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THE MOA OF NEW. ZEALAND.
(DINORNIS GIGANTEUS)

From a Specimen in the Canterbury Museurr, WN. 7.

A.C. Barker phot. G.H Ford hth : Mintern. Bros imp

Bros
ye nter? m

A HISTORY ( G

OF THE

BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

BY

WALTER LAWRY BULLER, Sc.D.
(RESIDENT MAGISTRATE OF WANGANUL, N.Z.),
FELLOW OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, AND

E
OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY,
MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION,
TC., TC.

LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW.
1873,

Great

gigant
staturé
but tk
numb
natura
many

the co

in any

PROSPECTUS.

Ir has been remarked by a celebrated naturalist that “New Zealand is the most interesting
ornithological province in the world;” and in a qualified sense this is mo doubt true. ‘The last
remnant of a former continent, and, geologically considered, probably the oldest country on the
face of our globe, it contains at the present day the only living representatives of an extinct

race of wonderful Struthious birds.

Within recent historic times this circumscribed area, scarcely equal in extent to that of
Great Britain, was tenanted, to the entire exclusion of Mammalia, by countless numbers of
gigantic brevipennate or wingless birds, of various genera and species, the largest attaining to a
stature nearly twice that of a full-grown Ostrich. These colossal ornithic types have disappeared ;
but their diminutive representatives (the different species of Apterya) still exist, in diminished
numbers, in various parts of the country; and these are objects of the highest interest to the
natural-historian. But apart from this view of the subject the avifauna of New Zealand presents
many special features of considerable interest. A large proportion of the genera are peculiar to
the country; while some of the forms are perfectly anomalous, being entirely without a parallel
in any other part of the world.

Under the changed physical conditions of the country, brought about by the operations of
colonization, some of these remarkable forms have already become almost, if not quite, extinct,
and others are fast expiring. It has been the author’s desire to collect and place on record a
complete life-history of these birds before their final extirpation shall have rendered such a task
impossible; and it will be his aim to produce a book at once acceptable to scientific men in
general and useful to his fellow-colonists.

It may be mentioned that the author's official position in New Zealand, during a period of

a2

iv PROSPECTUS.

more than twelve years, has enabled him to visit nearly every part of the country, while his
frequent intercourse with the various native tribes has been highly favourable to such an object

as the present undertaking.

The work will comprise an introductory treatise on the ornithology of New Zealand, a
concise diagnosis of each bird in Latin and English, synoptical lists of the nomenclature, and a
popular history and description of all the known species—and will contain coloured illustrations,
by Keulemans, of all the more interesting or characteristic forms. It will be published in five
Parts, each containing not less than seven coloured lithographs, comprising altogether about

seventy figures of New-Zealand birds.

London, January 1872.

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ntry, While hi
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Such a

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f New ;
New Zealand, ,
menclature and
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oured Ulustration,

* published in five

Yr

3 altogether about

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PREFACE

Tux study of Ornithology has always been a source of intense enjoyment to me; and to write a
history of the Birds of my native country was one of the day-dreams of my early boyhood. In
maturer years my intervals of leisure, during an active official life in the colony, have been
chiefly devoted to the collection of materials for such an undertaking ; and the result is now
presented to the public in a form which will, I trust, be acceptable to both the scientific and the

general reader.

With what amount of success I have executed my self-imposed task it is not for me to
decide. I am conscious, however, of having bestowed much honest labour upon it; and the
highly favourable manner in which it has been reviewed, as well as the numerous letters of
commendation and approval which I have received from persons in every way competent to form

a judgment, give me reason to believe that my efforts have not been misdirected.

As a proof that I have spared myself no trouble to make the work complete I may mention
that, without a single exception, the descriptions of the species have been taken from specimens
actually before me, and that every measurement given throughout the book has been made or
verified by myself. The life-histories are, for the most part, records of my own observations
during a number of years; and I have endeavoured to make them as truthful as possible. It
will be seen, however, that I have not failed to avail myself of the notes of other local

naturalists, whose contributions are, in every instance, duly acknowledged.

I take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the Colonial Government for having
granted me a prolonged leave of absence, on the most liberal terms, for the purpose of visiting

England to superintend the publication of my work. ‘To the authorities of the British Museum

62

xil PREFACE.

my thanks are due for the facilities which have been afforded me of studying the contents of
perhaps the finest collection of Birds in the world, and to the gentlemen having charge of that
department for their unvarying courtesy and attention—even my application to be allowed to
remove the rare Notornis from its hermetically closed case, for the purpose of examination,

having been readily complied with.

In working out the historical synonymy of the species I have found the Library of the
Zoological Society of great service ; and in consulting authorities I have received valuable assistance
from Mr. R. B. Sharpe, the late librarian, whose long connexion with the Society had made him
familiar with the bibliography of the subject. The excellent lists already published by
Mr. G. R. Gray and Dr. Otto Finsch had rendered this part of my task a comparatively light
one; but all the references have been carefully verified, and the chronology given for the first
time; while numerous synonyms have been added, and the whole of the nomenclature critically

examined and revised.

To my brethren of the British Ornithologists’ Union I hereby tender my acknowledgments
for the readiness with which they have at all times given me the benefit of their opinions and

judgment on doubtful points, or lent me specimens for comparison.

In conclusion, I have only to state that, in consideration of the generous assistance accorded
to me by the New-Zealand Government, I have presented the whole of my collection of Birds, on
which the descriptive letterpress is chiefly founded, to the Colonial Museum at Wellington,
where it will in future be accessible for purposes of reference. |

W.-L. B.

London, March 1873.

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their opinions and

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uum at Wellington.

W. L. B.

INTRODUCTION.

THE first published list of the birds of New Zealand was drawn up by the late Mr. G. R. Gray
of the British Museum, and appeared in 1843 in the Appendix to ‘ Dieffenbach’s Travels.’ This
enumeration contained the names of eighty-four recorded species; but many of these were of
doubtful authority, and have since been omitted. In the following year the same industrious
ornithologist, in the ‘ Voyage of H.M.SS. Erebus and Terror,’ produced a more complete list,
embracing the birds of New Zealand and the neighbouring islands, accompanied by short
specific characters, and illustrated by twenty-nine coloured figures, many of them of life-size. In
July 1862 he published in ‘ The Ibis’ a revision of this synopsis, with the newly recorded species
added, including, moreover, the birds inhabiting Norfolk, Phillip, Middleton’s, Lord Howe’s,
Macaulay’s, and Nepean Islands. ‘This enumeration contained altogether 173 species, of which
122 were said to occur in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. In the ‘ Essay on the Orni-
thology of New Zealand,’ written by myself at the request of the Exhibition Commissioners, in
1865, and afterwards published by the New-Zealand Institute *, eleven additional species were
recorded ; and in a paper which I communicated to the Wellington Philosophical Society in
August 18687, I gave the names of fourteen more. A few other species have since been added
to the list; while, on the other hand, it has been found necessary to strike out several which had
been admitted on insufficient evidence.

The present work contains descriptions of 145 species, including two (Platycercus alpinus
and Tribonyx mortiert) of which an account will be found in the accompanying pages.

The leading feature in the Ornithology of New Zealand is thus expressed by a very accom-
plished zoological writer :—“ Recent birds being divided into two great and trenchantly marked
groups, of very unequal extent, the smaller of these groups (the fatite) is found to contain six
most natural sections, comprising, to take the most exaggerated estimate, less than two score of
species, while the larger group (the Carinate), though perhaps not containing more natural
sections, comprehends some ten thousand species. Now, two out of the six sections of this small
group are absolutely restricted to New Zealand ; and these two sections contain considerably more
than half of the species known to belong to it. Thus, setting aside the Carinate birds of our
distant dependency (and some of them are sufficiently wonderful), its recent Ratite forms alone
(some twenty species, let us say) may be regarded as the proportional equivalent of one tenth of the
birds of the globe—or numerically, we may say, of an avifauna of about one thousand species".

* Trans. N.-Z. Instit. 1868, vol. i. t~ Ibid. pp. 105-112.

t Nature, July 18, 1872,

X1V INTRODUCTION.

A perusal of the following ‘ History ’ will show that the avifauna of New Zealand possesses
other distinguishing features of a very striking character, a full review and discussion of which
would occupy many pages. Having, however, already far exceeded the limits originally assigned to
this book, I must reserve for some future occasion the more exhaustive treatment of this subject,
and confine myself now to a few introductory notes, chiefly of an explanatory kind.

In the arrangement of the genera, I have, for the most part, followed the system employed by
the learned editor of the ‘ Zoological Record,’ Professor Newton, of Cambridge,—not that I consider
it altogether perfect, but because it seems to me the one of all others best adapted to the present
state of ornithological science. Any system of classification, however excellent in itself, or ably
conceived and elaborated, must of necessity be a provisional or tentative one, so long as our know-
ledge of the structural character and natural affinities of the vast majority of species continues so
imperfect as it confessedly is at present. When the anatomy of every known bird on the face of
the globe has been as fully investigated as that of the Rock-Dove (Columba livia) was by the late Pro-
fessor Macgillivray, and its life-history becomes as thoroughly known, then, but not till then, will
it be possible to devise a system of arrangement absolutely true to nature. The aim and purpose of
all classification being to aid the memory in its effort to comprehend and master the complex and
ever varied productions of nature, or, in other words, to assist the mind by a ready association of
ideas in the grand study of Creation, it follows that the method of arrangement which best sub-
serves this practical end is the right one to adopt. But we must be content to see our care-
fully elaborated systems swept away one after another, till, perhaps, in the distant future some
gifted mind shall arise, who, with the constructive energy of a second Cuvier, may be able to
fashion, from the more complete materials at his command, a system perfect in all its parts and
destined to endure till time shall be no more.

With regard to the changes I have found it necessary to make in the generally accepted
nomenclature, my explanation is a simple one. While fully admitting the advantages of the
rule “ guieta non movere” in the case of names which have obtained universal currency, I have
considered it better, in undertaking a general revision of the whole subject, to apply the strict
principle of modern nomenclature, and, in all cases where the subject was free from doubt, to
adopt the oldest admissible title. "We cannot, of course, look for any finality in the generic
appellations so long as the science is a progressive one; but I am desirous of giving something
like fixity and permanence to the specific names; and with this view I have endeavoured, so far
as I could, to rectify all existing errors—altering the names entirely in cases where it appeared
to me that wrong ones had hitherto been employed, and correcting obvious classical defects in
others—substituting, for example, Hymenolemus for Hymenolaimus, and antipodum for anti-
podes. In no instance have I introduced any change without very careful consideration and
research ; and the fact that the authorities in the British Museum have adopted, with scarcely a
single exception, my corrections and identifications, in the classification of the New-Zealand birds
in the national collection, may, I think, be accepted as a proof that I have exercised proper
judgment in this respect.

In portraying the manners and habits of the various species, I have been careful to omit
nothing that seemed calculated to elucidate their natural history. It has been said that a
zoologist cannot be too exact in recording dates and other apparently trivial circumstances in the

course |
because
trivial i
viewed
are as j
history
to ligh
natural
the pat
general
assistan
informa
farious
objects
=

proof c
caruncr
Ortygor
Dyspor

Th
it at pr
Fa
taken {

M

esting Y

Cw Le alan

> System e
——not thar 4
dapted to th ee
e Preseny
If, or abl
f species Continues
m. bird on the face of
z) was by the late Pro.
but not till then, wil
he aim and PUrpose of
ster the complex and
& ready association of
ment which best sub-
tent to see our care
» distant future some
ivier, may be able to
ct in all its parts and

he generally accepted
he advantages of the
rsal currency, I hare
ct, to apply the strict
s free from doubt, to
inality in the gener
s of giving comethil
‘e endeav oured, 80 j

ze
ses where it appea”
ssical gti 1

aye ©

INERODUCTION. XV

course of his observations, and that it is better to err on the side of minuteness than of vagueness,
because an observer is scarcely competent to determine how far an attendant circumstance,
trivial in itself, may afterwards be found to enhance the value of a recorded fact in science when
viewed in relation to other facts or observations. It must be borne in mind, however, that we
are as yet only imperfectly acquainted with many of the native species, and that probably, in the
history of all that are here treated of, new facts or new features of character will hereafter come
to light. It is extremely difficult to cultivate an intimate acquaintance with birds that are
naturally shy and recluse, and especially,so in a thinly peopled country, where they rarely cross
the path of man and must be assiduously sought for in bush, swamp, and jungle. While relying
generally on my own opportunities for observation, I have not failed to avail myself of the kind
assistance of others; and in the body of the work numerous acknowledgments will be found of
information furnished by correspondents in various parts of the country, who, amid the multi-
farious duties and engagements of a colonial life, have found time to take notice of the natural
objects around them.

I have considered it necessary to omit the following species, there being no satisfactory
proof of their having occurred in New Zealand, viz.:—Halcyon cinnamomina, Anthochera
carunculata, Gerygone igata, Rhipidura motacilloides, Aplonis zealandicus, A. caledonicus,
Ortygometra fluminea, O. crex, Nesonetta aucklandica, Anous stolidus, Procellaria incerta, P. mollis,
Dysporus piscator, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, and Aptenodytes pennantit.

The following supplementary notes, on several of the natural sections, contain all that I deem
it at present necessary to add :—

Fam. Fatconipa#. Since the appearance of Part I. of my work, some further discussion has
taken place as to the real distinctness of Hieracidea nove zealandie and H. brunnea. I see no
reason, however, to alter or modify the views I have expressed in my history of the species; on
the contrary, the evidence that has since been adduced is strongly in support of my conclusions.
Thus Dr. Haast writes to me (under date of March 10, 1872):—

“Concerning the specific distinctness of the Sparrow-Hawk and the Quail-Hawk, I may tell
you that on my last journey into the interior I got two of the former (7. ¢. the small species).
They were male and female; and I secured them at the nest, where they had young ones. The
female was a little bigger and lighter than the male bird. Both birds were full-grown, and
showed at a glance the impossibility of their ever developing into the large and perfectly distinct
Quail-Hawk.”

Since writing my account of Circus gouldi (pp. 12-16), I have found that the Harrier which
occurs in Celebes is not Circus gouldi, but the true C. assimilis=jardini. It seems very doubtful
whether the species inhabiting New Zealand has ever been met with north of the equator.

Mr. J. H. Gurney, the well-known authority on Raptores, has sent me the following inter-
esting note :—“ The circumstance which you mention at p. 11 of Circus gouldi being called by the
natives ‘kahu-pango’ strikes me as very curious, as C. macroscelis bears the name of ‘ Papango’
in Madagascar and C. maillardi in Réunion (vide Ibis, 1863, p. 338 and note). The fact of the
Réunion Harrier being called ‘ Papango’ was also mentioned to me by a resident there.”

I may here mention that, Mr. Gurney having sent to the Norwich Museum for a specimen

XVi INTRODUCTION.

of his Circus wolfi (P. Z. S. 1865, p. 823) for my inspection, I felt no hesitation, after comparing
it with adult examples of Circus gouldi, in accepting it as a good species, notwithstanding the
opinions to the contrary of Professor Schlegel and other continental ornithologists. It appears to
me to be readily separable from our bird by its blackish crown and ear-coverts, and likewise by
the much darker colour of its wing-coverts. In the otherwise excellent drawing, from the pencil
of Mr. Wolf, which appeared in the ‘ Proceedings’ (J. ¢.), these distinguishing features are not
sufficiently shown ; nor does Mr. Gurney give the necessary prominence to them in his descriptive
account, his object having been (as he has since informed me) to point out the distinguishing
characters of the species as compared with C. maillardi (Verreaux), rather than with C. gouldt.

Fam. Piatycercip&#. In treating of the members of this section I have had recourse to
Dr. Otto Finsch’s elaborate Monograph on the Parrots (‘ Die Papageien’), a work the care and
labour of which may be estimated from the fact that, of the 350 species described therein,
all but 18 were examined by the author personally. Accepting the decision of so able an
authority, I agreed to sink my Platycercus alpinus as a species, and to consider it the young
state of Pl. auriceps (vide pp. 61 & 62). The validity of the species, however, has since been
established beyond all doubt. More than twenty specimens have recently been brought to this
country; and it is now to be seen alive in the parrot-house in the Zoological Society's Gardens.
I take this opportunity, therefore, of introducing it as follows :—

PLaTYCERCUS ALPINUS, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 39.

Ad. P. auricipiti similis, sed minor, et fronte aurantiaca, vertice pallide flavo distinguendus.

The following is my description of the new species, as it originally appeared in ‘ The
Ibis :’—

“This Alpine form differs from its near ally (Platycercus auriceps) both in size and in the tints of its
plumage. Our three species of Platycercus present a distinct gradation in size and colouring. In P. pacificus
the frontal spot, ear-coverts, and thigh-spots are deep crimson, while the general plumage is dark green, In
the smaller species (P. auriceps) the frontal band is crimson, and the vertex golden, while the general plumage
is a warm yellowish green. In P. alpinus, which is smaller again than the last-named species, the frontal band
is orange, and the vertex pale yellow, while there is an absence of the yellow element in the plumage, which is
of a cold pure green, much paler on the underparts. The thigh-spots, moreover, are much smaller than in
P. auriceps, and are orpiment-orange instead of crimson. On comparing the bills of the two species the differ-
ence is very manifest, that of P. alpinus being fully one third less than that of P. auriceps.

“ Length 8-5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4°25; tail 4°5; tarsus °625; longest fore toe and claw 875; bill,
perl curvature *5, along the edge of lower mandible °25.

r. Haast, from whom I received several specimens of this bird, met with it in the forests of the
eae Alps, at an elevation of from 2000 to 2500 feet; and Mr. Travers sent me, for examination, other
examples, obtained by him in the high wooded country of the Nelson Province.”

Fam. Meuipuacipa. Since writing my account of the appearance and migrations of Zosterops
lateralis in New Zealand, I have met with the following passage in a small volume, entitled
‘Castaway on the Auckland Island,’ by Captain Thomas Musgrave, which may serve to throw
further light on the question discussed at pp. 80-84 :—

Fa
nomenc
substitr
the bir
Passeri:
Stated (
predece
of its }
at page
the coll]
been af
result b
that th
Sturnid
althoug
culatus

Tq
On the ‘
7

tion, afte

have had re
& work the
les described therein,

cision of so abl
‘onsider it th

Course to
Care and

e an
1€ young
Wever, has since been
been brought to thi
cal Society's Gardens

endus.

ly appeared in ‘The

e and in the tints of 18
louring. In P. pacificu

mage is dark greet. ih

re mu :
the two species t
iceps A Ais, sil
» toe and claw °8795 ©’

thie
fore: ests 0 of t th
othet

jn the
it ‘oD,

, for & sxaminatl

ster
tions ons of ai sled

o tr"

igra

INTRODUCTION. xvii

“T cannot omit taking notice of a small bird which appears to be an annual visitor to this
island, as they have been here about the same time both last year and the present one. ‘They
come in immense flocks, fly rather high and in waves. They are evidently a seed-bird, of the
Sparrow kind, and very much resemble the wild Canary both in colour and size. They only
remained here a few days; and I fancy they went away on the 3rd of this month April) which
was a fine day with a light southerly breeze.”

The genus Zosterops comprises a rather numerous group of closely allied species, with a wide geographic
distribution ; but, as a genus, it is somewhat isolated in its’ affinities. Mr. Gould in placing it, very properly,
next to the Australian Honey-eaters, observes :—‘“ I have been influenced by their approximation to these birds
both in form and habits, and to which they exhibit a further degree of affinity in the form and structure of
their nests, but not in the colouring of their eggs, which are always blue.” But I would remark that a
stronger indication of this affinity than any mentioned by Mr. Gould is to be found in the structure of the
tongue, which is slightly pencilled at the tip, and proclaims at once the meliphagous habits of the group.

Members of this genus are scattered through Southern Africa, India, China, and Japan; but the species
are most numerous in the sea-girt lands of Australasia and Polynesia, where each group of islands appears to
have one or more species peculiar to itself. Mr. Gould records three well-marked species from Australia, two
from Lord Howe’s Island, and two more from Norfolk and Phillip Islands. There is one species (Zosterops

aviceps) peculiar to the Fiji Islands, another (Z. flavifrons) to the New Hebrides group, and another (Z. con-
oe to the Ladrone or Marian Islands. Two species inhabit New Caledonia (Z. xanthrochroa and
Z. griseonota) ; one (Z. cinerea) is recorded from the Caroline group, and another (Z. melanops) from the
Loyalty Islands.

The New-Zealand representative of the genus is undoubtedly the same as Zosterops lateralis, Lath.
(=cerulescens, Gould), an inhabitant also of Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia.

Fam. Sturn. Naturalists who profess to be governed by the ordinary rules of zoological
nomenclature will, I feel persuaded, follow me in the adoption of Heteralocha acutirostris in
substitution for /7. gouldi, as applied to the Huia. But it is necessary to alter the position of
the bird in our system of classification, inasmuch as it proves, on further research, to be a
Passerine form, and not a Picarian. In placing it in the family Upupide (order Picarie) I
stated (at p. 63) that till its affinities were better understood I preferred to leave it where my
predecessors had stationed it, especially as I had myself observed a striking similarity in some
of its habits to those of the Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops). The bird which I referred to
at page 68, as then living in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, has since died; and the loss to
the collection has, in this instance, been the gain of science; for Mr. A. H. Garrod has thus
been afforded an opportunity of studying the osteology and anatomy of this singular form, the
result being that he assigns it a place among the Starlings. It is only fair, however, to mention
that the late Mr. G. R. Gray, in his ‘ Hand-list of Birds,’ had already referred it to the family
Sturnide. Here it still holds an isolated position as the only known representative of the genus,
although it seems to have a near generic ally in another New-Zealand form, the Creadion carun-
culatus or Saddle-back.

I quote the following from Mr. Garrod’s valuable paper read before the Zoological Society
on the 21st May last :—

“The arrangement of the feathers is completely Passerine. The rhombic saddle of the spinal tract does

C

XVill INiRODUCTION.

not enclose any ephippial space, therein differing from the Crow’s, and resembling the typical Starling’s.
There are nineteen remiges, of which ten are on the hand ; they increase in size up to the fifth. The rectrices

are twelve in number. The oil-gland is nude..... The gizzard is well developed. The intestines are 16 inches
long, with the bile-ducts 2} inches from the gizzard. The ceca are 1 inch from the cloaca and } inch long, being
cylindrical. There is one carotid artery, the left....... The palate is strictly egithognathous ; that is, the

vomer is truncate in front abruptly, and cleft behind; the postero-external angles of the palatines are produced ;
the maxillo-palatines are slender, and approach towards, but do not unite with, one another, nor with the
vomer, which they partly embrace. There is no ossification in the nasal septum anterior to the vomer. The
whole cranial configuration closely resembles that of Sturnus; but the mandible, instead of being bent upwards,
is straight. Like it, the palatines are narrow and approximate; the antero-internal angles of the posterior
portions of those bones are reduced and rounded off, as is sometimes the case with Sturnus. The vomer is
completely truncated in front, and is not prolonged forwards at its external angles, as in Corvus and its allies.
The zygoma is not so slender as in Sturnus; but the curves are similar. The articular surfaces on the
quadrate bone for the mandible are proportionally very large. The anterior extremities of the pterygoid bones
articulate with the sphenoidal rostrum much as in Corvus, meeting in the middle line behind the posterior
extremities of the palatines for a short distance. The maxillo-palatines, in their approximate portions, are
shorter from before backwards than in Sturnus, and much resemble those of Corvus. The antero-inferior
processes of the orbit are large and spongy; they almost touch the zygoma. But the most characteristic
portion of the skull of Heteralocha is the occipital region ; and in this it presents a great exaggeration of the
peculiarities of Sturnus and its allies. In Corvus and most Passerines the digastric muscles occupy a narrow
space intervening between -the auditory meatus and the mass of occipital muscles, not extending so high up
the skull as the latter. The occipital ridge encloses a space elongated from side to side, and of but little depth.
In Sturnus the digastrics are much broader, and they narrow the occipital space ; they also extend up the
skull to so great an extent that they nearly meet in the middle line above the origin of the biventres cervicis
muscles; but in Heteralocha they are of still greater size, and, meeting above the middle line, they form a
strong ridge, which extends for some distance into the parietal region vertically. This peculiar development
of these muscles produces a corresponding change in the shape of the space enclosed by the occipital ridge.
In Heteralocha it is almost circular, and it extends some way above the foramen magnum. In Sturnus there
is an approximation to this condition. A vertical parieto-occipital ridge in many other birds closely resembles
that of Heteralocha; but it is the median limit of the temporal fossa in most. Correlated with this extensive
digastric origin is a large surface for its insertion. The angle of the mandible is prolonged directly back-
wards for this purpose, in a manner unique among Passerine birds, but well seen in the Anatide. In Sturnus
the angle of the mandible is slightly prolonged backwards for a similar purpose. .... . In the sternum
Heteralocha differs in no important point from Sturnus, except that the posterior notches tend to be converted
into foramina, as observed by Mr. Eyton in his ‘ Osteologia Avium.’?. .... In conclusion, it may be stated
that the anatomy of Heteralocha shows clearly that it is truly Passerine, and not related to Upupa, as was
previously supposed by most authors. When examined more in detail its relation to the Sturnide is found to
be very intimate, and its structure is clearly not closely allied to that of the Corvide. In its relation to
Sturnus it seems to present an exaggeration of the peculiarities of that bird, which would place it at the head
of the family”’*.

Fam. Rauup&. In a country possessing such forms as Notornis and Porphyrio we might
naturally look for the occurrence also of Tribonyx. Both of the latter are known to have a wide
geographic range, while Notornis, which is a strictly local form, appears to combine in some
measure the characters of each, being allied to Porphyrio in the form of its bill and in its

* P.Z.S. 1872, Part ii. pp. 643-647.

Fo
Species
Permiss

Th

the ty .
*Pical g
» Fe tar];
he fifth, Thine,
r

ares The Vomer j
in Corvus and its alin
Secular surfaces on th
s of the tery}
om ida hire
Posterior
proximate Portions, are
8. The antero-inferio:
the most characteristic
eat exaggeration of the
1uscles Occupy a narroy
t extending so high m1
, and of but little depth.
they also extend up the
of the biventres cervicis
riddle line, they form a
is peculiar development
i by the occipital ridge.
vam. In Sturnus there
r birds closely resembles
lated with this extensive
yrolonged directly back-
da. In Sturnus
In the steraut
es tend to be converte
e state

1e Anati
sjusion, it may b

ide. f
uld place }

INTRODUCTION. x1x

general colouring, and to Tribonyx in the structure of its feet; while in the feebleness of its
wings and the structure of its tail it differs from both. . (See page 192.) The recent discovery
therefore, in the South Island, of an example of Tribonyxr mortiert which has been brought to
England, and is now living in the Zoological Society's Gardens, is a very interesting fact in
geographic natural history.

The former acquisition by the Society of a similar bird, in July 1867, led to the discovery by
Dr, Sclater that the species figured and described by Mr. Gould in his ‘ Birds of Australia’ under
that name was not the true Zribonyx mortieri of Du Bus (Bull. Acad. Sc. Brux. vii. p. 214),
but a distinct bird, characterized by its smaller size, and by the absence of white stripes on the
wing-coverts. Dr. Sclater accordingly proposed the name of Tribonyx gouldi for the latter
species (Ann. N. H. 1867, xx. p. 122), and gave the following distinguishing characters for
T. mortiert :—

“ Diagn.—Major ; alis albo striatis ; plaga magna bypochondriali alba.”

j
(
\
Zo.
= ———S
= — = ras ae See.
= SSN co

: ar 2

For the purpose of illustrating the difference in the plumage, an excellent woodcut of this
species was given in the ‘ Proceedings’ of the Zoological Society (1867, p. 816); and by the kind
permission of the Publication Committee I am allowed the opportunity of reproducing it here. —

The bird now in the “Gardens” was brought home (with other birds from New Zealand)

c 2

XX INTRODUCTION.

by Mr. Richard Bills, and purchased by the Society on the 21st October, 1872. I am informed
by the late owner that it was captured on the shores of Lake Waihora, in the Province of
Otago, by a party of men who hunted it down with dogs. When first brought to him at
Dunedin it was very wild and shy; but it soon became reconciled to confinement, and when he
exhibited the bird to me in London it was perfectly tame and would feed from the hand.

Descr.2. Crown and sides of the head, nape, hind neck, back, and rump brownish olive, washed more
or less with chestnut ; wing-coverts greyish olive, shading into brown, each feather with a white streak down
the centre ; throat, fore neck, breast, and sides of the body dark ashy grey, passing into slaty black on the
abdomen and under tail-coverts, where the plumage is slightly tipped or freckled with grey; the overlapping
feathers on the flanks pure white in their apical portion, forming a conspicuous mark on each side of the body ;
under wing-coverts dull blackish brown, and all largely tipped with white ; quills blackish brown, the secon-
daries brownish olive on their outer webs; tail-feathers black, the middle ones tinged with brown on their
outer margins. [rides bright crimson, with a paler rim surrounding the pupil; bill greenish yellow, lighter
towards the tip; legs and feet pale plumbeous tinged with yellow, the claws black. Total length 16°5 inches ;
extent of wings 25 ; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 4°5; bill, along the ridge 1°5, along the edge of lower mandible
1:4; tarsus 2°75; middle toe and claw 3°25; hind toe and claw 1:1*.

Besides the three well-marked species of Ocydromus described at pp. 165-175, Dr. Finsch}
recognizes a fourth (0. troglodytes, Gmel.); but, although, as I have pointed out at page 171, the
South-Island Woodhen is subject to great variation both as to size and plumage, I am unable to
draw any specific line. It may be mentioned, however, that there is a very distinct species,
Ocydromus sylvestris (Sclater), inhabiting Lord Howe’s Island, several live examples of which
have been brought to Europe. On the structural peculiarities of this singular Ralline form
Professor Newton has favoured me with the following notes :—

“One remarkable character in its osteology is that the angle which the coracoid makes with the scapula
is greater than a right angle: This I pointed out at a meeting of the Zoological Society, held 12th December,
1865, when I described, for the first time in public, a portion of the scapular arch in Didus, in which the same
thing occurs, and stated that, so far as I then knew (and, for the matter of that, still know), this feature was
peculiar to these two genera alone among non-struthious birds. The remarks I made at this meeting were
never printed ; for, learning that Prof. Owen wished to describe those portions of the skeleton of Didus which
Mr. George Clark had discovered, I caused my paper to be suppressed. (Cf Phil. Trans. 1869, p. 341, note.)
I cannot attempt to give any reason that would plausibly account for this singular deviation of structure from
the normal Carinate form in two birds so unlike as Ocydromus and Didus: there the matter is, and one must
leave it at present.”

Mr. A. H. Garrod has sent me the following interesting communication on the same
subject :—

‘Tn its osteology and visceral anatomy, as well as in its myology, Ocydromus agrees completely with the

* To prevent any misapprehension of terms, I may here explain that in the formulary of measurements adopted in
this work, “length” always means from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail in the outstretched bird; “extent of
wings,” the extreme span of the wings when spread; ‘“ wing from flexure,” the length from the carpal joint to the end of
the longest quill; and “ tail,” the length from the root to the extremity of the longest feather. The measurements of the
bill and claws indicate the curvature of those parts in every case, unless otherwise expressed.

+ Journal fiir Ornithologie, 1872, p. 174.

Rails; 20
developmé

d the cc
liarly larg
in other V
bones are

the intest
coccyx Cal
“ So

ments aga
be the siz

undoubtec

Fan
perhaps

the off s

curvatur
acquirin

Far
arrived -
Otago of

Abs

iS >
Ment, ang ra

ish olive, Wash
ith ;

. On their
Tree >

greenish Yellow, lichter
tal length 16-5 inet

; hes;
edge of lower mandible

5-175, Dr. Finsch}
out at page 171, the
nage, I am unable to
very distinct species
- examples of which
ngular Ralline form

makes with the scapula
y, held 12th December,
idus, in which the same
know), this feature 4
le at this meeting wert
-keleton of Didus which
uns. 1869, P- 341, note.)
‘ation of structure from

; st
matter 1S, and one mu

e
cation on the

with the
ees completely

INTRODUCTION. xxl

Rails; and its close relationship to 7ribonyx is undoubted. The peculiarities depend on the reduction in the
development of the anterior extremities, which causes the typically ralline sternum to be much reduced in size
and the coracoid bones to be separated at their lower ends. The slenderness of the furcula, which is also pecu-
liarly large, depends on the same cause. As in the typical Rallide, the skull is schizognathous and holorhinal ;
in other words, the maxillo-palatine bones of either side do not anchylose along the middle line, and the nasal
bones are not split up as in the true Waders or the Gulls. The vomer is well developed, and reaches forward, as
far as the anterior border of the maxillo-palatines ; it is bifid behind. The wing-bones are feebly
those of the leg are unusully strong. The pollex carries a long claw; the hallux is small and raised at its base.

“ There are two carotid arteries as in the Rails; and the ceca of the intestine are just three inches long,
the intestine itself being a little over two feet from pylorus to anus. The gizzard is weak ; the oil-gland on the

q 1 3
aeveloped, and

coccyx carries a densely feathered tuft at its apex.

“So many features have they in common, that it would be difficult for any one to bring convincing argu-
ments against the statement that Ocydromus is one of the nearest allies of the Apteryz. This similarity may
be the simple result of similar influences acting on different natures, the diminished necessity for the use of
the anterior limbs allowing them to dwindle in both. But, with the facts of geographical, distribution to back
it, the opinion may be fairly maintained that Apterye and Ocydromus had the same ancestor not far back in
time. It may be said that the pelvis is very different; but the same remark partly applies to Tinamus, an
undoubted ally, and a bird also most probably of the same stock, though residing so far off.”

Fam. Cuaraprip®. The most remarkable member of this section in New Zealand, or
perhaps in any part of the world, is the Wry-billed Plover (Anarhynchus frontalis). I have
made my account of this bird as complete as possible, and in doing so I have drawn largely on
the notes contributed by Mr. Potts to the Wellington Philosophical Society. Referring to my
remarks on its mode of feeding, and on the peculiarity of the pectoral band in the male bird,
which is always unsymmetrical, being wider on the right- than on the left-hand side of the bird
(see p. 219), the accomplished Editor of ‘The Ibis’ indulges in the following reflections :—

“Tt would appear that the peculiarly shaped bill would only be an efficient weapon for
obtaining food in this way so long as the bird walked one way round the stone, 7. e. bearing to
the off side or from west to east! The wider portion of the pectoral band would thus be always
next the stone, and more hidden than the narrower or left portion. Has running round stones
always the same way been the cause which enabled those birds which practised it to survive and
transmit this habit to their offspring? and has their success been further promoted by the
tendency to reduce the exposed side of their pectoral band, a secondary sexual character? Or
has the process been reversed, and the protection given to those birds which ran one way round
stones, keeping the prominent portions of their pectoral bands from sight, tended to produce the
curvature of the bill? The development of both characters seems to hang upon the birds
acquiring the habit of running only one way round stones” *,

Fam. Anatip&. I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. W. S. Pillans (who has recently
arrived from New Zealand) for the following further particulars respecting the appearance in
Otago of Dendrocygna eytoni :—

“About the middle of June 1871 a flock of fourteen of these Ducks was first seen in the neighbourhood of

* This, 1873, p. 93.

XXll INTRODUCTION.

the Tuakitoto and Kaitangata lakes, in the Clutha district, Otago. They attracted the attention of the settlers,
because in form, colour, cry, and manner of flight they differed- widely from any kind of Duck indigenous to
that part of New Zealand. After much trouble I succeeded in shooting three specimens. All of these I care-
fully skinned and preserved. The first I forwarded to Dunedin by Mr. J. P. Maitland, to be placed in the
Provincial Museum of Otago; and from this specimen the description was taken which appears in the
‘Proceedings of the Otago Institute.’ I may mention that these birds utter a low, plaintive, whistling cry,
which they constantly repeat while on the wing. Having a turn for bird-stuffing, I set up the second of my
three specimens, and gave it to my uncle, the Hon. F. 8. Pillans; and it is now in his house at Myres, Inch
Clutha, in the swamp opposite to which place I obtained the specimens. On my way to England, in October
1871, I left the third specimen at Wellington, in the care of Dr. Hector, to be presented to the Museum in
that city.

There was ppreci in the size of the three specimens ; so that either the male and female
of this species are alike, or all the birds I shot chanced to be of the same sex ...... f these birds are
really natives of such warm latitudes as the north coast of Australia, they must be very hardy and easily accli-
matized ; for, a few weeks after they were first seen in Otago, there was a fall of several inches of snow. This
sudden change of climate, combined with the hardships of a long flight, would lead one to suppose that they

hle differ

would be in a very poor condition; but the contrary was the case, though it is possible that they may have
lingered somewhere on the west coast, and so recovered their flesh after their long sea-flight, before they came
as far east as the Molyneux. The birds I obtained were in fair condition, and were excellent eating, being
dark in the flesh and of a gamy flavour, though a little dry, which I attributed to their having been denuded
of their skins some time before they were cooked.”

Fam. PRocELLARUDz. In treating of this extensive group I have received much assistance
from Dr. Coues’s valuable ‘Monograph ;’ and in all doubtful cases I have considered it safer to
adopt his nomenclature.

Mr. Potts has described, in ‘The Ibis’ (1873, p. 85), a supposed new species of Prion, under
the name of P. australis. This may be the bird referred to by Mr. Gould, whose remarks I have
quoted at page 311; but I have not yet had an opportunity of examining a specimen.

Fam. APTERYGIDZ. For obvious reasons I have endeavoured to make my account of this
very remarkable group of wingless birds as full and exhaustive as possible. Apart from the
special interest attaching to species that are rapidly expiring, the Apterygine form is so entirely
anomalous among existing birds, that every minute particular of natural economy and life-history
appears to be worth recording.

It must be at once apparent that a close and patient study of the avifauna of such a country
as New Zealand cannot fail to have an important bearing on the question which claims so large a
share of attention among naturalists of the present day, as to the origin of species.

It seems impossible for any one who has given even the most cursory attention to the subject
to doubt that such closely allied forms as Apteryx mantelli and Apteryax australis, Ocydromus earli
and Ocydromus australis, and the other representative species inhabiting the North and South
Islands respectively, have in each case sprung from a common parent, the amount of difference
which is now sufficient to distinguish them specifically being the result of a long-continued and
persistent modification in a given direction, and under conditions favourable to its permanence.
The only admission required in support of such an hypothesis is, that the North and South

Islands he
complete '
have thes
islands th
with that
the contir

which, litt
been conc
by their fc
of man or
at any tim
ever, and

&e. On

Zealand v
generic re.
to the sar
bably by

leaving no

_ Rtio Mn

8]
gland, i, in =

ated. to the © Muse

her the male and fem,
le

: If these birds ate
; hatiy and easily acel.
show, This
= to suppose that they

ible that they may lan
-flight, before th

al j inc hes of

=

1eV Came
e excellent eating, beine
i having been denuded

“ived much assistance

sonsidered it safer to

eCl1eS of Prion. under
vhose remarks I have
specimen.
e my account of this
le. Apart from the
ne form is 80 entirely
41
nomy and life-histol)
1 a county
large 4

ina of such

hich claims 8°

Nort

he

INTRODUCTION. Xxlil

Islands have been severed from each other for a sufficiently long period of time to allow of this
complete divergence of character under the ordinary laws of natural development. And here we
have the supporting testimony of Geology; for there is every indication in the structure of the two
islands that their individual insulation dates back into far antiquity, and was probably sede
with that great convulsion of nature which in the remote past plunged under “the azure main”
the continent of which New Zealand and her satellites are now the only existing remnants.

Prof. A. Milne-Edwards, who has for many years past been engaged in the publication of a
great work on fossil birds, has lately pointed out, in a communication to the Academy of Sciences
in Paris, some facts showing a striking analogy in this respect in the case of certain islands east
of Africa. In treating of the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, Rodriguez, and Bourbon), he remarks
that, “as far as the indications go, these are the points still remaining of an ancient continent,
which, little by little, has sunk beneath the ocean. Upon these, thus converted into islands, have
been concentrated the inhabitants of the land, where they have been crowded together, as shown
by their fossil remains, and where they became exterminated, sooner or later, either by the action
of man or by other agencies. M. Edwards thinks Madagascar was not connected with these islands
at any time; since, when first discovered by Europeans, the latter contained no mammals what-
ever, and therefore, of course, none of the forms at all peculiar to Madagascar, such as lemurs
&c. On the other hand, there is, he contends, evidence to show that Madagascar and New
Zealand were formerly united, since three species of Apyornis from Madagascar bear a close
generic relationship to Dinornis, Palapteryx, and Apteryx of the latter region. All these belong
to the same zoological type; and communication must have existed between the countries, pro-
bably by groups of islands forming intermediate stations, and now unfortunately submerged,
leaving no trace behind.”

‘ | ORDEB

red supr
|

Pull. la

Ady

HIERACIDEA NOVA ZEALANDIA .

(Adult/ and Young )

Orprer ACCIPITRES.] [Fam. FALCONIDA.

HIERACIDEA NOVH ZEALANDIA
(QUAIL-HAWK.)

New-Zealand Falcon, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 57 (1781).

Falco nove seelandiw, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 268 (1788, ex Lath.).
Falco australis, Hombr. et Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. 1841, p. 312.
Hypotriorchis nove zealandiew, Gray, Gen. of B. i. p. 20 (1844).
Falco harpe, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 68 (1844).

HMieracidea nove zealandie, Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 80.

Harpe nove-zealandie, Bonap. Comptes Rendus, xli. p. 652 (1855).
Leracidea nove zealandie, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 22 (1869).

Native names.

Karearea, Kaiaia, Kaeaea, Kakarapiti, Karewarewa, and Tawaka.

supra nigricanti-brunneus, pileo unicolori saturatiore: dorso fasciis irregularibus fulvescentibus transnotato :
remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, pogonio interno albo transfasciato: secundariis extis fasciis angustis
albidis notatis: caud& nigricanti-brunned, albido angusté et interrupté transfasciat&: facie laterali
nigricante, supercilio indistincto et genis imis rufescentibus: gutture fulvescenti-albo, scapis plumarum
nigro indicatis: corpore reliquo subtis letiis fulvescente, pectoris plumis saturaté brunneo medialiter
striatis et fulvo plus minusve distincté ocellatis : hypochondriis imis cum cruribus et subcaudalibus
letissimé castaneis: subalaribus fulvescentibus, castaneo tinctis, his et axillaribus fulvescenti-albo
ocellatis : rostro cyanescenti-nigro, ad basin mandibule corneo: cerd pallidé flava : pedibus flavis : iride
fl

x

sordidé flava.
2 mari similis, sed paulld major.

S juv. supra fuliginoso-brunneus, pileo magis cinerascente: caudd minus distinct® transfasciatd : gutture
fulvescenti-albo, angusté brunneo striato: subtiis fuliginoso-brunneus, pectore paullo nigricante et
hypochondriis cruribusque vix castanco tinctis: pectore medio albido obscuré maculato : abdomine imo
crissoque fulvescentibus : hypochondriis distincté fulvo ocellatis: cera et plaga oculari cyanescenti-albis :
pedibus plumbeis: ungulis nigicantibus.

Pull. lanugine plumbed indutus.

Adult male. Crown of the head and nape glossy black ; upper surf:

to}
scapulars and tail-coverts with rufous, and narrowly on the wing-cove

lly brownish black, barred on the
rts with rufous grey ; a line over
each eye, and sides of the neck, varied with rufous ; facial streak and ear-coverts black ; throat fulvous
white, with narrow black shaft-lines, broadening out towards the breast ; fore part of the neck and breast
fulvous varied with rufous, and having the centre of each feather brown ; sides of the body dark brown varied
with rufous, and with large rounded spots of fulvous white; abdomen and vent rich fulvous 3 under tail-
coverts and tibial plumes rufous brown, with narrow black shaft-lines; quills and see

ondaries obscurely

2

marked on their outer webs with grey ; tail with eight narrow interrupted bars of greyish white, and
slightly tipped with rufous; under surface of quills and tail-feathers dusky, the former largely toothed
and the latter barred with white. Bill bluish black; base of lower mandible horn-colour ; cere pale
yellow ; legs brighter yellow ; claws black ; irides brownish yellow, becoming purer yellow with advancing
maturity. Extreme length 19 inches; extent of wings 31; wing, from flexure, 11°25; tail 8:25;
culmen 1:2; tarsus 2°5; middle toe and claw 2°75 ; hind toe and claw 1°75.

Adult female. The plumage is similar to that of the male, excepting, perhaps, that the spotted markings on
the sides are more distinct; but there is a slight difference in the size. Extreme length 19°5; wing,
from flexure, 11°5; tail 8-5; tarsus 2°75.

Young. Crown of the head and upper parts generally brownish black, glossed with grey in certain lights ;
line over each eye reddish fulvous ; throat fulvous white, with a central line of brown on each feather ;
sides of the neck, breast, lining of wings, and underparts generally dark brown varied with fulvous ;
sides marked with rounded spots of fulvous white, very obscure in some specimens; tibial plumes
reddish brown; lower part of abdomen, vent, and inner side of thighs fulvous ; under surface of quills
and tail-feathers dusky, with numerous transverse bars of white. Cere and bare space around the eyes

bluish white; irides black ; legs dark grey, with black claws.
Nestling. Covered with plumbeous-grey down.

Obs. The above measurements were taken from a pair of birds of this species formerly in the Christchurch
Acclimatization Gardens, and now preserved in the Canterbury Museum, the sex in both cases having
been determined by Dr. Haast, after careful dissection. The dimensions of the young male figured in
our plate, the skin of which is now in the British Museum, accord almost exactly with those given above.
The figure of the adult female is from a fine specimen obtained in the South Island, and now, with the
rest of my collection, in the Colonial Museum at Wellington. Examples vary in the details of their
colouring. In some the light spots on the sides are far more conspicuous and the tibial plumes are of
a brighter rufous than in others. As a rule, the white bars on the tail-feathers, although interrupted
in the middle, are conterminous on each side of the shaft. In a specimen, however, obtained by Mr.
Travers in the South Island, the bars are alternate on each web, as is also the case with another, in the
possession of Mr. T. H. Potts; but this character is quite exceptional.

‘THE synonymy given above will serve as a tolerably complete guide to the scientific and literary
history of the present species; but much confusion has arisen at various periods with regard to
the nomenclature employed, and a few words in further explanation of the subject appear to be
necessary.

In Mr. G. R. Gray's ‘List of the Birds of New Zealand, published as an Appendix to
Dieffenbach’s ‘ Travels’ (1843), this naturalist recognizes only two species of Accipitres, which he
calls respectively Falco harpe, Forst., and Falco brunnea, Gould, thereby intending, of course, to
indicate the existence of two distinct species of true Falcons in New Zealand; but in this list
there is no mention whatever of the Harrier (Circus gouldi), a common and well-known bird in
our country. In adding the native names an unfortunate mistake occurred ; for Falco harpe was
stated to be the bird known to the inhabitants as “ Kahu” and “ Kahu-papango,” whereas these
are in reality the native appellations for the Harrier, which, as already stated, had been omitted
from the list. This will, no doubt, account for the mention of Gould’s Harrier, in the earlier

writing

self af

in whic

|

the 3
Spotted Markin
reme length }

Qs ‘
9 v; Wine

h grey j
~ Sey In certain |;
brown on e

hts:
Ach feather.
WD varied with fulvons.
specimens - tibial pl :

are Space around the ey

nerly in the Christchureh
: sex in both cases having
he young male figured in
ly with those given above.
[sland, and now, with the
ry in the details of ther
d the tibial plumes are of
1ough interrupted

—

ers, alt
rowever, obtained by Mr.

ease with another, the

- scientific and literaly
“4h regard 10
periods with an
29T é
e subject app to
ae
j as an Appendix t
( as ¢ +
<. which be

land ;

d beet q
he &

.d, ha
ted, the

farriet:

aslict

3

writings of Layard, Haast, and Taylor, under the erroneous title of Falco harpe. Mr. Gray him-
self afterwards, in his ‘Birds of New Zealand’ (Voy. Ereb. and Terror), partially rectified this
error by introducing the Circus in its proper place; but the misapplication of the native names
was continued. In this work Mr. Gray substituted the prior title of Falco nove zealandiw, Gmel.,
for F. harpe, Forst., with F. australis (Homb. et Jacq.) correctly added as a synonym. He like-
wise reduced Gould’s F. brunnea to the rank of a synonym; but in a subsequent list (Ibis, 1862,
p. 214) he recognized it again as a distinct species, and equivalent to F. ferox of Peale (U.S. Expl.
Exped. 1848), referring both forms to Kaup’s genus Mieracidea. Unfortunately Mr. Gould’s
description of H. brunnea was founded on an immature bird, in a condition of plumage exactly
corresponding with the young of H. nove zealandie. This circumstance, together with the great
difference in size between the male and female, led myself, among others, to the conclusion that
the two birds were referable to one and the same species*. Dr. Otto Finsch (Journal fiir Orni-
thologie, 1867, p. 317) expressed his belief that H. brunnea was the female of H. nove zealandie
—a decision based (as he has since informed me) on Forster's account of the bird; but in a subse-
quent paper (op. cit. 1870), referring to my observations on the subject, he adopts the view of its
being the young of that species, quoting, at the same time, Dr. Haast’s opinion to the contrary.
In the last published list of New-Zealand birds}, only one species is admitted, the compiler
remarking that it is very variable in size, and that ‘a large male can be distinguished from a
small female by its more slender legs, which are 0°6 of an inch in circumference in the male, and
0-88 of an inch in the female.” On the other hand, several excellent local observers have always
contended that they could distinguish a larger and a smaller species, the former differing in some
of its habits from the common Bush-Hawk, and frequenting the open country in preference to the
woods. Mr. Gurney also called attention to the subject in a letter to ‘The Ibis’ (1870, p. 535),
in which he gave the following dimensions of examples that had come under his notice:

1 | . =
List of Specimens. Long. tot. pase Caud.. | Tarsi. | Dig. mip |
carp. | | c. ung. |
|
H. nove zealandie. in. in. in. | in. in. |
Adults auckland Island. - (Mis Brit.) (2 s.i eek 18-0 115 775 2:25 2:0
NU DO memCN EIS PDUs) inet sree ere ccnchareiioic vies » atts 19°5 L175" (“825 2:25 | 2:0
Immature. New Zealand. (Mus. Norvic.) ............ 19:0 11:75 | 8-0 2:25 2:0
H. brunnea.
Adults: ‘New Zealand. © (Mus! Brits) S02 097 15:0 9°5 6:25 2:0 1:5
WD LO MOULOnenONEUS ULM Us) ia cs anita. ,coh itis es Gia trom” cane 14:75 9:25 6°25 2:0 1:5
«@” immature. New Zealand. (Mus. Norvic.) ........ 14:5 9°25 6:0 2°5 1:75

The small specimen of H. brunnea, in the Norwich Museum, marked 2, is, no doubt, as
Mr. Gurney suggests, incorrectly labelled; for I have never met with so small an example of that

* Vide Trans. N. Z. Instit. vol. i. p. 106, 1868.
+ ‘Catalogue of the Birds of New Zealand,’ by F. W. Hutton, Geol. Survey of N.Z.: 1871.
B2

4

sex; and it must be confessed that conclusions based on a mere examination of skins, in the
absence of a positive determination of the sex, are very unsatisfactory. It will be seen, on refer-
ence to the measurements I shall give in treating of the smaller species, that the sexes differ very
much in size, the female, as is always the case with members of this family, being the larger bird.
The fact that a male of the present species (carefully sexed by Dr. Haast, and exhibiting the testes
fully developed) proves to be actually larger than the female of H. brunnea is, I submit, of itself
sufficient to warrant a specific separation. With regard to the difference in the circumference of
the legs, in the males and females relatively, I would simply remark that, had Captain Hutton
enjoyed the opportunity, as I have recently done, of examining the immense series of Hawks
which exist in Kuropean museums, he would regret having drawn an inference from so worthless
a character; for size of leg in Accipitrine birds is variable in the highest degree, and this is
especially noticeable in the case of dried specimens.

Having brought with me to England good examples of both forms, for more critical examina-
tion, and having compared them with the fine series of specimens in the British Museum (about
twenty in number) and with Forster’s original drawings, I have come to the conclusion that there
are in reality two distinct species, closely resembling each other in plumage in both the young and
adult states, but differing appreciably in size. In this examination I have been kindly assisted by
Mr. J. H-Gurney, an ornithologist who, as is well known, has made Birds of Prey his special study ;
and as he entirely concurs in the conclusion arrived at, I feel that I can publish it with some
degree of confidence.

Dr. Haast, who has always believed in the existence of two species, assures me that their
habits differ in the manner of taking their prey; and his collector, Mr. Fuller, states that he has
invariably found the large birds paired together in the plains, and the small ones in the bush.

The food of the Quail-Hawk consists of birds, rats, mice, lizards, and the larger kinds of
insects. It often takes its prey on the wing, swooping down on its terrified quarry with the
rapidity of an arrow. It never feeds on carrion or offal.

Mr. Thomas H. Potts, of Ohinitahi, Canterbury, to whom I am indebted for many valuable notes,
has sent me the following observations :—“ The Quail-Hawk exhibits great perseverance in pursuit
of its prey, and almost unequalled audacity. I have known it pursue and strike down a large
Spanish hen in a stockyard, not relinquishing its hold till killed with the blow of a stick. I have
also known it pursue its prey into the inner room of a small cottage. When Quail-shooting, years
ago, I have been on different occasions attended by this dauntless fowler, and have shot an indi-
vidual in the act of pouncing on the flying Quail. I have seen a female of this species bear off
a Tui trussed in her talons, and carry it some distance without a rest, the male bird apparently
keeping watch and ward, soaring within easy distance. I remember also seeing a Quail escape
the rapid pursuit of one of these Hawks by dropping like a stone, at the very instant that I
expected to see it trussed up in the talons of its pursuer, so close was the chase before the Quail
adopted its last resource for escape.”

I have been informed by a credible eye-witness that on one occasion a Quail-Hawk swooped
down upon a man who was carrying a dead Pigeon, and, striking the bird forcibly out of his
hands, retired to its station in a Puriri tree (Vitea littoralis) to wait the course of events. It
unfortunately fell a victim to its intrepidity, as it was instantly shot.

their of

Fr
species.
and in 1
diamete
encircle

More qd;

at 1On 0 skit
“AUS

will .
be Seen, on
At the S€Xe Re
‘ “€S differ ,
be ME the lar te
dexhihis thi
| Xhibiting the :
ifs Stay
| submit, of it if
n the cj; e
% : 1 cUmgerence 4
> Had Canto; .
1 Cay an Hy
lense i

Series of Hanks
ence fror By
N so Ww

2st deer —
Stee, and this i
more critical examina
ritish Museum (about
e conclusion that there
in both the young and
been kindly assisted by
ee, & ;
Prey his special study:

n publish it with som

assures me that their
iller, states that he has
Il ones in the bush.

1d the larger kinds af

‘ified quarry with the

for many valuable notes
perseverance in pursut
nd strike down @ large
of a stick. 1 have
ing, yeals

low
mn Quail-shoot
and have shot an
of this species beat a
bird apparest
nail escaP?
ant that J

al

the Qu

e male
seeing 4
he very inst
chase before
opel
a Quail-Hawk sf i
<q forcibly agin
pire a f vents:

cours

5

On the breeding-habits of this species, Mr. Potts has communicated the following particulars,
in a paper read before the Wellington Philosophical Society *:—* At present it is in the ‘ back
country’ only that we can hope to find its breeding-place, which is usually in a ledge of rock
commanding a prospect over some extent of country. Such an out-look gives an advantage of
no little value, of which the Falcon is not slow to avail itself, should such a bird as a Tui or
Pigeon appear in sight. Several of the breeding-places which we have had opportunities of
examining have presented, in a remarkable degree, very similar conditions as regards situation.
Amongst bold rocks, on the mountain-side, somewhat sheltered by a projecting or overhanging
mass, appears to be its favourite site for rearing its young. The eggs very closely resemble those
of Falco peregrinus of Europe in colour, size, and shape, are usually three in number, and are
deposited on any decayed vegetable matter that wind or rain may have collected on the rocky
ledge; for the efforts of this bird in the way of nest-building are of the feeblest description.”
Mr. Potts gives October, November, and December as the breeding-months, and states that the
localities (in Canterbury) noted for its eyries are rocks near Cass’s Peak, Governor’s Bay, Malvern
Hills, the river Potts, and Mount Harper. Above the upper gorge of the Ashburton or Haketere
River he discovered a nesting-place on the bare soil, sheltered by a large isolated rock. It con-
tained two young Hawks covered with grey down; and the old birds were very bold in defence of
their offspring.

From my brother, in Canterbury, I received a very handsome pair of eggs belonging to this
species. Although taken from the same nest, they differ somewhat from each other, both in size
and in the details of their colouring. One of them measures 2 inches in its longer axis, by 1-4 in
diameter; is elliptical in form; mottled and blotched with dark brown on a lighter ground, and
encircled at the thick end with a broad zone of very rich brown, varied with blotches of a paler
or reddish tint. The other is more broadly elliptical, measuring in its axis 1:9; diameter 1-40.
It wants the well-defined dark zone of the former, the whole surface being more or less mottled
and blotched with reddish-brown on a paler ground. The series of eggs of this species in the
Canterbury Museum exhibit considerable individual variation. Two specimens, taken from the
same nest, are more ovato-conical than ordinary examples, having an appreciably smaller end.
One of these is of a rich reddish brown towards the thicker end, with darker blotches, and
towards the other end pale brown, profusely sprinkled and mottled with dark reddish brown.
The other is somewhat similar, but more blotched with dark brown in the median circumference,
and with the ground-tint towards the small end reduced to a whitish cream-colour. In two other
examples (also from one nest) the whole surface is reddish brown, stained, mottled, and blotched
with darker brown; but one of them has the brown of a richer tint, and the mottled character
more distinct.

* Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute, vol. ii. p. 51, 1869.

Orper ACCIPITRES. ] (Fam, FALCONIDA,

HIERACIDEA BRUNNEA

(BUSH-HAWK.)

Falco brunneus, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1837, p. 139.

Falco ferox, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 67 (1848).
Hieracidea brunnea, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 215.
Harpe brunneus, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 22 (1869).

Native names.
The same as those applied to the preceding species; but sometimes distinguished as Karewa-
rewa-tara. ‘‘ Sparrow-Hawk” of the colonists.

3 similis H. nove zealandie, sed valdé minor: subtis magis cinereus: caude fasciis angustioribus et obscuri-
oribus: subtus pallidior, distinctits striatus et maculatus.

maris staturam conspicué superans.
Juv. a specie preecedente haud distinguendus, sed subtis obscurior.

Adult male. Upper parts generally greyish black, darkest on the head and nape; shoulders, scapulars, and
small wing-coverts narrowly barred with greyish white, the back and upper tail-coverts with small cres-
centic bands of rufous; throat yellowish white ; ciliary bristles, ear-coverts, and the facial streak black ;
a line over each eye, and the sides of the neck, reddish brown, varied with fulvous and black; breast and
sides fulvous, varied with reddish brown, and largely marked with black. On the breast each feather
has a central dash of black ; and on the sides these markings assume a triangular form, giving a spotted
character to the surface of the plumage. The wing-feathers are marked, on their outer web, by narrow
transverse bands of greyish white ; and the tail-feathers, which are black with a purplish reflection, have
a series of seven narrow white bars disunited at the shaft, and are tipped with rufous brown; axillars
dark rufous brown, with a series of round white spots on each web; abdomen and vent pale fulvous ;
tibial plumes rufous, with black shaft-lines. Bill black, white at the base of lower mandible ; irides and
feet yellow; claws black. Extreme length 16 inches; extent of wings 26:5; wing, from flexure, 9;
tail 6°5 ; tarsus 2°25; middle toe and claw 2:3; hind toe and claw 1:3; bill, along the ridge, -85,
along the edge of lower mandible 1.

Adult female. Differs from the male in its somewhat larger size and in the darker and richer colouring of
its plumage; but in other respects the sexes are alike. Extreme length 17 inches; wing, from flexure,
11; tail 8; tarsus 2°5.

Young. The young of this species bears a general resemblance in its plumage to that of the preceding bird ;
but on a close comparison it will be observed that the brown of the underparts is darker, while the
spotted markings on the sides are rather more conspicuous. The tibials, moreover, are of a brighter
rufous, and are crossed with numerous arrow-shaped marks of brown.

Nestling. Covered with bluish-grey down; bill black; tarsi and toes leaden-grey.

up, I fot

ad ‘
2A

Clamouy

* Re
undert akey

F,
* Au. Alon,

Oe
istinguished as Karen,

NS angustioribus et obseyy

e; shoulders, scapulars, ani
tail-coverts with small cre.
and the facial streak black;
[vous and black ; breast and

On the breast each feathe
cular form, giving 4 spotted
: b, by narror
hare

their outer we
ha purplish reflection,
brown; axilla
pale fulvous;
irides aul

with rufous
nen and vent
lower mandible ; |
5: wing, from —
pill, along the ridge,

f

Bee
‘ker and richer ogre
i exw
inches ; wilg; from
ng birt
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that of the pr ye .
arts 18 darker; in
rpar S . f 7 tris
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noreov™ >

7

Obs. This species closely resembles Hieracidea nove zealandie, but is decidedly smaller, and has more
slender legs and claws. The plumage of the head and of the upper surface generally is more suffused
with grey; the bars on the tail are narrower and more obscure ; the plumage of the underparts is
generally lighter, and the brown streaks on the breast are smaller and more sharply defined. As with
the other species, however, considerable variation exists; and but for the manifest difference in size, it
would be impossible to distinguish the two birds. There is a greater disparity of size in the sexes of

this Hawk than in those of the preceding one.

ALTHOUGH not so common as it formerly was, the Bush-Hawk is more frequently met with than
its congener. The high wooded lands of the interior appear to constitute its favourite haunts ;
and on the southern mountain-ranges of the North Island, as well as in the subalpine woods of the
Canterbury Province, I have found it comparatively abundant. It is a spirited little hunter, and
subsists by the chase, its food consisting principally of mice and small birds. During the breeding-
season it is more than usually bold and fearless, assailing with fury all intruders upon its nest or
young. Some remarkable instances of its courage are mentioned by Dr. Haast in his interesting
‘Journal of Explorations in the Nelson Province’

“ One day,” says this traveller, “walking along near the margin of the forest in Camp Valley,

my hat was suddenly knocked off my head, and at the same time I heard a shrill cry. On looking
up, I found it was one of these courageous little Sparrow-Hawks that had attacked me, and which,
after sitting for a moment or two on a branch, again pounced on me; and, although I had a long
compass-stick in my hand, with which I tried to knock it down, it repeated its attack several
fines. nes We met with another instance of the courage of these birds in the Matakitaki
Plains. A White Crane, of large size, standing in the water, was attacked by three of them at
once; and they made frequent and well-concerted charges upon him from different quarters. It
was admirable to behold the Kotuku (White Crane) with his head laid back, darting his pointed
beak at his foes with the swiftness of an arrow, while they, with the utmost agility, avoided the
spear of their strong adversary, whom at last they were fain to leave unmolested. Another day,
in the same neighbourhood, a Cormorant (Graculus varius) passing near a tree on which two
of these Sparrow-Hawks were sitting, was pounced upon by them and put to hasty flight with a
shrill cry of terror, followed closely by his small but fierce foes; and all three were soon out of
sight.’
The ordinary flight of this Hawk is direct and rapid ; but it may sometimes be seen soaring
high in the air, with the wings almost motionless and the tail spread into a broad fan. On the
wing it often utters a prolonged petulant scream. ‘This is the signal for a general outcry among
the small birds within hearing; and the Tui and Korimako will often rise in large flights and
follow him into the air. But the little Hawk, heeding not their menaces, pursues his course, and
the excitement among the feathered fraternity gradually subsides till all is quiet again. The
appearance of an Owl in the daytime produces a similar commotion among the small birds of the
forest; and I have often been guided to the hiding-place of the unfortunate “‘ More-pork” by the
clamour of the persecuting mob.

* Report of a Topographical and Geological Exploration of the Western Districts of the Nelson Province, New Zealand,
undertaken by the Provincial Government. Nelson: 1861.

8

Besides the prolonged shrill note which is generally uttered on the wing, this species has also
a low peevish cry, exactly like the squealing of a young pig, which is peculiar, I believe, to the
breeding-season.

It is well known that birds are good natural barometers. The height to which they rise in
the air renders them susceptible to the slightest change in the temperature of the atmosphere ; and
they are thus warned of approaching changes in the weather. Thus the continuous screaming of
the Bush-Hawk is understood by the natives to be a sure indication of change; and they have a
common saying, “ Ka tangi te Karearea &c.” (If the Karearea screams in fine weather, ‘twill
soon rain; if in rainy weather, ’tis about to clear). Wilson, the American ornithologist, in treating
of the Fish-Hawk (Pandion haliaétus), states that when these birds are seen sailing high in air,
with loud vociferations, “it is universally believed to prognosticate a change of weather, often a
thunderstorm in a few hours. .... On the faith of the certainty of these signs, the experienced
coaster wisely prepares for the expected storm, and is rarely mistaken.” I have met with some
remarkable instances of this unerring instinct in the species under consideration, and this, at times,
when the glass gave no indication of a coming change.

The Bush-Hawk is generally met with on the outskirts of the woods or among the dead
timber of native “ Wairengas,” these localities being favourable for mice, on which it largely sub-
sists. I once observed a young male of this species playing in the air with mice, after the manner
of a cat; and the sight was as pretty as it was novel. When I first observed the bird, he was
perched on the naked limb of a tree, apparently engaged in examining his quarry. Then mount-
ing in the air with a mouse in each of his talons, and expanding his wings and tail to their full
extent, he dropped first one mouse and then the other, and instantly darted after them, catching
them in his talons before they reached the ground, then mounting high in the air again to renew
the feat. Ultimately losing one of the mice, he discontinued his play, and, returning to the tree,
killed and devoured the remaining one.

The natives state that this little Hawk usually builds its nest in a bunch of Puwharawhara,
often at a great elevation from the ground, forming it rudely of loose materials—that it lays
generally two, but sometimes three eggs—and that the young birds remain on the tree for several
days after quitting the nest. The Puwharawhara (Astelia cunninghamii) is a parasitical plant,
with short, thickly set flag leaves, radiating upwards from a clump of roots by which it adheres
firmly to the parent tree. These plants, which often attain a circumference of many feet, are
very common on the forks and naked branches of aged or withered trees on the outskirts of the
forest, a single tree sometimes supporting twenty or more of them. A better situation for a
Hawk’s-nest than the centre of one of these plants could hardly be selected, combining, as it
does the requisites of warmth, security, and shelter; and the Bush-Hawk seems to be instinctively
aware of this. Some years ago I was informed that a pair of these birds had bred for several
successive seasons in a nest placed as described, and situated in the high fork of a dead
Kahikatea tree near the Horowhenua Lake. Having waited for the breeding-season, I offered
the natives a half-sovereign each for the eggs; but, although excellent climbers, they failed in all
their attempts to reach the nest. They afterwards observed the Hawks carrying mice, lizards,
and small birds to their young; and the latter, on quitting the nest, were shot and destroyed.
When [I last visited the spot the old Kahikatea was still standing, and the bunch of withered

Asteli

secute

u
1B, this Specie h
eculis a

ar, | beliey, :
» to
"
ght to Which {

e of
t the &tmog

a
omithologis _
Seen sailing high te
ange of Weather ia
S€ Signs, the Xperia

I have Met With son,
ration, and this, at ra
ods or among the dey

on which it largely su
h mice, after the manner
bserved the bird, he wa
is quarry. Then mou}
ngs and tail to their fil
‘ted after them, catchin
in the air again to rener
id, returning to the tre,

punch of Puwharawhan,
vat it lay

—

» materials—t
the tree for severtl
f

in on
fi) isa parasitical plan
hich it adhert
any feet,
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s on the outsk
A better situation fot

mbining, ® I

«ted, CO
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9

Astelia, which had cradled several successive broods, was still clinging to the tree; but the per-
secuted Hawks had quitted their exposed eyrie for some more secure retreat.

In the summer, however, of 1867, during a visit to Taupo, I was fortunate enough to find
the nest of this species. We had fixed our bivouac for the night on the banks of the Waitangi
Creek, only a few miles from the base of the grand snow-capped Ruapehu. Our native com-
panion soon detected the old Hawks carrying prey to their young, and on the following morning
he discovered the nest. It was situated on the ground, under cover of a block of trachyte, which
cropped out of the side of the hill. There had been no attempt to form a proper nest; but the
ground was covered with the feathers of birds (almost entirely those of Ground-Larks) on which
the young Hawks had been fed. The latter were three in number, of different sizes, the largest
being apparently three weeks old, and the smallest scarcely a fortnight. ‘They were extremely
savage, striking vigorously with their sharp talons and uttering a peculiar scream. While we
were engaged in securing them in a basket the old birds were flying to and fro, occasionally
dashing up to within a few feet of us, and then off again at a sharp angle, alighting at intervals,
for a few moments only, on the rugged points of rock above us, but never uttering a sound.
They were in perfect plumage; and when they occasionally poised their bodies overhead, with
out-spread wings and tail, they presented a very beautiful appearance. During our journey of
forty miles through the bush, the gun supplied the young Hawks with a sufficiency of food; but
they were very voracious, two large Pigeons per diem being scarcely enough to appease their
joint appetites. Fifty miles more by canoe, and about forty on horseback, brought the captives
to their destination, when they were placed in a compartment of the aviary. They continued to
be very vicious, punishing each other severely with their claws. The youngest one was an
object of constant persecution, and ultimately succumbed to a broken back. A small tame
Sea-Gull that had unwittingly wandered into the aviary, through an open doorway, was instantly
pounced on, although the young Hawks, in their unfledged condition, could only move by
hopping along the ground. In about three weeks these birds (which proved to be male and
female) had fully assumed the dark plumage; and for about two months after they were very
clamorous, especially during wet or gloomy weather. By degrees they became less noisy, till at
length they were perfectly silent and moody, never uttering a sound for weeks together, with the
exception of a peculiar squeal when they were fighting. A more quarrelsome couple never
existed. ‘The female, being the larger and stronger bird, generally came off best, leaving the
male severely punished about the head. At the end of six months the climax was reached by
her actually killing and devouring her mate. I found the aviary strewn with feathers, and the
skeleton of the poor victim picked clean! The surviving bird underwent a partial moult in
the month of September following, and the plumage began to assume a spotted character. ‘The
legs also became slightly tinged with yellow. By the beginning of March in the following year
she had acquired the full adult plumage, except that the throat and spots on the sides were not
so light as in more mature examples. The legs had changed to a pale greenish yellow, and the
irides from lustrous black to a dark brown colour—the cere retaining its pale blue tint, but with
indications of a change to yellow. After two months’ absence I again saw the bird, and noticed
that the lores were becoming tinged with yellow, while the colour of the legs had deepened.
Unfortunately, at this stage she was found dead on the floor of the aviary; and on dissection,

Cc

10

I found in the cavity of the back an amazing number of parasitical worms, many of them
measuring from six to eight inches in length.

The result of my observations is, that the Bush-Hawk attains the mature livery during
the second year, the plumage being liable to some slight variations as the bird gets older. As
the irides had undergone very little perceptible change at the time of the bird’s death, it is
possible that several years may elapse before the bright yellow colour is acquired.

This bird, a stranger to liberty from the very nest, had become quite attached to its aviary.
It never attempted to escape when the door was accidentally left open; and on one occasion when
it did get out it remained perched on the dome of its house, and voluntarily reentered it. It
partook readily of all kinds of meat, cooked or raw, although preferring the latter. Beef, pork,
or mutton were alike acceptable; but a preference was always shown for birds. On a live bird
being offered to it, the Hawk would eye its quarry intently for a short time and then make a
sudden swoop upon it, seizing with the talons of one or both feet, according to the size and
strength of the object. It would then proceed cautiously to destroy life by crushing the head of
its victim in its powerful beak, only relaxing its hold when life was quite extinct. While thus
employed, its eyes were full of animation, and its whole body quivered with excitement.

The description of the male is taken from a fine specimen* shot in the Karori Hills, near
Wellington, in 1859, and of which I sent, at the time, a descriptive notice to the Linnean
Society. Its much smaller size led me to suppose that it was distinct from Hieracidea nove
zealandie ; and it was not then known that Mr. Gould’s H. érunnea was founded on an immature
example. That such was really the case is sufficiently proved by the account given in the fore-
going pages, and previously recorded in the Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute (1868,
vol. i. p. 106).

The eggs resemble those of H. nove zealandie, but are somewhat smaller and lighter in
colour. There are three examples in the Canterbury Museum, differing in the details of their
colouring; but they may be defined as yellowish-brown stained and mottled with reddish brown,
and having a rather soiled appearance. In one of them the blotched character is most apparent
at the smaller end; in another it is equally dispersed, while in the third the dark brown markings
present a smudgy character over the whole surface. They measure 1:9 inch in length by 1-45 in
breadth.

* Preserved in the Colonial Museum at Wellington.

YOrmes
> Many .»
Y Of th
“AQ

Mature liver, los
‘<= Atha
© bing Sets olde, :
the Dind’s death ¥

“As It

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* O] One on CSion y)
reentered it if
Jeet, pork
birds, On a liye bin
time and

PEE to the size ani

tanily

he latter. ;

then make 4
Y crushing the head of
€ extinct. While thus
th excitement,
the Karori Hills, ney
notice to the Linney
from Hieracidea now

unded on an immatu

int given in the fore
ealand Institute (1868,

Cy

smaller and lighter :
in the details of ther
fed with reddish brow,
yracter is most apparel
| ‘ dark brown mark

h in length by 1:40 0

. Onver A!

the you

Ad. sup

2 mari
Juv. cho:
t
le

Adult

CIRCUS GOULDI. a

(Adult) and’ Young .)

Orver ACCIPITRES.] (Fam. FALCONID.

CIRCUS GOULDI

(GOULD’S HARRIER.)

Circus assimilis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 2 (1844, nec J. & 8.).
Circus gouldi, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 34 (1890).

Falco harpe, Haast, Layard, Taylor (nec Forst.).

Falco aurioculus, Ellman, Zoologist, 1861, p. 7464.

Circus approximans, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 36 (1869).

Native names.

Kahu and Manutahae; also Kahu-korako and Kahu-pango, to distinguish the very old and
the young birds.

Ad. supra brunneus, sub certa luce cupreo nitens, dorsi plumis plus minusve fulvo lavatis et terminatis: pilei
plumis medialiter et longitudinaliter nigris, ferrugineo marginatis : nucha cum collo postico et laterali
claritis fulvescentioribus : regione oculari nigra: facie laterali brunned, plumis medialiter nigris: radio
faciali saturaté brunneo, ferrugineo tincto et fulvescenti mixto: dorso postico brunneo, plumis laté
fulvo terminatis: uropygio imo et supracaudalibus albis, his fascia fulva anteapicali transnotatis :
tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, minimis fulvo et albo lavatis: al& spuridé cinereo lavata:
remigibus brunneis, ad apicem saturatioribus, exttis argenteo-cinereo lavatis, saturaté brunneo trans-
fasciatis : caudé cinered, rectricibus exterioribus ferrugincis, plus minusve albicantibus, pennis centrali-
bus distincté, exterioribus irregulariter brunneo transfasciatis, omnibus ad apicem albis: caudé subtus
albicante, fasciis brunneis interruptis notaté: subtis lactescenti-albus, paulld fulvescens: gulé brunnea,
plumis medialiter nigris: pectore toto distincté brunneo longitudinaliter striato : cruribus paullo
ferrugineo tinctis, supra angusté ferrugineo striatis: subalaribus albis, maculis ferrugineis et brunneis
notatis : cerd et pedibus flavis: rostro et ungulis nigris: iride leté flava.

@ mari paulld major et feré pallidior : scapularibus rufescenti-albo terminatis.

Juv. chocolatinus, cupreo nitens, pileo vix nigricantiore : nucha albicanti-fulvo notata: subtus ferrugineo tinc-
tus: caudd subtis albicante, supra’ chocolatina, ferrugineo marmorataé: remigibus subtis ad_ basin
lactescentibus, plus minusve brunneo marmoratis: cera et pedibus flavis: iride saturaté brunnea.

Adult male. Upper parts dark brown, the feathers of the head and neck broadly margined with reddish
fulvous, the wing-coverts and scapulars terminally edged with pale rufous brown; quills black, with the
outer web silvery grey, obscurely banded; tail, when closed, light silvery brown, with interrupted
transverse bars and a subterminal band of dark brown; the lateral tail-feathers washed with rufous ; the
bars more conspicuous when the tail is spread ; upper tail-coverts pure white, barred near the tip with
rufous brown; superadjacent feathers tipped with rufous. Underparts generally pale fulvous, with a
broad dash of rufous brown down the centre of each feather, these markings being thickest on the breast

and sides ; tibial plumes paler fulvous, with tk tral streak much reduced ; the axillary plumes, which

are remarkably long, pale rufous, barred with darker bus ; under surface of wings and tail light fawn-
c2

12

colour varied with grey. A narrow white fringe, varied with brown, encircles the throat, terminating
behind the ear-coverts. Cere and legs yellow; beak and claws black; irides bright yellow. Length
22°5 inches; extent of wings 52°5; wing, from flexure, 17; tail 10; tarsus 4; middle toe and claw 2°5;
hind toe and claw 1°75; bill along the ridge 1°5, along the edge of lower mandible 1°5.

Adult female. Slightly larger than the male, but differing very little in plumage. The tints generally are
ighter, the edges of the scapulars are rufous-white instead of brown; and the wings are varied with
rufous and white, especially towards the flexure.

Young. In the young bird the whole of the plumage is chocolate-brown, darker on the upper parts, and edged
with paler brown; hind part of the neck varied with white, and tinged with rufous; upper tail-coverts
rufous brown, with paler tips and fulvous at the base, sometimes white barred with rufous brown.
Cere and legs yellow; irides dark brown.

Progress towards maturity. Upper parts dark brown with a purple gloss; the tail with five rather obscure
bars of black, about half an inch apart, and darkest towards the tip; upper tail-coverts delicate fawn-
colour, with the centre of each feather brown, shaded off on the sides. The wing-coverts have a coppery
hue, and the longer ones, together with the scapulars, are narrowly tipped with rufous white. Under-
parts bright chocolate-brown, tinged with rufous, especially on the neck and abdomen; tibial plumes
rufous brown. Cere and legs yellow; beak and claws black ; irides bright yellowish brown.

Nestling. Covered with buffy-white down ; cere and legs yellow.

Obs. It must be noted that individuals differ, more or less, in the details of their colouring during their
progress towards maturity. With extreme age, the fulvous of the lower parts changes to white, and the
brown markings become much narrower, being almost obsolete on the tibial plumes. The silvery grey
on the quills and tail-feathers increases, while the rufous colouring diminishes, and the lining of the
wings becomes pure white, with narrow shaft-lines of dark brown. ‘There is a beautiful albino specimen
in the Nelson Museum.

‘THE present species is spread over a wide geographical area; for not only is it found in all parts
of our own country, but it also occurs in Australia and Tasmania, extending to the eastward to
the Fiji Islands, and ranging northwards into the Malay archipelago as far as Celebes. Mr. J. H.
Gumey has already drawn attention (Ibis, 1870, p. 536) to the fact that our Harrier is exactly
the same species as that figured by Mr. Gould in the ‘ Birds of Australia’ under the name of
Circus assimilis. The true Circus assimilis of Jardine and Selby (Ill. Orn. ii. pl. 51) has proved,
however, to be only the young of Circus jardinii, also figured in the ‘ Birds of Australia’ (pl. 27);
and therefore the New-Zealand Harrier bears the name of Circus gouldi, Bonap. (J. c.

It is a very common bird in New Zealand, being met with on the fern-covered hills, in the
plains, among the marshes of the low country, and even along the open seabeach, where it feeds on
carrion. It is seldom, however, found in the dense bush, although I once surprised one there in
the act of picking a large Wood-Pigeon.

Like all the other members of the genus, it hunts on the wing, performing wide circles at a

low elevation from the ground, and sailing over meadows, fern-land, or marshes in quest of
lizards, mice, and other small game. Its flight is slow but vigorous and well sustained. ‘The

the

roat
bright . elo ett
: VW, i)
Middle tne a. Leng
dle . Clay 5
— tin its Behera
the Wihgs a are y Y a
Wied ys
th

ufous - ‘a ~
8; naa tail-coven,
Tred with rufous brow '

l with five rather obseu
tail-coverts delicate fam.
ng-coverts have a Coppery
th rufous white. Under.
abdomen ; tibial Plumes
llowish brown.

eir colouring during ther
changes to white, and the
plumes. The silvery gry
hes, and the lining of the

| =)

beautiful albino speama

‘s it found in all pars
eastward to
Mr. J.B

xactly

ing to the
as Celebes.
our Harrier is €
af
’ under the pame
) has proved
’ (pl. 4 i);

ia
_ ii. pl. 51
: of Austral ©

jonap- (/.¢
-, Sl bills

I
rming wide
:

srshes in he

- ma
sust tainee

d we sj)

13

small size and specific gravity of its body, as compared with the great development of wings and
tail and corresponding muscles, enable it to continue these wanderings for a whole day without
any apparent fatigue. When sailing, as it often does,.at a high elevation, the wings are inclined
upwards so as to form a broad obtuse angle (with the tail half spread), and there is no perceptible
motion in them, except when the bird alters its course. A pair may often be seen sailing thus
in company, mounting higher with each gyration, and emitting a peevish whistle as they cross
each other's course. On these occasions I have sometimes seen the birds close in upon and
attack each other, the upper one making the first swoop, and the lower one instantly turning on its
back, with upstretched talons, to receive him, and, after thus parrying the attack, wheeling
upwards and becoming in turn the assailant. Whether it be the angry meeting of rival males,
or the amorous gambols of “raptorial lovers,” I have never been able to determine; but this
aérial encounter, whether in earnest or in play, has a very pretty effect. It is worthy of remark
that the birds of the first year are apparently incapable of the peculiar sailing flight which I have
described, their locomotion being effected entirely by slowly repeated flappings of the wings. ‘This
circumstance, taken in conjunction with the dark colour of the young bird (appearing perfectly
black at a little distance), has led to the common belief that there are two distinct species.

When gorged with food, the Harrier takes up its station on a rising knoll, a projecting
stump, or the naked limb of a detached tree standing in the open, when it assumes an erect pos-
ture, with the head drawn closely in and the wings folded, and remains perfectly motionless for a
considerable time. When thus reposing, it is possible to get within gun-range of a “ Kahu
korako,” or very old bird; but at other times it is extremely difficult to obtain a shot. Hawks
are known to be long-lived; and they appear to gain more experience of the world as they grow
older. The dark-plumaged Harrier falls an easy prey to the gunner: it may be winged as it
sails above him at an easy elevation, or it may be approached quickly and surprised when it
descends to the ground to capture and devour a mouse or lizard. But the wary old “ White
Hawk” carries with him the experience of many dangers, and is not so easily taken. I have
followed one for the greater part of a day before I have succeeded in shooting it. These old
birds, notwithstanding the extreme abundance of the species, are comparatively rare, and they
are called Kahu-korako by the natives, in allusion to their hoary plumage. Birds in ordinary
adult plumage are also somewhat shy; but on horseback I have often approached near enough
to detect the colour of the cere and legs.

Besides devouring carrion of all kinds, the Harrier subsists on rats, mice, lizards, feeble or
wounded birds, and even grubs and spiders. One, which I had confined in an outhouse, subsisted
for several days entirely on spiders, for which he made a systematic search among the cobwebs that
covered the walls. At the close of each day I found him with a matted circlet of spider’s web sur-
rounding the base of the bill. On my offering him the body of a Wood-Robin (Petraca longipes)
he struck his talons into it, and, holding it firmly down, plucked off the feathers with his beak
with remarkable rapidity, and then, tearing it to pieces, devoured it—the whole proceeding
occupying only a few minutes. Mr. Gilbert Mair, who kept several of these birds in confine-
ment for a considerable time, fed them frequently with freshwater fish, which they devoured with
great avidity; and he assures me that he has observed them, in the wild state, capturing mullets
in a shallow fish-pond.

14

The Harrier secures his prey by grappling it in his talons, sometimes bearing it off with him,
but more generally remaining on the spot to devour it. On newly ploughed land he may occa-
sionally be seen regaling himself on grubs and earthworms. It may be noticed that on these
occasions, instead of walking, he moves by a succession of hops, the toes being turned inwards, in
order, as it would appear, to protect the fine points of his grappling-instruments.

When the winter rains have inundated the low-lying flats and filled the lagoons, these places
become the favourite resort of Wild Duck, Teal, Pukeko, and numerous other Waterfowl; but
this Hawk also puts in his appearance with the new comers, and is a perpetual terror to them.
I have frequently seen one attack a full-grown Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus), attempting to
grapple it in its talons—its long tarsi and legs being stretched downwards to their full extent,
accompanied by much noiseless fluttering of the wings. The Pukeko, anticipating the attack,
springs upwards with open mouth and outstretched neck, and generally succeeds in warding off its
assailant till it reaches cover and hides in the sedge. Audubon, in his ‘ Birds of America,’ states
that he has seen the Circus cyaneus attack the Marsh-Hen (fallus crepitans) in the same manner.
Young birds, and those wounded by the sportsman, suffer most. On one occasion I fired at and
disabled a large Pukeko, which at once took refuge in some rushes on the edge of the lagoon;
but before I could get round to the spot, one of these Hawks had killed, plucked, and partly
devoured it.

I have known the Harrier, when urged by excessive hunger, visit the poultry-yard and snatch
up a chicken in its talons; and I have occasionally seen it attack both the wild and the domestic
Duck; and Mr. Gould, in writing of this species in Australia, declares that it is addicted to the
stealing of eggs. On the other hand, I have seen it assailed by the Common Sea-Gull (Larus
dominicanus) on approaching the nest of this bird, and put to an ignominious flight.

It is said to be very destructive on the sheep-runs during the lambing-season; and I have
been assured by eye-witnesses that three or four of them will sometimes detach a lamb from the
flock, and then, assailing it from different points, tear out the animal’s eyes, and ultimately kill it.
I am of opinion, however, that these attacks are confined to the weakly or sickly lambs of the
flock, and occur only in times of great famine. Be that as it may, the practice of poisoning
Hawks in the lambing-season has now become very general; and I have known upwards of a
hundred of them destroyed in this manner, during that season, in a single locality. It is accom-
plished by rubbing a small quantity of strychnine into the body of a dead lamb or piece of offal,
and leaving it exposed on the run. The poison takes immediate effect, and often eight or ten
birds are thus destroyed in the course of an hour. We are informed by Mr. Potts that on the
Cheviot Hills Station (in the Province of Canterbury) upwards of a thousand Hawks per annum
have been destroyed in this manner during the last two or three years, and, as an almost neces-
sary corollary of this, that rats are most abundant on this particular sheep-run. ‘The damage to
a flock where these Hawks abound is, no doubt, greatly overrated. It is true, however, that this
species does sometimes hunt in packs; for I have counted as many as twenty of them at one time
hovering over a small “mob” of sheep detached from the main flock; and three of them have
been seen to attack a full-grown Turkey, and, acting in concert, to overpower and kill their
quarry.

The natives take this species by means of flax snares, arranged in such a manner that the

pir d, in

he lag; Ns

. thesa
Other W; :

:), attemy

irds to their full ex,
ge . €it,
inticipating the attack
alae

ting

CCE :

eeds in Warding of j
= : ~ Ny
birds of Americ

ij

a, States
) in the same manner
occasion I fired at

and
the edge of the |

ALON:

ed, plucked, and parth

—

poultry-yard and snatd

f= 9

» wild and the domestic
hat it is addicted to the
mmmon Sea-Gull (Lan
ous flight.
ng-season ; and I hare
detach a lamb from the
s. and ultimately kill
or sickly lambs of the
e practice of poisonilg

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15

bird, in attempting to grapple the bait, gets its legs entangled in a running noose, which its efforts
to escape only serve to tighten. I have frequently taken it alive by means of a steel trap, with
muftled edges, baited with a dead rat or chicken. When shot at, and wounded in the wing, it
attempts to escape by a succession of leaps along the ground, and, on being overtaken, defends
itself vigorously with beak and claws, its beautiful golden eyes sparkling with passion. In
captivity it is at first fierce, throwing itself backwards when approached, and striking forwards
with its long talons; but it soon becomes reconciled to the situation, and permits itself to be
stroked with the hand. The late Captain Buck, 14th Regiment, informed me that, while
stationed at Napier, one that he had winged became so tame that, on recovering health and
liberty, it was accustomed to return every evening to his garden and roost in the arbour.

The peculiar whistling note already noticed is only heard when two or more of these birds
are in company. The young has a cry resembling the hoarse note of our Stilted Plover. Captain
Hutton informs me that the cry of this Hawk is very similar to that of the Govinda Kite, of India,
which he has frequently heard.

This species prefers a swamp for its breeding-place, and generally builds its nest on the
ground, though sometimes in a tussock. It often repairs to the same place for several successive
seasons, the old nest forming a foundation for the new one, which is usually constructed of the
dry blades of Arundo conspicua and the flower-stalks of the Spaniard-grass rudely placed toge-
ther and overlaid with dry grass. The eggs are from two to four in number, but generally three,
ovato-conical in form, with a smooth or finely granulate surface, perfectly white, till stained by the
bird’s feet during incubation, and measuring 1-9 inch in length by 1:5. My largest example measures
2 by 1:6. At first sight they appear to be disproportionately small for the size of the bird; but
they are not so in reality; for the body of this Hawk, when stripped of the feathers, is almost
ridiculously small. After being blown, if held up against the light, the interior of the shell pre-
sents a surface of a beautiful clear green. The breeding-months are October and November; but
as late as Christmas Day (1863) I saw, in Matene Te Whiwhi’s house at Otaki, a very young one
that had been taken from a nest (containing two) about three weeks previously. It was about the
size of a half-grown Gosling, and was covered with thick cottony down of a dirty white colour
inclining to buff, with feathers beginning to show themselves on the back, wings, and tail; cere
and legs yellow. It opened its mouth for food on being approached, and, when provoked, would
strike forward or upward with its well-armed feet. It made one aware of its presence by its rather
fetid odour, as well as its occasional cry, which was like a half-suppressed whistle.

I have observed that, in very old birds of this species, the feathers of the upper parts present
a faded and ragged appearance, from which it may be inferred that the moulting-power becomes
impaired as age advances. A specimen that came under my examination, in the flesh, presented
the following singular condition, for which I was quite unable to account, although probably the
result of disease. A space on the breast, and the whole surface of the sides, were entirely denuded
of feathers, these parts being covered by a thick growth of white down; on the back also there
was simply a narrow strip of feathers down the line of the spine. The head of this bird was
greatly infested with parasitic ticks.

There is a very beautiful albino variety in the Nelson Museum, presented by Mr. Goodall,

of Riwaka, where the bird was obtained. The whole of the plumage is of a very delicate white

16

ash-colour, the underparts having a rosy-purple tinge. The primaries are ashy grey; and both
these and the tail-feathers present, on the under surface, obsolete bands, as though they had been
washed out. The shafts of all the feathers on the upper parts are dark grey, presenting the
appearance of finely pencilled lines. The bill, as also a superciliary line of hairs, and those cover-
ing the lores, black; cere, tarsi, and toes yellow. The taxidermist to whom this handsome speci-
men was entrusted, with a full appreciation of its value, charged the modest sum of eight guineas
for stuffing it, and had to be compelled to give it up by process of law.

Before passing on to the next division of this order, it may be well to mention those other
diurnal birds of prey that are alleged to have been killed in New Zealand, although there is not
such evidence of the fact as would warrant our including them, at present, in our list.

Mr. Gould has presented me with a beautiful specimen of his White-bellied Sea-Eagle
(Ichthyaétus leucogaster), which was said to have been procured in New Zealand. This species
has been observed along the whole southern coast of Australia, from Moreton Bay on the east to
Swan River on the west, including Tasmania and all the small islands in Bass’s Straits ; and as it
is a powerful flier, there is no physical reason why it should not occur sometimes as a straggler on
the New-Zealand coast. Mr. Gould had satisfied himself that this specimen was obtained there,
although unable to ascertain the precise locality. In corroboration of its presumed occurrence, I
may mention that an officer of the 14th Regiment, who was a good sportsman and a tolerable
naturalist, assured me that he had actually seen and fired upon a “ Sea-Eagle” on the rocks near
the entrance to the Wellington harbour.

Two other species of Accipitres, the Falco subniger (a rare bird, inhabiting South Australia)
and the Milwus isurus, or Australian Kite, have had New Zealand assigned as their habitat, on the
authority of Mr. J. H. Gurney, who, in a letter to ‘The Ibis’ (1870, p. 536), offers the following
explanation :—‘ My authority for quoting New Zealand as a habitat for the former was the
veteran ornithologist, M. Jules P. Verreaux, who informed me that a New-Zealand specimen had
passed through his hands. With regard to the latter (Milvus isurus), the Norwich Museum
possesses a specimen which I obtained from Mr. A. D. Bartlett, who assured me, at the time, that
he had received it from New Zealand, and had satisfied himself that it had been killed in that
country. Probably both these species, if not indigenous to New Zealand, may occasionally occur
there as accidental visitors from the Australian continent.” In support of Mr. Gummey’s surmise,
I may state that the account sent to me by Dr. Haast, of a Hawk observed by him in the Southern
Alps, although, unfortunately, not secured, seems to accord with that given by Captain Sturt of
the Australian Falco subniger. Yor the further elucidation of this question we must trust to the
intelligence and diligence of Mr. F. Fuller and other local collectors.

vt 5

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SCELOGLAUX

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Orpver ACCIPITRES.]

Ad. supra chocolatinus, scapularibus maculis fulvis plus minusve celatis notatis :

Female.

Varieties. Examples from different localities present slight but uniform differences of plumage.

[Fam. STRIGIDA.

SPILOGLAUX NOVH ZEALANDIA,
(NEW-ZEALAND OWL OR MOREPORK.)

New-Zealand Owl, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 149 (1781).

Strix nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 296 (1788, ex Lath.).

Strix fulva, Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 65 (1790).

Noctua zelandica, Quoy & Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrol. Zool. i. p. 168, t. 2. fig. 1 (1830).
Athene nove seelandie, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, p. 2 (1844)

Athene nove zealandiw, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Accipitr. p. 52 (1844).

Noctua venatica, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 75 (1848

Spiloglaux nove seelandie, Kaup, Isis, 1848, p. 768.

Teraglaua nove zealandie, Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. iv. p. 218 (1852).

Native names.
Ruru, Koukou, and Peho; “ Morepork” of the colonists.

loris, genis anticis et super-
cilio distincto fulvescentibus: regione auriculari chocolatina : tectricibus alarum medianis et majoribus
extits fulvo vel albo maculatis: remigibus brunneis, extis albo maculatis, et saturaté brunneo trans-
fasciatis: caudd supra ania ae pallidiore, fasciis ee. corneas brunneis transnotaté: collo
laterali et corpore subtus toto leté fulvis, medialiter laté b ati

is: abdomine imo, hypochondriis
et subcaudalibus pulchré albo marmoratis: cruribus et tarsorum ari let ferrugineis :

rostro nigro,
culmine albicante: pedibus flavis, digitis setis nigricantibus idutis: iride aureo-flava

Adult male. Crown of the head and all the upper parts dark umber brown, obscurely spotted on the scapulars

and wing-coverts with fulvous white ; lores and region of the bill white, with black produced filaments
forehead, fore neck, and upper part of the breast light fulvous, mixed with brown ; underparts generally
fulvous, with triangular spots of dark brown disposed in rows and blending; under tail-coverts fulvous,
barred with white; quills and tail-feathers dark brown obscurely banded, the former touched on the
outer webs with fulvous white; feathers covering the tarsi fulvous. Irides golden yellow; toes yellow,
with dark hairs ; bill black, white on the ridge. Length 125 inches; extent of wings 25; wing, from
flexure, 8; tail 5-75; bill, along the ridge, 1, along the edge of lower mandible +75 ; tarsus 1°5; middle
toe and claw 1°25

The female is slightly smaller, and the markings of the plumage are less distinct than in the male

Nestling. In their earlier condition the young birds are covered with whitish down, plumbeous beneath ; but

they assume the full plumage before quitting the nest.

Specimens
mparison with those from the north side of Cook’s Strait, invariably
‘aula to be more largely marked oft white around the eyes and on the feathers surrounding the bill.

m the Nelson Province are, on

D

18

As we proceed further south the variation is still more apparent, the whole plumage partaking of a
lighter character. There is also considerable variation in size; and a specimen in the collection of
Mr. W. T. L. Travers, in addition to being unusually small in all its proportions, has the whole of the
plumage deeply stained with ferruginous. A beautiful albino was shot at Te Whauwhau (Whangarei)
in the winter of 1871

Every New-Zealand colonist is familiar with this little Owl, under the name of “ Morepork.” It
is strictly a nocturnal species, retiring by day to the dark recesses of the forest, or hiding in the
crevices of the rocks, and coming abroad soon after dusk to hunt for rats, mice, and the various
kinds of moths and beetles that fly at night. It is common in all parts of the country, although
not so numerous now as it formerly was; and the familiar cry from which it derives its popular
name may often be heard in the more retired parts of our principal towns, as well as in the
farmer’s country home or in the rustic Maori “ kainga:” I have even known several instances of its
voluntarily taking up its abode in a settler’s house or, more frequently, in the barn, and remaining
there a considerable time.

When discovered in its hiding-place during the day, it is found sitting upright, with the head
“drawn in, the eyes half closed, and the feathers of the body raised, making the bird appear much
larger than it really is. It will then allow a person to approach within a few yards of it, and, if
disturbed, will fly off noiselessly for a short distance and attempt to secrete itself. It will often
remain many days, or even weeks, in the same piece of bush. In the volcanic hills or extinct
craters that surround the city of Auckland, there are numerous small caves, formed by large cracks
or fissures in the ancient lava-streams, the entrance to them being generally indicated by a clump
of stunted trees, growing up among loose blocks of scoria. These gloomy recesses are a favourite
resort of the Morepork in the daytime.

On the approach of night its whole nature is changed: the half-closed orbits open to their
full extent, the pupils expand till the yellow irides are reduced to a narrow external margin, and
the lustrous orbs glow with animation, while all the movements of the bird are full of life and
activity. It then sallies forth from its hiding-place and explores in all localities, preferring, how-
ever, the outskirts of the forest, where nocturnal insects abound, and the bush-clearings in the
neighbourhood of farms, or the ruins of Maori villages, these places being generally infested
with rats and mice, on which it chiefly subsists. Like other birds of prey, it afterwards regurgi-
tates the hair and other indigestible parts of these animals in hard pellets. That the Morepork
also preys on small birds there can be no reasonable doubt, although it has been frequently denied.
Mr. Gilbert Mair has seen one, at sunset, seated on the branch of a Tutu bush (Coriaria rusci-
folia) with a live Korimako in its claws, and in the act of killing it; and a native once told me
that he had seen one of these Owls killing and devouring a Parrakeet. Captain Robinson, of
Manawatu, further attests the fact; for on one occasion, when walking in his garden after sunset,
he saw a Morepork emerge from a Blue-gum and spring upon a Kingfisher, firmly grappling it in

its claws. The bird uttered a cry of pain or terror; and on my informant advancing towards the
spot, the Owl released its victim and flew off, but immediately afterwards made a second attack,
securing the Kingfisher firmly in its grasp, and only relaxing its hold at the moment of being
seized. I have been informed by Sir George Grey that, of nearly a hundred Diamond-Sparrows

which h
that som
years in
evidence
turned ©
of Owls:
For a
acclimat
The car
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order to
teen of 1
them in’
and Che
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of the d
them th
perfectly

—

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and rea:
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Th
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Country
Its plac
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° bel

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ore ie
St, or hiding jp a
8, Mice. ; tics
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L It derives jt. Popa
8 Popul
88 In th
ul Instances of
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OWns, as wel]
n sever;

iN

Maininy

z upright, with the head
wz the bird appear much
i few yards of it, and, i
ete itself, It Will often
volcanic hills or extn:
s, formed by large crs
lly indicated by a cum

¥ recesses are a favounte

osed orbits open to thet
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Captain

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KO

which he liberated on the island of Kawau, very few survived the ravages of this little Owl, and
that some othier importations suffered in like manner. The Hon. Mr. Stafford, who has for many
years interested himself in the introduction and acclimatization of useful birds, has also given
evidence against the Morepork on this charge; for he has assured me that on one occasion, having
turned out a large number of insectivorous birds in his grounds at Wellington, an unusual number
of Owls sought harbour there, and preyed on the little immigrants till scarcely a single one remained.
For a considerable time, however, it was doubted whether the Morepork was destructive to
acclimatized birds; anda lengthy controversy on the subject appeared in the Auckland newspapers.
The careful observations of Mr. Brighton, the Curator of the local Acclimatization Society, at
length placed the matter beyond all discussion. Frequently he had to forego his night's rest in
order to watch the aviaries, and during a period of only a few months he shot no less than four-
teen of these birds. Some of these were surprised in the act of attacking the aviaries, and all of
them in the immediate vicinity. He repeatedly found the dead and lacerated bodies of Sky-Larks
and Chaffinches lying on the wooden ledge just inside the eave of the wire roofing ; and the
abundance of Morepork-feathers found entangled in the netting afforded a clue to the perpetrator
of these murderous attacks. From the appearance of the feathers, and the mutilated condition
of the dead birds, it was evident that the Morepork had tried hard, but unsuccessfully, to pull
them through the wire netting in the roof, The following account, by the Curator, renders this
perfectly intelligible :—

“ The aviary is constructed in the usual manner, on the model of a bird-cage, of wire netting,
over a wooden framework, with a sloping roof, also of wire netting. Attached to the framework,
comprising the wall-plates, on either side, there are wooden ledges, resembling shelves, on
which the Larks rest at night, while the Chaffinches roost upon twigs planted within the aviary,
and reaching within a few inches of the wire netting of which the roof is composed. During
moonlight nights the Moreporks have been seen to fly upon the roof of the aviary, and after
making, as it were, a reconnaissance of the defences, to pounce repeatedly against the wire,
causing a loud vibration, and startling the feathery inmates. These, in their fright, fly towards
the light, dashing themselves against the wire netting, until the Morepork, by hopping about on
the roof, succeeds in fastening upon one of them, and, of course, making short work of him.”

There has, in consequence, been a crusade against the Morepork in many parts of the
country. But whether this wholesale destruction of an indigenous species, on account of these
predatory habits, is wise, or even prudent, may be seriously questioned. The Morepork, as we
have already shown, not only preys on rats and mice, but is also a good insectivorous bird, with
a voracious appetite. Its habit of feeding largely on the nocturnal Lepidoptera is of itself an
inestimable benefit to the agriculturist, as it tends to check the spread of the caterpillar, whose
ravages are becoming more severely felt every year. It is a dangerous thing to disturb the
balance of nature by violent means; and, in a new country especially, we must be careful that in
removing one evil we are not opening the door to an immeasurably greater one. For my own
part, I consider the killing of a single Owl a positive injury to the farming industries of the
country, and scarcely compensated for by the introduction of a score of soft-billed insectivores in

its place.
I have sometimes found this species, at night, among the rocks along the sea-margin, from

20

which it may be inferred that crabs and other small Crustacea contribute to its support. In the
stomachs of some I have found remains of the large wood-beetle (Prionoplus reticularis); and
those of others I have found crammed with moths of all sizes, or with nocturnal Coleoptera. I
examined some castings of the Morepork in the Canterbury Museum. They are hard pellets, of
an oval form, and of the size of a Sparrow's egg, composed chiefly of the hard elytra and heads
of various coleopterous insects, among which I noticed particularly the shining covering of the
Mata (Heronia antarctica), a handsome ground-beetle which is found on the Canterbury plains,
but does not occur in the North Island.

The flight of this bird is light, rapid, and so noiseless that, I verily believe, it could surprise
and capture a mouse at the very entrance to its burrow. On examining the feathers of the wing,
it will be found that they are furnished with a soft or downy margin, and are specially adapted for
this manner of flight. From an examination of the orifice of the ear we are led to infer that the
power of hearing in this Owl is very acute. It is therefore the more surprising that, on two occa-
sions after dark, I have succeeded in seizing this species with the hand, when perched on the eaves
of a veranda, over which its tail projected. When caught, it manifests its anger by a repeated
clicking of the mandibles, while it dexterously uses its beak and talons in its appeals for liberation.
Besides the cry which gives this Owl its popular name, it has a peculiar call which is not
unlike the alarm-cry of the Australian Rosehill Parrakeet (Platycercus eximius), but louder and
more shrill. At dusk, also, before leaving its retreat, it utters a low croaking note, quickly repeated,
which is responded to by the other Owls within hearing. This note resembles the syllables kou-
kou, uttered from the chest ; and among the northern tribes the bird is usually called by a name
resembling that cry. It is, however, more generally known as the “ Ruru,” and in some districts
as the ‘“ Peho.”

It nidificates in hollow trees; but I have never been fortunate enough to obtain the eggs,
They are described as being two in number, nearly spherical in shape, and of pure whiteness.
The young leave the nest about the beginning of January, and may be heard during every night
of that month uttering a peculiar, sibilant, snoring sound. But the breeding is sometimes
delayed to a much later period of the year; for, on one occasion, at the North Shore (Auckland),
I both heard and saw a young bird so late as the 11th of April. So far as I have been able to
ascertain, the young are always two in number. Mr. Gilbert Mair found a nest of this species in
the hollow of a dry Hinau tree (Elwocarpus dentatus), containing two very young birds, which
were “covered with soft white down, plumbeous beneath.” Mr. Potts records a similar discovery
in Canterbury. In a clump of wood on the banks of the Wairoa River I found a nest, also con-
taining two fully fledged young ones. I sent my native lad, Hemi Tapapa, up the tree to
capture them; and while he was so engaged, the parent birds came forth from their hiding-place,
and darted at his face with a low growling note, making him yell with fear. The Maories share
in the almost universal feeling of superstition regarding the Owl. Hemi’s conscience was
troubled ; and as the shades of night were closing in upon us with the call of “more pork!” in
every direction, he handed me the captives and hurried away from the scene of his exploit, evidently
sharing, in some degree, the horrors of that luckless wight, immortalized by Mr. Stevenson in
his ‘ Birds of Norfolk,’ who, having killed the church-Owl as it flitted past him, ran shrieking
home and confessed his awful crime—* I’ve been and shot a Cherubim!”

Orpen A

* Canterbury 9 thin in

elieve. it could Su
le fe athers , Of the

re spe Cally pa
led to infer that
ising that, on tt
€n perched on the
its anger by

ire

eaTes
& Tepeatel
8 appeals for ]j beration,
liar call Which is np
rimius), but louder an
z note, quickly repeated
nbles the syllables how.
sually called by a name

, and in some district

ugh to obtain the egy.
and of pure whitenes
ard during every night
breeding is sometillé
orth Shore (Auckland)
- as I have been able to
a nest of this species
birds, whic!

ery young
’ P ° + avert
s a similar discovel}

{ rd :
also ot

found a nest,
apapa, up t the pelt
, their cant
ir [he Maories 8 8
Hemi’s conscien® :

you

Orver ACCIPITRES.] ; [Fam. STRIGIDA.

SCELOGLAUX ALBIFACIES.
(LAUGHING-OWL.

at

Athene albifacies, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, p. 2 (1844).
Sceloglausr albifacies, Kaup, Isis, 1848, p.

Teraglaux albifacies, Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. iv. p. 1, 219 (1852).
Athene ejulans, Potts, Trans. New-Zeal. Inst. vol. ii. p. 63 (1870).

Native names.

Whekau, Ruru-whekau, and Kakaha; “ Laughing-Jackass” of the colonists.

Ad. supra leté fulvescens, plumis omnibus ewe laté nigro Stratis : uropygio letits fulvo: scapularibus

et dorso postico brunnescentioribus, laté

ectricibus alarum magis ferrugineo tinctis,
fulvo marmoratis: remigibus brunneis, extis Rens lavatis et fulvo maculatis: caudd brunnea,
fasciis fulvis conspicué transnotaté: fronte, superciliis, gul4 cum collo laterali griseo-albidis, angusté
nigro striatis: regione oculari et auriculari brunnescentibus: corpore reliquo subtis leté aurantiaco-
fulvo, plumis medialiter brunneo striatis: tarso plumulis albidis induto: rostro nigro, versus apicem
corneo: pedibus corneo-brunneis, setis fulvescentibus ornatis, unguibus nigricantibus : iride rufescenti-
brunnea,

Adult. Forehead, throat, ear-coverts, and sides of the head greyish white, with black shafts and hair-like

filaments; sides of the neck white, each feather having a narrow central streak of black ; upper parts
dark brown, the feathers of the crown and nape broadly margined with yellowish brown towards the tip ;
those of the lower part of the back streaked, spotted, and barred with fulvous and white ; lower part of
the fore neck and the whole of the breast dark brown, each feather narrowly margined with bright fulvous
or yellowish brown; on the abdomen, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts the latter colour predo-
minates, the centre of each feather being dark brown ; the soft ventral feathers and the short plumage
covering the thighs and tarsi light fulvous, without any dark markings; primaries dark brown, marked
on the outer web with equidistant: angular spots of white, and on the inner web with obsolete bands;
secondaries dark brown, with broad transverse bands of white, and clouded in the centre ; scapulars
dark brown, handsomely variegated with ocellated spots of white. The feathers forming the mantle are
all differently marked, some having two broad approximate lateral bars of white, others a double series
of spots on each web, while others again have a narrow lateral bar of white on one side of the shaft, and
broad angular spots on the other; a few of them are transversely barred and margined with a narrow
terminal crescent ; upper wing-coverts dark brown, with numerous oval spots of fulvous white more or
less distinct ; tail-féathers dark brown, with five equidistant transverse bands and a terminal margin of
ulvous white. Irides dark reddish brown; toes fleshy brown, and covered with coarse yellow hairs ,
bill black, horn-colour towards the tip; claws black. Extreme length 19 inches; wing, from flexure, ll;
tail 6°5; bill, along the curvature to anterior edge of cere, 2°75; cere ‘25; middle toe and claw 1°6;
hind toe and claw °75

22

Obs. The above description is taken from one of the specimens in the Colonial Museum. In the British-
Museum example, from which our drawing is made, there is less of the spotted character on the upper

surface, and the plumage is stained with ferruginous.

Varieties. Examples differ from each other in the minute details of their colouring. The two specimens in
the Canterbury Museum have less white about the face; the soft feathers forming the facial disk are
tawny white, with black shaft-lines and hair-like filaments ; and along the exterior edge of the disk there
is a narrow crescent of pure white, each feather marked with a narrow brownish streak down the centre.
Tn one of these examples the lengthened spots or fusiform markings on the upper surface are less distinct,
while in the other they are wholly wanting ; but in the latter the fulvous white bars on the primaries are
very conspicuous, and add much to the beauty of the plumage. In this specimen the feathers of the
upper surface are blackish brown, with a broad tawny margin, those forming the mantle, scapulars, and
upper wing-coverts having, on each web, a broad oblique bar of fulvous white. The North-Island bird
(in the Colonial Museum) is several shades darker than those from the South Island, the whole of the
plumage being deeply stained with ferruginous. The feathers at the base of the upper mandible, and those
immediately above the eyes, are white, with black shaft-lines ; but the facial disk is washed with fulvous.
There is an entire absence of the white markings on the upper surface ; underparts rich tawny fulvous,
with a dark brown stripe down the centre of each feather; tail dark brown, crossed by five broad
V-shaped bands of tawny fulvous.

Tus bird was originally described by Mr. G. R. Gray, in the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror,’
under the name of Athene albifacies; and Dr. Kaup afterwards made it the type of his genus
Sceloglaux, of which it still remains the sole representative. Mr. Gould, in treating of this sin-
gular form, has already pointed out that its prominent bill, swollen nostrils, and small head are
characters as much Accipitrine as Strigine, and that its short and feeble wings indicate that its
powers of flight are limited, while its lengthened tarsi and shortened toes would appear to have
been given to afford it a compensating increase of progression over the ground; and it does, at
first sight, appear strange that a bird, specially formed by nature for preying on small quadrupeds,
should exist in a country which does not possess any. It must be remembered, however, that
when the Laughing-Owl was more plentiful than it now is, New Zealand was inhabited or, rather,
overrun by a species of frugivorous Rat, which is now almost, if not quite, extinct. The Kiore
maori, which has been exterminated and replaced by the introduced Norway Rat (Mus decu-
manus), formerly abounded to such an extent in the wooded parts of the country that it consti-
tuted the principal animal food of the Maori tribes of that period. It was a ground-feeder, sub-
sisting almost entirely on the fallen mast of the 'Tawa, Hinau, Towai, and other forest-trees; and
it would therefore fall an easy prey to the Sceloglaux. The fact that the extinction of the native
Rat has been followed by the almost total disappearance of this singular bird, appears to warrant
the conclusion that the one constituted the principal support of the other. Be that as it may,
the Laughing-Owl, as it has been termed, in allusion to its cry, is at the present day one of our
rarest species. There are three specimens in the British Museum, and one in the fine collection
of raptorial birds formed by Mr. J. H. Gurney, and presented by him to the Norwich Museum.

The Colonial Museum, at Wellington, and the Canterbury Museum contain two specimens each ;
and there is a fifth in the local Museum at Dunedin. All these examples, but one, were

obtained
of Welli

Ih
at Chris
vidual, |
teristic ¢

blind, al

was crou
part of
bird tha
specimer
speed is
it has b
alarmed

It s
in the c
Museum
have un
plumage

Mr
cry resey

We have

State fox
since, Wi

Museum

te 8 Ty th '
ad C haracte, : 1g Bris
QR th

the

“HE Mantle cn ‘
©. Ther > SCapulan )
1€ North-Islang j:,
SADC bhp}
ith Island. the whol

€ upnner .
Pper mandible and tho

: UNE
isk is washed With fulron

€ of th
: ry Marts r

Wh, cr i
Wh, crossed by Live bral
A UNG

the Erebus and Terror’
t the type of his cen
, In treating of this all
rils, and small head a
: wings indicate that is
es would appear to hire
ground ; and it does,#
ng on small quadrupets,
1embered, howevel, that
was inhabited or, rathe,

ite. extinct. The ior
Norway Rat (Mus decir
country that it coms

= ;
vas a gr’ vund-feedet; .
1 other forest-tee
on of the 2a"
“3 tO wart!

extinctl

samples,

ich tawny fulron;

23

obtained in the South Island—the exceptional one having come from Wairarapa, in the Province

of Wellington.

I had an opportunity of examini
at Christchurch, shortly before leaving the colony ; and an excellent photograph of this indi
vidual, kindly furnished by Dr. Barker, has enabled my artist to delineate his subject in a charac-

ng a live bird of this species in the Acclimatization Gardens

teristic attitude.
Unfortunately this Owl, which has lived in the Gardens for upwards of two years, is stone-

blind, and its large eyes have a dead, glassy appearance ; but I saw quite enough to satisfy me
that, in its natural state, it is strictly a ground-feeder. Its appearance was very full and rounded,
the feathers of the head and neck being puffed out to a considerable extent. Although it had
the freedom of a commodious shed, I observed that it remained constantly on the ground, stand-
ing high on its feet, the strong, feathered tarsi being very conspicuous. It manifested much
impatience or, rather, restlessness, striding with rapidity along the ground, or sometimes moving
by a succession of hops, and generally in a rotatory manner, which may have been due to its

blindness. The keeper informed me that this bird is a very poor eater, refusing fresh meat, and

taking nothing but newly killed birds and live mice. A young mouse, quite paralyzed with fear,

was crouching near the ground awaiting its fate, but the Owl took no heed of it; and in another

part of its shed there was lying the half-devoured body of a hen Pheasant. I remarked of this

bird that the feathered tarsi were much broader and stronger than they appear to be in the dried
specimens. It walks quickly and with long strides, the body being held very erect; and when its
speed is increased, the wings are raised with a quivering motion. During the whole time that
it has been in confinement, the keeper has never heard it utter a sound, except once, when it
alarmed him with its loud mocking shriek.

It should be mentioned that this bird, which was obtained near the source of the Cass River,
in the county of Westland, is much darker in plumage than the specimens in the Canterbury
Museum, and more nearly resembles the North-Island example mentioned above. As the colours
have undergone no change during its long confinement, it is sufficiently clear that the dark
plumage is not a condition of immaturity.

Mr. Potts has furnished the following interesting details* regarding this species :—* If its
cry resembles laughter at all, it is the uncontrollable outburst, the convulsive shout of insanity.
We have never been able to trace the faintest approach to mirthful sound in the unearthly yells of
this once mysterious night-bird—mysterious, because for years unsuccessful attempts had been
made to secure a specimen of this dismal visitor, whose fitful presence at eventide was scarcely
observed before its form was lost to view in the deepening gloom of approaching night. Mr. W.
Newton lately, at the Levels Station, near ‘Timaru, secured a specimen of this Owl whilst engaged
in the very act of making night hideous; so that all doubt has been removed as to the bird from
which this startling cry proceeds. In 1854, at Richmond, in the Malvern Hills, we first became

acquainted with the Whekau. It had been captured in a drain or ditch, and lived in a half-tamed
state for some time beneath the house, till unfortunately destroyed by a visitor’s dog. Some years
since, we saw a fine bird, which had been caught, on the preceding night, by a bushman on the

* Trans, New-Zealand Inst. vol. iii. p. 63, 1870.

24

Upper Rangitata Flat. The intelligent captor signalized his good fortune by chopping off the
head of his victim with the ever-ready axe. The look of satisfied triumph, as the bird was pointed
at, we have never seen equalled, except, perhaps, on one occasion, when a friend, fresh from town,
entered the house with the mangled remains of a tame Kaka, which he had blown almost to
pieces in a kowhai tree, from whence poor Bess had unfortunately studied the stranger’s face too
closely. A Whekau entered a shepherd’s abode at the foot of Mount Hutt, and remained for
several days perching in the roof; and on one occasion it seized a mouse which a cat had just
brought in. Another visitor of this species remained in a station on the Rangitata for some
weeks. Last year (1869) a fine light-coloured specimen was obtained at the Point Station,
Malvern Hills. When killed it was perched on the rail-fence not many yards distant from the
house. Of the examples in the Canterbury Museum, one was procured from the Kakahu Bush,
near Arowhenua; and the other, killed at the Levels Station, as before stated, was presented to
the Museum by Mr. Donald McLean. Mr. G. Dobson states that the Waimatemate natives
lescribe this Owl as living in holes in the rocks. They call it Kakaha; and they say that
it is as large as a Pigeon, with a light breast,—that it has a wide mouth, comes out at night
only, and flies without any noise. Dr. Haast states that, one night in 1861, when camping on
the Upper Rangitata under Mt. Potts, judging from the noise, there must have been many
of these birds flying about, and that he and his party were kept awake for several hours by
their shrieking clamour. In May 1857, while living in a tent on the Upper Ashburton, we
were constantly disturbed at night by their doleful yells amongst the rocky mountain-gullies.
When disturbed on the ground, it bursts forth its weird-like cry immediately after taking
wing. Its robust form, thickly clothed with soft feathers, is admirably adapted for encountering
the severities of climate to which it must be frequently exposed whilst scouring its wild hunting-
grounds. Far less arboreal than its smaller congener, it roams over.the bleakest tracts of country
in many districts where bush of any extent is rarely to be met with, finding shelter among the
numerous crevices in the rocks of rugged mountain-gullies. Being strictly nocturnal in its habits
in pursuit of its prey, it must brave the icy blast of the alpine snowstorm at the lowest tempera-
ture. ‘The severity of the climate in these elevated regions would scarcely be credited by those
who have only known the mildness of the coast-line. As may be inferred, the real home of this
hardy raptorial bird is amongst the fastnesses of the Southern Alps, from whence it makes casual
excursions by the numerous river-beds to the lower-lying grounds, these occasional visits extending
as far as the plains. Although well known from its cry, not many specimens have been obtained.”

Dr. Haast now believes that the large Ow] captured by his dog amongst the rocky precipices
in a creek near the Lindis Pass, and noticed by me, on his authority, under the provisional name
of Strix haasti*, was in reality a bird of the present species. Captain Hutton also writes inform-
ing me that this is the Owl referred to in the following passage, in his account of the Birds of the
Little-Barrier Island +:—* Another bird also lives on the island, apparently in the cliffs, and comes
out only in the evenings. Its cry is a peculiar kind of laugh in a descending scale, and is very
ridiculous to hear. I saw it twice by the light of the fire.” Mr. Enys informs me that it has

* Essay on New-Zealand Ornithology, 1867.
t Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute, vol. i. p. 162, 1868.

peen see
6c gometh

Not
hope tha
have fine

The
which W
species, V
is no dc
Enys inf
perfectly
Society *.
Owl “ab
nove zea
is impos:
tion of 1
includes
this han
single ins

ine by '

Cho
» as the bin an Sty

; ant from
rom the Kakahy Bag
ST ae “cd, Was Presented
cahs = _ hs Natiys

a 9. Same they say {

outh, comes out at i
1861, when camsing ,
must have been my
ake for several hous h
ve Upper Ashburton,
rocky mountain-gullis
mmediately after takw
adapted for encounteny
scouring its wild hunt
bleakest tracts of cou
nding shelter among th
tly nocturnal in its habit
rm at the lowest tempett
rcely be cre dited oy

red, the real home oft
m whence it makes
visits extent

n obtale

occas sional '
1en05 have bee
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of

1

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r the provision?
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also writes #

Bins?

pending *

informs e

25

been seen at the Bealey Police Station (in the Southern Alps), and that it sometimes utters a note
“something like that of the Morepork, but just as if he had his mouth full.”

