Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis) at the Manawatu River Estuary, North Island, New Zealand | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

Notornis

Armitage, I¹ 

关键词: Charadriiformes;    counts;    Northland;    roost sites;    Royal Spoonbill;    Waders;    Whangarei Harbour;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：动物科学

来源: Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc.

【 摘 要 】

[First paragraphs ...] The ‘sandspit’  on the True Right bank of the Manawatu River, in Foxton Beach Village, (175°14'E 40°30'S) is a significant roosting site for migratory and resident waders, gulls, terns, pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus), royal spoonbills (Platalea regia), shags, ducks, and other birds. The ‘sandspit’  is 2-5 ha, depending on the state of the tide, c.1 km from the Tasman Sea, It is surrounded on 3 sides by the main course of the river and by tidal flats, and as well as this natural isolation, it is protected as a “bird sanctuary” by local bye-laws. On 14 Jan 2006, I observed a flock of 29 wrybills (Anarhynchus frontalis) arrive on the 'sandspit', rest briefly, then take flight again and leave the area. The weather was sunny and warm, with a light south-easterly wind, and visibility was good. The tide was rising, being about mid-tide when the birds arrived. The wrybill flock arrived at c.0930 in a compact group and landed on dry sand above high water mark c.20 m in front of my position on the western edge of the 'sandspit'. The birds settled quickly after landing and, with a few exceptions, they scarcely moved but remained close together,with c.½ of the birds resting on 1 leg. However, the birds in the flock were sufficiently separated to be counted easily using 9 × 25 binoculars. No birds attempted to feed and the flock was silent when resting. The flock rested slightly apart from the numerous lesser knots (Calidris canutus), variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor), bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica), pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus), and several Pacific golden plovers (Pluvialis fulva) that were also roosting on the sandspit. After about 10 min, the wrybills departed, with a few calling as they took flight. The flock quickly gained height to 10–25 m and headed south-west along the river towards the sea, returning the way they had come.

【 授权许可】

Unknown