found that it was undoubtedly mens it can be seen that five were found by 'referable to H. caerulea. Many of the in­ Glover in the 1950's, three by Robinson in dividual wing feathers are distinctive, but 1969-70, and two by Cox in 1972-73. While more notably the primary feathers (figure some beach-patrolling was done at other times 14). Blue Petrels do not have a contrasting by others, it was rather inconsistent. Thus it 58 SOUTH AUSTRALIA~ ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

-v.,

-- " ~ o- r ~ t .

-~ -- -.~ . ~- .~,':,." " ;t '" -' /'''' '6,'·;-" '0, W'~; C , ~"'~ ,",. ":, "', '.'f.Z ," cO: :;~:f:- __ ", .;: -,

1 I ;; I I I '. I, I " j I. I " I s, " I I i~, I -.s' I ,..; ! ':~ ...., ::l I, .-« eo , ~ j 'G,)-... I \ .... r: .G,) <. ! Q. ! G,) 1 :::> :ar j I JANUARY, 1976 59

can be suggested that strays may occur more , originate from Kerguelen Island where belcheri regularly than is indicated by the few speci­ and the smallest subspecies of desolata both mens; records being dependent upon consistent breed. Falla (1937) described an intermediate beach-patrolling. population from Kerguelen that was definable as desolata on account of the birds having a PRIONS Pachyptila convex bill-shape when viewed dorsally. He All aspects, including identification, were said that belcheri had this outline concave; but adequately described by Serventy et al (1971: I consider ·this character to be useless when 106-114). Only an assessment of the status of identifying some S.A. specimens because many each species in South Australian waters is obvious belcheri have straight outlines, as do considered here. However, in connection with many obvious desolata. some records, supporting data and discussion Many specimens that I have collected and are necessarily included. many in the S.A.M. are of the nominate sub­ Examples of all six currently recognised species from Kerguelen, P. desolata desolata, species have been collected in South Australia. on account of their small bill-size. Plumag.e In this treatment these are divided into two characters of these are indistinguishable from groups that each consist of closely related those of P. belcheri; the two forms, when found species: THE LARGER SPECIES; Broad­ as beach-derelicts, can only be separated by their billed Prion Pachyptila oittata, Medium-billed bills and comparative, measurements; and then Prion P. saloini, Dove Prion P. desolaia and often with much difficulty. The only other Thin-billed Prion P. belcheri. THE SMALLER subspecies of P. desolata that I have identified SPECIES; Fairy Prion P. turtur and Fulmar amongst S.A. specimens, is P. desolata banksi Prion. P. crassirostris. that breeds at South Georgia, South Orkney and Heard Island (Tickell, 1962). While all THE LARGER SPECIES specimens could not be subspecifically identified, 167 specimens consisting of those in the the mean of measurements taken from a selec­ S.A.M., some that Robinson (1971) collected tion of wide-billed birds diagnosed the selection at Goolwa during 1969 and 1970, some that I as P. desolata. banksi; the other wide-billed have more recently collected, mainly from Gulf subspecies P. desolata alter has a shorter wing St. Vincent beaches and of others from various and tail (Tickell, 1962). localities, were examined and measured to form P. desolata banksi specimens from S.A. do the basis for this account. Numerous other have the darker plumage that Harper (1972) specimens have also been examined, but these said identified them and P. desolata alter from were either not retained or were not available P. belcheri, which has paler plumage. Harper for inclusion. However, final assessments of however, overemphasised their plumage differ­ status do include a consideration of these. The ences by his selection of a flashlight photograph specimens that are used form a broad selection of P. belcheri that exaggerated the species pale that minimises most bias. They represent birds colouration, and by illustrating P. desolata. on a collected over a period of at least 70 years and photograph that has pale sky for a background, specimens that are from many localities. Because exaggerating that species darker colouration. all bias cannot be eliminated (e.g. all vittata Because P. desolate: desolata has plumage that specimens have been retained while those of is similar to that of P. belcheri; 'and because other species have not) the identification of the only place where small desolata breed 'along­ specimens is primarily considered. The com­ side belcheri is on Kerguelen (ecologically more parative numbers of each species are only diverse forms may only usually be expected to broadly considered. co-exist), an undescribed gene-flow may exist An examination of the 167 specimens has between the two species and through the inter­ revealed that they consist of three uittata, 41 mediate population that Falla (1937) described. salvini 72 desolata and 35 belcheri. One is not It should also .be noted thatFalla said that this determinable between vittata and salvini; and intermediate population's nesting dates were there are four desolata-salvini and 11 desolata­ between the nesting times he gave of belcheri belcheri. The latter birds will be re-examined and desolata populations from Kerguelen. after they have dried and their bills have shrunk "Birds that are collected on beaches during a (see Fullager, 1972), but currently they are short period of time are apt to mislead the usual intermediate in every character that has been frequency of occurrences of each. species. The described by authorities. birds in Robinson's collection that I examined It is believed that the desolata and belcheri included no P. desolata desolata specimens but samples are influenced by specimens that many P. belcheri. Conversely, I collected twice 60 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

as many desolata as belcheri, and many P. population from South Georgia and the South desolata desolaia. The S.A.M. collection is Orkney Islands P. desolata banksi possess this comparable in proportion of .species to those I more than other subspecies. He gave a photo­ collected. Therefore, while the subject can graph of the character (Plate VIII c). only be treated very broadly, birds collected Smaller birds are often not distinguishable over many years must be primarily considered from P. belcheri; but if the bill ratio is 1.8-2.3, whe~ judging the comparative status of each or if the bill outline is slightly bowed when specIes. viewed dorsally, the species may be recognised. The South Australian specimens do not However, the bill ratio of some belcheri may be illustrate what species occur most commonly in 2.1 (Falla, 1937), and some specimens are the coastal zone, but merely show the com­ consequently unidentifiable. parative frequency with which each species THIN-BILLED PRION Paohyptila belcheri succumbs on our lee-shores. The summaries of status and distribution listed below must there­ Occurs regularly as a beach-derelict; mainly fore be tentative; especially because no birds between May and August. are known to have been specifically identified 1dentification at sea within the region. The following accounts This species may be distinguished from small consequently include only beach-derelicts and P. desolata by a bill ratio of 2.3-3.0; if the points concerning their identification. outlines of the bill are concave when viewed dorsally; or if the bill width is under 11mm, BROAD-BILLED PRION Pachyptiia vittata It may also be identified by comparative wing A skin in the S.A.M. was collected at Cowan­ and leg measurements at times (see measure­ dilla, an Adelaide suburb, on 14 July 1964. ments by Serventy et al, 1971: 111). Small­ Ross Robinson collected a beach-derelict at billed birds with relatively long wings, tarsus Middleton on 11 July 1970. It is currently and middle-toe and claw are P. belcheri. in his possession. A fresh beach-derelict was found at Aldinga (D.C., J.C.) on 20 July 1973, THE SMALLER SPECIES and is currently in the S.A.M. freezer. The two currently accepted species which Identification form this group are very similar in appearance See Serventy et al (1971). My opinion is to each other. When they are found as beach­ that smaller specimens may best be identified derelicts, separation of the two is sometimes from larger P. salvini by their bill ratio (the impossible. While their described characters do bill-width measurement into the culmen length) form distinctions, these can often be asoribed of 1.4-1.8. 'only to adult birds or to the extremes of each form. Immatures, which are most often found MEDIUM-BILLED PRION Pachyptiia salvini as beach-derelicts, may possess intermediate Occurs regularly as a beach-derelict; mainly characters (the width and bulbosity of prion from June to September. bill~ develops with age -- Fleming, 1941), Identification which can cause Fulmar Prions to be errone­ ousl~ Larger specimens may be distinguished from identified as Fairy Prions. However, any P. vittata by their bill ratio of 1.8-2.2. However, specimen that has bowed outlines to the bill one specimen (cited above) that has a bill-ratio when it is viewed dorsally is a Fulmar Prion of 1.8 remains unidentified even with considera­ (see below). Fairy Prions do not possess this tion of its other characters. Smaller specimens character. are difficult to distinguish from larger P. FAIRY PRION Pachyptiia turtur desolata. (see below). Records of beach-washed Fairy Prions are DOVE PRION Paahyptila desolata numerous, but unlike the larger prions, this A common beach-derelict from May to species can be found at almost any time of the! October. year. B. Glover (pers. comm.) found many dead at Goolwa during December 1951; and Identification the dates of many specimens that I have Larger specimens are often only distinguish­ examined range from March to November. able from smaller P. salvini when consideration At least two forms are known from South is given to comparative bill structure. Larger Australia; small-billed birds that are referable desolata do have their lamellae visible at the t~ Australian breeding populations, and a larger­ gape when the bill is closed, contrary to Serventy billed form. I have collected several of these et al (1971). Tickell (1962) showed that the larger-billed birds, but only during the late JANUARY, 1976 61 winter. One of these-has bill dimensions which Culmen 22.5-23.3 21.5-24 22-22.5 exceed those on specimens that Robinson Bill-Width 11-11.4 10.5-12 9.5-11 (1974) listed. I have examined Robinson's Depth in front specimens, and found that the birds that he of Nostrils 7.6-8.0 7.5-8.5 7.5-8.5 thought were similar to two Australian crassi­ Robinson Gulf St. Marion rostris specimens are large-billed turtur which (1974) Vincent Is. are of the same form as the birds I collected. 4 birds 5 birds 2 birds The reason for these identifications are given While a greater number of specimens and under the Fulmar Priori. proper comparisons are desirable, the measure­ Robinson (1974) said that F. C. Kinsky ments show great similarity and suggest that regarded the large Australian specimens as all birds could be of similar form. As data similar to the Motonau Island (New Zealand) indicate that Southern Ocean seabirds usually form of turtur. While this may be so, I have winter to the east of their breeding grounds collected large-billed birds after westerly winds (see below: "Oceanic Movements"), it is there­ which have brought Indian Ocean seabirds to fore probable that most large-billed turtur that our shores (e.g. Kerguelen Petrel). This could occur in South Australia originate from the suggest that these prions originate from that Atlantic or Indian Oceans and not from the region, or further west. New Zealand region. J. M. Winterbottom (pers. comm., November Summarising- The small-billed Australian 1974) supplied measurements of two adult birds breeding form probably occurs in South Aus­ from Marion Island, Indian Ocean, that are tralian waters most of the year; large-billed in the South African Museum, Cape Town. birds that probably originate from the Indian­ These are compared with the measurements Atlantic region succumb on South ,l:\ustralian-­ Robinson (1974) gave and with the measure­ shores after strong winds in mid- and late ments of specimens I have collected. winter.

