ASIAN WATERFOWL CENSUS : PORT MORESBY AREA 1991

This was the second year in which the PNGBS had participated in the Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC). The AWC is co-ordinated by the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) and Asian Wetlands Bureau (AWB) with the aim of gathering information on the mid-winter (January) waterfowl populations at wetlands throughout Asia (Scott & Rose 1989). Twenty-eight countries had participated in 1990, recording more than 200 species at 1476 sites (Perennou, Rose & Poole 1990) including, for the first time, PNG where 59 species were recorded at 8 sites (52 species at 7 sites in the Port Moresby area, Hicks 1991). The avifauna of PNG is more akin to that of Australia than Asia, although PNG was included in the Directory of Asian Wetlands (DAW) (Scott 1989). January is not the best month to conduct a census of waterfowl in the Port Moresby area, as it is the height of the wet season. As a consequence the area of wetland is greatly increased as the floodplains become inundated and access to some sites becomes impossible. As the waterfowl become dispersed over a greater area, numbers at accessible sites are reduced.

Between 6 January 1991 and 3 February 1991, six members of the PNGBS (Helen Fortune, Will Glynn, Roger Hicks, Andrew Hicks, Prakash and Shobha Srinivasen) visited nine wetland sites in the Port Moresby area, six of which are included in the DAW. All sites visited for the 1990 AWC were also visited in 1991, with the exception of Hisiu Beach. Access to this site was impossible because the bridge at Hisiu mangroves had been washed away. Three new sites were included; the Oxbow at Veikabu and the Pacific Adventist College (PAC) campus and Kobibi Swamp, alongside the Magi Highway (c. 40 km south-east of Port Moresby). Each of theses sites, with the exception of Kobibi Swamp, had been regularly visited by members of the PNGBS over the previous five years.

At sites covered in both 1990 and 1991 numbers of species and birds were lower in 1991. Thirty-eight species were recorded in 1991 (c.f. 52 species in 1990, Hicks 1991). Several factors contributed to the lower totals. The preceding year had been wetter than usual with record rainfall in June and September 1990, as a result the flooding was more extensive in 1991 than 1990 and wildfowl were more widely dispersed. Two wetlands had become infested with exotic water weeds. Lakes Bunu and Iaraguma are infested with Salvinia. Although the weed appears to be dying out on Lake Iaraguma, there was more open water in 1991, it does not appear to be attractive to birds. Lake Bunu has become infected more recently and now has little open water, causing reduced numbers of (visible) waterfowl. Moitaka settling ponds, and the nearby Waigani Swamp, are being overgrown with water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes. It was first noted in September 1990 and by the time of the AWC covered 2.5 ha (25%) of the largest pond. (This had increased to 50% of the ponds' area by the end of February 1991). The city council are attempting to clear the weed, but with little success. Disturbance by the weed-clearers probably reduced bird numbers at the settling ponds. Fisherman were present at Hisiu Lagoon on the day of the AWC, which probably explains the reduced count at this site.

The following observations were of interest for the Port Moresby area. All species of egret were noted in breeding plumage, including 18 Cattle Egrets at Kanosia Lagoon. Australasian Grebes were in breeding plumage at all sites where recorded but breeding was only confirmed at one, on the PAC settling ponds. A single Australian White-eyed Duck and Garganey were seen at Kanosia Lagoon where there were also 14 Wood Sandpipers (and 10 Red-rumped Swallows and five Barn Swallows). The best selection of waders was at Hisiu Lagoon where there were 18 Greenshank, 11 Marsh Sandpiper and 44 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers plus two White-headed Shelduck and four Sacred Ibis.

Hicks, R.K. 1991. Asian Waterfowl Census : Port Moresby Area 1991. Muruk 5: 8-11.
Perennou, C., P. Rose & C. Poole. 1990. Asian Waterfowl Census 1990. IWRB, Slimbridge, U.K.
Scott, D.A. (ed). 1989. A Directory of Asian Wetlands. IUCN.
Scott, D.A. & P. Rose 1989. Asian Waterfowl Census 1989. IWRB, Slimbridge, U.K.

