Notes on the birds of Viti Levu and Taveuni, Fiji

Abstract

Notes are given on the status and biology of Fijian birds based on visits to Viti Levu and Taveuni during 1973. Few Fijian landbirds are endangered and most of the endemic forms are still common. The flightless rail Nesoclopeus poecilopterus and the warbler Trichocichla rufa, both of which have been feared extinct since the last century, were rediscovered on Viti Levu. The Taveuni population of Petroica multicolor is given a new subspecific name. It is suggested that recent reports of 'unknown' landbirds in Fiji may be based on misidentifications. Field notes on habitat preferences, diet, general behaviour and vocalizations are summarized for most of the species that were seen.