Nothing is at present known of the nesting-habits of the Laughing-Owl; and we can only
hope that Mr. Potts may succeed in finding and describing the eggs before the hand of man shall
have finally obliterated this fast-expiring species.

The two forms of Strigide described above are the only ones inhabiting New Zealand of
which we have, as yet, any positive knowledge. But the natives are acquainted with another
species, which they describe as being very diminutive in size and strictly arboreal in its habits. This
is no doubt the bird indicated by Ellman as Strix parvissima (Zoologist, 1861). Mr. J. D.
Enys informed me that he once captured an Owl “ standing only five inches high,” and that it was
perfectly tame and gentle. Mr. Potts, in a communication to the Wellington Philosophical
Society *, records, on hearsay evidence, several instances of the occurrence in Canterbury of an
Owl “about the size of a Kingfisher.” This bird may prove to be the same as Bonaparte’s Scops
nove zealandie, as suggested by Dr. Finsch; but, till it has been more accurately determined, it
is impossible to give it a place in our list of species. In his notes on my ‘ Essay,’ a transla-
tion of which appeared in the ‘Journal fiir Ornithologie’ (1867, pp. 305-347), Dr. Finsch
includes Strix delicatulus, Gould, among the species occurring in New Zealand; but although
this handsome bird ranges over a great part of the southern hemisphere, I have not known a
single instance of its appearance in our country.

* Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute, vol. iii. p. 68, 1870.

Orper PSITTACI.] (Fam. STRINGOPID A.

STRINGOPS HABROPTILUS.

(OWL PARROT.)

Strigops habroptilus, Gray, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 62.

Stringops habroptilus, Van der Hoeven, Handb. Zool. ii. p. 466 (1856).
Strigopsis habroptilus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 8 (1850).
Strigopsis habroptilus, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Psittaci, p. 107 (1864).

Varieties.
Strigops greyii, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 230.
Stringops greyi, Finsch, Papag. i. p. 253 (1867).

Native names.

Kakapo and Tarepo; “ Ground-Parrot” of the colonists.

Ad. viridis: plumis pilei dorsique medialiter pallidé flavidis, irregulariter nigricanti-brunneo transfasciatis et
transvermiculatis : uropygii plumis leetits viridescentibus: loris plumisque rictum obtectentibus pallidé
fulvescenti-brunneis, medialiter albicantibus: regione auriculari brunned, rachidibus plumarum fulve-
scentibus: facie laterali brunned, plumis medialiter laté flavicantibus: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis,
primariis extus et intus flavicante maculatis, secundariis irregulariter flavido fasciatim variis et extus
olivascenti-viridi lavatis: caud4 olivascenti-brunned, ubique nigricante fasciolataé: subtus magis flavicans,
viridi lavatus, abdomine purius flavicante: pectoris plumis paulld nigricante variis, hypochondriis magis
conspicué fasciatis: subalaribus olivascenti-flavis, obscuré brunneo fasciatis: subalaribus flavicantibus,
minoribus nigro variis: rostro flavicanti-albido, ad basin saturatiore: pedibus flavicanti-brunneis,
unguibus saturatioribus.

Adult. General colour of the upper surface dark sap-green, brighter on the wings and lower part of back,
and largely varied with dark brown and yellow; on their under surface the feathers of these parts are
light verditer-green towards the tip, with a fine metallic lustre; on the crown and nape the centre of
each feather is blackish brown, with a narrow shaft-line of dirty yellow and a broad terminal band of
dull green; on the back, rump, and upper surface of the wings, each feather is silvery brown at the
base, pale lemon-yellow beyond, changing to sap-green on the sides and towards the tip, and crossed by
numerous broken bars and vermiculations of dark brown; on the anterior portion of the back these bars
are regular and distinct, but on the other parts they are interrupted by a broad shaft-line of lemon-
yellow. These details of colouring, however, can only be observed when the plumage is disturbed, the
general effect on the surface being as already described. The feathers at the base of the upper mandible,
lores, sides of face, and feathers projecting over the lower mandible dull yellowish brown, with darker
filaments; ear-coverts darker brown, mixed with yellow; fore neck, breast, and sides of the body yel-
lowish sap-green, varied with pale yellow and brown, the distribution of colouring on each individual
feather being the same as on the upper parts, but with more yellow down the shaft; lower part of
abdomen, thighs, and under tail-coverts light greenish yellow, the longer coverts obscurely barred with
light brown; lining of wings pale lemon-yellow, blotched and streaked with dark brown; primaries
dark brown, largely toothed on their outer webs with dull lemon-yellow, and on their inner with paler ;

-

6).

nti-brunneo transfasciatis g
rictum obtectentibus pallie
rac

—

udibus plumarum filr.

migibus nigricanti-

om

Dunne,
ido fasciatim variis et ext
lata: subtis magis flavicay,
» variis, hypochondriis mags
s: subalaribus flavicantiba,
pedibus flavicanti-brumues,

ngs and lower part of back,
e feathers of these parts at
own and nape the centred

1 a broad terminal band df

rards the ti

STRINGOPS HABROPTILUS.

Obs.

27

secondaries and their coverts dull greenish yellow, rayed and freckled with dark brown on the outer
webs; dusky brown on the inner webs, with broken transverse markings of lemon-yellow ; tail-feathers
yellowish brown, with arrow-shaped markings along the shaft, and largely freckled and mottled with
blackish brown. Irides black; bill yellowish white, darker at the base and along the fluting of the
lower mandible ; tarsi and toes yellowish brown; claws darker. Extreme length 26 inches ; wing, from
flexure, 12; tail 10; bill, along the ridge (from base of cere), 2, along the edge of lower mandible, 1 ;
tarsus 1°75; longer fore toe and claw 3; longer hind toe and claw 2°5.

The sexes are alike in plumage. Individuals vary a good deal both in the brilliancy of their tints
and in the details of their colouring. The ground-colour of the upper parts varies from a dull sap-green
to a bright grass-green, and in some examples the whole of the plumage of the underparts is strongly
suffused with lemon-yellow. The barred character of the individual feather is more defined in some
specimens, while in others the light markings on the quills and tail-feathers are softened to a pale yellow.
Individual birds also differ perceptibly in size, owing probably to conditions of age and sex. The largest
example that has come under my notice is one in the possession of Mr. Potts, of Governor’s Bay, and
which measures 29 inches in length.

Varieties. I have examined the type specimen of Mr. G. R. Gray’s Stringops greyi, in the British Museum,

and have come to the conclusion that it is simply an accidental variety, although a very singular one, of
the true 8. habroptilus. The specimen is in very bad condition, the quills being much worn and
abraded, and the tail worn down to a mere stump; indeed the whole of the plumage is dingy and soiled,
apparently the result of long confinement. The feathers of the upper parts, instead of being sap-green
at the ends, are of a dull greenish blue, changing in certain lights to a purplish blue. There is, more-
over, somewhat less of the terminal colour; and as the barred markings on the basal portion of the
feathers are fulvous-white instead of yellow, the back has a more variegated appearance. ‘The entire
plumage of the underparts is a pale yellowish fulvous, mottled, except on the abdomen, with brown. The
cheeks and feathers overlapping the lower mandible are the same as in ordinary examples, but without any
yellow tinge. On the sides and flanks the feathers are slightly tinged with blue, but of a duller tint
than on the upper parts ; thighs deeply stained with yellow. The newest of the tail-feathers (é. e. the
stumpy portion that remains) is rayed in the same manner as in eens examples, but without the
yellow element ; showing a decided tendency to albinism. In the wing-feathers, in which also the
yellow colour is absent, the bars appear at first sight more regular and distinct ; but on closer examina-
tion it will be found that in both wings the broad inner secondaries and the scapulars have been torn
out (an incident doubtless of the bird’s assumed captivity), and the barred effect is therefore more con-
spicuous. Although, among the numerous examples that have come under my notice, I have never seen
one in any degree approaching this condition, yet I have detected in some a tendency in the feathers
of the back to assume a bluish margin, and in all specimens these feathers have a bright metallic lustre
on their under surface. There is no means of determining the exact length of the wing, as the long
primaries, on both sides, have been broken off; but the specimen does not appear to differ in size from
ordinary small examples of S. habroptilus. But what tends more than any thing else to convince me
that the so-called S. greyi is merely an abnormal or accidental variety of the species under review is the
fact that some of the small coverts on both wings, and the feathers of the crown, have assumed the
normal sap-green colour, thus betraying a strong tendency to reversion. In the absence of any other
examples in a similar condition of plumage, this fact appears to me of itself fatal to the recognition of
the species. At the same time, I should add that the difference in colour was so manifest and striking,
that Mr. G. R. Gray was perfectly justified in characterizing it provisionally as a distinct species,
although (as appears from his Catalogue of Psittacide, 1859) he was himself of opinion that it might
ultimately prove a mere variety. Even Dr. Finsch, who is scrupulously careful in all his identifica-
2

E

28

tions, states (in his valuable Monograph of Parrots) that, after a careful examination of the type specimen,
he felt bound to admit S. greyi as a good species. It only remains for me to say that I regret that my
convictions tompel me to sink a name designed by the describer as a compliment to Sir George Grey,
who has always taken so zealous a part in the furtherance of ornithological science.

Nesiling. The young Kakapo is at first covered with greyish down, but assumes the adult plumage from
the nest, although the colours are duller than in the mature bird, and with a less admixture of yellow ;
the ear-coverts are darker, and the facial disk less conspicuous.

General remarks. In the peculiar form which constitutes the unique member of the genus Stringops, the bill
is broad and powerful; the upper mandible has a peculiar rasp-like character within, while the lower
mandible is deeply fluted on its outer surface, with a worn, notched process near the extremity. The
plumage is soft but compact; the wings apparently well-developed, but useless for purposes of flight,
with the quills much curved or bent; the tail long and slightly decurved, the feathers composing it
acuminate and sometimes with the tips abraded; the projecting feathers on the checks loose, with dis-
united filaments and shafts much produced; the legs strong and well formed; the tarsi covered with
elevated rounded scales; the toes similarly protected in their basal portion, scutellate towards the end;
the claws strong, well-arched, sharp on their inner edge, and with fine points.

THIs is one of the very remarkable forms peculiar to New Zealand, and has been appropriately
termed an Owl Parrot. As its name Stringops indicates, its face bears a resemblance to that
of an Owl; and our knowledge of the structure and habits of the bird would seem to prove that
it supplies in the grand scheme of nature the connecting link between the Owls and Parrots.
In all the essential characteristics of structure it is a true Parrot; but in the possession of a facial
disk (in which respect it differs from all other known Parrots), in the soft texture of its plumage,
and especially in its decidedly nocturnal habits, it betrays strong affinities to the Owl tribe. Its
toes, as in all other members of the order, are zygodactyle ; but, as pointed out by Mr. T. W. Wood,
in an interesting article communicated to the ‘Student’ (1870, p. 492), the foot of an Owl, when
the bird is perched, considerably resembles that of a Parrot, as the outer toe is then placed
backwards with the hind one, so that the bird’s feet may be said to be temporarily zygodactyle,
whereas those of the Parrot are permanently so.

Although exclusively a vegetable-eater, its habit of hiding during the day in holes of trees
and dark burrows exhibits a further point of resemblance to the nocturnal birds of prey. As these
latter are in reality night Hawks, so is this bird, what the native name, Kakapo, implies, a night
Parrot; and the analogy thus presented harmonizes with the idea of its being the connecting
link between the Accipitres and Psittaci.

The feathers surrounding the eyes and filling the lores differ from those on the other parts
of the body not only in being of a lighter colour, but also in form and structure, being narrow
and penicillate, with the shaft considerably produced. Those overlapping the base of the lower
mandible are more stiff and elongated.

All who have studied the bird in its natural state agree on this point, that the wings,
although sufficiently large and strong, are perfectly useless for purposes of flight, and that the
bird merely spreads them to break the force of its fall in descending from a higher point to a
lower when suddenly surprised ; in some instances (as one of the writers quoted below informs us)
even this use of them is neglected, the bird falling to the ground like a stone.

We @
should be 1
the muscle
well devel
« voracious
ment, requ
seen them

These
sought for
indigenous

the anima
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transcribe

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has been ;
s been Appropriately
& resemblance to thy
ould seem to prove thi
the Owls and Pam

he possession of a faci

texture of its plum,
s to the Owl tribe. It
out by Mr. T. W. Wood
1e foot of an Owl, when
uter toe is then plac

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temp rarily zygodact}#,

re day in holes of trees
birds of prey: As thee
. lies, a nist!
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s being the connect;
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£ yne-

29

We are naturally led to ask how it is that a bird possessing large and well-formed wings
should be found utterly incapable of flight. On removing the skin from the body it is seen that
the muscles by means of which the movements of these anterior limbs are regulated are very
well developed, but are largely overlaid with fat. The bird is known to be a ground-feeder, with
a voracious appetite, and to subsist chiefly on vegetable mosses, which, possessing but little nutri-
ment, require to be eaten in large quantities ; and Dr. Haast informs us that he has sometimes
seen them with their crops so distended and heavy that the birds were scarcely able to move.

These mosses cover the ground and the roots or trunks of prostrate trees, requiring to be
sought for on foot; and the bird’s habit of feeding at night, in a country where there are no
indigenous predatory quadrupeds, would render flight a superfluous exertion, and a faculty of no
special advantage in the struggle for existence. Thus it may be reasonably inferred that disuse,
under the usual operation of the laws of nature, has occasioned this disability of wing; for there
is no physiological reason why the Kakapo should not be as good a flier as any other Parrot.

Conformably also with the doctrine of natural selection, we have here another striking
instance of the law of assimilative colouring, which obtains more or less in every department of
the animal kingdom. Nature has compensated this bird for its helplessness when compelled to
leave its hiding-place in the daytime, by endowing it with a mottled plumage so exactly harmo-
nizing with that of the green mosses among which it feeds, that it is almost impossible to
distinguish it.

Although the existence of a large ground-Parrot was known to the early colonists of New
Zealand from the reports of the natives, who set a high value on the feathers for purposes of
decoration, it was not till the year 1845 that a skin of this bird reached Europe; and this was
purchased by the Trustees of the British Museum for the sum of £24.

According to native tradition, the Kakapo was formerly abundant all over the North* and
South Islands; but at the present day its range is confined to circumscribed limits, which are
becoming narrower every year. In the North Island it is rarely heard of,—although I may state,
on the authority of Dr. Hector and Mr. Mair, that it still exists in the Kai-Manawa ranges, and,
as 1 have been assured by the chief Herekiekie, it is still occasionally met with in various parts

of the Taupo districtf.

The first published account of this singular bird is that given by Dr. Lyall, R.N., in a paper
read before the Zoological Society of London, on the 24th of February, 1852, and which I have
transcribed from the ‘Proceedings’ of that year:—‘ Although the Kakapo is said to be still
found occasionally on some parts of the high mountains in the interior of the North Island of
New Zealand, the only place where we met with it during our circumnavigation and exploration
of the coasts of the islands in H.M.S. ‘ Acheron, was at the S.W. end of the Middle Island.

* Te Heuheu’s father, Ngatoroairangi, a renowned Maori naturalist of former times, was a successful Kakapo-hunter.
He was (so the natives relate) accustomed to lie in ambush near the beaten tracks of these birds, and capture them, in the
early dawn, on their way to their hiding-places. This good old chief is said to have attempted the introduction of the
Snapper into the Taupo Lake. He planted the island of Mokoia, in the Rotorua Lake, with totara, and left behind him
other evidences that he was a “ scientific man” far in advance of his time. ;

hrough the kindness of Mr. White, R.M., I obtained a native-prepared skin of the Kakapo from Taupo, for compa-
rison with examples from the South Island. It was a very small specimen, measuring only 21 inches in length, and 8°5
in the wing; but I was able to satisfy myself of the real identity of the species in both islands.

30

There, in the deep sounds which intersect that part of the island, it is still found in considerable
numbers, inhabiting the dry spurs of hills or flats near the banks of rivers where the trees are
high and the forest comparatively free from fern or underwood. ‘The first place where it was
obtained was on a hillnearly 4000 feet above the level of the sea. It was also found living in com-
munities, on flats near the mouths of rivers close to the sea. In these places the tracks were to
be seen, resembling footpaths made by man, and leading us at first to imagine that there must be
natives in the neighbourhood. The tracks are about a foot wide, regularly pressed down to the
edges, which are two or three inches deep amongst the moss, and cross each other usually at
right angles.

“The Kakapo lives in holes under the roots of trees, and is also occasionally found under
shelving rocks. ‘The roots of many New-Zealand trees growing partly above ground, holes are
common under them; but where the Kakapo is found, many of the holes appeared to have been
enlarged, although no earth was ever found thrown out near them. There were frequently two
openings to these holes; and occasionally, though rarely, the trees over them were hollow for
some distance up. The only occasion on which the Kakapo was seen to fly was when it got up
one of these hollow trees and was driven to an exit higher up. The flight was very short, the
wings being scarcely moved; and the bird alighted on a tree at a lower level than the place from
whence it had come, but soon got higher up by climbing, using its tail to assist it. Except when
driven from its holes, the Kakapo is never seen during the day; and it was only by the assistance
of dogs that we were enabled to find it. Before dogs became common, and when the bird was
plentiful in inhabited parts of the islands, the natives were in the habit of catching it at night,
using torches to confuse it. It offers a formidable resistance to a dog, and sometimes inflicts
severe wounds with its powerful claws and beak. At a very recent period it was very common all
over the west coast of the Middle Island; but there is now a race of wild dogs said to have
overrun all the northern part of this shore, and to have almost extirpated the Kakapo wherever
they have reached. ‘Their range is said to be at present confined by a river or some such
physical obstruction ; and it is to be feared that, if they once succeed in gaining the stronghold of
the Kakapo (the S.W. end of the island), the bird may soon become extinct. During the latter
half of February and the first half of March, whilst we were amongst the haunts of these birds, we
found young ones in many of the holes

frequently only one, never more than two, in the same
hole. In one case where there were two young ones, I found also an addled egg. There was
usually, but not always, an old bird in the same hole with the young ones. ‘They build no nest,
but simply scrape a slight hollow amongst the dry dust formed of decayed wood. The young were
of different ages, some being nearly fully fledged, and others covered only with down. The egg
is white and about the size of a Pigeon’s.

“The cry of the Kakapo is a hoarse croak, varied occasionally by a discordant shriek when
irritated or hungry. ‘The Maories say that during winter they assemble in large numbers in
caves, and that at the times of meeting, and again before dispersing to their summer haunts, the
noise they make is perfectly deafening. A good many young ones were brought on board the
the ship alive. Most of them died a few days afterwards, probably from want of sufficient care;
some died after being kept a month or two; and the legs of others became deformed after they
had been a few weeks in captivity. The cause of the deformity was supposed to be the want of

which attr
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1 it was very commonil
wild dogs said to hav
<d the Kakapo where
- @ river or some sid
aining the stronghold d
inct. During the latia
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than two, in the sm
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They build no 26
The young welt
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ps

31

proper food, and too close confinement. They were fed chiefly on soaked bread, oatmeal and
water, and boiled potatoes. When let loose in a garden they would eat lettuces, cabbages, and
grass, and would taste almost every green leaf that they came across. One which I brought
within six hundred miles of England (when it was accidentally killed), whilst at Sydney ate
eagerly of the leaves of a Banksia and several species of Eucalyptus, as well as grass, appearing
to prefer them all to its usual diet of bread and water. It was also very fond of nuts and
almonds, and during the latter part of the homeward voyage lived almost entirely on Brazilian
eround-nuts. On several occasions the bird took sullen fits, during which it would eat nothing
for two or three days at a time, screaming and defending itself with its beak when any one
attempted to touch it. It was at all times of an uncertain temper, sometimes biting severely
when such a thing was least expected. It appeared to be always in the best humour when first
taken out of its box in the morning, hooking on eagerly with its upper mandible to the finger
held down to lift it out. As soon as it was placed on the deck it would attack the first object
which attracted its attention—sometimes the leg of my trowsers, sometimes a slipper or a boot.
Of the latter it was particularly fond: it would nestle down upon it, flapping its wings and
showing every symptom of pleasure. It would then get up, rub against it with its sides, and roll
upon it on its back, striking out with its feet whilst in this position. One of these birds, sent on
shore by Capt. Stokes to the care of Major Murray, of the 65th Regiment, at Wellington, was
allowed to run about his garden, where it was fond of the society of the children, following them
like a dog wherever they went.

“Nearly all the adult Kakapos which I skinned were exceedingly fat, having on the breast
a thick layer of oily fat or blubber which it was very difficult to separate from the skin. Their
stomachs contained a pale green, sometimes almost white, homogeneous mass, without any trace
of fibre in it. There can be little doubt but their food consists partly of roots (their beaks are
usually more or less covered with indurated mud), and partly of the leaves and tender shoots of
various plants. At one place where the birds were numerous we observed that the young shoots
of a leguminous shrub growing by the banks of a river were all nipped off; and this was said by
our pilot, who had frequented these places for many years in a whaling-vessel, to be the work of
the Kakapo. Their flesh is white and is generally esteemed good eating.”

Sir George Grey, two years later, sent the following interesting account of the Kakapo to
Mr. Gould, who gave it a place in the Appendix to his ‘ Birds of Australia’ :—

“‘ During the day it remains hid in holes under the roots of trees or rocks, or very rarely perched
on the boughs of trees with a very dense thick foliage. At these times it appears stupid from its
profound sleep—and if disturbed or taken from its hole, immediately runs and tries to hide itself
again, delighting, if practicable, to cover itself in a heap of soft dry grass; about sunset it becomes
lively, animated, and playful, issues forth from its retreat, and feeds on grass, weeds, vegetables,
fruit, seeds, and roots. When eating grass it grazes rather than feeds, nibbling the grass in the

1
v7

manner of a rabbit or wombat. It sometimes climbs trees, but g
and only uses its short wings for the purpose of aiding its progress when running, balancing
itself when on a tree, or in making a short descent, half jump half flight, from an upper to a lower
bough. When feeding, if pleased with its food, it makes a continued grunting noise. It isa
greedy bird, and choice in its food, showing an evident relish for any thing of which it is fond.

remains upon the ground,

32

It cries repeatedly during the night, with a noise not very unlike that of the Kaka (Nestor meri-
dionalis), but not so loud.

“The Kakapo is a very clever and intelligent bird—in fact, singularly so; contracts a strong
affection for those who are kind to it; shows its attachment by climbing about and rubbing itself
against its friend, and is eminently a social and playful bird: indeed, were it not for its dirty habits,
it would make a far better pet than any other bird with which I am acquainted; for its manner
of showing its attachment by playfulness and fondling is more like that of a dog than a bird.

“It builds in holes under trees and rocks, and lays two or three white eggs about the size of
a pullet’s, in the month of February ; and the young birds are found in March. At present (1854)
the bird is known to exist only in the Middle Island of New Zealand on the west coast between
Chalky Harbour and Jackson’s Bay, and in the Northern Island about the sources of the
Wanganui and in part of the Taupo countries. It was, within the recollection of the old people,
abundant in every part of New Zealand; and they say it has been exterminated by the cats intro-
duced by the Europeans, which are now found wild and in great numbers in every part of the
country. ‘They say also that the large rat introduced from Europe has done its part in the work
of destruction.

“The natives assert that, when the breeding-season is over, the Kakapo lives in societies of
five or six in the same hole; and they say it is a provident bird, and lays up in the fine season a
store of fern-root for the bad weather. I have had five or six of the birds in captivity, but never
succeeded in keeping them alive for more than eighteen months or two years. The last I had I
sent home as a present to the Zoological Society; but it died off Cape Horn.”

Mr. G. S. Sale (now Professor of Classics in the New-Zealand University) succeeded, in 1870,
in bringing, for the first time, to England a live specimen of the Kakapo. This bird was depo-
sited for a short period in the gardens of the Zoological Society, and excited much interest*. An
excellent portrait of it appeared in the ‘ Field’ newspaper of October 15, 1870, accompanied by a
short article on the subject, in which the readers of that journal are informed that “ unfortunately
for the gratification of the curiosity of visitors, the Kakapo in the gardens obstinately persists in
indulging in its nocturnal habits. During the day it remains concealed; and it is only at night,
when the visitors have departed, that the singular movements and habits of this animal can be
studied with advantage.” This notice called forth a letter} from Mr. Sale, the owner of the bird,
in which further interesting particulars of its history are recorded. After explaining that the
bird had been in his possession for several months before he deposited it in the gardens, and that
he had carefully observed its habits, Mr. Sale continues :—* Sir G. Grey exactly hit the chief
characteristics of the Kakapo when he spoke of its affectionate and playful disposition. During
the whole time that the bird has been in my possession it has never shown the slighest sign of
ill-temper, but has invariably been good-humoured and eager to receive any attention. Its play-
fulness is remarkable. It will run from a corner of the room, seize my hand with claws and beak,
and tumble over and over with it exactly like a kitten, and then rush back to be invited to a fresh

attack. Its play becomes sometimes a little severe; but the slighest check makes it more gentle.

It has also, apparently, a strong sense of humour. I have sometimes amused myself by placing @

* The Council of the Society offered a sum of £50 for this bird, but were unable to come to terms with the owner
‘’ ‘Field’ newspaper, November 12, 1870.

showed
been liv
night.

who we!

telligenc
In
“TI obse
its objec
its usua
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screeche
note he
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. It

if a dog than aee
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mut the Sources of th
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lone its part in be Toi

Kapo lives in Societies ¢
78 Up in the fine seam,
ds in captivity, but nee
years. The last I had]
orn.”
rsity) succeeded, in Si,
po. This bird was dep
ted much interest*. 41
1870, accompanied bys
med that “ unfortunatel
ns obstinately persists 2
and it is only at nigh
its of this animal cane
le, the owner of the bi
fter explainné that
= and tht!
in the g ieee

ful disposition:
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k to ) be}
ck makes ee ;
used myst ‘

ne wo term®

33

dog or cat close to its cage; and it has danced backwards and forwards with outstretched wings,
evidently with the intention of shamming anger, and has testified its glee at the success of the
manceuvre by the most absurd and grotesque attitudes. One trick especially it has, which it
almost invariably uses when pleased ; and that is, to march about with its head twisted round, and
its beak in the air—wishing, I suppose, to see how things look the wrong way up; or, perhaps, it
wishes to fancy itself in New Zealand again. ‘The highest compliment it can pay you is to nestle
down on your hand, ruffle out its feathers, and lower its wings, flapping them alternately, and
shaking its head from side to side; when it does this it is in a superlative state of enjoyment. I
do not think it is quite correct to say that it has dirty habits; certainly it is not worse in this
respect than an ordinary parrot.

“T am surprised to find that during the time it was in the Zoological Gardens it very rarely
showed itself in the daytime. My experience has been the reverse of this. It has generally
been lively enough during the greater part of the day, though not quite so violent and noisy as at
night. I had this bird at Saltburn, in Yorkshire, during the summer; and any of your readers
who were at that place in the month of August, will remember seeing this bird at the bazaar held
in aid of the district church, on which occasion its playfulness never flagged during the whole
day. ‘This may partly have been due to excitement at seeing so many strange faces; but it also,
no doubt, felt the excellence of the cause (recollect, Sir G. Grey testifies to its cleverness and in-
telligence), and exerted itself accordingly to help the Church-building Fund.”

In another account of the habits of the particular bird in his possession, Mr. Sale remarks :—
“T observe that it rarely makes any noise by day; but about dusk it usually begins to screech,
its object being apparently to attract attention; for if let loose from its cage and allowed to have
its usual play, it ceases to make any noise. It also makes a grunting noise when eating, espe-
cially if pleased; and I have myself attracted it to me by imitating the same sound. It also
screeches sometimes when handled, not apparently from anger, but more from timidity.” Ina
note he adds:—“ The sound of the bird is not a shrill scream, but a muffled screech, more like a
mingled grunt and screech.”

Dr. Hector found the Kakapo very numerous on the west coast of the Otago Province
during his exploration of that country in 1861-62; and his collection of birds, in the Otago
Museum, contains many beautiful specimens of it. He succeeded in bringing some live ones to
Dunedin ; but although they had become perfectly tame, they did not long survive their confine-
ment. As Dr. Hector had good opportunities of studying this bird in its native haunts, I am
glad to add the following additional particulars from the pen of so able a naturalist :—

“The name of Owl Parrot is very appropriate, from the aspect of its head and face, as the
bill is short and almost buried among feathers and long bristly hairs like the whiskers of a cat.
These whiskers, no doubt, are used in the same manner, as delicate feelers for distinguishing
objects in the dark, as the Kakapo is strictly nocturnal in its habits—never stirring from the
holes and burrows in which it rests during the day until nightfall. They then emerge from the
woods to the sides of the rivers; and, as they feed, their harsh screams can be heard at intervals
until they return at daybreak to the depths of the forest. Notwithstanding the shortness of
their legs and large size of their feet, they run at a good pace, with a waddling duck-like gait;
and though they climb with great facility, and rapidly take to trees when disturbed or pursued,

FE

34

they never make any attempt to fly. They are found on the mountains at all elevations; but
their favorite haunts are either on the flats by the sides of the rivers, or at 3000 to 4000 feet ele-
vation, where the forest is very scrubby and dense and merges into open ground, and where the
spurs that lead to the precipitous and rocky ridges are covered with coarse grass. In their
nocturnal rambles on the mountain-tops—which the Kakapos seem at some seasons to indulge in
—they appear to keep in line along the spurs and ridges, as they beat down broad tracks which
it would be quite excusable to mistake for the well-frequented paths leading to some encampment
in the woods. ‘They seem strictly herbivorous, their food being principally grass and the slender
juicy twigs of shrubs, such as the New-Zealand broom ( Carmichellia), which they chew up into a
ball without detaching it from the plant—satisfying themselves with the juice which they extract.
Their haunts are therefore easily recognized by the little woolly balls of chewed fibre which
dangle from the branches of the shrubs, or strew the ground where they have been feasting on
the succulent grasses. It is stated by the Maories that in winter they assemble in large numbers,
as if for business; for after confabulating together for some time with great uproar, they march
off in bands in different directions. However, they are not gregarious at all seasons of the year,
but are generally found in families of two or three together. They breed in February, having
two eggs at a time, which they lay in the holes they scrape for dormitories under the roots of
decayed trees and fallen rocks.

“The Kakapo can only be successfully hunted with dogs. The best time for hunting these
birds is in the early morning, as soon as it is sufficiently light to permit of the sportsman passing
rapidly through the bush, as at that time the scent is still fresh of the birds that were abroad
during the night. The Maori dogs enjoy the sport very keenly, and follow it largely on their
own account—so much so that, when the Maories encamp in a locality where these nocturnal
birds abound, the dogs grow fat and sleek, and the birds are soon exterminated. The Kakapo is
esteemed a great delicacy by the natives; but its flesh has a strong and slightly stringent flavour.”

Probably no New-Zealand explorer has enjoyed more favourable opportunities for investi-
gating the natural history of the Kakapo than Dr. Haast, whose observations on the subject were
embodied in a paper, full of scientific interest, read before the Canterbury Philosophical Society
on the 4th June, 1863.

A German version of this paper was contributed by the author to the ‘ Verhandlungen ’ of
the Zoological and Botanical Association of Vienna, of October 10, 1863. A translation appeared
in ‘The Ibis’ of the following year (pp. 340-346); and, curiously enough, a retranslation was
published in the ‘Journal fiir Ornithologie’ for 1864 (pp. 458-464). But the paper as originally
written has never been published; and as Dr. Haast has favoured me with a copy of it, I have
much pleasure in finding room for the following copious extracts :—

“ So little is known of this solitary inhabitant of our primeval forests, that the following
short narrative of observations which I was fortunate enough to make during my recent west-coast
journey may interest you. Although I was travelling almost continuously for several years in
the interior of these islands, it was only during my last journey that I was enabled to study its
natural history. I was well acquainted with its call, and had often observed its tracks in the
sands of the river-beds and in the fresh fallen snow, but I had not actually seen it. The principal
reason for this was, that formerly I had no dog with me; and consequently it would only be by

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been feasting ‘

semble in large Dube
na UR

freat uproar, they Tay!
at all seasons of the rep
reed in February, have

tories under the ro,

st time for hunting thy
of the sportsman pase
he birds that were abmi
follow it largely on the
ty where these nocum
minated. The Kakapi
lightly stringent flavou
opp’ yrtunities for inves
tions on the subject Wet
ury Philosophical Soci
, the * Verhandlunge '

\ translation 4?
on we

peatts

a

4 |
a retranslatl
as orig

I hart

ough,
ut the paper “
with a copy of it,

35

the greatest accident that this bird, not at all rare in those untrodden regions, could be
obtained.

“The true habitat of the Kakapo is the mossy open Fagus-forest, near mountain-streams,
with occasional grassy plots; but it also lives both on the hill-sides, amongst enormous blocks of
rock, mostly overgrown with roots of trees and a deep covering of moss, and on wooded flats along
the banks of the larger rivers, liable to be inundated by heavy rainfalls or by the sudden melting
of the snow..... It is a striking fact, that, with the exception only of the valley of the river
Makarora, forming Lake Wanaka, I never found the Kakapo on the eastern side of the Alps,
although extensive Fagus-forests exist there also. It appears to have crossed the main chain at
the low wooded pass which leads from the source of the Haast to that of the Makarora, and
reached the mouth of this river at Lake Wanaka, where probably the absence of forest put a stop
to its further advance. It is very abundant in the valley of the last-mentioned river, and is found
even in the Makarora bush, notwithstanding that numerous sawyers are at work there. When
camped on the borders of that forest, we continually heard its call near our tents; but none of
the sawyers had any idea of the existence of such a large bird in their neighbourhood, although
the irregular shrill call had sometimes attracted their attention. It also occurs in the valley of
the Wilkin, but is less numerous there, which may be accounted for by the existence of wild dogs
in this locality. We may therefore safely assume that from the junction of this river with the
Makarora the Kakapo ascended toward the sources of the former. In the valley of the Hunter,
only divided by a mountain-range of great altitude but with some low saddles, no sign of it was
to be observed, although large Fagus-forests would appear to offer a propitious abode.......
This bird has hitherto been pronounced to be of true nocturnal habits; but I think, from obser-
vations I was able to make, that this opinion ought to be somewhat modified. It is true that
generally an hour after sunset, the dense foliage of the forest giving additional darkness to the
country, its call began to be heard all around us. It then commenced to rove about, and, attracted
by the glare of our camp-fire, frequently came close to our tent, when the heedless bird was imme-

diately caught by our dog. But as we met with it on two occasions in the daytime, occupied in
feeding, and as I observed that it knew and understood perfectly well the danger which approached,
we may safely assume that it has, at least in this respect, some relation to diurnal birds. In order
to show why I come to this conclusion, I will particularize the two occurrences I have mentioned,
especially as they appear to bear directly upon some other important points in the structure of
this bird. When returning from the west coast, we observed, in the afternoon (the sky being
clouded), a Kakapo sitting on the prostrate trunk of a tree in the open forest. When about ten
yards from it, the bird observed us, and disappeared instantly in its hole, whence, with the aid of
the dog, we afterwards took it. It is clear that in this case the bird was not overtaken by the
coming day, when far away from its abode, but that it left its retreat voluntarily during daylight.
The second instance I shall mention is more striking, and shows that the Kakapo feeds also
during the day. It was towards evening, but still broad daylight, when we passed along the hill-
side near a deep rocky gorge, and saw a large Kakapo sitting on a low fuchsia tree, about ten
feet from the ground, feeding on the berries. "When close to it, the bird saw us, and instantly
dropped down, as if shot, and disappeared amongst the huge fragments of rocks strewed along the
hill-side. But the most remarkable circumstance was, that the frightened bird did not open its
F 2

36

wings to break its fall, but dropped as if it did not possess any wings atall.....: In order to
see whether they would fly, or even flutter, when pursued by an enemy, I placed on the ground a
full-grown specimen, which had been caught by the dog without being hurt. It was on a large
shingle-bed ; so that the bird had ample room for running or rising on the wing, if for this pur-
pose it wanted space. I was not a little astonished to observe that it only started running towards
the nearest point of the forest, where a dark shadow was apparent—and quicker than I had
expected, considering the position of its toes and its clumsy figure, resembling closely a Galli-
naceous bird in its movements. As I was standing sideways to it, I thought that it kept its wings
closed upon its body, so little were they opened ; but my companion, who was equally anxious to
see how our prisoner would try to escape, and who stood a little behind it, observed that it opened
its wings slightly, but without flapping them in any degree, using them apparently more for keep-
ing its balance than for accelerating its movements. This would almost lead to the conclusion
that the Kakapo does not travel far, especially as I have already shown that its whole structure is
ill adapted for running. But having myself frequently followed the tracks, and found them to
extend a great distance over the sandy reaches along the river, such a conclusion as that suggested
above would be erroneous. It must be exceedingly fond of water, because in many localities its
tracks were observed for half a mile over shingle and sand to the banks of the river; and I am
unable to explain the curious fact, unless the object be to mix river-water with the enormous mass
of pulpy vegetable matter which is to be found in its crop. With the exception of two specimens,
the crops of which were filled with the large berries of a small-leaved Coriaria, by which their
flesh was flavoured, all the birds examined by me had their crops widely distended by a mass of
finely comminuted vegetable mosses, weighing many ounces...... I carefully examined the
subterranean abode of this bird. From the account given by the natives, I thought that it would
be found living in well-excavated holes, resembling in their construction those of the Fox or
Badger, that the entrance would be so small as to enable only the inhabitants to enter, and thus
to exclude larger animals from persecuting it. This, however, is not the case, because, with one
exception, all the specimens obtained were either in fissures amongst rocks, or in cavities formed
by huge blocks, tumbled one over another, and overgrown with moss, or in holes formed by the
roots of decayed trees. ‘The cavities in the rocks were generally sufficiently large to allow of my
dog (a good-sized retriever) freely entering them. The openings to the other holes being smaller,
it was sometimes necessary to cut away a few roots at the entrance. Inside, the cavity was
invariably of very large size, because we could plainly hear the dog advancing several yards before
commencing his scuffle with the occupant; and on returning, with the bird in his mouth, he
always emerged head foremost, thus proving that the chamber was large enough to enable him to
turn himself round. Before he had become accustomed to the work, the dog was often punished
severely by the bird’s powerful beak and claws; but he ultimately became quite an expert, always
seizing his prey by the head and crushing the skull. He appeared to take a delight in searching
for these birds, and was never tired of providing for us in this manner...... The holes or
abodes of the Kakapo were not only on the mountain-sides, but also on the flats near the river-
banks, which are liable to be overflowed. ‘There can be no doubt that, when a sudden inundation
takes place, the bird can save itself upon a bush or neighbouring tree. I do not think, however,
that it can climb the boles of standing trees, because it never resorted to them during the night or

when pa
to our ca.
standing

one hole
just belo
which a
up. Th
banks, @
rounded

the groul
entrance

his mout
the burr
of the M
amongst

the hole.
scented ¢
camp-fire
sometime
cumstanc
only afte:

Stringop:
upon the
duce a lo
end of it
drew it o
a Turkey

The
Buller R.
the westi

To

become ,

A ]j
Admirab]

all |

Placed on * Ode
hurt. Me on, &
Was ™

; F
; le a. i
Wing, ig ¢ “hy

- 0 .
| Started

9)
ay

a t this),
Ding,
u Stony
nd Wieker 4, =
a |}
I
Mbling Close} ; ;
Pht thats. 3, Gy
that it Kept lea
OW —
Los
lat it ODeng
Pparently More fy |
: Or k

it lead to the con
;

aS a
S equally any
: observed th

3 a
440 Its w hole structun:
acks, and found then
clusion as that ins
use in many Localite
s of the river: ‘ia
with the enormons a
eption of two specime

pe

Coriaria, by which thi
y distended by & Mass (i

carefully examined th
_ I thought that it wo
ion those of the Fora
itants to enter, and thi

e case. because, with a

ks. or in cavities Zorutt

in holes formed byt
tly large to allow 0 2

ther holes being small,
Inside, the cavity *
cing several yards se
. bird m his mouth P
enough to enable 7
dog was often pst

> quite an exper ‘a
>a delight seal ‘
5c © The holes f
os fats pear ~
jden jnud “ae

}en at : a F

LS;
do not ai , nigh
uring the

hem 4

37

when persecuted by the dog—except in one single case, when the bird ascended a leaning tree close
to our camp, and remained till the dog had given up the attempt to obtain it. But, notwith-
standing that almost all the abodes that came under examination were natural cavities, I met with
one hole which seemed to have been regularly mined. On the northern bank of the river Haast,
just below the junction of the river Clarke, a large flat occurs, formed by deposits of sand, over
which a thin layer of vegetable mould is spread, and on which a luxuriant vegetation has sprung
up. The river, in washing against these deposits, has in some places formed nearly perpendicular
banks, about six to eight feet high. At one spot, about two feet below the surface, several
rounded holes were observed; and the dog tried in vain to enter them. After carefully scenting
the ground, he began to scratch the surface with his paws, and soon succeeded in widening the
entrance sufficiently to admit his body; and he immediately afterwards emerged with the bird in
his mouth. ‘There is no doubt, in my own mind, that this hole, at least, had been excavated; and
the burrowing-faculty of the bird may be considered so far established. On a flat, in the valley
of the Makarora, the dog brought one from the interior of a hollow drift-tree, which was lying
amongst sedges and grasses in an old river-channel. There was never more than one individual in
the hole, although very often within twenty or thirty yards of it another specimen would be
scented out by the dog, the two being generally of opposite sexes. At night-time, in visiting our
camp-fire, they generally came in pairs, the two being successively caught by my dog, a single or
sometimes a repeated angry growl from the bird informing us that he had hold of it. These cir-
cumstances lead me to conclude that during the day each inhabits separately its hole, and that
only after dark do they meet for feeding and for social intercourse.”

In his Nelson Report *, Dr. Haast informs us that “in former years the Maruia Plains were
a celebrated hunting-ground of the Maories for this bird. They generally went there on fine
moonlight nights, when the berries of the tutu (Coriaria sarmentosa), a favourite food of the
Stringops, were ripe, and ran them down partly with dogs, or even killed them with long sticks
upon the tutu bushes. Another mode of capture was, when they had found their holes, to intro-
duce a long stick, to which they had fastened several strong flax snares. Feeling the bird with the
end of it, they twisted the stick until some part of the bird was caught in the snares, and thus
drew it out. The cry of the Kakapo, heard during the night, very much resembles the gobble of
a Turkey.”

The Kakapo is said to be still very plentiful in a grassy locality about fifteen miles up the
Buller River; and Mr. Huddleston informs me that it is often met with in the wooded country on
the western side of the Nelson Province.

To these full and interesting particulars of the habits of a bird that is destined ere long to
become extinct, I have little or nothing to add.

A specimen, sent to England by Mr. Murdoch, the Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand,
and now in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, lives in the same retired way as its predecessor,
closely concealing itself in its box by day, exhibiting itself to the public only under coercion of
the keeper, and then manifesting the utmost impatience to regain its dark retreat.

A life-size drawing of this species was given in Gray and Mitchell’s ‘ Genera of Birds’ (1842),
admirably coloured, but placed in an attitude quite foreign to the habits of the bird. Mr. Gould

* Loe. cit. p. 7.

38

gave a portrait of it in the Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia,’ executed in his usual masterly
style; and other figures, of less note, have appeared at various times. The coloured drawing of
this bird in the ‘Student’ for 1870, as well as the woodcut in the ‘Field,’ although in other
respects excellent pictures, possess a fault in common—namely, in having the tail broad and fan-
like, instead of being compressed, narrow, and inclined inwards. This, as I have been informed,
was owing to the damaged condition of the tail in the particular bird from which both of these
figures were taken.

The attitude selected by our artist is adapted from a sketch taken from life, and furnished
by Dr. Hector.

The egg of the Kakapo, of which there is a figure (from the pencil of Mr. Wolf) in the
‘Proceedings’ of the Zoological Society for 1852, is broadly ovato-conical in form, and of pure
whiteness till discoloured in the process of incubation. A specimen in the Canterbury Museum,
much stained and slightly damaged, measures 2 inches in length by 1-4 in its greatest breadth.
The surface of the shell is smooth, but without any gloss or polish; and on close inspection it is
found to be finely granulate.

“Sle
he : “10Ureg Craving

; MH
eld. alth, Ugh oa

Oty
the taj] broag ad 4,
LE} Wore

oth of a

‘| NY g 998,
gee ehy

4y pe Mt or
ud” Ret} “a

NESTOR MERIDIONALIS.

NESTOR NOTABILIS.

Southe
Psitta
Psitta
Psitta
Nestor
Centro
Nestor
Psitta
Nestor
Nestor

Kaka:
korako.

Ad. pileo all
facie
dorso

brun

Juv, torque

Adult, ¢

parts

MS

NESTOR MERIDIONALIS.

NESTOR NOTABILIS.

Orpver PSITTACI. ] [Fam. TRICHOGLOSSIDA.

NESTOR MERIDIONALIS.
(KAKA PARROT.)

Southern Brown Parrot, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 264 (1781).
Psittacus meridionalis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 333 (1788).
Psittacus nestor, Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 110 (1790).

Psittacus australis, Shaw, Mus. Lever. p. 87 (1792).

Nestor nove zelandia, Less. Tr. @Orn. p. 191 (1831).

Centrourus australis, Sw. Classif. of B. ii. p. 303 (1837).

Nestor meridionalis, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 193 (1843).
Psittacus hypopolius, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 72 (1844).

Nestor australis, Gray, Gen. of B. ii. p. 426 (1845).

Nestor hypopolius, Bonap. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, p. 155.

Native names.

Kaka; varieties distinguished as Kaka-kura, Kaka-kereru, Kaka-pipiwarauroa, and Kaka-
korako.

Ad. pileo albicanti-cinereo, plumis nuchz brunneo marginatis: torque collari aurantiaco et coccineo mixta:
facie laterali fusco-brunned, regione auriculari aurantiacd et genis anticis sordidé coccineo notatis:
dorso superiore olivascenti-brunneo, interdum olivaceo-viridi nitente, plumis omnibus nigro marginatis :
uropygio et supracaudalibus sordidé coccineis, plumis leetiore coccineo fasciatis et nigro terminatis: tec-
tricibus alarum pallidé brunneis, nigro marginatis: remigibus pallidé brunneis, pogonio interno dilute
coccineo transfasciatis: cauda pallidé brunned, supra vix distincté olivaceo vel rubro tincta, sed subtus
héc colore-lavaté et ad basin coccineo irregulariter fasciaté: pectore toto cinereo-fusco, plumis nigro
terminatis : abdomine toto cum hypochondriis et subcaudalibus pallidé brunneis, plumis omnibus coc-
cineo et ad apicem nigro transfasciatis: subalaribus et axillaribus coccineis, plus minusve aurantiaco
tinctis, et minimis brunneo transfasciatis : rostro cyanescenti-cinereo, mandibula versus basin fulvescenti-

brunneé: pedibus cyanescenti-cinereis, plantis pedum flavicanti-brunneis : iride saturaté brunnea.
Juv. torque nuchali indistinctiore: ald subtts fusco transfasciata.

Adult. General plumage olivaceous brown, each feather margined with darker brown, flushed on the lower
parts of the body with dark red, the plumage of the upper parts sometimes witha metallic green tinge ;

crown and sides of the head grey, margined with dusky brown; ear-coverts orpiment-orange, margined
with brown; feathers projecting over the lower mandible dark vinous red, with black hair-like filaments ;
on the nape the feathers are dingy red, margined with yellow and black, and forming a broad collar with
blending edges; feathers of the lower part of the back, rump, sides, abdomen, upper and lower tail-
coverts, in their outer portion, dark blood-red, of varying shades, and more or less tinged with yellow in
different examples; on the underparts these feathers are narrowly margined with black, on the upper
they are banded alternately with black and a lighter shade of red; quills light olivaceous brown, toothed

40

on the inner web with pale yellowish red, and the secondaries washed, on their inner surface, with pale
red; lining of the wings, as well as the axillaries, brilliantly coloured with scarlet and yellow, varying in
shade in almost every specimen, and differing in their markings according to age. In the fully mature
bird all these soft feathers, excepting the longer ones underlying the primaries, are of a bright scarlet,
variegated more or less with yellow, especially towards the outer edge of the wing, where the ground-
colour changes to olivaceous ; in some specimens the yellow tint predominates, whilé in rare instances
the whole of this plumage is of a uniform bright canary-yellow, the axillaries alone being tinged with
scarlet, and the toothed markings on the quills almost white, or only tinged with orange. The long
axillary plumes are always bright scarlet, barred with olivaceous brown, and sometimes tipped with
yellow; tail-feathers light olivaceous brown on their upper surface, with a broad transverse band of dark
brown near the tips, obscure vinous-red on the under surface, with toothed markings of brighter red
on their inner webs, and with the subterminal band very distinct. Irides dark brown; bill dark bluish
grey, the lower mandible sometimes yellowish brown towards the base; legs bluish grey; soles of feet
yellowish brown. Total length 18-5 inches; extent of wings 32; wing, from flexure, 11; tail 7; bill,
along the ridge, 2°25, along the edge of lower mandible 1; tarsus 1:25; longer fore toe and claw 2°5;
longer hind toe and claw 2°25. Our drawing is taken from a very richly coloured bird now living in
the Zoological Society’s Gardens, Regent’s Park.

Young. In the younger birds the scarlet lining on the under surface of the wings is marked by numerous
transverse bars of dusky brown; and towards the carpal edges the feathers are olivaceous brown, barred
and margined with orpiment-orange; the long soft feathers underlying the secondaries are dusky grey,
with faint bars of scarlet. In some examples the nuchal collar is very indistinct, being simply indicated
by a tinge of yellow, while in others it is fully as conspicuous as in the adult.

Nestling. The newly hatched nestling is covered with soft white down, thinly distributed, and very short on
the underparts ; abdomen entirely bare; bill whitish grey, the upper mandible armed near the tip with
a white horny point; cere pale flesh-colour; rictal membrane greatly developed, and of a pale yellow
colour; legs dull cinereous. The bill and feet seem disproportionately large, giving the nestling a very
ungainly appearance.

Obs. Apart from the strongly marked varieties to be presently noticed, individual specimens exhibit a con-
siderable amount of variation in the details of their colouring. The nuchal collar varies not only in
extent, but in colour, from pale orpiment-orange to a dark wine-red margined with yellow; and there
is much difference in the colour of the ear-coverts and of the filamentous feathers overlapping the under

andible. Examples also vary in size, a small one in my possession measuring only 16°5 inches in
fie wing, from flexure, 10; tail 6.

Varieties. The members of the genus Nestor show a great tendency to individual variation, examples even
of Nestor productus (which is confined in its range to a single rocky island) presenting such differences
of plumage as almost to induce a belief in the existence of more than one species. But this variability
of character is developed to the highest degree in Nestor meridionalis. Although it may be necessary,
or convenient, to recognize a larger and a smaller race, the former confined to the South Island, and
the latter having a wider dispersion, I have come to the conclusion that the following are merely aber-
rant varieties of the typical form, and, although sometimes recurrent in different localities, are not
entitled to recognition as distinct species.

Var. «. Nestor superbus, Buller, Essay on New-Zealand Ornithology, p. 11.
This is decidedly the most beautiful of the many varieties to be noticed. Owing to the discovery at the

game time ’
in ee
een fo

than in the ¢
back is equal
apparent in
siderably lar;
the shaft is ]
An exalt
supposed ¢

Var. B. Nesi
M.de S$
la descriptior

now graces {
out exceptio
country of ¢
any thing de
mM the form

Dr. Fin
type is in tt
ash-gp ey

Refery;

“il

ad tr

7 tt
AUS V¢ Tse his
: MAL of 3,

Mile

i?
he giscor™

: t
Ow wg wo

4]

same time, and in the same locality, of several examples, all in the same brilliant plumage, I felt no hesitation
in characterizing the species as new, under the above designation. Several connecting forms, however, have
since been found, and I now feel bound to sink N. superbus as a species. The following description of this
supposed species appeared in my ‘Essay’ (/. c.) :—“ Crown, hind neck, breast, scapulars, and upper wing-
coverts canary-yellow of different shades, and tinged with scarlet; upper surface of wings whitish yellow, the
primaries inclining to pale ash; upper surface of tail, when closed, pale ashy yellow, the sides being bright
canary-yellow with a scarlet tinge; sides, abdomen, lower tail-coverts, axillaries, lining of wings, lower part of
back, and upper tail-coverts bright scarlet, varied on the underparts, and minutely edged on the upper tail-
coverts with canary-yellow; cheeks, throat, ear-coverts, and a broad nuchal collar paler scarlet, largely mixed
on the ear-coverts and collar with bright yellow. The under wing-coverts are beautifully marked with alternate
bands of scarlet and yellow; the primaries, on their under surface, are ashy, marked on their inner vane with
triangular spots of scarlet and yellow; under surface of tail-feathers pale scarlet for two thirds of their extent,
and banded on their inner vane with brighter, ashy beyond, and yellowish towards the tip. Bill and legs dark
bluish grey.”

There are two specimens (said to be ¢ and 2) in the Canterbury Museum. They differ slightly in the
details of their colouring. In the one the nuchal collar of scarlet and yellow is much broader and brighter
than in the other, while the crown of the head is paler, being of a dull yellowish white. The lower part of the
back is equally brilliant in both ; and the peculiar ashy white, which is characteristic of albinism, is very strongly
apparent in the primaries and tail-feathers, although tinged on the latter with yellow. One has the bill con-
siderably larger and stronger than the other, while in both the tail-feathers have denuded tips, or, more properly,
the shaft is produced half an inch beyond the webs.

An example in my collection, obtained on Banks’s Peninsula (Canterbury) , corresponds exactly with the
supposed ¢ above described.

Var. B. Nestor esslingii, Souancé, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1856, p. 223.

M. de Souancé, the original describer of the supposed species, says :—“ Le Nestor dont nous allons donner
la description est, sans contredit, Poiseau le plus remarquable de Ja collection Masséna. Intermédiaire entre le
N. hypopolius et le N. productus, ce magnifique Perroquet réunit, dans son plumage, des détails caractéristiques
de ces deux espéces. Coloration générale semblable & celle du N. hypopolius.”

Mr. Gould, in the Supplement to his ‘Handbook to the Birds of Australia,’ says of it :—“A single speci-
men only of this magnificent Parrot has come under my notice; and this example is perhaps the only one that
has yet been sent to Europe. It formerly formed part of the collection of the Prince D’Essling, of Paris, but
now graces the National Museum of Great Britain. It is in a most perfect state of preservation, and is, with-
out exception, one of the finest species, not only of its genus, but of the great family of Parrots. The native
country of this species is supposed to be New Zealand ; but I, as well as M. de Souancé, have failed to learn
any thing definite on this point. In size it even exceeds the great Kaka (Nestor hypopolius), which it resembles
in the. form of its beak, while in its.general colouring it closely assimilates to Nestor productus.”

Dr. Finsch, on the other hand, states, in his Monograph, that Nestor esslingiit, De Souancé (of which the
type is in the British Museum), is in size and general colour the same as Nestor meridionalis, but has the breast
ash-grey, with brown terminal margins and a broad yellowish-white transverse band straight across the belly.
He adds that he was not able to make such an examination of it as he wished, owing to its being in an hermeti-
cally closed glass case, but quotes Souancé to the effect that the red marks on the inner vane of the quills and
tail-feathers are precisely as in Nestor meridionalis; whereas Mr. Gould distinctly says that while the tail-
feathers in N. meridionalis and N. productus are strongly toothed on the under surface with red, “in Nestor
esslingii no such marks occur, the toothing on the inner webs of the primaries is not so clear and well-defined,
and the light-coloured interspaces are more freckled with brown.”

Referring to these several accounts, I expressed the following opinion, in the ‘Transactions of the New-

G

42

Zealand Institute’ (vol. iii. 1870, p. 51) :—“ Assuming Dr. Finsch’s description to be strictly correct—that it
most nearly resembles Nestor meridionalis, from which it is only distinguishable by the broad yellowish-white
band across the underparts of the body—and considering the extreme tendency in that species to variability
of colour, I should be inclined to regard the British-Museum bird as an accidental variety of the common Kak
Among the numerous abnormally coloured examples which I have seen, from time to time, varying from an
almost pure albino to a rich variegated scarlet, I remember one which, although like the common bird in its
general plumage, had a broad longitudinal band of fae white on the abdomen. The specific identity of
this specimen with Nestor meridionalis was unmistaka

It only remains for me to add that the examination whieh I have since made of the type specimen in the
British Museum has entirely verified this conclusion. It may be mentioned that this bird furnished Mr. Gould
with a subject for a beautiful picture in the Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia.’

Var. y. Nestor montanus, Haast.

This is a larger race than the common Kaka, and is generally much brighter in colour. It appears to be
confined to the South Island, whence all the examples that have come under my notice have been obtained.
No doubt some naturalists will be disposed to regard this larger race as a distinct bird; and for a considerable
time my own inclinations were in that direction; but, looking to the extreme tendency to variation in this
species, and to the difficulty of drawing a clear line between the larger and smaller races, in consequence of the
occasional intermediate or connecting forms, I feel that I am quite safe in adopting the views of so sound an
ornithologist as Dr. Finsch in refusing, for the present at least, to separate these birds.

There are some beautiful examples of this larger form in the Canterbury Museum. One of these has the
crown silvery-grey; the sides of the head and neck washed with sea-green; the ear-coverts glossy golden
yellow ; the feathers overlapping the lower mandible, and the whole of the throat and fore neck, rich vinous red
with paler centres ; the nuchal collar very broad, and composed of various shades of scarlet and yellow beauti-
fully blended; the breast and sides varied with crimson and yellowish olive, blending on each feather, and
across the former an indistinct pectoral band of yellowish grey ; the rump, flanks, abdomen, upper and lower
tail-coverts as in ordinary specimens, but brighter in colour. In another example the small wing-coverts are
pale orange-red, terminally margined with black ; while in a third the abdomen has a conspicuous, irregular
patch of canary-yellow. An unusually fine specimen forwarded to me by Dr. Haast for examination had the
forehead of a rufous-orange colour; but this proved to be entirely the result of flower-stains, as I had no diffi-
culty in demonstrating. This bird measured 20 inches in length, wing from flexure 12, tail 7:5, culmen
275, tarsus 15. The plumage of the upper parts was faded and snow-beaten, the ends of the primaries and
tail-feathers being much worn and jagged. Crown and sides of the head grey tinged with dull metallic green;
ear-coverts bright golden-yellow with darker edges; breast and sides olivaceous brown, with a reddish hue ;
feathers composing the nuchal collar dull red, with golden tips; those covering the shoulders marked in the
centre with a large irregular spot of red, and stained with golden yellow; rump and upper tail-coverts dull
arterial red, each feather with a narrow terminal margin of black; under surface as in ordinary specimens, but
more largely suffused with yellow.

In another example of the southern bird (in my own collection) the crown and hind part of the head are
light grey edged with darker grey; the feathers composing the nuchal collar are rich orange-red, narrowly
barred with yellow and black ; ear-coverts bright orpiment-orange, changing into deep vinous red on the
cheeks ; the feathers overlapping the lower mandible edged with black; the fore neck, breast, shoulders, and
upper wing-coverts olivaceous brown margined with darker brown, and having, more or less, a green metallic
lustre; sides, abdomen, rump, and upper tail-coverts dark red, banded with bright arterial red and dusky brown ;
under tail-coverts dull red, tipped with brighter red, olivaceous-brown at the base; quills olivaceous brown,
lighter on the outer web, largely toothed on the inner one with pale orange-red; lining of wings and axillary
plumes bright scarlet tipped with yellow, and banded, more or less distinctly, with brown; tail-feathers

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43

olivyaceous brown, darker in their apical portion, washed on their under surface with dull vinous red, and
toothed with pale scarlet. Bill uniform bluish grey ; tarsi and toes dark bluish grey.

In another specimen the general colours are altogether duller; but there is more of the metallic lustre
on the wings. The arterial-red bands on the rump and abdomen are wanting, the plumage of these parts being
dark red edged with dusky brown or black; the lining of the wings is less brilliant; the toothed markings
are paler on the quills, and far less distinct on the tail-feathers.

Var. 5.

The following brilliantly coloured variety of N. meridionalis was obtained nearly twenty years
ago in the Wanganui district, and is now in the author’s collection, in the Colonial Museum, at Wellington.
General plumage bright scarlet-red, deepest on the lower part of back, sides, and abdomen, and variegated with
orpiment-yellow on the nape, sides of the neck, and breast. Crown greenish yellow, with a metallic gloss, each
feather centred with brown; feathers overlapping the under mandible, and a broad patch on the throat, dark
reddish brown, as in ordinary examples. The feathers of the breast are stained in the centre with dull ashy
brown, and, as well as those of the upper parts, are narrowly bordered with black. Primaries dark olivaceous
brown, largely marked in their basal portion with yellowish white ; ingle ote ees their coverts pale scarlet,
variegated with FonONs olivaceous brown in their apical portion; a er surface pale orange
in their basal portion, but without the toothed markings; lining of wings vivid spades varied with yellow.
Tail-feathers pale scarlet with a broad terminal band of olivaceous brown; under tail-coverts darker scarlet.

n the bright upper surface of the tail-feathers there are obsolete bars, and on the under surface there is a broad

olivaceous margin ; but the ‘‘ toothed ” character peculiar to the species is entirely wanting. Bill bluish grey ;
feet dark grey, paler on the soles; claws black.

A specimen in the possession of Mr. W. Luxford, at Wellington, has the prevailing colour a bright scarlet ;
but on the back and wings each feather has a narrow terminal band of blackish brown; head and throat rusty
brown; breast darker rust-colour, each feather broadly margined with yellow. Primaries canary-yellow on the
outer web for one third of their length, then brown; upper wing-coverts brown margined with scarlet. About
two thirds of the tail pale scarlet; there are then a few interrupted bands of brown, and the terminal portion is
of that colour.

d was shot in the hills near the town of Wellington in the early days of the colony, and before the
requirements of the settlers had led to the destruction of the surrounding woods.

Var. e.

The following is the description of a very light-coloured variety obtained by the natives near the burning
mountain of Tongariro, and presented to me by Mr. R. W. Woon, R.M

General plumage pale canary-yellow; the crown tinged with grey; ear-coverts bright orange-yellow; feathers
of the throat, hind part of the neck, and some of the upper wing-coverts margined with the same; feathers on
the lower part of the cheek, and those overlapping the lower mandible, yellowish red, with paler shafts ; sides,
abdomen, rump, upper and lower tail-coverts vivid scarlet, the feathers of the underparts narrowly margined
with yellow; lining of wings bright yellow tinged with scarlet; axillary plumes, and the soft feathers under-
lying the secondaries, bright scarlet, tipped with yellow ; quills pale canary-yellow on their upper surface, ashy
on their under surface, with broad toothed markings of pale red, obsolete on the outer remiges, and diminishing
on the secondaries ; tail-feathers ashy yellow, with brighter margins, tinged with orange in the centre and along
the tips, changing on their under surface to orange-yellow, in their basal portion with narrow toothed markings
of scarlet. Bill white horn-colour. Irides dark brown. ‘Tarsi and toes pale brown or flesh-coloured ; claws
white horn-colour.

he Rey. R. Taylor, who has resided more than twenty years on the Wanganui river, and who has pub-
lished many interesting notes on the natural history of the country, informs me that he has seen several
@ 2

44

examples of this beautiful variety from the same locality as the one noticed above. The natives assured him

that they always pair together, nesting in the crevices of the rocks.

ViaiCs

I am indebted to Dr. Haast for a specimen showing a very decided tendency to albinism, although still
exhibiting the bright scarlet facings which adorn the others. In this bird the crown is greyish white, with pale
yellow margins; the nape dull crimson, with yellowish tips, forming a broad nuchal collar ; ear-coverts bright
orpiment-orange stained with red ; feathers overlapping the lower mandible, and those covering the throat,
pale vinous-red; fore neck and upper part of breast smoky grey, washed with red, and each feather tipped with
dull yellow ; back and upper surface of wings smoky yellow tinged with gamboge ; lining of wings and axillary
plumes bright scarlet-red; quills dark yellowish grey, obscurely toothed, and washed at the base with pale
scarlet ; sides, flanks, and abdomen scarlet red tipped more or less with dusky and yellow; tail-feathers yel-
lowish brown, with paler edges, washed on the under surface with scarlet, marked with dusky freckles, but not
toothed ; upper and lower tail-coverts bright gamboge, crossed near the tip by a band of bright red.. Bill very
narrow and fine ; yellowish grey in colour, bluish at the tip. Tarsi and toes dark grey; claws bluish horn-
colour.

Var. 7.

A specimen obtained by Mr. Henry Travers, in the Province of Marlborough, is remarkably small, as
compared with ordinary examples from the same locality, and is differently coloured.

rown of the head hoary grey; fringed behind the eyes and on the occiput with pale sea-green; ear-

coverts golden yellow tinged with red; mantle, scapulars, and wing-coverts dull olivaceous green, margined
with black ; nuchal collar dull vinous red, with lighter tips; neck above dark olivaceous brown ; cheeks, throat,
front and sides of the neck dark brown, strongly tinged with red; breast, sides, abdomen, aed under tail-
coverts of different shades of arterial red shaded with brown; lower part of the back, rump, upper tail-coverts,
and thighs dark arterial red, banded with lighter red, and tipped with black ; lining of wings and axillary
plumes beautiful scarlet, transversely barred with dusky black. Quills and tail-feathers olivaceous brown, with
paler edges, toothed on their inner webs with pale orange-red.

Var. 0. “‘ Kaka-kereru ” of the natives.

The following description is taken from a specimen in my collection, which was obtained in the vicinity of
Wellington, in 1856 :—

Upper parts generally tinged with oil-green, and each feather narrowly margined with black ; crown
light grey, with darker shades, varied with deep sea-green over the eyes and on the hinder part of the head ;
nape sea-green mixed with brown and yellow; nuchal collar, which is nearly two inches broad, dark crimson,
each feather faintly margined with yellow and black. Upper wing-coverts and upper portion of the tail-
feathers tinged with olivaceous. The ear-coverts are orpiment-orange varying in shade; while the cheeks
and throat are dark vinous red, each feather having a bright centre; feathers of the neck and breast dark
brown, with a marginal tinge of crimson; rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, thighs, and abdomen deep crim-
son, with lighter crescentic bands and narrow terminal margins of black. This bird was shot with a flock of
twelve others (all bagged), and was the only one presenting this character of plumage.

In another example, obtained at Otaki in September 1862, all the tints of the plumage are very rich, and
the red of the underparts extends to the breast, each feather having two bright crescentic bands of arterial red
and a terminal margin of dusky black; the ear-coverts are gallstone yellow, and the nuchal collar, which is
much extended, is of the same colour intermixed with red; the secondaries and lesser wing-coverts are pale
metallic green, narrowly edged with black ; and the whole of the dark upper plumage is tinged with the same

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45

Vans te

In June, 1870, I received from Manawatu a very beautiful specimen of the variety known among the
natives as “ Kaka-pipi-warauroa.” The whole of the plumage was most handsomely variegated, each feather
having a brownish-black centre, and the margins broadly edged with orange-red and yellow. These bright
markings were most conspicuous on the nape and upper surface of the wings. The sides of the face and the
ear-coverts were of a bright golden yellow, changing to red on the long feathers overlapping the lower man-
dible; the sides, thighs, and lower part of the abdomen arterial red, with lighter bands; the lining of the wings
brilliant scarlet, banded with yellow and black. The natives had this beautiful bird in their possession for many
months; and the delighted settler who wrote apprising me of it, described it as “a bird with all the colours of
the rainbow.” I ultimately induced the owner to part with it, giving him in return a block of the much-prized
greenstone, weighing more than 201b. I designed this rara avis for the Zoological Society of London, and
shipped it accordingly with every care; but it appeared to suffer from the extreme cold, and, unfortunately,
perished before it was out of sight of the New-Zealand coast.

General Remarks. In this species of Nestor the cere is very prominent, and towards the head generally
has an abraded appearance, as if the feathers had been rubbed off. The two mandibles are connected at the
base by a tough elastic membrane, capable of much expansion, the mandibles being more than an inch apart
when fully extended. The tongue, which, like the beak, is bluish grey, is hard and smooth on the under
surface, having the appearance of a human finger-nail much produced, along the terminal edge of which there
is a fine brush-like development. The upper surface of the tongue is soft, rounded on the edges, with a broad
central groove. In adult birds the denuded shaft of the tail-feathers is produced to a fine point a quarter of an
an inch or more beyond the web. Freshly killed birds have a peculiar woody odour, which is sometimes very
strong. During the season that the Rata is in bloom, the long feathers of the cheeks, and the light parts of
the lower mandible, as well as the bare membrane at its base, are stained to a rich orange-colour by contact with
the juice of these flowers, which evidently contain strong colouring-matter.

To MM. Blanchard and Pelzeln belongs the credit of having first determined the true affinities of
the genus Nestor, assigning it a station in the subfamily Trichoglossine, or honey-eating Parrots.
It bears a close relation to the Australian Lories; and the New-Guinea form known as Pecquet’s
Parrot (Dasyptilus pecqueti) appears to exhibit the transitional or connecting link between these
two well-marked groups.

In habits and structure the members of the genus Nestor are true flower-suckers, the tongue
being furnished at its extremity with a fine brush-like development for that special purpose. ‘The
common Kaka of New Zealand is the type of the genus.

Sprightly in its actions, eminently social, and more noisy than any other inhabitant of the
woods, the Kaka holds a prominent place among our native birds. Being semi-nocturnal in its
habits, it generally remains quiet and concealed during the heat of the day. If, however, the
sportsman should happen to find a stray one, and to wound instead of killing it, its cries of
distress will immediately rouse the whole fraternity from their slumbers, and all the Kakas
within hearing will come to the rescue, and make the forest echo with their discordant screams.
Unless, however, disturbed by some exciting cause of this sort, they remain in close cover till the
approach of the cooler hours. Then they come forth with noisy clamour, and may be seen, far
above the tree-tops, winging their way to some favourite feeding-place; or they may be observed
climbing up the rough vine-clad boles of the trees, freely using their powerful mandibles, and
assuming every variety of attitude, or diligently tearing open the dead roots of the close

46

epiphytic vegetation in their eager search for insects and their larve. In the spring and summer,
when the woods are full of wild blossom and berry, these birds have a prodigality of food, and
may be seen alternately filling their crops with a variety of juicy berries, or sucking nectar from
the crimson flowers of the rata (Metrosideros robusta—a flowering branch of which is depicted in
the Plate) by means of their brush-fringed tongues.

With the earliest streaks of dawn, and while the underwoods are still wrapped in darkness,
the wild cry of this bird breaks upon. the ear with a strange effect. It is the sound that wakes
the weary traveller encamped in the bush; and the announcement of his ever active Maori
attendant “Kua tangi te Kaka,” is an intimation that it is time to be astir. But although
habitually recluse during the day, it is not always so. During gloomy weather it is often very
active ; and, sometimes, even in the bright sunshine a score of them may be seen together, flying
and circling about, high above the tree-tops, uttering their loud screams and apparently bent on
convivial amusement. When the shades of evening bring a deeper gloom into the depths of the
forest, and all sounds are hushed, save the low hoot of the waking Morepork, or the occasional
cheep-cheep of the startled Robin, the Kaka becomes more animated. It may then be heard
calling to its fellows in a harsh rasping note, something like the syllables “ ¢-chrut, t-chrut,” or
indulging in a clear musical whistle with a short refrain.

It is strictly arboreal in its habits, and subsists to a large extent on insects and their larve,
so that it is probably one of our most useful species. Where they exist in large numbers, they
must act very beneficially on the timber-forests; for in the domain of nature important results are
often produced by apparently trivial agencies. Like all the honey-eaters, while supplying their
own wants, they do good service with their brush-tongues, by fertilizing the blossoms of various
trees, and thus assisting in their propagation; while, on the other hand, the diligent search they
prosecute for insects and grubs, and the countless numbers daily consumed by each individual,
must materially affect the economy of the native woods. On this latter point Mr. Potts has
furnished the following valuable note :—“ Although so often accused of injuring trees by stripping
down the bark, from careful observation we do not believe a flourishing tree is ever damaged by
its beak. It is the apparently vigorous, but really unsound tree that is attacked, already doomed
by the presence of countless multitudes of insects, of many varieties, of which it is at once the
food and refuge, either in their perfect or larval state. In the persevering and laborious pursuit
of this favourite food, the Kaka, doubtless, lends his assistance in hastening the fall of decaying
trees; the loosened strips of bark dissevered admit to the exposed wood rain and moisture collected
from dews and mists, to be dried by evaporation by the heat of the sun, by the desiccating winds,
only to become saturated again. Under this alternation the insidious fungi take root, decay
rapidly sets in, the close-grained timber gives place to a soft spongy texture, branches drop off,
and gradually the once noble-looking tree succumbs to its fate: but its gradual decay and fall, the
work of years, has proved beneficial to the surrounding plants; the dropping of the branches admits

light and air to the aspiring saplings, assists in checking the undue spread of lichens and epi-
phytes; and when the old stem falls, tottering down from its very rottenness, its place is supplied
by vigorous successors. In estimating the value of the labours of the Kaka as an insect-eater,
it should not be forgotten that the family of Woodpeckers is entirely absent from our Avifauna,
and that upon this indefatigable climber devolves some share of the duty of representing that

peculiar grou
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47

peculiar group of forest-birds. How diligently the insects are sought for by the Kaka, may be
judged from the heaps of bark chips that lie beneath decaying trees. Often it may be noticed on
the ground, tearing away the mossy clothing of the huge gnarled roots that spread around; even
the soft rotten boughs are gnawed, to obtain the larve of some of the larger bush-insects.”

The same accurate observer has contributed the following remarks on the ordinary habits of
this species :—‘ Living in trees, when disturbed it hops amongst the branches with much dexterity,
beak and wings assisting its awkward-looking but rapid progress as it threads its way amongst
leaves and sprays with unruffled plumage, the peculiar formation of its grasping feet enabling it
to execute wonderful feats of agile climbing. A sharp note or two marks its uneasiness when a
vigilant eye is watching what takes place from below. When really alarmed, after a few hurried
movements, it flies some short distance, at first usually gliding downwards rather than flying
straight, threading the leafy maze of the close-growing trees with perfect ease and grace, and
warning its fellows of impending danger by uttering loud oft-repeated cries of kaka, kaka. We
have ever thought it a miserable sight to watch the Kaka when severely wounded, uttering its
low smothered cries of distress and pain. How the wretched bird endeavours to save its fall
from the leafy shelter by clinging to bough and spray with desperate tenacity, often seizing its
wounded limb with its powerful beak, as if to tear away the burning agony from which it suffers!
At all times gregarious, it is social even in distress; and numbers gather round their wounded
companion, to fall easy victims to the gunner. In September we have observed it poised on the
slender bough of some tall Panaz, luxuriating on the viscid nectar of its blossoms. Happy
enough it looks when thus seen through some opening in the bush, its deep-red breast-feathers lit
up by the slanting rays of the declining sun. Sated at last, it cleanses its huge beak against a
neighbouring bough; then, with grateful clatter glides off to join its fellows. Not only does it
regale on flowers and insect food. In the Fagus forests, in the bark of the black birch trees may
be found a dull red fleshy-looking grub, tightly embedded in the hard bark, quite beneath the
black velvety moss that wraps the Fagus like a pall. The wound made by this unsightly insect,
causes in spring time a sweet honey-like exudation, most frequently taking the form of a fine
white filament, terminating in a small white globule, glistening like a dewdrop; glancing
upwards, the tall straight-grown stem appears spangled with multitudes of these bright threaded
beads. This is a favourite feeding-ground of several arboreals. Of these hungry climbers, the
Kaka occupies the foremost rank for size; its hold on the bole of the tree is secure, its move-
ments deliberate, whilst its thick tongue is actively employed in gathering the honeyed meal.”

Mr. Buchanan, of the Geological Survey Department, informs me that he has seen the Kaka
stripping off the bark from a green tree (Panax colensoi), and sucking up with its tongue the
gummy matter underneath, in the same manner that it extracts the honey from the flowers of the
Phormium tenax.

When migrating from one part of the country to another, the Kakas travel in parties of three
or more, and generally at a considerable height, their flight being slow and measured, and their
course a direct one. ‘They occasionally alight, as if for the purpose of resting, and in a few
minutes resume their laboured flight again. On these occasions the bleached and bare limbs of a
dry tree are always selected, when one of the requisite elevation is within reach, as affording most
fully that which they appear to delight in, an unobstructed prospect. On a near view, the bril-

48

liant plumage under the wings is very conspicuous when the bird is flying. On the ground it
generally moves by a succession of hops, after the manner of the Corvidee, and not with the
awkward waddling gait peculiar to most Parrots. In the trees, where it is more at home, it is
perpetually on the move, often walking deliberately along a branch, and then climbing to another
by a dexterous use of both beak and feet, or silently winging its way to a station in a neighbouring
tree: Its alarm-cry resembles that of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, of Australia. During the
pairing-season the two birds are always together, and when on the wing keep side by side, both
calling as they go. _They commence breeding in the early part of November; and at Christmas
the young birds are old enough to be taken from the nest, although, if unmolested, they probably
do not leave it before the second week of January, or even later. The place usually selected
for depositing the eggs is the deep hollow of a tree the heart of which is completely decayed,
There is very little attempt at forming a nest, the eggs being placed on the dry pulverized wood
which these cavities usually contain. The eggs are generally four in number (sometimes, accord-
ing to the natives, six), broadly oval, measuring 1:61:25, and pure white in colour till they
become soiled and stained in the process of incubation. Much care, and even some degree of
fastidiousness, is displayed in the choice of a suitable tree ; and once decided on, it is often resorted
to by the same birds for many seasons in succession. On this account the natives set a high value
on their “rua Kaka.” The mere robbing of the nest, if accomplished with caution, does not cause
the birds to abandon it; but the natives consider it of importance not to breathe into the cavity
or to touch any part of it with their hands, for fear of “polluting” the nesting-place and
endangering its desertion. A nest which I discovered in the Otairi range, on my journey to
Taupo, on the 23rd December, contained two young ones, apparently about ten days old. Ina
large mairi tree with a decayed heart, about three feet from the ground there was a long narrow
opening (measuring 2 feet in length by only 14 inches in width) leading into an inner chamber
more than a foot in diameter. The walls of this chamber were smooth; and on the floor there
was a deep layer of decayed wood, mixed with fragments of dry rata bark, evidently collected by
the birds and brought into the cavity. The natives state that two females, attended by one male
bird, sometimes breed in the same cavity, their nests being placed side by side. The fact that
during the breeding-season three birds are frequently seen in company, appears to give some
colour of truth to this statement.

Mr. Enys informs me that, on Sir Charles Clifford’s station at Stonyhurst, he found two
nests of the Kaka, one of them situated in the crevice of a rock in a low mountain-gully, and the
other in a deep cavity under the roots of a tree. This was on the 24th of December; and both
nests contained young birds.

Possessing excellent powers of mimicry, and useful to the natives as a decoy-bird, the Kaka
is much sought after, and almost every native village has its “mokai.” Like most Parrots, it is a
long-lived bird; and one which had been in the possession of the Upper Wanganui tribes for
nearly twenty years, presented the curious feature of its overgrown mandibles completely crossing
each other. This was no doubt attributable to the fact of its having been constantly fed with
soft food, thereby depriving the bill of the wear and tear incident to a state of nature.

The tame Kaka is very susceptible to kindness, and forms strong attachments. It soon
learns to distinguish its keeper’s voice, and will respond to his call. It often, however, proves a

mischievous
off thous

flax-fields to
the natives |
abundance Db,
village-Kaka
by its wonde:
far more sub:
and as it re
acquires @ Sp
of £10 for <
plumage.

As will
Kaka are fre
that they are
Whauwhau {|
varieties by 1
was seen by ¢
as the Oroua
then took up
carrying guns
hope that it 1

From so
forests north
districts it is
various parts

© Cor:
ry idee a be Ni
ere it Ad ny
Mop 7
re
uy "
id the D clin be
h Me
: Statio; ; Oy
f Anstey. thy
Australi, )y ’
Wine * My
Rg keep Side bp.
N Vember- ., Y Sie
- and at (hs
»™ 3BMolested 4
: > SAY Dek
The place uaa
Which : ibs.
hich js Complete
: ' ‘CIT flare,
“On the dry pi:
ne dry Pulver »

wv) worsen?

“i DUM ber (Sometip, ¥

pure white in 1.
; silt in Colour til
- and even some ie

} 23 :
“ecided on. }

U ls ¢ teil yr
nt the natives set |}
+} ]
4 WItN caution, does y
- ? 0 re if}

: : : i:
= a ee
tiv adout ten days oi

:
ound there was a long

ng into an inner cli

at acing
ith: and on the 10re
ta. bark, evidently colts

11 br ab
females, attended by ™
st cde The stl
1 «ide by side. The
» to oie #
» anpears “ 5”
mpany, appeals "2

he fou?

at Stonyhurst,
_ tain-gull, ~

a low moun
ish of December: sat

“4 the y
q decoy"
t Pat ms"

at
A) el

ve s a>
Like m0

l.

49

mischievous pet, especially if it gets access to the orchard, where I have known it, in a single day,
nip off thousands of blossoms from a promising pear-tree. I have seen it treat a favourite vine in
a similar manner, and, apparently, from a sheer love of mischief. If it be allowed the freedom
of the house, it will destroy the furniture in the most wanton manner with its powerful beak, and
proclaim itself a nuisance in a variety of ways.

When the korari-flower (Phormium tenax) is in season, the Kakas repair in flocks to the
flax-fields to feast on the flower-honey; and on these occasions numbers of them are speared by
the natives as an article of food. In the woods also, at certain periods, they are captured in
abundance by means of an ingenious snare called a “tutu,” worked by a decoy-bird. The tame
village-Kaka is not the useless pet that Parrots generally are. It may amuse the young people
by its wonderful articulation of Maori words and phrases, and by its whistling-powers; but it has
far more substantial attractions for the owner. It is a source of profit and subsistence to him;
and as it requires the experience of several seasons to give it proficiency as a decoy-bird, it
acquires a specific value according to its age and training. I have known a native refuse an offer
of £10 for a well-trained “mokai,” although an aged bird and in a very ragged condition of
plumage.

As will be seen from the full descriptive notes given above, very beautiful varieties of the
Kaka are frequently met with. I have never seen a pure albino; but I am assured by the natives
that they are occasionally found. One very nearly approaching that condition was shot at the
Whauwhau (in the county of Marsden) in the summer of 1863. The value set on these rare
varieties by the natives may be inferred from the following circumstance :—A “ Kaka-korako”
was seen by a party of Rangitane in the Upper Manawatu, and followed through the woods as far
as the Oroua river, every effort being made to take it alive. The Oroua people (of another tribe)
then took up the chase, and followed the bird to the foot of the Ruahine range; and although
carrying guns, to their infinite credit they allowed it to escape rather than shoot it, in the remote
hope that it might hereafter reappear in their district.

From some unaccountable cause the Kaka has always been a comparatively scarce bird in the
forests north of Auckland, although there is no lack of its ordinary food-supply. In some other
districts it is less common than it formerly was; but it still exists in very considerable numbers in
various parts of the country. In the months of December and January, when the rata (Metrosi-
deros robusta) is in flower, thousands of these birds are trapped by the natives, in the manner
already indicated, and preserved in their own fat for winter use. Partly owing to this cause, and
partly to the extension of settlement in some districts where, in former years, they were exces-
sively abundant, their cry is now seldom or never heard; but in the wooded parts of the interior
they are as plentiful as ever. Certain wooded ranges are noted as Kaka-preserves, and are very

jealously protected by the native tribes owning them, who annually resort to them for the purpose
of trapping these birds.

Orper PSITTACI. ] [Fam. TRICHOGLOSSIDA,

NESTOR OCCIDENTALIS.

(WESTERN KAKA PARROT.)

Nestor occidentalis, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 40 (descr. orig.); Hutton, Cat. N. Z. Birds, p. 20
(1871)

Ad. pileo obscuré albicanti-cinereo, nuche plumis laté brunneo marginatis, fronte clarius colorato: regione
auriculari sordidé aurantiacd, scapis albicantibus: genis brunneis, medialiter albicante nee plumi
rictalibus anterioribus elongatis, sordidé coccineo striatis: dorso toto olivaceo-fusco, ald clarius oliva-
scente, plumis omnibus conspicué nigro marginatis: tectricibus alarum vix flavido baie walle postico
sordidé coccineo et aurantiaco lavato, torquem collarem vix conspicuam formante: dorso postico et
uropygio olivaceo-fuscis, plumis omnibus sordidé coccineo lavatis et nigro marginatis: caudd claré
olivascenti-brunned versus apicem paullé brunnescente, pennis centralibus sub certa luce vix rubescenti-
bus: subtts obscuré fuscus, plumis nigro marginatis: pectore imo et hypochondriis olivascente tinctis
et conspicué sordidé coccineo lavatis: subalaribus cum plumis axillaribus fuscis, letits coccineo et

aurantiaco lavatis, brunneo transfasciatis.

Adult. Upper surface dark olivaceous-brown, tinged with yellow on the wing-coverts, each feather margined
with dusky black; feathers of the nape dull red, margined with yellow and black, and forming a narrow
nuchal collar ; rump, tail-coverts, and abdomen dark arterial-red, the feathers of the latter banded with
a brighter tint; ear-coverts pale orpiment-orange; feathers projecting over the lower mandible tinged
with red; throat, neck, and breast dark olivaceous-brown; lining of wings and axillary plumes bright
scarlet, obscurely barred with black, and tipped with golden yellow; quills and tail-feathers russet-
brown, the former toothed with yellow on the inner web; bill and feet dark Shseeecay aes Length
16°5 inches; wing, from flexure, 10°5; tail 6; tarsus 1; longer fore toe and claw 2°25; longer hind toe
and claw 2°125; bill, following curvature, 2°25, along edge of lower mandible 1°5

Obs. Apart from the difference of plumage, this species is appreciably smaller than the common one, while
the bill is more slender and has the upper mandible produced to a finer point. The two specimens,
obtained by Dr. Hector on the west coast of the South Island, differ very slightly in the details of their
colouring, and there is scarcely any perceptible difference in their size.

Arter what I have said in treating of Nestor meridionalis, it may be readily understood that I
feel some hesitation in keeping this bird distinct. The two examples, on which I founded the
characters of my new species, were obtained by Dr. Hector in the wild and rugged country on the
west coast of the South Island; and, although no further specimens have yet come to hand, we
are assured that it is by no means a scarce or uncommon bird in that region. My chief reason,

powevels =

js that farn}

and its cry d

ir. Hec
give some idé
from the ent
rise perpend:
angle to the
that can be e
the effect is ¢
as it were, in
ages ploughe
the mountain
of the ocean.
main one at 1
the erosion o:
and tributary
great distinct
level. Towa:
that preserve

51

however, for rejecting the supposition that it is another aberrant variety of the common species,
is that furnished by Dr. Hector’s notes on its habits. The observations of so accurate a field-
naturalist, which I shall proceed to give in his own words, are decidedly in favour of its recog-
nition as a good species:—*“ The range of this bird is very limited. It frequents the precipitous
wooded cliffs in the neighbourhood of George Sound, and thence along the coast to Milford
Sound. I never met with it in the forests of the low lands. It is more active in its habits and
more Hawk-like in its flight than the common Nestor. It often sweeps suddenly to the ground ;
and its cry differs from that of the common Kaka in being more shrill and wild.”

Dr. Hector’s interesting account of the locality in which his specimens were obtained will
give some idea of the bleak and mountainous region which this species inhabits :—“ ‘Three miles
from the entrance, Milford Sound becomes contracted to the width of half a mile, and its sides
rise perpendicularly from the water’s edge, sometimes for 2000 feet, and then slope at a high
angle to the peaks that are covered with perpetual snow. ‘The scenery is quite equal to the finest
that can be enjoyed by the most difficult and toilsome journeys into the alps of the interior; and
the effect is greatly enhanced, as well as the access made more easy, by the incursion of the sea,
as it were, into these alpine solitudes. The sea, in fact, now occupies a chasm that was in past
ages ploughed by an immense glacier; and it is through the natural progress of events by which
the mountain-mass has been reduced in altitude, that the ice-stream has been replaced by the waters
of the ocean. ‘The evidence of this change may be seen at a glance. The lateral valleys join the
main one at various elevations, but are all sharply cut off by the precipitous wall of the Sound,
the erosion of which was no doubt continued by a great central glacier long after the subordinate
and tributary glaciers had ceased to exist. The precipices exhibit the marks of ice-action with
great distinctness, and descend quite abruptly to a depth of from 800 to 1200 feet below the water-

Towards its head the Sound becomes more expanded, and receives several large valleys,

?

level.
that preserve the same character, but radiate in different directions into the highest ranges.’

H 2

Orpen PSITTACI. | [Fau. TRICHOGLOSSIDA.

NESTOR NOTABILIS.
(KEA PARROT.)

Nestor notabilis, Gould, P. Z. 8S. 1856, p. 94.

Native names.

“Kea” of the Maoris; “ Mountain-Parrot” of the colonists.

g superne omnino olivaceo-viridis; plumarum omnium scapis et marginibus nigricantibus: pileo paulld

dilutiore, vix SRR aphe facie laterali magis brunnescente: dorso postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus

sordidé ti apicem angusté flavicantibus et nigricante marginatis, his imis olivaceo-flavican-
tibus: scapularibus et tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, his majoribus extus vix cyanescente lavatis :

remigibus nigricantibus, ala spuria et primariis versus basin cyanescentibus, secundariis olivaceo-viridi-
bus dorso concoloribus: remigibus subtis pogonio interno versus basin citrino transfasciatis: cauda
olivaceo-viridi, supra sordidé cyanescente lavaté et fascid nigr&é anteapicali transnotatd, rectricibus
subtis flavicante tinctis, et pogonio interno citrino vix aurantiaco dentatis: corpore toto subtis
olivaceo-viridi, plumis nigricante marginatis, abdomine diluté aurantiaco lavato: subalaribus et plumis

axillaribus lete scarlatinis, minimis flavicantibus, angusté nigricante terminatis: rostro cinerascenti-

brunneo, mandibula ad basin leté flavicante : pedibus flavicanti-olivaceis.

? mari simillima, sed sordidior, et plumis nigricante latiis marginatis.

Adult male. General plumage dull olive-green, brighter on the upper parts, with a rich gloss; each feather

broadly tipped and narrowly margined with dusky black, with shaft-lines of the same colour, except on
the head, where there is merely a darker shaft-line ; ear-coverts and cheeks olivaceous brown, with darker
margins ; feathers on the sides strongly tinged with orange-red; primaries dusky brown, the outer
webs light metallic blue in their basal portion, largely toothed on the inner web with bright lemon-
yellow; secondaries greenish blue, changing to olive on their outer webs, dusky brown on their inner,
and toothed with orange-yellow; lining of the wings and axillary plumes vivid scarlet, with narrow
dusky tips; inner coverts, towards the flexure, washed with lemon-yellow; rump and upper tail-coverts
bright arterial-red mixed with olive, and prettily vandyked at the tips with dusky black, this colour
being richest on the middle tail-coverts and changing on the lateral ones to bright olive shaded with
red and tipped with brown ; tail-feathers olive-green on their upper surface, with a fine metallic gloss,
paler at the tips, inclining to blue on the outer feathers, the whole crossed near the extremity by a
broad band of blackish brown; the under surface pale olive-green, with the subterminal band less
distinct, and broadly toothed on their inner webs with bright lemon-yellow; under tail-coverts dull
olive-green, tipped with brown. Bill greyish brown; lower mandible rich wax-yellow in its basal por-
tion ; feet yellowish olive, with paler soles. Total length 19°5; wing, from flexure, 12°5; tail 7-5; bill,
along the ridge, 1°75, along the edge of lower mandible 1; tarsus 15; longer fore toe and claw 2°25 ;
longer hind toe and claw 2.

Female. Similar to the male, but having the tints of the plumage generally duller, and the dusky margins of
the feathers broader.

Obs. In 80!
upper Cc
the you

THE first re

near the Rar
tamed, was fi
tion and the
bird, and maj
inhabits the
winters; but
the heads of
aloft among t
Thus gr
and its habits
to be found.
Rangitata, or
source from t]
Alps, is perio
Which falls dy
every converg
bed, till the |
leafy rugged
Jagged peaks
slip have thu
flats or hang

= AGO e:
northom

. P,
4 x. th
cg,
Alyy,
\

53

Obs. In some examples the lower mandible, instead of being yellow at the base, is dark brown, like the
upper one, with only a faint line of lighter brown down the centre. This is probably characteristic of

the young bird.

Tux first recorded examples of this interesting bird were obtained in 1856 by Mr. Walter
Mantell, one of the early explorers of New Zealand, to whom we are indebted for many valuable
discoveries in natural history, and who is now one of the patrons of science in his adopted
country. ‘Two specimens, from the Murihiku district, in the South Island, were forwarded by
that gentleman to Mr. Gould, who thereupon characterized the species in the Proceedings of the
Zoological Society, and figured it in the Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia.’ Nothing more
Nibus nier...: was heard of the Kea till the year 1859, when Dr. Haast received a fine example which had
iis ee ile been caught on Mr. Tripp’s station, near Mount Cook, and forwarded it in spirits to Professor
arvinatis fs nihte SUpracai, Owen. In the winter of the following year I made the acquaintance of the species on a station

2 es MAIS Obtracen fa, near the Rangitata Gorge, where a live one which had been snared by a shepherd and partially
tamed, was frequenting the premises. Of late years, however, owing to the spread of coloniza-

ee Secunda tion and the opening up of new tracts of country, we have become better acquainted with this
om al pirare:: me bird, and many fine specimens have been secured for our Museums and private collections. It
“ res Snsnotata, recy inhabits the slopes of the Southern Alps, and is driven down to the plains only during severe
me SCRNASIS : COrpore toto ai winters; but those who have visited its alpine haunts report it to be comparatively common. At
— las — Subsalaribus ex the heads of all the principal rivers in the Canterbury Province it may generally be seen, soaring
pe Serminatis : rostro cin aloft among the rocks, or foraging amongst the close stunted alpine vegetation.
— Thus graphically writes Mr. Potts :—*In order to convey a correct impression of the Kea

and its habits, it is necessary to give a brief outline of the features of the country in which it is
to be found. Where we have most frequently observed it has been far above the Gorge of the
Rangitata, one of the great snow rivers, as they are termed. This stream, which derives its

ts, with a rich gloss; each iat
source from the glaciers which are embedded in the gloomy and secluded fastnesses of the Southern

nes of the same colour, ay!

eeks olivaceous brown, with ist Alps, is periodically swollen by the melting of the snow and by the heavy rain from the north-west,

rimaries dusky brow, the which falls during the spring and autumn months; fed by numerous creeks and tributaries from

she inner web with bn _ every converging gully, its volume increases, it rushes noisily and impetuously over its rough boulder-

eebs, dusky brown on f i bed, till the junction of the Havelock and the Clyde swells its waters into a large river. The
me leafy rugged mountains which imprison it, present almost every conceivable variety of outline,

jagged peaks crowned with snow; countless moraines point out where the avalanche and snow-
slip have thundered down into the valley below. The river is bordered here and there by grassy
flats or hanging woods of timber trees, in which the brown-tinted totara, the silvery Phyllocladus
with its purplish points, the small-leaved kowhai, and the soft bright-foliaged ribbon-wood con-
trast well with the dusky hue of the dark-leaved Fagus. Far above, dwarf vegetation, in all the
wonderful variety of alpine shrubs and flowers, struggles up the steepest slopes, adorning the
frowning precipice and foaming cascade, lending its aid in forming scenes of picturesque and
romantic grandeur, in which rich and varying tints of perennial verdure gratify the eyes of the
9557 spectator with their beauty. ‘This is the home of the Kea. Amongst holes and fissures in

— almost inaccessible rocks, in a region often shrouded with dense mists or driving sleet, where the

pare LOU
7 fore
ge long . . . ra °
3 north-west wind rages at times with terrific violence, here the Green Parrot may be observed,

mn-yellow

1 pi
» dust

jules, 004 ™
.

54

entering or leaving crevices in the rocks, or soaring with motionless wings from peak to peak, far
above the screaming Kaka or the chattering Parrakeet. The swift-winged Falcon is perhaps the
sole intruder in its wild domain. At early dawn its peculiar note is heard, very like the mewing
of a cat. Though in some of the more secluded gullies it may be noticed throughout the day, it
really appears to wake up into activity at dusk, being, to a certain extent, nocturnal in its habits.
It is scarcely less gregarious than its congener, NV. meridionalis. In the moonlight nights of
winter, numbers have been observed on the ground feeding. It can hardly be deemed an arboreal
bird in the strict sense of the term.

“ The rigour of a hard winter, when the whole face of the alpine country is changed so as to
be scarcely recognizable under a deep canopy of snow, is not without its influence on the habits
of this hardy bird. It is then driven from its stronghold in the rocky gully, and compelled
to seek its food at a far less elevation, as its food-supply has passed away gradually at the
approach of winter, or lies buried beyond its reach. The honey-bearing flowers have faded and
fallen long before; the season that succeeded, with its lavish yield of berries, and drupes that
gaily decked the close-growing Coprosmas, the trailing Pimelias, or the sharp-leaved Leucopogon,
has succumbed to the stern rule of winter. Nor has this change of season affected the flora of
the Alps alone: the insect world, in a thousand forms, which enlivened every mountain-gully
with the chirp and busy hum of life now lies entranced in its mummy state, as inanimate as the
torpid lizard that takes its winter sleep sheltered beneath some well-pressed stone. Under the
effects of such a change, that cuts off the supply of food, the Kea gradually descends the gullies,
where a certain amount of shelter has encouraged the growth of the kowhai that yields its supply
of hard bitter seeds, the beautiful Pittosporums with their small hard seeds packed in clusters,
and the black-berried Aristotelia; these and numerous other shrubs or trees, such as the pitch-
pine and totara, furnish the means of life to the Parrot. It is during the continuance of this
season that we have had the best opportunities of becoming somewhat familiar with it. Within
the last few years it has discovered the out-stations of some of the back-country settlers. Of
course every station has that indispensable requisite, a meat-gallows. It has found out and fully
appreciates the value of this institution, as occasionally affording an excellent supply of food.
The gallows is generally visited by night; beef and mutton equally suffer from the voracity of the
Kea, nor are the drying sheepskins despised*. These visits may be looked upon quite as social

* Mr. Potts, in a communication to ‘ Nature,’ on the development of carnivorous habits in the Kea, has given the
following extracts from the ‘ Otago Daily Times’ newspaper :—*“ For the last three years the sheep ier toa poptien,
Mr. Henry Campbell, ‘in the Wanaka district (Otago), an afflicted with what was thought to be ind of
disease ; sak and shepherds were equally at a loss to account for it, having never seen any thing of ne zi? before.
The first appearance of this supposed disease is a patch of raw Ta on the loin of the sheep, about the size of a man’s
hand; from this, matter continually runs down the side, taking the wool completely off the part it touches ; and in many
cases death is the result. At last a shepherd noticed one of the Mountain-Parrots sticking to a sheep and pecking
at a sore, and the animal seemed unable to get rid of its tormentor. The runholder gave directions to his shepherds to
keep watch on the Parrots when mustering on the high ground; the result has been that, during the present season,

when mustering high upon the ranges near the snow-line, they saw several of the birds surrounding a sheep, which was
freshly bleeding from a small wound in the loin; on other sheep were noticed places where the Kea had begun to attack
them, small pieces of wool having = pioked-out? i 2) Gy The birds come in flocks, single out a sheep at random,
and each, alighting on its back in turn, tears out the wool and makes the sheep bleed, till the animal runs away from the

: g as
gatherino™ '

pucket, raisin
local in its dist
for in one inst
the edge of th
The penc
Those that fre
sheep’s heads »
nothing but tl
Perching itsel
flesh, devourin
down with on
fashion of Par
a fresh sheep-s
approached an
In connex
remarkable aia
Parrots took t
out necessity, ¢
associated t Be
(4prosmictus .
Parrots (Platy
Species in digey
amity and fis
other, anq for
theiy rich

plu
8elerally

retiy

Test of "the sheep,
os Tein

=
\ Nps fron
we

land wig
ily be deer Uh ,
ed a ah
© ¢ OUNtry }
TY is ol
ut its } .
S Influence O the,
rocky Sully, ang =
.: Gg (Om!
away gradually a
‘Ting flow Mii.

a
“0aq .
Ded».

LSS4 “i

b nf :

i of berries. and dry, )
the sharp-leaved Lev ’
f ta

season affected thes,

ivened every Mountain};

-

) =
l-pressed stone. Unies
radually desi ends the onl
ke Ww hai that vields is an
ard seeds packed in cuts
s or trees, such as the pit
ring the continuance di
sat familiar with it. Wit
ve back-country settler. |
It -

an excellent suppy°"”

1as found out 2

—

uffer from the vorsay"”

» looked upon quite 8

55

gatherings, as it is by no means a rare occurrence for a score of noisy Parrots to be perched on
the roof of a hut at one time. A son of the writer obtained some fine specimens by means of a
very simple snare—the noose made of a slender strip of flax-leaf attached to the end of a ricker
or rod. He describes them as exhibiting great boldness and confidence, clambering about the
roof of the hut, and allowing a very close approach. When caught they remained quite still,
without any of the noisy fluttering which usually accompanies the capture of birds, even when
managed with adroitness; and they preserved this quiet demeanour till the noose had been
removed. One of these birds was placed on the floor under an inverted American bucket, the
places for the handle not permitting the rim of the bucket to touch the ground. The Kea, taking
advantage of this, wedged its long beak into the space, and using its head as a lever, it moved the
bucket, raising it sufficiently to effect an escape from its prison. This bird appears to be very
local in its distribution; but a straggler has now and then been observed far from its usual haunts ;
for in one instance we have a note of its occurrence at the Horoata, in the Malvern Hills, close to
the edge of the Canterbury Plains.”

The penchant for raw flesh exhibited by this Parrot in its wild state is very remarkable.
Those that frequent the sheep-stations appear to live almost exclusively on flesh. They claim the
sheep’s heads that are thrown out from the slaughter-shed, and pick them perfectly clean, leaving
nothing but the bones. An eye-witness has described this operation to Dr. Hector as follows :-—
Perching itself on the sheep’s head, or other offal, the bird proceeds to tear off the skin and
flesh, devouring it piecemeal, after the manner of a Hawk, or at other times holding the object
down with one foot, and with the other grasping the portion it was eating, after the ordinary
fashion of Parrots. The plan usually adopted on the stations for alluring this bird, is to expose
a fresh sheep-skin on the roof of a hut; and whilst engaged in tearing up the bait, it is easily
approached and snared.

In connexion with the flesh-eating propensity of the Nestor notabilis, 1 may mention a very
remarkable case that occurred within my own experience, in which a whole fraternity of caged
Parrots took to “cannibalism,” if I may so term the killing and devouring of one another, with-
out necessity, and in defiance of their natural habits and instincts. I had the following Parrots
associated together in one compartment of my aviary at Wanganui, viz. two King Lories
(Aprosmictus scapulatus), a pair of Rosellas (Platycercus eximius), a pair of Blue Mountain-
Parrots (Platycercus pennantii), and a Grass-Parrot (Platycercus semitorquatus), all of them
species indigenous to Australia. For nearly two years they lived together on terms of perfect
amity and friendship, feeding from the same seed-troughs, often playing and coying with each
other, and forming a constant source of attraction by their noisy clamour and the glittering of
their rich plumage in the sunlight. One species alone (the last-named) was moody and shy,
generally retiring to the highest perch under the domed roof, and disputing its possession

rest of the sheep. The birds then pursue it, continue attacking it, and force it to run about till it becomes stupid and
exhausted. If, in that state, it throws itself down, and lies as much as possible on its back to keep the birds from picking
the part attacked, they then pick a fresh hole in its side; and the sheep, when so set upon, in some instances dies.......
Where the birds so attack the sheep, the elevation of the country is from 4000 to 5000 feet above the sea-level; and
they only do so there in winter time. On a station owned by Mr. Campbell about thirty miles distant from the other, and
at the same altitude, in the same district, and where the birds are plentiful, they do not attack the sheep in that way.”

56

with the rest. At length one of the pretty Rosellas met with an accident, which, in part, disabled
it in the wing. The attention that it received from its partner was quite touching to witness.
The maimed bird being unable to reach its perch, and therefore compelled to roost at night on the
lower framework of the aviary, its mate forsook its sheltered perch under the dome and took up
its position beside it; and during the day it was constantly chattering to it in a low confidential
sort of manner. But this mishap led to a series of disasters that proved fatal, in the end, to the
whole company. The Grass-Parrot, still retaining his sulky demeanour, began to persecute the
disabled: Rosella, and ultimately killed and partly devoured it. There was abundance of grain
and other food in the troughs; but the Blue Mountain-Parrots followed suit, and whetted their
appetites on the defunct Rosella. Attributing this contretemps to the weakly condition of the
victim, I simply removed the mutilated body, and left the murderer in the aviary. On the fol-
lowing morning, however, I found, to my dismay, that he had killed and partly eaten one of the
beautiful Blue Mountain-Parrots, and was murderously pursuing the surviving Rosella. I at
once removed the author of all this mischief, and hoped to see harmony restored in the family ;
but the spirit of evil had been fairly roused, and I next found that the surviving “ Blue Mountain”

had killed the male King Lory, and was devouring his body. Then I witnessed another touch of
nature; for the mate of the last-named bird fretted and moped, refused her food, and died of a
broken heart. Finally, the bereaved Rosella, as if to seek revenge for the murder of his sickly
mate, made open war on the surviving female Blue Mountain-Parrot, and succeeded in killing her.
I found this valiant little Parrakeet standing on the body of its vanquished enemy, and whistling
in the most excited manner. And thus, within the limits of a single week, a group of Parrots
that had lived together so long on the most satisfactory terms had, during a contagious passion
for killing and devouring, come to utter grief, and only a solitary male Rosella remained! This
bird shortly afterwards gained its liberty; and thus terminated my first and last experiment with
Australian Parrots. But it must be remembered that this was an abnormal development of
character under domestication, or at any rate under the artificial restraints of confinement. The
difference in the case of the Kea is that, in its wild and natural state, it readily feeds on raw
meat, and seems to prefer that to its proper vegetable diet.

Dr. Haast informs me that in disposition it is most inquisitive, prying into and examining
every thing that comes in its way. On one occasion he left a large bundle of valuable alpine
plants, which he had collected with much labour, lying exposed on the summit of a lofty moun-
tain-crag. During his temporary absence a Kea came down, and, with a supreme disregard for
botanical science, tumbled the collection of specimens over into the ravine below, and quite beyond
recovery. Mr. Potts also records an instance of this bird’s extreme inquisitiveness. On one
occasion a shepherd’s hut was shut up, and left for a day or two, the man being required else-
where. On his return he was surprised to hear something moving within the hut; and on enter-
ing, he found that the noise proceeded from a Kea, which had gained access by the chimney. On
a closer survey, the worthy shepherd discovered that his visitor had been exercising its powerful
mandibles to some effect on his slender stock of goods and chattels. Blankets, bedding, and
clothes were grievously rent and torn, pannikins and plates scattered about; and every thing that
could be broken was apparently broken very carefully, even the window-frame having been
attacked with great diligence.

economy, it n
wild alpine h:

iden,

? Whi

. aViary, On 4 .

and nar] . “ ue
Peruy Cate;

the g)) “ z wll One re
UIVivine R )

—4 Kelly 1}

Tracie ee —

m ny restored in tha ¢

y)

ue i mh

another ts

bused her food. and dia

as Gl) :

uw

© SUrVivine «

Ing

—

: Witnessed
P Q(
rr +} - snr ae
Vi Lilt murder ot b
and Ssu( ceeded In k) mo hp
mee, Ui

=k ; cw
4415000 enemy, and Whisty
gle week, a group of Pum
STOUP OL Lan
, GUTINZ & CONTALIONUS iw
- - 1} v ea | T,
sale Rosella remained! 1
first and last experiment
ahnarmal ley slanment
un abnormai deveopue

traints of conimemell. »
110 foods (DI
state, 10 ready feeds 02

pa
qd exall
— -

prying into al
a : 44
; lle of valuab!

we pun

+ of a loftya”
‘he summit of 8 if
. Aerpoilll ’
, sme Ul"
rith @ supreeY we
nite A”

- se below, and guy
Vile * ig . (ne
oan taitivene®

me mq™ ised &

: pf] Le"
ing ™

ati

the man be

es gpd OW?
abt ut; f

frase
window fr?

57

Dr. Hector found these birds rather plentiful in the snow-mountains of the Otago Province,
and so tame that it was easy to knock them over with a stone or other missile. On the level
ground their mode of locomotion is similar to that of the Kaka, consisting of a hopping rather than
a walking movement. In addition to the mewing cry noticed by Mr. Potts, the Kea utters a short
whistle, a chuckle, and a suppressed scream, scarcely distinguishable from the notes of the Kaka
(Nestor meridionalis). Although, as already shown, very easily captured, it is difficult to detain
this bird against its will. My brother, Mr. John Buller, during his residence in the back
Mackenzie country, obtained, at various times, no less than eight live specimens for me; but in
every instance they managed to escape, either by eating their way out of the wooden cage, or in
some other, unaccountable manner, before reaching their destination. It is to be hoped, however,
that some one, having the opportunity, will yet succeed in obtaining a pair of live ones for the
Zoological Society's Gardens, where they would certainly receive all the attention and study that
so singular a bird deserves.

Nothing is known of the breeding-habits of this species, although, judging from its general
economy, it may be safely inferred that it nests in the crevices and crannies of the rocks in its
wild alpine haunts.

Onven PSITTACI]

Pacific Parrot, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 252 (1781

Psittacus nove zeelandie, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. pl. 28 (1787).

Psittacus pacificus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 329 (1788).
Platycercus pacificus, Vigors, Zool. Journ. i. p. 526 (1825).

Pezoporus nove zeelandie, Voigt, ed. Cuv. Thierreich, p. 750 (1831).

Lathamus sparmanii, Less. Traité d’Orn. i. p. 206 (1831).
Platycercus erythrotis, Wagl. Monogr. Psitt. p. 526 (1835).
Cyanoramphus erythrotis, Bonap. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. vi. p. 153 (1854).
Cyanoramphus nove zelandie, Bonap. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. vi. p. 153 (1854).
Cyanoramphus aucklandicus, Bonap. Naumannia, 1856, Suppl. p. 352.

Cyanoramphus nove guinee, Bonap. Naum. 1856, Suppl. p. 352.
Platycercus aucklandicus, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Psitt. p. 13 (1859).

Platycercus cookii, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Psitt. p. 13 (1859).

Platycercus nove guinee, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Psitt. p. 13 (1859).

(Fam, PLATYCERCIDA:.

PLATYCERCUS NOVEH ZEALANDIA

(RED-FRONTED PARRAKEET.)

Cyanorhamphus saisseti, Verr. et Des Murs, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. xii. p. 387 (1860).
Platycercus rayneri, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 228.
Coriphilus nove zeelandie, Schlegel, Dierent. p. 77 (1864).

Euphema nove zeelandie, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, rie p- 105 (1864).
Platycercus forsteri, Finsch, Papag. ii. p. 287 (1868).

Native names.

Kakariki, Kakawariki, Powhaitere, Porere, and Torete.

g prasinus, uropygio paulld letiore :

genis et corpore subtis flavicanti-viridibus :

pileo antico, maculd ante-

oculari, alter’ supraauriculari et plumis paucis ad latera uropygii positis puniceis: occipite ad basin

plumarum celaté citrino:

tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus :

remigibus brunneis, ald spurid leetis-

simé ultramarina: primariis extis ad basin ultramarino, versus apicem angusté flavido marginatis : cauda

supra leté prasind, subtis magis flavicante :

subalaribus cyanescenti-viridibus :

maxilla cyanescenti-alba,

versus apicem nigricante, mandibulé omnind nigricante: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride rubra.

Adult male. General plumage bright grass-green, lighter, or rather yellowish-green on the underparts.

Forehead, crown, and streak across the eye terminating on the ear-coverts deep crimson, with a spot of

the same, more or less distinct, on each side of the rump; on the nape a broad basal mark of yellowish
white, observable only when the plumage is disturbed or raised. The wing-feathers are dusky black,
lighter on the under surface, and crossed by an obscure yellowish band; the outer primaries and their

coverts, as well as the bastard quills, bright blue on their outer webs.

Irides cherry-red ; upper mandible

bluish white,-with a black tip; lower mandible bluish black; feet pale brown. Extreme length 11°25

¥

inches

young. The

surmise

Varieties. L

first mou
the abdo
bright ; 1

Obs. The syi

Spots accj

THE Red-front
tiful in the
Species pre
Where the y

often me

Sor
don
vege
t with
the brushes

j ; t
In
the breedin :

S

‘Dig 59

inches; wing, from flexure, 5°25; tail 6; culmen ‘8; tarsus ‘8; longer fore toe and claw 1:15; longer

hind toe and claw 1

Young. The plumage of the young bird does not differ appreciably from that of the adult. Dr. Finsch’s
surmise that Platycercus unicolor might prove to be the young of this species is therefore erroneous. I
have examined the type specimen of P. wnicolor in the British Museum, and am quite satisfied that it is
a good species, very readily distinguishable from P. nove zealandie by its more robust form and more
powerful mandibles, independently of its uniform green colour. This specimen is quite unique. It was
received from the Zoological Society’s Gardens; but its habitat is unknown, and its inclusion in Mr. G.
R. Gray’s “ List of New-Zealand Birds” (Ibis, 1862) was purely conjectural.

31).
Varieties. Like many other members of the large natural family to which it belongs, this species exhibits a
strong tendency to variability of colour ; and the slight differences which some of the ornithologists of
ene Europe have recognized as sufficient Sen characters, are clearly of no value whatever. A specimen
3 (1854), brought to me by a native, in the Kaipara district, many years ago, had the whole of the plumage of a
». 153 | 1854), brilliant scarlet-red. Another, obtained in the woods in the neighbourhood of Wellington, had the

green plumage thickly studded all over with spots of red; this handsome bird was caged, and at the
first moult the whole of the spots disappeared. An example of this species in the British Museum has
the abdomen and under tail-coverts bright yellow mixed with green; the thigh-spots very large and
ny). bright ; the rump stained, and the tail obscurely banded on the upper surface, with dull yellow.

Obs. The synonymy of the genus Platycercus, as may be seen above, has been involved in much confusion.

7 We are indebted to Dr. Otto Finsch, of Bremen, for a complete elucidation of the subject, in his able

l. xu. p. 387 (1860). “ Monograph of the Psittacide” (Die Papageien, ii. p. 275, 1868). Examples of Pl. nove zealandie vary

much in size and in the depth of their colouring. The shade of the prevailing green, the brilliancy of

the crimson vertex, and the extent of red colouring on the ear-coverts, and of blue on the wings, are

- alike variable. Pl. aucklandicus, of Bonaparte, is UnAo Dias referable to this species ; and I have no

L564). doubt that Dr. Finsch is right in his determination of Pl. saisseti (Verreaux) as being also inseparable.

I am further of opinion that Pl. forsteri, admitted with some hesitation by Dr. Finsch, and founded on

a. single example in the British Museum, is nothing but Pl. nove zealandie, with the red uropygial
spots accidentally absent.

Tue Red-fronted Parrakeet is very generally dispersed over the whole country—but is more plen-
tiful in the southern portion of the North Island than in the far north, where the yellow-fronted

t1c0, macus e

species predominates. It frequents every part of the bush, but appears to prefer the outskirts,
pun a where the vegetation is low and shrubby, as also the wooded margins of creeks and rivers. It is
brunneis, ala § F often met with among the dense koromiko (Veronica) which covers the low river-flats, or among
favido mag the brushes of Leptospermum and other scrub. It seldom ventures beyond the shelter of the

bus: ewe

-_ maxilli Ta woods, unless it be to visit the farmer’s fields for its tithe of grain, or to reach some distant

prannels iride feeding-place, when it rises rather high in the air and flies rapidly, but in a rather zig-zag course.

-_ poe When on the wing it utters a hurried chattering note ; and when alarmed, or calling to its fellows,

owish-gre” gh? it emits a cry resembling the words “twenty-eight,” with a slight emphasis on the last syllable.
s0R; Tong

It often resorts to the tops of the highest trees, but may always be enticed downwards by imitating
this note. It is gregarious, forming parties of from three to twelve, or more, in number, except
in the breeding-season, when it is generally met with in pairs.

12

prow?

60

Its food consists chiefly of berries and seeds: but I suspect that it also devours small insects
and their larvee ; for I have observed flocks of a dozen or more on the ground, engaged apparently
in a search of that kind, and it is a well-established fact that several of the Australian members
of this group subsist partly on insect food. When the corn-fields are ready for the harvest, flocks
of this gaily-coloured Parrakeet resort to them to feed on the ripe grain; and it is very pretty to
see them, on any alarm being given, rise in the air together and settle on a fence, or on the limb
of a dead tree, to wait till the danger has passed, keeping up all the time a low, pleasant chatter.

This species bears confinement remarkably well, and is very docile and familiar even when
taken as an adult bird. It is also very intelligent, and possesses the faculty of mimicry in a high
degree.

One of these birds has been in the possession of a lady at Christchurch (Canterbury) for
more than eight years. Although full-grown when first caged, it has learnt to articulate several
words with great clearness. It is very tame, and displays a considerable amount of intelligence—
leaves its cage every day for exercise, and returns to it immediately on the appearance of a
stranger. It knows its fair owner’s voice, will respond to her call, and will ‘shake hands” with
each, foot alternately in the most sedate manner. Another, in our own possession, survived con-
finement for more than eleven years, and appeared then in perfect health and strength, when it
fell a victim to the household puss. This bird could articulate sentences of three or four words
with great precision of accent ; and the loss of so intimate a family-friend was “ sincerely lamented”
by all our circle.

A hole in a decaying or dead tree affords this species a natural breeding-place, the eggs being
laid on the pulverized rotten wood at the bottom; for there is no further attempt at forming a
nest. The months of November and December constitute the breeding-season. The eggs vary in
number from three to seven; and a native stated that he once found a nest containing as many as
eleven; but five is the usual number. Mr. Gilbert Mair informs me that a pair of these birds
bred in the hollow trunk of a Hinau-tree for several successive years, although robbed of their
young every season, and that he has frequently observed the cock bird feeding the hen, during
incubation, by regurgitating berries from his crop. Although exhibiting a preference for hollow
trees, they sometimes nest in the holes or crevices of rocks. On the Upper Wanganui the natives
pointed out to me a small round cavity in the perpendicular cliff forming the bank of the river,
and assured me that this was the entrance to a small chamber where a pair of Parrakeets had
reared their young in security for many years. The eggs are very broadly oval, measuring 1:05
by ‘85. They are pure white and are very finely granulate on the surface, sometimes with minute
limy excrescences near the thicker end.

liar CVe:
acu t
Ity of mimicry; Wal

rn ‘ }
ste hurch (Canter,
Ov Uy)

; Articulate w

© &mount of ; ittlions
ly on the &ppearan i
d wil] «

arnt to

shake } Nand” id

n POSSession, survival ;
alth and strength, he
nees of three or pS
id was “ sincerely laments
eding-place, the eggs bx
urther attempt at fom
g-season. The egusrmi
nest containing as mays
» that a pair of t these bis
s, although robbed of t
ird feeding the hea, i
7 a preference fur b™
|pper Wanganui the
bank of them

“~

nl ing the |

re a I F
r sadly oval, measwiile
i th D

. eometimes es wit my

» op sR
air of agit it

PLATYCERCUS AURICEPS.

PLATYCERCUS NOVA ZEALANDIA.

Saagaaa”
E

P
BB polTTACh
Og?

Platyce rcus
Pacific Par:
Psittacus pe
Platycercus
Platycercus
Euphema @
Cyanoramph
Cyanoramph
Platycercus
Coriphilus a
Platycercus

The same a:

Ad. P. nove zealan

Adult male. Ger
A band of «
upper part «
only on me
black, cross
and first fo
cherry-red ;
black; feet
tarsus -65 -

~

Young, The fro
In the rene
Moreover, -

Varietios ’
leties. Like

brought to

Onver PSITTACI.)

[Fam. PLATYCERCID.

PLATYCERCUS AURICEPS.

(YELLOW-FRONTED PARRAKEET.)

Platycercus auriceps, Kuhl, Consp. Psittac. p. 46 (1820).

Pacific Parrot, var. C, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 252 (1781).

Psittacus pacificus, var., Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 829 (1788).

Platycercus auriceps, Vigors, Zool. Journ. i. p. 531 (1825).

Platycercus nove zelandie, Bourjot St.-Hilaire, Perroq. t. 87 (1837).
Euphema auriceps, Licht. Nomencl. Av. p. 72 (1854).

Cyanoramphus auriceps, Bonap. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. vi. p. 153 (1854).
Cyanoramphus malherbi, Souancé, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. ix. p. 98 (1857).
Platycercus malherbii, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Psitt. p. 14 (1899).
Coriphilus auriceps, Schlegel, Dierent. p. 77 (1864).

Platycercus alpinus, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 39

Native names.

The same as those applied to the preceding species.

Ad. P. nove zealandie@ similis, sed valdé minor, et vertice aureo, fronte puniced facilé distinguendus.

Adult male. General plumage beautiful grass-green, paler, or more suffused with yellow on the underparts.
A band of dark crimson connects the eyes, passing across the forehead, immediately above the nostrils ;

upper part of forehead and crown golden yellow; on the nape a basal spot of yellowish white, apparent
only on moving the feathers; on each side of the rump a conspicuous spot of crimson; quills dusky
black, crossed on their under surface with a band of pale yellow; the outer web of the bastard quills
and first four primaries, with their coverts, indigo-blue, narrowly margined with yellow. Irides pale
cherry-red; upper mandible bluish-white at the base, black towards the tip; under mandible bluish
black; feet pale brown. Extreme length 9 inches; wing, from flexure, 4°2; tail 4°75; culmen °65;

tarsus ‘65; longer fore toe and claw 1; longer hind toe and claw ‘9

Young. The frontal band is orange, and the vertex pale yellow; and there is an absence of the yellow element
in the general plumage, which is of a cold pure green, much paler on the underparts; the rump-spots,
moreover, are smaller and less conspicuous, being orpiment-orange instead of crimson.

