ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN Nu. 121 ORNITHOLOGY OF TKE MARSHALL AND GILBERT ISLANDS by A. Binion Amerson, Jr. Issued by THE SMITHSOKCAN INSTITUTION Washington, D.C., U. S. A. May 28, 1969 The Atoll Research Bulletin is issued by the Smithsonian Institution as a part of its Tropical Biology Program. It is supported cooperatively by the Oceanography, Ecology, and Systematics Programs and by the Smithsonian Press. The Press handles production and dis- tribution. The editing is done by the Tropical Biology staff in the Museum of Natural History. The Bulletin was founded and the first 117 numbers issued by the Pacific Science Board, National Academy of Sciences, with financial support from the Office of Naval Research. Its pages were largely devoted to reports resulting from the Pacific Science Board's Coral Atoll Progrm. The sole responsibility for all statements made by authors of papers in the Atoll Research Bulletin rests with them, and statements made in the Bulletin do not necessarily represent the views of the Smithsonian nor those of the editors of the Bulletin. Editors F. R. Fosberg M.-H. Sachet Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560 D. R. Stoddart Department of Geography University of Cambridge Downing Place Cambridge, England ORNITHOLOGY OF THE MARSHALL AND GILBERT ISLANDS ' by A. Binion Amerson, ~r.21 ABSTRACT The avifauna of the Marshall and Gilbert Islands and the sur- rounding ocean consists of 79 species, of which 77 are seabirds and 42 are land and fresh-water birds. Of these 79 species, 20 are re- corded here for the first time. One species, a procellarid, is re- corded here as a new breeding record for the area. In addition, many species are new records for the 50 atolls and islands located within the area. Collected bird specimens from the Marshall-Gilbert area now total 1,133 (44 species), of which 585 (43 species) were col- lected by the Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program. The average number of bird species per island is 17 in the Marshall-Gilbert area. A higher number of species exists in the extreme northern Marshalls than elsewhere in the area; the number decreases southward to the southern Marshalls; an increase occurs in the extreme southern Marshalls and further increases in the Gilberts. This north-south variation may be traced to a number of environmental factors. Paper Number 43, Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 2J Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. CONTENTS Page Abst rac t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i v In t roduct ion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Orni thologica l Explorat ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A t o l l Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Marshall island^ RadakChain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 R a l i k C h a i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Gi lbe r t I s l ands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Avifaunal D i s t r i b u t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Seabirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Land and Fresh-Water Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Influencing Fac to r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 L i t e r a t u r e Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 iii Page 1. Marshall and Gilbert Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Gilbert Islands 4. 4. POBSP Itineraries: Marshall and Gilbert Islands - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1964, 1966, 1967 8 5. Vegetation Zones in the Marshall and Gilbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Islands 321 6. Average Number of Bird Species Per Zone: . . . . . . . . . . . North to South Distribution 322 7. Average Number of Bird Species per Zone: . . . . . . . . . . . . West to East Distribution 322 8. Variation of Rainfall with Latitude in the Marshall-Gilbert Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 TABLES Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP on Taongi A t o l l . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP on Bikar A t o l l . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Bikar A t o l l i n the Yamashina Col lec t ion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B i r d specimens c o l l e c t e d by FOBS? from Taka A t o l l . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Meji t A t o l l . . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Ailuk A t o l l . . . + + Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP from Jemo Is land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Llkiep A t o l l Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Wotje A t o l l . . . . . a . o e . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP from Erikub A t o l l . . Bird Population Est imates f o r I s l ands of Erikub A t o l l October 24.28. 1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Maloelap A t o l l Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Am A t o l l . . . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Majuro A t o l l . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Arno A t o l l . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from M i l i A t o l l . . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Eniwetok A t o l l . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Bik in i Atoll. . . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Rongerik A t o l l . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Rongelap A t o l l . . . . . . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP from Ail inginae A t o l l . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP fromKwajalein A t o l l . . . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Namu A t o l l . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 29 24 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Jabwot Island . . . . 25- Bird specimens collected from Ailinglapalap Atoll . . . . . . 26 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Jaluit Atoll . . . . . 27 . Bird specimens collected by other expeditions from Jaluit Atoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . Bird specimens collected from Namorik Atoll . . . . . . . . . 29 . Bird specimens collected from Ebon Atoll . . . . . . . . . . 30 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Makin Atoll . . . . . 31 . Bird specimens collected by other expeditions from Makin Atoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 . Bird specimens collected from Tarawa Atoll . . . . . . . . . 33 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Maiana Atoll . . . . . 34 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Kuria Atoll . . . . . 35 . Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Aranuka Atoll . . . . 36 . Bird specimens collected from Onotoa Atoll . . . . . . . . . 37 . Seabird occurrence in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands a . . 38 . Land and fresh-water bird occurrence in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . At-sea feeding habitat classification of seabirds that breed in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands . . . . . . . . . 40 . Avifaunal components of each atoll in the Marshall-Gilbert area. arranged from north to south . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 . People-land relationship in the Marshall-Gilbert area . . . . Page 174 180 186 ATOLL MAPS Acknowledgeme.nt i s made t o the United S t a t e s Naval Hydro- graphic Office ( H . O . ) and t o the United S t a t e s Army Map Service (A.M.S.) f o r the a t o l l maps used i n t h i s paper . Is land names a re those used by the U.S. Board of Geographic Name e . Marshall Is lands Radak Chain ( ~ r o m North t o South) Page Taongi Ato l l (H.O. 6024) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bikar A t o l l (H.O. 6024) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ut i r ik A t o l l (11.0. 6023) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Taka A t o l l (H.0. 6023) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Mejit I s land (A.M.S. s e r i e s ~861 . sheet 8352) . 54 Ailuk A t o l l (13.0. 6022) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Jemo Island (A.M.S. s e r i e s ~ 8 6 1 . sheet 8152) . . . . 62 Lilriep A t o l l (1i.0. 6020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Wotje A t o l l (H.o. 6019) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Erikub Atoll . (H.o. 6017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Maloelap A t o l l (H.O. 6014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Aur A t o l l (A.O. 6014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Majuro A t o l l (K.O. 2007) 98 Arno A t o l l (H.O. 6004) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 M i l i A t o l l (A.M.s. s e r i e s ~861) . . . . . . . . . . 106 Knox A t o l l (A.M.s. s e r i e s W861) . . . . . . . . . . 110 Ralik Chain (~"rom North t o South) Eniwetok A t o l l (H.O. 6033) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 4 Ujelang A t o l l (H.O. 6035) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bikini A t o l l (R.o. 6032) 122 v i i . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rongerik Ato l l (H.O. 6026) Rongelap Ato l l (H.o. 6029) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ailinginae Atol l (w.O. 6026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wotho Atol l (H.O. 5429) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ujae Atol l (H.O. 5429) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lae Ato l l (H.O. 6026) . . . . . . . . . . . . Kwajalein Ato l l (H.O. 5429) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lib Island (11.0, 5429) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Namu Atoil (H.O. 6013) Jabwot Island (A,M.S. se r ies ~ 8 6 1 ) a a + a . . . . . . . . . . . Ailinglapalap Atol l (H.0 6011) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J a l u i t Atol l (H.0 6007) K i l i Island (A.M.S. se r ies W861) a . . + . . Namorik A-toll (A.M.s. se r ies ~ 8 6 1 , sheet '7831) . a a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ebon Atoll (H.O. 5429) Gilbert Islands ( ~ r o m North t o south) . . . . . . L i t t l e Makin Ato l l (A.M.s. se r ies ~843) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Makin Atol l (tI.0. 37) Marakei A to l l (H.O. 122) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abaiang Atol l (H.o. 0119) Tarawa Atol l (H.0, 0 1 8 , Field Charts 34, 35, 36) . . Maiana Ato l l (M.o. 122) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abemama Ato l l (H.0 . 122) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kuria Ato l l (H.o. 122) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aranuka Ato l l (H.O. 122) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 128 132 ~6 144 146 148 150 166 168 172 178 182 200 202 204 viii . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nonouti Atol l (H.O. 0119) . . . . . . . . . . . . Tabiteufa Ato l l (Ii.0. 0119) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beru Island (H.O. 0119) Nikunau Island (H.O. 0119) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onotoa Ato l l (H.O. 0119) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tamana Island (H.O. 0119) Arorae Island (H.O. 0119) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 266 270 a'4 276 278 282 284 INTRODUCTION In an area of some 600,000 square miles in the Western Pacific Ocean just west of the 180" meridian, lie the'Marshal1 Islands and Gilbert Islands. Here some 50 atolls and reef islands are scattered north and south of the equator (~igure 1). The Marshall Islands stretch from Taongi Atoll in the north (14"37'~) to Ebon Atoll in the south (04"37'N), and from Knox Atoll in the east (172?09'E) to Ujelang Atoll in the west (160?55'E). The Marshall Islands are divided into two groups, the eastern Radak Chain and the western Ralik Chain (Figure 2), and include 29 atolls and five reef islands. Located just 200 miles southeast of the Marshall Islands are the Gilbert Islands which stretch from Little Makin Atoll in the north (30?17'~), across the equator to Arorae Island in the south (2"38'~) and east (176"49'~), and to Makin Atoll in the west (~72~48'~). The Gilbert Islands comprise a single chain (Figure 3) and include 11 atolls and five reef islands. Thus the Marshall and Gilbert Islands form an almost continuous chain of atolls running in a northwest-southeast direction. Various island groups surround the Marshall and Gilbert Islands: to the north lies Wake Island; to the northeast lie the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll; to the east and southeast lie Howland Island, Baker Island, the Phoenix Islands and the Tokelau Islands; to the south lie the Ellice Islands; to the west lie Ocean Island, Nauru Island, and the Caroline Islands; and to the northwest lie the Marianas Islands. The Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program (hereafter referred to as POBSP) of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., is presently conducting an ecological survey in the Central Pacific Ocean, with particular emphasis on the avifauna. As part of this program, a two- month field trip to the Marshall and Gilbert Islands was made in October-November of 1964. Later studies were undertaken in June 1966 and in April-May 1967. This paper presents a summary of all known bird records from the two island groups. Acknowledgement is made to the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Military Sea Transport Service, who provided ship transpor- tation for the POBSP field teams. Special acknowledgement for cooperation and assistance is extended 160' 162' FIGURE 1. Marshall and M A R S H A L L AND GILBERT ISLA H Rongelap Utirik ,c? ~ 2 " ~ ~ ~ i k ,?,lo @40 d ~ i l ~ k 4e Jemo. 'Mejil c*/ +/& Gilbert Islands Area Map. Taongi 0 1 Bikini 0 QRongerik niwetok A i i i n g i n ! e p ~ o n g e i a p I go Ta Mling 29 species from the Marshalls. United States forces occupied the Marshalls early in 1944, and after the Japanese surrender in 1945 the islands were under U.S. military control. In 1.94-7 they became a United Naiions Trust Territory under the administration of the United States. During World War I1 one ornithological report was made by servicemen stationed in the Marshall Islands (Gleize and Genelly, 1945), and the U.S. Navy Department (1943) published a hand- book of the Marshall Islands which listed some of the animal life. The Laboratory of Mammalogy, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, collected animal specimens throwhout Micronesia; none, however, were collected from the Marshall or Gilbert Islands (~aker, 19Ji8). Birds were collected before and after the Bikini tests by J.P,E. Morrison (u.s. Natinnal Museum) and M.A. Traylor ( ~ h i c ~ o Natural History Museum) , Baker (1951) published the most comprehensive study to date on the avifauna of Micronesia. He included 39 species from the Marshall. Islands, but none from the Gilberts. In 1950, the SIM (scientific Investigations in Micronesia) Project of the F'acific Science Board, National Research Council, conducted a survey of Arno Atoll, Marshall Islands. Subsequently, Marshall (1951) published an account of the vertebrate ecology of the atoll, listing 13 bird species. A similar study was conducted at Onotoa Atoll, Gilbert Islands. Moul (1954) reported on the land animals, listing 15 bird species. Various other reports have been published as a result of the U.S. Geological Survey a.nd the Pacific Science Board's Micronesian irivestigation. Many have contained notes on birds (~osber~, 1955, 1956; Wi-ens, 1957; Gressitt in Blumenstock, 1961). Fosberg (.1966) published a detailed summary of E s ornithological observations made in the Northern Marshalls (including Wake) during 1951, 1 . 5 2 1953, 1956, 1961, and 1963. He recorded 27 bird species from the 15 islands in the Northern Marshalls; he did not collect any specimens. Bryan (1965) listed 40 species of birds likely to be seen in the Marshalls; no distribution records were given. Child (1960) published notes and observations on birds of the Gilbert Islands, listing 29 bird species. Morris (1963) listed 19 species of birds from the Gilberts, five of which had not been listed by Child. Bourne (1963) comments on Morris' paper and summarizes the literature from the Gilberts, but omits mention of Moul (1954) and Townsend and Wetmore (1919)~ P a c i f i c Ocean Biologica l Survey Program Explorat ions The Marshall I s l ands and Gi lbe r t I s lands were v i s i t e d by r"ie3.d per- sonnel of the POBSP i n October-November 1.964, i n June 1966, and again i n April-May 196'7, f o r the purpose of conducting a b i o l o g i c a l survey, with emphasis on the avifauna, on s e l e c t e d reef i s l ands and a t o l l s . The POBSP personnel p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n the 196Ji survey included: Kenneth E . Ameman, A . Binion Amerson, Jr. ( b i o l o g i s t i n charge), Roger B. Cla.pp, Lawrence N . Huber, P h i l i p N. Lehner, and George S. W i ~ l o c k i . This survey par ty l e f t Honolulu, Oahu, Kawaii, aboard a U.S. naval v e s s e l on 1 October and v i s i t e d 11 a t o l l s (Figure 4 ) a s follows: Taongi (10-13 October), Bikar (14-19 October), Taka (19-23 October), Jemo (23-24 October), Erikub 24-28 OC-tober), ~ w a j a l e i n ( 2 9 October - 9 Novemnber), and J a l u i t (10-12 November) i n the Marshall I s l ands ; Makin 13-15 November), Maiana (16-17 November), Kuria (17-19 November), and Aranuka (19 ~ovember) i n the G i l b e r t I s l ands . The sh ip a r r i v e d back i n Slonolulu on 27' November. The 1966 survey was conducted by Dayle N . Sius.Led, t r a v e l l i n g aboard a U.S. Coast Guard v e s s e l which departed Hon01ul.u~ Hawaii, on 2 June and v i s i t e d Majuro A t o l l (10-12 June) , Kwajalein A t o l l (U-111 June), and Eniwetok A t o l l (21-22 June) i n the Marshall i s l a n d s ( ~ i g u r e 4 ) . The 1967 survey was made by A. Binion Amerson, Jr., t r a v e l l i n g aboard a U.S. naval v e s s e l which departed Honolulu, Hawaii, on 1'7 Apr i l . Seven a t o l l s were v i s i t e d i n the Marshall 12lands (Figure 4 ) a s fol lows: Taongi (29 Apr i l ) , Ai l inginae (1. May), Jabwot (3 May), Erikub (11. May), Jemo (5 May), Taka (6 ~ a y ) , and Bikar (7 May). The s h i p re turned t o Hawaii 15 May. Although since World War I1 the re has been a sharp increase i n the o rn i tho log ica l knowledge of t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands , i n many ins tances museum specimens a r e not ava i l ab le t o s u b s t a n t i a t e s i g h t rec- o rds . P r io r t o t h e f i r s t POBSP survey i n October-November 19611, 5110 specimens of 21 b i r d species were known t o e x i s t . They a r e i n the col - l e c t i o n of the : U.S. Nat ional Museum, Washington, D.C. (USNM): Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge (MCZ): Univers i ty of Kansas Museum of Natural History, Lawrence (m): Universi ty of Utah Zoology Museum, S a l t Lake C i ty (UUZM); Universi ty of Arizona Zoology Museum, Phoenix (UAZM); B r i t i s h Museum of Natural Iiistory, London ( B ) , and the Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum, Tokyo (YIZM) Since 1964, 8 a d d i t i o n a l specimens have been co l l ec ted and a r e i n t h e c o l l e c t i o n of the Bowling Green (0hio) S t a t e Universi ty Biology Museum. I n 1964 POBSP co l l ec ted 445 specimens of 42 b i r d species . No specimens were co l l ec ted by t h e POBSP i n 1966. I n 1967,140 specimens of 21 species were co l l ec ted by POBSP personnel, making a t o t a l POBSP c o l l e c t i o n of 585 specimens of 43 species . All. the specimens a r e i n the U.S. National Museum. Many of these a r e new records f o r t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . 348-415 0-69-2 ATOLL SUMMARIES The following atoll summaries provide a brief description for each of the 50 atolls in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Each description includes a map, and gives location, shape and size, soil, vegetation, climate, and human population. The summaries also include a list of scientific visits. The primary function of the atoll summaries is to provide background for an avifauna discussion for each of the 50 atolls. Each avifauna section includes a brief summary of the species recorded. An avifauna checklist for each atoll provides a listing of all known records, giving status and source of each record. Specimens collected by the POBSP and other collectors are listed for each atoll; museum numbers and collection data for each specimen are given. An annotated species account, listing habitat, numbers, status, and specimen records, is given only for atolls visited by the POBSP field teams .during 1964 and 1967. To conserve space, all negative data have been omitted from the annotated species accounts. All atolls are listed north to south for both the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, with those in the Marshalls divided into the Fiadak and Ralik chains. All island names used are official names adopted by the US. Board of Geographic Names. Several sources were used in assembling the common and scientific names of the birds occurring in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The names used in the American Ornithologists' Uniorr's Checklist of North American Birds, 1957, 5th edition, were followed for species occurring in North America. In the interest of consistency, seabird names agree with those which appear in Watson's Smithsonian Identification Manual: Seabirds of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and King's Smithsonian Identification Manual: Seabirds of the Tropical Pacific Ocean. Alexander's Birds of the Ocean, Mayr's Birds of the Southwest Pacific, Baker's Avifauna of Micronesia, and the Ornithobogical Society of Japan's A Hand-list of Japanese Birds, 1958, 4th and revised edition, were used in several instances. Taxonomic order follows that of Peter's Checklist of the Birds of the World, volumes I, 11, and 111, with the exception of the Procellarii- formes, which follow Alexander, et al. (1965), the Anserfomes, which follow Delacour (1954,1959)~ andx~haradriiformes, which follow ~ o c k (1958). For descriptions and illustrations of the 79 species of birds that are herein recorded, the reader is referred to the ornithological sources cited abcve. M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S R A D A K C H A I N T A O N G I 0 1 2 R S T A T U T E MILES TAONGI ATOLL Location: 111~37' N x 168'58' E. Shape and Size : Crescent shaped; Tip t o t i p - 11 miles ; Convex ( e a s t o r windward) eide - 21 mi les ; Concave (west) s ide - 14 mi les ; Widest poin t - 5+ miles ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 41.30 square mi les ; T o t a l dry land a rea - 1.45 square mi les ; Number of i s l ande - 13; Height - 12+ f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). S o i l : Beach (ocean s i d e ) - s o l i d coral. rock, cobblestone, huge boulders, - some sandy a rea ; Beach (lagoon s i d e ) - mostly sand, some stony and c o r a l rock a reas , s c a t t e r e d boulders . Vegetation: Nine spec ies ; primary spec ies - Messerschmidia, 1 0 - 15 f e e t h igh; secondary spec ie s - Scaevola, 3-6 f e e t high ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). Pdcak, S iby l l a , and Bre je I s l a n d s - very t h i c k vegeta t ion , some sparse grassy areas;Kamome I s l and - sparse vegeta t ion , l a r g e grassy a r e a s . Climate: Generally dry, about 40-50 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature-82' F; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t t o no r theas t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). Iluman Population: Pas t - not inhabited, but occas ional ly v i s i t e d by Marshallese who regarded it a s a b i r d refuge and c a r e f u l l y regula ted the ha rves t ing of eggs and young b i rds (Fosberg, 1957); Pre s e n t - not in- habi ted , but evidence remains of survivors of shipwrecks i n 1964. S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Northern Marshall I s l ands Expedition - 25 November 1951 (examined only from s h i p ) , 25 March 1952 (examined only from s h i p ) , 20-27 J u l y 1952; POBSP - 10-13 October 1964, 29 A p r i l 1967. Avifauna: Twenty-six b i r d spec ie s a r e p resen t ly known from Taongi A t o l l . These include 19 seabi rds , 5 shorebirds, 1 duck, and 1 heron. Twelve of t hese spec ies a r e known breeders , s i x o the r s a r e poss ib le breeders , s i x a r e migrants, one i s an a t - s e a v i s i t o r , and one i s an acc iden ta l . Taongi A t o l l i s the only known breeding ground i n t h e Marshal l and G i l b e r t I s l ands of Puff inus n a t i v i t a t u s . The same i s probably t r u e f o r Bulweria buiweri i . Although of acc iden ta l s t a t u s , Puff inus a s s i m i l i s i s known i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l a n d s only from Taongi A t o l l . Twenty-six spec ies a r e l i s t e d i n the following check l i s t , which was deri-ved from var ious sources: (1) POBSP, ( a ) 1964, (b ) 1967 ; (2) Fos- berg, ( a ) 1955, (b) 1966; (3) A.O.U. Checkl i s t , 1957; (4) P e t e r s , 1931; and (5) Mayr, 1945. These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o on the c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The s i x spec ies marked by a s ing le a s t e r i s k a r e new spec ies records f o r Taongi A t o l l ; the s ing le spec ies marked by double a s t e r i s k s i s a new a t o l l breeding record. Taongi Taongi A t o l l Avirauna Checkl is t Species S ta tus Source Diomedea n ig r ipes Toffehore only) Bulweria bulwerii* Puffinus ~ a c i f i c u s Puffinus n a t i v i t a t u s * Puffinus ass imi l i s* Phaethon rub'ricauda Phaethon l ep tu rus Sula d a c t y l a t r a - Sula su la v- Sula leucogas ter - Fregata minor Sterna luna ta Sterna fusca ta Thalasseus b e r g i i Procelsterna cerulea. A s s t o l i d u s A s t e n u i r o s t r i s 3 g i s a lba V i s i t o r ( a t s e a ) 2b9 3, 4, 5 Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder"" Accidental Resident breeder Residenl; breeder ? Resident breeder Residen-t breeder Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migran-t Resident Breeder ? Resident Breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Residen-t breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder l b l a b , 2b l a b l a l ab , 2b lb , 2b l ab , 2ab l a b , 2b l ab , 2b l ab , 2b lab , 2b l a l ab , 2b l ab , 2b l ab , 2b l a , 2b l a l a l b , 2b l a b , 2b lab , 2b l a b , 2b l a b , 2b l ab , 2b l ab , 2b POBSP personnel have co l l ec ted 53 specimens of 17 species a able 1). Of these 17 species ,4 a r e specimen records of species not previously known from the a t o l l ; t he o ther 13 r ep resen t the f i r s t specimen confirmation of syecies previously known only from s i g h t records. No o ther specimens a r e known from Taongi A t o l l . Species Account 1) Diomedea n ig r ipes Black-footed Albat ross Habi ta t -- November 1951 and March 1952 - observed offshore only ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). Numbers -- November 1951, March 1952 - one seen offshore on both occasions. None seen on l and during subsequent v i s i t s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). 15 Taongi TABLE 1. Bird specimens co l l ec ted by POBSP on Taongi A t o l l Species Museum A x Location D s Sta tus Collector Bulweria bulweri i USNM 543452 o" A Lagoon 4-29-67 Skin Amerson Puffsnus acif'icu " 543463 d A S iby l l a " I! Ls 54.3058 0 A " 543059 P A " , " 543464 P A " f Puffinus n a t i v i t a t u s " 494821 7 A Karnome 10-12-64 " " 543461 9 A S iby l l a 4-29-67 " I! " 543462 C? A " 8 1 Puffinus ass i rn i l i s " 4-911-142 ? A Breje 10-11-64 Skel. " Phaethon rubricauda " 511-7055 op A S iby l l a Jr-29-67 Skin " I, 11 " 543056 d A " Sula dac ty la t ra w Sula su la -- 1, I Fregata minor 11 1 Egret ta sac ra P luv ia l i s dominica " 11 Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s " Heteroscelus incanum 'I ----w--- I, c? A " d A " 9 A " 9 A " d I " 9 A Kamome ?? A? Sibyl la p A " Hub e r 4-29-67 Amerson 16-12-64 " Amerson Skin - f Lehner Sterna sumatrana " 494564 d A " 10-11-64 " 11 " 494565 o" A " 11 11 I 11 " 494586 0 A " ! 3 1 " 49'1-587 d A " 11 Huber Sterna fuscata " 494691 - - Kamome 10-12-64 " Amerson , " 494692 p - I f " 494693 0 - $ 1 " 494694 9 - I 16 Taongi TABLE l, Bird specimens collected by POBSP on Taongi Atoll Species Museum - Sex A x Location Dai;e Status Collector Ste rna fuscata USNM 49695 d - Kamome 10-12-64 Skin Amerson t ,I " 191696 a - I L96h - ! " 494698 0 - 1 " 494699 0 - I , f " 494700 0 - 1, . . I " 543389 P A Sibylla 4-29-67 " Thalasseus bergii w I! ' 543429 9 A " " 543430 d A " " 543431 9 A " A- stolidus " 543410 d A " Gygis alba I , I, 17 Taongi S t a t u s -- At-sea v i s i t o r . No v a l i d breeding record e x i s t s , a l - though Mayr (1945) l i s t s t h e Marshall I s l ands a s a breeding ground, and A.O.U. c h e c k l i s t (1957) l i s t s Taongi a s a breeding l o c a l i t y . Neither gives source of information. Pe ters (1931) l is ts the Marshall I s l ands a s p a r t of the range of t h i s spec ies . Specimen Records -- None. 2 ) Bulweria bulweri i Bulwer ' s P e t r e l Habi ta t -- Apr i l 1967 - POBSP personnel observed Bulwer's P e t r e l a t sea j u s t off the e a s t shore f l y i n g away from the a t o l l a t dawn. None could be found on S i b y l l a I s l and during the day, although a thorough search was made over a l l por t ions v i s i t e d . Many were ob- served l a t e i n the evening f l y i n g eastward over the lagoon toward t h e i s lands . Numbers -- Apr i l 1967 - offshore 50:. S t a t u s -- Resident b r e e d e r ? A p r i l 1967 - probably breeding, one specimen co l l ec ted over t h e lagoon was i n breeding condit ion and had bare brood patches. I f t h i s species breeds on Taongi, it i s a new breeding record f o r t h e Marshall I s l ands . Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - one (Table 1 ) . This specimen represents a new specimen record f o r the Marshall I s l ands . 3 ) Puffinus pac i f icus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - saw t h i s ~ p e c i e s "a shor t dis tance in land from the lagoon shore of S iby l l a , Breje, Kamome, and North Is lands ." Burrows were placed i n s o f t sandy s o i l on t o p of which bunch grass normally grew ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). POBSP personnel found t h i s species on Kamome Is land i n 1964 and on S i b y l l a I s l and i n 1967. Burrows were found on S iby l l a i n 1964 but were unoccupied. Numbers -- Ju ly 1952 - t e n s of thousands (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Kamome 2QOO+, S iby l l a ?; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 10,000; m b e r banded 489. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . July 1952 - "eggs t o near ly grown young i n various s t ages of f ea the r ing out, up t o those almost ready t o fly." ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - l a r g e young, some fea ther ing , present ; A p r i l 1967 - pa i r ing , courtship, burrows being dug, no eggs. Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - four (Table 1 ) . This co l l ec t i o n represents a new specimen record f o r Taongl Ato l l . 4 ) Puff inus n a t i v i t a t u s Christmas Shearwater Habi ta t -- October 1964 - Kamome, seaward beach area s i t t i n g among 18 Taongi low Scaevola bushes; A p r i l 1967 - i n shallow burrows under l a r g e c o r a l rocks loca ted on the i n t e r i o r po r t ion of S i b y l l a . Numbers -- October 1964 - Kamome one seen; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 1 0 0 ' s seen. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - no evidence of breed- ing; A p r i l 1967 - on eggs. This i s the f i rs t breeding record f o r t h i s species i n t h e Marshal l I s l ands . Specimen Records -- Others - none; BIBS? - t h r e e (Table 1). Thefie specimens represent the f irst record of t h i s species i n t h e Marshall I s lands . [ ~ a k e r (1951) l i s t s two specimens from Ailuk Atol l ; how- ever, t h i s record i s considered t o be incor rec t , see d iscuss ion under Ailuk Ato l l ] . 5) Puffinus a s s i m i l i s L i t t l e Shearwater One found dead ( m q ) on 11 October 1964 a t Breje Is land, high up on seaward sandy beach, apparent ly deposi ted the re by extreme high t i d e . Specimen Records -- Other - none; P013SP - one (Table 1 ) . This specimen rep resen t s the only record of t h i s species i n Micronesia. It i s considered t o be an acc identa l . 6 ) Phaethon rubricauda Red-tailed Tropicbird Habitat - - J u l y 1952 - f l y i n g over a l l i s l e t s but nes t ing only on S iby l l a , Breje, Kamome, and North; eggs l a i d on ground o r sand i n open brush (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - on a l l i s l ands i n t h e a t o l l , with n e s t s u s u a l l y under ScaeTrola o r Messerschmidia bushes; Apr i l 1967 - on S iby l l a , n e s t s a s soc ia t ed with above p l a n t species . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - f a i r l y common ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 400, Kamome 25, Bre je 10W; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a 100:; number banded 36. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . Ju ly 1952 - eggs t o almost grown young (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - eggs t o very l a r g e young; cour t sh ip behavior a l s o observed; A p r i l 1967 - eggs only, cour t - sh ip behavior observed. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 1 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r Taongi A t o l l . 7 ) Phaethon l ep tu rus White- tai led Tropicbird Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - observed f l y i n g over the seaward s i d e of S i b y l l a ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); A p r i l 1967 - observed f l y i n g over S iby l l a . 19 Taongi Numbers -- July 1952 - one observed flying (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - none observed; April 1967 - Sibylla two. Status -- Resident breeder? July 1952 - no evidence of breeding; April 1967 - courtship behavior observed. Specimen records -- None. 8) - Sula dactylatra Blue-faced Booby Habitat -- mrch 1952 - observed flying and fishing in small num- bers offshore (Fosberg, 1966); July 1952 - "almost anphere on the atoll except South Islet, always sitting on the ground or flying" (Fosberg, 195'5'); October 1964 - found around perimeter of Sibylla, Breje, and Kamome, nests placed on upper sand beaches, and scattered on the ground among Scaevola and Messerschmidia bushes; April 1967 - found around outer beaches of Sibylla. Numbers -- July 1952 - no population estimate given; October 1964 - Sibylla 4-00, Kaaome 50; April 1967 - Sibylla 2-300; number banded 106. Status -- Resident breeder. July 1952 - young present (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - pairs forming, few with eggs, no young seen; April 1967 - eggs to large downy young present. Specimen records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table I), This specimen is the first of this species to be collected from Taongi Atoll. 9) Sula sula -- Red-fooLed Booby Habitat -- March 1952 - fishing offshore, July 1952 - roosting in trees on all parts of the islet where Tournefortia or Pisonia trees occur (Fosberg, 1966); Oc-tober 1964 - roosting and nesting primarily in Scaevola and Messerschmidia bushes on all islands; April 1967 - roosting and nesting on Sibylla as above. Numbers -- July 1952 - large numbers (~osberg, 1966); October 196lr - Sibylla 3,000, Breje 1,000, Kamome 500; April 1967 - Sibylla 2,000; number banded 335. Status -- Resident breeder. July 1952 -+one egg, very few young seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - 600- nests, many with fresh eggs, no young, some nest building; April 1967 - downy young present. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - four (Table 1). These specimens represent a new record for Taongi Atoll. Taongi 10 ) Sula leucogaste r Brown Booby Habitat -- March 1952 - offshore, July 1952 - f l y i n g over seaward beaches and r e e f s during day, when s i t t i n g , u sua l ly on the ground o r on rocks (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - roos t ing and r e s t i n g on seaward (windward) s i d e of S iby l l a , nes t s placed on ground be- tween sca t t e red Scaevola and Messerschmidia bushes; A p r i l 1967 - a d u l t s and immatures f ly ing about S iby l l a . Numbere -- March 1952 - l a r g e numbers offshore, J u l y 1952 - many seen, but hard t o es t imate numbers (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Siby l l a 150; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 50; number banded 24. Statue -- Resident breeder? July 1952 - possibly prenupt ia l period (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - p a i r s forming, no nes t s observed; A p r i l 1967 - poss ib ly breeding, d id not v i s i t a l l of S i b y l l a . Specimen Records -- None. 11) Fregata minor Great F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- July 1952 - n e s t s in Tournefort ia t r e e s , s c a t t e r e d over a l l i s l ands except South I s l and TFosberg, 1966); October 1964 - roos t s and nes t s on a l l i s l a n d s except South and Pokak, i n Messerschmidia and Scaevola, 4-10 f e e t up; Apr i l 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n Messerschmidia and Scaevola on S i b y l l a . Numbers -- November 1951 - a s many a s 25 a t a time f l y i n g offshore, March 1952 - 8-10 followed sh ip ; J u l y 1952 - enormous population nes t ing (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Siby l l a 4,000-5,000, Breje 2,000, Kamome 300; A p r i l 1957 - Siby l l a - 3,000; number banded 1. Sta tus -- Resident breeder . J u l y 1952 - eggs and young i n a l l s tages of development (F'osberg, 1966); October 1964 - cour t sh ip observed, eggs t o nea r ly f l y i n g young; A p r i l 1967 - courtship, eggs t o l a r g e young. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - f i v e (Table 1 ) . This represents a new specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 2 Egre t t a sacra Reef Heron Habitat -- Common along e n t i r e exposed ree f a t low t i d e ; found f r equen t ly along lagoon s ide of i s l and . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - 3 blue, 1 mottled, and 4 white seen ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 25-30, Kamome 4 ( these were blue, white, and mot t led) ; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a 5 . S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding; however, t he re i s a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t it breeds on the a t o l l . 21 Taongi Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 1 ) . Although Fosberg observed t h i s species i n J u l y 1952 a t Taongi Ato l l , t h i s specimen rep resen t s the f i r s t museum specimen record from t h e a t o l l . 13 ) Anas acuta P i n t a i l Duck Hahi ta t -- October 1964 - f ly ing over S i b y l l a . Number -- 11 October 1964 - Three very l a rge , brown female o r winter-plumi;lge b i rds , probably Anas acu ta . S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This s i g h t record i s a new b i r d record f o r Taongi A t o l l . 14) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - Observed "on any open space" (Fosberg,l966); October 1964 - on a l l i s l a n d s i n the a t o l l , e s p e c i a l l y along t h e lagoon s i d e ; A p r i l 1967 - observed on the beaches of S i b y l l a . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 "seen now and then, one t o t h r e e a t a time" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a I s l and 200, Kamome I s l and 300; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 12; number banded '76. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Record -- Other - none; PORSP - two (Table 1 ) . This con- s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r Taongi. 15) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew r iabi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - "mostly on S iby l l a , Breje, and Kamome I s l e t s , " seen on the beach and lagoon shore ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Discovered on sandy and rocky seaward and lagoon beaches of a l l i s l ands ; A p r i l 1967 - observed on rocky p o r t i o n a t north end of S iby l l a . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - "were seen more commonly than on any of the a t o l l s v i s i t e d [ i n the nor thern Marshall I s l ands ] , " 2-15 seen a t a time (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - common on a l l i s l ands , S i b y l l a 50, Kamome 10; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 1; number banded 11. Sta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 1 ) . This r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Taongi A t o l l . Taongi 16) l%eteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - passages and reef f l a t s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - u s u a l l y observed on seaward beaches, but occas ional ly on lagoon beaches; A p r i l 1967 - lagoon beaches of S i b y l l a . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - ' l o + .~ommonly seen, a s many a s 4 a t a t ime" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - very common, S i b y l l a 150, Kamome 100; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 3; number banded 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - seven (Table 1 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 17) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s ~ u d d y Turnstone Habi ta t -- J d y 1952 - a long seaward beaches sometimes i n a s soc ia - t i o n wi th t a t - t l e r e and p lover (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - on seaward and lagoon beaches usua l ly i n company of o t h e r shorebi rds . Numbers -- J u l y 195.2 - "a few seen . usua l ly i n twos o r t h r e e s " (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 250, Kamome 200. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records - none. 18) Croce-thia a lba - Sande r l i n g Hab i t a t -- 11 October 1964 - Beach of S i b y l l a . Numbers -- 11 October 19611- - S i b y l l a I. Sta.tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- none. This s i g h t record, however, c o n s t i t u t e s a new b i r d spec ies record f o r t h e a t o l l . 9 ) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- October 1964 - f requented i s l e t s between Breje and S i b y l l a and between S i b y l l a and Pokak; A p r i l 196'7 - not seen on S i b y l l a . Numbers -- October 1961t - S i b y l l a 25. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? October 1964 - no n e s t s found; how- ever, a d u l t behavior ind ica t ed t h a t n e s t s might be p resen t . Specimen Record -- Other - none; POBSP - fou r (Table 1 ) . These Black-naped Terns r ep resen t a new a t o l l spec ies and specimen record. Taongi 20) Sterna l u n a t a Gray-backed Tern Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - North I s l and only, "flushed with some re luc tance from t h e i r r e s t i n g p laces on the ground i n t h e i n t e r i o r of t h i s bar ren rocky i s l e t " (~ 'osbe rg , 1966); A p r i l 1967 - observed f l y i n g over lagoon s ide of S i b y l l a . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - small numbers seen on North I s l and (Fosberg, 1966); A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a two observed. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? Not breeding a t time of visi-ts, bu t t h e r e i s a good chance t h i s species does breed on Taongi Ato l l , s ince it n e s t s on Wake Is land, 300 mi les t o t h e nor th . Specimen Records -- None. 2 Sterna fusca ta Sooty Tern Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - only on Kamome, rooker ies (one t o seve ra l ac res i n s i z e ) more commonly i n the open p a r t of the i s l and , but a l s o i n sparse Tournefort ia scrub (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Kamome, concentrated on t h e northwest s ide , nes t s among t h e bunch- g r a s s next t o the lagoon beach and underneath t h e 3-4 f o o t high Sida which ad jo ins the bunchgrass; observed f l y i n g over a l l o ther - i s lands ; A p r i l 1967 - observed f l y i n g over S iby l l a , probably on Kamome . Numbers -- November 1951 - one p a i r f l y i n g around the s h i p ncar Taongi A t o l l , J u l y 1952 - most abundant b i r d on Taongi (Fosberg, 1966) ; October 1964 - ilamome, 15-20,000; A p r i l 1967 - 100 ' s f l y i n g over S i b y l l a ; number ba.nded 2,091. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . J a y 1952 - few eggs, many young i n a l l s t ages of development ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - eggs t o l a r g e young; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a , a d u l t s and immatures f l y i n g t o and from Kamome. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 11 (Table 1 ) . These Sooty Tern specimens represent the f i r s t museum specimens from Taongi A t o l l . 2 Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - p a t r o l l i n g the shallow water, d iv ing f o r small f i s h (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - f r equen t ly seen on, o r f l y i n g over, lagoon beaches and exposed ree f s , n e s t s placed high up on sandy lagoon beach a t north end of S i b y l l a near bunches of Sesuvium; A p r i l 1967 - same a s i n 1964. Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - commoner than elsewhere, one t o s i x could be seen a t any time of t h e day (Foeberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 25-30; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 125. Taongi S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. J u l y 1952 - not breeding (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Siby l l a , seven nes t scrapes, each containing an egg, were observed; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a , 51 n e s t s (49 with one egg, 2 with small young) i n a s ing le colony. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h ree able 1 ) . This c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 23) Procels terna ceru lea Blue-gray Noddy Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - seaward s ide of S iby l l a , Breje, and Bkak , a l l over North and Kamome, p r e f e r s open, unvegetated g rave l r idges (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - observed only on sparse ly vegetated i s l e t s between Breje and S i b y l l a ; A p r i l 1967 - observed f l y i n g offshore on e a s t s ide of a t o l l only. Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - mall numbers a r e t o be seen almost any- where" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a (nor th end) 10; A p r i l 1967 - a few offshore. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. J u l y 1952 - "One b i r d was f lushed from a small empty nes t , merely a s l i g h t accumulation of g ras s stems and f e a t h e r s i n a s l i g h t depression she l t e red by two rocks on the boulder r idge on the seaward beach of ~ r e j e " (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - no n e s t s observed, but a d u l t behavior suggested nes t ing ; A p r i l 1967 - no evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- None. 24) Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- J u l y 1952 - on a l l i s l ands ; nes t s most commonly on Kamome i n shrubs, on grass t u f t s , rocks, and on the ground; tends t o s i t i n groups on exposed sandbars and rubble f l a t s i n the lagoon (Fosberg, 1966) ; October 1964 - f requents beaches of a l l i s l a n d s ; nes t s only on Kamome, mostly on the ground but a l s o on rocks; A p r i l 1967 - observed on beaches and f l y i n g above S i b y l l a . Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - "common but by no means abundant" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 100, Kamome 200, Breje present ; A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 50. S ta tus -- Resident breeder. J u l y 1952 - n e s t s with eggs ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Kamome, nes t s with eggs and half-grown young; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a , no evidence of breeding. Specimen Record -- Other - none; POBSP-one a able 1 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r the a t o l l . Taongi 25) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t -- July 1952 - seen occas ional ly f i s h i n g i n t h e lagoon o r j u s t outs ide , n e s t s i n Pisonia t r e e s on Kamome (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - f requents beaches of a l l i s l ands , r o o s t s and n e s t s mainly i n Messerschmidia; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a , observed on beaches, n e s t s i n Messerschmidia. Numbers -- J u l y 1952 - seen occasional ly; l e s s p l e n t i f u l than t h e Brown Noddy (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 25, Kamome 10Q A p r i l 1967 - S i b y l l a 50. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . J u l y 1952 - small groups of n e s t s present on Kamome, "but it was not noted whether t h e r e were eggs" (Fosberg, 1966); October 19&- few n e s t s present with eggs and small young; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a , few n e s t s with eggs. Specimen Records -- None. 26) Gygis a lba White Tern Habi ta t -- November 1951 and March 1952 - flew around t h e sh ip , Ju ly 1952 - seen on a l l i s l e t s , over the lagoon, and surrounding ocean, n e s t s i n Tournefort ia and Pisonia t r e e s and on boulders (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - on a l l i s l ands , r o o s t s and n e s t s i n most bushes and t r e e s ; A p r i l 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n Messerschmidia bushes on S iby l l a . Numbers -- Ju ly 1952 - "home of g r e a t numbers" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - S i b y l l a 200, Kamome 200+, North 200+; A p r i l 1967 - Siby l l a 500; number banded 16. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . J u l y 1952 - eggs present on Kamome and South (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - few eggs and young on S iby l l a ; many with eggs and chicks ( a l l s tages)on Kamome; A p r i l 1967 - few small chicks on S i b y l l a I s land. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 1 ) . This c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r Taongi A t o l l . BEAR ATOLL Location: 12"15' N x 170'06' E . Shape and Size : Diamond-shaped; Tip t o t i p (north-south) - 8 miles ; Widest poin t (east-west) - 5 miles ; Tb ta l lagoon a r e a - 21.82 square mi les ; Tota l d r y land a rea - 0.20 square mi les ; Number of i s l a n d s - 6; Height - 152 f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). S o i l : Beach (ocean s i d e ) - mostly c o r a l rock, some sand; Beach (lagoon - s i d e ) - mostly sand, some rocky and cobble-stone a reas . Vegetation: Nine species, t h r e e p r i n c i p a l i s l a n d s densely wooded with Pisonia t r ees , with a f r i n g e o f Messerschmidia around the ou t s ide -(Fosberg, 1955, 1956). Climate: Moderately dry, about 40-50 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature - 82' F; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t t o no r th (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Pas t - not inhabited, but occas ional ly v i s i t e d by Marshallese who regarded it a s a b i r d refuge ( ~ o s b e r g , 1957); Present - not inhabited, but evidence of 1964 shipwreck (NOHO Maru No. 11) i n the nor th fork of t h e reef passage. S c i e n t i f i c Vi s i t s : Japanese v i s i t ( s . ~awakami) 30 January and 10 J u l y 1932; Northern Marshall I s l ands Expedition - 26 November 1951 (examined only from sh ip ) , 24 March 1952 (examined only from ship) , 6-12 August 1952; P0BSP - 14-19 October 1964, 7 May 1967, Avifauna: Twenty-three b i r d species a r e p resen t ly known from Bikar A t o l l . These include 17 seabi rds , 5 shorebirds, and 1 heron. Thi r teen of these species a r e known breeders , t h r e e o the r s a r e poss ib le breeders, f i v e a re migrants, one i s a v i s i t o r , and another i s an a c c i d e n t a l . Bikar A t o l l i s t h e only known l o c a l i t y i n the Marshall and G i l b e r t I s lands from which Sterna anaethe ta has been recorded. Twenty-three species a r e l i s t e d i n the following c h e c k l i s t , which was derived from var ious sources: (1 ) POBSP, ( a ) 1964, (b ) 1967; ( 2 ) Fosberg, ( a ) 1955, (b ) 1966; ( 3 ) Finsch, 1880d;' ( 4 ) Yama~hina, 1940; ( 5 ) Handl is t Japanese Birds, 1958; (6) Baker, 1951; and ( 7 ) YIZM c o l l e c t i o n . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The four species marked by a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k a r e new species records f o r Bikar A t o l l ; t he two species marked by a double a s t e r i s k a r e new a t o l l breeding records. Bikar Bikar A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Source W f i n u s pacif icus* Puffinus n a t i v i t a t u s * phaethon rubricauda Phaethon l ep tu rus Sula d a c t y l a t r a - Sula sulQ -- Sula leucogas ter - Fregata minor Eyre t ta sacra* P1.uvialis dominica Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Crocethia &* Sterna sumatrana A m s t o l i d u s Anoue t e n u i r o s t r i s -. Gygie a l b a Resident breeder*" V i s i t o r ? Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Res ident .breeder Resident breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Accidenta l Resident breeder Resident breeder** Resident b reede r Resident breeder Resident Breeder Resident Breeder l a l b lab, 2b, 3 lab , 2ab, 3 l ab , 2b, 3 l a b , 2b, 3, 7 l ab , 2b, 3 lab, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 7 l a b lab , 2b l ab , 2b l a b , 2b l a b , 2b l a l ab , 2b 2b 4, 6, 7 l ab , 2b l a b , 2b lab , 2b, 7 l a b , 2b l ab , 2b l a b , 2b POBSP personnel have c o l l e c t e d 48 specimens of 16 species able 2 ) . Of these 16 species, 1 i s a specimen record of a species not previously known from Bikar Ato l l , and 12 rep resen t the f i r s t cpecimen confirmation of species previous ly known only from s i g h t records. Thi r teen specimens of four spec ies c o l l e c t e d a t Bikar A t o l l (Table 3 ) a r e loca ted a t t he Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum i n Tokyo, Japan. Combined museum c o l l e c t i o n s t o t a l 61 specimens of 17 species . Species Accounts 1 ) Puff inus pac i f icus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Habi ta t -- October 1964 - Almani only, nes t ing i n bunch-grass a r e a on e a s t s ide of i s l and . Numbers -- October 1964 - A h a n i , 6 seen. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - 2 nes t s each with a nea r ly f ledged chick. This r ep resen t s a new breeding record. Bikar TABLE 2. Bird specimens collected by POBSP on Bikar Atoll Species Museum Sex A= Location D B Status - - Collector Puffinus pacificus USNM 494819 d Almani 10-17-64 Skin Phaethon rubricauda " 543460 d A Bikar I 5 -7-67 " " 543459 d A Almani " 494864 d Phaethon lepturus 10-18-64 " Hube r Amerson Huber Sula dactylatra - ! 9 A " d A " d ? I " d A Bikar I d A " d A Jabwelo d A Almani d I " d A Bikar I Amerson Huber Amerson 10-17-64 Skei. Sula sula -- 5-7-67 Skin Sula leucogaster - Fregata m i n o r 6 A " 'j? A Almani Numenius tahitiensis " Heteroscelus incanum " 'j? - Bikar I 0 - Hub e r " . 1194758 d - Arenaria interpres " 4959x2 9 - 1 11 " 495913 P - " 495914 9 - 1, " 495915 9 - Sterna fuscata $ 1 I t 1 ,? 11 f I Amerson & Amerman 1 , Huber ? Nest Almani 9 A " ? A " Amerson d A " d A Jabwelo d A " d A " p A Almani 9 A Bikar I d Chick Jabwelo 9 A Bikar I Huber Amerson Thalasseus bergii I, I! Bikar TABLE 2. Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP on Bikar A t o l l ( con t ' d ) Species Museum - Sex A Location D l Sta tus Procelsterna ceru lea USNM 494741 O A ALrtani 10-17-64 Skin " 494742 0 A " " 543453 d A 5-7-67 " 543478 d A Jabwelo Anous s t o l i d u s 7fl.. " 543479 0" A Almani Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s - " 543447 d A Gygis a lba _II " 494610 d - B i k a r I 10-15-64 " " 543451 d A Almani 5-7-67 Col lec tor Hube r Amerson TABLE: 3 . B i , d specimens co l l ec ted from Bikar A t o l l i n the Yarnashina Col lec t ion Species Museum A x Location Date S t a t u s Col lec tor Sula s u l a -- YIZM 9 Juv Bikar 07-10-32 Skin S. Kawakami 0 " 9 " O A " Fregata minor 0 JUV " 01-30-32 " Sterna anaethe ta 0" - 07-10-32 " Procelsterna cerulea " -If-- r , d I! - 1' d I f - d 1 8 - I, 0" I! - I 0 - I ? - ,I ? - 31 Bilcar Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - one ('Table 2 ) . This i s a new b i r d spec ies and specimen record f o r Bikar A t o l l . 2 ) Puffinus na t iv i t a - tue Christmas Shearwater Habi ta t -- May 1967 - observed f l y i n g low over seaward rocky beach of Bikar I s l and , not seen on the o the r i s l ands . Numbers -- May 1967 - Bikar I s l and 1. S t a t u s -- V i s i t o r ? May 1967 - No evidence of breeding ( a l l i s l a n d s were searched f o r nes- ts) although it may breed here . Specimen Records -- None. This s igh t ing c o n s t i t u t e s a new spec ies s i g h t record from the a t o l l . 3) Phaethon rubricauda Red-tai led Tropicbi rd Habi ta t -- August 1952 - f l y i n g over t h e no r th end of Bikar I s l and ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - f l y i n g over and n e s t i n g on a l l t h ree main i s l a n d s i n the a t o l l , n e s t s placed under Bcaevola and Messe rschmidia bushes around t h e edges of each i s l a n h m n l . a n d , however); May 1967 - f l y i n g over and nes t ing under Scaevola and Messerschmidia on a l l t h r e e main i s l a n d s . Numbers -- August 1952 - smal l groups of s eve ra l t o a dozen b i r d s over Bikar I s l and (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bilcar 25, Jabwelo and Almani 100; May 1967 - Bikar 25, Almani 35, Jabwe1.o 50; number banded - 26. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . 1880 - see under Phaethon August 1952 - no nes t ing observed (Foeberg, Bikar one n e s t wi th an egg seen, Jabwelo and Almani 22 n e s t s ( a l l with some eggs except f o r t h ree with downy c h i c k s ) ; ~ a ~ 1967 - eggs t o f l edg l ings on a l l i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 2 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 4 ) Phaethon l ep tu rus White- tai led Tropicbi rd Habi ta t -- August 1952 - f l y i n g round and round i n openings i n dense Pisonia f o r e s t of Bikar I s land , nes t found about 7 meters high i n a hole i n a l a r g e Pisonia t r e e (Fosberg, 1955, 1966); October 1964 - f l y i n g (d i sp lay ing) over a l l t h r e e vegetated i s l ands ; nes t s 3 t o 20 f e e t high i n holes of Pisonia t r e e s on Jabwelo I s l and ; May 1967 - f l y i n g over Jabwelo. Numbers -- August 1952 - 3 or 4 were seen a t a time on Bikar I s - land ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 10, Jabwelo and Almani 30-40; May 1967 - Jabwelo one seen; number banded - 6 . Bikar S ta tus -- Resident breeder . 