frigatebird species (113) 
T here was essentially no change in this group from the December survey# 
distribution through the grid approximately coincided with flocks of 
feed!ng terns. Birds leaving and returning to Howland account for uch 
greater densities in area G. 
Rwr.cy Tur;.stone (l) 
Crol ten Plover (1 nocturnal) 
j 
With wintering populations now distributed on their respective isla:. * *s, low 
* 
numbers can be expected in the grid. However, uncommonly low numoers 
of shorebirds have been recorded for all the Phoenix Islands during the 
present survey. 
Rkua (l) 
Single individuals have irregularly been recorded on previous surveys. 
The Ltcua and both species of Jaegers (Long-tailed and Pomarine) u- ize 
or pass through the grid in small numbers. 
Sooty Tern (U237 + 1336 nocturnal) 
Sootv Terns accounted for 91% of total diurnal observations and Rf"' of 
total nocturnal sightings. Density rose again during the pres rt cr ise 
to 6.5lj compared to h.93 recorded for December. A similar increase occurred 
in December over November. Thus, a normal build-up has taken place ver 
the last two months as a new colony be, ins a breeding cycle on Howland. 
The majority of birds over the island are now settled with eggs ana numbers 
can oe expected to remain fairly stable over the next few months f least 
in regards to that population. However, with colonies now breedir on 
at least three of the Phoenix Islands (Enderbury, Phoenix and Hui , a 
r 
considerable rise in grid density can be exnected as these populai ns 
* 
leave their respective islands at termination of* breeding, i^arg* . nbers 