Varieties. Like the preceding bird, this species also exhibits abnormally coloured varieties. A young bird,
ought to me from the nest, and not fully fledged, had the plumage of the body pale hese shaded

oak green on the upper parts, and the quills and tail-feathers marked with red. Another

rous light crescentic marks on the wing-coverts. In the summer of 1

nume-
863 I obtained a very aan

variety at Manawatu. I found it in the hands of a labouring settler, who had purchased it from the
natives for something less than a shilling. Finding him unwilling to part with it, I tempted him with
a guinea, and secured the prize. It was a bird of the first year, and presented the following appear-
ance :—Frontal band crimson, vertex golden yellow; space around the eyes and a band encircling the

62

neck green; head, shoulders, and lower part of back red, the einer space variegated with red and
green; quills dusky, obscurely banded with yellow, and margined on the outer web with blue; wing-
coverts greenish yellow, barred and margined with red; tail-feathers green, obscurely barred with yellow
in their apical portion; underparts green, variegated with crimson and yellow, an interrupted band of
the former colour crossing the breast. Like the spotted variety of Pl. nove zealandie already men-
tioned, within a short time it commenced to moult, and was fast assuming the common green livery of
the species, when it was accidentally killed. This specimen, which still exhibits traces of its original
colours, belongs now to the typical collection in the Colonial Museum

Obs. This species is very readily distinguished from all the other members of the group of Platycerci by its
beautiful golden vertex. Individuals vary both in size and in the brilliancy of their plumage. The t
of Platycercus malherbii, in the British Museum, received from the Auckland Islands, and characterized
by Souancé as “encore plus petit que ’auriceps,” is nothing but a very small example of this species.
There is an equally small one in the same collection from the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Some
specimens exhibit the yellow vertex stained more or less with crimson.

Tue Yellow-fronted Parrakeet, although generally dispersed over the country in all suitable
localities, is more plentiful than the red-fronted species in the northern parts of the North Island,
and less so as we approach Cook’s Strait. In the South Island, however, the two species appear
to be more equally distributed. Notwithstanding the arguments advanced in the paper read by
me before the Wellington Philosophical Society in June 1869*, and the important fact cited,
that a caged specimen, at least five years old, exhibited the plumage characteristic of my Platy-
cercus alpinus, I have come to the conclusion that Dr. Finsch is right in considering this the
young state of P/. auriceps. The particular case in question must find its explanation in the
tendency to individual variation in this species, some remarkable instances of which are noticed
above.

In habits this bird closely resembles the preceding one; but it is less gregarious, being seen
generally in pairs. It loves to frequent the tutu bushes (Coriaria ruscifolia), to regale itself on
the juicy berries of this bushy shrub; and on these occasions it is easily snared by the natives,
who use for that purpose a flax noose at the end of a slender rod. When feeding on the tutu-
berry, the whole of the interior becomes stained of a dark purple. When the wild dock has
run to seed, this pretty little Parrakeet repairs to the open fields and feasts on the ripe seeds of
that noxious weed. At other seasons the berries of Coprosma lucida, Fuchsia excorticata, and
other forest-shrubs afford it plentiful and agreeable nutriment.

In captivity it is very gentle and tractable, but it is far inferior to the larger red-fronted bird
in its talking-capacity. One or two instances of its being taught to articulate words of two
syllables have come to my knowledge; but as a rule the attempt to instruct it ends in failure.

Like its congener it nests in hollow trees, and lays from five to eight eggs, resembling those
of Platycercus nove zealandie, but smaller. Specimens in my collection measure ‘9 in length by
‘75 in breadth.

Major Mair informs me that he watched a pair of these birds breeding in the cavity of a dead
tree for three successive seasons. The first year’s brood numbered five, the second eight, and the
third seven.

* Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute, 1869, vol. ii. p. 386.

HETERALOCHA ACUTIROSTRIS.

(pes picARL®

Neomorpha a
Neomorpha
Neomorpha g
Heteralocha

¢ undique sericeo-1
culis magnis
eburneo, vers

2 mari similis, sed I
Adult. The whol
of white. Bil

rich orange-ci

Male, Length 18°;
along the edgy
Female. Length 1!

along the eden

In some exa

Are
barbs
HIS js Mother of
; -
Qce of Opinion :
La

SoMe m,
May ul

Te a
re complet

timate],

to the Hoop is
: ORs 18
ity habits to t} :
0 me
LOtes " rg m mm
&§ by Prof. x
wt rot Ney

Orver PICARLA.] [Fam. UPUPIDA.

HETERALOCHA ACUTIROSTRIS.
(HUIA.)

Neomorpha acutirostris, Gould, P. Z.S. 1836, p. 144 (2).
Neomorpha crassirostris, Gould, P. Z.S. 1836, p. 145 (¢).
Neomorpha gouldi, Gray, List of Gen. of B. p. 15 (1841).
Heteralocha gouldi, Cab. Mus. Hein. Th. i. p. 218 (1850).

Native name.—Huia.

g undique sericeo-niger, sub cert& luce obscuré viridi nitens: caud4 conspicué albo terminatd: pileo carun-
culis magnis rotundatis leté aurantiacis utrinque ad basin mandibule positis ornato: rostro valido,
eburneo, versus basin cinereo: pedibus cinereis, unguibus corneis.

? mari similis, sed rostro longo valdé decurvato semper distinguenda.

Adult. The whole of the plumage is black, with a green metallic gloss ; the tail with a broad enlitia band
white. Bill ivory-white, darkening to blackish grey at the base. Wattles ‘large, rounded, and of a
rich orange-colour in the living bird. Tarsi and toes bluish grey ; claws light horn-colour.

Male. Length 18°75 inches; extent of wings 22°5; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 7:5; bill, along the ridge, 2°75,
along the edge of lower mandible 2°75 ; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 2°5 ; hind toe and claw 2

Female. Length 19°5 inches; extent of wings 21; wing, from flexure, 7:5; tail 7:25; bill, along the ridge, 4,
along the edge of lower mandible 4°12; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 2°25; hind toe and claw 1°75.

Obs. In some examples the white at the end of the tail is tinged more or less with rufous, while in others
the under tail-coverts are tipped with white. It should be noted also that the brightness of the fleshy
wattles depends, in some measure, on the health or condition of the bird; for during sickness they
change to lemon-yellow. A recently killed specimen weighed 143 0z. The palate and soft parts of
the throat are bright yellow. The tongue is horny at the tip, bifurcate, and furnished with minute
barbs.

THis is another of those anomalous forms belonging exclusively to New Zealand. Much differ-
ence of opinion has existed as to its proper position in our artificial system ; but, till we have
some more complete knowledge of its affinities, I am content to leave it among the Upupide. It
may ultimately prove to be the type of a distinct family; but that it possesses strong affinities
to the Hoopoes is: undeniable ; and I have been much struck with the close similarity of some of
its habits to those of the common Upupa epops as recently observed by myself in Egypt.

On the peculiarities of its osteological structure I have been favoured with some valuable
notes by Prof. Newton, which will be found embodied in the General Introduction to the present

work.

64

Mr. Gould, who was the first to characterize the genus, was deceived by the great difference
in the form of the bill, and treated the sexes as distinct species, naming them respectively
Neomorpha acutirostris and N. crassirostris,—a very natural mistake, “‘many genera even,” as
Mr. Gould observes, “‘ having been founded upon more trivial differences of character.” Mr. G.
R. Gray having determined their identity, proposed to substitute the specific name of Neomorpha
gouldi, in compliment to the original describer ; and his example has been followed by others; but
I have deemed it more in accordance with the accepted rules of zoological nomenclature to adopt
the first of the two names applied to the species by Mr. Gould, and I have followed Cabanis in
referring this remarkable form to the genus Heteralocha.

In November 1870, I communicated to the Wellington Philosophical Society a paper, which
was afterwards published in the ‘ Transactions’*, containing all the information I was able to
collect respecting this singular bird. As His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, in his last Anniversary
Address to the New-Zealand Institute, has done me the honour to direct special attention to this
article, and as no additional information on the subject has since been obtained, I feel that I can-
not do better than reproduce it in these pages :—

An article in ‘Nature’ (June 23), bearing the initials of a well-known naturalist, notices
the arrival of a living example of the Huia (Heteralocha gouldi) at the Zoological Society’s
Gardens, London. The specimen was a male bird; and the writer, in describing the peculiarity in
the form of the bill that distinguishes it from the female, observes :—‘ Such a divergence.in the
structure of the beak of the two sexes is very uncommon, and scarcely to be paralleled in the
class of birds. It is difficult to guess at the reason of it, or to explain it on Darwinian or any
other principles.”

Although Dr. Hector, with his usual good fortune, has succeeded in getting a fine series of
specimens for the Colonial Museum, this bird undoubtedly ranks as one of our rarest and most
valuable species. Ere long it will exist only in our museums and other collections; and, for the
sake of science, it is important that every thing connected with its natural history should be
faithfully recorded and preserved. In the absence of any published account of its habits, beyond
mere fragmentary notices, I have thought the subject of sufficient interest to justify my placing
before the Society the following complete account of all that I have been able to ascertain
respecting it. The peculiar habits of feeding, which I have described from actual observation,
furnish to my own mind a sufficient “reason” for the different development of the mandibles in
the two sexes, and may, I think, be accepted as a satisfactory solution of the problem.

Before proceeding to speak of the bird itself, I would remark on the very restricted character
of its habitat. It is confined within narrow geographical boundaries, being met with only in the
Ruahine, Tararua, and Rimutaka mountain-ranges, with their divergent spurs, and in the inter-
vening wooded valleys. It is occasionally found in the Fagus forests of the Wairarapa valley,
and in the rugged country stretching to the westward of the Ruahine range, but it seldom
wanders far from its mountain haunts. I have been assured of its occurrence in the wooded
country near Massacre Bay (Province of Nelson), but I have not been able to obtain any satisfac-
tory evidence on this point. It is worthy of remark that the natives, who prize the bird very
highly for its tail-feathers (which are used as a badge of mourning), state that, unlike other

* Trans. New-Zealand Instit. 1870, vol. iii. pp. 24-29.

eS, wh

nec
a from tu
My fr

Wainuiom@
ort
J have since
air of live
a distance 0
put 1 nego¥
waiting @ f
Through th
other, mant
The re:
remarkable.
appear to fe
ment in wh
them make
species diffe
the Bittern 1
against the
submit read:
species, aga:
seem to thri
tamed ; and
their liberty
They v
the birds b
aid of a lon
emboldened
On receiyin
about six fe
after feedin,
tetired to o

{hy
Ming
al ny Menara hh
lave followeg Ci
‘al Society a ba

formation I was
7, In his

t, Whi

able,
Ast Any;

Atti

ite: Atlention ty a:

tained If ig
> 4 Teel tho1,

L that Ig,

t special

known haturalist, poi

the Zoological Sas
scribing the pectin
‘Such a divergence ak
‘ly to be paralleled in t
im it on Darwinian ow

in getting a fine sensi
xe of our rarest and ms
ratural history should
punt of its habits bee
rest to justify my plas
, been able to as
| observallt

| from actual.
maddie?

ment of the
f the problem-

65

species, which have of late years diminished and become more confined in their range, the Huia
was from time immemorial limited in its distribution to the district I have indicated.

My first specimen of this singular bird (an adult female) was obtained in 1855, from the
Wainuiomata Hills, a continuation of the Rimutaka range, bounding the Wellington harbour
on the northern side—the same locality from which Dr. Dieffenbach, nearly twenty years before,
received the examples figured by Mr. Gould in his magnificent work ‘The Birds of Australia.’
I have since obtained many fine specimens, and in the summer of 1864 I succeeded in getting a
pair of live ones. They were caught by a native in the ranges, and brought down to Manawatu,
a distance of more than fifty miles, on horseback. The owner refused to take money for them;
but I negotiated an exchange for a valuable greenstone. I kept these birds for more than a year,
waiting a favourable opportunity of forwarding them to the Zoological Society of London.
Through the carelessness, however, of a servant, the male bird was accidently killed; and the
other, manifesting the utmost distress, pined for her mate, and died ten days afterwards.

The readiness with which these birds adapted themselves to a condition of captivity was very
remarkable. Within a few days after their capture they had become perfectly tame, and did not
appear to feel in any degree the restraint of confinement ; for, although the window of the apart-
ment in which they were kept was thrown open and replaced by thin wire netting, I never saw
them make any attempt to regain their liberty. It is well known, however, that birds of different
species differ widely in natural disposition and temper. The captive Eagle frets in his sulky pride ;
the Bittern refuses food and dies untamable; the fluttering little Humming-bird beats itself to death
against the tiny bars of its prison in its futile efforts to escape ; and many species that appear to
submit readily to their changed condition of life, ultimately pine, sicken, and die. There are other
species, again, which cheerfully adapt themselves to their new life, although caged at maturity, and
seem to thrive fully as well under confinement as in a state of nature. Parrots, for example, are easily
tamed; and I have met with numerous instances of their voluntary return after having regained
their liberty. This character of tamability was exemplified to perfection in the Huias.

They were fully adult birds, and were caught in the following simple manner. Attracting
the birds by an imitation of their cry to the place where he lay concealed, the native, with the
aid of a long rod, slipped a running knot over the head of the female and secured her. The male,
emboldened by the loss of his mate, suffered himself to be easily caught in the same manner.
On receiving these birds I set them free in a well-lined and properly ventilated room, measuring
about six feet by eight feet. They appeared to be stiff after their severe jolt on horseback, and
after feeding freely on the huhu grub, a pot of which the native had brought with them, they
retired to one of the perches I had set up for them, and cuddled together for the night.

In the morning I found them somewhat recruited, feeding with avidity, sipping water from
a dish, and flitting about in a very active manner. It was amusing to note their treatment of the
huhu. This grub, the larva of a large nocturnal beetle (Prionoplus reticularis), which constitutes
their principal food, infests all decayed timber, attaining at maturity the size of a man’s little
finger. Like all grubs of its kind, it is furnished with a hard head and horny mandibles. On
offering one of these to the Huia, he would seize it in the middle, and, at once transferring it to
his perch and placing one foot firmly upon it, he would tear off the hard parts, and then, throwing
the grub upwards to secure it lengthwise in his bill, would swallow it whole. For the first few

K

66

days these birds were comparatively quiet, remaining stationary on their perch as soon as their
hunger was appeased. But they afterwards became more lively and active, indulging in play
with each other and seldom remaining more than a few moments in one position. I sent to the
woods for a small branched tree, and placed it in the centre of the room, the floor of which was
spread with sand and gravel. It was most interesting to watch these graceful birds hopping from
branch to branch, occasionally spreading the tail into a broad fan, displaying themselves in a
variety of natural attitudes and then meeting to caress each other with their ivory bills, uttering
at the same time a low affectionate twitter. They generally moved along the branches by a
succession of light hops after the manner of the Kokako (Glaucopis cinerea); and they often de-
scended to the floor, where their mode of progression was the same. They seemed never to tire
of probing and chiselling with their beaks. Having discovered that the canvas lining of the room
was pervious, they were incessantly piercing it, and tearing off large strips of paper, till, in the
course of a few days, the walls were completely defaced.

But what interested me most of all was the manner in which the birds assisted each other in
their search for food, because it appeared to explain the use, in the economy of nature, of the
differently formed bills in the two sexes. To divert the birds, I introduced a log of decayed wood
infested with the huhu grub. They at once attacked it, carefully probing the softer parts with
their bills, and then vigorously assailing them, scooping out the decayed wood till the larva or
pupa was visible, when it was carefully drawn from its cell, treated in the way described above,
and then swallowed. ‘The very different development of the mandibles in the two sexes enabled
them to perform separate offices. The male always attacked the more decayed portions of the
wood, chiselling out his prey after the manner of some Woodpeckers, while the female probed
with her long pliant bill the other cells, where the hardness of the surrounding parts resisted the
chisel of her mate. Sometimes I observed the male remove the decayed portion without being
able to reach the grub, when the female would at once come to his aid, and accomplish with her
long slender bill what he had failed to do. I noticed, however, that the female always appro-
priated to her own use the morsels thus obtained.

For some days they refused to eat any thing but huhu; but by degrees they yielded to a
change of food, and at length would eat cooked potato, boiled rice, and raw meat minced up in
small pieces. They were kept supplied with a dish of fresh water, but seldom washed themselves,
although often repairing to the vessel to drink. Their ordinary call was a soft and clear whistle,
at first prolonged, then short and quickly repeated, both birds joining in it. When excited or
hungry, they raised their whistling note to a high pitch ; at other times it was softly modulated,
with variations, or changed into a low chuckling note. Sometimes their cry resembled the
whining of young puppies so exactly as almost to defy detection.

Dr. Dieffenbach, in forwarding his specimens of the Huia to Mr. Gould, in 1836, wrote :—
“These fine birds can only be obtained with the help of a native, who calls them with a shrill
and long-continued whistle resembling the sound of the native name of the species. After an
extensive journey in the hilly forest in search of them, I had at last the pleasure of seeing four
alight on the lower branches of the trees near which the native accompanying me stood. They
came quick as lightning, descending from branch to branch, spreading out the tail and throwing
up the wings.” I have only had a single opportunity of observing this species in its native

the dampnes
observed tha’
While in me
partially spre
lower jaw.
We cam
soon after da
of the call, a
climbed the
He was perc
large pieces
guided us to
to be an old
several years

flesh

“White ;

The he;

“Oy
be “ i
eC x
Pi
i,

iT
the Or mi ton.
CE . : rt 1) Q
1 binds Qh,
Playing then ath
- ~ - Ase]y, 2 ‘
1€ir lVory bil 8 Q,
ilo adh Ut
DY the brane Ry
Tea): « 8 hy,
‘hey * nd they the
CY sex med mei Lt
v e -
Car y
il = tVas lining of ».

LE top
ps of Paper, till ; iy

rds Assisted CaCh other:
my of nature 7
ed a log of denn...
ing the softer parts wif
dw 0d till en a

the Ww ay de scr

on

of decayed Toy

ribed ab

in the TWO sexes enable
> decayed portions of ty
while the female pix
yunding parts resisted tk
<d portion without ™
and accom] pli sh with)

the female always a

legrees they yielded 0!
1 raw meat minced ip!
1dom washed them
sa & ft and cleat mm
When esa
softly m* ant
bled

in it.
S it was
their cry resem

ote
° 836, wi :
Gould, in } ith obs

pan) ing
t the tal

ou

this §

species

67

haunts, and I was struck by the same peculiarities in its manners and general demeanour. In
the summer of 1867, accompanied by a friend and two natives, I made an expedition into the
Ruahine ranges in search of novelties. After a tramp on foot of nearly twenty miles through a
densely wooded country, we were rewarded by finding the Huia. We were climbing the side of
a steep acclivity, and had halted to dig specimens of the curious vegetating caterpillar (Spheria
robertsii), which was abundant there. While thus engaged, we heard the soft flute-note of the
Huia in the wooded gully far beneath us. One of our native companions at once imitated the
call, and in a few seconds a pair of beautiful Huias, male and female, appeared in the branches
near us. They remained gazing at us only a few instants, and then started off up the side of the
hill, moving by a succession of hops, often along the ground, the male generally leading.
Waiting till he could get both birds in a line, my friend at length pulled trigger; but the cap
snapped, and the Huias instantly disappeared down the wooded ravine. ‘Then followed a chevy
of some three miles, down the mountain-side and up its rugged ravines. Once more, owing to
the dampness of the weather, the cap snapped, and the birds were finally lost sight of. I
observed that their mode of progression was similar to that of the Kokako, but far more rapid.
While in motion they kept near each other and uttered constantly a soft twitter. The tail was
partially spread, while the bright orange lappets were usually compressed under the rami of the
lower jaw.

We camped that night near the bed of a mountain rivulet, in a deep wooded ravine, and
soon after dawn we again heard the rich notes of a Huia. Failing to allure him by an imitation
of the call, although he frequently answered it, we crossed to the other side of the gully, and
climbed the hill to a clump of tall rimu trees (Dacrydiwm cupressinum), where we found him.
He was perched on the high limb of a rimu, chiselling it with his powerful beak, and tearing off
large pieces of bark, doubtless in search of insects; and it was the falling of these. fragments that
guided us to the spot, and enabled us to find him. This solitary bird, which proved, when shot,
to be an old male, had frequented this neighbourhood (as we were informed by the natives) for
several years, his notes being familiar to the people who passed to and fro along the Otairi track
leading to Taupo. On asking a native how the Huia contrived to extract the huhu from the
decayed timber, he replied, “‘ by digging with his pickaxe””—an expression which I found to be
truthfully descriptive of the operation; and on dissecting this specimen I found an extraordinary
development of the requisite muscles. The skin was very tough, indicating, probably, extreme
age. ‘The stomach contained numerous remains of coleopterous insects, of the kind usually found
under the bark of trees, also one or two caterpillars. In the stomach of another, I once dis-
covered seeds of the hinau (Zleocarpus dentatus) and the remains of a small earth-grub. Dr.
Dieffenbach states that in the stomachs of his specimens he found hinavu-berries, together with
dipterous and coleopterous insects.

Of the nidification of the Huia nothing is at present known. I have been assured, however,

by a native, that he once found the nest of this bird in the cavity of a tree, that it contained two
young birds (a male and a female), and that they differed from the adults in having the wattles
flesh-white instead of orange.

The head of the female as figured in ‘Nature’ (confessedly only a copy) is quite out of all
K2

68

natural proportion to that of the male, and is apt to give a false idea of its relative size and
thickness.

In the generality of specimens, and in the published drawings that have hitherto appeared,
the bill is of a yellowish horn-colour; but this, instead of being natural, is caused by the de-
composition of the animal matter inside. I have succeeded in retaining the ivory whiteness of
the bill, in preserved specimens, by treating them after the manner recommended by Waterton
for preserving the bill of the the American ‘Toucan (see ‘ Wanderings,’ p. 103)—that is to say, by
removing with a sharp scalpel the whole of the inner substance, leaving nothing but the outer
shell, which then retains its original appearance. ‘The process is a tedious one; but the result
amply repays the trouble.

Figures 1 & 2.(plate iv.*) represent the heads of the male and female which I had in my
possession alive, and will give an accurate idea of the sexual character treated of above. Fig. 3
represents a more highly curved form of the bill than is usually met with, and was taken from the
dried head of a Huia given to me, many years ago, by a native who had been wearing it as an
ear-ornament.

Since the above was written a live female Huia has been added to the collection of the
Zoological Society. I am informed by Mr. A. D. Bartlett, the Superintendent of the Gardens,
that this bird (although without a mate of its own species) is perfectly happy and contented in
its new home, the cage containing it being placed between those of a ‘Toucan on one side and a
Hornbill on the other. It is supplied with a mixed food, in which boiled eggs, fresh meat,
and earthworms form the principal ingredients; but its diet requires careful regulation, to pre-
vent scouring, to which the bird is very liable.

Our Plate represents the two sexes, the figure of the male being taken from my Ruahine
specimen mentioned above, and that of the female from one obtained in the Wairarapa valley,

both of which are now in the Colonial Museum.

* Trans. New-Zealand Institute, vol. iii. 1870.

npEB picak

Alcedo
Alcedo
Alcedo
Alcedo
Halcyo
Alcedo
Todirhe
Dacelo
Halcyo

Kotare

Ad. supra sor¢
vis: g
nucha
dibus
supra
ad bas

Juv. similis a

margi

Adult male

Female. r

} Oung, I
fawn.
ZOne :

~ Welatiy, kee Onpzr PICARLE.] (Faw. ALCEDINID.
— hither '
ab i aa US aoeteseaill

“Me iy ry y bin

Nie

Ley (NEW-ZEALAND KINGFIS HER.)

Cnded ain,

led by tr

- 108). ¥\ it
at ie,

‘at

Alcedo sacra, var. D, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. p. 114 (1790).
Alcedo sacra, var. e, Bonn. et Vieill. Enc. Méth. i. p. 295 (1823).
Alcedo vagans, Less. Voy. Coq. i. p. 694 (1826).

Alcedo chlorocephala, var. y, Less. Traité @Orn. p. 546 (1831).
Halcyon vagans, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, p. 3, pl. 1 (1844).
Alcedo cyanea, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 76 (1844).

Todirhamphus vagans, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 157 (1850).

Bi Dacelo sancta (pt.), Schl. Cat. Mus. Pays-Bas, Alced. p. 37 (1863).
wt aie Halcyon sanctus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 246; et Hutton, Cat. Birds N. Z. p. 3 (1871).
tendent of the Gas,

nap V al d ' itentad ot ot

Kotare and Kotaretare ; “ Kingfisher ” of the colonists.

Ad. supra sordidé viridis, pileo laterali et dorso postico uropygioque cyanescentibus : loris et supercilio antico ful-
vis: genis, cum regione paroticd utraque circa collum posticum conjuncta, nigris vix viridi tinctis: macula
nuchali et collo toto albidis, torquem collarem latam formantibus: tectricibus alarum cyanescenti-viri-

dibus: remigibus nigricantibus, primariis ad basin et secundariis extus leté cyanescentibus: cauda
ss sans supra cyanescente, subtts grised: corpore subtus toto late fulvescente, gutture albicante: rostro nigro,
ad basin mandibule albo: pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride nigricanti-brunned.

Juv. similis adultis, sed sordidior: tectricibus alarum fulvo marginatis: pectoris et colli postici plumis brunneo
marginatis.

Adult male. Crown, shoulders, and scapulars deep sea-green, with an olive tinge; back, tail-coverts, and
upper surface of wings ultramarine, changing to green in certain lights ; quills and tail-feathers washed
with cobalt on their outer webs. A spot of bright fulvous fills the lores, a dash of ultramarine blue,
bordered above the eyes and on the occiput with white, surrounds the crown; and a broad band of
black, proceeding from the angles of the mouth, completely encircles the hind head. Throat, breast, and

a broad nuchal collar buffy white; the rest of the under surface delicate fawn-colour, with deepening

tints. Irides black; bill black, with the basal portion of the lower mandible white; feet dark brown,

with paler soles. Extreme length 9°75 inches; extent of wings 13°6; wing, from flexnre, 4; tail 2°6;
bill, along the ridge, 1:75, along the edge of lower mandible 2°1; tarsus ‘6; middle toe and claw 1:05 ;

hind toe and claw ‘6.

Female. Tints of the plumage generally duller.

Young. In the young bird the throat is pure white ; the underparts fulvous-white, tinged on the sides with
fawn-colour ; feathers of the breast broadly margined with dusky brown, forming an irregular pectoral
zone; loral spots and nuchal collar rufous, with markings of the same colour on the fore part of the

70

crown; nuchal collar indistinct and largely marked with brown; plumage of the upper parts darker
than in the adult ; the wing-coverts margined with yellow, in the form of narrow crescentic bands.

Progress towards maturity. Tints of the plumage brighter; the loral spots bright fulvous; the sides, flanks,
lining of wings, and under tail-coverts bright fawn-colour; pectoral zone indistinct, the dark margins
being very narrow; nuchal collar well defined and almost pure white. The full adult dress is not
attained till after the second or third moult.

Obs. I have not considered it necessary to give a portrait of this extremely common species. A life-size
drawing appeared in the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror ;’ and both adult and young are well figured
in Mr. R. B. Sharpe’s beautiful ‘Monograph of the Alcedinide, which ought to be in every library.

Mucu difference of opinion has existed as to whether this bird is really distinct from the Halcyon
sancta of Australia. Mr. R. B. Sharpe, in his ‘Monograph of the Kingfishers,’ pronounces it a
good species, being “always of a more robust size, and having the colours much less bright
than the Australian bird.” Professor Schlegel and Dr. Finsch have united it to H. sancta;
but, in a letter which I lately received from the latter of these experienced ornithologists, he
admits that the species is quite distinct, adding that his former conclusions were based on two
specimens only, whereas now he has obtained a good series of skins. I have always contended for
the recognition of Halcyon vagans; and the question may now be considered fairly set at rest.

In habits the two species are very much alike. The New-Zealand bird is very generally
dispersed, being met with in all-suitable localities. It frequents alike the sea-shore, the open
country, forest-clearings, and the banks of fresh-water streams. It is, moreover, one of those
birds that seem instinctively to resort to the habitations of man; and instead of, like many other
indigenous species, decreasing, it thrives and multiplies under the altered physical conditions
resulting from the colonization of the country. It seeks out the new home of the settler, and
becomes the familiar. “companion of his solitude.” During the winter months especially, it
resorts to cultivated grounds in quest of grubs and worms, which at this season. constitute its
principal food. In the early morn it may be seen perched on the fences, gateways, and out-
buildings of the farmyard, sitting upright with contracted neck, looking stiff and rigid in the cold
frosty air; and as the day advances, it enlivens the landscape by its darting flight, while it attracts
notice by its shrill, quickly repeated call, which is not unlike the note of the European Kestrel.
In the pairing-season this species becomes very noisy and lively, the mated birds chasing each
other, in amorous play, from tree to tree or from post to post with loud unmusical cries, some-
thing like the syllables cree-cree-cree uttered in quick succession. They breed late in the year;
the brood numbers five or six; and for several weeks after quitting the nest the young family keep
together. This will probably account for the abundance of Kingfishers in the autumn months,
which has been regarded by some as indicating a seasonal migration. _

The flight of this species is short, rapid, and direct, being performed by a quick vibration of
the wings. It flies with considerable velocity ; and I have known several instances of its dashing
headlong through a pane of glass. On one occasion this occurred in the church at Raglan during
divine service; and the Kingfisher, after recovering from the shock, remained to the last perched
on the end of a pew, looking more devout, says our correspondent, than the Jackdaw of Rheims!

evell mice-

pal growD
carcass of tb
part of the J
species of
have seen 1t
or the brane
attack and k
dart down ix
with one ra
stunned witl
In Wangant
the House-S
Committee

heads. Acc
proved very

occasion he
ashore; and
present. O,;
the dead cet

its post of o
The N¢
December, 1

heart, Stand

Oval in be

of the

»

Toy Der
c 8

Teen sy it

Sandy

Von, A}
« “MUP »
* > ae Wall
t to he: l finns
“SM every, °*
= “ty bbe
+ Ory

Stin o .

sali

- . ir m the An
fish ? ACW
Ushers’ , th

mited i sl
MALU it to H Srnal
lenced ormth \ Pe
MAALLOLOO Sty
or : ] 7 i
“VRS Were based op th
ive alw AVS Ccontendal |.
Des
red fairly set at ns
1 bird is vorv ]
1 DiTd Is Very gene)
+h

: -
_ : a
Lue Set a-Snore, e one

moreover. one of in F

tiff and rigid in the co

fight, while 1t ae
. san West
the European b

t “
; raging cal

ted birds chasing
; ares, sulle
d unmusical ene
+. the yeu
breed late the }
+ ily bee?
he young famuy 5“
st the yOU"o ets
antymn De

in the qutul

' +00 mn
LV prall »
by a quick Tie

71

Another instance occurred more recently at Wanganui, where, according to a local paper, the
family of the Rev. C. H. S. Nicholls were startled one day at dinner by the entrance of a King-
fisher, which “flew through a pane of glass in one of the windows, scattering the fragments
around,” and was forthwith made prisoner by the household cat.

Its food consists of lizards, small fish, grubs, earthworms, locusts, insects of all kinds, and
even mice. On examining a young Kingfisher just taken from the nest, I observed the tail of a
half-grown mouse protruding from its bill; and on taking hold of it I drew the unmutilated
carcass of the rodent from the throat of the bird. I was not previously aware that mice formed
part of the Kingfisher’s bill of fare. I have often, however, witnessed its fondness for lizards, two
species of which (Mocoa zelandica and M. ornata) are very common in all the open glades. I
have seen it seize the nimble little reptile by the tail, and after battering its head against a stone
or the branch of a tree, to destroy life, swallow the captive, head foremost. It has been known to
attack and kill chickens in the poultry-yard. On one occasion, at Otaki, I saw one of these birds
dart down into the midst of a very young clutch; but the old barn-door hen proved too active, and,
with one rapid stroke of her bill, put the assailant hors de combat. The bird was picked up
stunned with the blow, but soon after, recovering itself, escaped from the hands of its captor.
In Wanganui it provoked the hostility of the Acclimatization Society by preying on the young of
the House-Sparrow (Passer domesticus), which had been introduced at much expense; and the
Committee encouraged a crusade against the offenders by offering a premium for Kingfishers’
heads. According to the Report of the Auckland Acclimatization Society for 1868-69, it has
proved very troublesome in destroying birds, and has even attacked and killed a Californian
Quail. In Otago it has been accused of purloining the speckled trout; and in Canterbury it was
found necessary to protect the newly hatched fish by stretching wire netting over the shallow
artificial streams. A valued correspondent, and very careful observer, informs me that on one
occasion he killed a blackfish about twelve feet long in Whangarei harbour, and dragged it
ashore; and on visiting the place a few days later, he observed an unusual number of Kingfishers
present. On watching them, he found that they were preying on the swarms of flies attracted by
the dead cetacean, darting after them with the swiftness of an arrow, and capturing them on the
wing.

When engaged in fishing, it does not plunge into the stream, like the common British
Kingfisher, but dips into it lightly as it skims the surface of the water or darts downwards from
its post of observation on a rock or overhanging branch.

The New-Zealand Kingfisher commences to breed towards the end of November or early in
December, usually selecting for its nesting-operations a tree denuded of its bark and decayed at
heart, standing near the margin of the forest or in an old Maori clearing. By means of its
powerful bill it cuts a round passage through the hard exterior surface, and then scoops out a
deep cavity, proceeding in a horizontal direction for several inches, and then downwards to an
extent of ten inches or more. The bird thus instinctively protects its chamber from the inclem-
encies of the weather. ‘There is no further attempt at forming a nest, the eggs being deposited
on a layer of pulverized decayed wood, the shavings and sawdust, so to speak, of the borer’s ope-
rations in finishing the cavity. The eggs are generally five in number, sometimes six, broadly
oval in form, and measuring 1:2 inch by ‘95. ‘They are of the purest white, with a smooth or

72

polished surface, and very fragile in texture; sometimes the shell is marked by minute limy
excrescences at the larger end. The labour of boring a cavity is often greatly augmented by
natural impediments. If, after drilling through the hard external surface, the bird finds the
inner wood too hard for its tools, it at once abandons the spot and sounds the tree in another
place. I have counted half a dozen or more of these abortive borings on a single tree, in addition
to the finished one, affording evidence of indomitable perseverance on the part of the bird, and a
determination not to forsake a tree which it had instinctively selected as a suitable one for its
operations. In two instances, however, I have known the Kingfisher to adopt an existing hollow
in a partially decayed kahikatea tree, dispensing altogether with the labour of boring and
forming it. The nestling of this species is a very curious object. On bursting from the shell, it
"presents the following appearance: the abdomen, as in. most young birds, is perfectly bare; on
the other parts each feather is encased in a sharp-pointed sheath of a greyish colour, closely
studded, and bristling like the quills of a porcupine. Before the young bird quits the nest, the
sheathings gradually burst, exposing the true feathers in all their brilliancy; vestiges, however,
of this spiny condition adhere to the fore part of the head for several days after the birds have
quitted their cell. On being alarmed or excited, the young Kingfisher utters a prolonged rasping
cry, sounding very harsh to the ear. The parent birds are very fierce when their nest is molested,
darting into the face of the intruder, and flying off again, with a loud, quickly repeated note of
alarm.
In the Canterbury Province, where timber is scarce, it more frequently burrows a hole in
a bank, and often near the sea-beach. On examining one of these holes, Mr. Potts observed that
the bottom inclined slightly upwards from the entrance, and that the eggs were deposited on a
layer of crustacean remains about a foot from the outside. The exuviee within the nest consisted

of mud, with numerous remains of crustacea and the wings of coleopterous insects.

‘ARI
pica
onnE

| Le Couce
| Society
| Cuculus
Cuculus
Eudyna
Cuculus
| Eudyna
Eudyna
Eudyna
Eudyna

Koekoe

6 ad. brunne

AITENSIS.
YNAMIS T
ae ted by Grey Warbler.)

sordidé
| ¢ vixa mari

Jue. pallidior,

Pector
Adult male,
| barred
dark }
bars
Yellow

angles

Orprr PICARLA.]

EUDYNAMIS TAITENSIS.

(LONG-TAILED CUCKOO.)

Le Coucou brun varié de noir, Montb. Ois. vi. p. 376 (1779).
Society Cuckoo, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. p. 514 (1782).

Cuculus taitensis, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. t. 32 (1787).

Cuculus taitius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 412 (1788).

Eudynamys taitensis, Gray, Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 193 (1843).
Cuculus fasciatus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 160 (1844).

Eudynamys cuneicauda, Peale, U.S, Expl. Exp. p. 189, pl. 88. f. 2 (1848).

Eudynamys tahitius, Gray, B. Tr. Isl. Pacif. Ocean, p. 35 (1859).
EHudynamis taitiensis, Cab. & Heine, Mus, Hein. Th. iv, p. 56 (1862),
Eudynamis tahitiensis, Potts, Trans. N. Z. Inst. vol. iii. p. 90 (1870).

a Se

Native names.

TAITEN SiS
aru ?

Koekoea, Kawekawea, and Koheperoa.

Z

wager Stew Les

Sow

eu PY NAMIS
< Bs

[ Fam. CUCULIDA,

g ad. brunneus, pileo longitudinaliter fulvo striato: corpore reliquo superiore brunneo et pallidé ferrugineo
conspicué at irregulariter transfasciato: tectricibus alarum fulvo maculatis: caudé brunneo et ferrugineo
transfasciata alboque terminat&: remigibus brunneis, ferrugineo maculatis, fascias irregulares formanti-
bus: supercil’o angusto fulvo: regione auriculari brunned angustissimé fulvo lineata: genis et collo
laterali albis ferruginco layatis et brunneo longitudinaliter striatis: subtiis albicans, plumis medialiter

brunneo striatis et ferrugineo tinctis: hypochondriis brunneo transfasciatis: subalaribus fulvescenti-

albis, angusté brunneo striatis: rostro pallidé brunneo, ad basin saturatiore, mandibulA flavicante: pe

és dibus viridi-flavis, unguibus brunneis : iride rubescente, interdum flavicante: regione ophthalmicaé nudA

sordidé viridi.

Q vix a mari distinguenda: paullé minor: coloribus sordidioribus.

Juv. pn cpt ubique albido ‘ss oe calbiees nec idiapeweiiok cauda pallidé fulvo transfasciaté : subtis ochraceus,

I 1 g quetris notatis ; rostro flavicanti-brunneo : pedibus viridi-flavis.

Adult male. Upper surface dark brown, with a purplish gloss, longitudinally streaked on the head and neck,
barred and spotted on the wings and back with rufous; wing-coverts tipped with fulvous white ; quills
dark brown, banded with pale rufous ; tail-feathers marked in their whole extent with narrow alternate
bars of dark brown and rufous, tipped with white and finely glossed with purple; a broad line of
yellowish white passing from the nostrils over the eyes, and another extending downwards from the

angles of the mouth ; lores and chin white, with numerous black hair-like filaments ;

sides of the neck
L

74

dark brown mixed with rufous; throat, fore part of neck, breast, and sides of the body pure white, with
numerous longitudinal streaks of brown, each feather having a broad mark down the centre; lining of
wings fulvous white or pale fawn-colour; femoral plumes and under tail-coverts crossed with broad
arrow-head marks of brown. Bill pale brown, darker at the base, and yellowish on the lower man-
dible ; irides reddish brown, inclining in some to yellow; bare skin surrounding the eyes dull green ;
tarsi and toes greenish yellow; claws dark brown. Total length 16:5 inches ; extent of wings 21;
wing, from flexure, 7°5 ; tail 9°75; bill along the ridge 1, along the edge of lower mandible 1:4; tarsus
1:5; longer fore toe and claw 1:4, longer hind toe and claw 1°25.

Adult female. Slightly smaller than the male, and with the tints of the plumage duller, the purple gloss on
the upper parts being scarcely perceptible.

Young. Upper surface blackish brown, marked on the crown with narrow streaks, on the hind neck with
fusiform, and on the back with rounded spots of fulvous yellow; quills and tail-feathers blackish brown,
barred and tipped with fulvous brown. Under surface pale cinnamon-brown; on each side of the
throat two longitudinal streaks, and on the breast and sides of the body broad shaft-lines of dusky
black ; under tail-coverts barred and tibial plumes crossed with marks of the same colour in the form
of an inverted V. Bill yellowish brown; tarsi and toes greenish yellow.

Obs. In examples of the young birds much difference is observable both in the ground-tints and in the
markings of the plumage. Some are much darker than others, and have the spots on the upper surface
pale rufous instead of fulvous yellow; in others, again, they are yellowish white: some have the
barred markings on the tail-feathers very obscure, while in others they are as distinct as in the adult,
although not so regular in form. The figure of the adult was taken from an example in the collection of
Dr. Otto Finsch, and that of the young bird from one in the Bremen Museum, both specimens having
been kindly forwarded to me for that purpose.

Tux illustration which precedes this article, although it may have the appearance of an exaggera-
tion, is in reality a true picture of bird-life. The Long-tailed Cuckoo, which is a native of the
warm islands of the South Pacific, visits our country in the summer and breeds with us; but the
task of rearing its young is entrusted to the Grey Warbler (Gerygone flaviventris), figured in our
Plate—a species that performs the same friendly office for the Shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx
lucidus), another summer visitant.

Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub, in their valuable work on the Birds of Central Polynesia, record
the occurrence of this species in Samoa, as well as in the Friendly, the Society, the Marquesas,
and the Fiji groups of islands; but although it migrates to New Zealand, there is no mention of
its occurrence in any part of Australia or Tasmania.

It begins to arrive about the second week in October, but is not numerous till the following
month, when the pairing commences. It is, however, somewhat irregularly dispersed over the
country ; for in the far north it is at all times a very rare bird. In the southern portion of the
North Island, and throughout the wooded parts of the South Island, it is comparatively common.
It is seminocturnal in its habits, and its long, shrill cry at night is generally the first intimation
we get that it has arrived in the land. It appears to be most plentiful in November and Decem-
ber, becoming scarcer in January and disappearing altogether by the end of February. I havea
note, however, of its occurrence at Otaki (in the North Island) as late as the first week in April.

Young

the sun is UJ
remains clos
his prolonge
hear) till ab
ever, as the ]
hunt for foo
till break of
This sp
Lizards and
devouring a
I took the t
showing th
spirits, is n
beetle (Pri;
fetid bug, t
the support
mens I hays
As alr
Of some oth
one of thes
fairly divin
time follow
to take refi
Very |
above. it is
forms itself
stinctiye]

=)
ulle
4 a the Dury] 5
UP "i
Ot £8

- wh Sonred If 0
Tk ntris ). figured |

Cur k 9 (t hrysit wee
ntral Polynesia, 12°
society; the Marque
there 18 20 mention”

} f Tow
u till tne joule .
erous “ a
| : spd OV”
arly dispersed wl
_ ation Y wi
ern porte
yt r aly coo”
jgrativey * ig
ct 1D} st pti
ally the i a
py ber aD! ;
. ' pare ‘

75

Young birds are not unfrequently met with in the month of March or even later; but it
seems probable that these are only solitary individuals hatched too late to permit of their joining
in the return migration, and accordingly left to perish as the cold season advances. As an
instance of this, I may mention that a young Shining Cuckoo, which had been picked up dead in
a garden, was brought to me at the end of February (long after the old birds had quitted the
country), and that I found it excessively fat, andthe stomach crammed with caterpillars—strong
presumptive evidence that the bird had not suffered from the neglect of its foster-parents, but had
succumbed to the exigencies of its late birth.

In the early dawn and during the cool hours of the morning, the Long-tailed Cuckoo resorts
to the low underwood and brushes ; but although its cry may be frequently heard, it is not easy to
find the bird, inasmuch as the sound, though produced within a few yards of the listener, has the
effect on the ear of one coming from a remote distance. This species, in fact, appears, like some
others of the same family, to be endowed with a sort of natural ventriloquism, and its apparently
far-off cry is often very deceptive.

While searching for his food the Koheperoa moves about with much activity; but as soon as
the sun is up he betakes himself to the top branches of a kahikatea or other lofty tree, where he
remains closely concealed till sunset. He continues to utter, at intervals of ten or fifteen minutes,
his prolonged shrill note (quite distinct from all other sounds of the forest, and very pleasant to
hear) till about noon, when he remains perfectly silent for two hours or more. As soon, how-
ever, as the heat of the day is over, he resumes his cry, and shortly afterwards leaves his retreat to
hunt for food again. . During the quiet summer nights, too, his note may be heard at intervals
till break of day.

This species is more predatory in its habits than is usual with the members of this group.
Lizards and large insects form its principal diet; but it also plunders the nests of other birds,
devouring alike the eggs and young. From the stomach of one which I shot in December 1856,
I took the body of a young bird (apparently a Piopio), partly fledged and only slightly mutilated,
showing the enormous capacity of the Cuckoo’s throat. This interesting object, preserved in
spirits, is now in the collection of the Colonial Museum ‘at Wellington. The large nocturnal
beetle (Prionoplus reticularis), the various species of Deinacride and Phasmide, the Kekereru or
fetid bug, the large bush Cicada, and different kinds of spiders and caterpillars, all contribute to
the support of this bird; for I have found their remains in abundance in the stomachs of speci-
mens I have dissected.

As already stated, it is accustomed to rob the nests of other birds; and whether from this
or some other cause, it is an object of constant persecution tothe Tuior Parson bird. ‘The instant
one of these birds shows itself, the Tui commences its pursuit, chasing it from tree to tree, and
fairly driving it out of the woods. I have actually seen three or four of these persecutors at one
time following the unfortunate Cuckoo, with loud cries of intimidation, and, finally, compelling it
to take refuge in the long grass on the banks of a stream.

Very little is at present known of the breeding-habits of this species. As I have mentioned
above, it is parasitical ; but to what extent is not yet determined. My own belief is, that it per-
forms itself the duty of incubation, and then abandons its young to the Grey Warbler, which
instinctively accepts the charge, and caters untiringly for, its support. In the first place it is

L2

76

difficult to conceive how a bird of the size and form of the Long-tailed Cuckoo could deposit its
egg in the domed nest of the last-named species ; and even supposing that it did, it would seem
almost a physical impossibility for so small a creature to hatch it; and, again, even were this
feasible, it is difficult to imagine how the frail tenement of a suspension nest could support the
daily increasing weight of the young Cuckoo. Over and above all this, there is the significant
fact that I once shot an adult female of the present species in which the underparts were quite
denuded of feathers, as if the bird had been long incubating.

Strange as such an hypothesis may appear, we are not altogether without a parallel instance
in bird-history; for in the case of the Chrysococcyx smaragdineus of Western Africa, it is alleged
that this Cuckoo hatches its single egg and then, utterly unmindful of its. parental obligations,
casts the care of its offspring on a charitable public, and that almost every passing bird, attracted
by the piping cry of the deserted bantling, drops a caterpillar or other sweet morsel into its
imploring throat! My artist, Mr. Keulemans, assures me that he often witnessed this himself
during his residence on Prince’s Island.

An egg, forwarded to me some years ago by the Rev. R. Taylor, of Wanganui, as belonging
to this species, is almost spherical in shape, with a slightly rough or granulate surface; it is of a
pale buff or yellowish-brown colour, and measures 1:25 inch in length by 1:15 in breadth. I
ought to state, however, that it was obtained from a native, and that its authenticity cannot be
considered quite certain.

get SS

‘ARL
oases F 10st

Shining
Cuculus
Variabl
Sylvia v
Chalcite
Cuculus
Cuculus
Chrysoc
Cuculus
Chrysoc
Lampro

Waraur

Ad, supra me
superci
notatis
primar:
concolc
oribus
medio 1
mine P
pedibus

Juv. obscurior
cente :
pore x
Viridil

“Ven i

Cat Wet a.
{ Ud . * ly
hen, ie “Ppor, th
ls the ete Qe

inde Write
Nderparts » igs

ut ay
Parallel jn
M Africa it}
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: bs tal , ol bli ious
PASS) he bi ind, a
SWee

"iMessed this

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lat e SI urfa

aCe * it;
f

y 115 j 1 breadth

aL

abil

- iia “ net

Orpen PICARLE.] [Fau. CUCULID.

CHRYSOCOCCYX LUCIDUS.
(SHINING CUCKOO.)

Shining Cuckoo, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. p. 528, pl. xxiii. (1782).
Cuculus lucidus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 421 (1788, ex Lath.).
Variable Warbler, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 250 (1801).
Sylvia versicolora, Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl. ii. p. lvi (1801).
Chalcites lucidus, Less. Traité d’Orn. p. 153 (1831).
Cuculus nitens, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 151 (1844).

Cuculus versicolor, Gray, Gen. of B. ii. p. 463 (1847).
Chrysococcyx lucidus, Gould, B. of Austr. iv. pl. 89 (1848).
Cuculus chalcites, iger, MS. in Mus. Berol. unde.
Chrysococcyx chalcites, Licht. Nomencl. Av. p. 78 (1854).
Lamprococcyx lucidus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iv. p. 14 (1862).

Native names.

Warauroa, Pipiauroa, and Pipiwarauroa.

Ad, supra metallicé viridis, eneo et cupreo nitens, supracaudalibus lateralibus laté albo semifasciatis: fronte,
supercilio distincto et facie laterali albo maculatis, viridi transfasciatis : loris mentoque albidis haud viridi
notatis: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus: remigibus brunneis, ad basin pogonii interni albidis,
primariis extts neo nitentibus, secundariis magis conspicué lavatis et pennis dorsalibus omninOo dorso
concoloribus : caudé brunned, zeneo-viridi nitente, fascid anteapicali nigricante, rectricibus tribus exteri-
oribus ad apicem pogonii interni albo maculatis, penna extima albo conspicué fasciata, penultimé in
medio vix rufescente tincté: pectore et subalaribus albicantibus transversim zneo-viridi fasciatis: abdo-
mine purits albo, hypochondriis FT auauthcnade conspicué zneo-viridi transfasciatis: rostro nigro :

pedibus brunnescenti-nigris, plantis pedum flavicantibus: iride nigra

Juv. obscurior et sordidior, mints metallicus: tectricibus alarum brunneo marginatis: caud4 nusquam rufes-
cente: gutture et hapa superiore fulvescenti-albis, fuscescenti-brunneo variis, vix viridi lavatis: cor-
pore reliquo subtus fulvescenti-albo, hypochondriis et corporis lateribus fasciis interruptis metallicé
viridibus notatis : att ibus maculis viridibus triquetris transnotatis.

Adult male. Upper parts bright golden green, changing to coppery purple in certain lights; frontal feathers
tipped more or less with white; superciliary streak formed of irregular whitish spots; throat, sides of
head, and fore part of neck white, with narrow broken bars of coppery green; breast and underparts
generally white, with transverse bands of changing golden green, coppery brown in certain aspects; on
the sides, flanks, and under tail-coverts these bands are very regular and conspicuous, each feather being
crossed by two broad, equidistant bars; the lower part of the abdomen pure white; quills dark brown,
glossed with coppery brown, changing to bright golden green on the secondaries; with the exception of
the three outer primaries, all the quills are yellowish white in the basal portion of the inner webs,

78

forming a broad oblique bar on the under face of the wing; under wing-coverts and axillary plumes
indistinctly barred with coppery brown; tail, when closed, bronzy green, with a broad subterminal band
of purplish brown; upper tail-coverts bright golden green, the lateral ones largely marked with white
on their outer webs. On spreading the tail the outermost feather on each side is found to be blackish
brown, with five broad white bars on the inner web, the fifth one being terminal, and with five irregular
spots of white on the basal portion of the outer web; the next feather blackish brown, slightly glossed
with green, marked on the inner web with two obscure spots of rufous, darker brown towards the tip,
and terminated by a round spot of white; the succeeding one similar, but without the rufous markings,
and with the terminal spot on the inner web much smaller; and the median feathers coppery brown,
glossed with green, and crossed by a darker subterminal bar. Irides and bill black; tarsi and toes
brownish black; soles of feet yellowish. Total length 7 inches; extent of wings 11°75; wing, from
flexure, 4; tail 2°75; bill, along the ridge °5, along the edge of lower mandible ‘75; tarsus ‘5; longer
fore toe and claw ‘8, longer hind toe and claw °65.

Young. Metallic tints of the upper parts duller; upper wing-coverts edged with brown ; tail-feathers as in
the adult, but with the rufous markings obsolete; throat and fore part of neck yellowish white, clouded
and mottled with dusky brown, faintly glossed with green; underparts generally yellowish white,
marked on the sides and flanks with fragmentary or interrupted bands of dull shining green; the under
tail-coverts crossed by broad triangular spots of the same.

Tue Shining Cuckoo is an inhabitant of Australia, and appears in New Zealand only as a summer
migrant. Its cry is always welcomed by the colonists as the harbinger of spring; and during its
short stay with us its sweet but plaintive notes may be heard in every grove throughout the long
summer days. It makes its appearance, year after year, with surprising punctuality, arriving first
in the extreme north, and about a fortnight later spreading all over the country. A correspondent
informs me that for three successive years, at Whangarei (north of Auckland), he first heard its
familiar note on the 21st September, and that on one occasion he noticed it as early as the 3rd of
that month. Another correspondent, in the same locality, informs me, as the result of twelve
years’ careful observation, that this migrant invariably appears between the 17th and 21st of
September. For a period of ten years I kept a register of its periodical arrival, and noted its
regular occurrence between the 5th and 10th of October. Mr. Potts writes to me from Canter-
bury that it generally arrives there on or about the 8th October, although in one year (1855) it
visited that part of the country as early as the 27th September. It usually departs about the
first or second week in January; but in the far north it sometimes lingers till the end of that
month. As is always the case with migratory birds, there are occasionally stragglers arriving
before the appointed time or lagging behind the departing flights. For example, I have a record
of their occurrence in Auckland as early as August 17th, and I have met with a solitary bird in
the south as late as April.

During its sojourn with us it subsists almost exclusively on caterpillars, and is, therefore,
entitled to a place among the really useful species.

The cry is a remarkable one, as the bird appears to be endowed with a peculiar kind of ven-
triloquism. It consists of eight or ten long silvery notes quickly repeated. ‘The first of these
appears to come from a considerable distance ; each successive one brings the voice nearer, till it
issues fromthe spot where the performer is actually perched, perhaps only a few yards off. It

Australia, sta

chrysor hint, é
deposited in
sitting bird, ¢
«4 White-sh
feeding a soli
Bronze Cuck
well-fed bird
intended for

As it is
reasonably i
existing ones
following cir
ejects the rig

He dise
and among t
time all the
sole tenant ¢
At length th
santly on th
whose const:

The egy
white colour
by “5 in bre,
Manuka ser
another, wh

as the result of twelt
; ee
the 17th and 21s &
1 arrival, and notel !
| arrival, and note
a 7) ‘ontel:

tes to me from Call
(1899) 1

Iw stra!
strass
Au s
jek bs |

a recoil
I>. [| have?
am pits J 6 i
with 25
. thee”
jlars, und 3 tb
; of ve"
jiar jjod ¢ tn
a pec Bild
oP phe B®
1€ nif
ted. ¥4 rel, ti)
the ds

79

generally winds up with a confused strain of joyous notes, accompanied by a stretching and
quivering of the wings, expressive, it would seem, of the highest ecstacy. The cry of the young
birds is easily distinguished, being very weak and plaintive.

Like the Long-tailed Cuckoo already described, this species is parasitic in its breeding-habits,
and entrusts to a stranger both the hatching and the rearing of its young.

The little Grey Warbler (Gerygone flaviventris) is the customary victim; but Mr. Potts
records an exceptional case, where the duty was entrusted to the Black Tit (Petrwca macro-
cephala); and Mr. Gilbert Mair assures me that he once saw the young of this species attended
and fed by a Korimako (Anthornis melanura). Mr. Bennett, writing of the same bird in
Australia, states* that the egg of the Shining Cuckoo has been found in the nest of Acanthiza
chrysorhina, and that he has seen a nest of this bird with five eggs, that of the Cuckoo being
deposited in the centre of the group, so as to ensure its receiving the warmth imparted by the
sitting bird, and thus less likely to be addled. He also narrates the following circumstance :—
“A White-shafted Flycatcher (Rhipidura albiscapa) was shot at Ryde, near Sydney, in the act of
feeding a solitary young bird in its nest, which, when examined, was found to be the chick of the
Bronze Cuckoo of the colonists. * * * It was ludicrous to observe this large and apparently
well-fed bird filling up with its corpulent body the entire nest, receiving daily the sustenance
intended for several young Flycatchers.”

As it is usual to find the Cuckoo's egg associated with those of the Grey Warbler, we may
reasonably infer that the visitor simply deposits its egg for incubation without displacing the
existing ones. But the young Cuckoo is always found to be the sole tenant of the nest ; and the
following circumstance, related to me by the Rev. R. Taylor, sufficiently proves that the intruder
ejects the rightful occupants, and takes entire possession of the nest.

He discovered the nest of a Grey Warbler in his garden-shrubbery containing several eggs,
and among them a large white one, which he correctly assigned to the Shining Cuckoo. In due
time all the eggs were hatched; but after the lapse of a day or two the young Cuckoo was the
sole tenant of the nest, and the dead bodies of the others were found lying on the ground below.
At length the usurper left the nest, and for many days after both of the foster-parents were inces-
santly on the wing, from morning till night, catering for the inordinate appetite of their charge,
whose constant piping cry served only to stimulate their activity.

The egg of the Shining Cuckoo is of a broad ovato-elliptical form, generally of a greenish-
white colour, often clouded or stained with brownish grey, and measuring °8 of an inch in length
by 5 in breadth. One taken by myself, many years ago, from the nest of a Grey Warbler, in the
Manuka scrub, on what is now the site of a flourishing city, was of a pale creamy colour; and
another, which was laid by a captive bird in my possession, is pure white.

* Gatherings of a Naturalist in Australasia, p. 207.

Orper PASSERES.] [Fam. MELIPHAGIDA,

ZOSTEROPS LATERALIS.
(THE SILVER-EYE.)

Rusty-sided Warbler, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 250 (1801).

Sylvia lateralis, Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl. p. lv (1801, nec Sund.).
Zosterops dorsalis, Vig. & Horsf. Trans. Zool. Soc. xv. p. 235 (1826).
Zosterops lateralis, Reich. Handb. Meropine, p. 94, t. cccclxiii. (1852).
Zosterops cerulescens, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. i. p. 587 (1865).
Zosterops lateralis, Buller, Trans. N. Z. Inst. vol. iii. p. 16 (1870).

Native names.

Tau-hou, Kanohi-mowhiti, Karu-patene, Karu-hiriwha, Poporohe, and Iringatau.

Ad. pileo et facie laterali, dorso postico et uropygio, cum tectricibus alarum lté flavicanti-olivaceis : intersca-
pulio scapularibusque sordidé cinereis: remigibus et rectricibus brunneis, extis dorsi colore limbatis:
regione orbitali anticd nigricante, annulo ophthalmico albo: gulé albidé vix flavicante tinct4: gutture
imo cinereo: abdomine medio et subcaudalibus albidis, his flavicante lavatis: corporis lateribus con-
spicué badiis: rostro saturaté brunneo, mandibula ad basin albicante : pedibus et iride pallidé brunneis.

Adult. Crown, sides of the head, nape, upper surface of wings, rump, and upper tail-coverts bright
yellowish olive ; back and scapularies cinereous tinged with green; eyes surrounded by a narrow circlet
of silvery-white feathers, with a line of black in front and below; quills and tail-feathers dusky brown,
margined with yellowish olive; throat, fore neck, and breast greyish white, tinged more or less with
yellow towards the angle of the lower mandible ; abdomen and under tail-coverts fulvous white; sides
pale chocolate-brown ; lining of wings white, the edges tinged with yellow. Bill dark brown; under
mandible whitish at the base ; irides, tarsi, and toes light brown. Total length 5 inches; extent of
wings 7°5 ; wing, from flexure, 2:5; tail 2; tarsus ‘6; middle toe and claw ‘6; hind toe and claw ‘5 ;
bill, along the ridge, 4, along the edge of lower mandible, ‘5.

Young. ‘The following is a description of a young bird caught in the lawn-grass on the 28th of December,
1869, by my son, Walter Leopold, a little boy of five summers :—Colours paler than in the adult; the
throat and breast pale cinereous grey ; the sides of the body fulvous brown: the white eye-circle absent,
the orbits being still destitute of feathers ; tarsi and toes light flesh-colour; bill pale brown; rictal
membrane yellow.

Obs. Although I have examined a great number, I have only detected very slight variations in the plumage
of the adult birds. But Archdeacon Stock, of Wellington, who is a good practical ornithologist, has
favoured me with the following note on this subject :—“I saw on Friday last, November 11, at Wilkin-
son’s ‘ tea-gardens’ (Wellington), what appeared to be a new variety of the Blight-bird. The white
circle around the eye was not so distinct ; and the head and throat were orange-coloured.”

Tue story of the irregular appearance of this little bird in New Zealand has for many years past

caught many
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81

_been a fruitful topic of discussion among those who take an interest in our local natural history.

Whether it came over to us originally from Australia, or whether it is only a species from the
extreme south of New Zealand, which has of late years perceptibly increased, and has migrated
northwards, is still a matter of conjecture*. The evidence which, with Dr. Hector’s assistance, I
have been able to collect on this subject is somewhat conflicting ; but I have myself arrived at the
conclusion that the Silver-eye, although identical with the Australian bird, is in reality an indigenous
species. The history of the bird, however, from a North-Island point of view is very interesting
and suggestive. It appeared on the north side of Cook’s Strait, for the first time within the
memory of the oldest native inhabitants, in the winter of 1856. In the early part of June of that
year I first heard of its occurrence at Waikanae, a native settlement on the west coast, about forty
miles from Wellington. The native mailman brought in word that a new bird had been seen,
and that it was a visitor from some other land.» A week later he brought intelligence that large
flocks had appeared, and that the “tau-hou” (stranger) swarmed in the brushwood near the
coast; reporting further that they seemed weary after their journey, and that the natives had
caught many of them alive. Simultaneously with this intelligence, I observed a pair of them in
a garden hedge, in Wellington, and a fortnight later they appeared in large numbers, frequenting
the gardens and shrubberies both in and around the town. They were to be seen daily in consi-
derable flocks, hurrying forwards from tree to tree, and from one garden to another, with a con-
tinuous, noisy twitter. In the early morning, a flock of them might be seen clustering together
on the topmost twigs of a leafless willow, uttering short plaintive notes, and if disturbed, suddenly
rising in the air and wheeling off with a confused and rapid twittering. When the flock had
dispersed in the shrubbery, I always observed that two or more birds remained as sentinels or
call-birds, stationed on the highest twigs, and that on the slighest alarm, the sharp signal-note of
these watchers would instantly bring the whole fraternity together. ‘The number of individuals
in a flock, at that time, never exceeded forty or fifty; but of late years the number has sensibly
increased, it being a common thing now to see a hundred or more consorting together at one
time. They appeared to be uneasy during, or immediately preceding, a shower of rain, becoming
more noisy and more restless in their movements. They proclaimed themselves a blessing by
preying on and arresting the progress of that noxious aphis known as “ American blight” (Schi-
zoneura lanigera). 'They remained with us for three months, and then departed as suddenly as
they had come. They left before the orchard-fruits, of which they are also fond, had ripened;
and having proved themselves real benefactors they earned the gratitude of the settlers, while all
the local newspapers sounded their well-deserved praises.
oe the two years that followed, the Zosterops was never heard of again in any part of
he substance of the above article on Zosterops was read by the author before a meeting of the Wobon Philo-
ono Society on gia aaa 12th, 1870, and led to a discussion, in the course of which Dr. Hector made the following
rks :—‘ He said that on the south- -_ coast of Otago the bird was numerous, and there was very good evidence to
ne that this region was its native habitat. While exploring there, some years ago, he had remarked that the whole
country was covered with forest, which aot down to the sea, and that the whole of the vegetation, both trees and
shrubs, especially those near the sea-shore, seemed to have a coating of scaly insects, the entire bush being, in fact, covered

with blight. He therefore ae it probable that as these birds increased from the

superabundance of their particular
food, they in course of time sen

t out migratory flocks, which worked their way up the coast, and at length spread over the
country.”—Trans. NV. Z. Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 79.

M

82

the North Island; but in the winter of 1858 it again crossed the strait, and appeared in Wel-
lington and its environs in greater numbers than before. During the four succeeding years it
regularly wintered with us, recrossing the strait on the approach of spring. Since the year 1862,
when it commenced to breed with us, it has been a permanent resident in the North Island, and
from that time it continued to advance northwards. Mr. Colenso, of Napier, reports that it was
first seen at Ahuriri in 1862. On his journey to Te Wairoa, in that year, he saw it at Aropaua-
nui, and found its nest containing four fledgelings. The natives of that place told him that it
was a new bird to them, they having first observed it there in the preceding year, 1861. The Hon.
Major Atkinson, on the occasion of a visit, as Defence Minister, to the native tribes of the Upper
Wanganui, in April 1864, made inquiries on the subject, and was informed by the natives that
the Zosterops had appeared in their district for the first time in 1863.

As far as I can ascertain, they penetrated to Waikato in the following year, and pushed their
way as far as Auckland in 1865. Captain Hutton reports that in the winter of 1867 they had
spread all over the province, as far north as the Bay of Islands, and in 1868 he writes, —« They
are now in the most northerly parts of this island.” That they have continued to move on still
further northward would appear to be the case from the following interesting notes by Mr. G. B.
Owen, communicated to me by Captain Hutton :—“ On my passage from Tahiti to Auckland, per
brig ‘ Rita,’ about 300 miles north of the North Cape of New Zealand, I saw one morning several
little birds flying about the ship. From their twittering and manner of flying I concluded that
they were land birds, and they were easily caught. They were of a brownish-grey and yellowish
colour, with a little white mark round the eye. I saw several pass over the ship during the day,
travelling northwards. I arrived in Auckland a few days afterwards, on the 20th of May, when
the so-called Blight-birds appeared here in such numbers, and I at once recognized them as the
same.” Mr. Seed, the Inspector of Customs, has furnished me with the following interesting
particulars bearing on the same point. When on an official visit to the lighthouse on Dog Island,
situated about seven miles eastward of the Bluff, he was informed by the keeper that on one
occasion a great number of these birds had killed themselves by striking against the lighthouse,
either during the night or before the lights were put out in the morning, as he found them in
scores lying dead in the gallery. Mr. Seed could not ascertain positively the direction whence
they came, but he understood that it was from the southward ; and other inquiries at the time led
him to conclude that they had come from Stewart’s Island, the extreme southern limit of New
Zealand.

This tendency of migration northwards appears to me quite inconsistent with the idea of the
species having come to us from Australia

Now let us ascertain something of its recorded history in the South Island. Mr. Potts, a
most careful and experienced observer, writes to me:—‘*I first observed it (in Canterbury) after
some rough weather, July 28, 1856. I saw about half a dozen specimens on some isolated black
birch trees in the Rockwood valley in the Malvern Hills.” In the Auckland Museum there is a
specimen of this bird, sent from Nelson by Mr. St. John (an industrious bird-collector) in 1856.
The skin was labelled “stranger,” and in the letter accompanying it, Mr. St. John states that
these birds had made their first appearance in Nelson that winter (the same in which they crossed
to the North Island), and that ‘no one, not even the natives, had ever seen them before.”

and I unders
increasing in
Mr. Bue
Zosterops at |
the North Is
go still furtl
country lying
Mr. Ney
here, and I
first noticed
forty, but ne
smaller flock
and a gentle
year 1861, ay
Stegarious,—

ve tibes z

Pear, and pus
iter of 1867

ed { they
1 ther ba bad

22 Notes

Das to me an
and, pe
¥ One Morning sere
Ying I concluded thy
ish-grey and peli
e ship during the di,
1 20th of May, whe
scognized them as th
following all
thouse on Dog Isai,
» keeper that on a
gainst the lighthoue,
_as he found then
the direction when
yuiries at the time le
suthern limit of Ne

+ with the idea of the

Mr. Potts, ®
and. wy wy) fe

the before

83

On a visit to Nelson in the winter of 1860, I saw numerous flights of them in the gardens
and shrubberies. The results of very careful inquiries on the spot satisfied me that since their
first appearance there, in 1856, they had continued to visit Nelson every year, arriving at the
commencement of winter, and vanishing on the approach of warmer days as suddenly as they had
come. On every hand the settlers bore testimony to their good services in destroying the cabbage-
blight and other insect pests.

About the middle of June 1861, I met with small flocks of this bird on the Canterbury Plains,
evidently on their passage northward. I first observed them in the low scrub on the broad
shingle-beds of the Rakaia, advancing in a very hurried manner, not high in the air, as migrations
are usually performed, but close to the ground, and occasionally resting. But that this bird is
capable of protracted flight is evidenced by the form of its wings, which are of the lengthened,
acuminate character, common to most birds of passage.

During a visit to Dunedin, in the summer of 1860, the Rev. Mr. Stack observed numerous
flocks in the gardens and thickets in the environs of the town. At this season they had dis-
appeared from the Province of Canterbury and all the country further north. In the following
summer (1861) I met with numerous stragglers in the northern parts of the Canterbury Province,
and I understand from Mr. Potts that since that time it has been a permanent resident there,
increasing in numbers every year.

Mr. Buchanan, of the Geological Survey Department, informs me that he observed the
Zosterops at Otago, on his first arrival there in 1851, five years previous to its appearance in
the North Island; and the following extracts from letters communicated to me by Dr. Hector
go still further to prove that the species is an indigenous one there, and is only new to the
country lying further north.

Mr. Newton Watt, R.M., of Campbell Town (Southland), writes as follows :—*“ Paitu, a chief
here, and I believe the oldest man in the tribe, says it was always here. Howell says that he
first noticed them on the west coast, about Milford Sound, in the year 1832, in flocks of thirty or
forty, but never noticed them here (Riverton) till about 1863, when he saw them inland and in
smaller flocks. On my way back from Riverton, I was mentioning it at the Club at Invercargill,
and a gentleman present told me he had first noticed them, about eighty miles inland, about the
year 1861, and that his attention was first called to them from the circumstance that they were
gregarious,—a habit not common with New-Zealand birds. At Campbell Town it appeared to be
more scarce, being seen only in small flocks, varying in number from six to twelve. * * *
1866 my sons noticed numbers of them among my cabbages, and observed that the cats pre
many of them; and, further, that whilst my cabbages in the three preceding years were infested
with blight, in that year there was little or no blight upon them till very late in the season.
They appear to migrate from this locality in the winter, or at any rate to be scarce.”

Mr. James P. Maitland, R.M., of Molyneux, writes :—‘ From what I hear from old settlers
of seventeen or eighteen years standing (whom I can trust as men of observation), I am convinced
we have had the birds here for that time at any rate, although all agree that they have become
much more numerous everywhere during the last seven years; and this year (1867) in particular
I observe them in larger flocks than ever. I confess I do not recollect noticing the bird until
about six years ago; but the smallness of their number at that time, and the smallness of the

M2

84

bird itself, may easily account for its being unnoticed in the bush. The gardens seem to be the
great attraction here, and they are the best hands I know at picking a cherry- or plum-stone
clean!”

All my own personal inquiries at Otago, during my first visit there in February 1865, led me
to the same conclusion.

In the selection of its breeding-home, this bird has manifested with us the same erratic ten-
dencies: thus, for the first three or four years after its permanent location in the North Island, it
wintered in the low lands and the districts bordering on the sea-coast, and retired in summer to
the higher forest-lands of the interior to breed and rear its young. In the summer of 1865 a few
stragglers were observed to remain behind all through the season, and in the following year they
sojourned in flocks and freely built their nests in our shrubberies and thickets, and even among
the stunted fern and tea-tree (Leptospermum) near the sea-shore. From that time to the present
it has ranked as one of our commonest birds all the year round; and, what is even more remark-
able, it has very perceptibly increased in numbers, while most of our other insectivorous birds are
rapidly declining, and threaten ere long to be extinct.

To the philosophical naturalist the history of the Zosterops in New Zealand is pregnant with
interest, and I feel that no apology is needed for my having thus minutely recorded it.

A specimen which I gave to the Rey. R. Taylor, and forwarded by him to the British
Museum, was identified by Dr. J. E. Gray as Zosterops dorsalis. A notice thereof appeared in
the ‘Annals of Natural History’ and in other scientific papers, and the supposed migration of the
species from Australia to New Zealand excited considerable interest. Zosterops dorsalis is found
to be identical with Z. lateralis, Latham; and Mr. Gould’s Z. cerulescens is merely a synonym of
the same species. The last-named writer informs us that “this bird is stationary in all parts of
Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia, where it is not only to be met with in the
forests and thickets, but also in nearly every garden.”

The natives distinguish the bird as Tau-hou (which means a stranger), or Kanohi-mowhiti
(which may be interpreted spectacle-eye or ring-eye). It is also called Poporohe and Iringatau,
names suggested by its accidental or periodical occurrence.

By the settlers it has been variously designated as Ring-eye, Wax-eye, White-eye, or Silver-’
eye, in allusion to the beautiful circlet of satiny-white feathers which surrounds the eyes; and
quite as commonly the “ Blight-bird,” or “ Winter-migrant.”

I have frequently watched the habits of this little bird, and with much interest. As already
stated, it is gregarious, flying and consorting in flocks, except in the breeding-season, when they
are to be observed singly or in pairs. As soon as a flock of them alights on a tree, or clump of
brush-wood, they immediately disperse in quest of food; and, on a cautious approach, may be
seen prosecuting a very diligent search among the leaves and flowers, and in the crevices of the
bark, for the small insects and aphides on which they principally subsist. I have opened many
specimens, at all seasons, and I have invariably found their stomachs crammed with minute
insects and their larve. In some I have found the large pulpy scale-insect (Coccus, sp.), of a dull
green colour, which is commonly found adhering to the leaves of the ramarama (Myrtus bullata) ;
also small caterpillars, grasshoppers, and coleoptera, and occasionally the small fruity seeds of
ftubus australis and other native plants. In our orchards and gardens it regales itself freely on

cially when 607
the male indul
to himself or P
subdued strain

If shot at
the thicket, hi
attempts have
confinement 1
Mrs. Fereday,
and I am ind
were adult bir
partook readil
extreme displa
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of them contr
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when the pen
turn out the
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the bird hold
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85

plums, cherries, figs, gooseberries, and other soft fruits; but it far more than compensates for this
petty pilfering by the wholesale war it carries on against the various species of insects that affect
our fruit-trees and vegetables. It feeds on that disgusting little aphis known as American blight,
which so rapidly covers with a fatal cloak of white the stems and branches of our best apple-
trees; it clears our early cabbages of a pestilent little insect that, left unchecked, would utterly
destroy the crop; it visits our gardens and devours another swarming parasite that covers our
roses and other flowering plants, to say nothing of its general services as an insectivorous bird.
Surely, in return for these important benefits, to both orchard and garden, the flocks of Zosterops
may justly be held entitled to an occasional feed of cherries, or to a small tithe of the ripe fruits
which they have done so much to defend and cherish!

This bird emits a soft plaintive cry, repeated at short intervals; but on the wing, and espe-
cially when consorting in a flock, it utters a rapid twittering note. During the breeding-season
the male indulges in a low musical strain of exquisite sweetness, but very subdued, as if singing
to himself or performing for the exclusive benefit of his partner. This song is something like the
subdued strain of the Korimako (Anthornis melanura), but much softer.

If shot at and wounded it generally manages to escape capture by scrambling nimbly off into
the thicket, hiding itself and remaining perfectly silent till the danger has passed. Frequent
attempts have been made to keep it caged; but although it will readily feed, it seldom survives
confinement many weeks. Only one instance of complete success has come to my knowledge.
Mrs. Fereday, residing near Christchurch, kept several of them caged for upwards of two years;
and I am indebted to that lady for the following amusing account of these captives :—They
were adult birds when taken, but soon became reconciled to the restraints of a canary-cage, and
partook readily of bread soaked in milk. They were interesting objects on account of their
extreme display of mutual affection, as they were always caressing one another and preening each
other’s feathers. This demonstration of affection, however, was at length carried too far, as one
of them contracted a habit of pulling out his neighbour’s feathers, in order to suck the oily
matter from the roots of the quills. The practice was commenced during the seasonal moult,
when the pen-feathers were present, but was continued afterwards, till it became necessary to
turn out the offender and introduce a wild bird in its place. But the practice soon became
general, each bird plucking and submitting to be plucked in the most business-like manner. The
operation was usually commenced on the neck, and it was very droll, said my informant, to see
the bird holding its head up, as a man would sit to be shaved, while the feathers were plucked
out one by one. ‘The birds were then separated, but they manifested the utmost distress, crying
plaintively and refusing their food. On the first opportunity they resumed their old habit, and
at length one of them was plucked completely bare! Finding the case hopeless, Mrs. Fereday
then liberated the birds in the garden, where they seemed to suffer from the colder temperature
of the open air, and shortly disappeared altogether, probably falling victims to some predatory
cat.

Mr. Colenso observes that ‘when they retire to roost they sleep in pairs, cuddling quite
close together, like love-parrots; and before they fold their heads under their wings they bill and
preen each other’s head and neck most lovingly, uttering at the same time a gentle twittering
note.”

86

Mr. Potts informs me that, in Canterbury, this species begins nesting early in October. In
one instance, within his own observation, the birds commenced incubation on October 16, the
young were hatched on October 25, and left the nest on November 4. In the North Island the
breeding-season is somewhat later. As late as the 24th of December I met with a nest in the
Taupo-Patea country, containing two perfectly fresh eggs. The nest is a slight cup-shaped struc-
ture, with a rather large cavity for the size of the bird, and is generally found suspended by side-
fastenings to hanging vines, or to the slender twigs of Leptospermum, Olearia, and other shrubs,
and sometimes to the common fern (Pteris aquilina). The eggs are generally three in number
(sometimes four), ovoido-conical in form, and of a beautiful uniform pale blue colour.

Nests of this species exhibit some variety, both as to structure and the materials of which
they are composed. Of three specimens now before me, one is of slight construction and shallow
in its cavity, composed externally of green-coloured lichen, spiders’ nests, the downy seed-vessels
of the pikiarero (or flowering clematis), and a few dry leaves, lined internally with long horse-hair
disposed in a circular form; another is of smaller size, more compact, composed externally of
crisp dry moss, and internally of grass-bents with a few long hairs interlaced ; while the third has
the exterior walls constructed entirely of spiders’ nests and stiff fibrous mosses, the former predo-
minating, and the interior lining composed wholly of long horse-hair.

A specimen which I found suspended in a clump of creeping kohia (Passiflora tetrandra)
was composed externally of the pale green and rust-coloured lichen so abundant on the branches
of dead timber, intermixed with spiders’ webs, and lined inside with dry fibrous grasses, the whole
being laced together with hair, the long straggling ends of which projected from every part of
the nest; and another, which was obtained from the low brushwood bordering on the sea-shore,
was built of sheep’s wool, spiders’ nests, pellets of cow-hair, and fine seaweed firmly bound toge-
ther with long thread-like fibres, apparently the rootlets of some aquatic plant, and lined inter-
nally with fine grass-bents and soft feathers. Sometimes the nest is constructed wholly of bents
and dry grass.

PROSTHEMADERA NOV& ZEALANDIZ.
(Adult and Young )

Od

passEBE-
gn B

New-Zealan
Poé Bee-oat
Merops no”
Merops cine
La Cravate
Sturnus ert:
Philemon ©
Prosthemaé
Certhia cin
Prosthema
Meliphagqa

Tui and K

é pileo toto met
mentis all
tectricibus
mantibus :
purascenti
cuprescent
ornato: gs)

iride satw

2 mari similis, s

Juy, schistaceo-n

iride nhigr
Male, Gener
upper taj
Wards an,
the latter

Steen ch

OrpEr PASSERES. | [Fam. MELIPHAGIDA.

PROSTHEMADERA NOVA ZEALANDIA

(TUI OR PARSON BIRD.)

New-Zealand Creeper, Brown, Ilustr. Zool. pl. ix. (1776).

Poé Bee-eater, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. p. 682 (1782).

Merops nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 464 (1788, ex Lath.).
Merops cincinnatus, Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 275 (1790).

La Cravate Frisée, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. ii. pl. 92 (1800).

Sturnus crispicollis, Daud. Traité d’Orn. ii. p. 314 (1800, ex Levaill.).
Philemon cincinnatus, Bonn. et Vieill. Enc. Méth. p. 613 (1823).
Prosthemadera concinnata, Gray, List Gen. of B. 1840, p. 3.

Certhia cincinnata, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 78 (1844).
Prosthemadera'circinata, Reich. Handb. Merop. p. 127, t. cccexcii. fig. 3466 (1852).
Meliphaga nove zealandiw, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7466.

Native names.

Tui and Koko; the young bird distinguished as Pi-tui or Pikari.

d pileo toto metallicé viridi, collo postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus purpuraseentibus : collo undique fila-
mentis albis ornato: dorso reliquo et scapularibus cuprescenti-brunneis : ala superné metallicé viridi,
tectricibus alarum paulld purpurascentibus, medianis albo terminatis, fasciam alarem distinctam for-

antibus: remigibus nigris, extiis viridi metallico lavatis, secundariis latits: caudé nigra, supra pur-
ean nitente: subtiis metallicé viridis, versus pectus imum purpurascens: abdomine toto
cuprescenti-brunneo : hypochondriis elongatis leté brunneis : gutture imo fasciculis duobus albis globosis
ornato: subalaribus nigris: subcaudalibus metallicé viridibus: rostro et pedibus nigricanti-brunneis :
iride saturaté brunned.

@ mari similis, sed paulld minor: coloribus sordidioribus : hypochondriis fulvescentioribus.

Juv. schistaceo-niger : tectricibus alarum medianis ut in adultis albis : collo plus minusve albicante: rictu flavo :
iride nigra.

Male. General plumage shining metallic green, with bluish-purple reflections on the shoulders, rump, and
er tail-coverts; the hind neck ornamented with a collar of soft filamentous plumes, curving out-

wards and with a white line down the centre; the middle of the back and the scapulars bronzy brown,

the latter with blue reflections ; the greater wing-coverts are metallic green, those near the arm of the
wing shining blackish purple, and the intermediate ones white in their apical portion, forming a con-
bar; the remiges are black, the primaries having an outer margin of metallic green in

their basal portion, this colour spreading on the secondaries till it covers the whole of the web ; tail-
feathers metallic green on their upper surface, with purplish reflections ; lower part of breast metallic
green changing into purplish blue; sides and abdomen blackish brown, the long flank-feathers shading

88

into pale brown; under surface of wings and tail black; the under tail-coverts metallic green. The
throat is ornamented with two tufts of white filamentous feathers, which curl in upon each other in a
globose form. Irides dark brown; bill and feet blackish brown. Total length 12°75 inches; extent of

wings 18°5; wing from flexure 6; tail 5; culmen 1 ; tarsus 1°35; middle toe and claw 1°55, hind toe
and claw 1:25.

Female. The female is somewhat smaller than the male; but the plumage differs in no essential respect.
The metallic tints are not so bright, and there is more brown in the plumage of the underparts. The
throat is adorned with white tufts as in the other sex, but they are usually smaller.

Young. Uniform slaty black, with a broad undefined patch or circlet of greyish white on the throat, varying
in extent and sometimes spreading all round the neck; median wing-coverts white, as in the adult ;
irides black ; rictal membrane yellow.

Obs. In the young bird the plumage is soft and fluffy, and entirely wants the metallic lustre. In the adult

state examples vary in the brilliancy of their tints, and some have a bright coppery bronze on their

upper parts.

Varieties. Uniform brown-coloured varieties have been occasionally met with; and it is not an unusual
thing to find specimens with a single white quill or tail-feather, or marked about the throat and face
with scattered white feathers. A beautiful albino was obtained some years ago in the Wanganui
district, and now forms part of my collection in the Colonial Museum. The general plumage is pure
white ; a shining black band fills the lores, crosses the forehead, and spreads down each side of the neck
in an irregular patch of sooty black; lower part of back, rump, and thighs sooty black, with white
feathers interspersed ; wings pure white, excepting the outer secondaries and the long primary coverts,
which are glossy black; bill white; tarsi and toes yellowish white. The Hon. Mr. Fox informs me
that at Porirua (in the Province of Wellington) he once observed a bird of this species with the entire
plumage of a delicate fawn-colour.

Tuis bird is one of our most common species, and on that account generally receives less
attention in its own country than its singular beauty merits. It was described and figured, as
early as the year 1776, in Brown’s ‘ Illustrations of Zoology,’ and has since been mentioned by
nearly every writer on general ornithology. In 1840 Mr. G. R. Gray made it the type of a new
genus, in which, up to the present time, it stands quite alone.

The early colonists named it the “ Parson-bird,” in allusion to the peculiar tufts of white
feathers that adorn its throat, and their fancied resemblance to the clerical bands. 'To those who
are familiar with the bird in its native woods, this name is certainly appropriate; for when
indulging in its strain of wild notes, it displays these “ bands,” and gesticulates in a manner for-
cibly suggestive of the declamatory style of preaching, or, as Dr. Thompson graphically expresses
it, “sitting on the branch of a tree, as a pro tempore pulpit, he shakes his head, bending to one
side and then to another, as if he remarked to this one and to that one; and once and again, with
pent-up vehemence, contracting his muscles and drawing himself together, his voice waxes loud,
in a manner to waken sleepers to their senses!”

Owing to its excellent powers of mimicry, and the facility of rearing it in confinement, it is
a favourite cage-bird, both with the natives and the colonists. Although of very delicate consti-

my speech, an
reply, a Tui, V
“Tito!” (false
quite upset tl
“your argume

In a stat
santly on the
devoted to me
ecstacy. Bes
indulge in a y
sneeze,” and :
rapid, gracefu
and closed b
Which this bi
Performing Ww
saults, droppi
guided by sor
in the air it
bya rapid px
to a lower le
8gain by ap,

This C
trusion of t}

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cas
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8 White, aig
8 in thea

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AUC Ustre h
rhe * AN e ab
meal Copy a

PpeTy Oron

D the x
ZE On 4:

years ago in the
x general plumare i: »,
is down each side of the -
ighs sooty black. why:
id tl "
e Hon. Mr. Fox inform»

7 Rake

i ths Species with the cmt

st generally receires #8
described and figured
since been mentionét !

nade it the type oa

ar tufts o¢ ™*
To thoe™

. has for wile
y approp™™

e peculi
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ticulates ina
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89

tution, it has been known to live in confinement for upwards of ten years. More frequently,
it becomes subject, after the first year, to convulsive fits, under which it ultimately suc-
cumbs. Cleanliness, a well-regulated diet, and protection from extremes of temperature are the
proper safeguards. I had as many as ten of them caged at one time; but they died off one by
one, and invariably in the manner indicated. Naturally of a sprightly disposition, it is cheerful
and playful in captivity, incessantly flitting about in its cage and mimicking every sound within
hearing. It will learn to articulate sentences of several words with clearness, and to imitate the
barking of a dog to perfection. One, which I had kept caged in the same room with a Parrakeet
(Platycercus auriceps), acquired the rapid chattering note of that species; and another, in the
possession of a friend, could whistle several bars of a familiar tune in excellent time. The
Maoris fully appreciate the mocking-powers of this bird, and often devote much time and patience
to its instruction. There are some wonderful stories current among them of the proficiency it
sometimes acquires; and I may mention an amusing incident that came under my own notice at
Rangitikei some years ago. I had been addressing a large meeting of natives in the Whare-
runanga, or Council-house, on a matter of considerable political importance, and had been urging
my views with all the earnestness that the subject demanded: immediately on the conclusion of
my speech, and before the old chief, to whom my arguments were chiefly addressed, had time to
reply, a Tui, whose netted cage hung to a rafter overhead, responded, in a clear emphatic way,
“Tito!” (false). The circumstance naturally caused much merriment among my audience, and
quite upset the gravity of the venerable old chief Nepia Taratoa. “Friend,” said he, laughing,
“your arguments are very good; but my mokai is a very wise bird, and he is not yet convinced!”

In a state of nature the Tui is even more lively and active than in captivity. It is inces-
santly on the move, pausing only to utter its Joyous notes. The early morning is the period
devoted to melody, and the Tuis then perform in concert, gladdening the woods with their wild
ecstacy. Besides their chime of five notes (always preceded by a key-note of preparation), they
indulge in a peculiar outburst which has been facetiously described as “a cough, a laugh, and a
sneeze,” and a variety of other notes, fully entitling it to be ranked as a songster. Its flight is
rapid, graceful, and slightly undulating, the rustling of the wings as they are alternately opened
and closed being distinctly audible. Layard mentions (‘ Ibis,’ 1863, p. 243) the peculiar habit
which this bird has of mounting high in the air during fine weather, in parties of six or more, and
performing wide aérial circles or indulging in a sportive flight, “ turning, twisting, throwing somer-
saults, dropping from a height with expanded wings and tails, and performing other antics, till, as if
guided by some preconcerted signal, they suddenly dive into the forest and are lost to view.” High
in the air it may sometimes be seen closing the wings and supporting the body for a few moments
by a rapid perpendicular movement of the expanded tail; and slowly descending in this manner
to a lower level, it speeds forward with half-closed wings and tail, and then rises high in the air
again by a rapid vibration of those members.

The food of the Tui consists of ripe berries of various kinds, flies and other insects, and the
honey of certain wild flowers. To enable it to collect the latter, the tongue is furnished at its ter-
mination with a brush of exquisite fineness, a characteristic common to all the true honey-eaters.
When the functions of life are suspended or interfered with, this little brush protrudes from the
pill. This occurs not only after death, but in the case of the sickly Tui; and the involuntary pro-
trusion of the tongue may generally be accepted as a fatal symptom. In the months of October

however,

N

90

and November, when the kowhai (Sophora grandiflora) has cast its leaves and is covered with a
beautiful mantle of yellow flowers, its branches are alive with Tuis; and in December and
January, when the Phormium tenax is in full bloom, they leave the forest and repair to the flax-
fields to feast on the korari honey. At these times large numbers are caught in snares or speared
by the natives, who thus supply themselves with a delicious article of food. At certain seasons
of the year, when its favourite berries have fully ripened, the Tui becomes exceedingly fat; so
much so as very much to embarrass the operations of the taxidermist, who finds it almost impos-
sible to keep the feathers free from the oily matter that exudes under the operator’s knife. But
I am unable to endorse the statement made by the reverend author of ‘New Zealand and its
Inhabitants’ (probably on the authority of a native), that on these occasions the Tui relieves
itself of its exuberant fat by pecking its breast and allowing it to escape!

It is easily approached and shot; but I have often remarked its extreme tenacity of life,
reminding one of Mr. Gosse’s charming account of Conurus flaviventer, in his ‘ Birds of Jamaica.’
Sometimes, when mortally wounded, the grasp of the feet by which the bird was clinging to the
twigs or vines becomes convulsively tightened, and the falling body is seen suspended, head
downward, for several minutes, the wings now and then giving an ineffectual flutter, till at last one
foot relaxes its hold and then the other, and the quivering body falls heavily to the ground.

The nest of this species is usually placed in the fork of a bushy shrub, only a few feet from
the ground; but I have also found it at a considerable elevation, hidden among the leafy top of a
forest tree. It is a rather large structure, composed chiefly of sprays or dry twigs, intermixed
with coarse green moss, the cavity being lined with fibrous grasses, very carefully bent and adjusted.
Sometimes the interior is composed of the black hair-like substance from the young shoots of the
tree-fern, the cavity being sparingly lined with dry bents. The eggs are generally from three to
four in number and present some variety both in form and colour: there are some good examples
in the Nelson Museum. The eggs (numbering three) in one of the nests are of a pyriform
character, being blunt and rounded at the thick end and tapering upwards to a point, measuring
1-3 inch in length by ‘75 in their widest part; they are white, with a faint rosy blush, stained and
mottled at the larger end and lightly freckled or dusted all over with pale reddish brown. Those
contained in another nest (also numbering three) are ovato-conical, measuring 1:05 in length by
‘75; these are of a delicate rosy tint, obscurely freckled, darker and speckled more or less with
brown at the thick end. A third nest contains two almost pure white eggs, intermediate in form
between those described above, stained and freckled, at the larger end only, with brick-red.
There is likewise an interesting series of these eggs in the Canterbury Museum, varying in cha-
racter from the true ovato-pyriform to a fusiform outline, something like a skittle-head. The
former measure 1:5 in length by ‘9 in width, and are of a pinky-white colour, freckled and
spotted at the larger end with reddish brown, and with marbled markings of the same colour at
the smaller end: the other extreme form measures 1:7 in length by ‘8 in its widest part, and
the whole surface is white with scattered specks of rust-red at the thick end, each surrounded by
a light stain or halo, as if the colour had run; there are also two or three of these specks with
the same stained circumference in the anterior or produced portion of the egg. Dr. Hector
informs me that Tui’s eggs in his possession vary from a decidedly elliptical shape to a narrow
oval one, and that both forms are “ spotted with round dabs of red.”

nose P

\SSERE!

Vocking-
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Orper PASSERES. ] (Fam. MELIPHAGID.

ANTHORNIS MELANURA.
(BELL-BIRD.)

Mocking-Creeper, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. p. 735 (1782).

Certhia melanura, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. pl. v. (1786).

Certhia sannio, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 471 (1788).

Philedon dumerilii, Less. Voy. Coq. Zool. i. p. 644, t. 21. fig. 2 (1826).
Anthomiza ceruleocephala, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 327 (1837).

Philedon sannio, Less. Compl. Buff. xi. p. 165 (1838).

Anthornis melanura, Gray, List of Gen. of B. p. 15 (1840).

Certhia olivacea, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 79 (1844).

Anthornis ruficeps, Von Pelz. Verh. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien, 1867, p. 316.

Native names.

Mako, Makomako, Komako, Kokomako, Korimako, Kohimako, Kokorimako, Kohorimako,
Titimako, and Kopara. Of the above names, Korimako is most generally used by the
northern and Makomako by the southern tribes. The Ngatiawas call this bird Rearea ;
and the natives of the Bay of Plenty distinguish the male and female as Kokorohimako
and Titapu.

é supra flavicanti-olivaceus, uropygio vix letiore: pileo undique metallicé violaceo nitente: loris et mento
ipso nigricantibus: tectricibus alarum nigricantibus dorsi colore lavatis: remigibus nigricantibus vix
sub certé luce indigotico nitentibus, extiis angusté olivaceo limbatis, scapis beh nigricantibus, subtus
brunnescentibus : cauda nigra, subtis pallidiore, rectricibus extis sordidé indigotico lavatis: subtus flavi-
canti-olivaceus, hypochondriis imis paulld letioribus: crisso et subcaudalibus flavicanti-albis, olivaceo-
brunneo variis: subalaribus cinerascentibus, olivaceo lavatis: fasciis axillaribus flavidis : rostro nigro:
pedibus plumbeis, unguibus brunneis: iride rubra

2 mari similis, sed magis olivaceo-brunnescens, et ubique sordidior: pileo dorso concolori, metallicé viridi
obscuré nitente: alis et cauda Tine pgeeae secundariis fulvo terminatis et rectricibus olivaceo-viridi
limbatis: fascia mystacali parva albida : us brunnescens, pectore pallidé ferrugineo lavato, abdomine
magis olivascente: subalaribus et fasciis par sordidé flavidis.

¢ juv. similis mari adulto, sed pallidior: fascia mystacali indistincta.

Adult male. The whole of the plumage olive-green, changing to yellowish-olive on the sides of the body
and abdomen; beneath plumbeous ; forehead, crown, and sides of the head glossed with deep purple ,

primary quills and tail-feathers dusky black, darker and having a steel gloss on the outer webs ; the

secondary quills narrowly margined outwardly with olive-green, which colour spreads on the inner ones

till it nearly covers the entire web; inner lining of wings, as well as the soft ventral feathers and under

tail-coverts, pale fulvous yellow. Irides cherry-red ; bill black; tarsi and toes dark leaden grey; the
N 2

92

claws brown. Total length 7:75 inches; wing, from flexure, 3°4; tail, to the extremity of lateral fea-
thers, 3°6; bill, along the ridge ‘6, along the edge of lower mandible ‘75; tarsus 1; middle toe and
claw ‘6; hind toe and claw °75.

Adult female. Smaller than the male, with little or no purple gloss on the head, and readily distinguished
by a narrow streak of white, which extends downwards from the angles of the mouth, fading off in a
line with the ear-coverts. .Upper parts dull olivaceous; throat, breast, and underparts generally yel-
lowish brown, strongly tinged with olive; quills and tail-feathers dusky black, margined on their outer
webs with olivaceous ; lining of wings, vent, and under tail-coverts fulvous white, washed with yellow.

Young male. Plomage lighter than in the adult bird, with a narrow indistinct line of yellowish white from
the angles of the mouth.

Obs. The bird described by Herr von Pelzeln (J. ¢.) under the name of Anthornis ruficeps was, what I had
contended for*, nothing but a flower-stained example of the present species. In acknowledgment of
this I have received the following note from my friend Dr. Finsch, of Bremen :—‘ You are quite right
in respect to A. ruficeps. The red colour on the face is caused by external influences ; for my friend Von
Pelzeln has washed the type in the Vienna Museum, and the red tinge has partially disappeared.” But,
even as far back as 1782, Latham mentions (i. ¢.) the existence of a red stain in some specimens, and
ascribes it to the true cause, adding, “this in time rubs off, and the colour of the head appears the
same as the rest of the plumage.”

Tue praises of the Bell-bird were sung, a hundred years ago, by the illustrious navigator Cook,
whose ‘ Voyages’ contain the following record :—* The ship lay at the distance of somewhat less
than a quarter of a mile from the shoref; and in the morning we were awakened by the singing
of the birds: the number was incredible, and they seemed to strain their throats in emulation of
each other. This wild melody was infinitely superior to any that we had ever heard of the same
kind; it seemed to be like small bells most exquisitely tuned, and perhaps the distance and the
water between might be no small advantage to the sound.”

This species, formerly very plentiful in every part of the country, appears to be rapidly dying
out. From some districts, where a few years ago it was the commonest bird, it has now entirely
vanished. In the Waikato it is comparatively scarce, on the East Coast it is only rarely met with,
and from the woods north of Auckland it has disappeared altogether. In my journeys through
the Kaipara district, eighteen years ago, I found this bird excessively abundant everywhere ; and
on the banks of the Wairoa the bush fairly swarmed with them. Dr. Hector, who passed over
the same ground in 1866, assures me that he scarcely ever met with it; and a valued corre-
spondent, writing from Whangarei (about 80 miles north of Auckland), says:—“In 1859 this
bird was very abundant here, in 1860 it was less numerous, in 1862 it was extremely rare, and
from 1863 to 1866 I never saw but one individual. It now seems to be entirely extinct in this
district” f.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1868, vol. i. p. 108 Tt Queen Charlotte’s Sound.

t Mr. Gilbert Mair informs me that on the small island of Motiti, in the Bay of Plenty, the Bell-bird is very numerous,
although it is never seen or heard on the mainland opposite. Captain Hutton reports it plentiful on the Great and Little
Barrier Islands, in the Gulf of Hauraki.

a
a h

Various rea
imported bee, W!
other honey-eat!
speaking to me ¢
lads would come
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now they are we.
that he agreed v
the honey-eating
to the scarcity 0:
bered that both
failure of their
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93

The cause of the rapid disappearance in these islands of some species of birds, and absolute
extinction of others, is a very interesting question, and I have already called attention to it in

_ various published papers. In a newly colonized country, where the old fauna and flora are being

invaded by a host of foreign immigrants, various natural agencies are brought into play to check
the progress of the indigenous species, and to supplant them by new and more enduring forms,
more especially in the case of insular areas of comparatively small extent. These agencies are
often too subtle in their operation to arrest the notice of the ordinary observer ; and it is only the
ultimate results that command his attention and wonder. But in New Zealand some special
cause, apart from this general law, must be assigned for the alarmingly rapid decrease of many
of the indigenous birds: in the course of a very few years, species formerly common in every
grove have become so scarce throughout the country as to threaten to become extinct at no very
distant date.

Various reasons have been suggested to account for this. The natives believe that the
imported bee, which has become naturalized in the woods, is displacing the Korimako, Tui, and
other honey-eating birds. One of the oldest settlers in the Hokianga district (Judge Maning),
speaking to me on this subject, said:—“ I remember the time, not very long ago, when the Maori
lads would come out of the woods with hundreds of Korimakos hung around them in strings; now
one scarcely ever hears the bird: formerly they swarmed in the northern woods by thousands ;
now they are well nigh extinct.” On asking him his opinion as to the cause of this, he told me
that he agreed with the Maoris, that the bee, having taken possession of the woods, has driven
the honey-eating birds away from the flowers, and practically starved them out; and he referred
to the scarcity of the Tui, another honey-eater, in support of this view. But it must be remem-
bered that both of these species subsist largely on berries and insects, and that the comparative
failure of their honey-food, even if granted, will not of itself account for the rapid decrease of
these birds; while, on the other hand, the Totoara (Petreca albifrons) and other species which
do not sip flowers are becoming equally scarce. It appears to me that the honey-bee theory is
quite insufficient to meet the case, and that we must look further for the real cause. As the
result of long observation, I have come to the conclusion that, apart from the effects produced by
a gradual change in the physical conditions of the country, the chief agent in this rapid destruc-
tion of certain species of native birds is the introduced rat. This cosmopolitan pest swarms
through every part of the country, and nothing escapes its voracity*. It is very abundant in all
our woods, and the wonder rather is that any of our insessorial birds are able to rear their broods
in safety. Species that nest in hollow trees, or in other situations accessible to the ravages of this
little thief, are found to be decreasing, while other species whose nests are, as a rule, more

* Tn a letter which I had the pleasure of receiving from the Rey. T. Chapman, of Rotorua, some years ago, that gentle-
man states :—‘ Wild Ducks were particularly numerous in this district on my arrival here: you saw them by dozens; you
hardly see them now by twos. I have no doubt we owe this to the Norway rat. There is a place on the Waikato River,
some twenty miles below Taupo, where the chiefs occasionally assembled to act out two important matters,—to discuss
politics and eat kouras (crayfish). A few years after the Norway rat fully appeared, the kouras were no longer plentiful ;
and as the New Testament made Maori politics rather unnecessary, the usage of meeting no longer exists. The natives
somnred me that the cael rat caught the crayfish by diving. Rowing up the rivers you see little deposits of shells :

on inquiry I found they were the ieoagme of the Wargay’ rats, who, by diving for these freshwater pipis, provide a
Vale (ealish) for am tic supper

94

favourably placed, continue to exist in undiminished numbers. As examples of this latter class,
I may instance the Kingfisher, which usually scoops out a hole for its nest in the upright bole of
a dead tree, quite beyond the reach of rats, and appears to be more abundant now than ever;
also the Rhipidura, Zosterops, Gerygone, and other small birds whose delicate nests are secured to
slender twigs, or suspended among vines and creepers. And the Ground-Lark, again, which nests
in open grass or fern land, where the Harrier (Circus gouldi) keeps the rat well under control,
has of late years sensibly increased, being now very common. As a matter of fact, I have known
a case in which half a dozen nests of the Tui, within a radius of a hundred yards, were robbed by
rats of both eggs and young.

But to resume our history of the “ Bell-bird ”—so-called from the fanciful resemblance of
one of its notes to the distant tolling of a bell. Its ordinary song is not unlike that of the Tui or
Parson bird, but is more mellifluous. Its notes though simple are varied and sweetly chimed ;
and as the bird is of social habits, the morning anthem, in which scores of these sylvan choristers
perform together, is a concert of eccentric parts, producing a wild but pleasing melody. I have
occasionally heard a solitary Bell-bird pouring forth its liquid notes after the darkness of advan-
cing night had silenced all the other denizens of the grove. It ought to be mentioned, moreover,
that both sexes sing. When alarmed or excited, they utter a strain of notes which I can only
compare to the sound produced by a policeman’s rattle quickly revolved. ‘This cry, or the bird-
catcher’s imitation of it, never fails to attract to the spot all the Bell-birds within hearing. The
Maoris are accustomed to snare them by means of a fwki baited with the crimson flowers of the
Metrosideros. The bird alights on the treacherous perch to sip the flowers, and a sudden jerk on
a running noose secures it firmly by the leg.

In former times, when this species was abundant throughout the whole country, certain
forest-ranges were famed as Korimako preserves, and were highly prized on that account by the
natives owning them. At the present day, in the investigation of native titles to land, the “ snaring
of Korimakos” by their ancestors is an act of ownership frequently pleaded in support of the tribal
claim.

The flight of this bird is undulating, but very rapid, the wings and tail being alternately
opened to their full extent and sharply closed. It sometimes mounts to a considerable height in
the air, and I have occasionally observed large parties of them indulging in a playful flight far
above the tree-tops.

Its food consists of minute flies and insects, as well as small berries, such as those of the
karamu (Coprosma lucida) and other shrubs, and the honey of various kinds of bush-flowers.
When feeding on the latter, it may be seen hanging by the feet in all positions from the slight
flower-bearing twigs, while the slender bill, with the pencilled tongue protruded, is thrust into
the corolla of each flower in quick succession.

When the korari (Phormium tenazx) is in full bloom, the horn-shaped flowers are filled with
delicious nectar, which the natives are accustomed to collect in calabashes, to be used as a drinking-
beverage for visitors. The Bell-bird, too, loves to regale itself on this saccharine production ; and
while the season lasts, its forehead is often stained red from the colouring-matter that adheres to
the feathers. When the bird, with the change of season again, is feasting itself from the smaller
cups of the pretty native fuchsia (/. excorticata), the stain on the forehead changes to a very
bright purple or blue.

The pell-b

proadly elliptica
preadth. They
besides a few
ground-colour e}
distinct, often d
seum, some are

reddish brown,

smaller end.

In the selee
of decoration, tk
Kaka, the brigh
found intermixe
Vicinity of habi
from a neighbor

During the
their offspring.

OWever, there
only healthy. 5

sylvan ch hori
easing mel ody, Ti
the darkness of ‘
© MeNtioned, m, aoe
hotes which T can anh
This cry, or the 7
S within hearing, ly
crimson flowers of the

< ond dion tor
S, €NG & sudden je l

whole country, cert
on that account by tl
es to land, the “mam
in support of the tnd
1 tail bemg alternate
, considerat ble height 1
, in a playful fight
3. such as those oft
kinds of babi
from the Si?

H sitions
ght

rotruded, 18 t
tle] mit!
flowers are iat

qs a
o be used + 9 gh

95

The Bell-bird commences breeding towards the end of September or early in October, and some-
times even as late as November and December. I have met with a brood of fully-fledged young
birds as early as October 28; while, on the other hand, Mr. Potts informs me that he has observed
it building its nest at the end of January or beginning of February. It seems probable, therefore, that
this species rears two broods in the year. Its nest may be looked for in deep wooded gullies and in
the low brushwood along the outskirts of the forest. It is usually placed in the fork of a low
branch, and the bird in selecting a site seems generally to prefer those bushes over which the
native bramble (Rubus australis) has thrown a protecting mantle. It is a common thing to find
four or five old nests of former years in the immediate vicinity of the occupied one, as if the birds
formed an attachment for a locality once chosen as a breeding-place. The nest is a rather loose
structure, composed externally of small dry twigs, sometimes interlaced with the wiry stems of
the bush convolvulus, over which there is a layer of fine grass disposed in a concave form, and
then deeply lined with feathers. The eggs are usually three in number, but sometimes four ;
broadly elliptical or slightly ovoido-conical in shape, and measuring *88 inch in length by °65 in
breadth. They are pure white, with a broad zone of reddish-brown spots towards the thicker end,
besides a few widely scattered dots of red over the general surface. In some specimens the
ground-colour exhibits a delicate pinkish tinge, and the reddish markings are more numerous and
distinct, often deepening to a dark chestnut-red. Among the examples in the Canterbury Mu-
seum, some are pinkish white, blotched at the thicker end and densely freckled all over with pale
reddish brown, whilst one of them presents delicate pencilled markings or veins towards the
smaller end

In the selection of feathers for the lining of its nest, this bird shows an extraordinary love
of decoration, the preference being given to those of striking colours. The scarlet feathers of the
Kaka, the bright green of the Parrakeet, and the ultramarine of the Kingfisher are sometimes
found intermixed; the shining breast-feathers of the Wood-Pigeon are invariably used ; and in the
vicinity of habitations (as a correspondent informs me) the nest is occasionally found supplied
from a neighbouring poultry-yard, the spotted plumes of the Guinea-fowl being most conspicuous.

During the breeding-season the parent birds evince much tender solicitude for the safety of
their offspring. On leaving the nest, the young have the rictal membrane (at the angles of the
mouth) very large and of a bright yellow colour. The old birds hunt for them with untiring
industry; and the young brood may be seen perched side by side on a branch patiently waiting
for their food, and on the approach of their parents, quivering their wings with excitement, and
eagerly gaping their throats, all of them together, to receive the coveted morsel.

have made frequent attempts to rear the young, but have never succeeded. I have known
instances of the adult birds being caged with success; but, like the Tui, they are liable to
sudden convulsive fits, and seldom survive their confinement very long. At the present time,
however, there is a fine specimen in the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, which appears not
only healthy, but to retain all its native sprightliness of character.

Orper PASSERES. | (Fam. MELIPHAGIDA,

ANTHORNIS MELANOCEPHALA.

(CHATHAM-ISLAND BELL-BIRD.)

Anthornis melanocephala, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 188 (1843).
Anthornis auriocula, Buller, Essay on the Orn. of N. Z. p. 8 (1865).

3 similis A. melanure, sed conspicué major: pileo undique chalybeo, indigotico vel purpureo nitente.

S juv. (A. auriocula, Buller) similis adulto, sed pallidior: abdomine imo cum crisso et hypochondriis imis
fulvescentibus: fronte vix chalybeo nitente: filamentis pilei guleque chalybeo-nigris: fascia mystacali
indistincta, pallidé flava : tectricibus alarum, remigibus et rectricibus brunnescenti-nigris, paulld chaly-

eo lavatis, extus angusté flavicanti-olivaceo limbatis: rostro nigro: pedibus brunneis, plantis pallidio-
ribus, unguibus saturaté brunneis: iride aurea.

Adult male. The whole of the plumage olive-green, lighter on the sides of the body and lower part of abdo-
men; beneath dark plumbeous, this being observable only on raising the feathers; forehead and crown
steel-blue, changing to a purplish-blue gloss on the sides of the head, nape, throat, and fore part of the
breast, these parts appearing shot with purple and blue in certain lights ; quills dusky brown, with yel-
lowish-brown shafts, margined on the outer webs with yellow; the small wing-coverts steel-blue, mar-
gined with olive-green; tail-feathers dusky black, with steel-black margins; the soft ventral feathers
and under tail-coverts fulvous yellow, the latter with an olivaceous tinge. Irides golden yellow (?) ; bill
black ; tarsi, toes, and claws dark brown. Total length 10 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4°25 ; tail 45 ;
bill, along the ridge &, ae the edge of lower mandible ‘9; tarsus 15; middle toe and claw 1:05;
hind toe and claw 1°1

Young. After examining the type of Mr. G. R. Gray’s Anthornis melanocephala, I feel satisfied that the
bird obtained by me at the Chatham Islands, and named (I. c.) Anthornis auriocula, is simply a young
male of this species. The following is a description of this specimen, which is now in the Colonial
Museum at Wellington :—The whole of the plumage yellowish olive, paler on the underparts, and
tinged with fulvous on the abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts; faint steel gloss on the forehead;
produced filaments on the crown, sides of the head, and throat steel-black ; from the angle of the mouth
a narrow indistinct streak of pale yellow; wing-feathers and their coverts, also tail-feathers, blackish
brown, with a faint steel gloss, their outer webs narrowly margined with yellowish olive; inner lining
of wings pale yellow. Irides golden yellow; bill black; tarsi and toes brown, with paler soles; claws
umber-brown. Length 9:5 inches; wing, from flexure, 4°4; tail 4°5; tarsus 1:5. (On a close inspec-
tion of this specimen two minute feathers of steel-blue on the side of the head give indication of a
change of plumage.)

Obs. I need hardly say that the above pie of the adult is taken from the specimen in the British
Museum (obtained by Dr. Dieffenbac 1839), because it is well known that this.is, at present, the
only example recorded. I would ne however, that this bird is not in full plumage. Three

Tus spe
melan ura
larget. -
purplish
Dur

Waitang'
identify t
Bell-bird.
instincts

number ¢

Pa
: Wy,
Ys
97

of the tail-feathers on one side are dusky black, deepening to glossy steel-black on the outer webs ;
the rest are, like the wing-feathers, dusky brown, margined with olivaceous green. I have no doubt
that in the fully matured state the primaries and secondaries, as well as the tail, assume the dark

colour.

Tus species, which is a native of the Chatham Islands, is very similar to the well-known Anthornis
melanura; but, as will be seen on referring to the measurements given above, it is considerably
larger. It differs, moreover, in having the whole of the head and neck brightly glossed with
purplish or steel-blue.
During a visit to the Chatham Islands in 1855, I observed this Anthornis in the woods near
_ ttt, Waitangi, and procured a specimen, although, as already explained, I was unable at the time to
identify the species. I observed that its habits were precisely similar to those of the common
Bell-bird, but that its notes appeared to be louder and somewhat less musical. Its gregarious
instincts are the same; for, on imitating the alarm-cry, I was immediately surrounded by a
number of these birds in a high state of excitement.
sal

Onver PASSERES.] (Fam, MELIPHAGID A.

POGONORNIS CINCTA
(STITCH-BIRD.)

Meliphaga cineta, Dubus, Bull. Acad. Sc. Brux. vi. pt. 1, p. 295 (1839).
Ptilotis auritus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 257.

Ptilotis cincta, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 4 (1844).
Pogonornis cincta, Gray, Gen. of B. i. p. 123 (1846).

Native names.
Thi, Hihi, 'Tihe, Kotihe, and Kotihewera; male and female sometimes distinguished as Hihi-
paka and Hihi-matakiore or Tihe-kiore.

d supra nigerrimus: fasciis duabus conspicuis postocularibus albis: dorso imo et uropygio cinerascenti-
brunneis, vix olivaceo tinctis: dorsi plumis quibusdam lateralibus leté aurantiaco terminatis: rectrici-
bus alarum minimis leeté aurantiacis, plagam magnam formantibus, majoribus nigris, extiis aurantiaco
marginatis: ale spurize plumis ad basin albis speculum exhibentibus : remigibus nigris, primariis versus
apicem albido, secundariis aurantiaco marginatis: tectricibus alarum majoribus intimis et secundariis
dorsalibus puré albis, plagam distinctam formantibus, dorso proximis medialiter nigris: gutture toto et
collo laterali nigerrimis: torque pectorali angustd aurantiacd: corpore reliquo subtis cinerascente,
hypochondriis et subcaudalibus saturatioribus, illis brunneo striatis: subalaribus cinerascentibus, mar-
gine alarum aurantiaco: rostro brunnescenti-nigro: pedibus brunneis: setis rictalibus nigris: iride
nigra.

@ mari omnino dissimilis: supra brunnea olivaceo lavata, pileo obscuriore: maculé parva postoculari alba :
tectricibus alarum olivaceo-fulvo lavatis, minimis aurantiaco nitentibus, majoribus intimis et secundariis
dorsalibus albis, brunnco medialiter lineatis et marginatis, plagam magnam albam formantibus : remigi-
bus et rectricibus cinerascenti-brunneis, extiis laté fulvescente lavatis, primariis ad basin pogonii interni
albis : subtts obscuré brunnea, pectore et abdomine fulvescentibus, obscuré brunneo striatis.

Adult male. Head, neck, and upper part of the back velvety black; on each side of the head there is a
tuft of snow-white feathers which the bird has the power of erecting. A band of rich canary-yellow
encircles the breast, contrasting finely with the dark plumage immediately above it; narrow in the
centre, it widens on both sides and expands on the wings, covering the small coverts and the margins of
the scapularies, and becomes very conspicuous when the wings are spread. Underparts light greyish
brown, inclining to olivaceous brown on the sides of the body. Primaries and tail-feathers black, mar-
gined outwardly with olivaceous brown; the secondaries in their basal portion and their coverts white ;
the upper tail-coverts olivaceous brown. Irides and rictal bristles black; bill brownish black; tarsi
and toes pale brown. Total length 8 inches; extent of wings 12°5; wing, from flexure, 4; tail 3;
bill, along the ridge *60, along the edge of the lower mandible 75; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw 1;
hind toe and claw °75

Female. Obscure olivaceous brown, darker on the upper parts, and changing to pale brown on the abdomen

9)

et uror . .
: PYgio CiNerasgens,

buiaco terminatis: Retr,

S DISTIS, extis sunniy,
OUS NISTIS, primaris yey

1DUS Intimis et secundans

us cinerascentibus, mz.

sa vactahihne riers:
iS FICtauoUs NeTis:

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f the head there !

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and Us pes iy
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and the! covers
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POGONORNIS CINCTA.
(Male/ and Female)

Tuis hat
parts of
Waikatc
country
Captain
occurrer
the sum
may be

is, more
Its food
It often
in seare
with a

99

and under tail-coverts. The primaries and outer tail-feathers have their external webs narrowly mar-
gined with very pale brown ; the rest of the quills and tail-feathers are dusky black, edged externally
with olivaceous brown. There is a large spot of white on the secondaries corresponding to that in the
male, with faint indications of yellow towards the root of the wing ; but this is only apparent when the
wings are spread. There are a few minute touches of white on each side of the head, corresponding in
position to the tufts in the male bird; but these adornments are wanting in this sex. Total length
7°25 inches; wing, from flexure, 3°75; tail 2°75 ; culmen *55; tarsus ile

Obs. In some examples of the male the colours are brighter, the pectoral zone being wider and deepening
o a clear orange-yellow, while the quills and larger wing-coverts have a narrow external margin of
yellowish olive.

Remarks. This species is furnished with hair-like bristles at the angles of the mouth measuring half an inch
in length. The tongue has a pencilled or brush-like termination ; the hind claw is almost twice the
length of those of the fore toes, which are about equal, measuring ‘25 of an inch in their curvature ; the
tail is of medium length and slightly cuneiform.

This New-Zealand form approaches closely to a numerous group of Australian birds comprehended under
the generic name of Péilotis, among which it was originally placed. It has since, however, been recog-
nized as the type of a distinct genus.

Tus handsome species has only a limited range. It is comparatively common in the southern
parts of the North Island, and may be met with as far north as the wooded ranges between
Waikato Heads and Raglan, beyond which it is extremely rare. It is never found in the
country north of Auckland, with the exception of one locality, the Barrier Islands, where
Captain Hutton records it “not uncommon” in December 1868. I have never heard of its
occurrence anywhere in the South Island. It affects deep wooded gullies, and is seldom found on
the summits of the ranges. In the dense timber covering old river-bottoms or low-lying flats it
may be sought for; but it rarely frequents the light open bush or the outskirts of the forest. It
is, moreover, a very shy bird; and being most active in all its movements, it is not easily shot.
Its food consists of insects, the honey of various bush-flowers, and the smaller kinds of berries.
It often frequents the topmost branches of the high timber, where it may be seen flitting about
in search of insects. If disturbed by the report of a gun, it will fly off to a neighbouring tree
with a light and graceful movement of the wings; but when descending to a lower station, it
adopts a different manner of flight, elevating the tail almost to a right angle with the body, and
scarcely moving the wings at all.

The male bird erects the tail and spreads the ear-tufts when excited or alarmed; but the
female habitually carries the tail perfectly erect. ‘The sexes vary so much in appearance that
many of the natives regard them as distinct species, and call them by different names. The male
bird utters at short intervals and with startling energy a melodious whistling call of three notes.
At other times he produces a sharp clicking sound like the striking of two quartz stones together:
the sound has a fanciful resemblance to the word “ stitch,” whence the popular name of the bird
is derived. The female also utters this note, but not the former one; and being recluse in her
habits as well as silent, she is seldom seen.

Very little is at present known of the breeding-habits of this bird. A nest assigned to it,

)

100

and I believe correctly, was discovered about three years ago in the bush above the Kai-warawara
stream, in the vicinity of Wellington, and is still preserved in the Colonial Museum. It isa
shallow structure, with thin walls, and measures 4:75 inches across the top, with a cavity of 2°35
by 1:35. It is built of sprays, above which are laid fibres and dry rootlets of tree-fern ; and the
cavity is formed of fine grass, lined with cow-hair. This nest contained a single egg, of a narrow
ovoid form, measuring ‘75 inch in length by ‘6 in breadth, of a yellowish-white colour, thickly
spotted and clouded with pale rufous.

r
OxrDEB =

Pa

Ad. pilec
a

P
fi

r

Juv. vix

Adult

K:
tla) \ Ay,
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1\y hite tol, a Lan,
Nr +}

Orvrr PASSERES. ] (Fam. CERTHIID.

ORTHONYX ALBICILLA.
(THE WHITE-HEAD.)

Fringilla albicilla, Less. Voy. Coq. 1. p. 662 (1826).

Parus senilis, Dubus, Bull. Acad. Roy. Brux. vi. pt. 1, p. 297 (1839).
Certhiparus senilis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. v. p. 69 (1842).

Certhiparus albicillus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 6 (1844).
Certhiparus cinerea, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7465.

Mohoua? albicilla, Gray, Ibis, p. 220 (1862).

Orthonyx albicilla, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 253

Native names.

Popotea, Poupoutea, Popokotea, and Upokotea.