I I , 1 <~"""J 1'-, I 'f J I I/ I Bmm I --~---~- ~~ I I I J 1 I I I I r----- 21mm -----, 1 I I I 1 I -----,------,----I I : ~===--- 11mm , _ ...... l_

Fulmar Prion Fairy Prion Figure 15; Bills of Fulmar and Fairy Prions. . These are ill~strative of specimens found in S:A. The Fulmar is identified from the Fairy by the bowed outhnes of the b111 and by a rounded dertrum Viewed from the front. The line on the Fairy Prions' dertrum is purely illustrative. Measurements of both are given to show their similarity and that the drawings are proportionately correct (e.g. those. Fleming (1941) gave are not proportionate). While the left-hand bird is undoubtedly a Fulmar, the right-hand bird is 'a F!iiry because; of the angular ridge along the dertrum. However, Immature Fulmars may closely resemble the Illustrated bud, because there are specimens from S.A. with characters that are intermediate between those illustrated. Clearly the taxonomic status of the two forms requires revision. 62 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

--~ c.n C' ,'P-:- ...w ~ "' <0 C' r-I.., < .... w ~ J: bo :-r' c.n ~

~ C'

, -

i ------_--__ --_-______..J JANUARY, 1976 63

FULMAR PRION Pachyptila crassirostris specimen is referable to crassirostris and that As stated above, this species is very similar further study might reveal more. to the Fairy Prion. Serventy et al (1971: 114) It should be noted that Dr. D. L. Serventy and Fullagar (1972) said that the two species stated (in Learmonth, 1957) that although the may be separated by their bill-depth measure­ specimen collected at Portland; Victoria, was ment. They gave the upper limit of turtur as referable to crassirostris, it was unlikely to have 7.2 and 7.5 mm respectively, and the lower originated from Heard Island. He was probably limit of crassirostris as 7.2 and 7.5 mm respect­ referring to the possibility of undiscovered ively. The two specimens from Marion Island populations. Therefore it is interesting that (above) show that the bill-depth cannot be turtur populations have only been comparatively used for differentiating beach-washed specimens. recently found on the Falklands and Marion Many turtur specimens (identified by other Island. Like Serventy, I do not ,refer the S.A. characters) I have examined also have their crassirostris to any particular subspecies bill-depth exceeding 7.5 mm (see Robinson, (although it is not the very large P. crassirostris 1974). Moreover caution must be used when pyramidalis). However, I do believe it likely taking fine measurements such as these; for that an analysis of a larger selection of beach­ McEvey (1957) showed that sets of measure­ derelicts could reveal the relevant subspecies, ments taken by different persons from the same while individual specimens of unknown age specimen were very different. could cause confusion about their subspecific When identifying specimens of crassirostris identity. As many beach-derelicts are immature, from turtur, measurements are of little assist­ their bills may not be fully developed. ance; it is the structure of the bill that must As crassirostris mainly inhabits the sub­ be considered. The Fulmar Prion can be Antarctic .zone of surface waters (Fleming, identified by its bulbous latericorns and dertrum 1941), it would be strange if birds "belonging (Fleming, 1941) which make the margins of the to the Heard Island subspecies did not occa­ bill appear swollen when viewed dorsally sionally drift and succumb on our lee-shores (Fullagar, 1972). The small form from Heard during periods of strong winds. Island, P. crassirostris eatoni, is distinguished from P. turtur by its 'rounded dertrum that lacks PRIONS Pachyptila ---:­ an angular ridge on top of the nail (Falla, Observations and Discussion. 1937). Robinson (1974) did not consider these As I know of no accounts of birds specifically characters when questioning the identity of two identified at sea within our region, all observa­ Australian crassirostris. The bills of large turtur tions must be combined. and small crassirostris are illustrated in figure Recent Observations . 15. Prions were observed on seven occasions from 1£ the described characters of crassirostris are Waitpinga, Aldinga and Brighton (J.C.). All followed, I have no alternative but .to refer at were seen during westerly gales and were single least one South Australian specimen to this birds apart from a party of ten off Newlands' species. This specimen I found amongst the Head on 30 May 1971. Most sightings were of many birds that Robinson collected at Goolwa birds caught on a lee-shore. Beach during 1969 and 1970. It is not one of Two birds were seen from the "Taperoo' the larger turtur that he initially considered as off Cape Hart on 30 July 1973. These were possible crassirostris (Robinson, 1974). These flying into the wind during a westerly gale. and other specimens that I have collected are .. ' identifiable as turtur because they have straight Literature margins to the bill when viewed dorsally, and Reports of prions in areas away from the the dertrum is angled along the top, viewed coast are scarce. Brown (1948) noted them as from the front. common when nearing Victoria from the west The South Australian specimen of crassirostris and W. R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) occasion­ consists of the skull with all of the bill-plates ally saw larger species in the southern areas of attached. Viewed dorsally the bill is obviously the deep-sea zone. bowed in outline. Viewed front-on the dertrum Discussion is rounded and possesses no trace of an angular With the possible exception of P. ~urtur, ridge, The bill-depth measurement is, incidently, prions probably do not normally range m the 8mm. coastal zone. The few, reports from the deep­ To date I have only examined Robinson's sea zone also suggest that only small numbers collection briefly, but consider that another occur there. Their status in the maritime zones, 64 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 however, is uncertain, because many may go FLESHY-FOOTED SHEARWATER unreported merely because they are unidentified. Puffinus carneipes (Figure 16) It is likely that P. vittata populations from Recent Observations New Zealand and Indian Ocean regions range This species was seen on 32 occasions from northwards in winter (Serventy et al, 1971: Aldinga, Waitpinga, Adelaide Be,~ches (].C.), 109). This would account for their rarity in Marino (J.C., J.H.); from the M.V. Trou­ South Australia. bridge" (D.C., J.H.) and small craft (]. C., D. Vincent) in the Gulf St. Vincent and Invest­ GREY PETREL Procellaria cinerea igator Strait. Birds were seen from late October to May. Literature Usually they were well out from shore. i~ the Macgillivray (1920) saw one bird near 37°S Gulf region but were close to land at Waitpinga. 1300E on 22 June 1919. Only on a relatively few occasions were birds Specimens seen from land in the Gulf; the wind did not' Allan Lees found a beach-washed specimen seem instrumental in bringing them to the at at Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, in January inshore waters as most were seen during reason­ 1971. He collected the head which is' preserved ably calm weather, After the usual Short-tailed in the SAM. (Reg. No. B28153), and publish­ Shearwater passage in late April, odd Fleshy­ ed the record (Lees, 1975). footed Shearwaters were often seen flying just Identification beyond the beaches. During summer, parties This species is readily identified by its large have been seen following schools of fish inshore size, grey-brown uppersurfaces and white on a rising tide. underparts combined with dark underwings. From boats in the Gulf, birds were often seen In the hand, the pale bill with a black ridge well out from land, usually singly or in small on the culminicorn and black lateral grooves parties. In mid-summer the Fleshy-footed Shear­ along the Iower mandible are diagnostic when water was the only species of shearwater that combined with the greyish plumage. could reliably be seen in the Gulf during boat­ trips. Short-tails mainly occurred during Discussion . stronger winds. . Grey Petrels must be regarded as rare D.C. and ].H. observed an early movement throughout the region, but some may regularly of this species on 21 September 1975 :£irom the occur near the sub-Tropical convergence. south coast of Thistle Island, at the south­ western entrance to Spencer Gulf. They watched WHITE-CHINNED PETREL a steady stream of birds moving to the north­ Procellaria aequinoctialis west from 15.00-16.00 hrs. during a strong Literature westerly wind. Although the many reports of "Black Petrels" Literature in the region are either .referable to this species During February and March 1939, Serventy or to Fleshy-footed Shearwaters (see Macgil­ (1939) found Fleshy-footed Shearwaters in livray, 1920), Brown (1948) saw White-chinned "large numbers between Cape Willoughby and Petrels as far east as 38°S 133°E during July Tinline Point, and a fair flock at Gape 1947. Borda ..." He collected four specimens (in Identification S.A.M.) and commented, "I was nat a little In the field, this species may be identified astonished to find out how abundant this ... from the Black Petrels P. parkinsoni and P. species really was." During December 1939 westlandica by the lack of a dark tip on the he again recorded the species at Rivoli Bay bill (Harper and Kinsky, 1974), and often by and off Seacliff. Fisher (1963) saw 16 birds a white chin spot. on 18 February 1963. He said "The only species of shearwater seen in the Gulf St. Vincent was Discussion the Fleshy-footed" (he did not find Short-tails From accounts of -ocean transects, it seems until near Althorpe Island). Further, he said that our region is fringing on this species' range. "it was-evenly distributed singly or in pairs Being common in the Indian Ocean, it gets throughout the whole locality." progressively rarer towards the east. B. Glover (pers. comm.) saw seven-plus No specimens are known from South Aus­ 16 km off Glenelg on 20-21 March 1974. D. tralia; but it is a likely find for future beach­ Vincent (pers. cornm.) saw parties of up to patrollers. eight Fleshy-foots in Backstairs Passage during JANUARY, 1976. 65

March 1975. Zeb Jeffrey (pers.comm.) saw waters." It is normal for many Procellariiformes many in small flocks in the southern Spencer to forage far from their breeding grounds. Gulf during April 1975. Tickell (1962 :43) said Dove Prions may fly 300-400 miles from their nests when pairs Specimens alternate in their nesting duties. I have collected several beach-washed birds It seems probable that if birds were breeding during late summer on Gulf St. Vincent beaches, in South Australia they would migrate to the but unexpectedly found a freshly dead bird at Northern Indian Ocean as do Western Aus­ Brighton in August 1973. D. C. Lake et al tralian birds. Young birds should then be ·(S.A. Orn., 25:74) found a derelict alt Middle­ found as derelicts; but not in the eastern sector ton on 7 June 1968 and J. Eckert (S.A. Om. of the State. They should be looked for on the 26:14) found several dead at Goolwa on 5 July western coast of the Eyre Peninsula; and accord­ 1969. Several skins and crania are in the ing to known breeding dates (Serventy et al, S.A.M. and Condon (1969) said that the species 1971) during May. Perhaps the odd birds is "Casual. A few derelicts in late Spring," seen close to shore in the Gulf St. Vincent presumably on their basis. Robinson (1971) during May are stray young ones? however, stated that all of his birds were "obtained in late summer and autumn." SOOTY SHEARWATER PufJinus griseus (Figure 16) Identification This bird is recognised within 'reasonable Specimens range by very dark brown, almost blackish, Condon (1969 :25) listed one bird that was plumage and a large pale bill and pale feet. found at Encounter Bay in January 1931, but The latter are very hard to see, as albatrosses this specimen could not be found in the S.A.M. and petrels usually draw their feet into their Robinson (1971) listed nine specimens that long undertail coverts when flying. Additionally, were collected at Goolwa Beach between the species may be identified from any Short­ November 1969 and March 1970. When I tailed Shearwater by its underwing pattern. The examined these, he also showed me two skulls underwing coverts of Fleshy-foots are almost that were collected during the same period. A blackish, and contrast with the paler undersides fresh specimen was collected at Hallett Cove of the primary feathers. Short-tails never show on 26 October 1975 by W. Laing, and is in this feature (see below) which therefore serves the SAM. as a ready distinction even when the bill colour Identification is not seen. This is a constant feature which Because I have not definitely seen the species has been confirmed by an examination of speci­ in Australia, points 'relating to identification are mens and many sightings. In shape, Fleshy­ based on many sightings of the species in .the foots also differ from Short-tails. The former North Atlantic region, where confusion with have a 'rather sturdy appearance, narrow Short-tailed Shearwaters does not arise. Most straighter wings and a more rounded tail. of these observations were made at sea. The Wedge-tailed Shearwater is easily dis­ Sooty Shearwaters can be confused only with tinguished "from Fleshy-foots by a pointed tail, the Short-tailed; for identification from other broader wings, darker bill and a completely species see Slater (1970). On the underwing different relaxed, side-slipping mode of flight the Sooty has the outer secondary and primary (pers. obs.). Fleshy-foots fly with easy wing­ coverts whitish. The extent of white is variable beats; usually low and straight in calm weather, and some birds have little. Short-tails have but with the usual tacking up and down during these coverts grey, but also variable. The few' a strong wind. with whitish coverts often also have a pale throat. Briefly, the Sooty has predominately Discussion whitish. underwing coverts while the Short-tails' . The data show the species is common in the are greyish. When observing parties at sea the St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, Investigator predominate colour serves as the marker; Strait and east to the region of Victor Harbor Sooties rarely having a dark underwing and during the summer. There are the anomalous Short-tails rarely a white one. Therefore stray winter records. According to Serventy et al Sooties that might occur in South Australian (1971), Fleshy-foots should then be either in waters cannot usually be identified in the field the North Pacific or Tropical Indian Oceans. by their underwing markings. Odd birds might Serventy et al said (121) that the feeding be pale Short-tails. range of Western Australian breeding birds In flight Sooties appear more heavily built, extends "... eastward into South Australian but with slimmer wings, than Short-tails. Their 66 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

