Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee Adrian Skerrett, Michael Betts, John Bowler, Ian Bullock, David Fisher, Rob Lucking and John Phillips Quatrieme rapport du Comite d’Homologation Seychellois. Le quatrieme rapport quinquennal du Comite d’Homologation Seychellois, cree en 1992, est presente ici. II comprend les donnees acceptees d’especes occasionnelles (especes enregistrees moins d’une fois par an) pour la periode du ler janvier 2006 au 31 decembre 2010. Dix-sept especes occasionnelles ont ete ajoutees a la liste des Seychelles depuis la publication du rapport precedent (voir Bull. ABC 13: 170-W7) en 2006. Le nombre des especes enregistrees aux Seychelles est ainsi passe a 233, dont 65 especes nicheuses, 27 migrateurs annuels, sept especes eteintes et 156 occasionnelles. Un occasionnel, le Goeland de Heuglin, precedemment traite comme une espece a part entiere, est actuellement considere comme une sous-espece du Goeland brun Larus fuscus heuglini. Le Faucon de l’Amour Falco amurensis, precedemment considere comme occasionnel, a ete reclasse comme annuel. Des photos sont presentees de neuf especes observees pour la premiere fois. Summary. Seychelles Bird Records Committee, formed in 1992, publishes reports at intervals of five years. This fourth report summarises all accepted records of vagrants (species recorded less than annually) during the period 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010. Seventeen vagrants have been added to the Seychelles list since the publication of the previous report. With these, the number of species recorded in Seychelles has increased to 255. One vagrant previously treated as a full species is now treated as a race, Heuglin's Gull Larus fuscus heuglini. Another species, Amur Falcon Falco amurensis, previously classed as a vagrant is now an annual visitor. Photographs of nine new species where no details have been published are presented here. S eychelles Bird Records Committee (SBRC) another species and records where the observer has was formed in 1992 and publishes reports made no judgement, a fairly frequent occurrence at intervals of Five years with previous reports in Seychelles (accounting for seven new species appearing in 1996, 2001 and 2006. A summary during 2006-10). of as-yet unverified sightings received by SBRC is The number of species recorded in Seychelles published every six months in the Recent Reports in the third report was given as 239 as at 31 section of the Bull. ABC and accepted records are December 2005 (Skerrett et al. 2006). Seventeen summarised quarterly on the website of SBRC: new species have been added to the Seychelles list http://www.stokecoll.ac.uk/sbrc/ since then. One species, Heuglin’s Gull, previously The First three SBRC reports have taken the given full species status, is now treated as a race of form of a full checklist of the birds of Seychelles. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus heuglini. This fourth report differs in focusing on accepted Therefore, after allowing for these changes, the records of vagrants (species of less than annual number of species recorded in Seychelles as at occurrence) during the period 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010 is 255. This comprises 65 31 December 2010 (i.e. since the previous report). breeding species, 27 annual migrants, seven extinct A full checklist including the number of accepted species and 156 vagrants. Adjusting for taxonomic records for each species and each island can be changes, the number of species on the Seychelles downloaded from the SBRC website. list has risen by 35% in the 15 years between the Since its formation, SBRC has considered first report and the current report as follows: 1,675 records of which 1,351 have been accepted to species level (80.7%) and a further 107 Report No. ofsp. records (6.4%) accepted to a qualified category First report, 1996 189 (e.g. Cuculus sp. or Pintail Gallinula stenura / Swinhoe’s Snipe G. megala). The remaining Second report, 2001 222 12.9% is considered ’not proven’. The acceptance Third report, 2006 237 rates include records where the observer submitted a sighting as one species but SBRC accepted it as Fourth report, 2011 255 182-Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Highlights