Ad. pileo undique et pectore superiore albis: dorso toto brunneo, supracaudalibus pallidioribus: tectricibus
alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus saturaté brunneis, extis dorsi colore lavatis, primariis paullo
palliditis limbatis : pogonio interno flavicanti-albo marginato: cauda flavicanti- brunned : pectore medio
fulvescenti-albo: corporis lateribus brunneis, dorso concoloribus: subalaribus albis, brunneo lavatis :
rostro nigro: tarso et pedibus plumbescenti-nigris, plantis pallidioribus, unguibus brunneis : iride nigra.

Juv. vix ab adultis distinguendus, sed coloribus dilutioribus et pileo brunneo lavato.

Adult. Wead and neck all round, breast, inner face of the wings, and middle of the abdomen white,
slightly tinged with brown; sides of the body and flanks pale vinous brown; the whole of the back,
rump, and upper surface of wings vinous brown, paler on the upper wing-coverts ; quills blackish brown,
the primaries narrowly margined on their outer webs with grey, and more broadly on their inner webs
with yellowish white ; tail-feathers and their coverts pale yellowish brown on their upper aspect, some-
times tinged with rufous, the shafts darker ; paler on the under surface, with white shafts. rides black ;
bill and rictal bristles black ; tarsi and toes bluish black, with paler soles and brown claws. ‘Total
length 5°7 inches; wing, from flexure, 2:9; tail 2:75; bill, along the ridge *4, along the edge of lower
mandible ‘5; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw ‘8; hind toe and claw ‘6

Young. Upper parts pale vinous brown, whitish on the head ; throat and underparts greyish white, shading
into brown on the sides; wings tinged with yellow on their i inner edges.

Tuis interesting little bird is distributed all over the North Island, but is replaced 1 in the South
by a representative species, the Orthonyx ochrocephala or Yellow-head.

It frequents all wooded localities, but seems to prefer the outskirts of the forest and the low
bush fringing the banks of rivers and streams.

It is gregarious in its nature; and the report of
a gun, the cry of a Hawk, or any other exciting cause will instantly bring a flock of them

102

together, producing a perfect din with their loud chirping notes. It is a curious or inquisitive
bird, following the intruder as he passes through the bush, and watching all his movements in a
very intelligent manner. If he remains stationary for a few moments, it will peer at him through
the leaves with evident curiosity, and will hop gradually downwards from twig“to twig, stretching
out its neck and calling to its fellows in a loud chirp, and approaching the object of this
scrutiny till almost within reach of his hand.

It has a simple but very melodious song, some bars of it reminding one of the musical strains
of the Canary, Captain Hutton writes me that he found this species far more abundant on the
Great Barrier Island than on the neighbouring mainland, where it is certainly less plentiful
than in former years; and he remarks that “the song is very similar to that of the European
Yellow Bunting, but without the last drawn-out note, while the alarm is like the pink pink of the
Chaffinch.”

Its food consists of insects and minute seeds. It is very active in all its movements, flitting
about among the leafy branches and climbing the boles of the trees, clinging by the feet head
downwards, and assuming every variety of attitude as it prosecutes its diligent search for the
small insects on which it principally subsists. I have frequently observed it inserting its beak
into the flower of the Metrosideros, either for the purpose of extracting honey, or, as is more
likely, to prey on the insects that are attracted by it. I have also known them occasionally caught
on the twkt baited with these flowers to allure the Tui and Korimako, which are genuine honey-
eaters.

I have found scores of nests of this species, and have made frequent but ineffectual attempts
to rear the young in a cage. The nest is usually fixed in the fork of a low shrubby tree, fre-
quently that of the ramarama (Myrtus bullata), and is always so placed as to be well concealed
from observation. It is a round, compact, and well-constructed nest, being composed of soft
materials, such as moss, dry leaves, spiders’ nests, shreds of native flax, and sometimes wool, all
firmly knit together. The cavity is deep and well rounded, the walls being formed of dry bent
and vegetable fibres and thickly lined with soft feathers. The lip or outer edge of the nest is
carefully bound in with vegetable fibres, sometimes mixed with spiders’ webs, and often presenting
a high degree of finish. The eggs are usually three in number, but sometimes four; they are

of proportionate size, rather ovido-conical in form, and with a shell of very delicate texture. Ex-
ternally they are white, minutely spotted with purplish and brown, the markings being denser
towards the thick end, where they form an irregular zone. During incubation the hen bird sits
closely, and leaves the nest with reluctance, almost permitting herself to be touched by the hand
before quitting it.

a

Ad. pileo
cin

nig
2 mari si
Juv. simil;

Adult 7

Taig bri

ORTHONYX ALBICILLA.
ORTHONYX OCHROCEPHALA.

Orper PASSERES. | [Fam. CERTHIID A.

ORTHONYX OCHROCEPHALA.
(THE YELLOW-HEAD.)

Yellow-headed Flycatcher, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. p. 342 (1783).

Muscicapa ochrocephala, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 944 (1788, ex Lath.).
Certhia heteroclites, Quoy & Gaim. Voy. Astrol. i. pl. 17. fig. 1 (1830).
Mohoua hua, Less. Compl. Buff. ix. p. 139 (1837).

Orthonyx icterocephalus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 257.

Orthonyx heteroclitus, Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1839, pl. 8.

Mohoua ochrocephala, Gray, List of Gen. of B. p. 25 (1841).

Muscicapa chloris, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 87 (1844).

Orthonyx ochrocephala, Gray & Mitch. Gen. of B. i. p. 151, pl. 46 (1847).

Native names.

The same as those applied to the preceding species: “ Canary” of the colonists.

Ad. pileo undique et corpore subtis leté citrinis, nuchd vix olivascente, abdomine imo cum cruribus crissoque
cineraceis: dorso toto olivascenti-brunneo, flavido lavato, uropygio conspicué leetiore flavo: tectricibus
alarum et supracaudalibus olivaceo-flavis, illarum majoribus saturatioribus, potitis olivaceo-viridibus :
remigibus brunneis, extus dorsi colore lavatis, primariis cano limbatis, pogonii interni margine leté
flavicante: cauda olivaceo-flavé, subcaudalibus et subalaribus olivaceo-flavis, his albido lavatis: rostro
nigro: pedibus nigris, unguibus saturaté brunneis: iride nigra.

mari similis, sed coloribus obscurioribus.

a

Juv. similis adulto, sed pileo et nucha olivascente lavatis.

Adult male. Head and breast, sides of the body, and upper part of the abdomen bright canary-yellow ;
shoulders, back, and upper surface of wings yellowish brown, with an olivaceous tinge; upper surface
of tail and the outer margins of the secondary quills dark olivaceous yellow; the colours are blended
where they meet, the nape being more or less mottled with yellowish brown; lower part of abdomen
greyish white; thighs and flanks pale brown; upper and lower tail-coverts yellow ; the whole of the
plumage is dark plumbeous at the base. Irides black; bill and feet black; claws dark brown. Total
length 6 inches; wing, from flexure, 3°25; tail 2°75; bill, along the ridge ‘5, along the edge of lower
mandible °7; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw ‘87; hind toe and claw ‘75.

Female. Similar to the male, but with the tints of the plumage generally duller.

Young. The young bird differs from the adult in having the yellow plumage tinged with olivaceous, espe-
cially on the crown and nape, where the latter colour predominates ; rictal membrane yellow.

Obs. The shafts of the tail-feathers are often found denuded at the tips.

Tus bright coloured bird is the southern representative of Orthonyx albicilla. Its range is con-

104

fined to the South Island, where it is quite as common as the preceding species is in the North.
A narrow neck of sea completely divides their natural habitat,—a very curious and suggestive
fact, inasmuch as this rule applies equally to several other representative species treated of in the
present work.

The habits of this bird are precisely similar to those of its northern ally; but it is superior
to the latter in size and in the richer colour of its plumage, while its notes are louder and its song
more varied and musical. A flock of these Canary-like birds alarmed or excited, flitting about
among the branches with much chirping clamour, and exhibiting the bright tints of their plumage,
has a very pretty effect in the woods.

A life-size drawing of this species, by Mitchell, appeared long ago in the ‘Genera of Birds;’
but the attitude is unnatural, the bird being placed on the ground instead of a tree.

The nest is thus described by Mr. Potts:— Measuring across the top 8 inches 8 lines, with
a depth of 1 inch 4 lines, it is a beautifully compact structure, cup-shaped, composed principally
of moss very closely felted, and neatly interwoven with spiders’ webs. In the hollow trunk of
the broad-leaf it is sometimes found, and occasionally in a decaying black birch.” Mr. Potts,
junior, found a nest of this species containing two young birds; it was built of moss, grass, and
sheep's wool, with a few feathers intermixed, and was placed in a cluster of young shoots on the
side of a black birch, and in the vicinity of a shepherd’s homestead.

On comparing the nest of this species with that of Orthonysx albicilla, it appears to exhibit
more care and finish in its general construction, although composed of the same materials. The
eggs are of a regular oval form, measuring ‘95 inch in length by ‘7 in breadth, and are white,
with obscure spots of reddish brown over the entire surface.

EB pA

OD

g supra ¢
als

9 mari 0:
Juv. vix a

Adult.

Young.

Obs. *

Tuis liv
Nelson P
found it

* Cay
Certhinan,
t is bird W

“Noy if ¥,
a “On
Six + id ~ “
UVC e&e Wp...
s tre OR,
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Ateq nf.
y a
Q 4
; i
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‘ Nut
Rs
are na Une.
AGep . Xp
- aly >
- - AU
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“4, Thee Ss
it ty “wo 1 -
“Ws of 2 My
Dery,
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“yy
L the “¢
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~ 4 Of Bia
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* ty
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- UCNhes 9)
2 Im
} ARS, ih
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sed nr,
YY be “
In the hole
“VEOW tm]
- U
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' 7 =
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Orper PASSERES, | [Fam. PARIDAK.

CERTHIPARUS NOVA ZEALANDISA
(NEW-ZEALAND CREEPER.)

New-Zealand Titmouse, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 558 (1783).

Parus nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1013 (1788, ex Lath.).

Parus nove zealandie, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 571 (1790).

Parus zelandicus, Quoy & Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrol. i. p. 210, pl. ii. fig. 3 (1830).
Certhiparus nove zelandie, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 69.

Certhiparus nove seelandie, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 189 (1843).
Certhiparus maculicaudus, Gray, op. cit. ii. p. 189 (1848).

Parus urostigma, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 90 (1844).

Certhiparus nove zealandie, Finsch, J. f.O. 1870, p. 254.

Native names.—Pipipi and Toitoi.

$ supra chocolatino-brunneus, pileo or ii obscuriore: facie laterali nuchdque cinerascentibus: tectricibus

alarum dorso concoloribus: remigibus brunneis, primariis extiis angusté fulvescente limbatis, secundariis
latius dorsi colore lavatis : ae Bee chocolatina, rectricibus (duabus mediis exceptis) fascia nigra
transnotatis: subtus rufescenti-albus, corporis lateribus et rei subcaudalibus chocolatino lavatis :
rostro et pedibus pallidé brunneis, unguibus fulvescenti-brunneis :

iride saturaté brunned.

2 mari omnino similis.
Juv. vix ab adultis distinguendus, sed magis vinaceo tinctus.

Adult. Fore part of head, crown, back, rump, and upper surface of wings bright cinereous brown, inclining
to rufous ; quills light brown, the outer webs tinged towards their base with rufous ; tail-feathers pale
rufous, and, with the exception of the two middle ones, crossed on their inner web, about half an inch
from the tip, with a broad band of black; sides of head and nape cinereous grey; throat, breast, and
abdomen rufous white. Bill, tarsi, and toes pale brown; claws lighter brown. Total length 5:25 inches ;
wing, from flexure, 2°5; tail 2°6; tarsus ‘75; bill, along the ridge *5, along the edge of lower mandible
‘6; middle toe and claw ‘6; hind toe and claw ‘6.

Young. Plumage as in the adult, but suffused with vinous brown.

Obs. The sexes are alike, both as to size and colouring.
Tuis lively little species is confined to the wooded parts of the South Island*.

Nelson and in Otago, but more abundantly in the Canterbury Province.
found it particularly numerous, but I was never able to discover its nest.

I met with it in
On Banks’s Peninsula I

* Captain Hutton, writing from Auckland, in the North Island, states, in a letter to ‘The Ibis’ (1867, p. 379), that
Certhiparus nove zealandie is “one of the commonest birds in the bush about

ere;” but he was evidently confounding
this bird with some other species, probably the well-known Orthonyx albierlla.

P

106

Like the members of the allied group Orthonya, it is a gregarious species, associating
together in small flocks, and hunting diligently for its insect food among the branches and dense
foliage of the forest undergrowth. On being disturbed or alarmed they quickly assemble and
chirp round the intruder for a few minutes; and on being reassured they disperse again in search
of food.

Mr. Potts, who may be called the “John Wolley” of our country, and whose beautiful col-
lection of eggs is now deposited in the Canterbury Museum, has hitherto been baffled by this
little bird. He writes*:—“ Although this Creeper may be seen in almost every bush from the
coast to the distant alpine ranges, we have only once found its nest. This was in the month of
December, and far above the Rangitata gorge. The nest, containing three young birds, was
carefully built of moss, with a few feathers, placed in a black birch, between the trunk and a
spur, from whence sprouted out a thick tuft of dwarfed sprays, about seven feet from the ground.”
The egg of this common species is still a desideratum in all our local collections, and I am unable
therefore to give a description of it.

I carefully examined, with the late Mr. G. R. Gray, the examples in the British Museum on
which he founded his distinction between Certhiparus nove zealandie and C. maculicaudus, and
am satisfied that it cannot be maintained—a conclusion in which Mr. Gray, I believe, concurred.

* Trans, New-Zealand Institute, 1869, vol. ii. p. 59.

2 PAS

OBDe

Gery'
Gery
Acan

Ad. supra ¢
tricl

Juv. similis

Adult.
nec]
ting
base
ang
Tot:
mid

Note.

Euc

Tuas litt],

tions. I

t appear
Utter;
tering ,

Spec}
g the a . ,
he brang Mei Orver PASSERES. ] (Fam. SYLVIIDA.
le Meg, 8
Quic ky mi XY.
; dis ; “Sey
oa Qa
Pere ais tk GERYGONE FLAVIVENTRIS.
™ By
nd Wh “ (GREY WARBLER.)
a Vanes
eta ; {Uhf)
— een Daffles rele t Nabe Weresek Fener se or eo
| Very } a
0S wa, : Of u
as : +} ° ts 4! r
thr Mt the mena . Gerygone flaviventris, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 5, pl. 4. fig. 1 (1844)
' te = Sul it . 7°
ote JOUng bin . Gerygone assimilis, Buller, Essay on Orn. N. Z. p. 9 (1869).
‘Wan «) MS, a ‘ . . s
the tgp Acanthiza flaviventris, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 219 (1869)
eet ih m the pr,
“CQons, and | 7 ‘ Native names.—Riroriro and Koriroriro.
sid
the Brite} \ Ad. supra grisescenti-brunneus, dorso et uropygio cum laeasecrti olivaceo lavatis, his letits tinctis: tec-
nd - ; Museyy . tricibus alarum remigibusque brunneis, extus ax imbatis : rectricibus cinerascenti-brunneis
, * Macuicand MS ay) verstis apicem conspicué nigricantibus, dua
AY hal? - ° a
’? EVE. pon)

s Beatin macula anteapicali alba notatis, reliquis ad
apicem pogonii interni albo maculatis

facie laterali guttureque toto sordidé cinereis: corpore reliquo
subtis albicante, abdomine imo et hypochondriis flavido tinctis, his etiam paulld olivascentibus : rostro
et pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride rubra.

Juv. similis adultis, sed coloribus dilutioribus.

Adult. Upper parts brownish grey, tinged on the back with olivaceous brown; throat, fore part of
neck, breast, and sides cinereous grey; abdomen and under tail-coverts white, the former slightly
tinged with yellow ; primaries dark brown, paler on the inner webs; tail-feathers dark brown in their
basal, almost black in their apical portion, and, with the exception of the two median ones, having an

angular white spot near the tip on their inner webs. Irides red; bill, tarsi, and toes dark brown.
Total length 4°5 inches; extent of wings 6; wing, from flexure, 2°12; tail 2; culmen ‘3; tarsus °75
middle toe and claw ‘5 ; hind toe and claw °75.
Young. In the young bird the tints of the plumage generally are paler
Obs.

In some examples the measurements are slightly larger, there is an absence of the yellow tinge on the
abdomen, and the white spot on the lateral tail-feathers is termina

Note.

A figure of this bird in the act of feeding a young Cuckoo will be found on the Plate representing
Eudynamis taitensis, opposite page 73 of this work

Tus little bird, of sombre plumage and unobtrusive habits, is an interesting species, whether we
regard it merely as the familiar frequenter of our gardens and hedgerows, or, more especially, as

>
the builder of a beautiful pensile nest and the foster-parent of our two parasitical Cuckoos
(Hudynamis taitensis and Chrysococcyx lucidus)

It belongs to a group of which there are nu-
merous representatives in Australia, and its habits are in no way different from those of its rela-
tions. 1

Its food consists of minute flies and insects and their larvee, in the eager pursuit of which
it appears to spend every moment of its waking hours, moving about with great agility and
uttering at short intervals a trilling note of much sweetness, though of little variety. The bird is

P 2

108

easily attracted by an imitation of this note, however rudely attempted, and may be induced to
fly into the open hand by quickly revolving a leaf or small fern-frond, so as to represent the
fluttering of a captive bird. Layard compares the note to the creaking sound of a wheel-barrow ;
and I have sometimes heard it so subdued and regular, as to be scarcely distinguishable from the
musical chirping of the pihireinga or native cricket.

The Grey Warbler builds a large and remarkably ingenious nest, in which it lays from three
to six eggs, and, as I am inclined to think, breeds twice in the season. ‘The construction of the
nest, which is of great size as compared with the bird, occupies a considerable time. In one
instance noted, I observed the birds collecting materials for their work towards the end of August,
and the young did not quit the clump of climbing-rose in which the nest was placed till the first
week in October.

Selected on account of its unwearied industry, or because of the peculiar fitness of its warm
domed nest for the nurture of a semitropical species, this little bird is the willing victim of our
two migratory Cuckoos, the Warauroa and Koheperoa—the former of which, at any rate, deposits
its egg in the nest of this species, while both of them delegate to this tiny creature the task of
rearing their young.

I have found the intrusive egg of the former in the nest with those of the Grey Warbler,
and I have frequently observed the voracious young Cuckoo being attended and fed by the foster-
parent, but I have never seen the young of these birds together. Hither the parasitic egg being
the first hatched, the others are neglected and allowed to perish, or the intruder, finding the
accommodation insufficient, by virtue of his superior size and strength casts out the rightful occu-
pants and usurps entire possession of the nest. The latter supposition is the more likely one, as
this is known to occur with other species of this family in other parts of the world, while, as
already recorded in treating of Chrysococcyx lucidus, there is at least one well-authenticated
instance of this instinct on the part of our smaller Cuckoo in New Zealand.

Although, as already mentioned, the Grey Warbler appears to lay twice in the season, it
would seem that one nest serves the purpose of rearing two broods; for, allowing that the family
would require the attention of the old birds up to the middle of October (though probably it
would be later), there would not be time to build another nest before the arrival of the Cuckoos
to spend the summer with us and to deposit their eggs for incubation. The production of double
broods in this case would seem to be a provision of nature to enable this species to maintain its
ground, seeing that the demands of the parasitical Cuckoos involve in many cases the loss or de-
struction of the legitimate offspring. Instead of being scarce, the Grey Warbler continues to be
one of our commonest species—a circumstance owing, no doubt, in some measure, to its being a
pensile-nest builder, and thus escaping the ravages of the Norway rat, the great enemy to the
increase or perpetuation of our indigenous birds.

_ The young on leaving the nest are extremely nimble and somewhat shy. For several days
after quitting their domed cradle they remain in its vicinity, following the old birds about in a
restless manner and emitting incessantly a scarcely audible piping note. On these occasions I
have noticed that the birds hunt all day long in a wide circle, with the nest-home as a centre;
and they probably take their young family back to it at night for shelter and warmth. The nests
of most birds, when the young have flown, are polluted and unserviceable, being easily distin-

jshable |

every vari
rule, refer
vestibule, |
ficant fact
red, led m
manifest d
on New-Z
guish the
sary to rec
investigati
as to justi
my ‘ Essay
“ The
‘ bottle-sh:
pended.
fibres, &c.
composing
entrance,
it is prote
ing rim ¢
firmly sec
Vestibule ,
depth, thy
The inter;
and the y
the skill ,
What Simi]
the apex
X€cution
Wanting i

Ss ar
Cx
‘amples,

)
r

Tey: ,

a Wh, ai)

listing «uy,
: "'BUishahy, ~
Ny i)

laced eyo
Plac tj] the ¢..

ilia it

r Atnegs of its y

Ul Its we
l@ will: - Mice.
Willing Victim of :
*Vullll at
Q, at any oe
: any nite, den ay
ty Creature the bad :
“A aS ot

e of the Grey Warhle
Land fed by the fv.

e parasitic e v7 hers

mitra ee
MUUuCcer, findine th
MUN?

wit e in the
lowing tha
er (though provady!
arrival of the Cuckoe
e pr duction of ou
enecies t0 matali !*
: :
the K( ss oy ut
ny cases U
varbler conte ®”
7 its held! a
neasure, © it 4
my {0
he great ened}
Jays
i]
- worl Ue)
by, For er:
aye hi ; bout I
$
old but ot
9 s]U h]
¢

109

guishable as “old nests ;” but this is not the case with the nest of the species under consideration.
The cavity or chamber is deeply lined with soft feathers; and to keep the interior clean and pure,
the young birds may be seen elevating their bodies to the edge of the orifice on the side of the
nest, and ejecting the alvine discharge to some distance. Thus the nest is kept in perfect con-
dition for continued use in the manner suggested, or for the rearing of a second brood. At the
close of the breeding-season it may be observed that this bird has the shafts of the tail-feathers
denuded, often to the extent of a quarter of an inch, the result, no doubt, of its laborious and
protracted building-operations.

I have examined a large number of their nests in various parts of the country and in almost
every variety of situation; and while invariably exhibiting the pensile character, they are, as a
rule, referable to one or the other of two distinct types—the bottle-shaped nest with the porch or
vestibule, and the pear-shaped form without the porch. ‘This peculiarity, coupled with the signi-
ficant fact that in some instances the eggs were pure white, in others speckled or spotted with
red, led me at one time to suspect the existence of two distinct but closely allied species; and a
manifest difference in the size of some examples tended to strengthen that view. In my ‘ Essay
on New-Zealand Omithology’ (1865) I described the two forms of nest, and proposed to distin
guish the builder of the large pear-shaped structure as Gerygone assimilis. It may yet be neces-
sary to recognize the existence of a larger and a smaller race, although the subject requires further
investigation. It may be considered settled, however, that the ascertained difference is not such
as to justify a specific separation. The two forms of nest above alluded to were thus described in
my ‘ Essay’ (p. 9):—

“That of the smaller species is a compact little nest, measuring about 6 inches by 3°5. It is
‘bottle-shaped,’ full and rounded at the base, and tapering upwards to a point, by which it is sus-
pended. It is composed of a variety of soft materials—spiders’ nests, dry moss, grass, vegetable
fibres, &c. The spiders’ nests consist of a soft silky substance, by the aid of which the materials
composing the nest are woven into a compact wall, with a smooth and finished exterior. The
entrance, which is situated on the side of the nest, is so small as barely to admit the finger, and
it is protected from the weather by a very ingenious contrivance. It is surrounded by a protect-
ing rim or ledge, composed of extremely fine roots interlaced or loosely woven together and
firmly secured to the groundwork of the nest. This facing is arched at the top so as to form a
vestibule or porch, while at the base it stands out boldly from the wall, and is nearly an inch in
depth, thus furnishing a firm and secure threshold for the bird in its passage to and from the cell.
The interior apartment or cavity is about two inches deep, and is thickly lined with soft feathers ;
and the nest forms altogether a well-proportioned and symmetrical structure, testifying alike to
the skill and industry of the modest little builder. The nest of the other species is of a some-
what similar size; but it is fuller in the middle than the one described, and is pear-shaped towards
the apex instead of tapering. The materials composing it are of coarser texture, there is less
execution or finish about it, and the ingenious porch, the peculiar feature of the one, is altogether
wanting in the other.”

A specimen of the nest, with porch entrance, in Dr. Sisson’s possession, measures nine
inches, and is produced downwards to a point, instead of being rounded as in the typical

examples.

110

As I have previously pointed out, in a communication to the Wellington Philosophical
Society (November 12, 1870), among the substances used as building-materials by this bird,
spiders’ nests are always conspicuous; indeed, in some specimens, the whole exterior surface is
covered with them. The particular web chosen for this purpose is an adhesive cocoon of loose
texture and of a dull green colour. These spiders’ nests contain a cluster of flesh-coloured eggs
or young; and in tearing them off the bird necessarily exposes the contents, which it eagerly
devours. Thus, while engaged in collecting the requisite building-material, it finds also a plen-
tiful supply of food—an economy of time and labour very necessary to a bird that requires to
build a nest fully ten times its own size, and to rear a foster-brood of hungry Cuckoos in addition
to its own. Dry freshwater alge are sometimes used for binding the exterior and giving addi-
tional firmness to the structure.

In the Canterbury Museum there is a beautiful nest of this species, composed almost wholly
of sheeps’ wool intermixed with soft dry leaves. It is almost globular in shape, with the entrance
near the top, and is lightly suspended from a branch of Leptospermum. There is also another
of much larger size, composed of wool and spiders’ nests, with fragments of cotton and twine
carefully interwoven, and furnished with a hoodless vestibule or porch, composed of fibrous root-
lets. The threshold is unusually deep and firm, probably because of the very yielding materials
of which the nest is constructed.

Mr. Potts, in his interesting paper on the nests and eggs of New-Zealand birds*, states that
this species usually lays six eggs; but, so far as my experience goes, four is the normal number,
although there are sometimes more. They differ somewhat in size, and vary in shape from the
true ovato-conical to a slightly pyriform type. They are sometimes pure white, but more gene-
rally freckled and marked with purplish brown, and are so fragile in texture as to bear only the
most delicate handling. Ordinary specimens measure ‘7 of an inch in length by ‘5 in breadth.
I have remarked that among the highly variable eggs of this species several distinct types may be
recognized, and that all the eggs in one nest are invariably alike. Thus there is the spotted
variety, in which the whole surface is studded with scattered dots of purplish brown; secondly,
the freckled variety, in which the coloration is more diffuse; and, thirdly, the zoned variety, pre-
senting a broad zone of colour near the thick end. ‘Two examples, taken from a nest which
contained also an egg of the Shining Cuckoo, had the thick end broadly capped with reddish
brown.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1869, vol. ii. p. 50.

SE
()pDEB PAs

Gery9

Acant

Ad. supra ¢
fulvis

beou

Female,

Tuts fine
Erebus ar
New Zeal.
as from ¢}
in the las
forwarded

( Mm posed 2
ea al

ken from a Dest

ily cap

yped with redds

Orver PASSERES. | [Fau. SYLVUID.

GERYGONE ALBOFRONTATA.

(WHITE-FACED WARBLER.)

Gerygone? albofrontata, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 5, pl. 4. fig. 2 (1844).
Acanthiza albofrontata, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 219 (1869).

Ad. supra olivascenti-brunneus, pileo obscuriore, uropygio et supracaudalibus leté et conspicué rufescenti-
fulvis: tectricibus alarum et remigibus cinerascenti-brunncis, dorsi colore limbatis: rectricibus cine-
rascenti-brunneis, versus apicem pury ti-nigris et fascid fulvescente transversim notata, pennis

uabus centralibus reliquorumque se cui omnind cinerascenti-brunneis: fronte, supercilio et facie
laterali albidis, loris et regione paroticd brunneo notatis: subtis albicans, abdomine imo et hypochon-
driis flavicantibus ; subcaudalibus et tibiis fulvis: subalaribus albicantibus flavido lavatis: iride cruen-

tata: rostro brunneo, gonyde pallidiore: pedibus saturaté brunneis.

Adult male. Upper surface rusty brown, lighter on the wings and rump ; the whole of the plumage plum-
beous beneath; forehead, sides of the head, fore neck, breast, and the underparts generally greyish
white, tinged with yellow on the flanks and abdomen ; an obscure streak of dusky brown passes through
the eyes; wing-feathers dusky brown, with lighter shafts, margined on their outer webs with yellowish
brown; inner lining of wings yellowish white ; tail-feathers rusty brown, tinged with rufous towards the
base, darker brown in their apical portion, with the tips paler; the two outermost feathers on each side
with a broad subterminal bar of fulvous white, and the two succeeding ones with an obscure triangular
spot of fulvous-white on the inner webs ; upper tail-coverts rufous brown. Irides blood-red ; bill and
feet blackish brown. ‘Total length 5°75; wing, from flexure, 2°6; tail 2°5; bill, along the ridge *4,
along the edge of lower mandible ‘5; tarsus *9; middle toe and claw ‘65; hind toe and claw ‘65

Female. Similar to the male, but slightly smaller, and without the yellow tinge on the underparts.

Tuts fine species was originally described and figured by Mr. G. R. Gray, in the ‘ Voyage of the
Erebus and Terror, from a specimen alleged to have been “brought by Dr. Dieffenbach from
New Zealand.” ‘The specimen itself, however, which is now in the British Museum, is labelled
as from the Chatham Islands. My description of the female is from an example recently obtained
in the last-mentioned locality by Mr. Henry Travers (of the Geological Survey), and kindly
forwarded to me by Dr. Hector.

I have never met with this bird in New Zealand; but it is highly probable that the supposed
new species of Gerygone lately observed by Mr. Potts and his son in Westland, of which an
account will shortly appear in ‘The Ibis,’ will prove to be the same. Mr. Potts states that
the note of this Warbler is readily distinguishable from that of Gerygone flaviventris, and that he
frequently heard it in the woods between the bluff of Okarita and Lake Mapourika, but always
‘in the thick bush, and never on the outskirts of the forest.

Orprr PASSERES. | (Fam. SYLVIIDA.

jower
pufly
ACANTHISITTA CHLORIS. marke
white
(RIFLEMAN.) : black.
= lai
longi
Citrine Warbler, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 464 (1783).

Sitta chloris, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. pl. 33 (1787). Obs. Ex
Motacilla citrina, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 979 (1788, ex Lath.). Sout!
Sylvia citrina, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 529 (1790). | green

Sitta punctata, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astr. i. p. 221, pl. 18. fig. 1 (1830).
Acanthiza tenuirostris, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1841, p. 242. .~
Acanthisitta tenuirostris, Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1842, pl. 27. Tae Rifler
Motacilla citrinella, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 89 (1844). very little
Acanthisitta tenuirostris, Ellman, Zoologist, 1861, p. 7466. middle an‘
Acanthisitta punctata, Ellman, tom. cit. p. 7466. whole ext
the woode
Native names. Barrier, a
Tititipounamu, Kikimutu, Kikirimutu, Pihipihi, Piripiri, Tokepiripiri, and Moutuutu. coming al
In it
g ad. supra viridis, uropygio lztiore, pileo brunneo lavato: tectricibus alarum nigris, extis viridi lavatis: ald (like the «

spurid nigra, extis albicante: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, extis viridi (ad basin pennarum letiore)
limbatis, secundariis dorsalibus pogonio externo albo conspicué maculatis: caudé nigra, ad apicem albo
viridi lavato maculata: loris, supercilio et facie laterali albidis, strigA per oculum eunte fuscd: subtis
albus, vix fulvo tinctus, corporis lateribus flavo lavatis: rostro saturaté brunneo: pedibus pallidé brun-

ew : sages fror
neis: iride saturaté brunnea. =

to be seel
chink anc
to obtain

is in moti
? mari omnino similis, sed saturatior: pileo magis brunnescente.

The
Juv. Listy cinerascenti-brunneus, plumis utrinque nigro marginatis, uropygio olivascente: ald ut in adultis times mit
rata, sed extts ad basin secundariorum conspicué flavé: facie laterali cinerascente, nigricante varia : It is

tah albescens, hypochondriis flavicantibus, gutture et pectore superiore maculis triquetris nigricanti-
bus notatis.

Mr,
Male. Upper parts dull green, tinged with yellow on the wings and rump; throat, breast, and underparts Suspende
generally fulvous white, with a tinge of yellow on the sides of the body and abdomen; a streak over trunk of

and beyond the eyes and a lower-eyelid fringe of fulvous white; wing-feathers black, edged on their

Which hy
outer webs with green, and crossed with a band of dull yellow immediately below the coverts, which

the oy
are black ; the first tertial white on its outer web; tail-feathers black, tipped with fuscous. Irides and b Ais e
bill dark brown; feet paler brown. Total length 3 inches; extent of wings 5°25; wing, from flexure, sh .
15; tail :25; bill, along the ridge -4, along the edge of ee. mandible 55; tarsus *75; middle toe “out 1
and claw ‘6; hind toe and claw ‘55. In the (
Some na
Female. Crown, hind neck, and upper part of back olivaceous yellow, each feather margined with brown ; is very ]

Wry ste

lL (1839)

iri

1, and Monutuuty,

gris, extis viridi lavati
:

1 heen nennemn |
BG Oasin pennarim iin
T
na

DTA, a0 apiece wi
t
oculum eunte msca: m0

inDeo pedibus paige Oru

14 nt in pu
pwascente: aia ub
orricalite ww
neras ente, nignice™

1. ¢rianetris mene
t. +nquetrs De
maculis triques .

roast, breast, and aslo
nd abdome?; a, stread O°
sthers black, on ee
jow the cove ¢ J

ri pe

Lot

‘ oft
3 th
ined #

1138

lower part of back and rump olivaceous yellow, tinged with green ; tail-coverts dull green; underparts
buffy white, washed on the sides with yellow; wing-feathers dusky, margined on the outer web and
marked at the base with olivaceous yellow ; superior wing-coverts black ; outer tertials margined with
white; innermost secondary with an oblong spot of yellowish white on the outer vane ; tail-feathers
black, tipped with fulvous.

Young. Plumage generally duller and suffused with yellowish brown ; marked on the breast with numerous
longitudinal spots of brown.

Obs. Examples vary in the tone of their colouring ; and a specimen in my collection (received from the
South Island) has the rump and upper tail-coverts almost orange-coloured, without any mixture of
green.

Tue Rifleman is the smallest of our New-Zealand birds; and although comparatively common,
very little is at present known of its natural history. It is very generally distributed over the
middle and southern portions of the North Island, in all suitable localities, and throughout the
whole extent of the South Island. It is to be met with generally on the sides and summits of
the wooded ranges, seldom or never in the low gullies. Captain Hutton found it on the Great
Barrier, and was assured by the native residents of that island that it was a migratory bird,
coming and going with the Cuckoo!

In its habits it is lively and active, being incessantly on the move, uttering a low feeble cheep
(like the cry of a young bird), accompanied by a constant quivering of the wings. It is generally
to be seen running up the boles of the larger trees, often ascending spirally, prying into every
chink and crevice, and moving about with such celerity that it is rather difficult for the collector
to obtain a shot. Its powers of flight are very feeble, and it simply uses its wings for short pas-
sages from one tree to another. Its tail is extremely short, and is hardly visible when the bird
is in motion.

The stomachs of all that I have opened contained numerous remains of minute insects, some-
times mixed with finely comminuted vegetable matter.

It is of so excitable a nature that it may be decoyed into the open hand by rapidly twirling
a leaf, so as to simulate the fluttering of a bird, accompanied by an imitation of its simple note.

Mr. Potts found a nest of this species, ‘‘ very cleverly built, in a roll of bark that hung
suspended in a thicket of climbing convolvulus,” and, at another time, in a small hole in the
trunk of a black birch. A bird-collector at Wellington showed me a brood of three young ones
which he had taken from a nest in the cavity of a hinau, at an elevation of 20 feet or more from
the ground. Finding the aperture too small to admit the hand, he cut into the tree about a foot
below it, and thus disclosed the nest, which he described as being composed entirely of fern-hair,
about 10 inches in length, and bottle-shaped, with a long vertical tube forming the entrance to it.
In the Canterbury Museum there is a nest of this species, which appears to have been torn out of
some natural cavity; it is pear-shaped, with the entrance on the side and near the bottom, and
is very loosely constructed, the materials composing it being the skeletons of decayed leaves, the
wiry stems of plants, rootlets, and a few feathers.

Q

114

\

Mr. Gilbert Mair discovered a nest under the thatched eaves of a Maori hut; and Mr. FE.

Pharazyn sent me an egg taken from another nest found concealed among the dry roots of a
fallen tree.

The Rifleman has been found breeding as early in the year as the month of August; and in
a specimen which I killed in the Ruahine ranges on the 25rd of December, the ovary contained
an undeveloped egg of the size of buck-shot, while the bareness of the underparts bore indication
that the bird had already been sitting. From these facts we may, I think, reasonably infer that
this species produces two broods in the season. The companion male bird on this occasion also
had the abdomen bare, thus affording presumptive evidence that the sexes share the labour of
incubation. The.eggs vary in number from three to five: they are very fragile, almost spherical,

and perfectly white.

XENICUS LONGIPES (cet?)
XENICUS GILVIVENTRIS (¢ et 2)

passtl
(ppEs iG

Lon gr! :
Motact
Sylvia

Acant /
Xenicr
Xenicr

Matuk

2 dissimilis
choe

Adult ma

crow

Orper PASSERES. | [Fam. SYLVIID A.

XENICUS LONGIPES.
(BUSH-WREN.)

Long-legged Warbler, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 465 (1783).
Motacilla longipes, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 979 (1788, ex Lath.).
Sylvia longipes, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 529 (1790).

Acanthisitta longipes, Gray, List of Gen. of Birds, App. p. 6 (1841).
Xenicus longipes, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 218.

Xenicus stokesii, id. tom. cit. p. 219.

Native names.

Matuhituhi, Piwauwau, and Huru-pounamu.

g pileo umbrino : dorso toto viridi, uropygio letiore: supercilio distincto albo: plumis anteocularibus nigris :
regione paroticA brunned vix viridi lavatd: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, vix flavido tinctis :
ala spurié nigrd: remigibus brunneis, extis olivaceo-viridi lavatis : caudé supra olivaceo-viridi, subtus
flavicante: mento albido: corpore reliquo subtis pulchré cinereo, pectore vix argenteo-nitente: abdo-
mine imo et subcaudalibus viridibus, hypochondriis olivaceo-flavis: cruribus brunneis: subalaribus et
margine alari pallidé citrinis: rostro saturaté brunneo: pedibus flavicantibus.

2 dissimilis: supra ferrugineo-brunnea: uropygio vix olivaceo tincto: supercilio lato albo: subtus pallide
chocolatina, hypochondriis et abdomine imo sordidé flavis.

Adult male. Upper parts dark green, tinged with yellow, shading into dark brown on the forehead and
crown ; sides of the head black, with a broad superciliary streak of white extending beyond the ears,
and then changing to yellow; sides, thighs, and rump bright greenish yellow; fore neck, breast, and
abdomen cinereous grey, with a beautiful gloss (sometimes tinged with cobalt), and softening into
greyish white on the throat; lining of wings pale yellow; quills, on their outer webs, and the tail-
feathers olivaceous green. Irides and bill brownish black; tarsi and toes pale brown. Extreme
length 4 inches ; wing, from flexure, 2°25; tail 1 (more than half of it concealed by the soft coverts) ;
bill, along the ridge ‘5, along the edge of lower mandible ‘7; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw ‘9; hind toe
and claw ‘8.

Adult female. Upper parts umber-brown, tinged with yellowish green, especially on the rump; crown
shaded with purplish brown; superciliary streak white ; throat, sides of the neck, breast, and upper
part of abdomen delicate vinous brown ; sides of the body, flanks, and thighs dull lemon-yellow; inner
lining of wings pure yellow.

Young male. Plumage generally as in the adult, but with the green tints of the upper parts paler, and the
silky grey of the breast tinged with purple ; crown of the head and hind part of neck chocolate-brown,
blending into the olivaceous green of the upper parts ; superciliary streak broad and conspicuous.

Q

116

Obs. The figure of X. longipes in the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror,’ which represents a bird with a white
eye-circlet and an upturned bill like that of Acanthisitta, is copied from a rough half-finished drawing
of Forster’s (1777), and is strikingly incorrect.

Tus species is confined to the Fagus-forests which clothe the sides of our subalpine ranges,
never being met with in the low country. Mr. Travers found it numerous in the Spencer ranges
(Nelson) at an elevation of 3000 feet ; Dr. Hector obtained specimens in the high wooded lands of
the Otago Province, where, as he informs me, it was a very rare bird; Dr. Haast met with it
frequently during his exploration of the interior of the Canterbury Province; and I observed it
in the high wooded ranges forming the inland boundary of Westland. The localities I have
enumerated are all in the South Island. There are specimens, however, in the British Museum
which are said to have been obtained by Captain Stokes in the Rimutaka ranges (in the
Province of Wellington) ; and, although I never met with the species in that district, or, indeed,
in any part of the North Island, an intelligent Maori, to whom I showed a coloured drawing of
the bird, appeared at once to recognize it. He said that he had often seen it in the Ruahine

mountains, and that during severe winters it sometimes appeared in the low country; and he

further spoke of the plumage as being “like silk,” an expression so aptly descriptive of its
peculiar softness, that I believe the man was quite familiar with the bird.

It is generally met with singly or in pairs, but sometimes several are associated, attracting
notice by the sprightliness of their movements. They run along the boles and branches of the
trees with restless activity, peering into every crevice and searching the bark for the small insects
and larve on which they feed. It is strictly arboreal in its habits, never being seen on the
ground, in which respect it differs conspicuously from the closely allied species Xenicus gilvi-
ventris. It has a weak but lively note, and its powers of flight are very limited.

On comparing my specimens of this bird with the type of Mr. G. R. Gray’s Xenicus stokesii
in the British Museum, I feel satisfied that they are referable to one and the same species, the
difference of plumage being only sexual.

Xenicus
Xenicvs
Acanth
Acanth

e |

brunn

3 statura X.
ior

° femine X
viride

pallid

Adult mali

tinge

Adult fe:
wit]

My first
Souther
Commuy

st
. GU0ps /) r
strict
“U4, OF ind
} ——
rif Dn }
ured fre
QraWne a!
Me ¢f

Pen i
= it

rer beime seen on th
ee ) ~\ i

- . — «
SVeLICs Yomi MN
-
:
-

Onpzr PASSERES.] (Fa, SYLVIIDA.

XENICUS GILVIVENTRIS.

(ROCK-WREN.)

Xenicus gilviventris, Von Pelz. Verh. k.-k. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 316.
Xenicus haasti, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 37.

Acanthisitta gilviventris, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 183 (1869).

Acanthisitta haastii, id. op. cit. p. 183 (1869).

g staturd X. longipedis, sed hallucis ungue maximo distinguendus : supra pallidé viridis, pileo et dorso supe-
riore brunnescentioribus concoloribus: supercilio albo, haud flavo tincto: subtus iluté chocolatino-
brunneus, crisso cum cruribus viridescentibus, hypochondriis leet® flavis : subalaribus pallidé flavis.

2 femine X. longipedis dissimilis et hujus mari magis assimilata: suprd ochrascenti-brunnea, uropygio vix
viridescente : tectricibus alarum conspicué nigris: remigibus brunneis, extus dorsi colore lavatis: subtis
pallidé isabellina, hypochondriis viridescentibus.

Adult male. Upper parts dull olive-brown, with a greyish gloss, darker on the forehead and crown, and
tinged on the back, wing-coverts, and rump with yellowish green ; sides of the head dark brown, with
a narrow superciliary streak of fulvous white, widening above the ears; underparts delicate purplish
brown, with a silky appearance, and fading into fulvous white at the base of the lower mandible; the
sides of the body lemon-yellow ; wing-feathers brown, the primaries margined on their outer webs with
dull olive, the secondaries with an apical spot of fulvous on their outer webs; tertials and the lesser
wing-coverts black, forming a conspicuous triangular spot; inner lining of wings pale yellow ;_ tail-
feathers dull olive. Irides and bill blackish brown; tarsi and toes pale brown; claws darker. Total
length 3°75 inches; wing, from flexure, 2°1 ; tail -75 (nearly two thirds of it being concealed by the
coverts) ; bill, along the ridge °4, along the edge of lower mandible ‘6; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw ‘9;
hind toe and claw ‘9.

Adult female. Differs from the male in having the plumage of the upper parts dull yellowish brown, shaded

ith umber on the crown, and tinged with yellowish olive on the wings and rump; the superciliary

streak less distinct; and the underparts pale fulvous, stained on the sides of the body with lemon-
yellow.

Obs. It will be necessary to obtain a larger series of specimens than is at present available, and to make a
closer investigation of the subject, before the differences supposed to be characteristic of the sexes (both
of this and the preceding species) can be considered finally determined. It is probable that the colours
undergo some change in the progress of the bird towards maturity; and there is likewise reason to
suspect that a seasonal change takes place in the plumage of the male.

My first specimens of this bird were received from Dr. Haast, F.R.S., who discovered it in the
Southern Alps, during a topographical survey of the Canterbury Province. Ina notice which I
communicated to ‘The Ibis’ (J. c.), I described the species as new, and named it Xenicus haasti,

118

wishing thus to dedicate it to one of the most earnest pioneers of science in New Zealand. This
name, however, must, in obedience to the inflexible law of priority, give place to the far less
appropriate one of X. gilviventris, a description of the species under that title having previously
been published by Von Pelzeln, although it had not then reached the colony. Nevertheless I
am glad to be able to quote Dr. Haast’s account of the bird’s habits as communicated to me at
the time :—“ It lives exclusively amongst the large taluses of débris high on the mountain-sides.
Instead of flying away when frightened, or when stones are thrown at it, or even when shot at, it
hides itself among the angular débris of which these large taluses are composed. We tried
several times in vain to catch one alive by surrounding it and removing these blocks. It reminded
me strongly of the habits and movements of the lizards which live in the same regions and in
similar localities.”

Dr. Hector found it frequenting the stunted vegetation growing on the mountain-sides in the
Otago Province; and Mr. John Buchanan, the artist attached to the Geological Survey, met with
it on the Black Peak, at an elevation of 8000 feet. There, where the vegetation is reduced to a
height of only a few inches, it was constantly to be seen, fluttering over the loose rocks or upon
the ground in its assiduous search for minute insects and their larve.

It is worthy of remark that in this species the claw of the hind toe is considerably more
developed than in the tree-frequenting X. longipes, even exceeding the toe in length—a modifi-

cation of structure specially adapted to the peculiar habits of the bird.

R pa Ss

ORDE

Musei
Mi y iot
Miro |
Petrot
My 108¢
Petrov

Pitoito

saturaté cl
remigi
striolat
cinerei
canti-b

2 pallidior : 3

cineras

Adult male.

Female Shic
brown ;

Steyish y

Young, The
°pper pa

t W 7
: - “lang
LT ‘ ae | h
: 0 8 uy
i
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a»
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“ated 4

Oxper PASSERES. ] (Fam. SYLVIIDAB.

MIRO LONGIPES.

(NORTH-ISLAND ROBIN.)

Muscicapa longipes, Garnot, Voy. Coq. i. p. 594, pl. xix. fig. 1 (1826).
Myiothera nove-zelandie, Less. Man. d’Orn. i. p. 248 (1828).

Miro longipes, Less. 'Tr. Orn. p. 389 (1831).

Petroica australis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 7 (1844).
Myioscopus longipes, Reich. Syst. Av. Taf. Ixvii. (1850).

Petroica longipes, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 223.

Native names.

Pitoitoi, Toutou, Toutouwai, and Totoara.

saturaté cinereus, scapis plumarum albidis: maculd frontali alb&: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus :
remigibus brunneis, extiis cinereo lavatis: caudé nigricante: facie laterali cinerea, albido magis distincté
striolataé: abdomine medio albicante: corporis lateribus cinereis: subcaudalibus albidis: cruribus
cinereis albido terminatis : subalaribus pallidé cinereis: primariis inti ad basin albidis: rostro nigri-
canti-brunneo, mandibuld brunnescentiore: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride nigra.

fo Fi

? pallidior :-remigibus brunnescentibus : facie laterali cinerascente, albo striolatd: pectore superiore pallidé

cinerascente, plumis medialiter albido striatis : abdomine albido.

Adult male. Head, neck, and all the upper surface dark slaty grey, plumbeous beneath ; the shafts of the
feathers greyish white, forming rather conspicuous lines on the crown and nape; a frontal spot at the
base of the upper mandible pure white ; rictal bristles black ; throat, fore neck, and sides of the body paler
slaty grey ; the lower part of the breast, the middle of the abdomen, the vent, and the under tail-coverts
white, blending on the edges with the darker plumage of the surrounding parts; wing-feathers dull
smoky brown, with lighter shafts ; lining of wings and a broad oblique bar on the under surface of all
the quills except the first three primaries pure white; tail-feathers dull smoky brown, the shafts light
brown on their upper and white on their under aspect. Irides black; bill blackish brown ; tarsi and
toes pale brown; soles dull yellow. Total length 6 inches; wing, from flexure, 3°5; tail 2°65; bill,
along the ridge ‘6, along the edge of lower mandible 8; tarsus 1°35; middle toe and claw ‘95; hind
toe and claw ‘8.

female. Slightly smaller than the male and with duller plumage ; the upper parts tinged with smoky
brown; the throat, fore neck, and sides of the body lighter, the centre of each feather inclining to

greyish white.

Young. The young of both sexes resemble the female in the comparative brownness of the plumage of the

upper parts; the rictal membrane is largely developed and of a rich orange-colour.

120

Obs. In this and the other closely allied species the feathers of the body have loose or disunited filamentous
barbs, and are very soft in texture, especially on the upper parts.

Note. I entirely agree with Dr. Finsch that this form should be separated from Petreca; but I am unable
to follow him in adopting the genus Myioscopus of Reichenbach, the name of Miro proposed by Lesson

having a prior claim in regard to date.

Tuts species is confined to the North Island, where it is very common in all the wooded parts of
the country; but it is represented in the South Island by a closely allied and equally common
species, the Miro albifrons. There is a specimen of the North-Island Robin in the Auckland
Museum said to have been obtained at Nelson; but I have never found this bird south of Cook’s
Strait, and vice versd as regards the South-Island Robin. The two species may therefore be
regarded as true representatives of each other in the North and South Islands respectively.

Generally speaking, in New Zealand it is only on the outskirts of the woods that we meet
with insessorial birds in any number. As we penetrate into the heart of the forest, the birds
become fewer, till at length they almost entirely disappear. But there is one species whose
range seems to be quite without restraint: common enough in the open coppice, it is to be
found also in the gloomiest and most secluded parts of the forest. This bird is the subject of our
article—the “'Toutouwai” of the natives and the “ Robin” of the colonists.

I have been assured by officers who accompanied the celebrated Taranaki Expedition under
Major-General Sir Trevor Chute, in 1866, that during that long and irksome march the Robin
was the only bird that gave any sign of life to those interminable and gloomy forests through
which the army passed. The lively twitter and song of the smaller birds had ended with the first
day’s march, the harsh cry of the Kaka (Nestor meridionalis), which had attended them far into

the bush, had gradually ceased to be heard, and the Wood-Pigeon (Carpophaga nove-zealandia), -

whose range extends to the summits of the low wooded ridges of the interior, was no longer
to be met with. An oppressive silence reigned around them, broken only by the shrill chirp
of the startled Robin as the advanced guard cut a path for the troops through the hitherto
untrodden forest. Indeed the presence of this little bird was the only exception to the utter
absence of animal life, and almost the only relief to the monotony of the march. Perched on
a low branch, it might frequently be seen looking gravely down, as if in silent wonderment,
on the weary ranks, as they toiled their way through this virgin forest in the very heart of the
enemy's country!

As the popular name implies, it is naturally a tame bird ; and in little-frequented parts of
the country it is so fearless and unsuspicious of man that it will approach to within a yard of the
traveller, and sometimes will even perch on his head or shoulder. It is the favourite companion
of the lonesome wood-cutter, enlivening him with its cheerful notes ; and when, sitting on a log,
_he partakes of his humble meal, it hops about at his feet, like the traditional Robin, to “ pick up

the crumbs,”

Like its namesake in the old country, moreover, it is noisy, active, and cheerful. Its note is
generally the first to herald the dawn, while it is the last to be hushed when the evening shades
bring gloom into the forest. But there is this noticeable difference between the morning and the

evening
down to
of the fe
“Ka ka
chirping
gometim

deepene
It

among ¢
the woo
It
compac’
the soft
against
and suy
which 1
riably 1
elevatic
usually
in brea
brown,
zone.
Sk
the uti
utterin

. hoart of tbe
, the very 2°

;

at
;

nl

etle-freque’

121

evening performance: the former consists of a scale of notes commencing very high and running
down to a low key, uttered in quick succession, and with all the energy of a challenge to the rest
of the feathered tribe; and I have sometimes heard a native, when listening to this strain, exclaim
“Ka kanga te manu ra!” (How that bird swears!). The evening performance is merely a short
chirping note, quickly repeated, and with a rather melancholy sound. ‘Three or four of them will
sometimes join in a chirping chorus, and continue it till the shades of advancing twilight have
deepened into night.

It lives almost entirely on small insects and the worms and grubs which are to be found
among decaying leaves and other vegetable matter on the surface of the ground in every part of
the woods.

It generally breeds in the months of October and November. It constructs a large and
compact nest, composed externally of coarse moss firmly interwoven and thickly lined inside with
the soft hair-like substance which covers the young stems of the tree-fern. It is usually built
against the bole of a tree, at a moderate elevation from the ground, being often found attached to
and supported by the wiry stems of the kiekie (Freycinetia banksit), a climbing parasitical plant

I have found scores of the nests of this species, and almost inva-
I found one, however, placed in the fork of a-tree at some
The eggs are

which is everywhere abundant.
riably in the situation described.
elevation, and another in the truncated stem of a tree-fern (Cyathea dealbata).
usually three in number, broadly ovoido-conical, and measuring ‘95 of an inch in length by -70
in breadth; they are of a creamy white colour, thickly freckled and speckled with purple and
brown, these markings being denser at the thick end, where they form an indistinct purplish
zone.
Should the nest happen to be invaded after the young are hatched, the parent birds manifest
the utmost solicitude, hopping about near the intruder with outspread and quivering wings,

uttering a low piping note, and showing every symptom of real distress.

OrpEB Ps
Orprr PASSERES. | (Fam. SYLVUDA.

MIRO ALBIFRONS.

(SOUTH-ISLAND ROBIN.)

White-fronted Thrush, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 1, p. 71 (1783). . Q omn
Turdus albifrons, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 822 (1788).
Miro albifrons, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 190 (1848). |

Petroica albifrons, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 7, pl. 6. fig. 2 (1844). Adul.

Turdus ochrotarsus, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 82 (1844). |
Muscicapa albifrons, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7465.

Native names.

The same as those applied to the preceding species.

Fem
3 similis M. longipedi, sed multo major et magis fuliginosus, scapis plumarum minis distincteé albis: sed pre-
cipué pectore et abdomine medio ochrascenti-albis distinguendus.
THIS
Adult male. Head, neck, sides of the body, and all the upper surface dark sooty grey, the base of the Chath
feathers plumbeous; at the root of the upper mandible a small spot of yellowish white ; breast, abdo- |
men, and vent yellowish white, tinged with lemon-yellow on the breast, and forming a tolerably well- Hutt:
defined line against the dark plumage of the fore neck; inner lining of wings, flanks, and under tail- ;
coverts greyish white; quills and tail-feathers smoky black; an oblique bar of white on the inner face court
of the wings, as in M. longipes. Irides black ; bill brownish black ; palate and soft parts of the mouth box 1
yellow; tarsi, toes, and claws dark brown; soles of the feet dull yellow. Total length 7-25 inches ; syste
wing, from flexure, 4; tail 3; bill, along the ridge ‘65, along the edge of lower mandible °85 ; tarsus 1°5;
middle toe and claw 1:05; hind toe and claw °9. ;
Phil
thos

Female. Somewhat smaller than the. male, and having the plumage of the upper parts tinged with brown ;
there is less yellow on the breast, and the grey of the underparts is lighter.

Obs. This species may readily be distinguished from M. longipes by its appreciably larger size, its darker
coloration, and the more defined patch of yellowish-white on the under surface. The white shaft-lines
are not so distinct on the crown and nape, but are far more so on the throat and fore neck, owing to
the ground-colour of these parts being darker than in M. longipes. The frontal spot is smaller and less

conspicuous.

Note. The figure of this species in the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror’ is incorrect, on account of the
exaggerated extent of white on the underparts; but the attitude is a very characteristic one.

Tux habits of this bird differ in no respect from those of its near congener Miro longipes; and
the account given in the foregoing pages may be considered equally applicable to both species.

Orpver PASSERES. | (Fam. SYLVIID A.

MIRO TRAVERSI, sp. nov.

(CHATHAM-ISLAND ROBIN.)

2 omnind niger, remigibus et rectricibus paulld brunnescentioribus : rostro nigro: pedibus nigris, plantis

flavis : iride saturate brunnea.

Adult male. 'The whole of the plumage black, the base of the feathers dark plumbeous ; wing-feathers and
their coverts tinged with brown, the former greyish on their inner surface ; tail-feathers black, very
slightly tinged with brown. Irides dark brown ; bill black ; tarsi and toes blackish brown, the soles of
the feet dull yellow. Total length 6 inches; wing, from flexure, 3°4; tail 2°6; bill, along the ridge ‘5,

along the edge of lower mandible ‘7; tarsus 1'1; middle toe and claw 1; hind toe and claw ‘8.

Female. Slightly smaller than the male, and without the brown tinge on the wings and tail.

Tus new species was discovered by Mr. Henry H. ‘Travers during an exploratory visit to the

™ Chatham Islands in the early part of this year; and I have much pleasure in adopting Captain
pe : Hutton’s proposal to name the bird in honour of this ardent young naturalist.

ee The specimens described above were promptly sent to me by Dr. Hector; and through the

courtesy of His Excellency Sir George Bowen, who forwarded them with others in his despatch-

box to the Colonial Office, they have reached me in time to appear in this work in their proper

15 be systematic order.
r. Travers, sen., states, on the authority of his son, in a communication to the Wellington
Philosophical Society (November 25th, 1871), that the habits of this species very closely resemble
those of Miro albifrons; and this is at present the only information we have on the subject.

Orper PASSERES. | [Fam. SYLVIIDA,

MYIOMOIRA TOITOL
(PIED TIT.)

Muscicapa toitoi, Garnot, Voy. Coq. i. p. 590, t. xv. fig. 3 (1826).
Miro toitoi, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 191 (1843).
Petroica toitot, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 6 (1844).
Myiomoira toitoi, Reich. Syst. Av. Taf. lxvii. (1850).

Muscicapa albopectus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7465.

Native names.

Miromiro, Komiromiro, and Ngirungiru.

d supra sericeo-niger : macula frontali conspicua alba: tectricibus alarum plerumque nigris, medianis brunne-
scentibus : remigibus brunneis, primariis interioribus ad basin albo maculatis, secundariis magis con-
spicué notatis, plagam albam exhibentibus:-caud4 nigrA, rectricibus tribus exterioribus feré omnind
albis, basi pogonii interni et apice pogonii externi exceptis nigris: facie laterali, gutture toto et pectore
superiore nigris, gul4é vix brunnescente : corpore reliquo subtis albo, sre aera: nigricante : rostro
et pedibus nigricanti-brunneis: plantis pedum flavicantibus : iride nigra

mari dissimilis: brunnea, subtus albida, hypochondriis brunnescente lavatis : loris et facie laterali brunneis,
fulvescente variis.

Adult male. Head, neck all round, and all the upper parts black ; frontal spot, at the base of the upper
mandible, white ; breast and underparts pure white, the black of the fore neck having a sharply defined
lower edge ; wing-feathers crossed near their base by an angular patch of white, which is narrow and
interrupted on the primaries, broad and continuous on the secondaries; tail black, the three outer
feathers on each side crossed obliquely upwards by a broad bar of white. Irides black; bill and tarsi
blackish brown ; toes paler, yellow on their inner surface.’ Total length 5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8 ;
tail 2°25; bill, along the ridge ‘4, along the edge of the lower mandible *5 ; tarsus *75; middle toe and
claw °8; hind toe and claw ‘65.

Adult female. Upper surface smoky brown, with a minute frontal spot of white ; throat, fore neck, and all
e underparts greyish white, more or less clouded with dull smoky cnn wing-feathers blackish

maries fulvous white; tail black, the three outer feathers on each side barred obliquely with white, as
in the male.

Young. In the young male the colours are much duller and browner, and the sharply defined pectoral line
is wanting ; but the plumage is sufficiently different from that of the female to distinguish the sexes.

Obs. The sexes do not present any perceptible difference in size.

THIS el

being :
habitat

. Ty Qy

7 ‘ oo]
Cl iScic

| oblique’

rply defi

, disting®

laterali brunnes

aly with

sed pe ul?

mish ! the ual

125

Tus elegant little bird belongs to the North Island, where it has a pretty general distribution,
being met with in all localities suited to its habits. It is a familiar species, seeking the
habitations of man, and taking up its abode in his gardens and orchards. _ It is always to be seen
in the clearings and cultivated grounds near the bush, moving about in a peculiar fitful manner,
and in the early morn may be heard uttering a prolonged trilling note, very sweet and plaintive.
Its usual attitude is with the wings slightly lowered and the tail perfectly erect, almost at a right
angle with the body. It has a sparkling black eye, and all its actions are lively and sprightly.
The strongly contrasted plumage of the male bird renders it a conspicuous object; but the
female, owing to her sombre colours and less obtrusive habits, is rarely seen

It is interesting to watch this active little creature as it flits about the fates and fallen timber
in the bush-clearings, where it is to be found at all hours of theday. It rests for a moment on its
perch, flirting its wings and tail in a rapid manner, then darts to the ground to pick up a grub or
earthworm, and, flying upwards again almost immediately, clings by its tiny feet to the upright
bole of a tree or some other perpendicular surface, a peculiar attitude which it appears to delight
in. Its food consists of small insects and their larve; and it proves itself useful by devouring a
destructive little aphide which infests our fruit-trees.

Common as this species is, I have found it difficult to study its breeding-habits, and have
never succeeded in finding more than one nest. I met with this in the Upper Hutt valley, in
the neighbourhood of Wellington, as late as the 8rd of December. It was placed in the cavity of
a tree a few feet from the ground, and contained four young birds apparently about a week. old.
The nest was composed entirely of dry moss, shallow in its construction, but with a neatly finished
rim or outer edge. The parent birds manifested some solicitude for the safety of their offspring
while I was handling them. After I had replaced the young birds and retired a few steps from
the spot, the female squatted upon the nest, which was sufficiently near the entrance of the
cavity to be distinctly visible; and on being disturbed, she fluttered away with wings outstretched
and quivering, as if unable to fly, and apparently to divert attention from the nest.

Weston Brown, a bird-collector at Wellington, showed me a pair of newly fledged young
birds of this species which he had taken himself. He informed me that he had found them in a
rudely constructed nest in the hollow of a whitewood tree, and about 9 inches from the entrance.
There were only two young birds in the nest, and these were male and female. The plumage of
the former was strongly suffused with brown; but the colours were sufficiently distinct to indi- .
cate the sex.

At a roadside inn I was once shown an egg which I felt no hesitation in assigning to this
bird. It was of a pale reddish tint, thickly speckled and freckled with light brown; and the lad
who had blown it informed me that he took it from a nest in the hole of a dry stump.

Orprr PASSERES. |

MYIOMOIRA MACROCEPHALA.
(YELLOW-BREASTED TIT.)

Great-headed Titmouse, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 557, pl. lv. (1783).
Parus macrocephalus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1013 (1788, ex Lath.).
Pachycephalus* macrocephalus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 267 (1826).
Rhipidura macrocephala, Gray, in Dieff. Tray. ii., App. p. 190 (1848).
Miro forsterorum, Gray, op. cit. ii. p. 191 (1843).

Miro dieffenbachti, Gray, op. cit. ii. p. 191 (1843).

Petroica macrocephala, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 6 (1844).
Petroica dieffenbachit, id. op. cit. p. 6, pl. 6. fig. 1 (1844).

Turdus minutus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 83 (1844).

Miro macrocephala, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 299 (1850).
Muscicapa macrocephala, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7465.

Muscicapa minuta, Elliman, tom. cit. p. 7465.
Myiomoira dieffenbachii, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 229 (1869).
Myiomoira macrocephala, id. op. cit. p. 229 (1869).

Native names.
The same as those applied to the preceding species.
$ similis M. toitoi, sed macula frontali albé minore et pectore flavido distinguendus.
2 similis feminze WM. toitoz, sed pectore flavido lavato.
Adult male. Similar to M. toitoi, except in the colour of the under surface, which is pale lemon-yellow
instead of being white, deepening to orange where it meets the black of the fore neck, and fading away

into yellowish white on the vent and under tail-coverts; the white frontal spot, moreover, is somewhat
less distinct than in the former bird.

Female. Similar to the female of M. toitot, but having the breast and abdomen washed with pale lemon-
yellow, and the wing-bar tinged with fulvous.

Young. In the young of both sexes the yellow is reduced to a scarcely perceptible tinge, and in sorhe

examples is altogether wanting. In the young male the breast is obscurely mottled with brown, and in

the young female these markings extend to the flanks also.

Obs. Individuals vary much both in size and in the tone of their colouring. A specimen in the Canterbury

Museum measures only 4°75 inches in length, corresponding, both in size and plumage, with the type
of Mr. G. R. Gray’s M. dieffenbachii; and I have received equally small examples from the Chatham
Islands; but, after a very careful comparison, I am unable to admit the validity of the supposed new
species.

Tue Yellow-breasted Tit is the South-Island representative of the preceding species, which is

(Fam. SYLVIIDA,

I obtain
Aucklat
Th

appears
Mr

is one O
skirts.
the hol
qustral
shape :
moss bi

}
ALY),

127

only found north of Cook’s Strait. It appears, however, to enjoy a wider geographical range ; for
I obtained specimens at the Chatham Islands, and the Antarctic Expedition brought some from
Auckland Island.
The habits of this species are similar to those of its northern ally (IM. toitoi), except that it
appears to be less recluse in its manner of nidification.
Mr. Potts, who has frequently found the nest, writes as follows :—“ This familiar little bird

‘s one of the most elaborate nest-builders amongst the denizens of the bush, or rather of its out-
skirts. The nest varies much in shape, according to position: frequently we have found it im
the holes of trees; and a favourite site is immediately under the head of the ti tree (Cordyline
australis). Two nests which we presented to the Canterbury Museum were of remarkable
shape: one, a firm compact structure, placed in the forked head of a ti tree, resembled a very neat
moss basket with a handle across the top; the second, also from a ti tree, owing, perhaps, to the
foundation slipping between the leaves, was built up till it reached the great length of sixteen
inches. We have found others placed on a rock; and one, now in the Colonial Museum, was
built between the brace and shingles in the roof of an empty cottage” *. In a letter to myself,
Mr. Potts adds the following interesting particulars of two other nests found by him :—‘ No. 1
was built chiefly of sprays of climbing plants, strengthened with grass-bents and a few pieces of
split ti-palm leaf, lined with moss, as usual. ‘The whole fabric appeared much rougher and more
loosely put together than is usually the case with the nest of this bird. It was placed in a
ti palm, and contained two well-fledged young birds and three bad eggs. No. 2: This nest was
composed almost entirely of moss, with a few slender strips of bark fixed to the outside, and

ornamented inside with a few Parrakeet-feathers ; it was placed on a ledge in a mossy recess

among the rocks in dense bush, and contained four eggs.”

The eggs, which are generally three in number, are ovoido-conical, measuring *75 inch m
length by °6 in breadth ; they are white, with a broad freckled zone of purplish brown, and with
the whole surface dusted or minutely freckled with paler brown; sometimes without the zone,
and beautifully speckled all over with various shades of brown.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1869, vol. i. p. 59.

Orver PASSERES. | (Fam. SYLVIIDZ.

SPHENG@ACUS PUNCTATUS.

(COMMON UTICK.)

Synallaxis punctata, Quoy & Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrol. i. p. 255, t. 18. fig. 2 (1830).
Spheneacus punctatus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 5 (1844).
Megalurus punctatus, Gray, Gen. of B. i. p. 169 (1848).

Native names.
Mata, Matata, Kotata, Nako, and Koroatito.

Ad. supra ochrascenti-fulvus, dorsi plumis medialiter nigris, lineas latas longitudinales formantibus : pileo
rufescente, fronte immaculata, vertice angustitis nigro striolato : loris et regione oculari albidis: facie
laterali albida, brunneo maculata, regione paroticA brunnescente: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus
et eodem modo medialiter nigris: remigibus rectricibusque nigricanti-brunneis, ochrascenti-fulvo lim-
batis, his acuminatis, scapis versts apicem nudis: subtis albescens, hypochondriis et subcaudalibus
ochrascenti-fulvis, laté nigro striolatis: gutture indistincté, pectore superiore magis distincté, brunneo
punctatis et pectore laterali nigro lineato: rostro brunnescente, mandibula flavicante : pedibus flavidis :
iride nigra.

Adult. Upper parts dark brown, each feather margined with fulvous, shading into rufous brown on the
forehead and crown ; streak over the eyes white; throat, fore neck, breast, and abdomen fulvous white,
each feather with a central streak of black, giving to the underparts a spotted appearance ; wing-feathers
and their coverts blackish brown, edged with bright fulvous ; tail-feathers dark brown, with black shafts.
Irides black ; bill and feet pale brown. ‘Total length 6°5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 2°25 ; tail 3°25;
bill, along the ridge “4, along the edge of lower mandible ‘6; tarsus ‘75; middle toe and claw ‘7 ; hind
toe and claw ‘6.

Young. The young assume the adult plumage on quitting the nest.

Obs. The tail-feathers have the barbs disunited in their whole extent.

Tus recluse little species is one of our commonest birds, but is oftener heard than seen. It
frequents the dense fern (Pteris aquilina) of the open country, and the beds of raupo (Zypha
angustifolia) and other tall vegetation that cover our swamps and low-lying flats. In these loca-
lities it may constantly be heard uttering, at regular intervals, its sharp melancholy call of two
notes, u-tick, u-tick, and responsively when there are two or more. When the shades of evening

are Closing in, this call is emitted with greater frequency and energy, and in some dreary solitudes
it is almost the only sound that breaks the oppressive stillness. In the Manawatu district, of the
Province of Wellington, where there are continuous raupo-swamps, covering an area of 50,000
acres or more, I have particularly remarked this; for, save the peevish cry of the Pukeko, occa-
sionally heard, and the boom of the lonely Bittern, the only animate sound I could detect was. the

inales formantibs 5,

lone o¢ Ulari albi

idis : furs
alarum

dorso coneslarig :
is, Ochrascenti-fylry | ulvo lip.
hondriis et subcandalihs
magis distinet®, bran

ante: pedibus flariis

nto rufous brown o tk
d abdomen fulvous vhit,
sppearance ; wing-feathen
brown, with black shaft
n flexure, 2°25; tal 3%
dle toe and claw 7; hai

It
It

heard thas nr
P u 0 | iy"
beds of 18 ae i

SPHENCEACUS
SPHENCACUS

12
fn)

PUNCTATUS.
RUFESCENS.

129

monotonous cry of this little bird calling to its fellows as it threaded its way among the tangled
growth of reeds.

Like the other members of the group to which it belongs, it is a lively creature, active in all
its movements, and easily attracted by an imitation of its note; but, when alarmed, shy and wary.
Its tail, which is long and composed of ten graduated feathers, with disunited filaments, appears
to subserve some useful purpose in the daily economy of the bird; for it is often found very much
denuded or worn. When the bird is flying, the tail hangs downward. Its wings are very feebly
developed, and its powers of flight so weak that, in open land where the fern is stunted, it may
easily be run down-and caught with the hand; but in the swamps it threads its way through the
dense reed-beds with wonderful celerity, and eludes the most careful pursuit. When surprised
or hard pressed in its more exposed haunts, it takes wing, but never rises high, and, after a
laboured flight of from fifteen to twenty yards in a direct line, drops under cover again. Its food
consists of small insects and their larvee and the minute seeds of various grasses and other plants.

It is a matter of extreme difficulty to study the breeding-habits of species that resort to the
dense vegetation of the swamps. Even a systematic search for the nests, in such localities, is of
very little use, and the collector must trust to the chapter of accidents for opportunities of
examining them. Although so common a bird, I have only once succeeded in finding the nest.
This discovery was made many years ago, on the edge of a raupo-swamp, near the old Mission
Station on the Wairoa river. The nest was a small cup-shaped structure, composed of bents and
dry grass-leaves, not very compact, but with a smooth and carefully lined interior. It was
attached to reed-stems standing together, and contained four young birds, which showed remark-
able nimbleness, darting out of the nest and disappearing in the long grass on the first moment
of my approach. >

Mr. Henry Churton, of Wanganui, informs me that he once found a nest of this species
containing three eggs.

Mr. Potts describes the nest as of frail construction, and composed of grass-leaves, with
generally a few feathers of the Swamp-hen, and sometimes a small tuft of wool. He has several
times found it fixed in a grass tussock, a few inches from the ground. He describes the eggs as
“three or four in number, white, speckled with a beautiful tint of reddish purple, which at once
readily distinguishes them from those of any other bird.” ‘They are ovoido-conical in form, and
measure, through the axis, ‘8 of an inch, with a diameter of ‘6. The breeding-season appears to
embrace the months of October and November; for on November 4, Mr. Potts found a nest
containing three young birds, and three days later, but in another locality, a nest with four
eggs in it.

This pretty little creature is not exempt from the common ills that “flesh is heir to.” A
specimen brought to me on the 8th March presented a remarkable diseased swelling, larger than
a pea, at the root of the beak; after carefully examining it, I turned the little sufferer free,
leaving Dame Nature, in this case, to work out her own cure.

OrpER PASSERES. | [Fam. SYLVIIDA.

SPHENGACUS FULVUS.

(FULVOUS UTICK.)

Spheneacus fulvus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 221.
Megalurus fulous, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 206 (1869).

Ad. similis S. punctato, sed paulld major: ubique letiis fulvescens, plumis vix ita distincté medialiter lineatis :
pectore etiam minis distincté maculato: caudd mints acuminata, scapis plumarum haud nudis, sed ad
apicem ipsum plumiferis.

Adult. Upper parts dark fulvous, each feather centred with black; forehead and crown slightly stained
with rufous ; line over the eyes, throat, fore neck, breast, and upper part of abdomen fulvous white,
obscurely spotted on the breast with brown ; sides of the body, flanks, thighs, and lower part of abdo-
men bright fulvous; primaries and secondaries blackish brown, margined on their outer webs, and the
three innermost secondaries broadly margined all round, with bright fulvous ; tail-feathers fulvous, with
a dark shaft-line, and lighter on the edges. Total length 7:5 inches; wing, from flexure, 2°5 ; tail 4;
bill, along the ridge °4, along the edge of lower mandible ‘6; tarsus *75; middle toe and claw ‘7; hind
toe and claw ‘6

Young. An example in the Canterbury Museum, so immature that the tail-feathers are only two inches long,
has more fulvous in the plumage and no indication whatever of a superciliary streak

Tus species, which appears to be confined to the South Island, bears a general resemblance to
Sphenwacus punctatus; but, on comparing them, the following characteristic differences are
manifest :—The present bird is larger and has the whole of the plumage lighter; the upper parts
have the central marks much narrower, and on the hind neck and rump they are entirely absent ;
the white superciliary streak is less distinctly defined, the spots on the under surface are less
conspicuous, and the tail-feathers, which are much paler than in S. punctatus, differ likewise in
their structure, the webs being closely set, instead of having loose disunited barbs.

Oxi

Pay

8
Un,
Orper PASSERES. | (Fam. SYLVIID &.
SPHENGACUS RUFESCENS.
(CHATHAM-ISLAND UTICK.)
Sphenceacus rufescens, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 38.
Medialiter };, Megalurus rufescens, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 206 (1869).
hand nu; Bites,
K Nudis, sed ad
Ad. supra saturaté castaneus, pileo concolori: dorso paulld fulvescente, plumis laté medialiter nigris : tectrici-
bus alarum medialiter nigris, dorso concoloribus : remigibus nigris, rufescente limbatis: cauda rufes-
wn slight] cente, subtus fulvescentiore, scapis pennarum nigris: loris et supercilio distincto fulvescenti-albis :
nigro maculatis: subtus fulves-

Silly stained

regione paroticd saturaté castaned, nigro notaté: genis fulvescentibus,
corporis lateribus castaneis nigro striolatis, dorso concoloribus :
rostro corneo, mandibula flavicante: pedibus flavicanti-brunneis : iride nigra.

men fulvous white

1 =? sae

hOwer part of abio. centi-albus,
rufescente lavatis :

subalaribus stramineis,
Be A

mater webs, and the
Adult. Upper parts dark rufous brown, brightest on the crown and hind neck; streak over the eyes, throat,
breast, and abdomen dull rufous white, slightly tinged with yellow on the throat; sides of the head, ear-
coverts, and a series of spots from the base of the lower mandible brownish black ; sides of the body and
the flanks bright rufous brown, each feather with a central streak of black ; wing-feathers dusky black,
margined on both webs with rufous brown; the wing-coverts and the scapularies broadly centred with
brownish black ; tail-feathers clear rufous brown, with glossy black shafts, paler on their under surface.
Irides black ; bill and feet yellowish brown. Total length 7°25 inches; extent of wings 7; wing, from
flexure, 2°25; tail 4°25; bill, along the ridge °5, along the edge of lower mandible ‘7; tarsus 1; middle

iS eee
> and claw ‘7; hind

aly two inches long,

3] resemblance t toe and claw °85; hind toe and claw °75.
c differences at Note. The figure on the accompanying Plate is taken from the type specimen, which forms part of my
- the upper parts collection in the Colonial Museum.
» entirely absent;
r surface are Jess arn

- gowise Tus well-marked species Is confined to the Chatham Islands, where it was first discovered, in
ffer 4 1868, by Mr. Charles Traill, a gentleman greatly devoted to conchology. He obtained it on a
small rocky isle, lying off the coast of the main island, during an expedition there in pursuit of
his favourite branch of science ; but was unable to give me much information respecting its habits
or economy, merely stating that he observed it flitting about among the grass and stunted vege-
tation, and succeeded in knocking it over with a stone.

Dr. Hector informs me (by last mail from the colony) that several examples of this species,

all from the Chatham Islands, have lately been received at the Colonial Museum.

1;
al

DS.

Orper PASSERES. ] {Fam. MOTACILLIDA.

ANTHUS NOVE ZEALANDIA
(NEW-ZEALAND PIPIT.)

New-Zealand Lark, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 384, pl. 21 (1783).
Alauda nove seelandiw, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 799 (1788

Alauda littorea, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 90 (1844).

Anthus nove zealandie, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 4 (1844).
Anthus grayi, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 249 (1850). V
Anthus aucklandica, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 254.

Corydalla aucklandica, id. Hand-l. of B. i. p. 253 (1869).
Corydalla nove zealandie, id. op. cit. i. p. 253 (1869)

Native names.

OF
Pihoihoi and Whioi; “ Ground-Lark” of the colonists. bea
enc
Ad. brunneus, fulvescente lavatus, plumis medialiter paullé saturatioribus, uropygio unicolori fulvescenti-
brunneo : loris et supercilio lato fulvescenti-albis : lined brunned per oculum ab ortu rostri ductA: genis to t
et regione paroticd albidis, hdc paulld brunneo maculatd: fascid mystacali irregulari brunned: colli ‘ be
lateribus dorso concoloribus et eodem modo notatis : tectricibus alarum brunneis, minimis leté et BRE
conspicué aurantiaco-fulvo lavatis, majoribus angusté fulvido marginatis : remigibus brunneis, primariis
angustissimé, secundariis latitis fulvo marginatis: caudA brunned, fulvo marginata, rectrice extimA feré Br
omnino albé, pogonio interno versis basin brunneo, proximé versiis apicem obliqué alba, tertid extiis sean
angusté albo limbatd: subtis fulvescenti-albus, hypochondriis brunneis: pectore superiore brunneo ap]
longitudinaliter maculato: rostro corneo, mandibulé flavicante : pedibus flavicanti-brunneis: iride tif
saturaté brunnea. on
’ SOI
Juv. similis adultis, sed pallidior, plumis indistincté fulvo marginatis: collo postico conspicué fulvescente : nn
tectricibus alarum, remigibus et rectricibus latids fulvo marginatis: subtis sordidé albus, pectore
superiore vix distincté brunnco striolato. the
; 4 sha
Adult. Upper parts brownish grey, darker on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; on the back, each feather centred of
with brown ; from the base of the bill a broad line of white passes above, and an irregular band of black gas
extends across the eyes; cheeks greyish white, minutely spotted with black ; chin, or intercrural space, the
white ; throat, fore neck, and upper part of breast fulvous, with numerous broad dashes of brown; dist
underparts white, tinged on the flanks and under tail-coverts with fulvous ; sides of the body greyish white,
with longitudinal streaks of brown; all the plumage of the underparts plumbeous at the base ; wing-
feathers and their coverts dark brown, margined on their outer webs with fulvous grey, broadest on the but
tertiaries, and reduced to a mere line on the primaries ; the marginal colour changes to fulvous white Inte
on the secondary coverts, presenting, when the wings are closed, a series of small crescentic bands ; frec
tail-feathers dark brown, with paler edges, except the two outermost ones on each side, which are white, Wo}
the inner one crossed by an oblique band of dusky brown, and the outer one with a mere streak of the by |

Pas
| "en
R

unicolori fulvescent.
fa rostri ductd: genis
tulari brunned: colli

els, minimis let ¢

1s brunneis, primaris

ere

, rectrice extima
me alba, tertii extis
e superiore brunneo
]

snti-brunneis: ide

lvescente:

ynspicue fu
pectore

yrdide albus,

her centret
1 of black

. each feat

regular ban¢

133

same colour near the root. Irides dark brown; bill and feet yellowish brown. Total length 8 inches ;
extent of wings 12; wing, from flexure, 3°75; tail 3; bill, along the ridge ‘5, along the edge of lower

mandible 75; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw ‘85; hind toe and claw ‘75.

Young. The young has the breast more spotted, and the feathers of the upper parts narrowly margined with

pale rust-colour.

Obs. In some examples the under tail-coverts are pure white, while in others the upper wing-coverts are
broadly margined with light rufous brown. Allowing for this variation, I cannot see the propriety of
admitting the supposed new species from Queen Charlotte’s Sound (Anthus grayi, Bonap.), which I

have accordingly expunged from our list.

Varieties. Albinos, more or less pure, are of common occurrence. The following is the description of an
example in the Canterbury Museum :—General plumage pure white, varied on the back and wings with
brownish grey ; some of the quills and tail-feathers pure white, the others dark brown, as in ordinary
specimens ; bill and feet white horn-colour; the hind claw conspicuously long, measuring ‘55 of an

inch.

Or this bird I may remark that it is a true Pipit both in structure and in its habits of life. It
bears a general resemblance to an Australian species (Anthus australis); but the specific differ-
ences are sufficiently manifest on an actual comparison of the two birds.

It is common throughout the country, frequenting the open land, and sometimes resorting
to the dry sands along the sea-shore. During the summer months it is gregarious, and may then
be observed in flocks varying in number from half a dozen to fifty or more, alternately collecting
and mounting in the air with a loud cheerful note, and scattering themselves again on the open
ground to search for their food, which consists of insects and their larvee, small earthworms, and
occasionally minute seeds as well. On the approach of winter the flocks disperse, and the birds
appear to pair off at once, and remain so till the breeding-season arrives. They are always plen-
tiful on the settlers’ farms, and may be seen during the summer months perched in large parties
on the roofs of the country houses or on the surrounding fences and outbuildings. They may
sometimes be observed in similar situations within the towns, and notably on the roofs of churches
and other lofty edifices. They love to resort to the roads and beaten paths, where they amuse
the traveller by their playfulness, running before him as he advances, then rising in the air with a
sharp but pleasant chirp, settling down again and running forward as before. During the heat
of the day they may often be seen sitting on the logs or fences with their beaks wide open as if
gasping for air. ‘They repose at night on the ground, finding shelter among the grass or fern on
the open ridges or on the wayside, where the benighted traveller, as he plods along, may often
disturb them and hear the sharp rustling of their wings as they rise startled at his very feet.

When searching for food, a flock of these birds will spread themselves out in all directions;

but the instant a Hawk appears in sight, or some other common danger threatens, they will rise
into the air together with much clamour, and sometimes mount to a considerable height. _I have
frequently seen a number of them pursue and harass the Bush-Hawk, which is doubtless their
worst natural enemy. ‘Their ordinary flight is rapid.and undulating, being performed, as it were,
by a succession of jerks. During the breeding-season the male bird frequently soars, mounting to

134

a height in the air, and then descending with tremulous wings and outspread tail, and uttering a
prolonged trilling note, very pleasant to the ear.

This is one of the few species that appear to thrive and increase in the cultivated districts ;
and in localities where formerly it was only tolerably plentiful, it has kept pace with the progress of
colonization, becoming every year more abundant. It is never met with in the woods; and I have
observed that in the open country it is rarely seen to alight on a green tree or shrub, although
often poising itself on the slender stalks of the Phormium tenax or on a bunch of fern. I have
occasionally seen it dusting itself after the manner of some gallinaceous birds, rolling in the dust
with evident delight, and then shaking its feathers, probably in order to free the body of parasitic
insects.

The breeding-season of the New-Zealand Pipit extends from October to February or March,
and, like the other members of the same group, it appears to rear two broods; for I have seen
well-fledged young ones in November, while nests containing eggs are often met with as late in
the season as January or the early part of February. The nest is composed of dry grass and other
fibrous substances loosely put together, and is always placed on the ground, generally in a horse’s
footprint or in some natural depression, and under shelter of a tussock or clump of rushes. The
eggs are usually four in number, rather ovoido-conical in shape, measuring ‘9 of an inch by -65,
and marked over the entire surface with numerous spots or freckles of dark grey on a paler or
ashy ground. Among the examples in the Canterbury Museum there are some darker ones,
blotched and mottled with purplish brown.

The call of the young resembles the sharp note of the Silver-eye (Zosterops lateralis); and
when engaged in feeding them, the parent bird displays an unusual degree of caution in the
presence of an intruder, alighting ten or fifteen yards from the nest, and loitering about for a
considerable time with the food in its bill before attempting to deliver it.

The natives catch this bird by means of a running noose at the end of a long stick; and
there are various modes of trapping it, very generally known and appreciated among colonial
school boys.

I have noticed that this species is very subject to a disease of the foot, which takes the form
of a large irregular swelling. This may probably result from accidental burns; for I have often
observed these birds alight on ground over which a fire had recently passed, leaving a light surface
of smouldering ashes, and rise again immediately in evident pain.

ms & ee
:

al. and

© Wor. ‘ole af
Ods and Chay
or shn h alth N
» Altho

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Fe SFUALY oF March
her ch,
GS; for T haye Seey
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F dry or

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AMP Of rushes, Th
9 of an inch by ‘fj,

A grey on a paler or

> some darker one

er ps lateralis): and

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loitering about for:

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alania
All : *OLUUIa
ated among colonia

‘oh takes the form
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ms: for 1 have ole

light sur

~aving a

TURNAGRA HECTORI.

TURNAGRA CRASSIROSTRIS.

ORDER

Ad. st

rRIS-

, [Fam. TURDID.
Orper PASSERES. |

TURNAGRA HECTORL
(NORTH-ISLAND THRUSH.)

Otagon tanagra, Schl. Ned. Tijdschr. Dierk. iti. p. 190 (1865).
Turnagra hectori, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 39.

Twrnagra tanagra, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 284 (1869).
Keropia tanagra, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 323.

Native names.

Piopio, Korohea, and Tiutiukata.

Ad. statura T. crassirostris sed rostro crassiore, supra olivascenti-brunneus : pileo nusquam striolato: uropygio
caudaque clare rufis: gutture albo: pectore superiore cinerascente : abdomine medio albo, parte ima et
subcaudalibus conspicué flavicantibus: hypochondriis olivascentibus : rostro et pedibus saturaté brun-
neis : iride flava.

Adult. Crown of the head, hind neck, and upper parts generally clear olive-brown; throat pure white ;
breast and abdomen ashy grey, darker on the former, the abdomen and the under tail-coverts tinged with
yellow ; sides olive-brown, washed with yellow; wing-feathers dark olive-brown, dusky on their inner
webs; tail-feathers and their upper coverts bright rufous, paler on their under surface, the two middle
ones tinged above with olive-brown. Irides yellow; bill and feet dark brown. Total length 11 inches ;
wing, from flexure, 5°25; tail 5; bill, along the ridge ‘8, along the edge of lower mandible 1; tarsus
1:25; middle toe and claw 1:25; hind toe and claw 1.

Young. Birds of the first year differ in having the feathers at the base of the upper mandible, the tips of
those covering the crown and sides of the head, the small feathers fringing the eyelids, and a broad zone
on the upper part of the breast bright rufous; the primary and secondary wing-coverts are also largely
tipped with the same colour, and the grey of the underparts is darker.

In January 1869 I communicated to ‘The Ibis’ the description of a new species of Thrush
inhabiting the North Island, and differing from the South-Island bird (Zwrnagra crassirostris)
not only in plumage, but in its superior size and more strongly developed bill; and I named it in
compliment to Dr. James Hector, F.R.S., Director of the Colonial Museum and Geological Survey
of New Zealand. This was done not merely as an expression of personal friendship and esteem, but
as a tribute to one who may justly be termed the father of the scientific institutions of the colony.

In an editorial footnote to my paper, Professor Newton suggested that this species might be
identical with one described, in a Dutch work, by Professor Schlegel, four years before, without,
however, any habitat being assigned to it. This opinion has since been verified by a careful
comparison of the specimen I have figured with the type of Schlegel’s Otagon tanagra, in the

136

Museum at Vienna; and under ordinary circumstances the name I have proposed would of course
be reduced to a synonym. It will be observed, however, that Professor Schlegel has used a common
generic name to distinguish the bird specifically, while he refers the form to the genus Otagon,
established by Bonaparte in 1850. As I can see no valid reason for setting aside the generic
title of Turnagra proposed by Lesson as early as 1837, and as the adoption of the older specific
name would, according to this view, give the confused result of Twrnagra tanagra, I have deemed
myself justified in retaining the distinctive appellation of 7. hectori. At the same time I am
anxious to give due prominence to the fact that Professor Schlegel was the first to discover the
existence of this new species.

Comparatively common in all suitable localities throughout the southern portion of the
North Island, this bird is extremely rare in the country north of Waikato. A specimen which I
shot in the Kaipara district in the summer of 1852 (doubtless a straggler from the south) was
quite a novelty to the natives in that part of the country; it was recognized, however, by one
old Maori, who called it a “ Korohea,” aname quite unknown in the south, and who stated that
in former years it was very abundant in all the woods.

We have only to look forward a few years to its being equally scarce elsewhere; and it is
high time, therefore, that its biography were written.

There is a peculiar charm about the New-Zealand forest in the early morning; for shortly
after daylight a number of birds of various kinds join their voices in a wild jubilee of song,
which, generally speaking, is of very short duration. This was the morning concert to which
Captain Cool: referred in such terms of enthusiasm ; and the woods of Queen Charlotte’s Sound,
where his ship lay at anchor, are no exception to the general rule. In illustration of this,
I take the following from an entry in one of my field-note books. “Tuesday, 5 a.m.—At this
moment the wooded valley of the Mangaone, in which we have been camped for the night, is
ringing with delightful music. It is somewhat difficult to distinguish the performers amidst
the general chorus of voices. The silvery notes of the Bell-bird, the bolder song of the Tui, the
loud continuous strain of the native Robin, the joyous chirping of a flock of White-heads, and the
whistling cry of the Piopio—all these voices of the forest are blended together in wild harmony.
And the music is occasionally varied by the harsh scream of a Kaka passing overhead, or the
noisy chattering of a pair of Parrakeets on a neighbouring tree, and at regular intervals the far-
off cry of the Long-tailed Cuckoo and the whistling call of its bronze-winged congener; while
on every hand may be heard the soft trilling notes of Myiomoira toitoi.” For more than an hour
after this concert had ceased, and the sylvan choristers had dispersed in search of their daily food,
one species continued to enliven the valley with his musical notes. This bird was the Piopio, or
New-Zealand Thrush, the subject of the present article, and unquestionably the best of our native
songsters. His song consists of five distinct bars, each of which is repeated six or seven times in
succession ; but he often stops abruptly in his overture to introduce a variety of other notes, one
of which is a peculiar rattling sound, accompanied by a spreading of the tail, and apparently
expressive of ecstacy. Some of the notes are scarcely distinguishable from those of the Yellow-
head ; and I am inclined to think that the bird is endowed with mocking-powers. The ordinary
note, however, of the Piopio, whence it derives its name, is a short, sharp, whistling cry, quickly
repeated.

“
% Woulg of
- Or.
“é Wed, Uy,
the Reny 1
Bae, 8 (
~ as . “
ide the Oe a
the Olde, y wt
Pee ;
a, | have ke
| &
Sime q ie
St ty a: *
tO Uiscoyes th
e
em 7 ;
1 Portion of th
Sper ba
Pecimen Which |
fom the South) »
CQ) Wag
1, however by oy
e
Nd Who state;
ho Stated tha:

lsewhere > ANd it js

ming ; for shortly
ld Jubilee of ae
Zz concert to wish
Charlotte’s Sound,
llustration of this,
uy, 5 AM—At this
d for the night, is
performers amidst
mg of the Tui, the
hite-heads, and the
r in wild harmony.
¢ overhead, or the
. intervals the far
1 congener; while
more than an hott
of their daily fot
the Piopio, ”
best of our patie
seve times?
r notes ope
jarenby

was

< or
f othe

1 and api
il, 2 Ye

137

It was when I obtained a caged Piopio that I first became acquainted with its superior
vocal powers. In 1866 I purchased one for a guinea from a settler in Wellington, in whose
possession it had been for a whole year. Although an adult bird when taken, it appeared to
have become perfectly reconciled to confinement; but on being placed in a new cage it made
strenuous assaults on the wire bars, and persevered till the feathers surrounding the beak were
rubbed off and a raw wound exposed. It then desisted for several days; but when the abraded
part had fairly healed, it renewed the attempt, and with such determined effort that the fore part
of the head was completely disfigured, and the life of the bird endangered. On being removed,
however, to a spacious compartment of the aviary, it immediately became reconciled to its condi-
tion, made no further efforts to escape, and for a period of fifteen months (when it came to an
untimely end) it continued to exhibit the contentment and sprightliness of a bird in a state of
nature.

I observed that this bird was always most lively during or immediately preceding a shower
of rain. He often astonished me with the power and variety of his notes. Commencing some-
times with the loud strains of the Canary, he would suddenly change his song to a low flute-note
of exquisite sweetness; and then abruptly stopping, would give vent to a loud rasping cry, as if
mimicking a pair of Australian Magpies confined in the same aviary. During the early morning
he emitted at intervals a short flute-note, and when alarmed or startled, uttered a sharp repeated
whistle.

This caged bird was generally fed on dry pulse or grain; but he also evinced a great liking
for cooked potato and raw meat of all kinds; in fact he appeared to be omnivorous, readily
devouring earthworms, insects of all kinds, fruits, berries, green herbs, &c. He was supplied
daily with a dish of fresh water, and was accustomed to bathe in it with evident delight. At one
time he occupied the same division of the aviary with a pair of Australian Ring-Doves which had
commenced to breed. ‘The Doves were allowed to bring up their first brood in peace; but when
the hen bird began to build a second time, she was closely watched by the Piopio, and imme-
diately the first egg was deposited he darted upon the nest and devoured it. The innocent little
Ring-Dove continued to lay on in spite of repeated robbery, and had at length to be placed
beyond the reach of her persecutor.

During the day the Piopio was unceasingly active and lively; at night he slept on a perch,
resting on one leg, and with the plumage puffed out into the form of a perfectly round ball, the
circular outline broken only by the projecting extremities of the wings and tail. Every sound
seemed to attract his notice, and he betrayed an inquisitiveness of disposition which in the end
proved fatal; for having inserted his prying head through an open chink in the partition, it was
seized and torn off by a vicious Sparrow-Hawk in the adjoining compartment of the vie

In the wild state this species subsists chiefly on insects, worms, and berries. I have shot it
on the ground in the act of grubbing with its bill among the dry leaves and other forest débris.
Its flight is short and rapid. It haunts the undergrowth of the forest, darting from tree to tree,

and occasionally descending : a] formi

Mine. # zoe g to the ground, but rarely performing any long passage on the wing. It
ar very mm e im its movements; and when attempting on one occasion to catch one of these
birds with an almost invisible horsehair noose, it repeatedly darted right through the snare, and
defeated every effort to entrap it.

ORDER

i

138

Nothing positive is known respecting its habits of nidification. A. native, however, once
described the nest to me as being of large size, and composed of moss, twigs, and dry leaves. He
assured me that he had twice met with it in the high scrub near the Manawatu River, and that
in both cases the nest contained two eggs, of “smaller size than the Tui’s, and white spotted with
red at the thicker end.”

In the Ruahine ranges I met with a breeding-pair of these birds late in December. ‘The
sudden disappearance of the female and the cautious demeanour of the male satisfied me that I
was in the immediate vicinity of the nest; but I nevertheless failed in my endeavours to find it.

=

io 2 2m be.” bie ee 8 COU CU CO

#
Re
=

ts Oh Orpen PASSERES. ] (Faw. TURDID A.
RaNgg, he
whi a TURNAGRA CRASSIROSTRIS
With (SOUTH-ISLAND THRUSH.)
0 De Cembe;
Atisfieg me fk

“AY Our N to

* Th
4] Thick-billed Thrush, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 1, p. 34, pl. xxvii. (1783).
indi Tanagra capensis, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. pl. 45 (1787).
Turdus crassirostris, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 815 (1788, ex Lath.).
Lanius crassirostris, Cuv. Régn. Anim. p. 338 (1817).
Campephaga ferruginea, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d' Hist. Nat. x. p. 48 (1817).
Tanagra macularia, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de I Astr. i. p. 186, pl. vii. fig. 1 (1830).
Keropia crassirostris, Gray, List of Gen. of B. p. 28 (1840).
Turnagra crassirostris, id. op. cit. p. 88 (1841).
Loxia turdus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 85 (184 4).
Otagon turdus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 374 (1850).
Ceropia crassirostris, Sundev. Krit. Framst. Mus. Carls. p. 9 (1857).
Turnagra turdus, Gray, Hand-l. of B. i. p. 284 (1869

Ad. supra olivaceo-brunneus, pileo vix cinerascente irregulariter fulvo striato: tectricibus alarum dorso concoge
loribus, rufo terminatis, fasciam duplicem alarem exhibentibus : remigibus brunneis, extts dorsi colore
marginatis, primariis ad basin rufo lavatis: supracaudalibus rufo tinctis, imis omnino rufis: cauda leté
rufa, rectricibus duabus mediis et reliquarum apicibus olivaceo-brunneis: loris cum regione oculari
genisque brunneis pallidé rufo maculatis : regione parotica pileo concolori, angusté fulvo striaté: subtis
olivascens, gutture toto rufescente lavato, plumis medialiter ee eS pectoris plumis medialiter
albidis, oe olivaceo sa nga quasi striatis: pectore superiore vix rufescente lavato: hypochon-
driis magis olivascentibus: abdomine imo et subcaudalibus flavo lavatis: subalaribus rufis: rostro
aca saturaté ieoueha iride flava.

Adult. General plumage olive-brown, darker on the upper parts ; forehead, lores, throat, and sides of neck
largely marked with rufous ; breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts covered with broad longitudinal
spots of yellowish white, narrower towards the sides of the body ; on the abdomen and under tail-coverts
less of the olive-brown, with a strong tinge of yellow; wing-feathers dark olive-brown, dusky on their
inner webs ; the superior and lesser wing-coverts largely tipped with rufous, forming two broad trans-
verse bars; lining of wings pale rufous; tail, for the most part, with the upper coverts bright rufous
the two middle feathers and the apical margins of the rest olive-brown, only slightly tinged with rufous.
Irides yellow ; bill and feet dark brown. Total length 11 inches ; wing, from flexure, 5; tail 5; bill,
along the ridge *7, along the edge of lower mandible ‘8; tarsus 1:25; middle toe and claw 1°15 ; hind
toe and claw 1.

Young. May be distinguished from the adult by the larger amount of rufous colouring on the forehead,
sides of the head, throat, and upper wing-coverts.

Obs. In some specimens the bend of the wing and the exterior edges of the outer primaries are also marked

with rufous. The colour of the bill likewise varies, in different examples, from a light brown to dusky

Tus fine species is

confined to the South Island. Formerly it was excessively abundant in all

140

the elevated wooded country; but of late years it has become comparatively scarce, while in some
districts it has disappeared altogether. This result is attributable, in a great measure, to the
ravages of cats and dogs, to which this species, from its ground-feeding habits, falls an easy prey.

Dr. Hector informs me that, during his exploration of the West Coast in the years 1862-63,
he found it very abundant, and on one occasion counted no less than forty in the immediate
vicinity of his camp. They were very tame, sometimes hopping up to the very door of his tent to
pick up crumbs; and he noticed that the camp-dogs were making sad havoc among them. He
is of opinion that in a few years this species also will be numbered among the extinct ones.

Mr. Buchanan, of the Geological Survey, assures me that in the woods in the neighbourhood
of Dunedin, where it was formerly very common, it has been quite exterminated by the wild cats.
It may be here observed that there is no indigenous cat in our country; but ill-fed or ill-used
members of the race, in the struggle for existence, frequently quit the settlers’ houses and betake
themselves to the woods, where they, in course of time, produce a purely wild breed. To this
cause is partly owing the almost entire extermination of the Quail and other ground species.

The habits of this bird differ in no respect, so far as I am aware, from those of its congener
in the North Island. The following incident is illustrative of its predaceous nature :—My brother,
Mr. Fletcher Buller, while residing in Canterbury, obtained a live one from the woods, and
placed it in a cage with a pair of tame Parrakeets (Platycercus nove zealandie).. On the follow-
ing morning he found, to his dismay, that the newly introduced bird had slain both of his fellow
prisoners, and was actually engaged in eating off the head of one of them!

ORDER

Juv.

Ad

ar

ey x
eat tile 7 Orpmr PASSERES.] (Faw. HIRUNDINID&.
falls an a the
We Yeas 159 HYLOCHELIDON NIGRICANS.
| 18h,
™ the IMmedin, (AUSTRALIAN TREE-SWALLOW.)
door of his oe
&monoe t} to
€ Xtinct Oheg He
the nejohh a 2 <
"eb bouton Hirundo nigricans, Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 523 (1817).
” by the Wild cats Dun-rumped Swallow, Lath. Gen. Hist. of B. vii. p. 309 (1823).
. Ul-fed op ines Hirundo pyrrhonota, Vig. & Horsf. Tr. Linn. Soe. xv. p. 190 (1826).
houses and bet Herse nigricans, Less. Compl. Buff. viii. p. 497 (1837).
ld breed. To : Herse pyrrhonota, id. tom. cit. p. 497 (1837).
zround species . Cecropis nigricans, Boie, Isis, 1844, p. 175.
10se ms : Collocalia arborea, Gould, B. of Austr. ii. pl. 14 (c. 1845).

ipo ap Chelidon arborea, id. op. cit. i. Tutr. p. — ney
m the he rother, Petrochelidon nigricans, Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 47 ve

the woods, anj Hylochelidon nigricans, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. i. p. 111 (1865).
®). On the follow.
1 both of his fellow

Ad. supra purpurascenti- i fronte conspicua ferrugined indistincté nigro maculaté: uropygio rufescenti-
fulvo, scapis plumarum brunneo indicatis: supracaudalibus yes tis colore lavatis, scapis
odem modo ake. tectricibus alarum minimis dorso concolo majoribus et remigibus brunneis,

concoloribus : caudé brunned, rectrice extim& pogonio interno albo aolaet: remigum rectricumque
scapis supra brunneis, subtis albidis: loris cum regione oculari et paroticd nigricantibus: genis et
colli lateribus sordidé fulvis brunnescente variis: subtis fulvescens, corporis lateribus et subalaribus
ferrugineis: gutture lineis longitudinalibus parvissimis, pectore et hypochondriis lineis angustioribus et
longioribus striatis: rostro brunneo: pedibus brunneis: iride nigra.

Juv. similis adulto, sed supra magis brunnescens: uropygio fulvescenti-albido: subtis albicans, corporis latera-
us vix rufescente tinctis.

Adult. Forehead chestnut-brown ; crown of the head, hind neck, the whole of the back, and the small wing-
coverts glossy steel-blue; rump and inferior upper tail-coverts yellowish buff mixed with pale rufous,
each feather with a narrow shaft-line of dark brown; longer upper tail-coverts dark brown with paler
edges ; throat, fore part and sides of neck, and all the under surface pale yellowish buff, marked on the
throat with numerous touches of brown, stained on the sides of the body, inner lining of wings, and
under tail-coverts with chestnut-brown ; quills and tail-feathers dark brown, with paler shafts, greyish
on their under surface and slightly glossed above. Irides black; bill, tarsi, and toes light brown.
Total length 5:25 inches; wing, from flexure, 4°5; tail, to extremity of lateral feathers, 2°25 (middle
feathers +4 shorter); bill, along the ridge +25, along the edge of lower mandible ‘5, breadth at the
gape ‘4; tarsus ‘4; middle toe and claw ‘55; hind toe and claw ‘45.

Young. Plumage of the upper parts duller, the head and back being dark umber-brown with only a slight steel
gloss ; the rump and tail-coverts yellowish brown, with darker shafts; the underparts altogether lighter,
the abdomen and under tail-coverts being fulvous white, and the throat more distinctly spotted with
brown.

U

142

Tue Tree-Swallow, which is a native of Australia, is admitted into our list of birds on the
authority of a specimen shot by Mr. Lea at Taupata, near Cape Farewell, on the 14th of March,
1856, and fortunately preserved in the Otago Museum. Mr. Gould informs us that in its own
country it is a migratory species, visiting the southern portions of Australia and Tasmania,
arriving in August and retiring northwards as autumn advances. In the summer of 1801, Mr. F.
Jollie observed a flight of Swallows at Wakapuaka, in the vicinity of Nelson, and succeeded in
shooting one, thus placing the matter beyond all question. There can be no doubt that these
occasional visitants are stragglers from the Australian continent, and that to reach our country

they perform a pilgrimage on the wing of upwards of a thousand miles!

OxDEF

A

ist 0 -
th it 0 (Fas. MUSCICAPID A.
e 144), D thy Onprr PASSERES.]

alia ang 1,0 RHIPIDURA FLABELLIFERA.

ag
Mer of 185) wat,
8:

| (PIED FANTAIL.)
n, and ™ nt

Fan-tailed Flycatcher, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 1, p. 340, pl. xlix. (1783).
Muscicapa flabellifera, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 943 (1788, ex Lath.). |
Rhipidura flabellifera, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p- 190 (1848).
Muscicapa ventilabrum, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 86 (1844).

Rhipidura albiscapa, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 150 (1858, nec Gould).

Native names.

Piwaiwaka, Tiwaiwaka, Piwakawaka, and Tiwakawaka.

Ad. suprd olivascenti-brunneus, pileo nigricante: lined supraoculari albid&: tectricibus alarum brunneis,
olivaceo lavatis, albido terminatis: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis extiis dorsi colore lavatis : cauda sor-
didé alba, scapis puré albis, rectricibus duabus centralibus nigricantibus ad apicem albidis, reliquis extus
brunnescenti-nigris, penn extima omnind albid4: facie laterali pileo concolori: gulf albida: torque
pectorali nigrA: subtis aurantiaco-fulvus, pectore superiore et subcaudalibus pallidioribus: cruribus
nigricantibus : rostro nigro: pedibus brunnescenti-nigris : iride nigra.

Juv. similis adulto, sed supra magis brunnescens: gutture grisescenti-albo: corpore reliquo subtus sordide ful-
vescente: torque pectorali absente: tectricibus alarum fulvido apicatis, et secundariis extus eodem colore
marginatis.

Adult. Crown, nape, and sides of the head sooty black ; the whole of the back, rump, and upper surface of
wings dark olive-brown; the small wing-coverts tipped with fulvous white; rictal bristles black ; throat
and mark over the eyes greyish white ; across the fore neck and upper part of breast a broad band of
sooty black ; lower part of breast and all the under surface fulvous, tinged with cinnamon, the base of
the feathers plumbeous ; quills dark olive-brown, with paler shafts, the inner secondaries edged with
fulvous white; the two middle tail-feathers brownish black, with pure white shafts, and tipped with
greyish white; the lateral feathers greyish white and, with the exception of the outermost one on each
side, margined on their outer webs with brownish black, all having pure white shafts. Irides and bill
black; feet blackish brown. ‘Total length 6°5 inches; extent of wings 8; wing, from flexure, 2°75;

tail 4; bill, along the ridge ‘3, along the edge of lower mandible ‘4; tarsus ‘7; middle toe and claw ‘6 ;

hind toe and claw ‘5.

Young. The young bird has the throat greyish white; the breast and all the under surface dark fulvous
brown; the small wing-coverts are largely tipped and the secondaries narrowly edged with fulvous
brown, and the plumage of the back is more or less tinged with the same colour.

Obs. I have observed birds in the young plumage as late as the middle of March ; but the adult livery is

certainly assumed at the first moult.

Tue Pied Fantail, ever flitting about with broadly expanded tail, and performing all manner

v2

144

of fantastic evolutions, in its diligent pursuit of gnats and flies, is one of the most pleasing and
attractive objects in the New-Zealand forest.

It is very tame and familiar, allowing a person to approach within a few feet of it without
evincing any alarm, sometimes, indeed, perching for an instant on his head or shoulders. It
will often enter the settler’s house in the bush, and remain there for days together, clearing the
window-panes of sand-flies, fluttering about the open rooms with an incessant lively twitter during
the day, and roosting at night under the friendly roof. It is found, generally in pairs, on the
outskirts of the forest, in the open glades, and in all similar localities adapted to its habits of life.
It loves to frequent the wooded banks of mountain-streams and rivulets, where it may be seen
hovering over the surface of the water collecting gnats; and I have counted as many as ten of
them at one time so engaged. It affects low shrubby bushes and the branches of fallen trees;
but it may often be seen catering for its insect-food among the topmost branches of the high
timber.

In winter it generally frequents the darker parts of the forest, where insect-life is more abun-
dant at that season; but it is nevertheless to be met with, wherever there is any bush, all the year
round. It is a true Flycatcher, subsisting entirely by the chase: darting forth from its perch,
it performs a number of aérial evolutions in pursuit of invisible flies, the snapping of its man-
dibles as it catches its prey being distinctly audible, and generally returns to the twig from
which it started. It hops about along the dry branches of a prostrate tree, or upwards along the
tangled vines of the kareao (Rhipogonum scandens), with its tail half expanded and its wings
drooping, seizing a little victim at almost every turn, and all the while uttering a pleasant twitter.
When hurt or alarmed it immediately closes its pretty fan, and silently flies off in a direct course,
disappearing in the denser foliage.

It breeds twice in the season, producing four young ones at each sitting. It generally com-
mences to build in September, and brings out its first brood about the last week in October.
The second brood appears to leave the nest about the beginning of January.

The nest is a beautiful little structure, compact and symmetrical. A forked twig is
the site usually selected; and the nest, instead of being placed within the fork for support,
is built around it, the branchlets being thus made to serve the purpose of braces and stays to
strengthen the work and to hold it together. It is, therefore, generally impossible to remove
or detach the nest from the branch without tearing it to pieces. In form it is cup-shaped,
the upper part towards the rim being closely interwoven and securely bound, while the base is
left unfinished or loosely constructed. The materials composing the foundation are light
fragments of decayed wood, coarse mosses, and the skeletons of dead leaves. ‘The centre and
upper portion of the nest consist principally of the tough and elastic seed-stems of various mosses
finely interwoven. ‘There is an exterior wall composed of cow-hair, the downy seed-vessels of
plants, and other soft materials, and the whole is admirably bound together with fine spiders’
webs. ‘The interior cavity, which is rather large in proportion to the nest, is closely lined with
fibrous grasses, or bent, disposed in a circular form. I have examined numbers of nests, and I
have observed that the materials employed vary slightly, according to the locality, specimens
collected in the vicinity of farmhouses disclosing tufts of wool, fragments of cloth, remnants
of cotton-thread, &c. among the building-materials; nevertheless, in every instance that has

Most
Pleas
4 Sto
8 ayy

‘ aay ladle ten of
“hes of Talley Trees:

"anches of the hich

ct-life is more abun.
y bush, all the year
rth from its Perch,
‘apping of its map.
} to the twig fon
r upwards al ng the
nded and its wing
z a pleasant twitter

ff in a direct course,

It generally com
st week in October.

A. forked twig 1
e fork for suppor
braces and stays
apossible to remove
m it 1s cup-shapes

1 are 0

atidl
undatio
: and

The centre
mosses
af

ns of variou"

145

come under my notice, the use of spiders’ webs for binding the walls has been adhered to, thus
manifesting a very decided instinct. The eggs are usually four in number, slightly ovoido-conical,
and measuring °7 of an inch in length by ‘5 in breadth; they are white, with numerous purplish-
brown freckles, denser and forming an obscure zone towards the larger end.

Mr. J. H. Gurney, in his account of the Red-throated Widow-bird (Vidua rubritorques,
Swains.), says :—‘ These birds build among the grass in the open country. The nest is curiously
built. They select a convenient tuft of grass, and interlace the blades as they stand, without
breaking them off; so that the nest is green during the whole term of incubation, and is very
beautiful when thus seen.” This brings to my recollection a very pretty nest of the Pied
Fantail which I found in the Kaipara woods many years ago. It was smaller and more cup-
shaped than the generality of these nests, and was composed chiefly of moss firmly bound together
with spiders’ webs; but it was an “old nest,” and the winter rains had soaked it, causing the
moss to vegetate afresh; and when it came into my hands it was covered on the outer surface
with a luxuriant growth of stunted moss of the brightest green, and presented a very beautiful
appearance.

To any one having any experience of bird-craft, it is very easy to discover the nest of this
species. The movements of the old birds, properly interpreted, are a very sure index. As you
approach the nest, the Fantails, which follow your steps with an incessant twitter, become
ominously silent. If you fail immediately to discover the object of your search, and chance to
wander away from it, the anxious little birds give vent to their joy by an exuberant strain of
notes, which, as I have often thought, might be appropriately compared to the supposed merry
laugh of one of Gulliver's Liliputians. On one occasion I succeeded in capturing the old bird
on the nest, which was found to contain four unfledged young ones. I placed my captive in a
cage, together with the nest and young: she refused food, and vented her rage by pecking her
young ones to death. On the following morning I liberated the parent, regretting much that I
had invaded her domestic happiness.

The multiplication of numbers by second broods, in the proportion of four to one, as already
noticed, appears to me a wise provision of Nature to save the species from extinction. At the
close of the breeding-season the Fantails, principally in the immature plumage, are excessively
abundant; by the end of the year their numbers have been considerably thinned, owing to the
joint ravages of the wild cat, the Bush-Hawk, and Morepork, to all of which this defenceless
little creature falls an easy prey. The reproduction by each pair of eight young ones every
season seems, therefore, almost necessary to preserve the very existence of this species in the
balance of life.

Long may the Pied Fantail thrive and prosper, in the face of cats, owls, naturalists,
and the whole race of depredators; for without it our woods would lack one of their prettiest
attractions, and our fauna its gentlest representative.

Orper PASSERES.] (Faw. MUSCICAPIDA

RHIPIDURA FULIGINOSA

(BLACK FANTAIL.)

Muscicapa fuliginosa, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. pl. 47 (1787).

Muscicapa deserti, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 949 (1788, ex Sparrm.).

Rhipidura melanura, Gray, in Dieff. Trav., ii. App. p. 191 (1848).

Leucocerca melanura, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 324 (1890).

Rhipidura tristis, Hombr. et Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, Ois. iii. p. 76, pl. ii. fig. 5 (1853).

Ad. nigricans, dorso alisque brunneo tinctis: macula postauriculari parvA albi: subtis dilutits brunneus:
5 ? it
rostro nigro, mandibula versis basin albicante : pedibus nigricanti-brunneis: iride nigra.

Adult. Entire plumage black, tinged on the back and wings with rusty brown, and on the under surface
with paler brown; behind each ear a small spot of white. Irides black ; bill black, white at the base of
the lower mandible; tarsi and toes blackish brown. Total length 6°5 inches ; extent of wings 8; wing,
from flexure, 2°75; tail 4; bill, along the ridge °8, along the edge of lower mandible 4; tarsus °7;

middle toe and claw ‘6; hind toe and claw ‘5.

Female. Similar to the male, but with the white spots behind the ears much reduced.

Obs. In the full-plumaged male, the white mark described above usually consists of twelve diminutive
feathers. In an example which came under my notice at Kaiapoi this feature was exaggerated, the
white spreading entirely over the ear-coverts and surrounding feathers. In some it is scarcely visible,

while in others (probably young birds) it is altogether wanting.

Tus dark-coloured species is restricted to the South Island, where it is far more common than
the preceding one. Mr. G. R. Gray gives Cook’s Strait as its habitat; but although common
enough on the Nelson side, I know of only one instance of its occurrence on the northern shore
of the strait, or in any part of the North Island. After very stormy weather in May 1864, I shot
a specimen in a flax-field near the mouth of the Mananatu River, on the south-west coast of the
Wellington Province. It was evidently a straggler from the opposite mainland, and having by
some means been deprived of its ample tail, which serves to balance the body, it had probably
lost command of itself, and thus been borne across the sea by the prevailing gales.

That the Flycatcher does sometimes indulge voluntarily in a water excursion, I have myself
had proof; for in April 1869, when entering the Whangarei Heads, a Pied Fantail (Rhipidura
flabellifera) flew off from the shore, and after making a circuit of our little steamer, apparently
to satisfy its curiosity, returned to the land. The life-history of this species differs in no respect
from that of its congener, as described in the foregoing pages. The stomachs of two which I
dissected contained, in addition to the remains of small dipterous insects, the minute seeds of
some wild berry.

PF
7 Tn
N

Ng. d (1853)

bts dilutits
Guutius briny.

nde nigr4,

id on the under surface

ack, white at the base ¢

xtent of wings 8: wine

mandible ‘4; tarsus 7:

}

ts of twelve dimmutre

re was exaggerated, tit

y visible,

me it is scarcel

x more common than
ut although common
orther shore
gpd, I sho
f the

m the 2
r in May :
-west coast 0
saving by
protabl

uth
sland, and !

body; it had
- gales.

ig ay
~yrsioD, bi

147

On the nesting-habits of this bird, Mr. Potts furnishes the following interesting notes :—
“The Black Fantail breeds under conditions so very similar to those of the preceding species,
that one description will serve for both. To my view, the most remarkable feature in the
breeding-habits of our Flycatchers is the situation usually selected for rearing their young.
security by concealment seems the
me, and it is one

The Flycatchers

Security does not appear to be the first consideration ;
leading feature which guides most arboreal birds in choosing the site of their ho
in which the most admirable displays of instinct may be frequently observed.
rather appear to be led by the same consideration which actuates many sea-birds in selecting the
position of their breeding-place—proximity to the food supply. Stroll carefully along the rocky
bed of a creek which rambles through some bushy gully, and you may perchance see the beauti-
ful nest perched on some slender bough, in so delicate a manner that it appears scarcely so much
to be fixed as to rest balanced there. There is no concealment amongst tangled creepers,
guarded with their sharp recurved prickles; it is not buried amidst a mass of waving leaves, nor
is it hidden away in the dim twilight of some hollow tree; but there, a few feet above the water,
it sways gently with the subdued breeze that reaches the quiet ravine through the leafy canopy
that is spread around. ........ Over the shady creek our Flycatcher is in the midst of sand-
flies, and the position chosen for its nest affords comparatively as good a vantage ground for
supplying the wants of its young as the nesting-place on the craggy mountain-side bestows on the
dashing Quail-Hawk.”

Mr. Potts has also called attention to the interesting fact of the two species occasionally
interbreeding. There is a union nest of this sort in the Canterbury Museum, containing three
eggs. It was taken, in October 1870, by Mr. Potts himself, who informs me that the female was
a dark bird and the male a pied one. The eggs are decidedly like those of Rh. fuliginosa, having
a very distinct zone of purplish-brown spots near the thick end. In another case of intercrossing
which came under his notice the relative position of the sexes was reversed, the female being
Rh. flabellifera: the eggs proved to be fertile, and the young assumed the plumage of the

female parent.
The eggs of this species are of similar size and shape to those of the Pied Fantail, but I

have remarked that they usually have a darker zone of purple and brown spots.

OrpER PASSERES. | [Fam. LANIIDA.

GRAUCALUS MELANOPS.

(BLACK-FACED SHRIKE.)

Black-faced Crow, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 116 (1801).

Corvus melanops, Lath. Suppl. Ind. Orn. p. xxiv (1801).

Rollier & masque noir, Levaill. Ois. de Paradis, pl. 30 (1806).
Ceblepyris melanops, Temm. Man. d’Orn. i. p. Ixii (1820).

Graucalus melanops, Vig. & Horsf. Tr. Linn. Soc. xv. p. 216 (1826).
Graucalus melanotis, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1837, p. 143.

Campephaga melanops, Gray, Cat. B. N. Guin. p. 32 (1859).
Colluricincla concinna, Hutton, Cat. B. New Zealand, p. 15 (1871).

