The Avifauna of 'Eua and Its Off-shore Islet Kalau, Kingdom of Tonga

Abstract

This paper reports observations on the birds of the Tongan island of 'Eua and its small off-shore island Kalau, which has never been visited by ornithologists. Thirty-two species have been observed, and notes on the biology of most of these are given. Three species have become extinct on 'Eua since the end of the 18th century, one of which, Clytorhynchus vitiensis, was seen on Kalau. The composition of the avifauna, the avifaunal changes since human settlement, and current threats to the birds of 'Eua are briefly discussed.