A CHECKLIST AND NOTES ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE BIRDS OF NEW GEORGIA, WESTERN PROVINCE, SOLOMON-ISLANDS

A checklist of the birds of New Georgia was compiled over three years from December 1985 to August 1988. A total of 70 species were recorded. Seven habitat types were recognised: (1) primary forest, (2) secondary forest, (3) open areas, (4) villages, gardens and plantations, (5) mangroves, (6) shorelines, and (7) marine. Species observed in each of these habitats were rated as abundant, common or present. The majority of species occurred in primary forest (33 species) and secondary forest (29 species). The present species composition is compared with that recorded by the Whitney South Sea Expedition in the 1930s and by Sibley in 1945. Eight species found in the 1930s and three in 1945 were not observed in this survey but two species (Gallirallus philippensis and Aceros plicatus) were recorded for the first time on New Georgia. Changes in the species structure of the avifauna is discussed in relation to loss of primary forest caused by logging and industrial development. It is concluded that while considerable species diversity may be maintained, a number of species confined to undisturbed forest are endangered.