MADDOCK, M.N & GEERING, D.J. 1994. Effect of patagial tags on Cattle Egrets. Corella 18: 1-7. (Dep. Education, Univ. Newcastle, P.O. Box 130, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia)

The effect of patagial tags is evaluated for 3,265 Cattle Egrets banded and tagged as nestlings over seven seasons.

Tagging did not affect fledging ability of nestlings, nor did tagging operations increase nestling mortality in the colony. Mortality of first year birds was comparable to that recorded in other studies, but adult mortality appeared to be greater. The presence of patagial tags on at least one member of a pair did not affect the mean number of young fledged.

There was no difference in the mean number of young fledged from nests containing tagged chicks and those with no tagged chicks. Tag loss was recorded in only a few nestlings and for 21 per cent of returning first year birds. The loss of a tag did not affect the behaviour of the bird but did reduce the efficiency of field observations. However, tag loss was not considered to be a major reason for declines in the number of observations where observer effort was high.

Patagial tagged egrets had the capacity to carry tags repeatedly on long distance migrations similar to that of untagged birds.

By attaching patagial tags to nestlings, far more data on the biology, ecology and migration of' Cattle Egrets has been obtained than would have been possible with unmarked, metal banded or colour banded birds. Such data could be of reduced value if the tags materially affect the behaviour of the individual or population. By examining both tagged and untagged portions of populations wherever possible we have demonstrated that patagial tags are an invaluable tool for research on egrets.

SHAUGHNESSY, PD.D & B.HABERLEY 1994. Surveys of Cape Barren Geese Cereopsis novaehollandiae in Western Australia, 1987-1992. Corella18: 8-13. (CSIRO Div. Wildl. Ecol., P.O. Box 84, Lyneham, ACT 2602, Australia)

Cape Barren Geese were counted on islands along the south coast of Western Australia between the summers of 1987-88 and 1991-92. Four surveys were conducted in summer and one in winter. They covered islands from the Recherche Archipelago westward to Eclipse Island. Geese were found on 50 islands, of which 48 were in the Recherche Archipelago. The largest number of geese was recorded during the most detailed survey, in February 1992, when 200 live and 19 dead birds were seen on 36 islands of the Recherche Group. Another 32 live geese were seen on the mainland near Esperance, making a total of 251 birds in February 1992. Three geese were seen in the 1989-90 summer west of the Recherche Archipelago, on West Island and Hauloff Rock. The winter survey (June 1990) revealed 150 birds on 19 islands of the Archipelago. Sixteen nests distributed over 12 of the islands contained an average of 4.0 eggs (s.e. 0.39, range 0-6). It is likely that higher numbers would be recorded if surveys were conducted during their breeding season (April-November), because some Cape Barren Geese disperse to the mainland after breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago.

SLATER, P.J. 1994. Variation in the calls of migratory and sedentary subspecies of Silvereye. Corella 18: 14-20. (Zool. Dep., Univ. Qld., Brisbane, Qld. 4072, Australia)

Variation in the three contact calls of the Silvereyes in the Brisbane region were compared to those of a sedentary subspecies in the Capricorn-Bunker group of islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Brisbane males within a flock or holding territories in the same area used the same variable call, whereas the Capricorn subspecies call showed no individual consistency. This difference between the subspecies was discussed in relation to their ranging behaviour.

MAGRATH, D.I. 1994. Footedness in the Glossy Black Cockatoo: Some observations and a review of the literatute with a note on the husking of Allocasuarina cones by this species. Corella18: 21-24. (29 Gingana St. Aranda, ACT 2614, Australia)

A survey of the literature on the use of a particular foot to hold food by Australian parrots suggests that most of the few species that have been studied are left-footed. Most, but not all, Glossy Black- Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami observed have been left-footed. I present some field observations on the footedness of this species; all birds but one were left-footed. I conclude that the right-footed bird was unusual, and that the species is primarily left-footed.

Most Glossy Black-Cockatoos have been reported to husk Allocasuarina cones from the stem end. I suggest that the husking of cones from the free end may be a distinguishing characteristic of the discrete population of Glossy Black-Cockatoos inhabiting inland New South Wales.
 
