Recce Report supplement (by Chris Collins).

NEW CALEDONIA

Introduction

There are eighteen endemics on New Caledonia (which are still generally regarded as extant) and during the week-long recce visit in April 2006, all of these were seen across three sites in the southern half of the island.

Our plan for the WPO is to visit two of these locations, Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi, and we are extremely hopeful of seeing the vast majority of the island’s specialities, including the much sought-after Kagu.  We plan to use an expert local guide to assist us in looking for this species.

As April is regarded as one of the toughest months for locating some of the rarer and more elusive species, we may struggle to find a number of the specialities and these are identified on the systematic list with the symbol **.

Little Pied Cormorant   Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

Only one bird seen during the recce - near Noumea on 22 April.

White-faced Heron    Egretta novaehollandiae

Only encountered infrequently, with a few birds seen whilst travelling, eg two on 27 April.

Pacific Reef-Heron    Egretta sacra

Not uncommon in mangroves and similar shoreline habitat.

Rufous Night-Heron   Nycticorax caledonicus

Three seen at dusk on 22 April flying over the outskirts of Noumea.

Whistling Kite   Haliastur sphenurus

Commonest in open habitat north-west of Noumea, however, three birds were seen at Blue River National Park (one on 22 April and two on 23 April).

Brown Goshawk  Accipiter fasciatus

One bird seen on 20 April whilst travelling to Noumea from the airport.

New Caledonia Goshawk   Accipiter haplochrous

Endemic to New Caledonia

This species was either seen or heard on two of the three visits made to both Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi.

The most noteworthy sighting was of a female chasing a Metallic pigeon at Mount Koghi on 24 April.

Buff-banded Rail    Gallirallus philippensis

One bird seen by the roadside between Noumea and Blue River National Park on 23 April.

Purple Swamphen    Porphyrio porphyrio

One seen on the edge of mangroves near Noumea on 23 April.

Kagu   Rhynochetos jubatus

Endemic to New Caledonia

Without precise knowledge of individual territories and use of playback equipment, this species can be elusive in March/April (eg three birds seen only briefly on the recce visit to Blue River National Park on 22 April).

The park wardens at this site, however, have an excellent knowledge of where family parties can be found and on 25 April at least five Kagus were seen extremely well.

The wardens have agreed to assist us in April 2007 and we are, therefore, hopeful of obtaining good views of this ‘must-see’ endemic.

Silver Gull   Larus novaehollandiae

Common on the foreshore in Noumea.

Metallic Pigeon   Columba vitiensis

This species was most readily found at a site near the Auberge at Mount Koghi.  On two visits to this locality, 4+ birds were seen.

Spotted Dove   Streptopelia chinensis

An introduced species

Common in Noumea and along roadsides.

Emerald Dove   Chalcophaps indica

Two birds were seen near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April.

Cloven-feathered Dove   Drepanoptila holosericea **

Endemic to New Caledonia

Two individuals were seen in a fruiting tree at Mount Koghi on 24 April with a further bird at La Foa (a site we will not be visiting) on 27 April.

Note: as suggested by the relative lack of sightings during the recce visit to New Caledonia, this species can be relatively elusive.  During our visit next year, we will hope to locate some fruiting trees, our best hope of seeing this handsome bird.

New Caledonian Imperial-Pigeon   Ducula goliath

Endemic to New Caledonia

This species was relatively common at Mount Koghi in late April 2006 with up to ten birds seen on the forest trails and a number of additional birds heard calling.  A few birds were also noted at Blue River National Park.

Rainbow Lorikeet   Trichoglossus haematodus

This species is exceedingly common in parts of Noumea with literally thousands of birds roosting in favoured trees across the city.

Horned Parakeet    Eunymphicus cornutus

Endemic to New Caledonia

During the recce, this species was only found at Blue River National Park with a total of six birds seen.  We are planning to visit one particular site where in April 2006, two presumed pairs were seen well.

New Caledonian Parakeet    Cyanoramphus saissetti **

Endemic to New Caledonia, although previously treated as a race of Red-fronted parakeet by some authorities.