of the current report include the 7. The status of Amur Falcon Falco amurensis has following: been changed from vagrant to annual, despite the fact that it was unrecorded prior to 1995 1. A series of remarkable petrel sightings at (excluding a single plausible account from the Cousin Island, including two first records for 1970s that SBRC is still attempting to trace). Seychelles (Herald Petrel Pterodroma heral- Remarkably, it was the second most frequently dica and Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria fallax) plus reported migrant landbird during 2006-10. the first breeding record of Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta, which itself was unre¬ 8. The most frequently reported migrant land- corded prior to 2003. bird during 2006-10 was Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus, given invasions in 2. Four new species for Seychelles from Aldabra. two successive years including more than Three of these breed in the African region, 1,000 birds scattered across the granitic islands whereas the majority of vagrants to Seychelles and Amirantes in 2008-09, with smaller num¬ are long-distance migrants breeding outside the bers the following season. A similar invasion region. These are African Palm Swift Cypsinrus has been recorded only once previously, in parvus, Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii 2001/2002. and Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus. The first Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris The following records were accepted in the for Seychelles was also recorded on Aldabra. five years to 31 December 2010. Numbers in 3. The continued prominence of Bird Island, parentheses represent, first, the total number of the Tair Isle’ of Seychelles, for recording accepted records to date and, second, the number long-distance migrants, with 43 new vagrant of records accepted during the five-year period. records accepted including three new spe¬ cies for Seychelles: Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes Herald Petrel Pterodroma heraldica (1,1) minimus, Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba One, the hill, Cousin, 10-11 June 2009 (D. J. R. and Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti. The Andrews et al.). Details of this first record will be first Ficedula flycatcher for Seychelles was also published elsewhere. recorded on Bird Island, although the bird could not be identified to species. Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta (5,3) 4. The meteoric rise to prominence of Alphonse Intermediate morph, Cousin, 13 August 2006 (C. in the Amirantes following the establishment Eikenaar). Dark morph, Cousin, 10 January 2007 of the Alphonse Island Conservation Centre (C. Eikenaar, M. Mainwaring). Two, Cousin, 18 in 2007. The island produced 37 accepted November 2009, one seen with a chick on 24 records (plus four from neighbouring St. November 2009 (J. Simeon et all). First recorded Francois), more than any other island and on Cousin on 29 August 2003 and again on 29 including the first records ol three species: June 2004 (Eikenaar & Skerrett 2006). Both Black-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta tropica, sightings and that in August 2006 probably Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and Common involved the same bird, ringed in June 2004 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. and re-captured on 24 November 2009, when 5. Five other first records have been accepted: it formed one of a breeding pair. The second Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope on Silhouette, breeding adult, a dark-morph bird, is possibly Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii on Aride, Plain the same individual recorded in January 2007. Martin Riparia paludicola on Mahe, Garden This bird was ringed on 18 November 2009. No Warbler Sylvia borin at sea and Common subsequent reports have been received by SBRC. Stonechat Saxicola torquatus on Denis. 6. Accounts of the sighting ol four of the 17 Bulwer’s Petrel Bidweria fallax (1, 1) new species have been published in Bidl One, the hill, Cousin, ,15 June 2009 (D. J. R. ABC. Publication is pending for four more. Andrews et al.). Details of this first record for Photographs of the nine species for which Seychelles will be published elsewhere. full details will not be published are presented here. Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011)-183 Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax (11, 1) Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (4, 1) Four, between Cosmoledo and Poivre, 18 March Non-breeding adult, Praslin, 12 January 2010 (K. 2009 (R. Wanless et al.). de Jong, M. I. van Neirop). Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus (6, 1) Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii (6, 2) One, off D’Arros, 3 July 2009 (U. Engelhardt et One, Denis Island, 10 December 2007 (C. J. al.). Feare, C. Hoareau). One, Alphonse, 30 October-3 November 2009 (P. A. Adam, M. Labrosse). Storm-petrel sp. (probably Wilson’s Storm- petrel Oceanites oceanicus) Ardeola sp. (probably Madagascar Pond Heron One, at sea near Cousin, June 2007 (G. Rocamora). Ardeola idea) Juvenile, Assumption Island, 3 March 2008 (G. Black-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta tropica Rocamora). One, Poivre, 19 March 2009 (R. (1, 1) Wanless et al.). One, Alphonse, found alive but later died, 30 June 2010 (A. Nahaboo et al.\ Fig. 1). The specimen is Ardeola sp. now at The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK One, Desroches, 21-28 October 2009 (P. (BMNH 2011.24.1). Summerton, L. Thompson). Little Egret Egretta garzetta (26, 3) Two, Praslin, 31 December 2008 (J. Bisschop, T. Bisschop). One, Mahe, 25 January 2009 (A. P. Skerrett). One, Cousine, 5 February-3 March 2010 (K. Jolliffe et al). Great Egret Egretta alba (16, 5) One, Grand Terre, Aldabra, 23 April 2008 (C. Onezia, D. Louange). One, St. Joseph Atoll, 26 April 2009 (B. Narty). Adult in breeding plumage, Paul Island, St. Joseph Atoll, 10 November 2009 . Figure 1 Black-bellied Storm-petrel / Oceanite a ventre (B. Narty). One, Mahe, 14 November 2009 (A. noir Fregetta tropica, Alphonse, 30 June 2010 (Aurelien P. Skerrett, S. Ansell). One, Bird Island, 9-11 Nahaboo) November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et al.). Storm-petrel sp. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (43, 9) One, between Mahe and Praslin, 25 May 2008 One, Alphonse, 16 October-9 November 2007 (S. Gillings). One, 30 km east of La Digue, 20 (L. Macgregor, R. Bijoux). Immature, Denis October 2009 (K. Jolliffe, J. Henwood). Island, 3 October 2008 (C. Onezia). Adult, Mahe, 14 December-20 December 2008 (T. Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus (7,1) Vel et al). Adult, Desroches, 23 April 2009 (A. Adult, Cousin, 10 October 2010 (P. Chadwick). P. Skerrett et al). Adult, Mahe, c. 18 October 2009-18 November 2009 (T. Vel, A. P. Skerrett). Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus (3, 1) Immature, Alphonse, 22 October 2009 (A. Rose, Adult, Grand Terre, Aldabra, 16 February 2010 M. Labrosse). One, Desroches, 24 October-1" (S. Balderson). November 2009 (P. Summerton, D. Jupiter). Pirst-year, Desroches, 9-11 October 2010 (T. Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris (6, 2) Jupiter, A. Commettant). Two, Mahe, 20 October One, Bird Island, 5 November 2005-2 April 2010 (B. & G. Slade). 2006 (R. Bresson et al). Adult, Alphonse, 31 October-1 November 2010 (A. Nahaboo, S. Agricole). 184-Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (10, 7) Tufted X2)\ic\t Aythya fuligula (1,1) One, Mahe, 13 December 2008 (A. P. Skerrett, Juvenile female, sewage pond on Alphonse, 23-25 B. Cooper). One, Fregate, 8-11 November 2009 December 2006 (A. P. Skerrett, A Fowls). Details (G. Canning, S. Hill). Immature, Bird Island, of this first record for Seychelles have been 10-17 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et al.). Up published (Skerrett 2009). to eight, La Digue, 23 March 2010 (I. Rasmussen et al.). Three, including at least one adult in European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus (4, 1) breeding plumage, Mahe, 23-26 March 2010 (I. One, Denis Island, 24 April 2006 (R. Collins, C. Rasmussen et al.). One, Eden Island, 3 April, two, Hoareau). 19 April, lour, 20 April, three, 23 April and two, 22 June, one remaining to 6 November 2010 (G. Black Kite Milvus migrans (3, 2) Rocamora et al.). One, Mahe, 17 June 2010 (R. One, Alphonse, 26-27 March 2008 (A. Rose et M. Mason). al.). Adult, Alphonse, 24 December 2008 and 7 January 2009 (A. Rose et al). Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope (1,1) Male, Silhouette, 17 February-1 March 2006 (J Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (6, 3) Larue, G. Esparon; Fig. 2). Immature, North Island, 25 October 2007 (L. Ferreira, S. Talma). One, Alphonse, 27 February-3 April 2009 (P. A. Adam, A. Rose). Female, Desroches, 8 March 2010 (P. Summerton). Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (1, 1) Adult female, found dead 30 m inland of the beach, Alphonse, 6 January 2008 (L. Macgregor; Fig 3). The specimen is now at The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK (BMNH 2011.23.1). Figure 2. Male Eurasian Wigeon / Canard siffleur Anas penelope, Silhouette, 17 February-1 March 2006 (Jules Larue) Northern Pintail Anas acnta (10, 3) Female, Mahe, 3 December 2007, joined by second female and a male first week of January 2008, all three remaining until 21 January 2008 (M. J. Dale et al.). Two females, Mahe, 20 Figure 3. Adult female Common Kestrel Falco December 2008 (A. P. Skerrett et al.). First- tinnunculus found dead on Alphonse, 6 January 2008 winter, Aride, 20 January 2010 (P. Knott, J. (Adrian Skerrett) Grant). Faucon crecerelle Falco tinnunculus, femelle adulte, trouvee morte a Alphonse, 6 janvier 2008 (Adrian Skerrett) Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata (9, 1) Female or immature, Aride, 5 January 2010 (P. Knott, J. Grant). Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (5, 1) Adult female, Aride, ’5 December 2008 (R. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca (4, 1) Tiatousse et al). Adult male, Denis Island, 25-27 November 2008 (J. Nevill, F. Hoareau). Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Bui! ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) - 185 Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae (29, 3) Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (15, 3) First-year, Picard, Aldabra, 12 December Adult, Alphonse, 2 December 2006-27 March 2006 (G. Esparon, P. Pistorius). First-winter, 2007 (M. Betts et all). Up to five, Silhouette, Picard, Aldabra, 21 January 2007 (G. Esparon 23-26 October 2007 (R. Gerlach, G. Gerlach). et all). Immature, Aride, 19 November 2008 Two, Praslin, 24 November 2008 (H. Kisbve). (R. Tiatousse, I. Krummholz). A ring only, Alphonse, 12 December 2009, had been applied Pratincole sp. Glareola sp. to a first-year, Las Islas Columbretes, Spain, on 17 One, Mahe, 15 February 2006 (A. P. Skerrett). September 2008. One dead, North Island, 29 October 2006 (U. Bristol). One, Mahe, 19 November 2008 (H. Eurasian Elobby Falco subbuteo (23, 7) Kisbye). One, Desroches, 27 February 2009 (E. Juvenile, Alphonse, 10 December 2007-13 Palmer, M. Collins). Two, Fregate, 14 November January 2008 (L. Macgregor et al.). One to 2009 (G. Canning, S. FT11). One, Desroches, 1 three, Denis, 24-27 November 2008 (J. Nevill et March 2010 (P. Summerton). al.). First-winter, Cousine, 24 December 2008- 11 January 2009 (K. Jolliffe, S.-M. Jolliffe). Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius (10, 1) Two first-winters, Bird Island, 15-21 November One, Alphonse, 21 November 2008 (M. Betts et 2009 (N. J. Phillips et al.). First-winter, D’Arros, all). 21 November 2009 (D. Ellinger). First-winter, Poivre, 7 December 2009 (L. Claven). Immature, Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus (5, 1) Desroches, 3-4 January 2010 (L. Thompson, D. Adult, Alphonse, 26 October-11 November 2008 Jupiter). (P. A. Adam, R. Bijoux). Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (3, 1) Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii 66, 1) One, Alphonse, 7-9 December 2009 (P. A. One, Mahe, 10 March 2007 (M. Betts, A. P. Adam, J. Hoareau). Skerrett). Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (12, 6) Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta (2, 1) At least two, Alphonse, 12 October-17 November One, Mahe, 28 January 2007 (A. P. Skerrett). 2007 (L. Macgregor et all). Adult, Silhouette, 28 October 2007 (A. P. Skerrett et all). Adult Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (5,2) and immature, Praslin, 28 November 2008 (R. Non-breeding adult, D’Arros, 13 November 2006 Tiatousse et al.). Immature, North Island, 25 (J. C. Cadbury et al.). Adult, Alphonse, 8-16 May September 2009 (E. Mokhobo, L. Wombach). 