7. GENERAL NOTES

Hockey, P. A. R., Brooke, R. K., Cooper, J., Sinclair, J. C. &; Tree, A. J. 1986. Rare and vagrant scolopacid waders in southern Africa. Ostrich 57: 37–55.

Records of rare scolopacid waders in southern Africa are reviewed. 374 records of 15 species are accepted: seven of four Nearctic species. 51 of four Holarctic species and 316 of seven Palaearctic species. Their spatial and temporal (year and season) occurrence is analysed and their habitat requirements in southern Africa are described.     

5. GENERAL NOTES

Olive Thrushes Turdus olivaceus olivaceus in Grahamstown, South Africa, were present in their territories throughout the year. Mist-net captures showed no seasonal fluctuation in the population density of adults. The breeding season had a main peak from August to November and a minor peak in April. Song output was greatest at the beginning of the breeding periods, when territorial boundaries were most keenly contested. There was a positive correlation between seasonal variation in breeding intensity and song output. The adult survival rate was estimated at 80%, and 56% of the fledglings were alive in their natal territories at the age of independence. In this study area, only females built nests and brooded nestlings. Only males sang. Both males and females defended their territories.     

GENERAL NOTES

Macdonald, M. A. 1980. The ecology of the Fiscal Shrike in Ghana, and a comparison with studies from southern Africa. Ostrich 51:65-74.

The Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris was studied in southern Ghana in order to compare its ecology there with that in southern Africa. The bird was found mainly in the damper coastal areas and usually in habitats created by man. Feeding behaviour is described. Food consisted mainly of a wide variety of insects. Territories were small at around 0,6 ha. Most nests were built 1,8-2,4 m from the ground, and eggs were laid from December to October. Moult appeared to take place in September to November when breeding activity was low. The normal and maximum clutch was three eggs. At most, 10–17% of clutches produced fledged young. Most losses were probably caused by predators. Two successful broods per pair were reared annually. Post-fledging survival of the young was high, and they remained on the parental territory for 5–7 months. Contrasts between the breeding biology in Ghana and southern Africa may be related to differences in environmental seasonality and perhaps also in the severity of nest losses.     

6. SHORT NOTES

Feare, Christopher J. 1981. Breeding schedules and feeding strategies of Seychelles sea-birds. Ostrich 52:179–185.

A comparison of the breeding schedules of Seychelles seabirds with their feeding strategies showed no relation between synchronous breeding and the ranges over which the birds forage, but there was a relation with flock feeding. Flock feeding birds are largely dependent upon schools of predatory fishes that drive prey species to the surface, and food is thus localized and transient. Synchronous colonial breeding probably helps individuals to locate these localized food sources, but species that are dependent mainly on dispersed prey would derive no benefit from synchrony, and they do, in fact, breed throughout the year.

Within shoals of prey, food is probably superabundant, but feeding space may be limiting. The dark backs of flock feeding birds render them inconspicuous to foraging birds (conspecifics and other species), thereby tending to reduce competition for space within the feeding flocks. The white plumage of species that feed on dispersed prey appears to act as a spacing out mechanism, reducing interference between feeding birds.     

6. NOTES ON BIRDS FROM COEGA RIVER

To document the population trend of the Little Bustard in north-west Africa, we performed an extensive literature review, and conducted six surveys in seven areas with potentially suitable habitat in north-western Morocco between 1999 and 2005. Both the number of birds and their distribution have apparently decreased, especially during the last third of the twentieth century. The present distribution is limited to the north-western part of Morocco, where at least five areas have been identified where Little Bustards have been sighted during the last years. The current population is extremely endangered, with an estimated total of not more than a few tens of birds. A detailed field survey is urgently needed to determine precisely numbers and distribution of the extant population in Morocco, as a first step to establish a conservation plan that aims to guarantee its survival in the future.     

6. MIGRATION NOTES,CHINSALI, NORTHERN RHODESIA

Jarvis, M. J. F. &; Currie, M. H. 1979. Breeding of captive Knysna and Purplecrested Louries. Ostrich 50:38-44.

Knysna Louries Tauraco corythaix and Purplecrested Louries T. porphyreolophus were studied in captivity to determine food requirements and feeding habits, clutch size, egg measurements, incubation periods, as well as the nestling period, anatomical and behavioural development of chicks, and aspects of parental behaviour.