 

CLANCY, G.P. & S.G. LANE 1994. A report on the banding of Blue-faced Honeyeaters Entomyzon cyanotis on the New South Wales north coast.Corella18: 25-27. (56 Armidale Rd., Coutts Crossing, NSW 2460, Australia)

Soft part colour variation is age related.

CLANCY, G.P. 1994. Bird in the hand: Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis. Corella 18: 28-29. (56 Armidale Rd., Coutts Crossing, NSW 2460, Australia).
 
 

HARDY, J.W. & F.W. van GESSEL. 1994. Comparative measurements of the Graceful and Yellow-spotted Honeyeaters.Corella 18: 30. (20 Lindsay Ave., Ermington, NSW 2115, Australia)

Meliphaga gracilis and M. notata separated on weight and bill width.

DUNLOP, J.N. & J. JENKINS 1994. Population dynamics of the Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus colony on Penguin Island, South-western Australia.Corella18: 33-36. (P.O. Box 518, Karratha, WA 6714, Australia)

The Bridled Tern breeding population on Penguin Island has increased steadily over the last decade as evidenced by an expansion in the area occupied by the nesting birds. In an established sub-colony area, individuals which were five to seven years of age or older made up most of the breeding pairs. Three-year olds, which were probably pre-breeders, were conspicuous in their established natal sub-colony but many were recruited later elsewhere. A recently occupied nesting area only contained young pre-breeding and breeding age terns, with four year olds being the most important age class. Adult survival was calculated to be 82.5 per cent. However, because of the effective emigration of some pre-breeding adults, this was concluded to be an underestimate.

HULL, C., R. CARTER & M.D. WHITEHEAD* 1994. Aspects of the breeding chronology and success of the Antarctic Skua Catharacta maccormicki at Magnetic Island, Prydz, Antarctica.Corella 18: 37-40. (*2 Honeyeater Lane, Maleny, Qld. 4552, Australia)

At Magnetic Island, an east Antarctic coastal site, the breeding timetable of Antarctic Skuas was similar to that reported from other sites. Breeding success ranged between 62 and 65 per cent over the three seasons 1986/87, 1989190 and 1990/91. This is high compared with most previous studies and seems related to a high Adelie Penguin: Skua nesting number ratio and consequent high food availability. Most mortality was due to eggs being stolen by other skuas.

SURMAN, C.A. 1994. Some observations on the timing of breeding of seabirds on Pelsaert Island, Western Australia. Corella 18: 41-43. (Sch. Biol. Environ. Sci., Murdoch Univ., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia)

Pelsaert Island, Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, was visited between August 1991 and February 1992. Observed and estimated laying dates reveal that most laying occurs between August and November.

SURMAN, C.A. 1994. Alarm behaviour of Lesser Noddies. Corella18:43. (Sch. Biol. Environ. Sci., Murdoch Univ., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia)

Greater reaction of Anous tenuirostris melanops handled in previous year.

AUSTIN,J. & M. EDMUNDS. 1994. Hatching success of the Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris in two Tasmanian colonies.Corella18: 44-46. (Dep. Zool., Univ. Tas., G.P.O. Box 252C, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia)

Considerable variation between colonies and years.

EGAN, K. & G.C.SMITH. 1994. Little Terns in Botany Bay.Corella18: 47-48. (1 Bowman St., Mortdale, NSW 2223, Australia)

Sterna albifrons colony re-establishing at new locality.

LANE. S.G. 1994. Differentiating Crested and Lesser Crested Tern chicks. Corella18: 48-49. (Lot 6, Fairview Rd., Moonee via Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia)

Plumage, bill colour and shape distinguish Sterna bergii from S. bengalensis.

NICHOLLS, D.G., M.D.MURRAY & C.J.R. ROBERTSON. 1994. Oceanic flights of the Northern Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora sandfordi using satellite telemetry.Corella 18: 50-52. (Frankston Coll. TAFE, Fletcher Rd., Frankston, Vic. 3199, Australia)

Test of barometric, pitch and roll sensors.

SMITH, G.C. 1994. Seabird Islands No. 223: Nymph Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Corella 18: 53-55. (NSW Natl. Parks Wildl Serv., P.O. Box 1967, Hurstville, NSW 2220, Australia).
 
