January 1999

ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE

BIRDS OF MOTUROA ISLAND,

BAY OF ISLANDS

Birds are the most noticeable form of wildlife on Moturoa Island and their presence, abundance, and health epitomize shareholders' efforts to increase and maintain all aspects of wildlife. I have put together this checklist to enable shareholders and their guests to more fully appreciate the potential that the island has for birds. As we set aside and allow the natural forest to develop in wildlife areas, protect the birds, and continue reintroductions of native species, we can confidently expect wildlife to increase. This increase can quite directly affect shareholders interests, showing local and national authorities what private interests can do to provide good habitat for New Zealand wildlife.

This checklist covers all birds observed on Moturoa Island and the Black Rocks, and includes the waters approximately half way to the nearest mainland, or within 3 km of the islands, whichever is less.

Abundance categories are as follows:

(1) Abundant.--Very regularly seen; at least one individual can usually be observed within an hour in appropriate habitat.

(2) Common.--A few individuals are usually seen every day by an observer around the island.

(3) Uncommon.--Between 1 and 3 individuals would be seen by an observer during the course of a week on the island.

(4) Rare.--No more than one a month would be seen.

(5) Vagrant.--Occasional birds are seen, but usually no more than one individual per season. A single individual may appear on the island and remain for some time, being then seen regularly.

This checklist is based on our observations and others, as they have been made available to us. For some species, I have drawn upon our 18 years of censuses, giving some idea of what species have responded to predator (rat or myna) control, or the general successional change of the bush areas. Among incidental observations, most noteworthy are the contributions by Carol Ralph, Paul Asquith, and Enid Asquith who have made many natural history observations around the island on their frequent visits. Vic and Margaret Goodin in addition to being excellent farm managers, were consummate naturalists both, and their keen eye for bird life was much appreciated. A preliminary checklist was circulated in 1986, and another version in 1992. People who have made observations are indicated by parentheses () around their names. Birds which are considered hypothetical are indicated by brackets [] on the species account. This status is usually due to a lack of a direct, written report of the species with details. There are some species which have been seen in the Bay and probably have occurred on the island upon occasion. These include turnstone, Pied Oystercatcher, Diving Petrel, and Black-billed Gull. I would appreciate hearing of records of these and other species not mentioned.

The checklist is arranged in phylogenetic order, with the oldest, most primitive, groups first, and the most derived and evolved groups last.

BROWN KIWI (Apteryx australis)

Originally found throughout the country, it has become rare or absent in certain districts and on some islands. It almost certainly formerly occurred on Moturoa, but the intensive cultivation and fires, as well as the introduction of predators such as dogs, by the Maori and Europeans probably caused it to become extinct. Three pairs were introduced in 1984-85 and now the species can be heard calling in various forested areas of the island.

LITTLE BLUE PENGUIN (Eudyptula minor)

Found along the coasts of all of N.Z., up to North Cape. This is the smallest of all penguins, and, except for the Galapagos Penguin, the northernmost species. It is common on the island, nesting in small caves or other crevices such as hollow logs on all parts of the island. Perhaps as many as 25 pairs nested in the mid-1980's on the main island, with considerably fewer on the Black Rocks. It is also seen regularly around the island. During December 1985, about 23 were found dead on the shore around the island (The Faulkners), perhaps due to a food failure. This bird is also very susceptible to capture in set nets, and for this reason, such nets have been banned in many countries. On the island, nesting about 15 active nests were found each year (CPR), except 1995-6 following the die-off of bait fish, when only five were found.

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER (Puffinus carneipes)

A southern hemisphere breeder that migrates to the northern hemisphere, it breeds on many offshore islands in the country. It has been reported (Asquiths) as being regularly seen feeding around the island in the winter.

BULLER'S SHEARWATER (Puffinus bulleri)

Nests only on Poor Knights Island and disperses during the warmer months through most of the country's offshore waters. Found commonly around the island, especially during rough weather when it apparently enters the Bay for shelter.

SOOTY SHEARWATER (Puffinus griseus)

A common breeding bird on many islands in Australia and N.Z. [check this], it has been seen regularly offshore during the winter, especially just to the east of the Black Rocks.

