New Behavioral, Ecological, and Biogeographic Data on the Avifauna of Rennell, Solomon Islands

Abstract

During an expedition to Rennell, Solomon Islands, from 20 to 30 June 1997, we collected specimen and observational data that add to our understanding of this island's unique avifauna. We observed three species previously unrecorded on Rennell: a putative caprimulgid species, the Tree Martin (Hirundo nigricans), and the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae), suggesting that further research will add to the known Rennell avifauna. In combination with previous work, our specimen data suggest that many Rennellese land birds have prolonged breeding seasons typical of those of birds of lowland tropical regions. Our observations indicate that two species, the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the Singing Starling (Aplonis cantoroides), have colonized Rennell and increased in abundance over the past several decades. Reported initially as vagrants, the population establishment and increases of these two species portend the importance of vagrant species on islands subjected to increased human disturbance.