Birds and Dragons feeding on Hawk Moths

Throughout the period just before the onset of wet season large numbers of Hawk Moths (and other insects) are attracted to the security lights around my house on Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District). During the day these Hawk Moths "roost" in nearby trees, usually under a leaf, or in shaded nooks on the outside of the house. In the third week of December 1990 (16-21/12/90) and again during 16-19 January 1991, when conditions were hot, humid and calm, numerous Hawk Moths were noted around the house. Both these periods preceded some heavy rains. Five species have been identified using Mackey (1975). The most numerous species was Daphnis dohertyi (Rost), possibly outnumbering the other species by 10:1. Also recorded were some D. hypothous (Cr.), D. protrudens (Felder) and singles of Thereta clotho (Dry) and Chromis erotus (Cr.). Other unidentified species of moth and other insects were also seen on the walls of the house. This abundance of prey was exploited by several species of birds.

A family of Torresian Crows Corvus orru, two adults and two fledged young, visited the roof of the house each morning between 05:30 and 07:30. The young were readily identified by their dark eyes and pinkish gape. I assume all the birds were feeding on insects that had been attracted to the security lights but the prey was only identified on three occasions. Each of these times a young bird was noted holding a Hawk Moth in its bill. The young bird transferred the Hawk Moth from its bill to its feet where it was held against the bird's perch while the Hawk Moths wings were stripped and discarded before the body was eaten. On one occasion the Hawk Moth escaped while the young Torresian Crow was transferring it from bill to foot.

Two Pheasant Coucals Centropus phasianinus, not usually recorded in the garden, were observed in trees near the house where the Hawk Moths "roosted", but I could not confirm they were feeding on the moths. They were noted on the ground beneath the security lights where they fed on Hawk Moths that had come to grief during the night.

Up to four White-breasted Wood-Swallows Artamus leucorhynchus snatched moths from trees near the house. The wood-swallows picked the moths, and other insects, from the foliage with their feet as they flew past. Their prey was then manipulated and passed from feet to bill while in flight. Some of the moths taken in this way may have been Hawk Moths, but I cannot be certain and most seemed too small.

One Fawn-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera cerviniventris was seen carrying a Hawk Moth (possibly D. dohertyi) into a tree near the house on 18 January 1991.

A dragon Lophognathus temporalis was also noted feeding on damaged Hawk Moths on the ground.

Mackey, A.P. 1975. Hawk Moths of Port Moresby. Occasional Paper No. 4. Biology Dept, UPNG.

Birds Feeding at Syzygium sp Flowers at Myola

While staying in the guest house at Myola (Oro Province), from 22-27 December 1990, we noted the synchronous mass-flowering of Syzygium sp (Myrtaceae) trees. The trees were all tall, 30+ m. They occured in clumps of 6-10 trees, all of similar height and trunk diameter, on the flatter ground around the edge of the so-called Myola Lake at c. 2100 m. No flowering Syzygium sp trees were noted on steeper slopes above Myola. The inflorescences were ramiflorous, i.e. produced on branches, behind or below the leaves. The flowers had numerous stamens around the edge of the "cup" (calyx tube) which presumably contained nectar. The petals were shed as a cap when the flower opened.

Nine species (5 Honeyeaters and 4 Lorikeets) were noted feeding at the Syzygium flowers. Each clump of flowering trees seemed to have its own "resident" flock of birds. Similar numbers of each species of birds were noted on each visit to a clump of trees (although individuals could not be recognised). All nine species were recorded at a clump of trees which had the most easy to view crown and hence was the one we visted most regularly.

Although on one occasion there were more than 70 birds, of 6 species, present in one flowering tree, no interspecific aggression was noted.

Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii was the most numerous species to visit the flowering trees at all the clumps, although at times it might have been out-numbered by Goldie's Lorikeet Trichoglossus goldiei. It was difficult to obtain exact counts of the number of individuals of this species present due to their small size and rapid movements. However, on one occasion we estimated there were 40 birds, approximately even numbers of males and female-plumaged birds, in one tree. We noted some intraspecific aggression but was mostly males chasing female-plumaged birds and may not have been in defence of a feeding site.

