SPHENISCIDAE (15 species)

Family restricted to southern hemisphere with exception of Spheniscus mendiculus Galapagos Penguin, which has breeding colonies at the north end of Isabela in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as elsewhere in the Galapagos. All species but South African S. demersus Jackass Penguin and South American S. humboldti Humboldt Penguin have been recorded in the Pacific Region; there appear not to be any records of Humboldt Penguin over 200 miles from the S. American coastline.
Family consists of 17 species if Eudyptes chrysolophus Macaroni Penguin and E. schlegeli Royal Penguin considered full species.
Adults range near nesting sites during the breeding season, and are generally sedentary throughout the year, but juveniles and immatures may wander extensively after fledging, returning to breeding colonies only after 2 years or more. Breeding adults molt ashore or on ice after young are independent; individuals may appear far from the breeding range when forced ashore to molt.

Aptenodytes patagonicus King Penguin
Some authors (eg HANZAB) treat the species as monotypic; there is size and genetic variation between various insular populations (Shirihai 2002).
A. p. halli Breeds Macquarie I 70,000 prs, 300,000 inds. Eggs Nov-Mar.
A. p. subsp? Cas Aug-Feb Campbell I, Feb-Apr Antipodes Is, Auckland Is. Acc Jan-May Chatham Is (Star Keys, Miskelly et al 2006), Snares Is, NZ (SI).
A. forsteri Emperor Penguin
Acc NZ (Apr SI); 13 of 15 recs from outside normal range are Jan-Apr (HANZAB). Eggs Apr-Jun.
Pygoscelis papua Gentoo Penguin
That Pygoscelis is masculine was discussed by David and Gosselin (2002b); papua is invariable, however.
P. p. papua Breeds Macquarie I 4700 prs. Cas Dec-Aug Campbell I, Nov Antipodes Is (Tennyson et al 2002), NZ (Sep-Feb SI). Acc Dec Snares Is. Eggs Aug-Nov.
P. adeliae Adelie Penguin
Cas Nov and Feb Macquarie I. Acc NZ (Dec SI). Eggs Nov-Dec.
P. antarcticus Chinstrap Penguin
Acc NZ (Nov SI), Nov Antipodes Is, Mar Campbell I, Dec-Mar Macquarie I. Eggs Nov-Dec.
Eudyptes chrysocome Rockhopper Penguin
Some authors consider E. c. moseleyi a separate species; Shirihai (2002) and Christidis and Boles (2008) cited available evidence; see also Jouventin et al (2006), Banks et al (2006).
E. c. filholi Breeds Macquarie I 100,000 prs, Antipodes Is 50,000 prs, but 4000 prs Tennyson et al 2002), Campbell I 51,000 prs, Auckland Is 5000-10,000 prs. Cas Dec-Mar Snares Is (most molting, HANZAB), Campbell I, NZ (Jan-Mar SI). Acc Feb-Mar Chatham Is (1 rec, Miskelly and Bell 2004), (this taxon?) Bounty Is (Shirihai 2002). Eggs Oct-Nov.
E. c. chrysocome Cas Snares Is; max 2 birds per year 1985-1999 may have been same birds, as no imms seen (Miskelly et al 2001) . Eggs Oct-Nov.
E. c. moseleyi Cas Aug-Mar Chatham Is (Miskelly and Bell 2004). Acc NZ (Dec-Jan NI). Eggs Oct-Nov.
E. pachyrhynchus Fiordland Penguin
Breeds NZ (perhaps 2500-3000 prs in all- Shirihai 2002; sw SI 1025 prs, Solander Is 115 prs, Codfish I 140 prs, w and s Stewart I). Reg Nov-Mar Snares Is; up to 30 imms molting per year Dec-Mar (Miskelly et al 2001). Cas NZ (NI, SI), Chatham Is, Auckland Is, Campbell I, Macquarie I (Heather and Robertson 1996). Eggs Jul-Aug.
F: Monro Beach Nov; Stewart I (Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet) Nov; Milford Sound boat cruises Nov.
E. robustus Snares Penguin
Based on egg dates, it is possible that birds breeding on the Snares Western Chain may be E. sclateri Erect-crested Penguin or even an un-named species (Miskelly et al 2001; Robertson and Van Tets 1982). Christidis and Boles (2008) included robustus in pachyrhynchus based on rather low genetic distance between them, comparable to that between chrysolophus and schlegeli, which were combined by these authors.