Ad. supra cinereus: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, primariis angusté,
secundariis latits albido marginatis: rectricibus nigricanti-brunneis, parte basali cinerea, pennis
externis ad apicem albis, duabus exterioribus graduatim obliqué albis, rectrice extima etiam albo mar-
ginatd: facie laterali tota nigra: gutture et pectore superiore cinereis dorso concoloribus: corpore reli-
quo subtits albo: rostro nigro versis basin mandibule brunnescente: pedibus saturaté brunneis

Adult. General plumage light cinereous or ashy grey; a patch of black fills the lores, crosses the eyes, and
covers the cheeks and ear-coverts ; on the upper part of the breast the grey fades into white, with a
purplish tinge; lower part of breast, lining of wings, flanks, abdomen, and under tail-coverts pure white ;
wing-feathers dark brown, the primaries narrowly and the secondaries broadly margined with greyish
white ; tail-feathers dark brown, the two middle ones tinged with ashy grey, especially in their basal
portion; the lateral ones tipped progressively outwards with white, the outermost one on each side
having an inch at the extremity and a narrow line along the apical portion of its outer web pure white.
Bill black, changing to brown at the base of the lower mandible ; legs blackish brown. Total length
13 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 5:5; bill, along the ridge ‘9, along the edge of lower mandible 1°25 ;
tarsus 1:12; middle toe and claw 1:2; hind toe and claw 1

THE example from which the above description is taken was shot by Mr. Giblin at Motueka, in
the Province of Nelson, and now forms part of the public collection in the Nelson Museum. Mr.
Huddleston informs me that he saw the bird in the flesh, and knows the precise locality in which
it was shot. There can be no doubt, therefore, as to the authenticity of the specimen, although
this is the only recorded instance of its occurrence in New Zealand. As the bird appears to be
quite unknown to the natives of the country, we may safely assume that this was merely an
accidental visitant from Australia, where this species is very plentiful.

eae
AAIDATUS anonsts
: ans Uste,
Cinere4
inere; wae
: a, peuus
etiam all
lam aido mar
us: co
: Corpore relj
by l=

r "y .
orunnels

s8e8 +} a“
es the eves, al

aul

nto white, witha
verts pure white;
ned with greyish
ly m their basal
me on each side
- web pure white.
n. Total length

oT mandible 1°25;

at Motuek, iD
Museu. Mr.
ality 1 wrbich
jmed; altboug!
1 appeals to be

was merely ab

CREADION CARUNCULATUS.

(Adult and’ Young.)

OnDEs P.

Bo omwnrOQURs

Fen

Orprr PASSERES.] (Fam. STURNIDA.

CREADION CARUNCULATUS.

(THE SADDLE-BACK.)

Wattled Stare, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. p. 9, pl. 36 (1783).

Sturnus carunculatus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 805 (1788, ex Lath.).

Creadion pharoides, Bonn. et Vieill. Enc. Méth. p. 874 (1823).

Icterus rufusater, Less. Voy. Coq. i. p. 649, pl. xxiii. fig. 1 (1826).

Xanthornus carunculatus, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astr. i. p. 212, pl. 12. fig. 4 (1830).
Oxystomus carunculatus, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 270 (1837).

Creadio carunculatus, Cab. Mus. Hein. Th. i. p. 218 (1850).

Creadion cinereus, Buller, Essay N.-Z. Orn. p. 10 (1865).

Native names.—Tieke, Tiraweke, and Purourou.

3 ad. nitid’ niger: dorso cum tectricibus alarum, supracaudalibus et subcaudalibus leté ferrugineis: carun-
culis rictalibus miniatis: rostro et pedibus nigris: iride nigricanti-brunnea.

2 mari similis, sed minor et carunculis minoribus distinguenda.

Juv. (C. cinereus, Buller) cinerascenti-brunneus, subtis pallidior: scapularibus alisque umbrino lavatis: supra-
\ caudalibus et subcaudalibus leté rufescentibus: tectricibus alarum minimis rufo maculatis.

Adult male.

General plumage glossy black; back, wing-coverts, upper and lower tail-coverts bright ferru-
ginous.

Irides blackish brown; bill and legs black; wattles varying in tint from a clear yellow to a
bright vermilion, being apparently affected by physical conditions, such as the health of the bird or
the temperature of the weather. Total length 10 inches; extent of wings 12°5; wing, from flexure, 4;

tail 3°5; bill, along the ridge 1° Le along the edge of lower mandible 1:4; tarsus 1°5; middle toe and
claw 1:25; hind toe and claw 1

Female. Of inferior size to the male, and having the wattles much reduced.

Young. The entire plumage dark cinereous brown, paler on the underparts, and tinged with umber on the

wings and scapulars; the upper and lower tail-coverts and a few spots on the small wing-coverts bright
rufous.

Obs. After examining the specimens in the Canterbury Museum exhibiting transitional states of plumage,

I cannot resist the conclusion that my C. cinereus is nothing but the young of this species; but it is a
very remarkable circumstance that it has never yet been met with by myself or, so far as I am aware,
by any other collector in the. North Island. Dr. Haast’s southern series consists of four specimens, all
obtained in one locality :—No. 1 has the entire plumage cinereous brown, tinged with rufous, the upper
and lower tail-coverts and the margins of the smaller wing-coverts dull rufous, and the fleshy wattles

x

150

very small: No. 2 presents a few black touches on the sides of the head and neck: No. 3 has some new
black feathers ct ie the crura of the lower mandible, also on the sides of the head and along the edges
of the wings ; er wing-coverts bright ferruginous; the half-grown new secondaries and tail-
feathers aie “black, the back and rump presenting indications of change: No. 4 is in the plumage
of the adult male as described above. Mr. Buchanan has observed the so-called C. cinereus in Otago
in the summer, and Captain Hutton saw four birds in this plumage near Collingwood in the month of
August ; while, in the North Island, I have obtained fully coloured examples of C. carunculatus all the
year round. It is sufficiently obvious, therefore, that the former cannot be a seasonal state of plumage.

Tus bird derives its popular name from a peculiarity in the distribution of its two strongly con-
trasted colours, black and ferruginous, the latter of which covers the back, forms a sharply defined
margin across the shoulders, and sweeps over the wings in a manner suggestive of saddle-flaps.
The colours, in the male bird especially, are of so decided a kind as to attract special attention,
to say nothing of the loud notes and eccentric habits of this remarkable bird. The bill is strong,
sharply cut, and wedge-shaped, being well adapted for digging into decaying vegetable matter in
search of larve, grubs, and insects, on which this species largely subsists. From the angle of the
mouth on each side there hangs a fleshy wattle, or caruncle, shaped like a cucumber-seed, and of a
changeable bright yellow colour. The wings are short and feeble, and the flight of the bird,
though rapid, is very laboured, and always confined to a short distance.

The range of this species extends as far north as the Lower Waikato, beyond which district
it is only rarely met with. It is numerous in the wooded ranges between Waikato Heads and
Raglan, and is occasionally found in the neighbourhood of the Hunua coal-fields; but I have
never heard of its occurrence in the Tauranga district, on the east coast, although I have an
excellent ornithological correspondent there. In the summer of 1852 I obtained a pair at the
Kaipara; but the bird was decidedly a rara avis, few of the natives in that part of the country
being familiar with it. Mr. Gilbert Mair met with it once at Kaitaia, near the North Cape, and
he afterwards saw a pair in the Maungatapere bush, near Whangarei. These are the only
instances I can give of its occurrence on the mainland north of Auckland; but, strange to say, it
is very plentiful on the Barrier Islands, in the Gulf of Hauraki. Mr. Layard was the first to
notice its existence there, having shot a specimen on the Little Barrier, which he visited, in com-
pany with Sir George Grey, in 1863. He speaks of it (Ibis, 1863, p. 244) as “an apparently very
rare bird;” but Captain Hutton, who visited these islands in December 1867, found it on both
the Great and Little Barrier, and “‘ very common” on the latter*.

It is comparatively abundant in the wooded hills in the vicinity of Wellington and in those
skirting the Tararua and Ruahine ranges; and it occurs also, and more plentifully, in many parts
of the South Island.

Dr. Hector has informed me of a peculiarity in the habits of this species, as observed by him
in Otago. It is accustomed to follow the flocks of Orthonyx ochrocephala through the bush; but
for what purpose it is difficult to imagine. Wherever he saw a flock of Yellow-heads there was
invariably one of these Saddle-backs in attendance, mingling freely with them and, as it were,
exercising a general supervision over the flock. He assures me that during many months’

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst, 1868, vol. i. p. 160.

situate
top, ar
Hymei
the Le
cembe
by Cay
spotter

I

succes
numbi

"CUlaty,

st rs)
ate of Pluman,
beba)

0 Sttongly Cn.
sharply defined
of S2ddle-fang
cial attention
e bill js stone
table matter jy
he angle of the
T-seed, and of g
ht of the bird,

1 which district
cato Heads and
is; but I have
ugh I have an
d a pair at the
of the country
jorth Cape, and
e are the only
range to say, it
was the first 10
visited, in col
apparently ve
yund it 02 bo

on and iD those

. jp many pars

151

residence in the woods he had almost daily opportunities of verifying his observations regarding
this very curious fact.

Active in all its movements, it seldom remains more than a few seconds in one position, but
darts through the branches or climbs the boles of the trees, performing the ascent by a succession
of nimble hops, and often spirally. It is naturally a noisy bird, and when excited or alarmed
becomes very clamorous, hurrying through the woods with cries of “ tiaki-rere,” quickly repeated.
At other times it has a scale of short fiute-notes, clear and musical; but the most remarkable
exhibition of its vocal powers takes place during the breeding-season, when the male performs to
his mate in a soft strain of exquisite sweetness. This love-song is heard only on a near approach,
and it is at first difficult to believe that so clamorous a bird could be capable of such tender
strains.

Captain Hutton discovered the nest of this species on the Little Barrier Island, It was
situated about two feet down the hollow stem of a dead tree-fern that had been broken off at the
top, and from which he saw a Saddle-back emerge. The nest was roughly composed of stems of
Hymenophyllum and dead fibres of nikau (Areca sapida), and lined with the fine papery bark of
the Leptospermum; and it contained three eggs, which, at the time they were found (De-
cember 27), had been slightly sat upon. One of these specimens was kindly forwarded to me
by Captain Hutton; it measures 1-4 inch in length by 1 in breadth, and is white, marked and
spotted, especially at the thicker end, with purplish brown of different shades.

I was informed by an intelligent Maori that this bird is accustomed to repair, for many
successive seasons, to the cavity in which it has once reared its brood, and that, although the
number of eggs is generally three, he has occasionally found a nest containing four.

OrpEr PASSERES. | [Fam. CORVIDA.

GLAUCOPIS WILSONL

(BLUE-WATTLED CROW.)

Glaucopis wilsoni, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Ay. i. p. 368 (1850).

Calleas wilsoni, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 227.

Calleas olivascens, Pelz. Verh. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien, 1867, p. 317, note.
Glaucopis olivascens, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 324.

Native name.—Kokako.

Ad. supra schistaceo-cinereus, subtiis paulld cyanescens: loris cum vitté frontali angusta, regione oculari
mentoque nigerrimis: facie laterali et gutture paulld canescentibus: fronte posticd et supercilio indi-
stincto albidis: caruncula rictali ovali utrinque cyane4é: remigibus et rectricibus nigricantibus dorsi
colore lavatis : rostro et pedibus nigris: iride saturaté brunnea.

Juv. dorso toto olivaceo-fusco: abdomine toto cum hypochondriis et subcaudalibus pallidé cinereo-brunneis :
carunculis minoribus, pallidé cyaneis.

Adult male. General plumage dark cinereous or bluish grey, tinged more or less on the upper surface of
the wings and tail and on the rump and abdomen with dull brown ; a band of velvety black, half an
inch broad, surrounds the base of the bill, fills the lores, and encircles the anterior portion of the eyes ;
immediately above this band and continued over the eyes light ashy grey, shading into the darker
plumage; quills and tail-feathers slaty black. Irides blackish brown; bill and legs black. The wattles,
which form a distinguishing feature in this bird, are, during life, of a bright ultramarine-blue; but they
fade soon after death and in the dried state become almost black. Total length 16°5 inches ; extent of
wings 20°5; wing, from flexure, 7°25; tail 7:75; bill, along the ridge 1:25, along the edge of lower
mandible 1; tarsus 2°5; middle toe and claw 2°15; hind toe and claw 1:

Female. Similar to the male, but more deeply tinged with brown on the lower part of the back, rump, and

abdomen.

Young. The young of both sexes have the whole of the back and the upper surface of the wings and tail, as
well as the sides of the body, dull olivaceous brown; the abdomen and under tail-coverts yellowish
brown ; the wattles smaller than in the adult and of a pale blue colour.

Note. Captain Hutton is of opinion that the female is “ rather larger than the male ;” but I have found the
size very variable in both sexes. Both the figure on our Plate and the measurements given above were
taken from an unusually fine male bird, shot by myself in the Upper Manawatu, and now in the

Colonial Museum.

Obs. As will be seen from the above synopsis, I am unable to admit the so-called Glaucopis olivascens to
the rank of a distinct species. It was founded on a specimen collected at Auckland by M. Zelebor,

» Tegione ocular
t supercilio indi
Sricantibus dor

inereo-brunneis:

; upper surface of
ty black, half an
rtion of the eyes;

into the darker
ck. The wattle,
e-blue; but they
nehes ; extent of
xe edge of lower

back, rump, ad

wings and til, 8
coverts yellowish

e
[ have found .
e wert

Ww pt ;

give
J

ane

, t0

-. glivasc™

ff ym
d by -"

GLAUCOPIS CINEREA.

GLAUCOPIS WILSONI.

THs sing
being very
the low-ti
During m
specimens
localities,
headwater
never fail
was, till -
parts of
Provinces
The
angles of
first spec
who brox
dusky ch
The

Tgan-no

heard tc

= Th
obseryin Fas

153
and the diagnostic characters by which it is distinguished from G. cinerea are the brownish-olive
colour of the back, wings, and tail, the greyish olive of the underparts, its greater size, and the “ dusky
colour of the mouth-caruncles.” As I have already shown, this description applies to the young of G.
wilsoni. The dusky colour of the wattles is of no value as a specific character, because, as already men-
tioned, these appendages entirely change colour in dried specimens, leaving no trace of the original
blue. Even in the living bird the colour of the wattles varies considerably in its tone, according to age
and other physical conditions; and Dr. Hector has observed that when in confinement its wattles
undergo remarkable variations, the exterior margin sometimes assuming a decided yellowish tinge, and
again changing back into blue. Dr. Hector writes me that of three specimens caught together, and

the third, which had large wattles, of a deep blue colour, and only a slight tinge of brown on the upper
parts, was unmistakably a female ; and he expresses his belief that Glaucopis olivascens is the male
of G. wilsoni. Accepting the result of Dr. Hector’s dissection as conclusive evidence of the sex in each
case, I should be inclined to pronounce his two brown-backed males birds of the first year, and the
female an adult in full breeding-plumage. I may add that the bird from which my description of the
adult male is taken was shot in company with two others (an adult female and a young male), all of
which were carefully sexed by myse

Tus singular representative of the Crow family is sparingly dispersed over the North Island,
being very local in its distribution. It is met with more frequently in the wooded hills than in
the low-timbered bottoms, but its range is too eccentric to be defined with any precision.
During many years’ residence at Kaipara, north of Auckland, I never obtained more than five
specimens, all of which were shot in the low-wooded spurs of the Tangihua ranges. In particular
localities, however, even further north, it is comparatively plentiful: for example, between the
headwaters of the Wairoa and Whangarei rivers there are several strips of forest in which I
never failed to meet with the Kokako; and in the Kaitara ranges in the Whangarei district it
was, till within the last few years, rather abundant. I have heard of its occurrence in various
parts of the Waikato district*, and in certain localities in the Hawke's Bay and Wellington
Provinces it is far from being an uncommon species.

The Kokako is adorned with fleshy wattles of a brilliant blue colour, which spring from the
angles of the mouth, and when the bird is in motion they are compressed under the chin. The
first specimen obtained from the Tangihua ranges was a fine bird in full plumage ; but the Maori
who brought it had torn off the beautiful wattles and pasted them, by way of ornament, on his
dusky cheeks.

The notes of the male are loud and varied; but the most noticeable one is a long-drawn
organ-note of surpassing depth and richness. I have not been able to discover whether the female
is similarly endowed, but I have often heard two or more Kokakos, each in a different key,
sounding forth these rich organ-notes with rapturous effect ; and it is well worth a night’s discom-
fort in the bush to be awakened at dawn by this rare forest music. Another of its notes may be
described as a loud cackle, while others, again, are scarcely distinguishable from those of the Tui,
resembling the soft tolling of a distant bell; but it is only in the early morning that they can be
heard to perfection.

* The Maoris state that it is common at Taupo and at Maungatautari, one of those whom I questioned on the subject
observing, ‘‘ Where the range of the Huia ceases, that of the Kokako begi

154

This species subsists chiefly on small fruits and berries. I have sometimes found its crop
distended with the ripe pulpy seed of the tataramoa (Rubus australis), or with the berries of the
kaiwiria (Parsonia albiflora); and it is said to feed also on the leaves of the thistle and wild
cabbage.

Its wings are small and rounded, and its flight is consequently feeble and generally limited
to very short distances. Its progression through the forest is usually performed by a succession
of hops, the wings and tail being partially spread—a movement precisely similar to that of the
Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) already described.

In disposition the Kokako appears to inherit the characteristics of the Crow family, being
very shy and crafty. I purchased a live one from the Otaki natives in the winter of 1862, and as
it shared my apartments for nearly a week (much to the discomfiture of my excellent landlady),
I had a good opportunity of studying its habits and character. I was often much amused with
the tricky manceuvres of this sprightly bird, and I regretted the accident which deprived me of so
intelligent a companion. It generally remained concealed under a side-table in a dark corner of
the room; but in cold weather was accustomed to steal quietly to the inside of the fender, in
order to get warmth from the fire. My presence had become familiar to it, but on the entrance
of a stranger it would immediately spring out and hop away to its dark retreat under the corner
table.

Nothing is yet positively known of the breeding-habits of this species. A young settler,
who, in addition to being a son of the soil, was well skilled in all bush-craft, assured me that he
once met with a Kokako’s nest fixed in a mass of kareao vines (Rhipogonum scandens), and he
described it as being of very large size and composed of moss and dry twigs—such a nest, indeed,
as we should naturally expect to find tenanted by a bird of this family. A Maori at Wellington
described the nest to me in similar terms, with the further information that the Kokako lays
a single egg, and after hatching it, leaves its offspring to the care of the Popokatea (Orthonyx
albicilla)! He stated this as a verity, declaring that he had himself witnessed this little bird
feeding the young Kokako; and while unable, at present, to accept so new a fact in natural
history, I am bound to admit that the accounts which my informant gave me of the breeding-habits
of the Warauroa (Chrysococcyx lucidus) and other birds about which I questioned him were
perfectly correct.

Ono P

sssEB

Ciner ee
Glawco
Crypto
Callwa

Ad. similis
gueni

Adult. S$
feath

Partial a
Tray
as i
mar
and

Trig spec
resemblar
Island sp
plentiful
Woods; y
Testricte¢
abound :

The
Mr, Buc
frequent

SeUerally |
he ty lini,

aT to
that , of
the

OW family,

r of 1869.

lepr

of the fender, jy
OM the entrance

md
Under the come

A young settler
sured me that he
candens), and he
ch a nest, indeed,
ri at Wellington
the Kokako lays
okatea (Orthonye
1 this little bird
5 fact in naturl
e breeding-habits
tioned him wert

Orver PASSERES. | (Fam. CORVID AL.

GLAUCOPIS CINEREA.

(ORANGE-WATTLED CROW.)

Cinereous Wattle-bird, Lath. Gen. Syn. i. p. 364, pl. xiv. (1781).

Glaucopis cinerea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 363 (1788).

Cryptorhina callwas, Wagl. Syst. Av. Cryptorhina, sp. 5 (1827, ex Forster, MSS.).
Callwas cinerea, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 74 (1844).

Native name.—Kokako.

Ad. similis G. wilsoni, vix saturatior, paulld minor: carunculis aurantiacis ad basin tanttim cyaneis distin-

guendus

Adult. Similar in plumage to G. wilsoni, but with less of the brown tinge on the lower parts, and the tail-
feathers blackish towards the tips. It is readily distinguished, however, by the colour of the wattles,
which are of a rich orange, changing sometimes to vermilion, and blue at the base. Inides blackish
brown; bill and feet black. Total length 16 inches; wing, from flexure, 6°25 ; tail 7; bill, along the
ridge 1:25, along the edge of lower mandible 1; tarsus 2‘5; middle toe and claw 2°15; hind toe and
claw 1°5

Partial albino. There is an interesting specimen in the Colonial Museum, which was obtained by Mr. Henry
Travers at the foot of Mount Franklin, in the Spencer ranges, in January 1869. The general plumage
as in ordinary specimens; hind head, sides and fore part of neck, and the whole of the back largely
marked with pure white: one or two of the quills in each wing are either wholly or partially white,
and there are a few scattered white feathers on the sides, abdomen, and thighs.

Tus species is the South-Island representative of Glaucopis wilsont, to which it bears a general
resemblance, except in the colour of its wattles and its rather smaller size. Like the North-
Island species also, its distribution is very irregular: thus, in Otago, Dr. Hector found it very
plentiful on Mount Cargill and in a strip of bush near Catlin River, but never in the intervening
woods; while, in the Nelson Province, as I am informed by Mr. Travers, its range is exclusively
restricted to certain well-defined localities, although the berries on which it,is accustomed to feed
abound everywhere. It is said to be very abundant on some of the wooded ranges of Westland,
and Dr. Haast has obtained numerous specimens from the Oxford ranges in the Province of
Canterbury.

The habits of this bird differ in no essential respect from those of the preceding species.
Mr. Buchanan, of the Geological Survey, has mentioned to me a very curious circumstance
frequently observed by himself at Otago: he has seen these birds travelling through the bush on

156

foot, Indian fashion, sometimes as many as twenty of them in single file, passing rapidly over the
ground by a succession of hops, and following their leader like a flock of sheep; for, if the first
bird should have occasion to leap over a stone or fallen tree in the line of march, every bird in
the procession follows suit accordingly !

I saw a pair of caged ones in the possession of Mr. M°Nee at Hokitika, who told me that he
had snared them in the woods with perfect ease; they were apparently quite reconciled to con-
finement, hopping from perch to perch in a very lively manner, and occasionally meeting to utter
a low chuckling note, as if in confidential intercourse. I observed that they usually carried the
wattles firmly compressed under the rami of the lower jaw.

Who tolq m

\ thay he
ite Teg, NCilag t :
ally Meeting
y .

OnpEe col

CARPOPHAGA NOVA ZEALANDIAZ .

Orprr COLUMB&. |) [Fam. COLUMBIDA.

CARPOPHAGA NOVA ZEALANDIA

(NEW-ZEALAND PIGEON.)

New-Zealand Pigeon, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 640 (1783).

Columba nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 773 (1788).

Columba zealandica, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 603 (1790).

Columba spadicea, Less. Voy. Coq. i. p. 710 (1826).

Columba spadicea leucophwa, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. xvi. p. 319 (1841).
Carpophaga nove seelandie, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 194 (1843).
Columba argetrwa, Forst. Descr. An. p. 80 (1844).

Hemiphaga nove-zealandie, Bonap. C. R. xxxix. p. 1077 (1854).

Native names.—Kuku, Kukupa, and Kereru.

Ad. dorso eeneo-ferrugineo: pileo antico leté metallicé viridi, posticé cum nuché et colli lateribus magis zneo
nitentibus, his cyanescente tinctis: dorso postico et uropygio nitidé viridibus cyanescente lavatis, supra-
caudalibus olivascenti-viridibus eeneo lavatis: tectricibus alarum minoribus et majoribus dorso proximis
eeneo-ferrugineis dorso concoloribus, majoribus et medianis exterioribus nitidé viridibus : remigibus
nigris supra cyanescenti-viridi nitentibus, secundariis zeneo lavatis: caudd nigra supra saturaté viridi
lavata, subtts nigricante, pennis omnibus versts apicem cinerascentibus : facie laterali cum gutture toto
et pectore superiore letissimé metallicé viridibus: corpore reliquo subtus puré albo: subcaudalibus cine-
rascentibus: subalaribus cinereis: rostro coccineo, versus apicem flavicante: pedibus coccineis :
coccineé, annulo ophthalmico pallidé rubro.

iride

Adult male. Head, neck, and fore part of breast shining gold-green, changing according to the angle of
view; nape, shoulders, and upper surface of wings, as far as the carpal joint, coppery purple, with bright
metallic reflections where this colour blends with the green of the surrounding parts; back and rump
greyish green, with dull metallic reflections ; quills and their coverts bronzy green, with the inner webs
dusky, the secondaries tinged with coppery purple; an obscure band of grey (more conspicuous in the
young bird) crosses the outer webs of the primaries, being widest on the fifth and sixth quills; tail-
feathers black, with blue reflections on their edges, and terminally margined with brown; under surface
of tail-feathers silvery grey towards the base, especially on the outer ones, blackish in their apical por-
tion, with lighter tips; their upper coverts dull shining green; underparts from the breast downwards
pure white, the lower tail-coverts tinged with yellow; lining of wings delicate ash-grey. The line of
demarcation between the lustrous green and the white is well defined, crossing the breast with an easy
curve and terminating immediately above the insertion of the wings, so that when-the bird is at rest a
narrow margin of white appears over the bend of each wing. JIvides and feet carmine-red; soles yellow

and covered with small flattened papillz; claws black ; bill carmine-red in its basal half, changing to

yellow towards the tip; eyelids pale red, with a reticulate margin, imparting to the brilliantly coloured
eyes a very soft expression. Total length 21 inches; extent of wing 32; wing, from flexure, 10°75

Y

158

tail 8°5; bill, along the ridge °75, along the edge of lower mandible 1-4; middle toe and claw 2°25; the
lateral toes equal, being *75 shorter; hind toe 1°4.

Female. Hardly distinguishable from the male, but with the metallic tints of the plumage somewhat duller.

Young. In the young bird the underparts have a rufous tinge, which is deepest on the flanks and under
tail-coverts ; the bill and irides are of a lighter colour than in the adult, and the feet instead of being
carmine are of a bright coral-red; the soles pale brown instead of yellow.

Obs. Before arriving at full maturity the plumage is subject to slight variations. It is not unusual to find
the under tail-coverts pale rufous and the white plumage of the underparts clouded or marked with
grey.

Varieties. Partial albinos, or light-coloured varieties, are occasionally met with. A specimen presented to
me by Mr. Edward Hardcastle, of Hokitika, has the head, neck, fore part of the breast, and all the
upper parts pale yellowish brown, more or less glossed with purple ; the wing-coverts and scapulars
stained towards the tips with coppery brown; the quills and tail-feathers uniform pale yellowish brown,
tinged with vinous, the tips of the latter paler. In another specimen, shot at. Maungakaramea, near
Whangarei, and for which I am indebted to Mr. Henry Mair, the neck, shoulders, back, upper
tail-coverts, scapulars, and wing-coverts present scattered feathers of pure white, imparting to the
plumage of the upper parts a spotted appearance. Both of these specimens are now in the Colonial
Museum. A third example, in the possession of Mr. William Luxford, of Wellington, has the head,
neck, shoulders, and upper wing-coverts coppery brown, and the rest of the upper parts pale grey; the
primary quills tinged with brown at the tips; the under parts of the body white. The occurrence of
these varieties will sufficiently account for the notice, by Hombron and Jacquinot, of Carpophaga
spadicea leucophea, which they describe as follows :—“ back and wing-coverts undulated with rufous ;
head, occiput, cheeks, and back of neck grey, marked with paler; quills and tail sooty grey, the latter
tipped with white; underparts of throat and breast brownish grey, traversed with grey more or less
pure; belly and under tail-coverts all white.”

Remarks. The head is small, the neck of moderate length, and the body full, with a prominent and rounded
reast ; the primaries graduate upwards to the third and fourth, which are generally of equal length ; the
fifth is slightly shorter, and the rest are rapidly diminished ; the secondaries are broad and rounded ;
the tail-feathers large and even, forming together an ample fan when the tail is expanded. The plumage
is thick and compact, and each feather is furnished with a dense undergrowth of downy plumules of
extreme fineness, which branch laterally from both sides of the shaft. This peculiarity is most fully
developed in the long plumage of the back, where only the tips of the feathers assume the surface
character. By this wise provision of nature, the bird is perfectly clothed in a thick undercovering of
soft down, and much warmth imparted to the body. The tarsus is completely concealed. On moving
the lowest feathers, however, two broad scutella are exposed ; on the middle toe there are 11 scutella,
on the outer toe 10, on the inner toe 7, and on the hind toe 4.

Or the large and well-defined group of fruit-eating Pigeons found dispersed over the sea-girt
lands of the southern hemisphere, the single species inhabiting New Zealand is undoubtedly one
of the finest both for size and brilliancy of plumage. As the habits of Pigeons, however, are
very much the same all the world over, I do not consider it necessary to enter very minutely into
the history of the present bird.

In it

to poth M
yeat, affo
the loud |
push, an
an unust
In some
have nev
persisten
66 geason
abundan
less vari:
land, wh
two mor
was har‘

n

autumn
extreme
a peculi

its fles

sh
spring
in bod
Tanges
Were j

}

d

Clay 9.9.
“ the

x.
Mewhs: day
et,
flani.
anks and de
Mstead of hin
?
* NORA yf
or Marked vith

hen Presented t,
Cast, and all the
n i Scapular
— ish bromn,
Sakaramea, nes
Ts, back, Upper
Mparting to the
W in the Colonial
n, has the head,
is pale grey; the
‘he occurrence of
» Of Carpophaga
ed with rufous;
y grey, the latter
rey more or less

ent and rounded
qual length ; the
d and rounded;
1. The plumage

undercovertag of
J. On morilg
OU,

, are Il scutela,

er the geargitt

power? a :
minute yo

159

In its native country it is less esteemed for its beauty than for its value as an article of food ; and
to both Maoris and colonists, in every part of New Zealand, pigeon-shooting, at certain seasons of the
year, affords agreeable recreation, while to many it is a source of profitable employment. Owing to
the loud beating of its wings in its laboured flight it is readily found, even in the thickest part of the
bush, and being naturally a stupid bird it is very easily shot ; so that in a favourable locality it is not
an unusual thing for a sportsman single-handed to bag fifty or more in the course of a morning.
In some districts the slaughter has been so great during a productive season that the Pigeons
have never afterwards recovered their numbers; but in most of our woods, notwithstanding this
persistent persecution, they reappear in each successive year in undiminished plenty. ‘Lhe
“ season” is indicated by the ripening of certain berries on which this species subsists; and the
abundance of the birds is regulated to a great extent by that of the food-supply, which is more or
less variable. A sporting gentleman pointed out to me a taraire grove at Ramarama, near Auck-
land, where in 1869 he found the Pigeons so numerous that he shot eighty-five in the course of
two mornings; but in the following year, owing to the partial failure of the taraire berry, there
was hardly one to be seen there.

In the spring and early summer it is generally very lean and unfit for the table; but as
autumn advances and its favourite berries ripen, it rapidly improves in condition, till it becomes
extremely fat. It is esteemed most by epicures when feeding on the mast of the miro, which imparts
a peculiar richness to the flesh. In January the berries of the kohutuhutu, poroporo, kaiwiria,
puriri, mangiao, and tupakihi constitute its ordinary bill of fare. From February to April their
place is supplied by those of the tawa, matai, kahikatea, mapau, titoki, and maire. It is worth
remarking that in localities where it happens to be feeding exclusively on the pulpy fruit of the
kahikatea, it is not only in very poor condition, but acquires a disagreeable flavour from the
turpentine contained in the seeds. ‘Towards the close of this period also, the ti-palm, which
comes into full bearing only at intervals of three or four years, occasionally supplies this bird with
an abundant feast. These tropical-looking palms often form extensive groves in the open
country or in swampy situations ; and when the Pigeons resort to them they are speared and snared
in great numbers by the Maoris, an expert hand sometimes taking as many as sixty in a single
day. In May and June it feeds chiefly on the miro and pate, when it reaches its prime and is
much sought after. From July to September it lives almost entirely on taraire in the north, and
on hinau, koeka, ramarama, and other smaller berries in the south. During the months of
October, November, and December it is compelled to subsist in a great measure upon the green
leaves of the kowhai (Sophora tetraptera) and of several creeping plants. It also feeds on the
tender shoots of the puwha, a kind of sow-thistle; and the flesh then partakes of the bitterness
of that plant. When the bird is feeding wholly on the dark berries of the wawao the colour of
its flesh is said to become affected by that of the food.

The Pigeon-season, however, is to some extent contingent on locality: for example, in the

spring of 1863, 1 found these birds in the Upper Manawatu living on kowhai-leaves, and so lean
in body as to be scarcely worth powder and shot, while in the low timbered flats under the
ranges, where they were feeding on the ripe berries of the karaka (Corynocarpus levigata), they
were in excellent condition.
Mr. Gilbert Mair, who kept a winged bird in his possession for about eight months, informs
Y¥2

160

me that it fed readily on boiled potato, rice, wheat, and berries of every kind, and that it
ultimately died of sheer fatness. It continued shy and untamable to the last, and on being
handled would strike fiercely with its wings. The late Dr. Allison, of Wanganui, however,
succeeded in rearing a young one which became perfectly tame and associated with his domestic
pigeons. I may also mention here, as a somewhat curious fact, that at the Chatham Islands, in
1855, I observed one of these birds flying and consorting with a flock of common dove-cot
Pigeons which had taken to the woods and become partially wild.

The New-Zealand Pigeon is strictly arboreal, and appears, as a rule, to prefer the densest
foliage. When not engaged in filling its capacious crop with fruit or berries, it generally reposes
on a thick limb, with the tail drooping and half spread, the wings closely folded, and the head
drawn in; but on the slightest alarm it stretches up its lustrous neck, and gently sways its head
to and fro, uttering a scarcely audible coo, slowly repeated.

This species retires to the high wooded lands of the interior to breed; and its nest is
therefore seldom met with. It is a very rude, flat structure, composed of twigs loosely placed
together, and containing generally only one, but sometimes two eggs. These are rather elliptical
in form, measuring 1°5 inch in length by 1-1 in breadth; the surface is smooth without being
glossy, and as a rule pure white, but sometimes marked with obscure purplish spots at the
thicker end. Mr. J. D. Enys informs me that on the 8th of January, 1862, he found a nest
containing one egg perfectly fresh, on the 31st of the same month another containing a young
Pigeon fully fledged, and on the 3rd of February two more nests, in both of which there was a
solitary half-grown bird.

I have remarked a peculiar soaring habit which this bird indulges in during the breeding-
season. Mounting high in the air, in a direct upward course, it suddenly opens its wings and
tail to their full extent, and glides slowly downwards in an oblique direction, and without any
apparent movement of those members.

I very frequently observed this peculiar soaring flight during my ascent of the Upper Wairoa
river, north of Auckland, where the solitudes of the endless pine-forests afford this species a secure
and quiet breeding-place.

ee

tie
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ind its hest jg
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s its wings and
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ORDER

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A

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Orver GALLINA. ]

(Fam. TETRAONID/.

COTURNIX NOVA ZEALANDIA
(NEW-ZEALAND QUAIL.)

Coturnix nove Zealandiw, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astr. (Zool.)i. p. 242, pl. 24. fig. 1 (1830).

Native name.—Koreke.

¢ ad. supra rufescenti-brunneus: dorsi plumis medialiter fulvo striatis, utrinque nigro marginatis, plumis

quibusdam nigro irregulariter maculatis aut vermiculatis: pileo saturatiiis brunneo, supercilio
et lined verticali fulvescentibus: collo postico et laterali fulvescente: facie laterali et gutture toto
castaneis, genis et regione auriculari paulld nigricante variis: tectricibus alarum minimis et medianis
dorso concoloribus, his magis fulvescentioribus: remigibus nigricantibus, secundariis angusté fulvo
vermiculatis: rectricibus nigris, fulvo transfasciatis, scapis etiam rufescenti-fulvis : subtis albicans,
pectore superiore et abdomine imo fulvescentibus: pectoris plumis nigro marmoratis, fascia lata nigra
transfasciatis, abdominis plumis fasciis sagittiformibus nigris notatis : hypochondriis rufescenti-fulvis
nigro transversim irregulariter fasciatis, et conspicué medialiter albo striatis: crisso et subcaudalibus
nigro notatis et fasciatis: subalaribus albidis, angusté brunneo marginatis, margine alari brunneo
vario: rostro nigro, versus apicem dilutiore: pedibus pallidé carneis : iride pallidé brunneda.

2 ad. mari similis, sed paulld major, ubique dilutior: facie castaned et pectore nigro absentibus : facie laterali

3 juv.

Q juv.

guttureque fulvescenti-albis, ill4 brunneo maculaté: corpore reliquo subtus rufescente, abdomine medio
albicante, plumis omnibus nigro marginatis, pectoris plumis et hypochondriis medialiter albo lineatis.

similis feminz adultz, sed facie laterali et gutture pallidé rufescentibus: corporis subtts plumis latits
nigro marginatis.

similis femine adultz, sed corporis subtis plumis magis distincté nigro marginatis.

Adult male. Crown of the head and nape dark brown edged with paler, a series of feathers down the

centre and on the sides marked in the middle with yellowish white; shoulders, mantle, and all the
upper surface rufous brown, beautifully varied with black, and marked with numerous lanceolate stripes
of white. On closer examination it will be found that this effect is produced by each feather having a
broad lanceolate mark of white down the shaft, bordered on each side with black, dark brown on the
webs, fancifully rayed, or banded transversely, and largely tipped with rufous brown. Lores, line over
the eyes, sides of head, and throat rufous, with a lunar mark from the ear-coverts on each side, and an
anterior edging or border of black ; lower part of the neck mottled or obscurely spotted with black and
white, the former preponderating; examined separately, however, each feather is black crossed by
irregular bands and largely tipped with white; sides and long plumage overlapping the thighs rufous
brown, each feather margined and marked down the centre with white, and handsomely streaked and
barred on the webs with brownish black ; abdomen fulvous white, the under tail-coverts barred with
black ; primaries and outer secondaries dark brown, the latter rayed on their outer webs with zigzag lines
of paler brown; inner secondaries and all the wing-coverts, as well as the tail-feathers, greyish brown,
varied with pale rufous, each feather with a narrow shaft-line of white. Irides light hazel; bill black,
paler at the tip; tarsi and toes pale flesh-brown. ‘Total length 8-5 inches; extent of wings 14;
wing, from flexure, 4°25; tail 1:5; bill, along the ridge +5, along the edge of lower mandible -6;
tarsus 1; middle toe and claw 1°25.

162
Adult female. In the female there is no rufous colour on the face or throat; the upper surface is cats, ®
light ferruginous brown mixed with fulvous, and handsomely varied with black ; the lanceolate stripes (a it
are yellowish white, changing to fulvous on the longer secondaries and on the lower part of the back; it will
the throat, fore neck, sides, and flanks ferruginous brown, and the breast fulvous white, all more or less places
varied with black; on the neck and breast each feather is marked near the tip with a broad crescent, appeal
and on the webs with irregular spots of brownish black; the feathers covering the sides, and the long follow’
feathers overlapping the thighs, have a broad stripe of white down the shaft and are streaked and
marbled on both webs with black; the abdomen is white, the sides fulvous and the under tail-coverts (Phas
dark fulvous varied with black. The female is, moreover, slightly larger than the male in all its Califor
proportions. mentio
will be
Young male. In the young male the prevailing colour of the upper surface more nearly approaches that of conditi
the adult female. The rufous colouring on the cheeks and throat is very pale, and the lunate marks Ty
are less distinct than in the adult. The plumage of the underparts is largely washed with fulvous, and
the dark crescents are broader and more conspicuous. sudden
On one
Young female. The only perceptible difference in the markings of the young female is that the dark own es
crescents on the under surface are better defined and less blotched than in the adult bird. In my collec- hours 1
tion there are two young females from the same nest, in one of which the prevailing tint of the plumage ing ov
resembles that of the adult female, while in the other it approaches very near to that of the adult male. looked
Very young state. Crown of the bead light fulvous varied with dark brown; ear-spots black ; back and M
upper surface of wings yellowish brown, with dull black markings, each feather with a lanceolate stripe / experil
of fulvous white down the centre; throat and foreneck buffy white; breast and underparts pale buff, J abundé
each feather marked near the tip with two converging elongate spots of a dull black colour. Bill, tarsi, cover Cc
and toes pale brown. When
; ue : land ; 1
Obs. A beautiful male specimen obtained many years ago at Whangarei, in the North Island, and presented :
to me by Major Mair, differs from all my South-Island examples in having the whole of the plumage numer
darker, the breast being almost entirely brownish black, relieved only by a few touches of fulvous white ; ‘Journ
the rufous colour on the face and throat is brighter, the lanceolate markings on the upper surface are of the
very distinct, and the abdomen is fulvous. A
E i : : : i : of a Pp
Note. Our drawing of the male is from a specimen obtained by Mr. French in Canterbury more than twelve IGOR
years ago, and now in the possession of George Dawson Rowley, Esq., at Brighton. The figure of the iiss
female is from a specimen belonging to the Marquis of Huntley. 1869,
the mx
entire]
Tus handsome species—the only indigenous representative in New Zealand of the order Galline— h
is now on the verge of extinction. In the early days of the colony it was excessively abundant in shalloy
all the open country, and especially on the grass-covered downs of the South Island. ‘The first me ao
settlers, who carried with them from the old country their traditional love of sport, enjoyed some shoo tit
excellent Quail-shooting for several years; and it is matter of local history that Sir D. Monro and ping g
Major Richmond, in 1848, shot as many as forty-three brace in the course of a single day within pee :
a few miles of what is now the city of Nelson: while a Canterbury writer has recorded that of at .
‘‘in the early days, on the plains near Selwyn, a bag of twenty brace of Quail was not looked a 1
upon as extraordinary sport for a day’s shooting.” But, partly owing to the introduction of dogs, a

th
Up
> the a
the la Uefa .
) Deeg), ek
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P With pe Ole
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an the “et
the Male in :
ty
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* 8PProaches that op
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the lunate
ashed With fal digs
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Vous, and
Male js +),
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ult bir |
igs d. In MY Colley.
ing tint of the
IME OF the plumace

that of the adult mal

spots black
pots black ; back and

mith a lanceolate stripe

{ underparts pale buf

ck colour. Bill, tari,

: Island, and presentet
whole of the plumage
ches of fulvous white;

the upper surface are

yury more than twelre

The figure of the

he order Galline—
y abundant ip
id. The fis!

ssivel

165

cats, and rats, and partly to the prevalence of the so-called “ bush-fires,” or burning of the runs
(a necessary incident of sheep-farming in a new country), the Quail has rapidly disappeared, and
it will ere long be numbered among the many extinct forms of animal life in New Zealand. Its
place, however, has been more than adequately supplied by several introduced species, all of which
appear to thrive well and multiply in their new home. Among these we may enumerate the
following as being now permanently established in the country, viz. the common English Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus), the Chinese Pheasant (P. torquatus), the Partridge (Perdix cinerea), the
Californian Quail (Orty« californicus), and the Australian Quail (Coturnia pectoralis). The last-
mentioned bird closely resembles the subject of this notice both in appearance and habits; and it
will be curious to observe whether it will succeed in resisting for any length of time those physical
conditions which have proved so fatal to the indigenous species.

The Hon. Mr. Stafford related to me the following circumstance in illustration of the
suddenness with which the Quail disappeared from localities where it had once been plentiful :—
On one occasion about the year 1848, accompanied by two other sportsmen, he went out to his
own estate, about thirty miles from Nelson, for a day’s Quail-shooting ; and in the course of a few
hours the party bagged 293 brace. In the hope of preserving the game, he prohibited any shoot-
ing over this ground during the following year; but in the ensuing season, when he naturally
looked for some good sport, there was not a single Quail to be found!

Mr. Weld (the present Governor of Western Australia), about the same period, tried a similar
experiment on his property at Stonyhurst, but with no better success. Finding the Quails very
abundant in a particular locality, and being anxious to preserve them, he protected a suitable
cover of about 2000 acres, never allowing the sheep upon it, nor permitting fires to overrun it.
When this protection was first extended, there were almost incredible numbers of Quails on the
land; but in less than a year they had all disappeared. In 1851 Dr. Shortland found it very
numerous on the open downs of Waikouaiti*; and as late as 1861, as we learn from Dr. Haast’s
‘Journal of Exploration in the Nelson Province,’ it was “ still very abundant on the grassy plains
of the interior, rising close to the feet of the traveller at almost every step.”

A specimen was shot by Major Mair at Whangarei in 1860; Dr. Hector reports the taking
of a pair at Mangawhai in 1866; Mr. Gilbert Mair saw one at Maketu in 1867; and the Hon.
J.C. Richmond met with some in the Taranaki district in the months of November and December
1869. These are, I believe, the last recorded instances of its occurrence in the North Island. In
the more retired portions of the South Island it is still occasionally to be found; but it has
entirely disappeared from the settled country on the eastern side of the Alps.

In the autumn of 1860 I met with a bevy of nine on a dry grassy ridge in the midst of some
shallow swamps about two miles from Kaiapoi (in the Province of Canterbury); and having with
me a good pointer, I fortunately succeeded in bagging the whole of them. They afforded capital
shooting, rising quickly and, after a low rapid flight of fifty yards or more in a direct line, drop-
ping suddenly into the grass again. The stomachs of those I opened contained green blades of
grass and a few bruised seeds, as well as some small fragments of quartz. The bevy consisted
of an adult male and female, with seven birds of the first year; and as we may infer from the
circumstances under which they were found that they comprised a single family, we have some

* Southern Districts of New Zealand, p. 187.

164

evidence that this species is not less prolific than the other members of the extensive tribe to
which it belongs.

Mr. Potts has furnished* the following interesting observations on the habits of this expiring
species :—

“On the ground their movements are active; sometimes they may be seen indulging in a
dust-bath, as they lie basking in the sun; unless suddenly startled, they almost always maintain
that plump rounded appearance which characterizes several genera of the Tetraonide. From
tolerably close observation, we are inclined to suppose that their organs of hearing are far less
acute than those of sight. They often give utterance. to a low purring sound that one might
suppose to proceed from an insect rather than from a bird. The call is indulged in most
frequently during moist or wet weather; it sounds something like “ twit, twit, twit, twee-twit,”
repeated several times in quick succession. In very stormy gusty weather these birds appear dull
and silent, secreting themselves among thick tussocks. When flushed, they do not rise perpen-
dicularly, but still very straight for a few feet from the ground. In confinement they are fond
of picking about amongst sand, and thrive well on soaked bread, grain of various kinds, and the
larve of insects. The male is not an attentive mate at feeding-time; and where several are kept
in the same enclosure, constant little bickerings take place without actual hostilities being
indulged in. The eggs require twenty-one days’ incubation; and the chicks are most active
directly they emerge from the shell. They grow very rapidly; and at-about four months old
the young cannot very readily be distinguished from adult birds, either by contrast of size or
plumage.”

There is a specimen of the egg of this species (probably the only one in Europe) in Professor
Newton’s fine collection at Cambridge; and there are five examples in the Canterbury Museum
which exhibit a slight variation in form and a considerable difference in colour. Two of them
(presumably from the same nest) are of a regular oval form and of equal size, measuring 13 inch
in length by 1 in breadth; these are of a pale yellowish-brown or buff colour, thickly marked
with umber, the dark colour often preponderating and having the appearance of daubs or smudges
on the outer surface of the shell. Two others (also exactly alike) are of a slightly larger size and
of a thicker or broader form; these are of a dull cream-colour, sprinkled and minutely dotted all
over with blackish brown. In one of them the spots are confluent at the larger end, forming a
greyish-brown patch nearly half an inch in diameter ; and in both the more conspicuous spots have
alight or faded centre. The fifth egg is smaller and more rounded than any of the rest; it is of a
yellowish-white colour, covered all over, but more thickly at the ends, with small smudgy spots
of umber; and it has likewise a more glossy appearance than the others.

On comparing the eggs of this species with those of Coturnix pectoralis, of Australia, there
is a manifest difference, those of the latter bird being, as a rule, creamy white, with very obscure
surface-spots,

* Trans, New-Zealand Inst. 1870, vol. iii, p. 93,

he
EXten.:
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it four months olj

¥ contrast of size or

Europe) in Professor
Canter! Ury Museum
ur. Two of then

, measuring 13 inch
var, thickly marked

f daubs or smudges

ghtly larger size and
1 minutely dotted al

-

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small smudgy spots

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ORDER
Ad. 3
Ad. 9
Adu
Adu,
You
Fled

“SITV4LSNVY SNWOUGADO ‘Madva SNWOUGADO

Orver GRALL/:.] (Fam. RALLIDA,

-OCYDROMUS EARLI.

(NORTH-ISLAND WOODHEN.)

Ocydromus earli, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 238.
Native name.—W eka.

Ad. & rufescenti-fulvus : plumis corporis superioris medialiter nigricantibus, rufescenti-fulvo marginatis : pileo
summo et collo postico saturaté rufescenti-fulvis indistincté nigro variis: supercilio distincto sordidé
cinereo, parte anticA fulvescente: facie laterali rufescente, regione parotic& fulvo varid: genis cum collo
laterali imo et gutture toto sordidé cinereis: pectore superiore et laterali rufescente: corpore reliquo
subtis letitis cinereo, hypochondriis rufescenti-brunneis: rostro brunneo, versus apicem cinerascenti-
corneo, culmine saturatiore: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride rufescenti-brunnea.

Ad. 2 mari similis, sed valdé minor et obscurior.

Adult male. Upper parts rufous fulvous, darkest on the crown and nape, each feather shaded with black in
the centre ; throat, fore neck, a superciliary streak widening outwards and extending to the nape, lower
part of breast and the abdomen dull cinereous, tinged more or less with rufous ; lores, sides of the head
and neck, upper part of breast and surface of wings bright rufous fulvous; lower part of back, rump,
sides of the body, and thighs obscure rufous brown; wing-feathers fuscous black, with rufous-brown
edges, the primaries banded on their inner vane with bright rufous; tail-feathers fuscous black, with
paler edges; under tail-coverts fuscous, banded with bright rufous. The feathers of the body are
plumbeous at the base, with pure white shafts. Irides reddish brown; bill reddish brown, darker on
the ridge, and changing to horn-grey at the tip; tarsi and toes pale brown, claws darker. Total length
21 inches; extent of wings 22°5; wing, from flexure, 7:75; tail 4°75; bill, along the ridge 2, along the
edge of lower mandible 2°25; tarsus 2°5; middle toe and claw 3; hind toe and claw 1

Adult female. Plumage similar to that of the male, but generally of a darker shade, and with the barred
markings on the primaries more regular and distinct. It may readily be distinguished by its smaller
size. An example taken on the nest (with egg and young bird) gave the following measurements :—
Length 17 inches; extent of wings 19°5 ; wing, from flexure, 7; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 1-75, along
the edge of lower mandible 2; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2°5; hind toe and claw ‘75.

Young. ‘The colours of the underparts duller and more blended than in the adult; upper parts darker and
more uniform in colour. Throat, breast, and under surface generally dull brownish grey, paler on the

throat, washed with ferruginous on the lower part of fore neck and on the sides of the body; no rufous
band on the sides of the face.

Fledgeling. The whole of the plumage of a dingy rufous brown, the feathers of the upper parts shaded in
the centre with fuscous black ; paler on the underparts ; tinged on the sides of the head and breast with
cinereous ; feet pale brown. In the specimen above described there is no appearance yet of quills, and

Z

166

there is much fluffy down still adhering to the plumage, especially on the head, lower part of back, and
flanks.

Chick. Covered with soft down of a brownish-black colour; bill dark brown, with a small white speck near
the tip of the upper mandible.

Obs. Individuals vary considerably in the general tone of their plumage, as well as in the details of their
colouring, seldom two specimens being found exactly alike. The ground-colour of the upper parts
varies from a dingy rufous brown to a bright reddish fulvous. In some specimens the soft overlapping
plumage of the wings is banded on both webs with light fulvous brown. The extent of the rufous
colouring on the breast likewise varies very much, and in some specimens is entirely wanting, while in
others in which this feature is conspicuous the rufous bands on the under tail-coverts are absent. This
individual variability of colour, although due in some measure to conditions of age and sex, is character-
istic of the genus.

Partial albino. The following is the description of a very singular specimen obtained in the Manawatu
district, and presented to me by Mr. J. 'T. Stewart, the Provincial Engineer :—Ground-colours as in the
ordinary bird, but the whole body covered with straggling pure white feathers, especially on the crown,
back, wings, breast, and sides; primaries black, with numerous regular bars of chestnut-brown on both
webs ; under tail-coverts obscurely barred with pale brown; bill pale yellow, greyish at the tip of upper
mandible; legs pale yellowish brown.

THE Weka Rail or Woodhen is one of the few New-Zealand birds that already possess a litera-
ture. Cook mentions it in his ‘ Voyages;’ the naturalists who accompanied him figured and
described it, but without being able to discriminate the different species*; and nearly every
general writer on New Zealand since that time has honoured it with, at any rate, a passing notice;
while by some of them, as well as in the columns of various periodicals, its habits have been
more or less fully narrated. No connected history of this bird, however, has yet been attempted ;
and lest the present one should appear of unnecessary length, it must be borne in mind that this
is one of those doomed species whose habits and economy I am bound, as a faithful historian,
to describe in detail—not so much on account of their intrinsic importance as for the benefit of
naturalists of a future day, who will seek in vain for the birds themselves, and to whom, as we
may readily imagine, every recorded particular of this sort will possess the same interest that now
attaches to Leguat’s rude account of the Didine bird of Rodriguez.

The range of this species is strictly confined to the North Island. Speaking generally, it is a
rare bird in the country lying north of Auckland, is sparingly dispersed over the Waikato district,
and’ is very abundant in the southern parts of the Island. In former times, according to the
accounts of the natives, it was extremely plentiful in every part of the country; but for a period
of more than twenty years it has never been met with in some of the districts far north. Its last
refuge in the Kaipara was a small marshy island near Mangawhare, where in 1855 a few of them
still existed ; and in the Whangarei district they were known to linger on the mangrove-flats near
the present settlement as late as the year 1866. A specimen procured for me in this locality by

* Forster’s description of Ocydromus australis, in his MS, account of the Voyage, was published by Sparrman in 1786.

weap
hither

ticula:

in the
hatura
perfor:
of obs
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A
Specie;
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Mal} wh;
ite »
Peek a
fe

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Colours ag jp the
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both

at the +,,¢
at the Up ot Upper

dy possess a liten-
ad him figured and
; and nearly every
te, a passing notice;
s habits have bea
ret been attempted;
xe in mind that this
, faithful historia,
»s for the benefit of
1 to whom, as We
iterest that 0"

inc
ie I
tsa
ng generally,
’ ° istrict,
? cato dist "
ne Waika fe
r accords ,
. but for 4} 4
, h Its hs

reriod

167

Mr. Henry Mair enabled me to establish the identity of the species. In the Wellington Province
it is very generally dispersed, frequenting alike the woods and the open country. In the deep
gullies of the Rimutaka ranges, on the marshy banks of the Manawatu river, in the low kahikatea
swamps, and among the dry sand-dunes bordering on the sea, I have at all times found it tolerably
abundant. But every year the struggle for existence is becoming harder, its numbers are dimi-
nishing, and ere long it must take its place among the species that were.

The Woodhen is furnished with ample wings, but they are so feebly developed as to render
the bird quite incapable of flight. The quill-feathers have broad webs, but are soft and flexible,
while the long inner secondaries take the form of a loose overlapping mantle. The legs, on the
other hand, are very strongly developed, and the bird is, in some measure, compensated for its
disability of wing by being able to run almost with the swiftness of a rat. Its anterior extremities,
although useless for the ordinary purposes of flight, appear to be of some assistance to the bird
when running, as they are briskly fluttered, apparently for the purpose of steadying the body.
Like most other Rails, its wings are armed below the carpal joint with a sharp spur, the object
of which, unless as a means of defence, it is not easy to divine. Even in very young birds it is
strong and sharp, and at maturity attains a length of ‘25 of an inch. I have observed that when
two of these birds are fighting they often buffet each other with their wings; and I have frequently
myself been made aware of the existence of this spur on seizing the bird with the hand. As,
however, in the case of the smaller Rails the spur is too diminutive to be at all effective as a
weapon of defence, it may serve some other useful end in the economy of the bird, which has
hitherto escaped discovery.

On the osteology of this highly aberrant form of Rail I propose to give some further par-
ticulars in the Introduction to the present work, and will only notice here a curious fact already
pointed out by Professor Newton, in a communication to the Zoological Society*, namely that
the New-Zealand Ocydromus and the Dodo of the Mauritius are the only two known forms
(excepting, of course, the Struthiones) in which the angle formed by the axes of the coracoid and
scapula is greater than a right angle—a feature of such importance that Professor Huxley has
since adopted it as one of the distinguishing characters in his proposed scheme for the classifi-
cation of birds, under the two divisions of Carinatw and Ratite.

The Woodhen is seminocturnal in its habits, and during the day usually remains concealed
in the thick fern or scrub which covers its haunts, or takes refuge in a hollow log or other
natural cavity. Sometimes, however, it excavates a home for itself underground, the work being
performed entirely with the bill and with great rapidity, as I have frequently had an opportunity
of observing. These subterranean burrows are often of considerable length, and not only serve as
a diurnal retreat, but furnish also a convenient breeding-place.

As will appear further on, the Woodhen inhabiting the South Island is a totally distinct
species, although closely resembling the present one both in form and habits of life. Now it isa
curious fact that while the southern species is remarkably bold and fearless (so tame, indeed, as
to visit the farmer’s yard, and sometimes even to enter the house), the northern bird is naturally
shy and recluse—a development of character which Dr. Hector attributes to its “greater experi-
ence of the treachery of man,” the North Island having always possessed a large Maori population.

* Proc. Zool. Soc. 1865, p. 732.

Zz 2

el

168

So shy, indeed, is the latter species, that, notwithstanding its loud shrill cry, it is quite impossible
to find it without the aid of a good dog.

I have on several occasions kept caged Woodhens for a considerable time; but, although I
persevered in one instance for more than two years, I could never succeed in completely domesti-
cating them. I was thus afforded, however, an opportunity of studying their character, which
may be summed up in two words—pugnacious and gluttonous. The introduction of a piece of
red cloth, or other brightly coloured object, was generally sufficient to excite the bird and make
its feathers rise; but the presence of another Weka, whether male or female, would instantly
provoke a display of hostility, and after some light skirmishing a fight would ensue, which gene-
rally, in the end, proved fatal to the intruder. On one occasion I introduced into the cage a
small mirror, and watched the effect: ruffling its feathers and stretching out its neck, the Weka
advanced slowly towards the glass, and then made a sudden dash at its supposed adversary, and
continued to repeat the attack with so much passion and violence, that I thought it prudent to
remove the exciting object, to save the bird from injuring itself. On the charge of gluttony I
may say that not only were my captives omnivorous, devouring fish, flesh, and fowl, whether
cooked or raw, boiled potato and other vegetables, green fruit, and, in short, every thing within
the digestive power of the gizzard, but they also had a most inordinate and voracious appetite.
As a proof of this, I may state, by reference to my note-book, that a single bird in the course of
two months consumed nearly a hundredweight of cooked potatoes! In a wild state it subsists on
berries of various kinds, with earthworms, grasshoppers, and other insects, while it never loses an
opportunity of entombing in its capacious stomach a mouse or lizard. In the South Island
Dr. Hector has observed the Woodhens attacking full-grown rats, and Dr. Haast has frequently
seen them capture and devour small birds. That they are given to plundering the nests of other
birds that build on the ground, devouring alike the eggs and young, is now a well-known fact ;
and on this account Sir George Grey has found good reason to regret his too successful attempt
to stock his beautiful island home at Kawau with Woodhens from the mainland! Even here,
this doomed species will now no longer find an asylum.

In spite, however, of the natural wildness of this bird, and the apparent impossibility of
fully taming it, in localities contiguous to its native haunts it is sometimes seen mingling with
the domestic fowls; and, however incredible such a fact may appear, there are several well-
authenticated instances of its crossing with the barn-door hen and producing a veritable hybrid!
I saw one of these, many years ago, at a settler’s homestead at Waikanae; and more recently I
carefully examined another in the possession of Dr. Hewson at Otaki. I was informed that
Dr. Hildebrand, of the Wairarapa, had a clutch of several from one hen; and several other
instances might be cited. The hybrid is covered with a peculiar hairy plumage of a yellowish-
brown colour, and unites with a general fowl-like appearance a disproportionately long head,
Rail-like legs, and a genuine Weka’s tail.

The peculiar whistling cry of the Woodhen, which is usually commenced at sunset and is
continued, more or less, all through the night, is very pleasant to hear. A pair of them usually
perform together, calling alternately and in quick succession, the male always taking the lead.
He commences with a low whistle, preceded by a guttural sound from the chest (only heard on a
very near approach) ; and the call increases in force till it becomes a shrill whistle ; the responsive
call nf the female is pitched in a different key.

Similay

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ird in the Course of
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ile it never loses an
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169

In the day-time it moves about under thick cover with a stealthy gait, and continually flirts
its tail upwards after the manner of the true Rails. The tail-feathers are of peculiar texture,
having stiff shafts with loose disunited barbs; and in some specimens the shafts are found denuded
at the tips for the space of nearly an inch. In skinning this bird, one is struck with the extraordi-
nary development of the tibial muscles as compared with the humeral, betokening at once the
habits of life already described. The skin is very tough, and adheres firmly to the body, espe-
cially on the thighs. There is another circumstance worth mentioning—namely that some Wekas
have a strong inherent odour, which communicates itself to the hand if rubbed along the plumage,
and does not entirely leave the dried skin, while others are wholly free from it. It is not depen-
dent on sex, nor is it peculiar to any season of the year; but where it does exist, it differs percep-
tibly in degree in different examples. Possibly this may result from the long-continued occupation
of a burrow rendered foul by the omnivorous habits of the bird.

It commences to breed early in September; for on the 30th of that month I saw a fine
Weka chick at Archdeacon Hadfield’s house, at Otaki, and another at Wanganui some days
earlier.

As already stated, the Woodhen often converts its burrow into a breeding-place; but the
following description of a nest found on the banks of the Manawatu river will show that other
situations are sometimes selected. An aged kahikatea in tumbling to the ground had fallen
athwart a huge gnarled stump, and remained in that position. Under the shelter afforded by the
overlying trunk and among the knotted roots of the supporting stump the Weka had placed her
nest, forming it of dry flags of the puwharawhara (Astelia cunninghamit) loosely arranged. The
nest was so admirably concealed by a growth of ferns that nothing but accident could have led to
its discovery. It contained two eggs, which is the usual number, although I have occasionally

~ met with a nest of three. These are slightly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2°4 inches in

length by 1-7 in breadth, and are of a creamy white colour, marked all over, but especially at the
larger end, with small obscure spots of purple and brown. Examples differ slightly both in size
and form; and in some the markings at the thick end assume a rounded well-defined character,
similar to those which adorn the eggs of Rallus philippensis.

Orpver GRALL/AL. | [Fam. RALLIDA.

OCYDROMUS AUSTRALIS.

(SOUTH-ISLAND WOODHEN.)

Troglodyte Rail, Lath. Gen. Syn. v. p. 229 (1785).
Rallus australis, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. t. 14 (1786).
Rallus troglodytes, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 713 (1788).
Ocydromus troglodytes, Wagler, Syst. Amph. p. 98 (1830).
Ocydromus australis, Strickl. Ann, N. H. vii. p. 39 (1841).
Ocydromus brachypterus, Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1842, pl. 42.

Native name.—W eka.

Ad. supra leté stramineus, dorsi plumis medialiter brunneis, quasi laté striatis: pileo saturatiore, magis
rufescente: supercilio distincto sordidé albicante, posticé cinereo: facie laterali brunned vix cineras-
cente: genis et gutture toto claré et pallidé cinereis: scapularibus leté stramineis, medialiter brunnes-
centibus et irregulariter saturaté brunneo transfasciatis : alis et cauda rufis, stramineo marginatis, nigro
irregulariter transfasciatis, secundariis magis stramineo lavatis, dorso concoloribus: pectore superiore
aurantiaco-fulvo, laterali stramineo, plumis medialiter brunnescentibus: pectore medio cinereo lavato:
abdomine cinerascenti-olivaceo: hypochondriis et subcaudalibus stramineis, brunneo vel nigro trans-
fasciatis: subalaribus olivascentibus, imis rufescentibus nigro transfasciatis: rostro brunneo, versus
basin rufescente : pedibus pallidé coccineis : iride lete rufescenti-brunneda.

Adult male, Upper parts generally yellowish buff, varied on the back with a broad dash of black down the
centre of each feather, and on the scapulars and wing-coverts with irregular transverse markings of
reddish brown and black; crown of the head and nape rufous brown varied with black ; the primaries
with their apa coverts and the secondaries bright rufous, beautifully marked with regular transverse
bars of black; the tail-feathers dark rufous barred and margined with black, and edged near the base
with fulvous; upper part of chin, and a line from the base of the upper mandible passing over the eyes,
dull greyish white; lores and region of the ears dull rufous brown; throat and sides of the head
cinereous grey ; ies of the neck, the whole of the fore neck, and upper part of breast bright fulvous,
obscurely marked and shaded with brown; lower part of breast, and the whole of the abdomen, cine-
reous brown, varied more or less with grey, especially on the former; the soft plumage covering the
tibia pale umber; sides of the body, flanks, and under tail-coverts yellowish brown, conspicuously
barred all over with brownish black. Ivrides bright reddish brown; bill pale reddish brown at the base,
brown at the tip; tarsi and toes pale lake-red, claws brown. ‘Total length 24 inches; extent of
wings 24; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 7; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the edge of lower mandible
2; tarsus 2°75; middle toe and claw 3°25 ; hind toe and claw 1:25.

Female. Smaller than the male, with darker plumage and duller-coloured legs. Total length 21 inches;
extent of wings 21; wing, from flexure, 7; tail 55; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the edge of lower
mandible 2; tarsus 2°25; middle toe and claw 2°75; hind toe and claw 1

rT = +S CO oe Oo ot 1

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h black ; the primans
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171

Young. In immature birds the tints of the plumage generally are lighter, the transverse markings are less
distinct, and the colours of the bill and legs are paler; the irides are dark brown ; there is less rufous
on the head, and often considerably more of the cinereous grey colour on the breast and abdomen.

Chick. Covered with blackish down, which changes to brown as the chick gets older.

Varieties. Examples from different localities exhibit so much variety in size and plumage as to suggest the
existence of another, closely allied species. Mr. Potts says that when he was “ camping in one of the
gorges of the Rangitata, a very striking variety used to visit the tent constantly : the individuals of
either sex were above the average size; the general colour of the plumage light greyish brown, the
feathers marked or barred with shades of dark brown; the rump, and in some instances the tips of the
primaries, rich chestnut ; throat and cheeks grey.” Dr. Hector informs me that on all the high moun-
tains of the Otago Province he met with a “ cream-coloured” variety, very readily distinguishable from
the common bird. Mr. Buchanan confirms this observation, and states that on the Black Peak, at an
elevation of 6000 feet, he found this light variety very abundant, but none of the other birds ; the former,
indeed, were so numerous as to prevent his getting any sleep. My brother, Mr. John Buller, assures
me that he invariably found the Alpine bird considerably larger in size than those inhabiting the plains,
and of a much lighter colour.

A specimen brought by Mr. Henry Travers from the interior of the Marlborough Province has the
general plumage of a yellowish-buff colour, very obscurely marked and spotted with brown; and among
those obtained by Sir George Grey in the Otago hills, for the purpose of stocking the Kawau Island, I
observed that one (apparently a young bird) had similar plumage, although it was more distinctly
banded on the sides and flanks. Sir G. Grey informed me that these birds were taken by himself at an
elevation of 6000 feet, where they were found concealed under the tussocks or hiding among the loose
rocks, the assistance of a dog being required to dislodge them. A specimen in my collection has the
whole of the upper surface light fulvous shaded with brown, each feather having a subterminal spot of
that colour; the primaries and secondaries are dark rufous brown barred with black, and the soft over-
lapping feathers are fulvous, stained more or less with rufous and barred with black in their middle
portion, margined and spotted towards the end with cream-yellow; the throat, fore neck, and breast
pale cinereous brown, mixed with fulvous on the crop; the lower parts dull cinereous brown, fasciated
on the sides and flanks with narrow markings of fulvous.

Albinoes, more or less pure, are occasionally met with. The ‘Canterbury Press’ records the capture
of one on the Four-Peaks run, by one of Mr. Walker’s shepherds. This beautiful bird had the entire

umage pure white, the bill and legs pale red, and the irides reddish brown. It was forwarded to
England by the Canterbury Acclimatization Society as a gift to the Zoological Society, but did not long
survive its arrival in the Gardens.

Mucu of what I have said in treating of the North-Island Woodhen is equally applicable to the
present species, which is spread all over the South Island, being extremely plentiful in certain
localities. I am glad, however, to add the following further particulars from the pen of Mr.
T. H. Potts, whose long residence in Canterbury has enabled him to study the habits of this bird
to the best advantage :—

“One of the best walkers amongst our birds, the Weka’s step is usually deliberate and slow;
its carriage is particularly noticeable, it is so remarkably bold and confident, yet wary—the neck
raised, with the head carried forward with a listening and yet contemplative air; one is loth to
believe that the bird is such a mischievous rogue. When at full speed, the neck is extended,

172

the head lowered, with the point of the beak slightly depressed; if pursued, it turns and doubles,
rapidly availing itself of any shelter in which to find refuge. It regains confidence quite as
readily as it exhibits fear, and if left in peace emerges from its place of concealment with the
same coolness of demeanour that usually distinguishes it. I have caught a whole family of them,
old and young; after being released they started off, but returned soon afterwards with their
ordinary air of inquisitiveness. When two males quarrel, they fight with determination, some-
times coming out into the open ground; the victor becomes a relentless persecutor, driving off
his antagonist at every opportunity ; on these occasions one can appreciate the speed and alertness
which both pursuer and pursued display in getting over the ground and threading the interlaced
maze of shrubs and grassy tussocks. Altsough mercilessly persecuted, this Ishmael amongst birds
may be found or heard in most up-country districts, but in greatly diminished numbers. ‘The
size of the Wekas that are now usually met with is much smaller than it used to be: a 4-lb.
bird is now almost unknown; yet, years ago, such a weight was not an uncommon one for a fine
hill-bird. The greatest sin we can lay to its charge is the ruthless manner in which it destroys
ducks’ eggs, a practice in which it is second only to the Harrier. It is, moreover, very destructive
to poultry. I have seen it kill a well-grown Spanish chicken, six weeks old, with one blow of its
powerful bill. So many choice Dorking chickens has it carried off that I have been compelled
reluctantly to destroy it near our homestead.

“ As an article of food, it is in far less repute than when we first settled here in the days of
dear meat. We have since bought sheep at 1s. per head—our taste has become more fastidious ;
and the Weka is too often only killed for mere wantonness, or the pleasure of taking life. ‘The
Maoris of Arowhenua make expeditions in the winter for obtaining a supply of these birds,
which they preserve in their own fat. On one run, near Burke’s Pass, I have been told that over
two thousand Wekas were secured by a party of natives at one of these hunts. Numbers are
also killed by the settlers for their oil, which is much esteemed for dressing saddle-straps and for
a variety of purposes.

“Tt is generally distributed over the Canterbury Province, and I do not know any place
except near the towns where its loud and rather melancholy call is not more or less frequently
heard. Its thievish propensities render it sometimes very troublesome. I have known
it carry off a merschaum-pipe, spoons, pannikins, boxes of matches; and on one occasion, in
Alford Forest, it actually stole a watch from a bushman’s hut. But the Weka, unlike the Jack-
daw, does not appear to care for a secret hiding-place in which to deposit its pilferings, and the
stolen watch was fortunately recovered, although only by mere accident. The loud screaming of
this bird is most frequently heard at night and before ram. The young I have seen early in
October, The nest is found in a variety of situations, such as in a tuft of Celmisia, under a grass
tussock, or sometimes in a thicket of young plants on the outskirts of the bush. I have even
observed it under the shelter of a rock, without any attempt at concealment, which the tussocks
growing close by would have afforded. Grass is usually the staple material of its home, which is
large and basin-shaped within. The colour of the down of the young affords a fair indication of
their age, the darker shade of brown characterizing extreme youth; yet the lighter shade, which
their plumage gradually assumes, offers great variety. Whilst being led forth hunting, the brood

amusin
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ve been told that over
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173

is most sedulously attended by the old birds; they may be observed, like chickens, following the
hen bird, who collects them around her with the call tum, tum, tum, repeated quickly and much
lower in tone than the booming note to which the Weka sometimes gives utterance, and which
is probably the call of the male. Insects, worms, lizards, &c. seem their principal food, yet
nothing comes amiss to these omnivora. When the parent bird is aware of a lizard lying perdu
beneath the sharp-pointed leaves of an Aciphylla, the beak is thrust into the plant in defiance of ,
threatened wounds, the wings are suddenly thrust forward, and the adroit Weka backs out with
her writhing prey which the young instantly devour” *.

Lady Barker, in her charming little book, ‘Station Life in New Zealand,’ gives the following
amusing account of her first acquaintance with the Woodhen:—“I lay back on a bed of fern
watching the numbers of little birds around us. They boldly picked up our crumbs, without a
thought of possible danger. Presently I felt a tug at the shawl on which I was lying. I was
too lazy and dreamy to turn my head; so the next thing was a sharp dig on my arm which hurt
me dreadfully. I looked round, and there was a Weka bent on investigating the intruder into its
domain. The bird looked so cool and unconcerned, that I had not the heart to follow my first
impulse and throw my stick at it; but my forbearance was presently rewarded by a stab on the
ankle which fairly made me jump up with a scream, when my persecutor glided gracefully away
among the bushes, leaving me, like Lord Ullin, ‘lamenting.’” The same pleasing writer, in
giving an account of the Island of Wekas in Lake Coleridge, observes: —‘ No one can imagine
how these birds came here;-for the island is at least two miles from the nearest point of land;
they can neither swim nor fly; and as every man’s hand is against them, no one would have
thought it worth while to bring them over ; but here they are in spite of all the apparent impro-
babilities attending their arrival, more tame and impudent than ever! It was dangerous to leave
your bread unwatched for an instant; and, indeed, I saw one gliding off with an empty sardine-
tin in its beak; I wonder how it liked the oil and little scales! They considered a cork a great
prize, and carried several off triumphantly.” i

The breeding habits of this species are in no respect different from those of the North-
Island Woodhen; but the eggs, which are from five to seven in number, are more richly coloured.
There is a fine series of these in the Canterbury Museum, all of which were collected between
the 20th of October and 25th of November. Ordinary examples measure 2:4 inches in length by
1:6 in breadth; and are white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, marked over the entire surface,
but particularly at the larger end, with irregular spots and blotches of pale reddish brown,
among which are spots of purplish grey having the appearance of markings under the surface.
In some specimens the reddish brown spots are very rounded and distinct; in others they are
splashed or smudgy; and one specimen has a broad irregular blotch of purplish brown near
the thicker end.

* Portions of the above notes have already appeared in the ‘Transactions’ of the New-Zealand Institute.

Orper GRALLA.] [Fam. RALLIDA,

OCYDROMUS FUSCUS.

(BLACK WOODHEN.)

Gallirallus fuscus, Du Bus, Esquisses Orn. pl. 11 (1847).
Ocydromus nigricans, Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. i. p. 111 (1868).
Ocydromus fuscus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 354.

Native name.—W eka-pango.

Ad. brunnescenti-niger, plumis plus minusve rufescenti-brunneo marginatis: gutture et facie laterali cinereis
vix brunneo tinctis: abdomine medio sordidé cinereo : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, intus rufescenti-
brunneo maculatis: caudé nigriéi: subcaudalibus ferrugineo transfasciatis: rostro nigricanti-brunneo :
pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride saturaté brunned.

Adult. General plumage brownish black, each feather margined more or less with rufous brown; throat
and sides of the head cinereous, slightly tinged with brown; middle portion of abdomen dull cinereous ;
quills brownish black, obscurely banded or spotted on the inner webs with rufous brown; the soft
feathers lining the wings faintly margined with rufous; tail-feathers black ; under tail-coverts trans-
versely barred with rufous. Inides bright reddish brown; bill dark brown, tinged with red towards the
base; legs bright reddish brown, darker on the hind part of tarsi and on the under surface of toes.
Total length 22 inches; extent of wings 23°25; wing, from flexure, 7:25; tail 5°25; bill, along the
ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2:4; tarsus 2°25; middle toe and claw 8; hind toe an
claw 1.

Ods. Examples vary in the amount of rufous colouring that pervades the plumage, some being almost
wholly black and without any markings on the quills. A specimen in Dr. Hector’s collection of birds
in the Otago Museum has no bars on the under tail-coverts; and another, in my own collection, has
the fore neck and breast largely suffused with fulvous brown. The measurements given above were
taken from a freshly killed male bird. ‘Another male measured 21 inches in length and 22°5 in extent.

Tuis species of Woodhen, which is quite distinct from the two preceding ones, although for a
long time confounded with them, inhabits the sea-shore and feeds among the kelp and seaweed.
Hitherto it has only been found on the south-west coast of the South Island, where it is said to
be extremely abundant. There can be no doubt that this is the bird referred to by Captain Cook
in the following passage :—‘ Although they are numerous enough here [Dusky Bay], they are so
scarce in other parts that I never saw but one..... They inhabit the skirts of the woods, and
feed on the sea-beach, and were so tame or foolish as to stand and stare at. us till we knocked
them down with a stick..... They are a sort of Rail, about the size and a good deal like a

comme
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we, some being almost

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175

common dunghill hen. Most of them are of a dirty black or dark brown colour” *. A descrip-
tion and figure of this species, under the name of Gallirallus fuscus, appeared (J. ¢.) in 1847;
but, owing to a doubt as to its native habitat, it was not admitted into the accepted list of New-
Zealand birds. More recently, however, it was rediscovered by Dr. Hector, and described by myself
(2. c.) under the name of Ocydromus nigricans. Dr. Finsch having, at my request, compared one
of my specimens with the type of Gallirallus fuscus (Du Bus), there can no longer be any doubt
about their identity.

Dr. Hector informs me that he never met with this kind of Woodhen at any distance from
the sea-coast, and that it appears to subsist entirely on shell-fish and other marine productions.

The following record, in Hammett’s Journal of the West-Coast exploration in 1863, refers
apparently to the same bird :—“ Thursday, August 20 [after being on the verge of starvation for
forty days]. Still raining in torrents! My blankets and my clothes are saturated. All that I
can do is to stand in the pitiless rain, which can make me no wetter, and watch the surf as it rolls
towards my feet. It is impossible to get a fire. I have caught two Woodhens; for as God sent
the Ravens to feed Elijah, so these birds came to me, and my faithful dog caught them. I am
thus provided with food for a day or two; but unless I can manage a fire to cook them, I must
even eat them raw. I live in hope that the weather will clear, as the wind has changed. My
faithful dog, how serviceable in many ways have you been to me!” Thus poor Hammett records
his gratitude for the gift of Woodhens—the only inhabitants, besides rats, of this inhospitable
coast. The occasional capture of one of these birds sufficed to keep him from absolute starvation
and through much suffering and privation Hammett survived to tell the melancholy fate of the
rest of his party.

My brother, Mr. John Buller, obtained a pair of these birds from a dealer in Dunedin in
1869; and they lived in my aviary for more than a year. In captivity their habits differ in no
respect from those of the species already described. I remarked, however, that one of them had
a practice of mounting to a particular spot on the ledge of the aviary almost every day, and
remaining in a perfectly motionless attitude for hours together. On one occasion a large brown
rat effected an entrance by undermining the aviary, and was killed and partly devoured by them;
and at another time a brown Woodhen (Ocydromus earli), which 1 had introduced, met with a
similar fate. In fact, when deprived of its marine bill of fare, this species is quite as omnivorous
as the others. In connexion with this, the ‘Canterbury Mail’ records the following case of
anthropophagism:—‘“A returned digger relates that he captured a Woodhen in the act of feeding
on the remains of a man, and being himself almost famished he quickly devoured the bird. To
use the words of a well-known banker in London, who is the gourmet par excellence of the day,—
‘That man, Sir, would eat his own father; he has the stomach of an Ostrich.’ ”

* Cook’s Second Voyage, edit. 4to, i. p. 97.

OrveR GRALLA, | [Fau. RALLIDA,

RALLUS PHILIPPENSIS.

(STRIPED RAIL.)

hallus philippensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 263 (1766).

héle rayé des Philippines, Buff. Pl. Enl. 774 (1784).

Philippine Rail, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 231 (1785).

Rallus assimilis, Gray, App. Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 197 (1843).

Rallus pectoralis, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pl. 76 (1848, nec Less.).

Rallus forsteri, Hartl. Arch. f. Naturg. 1852, p. 136.
- Hypotenidia philippensis, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 599 (1856).

Rallus hypotenidia, Verr. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. xii. p. 437 (1860).

Rallina philippensis, Wall. P. Z. 8. 1863, p. 36.

Rallus (Eulabeornis) philippensis, Martens, J. f. O. 1866, p. 28.

fallus pictus, Potts, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. iv. p. 202 (1871).

Native names.

Patatai, Popotai, Mohotatai, Moho-patatai, Moho-pereru.

Ad. supra brunneus, interscapulio saturatiore, plumis omnibus laté olivaceo-fulvo lavatis et marginatis,
plerisque albo eras aut interrupté transfasciatis, uropygio tanttim unicolori, supracaudalibus mints

albo notatis : v li nti-brunneo, unicolori: striga superciliari angusta anticé albida, posticé
cinerea : ste alteré.a basi maxille per oculum ducté ad collum laterale conjuncta, sordidé castanea, tor-
quem collarem distinctam vix formante: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus et eodem modo albo nota-
tis, majoribus extus fulvo, intis castaneo conspicué maculatis : ald spurid remigibusque brunneis castaneo
transfasciatis, primariis extis fulvescente notatis et albo angusté transversim lineatis: caudd brunned
olivascente lavaté: mento albo: genis et gutture toto cinereis, parte inferiore paulld olivascente lavata :
corpore reliquo subtus cinerascenti-brunneo, fulvo aut albido crebré transfasciato: torque pectorali
pallidé ferrugined, plus minusve distincté: hypochondriis et subcaudalibus nigricantibus albo distincté
fasciatis et fulvescente terminatis: abdomine imo fulvescenti-albo: rostro ay icante. brunneo, ad basin
rufescente: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride rufescenti-brunnea.

Adult. Crown of the head and all the upper surface brownish olive; the feathers of the back and the inner
scapulars broadly centred with brownish black ; the feathers of the hind neck and upper part of the
back, as well as the upper wing-coverts, marked on both webs with two spots of white, surrounded more
or less distinctly with blackish brown ; streak over the eyes, chin, and throat greyish white, deepening
into dark grey on the sides of the head and on the fore neck; a band of chestnut-red, commencing at
the base of the upper mandible, passes through the eyes and down the neck, uniting on the nape in a
broad patch of the same colour varied with brown ; breast and sides of the body brownish black, crossed
by numerous narrow well-defined bars of white, tinged more or less with fulvous, and tipped with olive-
grey; on the sides and flanks the ground-colour is darker, and the bars are further apart; across the
breast a broad zone of reddish buff; abdomen, thighs, and vent buffy white; under tail-coverts black,

a be F

a ici a Se ' mepeee!

(Pay
“Ray
Uy
R

RALLUS DIEFFENBACHII.

» lavatis et margins;
i, supracaudalibus minx
ustd anticé albidd, postic
ta, sordidé castaned, tr
t eodem modo albo nots-
yusque brunneis castaleo
lineatis : cauda brane’

saulld olivascente Javati:
sciato ; torque pectom
rricantibus albo distinct
hrunned, ad bast

RALLUS PHILIPPENSIS.

jcanti-

- and the im?
" back and t
| the f ihe

Young.

ani

Chick.
wa

Variette.

of

AlLowing

177

barred with white and largely tipped with buff; primaries dark brown, the two outer ones crossed by

narrow interrupted bars of fulvous white, and the rest broadly barred on both webs with dull chestnut-red,

varied more or less on the third quill with white; secondaries barred in a similar manner, but with a

whitish spot near the extremity of both webs; outer scapulars brownish black, with numerous elliptical -
spots of white on both webs, and edged with pale olive-brown; tail-feathers olive-brown, with darker
shafts. Irides reddish hazel; bill reddish brown at the base, fading into yellowish brown at the tip ;

tarsi and toes light brown. Total length 12 inches; extent of wings 17°5; wing, from flexure, 5°5;
tail 2°5; bill, along the ridge 1°6, along the edge of lower mandible 1:75 ; tarsus 1-5; middle toe and
claw 2; hind toe and claw ‘65.

Young. The colours generally are duller, the pectoral band is reduced to a mere wash of yellowish brown,
and the bars on the underparts of the body are far less conspicuous than in the adult.

Chick. A newly hatched chick, brought to me by a native, and assigned (I believe correctly) to this species,
was covered with glossy black down.

Varieties. Like other members of the group to which it belongs, this form is liable to considerable variation
of plumage. In the numerous examples which have come under my notice, the pectoral band, although
never entirely absent, has varied both in extent and colouring from a narrow interrupted line of sandy
buff to a broad zone of rich chestnut. Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub, in a communication to the Zoologi-
cal Society (November 26, 1869), state that “in a set of specimens from the Pelew Islands, some had
the rufous pectoral band, in two others it was entirely wanting, and in one bird there was only to be
seen a faint trace of it;” and they therefore conclude that their so-called Rallus forsteri is nothing but
a state of plumage due to age or season. The extent and colour of the facial band is likewise variable:
in some it is of a rich dark brown with well-defined edges, the grey plumage above forming a long
narrow streak, while in others it is diffused, largely mixed with rufous, and spreading considerably on
the hind neck. The distinctness of the white bars on the underparts varies in different individuals ;
but this seems to be in some measure dependent on the age of the bird. An example which recently
died in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, and was kindly forwarded to me by Dr. Sclater for examination,
has the whole of the upper surface spotted with white, largely tinged on the wings with fulvous ; others,
again, I have seen in which the spotted markings were almost entirely confined to the hind neck and
shoulders; but as it would be easy to bring together a complete intermediate series, this:is of no value
as a distinguishing feature. Mr. Potts’s so-called Rallus pictus, characterized by its decidedly superior
size, would certainly be entitled to recognition but for the great variation in this respect to which this
species is subject. The garter, or bare tibia, mentioned by Mr. Potts in his description of Rallus
pictus (l.c.), is to be found also in ordinary examples of our R. philippensis, although, of course, this
feature is proportionally more conspicuous in the larger birds. No weight can be attached to the
slight peculiarity in the shape of the bill, unless it should prove to be a constant character; for I can
give an instance within my own experience of a very manifest modification in the bill of a Rail
through purely accidental cau On this point Dr. Finsch writes me as follows :—“ I received in Haast’s
last collection a specimen of the so-called Rallus pictus from the Okarita lagoon ; but I find that it differs
in no way from those collected in the Pacific and elsewhere.’ Mr. Gould also, in treating of this
species*, regards the birds received from Southern and Western Australia, “which are rather smaller
and have more attenuated bills,” as mere local varieties.

ALLowING that the varieties commerated above are all referable to one and the same species, we

* Handbook to the Birds of Australia, vol. ii. p. 384.

178

find that the Striped Rail enjoys a very extensive territorial range. It is found all over the
southern portion of the Australian continent ; and, unless Mr. Gould’s specimens from the north
coast and from Raine’s Islet should hereafter prove to be a distinct species, it has an unlimited
range northwards, migrating from one part of the country to another with the changes of season.
It occurs also in Polynesia proper, Celebes, the Navigators’, the Caroline Islands, New Caledonia,
and the Philippine Islands. It is spread throughout New Zealand in all suitable localities ; but,
owing to its extremely shy disposition, it is far oftener heard than seen. It rarely takes wing—
and when it does, flies low and straight, with the legs trailing behind, and soon drops under cover
again. But it is a nimble runner, and glides through the dense herbage with amazing facility.
It feeds on insects, seeds, and the succulent parts of various native grasses; and its habits gene-
rally are very similar to those of the Land-Rail (Crex pratensis) of Europe. Its only note is a
sharp cry uttered singly and at short intervals; and this is generally heard after sunset or in the
early morning.

I had a live one in my possession for several months; but it was so incessantly active in its
movements that I had the utmost difficulty in making a life-sketch of it. . This bird was brought
to me in the early part of March, and the plumage was then old and faded; but the seasonal
moult had already commenced, and about the end of May it was in beautiful order. On being
turned loose in a room it ran swiftly from one corner to another seeking concealment, and occa-
sionally stretched its body upwards in a very grotesque attitude, as if surveying its new quarters.
It partook readily of cooked potato, and drank freely from a saucer of water, after which it
stalked about the room in an inquisitive manner, and several times flew upwards to the window.
It was afterwards placed in a wooden cage; but it seemed very impatient of this restraint, and
manifested remarkable perseverance in its efforts to escape. It could be heard night and day
tapping the bars with its slender bill as it wandered up and down its little prison, and it seemed
never to relinquish for a single moment the hope of delivery from its unnatural bondage.
Although always timid, it became sufficiently tame to take food from the hand; and when in the
act of feeding, especially if supplied with fresh meat or insects, it often expressed its satisfaction
in a low chuckling note. It frequently thrust its head into the water-vessel, but never bathed
itself.

The eggs of the Striped Rail, which are placed in a rude nest on the ground, are from four
to six in number, and sometimes even more; they are of a very rounded form, measuring 1°d inch
in length by 1:2 in breadth, with a polished surface, and of a creamy-white colour, marked all over,
but more conspicuously at the larger end, with rounded spots of chestnut-red.

GRA.

ORDEB

Rallu.

Ad. supra br

ESSANtly active; init
his bind Was brows
d: but the Seasonal
ul order, On being
Heealment, and occ.
ing its new quarter,
vater, after which i
rards to the windy,
f this restraint, and
heard night and day
rison, and it seemed
unnatural bondage
ad: and when in the
ressed its satisfaction
el, but never bathed

round, are from four
, me asuring I Sind

yr, marked all ows
UUs

l.

Orvrr GRALLA.]

RALLUS DIEFFENBACHIL

(DIEFFENBACH’S RAIL.)

Rallus dieffenbachii, Gray in Dieff. Trav. ii, App. p. 197 (1848).
Ocydromus dieffenbachii, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 14, pl. 15 (1844).
Hypotenidia dieffenbachi, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 599 (1856).

Hypotenidia dieffenbachii, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 238.

Rallus modestus, Hutton, Ibis, 1872, p. 247.

Native name.—Moeriki.

Ad. supra brunnescenti-olivaceus, ochraceo et nigricante irregulariter transversim fasciatus :
ur

[Fam. RALLIDA.

dorso postico et

gio olivascenti-brunneis, supracaudalibus aureo-fulvo transfasciatis: pileo summo brunneo uni-
colori: strigd longa superciliari, genis et gutture toto cinereis: strigd alter a basi maxilla per oculum
ducta brunnescenti-castaned: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus: remigibus castaneis, nigro trans-
notatis, versus apicem brunnescentibus, secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus, fulvo notatis : rectrici-
bus olivascenti-brunneis, unicoloribus : collo laterali inferiore et pectore superiore nigris albido trans-
fasciatis: pectore fulvescenti-ochraceo, nigro transfaciato: corpore reliquo subtis nigro, albo trans-
versim lineato: subcaudalibus latits fulvo transfasciatis: rostro brunneo, versus basin saturatiore :

pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride rufescenti-brunnea,

Juv. (R. Sad Hutton) olivascenti-brunneus, unicolor, plumis quibusdam interscapulii et tectricibus alarum
oribus paucis indistincté fulvo fasciatim terminatis: supracaudalibus fulvo magis distincté trans-

eee facie laterali vix cinerascente: gutture sordidé cinereo, brunnescente obscurato: corpore
reliquo subtus brunneo, dorso concolori, sed angusté et magis distincté fulvo transfasciato : rostro et

pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride pallidé brunnea.

Adult. Crown and nape dark rusty brown ; sides of the head and the whole of the throat pale ash-grey, the
former traversed by a broad band of rusty brown, which, commencing at the base of the upper man-
dible, passes across and under the eyes and thence downwards, changing on the ear-coverts to chestnut,
and meeting in a broad band of that colour on the lower part of the hind neck ; towards the base of the
lower mandible, and a streak over the eyes, greyish white; on the fore neck a zone of black with rayed
lines of white, bordering the ash-grey, and widening out on the sides into a rounded patch ; neck
beyond and the whole of the breast bright rufous brown, with narrow transverse bands of black ;
shoulders and all the upper part of the back fulvous brown varied with black, beautifully barred and
spotted with pale rufous brown ; lower part of back and rump dark fulvous brown, plumbeous beneath ;
underparts black, handsomely fasciated with white on the upper part of the abdomen, sides of the
body and flanks, less distinctly so and tipped with fulvous on the lower part of abdomen and soft
ventral feathers ; under tail-coverts black, broadly barred with rufous brown ; primaries bright chest-
nut, with numerous transverse bars of brownish black and tipped with olive-brown; secondaries much
browner, with the chestnut considerably diminished and assuming the form of broad toothed markings

180

on both vanes; wing-coverts similar to the plumage of the back, but largely tinged with chestnut ; tail-
feathers dark rusty brown, with rufous margins in their basal portion. Examined individually, the
feathers of the back are blackish brown, crossed by two broad undulating bands ‘of fulvous ; those of the
breast have the bands broader and more regular; those covering the abdomen and sides of the body are
black, with two equidistant bars and a narrow terminal margin of white. Irides reddish brown; bill
light brown, darker towards the tip; tarsi and toes light brown. ‘Total length 12°25 inches; wing,
from flexure, 4°75 ; tail 3°25; bill, along the ridge 1°45, along the edge of lower mandible 1°5 ; tarsus
1:5; middle toe and claw 1:75; hind toe and claw ‘6

Young. General plumage dull olive-brown, plumbeous at the base ; throat greyish, each feather tipped with
rown ; feathers of the breast narrowly fringed with pale fulvous; those covering the upper part of
abdomen and sides of the body, as well as the under tail-coverts, crossed by two narrow bars o
same colour; the first three primaries very faintly barred with reddish fulvous; tail-feathers, rump, and
thighs Stee sty freckled with fulvous. Irides, bill, and legs light brown. The plumage is very soft in
texture ; and the markings have the indeterminate character peculiar to young Rails.

Chick. Uniform brownish black.

Tuts beautiful Rail was brought from the Chatham Islands by Dr. Dieffenbach in 1842, and
named by Mr. Gray in compliment’ to this enterprising naturalist. The adult specimen in the
British Museum, from which our drawing and descriptions are taken, is unique; but after care-
fully comparing therewith the type specimen of Hutton’s Rallus modestus (forwarded to me by
Dr. Hector), and submitting the matter to the judgment of other competent ornithologists, I
have no hesitation in considering it the same species, in an immature state of plumage.

In answer to my inquiries, a Chatham-Island correspondent, Kirihipu Roiri Te Rangipu-
ahoaho, wrote as follows in August 1863 :—“ Na, ko to kupu mo te manu. I ngaro tera manu,
te Moeriki, i te toru o nga tau i noho ai nga Maori ki tenei moutere. Mehemea kei te ora taua
manu, maku e hopu atu mau. He manu pai taua manu. I kite au imua i taku tamarikitanga.
Ta nga Maori ingoa o taua manu he Popotai.” [TRansLation.—Now with regard to the bird.
This bird, the Moeriki, disappeared in the third year after the occupation of this island by the
Maoris. If the bird still survives I will catch you some. It was a beautiful bird. I remember
seeing it when I was a boy. The Maoris called it a Popotai.] But my friend Roiri, although he
had the stimulus of a handsome reward, never succeeded in finding the Moeriki; and we may
therefore conclude that it is extremely rare, if not quite extinct, on the main island. The two
specimens described by Captain Hutton (J. ¢.) were obtained by Mr. Henry Travers on Mangare,
a small satellite of Chatham Island.

Th It the hha Ne
eS reddish, . Xy x
eth 9» ~ UY «by

“ 1 ll

bandh) °
“Ole
f)

ach ¢
ach leather tpn
: 4D »
Verne « tf Tih
Ing the upp,
tw : Yper Part ’
Y Darrow in if .
Cr S of th
“ali-leathers. oe
| P) aq

9 - - ’
Nhach ¢ VE )
ACH0aCh In 1849, and
init .
Mut specimen in the
que; but after car

$ (forwarded to me by
‘tent ornithologists, |
of plumage.

um Roiri Te Rangipt

I ngaro tera m

‘hemea kei te ora
: oxi tani.
i taku tamankitang:

th regard to the bud
» of this island by the
1 bird. | remente
nd Roiti, although
Moeriki; and we “
sit island. The n
» Travers 02 Mang’

ORDER G

ORTYGOMETRA TABUENSIS.

PI thine

Ad. supr:
car
lat

ORTYGOMETRA AFFINIS.
o

#
Orper GRALL. | ; [ Fam. RALLIDAS.

ORTYGOMETRA TABUENSIS.

(SWAMP-CRAKE,)

Tabuan Rail, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 235 (1785).

Rallus tabuensis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 717 (1788, ex Lath.).

Crex plumbea, Gray, in Griffith’s Anim. Kingd. iii. p. 410 (1829).
Gallinula immaculata, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 358 (1837).
Rallus minutus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 178 (1844).

Corethrura tabuensis, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 595 (1846).
Zapornia spilonota, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 244 (1848).
Porzana immaculata, Gould, B. Austr. vi. pl. 82 (1848).

Porzana tabuensis, Hartl. J. f. O. 1854, p. 169.

Zapornia umbrina, Cass. Pr. Phil. Acad. viii. p. 254 (1856).
Zapornia umbrata, Hartl. Wiegm. Arch. 1858, p. 29.

Rallus minor, Elliman, Zool. 1861, p- 7470.

Porzana' tabuensis, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 341 (1865).
Ortygometra tabuensis, Finsch. & Hartl. Beitr. Faun. Centralpolyn. p. 167 (1867).
Zapornia tabuensis, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 63 (1870).

TABUENS:'s .

oRTTYGomverTRA

ee

Native names.—Pueto and Putoto.

Ad. supra obscuré chocolatinus, alis dorso concoloribus, primariis nigricantibus, extis dorsi colore lavatis :
cauda nigricante vix dorsi colore lavat4: pileo sordidé plumbescente, obscuré brunneo adumbrato, facie
laterali paulld pallidiore: corpore subtiis sordida cinereo, hypochondriis crissoque obsoleté, subcaudali-
bus latits et magis conspicué albo transfasciatis : subalaribus cinerascenti-brunneis albo variis: rostro
nigricanti-brunneo: pedibus pallidé rubris: iride saturaté rubrd.

AF mNis -

Adult. Head, neck, and all the under surface dark slate-grey, shaded on the crown with dull brown, and
fading into light cinereous grey on the chin; the whole of the back and upper surface of wings choco-
late-brown, becoming darker on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wing-feathers blackish brown,
grey on their under surface; the first primary narrowly margined on the outer web with
tail-feathers dull brownish black ; inner lining of wings slaty brown, largely v

oOoRTYSGOMET RA

dusky

greyish white ;

aried with white; axillary
plumes and feathers covering the flanks tinged with brown, the former presenting obsolete bars and the
latter minutely tipped with white; under tail-coverts dark brown, with numerous transverse bars of
white. TIrides and eyelids bright red; tarsi and toes paler red; bill uniform brownish black. Total
length 7°25 inches ; wing, from flexure, 3°3; tail 2 3 bill, along the ridge ‘7, along the edge of lower man-
dible :8; bare tibia -4; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw 1:4 ; hind toe and claw 1:55.

Young. Plumage darker and with less brown on the upper parts. Irides, bill, and feet black.

182

Chick. Covered with black down of a silky texture and delicately glossed with green. Bill black, with a
minute white spot near the tip of upper mandible; irides and legs black.

Obs. The sexes are precisely alike in plumage.

Tuts elegant little Rail has a wide geographical distribution. According to Mr. Gould it is
universally spread over the whole of Australia, Tasmania, and the islands in Bass’s Strait. It
also occurs in the Society, Tonga, and Fiji groups, and probably over the whole extent of the
Polynesian archipelago. It is sparingly dispersed with us over both Islands, frequenting wet and
swampy localities, and especially the dense beds of raupo (Zypha angustifolia), which afford it
abundant shelter. Its compressed form enables it to thread its way among the close-growing
reed-stems with wonderful celerity; and although its low purring note (resembling that of a
brood hen) may sometimes be heard on every side, it is extremely difficult to obtain a glimpse of
the bird. Its body weighs only two ounces; and its attenuated toes are well adapted for traversing
the oozy marsh in search of its food, which consists of small freshwater mollusks, insects, seeds
of aquatic plants, and the tender blades of various grasses. It seldom takes wing, and then only
for a very short distance; but it runs with rapidity, swims very gracefully, and often dives to
escape its enemies.

Mr. Gould was never able to find the nest or eggs in Australia, nor have I been more suc-
cessful in New Zealand; but on one occasion I was fortunate enough to secure a brood of four
newly hatched chicks. The old birds took refuge in a bramble-bush; but on hearing the feeble
cheep of their captured offspring they left cover, and, under a good running shot, I secured. them
both. The young birds, before they were caught, ran briskly, and, taking immediately to a ditch
of water, endeavoured to elude further pursuit by diving,

For specimens of this bird I have been chiefly indebted to a good-natured household cat, who
was accustomed to bring them in killed, but otherwise undamaged, and allow herself to be robbed
of her prey. Surely this cat merits an apotheosis in the Colonial Museum !

OnDEE GR

Tins han
Rear the

Bi) \ Nek ;
Tih Orper GRALLZ.] (Fax. RALLIDZ.

ORTYGOMETRA AFFINIS.
7 ae oi (WATER-CRAKE.)

hole eXtey hn

Teque ‘i Wet mi

a), Which oa

S the ¢) * Af t Ortygometra affinis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 14 (1844).
enbline Porzana affinis, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 599 (1856)

ry that of, Rallus punctatus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470.

Olan a glimpse i

apted for t a

ae me Native name.—Koitareke.

8, Insects, Seedy
: “ing, and then ;
only
and often i Ad. supra ochrascenti-olivaceus, dorsi plumis medialiter nigris et albo elapse aut et notatis vel
CS fh

]

marginatis : pileo paullulum obscuriore, nigro notato: tectricibus alarum s feré imma-

culatis, majoribus autem versus apicem albo ocellatis : remigibus brunneis souasiovia: primario extimo

I been more sue albido angusté marginato, secundariis medialiter nigricantibus dorsi colore marginatis et extiis maculis

re a brood of fow albis notatis: caud& nigré saturaté ochraceo lavaté: supercilio distincto, facie laterali et corpore subtis

hearing the feet] toto cinereis, abdomine imo cum hypochondriis et subcaudalibus nigricantibus, albo aut maculatis vel
. U le :

I lth transfasciatis: subalaribus cinerascentibus, albo notatis: rostro et pedibus pallidé brunneis olivascente
lot, 1 secured, then ieee Ske YS .
kecinanin tinctis: iride sordidé rubra

jately to a ditch

i=)

nec

Adult. Crown of the head, nape, and all the hind neck rusty brown, with a broad mark of black down the
household cat, who centre of each feather; lower sides of the neck and the upper wing-coverts pale rusty brown, some of
the feathers tipped with white; back and mantle brownish black, varied with white and broadly mar-
gined with rusty brown; the secondary wing-coverts conspicuously ocellated on both webs, and termin-
ally margined with white; upper tail-coverts dark rusty brown; sides of the head, throat, fore neck,
and the whole of the breast pale cinereous grey, fading to silvery grey on the chin; sides of the body,
flanks, abdomen, and under tail-coverts blackish brown, crossed by numerous irregular bands of white ;
wing-feathers dull olive-brown, dusky grey on their under surface, the first primary narrowly margined
on the outer web with white; lining of wings greyish brown, obscurely marked with white ; tail-feathers
blackish brown, with rusty margins and obsolete spots of white. Irides dull red; bill, tarsi, and toes
pale brown, tinged with olive. ‘Total length 7:5 inches; wing, from flexure, 3:25; tail 1-6; bill, along
the ridge 7, along the edge of lower mandible ‘8; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1:05 ; middle toe and claw 1:5;
hind toe and claw ‘6.

serself to be robbed

Obs. This species closely resembles the Australian O. palustris, but is distinguishable by its somewhat
larger size and the absence of white markings on the primaries.

Tus handsome little Crake is found in both Islands; but it is everywhere extremely rare and
difficult to obtain. It frequents the sedgy banks of creeks and rivers and the reed-covered lagoons
near the sea-coast. It swims with great facility, and, like other members of the genus, often

2B 2

184

eludes pursuit by diving. Its food appears to consist of aquatic insects and small freshwater
mollusks. Very little is at present known of its breeding-habits; but it may be safely inferred
that they are in no respect different from those of the closely allied species (0. palustris) inha-
biting Australia.

A broken specimen of the egg of this species, recently brought by Mr. Henry Travers from
the Chatham Islands, is described by Hutton as -77 inch in breadth, of an olive-brown colour,
and highly polished.

ORDER GE

Por
Bla

Ad. supra
ala:
lav
coc

Adult m

Female.

legs

Young.

"2Willing to

d «
We |
Y be con ty, Onver GRALLA.] (Fam. RALLIDA.

; PORPHYRIO MELANOTUS*.

Very f T Q
bon (SWAMP-HEN,)

Porphyrio melanotus, Temm. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 701 (1820).
Black-backed Gallinule, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 427 (1824).

Native names.—Pukeko and Pakura.

Ad. supra nigricans, scapularibus et rectricibus vix brunneo externé lavatis: collo postico et laterali, tectricibus
alarum, genis et corpore subtiis sordidé ceruleis: remigibus nigris, primariis exttis obscuré ceruleo
lavatis: mento cum abdomine imo et cruribus nigris: subcaudalibus albis: rostro et pedibus pallidé

coccineis: iride lete coccinea.

Adult male. Head and nape sooty black ; back and upper surface of wings and tail shining black, glossed in
some specimens with green ; neck, breast, sides of the body, outer edges and lining of wings bright indigo-
blue; abdomen and feathered portion of tibia sooty black, tinged more or less with indigo-blue ; under
tail-coverts pure white. Irides cherry-red; frontal plate and bill bright cherry-red, paler on the edges,
yellowish towards the tips of both mandibles; legs and feet pale lake-red, brownish at the joints. Total
length 21 inches; extent of wings 86°5; wing, from flexure, 11°5; tail 4°5; frontal plate, across the
top, 1; from posterior edge of frontal plate to the tip of upper mandible 2°75; bill, along the edge of
lower mandible, 1°75 ; bare portion of tibia 15; tarsus 4; middle toe and claw 4°75; hind toe and

claw 2.

Female. Somewhat smaller in all its proportions, ‘with the colours of the plumage duller and the bill and

legs of a paler red.

Young. The following descriptive notes on a series of specimens will exhibit at a glance the changes that
take place in the young in their progress towards maturity :—

No. 1 (newly hatched). Covered with dense black down, the head, neck, wings, and back thickly
sprinkled with white points; bill greyish-white, black at the tip; legs purplish grey.

No. 2 (a few days older). Presents fewer of the white points, which are in reality terminal sheaths, and
are rapidly cast off:

No. 8 (about ten days old). Covered with sooty down; on the back and sides of the head, also on the
wing, numerous stiff hair-like filaments with white apices; bill dusky black, greyish in the centre and
white near the tip; frontal plate soft and of a reddish flesh-colour ; crown of the head without any down,
but covered with black thick-set bristles, which are continued over the eyes to the beak, and are long
and recumbent along the frontal plate, evidently for the protection of its tender edges; cubitus perfectly
bare and flesh-coloured ; legs dusky cinereous.

* The description of Porphyrio cyanocephalus, Vieill. N. Dict. @’Hist. Nat. xxviii. p. 28 (1819), appears to agree with
the above, but no locality is assigned; and in the absence of more positive proof that it relates to the same bird, I am

unwilling to sink so well-established a name as P, melanotus

186

No. 4 (more advanced stage). Body covered with sooty down; a line of soft pale blue feathers on each
side of the fore neck and breast ; stiff white filaments on the crown and sides of the head ; bill black,
with a whitish spot in its median portion and also at the tip of the upper mandible.

No. 5 (partially fledged). Head, nape, and upper parts generally blackish brown, edged with paler brown,
tinged on the scapulars and wing-coverts with blue; throat and abdomen dusky brown; fore neck and
breast pale blue; all the plumage fluffy, and with downy filaments adhering to the feathers ; soft tuft
under the rudimentary tail pale fulvous,

No. 6 (fully fledged). Head, hind neck, and upper surface blackish brown, with numerous touches of
lighter brown, and tinged on the wings with blue; chin pale brown ; fore neck, breast, and sides dull
mazarine-blue, some of the feathers edged with fulvous brown; abdomen pale fulvous brown; under
tail-coverts yellowish white ; irides brown; bill brownish black, inclining to red towards the base and
on the frontal plate; legs dark brown, with a reddish tinge.

Obs. As already shown, the colours of the bill and legs are regulated by conditions of age and sex ; but they
likewise differ somewhat in richness in individual examples of the male.

Varieties. The following is the description of a partial albino obtained at Manawatu, and now preserved in
the Colonial Museum. The head, neck, and sides of the breast as in ordinary examples, except that the
nape is freckled with pale brown and white; breast, sides of the body, abdomen, and flanks brownish
white, clouded and obscurely banded with pale blue; under tail-coverts white; upper parts of the body
brownish white, clouded and blotched with dark brown, excepting on the rump, where the brownish
white is uniform; the primaries are dirty white, crossed at the base, and again in their apical portion
by a band of bluish brown, the inferior ones tipped also with brown; the coverts are white, washed with
yellowish brown and obscurely banded with darker brown; outer edges of wings bright blue; tail-
feathers brownish white, their coverts dark brown ; bill and frontal plate as in ordinary examples; legs
pale yellowish red. There is a similar sport of nature in the Canterbury Museum, differing, however,
from the bird just described in the larger amount of white on the back and in the darker colour of its

wings. In this specimen the head and neck are spotted with white, and the underparts are handsomely .

variegated with pale blue on a whitish ground.

THE Swamp-hen is widely distributed over Tasmania, the greater part of the continent of
Australia, New Zealand, and the Chatham Islands. It occurs also in New Caledonia; and the
Maoris have a tradition that tame ones were brought by their ancestors, in their migration from
the historic “‘ Hawaiki.” It is abundant in our country in all localities suited to its habits of
life, such as marshes, flax-swamps, and lagoons covered with beds of raupo and rushes. It also
frequents the banks of freshwater streams; and in places contiguous to these haunts it is accus-
tomed to resort, in the early morning, to the open fields and cultivated grounds in quest of food.
It subsists principally on soft vegetable substances, but it also feeds on insects and grain. By
the aid of its powerful bill it pulls up the inner succulent stems of the raupo, or swamp-reed,
- and nips off the soft parts near the root, holding the object in the toes of one foot while feeding,
something after the manner of a Parrot. It is a noticeable fact that in many of the settled
districts its numbers have perceptibly increased within the last few years, owing, no doubt, to
the greater abundance of food afforded by the farms and plantations of the colonists. Large flocks
of them may often be seen spread over the stubble-fields, or diligently at work in the potato-
grounds or among the standing corn. On being disturbed, they generally run to the nearest

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187

cover, only taking wing when pressed or when suddenly surprised. They rise from the ground
rather awkwardly, the legs dangling and the wings being hurriedly flapped; by degrees the
d to the level of the body; and the flight then becomes more steady, but is

trailing legs are raise
dropping into the

nevertheless laboured and heavy. As a rule, they fly only a short distance,
nearest shelter that offers itself, and trusting for escape to their swiftness of foot; when fairly
mounted in the air, however, they are capable of a rather prolonged flight, as I have many times
had an opportunity of witnessing.

The Swamp-hen may fairly be considered one of the best of our native birds. The bright-
ness of its plumage, and the extreme elegance of its movements at once arrest and please the eye,
while, on the other hand, it is in very good repute as a game bird. Along the sedgy margins of
the lagoons and swamps it affords good shooting, although it is impossible to flush it without a
retriever ; and, if hung sufficiently long and properly dressed, it makes an excellent dish.

It is naturally shy and timid; and although I have on several occasions obtained very young
ones from the swamps, and reared them with every care, I have never succeeded in completely
subduing their wild nature. Some years ago, however, I had the pleasure of seeing, in the Go-
vernment Domain at Auckland, three or four of these birds so thoroughly domesticated that they
would readily come at the call of the keeper and take food from his hand.

Its usual note is a short harsh cry, but when disturbed or frightened it utters a long,
peevish scream ; and as the bird is seminocturnal in its habits, this rather melancholy sound may
sometimes be heard, at intervals, all through the night.

It usually breeds in swampy situations, the nest, which is composed of dry grass and flags,
being in some instances entirely surrounded by water. Mr. T. H. Potts has described* one which
he found ina swamp by Lake Ellesmere as being “ firmly built of leaves of a Carex, and forming a
compact mass some 8 inches in length, and not very easily to be distinguished, as the material of
. the nest was as green as the surrounding grasses.” Mr. Donald Potts, a son of the former gentleman,
has sent me the following note :— The structure is often raised about a foot in height; and the
young, on being disturbed, hide directly they are able to get out of the nest.” Dr. Haast informs
me that he observed a pair of these birds building their nest on a little pond near Mr. Hill’s
residence, in the Malvern Hills, on the 21st of September, that they brought forth their brood
about the end of October, and commenced to form a new nest close to the old one about the
middle of the following month; and Mr. Potts has collected eggs as lateas the 13th of December.
We may therefore assume that this species is accustomed to breed twice in the season.

The number of eggs in a nest varies from two to seven; but five may be considered the com-
plement. They are broadly ovoidoconical in form, measuring 2°2 inches in length by 15 in
breadth, and are usually of a pale yellowish brown, spotted and blotched with purplish and
reddish brown; but while differing slightly from one another in size and form, they present also
great individual diversity of colouring. The eggs from one nest, however many in number, gene-
rally preserve a common family likeness, and therefore admit of easy classification. A series of
twelve specimens in the Canterbury Museum exhibits the following varieties of character. A
set of four (presumably from one nest) are of a pale greyish brown, marked over their whole sur-

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst, 1870, vol. iii. p. 102.

188

face with rounded spots of purplish brown; another set of four are of a warmer yellowish-brown
tint, and more thickly studded with dark spots, especially at the larger end; a specimen showing
a very narrow form has the entire. surface covered with minute round spots, very equally distri-
buted ; another has the thick end blotched with dark purplish grey, as though the colours had been
partially washed out; and another, which is of appreciably smaller size than ordinary examples,
is delicately speckled all over, with here and there a larger spot, and with a dull irregular blotch
of brown nearly an inch in extent towards the larger end. The last of the series to be noticed is
an extremely handsome specimen: the ground-colour is a pale creamy brown, with widely scat-
tered and obscure spots of darker brown; but the thicker portion of the egg presents numerous
marbled veins of purplish brown, among which are fine pencilled markings and wavy lines of red,
producing a very pleasing effect.

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NOTORNIS MANTELLI.

—

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Noto:

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Orver GRALLA.] (Fam. RALLID.

NOTORNIS MANTELLI
(MANTELL’S NOTORNIS.)

Notornis mantelli, Owen, Tr. Zool. Soc. iii. p. 377, pl. lvi. figs. 7-13 (1848).

Native names.
Moho, Takahe, and Tokohea.

Ad. supra viridis : pileo et collo undique cum corpore subtis toto nigricantibus, ultramarino nitentibus: tectri-
cibus alarum cyanescentibus viridi lavatis: remigibus nigris, primariis extus ceruleo marginatis, secun-
dariis intimis dorso concoloribus : cauda supra viridi dorso concolori: subcaudalibus albis: rostro leté
rubro, versus apicem flavicante: pedibus pallidé rubris: iride rubra.

Adult male. Head and throat bluish black, passing into dark purplish blue on the hind neck; the whole
of the back, rump, upper tail-coverts, lesser wing-coverts, and scapulars dull olive-green, tipped
more or less with verditer green, and of a darker shade towards the shoulders; fore neck, breast, .
sides of the body, and flanks beautiful purplish blue; a band of the same colour, half an inch
wide, separates the dark blue of the nape from the olive-green of the upper surface; thighs, abdomen,
and vent bluish black; under tail-coverts white; wing-feathers rich deep blue on their outer webs,
dusky brown margined with blue on their inner; the greater coverts with broad terminal margins of
verditer-green, forming crescentic bands in the expanded wings; tail-feathers dark olive-green, with
brown shafts, dark brown on their under surface. The plumage of the back and rump is soft and thick,
and on being disturbed is found to be dull greyish brown towards the base. Irides red; frontal plate
and bill bright red, yellowish towards the tips of both mandibles; tarsi and toes lighter red; claws
horn-brown. ‘Total length 24 inches; wing, from flexure, 9°75; tail 4°5; from posterior edge of
frontal plate to tip of upper mandible 3:25; from gape of the mouth, along the edge of lower
mandible, 2; tarsus 3°25; middle toe and claw 3°75 ; hind toe and claw 1°7.

Female. A second specimen in the British Museum, which is supposed to be a female, is somewhat smaller
than the above in all its dimensions, has the colours generally duller, and the olive-green of the upper
parts shaded with brown.

THE name of Walter Mantell will ever be associated with the paleontology of the Postpliocene and
Pleistocene deposits of New Zealand, as is that of his illustrious father (the late Dr. Mantell) with
the paleontology of the Wealden formation of the south-east of England. Mr. Mantell was the first
scientific explorer of the Moa beds of Waikouaiti and Waingongoro, and he succeeded in forming
some magnificent collections of fossil remains, which were forwarded to England and ultimately ¢

posited in the British Museum. The value to science of these discoveries is amply demonstrated
in Professor Owen’s elaborate ‘ Memoirs’ on Dinornis and its allies, read before the Zoological
Society from time to time, and published in the ‘Transactions.’ Not only has Mr. Mantell con-
tributed largely to our knowledge of the geology and paleontology of the country; but he has

2¢

190

likewise made additions to our ornithology, the most important of these being his discovery of a
living species of Notornis, with which his name is now associated. I cannot better describe this
interesting ornithological event than by quoting Dr. Mantell’s announcement of it in his address
to the Zoological Society on the 12th of November, 1850 :—

“ Amongst the fossil bones of birds collected by my eldest son in the North Island of New
Zealand, which I had the honour of placing before the Zoological Society in 1848 in illustration
of Professor Owen’s description of the crania and mandibles of Dinornis, Palapteryx, &c., there
were the skull, beaks, humerus, sternum, and other parts of the skeleton of a large bird of the
Rail family, which, from their peculiar characters, were referred by that eminent anatomist to a
distinct genus of Rallide allied to the Brachypteryx, under the name of Notornis*—a prevision,
the correctness of which is confirmed by the recent specimen that forms the subject of the present
communication. ‘Towards the close of last year I received from Mr. Walter Mantell another
extensive and highly interesting collection of fossils, minerals, and rock-specimens, obtained
during his journey along the eastern coast of the Middle Island, from Banks Peninsula to the
south of Otago, in the capacity of Government Commissioner for the settlement of native
claims. This series comprised also a fine suite of birds’ bones from Waingongoro, the locality
whence the former collection was chiefly obtained; and among them were relics of the Notornis,
and crania and mandibles of Palapteryx. The results of my son’s observations on the geological
phenomena presented by the eastern coast of the Middle Island are embodied in a paper read
before the Geological Society in February last, and published in vol. v. of the ‘ Quarterly Journal.’
It will suffice for my present purpose to mention that they confirm in every essential particular
the account given of the position and age of the ornithic ossiferous deposits, in my first memoir
on this subject}. The only fact that relates to the present notice is the nature of the bone-bed
at Waikouaiti, whence Mr. Percy Earl, Dr. Mackellar, and other naturalists procured the first
relics of the gigantic birds, sent by those gentlemen to England, and which are figured and de-
scribed in the ‘ Zoological Transactions.’ This so-called tertiary deposit is situated in a little bay
south of Island Point, near the embouchure of the river Waikouaiti, and is only visible at low
water, when bones more or less perfect are occasionally observable projecting from the water-
worn surface of the bog. This deposit is about 3 feet in depth and not more than 100 yards in
length; the extent inland is concealed by vegetation and a covering of superficial detritus, and is
supposed to be very inconsiderable. This bed rests upon a blue tertiary clay that emerges here
and there along that part of the coast, and which abounds in shells and corals, of species existing
in the adjacent sea. This bone-deposit was evidently a morass or swamp, on which the New
Zealand flax (Phormium tenaxz) once grew luxuriantly. Bones of the larger species of Moa have
from time to time been obtained from this spot by the natives and European visitors; and, as in
the menaccanite sand-beds at Waingongoro, they are associated with bones of one species of dog
and two species of seal. My son also collected crania and other remains of a species of Apteryz
(probably Ap. australis), Albatros, Penguin, and of some smaller birds, whose characters and
relations have not yet been fully ascertained: no bones of the Notornis were observed in this

locality. It was in the course of last year, on the occasion of my son’s second visit to
the Sian of ie Middle Island, that he had the good fortune to secure the recent Notornis which
* Zoological Transactions, vol. iii. p. 366. + Geological Journal, vol. iv.

eminent

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191

I have the pleasure of submitting to this Society, having previously placed it in the hands of the
eminent ornithologist, Mr. Gould, to figure and describe, as a tribute of respect for his inde-
fatigable labours in this department of natural history.

