Hong Kong Bird Report

Transcription

1 Hong Kong Bird Report 香港鳥類年報

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9 Published in Dec 年 12 月出版 The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society 香港觀鳥會 14/F., Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China 中國香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓 (Approved Charitable Institution of Public Character) ( 認可公共性質慈善機構 ) Editors: Geoff Carey, John Allcock, Gary Chow and Geoff Welch 編輯 : 賈知行 John Allcock 周家禮 Geoff Welch Front Cover 封面 : Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica 金翅雀 Tsing Yi Park, 8 th February 2008 青衣公園 2008 年 2 月 8 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超

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11 Hong Kong Bird Report : Committees The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society 香港觀鳥會 Committees and Officers 2011 榮譽會長 Honorary President 林超英先生 Mr. Lam Chiu Ying 執行委員會 Executive Committee 主席 Chairman 劉偉民先生 Mr. Lau Wai Man, Apache 副主席 Vice-chairman 吳祖南博士 Dr. Ng Cho Nam 副主席 Vice-chairman 吳敏先生 Mr. Michael Kilburn 義務秘書 Hon. Secretary 陳慶麟先生 Mr. Chan Hing Lun, Alan 義務司庫 Hon. Treasurer 周智良小姐 Ms. Chow Chee Leung, Ada 委員 Committee members 林超英先生 Mr. Lam Chiu Ying 李慧珠小姐 Ms. Lee Wai Chu, Ronley Mr. John Allcock 方健華先生 Mr. Fong Kin Wa, Forrest 區俊茵小姐 Ms. Au Chun Yan, Joanne 施百納先生 Mr. Bena Smith 蘇毅雄先生 Mr. So Ngai Hung, Samson 蔡松柏先生 Mr. Choi Chung Pak, David ( 紅耳鵯俱樂部主席 ) (Chairman, Crested Bulbul Club) 義務核數師 Honorary Auditor 黃龍德會計師事務所有限公司 Patrick Wong C.P.A. LIMITED 義務法律顧問 Honorary Legal Advisor 何志明先生 Mr Ho Chi Ming 紀錄委員會 Records Committee 主席 Chairman 賈知行先生 Mr. Geoff Carey 秘書 Secretary Mr. Geoff Welch 委員 Committee members Mr. Richard Lewthwaite 利雅德先生 Mr. Paul Leader 利偉文博士 Dr. Michael Leven 余日東先生 Mr. Yu Yat Tung 周家禮先生 Mr. Chow Ka Lai, Gary

12 Hong Kong Bird Report : Editorial Preface Editorial Preface The years 2007 and 2008 both proved to be very good, with the two highest annual species totals since HKBWS records began. It remains to be seen whether this is a oneoff phenomenon, or whether it sets a pattern for the future. The rise in the number of photographers in particular has resulted in a number of records of species new to or rare in HK that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. In addition, the rewards of regularly visiting Po Toi during the migration seasons are amply demonstrated by the number of firsts that have been recorded on the island: five in , with two in the seas nearby. This is in addition to three in The editorial team is working hard to publish reports in order to clear the backlog. This bumper edition was put together in approximately eight months, and the aim is to be in a position to revert to single-year reports for the 2011 edition. GJC would like to express his gratitude to JAA and GC for their work, but in particular to GW for his ceaseless and untiring efforts in ensuring this report came out much more smoothly and quickly that it would otherwise have done. The editorial team would like to thank the translators who carried out this time-consuming task. Geoff J Carey, Chief Editor Editors Geoff Welch, John Allcock and Gary Chow Translators Bonnie Chan, Derek Chan, Chan Ying Chi, Chow Lai Kuen, Celia Ho, Alvin Hui, Eling Lee, Katherine Leung, Angel Li, Patty Tse, Heidi Yu

13 Hong Kong Bird Report : Editorial Preface 編者序言 2007 及 2008 年為觀鳥的大好年份, 因為這是香港觀鳥會自有紀錄以來最高鳥種數目的兩年, 我們且看這是偶發現象還是大勢所趨 近年鳥攝者數量的增加亦造就了一些新鳥種或稀有鳥種的紀錄, 否則牠們的存在依然未為人所知 此外, 遷徙季節期間我們在蒲台島的定期觀察亦獲得可觀的回報 : 年共 5 個香港新鳥種, 另有兩個新鳥種於附近海域發現 ; 而在 則只有三種 編輯部正在努力不懈地繼續出版餘下的年報, 而這本特厚的雙年年報前後花了差不多 8 個月時間完成, 我們的目標是要在 2011 年開始回復出版單年年報 本人賈知行非常感謝 JAA 及周家禮先生的協助, 還有 GW 從無間斷及不屈不撓的投入, 否則出版這年報便不會如此順暢及有效率地完成 最後非常感謝負責翻譯的義工協助完成這項費時的工作 主編賈知行 編輯 Geoff Welch, John Allcock 及周家禮 翻譯義工陳芳玲 陳健德 陳盈之 周麗娟 何煒筠 許桓峰 李佩玲 梁嘉善 李安琪 謝穎詩及余海寧

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15 Hong Kong Bird Report : Contents Hong Kong Bird Report 香港鳥類年報 Contents 目錄 List of Plates 圖片目錄 Records Committee Report 紀錄委員會報告 Geoff J. Carey 賈知行 Annual Summaries 全年摘要 Geoff Welch Systematic List 分類總覽 Geoff Carey 賈知行, Yu Yat Tung 余日東, Richard Lewthwaite, John Holmes 孔思義, John Allcock, Geoff Welch Black Scoter Melanitta americana at Mai Po NR: The first Hong Kong record 米埔的美洲黑海番鴨 : 香港首個紀錄 Bena R. Smith and John A. Allcock Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii in Eastern Waters: The first Hong Kong record 東部水域伙頭墳洲的黃嘴潛鳥 : 香港首個紀錄 Yu Yat-tung 余日東 White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus in waters southeast of Po Toi Island: The first Hong Kong record 蒲台島東南水域的白尾鸏 : 香港首個紀錄 Michael Turnbull 譚寶爾 Masked Booby Sula dactylatra off Po Toi Island: The first Hong Kong record 蒲苔島對開海面的藍臉鰹鳥 : 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis at Mai Po NR: The first Hong Kong record 米埔的草原鵰 : 香港首個紀錄 Daniel C K Chan 陳志光

16 Hong Kong Bird Report : Contents Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus at Mai Po NR: The first Hong Kong record 米埔的西方秧雞 : 香港首個紀錄 John A Allcock Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume in southern waters: The first Hong Kong record 南部水域的冠海雀 : 香港首個紀錄 Michelle and Peter Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus on Po Toi Island: The first Hong Kong record 蒲台島的大杜鵑 : 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica at Lead Mine Pass, Shing Mun: The first Hong Kong record. 鉛礦坳的褐林鴞 : 香港首個紀錄 Wong Choi On 黃才安 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio at Ho Man Tin: The first Hong Kong record 何文田的紅背伯勞 : 香港首個紀錄 To Wai Yi 陶偉意 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus at Long Valley: The first Hong Kong record 塱原的歐柳鶯 : 香港首個紀錄 Frankie Chu 朱錦滿 Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror at Tai Po Kau: The first Hong Kong record 大埔滘的淡尾鶲鶯 : 香港首個紀錄 Michelle and Peter Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri at Mai Po NR: The first Hong Kong record 米埔的斑背大尾鶯 : 香港首個紀錄 Paul J. Leader 利雅德, John A. Allcock, David Stanton and Katherine Leung 梁嘉善 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca blythi at Mai Po NR: The first Hong Kong record 米埔的 西伯利亞 白喉林鶯 : 香港首個紀錄 Paul J Leader 利雅德 and John A Allcock Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni on Po Toi Island: The first Hong Kong record 蒲台島的黑喉紅尾鴝 : 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch

17 Hong Kong Bird Report : Contents Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii at Tso Kung Tam near Tsuen Wan: The first Hong Kong record 曹公潭近荃灣的銹胸藍姬鶲 : 香港首個紀錄 Andy Luk Yueng Cheung 張玉良 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva on Po Toi Island: The first Hong Kong record 蒲台島的紅胸姬鶲 : 香港首個紀錄 Paul J Leader 利雅德 and Geoff Welch Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis on Po Toi Island: The first record of this taxon in Hong Kong 蒲台島的白腹姬鶲 cumatilis 亞種 : 此亞種在香港的首個紀錄 John Holmes 孔思義 Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea on Po Toi Island: An addition to Category III of the Hong Kong List 蒲台島的紫寬嘴鶇 : 香港鳥類名錄第 III 類新增品種 Geoff Welch Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps near Mai Po: An addition to Category III of the Hong Kong List 米埔附近的褐頭鵐 : 香港鳥類名錄第 III 類新增品種 Teddy Chua 蔡世傑 Bird Migration on Po Toi Island, Hong Kong 蒲台島的雀鳥遷徙 Geoff Welch The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong 霍氏鷹鵑和北鷹鵑在香港的狀況及其辨識 Paul J Leader 利雅德 Observations at the Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 黃竹坑鷺鳥夜棲所的觀察 2009 David J Stanton White-throated Kingfisher eating Apple Snails 白胸翡翠捕食福壽螺 David J Stanton Guidelines for the Submission of Records 呈交鳥類紀錄指引 Notes for applications to visit Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve 申請進入米埔自然護理區 Hong Kong Map 香港地圖

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19 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates List of Plates 圖片目錄 Front Cover 封面 Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica 金翅雀 Tsing Yi Park, 8 th February 2008 青衣公園 2008 年 2 月 8 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超 Plate 1 Plate 2 Plate 3 Plate 4 Plate 5 Plate 6 Plate 7 Plate 8 Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus 中華鷓鴣 Hung Shing Ye, Lamma Island, 12 th May 2007 南丫島洪聖爺灣 2007 年 5 月 12 日 Harry Li 李炳偉 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 赤麻鴨 Mai Po NR, 21 st April 2007 米埔 2007 年 4 月 21 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 Falcated Duck Anas falcata 羅紋鴨 NT Mai Po NR, 4 th February 2007 米埔 2007 年 2 月 4 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 Baikal Teal Anas formosa 花臉鴨 Hang Tau, 16 th December 2008 坑頭 2008 年 12 月 16 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 鳳頭潛鴨 Nam Sang Wai, 9 th January 2008 南生圍 2008 年 1 月 9 日 K N Cheung 張冠南 Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus 曳尾鸌 Eastern Waters, 27 th September 2008 東面水域 2008 年 9 月 27 日 Yu Yat Tung 余日東 Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis 黑鳽 Po Toi Island, 12 th May 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 5 月 12 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 Great Frigatebird Fregata minor 黑腹軍艦鳥 Waters south of Lamma Island, 27 th April 2008 南丫島南面水域 2008 年 4 月 27 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 Plate 9 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus 鶚 ( 魚鷹 ) Mai Po NR, 15 th April 2007 米埔 2007 年 4 月 15 日 Kinni Ho 何建業

20 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 10 Plate 11 Plate 12 Plate 13 Plate 14 Plate 15 Plate 16 Plate 17 Plate 18 Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus 白腹鷂 Mai Po NR, 15 th November 2008 米埔 2008 年 11 月 15 日 Cherry Wong 黃卓研 Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides 白喉斑秧鷄 Lai Chi Kok Park, 24 th November 2007 荔枝角公園 2007 年 11 月 24 日 Owen Chiang 深藍 Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus 東方鴴 Mai Po NR, 13 th April 2008 米埔 2008 年 4 月 13 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 丘鷸 Mai Po Car Park, 26 th January 2008 米埔停車場 2008 年 1 月 26 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 彎嘴濱鷸 Mai Po NR, 14 th April 2008 米埔 2008 年 4 月 14 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍 Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 灰瓣蹼鷸 Nam Chung, 27 th April 2008 南涌 2008 年 4 月 27 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超 Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 三趾鷗 and Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 短尾賊鷗 Southern Waters, 5 th April 2008 南面水域 2008 年 4 月 5 日 Liu Jianzhong White-bellied Green Pigeon Treron sieboldii 紅翅綠鳩 Shek Kong, 4 th January 2007 石崗 2007 年 1 月 4 日 Owen Chiang 深藍 Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus 八聲杜鵑 Long Valley, 10 th November 2007 塱原 2007 年 11 月 10 日 C W Chan 陳澤榮 Plate 19 Northern Boobok Ninox japonica 鷹鴞 Lai Chi Kok Park, 18 th November 2008 荔枝角公園 2008 年 11 月 18 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 120 Plate 20 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus 短耳鴞 Mai Po NR, 30 th January 2005 米埔 2005 年 1 月 30 日 H F Cheung 張浩輝

21 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 21 Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka 普通夜鷹 Lai Chi Kok Park, 24 th November 2007 荔枝角公園 2007 年 11 月 24 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 122 Plate 22 Plate 23 Plate 24 Plate 25 Plate 26 Plate 27 Plate 28 Plate 29 Plate 30 Plate 31 Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus 栗喉蜂虎 Mai Po NR, 7 th October 2007 米埔 2007 年 10 月 7 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus 牛頭伯勞 Sai Kung, 26 th December 2008 西貢 2008 年 12 月 26 日 C W Chan 陳澤榮 Collared Crow Corvus torquatus 白頸鴉 NT Mai Po NR, 29 th November 2008 米埔 2008 年 11 月 29 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 Pale-footed Bush Warbler Cettia pallidipes 淡腳樹鶯 Lai Chi Kok Park, 6 th January 2008 荔枝角公園 2008 年 1 月 6 日 Kelvin Yam 任德政 Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes 強腳樹鶯 Long Valley, 6 th January 2008 塱原 2008 年 1 月 6 日 Sam Chan 陳巨輝 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 棕扇尾鶯 Long Valley, 25 th January 2008 塱原 2008 年 1 月 25 日 Ken Fung 馮漢城 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 金頭扇尾鶯 Long Valley, 30 th December 2007 塱原 2007 年 12 月 30 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio 白頰噪鶥 Ng Tung Chai, 19 th February 2007 梧桐寨 2007 年 2 月 19 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超 Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina 橙頭地鶇 Kap Lung, 1 st October 2008 甲龍 2008 年 10 月 1 日 Koel Ko 高偉琛 Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus 斑鶇 Shek Kong, 14 th January 2007 石崗 2007 年 1 月 14 日 Helen Chan 陳燕芳

22 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 32 Plate 33 Plate 34 Plate 35 Plate 36 Plate 37 Plate 38 Plate 39 Plate 40 Plate 41 Plate 42 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 藍磯鶇 Lamma Island, 5 th April 2008 南丫島 2008 年 4 月 5 日 Guy Miller Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina 黃眉姬鶲 Po Toi Island, 19 th October 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 10 月 19 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Mrs. Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae 藍喉太陽鳥 Tai Po Kau, 20 th March 2007 大埔滘 2007 年 3 月 20 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 燕雀 Po Toi Island, 2 nd November 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 11 月 2 日 Allen Chan 陳志雄 Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila 栗鵐 Po Toi Island, 7 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 7 日 Owen Chiang 深藍 Japanese Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata 硫磺鵐 Po Toi Island, 7 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 7 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Black Scoter Melanitta americana 美洲黑海番鴨 Mai Po NR, 9 th December 2007 米埔 2007 年 12 月 9 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Black Scoter Melanitta americana 美洲黑海番鴨 Mai Po NR, 9 th December 2007 米埔 2007 年 12 月 9 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii 黄嘴潛鳥 Eastern Waters, 26 th January 2008 東部水域 2008 年 1 月 26 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 白尾鸏 South-eastern Waters, 4 th May 2008 東南部水域 2008 年 5 月 4 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 白尾鸏 South-eastern Waters, 4 th May 2008 東南部水域 2008 年 5 月 4 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華

23 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 43 Plate 44 Plate 45 Plate 46 Plate 47 Plate 48 Plate 49 Plate 50 Plate 51 Plate 52 Plate 53 Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 藍臉鰹鳥 Po Toi Island, 18 th March 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 3 月 18 日 Geoff Welch Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 藍臉鰹鳥 Po Toi Island, 18 th March 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 3 月 18 日 Geoff Welch Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 草原鵰 Mai Po NR, 22 nd December 2008 米埔 2008 年 12 月 22 日 Daniel C K Chan 陳志光 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 草原鵰 Mai Po NR, 22 nd December 2008 米埔 2008 年 12 月 22 日 Daniel C K Chan 陳志光 Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 西方秧雞 Mai Po NR, 7 th December 2006 米埔 2006 年 12 月 7 日 Mike Kilburn 吳敏 Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 西方秧雞 Mai Po NR, 5 th December 2006 米埔 2006 年 12 月 5 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus 普通秧雞 Long Valley, 19 th April 2011 塱原 2011 年 4 月 19 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus 普通秧雞 Ho Sheung Hung, 3 rd February 2009 河上鄉 2009 年 2 月 3 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華 Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume 冠海雀 Southern Waters, 5 th May 2007 南部水域 2007 年 5 月 5 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume 冠海雀 Southern Waters, 5 th May 2007 南部水域 2007 年 5 月 5 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 大杜鵑 Po Toi Island, 4 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 4 日 Geoff Welch

24 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 54 Plate 55 Plate 56 Plate 57 Plate 58 Plate 59 Plate 60 Plate 61 Plate 62 Plate 63 Plate 64 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 大杜鵑 Po Toi Island, 4 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 4 日 Geoff Welch Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica 褐林鴞 Lead Mine Pass, 6 th November 2007 鉛礦坳 2007 年 11 月 6 日 Wong Choi On 黃才安 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 紅背伯勞 Ho Man Tin, 6 th October 2008 何文田 2008 年 10 月 6 日 To Wai Yi 陶偉意 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 紅背伯勞 Ho Man Tin, 6 th October 2008 何文田 2008 年 10 月 6 日 To Wai Yi 陶偉意 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 歐柳鶯 Long Valley, 25 th October 2008 塱原 2008 年 10 月 25 日 Frankie Chu 朱錦滿 Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror 淡尾鶲鶯 Tai Po Kau, 9 th October 2004 大埔滘 2004 年 10 月 9 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror 淡尾鶲鶯 Tai Po Kau, 9 th October 2004 大埔滘 2004 年 10 月 9 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri 斑背大尾鶯 Mai Po NR, 10 th November 2007 米埔 2007 年 11 月 10 日 Paul Leader 利雅德 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca blythi 白喉林鶯 Mai Po NR, 15 th October 2006 米埔 2006 年 10 月 15 日 Paul Leader 利雅德 Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni 黑喉紅尾鴝 Po Toi Island, 11 th December 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 12 月 11 日 Geoff Welch Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 銹胸藍姬鶲 Tso Kung Tam, 10 th February 2008 曹公潭 2008 年 2 月 10 日 Andy Cheung 張玉良

25 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 65 Plate 66 Plate 67 Plate 68 Plate 69 Plate 70 Plate 71 Plate 72 Plate 73 Plate 74 Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 銹胸藍姬鶲 Tso Kung Tam, 10 th February 2008 曹公潭 2008 年 2 月 10 日 Andy Cheung 張玉良 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲 Po Toi Island, 11 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 11 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲雄成鳥 Lamma Island, 5 th December 2010 南丫島 2010 年 12 月 5 日 Guy Miller First winter Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲首年渡冬鳥 Shek Kong, 24 th January 2009 石崗 2009 年 1 月 24 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 First-year male Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲首年雄鳥 Po Toi Island, 26 th March 2009 蒲台島 2009 年 3 月 26 日 Geoff Welch First-year male Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla 紅喉姬鶲首年雄鳥 Kam Tin, 23 rd December 2010 錦田 2010 年 12 月 23 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Adult male Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla 紅喉姬鶲雄成鳥 Long Valley, 26 th December 2010 塱原 2010 年 12 月 26 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華 Blue-and-white Flycatcher cumatilis Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis 白腹姬鶲 cumatilis 亞種 Po Toi Island, 19 th October 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 10 月 19 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea 紫寬嘴鶇 Po Toi Island, 11 th October 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 10 月 11 日 Y L Tam 譚耀良 Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps 褐頭鵐 Mai Po Access Road, 10 th January 2008 米埔擔竿洲路 2008 年 1 月 10 日 Teddy Chua 蔡世傑

26 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 75 Plate 76 Plate 77 Plate 78 Plate 79 Plate 80 Plate 81 Plate 82 Plate 83 Plate 84 Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps 褐頭鵐 Mai Po Access Road, 10 th January 2008 米埔擔竿洲路 2008 年 1 月 10 日 Teddy Chua 蔡世傑 Adult Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑成鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Adult Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑成鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Adult Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑成鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Adult Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑成鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Juvenile/first winter Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Juvenile/first winter Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德 Juvenile/first winter Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 British Museum (Natural History) 大英自然史博物館 Paul Leader 利雅德

27 Hong Kong Bird Report : List of Plates Plate 85 Plate 86 Plate 87 Plate 88 Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 Clearwater Bay, 27th October 1971 清水灣 1971 年 10 月 27 日 Clive Briffet Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 Hong Kong, October 1996 香港 1996 年 10 月 Geoff Carey 賈知行 Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 Hong Kong, October 1996 香港 1996 年 10 月 Geoff Carey 賈知行 Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 Po Toi, 13 th October 1997 蒲台島 1997 年 10 月 13 日 Paul Leader 利雅德

28 Hong Kong Bird Report : Records Committee Report Records Committee Report Geoff J Carey Records Committee Chairman The taxonomy of birds is in flux, and in order to to ensure the Hong Kong List remains in line with the most recent advances in taxonomy, the Records Committee decided at its meeting on 1 st March 2010 to align the Hong Kong List with that of the International Ornithological Congress (IOC). However, while scientific names will, therefore, follow those adopted by the IOC, English names may not. Although our aim is to use, where possible, the English names proposed at worldbirdnames.org for the IOC List, where the RC feels there is a particular issue, we reserve the right to use an alternative name. In addition, the categorisation system for the HK List has also been revised. The primary change concerns the removal of Category B, which previously comprised species that appeared to have occurred in a wild state, but for which the possibility of non-natural origin could not be satisfactorily ruled out. Species previously in this category have been reassigned to Category I or III as appropriate. The previous Categories C and D, which comprised breeding species of presumed or known nonnatural occurrence, have been included as sub-divisions of the same category, to reflect their essentially similar nature. An extra sub-division in this category contains species that no longer have self-sustaining populations. Finally, species in the previous Category F have been relegated to an appendix, to highlight that they are not part of the main HK List. The new categories are as follows: Category I: species that have been recorded in an apparently wild state in HK (a direct replacement of the previous Category A). Category IIA: southeast China breeding species, the currently established HK breeding population of which is considered to derive from captive stock, but which probably occurred in HK prior to habitat changes (previously Category C, excluding species that have died out). Category IIB: extralimital species that, although originally introduced to HK by man, maintain a regular feral breeding stock without necessary recourse to further introduction (previously Category D, excluding species that have died out). Category IIC: previously established feral species (i.e. species from Categories IIA and IIB that no longer have self-sustaining populations). Category III: species for which all published HK records are considered likely to relate to birds that have escaped or have been released from captivity (previously Category E). During 2007 a total of 380 Category I and II species were recorded, while the equivalent figure for 2008 was 381. These compare with 367 and 375 in 2005 and

29 Hong Kong Bird Report : Records Committee Report respectively, between 318 and 355 species for the years 1999 to 2004, and between 342 and 370 for the years 1993 to It is likely that 2007 and 2008 have seen the highest number of species recorded in a single year, though taxonomic changes over time make it slightly problematic to make a comparison with previous years. A total of 14 first records of full species as additions to Category I is certainly very high for a two consecutive year period. New additions to the HK List that occurred during or prior to 2007 and 2008 were as follows. Additions to Category I Black Scoter Melanitta americana One at Mai Po NR on 9 December Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii One near Town Island during January White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus A juvenile photographed southeast of Po Toi on 4 May Masked Booby Sula dactylatra One seen off Po Toi on 18 March Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis A first-winter photographed at Mai Po NR on 22 December Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus One at Mai Po NR during 2-8 December Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumisuzume One photographed in southern waters on 5 May Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus One photographed on Po Toi on 4 April Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica One photographed at Lead Mine Pass on 6 November Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A first-winter photographed at Ho Man Tin, present during 6-9 October Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus One photographed at Long Valley on 25 October Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror One photographed at Tai Po Kau on 9 October

30 Hong Kong Bird Report : Records Committee Report Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri One trapped at Mai Po NR on 10 November Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca One trapped at Mai Po NR on 15 October Hodgson s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni One photographed on Po Toi on 11 December Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii A first-winter photographed at Tso Kung Tam, near Tsuen Wan, present from 10 February to 2 March Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva One on Po Toi during 4-11 April 2007 was the first record accepted for Hong Kong. Subsequent review of previous photographs resulted in records pre-dating this, on 3 April 2005 on Po Toi and on 27 December 2005 at Sha Tau Kok. In addition, the first record of the central China breeding taxon of Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis was photographed on Po Toi on 19 October Additions to Category III Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea One photographed on Po Toi on 11 October Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps One along the Mai Po access road on 10 January The Systematic List for the two years was compiled by the following: Geoff Carey: galliformes, rails and allies, larids, warblers to flycatchers and Category E species. Yu Yat Tung: grebes to ducks, shorebirds. Richard Lewthwaite: raptors, doves to martins. John Holmes: swallows to parrotbills. John Allcock: tits to corvids Geoff Welch: rarities. Thanks are due to the following, who submitted records for inclusion in this report: J.A. Allcock, P. Aston, K. & R. Barretto, D. Bradshaw, G.J. Carey, M.L. Chalmers, A. Chan, W. Cheng, J. Chim, G. Chow, F. Chu, A. Crow/KFBG, D.A. Diskin, M. Hale, A. J. Hardacre, G. Ho, J.G. Holmes, T. Jara, M. Kilburn, P.K. Kwan, P. J. Leader, Katherine Leung, R.W. Lewthwaite, Bena Smith, G. Smith, D.J. Stanton, Y.H. Sung, W. Tsui, G. Welch, M.D.Williams, C. Wong, C. O. Wong, J.A.P. Wong, M. & P. Wong, P. Wood, T. Woodward, WWF-HK and Y.T. Yu. Records were also taken from the HKBWS Website

31 Hong Kong Bird Report : Records Committee Report 紀錄委員會報告 紀錄委員會主席賈知行 鳥類的分類方法日新月異, 為了令香港的雀鳥名錄能緊貼最新的分類方法, 紀錄委員會於 2010 年 3 月 1 日的會議上將香港鳥類名錄與 International Ornithological Congress (IOC) 直接掛鈎 學名完全跟從 IOC 名錄, 但英文名卻不一定沿用 雖然我們希望採用在 worldbirdnames.org 網站上為 IOC 名錄而設的英文名, 但由於紀錄委員會覺得在某些情況下不太可行, 所以我們保留採用其他名稱的可能性 此外, 香港鳥類名錄的分類系統亦有所修訂 當中最主要的改動是剔除 B 類, 該類是指一些主要是野生但卻不能排除人為引入鳥種 這類別的鳥種在新的分類系統上歸納為 I 或 III 類 之前有繁殖紀錄的可能或確定為非源自野生的 C 及 D 類, 則納入在同一類別中的不同分屬, 以反映其相近的本質 而此類別也另增一個分屬, 包含了那些再不能維持穩定群落的鳥類 最後, 之前為 F 類的鳥種現已調至附錄中, 以示牠們並非屬於香港鳥類名錄之內的一部份 新的雀鳥類別如下 : 第 I 類 : 此鳥種曾於明顯的野生狀況下被記錄 ( 直接取代之前的 A 類 ) 第 IIA 類 : 在中國東南面繁殖的鳥種 ; 現時在香港已建立的繁殖種群被認為是源自飼養種群, 但可能早在自然生境出現變遷前已經在香港出現 ( 為之前的 C 類, 除了那些已消失的鳥種 ) 第 IIB 類 : 在自然分佈地區以外出現的鳥種 自人類引入後便無需借助額外幫助而能夠在香港繁衍 ( 為之前的 D 類, 除了那些已消失的鳥種 ) 第 IIC 類 : 較早以前建立野生群落的鳥種 ( 如 IIA 及 IIB 類但無法再維持穩定群落的鳥種 ) 第 III 類 : 所有被認為是逃逸或源自飼養種群的鳥種 ( 為之前的 E 類 ) 2007 年一共有 380 種第 I 及 II 類鳥種的紀錄, 而 2008 年有 381 種 2005 年及 2006 年分別有 367 種及 375 種 ;1999 至 2004 年間有 318 至 355 種 ;1993 年至 1998 年間有 342 至 370 種 雖然雀鳥分類上的改變令不同年份的雀鳥數目難以直接比較, 但我們可見 2007 及 2008 年是最多鳥種紀錄的年份 兩年內有 14 種新增鳥種紀錄肯定是一個非常高的數目 [ 其餘部份請參閱英文全文 ]

32 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries Geoff Welch Annual Summaries 2007 and 2008 These summaries continue with the seasonal format introduced in the Annual Report. This breaks down as: winter (December to February), spring (March to May), summer (June to August) and autumn (September to November). As in previous years, the Systematic List takes precedence over the Summaries in the event of any discrepancies. Both 2007 and 2008 were exceptionally good years, with 380 and 381 species respectively setting new records for the number of species in one year, and an aggregate of 14 additions to the Hong Kong List, the highest count for two consecutive years since The increased number of both photographers and birders is largely responsible and the existence of the Forum on the HKBWS website allows high quality images to be published very soon after capture. Of the firsts, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Willow Warbler and Steppe Eagle were identified from website photographs, and these and many other significant records would almost certainly have been missed or remained un-identified without them. Winter 2007 (January to February) Both January and particularly February were unseasonably warm with the monthly mean temperature for February being the highest on record, due to fewer than normal cold fronts passing through Hong Kong. Probably as a consequence, there were few new birds of note in January and February, with many of the interesting records involving birds present at the end of These included the first ever over-wintering Lesser Whistling Duck which remained at MPNR until 27 th May, the two juvenile Lesser White-fronted Geese which were seen in the Lok Ma Chau/MPNR area through to 29 th March, a single Ferruginous Duck at MPNR until 3 rd March, the White-bellied Green Pigeon seen at Airfield Road Shek Kong until 7 th January and two rare crows in the MPNR/Lut Chau area, a Daurian Jackdaw and a Carrion Crow, both present until 6 th April. The first two months of the year are traditionally the peak months for waterbirds in Deep Bay and a range of 57,000-64,000 has become established in recent years as the number present over this period. This year the peak total was 80,108, an excellent although rather surprising result given the relatively warm winter and there were record highest counts of Northern Shoveler (8,930), Tufted Duck (4,285) and Pied Avocet (11,957, more than double the previous highest). In contrast, the peak count of Common Shelduck was down to less than 50 birds, a significant decline from the turn of the decade when numbers exceeded 1,000, and for the first winter in memory no Dalmatian Pelicans were recorded

33 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries A first-winter Japanese Cormorant seen off Po Toi from 4 th to 18 th January was a second HK record and the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon from 2006 put in a final appearance on Po Toi on 24 th January. A male Bay Woodpecker was present in Tai Po Kau for most of January; this species has now become a regular sighting there. February provided some new species with two Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrushes at KFBG from 1 st, a Common Reed Bunting trapped at MPNR on 3 rd followed by a Paddyfield Warbler on 17 th. Spring 2007 (March to May) March continued the warm spell with three rather weak cold fronts. April was better, with strong cold fronts on 3 rd and 18 th and a wet depression on 24 th, followed by others on 4 th and 18 th May. March was rather unexciting with few unusual species reported. A second Paddyfield Warbler was trapped at MPNR on 3 rd, this being a re-trap of a bird first trapped there on 6 th October 2006 and presumably having wintered in the area. A male Red-breasted Merganser was seen flying northeast off Po Toi on 16 th March; with the lack of recent records in Deep Bay, this species is now only seen on migration through southern waters in March. Spring really started with the first cold front on 3 rd April producing two firsts for Hong Kong, Common Cuckoo and Red-breasted Flycatcher, both on 4 th, and both on Po Toi. The Common Cuckoo was a one-day bird but the Red-breasted Flycatcher stayed until 11 th April, which was fortunate because the bird was initially identified as a Red-throated Flycatcher and the true identity was not recognized for several days. With an understanding of the identification features of Red-breasted Flycatcher, several other records were reported over the next two years as well as some prior to the first, which indicate the species may have been over-looked in the past. Also on 4 th April was a Ruddy Shelduck, the only record of the two years, which remained at MPNR until 24 th April. Wader passage in the Deep Bay area usually reaches its spring peak in April and this year the highest count of 15,149 on 21 st April set a new record since the start of the Shorebird Monitoring Programme. High counts were recorded for many species, particularly the two commonest, Red-necked Stint (2,239 compared to 1,478 in 2006) and Curlew Sandpiper (10,982 compared to 4,151 in 2006). Two species are always the centre of attention at this time Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann s Greenshank, Critically Endangered and Endangered respectively. Hong Kong remains an important staging post in the migration of both species, as well as for the Near-threatened Asian Dowitcher. Numbers of all three species were higher than normal, with at least seven Spoon-billed Sandpipers (one in 2006), 50 Nordmann s Greenshanks (32 in 2006) and 132 Asian Dowitchers (25 in 2006)

34 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries Two seabirds of real quality in April/May were an adult male Christmas Island Frigatebird off Tung Ping Chau on 21 st April followed by the first record of Japanese Murrelet seen by many observers on a HKBWS boat trip in southern waters on 5 th May. This bird was in poor condition with much worn feathers that rendered it unable to fly. Also at sea, Short-tailed Shearwaters were seen from 30 th April to 23 rd May with a high count of 15 on 14 th, a pattern very similar to 2006 when their spring migration through HK waters was first discovered. Two Drongo Cuckoos appeared in the middle of April one at MPNR on 16 th and one on Po Toi on 19 th following the cold front. The depression on 24 th produced a Malayan Night Heron on Po Toi on 25 th which remained until 5 th May. The final act of spring was an influx of small bitterns on 21 st May following the depression on 18 th, with Yellow, Von Schrenck s, Cinnamon and Black Bittern all present in good numbers on Po Toi and elsewhere. Summer 2007 (June to August) This summer was drier than normal with just one Tropical Storm, Pabuk on 10 th August. Long term nest counts of ardeids made by the HKBWS Egret Research Group have shown that while the number of Great, Little and Cattle Egrets and Chinese Pond Heron has remained constant or showed a slight increase, Black-crowned Night Heron has declined annually since 2002, from 250 to 95 in Most nests of this species are found in the A Chau colony; as numbers of other egrets in this colony have not decreased in the same way, the cause is not clear. Red-billed Starling joined White-cheeked and White-shouldered Starlings as a confirmed breeding species with a record at Tai Mei Tuk. A juvenile Orange-headed Thrush at Kap Lung on 6 th June indicated successful breeding there and reports of Common Blackbird in MPNR car park throughout July also suggest breeding. Other interesting July reports included Grey-headed Lapwing at MPNR on 11 th, the earliest ever autumn record of Oriental Pratincole, an adult and a juvenile at Chek Lap Kok on 24 th, and a juvenile Grey Wagtail on Po Toi on 26 th. Early August records included a male Mallard at MPNR from 7 th, a Eurasian Hoopoe at Po Toi on the same date and a juvenile Cinnamon Bittern at Kam Tin on 9 th. Early migrants were an Aleutian Tern in eastern waters on 13 th, an Asian Paradise Flycatcher at Parker Hill on 15 th and a Yellow-rumped Flycatcher at Mui Tsz Lam on 18 th. Two August Hodgson s Hawk Cuckoos, at Mui Tze Lam on 13 th and Tai Po Kau on 18 th, are evidence of the continuing increase of this species in Hong Kong. An adult Brown Booby was in the East Lamma Channel on 25 th August and on rocks near Po Toi the following day

35 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries Autumn 2007 (September to November) Autumn was warm and generally dry with no close approaches by Tropical Storms. There were no significant weather events until November, when two periods of strong northerly winds occurred from 1 st to 9 th and 26 th to 29 th. As a result, autumn 2007 was rather dull until November. September started with a Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher trapped at Tai Po Kau on 1 st and present until 5 th. This was followed by the third Drongo Cuckoo of the year, on Po Toi on 3 rd and then a quiet period until a Fairy Pitta at Shing Mun on 26 th September. A Ferruginous Flycatcher at Tai Po Kau on 4 th October was a rare autumn record and 121 Blue-tailed Bee-eaters going to roost at MPNR on 5 th October was more than double the previous highest count. The second Christmas Island Frigatebird of the year was seen at south Lamma on 4 th October and a Speckled Piculet was photographed at Ng Tung Chai on 6 th. Finally for October, a female Purple Cochoa on Po Toi on 11 th October was a surprise addition to Category III. Four records of note on Po Toi in early November were a Bianchi s Warbler on 5 th, which remained into January 2008, the first ever autumn Narcissus Flycatchers, a male on 6 th and a female on 11 th, a second Red-breasted Flycatcher following the spring first record on 10 th and up to four Japanese Yellow Buntings over the period 10 th to 28 th November. These were the first autumn records for Japanese Yellow Bunting in HK but more excitingly, one was ringed and photographs allowed its ring number to be read. It was later confirmed that the bird had been ringed as a juvenile in north Honshu, Japan, 3000 kms away, just 34 days earlier. The best birds of the autumn were two firsts for HK, a Brown Wood Owl photographed late in the evening of 6 th November at Shing Mun and a Japanese Swamp Warbler trapped at MPNR on 10 th November. This was followed by a Pallas s Reed Bunting trapped at the same site on 17 th November. One of the surprising sites of the autumn was Lai Chi Kok Park, where in quick succession from 24 th to 30 th November, the following species were recorded Northern Boobook, Slaty-legged Crake, Eurasian Woodcock, Savanna Nightjar, Pallas s Grasshopper Warbler, Lanceolated Warbler, Grey Nightjar and Eurasian Eagle Owl. Many were photographed walking across lawns, exposed in trees or even sitting on football pitch goalposts, an amazing set of records for a modest suburban park. Even better was to follow from this location in January Winter (December to February) The weather in December and January was quite normal until an intense cold front arrived on 23 rd January. Temperatures fell suddenly and remained very low until 16 th February, the longest official cold spell for 40 years and the coldest February for 40 years. This cold spell affected all of south and central China and an influx of some

36 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries species of thrushes and chats began in early February, most noticeably at Sai Kung CP and Pui O, as well as an arrival of other species that were probably also weather affected. The total peak count of all waterbirds in the Deep Bay area once again achieved a new high figure, 90,986, with Northern Shoveler (14,253) and Pied Avocet (16,123) making new record counts. One reason for these increases is thought to be improved management of the Futian National Nature Reserve on the Chinese side of Deep Bay. Numbers of Common Shelduck continued to fall, with a maximum of just 24. On the positive side, 16 Falcated Duck in late March was a very good count, as were 728 Eurasian Coot on 14 th January. A single Dalmatian Pelican from 20 th February to 5 th March was a welcome sight after their total absence in There has been a dramatic fall in the numbers of this species wintering in east China, and it is now thought to number just 30 birds. Waterbird of the winter was a female/immature Black Scoter which was present on Pond 20 at MPNR for just one day, 9 th December, and was another HK first, as was a female Hodgson s Redstart seen briefly on Po Toi on 11 th. A White-spectacled Warbler over-wintered at Tai Po Kau and the third Red-breasted Flycatcher of the year arrived on Po Toi on 18 th December, staying until late January when it probably became a victim of the cold weather started with an excellent set of photographs of a Pale-footed Bush Warbler in Lai Chi Kok Park on 6 th January. As all previous records of this species in HK had been trapped, a large number of bird-watchers and photographers once again descended on this suburban park, only to find the bird gone. A female Red-headed Bunting seen on the Mai Po Access Road on 10 th January was the first record of the species in Hong Kong, but its plumage condition suggested it was ex-captive. A first-winter Glaucous Gull from the Mai Po boardwalk on 13 th January stayed only one day, but a first-winter Relict Gull on the same date stayed longer, with up to two being seen until 2 nd March. The next HK first arrived in the shape of a Yellow-billed Loon off Town Island on 25 th January. This bird may well have been brought south by the cold weather, as may also another Loon, a Red-throated seen from Po Toi between 13 th and 27 th February, the third record for HK. The cold spell may also have been responsible for the arrival of yet another first, a female Slaty-backed Flycatcher near Tsuen Wan on 10 th February. This was another bird identified from photographs posted on the website, and it remained until 2 nd March enabling many people to see and photograph it. So ended an exciting winter with a total of four HK firsts

37 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries Spring 2008 (March to May) Spring 2008 was an active spring for weather, with cold fronts or depressions on 30 th March, 12 th and 22 nd April, 1 st, 5 th, 9 th and 18 th May and a rare spring typhoon, Neoguri, on 19 th April. March started with a first-winter Slender-billed Gull joining the Relict Gull at the MPNR Boardwalk on 1 st March and staying until at least 21 st. A Black Bittern also at MPNR on 9 th March was by far the earliest spring record for this species, and a Speckled Piculet was at Bride s Pool on 14 th March. These were followed by another HK first, an immature Masked Booby flying past Po Toi on 18 th March in a loose flock of Heuglin s Gulls. Finally for March, another Red-breasted Flycatcher appeared on Po Toi with the first cold front of the spring on 31 st. Grey-faced Buzzards also came with this cold front, 44 on 1 st and 98 on 2 nd April over Po Toi. A HKBWS boat trip on 5 th April found two Pomarine Skuas, three Parasitic Jaegers and at least 40, possibly as many as 60, Long-tailed Jaegers plus an unfortunate immature Black-legged Kittiwake photographed on the receiving end of an attack by a Parasitic Jaeger. A Eurasian Jay heard at Tai Lam CP on 6th April was the first live record since 2002, although captive origin cannot be ruled out. The Po Toi lighthouse was an unusual location for a Fairy Pitta on 10th April and a Brown Bush Warbler in song at Robin s Nest on 14 th was the first April record for the species. Another Pitta, this one a Blue-winged and the second record for HK, was first photographed on Po Toi on 17 th April and remained until 4 th May. A HKBWS boat trip on 27 th April produced the fourth HK record of Great Frigatebird and the following day a flock of seven Bee-eaters at Shuen Wan contained at least three and were probably all Bluethroated. The last good bird for April was a first-summer Red Phalarope found at Nam Chung on 27 th April which remained until 4th May. Spring wader passage was very high for the second successive year, with a peak of 15,113 on 19 th April, just short of the record count of 15,149 in The count of 9,012 Curlew Sandpipers was again very high, but Red-necked Stints failed to maintain their recovery in 2007 and were disappointing at only 733. Of the critical three, Asian Dowitcher (NT) had an excellent year with 428 birds (132 in 2007), Nordmann s Greenshank (EN) had an average year with an estimate of 26 birds (50 in 2007) but Spoon-billed Sandpiper (CE) fell back again with only two birds recorded (seven in 2007). Short-tailed Shearwaters put in their now regular appearance in waters off Po Toi, from 30 th April to 24 th May with a peak of 15 on 15 th May. Another Fairy Pitta appeared on Po Toi on 3 rd May, which meant there were two species of pitta on the island on that day. But bird of the month was yet another first, a stunning juvenile White-tailed Tropicbird seen from a HKBWS Boat Trip in southern waters on 4 th May

38 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries May brought several latest or unexpected records, an Eastern Buzzard on 10 th on Po Toi, a first ever spring record for Amur Falcon at Kam Tin on 19 th and 20 th, two Asian House Martins on Po Toi on 20 th and an adult Black-legged Kittiwake photographed off Po Toi on 22 nd May. But the most exciting event, caused by a strong depression, was a large fall of small bitterns and Brown Shrikes that started on 21 st May, when a total of 104 Yellow Bitterns were seen at various locations. On Po Toi on 21 st, in addition to the Yellow Bitterns, there was a total of 27 Von Schrenck s Bitterns including a single flock of 22 birds, two Cinnamon Bitterns, eight Black Bitterns, a Malayan Night Heron and 89 Brown Shrikes. High numbers of most of these species were also recorded at other sites on this and subsequent days. Summer 2008 (June to August) June and July were very wet with more than twice the normal level of rainfall. August was drier, although with two Tropical Storms, Kammuri on 6 th and Nuri on 22 nd. Total egret nest counts showed a decline to 668, the lowest since 2000, with all species affected but particularly the commonest, Great and Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron. The cold weather in February was thought to have been partially responsible. Interesting July records included the first ever summer Dollarbird, an adult on Po Toi on 3 rd, a Black Bittern at Hung Hom on 4 th, an unusual urban location and possibly left over from the late May fall of bitterns, a Black-winged Kite and a Pheasant-tailed Jacana at MPNR from 8 th and a Watercock at Lok Ma Chau on 20 th. Two Eurasian Eagle Owls were seen in July, one at Tsing Ma Bridge on 18 th and one at Kowloon Peak on 23 rd. A juvenile Lesser Frigatebird photographed at Yau Tong on 26 th was an interesting summer record for this species. Eurasian Hoopoes were near Tsing Yi and on Po Toi on 29 th and at Lai Chi Kok Park on 1 st August. The first Aleutian Terns appeared in southern waters on 15 th August, the same date as the first Eastern Crowned Warblers were seen in Tai Po Kau, with an Asian and a Japanese Paradise Flycatcher there on 20 th. A juvenile Hodgson s Hawk Cuckoo seen with a female Hainan Blue Flycatcher at Tai Po Kau on 24 th was the latest ever record for the species. Autumn 2008 (September to November) Autumn was unusually warm, with record high average temperatures in October and very few spells of the northerly winds that normally bring birds to HK. As a consequence, it was generally a poor autumn although the run of HK first records continued with another two in October and one in December. Tropical Storm Hagupit on 23 rd September was the fourth to affect HK in

39 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries September was very quiet. Two Goodson s Leaf Warblers, one on Po Toi on 5 th and one at Tai Po Kau on 12 th were the first ever September records for this species. A second HK record of Wedge-tailed Shearwater was photographed in eastern waters on 27 th September following TS Hagupit. October will be remembered by many for two new species and one new subspecies to Hong Kong, all of which were identified from photographs posted on the website. The first was a first-winter Red-backed Shrike found at Ho Man Tin on 6 th, which stayed until 9 th ensuring that many people were able to see it. Less obliging was a Willow Warbler photographed at Long Valley on 25 th but unfortunately only seen by the photographer. In between these two, a male Blue-and-white Flycatcher of the taxon cumatilis was photographed by several people on Po Toi on 19 th October. This distinctive taxon is poorly known but is thought to breed in central China. Another one-day bird identified from photographs on the website was a first-winter Greater White-fronted Goose at Nam Sang Wai on 10 th November, the third record for Hong Kong. Unusual buntings on show in November were a Black-headed at Long Valley from 16 th to 18 th, a Japanese Yellow on Po Toi on 16 th (a rare autumn record) and three Yellow-browed on Po Toi on 27 th. Winter 2008 (December) The unusually warm autumn continued into December, with temperatures above average for most of the month. A Common Chiffchaff trapped at MPNR on 2 nd December was the fifth HK record and the first since A Waxwing on Po Toi on 7 th could not be seen well enough to be identified to species, nor was it relocated, as frustrating no doubt for the observer as for the rest of us. A Little Stint from the Mai Po boardwalk on 13 th was the first ever winter record, as was an Eastern Crowned Warbler at Tai Po Kau on 24 th, while a Chinese Leaf Warbler at Pak Sha O on 28 th December was just the third HK record. The final act of 2008 was, in fact, a postscript. A photograph of a juvenile eagle taken at MPNR on 22 nd December was posted to the website in March 2009, when it was identified as a Steppe Eagle, another first for Hong Kong. Fortunately, it was relocated and seen by many in late March/April An extraordinary end to two extraordinary years

40 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries Geoff Welch 2007 及 2008 年度摘要 本年度摘要沿用 年度報告以季節分段的模式 : 冬季 ( 十二月至二月 ) 春季( 三月至五月 ) 夏季( 六月至八月 ), 以及秋季 ( 九月至十一月 ) 與過去的年度摘要相同, 如在摘要中提及的名稱與鳥類名錄不同, 一切以鳥類名錄為準 2007 及 2008 年鳥況極佳, 分別錄得 380 及 381 個鳥種, 都先後打破了一年內錄得最多鳥種的紀錄 以累積計算亦為香港鳥類名錄增添 14 個鳥種, 若自 1993 年來以每兩年計算, 是新增鳥種最多的兩年 這與觀鳥者及攝影師的人數增加有莫大關係, 而觀鳥會網上討論區亦讓高質素的照片能在拍攝後短時間內發表, 香港首次紀錄例如 : 銹胸藍姬鶲 紅背伯勞 歐柳鶯及草原鵰, 皆是從上載至討論區的照片辨認出來 若非如此, 大概會錯失這幾個和其他重要的紀錄 2007 年冬季 (1 月至 2 月 ) 一月及二月皆比預期溫暖, 相對其他年份有較少冷鋒越過香港, 二月的平均氣溫更是歷年最高 也許是因天氣影響, 一 二月份沒太多值得欣喜的鳥類紀錄, 大部分值得關注的紀錄皆來自 2006 年尾 : 包括香港第一個渡冬栗樹鴨紀錄 ( 該鳥在米埔自然護理區逗留至 5 月 27 日 ); 兩隻在落馬洲及米埔自然護理區錄得的小白額雁, 逗留至 3 月 29 日 ; 一隻在米埔自然護理區逗留至 3 月 3 日的白眼潛鴨 ; 在石崗機場路逗留至 1 月 7 日的紅翅綠鳩 ; 以及在米埔自然護理區及甩洲錄得的兩種不普通的鴉類 達烏里寒鴉及小咀烏鴉, 皆逗留至 4 月 6 日 每年的一 二月歷年來都是后海灣水鳥的高峰期, 近年的數量大致在 57,000-64,000 隻之間 本年的最高數量達 80,108 隻, 在這相對較和暖的冬季, 是令人鼓舞卻感意外的結果 琵咀鴨 (8,930) 鳳頭潛鴨(4,285) 及反咀鷸 (11,957, 比以往的最高紀錄高出一倍以上 ) 都創下最高數量紀錄 反之, 翹鼻麻鴨的最高數量下跌至不足 50 隻, 較十多年前逾 1,000 隻的時候明顯減少 ; 另外, 本年亦是歷來首次沒卷羽鵜鶘紀錄 1 月 4 至 18 日在蒲台有一隻首次渡冬的暗綠背鸕鷀, 是香港的第二個紀錄 而 2006 年在蒲台島錄得的橙胸綠鳩, 最後出現日期為 1 月 24 日 另外,1 月大部分時間均可在大埔滘見到一隻雄性的黃咀噪啄木鳥, 現時這鳥種已定期在大埔滘出現 二月錄得數個本年首次出現鳥種, 包括 2 月 1 日在嘉道理農場錄得兩隻栗腹磯鶇 ;2 月 3 日在米埔自然護理區捕捉到的蘆鵐, 以及 17 日捕捉到的稻田葦鶯

41 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 2007 年春季 (3 月至 5 月 ) 三月氣溫持續和暖, 只有 3 個較微弱的冷鋒 四月則有兩次較強的冷鋒分別在 3 日及 18 日抵港, 潮濕低氣壓分別在 4 月 24 日 5 月 4 日及 18 日錄得 三月是較沒驚喜的月份, 只錄得數個不普遍的鳥種, 包括 :3 月 3 日在米埔自然護理區捕捉到的稻田葦鶯 ( 本年第二個紀錄, 亦是 2006 年 10 月 6 日曾在米埔捕獲的同一個體, 推測是在米埔越冬 );3 月 16 日在蒲台離岸錄得飛往東北方的一隻雄性紅胸秋沙鴨 ( 此鳥種過往常在后海灣錄得, 如今只能於三月份在香港南面水域看見正在遷徙的個體 春季隨 4 月 3 日到港的冷鋒正式展開 4 月 4 日即錄得兩個香港新紀錄 : 大杜鵑及紅胸姬鶲, 均在蒲台錄得 其中, 大杜鵑只出現了一天 ; 幸運的是最初被誤認為紅喉姬鶲的紅胸姬鶲, 在數天後被更正了身份, 而該鳥亦停留至 4 月 11 日 自此, 觀鳥者對辨識紅胸姬鶲的特徵有較深入的了解 ; 因而在往後兩年陸續有更多紀錄, 並確認了數個在 2007 年 4 月 4 日以前的紀錄, 證明此鳥種在過往可能已在香港出現, 只是未有被仔細留意確認 另一方面, 在 4 月 4 日亦錄得一隻赤麻鴨, 是這兩年間的唯一紀錄, 該鳥在米埔自然護理區逗留至 24 日 四月是后海灣春季涉禽過境的高峰, 今年的最高數量為 4 月 21 日的 15,149 隻, 是濱鳥監測項目開始以來的最高紀錄 多個鳥種均錄得高數量, 尤其最普遍的兩個鳥種 : 紅頸濱鷸 (2,239 隻,2006 年為 1,478 隻 ) 及彎咀濱鷸 (10,982 隻,2006 年為 4,151 隻 ) 另外, 春季亦有兩個特別受關注的鳥種 : 極度瀕危的勺咀鷸及瀕危的小青腳鷸 香港仍是這兩個鳥種以及近危的半蹼鷸遷徙其間的重要停歇點 以上三個鳥種的數量在本年皆較往常高 : 錄得不少於 7 隻勺咀鷸 (2006 年只得 1 隻 );50 隻小青腳鷸 (2006 年為 32 隻 ); 及 132 隻半蹼鷸 (2006 年為 25 隻 ) 四 五月亦錄得兩種高質素的海鳥 :4 月 21 日在東平洲離岸錄得一隻白腹軍艦鳥, 緊接著 5 月 5 日在觀鳥會南面水域考察中錄得香港首個冠海雀紀錄, 大部分參加者均目睹該鳥 該鳥的大部分羽毛狀況皆有殘缺, 以致影響其飛行 另外,4 月 30 日至 5 月 23 日其間, 均在海面錄得短尾鸌,5 月 14 日更錄得 15 隻的最高數量 此鳥種出現的模式與 2006 年相若, 當時才首次發現牠們於春季在香港水域過境遷徙 四月中錄得兩個烏鵑紀錄, 其中一個在 16 日於米埔自然護理區錄得, 另一個在 19 日的冷鋒後於蒲台錄得 4 月 24 日的低氣壓為蒲台在 25 日帶來一隻黑冠鳽, 該鳥逗留至 5 月 5 日 春季的壓軸是隨著 5 月 18 日的低氣壓, 在 21 日各種小型鳽類包括黃葦鳽 紫背葦鳽 栗葦鳽及黑鳽在蒲台及其他地方錄得

42 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 2007 年夏季 (6 月至 8 月 ) 本年夏季較平常乾燥, 只在 8 月 10 日有一個熱帶風暴帕布 觀鳥會鷺鳥研究小組的長期鳥巢數量統計結果顯示, 大白鷺 小白鷺 牛背鷺與池鷺鳥巢數量維持平穩或輕微上升, 而夜鷺數量則自 2002 年的 250 巢以來每年下跌至 2007 年的 95 巢 夜鷺的大部分鳥巢都在丫洲鷺鳥林, 而該鷺鳥林中其他鷺鳥的鳥巢數量未有下跌, 夜鷺鳥巢數量下降的原因有待研究 本年在大尾篤確認一個絲光椋鳥的繁殖紀錄, 讓該鳥種繼灰椋鳥及灰背椋鳥之後, 加入成為在港繁殖的椋鳥 6 月 6 日在甲龍錄得一隻橙頭地鶇幼鳥, 表示該鳥種成功繁殖, 而七月持續在米埔停車場錄得烏鶇, 亦顯示該鳥種可能在港繁殖 其他七月份的有趣紀錄包括 :11 日在米埔自然護理區的灰頭麥雞 ;24 日在赤蠟角錄得一隻成鳥及一隻幼鳥的普通燕鴴 ( 是該鳥種最早的秋季紀錄 ); 及 26 日在蒲台錄得一隻灰鶺鴒幼鳥 八月初的紀錄包括 7 日在米埔自然護理區錄得的雄性綠頭鴨, 同日在蒲台錄得的戴勝, 以及 9 日在錦田錄得的栗葦鳽 較早抵港的候鳥包括 :13 日在東面水域錄得的白腰燕鷗 ;15 日在柏架山錄得的壽帶 ; 及 18 日在梅子林錄得的白眉姬鶲 13 日及 18 日分別在梅子林和大埔滘錄得兩隻霍氏鷹鵑的幼鳥, 證明這鳥種在本港的數量持續上升 另外,25 日在南丫島以東及翌日在蒲台島附近岩岸錄得一隻褐鰹鳥 2007 年秋季 (9 月至 11 月 ) 本年秋季氣溫和暖並普遍乾燥, 並沒有熱帶風暴接近本港 九 十月都沒有顯著影響鳥況的天氣現象, 直至 11 月 1 至 9 日及 26 至 29 日各有強烈北風抵港 因此, 整個秋季鳥況一般, 直至十一月才出現一些有趣紀錄 9 月 1 日在大埔滘捕捉到一隻白喉林鶲, 並逗留至 5 日 緊隨於 3 日在蒲台錄得本年第三個烏鵑紀錄 接下來的一段時間鳥況平靜, 直至 26 日於城門錄得一隻仙八色鶇 而 10 月 4 日在大埔滘錄得的棕尾褐鶲, 是罕見的秋季紀錄 10 月 5 日在米埔自然護理區錄得 121 隻栗喉蜂虎, 比以往的最高數量多出一倍以上 10 月 4 日在南丫島南部錄得本年第二個白腹軍艦鳥紀錄 10 月 6 日在梧桐寨拍攝得一隻斑姬啄木鳥 最後,10 月 11 日在蒲台發現一隻雌性紫寬咀鶇, 被列入名錄的第 III 類別 十一月初在蒲台有四個值得注意的紀錄 : 在 5 日錄得的比氏鶲鶯逗留至 2008 年 1 月 ;6 日錄得的雄性與 11 日錄得的雌性黃眉姬鶲, 是該鳥種首個秋季紀錄 ;10 日錄得繼本年春季後第二個紅胸姬鶲紀錄 ; 以及 10 至 28 日共錄得四隻硫磺鵐, 亦是首次秋季紀錄, 更讓人興奮的是, 照片拍到其中 1 隻戴有環誌的個體, 可清楚讀取環誌的號碼, 証實該隻幼鳥在 34 天前, 才剛在距港 300 公里的日本本州北部被環誌

43 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 本年秋季最佳紀錄是兩個香港新紀錄 :11 月 6 日黃昏在城門拍攝到的褐林鴞, 及 11 月 10 日在米埔自然護理區捕獲的斑背大尾鶯 接著同樣在米埔, 亦於 17 日捕獲一隻葦鵐 本年秋季一個令人驚喜的地點是荔枝角公園, 在 24 至 30 日短短數天內, 錄得以下多個鳥種 : 鷹鴞 白喉斑秧雞 丘鷸 林夜鷹 小蝗鶯 矛紋蝗鶯 普通夜鷹及鵰鴞 當中大部分拍攝到的照片, 可見這些鳥或是在草地漫步 或是站立在裸露的樹梢, 甚至坐在足球場的龍門框上! 為一個坐落在市區邊緣的公園, 能帶來這些鳥類紀錄, 確令人嘖嘖稱奇! 但這地點更佳的紀錄, 尚留待 2008 年 1 月 冬季 (12 月至 2 月 ) 十二月及一月的天氣頗為正常, 直至 1 月 23 日有強烈的冷鋒抵港, 氣温突然驟降及持續寒冷至 2 月 16 日, 是 40 年以來最長的寒冷期, 亦是 40 年以來最寒冷的冬季 寒冷期影響中國南部及中部, 而鶇及䳭的匯集在二月初開始出現 牠們主要在西貢郊野公園及貝澳出現, 而其他雀鳥亦受天氣影響而到達香港 后海灣水鳥的總數量再一次刷新紀錄, 共 90,986 隻, 包括琵嘴鴨及反嘴鷸的新紀錄 ( 分別為 14,253 及 16,123 隻 ) 鳥況改善的其中一個原因可能是福田那邊的后海灣的管理有所改善 翹鼻麻鴨的數目持續下降, 最高紀錄只有 24 隻 但另一方面,16 隻羅紋鴨及 1 月 14 日的 728 隻骨頂雞是不錯的紀錄 單隻卷羽鵜鶘在 2 月 20 日至 3 月 5 日的出現是 2007 年零紀錄以來的喜訊 牠們在中國東部渡冬的種群數目大幅減少, 現時估計只有 30 隻 這個冬季中最引人注目的水鳥應該是一隻雌性或是未成年的美洲黑海番鴨 牠只在米埔自然護理區的 20 號塘內於 12 月 9 日停留了一天 在 11 日有一隻雌性的黑喉紅尾鴝在蒲台短暫出現 另外, 一隻白眶鶲鶯在大埔滘渡冬, 以及本年度第三隻紅胸姬鶲在 12 月 18 日到了蒲台並逗留至一月下旬, 最後可能已成為寒冷天氣的遇難者 2008 年一系列在荔枝角公園於 1 月 6 日攝得的淡腳樹鶯圖片展開 這鳥種的之前所有紀錄都是捕獲得到的 當大批觀鳥者及攝影者湧至這個公園時, 牠已逃之夭夭 1 月 10 日, 一隻褐頭鵐在米埔担竿洲路被發現, 這是香港首次紀綠, 但其羽毛狀況顯示牠是逸鳥 一隻首次渡冬的北極鷗只在 1 月 13 日於米埔浮橋出現了一天 ; 但同日出現的一隻首次渡冬的遺鷗則逗留較久, 至 3 月 2 日共有兩隻出現 另一項香港首次紀錄是 25 及 26 日在伙頭墳洲對開出現的黃嘴潛鳥, 牠可能是受寒冷天氣影響而來到南方 同樣地, 一隻紅喉潛鳥於 2 月 13 及 27 日在蒲台出現, 這是香港的第三個紀錄 可能同樣是受天氣影響, 一隻雌性的銹胸藍姬鶲在荃灣出現 牠是在相片登上網頁時才被辨認出的, 牠逗留至 3 月 2 日, 令很多人都能夠見到及拍攝到牠 一個令人興奮的冬季就在收獲四個香港新鳥種下完結

44 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 2008 年春季 (3 月至 5 月 ) 2008 年的春季是天氣多變的一季, 冷鋒或低氣壓於 3 月 日以及 5 月 日出現, 再加上少有的春季颱風浣熊於 4 月 19 日吹襲 三月一開始, 有一隻首次渡冬的細嘴鷗及遺鷗在 3 月 1 日於米埔浮橋出現, 並逗留至 21 日 3 月 9 日米埔的一隻黑鳽是此鳥種的最早春季紀錄 ; 而 14 日有一隻斑姬啄木鳥在新娘潭出現 接著是 3 月 18 日在蒲台有一隻未成年的藍面鰹鳥混在一群烏灰銀鷗之間出現, 是香港的首次紀錄 最後是 31 日一隻紅胸姬鶲在春季第一次冷鋒來臨時出現 灰面鵟鷹隨冷鋒而來, 在蒲台 4 月 1 日及 2 日分別有 44 隻及 98 隻 4 月 5 日觀鳥會的一次船河發現兩隻中賊鷗 三隻短尾賊鷗及 40 至 60 隻長尾賊鷗, 以及一隻不幸受短尾賊鷗致命襲擊的未成年三趾鷗 4 月 6 日有一隻松鴉在大欖郊野公園被聽到, 此為 2002 年以來第一個紀錄, 但不能否定是逃逸的籠鳥 4 月 10 日於蒲台的燈塔出現的仙八色鶇是頗為不尋常的紀錄, 而 14 日於麻雀嶺的一隻唱鳴中的棕褐短翅鶯為此種的首次四月紀錄 另一種八色鶇-藍翅八色鶇, 於 4 月 17 日在蒲台被攝得並最後留至 5 月 4 日, 此為第二次紀錄 4 月 27 日的一次觀鳥會船河發現香港第四次紀錄的黑腹軍艦鳥 接著一日在船灣有一群七隻的蜂虎, 當中包括至少三隻藍喉蜂虎 四月最後的驚喜是 4 月 27 日於南涌的一隻灰瓣蹼鷸, 該鳥留至 5 月 4 日 春季的涉禽遷徙連續兩年處於非常高數量的水平,4 月 19 日的最高紀錄 15,113 隻只稍微次於 2007 年的紀錄數目 15,149 隻 9,012 隻彎嘴濱鷸繼續維持高數目的水平, 但紅頸濱鷸則難以持續 2007 年的復甦, 最高只得 733 隻 三種重要的鳥種 : 半蹼鷸有非常好的紀錄 428 隻 (2007 年有 132 隻 ); 小青腳鷸只得平均的數目, 估計有 26 隻 (2007 年有 50 隻 ); 但勺嘴鷸再次回落, 只得兩隻 (2007 年有 7 隻 ) 短尾鸌的出現變得有規律性, 牠們在 4 月 30 日至 5 月 24 日出現而高峰期是在 5 月 15 日的 15 隻 另一種八色鶇-仙八色鶇 5 月 3 日於蒲台出現, 意味島上同一日有兩種八色鶇 但該月的首選鳥種則來自另一項令人驚訝的首次紀錄-白尾鸏 ( 幼鳥 ), 此紀錄是在 5 月 4 日觀鳥會舉辦的一次船河所見到的 五月帶來幾項較遲及意外的紀錄, 包括 10 日在蒲台的一隻普通鵟,19 及 20 日在錦田首次在春季錄得的阿穆爾隼,20 日蒲台的兩隻煙腹毛腳燕及 22 日蒲台對開海面攝得的成年三趾鷗 但最驚喜的發現, 是由 21 日開始一大群因強烈低氣壓而降落的鳽及紅尾伯勞, 包括在多處見到共 104 黃葦鳽 ; 蒲台的 27 隻紫背葦鳽 ( 當中有一群 22 隻 ) 兩隻栗葦鳽 8 隻黑鳽 一隻黑冠鳽及 89 隻紅尾伯勞 隨後幾日這幾個鳥種在其他地方有不俗的紀錄

45 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 2008 年夏季 (6 月至 8 月 ) 六月和七月非常潮濕, 期間的雨量比正常多兩倍 八月雖然有兩個颱風,6 日的北冕及 22 日的鸚鵡, 但濕度平均較為乾燥 鷺鳥巢的數量跌至 668 個, 是 2000 年以來的最低 各鷺鳥種都有所下降, 特別是常見的大白鷺 小白鷺及池鷺 估計二月的寒冷天氣是鳥巢數量下降的原因 七月份有趣的紀錄包括 3 日在蒲台首項夏季紀錄的三寶鳥 ;4 日在紅磡有一隻可能在五月遺留下來的黑鳽 ;8 日在米埔的一隻黑翅鳶及一隻水雉 ; 以及 20 日在落馬洲的一隻董雞 七月有兩隻鵰鴞的紀錄 :18 日有一隻在青馬大橋, 另外 23 日有一隻在九龍公園 26 日油塘拍攝到一隻白斑軍艦鳥的幼鳥, 是此鳥種一項有趣的夏季紀錄 29 日分別在青衣附近及蒲台有戴勝, 及後 8 月 1 日也在荔枝角公園見到 首隻白腰燕鷗在 8 月 15 日於南部水域出現, 同日有第一隻冕柳鶯在大埔滘出現, 該處在 20 日還有一隻壽帶及一隻紫壽帶 24 日大埔滘有一隻霍氏鷹鵑的幼鳥和一隻海南藍仙鶲雌鳥一起, 是為此鳥種的最遲紀錄 2008 年秋季 (9 月至 11 月 ) 這個秋季不尋常地温暖, 十月的氣温是紀錄新高, 而且只有少量北風到達香港 結果, 除了十月的兩項及十二月的一項首次紀錄外, 秋季鳥況比較差 9 月 23 日的颱風黑格比是 2008 年第四個吹襲香港的颱風 九月頗為沉靜, 兩隻華南冠紋柳鶯分別於 5 日在蒲台及 12 日在大埔滘出現 這是此鳥種的首項九月紀錄 隨著颱風黑格比來襲,27 日有一隻曳尾鸌在東邊海域出現並被攝下, 此為本港第二項紀錄 十月有兩項新鳥種紀錄及一項新亞種紀錄 全都是相片登在網頁後被辨認出來的 第一隻是於 6 日在何文田的紅背伯勞, 牠逗留至 9 日讓大家有足夠時間去看牠 25 日在塱原的一隻歐柳鶯則較為吝嗇, 只有一個攝影者可以拍到牠 期間, 一隻是 cumatilis 亞種的白腹鶲在蒲台於 10 月 19 日被多位朋友攝得 此亞種的資料頗為缺乏, 但相信是在中國中部繁殖 11 月 10 日於南生圍有一隻首次渡冬的白額雁亦只出現了一天並在相片中辨認出, 此為本港第三個紀錄 數種不常見的鵐輪流地在十一月出現, 包括 16 日至 18 日在塱原的一隻黑頭鵐,16 日在蒲台的一隻硫磺鵐 ( 罕見的秋季紀錄 ) 及 27 日在蒲台的 3 隻黃眉鵐

46 Hong Kong Bird Report : Annual Summaries 2008 年冬季 (12 月 ) 不尋常的温暖天氣由秋季延續至冬季, 多個月份氣温較正常高 12 月 2 日於米埔所捕獲的一隻嘰喳柳鶯是本港第五項紀錄, 亦是 1993 年以來首個紀錄 7 日蒲台的一隻太平鳥沒有充份地展露於觀鳥者面前, 結果令人失望地未能確認牠的身份 13 日米埔的小濱鷸及 24 日大埔滘的冕柳鶯都是首項冬季紀錄, 而 12 月 28 日白沙澳的雲南柳鶯則是本港第三項紀錄 2008 年的尾聲是一項過後才追溯回來的紀錄 一隻於 12 月 22 日在米埔所攝得的幼鵰在 2009 年 3 月登在網上, 那時才被辨認為香港首項紀錄的草原鵰 幸好牠轉移到其他地方後在 2009 年 3 月至 4 月再次被見到, 這個紀錄為充滿驚喜的兩年劃上一個驚喜的結局

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48 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Systematic List New Taxonomy, Species Numbers and Categorisation This is the first Annual Report to use the IOC taxonomy now adopted by the HK List, and the scientific nomenclature that goes with it. Species numbers have also changed, but it should be noted that these will continue to change as a reflection of any changes in the taxonomically-determined order. The Categories referred to after each species number are as follows: Category I: species that have been recorded in an apparently wild state in HK. Category IIA: southeast China breeding species, the currently established HK breeding population of which is considered to derive from captive stock, but which probably occurred in HK prior to habitat changes. Category IIB: extralimital species that, although originally introduced to HK by man, maintain a regular feral breeding stock without necessary recourse to further introduction. Category IIC: previously established feral species. Category III: species for which all published HK records are considered likely to relate to birds that have escaped or have been released from captivity. Systematic List Format The format for each species entry is as follows: i) HK List Number and Species Category. ii) Common name in English, scientific name, common name in Chinese, and BirdLife International Conservation Status, where applicable. iii) Brief description of the status in Hong Kong as at end of 2006, in italics. iv) Summary of status in each year. Some species have new common English names. The previous name appears in brackets if different. The Conservation Status is based on the IUCN Red List and any category other than Least Concern is indicated by the use of abbreviations. These are: IUCN Red List (2011.1) CE Critically Endangered EN Endangered VU Vulnerable NT Near-threatened

49 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List The Systematic List provides a summary of the ornithological observations reported in Hong Kong during the years in question but does not refer directly to all records received and archived. In an effort to reduce the time required to prepare the text and at the same time make it more readable, it has been simplified in the following manner. Records are not listed individually unless they differ from the currentlyunderstood typical pattern as described in italics below the species name, or concern a species sufficiently uncommon to warrant listing all records. Where possible, the description is divided into seasons with only the highest count and extreme dates provided. Sites of occurrence are not generally listed unless records occur in atypical habitats or at unusual times of year. All records of species requiring assessment by the Records Committee are listed in full. Abbreviations used in the species accounts are listed below. CP Country Park NNR National Nature Reserve DB Deep Bay NT New Territories HK Hong Kong SI Starling Inlet HKBR Hong Kong Bird Report SW Shuen Wan KFBG Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden WC Waterbird Count LMCSL WMA Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Wetland Mitigation Area WMP MPNR Mai Po Nature Reserve ZBG nc No count Waterbird Monitoring Programme Zoological and Botanical Garden It is hoped the new format will be more readable and informative. The Editorial team welcomes comment from all readers. Waterbird Counts Monthly waterbird count data collected as part of the Waterbird Monitoring Programme (WMP) are presented for relevant species. These are carried out in the Deep Bay area (DB) and Starling Inlet (SI). Note that DB counts include Futian NNR, Shenzhen and therefore are not solely Hong Kong. Excluding Futian data would not accurately reflect usage of the whole bay by waterbirds. The dates of these counts were: J F M A M J J A S O N D th 11 th 11 th 8 th 6 th 17 th 15 th 12 th 9 th 7 th 11 th 9 th th 17 th 9 th 19 th 11 th 8 th 20 th 17 th 14 th 12 th 16 th 11 th The waterbird totals might include counts made up to a week either side of the actual count date. The abbreviation nc indicates that no count took place, usually due to bad weather conditions

50 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List CATEGORIES I-II 001 I Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus 中華鷓鴣 Locally-distributed resident in areas of grassland with scattered shrubs or rocks, usually found in upland areas. Declining in some areas due to succession to shrubland. Plate 1 Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus 中華鷓鴣 Hung Shing Ye, Lamma Island, 12 th May 2007 南丫島洪聖爺灣 2007 年 5 月 12 日 Harry Li 李炳偉 2007: the only report of significance was of five in the lowland area of Heung Yuen Wai in the northeast NT in March and April. 2008: no reports of significance

51 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 002 I Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica 鵪鶉 Winter visitor and migrant, though much declined, to open country, often agricultural areas; extreme dates 26 September to 23 May, highest count 15 at Long Valley in winter : a typical year. First winter period: two at Ping Yeung on 22 March and one at Mai Po on 3 May. Second winter period: singles on Po Toi on 24 October, at Long Valley on 24 and 31 October and 4-5 November, at Mai Po NR on 20 November and again on Po Toi on 12 December. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: one along the access road to Mai Po NR on 2-3 May. Second winter period: singles at Mai Po NR on 7 October and on Po Toi on 30 December. 003 I Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica 栗樹鴨 Rare migrant and summer visitor to freshwater wetland areas of Deep Bay; extreme dates 26 April to 11 October. 2007: the bird first reported in late 2006 remained at MPNR to 27 May, the first report of overwintering. 007 I Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 白額雁 Two records, 8 to 12 November 2004 and 2 November 2005 to 20 March : a first-winter photographed at Nam Sang Wai on 10 November (Website report). This is the third Hong Kong record. 008 I Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus 小白額雁 VU One record, two juveniles at Lok Ma Chau/MPNR from 6 November 2006 to year end. 2007: the two juveniles first reported in 2006 remained in the Lok Ma Chau/MPNR area until 29 March