Breeds Snares Is 23,000 prs. Cas Nov-Mar (mostly molting imms Jan-Feb) NZ (SI), Chatham Is (7 recs through 2006, Miskelly et al 2006), Antipodes Is, Campbell I, Macquarie I. Acc NZ (Jan-Feb NI). Eggs Sep-Oct North East I, Nov (6 wks later) Western Chain (Miskelly et al 2001).
E. sclateri Erect-crested Penguin
Breeds Antipodes Is 115,000 prs, but 52,000 prs (Tennyson et al 2002), Bounty Is 115,000 prs (although major declines in recent years with 77,000 prs total for the species in mid-1990s), Auckland Is (Disappointment I) few, Campbell I apparently now extirpated (Shirihai 2002). Reg up to 10, max 35 per year molting Snares Is (Miskelly et al 2001), Chatham Is (Miskelly and Bell 2004; 31 recs mostly Jan-Mar through 2006, Miskelly et al 2006). Cas NZ (NI, SI, Stewart I), Macquarie I. Eggs Oct-Nov.
E. chrysolophus Macaroni Penguin
Cas Nov-Jan Snares Is. Acc Campbell I, Macquarie I. Eggs Oct-Dec.
E. schlegeli Royal Penguin
Following Dickinson (2003), here considered separate from, although often considered conspecific with, E. chrysolophus Macaroni Penguin; OSNZ (1990) and Christidis and Boles (1994) point out that identification away from breeding areas is problematic. Christidis and Boles (2008) combined the two based on the relatively small genetic distance between the two taxa. Harrison (1983) considered schlegeli a "colour phase" most common at Macquarie I. Intermediates occur at Macquarie I.
Breeds Macquarie I 848,719 prs (Shirihai 2002). Reg summer-fall Auckland Is, Campbell I. Cas Feb-Mar Snares Is, NZ (SI). Acc NZ (NI, Chatham Is: Feb-Mar Pitt I and Rangatira I, Miskelly et al 2006). Eggs Oct-Dec.
Megadyptes antipodes Yellow-eyed Penguin
There are two genetically distinct populations, southern (Auckland Is, Campbell Is), and northern (Miskelly et al 2001).
Breeds NZ (total 6-7000 inds; SI 365 prs, Codfish I 120-150 prs, Stewart I 100-150 prs), Auckland Is 520-570 prs, Campbell I 310-480 prs. Cas NZ (NI), Chatham Is (Rangatira I, one resident 1984-1998, Miskelly et al 2006). Acc Dec Snares Is. Eggs Sep-Oct.
F: Otago Peninsula, Stewart I (Paterson Inlet).
Eudyptula minor Little Penguin
Although several subspecies have been proposed (see below; OSNZ 1990), some authors consider them indistinguishable morphometrically, forming a cline (OSNZ 1990). E. m. albosignata "White-flippered Penguin" of Motunau I and Banks Peninsula differs phenotypically but interbreeds with E. m. variabilis at Motunau I. Recent genetic studies (Banks et al 2002) indicate two strongly-differentiated clades comprising Australian and southern NZ birds (minor) in one and the remaining NZ birds in the other; the relationships of albosignata were equivocal, possibly a result of gene flow from both clades. Total population for species about 1,000,000 (Shirihai 2002).
E. m. iredalei Breeds NZ (NI, n of Kawhia and East Cape; cas s to Taranaki and Hawkes Bay).
E. m. variabilis Breeds NZ (s NI and n SI, incl Cook Strait; Cape Egmont to Punakaiki in the west, Hawkes Bay to Kaikoura, incl Motunau I, in the east.)
E. m. chathamensis Breeds Chatham Is (5000-10,000 prs, Aikman and Miskelly 2004).
E. m. albosignata Breeds NZ 10,460 inds (Challies and Burleigh 2004)(SI: Motunau I and Banks Peninsula; cas n to Gisborne and s to Southland.)
E. m. minor Breeds NZ (SI: Greymouth and Oamaru south, and Stewart I; cas n to Golden Bay and s to Snares Is.)
E. m. subsp? Cas Jul, Oct, Nov Lord Howe I (McAllan et al 2004).
Eggs Jul-Dec.
F: Common Bay Of Islands, Marlborough Sounds, Stewart I.
Spheniscus magellanicus Magellanic Penguin
Breeds Juan Fernandez Is. Acc (poss ship-assisted) NZ (Mar NI, Mar SI). Eggs Sep-Oct.
S. mendiculus Galapagos Penguin
Breeds Galapagos Is (total 1400-2700 inds; Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolome. At sea vicinity, including San Salvador, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria. Eggs Jul-Dec.
