Western Pacific Odyssey

Species List

Voyage # 1277

Western Pacific Odyssey

29 March 2012 - 28 April 2012

© Heritage Expeditions © Heritage Expeditions

The taxonomy and English names used in this checklist generally follow The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World by James Clements with revisions made where an alternative name/taxonomy is considered more appropriate.

This systematic list was compiled by Chris Collins (based on the figures agreed at the nightly logs) and includes all species recorded between departing Tauranga and arriving in Yokohama.

Accurately counting seabirds at sea is extremely difficult (eg as one can never be sure which birds are following or revisiting the ship), so the system outlined below was adopted, with this also used for the more numerous land birds:

1-10 = actual number seen

11-100 = A

101-1,000 = B

1,001-10,000 = C

10,001-100,000 = D

Non-native introductions are shown in brackets.

____________________________________

BIRDS

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

A low A was logged on Kolombangara on 12 April with similar numbers also then noted on Chuuk on 17-18 April.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

A lone bird seen on Chuuk on 18 April was the sole sighting on the expedition.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta

Three were seen on Chuuk on 17 April.

Melanesian Scrubfowl Megapodius eremita

A single bird was seen during the shore excursion on Makira (10 April).

[Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus]

This introduced species is well established on Norfolk Island and two were seen during the zodiac cruise along the

western shoreline (2 April).

Snowy Albatross Diomedea exulans

Several birds which were considered to be this form/species were seen in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March).

Antipodean Albatross Diomedea antipodensis

A single bird which showed features of this form/species was seen in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with a further

individual noted the following day.

Gibson's Albatross Diomedea gibsoni

A number of birds showing characteristics of this form/species were seen in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with

others seen the following day.

Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus

Participants on WPO 2012 enjoyed the best showing by this species for several years with at least 22 individuals

seen across three days.

A total of nine birds, in various plumages, were seen off Torishima on 25 April, with some good views in the late

afternoon close to the ship. The following morning, there were some more close encounters (again offshore from

Torishima) with the day total being ten individuals, which included several seen as the 'Spirit of Enderby' continued

northwards.

The final sightings were between Miyake-jima (Izu Islands) and Tokyo Bay (27 April) where three different birds

were seen.

Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis

This species can be tricky along the WPO route, however, three birds were seen between Miyake-jima and Tokyo

Bay (27 April).

Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes

The first sightings of this species were on 24 April (east of the Bonin Islands) where A was logged. Similar numbers

were then seen on the subsequent two days (off Torishima and cruising northward from there), with the final birds

being as the ship sailed north from Miyake-jima to Tokyo Bay on 27 April.

Campbell Albatross Thalassarche impavida

Four were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March with the characteristic honey-coloured eyes of this form/species

being well seen on some of the closer birds.

White-capped Albatross Thalassarche steadi

A low A was logged in both the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) and the following day, with the birds considered to be this

form/species of 'Shy' albatross.

Pacific Albatross Thalassarche platei

A single bird was seen in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with at least five the following day.

Although it is difficult to be absolutely sure, it appeared that the birds were 'Pacific Albatrosses' which is split by

some authorities from Buller's Albatross.

Beck's Petrel Pseudobulweria becki

One of the major specialities of the voyage, with at least eight individuals of this extremely poorly known species

seen off New Ireland on 14 April. The first of these was on a chum slick off Cap St George in the early morning,

with at least three later in the day on another slick which was laid further north near to the Feni Islands.

Single birds were also seen the previous evening off NW Bougainville and the following day whilst cruising north

towards Chuuk, although the views were much better on 14 April.

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata

This species was seen on a daily basis from 1-8 April inclusive (day south of Norfolk Island - day south of Rennell

Island) with A logged on three dates and low single figure counts on the other days.

The only other sightings were off New Ireland (14 April) where three birds were recorded.

Grey-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi

Good numbers were seen on a daily basis between the Hauraki Gulf and Norfolk Island (30 March - 2 April) with

the highest count being a low B (ie at least 100 individuals) on 1 April.

Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri

This species is not recorded annually on the WPO, however, two individuals were seen on 3 April, ie the sea day

north of Norfolk Island.

Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta

Seen on six dates with the majority of sightings being between 31 March-3 April when this species was seen on a

daily basis, with a low A logged on 1 April (day south of Norfolk Island). The only sightings outside this period were

single birds on 8 April (sea day south of Rennell) and 23 April (sea day south of Bonin Islands).

Herald Petrel Pterodroma heraldica

Two birds were seen whilst cruising north from the Three Kings Islands, off northern North Island. This area had

not been previously visited on the WPO and these constituted the first records for any WPO expedition.

White-necked Petrel Pterodroma cervicalis

There were sightings on five dates. A was logged on a daily basis between 31 March-3 April, with the final record

being a lone bird close to New Caledonia on 4 April.

Cook's Petrel Pterodroma cookii

This species has generally finished breeding with most birds having left their New Zealand breeding grounds by the

time the WPO starts, although A was logged in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) and the following day as the ship

cruised north from the Three Kings Islands. The final sightings were four birds on 1 April.

Gould's Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera

Seen on a daily basis between 31 March- 6 April (day 1 to Norfolk Island - day 1 to Rennell) with the highest counts

being around the southern end of New Caledonia (4-5 April) when B was logged.

Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes

Separating pale morph Collared Petrels from Gould's Petrels is never easy and is best done from photos, however,

birds which appeared to be Collared Petrels were seen on 1, 3, 4 and 5 April.

Interestingly, photos suggested that a surprisingly large number of the Pterodromas seen off southern New

Caledonia (3-4 April) were this species even though it is not considered to breed there. This raises the intriguing

question as to whether the criteria for separating Gould's and Collared Petrels are indeed correct, or whether the

former actually breeds in the mountains of New Caledonia.

Magnificent Petrel Pterodroma (brevipes) magnificens

Birds which were considered to be this form/species were well photographed on 3 and 7 April (day south of New

Caledonia and two days south of Rennell Island).

Bonin Petrel Pterodroma hypoleuca

The most northerly of the Pterodromas which are regularly seen on the WPO, with the first sightings being three

days south of the Bonin Islands (21 April: low A). The largest numbers were recorded in the vicinity of the Bonin

Islands with B logged on both the day south of the islands and whilst cruising past the archipelago. There were

then single figure counts on the following two days (25 April off Torishima: 2; and 26 April northwards from

Torishima: 3).

Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis

Encountered on a daily basis from the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) until a day north of Norfolk Island (3 April) with A

logged on the middle three days and single figures counts on the other two dates.

Pycroft's Petrel Pterodroma pycrofti

Two birds which were considered to be this species were photographed in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March.

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur

A was logged in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March with five birds then seen the following day.

Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulweria

Seen in good numbers, with sightings on nine dates and a total of 27 individuals recorded. The first bird was on 9

April (off Rennell), however, between 15-23 April May (a day north of New Ireland - day south of Bonin Islands),

birds were seen on seven dates, with the highest count being 15 individuals three days south of the Bonin Islands.

White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis

A single bird was photographed in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March.

Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni

B was recorded in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with A noted the following day and a total of three birds across the

subsequent two dates.

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas

This species is sometimes recorded off New Ireland and on WPO 2012 we logged a low A there, with a further four

birds seen the following day. The biggest numbers were, however, on the last three days of the expedition with a

high C (ie approaching 10,000 individuals) between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes

This species was recorded at both ends of the voyage, with a high A in the Hauraki Gulf (15 April), two birds the

following day and a single individual off Norfolk Island (2 April). Another lone individual was then seen off the

Bonin Islands (24 April) with the final records being seven birds between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus

This was the most frequently encountered species on the voyage with sightings on 23 dates. The first records were

a day south of Norfolk Island (1 April: 6) and birds were then seen on an almost daily basis until north of Torishima.

On most dates, A or B was logged with the highest count being in the evening shortly after leaving New Caledonia

when a high C (ie approaching 10,000 birds) was recorded.

During the first half of the trip, dark phase birds predominated, however, during the latter stages of the expedition

almost all the birds were pale.

Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri

Only seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March where a high B was recorded and the following day when A was logged.

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus

Only seen in the early and latter stages of the voyage with a total of eleven birds recorded. The first of these were

in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March: 3) with a lone bird then recorded the following day. The only other confirmed

sightings were close to Japan with three off the Bonin Islands (24 April) and four between Miyake-jima and Tokyo

Bay (27 April).

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris

This species was recorded on 22 dates with almost daily sightings from a day north of Norfolk Island (3 April) until

reaching Tokyo Bay (27 April). On many previous WPOs, big flocks of migrating birds have been recorded but these

were not in evidence until the latter stages of the 2012 expedition with single figure counts on the majority of

dates.

The highest numbers were a day south of the Bonin Islands when a low C was recorded.

Christmas Shearwater Puffinus nativitatis

A new bird for the WPO systematic list, with at least two individuals off the northern end of the North Marianas

Islands archipelago on 21 April, with one of these being well photographed.

Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavial

A was logged in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with a further four birds the following day.

Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis

Seen on a daily basis from 30 March - 2 April (Hauraki Gulf - Norfolk Island) with the highest count (a low A) on

the last of these dates.

The birds seen around Norfolk Island were presumably of the race assimilis which breeds on Norfolk Island. It is

interesting to note, however, that according to Margaret Christian who wrote the field guide to the birds of the

island, there are summer and winter breeding populations which vary so markedly in size that they require

different size leg rings !!

Further south, the birds were presumably of the subspecies haurakiensis which, as its name suggests, breeds in the

Hauraki Gulf.

Bryan's Shearwater Puffinus bryani

This taxon, which was only described in 2011, has since been discovered to breed on some of the small islets at the

northern end of the Bonin Islands archipelago and it has been speculated that this could be one of its main

breeding grounds. A bird which showed the described characteristics (eg small size, white face etc) was seen on 24

April a few miles offshore from these islands.

Atoll ("Tropical") Shearwater Puffinus (bailloni) dichrous

The first sightings were near Noumea, New Caledonia on 5 April with single birds then seen on the following two

days.

Birds were then seen close to Chuuk (17 April: 2; 18 April: 5) with others off the North Mariana Islands (22 April:

low A, 23 April: 2) with the final sighting being a lone bird off Torishima on 25 April which was considered to not be

a Bannerman's Shearwater.

Although the Audubon's/Little/Tropical Shearwater complex has recently been split by several authorities, it seems

clear that the situation has not been fully resolved, as there are plumage differences between some of the

different populations, winter and summer breeders on the same island etc. The name 'Atoll shearwater' has,

therefore, been used to describe the birds seen on this voyage, ie to differentiate them from those in the Indian

Ocean, however, even this is undoubtedly a simplification of the situation.

Bannerman's Shearwater Puffinus bannermani

The identification criteria for this poorly known bird remain somewhat confused, especially as Atoll ("Tropical")

Shearwaters also seemingly occurs in the waters between the North Marianas and Bonin Islands.

A bird which was considered to be Bannerman's Shearwater was, however, seen east of the Bonin Islands (24

April).

Heinroth's Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi

One of the star seabirds of the WPO with a total of nine individuals logged across four dates, a far wider range of

sightings than on any previous WPO expedition.

The first record was close to the Russell Islands, west of Guadalcanal, on 11 April, with five then noted the

following day close inshore to Kolombangara. Two birds were then seen off western Bougainville on 13 April with

a singleton off New Ireland the following day.

Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus

This species was seen periodically throughout the voyage and was recorded on eleven dates including daily

sightings between 30 March-4 April. The first sightings were eight birds in the Hauraki Gulf (30 March) with the

final sightings being two birds east of the Bonin Islands on 24 April. The typical number seen on any one day was

between 1-4 birds with the maximum being eight.

New Zealand Storm-petrel Oceanites maorianus

Oiling in the outer Hauraki Gulf for this species proved highly successful with a low A logged for the day. The

maximum number seen at any one time was fourteen birds, with possibly at least twenty during the day.

The following day a single bird was recorded whilst cruising north from the Three Kings Islands.

"New Caledonian Storm-petrel"

Participants on WPO 2012 had by far the best views to date of this mystery storm-petrel (which resembles New

Zealand Storm-petrel), with at least one individual seen well to the east of all previous sightings (2008, 2010 and

2011).

When a short article about the 2008 sighting was published in the British magazine Birding World (by Steve Howell

and Chris Collins) reference was made to the fact that a number of observers felt the bird was too large to be New

Zealand Storm-petrel. The excellent views on WPO 2012 solidified this belief, with good photos taken of the bird

immediately alongside a Wilson's Storm-petrel.

White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina

The first sightings were of four birds in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March with two then logged the following day and

the final sightings being three individuals near Norfolk Island on 2 April.