“This bird was taken by some sealers who were pursuing their avocations in Dusky Bay.
Perceiving the trail of a large and unknown bird on the snow with which the ground was then
covered, they followed the footprints till they obtained a sight of the Notornis, which their dogs
instantly pursued, and after a long chase caught alive in the gully of a sound behind Resolution
Island. It ran with great speed, and upon being captured uttered loud screams, and fought and
struggled violently ; it was kept alive three or four days on board the schooner and then killed,
and the body roasted and ate by the crew, each partaking of the dainty, which was declared to be
delicious. The beak and legs were of a bright red colour. My son secured the skin, together
with very fine specimens of the Kakapo, or Ground-Parrot, a pair of Huias, and two species of
Kiwi, namely Apteryx australis.and Ap. oweni; the latter very rare bird is now added to the
collection of the British Museum.

“Mr. Walter Mantell states that, according to the native traditions, a large Rail was con-
temporary with the Moa, and formed a principal article of food among their ancestors. It was
known to the North-Islanders by the name of ‘Moho,’ and to the South-Islanders by that of
‘Takahe ;’ but the bird was considered by both natives and Europeans to have been long since
exterminated by the wild cats and dogs, not an individual having been seen or heard of since the
arrival of the English colonists....... o the natives of the pahs or villages on the homeward
route and at Wellington the bird was a perfect novelty, and excited much interest. I may add
that, upon comparing the head of the bird with the fossil cranium and mandibles, and the figures
and descriptions in the ‘ Zoological Transactions’ (pl. 56), my son was at once convinced of their
identity; and so delighted was he by the discovery of a living example of one of the supposed
extinct contemporaries of the Moa, that he immediately wrote to me, and mentioned that the
skull and beaks were alike in the recent and fossil specimens, and that the abbreviated and feeble
development of the wings, both in their bones and plumage, were in perfect accordance with the
indications afforded by the fossil humerus and sternum found by him at Waingongoro, and now
in the British Museum, as. pointed out by Professor Owen in the memoir above referred to..... .
In concluding this brief narrative of the discovery of a living example of a genus of birds once
contemporary with the colossal Moa, and hitherto only known by its fossil remains, I beg to
remark that this highly interesting fact tends to confirm the conclusions expressed in my com-
munications to the Geological Society—namely, that the Dinornis, Palapteryz, and related forms
were coeval with some of the existing species of birds peculiar to New Zealand, and that their
final extinction took place at no very distant period, and long after the advent of the aboriginal
Maoris.”

In the paper which Mr. Gould read at the same Meeting, he prefaced his detailed description
of the bird with the following remarks :—

“Dr. Mantell having kindly placed his son’s valuable acquisition in my hands for the pur-
pose of characterizing it in the ‘Proceedings’ of this Society, and of afterwards figuring and
describing it in the appendix to my work on the birds of Australia, I beg leave to commence
the pleasing task he has assigned me.

2¢c2

192

“The amount of interest which attaches to the present remarkable bird is perhaps greater
than that which pertains to any other with which I am acquainted, inasmuch as it is one of the
few remaining species of those singular forms which inhabited that supposed remnant of a former
continent—New Zealand, and which have been so ably and so learnedly described, from their
semifossilized remains, by Professor Owen; who, as well as the scientific world in general, cannot
fail to be highly gratified by the discovery of a recent example of a form previously known to us
solely from a few osteological fragments, and which, but for this fortunate discovery, would in all
probability, like the Dodo, have shortly become all but traditional. While we congratulate our-
selves upon the preservation of the skin, we must all deeply regret the loss of the bones, any one
of which would have been in the highest degree valuable for the sake of comparison with the
numerous remains which have been sent home from New Zealand.

“ Upon a cursory view of this bird it might be mistaken for a gigantic kind of Porphyrio;
but on an examination of its structure it will be found to be generically distinct. It is allied to
Porphyrio in the form of its bill and in its general colouring, and to Tridonyx in the structure of
its feet, while in the feebleness of its wings and the structure of its tail it differs from both.
From personal observation of the habits of Zribonyx and Porphyrio, I may venture to affirm that
the habits and economy of the present bird more closely resemble those of the former than those
of the latter; that it is doubtless of a recluse and extremely shy disposition; that being deprived,
by the feeble structure of its wing, of the power of flight, it is compelled to depend upon its
swiftness of foot for the means of evading its natural enemies; and that, as is the case with
Tribonyx, a person may be in its vicinity for weeks without ever catching a glimpse of it. From
the thickness of its plumage and the great length of its back-feathers, we may infer that it affects
low and humid situations, marshes, the banks of rivers, and the coverts of dripping ferns, so
abundant in its native country: like Porphyrio, it doubtless enjoys the power of swimming, but
would seem, from the structure of its legs, to be more terrestrial in its habits than the members
of that genus. I have carefully compared the bill of this example with that figured by Professor
Owen under the name of Notornis mantelli, and have little doubt that they are referable to one
and the same species; and as we are now in possession of materials whence to obtain complete
generic characters, I hasten to give the following details, in addition to those supplied by Professor
yeny i165. bie) I cannot conclude these remarks without bearing testimony to the very great
importance of the results which have attended the researches of Mr. Walter Mantell in the various
departments of science to which he has turned the attention of his cultivated, intelligent, and
inquiring mind, nor without expressing a hope that he may yet be enabled to obtain some par-
ticulars as to the history of this and the other remarkable birds of the country in which he is
resident.”

Mr. Mantell was fortunate enough to secure a second specimen of the Notornis; and these
examples, the only two known, having been carefully mounted by Mr. Bartlett, now stand side by
side in the National Collection of Great Britain, and, like the remains of the Dodo in the adjoin-
ing case, daily attract the attention of thousands of eager visitors !

Although no examples of the Notornis have since been obtained, it does not necessarily follow
that the species is absolutely extinct. The recluse habits of such a bird, as already pointed out
by Mr. Gould, would account for its hitherto escaping notice in the only partially explored por-

tons of th
D ecember
a shelf z

‘“ At J
a capital b

the Otago
and on the

he kind of Pop

ee hyip.
istinct, ihe

ny in As eam
. «He Structure of
| It differs from both,
Venture to affirm that
the former than those
; that being deprived
d to depend upon i
it, aS is the case with
glimpse of it. Fron
ay infer that it affect
of dripping fem »

wer of swimming, bu
jits than the member
t figured by Professor
y are referable to one
ce to obtain complet
supplied by Professor
ony to the very sr
Mantell in the various
vated, intelligen’ and
ain some pa

1 to obt
hich be

ountry 1 W

not 2 out

s already 2 red por
a 1) 10.

‘ally es
srtiall

te follow
sarily
ecess4 ’
inted

193

tions of the country; and the following extract from a letter, addressed to me by Dr. Hector in
December 1866, would lead us to hope that at least one specimen more may yet be found to grace
a shelf in the Colonial Museum :—

“ At Motupipi, about three months ago, Mr. Gibson, who is a really good careful observer,
a capital botanist, and a new comer to the country, saw a bird within a few feet of him, in tall
swamp-grass, which, from his description, I have no doubt was a Notornis!! He had never seen
the plate or description of the Notornis ; and as he knows the Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) quite
well, there is no other bird that would answer to his account. I am going back there, and will
get further particulars about it.”

Dr. Hector likewise informs me that, during his exploration of the South-western portion of
the Otago Province in 1861-62, he met with some traces of the Notornis near Thompson Sound
and on the middle arm of the Anau Lake.

Orper GRALLAL.] [Fam. SCOLOPACIDAK.

TRINGA CANUTUS.

(KNOT.)

Tringa canutus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 251 (1766).

Tringa calidris, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 252 (1766).

Charadrius utopiensis, Mill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 117 (1776).
Maubéche tachetée, Buff. Pl. Enl. viii. p. 363 (1783).

Grisled Sandpiper, Lath. Gen. Syn. B. iii. pt. 1, p. 175 (1785).
Southern Sandpiper, Lath. tom. cit. p. 187 (1785).

Tringa cinerea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 673 (1788).

Tringa australis, Gm. tom. cit. p. 679 (1788, ex Lath.).
Tringa nevia, Gm. tom. cit. p. 681 (1788, ex Buff.).

Tringa grisea, Gm. tom. cit. p. 681 (1788, ex Lath.).

Tringa islandica, Gm. tom. cit. p. 682 (1788, ex Briinn.).
Tringa ferruginea, Meyer, Taschenb. deutsch. Végelk. ii. p. 395 (1810).
Tringa rufa, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 43, pl. 57 (1813).

Canutus islandicus, Brehm, Vég. Deutschl. p. 654 (1831).
Canutus cinereus, Brehm, op. cit. p. 655, Taf. 34. fig. 2 (1831).
Calidris canutus, Gould, B. of Kur. iv. pl. 824 (1837).

Canutus rufescens, Brehm, Naum. 1855, p. 292.

Ad. ptil. hiem, suprd cinerascens: pilei plumis medialiter nigris, utrinque fulvescentibus, vix striatis: collo
postico pallidiore, plumis nigro angusté medialiter striatis: dorso toto et scapularibus fulvescente et
nigro alterné marginatis : uropygio imo et supracaudalibus albis, grisescenti-nigro transnotatis : tectri-
cibus alarum saturaté cinerascentibus, minimis angusté, majoribus laté albido limbatis, his etiam con-
spicué albo terminatis : ald spurid remigibusque saturate brunneis, albido plus minusve laté limbatis :
remigum scapis albis: caudd cinered, plumis angusté albido marginatis, scapis albis: supercilio parvo
albo: facie laterali, collo undique et pectore superiore albis, minuté brunneo striatis vel maculatis: gula
albA: corpore reliquo subtis albo, hypochondriis paullis grisescente variis : subalaribus et axillaribus
albis, his vix grisescente notatis: rostro nigro: pedibus olivascenti-nigris.

Ad. ptil. estiv. omnino diversus, rufus: pilei plumis nigro medialiter lineatis: collo postico eodem modo
angustissimé striato: dorsi plumis conspicué medialiter nigris, rufo marginatis : tectricibus alarum et
supracaudalibus ut in ptilosi hiemali coloratis, his autem rufescentibus: subtis leté rufus, abdomine
albicante, hypochondriis fasciis sagittiformibus notatis.

Adult in winter. Crown of the head, hind neck, and all the wpper surface greyish brown, with darker shaft-
lines, the feathers sometimes centred with brown; sides of the head, chin, and throat white; an obscure
greyish streak across the lores; fore neck and breast all round greyish white, with numerous minute

claw 1

Adult in $v
round

sides ¢

Young. Re
subter

white.

THIS cosmo
plumage.
obtained on
reason why
of these bir
been receive
Mr. Gi
surface muc
showing th:
spring.

—_

Puy «
Ay, ip,
,

195

streaks of brown; on raising the plumage of these parts each feather is found to be largely centred with
brown, with a produced apical spot of the same; underparts of the body white, varied on the sides and
flanks with irregular letter-V markings of brown; inner lining of wings greyish white, the axillary
plumes pencilled with brown in wavy lines; rump and upper tail-coverts white, with circular bars of
brown ; wing-feathers dark brown, with white shafts; tail-feathers paler brown, with wliite shafts.
Trides and bill black ; legs greyish black. Length 10 inches; wing, from flexure, 6°25; tail 2°25; bill,
along the ridge 1:3, along the edge of lower mandible 1:4; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1:2; middle toe and
claw 1; hind toe and claw 25.

Adult in summer. Differs in having the plumage of the back brownish black, varied more or less with broad
round spots of rufous; the sides of the head, throat, fore neck, breast, upper part of the abdomen, and
sides of the body bright rufous; some of the feathers narrowly margined with white.

Young. Readily distinguished by the crescentic markings on the upper parts, each feather having a narrow
subterminal streak of black ; the scapulars, wing-coverts, and long secondaries margined beyond with

white.

THis cosmopolitan species is occasionally obtained in New Zealand, but only in its winter
plumage. There are several specimens in the Canterbury and Otago Museums, all of them
obtained on the east coast. It has not yet been recorded in the North Island; but there is no
reason why it should not occur there also. Captain Hutton is in error in stating that I shot one
of these birds at Wanganui*, the specimen which I presented to the Colonial Museum having
been received by me from the South Island.

Mr. Gould states that a specimen collected by Strange on the 2nd September had the under
surface much suffused with red, with many new black feathers among the grey ones on the back,
showing that the bird was changing into its summer livery at the commencement of the Australian
spring.

77

* Catalogue of the Birds of New Zealand, 1871, p.

ostico °

ooden =
ns sare

Orper GRALLA.] [Fam. SCOLOPACID A.

GALLINAGO AUCKLANDICA

(AUCKLAND-ISLAND SNIPE.)

Gallinago aucklandica, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 13, pl. 13 (1844).
Scolopax holmesi, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. viii. p. 229 (1848)

Ccenocorypha aucklandica, Gray, Cat. Gen. of B. p. 119 (1855).

Gallinago pusilla, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 41.

Ad. supra ochraceo-fulvescens : pileo rufescenti-brunneo, plumis medialiter nigris: lined verticali et supercilio
latissimo stramineis: collo postico magis fulvescente, plumis medialiter nigris: dorso rufescenti-
brunneo, plumis nigro irregulariter maculatis aut vermiculatis, scapularibus et dorsi plumis quibusdam
stramineo marginatis: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus: remigibus pallidé brunneis, secundariis
dorso concoloribus et eodum modo nigro maculatis et extus laté stramineo limbatis: caud& brunned,
rectricibus centralibus rufescente variis, exterioribus pallidé cinerascentibus medialiter saturatioribus :
facie laterali stramined, brunneo minuté triquetré maculata, lined per oculum ducté paulld saturatiore :
subtus fulvescens, gulé et abdomine immaculatis: gutture imo, pectore superiore et laterali cum crisso
rufescenti-brunneis, plumis saturatiore brunneo aut triquetré medialiter notatis, aut transversim
vermiculatis : subalaribus cinerascenti-brunneis: rostro grisescenti-corneo: pedibus pallidé brunneis:
iride nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head rufous brown, varied with dark brown, and with a narrow fulvous line down the
middle ; forehead and cheeks fulvous white, the former with an upward median streak of brown; from
the base of the upper mandible to the anterior edge of the eyes a dull streak of the same ; upper surface
dark rufous brown, variegated with irregular spots of fulvous and black, especially on the back and
scapulars, each feather being margined outwardly with pale fulvous, and marked with a large subtermi-
nal spot of black; underparts of the body pale fulvous, the breast obscurely spotted, the sides and
flanks varied with crescentic marks of rufous brown. Irides black; bill greyish brown; tarsi and toes
pale brown. Length 8°5 inches; extent of wings 13; wing, from flexure, 4; tail 1°5; bill, along the
ridge, 2; tarsus ‘85; middle toe and claw 1'1; hind toe and claw 3

In 1868 I received from Dr. Hector a small Snipe collected by Mr. Charles Traill during a visit
to the Chatham Islands, the specimen being accompanied by the following memorandum :—
“Found on a small rocky islet off Chatham Island.” A second specimen, in no way differing
from the first, and obtained in the same locality, was deposited by that gentleman in the Colonial
Museum. On comparing these birds with Mr. Gray’s description of Gallinago aucklandica, I
concluded that the species was a distinct one, and characterized it accordingly (J. c.) as Gallinago
pusilla. Captain Hutton and Mr. Kirk have since recorded its occurrence in the Gul
Hauraki, near Auckland ; and Mr. Henry Travers has recently brought further examples from the
Chatham Islands.

Having brought with me to England one of Mr. Traill’s original specimens, and carefully

compared
from the f
lity 2 the
differene
rate, that
In bt
“ Length |
sions are @

only of th

-

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1 duet’ news
AUCta paulo satiratin

;
© 4Q0ETall CLM cris)

ced with a large subtem
} 1 gho cules ani
y spotted, the side ©

- s 7

‘sh brown; tarsi and us

» tail 1°5 ; bill, along ™

os Trail during 2!
ing memoranda =
n, in 20 way -
Jeman in the Colon

jinagq? qauck

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; fol)

. eps and cal

cune

197

compared it with a series of eight skins of Gallinago aucklandica in the British Museum, brought
from the Auckland Islands by the Antarctic expedition, and with another from the same loca-
lity in the possession of Mr. Gould, I have come to the conclusion that, notwithstanding the great
difference in the length of the bill, they are referable to one and the same species—or, at any
rate, that till further specimens have been obtained it would be unwise to separate them.

In his description of Gallinago aucklandica, Mr. Gray gives the following measurements :—
“Length 9 inches, wing 44, bill 2 inches and 4 lines.” In the type of my G. pusilla, the dimen-
sions are appeciably smaller in every way; and in the specimen which I brought to England for
comparison, they are as follows :—Length 8 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4; bill, along the ridge,

Mr. Gould’s specimen has the same length of wing; but the bill measures 2°46 inches. Of
the eight examples in the British Museum, one corresponds very nearly with the last mentioned,
in four of them the bill measures 2°25, in two others it barely exceeds 2 inches, and in the
remaining one it is only 1:8 inch; while in none of them does the wing vary, in any material
degree, from the standard length of 4 inches. The slight individual differences of plumage are
only of the kind we are accustomed to look for in members of this group.

2D

Orver GRALLA.] [Faw. SCOLOPACID A.

LIMOSA BAUERL

(BARRED-RUMPED GODWIT.)

Limosa bauert, Naum. Vog. Deutschl. viii. p. 429 (1836).

Limosa lapponica, var. nove zealandie, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 13 (1844).
Limosa brevipes, Gray, Cat. Gralle Brit. Mus. p. 95 (1844).

Limosa australasiana, id. op. cit. p. 96 (1844).

Limosa nove-zealandie, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 570 (1847).

Limosa uropygialis, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1848, p. 38.

Limosa foxii, Peale, U.S, Expl. Exp. p. 231, pl. 65 (1848).

Limosa rufa, Temm. & Schl. Faun. Japon. p. 114 (1850).

Gallinago punctata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470.

Native name.—Kuaka.

Ad. ptil. hiem. supra brunnescens, pileo summo unicolori: colli plumis vix medialiter saturatioribus: dorsi
plumis conspicué medialiter saturatiis brunneis, scapis nigricantibus, scapularibus cinereo lavatis :
uropygio et supracaudalibus albis, fasciis brunneis conspicuis transnotatis: tectricibus alarum dorso
concoloribus extis fulvescente angusté marginatis, medianis et majoribus nigricante medialiter lineatis :
primariis saturaté brunneis, intis pallidioribus, scapis albis, secundariis grisescenti-brunneis, extts
albido limbatis : caudd brunned, rectricibus centralibus cinerascentibus conspicué albo terminatis : loris
et genis albicantibus: corpore subtis sordidé albo, collo inferiore et pectore summo cinerascentibus,
hypochondriis vix brunneo fasciatis: subalaribus et axillaribus albis brunneo transfasciatis: rostro
brunneo, mandibula ad basin rufescente : pedibus saturate plumbeis:: iride nigra.

Adult in winter, Crown of the head and sides of the face dusky brown, mottled with yellowish brown ;
throat, and a streak from the base of the upper mandible extending beyond the eyes, white; neck, all
round, brownish grey, spotted with dark brown on the nape ; upper part of the back rusty brown, with
darker centre spots, and mottled with white ; the scapulars light rust-brown, with a series of white
triangular spots on each web; lower part of back greyish white varied with brown; rump and upper
tail-coverts white, conspicuously barred with brown, these bars assuming on the outer feathers the form
of arrow-heads ; breast and sides of the body creamy white, sometimes stained with grey; abdomen
and under tail-coverts pure white, some of the latter with irregular dusky bars; lining of wings and

axillary plumes white, faintly barred with brown; primaries clove-brown on their upper surface, darker

on their outer webs and towards the tips, light grey on their under surface, with dusky freckles ;
secondaries marked like the scapulars, but with the spots on the inner webs inclining to fulvous ; the
wing-coverts are clove-brown, more or less tipped with white; tail-feathers brown, barred towards the
base, and the middle ones largely tipped with white. rides black ; bill light brown, tinged with purple
in its basal half, black beyond; tarsi and toes deep bluish grey; claws black. Length 18 inches; ex-
tent of wings 31; wing, from flexure, 9°75 ; tail 3-5 ; bill, along the ridge, 4; bare tibia 1; tarsus 2°2 ;
middle toe and claw 1°5; hind toe and claw ‘5.

Adult in |
the -

shou

us 4

correctly

has no cla

objection,

New He}
m Thdia,

Pu «
"X0tp

:
* “han 7s | }
Aker saturatiorihys: don

1OUS Cinereo larats:
ibus al 7

S$ alarum dow

icante medialiter lineatis:

rrisescenti- brun nels extis

e summo Cl inerascentibus,
10 tran sfasciatis : Tosi

ra.

d with yellowish brow;

ak all
3, W hite; neck, #
ith

the ey
. hack rusty brows, 1
t Ve ” -

199

Adult in summer. Has the plumage of the upper surface darker and largely varied with rufous, the sides of
the head, abn cme sale eee upper part of abdomen, sides of the body, and flanks bright rufous. It
shou , strictly speaking, only a seasonal visitant, a few stragglers remain with
us all through the year, and that specimens are sometimes met with in a transitional state of plumage.

Albino. The following is the description of an albino shot by myself at Ohau, on the west coast of the
Wellington Province, in the spring of 1862 :—The whole of the plumage white, tinged with brown on
the head, back, and upper surface of wings; tertiaries and the primary coverts partially brown; lining
of wings, axillary plumes, and upper tail-coverts barred with pale brown; bill whitish ; legs blac

Obs. In this species the length of the bill is very variable. A series of five examples, in a fine collection of
birds made by Mr. W. T. L. Travers in the South Island, presents the following gradations in the bill :—
3 inches, 3°5, 4°1, 4-4, and4°5. The tarsi are of equal length in all five specimens ; and there is scarcely
any perceptible difference in the length of the wing. Nos. 1 and 2 are in partial summer dress, the
former having scattered clouded spots of rufous on the underparts, the latter having the whole of the
under surface stained more or less with rufous, especially the fore neck, breast, and sides of the body,
where this colour predominates. The rest are in full winter plumage.

Drs. Frvsch and Harriavs, in their excellent work on the birds of Central Polynesia, have
correctly referred our bird to the species described by Mr. Gould under the name of Limosa
uropygialis ; but, as will be seen on reference to the historical synonymy given above, this name
has no claim whatever to recognition. There are no less than five recorded names of antecedent
date ; and, in settling questions of nomenclature, I shall, as far as possible, adhere to the estab-
lished rule of adopting in every case the oldest admissible title. There can be no doubt that this
was the species originally described (J. ¢.) as Limosa baueri; and I have accordingly restored its
original name. But even supposing that, as the authors already cited have contended, Nau-
mann’s description is too vague to fix the species, and that Gray’s L. brevipes is open to the same
objection, then Limosa novee-zealandie (Gray) would undoubtedly stand in preference to a name
bestowed by Gould at a later period.

This Godwit is the eastern representative of the European Limosa lapponica, to which it bears
a close resemblance ; and, like that species, it has a very extensive geographical range. Both of
them are alike migratory in their respective hemispheres ; and while the other species breeds in
the high northern latitudes of Europe and retires in winter to North-west and East Africa, our
bird spends a portion of the year in Siberia, and visits, in the course of its annual migration, the
islands of the Indian archipelago, Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Von Middendorff,
who met with these birds in great numbers in Northern Siberia (74-75° N. lat.), states that they
appeared there on the 3rd June, and left again in the beginning of August. In the months of
September and April Swinhoe observed migratory flocks on the coast of Formosa, and during the
winter months he met with this species still further south. Von Middendorff found it also in
summer on the south coast of the Sea of Ochotsk, although it did not appear to breed there.
It has likewise been observed in China, Japan, Java, Celebes, Timor, Norfolk Island, and the
New Hebrides, and its range doubtless extends much further; but it has never yet been met with
in India, this being probably too far west of its annual course *.

* Fauna Central-Polynesiens (1867), p. 181.

200

The habits of this species are in no respect different from those of its European ally. As
already stated, it is migratory; and towards the end of March or beginning of April large flocks
may be seen at the far north taking their departure from our country. Rising from the beach
in a long line and with much clamour, they form into a broad semicircle, and, mounting high in
the air, generally take a course due north: sometimes they rise in a confused manner, and, after
circling about at a considerable height in the air, return to the beach to reform, as it were, their
ranks, and then make a fresh start on their distant pilgrimage. The departure from any fixed
locality usually begins on almost the exact date year after year; and for a week or ten days after
the migration has commenced fresh parties are constantly on the wing, the flight generally taking
place about sunset, and sometimes after dark. The flocks begin to reappear at the north early in
November, and then rapidly disperse along the coast.

In some localities these birds afford tolerably good shooting, although they are not much
esteemed for eating. When spread over the bare mud-flats in search of food they are somewhat
shy and wary; but when the tide is high they consort together in large flocks near the water’s
edge, and may then be approached under cover and killed by scores, a pot shot into their close
ranks, and another as the flock rises confusedly in the air generally proving very destructive.
“ Curlew-shooting” (as it is termed in the colony) sometimes, however, becomes more legitimate
sport, as may be gathered from the following passage in a recent letter to ‘The Field,’ from a
New-Zealand correspondent :—‘ Curlew-shooting has just begun; I had a day last week (early in
March). The best locality for this kind of shooting is the upper part of Auckland harbour,
where the river Waitemata and the harbour of the Manukau are within a short distance of one
another. The Manukau being on the west coast and Auckland on the east coast, the tide is, of
course, rising in one harbour when it is falling in the other. The Curlew feed on the mud flats
after the ebbing tide, and the best plan is to choose the time when the flight commences from
one coast to the other. This is at the moment of low water at either side. At that time the
shooter takes up his station behind a fence and watches for the flight of Curlew. If the day be
stormy, so much the better; for then the birds fly low. If the shooter has taken up a good post,
he will have a full hour’s good fast shooting; and this will be the case at each turn of the tide.
Last week was my first day this year, and in twelve shots I got nine and a half brace of Curlew.
This was not very good sport; but the birds flew rather high and were not as closely packed as
usual.”

Although the natives speak confidently of an extensive nesting-place at the Awanui, I have
never obtained any satisfactory proof of this species breeding with us, nor am I aware of its eggs
having yet been found in any other country; so that they are at present even greater desiderata
with collectors than the rare and much-prized eggs of the Bar-tailed Godwit of Europe.

QgoE® GRA

Recur
Recur

Avocé

Ad. pulchré
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in more legitima
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short distance of op
at coast, the tide is of
feed on the mud fats
fight commences fron
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urlew. If the day bk
aken up a good pos,
oach turn of the tide,
half brace of Curler
as closely packed a

the Awanll, I hare
m I aware of its eee
siderala

en greater desidera!

of Europe

Orvrr GRALLZ. | [Famu. SCOLOPACID.

RECURVIROSTRA NOVEH HOLLANDIA

(RED-NECKED AVOCET.)

Recurvirostra nove hollandia, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. iii. p. 103 (1816).
Recurvirostra rubricollis, Temm. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 592 (1820).
Avocetta nove zealandie, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470.

Ad. pulchré niveus, scapularibus imis nigricantibus : capite cum collo postico et laterali guttureque toto satu-
raté ferrugineis: pileo antico et vertice cinerascentibus, gulé etiam albido varié: tectricibus alarum
minimis albis, medianis nigris, majoribus albis: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, pennis minoribus et
secundariis exterioribus albis: caudé albd, pennis centralibus pallidé cinereis: subtus niveus: rostro

nigro: pedibus plumbescenti-nigris: iride rubra.

Adult. Head and about two thirds of the neck dark rufous, paler on the crown, and inclining to greyish-
brown towards the base of the bill; the inner scapulars, the first six primaries, and the longer seconda-
ries, with their coverts, black, the latter tinged with brown ; the effect in the closed wing is a black
surface, with a narrow longitudinal bar of white; tail pale ash-grey ; the rest of the plumage pure white.
Irides red; bill black; legs and feet bluish black. Length 17-25 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9; tail 4;
bill, along the ridge, following the curvature, 3°75; bare tibia 1°5; tarsus 8°5; middle toe and claw 1°75 ;

hind toe and claw 1°4.

Tis beautiful Australian Avocet, to which I have restored Vieillot’s original name of Recurvi-
rostra nove hollandia, is an occasional visitant to our shores. In the summer of 1859-60 I saw
a small flock of them far up the course of the Ashburton river, and again in a small lagoon near
the township of Timaru, but, not having a gun with me, I was unable to secure any. In the same
season a specimen was shot by Mr. French on the tidal flats near the mouth of the Kaiapoi river ;
and this, unfortunately, was allowed to perish. Three years later I met with a flock numbering
five or six on the south-west coast of the Wellington Province. They were very shy, rising high
in the air on my attempting to approach them, and taking their course for the opposite side of
Cook’s Strait. ‘Two specimens have been shot on the ocean-beach near Dunedin ; and Dr. Richard-
son received another from the Whakatipu Lake, in the interior of the Otago Province. A solitary
one was shot on the mud-flats near Whangarei some years ago; and the skin was preserved by
Mr. George Burnett, who forwarded it to Europe. ‘The specimen from which my description is
taken was killed on the mud-flats near Christchurch in 1864, and was forwarded to me at once by
Dr. Haast for determination. It now forms a part of his magnificent collection of New-Zealand
birds in the Canterbury Museum. I understand that, more recently, further specimens have been
obtained through the exertions of his excellent taxidermist, Mr. F. Fuller.
In Gould’s ‘ Birds of Australia,’ where it is distinguished as Recurvirostra rubricollis (Temm. ),
the following account of its habits is given :—“ Like its European representative, the Red-necked

202

Avocet frequents the shallow parts of lakes, inlets of the sea, and the muddy banks of rivers,
often wading knee-deep in the water, and readily swimming when necessity requires it so to do.
Its food consists of minute marine mollusca and insects, which it gathers from the surface of the
mud with its delicately organized bill, the structure of which is admirably adapted for the pur-
pose: not less appropriate is the structure of its feet, which, being partially webbed, enable the
bird to pass over the soft surface of the ground with far greater ease than could be effected by
any of the Sandpipers, whose toes are divided to their base. In Western Australia the favourite
localities of this bird are the lakes in the neighbourhood of Perth and on Rotnest Island, where
it is seen in small flocks in company with the Himantopus leucocephalus. In South Australia the
river Murray and the shores of Lake Alexandrina afford situations equally adapted for its exist-
ence. ‘The sexes are alike in plumage, and differ but little in size.”

(nDEB GRAL

Himar
Hime

Ad. supra ni

Juv. supra ni

Adult. B
green
with 1
lids r
14 in

edge

Young. (
Sooty
uppel
axilla

Chick, ©
brow:

each

THE Whit
Australia.
but I knoy
Notwi
Movements
about in ¢
Mollusca, ‘
the wing, 4
and the bi
Mr. ¢

tity thy. Orver GRALLZ.] (Fam. SCOLOPACID.A.
. Tr Quip f Ny
: ites :
from the , It § ty bh

Y Rape HIMANTOPUS LEUCOCEPHALUS.
He Dr (WHITE-HEADED STILT.)

d
n etal the bn, ’
OMest Wan; Wit.
In South i » Whey Himantopus leucocephalus, Gould, P.Z: 81887; p. 26.
ly adapted §, : a th Himantopus albus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470.

Native name.—Tutumata.

Ad. supra niger, pileo undique, collo laterali et postico torquem collarem formante albis: dorso postico et
uropygio albis: alis omnind nigris dorso concoloribus: caudé alba, cinerascente lavata, pennis duabus
centralibus omnino cinerascentibus: corpore toto subtis puré albo: rostro nigro: pedibus cruentatis :
iride rubra.

Juv. supra niger, brunneo tinctus: collo postico sordidé griseo-albo: tectricibus alarum et supracaudalibus
albo terminatis.

Adult. Back of the neck, middle portion of back, scapulars, and entire upper surface of wings glossy
greenish black; lining and under surface of wings sooty black; the rest of the plumage pure white,
7ith

the exception of the tail-feathers, which are more or less tinged with smoky grey. Irides and eye-
lids red ; bill black, sometimes horn-coloured at the tip; legs and feet deep pink flesh-colour. Length
14 inches ; extent of wings 26°5; wing, from flexure, 9; tail 3; bill, along the ridge 2:4, along the
edge of ince mandible 2°6; bare tibia 2; tarsus 4°25; middle toe and claw 1°7

Young. Crown of the head, middle portion of back, scapulars and upper surface of wings, and tail dull
sooty black tinged with brown; nape greyish white, blending on the shoulders into the darker plumage ;
upper wing-coverts and tail-coverts tipped more or less with greyish white; inner lining of wings and
axillary plumes sooty black, tipped with white; the rest of the plumage pure white.

Chick. Covered with short soft down of various shades of fulvous yellow, varied on the upper parts with
brown, and with a series of square black spots down the back, and a broad streak of the same colour on
each thigh.

Tue White-headed Stilt, which appears to be also widely distributed over the continent of
Australia, is a comparatively common bird in the middle and southern portions of New Zealand ;
but I know of only a single instance of its occurrence as far north as Auckland.

Notwithstanding the extraordinary length of its legs, this bird is most graceful in all its
movements; and it is a pretty sight to watch a flock of them on the edges of a lagoon, stalking
about in the shallow water in search of their food, which consists of aquatic insects and small
mollusca, and displaying their well-balanced bodies in a variety of artistic attitudes. When on
the wing, the legs are trailed behind, with a slight swaying motion as if to preserve the equipoise ;
and the bird utters a sharp, quickly repeated note, like the yelping of a small cur.

Mr. Gould has given an interesting account of this species in his ‘ Birds of Australia,’ but

204

states that he was unable to obtain any information respecting its nidification. We have been
more fortunate in New Zealand, as the following account will testify. Mr. Potts reports that,
according to his experience, it usually commences to breed in October; and I have found newly
hatched young ones as late as the first week in January. It forms a very rude nest, if, indeed, it
deserves that name, and sometimes deposits its eggs on the bare ground, a mere depression on the
surface being selected for the purpose. The eggs are usually four in number, decidedly ovoido-
conical in form, measuring 1-7 inch in length by 1:2 in breadth, and are of a warm yellowish
brown, handsomely marked and spotted over the entire surface with brownish black.

The young can run nimbly almost immediately after quitting the shell. They often elude
capture by squatting close to the ground ; and their colours so exactly harmonize with their sur-
roundings that it is almost impossible to discover them. One which I had found, after an
hour’s diligent search, squatting on the sand near the edge of a sea-pond, remained perfectly
motionless till I had taken it up in my hand, when it struggled to escape and uttered a feeble
cheep, cheep.

I have observed that the Stilt sometimes feigns lameness to draw intruders away from the
vicinity of its nest; and on the occasion to which I have already referred, when I captured the
chick the old birds became excited, flew round me in circles, and repeatedly darted up to
within 2 feet of my head, uttering all the time a sharp yelping cry.

ORDER GRA

Hin
Hime
Hime
Hime

Ad. ptil. @s

nigi

Ad. ptil. hi
dor:

Juv. simili:

Adult in

bac

Young,

WAtion

Presi,

ly NO F
nber decideay it
are of Y Ovid,

a Warm
= Velloes
"nish black Telly

i ay
Attered a faut

eehle

“ape and ;

truders away fr
ed, when | cap

epeatedly da

Om the
ured th:

rted W ty

Orprr GRALLA.] [Fam. SCOLOPACID Az.

HIMANTOPUS NOVA ZEALANDI£ZA

(BLACK STILT.)

Himantopus nove zealandie, Gould, P. Z. S. 1841, p. 8.
Himantopus melas, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. 1841, p. 320.
Himantopus niger, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470.

Himantopus melas, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 30.

Native name.—Kaki.

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra nitidé virescenti-niger: subtus fuliginoso-niger, loris et facie laterali pallidioribus: rostro

nigro: pedibus cruentatis: iride rufesceuti-brunned.

Ad. ptil. hiem. dissimilis ptilosi zstive : pileo postico et cervice toto nigris: fronte, gutture et pectore albis :

dorso, alis et caudd nigris: abdomine fuliginoso-nigro.

Juv. similis ptilosi xstive, sed dorso postico et uropygio albis: subtis etiam albus: cervice et collo postico

sordidé cinerascentibus saturatits variis: interscapulio, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum nigricanti-
brunneis, fulvo marginatis: primariis pallidé cinerascescente terminatis: caudA cinerascenti-brunned,
rectricibus exterioribus versus basin pogonii interni albis.

Adult in summer. Head, neck, and all the under surface brownish black, inclining to slaty grey on the face
and towards the base of lower mandible; back, rump, and upper surface of wings and tail glossy green-
ish black. Irides and eyelids crimson ; legs and feet pinky red, the claws black. Length 15 inches ;
extent of wings 28°5; wing, from flexure, 10; tail 3°25; bare tibia 8; tarsus 3°75; middle toe and
claw 1°5.

Adult in winter. Crown and sides of the head, hind part of neck; and the whole of the abdomen sooty black ;
back, wings, and tail glossy greenish black ; the rest of the plumage pure white.

Young. Forehead, sides of the head, fore part and sides of the neck, and all the underparts pure white;
crown of the head, mantle, and scapulars blackish brown, each feather margined at the tip with
fulvous ; hind part of the neck and between the shoulders dark grey, mottled with paler grey; back
and rump white ; upper and lower surface of wings, as well as the axillary plumes, black; the upper
wing-coverts and the long inner secondaries margined with fulvous, and the primaries tipped with
light grey; tail-feathers greyish brown, the outer ones white on their inner webs, with an apical spot
of brown.

Chick. Covered with dark brown down; bill and legs greyish black.

206

Obs. The sexes are alike; but the summer plumage in the female has less gloss on the wings and tail, and a
stronger tinge of brown on the underparts.

Remarks. Owing to the many transitional states of plumage in which this bird is found, both in its progress
towards maturity and in its seasonal changes of dress, it is the popular belief that there are two species
of Stilt in New Zealand distinct from the well-known mpi ce AS and this view
has been adopted in Hutton’s ‘Catalogue,’ where the true H. nove zealandie is first described in its
winter plumage, and then, under another name (H. melas), in its black summer ae But this supposed
third species has no real existence. Dr. Finsch, in his remarks on a collection of skins received from
Dr. Haast, states (Journal fiir Ornithologie, 1870, p. 349) that a bird labelled “ Himantopus nove
Zealandie, first year’s plumage” proved, on examination, to be a mature example of H. leucocephalus,
readily distinguished by its longer tibia and tarsi, from which accidental mistake he seems to infer
that Haast is wrong in his description of the young of this species. There can be no doubt, however,
that the young of H. nove zealandie is as 1 have described it, my examples exhibiting in every
case that enlargement below the tarsal joint which, among birds of this group, is a sure indication of
immaturity.

TuIs species was originally made known by Gould, in the Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia,’
his description being founded on two specimens “killed at Port Nicholson,” both of which, how-
ever, appear to have been in an immature state of plumage.

It may readily be distinguished from the preceding species by its darker plumage, and by its
somewhat shorter legs. Its habits, however, are similar, excepting that it is less gregarious,
associating in pairs rather than flocks, while it appears to prefer the dry shingle-beds to the lagoons
and marshy grounds which constitute the favourite feeding-resorts of the other species. It is,
moreover, a much rarer bird, although it is generally to be found in all the river-courses of the
Wellington Province, and further south. Dr. Hector met witha solitary pair at Parengarenga,
near the North Cape; and Mr. Robert Mair saw a flock of five at Kaipara, where it was con-
sidered by the natives an extremely rare visitant. A few pairs have for several years past
frequented the Rotorua Lake; but it is never seen on Lake Taupo, although the White-headed Stilt
is extremely abundant there, single flocks sometimes numbering thirty or forty birds. In Roto
mahana also, where the latter bird is very plentiful at all seasons of the year, the Black Stilt is
rarely seen. I have met with it more abundantly in the large river-courses of the South Island ;
and Mr. Potts, who has found it nesting there, writes :—“ It breeds early in the season, seeking the
sandy river-beds for that purpose. The labour of nidification is very trifling; sometimes a nest of
grass is roughly constructed ; and now and then this apology for a nest may be discovered on a
log of drift-wood; much more frequently, however, a slight depression in the sandy spit answers
all the requirements of this Stilt as a nesting-place; and it is never very far from water. The
young can run almost as soon as they are hatched; when disturbed, they conceal themselves be-
hind stones, or some other shelter in the most artful manner. The parent birds exhibit the
utmost assiduity in attempting to lead intruders from their eggs or young, and their numerous
cunning devices are carried on with surprising cleverness and perseverance.” The same observer
records a nest, with three eggs, on Rakaia river-bed on the 13th of September, and another, con-

taining <t

easily des

207

Y,
taining two, in the same locality on the 14th of December* ; and in a note to myself he adds that

he has seen the young as early as the middle of October. The eggs are of an elegant ovoido-

conical form, measuring 1:8 inch in length by 1:3 in breadth, and of a warm yellowish-brown
colour, handsomely marked over the entire surface with conspicuous spots of brownish black.
There are good comparative series of the eggs of both this and the preceding species in the
Canterbury, Museum ; and the difference they exhibit is very manifest to the eye, although not

easily described.
* Trans, N. Z. Instit. 1869, vol. ii. p. 70.

Orper GRALL/..]

(Fam, CHARADRIIDA

CHARADRIUS OBSCURUS.

(NEW-ZEALAND DOTTREL.)

Dusky Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 211 (1785).
Charadrius obscurus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 686 (1788).
Charadrius glareola, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 109 (1844).
Pluviorhynchus obscurus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 417 (1856).

Native name.—Tuturiwhata.

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra sordidé cinereus, ochraceo-rufo lavatus, plumis omnibus héc colore marginatis: collo

postico paulld dilutiore cinereo: tectricibus alarum diluté cinereis, pallidits marginatis, majoribus
angusté albido terminatis: remigibus cinerascenti-brunneis, extis et versus apicem saturatioribus,
scapis albis, remigibus minoribus et secundariis extimis basin versus albis et conspicué albo terminatis,
secundariis dorsalibus dorso concoloribus: caud4 saturatiis brunned, rectricibus externis magis cine-
rascentibus albo terminatis, pennd extima feré albidd: loris et supercilio distincto fulvescenti-albis :
regione paroticd brunnescente : subtis ochrascenti-rufus, genis et gulA pallidioribus : hypochondriis cum
crisso et subcaudalibus albidis: subalaribus et axillaribus albis: rostro nigro: pedibus plumbeis : iride
nigra.

Ad. ptil. hiem. similis ptilosi estivee, sed sordidior: supra diluté cinereus, haud rufescente lavatis: subtis albi-
cans, pectore superiore laterali cinerascente.
Adult in summer. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface greyish brown, each
feather narrowly margined with chestnut; a small spot on the forehead, and all the chin white
throat, fore neck, and underparts of the body pale chestnut; lining of wings, flanks, lower part of
abdomen, and under tail-coverts white; wing-feathers brownish black, the first primary having the
entire shaft white, and the rest white in their median portion. Irides and bill black; ‘legs and feet
leaden grey. Length 10°5 inches; extent of wings 21; wing, from flexure, 6° 5; tail 2°75; bill, ey
the ridge 1:1, along the edge of lower mandible 1:2; bare tibia‘5; tarsus 1: 4; rabid toe and claw 1:2
Adult in winter. Upper surface greyish brown, without the chestnut margins; underparts pure white, the
breast crossed by an interrupted zone of dark grey, and the sides of the body tinged with the same

Tuis fine species, although nowhere very plentiful, is dispersed along the whole of our shores,

frequenting the ocean-beaches and the sand flats at the mouths of all our tidal rivers. It more-

over inhabits the interior, and appears to affect very high altitudes. Dr. Haast has sent me
specimens obtained by him far up in the Southern Alps; Mr. Enys states that he has met with it
at an elevation of nearly 7000 feet; and Mr. Buchanan informs me that during his ascent of

Mount E
these DI

noticed i
The nest
few stem
not easy
they are
in shape,
almost as
young in
The
markings
less conf
breadth.

209

Mount Egmont, in company with Messrs. Richmond and Hursthouse, he discovered a pair of
these birds on the slope of the cone at an elevation of at least 6000 feet. Mr. Travers assures
me that he met with it in small flocks on the Spencer ranges, in the Province of Nelson, at an
elevation above the sea of fully 8000 feet!

It subsists chiefly on small crustaceans, mollusca, and sand-hoppers, and pursues its prey on
foot. When disturbed it rises in the air with a rapid vibration of its wings, and flies in a circle,
with an occasional sailing movement, when the wings are motionless and assume the form of
a bow.

On the nesting-habits of this species Mr. Potts writes:—‘“In the breeding-season I have
noticed it at such a considerable altitude as the summit of Dog range, in the Ashburton district.
The nest is difficult to find; it is so slight an affair that it easily escapes observation—merely a
few stems of grass twisted into a slight hollow in the ground, so loosely put together that it is
not easy to pick it up and yet preserve its form. The eggs, three in number, just fill the nest;
they are of a delicate soft brown, suffused with dark brown (almost black) marks somewhat oval
in shape, | inch 9 lines in length, with a breadth of 1 inch 3 lines. The young run with speed
almost as soon as hatched, and conceal themselves with much skill. . I have observed eggs and
young in the months of October and November.”

There is a good series of eggs in the Canterbury Museum: in some examples the spots and
markings are blotched, in others they are rounded and distinct, while in some they are more or
less confluent towards the thicker end. In size they average 1:8 inch in length by 1-2 in
breadth.

; pach
face greyish brown, eta

and all the chm wu;

bell. aloo
~ , a
» vey

aw 14.

5D;
middle toe and ¢

tail 275

1, th
te, the
jerparts pure white,
{its
; p salle.
nged with the

shores
pore

Orprr GRALLA. | [Fam. CHARADRIIDA,

CHARADRIUS BICINCTUS.

(BANDED DOTTREL.)

Chestnut-breasted Plover, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 324 (1824).
Charadrius bicinctus, Jard. and Selby, Ill. of Orn. i. pl. 28 (1825).
Aigialitis bicinctus, Gould, Syn. B. Austr. pt. ii. (1837).
Miaticula bicincta, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pl. 16 (1848).
Ochthodromus bicinctus, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 16 (1871).

Native names.—Tuturiwhata and Pohowera.

Ad. estiv. supra obscuré cinereus, supracaudalibus exterioribus albo terminatis: tectricibus alarum dorso con-
coloribus, majoribus angusté albo terminatis : remigibus brunneis, extis et verstis apicem saturatiori-
bus, scapis medialiter albis, primariis internis ad apicem albis, remigibus minoribus albo conspicué
terminatis, secundariis dorsalibus dorso concoloribus: caud4 saturaté brunned, rectricibus exterioribus
cinerascentibus et albo terminatis, rectrice extimé albicante: fascid frontali latd supra oculos angustits
ducta alba, fascia altera nigra frontali utrinque marginat4: plumis infraocularibus pallidé cinerascenti-
bus: regione paroticd cinerascente, dorso concolori: fasciA mystacali nigra cum lined anteriore frontali
conjuncta : subtts albus, torque jugulari latd nigra, alterA pectorali castaned : subalaribus albis, imis
cinerascentibus: rostro nigro: pedibus flavicanti-cinereis : iride nigra.

Ad. hiem. similis ptilosi zstive, sed obscurior: torquibus pectoralibus minoribus, vel interdum obsoleté
indicatis.

Adult male. Forehead white, margined above and below with black; crown of the head, nape, and all the
upper surface greyish brown; from the base of the upper mandible a black streak, which crosses the
eyes and blends into the grey on the sides of the neck; throat and fore neck pure white; across the
breast a narrow zone of black, and (a short space below it) a broad band of chestnut, which covers the
upper part of the abdomen; the rest of the underparts pure white; quills brown with white shafts ;
the middle tail-feathers dark brown, with uns reflections in their apical portion, the lateral feathers
paler, with white shafts, and the outermost one on each side pure white. Irides and bill black ; legs
yellowish grey. Length 8°5 inches; extent re wings 16; wing, from flexure, 5:25; tail 2°75; bill, along
the ridge ‘75, along the edge of lower mandible ‘75; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1:25; middle toe and claw 1.

Female. Similar to the male, but with the margins of the frontal spot less defined, and the pectoral bands
somewhat duller.

Young. Upper parts suffused with rust-red, each feather having a narrow margin of that colour; forehead,
throat, and underparts white with a slight tinge of rufous; a broad zone of dark mottled grey encircles
the fore neck ; but there is no indication of the pectoral band of chestnut.

Fledgelt”
wh
cov
oth

Chick.
on

wh

Tuis pre
siderable
or on th
the One
pastures
Ronald |
Mr. Got
common
impulse
15th of

ages anc

wheelin:
It 1
attempt
their off
three in
a dark
Canterb
brownis
especial
the gro
Pencille
larger ¢
I¢
the Sea-
gave ve
the 29y

211

— (Taupo, Dec. 24). Feathers of the upper parts brown largely margined with fulvous ; underparts

with fulvous markings on the breast; the sides of the head and lower part of back and rump

si with down of a dull sandy yellow spotted with black, and with fluffy down still adhering to
other parts of the body. Bill dark brown; legs brownish grey.

Chick. Covered with soft down of a bright sandy yellow on the upper surface, changing to yellowish white
on the underparts ; the crown of the head and the back prettily mottled and varied with dark brown, of
which there is also a broad streak on the wings and thighs.

Obs. There is a seasonal change of plumage, the chestnut band becoming considerably reduced in winter,
although it is never entirely absent in the fully adult bird.

Turs pretty little Dottrel is very common on our shores, and is frequently met with also at a con-
siderable distance inland. It associates in flocks, and is always to be found on the ocean-beach,
or on the dry sands and grassy plains in the vicinity of the coast; but I have also observed it on
the Onetapu desert, in the interior of the North Island, and it is very commonly met with on the
pastures several miles from the sea. It has been recorded from Lord Howe’s Island; and Mr.
Ronald Gunn states that it is plentifully dispersed along the northern shores of Tasmania; but
Mr. Gould saw it only once in Australia, when, as he informs us, considerable numbers visited a
common in the neighbourhood of George Town, and appeared to be acting under some migratory
impulse; for, after remaining a day or two, they suddenly disappeared. This occurred about the
15th of May, the middle of the Australian winter; and the flights consisted of birds of various
ages and in different states of plumage.

It is more active in its habits than the preceding species, running swiftly over the sands, and
stopping at short intervals to bob its head and utter a rather plaintive note. It rises in the air
with a very rapid movement of its wings, and usually adopts a circular course, the whole flock
wheeling simultaneously and descending to the ground in an oblique direction.

It nests in the localities which it commonly frequents; and there appears to be very little
attempt at concealment, although the old birds manifest considerable solicitude for the safety of
their offspring, and adopt the usual devices for alluring intruders away. ‘The eggs are generally
three in number, broadly oval in form, measuring 1°3 inch in length by 1 in breadth, and are of
a dark grey colour, much speckled and mottled with brown. The numerous examples in the
Canterbury Museum exhibit some variety in their colouring; they are of different shades of
brownish grey, inclining in some to greenish grey, spotted and pencilled or marked all over, but
especially at the thicker end, with brownish black. The specimens vary not only in the tone of
the ground-colour, but also in the form and extent of the markings, some being very handsomely
pencilled and spotted, whilst others have a dark or blotched appearance, particularly at the
larger end.

I once discovered a nest of this species in a grass paddock at Manawatu, several miles from
the sea-shore; and on my taking up one of the chicks, the old birds flew round me in circles and
gave vent to their anxiety in a rapid clicking note, in which both of them joined. This was on
the 22nd of December, and the young birds appeared to have only just emerged from the shell.

Orpen GRALLA.]

[ Fam. CHARADRITIDA

CHARADRIUS FULVUS.

(EASTERN GOLDEN PLOVER.)

Fulvous Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. p. 211 (1785).

Charadrius fulous, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 687 (1788, ex Lath.).

Charadrius pluvialis, Horsf. Tr. Linn. Soc. xiii. p. 187 (1822).

Charadrius xanthocheilus, Wagl. Syst. Av. Charadrius, sp. 36 (1827, ex Lath.).
Charadrius taitensis, Less. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 821 (1828).

Charadrius virginianus, Sard. & Selby, Ill. Orn. ii. pl. Ixxxv. (c. 1830).

Charadrius glaucopis, Forster, Descr. Anim. p- 176 (1844

Charadrius virginicus, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. A. S. B. p. 262 (1849, nec Borkh.).
“Pluvialis longipes, Temm.,” Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 417 (1856).

Pluvialis xanthocheilus, id. tom. cit. p. 417 (1856).

Pluvialis taitensis, id. tom. cit. p. 417 ( 1856).

Pluvialis fulvus, id. tom. cit. p. 417 (1856).

Charadrius auratus, Schrenk, Reis. Amur, Vog. p. 410 (1860).

AN
&

. hiem. supra brunneus, plumis ochrascenti-fulvo ubique marginatis : collo postico cinerascente: tectricibus
alarum cinerascenti-brunneis, albido et pallidé ochraceo maculatis, majoribus

magis conspicué albo ter-

minatis : remigibus brunneis, versis apicem nigricantibus, secundariis elongatis extiis ochrasceni-fulvo
maculatis, remigibus minoribus angusté albo terminatis : rectricibus cinerascenti-brunneis, albo termi-
natis, exterioribus saturaté brunnco variis: loris albicantibus : facie’ laterali et supercilio indistincto

ochrascenti-albis, bru
7 et lat a a

nneo notatis, regione paroticd saturatitis brunneA: subtis albescens, pectore supe-

ochrascenti-fulvo ]
9 tl

pedibus plumbeis : iride fusca.

fulvo lavato: subalaribus et axillaribus pallidé fumosis : rostro nigro :

Ad. estiv. pectore nigro distinguendus : supercilio lato cum collo et pectore lateralibus albis, his nigro notatis.

Adult in winter.

feather marked on both webs with rounded spots of pale golden yellow;
markings are confluent, a

Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface brownish black, each

on the nape these yellow
nd on the scapulars they are paler, these feathers having likewise a terminal

margin of yellowish white ; lower part of forehead, sides of face, and throat fulvous white 3 ear-coverts
dark brown; fore neck tawny white, largely mottled and spotted with brown; the rest of the underparts

fulvous white, clouded with brown ; lining
brown, with white shafts ;

of wings and axillary plumes pale smoky grey ; quills blackish
the long inner secondaries with a series of triangular yellow spots along the

outer edge of both webs; wing-coverts greyish brown, margined with yellowish white; tail-feathers
blackish brown, toothed on both webs, and terminally margined with yellowish white. Irides and bill
black ; legs and feet plumbeous. Length 10 inches 3; wing, from flexure, 6°75 ; tail 2:5; bill, along the
ridge 9, along the edge of lower mandible 1; bare tibia 1 3 tarsus 16; middle toe and claw 1°25.

IN Shar}
there is ¢
in the ea
named at
Western
under th
autumn
Kamscha
range as
it is a cO
the year
des Pays
container
in nearl
occurs th
lakes, &¢
worms, &
portion ¢
generally
Australi
the Gold
Drs. Fin
islands 9
that isla
Season rey
Stragoley
Mr,

are laid
Stey gro)
Purplish.
D inch

cinerascente : teetricbus

mais c

is extus ochrasceni-fulo

OST

picue albo ter

This, his nigro notais

all
aiuis,

“1 |
ce brownish blac

» these

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yen

213

Adult in summer. Upper parts darker, and with the golden spots larger and more conspicuous; a band
across the forehead, and continued over the eyes down the sides of the neck fulvous white; throat,
cheeks, fore neck, breast, and abdomen black, with a few white feathers intermixed; sides of the bo
white, varied with black; inner lining of wings and axillary plumes smoky grey; under tail-coverts

white, with irregular transverse bars of black.

ote. The above description of the winter plumage is taken from a New-Zealand example presented to the
British Museum by Miss R. Stone.

In Sharpe and Dresser’s ‘ Birds of Europe,’ where the above synonymy has already appeared,
there is an admirably exhaustive account of this species, which appears to have a very wide range
in the eastern part of the Old World, but only rarely makes its appearance in Europe. The above-
named authors have enumerated the localities in which it has occurred within the limits of the
Western Palearctic region ; and they express their belief that this is the bird mentioned by Pallas,
under the name of C. pluvialis, as being exceedingly common in Siberia, whence it migrates in the
autumn in flocks, along with other species, to more southern latitudes. Steller observed it in
Kamschatka in autumn, and states that it breeds within the polar circle. Mr. Swinhoe gives its
range as extending throughout China. He procured it between Takoo and Peking, and says that
it is a common bird near Canton, where it passes the summer, while at Formosa it is plentiful all
the year round, breeding in great abundance on the south-west marshy plains. In the ‘Muséum
des Pays-Bas,’ Professor Schlegel has recorded a list of specimens, more than sixty in number,
contained in the Leiden Museum, from which it would appear that examples have been collected
in nearly every island of the Malay archipelago. Dr. Jerdon writes :—“‘'The Golden. Plover
occurs throughout India in open plains, grassy downs, ploughed fields, and on the edges of rivers,
lakes, &c., associating in flocks of various magnitude and feeding on beetles and other land-insects,
worms, &c.;” and Mr. Holdsworth reports that it is very common in winter in the northern
portion of Ceylon, sometimes extending as far south as Colombo. Mr. Gould states that it is
generally dispersed over all the colonies from Tasmania to the extreme north of the continent of
Australia, and adds that “its habits, manners, and general economy so closely resemble those of
the Golden Plover of Europe, that a description of one is equally characteristic of the other.”
Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub have given a full account of the distribution of the species among the
islands of the South Pacific; and Dr. E. Graffe, writing frém Tongatabu, says that it is found on
that island all the year round, but is most numerous from October to March, and during the
season of migration. - It occurs occasionally on the New-Zealand coast, but apparently only as a
straggler, and always in winter plumage.

Mr. Swinhoe has given the following account of its nidification :—“ Its eggs, four in number,
are laid in a loose nest of dried grasses and fibres placed in a hollow. They are of a greenish-
grey ground-colour, blotched and spotted with deep-blackish sepia, and have occasional obsolete
purplish-grey spots. They do not vary much in size, are narrowed near the end, and measure
1‘5 inch by 1:1.”

Orprr GRALLA, | (Faw. CHARADRIIDA

THINORNIS NOVE ZEALANDIA

(NEW-ZEALAND SAND-PLOVER.)

New-Zealand Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt.1, p 206, pl. Ixxxiii. (1785).
Charadrius nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Av. i. p. 684 (1788, ex Lath.).

Charadrius nove zealandie, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 745 (1790).

Charadrius dudoroa, Wagler, Syst. Av. Charadrius, sp. 14 (1827).

Hiaticula nove seelandie, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 195 (1843).

Thinornis nove seelandie, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 12, pl. 11 (1844).
Thinornis rossit, id. op. cit. p. 12, pl. lla (1844).

Charadrius torquatula, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 108 (1844).

Thinornis nove zelandie, Buller, Essay Orn. N. Z. p. 17 (1865).

Thinornis nove zealandie, Finsch, J. f.O. 1870, p. 541.

Native name.—Tuturuatu.

Ad. supra grisescenti-cinereus : fronte, facie laterali et in collo undique posticé ducté torquem collarem formante,
et gutture toto nigris: lined alb4 ab oculo ducté pileum circumeunte : tectricibus alarum dorso conco-
loribus, majoribus albo terminatis : remigibus brunneis, primariis basin versis albis, minoribus albo
terminatis, secundariis exterioribus laté albo marginatis, intimis dorso concoloribus: cauda purpuras-
centi-brunned, rectricibus exterioribus albo terminatis et. basin verstis gradatim albis, penna extima
omnind albi: corpore reliquo subtis et subalaribus albis: rostro aurantiaco verstis apicem nigro:
pedibus aurantiacis: iride nigra.

Juv. (Th. rossii) saturatiiis brunneus : facie laterali et gutture brunnescentibus, vix nigricantibus : hypochon-
driis brunneo notatis.

Adult. Forehead, sides of the head, throat, fore part of neck, and a broad nuchal collar brownish black ;
crown and hind part of the head brownish grey, being separated from the darker plumage by an ill-
defined streak of white, which passes immediately over the eyes and widens on the forehead; back,
shoulders, sides of the breast, and upper surface of wings brownish grey ; the whole of the underparts
pure white; primaries dark brown, with a streak of white along the shaft near the apical extremity ;
tail-feathers dark brown, the lateral ones tipped with white, which increases outwardly, the outermost
feather on each side being pure white, and the adjoining one with merely a central spot of brown on its
inner web. Irides black; bill orange for rather more than half its length, then black to the tip;
tarsi and toes orange; claws black. Length 7°5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4°75 ; tail 2°75 ; bill, along
the ridge 1, along the edge of lower mandible ‘9 ; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 9 ; middle toe and claw °75.

Young (Th. rossii). Differs from the adult in having the whole of the upper surface daiker, and the white
streak on the forehead and sides of the head less conspicuous ; the whole of the fore neck and upper part
of the breast is dark brown; and this colour is continued on the sides of the body and flanks.

)

’

PL. 11 (1g44)

orquem collarem formate
cibus alarum dorso ous.
‘sus albis, minorbus db
oloribus: cauda purrs.
atim albis, penni extn

m wt

xO vVersiis apicem Ly

nigricantibus: hyp

Nar brownish bat

al collar browns! ™

} lemma by ae

darker plumage”

. + echead ; ba
the forehead;

-
s OL

nderpale

. F the wndetp
ole ol the
whoie 7

e apical

THINORNIS NOVA ZEALANDIEA.

Gq.

(Adult and Younc

| hs: In
rossti

err0!

obtained a
Mr. Perey

.
ris hand

species I
the Hauré
Ther
specimen
the young

215

Obs. In the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror,’ where both Thinornis nove zealandiea and the so-called Th.
rossii are figured, the latter is represented with the basal interdigital web, and the former without it, an
error for which the artist is doubtless responsible.

Tus handsome Wader appears to be of very rare occurrence. Forster’s original specimen was
obtained at Queen Charlotte’s Sound, where, as he states, it was called Tuturuatu by the natives.
Mr. Percy Earl found a pair on the ocean-beach near Port Chalmers, and records it ‘‘a very rare
species ” in that locality. The Colonial Museum possesses examples obtained more recently from
the Hauraki Gulf, in the Province of Auckland.

There can be no doubt, I think, that the so-called Thinornis rosstt, of which there is a single
specimen in the British Museum, brought by the Antarctic Expedition from Auckland Island, is

the young of the present species; and I have given a figure of it in that character.

Orver GRALLZ. ] (Faw. CHARADRIIDA,

ANARHYNCHUS FRONTALIS.

(WRY-BILLED PLOVER.)

Anarhynchus frontalis, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astr. Zool. i. p. 252, pl. 31, fig. 2 (1830).
Thinornis? frontalis, Gray, Gen. of B. iii., p. 545 (1847).

Anarhynchus albifrons, Schl. Handl. Dierk. i. p. 435 (1857).

Charadrius frontalis, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 234.

Thinornis frontalis, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 17 (1871).

Ad. supra diluté cinereus, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus: ald spuria brunned: remi-
gibus cinerascenti-brunneis, versis apicem conspicué saturatioribus, scapis albidis : secundariis cinereis,
dorso concoloribus: caudd4 cinerascenti-brunned, rectricibus exterioribus pallidé cineraceis, extimis
albicantibus: fronte et supercilio distincto albidis: lineA secundé frontali nigra: lined per oculum
ducta et regionem paroticam amplectente cineraceé: subtiis albus, torque pectorali lato nigro: sub-
alaribus albis, imis cinereo lavatis: rostro nigro: pedibus nigricanti-viridibus vix cinerascentibus : iride
nigra.

Juv, similis sed sine torque pectorali.

Adult male. Crown, hind neck, and all the upper surface uniform dark grey, the wing-coverts edged with
lighter; primaries dark brown on their outer webs and at the tips, with white shafts, and the inner
webs dusky grey; the inferior primaries marked with white on their basal portion; secondaries and
their long covering-plumes dusky grey ; the middle tail-feathers greyish brown, the outer ones silvery
grey, margined and tipped with white; forehead, throat, and all the underparts pure white, the upper
part of the breast crossed by a broad band of velvety black, which is generally widest on the left side ;
under tail-coverts and lining of wings pure white. Irides and bill black; legs and feet blackish green
tinged with grey. Total length 8 inches; wing, from flexure, 4°75 ; tail 2; bill, following the curva-
ture, 1:4; bare tibia ‘4; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw-1:05.

Female. Similar to the male, but with the pectoral band much narrower and of a duller black.

Young. Plumage of the upper parts as in the adult, but paler; under surface pure white. The progress
towards maturity is indicated by a narrow irregular zone of sooty black mottled with white.

Chick. Covered with silky white down mottled on the upper parts with grey; bill greyish black, brownish
at the tip; legs greyish olive.

Remarks. The structural peculiarity from which this Plover derives its name is thus minutely described by

THIS very -
bill, affords
species was
French Exy

. © Spe
teresting
lington Ph;

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Were obtaj

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aad bf
pure -

217

Potts from a fresh specimen :—Bill longer than the head, pointed, curved to the right or off side,
curled slightly on itself in a leaf-like manner, a long groove on each side of the upper mandible, the
nostrils long, pierced not far from the base of the bill, fitted with a membranous process, which, appa-
rently furnished with a system of nerves, extends some distance along the mandible; interior of both
upper and lower mandibles concave or sulcate, which form is maintained to the point; thus the
inside of the bill when the mandibles are closed, becomes a curved pipe, with a very slight twist; the
sharp edges of each mandible are horny and semitransparent ; from the base of the bill the upper
mandible flattened on the top for a distance of about 6 lines, it then assumes a raised and slightly
rounded form, till it gradually sweeps down into the point. The mandibles are connected by a mem-
brane fringed with a tough black border, forming itself, when the beak is closed, into a slightly pro-
jecting fold at the gape; the upper mandible (or roof of the mouth) is armed with a triple row of very
fine spines, set like the teeth of a saw, pointing to the base of the mandible. The tongue, when at rest,
les well within the lower mandible; it is partly sulcate in form, tapers to a fine point, is much shorter
than the beak, leaving a vacant space of 6 lines from its extremity to the end of the lower mandible ;
the base is furnished on either side with a few spines (three or four) planted in the same direction as
those in the roof of the upper mandible; the thick portion of the tongue is indented with four or five
very slight longitudinal furrows, terminating in the channel into which the tongue now resolves itself
till it ends at the very acute point ; this sulcate form is attained by the edges being raised. From this
peculiar form of tongue, it may be observed that no hindrance is presented by that organ to the
sucking up of water; the spines would prevent the escape of the most slippery or minute prey, which
could be crushed by the closing of the beak and the pressure of the tongue against the upper mandible,
the water finding ready egress.

Tuis very remarkable form, distinguished from all other Waders by its peculiar asymmetrical
bill, affords another instance of the very distinctive character of the New-Zealand avifauna. The
species was first made known to science by MM. Quoy and Gaimard, who obtained it during the
French Expedition in the years 1826-29, and gave a figure of it in the ‘ Voyage of the Astrolabe ;’
but no specimens of the true Anarhynchus having, for many years after, been received in Europe, -
Mr. G. R. Gray, in his List of New-Zealand Birds (July 1862), pronounced the curved bill a mere
deformity, adding ‘‘the bill is perfectly straight in most specimens,” a statement which appears to
have been purely hypothetical. Mr. Harting, in an able paper “ On Rare or Little-known Limi-
cole,” was the first to clear up the confusion in which the species had become involved, and to
claim for it a proper recognition as the type of a genus quite distinct from Charadrius, in which
it had been placed by Gray and other modern authors. Mr. Harting’s paper had the effect of
calling special attention to this singular species on the part of local observers; and a very
interesting notice of the habits of this little Plover was communicated by Mr. Potts to the Wel-
lington Philosophical Society *, from which I take the following extracts :—

“I have had much pleasure in presenting to the Museum specimens of the adult, and
also the young bird in the state in which it may be found probably some ten days from the
date on which it emerges from the shell (as figured in the Transactions). These specimens
were obtained on the shingly bed of the Rakaia, which is one of the largest of the snow

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. vol. ii. 1869, p. 68; and vol, iii, 1870, pp. 93-97.

218

rivers that intersect the Plains of Canterbury. The Anarhynchus, be it understood, is not
confined to that locality; in fact it is of frequent occurrence, and may be observed during
several months of the year at least, near the streams or back-waters of almost any of the rivers,
which in their course disclose sandy spots and wide areas of shingle. ........ The
breeding-season extends from September to December. At this season this Plover is less wary
than any of its congeners; and its nesting-place would be discovered with very little difficulty,
were it not for the wonderful instinct it exhibits in selecting the ground for depositing its eggs.
They are simply laid, without any preparation, amongst the pebbles of some river-bed usually, and
never far from water; and so well does their grey tint harmonize with the general colour of the
shingle around them, that their detection would be almost hopeless if the bird were less confident.
Its oval-shaped eggs are three in number, grey stone-colour, with the whole surface minutely
dotted over with black specks. ..... On the nest being approached, the old bird trots
slowly away, assuming a broader and somewhat flatter appearance, by slightly extending the
wings, making at the same time a low purring sound. ... . The young, if undisturbed, remain
for some time near the spot where they were hatched; to escape observation they lie concealed
behind stones, &c.; and should an attempt be made to molest them, they start off with consider-
able celerity, uttering at the same time a shrill piping cry of alarm. When hard pressed they
take to the water; and I have known them to cross a stream of considerable volume. The parent
birds never appear to separate far from each other during the period of incubation ; on being
disturbed they exhibit the peculiar habit already described of partially extending the wings, the
head at the same time being carried very low, the bill just clearing the ground, whilst a low
purring sound is emitted. So tame does the Anarhynchus become under the influence of parental
instinct that after eggs have been picked up, examined, and replaced on their unsheltered sandy
bed, I have seen the old bird immediately resume her duty of incubation, although I may have
removed but a few paces distant, and remained in sight for some time. The young birds are
covered with grey down, and appear to have legs of a length quite out of all proportion to the
size of the body. At this early stage the peculiar deflection of the bill, although slight, is per-
ceptible ; and it is always turned to the right or off side... .. . A consideration of the natural
features of its favourite haunts permits us to indulge in surmises as to the convenience and adap-
tation of its remarkable form of beak for obtaining its food. Where we have seen this bird, it
has never been far from water; and if, as I presume, the species is peculiar to this country, I can
point to our larger river-beds as affording it admirable feeding-grounds. ‘These rapid shallow
streams are perpetually wandering and shifting in their course, cutting new channels after every
freshet, whether occasioned by heavy rainfalls or by the melting of snow from the alpine crests of
the ‘back country.’ Any one acquainted with our ‘ plains’ must have observed, here and there,
how certain parts (termed by geologists ‘fans’) are thickly covered with stones, as, for instance,
some miles below the gorges of the Rakaia and Rangitata. However unpromising or useless they
may appear to the inexperienced, the practical grazier is aware that these stones assist in keeping
the ground cool and in retaining beneath them a certain amount of moisture, which during the
drier portion of the year (when the parching north-west winds prevail) thus invigorates the thirsty
rootlets of many valuable grasses ; and the result is the maintenance of a fair number of sheep on

1
sg rather
“ho Ca

th

the sa
its pecuaz
pebbles: ;
(extending
close to a §
food, while
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Plover, or
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unattainab
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ground, whilst a lor

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eir unsheltered sandy
although I may hare
The young birds ar
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eration of the natunl
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La

219

this rather barren-looking stretch of country. When any of these stones are disturbed from their
bed, who can have failed to notice the commotion produced amongst the insect community thus
suddenly disclosed to view? What scuttling ensues to gain fresh concealment from the garish
light of day! In a somewhat similar manner, after a stream has deserted its temporary bed, nume-
rous forms of aquatic insect life, attracted in all probability by the moisture, are to be found in
the sand in which the shingle lies half embedded. The horny point of the bill of this bird, from
its peculiar form, is sufficiently strong to be used for thrusting between and under stones and
pebbles. The flexibility of the upper mandible derived from the long grooves and flattened form
(extending to nearly half its length) tends materially to assist the bird in fitting its curved bill
close to a stone, and thus aids it in searching or fossicking around or beneath the shingle for its
food, while at the same time the closed mandibles would form a tube through which water and
insects could be drawn up, as water is sucked up bya syringe. As the flexure of the bill is
lateral, the bird is enabled to follow up retreating insects by making the circuit of a water
worn stone with far greater ease than if it had been furnished with the straight beak of the
Plover, or the long flexible scoop of the Avocet. The inspection of these specimens must
clear away any little cloud of doubt that might remain on the minds of persons unfamiliar
with the bird, and convince them that this singular form of bill, so far from being an acci-
dental deformity, is a beautiful provision of nature, which confers on a Plover-like bird the
advantage of being able to secure a share of its food from sources whence it would be otherwise
unattainable.”

There are three eggs of this species in the Canterbury Museum, all exactly alike both in
form and colouring. They are broadly ovoido-conical, or slightly pyriform, measuring 1°35 inch
in length by 1:05 in breadth, and of a delicate greenish stone-grey, freckled over their entire
surface with purplish brown.

As already explained, the curvature in the bill is congenital, being equally present in the
embryo chick, although not so fully developed; and this fact furnishes a beautiful illustration of
the law of adaptation and design that prevails throughout the whole animal kingdom. A bird
endowed with a straight bill, or with an upcurved or decurved one, would be less fitted for the
peculiar mode of hunting by which the Anarhynchus obtains its living, as must be at once apparent
to any one who has watched this bird running rapidly round the boulders that lie on the surface
of the ground and inserting its scoop sidewise at every step, in order to collect the insects and
their larve that find concealment there. But there is another feature in the natural history of
this species that is deserving of special notice. As already described, the fully. adult bird is
adorned with a black pectoral band, which, in the male, measures *75 of an inch in its widest
part. Now it is a very curious circumstance that this band is far more conspicuous on the right
hand side, where, owing to the bird’s peculiar habit of feeding, there is less necessity for conceal-
ment by means of protective colouring. This character is constant in all the specimens that I
have examined, although in a variable degree, the black band being generally about one third
narrower and of a less decided colour on the left side of the breast, from which we may, I think,
reasonably infer that the law of natural selection has operated to lessen the colouring on the

side of the bird more exposed to Hawks and other enemies whilst the Anarhynchus is hunting

220

for its daily food. There can be no doubt that a protective advantage of this sort, however
slight in itself, would have an appreciable effect on the survival of the fittest, and that, allowing
sufficient time for this modification of character to develop itself, the species would at length,
under certain conditions of existence, lose the black band altogether on the left-hand side.

I do not propose to enter here into a discussion of the theory which a consideration of these
facts seems necessarily to involve; but I see myself no difficulty whatever in reconciling this view
of the evolution of species by means of natural selection with a belief in the unity of design in
Creation, and with the acceptance of the great truths of revelation.

|
|
|
|

OnDEs

— a << ae |

Ad. pt

Ad, pl

8

a

yy

Ornver GRALLA. | [Fam. CHARADRIIDA.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES.

(TURNSTONE.)

Tringa interpres, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 248 (1766).

Tringa morinella, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 249 (1766).

Tringa hudsonica, Miller, Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 114 (1776).
Morinetla collaris, Meyer and Wolf, Tasch. deutsch. Végelk. ii. p. 383 (1810).
Charadrius cinclus, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-As. ii. p. 148 (1811).
Strepsilas interpres, Mliger, Prodr. p. 263 (1811).

Strepsilas collaris, 'Temm. Man. d’Orn. i. p. 349 (1815).

Arenaria interpres, Vieill. N. D. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv. p. 345 (1819).
Strepsilas borealis, Brehm, Vig. Deutschl. p. 559 (1831).
Strepsilas littoralis, Brehm, Vég. Deutschl. p. 560 (1831).

Cinclus morinellus, Gray, List Gen. of B. p. 85 (1841).

Cinclus interpres, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 549 (1846).

Strepsilas minor, Brehm, Naum. 1855, p. 289.

Ad. ptil. esti. pileo et cervice albis, plumis medialiter nigris, quasi striatis: fascid nigrA frontali ant’ oculum
decurrente et und cum genis nigris ad collum laterale conjunct&: regione oculari alb4: dorso late
castaneo, plagd magna interscapulari utrinque nigra, et ptilosi reliqud plus minusve nigro notaté: dorso
postico et supracaudalibus albis, uropygio nigro: tectricibus alarum pallidé ferrugineis, exterioribus
nigro notatis, majoribus laté albo terminatis: remigibus brunneis, et versiis apicem saturatioribus,
primariis minoribus ad basin albis, remigibus minoribus angusté albo terminatis, secundariis latissimé
albo marginatis, secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus: caudé alba, laté brunneo transfasciata, rectri-
cibus duabus centralibus omnind brunneis: gulé alba, nigro notat&: gutture et pectore toto superiore
nigerrimis: corpore reliquo subtis puré albo: rostro nigro: pedibus rubris : iride nigra.

Ad. ptil. hiem. ubique obscurior, nigredine brunnescente mixta: vertice nigro albo paullulim vario : gula albida :
coloribus ut in ptilosi zestiva agnoscendis sed semper pallidioribus.

Adult in summer. Forehead and sides of the head white, the former crossed by a narrow band of velvety
black, which connects the eyes, and widening below them, joins a broader band of the same colour,
extending from the base of the lower mandible on each side of the throat; crown of the head white,
each feather centred with black; hind part of neck white, more or less varied with brownish black :
shoulders and upper part of the back glossy black, with a broad irregular mark of chestnut in the line
of the spine; the whole of the mantle black, varied with chestnut, and some of the feathers narrowly
tipped with white ; the lower part of the back and the upper tail-coverts white ; throat white, mottled
on the lower part with black, which rapidly predominates, the fore part and sides of the breast, up to
the insertion of the wings, as well as the rump, being velvety black; the rest of the body-plumage pure

2G

222

white; the wing-feathers blackish brown, with white shafts, and pale grey on their under surface, with
darker tips, the inner primaries and the short secondaries white towards the base, and narrowly tipped
with the same; the long secondaries dark velvety brown, varied on their outer webs with chestnut; the
small wing-coverts pale ferruginous, varied with chestnut and black; the superior coverts blackish
brown, with a conspicuous terminal band of white; tail-feathers white, crossed in their apical portion
by a broad band of brownish black, which is greater on the two median ones, the closed tail appearing
to be entirely of that colour beyond the upper coverts. rides and bill black ; tarsi and toes red; claws
black. Length 9 inches; wing, from flexure, 6°25; tail 2°5; bill, along the ridge -9, along the edge of
lower mandible 1; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw 1'1; hind toe and claw ‘35.

Adult in winter. Has the entire plumage duller, and little or no chestnut on the upper surface, the feathers
being brownish black, tipped more or less with white, and slightly varied with ferruginous ; the facial
mark described above is less defined, and the black of the fore neck and breast is strongly suffused with
brown.

Dr. Finscu, writing in September 1870*, expressed his conviction that, among other species which
breed in high northern latitudes and migrate southwards on the approach of winter, the common
Turnstone would yet be met with on the New-Zealand coast; and in the following season this
prediction was amply verified by the capture of several specimens on the Ninety-mile Beach, in
the Province of Canterbury. All of these were females in winter plumage; but Dr. Haast has,
I believe, since obtained a male; and Captain Hutton, writing to me on the 18th April, 1872,
says :—‘“‘I have just seen a specimen of Strepsilas interpres in the summer plumage shot at the
Wade on April Ist.”

The history of this familiar bird may be found in any standard work on European ornitho-
logy ; and it is needless therefore to do more than furnish a description of the plumage for
purposes of reference.

* Journal fiir Ornithologie, 1870, p. 349.

ee ee

(DEB

C)

Udep :
“Ur,
+o. tary” vi Orver GRALLZ. ] [Faw. CHARADRIIDA.
Cte ‘
. 8 With ch Y ting
; Per ior 4
Ove : te
xd in i. 8 bn:
a tet a HEMATOPUS LONGIROSTRIS.
e Closeg > Dotti,
ie) 4
‘angi ad t Dery (PIED OYSTER-CATCHER.)
Mdge-g MU; da
> Mono the §
Si ea
ipper <<
“he eae ;
t ferrys; the fat Hematopus longirostris, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d Hist. Nat. xv. p. 410 (1817).
“oDOUS: Hy. : : Sear
i8 stroncly the fy Hematopus picatus, Vigors, App. King’s Voy. p. 420 (1834).
Oy SUlfased yi Haematopus australasianus, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1837, p. 155,
Native name.—Torea.
WZ other c:..:
© NICE species whic
t Winter, the comm Ad. supra niger, dorso postico et uropygio cum supracaudalibus albis, his nigro notatis : tectricibus alarum
followine — % majoribus conspicué albo terminatis, fasciam verticalem formantibus : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris,
Ninety % "ring scapis brunneis : cauda nigra, rectricibus versus basin albis : gutture toto et pectore superiore nigris, illo
as mle Beach, paulld brunnescente: corpore reliquo subtis albo, subalaribus marginalibus nigris: rostro apice flavo
P; but Dr. Haast has, cruentato: pedibus cruentatis: iride coccinea.
the 18th April, 1873

Adult. Head, neck, and fore part of breast, mantle, scapulars, and upper surface of wings and tail shining
black, glossed with green in certain lights; back, rump, lower part of breast, and all the under

. ;
h) 9 - J
r piumage SNOt at the

surface pure white ; the secondaries and their coverts crossed by a broad band of white, which is very

>

E

n European omit
af I poets
n of the plumage for the edges of the latter mottled with dusky black. In some examples the dark plumage is sharply

. conspicuous when the wings are spread ;x the axillary plumes and the inner lining of wings pure white,

defined against the white of the lower parts by a line crossing the breast just above the insertion of the
wings ; in others the line of demarcation is broken by scattered fringes of white intermixed with the
black. Irides and eyelids crimson ; bill dark arterial red, changing to coral-red towards the tips of both
mandibles, which are yellow; legs dark arterial-red. Length 18 inches; wing, from flexure, 10°5 ;
tail 4°25; bill, along the ridge, 3°6, along the edge of lower mandible 3°75; bare tibia 1; tarsus 2;
middle toe and claw 1°6.

Young. Plumage as in the adult, but with the white of the underparts less pure, and the feathers of the
back and wings narrowly margined with fulvous brown; bill reddish brown; legs pale red.

Chick. Covered with down of a greyish-buff colour, varied on the upper parts with black; there is a broad
streak of black on the crown, another on each wing and thigh, and a series of large square spots down
the middle of the back, tinged with red at the base; legs dark grey.

Albino. Major Mair informs me that he saw a pure albino of this species on the ocean-beach at Opotiki.
The whole of the plumage was of snowy whiteness, and the irides, bill, and feet bright red. He
observed this beautiful bird on several occasions; but failed in all his efforts to secure it.

Tuts fine species, which closely resembles the European Oyster-catcher (ZH. ostralequs), is gene-
rally dispersed over the southern coast of Australia, and is particularly abundant in Tasmania and
among the islands in Bass’s Straits. It likewise occurs all round the New-Zealand coasts; but

26

224

although a few may be met with on every stretch of sandy beach, it is nowhere very abundant.
Occasionally they are found in parties of six or more, but more generally in pairs, and sometimes
In association with the Black Oyster-catcher, which is a far more common bird. Like its Euro-
pean prototype, it subsists on small mollusks and crustaceans, for securing which its long wedge-
shaped mandibles are peculiarly adapted. Notwithstanding its ungainly form, the strongly con-
trasted black and white of its plumage and the bright red of its bill and feet render it an attrac-
tive object on the smooth sandy beach, where it may be observed sedately reposing on one leg, or
nimbly running to and fro in search of its prey left exposed on the beach by the receding tide.
During the nuptial season, it is curious to watch the male bird paying his addresses to the mate
of his choice; elevating his back and lowering his bill till it nearly touches the ground, he struts
or runs round her with a loud quivering note, no doubt expressive of his undying attachment :
and when there are two rival males thus performing in concentric circles before the same shrine
of devotion, it is amusing to observe with what perfect indifference the object of this demonstra-
tion appears to receive the attentions of her rival suitors. When once, however, her affections
are secured, she appears to remain faithful to her mate, and the pair continue together, if not for
life, certainly long after the breeding-season, with all its cares, has passed by. Even when con-
sorting together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each pair seems to maintain its individua-
lity; and when at rest on the sands, the party may be seen disposed in couples, at short distances
apart from the rest.

The flight of this species is rapid; and on the wing it repeatedly emits a shrill whistling cry.

It breeds on the open sandy spits, or in the dry river-beds, forming its nest among the small
drift-wood and other débris of the sea, or rather selecting a suitable depression in which to
deposit its eggs; these are usually three in number, o¥bid, measuring 25 inches by 1:5, and pale
yellowish brown of a warm tint, marked over the entire surface with rounded spots and blotches
of blackish brown, among which are paler markings of purplish brown. The young are able to
run immediately on quitting the shell; but on the approach of danger they secrete themselves by
squatting among the stones, to which their colour closely assimilates, while the parent birds resort
to various cunning devices for drawing away the intruder.

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Orver GRALLA:. | (Fam. CHARADRITDAL.

HEMATOPUS UNICOLOR

(BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER.)

Hematopus unicolor, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1230

Hematopus fuliginosus, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pl. viii. (1848).
Hematopus niger oceanicus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 420 (1856).
Hematopus niger australasianus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 420 (1856).
Hematopus niger, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469.

Native name.—Torea-pango.

Ad. ubique niger, remigibus et caudd brunnescentibus, scapis primariorum ad basin albidis: rostro corallino,
apice flavicanti-corneo: pedibus pallidé rubris: iride et regione oculari coccineis.

Adult male. The whole of the plumage glossy brownish black, with faint metallic reflections on the back
and wings. Irides and bare eyelids crimson; bill coral-red, changing to yellowish horn-colour at the
tips of both mandibles ; tarsi and toes pale red. Length 19 inches; wing, from flexure, 10°5 ; tail 4°25 ;
bill, along the ridge 3°5, along the edge of lower mandible 3°6; tarsus 2:25; middle toe and claw 1°75.

Female. Similar to the male, but more strongly tinged with brown, especially on the under surface.

Young. Uniform dull brownish black, the feathers of the back and the wing-coverts narrowly margined with
fulvous brown.

Obs. Examples are not unfrequently met with exhibiting a white abdomen and a dull whitish bar on the
wings. It is not unlikely that this is due to hybridism; for the two species are often seen associated.
The following is a description of one of these particoloured birds in the Canterbury Museum :—Head,
neck, fore part of breast, and all the upper surface black ; an indistinct alar bar and the tips of some of
the upper tail-coverts white; lower part of breast, sides of the body, flanks, abdomen, axillary plumes,
and under tail-coverts largely varied with white.

Tus species, although far more abundant in New Zealand than the Pied Oyster-catcher, appears
to have a more confined range, for it has never yet been recorded elsewhere. Its habits are the
same, with the exception that it is less gregarious, being met with generally either singly or in
pairs; and its eggs are quite undistinguishable from those of the former species.

Orprr GRALL/AL.]

ARDEA SYRMATOPHORA.
(WHITE HERON.)

Herodias flavirostris, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, Birds, p. 12 (1843).
Herodias syrmatophorus, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pl. 56 (1848).
Ardea alba, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469.

Ardea flavirostris, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 235.

Herodias alba, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 801 (1865).

Ardea intermedia, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, p. 332.

Native name.—Kotuku; ‘““White Crane” of the Colonists.

Ad. ubique alba: scapularibus plumis elongatis filamentosis ornatis : rostro leté flavo: pedibus nigris : iride flayé.

Adult. The whole of the plumage snowy white. Irides yellow; loral skin greenish yellow; bill bright

yellow, with a polished surface, sometimes inclining to brown towards the point of the upper mandible ;
legs black, tinged on the tibia and tarsal joints with yellow. Length 40 inches; extent of wings 515 ;
wing, from flexure, 17; tail 7; bill, along the ridge, 5, along the edge of lower mandible 6:5 ; bare
tibia 4; tarsus 6°25; middle toe and claw 4°75 ; hind toe and claw 2°6.

Obs. This species exhibits considerable variation in size. A specimen obtained by Mr. Travers in the South

Island has the bill longer and more robust than in ordinary examples, while the legs are remarkably
short as compared with others, the tarsus measuring only 5 inches in length.

Remarks. The fully adult bird of both sexes has the back adorned by a number of long filamentous plumes,

which have their origin near the roots of the scapulars ; but I suspect that this is peculiar to the summer
plumage, inasmuch as apparently adult birds are sometimes met with entirely devoid of this adornment.
The plumes are about 15 inches in length, extending fully three inches beyond the tail ; and they consist
of a rigid tapering shaft, with lateral filaments of extreme fineness, placed about half an inch apart,
being, for the most part, five inches in length, but becoming shorter towards the extremity of the shaft.
The whole of this ornamental plumage is, like the body, pure white. In some examples (either females
or immature birds) these dorsal plumes are very much reduced, a few of the feathers forming the mantle
having their shafts produced as far as the end of the tail and furnished with loose filamentous barbs.

s already stated, the bill is of a rich yellow colour. I have never seen a specimen with a black
bill, although I have examined scores obtained at all seasons of the year; and I do not believe that any
seasonal change of colour ever takes place, in which respect our bird appears to differ from the other
closely allied species. My friend Dr. Finsch first of all referred it to Ardea intermedia, then to A. alba,
and lastly to A. egretta; and although it may ultimately be found necessary to sink the species, I have
thought it better, for the present, to keep it distinct. My. Gould, in surrendering his own appellation
of syrmatophorus, quotes Blyth’s remarks on the subject (Ibis, 1865, p. 36) ; but I am informed by
Mr. Blyth himself that in the Indian bird the change in the colour of the bill, from yellow to black,
and vice versd, always takes place with the change of season.

{Fam. ARDEIDA.

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227

Tun White Heron occurs so sparingly in most parts of New Zealand, that “ rare as the Kotuku ”
has passed into a proverb among the Maoris; while in. the North Island it is said to occur only
once in a life-time (He Kotuku rerenga tahi).

Subsisting almost entirely on eels and small freshwater fish, it frequents the sedgy shores of
lagoons and the banks of tidal streams; but it sometimes resorts also to the open sea-beach, where
I have myself shot it.

It is very interesting to watch this stately bird stalking about in its haunts, or fishing in the
shallow water, its snow-white plumage rendering it a very conspicuous object. I have always
found it very shy and difficult to approach, the slightest sound exciting its suspicion and making
it take wing. It flies high and in wide circles, the wings performing slow and regular flappings,
the head being drawn in upon the shoulders, and the legs trailing behind.

The Hon. Mr. Fox has sent me the following very interesting note, under date of April 17,

1872 :—* Do you know of the existence of a ‘Cranery’ of the White Crane at Okarita, on the
West Coast? There is a regular colony of them; they build and breed in the trees (white pine,
I believe) above the river or creek, a few miles (say half a dozen) from the sea. My informant,
who was the discoverer, Moeller, Hokitika surveyor, counted 65 on first visit. I did not get up
the river so far, but saw a dozen sitting in trees lower down the creek. Many years ago I saw
numbers of them at Tokomairiro, Otago, where now they are, I believe, extinct. The Okarita
‘Cranery’ is, I suspect, nearly the last; at least no other is known. .... . I have been spending
two months on the West Coast, Middle Island, and exploring Mount Cook and its glaciers, which
are equal in beauty to those of Switzerland. It is a pity the Alpine Club does not send out some
of its members to explore the grand scenery of our Southern Alps.”

Mr. Potts, who has since visited this locality, states that one of the breeding-stations is
situated about three miles inland from the sea, on the banks of the Waitangituna stream. He
found about twenty-five nests there, placed on trees overhanging the water, at elevations varying
from eight to forty feet, and in close association with those of the White-throated Shag, the
latter being five or six times as numerous, often forming complete clusters around the larger
structures occupied by the White Heron; these were coarsely built of sticks, placed in such a
manner as to form a strong platform, above which was a layer of smaller sticks, but without any
softer lining, the whole structure measuring about seventeen inches in diameter. The eggs are
usually three, but often four, in number, of a pale green colour, rather elliptical in form, and
measuring 22 inches in length by 1-6 in breadth.

Another breeding-place of the White Heron is supposed to exist at a place about twelve
miles north of the Buller River; but there is no positive evidence of this; and Mr. Fox is no
doubt right in considering the Okarita Heronries very nearly, if not actually, the last of their kind.

Orver GRALLA.] [Fam. ARDEIDA

ARDEA SACRA.

(BLUE HERON.)

Sacred Heron, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 92 (1785).

Ardea sacra, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 640 (1788, ex Lath.).

Blue Heron, var. B, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 79 (1785).
Ardea cerulea, var. y, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 631 (1788, ex Lath.).
Ardea matook, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 416 (1817).
New-Zealand Heron, Lath. Gen. Hist. B. ix. p. 128 (1824).
Ardea jugularis, Wag). Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 18 (1827, ex Forster MS.).
Ardea asha, Sykes, P. Z.S. 1837, p. 157.

Herodias matook, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 196 (1843).
Ardea nove Hollandie, “ Lath.,” Licht. ed. Forst. Descr. An. p. 172 (1844),
Herodias jugularis, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Gralla, p. 80 (1844).
Demiegretta concolor, Blyth, J. A.S8. B. xv. p. 372 (1846).
Herodias pannosus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 221.

Ardea pannosa, Gray, Gen. of B. iii., App. p. 25 (1849).

Ardea concolor, Gray, Gen. of B. iii., App. p. 25 (1849).
Herodias asha, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. A.S. B. p. 280 (1849).

Ardea atra, “ Cuy.,” Puch. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1851, p. 375.
Herodias pannosa, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 120 (1857).
Herodias atra, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857).
Herodias sacra, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857).
Herodias concolor, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857).
Ardea cinerea, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469 (nec Linn. ).

Ardea (Herodias) albolineata, Gray, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 166.

Ad. supra fuliginoso-schistaceus, pileo laterali, collo postico et scapularibus elongatis clarits cinereis: ald et
cauda fuliginoso-schistaceis, tectricibus alarum et remigibus extis claritis cinereo lavatis: subtis
omnind fuliginoso-schistaceus, gutture puré albo: subalaribus paulld dilutioribus: regione oculari
virescenti-flava': rostro sordidé flavo, culmine brunnescente ad apicem corneo: pedibus viridescenti-
flavis: iride flava.

Adult. General plumage slaty grey, darker on the upper parts, tinged on the lower with brown; a broad
line of white down the middle of the throat, and extending, in some examples, down the fore neck. The
back is ornamented with a number of narrow lanceolate feathers of a bluish-grey colour, overlying the
scapulars ; and there are a few similar feathers on the lower part of the neck, overlapping the breast.
The feathers of the nape are long and silky, and of a brighter tint than the surrounding plumage.

)
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ARDEA SACRA.

ARDEA NOVA HOLLANDIA-.

Nestling:
Remarks.
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229

Trides yellow ; loral skin greenish yellow; bill dark yellow, shaded with brown on the ridge and sides,
horn-coloured at the tip; tarsi and toes greenish yellow, the claws brown. Length 25 inches; extent
of wings 40; wing, from flexure, 11°5; tail 4; bill, along the ridge, 3°5, along the edge of lower
mandible 4°25; bare tibia 1°5; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 2°75; hind toe and claw 1°75.

Nestling. Covered with slate-coloured down.

Remarks. The history of this species has been worked out in an exhaustive manner by Drs. Finsch and
Hartlaub, to whose labours I am in a great measure indebted for the very complete synonymy at the
head of this article. I am unable, however, to follow these authors in considering Mr. G. R. Gray’s
Ardea greyi (Cat. Brit. Mus. Gralle, p. 80) the same species in the condition of an albino. Mr. Gould
once oni that rh age Lo was Baceuen to alter it; and in his ‘ Handbook’ (p. 809) he quotes

Macgillivray’ :—“ From the circumstance of my having always found
this and the dark- scenes species in Se I considered them as the same bird in different states of
plumage, their size and proportions being so similar, and was surprised that individuals exhibiting a
change from blue to white, or vice versd, never occurred. At length, while on Dugong Island, I was
convinced they were ee ade distinct by seeing that the half-grown young from the nest had assumed
the distinctive colour of the parents. This was first pointed out to me by Dr. Muirhead, R.N., whose
attention I had previously rai to the aint The habits of both species are similar; anh they
procure their food in the same manner, at low water on the coral-reefs surrounding the low islands they
frequent. The nest and eggs are precisely similar ; but the young of this bird is white from the nest.”
Although this white form is “abundantly dispersed over the northern and eastern coasts of Australia
wherever low islands and reefs of coral running parallel to these coasts occur,” it has never yet been
met with in New Zealand, which is a further reason for our refusing to consider it an albino of the
common species.

Tue Blue Heron is not confined to New Zealand, but is found along the whole of the Australian
coasts and throughout the Polynesian archipelago; its range extends also to India and Japan,
the differences in examples from those countries being too trifling to warrant a specific separation.

Macgillivray states that it “inhabits the islands of the north-east coast of Australia and
Torres Strait, and is abundantly distributed from the Capricorn group in lat. 23° 30’S., as far
north as Darnley Island in lat. 9° 35'S. It procures its food at low water on the coral-reef
surrounding the low wooded islands it loves to frequent. Although generally a wary bird, even
when little disturbed by man, yet on one occasion on Heron Island I knocked down several with
a stick. The nest is usually placed on a tree; but on those islands where there are none, such as
Raine’s Islet and elsewhere, it breeds among the recesses of the rocks; where the trees are tall,
as at Oomaga or Keat’s Island, the nests are placed near the summit; on Dugong Island they
were placed on the root of a tree, on a low stump, or half-way up a low bushy tree. They are
shallow in form, eighteen inches in diameter, and constructed of small sticks, and lined with
twigs ; the eggs are two innumber, and of a pale bluish white.” Gilbert, who found this species
nesting at Port Essington, says :—“ On one small rock I found at least fifty of these nests, some
of which were so close as nearly to touch each other. The eggs were sometimes two, and at
others three, in number.”

2H

230

In our country the Blue Heron frequents the rocks under the sea-cliffs, and the shores of the
sheltered bays and estuaries, where it may be observed moving actively about in search of its
food, which consists of small crabs and shell mollusks; or perched on some prominent point
of rock, where its constant vigilance renders it difficult of approach except under cover. When
disturbed it rises slowly and rather awkwardly, and makes a detour seaward, returning to a
neighbouring station on the rocks, or, if alarmed, wings its way slowly across the bay or to some
more remote part of the coast.

There is a single egg of this species in the Canterbury Museum; it is of a regular ovoido-
elliptical form, measuring 1‘9 inch in length by 1:3 in breadth, of a delicate greenish white, and
with a finely granulated surface.

OxDEB al

tho "
in we tty Oxpmr GRALLAZ.] (Far. ARDELDZ.
fy
F ten, =
re, ARDEA NOVE HOLLANDIA
ay hy (WHITE-FRONTED HERON.)
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lle, an)
7 White-fronted Heron, Phillip, Voy. Bot. Bay, i. p. 163, pl. 27 (1789).

Ardea nove hollandie, Lath. Gen. Ind. ii. p. 701 (1790, ex Phillip).
Ardea leucops, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 17 (1827).

Herodias nove hollandie, Gray, Cat..Gralle Brit. Mus. p. 80 (1844).
Demiegretta nove hollandie, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 28 (1871).

Native name.—Matuku-moana.

], supra diluté schistaceo-cinereus, pileo cristato saturatiore: interscapulio scapularibusque pallidioribus,
cinereis, quasi strigatis: tectricibus alarum diluté cinereis remigibus schistaceo-nigricantibus, secun-
ii is: rectricibus schistaceo-cinereis, versus apicem brunnescentibus: fronte et

AN
Q

dariis claré cinereo lavatis:
supercilio lato, facie laterali et gutture toto albis: regione parotica et collo laterali cinereis: subtus
allidé cinereus, collo undique saturatiore, jugulo medio et imo pallidé rufescente: subalaribus pallidé
cinereis, albicantibus: regione oculari pallidé virescenti-flavi: rostro nigro, versts basin mandibule
albicante : pedibus flavicantibus, tarsis imis digitisque virescentibus : iride leeté flava.

Adult, Forehead, space round the eyes, and throat white ; crown of the head dark cinereous or bluish grey,
the occipital feathers rather elongated, and lighter; sides of the head, neck, and all the upper parts
bright cinereous, with a warm purplish tinge; the back ornamented with a series of long lanceolate
plumes of a lighter colour, some of which extend beyond the scapulars ; down the fore neck a stripe of
buff, changing below to yellowish brown; the long plumes overlapping the breast very soft in texture,
and of a roseate purple tint ; underparts generally pale cinereous brown, slightly tinged with purple;
quills and tail-feathers dark slate-grey. Irides bright yellow; edges of eyelids, bare part of lores, and
membrane surrounding the angle of the mouth pale greenish yellow; bill black, the lower mandible
whitish towards the base ; legs yellow, tinged more or less with dusky green on the toes and lower part
of tarsi; claws pale brown. Length 25:5 inches; extent of wings 42; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5;
bill, along the ridge 3, along the edge of lower mandible 4; bare tibia 2; tarsus 3°5; middle toe and

claw 2°6; hind toe and claw 1°75.

Young. Differs from the adult in having more white about the head and neck, and a darker tinge of brown
on the underparts ; the dorsal plumes, moreover, are scanty, and the delicate purplish tint on the breast

is altogether wanting.

Tue White-fronted Heron is very sparingly dispersed over the New-Zealand coasts; but, according

to Gould, it is very abundant over every part of Tasmania, the Colonies of New South Wales,

South Australia, and Swan River. ‘Low sandy beaches washed by the open ocean, arms of

the sea, and the sides of rivers and lagoons, both in the interior of the country and near the
H 2

232

coast, are equally tenanted by it; consequently it is one of the commonest species of the genus
in all the countries above mentioned, and may frequently be seen walking knee-deep in the water
of the salt marshes in search of food, which consists of crabs, fish, and marine insects. Its flight
is heavy and flapping, like that of the other Herons; but it runs more quickly over the ground,
and is continually moving about when searching for food, and never stands motionless in the
water as the true Herons do: these active habits are, in fact, necessary to enable it to capture
insects and crabs, upon which it mainly subsists.

“Some nests,” continues this naturalist, “I observed in the month of October 1838, on the
banks of the Derwent, were placed on the tops of the smaller gum-trees; and most of them
contained newly hatched birds. Mr. Kermode informed me that it annually breeds in the
neighbourhood of his estate, near the centre of Tasmania. ‘The nest is of a moderate size, and is
composed of sticks and leaves. The eggs are four in number, of a pale bluish green, one inch
and seven eighths long by one inch and a quarter broad.”

A pair of these birds which I obtained in the Porirua Harbour, near Wellington, in the
month of April, had their stomachs filled with shrimps.

OxDEs GR

Are
Ny!
Net
Art
Nye

Ad. supr:

lt ig said
Speci;
the §,

Orver GRALLA. | [Fam. ARDEID/,

NYCTICORAX CALEDONICUS,

(NANKEEN NIGHT-HERON.)

Caledonian Night-Heron, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 55 (1785).
Ardea caledonica, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 626 (1788).

Ardea nove hollandie, Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 436 (1817).
Nycticorax caledonicus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xi. p. 613 (1819).
New-Holland Night-Heron, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 62 (1824).

Ardea sparrmannii, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 32 (1827).

Nyctiardea caledonica, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 33 (1871).

Ad. supra diluté cinnamomeus, dorso postico et uropygio paullé pallidioribus: pileo cristato et nucha nigris :
plumis tribus occipitalibus pendentibus albis: strig4 superciliari, regione oculari et genis anticis albis:
d4 einna ] ]

facie reliqua et collo laterali delicaté cinnamomeis: alis et cau

~

mnino dorso concoloribus:
subtus albus, gutture antico et laterali delicaté cinnamomeis: regione oculari virescenti-flava: rostro
nigro, versus apicem corneo, gonyde corned aut flavicante : pedibus sordidé flavis: iride aurantiacd.

Adult, Crown of the head and the nape glossy black; three occipital plumes, consisting of extremely fine
feathers, rolled in the form of a pointed queue, six inches long, pure white, with a narrow shaft-line of
brown ; sides and hind part of the neck, and the entire upper surface rich cinnamon-brown, this colour
being deepest on the shoulders, quills, and tail-feathers; throat, streak over the eyes, sides of face,
fore neck, and all the under surface pure white; on the sides of the neck and on the lower part of the
body the cinnamon and white are gradually blended. Irides orange ; the bare space surrounding them
greenish yellow ; bill black, horn-coloured or yellowish at the tip and along the lower edge of the under
mandible; tarsi and toes dull yellow; claws dark brown. ‘Total length 21 inches; wing, from
flexure, 11; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 2°75, along the edge of lower mandible 35; bare tibia 1;
tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 8°25; hind toe and claw 2°25.

Young. Mr. Gould states that the young bird of the first year has the whole of the upper surface striated
with buff and blackish brown, narrow and lanceolate on the head and neck, broad and conspicuous on
the back and wings; primaries and tail-feathers dark chestnut-red, deepening into black near the
extremity, and tipped with buffy white; all the under surface buffy white, with a stripe of brown down
the centre of each feather ; irides yellow,

THIs species can only be included in our list as an occasional straggler from Australia, where
it is said to be universally dispersed, although less abundant on the western coast than elsewhere,
A specimen, now in my collection in the Colonial Museum, was shot in the W ellington
Province sixteen years ago; and several instances have since been reported of its occurrence
in the South Island.

I quote the following interesting account of this species from Gould’s ‘ Birds of Australia :’—
“In the southern latitudes it is only a summer visitant, arriving in New South Wales and South
Australia in August and September, and retiring again in February. As its name implies, it is
nocturnal in its habits; and from its frequenting swamps, the sedgy banks of rivers, and other
secluded situations, it is seldom seen. On the approach of morning it retires to the forests and
perches among the branches of large trees, where, shrouded from the heat of the sun, it sleeps
the whole day, and when once discovered is easily shot; for, if forced to quit its perch, it merely
flies a short distance and again alights. Its flight is slow and flapping; and during its passage
through the air the head is drawn back between the shoulders, and the legs are stretched out
backwards, after the manner of the true Herons. When perched on the trees, or resting on the
- ground, it exhibits none of the grace and elegance of those birds, its short neck resting on the
shoulders. When impelled to search for a supply of food, it naturally becomes more animated
and its actions lively and prying; the varied nature of its food in fact demands some degree of
activity—fishes, water-lizards, crabs, frogs, leeches, and insects being all partaken of with equal
avidity.

“Jt breeds in the months of November and December, and generally in companies, like the
true Herons, the favourite localities being the neighbourhood of swampy districts, where an
abundant supply of food is to be procured; the branches of large trees, points of shelving rocks,
and caverns are equally chosen as a site for the nest, which is rather large and flat, and generally
composed of crooked sticks loosely interwoven. The eggs, which are usually three in number, are
of a pale green colour, and average two inches and five eighths in length by one inch and a half
in breadth,”

OnDEB GR

Jw. gm
di

Adult ;

MPY districts ae

le MMete ay
. and generally
aly { three j IN number, ar

me mrh o a
ne inch and a half

Orper GRALLZ. |

(Fam. ARDEIDA.

ARDETTA MACULATA,
(LITTLE BITTERN.)

Spotted Heron, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 3805 (1801).

Ardea maculata, Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl. ii. p. Ixiv (1801, nec Bodd., nec ¢ Vieill.).
Ardea pusilla, Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 432 (1817).

Ardetta punctata, Gray, Cat. Gralle Brit. Mus. p. 83 (1844).

Ardetta pusilla, Gould, Birds of Austr. vi. pl. 68. (1848).

Ardeola pusilla, Bonap. C. R. xl. p. 722 (1855).

Ardeola nove zelandie, Purdie, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. iii. p. 99 (1870).

Native name.—Kaoriki.

Ad. § pileo ceruleo-nigro: supercilio distincto, facie et collo lateralibus sordidé ferrugineis, regione paroticad

straminea :

dorso toto nigro, plumis quibusdam brunneo, ferrugineo aut stramineo extts lavatis:

tectricibus alarum ochrascentibus, minoribus dorsalibus et exterioribus ferrugineis nigro medialiter
notatis: ald cerulescenti-nigra, tectricibus majoribus, al4 spurid et remigibus ferrugineo limbatis aut
apicaliter maculatis: caudd cerulescenti-nigra : gutture toto albo, utrinque ferrugineo, plumis medialiter
saturatiis brunneis et stramineo conspicué lavatis: corpore reliquo subtis albicante, hypochondriis
plumis medialiter nigris, quasi striatis, ferrugineo aut stramineo marginatis : subalaribus ochrascentibus,
medialiter brunneis, margine alari undique albo: regione oculari flavicanti- viridi: rostro saturaté
brunnco, lateraliter et versus basin flavicanti-viridi: pedibus leeté viridibus, tarso superiore digitisque

brunneo tinctis:

iride aurea.

Juv. g mari similis sed sordidior : tectricibus medianis alarum stramineis medialiter brunneis: gutture minus

distincté notato.

Adult male. Forehead, crown of the head and nape bluish black ; throat and front of the neck tawny buff,
each feather shaded in the centre with brown; from the chin and down the fore neck an irregular
streak of reddish brown; on the sides of the neck the buff passes gradually into a rich chestnut; and
this colour is continued on the sides of the head, forming a broad streak over the eyes, and another
less distinct, to the angles of the mouth, mixed with tawny yellow on the ear-coverts ; underparts pale

buff, each feather centred more or less with black ;

; on each side of the chest the black predominates,

forming broad acuminate stripes ; the whole of the back and the feathers composing the mantle bronz

black, tinged more or less with chestnut, the scapulars margined with tawny buff; quills and tail-
feathers bluish black, slaty on their under surface, the inner primaries, as well as their coverts and
most of the secondaries, tipped with chestnut brown; the primary coverts and a patch of feathers near
the flexure pale chestnut, edged with fulvous, the former centred more or less with black ; the small
wing-coverts and the whole of the rae coverts blackish brown, broadly edged with yellowish buff,

and presenting a handsome appearance

Trides golden yellow ; eyelids and bare space in front of the

eyes yellowish green; bill dark ene along the ridge and at the tip, yellowish green on the sides and
towards the base of both mandibles; legs and feet bright green, stained at the tarsal joint and along
the toes with dark brown. Length 15 inches; wing, from flexure, 6°25; tail 2; bill, along the ridge 2°2,

236

along the we of lower mandible 2°75; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 2:1; middle toe and claw 2°5; hind toe
and claw

Young male. Differs from the adult in having the plumage of the back darker, and the wing-coverts of a
rich tawny buff, shading into chestnut on the secondary coverts and towards the flexure.

Remarks. Mr. Gould, in his account of this species in Australia, states that “the sexes differ considerably
from each other, the female being mottled and of a smaller size than the male;” and he gives the
following description of the former :—‘ Head and back chestnut ; wing-coverts very deep tawny, passing
into chestnut on the tips of the coverts and secondaries ; primaries grey, tipped with brown; tail black ;
sides of the neck pale chestnut ; front of the throat and the under surface white, with a stripe of tawny
down the middle, and a small streak of brown in the centre of each feather, the brown hue predomi-
nating, and forming a conspicuous mark down the throat.” No specimen has yet been obtained in
New Zealand answering to the above account; but, so far as I can learn, the see ss a of ie
female in the Canterbury Museum (corresponding more nearly in plumage to the you
above) was not dissected ; and without this it would of course be impossible to ieanten the sex. The
young bird from which I have taken my description exhibits one or two new feathers among the wing-
coverts marked as in the adult with a broad central streak of blackish brown, thus indicating a trans-
ition to the more handsome variegated plumage; and Dr. Garland, who dissected the specimen, informs
me that it proved to be a male. The bird described by Mr. Purdie (J. c.) with “ rufous-brown eyes
and buff wing-coverts” was evidently in an immature state.

Tus Little Bittern is undoubtedly the true representative in our hemisphere of the Ardetta
minuta of Europe, to which it bears a very close resemblance both in appearance and in habits.
It is a very rare species in Australia, where, according to Gould, only a few individuals have as
yet been procured, and all of these from one locality. It is equally rare in New Zealand, and
appears to be scarcely less local in its distribution. The first recorded specimens (two in number)
were obtained by Mr. Shaw at Kanieri, on the west coast, in March 1868, and forwarded to the
Canterbury Museum, where they are still preserved. Subsequently a third specimen was obtained
in one of the swampy creeks that feed the Okarita lagoon—and another at the head of the
Whakatipu Lake, above Queenstown, in the Province of Otago. I am indebted to the kindness of
Mr. Clapcott and Dr. Garland respectively for the specimens of the adult and young from which
the above descriptions are taken; both of these were obtained in the vicinity of the Hokitika
township, in the autumn of 1871.

Mr. Docherty, who collected some of the examples enumerated above, has furnished the
following interesting notes on the subject :—“ They are to be found on the salt-water lagoons on
the seashore, always hugging the timbered side of the same. I have seen them in two positions,
viz. :—standing on the bank of the lagoon, with their heads bent forward, studiously watching the
water; at other times I have seen them standing straight up, almost perpendicular ; I should say
this is the proper position for the bird to be placed in when stuffed. When speaking of lagoons
as the places where they are to be found, I may mention that I caught one about two miles in
the bush, on the bank of a creek; but the creek led to a lagoon. They live on small fishes or
the roots of reeds; I should say the latter, because at the very place where I caught one I
observed the reeds turned up and the roots gone. They are very solitary, and always found alone,
and they stand for hours in one place. I heard a person say that he had opened one and found
a large egg in it. They breed on the ground in very obscure places; I never heard their cry.”

Mr
were tak
fowls in
to the k
growilg
on a bas
Bittern
itself to

Ih
May 18
Its usua
when al
the bod
stretche
outward
move th
did not
It evine
snappin;
fisher, a
not get
it instar
is very (
woods ¥
that on
depth o:
rendere¢
two of 4
feet froy
fact, wh
exposed
being re

SPecies,

= -
hisphere of 4, ;
peste Of the Arist
DpePara and <y, 1.1°
‘P POarance and in habit
few individns.
+ ZEW Individuals hare PN
wa im Non Jacl
ire in New Zealand, anf
pcimens (two in numbe
{ Pf eee ae
, alld forwarded (0 tle
J enseimaen wac obtained
1 Specimen was oda
- - - 1 fal,
her at the head ot ie
, 3 } 1 Lindnose of
iebted to the kindness 0
+ and young irom wild

sicinity of the Hokitis

ove, has furnished the
he salt-water lagoons .
» them in two postion
ly watching &
-. | should 8!

Vans
tudiou

237

Mr. Potts, in his account * of the specimens in the Canterbury Museum, states that “ they
were taken alive without any very great difficulty, after which they were turned loose amongst the
fowls in a poultry-yard. ‘They were found dead shortly afterwards—it is alleged, from exposure
to the keen frosty night air, being deprived of the accustomed protection afforded by the thickly-
growing sedgy vegetation of their swampy habitat. They had been observed standing motionless
on a bare stem or stalk, from which they overlooked the water. . . . It is stated that the Little
Bittern is so quiet in his habits that it will remain still when approached, and almost suffer
itself to be taken by the hand.”

I had an opportunity of observing one of these birds in a state of captivity at Hokitika, in
May 1871. It had been taken only a few days before, and was already comparatively tame.
Its usual posture was one of repose, with the head drawn in and resting on the shoulders; but
when alarmed or excited it assumed a very different attitude, standing almost bolt upright, with
the body resting, as it were, on the tarsal joints, these being brought close together, the neck
stretched upwards to its full extent and perfectly rigid, the beak elevated, and the eyes directed
outwards and downwards in such a way as to command a full view in front without having to
move the head. On being turned out in the veranda it ran quickly and spread its wings, but
did not make any attempt to fly, and after a short interval endeavoured to re-enter its cage.
It evinced great alarm on the appearance of a cat, stretching up its neck and emitting a peculiar
snapping cry. At other times when molested it uttered a cry not unlike that of the King-
fisher, allhough not so loud. Mr. McNee, to whom the bird belonged, informed me that he could
not get it to eat any thing till he produced a dish of water containing some “ mudfish,” which
it instantly seized and devoured. This singular fish (named by Dr. Giinther Neochanna apoda)
is very common in the Hokitika district, being found in all the creeks and surface-ponds in the
woods which here cover the whole face of the country. The remarkable part of their history is
that on the pools becoming dry these mudfish burrow into the moist soil or clay, often to the
depth of two feet, remaining there for an indefinite time, or till the return of rainy weather has
rendered their pools habitable again. Archdeacon Harper informed me that he himself dug up
two of these mudfish in comparatively hard clay in his garden, at a depth of more than three
feet from the surface, where they were occupying artificially formed chambers. Another curious
fact, which I give on the testimony of Mr. McNee, is that several of these mudfish after being
exposed in his veranda for a whole night, and apparently lifeless, recovered their vitality on
being restored to a basin of water ; and when shown to me on the following day they certainly
exhibited a great amount of activity. I think it highly probable that the mudfish constitutes the
chief food of the Little Bittern ; for as many of the surface pools are never dry, there would be no
difficulty in finding a supply all the year round.

I may mention also that Mr. Clapcott’s bird, while alive in his possession, was fed on worms,
and that it would only take them when placed in a saucer or other vessel containing water.

Nothing whatever is at present known of the breeding-habits of the Little Bittern; but as the
eager search for gold is speedily opening up the rough country on our west coast, we may
reasonably look for further particulars before long regarding this and other rare or little-known
species.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 98.
21

Orprr GRALL/.] [Fam. ARDEIDA.
gl
yé
- w
BOTAURUS PQ@CILOPTILUS. c
le
(BLACK-BACKED BITTERN.) e
ec
Female
Ardea poiciloptila, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 28, note (1827). =
Botaurus melanotus, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. App. p. 196 (1843). th
Botaurus poiciloptilus, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 557 (1847). P|
Botaurus australis, Gould, B. of Aust. vi. pl. 64 (1848). Obs
Botaurus peciloptila, Bonap. C. R. xl. p. 723 (1855). nt
Botaurus poicilopterus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 236. «
Ardea peciloptera, Finsch, J. f. 0. 1870, p. 348. at
Ardea poiceloptera, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N.Z. p. 28 (1871).
; Remar:
ne
Native name.—Matuku-hurepo. ‘s
th
Ad, supra nigricanti-brunneus, interscapulii plumis paucis et scapularibus exterioribus irregulariter fulvescente al
transvermiculatis: uropygio imo et supracaudalibus claritis fulvescentibus latitis brunneo transnotatis :
tectricibus alarum brunnescentibus ubique fulvescente transversim vermiculatis, minimis omnind nigri- Tar Cor
canti-brunneis: remigibus et rectricibus nigricanti-brunneis, sparsim fulvescente irregulariter notatis, oe
illis intts vix fasciatis: pileo summo et collo laterali saturaté brunneis, indistinct® fulyo transversim of life,
terminatis : supercilio lato cum regione parotica, genis gulAque fulvescentibus : lined lat& ab oculo postico growth |

ad collum laterale ducté brunne&: corpore reliquo subtis ochrascenti-fulvo, plumis brunneo irregula-
riter notatis vel transfasciatis, interdum quasi laté longitudinaliter strigatis, gutture et pectore supe-

Waiks
riore pallidé brunneo marmoratis : subcaudalibus fulvis: subalaribus fulvis ubique brunneo irregulariter half me
notatis: rostro saturaté brunneo : regione oculari et pedibus pulchré diluté viridibus : iride flava. Anstral;

Adult. Head and nape dark brown; superciliary streak and region of the ears tawny, the former freckled Captain
with brown; back of neck and lower part of back dark purplish brown varied with buff; mantle, occur a]
scapulars, and secondaries dark brown with purplish reflexions, freckled, and mottled on the edges with P Olynes
tawny yellow; upper surface of wings pale buff, the longer coverts with broad arrow-head marks ‘Tt
along their whole extent, and the shorter ones freckled and mottled with different shades of brown : stellayss<
primaries purplish brown, with dark shafts, marbled on their inner webs with buff ; Secondaries darker wis
brown, marbled on both vanes, but more conspicuously on the inner; tail-feathers dark brown, mar- Conceal
gined and freckled with buff, especially on the outer ones; throat, front and sides of the neck, and all the Notes, g]

under surface tawny buff, variegated with dark brown; on the throat the brown markings are very indi-
stinct, being limited to a narrow freckled line down the middle; on the fore neck each feather has a

two h
: ; : ; ; ea
broad mark of yellowish brown down the centre, with vandyked edges in some and lateral continuations th :
. é é € Cape
in others ; on the long neck-plumes which overhang the breast, and on the overlapping femorals, these
markings assume the character of narrow zig-zag lines and arrow-heads. The broad feathers coverings k It
the upper part of the breast are blackish brown in the centre with tawny-white sides ; but these are “Posing
usually concealed by the overhanging plumes of the fore neck ; on the sides of the body there are irre- thrown,
Neck fox

8 irTrecy

»,
. Wp,
R

sariter | Falvescent

239

gular longitudinal streaks of dark brown; abdomen, inner sides of the tibia, and under tail-coverts
yellowish buff without any markings; outer sides of the tibia tawny variegated with brown; lining of
wings and axillary plumes pale buff, barred and mottled with purplish brown. Irides yellow; bill dark
brown, whitish on the sides and towards the base of lower mandible; eyelids, naked loral membrane,
legs, and feet beautiful pale green; the claws dark brown, with horn-coloured tips. Total length
30 inches: extent of wings 48; wing, from flexure, 14°5; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 2°75, along the
edge of lower mandible 4; bare tibia 1; tarsus 4; middle toe and claw 5:25; hind toe and claw 3°75.

Female. J think Mr. Gould is in error in the statement (Handbook of the Birds of Australia, p. 314), “the
sexes are alike in plumage, but the female is smaller than the male.” So far as my observation goes,
the female is invariably larger than the male, and is further distinguishable by its much duller
plumage

Obs. Individuals differ not only in size but in the details of their colouring—so much so, indeed, that the
natives believe in the existence of two species, the smaller and darker of which they distinguish as
“* Matuku-karourou ;” but having now before me a series of thirteen specimens exhibiting a consider-
able amount of pa idual variation, I am unable to recognize any such distinction.