F: Dozen at Bartolome Jul (Ottesen); seen Punta Espinosa, Fernandina, and Black Beach, Isabela (Chartier).

FREGATIDAE (4 species)

F. ariel Lesser Frigatebird
F. a. ariel Breeds ?Caroline Is (?Kosrae, ?Yap, Baker 1951, Pyle and Engbring 1985), ?Palau (Helen I? Engbring 1988), ?Marshall Is (Pyle and Engbring 1985), Hawaiian Is (one rec Eastern I, Midway, 2003- Ord; Pyle 2002; 1 sighting Hawaiian Is EEZ Aug-Nov, M. Force; French Frigate Shoals May 2007, NAB), Kiribati (Gilbert Is: Nonouti, Onotoa, Ameerson 1969; Phoenix Is; Line Is), Samoa (Rose I, Watling 2001), Solomon Is (atolls n of Bougainville, Hadden 2004a), New Caledonia 250 prs (Surprise, Walpole, Chesterfields, Barre and Dutson 2000), Fiji, Tonga, Cook Is (Penrhyn <100 prs, Suwarrow 1000-10,000 prs, Holyoak 1980), Society Is, Marquesas Is, Tuamotu Is, Gambier Is. Cas Mariana Is (breeding Maug considered hypo, Reichel and Glass 1991, Pyle and Engbring 1985). Eggs variable, most Apr-May Christmas I. At sea sw Pacific between 30N and 25S, incl Palau, Vanuatu, e to Tuamotu Is. Cas mostly Nov-Mar Lord Howe I (but McAllan et al 2004 cite only one positive record), Norfolk I, Kermadec Is (this sp? Veitch et al 2004), NZ (incl Chatham Is, Miskelly et al 2006).
F: Solomon Is (Rennell: common around L Tenggano, few around Ghizo, Richards; Bougainville: frequent around offshore islands, Hadden 1981; Florida Is: Mana I, Talbot; Solomon Sea: 57 in Aug, M. Carter); New Caledonia common Southern Lagoon islets, Barre and Dutson 2000), Fiji (Taveuni: 15+ daily; Viti Levu: Suva, Sargeant 1992). Palau (most around Southwest Is, Engbring 1988).
Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird
Breeds Revillagigedo Is (San Benedicto 100 prs, Pitman and Ballance 2002; ?Socorro, Jehl and Parkes 1982), Malpelo I, Galapagos Is (Genovesa, San Cristobal, Seymour, Isabela, Penhallurick 2003). Eggs variable. At sea vicinity and to seas off Costa Rica, Colombia. Cas Guadalupe I, Cocos I (Dean and Montoya 2005).
F: Galapagos Is (common Jun-Jul Chartier).
F. minor Great Frigatebird
The taxonomic situation in the w and c Pacific is currently unclear. However information provided by David James shows that Coral Sea birds differ subspecifically from Hawaiian Is birds. Although these populations are usually included in palmerstoni, Coral Sea birds are probably best separated as chambeyroni (which takes precedence over peninsulae and mathewsi for this population). If Hawaiian birds also differ from palmerstoni, then strumosa would apply to Hawaiian birds. The status of minor in the w Pacific is unclear as little is known of the birds breeding on the Paracel Is in the S. China Sea. Brazil (1991) stated that stragglers to the Japan area were minor (see below).
F. m. strumosa Breeds Hawaiian Is 10,000 prs 64,000 inds (east to Oahu). At sea vicinity and southwestward; tagged birds from Hawaiian Is (Midway: Sand I) found Philippines, Wake I, Johnston I (Pyle 2000). Eggs Mar-Apr.
F: Hawaiian Is (Midway: common breeder Eastern I Apr, Vandenberg; Oahu, Kauai: common, Pratt 1993).
F. m. palmerstoni (includes peninsulae) Breeds Palau (this subsp? Fanna, Engbring 1988), Caroline Is (Truk, Pohnpei, ?Kosrae, ?Yap, this subsp? Pyle and Engbring 1985), Solomon Is (atolls n of Bougainville, Hadden 2004a), Wake I, Marshall Is (Taongi, Bikar, Mili, Amerson 1969), Kiribati (Phoenix Is, Line Is, vis Gilbert Is), Society Is, Marquesas Is, Tuamotu Is, Tubuai Is, Gambier Is, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau Is (Penhallurick 2003), Niue, Cook Is (Takutea 90 prs, extirp Palmerston, Holyoak 1980), Pitcairn Is, ?Easter I, Desventurada Is (Sala-y-Gomez I). At sea between 25N and 30S, juveniles dispersive, incl Tuvalu, Tokelau Is, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu (but see F. m. minor and F. m. chambeyroni). Eggs year round depending on location.