52 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 010 I Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 翹鼻麻鴨 Previously a common, if somewhat erratic, winter visitor to Deep Bay intertidal areas, now much declined; extreme dates 22 October to 29 May, highest count 4,011 on 17 January The current decline of this species has been sharp. In 2000 the peak winter count was 1,320, now it is less than 100 and continues to decrease. 2007: another poor year, with no records in the second winter period. First winter period: peak count 44 in January WC, latest date on 24 March. 2008: yet another poor year with only a few records, all at Mai Po boardwalk. First winter period: peak count 24 on 28 January, latest record in February WC. Second winter period: earliest on 5 December, peak count nine in December WC. 011 I Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 赤麻鴨 Rare winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 5 November and 14 May, highest count seven on 26 February Plate 2 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 赤麻鴨 Mai Po NR, 21 st April 2007 米埔 2007 年 4 月 21 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 2007: one at Mai Po from 14 to 24 April, apparently a passage individual

53 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 012 I Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 鴛鴦 Rare winter visitor; status now uncertain due to possible escapes. 2007: a pair present in the Kam Tin/Fung Kat Heung area from 20 January to 24 February. With colour rings on their legs, these birds were certainly ex-captive. In the second winter period, three (a male and two females) at Sha Po and Kam Tin on 28 November and 28 December. These birds were also considered ex-captive. 2008: a pair present in the Kam Tin/Fung Kat Heung area from 17 to 21 March and the same or another pair there on 4 September were considered probably ex-captive. 014 I Gadwall Anas strepera 赤膀鴨 Scarce winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas, extreme dates 25 October and 6 May, highest count 42 on 12 January : a good year with a high of 26; all records from MPNR and LMCSL WMA. First winter period: peak count 26 on 29 January, latest record on 29 March. Second winter period: earliest record on 20 November, peak count 17 in December WC. 2008: a typical year with records at MPNR and LMCSL WMA. First winter period: peak count 13 on 18 February, latest record on 1 March. Second winter period: present from 13 December, peak count four on this date. 015 I Falcated Duck Anas falcata 羅紋鴨 NT Rare and much declined winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas, extreme dates 26 September and 26 May, highest count 413 on 14 January : relatively good by the standards of recent years; all records from Deep Bay area. First winter period: recorded until 24 April; peak count eight (four pairs) on 6 and 7 April. Second winter period: recorded from 24 October to 20 December. Peak count four (one male, three females/immatures) on 20 November. 2008: relatively good year with a high peak count, the highest since 2000; all records from Deep Bay area. First winter period: a male and a female from 1 to 31 January. Subsequently, up to three males and 13 females present from 13 March to 5 April (peak count on last date). Second winter period: two females/immatures at Mai Po on 13 December and six there on 27 December

54 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 3 Falcated Duck Anas falcata 羅紋鴨 NT Mai Po NR, 4 th February 2007 米埔 2007 年 2 月 4 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 016 I Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 赤頸鴨 Abundant winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas with one summer record; typically present September to April, highest count 6,705 on 14 January : a good year, with the second highest count on record. All records from Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 5,764 in February WC, latest record on 10 May. Second winter period: earliest record on 7 October, peak count 5,028 in December WC. 2008: good numbers present in the first winter period, but scarcer in the second. First winter period: peak count 5,050 in January WC, latest record on 27 April. Summer: an injured bird at MPNR from 18 May to 24 August. Second winter period: first report on 17 October, peak count 1,114 in November WC. Sole record outside Deep Bay area concerned two at Kam Tin on 24 November

55 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 5,603 5,764 1, ,245 5, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 5,050 2,163 3, , Hybrid Eurasian x American Wigeon A. americana 2008: a male reported from the Mai Po Boardwalk on 2 and 25 January (MK, BS). 017 I Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 綠頭鴨 Scarce and declined winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 5 October to 22 May, highest count 70 on 7 November : all records at MPNR. A male of uncertain origin with an Indian Spot-billed Duck on 7 August was an unusual summer record. Later, another male on 8 November was joined by a female on 13 to 26 November and 24 December, with one on 28 December. 2008: a pair at MPNR from 11 January to 18 February. 019 I Indian Spot-billed Duck (Indian Spotbill) Anas poecilorhyncha 印緬斑嘴鴨 Present all year, apparently resident, though has declined in recent years; highest count 40 on 7 October Observers are encouraged to submit all records of this species. 2007: a poor year. Two accompanied by ten Chinese Spotbills at the Wetland Park on 20 February, one with a male Mallard at MPNR on 7 August and one at MPNR on 8 October and 9 November. 2008: no records. 020 I Chinese Spot-billed Duck (Chinese Spotbill) Anas zonorhyncha 斑嘴鴨 Previously common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas typically present October to March, now declined; regular but scarce breeding species at MPNR; highest count 511 on 13 January : recorded only at MPNR and LMCSL WMA First winter period: peak count 31 on 27 February, latest record on 27 March. Second winter period: earliest record on 7 November, peak count 16 on 27 December

56 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a poor year with low numbers. All records at MPNR and LMCSL WMA, except one at Ho Sheung Heung on 26 November. First winter period: peak count 25 on 18 February. Summer: five at MPNR from 24 to 27 August. Second winter period: recorded from 7 October, peak count 25 on 23 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 琵嘴鴨 Common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; typically present October to April, highest count 8,082 on 21 January : a good year with a new high count. Away from Deep Bay area, two birds at Nam Chung on 9 December. First winter period: a new high of 8,930 in January WC, including 3,648 at Futian NNR, Shenzhen, represents 1.8% of the regional population. Summer: up to three from 23 April to 4 September. Second winter period: earliest record on 25 September, peak count 7,640 in November WC. 2008: a very good year with high numbers in both winters. Away from Deep Bay area and Starling Inlet, at Kam Tin on 4 March (five) and 24 November (one). First winter period: last recorded on 27 April, peak count 14,253 in January WC. This represents a new high for Deep Bay, although the majority of birds, 12,520 individuals, were at Futian NNR, Shenzhen. Summer: two at MPNR from 5 May to 25 September. Second winter period: earliest record on 10 October, peak count 9,966 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 8,930 5,893 3, ,640 6, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 14,253 4,919 7, ,748 9,

57 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 022 I Northern Pintail Anas acuta 針尾鴨 Common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; typically present October to April, highest count 8,654 on 11 January : a typical year. Recorded in Deep Bay area and at Starling Inlet. First winter period: recorded until 18 April; peak count of 4,647 on 14 February represents 1.9% of the regional population. Second winter period: recorded from 25 September (two birds), peak count 4,174 on 21 November. 2008: a poor year with low numbers in both winters. All records from Deep Bay and Starling Inlet. First winter period: last recorded on 17 March, peak count 2,444 in March WC. Second winter period: earliest record on 10 October, peak count 1,326 on 9 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 3,360 3,571 1, , J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, , I Garganey Anas querquedula 白眉鴨 Migrant, mainly autumn, and winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland area; typically present September to April, highest count 715 on 27 September : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, recorded at Kam Tin, Nam Chung, southern waters and Yau Mei San Tsuen. First winter period: peak winter count 126 on 15 January, peak spring count 94 in April WC. Flocks of 12, 50 and 40 were seen on migration over southern waters on 16 March, 31 March and 1 April respectively. Second winter period: earliest record on 7 September, peak autumn count 280 on 8 October. 2008: relatively low numbers, all in Deep Bay area except 16 flying northeast off Po Toi on 24 March. First winter period: peak winter count 74 in February WC, peak spring count 20 in April WC. Latest record on 27 April. Second winter period: earliest record on 4 September, peak autumn count 130 on 10 October

58 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Baikal Teal Anas formosa 花臉鴨 Rare winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 18 November and 11 April, highest count five on 1 February : a male at MPNR from 15 January to 14 February. 2008: a female at Hang Tau on 16 December. Plate 4 Baikal Teal Anas formosa 花臉鴨 Hang Tau, 16 th December 2008 坑頭 2008 年 12 月 16 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍

59 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 025 I Eurasian Teal (Common Teal) Anas crecca 綠翅鴨 Common winter visitor to wetland areas, primarily Deep Bay, with occasional summer records; typically present September to April, highest count 5,411 on 24 January : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area and Starling Inlet, recorded at Fung Kat Heung/Sha Po/Kam Tin, Long Valley and Po Toi. First winter period: peak count 1,951 in February WC. Summer: three present from late May to July, two remaining till 7 September. Second winter period: peak count 2,785 in December WC. 2008: a relatively poor year with low numbers in both winter periods. Away from Deep Bay and Starling Inlet, recorded at Fung Kat Heung, Kam Tin, Long Valley, Sha Ling and Ta Kwu Ling. First winter period: peak count 1,099 in January WC, latest record on 19 April. Second winter period: earliest record 3 September, peak count 2,322 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1,311 1, ,368 2, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, , I Common Pochard Aythya ferina 紅頭潛鴨 Scarce winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 22 October and 20 June, highest count 14 on 11 January : a good year with high counts in both winter periods. First winter period: peak count nine in January WC, one at LMCSL WMA on 26 January and one at Tsim Bei Tsui on 3 February. Second winter period: four in November WC, five at LMCSL WMA on 29 November and eight at Nam Sang Wai on 26 December 2008: up to two at MPNR from 7 to 12 January. 029 I Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca 白眼潛鴨 NT Rare winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 3 December and 11 March, highest count 4 on 20 February : one at MPNR from 8 January to 3 March. A male at Nam Sang Wai on 26 December

60 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 030 I Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 鳳頭潛鴨 Common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; typically present October to April, highest count 3,053 on 17 December : a good year with a new high. All records from Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 4,285 at MPNR on 15 January, equivalent to 1.7% of the regional population. Plate 5 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 鳳頭潛鴨 Nam Sang Wai, 9 th January 2008 南生圍 2008 年 1 月 9 日 K N Cheung 張冠南 Summer: two at MPNR from 18 May to 9 July. Second winter period: earliest record on 2 November, peak count 1,315 in November WC. 2008: a typical year with all records from Deep Bay area

61 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: last recorded on 22 April, peak count 1,846 in March WC. Second winter period: earliest record 12 November, peak count 855 in November WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 4,285 2,995 1, ,315 1, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 796 1,268 1, I Greater Scaup Aythya marila 斑背潛鴨 Scarce winter visitor to Deep Bay area; extreme dates 25 October and 16 April, highest count 83 on 17 February : a male at LMCSL WMA from 4 to 13 February and one at Pui O on 6 December. 033 I Black Scoter Melanitta americana 黑海番鴨 No records. 2007: a female/immature present on Pond 20 of MPNR on 9 December (BS,JAA). This is the first record for Hong Kong. 036 I Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 紅胸秋沙鴨 Rare, much declined winter visitor to Deep Bay area and spring passage migrant to southern waters, extreme dates 16 November and 4 May, highest count 97 on 14 January : one flying northeast off Po Toi on 16 March. 037 I Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata 紅喉潛鳥 Two records, 18 February 2002 and 20 February to 14 March : one in waters off Po Toi on 13 and 27 February (GW). This is the third Hong Kong record. 038 I Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii 黄嘴潛鳥 No records. 2008: one off Town Island, Sai Kung on 25 and 26 January (YYT). This is the first record for Hong Kong

62 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 040 I Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas 白額鸌 Regular spring migrant in small numbers, with occasional autumn records, primarily in eastern and southern waters; extreme dates 4 March to 1 June and 21 August to 26 September, highest count 80 on 17 May : present in eastern and southern waters from 14 March to 5 May, high count of six on the first date. 2008: present 24 March to 17 May. All records from Po Toi and nearby southern waters, high count of two on 4 and 17 May. 041 I Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus 曳尾鸌 One record, 6 July : one in eastern waters on 27 September 2008 (YYT). This is the second Hong Kong record. Plate 6 Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus 曳尾鸌 Eastern Waters, 27 th September 2008 東面水域 2008 年 9 月 27 日 Yu Yat Tung 余日東 042 I Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris 短尾鸌 Prior to 2006, one record on 16 May Observations in 2006 suggest the species may be a regular spring migrant in small numbers, primarily in southern waters; extreme dates 23 April to 23 May, highest count 14 on 5 May

63 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: present off Po Toi and in nearby southern waters from 30 April to 23 May, new record high count of 15 on 14 May. 2008: present off Po Toi and in nearby southern waters from 30 April to 24 May, a new latest date, high count of 15 on 15 May. 043 I Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 小鸊鷉 Present all year on ponds and pools, primarily in Deep Bay area; highest count 352 on 12 January : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course (15 November and 18 December) and Po Toi (22 November). First winter period: peak count 157 in January WC. Breeding season: peak count 95 in May WC. Second winter period: peak count 153 in November WC. 2008: a typical year. Away from northwest NT, also recorded at Nam Chung (three birds), Plover Cove (four birds) and Shuen Wan (three birds). First winter period: peak count 207 in February WC. Breeding season: peak count 101 in August WC. Second winter period: peak count 224 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 鳳頭鸊鷉 Common winter visitor to Deep Bay area; extreme dates 15 October to 12 May, highest count 790 on 17 December : a good year with a high of 375, equivalent to 1% of the regional population. Outside Deep Bay area, two at Starling Inlet on 5 March. First winter period: latest record on 6 April, peak count 375 in February WC. Second winter period: earliest date 11 November, peak count 179 between Tsim Bei Tsui and Nam Sha Po on 16 December. 2008: relatively few reports. Away from Deep Bay area, one at Plover Cove Dam on 1 January

64 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: last recorded on 19 April, peak count 273 on 1 January between Tsim Bei Tsui and Nam Sha Po. Second winter period: earliest record 12 November, peak count 331 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 白尾鸏 No records. 2008: a juvenile in waters near Waglan on 4 May (MT et al.). This is the first record for Hong Kong. 048 I Black Stork Ciconia nigra 黑鸛 Occasional winter visitor to wetland areas, primarily Deep Bay; extreme dates 16 October and 5 April. 2007: one at MPNR on 3-4 November and at LMCSL WMA on 30 November. 2008: one at Mai Po on 11 November and one over Po Toi on 21 November. 052 I Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 白琵鷺 Winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; extreme dates 16 October and 18 May, highest count 30 on 14 March : good numbers in the first winter period but scarce in the second. First winter period: peak count seven in January WC and on 22 March. Latest date 23 April. Second winter period: earliest date 8 November. Peak count two on 27 November 2008: a poor year with few records. First winter period: peak count three in February WC, latest date 5 May. Second winter period: earliest date 25 October, peak count three on 14 November

65 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 053 I Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor 黑臉琵鷺 EN Winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas with occasional summer records; typically present October to April, highest count 385 on 17 December World population estimated at 1,679 individuals (IUCN 2006). 2007: a typical year. Recorded mainly at MPNR and Kam Tin River. Seven in a drained fish pond at Sha Po on 6 November was an unusual report south of Castle Peak Road. First winter period: peak count 358 in January WC. Summer: twelve present from 13 July to 8 October. Second winter period: peak count 327 on 27 November at MPNR, earliest record on 21 October. One at Starling Inlet in the December WC was an unusual record. 2008: a good year with high numbers in both winter periods including a new highest count. All records from Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 369 in January WC. Summer: six present on 20 June, five from 30 June to 17 July and finally two from 30 July to 9 October. Second winter period: earliest record on 24 October, peak count 421 in December WC is a new highest count. WMP monthly data J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Eurasian Bittern (Great Bittern) Botaurus stellaris 大麻鳽 Winter visitor to larger reedmarshes; extreme dates 12 September and 16 May, highest count 13 on 27 March Actual numbers present usually only obtained via evening roost counts. 2007: recorded at LMCSL WMA, MPNR and Nam Sang Wai. Latest record on 8 April in the first winter period and earliest record 5 November in the second winter period. Peak count four in January WC. 2008: recorded at MPNR, LMCSL WMA, from 12 January to 4 February and from 29 October to 13 December, peak count two on 7 November

66 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 055 I Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis 黃葦鳽 Uncommon summer visitor from April to September in Deep Bay reedmarsh and mangrove, with more widespread spring and autumn migrants and occasional winter records; has greatly declined; highest count 40 on 27 May : away from Deep Bay area, recorded at Cheung Chau, Fung Kat Heung, Kam Tin, Po Toi, Yau Mei San Tsuen. First winter period: singles in Deep Bay area 14 January to 12 February. Spring: passage individuals on Po Toi from 21 May to 12 June, peak count 12 on the first date. Breeding season: peak count eight at MPNR on 22 May; also five in June WC. Second winter period: peak count 21 in October WC. 2008: a good year with exceptionally high numbers and widespread reports in the final ten days of May as a result of a depression with heavy rain. Away from Deep Bay and Po Toi, recorded at Kam Tin, Long Valley, Man Kam To, Nam Chung, Pat Heung, Sam A Tsuen and San Uk Ling. First winter period: singles at Mai Po on 14 January and at Kam Tin on 6 March. Spring passage 21 April to 24 June, with a total high count of 104 on 21 May from LMCSL WMA (50), Po Toi (44) and San Tin (ten). The LMC record is a new high count (PJL). Breeding season: peak count 13 in June WC. Second winter period: peak count six in September WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Von Schrenck s Bittern (Schrenck s Bittern) Ixobrychus eurhythmus 紫背葦鳽 Scarce migrant to wetland areas; extreme dates 28 April to 5 June and 29 August to 20 October, highest count 5 on 28 May : up to two on Po Toi from 21 May to 2 June, and one at Kam Tin on 23 May. In autumn, single birds at Mai Po on 14 and 28 September. 2008: as with Yellow Bittern, a good year. Spring passage from 4 May to 5 June, with an influx from 21 May when 29 were seen on Po Toi, easily a highest ever count. Up to two also recorded thereafter at Cheung Chau, Cheung Po, Kam Tin, LMCSL WMA and Mai Po. In autumn, two at Long Valley on 27 September and one at Kam Tin on 8 October

67 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 057 I Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus 栗葦鳽 Scarce migrant and rare summer visitor to freshwater wetland areas with occasional winter records; high count 10 on 19 May : recorded from 30 March to 22 October. Singles (unless stated) at Heung Yuen Wai, Kam Tin, LMCSL WMA (two on 5 September), Long Valley, MPNR, Man Kam To, Po Toi, Tung Chung and Yau Mei San Tsuen. Also, one in April WC and two in October WC. 2008: a typical year. This species is less common than Yellow and Schrenck s Bitterns in spring. First winter period: sole winter record a single at Mai Po on 21 January. Spring passage from 21 April to 18 June, with peak of two on four dates. Second winter period: singles present on seven dates from 7 August to 15 September. A juvenile at Kam Tin on 20 August might indicate breeding occurred nearby. An isolated winter record at Wo Shang Wai on 18 December. 058 I Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis 黑鳽 Scarce migrant to freshwater wetland areas; extreme dates 21 April to 20 June and 26 July to 8 October, high count 11 on 16 September : one at Long Valley on 17 March (KPK) is an earliest record, but superceded by one in 2008 below. 2007: a good year. In May recorded on Po Toi on 21 (two birds), 24 and 28, at San Tin on 23 and 28 and Kam Tin on 25. In autumn, singles at MPNR on 3 September and in September WC. 2008: a good year with new extreme dates and high numbers. One at Mai Po on 9 March (YYT) is a new earliest date. Spring passage from 7 to 28 May with a peak of eight on Po Toi on 21 May. Subsequently, one at Hung Hom on 4 July (KPK) was an unusual date and location. Autumn passage weaker: singles at MPNR on 15 August, on Po Toi on 25 and 27 September. 060 I Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus 黑冠鳽 Probably rare breeding species in undisturbed wooded areas, also rare spring passage migrant. 2007: one on Po Toi on 25 April (MK, RWL) and 1 May (GW). 2008: one on Po Toi 21 and 22 May (GW)

68 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 7 Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis 黑鳽 Po Toi Island, 12 th May 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 5 月 12 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 061 I Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 夜鷺 Present all year, though large wintering population appears to have disappeared, mainly in Deep Bay wetlands and at scattered breeding colonies; highest count 2,500 on 21 January : away from WMP sites, recorded at Kam Tin, Long Valley, Po Toi, Sha Po, Siu Lam, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and Tung Chung. First winter period: peak count 144 in April WC with 79 at Starling Inlet in March WC. Breeding season: peak count 385 in July WC. Nested at A Chau, Tai Po Market, Penfold Park, Yeung Chau, Little Green Island and Tai O. Second winter period: peak count 269 in August WC with numbers falling rapidy thereafter

69 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: away from WMP sites, also recorded at Brides Pool, Kowloon Park, Long Valley, Ngau Tam Mei, Penfold Park, Po Toi (maximum count 12 on 29 October) and Yeung Chau. First winter period: peak count 105 at Starling Inlet in February WC; also 57 at MPNR on 5 February. Breeding season: peak count 163 in May WC. Nested at A Chau, Little Green Island, Penfold Park, Tai Po Market and Yeung Chau. Second winter period: peak count 361 in August WC with 307 at MPNR on 18 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Striated Heron Butorides striatus 綠鷺 Typically occurs mid April to September in Deep Bay, and at scattered coastal and inland sites in winter; highest count 26 on 15 August : typical year. Away from Deep Bay area also recorded at Chung Mei, Kam Tin, Mui Wo, Ng Tung Chai, Po Toi, Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po Kau, Tung Chung and Tung O. First winter period: up to two at Tai Po Kau up to 1 February and on 21 March, one at MPNR on 25 January. Breeding season: peak count 25 in July WC. Second winter period: peak autumn count 17 in October WC; one on Po Toi from 27 November to 11 December. 2008: a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Brides Pool, Lam Tsuen River, Nam Wa Po, Po Toi, Sha Ling, Shuen Wan, Tai Po Kau, Tsuen Wan and Yau Mei San Tsuen. First winter period: singles reported at various sites from 13 February to 13 March. Peak count seven on Po Toi on 21 May. Breeding season: peak count 11 in July WC. Second winter period: isolated records from October onwards: three at MPNR on 10 October, at Tai Po Kau two on 28 November and one on 16 December

70 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus 池鷺 Winter, migrant and breeding populations present in widespread wetlands and damp areas; highest count 684 on 14 January : a typical year. Peak count other than in WC, 110 on 5 September at LMCSL WMA). First winter period: peak count 153 in March WC. Breeding season: peak count 251 at Pak Hok Chau on 4 July. Nests at Mai Po Village, Tam Kon Chau, Mai Po Village, Tung Shing Lane, Ha Mei San Tsuen, Pak Nai, Sham Po, Ho Sheung Heung, Tai Po Market, Penfold Park, Shuen Wan, Lam Tsuen, Ma On Kong, Ha Che and Tai Tong. Second winter period: peak count 259 in October WC. 2008: a typical year. Peak counts away from Deep Bay at Long Valley (14 on 5 July), and Po Toi (seven on 30 April),. First winter period: peak count 133 in January WC. Breeding season: peak count 148 in July WC. Nests at A Chau, Ha Che, Ho Sheung Heung, Lam Tsuen, Ma On Kong, Mai Po Village, Mai Po Lung Village, Ngau Hom Shek, Pak Nai, Penfold Park, Shuen Wan, Tai Tong, Tam Kon Chau and Tung Shing Lane. Second winter period: Peak count 260 in September WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Eastern Cattle Egret (Cattle Egret) Bubulcus coromandus 牛背鷺 Winter, migrant and breeding populations, present in freshwater wetland areas mainly in NT; highest count 1,000 on 29 August

71 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: typical year. Recorded at Chek Lap Kok, Kam Tin, Lamma Island, Long Valley, Ping Yeung, Po Toi (and nearby waters), Sheung Shui, Shuen Wan, Ta Kwu Ling, Tai Lam Chung, Tung Chung, Tung O. First winter period: peak count 108 in April WC. Breeding season: peak count 119 at Pak Hok Chau on 22 May and in July WC. Nests found at Tung Shing Lane, Ha Mei San Tsuen, Ho Sheung Heung, A Chau, Tai Po Market, Yeung Chau, Tai Long. Second winter period: peak count 95 on August WC. 2008: another typical year with widespread records. Away from northwest NT recorded at Cape D Aguilar, Chek Lap Kok, Chow Tin Tsuen, Chung Mei, Fung Yuen, Lai Chi Wo, Lamma, Lin Ma Hang, Luk Keng, Plover Cove, Po Toi, Sha Ling, Shek Kong, Shuen Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, HK Waters, Ta Kwu Ling, Tai Kong Po, Tung O and Wu Kau Tang. First winter period: Peak count 106 in April WC. Breeding season: peak count 148 in June WC. Nests found at A Chau, Ho Sheung Heung, Tai Po Market, Tai Tong, Tung Shing Lane and Yeung Chau Second winter period: peak count 82 on Po Toi on 8 October, with 58 in the Deep Bay area in August WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 蒼鷺 Present all year at wetlands and some coastal areas, mainly in Deep Bay area, though numbers in summer very low; highest count 1,962 on 1 February : a typical year. Away from northwest NT, Shuen Wan and Starling Inlet, also recorded at Lai Chi Wo, Long Valley (maximum five on 4 March), Penfold Park, Po Toi (22 March to 15 April), Sok Kwu Wan and Tung Chung. First winter period: peak count 898 in January WC. Second winter period: peak count 862 in December WC. 2008: another typical year. Away from WMP sites, also recorded at Ap Lei Chau, Kam Tin, Long Valley (maximum count four), Nam Wa Po, Plover Cove, Po Toi, Pok Fu Lam, Sok Kwu Wan and Wong Chuk Hang

72 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: peak count 930 in January WC. Second winter period: peak count 822 in November WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 草鷺 Migrant and winter visitor (occasional in summer) to vegetated wetlands, mainly in Deep Bay area; typically present end Sept to mid April, highest count 50 on 11 October : recorded mainly at MPNR and LMCSL WMA, with records at Nam Sang Wai on 25 February and at Shui Mei on 5 November. First winter period: latest record 19 June, peak count four on 3 and 12 February, in March WC and 6 April. Second winter period: earliest record 15 July, peak count eight on 8 and 23 October. 2008: a relatively good year. Recorded mostly from MPNR, but also at Fung Lok Wai, Po Toi (on 6 th and 20 September) and Yau Mei San Tsuen. First winter period: latest date 3 June, peak count four on 7 March (only WC record). Second winter period: earliest date on 13 July, presumably oversummering; next record on 6 September; peak count ten on 16 October. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Great Egret Ardea alba 大白鷺 Present all year in wetlands, mainly in Deep Bay area; passage migrants and winter visitors occur, highest count 1,429 on 9 November : a poor year with a low peak count. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Central (reclamation site), Kam Tin, Lai Chi Wo, Long Valley (maximum count three on 28 August and 28 October), Penfold Park (a high of 250 on 21 September), Po Toi,

73 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Sha Po, southern waters, Tai Lam Chung, Tung Chung, Yeung Chau. First winter period: peak count 890 in March WC. Breeding season: peak count 547 in July WC. Nests at Ah Chau, Penfold Park and Yeung Chau (highest count 67 nests). Second winter period: Peak count 708 in December WC. 2008: a typical year. Away from WMP sites, also recorded at Chek Lap Kok, Kam Tin, Long Valley, Stanley, Penfold Park, Po Toi (170 on 8 October), Sha Ling, Sok Kwu Wan, southern waters, Ta Kwu Ling, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, Wong Chuk Hang and Wu Kau Tang. First winter period: peak count 721 in January WC. Breeding season: peak count 816 in June WC. Nests found at A Chau, Little Green Island, Ho Sheung Heung, Penfold Park, Tai Po Market and Yeung Chau. Second winter period: peak count 1,167 in November WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 中白鷺 Present all year, though rather few in summer, mainly at freshwater wetlands in Deep Bay area; highest count 54 on 21 March : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, recorded at Kam Tin, Po Toi, Sha Po, Shuen Wan and Tung Chung. First winter period: peak count 43 in March WC. Summer: six in June WC. Second winter period: peak count 23 in November WC. 2008: a typical year with a new high count. Away from MPNR, recorded at Chung Pui (Plover Cove), Kam Tin, Man Kam To Road, Po Toi, Sha Po and Wo Sang Wai. First winter period: peak count 33 in February WC. Summer: peak count 34 in July WC. Second winter period: peak count 66 on 16 November during WC

74 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Little Egret Egretta garzetta 小白鷺 Present all year in wetland areas throughout HK, mostly Deep Bay area; passage migrants and winter visitors occur, highest count 3,212 on 12 December : a relatively good year with a high of 1,969 birds. First winter period: peak count 1,969 in February WC. Breeding season: peak count 676 in July WC. Nested at Mai Po Village, Mai Po Lung Village, Tung Shing Lane, Ha Mei San Tsuen, Pak Nai, Sham Po, Ho Sheung Heung, A Chau, Tai Po Market, Penfold Park, Yeung Chau, Ma On Kong, Ha Che, Tuen Mun, Little Green Island and Tai O. Second winter period: peak count 1,433 in October WC. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: peak count 1,366 in January WC. Breeding season: peak count 1,163 in July WC. Nested at A Chau, Ho Sheung Heung, Little Green Island, Mai Po Village, Mai Po Lung Village, Pak Nai, Penfold Park, Ngau Hom Shek, Tai Po Market, Tuen Mun, Tung Shing Lane and Yeung Chau Second winter period: peak count 1,675 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Pacific Reef Egret Egretta sacra 岩鷺 Resident in rocky coastal areas; highest count 18 on 21 January : a relatively poor year, with a high of six birds. Recorded at Central (reclamation site), Chek Lap Kok, Discovery Bay, Gold Coast, Po Toi, Lamma, Siu Lam, Tung Chung and southern waters

75 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a very poor year. Recorded at Chek Kap Kok, Po Toi (six), Sok Kwu Wan, Stanley, South Lamma (three) and Yung Shue Wan (two). 071 I Swinhoe s Egret Egretta eulophotes 黃嘴白鷺 VU Scarce migrant on northward passage; earliest date 5 March, highest count 11 on 16 April Has bred. 2007: single birds (unless stated) recorded at Mai Po boardwalk on 9 (two), 10, 21, and 29 (two) April, 1, 9 and 14 May. Elsewhere, one near Po Toi on 16 April. 2008: a poor year with only four records, at Mai Po boardwalk on 17 (two birds), 24 and 29 April, and on Po Toi on 17 April. 072 I Christmas Island Frigatebird Fregata andrewsi 白腹軍艦鳥 CE Five records, February, March, August and September (2). 2007: an adult male off Tung Ping Chau on 21 April (MW) and a juvenile or second year at Mo Tat, Lamma Island on 4 October (JAA). 073 I Great Frigatebird Fregata minor 黑腹軍艦鳥 Three records, April and May (two). 2008: first stage juvenile seen in waters south of Lamma Island on 27 April (PJL, MLC et al.). This is the fourth Hong Kong record. 074 I Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel 白斑軍艦鳥 Rare spring/summer visitor with other isolated records and some long-staying individuals. 2008: juvenile off Po Toi on 7 May (GW) and another juvenile photographed over Yau Tong on 26 July (Website report)

76 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 8 Great Frigatebird Fregata minor 黑腹軍艦鳥 Waters south of Lamma Island, 27 th April 2008 南丫島南面水域 2008 年 4 月 27 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 075 I Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus 卷羽鵜鶘 VU Winter visitor to Deep Bay, peak count 85 on 21 February 1960; numbers have declined considerably since. East Asia population recently estimated at only 30 individuals (Yu and Chen 2008). 2007: no records. 2008: one in Deep Bay from 20 February to 5 March. 076 I Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 藍臉鰹鳥 No records. 2008: immature off Po Toi on 18 March (GW). This is the first record for Hong Kong

77 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 078 I Brown Booby Sula leucogaster 褐鰹鳥 Five records, May (three), August and November. 2007: adult seen off Stanley on 25 August (P&MW) and probably the same adult off Po Toi the following day (GW). This is the sixth Hong Kong record. 079 I Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 普通鸕鷀 Winter visitor to ponds and inshore waters, mainly in Deep Bay area; typically present from end September to mid April, highest count 11,424 on 5 February : a typical year with a peak count of 10,081 birds,. Away from northwest NT, Starling Inlet and Shuen Wan, small numbers recorded at Plover Cove, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and near Po Toi. First winter period: latest date 3 May, peak count 10,081 in January WC. Second winter period: earliest date 18 September, peak count 7,354 in November WC. 2008: a good year with a high count of 11,144 birds representing 11% of the regional population. Away from WMP sites, also recorded at Tai Lam Chung Reservoir (9 February to 22 March and 25 October to 27 December) and Victoria Harbour (60 flew over on 12 January). First winter period: latest date on 5 May, peak count 11,144 in January WC. Second winter period: earliest record on 18 September, peak count 5,496 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 10,081 6,104 6, ,354 6, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 11,144 8,976 5, ,975 5, I Japanese Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus 暗綠背鸕鷀 One record, 17 to 22 April : first-winter seen from Po Toi on 4 and 18 January (GW). This is the second Hong Kong record

78 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 081 I Western Osprey (Osprey) Pandion haliaetus 鶚 ( 魚鷹 ) Common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas, typically present October to April, and scarce non-breeding summer visitor; highest count 26 on 18 November : most records were from Deep Bay; also regularly recorded in both winter periods at Shuen Wan. One was migrating over Po Toi on 25 April. First winter period: recorded up to 9 May, peak count 18 in Deep Bay on 14 January. Summer: one at Tai Lam Chung on 7 July, one at Mai Po NR on 13 July and two there on 12 August. Second winter period: recorded from 8 October, peak count 15 in Deep Bay on 11 November. 2008: mainly recorded in Deep Bay; also in winter in coastal areas of northeast and eastern NT. Singles over Po Toi on 18 April and 16 October presumed migrants. First winter period: recorded up to 27 April; peak count 19 on 9 March. Summer: singles at Mai Po on 8 June, 19 July and 14 August and at San Tin fishponds on 12 June. Second winter period: recorded from 16 October, peak count 14 on 21 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes 黑冠鵑隼 ( 鳳頭鵑隼 ) Passage migrant and scarce summer visitor to shrubland and open woodland; extreme dates 11 April to 27 October (also 16 February 2002), highest count 50 on 17 August : two at Ta Kwu Ling on 26 April, two at Kam Tin on 27 April and three at Mai Po NR on 21 October. 2008: one at Shuen Wan on 4 May, two on Po Toi on 8 May, two in Long Valley on 10 May, two at Man Kam To on 15 May and one at Chau Tau on 19 October

79 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 9 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus 鶚 ( 魚鷹 ) Mai Po NR, 15 th April 2007 米埔 2007 年 4 月 15 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 083 I Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus 鳳頭蜂鷹 Scarce autumn migrant and rare winter visitor and spring migrant; extreme dates 4 September to 20 April, highest count six on 25 October : singles at Tai Po Kau Headland on 14 April, Siu Lam on 8 September, Po Toi on 27 September, two at Fung Yuen on 29 September and one at Ng Tung Chai on 6 October. 2008: singles at Tai Po Kau on 22 March and 11 October, a dark-phase bird at Mai Po on 21 October, three at Shing Mun on 22 October, a juvenile at Lam Tsuen on 8 November and one at Tai Po Kau on 29 November

80 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 084 I Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus 黑翅鳶 Occasional visitor in ones or twos to open country throughout year. 2007: singles (possibly the same one or two individuals) at Mai Po NR on 12 dates between 13 July and 17 November. Elsewhere, one at Fung Lok Wai on 4 October. 2008: one or two birds regularly noted at Mai Po NR between 8 July and 25 October. Elsewhere, single birds over Po Toi on 25 March, Wo Shang Wai on 27 August and Shek Kong on 30 November and 12 December. 085 I Black Kite Milvus migrans 黑鳶 Present all year and widespread, though mainly a winter visitor between October and March; highest roost count 1,300 on 30 December : peak counts outside of Deep Bay were 70 at a roost at Yim Tin Tsai (inner Tolo Harbour) on 18 September and 67 at Aberdeen Harbour on 18 November; also 15 seen going to a roost at Tung Ping Chau on 7 April. 2008: away from Deep Bay, the highest count was 100 at Tai Lam Chung on 15 November. Also of note were winter roost counts of at Yim Tin Tsai on 16 February, 22 September and 30 November, and 70 at Tung Ping Chau on 7 October. No breeding records were received this year or in WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 白腹海鵰 Resident in coastal areas, mainly in the eastern NT; highest count six on 14 June : five adults in eastern waters on 13 August was the highest count. A pair bred in the Shuen Wan area, where a fledged juvenile was first seen on 7 April, a pair were nesting at Round Island on 25 April, and two adults were observed rolling and talongrappling at Clearwater Bay on 3 November. In the 2006/07 breeding season, 12 pairs were recorded attempted breeding, with 6 nests successful, of which four nests produced two young. A total of 10 fledglings were produced this year, a highest count in recent years. 2008: the peak count was six in Sai Kung waters on 26 February. Nest-building was noted at Yung Shue Au on 6 January, and a pair was at a nest at Yeung Chau (Shuen Wan) on 29 November. In the 2007/08 breeding season, 8 pairs were recorded attempted breeding, with only two nests successful. This included an unusual pair nesting on an electric pylon in Tin Wai. The pair was eventually unsuccessful but it is the first record of using artificial material for a nesting platform in Hong Kong

81 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 089 I Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela 蛇鵰 Present all year, probably largely resident, in woodland; highest count seven on 10 May : three at Ng Tung Chai on 22 and 26 February was the highest count. 2008: a total of ten over Chi Ma Wan on 24 March (MDW) is the highest count on record. Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus 白腹鷂 ( 澤鷂 ) Common winter visitor to Deep Bay wetland areas; typically present from October to April, with extreme dates of 5 September to 9 May, highest count 11 on 7 January : the only record away from Deep Bay was of an immature over Po Toi on 14 November. First winter period: recorded up to 26 April; peak count eight in Deep Bay in the January WC. Second winter period: recorded from 20 September; peak count five on 11 November. 2008: the only record away from Deep Bay was of one over Po Toi on 18 April. First winter period: recorded up to 18 April; peak count seven in Deep Bay in the January WC. Second winter period: recorded from 15 September; peak count five on 12 October. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

82 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 10 Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus 白腹鷂 ( 澤鷂 ) Mai Po NR, 15 th November 2008 米埔 2008 年 11 月 15 日 Cherry Wong 黃卓研 091 I Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos 鵲鷂 Scarce autumn migrant, rare winter visitor and spring migrant; extreme dates of 16 September to 19 April. 2007: a male at Mai Po NR on 23 April (BS) is the latest spring record to date. There were only three other records: singles at Mai Po NR on 17 April, 13 and 21 October. 2008: singles at Mai Po NR on 15 September (a new earliest date, observed to kill and eat a Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus), five dates from 14 to 29 October, 12 and 13 November, 25 November and 1 December. Also, one at San Tin fishponds on 19 November. 092 I Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 鳳頭鷹 Resident in woodland throughout HK; highest count five on 4 February : recorded from widespread areas including Po Toi and Cheung Chau islands; highest count four at Ho Chung on 9 April. Display noted February to April and October and November. A female was observed carrying a Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis near Mai Po on 22 May

83 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: display noted in February, March, May, October and November. A female was at a nest at Mo Tat, Lamma on 20 April. Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Chinese Sparrowhawk (Chinese Goshawk) Accipiter soloensis 赤腹鷹 Spring migrant, sometimes in large flocks, scarce in autumn; extreme dates 6 April to 25 May and 16 September to 12 November, highest count 780 on 16 April : a normal year but with two earliest records. One at Lok Ma Chau on 3 April is the earliest spring record to date (PJL), and one on Po Toi on 8 September (GW) is the earliest in autumn. Spring: passage from 3 April to 13 May with most sightings on Po Toi. Peak counts of 36 at Fung Yuen on 27 April, 58 at Pak Kok, Lamma on 28 April and 126 there the following day. Autumn: on Po Toi singles on 8 and 25 September, two on 14 and five on 18 October. 2008: a rather poor year with low spring peak counts. Spring: recorded from 11 April to 21 May; peak count nine on Po Toi on 24 April. Autumn: singles at Mai Po on 22 September and 5 October, two at Tai Po Kau on 28 September and one on Po Toi on 23 October. 094 I Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis 日本松雀鷹 Passage migrant, mainly autumn, and scarce winter visitor to open country; extreme dates of 22 September to 28 April, highest count four on 24 April : one over Po Toi on 16 September (GW) is the earliest autumn record to date. First winter period: a minimum of eight birds in the NT and on Po Toi between 3 March and 25 April. Second winter period: noted between 16 September and 27 December, mainly on Po Toi and in Deep Bay. 2008: one at Mai Po NR on 5 May (YYT) is the first record in that month and the latest ever in spring. The total for April and the cumulative total for October-November are the highest on record

84 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: recorded during 1-28 April and on 5 May, with all sightings on Po Toi except for two at Lamma on 20 April. Second winter period: recorded between 14 October and 13 November and on 26 November and 14 December; peak count three on Po Toi on 30 October. Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Besra Accipiter virgatus 松雀鷹 Resident and autumn migrant in shrubland areas (almost certainly also breeds in mangroves); highest count four on 5 January : the peak count was three at Mai Po NR on 8 October. Display noted in February and March. 2008: in a very good year, with especially good numbers in September, counts of four at Mai Po NR on 24 August and 11 September equal the highest count. Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D Total J F M A M J J A S O N D Total I Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 雀鷹 Rare winter visitor to lowland areas of NT, mainly Deep Bay; extreme dates 9 October to 22 April. 2007: singles on 24 February and 3 March and on six dates between 15 October and 4 December, all in the Deep Bay area, except for one on Po Toi on 10 November. 2008: singles at Mai Po NR on 29 February and 21 October. 097 I Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus 灰臉鵟鷹 Migrant, mainly spring; extreme dates of 13 March to 28 April and 4 October to 10 November, highest count 147 on 22 March : one at the Ninepins on 30 April (YYT) is the latest spring record to date (but see 2008 below), and one on Po Toi on 29 September (P&MW) the earliest ever in autumn

85 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Spring: recorded between 14 March and 30 April including on eight dates on Po Toi; highest counts ten on Po Toi on 15 March and 11 April, 18 at Mai Po on 7 April and 28 at Ma Tso Lung on 8 April. Also noted at Fung Yuen, Tseng Tau Tsuen and Tsim Bei Tsui. Autumn: single birds on Po Toi on 29 September and 19 October. 2008: one at Ping Long on 1 May (MK) is the latest spring record to date. Spring: all records in spring between 24 March and 1 May, mainly on Po Toi, including peak counts of 44 on 1 April and 98 on 2 April. Other counts did not exceed six. 098 I Eastern (Common) Buzzard Buteo japonicus 普通鵟 Common winter visitor to open country and lightly wooded areas, extreme dates 8 October to 23 April; highest count 12 on 19 February : a record number of 16 in Deep Bay on 11 November. One was observed predating a White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus at Ho Heung Cheung on 22 January. First winter period: recorded up to 10 April; peak count 10 on 11 March. Second winter period: recorded from 14 October, peak count 16 on 11 November. 2008: one on Po Toi on 10 May (GW) is the latest spring date by 17 days. One at Mai Po NR on 4 October (BS) is the earliest in autumn by four days. 16 in Deep Bay in the November WC equals the high count established in First winter period: recorded up to 10 May; peak count five in Deep Bay on 17 February and 9 March. Second winter period: recorded from 4 October; peak count 16 in Deep Bay on 16 November. Peak counts in Deep Bay each month: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga 烏鵰 VU Scarce winter visitor largely confined to Deep Bay area; extreme dates of 10 October to 13 April, highest count six on 14 November : outside of Deep Bay, singles at Ng Tung Chai on 13 January (KPK), on Po Toi on 16 January (GW) and Tai Po Kau on 3 February (GJC)

86 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: recorded up to 27 March; peak count three at Mai Po NR on 11 and 13 March. Possibly only four individuals (two adults and two immatures) in Deep Bay. Second winter period: recorded from 17 October; peak count three at Mai Po NR on 8 and 17 November. A minimum of six individuals recorded, including a second winter fulvescens on 8 November (PJL). 2008: all records from Deep Bay area, especially Mai Po. First winter period: recorded to 7 March; peak count four at Mai Po NR on 17 January. Second winter period: one at Lok Ma Chau on 9 October (PJL) is a new earliest date; peak count three in November WC. 100 I Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 草原鵰 No records. 2008: a juvenile at Mai Po on 22 December (DCKC) was identified from photographs posted on the HKBWS website in March 2009 and subsequently seen again in late March/April This is the first record for Hong Kong. 101 I Eastern Imperial Eagle (Imperial Eagle) Aquila heliaca 白肩鵰 VU Winter visitor mainly November to March and largely confined to Deep Bay area; extreme dates of 18 September to 17 April, highest count 21 on 27 February : nearly all records from Mai Po. No sign of the decline dating back to the late 1990s being reversed. First winter period: recorded up to 27 March; peak count three at Lok Ma Chau on 23 February. Possibly only four individuals accounted for all records. Second winter period: recorded from 3 November; peak count of three at Mai Po NR on 8 December. Possibly not more than four individuals accounted for all records. 2008: nearly all records from Mai Po, with occasional sightings nearby at Lok Ma Chau, San Tin and Sha Po. First winter period: recorded up to 15 March; peak count three at Mai Po NR on 4 January. Second winter period: recorded from 21 October; peak count five in Deep Bay coordinated count of 16 November

87 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 102 I Bonelli s Eagle Aquila fasciata 白腹隼鵰 Resident in open country and upland areas of NT; highest count three on 9 November : sightings of one or two in most months, mainly at Mai Po. One was observed in display at Kam Tin on 11 November. 2008: very similar to 2007, with sightings of one or two in most months, mainly at Mai Po, and one observed in display at Kam Tin on 5 December. 104 I Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 紅隼 Autumn migrant and winter visitor to open country, mainly mid September to mid April; extreme dates 5 September to 22 May with three June records, highest count 10 on 6 November : a fairly typical year. First winter period: single birds, occasionally two together, recorded up to 27 Apr. Second winter period: recorded from 8 September; peak count five at Chek Lap Kok on 25 October. 2008: recorded from widespread areas. First winter period: mainly singles recorded up to 10 April. Second winter period: recorded from 27 September, peak count four at Chek Lap Kok on 15 October and 5 November. Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D Total J F M A M J J A S O N D Total I Amur Falcon Falco amurensis 亞穆爾隼 Scarce autumn migrant usually seen in flight, extreme dates 6 October to 1 November; highest count 10 on 15 October : a count of 11 at Mai Po NR on 22 October (KL) is the highest to date. A further 11 birds were noted, all during the period 14 to 24 October: up to three on Po Toi on 14, 18 and 24 October, one at Mai Po NR on 19 October and up to three at Pak Sha O on October. 2008: the first ever spring record was at Kam Tin on May (CMJA). In autumn, four at Mai Po, including one feeding on a bat, on 15 October, and two at Pak Sha O the same day were followed by one or two at Mai Po on 16 and 18 October and one on Po Toi on 28 October

88 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 106 I Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 燕隼 Passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and summer visitor to open country areas; extreme dates 23 March to 5 November; highest count six on 26 April : most records in a rather poor year were from Mai Po and Po Toi. Spring: singles on 8 April and 24 May. Autumn: a total of 16 between 1 September and 31 October, all single birds except for two at Kam Tin on 16 October and Po Toi on 19 October. An adult at Kam Tin on 1 September was carrying a Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. 2008: spring and summer records were mostly from Deep Bay and fringing hills; in autumn, also recorded on Po Toi, Cheung Chau, Fung Yuen and in the northeast NT. Spring: singles on 22, 24 and 27 April and 5-6 and 23 May. Summer: singles on 28 July and August. Autumn: a minimum of eleven individuals between 25 September and 28 October. 107 I Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 遊隼 Resident subspecies peregrinator often in coastal areas, and migrant northerly taxa in open country areas in winter; highest count three on 5 October : recorded from widespread areas, with peak numbers in March-April and September-October mainly in Deep Bay. An adult peregrinator was at Penfold Park on 22 January, and a northern adult was at Mai Po NR on 24 March. No other records referred to subspecies. First winter period: recorded up to 25 April, all singles except for two at Mai Po on 11 March. Breeding season: singles at Mai Po on 22 June and 31 July. Second winter period: recorded from 4 September to the end of the year, all singles except for two on Po Toi on 7 and 19 October and three at Mai Po on 9 December. 2008: recorded from widespread areas. An adult peregrinator was at Plover Cove between 11 February and 28 April. First winter period: recorded up to 28 April, all singles except for two at Mai Po on three dates between 10 January and 24 March. Breeding season: one at Mai Po NR on 15 July and 14 August. Second winter period: recorded from 11 September, all singles except for two at Mai Po on 24 September

89 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Monthly totals (summed from weekly aggregates): 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D Total J F M A M J J A S O N D Total I Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides 白喉斑秧鷄 Breeding season visitor, migrant, summer visitor and scarce winter visitor; highest count six calling at Yung Shue O between 4 and 17 April Plate 11 Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides 白喉斑秧鷄 Lai Chi Kok Park, 24 th November 2007 荔枝角公園 2007 年 11 月 24 日 Owen Chiang 深藍 2007: calling birds were recorded at Ng Tung Chai on 18 and 31 March, Tung Ping Chau on 7 April, Shek Kong catchment on 26 April (three birds) and at Wonderland Villas on 28 April and 31 May; in autumn, one was at Tai Po Kau on 22 October and one at Lai Chi Kok Park from 24 to 29 November

90 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: seven heard calling along Brides Pool Road on 10 April is a new high count. Also heard at Shek Kong catchment and Yung Shue O on 11, Tai Po Headland on 27, Ping Long on 29 April and in May at Wu Kau Tang on 1, Wonderland Villas on 12 and Lin Ma Hang on 22; finally, one was along Brides Pool Road on 26 June. 109 I Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus 藍胸秧雞 Resident in mangrove areas and passage migrant; highest count 15 on 1 June Generally an under-reported species. 2007: the only report away from the Deep Bay area was of one at Sha Tau Kok on 11 November. 2008: the only report away from the Deep Bay area was of one at Nam Chung on 4 May. 110 I Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 西方秧雞 One record, 2 to 8 December : one at Mai Po from 2 to 8 December 2006 (JAA), originally recorded as a western taxon of the single species Water Rail, has now been given full species status in line with the IOC List. 111 I Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus 普通秧雞 Winter visitor and scarce migrant; extreme dates 1 December to 4 May. 2007: singles at Long Valley on 1 to 9 January and 4 February, in the April WC and at MPNR from 2 to 15 December. 2008: singles at Au Tau on 21 January, Tin Liu Ha on 12 February and 4 March, and Pui O from 8 to 21 March. One at Mai Po on 28 December was either this or the previous species. 112 I Brown Crake Amaurornis akool 紅腳苦惡鳥 Irregularly recorded, mostly in spring and summer from lowland areas of stream and shrub in northeast NT. Has bred. 2008: one in a grassland area on Po Toi on 16 May (GW)

91 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 113 I White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus 白胸苦惡鳥 Common resident in low-lying, damp areas; highest count 75 on 12 January : one on Po Toi from 9 to 24 January, with a further bird on 18, while passage migrants were there from 13 to 23 May and on 25 September, 5 and 22 November. Systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 28 on 13 July and 8 October. 2008: up to two migrants were recorded on Po Toi from 3 to 8 April, and singles were present on 15 October, 20 November and 9 December. Systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 27 on 9 April. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Baillon s Crake Porzana pusilla 小田雞 Scarce migrant, mainly in spring, in marsh or wet agricultural areas; extreme dates 15 April to 3 June and 20 September to 7 November. 2007: a juvenile at Long Valley from 21 October to 4 November was well photographed. 2008: one at San Tin on 2 May. 115 I Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca 紅胸田雞 Scarce migrant and winter visitor to freshwater wetlands; extreme dates 13 September to 5 May. 2007: singles at Long Valley from 1 to 28 January, on 16 April, 21 September and from 22 October to 3 November, Kam Tin on 16 October, Mai Po NR on 8 and 10 November and 14 December and at Tsim Bei Tsui on 15 December. 2008: singles at Long Valley on 1 January and 17 March. One at Long Valley on 9 August (HTH) is by far the earliest autumn record. One at Mai Po NR on 23 October and 7 November; finally, two at the latter site on 28 December

92 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 118 I Watercock Gallicrex cinerea 董雞 Scarce migrant; extreme dates 31 March to 12 June and 29 July to 2 November. 2007: one at Mai Po NR on 18 June (BS), a latest spring date. One also there on 4 and 18 to 25 September; singles in the October WC and at Long Valley on 22 October. 2008: singles at Mai Po NR on 23 and 26 May, at LMCSL WMA on 20 July (JAA), a new earliest autumn date, and on Po Toi on 2 October. 119 I Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 黑水雞 Winter visitor, breeding species and migrant in lowland freshwater pools and lakes; highest count 265 on 18 December : a good year with a high count of 219 in the April WC. Systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 142 on 15 January; no birds were recorded during June and July. Outside of WMP, recorded at Kam Tin, Long Valley (maximum of six on 2 January), Penfold Park, Sha Po, Ta Kwu Ling and Yau Mei San Tsuen. 2008: a typical year with a peak count of 188 in February WC. Systematic twicemonthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 98 on 5 February; none were reported there from 6 May to 23 August. Away from Deep Bay and Starling Inlet, also recorded at Kam Tin, Long Valley (maximum count six on 7 November), Sha Po, Ta Kwu Ling and Yau Mei San Tsuen. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI J F M A M J J A S O N D DB SI I Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 骨頂雞 ( 白骨頂 ) Winter visitor to Deep Bay area, much declined, with occasional summer records and has bred; highest count 3,245 on 12 January : a relatively good year with a high of 620 in February WC, though 590 were at Futian NNR. Extreme dates 26 April and 11 November. Systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 42 on 15 January. 2008: high count of 728 in January WC but only 18 birds in HK; subsequently, 250 at Tsim Bei Tsui on 7 February. Extreme dates 7 March and 10 November. Systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 17 on 19 February

93 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Yellow-legged Button-quail Turnix tanki 黃腳三趾鶉 Scarce autumn migrant and rare winter visitor to open country areas; extreme dates 20 September to 10 April. 2007: one photographed at Long Valley on 26 September (Website report). 2008: one on the Mai Po access road on 16 October (DS et al.). Button-quail sp. 三趾鶉類 2007: one at Kam Tin on 6 November. 2008: one at Wo Shang Wai on 18 December. 127 I Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 黑翅長腳鷸 Migrant and winter visitor to freshwater marsh and agricultural areas, with breeding records in recent years; highest count 560 on 15 February : high numbers in WMP counts, but mainly at Futian NNR. Away from the Deep Bay and Kam Tin areas, recorded at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course (one on 20 September) and Long Valley (peak count eight on 27 January). First winter period: peak count 168 in the April WC. Breeding season: several pairs bred at MPNR; highest count at this time 36 on 23 May. Second winter period: peak count 257 on 12 September. 2008: a new HK high count in the second winter period (WMP counts include Futian NNR). Away from the Deep Bay and Kam Tin areas, recorded at Chek Lap Kok airport (seven on 29 August), eastern waters (one on 3 September), Long Valley (peak count 27 on 29 August) and Sha Ling (15 on 13 November). First winter period: peak count 321 from Mai Po boardwalk on 5 April. Breeding season: several pairs bred at MPNR; highest count at this time 17 on 5 May. Second winter period: peak count 612 from Mai Po boardwalk on 11 November, a new high count for HK

94 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 反嘴鷸 Abundant winter visitor to Deep Bay, primarily intertidal areas, typically present October to April; has attempted to breed in recent years; highest count 5,864 on 23 February : a good year, with a new high for HK in February. First winter period: the count of 11,957 during the February WC was a new high, the previous highest being less than half that. Last recorded on 18 June. Second winter period: first record on 16 September, peak count 4,715 in the November WC. Away from the Deep Bay area, one at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course on 15 November. 2008: another good year with a new high of 16,123, almost three times the highest up to First winter period: the new high of 16,123 in the January WC represents 16% of the regional population. Low numbers remained to the August WC. Second winter period: recorded from 16 September, peak count 10,415 in the December WC. Away from the Deep Bay area, 20 at Starling Inlet on 18 November. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 6,117 11,957 8,643 4, ,715 4, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 16,123 7,760 15,617 4, ,103 10, I Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 鳳頭麥雞 Scarce winter visitor to grassland and agricultural areas; extreme dates 6 September to 13 May, highest count 126 on 21 November : singles at Mai Po on 7 February and the Wetland Park in the March WC, and four at Lok Ma Chau/San Tin on 29 November. 2008: one at MPNR and nearby San Tin from 12 to 20 November

95 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 130 I Grey headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus 灰頭麥雞 Winter visitor and migrant to grassy or marshy areas, particularly at Kam Tin; extreme dates 20 July to 17 May, highest count 80 on 5 October : a typical year, though one seen from Po Toi was unusual. First winter period: Peak count 19 at Kam Tin on 23 January and 10 February, latest record in that area on 15 April. Subsequently, one off Po Toi on 13 May. Elsewhere, one at Hoo Hok Wai on 11 March. Second winter period: Earliest record at MPNR on 11 July (BS), a new earliest date, followed by one at Kam Tin on 19 July. Peak count 23 at Kam Tin on 9 November. 2008: a typical year but relatively few reports. Recorded in Kam Tin area, Long Valley, MPNR and nearby fish ponds. First winter period: Peak count 26 at Kam Tin on 14 January, last recorded at MPNR on 24 May (BS), a new latest date. Second winter period: Earliest record on 14 July, peak count 20 at Kam Tin on 9 December. 131 I Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 金斑鴴 Passage migrant, mainly spring, and winter visitor, mainly to Deep Bay; extreme dates 2 August and 20 June, highest count 900 on 13 April : rather few reports, mostly from MPNR. First winter period: peak counts 196 in the January WC and 160 in spring on 22 April, last recorded on 29 May. Second winter period: first record on 9 August, peak count 42 on 14 October. Away from MPNR, up to three irregularly at Kam Tin, Chek Lap Kok, San Tin and Sha Tau Kok from 26 August to 14 November. 2008: a relatively good year with a high midwinter count. First winter period: a record high of 533 in the January WC and a peak spring count of 235 on 17 April; last recorded on 5 June. Also on Po Toi (up to ten from 16 to 24 April) and Long Valley (one on 26 April). Second winter period: earliest record on 5 August, peak count 50 in the November WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

96 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 132 I Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 灰斑鴴 Common winter visitor, scarce passage migrant with some summer records; highest count 751 on 28 January : a poor year with a relatively low peak count. Mainly recorded at MPNR. First winter period: peak count 390 in the February WC, last record on 1 June. Second winter period: first record on 27 July, peak count 94 in the November WC. In addition, one at Sha Tau Kok on 11 November and 9 December 2008: a typical year; all records from MPNR. First winter period: peak count 634 on 18 January, latest record on 20 June. Second winter period: earliest record on 2 July, peak count 46 on 30 October. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 金眶鴴 Present all year in lowland areas near water, with breeding and wintering populations; highest count 356 on 13 January : a typical year with records mainly from northern NT; elsewhere, at Chek Lap Kok golf course, Lei Uk and Tung Chung. First winter period: peak count 230 in the January WC. Breeding season: breeding likely at Cheung Po, Kam Tin, Lei Uk and MPNR. Second winter period: peak count 218 in the December WC. 2008: another typical year. Away from the northern NT, also at Chek Lap Kok, Chow Tin Tsuen (Ta Kwu Ling), Lung Yeuk Tau, Nai Chung, Tong Fong and Wu Kai Sha. First winter period: peak count 203 in the February WC Breeding season: present at Chek Lap Kok, Fung Wong Wu, Kam Tin, Man Kam To, Mai Po and nearby areas and Yau Mei San Tsuen. Second winter period: peak count 137 in the August WC

97 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 環頸鴴 Winter visitor and scarce passage migrant to intertidal areas; highest count 4,000 on 5 February : no large flocks were reported from Deep Bay intertidal area. First winter period: peak count 610 from Mai Po boardwalk on 21 January, last record on 24 May. Elsewhere, five on Tung Ping Chau on 28 January. Second winter period: first record on 11 August, peak count 463 on 28 October; two at Starling Inlet in the November WC. 2008: relatively good numbers in the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 1,857 in the January WC, last recorded on 21 May. One on Po Toi from 31 March to 2 April. Second winter period: first recorded on 24 July, peak count 2,094 in the November WC. Elsewhere, singles or small groups at Chek Lap Kok (maximum 17 on 19 November), Starling Inlet in the November WC and Wu Kai Sha (one on 11 October). WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, , , The publication of Bakewell and Kennerley (2008) and Kennerley et al. (2008) has highlighted the likelihood that Swinhoe s Plover Charadrius (alexandrinus) dealbatus occurs in Hong Kong. Observers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the plumage and structural characters of this taxon, and pay particular attention to Kentish Plovers away from Inner Deep Bay, especially on sandier substrates. 137 I Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus 蒙古沙鴴 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, and scarce winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 500 on 14 April : a high spring peak count by recent standards. First winter period: peak count 179 on 1 May, last recorded on 8 June. Away from Deep Bay, one on Po Toi on 4 April

98 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Second winter period: first recorded on 11 August, peak count five on 30 August. Away from Deep Bay, one at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course on 14 September. 2008: an average year for numbers but with few reports. First winter period: two in January WC. In spring, peak count 78 on 17 April, last record on 27 May. Second winter period: first recorded on 8 July, peak count 33 on 24 July. Away from Deep Bay, one at Nai Chung on 12 October. 138 I Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii 鐵嘴沙鴴 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, in intertidal areas, rare in winter and some summer records; highest count 2,700 on 9 April : a poor year with a low peak spring count. All records in the Deep Bay area and Starling Inlet. Spring: 13 March to 19 June, peak count 147 on 17 April. Autumn: 2 July to 28 October, peak count at 80 on 16 September. 2008: a relatively good year with higher numbers in both spring and autumn, and a very unusual record of one in the January WC and two at Mai Po on 27 December. Spring: 21 March to 1 June, peak count 302 on 9 April; away from Deep Bay, five at Chek Lap Kok on 19 May and one on Po Toi the following day. Autumn: 8 July to 30 October, peak count 500 on 5 August. Away from Deep Bay, singles at Shuen Wan on 31 August and Starling Inlet in the September WC. 139 I Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus 東方鴴 Scarce passage migrant to grassland and wetland areas; extreme dates 5 March to 2 June and 1 September to 27 October, highest count 28 on 24 September : one along Mai Po access road on 7 April. 2008: one at MPNR from 5 to 30 April

99 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 12 Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus 東方鴴 ( 紅胸鴴 ) Mai Po NR, 13 th April 2008 米埔 2008 年 4 月 13 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 140 I Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis 彩鷸 Scarce breeding species, migrant and winter visitor to freshwater marsh and wet agricultural areas; highest count 40 on 14 October : recorded throughout the year, with fewer records in summer. Breeding activity noted at Cheung Po (Pat Heung), Fung Kat Heung, Kam Tin, along Mai Po access road and MPNR. Non-breeding birds also at Long Valley, Ngau Tam Mei and the Shek Kong area. Peak count 14 at Shek Kong on 27 January and at Wetland Park in November WC. 2008: recorded throughout the year at favoured sites such as Kam Tin, Long Valley and Mai Po/Lok Ma Chau area (mainly summer). Others at Chow Tin Tsuen (Ta Kwu Ling), Man Kam To Road, Sha Ling, Shek Kong area and Yau Mei San Tsuen. Breeding activity at LMCSL WMA, Long Valley and MPNR. Peak count 23 at Kam Tin on 6 November

100 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 141 I Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus 水雉 Migrant in freshwater marsh areas, has increased in recent years due to habitat managment at MPNR and LMSCL WMA; bred until late 1970s; highest count 7 on 14 October : a mixed year, scarce in spring but several in autumn. Recorded at MPNR, LMSCL WMA, Long Valley and San Tin. Spring: singles on May. Autumn: recorded 15 August to 3 November, peak count three on 16 and 24 October. Winter: two at LMCSL WMA from 6 December to year end. 2008: a good year, recorded at MPNR, LMSCL WMA, Long Valley and Nam Chung. First winter period: two at LMCSL WMA in December 2007 remained until 21 January. In spring recorded from 26 April to 27 May, peak count six on 21 May. Also recorded at Starling Inlet in May WC. Second winter period: one on 8 July, followed by passage from 14 October to 7 November, peak count two on 18 and 20 October. 142 I Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 丘鷸 Winter visitor and passage migrant to wooded areas; extreme dates 28 September and 19 April, highest count seven on 17 December : a good second period with a high autumn peak count and widespread records. First winter period: only two records: singles at Fung Kat Heung on 24 February and Wonderland Villas on 25 February. Second winter period: extreme dates 14 October to 26 November. Passage recorded on Po Toi from 14 October to 6 November with a peak count of five on 16, 18 and 25 October. Also reported at Fung Kat Heung, Ha Tin Liu Ha, Kam Tin, Lai Chi Kok Park, Mai Po, Pak Sha O and Shing Mun. 2008: a typical year with widespread records. First winter period: 1 January to 27 March, singles (unless stated) recorded at Fung Kat Heung, Kam Tin, Mai Po Village, Pak Sha O, Pui O (two on 16 February), Shek Kong Airfield Roard, Tam Kon Chau (Mai Po car park) and Wonderland Villas. Second winter period: 12 October to 25 December. Passage on Po Toi noted from 12 October to 6 November with a peak count of only two on 22 October and 5 November and a late individual on 9 December. Also reported at Lam Tsuen, Sam A Tsuen, Shek Kong, Tai Po Kau and Wonderland Villas

101 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 13 Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 丘鷸 Mai Po Car Park, 26 th January 2008 米埔停車場 2008 年 1 月 26 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍 143 I Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura 針尾沙錐 or 144 I Swinhoe s Snipe Gallinago megala 大沙錐 Primarily passage migrants to freshwater marsh, wet agricultural areas and fish ponds, with highest numbers in autumn, scarce in winter; highest count 100 on 21 September Pintail Snipe is believed more common than Swinhoe s Snipe, in a ratio of approximately 4:1. In view of the extreme difficulty of field identification described in Leader & Carey (2003), records of these two species are combined. Only in-hand records or substantiated field records in which the diagnostic structure of the outer tail feathers is noted are considered sufficient. Further work on vocalisations is required before apparent differences in call can be confirmed. 2007: a poor year for these species with low peak counts. Only recorded at Long Valley, MPNR and fish ponds nearby and Po Toi (on three dates: 3 and 10 April, 20 September). First winter period: 13 January to 24 April, peak count seven at MPNR on 24 April. Second winter period: 15 August to 17 November, peak count 20 at Long Valley on 26 September

102 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a very poor year for these species with a very low peak count and records from only a few sites, comprising Long Valley, MPNR and fish ponds nearby, Po Toi and Airfield Road. First winter period: 7 February to 26 April, peak count only three at Long Valley on the latest day. Second winter period: 9 August to 21 December, peak count only five at Long Valley on 4 October. No certain records of either species in 2007 or I Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 扇尾沙錐 Passage migrant and winter visitor to freshwater marsh, wet agricultural areas and fish ponds, with extreme dates 19 August to 28 May; highest count 212 on 14 January : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Kam Tin, Long Valley, Po Toi and Airfield Road. First winter period: peak count 37 at Long Valley on 14 February, latest recorded on 1 May. Second winter period: earliest record on 6 September, peak count 66 at LMCSL WMA mitigation ponds on 24 October. 2008: a relatively poor year with low peak counts in both winters. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course, Kam Tin, Long Valley, Sheung Shui and Tai Po Tin (Ping Che). First winter period: peak count 28 at Long Valley on 24 March, latest recorded on 28 April. Second winter period: earliest record on 29 August at Long Valley and MPNR, peak count 47 at Long Valley on 30 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 長嘴鷸 ( 長嘴半蹼鷸 ) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor to Deep Bay intertidal areas; extreme dates 4 October to 12 May, highest count three on 2 May

103 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: 21 February to 22 April, peak count two on 8 April. No autumn records. 2008: 20 January to 30 April, peak count three on 7 April. One again on 16 and 25 October. 147 I Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus 半蹼鷸 NT Passage migrant, mainly in spring; extreme dates 22 March to 8 June and 23 July to 13 November, highest count 540 on 2 May : a good year. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 24 March to 21 May, peak count 132 on 1 May. Autumn: 27 July to 6 October, peak count 13 on 25 August. 2008: a very good year with high peak counts in both spring and autumn. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 5 April to 14 May, peak count 428 on 27 April. Autumn: 16 July to 16 October, peak count 25 on 20 August. 148 I Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 黑尾塍鷸 NT Common passage migrant, mainly spring, and winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 2,190 on 8 April : high peak counts in spring and autumn; all records in the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 1,662 in April WC, a few birds may have oversummered. Second winter period: peak count 965 in November WC. 2008: lower peak counts than the previous three years; all records at MPNR. First winter period: peak count 790 in April WC, latest record on 20 June. Second winter period: earliest record on 2 July, peak count 592 on 11 November. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

104 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 149 I Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 斑尾塍鷸 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, to intertidal areas with occasional winter and summer records; highest count 400 on 14 September : a good year, with a high spring and autumn counts. Up to three individuals overwintering from 27 January to 3 March. All records from Deep Bay. Spring: 12 March to 8 June, peak count 114 on 9 April is the highest since Avifauna. Autumn: 30 August to 14 October, peak count 60 on 25 September. 2008: a poor year with a low spring peak count. Three noted from Mai Po boardwalk on 18 January. All records from Deep Bay. Spring: 21 March to 20 June, peak count 22 in the April WC. Autumn: 2 July to 11 November, peak count 25 on 11 September. WMP monthly WC data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 中杓鷸 Passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and scarce winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 300 on 24 August : a typical year, apart from a high winter count of 15 at Tsim Bei Tsui on 23 December. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Luk Keng and Shuen Wan. Spring: 28 March to 18 June, peak count 85 during May WC. Autumn: 2 August to 28 October, peak count 157 during September WC. 2008: a fairly typical year, though with a low spring peak count. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Cape D Aguilar (one on 23 August), Po Toi (19 on 17 April), Shuen Wan (up to two on 29 and 30 August) and Tung Chung (five on 13 September). Spring: 23 March to 20 June, peak count 48 on 7 May. Autumn: 2 July to 30 October, peak count 217 on 28 August. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

105 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 152 I Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 白腰杓鷸 NT Common winter visitor to intertidal areas, small numbers remain during summer; highest count 1,292 on 13 February : a typical year. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded near Po Toi (16 on 30 April, 18 on 1 May) and at Shum Chung (two on 25 April) First winter period: peak count 1,049 in January WC, representing 3% of the regional population. Minimum 17 stayed at MPNR over the summer. Second winter period: Peak count 215 in December WC. 2008: another typical year. The wintering population has been stable in recent years. Away from Deep Bay area, recorded at Cape D Aguilar (one at 23 August) and Po Toi (36 on 24 April and two on 9 May). First winter period: peak count 1,116 in January WC. At least 30 individuals oversummered. Second winter period: peak count 847 in December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, I Eastern Curlew (Far Eastern Curlew) Numenius madagascariensis 大杓鷸 VU Passage migrant, mainly in spring, and scarce winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 44 on 19 April : a relatively poor year with low peak counts during spring and autumn although six in the December WC is unusually high for winter. Spring: 23 March to 18 June, peak count five on 9 April. Autumn: 2 July to 23 October, peak count two on 27 July and 15 August. 2008: a mixed year with high numbers present in spring but scarce in autumn. Singles also in the January and December WC. Elsewhere, one in southern waters on 5 April. Spring: 23 March to 17 May, peak count 15 on 30 April. Autumn: 17 July to 25 October, only one present

106 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 154 I Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus 鶴鷸 Common winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring, to Deep Bay area; highest count 2,500 on 17 April : an average year. Away from Deep Bay area, one remained at Kam Tin from 13 to 30 January. First winter period: peak counts 1,151 in the February WC for the winter and 1,239 on 13 April for spring migration. Latest record four birds on 24 May. Second winter period: first record on 27 July, peak count 491 in the November WC. 2008: another average year. All records from the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak counts 764 at MPNR on 22 January and 1,373 in the April WC, latest record on 25 May. Second winter period: first record on 24 July, peak count 700 at MPNR on 24 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 803 1, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB , I Common Redshank Tringa totanus 紅腳鷸 Common winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring, to intertidal areas; highest count 3,474 on 29 April : a relatively poor year with low peak counts in both spring and autumn, though the peak count in the first winter was high. All records in the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak counts 551 in the January WC and 1,139 on 24 April, last record of one bird on 18 June. Second winter period: first record of four birds on 2 July, peak counts 1,017 on 27 July for autumn migration and 202 in the December WC for the winter period. 2008: a good year with a high spring peak count. Away from the Deep Bay area, one at Shuen Wan on 31 August and six in eastern waters on 3 September. First winter period: a new high of 3,539 in the April WC, probably related to the approach of tropical cyclone Neoguri. A minimum of ten individuals remained at MPNR over the summer. Second winter period: peak counts 1,150 on 30 July for autumn migration and 159 in the December WC for the winter period

107 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB ,106 1, , J F M A M J J A S O N D DB , I Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 澤鷸 Winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring, to intertidal areas; highest count 2,500 on 9 April : a relatively poor year with a low peak count in the first winter period. Away from the Deep Bay intertidal area, one recorded at Kam Tin on 21 January. First winter period: peak count 1662 on 23 March, latest record on 24 May. Second winter period: earliest record on 13 July, peak count 2,049 on 23 October. 2008: a new highest count. Away from MPNR, seven recorded at Long Valley on 4 October. First winter period: peak count 1,839 in the January WC, latest record on 20 June. Second winter period: earliest record on 30 June which may have been an oversummering individual, peak count 2,521 on 16 October (YYT), a new highest count. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB ,113 1, ,811 1,954 1, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1, , , I Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 青腳鷸 Winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring, to intertidal areas; highest count 1,816 on 22 August : a relatively good year with a new midwinter high count of 1,522, the previous being only 833 birds. Away from the Deep Bay area, also recorded at Kam Tin (up to five between 24 September to 4 December), Long Valley (one at 26 September) and Luk Keng (one at 11 November). First winter period: peak counts 1,522 in the February WC and 1,386 on 1 May for spring migration, a total of 31 present on 12 June and at least six could have oversummered. Second winter period: peak count 1,278 in September WC for autumn migration with one at Starling Inlet in the November count

108 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a good year with high peak counts in winter, spring and autumn. This species has increased in numbers since Away from Deep Bay area, up to two at Kam Tin on 4 to 27 January and 23 August to 21 November and ten at Starling Inlet in the January WC. First winter period: peak counts 1,509 in the January WC and 2,516, a new high for the species, in the April WC, with the last record of 15 on 20 June. Second winter period: earliest record on 8 July, peak counts 1,398 on 30 September and 1,717 in the December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 462 1,522 1,049 1,114 1, ,278 1, J F M A M J J A S O N D DB 1,509 1, , ,656 1, , I Nordmann s Greenshank Tringa guttifer 小青腳鷸 EN Passage migrant, mainly in spring, and scarce winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 58 on 13 April : a good year with high numbers present in the spring. All records from MPNR and boardwalk. One from 24 February to 24 March was presumably a wintering individual. Spring: 25 March to 21 May, peak count 46 on 9 April. Latest adult recorded on 24 April, with first-summer birds from 7 to 21 May, peaking at four on the latter date. A minimum of 50 individuals were recorded. 2008: a typical year. All records from MPNR and boardwalk. One from 14 January to 21 March was an unusual wintering record. Spring: 26 March to 25 May, peak count eight on 5 and 13 April. Latest adult recorded on 24 April with first-summer birds from 5 to 28 May, peaking at six on 25 May. Using an assessment based on different plumage of birds and dates, a minimum of 26 individuals were recorded in spring. Autumn: two from Mai Po boardwalk on 10 November. 160 I Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 白腰草鷸 Passage migrant and winter visitor to freshwater wetland areas; extreme dates 6 July to 9 May, highest count 76 on 12 January : widespread in lowlands of central and northern NT, mainly at Kam Tin (peak count 13 on 21 March), Long Valley (peak count four on 22 January, 20 October and 4 November) and Shek Kong area (peak count three on 22 January). Up to two noted