White-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta grallaria

Three individuals were seen on 3 April as we cruised north from Norfolk Island towards New Caledonia. It is

interesting to note that this species was not recorded on the first two WPO expeditions but 2012 was the fourth

year in succession it has been seen.

Polynesian Storm-petrel Nesofregetta fuliginosa

Two individuals of this poorly known and endangered species were found on 7 April (day 2 to Rennell) with a

further bird seen the following day.

This final individual, which was seen well by many close to the bows of the ship, was the most northerly WPO

record by at least 200 nautical miles.

Leach's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

This species was only seen in the late stages of the expedition with five birds seen between 22-25 April (two days

south of the Bonin Islands - Torishima).

Tristram's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma tristrami

The first sightings of this species were on the day the ship passed the Bonin Islands (24 April) where A was logged.

Similar numbers were then recorded (ie up to 100 individuals) on the following two days, with the highest counts

being on 27 April (cruising towards Tokyo Bay from Miyake-jima) when B was recorded.

Matsudaira's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae

This species was seen on six consecutive dates with the first sightings being four days south of the Bonin Islands

(20 April: 4 birds). For the following three days A was logged, with B then recorded off the Bonin Islands on 24

April. The final records were four birds off Torishima (25 April).

Common Diving-petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix

Good numbers were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March with A logged.

Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda

The first sighting was a day north of the Hauraki Gulf (31 March: 1), with birds then seen on the subsequent three

days including some good views of this species on the zodiac cruise off the western side of Norfolk Island (2 April:

low A).

A total of seven individuals were then seen on an irregular basis between 6-25 April with the final sighting being off

Torishima on 25 April.

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus

This species is invariably more regularly recorded on the WPO than Red-tailed Tropicbird with sightings on sixteen

dates including daily sightings from New Ireland (14 April) until a day south of the Bonin Islands (23 April). There

was only one occasion during the trip when more than three birds were logged (17 April Chuuk: 6) with all other

counts being between 1-3 individuals.

Great Frigatebird Fregata minor

Although many of the more distant frigatebirds seen during the voyage were not identified to species, there were

confirmed sightings of Great Frigatebird on nine dates with the first sighting (1 bird) being off Norfolk Island on 2

April and the final record off Chuuk on 17 April. The highest count was off New Ireland where B was logged.

Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel

This species was only recorded during the middle section of the trip, with birds seen on nine dates between 5-15

April (New Caledonia-day 1 north of New Ireland). On most occasions, the day counts were in single figures

although off Bougainville, New Ireland and a day north of there (13-15 April), A or B was logged.

Masked Booby Sula dactylatra

This species was recorded on seven dates during the voyage with the largest numbers (A) recorded close to

Norfolk Island (2 April) with all other counts being in single figures.

It is worth noting that the birds on Norfolk Island are 'Tasman Boobies' and these may eventually be treated as a

full species given there are structural and plumage differences from other populations.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster

This species was encountered on seventeen dates between New Caledonia and Tokyo (6-27 April). Although most

day counts were in low single figures, A was logged off Guadalcanal (11 April) and the Bonin Islands (24 April).

Red-footed Booby Sula sula

Seen on fifteen dates between 2-24 April (Norfolk Island - Bonin Islands) although on most dates only a single

figure count was recorded.

Following the sighting of a sub-adult white morph bird south of the Bonin Islands in 2011 which had a dark tail and

thus showed the main characteristic of the Eastern Pacific subspecies websteri, there were a couple more records

of similar looking birds in the latter stages of the 2012 expedition. It is presumed that this is, therefore, a rare

plumage variant in West Pacific populations rather than birds wandering from further afield.

Australian Gannet Morus serrator

The only records were in the Hauraki Gulf on 30 March when B was logged and the following day when a low A (ie

c20-30 individuals) was recorded.

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Two birds were noted whilst zodiac cruising along the west coast of Norfolk Island (2 April) where this species is a

vagrant.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

A reasonably common bird in Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius

The only record on the voyage was shortly after the 'Spirit of Enderby' left the wharf at Tauranga (29 March)

where there is a small colony of this species.

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

Three birds were observed on the trip to Riviere Bleue on New Caledonia (5 April), with a lone bird in the harbour

at Honiara on 11 April being the only other record on the expedition.

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

A total of at least thirteen birds were observed during the shore excursions on Chuuk (17-18 April).

Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia

A single bird was seen at the small marsh on Chuuk (18 April).

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

Recorded during the zodiac cruise off Norfolk Island (2 April: 1) and on New Caledonia (5 April: 2).

Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra

Seen on five dates with three birds on New Caledonia (5 April), one on Rennell (9 April), two on Kolombangara (12

April) and four individuals on both days on Chuuk (17-18 April).

Striated Heron Butorides striatus

Two birds seen on the zodiac cruise through the mangroves on Kolombangara (12 April) were the only sightings of

the voyage.

Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus

This species was only recorded on Chuuk with seven birds seen in the late afternoon of 17 April and five the

following day.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

As the ship cruised into Tokyo Bay on 27 April, a low A was logged.

Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca

This species is reasonably common on Rennell with A logged on 9 April.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

This species was seen in small numbers on three of the islands visited in the Solomons, namely Rennell (9 April),

Makira (10 April) and Kolombangara (12 April). The only other records were on New Caledonia where there were a

total of two sightings.

It is worth noting that some authorities now split the Osprey and if this proposal is followed, the birds seen on the

WPO would be Eastern Ospreys.

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata

Somewhat surprisingly, the only sighting of the expedition was a lone bird on Makira on 10 April.

Black (-eared) Kite Milvus (migrans) lineatus

Only seen as the 'Spirit of Enderby' cruised through Tokyo Bay (27 April) with A logged.

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus

This species was only seen on New Caledonia with three recorded on 4 April and a low A the following day during

the shore excursion to Riviere Bleue.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus

This species was seen on three of the four landings in the Solomons (none on Rennell) with a total of nine

individuals logged.

Solomon Islands Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi

This impressive Solomon Islands endemic was seen on three islands with two birds on Makira (10 April) and four

individuals the following day at Mount Austin on Guadalcanal. The final sightings were two birds during the shore

excursion on Kolombangara (12 April).

Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster

A single bird was seen at Mount Austin on Guadalcanal on 11 April.

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus

There were three sightings of this species on Rennell on 9 April.