Remarks. This bird has the faculty of expanding the plumage of the neck laterally ; and the hind part of the
neck, which is exposed by this action, is covered with a long fluffy or downy growth. When the body
is quiescent the long side-feathers overlie this downy plumage, and effectually conceal it. The claw of
the middle toe is strongly pectinate on its inner margin, and in old birds the edges are often much worn
and broken.

Tue Common Bittern is very generally distributed over the country, in places suited to its habits
of life, such as raupo swamps, sedgy lagoons, and those “blind creeks,” covered over with a
growth of reeds and tangle, which are so numerous in all the low districts. In some localities it
is comparatively abundant—for example, along the whole extent of swampy flats lying between
Waikanae and Rangitikei, on the west coast of the Wellington Province, where I have obtained
half a dozen in the course of a single afternoon. It is likewise met with in all parts of the
Australian continent, although very few specimens appear to have been sent to Europe; and
Japtain Sturt reports that he found it very plentiful in the marshes of the interior. It is said to
occur also in the Chatham Islands; and there is reason to believe that its range extends to
Polynesia.

It is a true Bittern in all its habits, being, in fact, the southern representative of the Botaurus
stellaris of Europe. It appears to love a solitary life, being always met with singly; it remains
concealed during the heat of the day, and at eventide startles the ear with its four loud booming
notes, slowly repeated, and resembling the distant roar of an angry bull. It subsists on mice,
lizards, eels, and freshwater fish, of various kinds; from the gullet of one that I had shot I extracted
two headless eels, each measuring 16 inches in length, from which some idea may be formed of
the capacity of a Bittern’s stomach !

It is interesting to steal up, under cover, and watch this Bittern alternately Sule and
reposing in its sedgy haunts. When in a quiescent posture the body is nearly erect, the head
thrown back and resting on the shoulders, with the beak pointed upwards, and the contracted
neck forming a broad curve with the closed ruff depending, the attitude altogether being rather

240

grotesque. The instant, however, any sound causes it alarm, the whole character of the bird is
changed: the neck is stretched to its full length, and every movement betokens caution and
vigilance ; unless immediately reassured, it spreads its broad wings and raises itself into the air
in a rather awkward manner, with the legs dangling down, but gradually raised to a level with
the tail; the flight then assumes a steady course, often in a broad semicircle, and is maintained
by slow and regular flappings. If unmolested, it may be observed stalking knee-deep in the
water in search of food, with its neck inclined forward, raising its foot high at every step as if
deliberately measuring the ground. A live one brought to me by a native, enclosed in an eel-
basket, lived in my possession for a week; but it refused to take food of any kind, and died of
sheer starvation, remaining fierce and untamable to the very last. On being approached it
would erect or spread the feathers of the neck and throw forward the wings, thus presenting a
very bold front to the enemy. On any object being placed near it, the bird would strike
furiously with its pointed bill; and it made frequent assaults of this kind on the network of its
temporary cage.

The Bittern breeds in swamps, forming its rude nest of raupo and other aquatic vegetation
loosely placed together. In the ‘Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute’ for 1869, there is a
good sketch (plate iv. fig. 7) of a nest found by Mr. Potts, near Lake Tripp, which he describes
as having a flat top, raised about 6 inches above the water, which was ankle-deep all round. The
eggs are usually four in number, although Mr. French, who is an excellent observer, informs me
that he once found a nest of five near the Kaiapoi river; they are of an even or regular ovoido-
elliptical form, measuring 2°] inches in length by 15 in breadth, and of a uniform pale brownish-
olive colour.

cole

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(pDEB ANsEe

Varieg
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Casarke
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CASARCA_ VARIEGATA.
(Mele and’ Female,)

2 mari dissi
aut ec
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alarib

Adult mal

VARIEGATA.
)

pret Pierce Ze

CALZSr Ze

CASARCA

Orvrer ANSERES.] (Fam. ANATIDA,

CASARCA VARIEGATA.

(NEW-ZEALAND SHELDRAKE.)

Variegated Goose, Lath. Gen. Hist. iii. pt. 2, p. 441 (1785).
Anas variegata, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 505 (1788, ex Lath.).
Casarka castanéa, Eyton, Monogr. Anat. p. 108, pl. 10 (1838).
Casarca variegata, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii. App. p. 198 (1843).
Anas cheneros, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 92 (1844).

Anser variegata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7471.

Native names.

Putangitangi; Putakitaki in the South Island; ‘“ Paradise Duck” of the colonists.

3 pileo undique et cervice virescenti-nigerrimis: collo undique nigricante, ochraceo vermiculatim vario: dorso

saturaté cinerascenti-fusco, plumis omnibus albido transvermiculatis, plumis castaneis absentibus : dorso
postico nigricante obscuré albido transvermiculato : uropygio et supracaudalibus purpurascenti-nigris :

remigibus nigris, minoribus extts pulcherrimé viridibus, secundariis extis leté castaneis, intis cinereis,
versus apicem albo vermiculatis: caudd nigré: corpore subtis reliquo cinerascenti-fusco, albido trans-
versim vermiculato: abdomine medio castaneo obscuré nigro transfasciato: subalaribus albis, imis

cinerascentibus, marginalibus paulld nigricante vermiculatis: rostro plumbescenti-nigro: pedibus et
iride nigris.

2 mari dissimilis: supra fuscus, plumis fulvescente vel albido transversim vermiculatis, quibusdam castaneis

aut eodem modo vermiculatis vel omnind unicoloribus: dorso postico nigricante obscuré albido trans-
vermiculato: dorso postico et uropygio, alis et caud4 ut in mari coloratis: pileo undique et cervice
puré albis: corpore subtus castaneo, plumis quibusdam nigricantibus fulvescente aut albido transvermi-
culatis: abdomine medio saturaté castaneo, nigro transfasciato: subcaudalibus letits castaneis: sub-
alaribus ut in mari coloratis.

Adult male. Wead and greater portion of neck black, with bluish green reflections; neck below and fore

part of breast rich dark brown minutely spotted or freckled with pale rufous; back and scapulars, as
well as the lower part of the breast, sides of the body and flanks black, mottled and marked with wavy
lines or vermiculations of white; on the sides and flanks the vermiculation is very distinct, and adds

much to the beauty of the plumage; the rest of the underparts dark rufous spotted and barred with
black ; under tail-coverts bright ferruginous with darker stains; the whole of the wing-coverts pure
white; the primaries glossy black, lighter on their under surface; the lesser quills shining green on
their exposed webs, dusky and margined with white on their inner, forming a large, bright speculum ;

the four inner secondaries have their outer webs rufous, becoming paler towards the tips, and their
inner webs dark cinereous, freckled more or less with white. The contrast of colours described above
gives the upper surface of the wings a very beautiful appearance when partially spread; the under

242

surface or lining of the wings is pure white. Irides and bill black ; legs greyish black. Total length
24 inches; extent of wings 47; wing, from flexure, 14°5; tail 6; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the
edge of lower mandible 2; tarsus 2°75; middle toe and claw 2°75; hind toe and claw °6.

Obs. In some examples (probably immature birds) the middle tail-feathers are terminally margined with
pale brown, and the lateral ones vermiculated at the tips with white.

Adult female. Head and greater portion of neck pure white; lower part of neck, breast and sides of the
body bright ferruginous, with freckled margins, and varied more or less with brown; on the sides and
long plumage overlapping the thighs numerous freckled vermiculations of brown and white ; shoulders
and mantle dark brown mixed with rufous, beautifully vermiculated with fulvous white and largely
varied with ferruginous; middle portion of back minutely freckled with white; surface of wings pre-
cisely as in the male ; rump and upper surface of tail glossy black ; abdomen ferruginous largely mixed
with dark brown, presenting a banded and mottled appearance; under tail-coverts paler ferruginous,
freckled with black at the tips.

Young. In the young state the sexes are alike, the plumage resembling more nearly that of the adult male.
Head and upper portion of neck sooty black, varied with light brown; lower portion of neck dark
brown, with narrow transverse lines of rufous; the whole of the under surface blackish brown, mottled
and barred with rufous, each feather narrowly margined with white; shoulders, back, and lower sides of
the body black, with white freckles and vermiculations; wings as in the adult; rump and tail black;
under tail-coverts pale ferruginous.

Progress towards maturity. Examples exhibit much individual variety in their progress towards maturity ;
this is especially the case with the female, the first indication of change being the appearance of irre-
gular white feathers on the head and neck, which rapidly increase in number till the plumage of those
parts becomes entirely white; and in a more advanced state the underparts are varied with scattered
feathers of rufous in such a manner as to impart a very lively effect. Some specimens of the immature
male are marked with rufous on the forehead and lores.

Nestling. Covered with soft down, for the most part pure white, but largely varied on the upper surface
with brown; the cheeks, throat, fore neck and all the under surface entirely white ; the top and upper
sides of the head, in a line with the eyes, the hind neck and shoulders, a broad mark down the back
spreading on the tail, the anterior portion and tips of wings, and a broad patch on each flank, continued
in a line over the thighs, dull umber brown; bill and feet pale brown.

Or the eight species of this tribe inhabiting New Zealand the “ Paradise Duck” of the colonists
is undoubtedly the finest. It is spread all over the South Island, being extremely abundant in
some localities; but in the North Island its range does not extend beyond lat. 39°S. It is
difficult to understand why it should be thus confined; but, with the exception of a flock of five
seen some years ago in the Kaipara district, I have never heard of its occurrence north of this
line: At certain seasons of the year it associates in large flocks, which migrate from one part of
the country to another, resorting at one time to the river-mouths and salt marshes near the sea-

coast, and at another retiring to the grassy plains and lagoons of the interior. In winter a
partial separation of the sexes appears to take place, it being a common thing to see a flock of
ten or more drakes to one duck, and vice versd. At other times they wander about in pairs ; and,

whether re]

fail to arte

familiar 60
In dist

;mpossible
feeding » 4
and both th
call-notes °
q prolong?
her mate W
Its ha
putila); 2D
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into Engla:
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them easy

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progress towards maturity:
;

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; : b
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243

whether reposing on the water or feeding on the shore, their strongly contrasted colours cannot
fail to arrest and please the eye; such a scene in fact as that represented in our Plate must be
familiar to any one who has travelled at all in the country.

In districts where it has been much molested it becomes exceedingly shy; and it is then
impossible to shoot it except by stratagem. One bird appears to keep watch while its mate is
feeding ; and on the slightest alarm it sounds its note of warning, to which the other responds;
and both then observe the strictest vigilance, taking wing on the first approach of danger. The
call-notes of the two sexes differ remarkably: the drake, with his head bent downwards, utters
a prolonged guttural note, twk-o-0-0, tuk-o-o-0; and the duck, elevating her head, responds to
her mate with a shrill call, like the high note of a clarionet.

Its habits resemble, in many respects, those of the Common Sheldrake of Europe (Casarea
rutila); and, like that species, it subsists to a large extent on tender grasses and other succulent
herbage. Its wings are armed at the flexure with a hard round knob, denuded of feathers, the
use of which, in the economy of the bird, I have not yet been able to discover. During the
moulting-season it is unable to fly, and, being a very indifferent diver, it is readily captured. Even
when thus taken in an adult state it is easily domesticated, and it has been successfully introduced
into England. It is to be seen, in all its beauty, on the artificial lake at Kew Gardens and on
the ornamental waters of several private estates in various parts of the country; and it breeds in
the Zoological Society’s Gardens in Regent’s Park. I have kept them in New Zealand, and found
them easy to domesticate and very tractable. They require, however, constant access to a stream
or pond of water; for if denied this privilege, they become subject to attacks of cramp, which in
the end prove fatal. On these occasions the bird entirely loses the use of its legs, and, lying flat
on its breast, flaps the ground violently with its wings in apparent agony.

In selecting a breeding-place it displays some fastidiousness: generally speaking, the nest,
rudely formed of dry grass, and deeply lined with feathers and down, is placed among the reeds
and tussocks near the water’s edge; sometimes, however, it is situated on a rising ground at a
distance from its ordinary haunts; and in one instance, in the Upper Manawatu, I found a pair
breeding in a small cavern in the face of a sandstone cliff overhanging the river. The eggs vary
in number from five to nine; and occasionally there are more, Mr. J. D. Enys having met with a
nest containing eleven; they are of a regular oval form, measuring 2°6 inches in length by 1°9 in
breadth, perfectly smooth on the surface, and of a yellowish cream-colour.

The ingenuity with which the old birds decoy intruders away from the nest or young is very
remarkable ; and I have myself been so completely deceived by a Paradise Duck feigning a disabled
wing, that I have followed it for a hundred yards or more, endeavouring to overtake it, before
discovering the ruse it had so successfully practised. Mr. Travers refers to this subject, in a
communication to the Wellington Philosophical Society *, in the following terms :—

“ Both parents are anxious and watchful about their young, resorting to the ruse of pretend-
ing lameness and inability to rise from the ground, in order to draw off any animal which they
think likely to be mischievous. It is excessively amusing to see an old Duck waddling away as
if with the greatest difficulty, her wings drooping and flapped occasionally, in order to assist her
apparently struggling efforts to escape, whilst all the time she manages to keep in advance of even

* Trans. N. Z. Instit. 1871, vol. iv. p. 207.

244

a fleet dog, until at last, having drawn him to what she deems a safe distance from her nest, she
at once rises from the ground, screaming out her harsh danger-signal, to the complete discomfiture
of the panting dog. Upon the danger-signal being uttered by the parent birds, the young ones
usually make at once for the nearest flowing water, down which they float close to the bank,
seeking cover, and availing themselves, with great sagacity, of every opportunity of shelter or
concealment, in which they are assisted by their similarity in general colour to the soil and vege-
TATION oscers he Paradise Duck breeds from October to January, and not unfrequently rears
two broods during the season. I have, in fact, more than once seen two broods of different ages
running with the same pair of parent birds. The single broods vary in number, the largest I
ever saw being ten.”

Mr. Proctor Smith relates the following incident within his own experience at Otago :—*I
have seen a drake of this species gallantly beat off-a large hawk from the duck I had wounded.
On my reaching the scene of combat, the cunning drake feigned to be wounded, and limped
away beyond gunshot, while the duck escaped by concealing herself in a large marsh close by.”

Supere
Anas 8
Anas |
Anas §

Anas 1

Ad. supra bi
super
regio:
basi :
dorso
secur
caudé
fulve:
pedib

Adult. T

differs
TED
Aum} Der, + the jy “a

Xperj
PMELEN Ce at Otago:

» and linn .

arge marsh Close by

Orper ANSERES. ]

Supercilious Duck, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 497 (1785).
Anas superciliosa, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p.
Anas leucophrys, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 93 (1844).

Anas sandwichensis, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 649 (1856).

(GREY DUCK.)

Anas miilleri, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 649 (1856).

Native name.—Parera.

537 (1788, ex Lath.).

ANAS SUPERCILIOSA

[Fam. ANATID/A.

Ad. supra brunneus, plumis omnibus fulvescente marginatis, pilei et colli postici plumis quasi striatis: linea

superciliari distincté fulvescenti-alba, alterA inferiore brunneé a summé maxilla per oculum post

regionem paroticam ducta :

dorso concoloribus et eodem modo limbatis, majoribus velutino-nigro terminatis :

facie reliqua et gutture toto fulvescenti-albis, lined faciali indistinctiore a
basi maxille verstis regionem paroticam, hac et colli lateribus brunneo striatis: tectricibus alarum

remigibus brunneis,

secundariis extus laté purpurascenti-viridibus, versiis apicem velutino-nigris, angusté albo terminatis :

audé brunned, rectricibus angusté fulvo marginatis :
eee marginatis, quasi marmoratis :
pedibus flavicanti-brunneis :

corpore reliquo subtts pallidits brunneo, laté
subalaribus albis : rostro plumbeo, mandibula brunnescente :
iride rufescenti-brunned.

Adult. Top of the head and a broad streak from the base of the upper mandible through the eyes brownish

black, the former slightly marked with grey;

narrow streak from the forehead over the eyes, the

cheeks and the whole of the throat yellowish w oe sometimes tinged with rufous; from the gape, or_
angles of the mouth, and crossing the cheeks a mottled streak of very dark brown; ear-coverts and
sides of the neck greyish brown, mottled or striated with yellowish white; general upper surface
blackish brown, each feather margined more or less distinctly with fulvous white, and those composing
the mantle having a strong coppery hue; fore neck, breast, and underparts greyish brown, varied with
fulvous white; inner lining of wings and axillary plumes pure white; sides of the body and flanks
blackish brown, each feather margined with dull fulvous white ; primary quills dark velvety brown on

their upper

surface, greyish underneath; speculum rich glossy green, bounded on both sides with

velvety black; the secondaries with a narrow terminal edge of white, and of those overlapping the

speculum the whole of the inner webs deep velvety black ;
with a broad edging of velvety black, below which there is a line

of yellowish white.

the superior wing-coverts dark brown,

Trides reddish

brown ; bill bluish lead-colour, the nail black, and the lower mandible as with brown; legs

yellowish brown, the webs darker.

Length 20 inches; wing, from flexure, 16 ;
ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2°25 ; tarsus 1:5; middle toe and aig

2°5 ; bill, along the
25

2k

246

Young. General plumage paler than in the adult; the facial streaks, and the throat, washed with fulvous
brown; the underparts tinged with rufous brown.

Nestling. Upper parts dark olive-brown, with produced hair-like filaments of paler brown; sides of the
head and underparts of the body pale yellowish brown, lightest on the abdomen ; from the base of the
bill, on each side, a dark band passes beyond the eye, and another in a curve below it; there are
markings of fulvous white on the edges of the wings; and on each side of the back there are two
irregular spots of the same, about an inch apart. Irides black ; bill and legs plumbeous, the nail of the
former brown.

Varieties. Slight differences are observable in the plumage of fully adult birds; and a specimen which I
obtained at Manawatu in the winter of 1864 was very curiously marked on the breast, each feather
having a crescentic or horse-shoe band of yellowish white, similar to the markings on the breast of the
Shoveller. There is also a manifest difference in the size of the birds from different localities.

Obs. The sexes are alike in plumage, but differ slightly in size.

CoMMON in every part of our country, the Grey Duck ranges over the whole of Australia as well,
and is found also in some of the Polynesian islands. I found it extremely abundant at the
Chatham Islands; and it is said to occur on Norfolk Island also.

It is deservedly in high estimation for the table, and may be regarded as perhaps the most
valuable of our indigenous birds. It is less plentiful than it formerly was, which is no doubt
partly attributable to the increased traffic on our rivers, but is chiefly owing to the indiscriminate
use of the gun. Happily, however, the Colonial Legislature has undertaken the care of this
among other native species, and the Wild-Birds Protection Act now makes it a punishable offence
to shoot or trap these birds during certain months of the year.

It frequents rivers, bush-creeks, lagoons, and swamps, often consorting in large flocks, but
more generally associating in parties of from three to seven. In some localities it affords very good
shooting; and being seminocturnal in its habits, a clear moonlight night is considered by many
the best time for this kind of sport. The birds on reaching their feeding-ground make a circuit
in the air to reconnoitre, and then descend in an oblique direction, the rapid vibration of their
wings producing a whistling sound, very familiar and pleasant to the ear of a sportsman.

Regarded as an article of food, the Grey Duck is in its prime during the autumn and com-
mencement of winter; but the quality of the game differs according to the locality, those from
the lakes and rivers of the interior having a richer flavour as a rule than birds living in the
vicinity of the sea-shore, where the feed is coarser.

In its habits, it differs in no respect from the other members of its group. In the water it
swims low, with the neck erect and the head gently swayed to and fro; when at rest it either
floats on the surface, with the head drawn closely in, or it reposeson the bank very near to the
water’s edge, often selecting a jutting point of land, as affording a more unobstructed view and
less danger of surprise; and when the banks are soft and muddy it takes up its station on a log
of wood, bare rock, or other projecting object. Naturally of a wild disposition, the attempts to
domesticate this bird, even when it is taken from the nest and reared by hand, generally end in

there being
length by !

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).

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247

failure—although I have met with one or two striking instances to the contrary, and with one
case of its crossing with the Domestic Duck.

It usually breeds among the sedge and tangle in low situations in the immediate vicinity of its
haunts; but I have sometimes found its nest on the summit of a cliff overlooking a river—and in
one instance placed in a bunch of Astelia, in the fork of a dead tree, at an elevation of 20 feet or
more from the ground. The nest is formed of dry flags or other soft materials placed loosely
together in a circular form; and the interior is lined with down. The eggs vary in number,
there being sometimes as many as ten; they are of a broadly oval form, measuring 2°5 inches in
length by 16 in breadth, and are of a dull creamy-white colour.

Orper ANSERES. | (Fam. ANATIDA. rides
grey
lower

ANAS CHLOROTIS.
’ ;
(BROWN DUCK.) —_
no gic
part Cc
yellov
Anas chlorotis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, p. 15, pl. 20 (1844). : falvot
face
Native names.—Tarawhatu, Pateke, and Tete-whero. a
3 Ad. supra saturaté brunneus, dorsi plumis vix olivaceo lavatis et obsoleté fulvo marginatis, tectricibus alarum y Young mal
cinerascenti-brunneis, palliditis marginatis, majoribus rufescenti-fulvo termimatis: remigibus saturaté |
brunneis, a rufescentibus, minimis extis sordidé viridibus rufescenti-fulvo terminatis, secundariis centr
extis angusté fulvo limbatis: scapularibus fulvo vermiculatis, extis nigricantibus: supracaudalibus fulvor
brunneis, latitis fulvo marginatis: caud4 brunned angusté fulvo limbaté: pileo sordidé rufescenti- dark
brunneo, nigro vario: regione oculari albidé: facie laterali brunned, genis rufescentibus: regione rufou
supraparotica viridi verstis occiput extendente: gulé fulvescente: pectore ferrugineo, maculis obsoletis whats

nigris cordiformibus marmorato: abdomine medio crissoque pallidioribus, fulvescentioribus, obsoleté

nigro transnotatis : hypochondriis brunneo et fulvescente transvermiculatis, plagé crissali utrinque nigra, Varieties.

rufescente marginata et supra viridi nitente: subcaudalibus nigris: subalaribus et axillaribus albis : chest
rostro saturaté brunneo, ungue pallidiore: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride saturaté brunnea. other

? capitis et colli lateribus fulvescentibus minuté brunneo striolatis: pectore haud rufescente: hypochondriis et Obs. Th
scapularibus haud vermiculatis : subcaudalibus rufescentibus nigricante medialiter notatis.

Adult male. Head and anterior portion of neck blackish brown, darker on the crown, and narrowly edged SOME conf
with rufous, mottled on the chin with fulvous ; eyelids greyish white; sides of the head posteriorly exhibited
and the nape shining green in certain lights; this dark plumage is bounded anteriorly by a narrow zone sufficiently
of rufous white which nearly encircles the neck; below this zone and on the lower part of fore neck above —

s Cc
castaneous, changing into chestnut-brown on the breast and sides of the body, with numerous obscure mE SS
This
rounded spots of black ; general upper surface dark fuscous, margined with pale brown, and slightly
ee See lake, and
glossed with green ; on the lower sides of the neck posteriorly and on the smaller scapulars numerous
reckles and vermiculations of pale rufous brown; the longer scapulars have a broad apical spot of j Vegetation
velvety black on their outer webs, below which, and on the inner webs, they are vermiculated with pale and dives

ferruginous ; primaries dusky brown, highly glossed with green, and margined on their outer webs with
a narrow line of pale rufous-brown ; outer secondaries shining velvety green on their outer webs, with a
broad apical margin of rufous white, dusky on their inner webs, their coverts dark brown, terminally

Some year
when clos

edged with rufous, the closed wing presenting a dull speculum margined accordingly; the long inner ‘ey ard ir
secondaries dull shining green on their outer webs, broadly edged with pale fulvous; inner lining of OW confy
wings and axillary plumes pure white, with a wash of dark brown near the margin; the long plumage It ne
covering the flanks castancous-brown, beautifully vermiculated with pale ferruginous; abdomen pale for that p
brown, obscurely spotted with a darker shade; below the vent and the under tail-coverts velvety black With soft
tipped with brown; on each side of the rump a conspicuous spot of white, with black vermiculations on are very
its upper edge; tail dark glossy brown, its upper coverts shining greenish brown, margined with rufous. ry

of a d: ark

Py
ay
d dy

rdide » FUlescea
{.

249

Irides black; bill bluish black, the pectination of the upper mandible yellowish brown; feet dull slaty
rey. Length 17 inches; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 1°65, along the edge of
lower mandible 1°75; tarsus 1°5; middle toe and claw 2°25.

Adult female. WHead and anterior portion of neck blackish brown; the crown darker, and edged with
rufous ; the sides of the head, throat, and fore neck thickly speckled and mottled with fulvous grey ;
no gloss on the head, nor is there any marginal zone on the neck, the colours gradually blending ; lower
part of neck behind and all the upper surface dark fuscous, each feather broadly margined with pale
yellowish brown ; lower sides of neck and upper part of breast dark fulvous brown, and the abdomen
fulvous white, the feathers of these parts being largely centred with brown, and presenting on the sur-
face a soft mottled appearance; long plumage covering the flanks dark brown, broadly edged with
fulvous; surface of wings and tail as in the male; under tail-coverts brownish black, sometimes edged
with rufous. Bill greyish brown; legs pale yellowish brown.

\
Young male. Head and neck as in the adult female; there is no gloss on the crown, nor white circlet
on the fore neck; the lower part and sides of neck are dull ferruginous brown, each feather with a
central -round spot of darker brown in its apical portion; breast and abdomen rufous white mixed with
fulvous and obscurely spotted with brown; scapulars, as well as the long plumage covering the flanks,
dark brown margined with fulvous, and showing little or no vermiculation ; under tail-coverts pale
rufous, blotched with dark brown; in place of the white rump-spots a few feathers freckled brown and

white.

Varieties. In some examples of the male, the colour of the lower part of neck and breast deepens to a dark
chestnut, and the abdomen is mottled and banded with pale fulvous on a dark brown ground ; while in
others the white circlet is wanting, and the vermiculation on the upper parts is scarcely apparent.

Obs. The female is somewhat smaller than the male.

Some confusion has hitherto existed regarding this species, owing to the differences of plumage
exhibited by the male, female, and young; but I trust that the above exhaustive account will
sufficiently clear up the difficulty. I have shot birds in the various states of plumage described
above, and have determined question of sex by careful dissection.

This elegant little Duck is distributed all over the country, being met with in every inland
lake, and often in the deep fresh-water streams which run into them, where the overhanging
vegetation affords ready shelter and concealment. It is a very indifferent flier, but swims well
and dives with facility. When shooting on a lake near Tiakitahuna, in the Upper Manawatu,
some years ago, I came upon a flock of sixty or more of these birds; instead of taking wing
when closely followed, they swam towards the shore, and, then forming into a line, they hurried
forward in a very impetuous manner, keefiing close under the banks of the lake, and uttering a
low confused twitter.

It nests in places contiguous to its ordinary haunts, always selecting a dry and secluded spot
for that purpose. Like many other Ducks, it forms its nest of dry grass, and lines the interior
with soft down plucked from its own body. The eggs, which vary in number from five to eight,
are very oval, large for the size of the bird, measuring 2°3 inches in length by 1:7 in breadth, and

of a dark cream-colour, with a slightly greasy surface.

Orpver ANSERES. ]

QUERQUEDULA GIBBE

(LITTLE TEAL.)

[Fau. ANATIDA.

RIFRONS.

Anas (Mareca) gibberifrons, Miller, Nat. Gesch. Land- en Vogelk. p. 159 (1841).

Querquedula gibberifrons, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 650 (18
Anas gibberifrons, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Anseres, p. 58
Anas gibbifrons, Eyton, Synopsis Anat. p. 94 (1869)
Anas gracilis, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 41.

56).
(1866).

Nettion gibberifrons, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 33 (1871).

Native name.—Tete.

Ad. supra brunneus, dorsi plumis fulvescente marginatis: pileo saturatiis brunneo fulvescente longitudinaliter
notato, quasi striolato, occipite vix viridi nitente: facie laterali fulvescenti-albida, minuté brunneo

striolatA: tectricibus alarum saturaté cinerascenti-brunneis

unicoloribus, majoribus ad apicem latis-

simé albis, fasciam conspicuam alarem exhibentibus: remigibus saturaté brunneis, secundariis extis

leté velutinis, angusté albo terminatis, pennis duabus mediis
bus inttis brunneis dorso concoloribus: caud4 brunned, re

extus nitenti-viridibus, secundariis dorsali-
ctricibus obsoleté fulvescente marginatis :
*

gutture toto fulvescenti-albido, unicolori: corpore reliquo subtts brunnescenti-fulvo, plumis medialiter

saturaté brunneis, quasi marmoratis, hypochondriis magis distincté, pectore medio et abdomine obsoletits

notatis : rostro pallidé brunneo, versus apicem mandibule
iride saturaté brunneda.

flavicanti-albo : pedibus pallidé brunneis:

Adult male. Upper surface dusky brown, with greenish reflexions; the feathers of the back and the scapu-
lars narowly margined with fulvous white; crown and nape blackish brown, minutely marked with
fulvous white; throat, fore neck, and sides of the head fulvous white, the latter marked with

sagittate spots of brown; underparts light fulvous-brown

with obscure spots of a darker shade,

especially on the breast and sides of the body, each feather having a-broad central mark of blackish

brown; throat and abdomen more or less tinged with cir
brown ; the outer portion of the upper wing-coverts pure w
wing; the secondaries velvety black, seen tipped with
occupying the outer webs of the three middle ones. Jrides
white towards the base of lower mandible; feet pale brown.

mamon; primaries and tail-feathers dark
white, forming a conspicuous bar across the
fulvous, and a speculum of shining green
dark brown; bill pale brown, yellowish-
Length 17 inches; extent of wings 25°5;

wing, from flexure, 8; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 1‘5$ along the edge of lower mandible 1°75; tarsus

1:25; middle toe and claw 1°25.

Female. Somewhat smaller than the male, and with the tints of

the plumage paler. In other respects the

sexes are precisely alike. Length 15:5 inches; extent of wings 23:5; wing, from flexure, 7:5; tail 3°5.

I OBTAINED my first specimens of this very rare Duck (in

junction with the Manawatu, in the Province of Wellington.

1866) on the Oroua stream, near its
I observed that on being disturbed

from the
suddenly *
kept nea
and femal
yellow col

J afte
Manawatu
men in the

The |
almost as |

Alth«
bution, €X
Australia,
it is appr
species.
distinct ra
difference
itself of t
western a!
species, ir
with the t
‘Tbis’*; ¢
several sp

Ry ~
,

159 184)),

251

from the marsh where they were apparently feeding they rose high in the air, and came down
suddenly into the creek with a rapid, oblique, and rather awkward flight. On the water they
kept near to each other, and I killed both at one shot. They proved, on dissection, to be male
and female; I found the skin very tender, and the flesh extremely delicate, with fat of a bright
yellow colour.

I afterwards saw a pair on the wing, passing over one of the freshwater lagoons of the Upper
Manawatu, the white alar bar being very conspicuous; and, subsequently, I obtained a fine speci-
men in the flesh from Napier.

The form of this Duck is remarkably slender and graceful, the contour of the body being
almost as elongate as that of a Gannet.

Although of rare occurrence in New Zealand, the species has a wide geographical distri-
bution, examples having been recorded from Timor, Flores, Celebes, Northern Australia, South
Australia, and New Caledonia. It bears a close resemblance to Anas punctata of Australia; but
it is appreciably smaller, and the male does not exhibit the bright summer plumage of that
species. Mr. Gould, in his account of Anas punctata, observes :—“ There appear to be two very
distinct races of this bird, one of which is much larger than the other; so great, in fact, is the
difference in this respect in specimens from various parts of the country, that the idea presents
itself of their being really distinct species. The smaller race inhabits Tasmania, the larger the
western and southern portions of Australia.” These remarks, no doubt, refer to the present
species, inasmuch as I was able to identify a specimen received by Dr. Haast from Australia
with the true A. gibberifrons. This circumstance was noticed by me in a communication to the
‘TIbis’*; and I have since had an opportunity of further verifying the fact by the examination of
several specimens in the Sydney Museum.

* This, 1869, p. 42, note.

Orver ANSERES.] . [Fam. ANATIDA.

SPATULA VARIEGATA.

(NEW-ZEALAND SHOVELLER.)

Spatula rhynchotis, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii. App. p. 198 (1843).
Spatula variegata, Gould, P. Z.S. 1856, p. 95.

Anas rhynchotis, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7471.

Rhynchaspis variegata, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 358.

Native names.

Tete, Putaitai, Kuruwhengi, Kahoho, and Wetawetangu. ‘ Spoon-bill Duck” of the Colonists.

g supra saturaté brunneus, eneo nitens, pilei dorsique postici plumis obscuré fulvescente marginatis : loris
et mento nigricanti-brunneis: lined faciali laté ab oculo anteriore ducta et infra gulam conjuncta:
facie reliqué laterali et nuchd sordidé cinereis virescente adumbratis: collo postico sordidé cinereo :
interscapulii plumis brunneis, laté fulvescente marginatis: scapularibus albis, fulvescente lavatis, qui-
busdam omnind brunneis, reliquis zeneo-brunneo fasciatis aut maculatis: tectricibus alarum pulchré
cyaneis, majoribus exterioribus albo terminatis, fasciam parvam exhibentibus : remigibus zeneo-brunneis,
minoribus extiis pulcherrimé viridibus, secundariis elongatis verstis apicem medialiter albis, remigibus
dorsalibus extiis pulchré cyaneis: supracaudalibus exterioribus leté viridibus: cauda brunnea, rectri-
cibus albido marginatis et terminatis: gutture imo et collo laterali albis, plumis plus minusve distincté
medialiter nigris: pectore superiore ochrascente, plumis ad basin albis et brunneo crescentim transfas-
ciatis: corpore reliquo subtts intensé ferrugineo, pectore superiore magis distincté, pectore imo et
abdomine obscuriis nigro notatis: plagd crissali utrinque albi nigro paullulum vermiculatéi: sub-
caudalibus nigris, lateralibus et longioribus viridibus, quibusdam fulvo transfasciatis et terminatis :
subalaribus albis, imis cinerascentibus, marginalibus fulvo maculatis et pallidé cyaneo lavatis: rostro
nigro: pedibus aurantiacis : iride leté flava

@ mari dissimilis, ubique sordidior: supra brunneus, uropygio virescente, plumis omnibus laté fulvo margi-
natis: facie et collo lateralibus fulvescentibus brunneo striatis, gutture sordidé fulvescente : corpore
reliquo subtis ochrascenti-fulvo, plumis nigro medialiter notatis: tectricibus alarum cyaneis, angusté
fulvo marginatis, majoribus albo terminatis: remigibus eneo-brunneis, secundariis latitis fulvo margi-
natis.

Adult male. Crown of the head and space surrounding the base of the bill brownish black, edged with grey ;
in front of each eye a broad crescent of white, meeting and widening on the chin, where it is more or less
speckled with black ; cheeks, sides, and anterior portion of hind neck dark grey, with beautiful green

reflections, mixed with steel-blue in certain lights; a streak down the fore neck, and a circular zone
bounding the grey portion, fulvous white, largely spotted and mottled with brown ; neck below and fore
part of breast fulvous white, varied with brown, each feather being pure white at the base, then marked

r
A dy. ‘Kin,

uck” of the Colonisi,

fescente marginatis : lr;
t infra gulam conjunetd:
) posticn sordide cine:
§, fulvescente lavatis, qi.
ectricibus alarum pulcri
remigibus zneo-brune’,
nedialiter albis, remziu
3: cand brunnei, recn-

SPATULA VARIEGATA.

mis plus minusve distinct
inneo crescentim transit
distincté, pectore imo ¢
Jlulum vermiculata : stl
ef terminst:

ansfasciatis
rostt0

ide cyaneo Javatis

omnibus late fulvo 1
> fylvescenle:
nei
3 glarum *
sndarils Jatius

|
:

Ady

253

| : with a broad erescent of blackish brown, and tipped with fulvous ; on the sides of the neck, towards the
, breast, the white is very conspicuous, but higher up, and on the hind neck, it diminishes, till at length the
dark colour predominates, each feather being blackish brown, with a lunate spot of white in the centre,
and tipped with fulvous. The plumage of the upper surface is very beautiful, the whole of the back and
rump being blackish brown, edged with pale brown, and glossed with green, while the scapulars, which
are of a peculiar elongated form, are marked and varied in a very effective manner ; some of the inferior
scapulars are white, spotted and marked near the end with a crescent of shining green, while others are
blackish brown, with irregular horse-shoe marks of fulvous and white ; the succeeding outer ones are
white, bordered on the outer webs and largely freckled with purplish blue ; while the corresponding inner
ones are glossy green, with a broad lanceolate stripe of white, shaded with brown down the centre. e
longer scapulars are still more brilliant: the outermost one is glossy purplish blue on its outer web,
marked on the inner with a lanceolate stripe of satiny white bordered outwardly by shining green; the
next is glossy purplish blue, changing to shining green at the base, and margined on the inner web
with white; the corresponding inner ones are dull velvet-green, with a broad conspicuous streak of
white bordered with brown down the centre; the whole of the small wing-coverts are of a delicate

lilac-blue, glossed with purple ; the secondary coverts are pure white in their exposed portion, purplish
black underneath: primaries dark brown, with paler shafts; secondaries velvet-brown, glossed with
green, the outer ones rich shining green on their outer webs, the long inner ones marked down the
shaft on their inner webs with a lanceolate streak of pale brown; the closed wing presenting a large

bright speculum of satiny green, bordered anteriorly above with white: under surface of wings and
axillary plumes pure white; along the edges of the wings and towards the flexure a few irregular
markings of steel-brown ; lower part of breast and all the underparts rich castaneous, very glossy, and
obscurely blotched and spotted with black; sides of the body and flanks deep chestnut, with a series

| of elegant crescent-shaped bands, which become more conspicuous on the long plumage overlapping the
thighs; on each side of the rump a broad patch of white, freckled and vermiculated with brown ; tail
greenish black ; upper and lower coverts rich shining green, like the speculum. Irides bright yellow ;
pill black; feet orange-yellow. Length 21 inches; extent of wings .31; wing, from flexure, 9°75;
tail 4; bill, from base to extremity of upper mandible 2-5, width at the base ‘6, greatest anterior
expansion 1-4, length along the edge of lower mandible 2:75; tarsus 1°5; middle toe and claw 2:1;
greatest span of web 2

Obs. The above description is taken from a fine specimen in my collection in the best condition of plumage ;
but it should be Saicaal that examples of the adult male present much diversity in the details
of their colouring. In some specimens the white crescents on the cheeks are broken or indistinct, and

do not meet on the chin, while in others they are very broad and well defined, and at their junction
| spread over the throat in a long irregular patch. The extent of the white markings on the upper part
of the breast and sides of the neck likewise varies considerably in different individuals, as also do the
tints of the plumage generally. In birds that have not reached the perfection of maturity the dark
crescents on the sides of the body are often wanting, being represented merely bya few transverse bars
of dark brown.

Adult female. Crown of the head, nape, back of neck, and all the upper surface blackish brown, each
feather broadly margined with fulvous ; all the underparts pale ochre-brown, on the sides of the head
and neck thickly studded with linear punctations, on the breast and sides snezelt blotched, and on the
abdomen mottled with blackish brown ; on closer examination it is seen that on the breast, where the

4 dark colour predominates, each feather is blackish brown in the centre, with light margins; on the

wae

254

abdomen there is a basal and another, subterminal spot of brown; and the long overlapping tibials ara
blackish brown, with a broad irregular V-shaped mark, and margined with fulvous ; quills and wing-
coverts as in the male, but with a duller speculum, and a narrower border of white ; scapulars velvet-
brown, glossed with green, margined and tipped with fulvous, the shorter ones with a central letter-V
mark of the same; under surface of wings and axillary plumes pure white, spotted with dusky brown
towards the carpal flexure ; tail and its upper coverts velvet-brown, with paler margins. Irides reddish
brown, sometimes tinged with yellow; bill dark brown ; fect pale brown. Length 18°5 inches; extent
of wings 29; wing, from flexure 9; tail 4; bill, from base to extremity of upper mandible 2-25, width
at the base ‘5, greatest anterior expansion 1, length along the edge of lower mandible 2°5; tarsus 1-25 ;
middle toe and claw 2.

Young male. Head and neck as in the adult female, except that the punctations on the sides are more
conspicuous, owing to the ground-colour being lighter ; plumage of the upper parts as in the adult
female ; but the light margins are narrower, the feathers more strongly glossed with velvet-green, and
the scapulars marked with a central longitudinal streak of dull brown ; lower sides of the neck and the
whole of the breast blackish brown, each feather marked near the centre in a crescent form, and broadly
margined with pale ochre-brown; underparts dark chestnut-brown, spotted and blotched with black,
and marked on the sides with irregular lunate spots of blackish brown ; long feathers overlapping the
thighs dusky brown, crossed by broad undulating bands of fulvous 3 Spot on each side of the rump white,
with numerous crescents and -freckles of brown ; under tail-coverts pale brown, varied with darker, and
vermiculated with black. Bill dark brown; feet pale brown.

Young female. Punctation on the sides of the head and neck more distinct than in the adult; the whole of
the upper surface blackish brown, only faintly glossed with green, the scapulars and upper tail-coverts
narrowly margined with paler brown; breast, sides of the body, and the whole of the abdomen dull
greyish brown, darker on the former, each feather margined with fulvous brown ; under wing-coverts
and axillary plumes pure white ; the long feathers overlapping the thighs dark brown, with paler edges
bat without any markings ; upper wing-coverts dull purplish grey ; the secondaries merely glossed with
green, and their coverts tipped with white.

Tue first recorded specimens of this beautiful Duck were forwarded to Europe by Mr. Walter
Mantell in 1856; and Mr. Gould was thus enabled to give a figure and description of the adult
male in the Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia;’ but the female was then unknown, and no
account of the species in the different conditions of plumage has hitherto appeared. Having
myself enjoyed favourable opportunities for studying the bird in its native haunts, and h
obtained numerous specimens from various parts of the country, I
complete descriptive history of it from youth to maturity.

aving
am enabled to give a very

The species appears to come very near to, if it ig not in reality identical with, Spatula
rhynchotis, of the Australian continent; but Mr. Gould assures me that, although probably a
hundred examples of the latter have passed through his hands, he has never seen one with so
much white on the sides of the neck and breast as the New-Zealand bird exhibits, and he
has no doubt whatever about their being specifically distinct.
other differences of plumage in their earlier states

Whether the two species present
cannot at present be determined, inasmuch

7
®
|

as no suff
examined
Mr. Goulc
Australiat
assist the
It 18
portions |
frequents
trees, USUI!
rapidity, é
manner, §
produces
is easily a
herbage, ‘
found a D
fragments
chalcedor
places it
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lip with
resemblir
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comb-lik:
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Nished a
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Mr,
furnishe,
On the g;
and a pl
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rather D
orm, ve
length 9

; Since
Edinburg}

is decide a

ed,
* Balrog Meg, 255

? Ma

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mies wi, i: My as no sufficiently complete account of the Australian bird has ever yet been given. I carefully

m,

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examined the specimens in the Australian Museum; but these were all in adult plumage; and
Mr. Gould’s own collection, being in Philadelphia, is, unfortunately, not readily accessible. The
Australian specimens in the British Museum are all males in full plumage, and therefore do not
assist the inquiry*.

t is by no means a common species in any part of New Zealand, while in the northern
portions of the North Island, so far as I am aware, it has never yet been met with. It
frequents the shallow lagoons near the sea-coast, and the quiet bush-creeks overshadowed by
trees, usually associating in pairs, but sometimes forming parties of three or more. It flies with
rapidity, and often at a considerable elevation, descending to the ground or water in a slanting
manner, and with the wings bent in the form of a bow. When disturbed on the water it
produces a low whistling note; but it is far less suspicious than the common Grey Duck, and
is easily approached and shot. It subsists on minute freshwater mollusks, aquatic insects, tender
herbage, and the seeds of the toe-toe and other plants; on opening the stomachs of several I have
found a mass of comminuted substances of a greenish colour, among which could be distinguished
fragments of vegetable matter, seeds, the remains of insects, and numerous small pebbles of white
chalcedony. It no doubt extracts much organic matter from the slimy mud and sand in the
places it is accustomed to frequent, inasmuch as nature has furnished it with a very remarkable
spoon-shaped bill, from which it derives its popular name. The surface of the upper mandible
is smooth, but slightly furrowed from the nostrils outwardly, and in its anterior portion is
marked with numerous punctures; its nail is almond-shaped, and forms a strong overhanging
lip with a hard cutting-edge; in the lower mandible there is a corresponding development,
resembling in shape the human finger-nail, which fits into the upper process, forming, so to
speak, a strong terminal beak ; the lamelle are highly developed in both mandibles, presenting a
comb-like appearance; and in addition to this the lower mandible has a rasped outer edge. The
tongue is large, fleshy, and of a very peculiar shape; it is fringed along its upper edges with a
series of stiff, closely set bristles; towards the extremity it is deeply concave, and is fur-
nished anteriorly and on each side with a horny semitransparent membrane. In the female
the bill is appreciably smaller than in the male, and the spoon-like expansion is not so highly
developed.

Mr. Donald Potts found a nest of this species near the Rangitata river, and he has
furnished the following account of it :—‘“ It was placed, not in a swamp, or even near water, but
on the side of one of the low downs in Craig Phillips, sheltered by a couple of tufts of tussock,
and a plant of Spaniard grass (Aciphylla); it was made of fine grass, in which was a fair amount
of down, but not so much as is usually seen in the nest of the Grey Duck; it was deep and
rather narrow across the top (about 7 inches); the eggs were ten in number, ovoido-conical in
form, very smooth and fine in texture, creamy white, with a slight greenish tint, and measuring in
length 2 inches 13 line, with a breadth of 1 inch 54 lines.” ‘This nest was found on November 7;

* Since the above was written I have seen a young male of the Australian bird in the Natural-History Museum at
Edinburgh (wrongly labelled S. clypeata) : it very closely resembles our Spatula variegata in the same stage ; but the breast
is decidedly darker.

Wis Vege

256

but as some of the eggs which it contained were hatched out, under a hen, on November 18, it is
inferred that the Shoveller commenced her nest about the first week of October. The young
birds so hatched greatly resembled those of the Grey Duck (Anas superciliosa) in colour, but
could be readily distinguished by the peculiar form of the bill *.

The number of eggs is no doubt variable ; for I have a note of the occurrence of a nest at
Kaiapoi (Canterbury) containing no less than thirteen.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst, 1870, vol. iii. p. 103,

Ad. sup!

n
b
b

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Adult
c
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Orper ANSERES. ] (Fam. ANATIDA.

NYROCA AUSTRALIS.

(WHITE-EYED DUCK.)

Nyroca australis, Gould in Eyton’s Monogr. Anat. p. 160 (1838).
Aythya australis, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 86 (1871).

Native name.—Karakahia.

Ad. suprd brunnea, tectricibus alarum magis cinerascentibus: remigibus brunneis, extiis et verstis apicem
nigricantibus, minimis extis albis nigro terminatis, fasciam alarem conspicuam formantibus: cauda
brunned: pileo et collo undique cum pectore superiore saturaté castaneis : corpore reliquo subtus albo,
hypochondriis cum abdomine imo et crisso sordidé castaneis: subcaudalibus et subalaribus albis: rostro
nigro, verstis apicem cinereo transfasciato: pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride alba.

Adult male. The general plumage is dark chestnut-brown, paler on the flanks, and deepening to castaneous
on the head and nape, where the feathers have a beautiful silky lustre; a broad band of brownish white
crosses the underparts ; the under tail-coverts, likewise, are white, and on the sides of the rump there
are faint spots of greyish white, speckled with brown; quills dark brown; primaries in their middle
portion, and the secondaries towards the base, pure white, forming together, in the opened wing, a con-
spicuous bar, and exhibiting in the closed wing a diagonal triangular spot. Irides white ; bill black,
with a band of bluish grey near the tip, not including the nail, however, which is black, prominent,
and of the shape of the human finger-nail; feet dark leaden brown. Length 19 inches ; wing, from
flexure, 8; tail 3; bill, along the ridge, 2; along the edge of lower mandible, 2°25 ; tarsus 1°5 ; middle
toe and claw 2°4; hind toe and claw °6.

Female. Rather smaller than the male and with the plumage duller.

Young male. Has the chestnut-brown plumage much lighter, and the feathers of the back margined with
pale brown ; it has also less gloss on the head, and the brownish white of the underparts mottled with
brown.

THE existence of this well-known Australian Duck in our country was first ascertained by Captain
Hutton, who, in 1869, sent me a specimen for determination. He furnished at the same time the
following notes:—“TI first noticed this bird about two years ago, on the Whangape lake, Lower
Waikato, and since on the Waikare lake, where it was abundant in March 1868. On the lakes
of the Lower Waikato it is not uncommon, but is so wary that, as yet, I have only been able to
obtain three specimens, the first of which was kindly procured for me by Mr. A. M. Sheppard of
Ahiruna. This bird is known to the natives both of Tarawera and Waikato by the name of
Karakahia. Like all the Pochards, it frequents the lakes only, and is rarely, if ever, seen in the
rivers and creeks.”

258

It has since been found on Lake Ellesmere, in the South Island ; and the Canterbury Museum
contains several fine specimens from that locality.

In Australia and Tasmania it appears to be thinly distributed, frequenting quiet reaches of
rivers (where the water runs slowly), bays and inlets of the sea, and freshwater lagoons.

Mr. Gould states that “it is a very excellent diver, and gains much of its food beneath the
surface of the water, readily descending to the bottom in search of small mollusca, crustaceans,
insects, and aquatic plants.”

ies Teach
-
Wa

.
Onze AM

Female

FULI
GULA
NOVA
ZEAL
ANDI
&
HYMENOLAM
US M
IALAG
ORHY
NCHU
S.

Orper ANSERES.] (Fam. ANATID/E.

FULIGULA NOVA ZEALANDIA

(NEW-ZEALAND SCAUP,)

New-Zealand Duck, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 543 (1785).
Anas nove seelandie, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 541 (1788, ex Lath.).
Anas nove zealandie, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 870 (1790).
Fuligula nove zealandie, Steph. Gen. Zool. xii. p. 210 (1824).
Anas atricilla, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 95 (1844).

Fulix nove seelandie, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 86 (1871).

, Native names.
Papango, Tetepango, Matapouri, Titiporangi, and Raipo ; “ Black Teal” and “ Widgeon” of

the Colonists.

é ad. cristatus: supra nigricans, vix virescente nitens, obsoleté et minutissimé ful iculati tulat

I
tectricibus alarum paullé brunnescentioribus viridi nitentibus, haud vermiculatis: remigibus brunneis,
extis et versus apicem nigricantibus, scapis rufescentibus, minimis extiis ad basin albis, fasciam alarem
conspicuam formantibus, secundariis intimis sordidé virescente lavatis: caudé nigricante : capite summo
purpureo, faciei et colli lateribus viridi nitentibus: pectore sordidé purpurascenti-brunneo : corpore
reliquo subtts albicante, minuté brunneo transvermiculato, hypochondriis rufescentibus : subcaudalibus
nigricantibus: subalaribus albidis, exterioribus brunnescentibus: rostro cyanescenti-nigro: pedibus
saturate brunneis: iride lete flava.

? magis brunnescens: subtiis pallidior: genis anticis et mento ipso plus minusve albidis.

Adult male. Head and neck black, glossed with purple and green ; at the base of the lower mandible a spot of
pure white ; back and upper surface of wings black strongly glossed with green, the scapulars and upper
wing-coverts minutely pricked or dusted with white; breast brownish black, freckled and dusted with
white in its lower portion: underparts fulvous white varied with brown ; beyond the vent dark glossy
brown; sides and long plumage overlapping the thighs dark castaneous brown, with a rich vinous gloss ;
primaries velvety brown, paler on their inner webs ; secondaries velvety brown glossed with green, the
outer ones white in their basal portion, presenting, in the closed wing, a narrow white speculum ; some-
times the white extends also to the primaries, forming a conspicuous alar bar; tail dark brown. TIrides
bright yellow ; bill bluish black ; feet dark brown. Total length 17 inches ; extent of wings 26 ; wing,
from flexure, 7-5 ; tail 2:5; bill, along the ridge 15, along the edge of lower mandible 1:9; tarsus
1:25; middle toe and claw 2°25.

Female. A broad band surrounding the base of the upper mandible white; head, neck, breast, and sides of

260

the body blackish brown, changing to castaneous on the lower part of the breast and flanks; on the abdo-
men lighter brown mottled with fulvous white ; darker brown in the ventral region ; under tail-coverts
blackish brown largely marked with white; shoulders dark brown margined with castaneous; back
and upper surface of wings blackish brown, glossed with green; speculum as in the male; tail dark
brown

Obs. An example of the female in my collection differs from ordinary specimens in having no frontal band,
the feathers surrounding the bill being light castaneous brown, but with a spot of white at the base of
the lower mandible, as in the drake; the whole of the underparts white mottled with brown, an effect
produced by each individual feather being brown in its basal portion and white at the tip. Another
differs in having all the upper parts stained with pale umber-brown.

Nestling. Has the down thickset; the upper parts pale clove-brown, the underparts white; a dusky collar
round the neck; an obscure white spot on each wing, and a smaller one on each side of the rump; the
hair-like filaments on the upper parts rather long, very fine in texture, and perfectly black ; irides dark
brown ; bill reddish brown, the under mandible yellow, with a brownish tip; feet light brown, both
these and the bill having a fine polish.

Tus small Duck has all the habits of a true Scaup, although it is generally called by other names.
It is freely distributed over the country, frequenting most of the rivers and lagoons, but seldom
being met with in the bush-creeks, and never on the open sea-shore. In winter it associates in
large flocks, mingling freely with the Grey Duck and other species ; but at other times it is more
generally met with in pairs or in parties of four or five together. Its powers of flight are very
feeble; it takes wing with reluctance, and never rises high in the air, generally only skimming
the surface ; but it is a very expert diver, and usually trusts to this faculty for eluding pursuit.
Even when mortally wounded it will often escape by this means, and take refuge in the dense
sedge, whence it can only be dislodged by a retriever well trained to the work.

It is interesting to watch a flock of these birds disporting together in the water—standing
up on their feet and flapping their wings, splashing the water as they chase one another,
swimming under the surface, and performing other playful antics, accompanying them with a soft
sibilant note and, at intervals, a feeble guack-quack.

It is naturally a fearless bird, and in waters where it is protected it becomes very tame. I
have never heard of any attempt to domesticate it; but this might, I think, be very easily accom-
plished, and there can be no doubt that it would be a very acceptable addition to the English
duck-ponds.

It builds its nest of grass and lines the interior with soft down from its own body, placing it
among the swamp-vegetation in situations contiguous to its haunts, or in the centre of a “ negro-
head ” just above the level of the water. The eggs vary in number from five to seven, or even

more, and are of a rather large size for such a bird, measuring 2°5 inches in length by 1°70 in
breadth; they are of a rich dark cream-colour.

Mr. Travers informs me that he found a nest of this species containing seven eggs as late as
the 17th of March. He took three away; and the remaining four were hatched out in due course.

The old
pustling
yemarke
the nest
observes
quite W
of these

“nd 4.
Pegiog iM the 261
or Ude, ti, 7 | oe
_: e % The old birds were remarkably tame, allowing him to approach within a few yards of them, then
the Male. , | | ” hustling off the nest, and returning to it again as soon as he had withdrawn himself. He
ot remarked this very curious fact—that, during incubation, the Duck was accustomed on leaving
he. the nest to conceal the eggs by a covering of duck-weed taken dripping wet from the lake. He
te = 81 observed this on several occasions; and on examining the eggs afterwards he found that, although
= quite wet, they were perfectly warm. As already mentioned, the eggs were duly hatched in spite
‘ of these repeated wettings.
rts wy}

lo ng |
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: 4 pt."
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Orper ANSERES. | (Fam. ANATID A.

HYMENOLAMUS MALACORHYNCHUS.

(BLUE DUCK.)

Soft-billed Duck, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 522. (1785).

Anas malacorhynchus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 526 (1788, ex Lath.).
Malacorhynchus forsterorum, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 12365.

Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus, Gray, Ann. Nat. Hist. 1843, vol. xi. p. 370.
Anas malacorhyncha, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 94 (1844).

Native name.—Wio.

Ad. ubique claré plumbescens, pileo saturatiore, paullo brunnescente: interscapulii plumis medialiter nigri-
cantibus: gutture vix brunnescente: pectoris superioris et lateralis plumis pallidé castaneo medialiter
notatis: subalaribus et subcaudalibus pallidé castaneo lavatis: rostro albicanti-corneo, ad apicem nigro :
pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride leteé flava.

Adult male. General plumage pale slate-blue, darker on the upper parts; the crown of the head and nape,
as well as the scapulars and upper wing-coverts, olivaceous, with a slight metallic gloss ; the secondaries
with a narrow exterior margin of velvety black ; the breast thickly spotted with dark chestnut, of which
colour there are also a few obscure spots on the under tail-coverts. Irides bright yellow; bill white
horn-colour, the tip and the lateral membrane black; legs and feet dark brown. Length 22 inches;
extent of wings 29; wing, from flexure, 9°5; tail 4°5; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower
mandible 1°75; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2°75.

Obs. I have observed that, as a rule, the specimens from the South Island have the pectoral markings more
numerous and conspicuous, and the velvety margins on the secondaries more distinct.

female. Slightly smaller than the male; but similar in plumage, excepting that there is little or no metallic
gloss on the head and upper surface, less chestnut on the breast and more on the under tail-coverts.

Young. General plumage lighter, and the underparts whitish; the green gloss which pervades the plumage
of the upper parts in the adult almost entirely absent; hind head and nape dull cinereous brown ;
breast obscurely spotted with dusky and brown; under tail-coverts dull rufous brown.

Nestling. ‘Bill horn-colour, lightest on the lower mandible, unguis rosy at the point ; membranous ap-
pendage slaty black, well overlapping the lower mandible, furnished with lamellz along its basal half,
which work against the finely serrated sides of the compressed basal half of the lower mandible; body
covered with thick down, longest on the back; upper surface dull green, brightest on the back ; over
and behind the eye irregular streaks of white ; under surface white; wings and upper part of thighs
brownish ; tail green above, at each side a patch of chestnut; under surface of the tail chestnut; legs
and feet yellowish flesh-colour.”—Ports.

Far UP
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and fort
at home
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been SP
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and in
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Joo pectoral markings more
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be under toe
ot
Lich pervades the plamts
ne ft ne Hons
jul] cine b

reous

263

\

Far up the mountain-gorge, where the foaming torrent, walled in on both sides, rushes impetu-
ously over its shingle bed, surging around the huge water-worn boulders that obstruct its course,
and forming alternately shallow rapids and. pools of deep water, there the Blue Duck is perfectly
at home; and its peculiar whistling or sibilant note may be readily distinguished amidst the noise
of the rushing waters; indeed, as Mr. Travers has already suggested, the bird appears to have
been specially endowed with this singular note in consequence of its frequenting such localities.
A stray one is sometimes carried down during a freshet into the still reaches, or even to the very
mouth of the stream; but it speedily works its way back again to its favourite mountain haunts.
It is a very tame or stupid bird, often remaining perfectly quiet on a projecting boulder till you
approach within a few feet of it; then, sidling off into the water, it swims into the nearest rapid
and allows itself to be hurried down by the current. It seldom dives, and takes wing only when
fired at or closely pressed; but it swims with considerable rapidity, the head being carried low
and inclined somewhat forward. It has the faculty of turning itself round in the water, and
without losing ground, however rapid the stream, as though its body were worked on a pivot—a
performance, no doubt, aided by the peculiar lengthened shape of its tail. It climbs the slippery
face of the rocks with facility, assisting itself in the ascent by its wings, which are armed at the
flexure with a hard protuberance or knob. As already mentioned, it utters a peculiar whistling
note, from which it derives its native name.

I believe this Duck is to be found at the sources of all our mountain-streams; for although
I never succeeded in getting a specimen at the far north, its name was perfectly familiar to the
natives of that part of the country. It does not, however, occur out of New Zealand, nor has it
any known ally.

In the autumn of 1863, I visited the upper gorges of the Manawatu river and obtained a
fine series of specimens in the various states of plumage. The crops of those I opened were
filled with a species of “ caddis-worm;” on turning out the contents, I discovered the nest
of this insect, consisting of a tough integument, shielded by small angular stones firmly glued
over the entire surface. The “ caddis-worms” were of different sizes (none, however, exceeding
an inch in length), light brown in colour, with a dark head, armed with three nuchal plates, and
furnished with six legs. This insect appears to exist abundantly in all our shingle-rivers; and as
we may assume that it forms the chief if not only the food of the Blue Duck, the troublesome
task of dislodging the animal from its stone-covered cell appears to explain at once the use of the
fleshy membrane which fringes the bill of this bird. That it is at any rate an expert may be
inferred from the fact that, out of several hundred specimens taken from the crops of my birds,
only one of these insects was invested with the case or integument, this having probably been
swallowed by accident among the rest.

Mr. Potts states that on examining an embryo of three weeks he found the form of the bill
well developed, showing on the sides, near the end of the upper mandible, the peculiar mem-
branous appendage of a darker colour than the rest of the bill, but that he was unable to
discern the presence of lamella; the caudal down was produced to a marked degree. ‘The same
accurate observer has furnished the following interesting account of the breeding-habits of this
species :—‘ Sometimes it is a burrower; and its nest may then be found in a hole in a bank.

2m 2

264

I have found it concealed from view by overhanging sprays of those various Alpine veronicas
which sometimes make the mountain-creeks in the back country perfect gems of beauty. The
nest, like that of other Ducks, thickly lined with down, generally contains five eggs of a deep
cream-colour, elliptical in form, measuring 2 inches 83 lines in length, with a diameter of 1 inch
9 lines. I have seen nests of eggs in October and November; but I have known the young
brood to be swimming about by the end of September. We may therefore consider it one of our
early breeders. As I have mentioned that it breeds in holes of banks, it is worth recording, per-
haps, that I have found the nest in situations that did not afford any great amount of shelter; one
such instance was met with on a spit in the Upper Ashburton river, about three miles below the
glacier from which that river derives its source: the nest was placed in a solitary snow-grass
tussock of moderate size, within two or three yards of the stream ; it was made of grasses, the
interior composed of cut grass like chaff, down, and a few feathers.”

There are several specimens of the egg of this bird in the Canterbury Museum. ‘They are
narrower or more elliptical in form than those of most other Ducks, measuring 2°6 inches in
length by 1-7 in breadth ; they are of a pale cream-colour, slightly tinged with green, and some
of them much stained on the surface, probably from contact with the bird’s feet during the pro-
cess of incubation.

BDEB ANS

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Orpver ANSERES. |

[Fam. ANATID A.

DENDROCYGNA EYTONI.

(WHISTLING DUCK.)

Leptotarsis eytoni, Gould, in Eyton’s Monogr. Anat. p. 111 (1838).
Dendrocygna eytoni, Gray, Cat. Anseres Brit. Mus. p. 132 (1844).

Ad. supra cinerascenti-brunneus, dorsi plumis paucis griseo lavatis: dorso postico vix pallidiore : supracauda-
, libus pallidé ochrascentibus saturaté brunneo laté terminatis: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus :
eric brunneis, secundariis cinerascente lavatis: caudd4 saturaté brunned, verstis apicem pallidiore :
lo postico sordidé ochrascentibus : facie laterali pallidiore, fulvescentiore : gutture albo :
jugulo et pectore superiore ochrascentibus vix rufescente lavatis: pectore laterali clarits rufescente,
nigro transfasciato: plumis hyponchondriacis elongatis lanceolatis flavicanti-albis, utrinque nigro
angusté limbatis: abdomine medio et subcaudalibus albicantibus, his purioribus: subalaribus pallidé
rufescentibus brunneo transnotatis : rostro pallidé brunneo, nigro marmorato: pedibus pallidé brunneis :
iride saturaté brunned.

Adult. Head, neck, and fore part of breast yellowish brown, tinged with ochre-yellow on the crown and
nape, and fading to greyish white on the throat; the whole of the back, rump, and upper surface of
wings dark cinereous brown, the inferior scapulars and some of the interscapulars margined with
greyish white ; upper tail-coverts yellowish white, broadly tipped with blackish brown; upper sides of
the body and lower part of breast chestnut-brown, with numerous regular transverse bars of black,
broad and conspicuous on the sides, but becoming narrower on the breast ; the long acuminate feathers
covering the flanks yellowish white, broadly and distinctly margined with black; abdomen and under
tail-coverts pure white ; quills and tail-feathers dull coppery brown. Inides dark brown ; bill yellowish
brown, largely blotched with black, the nail darker brown; legs and feet pale flesh-brown. Length
16 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9°5 ; tail 3; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the edge of lower mandible
1:75; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2°4; hind toe and claw °75.

THERE are two recorded instances of the recent occurrence of this species in New Zealand :—the
one at the Thames *; and the other at Kaitangata, in the Province of Otago}. It is therefore
entitled to be admitted into our list of birds as a straggler from the Australian continent, on the
north-west coast of which it is said to be extremely plentiful.

Captain Stokes has furnished the following account of its habits :—“ When on the wing it
makes a peculiar whistling sound that can be heard at a great distance, and which changes, as it
alights, into a sort of chatter.

It perches on trees in a very clumsy manner, swinging and
pitching to and fro.

On the north-west coast it is one of the commonest birds of the country.
We subsequently often found it on the rivers of the north coast, but not within some miles of
their mouths, or near their upper waters, from which it would appear that it inhabits certain

* Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 77.

t Trans. N. Z. Instit. iv. 1871, p. 218.

266

marshes of the river only; we never found it in the swamps. The furthest south it was after-
wards met with was on the Albert river, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in lat. 18° S., which gives it
a range of six and a half degrees of latitude over the northern part of the continent. Its nest
never came under our notice ; consequently we are not aware either of the size or colour of the
eggs; neither did we see any young birds during the period of our observation, ranging from
July to November.” ;

Mr. White, of Adelaide, informed Mr. Gould that he once found the nest of this species in
a hollow log, and that, according to the natives, the usual number of eggs is from eight to ten *.

* Handbook to the Birds of Australia, vol. ii. p. 376.

9 ad. supT:
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Orpver ANSERES. } [Famw. LARIDA.

STERCORARIUS ANTAROTICUS.

(SOUTHERN SKUA.)

Lestris catarractes, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de lUranie, Zool. p. 137 (1824).
Lestris antarcticus, Less. Traité d’Orn. p. 616 (1831).

Stercorarius antarcticus, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 653 (1845).

Cataracta antarctica, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 770 (1856).

Megalestris antarcticus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 206 (1857).

2 ad. supra sordidé ciner ti-brunnea, subtus pallidior, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum paulld cinerascenti-
albido variis: pileo colloque longitudinaliter pallidé brunneo maculatis, collo postico flavicanti-brunneo
terminato: remigibus et rectricibus obscuré nigris, versts basin albicantibus: rostro nigricanti-brunneo :
pedibus nigris: iride nigra.

Adult. General colour dull cinereous brown, darker on the upper parts, but relieved by touches of grey and
light brown, especially on the upper wing-coverts and scapulars; head and neck largely marked with
pale brown; the feathers of the hind neck lanceolate in form, and with their terminal portion yellowish
brown; quills and tail-feathers dusky black, white in their basal portion; in the closed wing the white
is apparent on the primaries to the extent of an inch, but in the secondaries and tail-feathers it is con-
cealed by the upper coverts. Irides and feet black; bill blackish brown. Total length 25 inches;
wing, from flexure, 17; tail 7; bill, along the ridge 2°25, along the edge of lower mandible 2°5;
bare tibia 1; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 3:1; hind toe and claw °5.

THERE is a single specimen of this fine Skua in the Otago Museum, from which the above descrip-
tion was taken. It was collected by Dr. Hector, who sends me the following note respecting it:
—‘“ Female bird shot in Woodhen Cove, on the south side of Breaksea Sound. There was only
one pair; both were shot, but one skin was destroyed. Several others were seen at sea in com-
pany with the Albatros.”

=

Orper ANSERES. |

STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS.

(BUFFON’S SKUA.)

The Arctick Bird, Edwards, Nat. Hist. of B. iii. p. 148, pl. 148 (1750).
Le Stercoraire a longue queue, Briss. Orn. vi. p. 155 (1760).

Larus parasiticus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 226 (1766).

Le Stercoraire & longue queue de Sibérie, Buff. Pl. Enl. ix. pl. 762 (1784).
Cataractes parasita, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. ii. p. 310 (1811).

Lestris buffonii, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 562.

Lestris crepidata, Brehm, Vig. Deutschl. p. 724 (1831).

Lestris parasitica, Swains. and Rich. Faun. Bor.-Am. Birds, p. 430 (1831).

Cataractes longicaudatus, Macgill. Man. Brit. B. ii. p. 258 (1842).
Stercorarius cephus, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 653 (1845).
Stercorarius longicaudatus, Degl. Orn. Europ. ii. 298 (1849).
Stercorarius cepphus, Lawr. in Baird’s B. N. Am. p. 840 (1860).

(Faw. LARIDA.

Ad. supra cinerascenti-brunneus, tectricibus alarum saturatioribus, supracaudalibus exterioribus versis basin

albicantibus: pileo summo pallidits brunneo, plumis albicante obsoleté terminatis : facie laterali, gulé
et collo postico albis, plumis versts apicem brunnescentibus : corpore reliquo subtiis albo, hypochondriis
cum crisso et subcaudalibus cinerascenti-brunneo lavatis: subalaribus et axillaribus cinerascenti-
brunneis : remigibus brunneis, extis nigricantibus, intis ad basin albidis, scapis brunnescenti-albis,

exteriorum puré albis, secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus: caudé saturaté brunne

brunneo: pedibus cinerascenti-nigris : iride nigra.

A

a:

rostro saturaté

Crown, nape, and sides of the head dull greyish brown; neck all round, breast, and sides of the body greyish

white; shoulders, and all the upper surface, dark olivaceous grey of different shades ; primaries and tail-
feathers blackish brown, the former with white shafts ; inner surface of wings, axillary plumes, and
abdomen ashy grey tinged with brown; some of the under tail coverts uniform ashy grey, others white
barred with grey. Irides black ; bill dark brown; tarsi and toes greyish black, the claws darker.
Length 16:5 inches ; extent of wings 38 ; wing, from flexure, 11°75 ; tail 5-5; bill, along the ridge 1:2,
along the edge of lower mandible 1°7 ; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1:6; middle toe and claw 15.

THE above description is taken from an example shot by myself on the sea-beach at Horowhenua,
in the Province of Wellington, on the 30th of April, 1864, this being the only known instance of
the occurrence of this bird in New Zealand.

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269

Dr. Finsch, to whom I submitted the skin, is of opinion that it is an immature bird; and
Mr. Howard Saunders, who has made the Laride his special study, expresses his conviction that
it is a new and hitherto undescribed species. I am rather disposed, however, to consider it an
aged female of the species known as Buffon’s Skua, with the plumage much faded and worn, indi-
cating a sickly or exhausted condition of body. I may add that the two middle tail-feathers are
only partially developed, being encased in a sheath at the base. They extend only about an inch
beyond the rest, and are much abraded, having a peculiar filamentous appearance.

Orver ANSERES.]| - (Fam. LARIDA

LARUS DOMINICANUS.

(SOUTHERN BLACK-BACKED GULL.)

Larus dominicanus, Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 82 (1823).

Larus littoreus, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 46 (1844).

Larus antipodus, Gray, Cat. Anseres, Brit. Mus. p. 169 (1844).
Dominicanus antipodus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, p. 100.
Clupeilarus antipodum, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 770 (1856).
Larus vociferus, Burm. Syst. Uebers. Th. Bras. p. 448 (1856).
Dominicanus azare, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 214 (1857).
Lestris antarcticus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472.

Lestris fuscus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472.

Larus antipodum, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 248.

Larus pacificus, Layard, Ibis, 1863, p. 245.

Larus azare, Pelz. Reise Nov. p. 151 (1865).

Native names.

Karoro; the young bird distinguished as Ngoiro.

Ad. capite toto cum collo undique et corpore subtis toto albis : interscapulio, scapularibus cum dorso summo et’

tectricibus alarum cinereo-nigricantibus : remigibus nigris, laté albo terminatis, secundariis latissimé,
primario primo fascia subterminali alb& notato: dorso postico, uropygio, supracaudalibus et caudé toté
pure albis: subalaribus cum axillaribus et secundariis inti albis: rostro citrino, mandibula maculd
preapicali sanguinea notaté: pedibus viridi-flavicantibus vix grisescentibus: iride argenteo-alba.

Juv. supra brunneus, dorsi plumis laté albido marginatis, dorso postico et uropygio albis brunneo irregulariter
notatis et fasciatis : capite et collo postico brunneis albido striolatis : tectricibus alarum brunneis palli-
dius marginatis, medianis et majoribus albido terminatis: remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, secundariis
pallidioribus, internis pallidiore brunneo marmoratis et albido terminatis: subtis albicans, ubique
brunneo maculatus aut semifasciatus : rostro cinerascenti-brunneo, verstis basin mandibule pallidiore,
ad apicem corneo: pedibus saturaté brunneis.

Pull. ubique saturaté cinerascenti-brunneus, pileo nigricante marmorato: dorso obscuro brunneo notato: rostro
nigro: pedibus plumbeis: iride nigra.

Adult. General plumage pure white; back and upper surface of wings slaty black; the secondaries and
scapulars crossed by a broad terminal bar of white; the primaries black, the first with a broad irregular
bar across both webs, and beyond it a small terminal spot of white; the rest are largely tipped with
white, and on the inner web of some of them there is likewise a semilunate mark of greyish white.
Trides silvery grey; bill bright lemon-yellow, changing to red on the prominence of the lower mandible ;

‘i

Varietie
anc

ace

Tuis fine
our coast
tidal rive
flocks, ax

shore-bir

Wings, ar

sa |

ibus cum dorsosummo et

inatis, SCCUNGATDS laisse,
1 ihne et
upracaudallous ¢ Cau

citrino, mandibula mactt

iride argenteo-alba.
Ibis branneo ireguani
“ne alarum bron
anti-brunne , secu”
ahtas albicall, wig”
- mandibal palo
) mau
oat fl
stato:
prunned pols
gl
econ ;
lack the at wtp
wt 5 prose P?,
ith 3” i
ors vw opt 7
first iti”
+ are sarge! “h quilt
4a yf grey ie
srk ¢ Ng
m 9

271

legs and feet greenish yellow, inclining to grey. Length 24°5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 16°5 ; tail 6:5
bill, along the ridge 2°25, along the edge of lower mandible 3; bare tibia 1:25; tarsus 2°5; middle toe
and claw 2°5. /

Young. General plumage dark brownish grey, varied more or less with white. On the head, neck, and
underparts the grey and white are blended, presenting a mottled appearance; the feathers composing
the mantle are barred and margined, and the wing-coverts are margined and vandyked with white; the
primaries are brownish black and the secondaries dark brown, changing to white at the tips; the tail-
feathers are blackish brown, the outermost one on each side spotted on its outer web, and all of them
marbled towards the base with greyish white; upper and lower tail-coverts white, conspicuously barred
with brown; axillary plumes uniform dark grey. Bill greyish brown, horn-coloured towards the tips
of both mandibles ; legs and feet dark brown.

Progress towards maturity. As the change of plumage is gradual, individuals present much diversity in
their progress towards maturity, the tendency being towards a lighter grey in the ground-colours, with
less of the spotted character. The following is a description of a well-advanced bird :—Upper parts
dark grey, marked and obscurely spotted with white, lighter on the head, neck, and upper tail-coverts ;
on the scapulars a central spot of black ; underparts light grey, mottled with darker ; under tail-coverts
white, transversely barred with black; primaries and secondaries black, the latter tipped with white ;
tail-feathers black, with a narrow terminal mark of white.

Nestling. Covered with thick down of a dark ash-grey, varied on the back with dull brown, lighter on the
underparts ; the head and nape marked with large irregular spots of blackish brown ; irides black ; bill
black, with a whitish ridge; feet dark lead-colour.

Varieties. I have met with one pure albino, with another having a conspicuous white spot on each wing,
and a third with a broad terminal band of black across the tail ; but these were, of course, merely
accidental varieties.

Tuis fine Gull, which ranges over the whole southern hemisphere, is extremely plentiful on all
our coasts, preferring, however, the smooth sea-beaches and the sandy spits at the mouths of our
tidal rivers; in these localities it is always to be met with either singly or associated in large
flocks, and mixing freely with the smaller species of Gulls, Terns, Oyster-catchers, and other
shore-birds. It frequents the harbours, and hovers around the vessels with much clamour,
waiting to pick up any morsel that may chance to be thrown overboard. It follows in the wake
of the departing steamer as it quits the still waters for the stormy offing, and often accompanies
it far out to sea, eagerly watching for stray bits of food as they float astern, and disputing their
possession with the Albatros and Cape-Pigeon, on whose domain it has thus far trespassed.
During very stormy weather it often travels some miles inland; and at the breeding-season it
occasionally penetrates far up the river-courses in search of a secure nesting-place. It also
frequents the pastures at a distance from the coast in quest of food, doing good service to the
farmer by its large consumption of caterpillars and other insect pests. On the sea-shore it sub-
sists chiefly on a species of bivalve, and displays much ingenuity in breaking the hard shell to get
at the contents: seizing it between its powerful mandibles, it runs a few steps, then spreads its
wings, and mounts in the air to a height of thirty feet or more, when it lets the bivalve drop on

4N2Z

272

the hard sandy beach, and descends to pick out the mollusk from the broken fragments. Should
the first attempt to break the shell by this means prove a failure, the bird repeats the operation ;
and I once witnessed nine successive attempts before the firm shell yielded. On riding up to the
spot, I found that the shell was of unusual thickness, and measured more than two inches across
the surface. Small crustacea, sandhoppers, dead fish, and carrion of all kinds are also laid under
contribution, as this Gull is both omnivorous and voracious. In a state of domestication it will
feed freely on cooked vegetables, or on any thing that may be offered to it, although it always
gives the preference to fresh meat of any kind.

It breeds on the open sea-shore in remote or little-frequented parts of the coast, or on the
shingle-banks far up the river-courses—nesting in large companies, and repairing to the same
breeding-station season after season. The nest is formed with a tolerable amount of care, being
constructed of dry sea-weed, grass tussocks torn up by the roots, and other rough materials, the
interior being carefully lined with bent. Some nests exhibit far less finish than others; and
occasionally the eggs are deposited on the bare sand, a mere depression in the surface being
considered sufficient: they are generally two in number (sometimes three), broadly ovoido-conical
in form, measuring 2°8 inches in length by 2 in breath, and they vary considerably in their style
of colouring: generally speaking, they are of a warm greenish-grey colour, varied over the entire
surface with spots, streaks, and blotches of dark umber; in some the ground-colour is tinged with
light brown. Hardly two specimens can be found exhibiting the same markings, some being
densely studded with minute spots, while others are covered with irregular streaks and blotches
varying in density of colour from light brown to black. In one specimen, which came into my
hands, an eccentric streak had assumed a curious resemblance to the letters MD. When
disturbed in their nesting-ground, the old birds become very excited and clamorous, flying about
overhead in a very confused manner; while the young ones betake themselves at once to the
nearest water, or squat and hide among the stones, where the protective colouring of their down
is of the utmost service to them. ‘The young bird has a very shrill cry; and as it grows older,
this changes to a prolonged squeal. The adult bird utters a loud laughing note when alarmed or
excited, and at other times a short peevish whistle. It is easily domesticated, and becomes much
attached to those who show it any attention. Some years ago I saw a very beautiful albino,
having the entire plumage of the purest white, in the possession of Captain Robinson at
Manawatu.

Ad. pileo
m:

Juv. scap
di

Adult.

Poke
nf
und Went, : 3 r
Teheas, . Me Orpen ANSERES. ] (Fam. LARID.
de } esas the a
On wa. Pets,
A Nding “Nh:
: tha ty liye
i kinds ™ ches » s
~S Orn . ~ Ato
eof a Whig . LARUS SCOPULINUS.
me Mest tak Ue :
to ts altho X ity (MACKEREL-GULL.)
ne of the Coast , Eyes
ind Tepaiing 4 Of op the
bk aM ' > 0 th Whe
~ “Mount of Care bie Larus scopulinus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 106 (1844).
the . » Velo “
bs t rough Mater hf Larus nove hollandie, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Birds, p. 18 (1844).
’ nish than of} Gavia andersonti, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, p. 102.
; METS; ay : A
S10n in the ne , Gelastes andersoni, Bonap. Naumannia, 1854, p. 212.
alTae deine = e ld
2), br adly ovo; F " Lestris scopulinus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472.
consi iderably loin AXema jamesonit, Gould, B. of Austr., vol. vii. pl. 20 (1848, nec Wils.).
a In their ¢ . e . oe
syle Bruchigavia jamesonii, Gould, Handb. B. of A. p. 387 (1865).

1} IT, Vi ari ed ov

eT the ents
uund-colour is tinged ith E
‘ th Native name.—Tarapunga.
me markings, some being
Lar streaks and |

blot ches
Ad. pileo undique albo: corpore supra claré cinereo, tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, tectricibus pri-

228
xen, Which came into n

ch came into ny mariorum albis versus apicem cinereo lavatis: primariis nigris, albo apicatis, duobus exterioribus sub-
the lottare Thee
the letters MD. Wha terminaliter plagA magn4 albé notatis, F todletibie plerumque albis intis cinereo lavatis nigro subter-
d clamorous, fiving about minaliter transfasciatis: secundariis dorso concoloribus : inne postico cum uropygio caudaéque albis :

PY.
subtts puré albus, subalaribus cinereo lavatis: rostro cruentato, culmine et apice pallidioribus:

mselves at once 0 ile
F f thote dam pedibus pallidits cruentatis: iride argenteo-alb4 : annulo opththalmico cruentato.

colour ng ot tl T dow

- and it OTOWS older, é ie F é : a “a A
y; and as tpt Juv. scapularibus et tectricibus alarum brunneo maculatis et marmoratis: primariis albo minis notatis, secun-

te when alame el dariis conspicué brunneo lavatis.
ated, and becomes moc
ns Ness : < =
fal albino, Adult. General plumage pure white; the back, scapulars, and upper surface of wings pale ash-grey :

; ve ry be aul tif u 5 ° .
a "Robins # anterior edge of wings and four of the large outer coverts white; first primary white at the base,
of Captal

= black in its median portion, the shaft, and then the whole surface becoming white, finally banded near
the tip with black; the second similar to the first, but with more white at the base, the inner web
being margined with black, the median black less extended, and the shaft wholly white, with the same
extent of white beyond, but a broader subterminal band of black; the third primary for two thirds of
its length white, edged on the inner web with dusky black, the rest of the feather black, the white,
however, being continued on the shaft till it spreads into a paddle-shaped mark on the inner web, about
halfway down from the tip, which is also white; the fourth primary white, with the inner web wholly
covered towards the base and margined towards the end with dusky black, with a subterminal band of
black fully an inch in width ; on the fifth quill the dusky black changes to dark ash-grey, which spreads
over both webs towards the base, and the subterminal band is about half an inch in breadth; on the
next quill the extent of white is considerably diminished, and the subterminal band is not only less in
breadth but is interrupted by a shaft-line of white; the succeeding quills and the secondaries are

\ 274

wholly ash-grey, slightly paler at the tips. Irides silvery white; bill dark arterial red, lighter on the
ridge and towards the tip; eyelids and feet pale arterial red, the claws brownish black. Length 14°5
inches; extent of wings 34; wing, from flexure, 11°25; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 1°25, along the
edge of lower mandible 1°75; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1°75; middle toe and claw 1°75.

Obs. It should be observed that the markings on the primaries vary slightly in different individuals. The
above description is taken from a fine specimen in perfect plumage.

Young (Larus jamesoni, Hutton). The young bird of the first year has the upper wing-coverts shaded and
blotcbed more or less with brown; the first primary white at the base, then entirely black in its whole
length, excepting only a fusiform spot of white about ‘75 of an inch in extent in its apical portion;
the next quill is similar, but with more white at the base, and a much smaller apical spot; the three
succeeding quills white on their outer webs, in their basal portion, entirely black beyond ; the secon-
daries are ash-grey.at the base, blackish brown in their apical portion, and tipped with lighter grey.
Irides purplish brown ; bill yellowish brown, blackish at the tip; legs and feet pale flesh-red.

Obs. It ought to be mentioned that the size and form of the apical spots on the primaries, and the extent
of the brown markings on the secondaries, are very variable in different examples. I have seen a young
bird with the white apical markings described above entirely wanting in one wing, and represented in
the other only by a small round spot on the inner web of the first primary.

Tuis pretty little Gull is one of our commonest birds, frequenting every part of the coast and
being equally plentiful at all seasons of the year. It is a bird of very lively habits, and its
presence goes far to relieve the monotony of a ride over such dreary stretches of sand as the
Ninety-mile Beach and the coast-line between Wanganui and Wellington. At one time you
will meet with a flock of fifty or more in council assembled, fluttering their wings, chattering
and screaming in a state of high excitement; at another you will observe them silently
winnowing the air, turning and passing up and down at regular intervals, as they eagerly scan
the surface of the water. Here you find them ranged apart along the smooth beach like
scouts on a cricket-ground; there you see a flock of them packed together on a narrow sand-
spit, standing closer than a regiment of soldiers—heads drawn in, one foot up, “standing at
ease.” Then again, if you observe them closely, you may see them following and plundering
the Oyster-catcher in a very systematic manner. Nature has furnished the last-named bird with
a long bill, with which it is able to forage in the soft: sand for blue crabs and other small
crustaceans. The Mackerel-Gull is aware of this, and cultivates the society of his long-billed
neighbour to some advantage; he dogs his steps very perseveringly, walking and flying after
him, and then quietly standing by till something is captured, when he raises his wings and
makes a dash at it. The Oyster-catcher may succeed in flying off with his prey; but the plunderer,
being swifter on the wing, pursues, overtakes, and compels a surrender. The gentleman of the
long bill looks gravely on while his crab is being devoured ; and having seen the last of it he
gives a stifled whistle and trots off in search of another, his eager attendant following suit.

It frequents our harbours in large numbers, hovering round the shipping and associating

freely Wt
it does P°

pur
river-beds
an d depo!
by 15 in
and mark

eee eee

“Tal
l na is
wri, 1, lsh, 275
» Wek ah ry
ze th : 1
Qe Tide. Lot}, , P : :
ae 1-95 a freely with the Black-backed Gull ; but although it often follows the vessel from its anchorage
whl it does not venture so far out to sea as its larger congener.
_ During the breeding-season, which extends over December and January, it resorts to the

river-beds and to the shores of lakes a short distance from the sea, often nesting in large colonies,
and depositing its eggs on the bare ground with little or no attempt at preparation. The eggs
are generally three in number, broadly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2°1 inches in length
nT Wing. by 1:5 in breadth ; they vary in colour from greenish white to a pale yellowish brown, spotted
and marked with greyish purple and brown, more thickly towards the larger end.

au :

;
ramet
nameu

1]

mall

Orprer ANSERES. | [Fam. LARIDA.

LARUS BULLERLI.

(BLACK-BILLED GULL.)

Bruchigavia melanorhyncha, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 43.

Larus (Bruchigavia) melanorhynchus, Finsch, tom. cit. p. 381.
Larus bulleri, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z., 1871, p. 41.
Larus bulleri, Potts, Ibis, 1872, p. 38.

Ad. oe dilutissimé cinereus: pileo cum collo postico et interscapulio, dorso postico uropygio et corpore
ubtis toto, albis: plag4 nuchali indistincté brunned: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, exteriori-
tia et ala spurid puré albis : remigibus dilutissimé cinereis dorso concoloribus, apicem versus albis, prima-
riis albis, pogoniis ambobus et apice pennarum plus minusve laté nigro marginatis, hdc albo terminaté :
cauda omnino alba: rostro nigro: pedibus nigricanti-brunneis: iride argenteo-alba.

Juv. dorso et scapularibus obscuré brunneo notatis, plumis albo terminatis subterminaliter grisescenti-brunneo
fasciatis: tectricibus alarum medianis grisescenti-brunneis albido marginatis: secundariis intimis
medialiter distincté brunneo lavatis.

Adult. General plumage pure white ; back, scapulars, and upper surface of wings delicate ash-grey ; breast
and sides of the body suffused with a beautiful rosy blush, which fades after death, or entirely disap-
pears. The primary quills are white, eccentrically varied with black; the first primary is narrowly
margined on its outer and marked diagonally on its inner web; on the next the black increases, and
forms a broad subterminal bar, which enlarges on the two succeeding ones, and decreases on the fifth ;
the sixth is ashy, with merely a subterminal interrupted bar of black. Irides silvery white ; bill black,
sometimes tinged with red towards the base ; legs and feet blackish brown. Total length 15 inches ;
extent of wings 35; wing, from flexure, 11°75; tail 4°5; bill, along the ridge 1:5, along the edge of
lower mandible 2; bare tibia *75; tarsus 1:5; middle toe and claw 1°5; hind toe and claw °3.

Young. Has the plumage of the back and the scapulars obscurely spotted with brown, each feather having
a white tip bounded below by an irregular spot of greyish brown; the median wing-coverts greyish
brown with a whitish margin ; the long inner secondaries largely marked in their central portion with
greyish brown.

Obs. 'The extent of the black markings on the primaries is very variable; and in some examples the first
quill is largely tipped with black. There appears to be a seasonal ehange in the colour of the bill and
legs, the former becoming dull yellow, stained at the tips with brown, and the tarsi and toes changing
to pale orange-red, with darker webs and black claws.

Tue Black-billed Gull was originally described by myself, as already cited, under the name of
Bruchigavia melanorhyncha; but as the retention of Bonaparte’s subdivision is considered undesi-

"SCO ‘Uropygio et

6)

loribus
> SpCem Versis al}
sinatis, hic albo terminat}
= alba. |

EXterion.

rahta > "4
aliter grisescenti-brnn)
1atis: secundaniis intins

e3 delicate ash-grey ; breat
er death, or entirely dissp
> first primary is narorly
ext the black increases, wi

ated

and decreases on the fifth;

-s silvery white; bill bat,

Total length 15 inchs;
dee 1°5, along the edge of
1 toe and claw *.

A

each feather harils
“sh
] opts orev
ediaD wing-cover® t -
CL tion

. their cent po

brown,

f

0
ted, s

ered

gp?
poder + ot
opsid

BULLERI.

LARUS

LARUS DOMINICANUS.

An
course ©

for a »

but he
the Sar
Bruch’:
as Dr.

at May
bill the
markin
coverts
T
near tk
on the
confine
and es’
tal is, a

Provin
Sentle

Watch

277

rable, I must now follow other authors in referring both this and the preceding species to the
larger and better-defined genus Larus. Finding that the above title had already been bestowed
on another member of the genus, by Temminck, Captain Hutton has done me the honour to
associate my name with the present species, which is now figured for the first time.

Another local naturalist, Mr. T. H. Potts, whose name is of frequent occurrence in the
course of this work, has paid me a similar compliment in proposing the name of Larus bullert
for a Yellow-billed Gull, which he considers distinct. While I take this opportunity of ex-
pressing my acknowledgments, Iam unable at present to recognize the supposed specific distinc-
tion. On a careful comparison of the two birds, I find that they correspond exactly in size, in
the form of the bill, and in the colours of the plumage, even the eccentric markings on the pri-
mary quills being the same in both. The only difference, therefore, is in the colour of the bill
and legs; and as it is well known that several members of this group undergo a seasonal change
in this respect, the distinction cannot be accepted as having any specific value till it be shown
that the difference of colour is constant in both birds all the year round. As opposed to the
latter view, I may mention that in the autumn of 1871 I shot a specimen, on the sand-banks at
Hokitika, in which the bill was pale coral-red in its basal portion, and brownish black beyond
the nostrils, indicating, as it appears to me, a transition to the black bill characteristic of the full
winter plumage.

Dr. Finsch, to whom I forwarded skins of both for examination, concurs in this opinion;
but he also goes further, and refers the species to Larus pomare of Bruch (supposed to be from
the Sandwich Islands), although he complains of the extreme confusion and insufficiency of all
Bruch’s descriptions. While I attach great weight to the opinion of so careful an ornithologist
as Dr. Finsch, I am unable to adopt his view in the present case; for having visited the Museum
at Mayence and examined the type of Larus pomare for myself, I find that it has a more robust
bill than our bird, and more black on the primaries; while the young, in addition to the spotted
markings on the back and wings, which appear to be common to the whole group, has dark ear-
coverts, and a brown terminal band across the tail.

The specimens on which Mr. Potts founded his description of Larus bulleri were obtained
near the mouth of the Waimakariri river; and, as already mentioned, I met with the same bird
on the west coast; so that, assuming my identification to be correct, the Black-billed Gull is not
confined to the inland lakes, as was hitherto supposed, but also frequents the mouths of rivers
and estuaries, where it appears to mingle freely with the flocks of Larus scopulinus, Sterna fron-
talis, and other birds having a community of interest.

On the habits of this species, as observed by Mr. W. T. L. Travers on Lake Guyon, in the
Province of Nelson, I have much pleasure in quoting the following account from the pen of that
gentleman :—

“The Black-billed Gull breeds on the main river-bed ; and one or more pairs usually frequent
the lake after the breeding-season is over. On one occasion a pair of these birds, having by
some means or other lost their own brood, returned to the lake earlier than usual. I brought up
a young bird belonging to another brood, and placed it on the lake; and the bereaved parents at
once took to it, tending it with the greatest care and solicitude. It is extremely interesting to
watch these birds in their ordinary search for food during windy weather. The prevalent winds

0

278

blow either up or down the lake; and when seeking food, the birds soar against the wind
along the margin of the lake on one side, until they reach its extremity, when they at once
turn and run down before the wind to the other end, where they recommence their soaring
flight. But the most singular circumstance is that in the main valley they pursue various
species of moths, which occur in large numbers amongst the tussock grasses, and especially in
sedgy patches occupied by standing water. I could not for some time make out the object of
their peculiar flight; but a friend of mine (Mr. R. W. Fereday, of Christchurch), who was lately
on a visit with me for the purpose of collecting the Lepidoptera of the district, whilst pursuing a
large moth, observed one of these Gulls swoop at and capture it. We then noticed that some
five or six of the birds were busily engaged in feeding on the moths, pursuing them very much as
other insectivorous birds would do. The birds which frequent the lake become very tame, one
pair in particular readily taking a worm from my outstretched hand, and constantly coming close
to the house for food. Nothing can exceed the pureness and delicacy of their plumage when in
full feather. It is doubtful whether this kind ever visits the sea-coast” *.

Like the preceding species, the Black-billed Gull deposits its eggs on the bare ground, its
attempts at forming a nest being of the rudest kind, a few bents of grass or other dry materials
loosely collected round the edges being deemed a sufficient preparation. There are two examples
of the egg of this Gull in the Canterbury Museum, both very handsome in appearance, but
differing entirely in the style and distribution of their colours. One of these is of a narrow ovoid
form, measuring 2°15 inches in length by 1-65 in breadth; it is of a dull yellowish white or pale
buff, covered with numerous spots and irregular markings of dark brown; these markings are
more numerous towards the thicker end, forming a broad zone and displaying fantastic shapes
not unlike some of the characters in the Chinese alphabet; and on one side of the egg, com-
mencing at the smaller end, there is a large blotch of rich umber-brown, varied with a darker
brown, and covering more than half its surface. The other example is somewhat smaller and
more rounded in form; the ground-colour is a delicate greenish grey; about the middle of the
egg there is a narrow belt of a brighter tint of green; near the thick end there is a broad dark
zone formed of obscure inky blotches, varied with irregular markings of blackish brown; and
over the entire surface there are small scattered spots and markings of a rich dark-brown colour.

* Trans. New-Zealand Inst. 1871, vol. iv. p. 209.

QnDEB AS

Ad. ptil
(
!

]

Ad. ptii

Adul

Adu

Is

lumage whe

m the h.
$3 “ Pa grow,
stig Der dry mater
rt 1€Te are ty, ) eXample
me in a Ppearance, by:
ese Is of a narrow oni
yellowish white or pale
mm; these markings a:
playing fantastic shapes
e side of the egg, com
n. varied with a darker
; somewhat smaller and
bout the middle of the
sd there is a broad du
f blackish brown; a
ch dark-brown colo!

Orver ANSERES. | [Fam. LARID Ai.

STERNA CASPIA.

(CASPIAN TERN.)

Sterna tschegrava, Lepechin, N. Comm. Petrop. xiv. p. 500 (1769).
Sterna caspia, Pallas, N. Comm. Petrop. xiv. p. 582 (1769).
Sterna megarhynchos, Meyer and Wolf, Taschenb. deutsch. Vogelk. ii. p. 497 (1810).
Thalasseus caspius, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 563.

Hydroprogne caspia, Kaup, Natiirl. Syst. p. 91 (1829).

Sylochelidon balthica, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 769 (1831).
Sterna schillingii, Brehm, tom. cit. p. 770 (1831)

Sylochelidon caspia, Brehm, tom. cit. p. 770 (1831).

Helopus caspius, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1224.

Thalassites melanotis, Swains. B. of W. Afr. ii. p. 253 (1837).
Sylochelidon strenuus, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1846, p. 21.

Sylochelidon melanotis, Bonap. C.R. xlii. p. 772 (1856).

Sterna melanotis, Hartl. Orn. Westafr. p. 254 (1857).

Sterna vulgaris, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472.

Thalasseus imperator, Coues, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 538.

Native name.—Tara-nui.

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra diluté cinereus, uropygio et supracaudalibus albis: cauda albd: tectricibus alarum dorso

concoloribus: remigibus extts canescentibus, primariis versus apicem saturatioribus, scapis albis, pennis

/ minoribus et secundariis dorsalibus pallidé cinereis: pileo et nuch& cristata nigris: facie laterali a

narium basi duct&é cum collo laterali et corpore subtts toto albis: rostro leté corallino, flavo vario,
versus apicem brunnescente, apice ipsd corned: pedibus nigricanti-brunneis: iride nigra.

Ad. ptil. hiem. similis ptilosi zstive, sed pileo albo minuté nigro striolato.

Adult in summer. Forehead and upper part of the head, described by a line from the posterior edge of the
nasal groove, on each side, passing immediately under the eyes, and meeting in an acuminate point
below the occiput, satiny black; back, rump, and upper surface of wings and tail delicate silvery grey ;
primaries darker grey, with white shafts; the rest of the plumage pearly white. Irides black; bill
beautiful coral-red, mixed with yellow, shaded with brown near the tips of both mandibles, which are
horn-coloured ; legs and feet blackish brown. Length 22 inches; extent of wings 53; wing, from
flexure, 16°25; tail 6°25 (middle feather 1:5 shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 2°6, along the edge of lower

mandible 3°6 ; bare tibia ‘5; tarsus 1:75; middle toe and claw 1:

Adult in winter. Differs in having the black plumage of the head largely spotted with white, especially on
the forehead and lores.

202

280

Note. Dr. Elliott Coues, in his “ Review of the Terns of North America” (Proc. Phil. Acad. J. c.), makes the
following remarks on the synonymy of this species :—The proper specific appellation of the Caspian
Tern is not ‘caspia, Pallas,’ but ‘tschegrava, Lepechin,’ which latter name is proposed in the same work
in which Pallas calls the bird ‘ caspia,’ but has priority by several pages. As, however, the word is not
only barbarous, but exceedingly cacophonous, and especially as caspia has become so well established by
common consent, I do not think it would be expedient to supersede Pallas’s name in view of the very
slight priority of that of Lepechin.”

Tue history of this fine Tern has already been so fully written that I deem it sufficient to record
here that it occurs all round the New-Zealand coasts, where its habits are the same as in other
parts of the globe. It is usually met with in pairs; but I have occasionally observed parties of
five or more resting on the sands near the mouths of our tidal rivers. It subsists entirely on
small fish, for which it plunges into the water with considerable force; and at certain seasons it
is accustomed to follow the shoals of sprats far up the river-courses, where it may be seen hover-
ing lightly over the water in pursuit of its finny prey, and occasionally alighting to rest on a
jutting stump or projecting point of rock. I have observed that, on the wing, this species does
not move its head to and fro in the manner of the smaller Terns, but carries it vertically, with its
powerful beak pointing downwards. When resting on the ground the apparently disproportionate
head gives the bird an ungainly appearance; but this disappears the moment the wings are
expanded ; and the flight, which is generally performed in wide circles, may be described as very
easy and graceful. Its ordinary cry is harsh and unmusical, consisting of a loud rasping note; at
other times it utters a long peevish squeal or whistling cry.

The breeding-season of this species extends from November to January. The eggs,
usually two in number, are deposited on the bare sand, a slight hollow in the surface meeting
the requirements of a nesting-place. They are ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2°7 inches in
length by 1:9 in breadth, and varying from creamy white to a delicate greenish white tint, the
whole surface marked with spots and blotches of dark brown, intermixed with pale splashes of
purple, these markings being most numerous at the thicker end. It should be mentioned,
however, that, as in the case of other Terns, the eggs present some variety both as to size and
colour; there is a specimen in the Canterbury Museum (of a pale yellowish brown tint, thickly
marked and spotted with dark brown) which measures only 2:4 inches by 1°6.

(Dee ANS.

Ad. ptil. h

Juv. capit
tec

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Orver ANSERES. |

[Fam. LARIDZ.

STERNA FRONTALIS.

(WHITE-FRONTED TERN.)

Sterna frontalis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Birds, p. 19 (1844).
Sterna albifrons, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exped. Birds, p. 279 (1848).
Sterna atripes, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473.

Sterna longipennis, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, p. 339.

Native name.—Tara; “ Sea-swallow ” of the Colonists.

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra albicanti-cinereus, remigibus cano lavatis, primarii primi pogonio externo nigro, pennis
minoribus ad apicem laté albis, reliquis inttis verstis apicem albis: caudé alba: capite et nucha nigris,
fronte et facie laterali albis: subtis albus :

rostro nigro, ad basin brunnescente: pedibus rufescenti-
brunneis: iride nigra.

Ad. ptil. hiem. similis ptilosi zstive, sed fronte alba latiore et vertice plus minusve albo vario

Juv. capite cinerascenti-nigro, albido vario: supra diluté cinereus, obscuré nigricante fasciatus et notatus :
tectricibus alarum minimis nigricantibus.

Adult in summer. Crown of the head and nape black ;

a band immediately over the bill, the lores, and
cheeks pure white ;

back and upper surface of wings pale ashy grey; the rest of the plumage pure
white; the breast and sides of the body often
de

eath. Irides and bill black ;
wing, from flexure, 11 ;

suffused with a delicate rosy tint, which fades after
legs and feet reddish brown. Length 16 inches; extent of wings 33 ;

tail 7 (the middle feather 3 inches shorter); bill, along the ridge 1°6, alae
the edge of lower mandible 2°25; bare tibia ‘4; tarsus ‘6; middle toe and claw

Adult in winter. Differs in having the white frontal band more extended, and the black crown more or less
varied or spotted with white.

Young. Forehead, crown of the head and nape greyish black, mottled with white ; the whole of the back,
the feathers composing the mantle, and some of the larger wing-coverts dark silvery grey, varied with
white, and handsomely mottled and barred with greyish black; the smaller wing-coverts uniform

greyish black, except along the edge of the wing, where they become white; underparts silky white,

as in the adult. The barred character is most conspicuous on the scapulars and long inner secondaries ;
and both these and the tail-feathers have crescent-shaped markings near the tips.

Nestling. Covered with buffy-white down, tinged with fulvous on the head and neck, and mottled with
grey on the back.

Fledgeling. Feathers of the back and the scapulars greyish white, with broad crescentic marks of black

the down on the back buffy white, mottled and marbled with dark grey ; wing-feathers (half an inch .
length) silvery grey, broadly margined with white.

282

Tus elegant species is extremely abundant on our coasts, flocks of a hundred or more being
often met with on the sand-banks at the river-mouths in association with Gulls and other shore-
birds of various kinds.

The term “Sea-swallow,” as applied to this Tern, is a very appropriate one ; for on watching
the evolutions of a flock of these birds one is forcibly reminded of a flight of Swallows coursing
in the air. Their aerial manceuvres are truly beautiful; and the apparent ease with which they
dip into the water and capture their finny prey cannot fail to interest an observer. They
usually alight on the sandy beach near the edge of the water, and stand so closely packed that
thirty or forty may be obtained at a single shot. They shuffle about with a constant low
twittering, and occasionally stretch their wings upwards to their full extent, presenting a very
pretty appearance. When fired at, or otherwise alarmed, the whole flock rises simultaneously
in the air in a vortex of confusion, crossing and recrossing each other as they continue to hover
over the spot, producing at the same time a perfect din with their sharp cries of ke-ke-ke.

Some years ago, when exploring among the shoals and sand-banks of the great Kaipara
heads or basin, I observed thousands of these birds; and in this wild and unfrequented part
of the coast they were so fearless that they coursed about our boat within a few feet of our
heads, and the discharge of a gun among them only tended to increase their apparent interest
in us.

This species of Tern breeds in large colonies, as many as 200 or more being sometimes
associated together. The eggs are deposited on the bare rock, often within reach of the sea-
spray ; and, as a rule, there is only a single egg to each nest. They are usually of an elegant
ovoido-conical form, measuring 1:9 inch in length by 1°3 in breadth; and they present great
beauty and diversity in their colouring. The ground-tint varies from a clear greyish white to a
delicate greyish green, and from a pale yellowish brown to a dark cream-colour. They are
marked and spotted with purplish and dark brown in every variety of character: some have the
entire surface studded with clear rounded spots, occasionally confluent; others have the marks
broad and irregular; while in some examples they are spread into large dark blotches, covering
a great portion of the surface. Some specimens are freckled all over with light brown, and
splashed at intervals with darker brown; others have a smudged appearance, as though an
attempt had been made to obliterate the markings. In the Canterbury Museum there is a
curious example, having the entire surface covered with marbled veins of dark brown; and
another (collected by Mr. Fuller on the Waimakariri beach, and ascribed by Mr. Potts with
certainty to this species) is of a delicate pinkish brown tint, with a broad zone of confluent spots
towards the larger end, and numerous scattered specks of a rich reddish-brown colour.

| onout AN

Stern

| Hydr

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character : some have the
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[Fam. LARID AZ.

Orprer ANSERES. |

STERNA ANTARCTICA,
(GREY TERN.)

Sterna antarctica, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1223.

Hydrochelidon albostriata, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr., Birds, p. 19, pl. 21 (1844).
Sternula antarctica, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 773 (1856).

Hydrochelidon albistriata, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 773 (1856).

Sterna cinerea, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473.

Hydrochelidon hybrida, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, p. 347.

Native name.—Tara.

Ad. estiv. supra saturaté cinereus, uropygio conspicué albo: capite summo nuchfque nigris: lined faciali a
rostri basi directé per regionem paroticam ducta, alb&: genis et corpore subtis toto pulchré cinereis,
subcaudalibus albis: remigibus extus cinerascentibus, intus albis, scapis albis, primario primo extis
nigricante: cauda diluté cinered, rectricibus verstis basin albis, rectrice extimd feré omnind alba, verstis
apicem cinerascente: rostro leté flavo: pedibus leté flavis, unguibus saturaté brunneis : iride nigra.

Ad. hiem. similis ptilosi zstivee, sed fronte et pileo cinerascenti-albis, nigro variis.

Juv. pileo summo et laterali saturaté cinerascentibus: lined a basi rostri per oculum ducté et ad torquem
nuchalem angustam conjuncté nigricante, albo vari4: tectricibus alarum, scapularibus et secundariis
intimis brunneo subterminaliter notatis: rostro nigro, verstis apicem brunnescente: pedibus sordidé

flavis.

Adult in summer. Top and sides of the head and nape velvety black ; from the gape a broad streak of white
passes under the eyes, and is continued to the nape, forming a border to the black plumage; upper and
lower tail-coverts pure white; the rest of the body beautiful pearl-grey, darker on the upper surface ;
wing-feathers darker grey, with white shafts, the first primary margined on the outer web with dusky
black ; tail-feathers dark pearl-grey, the outermost ones inclining to white, and all of them white on
their under surface. Irides black; bill bright yellow, sometimes shaded with brown towards the base
of the upper mandible ; legs and feet bright yellow, the claws dark brown. Total length 12 inches; wing,
from flexure, 10°25; tail 4°5 (middle feather 1-75 inch shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 1-1, along the edge
of lower mandible 1:5; tarsus ‘6; middle toe and claw 1; hind toe and claw °2

Adult in winter. Differs only in having the forehead and crown greyish white, mottled with black.

Young. ‘Top and sides of the head dark ash-grey; the lores, a mark beyond the eyes, and a narrow nuchal
collar obscurely mottled with black ; upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and long inner secondaries with a
subterminal mark of brown, and with paler tips; the rest of the plumage as in the adult. Bill black,
inclining to light brown towards the base; legs and feet dull yellow.

Tumis handsome Tern is very common in every part of the South Island, but is only occasionally

orvEe -

284

met with on the north side of Cook’s Strait. In the autumn of 1867 I observed a flock of them
at the mouth of the Rangitikei river; and on another occasion I saw a few near the Wanganui
heads; but I do not remember having ever met with it further north.

In the Canterbury Province it is particularly abundant, frequenting all the river-courses, and
often spreading far over the plains. Within a few miles of the city of Christchurch I have
observed it, in large flights, following the farmer’s plough and picking up grubs and worms from
the newly turned earth. It also frequents the cornfields and pastures, and, by devouring cater-
pillars and other insect pests, proves itself a valuable friend to the agriculturist. f

It is remarkably active on the wing, performing very rapid evolutions, and often chasing its

fellows in a playful manner and with much vociferation. When resting on the ground, the S
members of a flock stand closely packed together, and may be seen constantly stretching their S
wings upwards in the peculiar manner already noticed in treating of Sterna frontalis. S

Like the other Terns this species breeds in colonies, placing its eggs (usually two in S
number) on the bare ground, without any attempt at forming a nest. It defends its breeding- S

ground with a considerable amount of spirit, darting towards the intruder’s head, and uttering
at the same time its harsh cry. The eggs are of an elegant ovoido-conical form, measuring
1:6 inch in length by 1-2 in breadth; and they presenta considerable amount of diversity in their
colouring and markings, varying from a pale yellowish brown to a dull olive, and marked over Ad. pti
the entire surface with blackish brown, the spots being generally more numerous at the thicker

end, but sometimes confluent in the middle, forming an irregular blotched zone. A specimen in

the Canterbury Museum has the ground-colour of a pale greenish white, minutely speckled all

over, but particularly at the thick end, with purplish brown; another (collected by Mr. Potts on

the 22nd of October) has the entire surface covered with small round spots.

Ac

“

lor ‘
“4S, and

_——

“Ung 4

Often cha 7
ul the 0 ,
sn Stttching
ra JTontali.
~~ SBS (usually
It defends ite;
LC
conical form, Measurin
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0 ve Perr
Ad, aNd utterne

CY in ther
1] oliv > 9 nd

Olive, and marked ome |
> humerous at the thicke
howl np Ny , ;
hed zone. A specimen in
te, minutely speckled ll
lected by Mr. Potts a

:
Wis

Orpen ANSERES.] (Faw. LARID.

STERNA NEREIS.

(LITTLE WHITE TERN.)

+t

Sternula nereis, Gould, P. Z.S. 1842, p. 140.

Sterna parva, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473.

Sterna nereis, Pelz. Verh. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien, xvii. p. 318 (1867).
Sterna minuta, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, pp. 337, 347.

Sterna alba, Potts, ‘Trans. N.-Z. Instit. 1870, vol. iii. p. 106.

Native name.—Tara-iti.

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra diluté cinereus, tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus intis albis, extiis cano
lavatis, primariis duobus externis extus nigricantibus, scapis albis, pennis minoribus verstis apicem albis,
secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus, dorso postico et uropygio cum supracaudalibus albis: cauda
albi: pileo postico et nuché cum regione oculari et supraparoticé nigris: fronte lata, genis et facie
laterali et corpore subtus toto albis: rostro leté flavido: pedibus flavis, unguibus nigricantibus : iride
nigra.

Ad. piil. hiem. similis ptilosi zstivee, sed pileo summo albo nigro vario: nucha nigra.

Juv. fronte et pileo cinerascenti-albis fuscescente variis: lined crescente ab oculo postico circa nucham pro-
ducta nigra: supra diluté cinereus, plumis versus apicem fascia irregulari brunnea transnotatis : rostro
flavicanti-brunneo: pedibus sordidé flavis.

Adult in summer. Forehead and along the base of upper mandible white ; spot in front of each eye, crown
of the head, and nape black; throat, fore neck, and all the under surface silvery white ; hind neck,
shoulders, back, and upper surface of wings delicate silvery grey, darker on the primaries ; rump and
tail, with the upper and lower coverts, pure white. Irides black; bill bright yellow; tarsi and toes
yellow, the claws darker. Length 9 inches; wing, from flexure, 7-5; tail 3 (median feathers 1 inch
shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 1-25, along the edge of lower mandible 1:35; tarsus ‘6; middle toe and
claw °7.

Adult in winter. Differs in having the crown of the head white, mixed with black, darkening outwards, the
nuchal collar being entirely black.

Obs. In some examples the first primary is margined on the outer web with black; in others it is of a
uniform dark grey.

Young. Forehead and crown greyish white, mottled with dusky; from the eyes a crescent of greyish
black, which encircles the occiput ; the plumage of the upper parts silvery grey, mixed with white, and

yp i

ORDEB -

286

many of the feathers with an irregular wavy mark of dark brown near the tip; the smaller wing-
coverts greyish brown ; underparts white, as in the adult. Bill yellowish brown; feet dull yellow.
The tail is less acuminate at the sides than in the fully adult bird.

Tus is the smallest of our Terns, and is the southern representative of the Sterna minuta of

Europe. It is tolerably common on all our coasts, and occurs also very plentifully along the

shores of Western Australia. :
It is very active in its movements, flies high, turns in the air with facility, and dips into the

:

water after its prey in a very adroit manner. ;

Its note is a harsh scream; and during the breeding-season it is very clamorous, especially :
when its nesting-ground is invaded, or even approached. It usually lays two eggs; these are of

a regular oval form, measuring 1-4 inch in length by 1:05 in breadth, and are of a yellowish

white,the whole surface marked with obscure spots of purplish grey. J

Ad. pi

Ad. pt

Adr

Ad,

I gy

12th

Proy;

ESN Se ee ee

ary
: “ Sp, th
Md bry ma ae Orver ANSERES.] [Fam. LARIDA.

mea

Of the HYDROCHELIDON LEUCOPTERA.

Stomp
Very dense ful Main y (WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN.)
LV als
. “Oy th
i faci};
: y, > ald qd}
id dir Lbs j ith
Ver. J.
“TY clamor, U8, egy: ets &
AYS two pon. ah Sterna fissipes, Pallas, Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. ii. p. 338 (1811).
th, and _— these i Sterna leucoptera, Meisner u. Schinz, Vig. d. Schweiz, p. 264 (1815).
ne Oa Yelloni Hydrochelidon leucoptera, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 563

Viralva leucoptera, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 170 (1825).
Hydrochelidon nigra, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 660 (1846).

Ad. ptil. estiv. supra nitidé niger, dorso et scapularibus paullo fumoso lavatis: dorso postico et uropygio
albis: caudaé alb4: tectricibus alarum minimis albis, medianis et majoribus pulchré cinereis: remigibus
nigris, primariis interioribus canis, secundariis nigris dorso concoloribus: facie laterali et corpore sub-
tus toto nitidé nigris: crisso et subcaudalibus albis: subalaribus nigris, extiis albo notatis: rostro nigro :
pedibus pallidé rubris: iride nigra.

Ad. ptil. hem. supra diluté cinereus, collo postico nigricante notato: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus,

uibusdam minoribus verstis basin brunnescentibus: remigibus nigricantibus, scapis ochraceis, pri-
mariorum pogonii interni dimidio albo, secundariis cinereo lavatis: rectricibus supra cinereis, externis
albicantibus angusté albido limbatis: facie et collo lateralibus torquem interruptum collarem formanti-
bus: subtis omnind albus: rostro nigro versiis basin rubescente : pedibus flavidis.

Adult in summer. Head, neck, and all the under surface shining black ; the whole of the scapulars, and the
back, smoky black ; upper wing-coverts dark grey, becoming white towards the edge of the wing; first
two primaries greyish black, with white shafts, and broadly marked with white on their inner webs; the
rest of the primaries dark silvery grey, smoky on their inner webs; secondaries sooty grey, the inner
ones darker; rump and tail, with upper and lower coverts, pure white. Irides and bill black; legs
dull red. Total length 8-5 inches; extent of wings 21; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 2°75; bill, along the
ridge ‘9, along the edge of lower mandible 1:25; bare tibia -25; tarsus °75; middle toe and claw 1;
hind toe and claw 2.

Adult in winter. Forehead, sides of the head, and all the under surface pure white ; occiput, ear-coverts,
nape, and hind neck greyish black ; upper surface of back, wings, and tail dark grey; the small wing-
coverts shaded with brown ; the primaries sooty black, with white shafts; the secondaries with dark
shafts, and tinged more or less with grey

I xyow of only one instance of the occurrence of this beautiful Tern in New Zealand. On the
12th of December, 1868, Mr. D. Monro shot a pair of them on the Waihopai river-bed in the
Province of Nelson; and one of these is now in the Colonial Museum. They were in full summer

OnDEB AS

288

plumage, and were associating with a large breeding colony of Sterna frontalis ; but whether they
were actually nesting themselves, Mr. Monro was not able to ascertain. He mentions, however, 1
that there was only a single pair of this species in the flock, and that they uttered at intervals a
harsh croaking note.

This Tern has likewise been discovered in Australia since the publication of Mr. Gould’s
‘ Handbook ;’ and as it is unquestionably the same form as that inhabiting the Palearctic region,
the species enjoys a wide geographical range.

Juv. sur
fi
c

p

Adult.

xe Tey;

SU

Orper ANSERES. ]

(Fam. PROCELLARIIDA.

DIOMEDEA EXULANS.

(WANDERING ALBATROS.)

Diomedea exulans, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 214 (1766).

Diomedea albatrus, Pall. Spic. Zool. fase. v. p. 28 (1769).

Chocolate Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 8309 (1785).

L’ Albatros du Cap de Bonne Espérance, Buff. Pl. Enl. x. pl. 237 (1786).
Diomedea spadicea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 568 (1788, ex Lath.).
Diomedea adusta, Tschudi, J. f. O. 1856, p. 157.

Native name.—Torea.

Ad. albus: interscapulio indistincté brunneo fasciatim vermiculato: tectricibus alarum nigris vix brunnescen-

tibus, majoribus interioribus plus minusve albis, margine carpali albo et brunneo vario: remigibus
brunnescenti-nigris, apicem versis pallidioribus, scapis flavicanti-albidis: scapularibus albis, ad apicem
nigris: dorso postico et uropygio, supracaudalibus caudaque albis, hac nigro apicat, rectricibus exte-
rioribus basaliter brunneo irregulariter transvermiculatis : subtiis pure albus, pectore indistincté brunneo
vermiculatim fasciato: rostro albido, carnoso vix tincto, ad apicem flavicanti-corneo: pedibus carneo-
albicantibus : iride saturaté brunned: annulo ophthalmico viridi-purpurascente.

_ Juv. supra A nesetuiienecs: alis caudaque fuliginoso-nigris, scapis flavicanti-albis, versts apicem nigris :

fronte cum facie laterali et gutture puré albis: subtis fuliginoso-brunneus, abdomine magis cineras-
cente : subalaribus et axillaribus albis, his versts apicem brunneo vermiculatis : rostro J tvieantl corneo :
pedibus albicanti-carneis : iride nigricanti-brunned.

Adult. General plumage pure white; the feathers of the back and those composing the mantle crossed

more or less with narrow wavy lines of brown; the breast and sides of the body obscurely freckled and
vermiculated with pale brown; upper surface of wings blackish brown, varied with pale brown and
white along the edges, and with an extensive patch of white on the humeral flexure; primaries
brownish black, with paler tips and yellowish-white shafts ; secondaries brownish black, largely marked
with white on their inner webs ; scapulars white on their basal portion, black towards the tips; tail-
feathers largely marked with black i in their apical portion, and the outer ones more or less vermiculated
with brown; lining of wings and under tail-coverts pure white. Irides rich dark brown ;. bare eyelids
greenish purple ; bill white, with a pinky tinge, yellowish horn-coloured at the tips ; legs and feet flesh-
white, sometimes with a pinky tinge. Total length 42°5 inches; extent of wings 40; wing, from carpal
flexure, 24; tail 8:5; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 7; length of lower mandible 6;
depth of bill at the base 2°5; bare tibia 1:5; tarsus 5; middle toe and claw 6:5; greatest width of
expanded foot 6:5.

. The measurements given above are those of an ordinary-sized bird captured off the New-Zealand
coast by the seamen of H.M.S. ‘Virago;’ the size, however, is variable, and much larger examples

2 Q

290

are sometimes taken. It may be observed that, soon after death, the lower part of the bill, the legs and
the feet change to a.delicate purplish colour from congestion of the blood in the small vessels, and
ultimately become yellow or yellowish brown in the dried specimen.

Young. Forehead and the whole of the face and throat pure white; crown of the head, nape, neck all
round, back, and scapulars sooty brown; upper surface of wings and tail sooty black, the shafts of the
quills yellowish white, changing to black at the tips; breast and all the underparts sooty brown,
inclining to ash-grey on the abdomen ; lining of wings and axillary plumes pure white, the latter with
vermiculations of sooty brown near the tips. Irides brownish black; bill white horn-colour ; legs and
feet flesh-white.

