18 Apr 2024

Systematic List: Western Pacific Odyssey: HA240321

WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY

21 March – 18 April 2024

SYSTEMATIC LIST

The taxonomy and English names used in this checklist generally follows the recommendations of the International Ornithologists’ Union’s World Bird List with revisions made where an alternative name/taxonomy is considered more appropriate.

This systematic list was compiled by Chris Collins (based on the figures agreed at the nightly logs) and includes all species recorded between departing Auckland, New Zealand and the evening before arriving at Yokohama, Japan.

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

1-10 = actual number seen

11-100 = A

101-1,000 = B

1,001-10,000 = C

10,001-100,000 = D

Non-native introductions are shown in brackets.

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BIRDS

Paradise Shelduck Tadorna variergata
One bird on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands (23 March).

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Seen on four dates with a lone bird on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands (23 March), two on New Caledonia (28 March) and four when exploring Kolombangara (4 April). The highest number were, however, recorded on Chuuk where a low A (ie somewhat over ten individuals) was logged on 10 April.

[Mallard Anas platyrhynchos]
A low A of this introduced species was logged on Norfolk Island (25 March).

Brown Teal Anas chlorotis
Eight birds were recorded on Great Barrier Island (22 March) with seven the following day at Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands (23 March).

Melanesian Scrubfowl Megapodius eremita
This species was first seen on Santa Ana (31 March: 5), with four individuals three days late on Tetepare. Scrubfowls were also heard whilst ashore on Kolombangara (4 April).

[California Quail Callipepla californica]
A low A was logged on Norfolk Island on 25 March where this species has been introduced.

[Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus]
This introduced species is well established on Norfolk Island with A logged (25 March).

It is worth noting that although the Australians apparently regard these birds as ‘tickable’ as Red Junglefowls, many birds seem to be closer to feral chickens……..

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor
Eight birds on 22 March in the waters near Great Barrier Island were the only records.

Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus
This species was observed on five widely-spaced dates during the voyage with a total of four birds seen on three dates between 22-25 March (Hauraki Gulf – Norfolk Island). A lone individual seemingly migrating north was then observed on 5 April in the waters off Bougainville with two more a day south of Chichi-jima (14 April).

White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina
Two were logged on the afternoon of 23 March (after leaving the Bay of Islands) with a singleton the following day.

New Zealand Storm-petrel Fregetta maoriana
Oiling in the outer Hauraki Gulf for this species (22 March) proved highly successful with at least twenty birds recorded.

Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis
This is always the trickiest of the three North Pacific albatross species on the WPO but a lone bird was found on 15 April offshore from Chichi-jima.

Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes
The most frequently encountered North Pacific albatross species with daily sightings between Chichi-jima and Miyake-jima (15-17 April). The highest count was on 16 April when the ship was off Torishima and low hundreds were logged.

Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus
This was the only the third time since 2009 that the ship was authorised to get close to Torishima (16 April) and the experience was spectacular with dozens of birds around the ship and distant views of three of the colonies on the island where several hundred individuals were present.

Three birds were also seen at sea the following day.

Snowy Albatross Diomedea exulans
One bird considered to be this species was seen on 23 March.

Antipodean Albatross Diomedea antipodensis
A total of five individuals were logged between 22-24 March.

Southern Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora
This species is only occasionally recorded on the WPO but a lone bird was seen on 23 March.

Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Another infrequently recorded species with one on 23 March.

Campbell Albatross Thalassarche impavida
A lone bird in the Hauraki Gulf (22 March).

White-capped Albatross Thalassarche steadi
Six birds were seen on 23 March as the ship cruised north from the Bay of Islands.

“Solomon Band-rumped Storm-petrel” Oceanodroma sp.
A total of three birds which closely resemble Band-rumped Storm-petrel were seen between 30 March and 7 April (sea day off New Caledonia to day north of New Ireland).

This is at least the eighth time that similar looking birds have been recorded in this general area on WPO expeditions. Given Band-rumped Storm-petrel is only known to breed in three parts of the Northern Pacific and according to Onley and Scofield (Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World) is unknown in the south-west Pacific, it seems highly likely that there is an unknown breeding population somewhere in the general area of New Caledonia or the Solomon Islands.

As Band-rumped Storm-petrel has now been split into several species in the Atlantic, if the same happens to the birds in the Pacific, it seems not inconceivable that the birds being seen on the WPO are an undescribed taxon……

Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa
At least twenty birds were found a day north of New Ireland with similar numbers the following day which was by far the highest number of this species which have been seen in these waters on a WPO voyage.

Two birds were then found not far from Torishima (16 April) with a low A logged the following day.

Tristram’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma tristrami
Picking this species out from the more numerous Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel is not always easy but small numbers were identified on both 15 and 16 April.

Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae
The highest number of this North Pacific species was recorded on 14 April (sea day south of Chichi-jima) with single figure counts on both the previous and subsequent days.

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur
Eight birds in the Hauraki Gulf on 22 March with four the following day after leaving the Bay of Islands.

Grey-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi
This species was seen on a daily basis from 22-24 March (Hauraki Gulf - sea day to Norfolk Island).

Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri
This species is not recorded annually on the WPO, however, reasonable numbers were found in 2024 with birds logged on four dates between the sea day south of Norfolk Island (24 March) and the day south of Santa Ana (30 March) with the highest count being a low A on 29 March.

Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta
Seen on five widely spaced dates with a total of eleven birds seen between 24-26 March (Norfolk Island and sea days before and after). Lone birds were then seen on 30 March (day south of the Solomon Islands) and 14 April (day south of Chichi-jima).

White-necked Petrel Pterodroma cervicalis
First seen in the afternoon after leaving the Bay of Islands where a single individual was recorded (23 March) with this species was then recorded on a daily basis for the next three days.

Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis
Encountered on all sea days from departing the Bay Islands (22 March) until the sea day south of New Caledonia (26 March) with a lone bird also noted on 30 March (day south of Santa Ana).

The highest count was around Norfolk Island (25 March) where this species breeds with B logged.

Bonin Petrel Pterodroma hypoleuca
The only Pterodroma which is regularly encountered during the latter stages of the WPO with daily sightings from the sea day south of Chichi-jima (14 April) until the Izu Islands (17 April).

Gould’s (“White-winged”) Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera
First seen on the sea day south of Norfolk Island (24 March) when a lone bird was seen. This species was then recorded on a daily basis from 26-29 March with the highest count being offshore from New Caledonia (28 March) where B was logged.

Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes
Three birds were found on 29 March (first sea day north of New Caledonia) with another individual the following day.