Belford's Melidectes is one of the more noticeable species at Myola. It is a large Honeyeater with a loud raucous call. It would not be easy to overlook this species. Although regularly recorded visiting the flowering trees it was only in groups of 2-3 birds. We could not tell whether it was the same individuals repeatedly visiting the Syzygium trees or if many birds were involved.

Two Black-throated Honeyeaters Lichenostomus subfrenatus regularly visited the most-watched clump of trees. They were assumed to be a pair as they were always recorded together in this one clump of trees. Rufous-backed Honeyeaters Ptiloprora guisei were less frequently recorded on this trip than on previous visits to Myola. We only noted a few visits by single birds to the most-watched clump of flowering trees. We only had one record of Common Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus throughout our stay and that was of a single bird visiting the most-watched clump of trees.

Goldie's Lorikeet was the most numerous lorikeet with flocks of c. 20 at each clump of flowering trees. As with the Red-collared Myzomelas it was difficult to obtain exact counts of the birds in the trees as they were continually moving. However, as they generally left the tree in noisy flocks, reasonable counts could be obtained then.

Yellow-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis bathing in dew

At 06:30 on 21 September 1990, at Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District), a female Yellow-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis was observed bathing in the dew that had collected along the outer edge of a banana leaf. When first seen she was perched on the rib in the centre of the leaf. After a short while she slid, with wings spread but drooping at the tips, towards the edge of the leaf. The posture of the sunbird was similar to that adopted by some birds, e.g., Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius when anting. When the sunbird reached the dew at the edge of the leaf, she tried to maintain her position by scrabbling with her feet and flapping with her wings. This also splashed the drops of water, but was only successful for a few seconds. She then dropped off the banana leaf and flew to another where she landed for a brief preen of her body and wing feathers. The whole process was repeated three times before she flew off. By 07:20 all the dew had evaporated.

Originally published in MURUK 5(2):93.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Fishing?

Since January 1990 I have regularly recorded an adult and immature Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus on my Town Bird Survey site at Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District). Over this time the immature has been slowly attaining its adult plumage and now only has some flecks of white in the rufous of the upper wing. North of Matirogo Point, a stream flows into a small, unnamed bay and at low tide flows across the exposed mudflats. At 11:05 on 17 September 1990, when the tide was half out, these two Brahminy Kites were seen bathing in the stream. They stood within two feet of each other, in water that was almost belly-deep. After about 5 minutes, the immature flew c. 10 m to a rock, on which it perched. The adult remained in the water and began, apparently, to fish. It waded c. 30 m through the shallows of the stream, stopping frequently. During the stops it occasionally stabbed at something on or in the water. It made a total six stabs in seven minutes. Each stab seemed to be successful, although the distance from my vantage point to the bird, c. 150 m, was too great for the prey to be discernible. The stabbing action it used for "fishing" was of too short a duration for the bird to have been drinking. After seven minutes wading the adult Brahminy Kite flew and landed near the immature. The immature took off immediately, circled the bay and then was joined by the adult.

Rand & Gilliard (1967) recorded one Brahminy Kite that had eaten many small fish, but considered they may have been carrion. Coates (1985) reports that Brahminy Kites are expert at snatching fish from just below the surface, but there are no PNG records of Brahminy Kites fishing in the manner described above.

Coates, B.J. 1985. The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol 1. Dove Publications.
Rand, A.L. & E.T. Gilliard. 1967. The Handbook of New Guinea Birds. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

PNGBS OUTING TO LEA LEA AND IARAGUMA - 9th SEPTEMBER 1990

Six cars containing eleven PNGBS members and friends gathered at the Baruni turn-off for a run out to Lake Iaraguma and Lea Lea, some 60 km north-west of Port Moresby. While waiting for late-comers a Large-tailed Nightjar was heard calling. Our first stop at a patch of gallery forest by the road produced about 20 species including good views of White-throated Gerygone and a pair of amorous White-winged Trillers. We then continued across the Fairfax Grasslands, seeing Cattle Egrets, all in non-breeding plumage, Singing Bushlarks and a female-plumaged Australian Kestrel. This is the first record of the latter for more than two years.