Pied Goshawk Accipiter albogularis

This species is endemic to the Solomon Islands and birds were seen on Makira (10 April: 2), at Mount Austin,

Guadalcanal (11 April: 2) and on Kolombangara (12 April: 1).

Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides

A single individual was seen during the zodiac cruise off Norfolk Island (2 April).

Oriental Hobby Falco severus

One was seen during the zodiac cruise through the mangroves on Kolombangara (12 April).

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis

A single bird was seen during the journey back to Noumea from Riviere Bleue on New Caledonia (5 April).

Roviana Rail Gallirallus rovianae

Five individuals of this highly localised Solomon Islands endemic were seen on Kolombangara (12 April).

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

At least eight birds were seen on 12 April whilst ashore on Kolombangara.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

This species is a reasonably recent, seemingly natural, colonist of Chuuk and birds were seen on both days (17-18

April).

Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus

This species is always one of the major landbird highlights of the WPO and we enjoyed great looks at eleven birds

at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 5 April.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

Ten birds were present near the landing site on Kolombangara (12 April) with slightly smaller numbers seen on

both days on Chuuk (17-18 April). The only other sightings were birds seen flying passed the ship in the latter

stages of the expedition with two recorded on 26 April (sailing north from Torishima) and a lone individual the

following day between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay.

South Island Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus finschi

Several birds were seen as the ship sailed from Tauranga on 29 March.

Variable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolor

Another species which was only seen as the ship sailed from Tauranga (29 March) with several feeding on the

mudflats.

Wandering Tattler Heterosceles incanus

Five were found whilst zodiac cruising along the shoreline of Norfolk Island on 2 April, with the only other sightings

being a total of four birds on Chuuk (17-18 April).

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

A single bird was noted on Rennell (9 April) with the only other sighting of the expedition being one flying past the

ship between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

A reasonably common species on Chuuk with A logged on both days (17-18 April). A lone migrating bird was also

seen flying by on 25 April (offshore from Torishima).

Grey ("Red") Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

This species was only recorded during the final days of the expedition with sightings on 25-28 April (Torishima-

Yokohama). The highest numbers were between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay when B was logged.

Red-billed Gull Chroicocephalus scopulinus

This New Zealand endemic was only seen in Tauranga (29 March) and around the Maori Rocks in the Hauraki Gulf,

where there was a substantial flock which was estimated to be approaching 1,000 birds (30 March).

Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae

This species was reasonably numerous (A) around the harbour in Noumea, New Caledonia on both 4 and 5 April.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

A common bird in Tokyo Bay (27 April) where a low B was logged.

Vega Gull Larus vegae

Seen in reasonable numbers in Tokyo Bay (27 April) with A recorded.

Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus

A lone bird in Tokyo Bay (27 April) was the sole sighting of the expedition.

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris

Another gull which was only seen at the very end of the expedition. This species was also reasonably numerous

with A logged on 27 April (ie the approach to and within Tokyo Bay).

Brown Noddy Anous stolidus

This species was first seen on the sea day south of Norfolk Island on (1 April) and last recorded off the Bonin

Islands on 25 April with sightings spread across fifteen days between those dates.

The highest numbers were recorded around Chuuk (18 April) where B was logged.

Black Noddy Anous minutes

This species was encountered on an almost daily basis between a day south of Norfolk Island (1 April) and a day

north of Chuuk (19 April) with sightings on fifteen dates. The highest counts were around Norfolk Island and

Chuuk, where B was logged.

Grey Ternlet Procelsterna albivitta

This species is regular in the Hauraki Gulf and also breeds around Norfolk Island. It was seen on a daily basis

between these two locations (30 March-2 April) with A logged at the Maori Rocks in the Hauraki Gulf and daily

single figure counts for the following three days.

White Tern Gygis alba

Sightings of this species were divided into two discrete blocks with birds seen on a daily basis from the sea day

south of Norfolk Island until arriving at New Caledonia (1-4 April) and from 14-22 April (New Ireland - two days

south of the Bonin Islands). The highest count was around Chuuk on 18 April where B was logged with all other

daily maxima being in single figures or A.

Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscata

Generally this widespread species is one of the most frequently encountered seabirds on the voyage and in 2012

was seen regularly between Norfolk Island (2 April) and Torishima (25 April). There were sightings on eighteen

dates during this period with B logged on seven occasions and the highest count being off Bougainville where C

was recorded on 13 April.

Grey-backed Tern Sterna lunata

This species rarely seems to approach ships although birds were seen on four dates with the highest count being

off Bougainville where a low A was logged on 13 April. Two birds were seen as the ship cruised away from

Guadalcanal on 11 April with a further two individuals noted off New Ireland (14 April).

The best sightings of the expedition were, however, way to the north with six individuals seen reasonable well

offshore from some of the uninhabited islands at the northern end of the North Marianas archipelago on 21 April.

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus

This species was only encountered whilst cruising through the Solomon Islands and off Bougainville with a total of

eight individuals logged between 11-13 April.

Little Tern Sternula albifrons

Two birds in Tokyo Bay (27 April) were the only records on the expedition.

Fairy Tern Sternula nereis

Good numbers were found shortly before arriving at Noumea on 4 April with three birds also seen the following

afternoon as the ship departed New Caledonia for the Solomon Islands.

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii

Seen on four widely spaced dates with the highest number being four individuals off Rennell on 9 April.

White-fronted Tern Sterna striata

Only seen as the ship sailed from Tauranga on 29 March where several individuals were seen.

Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana

Good numbers were in the waters around Chuuk with A logged on 17 April and B the following day. The only other

sightings were four birds (4 April:1 and 5 April: 3) as the ship sailed between the reef entrance and Noumea.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

This species was only recorded on Chuuk with what was presumed to be the same lost individual seen on both 17

and 18 April.

Great Crested Tern Sterna bergi

This species was seen close to the majority of islands between New Caledonia and Chuuk (with sightings on nine

dates) with the highest count being offshore from Kolombangara where A was logged (12 April). On almost all

other days when this species was recorded, counts were in single figures.

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki

A total of seven 'South Polars' were seen between 23-27 April with three on 25 April (off Torishima) and lone

individuals on all other dates.

Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus

This species was new for the WPO list and two birds were noted close to the Three Kings Islands off northern New

Zealand on 31 March.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

This species returned to a more normal level of sightings on WPO 2012, after only a limited number of records in

2011 (when the expedition commenced three weeks later), with birds noted on eleven dates. Most of these were

seen in the second half of the expedition with the highest count being 42 birds between Miyake-jima and Tokyo

Bay (27 April).

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

There were single figure counts of this species on eleven widely spaced dates with the first sighting being in the

Hauraki Gulf (30 March) and the final records between Miyake-jima and Tokyo Bay on the last sea day of the

expedition (27 April).

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus

The most frequently recorded Skua in terms of the number of birds sighted and dates with at least 65 individuals

seen across fourteen days.

This species was noted on an almost daily basis from Bougainville (13 April) until Tokyo Bay (27 April) although two

birds were also recorded off Northern New Zealand on 31 March with one the previous day in the Hauraki Gulf.

Probably the most bizarre record was an individual which was seen harassing a South Polar Skua - something

which cannot have been seen many times previously !!!

Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus

Two birds were seen in Tokyo Bay on 27 April.

Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume

Japanese Murrelet is the last of the 'big birds' on the WPO itinerary and two birds were seen very well off the bows

of the ship as we cruised past their breeding islets near Miyake-jima on 27 April with several other birds seen more

distantly in the same general area.

Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata

Another species which is only seen at the very end of the voyage with approximately twenty birds (ie a low A)

logged in Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis

Six birds were seen in the late afternoon of 4 April at Mount Koghi, New Caledonia with the only other sighting

being a lone bird on Makira on 1 May. Although this was the fifth time the 'Spirit of Enderby' had visited Makira,

this was only the second sighting of this species on this island.

[Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis]

This Asian introduction was seen on New Caledonia, with A recorded on both 4 and 5 April.

Mackinlay's Cuckoo-dove Macropygia mackinlayi

This species can be found on all islands on the WPO itinerary through the Solomons archipelago and was indeed

recorded on all landings there, with the highest count being on Rennell (9 April) where A was logged. On all other

dates, there were only low single figure counts.

Pacific Emerald Dove Chalcophaps longirostris

The only sightings of the voyage were two individuals at Riviere Bleue on 5 April.

Stephan's Dove Chalcophaps stephani

A single bird was seen on the shore excursion to Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (11 April), with another lone individual

the following day on Kolombangara.

Caroline Islands Ground-dove Gallicolumba kubaryi

This species is endemic to the Caroline Islands and was seen in good numbers on Weno on 18 April with a low A

recorded. Three birds were also observed the previous afternoon in a brief walk after the ship had been cleared.

Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Reasonably numerous on Chuuk, with A logged on both days ashore (17-18 April).

Yellow-bibbed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus solomonensis

Two birds were seen on Makira (10 April).

Silver-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus richardsii

This species is endemic to Rennell and a few nearby islets, however, it is fairly common with A recorded on 9 April.

Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis

Another range-restricted fruit-dove which was seen on Guadalcanal (11 April: A) and Kolombangara (12 April: A).

White-headed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus eugeniae

This species is endemic to Makira and a few adjacent small islands and was seen during the shore excursion on 10

April with two individuals logged.

Pacific Imperial-pigeon Ducula pacifica

This species was only seen on Rennell (9 April) with a low A recorded.

Red-knobbed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rubricera

This impressive looking pigeon was seen in reasonable numbers on Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (10-12

April) with A logged on both Makira and Kolombangara and eight on Guadalcanal.

Chestnut-bellied Imperial-pigeon Ducula brenchleyi

This poorly-known species is endemic to just three islands in the Solomons (plus a few islets) but can be reasonably

common around Anuta, with three birds seen during the shore excursion on Makira on 10 April.

Island Imperial-pigeon Ducula pistrinaria

This nomadic species was seen on Rennell, Makira and Kolombangara (9,10 and 12 April) although only in small

numbers with the highest count being five birds on Rennell.

New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath

Two individuals were logged at Riviere Bleue on 5 April, with another six seen the previous day by those who went

to Mount Koghi.

Ducorps' Cockatoo Cacatua ducorpsii

This species was seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 11 April and the following day on Kolombangara with A

logged on both landings.

Cardinal Lory Chalcopsitta cardinalis

This brilliantly coloured parrot was seen on Guadalcanal and Kolombangara with A logged on both islands.

Coconut ("Rainbow") Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus

This species was common in downtown Noumea, New Caledonia (4-5 April), with a few birds also seen on the

excursion to Riviere Bleue. It was also seen on Makira (10 April: 4), Guadalcanal (11 April: 3) and Kolombangara

(12 April: A).

Yellow-bibbed Lory Lorius chlorocercus

A Solomon Islands endemic which was seen on Rennell, Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (9-12 April) with

the highest count being at Mount Austin where A was logged.

Meek's Lorikeet Charmosyna meeki

A single bird was seen on Kolombangara (12 April).

Duchess Lorikeet Charmosyna margarethae

The only records of this handsome parrot were on Kolombangara where a low A was recorded on 12 April.

Finsch's Pygmy-parrot Micropsitta finschii

Although this species is reasonably numerous in the Solomons, its tiny size can make it difficult to spot, however, it

was seen on Rennell, Makira and Guadalcanal with the highest count being on Rennell where A was recorded (9

April).

Horned Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus

This New Caledonian endemic showed well at Riviere Bleue (where it can be tricky) with at least eight birds

recorded on 5 April.

New Caledonian Parakeet Cyanoramphus saissetti

Another species which is not seen on every WPO but many people had excellent looks during the visit to Riviere

Bleue, New Caledonia on 5 April with eight birds being logged. The previous afternoon, two were also seen at

Mount Koghi by those who visited this site.

Singing Parrot Geoffroyus heteroclitus

Seen on Rennell, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara with the highest count being on Kolombangara (12 April) where A

was recorded.

Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus

Another beautiful bird which was recorded on Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (10-12 April) with the

highest count being at Mount Austin where A was logged.

Shining Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus

Three birds were seen on Kolombangara (12 April) during the zodiac cruise through the mangroves.

Buff-headed Coucal Centropus milo

This raucous Coucal, which is endemic to the Solomon Islands, makes an almost mammalian-like call and was seen

at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (11 April) with three logged during the morning excursion. The following day, six

were seen on Kolombangara.

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta

This species was seen in reasonable numbers on the two days ashore on New Caledonia (4-5 April) and then on all

the islands visited in the Solomons with A logged on each island.