1880 - ".. .Tropicbirds, I was assured, breed i n g rea t numbers on Bigar [Bikar], on uninhabited and nea r ly barren i s l ands , t he northernmost of the Ratak chain. . ." (Finsch, 1880); August 1952 - n e s t present on Bikar I s land but s t a t u s un- known (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - s i x nes t s (one with an egg and another with a small ch ick) found on Jabwelo and Almani, prob- ably a l s o nes t s on Bikar; May 1967 - no nes t s seen, but poss ib ly nes t ing on Jabwelo. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 2 ) . This specimen,caught a t i t s n e s t s i t e , represents the only White-tailed Tropicbird co l l ec ted from Bikar A t o l l . 5 ) Sula d a c t y l a t r a 7 Blue-faced Booby Habi ta t -- March 1952 - seen f i s h i n g wi.i;h o ther boobies, noddies, and FJhite Terns, August 1952 - nes t ing on the ground, e s p e c i a l l y on J a l i k l i k (Jabwelo) (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar, f l y - ing over , Almani, few n e s t s and a l a r g e club roos t ing on e a s t (sea- ward) s i d e , Jabwelo nes t ing on south grassy a rea ; May 1967 - Bikar, roos t ing , Almani and Jabwelo, nes t ing on open ground. Numbers -- March 1952 - a few seen, August 1952 - small numbers were nes t ing (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 2, Jabwelo and Almani 300; May 1967 - Bikar 2, Almani 20, Jabwelo 50, lagoon 2 ; number banded 106. S ta tus -- l iesident breeder. 1880 - ". . . and Boobies (m [sp. '?]), I was assured, breed i n g r e a t numbers on Bigar [Bikar] ..." (Finsch, 1880d) ;~ugus t 1952 - small numbers nes t ing , q u i t e a few young i n a l l sta.ges of development (Fosberg, 1955, 1966); October 1964 - 32 n e s t s ( a l l with eggs except one wi th a chick) only on Jabwelo and Almani; May 1967 - eggs t o f l edg l ings on Jabwelo and Almani. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 2 ) . This c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 6 ) s u l a sub 7- Red-footed Booby Habi ta t -- November 1951 - s e v e r a l seen f l y i n g , March 195% - seen near the a t o l l f i s h i n g with o ther species of boobies, noddies, and White Terns, a l s o roos t ing i n t r e e s , August 1952 - seen a t almost any time of day roos t ing i n Pisonia t r e e s , o r f l y i n g about when d is turbed, n e s t s high i n Pisonia t r e e s (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - f l y i n g above and roos t ing on Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani, n e s t s i n tops of Pisonia t r e e s on Bikar; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n tops of P isonia t r e e s on Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani. Numbers -- March 1952 - considerable numbers near the a t o l l , August 1952 - l a r g e numbers were seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 33 Bikar Bikar 200, Jabwelo and Almani 1000+;May 1967 - Bikar 200, Almani 300, Jabwelo 500, lagoon 20; number banded 376. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . 1880 - see under - Sula d a c t y l a t r a ; August 1952 - "a few n e s t s were spot ted ... with o ld b i r d s s i t t i n g on them, o r with almost mature young " (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - few n e s t s on Bikar I s l and ; May 1967 - half-grown young t o f ledgl ings on Bikar, Almani, and Jabwelo. Specimen Records -- Other - t h ree (Table 3 ) ; POBSP - s i x (Table 2 ) . 7 ) - Sula leucogas ter Brown Booby Habi ta t -- March 1952 - f l y i n g along seaward beaches and f i s h i n g i n company with o ther boobies, noddies, and White Terns, August 1952 - "... seen f l y i n g and r e s t i n g on t r e e s on low branches and shrubs, a s we l l a s on t h e ground." "One b i r d was f r igh tened o f f a n e s t about 4 meters up i n a Pisonia t r e e , bu t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n was not c e r t a i n , and it may we l l have been a dark phase of t h e Red- footed Booby." (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - roos t ing around the edges of the th ree vegetated i s l ands ; May 1967 - nes t ing on the ground under and near t h e higher vegeta t ion on Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani. Numbers -- March 1952 - seen commonly, August 1952 - many were seen (Fosberg, 1966); August 1964 - Bikar 10, Jabwelo and Almani 200; May 1967 - Bikar 100, Almani 200, Jabwelo 300, lagoon 30; number banded 178. S ta tus -- Resident breeder. 1880 - see under Sula d a c t y l a t r a ; August 1952 - none were seen nes t ing (~osberg,=6); October 1964 - one o ld nes t seen, cour t sh ip behavior observed; May 1967 - half-grown young t o f l edg l ings present on Bikar, Almani, and Jabwelo. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 2 ) . This col - l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Bikar A t o l l . 8 ) Fregata minor Great Friga-tebird Habi ta t -- March 1952 - roos t ing i n t r e e s , August 1952 - roos t ing i n t r e e s and f l y i n g over the a t o l l (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - occurs on Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani, roos t ing i n tops of P isonia t r e e s ; May.1967 - roos t s and n e s t s i n tops of P isonia t r e e s a t Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani. Nunbere-- 1880 - "Frigate-birds . . ., I was assured, breed i n g r e a t numbere on Bigar [Bikar] . . . " (Finsch, 188Cd) ; [Baker ( l 9 5 l ) , Yanlashina (1940), and Hand-l is t Japanese Birds ( 4 t h ed., 1958) l i s t t h i s species a s occurr ing on Bikar A t o l l ; ] November 1951 - 6 Bikar f r i g a t e b i r d s (~ 'oeberg , ~ 9 6 6 ) ~ March 1952 - many roos t ing , g r e a t swarms scared up by s h i p ' s wh i s t l e (Fosberg, 1966); August 1952 - seen i n l a r g e numbers ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 200, Jabwelo and Almani 750; May 1967 - Bikar LOO, Almani 100, Jabwelo 100, lagoon 25; number banded 11. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. 1880 - breeding (Finsch, 1880); August 1952 - "a few immature ones were seen i n Pisonia t r e e s " ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October l96h - no t nest ing, cour tsh ip behavior observed; May 196'7 - half-grown young t o f l edg l ings on Bikar, Jabwelo, .and Almani . Specimen Records -- Other - one able 3 ) ; POBSP - two able 2), 9) E g r e t t a Reef Heron Habi ta t -- October 1964 - along exposed reef a t low t i d e , lagoon beach area , one observed roos t ing i n palm t r e e ; May 1967 - on beach rock a t Bikar and Jabwelo. Numbers -- October 1964 - uncommon; Bikar 4, Jaboero 1, -Jabwelo and Almani 1; May 1967 - Bikar 1, Jabwelo 1. S t a t u s -- Resident b reede r? No evidence of breeding; however, t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t it breeds here . Specimen Records -- None, These s igh t ings c o n s t i t u t e a new b i r d spec ies record f o r Bikar A t o l l . 10 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- August 1952 - ".., commonly seen on a l l i s l e t s , espe- c i a l l y around the edges, on beaches and reef f l a t s .. ." (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - seen on a l l i s lands , on beaches, and oc- cas iona l ly in land; May 196'7 - observed on beaches of Bikar, Jabwelo, and Almani. Numbers -- August 1952 - "s ing le indiv iduals , and rare ly , small f1ocks of up t o 7 b i r d s . . ." (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 2 , Jaboero 10, Jabwelo and Almani 20; May 1967 - Bikar 1, Almani 1, Jabwelo 3; number banded 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. 11) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew Hab i t a t -- August 1952 - on rock f l a t s and ground beaches ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - on sandy and rocky beaches and t i d a l f l a t s ; May 1967 - on a l l beach a r e a s . 35 Bikar Numbers -- August 1952 - "s ingle indiv iduals , two o r t h r e e a t a time, were commonly seen . . ." (Fosberg, 1966) ; October 1964 - Bikar 10, Jaboero 1, Jabwelo and Almani 5 ; May 196'7 - Bikar 2, Almani 2, Jabwelo 3; number banded 1. S ta tus -- Migrant. S ecimen Records --,Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 2 ) . This con- s g i t u t e s a new specxmen record from Blkar A t o l l . 2 Neteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habi ta t -- August 1952 - "... seen on beaches and ree f f l a t s , e spec ia l ly on sea>lard s ide of i s l e t s " (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - sandy and rocky seaward beaches; May 1967 - on seaward beaches of Bikar and Jabwelo. Numbers -- August 1952 - "... 1 t 0 3 or r a r e l y 4 . . . were occasional ly seen . . ." (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 5, Jaboero 5, Jabwelo and Almani 5; May 1967 - Bikar 1, Jabwelo 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 2 ) . This i s a new specimen record from Bikar A t o l l . 1 3 ) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Habi ta t -- August 1952 - on beaches, r ee f f l a t s , and rock f l a t s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - seen on sandy and rocky beaches and occasional ly i n the cen te r of the Pisonia f o r e s t ; May 1967 - on beaches. Numbers- - August 1952 - "single indiv iduals , p a i r s , and small f locks of up t o ha l f a dozen were occas ional ly seen ..." (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 30, Jaboero 25, Jabwelo and Almani 50; May 1967 - Bikar 5, Almani 10, Ja.bwelo, 10, f l y i n g over lagoon 1. Sta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - f i v e (Table 2 ) . These f i v e specimens a r e the f i r s t Ruddy Turnstones t o be c o l l e c t e d from Bikar A t o l l and c o n s t i t u t e a new specimen record. 14) Crocethia alba Sanderl ing -- October 1964 - Jaboero, seen with f lock of Ruddy Turn- s tones and Golden Plovers on rocky beach. Numbers -- 16 October 1964 - one seen a t Jaboero. Bikar S t a t u s -- Xigrant. Specimen Records -- None. This s i g h t record i s a new species record f o r Bikar A t o l l . 15) S te rna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Hab i t a t -- August 1952 - ". . . seen f l y i n g over o r r e s t i n g on open g r a v e l ba r s and beach rock, e s p e c i a l l y between Alnemi[Ahani] and J a l i k l i k [Jabwelo] I s l e t s . " ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - f r e - quents sandy and rocky beach a reas of Jaboero, Almani, and Jabwelo; May 1967 - on rocky por t ion of Bikar and f l y i n g over t h e Lagoon. Numbers -- August 1952 - " ... small groups of 3 t o 10 ... between Almeni [ A h a n i ] and J a l i k l i k [Jabwelo] islets" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Jaboero 4, Jabwelo and Almani 15-20; May 1967 - Bikar 3, lagoon 4. S t a t u s --Aesident breeder? August 1952 - not l i s t e d a s breeding (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 and May 1967 - no evidence of breed- ing. This species probably does, however, breed i n small numbers a t Bikar A t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 6 ) S te rna luna ta Gray-backed Tern I i ab i t a t -- August 1952 - f l y i n g over nor th end of Bikar I s land ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). Numbers -- August 1952 - one b i r d seen (Fosberg, 1966). S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Not recorded a s breeding from Bikar A t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 17) Sterna anaethe tas Brown-winged Tern Habi ta t -- July 1932 - on Bikar (~amashina , 1940; Baker, 1951). Numbers -- July 1932 - one c o l l e c t e d . S t a t u s -- Accidental . Ju ly 1932 - Unknown. The c o l l e c t e d specimen was l i s t e d by Yamashina (pe r s . corresp. , 1966) a s a juvenal b i r d . It i s not known whether the specimen i s a ha tch l ing o r young b i r d i n juvenal plumage. If t h e l a t t e r i s t rue , t h i s species was prob- ab ly not breeding on Bikar A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - one (Table 3 ) ; POBSP - none. This i s t he only known record f o r t h i s species i n the Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . Bikar 18) Sterna fusca ta Sooty Tern Habitat -- August 1942 - " ... f l y i n g almost anyvhere on Bikar Atol l , nes t ing on Jaboero ( a small g rave l ba r spa r se ly covered with Portulaca -) nes t ing on rock f l a t s seaward of Almeni [Almani] and J a l i k l i k [Jabwelo] I s l e t s and on the nor theas t exten- s ion of J a l i k l i k [Jabwelo] (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - con- cent ra ted around Jabwelo; a c t i v e nes t ing a rea nor theas t of main i s l and on rock f l a t , o l d nes t ing a rea south por t ion on grassy open a rea ; May 1967 - f ly ing over Bikar, a c t i v e nes t ing colonies on grassy south por t ion of Jabwelo and on open, rocky, e a s t por t ion of Almani. Numbers -- August 1952 - seen commonly f l y i n g almost anywhere, thousands of p a i r s on Jaboero, small rookery on Almani and Jabwelo (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Jabwelo50CO+ a d u l t s , 2500+ n e s t l i r g s ; May 1967 - Almani 12,000 a d u l t s , 5,000 nes t l ings , Jabwelo 25,000 adu l t s , 10,000 n e s t l i n g s ; number banded 1400. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . August 1952 - Jaboero rookery of thousands of pa i r s , hundreds of eggs, thousands of newly hatched chicks ( q u i t e a few dead), rock f l a t s seaward of Almani and Jabwelo sca t t e red with eggs and s h e l l s , no r theas t extension of Jabwelo was small rookery with many young b i r d s with wings fea thered out (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - 5,000 adu l t s , 2,500 chicks (mostly 10-20 days o ld ) , no f r e s h eggs and many broken eggs on nor theas t s ec t ion of Jabwelo; many dead (skele tons only) chicks on grassy open area of south Jabwelo ( a d u l t s c i r c l i n g over the l a t t e r a r e a from 1300 t o 0100 hours may be a d i f f e r e n t breeding populat ion than those on nor theas t po r t ion ) ; May 1967 - almost f ledged young t o f l edg l ings on both Almani and Jabwelo. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 14 (Table 2 ) . These specimens represent a new specimen record from Bikar A t o l l . 19 ) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habitat -- August 1952 - "... seen occas ional ly f l y i n g over reef f l a t s . . ." (Fosberg, 1966) ; October 1964 - f ly ing over and roos t - ing on exposed ree f , seaward and lagoon beach a r e a s ; nes t ing only on c o r a l rock i n cen te r of Sooty Tern colony on nor theas t s ec t ion of Jabwelo; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing on the south rocky a r e a of Bikar, f l y i n g over and roos t ing on the rocky seaward por t ions of Almani and Jabwelo. Numbers -- August 1952 - " ... p a i r s o r s ing le b i r d s were seen oc- cas iona l ly . . ." ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 25, Jaboero 1, Jabwelo and Almani 50; May 1967 - Bikar 17, Almani 2, Jabwelo 4 , f ly ing over lagoon 2. Bikar S ta tus -- Resident breeder . August 1952 - not l i s t e d a s breeding by Fosberg (1966); October 1964 - 20 eggs and 2 small chicks i n an ova l area, nes t ing dens i ty about 1 nest/2 square f e e t . Nest de- s c r i p t i o n - s l i g h t scooped depression (diameter about 6 inches, depth about .5 t o 1.5 inches) i n the coarse rubbly c o r a l and sand; May 1967 - Bikar 7 n e s t s wi th eggs. This i s a new breeding record f o r Bikar A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; JK7BSP - t h r e e (!Cable 2 ) . Although Crested Terns have been observed from Bikar A t o l l e a r l i e r , t hese t h r e e specimens represent t h e f i r s t co l l ec ted specimen records from t h e a t o l l . 20) Procels terna ceru lea Blue-gray Noddy Habi ta t -- J u l y 1932 - Biicar (~amashina , 1940 and Baker, 1951); August 1952 - f l i t t i n g over g rave l ba r s and f l a t s on Jabwelo, nes t ( a few grass culms i n a very s l i g h t depression) on a g rave l ba r between Almani and Jabwelo (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964- - only around c o r a l rock and sand a r e a connecting Jabwelo and Almani; May 1967 - observed f l y i n g around rocky and open grass a reas on the seaward s i d e of A211ani and Jabwelo. Numbers -- J u l y 1932 - Bikar 8 (Yamashina, pers . cor resp . , 1966); August 1952 - Jabwelo 3 s o l i t a r y indiv iduals seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Jabwelo and Almani 20, absent on o the r i s l a n d s ; May 1967 - Bilrar 0, Jabwelo 4, Almani 2 ; number banded 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. August 1952 - Almani and Jabwelo one n e s t with an egg on g rave l ba r ; October 1964 - no evidence of nes t - ing; May 1967 - co l l ec ted specimen had bare brood patch. Specimen Records -- Other - e i g h t able 3 ) ; POBSP - t h r e e (!Cable 2 ) 0 21) Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- August 1952 - n e s t s i n cro tches of P isonia t r e e s Jabwelo (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - i n P isonia f o r e s t on Jabwelo; May 1967 - n e s t s placed i n cro tches of P isonia and Messer- schmidia on a l l t h r e e major i s l ands . Numbers -- March 1942 - ". .. some noddies were seen f l y i n g , prob- ably t h i s species': August 1952 - Jabwelo four seen (Fosberg, 1966 ) ; October 1964 - not common, Jabwelo th ree seen; May 1967 - very common, Bikar 200, Almani 200, Jabwelo 300, f l y i n g over lagoon 5. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . August 1952 - two n e s t s (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - no evidence of breeding; May 1967 - n e s t s with eggs a l l t h ree ma,jor i s l a n d s . 39 Bikar Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two a able 2 ) . This represents a new specimen record f o r Bika.r A t o l l . 2 Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t -- August 1952 - Almani and Jabwelo, n e s t s i n Pisonia t r e e s , infrequent outs ide t h e f o r e s t (Fosberg, 1966) ; October 1964 - on a l l t h ree major vegetated i s lands , nes t ing i n Pisonia t r e e s , occasional ly seen over lagoon; May 1967 - on Bikar, Alma.ni, and Jabwelo, roos t s and nes t s i.n tops of Pisonia, a l s o over lagoon. Numbers -- A u ~ u s t 1952 - "... not p l e n t i f u l , ... s ing le b i r d and three n e s t s ... on Almeni [Almani] I s l e t , ... small colony of a couple of dozen n e s t s and a few b i r d s ... on J a l i k l i k [Jabwelo] I s l e t , ... very few b i r d s ... outside the f o r e s t , ... none ... on Bikar I s l e t " ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 20, Jabwelo and Almani 40; May 1967 - Biltar 1-00, Almani 100, Jabwelo 200, f l y i n g over lagoon 10. S ta tus -- Resident breeder , August 1952 - Almani th ree nes ts , Jabwelo 24 n e s t s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - l e s s than 1 0 ac t ive nes t s with eggs and young, many o ld nes t s p resen t on a l l t h r e e major vegetated i s l a n d s ; May 196'7 - n e s t s wi th eggs on Bikar, Almani, and Jabwelo. Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - one (Table 2 ) . This con- s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 23) Gygis a lba White Tern Habitat -- November 1951 - "... f l y i n g over a l l t h ree i s l e t s ...", 24 March 1952 - "... f l y i n g over the north, e a s t , and south s ides ...", August 1952 - f l y i n g everywhere, e s p e c i a l l y over Pisonia t r e e s on Almani I s land, riests i n the t r e e s (Fosberg, 1 9 g r October 1964 - f l y i n g over a l l i s l ands and lagoon and surrounding ocean, roos t ing and n e s t i n g i n Pisonia t r e e s ; May 1967 - f l y i n g about a l l i s l ands and lagoon, roos t ing and nes t ing i n Pisonia and Messerschmidia. Numbers -- November 1951 - very common over a l l t h ree i s l e t s , March 1952 - presen t , August 1952 - genera l ly common, hundreds on Almani (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Bikar 200, Jabwelo and Almani 300; May 1967 - Bikar 200, ALmani 200, Jabwelo 300, over lagoon 4 . S ta tus -- Resident breeder . August 1952 - f?ew downy young present (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - nes t ing only on Jabwelo and Alxani, a few eggs and downy chicks p resen t ; May 1967 - specimen collected had a bare brood patch. Specimen Record -- Other - none; POBSP - two able 2 ) . This i s a new specimen record from Bilsar A t o l l . 148-ill 0-60-4 U T I R I K 0 1 2 3 L 1 S T A T U T E M I L E S UTIRIK ATOLL Shape and Size: I r r e g u l a r t r iangle-shaped; North t i p t o south base - 9 mi les ; Width of base - 8 miles ; T o t a l lagoon area - 35.68 square mi les ; T o t a l dry land a rea - 1.04 square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 8; Height - ? f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956; Wiens, 1957). S o i l : Beach (ocean s i d e ) - mostly boulder r idges and cobblestone a r e a s ; - Beach (lagoon s i d e ) - mostly sand a reas ; I n t e r i o r - mostly sandy s o i l (Wiens, 195'7). Vegetation: Forty-nine spec ie s ; U t i r i k I s l and mostly planted with e; Other i e l a n r s conta in Cocos and scrub growth (Fosberg, 1956; Wiens, 1957). Climate: Moderate r a i - n i a l l , about 60-70 inches yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- perature-82' F.; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t t o nor th (lposberg, 1956). Human Population: Pas t - not permanently inhabi ted ( ~ i n d l a ~ , 1886); 166 i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 219 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c Visits: Northern Marshal1 I s l ands Expedition - 23 Nov-h- Dec. 1951; U.S. Navy - 13 February 1956; P a c i f i c Science Board - summer 1956. Avifauna: Ten b i r d spec ie s a r e known from Ut i rk A t o l l . These include t h r e e seabi rd species , f i v e shorebird spec ies , and two domestic spec ie s (duck and fowl ) . Only one spec ie s i s known t o breed on t h e a t o l l , while four spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders ; f i v e spec ies a r e migrants . No museum specimens a re known from the a t o l l . Ten spec ies a r e l i s t e d i n the fol lowing c h e c k l i s t , which was der ived from two sources: (1 ) Fosberg, 1966; and (2) Kramer, 1938. These sources a r e r e fe r r ed t o i n t h e c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers. U t i r i k A t o l l Avifauna Checkl i s t Species S t a t u s Sources 1) Phaethon l ep tu rus Resident breeder ? 1 2) Cair ina moschata Introduced breeder ? 1. 3 ) Gallue Introduced breeder ? 1, 2 4) P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant 1 5) Numenius phaeopus Migrant 1 6) Numenius ,t&ihitien$is Migrant 1 7 ) B e t e r o s c e i G Z i Z G Migrant 1 8 ) ,&rm.aa.i&ezp_r.a Migrant 1 9 ) Thaiasseus berg11 Resident breeder ? 1 10) Gygis a lba Breeder, November-December (eggs) 1 0 I 2 3 I I S T A T U T E M I L E S TAKA A T O U Shape and Size : Triangle-shaped; Length - 9 mi les (nor th t o south) ; Width - 9 miles ( e a s t t o wes t ) ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 51.71 square m i l e s ; To ta l dry land - 0 . square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 6; Iieight 15: feei;. S o i l : Beach (ocean s i d e ) - c o r a l rock, some sand; Beach (lagoon s i d e ) - - mostly sand, some rocky a reas ; I n t e r i o r s o i l - black peat over sand; Bwokwen Is land - sand and rock only (see Fosberg, 1954, 19553 and 1956). Vegetation: Twenty-three spec ies ; Taka ( l a r g e s t i s l a n d ) - 113 coconut i;rees, scrubby f o r e s t , Eluk, Lojrong, and Waai;r./erik I s l ands - scrubby f o r e s t ; Bwokwen I s l and - no vegeta t ion ( ~ o s b e r g , 1955j 1956). Clima-te: Moderately dry, 60-70 inches of r a i n : f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature-82" F; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t t o north ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956) Human Population: Past - not inhabi ted; Present - not inhabited; due t o closeness of U t i r i k ( 6 mi le s ) humans pe r iod ica l ly v i s i t t he a t o l l t o ha.rvest copra aka Is l and only) , t o f i s h , and t o ga ther bi.rds and t h e i r eggs 3 times a year ( ~ t i r i k na t ive , personal communication, October 1964). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Northern Marshall I s lands Expedition - 5-9 December 1951; POBSP- 19-23 October 1964, 6 May 1967. Avifauna: Nineteen b i r d species a r e p resen t ly known from Taka ALoll. These include 12 seabirds, 6 shorebirds, and l heron. Nine o:f t hese species a r e known breeders, t h r e e o the r s a r e possib1.e breeders , f i v e a r e migrants, and two a re c lassed a s vagrants . Taka A t o l l i s t h e only known loca le i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l a n d s of the migrant Ero l i a melanotus, and t h e ace iden ta l s A c t i t i s macularia and S te rco ra r ius sp. Nineteen species a r e l i s t e d i n t h e following c h e c k l i s t which was derived from seve ra l sources: ( 1 ) FOBSP, ( a ) 1964, (b ) 1967); and (2) Fosberg, ( a ) 1955, ( b ) 1966. The sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by cor- responding numbers and l e t t e r s . The t h i r t e e n species marked by a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k a r e new species records f o r Taka A t o l l ; t he f i v e species marked by double a s t e r i s k s a r e new a t o l l breeding records. Taka A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species 1) Puffinus pacificus* 2 ) Phaethon rubricauda* Sula sula* -- Sula leucogaster* - Fregata minor* Egre t t a sacra* P l u v i a l i s dominica Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s A c t i t i s macularia* Heteroscelus incanum* Arenaria i n t e r p r e s E r o l i a melanotos* S te rco ra r ius sp.* Sterna sumatranas Sterna fusca ta Thalasseus bergi i* A- s to l idus Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis - a lba Sta tue Resident breeder* Resident breeder** Resident breeder* Resident breeder? Resident breeder? Resident breeder? Migrant Migrant Vagrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Vagrant Resident breede r x-1- Resident breeder Resident breeder*" Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Source l a b l a b l a b l a b l a b l a b l a b l ab , 2b l a l ab lab, 2b l a l a l a b lab , 2ab l a b l ab , 2ab lab , 2ab l ab , 2b POMSP personnel have co l l ec ted 6 1 specimens of 15 species a able 4 ) . Ten of these 15 species a r e specimen records of species not previously known from Taka A t o l l ; t he o ther 5 represent the f i rs t specimen con- f i rmat ion of species known previously only from s i g h t records . No o ther specimens a r e known from Taka A t o l l . Species Accounts 1 ) Puff inus pacif icus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Habi ta t -- October 1964 - n e s t burrows loca ted i n grassy ( ~ e p t u r u s ) a rea on southeast s ide of Lojrong, burrows 2-3 f e e t deep i n sandy s o i l ; May 1967 - burrows on Lojrong, same loca t ion a s i n 1964. Numbers -- October 1964 - Lojrong 5 l a r g e young (area not observed a t n igh t so a d u l t population s t a t u s unknown, however, one chick r e - gu rg i t a t ed squid ind ica t ing a d u l t s were s t i l l feeding it - est imated a d u l t population 10-12); May 1967 - Lojrong none observed during day, presence of a c t i v e burrows suggests a t l e a s t 24 a d u l t s a r e present nocturnal ly . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. October 1964 - 5 young almost fledged, another burrow was empty suggesting t h a t a 6 t h chick had a l r eady fledged; May 1967 - 12 a c t i v e burrows found, no eggs o r young pres- en t . This i s a new breeding record f o r Taka Ato l l . 45 Taka TABLE 4. Bird specimens collected by FOBS? from Taka Atoll Species Museum - Sex A x Location D a t e Status Collector Puffinus pacificus USNM 494820 Lojrong Taka I. Eluk Taka I. 10-23 -64 Skin 10-20-64 Skull 5-6-67 Skin 10-20-64 Skull Skin 11 I, 10-22-64 " I! 5-6-67 10-20-64 " 10-22-64 " Amerson Actitis macularia Heteroscelus incanum Wislocki ClaPP Amerson Huber Lehner Eluk Loj rong Bwokwen Erolia melanotos Sterna sumatrana It- Amerson A m m a n Huber Taka I. I t ,I Sterna fuscata ,t 7r Loj rong Amerson Lehner Huber Lehner Amerson Lehner I , 10-22-64 10-23-64 " 10-22-64 Alc . 5-6-67 Skin Thalasseus bergii A m stolidus Taka I. Eluk Lojrong Anous tenuirostris 11- Eluk Eluk Taka I. Amerson Hub e r Gygis alba 46 Taka TABLF 4. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Taka Atoll (cont'd) Species Museum - Sex A Location Date Status Collector Gygis alba 1, USNM 494613 " 494614 " 494615 " 494616 " 494617 ' 494618 " 494619 " 494620 Taka I. 11 Rwokwen Taka I Bwohen Eluk Skin 11 Huber Wislocki Wislocki and Lehner Lehner Amerson 47 Taka Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 2 ) Phaethon rubricauda Red-tailed Tropicbird Habi ta t -- October 1964 - f l y i n g over Taka, Eluk, and Waatwerik; May 196'7 - f l y i n g above and nes t ing under Scaevola and Messer- schmidia a t Eluk. Numbers -- October 1964 Taka 5, Eluk 3, Lojron 0, Waatwerik 2; May 1967 - Eluk 25, Taka 0, Lojrong 0, Bwokwen 0. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - no n e s t s found; how- ever , t h r e e b i r d s were observed i n cour t sh ip f l i g h t above Eluk; May 1967 - nes t s conta in ing eggs t o f ledgl ings present , a l s o i n f l i g h t cour tsh ip behavior. This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion r ep resen t s a new spec- i e s s i g h t record f o r Taka Ato l l . 3 ) Sula su la 7- Red-footed Booby Habi ta t -- October 1964 - s k e l e t a l p a r t s found around o l d f i r e p i t near o ld na t ive hu t s on Taka,, o ld nes t i n low Messerschmidia bush on Lojrong; May 1967 - subadwts roos t ing i n Messerschmidia and f l y i n g over Eluk, a l s o f l y i n g over lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - no l i v e indiv iduals observed, 8 s k u l l s recovered, one kept , from f i r e p i t on Taka, v i s i t i n g na.tives ap- pa ren t ly have driven t h i s species from the a t o l l ; May 1967 - Eluk 25 (some recen t ly k i l l e d by na t ives ) , lagoon 4. Sta tus -- Resident breeder . Oc-tober 1964 - one o ld n e s t which ap- peared t o be a Red-footed Booby nes t was found on Lojrong; May 1967 - no evidence of breeding. If the 1964 nes t observat ion i s v a l i d , t h i s i s a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This rep- r e sen t s a new species and specimen record from Taka A t o l l . 4) - Sula leucogas ter Brown Booby Habi ta t -- October 1964, f l y i n g over Taka and Eluk, s k e l e t a l p a r t s found around o ld f i r e p i t Taka, roos t ing on Bwokwen; May 1967 - f l y - ing above Eluk and the lagoon. Numbers -- December 1951 - present ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Taka 1, plus 7 s k u l l s , Eluk 2, Bwoken 3, an immature Brown Booby was seen over the lagoon on 2 1 October ( a t dusk) bearing an orange p l a s t i c streamer on i t s l e f t l e g which indica ted it was banded by POBSP personnel a t Sand Is land, Johnston A t o l l ; May 1967 - Eluk 2, lagoon 2. Taka S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r Taka A t o l l . 5 ) Fregata m i n o r Great F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- October 196h - s k e l e t a l p a r t s found around o ld f i r e p i t near o ld na t ive huts on Taka; May 1967 - observed f l y i n g above Eluk and the lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - no l i v e indiv iduals observed, one s k u l l recovered from f i r e p i t on Taka, v i s i t i n g na t ives have apparent ly driven t h i s species from t h e A t o l l ; May 196'7 - Eluk 2, lagoon 12, o ther i s l ands 0. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This con- s t i t u t e s a new species and specimen record from the a t o l l . 6 ) Egre t t a sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t -- October 1964 - seen on exposed reef and rocky beach of Taka and Waatwerik; May 1967 - on rocky seaward beach of Taka. Numbers -- October 1964 - Taka 1, Waatwerik 2, May 1967 - Taka 1. Sta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- None. This i s a new species s i g h t record f o r Taka A t o l l . 7 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- October 1964 - seen on sandy and rocky beach a reas on a l l i s l ands ; May 1967 - rocky seaward beach of Taka. Numbers -- October 1964 - Taka 10-20, Eluk 5-10, Lojrong 5-10, Waatwerik 5, Bwokwen 6 ; May 1967 - Taka 1. Sta tus -- Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 8) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew Habi ta t -- 7 December 1951 - seen on Taka ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1966); October 1964- observed on rocky seaward beaches of Taka and Waatwerik; May 1967 - on rocky seaward beach of Taka. Taka Numbers -- 7 December 1951 - one seen on Taka ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - Taka 4, Waatwerik 2; May 1967 - Taka 1. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. 9 ) A c t i t i s macularia Spotted Sandpiper Habi ta t -- October 1964 - on rocky seaward s ide of Taka Is land, i n a s soc ia t ion with f lock of Ruddy Turnstones. Numbers -- October 1964 - one seen on Taka I s l and . S ta tus -- Accidental . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 4 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record fo r a l l of Micronesia. 10 ) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habitat -- October 1964 - seen on sandy lagoon (occasional ly on seaward) beaches of Taka, Bwokwen, and Waatwerik; May 1967 - on rocky seaward beaches of Eluk, Taka, and Lojrong. Numbers -- October 1964 - Taka 6, Bwokwen 1, Waatwerik 1; May 1967 - Eluk 1, Taka 1, Lojrong 1. Sta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 4 ) . This represents a new b i r d species and specimen record f o r the a t o l l . 11 ) Arenaria in t e rp res Ruddy Turnstone Habitat -- 9 December 1951 - west end ofwaatwer ik (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - rocky and sandy beaches of Taka, Bwokwen, and Waatwerik; May 1967 - sandy and rocky beaches of Eluk, Taka, and Lojrong . Numbers -- 9 December 1951 - small f l o c k seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Taka 150-200, Bwokwen 10, Waatwerik 5; May 1967 - Eluk 3, Taka 5, Lojrong 1. Sta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 4 ) . These specimens represent a new specimen record from Taka A t o l l . 2 E r o l i a melanotos Pec to ra l Sandpiper Habi ta t -- 20 October 1964 - found i n grassy (Lepturus) a r e a on southeastern s i d e of Lojrong. 50 Taka Numbers -- 20 October 1964 - one found with a broken l e g (caught a l i v e but s t a rv ing , soon d i e d ) on Lojrong. S t a t u s - Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 4 ) . This i s a new spec ie s and specimen reco rd f o r t h e Marshall. I s l ands . 13) S t e r c o r a r i u s sp. Jaeger spec ies Habitat -- 21 October 1 9 6 4 - - observed f l y i n g over sh ip anchored i n lagoon. Numbers -- 21 October 1964 - one seen. S ta tus - -Accidenta l . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion r ep resen t s a new spec ies s i g h t record f o r a11 of Micronesia. 1 4 ) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- October 1964 -. sandy and rocky r e e f f l a t a reas of Taka, Eluk, Lojrong, and Bwokwen; n e s t i n g on sandy a r e a of Bvrolcwen; May 1967 - roos t ing and f l y i n g above sandy a reas of Bwokwen and Eluk and t h e lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - Taka 1.2, Lojrong 5-1.0, Eluk 5-10, Bwokwen 5-10; May l$7 - !3wohren 12, Eluk 1, lagoon 5. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - one nes t (with one egg) on bare sand of Bwokwen; May 196'7 - no evidence of breeding on i s - 1.ands v i s i t e d . 'lbe 1964 d a t a c o n s t i t u t e a new breeding record . Specimen Records - Other - none; POBSP - t h ree (Table 4 ) . This collection c o n s t i t u t e s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 15) Sterna fusca ta Sooty Tern Habitat -- December 1951 - f l y i n g around Taka I s l and , nes t ing on t h e seaward s ide of Eluk, between t h e f i . r s t two rows of Tournefort ia bushes on abso lu te ly bare g rave l and sand ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1955, 1956); October 1964 - f l y i n g over a l l i s l ands , a c t i v e l y nes t ing a t south- e a s t seaward corner of Taka I s l a n d on bare sand and gravel between low scrub p l a n t s ; o l d n e s t i n g s i t e (wi th broken egg s h e l l s ) a t southeast corner of Lojrong i n grassy ( ~ e ~ t u r u s ) a rea ; May 1967 - few f l y i n g over Bwokwen, small colony on rocky-grassy area loca ted on t h e lagoon s ide of Eluk ( p i l e of f r e s h l y k i l l e d a d u l t s and young on lagoon beach), few f l y i n g over 1964 colony s i t e a t Taka, l a r g e colony over e n t i r e south and west po r t ions of Lojrong. 5 1 Taka Numbers -- December 1951 - few f ly ing over Taka Is land, thousands on Eluk ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1955, 1966); October 19611- - Lojrong skeletons and o ld egg s h e l l s , Eluk &000+ f ly ing over, Taka 50-60,000 i n nes t - ing colony; May 1967 - Rwokwen few f l y i n g , Eluk 3,000 a d u l t s and 1,000 nes t l ings , Taka 25 f l y i n g , Lojrong 50,000 a d u l t s and 20,000 nes t l ings , lagoon few. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. December 1951 - Eluk hard t o avoid stepping on the numerous s c a t t e r e d eggs ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1955, 1966); October 1964 - 8-10,000 n e s t s with eggs o r 1-2 week old chicks. ( ~ o t e : The eggs were s c a t t e r e d and not c lose together a s i n most Sooty Tern colonies, suggesting t h a t eggs had been co l l ec ted for food by the Ut i r ik na t ives . This was v e r i f i e d by Andy Moor, a U t i r i k Ato l l inhabi tant who, along with th ree o the r s , v i s i t e d Taka A t o l l on 20-23 October and t o l d us t h a t eggs had been gathered about a month e a r l i e r . The four a t e some Sooty Terns, t h e i r eggs and young, during t h e i r three-day s t a y on t h e a t o l l . ) May 1967 - half-grown young t o f l edg l ings p resen t . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 18 a able 4 ) . These Sooty Tern specimens represent t h e f i r s t specimen records f o r t h i s species from Taka A t o l l . 16) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habitat -- October 1964 - nes t ing on bare sand-gravel area i n center of Sooty Tern colony a t southeast sec t ion of Taka I s l and ; observed f ly ing over Bwokwen; May 1967 - fl.ying over sandy and rocky a reas of Bwokwen, Taka, and Lojrong; n e s t s placed on the rocky southeast area of Lojrong. Numbers - - October 1964 - Taka 30, Bwokwen 1; May 1967 - Rwokwen 2, Eluk 3, Taka 2, Lajrong 50k a d u l t s and one n e s t l i n g , lagoon 4. Sta tus -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - 10 n e s t s (with 1 egg each) seen on Taka; May 1967 - Lojrong one small nes t l ing , pos- s i b l y eggs present , but not found. This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h ree able 4 ) . T h i s represents a new species and specimen record fo r Taka A t o l l . 17) Anous s to l idus Brown Noddy I iabi tat -- 8-9 December 1951 - ". . . Watwerok I s l e t [should be Eluk (Fosberg, pe r s . co r res . i966)] . . . nes t ing on open pebble f l a t s on the e a s t end of t h e i s l e t and i n t r e e s general ly" ( ~ o s b e r g , 1955, 1966); October 1964 - observed i n f o r e s t s and on sandy and rocky beaches on a l l i s l ands except Lojrong, one s k u l l found around cook- ing s i t e near na t ive hut on west s ide of Taka I s l and ; May 1967 - f l y i n g over Bwokwen, roos t ing and nes t ing i n Cocas and Pandanus a t Eluk, Taka, and Lojrong. 5 2 Taka Numbers -- 8-9 December 1951 - many seen on Eluk (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Taka 50, Waatwerik 15, Eluk 100, Bwokwen 10; May 1967 - Bwokwen few, Eluk 500, Taka 50, Lojrong 200, lagoon 30. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . 8-9 December 1951 - nes t ing on Eluk (Fosberg, 1955, 1966); October 1964 - one nes t with one egg found on Eluk; May 1967 - n e s t s wi th eggs t o f l edg l ings . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - four (Table 4 ) . Thfse represent the f i r s t specimens of t h i s spec ies t o be co l l ec t ed from Taka A t o l l . 18) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t -- 7-8 December 1951 - nes t ing i n t r e e s on Eluk (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - present on a l l i s l ands , n e s t s of dead l eaves i.n forked branches of Messerschmidia bushes found on Eluk, Lojrong, and Waatwerik; May 1967 - f l y i n g over. a l l i s l ands and lagoon, roos t ing and nes t ing i n Messerschmidia a t Eluk, Taka, and Lojrong. Numbers -- 7-8 December 1951 - common Eluk (Fosberg, 1955, 1966); October 1964 - Taka 75-100, EluB 500, Bwokwen 40, Lojrong 200, and Waatwerik 200; May 1967 - Bwokwn few, Eluk 500, Taka 50, Lojrong 200, lagoon 25. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder. 7-8 December 1951 - nes t ing i n t r e e s on Eluk (Fosberg, 1955, 1966); Octo ter 1964 - n e s t s with eggs o r up t o half-grown chicks on Eluk ZOO-, Lojrong, and Waatwerik; May 1967 - n e s t s (with one egg) on ELuk, Taka, and Lojrong. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - seven (Table 4 ) . These represent t h e f i r s t A m t e n u i r o s t r i s specimens t o be co l l ec t ed from Taka A t o l l . 19) Gygis a lba White Tern f iab i ta t -- 7-8 December 1951 - nes t ing i n bushes and t r e e s (eggs l a i d on bare branches wherever a knothole or s l i g h t i r r e g u l a r i t y occurs) on Lojrotgand Eluk (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - observed f l y i n g over and roos t ing i n f o r e s t s on a l l i s l ands except Bwokwen, nes t ing i n Messerschmidia and Pisonia on Lojrong and Waatwerik; May 1967 - f l y i n g above Bwokwen, a s we l l a s roos t ing i n Pisonia and t a l l Messerschmidia a t Eluk, Taka, and Lojrong. Numbers -- 7-8 December 1951 - very abundant on Lojrong and Eluk (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - Taka 500, Eluk 200, Lojrong 200 Waatwerik 200; May 1967 - Ewokwen few, Eluk 500, Taka 50, Lojrong 200, lagoon 25. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . 7-8 December 1951 - n e s t s with eggs o r young i n va r ious s t ages on Lojrong and Eluk (Fosberg, 1966); October 53 Taka 1964 - few n e s t s with eggs or up t o half-grown young on Lojrong and Waatwerik; May 1967 - no n e s t s observed, but co l l ec t ed specimens had bare brood patches. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 4 able 4 ) . These White Tern specimens a r e t h e f i r s t t o be c o l l e c t e d from Taka A t o l l . M E J I T 0 C 3 - C - - - - 1 - , 1/2 1 STATUTE MILE MEJIT' ISLAND Location: 10?17' N x 170'54' E. Shape and Size: Oval-shaped; Tip t o t i p (north-south) - 1.75 mi les ; Width - 0 7 5 mi les ; One land-locked s a l t lake with a marshy f r inge p resen t ; To ta l d r y land area - 1.32 square miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 1; Height - 15-20 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956; Wiens, 1957; U.S. Navy, 1964). So i l : Beach (leeward southwest s i d e ) - f i n e sand ( ~ i e n s , 1957). Vegetation: Seventeen species ; Vegetation, including t r e e s , i s low; Numerous Cocas and Pandanus, undergrowth no t dense ( ~ i e n s , 1957). Climate: Moderately wet, about 70 inches of r a i n f a l l year ly ; Mean a i r temperature - 82' F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t t o nor th (Fosberg, 1956). Human Populat ioa: Pas t - inhabi ted , 50 i n 1800's (Findlay, 18%); 299 i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabi ted , 329 i n 1964 (u.S. Department of S t a t e , 1 s 5 ) . S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Japanese v i s i t (H. O r i i ) September 1931; P a c i f i c Science Board (H. J. Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna.: Five b i r d species a r e known from Mejit I s l and . These 5 include 2 seabi rds , 2 shorebirds, and 1 domestic fowl. Two of these 5 spec ies a r e poss ib le breeders . Meji t I s l and possesses the only known record f o r Diomedea immutabilis i n t h e Marshall I s l a n d s . The following check l i s t p resen t s the known b i r d species from Mejit I s land, a s we l l a s t h e i r s t a t u e and record source. The sources include: ( 1 ) POBSP band recovery; ( 2 ) Baker, 1951; ( 3 ) Hand-list of Japanese X r d s ( a ) 1932, ( b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (4 ) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1 9 3 ; (5 ) YIZM col - l ec t ion . These sources a re r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e check l i s t by t h e correspond- ing numbers and l e t t e r s . The two species marked with an a s t e r i s k a r e new records f o r the island,and a r e based on POBSP band r e t u r n records. Meji t I s l and Aviafauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Source 1) Diomedea immutabilis* Accidental 1 2) Gallus gallus Introduced breeder? 4 3) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant 5 4) Arenaria in t e rp res* Migrant 1 5 ) Gygis a lba - Resident breeder ? 2, 3abc 56 Mejit Bird specimens co l l ec ted from Mejit I s land include four specimens of two species. These b i r d s are deposi ted i n t h e Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum i n Tokyo,Japan. TABU 5. Bird ~pecimens co l l ec ted from Mejit I s land Species Museum - Sex A 3 Location Date - Sta tus Col lec tor Heteroscelus incanum YIZM d I Mejit I. 09-19-31 Lost H. O r i i It 9 , YIZM d A " Skin " I! YIZM d A " 1 Lost " Gygis - alba YIZM d A " Skin " S T A T U T E M I L E S ncnemmwaan Aiiat e m w a n m w a n AILUK ATOLL Location: loO>O' N x 169"56' E . Shape and Size : Elongated t r iangle-shaped; Tip t o t i p (north-south) - 20 mi les ; Widest point (east-west , near southern base) - 5 t o 8 mi les ; To ta l lagoon a rea - 89.62 square miles; T o t a l d ry land area - 2.19 square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 57; Height - up t o 20 f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956 ; U.S . Navy, 1964) . S o i l : Beach (ocean s i d e ) - blackened coral. rock; Beach (lagoon s i d e ) - - mostly sandy; Inland - sandy (Fosberg, 1956). Vegetation: F i f t y - f i v e species; Ailuk I s l and p lanted with Cocos and Artocarpus; Smaller i s l ands mostly planted with B, but broad s t r i p s of n a t u r a l vege ta t ion l e f t on seaward s ide a s a windbreak (Fosberg, 1956 1. Climate: Moderately wet, about 70 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature-8'2" F.; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t t o no r th ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). Human Populat ion: Past- inhabited, 120 i n 1800 ' s (Findlay , 1886) ; 719 i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 410 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Japanese v i s i t (H. 0 r i i ) 17-18 September 1931;Northern Marshall I s l a n d s Expedition - 24-31 December 1951; P a c i f i c Science Board (H . J . Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna: Thi r teen species of b i r d s a r e known from Ailuk A t o l l . Of these 13, 7 a r e seabi rd? , 4 a r e shorebirds, 1 i s a heron, and 1 i s a domestic fowl. One species i s known t o breed on Ailuk, while 6 o t h e r spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders . The 4 shorebi rds a r e migrants . A c h e c k l i s t of the b i rds known t o occur on Ailuk A t o l l fol lows. Sources f o r t h i s l i s t include: (1 ) Fosberg, 1966; ( 2 ) Baker, 1951; ( 3 ) Hand- l i s t of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, ( b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (4 ) Yale Cross- Cu l tu ra l Survey, 1943; and (5 ) YIZM c o l l e c t i o n . The sources a r e r e - f e r r ed t o i n the check l i s t by the corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . Ailuk A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Source 1) Fregata minor Resident breeder ?, few 1 2) Egre t t a s ac ra Resiaent breeder ? 1 9 2, 3b, 5 3 ) Gallus g a l l u s Introduced breeder ? 1, 4 4 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant 1 5 ) Numenias t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant 1, 2, 3, 5 60 Ailuk Species S ta tus Source Reterosce lus incanum Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Sterna sumatrana Sterna fusca ta --- Thalasseus b e r g i i A m s t o l i d u s A x t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis ab la Migrant 2, 3, 5 Migrant 1 Resident breeder ? ; 10 1 Resident breeder ?; 1 1 Resident breeder ?; ? 2, 3ab, 5 Resident breeder ? ; few 1 Resident breeder ?; 100+ 1, 2, 3ab, 5 Resident breeder , December; few 1 Four a d d i t i o n a l spec ies , i'uf'finus pac i f icus , Puff inus n a t i v i t a t u s , Pterodroma hypoleuca, and Phaethon rubricauda, have been l i s t e d from Ailuk A t o l l by va r ious au thors , including Fishe r (19116) and Baker (1951). This was because of confusion a s t o the exac t l oca t ion of " ~ r u s e n s t e r n Is land" which Sa lv in (1888) l i s t e d a s the type l o c a l i t y f o r Puff inus cuneatus and Oes t r e l a t a hypoleuca. I agree with Murphy (1951) and Ely and Amerson ( i n p r e p . ) , who suggest t h a t the " ~ r u s e n s t e r n " l i s t e d by Sa lv in i s not Ailuk but one of t h e i s l ands of the Leeward Hawaiian Chain. Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Ailuk A t o l l include 1'3 specimens of 5 spec ies which a r e loca ted i n t h e Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum i n Tokyo, Japan. TABLE 6 . Bird specimens Col lec ted a t Ailuk A t o l l . Species Egre t t a s ac ra 11 Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Heteroscelus incanum Thalasseus ber ii -8- Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Muse urn YIZM Y I Z M YIZM Y I Z M Y IZM YIZM Y I Z M YIZM YIZM Y I Z M YIZM YIZM YIZM Location Ailuk I. ,, Date - 09-17-31 09-18-31 09-17-31 09-18-31 S t a t u s Skin Lost Skin Lost Skin Co l l ec to r H . O r i i S T A T U T E M I L E S J E M O ISLAND Location: 10'07' N x 16g033' E . Shape and Size: Oval-shaped i s l a n d about ha l f a mile long (from north- west t o southeas t ) s i t u a t e d a t t h e southwest corner of a submerged r e e f (about 4.75 miles long) running from nor theas t t o southwest; Total land area-0.07 square miles; Tota l area covered by land and reef 1.46 square miles (Fosberg, 1956); Height - 30 f e e t . So i l : Beaches - sandy and rocky por t ions , some cobblestone sec t ions ; - Inland - sandy and rocky por t ions , surface under Pisonia t r e e s covered by a t h i c k layer of a pea t - l ike mater ia l , over a l aye r of cemented sand (Fosberg, 1954, 1955, 1966). Vegetation: Total species 74; S t r i p of t a l l Pisonia f o r e s t on west por- t i o n , coconut p l a n t a t i o n on eas te rn ha l f and most of west h a l f , under- growth i s very dense i n p laces ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). Climate: Moderately wet, 70-80 inches of r a i n f a l l annually; Mean annual temperature-82" F. ; Wind prevalent from nor theas t (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - uninhabited, b i r d and t u r t l e sanctuary (pre- European t imes) v i s i t e d once yea r ly t o harvest l imi ted number of animals and t h e i r eggs; c leared and p lanted t o coconuts by Likiep in- hab i t an t s around 1900; uninhabited i n 1951 although a frame house was present f o r use during copra harves t ing; Present - uninhabited i n 1964 and 1967, o l d frame house and associa ted copra shed de te r io ra t ing . S c i e n t i f i c Vis i t s : Northern Marshall I s l ands Expedition, 18-22 December 1951; POBSP - a-24 October 1964 and 5 May 1967. Avifauna: Fourteen b i r d species a r e known from Jemo I s l and . These in- clude 8 seabi rds , 4 shorebirds, 1 heron, and 1 introduced domestic fowl. Five of these species a r e known breeders, 5 o the r s a r e poss ib le breeders, and 4 a r e migrants. Fourteen species a r e l i s t e d i n the following check l i s t , which was de- r ived from various sources: (1 ) POBSP, ( a ) 1964, (b ) 7 and (2 ) Fosberg, 1966. These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the check l i s t by cor- responding numbers and l e t t e r s . The s i x species marked by a s ing le a s t e r i s k a r e new species records fo r Jemo Is land; the four species marked by double a s t e r i s k s are new i s l and breeding records. Jemo Jemo I s l and Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus Source Fregata minor Egret ta sacra* Gallus g a l l u s P l u v i a l i s dominica .. Arenaria in te rp res* Sterna fusca ta x Anous s t o l i d u s Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis alba Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder** Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? now absent Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder** Resident breeder** Resident breeder** l b l ab , 2 l ab , 2 l a b 2 l ab , 2 l a b l a b l a b l b l ab , 2 l ab , 2 l a b 2 POBSP personnel have co l l ec ted 30 specimens of 9 species able 7 ) . Of these 9 species , 4 a r e specimen records of species not previously known from Jemo Is land; the o ther 5 represent the f i r s t specimen confirmation of species previous ly known only from s igh t records . No other specimens a r e known from Jemo I s l and . Species Accounts 1) Phaethon l ep tu rus White-tai led Tropicbird Habitat -- May 1967 - f ly ing about the i s l and , j u s t above the t r e e s . Numbers -- May 1967 - 3. Sta tus -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - i n - f l i g h t courtship be- havior observed, poss ib ly nes t ing i n holes of t h e high Pisonia t r e e s . Specimen Records --Other-none; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - o n e ( ~ a b l e 7 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n repre- sen t s a new species and specimen record from Jemo I s l and . 2 ) Sula su la -- Red-footed Booby Habitat -- December 1951 - nes t ing i n P i son ia t r e e s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n very high (75'-100') Pisonia t r e e s ; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n high Pisonia, some roos t - ing i n l a rge Messerschmidia. Numbers -- December 1951 - nes t ing i n numbers ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1966); October 1964 - est imated population 1,000; May 1967 - 2,000. Jemo TABLE 7. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Jemo Island. Species Museum Sex A Location Date Status Phaethon lf pturus USNM 543050 d A Jemo 5-5-67 Skin 543060 9 N " Sula sula 11 I, (111 " 543350 d A " 11 I' " 543351 d A " 11 It " 543352 d A " ts 11 " 543052 9 A " I I 11 " 543051 $2 A " 1, " 543380 9 % " Fregata minor ' 494854 9 - , I Egretta sacra 10-24-64 " " 543401 9 A " 5 -5 -67 Heteroscelus in can^ " 543438 d A " Arenaria inter re - I t 543439 d A 11 I " 543416 9 A " Anous stolidus 11 f 11- " 543476 d A " " Wing/~kull I, " 543477 d A " Skin I , " 543475 d SA " " 543496 d A? " I t A m tenuirostris 1, " 543443 d A " I I I " 543444 7 SA " " ~ing/~kull I, " 543445 d sA " Skin 11 " 543408 9 A " 11 11 " 494623 d - is alba t 10-24-64 " %- " 494624 - - " 494624 d - 11 " 49626 d - I t I , 4946~7 9 - I t 11 11 t " 543221 ? A " 5 -5 -67 " ,I n 543449 $2 A " ,I It " 543450 d A " ( 1 " 543222 7 A " I f Collector Amerson ,I 1 , I f Huber Amerson Huber Wislocki Huber f Amerson t 66 Jemo S ta tus -- Resident breeder. December 1951 - nes t ing i n numbers (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - approximately 200 nes t s ( too high t o observe whether eggs o r chicks were present , but a d u l t s were on the n e s t s ) ; May 1967 - many l a rge downy nes t l ings present ( n e s t s too high t o determine i f eggs o r small young were p resen t ) . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - s i x able 7 ) . This i s a new specimen record fo r t h e i s l a n d . 7) SuLa leucogaster Brown Booby Habitat -- 20 December 1951 - seen f l y i n g (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - roos t ing a t night i n coconut t r e e s on west s ide of i s l and ; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing on the ground a t t h e edge of t h e vegetated por t ion on the nor theas t (windward) s ide . Numbers -- 20 December 1951 - one seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - t h r e e observed; May 1967 - four seen during day. S ta tus -- Resident breeder. October 1964 - not breeding; May 1967 - one l a r g e downy n e s t l i n g p resen t . This i s a new breeding record f o r Jemo. Specimen Records -- None. 4 ) Fregata minor Great Fr iga tebi rd Habitat -- 18 December 1951 - seen f l y i n g (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - f l y i n g over i s l a n d and roos t ing i n tops of t a l l Pisonia t r e e s ; May 1967 - a d u l t s and f i r s t - y e a r b i r d s roos t ing i n tops of Pisonia t r e e s . Numbers -- 18 December 1951 - a t l e a s t 15 (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - 10-20 observed; May 1967 - 10 seen. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? None breeding; however, the re i s a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t h i s species n e s t s on Jemo I s l and . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 7 ) . This col - l e c t i o n rep resen t s a new specimen record from Jemo. 5) Egre t ta sacra Reef Heron Habitat -- October 1964 - on rocky beach on e a s t s ide of i s l a n d ; May 1967 - on rocky and sandy beach. Numbers -- October 1964 - one observed and co l l ec ted ; May 1967 - one p resen t . S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding although they may breed he re . 67 ~ e m o Specimen Records - Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 7 ) . This i s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Jemo I s l a n d . 6 ) Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken Habi ta t -- December 1951 - present (Fosberg, 1966). Numbers -- December 1951 - present ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966). S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder? It i s poss ib le t h a t t h i s spec ies bred i n t h e p a s t a t Jemo I s l and . Specimen Records -- None. 7 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- December 1951 - present (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - observed on sandy and rocky beaches; May 1967 - on sandy beach. Numbers -- December 1951 - ".. . only 2 were seen, poss ib ly 2 s i g h t - ings of t h e same indiv idual" (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - e s t i - mated populat ion 50; May 1967 - 2 observed; number banded 4 . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None 8) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Hab i t a t -- October 196h - observed a long sandy beaches; May 1967 - present on sandy and rocky beach a r e a s . Numbers -- October 1964 - 2 observed; May 1967 - 2. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observa t ion r ep resen t s a new b i r d ep fc i e s record f o r the i s l and . 9 ) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Hab i t a t -- October 1964 - observed along rocky beach a r e a s ; May 1967 - on sandy beach. Numbers -- October 1964 - 8; May 1967 - 3 S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 able 7 ) . This i s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Jemo I s l and . Arenaria interpres Jemo Ruddy Turnstone Habitat -- October 1964 - observed along sandy and rocky beaches; May 1967 - present on sand beach'. Numbers -- October 1964 - estimated population 60; May 1967 - 6. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 2 able 7). These specimens constitute a new species and specimen record for Jemo Island. Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern Habitat -- May 1967 - observed flying over the island about noon- time headed in a northerly direction. Numbers -- May 1967 - 2. Status -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - not breeding. Specimen Records -- None. This observation represents a new spe- cies sight record from Jemo Island. A* stolidus Brown Noddy Habitat -- December 1951 - present (~osberg, 1966); October 1964 - roosting on sandy beaches and on upper branches of high Pisonia trees; May 1967 - flying about, roosting in tops of Pisonia and Messerschmidia, nests placed at bases of palm fronds. Numbers -- December 1951 - quite common (~osberg, 1966); October 1964 - 25-50 present; May 1967 - 1,000 estimated. Status -- Resident breeder. December 1951-not seen nesting(Fosberg,l966); 23-24 October 1964 - no nests observed; 5 May 1967 - many nests with young observed. This consititutes a new breeding record for Jemo. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 4 (Table 7). This col- lection represents a new specimen record for the island. A- tenuirostris Black Noddy Habitat -- December 1951 - present (~osberg, 1966); October 1964 - roosting and nesting in tops of high Pisonia trees; May 1967 - flying about, roosting and nesting in tops of Pisonia and Messer- schmidia. Numbers -- December 1951 - several were seen (Fosberg, 1966); October 1964 - estimated population 150-250; May 1967 - 2,000 estimated. 69 Jemo Status -- Resident breeder. October 1964 - several nes t s were seen but due t o excessive heights t h e i r contents could not be de- termined; May 1967 - many nes t s with young present. This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 5 able 7 ) . This i s a new specimen record for Jemo. 14) Gygis a1ba White Tern Habitat -- 18-19 December 1951 - present ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - roosting and nesting on low t o high vegetation ( ~ e s s e r - schmidia, Scaevola, and ~ i s o n i a ) ; May 1967 - f lying about, roosting i n same vegetation a s in= Numbers -- 18-19 December 1951 - occasional ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October 1964 - 500-750 estimated; May 1967 - 500 estimated. Status -- Resident breeder. 18-19 December 1951 - not seen nesting ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1966); October 1964 - several nests (each with an egg) were seen; May 1967 - no nests observed, but specimens collected had bare brood patches. This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 9 able 7 ) . This col- lect ion represents a new specimen record fo r the island. L I K I E P 0 1 2 3 4 5 I S T A T U T E MILES otak Entranc tnenernrnwaan Kaben Aneiaei q (i Lukunor 169.10: LIKIEP ATOLL Location: 09"53' N x 1 6 9 ' 0 9 ' ~ . Shape and S i z e : I r r egu la r trapezoid-shaped; Tip t o t i p (northwest- southeas t ) - 20 miles; Widest poin t (northeast-southwest) - 11 miles; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 180.08 square miles; To ta l dry land a rea - 3.63 square mi les ; Number of is lands-112; Height - 6 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). S o i l : No ava i l ab le da ta ( see Fosberg, 1956). - Vegetation: Eighty-one species ; Most l a r g e r i s l ands planted with -- Cocos -1955, 1956 ) . Climate: Moderately wet, about 70 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature-82" F. ; Wind - prevai l ing from e a s t t o nor th ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 300 i n 1800's t find la.^, 1885); 568 i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 546 i n 1964 (u.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Japanese v i s i t (H. O r i i ) 16, 2 1 September 1931; North- e r n Marshall I s lands Expedition - 11-18 December 1951; U.S. Navy (F. R. Fosberg) - 4-14 February 1956; P a c i f i c Science Board (H. J . Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna: Eleven b i rd species a r e known from Likiep A t o l l . These in- clude 5 seabi rds , 3 shorebirds, 1 heron, 1 cuckoo, and l domestic fowl. Seven species a re p o t e n t i a l breeders , but none of these a r e known t o breed. The 3 shorebirds and 1 cuckoo a r e migrants. A check l i s t of the b i r d s known t o occur on Likiep A t o l l f o l l o ~ ~ s . Source m a t e r i a l f o r t h i s l i s t includes: (1 ) Fosberg, 1966; (2) Baker, 1951; ( 3 ) Hand-l is t of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, (b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (4 ) POBSP band da ta ; (5 ) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943; and ( 6 ) YIZM co l l ec t ion . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The one species marked wi th an a s t e r i s k i s a new b i rd rec- ord f o r Likiep A t o l l , and was t h e r e s u l t of a POBSP banded b i r d being picked up on the a t o l l by a na t ive and the band s e n t t o Washington. Likiep Likiep A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus Source 1) Sula su la Resident breeder ? 2, 3ab, 4, 6 2 ) Sula leucogaster* Resident breeder ? 4 3 ) Fregata m a Resident breeder ? 2, 3ab, 6 4) Egre t t a sacra Resident breeder ? 1, 2, 3b. 6 5) Gallus g a l l u s Introduced breeder ? 11 5. -- 6 ) ~ i u v i a l i s dominica Migrant 7) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant 8 ) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant 9) A @ s t o l i d u s Resident breeder ? ; few 1 10) m i s a l b a Resident breeder ?; few 1, 2, 3ab, 6 11) Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s Migrant 1 Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Likiep A t o l l include U specimens of 7 species , a l l of which a r e i n t h e Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum, Tokyo, Japan. TABLE 8. Bird specimens co l l ec ted from Likiep Ato l l . Species Museum Sex A Location Date S ta tus Col lec tor - Sula su la -- Fregata minor Egre t t a s a y a P l u v i a l i s dominica Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Gygis a lba YIZM Y I Z M YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM Y I Z M YIZM YIZM YIZM Y I Z M d Juv d Juv d J U V ? A ? A d A 8 A d A d A d A d A ? A d A Likiep I Rikieb ( s i c ) Likiep I- 1 ) Rikieb ( s i c ) Skin H. Orii Lost " Skin " Lost " Skin " Lost " Skin " ( I Lost " Skin " 11 WOTJE ATOLL Location: 09'27' N x 170'02' E . Shape and Size : I r r e g u l a r rectangle-shaped; Tip t o t i p (east-west) - 26 mi le s ; Width (north-south) - 6 t o 12 mi le s ; To ta l lagoon a rea - 298.63 square mi les ; To ta l dry land a rea - 3.34 square miles; Number of i s l ands - 2 Height - 30 f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). S o i l : No ava i l ab le da ta . - Vegetation: Three known species ; Some replanti-ng of Cocas s ince World War 11, but many i s l ands grassy o r with low scrub ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Climate: Moderately wet, about 70-80 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature-82" F . ; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from eas-t t o nor th ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). Human Po u l a t i o n : Pas t - inhabited, 300 i n 1800's (Findlay, 1886); 328 i n 9 ) ; Present - inhabj-ted, 498 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Japanese expedit ion ( H . O r i i ) - 15, 18,. 22, 27 September 1931. Avifauna: Twelve b i r d species occur on Wotje Ato l l . Four of these a r e seabi rds , 4 a r e shorebirds, while 1 each includes a heron, a cuckoo, a pigeon, and a domestic fowl. No b i r d s a r e known t o breed on Wotje Atoll; however, 7 species a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders . The 4 shorebird species and t h e cuckoo a r e migrants. A c h e c k l i s t of t h e b i r d species recorded on Wotje A t o l l fo l lows. Source m a t e r i a l f o r t h i s l i s t includes : ( 1 ) Hand-l is t of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, ( b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (2 ) Baker, 1951; ( 3 ) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943; (li) Mathews, 1933; ( 5 ) Peters , 1937; (6) Mayr, 1945; ( 7 ) Bogert, 1937; (8 ) YIZM co1l.ection; and (9 ) POBSP band r e t u r n da ta . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e check l i s t by t h e corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The one species marked by a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k i s a new species record f o r Wotje Ato l l . Wotje Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source - Freaata minor* Egretta sacra Gallus gallus Numenius phaeopus Numenius tahitiensis Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria interpres A m stolidus A m tenuirostris Gyais alba Ducula oceanica ratakensis Urodynamis taitensis Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breed-er ? Rfsident breeder ? Migrant 9 lb, 2, 8 3 lab, 2, 8 lab, 2, 8 lb, 2, 8 lab, 2, 8 lab, 2, 8 lab, 2, 8 lab, 2, 8 Bird specimens collected from Wotje Atoll include 32 specimens of 10 species, all of which are located in the Yamashina collfction in Tokyo, Japan. Wotje TABLE 9. Bird specimens collected from Wotje Atoll. Species Museum Egretta sacra Y I Z M Numenius phaeopus Y I Z M /1 Y I Z M YIZM Y I Z M Numenius tahitiensis YIZM Y I Z M 1 Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Heteroscelus incanum Y I Z M Arenaria interpres Y I Z M A m stolidus Y I Z M Y I Z M 1 , Y I Z M A- tenuirostris Y I Z M YIZM Y I Z M Gygis alba t Y I Z M YIZM Ducula oceanica ratakensis Y I Z M I ? Y I Z M 11 Y I Z M Y I Z M I, Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Y I Z M Urodynamis taitensis YIZM Sex - 0 d d d 0 d d d d P 0 0 P 0 6" d d d d d d d d d d d d 0 0 0 0 d A& Location D& Status Collector - Wozzie(sic) 09-22-31 Skin H. Orij 09-18-3s " 09-92-31 - - Skin H. Orii 11 11 11 I! 1, 11 11 If 11 Lost I t Lost $ 5 1, Skin Lost Y U3 UU E R I K U B 0 0 2 3 1 S l A l U T E MILES 169~5'00" 170~0 '00" ERIKUB ATOLL Location: 0 9 ~ 0 8 ~ N x 170?02' E . Narrow oblong shaped (o r i en ted i n a northwest-southeast - 17 mi les ; Width - 5 mi les ; Lagoon s i z e - 116.34 square mi le s ; Tota l land a r e a - 0.35 square mi les ; Number of i s l a n d s - 14 (Freeman, 1951); Height - 20+ - f e e t . S o i l : Beaches (ocean s i d e ) - mainly c o r a l rock, some cobblestone, some - sandy a r e a ; Beach (lagoon s i d e ) - mainly sandy, occasional c o r a l rock outcrops; Inland - mostly sand mixed with rock, some humus a reas . Vegetation: Twenty-two species ; Lagoon beach a r e a - Scaevola and Messerschmidia; Seaward beach a rea - Cocas and Pisonia; Inland area - Cocos, Pisonia, Pandanus with t h i c k undergrowth. Most of Erikub Is land p lanted t o coconut t r e e s . C l ina te : Moderately wet, 70-80 inches of r a i n f a l l annually; Mean annual temperature - 82" F.; Wind - prevalent from the nor theas t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956) . Human Population: Pas t - Some Wotje n a t i v e s i n semipermanent residence, not permanently inhabited, pe r iod ic v i s i t s by i s l ander s f o r f i s h i n g and harves t ing nuts from t h e planted coconut t r e e s ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956); Present - 1964, uninhabited but v i s i t e d p e r i o d i c a l l y f o r copra and f i sh , several well-kept unoccupied na t ive hu t s on Erikub I s l and used during copra harves t ing times, 1967, uninhabited, hu t s d e t e r i o r a t i n g . S c i e n t i f i c Visits: POBSP - 24-28 October 1964, 4 May 1967. Avifauna: Eighteen species of b i r d s a r e p resen t ly known from Erikub A t o l l . These include 11 seabi rds , 5 shorebi rds , 1 heron, and 1 duck. S ix of these species a r e known breeders , 6 o t h e r s a r e poss ib le breeders, 5 a r e migrants, and 1 i s an acc identa l . Erikub A t o l l i s t he only known l o c a l i t y i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s - lands from which - hyperborea has been recorded. Eighteen species a r e l i s t e d i n the fol lowing c h e c k l i s t which was derived s o l e l y from POBSP da ta c o l l e c t e d i n 1964 ( l a ) and 1967 (1.b). These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . A l l 18 species a r e new species records f o r Erikub A t o l l ; t hese a r e marked by a s ing le a s t e r i s k , The s i x species marked by double a s t e r i s k s a r e new a t o l l breeding records. Erikub Erikub A t o l l Avifauna Checkl is t Species S t a t u s Source Phaethon rubricaudaic Waethon lepturus* Sula sula* -- Chen hyperborea* - P l u v i a l i s dominica* Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s * Heteroscelus incanunl* Arenaria in t e rp res* Crocethia G* Sterna sumatrana* Thalasseus bergi i* A x s to l idus* A- t e n u i r o s t r i s * Gygis alba* Resident breeder ? Resident breeder** Resident breeder ? Resident breeder* Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Acci&htal Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder" Resident breeder ? Resident breeder-%* Resident breeder**- Resident breeder** l a l a b l a l a b l a b l b l a b l a l a b l a b l a b l a b l a l a b l a b l a b l a b l a b POBSP personnel have c o l l e c t e d 62 specimens of 14 species en able 1 0 ) . A l l of these species a r e specimen records of species not previously known from Erikub A t o l l . No o ther specimens a r e known from the a t o l l . TABLE 10. Bird specimens co l l ec ted by POBSP from Erikub A t o l l . Species Museum - Sex A Location Date Sta tus Col lec tor Phaethon l ep tu rus Sula leucogas ter -TT 11 Fregata minor Egre t t a sacra Chen hyperborea - Arado j a i r en Bogengoa Arado ja i r ik I t Enego Bogweido Bogengoa Erikub Skin Huber Lehner Arne m a n I Huber If Amerson f I , Amerson Hub e r Erikub TABLE 10. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Erikub (cont.) Species Museum - Sex A Location D a t e Status Colk ctor Pluvialis dominica USNM 494746 9 - Loj " 494824 d - Numenius tahitiensis Heteroscelus incanum " 494896 d - Aradojairen l711 494897 d - 7. 1 " 543500 9 A Bogengoa " 543501 d A Erikub I Arenaria interpres " 494761 - - Loj 11- " 494762 ? - 10-24-64 Skin Huber 1 , Amerson Tluber Bogengoa Amerson Lehner Huber 11 Crocethia alba Sterna sumatrana 1 1 Enego Aradojairik 11 0 - p chick d d " Anous stolidus lr- Loj Enego Jabonwar Aradojairen 1, Hub e r 11 C ~ ~ P P Huber Lehner Amerson Huber 1 Wislocki Huber Clam Huber Lehner Amerson Clam? Wislocki Huber 11 Amerson Bogengoa Erikub I Bogengoa Erikub I Bogengoa Loj 1 , Anous tenuirostris Enego 11 Bogengoa Erikub I Gygis alba 7- 11 ,I I 11 Aradojairik Bogengoa Erikub Species Accounts 1 ) Phaethon rubricauda Red-tailed Tropicbird Hab i t a t -- 27 October 1964 - f l y i n g over Erikub Is land. Numbers -- 27 October 1964 - one observed on Erikub; May 1967 - Erikub and Bogengoa none observed. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Possible breeder but no breeding a c t i v i t y observed. Specimen Records -- None. This i s a new species s igh t record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 2 ) Phaethon l ep tu rus White-tailed Tropicbird Habi ta t -- October 1964 - observed f l y i n g over Enego, Aradojairen, and Bogengoa, repor ted nes t ing i n a t r e e on Enego by a v i s i t i n g na t ive ; May 1967 - observed f l y i n g above Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - Enego 4, Aradojairen 1, Bogengoa 1; May 1967 - Bogengoa 2. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - no nes t observed, but one half-grown chick was seen which v i s i t i n g na t ives sa id came from Enego ( they had c o l l e c t e d it t o e a t ) ; May 1967 - in-f l- ight cour t - s h i p behav-i.or observed. This i s a new breeding record f o r the a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 1 0 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record from Erikub A t o l l . 3. Sula suLa -- Red-footed Booby Habi ta t -- October 1964 - seen offshore ( a t s ea ) of Erikub I s l and on 26 October, a t tempting t o roos t i n Pisonia t r e e on Aradoja i r ik on 27 October. Numbers -- October 1964 - Erikub 1, Arado ja i r ik 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Possible breeder but no evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- None. This i s a new s i g h t record f o r E , ikub A t o l l . 4 . - Sula leucogaster Brown Booby Hab i t a t -- October 1964 - f l y i n g of fshore of Loj, roos t ing (day- t ime) on Bogengoa, nes t ing and roos t ing on windward ( e a s t ) s ide of 83 Er ikub Aradoja i r ik - nes ts , b u i l t of s t i c k s and leaves, placed on open ground ( c o r a l rock and humus) under Pisonia and Cocas t r e e s ; May 1967 - a d u l t s and m a t u r e s observed f l y i n g over t h e lagoon on southwest s ide . Numbers -- October 1964 - Loj 1, Bogengoa 1, Aradoja i r ik 200; May 1967 - over lagoon 10 ; number banded 46. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - Aradoja i r ik Is land, ap- proximately 75 n e s t s (about I/;? with eggs, 1/4 with chicks, and 1/4 pre laying) . This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 0 able 1 0 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 7 ) Fregata minor Great Fr iga tebi rd Habi ta t -- October 1964 - f l y i n g over Erikub, Loj, Enego, Aradojairen, and Bogella, roos t ing i n Pisonia t r e e s on Aradoja i r ik ; May 1967 - a d u l t s and immatures f l y i n g above the lagoon and Erikub and Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - one on a l l t he above i s l ands except Aradoja i r ik which had 75 (Table 1 1 ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 2, Bogengoa 4, above lagoon 5. S t a t u s -- Reeident breeder? Poss ib le breeder but no evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - 1 a able 10). This i s a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 6 ) Fregata ariel Lesser F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- May 1967 - f l y i n g above Erikub and Bogengoa, males only. Numbers -- May 1967 - Erikub 1, Bogengoa 2. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - poss ib le breeder but no evidence of breeding. Specimen Records -- None. A l l a t tempts t o c o l l e c t a specimen f a i l e d . This observat ion c o n s t i t u t e s a new spec ies s i g h t record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 7 ) Egre t t a sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t -- October 1964 - present on a l l i s l a n d s except Aradojairen, Jabonwar, Bogella, and Bokku - seen mainly on exposed c o r a l rock on seaward s ides of each i s land, occas ional ly found on lagoon beaches; May 1967 - rocky seaward beach of Erikub and Bogengoa. a k k . ri w e w a d k e c w 4 w W k 0 C i - ' E i a a a C , w k k > , W - P M m m c > m - H a h h x d .ria .rie a M I: w o G C M W w & 'a r. .A D w e o Q, .A o m i M I: a ~ a a k m u ~ o o i - . o m p o w i-'.ri.i.rim o x ~ , w o ~ i w w . ~ ~ i : a d z ~ I a m a o e z u c ~ d k k j w w o ,> 0 c k o * w x u k w w *C , c * Q, . ~ k I k 3 I o ~ r n ~ a ~ d m ~ a a u o , o t . . r i ~ a ~ o a m w w o d a a d u i: I: m a, o m .ri k k w G o 3 k m m d k L .G r1 .C 2 2 m a o ffim w a m s m m u m m 3 Numbera -- October 1964 - usua l ly one on each i s land, except four on Erikub (Table 1.1); May 1967 - Erikub 2, Bogengoa 5. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding, however, t h e r e i s a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t h i s species breeds on Erikub A t o l l . Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - 3 (Table 1 0 ) . This co l - l e c t i o n c o n s t i t u t e s a new species and specimen record f o r E~. ikub A t o l l . 8) Chen - - hyperborea Snow Goose Hab i t a t -- 27 October 1964 - s i t t i n g on seaward beach of Erikub I s l and . Number -- 27 October 1964 - one seen and co l l ec ted on Erikub I s l and . S t a t u s -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 (Table 1 0 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r a l l of Micronesia. 9 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- October 1964 - observed on sandy and rocky beaches of a l l i s l ands except Bokku; May 1967 - recorded on sandy lagoon beaches and rocky seaward beaches of Erikub and Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - t o t a l observed 177, range 1-70 per i s l and (Table 11 f o r numbers found on each i s l a n d ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 5, Bogengoa 10. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP'- 1 (Table 10) . This speci- men rep resen t s a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 10) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew Habi ta t -- October 1964 - presen t on sandy and rocky beaches of a l l i s l ands except Aradoja i r ik , Bogella, Bogweido, and Bokku; May 1967 - on rocky seaward beaches of Erikub and Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - t o t a l populat ion 84-99, range 1-50 per i s l and (see Table 11 f o r populat ion from each i s l a n d ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 2, Bogengoa 4 . S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 ( ~ a b l f 1 0 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . Erikub 11) IIete rosce lus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habi ta t -- October 1964 - present on seaward beaches of a l l i s - lands except Enego and Jabonwar; May 1967 - on rocky beaches of Erikub and Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - t o t a l population 63-68, range 1-25 per i s l and (see Table 11 f o r population es t imate from each i s l a n d ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 3, Bogengoa 5 . S ta tue -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 4 able 1 0 ) . These speci- mens r ep resen t a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 2 Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Habi ta t -- October 1964 - present on eandy and rocky beaches of a l l i s l ands except Bokku; May 1967 - on sand and c o r a l rock beaches of Erikub and Bogengoa. Numbers -- October 1964 - t o t a l population 204-226, range 4-75 per i s l and a able 11 f o r population of each i s l a n d ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 6, Bogengoa 8. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 3 (Table 1 0 ) . This Ruddy Turnstone c o l l e c t i o n represents a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . U ) Crocethia 9 Sanderl ing Habi ta t -- 27 October 1964 - sandy beach of Bogengoa. Numbers -- 2'7 October 1964 - only one seen during e n t i r e v i s i t t o Erikub Atol l . S t a t u s -- Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 able 1 0 ) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 14) S terna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Hab i t a t -- October 1964 - roos t ing on sandy beach of Enego, Jabonwar, Aradoja i r ik , Guro, b k k u , and Bogengoa; nes t ing on bare coarse peb- b l e s of upper beach (next t o vegeta t ion , west s i d e ) on Aradojair ik; May 1967 - a d u l t s observed f l y i n g above t h e southwest por t ion of the lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - Enego 2, Jabonwar 2, Guro 2, Bogengoa 4, Arado ja i r ik 25; May 1967 - lagoon 10. 87 S ta tus -- Resident breeder . Oc Er ikub tober 1964 - Aradoja i r ik 4 n e s t s ( 2 with eggs, 2 with half-grown chicks), Guro 2 a d u l t s appeared t o have a nes t but none could be found. This i s a new breeding record f o r Erikub A t o l l . Specimen Record -- Other - none; POBSP - 7 (Table l o ) , These Black- naped Terns represent a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 15 ) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habi ta t -- October 1964 - roos t ing on and f l y i n g over sand ba r s of Loj, Aradojairen, Jabonwar, Aradoja i r ik ; May 1967 - a d u l t s ob- served on sand and rocky beaches of Erikub and Bogengoa, a l s o f l y - ing over t h e lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - Loj 1, Aradojairen 3, Jabonwar 2, and Arado ja i r ik 2; May 1967 - Erikub 2, Bogengoa 3, lagoon 5. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? May poss ib ly breed but no breeding a c t i v i t y observed. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion c o n s t i t u t e s a new species s i g h t record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 1 6 ) Anous -,- s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Hab i t a t -- October 1964 - roos t ing i n Pisonia t r e e s and on the beaches of Erikub, Bogengoa, Loj, Enego, Aradojairen, and Jabonwar; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n Cocas t r e e s on Erikub and Bogengoa, a l s o f l y i n g above the lagoon. Numbers -- October 1964 - t o t a l populat ion 240-300, range 10-100 per i s l and (see Table 11 f o r es t imates f o r each i s l a n d ) ; May 1967 - Erikub 200, Bogengoa 300, lagoon 100. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . October 1964 - not breeding; May 1967 - eggs t o f l edg l ings present . This i s a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Others - none; POBSP - 11 a able 10) . This i s a new species and specimen record f o r Erikub A t o l l . 17) A m t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t - October 1964 - roos t ing and f l y i n g over a l l i s l a n d s ex- cep t Bokku; nes t ing i n tops of P isonia t r e e s on Erikub, Enego, Aradojairen, Jabonwar, Guro, Bogella, Jogan, Bogweido, and Bogengoa; May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n tops of Pisonia t r e e s a t Erikub and Bogengoa, a l s o f l y i n g over lagoon. MALOELAP ATOLL Location: 08~45' N x 171?03' E. Shape and Size: Elongated triangle-shaped; Tip (pointed northwest) to base (southeast side) - 32 miles; Widest point (near base) - 16 miles; Total lagoon area - 388.48 square miles; Total dry land area - 3.81 square miles; Number of islands - 89; Height - 10 to 15 feet (~osber~, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Soil: No available data. Said to be most fertile of all the Marshall - Islands (~osberg, 1956). Vegetation: Eleven known species; more luxuriantly vegetated than most Marshall Islands; abundant ,Artocarpus, and Pandanus (Wiens, 1957; Fosberg, 1956). Climate: Moderately wet to wet, about 100 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air temperature - 82" F., Wind - prevailing from east to north (~osberg, 1956). Human Po ulation: Past - inhabited, 1,000 in mid 1800's (~indla~, 1886); m a n 1951); Present - inhabited, 636 in 1964 (u.s. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: Japanese visit (H. Orii) 13-14 September 1931; Pacific Science Board (H. J. Wiens) summer 1956. Avifauna: Five species of birds are known from Maloelap Atoll. These 5 species include 1 seabird, 2 shorebirds, a heron, and a domestic fowl. No birds are known to breed on the atoll; however, 3 species are potential breeders. A checklist of the bird species recorded on Maloelap Atoll follows. The source material for this list includes: (1) Baker, 1951; (2) Hand-list of Japanese birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; (3) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943; and (4) YIZM collection. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. Maloelap Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source Resident breeder ? 1, 2b, 4 Introduced breeder 7 3 Migrant 1, 2b, 4 Migrant 1, 2b Resident breeder ? 1, 2ab, 11 92 Maloelap Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Maloelap A t o l l include 12 specimens of t h r e e spec ies , a l l of which a r e loca ted i n the Yamashina c o l l e c t i o n i n Tokyo, Japan. TABLE: 12. Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Maloelap A t o l l . Species Museum - Sex A* Location Date S t a t u s Col lec tor E g r e t t a sacra YIZM d Juv Maloelap I* 09-14-31 Skin H. Orii Nwnenius t a h i t i e n e i s YIZM d 1 11 - 1 -rr - YIZM d 1 , - 11 , , Y I Z M d A 9, I YIZM ? - 09-13-31 " It I f Y I Z M ? - 09-14-31 " , YIZM ? 1, Y I Z M 11 11 ? - , I YIZM 9 11 11 - Thalasseus b e r g i i - ,I , I 71- YIZM d 09-13-31 " YIZM d Juv I t 11 1 YIZM 9 ,t ,, - *Probably Kaven I s l and A U R 0 1 2 3 4 5 S T A T U T E M I l E S 18'05' 171 '05 ' Baojen AUR ATOLL Location: 08"16' N x 171?06' E. Shape and Size: Roughly diamond-shaped; Tip to tip (northwest-southeast) - 15 miles; Widest point (northeast-southwest) - 9 miles; Total lagoon area - 92.58 square miles; Total dry land area - 2.17 square miles; Number of islands-42; Height - 8 feet ( Freeman, 1951; U.S. Navy, 1964). Soil: No available data. - Vegetation: One species known; Cocas common, most islands are wooded (Findlay, 1886; U.S. Navy, 1964). Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air tem- perature-82" F.; Wind - prevailing from east to north (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 1,000 in mid 1800's (Findlay, 1886); 418 in 1948 i re em an, 1951); Present - inhabited, 372 in 1964 (u.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: Japanese Expedition (H. J. Orii and S. Kawakami) 13, 25, 26 September 1931, 6 January 1933. Avifauna: Seven species of birds have been recorded from Aur Atoll. These include 5 seabirds, 1 cuckoo, and 1 domestic fowl. None are known to breed but 6 species are potential breeders. One species, the cuckoo, is migratory. The known bird species from Aur Atoll are included in the following checklist. Source material for this list includes: (1) Baker, 1951; (2) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; (3) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1$3; (4) Bogert, 1937; and (5) YIZM collection. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. Aur Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status 1) Gallus gallus Introduced breeder ? 2) Sterna sumatrana Resident breeder ? 3) Thalasseus bergii Resident breeder ? 4) Anous stolidus Resident breeder ? 5) Anous tenuirostris Resident breeder ? i;j -Gygis alba - Resident breeder ? 7) Urodynmis taitensis Migrant Source Bird specimens collected from Aur Atoll include 18 specimens of 6 species, all in the Yamashina collection. TABLE: 13. Bird specimens collected from Aur Atoll. Species Museum Sterna sumatrana 11 It 11 11 Thalasseus bergii 11 A x stolidus !I 11 ,, f Y IZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM A m tenuirostris YIZM &gis alba 11 11 YIZM YIZM I t 1 , 11 11 YIZM YIZM Urodynamis taitensisYIZM 11 9 YIZM Sex A x d A d A 0 A 0 A 0 A d A ? Juv d Juv d A d A d A d A - N d A 0 A 0 A 0 A 0 A Location Date Aur I 09-26-31 09-25 -31 ,1 09-26 -3 1 09-13 -31 11 09-26-31 Aur I 09-25-31 11 01-06-33 Status Skin 9, 1, ,I Aur Collector H. j Orii MAJURO ATOLL Location: 07'09' N x 171?12' E. Shape and Size: Irregular rectangle-shaped; Tip to tip (east-west) - 30 miles; Widest point (north-south) - 10 miles; Total lagoon area - 113.92 square miles; Total dry land area .- 3.54 square miles; Number of islands - 57; Height - 8-l$ feet o or an, 1959; U.S. Navy, 1964.). Soil: No available data. Vegetation: Nine species known; most islands with moderate to heavy cover of =. Other vegetation includes: Sc23?volii, Messerschmidia, Wedelia, Ipomea, Pandanus, and Artocarpus oran an, 1959; 0.s. Navy, 1964.). Climate: Very wet, about 140 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air tem- perature-82" F.; Wind - prevailing from east and southeast (Fosberg, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Human -~ Population: Past - inhabited, 1,500 to 3,000 in mid 1800's(~indla~, 1886), 1,1173 in 1948 ( Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 4,612 in 1964 (U.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: Japanese Expedition (H. 0rii) 12,27 September 1931; POBSP - 10-12 June 1966. Avifauna: Fifteen bird species are known from Majuro Atoll. Of these 15, 7 are seabirds, 5 are shorebirds, 1 is a heron, 1 is a domestic fowl, and 1 is a parrot. None of the bird species are known to breed on Majuro Atoll; however, 9 are considered to be potential breeders. Dayle Husted, of the POBSP visited Majuro At011 on LO and 11 June 1966 while aboard the U.S. coast Guard Cutter Basswood. Due to lack of time (arrived 0800 on the loth, departed U00 on the 11th) and no means of travel, only the main island and one nearby small island were surveyed. Bird observations were limited to a few sight observa- tions; no birds were nesting. Thus, the normal annotated species ac- counts will not be given. The following checklist presents the known bird species from Majuro Atoll. The sources for this checklist include: (1) POBSP band recovery; (2) POBSP field data, 1966; (3) Baker, 1951; (4) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, and (c) 1958; (5) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943; (6) MCZ collection; and (7) Y a M collection. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. The seven species marked with an asterisk are new species sight records for Majuro Atoll. Species 1 ) Sula sula* 2) l e u c o ~ a s t e r * 3 ) E g r e t t a sacra 4 ) Gallue f ial lus Majuro A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t 8 ) Heteroscelus incanum 9 ) Arenaria i n t e r a r e s 10) Sterna sumatrana 11) Thalasseus bergi i* 2 An- s to l idus* 13) An- t e n u i r o s t r i s * 14) mis alba* S t a t u s Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder 7 Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeuer ? Resident breeder 7 Resident breeder ? Introduced 7 , . b Majuro Source 2 1, 2 3, 4ab, 7 5 3, kabc, 7 3, 4ab, 7 liab bbc, 7 1, 3, 4abc, 7 2, babc, 6, 7 2 2 2 2 2 Bird specimens taken a t Majuro A t o l l include 14 specimens of 6 species . - A l l of the specimens, but one, a r e loca ted i n the Yamashina I n s t i t u t e f o r Zoology and Ornithology Museum, Tokyo, Japan. TABLE 14. Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Majuro A t o l l , Species Museum Sex A Location Date S t a t u s Col lec tor E g r e t t a sacra YIZM d A Majuro I 09-12-31 Lost H . O r i 11 YIZM d A " Skin YIZM 0' A " 09-3 -31 " 1 11 YIZM @ A " Lost f P l u v i a l i s dominica YIZM 9 A " YIZM @ A " 09-12-31 Skin 9 , Charadrius mongolus YIZM 9 - 09-8-31 Heteroscelus incanum YIZM Lost 1 11 9 A " I, Y I Z M ? A " Skin 1 YIZM 9 A " Lost Arenaria i n t e r p r e s YIZM 9 - Sterna sumatrana YIZM d A " f I YIZM Q A " 09-12-31 Skin 1 I t I 11 MCZ ? - Majuro ? ? 264056 Namw Lojorn ak ~ o k a n f o w a k Bwokwkan Mwetdik A R N O S T A T U T E MILES ART0 ATOLL Location: 07'05' N x 171?41' E. Size and Sha e Irregular rectangle-shaped; Tip to tip (northwest- *: southeast 21 m~les; . Widest point (northeast-southwest) - 6-15 miles; Total lagoon area - 130.77 square miles; Total dry land area - 5.00 square miles; Number of islands-133; Height - 6 to 8 feet (Freeman, 1951; U.S. Navy, 1964). Soil: Beach (ocean side) - mainly cobblestone; Beach (lagoon si.de) - - mainly sandy; Interior - stow, loamy sand, some dark soil (Stone, 1951). Vegetation: 126 species; Many Cocas trees and dense vegetation on most islands, some mangrove swamp (Anderson, 1951). Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air temper- ature-82" F., Wind - prevai-ling from east (Cox, 1951 ; Fosberg, 1956; U . S . Navy 1964). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 3,000 in 1882 (~indlay, 1886), 1;071 in 1948 T~reeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 1,301 in 1964 (U.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: Japanese Expeditions - September 1931, April 1933; Townsend-January 1900; SIM Project, Pacific Science Board - 8 June- 12 September 1950; Pacific Sci-ence Board (H. J. Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna: Fi.fteen bird species have been recorded from Arno Atoll. These 15 species include 6 seabirds, 5 shorebirds, 1 heron, 1 domestic fowl, a pigeon, and a cuckoo. Five of the species are known breeders on the atoll, while 3 species are potential breeders. The type locality for Ducula oceanica ratakensis is Arno Atoll. The following checklist presents those bird species known to occur at Arno Atoll. The sources used to compile this list include: (1) Marshall, (a) 1951, (b) 1957; (2) Yamashina, (a) 1932, (b) 1940; (3) POBSP band recovery; (4) Finsch, (a) 1880d,(b) 1884; (5) Townsend and Wetmore, 1919; (6) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; (7) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943; (8) Takatsukasa and Yamashina, 1932;(9) Wiglesworth, 1891; (10) Momiyama, 1922; (11) Matthew, 1933; (12) Amadon, 1943; (a) Mayr, 1945; and (14) Baker, 1951. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. Arno Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source 1) Puffinus tenuirostrie Accidental 2b, 6b, 14 2) Egretta sacra - Resident breeder, July lab, 6ab, 14 1.18-4 1 5 0-69-8 Arno Species Status Source 3) Gallus gallus Introduced breeder ? la, 7 4) Pluvialis dominica Migrant la, 5, 6ab, 14 5) Numenius tahitiensis Migrant la, La, 14 6) Limosa lapponica Migrant la, 6b, 14 7) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant la, 4b, 6b, 14 8) Arenaria interpres Migrant 1% 3 9) sterna sumatrana Resident breeder, spring (?), Sep., few la, 2a, 5, 6ab, 14 10) Thalasseus bergii Resident breeder, spring (7); few la 11) A- stolidus Resident breeder (7 ) - , . Many la, 14 12) A- tenuirostirs Resident breeder, spring; . - Many la, 14 13) Gygis alba Resident breeder (?);few la, 14 14) Ducula oceanica Resident breeder, July; lab, 4a, 6ab, 8, 9: ratakensis 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 1 ) Urodynamis taitensis Migrant, summer; few la Bird specimens collected at Arno Atoll includes 35 specimens of 12 species. These are located in three museums, Yamashina Institute for Zoology and Ornithology Museum, U. S. National Museum, and Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard. Some of J. T. Marshall's specimens have not been located. TABLF 15. Bird specimens collected from Arno Atoll. Species M m Sex Al; Location - Status Collector Puffinus tenuirostris YIZM ? A m e 04-21-33 Skin S. Kawakami Egretta MCZ d A Arno I 09-28-31 " - f YIZM d A " Lost H. Orii YIZM d Juv " YIZM ? A " YIZM ? A " Skin " 7 ? A " 07-17-50 J.Marshal1, Jr Pluvialis dominica USNM 212230 - - 01-25-00 " C . Townsend USNM 212231 d - - I / MCZ 81923 ? - Arno ? J.Marshal1, Jr Heteroscelus incanwn YIZM ? A " 09-28-31 Skin H. Orii Arenaria interpres ? J.Marshal1, Jr Sterna sumatrana II USNM 212143 d JUV - 01-26-00 " C. Townsend 1 , USNM 455153 ? - Autle 07-19-50 " J.Marshal1, Jr 9 Thalasseus ? A- stolidus 7 Arno TABU 15. Bird specimens collected from Arno Ato l l (cant . ) Species - Sex A x Location Date Status Collector Anoue t enu i ros t r i s USNM 455152 d - Autle If- 07-19-50 Skin J.Marshall,Jr ? Gygis alba ? Ducula oceanica ratakensis YIZM d A Arno 09-11-31 Skin H . O r i i YIZM d - 09-28-31 " YIZM W A " Y I Z M d A " YIZM ? A " 09-11-31 Lost " YIZM ? - 09-28-31 Skin " USNM 425202 9 A Ine 07-04-50 " ~ : ~ a r s h a l l , Jr USNM 425203 d A " Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s USNM 455151 d - 06-29-50 " * denotes type specimen MIL1 ATOLL Location: 06'08' N x 171?55' E. Size and Shape: Irregular rectangle-shaped; Tip to tip (east-west) - 23 miles; Widest point (north-south) - 13 miles; Total lagoon area - 294.70 square miles; Total dry land - 6.15 square miles; Number of islands - 102; Height - 5 to 13 feet r re em an, 1951; U.S. Navy, 1964). Soil: No available data. - Vegetation: Four species known; most islands covered with Cocos and other trees, including Artocarpus, Carica, Ipomoea, and w(U.S. Navy, 1964). Climate: Very wet, about 129-160 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air temperature-82" F.; Wind - prevailing from east (~osberg, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 700 in 1881 (~indla~, 1886.); 270 in 1948 (Freeman, 1951);Present - inhabited, 602 in 1964 (U.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: W. H. Hatheway - September 1952; U.S. Peace Corps (M. J. revo or) - 1966-1968. Avifauna: Twenty-two bird species have been recorded from Mili Atoll. These include 14 seabird species, 5 shorebird species, 1 heron, 1 cuckoo, and 1 domestic fowl. Four of the species are known to breed on the atoll, although 7 other species are potential breeders. The following checklist presents the known bird species from Mili Atoll. This checklist was compiled from the following sources: (1) Baker, 1951; (2) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; (3) Finsch, (a) 1880c, (b) 1884 , ( c ) 1893; (4) Yale Cross-cultural Survey, 19113; (5) Wiglesworth, 1891; (6) YIZM collection; and (7) Michael N. Trevor, pers. corresp., April 1968. These sources are referred to in the check- list by corresponding numbers and letters. Those 14 species marked by a single asterisk are new species records for Mili Atoll; the 4 species marked by double asterisks are new breeding records. Mili Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source 1) Pterodroma externa* Accidental 7 2) Puff inus nativitatus* Accidental 7 3) Phaethon rubricauda* Visitor (possible breeder) 7 4) Sula sula* * -- Resident breeder, winter, spring 7 5) - Sula leucogaster* * Resident breeder, winter spring 7 Species 6 ) Fregata minor** 7) Fregata a r i e l * Egre t t a sacra* Gallus g a l l u s P l u v i a l i s dominica Numenius phaeopus* Numeniustahit iensis* Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria in te rp res Sterna sumatrana* A- t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis a lba Urodynamis t a i t ens i s* S ta tus Resident breeder, winter spring V i s i t o r (March 28, 1968 d ) Resident breeder Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? cormnon (spr ing) Visi tor++ Vis i tor+ Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Migrant Source +occasional a t n ight . ++one night record 29 March 1968. Bird specimens col lec ted from Mil i A t o l l include 15 specimens of 7 species . These a re a l l located i n the Yamashina I n s t i t u t e o f Zoology and Ornithology Museum i n Tokyo, Japan. TABLE 16. Bird specimens co l l ec ted from M i l i A t o l l . Species P l u v i a l i s dominica -It 1 , Heteroscelus incanum 1 , 11 2 % Arenaria i n t e r re. -A Thalasseus b e r g i i I t Anous s t o l i d u s 1( A m t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis a l b a 11 Museum YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM YIZM Sex A x - d Juv rr " Location M i l i I 11 f I , ,I 11 ,, I t Date - Sta tus Skin I! Lost I t Skin Lost Skin 1 , 1 ,I Collector H. O r i i ,> K N O X 0 1 /2 u - - - - I I STATUTE MILE KNOX ATOLL Location: 05"55' N x 172-09' E Shape and Size: I r r e g u l a r cigar-shaped; T ip t o t i p (north-south) - 4 miles ; Widest po in t - 0.75 mi l e ; Tota l lagoon a rea - 1.32 square mi les ; T o t a l dry land a rea - 0.38 square miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 10; Height - 49 f e e t mi re em an, 1951; U.S. Navy, 1964). S o i l : No a v a i l a b l e d a t a . - Vegetation: One spec ie s known; e a s t e r n i s l ands covered with sparse vege ta t ion ; western i s l a n d s covered with Cocos and dense vegeta t ion (u.S. Navy, 1964). Climate: Very wet, about 160 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- perature-82" F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Human Population: P a s t - probably occas ional ly inhabi ted ; Present - not inhabited, but occas ional ly v i s i t e d by r e s i d e n t s of M i l i A t o l l f o r harves t ing copra. S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : None. Avifauna: Only t h e Sooty Tern, S terna fusca ta ( a s i g h t record by Michael Trevor, pe r s . cor resp . , A p r i l i m a a s been recorded from Knox A t o l l . Due t o t h e c loseness of Knox A t o l l t o M i l i A t o l l ( 2 . 1 n a u t i c a l mi l e s ) , 19 o t h e r spec ie s (breeders , migrants, and v i s i t o r s ) recorded on M i l i A t o l l probably a l s o occur on Knox A t o l l . M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S R A L I K C H A I N 1 6 1 ~ 1 0 ' ~ 161~10' - E N I W E T O K 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 u - u u - 1 S T A T U T E MILES 11.40'- -ll*10' 11.30'- a Gr~ne \ Bogan B u g a n e w /lParry Enlwetok lgur~n -11.20' 11'1al 162:10 ' 161:20' - ENIWETOK ATOLL Location: 11?30' N x 162-15' E. Shape and Size : I r r e g u l a r oval-shaped; Tip t o t i p (northwest-southeast) - 25 mi les ; Width - 20 miles; T o t a l lagoon a r e a - 395.34 square mi les ; Tota l dry land area - 2.47 square mi le s ; Number of i s l ands - 47; Height - 13 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956; Doran, 1959). S o i l : Beach (ou te r ) - c o r a l rock o r g rave l ; Beach ( inne r ) - c o r a l sand; - I n t e r i o r - mostly sandy (woodbury, 1962). Vegetation: Ninety-five species ; l a r g e r i s l ands , v a r i e s from bare sand t o dense jungle ; smaller i s l ands , Scaevola and Messerschmidia (Fosberg, 1956; Doran, 1959; Woodbury, 1962). c l imate : Moderate r a i n f a l l , about 60-70 inches yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- pera ture - 82" F. ; Winds - preva i l ing from e a s t t o west (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Pas t - inhabited, 30-40 i n 1800's (Findlay, 1886 ); na t ives moved i n 1947 f o r atomic t e s t s , used by t e s t personnel a f t e r 1947; Present - no n a t i v e s inhabi t t he a t o l l , only m i l i t a r y and c i v i l i a n personnel. S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Atomic Energy Commission (.T.P.E. orriso on) 22 May - f i u n e 1946; (A.B. Joseph) August 1964; Univers i ty of Utah (A.M. woodbury) February-May 1962; Bowling Green S t a t e Universi ty - 1964 t o 1967; POBSP - 21 - 22 June 1966. Avifauna: Thirty-two b i rd species a r e known from Eniwetok A t o l l . These include 17 seabirds, 1 2 shorebirds, 1 heron, 1 domestic fowl, and 1 cuckoo. F i f t een species a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders ; however, only 9 species a r e known breeders . Dayle Husted,of the POBSP, v i s i t e d Eniwetok A t o l l on 2 1 ( a r r ived 0700) and 22 (departed 1000) June 1966 while aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cut ter Basswood. Observations were Limited t o the lagoon a rea . Brown Noddies, Black Noddies, White Terns, f o u r Crested Terns, and a few l ight-phase Wedge-tailed Shearwaters were seen during the day. Two Golden Plarerrn flew across the lagoon j u s t before sunset on the 21st.. A f t e r dark, s eve ra l Black-naped Tern$, two of which were seen, were heard over the lagoon. Since these POBSP d a t a a r e few, the normal annotated species accounts w i l l be omitted. The fol lowing check l i s t presents t h e recorded b i r d species from Eniwetok A t o l l . This l i s t was compiled from: (1 ) POBSP f i e l d da ta , 1966; (2 ) Woodbury, 1962; (3) Pearson and Knudsen, 1967; (4 ) Carpenter, Jackson, and F a l l , i n prep.; (5 ) Baker, 1951; (6) Arnold Joseph, pers . corresp. , September 1964; ( 7 ) Gleize and Genelly, 1945; (8 ) Richardson, unpublished Ms; (9 ) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1943, (10) USNM c o l l e c t i o n ; (11) ULEM c o l l e c t i o n ; and (12) BGSU c o l l e c t i o n . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by the corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . 116 Eniwetok Eniwetok Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source Puffinus pacificus Puffinus griseus Fuffinus tenuirostris Phaethon rubricauda Phaethon lepturus Sula sula -- Sula leucogaster - Fregata minor Egretta sacra Sterna paradisaea Sterna sumatrana Sterna lunata Sterna fuscata Anous tenuirostris - Gygis alba Urodynamis taitensis Accidental ? 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 Accidental 3 Accidental 3 Resident breeder, March,April, July-September; few 2, 3, 4 Resident breeder, April; few 2, 3, 4, 12 Resident breeder ?; few 5, 10 Resident breeder ? ; few to 300 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12 Resident breeder ?; few to 300 2, 3, 4 Resident breeder, June, July; - . common Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Accidental Accidental Resident breeder, March-May; 300 Resident breeder 7; few Resident breeder, March-May; July-Sept;few to 16,000+ Resident breeder, March ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder? Feb-May, summer; 1,000 s Resident breeder, Feb.-May summer; 1,000's Resident breeder, Feb.-May; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1,000's 10, 11, 12 Migrant 2 .rd specimens collected at Eniwetok Atoll include 57 specimens of 21 species I listed in Table 17. These are located in four museums. 117 Eniwe tok TABLE 17. Bird specimens collected from Eniwftok Atol l . Spe c i e e - Sex A x Location Datf Status Collector puffinus pacificus UUZM 1 9 9 2 d A Chinimi 05-03-62 Skin J. Bushman MLC 289 MLC 290 Phaethon lepturus MLC 195 Sula sula -- USNM 346997 Sula leucogaster 7 BGSU 1151 Fregata minor I J m M 19794 Egrf t t a sacra USNM 388813 UUZM 19792 UUZM 19793 Pluvia l i s dominica USNM 388804 UUZM 19785 MLC 194 m.c l sh Arenaria interpre s USNM 388785 USNM 388786 USNM 388787 Sterna lunata -- Sterna fuscata Thalaeeeue bergiL Anous s to l idus TI( Igurin ? ? R i g i l i d A Parry d A Mui d A Japtan d A Parry d I Grinem d A Engebi Skin Skel. J. Morrison Skin J .B.Bushman J.Morrison J.B.Bushmant d A Igurin 05-22-46 Skin J.Morrison 9 A R i g i l i 05-25-46 " 9 A Eniwftok I 05-17-62 " J.B.Bushman P A Lid i lbut 06-01-46 " J .Morrison $ A " 06--1-46 " d A " d A Parry 05-15-62 " J.B.Bushman BGSU 1152 UUZM 19795 P A USNM 487491 9 A USNM 38876'2 P A USNM 388764 d A USNM 388763 ? A USNM 388765 d A USNM 388766 d A UUZM 19921 P A MLC 193 MLC 288 UUZM 19791 ? A USNM 388754 d A MLC 196 MLC 286 MLC 287 BGSU 1158 usm 388769 P A rrsm 188767 d I " . . UUZM 19788 d A BGSU 1155 Eniwf tok 05-16-e Skin 04-06-65 " R i g i l i 05-26-46 " 05-25-46 " Rujiyoru 06-02-46 " Muj inkarikku 05-20-62 " Eniwetok I 03-08-62 Skin Grinem 05-29-46 " Buganegan 05-26-46 Skin Igurin 06-05-46 " 05-22- 6 " Japtan 05-18-62 " Eniwetok TABLE 17. Bird specimens collected from Eniwetok Atoll (conid) Species - Sex A s Location ga& Status Collector A m tenuirostris USNM 388794 ? I? Buganegan 05-28-46 Skin J.Morrison USNM 388795 d A " USNM 388796 d A " UUZM 19787 d A Japtan 05-18-62 " J.B.Bushman UUZM 19789 o' A " BGSU 1156 Gqp alba (1 USNM 388746 d A Igurin 06-06-46 Skin J.Morrison USNM 388749 ? A " USNM 388748 P A Rigili 05-26-46 " UUZM 19790 8 A Uriah (sic) 05-15-62 " J.B .Bushman BGSU 1157 0 9 ' 4 5 ' ~ 09~50' U J E L A N G STATUTE MILES - 160'50'~ - 160~55' - 1 6 1 ~ 0 0 ' 16l000'- 0 9 ~ 4 5 ' 0 9 ~ 5 0 ' UJELANG ATOLL Location: 09'49' N x 160?55' E . Shape and Size: Long narrow e l l i p t i c a l - s h a p e d ; Tip t o t i p (northwest- southeas t ) - 14 mi les ; Width - ;! t o 3 . 5 mi l e s ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 36.112 square mi les ; T o t a l dry land area - 0.62 square mi les ; Number of i s l a n d s - 35; Height - ? f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). So i l : Rocky and sandy. - Vegetation: Forty-six spec ies ; l a r g e r i s l a n d s , mostly Cocos; smaller i s lands , d ry with grassy and wooded a r e a s (Fosberg, 1956). Climate: ' Moderately wet, about 70-100 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature - 82" F. ; Winds - preva i l ing from e a s t t o nor th ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956) . Human Po u l a t i o n . Pas t - inhabited, 1 ,000 i n 1800 ' s (Findlay, 1886); m a n , 1951); Present - inhabi ted , 312 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : U.S. Geological Survey Expedit ion (F . R. Fosberg) - 3-8 February 1952. Avifauna: Fourteen spec ies of b i r d s a r e known from Ujelang A t o l l . Of these spec ies , 7 a r e seabi rds , 4 a r e shorebi rds , 1 i s a heron, 1 is a domestic fowl, and 1 a domestic duck. Three spec ie s a r e known t o breed on the a t o l l , however, 10 spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders . No museum specimens e x i s t from t h e a t o l l . Fosberg (1966) observed t h e following spec ie s from Ujelang A t o l l : Fregata & E g r e t t a sacra Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Cair ina moschata Introduced breeder ? Gallus g a l l u s I n t r o d u c e d b r e e d e r ? p ~ u v i a l i s dominica Migrant Numenius t a h i t i e n s i e Migrant Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant S terna sumatrana Resident breeder ? Sterna f u s c a t a Resident breeder , February (eggs) Thalasseus b e r g i i Resident breeder ? A m s t o l i d u s Resident breeder , February (eggs t o young) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder , February eggs t o l a r g e young) Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? # a l s o known from a POBSP band recovery record . B I K I N I 0 1 2 3 4 5 STATUTE MILES -1fi0' 11?30- 16P15' 165'20' 1.55~25' 165~30 ' I B I K I N I ATOLL Location: 11?35' N x 165'23' E . Shape and Size: Irregular ellipse-shaped; Tip t o t i p (east-west) - 26 miles; Width - 15 miles; Total lagoon area - 266.97 square miles; Total dry land area - 2.82 square miles; Number of islands - 29; Height - 10-19 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956; Doran, 1959). So i l : Larger islands - sand, generally f i ne grained, hor izontal ly - bedded, come gravel i n t e r io r ; Small i s lands , mostly beach rock (Doran, 1959) Vegetation: Species number unknown; large islands with =; small i s - lands wooded, few Cocos. Radioactive t e s t s reduced much vegetation, but vegetation has r e t z (~osbe rg , 1956; Doran, 1959). Climate: Moderate r a in fa l l , abdut 60-70 inches yearly; Mean a i r tem- perature - 82" F.; Wind - prevail ing from eas t t o north (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 30 in 1800's ( ~ i n d l a y , 1886); 1601 before 1946, a l l natives removed i n 1946 fo r atomic t e s t s , up t o 3,000 personnel f o r t e s t s (Freeman, 1951); Present - No natives inhabit the a t o l l . Sc i en t i f i c Vis i ts : Japanese v i s i t ( 3 . Kawakami) 3 January 1933; Atomic Energy Commission - February-August 1946, July-August 1947, (A. B. ~ o s e p h ) August 1964. Avifauna: Seventeen bird species a r e known from Bikini Ato l l . These include 10 seabirds, 4 shorebirds, 1 heron, 1 r a i l , and 1 cuckoo. Five species a re known breeders on Bikini Atol l , while 6 other species a re po t en t i a l breeders. The following checklist records the known bird species from Bikini Atol l , a s well a s presents the s t a tu s and source fo r each species and record. The sources from which t h i s l i s t was compiled include: (1) Baker, 1951; (2 ) Arnold Joseph, pers. corresp., September 1964; (3 ) Traylor, pers. corresp., September 1965 ; (4) Mayr, 1945; (5) Yamashina, 1940; (6) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, 1942; (7 ) USNM col lect ion; (8) CNKM col lect ion; and (9) YIZM col lect ion. These sources are referred t o i n the checklist by the corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The three species marked with an a s t e r i sk a r e heretofore unpublished speci- men records fo r Bikini Atol l . Bik in i B i k i n i A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t ,Species S t a t u s Source Puffinus pac i f icu# Sula su la -- Sula leucogaster* - Fregata m i n o r E g r e t t a sacra Poliol imnas c inereus micronesiae P l u v i a l i s dominica Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Heteroscelus incanwn Anous s t o l i d u s Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Q g i s a lba Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s Resident breeder ? Resident breeder, May Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Accidental Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder , August Resident breeder, March Resident breeder, J u l y Resident breeder, March Migrant Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d a t Bikin i A t o l l include 126 specimens of 17 species, a s l i s t e d i n Table 18. Bikini WLF. 18. Bird specimens collected from Bikini Atoll. Species Museum Age Sex Location D a t e Status Collector Puffinus pacificus Sula sula -- Sula leucogaster - Fregata minor I T ( 1 Egretta sacra It 1 USNM 347FI4 USNM 386637 USNM 386638 USNM 386639 USNM 386640 USNM 386641 USNM 386643 USNM 386644 USNM 386645 USNM 386646 USNM 388728 USNM 388811 usm 386642 USNM 399718 USNM 399719 USNM 399720 CNHM 153256 CNHM 153257 CNHM 153258 CNHM 153259 CNHM 15360 CNHM 15361 CNHM 153262 CNHM 153263 CNHM 153264 CNHM 153265 CNHM 153266 CNHM 153267 USNM 399721 UsNM 399722 USNM 399723 USNM 399724 USNM 386627 USNM 386625 USNM 386628 USNM 386634 USNM 38666 USNM 386629 WNM 386630 USNM 386631 USNM 38663.2 USNM 386633 USNM 386635 USNM 386636 Bikini I Ourukaen 11 K Bokororyuru 04-28-46 KIT 07-29-46 *,t 11 K" Bikini I Bokororyuru I Yurochi Namu 11 Ourukaen Arriikan N m u Skel. Skin 1, f 2 1 1 1, Morrison 11 I 7 11 11 1, 9, 3 , , I I , I ! If 3 , ,I Traylor I t Morrison poliolimnas cinfreus microneeiae YIOM 27726 ? A Bikini I 01-03-33 alc . Kawakami Bikini TABLE 18. Bird specimens collected from Bikini Atoll (contd.) Species Museum - Sex A x Location Date - Status Collector Pluvialis dominica USNM 386677 "" USNM 386678 USNM 386679 USNM 386680 Nuxenius tahitiensis USNM 386670 11 USNM 386671 11 I! USNM 386672 11 USNM 386673 Heteroscelus incanum USNM 386681 1, 11 USNM 386682 Arenaria inter ree USNM 3~66~4 -T USNM 386671 USNM 386676 Sterna sumatrana 11 11 Sterna fuscata 11 11 Thalasseus bergii USNM 399743 USNM 399744 USNM 386660 USNM 386661 USNM 386662 USNM 386663 USNM 399737 USNM 388755 USNM 399732 399733 USNM 386647 USNM 386648 USNM 396649 USNM 386650 IJSNM 399730 USNM 388729 USNM 388730 USNM 388731 USNM 388732 USNM 388734 USNM 388744 USNM 388745 USNM 399729 A m stolidus 11 USNM 38665i ,I 11 USNM 386652 $1 USNM 40730 11 1 T I USNM 346998 1, I , USNM 386654 USNM 386655 Bikini I 03-d-46 03 -07-46 11 11 03-04-46 05-03-46 r, 03 -14 -46 It 03-10-46 Namu 04-02-46 Bokoaetokutoku 04-30-46 Bokonfuaaku 02-28-46 Bokororyuru 04-28-46 Bikini I 02-26-46 It 03 -04-46 1, 11 02-26-46 Namu 08-07-47 11 I f d A Bokororyuru 04-30-46 d A " d A Bikini I 03 -26-46 ? A " d I Namu 08-07-47 ? A Bikini I 07-08-46 d A Reere 07 -18 -47 ? A " Bikini I 11 1, I f Bokobyaadaa 1 Eninman Bokonfuaaku Skin 11 - - Chieerete 03-19-46 Eggs ? N " ,t Alc . ? N " ,1 Skin d N " 7, 11 Morrison 1 Bikini TABLE 18. Bird specimens collected from Bikini Atoll (contd.) Species Museum - Sex A x Location - Date Status Collector Anous stolidus -It- USW 388776 CNHM 153290 11 I CNHM 153291 11 t CNHM 151292 Anous tenuirostris _II- c m 153296 CNHM 153237 CNHM 153298 CNHM 153299 USNM 386656 usm 386659 usm 386657 usm 386658 USNM 388792 USNM 388791 USm 388793 c m 153306 CNHM 153307 CNHbf 153308 CNHM 153309 CiWM 153310 I f CNHM 153311 Gyais alba USNM 386664 11 WNM 396669 11 1 USNM 386665 f 11 usm 386666 usm 386668 t 11 USNM 386667 USNM 388751 11 11 U S m 388753 1 1, usm 399736 USNM 40728 If I, CNxM 153312 Urodynamis taitensis USNM 386684 WNM 399741 p A Romu.rikku d - -- d - -- p - -- p - -- p - -- d I -- 6 -- p - -- 8 - -- ? N -- d A Arriikan d A " p A Ourukaen d A " 07 N " d A . Airukiraru d A Yurochi p - -- p - -- p - -- p - -- p - -- p - -- d N Ionchebi ? A " d I Chieerete d A Bikini I 9 A " p A Romurikku p A Airukiraru d7 I Ourukaen 9 A Eninman - - Yurochi p - -- 0 A Ourukaen d A Namu Skin Morrison !f Traylor 11 11 1 11 1 I t 11 I, 1 , I f 1 11 11 1 Morrison 1, I 1 ,t 11 , I 11 11 11 1, 9 2 1, 11 Traylor 11 1, 1, Morrison 11 I , S f 11 8 9 , 2 eggs I t Skin Traylor 1, Morrison 1, 11 167'24'~ 1671'30' R O N G E R I K 0 I 2 3 I srArurr M i i s I RONGERIK ATOLL Location: 11?21' N x 167~26 ' E. Shape and Size : I r r e g u l a r t r iangular-shaped; Tip t o base (nor theas t t o southwest) - 36 mi les ; Width (southwest base ) - 20 miles; T o t a l lagoon a r e a - 70.36 square miles; To ta l dry land a r e a - 0.81 square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 16; Height - 28 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). S o i l . No a v a i l a b l e d a t a . - Vegetation: Number of' species unknown; l a r g e i s l ands , Pisonia and Cordia f o r e s t s common, a few planted Coco,.; small i s lands , scrub o r low woodland (Fosberg, 1956, 1966). ClFmate: Moderate r a i n f a l l , about 60-70 inches yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- pera ture - 82 F. ; Wind - prevai l ing from e a s t t o north ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). I-iuman Po u la t ion : Pas t - inhabited, few (mostly nonpermanent) i n 1800's , -1; none i n 1 9 8 (Freeman, 1951); Present - uninhabited i n 1964 (u.S. Department of S ta t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Atomic Energy Commission, May-July 1946, August 1947; U.S. Navy (F. R. Fosberg) - 11 February 1956. Avifauna: Twelve b i rd species a r e known from Rongerik A t o l l . Of these 1;?,8e seabi rds and 4 a re shorebi rds . Two a r e known breeders, while 6 o ther species a r e considered t o be p o t e n t i a l breeders . The fol lowing check l i s t records the known b i r d species from Rongerik A t o l l . This l i s t was compiled from the fol lowing sources: ( 1 ) Foeberg, 19.06; (2) Traylor , pers . corresp. , September 1965; (3) USNM c o l l e c t i o n ; and (4 ) CNILM c o l l e c t i o n . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n t he c h e c k l i s t by the corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The t h r e e species marked with an a s t e r i s k a r e hereunto unpublished species records from Rongerik A t o l l . Rongerik A t o l l Avifauna Checkl is t Species S t a t u s Puffinua pacif icus* Resident breeder ? Fregata m- Resident breeder ? P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant Numeniu~ t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Arenaria interpres* Migrant S terna sumatrana Resident breeder ? Sterna fuscata* Resident breeder ? Thalasseus b e r ~ i i Resident breeder ? A x s t o l i d u s Resident breeder,March;few A- t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder ? 2 -is a l b a Resident breeder , March, February, few Source 130 Rongerik Birdspecimens collected from Rongerik Atoll are listed in Table 19. These include 55 specimens of 11 species. TABLE 19. Bird specimens collected from Rongerik Atoll. Species Puffinus pacificus Fregata minor Pluvialie dominica rI, Nwnenius tahitiensis 1111 Arenaria inter res T - F C E - Sterna swnatrana IjIf Anous tenuirostris ---TI-- CNHM 153269 CNHM 153322 CNHM 153323 CNHM 153324 CNHM 153325 C N I ~ 153326 CMLV 153327 USNM 399745 USNM 399746 CNHM CNHM USNM 399738 USNM 399739 USNM 399740 CNliM 153274 CNHM -,, . CNHM 153277 CNHM 151278 CNHM 153280 CNfIM 153281 CNHM 153328 CNHM 153329 Sex A x - ? ? 0 I 4 A 3 I ? A ? I P A ? A d ? d I d A d A d A d A ? d ? d I? 0 ? ? ? d ? d ? d ? d N 9 N USNM 399731 CNHM 153289 USNM 388777 USNM 388778 USNM 388779 USNM 388780 USNM 399726 CNI-IM 153300 CNHM 153301 CNHM 153330 CNIiM 153331 USNM 388788 USNM 388789 USNM 388790 USNM 399727 USNM 399728 Bigonattam Mortlock - - Latoback - - Latoback -- Bock Latoback -- - - - - - - Bock Date 33% -47 06-03-46 06-04-46 06-03-46 05-14-46 06-04-46 06-03-46 05-14-46 08-16-47 08-22-47 Status Skel. Skin Collector J.P.E.Morrison M.A.Traylor, Jr. 08-21-47 Skin J.P.E.Morrison 08-22-47 " 08-21-47 " 05-31-46 " M.A.Traylor, Jr. 06-28-46 Skin J.P.E.Morrison 05-12-46 " M.A.Traylor, Jr. 05-12-46 " M.A.Traylor, Jr. Rongerik TABU 19. Bird specimens collected from Rongerik Atoll (contd.). Species - Sex A= Location Status Collector Anous tenuirostris CNKM 153302 ? - -- - CNHM 151303 9 - -- G is alba J%-- -%, CNKM 153304 ? N -- CNHM 153305 ? N -- CNHM 153332 d N -- USNM 388747 ? A Latoback USNM 399734 d A off Bock USNM 399735 O A Mortlock CMiM 153319 ? - -- CNilM 153320 9 - -- CWlM 153321 d - -- 05-13-46 Skin M.A.Traylor, Jr. 166QO'E 166'50' 167'00' Lornuilal Roggutsu Bakujarito Eniaetok R O N G E L A P -~riirippu t o Bogontorinaai , , , \[Rochi c - S i A l U I i M l i t S 1 ongeiap RONGELAP ATOLL Location: 11"20' N x ~ 6 6 ~ 5 0 ' E. Shape and Size: Irregular diamond-shaped; Tip to tip (northeast-southwest) - 30 miles; Widest point (northwest-southeast) - 23 miles; Total lagoon area - 426.44 square miles; Total dry land area - 2.46 square miles; Number of islands - 58; Ifeight - ? feet. (Fosberg, 1956). Soil: Not especially fertile (Fosberg, 1956). - Vegetation: Species number unknown; large islands, some Cocos, but much native brush and woodland; small islands, scrub-coveredFosberg, 1956 ) . Climate: Moderate rainfall, about 60-70 inches yearly; Mean air tem- perature - 82" F., Wind - prevailing from east to north (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 120 in 1800's (~indla~, 1886); 95 in 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 228 in 1964 (U.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: C. H. Townsend - 18 J~nuary 1900; Atomic Energy Commission - May, June, July, August 1946) (A. B. Joseph), August 1964; U.S. Navy (F. R. ~osberg) - 7-9, 15 February 1956. Avifauna: Fourteen bird species are known from Rongelap Atoll. Of these 14, 8 are seabirds, 4 are shorebirds, 1 is a heron, and 1 is a domestic fowl. Although 10 species are potential breeders, only 3 are known breeders. The following checklist presents the recorded bird species from Rongelap Atoll. This list was compiled from the following sources: (1) Fosberg, 1966; (2) Traylor, pers. corresp., September 1965; (3) Hand-list of Japanese Birds (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; (49 Townsend and Wetmore, 1919; (5) Baker, 1951; (6) Momiyama, 1922; (7) Arnold Joseph, pers. corresp., September 1964; (8) UShM collection; (9) CNHM collection; (10) MCZ collection; and (11) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1932. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. The one species marked by an asterisk is hereunto an un- publi~hed species record from this atoll. Rongelap Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species, Status Source 1) Puffinus pacificus Resident breeder ? 2) Sula sula* -- Resident breeder ? 3) Fregata minor - Resident breeder 1 2, 8, 91 4) Egretta sacra Resident breeder 7 2, 7, 9 Rongelap Species Status Source 5 ) Gallus ga l lu s Introduced breeder ? 1, 11 6) P luvia l i s dominica Migrant 7 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant 8) Iieteroscelus incanum Migrant 9) Arenaria interpres Migrant 10) Sterna sumatrana Resident breeder ? 2, 8, 9 11) Thalasseus Resident breeder? 2, 8, 9 12) A m s to l idus Resident breeder; February; few 1, a 13) A- t enu i ros t r i s Resident breeder, Februarv: few 1. 7. 8 " , , . , 1 4 ) G y m alba Resident breeder, May ? 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, Bird specimens col lected a t Rongelap include 63 specimens of 12 species. TABLE 20. Bird specimens col lected from Rongelap Atol l . Species - Sex A 2 Location D a t e Statue Collector Fuffinus pacificus Sula sula -- Fregata minor 11 Egretta sacra P luvia l i s dominica 11- Numenius t ah i t i ens i s 1( Arenaria in t e r res Sterna sumatrana TT cmm 153456 USNM 346996 USNM 388812 USNM 346995 CNHM 153270 MCZ 81921 USNM 212228 USNM 212229 USNM 388805 USNM 388806 USNM 388807 USNM 388808 USNM 212201 USNM 212202 USM 212203 USNM 212204 USNM 388809 USNM 388810 USNM 212214 USNM 212215 USNM 388781 CNIM CNHM 153279 CNNM 153282 C M ~ M 153283 CNiiM 153284 USNM 388756 USNM 388757 USNM 388760 USNM 388758 - - 06-05-46 Naen 07-30-46 Burok 07-24-46 ? Rongelap I 01-18-00 Lomuilal 08-01-46 Rongelap 101-18-00 Arbar 06-16-46 - - 06-28-46 - - -- -- Lomuilal 08-01-46 Erapuotsu 07-20-46 ,1 Kabelle 06-20-46 Skin Skel. Skin Skel. Skin Skin M.A.Traylor, Jr. Rongelap TABLE 20. Bird specimens col lected from Rongelap Atol l (contd.) Species - Mueeum - Sex A x Location Date - s t a t u s Collector Sterna sumatrana Thalasseus berg i i -11 Anous s to l idus Anous tenui ros t r ie II i s alba -7- USNM 388759 USNM 388761 USrJM 388733 USNM 388735 USNM 388736 USM 388737 USNM 388738 USNM 388741 USNM 388742 USNM 388739 USNM 388740 CNIIM 153285 CNHM 153286 CNtIM 153287 CNHM USNM 388771 USNM 388772 USNM 388773 USNM 388774 USNM 388797 USNM 388798 USNM 388799 USM 388800 USNM 388801 USNM 388750 USNM 388752 CNHM 153313 CNMM 153314 CNHM 153315 CNKM 153316 CNHM 153317 CNHM 153318 CNIiM Surok Arbar yugui Eniaetok Kabelle - - -- -- -- Mellu Enybarbar Naen Burok Arbar Piganiyaro yaro Naen Enybarbar - - Skin - Skin M.A.Traylor, Jr. ALLINGINAE ATOLL Location: 11"08' N x 166'24' E . Shape and Size : Narrow oblong-shaped; Tip t o t i p (east-west) - 15 mi les ; Width - 4 miles ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 58.76 square miles . To ta l dry land a r e a - 1.29 square miles; Number of i s l ands - 25; eight - 10 feet(posberg, 1956). S o i l : Beach (seaward) - mostly beach rock, some cobblestone a reas ; - Beach (lagoon) - mostly sand, some exposed rock and cobblestone a reas ; I n t e r i o r - mostly sand, very l i t t l e humus. Vegetation: Species number unknown; l a r g e r i s lands , planted with e, some Pemphis and low scrub on seaward s ide ; smal ler i s lands , low dense scrub, Pandanus, few -. Climate: Moderate r a i n f a l l , about 60-70 inches yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- pera ture - 82' F . ; Winds - preva i l ing from e a s t t o north ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956) Human Population: Pas t - uninhabited; Present - uninhabited, evidence i n 1967 of occas ional v i s i t o r s t o ga ther copra. S c i e n t i f i c Visits: U.S. Navy (F. R. Fosberg) - 10 February 1956; POBSP - 1 May 1967. Avifauna: Fourteen b i r d species a r e known from Ai l inginae A t o l l . Nine of these species a r e seabirds, 4 a r e shorebirds, and 1 i s a heron. Four species a r e known breeders, 6 o thers a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders , while 4 a r e migrants. The 14 species known from Ai l inginae A t o l l a r e included i n the following c h e c k l i s t . The source ma te r i a l from which t h i s l i s t was compiled in- cludes: (1 ) Fosberg, 1966; and (2 ) POBSP 1967 da ta . These sources a r e r e fe r red t o i n the check l i s t by the corresponding number. The nine species marked with a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k a r e new species records f o r Ai l inginae A t o l l ; t he four species marked wi th double a s t e r i s k s a r e new breeding records . Ail inginae A t o l l Avifauna Checkl is t gpecies S ta tus Source 1 ) Sula sula* Resident breeder ? 2 2 ) Sula leucogaster* Resident breeder ? 2 3) Fregata m i n o r * Resident breeder ? 2 4 ) Egre t t a sacra* Resident breeder ? 2 5 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica* Migrant 2 6 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant 1, 2? 7 ) ~ e t e r o s c e l u s incanum * Migrant 2 8) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant 1 3 2 9 ) Sterna sumatrana* Resident breeder ? 2 1 0 ) Sterna fuscata* Resident breeder* 2 138 Ail inginae m a l a s s e u s bergi i* S t a t u s Source Resident breeder" 2 2 Anous s t o l i d u s - Resident breedera* U ) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder" 1, 2 14) Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? 1, 2 1, 2 Twenty-seven specimens of 1 0 b i r d species have been co l l ec ted by POBSP personnel from Ai l inginae A t o l l (Table 21). These include s i x species whose specimens a r e the f i r s t t o be c o l l e c t e d from the a t o l l , and four whose specimens confirm a previous s i g h t record. No other specimens have been co l l ec ted from t h e a t o l l . TABLE 21. Bird specimens co l l ec ted by POBSP from Ail inginae A t o l l . Species Museum Sex & Location Date - Sta tus Col lec tor -- Sula leucogas ter - USNM 543755 ? SA Airuken 5-1-67 Skin Fregata minor " 543379 9 A " Egre t t a sac ra " 543457 ? A E n i u e t a k k u " Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s " 498369 d A Enibuk Skel. Arenaria i n t e r p r e s " 543426 d A " n 1 , Skin " 543427 ? A " Ste rna sumatrana " 543219 ? - Sterna fusca ta " 543480 d A Airuken " 543481 d A " 11 I t I t Thalasseus b e r g i i A- s t o l i d u s " 543470 9 A iEanchinik3n" " 543471 d A Amerson f 5, " I " 545472 d A Enibuk " 543411 P A Airuken -is a i b a " 543406 d A " " 543405 d A Manchinikon " I! I " 547404 d A " Ail inginae Species Accounts 1 ) Sula s u l a -- Red-footed Booby Habi ta t -- May 1967 - f l y i n g over t h e southwest po r t ion of the lagoon. Numbers -- May 1967 - one a d u l t observed over the lagoon, none seen on the i s l ands v i s i t e d . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? -- May 1967 - no evidence of breeding on i s l ands v i s i t e d . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion i s a new species s i g h t record f o r the a t o l l . 2) leucogas ter Brown Booby Habi ta t -- May 1967 - roos t ing on rocky seaward beach of Ribinouri- Airuken, a l s o f l y i n g over t h e lagoon. Numbers -- May 1967 - Ribinouri-Airuken 3, lagoon 25. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - no evidence o f breeding a t Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken; probable breeder s ince adu l t s , subadults , and immatures were observed. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 (Table 21). This co l - l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new species and specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 3 ) Fregata Great F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- May 1967 - a d u l t s and subadults f ly ing above Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken and the lagoon, Numbers -- May 1967 - Manchinikon 2, Enibuk 3, Eniwetakku 1, Ribinouri-Airuken 3, lagoon 6. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? -- May 1967 - no evidence of breeding on i s l ands l i s t e d above bu t t h i s spec ies poss ib ly breeds a t Ai l inginae A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 (Table 23.). This i s a new species and specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 4 ) E g r e t t a sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t -- May 1967 - present on sandy and rocky seaward beaches of Enibuk and Ribinouri-Airuken. Numbers -- May 1967 - Enibuk 1, Ribinouri-Airuken 2. 140 Ailinginae Status -- Resident breeder? -- May 1967 - no evidence of breeding. This species possibly, however, nests on the atoll. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 a able 21). This rep- resents a new species and specimen record for Ailinginae Atoll. 5) Pluvialis dominica Golden Plover Habitat -- May 1967 - on sandy and rocky beach areas of Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken. Numbers -- May 1967 - Enibuk 2, Eniwetakku 3, Ribinouri-Airuken 5. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observation is a new species sight record for the atoll. 6) Numenius tahitiensis Bristle-thighed Curlew Habitat -- February 1956 - present on Sifo (Fosberg, 1966); May 1967 - on rocky seaward areas of Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri- Airuken. Numbers -- February 1956 - Sifo 2; May 1967 - Enibuk 2, Eniwetakku 3, Ribinouri-Airuken 2. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; FOBSP - 1 (Table 21). This rep- resents a new specimen record for Ailinginae Atoll. 7) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering Tattler Habitat -- May 1967 - on rocky beaches of Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eni- wetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken. Numbers -- May 1967 - Manchinikon 2, Enibuk 1, Eniwetakku 1, Ribinouri-Airuken 2. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observation is a new species sight record for the atoll. 8) Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Habitat -- February 1956 - present on Sifo (Fosberg, 1966); May 1967 - on sandy and rocky beach areas of Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken. 141 Ailinginae Numbers -- February 1956 - Sifo a few (~osberg, 1966); May 1967 - Enibuk 5, Eniwetakku k , Ribinouri-Airuken 6. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 2 (Table 21). This is a new specimen record for the atoll. 9) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habitat -- May 1967 - on the rocky and sandy beach areas of Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken; also flying over the lagoon. Numbers -- May 1967 - Enibuk 6, Eniwetakku 3, Ribinouri-Airuken 5, lagoon 10. Status -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - no nests observed on above islands. Specimen Record -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 (Table 21). This is a new species and specimen record for the atoll. 10) Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern Habitat -- May 1967 - colony on rocky western tip of Ribinouri- Airuken. Numbers -- May 1967 - Ribinouri-Airuken 5,000 adults, 2,000 young. Status -- Resident breeder. May 1967 - Ribinouri-Airuken 2,000 most young almost fledged, a few already flying, some dead (pos- sibly killed by rats). This is a new breeding record for Ailinginae Atoll. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 12 (Table 21). This col- lection constitutes a new species and specimen record for the atoll. 11) Thalasseus bergii Crested Tern Habitat -- May 1967 - flying over and roosting on rocky seaward areas of Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinour;.-Airuken,flying over the lagoon; almost-fledged young on rocky seaward area of Ribinouri- Airuken. Numbers -- May 1967 - Enibuk 2, Eniwetakku 2, Ribinourl-Airuken 25 adults and g young, lagoon 5. Status -- Resident breeder. May 1967 - Ribinouri-Airuken 9 almost- fledged young present. This is a new breeding record for Ailinginae Atoll. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 1 (Table 21). This col- lection represents a new species and specimen record for the atoll. 12) A- s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- February 1956 - present on S i f o ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); May 1967 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n Pandanus on Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken, a l s o f l y i n g over lagoon. Numbers -- February 1967 -Sifo a few p resen t ; May 1967 - Manchinikon 100, Enibuk 50, Eniwetakku 100, Ribinouri-Airuken 200, lagoon few. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . May 1967 - n e s t s with eggs on Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken. This is a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - 4 a able 21). This is a new specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 13 ) Anous -t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habitat -- February 1956 - present on S i f o (Fosberg, 1966); May 1967 - f l y i n g above, roos t ing and n e s t i n g i n Pisonia a t Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, Ribinouri-Airuken, a l s o over lagoon. Numbers -- February 1956 - S i f o s e v e r a l ; May 1967 - Manchinikon 25, Enibuk 10, Eniwetakku 10, Ribinouri-Airuken 50, and lagoon few. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . May 1967 - o ld n e s t s observed a t Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, and Ribinouri-Airuken. This i s a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- None. 14 ) G y ~ i s a l b a White Tern Habitat -- February 1956 - present on S i f o ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); May 1967 - f l y i n g above and roos t ing i n Pisonia and Cocas a t Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwe talrku, and Ribinour i-Airuken, a l s o f l y i n g over lagoon. Numbers -- February 1956 - S i f o 1 0 0 ' s ; May 1967 - Manchinikon 100, Enibuk 100, Eniwetakku 50, Ribinouri-Airuken 100, lagoon few. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - no eggs o r young observed on Manchinikon, Enibuk, Eniwetakku, o r Ribinouri-Airuken. Specimens co l l ec ted had bare brood patches. Specimen Records-- Other - none; POBSP - 3 a able 21). This col - l e c t i o n c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r Ai l inginae A t o l l . 10'10'- : : STATUTE M I L E S -10'0s' 10'05'- 165'55' 166'00' WOTHO ATOLL Location: 10?06' N x 165"$9' E . Shape and Size : I r r e g u l a r t r iangular-shaped; base t o t i p (north- southeas t ) - 19 mi les ; Width (nor th base) - 9 miles; To ta l lagoon a rea - 45.84 square miles; To ta l dry land area - 1.60 square miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 15; Height - ? f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). S o i l : No a v a i l a b l e da ta . - Vegetation: Forty species ; l a r g e r i s l ands with some o r i g i n a l f o r e s t s , l a rge a reas of planted Cocos; smaller i s l a n d s with scrub cover and small t r e e s (Fosberg, 1956). Climate : Moderately ve t , about 70-100 inches of r a i n f a l l yearly; Mean a i r temperature - 82' F . ; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t t o north (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Pas t - inhabited, 40 i n 1800 's (F indlay , 1886); 31 i n 1948 reem em an, 1951) ; Present - inhabited, 54 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S ta t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : U.S. Geological Survey Expe d i t i o n (F. R. Fosberg) - 2-16 February, 18-22 March 1952. Avifauna: F i f t een b i r d species a r e known from Wotho A t o l l . These i n - clude 7 seabi rd species, 5 shorebord species , 1 heron, 1 domestic duck, and 1 domestic fowl. Only th ree species of t h e 10 p o t e n t i a l breeders a r e known t o breed on the a t o l l . No museum specimens a r e known. Fosberg (1966) observed t h e fol lowing spec ies from Wotho Ato l l : 1 ) Sula leucogas ter - Resident breeder ? 2) Fregata minor Resident breeder ? 3 ) EE'i?K sacsa Resident breeder ? 4) Cair ina moschata Introduced breeder ? 5) Gallus g a l l u s Introduced breeder ? 6 ) P l u v l a l i s dominica Migrant 7 ) Numenius phaeopus Migrant 8) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant 9 ) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder 7 13) Anous s t o l i d u s - Resident breeder , February (downy young) 14) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder, February-March 15) Gygis a lba Resident breeder , February (eggs) UJAE ATOLL Location: 09'05' N x 165'40' E. Sha e and Size : Elongated diamond-shaped; Tip t o t i p (northwest- -7 miles; Widest Point - 8 miles ; To ta l lagoon area - 83.51 square miles; Tota l dry land a rea - 0.62 square miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 15; Height - ? f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). S o i l : No a v a i l a b l e da ta . - Vegetation: Sixty-one species ; l a r g e i s l a n d s planted with e, smal l e r i s l a n d s o r i g i n a l scrub and pa tches of f o r e s t (Fosberg, 1956) Climate: Moderately wet, about 70-100 inches of r a i n f a l l yearly; Mean a i r temperature - 82' F. ; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t t o north (Fosberg, 1956) . Human Population: Pas t - inhabited, 300 i n 1800's (Findlay, 1886): 244 i n 1948 ( Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 230 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c Visits: U.S. Geological Survey Expedit ion (F. R. Fosberg) - 16-23 February, 2-13 March 1952. Avifauna: Fourteen b i rd species a r e known from Ujae A t o l l . These spe- c i e s inc lude 8 seabi rds , 5 shorebi rds , and 1 heron. Although 9 spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders , only 4 a r e known breeders . No museum specimens have been col lec ted from t h e a t o l l . Fosberg (1966) l i s t e d t h e following spec ies which he observed on t h e a t o l l : 1 ) Sula s u l a 2) leucogas ter 3 ) F r e ~ a t a m i n o r 8) Heteroscelus incanum 9 ) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s 10) Sterna sumt rana 11) Thahsseus b e r g i i 2 A m s t o l i d u s 13) A- t e n u i r o s t r i s 14) Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder, February-March (eggs) Resident breeder ? Resident breeder , February-March (eggs ) Resident breeder , February (young) Resident breeder , February (eggs t o l a r g e young) Ribong n L A E 0 1 2 I S T A T U T E M I L E S Lae LAE ATOLL Location: 08"56' N x 166'14' E. Shape and Size: I r regular triangle-shaped; Base t o t i p (west-southeast) - 5 miles; width (west base) - 3.5 miles; Total lagoon area - 10.08 square miles; Total dry land area - 0.60 square miles; Number of islands - 1 Height - 8 fee t (Fosberg, 1956) - Soi l : Beach (seaward) - mostly rocky, but some sandy areas; Beach (lagoon) - mostly sandy (Fosberg, 1956). Vegetation: Sixty-three species; most is lands planted with Cocos, some th i ck wooded areas and some sparse t a l l scrub (Fosberg, 1956) Climate: Moderately wet, about 70-100 inches of r a i n f a l l yearly; Mean a i r temperature - 82' F., Winds - prevail ing from east t o north (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 250 i n 1800's (Findlay, 1886); 138 i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited 143 i n 1964 (U.S. Department of State , 1965). Sc ien t i f ic Vis i ts : U.S. Geological Survey Expedition (5'. R. Fosberg) - 6-10 January 1952. Avifauna: Ten bird species have been recorded from h e Atol l . Of these species, 4 are seabirds, 4 a re shorebirds, 1 i s a heron, and 1 i s a domestic fowl. Potent ia l breeders include 6 species, but only 1 i s known t o breed. No museum specimens a r e known from the a t o l l . Fosberg (1966) observed the following species from Lae Atoll : Egretta sacra Resident breeder ? Gallus gallus Introduced breeder ? Pluvia l i s dominica Migrant Numenius phaeopus Migrant Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Arenaria interpres Migrant Thalasseus berg i i Resident breeder ? Anous s tol idus Resident breeder, January Anous tenui ros t r i s - Resident breeder ? Gygis alba Resident breeder ? 0 $. 09-21 , . ~. ?lo' 09% D Omelek 1'00' ?50' inni Eblapik Worbab Kwajalein -40' 0820 K W A J A L E I N KWAJALEIN ATOLL Location: 09~05~ N x 167?2~' E. Shape and Size: An irregular-shaped crescent (running from southeast to northwest); Tip to tip - 75 miles, reef length 195 miles; Total lagoon area - 901.73 square miles; Total land area - 5.63 square miles; Number of islands - 92 (Fosberg, 1956). Soil: Beach -sandy with coral rock outcrops; Inland - sand to humus -(may vary from island to island). Vegetation: Species present - 77; Composition varies from island to island, e,Pisonia, and Messerschmidia prominent. Climate: Moderately wet, average annual rainfall 96 inches; Mean an- nual temperature - 82" F.; Wind, prevalent from northeast (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 200 in 1800's (~indla~, 1886); l,&3 in 1948 (Freeman, 1951) ; Present - inhabited, 2,663 natives in 1964 plus U.S. military personnel (U.S. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: Herbert Wallace - 1944; Northern Marshall Islands Expedition - 15-28 January, 29 February, 15 March 1952, 2-12 February 1956, and several brief stops on other dates (Fosberg, 1966); Charles F. Yocom - 20-30 July 1960; POBSP - 29 October to 9 November 1964, 13-19 June 1966. Avifauna: Thirty species of birds are now known from Kwajalein Atoll. These include 10 seabirds, 11 shorebirds, 6 ducks, 1 heron, and 2 land- birds. Of these 30 species, 4 are known breeders, 9 are possible breedere, 9 are regular migrants, 1 is a common visitor, and 7 are ac- cidental~. Kwajalein Atoll is the only locality in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands from which Anas platyrhynchos, Anas strepera, Aythya fuligula, Capella hardwickii, Acridotheres tristis, and Passer domestlcus have been re- corded. Thirty species are listed in the following checklist, which was de- rived from various sources: (1) POBSP, (a) 1964, (b) 1966, (c) band re- turn data; (2) Fosberg, 1966; (3) Baker, 1951; (4) Yocom, 1964; and (5) Marshall, 1957. These sources are referred to in the checklist by the correeponding numbers and letters. The seven species marked by a single asterisk are new species records for Kwajalein Atoll. 348-411 0-67- I I Kwajalein Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Sula sula* -- SuLa leucogaster - Fregata minor Egretta sacra Anas platyrhynchos A x crecca A- strepera Anas acuta Limosa lapponica Heteroscelus brevipes Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria interpres Capella hardwickii* Crocethia alba* Erolia acuminata* Sterna sumatrana Sterna lunata Sterna fuscata Thalasseus bergii A m stolidus Status Resident breeder ? Resident breeder 7 Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Accidental Accidental Accidental Common visitor Accidental Accidental Migrant Accidental Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Accidental Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder 7 Resident breeder 7 Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder ? Resident breeder, now absent Source la lb, 2b la, 2 , 3 la, 2b, 3, 4, 4 4 4 la, 4 la, 4 la lab, 2b la la, 2b la la, 2b la, 4 lab, 2b, 4 labc, 2b, 4 la la lab lab, 2b 4 lc, 2b, 4 lab, 2b lab, 2b, 3 lab, 2b lab, 2b, 3, 4 la POBSP personnel have collected 58 specimens of 16 species (Table 22). Of these 16 species, 5 are species not previously known from Kwajalein Atoll; the other 11 represent the first specimen confirmation of species previously known only from sight records. No other specimens are known from Kwajalein Atoll. TABU 22. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Kwajalein Atoll. Species Museum Sex A s Location - Datf Status Collector Anas acuta USNM 494843 d - Kwajalein I 11-02-64 Skin Clapp USNM 494844 0 - I1 I, USNM 494845 ? - 11-03-64 " Huber USNM 494846 P - 153 Kwa j a le in TABLE 22. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Kwajalein Ato l l (cont . ) Species Museum - Sex A x Location Date Status Collector Anas c l eata --J%-- Aythya f u l i g u h USNM 494852 Pluvia l i s dominica USNM 494747 USNM 494748 SquatatroLa squatarola USNM 494822 Numenius bhaeopus USNM 494837 USNM 494838 Limosa lapponica USNM 494830 Heteroscelus incanum USNM 494898 USNM 494914 Heteroscelus brevipes USNM 494899 , USNM 494912 USNM 494913 Arenaria interpres USNM 494763 USNM 494764 USm 494766 USNM 494767 USm 494768 USNM 494769 USNM 494770 USNM 494771 USNM 494772 USNM 494773 USNM 494774 < . . Capella ( ~ a l l i n a ~ o ) hardwickii USW 494842 Crocethia & Erolia acuminata USNM 494795 USNM 494796 USNM 494797 USNM 494798 usm 494799 USNM 494800 USw 494801 USNM 494802 USNM 494803 UsNM 494804 USNM 494805 Anous s tol idus USNM 494663 USNM 494664 Kwa ja le in I 1 , Roi-Namur Kwajalein I Roi-Namur Kwajalein I Lo i Skin , ,* 1 f t I Huber 1, Huber 0 t c ~ P P Huber I Wislocki C ~ P P Huber C ~ ~ P P Huber C ~ P P 154 Kwa ja le in 1 . TABLE 22. Bird specimens collected by FOBSP from Kwajalein (cont . ) . Species Museum - Sex A Location D a t e Sta tus Collector A m t enu i ros t r i s USNM 494547 ? - Ebeye 11-08-64 Skin Amerson ( Lagoon) USNM 494548 9 - , I I USNM 494549 ? - N. Loi C B P P usm 494550 d - USNM 494632 0 - 8 , f Species Accounts Sula sula l. -- Red-footed Booby Habitat -- October-November 1964 - seen f lying offshore of Roi- Namur on 30 October. This species possibly roosts on some of the many uninhabited islands i n the a t o l l . Numbers -- October-November 1964 - f ive observed (four of which were immature or dark-phase b i rds ) offshore of Roi-Namur on 30 October. Status -- Resident breeder? Breeding not observed. This species may nest on some of the many isolated islands i n the a t o l l . Specimen Record; -- None. This is a new species s ight record for Kwajalein Atol l . 2) - Sula leucogaster Brown Booby Habitat -- 23 January 1952 - seen f lying with f r iga teb i rds (Fosberg, 1966); June 1966 - observed s i t t i n g on buoys inside the lagoon (14 June) and f lying (feeding) outside the a t o l l (15 ~ u n e ) . Numbers -- 23 January 1952 - one seen (Fosberg, 1966); June 1966 - adul t s s i t t i n g on buoys, four feeding outside the a t o l l . Sta tus -- Resident breeder? Not known t o breed, however, may breed on some of the many is lands tha t have not been vis i ted by ornithol- og is t s . Specimen Records -- None. 3) Fregata minor Great Frigatebird Habitat -- 7 May 1944 - observed a t Loi by Wallace (Baker, 1951); 19, 23 January 1952 and 2 February 1956 - soaring over Kwajalein Island (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - f lying over Roi- Namur on 30 October, f ly ing over Kwajalein Island on 9 November. This species probably roosts on some of the nonfrequented islands i n the a t o l l . 155 Kwa ja le in Numbers -- 7 May 1944 - two seen a t Loi ( ~ a k e r , 1951); 19 January 1952 - one, 23 January 1952 - many dozens, and 2 February 1956 - two seen over Kwajalein Island (Fosberg, 1966); 9 October 1964 - one over Roi-Namur; 9 November 1964 - one over Kwa ja le in Island. Status -- Resident breeder? October-November 1964 - not observed breeding; may breed on unvisited islands. Specimen Records -- None. 4 ) Egretta sacra Reef Heron Habitat -- 1944-1945 - present ( ~ a k e r , 1951); January, March, August 1952 - present on Lojjaiong, Lojjairek, Enebuoj, Ebeye, Kwajalein, and Enelakken ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); 25-27 Ju ly 1960 - three color phases present (yocorn, 1964); October-November 1964 - seen on sandy and rocky beaches of Roi-Namur and Lei. Numbers -- 1944-1945 - "Wallace ( f ie ld notes) found white herons more numerous than gray ones . . ." ( ~ a k e r , 1959; 15 January 1952 - Lojjaiong and Lojjairek 1 blue, 2 mottled, 2 white, 19 January 1952 - Enebuoj 1 mottled, 1 white, 26 January 1952 - Ebeye 1 white with wing t i p s dark, l w h i t e , 27 January 1952 - Kwajalein 1 blue, 1 white, 15 March 1952 - Kwa ja le in 1 blue, 3 Aug~~s t 1952 - Enelakken I blue, 1 mottled, 1 white (~osbe rg , 1966); 25-27 July 1960 - "about 12 ... of the th ree color phases, white, white and black (mottled), and dark gray" (~ocom, 1964); October-November 1964 - Roi-Namur observed 4 various color-phased birds, Loi 1 seen. Status -- Resident breeder? October-November 1964 - Breeding not observed, but may nest on the many,isolated islands i n the a t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 5) & platyrhynchos Mallard Habitat -- Winter of 1959-1960 - W. W. Fennell observed Mallards a t Kwajalein Island which arrived in September 1959 and remained u n t i l t he l a s t of February 1960 (~ocom, 1964). Numbers -- Winter of 1959-1960 - "... two flocks ... consist ing of about 12 birds each ..." (yocam, 1964). Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- None. 6 ) Anas crecca Common or Green-winged Teal Habitat -- September 1959-February 1960 - W. W. Fennell observed Common or Green-winged Teal on Kwajalein (yocorn, 1964). 156 Kwa ja le in Numbers -- September 1959-February 1960 - ". .. about 75 t e a l i n one flock" (~ocom, 1964). Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- None. 7) Anas strepera - Gadwall Habitat -- September 1959-February 1960 - W , W. Fennell saw Gadwalls a t Kwajalein (Yocom, 1964). Numbers -- September 1959-February 1960 - ' I . . . considered ... the most numerous species present . . . " (~ocom, 1964). Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- None. 8) Anas acuta Pintai l Habitat -- September 1959-February 1960 - W. W. Fennell observed P in t a i l s on Kwajalein (Yocom, 1964); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein Island on fresh water "ponds" a t edges (run-off areas) of runways, Roi-Namuz i n cleared areas in dense vegetation on Namur. Numbers -- September 1959-February 1960 - several seen (~ocom, 1964); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein Island s ix seen and collected. Roi-Namur one seen ( ? ) . Status -- Common v i s i t o r . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - s ix sf able 22). Although P in t a i l s have previously been observed from Kwajalein Atoll , these are the f i r s t specimen records from the a t o l l . 9 ) & clypeata Shoveler Habitat -- September 1959-February 1960 - W. W. Fennell saw Shovelers on Kwajalein (Yocom, 1964); October-November 1964 - observed on fresh water drainage "ponds" on edge of runway a t Kwajalein Island. Numbers -- September 1959-February 1960 - Shovelers were seen ( a t l e a s t one shot) on Kwajalein (Yocom, 1964); October-November 1964 - two seen and collected on Kwajalein Island. Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 22). This collection i s a f i r s t specimen record for t h i s species from Kwajalein Atol l . Kwajalein 10) Aythya ful igula Tufted Duck Habitat -- October-November 1964 - observed on fresh-water drain- age areas ("ponds") a t edges of runways on Kwajalein Island. Numbers -- October-November 1964 - one seen and collected on Kwajalein Island. Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one a able 22). This i s a new species and specimen record f o r Micronesia. 11) Pluvial is dominica Golden Plover Habitat -- 15 January 1952 - Kwajalein Island on lagoon debris f l a t , 19 January 1952 - outer reef f l a t and inner beach, 23 January 1952 and 29 February 1952, 3 August 1952, 12 February 1956, and 10 October 1960 - res t ing on the asphalt of the a i r s t r i p s (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - common on the runways and grassy lawns of Kwajalein Island and Roi-Namur, present on the beaches of the above two islands and Loi, Bigej, and Ebeye; June 1966 - on the greens of the golf course and on the shoreline of Kwajalein Island. Numbers -- Kwajalein Island: 15 January 1952 - 12 seen on lagoon f l a t , 19 January 1952 - a number on outer reef f l a t and inner beach, 23 January, 29 February, and 3 August 1952 - seen i n numbers on the a i r s t r i p (5 together i n ~ u g u s t ) , 1 2 February 1956 - seen, 10 October 1960 - common generally on the island and a number on the a i r s t r i p (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein 200, Roi-Namur 200, Loi 10, Bigej 4, Ebeye 3-6; June 1966 - Kwa j a l e in 16. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - f ive (Table 22). A l - though Golden Plovers are already known from Kwajalein Atoll , these are the f i r s t specimen records for t h i s species from the a t o l l . 12) Squatarola squatarola Black-bellied Plover Habitat -- 3 November 1964 - on runway of Kwajalein Island. Numbers -- 3 November 1964 - one seen and collected on Kwajalein Island. Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 22). This i s a new species and specimen record from Kwajalein Atol l . There i s only one other record (a sighting) for t h i s species from the Marshall Islands (see Eniwetok Atol l ) . 13) Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Habitat -- 19 October 1950 - ". , . curlews, Whimbrels judging from t h e i r notes were seen on the Kwajalein a i r s t r i p i n the sun a t 3:15 p.m. . . . " (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - observed on run- ways and surrounding open areas of Kwajalein and Roi-Namur. Numbers -- 19 October 1960 - two observed ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1966); October- November 1964 - Kwajalein 8; Roi-Namur 8. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - four a able 22). These specimens represent the f i r s t specimen records from the a t o l l . 14) Numenius t ah i t i ens i s Bristle-thighed Curlew Habitat -- October-November 1964 - observed only on runways and sandy beach areas of Roi-Namur. Numbers -- October-November 1964 - Roi-Namur four seen. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observation i s a new sight record f o r Kwajalein Atoll . 15) Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Habitat -- 2 February 1956 - seen on weedy ground a t southwest end of Kwajalein Island, a l so flew over the sea, c i rc led around, and f i n a l l y landed on the a i r s t r i p (Fosberg, 1966); 4 November 1964 - on t a x i s t r i p next t o runway on Roi-Namur. Numbers -- 2 February 1956 - one ten ta t ive ly ident i f ied a s t h i s species seen on Kwajalein Island (Fosberg, 1966); 4 November 1964 - one seen and collected on Roi-Namur. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one a able 22). This is a new specimen record for Kwajalein Atoll . 16) Heteroscelus brevipes Polynesian Ta t t le r Habitat -- 4 November 1964 - on runways and t a x i s t r i p s a t Roi-Namur. Numbers -- 4 November 1964 - three collected. Possibly some of those ident i f ied a s H. incanum i n the f i e ld were H. brevipes, for it is extremely diffTcult t o dis t inguish the two species i n t h e i r summer plumage without specimens. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - three (Table 22). These Polynesian Tat t lers represent a new specimen record for Kwajalein Atoll . Yocom (1964) s ta ted tha t the three Wandering Tat t le rs he observed a t Kwajalein Atoll i n 1960 could have been H. brevipes. - 17) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering Tat t ler Habitat -- 15, 19 January 1952 and 2 February 1956, outer reef f l a t and beach area (~osberg , 1966); 25-27 July 1960, on Kwajalein and Guegeegue (Yocorn, 1964); October-November 1964, on runways and outer beach areas of Loi and Bigej; 17 June 1966, observed around the shoreline of Kwajalein Island. Numbers -- 15 January 1952 - "...several were seen...", 19 January 1952 - ". . .8 were seen a t once, and others before and a f t e r . . .", 2 February 1956 - ". ..two were seen.. ." (Fosberg, 1966); 25-27 July 1960 - " . . .3 Wandering ( ? ) Tatt lers (Heteroscelus incanum) on Kwajalein, and 1 on Guegeegue Island.. .? (Yocom, 196'45;'- October-November 1964 - Kwajalein 1520, Roi-Namur 25, Loi 5-10, Bigej 6; 17 June 1966 - Kwajalein 2. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - three a able 22). This i s a new specimen record from Kwajalein Atoll; it was previously known only from a s ight record. 18) Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Habitat -- July 1960 - " . . .on the runway a t Kwajalein and . . . on another island i n the a to l l . . ." (Yocom, 1964); l9 October 1960 - on the a i r s t r i p a t Kwajalein Island ( ~ o s b e r ~ , 1966); October-November 1964 - present on the runways, lawns, and beaches of Kwajalein and Roi-Namur, a lso on the beaches of Loi; June. 1966 - around the shore l i n e of Kwajalein (17 June), also seen f lying over the lagoon (14 ~ u n e ) . Numbers -- July 1960 - Kwajalein 30 and a flock on another island (Yocorn, 1964); 19 October 1964 - a considerable flock on Kwajalein Island (Fosberg, 1966); October - November 1964 - Kwajalein 200-300, Roi-Namur 200, L 0 i 25; 13-19 June 1966 - four f lying over lagoon, about 30 on Kwajalein. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - twelve (Table 22). Although Ruddy Dx-nstones have previously been observed from Kwajalein Island, t h i s se r ies of skins i s the f i r s t of the species t o be collected from the a t o l l . 16 0 Kwa j a l e i n 19) Capella ca all in ago) hardwicki i Latham's Snipe Habi ta t -- 7 November 1964 - grassy area between t h e runway and taxiway on Kwajalein. mumber -- 7 November 1964 - 1 seen and c o l l e c t e d . S t a tus -- Accidenta l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 22). This i s a new spec ie s and specimen record fo r a l l of Micronesia. 20) Crocethia a lba - Sanderl ing Habi ta t -- October-November 1964 - Kwajalein I s l and on runway (2-3 ~ o v e m b e r ) , Roi-Namur on runway t a x i s t r i p a rea (4 ~ovember ) . Numbers -- October-November 1964 - Kwajalein I s l a n d 1 seen 2 and 3 November and c o l l e c t e d ; Roi-Namur 2 observed (4 ~ o v e m b e r ) . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 22 ) . This i s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Kwajalein A t o l l . 21) E r o l i a acuminata Sharp- ta i led Sandpiper Habi ta t -- October-November 1964 - around f r e s h water "pond" area between t h e runway and t a x i s t r i p on Kwajalein. Numbers -- October-November 1964 - Kwajalein 25, none seen on o the r i s l a n d s . One un iden t i f i ed E r o l i a s ighted on 17 June 1966 a t Kwajalein I s l a n d probably was of t h i s spec ie s . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - nine (Table 22 ) . These observa t ions and c o l l e c t i o n s c o n s t i t u t e a new spec ie s and specimen record fo r Kwajalein A t o l l . 22) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- 5 February 1956 - seen f l y i n g over t h e lagoon s ide of Ebeye ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October-November 1964 - seen f l y i n g off e a s t e r n t i p of Enebuoj; June 1966 - seen f l y i n g i n s i d e and ou t s ide t h e lagoon, bu t u s u a l l y f a i r l y c lose t o i s l a n d s . Numbers -- 5 February 1956 - Ebeye 2 ( ~ o s b e r g , 1966); October- November 1964 - Enebuoj (lagoon a r e a ) 3; June 1966 - 15+ feeding ou t s ide t h e lagoon (nor thern end of a t o l l ) on 15 June, s e v e r a l seen i n s i d e t h e lagoon on 1 4 and 16 June. 161 Kwajalein Status -- Resident breeder? No breeding records known. This species probably breeds a t Kwajalein Atoll, but due t o the large number of islands and the s ize of the a t o l l , t h e i r nests have not been discovered. Specimen Records -- None. 23) Sterna lunata Gray-backed Tern Habitat -- 25-27 July 1960 - "...along the beach a t Kwajalein." (yocom, 1964). Numbers -- 25-Z( July 1960 - " . . .2 Sooty Terns.. .or Gray-backed Terns.. . a t Kwajalein." (yocorn, 1964). Status -- Resident breeder? There i s no record of t h i s species breeding a t Kwajalein Atoll, however, there i s a poss ib i l i t y that i t could breed within the a t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 24) Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern Habitat -- 27 January 1952 - observed on Eniwetak (Fosberg, 1966); 25-27 July 1960 - along the beach a t Kwajalein (~ocom, 1964). Numbers -- 23 January 1952 - "Ted P.rnow saw one Sooty Tern on Eniwetak I s l e t . . ." (Fosberg, '1966); 25-27 July 1960 - "2 Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata) or Gray-backed Terns (Sterna lunata). . . a t Kwajalein L-7, - 7." (~ocom, 1964). Status -- Resident breeder? %is species i s not known t o breed a t Kwajalein, however, there i s a poss ib i l i ty it may breed on one of the many unvisited islands i n the a t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 25) Thalasseus berg i i Crested Tern Habitat -- 29 February 1952 - observed f i sh ing i n the lagoon near the p ie r (and sewer mouth) on Kwajalein Island (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - f lying over the lagoon s ide (around the p i e r s ) of KwaJalein Island, roosting and f lying over the rocky seaward s ide of Roi-Namur; June 1966 - seen inside the lagoon on 14 June. Numbers -- 29 February 1952 - Kwajalein Island 6 (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein 4, Roi-Namur 6; June 1966 - present inside the lagoon on 14 June. Status -- Resident breeder? No breeding records are known from Kwajalein Atoll, however, it probably breeds on some of the l i t t l e - v i s i t e d islands i n the a t o l l . Specimen Recoi-ds -- None. 26) A m stolidus Brown Noddy Habitat -- May 1944 - in flock with Gygis alba at Kwajalein going to sea at daybreak and returning by (Baker, 195'1); 1952 - Lojjaiong and Lojjairok - present 15 January, Enebuoj - especially on and over the outer reef flat 19 January, Eniwetak - present 23 January, near Enelapkan on 3 August (~osberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - Loi flying over and roosting in Pisonia trees; June 1966 - observed flying over many islands inside lagoon (14 ~une), seen feeding outside the atoll just before sun- set and returning after sunset to the north part of the atoll (15 June), observed in the lagoon (16 June). Numbers -- May 1944 - Wallace observed 40+ at Kwajalein (~aker, 1951); 1952 - Lojjaiong and Lojjairok quixe plentiful 15 January, kebuoj many were seen 19 January, Eniwetak few were seen 23 January, one seen near Enelaukan on 3 August (Fosberg, 19661: October-November 1964 - Loi 20, none seen on other islands visited; June 1966 - quite a few seen over the islands and in the lagoon, 2,500 seen feeding outside the lagoon just before sunset and returning to the islands after sunset on 15 June. Status -- Resident breeder? 15 January 1952 - Lojjaiong and Lojjairok "...one or two were obviously gathering nesting material." (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - no breeding observed but few islands visited. This species probably breeds on all suitably vegetated islands at Kwajalein Atoll. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - three a able 22). This collection is the first specimen record for this species from Kwajalein Atoll. 27) Anous tenuirostris - Black Noddy Habitat -- 1952 - Lojjaiong-flying over lagoon area, Eniwetak-seen nesting high in the Pisonia grandis trees 23 January, Kwajalein - flock fishing in the lagoon 27 January-1 February (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein - flying over seaward beaches and occasionally over the island proper, Roi-Namur - flying over and roosting in Cocos and Pisonia trees and on beaches, Loi - flying and roosting in Pisonia trees, lagoon proper, small flocks fishing; June 1966 - over most islands, on 15 June seen feeding outside the lagoon at the north part of the atoll. Numbers -- 1952 - Loj jaiong 4 seen on 15 January, Eniwetak hundreds seen nesting on 23 January, Kwajalein flock of 2-3 dozen in lagoon from 27 January to 1 February (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - Kwajalein lo, Roi-Namur 25, Loi lo, Ebeye lagoon 5; June 1966 - quite a few seen over the various islands, 300 observed feeding outside the northern end of the atoll just before sunset on 15 June. Status -- Resident breeder. 23 January 1952 - hundreds were seen nesting on Eniwetak; October-November 1964 - no breeding activity observed, but all islands not visited; June 1966 - no breeding observed, but few islands visited. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - four a able 22). These skins represent a new specimen record for Kwajalein Atoll. 28) Gygis alba -7 White Tern Habitat -- May 1944 - in a flock with Anous stolidus (~aker, 1951); 1952 - Lojjaiong - flying over the island 15 January, Enebuoj - nesting 19 January (Fosberg, 1966); 25-27 July 1960 - one seen in - . the atoll (Yocorn,- 1964); ~ctober-~Avember 1964 - Roi-Namur - flying over and roosting on the tall vegetation, Loi - roosting in Pisonia trees; June 1966 - observed over many islands, feeding outside the northern part of the atoll just before sunset 15 June. Numbers -- May 1944 - present (~aker, 1951); 15 January 1952 - Lojjaiong - a number were seen flying over, 19 January 1952 - Enebuoj - several flew over, Eniwetak-large numbers present (Fosberg, 1966); 25-27 July 1960 - one seen (Yocorn, 1964); October-November 1964 - Roi-Namur 10, Loi 30; July 1966 - quite a few over most islands, 40+ seen outside the northern part of the atoll on 15 June. Status -- Resident breeder. 19 January 1952 - Eniwetak several young ones present (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964 - no evidence of breeding observed, however, all islands not visited; July 1966 - no breeding butfew islands visited. Specimen Records - Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 22). Although White Terns have previously been recorded from Kwajalein Atoll, this is the first specimen record for this species from the atoll. 29) Passer domesticus House Sparrow Habitat -- October-November 1964 - Kwajalein Island, flying in and around the fuel depot-fueling dock and nursery area. Numbers -- October-November 1964 - 3 seen at one time but possibly more present, not present on other islands visited. Status -- Resident breeder? October-November 1964 - no breeding activity observed, but conditions are favorable for this species to breed on Kwajalein Island and some of the other islands in the atoll. Specimen Records -- None. Due to the area involved,firearms could not be used to collect specimens of this species. Mist 164 Kwajalein nets were t r ied , but were unsuccessful i n obtaining specimens. This i s a new species record f o r Micronesia (not l i s t e d i n Baker, 1951). This species i s known, however, from Wake Atoll some 600 miles north of Kwajalein Atoll ( ~ a r s h a l l , 1957). 30) Acridotheres t r i s t i s Indian Mynah Habitat -- 11 June 1950 - Kwajalein Island perched on main a i rpor t building (Marshall, 1957); 1952 - Kwajalein Island around the mi l i t a ry establishment (Fosberg, 1956, 1966); July 1956 - Kwajalein Island i n gardens around the nursery eating papayas (Marshall, 1957). Numbers -- 11 June 1950 - Kwajalein Island 1 (Marshall, 1957); 1952 - Kwajalein Island, introduced and f a i r l y common, several pa i r s established and very much a t home (Fosberg, 1956,1966); July 1956 - Kwajalein Island 6 (Marshall, 1957); 1956,1958, 1960 - not seen (Fosberg, 1966); October-November 1964, July 1966 - none observed. Status -- Resident breeder, now absent. 1952 - " . . .pa i r s were established and very much a t home on Kwajalein I s l e t . . ." (F'osberg, 1966). Specimen Records -- None. 167~ 24' E 16422 - 08~20'N 08~20'- L I B 0 112 C ( U U H C - - ( 1 1 STATUTE MILE -08'19' 0e019: - 08'18' 08'18'- 167p24' 167:25 LIB ISLAM) Location: 08"19' N x 167-25' E. Shape and Size: Triangle-shaped; Tip to tip (east-west) - 0.75 miles; Width - 0.50 miles; No lagoon, but a fresh water pond is located in the center of the island; Total dry land area 0.36 square miles; Number of islands - 1: Height ? feet (Fosberg, 1956). Soil: Unknown, but said to be fertile (~indla~, 1886). - Vegetation: Only Cocos and Pandanus known. - Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air temperature - 82?F; Winds - prevailing from east to north (~osberg, 1956) Human Population: Past - inhabited, 23 in 1800's (Findlay, 1886); 84 in 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 190 in 1963 (u.s. Department of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: None. Avifauna: No bird records exist for Lib Island. 348-415 0-69-I2 N A M U NAMU ATOLL Location: 08?00' N x 168'10' E. Shape and Size: I r r e g u l a r dumbbell-shaped; Tip t o t i p (northwest- sou theas t ) - 32 mi les ; Width (northeast-southwest) - 2 t o 7 mi les ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 173.53 square mi les ; To ta l d ry land a rea - 2.42 square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 51; I-Ieight - 11 f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). S o i l : Beach (lagoon) - mostly sandy wi th some exposed rock; I n t e r i o r - - sand, some black with humus. Vegetat ion: Eighteen known spec ie s ; most i s l ands planted with Cocas and l a rge b read f ru i t t r e e s (Wiens, 1957). Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- pe ra tu re - 82O F.; Winds - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t t o nor th (Fosberg, 1956) . Human Po u l a t i o n : Pas t - inhabi ted , 150 i n 1800's (Findlay, 1886); 341 , 5 ) Present - inhabi ted , 68P i n 1963 (u. S, Dept. of S t a t e , 1965) S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Japanese expedi t ion - 19 October 1931; P a c i f i c Science Board (H. J. Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna: S ix b i r d spec ies have been recorded from Namu A t o l l . A l l 6 s e a r e seabi rds . One s p e c i e s i s d e f i n i t e l y known t o breed, while t h e o ther 5 a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders . POBSP personnel passed within one mi l e of the e a s t t i p of N%u A t o l l dur ing t h e af ternoon of 2 May 1967, while t r a v e l l i n g from Ai l inginae A t o l l t o Jabi~ot I s land . Red-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, and White Tern were observed f l y i n g t o the a t o l l . The 6 spec ies known from Namu A t o l l a r e included i n t h e following c h e c k l i s t . The source m a t e r i a l from which t h i s l i s t was compiled i n - c ludes : (1 ) Baker, 1951; (2 ) Hand- l i s t of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, (b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (3 ) Yamashina, 1932; (4 ) POBSP band recovery; (5 ) YIZM c o l l e c t i o n ; and (6 ) POBSP d a t a (of fshore) . These sources a r e r e - f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The 3 spec ie s marked with an a s t e r i s k a r e new spec ies records f o r Namu A t o l l . Namu NAMU ATOLL AVIFAUNA CHECKLIST Species S t a t u s Source 1) Sula sula* Resident breeder ? 4, 6 2 ) Fregata Resident breeder ? 1, 2ab. 5 3) Sterna s g a t r a n a Resident breeder ? a 5 4 ) A m s to l idus* Resident breeder ? 5) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder, November 1, 3, 6 6 ) Gygis alba* Resident breeder ? 6 Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d from Namu A t o l l include seven specimens of two spec ies . Table Bird Specimens c o l l e c t e d from Namu A t o l l . Species Museum Sex A Location Datf - S t a t u s Co l l ec to r Fregata miror YIZM d A Namu 1 10-19-31 Skin H. O r i i YIZM d A 11 Lost 7, YIZM 0 Juv " Skin Sterna sumatrana Y IZM d Juv " l i I, YIZM d A ( 1 YIZM d I - - MCZ d - Skin - I 168'57'30"E J A B W O T 0 112 1 r I I STATUTE MILE -07.45' N 07.45~ 168.57'30" JABWOT ISLAND Location: 07"47' N x 16a059' E. Shape and Size: Oval; Tip t o t i p (northwest-southeast) - 0.75 mi les ; Width - 0.25 mi le ; No lagoon; To ta l d ry land a r e a - 0 .22 square mi les ; Number of i s l ands - 1; Height - 30+ f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). - S o i l : Beach (windward o r no r theas t ) - mostly s o l i d rock, some sand i n - spo t s ; Beach (leeward o r southwest) - sandy with cobblestone a r e a s t o - ward each end; I n t e r i o r - sandy on beach c r e s t , dark humus i n wooded a reas . Vegetat ion: Number of spec ies unknown; many t a l l Cocos throughout the i s l and , some Pandanus and A r t o c a r ~ s a r o u n d v i l l a g e ; some s c a t t e r e d Pisonia and f e r n ; heavy undergrowth i n p l aces . Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of r a i n f a l l year ly ; Mean a i r tem- pe ra tu re - 82" F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t t o nor th (Fosberg, 1956) Human Populat ion: Pas t - inhabited, few i n 1800's ( ~ i n d l a ~ , 1886); none i n 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 92 i n 1963 (u. S. Dept. of S t a t e , 1965); 90+ i n 1967. (POBSP ). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : POBSP - 3 May 1967. Avifauna: Nine b i r d spec ies a r e known from Jabwot I s l and . These i n - clude 3 seabi rds , 4 shorebirds, 1 heron, and 1 domestic fowl. Orie of t hese spec ies i s a known breeder , 4 o the r s a r e poss ib le breeders , and 4 a r e migrants . Nine spec ie s a r e l i s t e d i n the fol lowing check l i s t , which was der ived s o l e l y from da ta c o l l e c t e d by POBSP personnel i n 1967 a s ind ica t ed under sources by the number 1. A l l n ine spec ies a re new spec ies r ec - ords f o r Jabwot I s l and ; these a r e marked by a s ing le a s t e r i s k . The s i n g l e spec ie s marked by double a s t e r i s k s i s a new i s l a n d breeding record . Jabwot I s l and Avifauna Checkl i s t Species S t a t u s Source 1 ) Fregata m i n o r * Resident breeder ? 1 2) E g r e t t a sacra* Resident breeder ? 1 3 ) Gallus g a l l u s * Introduced breeder** 1 4 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica* Migrant 1 5) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s * Migrant 1 -- - 6 ) Heteroscelus incanurn*- Migrant 7) Arenar ia in te rpres* Migrant 8 ) A m s t o l i d u s v Resident breeder ? 9) Gygis alba* Res ident breeder ? 1 174 Jabwot POBSP personnel have co l l ec ted four s p e c h e n s of th ree species (Table 4 ) . A l l t h r e e of these species a r e specimen records of species not previously known from Jcbwot I s l and . No o the r specimens a r e known from t h i s i s l and . Table 24. Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP from Jabwot I s l and . Species Museum - Sex A x Location Date Sta tus Col lec tor P l u v i a l i s dominica USNM 543387 9 A Jawbot 5-3-67 Skin Amerson Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s " 5113455 9 - " 543412 9 A " Anous s t o l i d u s 1 11 " 543413 d A " 11 Species Accounts 1 ) Fregata minor Great F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- May 1967 - f l y i n g high above the i s l a n d . Numbers -- May 1967 - one a d u l t female seen. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - No evidence of breeding, but may possibly breed on Jabwot I s l and . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion i s a new species s i g h t record f o r Jabwot I s l and . 2) E g r e t t a sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t -- May 1967 - on the rocky nor th beach. Numbers -- May 1967 - one observed. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - no evidence of breeding. This species may, however, breed on t h e undisturbed por t ions of the i s l and . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion r ep resen t s a new spe- c i e s s i g h t record f o r the i s l a n d . 3 ) Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken Habi ta t -- May 1967 - present around t h e main v i l l a g e , around most o the r occupied houses, a s w e l l a s s c a t t e r e d throughout the t h i c k vegetated por t ions of t h e i s l a n d . Numbers -- May 1967 - 50 es t imated . Jabwot S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder . May 1967 - breeding, smal l chicks present . This i s a new breeding record f o r t h e i s l a n d . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion c o n s t i t u t e s a new spe- c i e s s i g h t record f o r Jabwot. 4 ) F l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Hab i t a t -- May 1967 - on t h e sandy por t ion of t h e no r theas t beach. Numbers -- May 1967 - two seen. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 2 ) . This r ep resen t sa new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Jabwot I s l and . 5 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Hab i t a t -- May 1967 - on sandy beach a r e a s . Numbers -- May 1967 - two seen. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 2 4 ) . ~ h i s rep- r e s e n t s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Jabwot I s l and . 6 ) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Hab i t a t -- May 1967 - on rocky and sandy beach a r e a s . Numbers -- May 1967 - two observed. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion i s a new spec ie s s i g h t record f o r t h e i s l a n d . 7) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Hab i t a t -- May 1967 - observed on sandy and rocky beach a r e a s . Numbers -- May 1967 - s i x recorded. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion i s a new spec ies s i g h t record f o r the i s l a n d . 8) A m s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- May 1967 - f l y i n g above the i s l and ; occasional f l i g h t s t o and from t h e ocean, e spec ia l ly on the windward (nor th s i d e ) ; roos t ing and poss ib ly nes t ing i n t h e coconut palm groves. Numbers -- May 1967 - 25 a d u l t s est imated. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - no nes t s seen, but probably n e s t s i n palm t r e e s . S c i e n t i f i c Records -- Other - none. POBSP - two a able 24). This c o n s t i t u t e s a new species and specimen record f o r Jabwot I s l and . 9 ) Gygis a l b a White Tern Habi ta t -- May 1967 - f l y i n g above the i s land, a s we l l a s t o and from the ocean. Numbers -- May 196'7 - 50 est imated. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? May 1967 - No n e s t s observed, however, t h i s species probably n e s t s on Jabwot I s l a n d . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion represents a new spe- c i e s s i g h t record f o r t h e i s l and . -07.30' Naucharin fi Enggain Enea ,,.',I' , . , , / 1 Ailinglapalap AILINGLAPAWLP ATOLL Location: 07-23' N x 168-46' E. I r regular triangle-shaped; Tip (northeast) t o base miles; Width (southwest base) - 19 miles; Total lagoon area - 289.69 square miles; Total dry land area - 5.67 square miles; Number of islands - 52; Height - 5 t o 25 f ee t (Fosberg, 1956). So i l : Beach ( ~ o t j a , windward lagoon side) - s t r a t i f i e d beachrock; - In te r ior - sandy s o i l (Wiens, 1957). Vegetation: Twenty-nine known species; Wotja, rel.atively luxuriant vegetation, Cocos and other food-type plants ; Mangrove swamp on longest i s l a m i e n s , 1957). Climate: Wet, about 100-120 inches of r a i n f a l l yearly; Mean a i r tea- perature - 82" F.; Wind - prevail ing from north and eas t (Fosberg, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Human Population: Past - inhabited (Findlay, 1886); 705 i n 1948 XFreeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 1,183 i n 1963 (u.s. Dept. of State, 1965), Sc ien t i f ic Vis i ts : Japanese expedition - 18, 21, 2k October 1931; Pacific Science Board (H. J. Wiens) - summer 1956. Avifauna: Four species of birds are known from Ailinglapalap Atoll . These species include a seabird, a shorebird, a pigeon, and a cuckoo. The seabird and pigeon species a r e po ten t ia l breeders, but nei ther are known t o breed on the a t o l l . An annotated checklist of the four bird species from Ailinglapalap fo l - lows. The source material fo r t h i s l i s t includes: (1) Baker, 1951); (2) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, (b) 1942, ( c ) 1958; (3) Peters, 1937; (4) Amadon, 1943; (5 ) Mayr, 1945; (6 ) POBSP band recovery; and (7) YIZM collection. These sources are referred t o in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The species marked with an a s t e r i sk i s a new record for the a t o l l . AILINGLAPALAP ATOLL AVIFAUNA CHECKLIST Species Status Source 1) Arenaria interpres* Migrant 6 2) Anous tenui ros t r i s Resident breeder ? 1, 2ab, 7 3) Ducula oceanica Resident breeder ? 1, 2ab, 3, 4, 5, 7 4 ) Urodynamis t a i t ens i s Migrant 1, 2ab, 7 180 Ailinglapalap Bird specimens collected on Ailinglapalap Atoll include 16 specimens of 3 species. These specimens are all in the YIZM collection Table 25. Specimens collected from Ailinglapalap Atoll. Species Museum Sex Age Location Date Status Collector A m tenuirostris YIZM d N Iringlove *lo-21-31 Skin H. Orii YIZM d Juv 11 10-24-31 " YIZM d Juv 11 YIZM d JUV I t 11 1 I , YIZM 0 Juv 1, 9, 11 YIZM d A 11 I t 11 Ducula oceanica oceanica YIZM d A 11 10-18-31 " I , I YIZM d A 11 It Lost " 1 , YIZM d Juv 11 2, 1 YIZM d A 10-24-31 Skin " YIZM d A 11 11 Lost " YIZM d A II 11 YIZM d A 11 Skin I' YIZM d A 11 1, 1 I YIZM d A I t 11 Urodynamis taitensis YIZM d A 11 t 1 I *Probably Ailinglapalap Island 169'30 'f 169'40' J A L U I T 0 1 2 3 4 5 b 7 8 9 l O I - I U U U H J STATUTE MILES 06.10~ -05*50' 05"50L 169; 30' 169;40' JALUIT ATOLL Location: 06O00' N x 169'35' E . Shape and S ize : I r r e g u l a r diamond-shaped; North t o south - 30 mi les ; Eas t t o west - 15 mi les ; Tota l lagoon a r e a -266.31 square mi les ; T o t a l dry land a r e a - 4.38 square mi les ; Number of i s l a n d s - 84; Height 15-20 f e e t (Fosberg i n Blumenstock, 1961). - Soi l : P r i n c i p a l s o i l s include f i v e types: (1 ) Shioya Se r i e s , (2) Arno - A t o l l Se r i e s , ( 3 ) Jemo Se r i e s , (4) mangrove peat, and (5) s tony and very s tony complex (Fosberg - i n Blumenstock, 1961); Beaches - sandy, rocky, or cobblestone a r e a s . Vegetation: Seventy-seven spec ies ; primary genera: Cocos, Pandanus, Pisonia, Sonnera t ia ; l a rge number of e x o t i c s present -erg i n - Blumenstock, 1961). Climate: Very wet, between 170-190 inches of r a i n f a l l annual ly; A i r temperature ranges 68" F. t o 94' F.; Northeast t radewinas; Typhoon OPHELIA h i t J a l u i t A t o l l on 7 January 1958 i n f l i c t i n g severe damage (Blumenstock, 1958, 1961). Human Population: Pas t - inhabited, headquarters of German and Japanese adminis t ra t ions i n t h e Marshalls; T o t a l popfiat ion - 950 i n 1949 ( ~ a c k e n z i e i n Blumenstock, ~ $ 1 ) ;present- inhabited, 1,127 i n 1 9 6 4 ( ~ . ~ . Dept. of S ta t e , 1965). - S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Otto Finsch - 21 August-15 November 1879; Japanese Expedition - September-November 1931 and 3 January 1933; P a c i f i c Science Board - 24 Apr i l -2 May 1958 and 20-29 October 1960; POBSP-10-21 November 1964. Avifauna: Th i r ty - th ree b i r d spec ies a r e known from J a l u i t A t o l l . These include 13 seabi rds , 11 shorebirds, 5 ducks, 1 heron, 1 domestic fowl, 1 pigeon, and 1 cuckoo. Eleven of t hese spec ie s a r e known b reede r s , 4 o the r s a r e poss ib l e breeders , 9 a r e migrants ,6 a r e acc identa ls , and 3 a r e common v i s i t o r s . Another spec ies , Sula dac ty la t r a , was l i s t e d by Bakfr (1951) from J a l u i t A t o l l . He undoubtedly based t h i s l i s t i n g upon Finsch (1880a), who observed ". . . one Booby (m cyanops)" on 13 August 1879 while on a t r i p from Honolulu, Hawaii, t o J a l u i t A t o l l . Since h i s s h i p l e f t Honolulu on 29 Ju ly , passed M i l i A t o l l on 16 August, and a r r ived a t J a l u i t on 21 August, t h e s igh t ing of t h e Blue-faced Booby on 13 August was e a s t of M i l i A t o l l and a t l e a s t 350 miles away from J a l u i t A t o l l . Therefore, t h i s l i s t i n g should not be considered v a l i d . J a l u i t A t o l l i s t h e only l o c a l i t y i n t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands from which Anas penelope, A- v a l i s i n e r i a , Charadrius semi- palmatus, Charadrius mongolus and Sterna hirundo n ig r ipenn i s have been recorded. 348-41> 0-69-13 184 Jaluit Thirty-three species are listed in the following checklist, which was derived from various sources: (1) POBSP, 1964; (2) Gressitt in Blumenstock, 1961; (3) YIZM collection; (4) Baker, 1951; (5) Finsch, (a) i880a, (b) 188Cb, (c) 1880~~ (d) 1880d, (e) 1884; (6) Wiens, 1957; (7) Momiyama, 1 2 (8) Reichenow, 1901; (9) Schnee, 1901; (10) Phillips, 1923; (11) Wiglesworth, 1891; (12) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 1932, (b) 1942, (c) 1958; ( U ) Townsend and Wetmore, 1919; (14) Bent, 1929; (15) Kuroda, 1934; (16) Takataukasa and Yamashina, 1932; (17) Peters, 1937; (18) Amadon, 1943; (19) Mayr, 1945; and (20) Bogert, 1937. These sources are r?ferred to in the checklist by the corresponding numbers and letters. The six species marked by a single asterisk are new species records for Jaluit Atoll; the three species marked by double asterisks are new atoll breeding records. Species 1 ) Puff inus pac i f icus 2) Phaethon l ep tu rus 3 ) Sula sula* 4) leucogaster 5 ) Fregata m a 6 ) Fregata u* 7 ) Egre t t a sacra nac crecca 8 ) A 2 9) A= penelope Anas acuta 185 J a l u i t A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Aythya v a i i s i n e r i a Anatidae sp* Gallus gal lus* P l u v i a l i s dominica Charadrius semipalmat Charadrius mongolus Arenaria in t e rp res Crocethia a lba E r o l i a acuminata Sterna hirundo n igr ipenni s* 6 Sterna sumatrana 27) Sterna fusca ta 28) Thalasseus bergii 29) A- s t o l i d u s 30) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s 31) Gygis a l b a 32) Ducula oceanica 33) Urodynamis t a i t e n e i s S t a t u s Resident breeder ? Resident breederlc* Resident breedefl* Resident breeder** Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Accidental V i s i t o r V i s i t o r V i s i t o r Accidental 7 Introduced breeder Migrant Migrant Accidental Accidental Migrant Migrant Vagrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Accidental Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Migrant Source 2 1. 2 POBSP personnel have col lec ted 42 specimens of U species (Table 26). Of these 13 species, 3 a r e specimen records of species not previous ly known from the a t o l l , and 3 r ep resen t the f i r s t specimen confirmation of species previously known only from s i g h t records. For tyyour speci - mens of 17 species co l l ec ted a t J a l u i t A t o l l a r e loca ted i n the Yamashina I n s t i t u t e of Zoology and Ornithology Museum, Tokyo, Japan able 27). Table 26. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Jaluit Atoll. Species Sula sula -- 11 1, 1 11 11 1 , Pluvialis dominica I7 Sterna hirundo nigr ipennis Sterna sumatrana Sterna fuscata 11 Thalasseus bergii n 1, Anous stolidus 1 11 , A m tenuirostris Gygis alba 11 Museum U S W 494869 " 494870 " 494871 " 494872 " 494879 " 494880 " 494881 " 494882 " 494883 " 494884 " 494925 " 494876 " 494873 " 494857 " 494858 " 494859 " 494753 " 502904 Sex A x - P -- d - d - 0 - 0 - d - d - d d - d - d - d - d - 0 - d - d - 0 - - A ? A ? Imm ? Imm d A 0 - 0 - d - ? A O A d nest. d - d - d - d - 0 - d A d Imm d Imm ? Imm d - 0 - d - d - P - Location Date - Lijeron 11-11-64 I f I/ 11 I f 11 Enybor 10-10-64 1 11 Kabbenbock" Jaliut I 11-11-64 Enybor 11-10-64 3 , 11-12-64 1 I , Lijeron 11-11-64 I f ,I 2, f ~abbenbockll-10-64 Lijeron 11-11-64 Enybor 11-10-64 Jaluit I 11-11-64 Enybor 11-12-64 Lijeron 11-11-64 11 t 11 Enybor 11-12-64 11 11-10-64 Jaluit I 11-11-64 Lijeron " 3 , Status Skin ,I 11 ,, 2, f f Skin 11 Collector Hube r 11 11 I f Amerman Hub e r C ~ ~ P P Wislocki Lehner C ~ ~ P P Amerson Wislocki native Wislocki C ~ ~ P P Lehner Amerson Wislocki Amerman Huber Amerson C ~ ~ P P Lehner Wislocki , 187 J a l u i t Table 2'7. Bird specimens col lec ted by o ther expeditions from J a l u i t Ato l l . Species Museum - Sex A Location Date Sta tus Collector Egret ta sacra 1 I, Charadrius mongolus II Numfnius phaeopue 11 I, 11 Arenaria in te rp res 9 , Ero l ia acuminata I t Sterna sumatrana 1 ,, Thalasseus b e r g i i A m s t o l i d u s 7, A- t e n u i r o s t r i s I , 11 I t 1, Gygis a lba I 11 Ducula oceanica oceanica 11 YIZM 1 USNM 212216 YIZM 11 11 Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s " d - d - d Juv ? - 0 - P - d - 9 - d - d - d A d - d - 9 I d I d - d - d - d - d A d Juv d Juv ? Juv ? Juv 9 A d A d A d A d A d A d - d A ? A - - - - Jabole* J a l u i t I Jabole* I J a l u i t 1 11 1, f I 11 11 11 11 It I f , I I 11 t 1 d A " d Juv " @ A " d - 1 8 Skin Lost Skin Lost I Skin 1, 1 Lost I Skin Lost Skin Lost Skin 1, I , , - Skin I, I , 11 I t H. O r i i I f I , I! 1 , 11 ,f Townsend H. O r i i ,t 11 ,I $1 11 1, , I - H . O r i i 0 I f 11 !t I! 10-10-31 Lost " 10-30-51 " 11 10-9-31 Skin " , I ? - I , Lost ? A " Skin " ? A " 01-3-33 T T S. Kawakami "Probably J a l u i t o r Jabor Jaluit Species Account 1) Puff inus pacif icus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Habitat--April-May 1958-observed on Jabor Islet ja re,, Q-itt in Blumenstock, 1961). [Note: Dr. F. R. Fosberg (personal co%unica- tion, November 1966) thought that this species was seen offshore]. Numbers --'April - May 1958 - present on Jabor Islet (Gressitt - in Blumenstock, 1961). Status -- Resident breeder? April - May 1958, not breeding (Gressitt in Blumenstock, 1961). - Specimen Records -- None. 2) Phaethon lepturus White-tailed Tropicbird Habitat -- April - May 1958 - present on Pinlep (~ressitt in Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - not seen on the atoll POBSP personnel; natives said they were present on some of the islands and nested in tree holes of Pisonia trees. Numbers -- April - May 1958 - 'present (Gressitt - in Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - few present. Status -- Resident breeder. April - May 1958 - no breeding data (Gressitt in Blumenstock,l961); November 1964 - one reported by a native as nesting. This is a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- None. 3) Sula sula -- Red-footed Booby Habitat -- November 1964 - Lijeron, roosting and nesting in tall Pisonia trees (roosting population arrived just prior to sunset). Numbers -- November 1964 - Lijeron, approximately 1,500 roosting (majority subadult). Status -- Resident breeder. November 1964 - five nests with eggs in tops of tall Pisonia trees on Lijeron. This is a new breeding record. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - ten able 26). This is a new species and specimen record. 4) - Sula leucogaster Brown Booby Habitat - - Baker (1951) lists the range of this species as "... Marshall Islands - Jaluit . . . " and based this on Finsch's (1880a) J a l u i t observat ion of " ... a Sula (uniform brown; c e r t a i n l y S. fu sca ) " on 3 1 J u l y 1879 and "one -- Sula fusca" on 15 August. [ ~ o t f : T h e s e s i g h t i n g ~ were made by Finsch ( 1 8 8 ~ h ) w h i l e on a sh ip which l e f t Honolulu, Hawaii, on 29 July, passed M i l i A t o l l on 16 August, and a r r i v e d a t J a l u i t A t o l l on 21 August. Thus the f i r s t s igh t ing was made j u s t a f t e r leaving Honolulu and t h e second s igh t ing was made near M i l i A to l l , 350 miles e a s t of J a l u i t . ] The l i s t i n g by Baker should be considered inva l id ; A p r i l - May 1958 - seen on L i j e ron ( ~ r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964-Lijeron i n palm t r e e s a t n ight , ~ a l z t I s l and 4 o r 5 immatures being r a i s e d a s p e t s . Numbers -- A p r i l - May 1958 - Li je ron l a r g e numbers s e e n ( ~ r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock); November 1964, L i j e ron 15 adu l t e seen, J a l u i t I s l and &-or 5 present . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . November 1964 - no a c t i v e n e s t s seen, however, 4 o r 5 f l y i n g immatures were being kept on J a l u i t I s l a n d a s p e t s by s e v e r a l na t ives . These had been r a i s e d from 20 n e s t l i n g s brought from another i s l a n d i n t h e a t o l l . Although t h e pe t Brown Boobies a r e f e d by t h e i r owners, they a l s o f eed a t sea by themselves and r e t u r n home af te rwards . This i s considered a new breeding record . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 26). This i s a new specimen record f o r J a l u i t A t o l l . 5 ) Fregata minor Great Fr iga tebi rd Hab i t a t -- A p r i l - May 1958 - presen t on Imrodj and Li je ron ( G r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - Lijeron, ( d i u r n a l ) f l y i n g o v e r i s l a n d and (noc tu rna l ) roos t ing i n Pemphis t r e e s on nor th end of i s l a n d . Numbers -- A p r i l - May 1958 - Li je ron p resen t i n l a r g e numbers ( G r e s e i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - Li jeron est imated population?^. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - Li je ron no evidence of breeding, but t h i s spec ies may breed on J a l u i t A t o l l during another p a r t of t h e yea r . Specimen Records-- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 26) . This i s a new specimen record f o r J a l u i t A t o l l . 6 ) Fregata a r i e l Lesser F r iga teb i rd Hab i t a t -- November 1964 - Li je ron f l y i n g overhead a t dusk with Fregata minor and probably r o o s t s with F. minor i n Pemphis t r e e s . - - Numbers -- November 1964 - Li je ron 3 or 4 . S t a t u s -- Resident, breeder? November 1964 - no evidence of breed- ing, however, t he re i s a p o s s i b i l i t y t h i s spec ies could breed on J a l u i t A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one a able 26) . This i s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r t h e Marshall I s l ands . 7) E g r e t t a sacra Reef Heron Hab i t a t -- September 1879 - along t h e beach (Finsch, 1880b); 1955 - 1956 - Enybor I s l and f l y i n g overhead ( ~ i e n s , 1957); November 1964 - on sandy and rocky beaches of Enybor, Kabbenbock, J a l u i t , Majurirek (E l i zabe th ) , and L i j e ron . Numbers -- September 1879 - a few examples ( ~ i n s c h , 1880b), present (Momiyama, 1922; Baker, 1951; G r e s e i t t & Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - Enybor I s l a n d 6, Kabbenbock 4-6, J a l u i t 2-3, El izabeth few, L i j e ron 2. S t a tue -- Resident breeder? Finsch (1884) l i s t s t h i s spec ies under breeding b i r d s but does not g ive d e t a i l s ; November 1964 - not ob- served breeding, al though it i s a p o s s i b i l i t y . Specimen Records -- Other - s i x (Table 2'7); Finsch (1884) repor ted a young male from J a l u i t c o l l e c t e d i n September 1879 (1880b), bu t i t s present depos i t ion i s unknown; POBSP - t h r e e (Table 2 6 ) . 8 ) Anas crecca - Green-winged Teal Habi ta t -- 1899 present i n the a t o l l (~e ichenow, 1901; Schnee, 1901; P h i l l i p s , 1923; Baker, 1951). Numbe r e -- 1899- p resen t (~e ichenow, 1901) S t a t u s -- Accidental . Specimen Records -- None. The on!y o ther l o c a l i t y record f o r t h i s spec ie s i n t h e Marshall I s l ands i s Kwajalein A t o l l (Yocom, 1964). 9) Anas penelope European Widgeon Hab i t a t -- 26 October 1879 - caught by hand (Finsch, 1880a ; a l s o Finsch, 1884 ; Wiglesworth, 1891; Kuroda 2 Momiyama, 1922; P h i l l i p s , 1923; Hand-l is t Japanese Birds, 1942; Baker, 1951). Numbers -- 26 October 1879 -one present ". .. i n f u l l winter d re s s . . . s o exhausted ... merely a ske le ton covered by f e a t h e r s ..." ( ~ i n s c h , 1880a, 1884). S t a t u s -- V i s i t o r J a l u i t Specimen Records -- Other - Finsch ' s specimen depos i t ion not known. Baker (1951) quest ions t h i s record . I do not agree with Baker. Although it i s not c l e a r i n Finsch ' s @ papelsas t o the exact l o c a l i t y of t h i s record i n the Marshall I s lands , Finsch (1884) - l i s t s J a l u i t a s the l o c a l i t y f o r a female specimen. No o the r record e x i s t s f o r t h i s species i n t h e Marshalls; however, it has been r e - corded i n Western Micronesia (Baker, 1951); FOBSP - none. 10) Anas acuta -- P i n t a i l Hab i t a t -- 1899 - present (~e ichenow, 1901; Schnee, 1901; P h i l l i p s , 1923; Baker, 1951). Numbers -- 1899 - present (~e ichenow, 1901). S ta tus -- Common v i s i t o r . Specimen Records -- None. 1 1 ) A y t h y a v a l i s i n e r i a Canvas back Habi ta t -- 1899 present (Reichenow, 1901; Schnee, 1901; Baker, 1951); November 1964 - not present . Numbers -- 1899 - present (~e ichenow, 1901) S t a t u s -- Uncommon v i s i t o r . Specimen Records -- None. These s igh t ings a r e the only records f o r t h i s species from Micronesia. 1 ) Anatidae sp . Duck spec ies Hab i t a t -- 11 November 1964 - El izabe th I s l and c e n t r a l lagoon ( a small two-acre s tagnant a r e a next t o a v i l l a g e ) Numbers -- 11 November 1964 -E l i zabe th I s l and one un iden t i f i ed duck seen, a na t ive revealed t h a t fou r unknown ducks had been shot on 10 November. S t a t u s -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- None. 13) Gallus ga l lue Domestic Chicken Hab i t a t -- November 1964 - J a l u i t i s l a n d present i n and around t h e vi l la .ges, Kabbenbock present and probably occurs on a l l inhabited i s l a n d s i n the a t o l l . Numbers -- November 1964 - Jaluit and Kabbenbock no estimate made but probably many are raised to feed the population. Status -- Resident breeder. November 1964 - breeds both within and outside the villages. Specimen Records -- None. Although chickens were probably intro- duced to Jaluit Atoll very early, no mention of their occurrence is found in the literature. 1 ) Pluvialis dominica Golden Plover Habitat -- August-September 1879, May 1880 ( ? ) - present (~insch, 1880b, 1884, and Baker, 1951); April-May 1958 - present on Imroj, Ribon, Jabor, and Pinlep (~ressitt in Blumenstock, 1961) ; November 1964 - observed on the beaches of Jzuit, Enybor, Kabbenbock, Elizabeth, and Lijeron. Numbers -- November 1964 - Enybor Island 5-7, Kabbenbock 6-10, Jaluit and Elizabeth few, Lijeron 25. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - Gressitt (2 Blumenstock, 1961) erro- neously stated that this species had not been recorded at Jaluit Atoll prior to 1958; Finsch (1880b) observed and collected it in 1879, and 20 May 1880 (Finsch, 1884) collected a male beginning its summer plummage and beginning to molt, specimen deposition un- known; POBSP - two (Table 6). 15) Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover Habitat -- October 1879 - Finsch (1880~) reported "At the end of October ... I met ... with a bird which seems to be Charadrius hiaticula [synonym of C. semipalmatus], although I could not state this as certain." Numbers -- October 1879 - one seen (~insch, 1880~). Status -- Uncommon migrant. Specimen Records -- None. Wiglesworth (1891), Kuroda (& Momiyama, l922), and Baker (1951), report this species from Jaluit Atoll on the basis of Finsch's (1880~) observation. The actual locality at which Finsch made his observation may not be Jaluit Atoll, since he states that during the latter part of September, October, and early November he was on a trip to the eastern chain of the Mar- shall Islands. Therefore, both the species identification and the locality is questioned. Baker (1951) states that "other than this observation, there is no history of the species in Micronesia." This statement is still valid. J a l u i t 16) Charadrius mongolus Mongolian Plover Habi ta t -- 9 October 1931 - present on J a l u i t I s l and (YIZM co l - l e c t i o n ; Hand-l is t of Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951). Note: Baker erroneously l i s t e d Ousta le t (1896) a s a source f o r t h i s record. Numbers -- 9 October 1931 - two co l l ec ted . S t a t u s -- Vagrant. Specimen Records -- Other - two able 27); POBSP - none. 17 ) Charadriinae s p . Plover species Habi ta t -- 11 November 1964 - J a l u i t I s l and on edge of an inland fresh-water pool. Numbers -- 11 November 1964 - J a l u i t I s l and one b i r d resembling a Golden Plover but l a r g e r and with a grayer head was observed i n company of a Golden Plover by Clapp and Lehner. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. 18) Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Habi ta t -- April-May 1958 - present on Jabor ( G r e s s i t t Blumen- s tock, 1961); 10 November 1964 - observed on Kabbenbock beach. Numbers -- April-May 1958 - presen t ; 1 0 November 1964 - Kabbenbock one. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other records - two a able 27); POBSP - none. Note: Baker (1951) l i s t s t h i s species a s being recorded on J a l u i t A t o l l , r e f e r r i n g t o Oustalet (1896) and I iand-l is t Japaneee Birds (1932, 1942, and 1958). Ousta le t (1896) does not l i s t t h i s species from J a l u i t A t o l l but r e fe r s t o another kind of curlew, g. t a h i t i - ens is , taken by Finsch (1880a)at J a l u i t A t o l l . 19 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Habi ta t -- August-September 1879 and 13 A p r i l 1884 - present (Finsch, 1880a; a l s o Kuroda i n Momiyama, 1922; Bent, 1929; Hand- l i s t Japanese Birds, 1932, , 1958; and Baker, 1951); November 1964 - present on sandy and rocky beaches of Enybor, J a l u i t , and Li jeron . Numbers -- 5 September 1879 - a pa i r observed; 13 April 1880 - 1; November 1964 - present. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - Finsch (1884) reported a female from J a l u i t collected on 21 October 1879 but present deposition unknown; POBSP - none. 20) Totanus melanoleucus Habitat -- Not known. Greater Yellowlegs Numbers -- One collected on 12 May 1932 on J a l u i t Atoll (Kuroda, 1934; Hand-list Japanese Birds, 1942; Baker, 1951). Status -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - one a able 2'7); POBSP - none. ) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering Tat t le r Habitat -- August-September 1879, January and June 1880 - along the beaches ( ~ i n s c h 1880b and 1884; Kuroda Momiyama, 1922; Hand-list Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951); April- May 1958 - present on Kinajon, Jabor, Pinlep, and Majurirek (Elizabeth) (Gressi t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - pres- ent mainly on seaward beaches of Enybor, Kabbenbock, Ja lu i t , Elizabeth, and Lijeron. Numbers -- August-September 1879 - i n small numbers (Finsch, 1880b); 11 January and 13 June 1880 - one collected (Finsch, 1884); November 1964 - Enybor 7-8, Kabbenbock 16, J a lu i t few, Elizabeth few, Lijeron 3. Status -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - four ('Table 27); Finsch (1884) re- ported taking from J a l u i t a female i n f u l l winter plumage on 11 January 1880 and a male i n f u l l winter plumage (without a t race of molt) on 13 June 1880; however, the present specimen deposition i s unknown; POBSP - none. 22) Arenaria interpres Xuddy Turnstone Habitat -- August-September 1879 - present (Finsch 1880b; a l so Finsch, 1884; Kuroda & Momiyama, 1922; Hand-list Japanese Birds, 1932, i942, 1958; and Baker, 1951); 10 January l 9 O O - present (Townsend and Wetmore, 1919); April-May 1958 - present on Jabor, Pinlep, and Lijeron ( ~ r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 on beaches of Enybor, ~abbenbock, Ja lu i t , Elizabeth, and Lijeron. J a l u i t Numbers -- November 1964 - Enybor 10, Kabbenback 35-40, J a l u i t few, El izabeth few, Li je ron 30. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Finsch (1880b) noted t h a t a l l t h e turns tones were i n t h e i r summer plumage. Specimen Records -- Other - two (Table 8). Finsch (1884) r e - ported two Ruddy Turnstonee c o l l e c t e d a t J a l u i t ( a male i n f u l l summer plumage but i n molt c o l l e c t e d 1 2 September 1879, and a f e - male i n summer plumage c o l l e c t e d 29 August 1879), specimen deposi- t i o n unknown. POBSP - none. 23) Crocethia Sanderl ing Habi ta t -- 25 October 1879 - presen t a t J a l u i t ( ~ i n s c h , 1880b, 1884) . Numbers -- 25 October 1879 - one specimen received by Finsch (1880c, 1884). [Also l i s t e d by Wiglesworth (1891), Kuroda i n Momiyama (1922), and Hand-List Japanese Bi rds (1932, 1942, 5581. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - presen t l o c a t i o n unknown of male i n f u l l win ter plumage, co l l ec t ed J a l u i t A t o l l , 25 October 1879 (Finsch, 1884) ; POBSP - none. 24) E r o l i a acuminata Sharp- ta i led Sandpiper Hab i t a t -- 30 October 1931 - J a l u i t I s l a n d (Yamashina c o l l e c t i o n ) . Numbers - 30 October 1931 - presen t (Hand-l is t Japanese Bi rds , 1932, 1942, 1958; and Baker, 1951). S t a t u s -- Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - two (Table 8); POBSP - none. 5 ) Sterna hirundo n igr ipennis Common Tern Habi ta t -- LO November 1964 - Enybor roos t ing on a sandbar i n t h e lagoon i n company with s e v e r a l 5. sumatrana. Numbers -- LO November 1964 - Enybor one seen and c o l l e c t e d . S t a t u s -- Accidental. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 26). This i s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r t h e Marshall I s l ands . J a l u i t 26) S terna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Hab i t a t -- August-October 1879 - present (Finsch 1880b, c ; Wiglesworth, 1891; Kuroda & Momiyama, 1922; Hand-l is t Japanese Bi rds 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951); November 1964 - Enybor and Kabbenbock present on sandy beaches, sandbars, and surrounding lagoon a reas , not seen on o t h e r i s l a n d s . Numbers -- August-October 1879 - present ( ~ i n s c h 1880b, c ) ; April-May 1958 - undoubtedly not present s ince G r e s s i t t ( i n Blumenstock, 1961) d i d not l i s t t h i s spec ies ; November 19% - Enybor 15, Kabbenbock approximately 5-7. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . Ea r ly October 1879, ". . . procured specimens . . . i n t h e f i r s t plumage ... not then able t o f l y ..." ( ~ i n s c h , 1880d); November 1964 - no evidence of breeding, however, f l y i n g young were p resen t . Specimen Records -- Other - f i v e (Table 3); POBSP - t h r e e able 26) . 27) S terna fusca ta Sooty Tern H a b i t a t -- A p r i l l 9 5 8 , ". . . a smal l uninhabited i s l e t on t h e nor th- western r ee f of t h e a t o l l [poss ib ly Lijeron] , where t h e i s l a n d e r s gathered eggs and captured about 20 Sooty Terns t o take home f o r ea t ing" (Wiens, 1962); November 1964 - Li jeron a group emerged from t h e low underbrush ( ~ e s s e r e c h m i d i a ) on the southwest corner of t h e i s l and , c i r c l e d t h e i s l and ; none re turned t o t h e ground. Numbers -- A p r i l 1958 - presen t bu t populat ion unknswn ( ~ i e n e , 1962); November 1964 - Li je ron 25-30. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . A p r i l 1958 - eggs present (Wiens, 1962); November 1964 - Li je ron no eggs or chicks could be found, however, t h e t h r e e c o l l e c t e d specimens had braod pa tches . The n a t i v e s repor ted t h a t a colony of a few hundred Sooty Terns nested on one of the o the r i s o l a t e d i s l a n d s during Christmastime 1963. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h ree (Table 26) . These a r e new specimen records f o r J a l u i t A t o l l . 28) Thalasseue b e r g i i Crested Tern Hab i t a t -- 1879-1880 - presen t ( ~ i n s c h , 1884; Hand-l is t Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951); April-May 1958 - present on L i j e ron ( G r e s s i t t - i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - presen t on sandy beaches, sandbars, beach rock outcrops, and surrounding lagoon a r e a s of Enybor, Kabbenbock, J a l u i t , and L i j e ron ( n e s t i n g on sandy pen insu la ) . J a l u i t Numbers -- November 1964 - Enybor 2, Kabbenbock 2-3, J a l u i t 1, L i j e ron 6. S t a t u s - - Resident breeder . 1879-1880 - young female present ( ~ i n s c h , l884), ". . . beginning of January [1880] they were i n f u l l n u p t i a l d re s s . . . and a t t h i s time . . . got f r e s h - l a i d eggs from t h i s [ J a l u i t ] lagoon, but was not ab le . . . t o f ind t h e breeding gruunds ..." (Finsch, 1 8 8 0 ~ ) ; November 1964 - Li je ron two chicks, about t h ree - fou r ths grown, p re sen t on west san6bar. Specimen Records -- Other - one (Table q). Finsch (1884) r e - ported two specimens from J a l u i t , an o ld female i n f u l l plumage and a young female, however, it is not known where they a r e de- pos i ted ; POBSP - t h r e e able 2 6 ) . 9 ) A m s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Hab i t a t -- 1879-1880 - present on J a l u i t (Finsch, 1884); Hand-l is t Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951); present on Majurirek, Ribon, Kinajon, Mejatto, Pinlep, and L i j e ron ( ~ r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - present on Enybor, Kabben- - bock, J a l u i t , Majurirek (E l i zabe th ) , and Li je ron ( n e s t i n g on low- growing p lan t s and very low limbs of Messerschmidia t r e e s ) . Numbers -- November 1964 - Enybor 20, Kabbenbock 8, J a l u i t and El izabeth a few, and L i j e ron 25. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . 1879-1880 - n e s t s a t J a l u i t (Finsch, 1884); ~ovember 1964 - Li je ron f i v e n e s t s , a l l with eggs,on f a l l e n t r e e s , i n a low p lan t and on low limbs ( l a r g e ) of Messerschrnidia t r e e s . Specimen Records - - Other - two able 27). Finsch (1884) r e - por ted an o ld male, a downy young, and th ree non-flying n e s t l i n g s , but present depos i t ion unknown; POBSP - f i v e ja able 26) . 30) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy I-iabitat -- August-September 1879 - present along the beaches (Finsch, 1880b and 1884; Ousta le t , 1896; Kuroda i n Morniyama, 1922; Hand-l is t Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942; Baker, 195D; Summer 1956 - ". . . white-capped grey noddy . . . flew overhead. " (Wiens, 1957) ; April-May 1958 - present on Mejatto, Ribon, Jabor, Kinai jan, Majurirek, and L i j e ron i n n e s t s of Pisonia leaves on twigs ( G r e s s i t t i n Blumenstack, 1961) ; November 1964 - present on Enybor, ~ a b b e n b o c k y a n d L i j e ron ( n e s t i n g i n Pisonia, P e m p h i and Messer- schrnidia), Numbe~s -- August-September 1879 - observed i n small numbers ( ~ i n s c h , 1880b); April-May 1958 - l a rge numbers on Li je ron ( G r e s s i t t - i n Jaluit Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - Enybor 1, Kabbenbock 2, Lijeron 1,000 estimated. Status -- Resident breeder. April-May 1958 - abundant nests, eggs, and young birds on Lijeron (Gressitt - in Blumenstock); November 1964 - Lijeron approximately 400 nests with eggs and young, no nests seen on other islands visited. Specimen Records -- Other - eight able 2 7 ) . Finsch (1884) re- ported S'specimens (4 male and 1 female) from Jaluit taken in 1879 or 1880, present disposition unknown; POBSP - five (Table 26). 31) Gygis alba White Tern Habitat -- August-September 1879 - along the beach (Finsch, 1880b; Hand-list Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942, 1958; Baker, 1951); Summer 1956 - flying overhead (Wiens, 1957); April-May 1958 - present on Mejatto, Ribon, Jabor, Majurirek, Pinlep, and Lijeron (~ressitt in Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - present on Enybor, Kabbenbocc Jaluit, Elizabeth, and Lijeron (nesting on branches of Messer- schmidia and ~isonia) . Numbers -- August-September 1899 - a few examples present (Finsch, 1880b); November 1964 - Enybor 10, Kabbenbock 10, Jaluit and Elizabeth a few present, Lijeron 1,000 estimated. Statue -- Resident breeder. April-May 1958 - one egg seen (Gressitt in Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - small number of eggs and Gung (all ages) were found. Specimen Records -- Other - four able 27); POBSP - four able 26) 3 2 ) Ducula oceanica Micronesian Pigeon Habitat -- August-September 1879 - present (Finsch, 1880b, c, and 1884; Kuroda $ Momiyama, 1922; Takatsukasa and Yamashina, 1932; Hand-list Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942; Peters, 1937; Amadon, 1943; Mayr, 1945; Baker, 1951); April-May 1958 - present on Kinajon (Gressitt - in Blumenstock, 1961). Numbers - - August-September 1879 - one seen and collected (Finsch, 1880b, c, and 1884); April-May 1958 - no estimate given (Gressitt in Blumenstock, 1961). - Status -- Resident breeder. August-September 1879 - "... got ... a young carpophaga which had just left the nest, apparently D. oceanica" (Finsch, 1880b). - Specimen Records -- Other - six (Table 27); Finsch (1884) reported a young female, in first plumage from Jaluit but its present depo- sition ie unknown; POBSP - none. 3 3 ) Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s New Zealand Cuckoo Habi ta t -- 21 October, 5 September 1879 and U A p r i l 1880 - pres- e n t ' I . . . stomach contained wing-coverts of b e e t l e s , remains of c a t e r p i l l a r s , and a few seeds" ( ~ i n s c h , 1880b; Finsch, 1884, 1900; Wiglesworth, 1891; Kuroda & Momiyama, 1922; Hand-l is t Japanese Birds, 1932, 1942; Bogert, 1937; Baker, 1951); April-May 1958 - present on Jabor and L i j e ron ( G r e s s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961); November 1964 - observed i n vege ta t ion G a r inland pond on Elizabeth. Numbers -- 21 October 1879 - one co l l ec t ed , no o the r s seen, one p a i r observed on 5 September 1879, and one ind iv idua l seen on 13 A p r i l 1880 ( ~ i n s c h 1880b, c, and 1884); April-May 1958 - no popu- l a t i o n es t imate given (Gres s i t t i n Blumenstock, 1961) ; November 1964 - one observed on ~ 1 i z a b e t h T p r o b a b l y very few on t h e a t o l l . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Finsch (1884) noted t h a t a female he co l l ec t ed a t J a l u i t had a brood patch s i m i l a r t o one repor ted by Bul le r i n New Zealand. He and Wiglesworth (1893) suggested t h a t t h i s spec ies poss ib ly bred i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Specimen Records -- Other - one (!Table 27). Finsch (1880b and 1884) repor ted a female c o l l e c t e d a t J a l u i t on 21 October 1879 but the present d i s p o s i t i o n of t h i s specimen i s unknown; POBSP - none. 348-415 0-69-14 0 I/? 1 I I I STATUTE MILE KILI ISLAND Location: 05'39' N x 169"04' E. Shape and Size : Oval-shaped; Tip t o t i p (northeast-southwest) - 1 mile; Widest po in t ( southfas t -nor thwest ) - 0.33 mi le ; No lagoon but a brackish pond and a f reshwater swamp a r e present ; T o t a l dry land a rea - 0.36 square mile; Number of i s l ands - 1; Height ? f e e t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956). S o i l : Beach - mostly high boulders and rocky, except f o r sandy a rea i n - southwest and nor thern s e c t o r s . Vegetation: Eleven known spec ies ; high vegeta t ion , numerous e, Pandanus, and Artocarpus ( ~ i e n s , 1957). Climate: Very wet, about 120-160 inches r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r tem- perature-82" F.; Wind - preva i l ing from nor th , e a s t , and southeast (Fosberg, 1956). Human Population: P a s t - uninhabited; i n $948 ~ e t t l e d by 184 re loca ted B i k i n i i nhab i t an t s . Present - inhabited, 287 i n 1964 (u.s. Dept. of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : W. H, Hatheway - September 1952; P a c i f i c Science Board (11. 3. Wiens) - swnmer 1956. Avifauna: No b i r d records e x i s t f o r K i l i I s l a n d . NAMORIK ATOLL Location: 05'36' N x 168'07' E. Shape and Size: Irregular rectangle-shaped; Tip to tip (north to south) - 3.75 miles; Width (east-west) - widest 3.50 miles; Total lagoon area - 3.25 square miles. Total dry land area - 1.07 square miles; Number of islands - 2; Height - 10 feet (Fosberg, 1956), Soil: No available data. - Vegetation: Five known species; bath islands wooded. Climate: 'Very wet, about 120-160 inches of rainfall yearly; Mean air temperature - 82" F.; Winds - prevailing from north, east, and south- east (Fosberg, 1956; U.S. Navy, 1964). Human Population: Past - inhabited, 300 in 1800's (~indla~, 1886); 461 in 1948 (Freeman, 1951); Present - inhabited, 534 in 1964 (U. S. Dept. of State, 1965). Scientific Visits: None. Avifauna: Three bird species are known from Namorik Atoll. 'Itro of these species are seabirds, and the other is a domestic fowl. All three species are potential breeders, but none have, so far, been re- corded as breeding. The three species are included in the following checklist. This list was compiled from source material, which included: (1) Baker, 1951; (2) Hand-list of Japanese Birds, (a) 19.32, (b) 1942; (3) Yale Cross-Cultural Survey, 1932; and (4) YIZM collection. These sources are referred to in the checklist by corresponding numbers and letters. Namorik Atoll Avifauna Checklist Species Status Source 1) Phaethon lepturus Resident breeder ? 1, 2b 2) Gallus gallua Introduced breeder ? 3 3) Anoue tenuirostris Resident breeder ? 1, 2a, 4 Bird specimens from Namorik Atoll include only one specimen, which is located in the Yamashina callection in Tokyo, Japan. Table 28. Bird specimens collected from Namorik Atoll. Species Museum - Sex A x Location Date Status Collector A m tenuirostlzis YIZM - - Namorik I 10-17-31 Skin H. Orii O r STATUTE MILES 168.40' 168 ' 2 ' 168.46' EBON ATOLL Shape and Size: I r r e g u l a r oval-shaped; Diameter - (nor th-south) 8 milee, eas t -wes t ) 7 mi les ; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 40.09 square mi l e s ; T o t a l dry !and area-2.22 square miles ;Number of islands-22;Height-3 f e e t (Fosberg, 1956). S o i l : Beach (ocean s ide of Ebon island) - f i rm sand t o g r a v e l l y sand; - Beach (lagoon s ide of Ebon ~ s l a n d ) - genera l ly rocky t o g rave l ly , with ex tens ive rock f l a t s exposed a t low t i d e ; I n t e r i o r - sandy t o black humus (Wiens, 1957). Presence of about 50 t o 100 thousand tons of phosphatic rock (Hatheway, 1957). Vegetation: Twenty known spec ie s ; main i s l a n d one of r i c h e s t i n Marshal l I s l ands , jungle- l ike dense c e n t r a l a rea , many Cocas ( ~ i e n s , 1957) . Climate: Very wet, about 120-160 inches of r a i n f a l l yea r ly ; Mean a i r temperature - 82" F . ; Wind - preva i l ing from north, e a s t and southeas t ( ~ o s b e r g , 1956, U. S. Navy, 1964) . Iiuman Po u l a t i o n : Pas t - inhabi ted , 1 ,200 i n 1800's ( ~ i n d l a y , 1886), *eman, 1951) ;Present - inhabi ted , 953 i n 1963 (U.S. Dept. of S t a t e , 1965). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : W . H. Hatheway - September 1952; P a c i f i c Science Board (H. J. ~ i e n s ) - swnmer 1956. Avifauna: Three b i r d spec ies a r e known from Ebon A t o l l . These include a seab i rd spec ies , a domestic fowl, and a dove, the l a t t e r poss ib ly e x t i n c t . No b i rds a r e known t o breed on t h e a t o l l ; however, 2 spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders . A c h e c k l i s t , including s t a t u s and source, of t h e b i r d spec ies from Ebon A t o l l fo l lows. The source m a t e r i a l f o r t h e l i s t includes: ( 1 ) Baker, 1951; (2) I iand-l is t of Japanese Birds, ( a ) 1932, ( b ) 1942, ( c ) 1958; ( 3 ) Yale Cross-cul tura l Survey, 1932; ( 4 ) Hager, 1886; ( 5 ) Pe te r s and Griscom, 1928; ( 6 ) Pe ters , 1937; (7 ) Ripley and Birckhead, 1942; and ( 8 ) YIZM c o l l e c t i o n . These sources a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n the c h e c k l i s t by corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . Ebon A t o l l Avifauna Checkl i s t Species S t a t u s Sur c e 1 ) Gallus gallus Introduced breeder ? 3, 4 2 ) A- t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder ? 1, 2ab 3 ) P t i l i nopus porphyraceus Ex t inc t ? 1, 2ab, 5, 6, 7 hernsheimi I , Bird specimens collected from Ebon Atoll includes 3 specimens of 2 species. Table 29. Bird specimens collected from Ebon Atoll. Species Museum Sex & Location Date - - Status Collector A m tenuirostris Y IZM d A EbonI 10-16-31 Skin H.Orii 1 d A " 11 f Ptilinopus porphyraceus MCZ ? A " late1859 " B. G. Snow G I L B E R T I S L A N D S LITTLE MAKIN ATOLL Location: 03"17' N x 172"58' E . Shape and S ize : S t r i n g of four i s l ands s i t u a t e d north-south about seven f i l e s long; To ta l land area - 2.80 square mil-es; No lagoon (Agassiz, 1903 ; Mason 2 Freeman, 1951). S o i l : Mainly c o r a l and organic matter ( see Cata%a, 1957 f o r d e t a i l e d - a n a l y s i s ) . Vegetation: Mainly -four o the r p l a n t spec ie s l i s t e d ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). Climate: Wet, r a i n f a l l averages 100.23 inches yea r ly ; A i r temperature averages 83-84" F . ; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t (Sachet, 1957 1. Human populat ion: 1950 - 908 ( c a t a l a , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : 0 . Finsch (1880d) - November-December 1879; "Albatross" Tropica l P a c i f i c Expedition - l 9 O O (Agassiz, 1903) ; L. A. Catala (Catala , 1957) - 6 March t o 30 August 1951. [Note: Child (1960) d id not v i s i t l i t t l e Makin (Child, personal communication, August 1965)] Avifauna: No b i r d s have been recorded from L i t t l e Makin A t o l l . Due t o t h e closeness ( 2 mi les) of L i t t l e Makin t o Makin A t o l l , most of the b i r d spec ies found on the l a t t e r poss ib ly occur on the former. MAKIN ATOLL Location: 07~07 ' N x 172'48' E . Shape and Size: An irregular-shaped t r iangle ; north side - 21miles; west side - 18 miles; Total lagoon area - 74 square miles; Total dry land area - 4.5 square miles; Number of islands - 11+ ason on - i n Freeman, 1951). Soi l : Outer beach - mostly rocky but some sandy area; Inner beach - - mostly sandy but some rocky area, large s a l t - f l a t area on Butar i ta r i Island; Inland s o i l - shallow layer of peat over sandy coral fragment material ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). Vegetation: Most islands planted i n =, some Pisonia. Climate: Very wet, average r a i n f a l l 121.50 inches yearly; A i r temper- a ture averages 83-84' F., Wind - prevail ing from eas t (sachet, 1957). Human Population: 1950 - 2,510 ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). Sc ien t i f ic Vis i ts : 0. Finsch (1880d, 1884) - 6 December 1879; J. G. Bremer (North, 1894, 1896) - 22-23 June 1894; U.S. Fish Commission ~ x p e d i t i o n (~6wnsenb anh Wetmore, 1919) - 6 January 1900; South Pacific Commission Sc ien t i f ic Expedition ( ~ a t a l a , 1957) - 6 March-30 August 1951; R. 0. Morris - 26 November-11 December 1962, 11 July-20 August 1963 (v is i ta t ion date t o Makin unknown); POBSP - 13-15 November 1964. [Note: Child (personal communication, August 1965) did not v i s i t Makin while Education Officer a t Tarawa between February 1953 and February 1956 (chi ld , 1$0).] Avifauna: Twenty-four bird species are known from Makin Atol l . These include 11 seabirds, 8 shorebirds, 2 ducks, 1 heron, 1 landbird, and 1 domestic fowl. Four of these species are known breeders, 8 others are possible breeders,lO are migrants, and 2 are vagrants. Makin Atoll i s the only loca l i t y i n the Marshall and Gilbert Islands from which a Himantopus species i s known. Twenty-four species are l i s t e d i n the following checkl is t , which was derived from various sources: (1) POBSP, ( a ) 1964, (b) band return; ( 2 ) Morris, 1963; (3) Finsch, ( a ) 1880d, (b) 1884; (4 ) North, ( a ) 1894, (b) 1896; (5) AOU Checklist, 1957; (6) Catala, 1957; and (7) Townsend and Wetmore, 1919. These sources are referred t o i n the checklist by the i r corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The 11 species marked by a single a s t e r i sk are new species records for Makin Atoll ; the four species marked by double as te r i sks are new a t o l l breeding records. Makin A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species 1 ) Sula d a c t y l a t r a 2) Sula sula* 3 ) Sula l eucogas ter 4 ) Fregata minor* 5 ) Fregata arifl* Arenaria i n t e r p r e s E r o l i a accuminata himantopus sp.* S terna swnatrana* Sterna fuscata* Thalasseus bergi i* A- s t o l i d u s A- t e n u i r o s t r i e * Gygis alba* Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s S t a t u s V i s i t a r Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Migrant Migrant Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Accidental Resident breeder** Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder-X)C Resident breeder** Resident breeders* Migrant Source - l b l a l a , 2 l a l a l a , 2, 3a 4a, 5 l a l a , 6 l a , 7 l a l a , 7 l a l a , 3b, 7 l a , 7 l a , 7 l a l a l a l a l a , 3b l a l a l a , 3, 4ab POBSP p e r s m n e l have co l l ec t ed 70 specimens of 15 spec ies ('Table 3 0 ) . Of these 15 spec ies , 7 a r e specimen records of spec ies not previously known f r g m Makin A t o l l ; 2 r ep resen t the f i r s t specimen confirmation of spec ies previously known only from s i g h t records ; the other 6 a r e spec i - mens of ,species from the a t o l l a l ready represented i n museum c o l l e c t i o n s . Seventeen o ther specimens of 7 spec ies a r e known from Makin; these a r e l aca t ed i n two museums (Table 31 ) . I n a l l , &' specimens of 17 spec ies a re known from Makin A t a l l . Makin -i 30. B i r d CPecimen~ co l l ec t ed by POBSP from ~ ~ k i ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ . Species Museum Sex A Location - Date - - S t a t u s co l l ec to r Sula l eucogas t e r - iiSrn4 494887 9 I m m Kotabu 494888 ? A Lagoon 3 m i . 11-13-64 Skin Amerson Fregata minor N. B u t a r i t a r i 11-14-64 n Fre a t a a r i e l :: 494877 9 1.W Kotabu 7 i f i y 494874 A 11-13-64 " " 494875 d A Egre t ta s ac ra - ' 494860 d? ' 494861 d I , C ~ ~ P P " 494862 d Lehner P1uvia l i s d9minica 494720 d B u t a r i t a r i 11-14-64 1, 494721 d I I Ifuber " 494754 d " 494755 p Kotabu 11-13-64 I ' B u t a r i t a r i C 1 a ~ ~ " 494756 d Hubfr Nmfnius t a h i t i e n s i " 4 9 ~ 8 ~ ~ " 494826 p 11-14-64 " " 494827 p 11-15-64 " Amerron Lim0~a lapponica " 494831 d Huber 4.94832 6 11-13-64 It " 494833 d 11-15-64 " C ~ ~ P P " 494834 p Huber ' 494835 p Heteroscelus incanuq 'I 494900 :lapp " 494901 d Kotabu 11-1.4-64 " B u t a r i t a r i Lehner " 494902 d Huber " 494903 p :: 494904 d Wislocki 494905 p " 494906 d Huber Arfnar ia i n t e r p r e s 494755 9 Imm Tukerfre " 494766 p B u t a r i t a r i Amerson ' 494777 9 Huber E r o l i a acuminata " 494806 d " 494807 d 11-13-64 I? " 494808 d 11-1.4-64 'I " 494809 p Wislocki S terna sumatrana ----------.- " 494601 ? Lagoon 1 m i . Huber E . of Tukerere It " 494602 d Amerson " 494603 p Sandbar 1/;i m i . SE TUkerere n " 494604 p Lehner 495883 6 Amerron 49;884 d 495885 d Table 3 ( c a n t . ) . Bird specimens c o l l e c t e d by POBSP from Makin A t o l l . Species Thalaeseus b e r g i i A m s t o l i d u s A s t e n u i r o s t r i s 1 , II ' s a lba -7- Museum USNM 494734 " 494735 " 494736 " 494737 " 494671 " 494672 " 494673 " 494674 " 494556 " 494557 494558 " 494.559 " 494560 " 494561 " 494562 " 49456: 494564 " 494565 " 494566 " 494567 " 494637 " 494638 " 494639 " 494640 " 494641 494642 " 494643 494644 Sex A s - d? Nest. P Location Kotabu S t a t u s Co l l ec to r Skin Amerson 1 Lehner Amerson Lehner specimens c o l l e c t e d by o ther mped i t ions from Makin A t o l l . Table 31' Bird Museum Species Anas c ~ y p e a t a AUS.M. 07956 07957 pluvialis dominica MCZ 81925 usm 212226 212227 xumenius t a h i t i e n s i s ' 212197 212198 ' 212199 Sex A x Location - ? Big ~ a k i n * d 0 T a r i t a r i * Q 0 B u t a r i t a r i d S t a t u s C o l l e c t or - Bremer - Skin Townsend Swayne Species Accounts 1 ) d a c t y l a t r a Blue-faced Booby See Banded Bird Recaptures, Appendix A. 2) Sula s u l a -- Red-footed Booby Habi ta t -- 13 November 1964 - Kotabu - one l ight -phase a d u l t approached t h e i s l a n d a t dusk apparent ly t o r o o s t . Numbers -- U November 1964 - Kotabu - 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding on i s l a n d s v i s i t e d ; however, t h i s species may poss ib ly breed on t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. This i s a new species s i g h t record f o r Makin A t o l l . ) Sula l eucogas te r - Brown Booby Hab i t a t -- November-December 1962 and JuLy-August 1963 - perched on beacons and po les i n t h e lagoon (Morris, 1963) ; November '1964 - perched on po les i n the lagoon and observed r e t u r n i n g t o Kotabu Is- l and a t dusk t o roos t . Numbers -- November-December 1962 and July-August 1963 - ". . . never seen i n any number . . ." (Morris, 1963) ; November 1964 - Kotabu 2, lagoon 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No breeding observed. It i s possible, however, t h a t t h i s species breeds on some of t h e i s o l a t e d i s l a n d s i n Makin A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two able 3 0 ) . These r ep resen t new specimen records f o r Makin Ato l l . 4 ) Fregata minor Great F r i g a t e b i r d Habi ta t -- 13 November 1964 - Kotabu - over i s l a n d during daytime and roos t ing t h e r e a t n igh t ; not seen on or over o t h e r i s l a n d s i n the a t o l l . Numbers -- 13 November 1964 - Kotabu 60 est imated. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No evidence of breeding on i s l a n d s v i s i t e d ; however, t h i s species poss ib ly nes t s on t h e a t o l l i f condi t ions a r e favorable . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 30). This col- l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new species and ~pecimen record f o r Makin Ato l l . Makin Lesser F r iga teb i rd Hab i t a t -- 13 November 196k- a r r ived on Kotabu t o r o o s t a t dusk wi th Fregata minor. Numbers -- 13 November 1964- Kotabu 5-10 es t imated; none seen on t h e o ther i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Breeding not observed; however, breed- i n g may occur. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t w O ( ~ a b 1 e 30) . These r ep resen t a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 6 ) E g r e t t a sacra Reef Beron Hab i t a t - - December 1879 - a long t h e shores ( ~ i n s c h , 1880d) ; Novembea- December 1962, Ju ly ,August 1 9 6 p r e s e n t i orris, 1963); November 1964 - common,shores Of B u t a r i t a r i , Kotabu, and Nabuni, and on a sandbar between Kotabu and Tukerere. Numbers -- December 1879- " ... saw uniformly white b i r d s going a l - ways i n p a i r s . . . a l s o ... p a i r s , undoubtedly male and female, of which one was white the o the r s la te-coloured ,or both of t h e l a t t e r co lour o r mixzd with white." ( ~ i n s c h , 1880d); November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 50- (about 50-50 r a t i o between white- and dark-phase in- d i v i d u a l s ) , Xotabu 6, Nabuni I s l and 1, sandbar between Kotatu and Tukerere 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Breeding not observed; however, t h i s s p e c i e s probably breeds on Makin A t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h r e e (Table 3 0 ) . Althougk t h i s spec ies has been observed a t Makin A t o l l prevFously, these a r e t h e f irst specimens t o be c o l l e c t e d from t h e a t o l l . 