Magnificent Petrel Pterodroma (brevipes) magnificens
A lone bird which was considered to be this relatively recently described (sub)species (ie rather than ‘normal’ Collared Petrels) was seen on the sea day south of the Solomon Islands (30 March).

Cook’s Petrel Pterodroma cookii
This species has generally finished breeding by the time the WPO starts with A in the Hauraki Gulf (22 March) and slightly lower numbers the following day.

Pycroft’s Petrel Pterodroma pycrofti
A bird photographed in the Hauraki Gulf (22 March) was considered to be this tricky species.

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata
This species was seen on five sea days between 25-30 March (Norfolk Island – sea day south of the Solomon Islands) with a low A logged on three dates and single figure counts on the other occasions.

Beck’s Petrel Pseudobulweria becki
One of the major specialities of the voyage, with at least a dozen of this extremely poorly known (and seemingly highly localised) species being recorded off New Ireland on 6 April. The previous day, a lone bird was also seen off Bougainville.

Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni
First seen in the Hauraki Gulf (22 March: 9) with low counts for the following four days.

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas
This species was first recorded in the waters off Bougainville (5 April: 3) with a lone bird three days later. There were then no further records until 11 April (passing North Mariana Islands) where two individuals were noted.

It was then recorded on a daily basis on the last four days of the trip with several hundred individuals (B) around the Izu Islands on the final day of the expedition.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacificus
This was the most frequently encountered species on the voyage with sightings on almost every day of the expedition from 24 March (sea day south of Norfolk Island) onwards.

The highest counts were on the sea day after leaving New Caledonia when a low C was logged. On the majority of other dates, A (10 days) or B (6 days) was recorded.

Buller’s Shearwater Ardenna bulleri
Only seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 22 March where C was recorded (ie at least one thousand individuals), with several hundred the following day and a lone bird on 24 March.

Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris
The first sightings of birds moving north was on 27 March as the ship approached the reefs around New Caledonia with single figure counts for the next three days.

There was then a gap in sightings until the sea day south of Chuuk (8 April) and after then there were daily sightings with A recorded on five dates, B on two occasions and single figure counts on all other days.

On many previous WPOs, this species has been seen in large numbers prior to arriving at New Caledonia, however, 2024 followed a similar pattern to 2023 when none were seen in those waters.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Ardenna carneipes
This species has a bizarre distribution on the WPO and the sightings in 2024 followed similar patterns to previous years with records on the first three full days of the trip (22-24 March) and then an extended gap with a handful of sightings close to Japan (14 April: 1 and 17 April:1).

Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavial
Three birds were logged in the Hauraki Gulf (22 March) with a low A recorded the following afternoon after leaving the Bay of Islands.

Melanesian (“Tropical”) Shearwater Puffinus (bailloni) gunax
This ‘species’ was only recorded on 30 March (second sea day after leaving Noumea) when four individuals were logged.

Although the Audubon’s/Little/Tropical Shearwater complex has recently been split by most authorities, it seems clear that the situation has not been fully resolved, as there are plumage differences between birds, winter and summer breeders on the same island etc. On some voyages, for example, it has been noted that some birds have white ‘saddlebags’ whilst other individuals do not, with some having pale vents whilst others are dark…….

The name ‘Melanesian Shearwater’ was proposed by Howell and Zufelt (Oceanic Seabirds of the World) and they suggest this name for the birds breeding in Vanuatu and elsewhere in Melanesia.

Micronesia (“Tropical”) Shearwater Puffinus (bailloni) dichrous
Howell and Zufelt suggest this ‘species’ occurs locally in the West Pacific from Micronesia to the Phoenix Islands and possibly into the Solomons. A low A was logged on 9 April (after the ship had departed Chuuk) with three more recorded the following day.

Bannerman’s Shearwater Puffinus bannermani
This species was recorded on four days between 13-17 April (from two days south of Chichi-jima) although it was only ever seen in low numbers with a very low A on 14 April, the highest day count.

Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi
Five birds were found whilst cruising along the western coast of Bougainville (5 April).

Although the nesting colonies remain to be discovered, it is widely assumed that at least a percentage of the population breeds on Kolombangara, although with the WPO also consistently recording this species off Bougainville and New Ireland, it seems reasonable to assume that others probably nest there too.

Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis
Only recorded on two dates with lone birds on both 24 and 25 March.

All birds were presumably of the race assimilis which breeds on Norfolk Island. It is interesting to note that according to Margaret Christian who wrote the field guide to the birds of the island, that there are summer and winter breeding populations which vary so markedly in size that they require different size leg rings !!

Common Diving-petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix
A was recorded in the Hauraki Gulf on 22 March with smaller numbers the following day after departing the Bay of Islands.

Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii

There were very low single figure counts on the majority of days from Bougainville northwards.

Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda
The first sightings were on the sea day south of Norfolk Island with birds then seen on four of the subsequent six days.

It was then almost two weeks before the next sightings with a total of nine individuals logged between 11-14 April.

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus
This species was seen on twelve dates. The majority of these were found during the second half of the expedition (daily sightings between 5-14 April) although there were also sightings on two dates in the first half of the trip (29-30 March).

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
A total of six birds were found across the two days on Chuuk (9-10 April).

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
A lone bird on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
A total of five individuals were noted with one on New Caledonia (27 March) and then two on each day when ashore on Chuuk (9-10 April).

Striated Heron Butorides striata
The only sightings of this widespread species were in the Solomon Islands with one individual on Makira (1 April) and two at Tetepare a couple of days later.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
A lone bird on Chuuk (9 April).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
A single bird on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Great Egret Ardea alba
A lone bird on Miyake-jima (17 April). Two very distant egrets on Torishima were likely to have been this species but were too far away to be certain.

Medium (“Intermediate”) Egret Ardea intermedia
A singleton on Miyake-jima (17 April).

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Small numbers were seen on several dates: Great Barrier Island (22 March: 2), Urupukapuka Island (23 March: 2), Norfolk Island (25 March: 1) and New Caledonia (27 March: 1 and 28 March: 1).

Pacific Reef Heron (“Eastern Reef-egret”) Egretta sacra
Seen on New Caledonia and on four days in the Solomons and then on both dates on Chuuk with a total of 18 individuals recorded.

Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
Although many of the more distant frigatebirds seen during the voyage were not identified to species, there were confirmed sightings of Great Frigatebird on ten dates between 25 March-13 April with the highest count on 2 April (offshore from Guadalcanal) where A was logged.

Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
This species was seen on ten dates between 29 March-9 April with A recorded on seven days and single figure counts on all other occasions.

Australian Gannet Morus serrator
Reasonable numbers were seen in the Hauraki Gulf on 22 March with A logged. Similar numbers were found the following afternoon as the ship sailed northwards from the Bay of Islands with two individuals on the subsequent sea day.

Masked Booby Sula dactylatra
Recorded on ten dates during the voyage with the largest numbers (A) being close to Norfolk Island (25 March).

It is worth noting that the birds which breed on Norfolk Island (and on the Kermadec and Lord Howe Islands) are ‘Tasman Boobies’ which may eventually be treated as a full species given there are

structural and plumage differences from other populations. These birds also have dark eyes unlike those seen later in the voyage which had yellow eyes.

Red-footed Booby Sula sula
Seen on fifteen dates between 26 March-15 April (sea day south New Caledonia-Izu Islands) with A logged on nine dates and single figure counts on all other occasions.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
This species was encountered on a regular basis from 29 March – 17 April.

All day counts were in single figures or an A was logged.

A bird seen and photographed on 14 April showed the seemingly diagnostic characteristics of Brewster’s Brown Booby, a form which may soon be elevated to a full species. Although this is generally considered to be a bird of a comparatively small part of the Eastern Pacific, there have been other records in the Central and West Pacific so it is possible that it has previously been overlooked given the plumage differences are relatively subtle.

Pelagic Cormorant Urile pelagicus
One on Miyake-jima on 17 April.

Australian Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius
Found around Great Barrier Island (22 March: low A) with slightly higher numbers logged the following day at Urupukapuka Island.

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax suicirostris
Four birds on Urupukapuka Island on 23 March.

Japanese Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus
A single bird at Miyake-jima on 17 April.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Three birds were logged on New Caledonia on 28 March with more on Miyake-jima (17 April: 9).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
This species was seen in small numbers on eight dates with the first being a lone bird as the ship approached the wharf at Noumea (27 March). Two birds were then recorded the following day with a total of six individuals logged in the Solomon Islands and two around the Japanese islands.

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata
A total of three birds were seen in the Solomon Islands with two logged on Santa Ana (31 March) and one the following day on Makira.

Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster
Single birds were seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) and on Kolombangara (4 April).

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
A lone bird at Mount Koghi on New Caledonia on 27 March was the sole record.

Pied Goshawk Accipiter albogularis
This species is endemic to the Solomon Islands with two birds found on Santa Ana (31 March), one the following day on Makira, with the final record being a single bird at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April).

New Caledonia (“White-bellied”) Goshawk Accipiter haplochrous
This somewhat tricky New Caledonian endemic was seen during the excursion to Mount Koghi (27 March) with two individuals recorded, with four the following day at Riviere Bleue.

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans
Two on Great Barrier Island (22 March) with a lone bird on New Caledonia (28 March).

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Found on all days in the Solomons with a total of seventeen individuals noted.

Sanford’s (“Solomon Islands”) Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi
This impressive Solomon Islands endemic was seen on four days in the Solomons with a total of seven birds being recorded.

Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicas
A low A was logged on Chichi-jima (15 April) with singles on both the subsequent two days (Torishima and Miyake-jima).

Morepork Ninox novaeseelandiae
Somewhat unexpectedly, two of these endemic New Zealand owls were found on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus
This species is always one of the major landbird highlights of the expedition with at least ten birds at Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia on 28 March.

Woodford’s Rail Nesoclopeus woodfordi
This extremely elusive endemic was seen on the excursion to Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) with three individuals recorded. This was only the second occasion when more than a handful of participants had seen this species on all WPO visits to Mount Austin.

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis
There were multiple sightings of this species on both Great Barrier and Urupukapuka Islands with a lone bird also seen on New Caledonia.

Roviana Rail Gallirallus rovianae
This species was heard but not seen on Kolombangara on 4 April.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
A was logged on Chuuk on 10 April.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
One on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Australasian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus
Several birds were noted on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands (23 March) with two more on Norfolk Island (25 March). The final sightings were on 3 April at Tetepare where a low A was logged.

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
A lone bird at Norfolk Island (25 March) was seemingly a vagrant to the island.

Variable Oystercatcher Haematopus unicolor
This species was seen on Great Barrier (22 March: 2) and Urupukapuka Islands (23 March: 6).

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Only seen on Urupukapuka Island (23 March: 4).

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
A lone bird on Norfolk Island (25 March) was followed by A being logged on both days on Chuuk (9-10 April). Similar numbers were also seen on Chich-jima (15 April) with the last record being a singleton on Miyake-jima on 17 April.

New Zealand Plover Charadrius obscurus
A reasonable number of this New Zealand endemic species were seen on Urupukapuka Island on 23 March.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Six birds were recorded on Makira Island (1 April) with a single two days later on Tetepare.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Reasonably numerous on Chuuk with a low A logged on both dates (9-10 April) with three also found on Chichi-jima (15 April).

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Single birds were found on Tetepare (3 April), Chuuk (10 April) and Miyake-jima (17 April).

Wandering Tattler Tringa incana
A lone bird was found near the wharf at Noumea (27-28 March) with another on Chuuk on 9 April.

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes
One on Makira (1 April).

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
Four were found on Chuuk (9 April).

Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
This species was first observed near Norfolk Island (25 March) when a low A was logged. It was then found on thirteen subsequent dates during the voyage with the highest count being B which was recorded in the waters around Chuuk on 10 April.

Black Noddy Anous minutus
A similar distribution to the previous species with birds recorded on fourteen dates during the voyage. The highest count was Norfolk Island where a low C was logged.

Grey (“Ternlet”) Noddy Anous albivitta
This species was seen in reasonable numbers around Norfolk Island (25 March) when A was logged.

White Tern Gygis alba
Most records of this species divided into two distinct blocks with good numbers around Norfolk Island (B), the day before and after. Apart from three birds on 30 March, there was then a long gap in sightings with the next being on 8 April (sea day south of Chuuk). White Terns were then seen on a daily basis until 14 April with the highest count being on 10 April when B was logged on Chuuk.

Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
This species was reasonably numerous (A) on both days in New Zealand waters (22 and 23 March). A lone bird was recorded at Norfolk Island (25 March) with A then logged on the two dates at New Caledonia (26-27 March).

It is worth noting that until relatively recently the birds in New Zealand were regarded as an endemic species, Red-billed Gull, but these are now lumped with the more widespread Silver Gull.

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris
A low A was logged as the ship cruised through the Izu Islands (17 April).