White-rumped Swiftlet Aerodramus spodiopygius

Reasonably numerous on Kolombangara (12 April) with A recorded with the only other sighting being on New

Caledonia (4 April).

Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis

Seen on all the islands visited in the Solomons, with the highest count being on Makira (10 April) where a high A (ie

approaching 100 individuals) was logged.

Caroline Islands Swiftlet Aerodramus inquietus

This extremely common Swiftlet is endemic to the Caroline Islands and was seen on Chuuk on both 17 and 18 April.

Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea

This impressive bird was seen on Rennell (9 April: 5), Guadalcanal (11 April: 4) and Kolombangara (12 April : low A).

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Two birds of the race salomonensis were seen on Kolombangara on 12 April. These birds differ markedly from the

birds in Europe having blue ear-coverts and richer purple-blue upperparts and surely warrant further taxonomic

study.

Little Kingfisher Alcedo pusilla

Three individuals seen during the zodiac cruise through the mangroves on Kolombangara (12 April) were the first

WPO sightings for several years.

Ultramarine Kingfisher Todirhamphus leucopygius

Four individuals (two presumed pairs) of this tricky and always much desired Solomon Islands endemic were found

at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 11 April.

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris

A low A was logged on Rennell on 9 April, with two birds the following day on Makira and the final sightings (also

two individuals) being on Kolombangara on 12 April.

Beach Kingfisher Todirhamphus saurophaga

A single bird was seen on a small island just offshore from Makira on 10 April.

Sacred Kingfisher Todirhamphus sanctus

This species was first seen on four dates with the most surprising sighting being a lone bird which landed on the

ship well offshore from Bougainville on 13 April. Curiously, this is at least the third time this species has been

recorded at sea in this general area on WPO expeditions.

Birds were also seen during the zodiac cruise off Norfolk Island (2 April: 6), with single individuals on the shore

excursions on Rennell and Kolombangara (9 and 12 April).

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Only recorded on Makira (10 April) where four birds were seen.

Blyth's Hornbill Aceros plicatus

Reasonable numbers of this spectacular bird were seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 11 April (low A) with four

the following day on Kolombangara.

New Caledonia Myzomela Myzomela caledonica

The first of six species of Myzomela recorded on the voyage with a low A logged at Riviere Bleue on 5 April and

three the previous day at Mount Koghi.

Micronesian Myzomela Myzomela rubratra

This species is common on Chuuk and A was logged on both 17-18 April.

Cardinal Myzomela Myzomela cardinalis

This species was only seen on Rennell where it is common (9 April: A).

Yellow-vented Myzomela Myzomela eichhorni

A relatively scarce and range-restricted Solomon Island endemic, with eight recorded on Kolombangara on 12

April.

Black-headed Myzomela Myzomela melanocephala

Endemic to some of the islands in the Central Solomons, four individuals were seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal

on 11 April.

Sooty Myzomela Myzomela tristrami

Restricted to Makira and a few nearby islands, this species was reasonably numerous (A) during our shore landing

on 10 April.

Dark-brown ("Grey-eared) Honeyeater Lichmera incana

This species is more readily found in scrubby/urban habitats than in the forest at Riviere Bleue and several birds

were seen around Noumea and at Mount Koghi on 4 April.

Barred Honeyeater Phylidonyris undulata

This endemic is not uncommon in suitable habitat on New Caledonia, with a low A at Riviere Bleue on 5 April and

five the previous afternoon at Mount Koghi.

Crow Honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana

We were extremely fortunate to visit Riviere Bleue (5 April) when there were a number of flowering trees

immediately adjacent to the track and, as a result, had the best showing by this species of any WPO visit. A

minimum of eleven birds were found with some incredible views obtained.

New Caledonian Friarbird Philemon diemenensis

This endemic was seen on the excursion to Riviere Bleue on New Caledonia (5 April: A) with two also seen by those

who visited Mount Koghi the previous afternoon.

San Cristobal Melidectes ("Makira Honeyeater") Melidectes sclateri

This bizarre-looking honeyeater is restricted to Makira but somewhat disappointingly proved hard to find on this

occasion with only two individuals located (10 April).

Norfolk Island Gerygone Gerygone modesta

Usually this Norfolk Island endemic is reasonably easy to find, however, with sea conditions making it impossible to

land, views were somewhat more distant than usual with two individuals seen during the zodiac cruise along the

western shoreline on 3 April.

Fan-tailed Gerygone Gerygone flavolateralis

Seen in reasonable numbers on New Caledonia with A during the excursion to Riviere Bleue on 5 April and similar

numbers the previous afternoon at Mount Koghi.

Rennell (Fan-tailed) Gerygone Gerygone (flavolateralis) citrina

A reasonably numerous bird on Rennell with A logged during the shore excursion on 9 April.

Although this bird is generally lumped with the Gerygones on New Caledonia (and not treated as a Rennell

endemic), visually it is quite different, eg pale eyes and a mainly yellow breast compared with the birds on New

Caledonia which have dark eyes and less yellow on the underparts. Playback experiments on both New Caledonia

and Rennell also suggest that the birds do not recognise the songs of the birds from the other island, providing

further evidence that the two forms should indeed be split.

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

This species is generally only encountered in more 'open country' habitats on New Caledonia with a lone bird on

the afternoon of 4 April and five during the trip to Riviere Bleue on 5 April.

Southern Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caledonica

Six birds were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 5 April with three having been seen the previous afternoon

at Mount Koghi.

It is worth noting that until relatively recently the birds on New Caledonia were lumped with those in the Solomon

Islands, however, these have now been split into two species by some authorities.

Northern Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina welchmani

Four individuals were seen on Kolombangara (12 April).

Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata

This cuckoo-shrike was the most frequently encountered during our shore excursions in the Solomon Islands and

was seen on all the islands which were visited. A was logged on Rennell and Kolombangara (9 and 12 April), with

six birds seen on both Makira and Guadalcanal (10-11 April).

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis

As with the above species, this cuckoo-shrike was only seen in the Solomons with A logged at both Mount Austin,

Guadalcanal and on Kolombangara (11-12 April).

New Caledonian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina analis

This New Caledonian endemic was seen at Riviere Bleue on 5 April where six birds were found.

Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris

Only seen on Guadalcanal (11 April) where three individuals were seen at Mount Austin and the following day on

Kolombangara where a lone bird was recorded.

Makira Cicadabird Coracina salomonis

Six individuals of this recent split were seen on Makira on 10 April.