7) Anas c lypeata - Shoveler Hab i t a t -- June 1884 - presen t (North, 1894); a l s o A.0-U. Checklis t (1957). Numbers -- June 188L- 2 seen and col lec ted (North, 1894). S t a t u s - - Migrant; North (1894) notes t h a t "previously t h i s spec ies had never been seen on t h e i s l a n d , and t h e na t ives expressed an opinion t h a t they had been probably blown t h e r e by one of t h e wes tera g a l e s ,. . . ' I Specimen Records-- Other - two able 3 1 ) ; POBSP - none. V Makin 8) Anatidae s p . Duck species Habi ta t -- November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i mud f l a t s . Numbers -- November 1964- B u t a r i t a r i 4 . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. 9 ) Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken Habi ta t -- 1951- p resen t throughout t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands (Cata la , 1957); November 1964- p resen t i n and around t h e main v i l l a g e on B u t a r i t a r i . Numbers -- November 1964 -popula t ion not knom; however, t h e r e must be a l a r g e number -to keep t h e na t ives supplied with food: S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder? Probably breeds i n and around v i l - lage . Specimen Records -- None. 10) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- January 1900- present (Townsend and Wetmore, 1919); Novem- ber 1964- p resen t on t h e sandy and rocky beaches of B u t a r i t a r i (mainly on t h e mud-flats) , Kotabu, Tukerere, and Nabuni. Numbers -- January 1 9 0 0 - t h r e e specimens co11ect.ed November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 200-300, Kotabu 6-8, Tukerere 5, Nabuni 4 S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Othek-three (Table 3 1 ) ; POBSP - f i v e a able 5 0 ) . 11) Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Habi ta t -- November 1964- p resen t on t h e mud f l a t s of B u t a r i t a r i , not seen on t h e o the r i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . Numbers -- November l96b - B u t a r i t a r i 30 estimated S t a t u s -- Migrant Specimen Records -- N3ne. This observat ion is a new species s i g h t record f o r Makin A t o l l . 2 Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Rab i t a t - - January 1900 -present ownse send and Wetmwe, 1919); November 1964- present on sandy and rocky beaches of Bukar i t a r i (mainly on t h e mud-flats) Kotabu, and Tukerere. Numbers - - January 1900 - fou r co l l ec t ed ; November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 25, Rotabu 1, Tukerere 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - four able 31) ; POBSP - t h r e e able 3 0 ) . 1 ) Limosa lapponica Bar - t a i l ed Godwit Hab i t a t -- November 1964.- present only on t h e mud-flats of B u t a r i t a r i , not observed on t h e o the r i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . Numbers -- November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 120 es t imated . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - f i v e a able 30) . This co l - l e c t i o n represents a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 14) Heterosce1us incanum Wanderling T a t t l e r I i ab i t a t -- December 1879- presenl; on B u t a r i t a r i ( ~ i n s c h , 188'1); January 1900- present (Townsend and Wetmore, l g l g ) ; November 1964- p resen t on sandy and rocky beaches of B u t a r i t a r i (mainly on t h e mud- f l a t s ) , Kotabu, and Nabuni. Numbers -- December 1879- 1 co l l ec t ed (Finsch, 1884); 6 January 1900- 1 co l l ec t ed ; November 1964- B u t a r i t a r i 300, Kotabu 6, Nabuni 2. S t a t u s - - Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - two: one present l oca t ion unknown, d i n winter plumage, B u t a r i t a r i 6 December 1879,col lec tor Finsch (Finsch, 1884); second (Table 31) ; POBSP - seven (Table 3 0 ) . 15) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Hab i t a t -- January 1900 -p resen t (Townsend and Wetmore, 19x9); Novem- ber 1964 -p resen t on sand/ and rocky beaches of B u t a r i t a r i (mainly on t h e mud f l a t s ) , Kgtabu, and Tukerere. Numbers - - January 1900 - 2 co l l ec t ed ; November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 500-600, Kotabu LO, Tukerere 25. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - two (Table 31 ) ; POBSP - t h r e e able 30) . USNM 1/494'7'75 had USEW Band #652-49186 and was banded by POBSP a t East K i l l i n g Ground, S t . George, P r i b i l o f I s lands , Alaska, 31 August 1964. Another specimen, f i e l d K30302, 96 grans, B u t a r i t a r i I s l and , 14 November 1964, c o l l e c t o r Iiuber, was l o s t i n t r a n s i t . 1 6 ) l ~ r o l i a acuminata Sharp- ta i led Sandpiper Habi ta t -- January 1900- p resen t (Townsend and Wetmore, 1919); November 1964- present only on the mud-flats of B u t a r i t a r i , no t present on o t h e r i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . Numbers -- January 1900- 3 c o l l e c t e d ; November 1964- B u t a r i t a r i 25. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - t h r e e able 3 1 ) ; POBSP - fou r able 30) . Another specimen probably t h i s spec ie s , f i e l d //30307~ 64 grams, B u t a r i t a r i I s l and , 111- November 1964, c o l l e c t o r Wislocki, was l o s t i n t r a n s i t . 1 7 ) I-iimantopus s p . S t i l t spec ies Habi ta t -- November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i mud-flats. Numbers -- November 1964- B u t a r i t a r i 1. S ta tus -- Accidenta l . Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion r ep resen t s a new specier: s i g h t record f o r t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . 1 8 ) S terna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964- observed f l y i n g over and feeding i n t h e lagoon, n e s t s on ground (no n e s t ma te r i a l used) on sandbar between Kotabu and Tukerere I s l a n d s . Numbers -- November 1964 - i n lagoon, on sandbar between Kotabu and Tukerere I s l and , 60 es t imated . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . November 1964 - nes t ing on sandbar. This i s a new breeding record f o r Makin A t o l l . Specimen Xecords -- Other - none; POBSP - seven p able 30) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 19) S terna fusca ta Sooty Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - heard f l y i n g over lagoon a t n i g h t . Numbers -- November 1964 - 1 heard S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964- not breeding. This spec ie s may poss ib ly breed a t Makin A t o l l . Specimen Records - - None. This i s a new record f o r Makin A t o l l . 0 Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern I i ab i t a t -- November 1.964 - f l y i n g over adjacent lagoon a r e a s and n e s t i n g on rocks and p o l e s a t Bu ta r i - t a r i ( a l s o over mud-flats) , Kotabu, and Nabuni, and t h e sandbar between ICotabu and Tukerere. Numbers -- Wvembcr 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i few present , Xotabu 10, Nabuni. 2, sandbar 12. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - no breeding observed; however, t h i s spec ies m y breed on some of t h e i .solated i s l a n d s and sandbars not v i s i t e d . Specimen Iiecords -- Other - none; POBSP - four able 3 0 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 2 Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- December 1879 -p resen t (Finsch, 188Lt); November 1964- B u t a r i t a r i p resent i n t h e vegetated a r e a s (mainly i n Cococ;), Kotabu f l y i n g over t h e i s l and and nes t ing on rocks and Low vegeta t ion . Numbers -- December 1879 -1 co l l ec t ed ; November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i few present , Kotabu 25. Sta-tus -- Resident breeder. November l96!t -Kotabu seve ra l n e s t s wi th eggs and chicks present ; t h e t h r e e a d u l t s co l l ec t ed had bare brood pa tches . This spec ie s probably breeds on t h e o the r i s l a n d s i n t h e a t o l l a s we l l . This i s a new breeding record f o r t h e aLo1l. Specimen Records - - Other - one: whereabouts unknown, female, B u t a r i t a r i , December L@'3 ( ~ i n s c h , 1884); POBSP - four (I'able 30). 22) Anous tenu- i ros t r i s Black Noddy HabLtat - - November 1964- B v t a r i t a r i present and nes t ing i n vegetated Cocos a r e a s , Kotabu p resen t and nes t ing i n vegetated ( ~ i s o n i a and a n d e m p h i s ) areas,Nabuni present i n t a l l vegeta t ion ( P X T . Numbers -- November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 100 esti.mated, Kotabu 4,000+, Nabuni I s land 4 . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . November 1964-Butar i ta r i few n e s t s observed,Kotabu est imated 1800 n e s t s w i th eggs and chicks, (200+ - i n one Pisonia t r e e ) , brood pa tches present on t h e 1 2 b i r d s c o l l e c t e d . This is a new a t o l l breeding record . Specimen Records-- Other - nonej POBSP - twelve able 3 0 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 23) a lba - White Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 -p resen t i n vegeta t ion (=, Pisonia , Scaevola) of B u t a r i t a r i , Kutabu, Tukerere, and Nabuni. Numbers - - November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i few, Kotabu 200, Tukerere few, Nabuni 3. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . November 196GKotabu few eggs p resen t . This is a new breeding record fo r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none j POBSP e i g h t (Table 3 0 ) . This co l - l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Makin A t o l l . 24) Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s New Zealand Cuckoo Habi ta t -- 6 December 1879 -p resen t ( ~ i n s c h , 1880d); June 1894 - presen t (North, 1894 and 1896); November 1964 -p resen t i n t h e vege- t a t i o n near t h e v i l l a g e on B u t a r i t a r i . Numbers -- 6 December 1879 - 2 observed on B u t a r i t a r i ( ~ i n s c h , L880d); 1 June 18gb 2 co l l ec t ed (North, L894 and 1896); November 1964 - B u t a r i t a r i 1 observed. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - two able 31) ; POBSP - none. 0 1 2 3 4 S T A T U T E M I L E S MAMKEI ATOLL Location: O l o 4 8 ' N x 1'73"20' E. Shape and Size : Triangular ; Eas t coas t - f i v e miles long; West coas t - f i v e miles long; South coas t - three miles long; Number of i s l a n d s - one (continuous land r i m except f o r a pssageway on t h e wes.L c o a s t ) ; T o t a l land a r e a - 3.94 square miles; T o t a l lagoon area - 7 . 9 square miles ason on &I Freeman, 1951). Soi.1: Beach - rocky ( e a s t e r n ) and sandy (western) wi-th some rock boulders (Agassiz, 1903). Vegetation: Mainly Cocos (Agassiz, 1903); f i v e spec ie s Listed by C a t a h (1957). Climate: Moderately wet, r a i n f a l l averages '71.1'7 inches year ly ; A i r temperature averages 83-84O F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t ( s ache t , 3-95?) Human Populat ion: 1950 - 1,536 (Catai-a, 1957). S c i e n t i f i c -. V i s i t s : Ot to Finsch (1884) - December 1879; "Mbat ross" Tropica l P a c i f i c Expedition - 1899 ;~ebrua ry 1953 t o February 1957 - var ious d a t e s by Pe te r Child (1960). Avifauna: Eleven spec ies of b i r d s a r e known from Marakei A t o l l . [Note: Another spec ie s ( ~ u c u l a oceanica) was l i s t e d by Wiglesworth (189 l ) , bu t he subsequently (=corrected h i s e r r o r . ] These inc lude 4 seabi rds , 5 shorebirds, 1 heron, and I. domestic fowl.. One spec ie s has been r e - corded a s breeding; 5 addi.tiona1 specj.es a r e potent i .a l breeders . The 11 known spec ie s of b i r d s from Marakei A t o l l a r e l i s t e d i n t h e f o l - lowing c h e c k l i s t . The source ma te r i a l includes: ( 1 ) Wiglesworth, 1893; (2) Chi.ld 1960; and (3 ) Pinsch, 1.884. These sources a r e indica ted i n t h e c h e c k l i s t by t h e i r corresponding numbers. Marakei A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Egre t t a s ac ra Resident breeder ? Gallus g a l l u s introduced breeder ? P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant Limosa lapponica Migrant Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Arenaria i n t e r ~ r e s Migrant Thalasseus b e r a i i Resident breeder ? A m s t o l i d u s Resident breeder , December (eggs, Y o u n d LO) Anms t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder ? 11) Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? Source 226 Marakei One b i rd specimen i s known from Marakei A t o l l , but i t s present deposi- t i o n i s unknom. Finsch (1884) l i s t e d an a d u l t male, Anous stol-idus,with a nes t , presumably co l l ec ted 4 December 1879. 3 ~ ~ 0 0 ' ~ R i bono A B A I A N G 0 1 2 3 4 5 P S T A T U T E M I L L S ABALANG ATOLL Location: 01?41' N x 17;i058' E . Shape and Size : An i r r e g u l a r ova l a t o l l ; Length - 16 miles; Width - about 8 mi les ; Number of i s l a n d s - 4 p lus s e v e r a l i s l e t s ( p r i n c i p a l land r i m on e a s t e r n f a c e ) ; T 3 t a l land area - 11.05 square miles; T o t a l Lagoon a r e a - 89.78 square miles (Agassiz, 1903; Mason - i n Freeman, 1951). S o i l : Beach (ocean) - rocky and coarse sandy a r e a s ; Beach ( lagoon) - fine sand with some mcky a r e a s (Agassiz, 1903). Vegetation: Primary cover - e; Catala (1957) l i s t s 13 spec ie s . Cli.mate: Moderately w e t , r a i n f a l l averages '73.58 inches yea r ly ; A i r tempera-Lure averages 83-84' 17.; Wi.nd - preva i l ing from e a s t (Sachet, 1957 ) . Human Population: 1950 - 2,467 (Catala , 195'10. Sc i .en t i f ic V i s i t s : Andrew G a r r e t t (Greenway, 1952.)- September-October 1859; Ot to Fi.nsch (1680d ) -November-December 1679; "Albatross" Tropica l P a c i f i c Expedition -1900; CniLd (pe r sona l communication, August 11.965) d id not v i s i t Abaiang during February 1953 t o February 1956 a s h i s 1960 paper impl ies . Avifauna: Tcro b i r d spec ies have been recorded a s occurr ing on Abaiang A t o l l . Child (1960) repor ted t h a t " . . . a poss ib l e n e s t i n g s i t e [of Sula su la e x i s t s ] a t Bakatonotoro (Abaiang) . . .", but he (Child, per- -- s o n a l communication, August 1965) d id not v i s i t Abaiang A t o l l . Although Fi.nsch (1880d) v i s i t e d Abaiang A t o l l , he d id not l i s t any b i r d spec ie s s p e c i f i c a l l y from t h e a t o l l . Greenway (1952) repor ted t h a t Andrew Gar re t t co l l ec t ed one or two spec i - mens of every b i r d a t Abaiang dur ing h i s 1859 v i s i t . Nothing i.s known of t h e present whereabouts of t h e s e specimens ( s e e a l s o next paragraph) . Greenway f u r t h e r repor ted t h a t Gar re t t obtained a t a i l . f e a t h e r of what he thought was (al though he never saw i t ) a spec ies of hawk. Four spec- i e s af hawks occur a s v i s i t o r s t o t h e Western P a c i f i . ~ (Marianas, CaroLines, pa l aus ) , however, none have been taken from e i t h e r t h e Marshal ls or t h e G i l b e r t s . Since he d id not s ee t h i s "havk," t h e f e a t h e r t h a t he :found i s more l i k e l y from t h e New Zealand Cuckoo, Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s , which commonly occurs i n t h e G i l b e r t s . Both t h i s cuckoo and a g r e a t many hawks have barred t a i l s ; t hus Gar re t t could have e a s i l y con:fused t h e two. A speci-men of an immature, f e m l e f l i g h t l e s s r a i l , Tricholimnas s y l v e s t r i s (= condit icus) , was supposedly co l l ec t ed by Andrew Gar re t t from Abaiang i.n 1859. Ii was described a s a new spec ie s (MCZ #21943) Abaiang by P e t e r s and Griscom (1928); however, Greenway (1952) presented ev i - dence t h a t I. condi t icus shsuld be a synonyp of T. sy l .ves t r i s , which i s known from Lord Iiowe I s l and . He presented f u r t h e r evidence t h a t t h e "I. condi t icus" specimen was not co l l ec t ed a t Abaiang. I agree with ~Teenway 's conclusions t h a t t h i s r a i l was probably co l l ec t ed a t Lclrd Hove I s l and and not a t Abaiang. TARAWA ATOLL Location: 01?25' N x 173'00' E . Shape and Size : - An i sosce1 .e~ t r i a n g l e , east-west base 1'7 miles, south- east-northwest f ace 21 miles , wesl f ace 20 miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 9 l a rge and many small i s l . e t s (on e a s t and s m t h faces only) ; T o t a l land a r e a - 7.73 square miles; To ta l lagoon a rea - 132.67 square miles (Agassiz, 1903; Mason & Freeman, 1951; and Doran, 1959). S o i l : Beach (ocean) - rocky and sandy area ; Beach (lagoon) - sandy but - some rocky a r e a s , t i d a l f l a t s i n many a r e a s (Agass i .~ , 1903; s ee a l s o Cata la , 1957). Vegetat.ion: Mostly e, but 103 spec ie s l i s t e d by Catala (1957) ( s e e a l s o Doran, 1959). Climate : Modera-Lely wet, r a i n f a l l averages 64- .02 inches annual ly; A i r temperature averages 83 - 85' F., Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t (Sachet, 1957 ; Doran, 1959). Human Populat ion: 1950 - 3,790 ( ~ a t a l a , 1957); 1956 - 4,851. (u.s. Navy, 1966). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Otto Finsch (1880d, 1884)- November-December 1.879; 1900 "A1batrossl' Tropical P a c i f i c Expedition; P e t e r Child (1960; per- - sona l c o m m u n i . c a t i o n , ~ ~ u ~ u s t 1965)- M& 1953 t o January 1956; R. 0, Morris ( i963)- 12 J u l y 1963. Avifauna: NineLeen spec ie s of b i r d s a r e known from Tarawa A t o l l . S ix of t hese spec ies a r e seabi rds , 8 a r e shorebi rds , 2 a r e ducks, 1 i s a heron, 1 a cuckoo, and 1 a domestic fowl. Of these , 8 spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders , however, a n l y 4 spec ie s a r e known t o breed. The fol lowing l i s i : p resents t h e known b i r d spec ies from Tarawa A t o l l which have been recarded by ( 1 ) Finsch, ( a ) 188Od, ( b ) 1884; ( 2 ) Wiglesworth, 1893; (3 ) Townsend and Wetmore, 1919; ()-I.) Child, 1960; ( 5 ) Morris, 1963; and (6) POBSP, band r e t u r n . These sources a r e In- d i c a k d i n t h e c h e c k l i s t by co r re spwding numbers and l e t t e r s . The one spec ies marked by an a s t e r i s k i s a new i s l a n d spec ies record. Tarawa Tarawa A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Source Fregata --* Resident breeder ? l b Enre t ta sacra Resident breeder November t o June l a . 3 , 4, 5, 6 platyrhynchos A n a s c lypeata Gallus g a l l u s P l u v i a l i s dominica Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Limosa lapponica Heteroscelus brevipes Heter3scelus incanurn Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Crocethia alba E r o l i a acuminata Accidental Migrant Introduced breeder Migrant Migrant Migran-t Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant 5 5 5 3, 5 l a , 5 l a , 5 5 4, 5, 6 2, 4, 5 5 5 Sterna sumatrana Resident breeder , January t o September 5, 6 Thalasseus b e r g i i Resident breeder , May (immature) l a , 5 , 6 Anous s l o l i d u s Resident breeder , December (eggs t o y oune l a , 5 , 6 A m t enu . i ros t r i s Hesident breeder ? 5, 6 Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? 5, 6 Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s Migrant 5 Twelve specimens of 4- spec ie s have been co l l ec t ed from Tarawa A t o l l . Finsch (1884) c o l l e c t e d a male Arenaria i n t e r p r e s i n winter plumage from Tarawa A t o l l on I 2 December 1879; i t s present depos i t ion i s ~mknown. Townsend, aboard the "Albatross ," c o l l e c t e d 11 specimens a t Tarawa Atoll. on 3 January l 9 O O ownse send and Wetmore, 1919). Townsend's specimens a r e l i s t e d i n Table 32. Tarawa Table 32. Bird specimens col.lected rrorn Tarawa A t o l l . Species Museum - A s Sex Sta tus Col lec tor USNM 212178 A d Skin Townsend " 212179 A d , , P l u v i a l i s dominica " 212223 A d " 212224 A d " 212225 A d MCZ 81924 A d USNM 212211 A P Arenaria i n t e r p r e s " 212212 A d " 2 1 2 2 A d I Heteroscelus incanum " 212186 A ? , " 212187 A d M A I A N A S T A T U T E MILES 0Oo MAIANA ATOLL Location: 00'55' N . x 173'00' E. Shape and Size : Rectangular-shaped; nor theas t and southwest s i d e s - 7 miles; northwest and southeasl; s i d e s - 11 miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 8 (one main i s land - 1/2 t o 2 mi les wide); T o t a l land a r e a - 10.39 square mi les ; To ta l lagoon a rea - 38 square miles (Mason i n Freeman, 1951). - S o i l : Beach (ocean) - rocky wi th some sandy a rea ; Beach agoon on) - - sandy, ex tens ive sand P l a t s a t northwest corner of Maiana I s l and a t low t i d e ; Inland - organic m a t e r i a l mixed with sand over c o r a l fragments; No in land ponds; Water i n w e l l about 10 ' below ground sur face . Vegetation: Primary spec ies - Cocos; Pandanus a l s o p resen t . Climate: Moderately dry, r a i n f a l l averages 57.32 inches yea r ly . A i r temperature averages 83-8lk0F;~ind- p reva i l ing from e a s t (Sachet , 1957). Human Population: 1950 - 1,238 ( ~ a t a l a , 195'7) S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Pe t e r Child (1960) - February 1953 t o February 1956; POBSP - 16-17 November 1964.. Avifauna: F i f t een b i r d spec ie s a r e known from Maiana A.i;oll. These in- clude 7 seab i rds , 6 shgrebi rds , 1. heron, and 1 domesticated fowl. Only 1 spec ie s i s a known breeder , e i g h t 3 the r s a r e poss ib le breeders , and 6 a r e migrants . F i f t e e n spec ie s a r e l i s t e d i n t h e fol lowing c h e c k l i s t , whi.ch,was de- r ived from: (1) POBSP, ( a ) 1964, (h ) band r e t u r n ; and ( 2 ) Child, 1960. These sources a r e indica-Led i n t h e checlr l is t by t h e i r corresponding numbers and l e t t e r s . The four spec ies marked by a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k a r e new spec ie s records f o r Maiana Ato l l ; t h e s i n g l e spec ies marked by double as te r i . sks i s a new a t o l l breeding record . Maiana A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Fregata m i n o r * Resident breeder ? Fregata a=* Resident breeder ? Egre t ta sacra Resident breeder ? Gal lus gallus Introduced breeder ? P l u v i a l i s dorninica Migrant Numenius phaeopus* Migrant Numenius t a h i t i e n s i . ~ Migrant Limosa lapponica Migrant Source b lb l a , 2 l a , 2 l a , 2 l a l a , 2 l a , 2 Species Maiana S t a t u s Source Heteroscelus incanum Migrant l a , 2 Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant l a , 2 S te rna sumatrana* Resident breeder ? l a Thalasseus b e r g i i Resident breeder ? l a , 2 A m s t o l i d u s Resident breeder" l a , 2 A m t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder ? l a , 2 Gygis a l b a -- Resident breeder ? l a , 2 POBSP personnel have co l l ec t ed 38 specimens of 8 spec ies (Table 3 3 ) . Of these 8 spec ies , 2 a r e specimen records of spec ies not previ.onsly known from Maiana Ato l l ; t h e o the r 6 represent t h e f i r s t specimen con- f i rmat ion of spec ie s previously kno5m only from s i g h t r e c m d s . No o ther specimens a r e known from Maiana A t o l l . Table 33. Bird specimens co l l ec t ed by POBSP from Maiana A t o l l . Species Museum Sex A s Location Date - Sta tus Col lec tor P l u v i a l i s dominica USMN 494722 d " 494723 ? Numenius phaeopus Limosa lapponica Heteroscelus incanum " Arenaria i n t e r p r e s " Maiana Skir Alc. f Table 33 ( c o n t . ) . Bird specimens co l l ec t ed by POBSP from Maiana Atoll.. Spec ies Museum - Sex A& Location Date - S t a t u s Col lec tor Sterna sumatrana USMN 494605 9 - Maiana I . 11-16-64 Skin Clapp " 494606 d - 11-17-64 " " 49&675 0 - . Anous s t o l i d u s Amerson A x t e n u i r o s t r i s " 494568 d - C ~ ~ P P " 494559 d - Amerson " $94570 d - C ~ ~ P P " 494571 d - " 494572 9 - " 494573 P - Species Accounts 1 ) Fregata minor Great F r iga teb i rd Habi ta t -- November 1964 - f l y i n g over i s l a n d . Numbers -- November 1964 - 2 observed. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 196+ - no breeding observed. It i s doubtful t h a t t h i s spec ie s breeds a t Maiana A t o l l due t o t h e l a c k of s u i t a b l e breeding si-tes. The small i s l and a t t h e south end of t h e a t o l l might be s u i t a b l e , however. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion r ep resen t s a new spec- i e s s i g h t record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 2 ) Fregata a& Lesser F r iga teb i rd See Banded Bird Recaptures, Appendix A . 3 ) Egre t ta sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - 'I.. . on a l l i s l ands of t h e Gi lbe r t [ I s l ands ] . . . ' I ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - on rocky beaches and exposed reef a r e a s . Numbers -- November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 6 or 7 seen. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? February 1953 t o February 1956 - "The n e s t i n g season [over t h e e n t i r e G i l b e r t - E l l i c e Group] l a s t s from November t o June." (Child, 1960); November 1964 - no breeding a c t i v i t y observed. Specimen Records -- None. Maiana 4 ) Gal lus aaLlus Domestic Chicken Habi ta t -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - ". . . common on a l l i s - lands where t h e r e a r e n a t i v e v i l l a g e s . . . " ( c h i l d , 1960) ; November 1964 - present i n and around t h e v i l l a g e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - see under Hab i t a t ; November 1964 - no es t imate made but chickens were very f r equen t ly seen. S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder? November 1964 - breeding not observed but t h i s spec ie s probably n e s t s i n and around t h e v i l l a g e s . Specimen Records -- None. 5) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . on t i d a l f l a t s or near t h e wa te r ' s edge on t h e beach; [ a l s o ] i n open grassy a r c a s o r among t h e coconut c l e a r i n g s . . ." (Child, 1960); N3veniber 1964 - on t h e mud f l a t s , sandy beaches, and grassy a r e a s around t h e v i l l a g e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . although a few may be seen a l l t h e year round t h e g r e a t e s t numbers a r e present from October t o Apr i l . " ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana Is- land 1 0 0 ' s p re sen t . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h r e e (Table 33) . AL- though Child repor ted Golden Plover from Maiana Ato l l , t h i s is a new specimen record f o r t h e a t o l l . 6 ) Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Habi ta t -- November 1964- - on rocky ocean beach of Maiana I s l a n d . Numbers -- November 1964 - Maiana I s l and , 1 seen and c o l l e c t e d . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one ('Table 33). Th i s i s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Maiana Ato l l . 7 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Habi.tat -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - Gi lbe r t I s l ands , t i d a l mud f l a t s or on t h e r ee f at. low t i d e , occasional1.y seen inland ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - present on t i d a l f l a t s , exposed reef a reas , and ocean beaches. Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - "occasional b i r d s may be seen on a l l [G i lbe r t ] i s l a n d s a t any ti.me of t h e year but a r e most common from about l a t e August t o Apri.1 ..." ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 12. S t a t u s -- Migrant Specimen Records - - None. 8) Limosa lapponica Bar- ta i led Godwit IIabi tat -- February L953 t o February 1956 - "... seen c h i e f l y on t i d a l mud f l a t s , sing1.y o r i n small groups; a t high t i d e l a r g e r f l o c k s of up .to 50 b i r d s may be found gathered on a dry s p i t or i s l e t . " [ ~ o t e : Child uses t h i s a s a h a b i t a t d e s c r i p t i o n f o r t h i s spec ies i n Lhe ent i . re G i lbe r t I s l a n d s ] ( c h i l d , 1960);~ovembcr 1964 - present on t h e t i d a l f l a t s . Numbers - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - see under 1iabita.L ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 2 observed and c o l l e c t e d . S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - two able 3 3 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 9 ) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habi ta t -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - ". . . genera l ly feeds a lone on t h e edge of t h e t i d e or on mud f laLs . . . of t en wadcs out i n t o shallow water . . . a t high t i d e l a r g e r groups r e s t t oge the r among t h e rocks o r i n t h e shade of mangrove bushes." [Note: Habi ta t desc r ip t ion i s f o r a l l of t h e Gi lbe r t I s l a n d s . ] ( c h i l d , 1960); November L964 - Maiana I s l and on t ida l . f l a t s and sandy and rocky ocean beaches. Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . well-known on a l l [G i lbe r t ] i s l ands . . ." ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 59+ est imated. S t a t u s -- Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two able 33). This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 10) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Habi ta t - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - present ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - present on t i d a l f l a t s and sandy beaches of Maiana I s l and . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - ". . . i s t h e commonest of t h e A r c t i c v is i . to rs ... usua l ly being seen i n groups of 10 t o 100 or more . . ." ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 1 0 0 ' s observed. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - twenty-one (Table 33). Although Ruddy Turnstones have previous ly been observed a t Maiana A t o l l , t h i s c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record from t h e a t o l l . 11) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t - - November 1964 - over lagoon and t i d a l f l a t s ( e s p e c i a l l y a t north end of t h e a t o l l ) a t Maiana I s l and . Numbers - - November 1964 - Maiana I s l and 6, lagoon 1. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - no n e s t s observed, however, a d u l t s were observed with well-fledged young. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 3 3 ) This i s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 12) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habi ta t -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . a r e sairi i o nes t i n small co lonies on sand o r g rave l ba r s . . . " ( ~ h i . l d , 1960) [Note: This i s Ch i ld ' s h a b i t a t d e s c r i p t i o n f o r t h i s spec ie s i n t h e G i l b e r t I s l ands ] ; November 1964- present over lagoon and roos t ing on ex- posed r ee f and sand f l a t s a t low t i d e . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - "... appears t o be p resen t i n smal l numbers on most i s l a n d s [ i n t h e Gi lbe r t I s l a n d s ] . " ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Maiana I s l and (nor thern end) 15+. S t a t u s - - Resident breeder? February 1953 t o February 1956 - Child (1960) r e p o r t s t h a t " [ i n t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands ] i-t i s sa id t h a t one egg i s l a i d between December and February."; November 1964 - not breeding, but both adul-t;s and f l y i n g immatures present suggest ing t h a t t h i s spec ie s breeds on Maiana A t o l l . Specimen Records-- None. 13) Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habi ta t -- November 1964 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n Cocas t r e e s on Maiana I s l a n d . 243 Maiana Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1955 - ". . . fair1.y common on a l l i s l a n d s of t h e Colony . " (Chil.d, 1960); November 1964 - Maiana Is land 1 0 0 ' s p re sen t . S t a t u s - - Resident b reede r . November 1964 - few a d u l t s seen on n e s t s a t base of palm fronds on t h e nor thern end of Maiana, s a id by na t ives t o nes t commonly on i s l and a' south end of t h e a t o l l . This is a new breeding record . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 3 3 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 14) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t - - November 1964 - Maiana I s l and ( e s p e c i a l l y t h e nor thern end) roos t ing i n t r e e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - ". .. l i s t e d i n l a r g e numbers on a l l i s l a n d s v i s i t e d . . . " (Child, 1960) ; November 1964- - Maiana Is land 100 ' s p r e s e n t . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - no n e s t s observed, hawever, t h r e e of s i x a d u l t s co l l ec t ed had brood patches present suggest ing they were n e s t i n g somewhere on t h e a t o l l . The na t ives s a i d they nested i n t r e e s on a small i s l a n d a t t h e south end of t h e a t o l l bu t t h i s could not be v e r i f i e d . Specimen Records - - Other - noncj POBSP - s i x able 3 3 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Maiana A t o l l . 15) Gygis a lba Whi-te Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - f l y i n g about Maiana I s l a n d . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . f a i r l y common on a l l i s l a n d s . . ." (Child, 1960); November 19611 - Maiana I s l and few observed. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - no breeding a c t - i v i t y observed, however, t h i s spec ie s probably n e s t s on Maiana A t o l l . Specimen Records -- None 7?45'~ 173~50' 173~55' 02'30' N A B E M A M A oz03c ABEMAMA ATOLL Location: 00?21' N x 173'51' E. Shape and Size: An i r r e g u l a r t r i a n g l e ; Eastern coas t - convex, 14 miles long; Northwestern coas t - s t r a i g h t , 6 miles long; Southwestern coas t - s l i g h t l y concave, l l m i l e s ; Number i s l a n d s - 8 ( e a s t e r n coas t almost continuous s t r i p one-half mile wide); Height - 6 t o 1 2 f e e t ; T o t a l land a rea - 6.57 square miles; T o t a l lagoon area - 51.12 square mi les (H. 0. Chart 0122; Mason - i n Freeman, 1951; Doran, 1959). S o i l : Beaches - sandy and rocky ( s e e Agassiz, 1903 f o r d e s c r i p t i o n ) . Vegetation: Mainly e, Pandanus, and Pisonia (Agassiz, 1903). Four- t e e n spec ie s Listed by C a t a m ) . Climate: Moderately dry, r a i n f a l l averages 53.04 inches annual ly; A i r temperature averages 83-84" F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t (Sachet , 1957). Human Population: 1950 - 1,498 (Catala , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : "Albatross" Tropica l P a c i f i c Expedition - 1899; Pe te r Child (1960) - February 1953 t o February 1956. Avifauna: Thir teen spec ies of b i r d s a r e p resen t ly known froin Abemama A t o l l . These include 4 seabi rd spec ies , 5 shorebird spec ie s , 1 heron, 2 doves, and 1 domestic fowl. Eight spec ie s a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders , however, only 1 (an introduced spec ie s ) i s known t o breed. No b i r d speci.mens a r e known from t h e a t o l l . , The 13 known spec ies of b i r d s recorded from Abemama Atol.1 by Child (1960) a r e presented i n t h e fol lowing c h e c k l i s t . Abemama A t o l l Avifauna Checkl i s t Species S t a t u s - I) F a r e t t a sacra 2) Gal lus s a l l u s 3) P l u v i a l i s dominiaa 4 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s 5) Limosa la-poonica 6 ) Heteroscelus incanum 7 ) Arenaria i n t e r ~ r e s 8 ) Thalasseus b e r a i i 9 ) a s t o l i d u s 10) t e n u i r o s t r i s 11) Gvais a l b a 12) Gallicolumba e ry th rop te ra (Ground Dove) 13) Gallicolumba s t a i r i i ( ~ r i e n d l y Ground ~ o v e ) Resident breeder? Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Kigrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Introduced breeder Introduced breeder ? L Oneaka 173'25' K U R I A KURIA ATOLL Location: 00'14' N x 173'25' E . Shape and S ize : Dumbbell-shaped p a i r of i s l a n d s (each i s l a n d forming an end): To ta l length - 4 miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 2; Oneaka I s l and (no r the rn ) - l ength 2 miles , widest po in t 1-1/2 miles; Kuria I s l and (southern) - l ength 2 mi les , widest po in t 2 miles; T o t a l land a rea - 4.98 square miles; No Lagoon; however, ex tens ive shallow a r e a extends west and northwest of t h e i s l a n d s (H.o. Chart 0122; Mason - i n Freeman, 1951). w: Beach (windward s i d e ) - rocky but some sandy a r e a s ; Beach ( l e e - ward s i d e ) - mostly sandy, some rocky a reas ; Inland - organic matter mixed wi th sand over c o r a l gravel ; Inland lagoons p resen t on both Oneaka and Kuria I s l a n d s . Vegetation: Primary spec ies - w, s c a t t e r e d Pisonia , Pemphis, and Pandanus; vegeta t ion i n uninhabited a r e a s dense. C1imai;e: Moderately dry , average r a i n f a l l 48.37 inches year ly ; A - i r temperature averages 83-8PF;Wind- p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t (Sachet, 1957). flumarl Populat ion: 1950 - 530 (Cata la , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : P e t e r Child (1960) - February 1953 t o February 1956 - var ious da te s ; POBSP - 17-19 November 1964. Avifauna: Seventeen spec ie s of b i r d s a r e p resen t ly known from Kuria A t o l l . These include 7 seab i rds , '7 shorebi rds , l heron, 1 pigeon, and 1 domestics-ted fowl. Five of t h e s e spec ie s a r e known breeders , 5 o the r s a r e pass ib l e breeders , and 7 a r e migrants . Seventeen spec ie s a r e l i s t e d i n t h e following c h e c k l i s t which was de- r ived from: ( 1 ) POBSP, 196it; ( 2 ) Child, 1960 ; (3) Richardson and F i she r , 1950; and ( 4 ) Ashmiile, 1963. These xourccs a r e r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e checkl i s t by t h e i r corresponding numbers. The f i v e spec ie s marked by a s i n g l e a s t e r i s k a r e new spec ie s records f o r Kuria A t o l l ; t h e t h r e e spec ies marked by double a s t e r i s k s a r e new a t o l l breeding records . 348-113 0-69-17 Kuria Species Kuria A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Heteroscelus incanum Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Anous s t o l i d u s Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Gygis a lba Ducula oceanica* S t a t u s Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breederxi" Resident breeder*.* Resident breede- Resident breeder ? POBSP personnel have colI.ected 36 specimens of LO spec ies able 34) . Of these 10 spec ie s , 3 a r e specimen records of spec ie s not previous ly known from t h e a t o l l ; t h e o the r '7 represent t h e f i r s t specimen confirma- t i o n of spec ies previous ly known only from s i g h t records . No o the r specimens a r e known from Kuria A t o l l . Table 34.. Bird specimens co l l ec t ed by POBSP from Kuria A t o l l . Species Museum - Sex A Locat;ion Dai;e S t a t u s Col lec tor Egre t t a sacra P l u v i a l i s dominica 0 - 0 - d - d - 9 - d - 0 - 0 - d - d - Imm - A d - d - 0 - P - 0 - 0 - d - d - d - P - 0 - d - d - d - P - 0 - P - P - d - 0 - - A - - ? - 0 - Kuria I Skin Iiuber Amerman Clapp Amerman Clapp Huber Oneaka E r o l i a acuminata Sterna sumatrana Amerman Au~erson Cl@.PP Anous s t o l i d u s Huber Amerson IIuber C ~ ~ P P Kuria I. A- t e n u i r o s i r i s Gygis a lba -- Ducula oceanica Skin Huber 11-18-64 Skin Amerson and ske le ton Kur i a Speci-es Accounts 1) Fregata m i n o r Great Fr iga tebi rd Habitat -- November 1964 - Oneaka observed j u s t of fshore . Numbers -- November 1964 - Oneaka 1. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? May, but probably doesn7t ,breed on t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. This observation i s a new species s i g h t record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 2 ) Egre t ta sacra Reef Heron Habitat -- November 1964 - exposed reef ( a t low t i d e , sandbars and inland pond a r e a s ) . Numbers - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - "... i s a f a m i l i a r s i g h t on a l l i s l a n d s of t h e Gi lbe r t [ I s l ands ] . . ." (chi ld , 1960); November 1964 - Oneaka 5, Kuria 5-6. S t a t u s -- Residen-t breeder? November 1964 - no n e s t s observed, however, a co l l ec ted female had a l a rge ovum and a very enlarged oviduct i n d i c a t i n g t h a t she was nest ing. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 34) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record from Kuria A t o l l . 3) Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken Habitat -- November 1964 - present i n and around t h e v i l l a g e s on both Oneaka and Kuria. Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1.956 - " ... common on a l l [Gi lbe r t ] i s l a n d s vhere t h e r e a r e na t ive v i l l a g e s ..." ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - es t imate not made but chickens were f r e - quent ly observed. S ta tus -- Introduced breeder? November 1964 - breeding not observed, but t h i s species probably n e s t s i n and around t h e v i l l a g e s . Specimen Records -- None. 4 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- November 1964 - KWia and Oneaka on ocean beaches, i n - land grassy o r open a reas , and around inland pond a reas . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . al though a few may be seen [ i n t h e Gi lber t I s l a n d s ] a l l t h e year round t h e g r e a t e s t nmibers a r e present from October t o Apr i l " (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Kuria 25 estimated, Oneakd 25 est imated. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 3 4 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n c o n s t i t u t e s a new specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 5 ) Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Habi ta t -- 18 November 1964 -- Oneaka on exposed r e e f a t low t i d e and in land pond a r e a s . Numbers - - 18 November i964 - Oneaka 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. This observat ion i s a new spec ie s s i g h t record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 6) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew I iab i ta t -- November 1964 - Oneaka and Kuria p re sen t on ocean beach, exposed r ee f a t low t i d e , and in land pond a r e a s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - "occasional b i r d s may be seen on a l l [G i lbe r t ] i s l a n d s a t any time of t h e year but a r e most common from about l a t e August t o A p r i l ..." (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Kuria 3, Oneaka 3. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one a able 3 4 ) . This i s a new specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 7) Limosa lapponica Bar-hailed Godwit Hab i t a t -- 19 November 1964 - Kuria observed on exposed r ee f a t low t i d e . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 19% - Child (1960) does not mention Kuria A t o l l s p e c i f i c a l l y but says of L . lapponica - " f a i r l y common i n t h e Gilberh and E l l i c e groups"; 19 November 1964 - Kuria 1. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- None. Kuria 8) Meteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Kuria and Oneaka present on ocean beaches and in land pond a r e a s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - " . . . well-known on a l l [Gi.lbert ] i s l a n d s . . . " ( c h i l d , 1960) ; November 19611. - Kwia 15, Oneaka LO. S t a t u s - - Migrant. Specimen Records - None. 9 ) Arenaria i n t c r p r e s Ruddy Turnst one Habi.tat -- November 19611- - present on sandy beaches of Kuria and Oneaka . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - "... i s t h e commonest of t h e Arc t i c v i s i t o r s [ t o t h e Gi lbe r t I s l a n d s ] . . . usua l ly be ing seen i n groups of LO t o 100 or more ..." ( ch i ld , 1960); November 1964 - Kuria 11.0, Oneaka 30 . S t a t u s - - Migrant Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two on able 3 4 ) . Alkhough Ruddy Turnstone have previous ly been observed a t Kuria A t o l l , t hese two a r e t h e f i r s t specimens t o be c o l l e c t e d . 10) Ero l i a acumina.ta Habi ta t -- 18 November Numbers -- 18 November c o l l e c t e d , Kuria none. S t a t u s - - Migrant. Sharp-tai led Sandpiper 1964 - Oncaka around inland pond a r e a s . 1954 - Oneaka 6 observed, 4 of which were Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - four (Table 3 4 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n i s a new spec ie s and specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 11) S terna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - sandbar a t southern t i p of Oneaka, ocean beaches of Kuria . Numbers -- November 1964 - Kuria 5 observed, Oneaka 6. S t a t u s -- Resident b reede r? November 1964 - breeding not observed, bu t one of two b i r d s c o l l e c t e d was a n immature suggest ing t h a t t h i s spec ie s may breed on Kuria A t o l l . 253 Kuria Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 3 4 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new species and specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 2 Sterna fusca ta Sooty Tern IIabi tat -- November 1964 - Kuria flyi.ng over south por t ion a t dusk (17 th ) , f l y i n g north over west beach a t 0930 (1.8th). Numbers - - Date unknown - ". . . small colony . . . a t . . . Onelte ( ~ u r i a ) . " (Child, 1960). November 1964 - Kuria 3 f l y i n g over l a t e i n t h e af te rnoon. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . August ( a t l e a s t before 194.9) - ' I . . . t e r n s a r r i v e and Lay eggs only i n August . . ." (Iiichardson and F i she r , 1950, a l s o Ashmole, 1 6 ) w t e unknown - Child (1960) implies breed- i n g a t Kuria; November 1964 - no breeding observed. Specimen Records -- None. U ) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Lab i t a t -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence on sand or g r a v e l b a r s implied (Child, 1950); November 196!i - Kuria and Oneaka on sandbars and exposed ree f rocks. Numbers -- February 1.953 t o February 1956 - presence i n small num- b e r s implied (Child, 1$0); November 1964 - Kuria 5-10, Oneaka 22. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . February 1953 t o February 1956 - breed- ing implied (Child, 1960); November 1964 - no breeding a c t i v i t y ob- served, but both a d u l t s and flyi.ng immatures were present, s u g g e s t h g t h a t t h i s spec ies nes t s on Kuria A t o l l . Specimen Records - None. 14) Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habitat -- November 1964 - roos t ing and nes t ing i n frond bases of Cocos t r e e s on both Kuria and Oneaka. Numbers - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence (" . . . f a i . r ly common on a l l i s l ands of t h e Colony . " ) implied (Child, 1960);Novem- ber 1964 - Kuria Is land 300-400, Oneaka 400. S ta tus -- Resident breeder . November 1964 - many a d u l t s and young seen on n e s t s a t bases of palm fronds on both Kuria and Oneaka Is lands ; 5 out of 8 a d u l t s co l l ec ted possessed brood patches. Thie i s a new breeding record f o r Kuria A t o l l . I ! . 254 Kur i a Specimen Records - - Other - none; POBSP - e i & t able 34) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 15) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Bl-aclc Noddy Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Kuria and Oneaka roos t ing and n e s t i n g i n Cocos and Pisonia t r e e s , more prominent i n uninhabited a r e a s bu t present i n v i l l a g e s . Numbers -7 February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence i n l a r g e num- b e r s implied (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Kuria TOO+, Oneaka 500+. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . November 1964 - few a c t i v e n e s t s seen on both Kuria and Onealca; 5 of 9 a d u l t s co l l ec t ed possessed brood patches. This i s a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- OLher - none; POBSP - nine (Table 34 ) . This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 1 ) Gygis a lba White Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Kuria and Oneaka f l y i n g over i s l a n d s , roos t ing and nes t ing i n -, espec ia l ly on t h e tops of t h e broken o f f t r e e s . Numbers - - February 1953 t o February 1956 - Dresence ( ' I . . . f a i r l y common on a l l isl.ands . . . ") ind ica ted (ch i ld , 1960);November 1961~-Kuria 300+, Oneaka 200+. S t a t u s - - Resident breeder . November 1964 - many n e s t s observed on Kuria and Onealca; a11 f i v e a d u l t s co l l ec t ed had brood patches. This i s a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - f i v e able 3 4 ) . These Gygis a lba represen-t a new specimen record f o r Kuria A t o l l . 1.7) Ducula oceanica Micronesian Pigeon Habi ta t - - November 1964 - Kuria observed f l y i n g through and r o o s t - i ng i n Cocos groves. - Numbers -- November 1964 - Kuria 2 of 4 seen were co l l ec t ed , Oneaka none observed. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No breeding a c t i v i t y observed, but n a t i v e s repor ted t h a t t h i s spec ie s nes t s on t h e i s l a n d . Specimen Records -- Other - none. POBSP - two (Table 3 4 ) . This is a new spec ie s and specimen recoGd f o r Kuria A t o l l . S T A T U T E MILES 173'30' 173'35' 173'40' ARANUKA ATOLL Location: 00~11' N x 173"36'. E. Shape and Size: Triangular-shaped, east side - 6 miles, northwest side - 7 miles, southwest side - 7 miles; Number of islands - 4 (2 main ones); Total land area - 5.97 square miles; Total lagoon area - 7.5 square miles (H.O. Chart 0122; Mason - in Freeman, 1951). Soil: Beach (ocean side) - rocky with some sandy area; Beach (lagoon - side) - mostly sandy, extensive mud flat on northwest side of Aranuka Island at low tide; Inland - organic material mixed with sand over coral fragments; no inland ponds. Vegetation: Primary species - m; others include Pisonia, Pandanus, and Rhizophora . Climate: Moderately dry, rainfall averages 48.37 inches yearly; Air temperature averages 83-84O F. ; Wind - prevail.ing from east (Sachet, 1957 ) . Human Population: 1950 - 223 (Catala, 1957) Scientific Visits: Peter Child (1960) - February 1953 to February 1956 various dates; POBSP - 19 November 1964. Avifauna: Fourteen bird species are presently known from Aranuka Atoll. These include 6 seabirds, 5 shorebirds, 1 heron, 1 pigeon, and 1 domesti- cated fowl. Only one of these species is known to breed on the atoll, 8 others are possible breeders, and 5 are migrants. Fourteen species are listed in the following checklist, which was de- rived from: (1) POBSP, 1964; (2) Child, 1960. These sources are re- ferred to in the checklist by their corresponding numbers. The three species marked by a single asterisk are new species records for Aranuka Atoll; the single species marked by double asterisks is a new atoll breeding record. Aranuka Aranuka A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species Limosa lapponica S ta tus Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder T Resident breeder ? Resident breeder"* Resident breeder T Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? POBSP personnel have c o l l e c t e d 30 specimens of 10 species (Table 35) . Of t hese 10 species , 2 a r e specimen records of species not previous ly known from Aranuka Ato l l ; t h e o the r 8 represent t h e first specimen con- f i rma t ion of spec ies p rev ious ly known only from s i g h t records . No o ther specimens a r e known from t h e a t o l l . Aranuka Table 35. Bird specimens collected by POBSP from Aranuka Atol l . Species Museum - Sex A x Location Date - Pluvial is dominica Arenaria interpres Anous .stolidus Anous tenui ros t r i s Gyisis alba I, I, USMN 494727 " 494728 " 494829 " 494909 " 494910 " 494911 " 494790 " 494791 " 494792 " 494793 " 494609 " 494738 " 494739 " 494740 " 494684 " 494685 " 494686 " 494687 " 494688 " 494689 " 494690 " 494583 " 494&8 " 494649 ' 494650 " 494651 " 494652 " 494653 " 494817 " 494818 Aranuka 111-19-64 1 lagoon " Aranuka I " Status Collector Skin Huber 11 Amerson Hub e r 1 Amers on t Huber Amerson Huber Amerson Huber Amerson Huber Amerson Huber Amerson Aranuka Species Accounts l ) Egre t t a sacra Reef Heron Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land present on mud f l a t s a-t northwest end of i s l and . Nnmbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - "... a f ami l i a r s i g h t on a l l i-slands of t h e Gi lbe r t [ I s lands] . . ." ( c h i l d , 1960); November 19611- - Aranuka 10 . S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No breeding a c t i v i t y observed, however, t h i s species probably breeds on Aranuka A t o l l . Specimen Records -- None. 2 ) Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land i n and around t h e main v i l - lage , a l s o s c a t t e r e d throughout t h e i s l and . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied ( c h i l d , 1 s 0 ) ; November 1964 - Aranuka Is land es t imate not made but chickens were couunonly observed. S ta tus -- Introduced breeder? No breeding observed, bu t t h i s spec ies probably n e s t s on t h e i s l a n d . Specimen Records -- None 3 ) P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land present on ocean and lagoon beaches, on mud f l a t s , and i n open grassy a reas around t h e main v i l l a g e . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 100 est imated. S t a t u s -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - two (Table 35) . Another specimen ( f i e l d #30423), 106 grams, Aranuka Is land, 19 November 1964, c o l l e c t o r Huber, l o s t i n t r a n s i t . This c o l i e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new specimen record f o r Aranuka Atoll.. 4 ) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Island present on mud f l a t s . 261 Aranuka Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied ( ch i ld , 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 4 . S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - one able 3 5 ) . This i s t h e f i r s t Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s t o be co l l ec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 5 ) Limosa lapponica Bar-tai led Godwit Habitat -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land on mud f l a t s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence poss ib le ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 8. S ta tus -- Migrant Specimen Records -- None. 6) Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r Habitat -- November 1964 - Aranuka Island present along lagoon beach and on mud f l a t s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 10. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h r e e able 35). These a r e t h e f i r s t Wandering T a t t l e r s t o be co l l ec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 7) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone Habitat -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land on ocean and lagoon beaches, and on mud f l a t s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 100 est imated. S ta tus -- Migrant. Specimen Records -- Other - noneJ POBSP - four (Table 3 5 ) . These a r e t h e f i r s t specimens of Ruddy Turnstones t o be co l l ec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 8) Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - roos t ing on po les and feeding i n lagoon. Aranuka Numbers -- November 1964 - 4 over lagoon, none observed on Aranuka I s l a n d . [Note : Morris (1963) observed a Black-naped Tern f l y i n g seaward a t about 30 f e e t , t h r e e miles north of Aranuka A t o l l on 15 J U ~ Y 1963. ] S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? November 1964 - breeding not observed, however, t h i s species probably n e s t s on the a t o l l s ince t h e one a d u l t co l l ec ted had brood patches present suggesting an a c t i v e nes t nearby. Specimen Records -- Other - none: POBSP - one able 35) . This rep- r e s e n t s a new species and specimen record f o r Aranuka A t o l l . 9 ) Sterna fusca ta Sooty Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - observed i n company with a feeding f l o c k of Crested Terns i n s i d e of t h e lagoon near boat passageway through r e e f . Numbers -- November 1964 - 2. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? No breeding a c t i v i t y observed on Aranuka I s l and . Specimen Records -- None. This i s a new species s i g h t record f o r Aranuka A t o l l . 10) Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - f l y i n g over, feeding i n , and roos t ing on, exposed reef of t h e lagoon. Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence i n small numbers implied ( c h i l d , 1960); November 1964 - 25+ over lagoon. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? No breeding a c t i v i t y observed on Aranuka Island; however, t h i s spec ies could have been nes t ing on t h e nor thern i s l e t s of t h e a t o l l which were not v i s i t e d . The t h r e e co l l ec ted a d u l t s had no brood patches . Specimen Records -- Other - none; POBSP - t h r e e (Table 3 5 ) . These represent a new specimen record f o r Aranuka A t o l l . 11) Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy Habitat -- November 1964 - Aranuka I s l and , present over most of is- land, roos t ing and n e s t i n g a t frond bases of - Cocos t r e e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied (Child, 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 400+ est imated. S t a t u s -- Resident breeder . November 1964 - Aranuka Is land, n e s t s Aranuka with chicks observed i n Cocos -t r e e s . Five of 7 a d u l t s co l l ec ted had brood patches p resen t . This is a new breeding record f o r t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none ; POBSP - seven p able 35). These a r e t h e f i r s t Anous s t o l i d u s specimens t o be col lec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 12) Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Black Noddy Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land few f l y i n g over and roos t - i n g i n = t r e e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied ( ch i ld , 1960); November 1964 - Aranuka Is land few seen. S ta tus -- Resident breeder? Aranuka Island no breeding a c t i v i t y Ob- served but t h i s species could (and probably does) nes t on t h e a t o l l . The co l l ec ted specimen had fea thered brood patches. Specimen Records - Other - none; POBSP - one (Table 35). This i s t h e first Black Noddy t o be co l l ec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 13) Gygis a lba White Tern Habi ta t -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land present throughout i s l and , r o o s t s i n Cocas t r e e s . Numbers -- February 1953 t o February 1956 - presence implied (Child, 1960); November l96k - Aranuka Is land 100's p resen t . [Note: Morris (1963) observed White Terns t h r e e mi les north of Aranuka A t o l l on 15 Ju ly 1963.1 S t a t u s -- Resident breeder? Aranuka I s l and - no n e s t s observed, however, 5 of 7 a d u l t s co l l ec ted had brood patches, suggest ing they were nes t ing on t h e a t o l l . Specimen Records -- Other - none ; POBSP - s i x able 3 5 ) . These a r e t h e f irst White Tern specimens t o be co l l ec ted from Aranuka A t o l l . 