wing-beats often appear mare rapid. Another driven onto the beaches. Others were seen being clue is that even pale Short-tails appear to have blown over rooftops and inland by the wind. the white in their underwing tinged with brown This situation continued until 1 May when the in sunlight, whereas Sooties appear silve~-white.. wind died and 244 derelicts were collected along Discussion 8 km of beach. It is possible that Sooty Shearwaters occur On the morning of 30 April, Waitpinga was regularly in coastal waters or the deep-sea zone. visited and only six birds were seen. This Difficulties of identification will probably mask suggested that most birds were therefore trapped their occurrences. It is agreed that many must by the wind in the Gulf. be overlooked amongst the many Short-tails The reasons for their directional movements that occur as derelicts, 'as suggested by Robinson in the Gulf are discussed below, but it appears (1971). However, as 11 of the known occur­ that when the birds of the year leave their rences were only during one summer, the species nesting islands, they pass through the Invest­ can only be regarded as rare because events igator Strait and then move into the Gulf as during that summer might not have been soon as the wind direction is from the north. normal. Once the wind turns southerly they then move out to the south, and presumably travel around SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER the south-east of the continent and ultimately Puffin us tenuirostris (Figure 16) north to the North Pacific Ocean. That these Recent Obseruations are young birds has been confirmed by an The only month this species was not recorded examination of many specimens. These often in was June. As our records were very numerous, still possess traces of nestling down and many our sightings are generalised into a yearly have also been found with very short primary account for convenience. feathers that are not fully grown. Birds first appear to arrive in late August, After the departure of the main body of birds, when it was usual to see odd individuals at it is usual for a few to linger in the Gulf St. Waitpinga. They remain very low in numbers Vincent until mid-May; till when beach­ until October when many occur as beach­ derelicts are still found. derelicts on the southern coastline west to Literature Kangaroo Island in most years. By November There are many accounts of this species; birds are common throughout the coastal waters Serventy et al (1971: 128-134) detailed many and penetrate into the Gulf St. Vincent. In aspects and listed the breeding islands in South mid-summer most withdraw to the western Australia; Sutton (1933) and Cooper (1957) sectors of the Investigator Strait and beyond. gave varying accounts of the autumn migration At times they are then scarce in the Gulf St. through the Gulf St. Vincent. Vincent. Except during strong winds, they That the species occurs beyond the coastal remain essentially western in distribution and zone was confirmed by Fisher (1963) who saw very large numbers forage offshore to the south many up to "250 miles off the coast" in the of Kangaroo Island. By April birds are generally Bight during February 1963. distributed over all coastal waters, then decline. The following sequence of events has been Specimens observed every year; but varying climatic con­ Beach-derelicts are common between October ditions influence mortality (e.g. few died in and May. A freshly dead specimen was found 1975). As daily observations were made in at Marino on 2 August 1973 (J.C.). 1974, an account of these is given. Identification On'22 April no birds were present off the In the field this species is readily distinguished Adelaide beaches. The next day during a from all other dark shearwaters except the light northerly wind, countless numbers were Sooty (see above) by a pale central area on the seen well offshore flying to the north. This underwing. Even on the darkest birds the apparent movement continued until 28 April coverts do not appear blackish or contrast with when a strong north-westerly wind preceding a the undersides of the primaries. From a distance cold front blew up. On that day birds were Short-tails appear to have a pale underwing flying in thousands just beyond the surf-line with darker borders. I have not yet found a but still generally to the north. The wind specimen with underwing coverts that can be increased and changed to south-west with much described as darker than mid-grey amongst the rain on the next day. Then the birds were hundreds examined. On darker examples, the flying to the south close inshore, and some were underwing is of a uniform grey-brown colour, JANUARY, 1976 67

while on lighter birds the outer coverts can times some were seen reasonably close but the appear whitish. best views were obtained from shore when birds Discussion occurred close in and were feeding. It is anticipated that this species will eventu­ The vast majority of birds had white over ally be found breeding on islands other than most of the underwing coverts and are therefore those listed by Serventy et al (1971). referable to P. puffinus gavia. Some possessing A common breeding bird, the Short-tailed a very dark underwing and a more deeply Shearwater occurs in all coastal waters as far marked breast were also seen. 20 such birds west as the Bight during the summer. Birds were seen at Waitpinga on 20 October 1973 probably forage far beyond land. They migrate (D.C., lC.), but dates of others ranged from into the North Pacific during the southern July to December (J.C.). These are probably winter but strays have presumably become referable to P. puffinus huttoni. While some mixed with Fleshy-foots and have occurred in were not subspecifically identifiable others had the Northern Indian Ocean (Serventy et al, such a noticeably darker underwing than the 1971 :131). usual majority which had this shining White that ~here is n.ot muc~ doubt that they wer~ of this subspecies. It IS also likely that many FLUTTERING SHEARWATER Puffin us puffinus dark underwinged birds were missed amongst the larg~ numbers usually l?reseiJ.t. Normally, Recent Observations unless birds were seen partIcularly close little Observations are numerous and the species ~ttempt ",:as made to identify the sub;pecies has been seen during every month. III the field. At Waitpinga flocks of several hundred have Specimens been frequently recorded, but parties of 50-70 Many beach-derelicts have been found but were more usual. On occasions, constant comparatively few from the Gulf St. VU:cent. streams of birds were seen stretching over the All are referable to P. puffinus gavia apart from whole expanse of sea in view. They were six. Robinson (1973) listed three P. puffinus commonest in April and May and again in huttoni from South Australia. Two are in the July and to October. Frequently birds ventured S.A.M. and when I examined the other Robin­ close inshore, particularly between Granite and son showed me a further specimen that was Wright Islands, Victor Harbor. The species collected at Goolwa on 30 March 1973. A was commonly seen from Cape Jervis to Kan­ fifth bird (SAM. B27970) is also of this sub­ garoo Island to Goolwa, and in that region species. Condon (1969) listed a bird of the birds remained throughout the year, but in small nominate subspecies, P. puffinus puffinus, that numbers between November and March. They was banded at Skokholm, Wales, in September did not usually penetrate into the Gulf St. 1960 and recovered at Venus Bay, Eyre Penin­ Vincent until winter; then their numbers were sula, on 22 November 1961. often much lower than in other regions. How­ ever, 1974 was an exception. It appeared that Identification most of the birds that winter between Kangaroo Fluttering Shearwaters are fairly small, have Island and Goolwa moved into the Gulf (see rigid straight wings and they usually fly low over below). 1,538 birds were counted in a flock the sea with a flight consisting of rapid wing­ off West Beach on 13 July'; these were swimming beats interrupted by glides. This and their on the water and other uncounted flocks were brown upperparts and white underparts serve to also nearby as well as many flying birds. 5,000 distinguish them from all species except the plus would have been a reasonable estimate. Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis. From this These flocks came very close inshore, and parties species it can be identified by larger size and were seen between the Glenelg jetty and break­ longer wings, a less stubby body and by the water. dark cap extending to below the eyes. Flutterers occurred close inshore irrespective For subspecific identification see Robinson of the weather; but unless there was a reason­ (1973) and Serventy et al (1971:137). able wind at Waitpinga, they usually remained Discussion about 500 rn offshore. Many birds were seen This is a numerous bird in the coastal zone from boats, but they did not approach closely. between Goolwa, Kangaroo Island and the Gulf On an occasion when the "Taperoo" was head­ St. Vincent. There are many references relating ing towards a flock of 50 Flutterers near to the large numbers that can be seen in this Granite Island, they took flight and dispersed region (e.g. Wood-Jones (1940) and Serventy­ long before close views could be obtained. At (1939) ). 68 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