Long-tailed Triller Lalage leucopyga

Two individuals were seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 5 April, with a lone individual seen the day before at

Mount Koghi. The only other sightings were on Makira (10 April) where two were noted.

Oriole ("Golden") Whistler Pachycephala orioloides

At least six were seen on Makira (10 April) with three the following day on Guadalcanal. Oriole Whistlers were also

heard on Kolombangara (12 April).

New Caledonian ("Melanesian") Whistler Pachycephala caledonica

This endemic is generally found in more forested areas than the next species (ie Rufous Whistler) and a low A was

logged at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 5 April.

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

The only record was during the shore excursion to Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia where a lone individual was seen

(5 April).

Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

Seen on Makira (10 April: 1), Guadalcanal (11 April: 2) and Kolombangara (12 April: low A).

White-winged Fantail Rhipidura cockerelli

Two individuals were seen during the mangrove zodiac cruise on Kolombangara on 12 April.

Rennell Fantail Rhipidura rennelliana

This species is endemic to Rennell and was seen well during the shore excursion on 9 April with a low A logged.

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa

Nine individuals were seen on the shore excursion to Riviere Bleue on New Caledonia (5 April) with smaller

numbers at Mount Koghi the previous afternoon.

Streaked Fantail Rhipidura spilodera

Another New Caledonian endemic which was well seen at Riviere Bleue (5 April: low A).

Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons

This species was only found on Makira and Guadalcanal with a low A on 10 April and a lone bird the following day

at Mount Austin.

Southern Shrikebill Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides

Six individuals of this regional endemic (which is only found on New Caledonia and Vanuatu) were seen at Riviere

Bleue National Park on 5 April.

Rennell Shrikebill Clytorhynchus hamlini

This Rennell endemic is common (A) and was seen very well during our shore excursion on 9 April.

Chuuk Monarch Metabolus rugensis

Those who visited Tol South had some great looks at this highly range-restricted and endangered species with a

pair seen on 18 April.

Chestnut-bellied Monarch Monarcha castaneiventris

A Solomon Islands endemic which was seen on both Makira (10 April) and at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (11 April)

with A logged at both localities.

White-capped Monarch Monarcha richardsii

This monarch is only found in the New Georgia group of islands (within the Solomons) and five individuals were

seen on 12 April during our shore excursion on Kolombangara.

White-collared Monarch Monarcha viduus

This is another very range restricted monarch (which in this case is endemic to Makira) with three seen on 10 April.

Kolombangara Monarch Symposiachrus browni

This species is only occasionally recorded on WPO visits to Kolombangara, however, we were extremely fortunate

to find a male bird which gave some great views to many (12 April).

Solomons ("Black-and-white") Monarch Symposiachrus barbatus

This is another species which is not seen every year, however, three birds were seen at Mount Austin on 11 April.

Oceanic Flycatcher Myiagra oceanica

This Micronesian endemic is relatively common on Chuuk and A was logged on both days we were ashore (17-18

April) with birds seen on both Weno and Tol South.

Steel-blue Flycatcher Myiagra ferrocyanea

This Solomon Islands endemic was seen on Guadalcanal (11 April: low A) and Kolombangara (12 April: 7).

Melanesian ("New Caledonian") Flycatcher Myiagra caledonica

This species was seen at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia (5 April: 5) and also on Rennell (9 April: 6).

The calls of the birds on the two islands are different and there are also some plumage differences, so this is

another instance where further taxonomic work is certainly required.

New Caledonia Crow Corvus moneduloides

This New Caledonian endemic is one of the few birds known to use tools (sticks in the case of this species). It can

be difficult to locate at Riviere Bleue, however, five were found in the forest at Riviere Bleue on 5 April with one

seen the previous afternoon at Mount Koghi.

White-billed ("Guadalcanal") Crow Corvus woodfordi

This is another corvid which can be extremely elusive, however, at least six birds were seen at Mount Austin,

Guadalcanal on 11 April.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

Four individuals of this reasonably widespread species were seen in Tokyo Bay (27 April).

Yellow-bellied Robin Eopsaltria flaviventris

This New Caledonian endemic is reasonably numerous at Riviere Bleue National Park with A logged (5 April).

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

A total of nine birds were seen migrating past the ship over the last three sea days of the expedition (Torishima-

Yokohama) with the only other sighting being a lone, seemingly vagrant, bird on Chuuk on 18 April.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

This species is reasonably common on Norfolk Island (2 April) with A logged during the zodiac cruise along the

western shoreline.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Seen on Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara with A logged on each island.

[Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer]

This Asian introduction is reasonably common around Noumea, New Caledonia with A recorded on both 4 and 5

April.

Caroline Reed Warbler Acrocephalus syrinx

This species is endemic to the Caroline Islands and was seen in reasonable numbers on both Weno and Tol South,

Chuuk on 17-18 April with A logged on both dates.

Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope

A lost migrant spent several minutes flying around the ship on 25 April (close to Torishima), although it was not

seen to land.

Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus

The only island on the WPO itinerary where this highly variable species can be found is Rennell with the birds

resembling 'mini Blackbirds'. During our shore excursion (9 April), a low A was logged.

Caroline Islands White-eye Zosterops semperi

This Micronesian endemic is reasonably numerous on Chuuk and A was logged on both 17 and 18 April with birds

recorded on both Weno and Tol South.

Rennell White-eye Zosterops rennellianus

Despite its name, this Rennell endemic does not have a white eye-ring (it is dark !!) and somewhat

uncharacteristically for a white-eye, it also has a bright orange bill. Nevertheless, it was well seen during the

landing with a low A recorded (9 April).

Solomon Islands White-eye Zosterops rendovae

This slightly confusingly named white-eye is only found on the New Georgia group of islands (including

Kolombangara) within the Solomons archipelago. During our shore excursion, it was less numerous than some of

the other white-eye species on the voyage with only eight individuals logged on 12 April.

Green-backed White-eye Zosterops xanthochrous

This New Caledonian endemic is reasonably common and A was recorded following the visit to Riviere Bleue on 5

April with slightly lower numbers the previous afternoon at Mount Koghi.

Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis

The only sightings of this species were at Mount Koghi on 4 April, the day before the excursion to Riviere Bleue.

Faichuuk ("Great Truk") White-eye Rukia ruki

This species is only found on a few of the islands within the Chuuk lagoon and is treated as critically endangered by

Birdlife International. After a long zodiac ride and a tough climb, two birds were seen on Tol South on 18 April.

