bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE WINTER AVIFAUNA OF ARCTIC LAPLAND.
Authors: Snow. D. W.
Published: April 2008

The winter environment of Arctic Lapland is described, in so far as it affects the birds.

 The wintering birds are listed, together with their main foods, and the adaptations shown by them are discussed, a distincfion being drawn between “ pre–adaptations” and “specific adaptations”.

 The effect of man on the winter avifauna is estimated.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE ISLANDS OF THE BERLENGAS (PORTUGAL), THE DESERTAS AND BAIXO (MADEIRA) AND THE SALVAGES.
Authors: Lockley. R. M.
Published: April 2008

The birds seen on the Berlengas, the Desertas, Baixo Island, and the Salvages in June and July 1939 are listed and field notes are given on certain species.

In Puffinis kuhlii borealis incubation was by both sexes. Where it is unmolested by man, as at Grande Salvage, this bird is partly diurnal in visiting the land; where molested, as on the Berlingas' and Desertas, it is nocturnal.

In Bulweria bulwerii incubation is by both sexes, probably in shifts of two or more days.

At Grande Salvage there appears to be a division of the year into specific breeding seasons by which the maximum use is made of the ground–burrows by two if not three species of petrels. This probable breeding competition is discussed, and other examples suggested from the literature of petrels breeding on small tropical and sub–tropical islands.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE OLIVACEOUS WARBLER HIPPOLAIS PALLIDA IN EGYPT.
Authors: Simmons. K. E. L.
Published: April 2008

Preliminary obsenations on Olivaceous Warblers Hippolais pallida were made at Fayid, Egypt, in the summers of 1949–50. General notes are given on habitat, possible competitors, song and field‐characters. Males arrive before females and establish territories, where the females later locate them. One male built an incomplete nest while still unmated. It is probable that the male initially treats a female as an intruder in the territory. Some notes are given on pair‐relationship; male song declines on pair‐formation. The male builds while the female incubates, leaving the nest to feed. The incubation period is 11 days± 1 day (once), the nestling period 15 days± 1 day (once). Average clutch‐size is apparently smaller in Egypt than in the Balkans, Spain and Tunisia, but exact figures are lacking. Both sexes care for the young. After the breeding season birds remain in a limited area, moult and show no aggression to intruders, leaving for the south in August and September.
THE BEHAVIOUR AND BREEDING BIOLOGY OF THE SHETLAND WREN.
Authors: Armstrong. Edward A.
Published: April 2008

The behaviour of T. t. zetlandicus is shown to differ in several respects from that of T. t. troglodytes and, less markedly, from the behaviour of some other insular races. Attention is called to a type of behaviour which it is suggested should be called “ transference activity”. It is argued that there is a close connection between the availability of food for the nestlings and the character of the pair‐bond, and that modifications in the integrative pattern of adaptations are of importance in speciation.
AN INVESTIGATION OF HOMING ABILITY IN TWO SPECIES OF GULLS.
Authors: Matthews. G. V. T.
Published: April 2008

In the most extensive, compact series of homing experiments to date, 249 Lesser Black‐backed Gulls (a migratory species) and 91 Herring Gulls (a restricted nomad) were used, together with 20 other seabirds.

 Lesser Black‐backed Gulls on release showed a significant homeward orientation which was absent when the sun was obscured by clouds.

 Some direct evidence and an analysis of the homing success indicated that a large proportion of the gulls were homing by an inefficient method, probably random exploration for known visual landmarks.

 A minority were, however, homing by a method not dependent on the distance or area of release. Some form of sun navigation is suggested by the orientation behaviour.

 The species were not suitable for detailed investigation of individual variation in navigational ability.

 The poorer overall performance of the Herring Gulls could be explained by then being a much smaller proportion of able navigators among them.

 Masking the earth's magnetic field by airborne magnets did not affect homing ability.
BIRD‐INSECT NESTING ASSOCIATIONS IN AUSTRALIA.
Authors: Chisholm. A. H.
Published: April 2008

Australian records, beginning in 1866, of birds associating with aggressive insects for nesting purposes are assembled. Five species of the genus Gerygone are known to associate with wasps, more or less consistently, in tropical areas, and another species is reported as associating with wasps in the tropics and ants in temperate areas. Such birds deliberately seek the society of the insects, by which they are recognized and tolerated.

If protection is the motive, it would seem to be aimed against reptiles rather than against other birds or mammals. Other possible reasons for the practice ate suggested.

Australian records of insects frequenting birds' nests also are summarized; these include parasites such as the blood‐sucking larvae of a fly, together with moth, beetle and fly larvae that serve a beneficial purpose as scavengers, and, in addition, wasps and beetles parasitic on the other insects. On the question of how the insects find the nests at appropriate times, it is suggested that some are guided by odour and others by some undetermined influence.
AN ORNITHOLOGICAL JOURNEY IN MOROCCO IN 1951.
Authors: Bannerman David , Priestley. Jane
Published: April 2008

Only one other ornithologist has investigated the bird‐life immediately south of the Great Atlas Range, when Col. Meinertzhagen journeyed from Taroudant to Ksar es Souk in the autumn. We were the first ornithologists to cross the desert between Ksar es Souk and the Grand Erg Occidental by way of Boudenib and Colomb Béchar and to have undertaken the desert journey from Ouarzazate to the Algerian frontier in the early months of the year and list the birds encountered en route.