Our next stop was Lake Iaraguma. Last time I visited the Lake (Jan '90) it was heavily overgrown with Salvinia, an introduced weed, but this appeared to be dying out as more than half the lake was open water. There were not many waterbirds or waders, either here or at Lake Bunu. Of interest were a pair of Brown-backed Honeyeaters which were nest building in a bush on the shore of the lake. Both these birds had neat plum-coloured throats, a feature not mentioned in any guides. The site was revisited a week later, when both birds appeared to have "normal" plumage. It is now assumed the colouring was some type of staining, either from the eucalypts where the birds had been seen collecting bark for their nest building or from some unidentified food source.

From Lake Iaraguma we headed for the end of the road at Lea Lea, en route stopping at Papa where there is a high-tide wader roost amongst the mangroves. This early in the season there were relatively few birds - c. 25 Grey-tailed Tattlers, 3 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 1 Whimbrel and 1 Masked Lapwing. We did have good views of a Glossy-mantled Manucode as it perched in the top of a mangrove tree and a pair of Yellow-bellied Sunbirds were nest building. Our normal wader-watching site at Lea Lea was inaccessible as the village of Lea Lea has moved to the south side of the mouth of Rea Rea Creek because the village site north of the mouth is being eroded. It was also high tide, about two hours earlier than that advertised for Port Moresby. So we headed home having recorded 63 species.

Australasian Grebe/ Great Frigatebird/ Lesser Frigatebird/ Little Black Cormorant/ Little Pied Cormorant/ Darter/ Great Egret/ Pied Heron/ Intermediate Egret/ Cattle Egret/ Little Egret/ Whistling Kite/ Brahminy Kite/ Collared Sparrowhawk/ Australian Kestrel/ Pacific Black Duck/ Common Scrubfowl (h)/ Dusky Moorhen/ Purple Swamphen/ Comb-crested Jacana/ Masked Lapwing/ Whimbrel/ Grey-tailed Tattler/ Sharp-tailed Sandpiper/ Gull-billed Tern/ Peaceful Dove/ Bar-shouldered Dove/ Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove/ Pied Imperial Pigeon/ Rainbow Lorikeet/ Red-cheeked Parrot/ Brush Cuckoo (h)/ Pheasant Coucal/ Large-tailed Nightjar (h)/ Blue-winged Kookaburra/ Sacred Kingfisher/ Rainbow Bee-eater/ Singing Bushlark/ Pacific Swallow/ Tree Martin/ White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike/ Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike/ White-winged Triller/ Golden-headed Cisticola/ White-throated Gerygone/ Willie Wagtail/ Jacky Winter/ Lemon-bellied Flycatcher/ Grey Shrike-Thrush/ Papuan Flowerpecker/ Yellow-bellied Sunbird/ Graceful Meliphaga/ Yellow-tinted Honeyeater/ White-throated Honeyeater/ Helmeted Friarbird/ Brown-backed Honeyeater/ Rufous-banded Honeyeater/ Grey-headed Mannikin/ Figbird/ White-breasted Wood-Swallow/ Black-backed Butcherbird/ Fawn-breasted Bowerbird/ Glossy-mantled Manucode/ Torresian Crow : 63 Species

Originally published in PNGBS Newsletter 261: 2-3.

Nesting Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus with strange plumage

On 9 September 1990 we were bird-wataching at Lake Iaraguma at about 08:30 under overcast conditions. Jeff Chemnick observed a pair of honeyeater-myzomela tupe birds with brown backs, white vertical ear markings and plum-red facial markings (throat and possibly forehead). The birds were actively foraging in the crown and braches of a Eucalyptus tree. They were seen to collect bark and make repeated trips to another nearby site, presumably nest building. Wahlberg and Hicks identified the birds as Brown-backed Honetyeaters Ramsayornis modestus but were surprised by the facial colouration – a feature previously unrecorded. We feel that this colouration was a natural feature of the bird, as it did not look staining. No source of staining could be found in the immediate vicinity, e.g. flowers or fruit. The extent and intensity of the colouration was similar to that of a female Mountain Red-headed Myzomela Myzomela adolphinae. The nest under construction by this pair of birds was subsequently located and photographed. It was typical of the Brown-backed Honeyeater; a metre off the ground located close to the water’s edge. It was penduline in shape and was composed mostly of Eucalyptus bark.

First published in Muruk 6(1): 45 co-authored with J.Chemnick and N.Wahlberg