109 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List on Po Toi on 10 April, 6 September and 20 November. Elsewhere, four at Heung Yuen Wai (northeast NT) on 16 April. First winter period: peak count 39 in the January WC, latest recorded in the May WC. Second winter period: earliest record in the July WC, peak count 55 in the September WC. 2008: recorded regularly from Long Valley (peak count three on 23 January, 7 and 23 November), Shek Kong area (peak count five on 1 January and 7 February). Other reports at Chow Tin Tsuen, Lam Tsuen valley, Man Kam To road, Muk Wu, Tsung Yuen Ha. A total of 14 at San Tin fish ponds on 10 April were believed to be passage birds. First winter period: peak count 34 in the January WC, latest record on 5 May. Second winter period: earliest recorded at Man Kam To on 14 July, peak count 28 in the December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 林鷸 Common passage migrant and winter visitor to freshwater marshy areas; highest count 1,221 on 10 September : a good year with high number present in autumn. Recorded mostly from Kam Tin area (peak count 145 on 10 November), Long Valley (peak count 125 on 27 January) with smaller numbers also reported at Chek Lap Kok, Po Toi and the Shek Kong area (peak count 19 on 31 August). One leucistic bird at Long Valley from 2 January to 16 March. First winter period: peak count 493 in the April WC, latest record in the June WC. Second winter period: earliest record on 3 July, peak count 699 in the September WC. 2008: recorded at Kam Tin (peak count 118 on 26 November), Long Valley (peak count 71 on 24 March, 26 April and 7 November), Shek Kong area (peak count 87) with smaller numbers reported at Chek Lap Kok (one on 22 July), Chow Tin Tsuen (eight on 15 July), Man Kam To road, Po Toi (one on 3 and 17 April), Ta Kwu Ling and Tai Po Tin (Ping Che). First winter period: peak count 382 in the April WC, latest record on 9 May Second winter period: earliest record on 23 June, peak count 512 in the September WC

110 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes 灰尾漂鷸 Passage migrant to rocky coastal and intertidal areas with occasional summer records; extreme dates 20 March to 26 November, highest count 554 on 16 May : a poor year with low spring and autumn peak counts. Away from Deep Bay area, recorded at Kong Tau Pei, East Sai Kung (seven), Po Toi (one), Sha Tau Kok (nine) and Shuen Wan (three) Spring: 9 April to 8 June, peak count 27 on 8 June. Autumn: 1 August to 14 October, peak count nine on 14 October. 2008: another poor year with low spring and autumn peak counts. Away from Deep Bay area, singles (unless stated) also recorded at Tung Ping Chau, Nam Chung, Po Toi, Shuen Wan, Tung Chung Bay (three) and Wu Kai Sha (two). Spring: 9 April to 23 June, peak count 40 in the May WC (28 birds in Deep Bay area and 12 at Starling Inlet). Autumn: 2 July to 30 October, peak count 28 on 8 July. 163 I Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 翹嘴鷸 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, to intertidal areas with occasional summer records and very rare winter records; extreme dates 20 March to 26 November; highest count 477 on 29 April : a good year with a record spring peak count. All records from MPNR. Spring: 23 March to 18 June, peak count 590 on 24 April. Autumn: 27 July to 8 October, peak count 39 on 25 August. 2008: another good year with a high peak count. One in the January WC was an unusual midwinter record. All records from MPNR except one at Wu Kai Sha on 11 October. Spring: 26 March to 20 June, peak count 531 on 9 April. Autumn: 2 July to 25 October, peak count 98 on 31 July

111 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 164 I Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 磯鷸 Present all year, though few in summer; highest count 154 on 14 April : recorded at Central, Chek Lap Kok Golf Course, Tung Ping Chau, Kam Tin area (peak count 14 on 24 September), Long Valley (peak count five on 28 August), Ngau Tam Mei, Po Toi, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and Tung Chung (peak count five on 17 April). The highest single count was 42 at Fung Lok Wai on 6 April. First winter period: peak count 95 in the April WC, latest record on 19 June. Second winter period: earliest record on 4 July, peak count 86 in both October and November WC. 2008: recorded at Chek Lap Kok Golf Course (up to two), Cheung Po, Chow Tin Tsuen (Ta Kwu Ling), Kam Tin, Lam Tsuen River, Long Valley (peak count five on 18 and 29 August), Man Kam To Road, Po Toi, Sam A Tsuen, Airfield Road, So Lo Pun and Yueng Shue O. The highest single count was 34 at San Tin fish ponds on 24 April. First winter period: peak count 82 in the April WC, latest record in June WC. Second winter period: earliest record on 3 July, peak count 86 in the August WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 翻石鷸 Passage migrant, scarce in autumn, one winter record, to intertidal areas; highest count 268 on 20 April : a mixed year with a typical spring but no autumn records. One from Mai Po boardwalk on 12 March was unusually early. All records at MPNR and boardwalk except four on Po Toi on 3 May, one of which bore a South Australia leg flag. Spring: 12 March to 24 May, peak count 100 on 7 May. 2008: a poor year with low numbers. Also recorded on Po Toi on 16 (one bird) and 25 (two birds) April. Spring: 5 April to 27 May, peak count 46 on 30 April. Autumn: one at MPNR on 5 August

112 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 166 I Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris 大濱鷸 VU Passage migrant, mainly spring, and scarce winter visitor to intertidal areas; highest count 560 on 8 April : a typical year with relatively high spring and winter peak count. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. First winter period: peak count 29 on 14 January and still 28 in the February WC. Spring peak count 340 on 7 April, latest record on 8 June. Second winter period: recorded from 25 August to 23 October, peak count 68 on 16 September. 2008: a poor year with a low spring peak count. Away from Deep Bay area, also recorded at Starling Inlet in the April WC, Po Toi on 3 April (eight birds) and 24 April (six birds), and one in Southern waters on 30 August. First winter period: winter peak count 12 on 13 January and same number still present to 15 March, with spring peak count 127 on 23 March. Latest record on 1 June. Second winter period: recorded from 19 July to 27 December, peak count 43 on 13 September. 167 I Red Knot Calidris canutus 紅腹濱鷸 Migrant, mainly in spring, scarce in winter, to intertidal areas of Deep Bay; highest count 200 on 6 May : a relatively good year with a high spring peak count. Up to five from 27 January to 25 February thought be wintering individuals. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR, except 31 birds heading in a NE direction off Po Toi on 30 April. Spring: 23 March to 24 May, peak count 144 on 4 May. Autumn: 15 August to 28 October, peak count 10 on 14 October. 2008: a relatively poor year with low spring and autumn peak counts. Up to six present at Mai Po boardwalk from 18 January to 15 March, thought to be wintering individuals. All records from Deep Bay area. Spring: 21 March to 5 June, peak count 52 on 21 May. Autumn: 17 August to 11 November, peak count six on 28 September and 25 October. 168 I Sanderling Calidris alba 三趾濱鷸 Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring, to intertidal areas; extreme dates 19 March to 8 June and 3 August to 21 November, highest count 67 on 4 May : an average year. All records from the Deep Bay area

113 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Spring: 25 March to 21 May, peak count 10 on 16 and 21 May. Autumn: one at MPNR on 31 August. 2008: a poor year for Deep Bay records. Away from Deep Bay area, one on Po Toi from 3 to 5 April and 15 at Tung Ping Chau on 27 April. Spring: 29 March to 9 May, peak count 15 at Tung Ping Chau on 27 April. Autumn: no autumn records. 169 I Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 紅頸濱鷸 Common passage migrant to intertidal areas, mainly in spring; highest count 2,575 on 12 May : a relatively good year with a high spring peak count. Away from Deep Bay area, one on Po Toi and nearby waters on 23 and 25 April. Spring: 23 March to 8 June, peak count 2,239 on 9 May. Autumn: 9 August to 20 November, peak count 140 on 25 August. 2008: a poor year with low spring and autumn peak counts. However, rather high numbers in the winter periods were noted with 40 in January WC and a minimum of 30 from 5 to 27 December. Away from Deep Bay area, one recorded on Po Toi on 24 April and two at Kam Tin on 25 April. Spring: 26 March to 27 May, peak count 741 in April WC. Autumn: 24 July to 8 November, peak count 69 on 5 August. 170 I Little Stint Calidris minutus 小濱鷸 Scarce spring passage migrant; extreme dates 24 March to 8 June, highest count 6 on 25 April : up to three at Mai Po on 17 to 22 April, and another there from 4 to 6 May. 2008: at Mai Po, two on 19 April and four at 26 April. One from Mai Po boardwalk on 13 December (JAA) is the first in winter. 171 I Temminck s Stint Calidris temminckii 青腳濱鷸 Winter visitor and passage migrant; extreme dates 27 August to 27 May, highest count 152 on 18 October : a typical year with records mainly from fish pond areas near Mai Po and San Tin, and the Hong Kong Wetland Park. Away from these areas, one at Kam Tin on 11 November

114 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: peak count 37 in the March WC, latest record in April WC. Second winter period: earliest record of one at San Tin fish ponds on 27 September, peak count 22 at San Tin on 9 October. 2008: a relatively poor year with low peak counts in both winters. All records from the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count 16 at Mai Po fish pond area on 22 March and in April WC, latest record also from Mai Po fish pond area on 10 April. Second winter period: earliest record of two at LMCSL WMA on 14 September, peak count nine at San Tin on 28 October. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta 長趾濱鷸 Passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 28 July to 27 May, highest count 175 on 13 April : A typical year. All records from the Deep Bay area, except three at Long Valley on 17 April. Three were recorded in the December WC. Spring: 8 April to 6 May, peak count 39 on 6 May. Autumn: 1 August to 4 December, peak count seven in September WC. 2008: A relatively good year with a high spring count and widespread records. Away from the Deep Bay area, also recorded at Kam Tin (up to ten from 25 April to 2 May and one on 14 August) and Long Valley (nine on 26 April). Spring: 31 March to 21 May, peak count 54 on 24 April. Autumn: 31 July to 16 November, peak count ten on 2 September. 173 I Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos 斑胸濱鷸 Scarce passage migrant, primarily in spring; extreme dates 1 April to 23 May and 20 September to 21 October, highest count two on 21 October : no records. 2008: singles at Mai Po on 9, 19, 30 April and 12 May could refer to more than one individual. Also one at Kam Tin on 22 April

115 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 174 I Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 尖尾濱鷸 Passage migrant, mainly spring; extreme dates 22 March to 9 June and 27 July to 2 December, highest count 300 on 10 May : a typical year with all records from the Deep Bay area. Spring: 2 April to 24 May, peak count 175 on 7 May. Autumn: 9 August to 9 October, peak count four on 25 August. 2008: a relatively poor year with a low spring peak count. All records from the Deep Bay area except two at Starling Inlet in April WC. Spring: 29 March to 27 May, peak count 86 on 24 April. Autumn: 5 August to 30 October, peak count nine on 30 September. 175 I Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 彎嘴濱鷸 Passage migrant, primarily spring, occasional in winter and summer; highest count 6,000 on 22 April : a good year with a new high count for Hong Kong. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 12 March to 8 June, peak count 10,982 at MPNR on 17 April a new high for Hong Kong. Autumn: 13 July to 25 September, peak count 183 on 27 July. 2008: another good year with a high spring peak count. Isolated birds noted on 25 October and 27 December. Away from the Deep Bay area, six noted between Sai Wan Ho to Po Toi on 3 April and one on Po Toi on 24 April. Spring: 23 March to 20 June, peak count 9,012 on 19 April. Autumn: 24 July to 25 September, peak count 286 on 31 July

116 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 14 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 彎嘴濱鷸 Mai Po NR, 14 th April 2008 米埔 2008 年 4 月 14 日 John and Jemi Holmes 孔思義及黃亞萍 176 I Dunlin Calidris alpina 黑腹濱鷸 Common winter visitor, rare in spring or autumn; extreme dates 9 August to 20 June, highest count 5,845 on 9 January : a very poor year with very low peak counts in both winters. All records from the Deep Bay area except two at Long Valley on 20 October. First winter period: peak count 14 on 23 March, latest record on 21 May. A total of 1,730 small waders, thought be a mixed flock of this species and Kentish Plover, present in the January WC. Second winter period: earliest record on 2 September, peak count 174 in the November WC

117 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a poor year. Although the winter peak counts in the Deep Bay area were higher than the previous year, they are still quite low compared to the 1990s. Elsewhere, one at Long Valley on 22 November. First winter period: peak count 1,800 in the January count, latest record on 19 April. Second winter period: earliest record on 19 August, peak count 2,000 in the November WC. 177 I Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus 勺嘴鷸 CE Scarce spring migrant in Deep Bay, infrequently seen in autumn and winter; highest count 13 on 3 April : a typical year with all records at Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 13 April to 1 May and 14 to 24 May, peak count five on first date. Based on plumage, at least seven individuals present in spring. 2008: a poor year with only two individuals recorded, both at MPNR. Spring: two on 17 April, one on 19 April. 178 I Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus 闊嘴鷸 Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring, with some winter records; highest count 320 on 16 April : a relatively poor year with low numbers in both spring and autumn. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 25 March to 21 May, peak count 78 on 17 April. Autumn: only two records: one on 8 and 9 August, three on 25 August. 2008: a relatively good year with a high spring peak count. Also singles noted in the January WC and on 5 December, uncommon winter records. All records from Mai Po boardwalk and NR. Spring: 21 March to 19 May, peak count 137 on 19 April. Autumn: 24 July to 25 October, peak count five on 25 October

118 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 179 I Ruff Philomachus pugnax 流蘇鷸 Migrant to intertidal areas of Deep Bay, rare in winter and one summer record; highest count 10 on 25 October : a relatively good year with frequent records in WC during the first winter period (January to May). All records from the Deep Bay area. First winter period: peak count four (with two at Futian NNR) in April WC, latest record on 7 May. Second winter period: earliest record on 25 August, peak count three in September WC (with one at Futian NNR). 2008: a poor year with very few reports. All records from MPNR. First winter period: only one record, on 17 May. Second winter period: one present from 17 August to 17 September and another on 25 October. 180 I Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 紅頸瓣蹼鷸 Passage migrant and rare winter visitor to coastal waters and inland wetlands; highest count 1,572 on 3 October : a typical year with records from eastern waters, Fung Lok Wai, LMCSL WMA, Mai Po access road, Mai Po boardwalk, Mirs Bay, Nam Chung, Po Toi, Southern waters, Starling Inlet, Tathong Channel, West Lamma Channel. Spring: 12 March to 7 May, peak count 939 from Po Toi on 26 March. Autumn: 13 August to 9 October, peak count nine from Mirs Bay on 23 September. 2008: a relatively poor year with a low spring peak count. Recorded at Cape D Aguilar, eastern waters, Long Valley, Mai Po boardwalk and NR, Po Toi, San Tin fish ponds and southern waters. Spring: 11 March to 24 May, peak count 102 from southern waters on 3 May. Autumn: 23 August to 5 October, peak count 15 from eastern waters on 27 September. 181 I Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 灰瓣蹼鷸 Four records on various dates, February, April and December with one summer record from 4 May to 25 July : first-summer bird at Nam Chung from 27 April to 4 May (WT et al.). This is the fifth Hong Kong record

119 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 15 Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 灰瓣蹼鷸 Nam Chung, 27 th April 2008 南涌 2008 年 4 月 27 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超 182 I Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum 普通燕鴴 Migrant to lowland areas of NT, common in spring but rare in autumn; highest count 530 on 5 October : a typical year with good numbers in the fish pond area of northwest NT. Elsewhere, singles on Po Toi on 26 March and at Ho Chung on 9 April. At Chek Lap Kok, an adult and two juveniles were present on 22 June, with one adult and one juvenile recorded on 24 July. Spring: recorded 13 March to 23 May, peak count 22 along access road to Mai Po on 12 April. 2008: a typical year in the fish pond area of northwest NT. Elsewhere, a single and four on Po Toi on 20 March and 17 April respectively. Four (one adult, three juveniles) at Chek Lap Kok on 29 August and two juveniles noted there on 11 September. Spring: 18 March to 12 June, peak count 32 in the April WC. Autumn: 31 July to 22 October, peak count six on 11 September

120 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 183 I Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 三趾鷗 Eight records, four adults and four first-winter, in the period 13 January to 3 April. 2008: a first-winter in waters south of Lamma Island on 5 April (Many observers). An adult photographed near Po Toi on 22 May is by far the latest date (AC). Plate 16 Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 三趾鷗 and Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 短尾賊鷗 Southern Waters, 5 th April 2008 南面水域 2008 年 4 月 5 日 Liu Jianzhong 184 I Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei 細嘴鷗 Three records, all from Deep Bay, in the period 10 February to 10 April. 2008: first-winter in Deep Bay from 1 to 21 March and again on 13 April (YYT et al.). This is the fourth Hong Kong record. 185 I Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus 棕頭鷗 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay, extreme dates 21 October to 1 May; highest count three on 7 March : an adult on 20 February and a first-winter from 18 to 22 April. 2008: an adult on 21 March

121 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 186 I Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 紅嘴鷗 Abundant winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay and coastal waters; highest count 20,629 on 13 January : a typical year, with one summer record in June and July. First winter period: last record on 6 May, peak count 11,978 in the January WC. Second winter period: peak count 5,388 in the December WC. 2008: a typical year again, with one summer record in June and July. First winter period: last record on 16 May, peak count 11,600 in the January WC. Second winter period: peak count 11,178 in the December WC. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Saunders s Gull Chroicocephalus saundersi 黑嘴鷗 VU Winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay; extreme dates 23 October to 30 May, highest count 172 on 10 February : a typical year. First winter period: an injured bird until 23 May, peak count 60 on 21 February. Second winter period: recorded from 8 November, peak count 22 in the November WC. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: last record on 14 May, the peak count was 61 on 17 February. Second winter period: two on 10 November and 19 on 11 November. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

122 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 188 I Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus 小鷗 One record, first-winter in Deep Bay on 23 February : a first-winter in Deep Bay on 24 March (YYT). This is the second Hong Kong record. 189 I Relict Gull Ichthyaetus relictus 遺鷗 VU Three records, all first-winter birds in Deep Bay, between 21 November and 8 March. 2008: One first-winter from 13 January (KH), with two first-winters from 18 January to 31 January (RWL et al.), and one bird staying to 2 March (DAD), all sightings from the Mai Po boardwalk. These are the fourth and fifth Hong Kong records. 190 I Pallas s Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus 漁鷗 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay; extreme dates 25 November to 7 April, highest count 10 in winter : a third-summer on 25 March. 2008: a second-winter on 15 to 16 March. 191 I Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris 黑尾鷗 Winter visitor to intertidal areas of Deep Bay and coastal waters; extreme dates 30 August to 8 June, highest count 293 on 22 February : low numbers in both winter periods. First winter period: a first-winter from the Mai Po boardwalk from 24 February to 12 March, and singles near Po Toi on 16 March and 2 and 14 May. Second winter period: first-winters from Mai Po boardwalk on 9 November and in eastern waters on 15 December. 2008: no records in the second winter period. First winter period: ten first-winters flying northeast off Po Toi on 3 January, and up to ten first-winters and two adults in Deep Bay from 28 January to the end of March, with a single first-year remaining to 5 April. A first-summer was seen on 19 July. 192 I Mew Gull Larus canus 海鷗 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay, almost all first-winters; extreme dates 14 January to 29 March, highest count two on 23 February

123 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Currently, as the characters for separation of L.c. heinei are uncertain, only L.c. kamschatschensis is on the HK List. 2008: a second-winter kamtschatschensis from the Mai Po boardwalk from 15 to 27 March. 194 I Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus 北極鷗 Rare winter visitor, eight records, all first or second-winter, mostly from Deep Bay, extreme dates 14 December to 3 April. 2008: first-winter in Deep Bay on 13 January (MT,KH). 195 I Vega Gull Larus vegae 西伯利亞銀鷗 Winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay. Re-admitted to the Hong Kong List in 2010 based on records since at least : two adults and two first-winters recorded from 2 February to 3 April, peak count three on 29 March (GJC, YYT et al.). 196 I Caspian (Yellow-legged) Gull Larus cachinnans 黃腳銀鷗 Winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay and coastal waters; extreme dates 28 November to 17 April, highest count 25 on 13 March : very few records received, though this is not considered to be representative. First winter period: three on 24 February and one on 24 March, from Mai Po boardwalk. 2008: as for 2007, very few records received but probably under-reported. First winter period: recorded to 29 March, peak counts of age-classes being two adults, one third-winter, one second-winter and four first-winters. 197 I Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus 灰背鷗 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay and coastal waters; extreme dates 26 November to 1 April, highest count 7 on 25 January : up to three first-winters in Deep Bay from 3 to 12 March. 2008: recorded from 24 January to 30 March, at least three first-winters and one second winter were reported

124 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 198 I Heuglin s Gull Larus fuscus 烏灰銀鷗 Common winter visitor and passage migrant to Deep Bay and spring passage migrant to coastal waters; extreme dates 6 September to 30 April, highest count 865 on 28 January : most records from Deep Bay, where it is a winter visitor, and Po Toi, where it is a spring migrant through southern waters, mostly in March. First winter period: a poor year in Deep Bay. Last recorded on 11 March, peak count 220 on 24 February. By contrast, a very good year on Po Toi with migrants from 13 March to 5 April, a peak count of 291 on 15 March and a total count of 775. Second winter period: first record at Deep Bay on 8 November, peak count 30 on 30 December. 2008: a slightly better year in Deep Bay than the previous. First winter period: last recorded on 3 April, peak count 305 on 24 January and 28 February. An average year on Po Toi, migrants from 27 February to 16 April with a peak count of 105 on 27 February and a total count of 323. Second winter period: first record on 12 November, peak count seven on 5 December. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 鷗嘴噪鷗 Common spring migrant, scarce in autumn, some summer records; mainly recorded in the Deep Bay area; extreme dates 14 March to 20 October, highest count 415 on 12 April : no autumn reports, but a highest ever peak spring count from Deep Bay. Spring: 27 March to 9 May, the peak count of 600 on 8 April (PJL) is a new high for Hong Kong. 2008: an earliest spring record. All reports from MPNR/Deep Bay unless otherwise stated. Spring: one on 3 March (GJC) from the Mai Po boardwalk is the earliest spring record. Then from 21 March to 14 May, peak count 311 on 13 April, and 46 in southern waters on 27 April. Autumn: up to 11 in the Mai Po area from 28 September to 5 October

125 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 200 I Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 紅嘴巨鷗 Common spring migrant, scarce in winter and autumn, numbers reduced in recent years. Most birds recorded in Deep Bay area, but small numbers occur offshore. Highest count 150 on 30 March : all reports from MPNR/Deep Bay unless otherwise stated. First winter period: singles on 27 January and 24 February. Spring: 23 March to 23 April, peak count 30 on 9 April. Autumn: two on 21 August off Po Toi. 2008: all reports from MPNR/Deep Bay unless otherwise stated. First winter period: up to two present until mid March. Spring: mid March to 29 April, peak count 22 on 3 April. Autumn: one on 17 August. Second winter period: one on 11 November and 27 December. 201 I Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii 大鳳頭燕鷗 Scarce passage migrant through coastal waters, mostly in spring but with occasional summer and autumn records; extreme dates 6 April to 3 October, highest count 24 on 2 May : all records from southern waters unless stated. Spring: two on 2 April (GW) is a new earliest record. Then from 14 April to 14 May, peak count 12 on the latest date. Autumn: two in eastern waters on 6 September. 2008: all records from southern waters. Spring: 12 April to 15 May, peak count eight off Po Toi on 20 April. Autumn: Nine on 30 August and one on 27 September. 202 I Little Tern Sternula albifrons 白額燕鷗 Passage migrant through coastal waters and Deep Bay, extreme dates 4 March to 20 June and 2 August to 9 November; highest count 400 on 2 May 1999 (Typhoon Leo). 2007: a rather poor year. Spring: one on 23 March, two on 12 April, 12 on 13 April, one on 30 April and one on 21 May

126 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: good numbers present in spring. Spring: 29 March to 21 May, peak count 32 on 27 April. Autumn: one from Cape D Aguilar on 23 August during the close approach of Typhoon Nuri. 203 I Aleutian Tern Onychoprion aleuticus 白腰燕鷗 Passage migrant through coastal waters, extreme dates 11 April to 7 June and 2 August to 9 November; highest count 865 on 2 May 1999 (Typhoon Leo). 2007: good numbers present in autumn. Spring: 11 April to 5 May, peak count ten on the latest date. Autumn: 13 August to 25 October, peak count 112 on 6 September. 2008: good numbers present in spring, including the earliest on record. Spring: 5 April, a new earliest date (RWL et al.), to 24 May, peak count 44 on 30 April. Autumn: 15 August to 29 September, peak count 34 on 11 September. 204 I Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus 褐翅燕鷗 Summer breeder and passage migrant, extreme dates 12 April to 3 October; highest count 749 on 25 September 1993 (Typhoon Dot). 2007: recorded from 19 April to 6 September, peak count 42 on 13 August. Breeding season: the peak count of breeding terns in Mirs Bay fell again to just 201, the lowest count since records began in 2001 (HKBWS Tern Research Group). 2008: recorded from 16 April to 28 September, peak count 180 at Shek Ngau Chau on 6 July. Breeding season: a good recovery this year with a peak count of breeding terns in Mirs Bay of I Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus 烏燕鷗 Five records, all juveniles, extreme dates 8 September and 3 October. 2006: a first-summer in waters off Po Toi on 2 May (JH). This is the first spring record for Hong Kong

127 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 206 I Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii 粉紅燕鷗 Summer breeder and passage migrant, extreme dates 29 April to 29 September; highest count 210 in summer : recorded from 22 May to 26 August, peak count ten on 14 August, including juveniles; at least four pairs were reported from a small island west of Po Toi. Breeding season: breeding numbers were very poor, with none recorded from Mirs Bay in the official survey although clearly some pairs did breed elsewhere. 2008: recorded from 16 May to 5 August, peak count 25 on the latest date during the close approach of TS Kammuri. Breeding season: a much improved year with a total of 91 breeding birds recorded in Mirs Bay, the highest count since I Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana 黑枕燕鷗 Summer breeder and passage migrant, extreme dates 12 April to 16 October; highest count 274 breeding in Mirs Bay in summer : recorded from 18 April to 30 August, peak count 78 on 14 August. Breeding season: numbers in Mirs Bay remained at the low level recorded in 2006, with a peak count of : recorded from 26 April to 6 September, peak count 41 on 6 July. Breeding season: some recovery from 2006, with a peak breeding bird count in Mirs Bay of 81, although this is well below the high of 274 in I Common Tern Sterna hirundo 普通燕鷗 Passage migrant through coastal waters, extreme dates 25 March to 26 October; highest count 2,100 on 2 May 1999 (Typhoon Leo). At least two taxa occur, longipennis and birds from the thibetana/minussensis group, with the former dominating. 2007: a typical year. Spring: 10 April to 11 May, peak count 18 on 5 May. Autumn: 13 August to 6 September, peak count 48 on the latest date. 2008: a typical year. Spring: 16 April to 24 May, peak count 30 on the earliest date. Autumn: 13 August to 29 September, peak count 56 on 27 August

128 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 209 I Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 鬚浮鷗 Passage migrant, occasional summer and winter records; occurs at inland wetlands and coastal waters; extreme dates 8 August to 28 June, highest count 150 on 16 September : good numbers in spring and autumn. All records from the Deep Bay area and southern waters. Spring: 9 April to 22 May, peak count 138 on 12 May. Autumn: 5 September to 28 October, peak count 100 on 27 September; in addition, seven on 10 December. 2008: all records from the Deep Bay area and southern waters. Spring: 31 March to 21 May, peak count ten on 19 April. Autumn: 3 September to 11 November, peak count 77 on 25 September. 210 I White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 白翅浮鷗 Passage migrant with some summer records; occurs inland wetlands and coastal waters, occasional large movements occur; extreme dates 3 April to 31 October, highest count 3,000 on 12 May : all records from southern waters and the Deep Bay area. Spring: 25 April to 22 May, peak count 750 on 5 May. Autumn: 24 August to 25 September, peak count 14 on 23 September. 2008: all records from southern waters and the Deep Bay area. Spring: 24 April to 24 May, peak count 280 on 16 May. Autumn: 30 August to 28 September, peak count 20 on last date. 211 I Pomarine Skua (Pomarine Jaeger) Stercorarius pomarinus 中賊鷗 Spring migrant through offshore waters, occasional autumn records often typhoon related, extreme dates 12 March to 5 May and 26 September to 5 November; highest count 47 on 26 October 1998 (Typhoon Babs). 2007: ten on 10 March is a new earliest spring record (YYT). Also six on 18, three on 26 March, two on 3 and 12 May and one on 15 May. 2008: two on 5 April, three on 12 and 17 April, one on 1 May and two on 16 May (GW), a new latest spring record

129 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 212 I Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 短尾賊鷗 Spring migrant through offshore waters, extreme dates 5 April to 5 May; highest count 16 on 2 May 1999 (Typhoon Leo). 2007: one on 8 April, two on 5 May and singles on 10 and 15 May (GW), a new latest spring record. 2008: three on 4 April is a new earliest spring record (RWL). Also four on 5 April, one on 3 and two on 4 May, with one on 15 May. 213 I Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus 長尾賊鷗 Spring migrant through offshore waters, occasional autumn records often typhoon related, extreme dates 12 March to 19 May and 21 August to 5 November; highest count 69 on 5 April : three on 26 March, one on 2 April, two on 10, three on 11 and 24 on 24 April, two on 3 May and one on 11 May. 2008: all records in April, with one on 2, ten on 3, at least 40 on 5 April, 13 on 20 and singles on 12 and 29 April. 214 I Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus 扁嘴海雀 Winter visitor and spring passage migrant to coastal waters, extreme dates 22 November to 29 May; highest count 9 on 19 February : birds flying northeast past Po Toi were noted as follows: one on 10 January and in March, two on 13, five on 15 and two on 26; in addition, one was in East Lamma Channel on 1 April. 2008: birds flying northeast past Po Toi were noted as follows: five on 27 February, and in March six on 13, five on 24 and two on I Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume 冠海雀 VU No records. 2007: one photographed on the sea near Po Toi on 5 May (MW et al.). This is the first record for Hong Kong

130 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 216 IIB Domestic Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia 原鴿 Common resident, especially in urban areas, commensal with man. 2007: 16 at Mai Po NR on 19 June was the highest count received. 2008: the peak count was 21 at Mai Po NR on 30 June. 217 I Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis 山斑鳩 Widespread winter visitor to most natural or semi-natural lowland habitats, almost certainly breeds in the Deep Bay area in some years; largest numbers present November to March, highest count 706 on 3 January : recorded in all months except July, with peak count of 100 at Lok Ma Chau on 27 February. Summer records comprised one or two at Heung Yuen Wai on 14 June, Po Toi on 19 and 26 June and Ping Yeung on 28 June. 2008: recorded throughout year, with peak counts of 50 at San Tin on 11 January in the first winter period and 63 at the same locality on 16 December in the second winter period. 218 IIB Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 灰斑鳩 Local breeding resident in the northwest NT, highest count 11 on 19 January : 30 at Fung Lok Wai on 4 October is a new high (MK). 2008: recorded in most months with a peak of five at San Tin on 28 October. 219 I Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica 火斑鳩 Passage migrant and winter visitor to open country lowland habitats, especially in the Deep Bay area; extreme dates 14 August to 3 June, highest count 106 on 2 October : a typical year, apart from early and late summer records on Po Toi. First winter period: recorded up to 30 April, peak count 25 at Mong Tseng on 8 April. Summer: two on Po Toi from 26 May to 12 June, when one was found dead; this is the latest record in HK by nine days. One there on 26 August possibly indicated the surviving bird had remained the summer. Second winter period: recorded from 20 September, peak count 50 at Lok Ma Chau on 2 November. 2008: a poor year

131 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: recorded up to 21 May, peak count seven at Kam Tin on 21 January. Second winter period: recorded from 11 September, peak count 31 at Fung Lok Wai on 31 October. 220 I Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis 珠頸斑鳩 Very common resident in diverse habitats in urban and rural areas; highest count 67 on 18 December : a count of 76 at Mai Po NR on 30 January (KL, BS) is the highest on record. 2008: a count of 138 at Mai Po NR on 5 Febuary (KL, BS) is the first three-figure count of this species and almost double the previous highest count set in I Barred Cuckoo Dove Macropygia unchall 斑尾鵑鳩 Three records, December, January and May. 2006: male at Tai Po Kau Headland on 25 April 2006 (KB). This is the fourth Hong Kong record. 222 I Common Emerald Dove (Emerald Dove) Chalcophaps indica 綠翅金鳩 Widespread resident in closed-canopy shrubland and forest habitats; highest count seven on 11 July : recorded in most months, peak count six at Tung Ping Chau on 7 April. 2008: one or two in all months of the year. 223 I Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicinctus 橙胸綠鳩 One record, from 18 February to 16 March and 2 October to 22 November : the bird first seen in 2006 was seen again on Po Toi on 16 and 24 January (GW)

132 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 225 I White-bellied Green Pigeon Treron sieboldii 紅翅綠鳩 Four records from 30 December to 23 April. 2007: the bird first seen on 30 December 2006 at Airfield Road was seen again in the same location from 1 to 7 January. Plate 17 White-bellied Green Pigeon Treron sieboldii 紅翅綠鳩 Shek Kong, 4 th January 2007 石崗 2007 年 1 月 4 日 Owen Chiang 深藍 226 IIB Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea 小葵花鳳頭鸚鵡 CE (for native population) Common resident, mostly recorded in northern Hong Kong Island. An under-recorded species. Given the current status of this species in its native range (CE), the Hong Kong population may become important and observers are encouraged to submit reports. 2007: seven in the Tai Hang area of HK Island on 8 December was the only record. 2008: one at Mai Po NR on 11 January, two at Ap Lei Chau on 14 September and one at Long Valley on 30 December were the only records received

133 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 228 I Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis 褐翅鴉鵑 Widespread and common resident in lowland shrubland areas. 2007: the peak count at Mai Po NR was 18 on 23 May, which is thought to be the highest single-site count on record. 2008: a total of 25 were counted at Mai Po NR on 21 April (KL, BS), the highest count on record. 229 I Lesser Coucal Centropus benghalensis 小鴉鵑 Widespread and fairly common resident in areas of grassland or grassland/shrubland. 2007: a count of 13 at Heung Yuen Wai on 16 April (JAA) is the highest single-site count on record. 2008: no significant reports. 230 I Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus 紅翅鳳頭鵑 Spring migrant and summer visitor to closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, mainly April-June, also scarce autumn migrant; extreme dates 8 March to 19 November; highest count 10 on 26 April : recorded between 27 March and 1 June, including a peak count of four at Heung Yuen Wai on 14 May, with further records on four dates between 17 June and 22 August. 2008: recorded between 9 April and 26 May, with further records on three dates from 22 June to 28 August. The peak count was five at Robin s Nest on 15 May. 231 I Asian Koel (Common Koel) Eudynamys scolopacea 噪鵑 Recorded in all months from widespread urban and rural areas with trees, though infrequently during October-December; highest count 16 on 11 September : ten or more were noted at Mai Po NR on nine dates between 27 March and 7 September (KL, BS), including 17 individuals on 15 August, which surpasses the previous highest count. 2008: at Mai Po NR, which is now the site from which most reports are received, 10 or more were noted on seven dates between 7 March and 10 October, including 21 feeding in fruiting fig trees on 21 September (JAA), the highest count on record. Not more than five were noted in other months

134 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 232 I Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus 八聲杜鵑 Recorded in open lowland areas in all months, mainly in spring and summer (when calling) and much more infrequently in autumn and early winter; the highest count, however, is in autumn: seven at Ho Sheung Heung on 24 September : up to four (on two dates in April) between 1 January and 19 July; in the second period, two at Mai Po on 17 September, one at Yung Shue O on 26 September, one at Long Valley from 21 October with five there on 17 November and one at Kam Tin on 3 December. 2008: all first period reports spanned the dates 17 January to 5 July, including the peak count of four at Sha Tau Kok on 22 May: in the second period, one at Mai Po on 10 October, three at Long Valley on 28 October, one at Ping Long on 22 November and one at Ng Tung Chai on 1 December. Plate 18 Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus 八聲杜鵑 Long Valley, 10 th November 2007 塱原 2007 年 11 月 10 日 C W Chan 陳澤榮 233 I Fork-tailed Drongo Cuckoo (Drongo Cuckoo) Surniculus lugubris 烏鵑 Rare passage migrant, with four records on dates of 9 May and 21 August to 21 September. 2007: a good year with one at Mai Po on 16 April (JAA), one on Po Toi on 19 April (GW) and one on Po Toi again on 3 September (Website photograph)

135 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 234 I Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides 鷹鵑 Summer visitor and passage migrant to closed-canopy shrubland and woodland; extreme dates 8 February to 16 September; highest count 10 on 22 March : singing birds between 13 March and 24 July, with a peak count of seven at Wu Kau Tang on 9 April. One seen at Kam Tin on 25 August was the latest of the year. 2008: singing birds between 17 March and 10 July, with subsequent sightings on 12 August and 25 September, a juvenile (PJL), the latter being the latest autumn record by nine days. Eight at Tai Lam on 6 April was the highest count. 236 I Hodgson s Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx fugax 霍氏鷹鵑 Scarce spring migrant and summer visitor to closed-canopy shrubland and woodland with extreme dates of 1 April to 30 July. 2007: singing birds heard at Tai Po Kau on seven dates between 1 April and 19 May, all singles except three on 28 April (P&MW); also singles on Po Toi on 16 April, Sha Lo Tung on 23 April and Shek Kong Catchment on 26 April. Two website August records are the first for this month, a first-winter at Mui Tze Lam on 13 August and a juvenile at Tai Po Kau on 18 August. 2008: single singing birds between 12 April and 27 May; one at Robin s Nest and at Lin Ma Hang on 15 and 22 May (GJC) are the first records from the border hills. A juvenile seen with a female Hainan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus at Tai Po Kau on 24 August (KPK) is the third record of a juvenile and the latest summer record. 238 I Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus 四聲杜鵑 Summer visitor and passage migrant to open woodland habitats, extreme dates 10 March to 10 August; highest counts seven on 22 April 1978 and 11 May : recorded between 11 April and 23 June, with a peak count of seven at Heung Yuen Wai on 18 June (JAA), equalling the long-standing high count. 2008: all reports were between 10 April and 18 June, including the peak count of five at Tsung Yuen Ha on 5 June. 239 I Oriental Cuckoo (Horsfield's Cuckoo) Cuculus optatus 北方中杜鵑 Passage migrant, extreme dates 26 March to 19 May and 28 August to 23 October; highest count five on 9 May : the only records were of singles on Po Toi on 6 and 11 April and 25 September, and Mai Po on 22 and 25 September

136 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: singles at Mai Po on 27 April and Po Toi on 21 May (GW) were the only records. The latter is the latest in spring by two days. 240 I Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 大杜鵑 No records. 2007: one on Po Toi on 4 April (GW) is the first record for Hong Kong. 242 I Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia 領角鴞 Widespread and common resident in lowland areas of closed-canopy shrubland and woodland; highest count 11 on 17 April : the majority of records involved calling birds in January to April and December. The peak count was seven at Plover Cove on 23 March. 2008: as with 2007, most records in the months January to April, with a peak of eight in the Brides Pool area on 10 April. An adult was seen at a nest containing three eggs at Pui O on 15 March (P&MW). 244 I Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 鵰鴞 Widespread though locally-distributed and scarce resident in areas of hill slope grassland. 2007: single birds at Heung Yuen Wai on 28 May (calling) and Lai Chi Kok Park on 30 November were the only records. 2008: single birds on Po Toi on 1 January, at Mui Wo on 26 April, on the Lantau side of Tsing Ma Bridge on 18 July and at Kowloon Peak on 23 July and 21 August. 245 I Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis 褐漁鴞 Widespread though locally-distributed and scarce resident at the interface of large freshwater streams and the coast or at reservoirs, both in areas of mature shrubland or woodland. 2007: one at Ho Pui Reservoir, a new locality, on 23 March and one at Sam Mun Tsai were the only records. 2008: one was at Pui O on 12 February and 1 December, with one at Cheung Chau, another new locality, on 20 November

137 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 246 I Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica 褐林鴞 No records. 2007: one photographed at Lead Mine Pass, Shing Mun in the evening of 6 November (WCO) is the first record for Hong Kong. 247 I Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides 斑頭鵂鶹 Widespread though locally-distributed resident in forest and open-country areas; highest count six on 11 May : all records except two in the months January to August. Breeding records concerned a pair at a possible nest hole at Heung Yuen Wai on 16 April, a pair nesting in an abandoned Common Magpie Pica pica nest at Kam Tin on 28 April, two adults and five young at the same site on 13 May, and a juvenile being mobbed by Oriental Magpie Robins Copsychus saularis at Ping Yeung on 24 July. 2008: records more evenly spaced throughout the year than The peak count was three, all calling, at Nam Chung on 27 October. 248 I Northern Boobok Ninox japonica 鷹鴞 Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring, to woodland and shrubland areas especially on offshore islands; extreme dates 24 March to 21 May and 18 to 31 October. 2007: in a memorable spring, singles were noted on Po Toi on nine dates over the period 3 to 9 April, 22 April and 5 May with two there on 19 April. Five were seen at sea over southern waters on 5 May (P&MW) and one was at Yung Shue Ha, Lamma on 9 May. The only autumn record was of one at Lai Chi Kok Park from 25 to 29 November (KL et al.). The count of five on 5 May is the highest on record, and the Lai Chi Kok records are the latest in autumn. 2008: another good year with singles on Po Toi on seven dates (1, 3, 5 and 23 April, 7, 10 and 22 May) and two on two dates (2 April and 22 May). One was seen over the sea at Cape D Aguilar on 19 April and one at Yung Shue Ha, Lamma on 20 April. In autumn, one was at Tai Po Kau on 3 October and one in Lai Chi Kok Park from 13 to 25 November

138 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 19 Northern Boobok Ninox japonica 鷹鴞 Lai Chi Kok Park, 18 th November 2008 荔枝角公園 2008 年 11 月 18 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮

139 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 249 I Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus 短耳鴞 Two records, both in November. Plate 20 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus 短耳鴞 Mai Po NR, 30 th January 2005 米埔 2005 年 1 月 30 日 H F Cheung 張浩輝 2005: one at Mai Po on 30 January (HFC et al.) is the third Hong Kong record. 250 I Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka 普通夜鷹 Locally distributed summer visitor and passage migrant to areas of closed-canopy shrubland; extreme dates 18 February to 28 November; highest count five on 8 May : in spring, one was at Cloudy Hill on 14 April and at least four were seen over open sea in southern waters on 5 May. No summer records were received. In autumn, singles were at Cloudy Hill on 30 October, Tai Po Kau on 13 November and Lai Chi Kok Park from 24 to 29 November. The latter is by one day the latest autumn record (JC,WT). 2008: one at Lam Tsuen on 1 February (KPK) was the first of the year and the earliest ever record. Single migrants were noted on Po Toi on 10 April and 12 November, and one or two were singing at Brides Pool Road and Hok Tau on 10 to 12 April

140 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 21 Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka 普通夜鷹 Lai Chi Kok Park, 24 th November 2007 荔枝角公園 2007 年 11 月 24 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 251 I Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis 林夜鷹 Widespread though locally-distributed resident in areas of lowland grassland; highest count 22 on 8 October : recorded in most months. One at Lai Chi Kok Park on 24 November (P&MW) is a rare recent record from an urban locality. 2008: recorded in most months with a peak count of five at Kam Tin on 30 October. Breeding records were received from two localities: an adult with two eggs at Yuen Long on 5 July and an adult with two chicks there on 9 August (P&MW), and an adult with two eggs at Tin Shui Wai on 12 July, one chick there on 18 July and two chicks on 8 August (KPK). These are on considerably later dates than the two previous nesting records (2 May 1994, 20 April 1996). Also of note was an observation of one roosting on the roof of a building at Palm Springs on 7 August (JAA)

141 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 252 I Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris 短嘴金絲燕 Scarce spring passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 10 December to 10 May. 2007: single birds at Tung Ping Chau on 5 April and Po Toi on 28 September (GW). The latter is the first autumn record. 2008: single birds along the Mai Po access road on 18 and 24 January and again on 24 April. One on Po Toi on 22 May (GW), a new latest spring record. 253 I White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 白喉針尾雨燕 Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring; extreme dates 25 March to 11 May and 19 September to 27 October; highest count 23 on 2 May : erratum. Delete 15 at Kam Tin on 25 March. 2008: one at Robin s Nest on 15 May (GJC) was the only record and is a new late date in spring. 254 I Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis 灰喉針尾雨燕 Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring with one autumn record and four summer records from 1989 to 1995; extreme dates 2 March to 11 May, 8 June to 21 July and 8 October; highest count 150 on 2 April : the only records were from Po Toi, where there were two on 15 March, one on 26 March and two on 28 March. 2008: single at Yung Shue Wan on 3 April and four at Tai Po Kau on 4 April were the only records. 256 I Pacific Swift Apus pacificus 白腰雨燕 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, and summer visitor, with two taxa occurring, the nominate and kanoi; highest count 3,000 on 4 April : recorded between 23 February and 17 October, the two highest counts being 20 on Po Toi on 7 April and 12 there on 29 September. 2008: recorded between 3 February and 1 October, the highest counts being 40 at Shuen Wan on 1 June and 40 on Po Toi on 11 September

142 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 257 I House Swift (Little Swift) Apus nipalensis 小白腰雨燕 Spring migrant and resident; highest count 3000 on 18 March 1985, 30 March 1991 and 26 February : the peak count was 500 at Lut Chau on 24 February. 2008: the peak count was just 120 beside the Mai Po access road on 2 April. 258 I Oriental Dollarbird (Dollarbird) Eurystomus orientalis 三寶鳥 Passage migrant, mainly April-May and September-October, with extreme dates of 7 April to 5 June and 24 August to 28 November; highest count 16 on 21 April : recorded from 3 April to 15 May, with a peak count of seven at Luk Keng on 5 May, and from 11 September to 24 October, with a peak count of 15 at Ng Tung Chai on 18 September. The record of 3 April is by four days the earliest in spring. 2008: single birds at Mai Po NR on 30 March (GJC) and Po Toi on 2 April (PJL) are the earliest on record. Also, one on Po Toi on 3 July (GW) is the first ever undoubted summer record. These apart, records spanned dates of 3 April to 21 May and 1 September to 19 October. The peak count in spring was 10 at Wu Kau Tang on 2 May; in autumn, not more than two were noted on any date. 260 I White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis 白胸翡翠 Present all year in wetland areas, with numbers much reduced in the period April to June (breeds away from water); highest count 46 on 15 October 2000 and 18 December : recorded throughout the year. Breeding season observations at Siu Lam concerned a pair copulating on 1 and 12 May and an adult with two juveniles on 30 June. One of the adults at this locality was observed feeding on a mouse on 3 May (JC). In Deep Bay, the peak count was 33 on 9 September. 2008: recorded throughout the year. Breeding again occurred at Siu Lam, where an adult with two juveniles was seen on 1 July. In Deep Bay, the peak count was 43 on 20 July. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

143 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 261 I Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata 藍翡翠 Passage migrant and winter visitor to Deep Bay area and relatively undisturbed coastal areas; highest count 20 on 19 October : recorded up to 23 May and from 20 September, with a peak count of 13 in Deep Bay on 11 November. 2008: recorded up to 5 May and from 17 August, with a peak count of 10 in Deep Bay on 16 November. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 普通翠鳥 Mainly a passage migrant, though present all year in wetland areas; highest count 70 on 10 September : passage on Po Toi from 5 March to 30 April and 16 August to 18 October; peak count 65 on 7 October. 2008: passage on Po Toi from 6 March to 16 May and 29 July to 5 November; peak count 53 on 12 October. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB I Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis 斑魚狗 Resident in fishpond areas, especially Deep Bay; highest count 34 on 11 June : away from Deep Bay, reported from Long Valley, Tai Lam Chung, Starling Inlet and Ho Cheung; peak count of 28 on 9 September. 2008: away from Deep Bay, reported from Lut Chau, Long Valley, Tai Lam Chung, Tai Mei Tuk and Nam Chung; peak count 20 on 9 March. WMP monthly data: 2007 J F M A M J J A S O N D DB J F M A M J J A S O N D DB

144 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 266 I Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus 栗喉蜂虎 Passage migrant, extreme dates of 4 April to 19 May and 25 September to 1 November; highest count 54 on 9 October Plate 22 Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus 栗喉蜂虎 Mai Po NR, 7 th October 2007 米埔 2007 年 10 月 7 日 Sammy Sam and Winnie Wong 森美與雲妮 2007: except for four at Clearwater Bay on 7 April, all records in an excellent year were at Mai Po NR. Spring records occurred between 16 April and 22 May, the peak count being 18 on 13 May, and autumn records spanned the period 30 September- 13 October, including a count of 121 going to roost in the intertidal mangroves on 5 October (KL, BS). The record of 22 May (JAA) is by three days the latest in spring, and the count of 121 on 5 October (BS,KL) more than doubles the previous highest count. 2008: all records were from Mai Po on dates of 11 April to 4 May and 9 to 31 October, the peak counts in each passage being 17 on 4 May and 27 on 14 October. 267 I Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis 藍喉蜂虎 Four records, May, September (2) and October; highest count 10 on 25 September : at least three birds, though probably all, in a flock of seven at Shuen Wan on 28 April (RWL). This is the fifth HK record and the earliest

145 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 269 I Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 戴勝 Winter visitor, passage migrant and occasional summer visitor, with two breeding records. 2007: one or two up to 14 April and from 7 August, mainly on Po Toi but also Ma Tso Lung, Long Valley and Fung Lok Wai. 2008: one or two up to 3 April and from 29 July, again mainly on Po Toi but also Clearwater Bay, Tsing Yi, Lai Chi Kok Park, Long Valley and Beas River. 270 I Great Barbet Megalaima virens 大擬啄木鳥 Resident in mature secondary broadleaf forest in central NT, mostly Tai Po Kau. Appears to be declining; highest count 14 on 21 May : all records from forest areas of central NT, mostly Tai Po Kau. The peak count was four at Tai Po Kau on 26 May. 2008: as in 2007, all records from forest areas of central NT, mostly Tai Po Kau. Peak counts were four at Tai Po Kau on February and at Tai Po Kau Headland on 27 April. 271 I Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla 蟻鴷 Passage migrant and winter visitor to a variety of semi-wooded habitats on dates of 28 August to 23 April; highest count four on 1 April : singles up to 22 March, on 19 April, and from 14 September, mainly in Deep Bay. 2008: occasional singles in Deep Bay up to 27 March and one or two between 1 October and 7 November, again mainly in Deep Bay. 272 I Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus 斑姬啄木鳥 Two records, 25 July 1996 and 11 January : one at Ng Tung Chai was probably present from 27 September 2006 through to 1 October 2007 when it was photographed (MK, CNM). This is the third Hong Kong record and the first for almost ten years. 2008: one at Brides Pool on 14 March (RWL). This is the fourth Hong Kong record. 276 I Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis 黃嘴栗啄木鳥 Rare resident of mature broadleaf secondary forest. Possibly established in Tai Po Kau. 2005: one at Tai Po Kau on 30 November (KB)

146 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: singles were reported at Tai Po Kau on 5, 7 and 14 January, 26 August, 13 September, 11 October and 4 and 30 November (KPK, P&MW). 2008: recorded at Tai Po Kau on 9 and 27 May, then regularly from 13 September to year end with two birds on occasion (KPK, P&MW, GH). 277 I Fairy Pitta Pitta nympha 仙八色鶇 VU Rare spring and autumn passage migrant with three records in April, one in July and four in September. 2007: one at Shing Mun on 26 September (GH). 2008: one at the Po Toi lighthouse on 10 April (GW) and another on Po Toi on 3 May (COW). 278 I Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis 藍翅八色鶇 One record, 4 May : one on Po Toi on 17 and 18 April (GW) and presumably the same bird on 1 and 4 May (GW, GJC) 280 I Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos 暗灰鵑鵙 Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor to closed and open woodland; extreme dates 1 September to 7 May, highest count four on 3 October : typical year, recorded through much of HK. First winter period: singles on 19 dates up to 20 April with two at Shing Mun on 5 April. Second winter period: up to two present daily on Po Toi from 8 September to 13 October. Elsewhere, recorded from 17 September to year end, peaking at three on 23 September. 2008: the highlight was a new late date in spring. First winter period: recorded in NT to 2 April with three at Shing Mun on 3 January. One on Po Toi on 21 May (GW) was the latest spring report in HK. Second winter period: recorded from 9 September with a peak of three on Po Toi on earliest date

147 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 281 I Swinhoe s Minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis 小灰山椒鳥 Scarce passage migrant to open woodland, extreme dates 30 March to 3 May and 1 to 10 October; highest count 13 on 8 October : on Po Toi, singles on 5, 6 and 10 April (GW); on Tung Ping Chau five on 7 April. 282 I Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus 灰山椒鳥 Passage migrant in spring and summer to woodland areas, extreme dates 18 March to 13 May and 7 September to 27 November ; highest count 50 on 2 April : regular surveys on Po Toi produced 75% of records; also at Nam Chung, Ma Tso Lung, Cheung Chau and MPNR. Spring: from 28 March to 30 April, peak count 21 on Po Toi on 10 April, and a very late Minivet, probably Ashy, on Po Toi on 21 May (GW). Autumn: at MPNR, two on 12 October; on Po Toi two on 14 and one on 18 October, the first autumn records on the island. 2008: regular survey on Po Toi produced 75% of records; also at MPNR, Cheung Chau and Tai Po Kau. Spring: from 31 March to 21 May, a new latest date on Po Toi (GW), peak count 16 on 3 April on Po Toi. Autumn: from 30 September to 12 November, peak count four on 30 September and 26 October, both on Po Toi. 283 I Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris 灰喉山椒鳥 Common winter visitor and scarce breeding species in mature closed-canopy woodland; highest count 100 on 14 November Paucity of breeding season reports likely reflects lack of observer activity. 2007: noted in central and northeast NT in groups of up to 16 until 1 May and after 21 September, with a high count of 70 at Shing Mun on 22 November. 2008: noted in central, western and northeast NT up to 6 April. A flock of 60 in Shing Mun on 15 July (GH) was unusually high for the season. Then from 9 August with a high count of 50 on 23 November

148 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 284 I Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus 赤紅山椒鳥 Under-reported common resident in mature closed-canopy woodland and woodland edge, even adjoining urban areas; highest count 80 on 22 December : reported from central and northeast NT, highest count 55 at Ng Tung Chai on 7 October. 2008: reported from central, east and northeast NT, with a female at Kowloon Park on 29 March; highest count 30 at Kap Lung on 18 October. 286 I Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus 牛頭伯勞 Scarce late autumn passage migrant and winter visitor to woodland edge; extreme dates 16 October to 27 March. Plate 23 Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus 牛頭伯勞 Sai Kung, 26 th December 2008 西貢 2008 年 12 月 26 日 C W Chan 陳澤榮 2007: singles at Tai Po Kau from 7 January to 21 March, at Fung Yuen on 17 February, at Sha Po on 13 November, at Long Valley on 15 November and at Ng Tung Chai from 14 to 29 December. 2008: the over-wintering bird at Ng Tung Chai remained until 9 February. In the second winter period, singles on Po Toi on 22 October, at Luk Keng on 16 November, at Sai Kung from 14 December to year end and at Tai Po Kau on 17 December

149 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 287 I Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus 紅尾伯勞 L.c. lucionensis: common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor; L.c. cristatus: passage migrant, mainly autumn. Both occur in open country habitats. Extreme spring dates 19 April to 7 June, highest count 83 on 25 April Earliest autumn record 25 July, passage occurring until late October. The exact status of cristatus is unclear and observers are encouraged to ascribe all records to subspecies where possible. 2007: widespread reports from NT and Po Toi, not all ascribed to race. First winter period: L.c. lucionensis: single wintering birds present until 24 March; passage birds noted from 10 April to 23 May, with peak count 30 on Po Toi on 21 May. L.c. cristatus: singles noted on Po Toi on 13 and 21 May. Second winter period: migrants from 16 August to 7 October, peak count three on 9 September. Up to two cristatus reported 10 to 20 September, with one lucionensis on 21 November and 28 December. 2008: strong spring passage, including a new high count, but relatively few autumn records. First winter period: one wintering lucionensis on 22 and 26 January at Shui Mei with others of unascribed race on 3 and 13 January at Shek Kong and Fung Yuen respectively. Spring reports from 2 April to 23 May, including new high of 89 on Po Toi on 21 May (GW). One report of cristatus on 3 May. Second winter period: singles 2 September to 18 October, and 26 November and 21 December. L.c. cristatus reported 3 September to 2 October. 288 I Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 紅背伯勞 No records. 2008: a first-winter at Ho Man Tin from 6 to 9 October (TWY). This is the first record for Hong Kong. 289 I Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach 棕背伯勞 Common resident in open country habitats; highest count 17 on 22 August : monthly surveys of MPNR saw highest numbers from mid July to early September, the peak count being 18 on 24 August, a new high. 2008: monthly surveys of MPNR saw highest numbers from end June to end of August, the highest count being 15 on 14 August

150 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 290 I White-bellied Erpornis (White-bellied Yuhina) Erpornis zantholeuca 白腹鳳鶥 Locally-distributed resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland; highest count 15 on 2 September : most records of one or two birds at Tai Po Kau and Shing Mun, but also noted at Ng Tung Chai, Tai Om Shan, Bride s Pool, Fung Yuen and Lai Chi Wo. Peak count six at Shing Mun on 1 May. 2008: up to two reported from Tai Po Kau and Shing Mun throughout the year, also from Bride s Pool and Ping Long. 291 I Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis 黑枕黃鸝 Migrant, mainly autumn, and breeding species in open woodland areas; typically present April to November; highest count 30 on 21 September : a few records of spring migrants and a good series of autumn migrants. Several records received of singing birds, suggesting a better breeding season than recent years. Spring: 27 February to 6 May, peak count three on Po Toi on 6 May. Breeding season: singing birds reported at Lok Ma Chau, Mai Po, San Tin, Ping Yeung and Cheung Chau may indicate breeding. Autumn: 29 August to 28 November, peak count 13 at MPNR on 27 September. 2008: a typical year although relatively low numbers in autumn and few breeding season records. Spring: 10 April to 23 May, peak count two on Po Toi on 24 April. Breeding season: a female at Lok Ma Chau on 17 August. Birds singing at Cheung Chau on 30 April and Robin s Nest on 15 May may also indicate breeding. Autumn: recorded 9 September to 26 October, peak count seven on Po Toi on 19 September. Most records from Mai Po and Po Toi; also Sha Lo Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Nam Sang Wai and Long Valley. 292 I Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus 黑卷尾 Common passage migrant, mainly autumn, locally-common breeder and winter visitor to open-country areas; highest count 150 on 5 October : recorded throughout the year. Main passage from 20 September until 8 October, with a peak of 237 in a single flock at Mui Wo on 7 October being a highest ever count (PA)

151 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: in the first winter period, 18 along Mai Po Access Road on 20 January. Passage/ breeding from 10 March until 24 October; peak count 50 at Mai Po on 9 October. In the second winter period, singles at San Tin on 12 November and 16 December. 293 I Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus 灰卷尾 Winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 11 September to 27 April. 2007: most reports refer to the subspecies leucogenis but other reports suggest salangensis also present. First winter period: singles at Ng Tung Chai, Tai Wai and Tai Po Kau from 5 January to 21 March. Second winter period: widespread records from 23 September, peak count five at Shing Mun on 31 October. 2008: a typical series of records from woodland areas of the NT. The first record of the autumn, of a migrating individual, was from an unusual Deep Bay location. Most records were of leucogenis with one record of a dark-cheeked individual. First winter period: singles recorded until 12 April at Ping Long, Tai Po Kau, Tai Po Headland, Shing Mun, Tai Wai, Fung Yuen, Wonderland Villas and Tin Fu Tsai (Tai Lam CP). Second winter period: first record on 29 September of one migrating with Black Drongos at Wo Shang Wai. Thereafter widespread from 4 October with high count of eight at Shing Mun on 5 November. 294 I Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus 髮冠卷尾 Locally common resident in wooded areas; highest count 62 on 28 September : reported throughout the year. Peak counts 21 at Kam Tin on 11 February, 20 at Siu Lam on 21 August, 67 at Tai Po Kau Headland on 6 October, a new high count (KB), 26 at Fung Yuen on 28 October and 45 at Kowloon Hills Catchment on 6 December. 2008: reported throughout the year. Peak count in the first winter period, 31 at Kowloon Hills Catchment on 2 January and in the second winter period, 41 at Shek Kong Catchment on 22 December. 295 I Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea 黑枕王鶲 Winter visitor and passage migrant to woodland areas; extreme dates 19 September to 27 April. 2007: recorded up to 18 March and on 7 April, peak count two at Fung Yuen on 13 January and Tung Ping Chau on 28 January. In the second winter period recorded from 19 October, peak count two on Tung Ping Chau, Shing Mun and Fung Yuen in November

152 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: singles at Tai Po Kau, Po Toi, Shing Mun, Fung Yuen in January, Tai Po Kau on 27 February and at Tsuen Wan on 21 March. In the second winter period, recorded from 19 September, peak count three at Yung Shue O on 20 December. 296 I Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi 壽帶 Passage migrant, mainly autumn, and rare winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 29 March to 6 May and from 2 August. 2007: more winter records than usual. First winter period: singles at Shek Kong, Tai Po Kau, Kam Tin and Tai Om from 21 January to 10 February. In spring singles at Tai Po Kau on 31 March and 3 April, Shek Kong on 7 April and on Po Toi on 6 May. Second winter period: recorded from 15 August to 16 November, peak count two at Shing Mun on 19 August, on Po Toi on 25 August and at Tai Po Kau on 2, 15 and 22 September. 2008: in contrast to 2007, no reports in the first winter period. Second winter period: recorded from 20 August to 6 November, peak count three at Tai Po Kau on 12 September. 297 I Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone atrocaudata 紫壽帶 NT Passage migrant, mainly spring, to woodland areas; extreme dates 28 March to 30 April and 29 August to 3 November. 2007: typical year. Spring: recorded from 5 to 19 April, six records of singles at Tung Ping Chau, Po Toi, Cheung Chau, Mai Po, Parker Hill and Tai Po Kau. Autumn: recorded from 22 August to 24 October at Tai Po Kau, Shing Mun, Ng Tung Chai and Pak Sha O, peak count three at Tai Po Kau on 14 September and 5 October. 2008: fewer spring records than usual. Spring: one on Po Toi on 3, 10 and 12 April and at Mai Po NR on 20 April. Autumn: recorded from 20 August to 11 November at Tai Po Kau, Mai Po, Po Toi, KFBG, and Tai Lam, peak count three at Tai Lam CP on 18 October

153 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 298 I Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 松鴉 Now very rare, though previously locally common; only one record since : one heard at Lin Fa Shan (Tai Lam CP) on 6 April (JAA), although a captive origin cannot be ruled out. 299 IIB Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus 灰喜鵲 Localised breeding resident based in the Mai Po area. 2007: recorded throughout the year from the Mai Po area with a peak count of 36 on 26 November. Elsewhere, reported from Kowloon Hills catchment and She Shan. 2008: most records from the Mai Po area with a peak count of 25 on 2 December. Elsewhere, reported from Ping Che and Sheung Shui. 300 I Red-billed Blue Magpie (Blue Magpie) Urocissa erythroryncha 紅嘴藍鵲 Common resident of closed-canopy shrubland & 2008: no significant records. 301 I Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae 灰樹鵲 Locally common resident of closed-canopy shrubland; highest count 80 on 27 November : reported from Pak Sha O, Plover Cove, Pok Fu Lam, Ng Tung Chai, Fung Yuen, Nam Chung and Chek Keng. Peak count of eight at Nam Chung on 9 July. 2008: most reports from the northeast NT; also reported at Pak Sha O, Yung Shue O, Ma On Shan, Ng Tung Chai and Kap Lung. Peak count of four at Plover Cove on 12 September. 302 I Eurasian Magpie (Common Magpie) Pica pica 喜鵲 Common resident of open country and urban edge habitats. Highest count 80 on 28 November : Peak count of 49 during systematic surveys at MPNR on 4 January. 2008: Peak count of 33 during systematic surveys at MPNR on 25 September

154 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 303 I Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuricus 達烏里寒鴉 Rare winter visitor to open-country and wetland areas with seven records; extreme dates 26 September to 14 April. 2005: first-winter at Lut Chau on 11 March (RWL et al.). 2007: first-winter in the Mai Po/Lut Chau area from 8 February to 6 April (RWL et al.). This bird was first seen and photographed on 3 December 2006 (P&MW). 2008: one at Cheung Sha Wan on 2 and 3 February (P&MW, GCKL) was reported as being in the area for the previous two months. 304 IIB House Crow Corvus splendens 家鴉 Localised breeding resident, mainly in the Cheung Sha Wan area. Records away from its main area in northern Kowloon as follows (observers are encouraged to report all sightings of this species away from this area): 2007: one at MPNR on 22 August and 22 September. One from north end of Tai Lam Tunnel on 8 October. 2008: two at Wonderland Villas in May. 305 I Carrion Crow Corvus corone 小嘴烏鴉 Rare winter visitor to wetlands areas with five records; extreme dates 7 November to 8 March. 2007: one in the Mai Po/Lut Chau area from 4 January to 6 April (KL, RWL et al.), a new latest date. 306 I Collared Crow Corvus torquatus 白頸鴉 NT Locally common resident, mainly in coastal areas; highest count 100 on 27 June : the peak count of 99 at Mai Po on 20 June was only one less than the record. Nest-building at Kam Tin on 28 December. Also reported at Long Valley, Tai Lam Chung, Siu Lam, Shuen Wan, Heung Yuen Wai, Sha Tau Kok, Tai Mei Tuk, Tung Ping Chau, Ma Liu Shui, Clearwater Bay and Nam Sang Wai. 2008: the peak count was 100 roosting at Mai Po NR on 23 July; this equals the record count for Hong Kong. A count of 42 roosting at Yim Tin Tsai on 9 October is also significant. Elsewhere, at Kam Tin, Sha Po, Shing Mun, Plover Cove, Tai Mei Tuk, Shuen Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Tai Lam Chung and Long Valley

155 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 24 Collared Crow Corvus torquatus 白頸鴉 NT Mai Po NR, 29 th November 2008 米埔 2008 年 11 月 29 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 307 I Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos 大嘴烏鴉 Common resident of open rural and wooded urban edge habitats, highest count 150 on 31 January 1995 and 18 February : widespread reports in all months. Peak count 60 at Siu Lam on 16 February. 2008: a peak count of 200 at Tai Lam Chung on 20 January (JC,WT) is a new record count for Hong Kong. Waxwing sp. Bombycilla sp. 2008: one on Po Toi on 7 December (MW) unfortunately could not be ascribed to species. 309 I Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus 黃腹山雀 Irregular and rare irruptive winter visitor; extreme dates 2 September to 14 April, highest count 50 on 20 November : one at Tai Po Kau on 19 December

156 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 310 I Cinereous (Great) Tit Parus cinereus 大山雀 Common resident in open and closed-canopy woodland, shrubland and parkland areas. Almost all records come from MPNR. 2007: systematic surveys at MPNR counted a peak of 12 birds on 30 January. 2008: two on Po Toi on 18 December were the first at this site since Systematic surveys at MPNR counted a peak of 20 birds on 21 April. 311 IIA Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus 黃頰山雀 Locally-common resident of mature woodland in central NT; population considered to derive from ex-captive individuals; highest count 15 on 2 September : away from central NT, one reported from Ap Lei Chau on 8 April. 2008: all records from Tai Po Kau, Tai Po Headland and Shing Mun, peak count six on 19 February. 312 I Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus 中華攀雀 Winter visitor and autumn migrant in reedmarshs; extreme dates 10 October to 17 May, highest count 90 on 23 November : all records at MPNR. First winter period: recorded until 23 April, peak count 40 on 3 February. Second winter period: recorded from 7 November, peak count : most records at MPNR, including the latest ever spring record. Also at Yau Mei San Tsuen, San Tin, Lok Ma Chau and Ho Sheung Heung. First winter period: recorded regularly until 25 April, peak count 20 on 17 and 25 April. One on 23 May (JAA) is the latest recorded in spring. Second winter period: recorded from 7 November, peak count 50 on 13 November. 314 I Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 雲雀 Autumn passage migrant and winter visitor with extreme dates of 11 October to 2 March; highest count eight on 1 November : singles at Mai Po NR and Long Valley on several dates between 17 October and 18 November. 2008: singles at Mai Po NR and the Mai Po access road on 12 February and

157 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List October, and on Po Toi on 13 November (GW), the latter the first record outside the north-west NT. 316 I Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus 紅耳鵯 Abundant resident in most habitats except woodland interior; highest count 218 on 16 August : peak count of 41 during systematic surveys at MPNR on 13 July. 2008: peak count of 26 during systematic surveys at MPNR on 30 June. A new high count of 300 leaving a night roost at Sha Po Tsuen on 22 September (JAA). 317 I Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis 白頭鵯 Abundant all year, with migrants and winter visitors occurring; present in nearly all habitats, the most abundant and widespread species in HK; highest count 2500 on 5 April : peak count of 148 during systematic surveys at MPNR on 13 July. Largest presumed migrant flocks noted on 23 February at Shuen Wan (250) and 5 November on Po Toi (500). 2008: highest counts during systematic surveys at MPNR occurred in March and November, the peak being 231 on 27 March. Largest presumed migrant flocks were 120 at MPNR on 30 March, 100 at TPK Headland on 5 April and 250 on Po Toi on 23 October. 318 I Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster 白喉紅臀鵯 Common resident in open country habitats away from urban and marshy areas; highest count 80 on 25 April Widespread reports in most months. 2007: peak count 14 at Heung Yuen Wai on 14 May. 2008: peak count 15 at Tam Shui Hang (Sha Tau Kok) on 14 December. 319 I Chestnut Bulbul Hemixos castanonotus 栗背短腳鵯 Common resident and winter visitor in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland throughout HK; subject to periodic winter irruptions; highest count 150 on 4 January Widespread records, mostly from northern NT, but also Tung Ping Chau and Po Toi, mostly in winter months

158 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: peak count 200 at Tai Po Kau Headland on 31 March (KB) is a new high count. 2008: peak count 39 at Sai Kung West CP on 20 December. 320 I Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii 綠翅短腳鵯 Localised resident in closed-canopy woodland, possibly increasing range and numbers; highest count five on 8 April Regular records from Tai Po Kau, Ng Tung Chai and Shing Mun. Lack of summer reports are presumed to reflect lack of observer activity. 2007: seven at Tai Po Kau on 7 April (GH) and Ng Tung Chai on 1 August (MK) are new high counts. One at Lion Rock CP on 26 December is a new location. 2008: 12 at Tai Po Kau on 9 January is a new high count (GH). Also noted at Kap Lung, Bride s Pool on 1 April (a new location) and Tai Lam Chung CP. 321 I Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus 黑短腳鵯 Irruptive winter visitor and scarce passage migrant to woodland areas; extreme dates 30 September to 3 June; highest count 200 on 16 February : recorded to 9 April and from 27 October with most records in the first winter period. Most records from Tai Po Kau with 50 on 7 April. Also at Shing Mun, Ng Tung Chai, Tai Om Shan, Sha Lo Tung and Luk Chau Shan, Sai Kung. 2008: recorded in the first winter period up to 2 April from Tai Po Kau (peak count 20 on 22 March) and Shing Mun (peak count 50 on 6 March), Tai Lam Chung, Po Toi and Lin Au. In the second winter period, only a single reported at Tai Po Kau on various dates from 27 September, a new earliest record (KPK,GH). 323 I Pale Martin Riparia diluta 淡色沙燕 Uncommon passage migrant although occasionally in large numbers, and rare winter visitor to open country habitats, especially fish ponds and reedmarshs in the northwest NT; extreme dates 18 August to 10 June; highest count 3,000 on 3 May All records from the Mai Po - Lok Ma Chau area unless otherwise stated. 2007: first recorded on 21 February, with spring passage from 2 to 20 April (peak count of 75 on 3 April) and two on 16 May. In autumn on 28 August (one at Long Valley) and between 7 October and 15 November (peak count of 25 on 7 October). 2008: spring passage from 22 March to 9 May (peak count of 150 on 3 May). Elsewhere, one on Po Toi on 29 April and 20 May, with two over southern waters on 1 May. In autumn from 9 to 22 October (peak count of 11 on first date) and one at Kam Tin on 7 November

159 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 324 I Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 家燕 Abundant passage migrant, especially in spring, common breeding species and uncommon winter visitor; highest count 5,500 on 4 April Widespread records in all months but especially spring migration. All high counts were from the Mai Po area. 2007: peak numbers in each month at Mai Po, based mainly on bi-monthly pre-roost counts (WWF-HK), are shown below. The peak count of 2,500 was made on 20 July and is by far the largest ever late summer count J F M A M J J A S O N D MP , , : mainly recorded between 19 February and 25 September, with peak counts of 1,000 over the Mai Po access road on 29 March (spring) and 107 at Long Valley on 29 August (autumn). 326 I Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus 煙腹毛腳燕 Spring passage migrant, scarce in autumn and rare in winter; extreme dates 18 September to 30 April, highest count 400 on 4 April : all records were in spring between 8 March and 9 April, with peak counts of 20 at Lok Ma Chau, 20 at Mai Po and five over Po Toi all on 8 March. 2008: only three records, one at Kam Tin on 26 March, two over Po Toi on 20 May (GW) and one there on 9 October. The record of 20 May is by 20 days the latest in spring. 327 I Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica 金腰燕 Passage migrant and winter visitor, occasionally in quite large flocks, with a very small, recently-established localised breeding population; highest count 350 on 8 December : peak passage counts were 40 at Mai Po on 8 April and 40 at Lok Ma Chau on 8 November, and the highest winter count was 13 at San Tin on 31 January. Breeding records comprised birds seen collecting mud at Kam Tin on 8 and 11 February, single nesting pairs at Mai Po village on 13 April (occupying an old Barn Swallow H. rustica nest) and Kam Tin on 17 May, and an adult with four juveniles at San Tin on 23 May. In addition, a pair visited a nest at Mai Po on 22 November and six were at Tai Shang Wai on 8 December. 2008: apart from one at Wu Kau Tang on 8 October, all records were at fishponds in Deep Bay, with sightings in all months and a peak count of 10 along the Mai Po access road on 29 March. Locally bred juveniles were noted at Mai Po village on 30 June and Kam Tin on 15 August (JAA)