Kelp Gull Larus dominicus
Recorded on the first two full days of the expedition (whilst in New Zealand waters) with A logged on both dates.

Caspian Tern Hydroporgne caspia
A lone bird off Great Barrier Island and then two the following day in the Bay of Islands (22-23 March) were the sole records.

Great Crested Tern Stern.a bergi
Small numbers of this species were seen on a regular basis from Norfolk Island until the ship left the waters of the Solomon Islands (25 March-4 April) with records on eight dates. A total of seven birds were then logged around Chuuk (9-10 April).

Grey-backed (“Spectacled”) Tern Sterna lunata
This species rarely approaches ships and, as a result, it is invariably a tricky species to see well on the WPO. A lone bird was seen off Kolombangara (4 April) with three the following day off the coast of Bougainville.

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
This tropical tern was encountered on seven dates between the sea day north of Norfolk Island (26 May) and the North Mariana Islands 13 April) with a total of thirteen birds logged. It is likely that this species was under recorded given it looks relatively similar to the much more numerous Sooty Tern.

Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscata
This widespread species was first recorded on the day the ship arrived at New Caledonia (27 March). It was then seen on a reasonably regular basis (13 further dates) with daily sightings from 5-14 April.

The highest count was on the sea day south of Chuuk (8 April) where several hundred (B) were logged.

White-fronted Tern Sterna striata
The only sightings were around Great Barrier Island and in Bay of Islands (22-23 March).

Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana
This species was only recorded around Chuuk with A logged on 9-10 April.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Small numbers were seen near Kolombangara on 4 April.

South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki
Two records of birds seemingly migrating north with one on 7 April (sea day north of Norfolk Island) and another offshore from the North Mariana Islands (13 April).

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus
Recorded on five widely spaced dates between 30 March-17 April with a total of thirteen individuals seen.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Like the previous species, this skua was recorded in small numbers throughout the trip with one to three individuals logged on five dates between the sea day south of Norfolk Island (24 March) and the Izu Islands (17 April).

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus
Another skua species which was seen in small numbers on a regular basis throughout the voyage with records on nine dates with a total of sixteen birds recorded. On most occasions, the day count was only one or two individuals with the highest count being five birds on 17 April.

Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume
The last major seabird target of the expedition and seen on 17 April off Miyake-jima where three were noted.

Japanese Wood Pigeon Columba janthina
Six birds were found on Chichi-jima (15 April) with two more a couple of days later on Miyake-jima.

Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis
A total of seven individuals were seen on the excursion to Mount Koghi (27 March) and Riviere Bleue (28 March) with a singleton also seen on Kolombangara.

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
One on Miyake-jima (17 April).

[Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis]
This Asian introduction was seen on New Caledonia, with A recorded on both 27 and 28 March.

Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-dove Macropygia mackinlayi
This species is reasonably widespread in the Solomon Islands although proved to be moderately scarce in 2024 with three birds on Guadalcanal (2 April) and six on Kolombangara.

Crested Cuckoo-dove Reinwardtoena crassirostris
This Solomon Islands endemic seems to be genuinely rare and the bird which was found at Imbu Rano, Kolombangara (4 April) was the first time this species had been recorded on any WPO.

Pacific Emerald Dove Chalcophaps longirostris
Seen on Norfolk Island (25 March) with three individuals logged.

Stephan’s Dove Chalcophaps stephani
A lone bird on Santa Ana (31 March) and three on Kolombangara on 4 April were the only sightings although birds were also heard on Guadalcanal.

Nicobar Pigeon Caleonas nicobarica
There was a brief sighting of this uncommon species whilst searching for Solomons Nightjar offshore from Tetepare on the evening of 3 April.

White-fronted Ground-dove Alopecoenas kubaryi
This endangered dove species is only found on Chuuk and Pohnpei and a total of eight birds were seen during our two days at Chuuk (9-10 April).

Superb Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus
A single bird at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) and four at Imbu Rano Lodge on Kolombangara on 4 April.

Purple-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus ponapensis
This species has a similar distribution to the White-fronted Ground-dove and is only found on Chuuk and Pohnpei, however, it is significantly commoner than the ground-dove with A logged on both dates (9-10 April).

Silver-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus richardsii
This handsome species has a highly restricted distribution but was seen very well on Santa Ana with a low A logged (31 March).

Yellow-bibbed Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus solomonensis
Eight of these fine doves were found on Makira (1 April).

Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis
Another range-restricted and beautifully plumaged fruit-dove which was seen on Guadalcanal (2 April: low A), Tetepare (3 April: low A) and Kolombangara (4 April: 3).

White-headed Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus eugeniae
Another highly range-restricted dove (which is only found on Makira and a few offshore islands) with at least four seen on Santa Ana (31 March) and one the following day on Makira.

Cloven-feathered Dove Drepanoptila holosericea
This New Caledonian endemic is never easy to find so we were extremely fortunate to see birds at Mount Koghi (27 March: 2) and Riviere Bleue (28 March: 1) with some of these showing exceptionally well.

Red-knobbed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rubricera
This impressive looking pigeon was seen on all the islands visited in the Solomons with A logged daily on the last three islands we visited, ie Guadalcanal, Tetepare and Kolombangara.

Island Imperial-pigeon Ducula pistrinaria
This nomadic species was seen in moderate numbers (ie A) on four days in the Solomon Islands.

Chestnut-bellied Imperial-pigeon Ducula brenchleyi
A somewhat range restricted Solomons endemic which was recorded on both Makira (1 April: 8) and Guadalcanal (2 April: 1). The bird seen at Mount Austin was only the second time this species has been seen there on a WPO visit.

New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath
Compared with some previous WPO visits to New Caledonia, this species was seen in good numbers with a low A logged at Mount Koghi on 27 March and a similar number at Riviere Bleue the following day.

New Zealand Pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
A was logged at Great Barrier Island (22 March) with some birds showing very well.

Pale Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps solomonensis
Reasonable numbers (A) of these appropriately named pigeons were seen from the viewpoint at Imbu Rano Lodge on Kolombangara (4 April).

Buff-headed Coucal Centropus milo
This raucous Coucal, which is endemic to the Solomon Islands, makes an almost mammalian-like call and was found at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) with six logged during our morning excursion. It was then heard but not seen on the subsequent two days.

Pacific Koel Eudynamys orientalis
This species was heard on Tetepare and Kolombangara.

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus

Single birds were found at Mount Koghi (27 March) and on Tetepare (3 April).

Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis
A single bird at Mount Koghi (27 March) was the first time this species has been recorded in recent years on the WPO.

Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea
This impressive bird was seen on Guadalcanal, Tetepare and Kolombangara with the highest count on Tetepare where a low A was logged.

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta
Seen on all islands visited in the Solomons with A logged on all dates.

Satin Swiftlet Collocalia uropygilias
Seen in reasonable numbers during our two days ashore on New Caledonia (27-28 March) with A recorded on both dates.

White-rumped Swiftlet Aerodramus spodiopygius
Recorded on both dates on New Caledonia (27-28 March) and undoubtedly overlooked in the Solomons Islands.

Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis
Seen on all islands in the Solomons with the exception of Tetepare with A logged on most dates.

Island Swiftlet Aerodromus inquietus
The only swift which is resident on Chuuk and seen in good numbers on both dates with A logged on 9 April and B the following day.

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus
Seen on Miyake-jima with a low A logged (17 Apri).

Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Noted on three days during our landings in the Solomon Islands with three on Santa Ana (31 March), two the next day on Makira and a lone bird on Kolombangara (4 April).

Ultramarine Kingfisher Todirhamphus leucopygius
Two presumed pairs of this much desired Solomon Islands endemic were seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 2 April.

Melanesian Kingfisher Todirhamphus tristrami
Four birds were seen on Tetepare (3 April) with another perched on the ship for several hours whilst cruising up the western coast of Bougainville a couple of days later.

Pacific Kingfisher Todirhamphus sacer
Another ‘new species’ following the recent splitting of Collared Kingfisher into multiple species, with two individuals on Santa Ana (31 March) and a similar number the following day on Makira.

Beach Kingfisher Todirhamphus saurophagus
This species was first on Santa Ana (31 March: 1) with three logged the following day on Makira. The final records were on Tetepare (3 April) where two birds were found.

Sacred Kingfisher Todirhamphus sanctus
The most frequently encountered kingfisher of the expedition with sightings in New Zealand (22-23 March: 6 and 5), Norfolk Island (25 March: 4), New Caledonia (27-28 March: 1 on both days) and on Kolombangara (4 April: 3). Lone birds were also found on the ship whilst cruising off Bougainville and New Ireland (5-6 April).

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Two birds were seen whilst zodiac cruising at Kolombangara (4 April).

Blyth’s Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus
Seen on a daily basis on the last three days of landings in the Solomon Islands with a total of sixteen individuals noted.

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus kizuki
Three birds were found on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides
Two birds werer seen during the shore excursion on Norfolk Island (25 March).

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One of these very widespread falcons was seen on New Caledonia (27 March) with another six days later on Guadalcanal.

New Zealand Kaka Nestor meridionalis
A low A was logged on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

Solomons (“Ducorps’”) Cockatoo Cacatua ducorpsii
This species was first found at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 2 April where a low A was logged with more individuals then seen on the subsequent two days (ie Tetepare and Kolombangara).

Finsch’s Pygmy-parrot Micropsitta finschii
Although this species is reasonably numerous in the Solomons, its tiny size can make it difficult to spot. It was recorded on two dates with three at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) and four a couple of days later at Imbu Rano Lodge on Kolombangara.

Papuan Eclectus Eclectus polychloros
This colourful parrot was recorded on two days whilst travelling through the Solomon Islands with six seen on Makira (1 April) and three on Kolombangara.

Song (“Singing”) Parrot Geoffroyus heteroclitus
Seen on Tetepare and Kolombangara (3-4 April) with a total of four birds recorded.

Also known as the Singing Parrot, it is difficult to understand how this species got either of these names, given its calls are generally as raucous and untuneful as most other parrots.

[Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans]
This introduced species is reasonably common on Norfolk Island and with a low A logged there on 25 March.

[Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius]
About four individuals of this introduced parrot were seen on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

Horned Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus
WPO 2024 proved to be an exceptionally good trip for what is often a tricky New Caledonian endemic with a low A logged at both Mount Koghi (27 March) and Riviere Bleue (28 April).

New Caledonian Parakeet Cyanoramphus saissetti
Another species which is not seen on every WPO visit to New Caledonia with three at Mount Koghi (27 March) and a further two birds the following day at Riviere Bleue.

Norfolk Island Parakeet Cyanoramphus cookii
The number of parakeets found on Norfolk Island varies markedly from year to year due to the availability of their favoured food and on this visit the birds were a little tricky to find although at least three individuals were seen during the shore excursion on 25 March.

Red-crowned Parakeet Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
The last of the three lookalike parakeets seen on the voyage with a low A recorded on Urupukapuka Island on 23 March.

Meek’s Lorikeet Charmosyna meeki
This small parrot is often tricky to find on Kolombangara but some of the group were fortunate to see it at Imbu Rano Lodge on Kolombangara (4 April) where two were noted.

Duchess Lorikeet Charmosyna margarethae
One of the best-looking parrots of the trip and as with Meek’s Lorikeet, it can be very tricky to find. Several very small groups were seen at Imbu Rano Lodge, Kolombangara (4 April) with an estimated eight birds recorded.

Yellow-bibbed Lory Lorius chlorocercus
A Solomon Islands endemic which was only seen at Mount Austin on Guadalcanal (2 April: 6).

Cardinal Lory Pseudeos cardinalis
This brilliantly coloured parrot was seen on Guadalcanal, Tetepare and Kolombangara with A logged on each occasion.

Coconut Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
This species was first recorded on both days in New Caledonia and was also seen on the last four islands we visited in the Solomons.

Previously lumped with the Rainbow Lorikeet of Australia, the birds on New Caledonia and in the Solomons are now widely regarded to be a different species.

Tui Prosthermadera novaeseelandie
Seen on both Great Barrier and Urupukapuka Islands (22-23 March) with a low A logged on both dates.

New Zealand Bellbird Anthornis melanura
Four birds were found on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

New Caledonia Myzomela Myzomela caledonica
The first of six species of Myzomela recorded on the voyage with a low A logged at Mount Koghi on 27 March and three the following day at Riviere Bleue.

Cardinal Myzomela Myzomela cardinalis
Two birds were seen on Makira (16 April).

Micronesian Myzomela Myzomela rubratra
A common species on Chuuk with a high A logged on both days we were ashore (9-10 April).

Crimson-rumped (Yellow-vented) Myzomela Myzomela eichhorni
A relatively scarce and range-restricted Solomon endemic, with a total of ten birds logged across the two days on Tetepare (3 April) and Kolombangara (4 April).

Black-headed Myzomela Myzomela melanocephala
Endemic to some of the islands in the Central Solomons, with four individuals recorded at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal on 2 April.

