Notes on the Avifauna of Niuafo'ou Island, Kingdom of Tonga

Abstract

Observations on the status and habits of birds of the Tonga island of Niuafo'ou are recorded and short notes are given on most of the 16 species observed, with special reference to the Niuafo'ou Megapode. The Jungle Mynah is recorded for the first time on the island. The avifauna comprises Fijian, Samoan and Tongan elements, and it is characterized by a low degree of endemism. The volcanic activity of Niuafo'ou may have had a considerable influence on the number of bird species and on the rates of extinction and successful colonization.