2009 (P. A. Adam, A. Rose). Adult, Alphonse, 5-14 November 2009 (P. A. Adam). One, Bird Island, 11 November 2009 (N. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminate (4, 1) J. Phillips et all). One, Alphonse, 2-3 November 2007 (P. A. Adam, R Bijoux). Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (10, 6) Buff-breasted Sandpiper Fryngites subruficollis One, Alphonse, 10 December 2006-27 March (6, 1) 2007 (M. Betts et all). Immature, Alphonse, One, Alphonse, 6-18 November 2007 (P. A. 26-31 October 2008 (P. A. Adam, R. Bijoux). Adam, A. P. Skerrett). One, Bird Island, 9-28 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et all). Four adults, Alphonse, 4-16 Ruff Philomachuspugnax (30, 3) May 2009 (P. A. Adam et all). Adult, Fregate, 12 Juvenile female, Mahe, 23 September 2009 (R. June 2009 (M. Wilkens, B. Whittington). One, Martin, G. Rocamora). Juvenile male and juvenile Fregate, 25-27 March 2010 (G. Canning). female, Bird Island, 13 November-28 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et all). One, Desroches, 16 November 2009 (L. Thompson, D Jupiter). 186 -Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus (1,1) Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii (1, 1) One, at the tern colony, Bird Island, 25 October Adult in breeding plumage, Aride, 29 August 2004-25 March 2005 (A. P. Skerrett, R. Bresson, 2005 (F. Hobro, T. Catry, G. Stoyle, F. Salomon). G. Norah, M. Norah). Details of this first record Details of this first record for Seychelles have been for Seychelles have been published (Skerrett 2009). published (Hobro & Catry 2006). Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago (16, 5) Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (9, 2) Three, Mahe, 10 March 2007 (M. Betts, A. P. One, probably L. f. heuglini, off Grande Soeur Skerrett). One, Alphonse, 16-22 November 2008 Island, 2 March 2007 (H. Mellie). First-winter (M. Betts et al.). One, Mahe, 20 December 2008 L. f. heuglini or L. f. barabensis, dead, Mahe, 29 (J. Komdeur et al.). One, Aride, 17 October December 2008 (G. Gendron et al). 2009 (M. Sur). Two, Alphonse, 20 October-6 November 2009 (A. Rose et al.). Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus barabensis or Caspian Gull L. cachinnans Great Snipe Gallinago media (3, 1) One, Denis Island, 13-15 January 2007 (M. One, Mahe, 16-17 January 2008 (A. P. Skerrett Mason et al). One, Picard, Aldabra, 29 January et al). 2007 (G. Esparon et al). Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura or Swinhoe’s Common Black-headed Gull Larus Snipe G. megala (Chroicocephalus) ridibundus (17, 3) One, Bird Island, 12 November 2009 (N. J. Adult in breeding plumage, Bird Island, 25 Phillips, V. E. Phillips). March-2 April 2006 (B. Sampson et al). First- winter, Alphonse, 13 and 15 December 2008 (P. Snipe sp. Gallinago sp. A. Adam, A. Rose). One, Cousine, 20 January One, Alphonse, 22 January 2009 (A. Rose). One, 2010 (K. Jolliffe et al). Mahe, 20 November 2009 (R. Martin). Two, Denis Island, 30 December 2009 (M. Sur). Gull-billed Tern Sterna (Gelochelidon) nilotica (11, 1) Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (7, 1) Adult, off Bird Island, 18 November 2009 (N. J. One, Aride, 24 December 2009 (P. Knott et al). Phillips, V. E. Phillips). Common Redshank Tringa totanus (4, 1) Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis (5, 1) One, Silhouette, 11 September 2006 (R. Gerlach, One, Cousine, 16 May 2010 (K. Jolliffe, D. Nell). G. Gerlach). Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida (5, 1) Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (10, 1) Adult, Mahe, 11 October 2006 (R. Coomber, G. One, Mahe, 12 October 2006 (J. Burrell, G. Jessy). Burrell). European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (8, 1) Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus (8, 1) Two immatures, Desroches, 15-17 October 2010 One, Mahe, 21 February-10 March 2007 (M. J. (T. Jupiter, A. Commettant). Dale, M. Betts). Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus (10, 3) Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes (4, 2) Adult, Bird Island, 14—16 January 2006 (M. Four, St. Francois, 1 March 2007 (M. Betts, T. Norah et al). One, Denis Island, 29 April 2006 Potgieter). One, St. Francois, 17 November 2008 (C. Hoareau). Adult, Cousine, 30 November and (M. Betts). 4 December 2008 (K. Jolliffe, S.-M. Jolliffe). Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus (4, 1) Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (36, 11) Pale-morph adult, Denis Island, 14 August 2007 Immature, Mahe, 6 January 2006 (T. Vel). (A. Mason, R. M. Mason). Immature, Alphonse, 15-22 January 2009 (P. A. Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011)-187 Adam et al.). Adult, Desroches, 23 October-26 November 2009 (P. Summerton, D. Jupiter). First-winter, Mahe, 18 November 2009 (T. Vel, A. P. Skerrett). First-winter, Bird Island, 16-26 November 2009, with two on 19-20 November (N. J. Phillips et al.). At least one, North Island, 16 November-1 December 2009 (L. Vanherck et al.). First-winter, Cousine, 4 December 2009 (K. Jolliffe et al.). First-winter, Cousine, 23 December 2009-2 January 2010 (K. Jolliffe et al.). First-winter, Praslin, 12 January 2010 (K. de Jong, M. I. van Neirop). First-winter, Aride, 14 January 2010 (P. Knott et al.). One, Cousine, 21 Figure 4. African Palm Swift / Martinet des palmes Cypsiurusparvus, Picard, Aldabra, 20 December 2006 lanuary-20 February 2010 (K. Jolliffe et al.). (Pierre Pistorius) Lesser Cuckoo Cuculuspoliocephalus (13, 4) One, Alphonse, 4 January 2008 (L. Macgregor). L. Thompson). One, Desroches, 5 February 2010 One, badly decomposed, North Island, 20 (P. Summerton). December 2007 (L Vanherck). One, probably adult, Bird Island, 22 November 2009 (A. P. Pacific Swift Apuspacificus (12, 2) Skerrett). One, Mahe, 13 January-27 February One, Bird Island, 11-15 November 2009 (N. 2010, with two on the last date (E. Palmer, A. P. J. Phillips et al.). One, Denis Island, 26-27 Skerrett). December 2009 (M Sur). Cuckoo sp. Cuculus sp. Little Swift Apus affinis (5, 1) One, Cousine, 15 January 2009 (K. Jolliffe). One, North Island, 24 January 2009 (M. Mounac, A. Saunders). Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (4, 2) Adult female, Aride, 10-29 January 2008 (B. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba (1,1) McCallum et al.). One, Aride, 20 November 2008 One, Bird Island, 20-21 November 2009 (V. (R. Tiatousse et al.). E. Phillips et al.). Details of this first record for Seychelles appear elsewhere in this issue (Phillips Nightjar sp. Caprimulgus sp. & Phillips 2011). One, Bird Island, 16-18 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et al.). Kingfisher sp. Alcedo sp. One, probably Common Kingfisher A. atthis, White-throated Needletail Hirundapus Alphonse, 2-3 December 2006 (M. Betts et al.). caudacutus (5, 1) One, Alphonse, 1 December 2006 (M. Betts). Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus (17 + 3 invasions, 0 + 2 invasions,) African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus (1,1) This species appeared in significant numbers in One, C. p. gracilis, Picard, Aldabra, 20 December 2008/09 and 2009/10. SBRC accepted all records 2006 (P. Pistorius, G. Esparon; Fig. 4). of this species from reliable observers during these seasons without supporting descriptions or Common Swift Apus apus (19, 5) photographs. One, D’Arros 9-12 November 2006 (A. P. In 2008/09, birds appeared on the following Skerrett et al.). One, A. a. pekinensis, Alphonse, islands in chronological order: (1) Praslin: l7 26 April 2007 (M. Betts). One, Alphonse, 1-15 November-28 April with max. 35, 26 November; December 2008 (P. A. Adam et al.). Up to ten, (2) Denis: 18 November-early July with max. 500+, Desroches, 18-25 October 2009 (P. Summerton, 22-23 November; (3) Cousine: 20 November-14 188-Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. December with max. 40, 13 December; (4) (N. J. Phillips et al.). Two, Alphonse, 25-28 Alphonse: 20 November-6 February with max. November 2009 (P. A. Adam. A. Rose). One, 43, 8 December; (5) Aride: 20 November-4 Denis Island, 1 December 2009 (M. Sur, C. February with max. 18, 22 November; (6) Mahe: Onezia). One, Fregate, 11-13 November 2009 20 November-14 December with max. 37, 9 (G. Canning, S. Hill). One, Desroches, 7-19 December; (7) North: 20 November-2 December February 2010 (P. Summerton). Adult, Alphonse, with max. 30, 1-2 December; (8) Bird: 21 10-14 March 2010 (A. Nahaboo, J. Michel, P. November-4 May with max. 100, 21 November; A. Adam). One, Bird Island, 18 March 2010 (G. (9) St. Joseph Atoll: 21 November-10 June with Rocamora). max. 120, 21 November; (10) Desroches: 22 November-end May with max. 10, 22 November; Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus (14 (11) La Digue: 3-3, 23 November-9 December; east of Aldabra group, 4) (12) D’Arros: 23 November-27 June with max. Adult, Alphonse, 11 December 2006 (M. Betts). 