Bare-eyed White-eye Woodfordia superciliosa

This species is the commonest of the single-island endemics on Rennell and good numbers (a low B) were seen

during the shore excursion on 9 April.

Although this species is currently treated as a white-eye, further taxonomic work is surely required as structurally

it seems so different from 'normal white-eyes'.

Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica

Seen on Makira (10 April: 4), and Kolombangara (12 April: A).

Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides

This species was recorded on Makira (10 April: low A), Guadalcanal (11 April: 1), and Kolombangara (12 April: A).

Rennell Starling Aplonis insularis

This Rennell endemic seems to be somewhat nomadic as the numbers seen do vary from year to year. On this

visit, however, it was present in comparatively low numbers with a low A recorded during the shore excursion on 9

April.

Brown-winged Starling Aplonis grandis

This Solomon Islands endemic species is reasonably reliable at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal with A logged on 11

April and five birds then seen the following day on Kolombangara. Despite its name, the diagnostic pale brown

primaries can, on occasions, be moderately difficult to see when birds are perched.

San Cristobal Starling Aplonis dichroa

This Makira Island endemic can be moderately tough to find with only six birds seen during the shore excursion on

10 April.

Striated Starling Aplonis striata

This New Caledonian endemic is not particularly common at Riviere Bleue and only seven individuals were

recorded there on 5 April, however, those who visited Mount Koghi on the previous afternoon logged A.

Micronesian Starling Aplonis opaca

A common bird on Chuuk with A recorded on both 17-18 April.

Long-tailed Myna Mino kreffti

This myna (which has recently been split into two species - Long-tailed and Yellow-faced with the latter now

regarded as a Papua New Guinea endemic) was seen at both Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (11 April: low A) and the

following day on Kolombangara (6 birds).

[Common Myna Acridotheres tristis]

This Asian introduction was reasonably numerous on New Caledonia (4-5 April) and in Honiara, Guadalcanal (11

April) with A recorded on all three dates.

[European Starling Sturnus vulgaris]

This introduced species is common on Norfolk Island and despite being unable to land (due to the weather

conditions), a low A was logged during the zodiac cruise along the western coastline (2 April).

Midget Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeneum

This Solomon Islands endemic is not uncommon at Mount Austin on Guadalcanal and a low A was recorded on 11

April, although its tiny size means getting good views can often be challenging.

Mottled Flowerpecker Dicaeum tristrami

Reasonable numbers of this Makira Island endemic were seen on the shore excursion on 10 April with A recorded.

Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis

Only seen on Makira (10 April: 1), Guadalcanal (11 April: 6) and Kolombangara (12 April: A).

Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis

One of the biggest surprises of the expedition was a lone wagtail which flew close to the ship a day north of New

Ireland (15 April).

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala

A single migrant was seen flying past the ship on 25 April (offshore from Torishima).

[House Sparrow Passer domesticus]

Another common introduction which was seen on both days ashore in New Caledonia (4-5 April) with A recorded.

[Tree Sparrow Passer montanus]

This species was recorded in small numbers on both days on Chuuk (17-18 April) where it is believed to be a

recent, and presumably ship-assisted, arrival.

[Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild]

Seen in small numbers (6 birds) in Noumea on 4 April.

Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa

This species was seen on both days ashore on Chuuk with A recorded on 18 April and nine individuals the previous

afternoon.

Red-throated Parrotfinch Erythrura psittacea

This, sometimes tricky, New Caledonian endemic was only seen in small numbers at Riviere Bleue (5 April: 3).

CETACEANS

Sperm Whale Physter macrocephalus

Sperm Whales were only seen on two dates with ten animals on 31 March (a day north of the Hauraki Gulf) and

two on 3 April (a day north of Norfolk Island). Somewhat surprisingly, none were seen off Bougainville where this

species is usually regular.

Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus

A small pod of approximately seven animals was seen two days south of the Bonin Islands (22 April).

Pygmy Killer Whale Feresa attenuata

The only sightings of this small and rarely encountered species were west of Guadalcanal (11 April) where a pod

which contained about fifteen animals was seen.

Melon-headed Whale Peponocephala electra

A pod, which comprised at least a hundred animals, was seen and photographed off New Ireland on 14 April.

False Killer Whale Pseudorca crassidens

Pods were seen off Bougainville and New Ireland (13-14 April).

Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus

This species was seen on three occasions with the first sightings being four animals west of Guadalcanal (11 April).

Two were then seen on 22 April (two days south of the Bonin Islands) with the final sightings being a pod of about

eight whilst cruising north from Torishima (26 April).

Cuvier's Beaked Whale Ziphuis cavirostris

Three of these distinctive whales were seen off the Bonin Islands (24 April) with a lone individual seen the

following day off Torishima.

Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whale Mesoplodon ginkgodens

A small pod of beaked whales were seen offshore from Torishima (25 April) which appeared to be this poorly

known species. What was presumed to be the male was black in colour with no scratch markings noted and none

of the patterning/markings which would indicate it was either Hubb's or Stejneger's Beaked Whales, the other two

species which are known from this general area.

It is interesting to note that a pod of seemingly identical animals was seen at almost exactly the same location on

WPO 2011 and whilst this is merely speculation, it seems not inconceivable that these were actually the same

group of animals.

The following day (26 April) there was a sighting of two beaked whales further to the north and again a male was

seen which exhibited similar features.

Beaked Whale sp

As well as the sightings described above, beaked whales were also seen on a further seven days but none of these

were identified to species, although it is thought at least some of them were probably Blainville's Beaked Whales.

Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps

This species was only seen on 11 April (west of Guadalcanal) with two animals spotted. It is likely that the

marginally choppier conditions than usual reduced the number of sightings as this species is difficult to find unless

the seas are flat.

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops aduncus

This comparatively recent split from the more widespread Bottlenose Dolphin was seen on two occasions with two

animals off Bougainville (13 April) and five within the lagoon on Chuuk (18 April).

Short-beaked Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis

A decent sized pod (A) was seen in the outer Hauraki Gulf on 30 March.

Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris

This species is generally the most frequently encountered dolphin on the WPO and pods were seen on a daily basis

between Guadalcanal and New Ireland (11-14 April).

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuate

This species was seen on four widely spread dates with the first sighting being off Norfolk Island (2 April) and the

final record off the Bonin Islands on 24 April.