160 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 328 I Asian Stubtail (Asian Stubtail Warbler) Urosphena squameiceps 鱗頭樹鶯 Common winter visitor to forest and closed-canopy shrubland; extreme dates 2 October to 12 April; highest count 20 on 27 November : a typical year. First winter period: recorded to 24 March, peak count four at Ng Tung Chai on 7 January, Tai Po Kau on 22 January and Pak Sha O on 4 February. At least two wintered on Po Toi. Second winter period: recorded from 31 October, peak count 15 in Shing Mun on 15 November. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded to 29 March, peak count ten in Sai Kung CP on 8 February. Second winter period: recorded from 30 October, peak count nine at Ng Tung Chai on 1 December. 329 I Pale-footed Bush Warbler Cettia pallidipes 淡腳樹鶯 Seven records, all single birds trapped between 6 October and 30 December. Plate 25 Pale-footed Bush Warbler Cettia pallidipes 淡腳樹鶯 Lai Chi Kok Park, 6 th January 2008 荔枝角公園 2008 年 1 月 6 日 Kelvin Yam 任德政 2008: one photographed in Lai Chi Kok Park on 6 January (KY) is a new latest record

161 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 330 I Manchurian (Japanese) Bush Warbler Cettia canturians 遠東樹鶯 Scarce winter visitor and migrant to shrubland and lightly wooded areas; numbers appear to be declining; extreme dates 26 September to 8 May; highest count 49 on 21 November : in the first winter period recorded to 16 April, peak count five on 26 March on Po Toi from where the final record came. In the second winter period recorded from 20 November, with the highest count ten on Po Toi on 5 December. 2008: in the first winter period recorded to 9 April, peak count five at south Lamma on 2 March. In the second winter period recorded from 20 November, mostly singles except for four at Fung Yuen on 7 December. 331 I Brown-flanked Bush Warbler (Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler) Cettia fortipes 強腳樹鶯 Fairly common winter visitor to shrubland and woodland edge in increasing numbers, breeds in upland shrubland; highest count ten on 15 Jan Plate 26 Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes 強腳樹鶯 Long Valley, 6 th January 2008 塱原 2008 年 1 月 6 日 Sam Chan 陳巨輝 2007: unusually, only one report in the first winter period until mid March. First winter period: one in song on Po Toi on 18 March

162 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Breeding season: up to ten (on 31 March) singing on Tai Mo Shan, equalling the previous highest count. Second winter period: recorded from 18 November, peak count three at Ng Tung Chai on 14 December and Lion Rock CP on 26 December. Singles at Ngong Ping and Sharp Peak on 26 and 29 December respectively. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded to 12 April, peak count five at Tai Om Shan on 18 January. Breeding season: one in song above KFBG at 600m on 3 April, ten in song on Tai Mo Shan in May, and one collecting food for young at Ng Tung Chai also in May. Second winter period: nine records of singles from 12 November to 20 December. 333 I Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus 金頭縫葉鶯 Locally numerous winter visitor and scarce breeding species in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland; highest count 12 on 30 September : now well established in the central NT. First winter period: recorded up to 26 May, mostly at Tai Po Kau and Ng Tung Chai, peak count nine in song at Tai Po Kau on 5 April. Breeding season: a pair carrying food to the nest at Tai Po Kau on 29 April and five, including one juvenile, at Ng Tung Chai on 24 August. Second winter period: recorded from 15 September from various locations, peak count six at Shing Mun on 15 November. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 6 April, peak count six at Ng Tung Chai on 1 March. Breeding season: two at Tai Po Kau on 2 August were the only records. Second winter period: recorded from 7 September, peak count nine at Ng Tung Chai on 17 November. 334 I Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 歐柳鶯 No records. 2008: one of the eastern subspecies yakutensis at Long Valley on 25 October (FC) was identified from photographs posted on the website. This is the first record for Hong Kong and came six days after a similar record in Taiwan

163 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 335 I Common Chiffchaff (Chiffchaff) Phylloscopus collybita 嘰喳柳鶯 Four records from 4 December to 16 March. 2008: one trapped at Mai Po on 2 December (PJL, JAA). This is the fifth Hong Kong record and the first since I Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus 褐柳鶯 Very common winter visitor and migrant to shrubland and open country areas; extreme dates 6 September to 17 May, highest count 100 on 20 October : most records from northern NT and offshore islands. First winter period: recorded up to 17 May, which equals the previous latest spring date. Peak count 49 at Mai Po NR on 30 January during systematic survey. Second winter period: recorded from 15 September, peak count 51 at Mai Po NR on 9 December during systematic survey. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 14 May, peak count 38 at Mai Po NR on 21 January during systematic survey. Second winter period: recorded from 25 September, peak count 58 at Mai Po NR on 16 December during systematic survey. 338 I Radde s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi 巨嘴柳鶯 Scarce autumn migrant and rare winter visitor to shrubland and open-country areas; extreme dates 8 October to 14 December excluding four winter records. 2007: one at Ng Tung Chai on 13 January is the fifth winter record. In autumn, singles at Tai Po Kau on 28 October, Shing Mun on 31 October, Brides Pool Road on 7 November, Po Toi on 21 November and Shek Kong on 3 December. 2008: one at Fung Yuen on 24 February is the sixth winter record. In autumn, singles at Sheung Tam Shui Hang, near Sha Tau Kok, on 14 November and at Shek Kong and Mai Po on 16 November

164 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 339 I Chinese Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus yunnanensis 雲南柳鶯 One record, 4 March : one trapped at KFBG on 3 November (JAA). This is the second Hong Kong record. 2008: one at Pak Sha O, Sai Kung on 28 December (GJC). This is the third Hong Kong record. 340 I Pallas s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus 黃腰柳鶯 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to forest and closed-canopy shrubland, including mangrove on passage; extreme dates 31 October to 18 April, highest count 100 on 13 December : a typical year, with singing birds strongly in evidence. First winter period: recorded to 18 April, peak count 20 in song in Tai Po Kau on 21 March. Second winter period: recorded from 24 October on Po Toi, a new earliest date, and from 10 November elsewhere, peak count 36 at Shing Mun on 6 December. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded to 11 April, peak count 50 at Shing Mun on 3 January. Second winter period: recorded from 2 November, peak count ten at Lead Mine Pass on 7 December. 341 I Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus 黃眉柳鶯 Very common and widespread winter visitor and migrant to wooded and opencountry areas; extreme dates 8 September and 9 May, highest count 100 on 12 December : a typical year, with a fairly marked passage through Po Toi. First winter period: recorded to 1 May, peak count 18 on Po Toi on 15 April. Second winter period: recorded from 22 September, peak count 17 at Fung Yuen on 18 November. 2008: a typical year, with slightly higher peak counts than usually submitted. First winter period: recorded to 8 May, peak count 38 at Shing Mun on 10 January. Second winter period: recorded from 21 September, peak count 35 in Sai Kung West CP on 20 December

165 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 342 I Hume s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei 淡眉柳鶯 Six records, 4 November to 27 January. 2006: one at Shui Tau village, Kam Tin on 5 February (YYT). This extends the latest date by nine days. 343 I Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis 極北柳鶯 Fairly common migrant, mainly in autumn, to lightly wooded areas; extreme dates 30 March to 27 May and 18 August to 4 December, highest count 60 on 18 September : reasonably good passage through Po Toi. Spring: 3 April to 26 May, peak count 17 on Po Toi on 23 May. Autumn: 26 August to 9 November, peak count six on Po Toi on 16 September. 2008: a typical year, most records from Po Toi. Spring: 24 April to 24 May, peak count 13 on Po Toi on 8 May. Autumn: 24 August to 26 November, a late date, peak count 13 on Po Toi on 19 September. 345 I Two-barred (Greenish) Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus 暗綠柳鶯 Scarce migrant and winter visitor to shrubland and woodland areas; extreme dates 16 September to 15 April, highest count two. 2007: regularly recorded in both periods from Ng Tung Chai, Pak Sha O, Tai Po Kau, Shing Mun and Po Toi. First winter period: recorded up to 11 April, one in song on 9 April at Kuk Po. Second winter period: recorded from 29 September, with four at Tai Po Kau on 27 December (GH) a new high count, also from Fung Yuen, Mai Po and Lion Rock CP. 2008: recorded regularly in both periods from Ng Tung Chai, Tai Po Kau, Shing Mun, Fung Yuen and Po Toi. First winter period: recorded to 24 April with four at Fung Yuen on 13 January and one on Po Toi on 24 April (GW), a new latest date by nine days. Second winter period: recorded from 27 September, with one at Kuk Po on 7 October

166 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 346 I Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes 淡腳柳鶯 or 347 I Sakhalin Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus borealoides 庫頁島樹鶯 Fairly common migrant and scarce winter visitors to lightly wooded areas; extreme dates 31 August to 5 May, highest count nine on 11 September Since reliable criteria for separation in the field remain to be established, records of these two species are combined, unless birds are trapped, allowing for known differences in wing formula to be used. 2007: in the first winter period up to two from 9 April to 1 May on Po Toi. In the second, recorded from 9 September to 4 November, peak count nine at Shing Mun on 26 September. 2008: in the first winter period up to two from 30 March to 24 April, and in the second up to three from 10 September to 15 November. 346 I Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes 淡腳柳鶯 Fairly common migrant and scarce winter visitor to lightly wooded areas; extreme dates 4 September to 5 May. 2007: singles trapped at Tai Po Headland on 16 and 26 September. 2008: one trapped at Tai Po Headland on 7 September. 347 I Sakhalin Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus borealoides 庫頁島樹鶯 Fairly common migrant and scarce winter visitor to lightly wooded areas; extreme dates 7 September to 4 April. 2007: singles trapped at Tai Po Kau Headland on 14 October and 4 November. 348 I Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus 冕柳鶯 Mainly autumn migrant to shrubland and woodland; extreme dates 23 March to 17 April and 8 August to 31 October, highest count 10 on 6 September : one at Tai Po Kau on 26 December (AH) is the first winter record. 2007: one at Ng Tung Chai on 3 and 11 March (P&MW,KPK) is the earliest spring record by 20 days. Spring: 3 March to 15 April, peak count two on Po Toi on last date. Autumn: 25 August to 13 October, peak count six in Tai Po Kau on 5 October

167 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: the second winter record in HK was the highlight. Spring: one at Mai Po on 26 March and one at Shing Mun on 29 March. Autumn: 15 August to 19 October, peak count three on earliest and latest dates; in addition, one remained at Tai Po Kau from 9 November to 24 December (KPK et al.), the second winter record after that in 2006 above. 349 I Goodson s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus goodsoni 華南冠紋柳鶯 Mainly winter visitor to shrubland and woodland; extreme dates 16 October to 4 April, highest count 10 on 12 November Following Olsson et al. (2005), birds previously identified in Hong Kong as Blyth s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides (goodsoni) are now treated as Phylloscopus goodsoni. At present, only the nominate subspecies P.g. goodsoni is considered to occur for certain, based on the extensive yellow on the underparts and face that is diagnostic of this taxon. Although it is considered that birds lacking this yellow are likely to refer to P.g. fokiensis, this is not proven, as Phylloscopus claudiae cannot be excluded. Observers are encouraged to carefully note the appearance of birds seen and submit records as P.g. goodsoni or fokiensis/claudiae, where appropriate. 2007: both taxa reported up to 22 March, mostly at Ng Tung Chai. First winter period: peak count three fokiensis/claudiae and two goodsoni at Ng Tung Chai on 22 February. Second winter period: both taxa reported from 23 October at more widespread locations, with peak counts of six at Shing Mun on 22 November and three fokiensis/ claudiae and one goodsoni at Ng Tung Chai on 29 December. 2008: a single fokiensis/claudiae on Po Toi from 5 September is the earliest record by over one month. First winter period: both taxa reported up to 6 March, mostly from Tai Po Kau with a peak count of three fokiensis/claudiae and three goodsoni there on 16 February. Second winter period: one fokiensis/claudiae on Po Toi on 5 September (RWL) was followed by one of unspecified taxon at Tai Po Kau from 12 September (KPK), both earliest autumn records. Thereafter both taxa from 6 November at widespread locations with a peak count two fokiensis/claudiae and one goodsoni. 350 I Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti 黑眉柳鶯 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to shrubland and woodland, extreme dates 25 November and 1 April. This species is a recent re-listing to the Hong Kong List (November 2005) and the exact status is yet to be understood fully

168 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: one at Tai Po Kau on 4 February was probably an over-wintering bird following records there in November In the second winter period, one at Tai Po Kau from 9 to 22 December. 2008: one at Tai Po Kau on 2 January and 12 March was again probably an overwintering bird. Elsewhere, one at Wun Yiu on 27 January and one at Brides Pool on 7 March. In the second winter period, one at Tai Po Kau on 24 December. 351 I White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis. 白眶鶲鶯 Rare winter visitor to forest, extreme dates 17 November to 15 February. 2007: one of the type cognitus at Tai Po Kau from 6 to 8 December (MH,KPK). 2008: one of the type cognitus at Tai Po Kau on 20 January (SYH) and 16 February (AC). These two records, together with the 2007 record, are possibly of the same individual. 353 I Bianchi s Warbler Seicercus valentini 比氏鶲鶯 One record, 11 November : one at Tai Po Kau on 9 October (P&MW). 2007: one on Po Toi from 5 November to 2 January 2008 (GW). These are the second and third Hong Kong records. 354 I Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror 淡尾鶲鶯 No records. 2004: one at Tai Po Kau on 9 October (P&MW). This is the first record for Hong Kong. Spectacled warbler Seicercus sp. 眼眶鶲鶯類 Rare winter visitor to forest, extreme dates 9 September to 1 April. Birds of this type have been seen almost annually in Hong Kong since the 1980s although most are not identifiable to species. The advent of digital photography has enabled more records to be identified to species level. However, some records are still assigned to Seicercus sp. 2006: one at Lung Fu Shan on 31 March (TH,VF). 2007: one at Ng Tung Chai from 21 February to 3 March and 3 to 5 December (MK). Both probably White-spectacled

169 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: one at Tai Po Kau on 16 February and 26 December (P&MW). Both were possibly Bianchi s. One on Po Toi on 16 October (GW), also possibly Bianchi s and one at Ng Tung Chai on 25 December. 355 I Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps 栗頭鶲鶯 Rare winter visitor to forest; extreme dates 5 November to 25 March, highest count two on 22 November : singles at Ng Tung Chai from 13 to 25 January, at Tai Om Shan on 10 February and on Po Toi on 18 November. 356 I Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis 東方大葦鶯 Fairly common migrant, especially in autumn, to reedmarsh, tall grassy vegetation and even urban edge parkland habitats, with occasional winter and summer records; typical extreme dates 16 March to 8 June and 24 August to 15 November, highest count 300 on 25 September : in the first winter period, recorded from 15 April to 7 June, peak count six at Mai Po NR on 23 April. In the second winter period, recorded from 22 August to 9 November, peak count 17 at Mai Po NR on 23 October. 2008: in the first winter period, one at Sha Po on 10 March was followed by up to eight (on 6 May) from 10 April to 24 May in northern NT. In the second winter period, recorded from 11 September to 2 December, peak count 40 at Mai Po NR on 9 October. 357 I Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 黑眉葦鶯 Fairly common migrant and scarce winter visitor to reedmarsh and damp vegetated areas; extreme dates 25 August to 30 May, highest count 120 on 13 October : in the first winter period, singles at Mai Po NR on 10 and 25 January, and 6 February, were followed by two spring records, on 4 and 22 May. In the second winter period recorded from 14 September to 2 December, peak count 21 at Lok Ma Chau on 27 September. 2008: in the first winter period, up to four at San Tin, Mai Po and Lok Ma Chau on January and on 4 February, and then up to five from 10 April to 23 May. In the second winter period, recorded from 11 September to 18 December, peak count 60 at Mai Po NR on 9 October

170 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 359 I Manchurian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus tangorum 遠東葦鶯 VU Scarce autumn passage migrant to reedmarsh and damp vegetated areas, one winter and one spring record; extreme dates 4 September to 2 November. 2007: singles at Long Valley on 19 September (KK) and at Mai Po on 28 September (JAA). 2008: one at Mai Po on 11 September and 16 October (JAA). 360 I Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola 稻田葦鶯 Rare winter visitor and migrant to reedmarsh and damp vegetated areas; six records, extreme dates 6 October to 1 March. 2007: one trapped at Mai Po on 17 February and another on 3 March (JAA), a new latest date. The second bird was a re-trap from 6 October 2006 and had presumably wintered at Mai Po. 362 I Thick-billed Warbler Iduna aedon 厚嘴葦鶯 Rare autumn migrant to shrubland and reedmarsh-edge with isolated winter and spring records; extreme dates 29 August to 30 November. 2007: one photographed at Kowloon Park on 15 November. 2008: one trapped at Mai Po NR on 3 October. 365 I Brown Bush Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris 棕褐短翅鶯 Seven records, all at Sha Lo Tung; extreme dates 26 October to 18 March. 2007: one in song at Sha Lo Tung on 24 March (RWL). 2008: one in song at Robin s Nest on 16 April (GJC). This is the first record away from Sha Lo Tung as well as being the first April record. 366 I Russet Bush Warbler Bradypterus mandelli 高山短翅鶯 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to mixed grassland-shrubland; rare breeding species in highest areas; highest count nine on 10 November : relatively few records in the early part of the year. First winter period: one at Ng Tung Chai on 27 February and one on Po Toi on 5 March were the only records

171 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Breeding season: one in song on Tai Mo Shan on 13 April and two in song at Ng Tung Chai on 15 April. Second winter period: recorded on 29 September on Po Toi and from 8 November at various locations, peak count six at Sha Lo Tung on 31 December. 2008: a more typical year. First winter period: four on Po Toi on 1 January, three at Ping Long on 28 February, one at Sok Kwu Wan on 2 March and one on Po Toi on 14 May. Breeding season: one on Tai Mo Shan from 24 March to 6 May could be a breeding record. Second winter period: up to two on Po Toi from 20 November, two at Tai Om Shan from 23 November and two at Sha Lo Tung on 30 November. 367 I Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata 矛紋蝗鶯 Scarce autumn passage migrant with a few spring records; occurs in a variety of vegetated habitats, extreme dates 4 March to 18 May and 15 September to 12 December, highest count six on 16 October : singles on 12 May at San Tin and 22 May on Po Toi (GW), a new latest spring date. In autumn recorded from 18 September to 17 November, peak count three at Lok Ma Chau on 16 October. 2008: one on Po Toi on 21 May. In autumn recorded from 19 September to 8 November, peak count two at Lok Ma Chau on 28 October. 368 I Pallas s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola 小蝗鶯 Fairly common autumn migrant and scarce winter visitor to damp grassland and reedmarsh areas, though can be found in urban parks and similar habitats; extreme dates 23 August to 17 May, highest count 55 on 13 September : in the first winter period one at Lok Ma Chau on 26 January and 21 February. In the second winter period recorded from 3 September to 4 December, peak count ten at Lok Ma Chau on 27 September. 2008: in the first winter period singles at Mai Po on 4 May, and on Po Toi and at Lok Ma Chau on 21 May. In the second winter period recorded from 29 August to 13 November, peak count 15 trapped at Mai Po NR on 17 September. 371 I Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri 斑背大尾鶯 NT No records. 2007: one trapped at Mai Po on 10 November (PJL). This is the first record for Hong Kong

172 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 372 I Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 棕扇尾鶯 Common winter visitor and migrant to grassy and reedmarsh areas, breeds in Deep Bay area and possibly elsewhere; highest count 100 on 5 December Plate 27 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 棕扇尾鶯 Long Valley, 25 th January 2008 塱原 2008 年 1 月 25 日 Ken Fung 馮漢城 2007: a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 27 April, peak count 11 at Long Valley on 13 January. Breeding season: up to two at Mai Po NR on 18 May and 24 June. Second winter period: recorded from 26 August, peak count 39 at San Tin on 18 December. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 24 April, peak count 28 around fish ponds at San Tin on 11 January

173 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Breeding season: presumed breeding birds were recorded at Wo Shang Wai (up to four in song from 29 April to 27 August), near Mai Po village on 12 June and at Mai Po NR on 24 July. Second winter period: recorded from 29 August, peak count 13 at San Tin fish ponds on 16 December. 373 I Golden-headed (Bright-capped) Cisticola Cisticola exilis 金頭扇尾鶯 Localised but increasing winter visitor to grassland; extreme dates 9 September to 13 April, highest count 10 on 25 November Plate 28 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 金頭扇尾鶯 Long Valley, 30 th December 2007 塱原 2007 年 12 月 30 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 2007: further evidence of the increase of this species came in the form a new latest spring and a new earliest autumn date. First winter period: recorded up to 16 April, a new latest spring date, peak count five at Heung Yuen Wai on 27 February. Second winter period: two on Po Toi from 1 September are a new earliest date; peak count five at Tsung Yuen Ha and Heung Yuen Wai on 22 November

174 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: some evidence that this species may breed locally. First winter period: recorded up to 14 April, peak count eight at Lin Ma Hang on 12 March; a male was in song at Kam Tin on 21 March. Second winter period: records of groups up to eight in northern NT in August were suggestive of breeding; elsewhere, from 4 September with peak count nine at Tsung Yuen Ha on 15 November. 374 I Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris 黃腹鷦鶯 Very common resident in a variety of non-woodland habitats. 2007: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 73 on 3 April. 2008: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 91 on 5 May. 375 I Plain Prinia Prinia inornata 純色鷦鶯 Locally common resident in grassy and reed habitats. 2007: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 26 on 30 January. Elsewhere, the only records of significance concerned one on Po Toi during 3 to 29 May and up to six there from 28 August to year end, and one at Chek Lap Kok on 24 July. 2008: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of 37 on 21 April. 376 I Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius 長尾縫葉鶯 Widespread and common resident in diverse shrubland and wooded habitats. 2007: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of four in March. 2008: systematic twice-monthly surveys at Mai Po NR recorded a maximum of four on 15 July and 25 September. 377 I Rufous-rumped Grassbird (Large Grass Warbler) Graminicola bengalensis 大草鶯 NT Scarce and local resident of rich grassland above 200m in NT and on Lantau; highest count seven on 3 June

175 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: pair at Heung Yuen Wai on 14 May, and singles at Tai Mo Shan on 17 June and 2 July. The low altitude of the Heung Yuen Wai record is noteworthy. 2008: singles above KFBG on 11 March and on Tai Mo Shan on 17 and 24 March. In addition, two to three territories were recorded at Robin s Nest in May. 378 IIA Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis 棕頸鈎嘴鶥 Widespread and locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland; highest count 20 on 4 January : peak count six at Ng Tung Chai on 6 November. 2008: peak count six at Tai Lam CP on 18 October. 379 I Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla 小鱗胸鷦鶥 Locally common in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, largely in Tai Mo Shan massif, recent breeding records; highest count four on 18 September : peak count of nine at Tai Po Kau on 14 November exceeds the previous high; a juvenile seen there on 31 August. Breeding also suspected at Ng Tung Chai. 2008: peak count of six between Kuk Po and Lai Chi Wo on 7 October. In song in April at Tai Om Shan, Pun Shan Chau and Tai Po Kau. 380 IIA Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps 紅頭穗鶥 Locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, mainly in the Tai Mo Shan massif; highest count 20 on 7 October : most records from the central Tai Mo Shan massif, but also from Wu Kau Tang and Fung Yuen (Plover Cove CP); peak count eight at Ng Tung Chai on 25 March and 24 August. 2008: more reports from a wider area than in 2007, with more sightings from northeast NT, probably a result of increased observer activity in these areas; peak count 20 at Tai Po Kau on 15 February equals the current high. 381 IIA Chinese Babax Babax lanceolatus 矛紋草鶥 Rare and declining resident of upland grassland; highest count 14 on 25 August There are no reports from 2007 or 2008, and the last report of this species was 22 May 2005 on Tai Mo Shan

176 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 382 I Masked Laughingthrush Garrulax perspicillatus 黑臉噪鶥 Very common resident in diverse urban and rural wooded habitats. 2007: peak count during systematic surveys of MPNR was 44 on 15 August, though no apparent seasonality. 2008: peak count during systematic surveys of MPNR was 50 on 11 January and 2 December, though no apparent seasonality. 383 IIA Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis 黑領噪鶥 Widespread and locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland of NT. 2007: largest flock 35 at Plover Cove CP; one on Cheung Chau in October and early November was unusual. 2008: peak count was 40 at Tai Lam Chung. 384 IIA Black-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax chinensis 黑喉噪鶥 Widespread and locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, in NT and on HK Island (its previous stronghold). Reports from HK Island, where relatively few observers now live, are welcomed. 2007: peak count 11 at Shing Mun on 30 May. One imitating Large Hawk Cuckoo at Shek Kong on 26 April, and two lugens morph birds at Wonderland Villas on 27 November. 2008: peak count five at Tai Om Shan on 19 January and at Tai Tong on 6 April. 385 I Chinese Hwamei (Hwamei) Garrulax canorus 畫眉 Widespread and common resident in closed-canopy shrubland. 2007: no significant reports. 2008: peak count seven at Brides Pool Road on 21 April

177 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 386 IIA White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio 白頰噪鶥 Locally-distributed scarce resident of shrubland and shrubland edge. Plate 29 White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio 白頰噪鶥 Ng Tung Chai, 19 th February 2007 梧桐寨 2007 年 2 月 19 日 Wallace Tse 謝鑑超 2007: one at Kam Tin on 17 December is a rare sighting. Elsewhere, reported from Ng Tung Chai, Ta Kwu Ling, Shan Tong Road (Tai Po) and She Shan. 2008: two reported from Kam Tin again on 28 January. Elsewhere, reported from Ping Long, Fung Yuen, Shan Tong Road (Tai Po), She Shan and Chau Tau, with ten at Fung Yuen on 11 February the peak count. In general, appears to be more widespread than in recent years. 387 IIB Silver-eared Leiothrix (Mesia) Leiothrix argentauris 銀耳相思鳥 Locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland in NT; highest count 42 on 4 February : peak count 20 at Wonderland Villas and Shing Mun. 2008: peak count 37 at Tai Lam CP

178 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 388 IIA Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea 紅嘴相思鳥 Widespread resident in shrubland and woodland, including parks; highest count 20 on 28 January : peak count 15 at Tai Po Kau. Five at Kowloon Park on 19 November. 2008: few records, with a high count of only three. One at Kowloon Park on 4 April. 389 IIB Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera 藍翅希鶥 Locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland of NT; highest count 50 on 8 September : three at Wonderland Villas on 25 November was the first record for the site. Peak count 20 at Kap Lung. 2008: peak count 27 at Tai Lam CP. 390 I Chestnut-collared Yuhina (Striated Yuhina) Yuhina castaniceps 栗耳鳳鶥 Scarce, occasionally irruptive, winter visitor and migrant to wooded areas, with occasional summer records; highest count 50 on 18 September : a confirmed breeding record was unusual, though the status of such birds is perhaps open to question. First winter period: peak counts 30 at Tai Po Kau, 20 at Shing Mun and Ng Tung Chai and 10 at Lion Rock CP. Breeding season: two adults feeding three nestlings at Ng Tung Chai on 20 April is a rare breeding record. Second winter period: recorded from 11 October with peak counts 30 at Tai Po Kau and 25 at Shing Mun and Ng Tung Chai. 2008: relatively high numbers present in the second winter period. First winter period: peak counts 25 at Tai Po Kau, 10 at Shing Mun and Wonderland Villas. Second winter period: recorded from 18 October with peak counts 45 at Ng Tung Chai and 30 at Tai Po Kau

179 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 391 IIA Vinous-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis webbianus 棕頭鴉雀 Scarce and local resident of upland dwarf bamboo, grassland and shrubland edge, almost exclusively reported from Tai Mo Shan; highest count 20 on 9 September All records of this species welcomed. 2007: four reports from Tai Mo Shan from 13 April to 26 August, with 11 on 3 June. 2008: two on Tai Mo Shan in March were the only reports. 392 I Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca blythi 白喉林鶯 Following the split by IOC of Lesser Whitethroat, Sylvia curruca, and Desert Whitethroat, Sylvia minula, the record of 7 October 2002 is under review as to species. 2006: one trapped at Mai Po on 15 October (PJL) was of the taxon blythi. This is the first record of this taxon for Hong Kong. 393 I Chestnut-flanked White-eye Zosterops erythropleurus 紅脇繡眼鳥 Winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 21 October to 8 April, highest count eight on 3 December : two at Shing Mun on 25 November and 28 December, one at Tai Po Kau on 4 December. 2008: two at Fung Yuen on 13 January and one at Shing Mun on 17 January. In the second winter period, three at Tai Po Kau on 4 December and one at Shing Mun on 17 December. 394 I Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus 暗綠繡眼鳥 Abundant and widespread resident of urban and rural wooded habitats with increased numbers in winter; highest count 300 on 4 January : at Mai Po high counts of 105 on 30 January and 141 on 24 August. Elsewhere, the most notable record was a single flock of 126 at Kam Tin on 17 January. 2008: as in 2007, most records from Mai Po as a result of systematic surveys, with high counts of 66 on 5 February and 108 on 11 September

180 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 395 II Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis 絨額鳾 Locally-common resident of mature woodland in central NT; highest count 20 on 4 January : most records from Tai Mo Shan massif with a high of eight at Tai Po Kau on 3 February. Two at Fung Yuen on 29 September. 2008: recorded from Tai Mo Shan massif, Tai Lam and Wo Hop Shek. Probable breeding at Tai Om and Tai Po Kau. 396 I Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus 八哥 Very common resident of lowland habitats. Highest count 600 on 7 October : flock of 29 dispersing from roost on Po Toi on 2 May; otherwise no significant records. 2008: peak count 400 entering roost at Ta Kwu Ling on 25 August. 397 IIB Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 家八哥 Locally common resident of open-country areas, mainly in Deep Bay and Kam Tin areas; highest count 30 on 1 February : a typical series of records, with the peak count 13 at San Tin on 8 August. One on Po Toi from 7 to 27 May was unusual. 2008: peak count 24 in the fishpond area near San Tin on 19 November. 398 I Red-billed Starling Spodiopsar sericeus 絲光椋鳥 Winter visitor and migrant to open-country areas, mainly in northwest NT; recent years have seen summer records. Mainly present October to April, highest count 11,260 on 25 December : widespread reports of good numbers at the start of the year but relatively low numbers in the second winter period. Summer records included the first confirmed breeding records for Hong Kong, at Tai Mei Tuk. First winter period: regular reports until late March, peak count 6,509 at Mai Po on 15 January. Migrants recorded on Po Toi from 13 March to 17 April with one on 6 May. Breeding season: four at Kowloon Park on 20 April may have been investigating nest sites. Up to six recorded in the Mai Po area in May and June. Up to six at Tai Mei Tuk from May to July, including a dependent juvenile on 29 June. One at San Tin on 17 August. Second winter period: reported from 9 October. Peak count 1,025 at Kam Tin on 3 December

181 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: widespread records in both winter periods. Evidence of breeding again at Tai Mei Tuk and possibly also the Deep Bay area. First winter period: migrants reported until 16 May, when six were on Po Toi. Peak count 2,500 around fishponds near San Tin on 17 January. Breeding season: up to five recorded at Tai Mei Tuk in June, including birds carrying food and nest material. In the fishpond area near San Tin, five birds on 31 July, including at least one juvenile. Second winter period: apparent migrants recorded from 27 September, peak count 1,807 at Mai Po on 2 December. 399 I White-cheeked Starling Spodiopsar cineraceus 灰椋鳥 Winter visitor to open-country areas, particularly Deep Bay area, with recent breeding records; mainly present October to April, highest count 430 on 14 December : a relatively poor year, with few records in either winter period and only one report exceeding 50 birds. Evidence of breeding at Kam Tin. First winter period: migrants reported on Po Toi from 6 April to 15 May, peak count 263 at MPNR on 15 January. Breeding season: at Kam Tin, one carrying food on 22 May and three adults on 27 May. Second winter period: reported from 19 September, peak count 55 at Kam Tin on 16 October. 2008: most records from Deep Bay or Kam Tin, but also recorded at Long Valley, Po Toi and Ho Man Tin. Evidence of breeding in the Deep Bay area. First winter period: presumed migrants reported until 16 May, peak count 48 at Kam Tin on 25 January. Breeding season: three at San Tin on 31 July and four at Mai Po on 24 and 27 August. Up to five at San Tin in September, including at least one juvenile, may have bred locally or may be early migrants. Second winter period: apart from the birds mentioned at San Tin, reported from 10 October. Peak count 60 at Lok Ma Chau on 30 December. 400 I Black-collared Starling Gracupica nigricollis 黑領椋鳥 Common resident of open-country, village edge and urban habitats; highest count 280 on 29 October Most reports from Mai Po NR in systematic surveys

182 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: peak count of 105 on 13 July at MPNR during monthly surveys. 2008: peak count of 136 on 30 July at MPNR during monthly surveys. 401 I Daurian (Purple-backed) Starling Agropsar sturninus 北椋鳥 Autumn migrant to open-country areas, with a few spring and one winter record; extreme dates 12 April to 12 May and 16 September to 4 November. Highest count 50 on 26 September : an unusual sequence of spring records. Spring: singles on Po Toi on 27 March and 24 April, at Ma Tso Lung on 4 April and at Lok Ma Chau on 21 May. Autumn: recorded from Long Valley, Po Toi, Kam Tin, San Tin, Fung Lok Wai and Yau Mei San Tsuen between 20 September and 11 October, with a high count of four at Kam Tin on 1 October. 2008: only recorded in autumn; up to four on Po Toi from 5 to 28 September, the first date being a new earliest record (RWL), and one at Lok Ma Chau on 7 September. 402 I Chestnut-cheeked Starling Agropsar philippensis 紫背椋鳥 Passage migrant, mainly autumn, to open-country areas; extreme dates 28 March to 30 April and 26 September to 20 November, highest count four on 22 April : singles on Po Toi on 3 and 10 April. In autumn, three at Fung Lok Wai on 4 October. 2008: two on Po Toi on 12 April and one at Lok Ma Chau on 24 April. In autumn, one at Mai Po on 9 October. 403 I White-shouldered Starling Sturnia sinensis 灰背椋鳥 Locally common passage migrant and breeding species, and scarce winter visitor to open-country and village edge habitats mainly in the northwest NT; breeding population on increase as a result of use of nest boxes; highest count 120 on 23 September : reports throughout the year, especially March to December. On Po Toi spring passage was recorded from 15 March to 25 April. The peak count of 120 at Lok Ma Chau on 29 August (PJL) equaled the record count. Breeding reported at Lok Ma Chau, San Tin, Mai Po, Kam Tin, Shek Kong and Shuen Wan

183 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: recorded in all months except December from widespread locations throughout Hong Kong. The peak count was 55 on Po Toi on 19 September. Spring passage on Po Toi noted from 26 March to 5 June. Breeding confirmed or suspected at Lok Ma Chau, Mai Po, Lin Barn Tsuen, Kam Tin, Ma Tso Lung, Long Valley, Tai Mei Tuk, Ta Kwu Ling and Kowloon Park; the widespread locations indicate the breeding population continues to increase. 404 I Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabaricus 灰頭椋鳥 Rare winter visitor, with three previous records; extreme dates 12 January to 17 March. Birds that breed in Kowloon Park are considered to derive from ex-captive individuals. 2007: one at Yung Shue Wan on 20 January (RT) is the fourth record for Hong Kong away from Kowloon Park. Reported at Kowloon Park on 29 March (four) and 20 April (three). 2008: three, including one carrying food, at Kowloon Park on 4 April. 406 I Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 紫翅椋鳥 Scarce winter visitor and late autumn passage migrant to open country areas; extreme dates 16 October to 10 April, highest count 12 on 11 January Possibly declining. 2007: one at Shek O on 25 November and one at Pui O on 9 December were the only reports. 2008: one at Mai Po on 25 November, one at Pui O on 15 December and one at Sai Kung on 18 December. 407 I Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus 紫嘯鶇 Widespread and locally common resident in closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, often near streams & 2008: no significant reports. 408 I Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina 橙頭地鶇 Scarce winter visitor and rare breeding species to natural forest and closed-canopy shrubland; highest count three on 21 August : singles on 15 January at Hang Hau, 30 January at Mui Wo, 6 May at Victoria Peak, 14 October at Tai Po Headland and 21 October at Tai Po Kau. 2008: singles at Shing Mun on 3 January, Ng Tung Chai on 1 March, Tai Po Kau on 20 August and 2 November and two at Kap Lung on 1 October

184 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 30 Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina 橙頭地鶇 Kap Lung, 1 st October 2008 甲龍 2008 年 10 月 1 日 Koel Ko 高偉琛 409 I Siberian Thrush Geokichla sibirica 白眉地鶇 Scarce migrant and winter visitor to wooded areas; extreme dates 16 September to 23 April, highest count four on 7 February : two at Tai Po Kau on 15 October and four at Ng Tung Chai on 31 December (MK), the latter equaling the highest count. 2008: singles at Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau and Ng Tung Chai on 3, 4 and 6 January respectively with one at Tai Po Kau on 4 February and 9 November. 410 I White s (Scaly) Thrush Zoothera aurea 虎斑地鶇 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to woodland edge and open woodland; extreme dates 30 September to 8 May, highest count 3 on 18 January : a typical year

185 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: up to three individuals reported from scattered sites. A bird that over-wintered on Po Toi remained until 15 April, the last record in the first winter period. Second winter period: singles only, except on Po Toi where up to three daily were recorded, and two at Tai Po Kau on 15 October which was the earliest date this year. 2008: record counts in first winter period evidence of a cold-weather influx. Only one in the second winter period was unusually few. First winter period: recorded until 19 April, with five at Sai Kung CP on 8 February (PJL) and six at Pui O on 11 February (PA) in an influx of thrushes during the very cold period, the highest counts on record. Second winter period: one at Tai Po Kau on 4 and 9 December was the only report. 411 I Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum 灰背鶇 Very common winter visitor and migrant to lightly-wooded areas, shrubland and forest. Extreme dates 2 November to 25 April, highest count of 50 on 18 January : unremarkable year apart from equalling the previous highest count. First winter period: recorded until 15 April, the highest count 50 at Pak Sha O on 4 February equalling the previous highest. Second winter period: recorded from 12 November, peak count nine on 6 December. 2008: record counts in first winter period evidence of a cold-weather influx. First winter period: recorded until 9 April, peak counts 39 at Sai Kung CP on 8 February and at least 70 at Pui O on 11 February, a new high count (PA). Second winter period: recorded from 6 November, highest count nine on 24 December. 412 I Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis 烏灰鶇 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to wooded areas; extreme dates 25 October to 8 May, highest count 40 on 8 February : a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 12 April, highest count seven at Tung Ping Chau on 28 January. Second winter period: recorded from 4 November, peak count four at Tai Po Kau and Shing Mun on 14 and 15 November. 2008: a typical year

186 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: recorded up to 8 April, the highest count 17 on Po Toi on 2 January and at South Lamma on 2 March. Second winter period: recorded from 30 October with six at Shing Mun on 19 November being the highest count. 413 I Common Blackbird Turdus merula 烏鶇 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to lightly wooded areas, rare breeding species; typically present early October to March; highest count 500 on 24 November : low numbers present all year; one record of possible breeding. First winter period: recorded up to 9 May, highest count 14 at Tai Om Shan on 10 February. Breeding season: two records in July at MPNR car park may indicate local breeding. Also one at San Tin on 24 August. Second winter period: first certain migrant noted on 13 October, but also at MPNR car park from 28 September to 10 October. Generally low numbers except at Ng Tung Chai where 75 on 22 December. 2008: for the second successive year, low numbers all year and breeding likely in at least two areas of the northern NT. First winter period: latest record (a passage migrant) occurred on 3 April on Po Toi; peak count 35 at Ng Tung Chai and Ping Long in January. Breeding season: reports at Long Valley, Sha Ling, MPNR and its car park and along Man Kam To Road from 20 April to 21 July likely to refer to breeding birds. Two adults were seen carrying food at MPNR car park on 30 June. Second winter period: migrants probably present from 9 October, peak count 19 on 23 November. 414 I Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus 白眉鶇 Fairly common migrant and rare winter visitor to lightly wooded areas, extreme dates 13 October to 7 May, highest count 150 on 27 April : a fairly typical year. First winter period: up to two from 21 March to 26 April. Second winter period: six reports, comprising up to two on Po Toi on 14 and 29 November, with singles at Tai Po Kau from 14 November to 12 December and at Wu Kau Tang on 1 December. 2008: two winter records were unusual

187 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: singles at Tai Om Shan on 10 February, Shing Mun on 15 February and 13 March, Pui O on 15 March, Tai Po Kau on 30 March and then on Po Toi from 2 April to 1 May, peak count five on final date. A flock of 52 at Shing Mun on 3 May was exceptional (GH). Second winter period: recorded from 6 November to 7 December, all singles apart from five on Po Toi on 11 November. 415 I Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus 白腹鶇 Fairly common winter visitor and migrant to lightly wooded areas, extreme dates 4 November to 26 April, highest count 51 on 21 January : an average year. First winter period: recorded until 12 April with reports from scattered sites, the peak count being 12 on 10 January on Po Toi. Second winter period: recorded only on Po Toi, where up to three were present from 4 December. 2008: a poor year. First winter period: a few reports of singles up to 4 April with two on Po Toi and at Ng Tung Chai and Shing Mun being the peak count. Second winter period: recorded only on Po Toi from 27 November, singles only. 416 I Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus 赤胸鶇 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant to lightly-wooded areas, extreme dates 20 November to 17 April. 2007: a good year. Singles at Airfield Road (Shek Kong), Kowloon Park, Tai Po Kau, Tai Mo Shan, Long Valley and Ng Tung Chai until 2 March, with two at Shek Kong on 27 January. A first summer male at Victoria Peak on 4 May is a latest spring record (HL). Four reports of singles on Po Toi from 29 November to 8 December. 2008: singles at Tai Po Kau, Pui O and Po Toi until 3 April, with two at Pak Sha O on 6 February. In the second winter period, up to two on Po Toi from 21 November through to year end, with one at Shek Kong on 6 and 20 December. 419 I Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus 斑鶇 Scarce winter visitor to open country areas. Extreme dates 31 October to 5 May. Highest count 100 on 18 February 1984 in the last irruption year. 2007: seven records at four sites (Shek Kong, Yuen Long, MPNR and Po Toi) of single birds from 14 January to 10 April

188 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: singles at Pui O on 16 February and 15 March, Airfield Road on 30 November, Pui O on 6 December and Sheung Yue River on 17 December. Plate 31 Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus 斑鶇 Shek Kong, 14 th January 2007 石崗 2007 年 1 月 14 日 Helen Chan 陳燕芳 420 I Chinese Thrush Turdus mupinensis 寶興歌鶇 Two records, November and February/March. 2008: one at Pui O from 11 February to 1 March showed extensive feather damage and is considered ex-captive. 421 I Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris 白喉短翅鶇 Resident and winter visitor to closed-canopy shrubland and woodland, a recent colonist; highest count five on 26 May All records of this species should be submitted in order that its status can be better understood

189 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: up to five at Ng Tung Chai in the first winter period including singing males, and up to two in Tai Po Kau in late April, May, October and November. Also up to three at Fung Yuen in March and April. Birds in song near the top of Tai Mo Shan in April and May. 2008: mostly reported from Tai Po Kau where up to three in song between 30 March and 23 May, and one on 7 November. Elsewhere, three singing at Ng Tung Chai on 30 March, singles at Sheung Tam Shui Hang in May, Tai Po Headland in November and six at Ng Tung Chai on 3 November a new high count (GH). 422 I Japanese Robin Erithacus akahige 日本歌鴝 Rare winter visitor to woodland; extreme dates 20 November to 29 March, highest count two on 4 February : singles at Ng Tung Chai on 3 February, Po Toi on 20 and 21 November, Pui O on 23 November and Tai Po Kau on 29 December. 423 I Bluethroat Luscinia svecica 藍喉歌鴝 Locally common winter visitor and scarce passage migrant to damp, lowland open country areas, including reedmarsh; extreme dates 27 September to 30 April, highest count 13 on 28 January : reported from Long Valley, Kam Tin, Shek Kong, Ma Tso Lung, Lok Ma Chau and MPNR. First winter period: up to five at Long Valley until 6 May (YTY), a new late date. Elsewhere no more than two reported. Second winter period: one at MPNR on 2 December and two in Long Valley on 14 December. 2008: reported from Fairview Park, MPNR, Lok Ma Chau, San Tin and Long Valley. First winter period: up to two until 25 April. Second winter period: singles from 22 October. 424 I Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope 紅喉歌鴝 Passage migrant and winter visitor to lowland shrubland, open country and reed marsh; extreme dates 8 October to 10 May, highest count 59 on 27 November : a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 23 April, peak count six on 19 January. Second winter period: recorded from 11 October, peak count 13 on 19 December

190 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 24 April, peak count nine on 4 March. Second winter period: recorded from 22 October, peak count ten on 20 November. 425 I Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane 藍歌鴝 Scarce passage migrant to shrubland and woodland, four winter records; extreme passage dates 1 April to 20 April and 4 September to 4 October, highest count three on 25 September : one on Po Toi on 9 April, singles at Ng Tung Chai on 7 September and 4 October. 2008: one at Tai Po Kau on 12 and 14 September, two at Sunset Peak on 13 September and up to three on Po Toi from 19 to 20 September. 426 I Rufous-tailed Robin Luscinia sibilans 紅尾歌鴝 Passage migrant and winter visitor to woodland and closed-canopy shrubland; extreme dates 16 October to 17 April, highest count 13 on 14 April : probably under-reported. Most records from Ng Tung Chai and Po Toi. First winter period: recorded until 23 April, peak count seven in song at Tung Ping Chau on 7 April. Second winter period: recorded from 4 November, peak count eleven at Tai Po Kau on 14 November. 2008: probably under-reported. First winter period: recorded until 12 April, peak count ten at Sai Kung CP on 8 February. Second winter period: recorded from 29 October, peak count nine at Ng Tung Chai on 9 November and 1 December. 427 I Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus 紅脇藍尾鴝 Common winter visitor and passage migrant to shrubland and woodland, numbers variable each winter; extreme dates 2 October to 18 April, highest count 39 on 21 January : an unexceptional year with no signs of a significant winter influx. First winter period: recorded until 23 March, peak count six at Shing Mun on 3 February

191 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Second winter period: recorded from 4 November, peak count nine on Po Toi on 21 November. 2008: relatively high counts in the first winter period evidence of a cold-weather influx. First winter period: recorded until 5 April, highest counts 20 in Sai Kung CP on 8 February, 14 at Pui O and 11 on Po Toi on 13 February. Second winter period: recorded from 30 October, peak count four at Ng Tung Chai and Lead Mine Pass on 6 and 7 December respectively. 428 I Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis 鵲鴝 Abundant resident in urban and rural areas, including mangrove. 2007: systematic surveys at MPNR saw highest numbers from late April to late August, the peak count being 40 on 23 May. 2008: systematic surveys at MPNR saw highest numbers from late March to mid July, the peak count being 35 on 21 April. 430 I Hodgson s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni 黑喉紅尾鴝 No records. 2007: a female on Po Toi on 11 December (GW). This is the first record for Hong Kong. 431 I Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus 北紅尾鴝 Common winter visitor to shrubland and open woodland; extreme dates 14 October to 22 April, highest count 30 on 5 February : typical year. First winter period: recorded until 19 April, peak count ten on Po Toi on 18 January. Second winter period: recorded from 20 October, peak count nine at Kam Tin on 12 November. 2008: good numbers present in February. First winter period: recorded until 8 April, peak count 13 at Sai Kung CP on 8 February, 10 at Pui O and 8 on Po Toi on 13 February. Second winter period: recorded from 7 November, peak count four on Po Toi on 11 November

192 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 432 I Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa 紅尾水鴝 Scarce winter visitor to rocky streams and water catchments; extreme dates 24 October to 19 April. 2007: single females in Lam Tsuen valley from 7 to 27 January, at Siu Lam from 16 January to 4 February. 2008: single females at Chung Mei on 28 December and Nam Chung on 30 December 433 I Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus 灰背燕尾 Occasional visitor to streams in closed-canopy woodland and shrubland, at least one breeding record. 2008: one at Lung Fu Shan on 1 January. 434 I Stejneger s (Common) Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri 黑喉石 Common passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 25 August to 6 May, highest count 60 on 6 November : widely-scattered records, all highest counts at Long Valley. First winter period: recorded until 17 April, peak count 12 on 14 February, while the earliest record on Po Toi occurred on 16 March. Second winter period: recorded from 9 September, peak count 15 on 3 December. 2008: by far the highest count of year was 33 at Long Valley on 4 October. First winter period: recorded until 28 April, peak count ten on 23 January. Earliest record on Po Toi on 19 March. Second winter period: recorded from 4 September, peak count 33 on 4 October. 435 I Grey Bush Chat (Bushchat) Saxicola ferreus 灰林 Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; extreme dates 14 September to 20 April, highest count four on 13 April : two at Buffalo Hill on 6 January and one at Kwai Chung on 8 March. A male on Tai Mo Shan from 31 March to 6 June is likely to be ex-captive. Singles at Long Valley on 4 November, on Po Toi from 28 November to 8 December, at San Tin Eastern Main Drainage Channel on 4 December and at Fung Yuen from 26 to 29 December. 2008: a male at Yung Shue O, Lamma Island on 20 January and 10 March with one at Pui O on 14 February were the only records

193 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 437 I Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 藍磯鶇 Passage migrant and winter visitor to rocky, south-facing or coastal areas, with isolated summer records; typically present September to May, highest count 14 on 27 November : a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 3 May, peak count four on Po Toi on 25 April. Single males of the taxon pandoo were at Plover Cove on 11 January and on Tung Ping Chau on 14 April. Second winter period: recorded from 16 September, peak count nine on 28 September. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: reported until 19 May, peak count six on 24 April. An adult male of the taxon pandoo was on Tai Mo Shan on 24 March. Second winter period: reported from 29 August, peak count ten on 16 October. Plate 32 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 藍磯鶇 Lamma Island, 5 th April 2008 南丫島 2008 年 4 月 5 日 Guy Miller

194 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 438 I Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris 栗腹磯鶇 Rare winter visitor, mainly to KFBG; extreme dates 2 October to 2 April. 2007: two at KFBG from 1 to 3 February. 440 I Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias brunneata 白喉林鶲 VU Rare autumn migrant, with three previous records; extreme dates 28 August to 20 September. 2005: one at Tai Po Kau on 10 September (MT). 2007: first-winter trapped at Tai Po Kau on 1 September (CMJA), seen to 5 September. These are the fourth and fifth Hong Kong records; all but one have been at Tai Po Kau. 441 I Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta 灰紋鶲 Passage migrant to shrubland and open woodland; extreme dates 25 March to 26 May and 29 August to 25 November; highest count 50 on 8 May 1999 in the aftermath of Typhoon Leo. Two typical years, with most records and all peak counts on Po Toi. 2007: in spring recorded from 19 April to 7 May, peak count four on 25 April. In autumn recorded from 8 September to 28 October, peak count four on 26 September and 13 October. 2008: in spring recorded from 23 April to 20 May, peak count ten on Po Toi on 20 May. In autumn up to two recorded from 16 September to 2 November. 442 I Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica 烏鶲 Mainly autumn migrant to woodland areas with four spring records; extreme dates 31 March to 8 May and 28 August to 26 December, highest count four on 27 September : one at Tai Mo Shan on 26 August is the earliest ever autumn record (YYT). Therafter, from 8 September to 3 November, peak count two at Tai Po Kau on 20 and 21 September and on Po Toi on 26 September. 2008: recorded from 7 September to 20 November, peak numbers occurring from 19 September to 8 October, peak count three at south Lamma on 1 October

195 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 443 I Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica 北灰鶲 Winter visitor and passage migrant to open and closed-canopy woodland areas; extreme dates 29 August to 26 May; highest count 40 on 18 October : a typical year. First winter period: widespread winter records from north and central NT. First recorded on 26 March on Po Toi, last record on 2 May at Mai Po, peak count four on Po Toi on 7 April. Second winter period: recorded from 31 August, peak count ten at Mai Po NR on 21 October. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: as in 2007, widespread winter records from north and central NT with peak count four at Shek Kong on 1 March. First record on Po Toi 12 April, last record on Po Toi on 22 May. Second winter period: the first record at Plover Cove on 28 August (RWL) is the earliest autumn record by one day. Thereafter, recorded from 4 September, peak count 12 on Po Toi on 22 October. 444 I Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui 褐胸鶲 One record, 28 November 2001 to 21 January : a first-winter at Wun Yiu on 3 February (KPK). This is the second Hong Kong record. 445 I Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea 棕尾褐鶲 Mainly spring migrant to shrubland and woodland with three autumn records; extreme dates 3 March to 21 April and 23 September to 8 November, highest count five on 1 April : recorded from 20 March to 26 April, a new latest spring record (GW), peak count three on Po Toi on 3 April. One at Tai Po Kau on 2 October (MH) is the fourth autumn record. 2008: a good year. Recorded from 25 March to 24 April, peak count five on Po Toi on 4 and 5 April equals the record count. One on Po Toi on 19 September (GW) is the fifth autumn record

196 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 446 I Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia 白眉姬鶲 Mainly autumn migrant to shrubland and woodland with four spring records; extreme dates 5 to 30 April and 17 August to 17 October, highest count ten on 9 September : one at Mai Po during 8 to 15 January is presumed to be ex-captive. In autumn, recorded from 18 August to 28 September, peak count two on Po Toi on 26 August and Mai Po NR on 9 September. 2008: a male on Po Toi from 12 to 13 April (P&MW,MDW) is the fifth spring record. In autumn recorded from 31 August to 26 September, peak count two at Tai Po Kau on 15 September. 447 I Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina 黃眉姬鶲 Spring migrant to woodland areas; extreme dates 19 March to 2 May. 2007: recorded from 31 March to 22 April, peak count two at Tai Po Kau, Po Toi and Tung Ping Chau. A male on Po Toi on 6 November (GW) and a female on 11 November (P&MW) are the first ever autumn records. 2008: recorded from 31 March to 1 May, peak count three on Po Toi on 12 April. A male on Po Toi from 7 October to 19 November (GW,P&MW) is the third autumn record after two the previous year. Plate 33 Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina 黃眉姬鶲 Po Toi Island, 19 th October 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 10 月 19 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒

197 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Female-type Narcissus Flycatcher owstoni / Green-backed Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina owstoni / Ficedula elisae 黃眉姬鶲琉球亞種 / 綠背姬鶲雌鳥 After close examination of several records and of skins, the Records Committee have decided it is not currently possible to distinguish between female-type (female and some first-summer male) Narcissus Flycatchers of the taxon owstoni and female-type Green-backed Flycatchers F. elisae. This is of particular relevence given the potential split of owstoni from nominate narcissina and the increasing number of records of male owstoni in Hong Kong, particularly in spring. Consequently, records of female-type birds of owstoni and elisae will be recorded as either/or until improved identification characteristics become available. Observers are encouraged to provide photographs or detailed descriptions of any such birds, as these may enable identification in the future. 2005: one on Po Toi on 2 April 2005 (GH,CMJA) and another at Tai Po Kau on 11 November (P&MW,KPK). 449 I Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki 鴝姬鶲 Fairly common autumn migrant and scarce winter visitor and spring migrant to woodland areas; extreme dates 10 October to 15 May, highest count 30 on 23 November : a very poor autumn with only two birds recorded. First winter period: recorded from 4 February to 12 April, peak count two on Po Toi on 7 April. Second winter period: two autumn records, singles on Po Toi from 21 to 23 October and at Wu Kau Tang on 7 November, followed by two winter records, one at Shing Mun on 29 November and one at Ng Tung Chai on 26 December. 2008: a more typical year, with more records in the second period than the first. First winter period: one at Tai Po Kau on 28 January. In February singles at Airfield Road on 7 and Brides Pool on 10, and a pair at Wonderland Villas on 18, with the female also seen the following day and on 2 March. No spring records. Second winter period: recorded from 16 October to 23 November, and on 28 December; peak count two on Po Toi on 22 October. 450 I Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 銹胸藍姬鶲 No records. 2008: first-winter female at Tso Kung Lam, Tsuen Wan from 10 February to 2 March (CYL et al.). This is the first record for Hong Kong

198 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 451 I Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata 橙胸姬鶲 Rare winter visitor; extreme dates 3 December to 11 February. 2007: a male at Ng Tung Chai from 15 to 28 January (MK, P&MW). 2008: a first-winter at Tai Po Kau from 3 to 12 February (AK et al.), a new latest date. A male at Ng Tung Chai from 15 to 19 December (GH,KPK). 452 I Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲 No records. Although first identified in 2007, a subsequent review of earlier records of Redthroated Flycatchers Ficedula albicilla showed that these included two records of Redbreasted, and those in 2005 are accepted as the earliest records for the species in Hong Kong. 2005: one on Po Toi on 3 April (P&MW) and one at Sha Tau Kok on 27 December (KPK) are the earliest records of this species in Hong Kong. Both were first-winter birds. 2007: one on Po Toi from 4 to 11 April (PJL,GJC,GW) is the first accepted record for HK. There were subsequently three more records in the second half of the year. One on Po Toi from 10 to 11 November (GW), another on Po Toi from 18 December to year end (GW) and a third at Shek Kong on 23 December (CNM). All were first-winter birds. 2008: the bird on Po Toi at the year end remained until 31 January when it was thought to have died during a very long period of cold weather (GW). Another bird was seen on Po Toi from 31 March to 10 April (GW) and yet another on Po Toi in the second half of the year, from 26 October to 6 November (P&MW,GW). All birds again were first-winters. This succession of records suggests that the species is a regular but rare passage migrant and winter visitor to Hong Kong, possibly coming from an unknown breeding area to the east of those currently known, and may previously have been overlooked. 453 I Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla 紅喉姬鶲 Common migrant and winter visitor to lightly wooded and open country habitats; extreme dates 16 September to 27 April, highest count 12 on 25 October : recorded up to 8 April, peak count three at Mai Po on 8 January. In the second winter period recorded from 3 October, peak count two at Lok Ma Chau on 2 November and two at Ng Tung Chai on 3 December. 2008: recorded up to 1 April with a peak count of 11 at Pui O on 13 February, a cold weather influx. In the second winter period recorded from 27 September, peak count four at Airfield Road on 30 November

199 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 454 I Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana 白腹姬鶲 Passage migrant, mainly in spring, to woodland areas; extreme dates 25 February to 4 May and 29 August to 10 December, highest count 15 on 2 April : in spring recorded from 20 March to 1 May, peak count 12 on Po Toi on 7 April. In autumn recorded from 17 October to 11 November, peak count two at Pak Sha O on 4 November. 2008: in spring recorded from 23 March to 25 April, peak count five on Po Toi on 1 April. In autumn recorded from 25 September to 29 October, peak count three on Po Toi on 16 October. An adult male of the subspecies cumatilis was photographed on Po Toi on 19 October (JH,PH), a first record for Hong Kong. This taxon breeds in central China. 455 I Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina 銅藍鶲 Winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 19 September to 15 April, highest count four on 5 December : a typical year. First winter period: one at Ng Tung Chai from 27 January to 28 March was joined by another on 27 February. Singles at Sam A Tsuen on 4 and at Ng Tung Chai on 9 February. Second winter period: recorded from 9 October, highest count two at Ng Tung Chai on 29 and 31 December. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: singles at Tai Po Kau from 9 to 25 January, at Fung Yuen from 3 to 22 January, at Ng Tung Chai on 13 February and at Pui O on 15 March. Second winter period: singles at Kap Lung on 18 October, on Po Toi on 19 to 23 October, 30 November to 4 December, at Shing Mun from 25 November to 3 December and finally at Fung Yuen on 24 December. 456 I Hainan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus 海南藍仙鶲 Summer visitor, passage migrant and rare winter visitor to closed-canopy shrubland and woodland habitats; approximate extreme dates 24 March to 30 September, highest count of singing males 10 at Tai Po Kau in summer. 2007: recorded from 29 March to 20 September, peak count 13 at Shing Mun on 30 May. 2008: one winter record, at Fung Yuen on 27 January. Then recorded from 4 April to 10 October, peak count 13 at Shing Mun on 13 June

200 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 458 I Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi 棕腹大仙鶲 Rare winter visitor to woodland; extreme dates 22 October to 10 April. 2007: one on HK Island on 30 January was the only record in the first winter period. One at Tai Po Kau from 28 November to 4 December, one at Ng Tung Chai from 3 November and one at Shing Mun on 13 December. 2008: singles at Tai Po Kau on 13 February and 13 March and at Ng Tung Chai on 13 February. Elsewhere in the first winter period, one at Ha Fa Shan on 20 February. In the second winter period, one at Ng Tung Chai on 24 November was the only record. 459 I Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae 小仙鶲 Rare winter visitor to woodland; extreme dates 15 December to 7 February. 2007: first-winter male at Tai Po Kau on 29 and 30 December (P&MW,KPK). 2008: the bird at Tai Po Kau was recorded until 8 February (WT), a new latest date. Elsewhere, an adult male at Siu Lek Yuen on 4 February (KF). 460 I Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (Flycatcher) Culicicapa ceylonensis 方尾鶲 Winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 8 October to 20 April, highest count ten on 22 November : a good year with a new high count. First winter period: recorded up to 5 April, peak count 11 at Shing Mun on 11 February (GH) is a new high count. Second winter period: recorded from 21 October, peak count five at Ng Tung Chai on 3 December. 2008: relatively few reports in the first winter period but high peak counts in both periods. First winter period: recorded up to 21 March, peak count ten at Shing Mun on 17 January. Second winter period: recorded from 18 October, peak count seven at Shing Mun on 25 November. 461 I Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii 橙腹葉鵯 Scarce resident and winter visitor in closed-canopy woodland; highest count five on 4 October

201 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 2007: two at Ng Tung Chai and singles at KFBG in January and February, and Tai Po Headland in December. Recorded at Shing Mun throughout the year. 2008: up to three at Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau and Kap Lung up to 25 April and from 7 September. 463 I Fire-breasted (Buff-bellied) Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus 紅胸啄花鳥 Scarce winter visitor and rare breeding species in shrubland and woodland areas; highest count eight on 7 April : recorded until 13 April and from 17 October. Reports from Po Toi on 17 October and 10 November were unusual, and the first on the island in autumn. 2008: probably under-recorded, as only six records were received with extreme dates 24 March and 22 October, from Tai Po Kau, Ng Tung Chai, Tai Om Shan and Po Toi. For the second year in succession, one on Po Toi in autumn, on 22 October. 464 I Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum 朱背啄花鳥 Common resident of open woodland and village edge; highest count 15 on 1 October : recorded throughout the year, particularly from Tai Po Kau and Ng Tung Chai. Peak count six at Wu Kau Tang on 4 February. 2008: fewer records than 2007 but a peak count of 16 in Plover Cove CP on 6 January (JAA) is a new high. 465 I Mrs. Gould s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae 藍喉太陽鳥 Rare migrant in late winter and spring; extreme dates 15 January to 2 March. 2007: a male at Tai Po Kau on 18 January (JAA) and from 17 to 20 March (OC, MH), the latter being a new latest record. 466 I Fork-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga christinae 叉尾太陽鳥 Widespread and common resident of woodland and shrubland; highest count 40 on 4 January : widely recorded from north and central NT and also from Lantau, Lamma and Po Toi where it regularly winters. 2008: as for 2007 with a peak count 32 along a 7km stretch of Bride s Pool Road on 21 April

202 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Plate 34 Mrs. Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae 藍喉太陽鳥 Tai Po Kau, 20 th March 2007 大埔滘 2007 年 3 月 20 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 467 I Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans 山麻雀 Rare autumn migrant and winter visitor, with a number of ex-captive birds also recorded; extreme dates of birds thought to be wild are 8 September to 1 April. 2006: one at Ma Tso Lung on 19 November, possibly ex-captive. 2008: two, one with tail damage, at Wun Yiu on 10 January

203 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 468 I Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 樹麻雀 Very common resident of lowland habitats, commensal with man; local influxes in fish pond areas and offshore islands in spring. Highest count 300 on 24 September : peak count 150 along the Mai Po Access Road on 5 April. 2008: single flocks of 150 on 10 May and 230 on 31 May at Po Toi lighthouse may indicate migration of some kind. 470 I White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata 白腰文鳥 Common resident of lightly-wooded urban and village-edge habitats; highest count 200 on 31 December An under-recorded species. 2007: only 13 records of birds in scattered locations, peak count eight at Chek Keng on 29 December. 2008: more records than 2007, peak count 25 at Long Valley on 18 August feeding on rice. 471 I Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata 斑文鳥 Common resident in open-country grassy habitats; highest count 580 on 29 August : recorded from widespread locations. Peak count 220 at Mai Po on 19 June. 2008: peak count 153 at Long Valley on 7 November. 473 I Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus 山鶺鴒 Scarce passage migrant, commoner in autumn, occasional in winter; occurs mainly in mature secondary broadleaf forest, but also a variety of other habitats; extreme dates 28 July to 1 May, highest count two on 14 April : a fairly good year. One at Kowloon Hills on 17 January. In spring, singles at Kowloon Park on 7 April and on Cheung Chau on 19 April. In autumn, singles at Tai Po Kau, Shek Pik Reservoir and MPNR from 20 August to 28 September, with two on Po Toi on the earliest of these dates. One at Lai Chi Wo on 1 December. 2008: no records in spring. In autumn, singles at Tai Po Kau on 25 August and MPNR on 9, 15 and 27 September, with two on Po Toi on 19 September and one on 2 October

204 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 474 I Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Yellow Wagtail) Motacilla tschutschensis 黃鶺鴒 Many records for were not ascribed to taxon, and observers are encouraged to record this whenever possible. M.t. taivana Passage migrant and winter visitor; previous extreme dates 26 August to 6 May, highest count 1000 on 12 February : recorded up to 1 May, peak count 28 at Long Valley on 4 March, and from 22 August (KL), when 43 were recorded, the latter the new early autumn date (and also a high count for so early in the season); peak count was 55 on 17 November. 2008: recorded up to 29 April and from 4 October, with peak counts of 113 at San Tin on 18 April in the first winter period and 38 at Long Valley on 26 October. M.t. macronyx Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 9 September to 20 May, highest count 50 on 7 October : no records in the first winter period. In the second, recorded from 8 October to 31 December, peak count ten at Long Valley on 20 October. 2008: recorded up to 2 May and from 12 October, with peak counts of six at Mai Po boardwalk on 17 February and at Long Valley on 7 November. M.t. tschutschensis Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor; extreme dates 21 August to 25 May, highest count 3840 on 4 May : rather few reports, occurring on 14 February and from 25 April to 27 May, peak count 93 mostly this taxon on 4 May. In the second winter period, up to ten recorded from 1 September to 27 October. 2008: recorded from 17 April to 21 May, with 120 at San Tin on the last date the peak count. Four autumn records of up to eight from 25 August to 20 September. Records unascribed to taxon 2007: recorded up to 23 May and from 20 August, with the highest counts recorded leaving roosts at MPNR: 600 on 8 April and 800 on 17 November. 2008: recorded up to 12 May and from 20 August, with peak counts in each winter period of 377 at San Tin on 24 April and 200 on 12 November

205 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 475 I Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola 黃頭鶺鴒 Passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 30 September to 10 May. 2007: up to three at Long Valley from 31 October to 18 November with one bird remaining until year end. One at Kam Tin on 19 November and San Tin on 4 December. 2008: the over-wintering bird at Long Valley seen until 24 January. In the second period, singles at Long Valley on 26 October, 1 and 23 November and Kam Tin on 4 November. 476 I Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 灰鶺鴒 Common winter visitor and passage migrant to watercourses and lowland wetland areas; extreme dates 16 August to 31 May with occasional summer records, highest count 1000 on 16 October : a juvenile on Po Toi in midsummer was of most interest. First winter period: recorded until 10 May, peak count six at Airfield Road on 10 March. Second winter period: a juvenile on Po Toi on 26 July indicated breeding may have occurred in a nearby area. Subsequently, recorded from 31 August, peak count three at Sha Po on 6 November. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 19 May, peak count ten at Airfield Road on 23 January and San Tin fish ponds on 24 April. Second winter period: recorded from 16 August, peak count ten at Airfield Road on 30 November and 14 December. 477 I White Wagtail Motacilla alba 白鶺鴒 Not all records of White Wagtail are ascribed to taxon, and observers are encouraged to record this whenever possible. In particular, breeding season reports and records of M.a. ocularis are encouraged. M.a. leucopsis Present all year, most common on spring passage and in winter, and breeds in lowland areas, including village and village-edge, parks and gardens, residential housing; highest count 200 on 18 February : numbers relatively low, though probably under-reported First winter period: peak count 11 at Airfield Road on 14 January. On Po Toi, an overwintering bird remained until at least 20 February, while wintering birds were

206 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List still present at Long Valley on 11 March. Breeding season: breeding birds noted from 9 April to 15 June, including 17 juveniles and three adults at San Tin on 4 May. Second winter period: peak count 40 on the golf course at Chek Lap Kok on 15 November. 2008: good numbers recorded in first winter period. First winter period: a relatively high 111 at San Tin fishponds on 22 January. Breeding season: juveniles noted at a number of NT locations from 20 April to 28 July. Second winter period: peak count 42 at Airfield Road on 14 December. M.a. ocularis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 24 September to 30 April; highest count 190 on 25 March : a typical year. First winter period: recorded in mainly single figures up to 24 March, peak count 11 at San Tin fish ponds on 26 February. Second winter period: recorded from 20 October, peak count 11 at Kam Tin on 6 November. 2008: reasonable numbers reported in first winter period, and final spring record one day short of latest ever date. First winter period: recorded until 29 April, peak count 16 at San Tin fish ponds on 22 January. Second winter period: recorded from 12 October, peak count five at Sheung Shui on 28 October. M.a. lugens Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 1 October to 29 March, highest count three on 20 March : one at Chek Lap Kok on 27 November. 2008: three at Chek Lap Kok on 27 February (GJC) equals the highest count. Elsewhere, one at Sok Kwu Wan on 2 March, Mai Po access road on 22 March and two at Mai Po on 5 October. Combined taxa including no taxon given 2007: recorded in all months with a peak count of 51 at Chek Lap Kok on 15 November. 2008: recorded in all months with a peak count of 127 at San Tin on 22 January

207 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 478 I Richard s Pipit Anthus richardi 理氏鷚 Migratory taxa occur in low-lying open country areas, particularly agricultural, and are common on passage and in winter; highest count 102 on 12 October Resident taxon A.r. sinensis occurs in grassy and open country areas, often upland; highest count 15 on 20 July : post breeding dispersal to Chek Lap Kok island noted. First winter period: noted up to 22 May, when one was on Po Toi; peak count 20 at Chek Lap Kok on 30 January. Breeding season: four territories of sinensis on Tai Mo Shan on 13 April. A party of 13, including juveniles, was noted at Chek Lap Kok on 24 July, presumably having dispersed post-breeding from upland areas on Lantau. Second winter period: first report of migratory taxa on 28 August at Chek Lap Kok; subsequently recorded from 21 September 2010; peak count of 55 at Chek Lap Kok on 25 October. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: migratory taxa noted to at least 29 April and possibly 19 May, peak count 25 at Kam Tin on 10 March. Breeding season: breeding sinensis noted at Tai Mo Shan, Robin s Nest and Chau Tau from late March to mid May. Eight recorded at Chek Lap Kok on 22 July. Second winter period: most birds recorded at Chek Lap Kok, where the peak count was 75 in the airport and 17 on the golf course on 24 October. 480 I Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni 樹鷚 Common winter visitor and passage migrant to lightly wooded and open country areas, including village edge and parks; extreme dates 28 September to 15 May, highest count 150 on 9 January : a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 3 May, peak count 30 at Long Valley on 8 January. On Po Toi recorded from 3 April to 3 May. Second winter period: recorded from 17 October, peak count 17 on 17 November at Long Valley. 2008: a typical year. First winter period: recorded until 28 April, peak count 22 at Long Valley on 23 January. On Po Toi first recorded on 26 March. Second winter period: recorded from 28 October, peak count 30 at Kuk Po on 24 December

208 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 481 I Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi 北鷚 Scarce passage migrant to damp, lowland areas with dense vegetation; extreme dates 17 April to 24 May and 6 September to 24 October, highest count 103 on 3 May : one on Po Toi on 9 April (GW) is the earliest on record, and was followed by three on 10 and singles on 11, 25 to 26 April and 5 May; at Ta Kwu Ling two on 22 May. In autumn, up to three on Po Toi during 25 to 28 September and 18 October, and one at Long Valley on 27 October (P&MW) was the latest ever record. 2008: a very good spring with up to three birds noted at ten sites from 11 April to 21 May when five were recorded at San Tin. In autumn, one at Mai Po on 3 September (PJL) is the earliest autumn record for HK. 483 I Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus 紅喉鷚 Common passage migrant and winter visitor to lowlands, usually in wet areas; extreme dates 16 September to 17 May, highest count 250 on 17 April : erratum. 300 at Long Valley on 26 th November refers to Red-billed Starling. 2007: a typical year. First winter period: recorded up to 27 April, peak count 70 on a drained pond at Fung Lok Wai on 6 April; peak midwinter count 29 at Kam Tin on 8 February. Second winter period: recorded from 27 September, peak count 27 on 9 November. On Po Toi recorded from 17 October to 22 November. 2008: relatively weak spring passage. First winter period: recorded until 2 May, peak count 30 on 28 March at Lin Barn Tsuen; peak midwinter count 23 at Yau Mei San Tsuen on 10 January. Second winter period: recorded from 4 October, peak count 35 at Long Valley on 7 November. 484 I Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens 黃腹鷚 Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor to lowland wetland areas; extreme dates 18 October to 30 March, highest count 20 on 15 January : up to five noted at Hoo Hok Wai, Mai Po access road, San Tin, Tam Kon Chau and Po Toi until 26 March, with peak count on 3 February. In autumn, singles at Chek Lap Kok golf course, Long Valley and Mai Po from 25 October to 8 November. 2008: singles along the Mai Po access road on 12 January and 17 to 23 March, and one on Po Toi on 12 April, a new latest spring date (GW). In autumn, one at MPNR on 11 November, 12 at Ping Che on 20 November and up to two at Tam Kon Chau on 18 and 19 December

209 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 486 I Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus 山鷚 Widespread resident in upland grassland; highest count 20 in late August : up to three males in song from 28 April to 2 July on Tai Mo Shan and Sunset Peak. 2008: up to three males in song from 9 March to 23 May on Tai Mo Shan and Robin s Nest. 487 I Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 燕雀 Rare passage migrant and winter visitor; extreme dates 3 March to 26 April and 5 November to 29 November. 2007: first-winter male on Po Toi on 3 November (Website photograph) showed signs of cage damage. A first-winter female on 14 November (GW) appeared in good condition. 2008: up to three on Po Toi from 28 October until 22 November (GW) included the earliest in autumn; also one at Mai Po on 12 November (CNM). Plate 35 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 燕雀 Po Toi Island, 2 nd November 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 11 月 2 日 Allen Chan 陳志雄