F: Palau (abundant Fanna, unc main is, Engbring 1988). Mariana Is (this subsp? Rota: 10 at bird sanct, Talbot, S. Smith; at seabird colony, Klauber). Solomon Is (Rennell: 100 resting on small islet L Tenggano, Richards; Florida Is: Mana I, Talbot; Solomon Sea: this subsp? 4 in Aug, M. Carter). Samoa (large flights Savaii Aug from interior? Reed 1980). Cook Is (Aitutaki several Sep, Child 1981).
F. m. chambeyroni Breeds New Caledonia 50 prs (Surprise, Walpole, Chesterfields, Barre and Dutson 2000). At sea sw Pacific to ne Australia n to Mariana Is (Rota, S, Smith, Klauber; but considered rare Pyle and Engbring 1985, Reichel and Glass 1991), Caroline Is, and Marshall Is (Condon 1975). Cas Solomon Is ("vagrant" Pinipel, occurs Nissan and Nuguria, Tarburton 2006; Aug-Sep Buka, Gregory); NZ. Acc Norfolk I (Feb, Moore 1999; Mar, Duranti).
F: New Caledonia (one over Wao Oct, T. Clarke). Norfolk I (fem harassing Masked Booby Pt Howe, Duranti).
F. m. ridgwayi Breeds Revillagigedo Is (San Benedicto 165 prs, Pitman and Ballance 2002; ?Clarion, Brattstrom and Howell 1956), Cocos I, Galapagos Is. Eggs variable; in Galapagos Is breeds Feb-Aug on Genovesa, Apr-Nov on Espanola (Harris 1974). Cas Clipperton I ("never been known to nest" Pitman and Ballance 2002).
F: Galapagos Is (Floreana: 835 mostly nesting colony Enderby I; San Cristobal: colony Isla Lobos, Chartier).
F. m. minor Cas Ogasawara Is and Iwo Is mainly Jul-Nov, acc s Izu Is (Brazil 1991).
F. andrewsi Christmas Island Frigatebird
Acc Solomon Is (adults Rennell Sep, New Georgia Jul, Dutson 2001).

SULIDAE (9 species)

Morus capensis Cape Gannet
Acc NZ (NI: Cape Kidnappers Dec 1997-Sep 2005, Medway 2001, Robertson and Stephenson 2005). Hybrid chicks fledged 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 seasons; latter chick seen incubating Oct 2005 (Robertson and Stephenson 2005).
M. serrator Australasian Gannet
Breeds Norfolk I (Philip I 3 prs, Christian 2005), NZ (NI 47,000+ prs, incl Three Kings Is 9900 prs, Poor Knights Is 4200 prs, Mokohinau Is 350 prs, Great Barrier I 2700 prs, Coromandel Peninsula 7200 prs, Muriwai 2200 prs, White I 6800 prs, Kawhia (Karewa) 8000 prs, Tolaga Bay 600 prs, Cape Kidnappers 5200 prs; SI 700 prs, incl Farewell Spit (Shellbanks 608 prs), Marlborough Sds (Waimaru Point 185 prs, Arapawa I 45 prs, Brown and Wilson 2004), Otago (The Nuggets 9 prs), Solander I 62 prs (Penhallurick 2003). Eggs Aug-Nov. At sea vicinity and Tasman Sea, widest dispersal Mar-Jun; imms stay in n. Tasman a few years (Stephenson). Vis Lord Howe I (May-Sep and Jan, McAllan et al 2004). Cas Chatham Is (Miskelly et al 2006), Auckland Is, Campbell I. Acc New Caledonia (one banded Norfolk I Dec 1994 recovered Belep Jan 1996, Barre and Dutson 2000), Macquarie I (Tasmania PWS).
Papasula abbotti Abbott's Booby
Acc Mariana Is (Rota Apr 2007, Retter).
Sula nebouxii Blue-footed Booby
S. n. nebouxii At sea off coasts from California (rarely, McGrath and Feenstra 2005) to Peru; cas >200 miles?
S. n. excisa Breeds Galapagos Is 10,000 prs (except Wenman, Culpepper, Pinta, Marchena, Genovesa). Eggs year round. At sea in vicinity and between n Mexico and Peru, incl Cocos I (2 recs, one in Apr, Dean and Montoya 2005), but cas or hypothetical Revillagigedos Is (Jehl and Parkes 1982; Howell and Webb 1995).