Several small groups seen at Blue River National Park on 23 April.

Glossy Swiftlet   Collocalia esculenta

Small numbers in the open areas below the Auberge at Mount Koghi and common between Noumea and Blue River National Park.

Sacred Kingfisher    Todirhamphus sanctus

Only rarely encountered in New Caledonia with a few birds seen whilst travelling between Noumea and the two sites we are planning to visit in 2007, ie Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi.

Pacific Swallow    Hirundo tahitica

Only one bird noted during the recce – whilst travelling back from La Foa (a site we will not be visiting) on 27 April.

Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike   Coracina caledonica **

Endemic to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia

This species can be found at Mount Koghi and during the recce visit, a site was found where at least one bird was then seen on each subsequent visit.  We intend to try to find this species at this locality in 2007.

New Caledonian Cuckoo-shrike   Coracina analis **

Endemic to New Caledonia

At least one flock of 4+ birds seen at Blue River National Park on 22 April 2006.

Long-tailed Triller   Lalage leucopyga

Endemic to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia

One seen near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April.

Red-vented Bulbul   Pycnonotus cafer

A relatively common introduced species in urban areas in and around Noumea.

New Caledonian Grassbird    Megalurulus mariei **

Endemic to New Caledonia

Three of these “super-skulkers” were seen very briefly on 27 April at a site approximately 130 kms NW of Noumea.

Due to the location’s inaccessibility, unfortunately, it will not be possible to visit this site during our time on New Caledonia in 2007.  We will, however, be able to look for this species at Mount Koghi, where it was heard during the recce visit.

Grey Fantail   Rhipidura fuliginosa

A common bird in relatively open habitat at Mount Koghi with smaller numbers also seen at Blue River National Park.

This species is generally replaced by the endemic Streaked fantail in more forested environments at both localities.

Streaked Fantail   Rhipidura spilodera

Endemic to New Caledonia and Vanuatu

This species is relatively common and conspicuous in appropriate habitat at both Mount Koghi and Blue River National Park with, for example, at least ten individuals seen on 21 April at Mount Koghi.  

Southern Shrikebill    Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides **

Endemic to New Caledonia and Vanuatu

Only one seen during the recce visit – along the main track at Blue River National Park on 23 April.

New Caledonian (Melanesian) Flycatcher   Myiagra caledonica

Endemic to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia

This species is relatively common by voice, however, due to it being a predominantly canopy bird, it can be moderately tricky to get good views. 

Small numbers were, however, seen on most visits to both Mount Koghi and Blue River National Park.

Yellow-bellied Robin   Eopsaltria flaviventris

Endemic to New Caledonia

Another species which, in appropriate habitat, was not uncommon at either Mount Koghi or Blue River National Park, eg 4+ seen at Blue River on 22 April and at least 5 individuals on the trails at Mount Koghi on 24 April.

New Caledonian Whistler   Pachycephala caledonica

Endemic to New Caledonia

A relatively common species at both Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi, eg at least 6 birds seen at Mount Koghi on 21 April and 10+ on two visits to Blue River National Park.

Rufous Whistler    Pachycephala rufiventris

Less common than the New Caledonian whistler at both Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi, with 3+ near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April and several in scrub below the Auberge at Mount Koghi on 24 April.

Note: according to some texts, Rufous and New Caledonian whistlers have different habitat requirements, however, during the recce, both were seen in very close proximity to each other at Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi.

Fan-tailed Gerygone   Gerygone flavolateralis

Endemic to the Southern Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia

This species is easiest to locate in scrub rather than primary forest and was relatively common in this habitat at both Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi.

Green-backed White-eye    Zosterops xanthochrous

Endemic to New Caledonia

A relatively common species at both Blue River National Park and Mount Koghi with the largest flock seen during the recce being a group of 50+ birds at the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April.

Silver-eye    Zosterops lateralis

This species is considerably less common than the endemic Green-backed white-eye and was only seen at La Foa (a site we will not be visiting in 2007).

The Silver-eyes on New Caledonia do not have the rich buff flanks found on a number of sub-species of this bird, however, they can be readily told from Green-backed white-eyes by their grey backs.

