list and queries re Cook Island birds

[Eila]

On our recent trip to Raratonga and Atiu, Peter and I saw all the birds on the list, especially on Atiu, where we were working with Gerald McCormack.

Raratonga

One lone godwit – no ID unfortunately

Bristle thighed curlew

Tattler and golden plover in plenty

Kakerori/flycatcher

Starling

Pacific pigeon

White tern

Reef heron

Brown noddy

White tailed tropic bird

Frigate bird, not sure which

Grey duck

Long tailed cuckoo

Myna

Chooks!



Atiu

Fruit dove

Pigeon

Swiftlet

Flycatcher

Kura/Rimatara lorikeet

Black noddy

Chattering kingfisher

White tern

Grey duck

Long tailed cuckoo

Reef heron, dark and mottled

Golden plover

White tailed tropic bird

Frigate bird

Myna

Plus dolphins, probably spinners



Queries

We watched a pair of tattler for over 30 mins as they ceaselessly chased each other around the rocks, including tail tugging and apparent mounting. Still at it an hour later. Any explanations of this behaviour?

Reef heron on atiu - an intermediate colour morph bird frequented the garden where we stayed. this was once accepted as a sign of an immature bird, but now some suggestions that this is a separate morph. Any comments from the experts?


An attempt at eradicating myna is happening on Atiu, mostly because of the reintroduction of the kura – the reduced numbers of these noisy birds is a pleasure. One islander would like a recording of myna fighting to help catch more. Can anyone help with this?


I did some sample counts of the myna population with Gerald. Numbers appear to be down by at least 60%.

Also spent a day putting out ratbait in Takitimu Conservation area on Raro to protect the flycatcher. A good way to get good sightings.



Eila