Pterocles coronatus was added to the list of Moroccan buds and significant extensions of range were recorded for the following species: Eremophila bilopha, Oenanthe leucopyga, Oe. moesta, Diplootocus mussieri, Phoenicurus ochrurus, Ammomanes cinctura (arenicolor), Hirundo daurica (rufula), Riparia paludicola and Argja fulva.

An account is given of three days' intense migration witnessed at Tangier when during a levante Black Kites and Montagu's Harriers were seen coming to shore from the Atlantic, the Harriers in an exhausted condition.

Of interest was the early date, 12 February, when Swallows were passing north in hundreds along the western seaboard.

The season in Morocco in January, February and March was a late one and migration across the desert and over the Atlas had barely commenced. The main route of migrants coming north, in so far as we saw it, followed the coast line, but that some migrants cross the Great Atlas range up to 6500 ft. was proved by Chaworth‐Musters in the spring of 1937.

We were struck by the paucity of vultures throughout Morocco.
ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE LARGE BIRDS OF PREY OF THE EMBU DISTRICT, KENYA COLONY.
Authors: Brown Leslie H.
Published: April 2008

The species of eagles occurring in Embu district are detailed, with general notes on the methods and scope of the study.

The vegetation and climate of Embu district are described, and their effect upon eagles is discussed.

Population and inter‐relations. The actual population of eagles and of the Secretary Bird in an area of approximately 146 sq. miles is given and their remarkable local concentrations are described. The inter‐relations of the various species are discussed from the points of view of territorial agressiveness and competition for prey.

Detailed accounts are given of the breeding biology of Sagittarius serpentarius, Aquila verreauxi, A. wahlbergi, Hieraaëtus spilogaster, Polmaëtus bellicosus, Stephano‐aëtus coronatus and Circaëtus cinereus, and some information for Terathopius ecaudatus, Circaëtus pectoralis, and Aquila rapax, Hieraaëtus ayresi, Lophaëtus occipitalis, and Cuncuma vocifer. The headings for each species include: “Nests and nest‐building”, “Incubation period”, “Fledging period” (with special attention to food), and “Post‐fledging period”.

The following special aspects of breeding behaviour are described and discussed: (1) Display, (2) Use of green branches, (3) Breeding seasons, (4) Breeding success, (5) Breeding frequency.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF THREE CLOSELY RELATED PLOVERS (CHARADRIUS).
Authors: Simmons K. E. L.
Published: April 2008

Some aspects of the aggressive behaviour of the Little Ringed, Kentish and Ringed Plovers are described and compared, including fighting, chasing, threat‐display, butterfly display‐flight and displacement‐activities. The Little Ringed has a special flight‐threat‐display. The pre‐coitional display of the Ringed and Little Ringed is outlined because of its identity with their most intense threat‐display and possible connection with intra‐generic competition. It is suggested that the intra‐generic territorial adjustments that exist may have reproductive as well as ecological significance. Finally the distraction‐displays and other predator‐reactions are very briefly compared in general terms.
VISIBLE MIGRATION WITHIN FENNO‐SCANDIA*
Authors: Svärdson Gunnar
Published: April 2008

The adáaptation of migration patterns to the climate of Fenno‐Scandia is outlined. It is suggested that food supply is the ultimate factor for all the manifold types of migration.

Falling temperature is the proximate factor, releasing emigration in autumn or summer, and it causes Rückzug (reversed migration) in spring. A rise in temperature releases the spring movement or stimulates further fight, if the birds have reached temperate regions.

The annual and diurnal migration rhythms of some migrants are described. Most early migrants have a two‐peak rhythm, which gradually changes to a single diurnal one in autumn. The second day‐time peak in summer is probably transformed to a nocturnal one in autumn in some species.

Topography has a strong modifying iduence on the routes of diurnal migrants but much less—or none at all—on the fight of nocturnal travellers.

Wind is the disastrous factor in migration. Its detrimental effect is minimized by the tendency to follow topographical lines and head the wind, at least when it is strong.
AN OUTLINE OF THE ECOLOGY AND BREEDING SEASONS OF BIRDS OF THE LOWLAND FOREST REGION OF BRITISH GUIANA
Authors: Davos T. A. W.
Published: April 2008

A brief outline of the topography of British Guiana is given.

The climate of the lowland forest region, which has two wet and two dry seasons, is described. The forest trees flower mainly in the long, and fruit in the short, dry season.

The natural vegetation of the coastland and of the lowland forest region is briefly described.

It is shown that man has effect on bird life only as the agent responsible for forest clearings, and the secondary forest that results from them and from forest fires.

The long‐established and comparatively large clearing at Mazaruni Station is described.

The bird communities of the evergreen forest and of forest clearings, and more briefly those of river, scrub and savanna habitats, are described.

It is shown that the principal breeding season falls in the first half of the year, especially in and at the close of the short dry season. A weak second peak of activity occurs in September. The forest birds are more strictly seasonal than those of clearings. Instances of restricted and special nesting seasons are given.

The breeding seasons of the lowland forest region of British Guiana and of other tropical regions are compared.
WINTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE GREY PHALAROPE PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS
Authors: Stanford W. P.
Published: April 2008

1. Recent published and unpublished observations of Phalaropus fulicarius confirm the existence of a large wintering area off North‐west Africa, from Cape Blanco to Sierra Leone.