 

JOHNSTONE, R.E & G.M. STORR. 1994. Seabird Islands No. 224: West Wallabi Island, Houtman Abroholos, Western Australia.Corella18: 56-60. (WA Mus., Francis St., Perth, WA 6000, Australia).
 
 

WILSON, S.J. 1994. Sedentariness and survival of White-browed Scrub-wrens in the Brindabella Range, Australian Capital Territory. Corella18: 65-70. (56 Harrington Circuit, Kambah, ACT 2902, Australia)

White-browed Scrub-wrens have been banded at New Chums Road in the Brindabella Range, Australian Capital Territory since 1961, as part of a larger bird-banding study. Adult White-browed Scrub-wrens were sedentary, and during the period 1961-82 their mean annual survival rate was 65 per cent. This compares with an annual survival of 77 per cent for adult White-browed Scrub-wrens in south-west Western Australia.

KENTISH, B. 1994. The effect of revegetation on Silver Gull and Sacred Ibis populations at Winter Swamp, Ballarat. Corella 18: 71-76. (Sch. Biol. Chem. Sci., Univ. Ballarat, P.O. Box 663, Ballarat, Vic. 3353, Australia)

Winter swamp, 7 km west of Ballarat, was improved as a wetland to encourage breeding birds. Islands, created to enhance the habitat for birds, were quickly colonised by breeding Silver Gulls. Revegetation with trees and shrubs on some islands reduced the breeding population of gulls. Lowest gull nest densities occurred on bare areas and beneath trees. The higher densities were associated with shrubs.

Silver Gulls eventually left the revegetated islands which were later colonised by breeding Sacred Ibis. Ibis nested predominantly in Melaleuca ericifolia, Acacia melanoxylon and Eucalyptus species. The high nest density of Sacred Ibis eventually killed some supporting plants.

LEACH, G.J. 1994 Effects of dam size on waterbirds at farm dams in South-east Queensland. Corella 18: 77-82. (P.O. Box 568, Kenmore, Qld. 4069, Australia)

Waterbirds were counted on 10 farm dams (1.2 to 25 x 103 m2 maximum surface area) in south-east Queensland on 20 days from May 1980 through October 1982. Dams were 10 to 30 years old. Seventeen species (3 960 observations) of open-water birds and 14 shoreline species (224 observations) were observed. More than 2.3 individuals of each of Australasian Grebe, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Hardhead and Eurasian Coot were observed per dam per day, but only 0.3 individuals of Black-winged Stilt, the most numerous shoreline species.

Number of species increased linearly with logarithm of maximum surface area of dams, implying that a maximum area of at least 10 000 m2 was necessary to consistently attract most of the common waterbird species of the region and that few additional species occurred as area exceeded 10 000 m2. Number of individuals increased linearly with increase in maximum surface area; one individual was observed for each 260 m2 of maximum water surface. Numbers of species were also correlated, less strongly, with maximum depth.

TWIGG, L.E. & B.J. KAY 1994 Changes in the relative abundance of Raptors and House Mice in western New South Wales.Corella18: 83-86. (Agric. Prot. Board, Bougainvillea Ave., Forrestfield, WA 6058, Australia)

In western New South Wales, the relative abundance of both diurnal birds of prey and house mice was monitored at frequent intervals over a three-year period. The abundance of mouse-eating raptors was positively correlated with that of house mice, and these birds appeared to be responding to changes in mouse abundance. This suggests that the role of birds of prey should be considered in future control strategies for rodent pests.

FITZGERALD, M. & C.R. THORSTENSEN 1994 A note on Eastern Grass Owl Tyto longimembris diet from the north coast of New South Wales. Corella18: 87-88. ( P.O. Box 237, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482, Australia)

Three rodent and two bird species from pellets of one pair.

SANDBRINK, J. & D. ROBINSON 1994 An observation of communal breeding by Southern Whitefaces. Corella 18: 88. (7 Dempsey Ct., Epping, Vic. 3076, Australia)

First record for Aphelocephala leucopsis.

COOPER, W.T. & C.B. FRITH 1994 The location of pale green feathers on the wing of male King Parrots Alisterus scapularis. Corella18: 89-90. (P.O. Box 314, Malanda, N. Qld. 4885, Australia)

Marking on inner coverts, not scapulars.