The lack of any reports from the deep-sea forked tail and has a very different higher, zone indicates that Fluttering Shearwaters are bounding and erratic flight (pers, obs.). Care confined to the coastal zone. Little is known must be taken to ensure that the underparts from west of Investigator Strait, but Fisher are seen, otherwise confusion could arise (1963) saw birds' off Cape Banks and Cal?e between the southern ocean Black-bellied Storm­ jaffa-, indicating the species is continuous m Petrel Fregetta tropica and Wilson's Storm­ distribution between Kangaroo Island and these Petrel. The former could occur in our region, points. but it has white underwing coverts and white underbody with a blackish central stripe on the WILSON'S STORM-PETREL abdomen (Slater; 1970). Oceanites oceanicus Discussion Recent Observations Apart from Swanson's account, their is little During a strong south-westerly wind, one bird evidence that this species occurs regularly in the was seen flying near Brighton Jetty on 2 April region. However, it is believed that future work 1974 (J.C.). This bird was being swept along will show that they are a regular, not un­ the shore to the north. The all-dark plumage common, bird in these waters. The chief with pale upperwing coverts, a white rump and difficulty with storm-petrels is that they are very the squared tail were noted. On this same hard to see against the waves. Often birds are day a Wilson's Storm-Petrel was found on the seen only when very close to a boat, seeming Adelaide University oval. It is in the S.A.M. to appear out of nowhere. freezer. Literature GREY-BACKED STORM-PETREL . Serventy (1952) gave a complete review of Garrodia nereis the species in Australian waters and showed that This species is of the Antarctic and sub­ it should usually occur in South Australian Antarctic seas (Serventy et al, 1971:142), but waters only on passage to and from more has been recorded from Tasmania 'and north to northerly wintering grounds. However, Swanson Queensland. (1970) noted birds in coastal waters in June W. R. P. Bourne (pers. comm.) saw several and July, and Eckert (1969) also saw a storm­ while transecting the Bight in August :974. blown bird in June..Swanson has noted many These were seen in the southern regions, near birds at various times, from a boat. the sub-Tropical convergence. Specimens A storm-petrel' with a dark head, white under­ Condon (1969) listed four: one from Port parts below the breast and no white rump Elliot in November 1918 (in S.A.M.), one from patch, it is unlikely to be confused with 'any Whyalla in 1938 (not traced), one from Goolwa other species within the region (Slater, 1970). in April 1967 (examined) and one from Gulf As with the former species, the lack of reports St. Vincent in April 1968. This last bird is in probably does not reflect its real status, especially the S.A.M. and according to its label it was as the Grey-backed Storm-Petrel breeds on taken on board a boat 9 km out from Outer islands in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Harbor. Additionally there is the recent speci­ Oceans south of the sub-Tropical convergence. men cited above. Identification WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL The only species with which the Wilson's Pelagodroma marina Storm-Petrel may be confused in South Aus­ Specimens tralian waters is Leach's Storm-Petrel Oceano­ This locally breeding species occurs regularly droma leucorhoa. This is a vagrant from the as a beach-derelict; many have been examined. Northern Hemisphere which has occurred in Literature Victoria (Serventy et al, 1971 :148). Serventy et al (1971:143-145) said birds of This latter species is larger, longer-winged, a the Australian subspecies winter in the northern paler sooty-brown with a variable grey patch in Indian Ocean. There are few reports of the the centre of the white rump, shorter legged species at sea, but Elkington (1930) caught a with dark webbings between the toes, a deeply bird that flew onboard his ship during April while he was at least "300 miles from land" 1. During December 1975, D.C. and J.C. observed in the Australian Bight. Fisher (1963) saw 18 Flutterers off Cape Labatt 'and Elliston, on the birds on 18 February 1963 near Althorpe Island. west coast of Eyre Peninsula. Macgillivray (1920) said he saw this species in JANUARY, 1976 69 the region of Kangaroo Island in June, but Discussion from his account of their actions, I strongly Serventy et al (1971:151) said the species suspect that they were Fluttering Shearwaters, is not numerous in Australia; therefore few can Identification be expected to reach South Australian waters. The only storm-petrel with a whitish face, The four records are probably referable to white underparts and dark upperparts; see strays, although the species might occur more Slater (1970). regularly in the south-eastern regions, which is not far from known breeding grounds. Discussion Serventy et al (1971) listed the species' known The southern subspecies exsul breeds within breeding islands in South Australia. Future the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic surface water work could well discover colonies elsewhere. zones. They said the species usually avoids continental shelves and is "markedly pelagic in habit." Evidence suggests that birds occur within the THE BIRDS AND THE WIND region only during the summer, and then they may only be seen in coastal waters near their Morphology and Environment breeding islands. Morphological considerations of the Procel­ lariiformes reveal that most have evolved long COMMON DIVING PETREL wings and a short tail that are ideal for a Pelecanoides urinatrix sustained gliding flight. Compared with most Specimens other forms of birds, their pectoral muscles are Condon (1969) listed one bird from Brighton proportionately smaller and do not allow for in May 1944. The specimen is in the S.A. the constant action that is required for continu­ Museum. He cited another from Robe in ous flight by wing movements. March 1958; but the location of this specimen Aerodynamics require' a motive power for is unknown. flight, but apart from a seabird's own energy A skeleton in the SAM. (Reg. No. B24854) the only sources of power over the sea are the that was labelled as "Pachyptila sp." is also of air currents. Consequently these birds have this species. It was collected at Sellick's Beach adapted to this environment by developing (not to be confused with the specimen from techniques of flight that are dependent upon Robe because the Reg. No. is written on the wind. If weather conditions are calm, they skull) on 4 May 1956 by V. Wood and A. have to resort to muscular power for mobility. Rau. The skeleton is complete, but broken. As most are not adapted for this mode of flight, The lack of notching on the posterior edge of it cannot be long sustained. Therefore the the sternum and the size of this bone, identifies birds habitually sit upon the water for long it as Pelecanoides. The bill, with nearly parallel periods until a wind does eventuate. edges when viewed dorsally, identifies the speci­ The constant gliding flight that has evolved men as urinatrix. This was studied carefully; requires a tacking, rising and falling motion on and all other species of Pelecanoides were a course across the direction of the wind, eliminated by size and shape. Measurements Jameson (1958:62-74) detailed the precise of other bones also helped prevent confusion aerodynamics, and how albatrosses utilise winds with South American species. In this respect, for this sustained gliding flight; but a brief, Murphy (1936) provided excellent information. account is needed here. From near the surface I do not believe that this specimen is necessarily a bird heads into the wind to gain height. of Australian origin; it could equally be refer­ Once this is obtained it then turns with the able to the southern subspecies P. urinatrix wind and glides down to near the surface. exsul because it is obviously larger than the The speed given, by the downward glide and ' two other specimens I was able to compare tail-wind combined is sufficient to continue it with. Also, the bill has not got so perfectly motion so that the bird can glide across the parallel sides when viewed dorsally. Most of wind near the surface and subsequently 'regain all, the bill is obviously wider when viewed from height by again turning into the wind. It then below; and other bones are larger. moves across wind until speed has slackened, A party from the Nature Conservation and then turns for a repetition of the downward Society of S.A. colleoted a beach-derelict Com­ glide. While there is wind a bird can maintain mon Diving Petrel on the Coorong Beach, south this flight-style almost indefinitely without any of Salt Creek, in late October 1975. It is necessity to beat its wings. Albatrosses are currently in the Cleland Collection. particularly renowned for this flight, but smaller 70 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

petrels and shearwaters usually need to beat S.A. records) indicate that some do stray longer tlieir wings to obtain height before the down­ distances. ward glide: Their flight consequently consists These birds have developed their wings for of a few rapid wing-beats followed by long underwater requirements. Above the surface glides. This is necessitated by their proportion­ their flight consists of rapid, whirring wing­ ately lesser wing expanses; but when the wind beats which, combined with their plump bodies, is of sufficient strength they are quite able to have caused Harper and Kinsky (1974) to liken sustain flight by constant gliding actions. them to "bumblebees." Because of this flight The Procellariiformes that have not developed they are not very prone to drift and most often this form of flight are the storm-petrels and occur only as derelicts near their breeding diving-petrels. grounds. Storm-petrels have modes of flight that vary Any form of flight is subject to drift; but according to the species. An examination of species that depend upon the wind as a motive their skeletal structure 'reveals many differences power are more prone to drift than others. from the larger petrels and shearwaters. The Therefore, for example, an albatross travelling legs are much longer while the wing bones are on an easterly course across a southerly wind shorter, particularly the humerus which is is liable to be heading north-east at a speed noticeably short and compact. Whereas all dependent on the strength of the wind. other petrels have some degree of notching on the hind edge of the sternum, storm-petrels and Oceanic Movements diving-petrels lack this. Storm-petrels have a With consideration given to the prevailing smaller wing-area which would not give them westerly winds in sub-Antarctic regions" it is the-. same degree of lilt as the larger birds. easy to see how birds from those regions could Replacing this is a more efficient propulsion drift to the east. There is much evidence to method. Their primary feathers are very long suggest that the hulk of Procellariiformes and separated at the tips, giving their wings occurring in South Australia originate from the a rounded appearance. When these are flapped, west. Although New Zealand populations are those feathers provide the necessary forward nearer than western sub-Antarctic populations, motion for lift. A longer, often forked, tail very few birds that have occurred in South indicates their greater manoeuvrability in flight. Australia can be defined as originating from Generally, the larger species with longer wings there. When however, there are unusually fly higher than the smaller forms which flutter persistent easterly winds, some strays may occur. low over the surface. Most have erratic flights. The record of the Mottled Petrel illustrates this. Those that maintain a low flight are less vulner­ Tickell (1967) showed that banding data able to influences from the wind because they indicate that Black-brewed Albatrosses from the often avoid the full force in the troughs of Falkland Islands winter in the western South waves. Serventy et al (1971:148) mentioned Atlantic while those from South Georgia winter the "wrecks" of Leach's Storm-Petrels in in the eastern South Atlantic. Few of either Europe; and I have seen two of these flying populations range east to Australia. It can over ireshwater 100 km from the sea. This is therefore he surmised that Indian Ocean popu­ a larger species which has a higher bounding lations are likely to occur in South Australian flight. A commoner smaller species of that seas. New Zealand populations would probably region, the European Storm-Petrel Hydrobates occur in the Tasman Sea and off Eastern pelagicus, is not given to occur in such Australia. That the subspecies impavida ranges "wrecks." This has a low fluttering flight over into the latter region and has not yet been the surface (pers. obs.}. Of two South Aus­ reported further west supports this. The tralian species, the smaller Wilson's Storm­ Indian-Atlantic Ocean Sooty Albatross occurs Petrel is rarely cast ashore, while the larger in the Bight hut has not been recorded from White-faced Storm-Petrel regularly occurs as a New Zealand. The New Zealand Buller's Alba­ beach-derelict along the coastline. Although tross occurs off South America but is unknown the latter is a breeding bird, it is not necessarily from Western Australia (see Harper and Kinsky the commoner. (1974) and Murphy (1936)). It is evident Diving-petrels are probably rather sedentary that southern populations of albatrosses and birds. Even though they breed in Victoria and petrels usually disperse to the east after Tasmania there have been records of only one breeding, unless they are influenced by coastal in New South Wales (Serventy.et al, 1971 :151) proximity or are trans-equatorial migrants. and only four in South Australia. Their occur­ Accepting that populations then range largely .rence in Queensland (and possibly one of the to the east- owing to the prevailing winds, it JANUARY, 1976 71 might seem that many must therefore circum­ westerly movement would eventually carry them navigate the Southern Ocean in order to return into the south-westerly airstream to the west to their breeding grounds. Many writers suggest of a cyclone. By flying cross-wind the birds this, and some species. may; but there are few would then be drifted to the north or north­ records of eastern birds from the west to east, until in the vicinity of their breeding indicate circumnavigation. grounds. The usual westerly winds of the sub-Antarctic This is a hypothesis subject to test, and are associated with the northern edges of provides an alternative possibility to equally southern cyclonic movements. When an anti­ hypothetical circumnavigation. The weather cyclone precedes a depression, northerly winds pattern given in figure 17 illustrates the posi­ occur. Birds then in Australian waters that tions of air-masses over the Australian and breed on southern Atlantic or Indian Ocean southern Indian Ocean regions on 26 July Islands can return to their breeding locations 1963. This was selected because it allows for by flying to the west across the northerly wind. bird movements in both directions. Weather They could subsequently be drifted far south, patterns constantly alter; the illustrated positions even down to Antarctic seas, and on reaching of the southern depressions need not be so close the southern extremities of the cyclone, head to the Antarctic Continent, and birds may only north again. The airstream could then be light travel when the climatic conditions are suitable. or easterly; this would allow birds to travel Neither does the figure relate to times when the north-westwards around the cyclone or asso­ birds move. It merely shows a set of air-masses ciated depressions until beyond, or on the same that would enable the wind direction to be longitude as, their breeding islands. The north- exploited by southern seabirds; in the same way