2. Published observations in the South Atlantic off South Africa indicate the presence of wintering birds. Some birds have been recorded well inland (probably. vagrants).

3. Phalaropes off North‐west Africa seem most concentrated where the plankton is densest. Probably the same holds good for the south, though no great numbers have been seen here yet.

4. The parallel of the Humboldt Current off South America lends support to the belief in a wintering area off the Cape.
REVISION OF CINNYRIS SOVIMANGA: WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW RACE
Authors: Williams J. G.
Published: April 2008

The following five races of C. sovimanga are recognized:

C. s. sovimanga (Gmelin), Madagascar (except south‐east) and Gloriosa Island; C. s. apolis Hartert, south‐eastern Madagascar; C. s. aldabrensis Ridgway, Aldabra Island, Aldabra Archipelago; C. s. abbotti Ridgway, Assumption Island, Aldabra Archipelago; and C. s. buchenorum nem‐ race, Cosmoledo Islands, Aldabra Archipelago.

Attention is drawn to birds from Astove Island, Aldabra Archipelago—none of which are available for study—which may prove to be an undescribed race linking C. sovimanga and C. comorensis.
THE DISPERSAL FROM NEW ZEAL‐ AND AUSTRALIA OF SOME INTRODUCED EUROPEAN PASSERINES.
Authors: Williams. G. R.
Published: April 2008

Of the numerous European passerines (of British origin) liberated in New Zealand and Australia, mainly between the years 1860–1870, 13 are now established in New Zealand proper (North, South and Stewart Islands) and 8 in Australia (including Tasmania).

 Within 30 to 40 years of their liberation many of these established species began to appear on the small islands in Australasian seas that (with one exception) lie between 200 and 550 miles from the main land masses.

 Although it is known that in a few cases introductions were made by man, it seems likely that in most cases the birds were self‐introduced.

 The number of European species breeding on any one island varies from 1 in the case of Macquarie Island, which has the severest climate and the smallest variety of habitat types, to 10–r perhaps 11–n Chatham Island.

 Dispersal seems to have been brought about by the birds being carried by the strong winds of these latitudes, and New Zealand appears to have been the main centre for this dispersal.

 It is suggested that the chances of establishment on any one island have been governed by the potential frequency of arrival and the number of empty ecological niches in the new habitat. With such a poor native passerine avifauna as exists in the Kew Zealand region, empty ecological niches are apparently many.

 There is no evidence that competition between indigenous and foreign passerines has occurred within New Zealand itself or on the offshore islands.

 The Starling has the most widespread distribution—having appeared on all 9 islands and being known to breed on at least 7. The least “ successful” species appear to be the Dunnock, Skylark and Yellowhammer.
A REVIEW OF THE BOUBOU SHRIKE LANIARIUS FERRUGINEUS
Authors: Hall. B. P.
Published: April 2008

1. An examination of the forms which have been ascribed to Laniarius ferrugineus shows that they are divisible into four groups, which are each considered worthy of specific status.

2. Geographical variation in the four species is outlined briefly.

3. The relationship between the species is discussed.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SOUTHERN NIGERIAN AVIFAUNA TO THOSE OF UPPER AND LOWER GUINEA
Authors: Marchant. S.
Published: April 2008

The composition of the forest avifauna of Southern Nigeria is analysed in the light of the most recent work in the region. It is found that east of the Niger the affinities are with Lower Guinea: at Lagos with Upper Guinea; in the Ondo‐Benin area not definitely with either. A discussion of the barriers between the two sub‐regions follows, and it is claimed that, whereas the Lagos‐Accra savanna gap and the Cameroon montane area can each account for about one quarter of the total change, factors within Nigeria were almost twice as important in causing differentiation. It is suggested that these factors were a combination of climatic conditions and northward position of the coastline in late or post‐Pliocene times, giving rise to a condition similar to that we find today between Lagos and Accra.
THE MAIN VICISSITUDES OF THE EUROPEAN AVIFAUNA SINCE THE PLIOCENE
Authors: Moreau R. E.
Published: April 2008

.1. Recent knowledge of the Pleistocene and subsequent ecological changes is summarized. Four glaciations are recognized, each with more than one maximum. The interglacials were all at least as warm as the present day.

2. A map shows the vegetation belts of Europe and the probable limits of permanent sea‐ice at the height of the Last Glaciation, about 70,000 years ago. There is reason to believe that the main features of the vegetation‐map would apply also to the height of the other glaciations.

3. The avian fossil data are discussed and for the most part of necessity rejected for the present purpose.

4. The main inferences drawn of bird distribution at a glacial maximum are that (a) a rich avifauna occupied the treeless (grassy) loess‐tundra on the southern edge of the ice, (b) practically no arboreal birds could live north of the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Black Sea except in a strip across central Russia, (c) the birds of deciduous woodland were confined to part of the three Mediterranean peninsulas, (d) “Mediterranean” species were practically expelled from Europe.

5. This implies that the populations of coniferous forest must have been reduced to about one‐third of their interglacial extent in Europe and those of deciduous woodlands to one‐tenth. Most of the sea‐bird species probably suffered less severe fluctuations in numbers, but underwent north‐and‐south changes in breeding range.