Sooty Myzomela Myzomela tristrami
Seen in reasonable numbers on Santa Ana and Makira (31 March-1 April) with A logged on both dates.

Grey-eared (“Dark-brown”) Honeyeater Lichmera incana
This species is more readily found in scrubby and urban habitats on New Caledonia than in the forest at Riviere Bleue or Mount Koghi with A logged on our first day ashore and five the following day.

New Caledonian Friarbird Philemon diemenensis
This endemic was well seen on the excursion to Mount Koghi on New Caledonia and the following day at Riviere Bleue with A logged on both dates.

Makira Honeyeater (“San Cristobal Melidectes”) Meliarchus sclateri
This impressive honeyeater, which is endemic to Makira and a few offshore islets proved to be tricky to see in 2024 with just two individuals recorded (1 April).

Crow Honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana
This species which is classified as critically endangered is generally the trickiest endemic at Riviere Bleue and is only found on about 50% or so of our visits to New Caledonia and then not necessarily seen by everyone in the group. On this year’s visit (28 March) one bird was found but it proved somewhat elusive.

Barred Honeyeater Glycifohia undulata
Seen in reasonable numbers at Mount Koghi (27 March: A) with similar numbers the following day at Riviere Bleue.

Grey Gerygone Gerygone igata
A reasonably common bird on both Great Barrier and Urupukapuka Islands with A logged on both dates (22-23 March).

Norfolk Island Gerygone Gerygone modesta
This Norfolk Island endemic is reasonably numerous with a low A recorded on 25 March.

Fan-tailed Gerygone Gerygone flavolateralis
Good numbers were seen on New Caledonia during the excursions to Mount Koghi and Riviere Bleue with A noted on both days.

North Island Saddleback Philesturnus rufusater
Seen in reasonable numbers on Urupukapuka Island (23 March) with a low A recorded.

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
This species is generally only encountered in ‘open country’ habitats on New Caledonia with six birds seen during the trip to Mount Koghi (27 March) and a similar number the following day at Riviere Bleue. A woodswallow was also seen on Norfolk Island (25 March) but all woodswallows are vagrants there and the bird was only seen briefly and could not be assigned to species.

Southern Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caledonica
Another species which can be tricky on New Caledonia but we were fortunate to find at least ten individuals on our two excursions with five at Mount Koghi on 27 March and a similar number the following day at Riviere Bleue.

It is worth noting that until relatively recently the birds on New Caledonia were lumped with those in the Solomon Islands, however, these have now been split into two separate species by most ‘authorities’.

Northern Melanesian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina welchmani
A total of four birds were found on Kolombangara (4 April).

Barred (“Yellow-eyed”) Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata
This cuckoo-shrike was seen on Makira, Guadalcanal, Tetepare and Kolombangara (1-4 April) with a very low A recorded on the last three dates and two bird on the first day.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Three birds were logged at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April), with six on both subsequent days.

New Caledonian Cuckoo-shrike Coracina analis
This New Caledonian endemic is generally only seen in small numbers at Riviere Bleue and 2024 followed this pattern with four individuals being recorded on 28 March.

Grey-capped Cicadabird Coracina remota
One of the highest counts of this species of any WPO with a total of fourteen individuals across Guadalcanal, Tetepare and Kolombangara (2-4 April).

Makira Cicadabird Coracina salomonis
Seven individuals of this localised endemic were found during the visit to Makira (1 April).

Solomon Islands Cuckoo-shrike Coracina holopolia
On WPO expeditions, this species is usually the least frequently encountered of the cuckoo-shrikes which occur in the Solomons and 2024 was no exception with one bird at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April) being the only sighting.

[Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen]
Two birds were seen on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

Long-tailed Triller Lalage leucopyga
Two individuals were seen at Mount Koghi, New Caledonia on 27 March, with four birds the following day at Riviere Bleue. The highest count, however, was in the Solomons where three birds were logged on Santa Ana (31 March) with a low A recorded the following day on Makira.

Whitehead Mohoua albicilla
This New Zealand endemic was reasonably numerous on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

Norfolk Island (“Golden”) Whistler Pachycephala (pectoralis) xanthoprocta
A low A was logged on Norfolk Island on 25 March.

Although currently included within the Golden Whistler complex, the unique (and extremely drab) plumage of this endemic form certainly warrants further study and it is surely only a matter of time before it is given specific status.

Oriole Whistler Pachycephala orioloides
This vocal songster was seen on Santa Ana (31 March) with a minimum of six individuals noted. A lone bird was then seen at Mount Austin (2 April) with more heard on Tetepare and Kolombangara (3-4 April).

New Caledonian Whistler Pachycephala caledonica
This species is generally found in more forested habitats than the next species (ie Rufous Whistler) with a low A logged at both Mount Koghi (27 March) and Riviere Bleue (28 March).

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Two birds were seen during the shore excursion to Mount Koghi, New Caledonia (27 March).

Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Seen on four dates during our time in the Solomons with a low A logged on most dates.

White-winged (“Cockerell’s”) Fantail Rhipidura cockerelli
This fantail generally seems to be less numerous than some other species in the same family with only one sighting – a lone bird on Tetepare on 3 April.

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa
This reasonably widespread fantail was recorded on Norfolk Island (25 March) and New Caledonia (27-28 March) with a low A logged on each date.

New Zealand Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa
Fairly common on both Great Barrier and Urukpukapuka Islands (22-23 March).

New Caledonian Streaked Fantail Rhipidura verreauxi
This localised fantail was found at both Mount Koghi (27 March: 4) and Riviere Bleue (28 March: low A).

This species has been recently split and the populations on New Caledonia are now regarded as separate species from those on Fiji (Rhipidura layardi) and Vanuatu (Rhipidura spilodera).

Solomons Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufofronta
Another fantail which has been split since WPO 2023 with birds seen on Santa Ana (31 March: low A) and Makira (1 April: low A) and heard on Kolombangara.

Despite the recent taxonomic change, further work on the subspecies/species boundaries in this fantail is surely needed given how much variety there is in plumage.

Southern Shrikebill Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides
This species seems to have become trickier to find at Riviere Bleue in recent years but two birds were seen there on 28 March with the same number also found the previous day at Mount Koghi.

Chuuk Monarch Metabolus rugensis
Four of these localised endemic monarchs were found on the excursion to Dublon on 10 April with two individuals also found on the trip to Tol South.

Solomons (“Black and white”) Monarch Symposiachrus barbatus
This Solomons endemic is often tricky at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal and was only heard on our visit on 2 April.