< "= DIRECTION OF THEORETliAL OCEANIC MOVEMENTS RELATED TO WINDS \ \

WEATHER PATIERN OF \ 26 JULY 1963

Figure 17; Theoretical oceanic movements of southern seabirds. After breeding, birds slowly move northwards but drift with the prevailing winds. By late winter many are in the S.A. region (records indicate that most occur during that period). When a northerly airstream occurs they travel south by drift, and fly to the . west once they are beyond the zone of westerly winds. 72 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

ACTUAL COURSE fLIGHT DIRECTION RElATED TO IND STRENGTH Km \J!? w,~

Figure 18; Coastal movements of Procellariiformes during a west to south-west wind. Once birds are drifted by strong winds to the coastline, they fly into the wind to avoid being swept overland. On a coastline that faces the wind direction they fly crosswind, but still are subject to drift inland. Consequently they head more into the wind to avoid this, and when they encounter a coastline that juts out towards the west they are forced to fly more directly into the wind, or they are drifted back to shore. Birds that are unable to sustain themselves often are forced to fly in repeated circles until they eventuaily succumb; unless the wind abates. Normally coastal species forage along the shoreline and, being able to sustain. themselves, do not repeatedly circle. The inset illustrates birds that have been drifted to the eastern shore' of the Gulf St. Vincent. If they fly to the north they encounter land; thus they head south along that shoreline. This movement causes them to flv half into the wind, but when reaching the southern regions the coastline forces them to head directly into the wind. They are often not able to maintain direction into a strong wind, and are thus whisked back north so that they again have to return south. These movements are based upon repeated observations; only the western Investigator Strait region is theorised, JANUARY, 1976 73 as by trans-equatorial shearwaters on their along the eastern shoreline to the nor!=h. Once migrations as was shown by Serventy et al past the vicinity of Adelaide, they swmg south­ (1971). As yet, the postulate? routes cannot ~.e wards and out to sea, because that stretch of linked with individual specIes of Procellarii­ coastline faces south-west, and consequently the formes. It is possible ..that Dove and Thin­ wind is more offshore. When the birds reach billed P.rions use the routes, because Harper the southern coastlines, they .repeat the process (1972) showed that both occur in the Antarctic of flying north. From the eastern shore the surface water zone, and records clearly show outward appearance is of a constant stre~ of that many stray into Australian waters. Further, birds flying to the north, with none returning. it may explain the otherwise puzzling occur­ As a cyclone advances from the west the rences of Sooty Shearwaters seen flying to the winds gradually swing north-westerly. T~e on?et west near the Antarctic coastline (Serventy et al, of a cold-front brings low cloud and ram WIth 1971 :127). westerly winds. Birds in the open sea would theri theoretically be flying to the north or Coastal Movements south, according to their seasonal movements. When conducting sea-watches in all seasons, Those flying north would be drifted to the east it was frequently noted that seabirds of many so that their actual direction would be north­ species usually passed in one direction. As east, depending upon the strength of the wind. observations progressed it gradually became Thus they approach. the South Australian coast­ clear that their direction of flight was nearly line. On reaching the coast, and with the always related to the direction of the wind. advance of the cyclone causing the winds to The coastline at Waitpinga faces south south­ bear south-west, they attempt to remain at sea east. During a wind from the south most birds by flying into the wind. The result is that are seen flying just offshore along the coastline. they fly in a northerly and then westerly direc­ In a northerly wind they are still present, but tion along- the coast of South Australia. Initially are usually well out 'to sea. However, some they are drifted onto the south-eastern coastline, may remain inshore, seeming to shelter in which faces south-west, by the south-westerly calmer waters. During a westerly wind they wind. They then travel along the coastline to pass from the east, but once it turns southerly the north-west and are forced to bear due west and then easterly, they pass from the west. on reaching the region of Victor Harbor where Similarly, when watching seabirds from a the coastline faces towards the -south-east. Be­ coastline which faces west, like the eastern cause they then have to fly directly into the shores of the Gulf St. Vincent, they are seen wind, or be swept back to the land, numbers to fly close inshore during an onshore wind and often accumulate in that area as their flight remain far out when it is blowing offshore. In is subsequently slowed. a northerly wind birds fly northwards, and in a Birds in the Gulf St. Vincent adjust to the southerly fly southwards. south-westerly wind by flying along the eastern Observations From many other locations re­ shoreline to the south (see figure 18). This vealed the same wind-related movement movement is caused by their survival require­ patterns. ment to stay at sea. Flying into the wind, Typically, anti-cyclones become stabilised, they try to move away from land; but the because of warm dry air from the land, when strength of the wind keeps them near to the centred over south-eastern Australia. The seas . shoreline and causes them to fly south, or to are then usually calm, and, apart from foraging be swept back to the land to the north/.Numbers parties or individuals, the birds then remain are often increased by new arrivals from the sparsely scattered over the waters. With the open sea via the Investigator Strait. By travel­ approach of a cyclone and associated cold­ ling south along the shoreline they eventually fronts, the anti-cyclone only moves slowly east­ reach areas of land that jut westwards. These wards because of its stabilisation. This often force the birds to fly directly into the wind. causes the cyclone to deflect to the south-east, The result is that many are weakened, and are . but the general closeness of the two systems subsequently whisked back north. Consequently results in strong northerly winds. Birds then many birds fly in repeated circles and gradually often move well to the south, away from shore; become weaker. On many occasions they settle but those already in the Gulf St. Vincent are on the water, but it is not usually long before drifted onto the northern shores of Kangaroo the waves either sweep them onto the beaches Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula. They or cause them to take flight again. proceed to fly into the wind to prevent being The situation along shores facing the open caught on the shore. Subsequently they move ocean is different. During a south-westerly 74 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 wind only small numbers appear to circle, we~t and their numbers lessen. However, new e~cep~ when the w~n~ is abati~g or changing arrivals from the west still fly on a north­ direction. At Waitpinga durmg a south­ easter~y course (flight across wind but subject westerly wind birds are seen flying offshore to dnft) and encounter the coastline in the along a line from West Island to Newlands' sa:ne way. Instead of flying more with the H~ad and out towar~s the Pages and Cape wmd on the south-eastern coastline and thus WIlloughby. Observations at sea in the latter even~ual1y out to the west, their necessary region show that this movement is continuous. requirement to stay away from land causes them Giant Petrels which flew past the boat were to flyaway to the south. Drifted by the wind, heading south-westerly, into the wind. Hugh they then fly south-eastwards along the shoreline Ford (pers. comm.) has noted albatrosses con­ e.ast of Victor Harbor. As the wind progres­ tinually flying into a south-westerly wind off sively bears easterly, these birds become caught Cape du Couedic, Kangaroo Island. on the southern shoreline of Kangaroo Island Figure 18 shows the major flight directions and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Once the wind is of seabirds in these areas during a west to south­ easterly the birds are then free of the coast and west wind. It illustrates the large numbers they subsequently move out to sea. It is that can accumulate off the southern shores emphasised that during the right seasons and where the lie of the land forces the birds to fly e:ren in calm weather or easterly winds,'some directly into the wind, and how some may birds that are normally coastal remain inshore. remain trapped in the Gulf St. Vincent. Albatrosses may often appear to be absent, but While some, notably the more pelagic, indi­ a careful scan of the sea reveals that odd birds viduals are swept back along the southern are sitting on the water some distance from coastline, most appeM" to travel past an observa­ shore. tion point once. Indicating this tendency are Feeding Behaviour the many sea-watches in which definable indi­ Observations revealed that Shy, Black-brewed viduals or different species have only been seen and Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, and Giant Petrels to pass once. For example, a watch conducted frequently feed upon flotsam during rough at Newlands' Head on 15 May 1973 concluded weather. Often they have been seen feeding after five hours of observation with totals of upon floating cuttlefish or even dead birds in three Shy Albatrosses, 42 Black-browed Alba­ the zone just beyond the surf. Swanson (1973) trosses, one Grey-headed Albatross, 174 Yellow­ suggested that cuttlefish are a food supply nosed Albatross, one Giant Petrel, one Cape which die in rough weather; subsequently float­ Petrel and other species being seen'passing to ing to the surface. Just beyond the surf the west. The Shy Albatrosses were seen only is the obvious area where many would thus once, when all three passed together; the Grey­ accumulate through drift. Quite large numbers headed was seen only once; definable individuals of cuttlefish are found cast upon the beaches of other albatrosses were never seen twice; the during and after gales. petrels were seen only once. That there were not repeated observations of the same birds As gales are a normal part of the marine indicated that most birds were different indi­ environment, it is likely that seabirds have to viduals. As many as 15 Yellow-nosed were in some extent adapted to them. Besides being view together on two occasions, these and the a cause of mortality, gales may also influence frequency of their passing suggested that even some species' feeding behaviour. Thus the 100 would be a minimal figure to record. That above mentioned species may habitually move large numbers of albatrosses do occur in the inshore during rough weather to take advantage area was confirmed by observations made at sea of the food supply induced by strong winds. from the "Taperoo" when over 100 were seen Apart from migrants, during sea-watches together well within sight of land. Obviously conducted while there was a gale blowing, two these were not an accumulation of all the birds groups of birds occur-red; those that were tra­ in the region because there were also other velling along the coastline and feeding, and fishing vessels at sea. those that were simply caught on the lee-shore Depending upon the strength and duration by the wind. Observations have revealed that of the wind, numbers of birds accumulate the latter group mainly comprise of the more owing to new arrivals from the open ocean. The oceanic species. Individuals of the normally stream of birds flying past Waitpinga from the coastal species may also be classified with the east thus increases. When the wind bears south­ latter group, but as they are within their normal erly with the passing of a cyclone, the situation feeding range, this could only be due to alters. Most inshore birds travel faster to the individual weaknesses, or to severe winds and JANUARY, 1976 75 other adversities. It is therefore to be expected Island to Goolwa. 1974 proved to be an that birds from the more southerly zones only exception and comparatively few were seen in penetrate into coastal regions as a result of that region. However, observations revealed abnormal circumstances; but when they wander that unusually large numbers were present in thus, their inability to find sufficient food the Gulf St. Vincent. hastens their end. That most records of ,the Why this apparent move into the Gulf took southern birds in coastal waters are beach­ place beoame clear when walks along the derelicts thus shows that they are out of their' beaches from Victor Harbor to the Murray normal range. Mouth revealed that thousands of dead fish had been cast ashore. The whole length of that BEACH-DERELICTS coastline was littered with decaying fish. The General River Murray was in flood during that year; When considering beach-derelicts as evidence and the huge volume of freshwater pouring of status and distribution, it is necessary to into the sea extended at least as far as Victor assess the causes of their mortality, and con­ Harbor. As a consequence the marine environ­ sider the -known pelagic distribution of the ment was affected. The shearwaters may then species in question. have been forced to leave their normal feeding Serventy et al (1971: 35-36) said that the grounds by a failure in their food supply. major causes of beach-derelicts in Australia are When huge numbers of Fluttering Shear­ adverse weather conditions or .a failure in a waters were in the Gulf, constant diligent species' food supply. Only a very small pro­ searching of the beaches failed to find any portion of deaths are attributed to oil or other derelicts, whereas more deep-sea species such man-induced pollutants. It is also obvious as Cape Petrels, Kerguelen Petrels and Prions that some deaths are due to disease, parasitic. were found. This indicated that,'providing they infestation or other factors affecting birds' have a sufficient food supply, Fluttering Shear­ health. waters are not usually imperilled by lee-shore Disease and Parasites hazards; but once the more oceanic petrels have Of specimens I have collected onSouth Aus­ been drifted into coastal waters by strong winds, tralian beaches, some were found to have suf­ they quickly starve unless the wind abates and fered ailments. For example; a Thin-billed allows them to return to their normal environ­ Prion had one foot withered and decaying; a ment. Dove Priori was infested by ticks at the base Short-tailed Shearwaters breed on many off­ of the lower mandible (this bird was still shore islands to the west of the Gulf St. Vincent, alive when collected); a Broad-billed Prion had and every year they pass through Gulf waters a large internal growth on the side of the neck on their autumn migration. The bulk are young which caused the skin to be exposed through birds. During their passage south-westerly gales the plumage. often trap large numbers in the Gulf (see above) Serventy et al (1971 :34) stated tha~ ~he causing them to fly over shallow waters, beaches Short-vailed Shearwater suffers an affliction or other non-food productive areas. By attempt­ known as the "limey bird disease," but as this ing to fly into the wind to stay at sea, their is confined to young birds, it is probably not a energies are rapidly expended and many thus die major cause of beach-derelicts. The~ further of starvation. stated that young Manx Shearwaters III Great As a result of strong winds or fluctuating Britain succumb to "puffinosis," while in other ecological factors, the major cause of death is parts of the world "aspergillosis" is widespread starvation. This is more prevalent during the amongst seabirds. Puffinosis has not yet been shearwaters' migration times, spring and detected in Australia, but ornithosis has been autumn. detected in Short-tailed Shearwaters. Whether birds are from higher latitudinal Like most living things, Procellariiformes do zones or coastal waters, it is easy to see how, suffer from disease. While this may not be a when deprived of their food supply, they major cause of the majority of beach-derelicts, succumb on a lee-shore. Black-brewed and Grey­ birds that are afflicted are usually weaker and headed Albatrosses provide further examples. consequently would succumb more easily. !han Continuous observations in coastal waiters for healthy birds during adverse weather conditions. six years leave no doubt that the former is common and the latter is rare; yet in some Starvation Every winter Fluttering Shearwaters a~e years more Grey-headed than Black-browed have been found dead on the beaches (see observed feeding in hundreds, or thousands, III the coastal waters from the east of Kangaroo Robinson, 1971). The few Grey-headed that 76 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