6. The post‐glacial recovery of the climate has not been uninterrupted, so that in the last 80,000 years there have probably been only about 8000 during which there have been any arboreal birds north of Germany.

7. The implications of the changes on the details of the migration system are discussed.
NOTES ON NORTHERN MIGRANTS OBSERVED INLAND IN BRITISH GUIANA
Authors: Davis. T. A. W.
Published: April 2008

1. The scarcity of northern migrants in British Guiana and the South American tropics generally is commented on.

2. 40 species of migrants, exclusing rare vagrants, from North America are known to occur in British Guiana; 24 of these have been recorded from the Bartica district. In each case nearly half are waders.

3. The number of species found in the Bartica district of British Guiana is compared with the number recorded in a recent intensive study of an inland area near the Caribbean coast of northeastern Venezuela, where 12 of the 16 northern migrants noted were waders.

4. A list of migrants from North America observed at the tropical research station of the New York Zoological Society at Kartabo (Bartica district) is criticized.

5. Notes from the writer's own observations on inland occurrences in British Guiana of 19 migrants and one rare vagrant are given.

6. Notes on two other species, the Swallow‐tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus (a resident race occurs), and the Black Swift Nephoecetes niger, whose winter range is unknown, are included.
THE COMMUNAL DISPLAY OF THE HOUSE‐SPARROW PASSER DOMESTICUS
Authors: Summers‐Smith D.
Published: April 2008

The communal display of the House‐sparrow is described. The display may involve from two to ten or more males, but only one female. In both Hampshire and Holland the display is most frequent in April, uncommon at the beginning of May, rises to a secondary maximum at the end of May, does not occur in August and the first half of September, and reappears in the late autumn.

The initiation of the display and the relationship of the birds taking part is discussed. In the instances observed only one bird of each sex was involved in the initial stages. In all cases where the participants have been identified the females have been paired birds. The males have included both paired and unpaired birds; the mate of the participating female has frequently taken a prominent role.

It is suggested that the display arises when a male attempts to mount a female which is not ready for coition. A chase takes place, attracts other males and the communal display develops. The occurrence of the display is then related to the sexual relationship between paired birds. It is concluded that the communal display in the House‐sparrow is a true sexual display, which has developed in a social species into a communal display, whereby not only pairs of birds but the whole of the flock may be brought into breeding condition.
THE EXPLOITATION OF WILD BIRDS FOR THEIR EGGS
Authors: Cott Hugh B.
Published: April 2008

Wild birds whose eggs ark used for food belong mainly to large species and to those nesting colonially; in general, the eggs of such birds are both accessible and palatable. Charadriiformes are the most important egg‐birds‐both as regards total annual crop and number of species utilized. Charadriiformes and Anseriformes together comprise 85 (or about 60 per cent) of the species which have more or less extensively been exploited during the present century. Procellariiformes and Sphenisciformes are also important.

The various species are considered in relation to the estimated annual egg‐crop and the chief localities of exploitation: in terms of yield, Sterna fuscata takes pride of place, with an estimated crop in excess of 1,000,000 eggs; while species for which the cropping rate may lie between 1,000,000 and 100,000 eggs include Sphsniscus demersus, Pufinus temirostris, Gallus gallus, Gallinula chloropur, Vanellus vanellus, Larus argentatus, L. ridibundus, Sterna paradisaea, Anoiis stolidus, Uria lumvia and U. aalge.
A STUDY OF THE BLACKBIRD TURDUS MERUL A IN NEW ZEALAND.
Authors: Gurr. L.
Published: April 2008

New Zealand Blackbirds tend to be bigger than British.

The ratio of males to females was 2: 1 and of first‐winter males to second‐winter or older males 4–6: 5‐4 in a normal winter population.

The moulting season at Dunedin was January to April inclusive, but some first‐year birds had a partial moult in August, September and early October.

Plumage of females is classified into five colour‐groups; most birds were “darkish brown”.

The black beaks of first‐winter males change to orange by the end of August; beak‐colour of second‐winter or older males is considered to be a variable genetical character.

Seasonal variation in size of gonads, and its relation to behaviour, are discussed.

Songs and calls are described and related to behaviour. The total song‐period in New Zealand is 10½ months.

Territory is established in the Dunedin area in April and averages 1^ to 2 acres.

Pair‐formation takes place before July and full song plays no part in this.

The roosting site for an individual was constant whether the site was in the territory or not. Roosting and awakening times averaged 20 minutes after sunset and 43‐5 minutes before sunrise.

Nesting begins in late August in New Zealand and ends in late December. Resumption of breeding after desertion is discussed.

The rhythm of activity at the nest during incubation and the relationship of the males to the nest and to the incubating female are described.

Fertile eggs lost approximately 0–1 gm. weight per day of incubation. Nestlings increased in weight, from hatching to maximum, by 13‐3, 11‐2 and 11‐8 times respectively, and decreased in weight before leaving the nest.

Fledging success was lower in the New Zealand nests studied than it is in Great Britain.
A SURVEY OF THE ORNITHOLOGY OF NORTHERN LIBYA.
Authors: Stanford J. K.
Published: April 2008

A summary of bird records in Cyrenaica, listed in systematic order, has been made from published literature, unpublished field notes of various observers, and personal observations. There are now satisfactory records of some 190 species.