F: Galapagos Is 3700 throughout Jun-Jul (Chartier).
S. variegata Peruvian Booby
At sea off S. America. Cas >200 miles?
S. dactylatra Masked Booby
S. d. personata Breeds Mariana Is (Medinilla, Guguan, Maug, Uracas, Reichel and Glass 1991, ?Saipan,?Agiguan, ?Tinian), Wake I, Marshall Is (Taongi, Bikar, Amerson 1969), Hawaiian Is 7000 inds (east to Kauai and Oahu), Kiribati (Phoenix Is, Line Is), New Caledonia (Doughty et al 1999; islets in Southern Lagoon- Surprise, Caray, Barre and Dutson 2000), Fiji (Vatulele, Nukucikobia, Watling 2001), Samoa (Rose Atoll), Tonga (Ata), Cook Is (Suwarrow 20 prs, Holyoak 1980), Tuamotu Is, Pitcairn Is. Eggs year round, most Jan-May Kure Atoll. At sea between 30N and 30S tropical Pacific. Cas Palau, Caroline Is (Chuuk, Wiles et al 2000), Marquesas Is (Chester et al 1998), Tuvalu. Acc Ogasawara Is.
F: Hawaiian Is (Midway: only on Eastern I, 2-3 prs Apr Vandenberg; Oahu: a few prs nest Moko Manu- scope from Ulupau Head, nest near crest of island Pratt 1993).
S. d. californica Breeds Revillagigedo Is (San Benedicto 1988 prs, Pitman and Ballance 2002; Clarion, Brattstrom and Howell 1956), Clipperton I, Cocos I (20 prs, Dean and Montoya 2005). Eggs variable. At sea vicinity, rarely n. to s. California (McGrath and Feenstra 2005).
S. d. tasmani Dark-eyed subspecies; includes S. d. fullagari. "Tasman Booby" of Lord Howe I, considered distinctively larger by Van Tets et al (1988), more recently considered doubtfully so by Holdaway et al (2001), who believed material used by Van Tets et al (1988) was from upper range of extant birds (McAllan et al 2004, Worthy and Holdaway 2002).
Breeds Lord Howe I, Norfolk I c500 pairs, Kermadec Is (100 prs Macauley, 70 prs Curtis, <50 prs Herald, <20 prs Cheeseman, Veitch et al 2004). Eggs year round, but peak Jun-Jul Lord Howe I (McAllan et al 2004), Sep Norfolk I, Sep-Oct Kermadec Is (Veitch et al 2004). At sea generally disperse n with little overlap of breeding populations; Kermadec Is birds disperse n to Vanuatu and Solomon Is, Lord Howe I birds to e coast Australia but with banding recoveries at Solomon Is (Hutton 1991) and New Caledonia (Carlile). One banded Norfolk I (Nepean I) recovered Tonga (Moore 1999). Cas (presumably tasmani) NZ (NI Oct-Jul).
F: Lord Howe I (seen Apr, Bielewicz; easily seen Apr Muttonbird Pt and at Ball's Pyramid, Walker; frequent Ned's Beach, Gregory). Norfolk I (many seen, esp towards Phillip I Duranti). Solomon Is (this subsp? 6 in Solomon Sea Aug, M. Carter).
S. granti Nazca Booby
Evidence for specific status was presented by Pitman and Jehl (1998) and Friesen et al (2002).
Breeds Revillagigedo Is (Clarion, Brattstrom and Howell 1956; San Benedicto 50 prs, Pitman and Ballance 2002), Clipperton I (Howell and Webb 1995 note that S. granti breeding at San Benedicto and Clipperton generally mate only assortatively with Masked Booby), Malpelo I, Galapagos Is, Desventuradas Is (San Felix, San Ambrosio), Sala-y-Gomez I, Juan Fernandez Is. Eggs year round, but synchronized by colony (Castro and Phillips 1996). At sea between 30N and 30S. Cas n to S. California? (McGrath and Feenstra 2005; Roberson 1998). Acc Hawaiian Is (Jul-Aug French Frigate Shoals, HAWAIIBIRDING 2005, Mar 2006 NAB; Oahu).
F: Galapagos Is (760 Jun-Jul Chartier).