I have seen in coastal waters were during fences. One was found entangled in a fence strong winds that indicated a drif.t from their where no wave could possibly have swept it. normal range. Travelling as slowly as 40 k.p.h. Others were found below the rocks of sea-walls (Jameson (1958) said the average ground speed or at the bases of jetties. Only two of them of albatrosses on an upward slant to windward were Fairy Prions; these were together at the is about 39 m.p.h.; on a leeward dive about 78 base of Henley Beach jetty. m.p.h.) it would take an albatross less than With the low cloud, rain and wind, the 24 hours to drift from sub-Antarctic seas to the overnight visibility must have been poor. It was­ South Australian coast. - consequently concluded that the birds must From accounts given by authorities like have been dazzled by the lights of the beach­ Murphy (1936), Fleming (1941) and Serventy front and jetties, causing them to fly straight et at (1971), it is clear that different species are into obstacles. confined to differing marine zones in the Reinforcing this view, few birds were found Southern Ocean. Species that normally inhabit on unlit beaches or on those away from the the sub-Antarctic zone of surface waters are suburban area. D. C. Paton prepared most just as likely to be wind-drifted when weakened, of the specimens, and found that many had as are those that normally occur in the coastal broken skulls and sterna which would he con­ waters. When numbers of southerly species do sistent with injuries sustained by flying straight occur as beach-derelicts during a short time­ into solid objects. Had they succumbed in a span, as shown by Robinson's (1971) report of similar manner to the Short-tailed Shearwaters, six Grey-headed Albatrosses, it is indicative that these bones would be unlikely to have broken. some adversity has affected that particular Similarly, D.C. found a White-faced Storm­ species. It does not suggest that that species Petrel at the base of a monument in Port occurs just as commonly within the coastal zone Lincoln, concluding that it had flown into this as other species. Indeed, the distribution of at night. L. Joseph prepared the skin and found ecological niches prevents this. that the skull was completely shattered. Storm-Victims Sea-Lice and Decomposition The hazards of lee-shores and associated star­ Many specimens found on the beaches are vation are the prime causes of seabird mortality. decomposed; others appear so, but on examina­ However, some birds are caught on the shores tion are found to be partly eaten or so cleanly by winds 01 such great violence that they are picked that even the smallest rib is unbroken. literally pounded to death by the elements. This is the work of sea-lice (Crustacea), pre­ During April 1974, when many Short-tailed valent disposers of the flesh on any dead Shearwaters were found dead on Gulf St. organism in the waters of South Australia. Vincent beaches, a fierce south-westerly gale While helping with the shark catch on the occurred and forced many birds to fly over the "Taperoo," it was often noticed that many beaches and breaker zone. Some were swept sharks and other fish which had not been in over land·; but the majority that died on the the net for more than a Jew hours had already beaches were birds that alighted on the water. become infested with sea-lice. It appeared that These were observed from the beach, and it sea-lice may often start eating before their could be seen that as each breaker approached, benefactor is dead. They enter the body the birds dived under the surface and through through any available orifice and usually con­ the wave; while all the time they were being sume the internal organs first and then eat swept closer to shore. When it was close to their way through the flesh to the skin. the beach, an individual dived 'through a Judging by the freshness of partly eaten breaker, and the force of the wave kept it under beach-derelict seabirds, it is quite apparent that the surface until ebbing and leaving it on the few birds that have died at sea would remain sand. intact for long. Therefore the vast majority On 1-2 August 1973, about 40 dead prions of beach-derelicts that are found in good were collected on the Adelaide beaches. At the condition probably died shortly before reaching time of collecting the specimens it was clear land, or they reached ·the beach alive. that a gale had swept these and other petrels Half-eaten remains of birds found on the (i.e. Kerguelen Petrel) onto the suburban beaches were often cause for despair but even beaches overnight. None was noted on the sea-lice can be useful to ornithologists. J. B. previous evening (the author lived on the beach­ Paton has prepared many perfect skeletons by front). More notable still, it appeared that leaving birds overnight in a perforated bag in most birds had collided with jetties, rocks or the water at Victor Harbor. JANUARY, 1976 77