In a collection of specimens made in March‐May 1952 the following species seem to be new records for Cyrenaica:–Ardeola ralloides, Falco biarmicus, Porzana parva, Tringa erythropus, Limicola falcinellus, Glareola pratincola, Pterocles coronatus, Otus scops, Caprimulgus europaeus, Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Oenanthe isabellina, Hippolais pallida, Scotocerca inquieta, Lanius minor, Emberiza hortulana.

Taxonomic notes on the collection have been made.
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE LARGE BIRDS OF PREY OF EMBU DISTRICT, KENYA COLONY.
Authors: Brown Leslie H.
Published: April 2008

The present paper is supplementary to that in ‘Ibis’ 94 and 95.

 The fluctuations of population in an area of 146 square miles in Embu district, where a census of eagles was carried out in 1950, are described and discussed fur 951–52.

 The inter‐relations of various species are discussed, particularly for Aquila wahlbergi and Lophaëtus occipitalis.

 General accounts of breeding biology are given for Sagittarius serpentarius, Aquila wahlbergi, Hieraaëtus ayresi and Terathopius ecaudatus, and supplementary data for Aquila verreauxi, Hieraaëtus spilogaster, Polemaëtus bellicosus, Stephanoaëtus coronatus, Lophaëtus occipitalis, Circaëtus cinereus and Circaëtus pectoralis. These accounts are given under the following heads:—

 General notes on adults.

 Nests and nest‐building.

 The incubation period.

 The fledging period: (a) general, (b) development of the young, (c) parental behaviour, (d) food.

 The post‐fledging period.

 Special problems of breeding biology are discussed under the following heads: (1) Display; (2) Eagle‐weaver‐bird nesting‐associations; (3) Feeding rates of female and eaglet; (4) Breeding seasons; (5) Breeding success and replacement rate.
RECENT RECORDS FROM ERITREA.
Authors: Smith K. D.
Published: April 2008

A number of genera and lower taxonomic categories have recently been added to the Eritrean list. Distributional and field‐notes are given on these and on other birds rarely recorded in Eritrea. The observations on Comatibis eremita are noteworthy.
THE WINTER BREEDING SEASON OF LAND‐BIRDS IN EASTERN ERITREA
Authors: Smith K. D.
Published: April 2008

The ecological conditions are described and breeding data are given for an area on the western shores of the Red Sea, where the annual rainfall comes in winter and most of the breeding takes place in winter and early spring.

A local population of Sphenorynchus abdimii does not migrate south in the autumn but breeds in eastern Eritrea in winter.

Comparison is drawn between the breeding season in eastern Kritrea and breeding seasons in other semi‐arid areas where data have been compiled, particularly central and western Eritrea, Darfur and Timbuktu‐Chad.
TERRITORY IN THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE PODICEPS CRISTATUS RE‐EXAMINED.
Authors: McCartan L. , Simmons K. E. L.
Published: April 2008

This paper summarizes observations on territorial behaviour in the Great Crested Grebe in Oxfordshire and Berkshire and compares them with those of Venables & Lack (1934, 1936) in Surrey. On all waters, each breeding pair defended at least the immediate nest‐site but the area of the defended water adjoining this varied considerably. Such variation is probably affected by population density, distribution and availability of nest‐sites, the topography and the frontage of water before each nest‐site, as well as the degree of aggressiveness of individual pairs. The territories are taken up by already mated pairs and are often deserted when the young hatch, but a few pairs stay in the territory with the brood. More observation is needed on “colonialism” in the species because it appears to vary locally. Some possible functions of territorial behaviour are discussed but no definite conclusions can yet be drawn.
TERRITORY IN THE LITTLE RINGED PLOVER CHARADRIUS DUBIUS.
Authors: Simmons K. E. L.
Published: April 2008

Comparisons are made between the territorial behaviour of a small population of Little Ringed Plovers near Reading, Berkshire, and Dutch birds (Sluiters 1938).

Most birds arrived singly in spring, males preceding females from about 1–3 weeks as a rule, but some were already paired on arrival. Each pair, and also the few unpaired males, remained in territory more or less throughout their stay, defending it most intensely before egg‐laying and less afterwards. Locally, a good deal of feeding was done in the territory but in Holland only a little at best. The birds paired‐up, “courted” and incubated within the territory and most local plovers also remained there with the chicks. In Holland, many pairs deserted the territory for the feeding grounds after the hatch. This difference is linked with the feeding possibilities of the territory, usually good locally, where most territories had much surface water, but poor in Holland. Re‐directed territorial attacks (mainly aerial) are quite frequent against non‐related species. More significant, the Little Ringed Plover, the Ringed Ch. hiaticula and the Kentish Ch. alexandrinus regularly defend territories against each other.

The only function of territorial behaviour at all obvious is that spacing‐out the available pairs of all three plover species present at any one site reduces the danger of a wide‐spread predation of the nests.
TERRITORY IN THE WREN TROGLODYTES TROGLODYTES.
Authors: Armstrong E. A.
Published: April 2008

A brief outline of the male Wren's territorial activities is followed by a discussion of some points of special interest. Reference is made to the Wren's polygamous tendencies and the operation of sexual selection in this species. The territory of this highly territorial bird serves a variety of functions, including dispersal, pair‐formation, safeguarding reproductive activities and providing a foraging area. There is a correlation between food supply, activities connected with the territory and the character of the pair‐bond. Territorialism is considered to be basically concerned with reproduction and is regarded as an integrated set of activities in which vigour is the fundamental concept.
TERRITORY IN THE RED‐BACKED SHRIKE LANIUS COLLURIO.
Authors: Durango S.
Published: April 2008

The essential requirements of Red‐backed Shrike territory in Sweden are described and the bird's procedure when establishing territory before the hen's arrival. The area varied from 1.4 to 8.3 acres on Faro, but elsewhere territories averaged as little as 1 acre. Bad weather often causes the territory to be abandoned at this stage.