210 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 488 I Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica 金翅雀 Scarce resident of open country and village edge; much reduced numbers since 1960s; highest count since 1999, nine on 12 February : all reports were from Siu Lam (JC,WT) except for one at Tsing Yi Park on 18 January. At Siu Lam, reported from 16 January to 19 March, on 17 June and again from 27 October to 24 November. The peak count was seven on 17 February. 2008: as in 2007, a number records from Siu Lam, where the peak was five on 13 December; also recorded from Tsing Yi Park (up to four from 23 January to 8 February) and Kuk Po (three on 7 October). 489 I Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus 黃雀 Rare winter visitor to woodland areas; extreme dates 30 October to 2 April, highest count 60 on 28 November : two on Po Toi from 2 to 4 November. 2008: two on Po Toi on 18 November. 490 I Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 普通朱雀 Scarce winter visitor and migrant to open-country areas; extreme dates considered to relate to wild birds are 12 October to 30 April. Highest count 33 on 13 January : a good first winter period compared to recent years. The only record in autumn was earlier than the previous earliest. First winter period: recorded at Shek Kong, Kam Tin, Ng Tung Chai and Po Toi, the last record being on 11 March. The peak count was of at least 12, possibly over 20, individuals at Kam Tin on 20 February. Second winter period: one on Po Toi on 28 September (GW) was two weeks earlier than the previous earliest record. 2008: recorded in spring and autumn at Shek Kong, Fung Yuen and Po Toi. First winter period: one on Po Toi on 1 January with six at Airfield Road on 28 February and three at Fung Yuen from 15 to 30 March. Second winter period: up to five on Po Toi from 12 to 30 November and one at Shek Kong catchment on 22 December

211 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 491 I Chinese (Yellow-billed) Grosbeak Eophona migratoria 黑尾蠟嘴雀 Locally common winter visitor and scarce breeding species in wooded, open-country habitats; mostly present November to mid-april. Highest count 130 on 30 December : a reasonably good spring and moderate breeding season were followed by a poor autumn. First winter period: widespread records in the NT until 18 April. Peak count 40 at Lam Tsuen on 24 February. Breeding season: reported between May and August from Kam Tin/Sha Po, San Tin and the Mai Po area. The peak was eight along the access road to MPNR on 19 August. Second winter period: recorded from 23 October with a peak of just five individuals on 12 November. 2008: as in 2007, most records were in the first winter period, with very poor numbers reported in autumn. The breeding season records indicate that the species is continuing to breed and perhaps spread in the northwest NT. First winter period: recorded from the NT until 28 April; peak count 47 near Lau Fau Shan on 1 February. Two on Po Toi on 15 May were presumably late migrants. Breeding season: recorded between May and August from the Mai Po area, Man Kam To Road and Sha Po. Second winter period: only three records from 15 November, peak count just three at Shek Kong on 30 November. 492 I Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata 黑頭蠟嘴雀 Rare winter visitor with 15 records between 30 November and 11 April; highest count 9 on 11 April : one at Mai Po on 28 April (RWL), a new latest date. 2007: one at Ng Tung Chai on 26 and 27 February (MK). 495 I Tristram s Bunting Emberiza tristrami 白眉鵐 Winter visitor to woodland and shrubland areas; extreme dates 28 October to 21 April. Highest count 21 on 22 January : recorded in NT, Po Toi and Tung Ping Chau, including the earliest ever records in autumn. First winter period: recorded until 19 April, peak count six at Wonderland Villas on 7 January

212 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List Second winter period: one at Pak Sha O on 20 October (PJL) and one on Po Toi on 21 October were earlier than the previous earliest records. Peak count four on Po Toi on 14 November. 2008: recorded from the NT and Po Toi; numbers relatively small, especially in autumn. First winter period: recorded until 16 April, peak count four on Po Toi on 16 April. Second winter period: recorded from 11 November, but no more than two at any one site. 496 I Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata 栗耳鵐 Winter visitor and passage migrant to grassland and open country areas; extreme dates 9 October to 28 April, highest count 30 on 19 January : a poor spring, with one record suggesting possible overwintering. Moderate numbers recorded in autumn. First winter period: one at Ma Tso Lung on 11 March may have overwintered. Other records on 8 and 10 April. Second winter period: recorded from 24 October until 14 November. Peak count three at Long Valley on 3 November. 2008: only two records in spring, but more records in autumn; most records from the northwest NT but also Po Toi. First winter period: singles on 12 and 13 March possibly also related to wintering birds. Second winter period: recorded from 24 October to 26 November, peak count three at MPNR on 14 th and 20 November. 497 I Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla 小鵐 Winter visitor and passage migrant in open country areas, especially inactive dry agriculture; extreme dates 24 September to 17 May, highest count 150 on 15 December : a good number of records from the NT and Po Toi. The largest counts in both winter periods came from the northern NT. First winter period: recorded until 22 April, peak count 16 at Heung Yuen Wai on 14 March. Second winter period: recorded from 14 October, peak count 19 at Tsung Yuen Ha/ Heung Yuen Wai on 22 November. 2008: a typical series of dates, but relatively small numbers recorded in autumn

213 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List First winter period: recorded until 7 May, peak count ten at Kam Tin on 5 April. Second winter period: recorded from 2 October; peak count four at Lam Tsuen on 6 December and Ping Che on 26 December. 498 I Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys 黃眉鵐 Scarce migrant and rare winter visitor to open-country areas; extreme dates 8 March to 26 April in spring and 1 October to 28 December in autumn/winter; highest count five on 15 November : several records received, most of which were from Po Toi. These included the latest ever record in spring. First winter period: two at San Tin on 12 April and one on Po Toi from 29 April until 1 May (GW), a latest spring date. Second winter period: recorded on Po Toi from 17 October to 28 November, involving at least three individuals. One at Mai Po on 19 October. 2008: two records during the year; one in autumn, one in spring. First winter period: one at Long Valley on 10 April. Second winter period: three on Po Toi on 27 November. 501 I Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola 黃胸鵐 VU Common migrant and scarce winter visitor to open-country areas; extreme dates 28 August to 23 May, highest count 3000 on 19 October 1959, highest count since 1999, 150 on 10 October : a poor spring, with no more than one at any site. Larger numbers in autumn, but still relatively low. Most records from the northwest NT, but also reported from Po Toi and Chek Lap Kok. First winter period: recorded from 1 March until 9 May, singles only. Second winter period: recorded from 4 September until 22 November, with a peak of 25 at Mai Po on 19 October. 2008: spring passage better than in 2007, but autumn passage poor. Little evidence of overwintering. First winter period: one winter record, on Po Toi on 1 January; subsequently recorded from 18 April to 8 May, peak count 25 at Lok Ma Chau on 24 April. Second winter period: recorded from 29 September to 1 December, peak count eight Long Valley on 7 November

214 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 502 I Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila 栗鵐 Scarce migrant and winter visitor to shrubland areas; previous extreme dates 28 September to 6 May, highest count 200 on 6 November : most records were from Po Toi. A relatively poor year, with no counts greater than five, but including the latest record in spring. First winter period: recorded from 5 April to 30 April, and on 8 May, when one was at Mai Po. Peak count five on Po Toi on 19 April. Second winter period: reported from 17 October until 29 December. Peak count five at Ngong Ping, Sai Kung on 25 November. 2008: one winter record followed by a relatively good passage in spring, including the latest ever record. First winter period: one winter record at Luk Keng on 6 January. Spring passage from 22 April to 16 May (GW), a new late date; peak count 15 on Po Toi on 27 April. Second winter period: recorded from 24 October; peak count ten on 20 November. Plate 36 Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila 栗鵐 Po Toi Island, 7 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 7 日 Owen Chiang 深藍

215 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 503 I Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala 黑頭鵐 Scarce autumn migrant and winter visitor to open-country habitats with six confirmed records and another 11 relating to this or Red-headed Bunting; extreme dates from 27 October to 14 February. 2008: one at Long Valley from 16 to 18 November (CNM). 504 I Japanese Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata 硫磺鵐 VU Spring passage migrant to open-country areas, has declined in recent years; extreme dates 27 March to 8 May, highest count 17 on 6 April : a better year than recently, with small numbers reported in spring from Po Toi and from the Mai Po area. Also reported in autumn from Po Toi, the first autumn records. First winter period: recorded on Po Toi and at MPNR from 6 April until 14 April, probably five birds in total. Second winter period: up to four on Po Toi from 10 to 28 November (GW,P&MW), the first autumn records. A bird photographed on 27 November (OC) was ringed in north Honshu, Japan on 24 October, a distance of 3000 kms in 34 days. 2008: a poor year, with one spring record and two in autumn. First winter period: one at Mai Po on 19 April. Second winter period: singles on Po Toi on 30 October and 16 November. Plate 37 Japanese Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata 硫磺鵐 Po Toi Island, 7 th April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 7 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛

216 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 505 I Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala 灰頭鵐 Passage migrant and winter visitor to open-country areas; extreme dates 19 September to 19 May, highest count 200 on 24 March : a fairly typical year but with the latest records in spring. First winter period: peak count 14 at Ta Kwu Ling on 22 March. Birds on Po Toi on 22 May (female) and 29 May (male) (GW) were later than the previous latest spring records. Second winter period: reported from 21 October, peak count 11 at MPNR on 8 November. 2008: a typical year with records from the NT, Po Toi and Lamma. First winter period: recorded until 7 May, peak count 12 at Kam Tin on 21 January and at Tai Mo Shan on 9 March. Second winter period: recorded from 28 October; peak count 30 on Po Toi on 11 November. 506 I Pallas s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi 葦鵐 Rare late autumn migrant; four records with extreme dates 8 November to 14 December. 2007: one trapped at Mai Po on 17 November (PJL). This is the fifth Hong Kong record. 508 I Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 蘆鵐 Rare winter visitor and passage migrant to reedmarsh habitats; extreme dates 27 December to 15 April. 2007: a female trapped at Mai Po on 3 February (JAA)

217 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List CATEGORY III Species for which all published HK records are considered likely to relate to birds that have escaped or have been released from captivity (previously Category E). 726 III Red-and-green Macaw Ara chloropterus 紅綠金剛鸚鵡 2008: one at Wo Shang Wai on 24 October (JAA) is a first record for Hong Kong. 736 III Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus 灰背伯勞 2007: one at Fa Sum Hang on 27 January (MKW) had obvious cage damage. 738 III White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis 白喉扇尾鶲 2007: one at Ng Tung Chai on 31 January and then again from 8 October to 1 January 2008 (MK,KPK). This or another bird was also present from 23 October 2005 through to end 2006 (MK). 754 III Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus 紅頭長尾山雀 2007: one at Kowloon Reservoir on 13 March, six at Shing Mun on 30 May and two there on 27 June. 2008: up to 13 at Shing Mun from 31 January to 15 July. 766 III Grey-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia 灰眶雀鶥 2007: recorded throughout the year from Tai Po Kau, Ng Tung Chai and Shing Mun, peak count three at Tai Po Kau on 5 November. One in song at Tai Po Kau on 3 February. 2008: recorded throughout the year, mostly from Tai Po Kau, peak count seven on 15 February. Appears to be increasing. 778 III Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea 紫寬嘴鶇 2007: a female on Po Toi on 11 October (GW) is the first record for Hong Kong

218 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List 779 III White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus 白腰鵲鴝 2007: one at Tai Po Kau on 22 November (KPK). 784 III Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris 白眉藍姬鶲 2007: a male at KFBG from 5 to 7 April (P&MW,KPK). 802 III Red Avadavat Amandava amandava 紅梅花雀 2008: one trapped at Mai Po on 16 April and eight there on 10 September. 804 III Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus 黃額絲雀 2007: one on Po Toi from 15 to 17 May and on 18 September. 2008: one on Po Toi on 16 May, recorded for the third successive year in mid-may. 813 III Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps 褐頭鵐 2008: one on the Mai Po access road on 10 January (CSK) is the first record, but appeared to show cage damage. Rufous-bellied/vented Niltava Niltava sundara/sumatrana 棕腹仙鶲 2008: male of one of these species at Tai Po Kau from 5 January to 8 February (GH,YPW). The absence of niltava shoulder patches in the photographs suggested the possibility of Rufous-vented Niltava

219 Hong Kong Bird Report : Systematic List References Bakewell, D.N. and Kennerley, P.R Field characteristics and distribution of an overlooked Charadrius plover from South-East Asia. BirdingASIA 9: Birdlife International, (2006). Threatened birds of the world. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and Cambridge, UK. Carey, G. J., Chalmers, M. L., Diskin, D. A., Kennerley, P. R., Leader, P. J., Lewthwaite, R. W., Leven, M. R., Melville, D. S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L. (2001). The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Kennerley, P.R., Bakewell, D.N. and Round, P.D Rediscovery of a long-lost Charadrius plover from South-East Asia. Forktail 24 (2008): Leader, P. J., and Carey, G. J. (2003). Identification of Pintail Snipe and Swinhoe s Snipe. British Birds. 96: Yu, Y.T. and Chen, Z.H Dalmation Pelican Pelicanus crispus; the largest waterbird in East Asia, and the rarest. Birding Asia 9:

220 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper Black Scoter Melanitta americana at Mai Po The first Hong Kong record Bena R Smith WWF-HK, Suite 1002, Asian House, 1 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong John A Allcock Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong While sat in the canvas hide overlooking Pond 20 on 9 December 2007, BRS noticed an unusual dark grey-brown duck amongst the several hundred Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula roosting in Pond 20e. The bird was first seen at 0650h at a distance of 30m and observed intermittently over the following 90-minute period, in between counting waterbirds on the neighbouring draining gei wai for a WWF study. The bird s unusual behaviour initially drew attention; repeated outstretching of its wings followed by head thrusts into the water. It also stood out among the flock of Tufted Duck, being generally bulkier, with an overall lighter body colour and buff coloured cheeks contrasting against a brown nape. The bird gave no vocalisation throughout the observation. BRS was unsure as to the bird s identity. However, on arriving at Pond 20 at around 1115h, JAA saw the bird and the series of photographs, and realised that the bird seemed to be a female or immature scoter, either Black Scoter Melanitta americana or Common Scoter M. nigra, neither of which had previously been recorded in HK. Other observers subsequently arrived and the bird remained on the pond for most of the morning, finally leaving with the Tufted Duck flock in the direction of Deep Bay. The bird was seen later in the day, again associating with Tufted Ducks, but could not be relocated on subsequent dates. The following description is taken from features observed at the time of observation and visible from the series of photographs. Size and structure Similar in size or slightly smaller than nearby Tufted Ducks. In comparison, the body was bulkier, the neck longer and the head slightly more square. The relatively long tail was apparent due to the bird holding this upright. Plumage Overall plumage tone dark brown (slightly paler than female Tufted Duck). Cheeks paler grey-brown, contrasting strongly with dark crown and nape. The dark crown came down to the level of the eye and base of the bill. Body dark brown with paler

221 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper belly. Body also showed some contrastingly darker feathers suggesting a first-winter bird starting moult into adult plumage; these new feathers were dark brown rather than black, perhaps indicating that the bird was a female. No wing bar was visible, but the primaries appeared paler than the rest of the wing in flight. Bare Parts Bill short and deep, more triangular in profile than Tufted Duck. All dark grey. Legs dark. Behaviour The bird was mostly roosting and swimming among the flock of Tufted Ducks. While swimming the bird sat higher in the water than Tufted Ducks and continuously held the tail cocked in the manner of a stiff-tail duck. The bird regularly flapped its wings, bringing its body more upright and thrusting its head low over the water. Separation of Black and Common Scoter Although Black is more likely on range (wintering on the Pacific coast of Asia, including northern China), Common Scoter breeds in Siberia to the east of HK, and could conceivably have crossed overland to occur here. Following release of the photographs, debate ensued about the bird s identity, in particular whether it was possible to separate Black and Common Scoter in female and immature plumages. Adult males of the two are readily separable due to differences in the structure and colour of the bill. Females and immatures present more of a challenge, and have often been considered to be inseparable in the field. Features separating the two have, however, been published recently (Garner 2008). Based on this and examination of photographs of birds in the normal range of the respective species, the following features are considered to be typical of Black Scoter. A lumpier bill than Common, often with a slightly swollen base and prominent hooked or arched nail. Photos of the Hong Kong bird show a very prominent nail. While the bill is not as lumpy as shown by many Black Scoters, it is relatively short and deep-based, and not as long or triangular as is typical on Common Scoter. Typically steeper forehead and squarer head shape. The Hong Kong bird has a rather square-looking head with a steep forehead and flat crown. Common seems to show a rounder head, peaking just behind the eye. More dark on sides of nape. Although the Hong Kong bird shows the dark narrowing to the base of the nape, this seems to be within the range of Black. Images of Common suggest that the lower edge of the dark cap is usually more horizontal, starting near the top of the bill, level through the eye and across to the nape. The pattern of dark on the Hong Kong bird shows a gentler curve from the mid-point of the bill, up to a peak near the eye and then down broadly across the sides of the nape

222 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper Plate 38. Black Scoter Melanitta Americana 美洲黑海番鴨 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 9 December 2007 香港米埔自然護理區 2007 年 12 月 9 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Plate 39. Black Scoter Melanitta Americana 美洲黑海番鴨 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 9 December 2007 香港米埔自然護理區 2007 年 12 月 9 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天

223 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper Dark cap may end as a squared-off or broad rounded line on the nape, not tapered as in Common. This feature can be difficult to judge on some side-on photos, and is related to the above feature. Certain photos of the Hong Kong bird show a squared-off end to the dark cap, although the cap does narrow to the base of the nape. Cheeks on Black tend to be cleaner with a less obvious dark vertical cheek mark. Plate 38 shows a hint of this dark mark on the cheek, but it is not obvious. This feature seems to be variable to some extent on both species, and may depend on light conditions. The pattern of the Hong Kong bird is probably in the range of variation for both species. 10% of adult female Black show extensive yellow on the bill. There is no yellow on the bill of the Hong Kong bird, but this does not rule out either species. Being a first-winter bird, it is perhaps unlikely to show this feature. Behavioural features. Based on observations of males (but probably also applicable to females), there is a tendency for Black to sit higher in the water and to cock the tail more often than Common. The tail may also be shorter. On this basis the Hong Kong bird, which sat relatively high in the water and held the tail continuously cocked, would seem to fit better Black Scoter. Range Black and Common Scoters have often been treated as conspecific in the past, but most authorities now treat the two as separate species (Collinson et al. 2006). Black breeds in East Siberia (east of the River Yana) and across the north of North America, wintering on the Pacific coast of Asia (including northern China, Korea and Japan) as well as the Pacific and Atlantic Coast of North America. Common Scoter breeds in northern Europe and east across Siberia as far as River Olenek, wintering on the coasts of Europe (del Hoyo et al. 1991). On the basis of wintering range, Black would seem to be the more likely species in Hong Kong, but given that the published breeding range of Common Scoter extends further east than Hong Kong, the possibility of a bird migrating due south and arriving in Hong Kong was considered. References Collinson, M., Parkin, D.T., Knox, A.G., Sangster, G. and Helbig, A.J Species limits within the genus Melanitta, the scoters. British Birds, 99, Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. and Sargatal, J Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol. 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Garner, M Frontiers in Birding. Birdguides Limited. Records Committee Comment At the time of initial assessment, the features useful in separating Black and Common Scoter in non-adult male plumages were unknown, but aware that Martin Garner had previously discussed the separation of adult males, the RC contacted him as to the identity of this bird. This was about the time of publication of Garner (2008), and he was able to comment as follows:

224 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper Your bird appears to be a juvenile probably beginning some head/body moult. The belly looks sufficiently pale for a young bird (all dark in ad female), the tail feathers look worn to the shaft at the tip, as per the less durable feathers of young birds. If you could see them, the feather shape [difference] of the outermost primary on Common/Black [American] Scoters is easy [to appreciate] (big emargination in the juvenile feather) As to sex, I am not 100% sure. I can t see much in the way of black feathering suggesting a male, and the bill of juvenile males usually has more obvious green patch appearing (which is eventually orange/ yellow in adult male). However, it could easily be a later moulting young male (they can hold off showing male characters until as late as March I think), so I would personally be inclined to leave it as juvenile/ 1 st winter (sex unspecified) unless you have clearer understanding based on field views/photos as to whether it may be a young male. Key characters are found on the bill and in the head pattern. It s subtle but what I see on your bird is a nail which is a bit too prominent/ long /drooping beyond the tip for Common and typical of Black (though it IS subtle). Furthermore at the bill base the bump on females and immature is a poor ghost of the shape found in males. On your bird I see a large lump that extends to about half way along the bill with the nail at the front edge of this subtle large bump. (It does kind of look vaguely dull greenish in some shots, which suggests a young male). This bill base is typical of Black. On Common Scoter, the bump is smaller and flush up to the feathering with the nail being part of much smoother central section of bill. Finally and perhaps most convincingly is the head pattern. On your bird the dark on the crown and nape/neck sides is quiet extensive and most importantly ends at the bottom of the neck/ nape in squared off shape rather than tapering to fine point. The squared off shape is a feature of Black Scoter versus the tapered shape on Common. In summary based on these photos it looks like a juvenile/1 st winter Black Scoter, possibly a male. It is probably true to say that Black Scoter was not on the radar of possible additions to the HK List for most people, and those able to see the bird on the only day it was present considered themselves very fortunate

225 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper 米埔的美洲黑海番鴨 Melanitta americana 香港首個紀錄施伯納香港灣仔軒尼詩道一號熙信大廈 10 樓 1002 室世界自然基金會香港分會 John A Allcock 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants 施伯納在 2007 年 12 月 9 日於米埔的帆布觀鳥屋望向 20e 淡水塘時, 在數百隻鳳頭潛鴨 Aythya fuligula 群中, 察覺一隻深灰褐色的野鴨 時為早上 6 時 50 分, 他在相鄰的基圍為 WWF 進行基圍排乾的水鳥統計時發現該鳥, 並在隨後的 90 分鐘間歇地看見那隻距離約 30 米的野鴨 該鳥獨特的行為最先吸引了施伯納的注意 : 牠重覆地展開雙翼, 然後把頭插入水中 另外, 牠的體形比周遭的鳳頭潛鴨來得笨重, 全身毛色較淺, 兩頰的淺色羽色與頸後的褐色羽毛形成對比 在整段觀察期間, 該鳥都沒有發出叫聲 施伯納不能確定該鳥屬哪個鳥種 直至早上 11 時 15 分,John Allcock 抵達 20 號淡水塘觀看該鳥及早前拍到的照片時, 認為該鳥似為一隻雌性或幼年的番鴨, 可能屬於美洲黑海番鴨 American Scoter Melanitta americana 或黑海番鴨 Common Scoter M. nigra, 兩個鳥種皆從未在香港紀錄過 稍後其他觀鳥者陸續抵達, 而該鳥整個早上皆留在原地, 最後隨一群鳳頭潛鴨飛往后海灣 當日稍後時間仍有觀鳥者再看見該鳥混在鳳頭潛鴨群中, 但隨後的數天再沒見其蹤影 以下乃根據當時實地觀察及拍到的照片所作的描述 : 體形其大小與周遭的鳳頭潛鴨相若或較小, 相較之下, 該鳥的身體較笨重, 頸部較長, 頭部較為方形, 挺直的尾部看來稍長 羽毛羽毛大致上是深褐色的 ( 顏色較雌性鳳頭潛鴨為淺 ), 兩頰的羽毛為淺灰棕色, 與頭頂及頸後的深色羽毛形成強烈對比, 深色羽毛由頭頂伸延至嘴基與眼睛的伸延線 身體為深褐色, 腹部毛色較淺 身上部分羽毛顏色較深, 顯示該鳥可能是開始換上成鳥羽毛的第一次渡冬幼鳥, 那些羽毛為深褐色而非黑色, 顯示該鳥可能是雌鳥 沒有翼帶, 但飛行時初級飛羽顏色較翅膀其他部分為淺

226 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper 裸露部分全深灰色的, 喙部短而厚, 比鳳頭潛鴨的更呈三角型 腳為深色 行為該鳥大部份時間與鳳頭潛鴨群一同棲息與游動, 游動時露出水面的身體比鳳頭潛鴨稍高, 尾部如尖尾鴨科鳥類般保持挺直 該鳥經常拍動雙翼, 把身體豎直然後把頭部插向水面 美洲黑海番鴨與黑海番鴨的區分雖然美洲黑海番鴨在亞洲太平洋海岸包括中國北部渡冬, 所以就地域來說出現在本港的可能性較高 ; 但黑海番鴨在西伯利亞至香港以東地區繁殖, 亦有理由越過陸地飛至本港 當日拍攝的照片公開後, 引起有關鑑別該鳥所屬鳥種的討論 兩個黑海番鴨鳥種的雄鳥喙部外形與顏色不同, 故易於區分 ; 最主要問題在於, 若個體是雌鳥或幼鳥, 是否仍能憑照片判別是哪個黑海番鴨鳥種? 區分番鴨雌鳥或幼鳥個體的鳥種是一大挑戰, 一直以來有關人士皆認為不能在野外鑑別, 但最近出版了一篇關於分辨兩者的文章 Garner 2008 根據文章的描述與參考兩個鳥種在正常地域出現所拍攝到的照片, 可以歸納出以下屬於美洲黑海番鴨的典型特徵 : 喙部比黑海番鴨為厚, 嘴基腫大, 喙部突起呈鈎狀或拱型 照片顯示這隻香港的番鴨有頗為突起的喙部, 與其他美洲黑海番鴨照片比較這特徵雖不顯著, 但與黑海番鴨普遍長而呈三角形的喙比較, 這隻鳥的喙部明顯粗短 前額普遍較闊及頭部呈方形 這隻香港的番鴨的頭部呈方形 前額闊而頭頂平坦 黑海番鴨頭部較圓, 頭部的頂點在眼後 枕部兩側較深色 這隻香港的番鴨的後頸枕部深色部份向下漸漸收窄, 但仍合乎一般美洲黑海番鴨的特徵 從其他黑海番鴨的照片可見該鳥種的頭頂深色部份以水平線由嘴基頂端穿過眼睛延至頸背 這隻香港的番鴨的頭頂深色部份由嘴基中央開始, 向上微彎至眼部, 再寬闊地向下彎至頸背 頭頂深色部份延至頸背呈方角或闊弧線而結束, 黑海番鴨則逐漸由粗變幼 這特徵很難從一些拍到側面的照片去判別 這隻香港的番鴨的部份照片可見, 深色部份延至頸背雖逐漸向下收窄, 但仍呈方角結束 美洲黑海番鴨面頰較清潔, 深色的直紋不明顯 照片 38 中隱隱可見面頰上的深色直紋, 但不明顯 這特徵在兩個鳥種都多變不定, 視乎當時的光線明暗和方向而影響觀察結果 這隻香港的番鴨的面頰特徵與兩個鳥種的都大致相符

227 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper 10% 的美洲黑海番鴨雌性成鳥喙部大部份呈黃色 這隻香港的番鴨喙部沒有黃色, 因而不能決定是兩個鳥種的哪一個 但因為這隻是第一次渡冬幼鳥, 或者不會顯示此特徵 行為特徵 據觀察所知, 雄性美洲黑海番鴨游動時露出水面的身體比 ( 普通 ) 黑海番鴨稍高, 尾部較短, 並經常保持挺直, 推測雌鴨亦可能有同樣的行為特徵 這隻香港番鴨的行為正合乎美洲黑海番鴨的特徵 分佈 美洲黑海番鴨和黑海番鴨過往常被認為是同一鳥種, 但現在大部份學者均將牠們分為兩個獨立鳥種 (Collinson et al. 2006) 美洲黑海番鴨的繁殖地在西伯利亞東部( 亞納河以東 ) 至北美洲北部一帶, 渡冬地包括亞洲太平洋海岸 ( 中國北部 朝鮮半島和日本等 ), 以及北美洲太平洋及大西洋海岸一帶 黑海番鴨在歐洲北部, 東至西伯利亞奧列內奧克河一帶繁殖, 並在歐洲海岸渡冬 (del Hoyo et al. 1991) 就渡冬地域來說, 美洲黑海番鴨在本港出現的機會較高, 但因黑海番鴨繁殖地域包括香港以東地區, 亦需考慮是否有個體遷徙往南方時到達本港的可能性 參考資料 Collinson, M., Parkin, D.T., Knox, A.G., Sangster, G. and Helbig, A.J Species limits within the genus Melanitta, the scoters. British Birds, 99, Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. and Sargatal, J Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol. 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Garner, M Frontiers in Birding. Birdguides Limited. 紀錄委員會評註 初步評估時紀錄委員會並不清楚能用作分辨非雄性成鳥的美洲黑海番鴨與黑海番鴨的特徵, 但知悉 Martin Garner 曾談及如何分辨兩個鳥種的雄性成鳥, 因此紀錄委員會與他聯絡 那時 Martin Garner 正準備發表有關文章 (2008), 並作出以下意見 : 這隻鳥估計為剛開始更換頭部及身體部份羽毛的幼鳥, 腹部毛色較淡, 是幼鳥的特點 ( 雌鳥為全黑色 ) 尾羽尖端並不完整, 正合乎幼鳥羽毛較易損耗的特徵 最外側初級飛羽的外羽片尖端出現明顯凹痕的情況, 在兩個鳥種的幼鳥都極為常見 ( 幼羽有明顯的外羽片凹痕 ) 對於鑑定這隻鳥的性別, 我並沒有十足把握 其羽毛的顏色並不像雄鳥的深, 亦沒有雄性幼鳥喙部應有的明顯綠色斑點 ( 漸變為成鳥的橙或黃色 ) 但也可能這隻鳥是延遲了換羽的雄性幼鳥 ( 有部份雄性幼鳥可至 3 月才漸漸出現成鳥的特徵 ) 基於以上兩點, 除非能

228 Hong Kong Bird Report : Black Scoter First Paper 從現場或照片上觀察到更足以證明這隻鳥是雄性幼鳥的特徵, 否則我傾向鑑定這隻鳥為未能確認性別的第一次渡冬幼鳥 分辨兩個鳥種的主要特徵在於喙部和頭部 特徵雖不易掌握, 但我可見這隻鳥的喙部稍長而突出, 尖端向下微彎, 這些特徵雖不太明顯, 但仍合乎一般美洲黑海番鴨的特點 另外, 在雌鳥與幼鳥喙部邊緣常有一部份隆起, 與雄鳥喙部的形狀相若 這隻鳥喙部的隆起部份約延伸至喙的一半, 在部份相片看來是深綠色的, 可能表示這隻是雄性幼鳥 這是美洲黑海番鴨的特徵 黑海番鴨喙部的隆起部份則較小 最後, 亦是最具說服力的一點是頭部的特徵 這隻鳥的頭頂至頸背有大範圍的深色部份, 重點是深色部份延至頸背呈方角結束, 而不是逐漸由粗變幼, 正表示這隻鳥是美洲黑海番鴨 由這些照片總括出的特徵, 估計這隻鳥是一隻年幼或第一次渡冬的美洲黑海番鴨, 很可能是雄性 大部份人都認為美洲黑海番鴨並不可能在本港出現, 並納入香港的鳥類名錄 當天有機會目睹這隻鳥的, 可說是非常幸運

229 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii in Eastern Waters near Town Island The first Hong Kong record Yat-tung Yu c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building,480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong While conducting a boat-based bird survey in Sai Kung waters around Rocky Harbour, Town Island, Bluff Island and Basalt Island on 25 January 2008, I noticed a bird swimming near the northern shore of Town Island about 100 metres from the boat. My initial thought was that it could be a Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, a species that occurs regularly in the area in the winter months. However, when I observed the bird through binoculars, I was astonished to see from its distinctive body shape and structure that it was a loon Gavia. I quickly ensured that the boat reduced speed so that I could approach more closely. I was then able to take several photographs of the bird for further identification. This done, I took some notes upon which the description below is based. The bird was still present in the same area the next morning and was seen and photographed (Plate 40) by a group of about 25 birdwatchers, but was not subsequently found despite an extensive boat-based search by birdwatchers on 27 January. Description Structure Seen at a distance, the bird resembled a Great Cormorant due to its large size, long neck and flat body. On closer views, its tailless appearance and large bill made it immediately recognizable as a diver. Upperparts The face, throat and foreneck were white, changing to dark grey on the forehead, crown and hindneck. The mantle feathers were dark grey with pale brown tips forming many rows of pale spots, indicating that the bird was a juvenile. The forehead sometimes protruded. The underparts were at all times submerged and out of view. Bare parts The bill was large and dagger-like, with an ivory-yellow tip, a key feature of this species. The culmen was darker grey towards the base and the rest was medium grey. The eyes were black. The legs were not visible. Behaviour The bird was only seen swimming during my observation and on the following day, and it was not seen in flight. It often made dives to escape approaching vessels (with birdwatchers aboard) and in order to feed. It was seen swallowing two fish on 26 January. The bird was quite alert and the closest that observers could approach was 40 to 50 metres on both days

230 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper Plate 40. Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii 黃嘴潛鳥 Near Town Island, Hong Kong, 26 January 2008 香港伙頭墳洲附近 2008 年 1 月 26 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Identification Identification was rather straightforward given the prolonged views. Only five species of loon exist, and the combination of bill colour and large body size eliminates all others. Range and status Yellow-billed Loon is a Holarctic breeding species, nesting mainly along the coast of the Arctic Ocean and wintering in coastal waters of the northwest and northeast Pacific. It migrates south to Japan, but otherwise is thought to occur only rarely south of 50 N (Carboneras 1992). A recent satellite tracking study of twelve Alaskan breeding birds indicated that birds moved across Alaska to the coast of northeast Siberia in September, reached the Kamchatka Peninsula in October, the Russian coast of the Sea of Japan in November the east coast of the Korean Peninsula in late November, before finally settling in the Yellow Sea from late November until March (Earnst 2004). This previously unknown behaviour goes some way to accounting for the record in Hong Kong. La Touche ( ) reported the first record for China, an individual collected on the Fujian coast at Fu an in December This record was included by Cheng (1987), who added a record from Liushutun on the Liaodong Peninsular, Liaoning. A sick bird picked up at Guanghan, central Sichuan on 13 December 2005 (China Ornithological Society 2006) stands as the third record. The Sai Kung record is thus the fourth record for China

231 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper Mainland birdwatchers, prompted by the satellite tracking study mentioned above, searched for this species in the Yellow Sea area off the coast of northern Jiangsu and found two birds near Lianyungang, on 28 February Thus, this species appears to be a regular winter visitor in small numbers along the east coast of China. The occurrence of this bird in Hong Kong waters was probably related to cold weather. According to Hong Kong Observatory record, a cold front reached the South China coast on 21 January, and the northeast monsoon and a broad rain band combined to bring cold and rainy weather in the following days. The temperature dropped to a minimum of 8.5 C on 31 January, leading to a cold spell that persisted for 24 days, the longest such spell in 40 years. Acknowledgements I am very grateful to Richard Lewthwaite for his comments on earlier drafts of this article. I also thank Ah Kan, Bu Yiu Ming, Kam Wa and Wa Shing for all their help on board the survey vessels. References Carboneras, C. (1992). Family Gaviiformes. Pp In J. del Hoyo., A. Elliott, J. Saragatal. (eds) Handbook of Birds of the World. Volume 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Cheng, T.H. (1987). A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. China Ornithological Society (2006). China Bird Report Beijing. China Ornithological Society. Earnst, S.L. (2004). Status assessment and conservation plan for the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii). U.S. Geological Survey. Scientific Investigation Report p. La Touche, J.D.D. ( ). A handbook of the birds of Eastern China. Vols 1-2. Taylor and Francis. London. Records Committee Comment With excellent photographs available, this most unexpected addition to the HK List was assessed with the minimum of fuss. Subsequent reference to the report on the satellite-tracking work on Alaskan birds provided ample justification for hope that those unlucky to see the species on this occasion may have another crack at the whip in the future!

232 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper 東部海域伙頭墳洲的黃嘴潛鳥 Gavia adamsii 香港首個紀錄 余日東 九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 1 月 25 日, 我在西貢糧船灣 伙頭墳洲 沙塘口山和火石洲一帶海域進行鳥類調查期間, 留意到伙頭墳洲以北有一隻海鳥在游泳, 離我身處的船大約 100 米 最初我以為那是一隻普通鸕鷀 Phalacrocorax carbo, 一種冬季常見於這一帶的鳥類 然而當用望遠鏡觀察那隻鳥時, 我十分驚訝, 因我從牠獨特的身體結構和形態, 辨認出牠是一隻潛鳥屬 Gavia 雀鳥 我立刻叫船家減慢船速, 緩慢地駛近那潛鳥, 讓我能夠拍幾張照片以作進一步的辨認 ( 圖 40) 拍照後我寫下一些筆記, 以下描述是將筆記加以整理而成 第二天早上那潛鳥仍在同一海域, 大概有 25 名觀鳥者觀察到該鳥 但在 1 月 27 日的海上觀鳥活動中, 參加者多番搜尋下仍未能發現牠 描述 結構從遠處觀看, 該鳥狀似鸕鶿, 因其體形大, 頸長及身體扁平 近距離觀察下, 可從牠 無尾 及較大鳥喙辨認出是一隻潛鳥 上身臉部 喉部和前頸為白色, 漸變至前額 冠部和後頸的深灰色 背羽為深灰色, 羽尖呈淺啡色, 淺色斑點組成多行紋理, 可見那是一隻幼鳥 頭部前方不時突出 因為該鳥在水中, 所以未能觀察到下身 裸露部份鳥喙大呈匕首狀, 喙末象牙黃色, 是此鳥種的主要特徵 咀峰至基部為深灰色, 其餘部分為灰色 眼睛黑色 ; 未能觀察腳部 行為該鳥在我觀察期間及下一日均在游泳, 並未觀察到飛翔行為 牠不時潛到水裡覓食或躲避靠近的船隻 ( 載有觀鳥者 ); 於 1 月 26 日觀察到牠吞下了兩條魚 該鳥較為警惕, 在牠出現的那兩天裡, 觀鳥者最靠近的距離為 40 至 50 米

233 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper 辨認因觀察時間較長, 故辨認直截了當 潛鳥屬只有五個鳥種, 而憑這鳥的鳥喙顏色和較大體形, 撇除牠為其他鳥種的可能性 分佈與現狀黃咀潛鳥為全北界繁殖鳥種, 以北極洋沿岸為主要繁殖地, 在太平洋西北及東北近岸海域渡冬 有些個體飛至日本南部渡冬, 但大致被認為甚少出沒於 50 N 以南之地 (Carboneras 1992) 最近有研究以衛星追踪 12 隻於阿拉斯加繁殖的黃咀潛鳥, 顯示牠們於九月飛越阿拉斯加至西伯利亞東北海岸, 於十月飛至堪察加半島, 十一月到達俄羅斯境內的日本海岸, 十一月底飛經朝鮮半島東岸抵達黃海渡冬, 逗留至翌年三月 (Earnst 2004) 這項以前未知的行為有助了解香港這次的紀錄 中國的首個紀錄由 La Touche ( ) 報告, 是於 1917 年 12 月在福建海岸福安發現的黃咀潛鳥個體 鄭作新 (1987) 將其轉載, 並新加一個於遼寧省遼東半島柳樹屯的紀錄 中國的第三個紀錄是於 2005 年 12 月 13 日在四川中部廣漢市拾取的一隻病鳥 ( 中國鳥類學會 2006), 而此西貢紀錄則是中國的第四個紀錄 衛星追踪研究結果促使中國觀鳥者在江蘇北部的黃海海岸一帶搜尋這鳥種, 於 2009 年 2 月 28 日在連雲港有兩隻個體被發現, 因此這鳥種似乎有少量個體固定地徙至中國東部海岸渡冬 這鳥在香港出現, 多半是寒冷天氣所致 根據香港天文台記錄,1 月 21 日有一股冷鋒抵達南中國海岸地區, 東北季候風與廣闊雨帶也為隨後幾日帶來寒冷多雨的天氣 氣溫在 1 月 31 日跌至攝氏 8.5 度, 寒流及後持續 24 天, 為 40 年來最長 鳴謝我很感激 Richard Lewthwaite 對本文初稿的評語, 並多謝阿勤 布耀明 錦華及華勝在鳥類調查船上的協助 參考資料 Carboneras, C. (1992). Family Gaviiformes. Pp In J. del Hoyo., A. Elliott, J. Saragatal. (eds) Handbook of Birds of the World. Volume 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Cheng, T.H. (1987). A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. China Ornithological Society (2006). China Bird Report Beijing. China Ornithological Society. Earnst, S.L. (2004). Status assessment and conservation plan for the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii). U.S. Geological Survey. Scientific Investigation Report p. La Touche, J.D.D. ( ). A handbook of the birds of Eastern China. Vols 1-2. Taylor and Francis. London

234 Hong Kong Bird Report : Yellow-billed Loon First Paper 紀錄委員會評註 清晰的照片令評估這意料之外的新紀錄十分順利 作者提及的阿拉斯加個體衛星追踪研 究結果令人振奮, 我們十分期待將來這鳥種會在香港再次出現

235 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus in waters southeast of Po Toi Island The first Hong Kong record Michael Turnbull c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong At approx 10.00am on 4 May 2008 while on an HKBWS boat trip in waters southeast of Po Toi, I picked up an unusual bird at considerable distance - perhaps as much as 2 km. It resembled a smallish egret Egretta, yet in its flight manner it was more like a tern. As it moved towards us, I called it as a tropicbird Phaethon, a genus with which I had very little experience, and from which no species had previously been recorded in Hong Kong. Happily it was moving towards our boat and we were soon able to approach it close enough for the many photographers on board to obtain outstanding images over the short period during which it rested on the sea nearby. It was clearly not an adult, and while it seemed specific identification could prove difficult, at the same time it was hoped the images obtained would eventually permit this. As photographs were posted on the forum of the HKBWS website, these key features were noted as including the following: Description Bill: basically pale pink, with a greyer tone at the base of the upper mandible and distinctly darker grey areas distally on both mandibles. Nasal groove quite high, extending from the base of the bill for 25% of the length. Eye: entirely black. Legs and feet: legs very pale pink, similar in tone to the bill; ankle and base of toes apparently same, but most of toes and webbing black. Upperparts: predominantly white flight feathers, with a prominent black outer web to the two outermost primaries and successively smaller amounts of black on the next three. The shafts of the outer five primaries were black, while the inner five also had at least some dark grey on the shafts. There was obvious scalloping from the forecrown across the nape down to the rump and uppertail-coverts, and across the scapulars and coverts, with a dark mask sweeping around the eye and merging with the scalloping behind the eye. The tail was white, with twelve rectrices, including an elongated central pair, and with each rectrix except the outermost showing a black spot near the tip, reducing in size towards the outer rectrices. Underparts: predominantly white, including the entire underwing, but with a band of heavy scalloping along the flanks

236 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper Plate 41. White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 白尾鸏 Near Po Toi, Hong Kong, 4 May 2008 蒲台島附近 2008 年 5 月 4 日 Michelle and Peter Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Plate 42. White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus 白尾鸏 Near Po Toi, Hong Kong, 4 May 2008 蒲台島附近 2008 年 5 月 4 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華

237 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper Identification Red-billed P. aethereus could be eliminated due to the absence of dark nuchal collar and the relatively slight bill, but separation of the two remaining species, Red-tailed P. rubricauda and White-tailed P. lepturus, appeared difficult based on non-specialist field guide texts. After having seen a short online paper entitled Tropicbird Identification by C. Don Roberson (CDR), and I felt it would be useful to seek CDR s opinion on our bird. He was kind enough to spend a considerable amount of time comparing the photographs of the Hong Kong bird with his own, those of others, as well as others available online. He then replied, stating that he believed our bird was a juvenile White-tailed Tropicbird. His grounds for this opinion are summarised below: Size and structure: CDR felt that the rather long and thin wings and the size and shape of the bill better matched White-tailed. Distribution of black in primaries: CDR noted how our bird had an entirely black outer web of the two outermost primaries, and some black on the outer web of two adjacent primaries. On juvenile Red-tailed these should be all-white with only a dark shaft, which is borne out by the illustrations in field guides and photographs online. Other points were the small dark dots at the tips of the rectrices, the clean white belly (not dusky as is typical of Red-tailed), the way the black band extended quite solidly beyond the eye for some distance and the lack of any duskiness in the primary coverts. CDR summarised his view in stating: I suspect the outer primary pattern is the most useful, and it is not that of Red-tailed. The record was submitted to the Records Committee of the HKBWS as a White-tailed Tropicbird and was subsequently accepted as such. It represents the first record of any tropicbird species for Hong Kong and the southern coastal provinces of mainland China. White-tailed Tropicbird breeds in the tropical Atlantic (as far north as Bermuda), western Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as on on some Caribbean islands. There is one record from the Paracel Islands listed by Delacour and Jabouille (1931), while there are less than ten records for Taiwan in the period (Y.T. Yu in litt.). This species is considered the most numerous of the tropicbird species, with five races, that in the Western Pacific being P. l. dorothae (Orta, 1992)

238 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper References Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. Delacour, J. and Jabouille, P. (1931) Les oiseaux de I'lndochine frangaise, 1-4. Exposition Coloniale Internationale, Paris. Gould, P. J., King, W. B., and Sanger, G. A "Red-tailed Tropicbird" in Pelagic Studies of Seabirds in the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean. Smithsonian Contrib. Zool. 158 (cited in Roberson, CD, Tropicbird Identification ). Harrison, P Seabirds: An Identification Guide. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Orta, J Family Phaethonidae (Tropicbirds) in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., and Sargatal, J., (eds.) Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Roberson, C. D. Tropicbird Identification ( Records Committee Comment Those fortunate to have been on that boat trip were treated to one of the highlights of birding: an unexpected and spectacular find of a bird new to HK, and to most of those on board. Given the collective lack of experience of seabirds in HK, the RC was fortunate that Don Roberson was able to provide us with the benefit of his experience. The importance of high quality photographs was yet again highlighted, as it is unlikely that the crucial details of outer primary pattern would have been noted in sufficient detail otherwise

239 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper 蒲台島東南水域的白尾鸏 Phaethon lepturus 香港首個紀錄 譚寶爾 香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 在 2008 年 5 月 4 日, 我參加了香港觀鳥會舉辦的觀鳥活動, 大約早上 10 時位處於蒲台島東南水域時, 我發現在大約 2 公里外有一隻罕見的鳥 牠看似一隻細小的鷺鳥, 但飛行的形態卻像燕鷗 當牠向我們移近時, 我認為那是一隻鸏 - 一個我只有很少觀察經驗的鳥屬, 而且是一種未曾在本港錄得的鳥種 幸運地, 牠繼續向我們的船隻移近, 不久我們得以靠近牠, 船上許多攝影者在牠短暫停留在附近海面時拍得一批精彩的照片 牠很明顯不是一隻成鳥 ; 雖然要明確辨認這隻鳥似乎甚難, 但是也希望拍得的照片能有所幫助 張貼這些照片到香港觀鳥會網頁的討論區後, 我們留意到以下特徵 : 咀 : 基本為淡粉紅色, 上咀基帶灰調, 上下咀尖端明顯較深灰色 鼻溝頗高, 由咀基伸延至鳥咀長度的四分之一 眼 : 全為黑色 腿及腳 : 腿為非常淡的粉紅, 色調與咀相近 ; 足踝及腳掌明顯同色, 腳趾及蹼則大部分為黑色 上體 : 飛羽大體為白色, 最外圍兩條初級飛羽的外羽片明顯黑色, 接著三條初級飛羽的黑色部分漸次減少 外側五條初級飛羽的羽軸為黑色, 內側的五條最少也有部分為深灰色 由頭頂跨越枕部 腰部至尾上覆羽, 以至肩羽及覆羽均有明顯鱗狀紋 眼部周圍有深色眼罩, 並與眼後的鱗狀紋相連 尾部為白色, 共有 12 條尾羽, 包括中央極長的兩條 除最外側的尾羽外, 其餘尾羽末端均有一個黑點, 越近外側的黑點越細小 下體 : 主要為白色, 包括整個翼下, 但脇部附近有一帶很深色的鱗狀紋 因為這隻鳥沒有深色頸圈以及較小的咀, 所以剔除是紅咀鸏的可能性 依據非專門的野外圖鑑文字來分辨這隻鳥屬紅尾鸏或白尾鸏似乎很難, 而網上有一份由 C. Don Roberson (CDR) 撰寫名為鸏科辨識的文章, 我認為徵詢 CDR 的意見會有幫助 他殷勤地花了不少時間仔細研究這鳥的照片 他自己的照片以及網上有關鸏屬的照片, 結果他相信我們這隻鳥是白尾鸏的幼鳥 他的理由總結如下 :

240 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-tailed Tropicbird First Paper 大小及體型 :CDR 認為牠頗長而幼的翅膀, 以及鳥咀的大小形狀均與白尾鸏的特徵較為吻合 分佈在初級飛羽的黑色 :CDR 留意到我們這隻鳥最外圍兩條初級飛羽的外羽片為全黑色, 而旁邊兩條飛羽的外羽片有部份為黑色 據野外圖鑑的圖片及網上照片可見, 紅尾鸏亞成鳥的初級飛羽應為全白色, 並只有深色羽軸 其他要點包括 : 在尾羽末端有細小黑點, 純白色的腹部 ( 並非如紅尾鸏的典型暗色 ), 純黑眼帶由眼睛伸延至眼後一段距離, 以及初級覆羽並無任何暗色 CDR 綜合他的看法表示 : 我認為初級飛羽的外羽片之樣式最有參考作用, 而且這不是紅尾鸏的特徵 我辨認這隻鳥為白尾鸏, 把這個紀錄提交紀錄委員會, 隨後獲得紀錄委員會接納 這鳥成為香港以至南中國沿岸一帶的第一個鸏的紀錄 白尾鸏的繁殖地包括熱帶大西洋 ( 最遠可至百慕達 ) 西太平洋和印度洋, 以及部分加勒比海島嶼 曾有一個由 Delacour 和 Jabouille (1931) 提交的西沙群島紀錄, 另於 2000 至 07 年間在台灣有少於 10 個紀錄 (Y.T. Yu in litt.) 白尾鸏被認為是鸏科中數量最多的一種, 共有五個亞種, 而在西太平洋的亞種是 P. l. dorothae (Orta, 1992) 紀錄委員會評註那些有幸在船上的幸運兒, 遇上觀鳥的最大樂趣 : 一個出乎意料而令人驚喜的的發現-一隻對香港 也對船上大部分人而言的新鳥種 儘管香港觀鳥者一般缺乏海鳥的經驗, 委員會幸運地獲得 Don Roberson 分享他就這種鳥的經驗 不得不提一批高質素照片對辨認這隻鳥的幫助 ; 如果沒有這些照片, 不大可能仔細留意到初級飛羽的外羽片樣式這個重要細節

241 Hong Kong Bird Report : Masked Booby First Paper Masked Booby Sula dactylatra off Po Toi Island The first Hong Kong record Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong At about 1700h on Tuesday 18 th March 2008, I was sitting at my sea-watching location on the rocks at the most southerly point of Po Toi Island, looking for Heuglin s Gulls L. heuglini, which are regularly seen in early spring migrating northeast past Po Toi. I was watching a loose flock of five gulls when I realized that one of them was actually a booby. From the overall brown colour, I assumed it was a Brown Booby Sula leucogaster, although it did appear larger and bulkier around the body than previous birds I had seen. I started taking photographs and managed six before the bird became too distant (Plates 43-44). Inspecting the photographs later that evening, I found several features inconsistent with Brown Booby, particularly the complete white collar and a white breast. On consulting Robson (2008) and Brazil (2009), both of which I had with me on the Island, it was clear that these features were not correct for Brown Booby but are expected in an immature Masked Booby S. dactylatra. The complete white collar was mentioned as a diagnostic feature for immature Masked Booby. More detailed examination of the photographs highlighted the following features which together with the larger and bulkier size first seen, confirmed the identification. a complete white collar around the back of the neck white on breast extending up to the throat extensively white underwing with a thin dark central line back and forewing a lighter brown colour head and scapulars with white patches, indicating moult into a white colour After posting the photographs on the HKBWS website, a number of comments were received, including the following from Mike Chalmers: Many boobies and gannets often have confusing immature plumages and care is needed. However, in this case, I fully agree with your ID that it is an immature Masked Booby for the reasons you have given. The clear cut relatively broad white collar separates Masked from all other dark-headed immature boobies (i.e. Brown, Red-footed, Blue-footed and even Nazca, recently split from Masked in the Galapagos, which can occasionally show a white collar but not as broad or clear cut)

242 Hong Kong Bird Report : Masked Booby First Paper Plate 43. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 藍臉鰹鳥 Off Po Toi, Hong Kong, 18 th March 2008 蒲苔島對開海面 2008 年 3 月 18 日 Geoff Welch Plate 44. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra 藍臉鰹鳥 Off Po Toi, Hong Kong, 18 th March 2008 蒲苔島對開海面 2008 年 3 月 18 日 Geoff Welch Separation from Brown is also confirmed by the white upper breast, whereas Brown has the dark from the head extending down to the lower breast. The white underwing with a narrow dark line extending from carpal to near the axillaries is also right for Masked, and the white on the scapulars indicates moult to white adult-type upperpart plumage, not brown. Red-footed generally has a paler head than back, and darker underparts, without the clear cut back demarcation between dark head and breast. In addition, the underwing is usually darker and messier. Blue-footed has a white nape patch but this is not connected to the white breast to form a collar. Blue-footed also has white upper tail coverts, whereas your bird appears all dark above. On range, Masked is known to breed in the Senkaku/Diaoyutai Islands (with Brown) and is regular in the East China Sea whereas Blue-footed and Nazca are only known from the opposite side of the Pacific. Note Red-footed used to breed closer at the Paracels in the South China Sea but is ruled out above. Lastly, your bird appears to be in wing (inner primaries) and back moult, which fits post juvenile moult of last summer's fledglings. This would make it a first winter bird heading for first summer. Masked Boobies take three years to gain adult plumage

243 Hong Kong Bird Report : Masked Booby First Paper References Robson, C A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland, London. Brazil, M Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. Records Committee Comment The provision of photographs, albeit taken at some distance, was sufficient to ensure that this record had little difficulty when circulated around the RC. Masked Booby breeds relatively close to HK, and was a likely addition to the HK List

244 Hong Kong Bird Report : Masked Booby First Paper 蒲台島對開海面的藍臉鰹鳥 Sula dactylatra 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch 香港鴨脷洲海怡半鳥 25 座 23A 2008 年 3 月 18 日星期二下午約 5 時左右, 我如常地坐在蒲台島最南端的石塊上觀察海鳥, 希望能夠看到休氏銀鷗 L. heuglini, 這段時間正是休氏銀鷗的春季遷徙期, 以往亦常見牠們途經蒲台向東北方向飛去 我看到一群 5 隻海鷗飛過, 發現其中一隻原來是鰹鳥 從牠身上整體的褐色, 我起先假定牠是一隻褐鰹鳥 Sula leucogaster, 雖然牠的身形好像比我以前所見的褐鰹鳥較大及笨重 ; 我開始拍照並在此鳥遠離前成功拍得 6 張相片 ( 圖 43-44) 當天晚上我仔細地查核相中的鰹鳥, 發現牠跟褐鰹鳥有着多個不同的特徵, 尤其是牠全白的領圈及白色的胸部 查看隨身的兩本鳥書 Robson (2008) 及 Brazil (2009), 發現褐鰹鳥並沒有這些特徵, 相反藍臉鰹鳥幼鳥 (Masked Booby S. dactylatra.) 卻有着這些特點 書中提到藍臉鰹鳥幼鳥最鮮明的特徵是其全白的領圈 我不停地仔細研究相片, 最後確認牠是藍臉鰹鳥, 除了牠身形比較大及笨重外, 亦發現牠有以下特徵 : 頸後有個全白的領圈 胸部白色並伸延到喉部 翼底大部份都是白色, 只有一條深黑色的窄邊 背部及前翅為淺褐色 頭及肩胛有白斑, 顯示正在換上白色的羽毛 我把這些相片放上香港觀鳥會的網頁, 收到一些評語, 包括米湛士的評論 : 不同種類的鰹鳥幼鳥有着容易令人混淆的羽毛, 我們需要小心辨認 今次我認同你指出的特徵及鑑定為藍臉鰹鳥幼鳥, 最容易分辨出藍臉鰹鳥與其他深色頭的鰹鳥幼鳥的特徵是牠清晰的領圈 ( 褐 紅腳 藍腳以及最近從加拉巴哥斯群島的藍臉鰹鳥分割出來的納斯卡鰹鳥, 牠們有時都有白領圈但並非可清晰地分辦出來 ) 而分辨褐與藍臉鰹鳥的另一種特徵為 : 藍臉鰹鳥有全白的上腹, 而褐鰹鳥從頭部到下腹都較為深色, 而翼底那條從翼尖到腋窩深色的幼邊亦跟藍臉鰹鳥的特徵吻合, 肩胛下白色的羽毛亦顯示牠開始換上成鳥的白羽

245 Hong Kong Bird Report : Masked Booby First Paper 紅腳鰹鳥頭部的顏色比其背部淡色, 但下體卻較深色, 其頭部跟腹部並沒有明顯的劃界, 而且牠的翼底亦較為深色及凌亂 藍腳鰹鳥的頸背有白斑, 但卻沒有伸展到其白腹而形成一個白領, 藍腳鰹鳥的尾上覆羽是白色的, 但你拍到的鳥的尾部整體來看比較深色 以分佈而言, 藍臉鰹鳥在釣魚台島一帶繁殖 ( 褐鰹鳥也是 ), 亦常見於南海以東一帶海域, 而藍腳及納斯卡鰹鳥卻在地球另一端的太平洋海域繁殖, 紅腳鰹鳥則在較為接近香港的南中國海的西沙群島一帶繁殖, 但其可能性已被否決 最後, 你拍到的鳥的翅膀 ( 初級飛羽 ) 及背部看似開始換毛, 這跟上季剛剛出生的幼鳥第一次換毛吻合, 這應是牠第一次渡冬及準備迎接牠的第一個夏天, 藍臉鰹鳥需要 3 年時間才可長出成年羽毛 參考資料 : Robson, C A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland, London. Brazil, M Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. 紀錄委員會註 : 雖然提交的相片在比較遠的距離拍得, 但紀錄委員會各會員對肯定這個藍臉鰹鳥紀錄並沒有太大困難, 藍臉鰹鳥在香港附近海域繁殖, 故把牠納入香港鳥類名錄 A 類也非常合理

246 Hong Kong Bird Report : Steppe Eagle First Paper Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis at Mai Po The first Hong Kong record Daniel C K Chan c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong At around 2pm on 22 December 2008, I was in the hide at Mai Po Nature Reserve overlooking ponds 23 and 24 when a dark shadow, which I realised was from a large raptor, passed over the hide. Fortunately, the bird landed on the grass just in front, and I identified it as a juvenile Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca. Even though I have much experience of taking photographs of large raptors, this was the first time I had seen one at such close range, so close, in fact, that I could not get a photograph of the whole bird within the frame. I held my breath while detaching the extender from my lens and was able to take some of my best ever photographs of a large raptor, two of which are reproduced here (Plates 45-46). The eagle looked healthy but hungry. Its feathers were clean but its brown plumage was much brighter than that of juvenile Imperial Eagles I had seen before. I could also clearly see its unmarked body plumage and broad white tips on the wing feathers. It waddled slowly towards the water with its big claws and then suddenly turned back its head and stared at me. I took a sequence of continuous shots. After a short time, it flew off. As I thought it was a juvenile Imperial Eagle, I did not publish the photographs on the website until the following March, and was very surprised to find it was actually a Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis and a first record for Hong Kong. I could not believe that I had enjoyed such a wonderful moment with this rare raptor in the field, and was delighted that in spring 2009, fully three months after my original sighting, many people were also able to share the experience. I also went to see it, and noted that compared to December 2008 its plumage was much darker than before. After my original posting of the photos, Paul Leader commented on the photographs as follows: The photos taken by Daniel Chan are simply stunning and it is easy to see even extremely fine detail. The combination of tawny brown mantle and wing coverts, no spotting on the wing coverts, broad white trailing edge to the secondaries, broad white tips to the greater coverts, primary coverts and tail, and (critically) the primary and greater underwing coverts rapidly eliminate all other large eagles including the quite similar Tawny Eagle. The bird is in immaculate condition with no suggestion of cage related damage. It is a long-distance migrant which breeds in NW China and winters SW into the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Its occurrence in Hong Kong is not therefore unexpected

247 Hong Kong Bird Report : Steppe Eagle First Paper Plate 45. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 草原鵰 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 22 December 2008 米埔 2008 年 12 月 22 日 Daniel CK Chan 陳志光 Plate 46. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 草原鵰 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 22 December 2008 米埔 2008 年 12 月 22 日 Daniel CK Chan 陳志光 Records Committee Comment A fantastic find, and fantastic photos to match. That the bird was seen again so long after the original sighting, providing an opportunity for all those who drooled over the photos on the website with an opportunity to admire at close range this splendid bird, was fortunate indeed

248 Hong Kong Bird Report : Steppe Eagle First Paper 米埔的草原鵰 Aquila nipalensis 香港首個記錄 陳志光 九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 12 月 22 日下午約 2 時許, 我在米埔自然護理區的鳥屋眺望 23 號及 24 號魚塘, 忽然有一黑影在鳥屋前方掠過, 我馬上意識到這是一隻大型的猛禽 非常幸運的, 這猛禽就在我身處鳥屋前方的草地降落, 我當時只把牠當作白肩鵰的幼鳥 雖然我對拍攝大型猛禽已有相當的經驗, 然而這樣近距離的接觸還是第一次 ; 真的非常近, 近得我不能把牠全身收入鏡頭 當時我凝住呼吸, 把增距鏡從鏡身脫下才能拍到一些至今最好的大型猛禽照片, 其中兩張見圖 這隻鵰看起來健康不錯但卻有點餓, 牠的羽毛非常整潔, 然而棕色的羽毛比我見過的其他白肩鵰幼鳥更加明亮, 牠那沒有斑點的體羽及飛羽尖端大片的白色更是清晰可見 牠以大大的爪左搖右擺地走向水邊, 忽然回頭盯著我 ; 於是我馬上按下快門作連環快拍, 過了一會牠便飛走了 由於我以為牠只是一隻白肩鵰幼鳥, 所以直至次年 3 月才在網絡上公開這些照片, 當我知道牠原來是一隻草原鵰 A. nipalensis, 亦是香港的首個紀錄的時候, 我感到非常驚訝 至今我還不敢相信我曾經與這稀有的猛禽在野外一同渡過如些奇妙的時光, 而更令人開懷的是在 2009 年的春天, 即在我發現牠之後的 3 個月, 眾多的鳥友可以一同分享這經驗 我之後再去米埔探望牠時發覺牠的毛色比 2008 年 12 月時變得更深沉 在我公開照片後, 利雅德對照片有如下的評論 : 陳志光所攝的照片真令人震驚, 就連一些非常微小的細節也呈現出來 由黃褐色的背部及覆羽 ; 沒有斑點的覆羽 ; 次級飛羽後緣 大覆羽 初級覆羽和尾部 以及 ( 最關鍵的 ) 翼下初級覆羽及翼下覆羽上寬闊的白邊所組成的毛色配搭, 瞬即否定了其他大型鵰類的可能性, 包括非常近以的茶色鵰 這鳥兒擁有完美無瑕的羽毛狀況, 亦無出現因圈養引至的損傷痕跡 牠屬於長途遷徙鳥種, 在中國西北部繁殖, 冬季向西南遷徒至印度次大陸及更遠之地, 故此牠在香港出現並非沒可能的

249 Hong Kong Bird Report : Steppe Eagle First Paper 紀錄委員會評註 了不起的發現, 配以了不起的照片 真的非常幸運, 這鳥兒在被發現後良久還在, 令在 網上看過照片而趨之若鶩的鳥友得以近距離欣賞這美麗的鳥兒

250 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus at Mai Po The first Hong Kong record John A Allcock Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong In the late afternoon of 2 nd December 2006 I was birdwatching at Mai Po. At the intertidal gei wai 21, I noticed a rail at the edge of the reedbed that I immediately identified as a Water Rail, a species with which I am familiar from previous observations in Europe and Hong Kong. I was aware that a potential split in this species had been suggested by Rasmussen and Anderton (2006) between eastern (indicus) and western taxa (aquaticus). The most distinctive difference of which I was aware was the pattern of the undertail coverts: pure white on western birds and barred on eastern birds. I checked this feature on the Mai Po bird and was surprised to notice that the undertail coverts were white. On the basis of range, however, I assumed that the bird was indicus and that this pattern was the result of individual variation. I noted some of the features of the bird and phoned the information to Birdline. On 4 th December I had the opportunity to check in Rasmussen and Anderton (2006) for further information concerning the proposed split. I also checked photographs of the species available online. In addition to the undertail coverts, a number of other features of the Mai Po bird, in particular the bill structure and pattern of the head and neck, did not fit with the expected appearance of indicus, but instead matched aquaticus. I discussed the identity with other birders, especially Mike Leven, Paul Leader and Geoff Carey. Between us, we started to suspect that the Mai Po bird may in fact be a Western Water Rail, and went to Mai Po to look for the bird. Fortunately it was still present, and further notes were taken on this and subsequent days. It was photographed by a few people, albeit distantly, and two of these are reproduced in Plates 47 and 48. The bird remained in the same location until 8 th December. After news of the potential significance of the record began to circulate, interest in the bird increased and it was seen by a number of other birdwatchers, usually in the late afternoon or early evening as the tide fell, exposing mud at the edge of the reedbed. The following features of the bird were noted: Size/Structure Medium-sized rail, body size similar to Spotted Redshank in direct comparison; obviously much smaller than White-breasted Waterhen. Rather narrow-bodied when seen from the front or behind. Tail held constantly cocked. Wings often held drooped below level of back. Primaries not visible beyond scapulars

251 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Head pattern Head mostly ashy-grey. Warm mud-brown (lightly streaked black) on crown, along nape, and continuing onto mantle. Brown wider on crown than on nape and forehead, creating a capped effect (although brown continuous from bill to mantle). Most of face plain grey (no brown mask on ear coverts). Lores black, extending (very narrowly) around eye, making eye stand out against uniform colour of face. Upperparts Upperparts warm mud-brown, lightly streaked black, this streaking created by narrow blackish centres to feathers. Black most noticeable on scapulars and tertials (appearing as obvious, broad black streaks along wings) and not especially obvious on rest of upperparts on binocular views (although more apparent through telescope). Mud-brown colour extending onto sides of breast in front of wings. Brown of upperparts sharply demarcated from grey of underparts. Underparts Entire underparts ashy-grey (as face), including throat, sides of neck, breast, front of flanks and belly. Black and white barring on rear flanks (black bars wider than white), starting below front of wing and widening to maximum width just behind legs; 3 or 4 dark bars visible behind legs. Some of this barring often just visible behind wings (when held drooped). Undertail coverts/vent pure white, becoming cream-buff on lower belly (this cream-buff colour obvious on rear view, when sharp contrast visible against white of undertail, but not apparent when seen side-on). Bare parts Legs grey-pink. Eye red. Bill long (about x head length) and thin along entire length. Slightly decurved (especially towards tip). Mostly bright red, but black along culmen and on tip. Call The only call heard was a short, sharp kek when flushed by a Grey Heron on 5 th. Plate 47. Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 西方秧雞 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 7 December 2006 米埔 2006 年 12 月 7 日 Mike Kilburn

252 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Plate 48. Western Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 西方秧雞 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 5 December 2006 米埔 2006 年 12 月 5 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Taxonomy and Range of Water Rail Water Rail has until recently been considered a widespread Palearctic species ranging from western Europe to east Asia. Four subspecies are usually recognized (del Hoyo et al. 1996): hibernans in Iceland (this form appears to have become extinct during the 20 th century due to drainage of wetlands and predation by introduced mink Mustela vison); aquaticus of Europe, n Africa and w Asia to upper Basin of River Ob, wintering south to n Africa and Turkmenistan; korejewi from Aral Sea and Lake Balkhash south to Iran, Kashmir and wc China, wintering patchily from Iraq to coastal e China; and indicus breeding from n Mongolia and e Siberia (upper River Yenisey and middle River Lena) to Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin and n Japan, wintering from e Bengal and Assam, Myanmar, n Thailand and n Laos e to se China and Hainan, Taiwan and s Japan. The taxonomy of the group was studied in further detail by Tavares et al. (2010), who compared the genetic structure of the western (aquaticus/korejewi) and eastern forms (indicus). They found greater than 3% divergence in mitochondrial DNA, which was further supported by differences in nuclear DNA. The genetic differences suggest the taxa have been isolated for approximately 534,000 years, probably as a

253 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper result of increased desertification in Asia due to past glaciations and the uplift of the Himalayas. In addition to the genetic differences, the two taxa show morphological differences (indicus showing less size difference between sexes, with proportionally larger dimensions, pinkish-cinnamon and pale buff chin and throat feathers, longer neck and breast feathers and black and white undertail coverts). Vocalisations also differ (indicus calls being deeper and shorter), and the two taxa apparently do not respond to playback of each other s calls. Based on these differences, the authors proposed that the species complex should be split into Western Water Rail R. aquaticus and Eastern Water Rail R. indicus. There was, however, little evidence of genetic differentiation between korejewi and aquaticus, and the paper proposed that these taxa, which also show little morphometric divergence, should be lumped. The split between the species was adopted by IOC in 2008, which adopted the name Brown-cheeked Rail for indicus and retained Water Rail only for aquaticus. The split has thus been adopted by the HKBWS Records Committee, but the names adopted are Eastern Water Rail (for indicus) and Western Water Rail (for aquaticus), to avoid potential confusion regarding historical records and to highlight the similarity and relatedness of the taxa. Identification Presumably due to the confused taxonomic status of the species complex and the geographical separation of the taxa, there is an impression that Eastern and Western Water Rails are difficult to separate. This is perhaps also complicated by the retiring nature of the species, making individuals difficult to see well, thus limiting observer familiarity. In fact, the two taxa are readily separable on a number of features. Familiarity with these features by observers may lead to more records of Western Water Rails in Hong Kong or elsewhere in southern China or east Asia. It should be considered that there is some degree of variation between individuals. Some of this variation is related to age, and this appears to be more pronounced in indicus than aquaticus. Juvenile aquaticus moult shortly after fledging, and have usually finished moult before commencing the migration (Cramp & Simmons 1980). The 1 st - winter plumage is similar to adult plumage but with a paler chin, pale fringes to breast feathers and a slight brown wash on the breast and belly (these paler, browner tips wearing to become more adult-like during the winter). In contrast, indicus is more distinctive throughout the first winter, showing a much stronger brownish wash to the head and breast (Plates 49 and 50 provide a comparison of an adult and first-winter bird). As a result, first-winter indicus is more readily distinguishable from aquaticus than is the case between adults. Juveniles and first-winter birds typically have duller and darker irides and bills than adults, which may be a useful feature to check in the field. Based on available photos, the following features appear to be useful for correct identification (in approximate order of importance)

254 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Undertail coverts The pattern of the undertail coverts is a crucial feature in identification of the two species. The undertail coverts of aquaticus are pure white (as in, for example, Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus), and are highly visible when the bird is walking away (as shown on Plate 47). On indicus the undertail coverts show extensive black centres (visible on Plate 50), similar to (and continuous with) the black and white patterning on the flanks (rather more like the pattern on Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus). Although distinctive, this feature can be difficult to see on birds skulking in dense vegetation, or at particular angles where the undertail cannot be seen. Head pattern As the alternative name (Brown-cheeked Rail) suggests, indicus shows a distinct brown band on the sides of the head, typically extending from the base of the bill through the eye onto the rear of the ear-coverts. This is accentuated above by a paler supercilium, especially in front of the eye. The chin is also often pale. Overall, this produces a relatively well marked head pattern (see Plates 49 and 50). Western birds show a more uniform grey face, lacking the brown mask and pale supercilium (Plate 48). The chin is sometimes paler, and the lores are usually dark, but this rarely extends significantly behind the eye. As the undertail coverts are often not visible, familiarity with the facial pattern of indicus would be very beneficial when faced with a potential aquaticus. Underparts Both species show generally grey underparts with strong black and white barring on the rear half (mostly behind the legs). However, indicus usually shows a distinct brown wash across the breast, which can show a well-defined border with the pale grey throat. The extent and intensity of this brown wash is variable, with first-year birds often extensively brown underneath (Plate 50) and adults apparently becoming greyer (Plate 49). Juvenile aquaticus often also shows a brown wash on the breast, but this is apparently soon lost in post-juvenile moult, and is thus unlikely to be seen away from the breeding area. The underparts of both first-winter birds and adults are a uniform grey, continuous with the grey on the face; birds are therefore solidly grey on the face, throat and breast as far as the barring behind the legs (Plate 48). The black and white barring on the rear flanks typically appears to be more neatly marked on aquaticus. Bill The bill of aquaticus is notably long and narrow, whereas on indicus it is shorter and deeper. With experience, this gives indicus a distinctly different structure, somewhat resembling Slaty-breasted Rail. On both species the bill shows reddish coloration, but this appears to be more extensive on aquaticus, on which most of the bill is red. On indicus, the red is largely restricted to the base of the lower mandible and the cutting edge of the upper mandible (Plates 49 and 50), although this feature may be age-related, with the bill apparently becoming redder with age. Upperparts Overall colour tone of the upperparts is a similar brown in both species. The centre of each feather is blackish, but this appears more extensive in indicus, often forming distinct black streaks to the nape and upper mantle. The brown of the crown and nape is relatively extensive, wrapping onto the sides of the breast and head,

255 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Plate 49. Adult Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus 普通秧雞 Long Valley, Hong Kong, 19 April 2011 塱原 2011 年 4 月 19 日 Kinni Ho 何建業 Plate 50. First-winter Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus 普通秧雞 Ho Sheung Heung, Hong Kong, 3 February 2009 河上鄉 2009 年 2 月 3 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華

256 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper where it almost reaches the brown ear-coverts and further accentuates the contrast of the head pattern (Plates 49 and 50). The brown upperparts of the head and neck of aquaticus are more clearly defined and less extensive, with a narrow strip of brown on the nape, barely extending onto the sides of the neck, and creating a distinctly capped appearance (Plate 48). Occurrence in Hong Kong and south China Eastern Water Rail occurs in Hong Kong as a scarce winter visitor and spring passage migrant (Carey et al. 2001). Most records are from wetland habitats in the northwest New Territories, but the species has been recorded from a number of other locations in the eastern New Territories and on Lantau. The number of records appears to have increased slightly in recent years, but apart from the Mai Po bird all records assigned to taxon have been indicus. Following the Mai Po record of Western Water Rail, previous descriptions of Water Rails have been evaluated to determine whether any could refer to aquaticus. Some records were found to be inconclusive, either because the bird lacked a full description or because the available description was not sufficient to distinguish between the taxa. Other descriptions indicate the bird involved was indicus, including reference to barred undertail coverts, brown mask, pale supercilium and/or brown breast. Only one description, of a bird seen at Long Valley on 6 th December 1998, supports identification as Western Water Rail. The similarity in date to the Mai Po record may indicate that the species may be most likely to occur in Hong Kong in early winter. Outside Hong Kong, six records of Western Water Rail have been traced for east and southeast China. These are: Ningbo, eastern Zhejiang on 20 November 1872 (Swinhoe 1873); Amoy (Xiamen), Fujian coast on 1 January 1893 (La Touche 1913, ); Qingfeng, central Fujian on 17 December 1896 (Styan collection, BMNH); Zhenjiang, southern Jiangsu on 7 December, 21 December and 31 January during (La Touche 1913, ). References Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. & Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Cramp, S. & Simmons, K.E.L Handbook of the Birds of Europe the Middle East and North Africa. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Volume II Hawks to Bustards. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol 3. Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. La Touche, J.D.D Further Notes on the Birds of China. Ibis 1913: La Touche, J.D.D A Handbook of the Birds of Eastern China. Vol. 2. Taylor and Francis, London