Scavengers, particularly foxes and dogs, carry Plumage markings are the important thing away or eat many beach-derelicts. I was once to look for when identifying birds in the field. confronted by a dog with a priori in its mouth I t is easier to see a demarcation line between (it was only dropped when, deceitfully, another two colours than it is to define the colours was offered!) . Land insects and blowflies exactly. account for many along with other processes of natural decomposition, but some specimens dry CONCLUSIONS out in the sun and remain a long time, particu­ A SUMMARY OF STATUS AND larly on rocky beaches. A Fleshy-footed Shear­ MARITIME DISTRIBUTION water that.was found on a rocky beach was, as an experiment, left there. Four months later All species of albatrosses and petrels definitely th~ plumage was still intact, but the head was recorded from the described region are included missmg. with an opinion of the status and distribution Wear on plumage can be considerable if a . of each. specimen is rolled around in sand by the surf The descriptive terms given below are used and wind. A prion in reasonable plumage was on a mainly comparative basis. lett tethered upon a beach. One month later Common; always present and often numerous. the dark central upperwing coverts had been Moderately common; usually present in small, worn down to the extent that the upperwing numbers. appeared uniform grey. Therefore it would be Uncommon; occasionally recorded. necessary to examine the plumage of beach­ Rare; strays out of their normal range, few derelicts thoroughly before recording coloura­ recorded annually. . tions, especially if it is a species that has Vagrant; strays far from their normal range, colouring only on the tips of the feathers. few known records. Usually judgements of plumage texture ascer­ Wind-dritte~; birds out of their normal range tain whether it is worn, and with practice it is and principally known from beach-derelicts even possible to judge whether a specimen their numbers subject to climatic or ecological reached the shore dead, or alive. factors. The status of each species is given in relation THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON to each marine zone within the region as given IDENTIFICATION on figure 1. (A) Coastal Zone: Sub-Tropical. Examinations of many Procellariiformes in (B) Deep-Sea Zone: Sub-Tropical. the hand reveal that some have only a slight (C) Sub-Antarctic Zone. trace of brown in their otherwise sooty plumage colouration. Yet when seen flying at sea they Accounts from the latter zone are scanty. appear positively brownish. This is especially Ther;efore !he given sta;tus is often problematical noticeable with immature Giant Petrels and but IS based on what IS known from literature. Storm-Petrels, but is also applicable to Ptero­ Seasonal status is based on the broad concepts droma and Puffinus species. Gill (1967) noted of "summer" and "winter" for brevity. that Barau's Petrels Pterodroma baraui in the Order PROCELLARIIFORMES Indian Ocean appeared brown on the back instead of grey and he said "this undoubtedly Family DIOMEDEIDAE resulted from the phenomenon whereby grey or WANDERING ALBATROSS blackish birds at sea often appear brown against Diomedea exulans subsp. the blue of the ocean." My observations have (A) Rare. (B) Common during winter, moder­ revealed that many birds appear more brown ately common in summer. (C) Common. in sunlight, while in overcast conditions the colour is blacker or greyer. Consequently birds SHY ALBATROSS seen in sunlight are rarely identified by shades Diomedea cauta cauta of colour, except at close range. Certainly the (A) Moderately common in winter in southern back colouration of the subspecies of Puffinus regions. Common in the south-east but rare puffinus is a useless field characteristic. in western regions during summer. (B) Moder­ In sunlight, any white plumage areas on a ately common. bird can be seen at long distances owing to their BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS reflective qualities. When the white is slightly Diomedea melanophris melanophris toned with other colour, these areas lose their (A) Common during winter except in northern brilliance. Thus it is easy to distinguish such Gulf regions. Uncommon in summer. (B) markings as grey heads or off-white underwings, Common. (C) Common. 78 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL Diomedea chrysostoma Pterodroma mollis mollis (A) Rare during winter and early summer. (B) (B) Moderately common. (C) Common. Uncommon in southern regions in winter. (C) BLUE PETREL Moderately common. H alobaena caerulea YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (A) Rare in winter. Diomedea chlororhynchos BROAD-BILLED PRION (A) Common in winter, uncommon in summer. Pachyptila vittata (macgillivrayi?) (B) Uncommon. (C) Rare. (A) Vagrant in winter. SOOTY ALBATROSS MEDIUM-BILLED PRION Phoebetria [usca Pachyptila salvini (A) Rare. (B) Uncommon. (C) Common. (A) Wind-drifited in winter. (B) Probably LIGHT-MANTLED SOOTY ALBATROSS moderately common in winter. (C) Probably modeartely common. Phoebetria palpebrata (A) Vagrant. (B) Rare. (C) Moderately DOVE PRION common. Pachyptila desolata desolata (A) Frequently wind-drifted in winter. (B) Family PROCELLARIIDAE Probably' moderately common. (C) Common. SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL Pachyptila desolata banksi 1vlacronectes giganteus (A) Wind-drifted in winter. (B) Probably (A) Moderately common in winter, uncommon moderately common. (C) Common. in summer. (B) Probably common in winter. THIN-BILLED PRION (C) Probably common in winter. Pachyptila belcheri (A) Wind-drifted in winter. (B) P.robably NORTHERN GIANT PETREL moderately common. (C) Common. Macronectes halli (A) Uncommon in winter. (B) Common, (C) FAIRY PRION Common. Pachyptila turtur (A) Probably uncommon. (B) Probably un­ ANTARCTIC FULMAR common except in south-east where common. Fulmarus glacialoides Pachyptila turtur (subsp.? Indian-Atlantic) (A) Rare in winter. (B) Rare in winter. (C) (A) Rare in winter. (B) Probably rare. Moderately-common. FULMAR PRION CAPE PETREL Pachyptila crassirostris subsp. Daption capensis subsp. (A) Vagrant? (C) P.robably moderately (A) Uncommon in winter. (B) Moderately common. common. (C) Common. GREY PETREL SNOW PETREL Procellaria cinerea Pagodroma nivea (A) Vagrant. (B) Rare. (C) Probably (A) Vagrant. moderately common. GREAT-WINGED PETREL WHITE-CHINNED PETREL Pterodroma macropiera macroptera Procellaria aequinoctialis (A) Rare. (B) Moderately common in western (B) Rare in western regions. (C) Probably regions, progressively rarer to the east. (C) moderately common. Uncommon. FLESHY-FOOTED SHEARWATER WHITE-HEADED PETREL Puffinus carneipes carneipes Pterodroma lessoni (A) Common in summer except south-eastern (A) Rare. (B) Uncommon. (C) Moderately regions; rare in winter. common. SCOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus KERGUELEN PETREL (A) Rare in summer in south-eastern regions. Pterodroma breoirostris Vagrant, Gulf St. Vincent. (A) Rare in winter. (B) Uncommon. (C) SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER Moderately common. Puffinus tenuirostris MOTTLED PETREL (A) Common in summer, rare in winter. A Pterodroma inexpectata common breeding species on islands off central (A) Vagrant. and western coasts. (B) Common in summer. JANUARY, 1916 79

FLUTTERING SHEARWATER as the Medium-billed, Dove and Thin-billed Puffin us puffinus puffinus Prions. (A) Vagrant. All zones: Puffinus puffinus huttoni Shy Albatross (A) Uncommon in eastern regions from mid­ Black-browed Albatross winter to summer. Giant Petrel sp. Puffinus puffinus gavia Cape Petrel (A) Common in central and eastern regions. Wilson's Storm-Petrel Uncommon in Gulf waters in summer. Coastal zone: . Family HYDROBATIDAE Yellow-nosed Albatross WILSON' STORM-PETREL Fleshy-footed Shearwater Oceanites oceanicus subsp. Flutter.ing Shearwater (A) Probably moderately common in southern Sub-Tropical zone: regions. (B) Probably common. (C) Probably (Coastal and Deep-sea) common on passage. Fairy Prion GREY-BACKED STORM-PETREL Short-tailed Shearwater Garrodia nereis Deep-sea zone: (B) Probably moderately common in southern Great-winged Petrel regions. (C) Moderately common. White-faced Storm-Petrel WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL Deep-sea and Sub-Anta'rctic zones: Pelagodroma marina dulciae Wandering Albatross (A) Summer breeder in central and western Sooty Albatross regions. Probably only common in the vicinity White-headed Petrel of nesting islands. (B) Probably common in Soft-plumaged Petrel summer. Prion sp. Family PELECANOIDIDAE Sub-Antarctic zone: COMMON DIVING-PETREL Grey-headed Albatross Pelecanoides u'rinatrix urinatrix Light-mantled Sooty Albatross Antarctic Fulmar (A) Vagrant, but possibly rare III extreme south-east. Kerguelen Petrel Fulmar Prion ANALYSIS OF SPECIES DISTRIBUTION Grey Petrel While the marine zonal boundaries do not White-chinned Petrel limit the wanderings of albatrosses and petrels, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel many species are ecologically confined in distri­ Rarities within the region: bution by them. For example, species that Blue Petrel normally inhabit the sub-Antarctic zone may be Sooty Shearwater expected to be seen more commonly as that zone Common Diving-Petrel is approached. A greater number of birds occur Vagrants: along the boundaries rather than in the central Snow Petrel areas of each zone. Thus ·there is gradual Mottled Petrel integration between the ranges of many species; Broad-billed Prion and no sharp demarcation line. Most birds that inhabit sub-Tropical waters in Australia are dependent upon the shallow FUTURE WORK seas of the continental shelf for their food The task most needed in South Australia is supply (Serventy et al 1971 :10). While many a thorough survey of breeding populations. This must cross other oceanic zones to reach this would require a search of all islands so that area, they are essentially confined to it. Con­ population sizes, their viability and security can versely, the White-faced Storm-Petrel and the be established. Species other than those known Western Australian populations of the Great­ to breed should be looked for, especially on the winged Petrel only occur in coastal waters for smaller outlying islands. Of the 115 coastal breeding purposes; otherwise they range far . islands in South Australia, I believe that few out to sea. have been properly surveyed for breeding Procel­ The zones are listed with the species that lariiformes; and some that have been visited normally inhabit them. "Priori sp." is defined by ornithologists should be searched again. Not 80 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27 only for birds in burrows, but also for evidence not extend far to sea, and as a consequence of previous nesting or for out of season breeders. a greater abundance of more oceanic species Not all petrels breed in compact colonies where may be found. If observations could be their burrows are conspicuous: often scattered regularly conducted from many localities, species burrows are well-hidden in. grass or under distribution and their movements will be grearly bushes. Recent discoveries of hitherto unknown clarified. populations from many parts of the world, from Observations made at sea are vital for estab­ the British Isles to the Pacific, illustrate the lishing zonal distribution. Precise records for difficulties in locating breeding petrels. the region are lacking; so any notes taken on Too much emphasis has been placed on the future voyages will be useful. It is important collection of beach-derelict seabirds. However, that readers of such notes should see that identi­ it is hoped that beach-patrolling will continue; fications are correct, no matter how expert and that details of weather conditions, the state the observer is supposed to 'be. Positions at of specimens, their age (adult or immature) sea should be noted as precisely as possible; and other relevant data are also collected. With and it cannot be sufficiently stressed that details such information the value of beach-washed of weather conditions, flight directions of birds, specimens is greatly increased; and with enough their numbers and their behaviour are most information their origin can Ibe judged. There valuable. is comparatively little to be gained by collecting The S.A. Museum still requires more speci­ "State records." It is more important to mens and it is hoped the collection will be added ascertain if a species occurs regularly. This to with more beach-washed material. A collec­ requires constant beach-patrolling for many tion of outstretched wings is also planned. By years, similar to the scale on which it is now this means identification points may become conducted in New South Wales. It is quite more firmly established as an aid to future obvious that many species will be established observers." as regular visitors if this should. be done. Once While the above work may take many years it is known what is "normal, irregularities can to complete, the more people that become then be ascertained. Population fluctuations interested the sooner it will be achieved, so and their causes, environmental disturbances ,that further aspects of study can be undertaken. and increases or declines of birds can then be more clearly seen. . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS While there are limitations in sea-watching, With their sheer tolerance of me, David as Simpson (1972 :78) said, it is equally clear to Close and John Hatch have enabled this paper me that much valuable data can 'be obtained tobe written. Had it not been for them much from it. Thus it should not be discouraged, of the field-work would never have eventuated; but promoted as a valuable additional source and I am sure many more trips Ito sea and to of data which has largely been overlooked in the notorious "ledge" at Newlands' Head will Australia. When records are sufficiently be at their instigation. To these I express numerous, abnormal ones caused by mis­ appreciation. identifications will be clearly seen. Bourne (1972A) showed that sea-watching from many Shane Parker assisted with many problems localities in the British Isles has provided associated with the S.A. Museum collection. valuable data. He also said that after the Jimmy McNamara brought material which initial' investigation period. a normal pattern of would otherwise have remained obscure to my events was established. In this respect, we now attention. They, and other museum staff, are know what species occur in some areas of thanked. South Australian waters. While further study Apart from putting up with my persistent will clarify some points, irregularities can now questioning, Joan and David Paton allowed be ascertained. Therefore future sea-watching the Cleland Collection to be examined. Ross at established localities will be towards this end. Robinson kindly permitted me to view the many It can be hoped that movement patterns, for specimens he collected at Goolwa Beach. Hugh. example, will be defined with constant work. Ford, Brian Glover and Nick Reid have made However, this review indicates a need for this paper more complete by providing data constant sea-watching to be undertaken on the from their personal notes. Nick also aided west coast of the Eyre Peninsula, the south field-work, as did Andrew Black, Lena Dunkley, coast of Kangaroo Island and the extreme Juliet Davies, Mollie Opie, Ross and Penny South-East. The latter localities may prove Reid, Leo Joseph and David Vincent (and his very fruitful because the continental shelf does boat!) . Alison Latham and Pat Thwaite freely JANUARY, 1976 81 allowed examinations of birds placed in their Rumbelow who willingly allowed observations care by the R.S.P.C.A. Dr. W. R. P. Bourne to be made from his fishing vessel "Taperoo," promptly answered my many queries about He also provided enlightening narratives of his petrels contained .in my excessively frequent experiences with seabirds, with which no "land­ and lengthy letters to him; and he and David lubber" could compete. Lake, Allan Lees and Dr. D. G. W. Hollands Dr. A. B. Black, Dr. J. H. Hatch, S. A. permitted me to use their records. To all these Parker and N. C. H. Reid commented on the thanks are due. original draft and provided many constructive Special appreciation is extended to Graham suggestions.