The behaviour after the arrival of the hen is described; a special feature is the cock's intolerance of nearly all birds except a hen shrike and a Barred Warbler.

Reasons are given for thinking that the food‐function of the territory is important in this species.
THE TERRITORIAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE HAWFINCH COCCOTHRAUSTES COCCOTHRAUSTES.
Authors: Mountfort Guy
Published: April 2008

The territorial behaviour of the Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes is examined. Some Hawfinches breed in small colonies, others in isolation. Pair formation takes place before the dispersal of the winter flock, following an unusually protracted courtship. Females are initially dominant and males learn to recognize them by their reactions to attempts to trespass beyond the normal limits of their “individual distance”. Copulation cannot take place in the flock because of interference by other individuals. Males then withdraw to take possession of the nest trees in the colony; these are temporarily defended from other males. Females later join the males and there follows a marked change in the behaviour between the sexes. Copulation takes place in the relative seclusion of the nest tree and its immediate surroundings. Individual territorial activity ceases completely once the eggs are laid and is replaced by communal territorial defence against predators.

Solitarily breeding pairs, thought to be inexperienced birds, defend a small territory surrounding the nest for the whole of the nesting period. This area is insufficient to ensure an adequate food supply for the nestlings. Breeding success of solitary pairs is one third less than that of colonial pairs, because of restricted ability to defend the nest against predators. The establishment of breeding colonies is therefore assumed to have superior survival value.

Song is shown to play an insignificant part in the breeding biology of the species.
BREEDING HABITS IN THE FAMILY MEGAPODIIDAE.
Authors: Frith H. J.
Published: April 2008

The ecology of the members of the family Megapodiidae is discussed.

The various types of mounds used in the incubation of the eggs are reviewed, and the methods used by the birds to maintain the egg temperature at the required level are described. It is pointed out that some very complicated methods of temperature regulation exist.

The breeding seasons are discussed, and it is postulated that the breeding season in Leipoa is limited by natural selection operating through food supply against the adults.

Clutch size is determined by the length of the breeding season.
THE AUTUMN AND WINTER MORTALITY OF STARLINGS STURNUS VULGARIS, IN RELATION TO THEIR FOOD SUPPLY
Authors: Dunnet G. M.
Published: April 2008

The food taken by Aberdeenshire Starlings during autumn and winter was investigated from stomach contents of samples shot regularly at roosts. The food available was known approximately.

During severe weather feeding habits of the Starlings change so that they become almost entirely dependent on man.

The gross weight and the fat‐deposits of the birds increased from autumn to mid‐winter and were not greatly affected by two snowy periods.

The period of most acute food‐shortage for the Starling may be the early autumn, after the leatherjackets have disappeared and before oats become available. At this time the total weight and the fat‐weight of adults and juveniles are low and the birds are moulting. Density‐governed mortality, which contributes importantly to stability of the breeding‐population density, may occur at this time.
FIELD NOTES ON BIRDS OF THE EASTERN SOLOMON ISLANDS
Authors: Cain A. J. , Galbraith I. C. J.
Published: April 2008

Field notes on the birds of Guadalcanal, San Cristobal, Ugi and Ulawa, based on the work of the Oxford University (Dept. of Zoology) Expedition to the eastern Solomons, are given. These include the first account of the behaviour and nesting habits of Aplonis brunneocapillus.

New records for the Solomons are Pelecanus conspicillatus (Guadalcanal), Egretta intermedia (San Cristobal, based on a specimen in the British Museum, Natural History), and Cichlornis whitneyi (Guadalcanal).

New records for islands in the Solomons (in addition to the above) are:—

Guadalcanal: Cacomantis pyrrhophanus, Coracina caledonica, Turdus poliocephalus, Zoothera margaretae, Petroica multicolor.

San Cristobal: Collocalia spodiopygia, C. vanikorensis.

Ugi: Collocalia spodiopygia, Hirundo tahitica (others based as yet only on native reports are given for further investigation).

A revised list for Ugi, with rejection of some previous records, is given, also a short list of the birds of Ulawa (not investigated before) and a list of species from the Three Sisters, taken from specimens in the British Museum (Natural History).
THE BREEDING BIRDS OF BERMUDA.
Authors: Bourne W. R. P.
Published: April 2008

The Bermudas are a small group of oceanic islets 600 miles from land in the eastern North Atlantic. This paper is an attempt to define the unusual features of the ornithology based upon personal experience from 1940 to 1944 and a review of the literature.

 Many lost migrants visit the group, but the resident community is restricted to roughly twenty species, all of which were once abundant. A hawk and several sea‐and water‐birds were exterminated after the islands were colonized in the seventeenth century; the present community includes reduced numbers of aix sea‐, four water‐, and ten land‐birds, of which four at least were introduced by man and others may be recent arrivals. The Barn Owl Tyto alba and the Common Tern Sterna hirundo have colonized the group since 1930. Several other introductions which were temporarily established have died out.