LANE, S.G. 1994 Nesting of the Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius.Corella18: 90. (Lot 6, Fairview Rd., Moonee via Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia)

Field observations of artificial nesting hollows.

FULLER, P.J., A.A. BURBIDGE & R. OWENS. 1994. Breeding seabirds of the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia 1991-1993.Corella18: 97-113. (Dep. Conserv. Land Manage., P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6065, Australia)

All islands in the Houtman Abrolhas were searched for seabird breeding colonies during the last week of November and first week of December 1991 (Easter Group), 1992 (Wallabi Group) and 1993 (Pelsaert Group). The number of pairs in colonies located was counted or estimated, large colonies being estimated by point or quadrat sampling. Nineteen species, totalling over 1.6 million pairs, were recorded breeding on 122 islands, islets and rocks. The Houtman Abrolhos are particularly important for the conservation of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (1 117 800 pairs on 12 islands), Little Shearwater (30 500 pairs on 26 islands), Roseate Tern (3 450 pairs on 20 islands), Sooty Tern (260 000 pairs on nine islands), Fairy Tern (480 pairs on 14 islands), Common Noddy (132 000 pairs on one island) and Lesser Noddy (48 800 pairs on three islands). These are the first comprehensive data on the numbers of breeding seabirds in the archipelago. Future regular counts or accurate estimates will enable trends to be documented and allow evaluation of the effects of environmental and human-induced changes, such as changes in sea temperatures and sea level, increased fishing effort and increased human visitation.

SURMAN, C. 1994 New breeding record for White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina at the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia. Corella18: 114. (Biol. Sci., Murdoch Univ., WA 6150, Australia)

Approximately 1200 active burrows on Beacon Island

DUNLOP, J.N., G. OLIVER & S. VAN LEEUWIN 1994. Seabird Islands No. 225: Haycock Island, Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Corella18: 115-116. (162 Swansea St. E., E. Vic. Pk., WA 6101, Australia).
 
 

DUNLOP, J.N., G. OLIVER & S. VAN LEEUWIN 1994. Seabird Islands No. 226: Goodwyn Island, Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Corella18: 117-119 (162 Swansea St. E., E. Vic. Pk., WA 6101, Australia).
 
 

DUNLOP, J.N., G. OLIVER & S. VAN LEEUWIN 1994. Seabird Islands No. 227: Elphick Nob, Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Corella18: 120-121. (162 Swansea St. E., E. Vic. Pk., WA 6101, Australia).
 
 

DUNLOP, J.N., F. MATTER, H. PATERSON & S. VAN LEEUWIN 1994 Seabird Islands No. 228: Walcott Island, Pilbara Region, Western Australia.Corella18: 122-124. (Nickol Bay Nat. Club, P.O. Box 835, Karratha, WA 6714, Australia).
 
 

DUNLOP, J.N. & R.E JOHNSTONE. 1994 The migration of Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus breeding in Western Australia.Corella18: 125-129. (162 Swansea St. E., E. Vic. Park, WA 6101, Australia)

Bridled Terns breeding on the Western Australian coastline are generally absent from their nesting colonies and adjacent seas between early May and mid-September. The recovery of some marked terns banded at colonies in south-western Australia has now identified a 'wintering' area. This is located in the north-western sector of the Celebes Sea, between about 4 and 7 degrees north latitude.

Mixed flocks of adult and fledgling Bridled Terns observed moving through Lombok Strait, Lintah Strait (between Flores and Komodo), and via the Sabu and Banda seas in the Lesser Sundas during April-May are considered to have been Western Australian birds on their post-breeding migration. Flocks observed in Timor Sea in August, September and October are probably birds returning to their Western Australian breeding grounds.

KEAST, A. 1994 The dawn chorus in a Eucalypt forest bird community, seasonal shifts in timing and contribution of individual species. Corella18: 133-140. (Dep. Biol., Queen's Univ., Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada)

An analysis of the early morning period of maximum communal song (dawn chorus) at different times of the year in an eastern Australian eucalypt forest bird community showed the following: (1) it characteristically extended from 35-30 to 10-5 minutes before sunrise; (2) it was largely a feature of the spring breeding season; (3) not all members of the community contributed to it; (4) the major contributors changed seasonally, partly due to some species singing minimally when they had young.

