Howland Island Survey 
J 
AT F#7 
Bbruary 1-2, 1965 
The present condition of vegetation on the island indicates 
recent rainfall. All plant species are greener and healthier in 
appearance than on the past two trips. Tribulus and Boerhaavia are in 
full bloom at present. 
Several important changes have occurred in the island's bird 
populations. The Gray-backed Tern is nesting in increasing num¬ 
bers with each successive visit. Sooty Terns have established a 
new colony along the west shore of the island and have also con¬ 
tinued to nest in the large colony on the southeast shore. This 
colony, on the southeast shore, has now been active for eight con¬ 
secutive months. Common Noddy Terns have reestablished themselves 
as a breeding species on the island as one 3A grown nestling was 
found and six adults were seen along the west shore. 
SPECIES ACCOUNTS 
' ’ SV': 
% 
I 
Blue-faced Booby . Relatively inactive breeding status. A 
total of 57 nestlings, 7 small chicks, 9 nests were found. Overall, 
population is down with only 800—1000 birds utilizing the island. 
Only three of four small clubs formed along the windward shore each 
•4 ! 
night. There were no large roosting clubs on the interior of the 
island. The former large club on the southeastern shore was absent* 
Red-footed Booby . Population is at a low point with only 7 
nests with eggs. Roosting population was low with 40-50 birds. 
Brown Boobj. Population consisted of 33 nests ^17 with eggs 
and 16 with nestlings) all but two located on southwest beach crest 
¥ 
and a roosting population of about 60 birds® 
Red-tailed Tropicbird ® Inactive with only 3 adults observed 
and two nests with small young® 
Greater Frigatebird ® A total of 63 nestsfound (2 nests with 
small chicks and 2 with large nestlings) with fresh eggs in the 
4 Cordia grove in the central depression® An estimated 80 pairs 
*? were prestn# A total of 10 a®0.t birds were marked with blue- 
• blue plastic wing streamers® 
Lesser Frigatebird ® Some 1*500 nearly fledged birds are still 
present on the south end of the island* Between 8-10*000 adult® 
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