 The smaller land‐birds are unusually abundant and exploit an unusually wide range of habitats in the absence of competition for food from related species. The numbers of the Bluebird Sialia sialis and possibly other species have fallen since the arrival of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Most birds are unusually tame, and show peculiarities of voice and behaviour; they nest unusually high in trees, and build large exposed nests. There are two good endemic races, Vireo griseus bermudianus and Pterodroma hasitata cahovi.
THE SPRING MIGRATION IN TRIPOLITANIA—1955.
Authors: Guichard K. M.
Published: April 2008

Observations are given on the migrants observed in Tripolitania during the spring of 1955 and the duration of the passage of 35 species is tabulated. The migrants cross the whole of orthern Libya, from the Tunisian to the Egyptian border.
THE TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HEAD‐SCRATCHING METHODS OF BIRDS.
Authors: Simmons K. E. L.
Published: April 2008

Birds scratch their heads in one only of two ways, either directly or indirectly, and one method is used by all members of the same family though not necessarily by all families in the same order. When related families have different head‐scratching methods, then the behaviour can help in disentangling difficult relationships. Examples are given. In the case of the passerines, only the Timaliidae (babblers) scratch directly. The implications are briefly discussed; for example, on this evidence Picathartes is not a babbler. The Psittaciformes are a potentially rewarding group for future work.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF STRUCTURAL COLOURS AND UNUSUAL PIGMENTS IN THE CLASS AVES.
Authors: Auber L.
Published: April 2008

Structural colours in birds are surveyed systematically. From this survey, the common structural configurations in feathers, producing bright colours of the iridescent and non‐iridescent types respectively, are seen to exclude one another

Feather pigments of unusual shades or chemical constitutions have been included in the survey, since some of them produce colour effects similar to structural colours of the non‐iridescent type
AUTUMN MIGRATION IN SOUTHWEST PORTUGAL.
Authors: Moreau R. E. , Monk J. F.
Published: April 2008

During the latter half of September observations were made at various points on the coast of southwest Portugal. A great many migrants were seen, especially close to Cape St. Vincent, belonging to species that winter only south of the Sahara. Bird‐catchers were in evidence on the south coast, but not on the west. Evidence was obtained that migrants are fewest with east winds

Most of the birds seen must have been travelling in a southwesterly direction for a long way and it is necessary for their survival that they should change course on reaching the shores of the Atlantic. Any that did not do so might find a temporary refuge on the Canary Islands, but the list of regular passage‐migrants there is very different from that of the birds seen commonly near Cape St. Vincent
THE BIRD SUCCESSION IN THE CONIFER PLANTATIONS ON MAT‐GRASS LAND IN SLOVAKIA (CSR).
Authors: Turc̄ek F. J.
Published: April 2008

1. The species‐composition, number of individuals and biomass per one‐hectare are given. The three groups of areas studied were: (1) bare pastures, with an intermediate number of bird species, few individuals and high biomass of mainly carnivorous and insectivorous birds; (2) conifer plantations 1 to 5 years old, with the smallest number of bird species and the smallest biomass, but an intermediate number of individuals; (3) plantations six to twenty years old, with the highest number of both species and individuals of birds, but only intermediate biomass.

2. The change from pasture to forest occurs about six to ten years after planting. The last forest birds come in about 20 years after planting.

3. Birds have an important role in establishing the shrub layer and mixing some tree‐species into the plantation, by dissemination.

4. Throughout the entire successional series the bird population seems to have a kernel of species, while other species come or go and/or change in density with the stages.
THE PUYA STANDS OF THE PERUVIAN HIGH PLATEAUX AS A BIRD HABITAT.*
Authors: Dorst Jean
Published: April 2008

Field notes are given on birds living in a peculiar habitat of the Peruvian high plateaux, the Puya stands, studied in Southern Peru, near Azangaro, north of Lake Titicaca. These plants provide roost‐sites, feeding‐places and especially nest‐sites for the various species listed, but the sharp hooks on the leaves also cause the death of many birds, ranging from small passerines to Sparrow Hawks and Buzzards.

A distraction display by the Black‐winged Spine‐tail is described.
FEEDING HABITS OF THE PALM‐NUT VULTURE GYPOHEERAX.
Authors: Thomson A. Landsborough , Moreau R. E.
Published: April 2008

The literature on the food of Gypohierax is reviewed. First‐hand evidence of the bird's catching live fish in the Gambia is cited. Up‐to‐date information is given about the ecology of the bird in East Africa, with particular reference to its occurrence in the absence of oil‐palms and its eating Raffia fruit. On the basis of this and of the survival of Gypohierax in zoos, it is concluded that the vitamin‐rich oil‐palm fruit is not essential to the bird; but one that had been in captivity for 11 years, when presented with the fruit, preferred that to its usual meat.
CASTS OF THE PULMONARY SYSTEM OF BIRDS.
Authors: Tompsett D. H.
Published: April 2008

A reliable method is described for preparing a complete cast of the pulmonary system of birds in transparent synthetic resin. A cast of the bronchial tree can be isolated by trimming away the casts of the air sacs and parabronchi. Only simple and inexpensive apparatus is required.
THE INTERSTITIAL AND SPERMATOGENETIC TISSUE OF AUTUMN MIGRANTS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND.
Authors: Marshall B. Lofts & A. J.
Published: April 2008

1. Of 17 adult males of nine species of southbound migrants that were accidentally killed at about the point of departure from Southern Britain in autumn, all possessed an interetitium in the process of post‐nuptial rehabilitation (involving cholesterol production) even though they were flying away from the traditional breeding ground. Varying amounts of cholesterol‐positive material still lingered in the tubules.