S. sula Red-footed Booby
S. s. rubripes Breeds islands of tropical Pacific: Ogasawara Is, Iwo Is, Mariana Is (Rota, Medinilla, Guguan, Pagan, Maug, Reichel and Glass 1991), Palau, Caroline Is (Truk, Pohnpei), Wake I, Marshall Is (Taongi, Bikar, Taka, Jemo, Erikub, Mili, Bikini, Jaluit, Amerson 1969), Hawaiian Is 23,000 inds, Solomon Is (Nuguria, Takuu, Nukumanu, Hadden 2004b; Rennell), Vanuatu, New Caledonia (Chesterfields, Walpole, Hunter, Barre and Dutson 2000; 10-30 prs Southern Lagoon, Benoit and Bretagnolle 2002), Kiribati (Gilbert Is: Onotoa, Amerson 1969, Phoenix Is, Line Is), Tokelau Is, Tuvalu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Is (Penrhyn <100 prs, Rakahanga <100 prs, Manihiki <100 prs, Pukapuka <100 prs, Suwarrow 1000-10,000 prs, Takutea 100-1000 prs, extirp Palmerston, Holyoak 1980), Niue, Society Is, Marquesas Is, Tuamotu Is, Tubuai Is, Gambier Is, Pitcairn Is, Sala-y-Gomez I. Eggs variable. At sea between 30N and 30S; juveniles more dispersive than adults. Acc Jan Lord Howe I (McAllan et al 2004).
F: Solomon Is (Rennell: 20-30 pairs nesting 2 islets L Tenggano, several nests with chicks, Richards; atolls n of Bougainville, Hadden 2004a; Solomon Sea: one seen Aug, M. Carter). Hawaiian Is (Midway: only Eastern I, no more than 100 prs, white morph only, Apr, Vandenberg; Kauai: nesting Kilauea Pt, Pratt 1993; Oahu: Ulupau Crater, Pratt 1993). Kiribati (breeding Nukulaelae 200-300 inds, eggs Jun, various color phases, Child 1982). Fiji (Taveuni: 6 off shore Aug, Sargeant 1992). Palau (common only at Helen and Fanna in Southwest Is, Engbring 1988). Mariana Is (Rota: 100+ nesting bird sanct, Talbot, S. Smith). Society Is (common Tahiti, Thibault et al 1975).
S. s. websteri Breeds 250,000 prs Galapagos Is (Genovesa, Culpepper, Wenman, Gardner, Punta, Pitt), Revillagigedo Is (Clarion, Brattstrom and Howell 1956: San Benedicto 200-300 prs, Pitman and Ballance 2002), Clipperton I, Cocos I (Dean and Montoya 2005). Eggs variable. At sea between 30N and 30S, casually to s. California (McGrath and Feenstra 2005).
S. leucogaster Brown Booby
Genetic separation of eastern breeders from those elsewhere in the Pacific was discussed by Steeves et al (2003); recent colonization of Revillagigedo Is (San Benedicto) by birds resembling plotus was discussed by Pitman and Ballance (2002).
S. l. plotus Breeds Ogasawara Is, Iwo Is, s Izu Is, Mariana Is (all except Agrihan, Alamagan, Sarigan, Anatahan, Saipan, Reichel and Glass 1991), Palau, Caroline Is (Truk and Pohnpei, vis Yap and Kosrae, Penhallurick 2003), Solomon Is (Nuguria, Takuu, Nukumanu, Hadden 2004b), Vanuatu, New Caledonia (Chesterfields, Matthew, Walpole, Hunter, Barre and Dutson 2000), Wake I, Marshall Is (Bikar, Jemo, Likiep, Erikub, Mili, Eniwetok, Jaluit, Amerson 1969; Ebon, Spennemann and Benjamin 2004), Hawaiian Is 3000 inds, Kiribati (Line Is, vis Phoenix and Gilbert Is, Amerson 1969, Penhallurick 2003), Wallis and Futuna, Samoa (Tutuila and Manua, vis only Savaii and Upolu, Tarburton 2001), Fiji incl Rotuma, Tokelau Is, Tonga, Cook Is (Penrhyn <100 prs, Pukapuka <100 prs, Suwarrow 500+ prs, Takutea <100 prs, Holyoak 1980), Society Is, Marquesas Is, Tuamotu Is, Tubuai Is (Rapa, Penhallurick 2003), Gambier Is, and Pitcairn Is. Recent colonization of Revillagigedo Is (San Benedicto, Pitman and Ballance 2002) by dark-headed birds resembling this subspecies. Vis only Niue, Tuvalu (Watling 2001). Eggs year round. At sea between 30N and 30S, range apparently separated from those of subspecies below. Juveniles more dispersive than adults. Cas Lord Howe I (4 recs Feb-May McAllan et al 2004), Norfolk I, Kermadec Is May, Jul, Aug, Oct, Veitch et al 2004), NZ mostly Feb-May. One banded Johnston I recovered Fiji 5 months later (Watling 2001).