Dark-brown Honeyeater   Lichmera incana

Endemic to New Caledonia and Vanuatu

This species is the common honeyeater in urban gardens and was, for example, abundant in the grounds of the Noumea hotel used during the recce. 

New Caledonian Myzomela   Myzomela caledonica

Endemic to New Caledonia

Only seen in small numbers on the recce with one male in roadside bushes at Mount Koghi on 21 April and two birds near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April.

New Caledonian Friarbird    Philemon diemenensis

Endemic to New Caledonia

This species was seen on only a few occasions during the recce visits to the two sites we will be visiting on the WPO, with two birds near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April and two family parties at Mount Koghi on 24 April.

Crow Honeyeater   Gymnomyza aubryana **

Endemic to New Caledonia

Outside of the breeding season, this is regarded as one of the trickiest of the New Caledonian endemics to find, with only two individuals seen briefly at Blue River National Park on 22 April.

Barred Honeyeater   Phylidonyris undulate

Endemic to New Caledonia

This is another species which is more readily found in scrub than primary forest and if appropriate flowering trees/plants are located it can be extremely abundant, eg 30+ birds were feeding in one small area of flowering shrubs at Mount Koghi on 24 April, with a similar situation at Blue River National Park the previous day.

White-breasted Woodswallow   Artamus leucorynchus

This species was seen moderately regularly but only ever in small numbers with, for example, 4 birds seen below Mount Koghi on 24 April and 6+ near the entrance to Blue River National Park on 23 April.

New Caledonian Crow   Corvus moneduloides

Endemic to New Caledonia

This species has a highly distinctive, albeit somewhat un-corvid-like call, and was seen on a number of occasions at Mount Koghi, eg three sightings of 2 birds on 21 April and a party of 5 birds on 24 April.

This species was also seen at Blue River National Park, ie 2 birds on 22 April, with a final sighting near La Foa (a site we will not be visiting on the WPO) on 27 April.

Striated Starling   Aplonis striata

Endemic to New Caledonia

Like a number of birds on New Caledonia, this species is more readily located in scrub and several parties were seen below the Auberge at Mount Koghi.

Common Myna   Acridotheres tristis

A common introduced species around Noumea.

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus

A common introduced species around Noumea.

Red-throated Parrotfinch   Erythrura psittacea

Endemic to New Caledonia

This species was seen on two occasions at Blue River National Park with the more noteworthy sighting being a mixed group of at least 10 adults and immature birds near the entrance on 23 April.

NORFOLK ISLAND

Introduction

This island which is approximately 1,100 kms NNW of Auckland is only 5 miles long. 

Despite its small size, there are four endemic species and, during our time ashore, we will hope to see three of these, Norfolk Island parakeet, Norfolk gerygone and the Slender-billed white-eye.  The fourth endemic, the White-chested white-eye, is something of an enigma, as there are very few recent confirmed sightings.  As noted below, however, it is thought this species may well still survive and if our island birding guide becomes aware of any recent sightings prior to our visit, we will certainly aim to follow these up.

During our visit to Norfolk Island, we are planning to visit three main sites in the Northern half of the island and these should give us an excellent chance of seeing the parakeet, gerygone and slender-billed white-eye, as well as a number of other interesting species including three endemic subspecies.

Systematic List:

Black-winged Petrel   Pterodroma nigripennis

At least five birds were seen at dusk on 18 April 2006 at a small colony in the north-west corner of the island.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater   Puffinus pacificus

This species breeds on Norfolk Island and, during the recce visit, flocks of up to 250 birds were regularly seen in the late afternoon gathering offshore.  Birds were also observed during the day relatively close inshore feeding with flocks of Black noddies. 

Small numbers were also seen after dark at the Black-winged petrel colony mentioned above.

Red-tailed Tropicbird   Phaethon rubricauda

Not uncommon around the coastline of Norfolk Island, with the largest group noted being eight individuals.

Masked Booby  Sula dactylatra

This species breeds on Norfolk Island and during the recce visit, small numbers were regularly seen flying around the coast.