2. Of 11 juvenile males of seven species similarly collected only six individuals possessed an interatitium in which had already developed cholesterol. One adult Redwing showed pronounced signs of autumnal sexuality in the production of a few primary spermatocytes.

3. Cholesterol is almost certainly the precursor of the steroid hormones; and its early conversion into androgens in “stationary” species is probably responsible for the widespread autumnal sexual behaviour that occasionally culminates in “out‐of‐season” reproduction. Its presence in adult migrants probably explains the recrudescence in sexual behaviour that occurs in certain species just before their departure from the breeding grounds. In migrants, however, unlike “stationary” species, this capacity to display is extinguished by the more powerful (in them) inherent urge to migrate.

4. Southbound, as well as northbound, migrants possess subcutaneous and subperitoneal fat‐deposits. The physiological basis for the production of this material is discussed briefly, and a possible additional function for such fat is mentioned.
THE DISPLAY OF THE MANAKIN M. MANACUS
Authors: Darnton Iris
Published: April 2008

The “dancing rings” of Maracus m. trinitatus are almost invariably constructed in small clearings on the forest floor so that whippy saplings grow from their edges to form spring boards as the manakins ricochet back and forth across the rings.

Four sounds are made by both sexes, the snap, the “comb” noise, the growling “grrrrt” and the whirring wings. There is no satisfactory explanation of how these sounds are produced.

Apart from casual visits, the hens suddenly all appear at about the same time during the morning to dance with the cocks—one hen to a ring. The only exception to this was a pair that spent most of the day together at their ring.

Usually at about 9.30 a.m., all the cocks had drifted away, and then nearly every ring was occupied by a hen, dancing back and forth and producing, although not quite as loudly, the same sounds as produced by the cocks.

During the period the manakins were under observation (11 February to 16 March), no quarrelling took place among the cocks although their rings were often less than a foot apart; nor were the hens pursued or mated when they danced with the males. This probably indicates that the pairs using the dance rings were already mated or even with nests.
VISIBLE MIGRATION IN THE EAST BALTIC AREA
Authors: Kumari Erik
Published: April 2008

Bird migration in the East Baltic area is characterised by the facts that the spring and autumn flights vary considerably in intensity; and that there are marked differences in the species represented in the southern and northern parts of the area. In the region of Courland Bay the large bulk of the migrants is made up of passerines (mainly finches); whereas the migration along the Estonian coasts is dominated by the waterfowl, in particular various species of diving ducks and divers. In both spring and autumn the Long‐tailed duck and Common Scoter traverse the straits of West Estonia and the Gulf of Finland in huge masses. During recent years the systematic investigation of visible migration in the East Baltic area has been begun, while all researches are now organised and coordinated by the Baltic Commission for the Study of Bird Migration.
AUTUMN IMMIGRATION OF REDWINGS TURDUS MUSICUS INTO FAIR ISLE
Authors: Williamson Kenneth
Published: April 2008

The meteorological conditions governing autumn immigration of the Continental and Iceland races of the Redwing, Turdus m. musicus and T. m. coburni, are compared.

The pattern of immigration in a normal year is outlined. Continental Redwings usually appear at Fair Isle with easterly or southeast winds, most abundantly at the end of the first week of October, while small numbers of Iceland birds generally arrive during the same month with cyclonic westerly or northwesterly weather, and form 20–25 per cent of the Redwings trapped.

An unusually large invasion of Iceland Redwings in October 1956 seems likely to have been due to special weather factors in the northeast Atlantic rather than to a population peak following exceptional breeding success.

The 1956 autumn passage of both races at Fair Isle is summarised.

The biggest “broad‐front” invasions by Continental Redwings are associated with anticyclones over Scandinavia when their easterly airflow covers the North Sea, but influxes on a lesser and more localised scale also take place with high pressure over Scandinavia and low‐pressure developments bringing pre‐frontal easterly winds to the North Sea.

Direct passage from western Norway to Shetland has been recorded with ridge and col weather over the route, and along the east coast of Britain with cols in the North Sea, but the numbers concerned in the Shetland area are small. The influence of calms, light airs and clear skies (properties of col and anticyclonic weather) on the migration of the Continental race is paramount.

Some Iceland Redwings arrive with anticyclonic weather over the northeast Atlantic and a following wind, and “onward passage” of both races from Faeroe‐Shetland is witnessed with col or anticyclonic weather over the “inter‐islands” route. Most movements of coburni, however, have a background of cyclonic westerly or northwesterly weather and are best interpreted as downwind drift.

It is argued that if the two races respond alike to weather at the time of departure and during the course of the journey, then certain of these movements (and in particular the big waves of October 1956) must originate in southern Greenland, the flocks having previously crossed Denmark Strait from Iceland in clear weather with light easterly winds.