257 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper Rasmussen, P.C and Anderson, J.C Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vols 1 and 2. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington, D.C. and Barcelona. Styan Collection, British Museum (Natural History) accession book. Swinhoe, R. (1873). Notes on Chinese Ornithology. Ibis 1873: Tavares, E.S., de Kroon, G.H.J. & Baker, A.J Phylogenetic and coalescent analysis of three loci suggest that the Water Rail is divisible into two species, Rallus aquaticus and R. indicus. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2010, 10: Records Committee Comment In March 2010, the Records Committee adopted the taxonomy of the International Ornithological Congress and consequently this previously accepted record of the subspecies aqauticus / korajewi became the first record of the species Western Water Rail

258 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper 米埔的西方秧雞 Rallus aquaticus 香港首個紀錄 John A Allcock 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd 轉交 2006 年 12 月 2 日的午後時份, 我在米埔的 21 號基圍觀鳥 當時我注意到一隻在蘆葦床邊的秧雞, 我立即確認牠屬於 普通秧雞, 一個我在歐洲和香港都曾經觀察過的熟悉鳥種 但我隨即警覺地想起 Rasmussen 和 Anderton (2006) 建議把這個鳥種劃分為東方的種群 indicus 和西方的種群 aquaticus 的可能性 兩者的主要分別在於尾下覆羽 : 西方的種群乃純白色 ; 而東方的種群是有條紋的 我檢視該鳥的特徵, 驚覺牠的尾下覆羽是白色的 但當時我只當牠是東方種群 indicus 的個別變異 我記錄了該鳥的特徵並將有關資料提供到觀鳥熱線 12 月 4 日我有機會在 Rasmussen 和 Anderton (2006) 的著作中檢視更多有關普通秧雞分類的資料 此外, 我也在互聯網上檢視有關鳥種的照片 除了尾下覆羽之外, 該鳥的幾個特徵, 特別在喙部 頭型和頸部的形狀, 和預期中的 indicus 不符合, 反而較為符合 aquaticus 的特徵 於是我與幾位觀鳥行家討論這隻鳥的所屬鳥種, 特別是利偉文 利雅德和賈知行三位 我們經討論後, 開始懷疑這隻鳥可能是西方秧雞 Western Water Rail, 於是再往米埔看看 幸好牠還在那兒, 隨後幾天我做了更多的紀錄和拍照片, 其中一張見圖 這隻鳥逗留在同一地點直到 12 月 8 日 有關這隻可能是重要鳥種的消息在圈內流傳後, 大家對牠的興趣增加, 不少觀鳥者在午後或接近黃昏的時份, 在退潮後的蘆葦床邊看見牠 以下是觀察所見這鳥的特徵 : 大小 / 外形 : 鳥體中等大小, 與鶴鷸相近 ; 明顯較白胸苦惡鳥為小 無論從牠的前或後方看都覺得身體呈狹長形 尾部常常翹起, 兩翼則常下垂至背部之下 肩羽後見不到初級飛羽 頭型 : 頭部大部份淺灰色, 頭頂呈暖色調的泥褐色 ( 略微帶黑斑 ), 延伸至枕部及上背 頭頂的褐色範圍較枕部和前額為闊, 形成一個 帽子 的效果 ( 雖然那褐色帶乃由嘴延展至上背 ) 臉部差不多全部灰色( 耳羽沒有褐色 耳罩 )

259 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper 眼先黑色, 極狹窄地環繞眼睛, 使眼睛在全為灰色的臉上有突出的效果 上體 : 上體呈暖色調的泥褐色, 微帶黑斑紋, 這斑紋乃由狹長的黑色中心至羽毛所形成的 以雙筒望遠鏡觀察, 黑色部份主要在肩羽和三級飛羽 ( 形成沿著翼上明顯可見寬闊的黑斑紋 ), 而上體其他部份的黑色較不明顯 ( 雖然用單筒望遠鏡觀察會較明顯 ) 泥褐色延伸至雙翼前的胸部兩邊 上體的褐色和下體的灰色有明顯的區分 下體 : 下體全為淺灰色 ( 和臉部相同 ), 包括喉部 頸的兩側 胸部 前脇和腹部 脇的後部為黑白相間的斑紋 ( 黑斑比白斑為闊 ), 斑紋從翼的前部下方開始, 越來越闊直至腿後為止 ; 腿後可見 3 至 4 道黑色斑紋 部份斑紋僅可在翼下垂時得見 尾下覆羽 / 臀部純白色, 在下腹部變為奶油黃色 ( 這種奶油黃色從鳥的後方看時很明顯, 與尾下部的白色成強烈對比, 但從兩側看則不明顯 ) 裸露部份 : 腳粉紅色 眼紅色 喙呈幼長 ( 約為頭的 倍 ) 而微向下彎曲 ( 特別於嘴端部份 ); 嘴主要為鮮紅色, 但嘴峰和嘴端為黑色 鳴聲 : 僅可聽到的叫聲為短而尖銳的 kek 聲, 是這隻鳥在 12 月 5 日那天受到蒼鷺騷擾時發出的 普通秧雞分類法和分佈 : 普通秧雞直至目前為止被視為廣泛分佈在古北界的鳥種, 其分佈區域由西歐至東亞 有 4 個亞種常被識別 (del Hoyo et al. 1996): 在冰島的亞種 hibernans( 這個種類在 20 世紀因為濕地排水乾涸和給外來引入的鼬 Mustela vison 捕食, 已經絕種 ); 歐洲亞種 aquaticus 分佈在北非洲 西亞洲至鄂畢河上游盆地, 在非洲南至北部以及土庫曼渡冬 ; korejewi 分佈從鹹海和巴爾喀什湖以南到伊朗, 克什米爾和中國中西部, 分散地在伊拉克至中國東海岸渡冬 ; 及 indicus 在蒙古北部和西伯利亞東部繁殖 ( 葉尼塞河上游和勒拿河中部 ), 包括中國東北三省與俄羅斯亞洲接壤地域 朝鮮半島 庫頁島和日本北部, 在貝加爾湖東部 阿薩姆 緬甸 泰國北部 老撾北部至中國東南和海南島, 台灣和日本南部渡冬 Tavares et al.(2010) 一書曾對上述亞種群組進行更多研究, 作者把西方種群 (aquaticus/ korejewi) 和東方種群 (indicus) 的基因結構形式加以比較 他們發現兩者的線粒體基因

260 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper (mitochondrial DNA) 有大於 3 %的分歧, 並在細胞核 (nuclear DNA) 發現更多不同之處得到證據支持 從基因上的差異, 推敲兩個種群的分離是在約 534,000 年前發生, 很可難是因亞洲的冰川作用及喜瑪拉雅山脈上升而形成沙漠化所致 進一步而言, 除了基因不同, 兩個分類在形態上也有不同 (indicus 的雌鳥和雄鳥的體型尺碼差異較少, 比例較大 淺紅褐色及淺奶油黃色的頦及喉部羽毛, 較長的頸和胸部羽毛及黑白色相間的下尾覆羽 ) 鳴聲也不同(indicus 的叫聲較為深沉與短 ), 表面看來兩個種群對彼此的叫聲沒有回應 基於上這些不同之處, 該書作者建議此複雜的鳥種可劃分為西方秧雞 R. aquaticus) 和普通秧雞 R. indicus; 又由於 korejewi 與 aquaticus 在基因上較少不同, 同時在形態上也只略有不同, 故建議此兩分類可以歸併到一起 有關這兩分類的劃分, 在 2008 年為 International Ornithological Congres s 採用, 它把 indicus 命名為 Brown-cheeked Rail( 中文直譯為褐臉秧雞 ), 而 aquaticus 則繼續保留為 Water Rail( 普通秧雞 ) 此項劃分為香港觀鳥會紀錄委員會所採用, 但仍將 indicus 命名為 Eastern Water Rail ( 東方秧雞 ); 而 aquaticus 命名為 Western Water Rail ( 西方秧雞 ), 一方面避免混淆舊紀錄, 同時也用來標示兩個分類的相似點與相關度 鑑定大概因這個鳥種的複雜性與地理分隔, 使在分類法上引起混淆, 所以給人以兩個秧雞亞種難以分辨的印像 同時, 此亦因這個鳥種天性羞怯, 使一般人難於目睹, 更局限了觀鳥者熟悉牠的機會 事實上, 這兩個分類的確有若干不同的特徵 無論在香港 南中國或東亞, 如果觀鳥者對西方秧雞的各項特徵更熟悉, 相信會有更多觀察紀錄 我們還應該考慮個體在某程度上的差異 這些個別的差異與年齡有關, 這點在 indicus 中比 aquaticus 明顯 aquaticus 未成年鳥在羽毛長出後不久便換毛, 通常在完成換毛後才開始遷徙 (Cramp & Simmons 1980) 第一次渡冬鳥全身羽毛與成鳥相近, 但頦毛較白, 胸部羽毛的邊緣淺色, 其胸及腹部帶淡褐色 ( 這些淺白及褐色的毛色使第一次渡冬鳥在冬天時較像成鳥 ) 在對比上 indicus 在整個第一次渡冬期頭部與胸部都顯示出較為明顯的褐色 所以 indicus 與 aquaticus 的第一次渡冬鳥較成鳥容易區別 幼鳥與第一次渡冬鳥的典型特徵, 是虹膜及嘴較成鳥暗淡和黑, 在野外識別這個鳥種時這特徵很有用 根據各張照片, 以下特徵可作正鑑定之用 ( 按重要程度排序 ): 尾下覆羽 : 尾下覆羽的樣式是鑑定兩個鳥種的決定性特徵 aquaticus 的尾下覆羽是純白色的 ( 例如像黑水雞 Gallinula chloropus 一般 ), 當牠走開時明顯可見 ( 如圖 47 所示 ) indicus 的下尾覆羽顯示出闊大的黑色中心點 ( 從圖 50 可見 ), 與脇部的黑白色相間斑紋類似 ( 較為像藍胸秧雞 Gallinallus striatus 的樣式 ) 雖然兩個鳥種可以用這特徵來區分, 但卻難以得見, 因為這鳥常常潛藏在茂密的植被叢中, 有時也因觀察角度而難以看到其下尾部

261 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper 頭型 :indicus 所以被建議改名為另一個英文名 Brown-cheeked Rail( 中文直譯褐臉秧雞 ), 是因為牠在頭的兩側有一道清晰的褐色斑紋, 從嘴基穿越眼睛至耳羽之後 在淺色的眉紋的對比下更顯突出, 特別是在眼前的位置 頦通常是淺色的 整體而言, 形成一個醒目的頭型 ( 見圖 49 及 50) 西方種有著較為均勻的灰色臉, 沒有褐色面罩和淺色眼眉 ( 圖 48) 頦則有時較為灰白, 眼先通常黑色, 但很少明顯地延伸至眼後方 因為 indicus 的下尾覆羽通常難以看見, 所以熟悉牠的面部特徵, 則有機會見到可能是 aquaticus 時對辨別十分有幫助 下體 : 兩個分類的灰色下體後半部 ( 主要在腿後 ) 均有深黑色和白色相間斑紋 indicus 通常有清晰的褐色橫越胸部, 與淺灰色的喉部形成一個明顯的界線 此褐色的延伸與疏密度常有變化, 第一年鳥的褐色常延伸至下部 ( 圖 50), 而成鳥明顯地轉變為灰色 ( 圖 49) Aquaticus 的幼鳥在胸部常有一層褐色縱紋, 到幼年後期換毛後明顯消失, 如此則在繁殖地就不大可能再看到了 兩個分類的第一次渡冬鳥和成鳥的下體均為灰色, 臉也是灰色的 ; 所以該鳥整體而言有著灰色臉 喉和胸部, 除了腿後的斑紋 ( 圖 48) aquaticus 脇部後方也有典型的黑白相間斑紋, 而呈現較為整齊的模式 喙部 :aquaticus 的嘴明顯地較為狹長, 而 indicus 則較短而厚 從經驗得知, 這是辨識 indicus 的要點, 它與藍胸秧雞有點類似 兩個鳥種的嘴都像染上紅色, 而 aquaticus 更差不多整個都是紅色的 indicus 的下嘴紅色範圍只限於底部, 而在上嘴部範圍終止 ( 圖 49-50) 這特徵與年齡有關, 鳥齡越大, 嘴的紅色越深 上體 : 兩個鳥種的上體有著相近的褐色 每根羽毛中心位置黑色, 在 indicus 的身上較廣泛分佈, 通常在枕部和上背形成明顯黑斑 冠和枕部的褐色範圍相當闊, 覆蓋胸部兩邊和頭部, 直至褐色耳羽, 由此使頭型很突出 aquaticus 的褐色頭部和頸的輪廓比較清晰而範圍較窄, 枕部有一褐色狹長帶, 僅僅延伸至頸的兩旁, 形成一個 帽子 的醒目外觀 在香港與中國南部出現情況普通秧雞是香港的罕見冬候鳥及春季遷徙鳥 (Carey et al. 2001) 大部份紀錄來自新界西北的濕地, 但也有來自新界東與大嶼山的 近年來有關紀錄輕微增加, 除了此項米埔紀錄, 所有紀錄都歸入 indicus 在米埔西方秧雞的紀錄之後, 之前有關普通秧雞的描述都給重新評估, 以決定其中哪些可歸入 aquaticus 有些紀錄仍不能確定, 主要是該紀錄欠缺全面描述, 或紀錄中的描述不足以識別該兩個種類 其他紀錄的描述則從有斑紋的尾下覆羽 褐色面罩 白色眉紋及 / 或褐色胸部, 指出該鳥為 indicus 只有一個來自塱原在 1998 年 12 月 6 日的紀錄, 被鑑定是西方秧雞 這項紀錄日期與米埔的紀錄相近, 顯示這鳥種很可能在香港的初冬時出現

262 Hong Kong Bird Report : Western Water Rail First Paper 香港以外, 在中國東部及東南部可追溯到 6 個西方秧雞的紀錄, 分別是 : 1872 年 11 月 20 日浙江東部的寧波 (Swinhoe 1873) 1893 年 1 月 1 日福建沿海的廈門 (La Touche 1913, ) 1896 年 12 月 17 日福建中部的 Qingfeng ( 音譯 : 青峰 )(Styan collection, BMNH) 年的 12 月 7 日 12 月 21 日及 1 月 31 日, 江蘇省南部鎮江市 (La Touche 1913, ) 參考資料 Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. & Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Cramp, S. & Simmons, K.E.L Handbook of the Birds of Europe the Middle East and North Africa. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Volume II Hawks to Bustards. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol 3. Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. La Touche, J.D.D Further Notes on the Birds of China. Ibis 1913: La Touche, J.D.D A Handbook of the Birds of Eastern China. Vol. 2. Taylor and Francis, London. Rasmussen, P.C and Anderson, J.C Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vols 1 and 2. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington, D.C. and Barcelona. Styan Collection, British Museum (Natural History) accession book. Swinhoe, R. (1873). Notes on Chinese Ornithology. Ibis 1873: Tavares, E.S., de Kroon, G.H.J. & Baker, A.J Phylogenetic and coalescent analysis of three loci suggest that the Water Rail is divisible into two species, Rallus aquaticus and R. indicus. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2010, 10: 紀錄委員會評註 2010 年 3 月, 紀錄委員會接受 International Ornithological Congress 的分類法, 因此這個在此日期前已接受的 aquaticus 亞種紀錄, 成為西方秧雞香港首個紀錄

263 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Murrelet First Paper Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume in southern waters The first Hong Kong record Michelle and Peter Wong c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong On Saturday 5 May 2007, a boat trip of about 30 participants led by John and Jemi Holmes started at Kwun Tong Public Pier at 08:00h, heading towards Po Toi via the Tathong Channel and Waglan Island. It was a cloudy morning with some rain and light east to southeasterly winds (force 3-4); visibility was reasonably good under overcast conditions. We saw good numbers of Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus, White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, Whiskered Tern C. hybrida, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Aleutian Tern Onychoprion aleuticus, a good sign of the presence of migrants. At about 1000h, while everyone was looking at the far distant terns at the front of the boat, a small dark object caught my eyes at the left side of our boat. It was less than 15 meters away from me and I realised it was a murrelet Synthliboramphus. Immediately I shouted murrelet, and only then I used my Leica binoculars 10x42 to get a better view. The bird was in a rather unhealthy condition and some of the flight feathers seemed to be worn or missing. Due to its poor state, identification remained uncertain, although most of us thought the bill looked too long and dark for Ancient Murrelet S. antiquus, the only murrelet on the Hong Kong List. For about 10 minutes we took as many photos as possible (see Plates 51-52), and then decided to leave it alone and continue our journey. After the trip we compared our photos with the pictures on the Oriental Bird Images website ( and Birds of Japan 550 (Kirihara et al. 2000). Despite the poor plumage condition, we considered this bird to be a Japanese Murrelet on the basis of the following: 1. It was a small stocky auk, about 9-10 in size. The lack of a white scapular bar ruled out Long-billed Brachyramphus perdix and Marbled Murrelets B. marmoratus. 2. Size and overall color very similar to Ancient Murrelet, but with an obvious tuft of long fine feathers going back from the forecrown, which is lacking on Ancient Murrelet. 3. White marks on the crown (although not prominent) where Ancient Murrelet is black

264 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Murrelet First Paper 4. Bill relatively long and conical, bluish-grey in colour (shorter and pinkish on Ancient Murrelet). 5. White throat and white markings scattered around lore and ear-coverts, suggesting the bird was an adult in non-breeding plumage. 6. Floating low in water, with the upward-tilting head and long-necked posture looking different from an Ancient Murrelet, which often holds the tail cocked and the neck hunched as if leaning forward. We posted some photos on to the HKBWS website, which led to considerable discussion. It was eventually accepted into Category I of the Hong Kong List in April Distribution Japanese Murrelet is restricted to the warm current regions near central and southern Japan, where it breeds on uninhabited islands. The northern limits of the breeding range lie in the Nanatsujima Islands of Japan, while the most important breeding sites are Biro Island and the Izu Islands. Breeding has also been recorded on Gugul Island off the southern coast of South Korea. It has also been recorded in Taiwan as a vagrant. Acknowledgments We would like to express our gratitude to John and Jemi Holmes, Alexander Choi, Tony Hung, Geoff Welch, Simba Chan (Birdlife in Japan), Nial Moores (Birds Korea) and Nick Lethaby who helped to provide photos, information and comments to assist with the identification of this bird. References Brazil, M. (2009). Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London Harrison, P Seabirds of the World - a Photographic Guide. Christopher Helm, London. MacKinnon, J. and Phillipps, K. (2000). A Field Guide to the Birds of China. Oxford. Kirihara, M., Yamagata, N., Yoshino, T and Iozawa, H Birds of Japan : non-passerines 日本の鳥 550- 水辺の鳥, Bun ichi Sogo Shuppan. Shimba, T. (2007). A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Japan and North-East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. Records Committee Comment The plumage condition of this bird made initial identification rather problematic, especially as we see relatively few murrelets in Hong Kong. However, the features described above and an examination of murrelet skins by the RC at the British Museum (Natural History) confirmed that the presence of the crest was diagnostic of Japanese Murrelet. Acceptance into Category I of the HK List was then straightforward, as there were no concerns about previous captivity

265 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Murrelet First Paper Plate 51. Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume 冠海雀 Hong Kong southern Waters, 5 th May 2007 香港南部水域, 2007 年 5 月 5 日 Michelle and Peter Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Plate 52. Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus wumizusume 冠海雀 Hong Kong southern Waters, 5 th May 2007 香港南部水域, 2007 年 5 月 5 日 Michelle and Peter Wong 黃理沛江敏兒

266 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Murrelet First Paper 南部水域的冠海雀 Synthliboramphus wumizusume 香港首個紀錄 黃理沛江敏兒 九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2007 年 5 月 5 日, 約有 30 人參加由孔思義和黃亞萍帶領的海上觀鳥團 早上 8 時, 我們由觀塘公眾碼頭出發, 經藍塘海峽及橫瀾島前往蒲台島 當天早上多雲並有細雨, 吹東至東南微風 ( 風力 3-4 級 ), 但是就這樣天氣來說, 能見度倒算是不錯 我們看見為數不少的紅頸瓣蹼鷸 Phalaropus lobatus 白翅浮鷗 Chlidonias leucopterus 鬚浮鷗 C. hybrida 普通燕鷗 Sterna hirundo 及白腰燕鷗 Onychoprion aleuticus, 顯示過境遷徙鳥在此地出沒 大約早上 10 時, 當大家都在觀察船頭遠方的燕鷗, 我的視線被船身左側 離我不到 15 米的一個小黑影吸引住 當我意識到這是一隻冠海雀 Synthliboramphus wumizusume, 我馬上喊道 : 冠海雀! 隨後才用我的 Leica 10x42 望遠鏡仔細看清楚 該鳥看來不甚健康, 部分飛行羽破損或殘缺 我們大部分人都認為該鳥的嘴部太長且太深色, 不像是香港名錄中唯一的海雀 扁嘴海雀 (Ancient Murrelet S. antiquus), 但由於牠的狀態不佳, 當下我們並未能確定辨識 我們把握大約 10 分鐘的時間盡量拍下牠的照片 ( 見下圖 51-52), 然後告別此鳥繼續旅程 此行之後, 我們比對這些照片與東方鳥類圖鑑網 (Oriental Bird Images website, 及 日本的 550 種鳥類 ( Birds of Japan 550 : Kirihara 等著, 2000 年 ) 內的照片 雖然該鳥的羽毛狀況欠佳, 我們仍相信牠是一隻冠海雀, 原因如下 : 1. 牠是一隻小型結實的海雀, 身長約 9 10 吋, 沒有白色的肩羽帶, 顯示牠並非長嘴斑海雀 Brachyramphus perdix 或斑海雀 B. marmoratus 2. 體型和整體顏色均與扁嘴海雀十分相近, 但前冠長有一簇顯眼而幼長的羽毛往後伸延, 這是扁嘴海雀沒有的 3. 冠上隱約有白點, 而扁嘴海雀的冠是全黑的 4. 嘴較長並呈錐狀, 為藍灰色 ( 扁嘴海雀的則較短並呈粉紅色 ) 5. 喉部呈白色, 散於眼先及耳羽周邊的白點顯示牠是非繁殖羽的成鳥

267 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Murrelet First Paper 6. 該鳥低浮於水上, 頭往上伸, 長頸的姿勢有別於經常翹尾 曲頸前靠的扁嘴海雀 我們把一些照片張貼在香港觀鳥會網站, 引起熱烈討論 是次發現最終在 2008 年 4 月獲 納入香港鳥類名錄第 I 類 分佈冠海雀只出現於日本中南部附近的暖流海域, 並在該處的無人島上繁殖 冠海雀的繁殖帶北至日本的七島, 但主要集中在日本枇榔島及伊豆群島 此外, 韓國南部海岸對開的 Gugul 島亦有繁殖報告, 在台灣則有迷鳥報告 鳴謝感謝孔思義及黃亞萍 Alexander Choi Tony Hung Geoff Welch Simba Chan (Birdlife in Japan) Nial Moores (Birds Korea) 及 Nick Lethaby 提供相片 資料及評論, 幫忙辨認此鳥 參考資料 Brazil, M. (2009). Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London Harrison, P Seabirds of the World - a Photographic Guide. Christopher Helm, London. MacKinnon, J. and Phillipps, K. (2000). A Field Guide to the Birds of China. Oxford. Kirihara, M., Yamagata, N., Yoshino, T and Iozawa, H Birds of Japan : non-passerines 日本の鳥 550- 水辺の鳥, Bun ichi Sogo Shuppan. Shimba, T. (2007). A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Japan and North-East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. 紀錄委員會評註此鳥的羽毛狀況使初期辨認困難重重, 特別是由於海雀在香港並不常見 儘管這樣, 憑藉上述的特徵, 以及經紀錄委員會考證大英自然史博物館內的海雀皮之後, 證實冠羽確實是冠海雀的辨識特徵 由於此鳥不似曾被圈養, 因此順理成章納入香港鳥類名錄第 I 類

268 Hong Kong Bird Report : Common Cuckoo First Paper Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus on Po Toi Island The first Hong Kong record Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong The first week in April is often a good week for cuckoos Cuculus on Po Toi and there were at least two on the island on 4 th April 2007, one a hepatic bird. However, the individual that immediately took my attention was a pale-looking grey bird with very fine breast bars that I first saw in the large trees around the ferry pier at about 10am. I was aware that the very fine breast bars could indicate a Common Cuckoo C. canorus so I spent the next 45 minutes taking as many photographs of the bird as possible. Fortunately, although the bird was wary of approach, it was not as shy as many cuckoos and I was able to get a number of reasonable shots of the bird, including Plates I subsequently lost sight of it and did not see it again. The description given here was made at the time from observation and photographs. The bird did not call. Size, shape and general colour as for Oriental Cuckoo C. optatus with the following distinctive features: 1. the grey breast bars were consistently very narrow across the entire underparts from breast through belly to undertail coverts, and lay against a white background. 2. the throat and head were pale grey, the throat also having bars of the same very narrow though slightly darker grey than the breast. Plate 53. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 大杜鵑 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 4 April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 4 日 Geoff Welch

269 Hong Kong Bird Report : Common Cuckoo First Paper Plate 54. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 大杜鵑 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 4 April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 4 日 Geoff Welch After posting the photographs on the HKBWS website, there was general consensus that the bird was probably a Common Cuckoo, but final identification only came after an examination of Cuculus skins by Paul Leader at British Museum (Natural History). Records Committee Comment With good photographs and the opportunity to check skins as confirmation, acceptance of Common Cuckoo into the HK List was straightforward. Given that it is a very long-distance migrant not generally found in the bird trade, acceptance into Category I was not an issue. As Common Cuckoo breeds throughout much of China and northeast Asia, and given the difficulties in separating the species from Oriental Cuckoo except on very good views such as were obtained of this bird, it is reasonable to suppose that it passes through Hong Kong more regularly than this sole record might suggest

270 Hong Kong Bird Report : Common Cuckoo First Paper 蒲台島的大杜鵑 Cuculus canorus 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch 香港鴨脷洲海怡半島第 25 座 23A 在蒲台島上, 通常四月的首個星期是觀察杜鵑 Cuculus 的好時光 2007 年 4 月 4 日, 島上出現過至少兩隻杜鵑, 其中一隻為棕紅色的 ; 可是, 立刻抓住我注意力的卻是另一隻胸部的橫紋十分幼細 看起來淺灰色的杜鵑, 牠當時就在碼頭附近的大樹上, 時間為上午 10 時左右 我意識到這幼細的胸部橫紋為大杜鵑 C. canorus 的辨識特徵, 所以我在隨後的 45 分鐘盡量拍攝多些這隻鳥兒的照片 幸好這鳥兒雖然對我的接近十分警惕, 卻非如其他杜鵑一般膽小, 所以我才可以拍到不少清晰的照片, 包括圖 隨後我就失去牠的蹤影, 再也沒看見牠了 以下是我根據現場觀察及照片所見作出的描述 鳥兒沒有嗚叫 大小 外形和身體顏色與北方中杜鵑 C. optatus 相似, 但有以下不同的特徵 : 1. 整個下體的灰色橫紋都一貫的幼細, 由胸部開始 橫越腹部直到尾下覆羽, 底色是白色的 2. 喉部和頭部是淺灰色的 喉部也有同樣的幼細橫紋, 但顏色較胸部的略為深灰 後來我把照片上載到香港觀鳥會的討論區, 普遍的意見認為這鳥極可能是大杜鵑 惟最後的結論則在利雅德於大英自然史博物館檢視杜鵑皮的標本後才確認下來 紀錄委員會評註 : 因為照片拍得很好和有機會檢視該鳥皮的標本作為確定, 紀錄委員會接受這鳥納入香港鳥類名錄是毋庸置疑的 事實上大杜鵑是一種擅於長途遷徙的鳥類, 亦不常見於雀鳥買賣市場, 故被納入香港鳥類名錄的第 I 類並不會引起任何異議 由於大杜鵑的繁殖地域在中國的大部份地區及亞洲東北部, 而且區別牠和北方中杜鵑存在一定的難度 ( 除非可以近距離觀察, 例如這次的鳥兒 ), 所以我們有理由相信其實牠經常過境香港, 而並非只得這個我們所知的單一紀錄

271 Hong Kong Bird Report : Brown Wood Owl First Paper Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica at Lead Mine Pass, Shing Mun The first Hong Kong record Wong Choi On c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong I was driving a car in the Lead Mine Pass area of Shing Mun Country Park on the evening of 6 November 2007 when I saw a black shadow on the top of a bare branch of a tree. I knew from the shape that it was an owl. I had no binoculars with me, but fortunately I had my camera and 400mm lens. I took a few flash photographs (see Plate 55). I could not identify the bird at the time and it was only when I did some research later at home that I realized it was a Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica. Plate 55. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica 褐林鴞 Near Leadmine Pass, Hong Kong, 6 November 2007 鉛礦坳附近 2007 年 11 月 6 日 Wong Choi On 黃才安

272 Hong Kong Bird Report : Brown Wood Owl First Paper Records Committee Comment The very good photograph shows the following features clearly: large size (obvious from the feet, for example) overall brown colouration on upperwing and parts of mantle rounded head, lacking ear tufts pale facial disc and a paler, very broad supercilium extending to just above the centre of the eye contrasting dark patches around the eyes entire underbody closely and neatly barred, the pale bands being slightly broader than the dark bands scapulars barred and pale, forming contrasting patch barred wing coverts and primaries banded tail feathered legs and feet These features, especially size, facial appearance, pattern on the underbody and scapulars, and dense feathering on the feet clearly match Brown Wood Owl. At around the same time there had been reports of unfamiliar owl calls, and it may be that this species was involved. Based on differences in size, vocalisations and habitat utilisation, König et al. (1999) treated the northern forms of Brown Wood Owl as specifically distinct from the rest of the complex, regarding them as Himalayan Wood Owl Strix newarensis. They further divided this into four subspecies, two in China (ticehursti in southeast China and caligata on Hainan and Taiwan) and two extralimital taxa (newarensis from the Himalayas to Sikkim and laotiana of S Laos and N Vietnam). The range of ticehursti also includes west Yunnan and southern Guizhou according to Cheng (1987). Under this treatment, southern forms all occur outside China, from central India south to Sri Lanka and from southern Burma south to Sumatra and Borneo (five subspecies of Brown Wood Owl S. leptogrammica), and on Java (S. bartelsi). Marks et al. (1999) noted that northern forms were likely to represent a separate species, but stopped short of treating them as such. Currently the IOC does not regard them as separate species, and the RC follows this approach. As for the Lead Mine Pass bird, it is clearly a bird of the northern form and on range is presumably ticehursti. When compared to southern forms, the Lead Mine Pass bird clearly differs in not showing unbarred (or very lightly barred) and richly coloured upper breast band contrasting with the lower breast, which seems typical of the southern forms. Also, there appear to be no significant differences between this bird and available photos of ticehursti that the RC sourced

273 Hong Kong Bird Report : Brown Wood Owl First Paper This owl is very widespread but rarely recorded in southeast China. Cheng (1987) lists only Liuzhou (east Guangxi), Jingdezhen (near Wuyuan, Jiangxi), Tianmu Shan (northwest Zhejiang) and central Fujian. Richard Lewthwaite was able to trace records from the following sites: Guangxi: Yao Shan. Guangdong: Hei Shi Ding, Che Ba Ling. Jiangxi: Nanchang, Kiente and/or Chinteh (possibly the same, near Jingdezhen); Julianshan, Wuyuan. Zhejiang: Wuyanling. Given that there are previous records of this owl from the interior of Guangdong at similar or lower altitudes, and that subsequently there have been a number of reports of the species elsewhere in the Tai Mo Shan massif, acceptance into Category I was straightforward. The Lead Mine Pass bird appears to be the first record from the coast of China. References Cheng, T.H. A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. König, C., Weick, F. and Becking, J-H Owls. Pica Press, Sussex. Marks, J.S., Cannings, R.J. and Mikkola, H Family Strigidae (Typical Owls). Pp in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. eds Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 5. Barnowls to Hummingbirds. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona

274 Hong Kong Bird Report : Brown Wood Owl First Paper 鉛礦坳的褐林鴞 Strix leptogrammica 香港首個紀錄 黃才安 香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2007 年 11 月 6 日晚上, 我在城門郊野公園鉛礦坳一帶駕車時, 發現一棵樹的禿枝上有個黑影 我從這個身影的形狀, 知悉牠是一隻貓頭鷹 當時我沒有望遠鏡, 幸而帶備一部相機和 400 毫米鏡頭, 便用閃光燈拍下幾幅相片 ( 見圖版 55) 當時我未能辨認牠是什麼鳥種, 直到我在家稍作研究, 才發現牠是一隻褐林鴞 Strix leptogrammica 紀錄委員會評註這張質素不錯的相片清晰地顯示以下的特徵 : 身形大 ( 如從其腳部顯而易見 ) 翼上和部分上背整體呈啡色 頭部渾圓, 沒有耳羽簇 臉盤淡色, 有一道較淺色且十分寬闊的眉紋, 一直伸延至僅高於眼中央的位置 眼部周圍是對比鮮明的深色斑 整個下身有濃密而齊整的直條紋, 淡色的紋比深色的紋略粗 肩羽淺色及有斑, 形成顏色分明的斑紋 翼覆羽和初級飛羽有斑紋 尾部有橫間 羽毛覆蓋腿及足部 以上的特徵, 尤其是體型 容貌 下身和肩羽的樣式, 以及足部的濃密羽毛, 顯然與褐林鴞相符 大約在同一時間, 據報有人聽到一些陌生的貓頭鷹叫聲, 也許是同一種貓頭鷹 因應體型 聲音以及棲息地之利用的分別, König et al. (1999) 將褐林鴞的北部鳥種與其餘鳥種分別出來, 並把它稱為喜馬拉雅林鴞 Strix newarensis 他們再將此鳥種分為四個亞種, 其中兩個在中國 ( 中國東南部的 ticehursti, 以及海南島和台灣的 caligata),

275 Hong Kong Bird Report : Brown Wood Owl First Paper 另外還有兩個更遠的亞種 ( 喜馬拉雅山至錫金的 newarensis 和分佈於寮國南部至越南 北部的 laotiana) 據鄭作新 (1987) 所載, ticehursti 的分佈範圍亦包括雲南西部和貴 州南部 按此論述方法, 南部的鳥種全部皆分佈於中國以外, 由印度中部南下至斯里蘭 卡 由緬甸南部南下至蘇門答臘和婆羅洲 ( 五個亞種的褐林鴞 S. leptogrammica), 以及 爪哇 (S. bartelsi) Marks 等人 (1999) 注意到北部的鳥種很可能分屬另一鳥種, 但是沒有 進一步的論述 現時 IOC 並不把牠們分為兩鳥種, 而紀錄委員會亦跟隨此做法 在鉛礦坳所發現的褐林鴞, 很明顯是屬於北部的鳥種, 從分佈而推測牠屬於 ticehursti 亞種 與南部的鳥種比較下, 鉛礦坳所發現的鳥有明顯分別, 因為牠並非沒有斑紋 ( 或 者非常淺色的斑紋 ), 而且胸部上方比下方的色彩明顯較豐富, 看來不似是南部的鳥 種 另外, 此褐林鴞和紀錄委員會僅有的 ticehursti 亞種圖片沒有明顯差異 此貓頭鷹的分佈十分廣泛, 卻甚少在中國東南部錄得 鄭作新 (1987) 指出此鳥種只在柳 州 ( 位於廣西的中北部 ) 景德鎮 ( 江西省婺源附近 ) 天目山 ( 浙江省西北部 ) 以 及福建省中部有紀錄 Richard Lewthwaite 追查到以下地點有此鳥種的踪跡 : 廣西 : 瑤山 廣東 : 黑石頂 車八嶺 江西 : 南昌 Kiente 及 / 或 Chinteh ( 可能是同一個地方, 鄰近景德鎮 ); 九連山 婺源 浙江 : 烏岩嶺 基於此鳥種之前在廣東內陸於相若或較低的海拔高度有幾個紀錄, 而後來在大帽山山脈 也陸續有此鳥種的紀錄, 故直接將此鳥種納入第 I 類 鉛礦坳的發現相信是中國沿岸錄 得此鳥種的第一筆紀錄 參考資料 Cheng, T.H. A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. König, C., Weick, F. and Becking, J-H Owls. Pica Press, Sussex. Marks, J.S., Cannings, R.J. and Mikkola, H Family Strigidae (Typical Owls). Pp in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. eds Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 5. Barnowls to Hummingbirds. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona

276 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-backed Shrike First Paper Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio at Ho Man Tin The first Hong Kong record To Wai Yi c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building,480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong In the evening of 6 October, 2008, I went to an open area in Ho Man Tin for birding as usual. The weather around that time was not good, with heavy rain beginning the previous day, but since there was a Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus and Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius recorded the day before, I decided to go anyway. I had seen only an Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica and was about to leave when a shrike Lanius flew out from the woodland where I was standing, about ten metres away. It looked different from a Brown Shrike L. cristatus, its flanks lacked the reddish colour, and its ear patch was not black; in fact it was the same colour brown as its head and upperparts. I thought it might be a Tiger Shrike L. tigrinus, so I took some photos and left. I posted the photographs on the HKBWS forum that evening (see Plates 56-57), and the bird was identified from these by Paul Leader as a Red-backed Shrike L. collurio, the first record for Hong Kong. The shrike stayed for three days and was last seen on 9 October. Plate 56. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 紅背伯勞 Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong, 6 October 2008 何文田 2008 年 10 月 6 日 To Wai Yi 陶偉意

277 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-backed Shrike First Paper Plate 57. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 紅背伯勞 Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong, 6 October 2008 何文田 2008 年 10 月 6 日 To Wai Yi 陶偉意 Records Committee Comment Thankfully this bird stayed long enough for many observers to see it. Its chosen location, a small wooded hill in the heart of urban Kowloon, was a reminder that migrant passerines can turn up almost anywhere, and To Wai Yi reaped a substantial reward for persistent working of her local patch. This bird was aged as a first-winter due to the retained juvenile greater coverts and tertials. Identification was less straightforward, but was based on a combination of rather rufous tones above (strongest on the uppertail coverts), a long primary projection, whitish underparts, more square (i.e. less rounded) tail, rather slender bill and poorly-defined mask. In combination these eliminate other shrike species, but especially Brown Shrike L. cristatus, the most likely confusion species. Red-backed Shrike breeds from Europe west to Xinjiang Province, China. It is a long distance migrant and has been recorded as a vagrant to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Given the condition of this individual and migratory behaviour of the species, the Records Committee readily accepted this to Category I of the Hong Kong List

278 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-backed Shrike First Paper 何文田的紅背伯勞 Lanius collurio 香港首個紀錄 陶偉意 九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 10 月 6 日傍晚, 我如常到何文田的空地觀鳥 當時的天氣不太好, 前一天已開始下大雨, 但由於前一天該處有鳳頭鷹 Accipiter trivirgatus 和藍磯鶇 Monticola solitarius 出現, 我決定無論如何也要去一趟 那時我只見到北灰鶲 Muscicapa dauurica 正當我打算離開時, 一隻伯勞 Lanius 從我身處的林地飛出來, 離我約 10 米 牠看來與紅尾伯勞 L. cristatus 不一樣, 牠的脇部沒有呈紅色, 耳羽也不是黑色, 而是與牠的頭部和上體一樣的褐色 我當時估計有可能是虎紋伯勞 L. tigrinus, 因此我拍了一些照片之後就離開 那天晚上, 我將相片上載至香港觀鳥會討論區 ( 圖 56-57) 利雅德根據這些相片, 斷定那是一隻紅背伯勞 L. collurio, 是香港的第一個紀錄 那隻伯勞逗留了三天, 最後被人見到的日期為 10 月 9 日 紀錄委員會評註幸好這鳥逗留的時間讓很多觀鳥者見到牠 牠選擇了九龍市區心臟地帶一片長有林木的小山丘, 正好提醒了我們, 過境遷徙鳥會在很多不同的地方作短暫停留 陶偉意持之以恆地在她的鄰近地方進行觀察, 最終獲得成果 辨認這鳥為首次渡冬鳥很容易, 是因為牠保留了幼鳥的大覆羽和三級飛羽 要辨認這鳥種就較為因難, 不過根據上述部分略帶紅色 ( 在尾上覆羽最為明顯 ) 修長的初級飛羽突出部份 白色的下體 較方型的尾部 ( 即尾部形狀沒有那麼圓 ) 稍為纖細的喙部, 以及不太明顯的眼紋等特徵可得出結論 綜合這些特徵, 便可以排除屬其他伯勞的可能性, 尤其是最有機會混淆的紅尾伯勞 L. cristatus 紅背伯勞的繁殖地遍及西歐至中國新疆 這鳥會作長途遷徙, 曾在日本 南韓和台灣有紀錄, 並被列作迷鳥 基於這鳥的情況以及這鳥種的遷徙行為, 紀錄委員會十分樂意將這鳥種加入香港鳥類名錄第 I 類

279 Hong Kong Bird Report : Willow Warbler First Paper Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus at Long Valley The first Hong Kong record Frankie Chu c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building,480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong At around 9a.m. on 23 rd October 2008 I was walking through Long Valley with two friends when I noticed a small bird about ten metres away on a fence next to one of the bunds. The bird occasionally jumped down on to the ground beside the fence to feed. As I didn t know what species it was, I took some photographs of the bird, one of which is reproduced here (Plate 58). I posted the photograph on the HKBWS website and was surprised to learn it was a Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus and a first record for Hong Kong. Plate 58. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 歐柳鶯 Long Valley, Hong Kong, 23 October 2008 塱原 2008 年 10 月 25 日 Frankie Chu 朱錦滿

280 Hong Kong Bird Report : Willow Warbler First Paper Records Committee Comment When Paul Leader announced to his colleagues that he had identified, on the HKBWS website, a bird in a photograph taken at Long Valley as a Willow Warbler, after the initial shock, there was a collective sigh of disappointment at the realization that it was probably not still present. Thus, the photographer Frankie Chu remains the only person who has seen this species in HK. Identification was based on the plain upperparts with no wing bars or paler rump, the long primary projection, the yellowish wash to the face, supercilium and underparts, and the relatively pale bill and legs. Willow Warbler is a common and widespread breeding species throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia, from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. It is strongly migratory, with almost all of the population wintering in sub-saharan Africa. The RC has been able to trace the following records of Willow Warbler in east Asia. Mainland China Geermu (Golmud), Qinghai during October 1992 (J. Hornskov in litt.). Beidaihe, Hebei on 4 October 2006 (COS 2007) Dali Nur NNR, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia on 18 September 2010 (P. Holt in prep.) Taiwan On 19 October 2008 ( accessed 13 October 2011) (per Pan Chih Yuan). South Korea Two together on Hong Island on 20 September 2006 and another there on 26 September 2007 ( Japan Brazil (2009) stated that Willow Warbler is a rare, probably annual migrant (Sep-Nov) offshore Japan, where the first record was of a bird trapped on 29 October 2001 (Brazil 1991). Philippines 15 October 2006 ( accessed 8 August 2011). That the more southerly records occur in the second half of October is of interest, and suggests the best time to look for this species in Hong Kong. References Brazil, M The Birds of Japan. Christopher Helm, London. Brazil, M Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. C.O.S. (China Ornithological Society) China Bird Report China Ornithological Society, Beijing

281 Hong Kong Bird Report : Willow Warbler First Paper 塱原的歐柳鶯 Phylloscopus trochilus 香港首個紀錄 朱錦滿九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 10 月 23 日早上 9 時左右, 我和兩個朋友在塱原散步, 期間發現約十米以外 在一個堤岸旁的圍欄上有一隻小鳥 該鳥偶爾跳到圍欄附近的地上覓食 由於我不知道牠是哪個鳥種, 所以拍了一些照片, 當中包括這一幅 ( 圖 58) 我把照片張貼在香港觀鳥會網站, 方驚覺這是一隻歐柳鶯 Phylloscopus trochilus, 並且是香港首個紀錄 紀錄委員會評註 當利雅德向同僚宣布, 他把香港觀鳥會網站內的塱原雀鳥照片辨識為歐柳鶯, 在一陣驚喜過後, 隨之而來的是大家的失望 這隻鳥大概已不在此地 因此, 拍照的朱錦滿是唯一在香港見過此鳥種的人 辨識的根據如下 : 該鳥上體純色, 並無翼帶或淡色腰部, 有較長的初級飛羽, 臉 眉紋和下體呈黃色, 嘴和腳較淡色 歐柳鶯是遍佈歐亞北部和溫帶地區的常見繁殖鳥種, 範圍西至愛爾蘭東部, 東及西伯利亞東部的阿納德爾河 (Anadyr River) 盆地, 遷徙性極強, 幾乎全部都會飛到非洲撒哈拉沙漠以南過冬 紀錄委員會找到以下在東亞地區的歐柳鶯紀錄 : 中國大陸青海省格爾木市,1992 年 10 月 日期間 (J. Hornskov in litt.) 河北省北戴河市,2006 年 10 月 4 日 (COS 2007) 內蒙古赤峰市達里諾爾自然保護區,2010 年 9 月 18 日 (P. Holt in prep.) 台灣於 2008 年 10 月 19 日 ( 瀏覽日期 :2011 年 10 月 13 日 ) 南韓 2006 年 9 月 20 日在 Hong Island 發現兩隻, 另在 2007 年 9 月 26 日同一地點發現一隻 (

282 Hong Kong Bird Report : Willow Warbler First Paper 日本 Brazil (2009) 指出歐柳鶯是 日本對開海域罕見 可能的年度候鳥 (9-11 月 ), 首個 紀錄是 2001 年 10 月 29 日發現一隻受困的鳥 (Brazil 1991) 菲律賓 2006 年 10 月 15 日 ( 瀏覽日 期 :2011 年 8 月 8 日 ) 根據上述紀錄, 在南方地區的紀錄均發生在 10 月中下旬, 顯示這是在香港找歐柳鶯的最 好時機 參考資料 Brazil, M The Birds of Japan. Christopher Helm, London. Brazil, M Birds of East Asia. Christopher Helm, London. C.O.S. (China Ornithological Society) China Bird Report China Ornithological Society, Beijing

283 Hong Kong Bird Report : Plain-tailed Warbler First Paper Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror at Tai Po Kau The first Hong Kong record Michelle and Peter Wong c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong On the 9 October 2004, a sunny and dry day with a maximum temperature of about 28 C, we were in Tai Po Kau having a rest at the U-turn of the Blue/Red Walk at about 1.30pm when we both spotted a spectacled warbler Seicercus above the stream among vegetation tendrils. It was very active and stayed most of the time in the middle level of the forest. We managed to follow it with ease for about two minutes before it disappeared into the dense trees. We had previous experience with White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis, but we could tell immediately that this bird was different. It had a complete yellow eye-ring and no wing-bar, while the affinis we had seen before had the orbital ring broken above the eye and a prominent wing-bar. In addition, the belly of this bird was more olive-yellow, quite different from the bright lemon yellow of affinis. We were aware that there were a number of potential confusion species within the "Golden-spectacled Warbler" complex, and we listened carefully for any vocalization, but the bird did not make any sound at all. So we decided to photograph it from as many angles as possible, hoping this would enable successful identification later on. We were able to take six shots, two of which are reproduced in Plates Records Committee Comment In their first report, Peter and Michelle submitted photographs taken in the morning and the afternoon in the same area, thinking they were of the same bird. However, the photos taken in the morning proved to be of Bianchi s Warbler S. valentini, which proved rather confusing and delayed the initial assessment process of the afternoon bird. Despite this, though, it was clear at the time that there was insufficient understanding among the RC of the features that could be used to separate the similar species of the Seicercus complex, and there was no consensus on this bird s identity. Latterly, the RC was able to improve its understanding of the features that are helpful in separation of the various species, and after much debate it proved possible to accept this bird as Plain-tailed Warbler based on a combination of the following features: yellow and unbroken orbital ring, blackish lateral crown stripes reaching no further forward than mid crown, very little, if any, grey in the area below the lateral crown stripes, a very faint wing bar and greenish tinge to breast and flanks

284 Hong Kong Bird Report : Plain-tailed Warbler First Paper Plate 59. Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror 淡尾鶲鶯 Tai Po Kau, Hong Kong, 9 October 2004 大埔滘 2004 年 10 月 9 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 Plate 60. Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror 淡尾鶲鶯 Tai Po Kau, Hong Kong, 9 October 2004 大埔滘 2004 年 10 月 9 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒

285 Hong Kong Bird Report : Plain-tailed Warbler First Paper The photographs were sent to Per Alström, who commented that the bird looked like soror, but that he could not be 100% certain as it is difficult to judge colour, pattern and structure accurately from photographs. The RC considered this, but decided that the identity had been proved beyond reasonable doubt, and that Plain-tailed Warbler could be added to the HK List. Plain-tailed Warbler was only described as recently as 1999; it is a Chinese breeding endemic occurring from southwest China east to Fujian province, and winters south to Indochina. The Records Committee is grateful to Per Alström for his comments on this record and for reviewing criteria for the identification of Seicercus warblers in Hong Kong developed by members of the RC

286 Hong Kong Bird Report : Plain-tailed Warbler First Paper 大埔滘的淡尾鶲鶯 Seicercus soror 香港首個記錄 黃理沛江敏兒 香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2004 年 10 月 9 日, 天氣晴朗且乾燥, 當天的最高氣溫約為攝氏 28 度 於下午 1 時 30 分, 正當我倆在大埔滘紅 藍路急彎站休息時, 我們於河溪上方的藤蔓中看見一隻 Seicercus 屬的鶲鶯 這只鶯十分活躍, 大部份時間均停留於樹林的中層 我們不大費勁的跟著牠約兩分鐘, 直至牠消失於樹叢之中 我們以前曾有目睹白眶鶲鶯 Seicercsu affinis 的經驗, 但我們可以立即且肯定的說這只鶯和白眶鶲鶯不同 牠有一完整的黃色眼眶, 而且沒有翼帶, 相反, 我們以前見過的白眶鶲鶯的眼圈於眼部上方斷開, 也有明顯翼帶 此外, 此鶯的腹部比較呈橄欖黃色, 和白眶鶲鶯鮮明的檸檬黃色不同 我們明白在 金色有眼眶的鶯 中有數個可能引致混淆的品種, 故我們也細心聆聽有沒有嗚叫, 但那只鶯沒有發出任何聲音 我們因此決定於不同角度替其拍下照片, 希望這能幫助我們其後作出成功的品種辨認 我們拍了六張照片, 其中兩張可見於圖 紀錄委員會意見在第一次審議時, 黃及江提交了在同一地區於早上及下午拍得的照片 但早上拍得的照片證實為比氏鶲鶯 S. valentini, 這頗為混淆, 亦延遲了初期的評估過程 不論如何, 可以肯定的是在當時記錄委員會內部並沒有足夠資料可以分辨 Seicercus 屬內相似的物種, 而對於此鳥種的確認亦沒有共識 近來, 記錄委員會加深了對幫助分辦不同品種特徵的認識, 在一輪爭辯後, 委員會根據下列特徵接納此鳥為淡尾鶲鶯 : 黃色而不斷開的眼圈, 最多止於頭頂中央的黑色側冠紋, 側冠紋下方小量的灰色 ( 若有 ), 十分不明顯的翼帶及淡綠色的胸和脇 照片發給了 Per Alström, 他指出此鳥看似淡尾鶲鶯, 但礙於單從相片不能準確地評估顏色 圖案以及體型, 他並不能 100% 肯定 記錄委員會考慮此點後, 決定超越合理懷疑下, 確認對此鳥品種的鑑別, 淡尾鶲鶯亦可以加入香港名錄 淡尾鶲鶯最近只曾描述於 1999 年, 此乃於中國繁殖的獨有鳥種, 分佈由西南中國東至福建省, 並於中南半島渡冬

287 Hong Kong Bird Report : Plain-tailed Warbler First Paper 記錄委員會感謝 Per Alström 對此記錄的評語, 以及審核紀錄委員會成員為分辨 Seicercus 屬鶲鶯而訂出的辨認標準

288 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Swamp Warbler First Paper Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri at Mai Po The first Hong Kong record Paul J. Leader, John A. Allcock, David Stanton and Katherine Leung c/o Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong Whilst undertaking standardized mist-netting surveys at Mai Po Nature Reserve on 10 November 2007, a Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri was trapped. It was extracted and identified by PJL, who had previously trapped the species in China. It was ringed, processed, photographed (Plate 61) and released. Description and biometrics A small, proportionately long-tailed warbler, similar in size to Pallas s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola. Upperparts rufous-brown with extensive black streaking on the crown and mantle. Face rather plain, with diffuse greyish supercilium and lores. Forecrown rufous and unstreaked. Throat, centre of belly and under tail coverts, off white. Flanks rufous. Tertials largely black, but with narrow rufous fringe; greater and primary coverts similar, but with broader rufous fringe. Upper tail coverts rufous with black centres. Tail feathers rufous with black shaft streaks. Short stubby bill, upper mandible blackish with grey pink cutting edge, lower mandible dusky greypink at tip, yellowish pink at base. Legs and feet yellowish pink. Maximum wing chord: 53.5 mm Tail: 56 mm Tail difference: 27.0 mm Bill (skull): 11.9 mm Bill (depth): 3.0 mm Bill (width): 3.0 mm Tarsus: 19.1 mm Wing formula: P1(+5.8 mm) P2(-8.6 mm) P3(-1.0 mm) P4(WP) P5(WP) P6(-1.9 mm) P7(-3.7 mm) P8(-4.5 mm) P9(-6.3 mm) P10(-8.2 mm) P1 to wing point: 25.5 mm Primary projection : 10.4mm Emarginations: on primaries 3, 4 and 5 Age: first-winter (based upon greyish iris colour and well defined tongue spots) Identification The combination of structure (proportionately long tail, short wings and short stubby bill) and plumage (black markings on crown, mantle and tail, but otherwise rich brown above) are unique to Japanese Swamp Warbler and there are no other potential

289 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Swamp Warbler First Paper confusion species. In addition, it is unique among Old World warblers in having a vestigial wing claw (which was noted as being present at the time of trapping) (Kennerley and Pearson 2010) Plate 61. Japanese Swamp Warbler Locustella pryeri 斑背大尾鶯 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 10 November 2007 米埔 2007 年 11 月 10 日 Paul J. Leader 利雅德 Distribution Japanese Swamp Warbler comprises two subspecies, the nominate, which is restricted to Japan, and sinensis, which breeds in China, Mongolia and the Russian Far East (BirdLife International 2006). Cheng (1987) states that it breeds in Liaoning Province and winters in the Yangtze Valley. It is known to breed at Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve, Shanghai (BirdLife International 2006), and it has also recently been found to breed at Poyang Hu, Jiangxi Province (He et al. 2008). He et al. (2008) considered that the population there might be as high as 5,000 pairs. The Hong Kong record however, would appear to be the first south of the Yangtze floodplain. Acknowledgements We would like to thank World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong for facilitating the mist-netting study at Mai Po NR, and also the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation for providing permits allowing us to undertake the study

290 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Swamp Warbler First Paper References BirdLife International (2006). Threatened Birds of Asia. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and Cambridge. Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. He F. Q., Lin J. S., Huang X. J., and Dong W. X Preliminary report on the Poyang Lake breeding subpopulation of the Marsh Grassbird in Jiangxi of central south China. Chinese J. Zool, 43: (in Chinese). Kennerley, P and Pearson, P Reed and Bush Warblers. Christopher Helm, London. Records Committee Comment The discovery of a large breeding population of this species in the Poyang Hu area highlighted the possibility of occurrence of Japanese Swamp Warbler in HK. Given its habits and habitat preferences, however, it was always more likely to appear in a mist net rather than as a field record. Given the likely population in the Yangtze floodplain, it may prove to be a regular, if rare, late autumn and winter visitor

291 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Swamp Warbler First Paper 米埔的斑背大尾鶯 Locustella pryeri 香港首個紀錄 利雅德 John A. Allcock David Stanton 及梁嘉善 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants 轉交 2007 年 11 月 10 日, 我們在米埔自然護理區進行定期的霧網調查時, 捕捉到一隻斑背大尾鶯 Locustella pryeri 該鳥由利雅德從網中取出和辨認, 他曾於中國進行調查時捕獲該鳥種 我們為該鳥進行環誌, 量度身體數據及拍照後 ( 圖 61), 隨即野放 外型與身體數據身形細小如小蝗鶯 Locustella certhiola, 比例上尾部較長 背面呈赤褐色, 頭頂及後枕有很多黑色條紋 面部純色, 隱約可見灰色的眉紋及眼先 頭頂前面部分赤色而沒有條紋, 喉部 腹部中央及尾下覆羽為純白色 脇兩側赤色 三級飛羽大部分為黑色, 帶幼長的赤色邊緣, 大覆羽及大初級覆羽亦如此, 唯赤色部分較闊 尾上覆羽赤色, 羽毛中心部分呈黑色 尾羽為赤色, 羽軸黑色 喙部短而粗, 上咀黑色, 切割緣呈灰粉紅色, 下咀部尖端為帶灰褐的粉紅色, 近咀基部分為帶黃的粉紅色, 腳與爪都是帶黃的粉紅色 最大翼展 :53.5 mm 尾羽 :56 mm 尾羽與尾上覆羽差距 :27.0 mm 喙部及頭部總長 :11.9 mm 喙長 :3.0 mm 喙寬 :3.0 mm 跗長 :19.1 mm 各初級飛羽長度 :P1(+5.8 mm) P2(-8.6 mm) P3(-1.0 mm) P4(WP) P5(WP) P6(-1.9 mm) P7(-3.7 mm) P8(-4.5 mm) P9(-6.3 mm) P10(-8.2 mm) 第一初級飛羽 (P1) 至翼尖長度 : 25.5 mm 初級飛羽突出長度 : 10.4mm 凹緣 : 於第三 四及五初級飛羽年齡 : 第一次渡冬 ( 憑灰色的虹膜及舌上的黑點辨認 )

292 Hong Kong Bird Report : Japanese Swamp Warbler First Paper 鳥種辨認斑背大尾鶯的外形 ( 比例上較長的尾部 較短的翅膀與粗短的喙部 ) 以及羽色 ( 頭頂及尾羽的黑色斑紋與背部的赤褐色 ) 都相當獨特, 難以與其他鳥種混淆 另外, 在舊世界鶯科中, 唯獨這鳥種有退化的翅爪 ( 我們在捕得此鳥時亦注意到 ) (Kennerley and Pearson 2010) 分佈斑背大尾鶯有兩個亞種, 第一是指名亞種, 只在日本出現 ; 另一亞種是 sinensis, 在中國 蒙古及俄羅斯遠東繁殖 (BirdLife International 2006) 鄭作新 (1987) 指出, 此亞種在遼寧省繁殖, 並在長江峽谷渡冬 另外, 在上海崇明東灘保護區 (BirdLife International 2006), 以及近年在江西省鄱陽湖 ( 何芬奇等, 2008), 亦有繁殖紀錄 何芬奇等人 (2008) 認為斑背大尾鶯在鄱陽湖的數量約高至 5,000 對 是次在本港的發現是長江沖積平原以南的首個紀錄 鳴謝感謝世界自然基金會香港分會為我們在米埔自然護理區的霧網調查提供協助, 亦感謝漁農自然護理署發出調查所需的許可證 參考資料 BirdLife International (2006). Threatened Birds of Asia. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and Cambridge. Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. 何芬奇, 林劍聲, 黃小江, 董文曉 (2008 年 ) 斑背大尾鶯鄱陽湖繁殖亞群初報 動物學雜誌 第 43 卷第 2 期 Kennerley, P and Pearson, P Reed and Bush Warblers. Christopher Helm, London. 紀錄委員會評註 : 在鄱陽湖發現的繁殖種群令斑背大尾鶯這鳥種在香港出現的機會大增, 鑑於其習性及喜好的生境, 牠被霧網捕獲的機會比在野外發現容易得多 相應長江沖積平的種群, 此鳥種可能會是在深秋及冬季到訪香港的候鳥

293 Hong Kong Bird Report : 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat First Paper 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca blythi at Mai Po Nature Reserve The first Hong Kong record Paul J. Leader and John A. Allcock c/o Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, HK Whilst undertaking standardized mist-netting surveys at Mai Po Nature Reserve on 15 th October 2006, a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca was trapped. It was extracted and identified by PJL, and ringed, processed, photographed and released. Based on a combination of plumage and structure it was identified as being of the subspecies blythi, and this was confirmed following genetic analysis of feathers collected at the time of trapping (Urban Olsson in litt. to PJL, 2007). This is the second record of Lesser Whitethroat (sensu lato) in Hong Kong, and follows one in October 2002 (Leven and Ying 2007). However, it was not possible to assign the 2002 record to any particular taxon, and following the treatment of Desert Lesser Whitethroat S. minula as a full species (Gill and Donsker 2010), that record is now treated as Lesser Whitethroat sp. As such the October 2006 individual becomes the first accepted record of Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca in Hong Kong. Plate 62. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca blythi 白喉林鶯 Mai Po NR, Hong Kong, 15 October 年 10 月 15 日於米埔自然護理區 Paul J. Leader

294 Hong Kong Bird Report : 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat First Paper The taxonomy of the Lesser Whitethroat complex remains unresolved; however, as noted above, based on genetic analysis this bird was identified as belonging to the taxon blythi, which breeds across much of southern Siberia east to about Lake Baikal, and winters in India. The following description was taken from photographs obtained at the time of trapping, one of which is reproduced as Plate 61. A distinctive greyish warbler with white outer tail feathers. Crown and ear-coverts dark grey, indisctinct whitish supercilium, lower eye-ring white. Mantle and wing coverts grey brown, outer webs to tertials similar colour as mantle, but slightly paler, inner webs darker and greyer. Alula blackish. Underparts off-white, with pale buff wash to flanks. Tail grey-brown, outer tail feathers extensively white, second outer tail feather with small off-white wedge at tip. Bill dark grey with paler base to lower mandible, legs and feet very dark grey, irides grey and clearly paler than pupils. The following biometrics were taken: Wing length (maximum chord): 66mm Tail length: 56.5 mm Tarsus length: 19.5mm Bill width: 3.7mm Weight: 10.0g Tail Difference: 4.9mm Primary projection: 11.5mm Primary lengths relative to wingpoint (all mm): P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P WP WP P1=PC+2.5 Emargination on primaries 3, 4 & 5 References Gill, F. & D. Donsker (Eds) IOC World Bird Names (version 2.3). Available at worldbirdnames.org/ [Accessed March 2010]. Leven, M. R. and Ying, H-k Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca at Yin Kong. The First Hong Kong Record. Hong Kong Bird Report : Records Committee Comment As a common and widespread breeding bird in much of its range, and one that winters in India, this taxon was always a likely candidate for occurrence in HK sooner or later. Fortunately, its trapping enabled its exact taxonomic status to be ascertained, and it may be that this record is re-visited in the future, once the taxonomic relationships among the Sylvia curruca complex are resolved

295 Hong Kong Bird Report : 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat First Paper 米埔的 西伯利亞 白喉林鶯 Sylvia curruca blythi 香港首個記錄 利雅德及 John A. Allcock 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd 轉交 2006 年 10 月 15 日我們在米埔自然護理區進行標準霧網調查時捕獲一隻白喉林鶯 Sylvia curruca 其後利雅德把牠抽出來辨識及戴上腳環, 再經處理 拍照後便野放了牠 從其羽毛的組合及結構來判定, 牠屬於 blythi 亞種 ; 其後以牠在捕獲後抽取的羽毛作基因結構分析, 結果亦脗合 (Urban Olsson in litt. to PJL, 2007) 這是白喉林鶯在香港錄得的第二個記錄 ( 整體而言 ), 首個記錄在 2002 年 10 月 (Leven and Ying 2007) 然而 2002 年的記錄因為未能判定是那一特定的種別 (taxon), 同時由於沙白喉林鶯 S. minula 已成為一獨立品種 (Gill and Donsker 2010), 那記錄現只能判定為白喉林鶯的鳥種之一 因此 2006 年 10 月的個體便成為香港首個被接納的白喉林鶯 S. curruca 的記錄 白喉林鶯的分類法至今依然未有定案, 然而如前所述, 基於基因分析的結果已把這鳥兒辨識為 blythi 亞種, 此亞種在西伯利亞南部大部份地區以至貝加爾湖東部繁殖, 並於印度渡冬 以鳥兒被捕後的照片為基礎, 我們作了以下的描述 ( 相片見圖 61): 一隻獨特帶灰色的鶯, 尾羽外側呈白色, 牠擁有深灰色的冠紋和耳羽 模糊的白色眉紋, 而其眼圈下方亦為白色 背部及覆羽呈灰褐色, 三級飛羽外羽片與背部同色但淡一點, 內羽片則更深色及灰調更濃, 小翼羽帶黑 ; 下體灰白色, 兩脅滲著淡淡的暗黃調 ; 尾部灰褐色, 外尾羽帶有大片的白色, 第二條外尾羽的未端有呈楔形的灰白色斑紋 ; 喙部呈灰黑色, 下咀基較淺色 ; 腿及腳部深灰黑色, 而灰色的虹膜比瞳孔明顯較淡色 以下是生物測定的數據 : 翼長 ( 最長 ):66mm 尾長 : 56.5 mm 跗蹠 :19.5mm 喙寬 : 3.7mm 重量 : 10.0g 尾差 : 4.9mm 初級飛羽凸出部份的長度 : 11.5mm

296 Hong Kong Bird Report : 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat First Paper 初級飛羽相對於翼尖的長度 (mm): P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P WP WP P1=PC+2.5 有羽片凹緣的初級飛羽 :3, 4 & 5 參考資料 Gill, F. & D. Donsker (Eds) IOC World Bird Names (version 2.3). Available at worldbirdnames.org/ [Accessed March 2010]. Leven, M. R. and Ying, H-k Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca at Yin Kong. The First Hong Kong Record. Hong Kong Bird Report : 紀錄委員會評註 : 由於這是一種在其繁殖範圍內常見且廣泛分佈的鳥種, 同時亦會在印度渡冬, 故這鳥種在香港出現實際上只是遲早的問題 我們感到非常幸運, 因為牠被捕獲使我們能確定牠在分類學上的確實身份, 當 Sylvia curruca 的分類關係弄清後, 這項紀錄很可能會再次審閱

297 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni on Po Toi Island The first Hong Kong record Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong At around 1pm on 11 th December 2007, I was walking down the concrete steps leading from the Upper to the Lower School on Po Toi when a redstart Phoenicurus flew past me in the direction I was going, landing on the lower branch of a small tree overhanging the pathway about 20 metres in front of me. I knew it was a redstart from the red on the sides of the tail, but on looking at it through binoculars I could see it was an overall grey colour, too dark and too grey for a female Daurian Redstart P. auroreus. When it turned around, I could also see it did not have any white patch on the wings. I started taking photographs, following the bird as it continued down the path using the lower branches of several small trees and bamboos as perches to survey the surrounding area. Fortunately, it was not shy and I was able to take photographs down to 10 metres. After a short time it reached the bottom of the path and flew off in the direction of the ferry pier. I did not see it again. If I had been either five minutes earlier or five minutes later, I would have missed the bird completely, which perhaps indicates how many good birds on Po Toi must go unseen. My description made later that evening is based on observation and the photographs, one of which is reproduced here (Plate 63). Size appeared slightly larger than Daurian Redstart. Shape, more slender. The wings were noticeably longer and stretched further down the tail than Daurian Redstart. Overall colour ashy grey-brown, darker on the flight feathers and tail and pale on the belly. Head, fairly uniform dark grey-brown, with eye-brow and crown appearing to protrude somewhat, leaving the eyes in a slight depression. The eye-brow had some pale fluffy feathering. The most noticeable feature was a white eye-ring. There were faint pale lines on the throat, malar and sub-moustachial. Bill small and black, flycatcher like. The mantle and scapulars were the same dark grey-brown, though with a blue-grey sheen in places. The flight feathers were blackish with pale margins on the tertials and a fine pale line along the greater coverts. No sign of any white on the wing in flight. Underparts similar grey-brown but belly pale with some hint of buff. Front of breast slightly mottled. Legs black

298 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper Rump reddish-orange, only visible in flight. Most of the central upper tail feathers were a similar colour to the flight feathers, but the outer upper tail feathers were reddish-orange to a point about three-quarters along the length of the tail. The undertail coverts were slightly paler reddish-orange, while the undertail feathers were reddish-orange to about three-quarters down the tail. It was flycatching like a redstart, perching on prominent branches. Voice a tic tic call, rather like a European Robin Erithacus rubecula. I thought at first it was a Black Redstart P. ochruros, probably first-winter male, although certain features such as the pale belly did not quite fit and I also considered Blue-fronted Redstart P. frontalis was a possibility. I was unaware of the very similar Hodgson s Redstart P. hodgsoni, until Paul Leader mentioned it much later after an examination of skins at the British Museum (Natural History). Plate 63. Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni 黑喉紅尾鴝 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 11 December 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 12 月 11 日 Geoff Welch Records Committee Comment Although photographed, determining the identification of this bird proved extremely problematic. This was in no way due to the quality of the photographs but more due to the lack

299 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper of detail in the literature when dealing with the identification of redstarts in female plumage. Initially it was thought that it was either a Blue-fronted Redstart P. frontalis or a Black Redstart P. ochruros. Examination of photos suggested that the bird showed the classic inverted-t tail pattern of Blue-fronted; however, a critical review of the photos determined that this is not the case and that details of the tail pattern of Blue-fronted, in particular the all dark outer web of the outermost tail feathers, are not present. Moreover, there are marked structural differences between the two, with Blue-fronted Redstart having an obviously shorter primary projection and tail than Black Redstart, which the Po Toi bird clearly lacked. It soon became apparent that it was either a Black Redstart or a Hodgson s Redstart. To resolve the question an examination of museum material was carried out by Paul Leader at the British Museum (Natural History) (BMNH). He found that females of one of the two subspecies of Black Redstart that occur widely in China, P. o. phoenicuroides were rather similar to female Hodgson s Redstart, whereas female P. o. rufiventris were quite different to the Po Toi bird. The key differences are summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1 Key differences between female Black Redstart P. ochruros of the subspecies phoenicuroides and rufiventris and Hodgson s Redstart P. hodgsoni based on a review of specimens at BMNH. Upperparts Underparts Structure P. ochruros phoenicuroides Sandy-brown, sometimes paler on crown and nape Distinctly paler below than rufiventris, but also greyer on throat and upper breast becoming slightly darker and reddish brown on lower breast and below. Pale belly patch usually absent, if present restricted to lower belly (between legs). Primary projection longer than exposed tertials and reaching halfway down tail P. ochurus rufiventris P. hodgsoni Uniform, dark brown Dark below, greyer on throat and upper breast becoming slightly darker and reddish brown on lower breast and below. No pale belly patch Primary projection longer than exposed tertials and reaching halfway down tail Mid grey-brown, paler and greyer than rufiventris, darker and colder than phoenicuroides Distinctly paler than rufiventris, similar to phoenicuroides but obviously greyer. Lacks rufous tones to underparts and hence more uniform below. However shows large very pale belly patch. Lack of rufous below results in obvious contrast between rufous undertail coverts and rest of underparts. Primary projection shorter than exposed tertials and falling level with longest uppertail coverts. Based upon the colour of the upperparts, greyer underparts and especially the relatively large pale belly patch, it was concluded that the Po Toi bird was a female Hodgson s Redstart

300 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper Given this, the next task was to decide the category of the HK List into which the species should be included. The global range of Hodgson s Redstart is summarized by Robson (2008): Breeds SE, E Tibet, SW, W, N China; winters N, NE Indian subcontinent, C, SW China. Richard Lewthwaite carried out a review of its distribution in China, which is summarized below. In China, Hodgson s Redstart is resident in eastern Qinghai, west and southeast Gansu, northern, central and southwest Sichuan (Dege, Songpan, Emei, Ya an, Xichang, i.e. the western half of the province), west Yunnan (south to Tengchong) and southern Tibet (from Cona east to Riwoqe and Markam, i.e. to the east of Bhutan), and is a winter visitor (or doubtfully resident) in southern Shaanxi, Hubei, Hunan, east Sichuan and eastern Yunnan (Cheng 1987). Specimens collected at Yuanling, northwest Hunan on 11 Nov (Cheng et al ), Yichang, northwest Hubei on 4 Feb 1909 (Thayer and Bangs 1912) and various localities in southern Gansu both in summer and winter during May 1925-Sep 1926 (Bangs and Peters 1928) appear to be the sources of Cheng s listing for these provinces. Perhaps surprisingly, there are no records from Guizhou or Guangxi. In the China Bird Reports of 2003 to 2007, in addition to records of birds in breeding areas between mid March and late September/early October, there a number of records of birds in or near known breeding areas in Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet. There are also winter records in Shaanxi (from where there appear to be no summer records) and a late autumn/early winter record from southeast Henan, which is by far the easternmost record. The latter was of two at Dongzhai NR, Luoshan during November. In view of its limited range in western China, southern Tibet, northern India and Nepal and the fact that it is a rather short-winged species, it could be argued that there is little likelihood of one occurring naturally on a small island off the Guangdong coast. However, the following should be noted. It has been recorded in winter up to 1200 km from the nearest known breeding site. In the north of the range, notable winter records are from southern Shaanxi (c. 250 km from nearest known breeding grounds), northwest Hubei (600 km), northwest Hunan (750 km) and southeast Henan (1100 km). In the south of the range, birds regularly winter in ne India (500 km from known breeding areas) and in western Nepal (1200 km west of the nearest known breeding sites in southern Tibet). It is known to move east, west and south from breeding grounds to wintering areas. In the north of the range, there are clear examples of birds that have moved east to winter at similar latitudes to the breeding areas, and in the south of the range, birds must migrate west to reach Nepal in winter. First-winters may well be more inclined to wander than the records suggest but have been overlooked among Black or Blue-fronted Redstarts. Dongzhai (114 E) lies at the same longitude as Hong Kong (c 22 N, 114 E) and is c km from the nearest breeding sites in Gansu or Sichuan, which is comparable to the 1500 km that separates Hong Kong from its nearest breeding locality in Lijiang, Yunnan. Since