FORD, H.A. & S. DEBUS 1994. Aggressive behaviour of Red Wattlebirds Anthochaera carunculata and Noisy Friarbirds Philemon corniculatus.Corella18: 141-147. (Dep. Zool., Univ. New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia)

The aggressive behaviour of Red Wattlebirds and Noisy Friarbirds was quantified in a 240 ha remnant of eucalypt woodland near Armidale, New South Wales, from 1990 to 1992. Wattlebirds spent 1.8 per cent and Friarbirds 1.7 per cent of their time in aggressive activities. Wattlebirds chased from 1.2 to 3.7 and Friarbirds 0.5 to 1.8 birds per hour from the vicinity of their nests with young. Higher aggression rates were shown away from the nest in the 1991 breeding season (7.7 and 6.5 chases per hour, figures for Wattlebirds first) and at a heavily flowering Grevillea robusta tree on the University of New England campus (6.1 and 17.7 chases per hour, for Wattlebird and Friarbird respectively).

Aggression is not indiscriminate, but is principally aimed at potential competitors and predators. The most frequent victims of aggression were conspecifics (24% in Wattlebirds, 37% in Friarbirds), other large honeyeaters (32%, 10%), potential nest predators (14%, 22%) and small honeyeaters (1 2%, 14%). Small insectivores were only occasionally chased. The impact of these large honeyeaters on other birds may be small in large woodland remnants, though it could be more significant in small or degraded patches.

DANN, P. 1994 The distribution and abundance of Palearctic and Australasian Waders (Charadrii) in coastal Victoria.Corella 18: 148-154 (Penguin Reserve Committee Manage., P.O. Box 97, Cowes, Vic. 3922, Australia)

A survey of the distribution and numbers of waders in coastal Victoria was carried out in December, 1979. Of the 88 246 waders recorded, 97 per cent were of Palearctic origin and 3 per cent Australasian. The survey concentrated on bays, mudflats and estuaries where most Palearctic migrants are found. Relatively few Australasian waders were encountered as most were dispersed for breeding at this time. Three species of calidridine wader made up 85 per cent of the total number. The most numerous species was the Red-necked Stint which comprised 52 per cent of the total. The majority of the Palearctic (84%) and Australasian (70%) waders were found in Port Phillip Bay, Corner Inlet and Western Port. Generally the areas with the highest numbers also had higher species diversity. The total abundance of Palearctic waders was positively correlated with the estimated area of intertidal and shallow freshwater wetland in each region if one highly-eutrophic area (Werribee Sewerage Farm, Western side of Port Phillip Bay) was excluded from the data. The numbers of only one species, the Eastern Curlew, were correlated with wetland area.

LEACH, G.J. & D.J. WATSON 1994. Detectability of birds through the day in softwood scrub remnants and open eucalypt forest along roadsides at Tallegalla, southeast Queensland.Corella 18: 155-161. (P.O. Box 568, Kenmore, Qld. 4069, Australia)

Strip transects (300 x 40 m) through softwood scrub remnants and eucalypt open-forest along roadsides in south-east Queensland were censused from sunrise to mid-afternoon to determine diurnal changes in detectability of bird species and individuals. Censuses, comprising two consecutive 40-minute surveys by two teams of 2 to 4 persons, were repeated four times on each of four days over a year.

Fifty-eight species were observed in the softwood scrub and 56 in the eucalypt forest. There were 29 to 40 species and 206 to 400 individual observations per habitat per day. Total number of species and individuals was usually low just after sunrise then increased to a relatively stable level for the remainder of the day in the softwood scrub but declined from early- or mid-morning peaks in the eucalypt forest. However, diurnal patterns of detectability differed between species.

We conclude that total numbers of species and individuals censused on strip transects in communities as rich as those at Tallegalla are largely independent of the time of day, provided the first 1 to 2 h after sunrise are avoided. Censusing should therefore aim to maximize habitat and seasonal replication rather than establish diurnal trends. Where the avifauna is less rich, or emphasis is on a small subset of species, census times will need to be compatible with diurnal changes in detectability.

BOLES, W. (1994). Bird in the Hand: Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa.Corella18:162. (Australian Museum, 6 College St., Sydney, NSW 2000,Australia).

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