At least 200 birds were also seen (from Norfolk Island) on the ground on nearby Nepean Island, another breeding location.

White-faced Heron  Egretta novaehollandiae

This species is moderately scarce on Norfolk Island and although seen on a daily basis, it was only ever in small numbers (typically 1-4 birds each day) with all sightings being in open areas such as fields, the island’s golf course, the airfield etc.

Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Only noted on one occasion during the recce visit when a flock of 10 birds were seen in a cow field on 16 April.

Mallard   Anas platyrhynchos

Seen on various pools and wetlands around the island.

Swamp Harrier   Circus approximans

Only two individuals were seen during the recce visit to Norfolk Island, with both birds observed quartering open fields.

Australian (Nankeen) Kestrel   Falco cenchroides

This species is a relatively recent natural arrival on Norfolk Island but is now found throughout the more open areas of the island. 

During the recce visit, the best views were at the top of Mount Pitt (a site we are planning to visit) where there appears to be at least one resident pair.

Californian Quail  Callipepla californica

An introduced species

This species appears to have successfully adapted to Norfolk Island and coveys of up to twenty birds were seen on most days during the recce visit, with all sightings being in open areas which were close to vegetation/trees.

Red Junglefowl (Domestic chicken)   Gallus gallus

An introduced species

A common bird in both forest and open areas.

Purple Swamphen  Porphyrio porphyrio

At least 20 birds were regularly seen in a small wetland area in the south of the island. 

Wandering Tattler   Heterosceles incanus

One bird seen on rocks on the south-side of Norfolk Island on 19 April.

Ruddy Turnstone   Arenaria interpres

Three birds seen on the shoreline on the south-west corner of the island on 16 April.

Sooty Tern   Sterna fuscata

This species breeds on Phillip Island, which is approximately 5 miles to the south of Norfolk Island.

Small numbers were seen during a late afternoon seawatch on 16 April with the birds all heading towards Phillip Island, presumably to roost.

Black Noddy   Anous minutus

During the recce visit, this species was the commonest seabird around Norfolk Island.  Birds were almost constantly on view from all coastal localities which were visited, with some flocks containing 200+ individuals.

There is a large breeding colony in the south-west of the island and when this location was visited in April 2006, there were several hundred birds present.

Grey Ternlet (Grey noddy)   Procelsterna albivitta

This species can be found locally around the coast of Norfolk Island, although it only breeds on a number of stacks off the northern shore and on nearby Phillip and Nepean Islands. 

In the late afternoon of 16 April, there was a steady passage of birds passed Rocky Point (a headland in the south-west of Norfolk Island), with approximately 20 birds seen in ¾ hour.  At least four birds were also seen off the north coast in the mid-afternoon of 17 April.

White Tern  Gygis alba

During April 2006, this species appeared to be breeding throughout the island and birds were regularly encountered both on the coast and inland (presumably taking food to their chicks).

Extremely good views were obtained of a number of individuals within the much larger Black noddy colony in the south-west of the island.

Emerald Dove  Chalcophaps indica

A relatively inconspicuous bird which was generally encountered only 2-3 times each day.  This species is best looked for on the ground in native forest and was seen at most of the birding sites we are planning on visiting on the WPO.

Although this species does flush relatively easily, a reliable place to look for it is the valley bottom in the Botanical Gardens, where it was seen several times during the recce.

Norfolk Island Parakeet  Cyanoramphus cookii

Endemic to Norfolk Island, although treated as a race of Red-crowned parakeet by some authorities.

There are thought to be only 130-160 of these endemic parakeets left on Norfolk Island and, consequently, they are treated as endangered by Birdlife International.

There is a captive breeding programme based at the Botanical Gardens and this is also an excellent place to look for wild parakeets which are frequently attracted to the outside of the aviaries where the captive birds are held !! 

At least two wild parakeets were encountered on each of four visits to this site, with up to eight birds seen at a further location we are planning to visit during the WPO.

Crimson Rosella  Platycercus elegans

An introduced species

This species is far more conspicuous and commoner than the quieter Norfolk Island parakeet and was regularly encountered during the recce, with the largest individual group seen being approximately 12 birds.