301 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper the southernmost winter record is from Ruili (24 N), there are winter records as far east and almost as far south as Hong Kong. For these reasons, in addition of course to the lack of any damage to the plumage suggestive of previous captivity, Hodgson s Redstart was accepted into Category I of the HK List. References Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. Robson, C A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia (2 nd ed.). New Holland, UK

302 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper 蒲台島的黑喉紅尾鴝 Phoenicurus hodgsoni 香港首個紀錄 Geoff Welch 香港鴨脷洲海怡半島 25 座 23A 2007 年 12 月 11 日大約下午 1 時, 當我在蒲台島由山上學校沿路行至山下學校時, 一隻紅尾鴝往山下的方向飛過, 並停留在離我約廿米的樹枝上 從該鳥尾部的紅色, 我得知是一隻紅尾鴝 我用望遠鏡觀察到該鳥全身是灰色的, 若是北紅尾鴝雌鳥, 該鳥的顏色卻是太暗和太灰 牠轉身後, 我能看到牠沒有白色翼斑 當牠繼續沿路旁小樹和竹樹枝作停留時, 我跟隨牠並開始拍照 幸好牠不怕人, 使我可以在近至 10 米的距離拍照 過了一段短時間, 牠到達小徑的末端, 然後飛往碼頭方向 我再沒有看到牠 如果我五分鐘前或五分鐘後到達該處, 我很可能錯過該鳥, 或許這顯示蒲台島仍有很多未被發現的好鳥種 圖 63 是其中兩張相片 根據觀察和照片, 我在當晚記下這些描述 : 該鳥比北紅尾鴝大一些, 身形更修長, 翅膀明顯較長及伸展至尾部 整體是灰棕色, 飛羽及尾部顏色較深, 腹部較淺色 頭部是均勻的深灰棕色, 眼眉及頭頂看似較突出, 而眼睛看似有少許凹下去 眼眉有些淡色絨毛狀的羽毛 ; 最顯著的特徵是白色的眼圈 喉部 顎部及頰下有淡色的線條 細小的黑色喙與鶲科相似 上背及肩羽呈相同的深灰棕色, 部分地方有藍灰色光澤 飛羽為黑色, 三級飛羽邊緣顏色較淡, 而沿大覆羽有一條淡色幼線 飛行時翅膀上沒有任何白色 下體有相似的灰棕色, 但腹部有淡淡的暗黃色 胸前有少許斑紋 ; 腳是黑色的 飛行時, 能看到橙紅色腰部 尾上覆羽中間的顏色與飛羽相同, 但尾上覆羽外圍直至尾部的四分之三部分呈橙紅色, 而尾下覆羽直至尾下的四分三呈較淡的橙紅色 牠的飛行動作像紅尾鴝鳥, 在突出的樹枝上棲息 牠發出 啲啲 叫聲, 有點像歐亞鴝 Erithacus rubecula

303 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper 我初時想牠大概是首次渡冬的赭紅尾鴝 P. ochruros 雄鳥, 不過部分特徵例如腹部的淡色並不符合, 故此我也考慮過藍額紅尾鴝 P. frontalis 的可能性 我一直未有察覺可能是黑喉紅尾鴝 P. hodgsoni, 直至利雅德在大英自然史博物館檢視過黑喉紅尾鴝的標本, 並在很久之後提及此事 紀錄委員會評註雖有相片紀錄, 要辨認此鳥仍非常困難 這並不是因為相片的質素, 而是缺乏辨認雌性紅尾鴝羽毛的文獻 當初曾把牠當作是藍額紅尾鴝, 或是赭紅尾鴝 從相片可以見到該鳥的尾部擁有藍額紅尾鴝典型的倒 T 狀斑紋, 但仔細看清楚卻發現牠並沒有藍額紅尾鴝應有的特徵, 例如最外尾羽的全黑色外邊 此外, 兩者的外型特徵亦頗為不同, 藍額紅尾鴝的初級飛羽突出部份及尾部明顯較赭紅尾鴝短, 這是蒲台那隻鳥所沒有的, 所以漸漸開始覺得牠是赭紅尾鴝或黑喉紅尾鴝其中一種 為求解開這個謎, 利雅德到大英自然史博物館檢視博物館內的收藏 他發現在中國廣泛分佈的赭紅尾鴝的其中一個亞種 P. o. phoenicuroides 的雌鳥與黑喉紅尾鴝很相似 ; 而 P. o. rufiventris 的雌鳥則與蒲台那隻鳥很不同 其主要分別已列在表 1 中 表 1. 基於檢視在大英自然史博物館的雀鳥標本所得出兩個赭紅尾鴝亞種的雌鳥以及黑喉紅尾鴝雌鳥的主要分別 赭紅尾鴝 phoenicuroides 亞種 赭紅尾鴝 rufiventris 亞種 黑喉紅尾鴝 上身 沙棕色, 頭頂和枕部 均勻的深棕色 中度的灰棕色, 顏色比 會有些淡色 赭紅尾鴝 rufiventris 亞種 較淡和較灰, 比赭紅尾鴝 phoenicuroides 亞種較深和 色調較冷 下身 下部明顯較 rufiventris 下部較深色, 喉灰 明顯較 rufiventris 淺色, 與 淺色, 喉灰色, 上胸 色, 上胸稍為深色, phoenicuroides 相近但明 稍為深色, 下胸褐紅 下胸及以下褐紅色 顯較灰 下部缺少褐紅的色 色 腹部通常沒有淺 沒有淺色的腹斑 調, 所以顯得較平均 但非 色斑, 若有亦只在下 常大而淺色的腹斑 下部缺 腹部 ( 兩腳之間 ) 出 少褐紅的色調所以造成褐紅 現 色尾下覆羽與下部他部份的 明顯對比 外型 初級飛羽突出部份較 初級飛羽突出部份較 初級飛羽突出部份較外露的 外露的三級飛羽長, 外露的三級飛羽長, 三級飛羽短, 並達至最長的 並達至尾部的中段 並達至尾部的中段 尾上覆羽

304 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper 基於上身的顏色及較灰色的下身, 加上較大片的淺色腹斑, 得出結論為蒲台該鳥是一隻雌性黑喉紅尾鴝 有了鳥種結論後, 下一步便是決定此鳥種列入香港鳥類名錄的哪一類別 Robson (2008) 對黑喉紅尾鴝之全球分佈的總結如下 : 在西藏東及東南部, 以及中國北部 西及西南部繁殖 ; 在印度次大陸北及東北部, 以及中國西南及中部渡冬 Richard Lewthwaite 也重新探討了黑喉紅尾鴝在中國的分佈情況, 以下是他的總結 黑喉紅尾鴝是青海東部 甘肅西部及東南部 四川北部 中部及西南部 ( 德格縣 松潘縣 峨眉山 雅安市 西昌市, 即四川省的西半部 ) 雲南西部( 南至騰沖縣 ) 以及西藏南部 ( 由錯那縣東部至類烏齊縣及芒康縣, 即是不丹以東 ) 的留鳥 ; 在陝西 湖北 湖南 四川東部及雲南東部為冬候鳥 ( 或疑似留鳥 )( 鄭作新,1987) 在 1909 年 2 月 4 日於湖北省西北部宜昌市 (Thayer and Bangs, 1912) 同年 11 月 11 日於湖南省西北部沅陵縣 ( 鄭作新等人, ) 以及在 1925 年 5 月至 1926 年 9 月的夏季及冬季於甘肅南部各地所收集的標本, 似乎是鄭作新列出黑喉紅尾鴝在這些省份的資料來源 也許令人驚訝的是, 在貴州或廣西並沒有黑喉紅尾鴝的紀錄 在中國鳥類年報 2003 至 2007 年, 除了由三月中至九月尾 / 十月頭的繁殖紀錄外, 亦有數項在四川 雲南及西藏繁殖地及附近地區的紀錄 陝西亦有冬季的紀錄 ( 似乎該處沒有夏季紀錄 ), 而秋季尾冬季初在河南東南的紀錄是暫時最東的紀錄, 當中包括 11 月 17 至 19 在羅山縣董寨自然保護區 鑑於此鳥種在中國西部的 西藏西部 印度北部及尼泊爾的局限分佈, 以及其較短的翅膀, 有理由質疑牠在廣東海岸的一個小島上自然出現的可能性 但同時亦須考慮以下的論據 牠曾在繁殖地 1200 公里以外的地方渡冬 在其分佈範圍的北部, 冬季紀錄包括陝西南部 ( 已知繁殖地約 250 公里 ), 河北西北部 (600 公里 ), 湖南西北部 (750 公里 ) 及河南東南 (1100 公里 ) 而在南部, 牠定期於印度東北 ( 離已知繁殖地 500 公里 ) 及尼泊爾西部 ( 離西藏最近的已知繁殖地 1200 公里 ) 渡冬 牠已確認可飛到繁殖地的東 西及南部渡冬 在分佈範圍的北部, 牠是在同一緯度由繁殖地往東飛渡冬的候鳥 ; 在分佈範圍的南部, 牠一定是往西飛往達尼泊爾渡冬 首次渡冬鳥可能會飛往比紀錄所顯示的地點更廣泛的地區但因與赭紅尾鴝及藍額紅尾鴝混淆而被忽略

305 Hong Kong Bird Report : Hodgson's Redstart First Paper 董寨 (114 E) 與香港位於同一緯度並離甘肅或四川的繁殖地約 1100 公里 此距離與香港離最接近繁殖地-雲南麗江的 1500 公里距離相若 由於其最南的渡冬地是瑞麗 (24 N), 所以渡冬的紀錄在其東部出現, 而且更有可能遠至香港 基於這會原因, 以及沒有因圈養而造成損傷的跡象, 所以黑喉紅尾鴝被接納於香港鳥類名錄第 I 類 參考資料 Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. Robson, C A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia (2 nd ed.). New Holland, UK

306 Hong Kong Bird Report : Slaty-backed Flycatcher First Paper Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii at Tso Kung Tam near Tsuen Wan The first Hong Kong record Andy Luk Yeung Cheung c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building,480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong At around 1pm on 10 February 2008, I was walking alongside the river at Tso Kung Tam when I saw a small bird around five metres away, sometimes in the trees, sometimes flying down to the stones. I realized it was a flycatcher from its behaviour and thought at first it was an Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica, which is quite often seen in that area. However, through binoculars I could see the body was too dark and grey for that species, and it was not as large and had a smaller eye. I slowly approached the bird and as I got closer I noticed the breast, although grey, had pale brown patches. I realized this was a species I had not seen before, so I sat down for the next three hours taking photographs (see Plates 64-65). When I got home I checked the on-line photographs of other flycatcher species and thought it might be a Slaty-Backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii. I posted the photographs on the chinabirdnet website and on the HKBWS website for confirmation. The bird remained in the area for some time, and was last seen on 2 March. Records Committee Comments Although there are a number of small female/immature Ficedula flycatchers to be considered, the combination of plain, dull upperparts apart from the narrow though obvious wingbar, rufous at the base of the tail, greyish throat and breast, small size and relative uniformity of general appearance narrow it down to Slaty-backed. This bird was in its first winter, as it had retained juvenile feathers on the side of the breast, scapulars and on one side of the face. Robson (2008) states that within southeast Asia it is resident in parts of Burma and also occurs as a scarce to fairly common winter visitor to central and southern Burma, Tenasserim and parts of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. In China, Cheng (1987) records Slaty-backed Flycatcher as breeding in southwest Gansu, southern Qinghai (Yushu), much of Sichuan, parts of Yunnan (Lijiang and Tengchong) and in southwest and southeast Tibet. In addition, in Beijing it is listed as a Category A summer visitor in the Beijing Bird Watching Society lists of 2007 and The 2007 list mentions a record (or records) in It has also been recorded on Happy Island off the coast of Hebei province (G.J. Carey pers. obs.) In northwest Guangxi one was at Xilin on 28 April 2007, the first for the province (CBR 2007)

307 Hong Kong Bird Report : Slaty-backed Flycatcher First Paper Plate 64. Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 銹胸藍姬鶲 Tso Kung Tam, Tusen Wan, Hong Kong, 10 February 2008 荃灣曹公潭 2008 年 2 月 10 日 Andy Luk Yeung Cheung 張玉良 Plate 65. Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 銹胸藍姬鶲 Tso Kung Tam, Tusen Wan, Hong Kong, 10 February 2008 荃灣曹公潭 2008 年 2 月 10 日 Andy Luk Yeung Cheung 張玉良

308 Hong Kong Bird Report : Slaty-backed Flycatcher First Paper Richard Lewthwaite s database of records confirms that it still occurs in summer in Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Shaanxi, very commonly at some sites (e.g. counts of up to 70 at Wuiyipeng, Sichuan in early June). It does not appear to arrive early at the breeding grounds, as the earliest dates are 1 May at Tengchong, 18 May on Emei Shan, 27 May at Jiuzhaiguo, and elsewhere not before June. There are also winter records of up to ten in the Ruili-Yingjiang area (which lies at a similar latitude to HK) between December and late March, but no records there in April or May. It arrived during a period of exceptionally cold weather in southern China, and at least one Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher was found around the same time. Given its distribution, the fact it is a migratory species and that the weather conditions were conducive to movement from areas further north, Slaty-backed Flycatcher was accepted into Category I of the HK List. References Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. Robson, C A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia (2 nd ed.). New Holland, UK

309 Hong Kong Bird Report : Slaty-backed Flycatcher First Paper 曹公潭近荃灣的銹胸藍姬鶲 Ficedula hodgsonii 香港首個紀錄 張玉良 九龍油麻地彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 2 月 10 日下午 1 時左右, 我沿著曹公潭的河邊散步, 忽然看見約 5 米外有一隻細小的雀鳥, 時而在樹上, 時而飛到石上 觀其行徑, 我判別其為一隻鶲 我起初以為牠是該區常見的北灰鶲 Muscicapa dauurica, 可是透過望遠鏡一看, 我發現該鳥的身體偏暗灰色, 體型和眼睛均較小, 不像是北灰鶲 我小心翼翼地靠近該鳥, 發現其胸雖屬灰色, 但帶有淺啡斑 當下我意識到這是我前所未見的鳥種, 於是坐下來, 拍了三個小時的照片 ( 圖 64-65) 回家後, 我上網比對其他鶲的照片, 認為該鳥可能是銹胸藍姬鶲 Ficedula hodgsonii 我先把照片上傳至中國觀鳥網絡網站, 然後又放到香港觀鳥會網站, 等候確認 該鳥逗留了一段時間, 直至 3 月 2 日仍可見到牠 紀錄委員會評註儘管此鳥也有可能是其他數種姬鶲 Ficedula 的雌鳥 / 幼鳥, 但同時具備純色和暗啞的上體 幼細但明顯的翼帶 赤褐色的尾巴基部 灰色的喉和胸 細小體型和整體外貌較為一致的, 就只有銹胸藍姬鶲 此鳥胸側 肩羽和一邊臉上仍有幼鳥羽毛, 應該是首次渡冬鳥 Robson (2008) 指出在東南亞, 銹胸藍姬鶲在緬甸部分地區屬於留鳥, 在緬甸中南部和德林達依省 泰國 柬埔寨和老撾的部分地區則屬罕見至頗常見的冬季候鳥 鄭作新 (1987) 記錄了銹胸藍姬鶲在中國甘肅省西南部 青海省南部 ( 玉樹 ) 四川省大部分地區 雲南省部分地區 ( 麗江和騰冲 ) 西藏西南及東南繁殖 此外, 北京觀鳥會在 2007 年和 2009 年把銹胸藍姬鶲錄入北京的 A 類 夏候鳥 2007 年的名錄提及 2005 年的一個或多個紀錄 在河北省對開的快樂島亦有銹胸藍姬鶲的紀錄 (G.J. Carey 個人觀察 ) 2007 年 4 月 28 日, 在廣西省西北部的西林縣亦有紀錄, 是該省的首個紀錄 (CBR 2007) 根據 Richard Lewthwaite 的紀錄資料庫, 銹胸藍姬鶲在夏季於雲南 四川 青海和陜西某些地點仍屬常見 ( 例如四川省五一棚 ( 音譯 ) 曾在 6 月初錄得上 70 隻 ) 這鳥種似乎

310 Hong Kong Bird Report : Slaty-backed Flycatcher First Paper 不會提早到達繁殖地 最早的紀錄也不過是騰冲的 5 月 1 日 ; 峨嵋山的 5 月 18 日和九寨溝的 5 月 27 日, 其餘地區均不早於 6 月份 冬季紀錄方面, 與香港緯度相若的雲南省瑞麗 盈江地區曾在 12 月至 3 月底錄得 10 隻銹胸藍姬鶲, 但至 4 至 5 月則沒有紀錄 該鳥在華南天氣異常寒冷的時候抵達香港, 在那前後也發現至少一隻橙胸姬鶲 Rufousgorgetted Flycatcher 鑑於其分佈 候鳥屬性以及當時的氣候有利牠們由北方遷徙到港, 因此銹胸藍姬鶲獲納入香港鳥類名錄的第 I 類 參考資料 Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing. Robson, C A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia (2 nd ed.). New Holland, UK

311 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva on Po Toi The first Hong Kong record Paul J. Leader c/o Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, HK Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, HK On Wednesday 4 th April 2007, GW found a flycatcher at the back of the large bush near the main toilet block on Po Toi. He identified it at the time as a Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla, took a single photograph and moved on. There was a good fall of migrants that day following a cold front and the bird had probably arrived the previous night. Exactly one week later, on 11 th April 2007, PJL heard an unusual flycatcher call in exactly the same place. He eventually obtained good views of the bird and, based upon a combination of plumage and call, suspected it to be a Red-breasted Flycatcher F. parva, a species not on the Hong Kong list at that time. He informed other birdwatchers (including GW) and photographers on the island of his suspicions. The bird was seen well by a number of birdwatchers and a series of photographs were taken, one of which is produced here (Plate 66). GW obtained recordings of the call of the bird and was certain that it was the same individual he first saw a week earlier; this was later substantiated by an examination of the single photograph taken that day. The features noted as unusual by PJL on the 11 th April were the pale base to the lower mandible, and the rather brown longest uppertail coverts. However, there were concerns at that time regarding the rather cold grey plumage tones, which is more usually associated with Red-throated Flycatcher, with Red-breasted being warmer above and on the flanks and breast. Subsequent research, including an examination of skins at the British Museum (Natural History) by PJL revealed that late spring Redbreasted Flycatchers, especially first-summer birds, are often colder and greyer than the norm. The call was clearly very different from the typical call of Red-throated Flycatcher being much slower and dryer and, whilst it was still a rattle type call, the individual ticks were widely spaced and and fewer in number. Based upon a review of the photographs and recordings, this individual has been accepted by the HKBWS Records Committee as the first record for Hong Kong; it has also been published elsewhere as the first record for China (Li et al. 2008)

312 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper Separation of Red-throated and Red-breasted Flycatcher Cedderoth et al. (1999) discuss the key features to separate the two Red-breasted and Red-throated Flycatchers. The key features are summarized in Table 1. Plate 66. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 11 April 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 4 月 11 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Adult males are readily separable in midwinter due to the lack of a red-throat in Redthroated at this time of year. Carey et al. (2001) states of Red-throated Flycatcher that the majority of records are of birds lacking red throats; although there are records as early as late January of males with full red throats, most such birds occur in April; this includes regularly-observed wintering birds that remained to attain a red-throat in mid- April. With hindsight it seems possible the birds with red-throats in January were in fact adult male Red-breasted, rather than Red-throated Flycatcher. Constantine (2006) usefully summarises and illustrates the differences in the call between the two species. Red-throated Flycatcher has a consistently faster rattle made up of many evenly and closely spaced ticks. That of Red-breasted is slower, comprising fewer and more widely spaced ticks. This conforms with the recording of the Po Toi bird and is illustrated in the sonagram below (Figure 1), which compares the call of a Red-throated (recorded on Po Toi on 31 st October 2007) with the call of the Po Toi bird recorded on 11 th April A single call note (or rattle ) of each is shown; the key differences are the greater number of more closely spaced ticks within the rattle of the Red-throated (on the left) compared to the fewer and more widely spaced ticks within the rattle of the Red-breasted

313 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper Table 1. Key morphological features to separate Red-breasted and Red-throated Flycatchers (based on Cedderoth et al. 1999). Adult males Adult females and firstwinter Firstwinter only All plumages Red-breasted Flycatcher F. parva Orange-red throat patch larger lacking grey below Crown and nape grey Paler brown above Retains male plumage during winter Typically lacks white throat and warm pale buff below Warmer and more uniform above lacking grey on nape Tertials with small buff spot at tip Lower mandible straw-coloured with slightly darker tip Longest uppertail coverts generally medium brown, concolorous with, or paler than tail Red-throated Flycatcher F. albicilla Orange-red throat patch smaller with broad grey band below Crown and nape brown Darker brown above Moults into a female-like plumage during the winter months (some individuals retain indistinct pinkish wash to upper throat) Typically has clean whitish throat, greyish brown on breast and flanks Darker and colder above, often with greyish wash to the nape Tertials with pale tip and fringe on outer web Lower mandible blackish with base slightly darker Longest uppertail coverts blackish or pure black, darker than tail. Analysis of additional recordings obtained in Hong Kong including and subsequent to this record show that Red-breasted Flycatcher averages eight clicks per rattle with a mean gap of seconds between ticks (n=13) whereas Red-throated Flycatcher averages thirteen clicks per rattle with a gap of seconds between ticks (n=6). Figure 1. Spectograms of the calls of Red-throated Flycatcher F. albicilla (left) recorded on Po Toi on 31 October 2007 and Red-breasted Flycatcher F. parva (right), recorded on Po Toi on 11 April 2007 (Geoff Welch)

314 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper Plate 67. Adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲雄成鳥 Lamma Island, 5 th December 2010 南丫島 2010 年 12 月 5 日 Guy Miller Note the rather extensive orange-red throat patch which extends onto the upper breast and lacks any grey bellow. The grey nape and sides of head are typical of adult males of this species. At this angle the bill looks all dark but other images of the same individual show a pale base to the lower mandible. 留意其較大片的橙紅色胸一直伸延至上胸並且下部沒有灰色 灰色的枕及頭的兩側是典型成年雄鳥的特徵 從這個角度看喙部似是全黑, 但從其他相片可見其下嘴基是淺色的 Plate 68. First-winter Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲首次渡冬鳥 Shek Kong, 24 th January 2009 石崗 2009 年 1 月 24 日 Peter and Michelle Wong 黃理沛江敏兒 A typical first-winter bird showing the classic combination of an obviously pale lower mandible, brownish plumage tones and pale greyish uppertail coverts which are concolorous with the tail. 典型的首次渡冬鳥, 其特徵包括明顯淺色的下嘴基 褐色毛色 淺灰色的尾上覆羽與尾羽同色調 Plate 69. First-year male Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 紅胸姬鶲首年雄鳥 Po Toi Island, 26 th March 2009 蒲台島 2009 年 3 月 26 日 Geoff Welch Note the obviously pale lower mandible and orange tones to the throat patch. The brownish upperparts, flanks and upper breast are typical and warmer than in similarly aged Red-throated Flycatchers. 留意其明顯較淺色的下嘴及橙色的喉部 圖中褐色的上部 脇部 上胸是典型的特徵, 色調比同齡的紅喉姬鶲較暖

315 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper Plate 70. First-year male Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla 紅喉姬鶲首年雄鳥 Kam Tin, 23 rd December 2010 錦田 2010 年 12 月 23 日 Martin Hale 夏敖天 Note especially the solidly black uppertail coverts which are darker than the tail. 留意其深黑的尾上覆羽, 比其尾羽還要黑 Plate 71. Adult male Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla 紅喉姬鶲雄成鳥 Long Valley, 26 th December 2010 塱原 2010 年 12 月 26 日 Jacky Chan 陳家華 Note the black uppertail coverts, which are obviously darker than the tail. The bill is completely black, there is only a trace of red on the throat, and the upperparts, nape and underparts are distinctly grey-toned. 留意其黑色的尾上覆羽, 比尾羽較黑 喙全黑, 喉部只有少量的紅色 上部 枕部及下部帶明顯的灰色色調 Distribution of Red-breasted Flycatcher and other east Asian records Red-breasted Flycatcher breeds in central, east and southeast Europe, southwest Siberia, Turkey, the Caucasus and north Iran; it winters primarily in Pakistan and India. Given the breeding distribution, it appears on the face of it an unlikely species to occur in Hong Kong (especially given that the nearest known breeding grounds in north Iran are approximately 6500 km distant!). However, the breeding and wintering grounds show much overlap with Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephalus, which is a regular autumn visitor to Hong Kong. Moreover there is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that the species is actually a regular winter visitor to the region, albeit in small numbers, that has been overlooked in the past. In addition to subsequent Hong Kong records, the authors are aware of good claims or records (some unpublished) from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam; clearly a more comprehensive review of records would provide a more accurate picture of the true status of Red-breasted Flycatcher in east and southeast Asia

316 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper References Cedderoth, C., Johansson, C. & Svennson, L. (1999). Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla in Sweden: the first record in western Europe. Birding World 12-11: Li, H-T., Chen, L., Ho, C-K & Liu, Y. A New Bird Record in China: Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) (2008). Zoological Research 29(3): Constantine, M The Sound Approach to birding. The Sound Approach, Poole, UK. Records Committee Comment Following this record, there were another five accepted records of Red-breasted Flycatcher up to the end of 2008, four on Po Toi and, as with this bird, most were first found by the distinctive call. As a result of the Records Committee suspecting that some Red-breasted Flycatchers may previously have been overlooked, it requested photographers to submit photographs of possible birds from earlier than As a result, two earlier records have now been accepted, 3 rd April 2005 on Po Toi and 27 th December 2005 at Sha Tau Kok. It does now seem likely that Red-breasted Flycatcher is a regular but scarce winter visitor to Hong Kong, and observers are encouraged to familarise themselves with the call of the species, this often being the quickest and easiest way to separate the two

317 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper 蒲台島的紅胸姬鶲 香港首個紀錄 利雅德由 Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, HK 在 2007 年 4 月 4 日 ( 星期三 ),Geoff Welch 在蒲台島主公廁旁的大灌木叢後面發現一隻姬鶲 他當時辨識該鳥為紅喉姬鶲 Ficedula albicilla, 只拍了一張照片就走了 當天有不少候鳥隨冷鋒抵港, 該鳥大概是前一天晚上到達的 整整一個星期後, 在 2007 年 4 月 11 日, 利雅德在同一地點聽到不尋常的姬鶲叫聲 他最終可清楚看到該鳥, 按其羽毛及鳴聲, 猜想牠是紅胸姬鶲 Ficedula parva, 一個在當時並未列入香港鳥類名錄的鳥種 他告知同在島上的其他觀鳥者 ( 包括 Geoff Welch) 和攝影者, 他們當中不少都看到這隻鳥, 並拍下了一系列照片, 其中一幀可見於此 ( 照片 66) Geoff Welch 取得該鳥鳴聲的錄音, 肯定牠就是自己一周前初見的同一隻鳥, 及後再研究 4 月 4 日所拍的一幀照片, 更加肯定了這一點 利雅德在 4 月 11 日觀察到該鳥不尋常的特徵包括 : 下顎基部呈淡色, 尾上覆羽最長處呈棕色 然而, 當時有意見認為較冷灰色的羽毛一般都指向紅喉姬鶲, 紅胸姬鶲則在脇和胸以上有較暖色的羽毛 利雅德其後檢視了大英自然史博物館的雀鳥皮標本, 再加上其他研究均顯示, 晚春的紅胸姬鶲, 特別是首年渡夏鳥, 一般會呈較冷灰色調 該鳥鳴聲顯然與一般紅喉姬鶲有異, 比較慢和低沉, 雖然仍屬於 咯咯聲, 但各音節的間隔較長, 次數也較少 鑒於上述的照片和錄音研究, 此鳥已獲香港觀鳥會紀錄委員會接納為香港首個紀錄, 亦在外地出版物列為中國首個紀錄 ( 李海濤等人, 2008) 分辨紅喉姬鶲和紅胸姬鶲 Cedderoth 等人 (1999) 論及如何憑關鍵特徵分辨紅喉姬鶲和紅胸姬鶲, 要點於表 1 概述 由於紅喉姬鶲在隆冬時分會沒有紅色的喉, 因此成年雄鳥很容易辨認 Carey et al. (2001) 就紅喉姬鶲有這樣的陳述 : 在大部分紀錄中, 紅喉姬鶲都沒有紅喉 儘管早至

318 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper 1 月底就有全紅喉的雄鳥紀錄, 但這樣的鳥大多要到 4 月份才出現, 當中也包括定期觀察的渡冬紅喉姬鶲, 牠們在 4 月中旬就會出現紅喉 如此看來,1 月份的紅喉鳥的確有可能是紅胸姬鶲成年雄鳥, 而非紅喉姬鶲 Constantine (2006) 總結說明了兩個鳥種鳴聲的差異 紅喉姬鶲的 咯咯 鳴聲較快, 由多個平均密集分布的音節組成, 紅胸姬鶲的鳴聲較慢, 音節較少也較稀疏, 蒲台島的鳥鳴錄音即屬此類 下面的聲譜圖 (Figure 1) 比較紅喉姬鶲的鳴聲 ( 錄於 2007 年 10 月 31 日蒲台島 ) 和 2007 年 4 月 11 日蒲台島那隻鳥的鳴聲, 顯示各自的一聲鳴叫 ( 或 咯 聲 ) 主要差異是, 紅喉姬鶲 ( 左 ) 一聲鳴叫有較多而密集的音節, 紅胸姬鶲的一聲鳴叫則有較少和稀疏的音節 表 1. 分辨紅胸姬鶲及紅喉姬鶲的主要形態特徵 ( 摘自 Cedderoth et al., 1999) 成年雄性成年雌性及首次渡冬首次渡冬所有毛色類型 紅胸姬鶲 F. parva 橙紅色的喉斑較大而下部沒有灰色 冠及枕部灰色 上半部的褐色較淺 整個冬季保留雄性毛色 喉部非白色而下部皮黃色 上部的顏色較暖及均勻 三級飛羽的末端帶皮黃色的點 下嘴帶稻草的顏色而末端帶黑 最長的尾上覆羽帶中度褐色, 與尾部的顏色相若 ( 或較淡 ) 紅喉姬鶲 F. albicilla 橙紅色的喉斑較小而下部有灰帶 冠及枕部褐色 上半部的褐色較深 冬季時換至雌性的毛色 ( 有些個體的喉部仍留下粉紅色 ) 潔淨白色的喉部, 胸及脇灰褐色 上部較深色及冷的色調, 枕部通常帶灰色 三級飛羽末端帶淺色點而外羽帶淺色邊緣 下嘴帶黑色而嘴基較深色 最長的尾上覆羽帶黑色或全黑, 比尾部顏色更深 在香港錄得的鳴叫分析中顯示紅胸姬鶲的叫聲每節平均有八聲, 而每聲之間平均為 秒 (n=13); 而紅喉姬鶲每節平均 13 聲, 而每聲之間平均 秒 (n=6)

319 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-breasted Flycatcher First Paper 紅胸姬鶲的分佈及其他東亞的紀錄紅胸姬鶲在歐洲中 東及東南部 西伯利亞西南部 土耳其 高加索及伊朗北部繁殖 渡冬地主要在巴基斯坦及印度 根據其繁殖時的分布, 牠並不太可能在香港出現 ( 尤其最接近的繁殖地伊朗北部離香港 6,500 公里之遠!) 但其繁殖及渡冬地與另一種定期在香港出現的秋季候鳥-黑頭鵐 Emberiza melanocephalus 重叠 再者, 越來越多證據顯示此鳥種是這個地區的冬候鳥 相關的資料雖然不多, 但可能只是過往被忽略了 除了香港的紀錄, 作者們亦注意到在中國 日本 韓國 台灣及越南有不少的紀錄 ( 包括沒有發表的紀錄 ); 相信若將相關資料作詳細分析, 定會對紅胸姬鶲在東及東南亞地區的分佈有更準確的了解 參考資料 Cedderoth, C., Johansson, C. & Svennson, L. (1999). Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla in Sweden: the first record in western Europe. Birding World 12-11: Li, H-T., Chen, L., Ho, C-K & Liu, Y. A New Bird Record in China: Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) (2008). Zoological Research 29(3): 李海濤 (Hai-Tao Li); 陳亮 (Liang Chen); 何志剛 (Chi-Kong Ho); 劉陽 (Yang Liu) 2008 中國鳥類新記錄種 - 紅胸姬鶲 (Ficedula parva) 動物學研究, 卷 29(2008 年第 3 期 ), 頁 Constantine, M The Sound Approach to birding. The Sound Approach, Poole, UK. 紀錄委員會評註隨著這項紀錄的發現, 在 2008 年尾之前有其他五項已接納的紅胸姬鶲紀錄, 包括四項在蒲台發現的 ; 與這項紀錄相同, 牠們都是因其獨特的叫聲而被察覺 因此紀錄委員會懷疑有些紅胸姬鶲紀錄在之前被忽略, 並呼籲攝影者提交 2007 年前有可能是這鳥種的紀錄 結果有兩個先前的紀錄被接納, 分別是 2005 年 4 月 3 日在蒲台及 2005 年 12 月 27 日在沙頭角 似乎紅胸姬鶲在香港是一種定期出現但較稀少的冬候鳥 觀察者宜先熟悉牠們的叫聲, 因為這是察覺及辨認牠的最快捷方法

320 Hong Kong Bird Report : Blue-and-white Flycatcher cumatilis First Paper Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis on Po Toi The first record of this taxon in Hong Kong John Holmes c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong The 19 th October 2008 was a typically sunny and dry autumn day. I was one of many photographers and birders on Po Toi. Migrant birds that day included six species of flycatcher, Asian Brown Muscicapa dauurica, Grey- streaked M. griseisticta, Verditer Eumyias thalassinus, Mugimaki Ficedula mugimaki, Narcissus F. narcissina and Blue-andwhite Cyanoptila cyanomelana. In mid-afternoon I was told of a Blue-and-white Flycatcher in a banyan tree close to the pier. I positioned myself on a slope above the tree and eventually got a photograph of a male facing me. After I posted the photo on the HKBWS website, Paul Leader pointed out that the blue rather than black colouring of the breast was characteristic of a male of the race cumatilis, a first record of this taxon for Hong Kong. Plate 72 Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis 白腹姬鶲 cumatilis 亞種 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 19 October 2008 蒲台島 2008 年 10 月 19 日 Pippen Ho 何志剛 Records Committee Comment Despite being relatively little known in its breeding areas in central China, this taxon is fairly distinctive and winters in widespread areas of southeast Asia (Robson 2000). It should be noted that the commonly-occurring taxon in HK is nominate cyanomelana, and that cumatilis appears to be rather rare

321 Hong Kong Bird Report : Blue-and-white Flycatcher cumatilis First Paper 蒲台島的白腹姬鶲 cumatilis 亞種 Cyanoptila cyanomelana cumatilis 此亞種在香港的首個記錄 孔思義 香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 10 月 19 日是一個晴朗乾爽的秋日 由於是星期天, 我也是一群前往蒲台島攝影和觀鳥愛好者中之一份子 當天錄得的過境鳥包括六種鶲 : 北灰鶲 Muscicapa dauurica 灰紋鶲 M. griseisticta 銅藍鶲 Eumyias thalassinus 鴝姬鶲 Ficedula mugimaki 黃眉姬鶲 F. narcissina 和白腹姬鶲 Cyanoptila cyanomelana 中午時份, 我得知碼頭附近的榕樹發現白腹姬鶲 我站在地勢高於榕樹的斜坡上觀察牠, 終於攝得一張望向本人的雄鳥照片 ( 見圖 72) 後來我把照片上載到香港觀鳥會的討論區, 利雅德指出這雄鳥的胸部羽毛是藍色 -- 而非黑色的, 乃亞種 cumatilis 的特徵, 而此為本港該亞種的首個記錄 紀錄委員會評註這個特徵頗為鮮明的亞種在中國中部的繁殖地較鮮為人知, 但在東南亞廣泛地區渡冬 (Robson 2000) 須留意在香港最常見的亞種應是指明亞種 cyanomelana, 而 cumatilis 以乎是較為罕見

322 Hong Kong Bird Report : Purple Cochoa First Paper Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea on Po Toi An addition to Category III of the Hong Kong List Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Thursday October 11 th 2007 was a quiet autumn day on Po Toi with few migrants present. It was with little hope that I climbed the rocks behind the toilet block at around 11.30am to see what birds were in the large trees at the back. I was surprised to disturb a large rufous-brown thrush-like bird which flew about ten metres from just under the canopy of one tree into the next tree. A first look at the bird left me completely puzzled. It looked like a thrush but was nothing like any I knew, as it had a black face with a pale crown, rufous-brown back, wings and underparts, blackish primary tips, a purple-grey tail with a black tip. I took some photographs and then noticed Y. L. Tam below me, also taking photographs of the bird. After a short time, the bird flew off up the valley and was not seen again. Neither of us had any idea what species the bird was, we assumed it must be some type of laughingthrush. It took some searching in field guides later that evening to find the bird was actually a female Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea, a montane species from western China, a new species to me. By this time, I guessed it was headed towards Category III, but it was nevertheless a magnificent bird to see. Plate 73. Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea 紫寬嘴鶇 Po Toi, Hong Kong, 11 October 2007 蒲台島 2007 年 10 月 11 日 Y L Tam 譚耀良 Records Committee Comment Again, the provision of photographs ensured that the identification of this bird was unequivocal. However, without any evidence that this species carries out significant migratory movements, and given that the photographs appeared to show evidence of previous captivity, acceptance into Category III of the HK List was the only course of action available

323 Hong Kong Bird Report : Purple Cochoa First Paper 蒲台島的紫寬嘴鶇 Cochoa purpurea 香港鳥類名錄第 III 類新增品種 Geoff Welch 香港鴨脷洲海怡半島 25 座 23A 2007 年 10 月 11 日星期四, 在這安靜的秋日, 蒲台島上只有小量的過境遷徙鳥出現 當日上午約 11 時半, 我看見一些鳥兒在公厠後面的大樹上出沒, 於是我便爬上後方的大石去看個究竟, 心裡卻不存有甚麼希望 然而卻意外地給我發現了一隻赤褐色 體形不小而貌似鶇的鳥兒, 受驚的牠從一樹冠下方飛向另一棵樹, 飛了約十米的距離 這驚鴻一瞥使我極度疑惑, 因為雖然牠看似一隻鶇, 但卻完全不符合我所認識的任何一種, 牠有著黑色的臉龐和淺色的冠紋, 赤褐色的上體 翅膀和下體, 初級飛羽的尖端偏黑, 尾部呈紫灰色但尖端黑色 我拍了數張照片便通知在我下方的譚耀良, 原來他也正在拍照 過了一會兒, 這鳥兒便向上飛離開了山谷, 之後再也沒有出現過 我倆當時都不懂得這是甚麼品種的鳥兒, 只能推斷是某種噪鶥, 直至晚上對比圖鑑後才發現牠是雌性的紫寬嘴鶇 Cochoa purpurea, 一種生長在中國西部山區的鳥類 ; 這亦是我個人的新品種 當時我估計牠會被歸入第 III 類, 無論怎樣, 牠確是一隻美麗動人的鳥兒 紀錄委員會評註事實又一次證明照片紀錄能更明確地幫助確認品種 ; 然而, 這個案的鳥兒並沒有任何證據顯示牠會作出遷徙的行為, 此外照片紀錄亦清楚顯示了牠曾被豢養的痕跡, 故此當下唯一可行的做法是把牠歸入香港鳥類名錄的第 III 類

324 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-headed Bunting First Paper Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps near Mai Po An addition to Category III of the Hong Kong List Teddy Chua Sai Kit c/o HKBWS, 14/F Ruby Commercial Building, 480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong At about 3pm on 10 th January 2008, I was walking along the Mai Po access road when I noticed a small bird on the bund only about five metres from me. The bird was not shy and I could approach it quite closely as it walked around the ground occasionally stopping to feed on some grass seeds. I recognized it as a bunting Emberiza but didn t know the species, and I assumed it was one of the common types. I took several photographs and after about 15 minutes, carried on towards the reserve. I later put the photos on my website and was then informed that it was probably a rare species of bunting, so I put the photos on the HKBWS website for identification. It was identified as Red-headed Bunting E. bruniceps. Plate 74. Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps 褐頭鵐 Near Mai Po, Hong Kong, 10 January 2008 米埔附近 2008 年 1 月 10 日 Teddy Chua Sai Kit 蔡世傑

325 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-headed Bunting First Paper Plate 75. Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps 褐頭鵐 Near Mai Po, Hong Kong, 10 January 2008 米埔附近 2008 年 1 月 10 日 Teddy Chua Sai Kit 蔡世傑 Records Committee Comment The relatively large size, featureless head, large pale bill, lack of white in the tail and relatively uniform upperparts with only moderately dark and rather narrow streaks on the mantle identified this bird as either Black-headed E. melanocephala or Red-headed Bunting. The combination of a lack of obvious streaking on the crown, reduced streaking on the mantle, overall rather brownish plumage tones, short primary projection and (relative to Black-headed Bunting) less massive bill was sufficient to identify it as Red-headed. The real issue, however, was its origin, which provoked much debate. Red-headed Bunting breeds in Central Asia from the Caspian Sea as far south as northern Iran and east to Xinjiang; it winters across much of India, east to Bangladesh. Thus, its distribution overlaps with other species that have occurred in Hong Kong, such as (in terms of breeding area) Red-backed Shrike and Eurasian Roller, and (in terms of breeding and wintering areas) Syke s Warbler and Rosy Starling. In respect of the former two, a midwinter date would be anomalous based on the admittedly few records (two and one respectively) of each, while in the

326 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-headed Bunting First Paper case of the latter two, records have occurred in autumn (Syke s Warbler) and autumn to spring (Rosy Starling). Black-headed Bunting records in HK have occurred mainly in late autumn, but some birds remain through to early spring. In the light of the bias toward autumn arrivals, a single midwinter record is potentially problematic. The bird certainly allowed close approach, down to at least five metres, and did not appear to be easily flushed despite the attentions of the photographer. In addition, although much of the plumage was fresh and in good condition, there was obvious damage to the feathers of the neck on one side, where the underlying skin was visible; this is clearly seen in Plate 75. In addition, there were displaced feathers on the cheek and crown, one outer tail feather was replaced, with retained juvenile feathers on one side of the tail and replaced adult-type feathers on the other. This is not normal, and together with the other anomalies, suggests captive origin. In view of a combination of plumage damage and atypical moult, the tameness of the bird and the potentially anomalous date, the RC voted by a 4:1 majority to place Red-headed Bunting in Category III. This decision can be reviewed should there be further records

327 Hong Kong Bird Report : Red-headed Bunting First Paper 米埔附近的褐頭鵐 Emberiza bruniceps 香港鳥類名錄第 III 類新增品種 蔡世傑 香港九龍彌敦道 480 號鴻寶商業大廈 14 樓香港觀鳥會辦事處轉交 2008 年 1 月 10 日大約下午三時, 當我沿著米埔路步行時, 我留意到五米外的塘基上有一隻很小的鳥 這隻鳥並不怕人, 在地上時行時停撿食草籽, 因此我得以靜靜的接近牠至十分近的距離 我知道牠應該是 Emberiza 類的鵐, 但是不清楚是甚麼品種, 只是假設牠不過是一個普通鳥種 我停下拍照 15 分鐘, 然後繼續前往護理區 後來我把拍得的照片上載至我的網頁, 有人告知這隻鳥很可能是一種罕有的鵐, 所以我將圖片放上觀鳥會的網頁上供人辨認, 及後獲悉這是一隻褐頭鵐 E. bruniceps 紀錄委員會評註此鳥身型較大, 頭部沒有特徵, 咀大而淡色, 尾羽沒有白色, 上身顏色比較均勻, 而上背只有中等深色而頗為幼細的縱紋, 這些均協助辨識這隻鳥為黑頭鵐 E. melanocephala 或者是褐頭鵐 此鳥冠羽沒有明顯的縱紋, 上背亦較少縱紋, 整體比較棕色的羽毛色調, 初級飛羽突出部分並不顯著, 以及 ( 相對黑頭鵐而言 ) 較小的咀, 足以分辨這隻鳥是褐頭鵐 然而, 引起較大爭論的反而是這隻鳥的來源 褐頭鵐於亞洲中部繁殖, 由裏海南至伊朗北部, 東至新疆 牠的渡冬地橫跨印度大部分地區, 東至孟加拉 因此, 牠的分佈與其他曾於本港出現的品種重疊, 如紅背伯勞和藍胸佛法僧 ( 就繁殖地而言 ); 和賽氏蘺鶯和粉紅椋鳥 ( 就繁殖地和越冬地而言 ) 前兩者公認紀錄稀少 ( 分別只得 2 個和 1 個紀錄 ), 因此在隆冬時分出現的情況屬異常 ; 至於後兩者, 紀錄則集中於秋季 ( 賽氏蘺鶯 ) 和秋季至春季 ( 粉紅椋鳥 ); 本港的黑頭鵐紀錄主要出現於深秋, 不過亦有部分個體逗留至早春 有鑒於以上秋季出現的趨勢, 隆冬時分的單一紀錄本身已是一個疑問 這隻鳥容許人接近至十分近的距離, 直到至少五米, 而且在攝影師的注目下亦沒有被嚇走 另外, 雖然牠大部分的羽毛簇新 情況完好, 但頸部一側的羽毛有明顯的損毀, 以致其下的表皮外露, 這一點在其中一幀照片清晰可見 ; 再者, 其面頰及頭頂的羽毛有所移位, 其中一條外尾羽更加被取代, 以致尾羽一面是幼鳥留下的羽毛, 另一面卻是成鳥的羽毛 這個不正常的現象, 加上其他異常的情況, 充分引証此鳥曾被圈養 綜合上述羽毛損毀和非常的羽毛狀況, 溫馴的習性及異常的出現日期, 紀錄委員會以 4 比 1 投票通過將褐頭鵐置於第 III 類 待日後有更多的紀錄, 此決定可予以覆核

328 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Bird Migration on Po Toi Island, Hong Kong Geoff Welch 23A Block 25, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Introduction The purpose of this paper is to discuss bird migration in the Hong Kong area based on observations on the island of Po Toi, Hong Kong during the years 2006 to This report deals mostly with landbirds, egrets and seabirds; waterbirds are rarely seen on Po Toi with the exception of egrets. Study Methodology The bulk of the observations were made in the spring and autumn migration periods in each of the years 2006, 2007 and The records used for this report end in December 2008, although the study has continued and to that extent this paper can be considered work-in-progress. A standard methodology was adopted and the number of all non-resident landbird species was counted along a fixed 7km transect walked each day spent on the island (Figure 1). Coverage of the migration seasons over the period was 57% of total days in spring (March to May) and 43% of total days in autumn (September to November). Landbirds seen migrating over or past Po Toi ( visible migrants ) were recorded separately but also included as part of the total daily count for a species. Seabirds were counted throughout the same migration period from the southern point of Po Toi looking out over the channel between Po Toi and the Dangan Islands. Counts were made in two-hour sessions, in spring both in the early morning and late evening, and in autumn in the early morning only. Figure 1. Transect Route and Seawatching Point

329 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Results A total of 259 species was seen over the study period, 58% of the total of 448 species included in the main HK List in the Avifauna (Carey et al. 2001), and 53% of the HK List as it stood in December 2008 (490). A breakdown of these compared with the equivalent Avifauna totals is given in Table 1 below. Table 1. Species recorded on Po Toi compared with the Avifauna (Carey et al. 2001). Passage migrant only Winter visitor Summer visitor Resident or regular Total Avifauna total % of Avifauna total Landbirds (incl. egrets) % Seabirds % Waterbirds % Total % The number of landbird species seen as passage migrants only (145) is a very high percentage of the total landbird species seen (73% of 200) and of the Avifauna total of 323 landbirds (45%), which confirms that Po Toi is a good place to study landbird migration. The number of non-resident landbird species seen each week over the whole period is given in Figure 2 which shows the migration peaks of spring and autumn. Figure 2. The number of non-resident landbird species by week recorded on Po Toi, Of the 145 landbird passage migrants, 43 (30%) were seen mostly in spring, 46 (32%) mostly in autumn and the remaining 56 (38%) were seen in both seasons. Mostly here is defined as 80% or more of the total bird numbers for that species. The high percentage of species seen in only one migration season (62%) rather than both (32%)

330 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island is a significant feature of Hong Kong landbird migration and is referred to later in this paper. Spring migration for landbirds was most active in the eight week period between March week 4 and May week 3, with a peak in April week 4. The arrival timetable for spring migration was quite specific as follows: March: swifts and swallows Early April: Ficedula flycatchers, cuckoos, minivets, Grey-faced Buzzard Late April: egrets, Chinese Goshawk, Brown Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, Eyebrowed Thrush, Arctic Warbler, Grey-streaked Flycatcher Mid May: small bitterns Autumn migration for landbirds was most active over a longer period than spring, covering the twelve weeks from September week 1 through to November week 4, with a peak in October week 3. The arrival timetable for autumn migration was as follows: September: small egrets, cuckoos, swifts, swallows, kingfishers, Dollarbird, wagtails, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Brown Shrike, Blue Rock Thrush, cisticolas, Arctic, Palelegged Leaf, Eastern Crowned and Pallas s Grasshopper Warbler, Muscicapa, Yellowrumped and Asian Paradise Flycatchers, White-shouldered Starling and Black-naped Oriole. October: Great Egret, raptors, Woodcock, Oriental and Red Turtle Dove, pipits, Ashy Minivet, Chinese Bulbul, Siberian Rubythroat, Daurian Redstart, Lanceolated, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Greenish Warblers, Mugimaki and Blue-and-white Flycatchers and buntings. November: Red-tailed Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, thrushes, bush warblers, Pallas s Leaf Warbler, Japanese White-eye and Red-billed Starling. Many species had a more extensive passage period in autumn than in spring. This may be due to different times of migration of first year and adult birds of the same species and/or the lack of incentive to get to the breeding areas as soon as feasible. Daily totals of non-resident birds were 43% higher in autumn (113 birds/day average) than in spring (79 birds/day average). Visible Migration on Po Toi Visible migration of landbirds was seen from Po Toi in both spring and autumn, but was heavier in autumn with the exception of small egrets. Migrants generally followed the eastern coastline of Po Toi on a SW to NE track in spring and a NE to SW track in autumn. Spring visible migrants were mostly egrets with landbirds rarely seen, these being mainly Barn Swallow and Yellow Wagtail. Autumn visible migrants were much more varied in species, and included egrets, raptors, pipits, wagtails and a wide variety of other species seen on a regular basis throughout the middle of the migration season

331 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Migrant Influxes A migrant influx occurs when many more migrant birds are recorded than were present the previous day. In this paper, the size of an influx is measured as the increase in the number of species seen over the previous day s count. The number of species is considered more representative of migration influxes on Po Toi than number of birds because the latter is relatively small and easily affected by just one species. However, the conclusions would not differ significantly if either measure is used. An influx is considered to have occurred when the number of migrants seen is higher by five or more species over the previous day s count. The number and average size of migrant influxes for spring and autumn in each of the three years studied is given in Table 2. Large influxes are defined as those resulting in ten or more added species compared to the previous day. Table 2. Number of migrant influxes per season per year. Year Number Spring Influxes Average Size No. large influxes Number Autumn Influxes Average Size No. large influxes Table 2 shows that there were both more migrant influxes and more large influxes in spring than in autumn. This phenomenon was very obvious in the field. Spring was a much more exciting season, as influxes of migrants were often quite dramatic when they occurred. Autumn influxes were less common and species numbers were more consistent over the whole period. The reason for this lies in the different nature of migration in spring and autumn, and the effect that weather has on migration in each season. Weather Effects The landmark work dealing with the effect of weather on bird migration in Hong Kong is Lam and Williams (1993). This paper proved very accurate in predicting migrant influxes on Po Toi in both spring and autumn, and is recommended reading since it describes the meteorological background to the main weather systems in Hong Kong, as well as their ornithological consequences. Cold fronts and depressions Spring migrant influxes on Po Toi were mostly related to the passage of cold fronts and depressions through Hong Kong, in particular those bringing heavy rain. Out of the 26 spring influxes in the period studied, 18 (69%) occurred on the day after one of these two systems passed. A total of 18 out of 28 cold fronts and depressions passing through Hong Kong in the same period (64%) caused an influx to occur on the day after their passage through Hong Kong. Cold fronts and depressions are good predictors of spring migrant influxes on Po Toi

332 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Timing of an Influx in Spring Analysis of species numbers in the 18 spring influxes occurring as a result of cold fronts and depressions shows that, on average, the influx started the day after the weather system passed over Po Toi, i.e. the influx occurred when the weather system was over the South China Sea just south of Hong Kong, and that birds left Po Toi gradually over the next three days (Figure 3). Figure 3. The average increase in species numbers as a result of the passage of a weather system in spring, Po Toi Effect of Rain in Spring Cold fronts and depressions in spring typically carry rain. In the study period, the largest influxes occurred with the most rain: all of the eight largest spring influxes in the years detailed in Table 2 occurred with more than 5mm of rain on that day or the previous day. The average influx size on days with more than 5mm of rain (an average increase of 11.1 species) was nearly twice that of influxes with less than 5mm rain (an average increase of 6.6 species). Rainfall in spring 2008 was the lowest recorded for more than ten years and only 54% of the average, which may account for spring 2008 being a relatively poor migration season on Po Toi compared with the previous two years (Table 2). Spring Typhoons Although typhoons are quite rare events in spring in Hong Kong, two occurred during the study period. Both caused a small arrival of unusual species on Po Toi in the days just before the typhoon arrived, including Ruddy Kingfisher (a first record for HK) and Blue-winged Pitta (a second record for HK). However, species numbers associated with typhoons were not as large as those from a cold front or a depression

333 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Autumn Migration As Table 2 shows, migrant influxes on Po Toi were much fewer in autumn than in spring (14 over the period against 26 in spring over the same period). Autumn migration was a more even process than spring migration. Lam and Williams (1993) identify two major weather systems that cause migrant influxes in autumn, northerly surges (which I term north wind surges ) and typhoons. North wind surges are changes of wind direction to persistent north winds in central and south China, and these were the most effective systems in causing autumn influxes on Po Toi during the study. In the absence of weather details from elsewhere in China, north wind surges have been interpreted as north wind changes in Hong Kong for this study. Once a north wind has started, it usually lasts for several days. Of the 14 autumn influxes in the study period, ten (71%) occurred within three days of a north wind change in Hong Kong. Of 17 north wind changes in the study period, ten (59%) caused an influx to occur within three days. North wind changes are a useful predictor of autumn migrant influxes on Po Toi. Timing of an Influx in Autumn Analysis of species numbers after the ten autumn influxes occurring with north wind changes in the study period (Figure 4) shows that, on average, the influx started on the same day as the change to a north wind. However, the peak of the influx occurred on the third day after the change. This influx delay was noted by Lam and Williams (1993) and is probably due to birds flying over land making shorter migration flights and taking more than one overnight flight to reach Hong Kong. Figure 4. The average increase in species numbers as a result of north wind changes in autumn, Po Toi

334 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Effect of Rain in Autumn Autumn is usually dry in Hong Kong after September and rain was not noted as a significant factor in autumn influxes during the study period. Low rainfall over the whole season may be an indicator of more northerly winds and therefore more influxes. It may be significant that autumn 2007 had the lowest rainfall and coldest average temperature of the previous ten years, and also the highest influx count over the period (Table 2). Autumn Typhoons No autumn typhoons were observed during the study. However, data from the 2009 autumn season shows that typhoons tend to disrupt normal autumn migration and may result in arrivals of species more normally seen in spring. Discussion These results raise a number of questions about both spring and autumn migration on Po Toi. Why do cold fronts/depressions cause migrant influxes in spring, and north wind changes cause migrant influxes in autumn? How can the influx numbers and timings be explained? Why are so many species seen mostly in either spring or autumn, and not in both seasons? Why is Po Toi such a good a location for observing landbird migration? These questions can be answered by understanding the migration routes of landbirds in the Hong Kong area in spring and autumn. Where do Hong Kong migrants come from in Spring and Autumn? Each year many millions of landbirds migrate between their tropical wintering grounds of east Asia below latitude 20 N (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines), and the northern breeding areas above latitude 35 N (Japan, Korea, north and northeast China and Far East Russia), in spring moving north and in autumn moving south. Birds that winter in the southern part of east Asia must do so in two discrete areas, a western area comprising Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Java ( southeast Asia ) and an eastern area comprising Borneo and the Philippines ( Philippines/Borneo ). The gap between these two areas is occupied by the South China Sea. The two wintering areas are distinct and generally support different populations

335 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Migration Routes in East Asia The migration routes that migrants take between these two wintering areas and their breeding grounds in the far north were mapped by McClure (1998) based on work carried out in The three main routes given by him, the Eastern Inland Route, the Coastal Route and the Pacific Route, are shown in Figure 5. Each serves a specific wintering area, the Eastern Inland Route and Coastal Route serving southeast Asia wintering birds and the Pacific Route serving the Philippines/Borneo wintering birds. Figure 5. Eastern Inland, Coastal and Pacific Migration Routes (after McClure 1966). These charts suggest that Hong Kong should only host migrants wintering in southeast Asia, as it lies on the Coastal route. But this is not the case. Many migrant species wintering almost exclusively in the Philippines (e.g. Grey-faced Buzzard and Narcissus Flycatcher) are seen on migration in Hong Kong. What is interesting is that these species are seen mostly in spring and only rarely in autumn. Similarly, migrant species that winter exclusively in peninsular southeast Asia (e.g. Radde s Warbler and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher) are mostly seen in autumn in Hong Kong and only rarely in spring. Migration Routes in the Hong Kong Area Although there is substantial evidence that Figure 5 correctly records the migration movements of many migrants through east Asia in spring and autumn, maps for the south China coast more probably look like Figure

336 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 6. Landbird Migration in spring and autumn in south China coastal areas. Although some spring landbird migrants follow the Coastal Route, many arrive in the Hong Kong area after a long crossing of the South China Sea from the Philippines and north Borneo. Autumn landbird migrants mostly arrive in Hong Kong either from the north or along the Coastal Route. These ideas are not new: they occur in part in Webster (1973) and in Lam and Williams (1993). Spring Migration In respect of spring migration, influxes occur on the day after the passage of a cold front/depression (Figure 3), i.e. when the front is over the sea. The size and nature (involving species from the Philippines/Borneo) of influxes in spring are indicative of landbirds migrating over the sea meeting bad weather when over the sea. Typical HKO Weather Maps for the day after a cold front and a depression passed through Hong Kong in spring are provided Figure 7. On 15 April 2006, large numbers of Chinese Goshawks started to appear over Po Toi, and more than 1000 were counted during th. On 21 May 2008, a large influx of small herons and bitterns occurred on Po Toi and later Hong Kong. Note that the weather to the south of both these systems is calm, with light southerly winds encouraging birds to start their migration flight north over the South China Sea. This is typical of a spring frontal system in Hong Kong. Migrants encounter the frontal line with rain and strong headwinds when over the sea towards the end of their flight, which may have taken more than 24 hours. Under these conditions, tired birds will stop on the first available land, thus creating an influx of birds on the coast. The timing of spring influxes shown in Figure 3 above is consistent with this explanation

337 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 7. Spring cold front on 15 April 2006 and spring depression on 21 May 2008 (source: HKO website). This phenomenon was dramatically shown on 29 April 2006, the day after a cold front passed through Hong Kong, when a HKBWS boat trip in waters around Po Toi found exhausted Brown Shrikes and Yellow Wagtails falling into the sea just off-shore from Po Toi, although the weather in the area at that time was not apparently adverse. Autumn Migration In respect of autumn migration, influxes occur with north winds, indicating that birds have come from the north, i.e. over the land or around the coast. Typically, the north wind system stretches right across south and east China and lasts several days. Migrants moving northeast to southwest across southern China will often start their migration in northerly winds. However, some are blown south of their intended destination and end up on the coast at Hong Kong or further east, gradually continuing their migration around the coast into Hong Kong, which explains the time delay feature of autumn migration (Figure 4). Autumn influxes are not as large as spring because weather has much less effect on landbirds flying over land. HKO Weather Maps for two days prior to a large influx created by an autumn north wind change on 12 th September 2006 are provided in Figure 8. This weather system brought unusual numbers of Tiger Shrikes and other migrants to Po Toi and Hong Kong

338 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 8. Autumn north wind change: 9-10 September 2006 (source: HKO website). Seasonal differences in species composition Species that are largely spring migrants through Hong Kong (e.g. Grey-faced Buzzard, Chinese Goshawk, lucionensis Brown Shrikes, Narcissus Flycatcher and Japanese Yellow Bunting) winter mostly or exclusively in the Philippines/north Borneo. Species that are largely autumn migrants (e.g. Amur Falcon, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Radde s Warbler, Yellow-rumped and Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Black-naped Oriole) winter mostly or exclusively in South China or southeast Asia (or migrate through that area in the case of Amur Falcon). Species that winter in both places (e.g. Pechora Pipit, Dollarbird, Arctic Warbler, Blue-and-white and Japanese Paradise Flycatcher) are seen in both seasons. (Dickinson et al. 1991, Mann 2008, Robson 2008). Related studies Early radar studies in Hong Kong confirm regular movements of migrants in the directions shown in Figure 6 in both spring and autumn (Myers et al. 1973, Melville 1980). Movements heading between a northwest and a northeast direction were recorded in spring, indicating birds arriving from over the South China Sea or around the coast, and movements heading in a southwest direction were recorded in autumn, indicating birds flying along the coastline

339 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island The weather systems that cause migrant influxes in both spring and autumn on Po Toi are similar to those that create influxes on the USA coast of the Gulf of Mexico (Gauthreaux 1977), which is geographically similar to the south China coast and the South China Sea. The main conclusions of Gauthreaux (1977) were that migrants fly across the Gulf in spring but use a coastal route in autumn. Other conclusions from the studies of Gulf of Mexico migration may also apply to the South China Sea, such as migrants over-flying coastal areas and landing in favourable locations up to 50 km inland in good migration weather even after long oversea journeys. Based on the above, a probable description of spring and autumn migration for landbirds in the Hong Kong area is as follows. Spring migration through the Hong Kong area Whilst some spring migrants arrive in Hong Kong via the Coastal Route around south China, many will have made a crossing of the South China Sea from the Philippines and north Borneo (Figure 6). Their departure will depend on the wind direction at their origin assisting their direction of flight (i.e. a wind coming from the south). If they do not experience bad weather during the flight, they may fly over coastal areas and land in suitable habitat some distance inland. If they encounter adverse winds and rain on the flight, many will land on the coast to recuperate where they can find suitable habitat. Even localized conditions such as coastal fog can bring down overflying migrants. Southeast Asian wintering species generally pass well to the north of Hong Kong in spring. Spring migrants in Hong Kong are mostly birds that have wintered in the Philippines/north Borneo area. Autumn migration through the Hong Kong area Autumn migrants in Hong Kong are mostly birds making a northeast to southwest crossing of China which have either drifted or been blown south of their intended direction by northerly winds and have arrived in Hong Kong directly or on the coastline further east (Figure 6). These include many first-winter birds, which are less familiar with the correct direction of flight and less able to make the necessary corrections for the wind. Migrants arriving on the coast to the east of Hong Kong then generally follow a Coastal Migration Route around south China to their southeast Asia wintering grounds, passing through Hong Kong perhaps some days later. Philippine wintering species on their autumn migration do not generally experience weather conditions likely to drive them west into Hong Kong (except perhaps a typhoon) and will not normally pass through Hong Kong in autumn. Autumn migrants in Hong Kong are mostly those species that winter in southeast Asia or south China. Why is Po Toi so good for observing Landbird Migration? A major reason why so many species pass through Po Toi on their migration is its location relative to the migration routes that landbird migrants are taking in both

340 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island spring and autumn (Figure 9). Figure 9. Spring and autumn migration routes through the area of Po Toi. In spring, Po Toi is amongst the first land masses encountered by birds flying across the South China Sea, and therefore is a natural landing site, particularly if they have encountered bad weather when crossing the sea. In autumn, Po Toi lies in the path of birds taking the south China Coastal Migration Route. Once birds arrive on Po Toi, there is a wide range of habitat suitable for refuelling, so migrants will tend to stay for a few days to prepare for the next stage in their migration. The Dangan Islands The Dangan Islands stretch northeast to southwest for 40km, and lie 12km distant from Po Toi at their closest point. They make a perfect net for catching migrants approaching from the south in spring, and for birds that over-fly the coast in autumn and then double back to the main coastline (Berthold 2001). Onwards migration from the Dangan Islands in spring was recorded in the Hong Kong radar studies (Myers et al. 1973)

341 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island During the study, migrants were seen flying into Po Toi low over the sea from the south on many mornings in both spring and autumn, but particularly immediately after an influx occurred on Po Toi. The nature and direction of these flights suggested they were migrants that had made landfall on the Dangan Islands and were resuming migration or trying to find suitable habitat to rest and feed. The movements postulated in spring and autumn are shown as Figure 10 below. Figure 10. The Effect of the Dangan Islands in Spring and Autumn. The effect of the Dangan Islands on migrants seen on Po Toi is considerable. While some migrants making an initial landing on the Dangan Islands in spring subsequently pass through Po Toi, it is also likely many over-fly Hong Kong altogether during onward movement (Myers et al. 1973), thus reducing considerably the numbers seen on Po Toi and Hong Kong. Egrets Egrets are a special case since they were seen migrating past Po Toi in both spring (southwest to northeast) and autumn (vice-versa). They were clearly using the Coastal Route in both seasons, although how far they travel west and east of Hong Kong is not known (Figure 11)

342 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 11. Egret Migration Routes past Po Toi, Spring and Autumn. In addition, some egrets appeared to be migrating in a northwest-southeast direction, particularly in October when large flocks of Great Egrets with some Little Egrets were seen flying southeast directly out to sea about one hour after dawn on days with light winds. These birds may have left the Mai Po area at dawn. It is possible they were making a direct crossing of the South China Sea to the Philippines/Borneo. A much reduced passage in the reverse direction in spring indicates most birds use a different route in that season. Movements of Unexpected Species Several species that are normally considered resident in Hong Kong were seen as migrants of some sort on Po Toi. These included White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis, Great Tit Parus major, Japanese Whiteeye Zosterops japonicus, Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, Common Magpie Pica pica and Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchus. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica was seen regularly in both May and September and appeared to be acting as a migrant. Migrant behaviour of Chinese Bulbul and Japanese White-eye is noted in the Avifauna (Carey et al. 2001) and observations on Po Toi confirm the comments that both species have a much increased winter population of birds coming from the north. White-breasted Waterhen is a regular migrant on Po Toi in both spring and autumn, but movements of Great Tit and Common Magpie appeared more in the nature of dispersals. Flocks of Large-billed Crow occurred regularly in spring and occasionally

343 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island in autumn and may be an indicator of migration or range extension. Tree Sparrow movements were much more significant and appeared to be migratory in nature. No Tree Sparrows over-wintered on Po Toi during the study period. Birds generally began to occur in mid-april, with much larger numbers in mid- May when flocks of 200 or more were seen at migration points like the lighthouse. A few birds over-summered, although with no sign of breeding. Autumn movements comprised much smaller numbers from September until late November when the last birds left. The regularity of Tree Sparrow migration is suggestive of a Coastal Route migration in both seasons. Spring movements of Tree Sparrow were also noted by La Touche on islands offshore from Shanghai (La Touche 1912). Whatever their origin and destination, they still exhibit markedly urban habits on Po Toi, associating with buildings either inhabited, such as the restaurant, or uninhabited, such as the lighthouse. Seabirds As is well known in Hong Kong, seabird migration is much heavier in spring than in autumn. On average, the number of seabird migrants per day in spring was ten times that in autumn. Spring Migration The South China Sea is a passage area in spring for seabirds that have wintered in equatorial regions and are migrating north to breed. Examples are Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii, Aleutian Tern Onychoprion aleuticus, Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Pomarine Stercorarius pomarinus, Parasitic S. parasiticus and Long-tailed Jaeger S. longicaudus. In addition, a small number of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris, which breed on the south coast of Australia in the southern summer, also pass through Hong Kong waters in spring on migration to their wintering areas off Japan. Statistics from the study suggest their number is between 50 and 100 birds each year. Figure 12 illustrates supposed migration routes of seabirds in the South China Sea. Those seen in Hong Kong have presumably drifted too far west or been blown into Hong Kong waters by strong easterly winds while crossing the South China Sea, as suggested by Lam and Williams (1993). The main study of seabirds in Hong Kong is the Spring 2006 Seabird Survey (Yu 2006), which surveyed seabirds at sea in areas to the south and southeast of Hong Kong. The results of the two studies are very similar. The timetable for seabird species as seen from Po Toi was quite specific in spring, as follows. March: wintering seabirds, in particular gulls, with phalaropes from mid-march April: skuas and terns, phalaropes May: largest tern movements, shearwaters and phalaropes

344 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 12. Spring Seabird Migration in the South China Sea. Results from Yu (2006) suggest that terns and other seabirds, except phalaropes, are commoner in spring in waters south of Lamma Island. It is possible that some of these, having arrived in the Pearl River Delta area, use the sea to the south and west of Lamma Island as a feeding/staging ground before continuing their migration northeast, flying past Po Toi (Figure 13). This particularly applies to terns, which migrate in more concentrated movements. The Dangan Islands may concentrate departing seabirds into the channel between them and Po Toi. Yu (2006) did not find any significant correlation between wind direction and seabird numbers in spring, nor did the Po Toi study. The most significant element on Po Toi was the time of day, late evening being the peak migration time in March for gulls and early morning in April and May for terns, skuas and shearwaters. This suggests that gulls are primarily nocturnal migrants, whereas other species are primarily diurnal migrants

345 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Figure 13. Spring Seabird Migration in the Pearl River Delta area. Autumn Migration Seabird migration in autumn was a very brief affair, occurring almost exclusively in September, with only terns and phalaropes involved. This is probably because most seabirds take a direct route through the South China Sea in autumn and pass well offshore. They only enter Hong Kong waters if driven by the very strong winds of a typhoon. Summary In spring, many landbird migrants in Hong Kong have crossed the South China Sea from wintering grounds in the Philippines and north Borneo. A cold front or depression passing through Hong Kong generally causes influxes of spring migrants on the coast immediately after the passage of the weather system, when the system is over the South China Sea. If rain is associated with the system, this increases the size of the influx in direct proportion. In the absence of a weather system, migrants arriving in the Hong Kong area may fly over the coast and even Hong Kong altogether, to reach suitable habitat inland. In autumn, most landbird migrants in Hong Kong have crossed south China or flown along the south China coastline towards their wintering grounds in southeast Asia. A persistent northerly wind of sufficient strength across south China can bring more migrants to the Hong Kong area by causing them to drift south from their intended route. Those birds that arrive on the coast to the east of Hong Kong will then continue around the coast and it may take up to three days after the northerly wind starts before they arrive in Hong Kong. Autumn migration occurs over a longer period than in spring, both overall and for individual species. Visible migration of landbirds is more evident in autumn, and it is likely that more migrant landbirds pass through or over Hong Kong in autumn than in spring

346 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island The difference in wintering grounds between spring migrants (which mostly winter in The Philippines/north Borneo) and autumn migrants (which mostly winter in peninsular southeast Asia and south China) leads to different species being seen in Hong Kong in spring and in autumn. Po Toi and the Dangan Islands act as a net for migrants in both spring and autumn. Birds that arrive on the Dangan Islands subsequently move to the north, either to continue their migration as in spring, or to return to the coastline in autumn. Some of these birds fly to Po Toi, usually just after dawn. However, many others that make an initial landfall on the Dangan Islands may fly over Hong Kong altogether, particularly in spring. Egrets migrate along the south China coast in both spring and autumn. They may also have regular migration routes across the South China Sea to the area of the Philippines, mostly in autumn. Some species normally considered resident in Hong Kong are seen as migrants on Po Toi. Of these, Tree Sparrow is the most striking example in both spring and autumn, probably from a population following a coastal migration route around south China that may also stretch to east China. Seabird migration occurs mostly in spring. Seabird species follow a regular timetable and are less affected by weather than landbirds, although more birds may arrive in periods of strong easterly winds. The Dangan Islands concentrate departing spring seabird migrants into the channel between Po Toi Island and the main Dangan Island. Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the help of various individuals during this study and in the report. HKBWS through the Chairman Ho Fai Cheung provided material and moral support. Desmond Allen, Geoff Carey, Mike Chalmers, Paul Leader and Richard Lewthwaite all made helpful comments on the original draft of this paper. And most importantly, thanks to my wife Cindy, for allowing me to spend so much time away from home to conduct this study. References Berthold, P Bird Migration. Oxford University Press. Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Dickinson, E.C. and Kennedy, R.S The Birds of The Philippines. BOU Checklist Series. Gauthreaux, S.A Neotropical Migrants and the Gulf of Mexico. Cornell University Press. HKO Website. HKO Daily Weather Maps. Lam, C.Y. and Williams, M Weather and Bird Migration in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society 1993 Bird Report, pp La Touche, J.D List of Species on the Island of ShaWeiShan. Bull BoC 24: Mann, C.F The Birds of Borneo. BOU Checklist Series

347 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island McClure, H.E Migration and Survival of the Birds of Asia. White Lotus Press. Melville, D.S Bird Migration through Hong Kong observed by Radar. AFCD, Govt of HK SAR. Myers, M.T. and Apps, R.F Migration of Birds over the South China Coast recorded by Radar. Nature, Vol 241 p 553 Robson, C A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Second Edition. New Holland Publishers. Webster, M.A The Birds of Hong Kong. Part of The Fauna of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Royal Asiatic Society, Yu, Y.T Seabird Migration Survey, Spring Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

348 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Geoff Welch 香港鴨脷洲海怡半島 25 座 23A 蒲台島的雀鳥遷徙 引言這篇文章的目的是根據由 2006 年至 2008 年在蒲台島觀察所得的結果而對香港的雀鳥遷徙作出討論 除了定期遷徙的鷺鳥, 在蒲台島鮮有見到水鳥, 因此本文主要集中討論陸棲鳥 鷺鳥及海鳥 研究方法文中的大量的觀察紀錄是自 及 2008 年春季及秋季所錄得的 有關的研究仍在進行中, 而本文所採用的資料是截至 2008 年 12 月, 換句話說, 這篇文章只是整項研究的中期報告 研究採用了標準的調查方法, 在每一個調查日內在島上沿著 7 公里固定路線進行調查, 所有非留港的陸棲鳥都會被記下 ( 圖 1) 在此期間, 春季遷徙期的調查覆蓋了春季 ( 三月至五月 ) 日子的 57 %; 而秋季遷徙期的調查則覆蓋了秋季 ( 九月至十一月 ) 日子的 43 % 正在蒲台空中遷徙的陸棲鳥( 可見的遷徙 ) 會分開記錄, 同時亦會計算在每日總計內 在此遷徙季節期間, 分別在晨早及黃昏進行了兩小時的海鳥調查 調查位置在蒲台最南端, 望向蒲台與擔桿島之間的海面 圖 1 調查樣線及海面觀察點

