| Case Summary for:
Submission No 361: White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus;
Christmas Island WA, 3rd February 2002 - 26th September 2002 (Unpublished).
Submitted by: David James. Verdict: Accepted This is an unusual case because it deals with multiple individuals at multiple sites over a long period of time. White-breasted Waterhen is now considered to be a breeding resident on Christmas Island and this case helps solidify the fact. In this instance birds were observed during four trips to the Island in February, March, May and September 2002. Details are provided for numerous sightings of single birds and small flocks from ten different sites, amounting to a minimum total of 21 individuals. Three breeding records are included. Due to the high probability that multiple sightings at particular sites involved the same birds over and over again, records are considered on a site-by-site basis. Few description notes were taken in the field, so descriptions provided in the submission are based on recollections of what was seen from 10 sites around the island. Most sightings involve adult birds but some juveniles are also described. Members had no difficulty agreeing with the identity and voted instantly
in favour of acceptance, regarding this case as little more than a formality.
It is now widely accepted that this species is resident on Christmas Island
and the committee has now resolved to remove it from the review list.
Although, sightings from the mainland will still be considered.
· Carter, M. 1993. BARC Case No. 178 White-breasted Waterhen.
Christmas Island November 1993
Tony Palliser |