FLUTTERING SHEARWATER (Puffinus gavia)

Breeds on many islands around the North Island. It is the common shearwater in flocks around the island in the summer, often mixing with gulls and terns to indicate foraging schools of fish below.

GIANT PETREL (Macronectes giganteus)

Circumpolar in the southern hemisphere, it is a vagrant, and was seen on one occasion in the mid-80's during the winter in the waters around the island between the Black Rocks and Red Head (Asquiths).

CAPE PIGEON (Daption capensis)

Found throughout the southern hemisphere, although rarely this far north, they have been seen once in the winter between the Black Rocks and Red Head (Asquiths). A dead one washed ashore in the winter of 1985-86 (Asquiths).

FAIRY PRION (Pachyptila turtur)

Somewhat common on offshore islands around N.Z. and southern Australia, it has been reported from the north side of the Black rocks on one occasion in the winter (Asquiths).

GREY-FACED PETREL (Pterodroma macroptera)

Our race breeds around the northern North Island. Over the years, we have found burrows on South Crater Rim Rocks, on the ridge just to the south of Forgotten Cove, and above BBQ Bay with the typical odour of a member of this family. However, no birds were found until 1997-8 when two active burrows were found by Carol and Duncan Ralph on the very steep slope to the east of Pahutukawa Bay, and in December 1998 when small groups of active burrows with young were found on the slopes at the above site, and also on Penguin City and at the west end of BBQ Bay.

WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL (Pelagodroma marina)

The species occurs in all oceans of the world. In the Bay, it is absent in the winter, and is uncommon during the rest of the year. It has been seen in the fall (Asquiths), and a few times in the summer, usually in deeper waters to the east of the Black Rocks, but once in January 1992 near the Brampton Bank (CJR).

AUSTRALIAN GANNET (Sula serrator)

Nests in Australia and N.Z. usually on offshore islets, and occurs around the North Island throughout the year. Although there are no colonies in the Bay, it could be established here. It is abundant around the island, often seen singly or in small flocks, and is especially a welcome sight when one is ready to fish.

BLACK SHAG (Phalacrocorax carbo)

This species occurs throughout the world and in fresh and salt water in N.Z. It has only been seen only once on 13 December 1990, a single vagrant was present on the rocks offshore of South Crater Rim (CJR).

LITTLE SHAG (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)

This small shag is found through much of Australia and all of N.Z., both in fresh and salt water. An abundant bird all around the island in most years, although in 1991-2 winter they were scarce. A small colony was established in 1997-8 on Alcatraz Island.

LITTLE BLACK SHAG (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)

An Australian species, increasing on the northern part of the North Island. Fairly common in the Kerikeri Inlet, and a few have been seen around the island.

PIED SHAG (Phalacrocorax varius)

This large shag is found in warmer parts of Australia and N.Z. This is a common species, seen fishing or sunning itself along the coast of the island. A small colony was established in 1997-8 on Alcatraz Island.

GREATER FRIGATE BIRD (Fregata minor)

A wanderer from the tropical Pacific area, probably one individual was seen in December 1985 off the South Faces (V. Goodin, CJR) on two occasions. Details of the plumage indicate very strongly this species, but the equally rare Lesser Frigate Bird can not be totally ruled out.

WHITE-FACED HERON (Ardea novaehollandiae)

Self-introduced from Australia in the 1940's, it is now the most abundant heron in N.Z. Relatively common on the island, it is usually seen flying by, but occasionally stops to feed along the shore. In some years it is seen on the paddocks, probably feeding on mice. A pair attempted to breed on the pines at the west end of the island in the December 1994 (P. Asquith), and another was successful there in the spring of 1998.

BLUE REEF HERON (Egretta sacra)

Found throughout the tropical Pacific, it lives along most of the rocky coasts of the country. It is sometimes found feeding along the shores of Moturoa itself. However, it is quite common on the Black Rocks, and at least one pair regularly nests on The Atoll, and another at the tip of Alcatraz.

BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus)

Introduced widely into N.Z. from Australia, it is found usually near large bodies of fresh water. A pair was observed offshore during the winter of 1983 (Goodins), a single individual flew up Kent Passage on 12 December 1990 (CJR), about a dozen were seen once during the winter of 1989 on the water in Kent Passage, and a bird or two has been seen in more recent years during each summer.

PARADISE SHELDUCK (Tadorna variegata)

Found only in N.Z., it occurs irregularly throughout both North and South Island. It was rare until the mid 1980's on the island, with a pair staying for a few months. Since then it has enjoyed increased population as one pair was seen during the late summer of 1984 and 1985, nesting and raising 7 young in both years (Goodins) leaving in November. Since then, two or three pair have fairly regularly nested on the island, often staying well into January. Since the 1991-2 summer, about 5-6 pairs have bred successfully on the island. Many are shot each year on the island to control the population.

MALLARD (Anas platyrhnchos)

World-wide in distribution, this introduced bird is common throughout the country. Several have been seen during the winter on the island, but none have been reported to breed.

GREY DUCK (Anas superciliosa)

Found commonly throughout Australia and N.Z., the bird is quite variable in its occurrences on Moturoa. In some years, 3 or 4 pairs can be found nesting, and in others, it is absent. Nests have been found along the ponds in the centre of the island, on the Black Rocks, and one on an isolated rock near Picnic Bay. In the past few years, no nests have been found.

BROWN TEAL (Anas chlorois)

Restricted to N.Z., and formerly widespread, it is now rare in most districts of the country. It almost certainly once occurred on Moturoa. Three pairs were introduced in 1985 to the streams on the island, and one pair was regularly seen around and in the farm cottage. In recent years several pair have nested, mostly near the island's streams. Since the development of fresh water ponds, the populations appears to be concentrated at these sites.

NEW ZEALAND SCAUP (Aythya novaeseelandiae)

Occurs throughout the country in coastal and inland ponds, estuaries, and lakes. Two pair were seen in August 1989 offshore on the south side of the island. The pond development enable the species to breed here.

AUSTRALASIAN HARRIER (Circus approximans)

Occurs throughout Australia and the SW Pacific, it is fairly widespread throughout N.Z. Here, the species is occasionally a scavenger, as well as a rodent hunter, and helps keep our beaches clean. It is common on Moturoa, and one nest was found in Ponga Hollow in December 1991. It is quite often seen flying between the mainland and Moturoa.

BROWN QUAIL (Coturnix novaezealandiae)

Introduced from its native habitat in Australia, it occurs fairly commonly on the North Island, especially in Northland. Its low profile, and fast scampering across the fields, sometimes causes it to be confused with rats! It is common on Moturoa, largely on or near the paddocks, especially Home Paddock.

CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Lophortyx californicus)

Introduced from western North America, it otherwise has several redeeming features, and is found now throughout settled areas of N.Z. It is common on Moturoa, especially in the paddock edges.

PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus)

Originally from SE Asia, it is widely introduced in the country. It is fairly common on Moturoa, and in the spring, as many as 15 pairs have been seen during the breeding seasons in the mid-80's (Goodin).

TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo)

From North America originally, it has been introduced in many areas of N.Z. It is abundant on Moturoa where family flocks are usually seen along paddock edges. A census in December 1990 revealed about 175 adults and young, and in January 1992, 147. The population at times can be about twice this number (Goodin). During the spring of 1998, the population was drastically reduced, to about 6 adults by December (CJR), although the population is intended to go no lower than about 60 individuals.

BANDED RAIL (Rallus philippensis)

Found throughout the southwest Pacific, seven birds of the N.Z. race were introduced on the island in December 1996, in Orchard and in Ponga Hollow. Birds were regularly seen around the residential area after that, and newly-hatched young were seen with an adult in the Orchard Pond area during the summer of 1987-8 (P. Asquith), and in December 1988 (CJ and CPR). Tracks have been seen in Ponga Hollow, and apparently successful nest was found there under a log (CJR).