349 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 結果調查期間共記錄了 259 種雀鳥, 佔 香港鳥類名錄 (Carey et al. 2001) 內 448 種的 58 %, 又或是 2008 年 12 月的香港整體紀錄 (490 種 ) 的 53 % 表 1 列出每項雀鳥類別的數目, 並與 香港鳥類名錄 比較 表 1 蒲台所記錄的鳥種及與 香港鳥類名錄 (Carey et al. 2001) 比較 過境遷徙鳥 冬候鳥 夏候鳥 留鳥或定期出現 總數 香港鳥類名錄 的總數 佔 香港鳥類名錄 的比例 陸棲鳥 ( 包括鷺鳥 ) % 海鳥 % 水鳥 % 總數 % 陸棲的過境遷徙鳥 (145 種 ) 佔記錄中的陸棲鳥的比例頗高, 為 200 種之中的 73%, 以及佔 香港鳥類名錄 所錄得 323 種的 45 % 這些資料都顯示蒲台是非常適合研究雀鳥遷徙的地點 圖 2 顯示研究期內每星期所錄得的非留港的陸棲鳥數目 圖 期間每星期在蒲台島所錄得的非留港的陸棲鳥數目 145 種陸棲過境遷徙鳥中有 43 種 (30%) 主要在春季見到,46 種 (32%) 主要在秋季見到, 其餘的 56 種 (38%) 兩季皆可見 我所指的 主要 是指該鳥種有 80% 或以上的出現率 大多遷徙鳥都只在其中一個季節出現而非兩季皆可見, 這是香港陸棲鳥遷徙的一個顯著特色, 本文稍後會再提及 陸棲鳥的春季遷徙主要在三月第四個星期至五月第三個星期的這八個星期內發生, 而高峰期在四月第四個星期 春季遷徙鳥的到達時間頗為準確, 情況如下 :

350 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 三月 : 雨燕及燕四月上旬 :Ficedula 鶲類 鵑 山椒鳥及灰臉鵟鷹四月下旬 : 鷺鳥 赤腹鷹 紅尾伯勞 黃鶺鴒 白眉鶇 極北柳鶯及灰紋鶯五月中旬 : 小型鳽類 陸棲鳥的秋季遷徙期比春季長, 共十二個星期, 覆蓋九月第一個星期至十一月第四個星期, 而高峰期在十月第三個星期 秋季遷徙鳥的到達時間如下 : 九月 : 小型鷺鳥 鵑 雨燕 家燕 翠鳥 三寶鳥 鶺鴒 暗灰鵑鵙 紅尾伯勞 藍磯鶇 扇尾鶯 極北柳鶯 淡腳樹鶯 冕柳鶯 小蝗鶯 北灰鶲 白眉鶲 壽帶 灰背椋鳥及黑枕黃鸝 十月 : 大白鷺 猛禽 丘鷸 山斑鳩及火斑鳩 鷚 灰山椒鳥 白頭鵯 紅喉歌鴝 北紅尾鴝 矛紋蝗鶯 褐柳鶯 黃眉柳鶯 暗綠柳鶯 鴝鶲 白腹鶲及鵐十一月 : 紅尾歌鴝 紅脇藍尾鴝 鶇 樹鶯 黃腰柳鶯 暗綠繡眼鳥及絲光椋鳥 很多鳥類的秋季遷徙期都較春季長, 這是由於同一鳥類的首次渡冬鳥及成鳥於不同時間遷徙, 以及秋季的遷徙時期較漫長 秋季的非留鳥每日總計比春季高 43%( 秋季及春季的每日平均數目分別是 113 及 79) 蒲台島的可見遷徙活動蒲台島陸棲鳥的可見遷徙活動在春季及秋季見到, 只是除小部份的鷺鳥外, 其他都主要集中在秋季 遷徙通常出現於蒲台島的東部海岸, 春季遷徙路線是由西南往東北, 而秋季路線則由東北往西南 春季的可見遷徙鳥主要為鷺鳥, 而陸棲鳥則較少見, 通常都是家燕及黃鶺鴒 在秋季有更加多不同的遷徙鳥種, 當中包括鷺鳥 猛禽 鷚 鶺鴒及其他定時在整個遷徙季節中期出現的鳥種 遷徙鳥的匯集遷徙鳥的匯集是指遷徙鳥的數目比上一日多出很多 在這篇文章中, 匯集的規模是以比較對上一日的增加而量化計算 在這項計算上, 鳥種的數目比雀鳥的數目更具代表性, 這是由於後者更容易受單一鳥種所影響 不過, 若分別以兩者作出計算, 得出的結果不會有明顯差異 表 2 中列出三年內春季及秋季的遷徙鳥匯集的次數及平均規模 遷徙鳥匯集的定義是指遷徙鳥種的數目比較上一日多五種 大規模的遷徙鳥匯集是指遷徙鳥種數目比較上一日多十種或以上

351 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 表 2. 不同季節及年份的遷徙鳥匯集 春季遷徙鳥匯集 秋季遷徙鳥匯集 年份大規模匯集大規模匯集次數平均規模次數平均規模的次數的次數 表 2 顯示春季比秋季有更多遷徙鳥匯集及更多大規模遷徙鳥匯集 這現象在野外非常明 顯 春季是較令人興奮的季節, 因為遷徙鳥匯集的出現通常都很精彩的 秋季的匯集較為少見, 而鳥種數目在整季中較平均 這是由於春季及秋季的遷徙性質不同, 而且天氣對遷徙活動的影響亦有不同 天氣與遷徙鳥匯集對於天氣與鳥類遷徙的關係, 香港近年最重要的研究是林超英和 Martin Williams 著的 Weather and bird migration in Hong Kong 這文章非常準確地預測蒲台島上遷徙鳥匯集在春季及秋季出現的情況, 並且從氣象學角度描述了香港的主要天氣系統及其對鳥類的影響, 所以很值得參考 春季遷徙蒲台島的春季遷徙鳥匯集主要與冷鋒及低氣壓有關, 尤其是帶著大雨的時候 研究中 26 次遷徙鳥匯集中有 18 次 (69%) 是在其中之一個現象發生後一日發生的 在 28 次冷鋒及低氣壓掠過期間, 有 18 次 (64%) 造成緊隨其後的遷徙鳥匯集 由此可見, 冷鋒及低氣壓對於預測蒲台的遷徙鳥匯集是很有用的 春季遷徙鳥匯集的時間在 18 個由冷鋒及低氣壓所引起的遷徙鳥匯集的分析中, 遷徙鳥的匯集在那些天氣系統掠過蒲台後 ( 即該天氣系統掠過香港以南的南中國海 ) 開始發生, 在隨後三天陸續離開蒲台 ( 圖 3) 圖 3 在 2006 至 08 年春季天氣系統經過蒲台後的鳥種數目增加情況

352 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 春季下雨的影響春季的冷鋒及低氣壓通常帶雨 研究期間, 最大規模的遷徙鳥匯集都在最多雨水時發生 : 在 2006 至 2008 年發生的 8 次最大規模春季匯集 ( 詳列於表 2) 都是在當日或前一日有多於 5 亳米的降雨量 在降雨量多於 5 亳米時匯集的規模 ( 平均 11.1 種 ) 相比降雨量少於 5 亳米時 ( 平均 6.6 種 ) 的規模幾乎大一倍 2008 年的春季是近十多年來雨量最少的春季, 平均只有正常的 54 %, 這可能解釋了在蒲台為何 2008 年的春季是相對前兩年較為少遷徙鳥出現的春季 春季的颱風在香港雖然颱風較少在春季出現, 但在研究期間則兩度發生 兩次都是在颱風來臨前數天錄得一些不尋常的鳥種抵達蒲台島, 例如赤翡翠 ( 香港首次紀錄 ) 及藍翅八色鶇 ( 第二次紀錄 ) 不過, 颱風所帶來的鳥種不及冷鋒及低氣壓的多 秋季遷徙由表 2 可見, 蒲台島上秋季的遷徙鳥匯集比春季少很多 (2006 至 2008 年期間是 14 與 26 之比 ) 秋季遷徙較春季遷徙更為平均 林超英和 Martin Williams (1993) 指出北風增強及颱風是造成秋季遷徙鳥匯集的兩項主要天氣系統 北風增強是風向的改變而令北風持續吹往中國中部及南部, 是研究期間最能在蒲台引起秋季匯集的天氣系統 在缺乏中國其他地方的天氣資料下, 北風增強在這項研究中被理解為香港的北風 當北風吹起, 通常都會維持數天 在研究期間的 14 次秋季匯集, 有 10 次 (71%) 是在北風增強的三日內發生 另外在 17 次吹北風時, 有 10 次 (59%) 會在三天內引起匯集情況 由此可見, 北風增強是預測蒲台秋季遷徙鳥匯集的好方法 秋季遷徙鳥匯集的時間從研究期間有 10 次吹北風而引起遷徙鳥匯集的情況來看, 平均來說匯集會在吹北風的同一天開始出現, 而匯集高峰期則在三天後出現 ( 圖 4) 圖 至 08 年在蒲台島秋季期間因吹北風而引起鳥種增加的情況

353 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 匯集時間的延遲在 Lam and Williams (1993) 一文中亦有提及, 而原因可能是雀鳥經陸地遷徙須作較短的飛行距離以及須多飛一個晚上才到達香港 秋季下雨的影響香港的秋季在九月後通常較乾燥, 從研究期間的觀察, 雨水並非影響秋季匯集的主要原因 整季度的低降雨量可能是較多北風以及因而產生的匯集的指標 值得留意的是 2007 年秋季是近十年以來降雨量最少及平均温度最低的一個秋季, 所以匯集的次數亦是 2006 至 08 年間最多的 ( 表 2) 秋季的颱風研究期間的秋季沒有颱風 不過,2009 年秋季的資料顯示颱風會打擾正常的秋季遷徙, 因而較易見到平時在春季可見遷徙的鳥種 討論研究結果引起了幾個有關蒲台島上春季及秋季雀鳥遷徙的問題 為何冷鋒或低氣壓會引起春季遷徙鳥的匯集, 而北風會引起秋季遷徙鳥的匯集? 如何對匯集的次數及時間加以解釋? 為何眾多鳥類都是在春季或秋季見到而並非兩季皆可見? 為何蒲台是觀察陸棲鳥遷徙的好地方? 春季及秋季的遷徙鳥從何而來? 每年數以百萬計的陸棲鳥都會由東亞南部緯度低於 20 N 位處熱帶的渡冬地 ( 泰國 老撾 越南 馬來西亞 印尼及菲律賓 ) 飛往緯度高於 35 N 的繁殖地 ( 日本 韓國 中國北及東北部以及俄羅斯的遠東 ), 春往北飛, 秋往南返 往東亞南部渡冬的雀鳥須飛往兩個不同的地區, 西邊地區包括緬甸 老撾 越南 柬埔寨 西馬來西亞 蘇門塔臘及爪哇 ( 東南亞 ), 而東邊地區則有婆羅洲及菲律賓 ( 菲律賓 / 婆羅洲 ) 兩個地區之間有南中國海阻隔 兩地區的渡冬鳥種群亦不同 東亞的遷徙路線基於 1966 年的研究工作,McClure(1998) 描繪了遷徙鳥有兩條由渡冬地飛往北方繁殖地的主要遷徙路線 他所提出的三條路線 : 東面內陸路線 海岸路線及太平洋路線在圖 5 顯示 三條路線由不同渡冬地的雀鳥所採用, 東面內陸線及海岸線由東南亞的渡冬種群所用, 而太平洋路線則由菲律賓 / 婆羅洲的渡冬種群所用

354 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 圖 5 東面內陸路線 海岸路線及太平洋路線 ( 摘自 McClure1966) 這些圖顯示香港是在海岸遷徙路線上, 所以只應有飛往東南亞渡冬的遷徙鳥 實際上並非如此 有些只在菲律賓渡冬的雀鳥 ( 如灰面鵟鷹及黃眉鶲 ) 也在香港見到 有趣的地方是這些鳥種主要在春季見到, 很少在秋季見到 同樣地, 很多在東南亞半島渡冬的遷徙鳥 ( 如巨嘴柳鶯及白眉鶲 ) 主要在秋季見到而很少在春季見到 香港的遷徙路徑儘管圖 5 準確記錄雀鳥於春季及秋季經東亞遷徙的活動, 但南中國海岸的實際情況很可能會像圖 6 圖 6 陸棲鳥於春季及秋季遷徙時經過南中國海岸的情況

355 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 雖然有些春季遷徙的陸棲鳥沿著海岸路線遷徙, 但有很多都由菲律賓及婆羅洲北部跨越南中國海而到達香港 另一方面, 秋季陸棲鳥主要由北面及沿海岸路線到達香港 這些見解並不新奇, 在 Webster (1973) 及 Lam and Williams(1993) 已有提及 春季遷徙在春季遷徙期間, 遷徙鳥匯集在冷鋒或低氣壓到達後一日發生 ( 圖 3), 亦即當冷鋒到達海面的時候 匯集的規模及性質 ( 包括了菲律賓 / 婆羅洲鳥種 ) 可顯示陸棲鳥遷徙時在海上遇到惡劣天氣的情況 圖 7 是香港天文台的氣象圖, 顯示在春季時冷鋒及低氣壓經過香港後一天的情況 圖 年 4 月 15 日的春季冷鋒及 2008 年 5 月 21 日的低氣壓 ( 資料來源 : 香港天文台網站 ) 2006 年 4 月 15 日, 大量赤腹鷹開始在蒲台出現, 在 15 至 16 日有多於 1,000 隻的紀錄 2008 年 5 月 21 日, 小型鷺和鳽類的大規模匯集在蒲台出現, 及後也在香港其他地方出現 值得留意的是, 這兩個天氣系統的南部較平靜而帶微弱的南風, 是引起雀鳥開始越過南中國海飛向北面的原因 這是正常在香港春季出現的鋒面系統現象 遷徙鳥經過多於 24 小時的越洋旅程, 遇到帶雨及迎面強風的鋒面 在這種情況下, 疲憊的雀鳥會於第一個

356 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 可以落腳的地方停下來, 因而產生在海岸出現的匯集情況 圖 3 所顯示的春季匯集的時間正與這個解釋脗合 這現象在 2006 年 4 月 29 日 當冷鋒剛經過香港後一日非常明顯地出現 當時香港觀鳥會所組織的船河在蒲台近岸的海面發現倦透的紅尾伯勞及黄鶺鴒, 而當時香港的天氣並非太惡劣 秋季遷徙在秋季遷徙期間, 匯集會在刮北風的時候出現, 顯示雀鳥來自北方 ( 不論是由陸地或沿海 ) 正常情況下北風伸延至中國南部及東部, 並持續數天 遷徙鳥由東北飛至西南, 跨越中國南部, 通常都在北風刮起時開始遷徙 不過有時一些雀鳥會被吹到比預期中較南的地方, 最終會到達香港沿岸或更東面的地方, 然後在沿岸地區繼續遷徙, 這解釋了為何秋季遷徙有延遲的現象 ( 圖 4) 秋季的匯集不及春季的大規模, 這是由於天氣對在陸地上遷徙的陸棲鳥影響較小 圖 8 的香港天文台氣象圖顯示在 2006 年 9 月 12 日秋季吹北風而產生匯集之前兩日的天氣 這個天氣系統為蒲台及香港帶來特別多的虎紋伯勞及其他遷徙鳥 圖 年 9 月 9 至 10 日秋季北風增強 ( 資料來源 : 香港天文台網站 )

357 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 鳥種組合的季節性分別途經香港的春季遷徙鳥 ( 例如灰臉鵟鷹 赤腹鷹 紅尾伯勞 lucionensis 亞種 黃眉鶲及硫磺鵐 ) 大多數甚至只在菲律賓及婆羅洲北部渡冬 途經香港的秋季遷徙鳥 ( 例如阿穆爾隼 暗灰鵑鵙 巨嘴柳鶯 白眉鶲 壽帶及黑枕黃鸝 ) 大多甚至是只在中國南部及東南亞渡冬, 又或途經這個地區 ( 如亞穆爾隼的例子 ) 而在兩個區域渡冬的雀鳥( 例如北鷚 三寶鳥 極北柳鶯 白腹鶲及紫壽帶鳥 ) 則在兩個季節都可以見到 (Dickinson et al. 1991, Mann 2008, Robson 2008) 相關研究圖 6 展示早期香港的雷達研究, 確認了春秋兩季定期在香港出現的遷徙路線 (Myers et al. 1973, Melville 1980) 在春季有雀鳥飛往西北及東北方向的雷達紀錄, 顯示牠們從南中國海到達香港 ; 而在秋季則有飛往西南方向的雷達紀錄, 顯示雀鳥沿海岸飛行 影響蒲台島春秋兩季匯集的天氣系統與影響美國墨西哥灣的差不多 (Gauthreaux 1977); 那裡的地理與南中國海岸及南中國海相近 Gauthreaux (1977) 提出遷徙鳥在春季時飛越海灣, 在秋季時卻沿海而飛 墨西哥灣研究的其他論點亦可能適用於南中國海, 例如在理想的天氣下, 遷徙鳥飛越海洋後會在五十公里內的地區著陸 基於以上的討論, 以下為春秋兩季陸棲鳥最有可能在香港過境的情況 途經香港的春季遷徙有些遷徙鳥會沿中國南部的海岸到達香港, 不過有很多都會從菲律賓及婆羅洲北部直接飛越南中國海 ( 圖 6) 視乎出發地的風向( 亦即從南方而來的風 ), 如果是協助遷徙鳥飛行的方向, 牠們就會起程 若飛行時沒有遇到惡劣天氣, 牠們便會飛越海岸地區到達內陸合適的環境 但若牠們飛行時遇上不利的風向及下雨的天氣, 很多都會在沿海合適的環境著陸以作休息 就算只是一些局部地區性的天氣如海岸的濃霧, 都可以導致牠們在沿海著陸 春季時, 在東南亞渡冬的雀鳥利用東面內陸路線 ( 圖 5) 向北方遷徙, 通常都會在香港的北方飛過 在香港出現的春季遷徙鳥大部分都是在菲律賓及婆羅洲北部渡冬的 途經香港的秋季遷徙香港的秋季遷徙鳥通常都是由東北方飛往西南方, 當飛越中國時 ( 圖 6 東部內陸路線 ) 被北風帶到原定方向的南面而到達香港及更東面的海岸 這包括了很多首次渡冬鳥, 牠們對飛行的路線較陌生, 也未能因風向作出適當的調整 落在香港東面的遷徙鳥最終會跟從海岸遷徙路線由南中國飛往東南亞的渡冬地, 而可能在起程幾天後途經香港

358 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 秋季時在太平洋路線上遷徙至菲律賓渡冬的雀鳥一般不會遇上一些將牠們帶往西面到香港的天氣狀況 ( 颱風除外 ), 所以在秋季牠們通常是不會於香港出現 香港的秋季遷徙鳥都是在東南亞及南中國渡冬的鳥種 秋季陸棲遷徙鳥的數目較多研究數據證明秋季途經香港的遷徙鳥當中的陸棲鳥比春季遷徙多 ( 研究期間秋季的每日平均雀鳥數目比春季多 43 %) 這種秋季香港的陸棲遷徙鳥數目較多的情況在 Myers and Apps (1973) 中亦有提及, 文中指出在秋季留過夜的遷徙鳥比春季多, 而 Webster (1973) 及 Melville (1980) 也記錄了秋季的陸棲遷徙鳥數目約是春季的三倍 因為春季在南中國海的遷徙是一道廣泛的鋒線而秋季是集中在海岸路線 ( 圖 6), 加上秋季有較多的首年渡冬鳥, 所以這情況是預期之中的 為何蒲台是觀察陸棲鳥遷徙的好地方? 這麼多鳥種在遷徙期間經過蒲台, 主要是因其位置是陸棲鳥在秋季及春季遷徙時經過的地點 ( 圖 9) 圖 9 途經蒲台的春季及秋季遷徙路線

359 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 春季時, 蒲台是雀鳥飛越南中國海後遇到的第一片陸地, 所以自然成為牠們的落腳地, 尤其是當牠們在海上遇到惡劣天氣 秋季的蒲台島上有不同的生境適合牠們歇息, 所以遷徙鳥傾向多留幾天去準備餘下的遷徙旅程 擔捍島擔捍島位於蒲台島以南 12 公里, 由東北伸延至西南長達 40 公里, 恰似一道 網 拾穫由南方而來的春季遷徙鳥及秋季時飛過海岸又折返回岸的雀鳥 (Berthold 2001) 在香港的雷達研究 (Myers et al. 1973) 記錄了春季由擔捍島再度出發的雀鳥遷徙 研究期間, 有時無論秋季或春季早上都會發現遷徙鳥由南面在海上低飛往蒲台, 特別是在蒲台島出現匯集之後 由飛行方向及情況看出牠們於較早時在擔捍島著陸並繼續遷徙, 或在找尋合適的休息及覓食地 圖 10 是假定春季及秋季的活動情況 圖 10 春季及秋季擔捍島所構成的影響 擔捍島對遷徙鳥在蒲台出現的影響並不小 雖然有些遷徙鳥春季時會先著陸擔捍島然後才繼續飛到香港 (Myers et al. 1973), 不過有大量遷徙鳥直接飛越了香港, 因此減少在蒲台及香港所見到的遷徙鳥

360 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 鷺鳥鷺鳥是比較特別的例子, 因為春秋兩季皆可見到牠們飛越蒲台 ; 在春季由西南飛至東北, 秋季則相反, 而春季的數量較多 明顯地牠們兩季都利用了海岸遷徙路線, 但牠們往西及東面飛多遠則不太清楚 ( 圖 11) 除此之外, 有些鷺鳥明顯跟隨西北至東南的路線遷飛, 特別在十月微風的日子, 大群的大白鷺及一些小白鷺會在黎明後大約一小時向東南面飛出海 牠們可能是日出時由米埔地區出發, 直接飛越南中國海往菲律賓及婆羅洲 春季在這條路線以反方向遷徙的鷺鳥大大減少, 顯示牠們利用不同的路線 圖 11 春季及秋季鷺鳥飛越蒲台的路線 意外的雀鳥遷徙活動有些通常在香港被視為留鳥的鳥種有時會在蒲台見到並被認為是遷徙鳥, 當中包括白胸苦惡鳥 Amaurornis phoenicurus, 白頭鵯 Pycnonotus sinensis, 大山雀 Parus major, 暗綠繡眼鳥 Zosterops japonicus, 樹麻雀 Passer montanus, 喜鵲 Pica pica 及大嘴烏鴉 Corvus macrorhynchus 黃額絲雀 Crithagra mozambica 定時在五月及九月出現, 顯示有遷徙的行為 白頭鵯及暗綠繡眼鳥的遷徙行為已在 香港鳥類名錄 (Carey et al. 2001) 中提及, 而蒲台的觀察證實了書中所說的, 此兩鳥種有大量渡冬種群在冬季由北面而來 白胸苦惡鳥是春季及秋季的定期遷徙鳥, 而大山雀及喜鵲的出現則似乎是自然的擴散居多 大嘴烏鴉群定期在春季出現及偶然在秋季出現, 某程度上是牠們遷徙及擴散活動的證明

361 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 樹麻雀的遷徙較顯著, 而牠似乎是有自然遷徙的習性 研究期間蒲台並沒有樹麻雀渡冬的紀錄 牠們通常在四月中旬出現, 而五月的數量增多, 曾經有二百隻或更多於遷徙點 ( 如燈塔 ) 出現 雖然沒有繁殖紀錄, 但有小量在香港渡過夏季 秋季遷徙的數目較少, 牠們通常於九月出現, 直至十一月最後一隻離開為止 樹麻雀的定時性出現, 揭示海岸遷徙路線在兩季皆存在的可能 樹麻雀的春季遷徙亦有被拉圖齊在上海外島錄得 (La Touche 1912) 無論牠們的起點及終點何在, 牠們在蒲台有明顯適應於市區生活的習性, 出現地點包括有人使用的酒樓及無人使用的燈塔 海鳥眾所周知, 春季的海鳥遷徙比秋季多出很多 平均來說, 春季的每天數量是秋季的十倍 春季遷徙南中國海是於赤道區域渡冬的海鳥在春季遷徙所途經的地方 當中包括大鳳頭燕鷗 Thalasseus bergii 白腰燕鷗 Onychoprion aleuticus 普通燕鷗 Sterna hirundo 中賊鷗 Stercorarius pomarinus 短尾賊鷗 S. parasiticus 及長尾賊鷗 S. longicaudus 再者, 小量的短尾鸌 Puffinus tenuirostris 會在由澳洲南岸的繁殖地飛往日本對開海面渡冬時途經香港 研究的數據顯示牠們每年的數目是介乎 50 至 100 隻之間 圖 12 顯示海鳥在南中國海的假定遷徙路線 如 Lam and Williams (1993) 的見解, 在香港見到的個體一般都被認為是在南中國海遷徙時受強烈東風影響而被帶到西邊 在香港最重要的海鳥研究是 2006 年春季的海鳥調查 (Yu 2006), 該研究調查了香港南及西南部海域出現的海鳥 兩項研究的結果很相似 海鳥在蒲台出現的時間頗為定時, 其時間如下 三月 : 渡冬海鳥, 特別是海鷗 ; 三月中有瓣蹼鷸 四月 : 賊鷗 燕鷗及瓣蹼鷸 五月 : 最大規模的燕鷗活動 鸌及瓣蹼鷸 Yu(2006) 的研究結果顯示燕鷗及其他海鳥 ( 瓣蹼鷸除外 ) 春季在南丫島南面較為常見 這現象可能是當海鳥到達珠三角地區後, 在繼續途經蒲台而飛往東北前, 利用南丫島南及西面作為覓食及集結的地方 ( 圖 13) 這現象最能從燕鷗看出, 因為其遷徙行為頗為集中 而擔捍島可能將海鳥集中在它與蒲台之間的海峽內

362 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 圖 12 南中國海上的春季海鳥遷徙 圖 13 珠三角地區的春季海鳥遷徙

363 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island Yu (2006) 的報告並沒有發現春季的風向與海鳥數量有任何顯著的關聯, 而本次蒲台島的研究也沒有 蒲台的研究中最顯著的發現是遷徙的時間 三月的黃昏是海鷗遷徙的高峰, 而四月及五月的晨早則是燕鷗, 賊鷗及鸌 這現象揭示海鷗可能是在晚間遷徙, 而其他海鳥則是在日間遷徙 秋季遷徙秋季的海鳥遷徙期是非常短暫的, 而且差不多只在九月發生, 當中亦只得燕鷗及瓣蹼鷸 這現象可能是海鳥在秋季直接在外海飛越南中國海 牠們只在強風或颱風發生時才被帶近香港 摘要在春季, 香港的陸棲遷徙鳥很多都是由菲律賓及婆羅洲北部的渡冬地飛越南中國海而來的 冷鋒或低氣壓經過香港或南中國海後, 都會造成春季遷徙鳥的匯集 若這種天氣系統帶雨, 匯集會因而增加 如果沒有這種天氣系統, 到達香港的遷徙鳥會直接飛越香港而去到內陸合適的生境 在秋季, 香港的陸棲遷徙鳥有很多會飛越南中國或沿南中國海岸前往東南亞的渡冬地 持續及強勁的北風吹過南中國後, 會將遷徙鳥帶往比原定更南的地方而到達香港 若牠們到達香港以東的地方, 便會採取海岸遷徙路線繼續遷徙, 然後會在北風刮起後的三天內到達香港 可見的陸棲鳥遷徙在秋季更為明顯, 而很可能秋季陸棲遷徙鳥的數量是比春季多 無論是在總數或個別鳥種的計算上, 秋季遷徙的時期都比春季長 渡冬地的區別是導致香港春秋兩季出現不同遷徙鳥的原因 ( 春季遷徙鳥主要在菲律賓及婆羅洲北部渡冬, 而秋季遷徙鳥主要在東南亞半島及南中國渡冬 ) 蒲台及擔捍島像是拾穫春秋兩季遷徙鳥的一道網 到達擔捍島的遷徙鳥, 在春季會繼續遷徙, 而在秋季則會回到岸邊 牠們有部份是在黎明後不久飛到蒲台 不過, 很多在擔捍島落腳的遷徙鳥都會直接飛越香港, 尤其是在春季 鷺鳥在春秋兩季都會沿南中國海岸遷徙, 當中春季的數目較多 牠們可能在秋季有定期的遷徙路線飛越南中國海, 去到菲律賓附近渡冬 有些鳥種在香港通常都是留鳥, 但是會在蒲台被視為遷徙鳥 無論是春季或秋季, 樹麻雀是當中的佼佼者, 牠們可能跟著海岸遷徙路線由中國南部甚至東部遷徙 海鳥的遷徙主要是在春季發生 雖然在強烈東風的影響下牠們的數量可能較多, 但是海鳥的遷徙主要跟隨有規律的時間表, 相對陸棲鳥牠們較少受天氣影響 海鳥可能利用南丫島的南面作為春季遷徙的集結地 擔捍島將春季離境中的遷徙海鳥集中在蒲台與擔捍島之間

364 Hong Kong Bird Report : Bird Migration on Po Toi Island 鳴謝我想感謝多位在研究及報告中提供幫助的朋友 香港觀鳥會主席張浩輝提供了物質及精神上的支持 Desmond Allen 賈知行 米湛士 利雅德及 Richard Lewthwaite 為本文的初稿提供了很有幫助的意見 最重要的是要多謝內子 Cindy 包容我花大量時間離家進行此項研究 參考資料 Berthold, P Bird Migration. Oxford University Press. Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Dickinson, E.C. and Kennedy, R.S The Birds of The Philippines. BOU Checklist Series. Gauthreaux, S.A Neotropical Migrants and the Gulf of Mexico. Cornell University Press. HKO Website. HKO Daily Weather Maps. Lam, C.Y. and Williams, M Weather and Bird Migration in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society 1993 Bird Report, pp La Touche, J.D List of Species on the Island of ShaWeiShan. Bull BoC 24: Mann, C.F The Birds of Borneo. BOU Checklist Series. McClure, H.E Migration and Survival of the Birds of Asia. White Lotus Press. Melville, D.S Bird Migration through Hong Kong observed by Radar. AFCD, Govt of HK SAR. Myers, M.T. and Apps, R.F Migration of Birds over the South China Coast recorded by Radar. Nature, Vol 241 p 553 Robson, C A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Second Edition. New Holland Publishers. Webster, M.A The Birds of Hong Kong. Part of The Fauna of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Royal Asiatic Society, Yu, Y.T Seabird Migration Survey, Spring Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

365 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Paul J Leader Asia Ecological Consultants, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong Introduction King (2002) proposed treating the four forms of the Hierococcyx fugax complex, hyperythrus, nisicolor, pectoralis and fugax as distinct species based upon differences in vocalisations, plumage and biometrics. This treatment has been widely adopted including by the IOC, and thus by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HWBWS) Records Committee. Based upon Cheng (1987), two species within the complex occur in China:, Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus and Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor. Northern Hawk-cuckoo breeds in northeast China and is a migrant through eastern China, (although wintering in Fujian and Guangdong Provinces as described by Cheng (1987) would appear to be erroneous), and Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo, which breeds widely across southern China. The purpose of this paper is to review the status and identification of these two species in Hong Kong. Methods King (2002) provides detailed information regarding the vocal and biometric differences between the two species, and morphological differences in adult plumages; however, very little information was included regarding differences in juvenile/first winter plumage. To investigate this issue, I examined specimens in the collection of the British Museum (Natural History). Records of Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo sensu lato held by the HKBWS were subsequently reviewed by the Records Committee and the results of this review are included below. Plumage differences An examination of specimens of both species in adult and juvenile/first-winter plumage showed that both species were readily separable in both plumages. The key differences are summarised in Table 1 and illustrated in Plates Status in Hong Kong Carey et al. (2001) listed eight records of Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo sensu lato, which fall into three distinct periods: four between 7 April to 6 May, a single July record and three individuals from 29 September to 27 October. Subsequently, its status has changed remarkably and it has become a regular spring migrant with males holding territory at up to five sites in a single year, with breeding proven on 24 August 2008 when a juvenile was seen with a female Hainan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus in Tai Po Kau. There are two other August records of juveniles, which may or may not have been locally bred. All spring and summer records, including those in August, are considered to be attributable to H. nisicolor based upon vocalisations and/or plumage. A record on 30 July 1996, although not attributed to taxon by Carey et al. (2001), is

366 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong considered here to be attributable to H. nisicolor on the basis of date, which is outside the period of the three records of H. hyperythrus and would be an exceptional date for a northern migrant in Hong Kong. There is no evidence of H. hyperythrus occurring in spring or summer. Records are summarized in Figures 1 and 2. Table 1. Summary of plumage differences between Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus and Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor Adult Juvenile/ 1 st winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus Dark bars between base of uppertail and broad subterminal bar relatively narrow Solidly grey-pink underparts with no obvious streaking Pale bar on uppertail closest to broad subterminal bar obviously brownish and similar to colour of tail tip Underparts poorly to broadly streaked blackish on white ground colour. Throat narrowly to extensively black, on most well-marked birds results in a distinctively hooded appearance Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor Dark bars between base of uppertail and broad subterminal bar relatively broad Underparts extensively streaked grey-pink. Pale bar on uppertail closest to broad subterminal bar obviously greyish and contrasts with browner colour of tail tip Recently fledged juveniles dark on throat, but have broad dark brown spots (rather than streaks) on underparts. This plumage lost quickly; first-winters broadly streaked (not spotted) brown with extensive warm brown wash and no or very little dark brown on throat; lack hooded appearance. Based on criteria in Table 1, the three autumn records are attributable to Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus. These are as follows: A juvenile/first winter trapped at Clearwater Bay on 27 October 1971 (Plate 10); A first-winter found injured near Fanling on 29 September 1996, taken into care at KFBG and released on 8 October 1996 (Plates 11 and 12); A juvenile/first winter at Po Toi on 13 October 1997 (Plate 13). Summary Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor regularly occurs in Hong Kong in spring from late March to late May and almost certainly breeds annually. Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus is an extremely rare autumn migrant, with three records between 29 September and 27 October. The latter shows no evidence of getting more common in Hong Kong, despite extensive coverage of migrant hotspots such as Po Toi and the rapid growth of bird photography. Observers are encouraged to pay particular attention to autumn records of hawk-cuckoos, and wherever possible obtain photographs

367 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Figure 1. Number of bird days per week of Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo in HK Figure 2. Number of bird days per year of Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo in HK Acknowledgements Thanks to Robert Prŷs-Jones and Mark Adams at the British Museum (Natural History) for allowing access to specimens. Dr. Michael Leven commented on a draft. References Carey, G. J., Chalmers, M. L., Diskin, D. A., Kennerley, P. R., Leader, P. J., Lewthwaite, R. W., Leven, M. R., Melville, D. S., Turnbull, M. & Young, L The avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing & Paul Parey, Hamburg & Berlin. King, B. K The Hierococcyx fugax, Hodgson s Hawk Cuckoo, complex. Bulletin B.O.C. 122, 1:

368 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 76. Adult Northern Hawkcuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑成鳥. Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the narrow bars between base of tail and broad subterminal bar. Plate 77. Adult Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolro 霍氏鷹鵑成鳥, Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the broader bars between the base of the tail and the broad subterminal bar when compared to those of Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Plate

369 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 78 (left 左 ). Adult Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑成鳥. Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the uniform grey-pink underparts. Plate 79. Adult Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑成鳥, Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the obvious grey-pink streaking

370 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 80. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus. 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥 Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the brownish tones to the pale tail bar closest to broad subterminal bar which is similar in colour to the tail tip. Plate 81. Juvenile/first winter Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolo 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the greyish tones to the pale tail bar closest to broad subterminal bar which contrasts with the more rufous colour of the tail tip

371 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 82. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥. Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the white ground colour, blackish streaking and the extent and variability of dark throat markings. Plate 83. Juvenile Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the extent and variability of the dark throat markings which are similar to some juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo. However, note the broad dark brown spots on the underparts and compared with the underparts of the Northern Hawk-cuckoos shown in Plate

372 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 84. Juvenile/first winter Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor 霍氏鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Paul J Leader British Museum (Natural History). Note the offwhite ground colour, brownish streaking and degree of marking on the throat. Plate 85. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawkcuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬, Clearwater Bay, Hong Hong, 27 October Clive. Briffet. Note the obvious hooded appearance, white ground colour to the underparts and blackish streaked below. This individual was the first record for Hong Kong of this species

373 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 86. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Hong Kong, October 1996, Geoff J. Carey. Note the obvious hooded appearance, white ground colour to the underparts and blackish streaking below. Plate 87. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Hong Kong, October 1996, Geoff J. Carey. Note the brownish tones to the pale tail bar closest to broad subterminal bar which is similar in colour to the tail tip

374 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong Plate 88. Juvenile/first winter Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 北鷹鵑幼鳥 / 首次渡冬鳥, Po Toi, Hong Kong, 13 October Paul J Leader. Note the hooded appearance, the whitish underparts and the bold black streaking below

375 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong 利雅德 霍氏鷹鵑和北鷹鵑在香港的狀況和辨認情況 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd 引言 King(2002) 提出, 把 Hierococcyx fugax 綜合體之下的 hyperythrus nisicolor pectoralis 及 fugax 四種類型視為不同鳥種, 並以牠們的聲音 羽毛和生物特徵區分 這個處理方法廣受多個機構採納, 當中包括國際鳥類學者聯盟 (IOC); 香港觀鳥會紀錄委員會也因此採納 根據 Cheng(1987), 這個綜合體之下有兩個鳥種在中國出現, 包括北鷹鵑 Northern Hawk-cuckoo H. hyperythrus 和霍氏鷹鵑 Hodgson s Hawk-cuckoo H. nisicolor 北鷹鵑在中國東北繁殖, 並會沿華東遷徙 ( 雖然 Cheng(1987) 有關牠們在福建省和廣東省渡冬的說法看來並不正確 ) 霍氏鷹鵑則在華南廣泛地區繁殖 本文旨在檢視這兩個鳥種在香港的狀況及辨認情況 方法 King(2002) 就這兩個鳥種在聲音和生物特徵上的差異, 以及成鳥羽毛形態上的差異, 提供了詳細資料 然而, 有關幼鳥 / 第一年渡冬鳥在羽毛上差異的資料卻不多 為了研究這個課題, 我仔細檢查了大英自然史博物館收藏的標本 紀錄委員會其後也檢視了香港觀鳥會保存的霍氏鷹鵑紀錄 ( 廣義來說 ) 檢視的結果載於下文 羽毛差異仔細觀察兩個鳥種的成鳥和幼鳥 / 第一年渡冬鳥標本之後發現, 兩個鳥種可以憑羽毛特徵輕易分辨 主要的差異於表 1 概述, 並於圖 1-8 展示

376 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong 表 1. 北鷹鵑和霍氏鷹鵑羽毛差異的概要 成鳥幼鳥 / 第一年渡冬鳥 北鷹鵑 H. hyperythrus 在尾羽的表面, 尾基與末端粗間之間的深色間較幼 下體純灰粉紅色, 沒有明顯縱紋 尾上最靠近次末端粗大橫紋的橫紋顏色暗淡, 明顯帶褐色, 與尾部末端的顏色相近 下體的縱紋不明顯至十分粗闊, 縱紋帶黑色, 底色呈白色 喉部由少許黑色至佈滿黑色都有 大部分顏色顯著的雀鳥會因此呈現像戴有頭罩的特有外表 霍氏鷹鵑 H. nisicolor 在尾羽的表面, 尾基與末端粗間之間的深色間較粗 下體灰粉紅色, 佈滿縱紋 尾上最靠近次末端粗大橫紋的橫紋顏色暗淡, 明顯帶灰色, 與尾部末端的褐色成對比 剛長出豐滿羽毛的幼鳥喉部深色, 但下體長有闊大的深褐色斑點 ( 而非縱紋 ) 這羽毛會迅速褪掉 第一年度冬鳥長有粗闊的褐色縱紋 ( 而非斑點 ), 褐色帶有暖色調, 喉部沒有或只有少許深褐色 ; 不呈現像戴有頭罩的外表 在香港的狀況 Carey et al.(2001) 列出 8 個霍氏鷹鵑的紀錄 ( 廣義來說 ), 紀錄的時間分為三個不同時段 : 4 月 7 日至 5 月 6 日有 4 個紀錄 7 月有 1 個紀錄以及 9 月 29 日至 10 月 27 日有 3 個紀錄 其後, 霍氏鷹鵑在香港的狀況有重大轉變, 成為慣常出現的春候鳥, 一年內有多達 5 處錄得雄鳥佔據領域的紀錄 2008 年 8 月 24 日更有人在大埔滘見到一隻幼鳥與一隻海南藍仙鶲 Cyornis hainanus 雌鳥一起, 證實有霍氏鷹鵑在香港繁殖 另外兩個幼鳥的紀錄也在 8 月錄得, 但未能確定幼鳥是否在香港出生 所有在春天和夏天的紀錄, 包括這些 8 月的紀錄, 根據聲音及 / 或羽毛來衡量, 均歸屬於霍氏鷹鵑 至於 1996 年 7 月 30 日的紀錄, 雖然 Carey et al.(2001) 未有分類, 但根據紀錄的日期 ( 在 3 個北鷹鵑紀錄的時段以外, 並且是北方候鳥在香港極少會出現的日期 ), 也在此將這個紀錄歸屬於霍氏鷹鵑 現時沒有證據顯示, 北鷹鵑於春天或夏天出現 有關紀錄於圖表 1 及 2 中概述 根據表 1 所列特徵,3 個秋天的紀錄都歸屬於北鷹鵑, 詳情如下 : 1971 年 10 月 27 日於清水灣被困的幼鳥 / 第一年渡冬鳥 ( 圖 10); 1996 年 9 月 29 日在粉嶺附近被發現受傷的第一年渡冬鳥 該鳥被帶往嘉道理農場治理, 並於 1996 年 10 月 8 日放回野外 ( 圖 11 及 12); 1997 年 10 月 13 日於蒲台出現的幼鳥 / 第一年渡冬鳥 ( 圖 13)

377 Hong Kong Bird Report : The Status and Identification of Hodgson's and Northern Hawk-cuckoo in Hong Kong 圖表 年霍氏鷹鵑每星期在香港的日數 圖表 年霍氏鷹鵑每年在香港的日數 總結霍氏鷹鵑通常於春天 (3 月底至 5 月底 ) 在香港出現, 並幾乎可以肯定每年都會繁殖 北鷹鵑是極為罕有的秋候鳥, 只有在 9 月 29 日至 10 月 27 日期間的 3 個紀錄 雖然候鳥熱點如蒲台等都有觀鳥者覆蓋, 而且雀鳥攝影者的數目近年也迅速增長, 但沒有證據顯示, 北鷹鵑在香港出現的次數越來越多 觀鳥者宜特別留意鷹鵑的秋季紀錄, 並盡可能拍下照片 致謝特此感謝大英自然史博物館的 Robert Prŷs-Jones 和 Mark Adams 讓我觀察有關標本, 以及利偉文博士就本文的初稿提供意見 參考資料 Carey, G. J., Chalmers, M. L., Diskin, D. A., Kennerley, P. R., Leader, P. J., Lewthwaite, R. W., Leven, M. R., Melville, D. S., Turnbull, M. & Young, L The avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Cheng, T.H A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China. Science Press, Beijing & Paul Parey, Hamburg & Berlin. King, B. K The Hierococcyx fugax, Hodgson s Hawk Cuckoo, complex. Bulletin B.O.C. 122, 1:

378 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Observations at the Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 David J. Stanton c/o Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, HK Background The ardeid night roost alongside Wong Chuk Hang Nullah at Heung Yip Road, Aberdeen first came to my attention in late 2008 when I observed numerous egrets roosting on the tall trees south of the nullah when travelling home across the Ap Lei Chau Road Bridge. Following further casual observations of the roosting birds, I came to wonder if this was primarily a winter roosting site or whether it was also the site of a breeding colony. No evidence of this site being the location of a breeding site was traced (Lee et al. 2007, Anon 2008, Anon. 2009a), nor was there any mention in the literature regarding the presence of an ardeid night roost. However, there was anecdotal evidence of its presence for the several years previous (M. Kilburn, M. Leven, C. Wong pers. comm.). Extremely limited information regarding ardeid night roost and roosting behaviour is available for the region. The first study of night roosts in Hong Kong comprised single visits to known locations in the winter of 2002/03 (Lee et al. 2004); the only night roosting sites for Hong Kong Island and its immediate environs surveyed were at Causeway Bay and Green Island. In addition, ardeid roosting was monitored at Penfold Park between 2004 and 2006 (Carey 2009). At another site in the Pearl River delta, a night roost in the mangroves of Macau, between Taipa and Coloane, was described as having a maximum count of 1400 ardeids in January 2002 (Leung & Kwok 2002). The roost itself (Figure 1) is located in a stand of mature trees on a wooded slope (c. 50m high) along the banks of a channelised watercourse (nullah). The nullah runs along an east west alignment, with the western mouth opening into the busy Aberdeen Harbour. A 20m-high road bridge, which spans both the nullah and the Harbour, is located approximately 200m from the roost, at the mouth of the nullah. To the north of the nullah are a series of high rise industrial units, to the south on the tops of slopes are residential and seminary buildings; limited human access is available to the wooded slopes. The roost is situated in a sheltered location, away from human activity and in the lee of off shore winds. Methodology The aim was to survey ardeids coming in to the roost at least twice per month for a 12-month period, commencing in January 2009, on a total of 24 survey dates. Surveys commenced at least 30 minutes before sunset and continued for 30 minutes after sunset, or until such a time that no birds had been recorded for a 10-minute period, or

379 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 ambient light was insufficient to continue. All ardeids were recorded to species level and enumerated from a vantage point on Ap Lei Chau Bridge. The time of arrival was also recorded, along with weather conditions and tidal state. In the event, three surveys were made in each of January and April, while only one was made in both May and July, still resulting in 24 surveys over the 12-month study period. Figure 1. Location of Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night roost For the purposes of this study the year has been split into four seasons as follows: winter (December February), spring (Mar-May), summer (June-August) and autumn (September- November). It is recognised that attributing specific months to these seasonal terms in Hong Kong is unfortunate, but well established (Dudgeon and Corlett 2004), and does follow other studies (Anon 2009b, Anon 2009c). Predicted sunset times were taken from the Hong Kong Observatory website ( gov.hk/contente.htm ). Results Species using the night roost Across the course of 2009, a total of 24 roost surveys were conducted. A total of five ardeid species were recorded roosting at the site: Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Great Egret Egretta alba, Little Egret E. garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus. No breeding or breeding activity was recorded at the site. A sixth species, Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, whilst observed regularly in flight en route to nocturnal foraging areas and hunting in the nullah during surveys, was not seen roosting at Wong Chuk Hang. This nocturnal species has been observed at daytime roost in the Flamingo Collection at nearby Ocean Park

380 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Trees utilised for roosting were primarily Celtis sinensis, Aleurites mollucata, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus variegata, Acacia confusa and a dead Leucaena leucocephala. Birds would congregate initially on trees alongside the southern banks of the nullah before relocating en masse to the taller trees further up the slope, where they then roosted out of view under the canopy of these larger trees. These movements were made once the twilight period was over and darkness had set in proper. Summary of Observations The data recorded from the 12 month study can be seen in Table 1. Numbers of each ardeid species using the roost on each particular survey date is shown. Table 1. Total observations of ardeids roosting at Wong Chuk Hang during 2009 surveys. Date Grey Heron Great Egret Little Egret Cattle Egret CPH Total 7 Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr May Jun Jun Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Little Egret was the most numerous species recorded during surveys, with a total of 5136 birds (96.3% of observations) recorded in the 12-month period being of this species. The highest roost count was on 7 th January 2009 when a total of 487 birds (comprising 479 Little Egrets, four Great Egrets and four Grey Herons) were recorded. The lowest count was of 43 birds (all Little Egrets) on 25 th August The results and findings for individual species are shown in the following sections

381 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Little Egret Little Egret is an abundant species in Hong Kong and present all year; whilst most birds are probably resident there is evidence of spring and autumn passage and also that some birds are winter visitors (Carey et al. 2001). Little Egret was recorded on all 24 surveys, the minimum number (43) in August and maximum (479) in early January. Numbers were greatest in the winter months (January, February, November and December). Through spring numbers steadily decreased and began to level off in June and July, until they dropped off in late August. The lack of breeding activity indicates that these are non-breeding birds. Towards the end of October, numbers again increased until over 400 birds were regularly present in December (Figure 2). Figure 2. Numbers of Little Egret roosting at Wong Chuk Hang during 2009 surveys. Other Ardeids Other ardeids recorded included Grey Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret and Chinese Pond Heron. Figure 3 shows the data recorded for Great Egret and Cattle Egret. Grey Heron and Chinese Pond Heron are not represented graphically due to the low numbers of observations involved. Great Egret In Hong Kong this species is common and abundant all year with greatest numbers around the wetlands of the northwest New Territories, though numbers are greater in winter when numbers begin to arrive in August and depart in April (Carey et al. 2001). Great Egret was the second most abundant species (208 birds, 3.86% of total). Great Egrets were recorded in all months other than September and October, and numbers were greatest in the winter months (January, February, late November and December), with 31 recorded on both December counts. Outside of this period numbers were generally much lower, though counts of 16 and 21 were made in April, presumably relating to birds on passage

382 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Figure 3. Numbers of Great Egret and Cattle Egret roosting at Wong Chuk Hang during 2009 surveys. Grey Heron This species is rare outside Deep Bay (Carey et al. 2001), though it is recorded elsewhere in Hong Kong on migration. Grey Herons were recorded on eight dates, mostly singles in the first half of the year (between January and May), though there was also a count of four roosting on 7 th January. Outside of this period a single bird was observed during an early November count. The January and February records are presumably of wintering birds; indeed single Grey Herons were occasionally seen around Aberdeen harbour in early 2009 (pers. obs.). Cattle Egret Carey et al. (2001) describe Cattle Egret as being common to uncommon all year round, with migrants occurring during spring and autumn. Four records of Cattle Egrets occurred between April and June, with highest numbers (20) recorded in late May. These numbers and dates suggest migrant birds using the night roost temporarily whilst on passage, and correspond with findings on Po Toi (G. Welch unpublished data). This time period corresponds with dates of passage birds in recent years in Hong Kong southern waters between 14 th April and 30 th May (HKBWS 1997, 1999) and observations of flocks near Po Toi in early April 2008 and at Kai Tak in April and May Regular observations on Po Toi have also revealed a strong spring passage of Cattle Egrets in April and May (G. Welch unpublished data). Chinese Pond Heron This species is particularly common in the New Territories, and only occasional records occur on Hong Kong Island (Carey et al. 2001). Herklots (1967) suggested that there was a breeding population that migrated south in late October

383 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 A single record of Chinese Pond Heron was made in late October; it is assumed that this bird was recorded on southward passage. Outside of this survey, my only other record of Chinese Pond Herons in the locality is of 12 birds grounded at Tai Shue Wan, next to Ocean Park, on 15 th September 2009 following Tropical Storm Koppu. Ardeid arrival times Arrival times were recorded in 5-minute blocks from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunset to record seasonal variation in arrival times at roost. Birds already at the roost and not actively foraging were recorded as already roosting. Figure 4 shows the cumulative arrival times for ardeids over the 12-month study. The peak arrival time is in the 5 minutes immediately before sunset, though regular arrivals to the roost continue for the 20 minutes after sunset. Figure 4. Cumulative ardeid arrival times at roost over 12-month study (R indicates birds already at the roost before commencement of survey The maximum count of birds in a single 5-minute period was a total of 214 ardeids (made up of 197 Little Egret and 17 Great Egret) in the 5-minutes leading up to sunset on 15 th December The next highest count was of 182 birds arriving from 20 to 25 minutes after sunset on 13 th January The largest single group of ardeids arriving at the roost was 137, comprised of 135 Little and 2 Grest Egrets on 7 th January 2009, 10 minutes after sunset. The seasonal median arrivals for each season can be seen in Figure 5, and are discussed below

384 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Figure 5. Seasonal arrival times of ardeids to roost relative to sunset time Winter: whilst some birds were already at roost, until 5 minutes before sunset arrivals are low in number. A large proportion of birds arrive after this point, with peak arrivals between 20 and 25 minutes after sunset. Spring: numbers steadily increase until the peak arrival time in the 5 minutes prior to sunset. Numbers arriving after this time are steady, though much lower than the peak count. After 25 minutes following sunset, no further birds were observed coming to roost e. This period shows the highest numbers of roosting birds already at site 30 minutes before sunset. Summer: generally low numbers of birds arriving as a large percentage already at roost during this period. Numbers arriving are steady up until 15 minutes after sunset, after which no more birds arrived. Autumn: peak numbers arrived in the 5 minutes after sunset, with high numbers arriving, though steadily decreasing, up until 20 minutes after sunset. The peak arrival times for each survey date have been plotted against sunset times in Figure 6 to give an impression of peak arrival relative to sunset across the course of a year. Peak arrival times vary over the course of the year, between 30 minutes before sunset and 15 minutes after sunset. The earliest peak arrival time was on 6 th March 2009, when 30 minutes before sunset 58 birds arrived in a five minute period, which included two flocks of 26 and 23 birds

385 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Some birds were already at roost prior to surveys commencing. Generally, less than 20% of the overall number of roosting birds for each survey were at roost 30 minutes prior to sunset (see Figure 7). In late summer and early autumn a large proportion of the final number of roosting birds were already at roost before surveys started 30 minutes before sunset. During the winter months, whilst low numbers of birds were also at roost 30 minutes before sunset, a much higher percentage of the final roosting numbers arrived later on in the surveys. Figure 6. Peak arrival times of ardeids to roost relative to sunset time (21 st September has no peak arrival time plotted as there were several time periods that had the same number of bird arrivals). Figure 7. Percentage of birds already at roost 30 minutes before sunset. 3.3 Direction of Arrival The direction whence ardeids arrived was recorded during surveys. The two main approaches are shown in Figure 8 and quantified in Figure 9. Numbers of birds arriving from the south were relatively consistent through the year. Numbers of birds arriving from the west were variable throughout the year with highest numbers arriving in the winter period

386 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Figure 8. Direction of approach for roosting birds arriving at Wong Chuk Hang Night Roost (blue arrow from west; red arrow from south) Figure 9. Mean number of arriving birds per season from west and south Consistently low numbers of birds arrive from the south throughout the year. Much greater numbers arrive from the western approach to Aberdeen Harbour

387 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Discussion Species using the night roost The findings of this study indicate that Wong Chuk Hang is the most important ardeid night roost site on Hong Kong Island and outside the New Territories. It supports large numbers of birds in winter and is used by birds on spring passage. Neither breeding nor breeding activities were recorded during the summer months, though low numbers of (presumably) non-breeding birds were recorded during this period. Little Egret is the species which occurs in the greatest numbers throughout the year. The only other published data regarding ardeid night roosts on Hong Kong Island were collected at Causeway Bay where 95 ardeids were recorded (not to species level) at a roost in January 2003 (Lee et al. 2003). In January 2009 much higher numbers of ardeids were roosting at Wong Chuk Hang (counts of 487, 454 and 378 on three survey dates). Whilst the data from these two studies cannot be directly compared due to the dynamic nature of ardeid roosts, and given the difference in time and methodologies between the two studies, a broad indication of the importance of the Wong Chuk Hang night roost can still be gained. The closest breeding records of Little Egret to Wong Chuk Hang are from Green Island (Lee et al. 2007, Anon. 2009) at the northwest corner of Hong Kong Island, approximately 8.5km away (as the egret flies, i.e. via the coastal route). Some summer roosting birds at Wong Chuk Hang may be failed breeders or juvenile/immature birds from this site. Comparison to of HKBWS Co-ordinated Waterbird Count Data (2009) The value of this night roost in a Hong Kong context can seen by comparing the average monthly counts of Little Egrets from this Study with numbers of the same species in the monthly waterbird counts of 2009 conducted by HKBWS (Anon 2009b, Anon 2009c), where co-ordinated counts are made of total numbers of birds in Deep Bay and Starling Inlet. It is notable that the January average of birds from this Study makes up over one fifth (22%) of the total wintering Little Egrets at these three sites. Ardeid Arrival Times Some birds were already at roost prior to surveys commencing, that is 30 minutes before sunset, though the proportion of the final numbers using the roost varied during the year. In late summer and early autumn a larger proportion of non-breeding birds were at roost before surveys started 30 minutes before sunrise. It is clear that in the winter the majority of birds arrived to roost later than in the summer months. This may be attributable to a number of abiotic and biotic factors, which would require further study. It may be that the greater numbers of birds that occur in winter may increase pressure on local feeding grounds and result in birds foraging further afield, or that the cooler weather may require birds to spend more time foraging

388 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Table 4. Comparison of HKBWS Co-ordinated Waterbird Count Data referring to Deep Bay and Starling Inlet and nearest-date equivalent count from Wong Chuk Hang for numbers of Little Egret. Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage of the total count for the three sites. Month Waterbird Count Wong Chuk Hang Total (DB +SI + Deep Bay* Starling Inlet* (WCH)** peak count WCH) Count January 1428 (75%) 54 (3%) 421 (22%) 1903 February 2076 (85%) 45 (2%) 328 (13%) 2449 March 1010 (85%) 0 (0%) 174 (15%) 1184 April 702 (79%) 21 (2%) 170 (19%) 893 May 679 (79%) 26 (3%) 157 (18%) 862 June 575 (84%) 11 (2%) 95 (14%) 681 July 701 (88%) 9 (1%) 88 (11%) 798 August 563 (80%) 57 (8%) 88 (12%) 708 September 787 (88%) 51 (6%) 60 (6%) 898 October 957 (86%) 55 (5%) 97 (9%) 1109 November 745 (68%) 32 (3%) 317 (28%) 1094 December 1047 (71%) 25 (2%) 403 (27%) 1475 Notes: *Data from HKBWS Waterbird monthly count (Anon. 2009b, Anon 2009c, Anon 2010) ** Average figure calculated from egretry survey monthly counts of this Study. Direction of Arrival There are two main approaches for birds coming into Aberdeen harbour itself, from the west and from the south, as the island of Ap Lei Chau essentially creates two approach corridors for birds coming into roost. No birds were seen flying directly over Ap Lei Chau itself during any of the surveys, perhaps unsurprising given its steep topography and multitude of high-rise residential blocks. Those birds that arrive at Wong Chuk Hang from the west may use foraging sites in western Hong Kong Island, southern Lantau and coastal Lamma. Those birds arriving from the south may be foraging along the southern coast of Hong Kong Island and outlying islands (e.g. Middle Island, Po Toi) in southern Hong Kong. Large flocks of up to 200 birds were recorded arriving at the roost in January and December. In the absence of any other records of night roosts on Lamma or southern Hong Kong Island, it is possible that these birds are foraging on the floating fish farms at Luk Chau Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. These sites are approximately 5.6 km and 6.9 km away, following routes over water and entering Aberdeen Harbour from the west (it was from this direction all large flocks arrived). Over 100 Little Egrets and Great Egrets have been recorded from these fish farms in December 2009 (J. Allcock pers. obs. unpublished data), Given an average flight speed for Great Egrets of 35.8 km/h (Custer and Osbourn 1978), and assuming that this is more or less the same for most egrets between foraging areas and roosting and/or nesting sites, the distance between

389 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 the Lamma fish farms and Wong Chuk Hang night roost would only require minutes of flight time. Summary The findings from this study show that the Wong Chuk Hang roost is the largest night roost site in Hong Kong outside Deep Bay for ardeids, in particular Little Egrets. Six species of ardeid were recorded during surveys, though Little Egrets constituted the majority of birds using the roost by far. The site is solely utilised as a night roost and for daytime loafing. No nesting birds were recorded from the site, and it is assumed that those birds recorded during the summer period are either (2 nd calendar year) non-breeding birds or birds that have either successfully reared young or have had failed breeding attempts at other egretries. After the first spring moult, birds adopt adult breeding plumage and are difficult to differentiate from adult birds, though nuptial feathers are shorter than in adults (Voisin 1991). The roost is highly seasonal with greatest numbers in late autumn and through the winter months (i.e. late November to February). There is strong evidence that this roost site is utilised by passage birds particularly in the spring. Obvious peaks can be seen for Great Egret and Cattle Egret in the spring. Generally, the majority of birds using the roost arrive in the 15-minute period either side of sunset, though there are seasonal fluctuations. Late summer and early autumn records include birds at roost over 30 minutes before sunset, perhaps due to longer day lengths and therefore extended period of foraging available to summering birds. Also, these birds are likely to be resident and will have known, favoured feeding sites. Passage migrants and winter visitors, more unfamiliar with local foraging sites, may select sites further from the roost for feeding and subsequently arrive at roost later. These birds may also be subject to the lower temperatures and effects of energy expenditure, requiring a greater need for foraging which could result in later arrival to roost. The catchment area for the night roost has the potential to extend to the southwest point of Lantau, Lamma and the south coast of Hong Kong Island, including smaller outlying island such as Cheung Chau and Po Toi. Investigating the actual catchment area of this night roost is an opportunity for further study. Acknowledgements I would like to thank John Allcock, Geoff Carey and Paul Leader for constructive comments, discussion and review of earlier drafts of this paper. Thanks are also due to the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Ove Arup Ltd for allowing access to the monitoring report for the Penfold Park ardeid night roosts

390 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 References Anon, Summer 2004 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon, Summer 2005 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon, Summer 2006 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon, Summer 2007 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon, Summer 2008 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon, 2009a. Summer 2009 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon. 2009b. Winter Report on Waterbird Monitoring at the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon. 2009c. Summer 2009 Report on Waterbird Monitoring at the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Anon Winter Report on Waterbird Monitoring at the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Report by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Carey, G. J Penfold Park Ecological Monitoring and Audit Programme Survey Report 34. Unpublished report to Ove Arup Ltd on behalf of Hong Kong Jockey Club. Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Custer, T.W. and Osbourn R. G Feeding Habitat Use by Colonially-breeding Herons, Egrets and Ibises in North Carolina. The Auk (95): Dudgeon, D. & Corlett, R The Ecology and Biodiversity of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks, Hong Kong. Lee, W. H., Liu, E, Choi, I.C. and Tsim, S. T Summer Breeding and Winter Night Roosting Sites of Hong Kong Hong Kong Biodiversity. 6: Lee, W.H, Wong, E.Y.H., Chow, G.K.L. and Lai P.C.C Review of Egretries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Biodiversity. 14:1-6. Leung, V. and Kwok, H.K An Ardeid population of regional importance. Porcupine! 25:13. Voisin, C The Herons of Europe. T & AD Poyser, London

391 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 Wong, L.C. and Kwok, H.K Egretry counts in Hong Kong, with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site: Summer 2001 Report. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Wong, L.C., Kwok, H.K. and Carey, G.J Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Summer 2000 Report. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Limited. Hong Kong. Wong, L.C. and Kwok, H.K Summer 2001 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Limited. Hong Kong. Wong, L. C Summer 2002 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Limited. Hong Kong. Wong, L. C. and Woo, C.K Summer 2003 Report: Egretry Counts in Hong Kong with particular reference to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Limited. Hong Kong

392 Hong Kong Bird Report : Wong Chuk Hang Ardeid Night Roost in 2009 David J. Stanton 黃竹坑鷺鳥夜棲所的觀察 2009 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd 轉交 撮要這個調查的結果顯示, 黃竹坑的夜間棲息地在本港是繼后海灣以外最大的鷺鳥夜間棲息地, 對小白鷺尤其重要 調查共錄得六種鷺鳥, 而目前小白鷺所佔的比例最高 這個地方只被利用為一個夜間棲息地和日間停歇地, 並沒有見到有築巢的鳥 因此, 我們推斷夏季時在這裡錄得的鷺鳥應為 ( 第二年的 ) 非繁殖鳥, 或者是在其他鷺鳥林已成功哺育幼鳥的成鳥, 又或者是繁殖失敗的鳥 在第一次的春季換羽之後, 個體披著成鳥繁殖羽, 雖然飾羽比成鳥短, 但仍跟其他成鳥難以分辨 (Voisin 1991) 這個棲息地鳥的數目隨季節變化, 在秋季後期至冬季 ( 即由十一月底至翌年二月 ) 數目進入高峰 有充分證據顯示, 過境鳥也有使用這個地點, 尤其在春季 大白鷺和牛背鷺的數目在春季明顯達到高峰 一般來說, 大部分使用這個地方的鳥, 均會在日落前後十五分鐘回到棲息地, 雖然情況會隨季節有所變化 夏季後期及秋季早期的記錄更顯示, 這個地方的鳥在日落前後三十分鐘回到棲息地, 可能是由於較長的日照, 容許雀鳥有較長的覓食時間 另外, 夏季的鳥大多數是留鳥, 有其認識和偏好的覓食地點 過境遷徙鳥和冬候鳥卻對本地的覓食地點不太熟悉, 因此可能會去了比較遠的地方覓食, 返回棲息地的時間自然較遲 這些鳥亦受到低溫和能量消耗的情況影響, 因此需要更多的覓食時間, 從而令它們返回棲息地的時間較遲 夜間棲息地的匯集範圍有可能延伸至大嶼山的西南角, 南丫島以及香港島的南部海岸, 亦包括長洲和蒲台島等的港外島嶼 ; 我們相信有需要安排另一個研究, 才可了解這個夜間棲息地的確實匯集範圍

393 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-throated Kingfisher eating Apple Snails White-throated Kingfisher eating Apple Snails David J. Stanton c/o Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong. On the morning of 26 th August 2009 after finishing survey work, I was walking along the San Tin Eastern Main Drainage Channel (STEMDC) when I noticed a Whitethroated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis perched on railings on the opposite bank with something held in its bill. On looking through my binoculars, it became clear that the bird was holding an Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata, of approximately 30mm in size. The kingfisher then flew from its perch on the railings to the sloped sides of the concrete drainage channel, where it settled and proceeded to smash the shell of the snail against the concrete repeatedly, in much the same way as a kingfisher would normally dispatch or stun a fish or other live prey item. Once the shell was sufficiently broken and removed, the soft flesh of the snail was quickly consumed and the bird flew off and was not observed feeding again. Whilst it is known that White-throated Kingfishers have a varied diet in Hong Kong, including crabs, insects, fish, snakes and lizards (Carey et al. 2002), and while the species has been recorded elsewhere taking small birds (Willis 2008) and chicks from nests (Wells 1999), there are few records of molluscs being a food item. From the reviewed literature, there appears to be no previous records of White-throated Kingfishers feeding on Apple Snails. There is evidence of adult White-throated Kingfishers feeding river snails (sic) to young birds in Singapore (O Neill 2008). A related species, the Ruddy Kingfisher H. coromanda, has been recorded eating an Apple Snail in Singapore (Chan 2007) by smashing the snail against the branch it was perched on to get at the flesh in a similar manner to the White-throated Kingfisher seen at STEMDC in August The Apple Snail is a pest species, originally from South America, which can be found in lowland streams, fish ponds and wet agricultural areas in Hong Kong (Dudgeon & Corlett 2004). It is routinely observed in drainage channels and other lowland freshwater wetlands in significant numbers (pers. obs.). Whilst it is unlikely that the local population of White-throated Kingfishers will have a significant impact on Apple Snails, there is little evidence of other bird species in Hong Kong utilising this abundant pest as a potential food source, and further reports would be of interest. References Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Chan, S-y Birds and Molluscs. Downloaded from [ com/2007/06/04/birds-and-molluscs/] on 18 November

394 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-throated Kingfisher eating Apple Snails Dudgeon, D. and Corlett, R The Ecology and Biodiversity of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks, Hong Kong. O Neill, A Raising Kings. Downloaded from [ kingfishers/page/7/] on 18 November Wells, D.R The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. I, Non-passerines. Academic Press, London. Willis White-throated Kingfisher catches Scaly-breasted Munia. Downloaded from [ besgroup.talfrynature.com/category/kingfishers/page/7/] on 18 November

395 Hong Kong Bird Report : White-throated Kingfisher eating Apple Snails David J. Stanton 白胸翡翠捕食福壽螺 香港元朗加州花園商業中心 127 Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd 轉交 2009 年 8 月 26 日早上完成調查工作後, 我在新田東排水道散步, 瞧見對岸欄杆上的一隻 白胸翡翠 Halcyon smyrnensis 銜著一些東西 我以望遠鏡觀察它, 清晰見到它銜著的是 一隻約 30 毫米長的福壽螺 Pomacea canaliculata 接著, 那白胸翡翠從欄杆飛到石屎渠道的斜坡上, 重複地將螺砸向石屎, 跟翡翠科鳥類處理獵物 ( 例如魚 ) 的方式大致一樣 當螺殼被砸破, 白胸翡翠立即嚥下螺的軟肉 及後那白胸翡翠飛走, 未能觀察到其他攝食行為 香港白胸翡翠已知的食物種類繁多, 包括蟹 昆蟲 魚 蛇和蜥蜴 (Carey et al. 2002) 在其他地區, 更有它捕食體型細小的雀鳥 (Willis 2008) 和巢中雛鳥 (Wells 1999) 的記錄, 並有少量有關進食軟體動物記錄 文獻並沒有白胸翡翠捕食福壽螺的記錄, 但在新加坡有記載成年白胸翡翠以河螺 (sic) 餵哺雛鳥 (O'Neill 2008) 白胸翡翠的近親赤翡翠 H. coromanda 在新加坡有一進食福壽螺的記錄, 那鳥也是將螺砸向樹枝以取其肉 (Chan 2007), 與是次在新田東排水道見到的白胸翡翠行為相近 福壽螺為害蟲品種, 原分佈於南美洲, 在香港的生境為低地溪流, 魚塘和濕耕農地 (Dudgeon & Corlett 2004), 經常被觀察到大量出沒於排水道和低地淡水濕地 ( 本人觀察 ) 本地白胸翡翠種群不太可能對福壽螺有顯著影響, 亦沒有紀錄顯示有其他雀鳥品種捕食這種數量甚多的害蟲, 如有更多這方面的報告將頗有意思 參考資料 Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M. and Young, L The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong. Chan, S-y Birds and Molluscs. Downloaded from [ com/2007/06/04/birds-and-molluscs/] on 18 November 2009 Dudgeon, D. and Corlett, R The Ecology and Biodiversity of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks, Hong Kong. O Neill, A Raising Kings. Downloaded from [ kingfishers/page/7/] on 18 November Wells, D.R The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. I, Non-passerines. Academic Press, London. Willis White-throated Kingfisher catches Scaly-breasted Munia. Downloaded from [ besgroup.talfrynature.com/category/kingfishers/page/7/] on 18 November

396 Hong Kong Bird Report : Guidelines for the Submission of Records Guidelines for the Submission of Records Recording and record submission HKBWS Records Committee One of the most important functions of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society is the publication of the Hong Kong Bird Report. The value of this publication, which includes a detailed summary of birds recorded each year, depends on members submitting records of their observations. The submission of records also provides the raw data on which the Society and other researchers can draw conclusions about such things as the importance of a particular site or habitat in Hong Kong, the rarity of a particular species, patterns of migration or habitat preferences. For these reasons, members are encouraged to submit records at the end of each year. What kinds of records are required? The answer to this question is most kinds, except those relating to species that are common and widespread in appropriate habitat. In particular, we welcome records of all but the most common migrants and winter visitors, of scarce residents or records of common residents occurring in unusual numbers or habitat. If in doubt, it is best to submit the record. The Society prefers to receive records entered into a simple Excel spreadsheet as this facilitates analysis and allows easy extraction of records for both species and sites. This Excel file should contain seven columns containing the following data: species number, species name, date, place, number of birds, notes and observer name. Observations can then be entered, using one row for each record. A sample and blank copy of the Excel file is given on the HKBWS website. Rarities While the birds of Hong Kong are better known than those of many parts of Asia, new species are regularly being added to the Hong Kong List, and the status of a number of other species remains uncertain. Further, field identification techniques for some species still require refinement. The Society has a Records Committee to assess records and ensure that a high standard of reporting is maintained. This quality control provides, in part, the Society with a reputable voice in relation to the birds of Hong Kong and the region. While the Records Committee may examine any record submitted, close attention is generally only given to those of rarities. The list of species for which substantiation is required is given on the HKBWS website. Adequate substantiation in the form of a written description, photograph, video, audio recording or some combination of these is required if the record is to be considered valid and published. A standard recording form for unusual records (URF) is available from the HKBWS website

397 Hong Kong Bird Report : Guidelines for the Submission of Records Ideally, field notes of rarity should cover the following points: 1. Date, time, duration and location of sighting, number present and sex or age, if known. 2. Binoculars or telescopes used, distance of bird from observer, weather and light conditions. 3. Description of habitat and a record of other birds, if any, it was associating with. 4. Activity of bird (at rest, in flight, swimming etc). 5. General size, shape and structure compared with other more familiar species. Structural features that may be important should be detailed (e.g. bill length compared to length of head, relative position of wing tips to tail tip, primary projections, hind claw length etc). 6. The most detailed description possible of plumage and bare parts, and not just those considered helpful in identification. Try to organise the components of the description logically, for example: head, upperparts, upper- and underwings, upper- and undertail, underparts, bare parts (iris, bill, gape if seen, legs and feet) 7. Any vocalisations. Try to indicate the quality of the sound (harsh, piercing, rattling, hoarse, liquid etc), and compare it with calls of other species. 8. Previous experience with the species or similar species. 9. Names of other observers or photographers present. A rough sketch or diagram is often very helpful, and photographs, of course, are invaluable. Try to get others to see the bird, as two descriptions are better than one, and make sure you take notes on the spot, as it is all too easy to imagine field marks after consulting a book! Records of species not on the Hong Kong List generally require more than usually detailed descriptions for acceptance. With regard to species that have distinctive vocalisations, the Records Committee realises that in some cases call only records are acceptable. However, no matter how distinctive, the call should be described in as much detail as possible. If you are able to take reasonable notes of a bird but still cannot identify it, send in the description as it may be possible for the Committee to identify it for you. The increasing number of field guides on the market often make positive identification appear straightforward, but it should be remembered that there are still a number of species that are difficult to separate, and it is only by careful observations that some birds can be identified

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400 Hong Kong Bird Report : Notes for applications to visit MPNR Notes for applications to visit Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve Members should note that entry to the Mai Po Nature Reserve is restricted in order to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. Applications for permits to enter the restricted area will not normally be entertained unless the applicants are experienced bird watchers, scientists conducting research or on official duty to the area. When applying for a permit, HKBWS members and birdwatching visitors to Hong Kong are advised to state clearly reasons for wishing to visit the reserve. To apply, write to the following address, marking the envelope Application for Mai Po permit : Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong You should send photocopies of the following together with your application letter: HKID card or Passport Hong Kong Bird Watching Society membership fees receipt WWF(Hong Kong) membership fees receipt Previous entry permit, if any Visitors should note that it is a requirement of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance that a permit is obtained to enter the Reserve. Furthermore, it is a requirement of WWF-HK, who manages the Reserve, that users of its facilities are members of that organization. Relevant applicant forms for HKBWS and WWF-HK could be obtained from the following websites:

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402 The map reproduced with permission of The Director of Lands, Government of Hong Kong SAR. Licence No. 47/2011 Series HM200L/E 2011 年

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