Sacred Kingfisher  Todirhamphus sanctus

An endemic subspecies

Small numbers were noted throughout the island with, for example, at least four seen on the rocks at Rocky Point (south-west corner of Norfolk Island) on 16 April 2006.

Blackbird   Turdus merula

An introduced species

This species is not uncommon and can regularly be found in both native forest and the more urban parts of the island.

Song Thrush   Turdus philomelos

An introduced species

This species is less common than the Blackbird.

Grey Fantail  Rhipidura fuliginosa

An endemic subspecies

A common and very confiding bird which responds well to pishing and can be found throughout Norfolk Island.

Scarlet Robin  Petroica multicolor

An endemic subspecies

This species is relatively inconspicuous and was seen an average of a couple of times each day, including most of the sites we are planning to visit on the WPO, eg 2 birds in the lower section of the trails in the Botanical Gardens on 16 April 2006.

Golden Whistler  Pachycephala pectoralis

A highly distinctive endemic subspecies which almost certainly deserves further taxonomic study

This relatively elusive species is not uncommon by voice and during the recce visit was seen in small numbers at all the native forest sites we are intending to visit next year, eg 2+ birds seen in the mid-afternoon of 16 April 2006 at the Botanical Gardens.

Note: the birds on Norfolk Island are very different to those found, for example, in Australia, as the males have none of the vivid black, white and yellow colours normally associated with this species.  Plumage-wise, they are relatively similar to females and are a relatively uniform olive-brown with a yellow vent.

Norfolk Gerygone  Gerygone modesta

Endemic to Norfolk Island

A relatively common bird in native forest, although this species can also be found in gardens and other altered habitats.  Norfolk gerygones can be readily located by their very distinctive song, however, good numbers were seen at the three main sites we are planning to visit on the WPO.

Slender-billed White-eye  Zosterops tenuirostris

Endemic to Norfolk Island

This species is best looked for in native forest and during the recce, a number of small family parties (generally of between 3-8 individuals) were seen several times each day.

Note: The Slender-billed white-eye can be easily told from the self-introduced Silvereye (see below) as it lacks the latter’s conspicuous buff flanks and has a brighter yellow throat.  Although hybrids have apparently been recorded, no birds with hybrid characteristics were noted during the recce visit to Norfolk Island.

There also appears to be only a limited overlap between the two species, with the Slender-billed white-eye being predominantly a bird of the native forests, whilst the Silvereye is generally found in more open habitats, such as gardens. 

Both species were, however, seen in relatively close proximity to one another at two of the sites we are planning to visit during our time on Norfolk Island, so it is important to be aware of the features for separating these species.

Silvereye  Zosterops lateralis

As with the Nankeen kestrel, this species is a relatively recent natural arrival to Norfolk Island and several small groups were seen at various locations around the island.

Eurasian Starling   Sturnus vulgaris

An introduced species

A common bird.  There is a large roost of several thousand birds in the trees on the trail to Rocky Point in the south-west corner of the island.

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus

An introduced species

Common in the urban parts of the island.

Goldfinch   Carduelis carduelis

An introduced species

Small numbers noted at various sites around the island.

Notes on species not seen during the recce visit to Norfolk Island:

White-chested White-eye   Zosterops albogularis

This species is variously treated as critically endangered or extinct, although there is evidence to suggest that it still exists in the forested areas around Mount Pitt and Mount Bates.  Sightings are, however, extremely erratic with only a handful of records in recent years. 

It has been speculated that part of the reason for this may be because the species lives in the tops of mature Norfolk Island pines (which can be well over 120 feet tall) and that it acts in a “treecreeper-like” manner.

Whilst the area where the most recent apparent sightings (December 2005) of this species was visited on three occasions during the recce visit, unfortunately there was no sign of any White-chested white-eyes.

We plan to visit this site on the WPO and it is recommended that those with telescopes bring these during our day on Norfolk Island for scanning the tops of the pines.  We will also be asking our island contacts for any news of recent sightings of this species and will look to adapt our plans if there have been any recent confirmed sightings.

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