Kolombangara Monarch Symposiachrus browni
Despite its name, this species is found on a few islands other than Kolombangara and it was seen on Tetepare (3 April: 4) and Kolombangara (4 April: very low A).

White-collared Monarch Monarcha vidua
Five individuals of this localised endemic were seen on Santa Ana (31 March) with a lone bird the following day on Makira.

Chestnut-bellied Monarch Monarcha castaneiventris
This Solomon Islands endemic was seen on Guadalcanal with two birds logged at Mount Austin on 2 April.

Makira (Chestnut-bellied) Monarch Monarcha (castaneiventris) megarhynchus
A low A on Santa Ana (31 March) with four the following day on Makira.

The taxonomy of this ‘species’ remains confused with the all-black birds on islands such as Ugi and Santa Ana currently regarded as the same as those on Makira (which look similar to Chestnut-bellied Monarchs) despite their very obvious plumage difference.

White-capped Monarch Monarcha richardsii
This monarch is only found in the New Georgia group of islands (within the Solomons) and was seen during our shore excursions on Tetepare (3 April: 6) and Kolombangara (4 April: 4).

Oceanic Flycatcher Myiagra oceanica
This species is endemic to Chuuk with A logged on both dates we were ashore (9-10 April).

Steel-blue Flycatcher Myiagra ferrocyanea
Another Solomon Islands endemic which was seen on Guadalcanal (2 April: 6), Tetepare (3 April: 2) and Kolombangara (4 April: 2).

Makira Flycatcher Myiagra cervinicauda
One of these range-restricted Solomon endemics was seen on Makira on 1 April.

Melanesian (“New Caledonian”) Flycatcher Myiagra caledonica
This species was seen at both Mount Koghi and Riviere Bleue, New Caledonia with a total of eleven individuals logged across the two days.

Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus
One on Miyake-jima (17 April).

New Caledonian Crow Corvus moneduloides
This species is generally easier to find at Mount Koghi than Riviere Bleue and 2024 proved to be no exception with four logged on 27 March and two birds the following day.

This species is regarded as one of the most intelligent bird species in the world and individuals are regularly recorded using sticks as tools to help them procure food.

White-billed (“Guadalcanal”) Crow Corvus woodfordi
This corvid can be extremely elusive at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal and on some visits is not recorded, however, it was heard but not seen on 2 April.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhychos
A low A was logged whilst ashore on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Yellow-bellied Robin Eopsaltria flaviventris
Five individuals of this New Caledonian endemic were logged at Mount Koghi on 27 March but more were found the following day at Riviere Bleue where it is invariably commoner with a low A recorded.

Norfolk Robin Petroica multicolor
This handsome species was seen in decent numbers during the excursion on Norfolk Island with at least eight individuals logged (25 March).

The taxonomy of this bird has changed twice in recent years, as it was originally considered a subspecies of the Scarlet Robin of mainland Australia. Subsequently, it was included within Pacific Robin, however, the birds on Norfolk Island have now been given specific status and it is thus a single island endemic.

Tomtit Petroica macrocephala
This species was reasonably numerous on Urupukapuka Island with at least five individuals seen (23 March).

North Island Robin Petroica longipes
Reasonable numbers of this New Zealand endemic were found on Urupukapuka Island (23 March) with a low A recorded.

Owston’s Tit Sittoparus owstoni
This Japanese speciality is endemic to just a handful of islands in the Izu archipelago, however, it was well seen on our landing on Miyake-jima (17 April) with at least five individuals being recorded.

Japanese (“Eastern Great”) Tit Parus minor
Two birds were seen on Miyake-jima (17 April).

[Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer]
This Asian introduction was seen in moderate numbers around Noumea, New Caledonia on both 27 and 28 March with a low A logged on both dates.

Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis
A was logged on both Chichi-jima (15 April) and Miyake-jima (17 April).

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Two birds were found on Chichi-jima (15 April) with A then logged on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Seen on all the islands visited in the Solomons with A logged on two dates and single figure counts on the other three days.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena
Seen in modest numbers on our two days of landings in New Zealand (22-23 March) and also on Norfolk Island (25 March).

Japanese Budh Warbler Horomis diphone
This species was common by voice on Chichi-jima (17 April) but was also seen with a low A recorded. Two days later on Miyake-jima, only one individual was seen.

Ijima’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus ijimae
Almost the entire population of this Japanese endemic breeder breeds on the Izu Islands and a low A was logged on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Carolinian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus syrinx
A total of eleven individuals were logged across the two days on Chuuk (9-10 April).

New Zealand Fernbird Poodytes punctatus
A lone bird was found on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

New Caledonian Thicketbird Cincloramphus mariaie
Although this endemic is regarded as ‘locally common’, it is notoriously difficult to see well, however, for the second year in succession many of the group had some reasonable views at Mount Koghi (27 March).

Teardrop (“Great Truk”) White-eye Rukia ruki
This large white-eye is only known from four islands in the Chuuk lagoon and it is generally necessary to climb to at least 250m elevation on islands such as Tol South to see it where it is also not particularly common. On 10 April, one bird was seen at c300m after an extremely tough climb on Tol South.

Warbling White-eye Zosterops japonicus
A was logged on both Chichi-jima (15 April) and Miyake-jima (17 April).

Citrine White-eye Zosterops semperi
The common white-eye in Chuuk with A logged on both dates.

Solomon Islands White-eye Zosterops kulambangrae
This slightly confusingly named white-eye is only found in the New Georgia group of islands (including Kolombangara) within the Solomons archipelago. During our shore excursions on Kolombangara, a low A was logged on 4 April.

Dark-eyed White-eye Zosterops tetiparius
Good numbers of this very local endemic were seen during our landings on Tetepare (3 April) with A logged.

It is worth noting that even though Tetepare and the nearby island of Rendova are less than 3kms apart, different subspecies occur on the two islands.

Green-backed White-eye Zosterops xanthochrous
This New Caledonian endemic is reasonably common and A was recorded on both excursions on the island (27-28 March).

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis
Found in reasonable numbers on our two days of excursions in New Zealand (22-23 March) and on Norfolk Island (25 March) with A recorded on each occasion. Small numbers were also found on New Caledonia.

Slender-billed White-eye Zosterops tenuirostris
This Norfolk Island endemic was well seen with a low A logged on 25 March.

Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Four individuals of this widespread species were found on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica
Seen on all islands we visited in the Solomons with A logged on most occasions.

Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides
Another starling which was recorded in the Solomon Islands with a low A found on Santa Ana (31 March) and slightly higher numbers three days later on Tetepare.

Brown-winged Starling Aplonis grandis
This Solomon Islands endemic was found on Guadalcanal where a low A was logged on 2 April with a lone individual the following day on Tetepare.

Despite its name, the diagnostic pale brown primaries can, on occasions, be moderately difficult to see when birds are perched.

Striated Starling Aplonis striata
A low A was recorded at Mount Koghi (27 March) but just a couple of individuals the following day at Riviere Bleue.

Micronesia Starling Aplonis opaca
A common bird in Chuuk with a low B logged on both days (9-10 April).

Long-tailed Myna Mino kreffti
This myna was seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April: A), Tetepare (3 April: low A) and on Kolombangara (4 April: 6).

[Common Myna Acridotheres tristis]
This Asian introduction was reasonably numerous at Urupukapuka Island (23 March), on New Caledonia (27-28 March) and in Honiara, Guadalcanal (2 April) with A recorded on all four dates.

[Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris]
This introduced species is reasonably common on Norfolk Island with A logged during the shore excursion (25 March) with smaller numbers also seen on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

White’s Thrush Zoothera aurea
A lone bird on Chichi-jima (15 April) was the sole record of the voyage.

[Blackbird Turdus merula]
An introduced species in both New Zealand and on Norfolk Island with low numbers seen on Great Barrier, Urupukapuka and Norfolk Islands.

Izu Thrush Turdus celaenops
A total of four birds were seen on Miyake-jima (17 April).

[Song Thrush Turdus philmelos]
Like Blackbird, this species was introduced in both New Zealand and Norfolk Island with two seen on Urupukapuka Island (23 March) and similar numbers a couple of days later on Norfolk Island.

Izu Robin Larvivora tanensis
This species is resident and endemic to the Izu Islands and was only split from Japanese Robin a few years ago. Like Japanese Robin, it can be hard to see even where common by voice, however, at least three were seen on Moyake-jima (17 April).

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Six were found on Chichi-jima (15 April) with another on Miyake-jima (17 April).

Midget Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeneum
This Solomon Islands endemic is not uncommon at Mount Austin on Guadalcanal but its small size can make getting good views somewhat challenging. Nevertheless, we had some decent looks with A being logged (2 April).

Mottled Flowerpecker Dicaeum tristrami
This localised Solomons endemic was seen during our shore excursion on Makira where A was recorded (1 April).

Sahul (“Olive-backed”) Sunbird Cinnyris frenatus
Seen at Mount Austin, Guadalcanal (2 April: 4) and on Tetepare (3 April: low A) and Kolombangara (4 April: low A).

What was previously regarded as one very widespread species, ie Olive-backed Sunbird, has recently been split into multiple species with the birds seen on the WPO now treated as Sahul Sunbirds.

[House Sparrow Passer domesticus]
Another introduction which was seen on both Great Barrier and Urupukapuka Islands, on Norfolk Island and on our first day in New Caledonia.

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
Four individuals were seen on our first day on New Caledonia (27 March).

Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa
A lone bird was seen on Weno on our first day on Chuuk (9 April), however, the species was seen in larger numbers the following morning on Dublon where a low A was logged including a pair which was building a nest.

Red-throated Parrotfinch Erythrura psittacea
As usual, this New Caledonian endemic was only seen in small numbers with a low A at Mount Koghi (27 March) and three birds the following day at Riviere Bleue.

[Dunnock Prunella modularis]
One was seen on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Two on Miyake-jima (17 April).

New Zealand Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
A lone bird was found on Urupukapuka Island (23 March).

Oriental Greenfinch Chloris sinica
Three on Miyake-jima (17 April).

[European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis]
An introduction to New Zealand with one seen on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

[Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs]
This species was introduced into New Zealand in the 1860s with a lone bird seen on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

[Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella]
Another species which was introduced into New Zealand with one found on Great Barrier Island (22 March).

Meadow Bunting Emberiza ciodes
One on Miyake-jima (17 April).

CETACEANS

Sperm Whale Physter macrocephalus
A total of sixteen Sperm Whales were seen: five on 26 March (sea day north of Norfolk Island), eight in the afternoon after leaving Guadalcanal (2 April), one off Bougainville (5 April) and two not far from Miyake-jima (17 April).

Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae
Seen in reasonable numbers from 15-17 April (Chichi-jima to Miyake-jima) with several seen breaching.

Fin Whale Balaenoptera physalus
One off Bougainville on 5 April was the first time this species had been recorded in this region on the WPO.

Omura’s Whale Balaenoptera omurai
A whales seen on 5 April was thought likely to be this poorly known tropical species which is now split by some authorities from Bryde’s Whale.

Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus
Pods were seen on three widely spaced dates during the expedition with the first being not far from the western end of Guadalcanal (2 April: A) with similar numbers off New Ireland (6 April) and the final sighting not far from Chichi-jima (15 April).

False Killer Whale Pseudorca crassidens
A pod was seen on 2 April not far beyond the western end of Guadalcanal.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale Mesoplodon densirostris
Somewhat unexpectedly, there was only one sighting of this species, a lone animal not far from Norfolk Island (25 March),

Pygmy Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps
One individual was recorded on 5 April off Bougainville.

Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncates
Bottlenose Dolphins were seen on three dates and whilst it is likely most of these were the more widespread species, ie Bottlenose Dolphin, it is possible some of the pods were Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins which overlaps with Tursiops truncates. As the two are moderately difficult to tell apart, it is probably best left that at least some of the sightings were indeterminate between the two.

Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis
Sightings on two dates (30 March sea day south of the Solomon Islands: 5) and (2 April west of Guadalcanal: 4).

Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris
This is often amongst the most frequently encountered dolphin species on the WPO, however, sightings were below average with pods only seen on two dates, 27 March (approaching New Caledonia) and 5 April (offshore from Bougainville).

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuate
Three pods of this widespread tropical dolphin was seen with the first being west of Guadalcanal on 2 April (very low A). Slightly higher numbers were then found off Bougainville three days later with the final records being on the sea day near Torishima (16 April)

OTHER MAMMALS

Ornate Flying Fox Pteropus ornatus
One on New Caledonia on 27 March.

Chuuk Flying Fox Pteropus pelagicus
Seen on both days on Chuuk with only one sighting on 9 April but a low A the following day.

Polynesian Sheath-tailed Bat Emballonura semicaudata
A was logged on Chuuk on 9 April.

Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi
One was seen on Miyake-jima (17 April).

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