14) Ducula oceanica Micronesian Pigeon Habi ta t -- November 196k - Aranuka Is land roos t ing i n Cocas t r e e s and f l y i n g about t h e nor th end of t h e i s l and , none seen on t h e south end of t h e i s l a n d . Numbers -- November 1964 - Aranuka Is land 8 seen, of which 2 were co l l ec ted . S ta tus -- Resident breeder? Aranuka Is land no breeding a c t i v i t y ob- served, however na t ives repor ted t h i s spec ies does nes t on t h e a t o l l . 148-415 0-69-18 Aranuka Specimen Records -- Other - none,. POBSP - two able 35). This c o l l e c t i o n r ep resen t s a new spec ies and specimen record f o r Aranuka A t o l l . Numatong 1?40' 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 H u - w , S T A T U T E M I L E S NONOUTI ATOLL Location: 00'40' S x 17k021' E . Shape and Size: An i r regular oval; Length - about 25 miles; Width - 10 miles; Number of islands - 12 (almost a continuous land r i m on northeast face, very l i t t l e land on southwest face); Total land area - 9.83 square miles; Total lagoon area - 143.00 square miles ason on - i n Freeman, 1951). Soi l : No data available. - Vegetation: No species l i s t ed ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). Climate: Moderately dry, r a i n f a l l averages 43.18 inches yearly; A i r temperature averages 83-84" F.; Wind - prevail ing from east (Sachet, 1957) Human Population: 1950 - 2,549 (Catala, 1957). Sc ien t i f ic Visits: Peter Child (1960)- February 1953 t o February 1956, various dates; Knell (Morris, 1963) - 7 and 17 August 1963. Avifauna: Seventeen bird species are known from Nonouti Atoll . These include 9 seabird species, 5 shorebird species, l h e r o n , 1 dove, and 1 domestic fowl. Twelve of these species are po ten t ia l breeders, but only 4 species are known breeders. No museum specimens are knam from the a t o l l . The following checklist includes those bird species known from Nonouti Atoll . Source material includes: (1) Child, 1960; and (2) Morris, 1963. l'hese sources are referred t o i n the checklist by t h e i r corresponding numbers. Nonouti Nonouti A t 0 1 1 Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus 1 ) leucogaster Resident breeder ? 2) Fregata a s Resident breeder, August 3) Egre t t a sacra Resident breeder ? 4 ) Gallus Introduced breeder ? 5) P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant 6) Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant 7) Limosa lapponica Migrant 8) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant 9) Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant LO) S terna sumatrana Resident breeder ? 11) Sterna fusca ta Resident breeder, my (eggs) 12) Sterna lunata Resident breeder ? 13) Thalasseus b e r g i i Resident breeder ? 14) A- s t o l i d u s Resident breeder ? 15) A= t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder , A u y s t (eggs) 6 ) a lba - Resident breeder ? 17) Gallicolumba e ry th rop te ra Introduced breeder, June round ~ o v e ) (eggs) Source 01?0( T A B I T E U E A 0 5 10 S T A T U T E MILES 01?1( )l010' 11?20' 01?2( uguti )1?30' 01?3C 174p40' Kapun TABI!EUEL4 ATOLL Location: 01'20' S x 174'50' E. Shape and Size: An i r regular shape - concave eastern face 30 miles long, convex western face 30 miles long, rounded southern portion 6 miles wide, pointed northern end; Number of islands - 2 main islands plus numerous small i s l e t s (land r i m only on the eastern and southern faces) ; Total land area - 19.00 square miles; Total lagoon area - 141.00 square miles (Agassiz, 1903; Mason g Freeman, 1951). Soi l : Beach (ocean) - mostly conglomerate beach rock; Beach (lagoon) - - mostly f ine coral sand (Agassiz, 1903). Vegetation: Mostly Cocos, Pandams (Agassiz, 1903); four species l i s t e d by Catala (1957)-- Climate: Mcderately dry; r a i n f a l l averages 83-84" F.; Wind - prevail ing from east (Sachet, 1957). Human Population: 1950 - 4,239 (Catala, 1957). Scient i f ic Visits: "Albatross" Tropical Pacif ic Expedition - 1900; Peter Child (1960; personal communication, August 1964)- May 1953 t o January 1956, various dates. Avifauna: Sixteen species of birds a r e known from Tabiteuea Atol l . [Note: Morris (1963) a l so saw another species which was e i ther a cormorant or a duck.] Of these species, 9 a r e seabirds, 5 a r e shore- birds , 1 i s a heron, an8 1 i s a domestic fowl. Potent ia l breeders in- clude LO of the species, however, only 1 species is known t o breed. No museum specimens a re known from the a t o l l . The known species from Tabiteuea Atol l a r e included i n the following checkl is t . Source material includes: (1) Child, 1960; and (2) Morris, 1963. These species a r e referred t o i n the checklist by t h e i r cor- responding numbers. Tabiteuea Tabiteuea A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus Source Nesofregetta a l b i g u l a r i s Resident breeder ? 2 Sula su la -- Resident breeder ? 1 Sula leucogaster Resident breeder ? 2 Fregata a r i e l -. Resident breeder ? 2 Egre t t a sac ra Resident breeder ? 1, 2 Anatidae sp . (? ) Acciden-tal 2 Gallus g a l l u s Introduced breeder ? 1 P l u v i a l i s dominica Mipsan-t 1 Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Anous s t o l i d u s A m t e n u i r o s t r i s Wigrant Migrant 1, 2 1 Migrant 1 Migrant 1 Resident breeder ? 2 Resident breeder ? 1 Resident breeder ? 1, 2 Residen-t breeder, February t o October 1. 2 17) Gygis a lba Resident breeder ? 1; 2 BERU ISLAND Shape and Size: Oval i s l and ; Length - 10 miles; Width - 4 miles ; Total land a rea - 8.15 square miles; T o t a l lagoon a rea - 15.00 square mi les (H.O. cha r t 0119; Mason - i n Freeman, 1951). S o i l : No da ta ava i l ab le . - Vege.tation: Probably mainly -; s i x p l a n t species l i s t e d by Catala (1957). Climate: Moderately dry; r a i n f a l l averages 45.29 inches yea r ly ; A i r temperature averages 83-84" F . ; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t (Sachet, 1957). I-Iuman Population: 1950 - 2,167 (Catala , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : Pe te r Child (1960; personal communication, August 1965) - May 1953 t o January 1956, var ious da te s . Avifauna: Eleven species of b i r d s a r e known from Beru Is land, includ- ing It seabi rd species, 5 shorebird species, 1 heron, and 1 domestic fowl. Six of these species a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders, but no breeding b i r d s have been repor ted from t h e i s l a n d . No museum specimens a r e known from the i s l a n d . Child (1960) implied t h a t the b i r d species included i n the following check l i s t were present on Beru I s l and . Beru Is land Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Migrant Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? 11) Gygis a lba N I K U N A U NIKUNAU ISLAND Location: 01?23' S x 1'7626' E Shape and S ize : Narrow elongated i s l a n d , about 9 miles long, 2 mi les wide; To ta l land area - 7 . 0 0 square mi les ; No lagoon (H.O. Chart 0119 ; Mason - i n Freeman, 1951). S o i l : No data . a v a i l a b l e . - Vegetation: Probably mainly -; eleven spec ie s l i s t e d by Catala (1957) Cl imLe: Moderately dry, r a i n f a l l averages 4-2.10 inches yearly; A i r tem- pe ra tu re averages 83-84' F . ; Wind - preva i l ing from e a s t (Sachet , 195'7). Human Population: 1950 - 1,913 ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c V i s i t s : P e t e r Child (1960; persona!L communications, August 1965)- May 1953 t o January 1956, var ious da te s . Avifauna: Twelve b i r d spec ie s a r e known from Nikunau A t o l l . These in- clude 5 seabi rd spec ies , 5 shorebird spec ies , 1 heron, and 1 domestic fowl. No breeding b i r d s have been repor ted from t h e a t o l l , however, seven of these spec ies a r e p o t e n t i a l b reede r s . No museum specimens e x i s t from Nikunau A t o l l . The fol lowing c h e c k l i s t of 12 b i r d spec ie s was taken from (1 ) POBSP band d a t a and(2) Child (1960). Child implied t h a t t h e speci.es included i n t h e following c h e c k l i s t were p resen t on Nikunau A t o l l . The spec ies marked with an a s t e r i s k i s a new i s l a n d record . Nlkunau I s l and Avifauna Checklis t Species S t a t u s Sula dac ty la t r a* --.--- -- - . .. Egre t t a s ac ra Gallus Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Introduced breeder ? P l u v i a l i s dominica Migrant Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Migrant Limosa lapponica Migrant Heteroscelus incanum Migrant Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Migrant Thalasseus b e r g i i Resident breeder ? Anous s t o l i d u s Resident breeder ? Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s Resident breeder ? Gygis - a lba Resident breeder ? Source 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 2 3 4 STATUTE M I L E S ONOTOA ATOLL Location: 01'52' S x 175'34' E. Shape and Size: Irregular-shaped;Tip t o t i p (north-south) - 11 miles; Width - 5 miles; Number of i s l a n d s - 30, 4 small ( a l l on e a s t s i d e ) ; Tota l land a r e a - 5 . 2 1 square miles; Lagoon a r e a - 21.00 square miles (Mason & Freeman, 1951; Cloud, 1952; Moul, 1957). So i l : Land su r face mostly unconsolidated sand (lagoonward) and g rave l (seaward); Humus l a y e r up t o 1 0 inches; Beaches - sandy, rocky, and g rave l ly (Cloud, 1952). Vegetation: Primary species-- nuci fera ; T o t a l f lowering p l a n t spec ies - 60 ( ~ o u l , 1957). Climate: Re la t ive ly dry, r a i n f a l l averages 115.83 inches yearly (some drought yea r s ) ; A i r temperature averages 83-84" F. ; Wina - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t (Sachet, 195'7). Human Population: 1950 - 1,694 ( c a t a h , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c Visits: "Albatross" Tropica l P a c i f i c Expedition - 1899; P a c i f i c Science Board f i e l d team - August 1951; Pe te r Child (1960) - February 1953 t o February 1956, various da te s . Avifauna: Nineteen species of b i r d s a r e p resen t ly known from Onotoa Atol l . These include 10 seabi rd species , 6 shorebird species , 1 heron, 1 cuckoo, and 1 domestic fowl. Twelve species a r e p o t e n t i a l breeders; however, only 9 spec ies a r e known t o breed. The 19 known spec ies of b i r d s from Onotoa A t o l l a r e included i n t h e f o l - lowing c h e c k l i s t . Source ma te r i a l includes (1 ) Moul, 1954; (2)Child,l.960. These sources a r e indica ted i n the check l i s t by t h e i r corresponding numbers. Onotoa A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t Species S ta tus Source 1 ) Phaethon rubricauda 2) Sula s u l a 3 ) Fregata minor 4 ) Fregata a r i e l 5 ) Egre t t a sacra 6) Gallus g a l l u s Resident breeder ? 1 Resident breeder August ( young) 2 Resident breeder ? 2 Resident breeder ( d a t e ? ) 1 5 2 Resident breeder (summer) 1, 2 Introduced breeder 1, 2 Migrant 1, 2 Migrant 1 280 Onotoa Species Status Source - 9) Numenius tahitiensis Migrant 2 10) Limosa lapponica Migrant 2 11) Heteroscelus incanum Migrant 192 12) Arenaria interpres Migrant 172 13) Sterna sumatrana Resident breeder, January 172 to September 14) Sterna fuscata ~esident breeder ? 1 15) Thalasseus bergii Resident breeder, July 172 August (immatures) 16) Anous stolidus - Resident breeder, summer 172 17) Anous tenuirostris Resident breeder, summer 1,2 18) Gygis alba -- Resident breeder, summer 19 2 (young 19) Urodynamis taitensis Migrant Ten bird specimens have been collected from Onotoa Atoll. These skins were collected and prepared by E.T. Moul and are all deposited in the U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C. These specimens include eight species and are shown in Table 36. Table 36. Bird specimens collected from Onotoa Atoll. Species Museum Sex Age Location Date - -- - Status Collector Egretta syra USNM 437212 d Onotoa A. 08-12-51 Skin Moul --l---- " 437213 - '?7-17-51 " Pluvialis dominica " 437220 d 08- 19- 51 Heteroscelus incanum " 437221 - Imm f Arenaria interpres " 437219 - Sterna sumatrana " 437217 d Imm " 08-16-51 " Thalasseus bergii " 437214 d 08- 19- 51 Anous stolidus - " 437215 - Imm " 07-14-51 " Gygis alba " 437216 - 07-05-51 " 7 - T - " 437218 - 07-16-51 176"'oo'E T A M A N A 0 112 I I 1 STATUTE MILES Location: OZ029' S x 175"59' E. Shape and Size: An oval i s l a n d , about 2-1/2 miles long, 1 mile wide; T o t a l land a r e a - 2.00 square miles; No lagoon (H.O. Chart 0119; Mason i n Freeman, 1951). - S o i l : No d a t a a v a i l a b l e . - Vegetation: Presence of four p l a n t species implied ( c a t a l a , 1957). Climate: Moderately d r y - r a i n f a l l averages 50.39 inches year ly ; A i r temperature - averages 83-84' F.; Wind - p r e v a i l i n g from e a s t (Sachet, 1957). Human Population: 1950 - 1,092 ( ~ a t a l a , 1957). S c i e n t i f i c Visits: None known. [Note: Child (1960) d id not v i s i t Tamana I s l and (ch i ld , personal communication, August 1965) 1. Avifauna: One b i r d species , a seabi rd , i s known from Tamana I s l a n d . This species , Fregata a r i e l , was recorded from POBSP band r e t u r n d a t a . This i s a new spec ies record f o r Tamana I s l a n d . Species l i k e l y t o be found include: Egre t t a sac ra , Gallus ga l lus , -- - - P l u v i a l i s dominica, Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s , Heteroscelus incanurn, Arenaria i n t e r p r e s , Sterna sumatrana, Thalasseus b e r g i i , Anous s t o l i d u s , A s t e n u i r o s t r i s , a g i s a lba , Ducula oceanica, and Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s . A R O R A E 0 1 2 3 - STATUTE MILES Location: 02038' x 176"49'E. Shape and Size: An oval island about 6 miles long, 1/2 mile wide; Total land area - 5.00 square miles; No lagoon, but a small brackish pond exists in the southern part of the island (Agassiz, 1903; Mason in Freeman, 1951). - Soil: Beaches - steep rock shingle, conglomerate beach rock and - sand (Agassiz, 1903). Vegetation: Probably mainly Cocos; five plant species listed by Catala (1957). - Climate: Moderately dry - rainfall averages 52.30 inches yearly; Air temperature - averages 83-84O F. ; Wind - prevailing from east (Sachet, 1957 ) . Human Population: 1950 - 1,576 (Catala, 1957). Scientific Visits: "Albatross" Tropical Pacific Expedition - 1.900; Peter Child (1960; personal communication, August 1965) - May 1953 to January 1956, various dates. Avifauna: Twelve bird species are known from Arorae Islanc!, These include 5 seabird species, 5 shorebird species, 1 heron, and 1 domestic fowl. Seven of these species are potential breeders, however, no breeding birds are known from the island. No museum specimens have been collected from the island. !he 12 species in the following checklist were ta.ken from (1) POBSP band returns, and (2) Child (1960). Child implied that bird species were present on Arorae Island. The one species marked by an asterisk is a new record for the island. Species Arorae Island Avifauna Checklist Status Source Resident breeder ? 1, 2 Resident breeder ? 1 Resident breeder ? 2 Introduced breeder ? 2 Migrant 2 Migrant 2 Migrant 2 Migrant 2 Migrant 2 Resident breeder ? 2 Resident breeder ? 2 Resident breeder ? 2 A V I F A W L DISTRIBUTION 288 AVIFAUNAL DISTRIBUTION GENERAL Seventy-nine species of b i r d s have thus f a r been recorded from t h e SO a t o l l s which make up the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s lands and from t h e ocean surrounding them. Of t hese 79 species, 37 a r e seabi rds (Table 37) and 42 a r e land and fresh-water b i rds (Table 38) . Seventy b i r d species have been recorded from the Marshall I s l ands ; 43 species have been recorded from the G i l b e r t s . Thi r ty- f ive species a r e found i n both i s l a n d groups; 35 a r e known s o l e l y from the Marshal ls ; 9 a r e known s o l e l y from the G i l b e r t s . SEABIRDS 'Thirty-one seabi rd spec ies have been recorded from t h e Marshall. I s lands ; 25 have been recorded from the Gi lbe r t s able 3 7 ) . Nineteen seabi rd species a r e recorded from both i s l and groups; 12 a r e known s o l e l y from the Marshalls; 6 a r e known s o l e l y from the G i l b e r t s . Seven seabi rd species a r e r e s iden t breeders on both i s l a n d groups; i n addi t ion , th ree species t h a t a r e r e s iden t breeders i n the Marshall I s l ands a r e poss ib le breeders i n the Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Seven o the r s ( inc luding two i n ques t ion) a r e r e s iden t breeders s o l e l y on t h e Marshall I s lands , while only two ( inc luding one i n ques t ion) a r e r e s i d e n t breeders s o l e l y on t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands . The r e s iden t , including probable and p o s s i b h , breeding seabi rds i n the Marshall. and G i l b e r t 1sl.ands a l l r egu la r ly occur a t sea wi th in t h e i r respect ive a r e a s . Some a r e more common than o thers , mainly due t o speci-es feeding h a b i t a t preference ( a l s o i n t e r a c t i o n of sur face water zonation and abunuance of food). The th ree major feeding h a b i t a t ca tegor ies , f o r Marshall-Gilbert seabirds, a r e c o a s t a l (beaches, r ee f s , lagoons), offshore (near i s l a n d s o r a t o l l s ) , and pe lagic . Some species may over lap o r t h e i r range may vary a t d i f f e r e n t times during the year . Table 39 shows which Marshal l-Gilbert breeding species gene ra l ly occur i n the th ree feeding h a b i t a t s . Seven seabi rd species able 37) a r e known t o migrate annually through the Marshal l-Gilbert a r e a from breeding grounds elsewhere i n the Pac i f i c . These migrant species a r e usua l ly e n t i r e l y pe lagic and pass through the a rea quickly . Occasionally, due t o storms, i n j u r i e s , o r s ickness, indiv iduals may occur on the i s l ands ; these a r e then con- s ide red acc iden ta l t o t h e i s l a n d avifauna. One seabi rd species (Table 37) i s a vagrant i n the Marshal l-Gilbert a r e a . Such b i r d s a r e so c l a s s i f i e d because they a r e away from t h e i r normal migrat ion routes . I f t hese s top on an i s land, they a r e a l s o known a s acc iden ta l s t o the i s l a n d avifauna. Table 37. Seabird occurrence i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l a n d s . Marshall Gi.lbert Species I s l ands A t Sea I s l ands A t Sea Black-footed Albat ross Laysan Albat ross Phoenix P e t r e l Kermadec P e t r e l White-necked P e t r e l Black-winged P e t r e l Bulwer ' s P e t r e l V i s i t o r & - Migrant - Accidental - - Accidenta l Migrant - Resident breeder ? Uncommon V i s i t o r Pale-footed Shearwater Wedge-tailed Shearwater Sooty Shearwater S lender-b i l led Shearwater Christmas Shearwater L i t t l e Shearwater Audubon ' s Shearwater Leach's Storm P e t r e l White-throated Storm P e t r e l Red-billed Tropicbird Red-tai led Tropicbird Whi te- ta i led Tropicbird Blue-faced Booby Migrant Resident breeder Accidental Uncommon Migrant - Migrant Accidenta l Resident breeder Accidental Migrant Migrant V i s i t o r - Uncommon - V i s i t o r Migrant Migrant - Resident breeder 7 Vagrant Uncommon - Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder - Common - Resident breeder 7 - V i s i t o r Uncommon Unc ommon V i s i t o r V i s i t o r Common Uncommon Resident breeder Resident breeder ? Resident breeder ? Resident breeder - Red-footed Booby Uncommon Brown Booby Great F r iga teb i rd Uncommon Uncommon Lesser F r i g a t e b i r d Great Skua Jaeger Common Tern Common Migrant - V i s i t o r - Accidenta l Accidental 290 Table 37 (cont . ) . Seabird occurrence i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall Species I s l ands A t Sea A r c t i c Tern Black-naped Tern Gray-backed Tern Sooty Tern Brown-winged Tern Crested Tern Blue -gray Noddy Brown Noddy Black Noddy White Tern Accidental Resident breeder Resident breeder ? Resident breeder Accidental Resident . breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder X Rare + Common * Rare Uncommon Common Common Common Gi lbe r t I s l ands A t Sea - Resident breeder V i s i t o r Resident breeder - Resident breeder - Resident breeder Resident breeder Resident breeder - none recorded. * none recorded, but probably vagrant i n the area . # none recorded, but probably migrant i n the area . & none recorded, but probably a v i s i t o r i n the a r e a , + none recorded, but probably occurs. - Rare Uncommon Uncommon - Rare - Common Common Common 291 Table 38. Land and fresh-water b i r d occurrence i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s lands . Species Reef Heron Snow Goose Mallard Common Teal Gadwall European Widgeon P i n t a i l Northern Shoveler canvasback Tufted Duck Muscovy Duck Duck sp. Domestic Chicken White-browed R a i l Golden Plover Black-bel l ied Plover Semipalmated Plover Ring-necked Plover Mongolian Plover Plover sp. Whimbrel Br i s t l e - th ighed Curlew Bar - t a i l ed Godwit Greater Yellowlegs Spotted Sandpiper Polynesian T a t t l e r Wandering T a t t l e r Ruddy Turnstone Japanese Snipe Sanderl ing Pec to ra l Sandpiper Sharp- ta i led Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper S t i l t sp. Ground Dove Fr iendly Ground Oove Crimson-crowned F r u i t Dove Micronesian Pigeon Pa r ro t sp. Long-tailed New Zealand Cuckoo House Sparrow Indian Myna Marshall I s l ands Resident breeder Accidental Accidental Accidental Accidental Accidental Uncommon Migrant Uncommon Migrant Accidental Accidental Introduced breeder Accidental Introduced breeder Accidental Common Migrant Uncommon Migrant Uncommon Migrant Uncommon Migrant Uncommon Migrant Accidental Common Migrant Common Migrant Common Migrant Accidental Accidental Uncommon Migrant Common Migrant Common Migrant Accidental Common Migrant Uncommon Migrant Common Migrant Accidental - - - Ext inc t breeder Resident breeder G i l b e r t I s l ands Resident breeder - Accidental - - - Migrant - Accidental Introduced breeder - Common Migrant - - Common Migrant Common Migrant Common Migrant - - Uncommon Migrant Common Migrant Common Migrant - Uncommon Migrant - Common Migrant - Accidental. Intraduced breeder Iqtr ~duced, breeder? - Resident breeder ? Probably introduced - Common Migra.nt Common Migrant Probably introduced, poss ib le breeder - Introduced breeder - Table 39. At-sea feeding h a b i t a t c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of seabi rds t h a t breed i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . a e c i e s Bulwer's P e t r e l Wedge-tailed Shearwater C h r i s t m s Shearwater W h j -be-throated Storm P e t r e l &d.-iail.ed Tropicbird White-bailed Tropicbird Blue-faced Booby Red-foo-ted Booby Brown Booby Grea-t F r iga teb i rd Lesser F r iga teb i rd Black-naped Tern Gray-backed Tern Sooty Tern Crested Tern Blue-gray Noddy Brown Noddy Black Noddy Whi-te Tern Coastal Off shore Pelagic Three seabi rd species able 37) a r e v i s i t o r s t o the Marshall- Gi lber t a rea from nearby i s l a n d groups. Some, which breed i n the Mar- s h a l l ~ , a r e v i s i t o r s t o the Gi lbe r t s , and v ice versa. D IOMEDEIDAE Albat rosses Albat rosses a r e the l a r g e s t seabi rds found i n t h e Marshall-Gilbert a rea . I n general , they have long, s lender wings supporting r a t h e r s t o u t bodies, shor t t a i l s , and l a rge , hooked b i l l s . Two species, both v i s i t o r s from the North Paci f ic , occur only i n the Marshall I s lands , where they a r e known from a few records. No a l b a t r o s s e s have been recorded below 10" N i n the Marshall-Gilbert a rea . Diomedia n ig r ipes Black-footed Albatross S ta tus -- At-sea v i s i t o r i n the northern Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records v a l i d breeding records. -: Marshalls - offshore 1966). At-sea: Marshalls - found occas ional ly above 10" N. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n the Leeward Hawaiians and -the I zu Group. Found above 10" N i n the e n t i r e North Pac i f i c during the non- breeding season. Diomedea immutabilis Laysan Albatross S ta tus -- Accidental on i s l a n d s i n the northern Marshalls, probably a t - sea v i s i t o r . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Mejit (10'17' N ) . Pac i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n the Leewar:: Hawaiians. Found a t sea normally south t o 15" N i n t h e c e n t r a l Pac i f i c during breeding season, nor-th of 35" N during nonbreeding season. PROCEIURIIDAE Gadfly Pe t re l s , Shearwaters Gadfly P e t r e l s a r e small t o medium-sized seabirds, which, super- f i c i a l l y , resemble shearwaters but t h e i r wings a r e broader, t a i l s usual ly longer and wedge-shaped, and b i l l s shor t e r and heavier . The pa i red tubu la r n o s t r i l s a r e very prominent. Five gadf ly p e t r e l s a r e known from the Marshall-Gilbert a rea . One of these species Ls a probable breeder i n the northern Marshalls; one spec ies (and poss ib ly two o the r s ) migrate from South Pac i f i c breeding a reas through the Marshal ls , No gadfly p e t r e l s breed i n the Gi lbe r t I s l ands ; one species (and poss ib ly two o t h e r s ) annually migrate through the Gi lbe r t s from the South P a c i f i c ; one species v i s i t s t he G i l b e r t s Eromthe Marshalls, and another v i s i t s from the nearby Phoenix I s l ands . Shearwaters a r e smll t o medium-sized seabi rds , with long narrow wings, heavy bodies, and shor t t a i l s . Their long, th in , hooked b i l l s have paired tubular external n o s t r i l s . Seven sheamrater species a re known from the Marshall-Gilbert a rea . Two of these species breed i n the northern Marshall I s lands; t h r e e o thers migrate from the extreme South Pac i f i c through the Marshalls t o the temperate and a r c t i c regions of the North Paci f ic during t h e i r nonbreeding seasons; an add i t iona l species, which a l s o breeds i n the f a r South Paci f ic but does not migrate through the area, i s accidenta l t o the Marshalls. No shearw&ters breed i n the Gi lbe r t I s lands; two species annually migrate through the Gi lber ts from the South Paci f ic ; one species v i s i t s the Gi lber ts from the Marshalls, while another v i s i t s from the nearby Phoenix Is lands . Pterodroma alba Phoenix Pet re l S ta tus -- At-sea v i s i t o r i n t h e Gi lbe r t Is lands. Marshall-Gilbert Dis t r ibu t ion Records -- At-sea: Gi lbe r t s - Finsch (1880) reported one individual , poss ib ly of t h i s species(Bourne & Morris, 1963 ) . Pac i f i c Dis t r ibut ion -- Breeds on sca t t e red is land groups throughout the southern t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c . Pterodroma neglecta Kermadec P e t r e l Sta.tus -- At-sea migrant through the eas tern Marshall I s lands; possible a t - sea migrant i n the Gi lbe r t s , Marshall-Gilbert Dis t r ibut ion Records -- At-sea: Marshalls - one seen between Bikar and Taka October 1964. Pac i f i c Dis t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on many is land groups of the southern t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c ; found a t sea across the South Paci f ic , including the subtropical region, ranges i n t o the nor th-centra l Pac i f i c during non- breeding season. Pterodrma externa White-necked P e t r e l Sta tus -- Accidental on i s l ands i n the Marshalls; probable at-sea m i - g ran t i n Marshalls and Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert Dis t r ibu t ion Xecords -- Marshalls - M i l i . Note: Re- ported i n e r r o r a s a migrant October-November 1964 by King (1967:112). Pac i f i c Dis t r ibu t ion -- Two races occur: Pterodroma externa c e r v i c a l i s breeds on the Kermadec Is lands; P. e . externa breeds i n the Juan Fernandez Is lands . Both forms winter i n the c e n t r a l Pac i f i c . Pterodroma hypoleuca nigripennis Black-winged P e t r e l S ta tus -- At-sea migrant through the Marshall ( ? ) and Gi lbe r t I s lands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- At-sea: Gi lbe r t s - indiv iduals , poss ib ly of t h i s species , present between Tabiteuea and Nonouti July 1963, and south of Tabiteuea August 1963 (Morris, 1963); one seen be- tween Makin and Maiana and two o the r s between Maiana and Kuria November 1964. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n the Kermadec and Three Kings I s l ands ; migrates t o the nor th-cent ra l Pac i f i c (up t o 25" N l a t i t u d e ) during the nonbreeding season. Bulweria bulwer i i Bulwer's P e t r e l S ta tus -- Probably a r e s iden t breeder i n the extreme nor thern Marshal.1~. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - probably breeds a t Taongi. At-sea: Marshalls - one observed south of J a l u i t a t 07" N x 169" E on 2 ~ovembe-ru~ns, 1964); common above 11" N during Apr i l 1967, one ind iv idua l observed [ l i s t e d a s Sooty ? Storm P e t r e l by King (1967:112)] between Makin and Maiana and between Maiana and Kuria November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on the Hawaiian, Marquesas, Phoenix, Bonin, Volcanic, and probably Marshall I s lands . Fuffinus carneipes Pale-footed Shearwater S ta tus -- Uncommon a t - sea migrant i n the Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- At-sea: Marshalls - 3 f ly ing south a t 07" N x 171" E ( a t J a l u i t ) on 2 ~ovember-(Brups, 1964). Pac i f i c Dis t r ibwt ion -- Breeds on i s l ands i n Australia-New Zealand a rea ; migrates no r th through t h e western P a c i f i c p a s t Japan i n t o the nor th P a c i f i c and south through the eas tern , c e n t r a l , and south-cent ra l P a c i f i c . Puffinus pac i f i cus Wedge-tailed Shearwater S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n the northern Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka. Other: Marshalls - Eniwetok, Bikin i , Rongerik, Rongelap, J a l u i t ( 7 ) . At-sea: Marshalls - 13 near J a l u i t 2 November 1960 ( ~ r u y n s , 1964); common around Taongi and Bikar during October 1964 and A p r i l 1967; between Kwajalein and J a l u i t October 1964. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds over most of t h e t r o p i c a l Paci f ic , common a t - sea species . Remarks -- Light-phase b i r d s a r e predominate i n the t h r e e colonies Of the northern Marshalls. Of 489 a d u l t s banded October 1964 a t Taongi, 93 percent were l i g h t phase. A l l indiv iduals observed i n t h e small colonies a t Bikar and Taka were a l s o l i g h t phase. 348- 111 0-69-20 Puffinus g r i seus Sooty Shearwater S ta tus -- Accidental i s l and v i s i t o r , common a t - sea migrant i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Marshalls - Eniwetok. At-sea: Marshalls - two indiv iduals seen near Majuro June 1966; seen migrat ing northward through t h e a rea A p r i l 1967; Gi lbe r t s - nmerous between Maiana and Kuria migrat ing southward November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on i s lands of New Zealand and Aus t ra l i a , a s we l l a s along southern coas t of South America; migrates through the t r o p i c a l Paci f ic during the nonbreeding season. Remarks -- A t sea t h i s species may be confused with the Siender-b i l led Shearwater. Puffinus t e n u i r o s t r i s S lender-b i l led Shearwater S t a t u s -- Accidental on i s l a n d s i n the Marshalls, common a t - sea migrant i n the Marshall-Gilbert Area. Marshall-Gilbert D k t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Arno, Eniwetok. At-sea: Marshalls - one ind iv idua l seen near ~Majuro June 1966; seen m i - g r a t i n g northward through the a rea A p r i l 1967; Gi lbe r t s - migrat ing southward between Maiana and Kuria November 1964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on i s l ands near and along t h e coas t of A u s t r a l i a ; migrates through t h e t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c during nonbreeding season. Remarks -- A t sea t h i s spec ies may be confused with the Sooty Shearwater. Puff inus n a t i v i t a b l s Christmas Shearwater S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n extreme northern Marshalls; v i s i t o r t o Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi. Other: Marshalls - Bikar, M i l i . At-sea: Marshalls - one seen near Taka - October 1964, present between Taka and Bikar a s we l l a s e a s t of Taongi and Bikar during A p r i l 1967; Gi lbe r t s - repor ted by Finsch i n 1880; one seen off Nonouti J u l y 1963 (Morris, 1963). Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on the Marshall, Hawaiian, Line, Phoenix, Henderson, Ducie, Tuamotu, and Aus t ra l I s l ands . Bred formerly on Bonin, Marcus, and Wake I s l ands . Puff inus a s s i m i l i s L i t t l e Shearwater S t a t u s -- Accidental i n the nor thern Marshal ls . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi. Pac i f ic Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n the Aus t ra l and Kermadec Is lands , a s d e l l a s on the i s l a n d s around New Zealand and Aus t ra l i a ; normally occurs a t sea nor th t o 26' S; one record from Midway A t o l l i n the Leeward Hawaiian I s l ands (c lapp and Woodward, 1968). Puff inus lhe rmin ie r i Audubon's Shearwater S ta tus -- At-sea v i s i t o r i n t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- At-sea: Gi lbe r t s - Finsch (1880) reported one ind iv idua l apparently of t h i s species (Bourne & Morris, 1963). Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c i s l and groups, excluding the Hawaiian, Marshall, Gi lber t , and E l l i c e I s l ands . Usually ranges wi th in 100 mi les of breeding i s l ands . 1TYJ)ROBATIDAE Storm P e t r e l s Storm p e t r e l s a r e small seabi rds which s u p e r f i c i a l l y resemble the small gadfly p e t r e l s . They a r e , however, smal-ler, have longer I.egs, and - the i r n o s t r i l s a r e un i t ed i n t o one tube. Two storm p e t r e l s a r e known from the Gi lbe r t I s l ands a r e a . One of these species i s a poss ib le breeder i n the Gi lbe r t s ; the other. spec ies i s a migrant t o t h e G i l b e r t a r e a from the f a r North P a c i f i c . One storm p e t r e l , a migrant from the North Pac i f i c , i s known from Lhe Marshall I s l a n d e . Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach's Storm Pet re l S t a t u s -- At-sea migrant ' through the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s lands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- At-sea: Marshalls - storm p e t - s p o s ~ i b l y of t h i s species , seen offshore Eniwetok May 1962 (Wood- bury, 1962). G i lbe r t s - 12 b i rds ,poss ib ly of t h i s species , seen between Makin and Maiana November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds along t h e Asian and North Amerrican con- t i n e n t s south t o the t r o p i c s and north t o the Aleutian I s l ands ; migrates t o the t r o p i c a l c e n t r a l P a c i f i c south t o 15" S. l a . t i t ude . Nesofregetta a l b i g u l a r i s White-throated Storm Pe t re l S t a t u s -- Possible r e s iden t breeder i n the southern Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Gi lbe r t s - Tabiteuea. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n the Marquesas, Line, Phoenix, F i j i , and New Hebrides I s l ands . PIIAIDHONT IDAE Tropicbirds Tropicbirds a r e medium-sized seabi rds (almost a l l white) with ex- tremely long, narrow c e n t r a l t a i l f ea the r s (immatures have shor t e r o r no c e n t r a l t a i l f e a t h e r s ) , s t o u t bodies, long narrow wings, and a s t o u t pointed b i l l . A l l th ree spec ies of t rop icb i rds have been recorded from t h e Marshall-Gilbert a r e a . Trio of these breed i n t h e Marshalls. Three species a r e known i n the G i l b e r t s ; two a r e poss ib le breeders (although one of these has been recorded only a t s e a ) ; one species i s a vagrant from t h e eas t e rn P a c i f i c . Phaethon aethereus Red-billed Tropicbird S ta tus -- Old s igh t ing doubtfu l ; i f co r rec t , a vagrant t o the Gi lbe r t I s l ands area . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- At-sea: Gi lbe r t s - F'insch's (1880) e a ~ l y records probably a r e erroneous i d e n t i f i c a t i o n s of the Red- t a i l e d Tropicbird. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on i s l ands of f the coas t of Cent ra l and South America; a r a re s t r a g g l e r i n the c e n t r a l and western Pac i f i c . Only two specimen records (both Leeward Hawaiian ~ s l a n d s ) f o r i s l ands west of i t s breeding range. Phaethon rubricauda Red-tai led Tropicbird S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n the northern Marshalls; poss ib le r e s iden t breeder i n the Gi lbe r t s ; occurs a t sea wi th in i t s breeding area . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Eniwetok. Other: Marshalls - Erikub, M i l i ; G i lbe r t s - Onotoa. At-sea: Marshalls - occurs near breeding i s lands , no recent s igh t ing elsewhere; Gi lbe r t s - Finsctl 's (1880) recordE of the Red-billed Tropicbird probably should r e f e r t o t h i s species ; no recent records. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds throughout the low i s l ands of the t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c . Phaethon l ep tu rus White- tai led Tropicbird S t a t u s -- Resident breeder i n the Marshall I s l a n d s ; known only from a t - sea i n the Gi lbe r t s a rea . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Bikar, Erikub, Eniwetok, J a l u i t . Other: Marshalls - Taongi, U t i r ik , Jemo, Namorik. At-sea: Marshalls - one j u s t north of, and one south of , J a lu i i ; November 1 9 6 4 ; i l b e r t s - one 30 miles west of Tarawa J u l y 1963 orris, 1963), one j u s t south of Makin November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most i s l and groups i n the t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c where t ree-holes o r c l i f f s a r e a v a i l a b l e . SULIDAE Boobies Boobies a r e f a i r l y l a r g e seabi rds whose heavy taper ing bodies a r e supported by long pointed wings and t a i l s . They have long muscular necks with l a rge pointed b i l l s . Three species of boobies breed i n t h e Marshall I s lands . One of these spec ies a l s o breeds i n the Gi lbe r t Is- lands, another i s a poss ib le breeder, while t h e o ther i s only a v i e i t o r . Sula d a c t y l a t r a - Blue-faced Booby S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n extreme northern Marshalls; v i s i t o r t o the Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar. Other: G i lbe r t s - Makin, Nikunau. At-sea: Marshalls - occurs near breeding i s l ands ; G i l b e r t s - one seen 8 miles e a s t of Tarawa December 1962 o orris, 'r96?). P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c i s l and groups, except f o r those i n t h e extreme southwest and northwest. Sula s u l a -- Red-footed Booby S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n the Marshalls and southern Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Jemo, Erikub, M i l i , B ik in i , J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Likiep, Majuro, Eniwetok, Rongelap, Ail inginae, Ujae, Kwajalein, Namu; Gi lbe r t s - Makin, Abaiang, Tabiteuea. At-sea: Marshalls - seve ra l 20 mi les e a s t of Eniwetok 7 January 1 9 5 ( ~ a k e r , w c o m m throughout t h e area , e spec ia l ly near breeding colonies, October-November 1964, June 1966, and A p r i l 1967. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n o r v i s i t s most t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c i s l a n d groups. Sula leucogas ter - Brown Booby S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n t h e Marshalls; poss ib le breeder i n t h e Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Bikar, Jemo, Likiep, Erikub, M i l i , Eniwetok, J a l u i t . Othfr: Marshalls - Taongi, Taka, Majuro, Bikini , Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Kwajalein; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Nonouti, Tabiteuea. At-sea: Marshalls - few 20 mi les e a s t of Eniwetok 7 January 1945 ( ~ a k e r , 1 9 5 1 ) ; one a t 07' N x 166" E on 1 November 1960 (Bruyns, 1964); present i n small numbers between Bikar and Jemo and south of J a l u i t October-November 1964; near Majuro and Kwajalein June 1966; Gi lbe r t s - throughout the a rea November-December 1962, July-August l$=s, 1963), two seen between Makin and Maiana November 1964. P a c i f i c D i s t r ibu t ion - - Breeds i n o r v i s i t s most i s l a n d groups i n t h e t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c . FREGATIDAF: F r iga teb i rds F r iga teb i rds a r e l a rge bu t l ightweight seabi rds , with deeply forked t a i l s , whose long-angled w i n g s support medium-sized bodies. Their long s l ende r b i l l s a r e g r e a t l y hooked. Two spec ies occur i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . One breeds i n t h e Marshalls, while t h e o ther i s a v i s i t o r from the G i l b e r t s o r t h e Phoenix I s l ands . One spec ies breeds and t h e o the r i s a poss ib l e breeder i n t h e G i l b e r t I s l ands . Fregata minor Great F r iga teb i rd S t a t u s -- Resident breeder i n t h e Marshalls; poss ib l e breeder i n t h e G i l b e r t s . Marshall-Gil.bert D i s t r ibu t ion Records - - Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, M i l i . Other: Marshal ls - Taka, Ailuk, Jemo, Likiep, Erikub, Eniwetok, Ujelang, Bik in i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Ail inginae, Wotho, Ujae, Kwajalein, Namu, Jabwot, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Maiana, Kuria, Onotoa, Arorae. At-sea: Marshalls - presen t between Kwajalein and J a l u i t November 1964, near a l l i s l ands v i s i t e d A p r i l 1967; G i l b e r t s - present nor th of Makin and between Maiana and Kuria ~ o v e m b e r r P a c i f i c Dj .s t r ibut ion -- Breeds i n o r v i s i t s most i s l a n d groups i n the t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c . Fregata a r i e l Lesser F r iga teb i rd S t a t u s -- Resident breeder i n t h e Gil.berts, r egu la r v i s i t o r t o t h e Marsha1l.s. Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records - - Breeding: Gilberlis - Nonouti, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Erikub, M i l i , J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Tarawa, Maiana, Tabiteuea, Tamana, Arorae. At-sea: G i lbe r t s - very com- mon orris, 1963). P a c i f i c D i s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n most south and south-cent ra l Pac i f i c i s l a n d groups; migrates through t h e Marshall-Gilbert a r ea t o t h e western P a c i f i c . STERCORARIIDAE Skuas and Jaegers Skuas and jaegers a r e q u i t e la rge , heavy-set b i r d s with a s l i g h t l y hooked b i l l and narrow angled w i n g s . Adult jaegers possess s l i g h t l y elongated c e n t r a l t a i l f e a t h e r s ; immatures lack these . Skuas a r e l a r g e r than jaegers and have very heavy bodies . Two spec ies occur i n t h e a rea : one i n t h e Gi lbe r t s and one (poss ib ly both) i n t h e Mai-shalls. Both a r e migrants from Arc t i c o r An ta rc t i c a reas . Catharacta skua Great Skua Status -- Uncommon at-sea migrant in the Marshall (? ) and Gilbert Islands. Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records -- At-sea: Finsch (1880d) reported a skua in the Gilberts (Bourne - in Morris, 1963), no recent records. Pacific Distribution -- Breeds onAntarctica, in the New Zealand area, and on the southern tip of South America; migrates into the central, north, and far western Pacific. Stercorarius sp. Jaeger An unidentified Stercorarius species was observed by POBSP personnel October 1964 at Taka Atoll, Marshall Isl-ands. It is considered to be an accidental in the Marshalls and a migrant in the area. This jaeger could be one of three species: Stercorarius pomarinus, which breeds in the Arctic regions of Asia and North America, and is a migrant to Japan and throughout the central Pacific; S. parasiticus, which is an uncommon mi- grant in the tropical western pacific, is not known from the central Pacific, but is a common migrant along the continental coasts; 2. longicaudus, which is an Arctic breeder and migrates through the tropical Pacific. LARIDAE Gulls, Terns, and Noddies Gulls are medium- or large-sized seabirds whose modera-tely long wings support stocky bodies. %ese normally coastal birds have rounded tails and robust pointed bills. Most tend to follow ships. No gulls have been recorded from the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Terns and noddies are small and slim, are similar to gulls, and pos- sess long, slender, pointed wings. These normally offshore and pelagic birds usually have forked tails and slender pointed bills. Eleven terns and noddies have been recorded from the Marshall-Gilbert area. Seven (~ossibl~ eight) species are resident breeders in the Marshall Islands; three other species are accidentals. Six species are resident breeders in the Gilbert Islands; one species is a visitor from the Marshalls. Sterna hirundo nigripennis Common Tern Status -- Accidental on islands and a possible vagrant to the Marshall area. Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records - - Marshall - Jaluit. Pacific Distribution -- Breeds in western Asia, away from the Pacific, migrates along the Asiatic coast, has been recorded near Marcus, Palau, Bismarck, Solomon, Fiji, and Hawaiian Islands. Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern Status -- Accidental in the northern Marshall Islands and a possible vagrant to the area. Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records -- Marshalls - Eniwetok. Pacific Distribution -- Breeds in the Arctic, migrates to the South Pacific during nonbreeding season. Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Status -- Resident breeder in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taka, Erikub, Amo, Eniwetok, Ujae, Jaluit; Gilberts - Makin, Tarawa, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - 'Taongi, Bikar, Ailuk, Aur, Majuro, Mili, Ujelang, Bikini, Rongerik, Rongelap, Ailinginae, Wotho, Kwajalein, Namu; Gilberts - Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti. At-sea: Marshalls - very close to atolls, one seen between Taka and Jemo October 1964; Gilberts - one 3 miles north of Aranuka July 1963 (Morris,1963)c?use to atolls November 1964. Pacific Distribution -- Breeds on almost all island groups in the tropi- cal western and southwestern Pacific; absent or vagrant east of 180" longitude in the central Pacific. Sterna lunata Gray-backed Tern Status - Possible resident breeder in the northern Marshall Islands; probably a regular visitor in the southern Marshalls and Gilberts. Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Mili, Eniwetok, Kwajalein; Gilberts - Nonouti, Tabiteuea. At-sea: Marshalls - none, probably occurs close to atolls; Gilberts - off northern end of Nonouti December 1962 o orris, 1963). Pacific Distribution -- Breeds throughout the central Pacific, as well as on Wake, Tuamotu, and Fiji; migrant or vagrant throughout rest of tropical Pacific. Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern Status -- Resident breeder in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands Marshall-Gilbert Distribution Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Eniwetok, Ujalong, Ailinginae, Jaluit; Gilberts - Kuria, Nonouti. Other: Marshalls - Ailuk, Jemo, Mili, Knox, Bikini, Rongerik, Kwajalein; Gilberts - Makin, Aranuka, Onotoa. At-sea: Marshalls - occurred near and between breeding atolls October-November 1964. June - - , 1966, and April 1967; Gilberts - 20 seen between Makin and Maiana November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most i s l and groups i n the t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c . Sterna anaetheta Brown-winged Tern S ta tus -- Accidental on i s l a n d s and probably an a t -sea vagrant i n the northern Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Bikar. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n t h e Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon I s - lands , Formosa, Ph i l ipp ines , Aus t ra l i a , and on the P a c i f i c coas t of Cent ra l and South America; vagrant i n most i s l a n d groups o f the western and c e n t r a l P a c i f i c . Thalasseus b e r g i i Crested Tern S ta tus -- Resident breeder throughout the Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l a n d s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Amo, Eniwetok, B ik in i , Ail inginae, J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Tarawa, Kuria, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - U t i r i k , Ailuk, Erikub, Maloelap, A u r , Majuro, M i l i , Ujelang, Rongerik, Rongelap, Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein; G i l b e r t s - Makin, Marakei, Maiana, Abemama, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Arorae. At-sea: none, probably oc- curs only near a t o l l s . Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds throughout t h e western and southwestern t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c , a s w e l l a s on Society, Tuamotu, and Line I s l ands ; ab- sen t from the Phoenix and Hawaiian Is lands . Procels terna cerulea Blue-gray Noddy S ta tus -- Resident breeder i n the extreme northern Marshalls; not r e - corded from the Gi lbe r t I s l a n d s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar . Other: Marshalls - Eniwetok. At-sea: Marshalls - occurred wi th in 10 mi les of Taonai and Bikar October 1964 and Apr i l 1967, between Bikar and Taka October i964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most i s l a n d groups of t h e c e n t r a l and southern P a c i f i c . Anous s t o l i d u s Brown Noddy S t a t u s -- Resident breeder throughout the Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Jemo, Erikub, Eniwetok, Ujelang, Bikin i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein,Jalui t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Ailuk, Likiep, Wotje, Aur, Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Namu, Jabwot; G i l b e r t s - Abemama, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Arorae. At-sea: Marshalls - one off K i l i a t 1690 E on 2 November 1960 (Bruyns, l w v e r y common species around each a t o l l and throughout t h e area October-November 1964, June 1966, Apr i l 1.967; Gi lbe r t s - common up t o 50 mi les from land throughout a rea November-Dece-2 and July-August 1963 o orris, 1963), seen around a t o l l s and throughout a rea v i s i t e d November 1964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds, with the exception of the Kermadec I s - lands, throughout the t r o p i c a l Pac i f i c . Anous t e n u i r o s t r i s - Black Noddy S t a t u s -- Resident breeder throughout the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Jemo, Erikub, Arno, Eniwetok, Ujelang, Bikin i , Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Kwajalein, Namu, J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Makin, Kuria, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Ailuk, Wotje, Aur, Majuro, M i l i , Rongerik, Lae, Ai l inglapalap , Namorik, Ebon; G i l b e r t s - Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Aranuka, Beru, Nikunau, Arorae. A t - =: Marsha1l.s - most common species throughout a rea ~ctober-November 1964, common June 1966, second most prominent species i n a rea v i s i t e d A p r i l 1967; Gi lbe r t s - most common b i r d throughout the i s l and group November-December 1962 and July-August 1963 o orris, 1963), most common throughout northern area November 1964. Pac i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n most t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c i s l and groups, except those i n the northwest and southeast s e c t o r s . Gygis a lba White Tern S ta tus -- Resident breeder throughout the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar , U t i r i k , Taka, Ailuk, Jemo, Erikub, Eniwetok, Bikin i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Wotho, Ujae, Kwajalein, J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Makin, Kuria, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Mejit , Likiep, Wotje, A u r , Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Ujelang, Ai l inginae , Lae, Namu, Jabwot; G i l b e r t s - Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau. At-sea: Marshalls - two s i n g l e s observed off M i l i a t 172" E on 2 November m ( ~ r u ~ n s , 1964), second most common species throughout the area October-November 1964, very common June 1966, most common species throughout t h e nor thern and c e n t r a l a rea Apr i l 196'7; G i lbe r t s - common wi th in 10 mi les of most a t o l l s during ~ovember-Decemb-and July-August 1963 orris, 1967), most common spec ies i n nor thern area November 1964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds on most i s l a n d groups of the t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c . LAM) A M ) FRFSII-WATER BIIiDS Thirty-nine land and f r e s h water b i rd species have been recorded i n t h e Marshall I s lands , while l9 have been recorded i n t h e Gi lber t I s l a n d s a able 3 8 ) . Twenty-three a r e known s o l e l y from t h e Marshalls and t h r e e a r e known s o l e l y from t h e Gi lbe r t s . S ix teen landbird species a r e recorded from both i s land groups. Two land and f r e s h water b i r d species (one introduced) a r e r e s iden t breeders on both i d a n d groups (Table 38); one species , a r e s iden t breeder i n t h e Marshalls i s a probable breeder i.n t h e G i l b e r t s . One e x t i n c t and two introduced breeders ( p l u s one introduced poss ib le breeder) a r e found s o l e l y i n t h e Marshalls; one introduced 'breeder ( p l u s one poss ib le breeder) a r e found s o l e l y i n t h e G i l b e r t s . Of seven introduced landbird species only one does not breed i n t h e Marshalls or Gi lbe r t s . Seventeen land and fresh-water b i rd species la able 38) a r e known t o migrate annually t o or through t h e Marshall-Gilbert a rea from d i s - t a n t breeding grounds. These b i r d s , unl ike seabi rd migrants, a r e a t - t r a c t e d t o t h e various a t o l l s and sometimes use them a s "stepping- s tones" i n cross ing t h e P a c i f i c . Sixteen ( a l l shorebirds) of these migrants breed i n t h e Northern Hemisphere, while one ( a cuckoo) breeds i n t h e Southern Hemisphere. F i f t een landbird species found i n the Marshall-Gilbert a rea a r e vagrants t o t h e area, s ince they a r e away from t h e i r normal migrat ion routes, and a r e considered acc iden ta l s t o i s l and avifauna eo able 78). Most of these a r e known from only a few records. ARDEIDAE Herons Herons a r e l a rge wading b i r d s with long necks, long legs, and long spear- l ike b i l l s . One heron species i s a r e s iden t breeder throughout the Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Egre t t a sacra Reef Heron S t a t u s -- Resident breeder i n the Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Amo, M i l i , Eniwetok, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Tarawa, Nonouti, Onotoa. Other: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Ailuk, Jemo, Likiep, Wotje, Erikub, Maloelap, Majuro, Ujelang, Bikin i , Rongelap, Ail inginae, Wotho, Ujae, Lae, ~ w a j a l e i n , Jabwot; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Arorae . P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Occurs along the Asian coas t from Japan south t o Malaysia and on most i s l a n d s i n t h e southwest Pac i f i c . Breeds throughout i t s range ( ~ a y r , 1945; Baker, 1951). Remarks -- Three color phases e x i s t : white, blackish-gray, and mottled. ANATIDAE Geese and Ducks Geese and ducks a r e Large waterfowl with heavy bodies, long necks, and webbed f e e t . Their b i l l s a r e t h i c k a t t h e base. One goose species , an acc iden ta l , has been co l l ec ted i n t h e Marshall Is lands; none a r e known from t h e G i l b e r t s . Ten duck species a r e known from t h e Marshalls; t h r e e a r e known from t h e Gi lbe r t s able 3 8 ) . Of t h e 10 duck species i n t h e a rea , one i s an introduced breeder , two a r e migrants, and seven a r e ac- c i d e n t a l ~ . Of t h e nine migrants , s i x breed i n both t h e Old and New World, two breed i n t h e Old World, and one i s a New World breeder; one i s unknown. Chen hyperborea Snow Goose S t a t u s - - Accidental i n t h e Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Marshalls - Erikub. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n t h e a r c t i c circumpolar region; winters along eas t e rn coas t of North America t o t h e northern coast of t h e Gulf of Mexico and t h e va l leys of Cal i forn ia ; i n western P a c i f i c t o Korea and Japan. One record i n Hawaii (AOU, 1957; Udvardy, 1961) and one i n t h e Marshal ls . Anas platyrhynchos Mallard S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Kwajalein; G i l b e r t s - Tarawa. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n t h e northern sec t ion of t h e Northern Hemisphere; winters south t o Cent ra l America, Africa, and southern Asia; migrates r e g u l a r l y t o Hawaii; introduced i n New Zealand (AOU, 1957); a l s o f requents Bonin and Volcano I s l ands (~amash ina , 1948; Baker, 1951). Known from t h e Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Anas crecca Common Teal S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records: Marshalls - Kwajalein, J a l u i t . P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds ac ross Eurasia and North America; winters south t o Africa, southeastern Asia, and Cent ra l America. Known from t h e Ph i l ipp ines , Japan, t h e Marianas, Marshalls, Hawaiian, and Line I s l ands ( ~ a l c e r , 1951; AOu, 1957; Clapp and Sib ley , 1967) Two races e x i s t : (1) A. c . crecca, t h e European Teal of Europe and Asia, and ( 2 ) A. 2. dro l in&is , t h e Green-winged TeaL of North America. Anas s t r epe ra Gadwall S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e northern Marshal ls . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Kwajalein. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n northern North America and Eurasia; w in te r s south t o Cent ra l America, Afr ica , and southeast Asia. Ifnam from Hawaii (AOU, 1957; Bryan, 1958) and the Marshalls. Anas penelope - European Widgeon S t a t u s -- Accidental t o t h e Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - J a l u i t . P a c i f i c Di s t r lbu t ion -- Breeds i n Iceland and northern Eurasia; w in te r s south t o Africa, southern Asia, t h e Phi l ippines , and t h e southern p a r t of North America. Known from t h e Marianas, Caroline, Marshall, Hawaiian, and Line I s l ands (AOU, 1957; Clapp and Sibley, 1967 ; Clapp and Woodward, 1968). Anas acuta -- P i n t a i l S t a t u s -- Uncommon migrant i n the Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Kwajalein, J a l u i t . P a c i f i c Dis- tr ibut ion -- Breeds i n t h e northern sec t ion of t h e Northern Hemisphere; winters t o South America, Africa, and southeast Asia. Known from t h e Phi l ippine , Marianas, Palau, Marshall, and Hawaiian I s l a n d s ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957). Anas clypeata - Northern Shoveler S ta tus -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e Marshall and Gi lber t I s l a n d s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Kwajalein; Gi lbe r t s - Makin, Tarawa. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n northern North America and Eurasia; w in te r s south t o Cent ra l America, southern Europe, and southern Asia . Known from t h e Phi l ippine , Marianas, Caroline, Marshall, G i lbe r t , Hawaiian, Line, and Phoenix I s l ands (AOU, 1957; Clapp and Sib ley , 1967; Clapp and Woodward, 1968). Aythya v a l i s i n e r i a Canvasback S t a t u s -- Accidental t o t h e Marshal l I s l a n d s . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - J a l u i t . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n northern North America; w in te r s south t o Cen t ra l America. Known from Japan and t h e Marshalls ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957). Aythya f u l i g u l a Tufted Duck S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e Marshal ls . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records : Marshalls - Kwa j a l e i n . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n Iceland and Eurasia; w in te r s south i n t o Africa and southeas t Asia and t h e Ph i l ipp ines . Known from t h e Aleut ian, Marianas, Palau, Caroline, and Hawaiian I s l a n d s ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957; Clapp and Woodward, 1968), and t h e Marshal ls . Cair ina moschata Muscovy Duck S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Ut i r ik - Ujelang, Wotho. Other: none, bu t spec ie s poss ib ly occurs on most inhab- i t e d a t o l l s . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Wild: Mexico and South America; Domestic: All over t h e world ( ~ e l a c o u r , 1959) - Anatidae sp . Duck spec ies An unident i f ied duck spec ie s was observed by POBSP personnel dur ing November 1964 a t J a l u i t A to l l , Marshall I s l ands . Another was seen a t Makin A t o l l , G i lbe r t I s l ands . Morris (1963) repor ted a p a i r of cormorants i n f l i g h t over t h e lagoon a t Tabiteuea, G i lbe r t I s lands ; he f u r t h e r in- d i ca t ed t h a t t hese could have been ducks ( s p . ? ) ; they were i n poor l i g h t and no d e t a i l s could be seen. PHASIANIDAE Fowls There i s only one r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h i s family i n t h e Marshall- G i lbe r t a r e a , t h i s being t h e domestic fowl o r chicken. Chickens were introduced i n t o most i s l a n d s by sea-going Elicronesians. I n r ecen t t imes they have probably in terbred wi th o ther subsequently introZuced breeds . Gallus g a l l u s Domestic Chicken S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l a n d s . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshal ls - Jabwot; G i l b e r t s : Onotoa. Other: Marshal ls - U t i r i k , Mej i t , Ailuk, Jemo, Likieo. Wotie. Maloelaa. A u r . Ma.iuro. Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, U.jelang, -, " , A , . Rongelap, Wotho, h e , ~ a l u i t ; ~ a m o r i k , Ebon; ~ i l b e r t s : Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Arorae. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Native t o Southeast Asia and Malaysia. F e r a l fowl from introduced s tock a r e found on most western, southwestern, and south P a c i f i c i s l a n d s . I n t h e north c e n t r a l P a c i f i c , f e r a l fowl a r e found only on t h e main Hawaiian I s l ands (Mayr, 1945; Baker, 1951; Bryan, 1958). RALLIDAE Ra i l s Rai l s a r e compact, chicken-l ike marsh b i r d s with s h o r t , rounded wings and shor t t a i l s . One r a i l , a n a c c i d e n t a l spec ies from t h e western P a c i f i c , has been recorded from t h e northern Marshal ls . A spec ies of r a i l was described from t h e G i l b e r t s . This record is now considered t o be i n e r r o r ( see f u r t h e r d iscuss ion under Abaiang A t o l l ) . Poliolimnas c inereus micronesiae White-browed Rail S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e northern Marshal ls ; no r ecen t records . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records: Marshalls - B i k i n i . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Occurs i n t h e Marianas and Carol ine I s l ands . Other races a r e found:in t h e Ph i l ipp ines and Celebes P . c. collingwoodi, and i n t h e Volcano I s l a n d s P. - - c . brevipes (Baker, 1951). CHARADRIIDAE Plovers Plovers a r e compactly b u i l t wading b i r d s , with t h i c k necks, moder- a t e l y s h o r t b i l l s , and l a r g e eyes. S ix spec ie s of plovers have been recorded from t h e Marshall I s l ands ; one spec ie s has been recorded from t h e G i l b e r t s . Of t h e s ix spec ie s known from t h e a r m , f i v e a r e migrants and one i s an a c c i d e n t a l a able 38) . Two spec ie s a r e a r c t i c circumpolar breeders , one spec ie s is a n a r c t i c North American breeder , two spec ie s a r e a r c t i c Old World breeders; t h e breeding l o c a l i t y of one spec ie s i s unknown (probably Old World). P l u v i a l i s dominica Golden Plover S t a t u s -- Common migrant t o t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands Marshall-Gilber-i; D i s t r i b u t i o n Records: Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, U t i r i k , Taka, Ailuk, Jemo, Likiep, Erikub, Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, Ujelang, B ik in i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein, Jabwot, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau. Onotoa. Arorae. A t - sea : Marshalls - f i v e between ~ i k & a n d - ~ a k a , one between Jemo and - Erikub i n October 1964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n northern S ibe r i a and Alaska; winters throughout the P a c i f i c south t o Aus t ra l i a , New Zealand, and t h e Tuamotu I s l a n d s (AOU, 1957) . Squatarola squataro la Black-bel l ied Plover S ta tus - - Uncommon migrant i n t h e northern Marshal ls . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records: Marshalls - Eniwetok, Kwajalein. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Circumpolar breeder i n t h e Northern Hemisphere; migrates along t h e Pac i f i c c o a s t s of North America and Asia. Recorded from many c e n t r a l , southwestern, and western P a c i f i c i s l and groups (Mayr, 1945; Baker, 1951; AOU, 1957). Charadrius semipalmatus Semipa lmated Plover S ta tus -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e Marshall I s l ands Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - J a l u i t P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n high l a t i t u d e s of North America; win te r s south t o Chile (AOU, 1957). Recorded from c e n t r a l and south- c e n t r a l P a c i f i c (POBSP d a t a ) , and a s f a r west a s t h e Marshall I s l ands ( ~ a k e r , 1951). Charadrius dubius Ring-necked Plover S ta tus -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e northern Marshalls. Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records: Marshalls - Eniwetok P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n northern Europe and Asia; winters from Afr ica e a s t t o t h e western and southwestern P a c i f i c (Baker, 1951). Charadrius mongolus Mongolian Plover S t a t u s -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e Marshall I s l ands Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Majuro, J a l u i t . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n nor theas tern S ibe r i a and t h e Bering Sea a rea ; winters south t o Malaysia and Aus t ra l i a and a s f a r e a s t a s t h e Marshall I s l ands (Mayr, 1945; Baker, 1951). Charadriinae sp . Plover species An unident i f ied sandpiper species was observed by POBSP personnel du r ing November 1964 a t J a l u i t A to l l , Marshall I s l ands ( see J a l u i t A t o l l Avifauna Checklis t f o r d e s c r i p t i o n ) . This species i s considered t o be an a c c i d e n t a l i n t h e Marshal ls . SCOLOPAClDAE Sandpipers, e t ce t e ra The family Scolopacidae conta ins a varied group of small- t o medium-sized wading b i r d s . I n general , they have long s lender l egs . Their b i l l s a r e more s lender than those of t h e p lovers . Thi r teen spec- i e s have been recorded from t h e a rea , a l l were found i n t h e Marshall Is- lands; e igh t species have been recorded f r o m t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Of t h e 13 species , nine a r e migrants and four a r e acc iden ta l s (Table 38). Five spec ies a r e a r c t i c circumpolar breeders , f i v e species a r e North American breeders , and t h r e e species a r e Asian breeders . Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel S t a t u s -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls -Ut i r ik , Wotje, M i l i , Eniwetok, Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Maiana, Kuria, Onotoa ( see Note under Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s ) . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n eas t e rn S ibe r i a ; w in te r s i n Europe, Asia, Africa, and throughout t h e western and southwestern P a c i f i c e a s t - ward t o t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957). Numenius t a h i t i e n s i s Br is t le - th ighed Curlew S t a t u s -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, U t i r i k , Taka, Ailuk, Jemo, WotJe, Erikub, Maloelap, Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, Ujalang, Bikin i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Kwajalein, Jabwot, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawn, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Beru, Xikunau, Onotoa, Arorae. Note: A mmenius species , e i t h e r a curlew o r Whimbrel, was seen on Tabiteuea, G i l b e r t I s l ands , by Morris (1963). P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n western Alaska; winters i n t h e c e n t r a l and southern P a c i f i c westward t o the Carolines and Marianas ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AoU, 1957). 3 4 - 4 1 > 0-69 -2i Limosa lapponica Bar- ta i led Godwit S ta tus -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls and Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Arno, Eniwetok, Kwajalein; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Onotoa, Arorae. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Limosa lapponica bauer i breeds i n S i b e r i a and nor thern Alaska; migrates southward through t h e western and southwestern P a c i f i c , and eastward occasional ly t o t h e c e n t r a l P a c i f i c (Baker, 1951; AOU, 1957). Limosa 1. lapponica breeds i n nor thern Europe; winters i n southern Europe and Afr ica . Totanus melanoleucus Greater Yellowlegs S ta tus -- Accidental i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - J a l u i t . Pac i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n northern North America; winters south- ward t o South America (AOU, 1957). Recorded from t h e Hawaiian I s l a n d s (clapp and Woodward, 1968), and a s f a r west a s t h e Marshalls (Baker, 1951). A c t i t i s macularia Spotted Sandpiper S ta tus -- Accidental i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taka. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n northern North America; winters south t o c e n t r a l South America (AOU, 1957). Known from t h e Marshal ls . Heteroscelus brevipes Polynesian T a t t l e r S ta tus -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Eniwetok, Kwajalein; G i l b e r t s - Tarawa. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n eas t e rn S ibe r i a ; winters throughout t h e western P a c i f i c south t o Aus t ra l i a ( ~ a k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957), one r e - corded from t h e Leeward Hawaiian I s l ands (Clapp and Woodward, 1968). Heteroscelus incanum Wandering T a t t l e r S t a t u s - - Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, U t i r i k , Taka, Meji t , Ailuk, Jemo, Likiep, Wotje, Erikub, Maloelap, Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, Ujelang, Bikin i , Rongerik, Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein, Jabwot, J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Onotoa, Arorae . P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n Alaska and nor theas t Canada; win te r s southwsrd t o South America and throughout most of t h e P a c i f i c (Baker, 1.951; AoU, 1957). Arenaria i n t e r p r e s Ruddy Turnstone S t a t u s -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, U t i r i k , Taka, Meji t , Ailuk, Jemo, Likiep, Wotje, Erikub, Majuro, Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, Ujelang, B ik in i , R o n g r i k , Rongelap, Ai l inginae , Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Kwajalein, Lib, Jabwot, Ai l inglapalap , J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Makin, Marakei, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Onotoa, Arorae. At-sea: Marshalls - four be- tween Taka and Jemo i n October 1964. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Circumpolar breeder i n t h e Northern Hemisphere; c i rcumtropica l winter range. Found widely i n t h e P a c i f i c a s f a r south a s Aus t ra l i a (AOU, 1957). Capella hardwickii Japanese Snipe S t a t u s -- Accidental i n t h e Marshall I s l a n d s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Marshalls - Kwajalein. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Breeds i n the Kur i le I s l ands and Jap8.n; win te r s i n t h e a r e a of Aus t ra l i a and New Zealand (Pe te r s , 1934; Yamashina, 1961). Crocethia Sander l i n g S t a t u s -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshalls, uncommon i n t h e Gi lbe r t s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taongi, Bikar, Erikub, Eniwetok, Kwajalein, J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Tarawa. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Circumpolar breeder i n t h e Northern Hemisphere; win te r s t o t h e Southern Hemisphere. Found widely i n t h e P a c l f i c (AOU, 1957) a s f a r south a s t h e Line, Phoenix, Gilberi; (POBSP d a t a ) , and Marianas I s l ands ( ~ a k e r , 1951). Ero l i a melanotos P e c t o r a l Sandpiper S t a t u s -- Uncommon migrant i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Taka. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n t h e Arc t i c regions of no r theas te rn S i b e r i a and North America; win te r s t o South America. Reported occasion- a l l y throughout t h e P a c i f i c a s f a r south a s New Zealand, A u s t r a l i a , and t h e Carol ine I s l ands ( k k e r , 1951; AOU, 195'7). Ero l i a acuminata Sharp-tai led Sandpiper 4.atus -- Common migrant i n t h e Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . bkirsiiall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Eniwetok, Kwajalein, J a l u i t ; G i l b e r t s - Makin, Tarawa, Kuria. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n northern S ibe r i a ; w in te r s a long western coas t Of North America and coas t of eas t e rn Asia. Recorded f r e q u e n t l y from t h e western and c e n t r a l P a c i f i c and a s f a r south a s Aus t ra l i a , Tasmania, and t h e Tonga I s l a n d s ( k k e r , 1951; AOU, 1957; Clapp and Woodward, 1968) . Tryngites s u b r u f i c o l l i s Buff -breasted Sandpiper S t a t u s -- Acciden-tal i n t h e northern Marshalls. Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Eniwetok. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds l o c a l l y i n northwestern North America; win te r s i n c e n t r a l Argentina. Recorded ( a s casua l ) i n t h e I lur i le Is- lands, Japan (AOU, 1957), and t h e Marshalls ( l ea r son and Knudsen, 1967). RECURVIROSTRIDAE S t i l t s S t i l t s a r e medium-sized, s lender wading b i r d s , with very long l egs and long s lender b i l l s . One s t i l t (species unknown) has been recorded from t h e G i l b e r t I s l ands . It i s an acc iden ta l t o t h e area ; i t s breeding ground i s unknown. Himantopus sp . S t i l t spec ies An un iden t i f i ed s t i l t spec ies was observed by POBSP personnel dur- i n g November 1964 a t Makin A t o l l , G i lbe r t I s lands . It i s considered t o be an a c c i d e n t a l i n t h e G i l b e r t s . COLUMBIDAE Pigeons and Doves Pigeons and Doves a r e small , usual ly plump, f a s t - f l y i n g landbi rds , with pointed wings, pointed or rounded t a i l s , and small heads. Pigeons a r e l a r g e r than doves. One pigeon species i s a r e s iden t breeder i n t h e Marshal l I s l ands and i s a probable breeder i n t h e Gi lber t I s l a n d s . One dove spec ies , now an e x t i n c t breeder , was known from t h e Marshal ls . Two dove spec ies , both introduced, occur i n t h e Gi lbe r t s - one i s a breeder , t h e o ther i s a poss ib le breeder . Gallicolumba erythropteraC Ground Dove S t a t u s -- Introduced breeder i n t h e Gi lbe r t I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Breeding: Gi lbe r t s - Abemama, Nonout i . P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Native t o t h e Socie ty and Tuamotu I s l a n d s ( ~ a k e r , 1951). *Remarks -- I am using t h e spec ies des ignat ion 8iven by Child (1960), who says t h i s species was repor ted t o have been introduced i n t o t h e G i l b e r t s from Nauru about 1940. Pearson (1962) d id not f ind any doves a t Nauru i n 1961. * Gallicolumba s t a i r i Fr j.endly Ground Dove S t a t u s -- Introduced, poss ib le breeder i n t h e Gi.lbert I s l ands . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- G i l b e r t s - Abemama. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion -- Present only a t F i j i , Tonga, and Samoa I s l a n d s ( p e t e r s , 1934). ++ Remarks -- I am us ing t h e spec ies des ignat ion given by Child (1960) who says t h i s species was probably introduced from F i j i . P t i l i n o p u s porphyraceus hernsheimiX Crimson-cro~med F r u i t Dove S t a t u s -- Ext inc t breeder i n t h e Marshall I s l a n d s . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r ibu t ion Records -- Marshalls - Ebon. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Present only a t Kusaie i n t h e Caroline I s l a n d s (Ripley and Birckhead, 1942; Baker, 1951). C Remarks -- This species was described a s P t i l i n o p u s marshal l ianus by P e t e r s and Griscom (1928) from a s i n g l e a d u l t specimen, sex unknown, c o l l e c t e d by t h e Rev. B. G. Snow i n t h e l a t t e r p a r t of 1859. Ducula oceanica Micronesian Pigeon S t a t u s -- Resident breeder i n t h e southern Marshall I s l ands , probable breeder i n t h e Gi lber t I s l a n d s . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Arno, J a l u i t . Other: Marshalls - Wotje, Ai l inglapalap; G i l b e r t s - Kuria, Aranuka . P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Occurs throughout Micronesia. Five subspecies e x i s t : (1 ) Ducula oceanica r a t akens i s i s known from t h e Radak Chain of t h e Marshalls; (2 ) 2. o. oceanica i s known from Kusaie i n t h e Carol ines, t h e Ral ik Chain of the-Marshalls, and t h e Gi lbe r t s ; ( 3 ) g. o . townsendi i s known from Ponape i n t h e Carol ines; ( 4 ) 2. 2. t e raoka i is known from Truk, Lukunor, and Nukuoro i n t h e Carol ines; and T5). monacha is known from t h e Palaus and Yap i n t h e Carolines ( ~ a y r , 19r0; Amadon, 1943; Baker, 1951). PSITTACIDAE Par ro t s P a r r o t s form a l a r g e group of b i r d s . Despite t h e i r g r e a t s i z e mi-- i a t i o n , they a l l have a s h o r t , s t o u t , s t rong ly hooked b i l l , a s h o r t neck, compact body, and strong, rounded wings. Most have b r i g h t l y colored plumage. One record of a p a r r o t , probably introduced, e x i s t s f o r t h e Marshal l I s l ands . Psi-ttacidae sp . Pa r ro t species An un iden t i f i ed p a r r o t , probably introduced, was observed by POBSP personnel during June 1966 a t Majuro A t o l l , Marshall I s l ands . CUCULIDAE Cuckoos Cuckoos a r e s lender , l ong- t a i l ed landbirds possessing secre- t i v e h a b i t s . One cuckoo spec ies migrates i n t o both t h e Marshall and G i l b e r t I s l ands from t h e southwest P a c i f i c . Urodynamis t a i t e n s i s Long-tailed New Zealand Cuckoo S ta tus -- Regular migrant throughout t h e Gi lbe r t s and i n t h e Marshal ls up t o 12" N l a t i t u d e . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Likiep, Wotje, A u r , Arno, M i l i , Eniwetok, Bikini , Ai l inglapalap , J a l u i t ; G i lbe r t s - - Makin, Abaiang, Tarawa, Onotoa. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Breeds i n New Zealand and nearby i s l ands ; win te r s throughout Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia ( ~ a y r , 1945; Baker, 1951). PLOCEIDAE Weaver Finches The Ploceidae a r e a varied group of small b i r d s with t h i c k b i l l s , of which t h e House Sparrow is t h e b e s t known. One specimen, probably introduced, and a poss ib le breeder , occurs i n t h e Marshall I s l ands . Passe r domesticus House Sparrow S t a t u s -- Probably introduced, and a poss ib le breeder i n t h e Marshalls; known from only one a t o l l . Marshal l-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Marshalls - Kwajalein. P a c i f i c D i s t r i b u t i o n -- Native t o Eurasia and north Af r i ca . Introduced almost worldwide, inc luding Aus t ra l i a , New Zealand, Hawaii (main is- lands , Kure, and Midway), and Wake (AOU, 1957; Clapp and Woodward, 1968). STURNIDAE Mynas The Sturnidae a r e a varied family; most a r e l i k e "blackbirds" i n appearance. They a r e stocky, blackish-brown b i r d s with shor t t a i 1s and sharp b i l l s . They a r e very gregar ious . One species, probably an i n t r o - duced breeder , now absent , i s known from t h e Marshall I s l ands . Acridotheres t r i s t i s Indian Myna S t a t u s -- Probably an introduced breeder i n t h e Marshall I s lands , now absent ; known from only one a t o l l . Marshall-Gilbert D i s t r i b u t i o n Records -- Breeding: Marshalls - Kwajalein. P a c i f i c Di s t r ibu t ion - - Introduced throughout t h e southwest P a c i f i c , i n - cluding F i j i , New Caledonia, New Hebrides, and Solomon I s l ands (Mayr, 1945) and t h e Marshalls (Fosberg, 1966). INFLUENCING FACTORS The average number of b i r d species found on the 34 i s l a n d s i n the Marshalls i s 13.1 per i s l a n d (Table 40) . This f i g u r e i s very c lose t o t h e average number of species found on t h e 16 i s l ands i n t h e Gi lbe r t s , which i s 12 .7 per i s l and (Table 40) . From t h i s , one might conclude t h a t av i fauna l d i s t r i b u t i o n throughout the Marshall-Gilbert a rea was uniform. This i s not the case; t h e r e i s a no r th t o south v a r i a t i o n (see N-S Zone, Table 40) i n t h e average t o t a l number of b i r d species per a t o l l . Using nine, two-degree, north-south zones (Fig . 5, see zone d iscuss ion under Vegetation Sect ion) we f i n d t h a t the h ighes t number of species i s found i n t h e northernmost zone (zone 1 ) , where an average of 26 b i r d spe- c i e s per a t o l l i s found (F ig . 6 ) . I n Zone 2, t h e average i s 23 b i r d spe- c i e s per a t o l l ; i n Zone 3 and it t he average decreases, respect ive ly , from 17 and 14, t o a low of 8 b i r d species per a t o l l i n Zone 5. An increase occurs i n Zones 6 and 7 (10 and 12 b i r d species per a t o l l , respectively), and f u r t h e r increases t o 1 3 b i r d species per a to l l . i n both Zones 8 and 9 . The average number of poss ib le breeding species per a t o l l f o r each zone a l s o fol lows a s i m i l a r pa. t tern: Zone 1 i s again h ighes t with 18, Zone 6 i s low with 5, and Zone 9 has 8. The average number of migrants per a t o l l f o r Zones 1 through 4 and 7 through 9 i s 5 o r 6 species ; two center zones (Zones 5 and 6 ) average only 3 spec ies . The average num- ber of acc iden ta l s and v i s i t o r s i s very low f o r each zone, but it i s h ighes t ( 2 species) i n Zones 1 and 2. From west t o e a s t i n t h e Marshall-Gilbert a r e a (see W-E Zone, Table 40) t h e r e i s l e s s v a r i a t i o n i n the average number of b i r d species per a t o l l than from nor th t o south. Four west-east zones, each four degrees wide (except f o r t h e westernmost which i s 5 degrees wide), were used f o r comparison (Fig. 7 ) . Zone A, t he westernmost zone, i s h ighes t in : 1 ) t h e average t o t a l species , 2) t h e average poss ib le breeding spe- c i e s , and 3 ) the average migrant species . Zones B, C, and D a r e s imi la r t o one another i n these t h r e e ca tegor i e s . The average number of v i s i t o r s and acc iden ta l s i s very low f o r each zone, but i s h ighes t i n Zones A, B, and C ( 1 species each). Zone A includes only a t o l l s i n north-south Zones 3 and 4, thus the average number of species ( i n a l l fou r ca tegor i e s ) i s s i m i l a r f o r these zones. S imi lar ly , Zone D includes only a t o l l s i n north-south Zone 9, thus the average number of species ( i n a l l four ca tegor i e s ) i s i d e n t i c a l f o r these two zones. Zones B and C conta in a c ross-sec t ion of a t o l l s from Zones 1 through 8, thus t h e species average f o r Zones B and C i s simil-ar t o the o v e r a l l spec ies average fo r t h e Marshall-Gilbert a r e a . The l a c k of uniformity i n species d i s t r i b u t i o n may be t r a c e d t o a number of environmental f a c t o r s , among them, topography, cl imate, vegeta- t i on , man and o the r animals, t he surrounding oceans, and food resources. Table 40. Avifaunal components of each a t o l l i n the Marshall-Gilbert a rea , arranged from north Lo south. Taongi Bikar B i k i n i Eniwetok Rongerik Rongelap U t i r i k Taka Ai l inginae Ailuk Me jit Wotho Jemo Likiep U j e lang Wotje Erikub Kwa j a l f i n Ujae La e Maloelap Lib Aur Nanu Jabwot Ai l inglapalap Ma j uro Arno M i 1 i Knox J a l u i t K i l i Namorik Ebon P o s ~ i b l e Breeders Migrants 6 V i s i t o r s and Accidfnta ls N-S W-E To ta l Zone Zone --- 26 1 B 23 2 C 17 3 A 32 3 A 12 3 B 14 3 B 10 3 B 19 3 B 14 3 B 13 4 B 5 4 C 15 4 A 14 4 B 11 4 B Marshall Average 274 1.39 34 k47 8.1 4 . 1 1 . 0 1'3.1 Table 40 (conk.) . Avifaunal components of each a t o l l i n the Marshall- G i lbe r t a reas , arranged from nor th t o south L i t t l e Makin Makin Maralce i Abaiang Tarawa Maiana Abemama Kur i a Aranuka Nonout i. Tabiteuea Beru Nilcunau Onotoa Tamana Arorae Possible Breeders Migrants 0 10 5 1 11 '7 5 7 5 5 5 5 5 7 0 5 V i s i t o r s and Accidentals 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 N-S W-E Tota l Zone Zone -7- 0 7 C 23 7 C 11 a c 2 8 C 19 8 c 15 8 c u 8 c ~ r i a c 14 8 C 17 9 D 1.7 9 D 11 9 D 2 9 D 19 9 D 1 9 D 1 2 9 D Gi lbe r t Average 116 83 4 203 7 -3 5 ~ 2 0.3 12.7 :IGURE 5 Vegetat ion Zones in the Marsha l l and G i l b e r t I s l a n d s Zones w i t h s imi lar shad ing have compa rab le vege ta t ion . The 50 i s l ands comprising the Marshalls and G i l b e r t s a r e a l l rem- nan t s of former volcanoes o r volcanic peaks. A l l of t hese volcanic peaks have been completely destroyed and a r e marked only by low c o r a l rock i s l a n d s pro tec ted by r e e f s formed by c o r a l growth. Some of these c o r a l exposures possess a lagoon formed by t h e r ee f ; t hese a r e known a s c o r a l a t o l l s . Other c o r a l exposures lack lagoons, and a r e known a s c o r a l i s l a n d s ( ~ a k e r , 1951; Wiens, 1962). The Marshal ls and G i l b e r t s conta in 11-1 c o r a l a t o l l s and 9 c o r a l i s l a n d s . A l l 50 i s l a n d s and a t o l l s a re very low, averaging from 5 t o 20 f e e t i n he ight ; a few a t t a i n a he ight of s l i g h t l y more than 25 f e e t (u. S. Navy, 1964). The main composition of t h e e levated por t ions of a l l t he isl-ands i s c o r a l d e b r i s and sand; i n some a reas compact c o r a l rock out - croppings a r e found (Woodford, 1895; Fosberg, 1956). I n genera l , t he eastward, o r weather s i d e , of each i s l a n d r i s e s s teeply , whereas the westward, o r l e e side, s lopes gradual ly (u. S. Navy, 1964). Although t h e r e a r e only 16 i s l a n d s i n t h e Gi lbe r t s a s compared with 34 i n the Marshalls, t o t a l land a rea i n the G i l b e r t s (114.12 square mi les) i s much g r e a t e r than i n the Marshalls (70.09 square mi le s ) . The land a r e a da ta f o r each i s l a n d a r e presented i n Table 41. I n general , t h e land area increases from nor th t o south. An average Northern Marshall I s l and aloela lap and nor th ) has 1.73 square mi les of land, while an aver- age Southern Marshall I s l and ( ~ i b and south) has 2.36 square mi les of land. An average Northern G i l b e r t I s l and (Aranuka and n o r t h ) has 6.43 square mi les of land, while an average Southern Gi lbe r t I s l and has 8.02 square miles of land. Available f r e s h water throughout the Marshal l-Gilbert a r e a v a r i e s with the s i z e of the i s l a n d and the amount o f r a i n f a l l . Fresh water oc- cu r s under the l a r g e r i s l a n d s a s a shallow, lens-shaped body f l o a t i n g on the denser sea water . F r i c t i o n with the porous c o r a l sand r e t a r d s d i f - fus ion of the f r e s h water i n t o the s a l t water and helps c r e a t e t h i s r e s e r v o i r . It i s renewed by r a i n f a l l . During d r y s p e l l s , o r i n a r e a s where r a i n f a l l i s low, t h e f r e s h water may become brackish (Fosberg, 1956 1. Since topographic f ea tu res a r e s i m i l a r throughout the Marshalls and G i l b e r t s , they do not determine b i rd - spec ies d i s t r i b u t i o n wi th in t h e a r e a ; t h e r e may, however, be l o c a l topographic v a r i a t i o n s t h a t inf luence spec ies d i s t r i b u t i o n on i s l a n d s and wi th in a t o l l s . Climate The cl imate of the e n t i r e Marshal l-Gilbert a rea i s marine and t r o p i - c a l i n cha rac te r . he mean annual temperature i n the Marshalls i e 8 2 F. and the mean monthly tempecature does not vary beyond 2' F. annually. Daily temperature v a r i a t i o n i s much g r e a t e r than the annual range (Foeberg, Table 41. People-land rela t ionship i n the Marshall-Gilbert area. N-S Population Zone Zone People Zone A t o l l Zone 1964 - Total S Total Average l'aongi 1 0 1.45 0 ., , : 2 0 0 0.20 1.. !,.lM r 1.45 0 0 0 U.ZU V Bikinl. 3 ? 2.82 ? Eniwetok 3 ? 2.47 'j Rongerik 3 0 0.81 0 Rongelap 3 228 2.46 92.7 U t i r i k 3 219 1.04 210.6 Taka 3 0 0.21 0 Ailinginae 3 0 1.9 0 447 11.10 40.3 Ailuk Mejit Wotho Jemo Likiep Ujelang Wotje Erikub Kwaj a le i n Ui ae " Lae 4 1113 0.60 338.3 Maloelap 4 636 3.81 166.9 5,821 23 -78 244.8 L i b 5 190 0.36 527.8 Aur 5 3'7 2 2.17 171.4 Namu 5 684 2.42 282.6 Jalwot 5 92 0.22 418.2 Ailinglapalap 5 1,183 5.67 208.6 Majuro 5 4.612 3.54 1'302.8 M i l i 6 602 ~ n o x 6 0 J a l u i t 6 1,127 K i l i 6 287 Namor i k 6 534 ~. Ebon 6 953 2.22 459.3 3,503 14 .18 247.03 Marshalls Total 18,205 70.09 Marshalls Average 758.5 2.58 Table 41 (cont. ) . People-land rela t ionship in the Marshall-Gilbert area. N-S Population Zone Land Zone People Zone a Zone 19611- Total Sq. M i . T o t a i s~./M~. Average L i t t l e Makin 7 908 2.80 3 24 .3 Makin 7 2,510 4.50 557.8 3,418 7.30 468.2 Marakei 8 1,536 Abaiang 8 2,467 Tarawa 8 3,790 Maiana 8 1,238 Ab emama 8 1,498 Kuria 8 410 Aranuka 8 233 5.97 37.35 11,182 50.64 220.8 Nonout i 9 2,549 Tabiteuea 9 4,239 Beru 9 2,167 Nikunau 9 1,694 Onotou 9 1,913 Tamana 9 1, 092 Arorae 9 1.; 576 5 .OO 315.2 15,230 56.18 271.1 Gilberts Total 29,830 114.12 Gilberts Average 1,864.4 7.13 261.4 1956; Wiens, 1962). Mean maximum temperatures of 88O F. to 90" F, (~e~tember-October) usually occur between 1300 and 1400 hours; tempera- tures of over 100" F. have been recorded. Mean minimum temperatures of 76" F. (September-October) usually occur between 0500 and 0600 hours (Fosberg, 1956; Wiens, 1962). The mean annual temperature throughout the Gilberts is also in the low 80's (84" F. at Makin and 83" F. at ~baiang), with only a slight decrease from north to south (Sachet, 1957). In theNorthern Marshalls the Northeast Trade Winds blow mainly from the east and northeast throughout the year. They are usua1.l~ constant (18 knots) from December to March and are generally lighter and more variable during the rest of the year. In the Southern Marshalls the Northeast Trade Winds predominate from December to April. They blow with moderate velocity from the east and northeast. During the rest of the year east to southeast winds increase in frequency, becoming predominate in the fallmonths. Gales are infrequent, buttend to occur in the sum- mer and fall. Calms are rare throughout the entire Marshall area (u. S. Navy, 1962). There is also some variation in the trade winds between the Northern and Southern Gilberts. In the Northern Gilberts (above 2" N), the is-- lands are influenced by the Northeast Trades between November and March. Apparently the borderl.ine of the Northeast and Southeast Trade Winds is along the 2" N line. In the Northern Gilberts the trades blow from east to just a little southeast, while in the Southern Gilberts the tra3es blow east-southeast. The Southeast Trade Winds (average 12 knots) pre- dominate during March to November. A westerly season occurs from Novem- ber to March characterized by an occasional gale (winds up to 50 m.p.h.) lasting from two days to a week. Calms occur quite often in June and July (u. S. Navy, 1952, 1962). Typhoons are rare in the Marshalls and Gilberts. Only one is known to have crossed the Gilberts, the typhoon of l9a. In the Marshalls only four have been reported since 1900, those of 1905, 1951, 1958 (U. S. Navy, 1952, 1962; Wiens, 962; Sachet,. 1957), and 1967. Relative humidity is high throqhout the Marshalls during all months. At Ujelang, for example, the mean relative humidity is 82 percent; it is somewhat lower during winter and early spring. The relative humidity is higher at night and in early morning than during the day (Fosberg, 1956; U. S . Navy, 1962). Very little is known about the relative humidity in the Gilberts (Sachet, 1957), but it is undoubtedly very similar to the Marshalls. A known example is Tarawa where the average annual relative humidity is 77 percent (U. S. Navy, 1962). The sky in both the Marshalls and Gilberts is usually characterized by partial cloudiness throughout most of the year. Clear days are rare and all-cloudy days are uncommon. At Jaluit the average annual cloud cover is slightly over 6/10, while at Majuro it is almost 8/10 (Fosberg, 1956; Sachet, 1957; U. S. Navy, 1962). R a i n f a l l increases from t h e Northern t o t h e Southern Marshal ls . It decreases from the Northern t o Southern Gi lbe r t s , with a s l i g h t upswing i n the southernmost i s l ands ( ~ i g u r e 8 ) . Thus, f o r example, Wake a t 19"17' N and nor th of the Marshalls, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 37 inches; Eniwetok, a t 11?21' N, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 51 inches; Kwajalein, a t 08'41' N, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 95 inches; and J a l u i t , a t 05O55' N, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 159 inches (Fosberg, 1956). I n the Gi lbe r t s , Makin, a t 0'11'37' N, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 122 inches; Tarawa, a t 01?25' N, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 64 inches; Tabiteuea, a t 01?20' S, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 4 1 inches; and Arorae, a t 02'38' S, has an average annual r a i n f a l l of 52 inches (Sachet, 1957). Catala (1957) recognizes th ree r a i n f a l l zones i n the Gi lbe r t s , but he considers r a i n f a l l from only one i s l a n d i n each group. He i n d i - c a t e s t h a t the r a i n f a l l decreases from north t o south (North llg' , Center 78",and South 43.3")and does no t note the s l i g h t increase i n the southern- mcst i s l a n d s . I n the Northern Marshalls, t he heav ies t p r e c i p i t a t i o n occurs from September through November, while i n the Southern Marshalls it i s heavy during a l l months (U. S. Navy, 1962). I n the Gi lbe r t s t h e w e t t e s t months a r e from December t o August (Sachet, 1957). The cl imate a f f e c t s b i r d species d i s t r i b u t i o n i n t h e Marshall- G i lbe r t a rea , both d i r e c t l y and i n d i r e c t l y . The dry condi t ions found i n the Northern Marshalls a r e very favorable f o r most seabi rd breeding colo- n i e s . The very wet condit ions of the Southern Marshalls and Northern Gi lbe r t s have a de le t e r ious e f f e c t upon the breeding of some species s ince an overabundance of r a i n can d i s r u p t o r des t roy an e n t i r e colony of ground-nesters,especially during the egg o r small chick s tage . As a r e s u l t , Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Blue-faced Boobies, and Sooty Terns e i t h e r do not nes t , o r nes t only i n small numbers,in t h i s wet a r e a . Since heavy r a i n usual ly does not a f f e c t t r ee -nes te r s , one species, t he Brown Noddy, i s a ground-nester i n the Northern Marshalls and a t r e e - nes t e r i n the Southern Marshalls and G i l b e r t s . I n d i r e c t l y , r a i n f a l l a f f e c t s b i r d s by influencing vegeta t ion growth and d is t r ibut ion ,and human d i s t r i b u t i o n . Vegetation I n general , the number of p l an t species on an a t o l l v a r i e s d i r e c t l y with the amount of r a i n f a l l , but, a s Wiens (1962) pointed out, t h i s cor- r e l a t i o n i s not always c o n s i s t e n t . He suggested t h a t o ther f a c t o r s , euch a s nearness t o l a r g e r land masses, and the common p r a c t i c e of introduc- t i o n s by man, play a r o l e . Marshal l-Gilbert vegeta t ion i s an example of such a complex d i s t r i b u t i o n p a t t e r n . Taylor (1950) pointed ou t t h a t the Southern Marshalls conta.ined species d i f f e r e n t from those of the Northern Marshalls. Fosberg (1956) 348-415 0.69-22 Nonouti. Tabiteuea. Onotoa 4. I S 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 R A I N F A L L I N I N C H E S F IGURE 8. V a r i a t i o n of Ra in fa l l w i t h L a t i t u d e i n t h e Marsha l l and Gi lber t Area. recognized four vegeta t ion zones i n the Northern Marshalls, each running i n an east-west b e l t , and arranged from north t o south corresponding t o increas ing degrees of wetness ( ~ i g u r e 5, Zone 1-4) . The northernmost b e l t (Zone I ) , containing only Taongi (and Wake north of the Marshal ls) , i s so a r i d t h a t coconut does not t h r i v e we l l . One small t r e e was seen in A p r i l 1967. The p lan t species a r e few and the i s l and appears very bare . Low scrub f o r e s t makes up most of t h e cover; much open ground, composed of loose s tones and sand covered with g ras s and s c a t t e r e d morning-glories, can be found. The second b e l t (Zone 2 ) , cons i s t ing a l s o of one a t o l l , Bikar, i s s l i g h t l y wet ter and w i l l support coconut t r e e s , but during dry periods normal nuts w i l l not develop. As i n Zone 1, t h e number of p l an t spec ies i s very low, but here the dominant vegeta t ion i s a pure Pisonia f o r e s t composed of l a r g e t r e e s whose crowns form a complete canopy. The t h i r d b e l t (Zone 3 ) c o n s i s t s of 7 a t o l l s , from Eniwetok i n the west t o U t i r i k i n the eas t , between 12" N and 11" N. This zone has a more d iverse vegeta t ion and a l a r g e r number of p l an t s , including, i n ad- d i t i o n t u those of Zones 1 and 2, Cordia f o r e s t , Pemphis f o r e s t , and mixed f o r e s t . Coconuts have been p lanted on the l a r g e r i s l ands , but t h e i r growth i s sparse and they usua l ly produce r a t h e r small nu t s . During the dry season the genera l aspect o f t h e a t o l l s i n Zone 3 i s q u i t e drab. The four th b e l t (Zone i t ) c o n s i s t s of 1 2 a t o l l s , from Ujelang i n the west t o Maloelap i n the e a s t , between 11' N and 08'30' N . Zone 4 i s charac ter ized by a much more luxur i an t appearance and a g rea te r d ive r - s i t y of species than Zones 1, 2, and 3 . Of p a r t i c u l a r note a r e the pure f o r e s t s of Ochrosia and the occurrence of many introduced p l a n t s . Coco- nut p l an ta t ions a r e extensive throughout Zone 4; b r e a d f r u i t t r e e s of ten predominate i n the neighborhood of na t ive v i l l a g e s . I n the Southern Marshalls Wiens (1962) d is t inguished between two a d d i t i o n a l zones ( ~ i g u r e 5, Zone 5-6) . Zone 5 includes 7 a t o l l s , a l l l y i n g between 08'30' N and 06'30' N. It i s charac ter ized by moderately heavy r a i n f a l l ; t he vegeta t ion i s extremely luxur i an t (more so than i n Zone 4 ) . Coconut t r e e s a r e t h i c k , very t a l l , and produce e x c e l l e n t copra. Breadf ru i t t r e e s a r e a l s o very t a l l . Undercover vegeta t ion i s very t h i c k . The southernmost vegeta t ion b e l t i n the Marshalls, Zone 6, com- p r i s e s 6 a t o l l s , s i t u a t e d between 06'30' N and ObO N. Zone 6 i s char- ac t e r i zed by very heavy r a i n f a l l and extremely luxur i an t vegeta t ion . This zone, because of heavy r a i n f a l l and numerous p l a n t in t roduct ions by man, e s p e c i a l l y on J a l u i t , probably contains the l a r g e s t number of p l a n t species in t h e Marshalls, even though many p lan t s a t J a l u i t were destroyed by t h e January 1958 typhoon. Catala (1957) divided t h e Gi lbe r t e i n t o three r a i n f a l l zones. Wiens (1962) suggested t h a t these would presumably be r e f l e c t e d i n the vegeta- t i on , but pointed out t h a t Catala divided t h e coconut palm i n t o only two zones - a northern zone (Zones 1 and 2) and a southern zone (Zone 3 ) . Wiens decl ined f u r t h e r comment on Gi lbe r t vegeta t ion zones due t o insuf- f i c i e n t da ta . POBSP vege ta t ion da ta obtained during the November 19611- v i s i t t o four of the nor thern Gi lbe r t s , and vegeta t ion s tud ies by Luomala (1953), Maul (1957), and Cata la (1957) subs tan t i a t e the idea of vegeta- t i o n zones (Figure 5, Zong.7-9) coinciding with the th ree r a i n f a l l zones. The two northernmost G i l b e r t I s lands (Zone 7 ) , between 04' N and 03" N, a r e charac ter ized by an extremely luxur i an t f l o r a , comparable t o t h a t of Zone 5 i n the Marshalls. Both zones have moderately heavy r a i n f a l l . The coconut t r e e s i n Zone 7 a r e genera l ly very t h i c k and t a l l , and copra production i s high. Other t r e e s a r e a l s o very high; the undercover vegeta t ion is very t h i c k . The e ighth vegeta t ion b e l t (Zone 8) i n the Marshall-Gilbert a rea , cons i s t ing of 7 G i l b e r t a t o l l s , i s loca ted between 03' N and O", and i s charac ter ized by a very l u x u r i a n t appearance. Zone 8 i s comparable t o Zone 4 of the Marshal ls . The extensive coconut p l an ta t ions a r e no t q u i t e a s t h i c k and t a l l a s i n t h e more northern Gi lbe r t s (Zone 7 ) . Even thou& Zone 8 i s d r i e r than Zone 7, it has more recorded p lan t species . This i s mainly due t o the number recorded a t Tarawa which has had many fore ign p l a n t in t roduct ions and more bo tan ica l s t u d i e s . I n general, t h i s zone a l s o has sparse undercover vegetat ion, but on some a t o l l s and i n some spo t s ( e spec ia l ly around inland ponds, t a r o p i t s , e t c . ) t h i s undergrowth i s very th i ck . The southernmost vegeta t ion b e l t (Zone 9 ) i n the Marshall-Gilbert a r e a cons i s t s of the 7 i s l a n d s loca ted i n the Southern Gi lbe r t s between 0" and 03' S. This zone i s charac ter ized by having most of the ].and covered with medium-sized coconut t r e e s . The coconut groves range from dense, t o th in , i r r e g u l a r and s c a t t e r e d t r e e s . Undercover growth i s t h i c k e r i n the sparse groves. This zone probably compares s i m i l a r l y t o Zone 3 of the Marshalls. Vegetation, both i n number of species and i n amount, g r e a t l y a f f e c t s t h e b i r d d i s t r i b u t i o n i n t h e Marshall-Gilbert a r e a . The few p lan t species and low, sca t t e red , scrub f o r e s t of the Northern Marshalls i s very favor- a b l e f o r both ground- and t ree-nes t ing b i r d species . As the p lan t species increase i n number and amount from north t o south, the number of b i r d species decreases. The high number of p l a n t species coupled with luxu- r i a n t growth i n the Southern Marshalls and Northern Gi lber ts i s favorable only f o r the t r ee -nes t ing b i rd species . Ocean Currents The ocean cu r ren t system i n t h e region of the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands cons i s t s p r imar i ly of t h e westward moving North and South Equa- t o r i a l Currents, and the Equa to r i a l Countercurrent t h a t s e t s eastward. be- tween them. The North Equa to r i a l Current (gene ra l ly above 9" N) i s usua l ly weaker than the South Equator ia l Current (gene ra l ly below 4" N) It averages about 0.4 knots (wi th flow up t o 2 kno t s ) . The South Equatorial Current may reach a velocity of 3 to 4 knots. Eastward sets may occur in both Equatorial Currents. (U.S. Navy, 1962, 1964). The eastward-flowing Equatorial Countercurrent lies north of the Equator generally between 4" N and 9" N, most commonly between 5" N and 8" N. Current flow ranges between 0.4 knots and 2 knots per hour. The boundaries between this 300-mile wide Countercurrent and the North and South Equatorial Currents are well defined; however, at times water from either equatorial current may pass into the countercurrent (U.S. Navy, 1962, 1964). A spiral circulation of water occurs along these bounda- ries. Convergence at the southern boundary of the Equatorial Countercur- rent and divergence at its northern boundary result in sinking and up- welling, respectively. This continual turnover of water, and the nutrients thus carried, creates narrow but well-defined zones of increased productivity (~ing, 1967; see also Reid, 1962, and Roden, 1963). The ocean currents in the Marshall-Gilbert area indirectly affect seabird distribution. Oceanic upwellings increase the concentration of nutrients which in turn influence the food of many seabirds. This is discussed further under the Food Section. Food The amount of food available to seabirds in the Marshall-Gilbert area, as elsewhere, is related in an indirect way to the concentration of nutrient salts dissolved in the water. These salts are not distrib- uted evenly, but are concentrated in some areas due to sea water circu- lation such as at the boundaries of the Equatorial Countercurrent. The nutrient salts are taken up by microscopic planktonic animals which are in turn eaten by larger invertebrates and fish. Birds are attracted to such areas because of the abundance of the latter. They feed on the emall fish or squid which have been driven to the surface by still larger fish (King, 1967); therefore, large flocks of seabirds, particu- larly terns and noddies, are frequently seen above schools of tuna. Very little is known about the food preferences of seabirds in the Marshall-Gilberts. Food samples were taken from most birds collected during the 1964 and 1967 POBSP Marshall-Gilbert visits. These samples have not, as yet, been analyzed. Further at-sea data are needed throughout the Marshall-Gilbert area to discover if the boundaries of the Equatorial Countercurrent are a major feeding ground for area seabirds. The food preference of area land and fresh-water birds is entirely different from that of seabirds. Most eat insects, crustaceans, and small lizards; a few eat seeds, grain, and fruit. All of these food elements are found throughout the Marshall-Gilbert area. Predation The 1964 population of the Marshall Islands was 18,204 people (u. S. State Department, l965), while the most recent (1950) population count of the Gilbert Islands showed 29,830 people (Catala, 1957). An average of 759 people (260 per square mile) live on each of the Marshall Islands; an average of 1,864 people (261 people per square mile) live on each of the Gilbert Islands (Table 41). Although the average number of people per square mile is similar in both island groups, there i~ an increase from Zone 1 to Zone 5 (0; 0; 40; 245; 435 people per square mile, respectively), a decrease in Zone 6 (24-'7 people per square mile), and a high of 468 people per square mile in Zone 7. There is a decrease in Zone 8 (221 people per square mile) and a slight increase in Zone 9 (271 people per square mile). The distribution of people follows a pattern similar to that of rainfall and vegetation. The location of major ports (Kwajalein, Majuro, Makin, and Tarawa) has a bearing on the number of people per zone. Man has greatly affected the bird distribution throughout the Marshall-Gilbert area. Man has established himself in the more economi- cally favorable regions of the area, na,mely those zones that have suf- ficient rainfall to produce a good coconut crop. Man has planted more and more coconut trees in these zones. As man's numbers have increased, original vegetation has gradually been reduced. This in turn has re- duced the available niches in which the different bird species nest. Some species have adapted to nesting in coconut trees (White Tern, Brown Noddy, White-tailed Tropicbird); others, mainly ground-nesters, have been driven to small islets within the atoll or completely away to other atolls. Many Marshallese and Gilbertese, even today, eat wild birds and their eggs. Early Marshallese knew that the northernmost of the Marshall Islands - Taongi and Bikar - were the breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds. Instead of visiting these islands year-round, they set them aside as bird sanctuaries and only visited them two or three times a year for gathering eggs, birds, and turtles. Other islands such as Jemo were also considered as bird sanctuaries. Even small islands within atolls (such as Eniwetak at Kwajalein) were regarded as bird sanctuaries (~osberg, 1957). Taongi and Bikar, today, are infrequently visited by the Marshallese for egg and bird collecting. Islands within Taka and Jaluit Atolls are also still considered to be bird sanctuaries. It is hoped that all of these will remain as such. Other Animals Mammals -- Six species of mammals, besides man, occur in the Marshall- Gilbert area. These are pigs, dogs, cats, and three rodents. The first three are recent introductions and occur on most islands where man i s found. On some islands f e r a l dogs and ca t s ex i s t . Two of the rodents, musculus, the House Mouse, and Rattus ra t tus , the Roof Rat, a l so are recent introductions and occur on islands inhabited by man, especially those with major por ts . One rodent, Rattus exulans, occurs throughout the Marshall and Gilbert area. It was probably brought t o the area as a stowaway aboard the canoes and vessels of ear ly man. Although a l l s ix of these mammals are potent ia l predators of birds, only the f e r a l ca t s and the two r a t species are important i n t h i s re- spect, Feral cats, especially when present in high numbers, can reduce or destroy en t i re bird populations (~um~hrey , 1965). Both r a t species ea t bird eggs and young. Rattus exulans has been known t o k i l l adul t albatrosses elsewhere i n the ~ a c i . f ~ ~ l e r , 1967). Since Rattus exulans ex is t s throughout the Marshall-Gilbert area, it possibly a f fec t s the d i s - t r ibu t ion of some bird species, especially those which occur i n small numbers. Birds -- No birds of prey are known t o occur i n the Marshall-Gilbert area. Fosberg ( ~ 9 6 7 ) ~ however, reported finding what was possibly an owl p e l l e t a t Jemo Island in December 1951. The Great Frigatebird, especially the adult female and subadult, are known t o prey on the young of other birds such as the Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies. This predaceous ac t iv i ty has not, as yet, been observed i n the Marshall-Gilbert area. Reptiles -- Eight species of l izards , including skinks and geckoes, oc- cur in the Marshall-Gilberts. Very few have been collected, thus, the species involved and d is t r ibu t ion of each i s unknown. Marshall (1956), Woodbury (1962)~ and Moul (1954) reported l i za rds from, respectively, Arno Ato l l (6 species), Eniwetok Atol l (5 species), and Onotoa Atol l (2 species). POBSP personnel col lected l i za rds from the area in 1964 and 1967. An unidentified blind snake has been reported from Eniwetok Atoll (Woodbury, 1962). No snakes occur elsewhere i n the Marshall-Gilberts. Of the 9 r e p t i l e species t h a t occur i n the Marshall-Gilberts only the Monitor Lizard, Varanus indicus, i s known t o prey on birds and t h e i r eggs. This very large l i za rd i s present only a t Eniwetok, where it was introduced by the Japanese (Fosberg, 1956; Woodbury, 1962). Some birds probably eat the smaller l i za rds . Golden Plover, fo r example, have been known t o eat l i za rds on other Central Pacific islands (Clapp, 1967). Two t u r t l e species, the Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia e, and the Hawkbill, g. imbricate, occur i n the Marshall-Gilbert area. Green Sea Turtles are very numerous i n the northernmost Marshalls, especial ly a t Bikar (Fosberg, 1956). During egg laying, adul t sea t u r t l e s may destroy the nests of ground or low-nesting birds. This has not been observed i n the Marshall-Gilberts, but has been observed i n the Leeward Hawaiian Islands (POBSP unpublished da ta ) . Invertebrates -- Of the many invertebrates that occur throughout the Marshall-Gilbert area, crabs are the only group that may be considered bird predators. Two hermit crabs, the common Soldier Crab (Coenobita rugosa) and the Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) will eat both bird eggs and young birds. Appendix A . Bird Banding and Movement wi th in t h e Marshall-Gilbert a rea . Over 2,000,000 b i r d s have now been banded, us ing U.S. F i sh and Wild l i fe bands, i n t h e Cent ra l P a c i f i c by POBSP personnel . Birds, t o t a l - ing 6,874, of 16 spec ies have been banded in* the Marshall-Gilbert a r e a . m 1964, POBSP personnel banded 5,353 b i r d s of U species wi th in t h i s a rea . I n addi t ion , 1,523 bands (obtained from t h e POBSP) were placed on 5 species of b i r d s a t Eniwetok A t o l l by Bowling Green S t a t e Univers i ty personnel during 1965 and 1967. Data f o r these bands a r e l i s t e d below. Species Taongi Bikar Eniwetok Jemo Erikub Malsin To ta l Wedge-tailed Shearwater Red-tailed Tropicbird White- tai led Tropicbird Blue-faced Booby Red-footed Booby Brown Booby Great F r iga teb i rd Golden Plover Br is t le - th ighed Curlew Wandering T a t t l e r Black-naped Tern Sooty Tern Blue-gray Noddy Brown Noddy Black Noddy White ern- 16 - 25 - - 4 1 TOTAL 3196 2103 1523 5 46 1 6874 Very l i t t l e i s known of b i r d movements wi th in the Marshall- G i lbe r t a r e a . Woodbury (1963) marked 151 b i r d s of 4 species with colored p l a s t i c s t r i p s on 4 May 1963. Three of these ( 2 Brown Noddies, 1 Sooty Tern) l a t e r were observed a t J a l u i t A t o l l . Another, an a d u l t Brown Noddy, appeared a t Johnston A t o l l i n the l a t e summer of 1963. This same ind iv idua l o r another was captured and banded (USF&W #753-26101) a t Johnston A t o l l on 10 June 1964 ( f i r s t seen unbanded 11Auguet 1963); t h i s b i rd was s i t t i n g on an egg when banded a t Johnston. Thirty-nine banded b i r d s of e igh t species a r e now known t o have moved t o o r within the Marshal l-Gilbert a r e a . Data f o r these a r e l i s t e d below. Location Band No. of banding Laysan Albatross 737-96545 Kure Blue-faced Booby 737-23929 Birnie 757-65528 Phoenix 568-71340 Howland 747-54951 Enderbury 747-55040 Wake 757-25658 Laysan w K u r e 737-80545 Bikar 737-80678 Bikar Great Frigatebird 737-11-4881 Johnston 737-49162 Enderbury Lesser Frigatebird 747-58262 Howland 747-58298 Howland 747 -63125 Phoenix 747-63560 Phoenix Date of A x banding Ruddy Turnstone 652-48214 S t . George* I Location of Date of recovery r ecoveq Mejit 06-early-65 Nikunau lo-? -64 Makin 02-09-66 Makin 10-05-64 J a l u i t 12-29-64 J a l u i t 04-05-65 Likiep 07-31-65 Namu 04-08-66 Majuro 04-17-64 Likiep 07-31-65 Likiep 07-31-65 Wotje 04-01-67 Arorae 10-08-611- Tarawa 04-05-65 Maiana 08-17-65 Tamaroa 04 -U -65 Arorae 06-15-65 Ma juro Me jit Arno Ma juro J a l u i t Makin Majuro Ailinglapalap Kwa j a l e in J a l u i t Kwajalein Majuro Arno Majuro Majuro Majuro J a l u i t Location Date of Location of Date of Band No. of banding A Sex banding recovery recovery 722-16382 S t . George I U 08-30-66 J a l u i t 12-01-66 722-17067 A U 09-01-66 M i l i 06-1 -66 722-17562 I U 09-04-66 Majuro 09-28-66 1103 -0'3434 A U 08-26-67 L i b 09-26-67 Sooty Tern 903 -34664 Laysan A U 06-12-66 Kwajalein 6-21-67 Appendix B. Native names of common b i r d s found i n the Marshall and Gi lbe r t I s l ands . S c i e n t i f i c English Gilbertese* Marshallese* Diomedea n ig r ipes Diomedea i m u t a b i l i e Pterodroma alba Puffinus pac i f icue Puff inus g r i s e u s Puffinus t e n u i r o s t r i s Puff inus n a t i v i t a t u s Puffinus lhe rmin ie r i Nesofregat ta a l b i g u l a r i s Phaethon rubricauda Phaethon l ep tu rus Sula d a c t y l a t r a - Sula su la -- Sula leucogas ter - Fregata m= Fregata a 3 Black-footed Albat ross --- Laysan Albatross --- Phoenix P e t r e l Tangiuoua Wedge-tailed Shearwater Korobaro Sooty Shearwater ? Slender-b i l led Shearwater ? Christmas Shearwater Tine bu Audubon's Shearwater Fna White-throated Storm P e t r e l Bwebwe-ni- marawa Red-tai led Tropicbird Taake White- tai led Tropicbird Ngutu Blue-faced Booby Mouakena Red-footed Booby Kota Brown Booby Kibui Great F r iga teb i rd E i t e i Lesser F r i g a t e b i r d E i t e i ? Y Y Menti l [rn an t e i l Y ] Menti l [myanyteily] ? Lokwgj i k [lYawqayj i k ] J ibkore j [ j ipkewre j ] J ikore j [ jiykewre j ] Lel lap [ lye i ly lyap] Nana [nYahnyah] Kalo [kahlew] To1 [ t a l w ] (E) Ak [hak] Torlflfi [tewerlYeig J Ak [hak] Appendix B. Native names of common birds found in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands (cont.). Scientific English Gilbertese* Marshallese** Thalasseus bergii Procelsterna cerulea Anous stolidus A m tenuirostris Gygis alba Gallicolumba erythroptera Ducula oceanica Urodynamis taitensis Crested Tern Blue-gray Noddy Brown Noddy Black Noddy White Tern Ground Dove Micronesian Pigeon XTew Zealand Cuckoo * Adapted from Child (1960) Short-eared Owl Karakara (~abiniwa) --- Lo, I0 Mangkiri Matawa Bitin Rube Kabenei Kear [keyyar] Xear-lab [keyyar-lap] (w) Kear-mwit [keyyar-meit] (E) L h n Bikar [lyawiny pikahar] Bijwak [peijwak] Jekad E jekad] Mejo [myajaw Jui [jiwiyj (m) Mule [milweiy] Udel [wideij ] Lijemao [lyijeiymahwew] * Traditional spelling given first, followed by phonemicization in brackets. 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