100+, 24 November-18 December; (13) Cousin: One, Alphonse, 17 September 2008 (P. A. Adam three, 26 November and six, 10 December; et al.). One, Alphonse, 22-23 November 2008 (14) Curieuse: four each on 6 December and 6 (P. A. Adam, M. Betts). Adult, Alphonse, 10-22 January; (15) Conception: 12, 12 December; (16) November 2009 (P. A. Adam). Silhouette: 22 November-27 December with max. 70, 2 December, but no further sightings Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella until three, 23 April; (17) Eden Island: two, 30 brachydactyla (4, 1) January and three, 10 February; (18) St. Francois: One, Bird Island, 16-23 November 2009, with three, 15 January and one, 2 April; (19) Poivre: two present on the last date (N. J. Phillips et al). four, 12 March. In 2009/10, birds appeared on the following Plain Martin Riparia paludicola (1,1) islands in chronological order: (1) Bird: 20-25, One, probably R. p. chinensis, Anse Etoile, Mahe, 8 November-28 November; (2) Mahe: one, 18 9 December 2008 (A. P. Skerrett). Details of this November and two, 16 May; (3) North: six, first record for Seychelles have been published 18 November; (4) Cousin: two, 19 November; (Skerrett 2009). (5) Conception: six, 23 November; (6) Aride: two, 16-20 November; (7) Alphonse: one, Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia (22, 7) 28 November; (8) Denis: at least one, 2-12 Two, Bird Island, 27 October 2007 (A. P. Skerrett December; (9) D’Arros: four, 15 December; (9) et al). One, Alphonse, 15-17 February 2007 Silhouette: one, 15-16 December. Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosns (1,1) Adult, between Settlement Beach, Picard Island and west Grand Terre, 15-31 October 2006 (P. Pistorius, S. Bostock, S. Onezia, C. Onezia, U. Samedi; Fig. 5). Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster (3, 1) Two, Picard, Aldabra, 14 November 2007 (P. Pistorius et al). European Roller Coracias garrulus (43, 11) Adult, Picard, Aldabra, 16-19 May 2007 (A. Hermans). One, D’Arros, 8 December 2008 (U. Engelhardt). One, Praslin, 16 November Figure 5. Adult Madagascar Bee-eater / Guepier de 2009 (G. Rocamora). Juvenile, Desroches, 17-25 Madagascar Merops superciliosus between Settlement November 2009 (P. Summerton, L. Thompson). Beach, Picard Island and west Grand Terre, 15-31 Immature, Bird Island, 10-27 November 2009 October 2006 (Sam Bostock) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011)-189 (M. Betts, S. Barclay). One, Alphonse, 23-26 McDevitt). Immature, Aride, 19 November 2008 December 2008 (A. Rose, P. A. Adam). One, (R. Tiatousse et al.). First-winter, Aride, 20-25 Alphonse, 20-26 October 2009 (A. Rose, P. A. November 2009 (R. Sutcliffe, M. Sur). Adam). One, Bird Island, 9-11 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips, V. E. Phillips). Adult, Alphonse, Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea (9, 3) 9 November 2010 (A. Nahaboo et all). Two, One, D’Arros, around June 2006 (G. Ollmann). Cousine, 10 November 2010 (K. Jolliffe, S.-M. One, North Island, 2-3 November 2006 (U. Jolliffe). Bristol). One, North Island, 18-19 November 2009 (G. Rocamora et al.). Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii (1,1) One, H. s. smithii, Research Station, Picard, White Wagtail Motacilla alba (30, 7) Aldabra, 8 February 2008 (C. Onezia, B. Rose; Two, Mahe, 6 December 2006 (M. Betts). One, Fig. 6). Picard, Aldabra, 25 November 2007 (D. Monday, C. Onezia). First-winter, Alphonse, 23 October-3 November 2007 (F. Macgregor et al.). Female or first-winter, D Arros, 9 November 2007 (A. P. Skerrett et al.). Male, probably M. a. alba, D’Arros, 7 November 2009 (B. Narty). One, Desroches, 26 November 2009 (L. Thompson). One, Bird Island, 15-20 November 2009 (V. E. Phillips et al.). Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (l7, 1) Up to four first-winters and one adult, Bird Island, 11-25 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et all). Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Figure 6. Wire-tailed Swallow / Hirondelle a longs (11,3) brins Hirundo smithii, Picard, Aldabra, 8 February 2008 One, probably first-year male, ship-assisted from (Catherina Onezia) 49 km east-northeast of Fa Digue, 29 October 2005, to olf Fa Digue, 30 October 2005 (C. Common House Martin Delichon urhicum Anderson et all). Female or first-winter, Alphonse, (9, 3) 18-22 November 2008 (M. Betts et all). Female One, Alphonse, 9-14 April 2007 (M. Betts, A. P. or immature, Bird Island, 11 November 2009 (N. Skerrett). Three, Alphonse, 16-18 May 2008 (A. J. Phillips). Rose et al.)- One, Alphonse, 4-3 October 2009 (A. Rose, P. A. Adam). Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (1, 1) One, Denis Island, 27 December 2009 (M. Sur; Yellow Wagtail Motacillaflava (31, 10) Fig. 7). Accepted as either S. t. variegatus or S. t. One, probably male M. f heema, Bird Island, armenicus. 3 December 2005-March 2006 (M. Norah et al.). Adult male, possibly M. f. beema, Mahe, 27 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (47, 6) January 2007 (M. Betts, A. P. Skerrett). One, One, Picard, Aldabra, 11 February 2007 (G. Aride, 18-19 November 2007 (B. Sampson et Esparon). One, Aride, 18-20 December 2007 (B. al.). One, Picard, Aldabra, 19 December 2007 McCallum et all). Male, Alphonse, 12 February (P. Pistorius). One, Mahe, 27 April 2007 (V. 2008 (P. A. Adam et all). First-winter male, Nichnadowicz, A. Rassool). One, Silhouette, Alphonse, 12-16 January 2009 (P. A. Adam et 23-25 October 2007 (R. Gerlach, G. Gerlach). all). One, Picard, Aldabra, 14 January 2010 (S. One, Alphonse, 1-5 January 2008 (F. Macgregor, Balderson). Male, Denis, 3 January 2010 (M. P. A. Adam). Adult male, probably M. f. beema, Sur). Denis Island, 9 December 2008 (J. Nevill, A. M. 190 -Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. 7 Figure 8. Marsh Warbler / Rousserolle verderolle Acrocephalus palustris, Picard, Aldabra, 24 April 2007 (Guy Esparon) Figure 7. Common Stonechat / Traquet patre Saxicola torquatus, Denis Island, 27 December 2009 (Michal Sur) Pied Wheatear Oenanthepleschanka (2, 1) First-winter female, Bird Island, 13-20 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips et al.). Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti (1,1) First-winter male, Bird Island, 16-19 November 2009 (N. J. Phillips, V. E. Phillips, R. Bresson, P. Norah, R. Coon). First-winter male, O. d. oreophila, Cousine, 23-24 November 2009, was probably the same individual.(K. Jolliffe, S.-M. Figure 9. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin, aboard the Le Jolliffe). Full details appear elsewhere in this issue Ponant, between Aldabra and Alphonse, 27 March 2006 (Phillips & Phillips 2011). (Gerard Rocamora) Fauvette des jardins Sylvia borin, a bord du Le Ponant, Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isahellina (7, 3) entre Aldabra et Alphonse, 27 mars 2006 (Gerard Rocamora) Male, Bird Island, 27 October 2007 (A. P. Skerrett et al.)- One, Mahe, 6-7 November 2007 (A. P. Skerrett et al.). One, La Digue, 17-18 December 2007 (S. Ansell, R. Thomson). Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina (3, 1) One, Bird Island, 12 November 2009 (N. J. Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis Phillips, V. E. Phillips). (4, 1) Adult female, Bird Island, 14 November 2009 (N. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (4, 1) J. Phillips, V. E. Phillips). One, St. Franqois Atoll, 4 March 2007 (E. Quilindo et al.). Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (1,1) One, found exhausted and later died, Research Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix (4, 2) Station, Picard, Aldabra, 24 April 2007 (U. One, Bird Island, 17 November 2009 (V. E. Samedi, C. Onezia, G. Esparon; Fig. 8). The Phillips, N. J. Phillips). One, Bird Island, 2~ specimen is now at The Natural History Museum, November 2009 (M.-F. Saw et al.). Tring, UK (BMNH 2008.43.1). Fourth report of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee: Skerrett et al. Bull ABC Vol 18 No 2 (2011) - 191