PUKEKO (Porphyrio melanotus)

Plentiful in the mainland, especially in farming areas, occasional individuals or pairs rarely straggle to Moturoa. A pair was seen in 1982, and a lone bird was found in December 1997 (CP and CJR).

VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus unicolor)

A coastal species throughout the country, it is quite variable in its plumage. On Moturoa, mostly black individuals are fairly commonly found. Usually at least one pair has bred in recent years, especially on relatively undisturbed beaches.

[SOUTH ISLAND PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus finschi)

Moves north from inland breeding founds on the South Island, and probably occurs on Moturoa during the winter. However, definite observations separating it from the pied form of the Variable Oystercatcher need to be made.]

PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus)

Increasingly common in N.Z., especially in the north, it is commonly seen on the mudflats at Bayley's Landing. However, on Moturoa, it has been sighted only twice, as a single bird flew over during the winter of 1990 (Asquiths), and one was atop Tern Island 12 January 1998.

SPUR-WINGED PLOVER (Lobibyx novaehollandiae)

Self-introduced from Australia, it has spread from the South Island to all of the North Island recently. A vagrant in the early years to Moturoa, (V. Goodin), it is now rather regular. A pair or two was present in Spring 1993 (CJR), and another nested and raised a brood in January 1995 (P. Asquith).

NEW ZEALAND DOTTEREL (Charadrius obscurus)

Found only on Stewart Island, Southland, and on the northeast of the North Island, this endangered species has a total population of only 2,000 individuals. It is an uncommon breeder on Moturoa. One to three pairs and their young are usually found on Home, Hone Heke, and Long beaches.

ARCTIC SKUA (Stercorarius parasiticus)

A summer visitor from its breeding grounds in the arctic, it is fairly commonly seen off Moturoa, often harassing White-fronted Terns. Its striking feats of aerial acrobatics in pursuit of a purloined meal provides interest to many a dull fishing day.

POMARINE SKUA (Stercorarius pomarinus)

Breeding in the northern hemisphere, it is uncommon in N.Z. It has been reported once from the area of the Black Rocks in the mid 80's during the winter (Asquiths).

SOUTHERN BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus dominicanus)

Occurs throughout the southern hemisphere, it is found along all of coastal N.Z. On Moturoa, it is an abundant bird, breeding on the Black Rocks and The Atoll in loose colonies with about 100 pairs in recent years. In addition, perhaps 6-10 pairs nest on the main island itself, usually in relatively inaccessible portions of the rocky coast, although one pair nested at the edge of Alcatraz Beach in December 1991 and was successful, the young barely hatching before a high tide buried their nest in a few cm of shingle.

RED-BILLED GULL (Larus scopulinus)

Found throughout the country in coastal situations. It is the most abundant sea bird of Moturoa, nesting on several of the Black Rocks, where perhaps 250 pairs have bred in recent years. However in the summers of 1990-91 and 1991-92, there was virtually no nesting, as numbers declined, perhaps due to a lack of small fish.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus)

An old-world species, it occasionally wanders as far as N.Z. Two birds were seen in December 1985 flying through Kent Passage (CJR).

CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprongne caspia)

Distributed throughout the world, it is found in most of the coastal areas of N.Z. It is generally uncommon on Moturoa, with one or two pairs nesting on The Atoll in the mid-1980's, and again in the summer of 1991-2.

WHITE-FRONTED TERN (Sterna striata)

Breeds throughout N.Z. along the coast, wintering in Australia. On Moturoa in many years it has been quite abundant, frequenting the beach and the jetty. It breeds on the Black Rocks, at times as many as 75 pairs nesting there. In the last few years, however, numbers have declined precipitously, with only about 10 pair nesting in the summer of 1991-2.

NEW ZEALAND PIGEON (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae)

Occurs in all areas of the country in forests and forest remnants. A few vagrant individuals were reported on Moturoa in about 1980 (L. Colemore-Williams).

RED-CROWNED PARAKEET (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae)

Formerly widespread throughout the country, it now occurs only on isolated forest tracts or offshore islands. About 75 individuals were released on the island between 1988 and 1990, but none survived more than a few months.

EASTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus eximius)

Introduced from Australia, it is now fairly common in some districts of the North Island. On Moturoa it is commonly found in all habitats, and is often seen flying between trees in open paddocks. Probably as many as 15 pairs occur on the island.

ORIENTAL CUCKOO (Cuculus saturatus)

An extremely rare bird in N.Z., it normally breeds in eastern Asia, migrating southward. A single bird was seen well at Easter in 1987 or '88 (Asquiths).

SHINING CUCKOO (Chalcites lucidus)

A summer resident from the SW Pacific islands, it parasitizes Grey Warblers. An occasional individual has rarely, in some years, been heard singing in the forested areas of the island.

LONG-TAILED CUCKOO (Eudynamis taitensis)

A migrant which winters throughout the south and central Pacific, it normally breeds to the south of us in N.Z., in the range of its hosts, Whiteheads and Brown Creepers. One was seen on 19 January 1986 (Goodins) and was probably a migrant.

MOREPORK (Ninox novaeseelandiae)

Distributed through Australia and other areas of the SW Pacific, it is widely found in N.Z. It can be seen in the well-watered and forested gullies, and is commonly heard at night throughout Moturoa. Probably as may as 5-6 pairs, perhaps a few more, nest annually.

NEW ZEALAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon sancta)

Occurs in eastern Australia, migrating north, and in both North and South Island. It is common on Moturoa, several pairs are usually nesting on the island, especially on cliffs. In the last 20 years, populations have been variable, but not responding to any predator control.

SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis)

Introduced from the Old World, it occurs widely in open habitats throughout the country. It is very abundant on Moturoa, nesting amongst small tufts of grass in every paddock, despite the very real probability of a sheep foot on the eggs. Numbers in all of the island areas have fluctuated over the past years, not responding to predator control.

NEW ZEALAND PIPIT (Anthus novaeseelandiae)

An uncommon native bird endemic to NZ, is found in the Bay regularly only on Urupukupuku Island, and also on hilltops on mainland sites. Seems to prefer open ground, devoid of much vegetation. One was found on January 12, 1997, on the open ground of the newly-constructed middle pond in Pines gully (CP and CJR). During the winter of 1998 birds were regularly seen around the ponds on the bare ground (P. Asquith), and on December 26, 1988, a pair with a begging young was seen near the upper pond (CJ and CPR).

WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirunda neoxena)

Self-introduced into Northland from Australia, it has spread south virtually throughout the country. On Moturoa it is abundant, nesting usually in sea caves, but also on buildings. Overall, numbers have increased over the years, with a generally an increase in 1994 in some areas, and subsequent years in the rest of the island, consistent with a response to rat control. Some areas have declined in 1997 and 1998, suggesting that the recent increase in mynas has had some effect.

FANTAIL (Ripidura fuliginosa)

Found throughout N.Z. in all habitats with trees. It is common on Moturoa in forest and edge habitats of both native and introduced trees. In most areas, numbers increased about 1994, consistent with a response to rat control. Birds continued to increase in 1996, but have recently have stabilized, or slightly declined since that period, indicating response to myna control.

ROBIN (Petroica australis)

Occurs from the centre of the North Island to the south, but formerly inhabited the whole of the country. Five individuals were introduced to Moturoa in 1984, and one or two individuals were seen as much as 8 months later in Ponga Hollow. However, the population has since died out. Its introduction on nearby Moturua Island indicates that a further transplant would likely meet with success.

GREY WARBLER (Gerygone igata)

Inhabits all sections of the country, including settlements. It is very common in all the forests and edge habitats of Moturoa. Numbers increased in 1994 in some areas, and in the rest of the island in 1996, consistent with a response to both myna and rat control.

SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos)

Introduced from the Old World, it now occurs in all areas of N.Z. Its delightful song can be heard abundantly in all bush areas of Moturoa. It has fluctuated in numbers, reaching higher levels, depending upon the area, in 1986, 1991-2, and 1999, not responding to any predator control.

BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

Originally from the Old World, it has been established in all areas of the country. It is found abundantly throughout the forests of Moturoa. The population was consistent for many years, and increased, beginning in 1991, consistent with a response to succession.

HEDGE SPARROW (Prunella modularis)

It was introduced to N.Z. from the British Isles, and now occurs throughout the country. It is rather uncommon on Moturoa, found upon occasion in the forest edge.

BELLBIRD (Anthornis melanura)

Found in forest throughout N.Z., south of Auckland, it undoubtedly formerly occurred on Moturoa. Six birds were introduced in 1983, but were seen only for a few weeks thereafter, and probably left the island.

TUI (Prosthemandera novaeseelandiae)

Occurs throughout the country, largely in forested areas. On Moturoa, it is fairly common in the spring and early summer, the numbers declining by mid-summer, apparently as the nectar-producing trees cease their production, although since 1994-6, has dramatically increased in numbers, with many remaining year-round. This is consistent with a response to rat control.

SILVEREYE (Zosterops lateralis)

Self-introduced from Australia, it occurs in virtually all habitats throughout N.Z. It is quite abundant on Moturoa, in all bush and tree areas. Numbers have been relatively constant overall for many years, with some variations between years, but they increased in most areas in 1994, remaining steady, but declining in after 1997, perhaps responding to the myna control.

GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

Introduced from Europe, it is now found throughout the country, albeit unevenly. It is rare on Moturoa, only 3 or 4 being recorded in the past few years, and is probably not a resident.

GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

Introduced from the Old World, it is now abundant throughout N.Z. It is very common on Moturoa, especially in edge habitat. It increased gradually in most areas, reaching highest populations in some areas after 1995 and 1996, and maintaining these levels to the present. This is consistent with an effect from rat control, although delayed until one or two years after eradication.

REDPOLL (Carduelis flammea)

Introduced from the Old World, it occurs throughout N.Z., but it is not common in the north. It has been seen on a very few occasions in early spring (Asquiths).

CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs)

Introduced from Europe, it is probably the commonest finch in N.Z. today. On Moturoa it is also quite abundant. It can be found in all the bush areas, as well as in the scattered pines. Its numbers have fluctuated considerably in most areas, but dramatically increased in 1992-4, predating the rat eradication. Since then, numbers have returned to levels of previous years, indicating a bird responding largely to succession.

YELLOWHAMMER (Emberiza citrinella)

Introduced from Europe, it is now found in all types of open country. It is fairly common on Moturoa in all bush and edge habitats. While very uncommon in the early years, it has gradually increased in various areas, starting about 1991-4, apparently responding to successional changes in the bush areas.

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domestica)

Introduced from the British Isles, it now occurs in all regions of N.Z., especially around dwellings. On Moturoa, it is common around the buildings on the west end of the island, and fairly often seen in bush areas. In recent years, numbers have remained relatively stable, despite predator controls.

STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

Introduced from Europe, it is now abundant everywhere in N.Z. On Moturoa in most years it is fairly common in pastures, especially on the western end of the island. Recently it has become rather uncommon, although flocks appear, and it breeds in low numbers in the bush. It increased in several areas during 1994 and 1995, but has since declined, consistent with being affected by myna control; it decreasing in the recent years as myna populations again increased.

MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)

Introduced from Asia, it occurs through much of the North Island. It is quite abundant on Moturoa in both pasture and bush habitats. It is a potent predator on native birds. Prior to control, it maintained relatively consistent numbers, although declining in some areas about 1992. In 1996, the control resulted in the populations of the three bush routes reaching the lowest levels ever recorded. Since 1997 the population has recovered in all areas.

SADDLEBACK (Philesturnus carunculatus)

The North Island race was widespread and common at European settlement, and declined during the 1800s due to introduced mammalian predators. Introduced to Moturoa in August 1997, and bred successfully that summer. During the summer of 1998-9 survivors of that first young were still present, and probably three pairs nested successfully.

WHITE-BACKED MAGPIE (Gymnohina hypoleuca)

Introduced from Australia, it is now widely distributed in both North and South Islands. One or two pairs have been resident on Moturoa in recent years.