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R. B. Clapp

Publications and source records attributed to R. B. Clapp.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
USGS1986

A summary of alcid records from Hawaii

Abstract.-Four species of alcids have now been recorded frorn Hawaii. Two of them, the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata and the Cassin's Auklet (Ptychoramchus aleuticus) have been found only once; the occurrence of the latter is reported here for the first time. two other alcids, the Horned Puffin (Fratercula arctica) and the Parakeet .Auklet (Cyclorrhynchus psittacula) have been recorded frorn Hawaii in greater numbers; the latter may be of regular occurrence in subtropical waters near the northwestern portion of the Hawaiian archipelago. Occurrence in Hawaii does not appear to be strongly related to size of populations to the north but instead to the extent to which the species are known to disperse.

Hawaii↗
USGS1986

Range extension for the gray-backed tern in the western Pacific

About 75 pairs of Gray-backed Terns (Sterna lunata) nested on Guguan in the Northern Mariana Islands in 1979. This locality represents a breeding range extension of about 2000 km to the west of the westernmost previously known colony. The species is also reported for the first time from Uracas, northernmost of the Northern Mariana Islands, where it may also breed.

Colonial Waterbirds↗
USGS1986

Nesting of the masked booby on the Dry Tortugas, Florida: The first record for the contiguous United States

In both 1984 and 1985 Masked Boobies ( Sula dactylatra ) attempted to nest on sandy islets at the Dry Tortugas, Florida. Nesting attempts failed because the nest sites were washed away by summer storms. It seems likely that this species will eventually nest there successfully and will establish a small breeding population. This is the first documented nesting by this species in the contiguous United States.

Florida↗
USGS1986

Winter distribution and oiling of common terns in Trinidad: A further look

Common Terns were studied during January and March 1985 in Trinidad as part of wintering terns in Latin America. Eighty-nine birds were captured, 33 in January, 56 in March. Terns averaged 102 .+-. 0.9 g, with March birds weighing more than those caught in January. This weight is similar to that reported earlier by Blokpoel et al. (1982, 1984) and is considerably less than weights of either premigratory immature or adult Common Terns. Terns in Trinidad appear to be opportunistic, using human fishing for their food source and roosting on boats, oil platforms and other man-made structures. One-half of the captured sample of birds had at least detectable amounts of oil on the plumage. This represents the highest frequency of oiling reported yet for any seabird living under 'baseline' (non-spill) conditions in North or Central America. Oiling had no apparent major effect on the condition of birds since oiled birds had similar weights and blood parameters when compared to unoiled birds.

Journal of Field Ornithology↗