F: Solomon Is (Rennell: single bird small islet L Tenggano, Richards; Ghizo and Kolombangara, Hornbuckle; Florida Is: Mana I, Talbot; Solomon Sea: 88 in Aug, M. Carter; seen Buka, Hadden 1981). Samoa (one from ferry to Savaii Aug Reed 1980). Cook Is (several Aitutaki Aug-Sep Child 1981). Fiji (Taveuni: 200+ Aug, Sargeant 1992). New Caledonia (Loyalty Is: Ouvea, one offshore Nov-Dec, T. Clarke). Hawaiian Is (Oahu: Makahuena Pt; Kauai: frequent boat trips to north, Pratt 1993). Norfolk I 2 in May (T. Clarke). Palau (common only at Fanna and Helen in Southwest Is, Engbring 1988). Mariana Is (Rota: 3-20 bird sanct, Talbot, S. Smith).
S. l. brewsteri Breeds Revillagigedo Is incl San Benedicto 300 prs (Pitman and Ballance 2002), Clipperton I 15,000 inds (Clipperton I breeders sometimes separated as S. l. nesiotes), Cocos I (Dean and Montoya 2005). Eggs year round. At sea vicinity, northwards (>200 miles offshore?) regularly Jul-Oct to s. California (McGrath and Feenstra 2005) and casually further (Gillson). Cas Galapagos Is. Cas central Pacific (Hawaiian Is: Jan-Feb 2003 Tern I; Mar-Jul Lisianski; Oct 1997-Feb 1998 Laysan I; Jan-Feb 2001 Midway I; Oct 2006 Oahu, VanderWerf; Jun 1955 Oahu; May 2001 Kahoolawe; Johnston Atoll Jul 1984; Palmyra 1996 Pratt; 2006 summer Kure Atoll; Apr 2007 Laysan I, NAB).
S. l. etesiaca At sea off C. America and Colombia; cas >200 miles offshore?

ANHINGIDAE (1 species)

Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter
Christidis and Boles (2008) provided evidence for specific status of the Australasian darter.
Acc NZ (Dec NI, Nov 2003 SI). Hypothetical Palau (sp? Ripley; see Pratt et al 1987).

PHALACROCORACIDAE (19 species)

Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant
Christidis and Boles (2008) provided genetic data that segregate the "micro-cormorants" as a basal divergence. Polymorphic NZ birds poss sep species M. brevirostris White-throated Cormorant.
M. m. melanoleucos Res Palau, Solomon Is (except Rennell, but incl Santa Cruz Is and Bougainville, Hadden 2004a), New Caledonia. Cas Mariana Is (Saipan, Pagan, Reichel and Glass 1991), Caroline Is (Mar Yap-Wiles 1987), Vanuatu, Lord Howe I (McAllan et al 2004), Norfolk I.
F: Palau (Peleliu: seen Dec, de Vries; common, Engbring 1988; Babeldaob: mangrove areas, Engbring 1988). Solomon Is (Bougainville: Lake Lahala, Hadden 2004a). New Caledonia (PTRB Dec, Gregory).
M. m. brevicauda Res Solomon Is (Rennell).
This taxon is quite distinct from other subspecies (Mayr and Diamond 2001).
F: Solomon Is (Rennell: common L Tenggano, Richards).
M. m. brevirostris Res 5000-10,000 prs NZ (NI, SI, Stewart I), Campbell I. Cas Snares Is, Auckland Is. Acc Chatham Is (Chatham, Miskelly et al 2006).
Phalacrocorax harrisi Flightless Cormorant
Sometimes placed in monotypic genus Nannopterum.
Res <1000 prs Galapagos Is (Fernandina, Isabela). Vis Galapagos Is (James, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Penhallurick 2003).
F: Galapagos Is (Fernandina: 16 most at Punta Espinosa, Chartier).
P. auritus Double-crested Cormorant
P. a. albociliatus Acc Revillagigedo Is? (Dickinson 2003; AOU 1983, but not 1998; needs verification, Howell and Webb 1995; no definite record, Brattstrom and Howell 1956).
P. penicillatus Brandt's Cormorant
Breeds Guadalupe I.
