NOTEWORTHY BIRD OBSERVATIONS FROM THE CAROLINE AND MARSHALL ISLANDS 1988-2009, INCLUDING FIVE NEW RECORDS FOR MICRONESIA

Abstract

We evaluate previously unpublished or semi-published reports of 61 migratory, 3 resident, and 1 failed introduced species or subspecies of birds in Micronesia from a variety of sources. These include first (or first confirmed) Micronesian records of the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), American Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus), Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata), Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), and Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma); second regional reports of the Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), Rufous Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx hyperythrus), Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops), and White-throated  Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus); and many firsts for major islands, island groups,  and islands within groups including 13 first (or first confirmed) and 7 second records  for Yap, 11 first and 8 second records for Palau, 7 firsts for Pohnpei, 1 for Kosrae,  1 for Kwajalein, and a second for Majuro. We report several occurrences as first for  their season and other significant bird observations that help to establish patterns in  the region. We question published sight records of the asian House Martin (Delichon  dasypus).