CITED LITERATURE BOURNE; W. R. P. (1972A) Birds at Sea. Birds, FULLAGAR, P. J. (1972) Identification of Prions 4:46-49. - Pachyptila spp. Aust. Bird Bander, 10:36-39. BOURNE, W. R. P. (1972B) Threats to Seabirds, GIBSON, J. D. and SEFTON, A. R. (1957) The Inter. Coun, Bird Pres. Bull. 11:200-218. Gould Petrel- Australian Records. Emu, 57 :49-52. BOURNE, W. R. P. and WARHAM, J. (1966) GILL, F. B. (1967) Observations on the Pelagic Geographical variation in the. Giant Petrels of the Distribution of Seabirds in the Western Indian genus Macronectes, Ardea, 54:45-67. Ocean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 123, 3605.. BROWN, A. G. (1948) Birds seen at Sea in Aus­ GODMAN, F. D. (1907-1910) A Monograph of the tralian Waters. Emu, 48:15-19.. Petrels. Witherby, London. BROWN, D. A. (1966) Breeding Biology of the GOULD, J. (1865) Handbook to the Birds of Aus­ Snow Petrel. ANARE Sci. Rep.: 89. tralia, 2. Author, London. CONDON, H. T. (1969) A Handlist of the Birds of HARPER, P. C. (1972) The Field Identification and South Australia, 3rd. ed. S.A. Orn. Assoc. Distribution of the Thin-billed Prion (Pachyptila COOPER, H. M. (1957) Autumn migration of the belcheri) and the Antarctic Prion (Pachyptila Short-tailed Shearwater or Mutton-Bird, S.A. Orn., desolata), N otornls, 19 :140-175. 22:37. HARPER, P. C. (1973) The Field Identification and COOPER, J. and ELLIOTT, C. C. H. (1974) The supplementary notes on the Soft-plumaged .Petrel status of the Antarctic Fulmar in South African (Pterodroma mollis GOULD, 1844). Notoinis, waters. Ostrich, 45:254-255. 20 :193-201. COX, J. B. (1973) The Identification of the Smaller HARPER, P. C., WATSON, G. E. and ANGLE Australasian Diomedea, and! the Status of the J. P. (1972) New records of the Kerguelen Petrel Diomedea in South Australia. S.A. Orn., 26:67-75. (Pterodroma breuirostris) in the South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Notornis, 19:56-60. DOWNES, M. C. et al (1959) The Birds of Heard Island. ANARE Sci. Rep.: 51. HARPER. P. C. and KINSKY F. C. (1974) New Zealand Albatrosses and Petrels. T uatara, 21 ECKERT, J. (1969) Notes on the Wilson Storm­ (1-2) . Petrel. S.A. Orn., 25:110. HOLGERSEN, H. (1957) Ornithology of the ECKERT, J. (1970) Birds of the Investigator Group. "Bratezg" Expedition. Pub. 21, Fra Kommand or S.A. Orn., 25 :201-205. Chr. Christensens Hvalfangstmuseum 1 Sandefjord. EDGAR, A. T. (1971) Field Study Course, Far HYETT, J. (1974) Sight record of the Snow Petrel North, 11-18 January 1971. Notornis 18:123. in Port Phillip. A ust. Bird. Wat. 7 :245. ELKINGTON, J: S. C. (1930) A Bird Diary: from • JOHNSTONE, G. W. (1974) Field Characters and Sydney to Antwerp. Emu, 29 :268-275. Behaviour at Sea of Giant Petrels in relation to ELLIOTT, H. F. L. (1957) A contribution to the their Oceanic Distribution. Emu, 74:209-218. Ornithology of tho Tristan da Cunha group. Ibis, JOHNSTONE, G. W., MILLEDGE. D. and 99 :545-586. DORWARD, D. F. (1975) The White-capped FALLA, R. A. (1930) Notes on Sea Birds between Albatross of Albatross Island: Numbers' and Melbourne, Vic., and Durban, South Africa. Emu, Breeding Behaviour. Emu, 75:1-11. 29 :175-180. JAMESON, W. (1958) The Wandering Albatross. FALLA, R. A. (1937) British Australian and New Rupert Hart-Davies, London. Zealand Antarctic' Research Expedition Report. Series B, Vol. 2, Birds. LEARMONTH, N. F. (1957) A Victorian record of Pachyptila crassirostris. Emu, 57:57-59. FERGUSON, E. W. (1916) Observations on Alba­ trosses at Sea, Emu, 15:243-249. LEES, A. F. (1975) First record of Grey Petrel for FINCH, B. W. and BRUCE, M. D. (1974) The S.A. S.A. Orn., 27 :10. Status of the Blue Petrel in Australian Waters. LE SOUEF, A. S. (1922) Notes on Sea Birds Australian Birds, 9:32-35. between Sydney and England. Emu, 22:52-54. FISHER, J. (1952) The Fulmar. Collins, London. MACGILLIVRAY, W. (1920) Notes on Sea-birds. FISHER, C. D. (1963) Observations of Seabirds Emu, 19:162-176. between Sydney and Perth, A ust. Bird Watcher, MACGILLIVRAY, W. (1927) Birds from a Coastal 2:36-43. Boat. Emu, 27:92-101. FLEMJNG, C. A. (1941) The phylogeny of the MATHEWS, G. M. (1920) Albatrosses at Sea. Emu, Prions. Emu, 41:134-155. 20:38. 82 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 27

McEVEY, A. (1957) Measurements of Victorian SIMPSON, K. N. G. (1972) Birds in Bass Strait. Prions. Emu. 57 :199-200. Reed. MURPHY, R. C. (1936) Oceanic Birds of South SLATER, P. (1970) A Field Guide to Australian America. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., N.Y. Birds, 1. Rugby. MURPHY, R. C. (1952) The Manx Shearwater, SUTTON, J. (1926) Bird Notes, S.A. Orn., 8:334­ Puffinus puffinus, as 'a Species of World-wide 340. distribution. Amer. Mus. Novit., 1586. SUTTON, J. (1933) Puffinus tenuirostrls, Short­ MURPHY, R. C. and PENNOYER, J~ M. (1953) tailed Shearwater or Petrel (Mutton-bird), S.A. Larger Petrels of the Genus Ptero droma. Amer. Orn., 12:115-126. Mus. N ooit., 1580, 1-43. SWANSON, N. (1970) Notes on Wilson's Storm­ PATON, J. B. (1974) First Record of Mottled Petrel, S.A. Orn., 25:214. Petrel (Pterodroma inexpectata) for South Aus­ tralia. S.A. Orn., 26:156. SWANSON, N. (1973) Status, Latitudinal and Sea­ sonal Occurrences of Albatross Species in Kangaroo ROBINSON, R. D. (1971) New South Australian Island Waters (South Aust.), S.A. Orn.., 26:75-77. Specimens from Goolwa Beach, S.A. Orn., 26 :18-22. TICKELL, W. L. N. (1962) The Dove Prion ROBINSON, R. D. (1973) The White-breasted Pachyptila desolata Gmelin. Falkland Islands Petrels of Southern Australian Waters, Emu, 73: 101-106. Dependencies Survey, Sci. Rep. 33. TICKELL, W. L. N. (1967) Movements of Black­ ROBINSON, R. D. (1974) Status of the Fulmar Prion in Australia, S.A. Orn., 26:168. browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses in the South Atlantic. Emu, 66 :357-367. SERVENTY, D. L. (1935) Birds in the Great Australian Bight, Emu, 35 :28-33. VOOREN, C. M. (1973) Notes on Sea Birds between New Zealand and the Bounty Islands. Notornis, SERVENTY, D. L. (1939) Observations of South 20 :301-310. Australian Seabirds, 1 and 2, S.A. Orn., 15 :51-54, 128-130. WARHAM, J. and BOURNE, W. R. P. (1914) SERVENTY, D. L. (1952) Movements of the Additional Notes on Albatross Identification. Wilson Storm-Petrel in Australian Seas, Emu, 52: A merican Birds, 28 :598-603. 105-116. WHITE, C. M. N. (1973) Diomedea cauta in South SERVENTY, D. L., SERVENTY, V. and WARHAM, Afrioan waters. Bull. Br. Orn. Club, 93:56. J. (1971) The Handbook of Australian Seabirds. WOOD-JONES, F. (1940) The White-breasted Reed. Petrel of South Australia. Emu, 39:277-278.

APPENDIX A list of Procellariiforme specimens in the S.A. BLUE PETREL Halobaena caerulea AE Museum to May 1975. BROAD-BILLED PRION KEY: A = Skin; B = Skeleton; C = Cranium; Pach.yptila vittata macgillivrayi A D = Remains of beach-derelict; E = Sternum MEDIUM-BILLED PRION P. salvini AB and/or other bones. , DOVE PRION P. desolata desolata AB WANDERING ALBATROSS P. desolata banksi A Diomedea exulans subsp. ACD THIN-BILLED PRION P. belcherl AC SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS D. albatrus A FAIRY PRION P. turtur turtur AB SHY ALBATROSS D. cauta subsp. AC "Po turtur subsp. ? AC BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS GREY PETREL Procellaria cinerea AC D. melanophris subsp. AC WHITE-CHINNED PETREL P. aequinoctialis A GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS D. chrysostoma AC STREAKED SHEARWATER YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS Calonectris leucomelas A D. chlororhynchos AC FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER SOOTY ALBATROSS Phoebetria fusca AC Puffinus. carneipes carneipes AB LIGHT-MANTLED SOOTY ALBATROSS WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER P. pacificus A P. p alpebrata ACD BULLER'S SHEARWATER P. bulleri A SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL SOOTY SHEARWATER P. griseus A M acranectes giganteus A SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER NORTHERN GIANT PETREL M. halli A P. tenuirostris AB ANTARCTIC FULMAR Fulmarus glacialoides AB FLUTTERING SHEARWATER ANTARCTIC PETREL Thalassoica antarctica AB P. puffinus puffinus C CAPE PETREL Daption capensis subsp. AB P. puffinus huttoni AC SNOW PETREL Pagodroma nive'a AB P. puffinus gavia AB GREAT-WINGED PETREL LITTLE SHEARWATER P. assimilis tunneyi AC Pterodroma macroptera macroptera AC WILSON'S STORM-PETREL WHITE-HEADED PETREL P. lessoni AB Oceanites oceanlcus subsp. AB KERMADEC PETREL P. neglecta neglecta A WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL KERGUELEN PETREL P. brevirostris AB Pelagodroma marina dulciae AB SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL P. mollis mollis A COMMON DIVING-PETREL MOTTLED PETREL P. inexpectata D Pelecanoides urinatrix urinatrix AB