P. varius Pied Cormorant
P. v. hypoleucos Cas Lord Howe I (2 recs Apr, McAllan et al 2004).
P. v. varius Res 5000-10,000 prs NZ (NI, SI, Stewart I). Cas Snares Is.
P. sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant
Res 1000-5000 prs NZ (NI, n SI). Cas NZ (Stewart I), Solomon Is (Oct-Jan Bougainville, Hadden 2004a), New Caledonia (Grande Terre, Barre and Bachy 2003), Lord Howe I (McAllan et al 2004; about 11 in Mar 2005, Gregory), Norfolk I. Acc Fiji (Kadavu, pres a year through Nov 2004, Cherry 2005). Reported without substantiation Kermadec Is (Veitch et al 2004) and Chatham Is (Miskelly et al 2006).
P. carbo Great Cormorant
Some authors (eg OSNZ) consider Australian P. c. carboides and NZ P. c. steadi not separable, as P. c. novaehollandiae.
P. c. steadi Res 5000-10,000 prs NZ (NI, SI, Stewart I), Chatham Is 233 prs (Bell and Bell 2000). Vis Lord Howe I (this taxon or next; long-distance dispersal both directions across Tasman Sea, and one banded NZ recovered Lord Howe I; one banded NSW recovered in NZ; McAllan et al 2004; imm Mar, Gregory). Cas Norfolk I, Nov Kermadec Is (Veitch et al 2004), Snares Is, Campbell I, Macquarie I.
P. c. novaehollandiae Res Solomon Is (Rennell: L Tenggano, this subsp- Mayr and Diamond 2001; first bred there 1994); New Caledonia (Grande Terre; first seen 2001, bred May-Sep, Barre and Geraux 2004).
F: Solomon Is (Rennell: 1-2 L Tenggano, Hornbuckle 1999).
P. c. hanedae (included in P. c. sinensis by some authors) Acc Ogasawara Is (Mukojima), Caroline Is (this subsp? Mar Yap, Wiles et al 1987), Mariana Is (Pagan, hypo Guam, Reichel and Glass 1991).
P. capillatus Japanese Cormorant
Acc Ogasawara Is.
Leucocarbo purpurascens Macquarie Shag
Considered by some authors part of L. atriceps Imperial Shag or L. albiventer King Shag.
Res Macquarie I 760 prs.
L. campbelli Campbell Shag
This taxon and the next two are closely related, and can be considered allospecies (cf Shirihai 2002); this taxon most closely related to colensoi.
Res Campbell I 8000 inds. Acc Antipodes Is (Tennyson et al 2002).
L. colensoi Auckland Shag
Res Auckland Is 1000 prs. Acc (juv to adult, one bird 1982-2001) Snares Is (Miskelly et al 2001a, 2001b).
L. ranfurlyi Bounty Shag
Res Bounty Is 569 prs. One reported Snares Is Apr-May 1997 prob colensoi (Miskelly et al 2001a, 2001b). Acc Nov Antipodes Is (Tennyson et al 2002).
L. carunculatus Rough-faced Shag
This taxon and the next two are closely related, and may indeed be at least allospecies (Schuckard 2006), but see Shirihai (2002). Worthy and Holdaway (2002) consider this taxon and chalconotus to be relict populations of a formerly widespread single species.
Res NZ (Cook Strait) 645 inds, 102-126 prs in 6 colonies (Schuckard 2006); extirpated NI after human contact (Worthy 1995).
L. chalconotus Stewart Shag
Res NZ (s and se SI, Stewart I 1600-1800 prs).
L. onslowi Chatham Shag
Res Chatham Is 842 prs (Cape Fournier 115, Ke Oreao Pt 7, Pt Weeding 6, Ngatikitiki Rocks 38, Matarakau 53, Okawa Pt 114, Shag Rock 68, Rabbit Island 83, Northeast Reef 19, Star Keys 339, Bell and Bell 2000); 2003-2004 census noted only 271 prs and that Cape Fournier and Shag Rock colonies had disappeared but new colonies were at The Pinnacles, 30 prs, and Kokepa, 15 prs (Bester and Charteris 2005).
Stictocarbo pelagicus Pelagic Cormorant
S. p. subsp? At sea extreme nw Pacific. Acc Hawaiian Is (Midway I, Laysan I, Pyle 2002).
S. punctatus Spotted Shag
Total pop 60,000-150,000 prs.
S. p. punctatus Res NZ 50,000-100,000 inds (NI, n and e SI).
S. p. oliveri (=steadi, which was pre-occupied) Res NZ 10,000-50,000 inds (w and s SI, Stewart I). Acc (this subsp?) Jan Snares Is (Miskelly et al 2001).
S. featherstoni Pitt Island Shag
Res Chatham Is 729 prs (Bell and Bell 2000), although declined to 547 pairs 2003-2004 (Bester and Charteris 2005).