Nestling. Covered with pure white down.

Progress towards maturity. As it takes a considerable time to attain the fully adult plumage, birds are to be
met with in every intermediate stage, and are often very beautifully barred and freckled with dark
brown, especially on the upper parts and sides of the body. In very old birds the wavy markings
described above diminish considerably or entirely disappear.

Wuat voyager on the high seas has not watched with wonder and admiration the sailing flight
of the Albatros! It has been the theme of poets and philosophers from the earliest times; and
various ingenious theories have been propounded to account for the amazing power which this
bird possesses of sailing in the air for an hour‘at a time without the slightest movement of its
expanded wings. Captain F. W. Hutton, whose observations on the birds inhabiting the
Southern Ocean (Ibis, 1865) are full of suggestive information, has contributed an essay * on the
flight of the Albatros; and although his mathematical treatment of#he subject has been
challenged, his paper shows a very clear apprehension of the mechanical principles on which
the explanation rests—his main object being to show that if an Albatros started with a certain
velocity it could, by slightly altering the angle at which it was flying, continue to support itself
in the air without using its wings until its velocity had been reduced below a certain point.

Dr. Bennett, who has written on the same subject, remarks :—‘“It is pleasing to observe this
superb bird sailing in the air in graceful and elegant movements, seemingly excited by some
invisible power; for there is scarcely any movement of the wings seen after the first and frequent
impulses are given, when the creature elevates itself in the air, rising and falling as if some
concealed power guided its various motions, without any muscular exertion of its own.”
Mr. Gould adds the following testimony :—“ The powers of flight of the Wandering Albatros
are much greater than those of any other bird that has come under my observation. Although
during calm or moderate weather it sometimes rests on the surface of the water, it is almost
constantly on the wing—and is equally at ease while passing over the glassy surface during the
stillest calm, or flying with meteor-like swiftness before the most furious gale; and the manner
in which it just tops the raging billows and sweeps between the gulfy wayes has a hundred times
called forth my wonder and admiration. Although a vessel running before the wind frequently
sails more than 200 miles in the twenty-four hours, and that for days together, still the Albatros

* Philosophical Magazine, August 1869,

mandib

* Plumage }
F 7 Oinds ate t, to he
reck|e ed }
ld bird » Math da
he y
ayy Tarking

Miration the e sail ing fi oht
the earliest times: al
mazing power which thi
light vest Movement of its
he birds inhabiting the
ributed an essay * on the
f%&he subject has been
cal principles on which
s started with a certam
ntinue to support itell

low a certail point.
nles asing to observe this
od by some
the first net sate

wog i
a some
and falling as if ”

etl

291

has not the slightest difficulty in keeping up with the ship, but also performs circles of many
miles in extent, returning again to hunt up the wake of the vessel for any substances thrown
overboard.” It requires no great stretch of imagination to believe, with the last-named naturalist,
that in the course of their peregrination they frequently make the circuit of the globe—a con-
clusion the more natural, as the meduse and other marine productions on which they subsist
appear to be equally abundant in every latitude.

Although the Wandering Albatros is very common in the seas round New Zealand, I have
never heard of its breeding on any of the outlying rocks; but the Auckland Islands are
enumerated among its known breeding-stations. Dr. McCormick, surgeon of H.M.S. ‘ Erebus,’
who found it nesting there in the months of November and December, writes :—‘ The grass-
covered declivities of the hills above the thickets of wood are the spots selected by the Albatros
for constructing its nest, which consists of a mound of earth, intermingled with withered grass
and leaves matted together, 18 inches in height, 6 feet in circumference at the base, and
27 inches in diameter at the top, in which only one egg is usually deposited. The eggs I had an
opportunity of weighing varied in weight. from 144 to 19 oz., thirty specimens giving an average
of 17 0z.; colour white ; [measuring 4°75 inches in length by 3°25 in breadth.] The Albatros,
during the period of incubation, is frequently found asleep, with its head under its wing: its
beautiful white head and neck, appearing above the grass, betray its situation at a considerable
distance off. On the approach of an intruder it resolutely defends its eggs, refusing to quit the
nest until forced off, when it slowly waddles away in an awkward manner to a short distance
Its greatest enemy is a fierce species of Lestris, always on the

without attempting to take wing.
watch for the Albatros quitting its nest, when the rapacious pirate instantly pounces down and
devours the egg. So well is the poor bird aware of the propensity of its foe, that it snaps the
mandibles of its beak violently together whenever it observes the Lestris flying overhead.”

Orvrr ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIIDA.

DIOMEDEA MELANOPHRYS,

(BLACK-EYEBROWED ALBATROS.)

Diomedea melanophrys, Boie, in Temm. Pl. Col. v. pl. 456 (1828).
Native name.—Torea.

Ad. albus: interscapulio et scapularibus cum ala tot& schistaceo-nigris: dorso postico, uropygio et supra-
caudalibus albis : caudé schistaceo-nigr, scapis albidis : regione oculari delicaté cinerea, supra oculum
saturatiore, supercilium formante: rostro sordidé flavo: pedibus flavicanti-albis, cyanescente vix lavatis,

A

plantis etiam cyanescente tinctis: iride pallidé brunned.

Adult, General plumage pure white; middle portion of back and upper surface of wings slaty ‘lacks 3 in
front of the eyes a broad patch of bluish grey, which passes into a darker streak over and behind
them ; tail dark ash-grey, the shafts of the feathers white. Irides light brown ; bill dull yellow; legs
and toes yellowish white, the interdigital webs and the joints washed more or less with pale blue.
Total length 34 inches; wing, from flexure, 20°5; tail 8; bill, along the curvature 5°25, from gape to
extremity of lower mandible 4°75 ; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 4°75.

Young. Captain Hutton, in his ‘Notes on some of the birds inhabiting the Southern Ocean,’ writes of
this species :—“ According to my observations the head in the young is grey, which, as the bird grows
older, becomes white—first on the cheeks, then, spreading to the top of the head, leaves a collar round
the neck, which breaks first in front, and gradually spreads upwards until the whole is white. The
beak remains dark blue for some time after the plumage has assumed the colours of the adult. The
feet and legs of the young bird are light blue.”

Tuts species of Albatros is far more common in our seas than Diomedea exulans, and approaches
nearer to the coast, often following a vessel to the very entrance of the harbours. After
boisterous weather it is sometimes picked up on the ocean-beach, not actually lifeless, but so
exhausted by fatigue as to be incapable of rising.

Captain Hutton has observed that this bird “dives sometimes, but does not appear to
like doing so, generally preferring, when any thing good to eat is under water, to let a Night-
hawk fish it up; then giving chase and running along the top of the water, croaking, and
with outstretched wings, it compels him to drop it, and then seizes it before it sinks again.”
Mr. Gould refers to it in the following terms:—‘* Of all the species with which I am acquainted
this is the most fearless of man; for it often approaches many yards nearer the vessel than any
other; I have even observed it so near that the tips of its pinions were not more than two arms’

length from the taffrail. It is very easily captured with a hook and line; and as this operation
gives not the least pain to the bird, the point of the hook merely taking hold in the horny and

insensibl
after det

clusion

1869, p-
Not

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ote }
: Uonre;, .
ate E780 et sap,
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: and qs UY je
- ‘ she ho

293

insensible tip of the bill, I frequently amused myself by capturing specimens in this way, and,
after detaining them sufficiently long to afford me an opportunity for investigating any particular
point respecting which I wished to satisfy myself, setting them at liberty again, after having
marked many, in order to ascertain whether the individuals which were flying round the ship at
nightfall were the same that were similarly engaged at daylight in the morning after a night's
run of 120 miles; and this in many instances proved to be the case. When brought upon deck,
from which it cannot take wing, it readily becomes tame, and allows itself to be handled almost
immediately ; still I believe that no member of this group can be domesticated, in consequence of
the difficulty of procuring a supply of natural food.”

It would appear from the above observations that Captain Hutton is mistaken in his con-
clusion that this species is “quite diurnal in its habits, both at sea and on land” (Ibis,
1865, p. 278).

Nothing very positive has been ascertained respecting its breeding-habits, although it is
said to breed in the Falkland Islands.

Orper ANSERES. ] [Fam. PROCELLARIID.

DIOMEDEA CHLORORHYNCHA.

(YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROS.)

Yellow-nosed Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 309, pl. 94 (1785).
Diomedea chlororhynchos, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 595 (1788, ex Lath.).
Diomedea chlororhyncha, Coues, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 185.

Ad. similis D. melanophryi, sed rostro nigro, culmine cum ungue et macula parvA ad basin mandibulz posit
leeté flavis: pedibus cyanescenti-albis.

Adult. Plumage similar to that of D. melanophrys. Bill black, with the culmen and hook, and a basal
spot on the lower mandible yellow ; legs and feet bluish white. Total length 32°5 inches; wing, from
flexure, 19°5; tail 8; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 5:4, from gape to extremity of
lower mandible 5; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 4°25.

THERE is a specimen of this Albatros in the Auckland Museum; and Dr. Crosbie, of H.M.S.
« Virago,’ showed me the head of another. Both of these, as I am informed, were obtained off
the New-Zealand coast, although the proper range of the species appears to lie in more northern
latitudes.

ososs A*

Tho
Dio

Ad. simili
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ars to lie in more northen

Orper ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARID&.

DIOMEDEA CULMINATA.

(GREY-HEADED ALBATROS.)

Diomedea chlororhynchos, Aud. Orn. Biogr. y. p. 326 (1839, nec Gm.).
Diomedea culminata, Gould, Ann. N. Hist. xiii. p. 861 (1844).

Ad. similis D. chlororhynche sed pileo colloque totis pulchré cinereo lavatis: culmine et gonyde sordidé flavis :
pedibus flavicanti-albis.

Juv. similis adulto, sed pileo colloque saturatiis cinereis: rostro nigro, culmine medialiter flavicante et
gonyde obscuré corned.

Adult. Plumage similar to that of D. chlororhyncha, but having the whole of the head and neck washed
with delicate slaty grey, and the feathers of the back and mantle more or less margined with brown.
Bill black, with the ridge of the upper mandible, and the lower edges of the under mandible, to the
junction of the crura, dull yellow ; legs and feet yellowish white. Total length 31:5 inches; wing,
from flexure, 20; tail 7-5; bill, along the ridge 5, from the gape to the extremity of lower mandible
4°75 ; tarsus 3°25 ; middle toe and claw 4°75.

Young. Has the head and neck dark grey; the space between the upper mandible and the eyes, as well as
a mark above the latter, of a deeper shade; beneath the posterior side of the lower eyelid a light grey
mark ; the cheeks whitish ; bill black, with indications of yellow in the middle portion of its ridge, and
with the outer edges of the lower mandible horn-coloured towards the base ; legs and feet yellowish
white.

Iv the Canterbury Museum there is a young bird of this species, which was picked up on the
ocean-beach somewhere between the mouths of the Avon and Waimakariri rivers. My
description of the youthful state is taken from this specimen, and that of the adult from a very
fine example in the British Museum.

Mr. Gould writes :—‘ TI frequently observed it between Sydney and the northern extremity
of New Zealand; and it also occurred in the same latitude of the Indian Ocean as abundantly as
any of its congeners. It is a powerful bird, and directly intermediate in size between Diomedea
cauta and D. chlororhyncha. The specific differences of the three species are so apparent that I
had no difficulty whatever in distinguishing them while on the wing. In D. chlororhyncha the
bill is more compressed laterally, the culmen is round, and the yellow colouring terminates in an
obtuse point midway between the nostrils and the base; while in D. culminata the culmen is
broad and flat, and has its greyish yellow colouring continued of the same breadth to the base ;
the feet of the latter are also fully a third larger than those of the former. ‘I'he habits, mode of
life, and the kind of food partaken of by the D. culminata are so precisely similar to those of
its congeners that a separate description would be a mere repetition of what has already been
said respecting the preceding species.”

Orprr ANSERES. | (Fam. PROCELLARIIDA,

DIOMEDEA FULIGINOSA.

(SOOTY ALBATROS.)

Sooty Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 309 (1785).
Diomedea fuliginosa, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 568 (1788).
Diomedea spadicea, Lesson, Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 391 (1828).
Diomedea fusca, Aud. Orn. Biogr. v. p. 116 (1839).
Diomedea palpebrata, Forst. Descr. An. p. 55 (1844).
Phebetria fuliginosa, Reich. Natiirl. Syst. Vég. p. v (1852).

Native name.—Torea-pango.

Ad. fuliginoso-cinereus, alis cauddque saturatioribus: facie laterali nigricante: fascia postoculari alba: pri-
mariorum scapis ad basin albis, rectricum scapis omnino albis: rostro nigro, gonyde albicante : pedibus
albis purpureo lavatis : iride saturaté cinerascenti-brunned.

Adult. The entire plumage deep sooty grey, darker on the upper surface of the wings and tail, and shading
into blackish grey on the face; the eyes surrounded posteriorly by a distinct mark of white; the shafts
of the primaries are white in their basal portion, and those of the tail-feathers in their whole extent.
Trides dark greyish brown ; bill jet black and perfectly smooth, with a white cartilaginous line along
each side of the lower mandible ; legs and feet white, with a purplish tinge. Total length 32°5 inches ;
wing, from flexure, 19; tail 9°5; bill, along the curvature 4°25, from the gape to extremity of lower
mandible 3°75; tarsus 2°75 ; middle toe and claw 4°75.

Young. Differs only in having the plumage of the upper parts largely tinged with brown, the margins of
the feathers paler, and the marks encircling the eyes light grey instead of white.

Tus well-known species, which appears to be generally distributed over the temperate latitudes
southward of the Equator, is comparatively common in the New-Zealand seas. Its long
cuneated tail at once distinguishes it from all the other members; while its short and rather
feeble legs indicate its more aerial character. Thus we find Mr. Gould: observing that “in its
actions and mode of flight it differs very considerably from all the other species of Albatros, its
aerial evolutions being far more easy, its flight much higher, and its stoops more rapid; it is,
moreover, the only species that passes directly over the ship, which it frequently does in blowing
weather, often poising itself over the masthead, as if inquisitively viewing the scene below. At
this moment it offers so inviting a mark for the gunner that it often forfeits its life.”

In the winter of 1856 I received a very fine specimen from the Wairarapa plains, where it
was found in a live state many miles from the sea, apparently blown inland by the violence of

the prevailing storms.

OpDsB A}

Pr
Os:

Ad. schis
p

*Verboay

Pay PR,

Orpvzr ANSERES. ] [Fam. PROCELLARIIDA.

OSSIFRAGA GIGANTEA.

(GIANT PETREL.)

Giant Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 396, pl. c (1785).
Procellaria gigantea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 563 (1788).

Procellaria ossifraga, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 343 (1844).

Ossifraga gigantea, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Péle Sud, Zool. iii. p. 148 (1853).

Ad. schistaceo-brunnescens, facie laterali et corpore subtis paulld pallidioribus: dorso et tectricibus alarum
pallidiore cinereo angusté marginatis : rostro flavicanti-corneo: pedibus cinerascenti-nigris, unguibus

oa Dostornle Se r 5 . athe ‘ . .
postoculan alhi: py albicanti-corneis : iride nigricanti-brunned.

Adult. Entire plumage dull slaty brown, paler on the face, throat, and underparts of the body ; on the
upper parts some of the feathers are strongly tinged with chocolate-brown ; and all the feathers of the
back, as well as the wing-coverts, have paler greyish margins. Irides blackish brown; bill yellowish
horn-colour; legs and feet greyish black, the claws whitish horn-colour. Total length 32 inches ;
extent of wings 66; wing, from flexure, 18°5; tail 7:5; bill, to anterior edge of tube 1:75, thence,
following the curvature, to the tip 2, along the edge of lower mandible 3°75; bare tibia 1:25; tarsus
2°75; middle toe and claw 5.

Obs. Albinoes are not uncommon.

¢h brown, the marys d Tue Giant Petrel, or “ Nelly,” as it is called by sailors, is by no means uncommon in our seas,

and occasionally ventures into the deep sounds or estuaries. Many years ago a fine specimen (now

in the Auckland Museum) was caught on shore by the men of H.M.S. « Pandora,’ and eventually

orate latitudes came into my possession. There is an equally fine specimen in the Canterbury Museum, col-

er the tenpe oa lected by Mr. J. Fuller, who informs me that he observed it with several others in the Akaroa
Jealand sas: + al harbour following the carcass of a dead whale, and engaged in tearing off the blubber.

“ts short a0 wi It is universally dispersed over the temperate and high southern latitudes; and Mr. Gould

obser geet has expressed his belief that it frequently performs the circuit of the globe, a conclusion inferred

ies of Alben , from the circumstance that an albino variety followed the vessel in which he made his passage to

wre rapid . Australia for a period. of three weeks, the ship often making two hundred miles during the

ntly d si" twenty-four hours. He adds :—‘“It must not be understood that the bird was merely following

ad acone belOm ” the vessel’s speed, nor deemed incredible when I state that during the twenty-four hours it must

ang ee ‘ have performed a much greater distance, since it was only at intervals of perhaps half an hour

feits its fr qhett! id that it was seen hunting up the wake of the vessel to secure any offal that had been thrown

™ if ° e e ° 7 e ° - 3
yairaraP® i joi overboard, the interim being employed in scanning the ocean in immense circles.” He informs
‘nland by -

nis 1. 6
ving that

tis
oes pH

Pre
3 |

298

us further that on visiting Recherche Bay in D’Entrecasteaux’s Channel, Tasmania, he found
thousands of these birds sitting together on the water, and feeding on the blubber and other
refuse of the whaling-station.

The following account of this Petrel (called Quebranta-huesos, or Break-bones, by the
Spaniards) is given in Darwin’s ‘ Voyage of a Naturalist,’ (p. 287) :—‘“ In its habits and manner of
flight there is a very close resemblance with the Albatros; and, as with the Albatros, a person
may watch it for hours together without seeing on what it feeds. The ‘ Break-bones’ is, how-
ever, a rapacious bird; for it was observed by some of the officers at Port St. Antonio chasing a
Diver, which tried to escape by diving and flying, but was continually struck down, and at last
killed by a blow on its head. At Port St. Julian these great Petrels were seen killing and
devouring young Gulls.”

may add that on one occasion, when steaming up Cook’s Strait, I observed at a distance
one of these Giant Petrels pursue and capture a small bird (apparently Prion turtur), and then,
holding it by the wing, batter it against the water till it was killed.

Captain Hutton states that this species breeds in the cliffs of the Prince-Edward Islands
and Kerguelen’s Land, and adds :—‘‘ When a person approaches the nest the old birds keep a
short distance away, while the young ones squirt a horridly smelling oil out of their mouths to
a distance of six or eight feet.” Layard describes the eggs as being white, and measuring
4-2 inches in length by 2°5 in breadth.

3 Al

Pr
Da
Pr

Ad. pile
1

fi
Cc
nD

Adult.

So fam:
and so
of the |

Seen fo

Del

| On the Magia h
c blade, by, Orper ANSERES.] (Faw. PROCELLARIID.
, al
or .

In it Break-bone

' w Dabits DAPTION CAPENSIS.
hi
“% the Albaty wt (CAPE-PETREL.)

he « Break. "8 8 be ;
Port me Dones is “
, St, Anton, th hy

: Struck down Ap , >
re ls Wer, ’ at hy

© gee t
7m Wy ay Procellaria capensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 213 (1766).

it, I obe Daption capensis, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 241 (1826).
ly Pr Served at dias Procellaria punctata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473.

: On turtyr) ;

the Prince-Riy mtd Ls Ad. pileo et collo postico usque ad interscapulium fuliginosis: dorsi totius plumis albis ad apicem conspicué

fuliginoso maculatis: tectricibus alarum minimis fuliginosis, medianis et majoribus interioribus ad

basin conspicué albis: remigibus fuliginoso-brunneis, intus ad basin albis, secundariis albis, ad apicem

fuliginoso maculatis: caudz dimidio basali albo, apicali laté fuliginoso-brunneo: mento fuliginoso :

d measuring corpore reliquo subtus albo, subcaudalibus exterioribus et subalaribus marginalibus fuliginosis: rostro
: nigro: pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride nigra.

Hest the old bins keen g

' ’ :
oil out of their mouths f
“ing white, an

Adult. The whole of the head, throat, back, and sides of the neck sooty black ; the back, mantle, rump,
and upper tail-coverts white, handsomely spotted with sooty black, each feather marked with a terminal
triangular spot of that colour ; fore neck, breast, and all the underparts pure white; primaries blackish
brown, paler on the inner webs, and more or less varied with white; secondaries and scapulars white
towards the base, black in their apical portion ; wing-coverts’ sooty black, the longer ones varied with
white; under surface of wings white, stained with sooty grey towards the edges; the long under tail-
coverts tipped with sooty grey. Irides and bill black; legs and feet dark brown. Length 15 inches;
wing, from flexure, 10; tail 4; bill, following curvature of upper mandible 1:25, length of lower man-
dible 1:4; tarsus 1:5; middle toe and claw 2.

So familiar is the so-called “ Cape-pigeon” to all who have made a voyage in the southern seas,
and so fully has its history been recorded, that it seems scarcely necessary, in giving an account
of the birds of a particular country, to do more than notice its occurrence.

It is numerous off the New-Zealand coast at most seasons of the year; and in stormy
weather it often approaches the land, following in the wake of the tossing vessel, hovering grace-
fully over the water, and occasionally alighting on the surface to pick up any floating substance
that may arrest its attention. On one occasion, in comparatively smooth weather, a number of
these birds attended our little steamer to the very mouth of the Wanganui river; but this
occurrence was quite exceptional.

Captain Hutton states that he has observed a Cape-pigeon following a ship for several days
in succession, when she has been making from 150 to 200 miles in the twenty-four hours. He
adds :—“ It is, I believe, the generally received opinion of naturalists that these birds, when
seen for several days together, have never slept during the whole period, but have followed the

2R2

300

ship night and day. To me, however, it appears incredible that any animal should be able to
undergo so much exertion for so long a time without taking rest. Mr. Gould says that birds
caught and marked are generally seen next day; but such is not my experience. I have some-
times marked ten or twelve Cape-pigeons in a day, and seldom seen one again. Mr. Gould,
however, is quite right when he says that sometimes a marked bird turns up after being absent
for two or three days; and how can this be accounted for by the theory of the birds constantly
following the ship? Most of the Petrels, more particularly those that burrow or live in holes in
rocks, are no doubt nocturnal in their habits when they are on or near land; but when they are
at sea they all become more diurnal. A few can certainly be often seen flying under the stern
at night; and once, when I was keeping the middle watch, at about 1 a.m, a Cape-pigeon, in
crossing over the ship, struck a rope and fell on deck. Still they are never numerous, and where
there were fifty or a hundred birds in the daytime there are only one or two at night. Their
defenceless condition is, as far as I can see, the only reason for the Petrels hiding themselves by
day and flying by night; for the oceanic mollusca &c. on which they feed are equally diurnal and
nocturnal. At sea, however, where they have no enemies to fear, and no holes to hide in, the
conditions are quite different; and it is then better for them to take their rest at night and to
be alert and feeding in the daytime; and they change their habits accordingly. I therefore
believe that, although a few may follow a ship for a night, most of them sleep on the sea; and in
the morning, knowing very well that a ship is the most likely place to obtain food, they fly high
with the intention of looking for one. Some find the ship that they were with the day before,
some another one. In the latter case, if the second ship is going in an opposite direction to the
first, they are never seen by the first again; if, however, the course of the two ships is the same,
the bird might very likely lose the second ship, and rejoin the first after a lapse of two or three
days. A height of 1000 feet would enable a bird to see a ship 200 feet high more than fifty miles
off; and often, although unable to see a ship itself, it would see another bird which had evidently
discovered one, and would follow it, in the same way that Vultures are known to follow one
another. This opinion is much strengthened by the fact that at sunrise very few birds are round
the ship, but soon afterwards they begin to arrive in large numbers; and I think I may safely
say that this is always the case; for, having had to be on deck from four to eight o’clock every
third morning for six of my voyages, and about once a week during my last voyage, I have had
better opportunities for observing this than most people.” (Ibis, 1865.)

z AN

Orde

win
the

THERE ar
Zealand ,
dying sta;
the Color
The
tnguish

African re
Water tha

| sh
= We equally dima
no holes to hide in the
Clr Test at nicht

and to
cordingly, |

therefore
sleep on the 8e8 5 and ip

btain food. they fly hich
ere with the day bere
posite direction to the

ne two ships is the same,
t @ lapse of two or three

igh more than fifty mils

i=

bird which had evidently
re known to follow ox
very few birds are round
4 I think I may ab
ht o'clock every
ave, [ have had

ur to elg

last voy’

Orpen ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIID.

PROCELLARIA GLACIALOIDES.

(SILVERY-GREY PETREL.)

Procellaria glacialis, var. 8, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 563 (1788).

Procellaria tenuirostris, Aud. Orn. Biogr. v. p. 333 (1839).

Priocella garnotti, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Péle Sud, iii. p. 148, pl. 32. figs. 43-56 (1844).
Procellaria glacialoides, Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. pl. li. (1849).

Thalassoica tenutrostris, Bp. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856).

Thalassoica polaris, Bp. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856).

Procellaria smithi, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Proc. p. 22 (1863).

Fulmarus glacialoides, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 105 (1871).

Ad. supra dilute argentescenti-cinereus: pileo undique et corpore subtis toto albis: pectoris lateribus dorsi
colore lavatis : primariis extis nigricanti-brunneis, intis albicantibus: rostro albicanti-corneo, carnoso
tincto, nigro apicato, culmine ad basin cyanescente: pedibus carnoso-cinerecis, digitis exterioribus
externé saturatioribus : palmis pallidé flavis : iride brunnescenti-nigra.

Adult. Hind part of neck, back, and all the upper surface, as well as the sides of the breast, delicate
silvery grey; the rest of the plumage pure white ; primaries blackish brown on their outer, and greyish
white on their inner webs; tail-feathers delicate silvery grey. Irides brownish black ; bill whitish
horn-colour, with a tinge of pink, the ridge as far as the opening of the nostrils bluish, the tips of both
mandibles black ; legs and feet pinkish grey, darker on the joints and along the edges of the outer
toes; the interdigital webs pale yellow, and the claws brown. Total length 19:5 inches; extent of
wings 43°5 ; wing, from flexure, 13; tail 6; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 2, along
the edge of lower mandible 1°75 ; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 8.

THERE are several instances recorded of the occurrence of this beautiful Petrel on the New-
Zealand coast; and the above description is taken from a fine example which I picked up, in a
dying state, on the sea-beach near the mouth of the Turakina river, and afterwards presented to
the Colonial Museum.

The late Sir Andrew Smith, who was the first to discriminate the characters which dis-
tinguish this species from Procellaria glacialis, informs us that it is common on the South-
African coasts, and frequently enters the bays—also that it flies higher above the surface of the
water than the last-named bird, and rests more frequently.

| ape® ANS

Orver ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIID A.

|
PROCELLARIA PARKINSONI. |

(BLACK PETREL.)

Proe
Proe
| Rha
. Astr
Procellaria parkinsoni, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 245. | Ast:
Majaqueus parkinsoni, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 108 (1871). | Fuln
Ad. omninod brunnescenti-niger, interscapulio scapularibusque pallidioribus marginatis: rostro flavicanti- | Ad. pileo s
brunneo, culmine et apice brunnescentibus : pedibus nigris: iride nigra. | can
ls
Adult. Entire plumage brownish black, the feathers of the back and mantle narrowly edged with a lighter | a
shade. Irides black ; bill yellowish horn-colour, shaded with dark brown on the culmen and towards . bru
the tips of both mandibles; legs and feet black. Total length 18 inches; wing, from flexure, 13°75 ; obs
tail 5; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 2, length of lower mandible 2; tarsus 2; ie
middle toe and claw 2°75. P
Adult.
Obs. The above description is taken from a New-Zealand specimen in the British Museum, presented by ae
Miss R. Stone. Some examples have the underparts much tinged with brown. | edg
. eye
THIs species is by no means uncommon in the Hauraki gulf, resorting to the Little Barrier and . lig]
adjacent islands to breed. Mr. Kirk, the well-known botanist, who has carefully explored these tips
islands, informs me that he found both this and Gould’s Petrel breeding in subterranean burrows. : the
He observed that the two birds differed entirely in character—P. gouldi being extremely len
vicious, fighting savagely even with a dog when attacked, whereas P. parkinsoni would allow len
itself to be seized by the hand in its burrow almost without resistance.
An egg of this Petrel in the Auckland Museum is broadly oval in form, measuring 2°75 T HAVE n
inches in length by 1°95 in breadth, and is of a creamy-white colour. figured iz
Mr.
“While
cellar; de
World, a
Nearer, a
those of
| SWeepin 0
| Near for
Wently ;
that dur;

Ro oe
R

VI,

Maryinatis .
Tostro fy ,
“aVicant.

e Darrowly «J
wly edged With a lich
2 On the torn
he culmen and toward
; Wing, from flexure, 13:73.

lower mandible 2 2: ¢

cS

anus ):

British Museum, presente by

orown

y to the Little Barner a
sas carefully explored thes
ng in subterranean burrors
P gowldi being extremely
P. parkin soni. would allow

« oft
ering 2'1?
F in form, meas uring

Orver ANSERES.] (Fam. PROCELLARIID.

PROCELLARIA LESSONLI
(WHITE-HEADED PETREL.)

Procellaria lessonii, Garnot, Ann. Sci. Nat. vii. p. 54, pl. 4 (1826).
Procellaria leucocephala, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 206 (1844).
Rhantistes lessoni, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856).

Astrelata leucocephala, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 189 (1857).
Aistrelata lessonii, Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 327.

Fulmarus lessoni, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 106 (1871).

Ad. pileo summo et facie laterali albidis : regione-ante- et suboculari nigricante : collo postico et laterali albi-
cante obsoleté cinereo transfasciato : interscapulio et dorso superiore obscuré cinereis, ad apicem obsoleté
fulvescente fasciatis : dorso postico et uropygio saturaté fuliginosis, supracaudalibus albis, versus apicem
cinerascentibus : tectricibus alarum fuliginoso-brunneis, majoribus extus cinereis: remigibus fuliginoso-

runneis, inttis cinerascentibus: caudé alba, pens centralibus supra cinereis, reliquis plus minusve
obsoleté brunneo vermiculatis: corpore subtis a alaribus fuliginoso-brunneis: rostro nigro:
pedibus obscuré flavis, digito externo et palmis oO: nigris: iride nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head and nape greyish white, obscurely and minutely freckled with darker grey ; back,
mantle, and rump cinereous grey ; upper surface of wings brownish black, the larger coverts narrowly
edged with greyish white; sides of the head white, with a broad mark of brownish black crossing the
eyes ; throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure white; primaries and secondaries brownish black,
lighter on their inner webs ; tail-feathers pale cinereous grey on their upper surface, and freckled at the
tips; inner lining of wings sooty black, varied with grey. Irides and bill black ; tarsi and a portion of
the feet dull yellow; the outer toe of each foot and a diagonal patch across the webs black. Total
length 18 inches; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5°5 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 1:9,
length of lower mandible 1-7; tarsus 1-6; middle toe and claw 2°5.

I HAVE never seen this fine Petrel in New Zealand, and it is evidently very rare. The example
figured in our Plate was obtained at the Bay of Islands, and is now in the British Museum.

Mr. Gould has given the following account of this species in his ‘ Birds of Australia :’—
“While engaged in watching the movements of the several species of the great family of Pro-
cellaride, which at one time often and often surrounded the ships that conveyed me round the
world, a bright speck would appear on the distant horizon, and, gradually approaching nearer and
nearer, at length assume the form of the White-headed Petrel, whose wing-powers far exceed
those of any of its congeners: at one moment it would be rising high in the air, at the next
sweeping comet-like through the flocks flying around; never, however, approaching sufficiently
near for a successful shot ; and it was equally wary in avoiding the boat with which I was fre-
quently favoured for the purpose of procuring examples of other species.” He states, moreover,
that during flight the dark colouring on the wings shows very conspicuously, assuming the form
of the letter W.

Oxprr ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIIDA.

PROCELLARIA FULIGINOSA.

(SOOTY PETREL.)

Procellaria fuliginosa, Kuhl, Monogr. Procell. p. 142, pl. x. fig. 6 (1820).
Procellaria atlantica, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 362 (1844).

Pterodroma fuliginosa, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856).

Pterodroma atlantica, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 191 (1857).

Mistrelata fuliginosa, Coues, Proc. Phil. Ac. 1866, p- 157.

Fulmarus atlanticus, Gray, Hand-1. of B. iii. p. 107 (1871).

Ad. Omnino fuliginoso-niger, gutture pallidiore : subtis brunnco lavatus : rostro et pedibus nigris : iride nigr&.

Adult. Entire plumage sooty or brownish black, paler on the throat, and tinged with brown on the under-
parts. Irides, bill, and feet black. Total length 17:5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 12:5 ; tail 5 ; bill,
following the curvature of upper mandible 1:75, length of lower mandible 1:75; tarsus 1:5; middle toe
and claw 2:4.

Tus species, which ranges over both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, inhabits the seas all
round New Zealand, but seldom approaches the land. If I was right in my identification of
those observed on the wing during a passage from Auckland to Sydney in July 1871, this Petrel
is a remarkably powerful flier, coursing about with the activity of a Martin, and generally near
the surface; but it is almost impossible to distinguish the various allied species with any
certainty by merely observing them from the deck of a ship.

——_

rhe Pens nig

from flexure, 125; tail § bl
Ne 1°75; tare 15; nid

Jeeans, inhabits the seas al
ght in my identification of
ey in July 1871, this Petr!
Martin, and generally new
ns allied species with ay

ee ne

PROCELLARIA LESSONI.

PROCELLARIA FULIGINOSA.

Ad, supra
et
sul

fla

Caprary
Seen Q N
abundan
in Darw;
together
tregulay
Surface

distance,

Orvrr ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIID.

PROCELLARIA CINEREA.

(BROWN PETREL.)

Cinereous Fulmar, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 405 (1785).

Procellaria cinerea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 563 (1788, ex Lath.).

Procellaria hesitata, Forster, Descr. An. p. 208 (1844).

Procellaria hasitata, Gould, B. Austr. fol. pl. 47 (1 848).

Priofinus cinereus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856).

Adamastor typus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 187 (1857). ~
Puffinus cinereus, Lawr. B. of N. Am. p. 835 (1860).

Puffinus kuhlii, Cass. Pr. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 327.

Procellaria adamastor, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Proc. p. 25 (1863).

Ad. supra cinerascenti-brunneus, dorsi plumis et supracaudalibus pallidiore brunneo terminatis: remigibus
et rectricibus brunnescenti-nigris: facie et. colli lateribus obscuré cinerascentibus brunneo variis :
subtis albus, pectoris lateribus brunneo lavatis : rostro flavo, versiis apicem nigricante: pedibus sordidé
flavis : iride nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head, back of the neck, and all the upper surface greyish brown, the feathers of the back
and the upper tail-coverts edged with paler brown ; the face and sides of the neck dusky grey mottled
with brown ; throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure white, stained on the sides of the breast with
brown ; quills and tail-feathers brownish black. Irides black ; bill yellow, stained towards the tips with
black; legs and feet dull yellow. Total length 20 inches ; wing, from flexure, 13°25 ; tail 5-5 ; bill,
following the curvature of upper mandible 2°5, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 2:5;
tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2°6.

Captain Hurton states that this species is “very common on the coast ;” but I have never myself
seen a specimen in New Zealand, nor do the local museums contain any. That it is extremely
abundant, however, in certain latitudes may be inferred from the following notice of this species ;
in Darwin’s ‘ Voyage of a Naturalist :’—“I do not think I ever saw so many birds of any one sort
together as I once saw of these behind the island of Chiloe. Hundreds of thousands flew in an
irregular line for several hours in one direction. When part of the flock settled on the water the
surface was blackened, and a noise proceeded from them as of human beings talking in the
| distance.”

Ogee -

Orpur ANSERES. | (Fam. PROCELLARIID A.

PROCELLARIA CHRULEA

(BLUE PETREL.)

Blue Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 415 (1785). Pr
Procellaria cerulea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1788, ex Lath.). Pr
Pachyptila cerulea, Wliger, Prodr. p. 275 (1811). Pr
Procellaria similis, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 59 (1844). Ri
Procellaria forsteri, Smith, Tl. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 411 (1849). Rh
Halobena cerulea, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). : Co
Fulmarus ceruleus, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 107 (1871). Co

v7 ))

Ad. supra claré cinereus, pileo summo brunnescente lavato : tectricibus alarum minimis et ala spuria brunuescen- Fu
tibus: remigibus extis brunnescenti-cinereis, intts albis, secundariis clarits cinereis: cauda obscuré Fu

cinereé albo terminatd, rectrice extim4 albicante: fronte, loris, supercilio indistincto, facie laterali et
corpore subtiis toto albis, pectoris superioris lateribus et hypochondriis imis cinereis : rostro rufescenti- F

. supY
brunneo, culmine et apice saturatioribus : pedibus flavicanti-albidis : iride nigra. AG. 5

Adult. Upper surface pale ashy grey, darker on the scapulars and washed on the crown of the head with d
brown ; the whole of the small wing-coverts as well as the primary coverts greyish brown; forehead, c
sides of the face, an indistinct line over the eyes, the throat, fore neck, and all the under surface pure Vee
white, stained on the sides of the breast and on the lower part of flanks with ashy grey ; outer primaries b
greyish brown, with black shafts, whitish on their inner webs ; inner primaries and secondaries dark grey
on their outer webs; middle tail-feathers greyish brown, largely tipped with white, the lateral ones ) Adult.
uniform dark grey, and the outermost one on each side entirely white. Irides black; bill reddish
brown, darker on the ridge and at the tips; legs and feet yellowish white, with brown claws. Length
11°5 inches; wing, from flexure, 8°5; tail 3°5; bill, following curvature of upper mandible 1°3, from
gape to extremity of lower mandible 1:4; tarsus 1:2; middle toe and claw 1°6.

‘THERE 1s only one specimen of this Petrel in the Auckland Museum ; and it does not occur, so far n
as I am‘aware, in any other collection in the colony. Mr. Gould, however, states that he found n
it “ very abundant off the north-east coast of New Zealand” in May 1840, and that he observed | a
it in every part of the ocean he traversed between the 40th and 55th degrees of south latitude, fl
both in the Atlantic and Pacific. 1

I Have
obtaine
hever Y
of the ]

PF, ,
%. Phy Ny,
ty

eae and tut 7 jatitue

Orpvrer ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIID.

PROCELLARIA COOKIL

(COOK’S PETREL.)

Procellaria cookii, Gray in Dieff. Trav. ii. p. 199 (1843).
Procellaria leucoptera, Gould, P.Z. 8. 1844, p. 57.

Procellaria brevipes, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exp., ee p. 294 (1848).
Rhantistes cooki, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (185

Rhantistes velox, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 Here

Cookilaria lewcoptera, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 190 (1857).
Cookilaria velox, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 190 (1857).

Aistrelata cookii, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 152.
Fulmarus cookii, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 106 (1871).

Fulmarus leucopterus, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 106 (1871).

Ad. supra saturaté cinereus, plumis quibusdem pallidiis terminatis: ald toté nigricanti-brunned, primariis et

secundariis intus albis, his feré omnino albis : recticibus centralibus cinerascentibus, reliquis albo variis,
duabus externis intus puré albis: fronte ae cinerascenti-nigro vari: regione sub-oculari conspicué
cinerascenti-nigra: facie laterali et corpore subtts albis, pectoris lateribus cinereo lavatis et minuté
variis: subalaribus albis, exterioribus plus minusve nigricantibus: rostro nigro: pedibus flavicanti-
brunneis, palmis pallidioribus: iride nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part and sides of the neck, the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts dark

ashy grey, the tips of some of the feathers paler ; entire upper surface of the wings blackish brown, the pri-
maries largely, and the secondaries entirely white on their inner webs ; the forehead white, each feather
largely centred with greyish black, imparting a spotted appearance to the surface ; under the eyes a
broad mark of greyish black; sides of the face, throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure white,
stained and freckled on the sides of the breast with ashy grey; under surface of wings white, largely
marked with greyish black along the outer edges; middle tail-feathers dark ashy grey, the lateral ones
mottled or freckled, and the two outermost ones on each side entirely white on their inner webs. Irides
and bill black ; legs and feet yellowish brown, with paler webs. Total length 12°5 inches; wing, from
flexure, 9°25; tail 4; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 1:4, length of lower mandible
1:5; bare tibia °5 ; tarsus 1‘2; middle toe and claw 1°5.

I nAvE taken the above description from the type specimen in the British Museum, which was
obtained off the New-Zealand coast. The species appears, however, to be very rare; and I have
never met with it, although Captain Hutton informs me that there is a specimen in the collection
of the Rev. R. Laishley, at Auckland.

282

Orver ANSERES,]

[Famw. PROCELLARIIDA

PROCELLARIA GOULDL

(GREY-FACED PETREL.)

Piterodroma macroptera, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 449 (1865, nec Smith).
Aistrelata gouldii, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. ii. p. 79 (1869).
Procellaria gouldi, Hutton, Cat. Birds N. Z. p. 47 (1871).

Ad. fuliginoso-niger, subtis brunnescentior : fronte, loris, et facie anticd albicanti-cinereis: rostro et pedibus
nigris: iride nigra.
Adult. General plumage sooty black, tinged with brown on the underparts ; forehead and parts surrounding
the base of the bill whitish grey, shading gradually into the darker plumage. Irides, bill, and feet
black. Total length 17 inches; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge
of lower mandible 1-75; tarsus 1:5; middle toe and claw 2°5.

Remarks. The form of this Petrel is rather slender ; the tailis long and cuneate ; and the wings, when folded,
extend about half an inch beyond it.

I Have taken the above description from the type specimen in the Auckland Museum. Captain
Hutton, who first distinguished the species, observes :-—* It is very common on the Tasmanian and
New-Zealand coasts, and is undoubtedly the bird that Mr. Gould refers to as the dark Petrel with
a grey face, which he shot off the coast of Tasmania, and which he suggests might be Procellaria
macroptera of Dr. A. Smith. According to that author, however, the bird he called P. macroptera
has no grey face, but a white circle round the eye and reddish-brown legs and feet, in all of which
respects it differs from the present bird.”

An egg of this species, in the Auckland Museum, which was obtained on Katikati Island, in
the Gulf of Hauraki, is of a re

and is of a dirty white colour.

gular oval form, measuring 2°6 inches in length by 1:75 in breadth,

N
ose AC

Tus ch;
of them
Suffer y
Sometiy
Watcheg

2DG the wines

Ugs, When folded,

ackland Museum. Captain

n on the Tasmanian and
s to as the dark Petrel mith
pests might be Procellana
vird he called P. macropter
pgs and feet, in all of which
ined On Katikati Island, 1

as |
ylioD bread,
1 ic 7

|

Lwoth ft)

: r
ngth t

Ornver ANSERES. | [Famu. PROCELLARIID A.

PRION TURTUR

(DOVE PETREL.)

Procellaria turtur, Kuhl, Monogr. Procell. p. 148, pl. xi. fig. 8 (1820, ex Banks MS.).
Prion turtur, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1844).

Prion ariel, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1844).

Halobena typica, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856).

Procellaria ariel, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Proc. p. 18 (1863).

Pseudoprion turtur, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166.

Pseudoprion ariel, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166.

‘ Native name.—Whiroia.

X

Ad. supra pulchré et saturaté cinereus, scapularibus brunnescentibus albo terminatis: tectricibus alarum dorso
concoloribus, minimis brunnescentibus: remigibus fuliginoso-brunneis, intis albis, secundariis cinereis :
cauda cinerea, ad apicem brunneo fasciata: facie anticd albAé minuté cinereo punctulatd: supercilio albo
ab oculo postico supra regionem paroticam ducto: plumis subocularibus et regione parotica cinereis :
facie laterali et corpore reliquo subtts albo, pectore laterali summo et hypochondriis imis pulchré cine-
reis: subalaribus albis: rostro claré cinereo, ad basin nigricante; pedibus pallidé cinereis, anticé viridi
lavatis, palmis albicanti-canis: iride nigricanti-brunnea.

Adult. Crown of the head, back of neck, and upper parts generally delicate blue-grey ; a small spot in front
of the eyes and a streak below them greyish black; space surrounding the bill, the lores,«a broad line
above and continued beyond the eyes, the throat, fore neck, and all the under surface pure white, tinged
on the sides of the body and flanks with blue-grey; the primaries and their coverts are black on their
outer webs; a black band.with fading edges covers the smaller wing-coverts, and passes across the lower
region of the back and the scapulars, leaving the tips of the latter white; and when the wings are
expanded this assumes the form of a crescent; the middle tail-feathers are blackish towards the tips,
and their under-coverts are tinged with blue. Irides brownish black; bill bluish grey, darker on the
sides, and inclining to black at the base; legs and feet light blue, tinged with green in front, the webs
whitish grey. Total length 10 inches; extent of wings 20°5 ; wing, from flexure, 6; tail 3°5; bill, along
the ridge 1, greatest width at base ‘4, length of lower mandible *75; tarsus 1:1; middle toe and claw 1°5.

Tuts charming little Petrel is extremely abundant off our coasts, and I have often observed flocks

of them on the wing together numbering many hundreds. In boisterous weather it appears to

suffer more than any other oceanic species from the fury of the tempest, and the sea-beach is

sometimes found literally strewn with the bodies of the dead and dying. I have frequently

watched them battling, as it were, with the storm, till at length, unable longer to keep to wind-

310

ward, they have been mercilessly borne down upon the sands, and being unable, from sheer
exhaustion, to rise on the wing again, have been beaten to death by the rolling surf or pounced
upon and devoured by a hovering Sea-Gull. On picking them up and placing them in the pocket
of my overcoat, they have soon revived, and in some instances have lived for several days on a diet
of fresh meat, minced into small pieces. From the increased activity they always manifested on
the approach of night, seeking the darker corners of the room and fluttering about in a very
excited manner, with a rapid twittering note, I conclude that, whether at sea or on land, this
Petrel is more nocturnal than diurnal in its habits. During the day the eyes were always half
closed, imparting a peculiar fretful expression to the face. One circumstance interested me
much, as illustrating the force of habit. On taking up one of these birds and inserting its bill in
a glass of water, it at once commenced to move its feet, as if in the act of swimming or treading
the waves. I repeated the experiment many times, and always with the same result.

In rising from a plane surface I observed that they always accomplished it by running a few
feet with the wings outstretched, so as to give the body an impetus forward; and they seemed
never to tire of climbing over the armchairs or other inclined surfaces in the room, using both

wings and feet in this operation. At sea they are very active on the wing, and are rarely seen to
rest on the water; they hover over the rolling billows, and dance, fairy-like, in the trough of the
sea, sometimes poising their bodies like butterflies over a flower, at others cutting the air with the
swiftness of a meteor, and always apparently intent on the one object of seeking the small marine
animals on which they feed.

ogose AN

Ad. simil

Adult.

THE pro
unwillin

Mr
and that
is the m
inhabiti:
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Cay
can be f
more th
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much tl

form jg

ov sult,
“pUshed it by

: ~~ 48 OV ron, s
eo TONING 9 fom
ard; and ther «
OM, Using both
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ng 1 are Tately seen ty
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ms ct ith the
| shine tha . 1
t seeking the small mary

Orprr ANSERES. | [Famu. PROCELLARIIDA.

PRION BANKSIL

(BANKS’S DOVE PETREL.)

Prion banksii, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1844).

Prion rossti, Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Anseres, p. 165 (1844).
Pachyptila banksi, Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Birds, pl. lv. (1849).
Procellaria banksii, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Proc. p. 17 (1863).
Pseudoprion banksti, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166.

Ad. similis P. turturi, sed rostro latiore, pileo saturatiore et caudé nigro latits terminaté distinguendus.
Adult. Plumage similar to that of P. turtur, but with the crown of the head darker, and a broader terminal
band of black on the tail: distinguished by its broader bill. Total length 11:5 inches; wing, from
flexure, 9; tail 3:5; bill, along the ridge 1°35, greatest width at the base -6, from gape to extremity

of lower mandible 1:35; tarsus 1:4; middle toe and claw 1°5.

THE propriety of retaining the above specific distinction appears to me very doubtful; but I am
unwilling to dismiss the supposed species till the subject has been further investigated.

Mr. Gould, in treating of the group, says that Prion ariel is much smaller than P. turtur,
and that the pectination of the bill is not discernible when that organ is closed, that P. turtur
is the most delicate in colour as well as the most slender and elegant in form of the four species
inhabiting the southern ocean, that P. banksii has the bill of a breadth intermediate between
that of P. turtur and that of P. vittatus and exhibiting the pectination of the mandibles when
closed, and that “ there is another and broader-billed species than P. vittatus” not yet described.

Captain Hutton,.writing on the same subject, observes :—‘ A regular sequence of the Prions
can be formed from P. vittatus to P. ariel; and therefore I do not think it desirable to retain
more than three specific names, to mark each end and the centre of the chain; and ariel, as
the latest, will have to be omitted. On the New-Zealand coast the intermediate (P. banksiz) is
much the most common” *.

~ In the last observation I cannot concur; for P. turtur is certainly far more plentiful on every
part of the coast that I have visited; and, as already mentioned in treating of the species,
numbers are cast ashore after every gale of wind. According to my experience the broad-billed
form is comparatively rare ; and the local museums possess very few specimens.

* Cat. Birds of New Zealand, 1871, p. 80.

Orvrr ANSERES.] [Faw. PROCELLARIIDA.

PRION- VATTATUS.

(BROAD-BILLED DOVE PETREL.)

Broad-billed Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 414 (1785).
Procellaria vittata, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1788, ex Lath.).
Procellaria forsteri, Lath. Ind. Orn, ii. p. 827 (1790).

Prion vittatus, Lacép. Mém. de l’Inst. 1800, p. 514.

Pachyptila vittata, Mliger, Prodr. p. 275 (1811).

Procellaria latirostris, Bonn. et Vieill. Enc. Méth. i. p. 81 (1823).
Pachyptila forsteri, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 374 (1837).

_ Ad. similis P. banksii, sed saturatior: pileo et facie laterali nigricanti-cinereis: tectricibus alarum brunneo
lavatis: statura majore et rostro conspicué latiore facilé distinguendus.

Adult. Similar to P. banksi, but darker, the crown of the head, the sides of the face, and the ear-coverts
being blackish grey, and the wing-coverts shaded with brown: distinguished by its larger size and
much broader bill. Total length 12°5 inches’; wing, from flexure, 8:25; tail 3°5; bill, following the
curvature of upper mandible 1-5, greatest width at the base -8, from gape to extremity of lower
mandible 1-7; tarsus 1:2; middle toe and claw 1°6.

ALTHOUGH closely resembling the preceding species in the colours of the plumage, this Prion
may be readily distinguished by the peculiar form of its bill, which is much dilated at the base,
and very conspicuously pectinated along the edges. I have taken the above measurements from
a fine specimen obtained by Mr. Henry Travers on Pitt’s Island.

Two eggs of this species, collected by Macgillivray on the island of St. Paul, in the Indian
Ocean, are pure white, and measure 2 inches in length by 1:5 in breadth.

ANS
ORDsE aa

Ad. supra
bri

Tue Diy
and livin
movemer
Latham .
hen.”
Septemb

Py p
* Pho
Ly

[Fam. PROCELLARITD AS,

Orper ANSERES. |

PELECANOIDES URINATRIX.,

(DIVING-PETREL.)

Diving Petrei, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p- 413 (1785).

Procellaria urinatrix, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1788, ex Lath.).

Pelecanoides urinatrix, Lacép. Mém. de V'Inst. 1800, p. 517.

Halodroma urinatrix, Wiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 274 (1811).

Procellaria tridactyla, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 149 (1844).

Puffinuria urinatrix, Gould, B. of Austr. pl. 60 (1848).

Haladroma berardii, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 206 (1857, nec Temm.).
Ad. supra nitenti-niger, scapularibus albo apicaliter vix notatis: collo laterali fuscescenti-cinereo : fronte
brunnescente: subtis albus, hypochondriis cinereo lavatis: rostro nigro: pedibus cyanescentibus,

DUS alap }
~" SPUN Orin
Orunney

viridi tinctis, palmis cyanescenti-albis : iride nigra.

» @0C the Car-COverts

Adult. Crown and sides of the head, hind neck and all the upper surface shining steel-black; the forehead

y MS larger sie and
llowine th tinged with brown, the sides of the neck dusky, and the scapulars touched with white ; throat, fore
” hla neck, and all the underparts pure white; the sides of the body and flanks sometimes stained with grey.
extremity of lower A - : : : - i
eh, Irides and bill black ; legs and feet cobalt, tinged with green, the webs bluish white. Length 9°5

inches ; extent of wings 16°5 ; wing, from flexure, 5-5; tail 2; bill, along the ridge *75, along the edge

of lower mandible -75; tarsus 1; middle toe and claw 1°5.
plumage, this Prm
1 ot the haw. Tue Diving-Petrel is very common in the seas surrounding New Zealand, consorting in flocks,

3°} ] ot th
11Ats 4 C Uae
] :

ia és ain and living on medusee and other marine productions. Its flight consists of a rapid fluttering
ee movement along the surface of the water; and it dives through the waves with amazing agility.
Latham states that they “croak like frogs, and sometimes make a noise like the cackling of a

n the Indial Pears ; : ; ae :
r ” My description is taken from a specimen picked up on the Waikanae beach in

hen.
September 1863.

Orprr ANSERES. | (Fam. PROCELLARIID.

PELECANOIDES BERARDI

(BERARD’S DIVING-PETREL.)

Procellaria bérard, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. Uran. Zool. p. 135 (1824).
Haladroma berardii, Temm. Pl. Col. 517 (1831).
Pelecanoides berardii, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 646 (1844).

Ad. similis P. urinatrici, sed rostro tenuiore, pedibus flavicantibus, palmis nigricantibus.

Adult. Similar to P. urinatriz, but with a more slender bill, and having the legs and feet yellowish, with
dark webs. Length 7 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4°25; tail 1°5 ; bill, following the curvature of upper
mandible *6, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 8; tarsus °75; middle toe and claw 1:1

I wAvE taken the above description from a specimen obtained by Mr. Henry Travers on Pitt’s
Island, in January 1872, this being my authority for admitting the species into our list of birds.
It is very closely allied to P. urinatrix; and its habits of life are doubtless the same.

N
OgpEk -

Ad. omni
di

Tus sp
of fifty
resortiny
ground
the nati
own fat.
It
Strait, :
Island :

si} 2

dle toe and ,J.
HC Clay l']

M

species into our list of birds
~ VU,

shel *-
AULICSS the Same.

ury ature of Une

rt. Henry Travers op Pitts

Orper ANSERES.] [Fau. PROCELLARITDA.

PUFFINUS BREVICAUDUS.

(BRANDT’S SHEARWATER.)

Puffinus brevicaudus, Brandt, MS.; undé

Priofinus brevicaudus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856).

Nectris brevicaudus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 201 (1857).
Nectris brevicauda, Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1864, p. 127.
Puffinus brevicaudatus, Hutton, Cat. Birds New Zeal. p. 45 (1871).

Native name.—Titi.

Ad, omnino fuliginosus, corpore superiore brunnescente lavato: rostro nigricanti-brunneo, mandibulé palli-
diore: pedibus vinascenti-cinereis: iride nigra.

Adult. Entire plumage sooty or blackish grey, the upper surface strongly tinged with brown. rides black ;
bill blackish brown, the under mandible paler; legs and feet vinous-grey ; the webs yellowish flesh-
colour, blackish-brown towards the edges. Total length 15 inches; wing, from flexure, 10°75 ; tail 3°75 ;
bill, along the ridge 1:5, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 1:8; tarsus 1:75; middle toe and
claw 2°25.

Tus species of Petrel is very abundant on our coasts, and retires inland, sometimes to a distance
of fifty miles, to breed. It nests in underground burrows, forming often large colonies, and
resorting to the same breeding-place year after year. There is said to be an extensive nesting-
ground of this kind in the Kaimanawa ranges in the Taupo-Patea country. At certain seasons
the natives collect large numbers of these birds and preserve them in calabashes, potted in their
own fat, either for future use or as gifts to neighbouring tribes.

It is extremely abundant in the seas surrounding Tasmania and among the islands in Bass’s
Strait, to some of which it resorts in countless numbers for the purpose of breeding. Green
Island is described as the great Petrel nursery; and a most interesting account thereof, by
Mr. Davies, may be found in the second volume of the ‘Tasmanian Journal.’ The following
extracts must suffice:—-“ About the commencement of September these birds congregate in
immense flocks, and shortly afterwards proceed, at sunset, to the different isles upon which they
have established their rookeries. Here they remain during the night for the space of about ten
days, forming their burrows and preparing for the ensuing laying-season. They then leave and
continue at sea for about five weeks. About the 20th November, at sunset, a few come in to lay,
and gradually increase in numbers until the night of the 24th. Still there are comparatively few,

and a persor would find some difficulty in collecting two dozen eggs on the morning of that day.

It is not in my power to describe the scene that presents itself at Green Island on the night of

the 24th November. A few minutes before sunset flocks are seen making for the island from
202

316

every quarter, and that with a rapidity hardly conceivable. When they congregate together, so
dense is the cloud, that night is ushered in full ten minutes before the usual time. The birds
continue flitting about the island for nearly an hour, and then settle upon it. The whole island
is burrowed; and when I state that there are not sufficient burrows for one-fourth of the birds to
lay in, the scene of noise and confusion that ensues may be imagined; I will not attempt to
describe it. On the morning of the 25th the male birds take their departure, returning again in
the evening; and so they continue to do until the end of the season...... Besides Green
Island the principal rookeries of these birds are situated between Flinders Island and Cape
Barren and most of the smaller islands in Furneaux’s group. The eggs and cured birds form a
great portion of the food of sealers, and, together with the feathers, constitute the principal
articles of their traffic....... It takes the feathers of forty of these birds to weigh a pound;
consequently sixteen hundred must be sacrificed to make a feather bed of forty pounds weight.
Notwithstanding the enormous annual destruction, I did not, during the five years I was in the
habit of visiting the Strait, perceive any sensible diminution in their number. The young birds
leave the rookeries about the latter end of April, and form one scattered flock in Bass’s Strait. I
have actually sailed through them from Flinders Island to the heads of the Tamar, a distance of
eighty miles. They shortly afterwards separate into dense flocks, and finally leave the coast.”

The following extract from Flinders’s Voyage (vol. i. p. 170), describing a single flight of
these birds, will give the reader an idea of their prodigious numbers :—‘‘'There was a stream
from fifty to eighty yards in depth and three hundred yards or more in breadth; the birds were
not scattered, but were flying as compactly as a free movement of their wings seemed to allow;
and during a full hour and a half this stream of Petrels continued to pass without interruption,
at a rate little inferior to the swiftness of the Pigeon. On the lowest computation I think the
number could not have been less than a hundred millions. Taking the stream to have been fifty
yards deep by three hundred in width, and that it moved at the rate of thirty miles an hour, and
allowing nine cubic yards of space to each bird, the number would amount to 151,500,000. The
burrows required to lodge this quantity of birds would be 75,750,000; and allowing a square
yard to each burrow, they would cover something more than 18} geographic square miles of
ground.”

Mr. Gould describes the egg as being of snowy whiteness, and measuring 2°75 inches in

length by 1:9 in breadth; and he adds :—“ The white or albumen forms a very large proportion
of its contents; and it is remarkable that a small part of both the yolk and the white remains
soft and watery, however long the egg may be boiled.”

pz AN

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fp the coast,”

ere was as stream

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Orper ANSERES. |

[ Fam. PROCELLARIIDA:.

PUFFINUS TRISTIS.

(SOMBRE SHEARWATER.)

Procellaria tristis, Forster, Descr. An. p. 205 (1844).
Puffinus tristis, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 2

Nectris amaurosoma, Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1864, p. 124.
Puffinus amaurosoma, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 102 (1871).

Ad. similis P. brevicaudo, sed major et obscurior, plumis corporis superioris sordidé brunneo marginatis: subtis

interdum pallidior :

rostro cinerascenti-nigro, culmine flavicanti-brunneo: pedibus diluté cyanescen-

tibus, palmis pallidé brunneis: iride nigra.

Adult.

in some specimens lighter grey on the throat and underparts of the body.

Entire plumage blackish grey, the feathers of the upper parts narrowly Aaecer with dull eee
Tri dul

s black; bill

greyish black, inclining to yellowish-brown on the ridge; tarsi and toes pale blue, ae webs pale me

Total length 15 inches; wing, from flexure, 11°5; tail 3°5;

lower mandible 2

; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the edge of

‘1; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2°3.

luis bird, of which there are two specimens in the Canterbury Museum, resembles Puffinus brevi-
caudus, but is appreciably larger, as will be seen on referring to their respective measurements.
I believe Captain Hutton is right in his identification of this species as the true P. tristis of
Forster’s description, the type of which is in the British Museum.

It is said to be extremely abundant at Stewart’s Island and on the adjacent coast of New

Zealand.
in length by 2 in breadth.

The egg is described as white, stained with reddish brown, and measuring 3-25 inches

Orpen ANSERES. | (Fam. PROCELLARIIDA

PUFFINUS GAVIUS,

(FORSTER’S SHEARWATER.)

Procellaria gavia, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 148 (1844).

Puffinus opisthomelas, Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1864, p. 139.

Astrelata gavia, Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1866, p. 154.

Puffinus assimilis, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Instit. vol. i. p. 161 (1868, nec Gould).

Ad. supra nitidé brunnescenti-niger : facie laterali et corpore subtts toto albis: rostro sordidé plumbeo, man-
dibula pallidiore: pedibus flavicanti-albis, exttis nigro limbatis : iride nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head, nape, and all the upper surface, including the wings and tail, glossy brownish
black ; sides of the face, throat, fore neck, and all the under surface white. |: Irides brownish black ; bill
dark grey, lighter on the under mandible ; tarsi and toes flesh-white, inclining to yellow, and stained
with black on their outer edges.\\ Total length 14 inches ; extent of wings 27:5 ; wing, from flexure, 8°5 ;
tail 3; bill, along the ridge 1:4, along the edge of lower mandible 1°75; tarsus 1-5; middle toe and
claw 2.

Tuts species of Petrel, which enjoys a wide oceanic range, is comparatively common in the seas
surrounding New Zealand ; and after stormy weather it is frequently picked up, either dead or

in an exhausted state, among the sea-drift on the open strand. I have in this manner obtained

very fine examples on the northern shore of Cook’s Strait; and the various local Museums con-
tain specimens from other parts of the coast, both north and south.

Pro
Th a
Fre
Pro

Ad. faligi

Occasic
Aucklai
who me
New Ze
waves ni
length
course
D
for day
Chathe
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4 Orow! ush } Olack : hil
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ng, from flexure, 85:
55 tarsus 15.

s

middle toe and

atively common in the seas
y picked up, either dead or
ve in this SaaS

sarious local Museums cot

or, Pltmbeo May.

Orprer ANSERES. | (Fam. PROCELLARIIDA,

THALASSIDROMA MELANOGASTER.

(BLACK-BELLIED STORM-PETREL.)

Procellaria grallaria, Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 83 (1823).
Thalassidroma melanogaster, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 367 (1844).
Fregetta melanogastra, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856).

Procellaria melanogastra, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Proc. p. 6 (1863).

Ad. fuliginoso-brunneus, tectricibus alarum majoribus pallidiis brunnescentibus: gulé albo varia, plumis basa-
iter albis: corporis lateribus, supracaudalibus, subalaribus et axillaribus albis: subcaudalibus fuliginosis
albo terminatis : rostro et pedibus nigris: iride nigra.

Adult. General plumage sooty black, darker on the wings and tail; sides of the body, flanks, and long
upper tail-coverts pure white; some of the under tail-coverts on each side edged with white; long
inner wing-coverts and axillary plumes pure white. Irides black; bill and legs black. Total length
9 inches ; wing, from flexure, 6°5 ; tail 3; bill, along the ridge ‘75, along the edge of lower mandible ‘9 ;
bare tibia °75; tarsus 1°5; middle toe and claw 1:1

OccasIoNAL examples of this Storm-Petrel are recorded; and specimens are to be found in the
Auckland, Nelson, and Canterbury Museums, all obtained on the adjacent coasts. Mr. Gould
who met with it in great abundance, in March 1840, between the eastern coast of Australia and
New Zealand, observes :—“It is a bird of powerful flight, and pats the surface of the rising
waves more frequently than any other species that came under my notice; or perhaps the great
length of its legs rendered this action more conspicuous. Its habits and general economy are of
course very similar to those of the other members of the genus.”

During stormy weather it often follows in the wake of the labouring vessel, and apparently
for days together. I observed this myself, in 1856, during a severe gale, experienced off the
Chatham Islands, which lasted nearly a fortnight. These Storm-Petrels followed us day and
night; and it was some relief to the extreme monotony and misery of our situation (for our vessel
was a mere schooner of 80 tons) to watch the movements of these fairy-like beings as they
danced among the surging billows, running with fluttering wings in the hollow of the waves, and

then hovering over their foaming crests with the lightness of summer butterflies. I observed

that the same individual bird often remained in our wake for considerable distances, without ever
resting on the water or changing its course for one moment, its powers of endurance being truly
wonderful.

320

I found, on inquiry, that seamen make no distinction between this species of Storm-Petrel
and its congeners, calling them all “ Mother Carey’s chickens,” and resenting as a positive sin any
attempt to shoot or capture these “spirits of departed sailors,” as they facetiously term them, to
whom they profess to commit the destinies of the voyage.

Like the other members of the group, it subsists on small mollusks, meduse, and any kind of
greasy substance that may be floating on the water.

oxosn A

Oxper ANSERES.]} [Fam. PROCELLARIID&.

} THALASSIDROMA FREGATA.

(WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL.)

Procellaria fregata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 212 (1766).

Frigate Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 410 (1785).

Procellaria marina, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 826 (1790).

Thalassidroma marina, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p- 17 (1844),
Thalassidroma hypoleuca, Moquin-Tandon, Orn. Canar. p- 45 (c. 1850).
Pelagodroma marina, Reich. Syst. Av. p. iv. (1852).

Pelagodroma fregata, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856).

Ad. supra cinerascenti-fuliginosus, pileo saturatiore : uropygio imo et supracaudalibus clarits cimeraceis :
tectricibus alarum brunnescentibus, majoribus pallidioribus: remigibus et rectricibus brunnescenti-
nigris : fronte cum supercilio distincto, facie laterali et corpore subtus toto albis: plumis cireumocula-
ribus et regione auriculari cinerascenti-fuliginosis: collo laterali, hypochondriis imis et subcaudalibus
claritis cineraceis: rostro nigro: pedibus nigris, palmis flavicantibus : iride saturate rufescenti-nigra.

Adult. Crown of the head, nape, and a broad patch from the under margins of the eyes spreading over the
ear-coverts sooty grey; upper surface sooty brown, darker on the wings, and changing to a light grey
on the upper tail-coverts; forehead, streak over the eyes, face, throat, and all the underparts pure
white, shading into grey on each side of the breast ; quills and tail-feathers brownish black, the former
greyish white on their inner webs. Irides dark reddish brown; bill black ; legs and feet black, the
webs yellowish. Total length 8 inches ; wing, from flexure, 6 ; tail 3; bill, following the curvature of
upper mandible ‘65, length of lower mandible -75 ; bare tibia -85 ; tarsus 1°5 ; middle toe and claw 1-4.

Tue White-faced Storm-Petrel appears to have a wide range over the southern ocean. It is not
so plentiful, however, off the New Zealand coast as the preceding species, although the habits of
the two birds appear to be precisely alike. Mr. Gilbert discovered it building in some of the
small islands lying off Cape Leuwin, in South Australia, in December; and he met with young
birds, almost ready to leave their holes, on East Wallaby Island, a month later. Its egg is de-
scribed as being pure white, and measuring 1°5 inch in length by 1:15 in breadth.

20

Orper ANSERES.] [Fam. PROCELLARIID A,

THALASSIDROMA NEREIS.

(GREY-BACKED STORM-PETREL.)

Thalassidroma nereis, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1840, p. 178.
Procellaria nereis, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856).

Ad. pileo colloque toto, cum interscapulio et tectricibus alarum minimis, et medianis exterioribus fuliginoso-
nigris: dorso postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum majoribus
canescentibus : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, secundariis vix canescente lavatis : caudé sordidé canes-

cente, ad apicem nigricante: gutture pallidits fuliginoso: corpore reliq btis albo, subalaribus exte-
rioribus brunneis: rostro nigro, versus basin mandibulz albicante : pede saturaté brunneis: iride
nigra.

Adult. Head, neck, and all the upper surface dark ash-grey; rump and upper tail-coverts paler, or
silvery grey; under surface pure white, the grey plumage presenting a distinct margin across the upper
part of the breast. Ivrides and bill black, the latter whitish towards the base of lower mandible ;
legs and feet dark brown. Length 6°5 inches; extent of wings 13; wing, from flexure, 5°5; tail 2°75;
bill, along the ridge ‘5, along the edge of lower mandible *55 ; bare tibia ‘6; tarsus 1:3; middle toe
and claw |

THERE is a single example of this rare species of Storm-Petrel in the Canterbury Museum.

It was originally discovered and described by Mr. Gould, who obtained four specimens
during a calm on his passage from Hobart Town to Sydney in May 1839, and who met with it
again a month earlier in the following year between New South Wales and the northernmost
point of New Zealand. This naturalist informs us that the sexes are alike in plumage, and do
not present any material difference in size.

The species is readily distinguishable from the other Storm-Petrels by the absence of white
on the rump. 7

onpze 4

AD

Ad. alt

Adu

Rem

me
Win,

iN

* Medar
) dia nis SXteRoribas fui
tea ASO).
tectrici} 1Dus —s Majonh
Cute |» : at
ay atis : Panda Sordide oy Canes.

120 51 8
ubtiix albo, Subalarib ey,

ped b US saturat
rate brunneis Tide

and upper tail-coverts paler, or
a distinct margin across the upper
urds the base of lower manith:
ing, from flexure, 5°5; tail 2;

» tibia “6 ; tarsus 1:3; middle te

ve Canterbury Museum.
obtained four speame

ch : : :
89 and who met with I

Ly 135

Wales @ )
like in plumage

1d the northermo
are @

el S by the absene f
c ‘ »

Orver ANSERES. } [ Fam. PELECANID-.

SULA SERRATOR

(AUSTRALIAN GANNET.)

Sula australis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 177 (nec Steph.).
Sula serrator, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 19 (1844).
Dysporus serrator, Finsch, J. f.O. 1867, p. 339

Native name.—Takapu.

Ad. albus: pileo et collo postico claré ochrascenti-fulvis: remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, scapis flavicantibus,
verstis apicem brunneis, secundariis intimis albis dorso concoloribus: caudé alba, rectricibus quatuor
centralibus brunneis, ad basin albis: rostro saturaté cano: regione ophthalmicA nuda cyanescenti-cana :
plagé nuda ad basin rostri et fascia gulari nudé nigricanti-canis: pedibus saturaté brunneis, tarso et

pedibus anticé viridibus: iride pallidé argentescenti-brunnea.

Adult. General plumage snowy white ; the crown of the head and back of the neck deep sienna-yellow ; the
primaries, secondaries, and four central tail-feathers brownish black, with white shafts, darkening towards
the tips. Inrides pale silvery brown ; bill dark pearl-grey ; bare space surrounding the eyes bluish grey ;
bare skin at the base of the beak and down the centre of the throat blackish grey; legs and feet dark
brown, with a broad line of bright apple-green down the front of the tarsus and continued on the toes.
Total length 35 inches; extent of wings 70; wing, from flexure, 19; tail'10; bill, along the ridge 3°5,
along the edge of lower mandible 4; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 3°75

Remarks. The form of this bird is specially adapted to its plunging-habits, the body being very elongated
and compressed on the sides, the neck long and powerful, and the head wedge-shaped in front, with a
flattened crown. ‘The throat is capable of great dilatation ; and the bill, which is longer than the head
and strongly formed, has a peculiar hinge-like development, the purpose of which is very obvious: on
each side of the rounded culmen there is a deep longitudinal furrow, which forks laterally about an inch
from the tip; below this the sides of the upper mandible are slightly convex, and towards the base there
is a jointed notch, which, being elastic, adds considerably to the expansive power of the bill, as a means
of seizure. A bare membrane, extending from the base of the upper mandible, occupies the lores, turns
sharply round the eyes, and ends in a narrow process about an inch in length and in a line with the
gape; a similar membrane covers the throat, and passing down the middle of the gular pouch, termi-
nates acutely. ‘The tongue is rudimentary, being only a quarter of an inch in length, and free at both
extremities. The nasal apertures are extremely small. The feet are strong, the toes webbed to their
extremities, the claws short and convex, the middle one being flat and pectinate on its inner edge. ‘The
tarsi and toes are armed anteriorly with a line of soft scutella, which differ in colour from the sur-
rounding parts. The total weight of the bird is only 3 lb.

‘HE Gannet is comparatively common on our coasts, and, during tempestuous weather, enters the
bays and harbours in quest of its food.

ONEe

324

It is a powerful flier ; and it is very interesting to watch it while in pursuit of its finny prey :
poising its body for an instant in mid-air, it plunges headlong into the sea, with a velocity that
makes the spray rise several feet, entirely disappearing under the surface for some seconds, and
then springing upwards with the buoyancy of a cork; after which it rests on the water for several
minutes, and then takes wing again, to renew the feat. In dull murky weather the snow-white
plumage of this bird, rendered more striking by the black extremities of the expanded wings,
makes it a very conspicuous object as it sails majestically overhead or scans the surface of the
rippling waves.

On one occasion, when riding down the coast between Manawatu and Otaki, I came sud-
denly upon a Gannet asleep on the smooth sandy beach, and, dismounting from my horse, I
succeeded in taking it before it awoke. It was a beautiful specimen, in full feather, and appa-
rently quite healthy; but it was probably worn out by fatigue and hunger, after a stormy day at
sea. The description at the head of this article was taken from this particular bird, which is now
in the Colonial Museum.

Colonel Haultain informs me that on the occasion of a visit to White Island, in the Bay of
Plenty, on Christmas day, he found thousands of young Gannets there. ‘They were clothed with
grey down, and were packed so closely together, that it was almost impossible to distinguish the
occupants of any single nest. The old birds manifested no fear at the presence of man, and,
where they were sitting on their eggs, required to be fairly pushed off before they would quit the
nest. It may be here mentioned that White Island is the top of a submerged volcanic cone, in
the centre of which there is a deep lake of hot water, like a vast caldron, constantly emitting
steam, with occasional outbursts of boiling water rising to the height of several hundred feet.
In the vicinity of this lake there are numerous round holes, in which boiling mud is kept in
violent agitation ; and the surface of the ground round these geysers is covered with great masses
of crystallized sulphur, deposited by the heated vapours. Altogether the island is a very remark-
able geological curiosity ; and, considering its normal heat and the sulphurous state of its atmo-
sphere, it seems a singular spot to be chosen as a nesting-ground.

Off the Kawhia shore, on the opposite or west coast, there is a bare rock, known to sailors
as Gannet Island, where another extensive breeding-place exists.

The eggs of the Gannet are very elliptical in form, measuring 3-1 inches in length by 1-8 in
breadth, the shell being of a greenish-white colour, covered over with a chalky substance, origi-
nally white, but yellowish-brown when soiled, and often much scratched by the action of the
bird’s feet.

OapEs B

Ad. sordi

Stormy rt at

4
Tticular bird, which 18 now

Vhite Island. in the
They Were

Bay of
clot} hed with
1possible to distinguish the
he presence of man, and,
before they Would quit the
ibmerged volcanic cone, in
aldron, constantly emittin
it of several hundred fect,
h boiling — is kept mn
: covered witl h great masses
he island is a very remark
Iphurous state of its atmo

are rock, known to sailors

A
inches in length by 13m
halky substance, ong

Lat
ction of the

‘hed by the 4

Onper ANSERES. }

[Fam. PELECANIDE,

PHALACROCORAX NOVA HOLLANDIA

(BLACK SHAG.)

New-Holland Shag, Lath. Gen. Hist. B. x. p. 431 (1824).
Phalacrocorax nove hollandie, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 93 (1826).
Phalacrocorax carboides, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1837, p. 156.
Graucalus carboides, Gray, in Dieff. Tray. ii. App. p. 201 (18483).
Gracalus carboides, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 20 (1844).
Graculus carboides, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251
Graculus carbo, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, 375.
Graculus nove hollandie, Gray, Hand-l. of B, iii. p. 127 (1871).

Native name.—Kawau.

Ad. sordidé indigotico-niger, nucha cristata, pileo summo et colli lateribus fasciis filamentosis parvis ornatis :
scapularibus cum tectricibus alarum et secundariis interioribus claré bronzino-brunneis, viridi-nigro
marginatis: primariis nigricanti-brunneis: caudd nigr4, supra vix cinerascente lavatd: plag& lata ab

Adult.

Obs.

oculo postico et subter gulam conjuncta albida :

corpore reliquo subtus indigotico-nigro, viridi nitente,

plagé hypochondriacaé maxima alba : rostro albido, culmine et apice brunnescentibus : plaga ophthalmica

guldque nudis leté flavis :

pedibus nigris :

iride thalassino-viridi,

Upper part of the head, neck all round, back, rump, and all the under surface of the body shining

greenish black ; shoulders, scapulars, and wing-coverts bronzy or coppery brown, breadly margined with
shining greenish black ; a broad patch crossing the throat and connecting the eyes, buffy white, some-
times tinged with yellow; on each thigh a large rounded spot of white, more or less conspicuous in
different examples; quills and tail-feathers black. Irides sea-green; bare skin round the eyes and on
the gular pouch rich yellow; bill whitish horn-colour, shading into brown on the culmen and towards
the tips; legs and feet jet-black. Total length 34°5 inches; wing, from flexure, 13°5; tail7; bill, along
the ridge 2°75, along the edge of lower mandible 3°5; tarsus 2; longest toe and claw 3°75.

In summer the male is adorned with numerous white linear feathers, scattered over the throat and
neck, and extending about half an inch beyond the permanent feathers; but these white plumes never
assume the dense character exhibited in the summer plumage of P. carbo, in which these parts, as well

as the crown, appear almost entirely white.

Young. Upper parts brown with a greenish gloss, deepening into greenish black on the lower part of back
and rump; mantle and wing-coverts dingy coppery brown with darker margins, the longer coverts
tipped with creamy white ; throat pale buff; sides of the head, front and sides of the neck dark brown
mottled with pale buff; centre of the breast and the abdomen yellowish white; the sides of the body
largely mottled with brown, varied more or less with greenish black ; quills and tail-feathers black.

326

Note. In my “ Further Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand,” read before the Wellington Philo-
sophical Society on the 12th of November, 1870, and published in the ‘Transactions of the New-
Zealand Institute’ (vol. iii. pp. 36-56), I stated my reasons for adopting the generic title of Phalacro-
corax (Brisson), in preference to Graculus; and a further consideration of the question has only tended
to confirm me in that decision. I have thought it right to make this statement, inasmuch as I find the
latter name adhered to both in Dr. Finsch’s latest revision of the nomenclature in the ‘ Journal fiir
Ornithologie’ (July 1872) and in Captain Hutton’s ‘Catalogue.’ Not only is Phalacrocorax the older
title, and therefore entitled to recognition ; but, as I have already pointed out (J. c.), there seems to be
no finality about the other name. In Mr. G. R. Gray’s first list (App. to Dieff. N. Z. vol. ii. p. 201)
it was written Graucalus, in his “ Birds of New Zealand ” (Voy. Ereb. and Terr. p. 20) it was changed to
Gracalus ; and in his later list (Ibis, 1862) it became Graculus, a term originally ped ee: by
Linnzus to the Green Cormorant of Europe, Pelecanus graculus (Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 2

AFTER comparing a large number of specimens, I feel no hesitation in keeping this form distinct
from the well-known P. carbo of Europe, although the two species are closely related and have
doubtless sprung from a common ancestor. In thus separating it, I am supported by Mr. Gould,
who had frequent opportunities of investigating the subject in Australia and Tasmania, where
this bird is very generally dispersed. ‘The same view was taken by Mr. G. R. Gray in his latest
arrangement of the group (Hand-list of Birds, 1871); and Mr. R. B. Sharpe has since adopted it
in his classification of the specimens in the British Museum. Dr. Finsch, on the other hand, is
of opinion that the New-Zealand bird ought not to be regarded as a species, and he accordingly
unites it to P. carbo. In this he is followed by Captain Hutton, who, however, in a letter quoted
by me on a former occasion*, expressed a very positive opinion to the contrary, adding :—“ I was
well acquainted with the latter in all seasons in the Crimea, and I am pretty well acquainted with
carboides up here (Waikato), and I feel sure that they are different.” In the critical notes
appended to his ‘Catalogue’ (1871), he writes: — Having compared many New-Zealand speci-
mens with one from Australia in the Colonial Museum, and with another from Scotland in the
Nelson Museum, I am convinced that they cannot be separated!” Conclusions thus hastily
formed, and resting on such imperfect data, do not appear to me entitled to much weight; and if
Captain Hutton has since had an opportunity of examining the fine European examples of P.
carbo in the Canterbury Museum, it is quite possible that he has once more changed his opinion.

The Black Shag is very common on our coasts and within the mouths of our tidal rivers.
Along the ocean-beach it is generally dispersed singly or in pairs, but on the sand-banks it often
congregates to the number of twenty or thirty. It walks with an awkward waddling gait, sup-
porting itself in part with its tail which is moved alternately to the right and left at every step.
It has a very fetid odour; and a person approaching a flock of these birds on the leeward side is
made sensible of this at a hundred yards or more. Its usual attitude on the beach is one of
repose, with the body inclined forward, the tail resting at full length on the ground, and the head
drawn in upon the shoulders. When disturbed, it instantly stretches up its neck, listens, and
watches attentively for a short time, and then, after a few ungainly steps, rises into the air with a
laboured flapping of its wings, and flies off in the direction of the sea, into which it speedily

* Trans. N. Z. Instit. 1870, vol. iii. p. 55.

plunge*
a large fli
and depl<
Like
obtains #
each dive
snterestin
force- V
upon the
from the
the surfa
appearan
I have 0
and batt
expansi0l

rostris), 1
its rude 1

by 1°6 in

n

sti h
Stat 10n ley,
eas at asm, ’ “Dey
.. ~RClatun, in . Sig
“% Only is D e°y t
~itited Out “s lrree
Any, es ™C.), th © Olde

rP. to Die N Cre g t
and Terr ee, Vol, ve
2 ores. it Was Rat
gen. applied aged
a. vol L. p, 217 Vby

1M keep;
“PING this form 2:
S are Clos . . a -
: Osely related and bays
&M suppo

1 Supported by Mr. Gould
a and T ASMania, Wher
y Mr.G may in hj
y Mr. G. R. Gray in his Late
, Sharpe I

Finsct

148 since adopted it
1, On the other hand.
& species, and he accordingly

), however, in a letter qu
he contrary, adding -—*I was

m pretty well acquainted with

rent.” In the critical note
red many New-Zealand spec

another from Scotland in th

Conclusions thus hast
‘tled to much weight; a i
ine European examples af 'é
ranged his opinuol:

}
% more ¢ Nes
vers:

he of our tidal 1
-banks it
sup
tp.

e mout
on the sand
wkward waddling &%
1 Jeft at every *

it

» neoht ane

seard siae
: the leeward
hirds on +< ope dl
1e on the beach » peat
senac i) d the 4
the groull - apd

n the 5 jjstens
1p its 2 . cithd

hes up ™ to the sini?
* on f

ops, 1ises 100" ail

: whl

g, 100

» Ste

327

plunges. When associated in pairs, they rise simultaneously, and fly off in company. Sometimes
a large flight of them may be observed high in the air, performing apparently a migratory passage,
and deployed in the form of a wedge, like a flight of Swans.

Like all the other members of the group, the Black Shag is an accomplished diver, and
obtains all its food in this manner. Twenty-five seconds appears to be the average duration of
each dive, although the bird is capable of remaining under water for a much longer time. It is
interesting to observe it facing a strong rolling surf and diving under the breakers to avoid their
force. When swimming in smooth water, it sometimes amuses itself by slapping its broad wings
upon the surface, producing a sound that may be heard to the distance of half a mile. It rises
from the water with apparent difficulty, and till it is fairly in the air it continues to strike
the surface violently with the tips of its wings; this will doubtless account for the ragged
appearance often presented by the ends of the primaries. It subsists on fish of various kinds; and
I have observed one capture a good-sized flounder, and after killing it by nipping with its bill,

and battering on the water, swallow it whole, the throat of this bird being capable of great
expansion.

It breeds in companies, and frequently in association with another species of Shag (P. brevi-
rostris), resorting for this purpose to the deep swamps in the vicinity of the sea-coast, and placing
its rude nest on the “ negro-heads” or swamp-tussocks, just above the surface of the water: this
structure is often three feet in diameter, and is composed of raupo flags, dry leaves, and twigs
roughly placed together, and rendered compact by the weight of the sitting bird. The eggs,
which are usually three in number, are of a perfect elliptical form, measuring 2°5 inches in length
by 1°6 in breadth, and are greenish white, with a thin covering of chalky matter.

Orvezr ANSERES. ] (Fam, PELECANIDA. |

quis §P

other Fé

PHALACROCORAX VARIUS. | pird. J

| quently

(PIED SHAG.) psidel

4 a

Pied Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 605 (1785). ane

Pelecanus varius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 576 (1788). alope
Carbo hypoleucus, Brandt, Bull. Acad. Imp. Pétersb. i. p. 55 (1837). as"

Phalacrocorax leucogaster, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 156. surprise
Graucalus varius, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii. App. p. 201 (1848). J not a

Gracalus varius, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Birds, p. 19 (1844). swim}
Pelecanus pica, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 104 (1844). sport.

Phalacrocorax hypoleucus, Gould, B. of Austr. vii. pl. 68 (1848). force of

Carbo fucosus, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exp. Birds, p. 268 (1848). has giv’

Hypoleucus varius, Reich. Syst. Av. p. vii (1852). it has t
Carbo leucogaster, Cass. U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 373 (1858). | It

Graculus varius, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251. ' it repai

Graculus leucogaster, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 128 (1871). descript

occupie

Native name.—Karuhiruhi. place o

were fo

Ad. pileo colloque toto, dorso postico cum uropygio et supracaudalibus sordidé indigotico-nigris: inter- ee

scapulio, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum saturaté cinerascentibus, plumis omnibus angusté viridi-
nigro marginatis: remigibus brunneis, extis cinerascentibus, secundariis interioribus cinerascentibus
externé viridi-nigro marginatis: caudé nigra : loris nudis leté aurantiacis : facie laterali tota et corpore
subtus albis, pectoris lateribus et hypochondriis imis tibiisque indigotico-nigris: subalaribus brunneis
viridi lavatis : rostro saturaté corneo, versus apicem et ad basin mandibule pallidiore: pedibus nigris :
iride pallidé thalassino-viridi: regione ophthalmica nuda leté indigotica.

Juv. similis adulto, sed corpore subtis et collo laterali brunnescenti-nigro variis.

Adult. Top of the head, back of the neck, lower part of back, rump, flanks, and thighs shining greenish
black ; shoulders, mantle, scapulars, and upper wing-coverts deep bronzy grey, each feather bordered
with velvety black ; quills and tail-feathers black, with polished shafts ; under surface of wings black,
slightly glossed with green ; sides of face, throat, front and sides of neck, and all the under surface pure
white. Inrides pale sea-green ; bare space in front of the eyes bright orange ; eyelids and naked skin .
below rich indigo-blue ; bill dark horn-colour, paler at the tips and towards the base of lower mandible;
legs and feet black. Total length 33°5 inches; wing, from flexure, 12°25; tail 6; bill, along the
ridge 3, along the edge of lower mandible 4; tarsus 2°5; middle toe and claw 3°75.

Young. Similar to the adult, but mottled with brownish black on the front and sides of the neck, and on
the underparts of the body.

Obs. The sexes are precisely alike in plumage.

;
:

Pay
{Ny
x

7
Ca

ean
337)
‘
enor ic lig D-n1eTIS ntet
s omnibus angusté rindi
ariis interioribus cinerascentou
is : facie laterali tota et corpor
nigris; subalaribus brumes
co-nigt: ul
hule pallidiore pedibus migts
a
bang reels
5s al - shining gre
ks, and thighs _ ° ie
ie +h feather bone
- grey, Cau- an
174) 459 a ; wings black;
. 1¢ r & race 0 . wu
ae ypder rface PP
ia tne Lu r js
ai “4. and nase
5 Te sill
rau. lower pal
the base" g the
rds th bill, along
9) tal
|?
» law O19
ck, we
: of the pers
. al a de

329

Tus species frequents the freshwater rivers, and is very seldom met with on the sea-coast. In
other respects its habits do not appear to differ in any material point from those of the preceding
bird. Its usual station is a fallen tree or a stump projecting from the water; and it may fre-
quently be seen spreading its wings to the sun, and sometimes remaining in that position for a
considerable time.

Dr. Haast has contributed* the following observations on the habits of this bird :—

“They are capital fishers; and one day I was witness how well they understood how to
procure their food. It was near the spot where one of the northern spurs of Mount Murchison
slopes down to the Buller, which here forms small falls and rapids. A Cormorant was standing
on an isolated rock, round which the foaming waters dashed down; and I was not a little
surprised to see him jump down into the white foam. In the first instance I thought he would
not get out again, but would be dashed to death by the whirling waters ; but soon he reappeared,
swimming rapidly towards the edge, and then flying on to his old observatory to continue his
sport. It is probable that small fishes are taken down by the falls, and, being stunned by the
force of the water, are easily caught by the courageous bird. This is a new proof that nature
has given to every animal the requisite physical strength to contend with the elements in which
it has to look for its subsistence.”

It usually nests in trees overhanging the water, several pairs being generally associated ; and
it repairs to the same station for many successive seasons. There is a “ shaggery” of this
description on the banks of the Wairoa river, north of Auckland, which appears to have. been
occupied for ten years or more, in spite of repeated molestation by the natives. I visited this
place on several occasions, but never succeeded in finding the eggs. I observed that the nests
were formed of a mass of twigs pressed into a compact structure, and that each of them con-
tained two young birds.

3 Ibis, 1862, Pp. 102.

Onvrr ANSERES.] [Fam. PELECANID&.

PHALACROCORAX BREVIROSTRIS. :
(WHITE-THROATED SHAG.) .

Phalacrocorax brevirostris, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 26.

Gracalus brevirostris, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, ve p. 20 (1844).
Carbo flavaquia, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 270 (184

Halieus brevirostris, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 577 (185 ae

Microcarbo brevirostris, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 178 (1857).

Carbo brevirostris, Cass. U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 375 (1858).

Native name.—Kawau-paka.

Ad. supra nitenti-niger, interscapulii plumis medialiter sordidé cinerascentibus: scapularibus et tectricibus
alarum cinerascentibus conspicué velutino-nigro marginatis : remigibus et rectricibus nigris, canescente
paullo lavatis » frontis nucheeque plumis elongatis, loris cum supercilio distincto, facie laterali guttureque
toto albis: subtis nitenti-niger: rostro flavicante, culmine et apice brunnescentibus: pedibus nigris :
iride saturaté brunnea.

Juv. omnin6 nitenti-niger: pileo et collo postico brunneo lavatis: gutture et facie laterali paulld cinerascen-
tibus: tectricibus alarum minimis brunneo marginatis.

Adult. General plumage glossy black, slightly tinged with green on the upper surface; a line of white
extends from the nostrils over the eyes, and, spreading into a patch beyond, covers the cheeks, throat,
and a large portion of the fore neck, often varying, however, in extent in different examples ; wing-
coverts and scapulars shining greyish black, bordered with satiny black ; quills and tail-feathers black,
with polished shafts. rides deep chocolate-brown ; naked skin in front of the eyes and bordering the .
pouch greenish yellow; bill bright yellow, changing to black on the ridge and towards the hook ; legs .
and feet black. Total length 24 inches; wing, from flexure, 9°5; tail 7-5; bill, along the ridge 1-5,
along the edge of lower mandible 2-4; tarsus 1:25; longest toe and claw 3

Obs. Some specimens exhibit a few short filamentous white feathers on the posterior sides of the head.

Young. Entire plumage glossy black, inclining to greyish white towards the base of lower mandible ; sides .
of the head, fore neck, and breast tinged with brown; mantle and upper wing-coverts greyish black,
with velvety borders and brownish tips. The bill has the upper mandible dark brown, with yellow
edges and tip, the lower mandible bright yellow, with wavy brown marks in the centre; legs and )
feet jet-black.

Tue White-throated Shag, which appears to be confined to New Zealand and the Chatham
Islands, frequents the freshwater rivers and lagoons in all parts of the country. Like some of
its congeners it is social or gregarious, obtains its subsistence by diving, and roosts at night on

XH
| a |
-
at
f. 4 ~ om EES,
iad aiCrail pa LUO Cinerascen.
rs [
: vers the cheeks, throat
-¥ _ mn -
t lifferent exampiss ;
79
A -
+. of the heal
. ees : if Lie uve
sor aes
ho sides
lower mal (DIE ; °
se O1 10" 1 Hack
af sreyish
or Wi low
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: yntry night”
ii ats al YO
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, av’

PHALACROCORAX BREVIROSTRIS.

PHALACROCORAX CARUNCULATUS.

the praJ
I have é
It
sails 10
and tail
La
alarmed
at a dis’
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interior
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the site
loosely
dry gras
2 inche:
and are

331

the branches of trees overhanging the water. Its food consists chiefly of eels and small fish; but
I have also found the stomach filled with freshwater shrimps.

It is very active on the wing, and often ascends to a considerable height in the air, and then
sails in wide circles. On these occasions, owing to its narrowness of body and length of neck
and tail, it has very much the appearance, when seen from below, of a flying cross.

Large numbers are sometimes congregated in the roosting-place ; and when disturbed or
alarmed, they rise into the air simultaneously and course about in a confused manner, resembling
at a distance a flight of Rooks.

Like the Black Sea-Shag, they retire to the “negro-head ” swamps and to the lakes of the
interior for the purpose of breeding, establishing themselves in large colonies, and returning to

the same “ shaggery ” year after year. The low scrub fringing the shores of a lake or lagoon is
the site usually selected; and the nests are constructed of broken twigs, dry flags, and rushes
loosely placed together to the thickness of several inches, with sometimes an upper layer of soft
dry grass. The eggs are generally four in number, elliptical in form, but varying in length from
2 inches to 2 5, with a breadth of 1:5; they are of a delicate greenish white, when freshly laid,
and are slightly incrusted with a chalky matter of a disagreeable odour.

PHALACROCORAX CARUNCULATUS.

(ROUGH-FACED SHAG.)

Carunculated Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 603 (1785).

- Tufted Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 606 (1785).
Pelecanus carunculatus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 576 (1788, ex Lath.).
Pelecanus cirrhatus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 576 (1788, ex Lath.).
Phalacrocorax imperialis, King, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 30.
Carbo purpurascens, Brandt, Bull. Sci. Acad. Imp. Pétersb. i. p. 56 (1837).
Graucalus cirrhatus, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (18438).
Gracalus cirrhatus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 19 (1844).
Urile carunculatus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 575 (1856).
Leucocarbo carunculatus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 176 (1857).
Graculus cirrhatus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251
Graculus carunculatus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 375.

Ad. pileo cristato cum collo postico, dorso postico, ee ti supracaudalibus nitidé purpurascentibus: inter-
scapulio, scapularibus alarumque tectricibus viridibus, illo purpurascente lavato, tectri-
cibus alarum minimis interioribus albis, fasciam albam conspicuam formantibus: remigibus brunneis,
secundariis olivaceo lavatis: caud4 sordidé nigra, rectricibus duabus centralibus medialiter cano lavatis,
scapis ad basin albis: facie et collo lateralibus purpurascenti-nigris pileo concoloribus: corpore reliquo
subtts puré albo: hypochondriis imis purpurascenti-nigris: subalaribus brunneis: rostro saturaté
brunneo, ad apicem albido: pedibus pallidé brunneis: iride pallidé brunned.

Adult. Head, including the crest, cheeks, hind part and sides of neck, back, rump, thighs, and upper tail-
coverts dark purplish or steel-blue, with a beautiful gloss; shoulders and scapulars dull shining olive-
green, the feathers of the former with burnished edges; upper wing-coverts dull olive-green, washed
more or less with purplish or steel-blue, the middle ones largely tipped with white, forming a conspi-
cuous alar bar; throat, fore neck, and all the under surface of the body pure white; wing-feathers
blackish brown, the secondaries washed with olive; under surface of wings dusky black ; tail-feathers
dull black, the two middle ones inclining to grey, and all having the shafts white at the base. Irides
light brown ; papillz in front of the eyes and bare skin at the base of lower mandible orange-red ; bill
dark brown, whitish at the tips; legs and feet pale brown. Total length 26 inches; wing, from
flexure, 10°75 ; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 2-25, along the edge of lower mandible 3; tarsus 2°25 ;
longest toe and claw 4°25,

My figure and description of this very handsome species are taken from a fine male bird obtained
by Mr, Henry Travers on Pitt’s Island on the 21st August, 1871; but I am unable to give any
further information respecting it. The colours of the soft parts were carefully noted by
Mr. Travers while the specimen was fresh.

Orper ANSERES. | [Fam. PELECANIDA.

(pes AS

and lag On

Orprr ANSERES.] [Fam. PELECANID A,

PHALACROCORAX MELANOLEUCUS.

(FRILLED SHAG.)

| Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, Vieill. N. Dict. viii. p- 88 (1817).

| Phalacrocoraz flavirhynchus, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1837, p. 157.

Graucalus flavirostris, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1848).
Gracalus melanoleucus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p- 20 (1844).
Graculus melanoleucus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251.

44), | Halieus melanoleucus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 577 (1856).

Microcarbo melanoleucus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 177 (1857).

Ad. pileo colloque postico et corpore supra nigris, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum viridi nitentibus, velutino-
nigro marginatis: pileo et collo lateralibus cum corpore subtis toto albis: corporis lateribus, subalaribus
et axillaribus nigris: rostro flavicanti-brunneo, culmine saturatiore: pedibus nigwis: iride saturaté
brunned: regione ophthalmica flava.

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and general upper surface, as well as the sides of the body,
flanks, axillary plumes, and inner lining of wings glossy black; wing-coverts and scapulars greenish
black, with ebony-black edges ; face, throat, fore part and sides of neck, and all the under surface pure
white ; wing-feathers and tail black. Inrides dark brown; space round the eyes yellow; bill yellowish
brown, deepening to black on the ridge; tarsi and feet black. The feathers of the forehead are narrow
and elongated, forming a slight vertical crest; the white plumage of the face and the feathers of the
hind head are likewise produced, forming tolerably distinct lateral and occipital crests. Length
24°5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9°5; tail 6°25; bill, along the ridge 1-25, along the edge of lower
mandible 2°1; tarsus 1:25; longest toe and claw 2°6.

Young. Differs only in having the feathers of the upper surface margined more or less with pale brown, and
the plumage of the underparts of a less pure white, obscurely mottled with brown.

Tue Frilled Shag, although dispersed over every part of Australia, is a comparatively rare species

nase. 2 : . .
aiyltern in New Zealand. It resorts to the rocky shores of bays and estuaries, as well as to inland rivers
- range-lv | ° . . . ° . *
ible oranges | and lagoons; and it is said to breed in trees, several pairs being generally associated together.
hes : wills: = 2
th 26 wor 9;
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Orpen ANSERES. | [Fam. PELECANID,

PHALACROCORAX CHALCONOTUS.

(GRAY’S SHAG.)

Graucalus auritus, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii. App. p. 201 (1843).

Gracalus chalconotus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Birds, p. 20, pl. xxi. (1845).
Phalacrocorax glaucus, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Péle Sud, Zool. iii. p. 127, pl. 31. fig. 1 (1853).
Graculus glaucus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 171 (1857).

Ad. pileo cristato colloque toto, dorso postico et uropygio ‘abgames nigris, vix viridi lavatis: inter-
scapulio, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum brunneis, plumis sordidé viridi marginatis, tectricibus
minimis purpurascente lavatis: remigibus brunneis, secundariis olivaceo-viridi lavatis: cauda nigra,
scapis ad basin albis: subtts sordidé nitidé viridis, jugulo vix purpurascente: rostro cinerascenti-
brunneo, culmine saturatiore : pedibus sordidé flavis: iride thalassino-viridi.

Adult. Head, including the crest, and the whole of the neck, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts shining
purplish black, glossed with green in certain lights ; mantle and upper surface of wings purplish brown,
each feather margined with dull shining green; the whole of the under surface shining purplish black,
but not so highly glossed as the upper parts; quills dark brown, the secondaries tinged with olive; tail-
feathers black, the shafts white towards the base. Irides green; bill greyish brown, darker on the
ridge ; legs and fect dull yellow. Total length 28 inches ; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5-5; bill, along
the ridge 2°6, length from gape to extremity of lower mandible 3°5; tarsus 2°25; longest toe and
claw 3°25.

THIS species is extremely rare in New Zealand; and it has not yet been met with elsewhere.

My description is taken from Mr. Gray’s type specimen in the British Museum, which was
obtained by Mr. Percy Earl at Otago, in the South Island.

I believe I am right in referring to this species a pair of Shags which I observed at the
mouth of Port Chalmers in February 1865. I saw one of them dive, and, after a considerable
interval, come to the surface with a small sea-lobster, which the bird battered to death on the
surface of the water before devouring it.

P. 127,

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PHALACROCORAX PUNCTATUS.
(Male and Female).

Orprr ANSERES.] [Fam. PELECANID A.

PHALACROCORAX PUNCTATUS.

(SPOTTED SHAG.)

Spotted Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 602 (1785).

Pelecanus punctatus, Sparrm. Mus. Carls. t. 10 (1786).

Pelecanus nevius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 575 (1788).

Phalacrocorax nevius, Cuv. Regn. An. i. p. 525 (1817).

Hydrocorax dilophus, Vieill. N. Dict. d@’Hist. Nat. viii. p. 85 (1817).
Phalacrocorax punctatus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 88 (1825).
Graucalus punctatus, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii, App. p. 201 (1843).
Gracalus punctatus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 20 (1844).
Sticticarbo punctatus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 574 (1856).

Graculus punctatus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 252

Ad. 3 fronte et nucha valdé cristatis: pileo et collo toto postico sordidé cinerascentibus, viridi-nigricante
} lavatis, hdc lateraliter plumulis albis ornato: fascia latA alb4 ab oculo per collum laterale decurrente
et ad pectus laterale productd: facie laterali reliqué et jugulo toto viridi-nigricantibus vix cineras-
centibus, héc plumulis parvis albis ornato: interscapulio, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum pulchré
cinerascentibus, plumis omnibus apicaliter nigro minuté punctatis, tectricibus minimis nigro marginatis :
remigibus saturaté brunneis, primariis extiis ad basin cinerascente lavatis, secundariis omnind pulchré
cinerascentibus : dorso postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus viridi-nigricantibus : dorso imo lateraliter
plumulis albis ornato: cauda nigr4, suprd obscuré cinerascente lavaté: subtis pulchré grisescenti-
cinereus : abdomine imo et subcaudalibus viridi-nigricantibus: subalaribus brumneis, nigricante lavatis :
rostro brunnescenti-flavo: pedibus aurantiacis: iride viridi.

| ? pallidior, dorsi plumis mints distincté apicatis: dorso postico et uropygio cinerascentibus : pileo et collo
postico toto cinerascentibus: facie et collo lateralibus et corpore subtis toto albidis, pectoris lateribus

Adult male. Crown of the head, with vertical and occipital crests, glossy greyish black ; sides of the head
throat, and anterior portion of fore neck sooty black ; a white stripe, commencing at the nostrils, passes
over the eyes and increases beyond, being about an inch wide under the occipital crest, then gradually
diminishes and passes down the sides of the neck. to the roots of the wings ; lower part of the neck in
front, the breast, sides of the body, and upper part of abdomen uniform delicate leaden grey ; lower
part of hind neck, shoulders, mantle, and upper surface of wings brownish ash, all the feathers,
excepting the quills and long scapulars, with a terminal spot of velvety black: these spots are most
conspicuous on the interscapulars, and impart to the plumage a very lively effect ; the small coverts
along the edges of the wings and at the humeral flexure are merely shaded with sestih brown at the
tips; primary quills dark brown, burnished with silvery grey on their outer webs; inner swface of

|

| et hypochondriis imis cinerascentibus.
|

|

|

336

wings dark ashy brown; tail-feathers black, the shafts bluish white towards the base. The vertical and
occipital crests consist of soft, narrow, silky feathers, the longest occipital measuring two inches, and
the longest vertical about half that length. The sides of the head, and the neck in front and behind
are further ornamented with projecting plume-like white feathers of a silky texture, and varying in
length to about an inch; the thighs also are ornamented in a similar manner, but to a less extent, the
effect being produced by minute white feathers at the extremity of fine hair-like stalks, the web alone
appearing above the surface of the surrounding plumage. Irides green; bare skin in front of the eyes
dark blue; bill brownish yellow, horn-coloured at the tips; legs and feet bright orange-yellow. Total
length 27°5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10; tail 3°75; bill, along the ridge 2°4, along the edge of lower
mandible 8 ; tarsus 2°25 ; longest toe and claw 3°75.

Female. Crown of the head, back of the neck, mantle, and upper surface of wings dull brownish ash, silvery
on the head and neck, tinged with light brown on the mantle and wing-coverts; back, rump, and
thighs dull ashy brown glossed with green ; the spotted character is absent, but the feathers composing
the mantle and the smaller scapulars are obscurely marked at the tips with ashy brown; throat, fore
neck, and all the underparts, including the abdomen and under tail-coverts ashy white tinged with
buff; under surface of wings dull brownish ash ; tail-feathers greyish brown, with whitish shafts. Bill
dark yellow, brownish on the culmen; legs and feet orange-brown. Total length 27 inches; wing,
from flexure, 9°5; tail 4°5 ; bill, along the ridge 24, along the edge of lower mandible 3:1; tarsus 2;
longest toe and claw 3°5.

Obs. The bird here described as the female of P. punctatus has no crest, nor has it any of the
ornamental white plumelets. Whether I am right in considering this the adult female condition,
or whether it is only a seasonal state of plumage, I am by no means certain; and the subject deserves
further investigation, Both Dr. Haast and Mr. Fuller are of opinion that it will prove to be a distinct
species.

Young male. In my collection there are two specimens of what I take to be the young male. They have
neither occipital nor vertical crests ; the crown of the head and back of the neck are sooty grey glossed
with green ; an indistinct streak of white passes from the eyes down the sides of the neck to the roots
of the wings; the upper part of the fore neck is dark leaden grey mottled with black, indicating a
transitional state of plumage ; upper surface as in the adult male, but more tinged with brown, and
having the spots less distinct ; back, rump, and lower part of abdomen greenish black ; a few scattered
filamentous white plumes on the thighs; fore neck and all the under surface dark leaden grey. In one
of these specimens the throat and fore neck is more largely mottled with black, the grey of the under-
parts is much lighter, and the thighs are deeply stained with brown; on the wings, where the plumage
shows a transitional condition, the black-tipped coverts are taking the place of the light-brown feathers
with white edges, these latter, as may be fairly inferred, being characteristic of the young.

Tus beautiful representative of the Crested Shags is abundant on the coast of the South Island,
but is seldom met with on the northern side of Cook’s Strait. I observed a party of three at the
mouth of the Waikanae river in January 1864; two young birds were killed in Wellington har-
bour in the winter of 1865; and another was shot in the Gulf of Hauraki, near Auckland: and
these are the only instances I know of its occurrence in the North Island.

It associates in large flocks, and frequents the open sea in the vicinity of the coast, as well

together 4°
have never
number.

he
taka D
7 Man Vers
he 4 We Xtal
‘ S tra: {yd
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337

as the mouths of estuaries and sounds, subsisting on fish and crustaceans, which it obtains by
diving. It is apparently a very inquisitive bird; for I have often observed a flock of them make
up to a steamer going at full speed, and fly round her, sometimes returning a second time to
reconnoitre. It breeds on the high shelving rocks on the coast or within the sheltered arms of
the sea, the nests being arranged in successive tiers of considerable extent, and as closely grouped
together as the form of the rocks in the locality chosen as a breeding-station will admit of. I

have never had an opportunity of examining the eggs; but I understand that three is the usual
number,

Orver ANSERES. | [Fam. PELECANIDA.

PHALACROCORAX FEATHERSTONLI
(CHATHAM-ISLAND SHAG.)

Graculus africanus, Hutton, Ibis, 1872, p. 249 (nec Gm.).
Phalacrocorax featherstoni, Buller, Ibis, 1873, p. 90.

Ad. pileo et collo undique indigotico- act fronte et occipite conspicué cristatis, collo postico filamentis albis
paullo dilatatis — dors summo cum scapularibus et tectricibus alarum olivascenti-brunneis,

plumis nigro iter maculatis, tectricibus minimis sordidé indigotico-nigris : dorso postico,
uropygio et upemmatalalibta indigotico-nigris : remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, secundariis exttis cane-
scentibus: caudé nigré: subttis pulchré canescens, abdomine imo cum subcaudalibus subalaribusque
indigotico-nigris : rostro saturaté brunneo: pedibus aurantiacis: iride cana viridi reticulata.

Adult. Head, upper portion of neck, and the whole of the nape, with the vertical and occipital crests, shining
indigo-black ; sides and hind part of neck ornamented with scattered filamentous white feathers, having
the tips produced and somewhat spatulate ; the shoulders, mantle, and upper surface of wings olivaceous
brown, glossed with green, each feather marked with a conspicuous terminal spot of black ; back, rump,
and upper tail-coverts, as well as the small wing-coverts, dull indigo-black ; quills blackish brown, the
secondaries greyish on their outer webs; tail black ; lower part of fore neck, breast, and middle portion
of abdomen beautiful grey ; sides of the body, flanks, under surface of wings, lower abdomen, and under
tail-coverts indigo-black. Irides grey, streaked with green; bill dark brown; legs and feet orange-
yellow. Length 22 inches; wing, from flexure, 9; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 2°2, along the edge of
lower mandible 2°6; tarsus 1°6; longest toe and claw 3°25.

Tus beautiful addition to the ornithology of our country was one of the novelties brought from
the Chatham Islands by Mr. Henry Travers on his return from the exploratory visit mentioned
on a former page. It was referred by Captain Hutton to Graculus africanus; but having had an
opportunity of examining the original specimen, which was courteously forwarded to me through
the Colonial Office, I am satisfied that it represents a totally new and hitherto unrecorded species.

I have already associated the name of Mr. Henry Travers with one of the new species
discovered by him; and, in assigning a distinctive title to this bird, I desire to pay a slight tribute
to one who, having originally assisted in founding a colony at the Antipodes, has devoted more
than thirty years of his life to its political affairs, and now fills the important office of its Agent
General in Great Britain. Ido this the more readily as Dr. Featherston has always used his
influence to encourage and promote scientific researches in New Zealand, while he has manifested

a special interest in the progress and success of the present work.

As will be at once apparent on a comparison of the accompanying Plates, this species bears
a general resemblance to P. punctatus: like that bird it has a vertical as well as an occipital crest,
and the distribution of the colours is somewhat similar, although the plumage altogether is much
darker. It is readily distinguished, however, by its black head and neck, and by the absence of
the white stripes which are so conspicuous in the other species.

Ait) POStign
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per SUrTaCe Of W Ings olivaceous
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wk ; quills blackish brovn, the
eck, breast, and middle portion
rs, lower abdomen, and under
brown ; legs and feet orange.

he ridge 2°2, along the edge of

the novelties brought from
: xpl ratory > visit mentioned

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ae

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ly forwarde
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PHALACROCORAX FEATHERSTONI.

ghe Man
Pe lecant:
Frigate“?
White-he
Palin rst
Pe lecanu.
Pe lecanu
Freqata ¢
Tachype te
Tachype t
Tachypet
Atage nha

Tach ype t

alarum |
olivascel
albis : p
cum tib
Tascente

. : :
Example wm

bri adly
from th
their w}
:
‘ar

Trides :

8Canu
:

brown.
. -
] “UCh es

hing tos

Ren

larks. ‘|
descrip
of the ¢
OWer p

Onver ANSERES. ] [Faw. PELECANIDA,

FREGATA AQUILA

|
. (GREAT FRIGATE BIRD.)
|
|
|
|
|

The Man-of-War Bird, Edwards, Gleanings, vi. p. 209, pl. 309 (1760).

Pelecanus aquilus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 216 (1766).

Frigate-Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 587 (1785).

White-headed Frigate-Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 591 (1785).
Palmerston Frigate-Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 593 (1785).
Pelecanus leucocephalus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 572 (1788).
Pelecanus palmerstoni, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 573 (1788).
Fregata aquila, Miger, Prodr. p. 279 (1811).
Tachypetes aquila, Vieill. N. Dict. @Hist. Nat. xii. p. 1438 (1817).
Lachypetes aquilus, Kittl. Kupf. Vog. p. 15, taf. xx. fig. 1 (1832).
. Lachypetes leucocephalus, Kittl. Kupf. Vég. p. 15, taf. xx. fig. 2 (1832).
| Atagen aquila, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 669 (1845).

Tachypetes palmerstoni, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 359 (1858).

Spec. nigricans, plumis versis apicem brunnescentibus et sub certA luce chalybeo nitentibus: tectricibus

| alarum brunnescente laté terminatis, medianis albido marginatis: remigibus nigris, secundariis sordidé
olivascenti-brunneis et pallidiore brunneo terminatis: rectricibus nigris brunneo marginatis, scapis
albis : pileo et collo undique cum pectore anteriore albis, héc pallidé ferrugineo lavato: pectore laterali
cum tibiis, crisso, subcaudalibus et subalaribus brunnescenti-nigris : abdomine toto albo; rostro cine-
rascente, ungue corneo versus apicem nigro: pedibus carneo-brunneis: iride nigra.

Example (immature). Head, greater portion of neck, and a broad continuation with its apex on the fore
part of the breast white, stained with fawn-colour on the fore neck and breast ; a broad triangular patch
of white covering the whole of the abdomen; the rest of the body-plumage brownish black, with dull steel
reflections, and strongly tinged on the upper surface with umber-brown ; the upper wing-coverts are
broadly edged with pale brown, and the central ones margined with white, forming a conspicuous band
from the bend of the wing to the roots of the inner secondaries, which are dark olivaceous-brown in
their whole extent, tipped with paler brown; wing-feathers black, with faint steel-blue reflections, the
scapulars margined with brown; tail-feathers black, with white shafts, also margined with brown.
Trides black ; bill greyish, changing to horn-colour on the unguis, and black at the tip; feet flesh-
| brown. ‘Total length 39 inches; extent of wings 82; wing, from flexure, 24; tail 16 (the middle feather
9 inches shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 5, along the edge of lower mandible 5 3 middle toe and claw 3°5 ;
hind toe.and claw 1.

Remarks. The form of this bird is beautifully adapted to its habits of life. As will be seen from the above
description, the wings measure nearly seven feet in extent ; moreover they are strongly built, the shaft
\ of the first primary measuring a quarter of an inch in width by one eighth in thickness throughout its

lower portion. The first primary is longest, and the rest are rapidly graduated ; the long inner second-

340

aries reach to within five inches of the former in the closed wing. The tail is long and deeply forked ;
the lateral tail-feathers are acuminate in form, with rounded tips; the median ones are broader. The
feet are small and feeble; the outer toe is ‘5 of an inch longer than the inner one; the claw on the
middle toe measures an inch in length, and is pectinate on its inner side; the hind claw is small, rather
broad, and abruptly arched; the lateral claws are equal, and slightly larger than the hind one; the
interdigital web is deeply cut, and terminates at the third joint of the middle toe.

So far as I am aware there is only one recorded instance of the occurrence of this “ Vulture of
the sea,” as it has been appropriately termed, on the New-Zealand coast. In February 1863 a
fine specimen was taken alive at Castle Point, on the east coast of the Wellington Province, and
forwarded to Mr. George Moore, who very generously presented it to me; and this unique
example, of which a description is given above, is now with the rest of my collection in the
Colonial Museum. I was unable at the time to get any information about it, beyond the mere
fact of its having been brought in alive by a party of natives, who had been on a fishing-excursion ;
but, several years afterwards, when travelling through another portion of the province, I happened
to meet with the native who had actually caught it. He said he was fishing near Rangiwha-
kaoma, when he observed a strange bird sitting on the rocks apparently asleep: creeping stealthily
up, he succeeded in catching it with his hands. It made no attempt to escape from him; but, on
being captured, attacked his hands fiercely with its powerful bill. He stated further that a
similar bird had been killed by the natives at Ihuraua, on the same line of coast, a short time
before, and that all who had seen it pronounced this the true “ Hokioi” of Maori tradition—a
long-winged bird that is swpposed to soar in the heavens, far above the range of human vision,
and to descend to the shore at night to feed on shell-fish. It is not unlikely that the wonderful
powers of flight possessed by the Frigate bird gave rise to this well-known story of the “ Hokioi ;”
and the enormous expanse of its wings would seem almost to warrant the most extravagant belief.
On this subject thus graphically writes Audubon, the American ornithologist :—

“The Frigate Pelican is possessed of a power of flight which I conceive superior to that of
perhaps any other bird. However swiftly the Cayenne Tern, the smaller Gulls, or the Jager
move on wing, it seems a matter of mere sport to it to overtake any of them. “The Goshawk, the
Peregrine, and the Gyr Falcon, which I conceive to be the swiftest of our Hawks, are obliged to
pursue their victim, should it be a Green-winged Teal or Passenger Pigeon, at times for half a
mile, at the highest pitch of their speed, before they can secure them. ‘The bird of which I speak
comes from on high with the velocity of a meteor, and on nearing the object of its pursuit, which
its keen eye has spied while fishing at a distance, darts on either side to cut off all retreat, and
with open bill forces it to drop or disgorge the fish which it has just caught. See him now!
Yonder, over the waves, leaps the brilliant Dolphin, as he pursues the flyingfishes, which he
expects to seize the moment they drop into the water. The Frigate bird, who has marked them,
closes his wings, dives towards them, and, now ascending, holds one of the tiny things across his
bill. Already fifty yards above the sea, he spies a porpoise in full chase, launches towards the
spot, and in passing seizes the mullet that has escaped from-its dreaded foe. I observed a Frigate
Pelican that had forced a Cayenne Tern, yet in sight, to drop a fish, which the broad-winged
warrior had seized as it fell, This fish was rather large for the Tern, and might probably be

especially :
the wide ot
preeding 1
the followi
mentioned :
«“ Abo
warm @ Cli
to five hun
they have
towards th
ones. The
nearest key
them off by
thus occup
thought ov
It sometim
when, if tl
has reaches
Till a
afforded by
but in the
Zoological
Temarkab];
OM their
in languid
Whose fate
the Garde
observing
of What it
its long pe
Who Was f;
throush t
oat
Xcel]
Tay cl

US

dader, The

1 One ; the

Vulture of
Ary 1863 3
vince, and
his unique
10N in the
| the mere
€xcursion ;
[ happened
Rangiwha-
g stealthily
m; but, on
her that a
short time
‘adition—a
nan vision,
wonderful
* Hokioi;”
rant belief.

- to that of
the Jager
shawk, the
obliged to
for half a
ich I speak
suit, which

341

about 8 inches in length. The Frigate Pelican mounted with it across his bill about a hundred
yards, and then tossing it up caught it as it fell, but not in the proper manner. He therefore
dropped it, but before it had fallen many yards caught it again. Still it was not in a good posi-
tion, the weight of the head, it seemed, having prevented the bird from seizing it by that part.
A second time the fish was thrown upwards, and now, at last, was received in a convenient
manner (that is, with its head downwards), and immediately swallowed.”

It would seem that this species frequents all the seas of the warmer parts of the globe, and
especially the ‘Tropics, assembling in large flocks during the breeding-season, and dispersing over
the wide ocean again as soon as the parental obligations are discharged. Audubon found them
breeding in large numbers in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Florida Keys; and he has given us
the following interesting account, which further illustrates the amazing power of wing already
mentioned :—

“* About the middle of May (a period which to me appeared very late for birds found in so
warm a climate as that of the Florida Keys), the Frigate Pelicans assemble in flocks of from fifty

to five hundred pairs or more. They are seen flying at a great height over the islands on which

they have bred many previous seasons, courting for hours together; after which they return
towards the mangroves, alight on them, and at once begin to repair the old nests or construct new
ones. They pillage each other’s nests of their materials, and make excursions for more to the
nearest keys. ‘They break the dry twigs of trees with ease, passing swiftly on wing, and snapping
them off by a single grasp of their powerful bill. It is indeed a beautiful sight to see them when
thus occupied, especially when several are so engaged, passing and repassing with the swiftness of
thought over the trees whose tops are blasted; their purpose appears as if accomplished by magic.
It sometimes happens that the bird accidentally drops a stick while travelling towards its nest,
when, if this should happen over the water, it plunges after it and seizes it with its bill before it
has reached the waves.”

Till a comparatively recent date the only knowledge we possessed of the Frigate bird was that
afforded by those who had voyaged in the tropical seas and studied the bird in its distant haunts;
but in the early part of 1871 a pair of live ones, the gift of Captain Dow, were received at the
Zoological Society's Gardens; and home naturalists had thus an opportunity of studying this
remarkable form in a living state. But when I first looked on these captives, moping gloomily
on their perch, with a mere dish of water beneath them, and their noble wings folded up
in languid misery, I could not help pitying from my very heart these captives from the ocean,
whose fate seemed almost harder than that of the “lord of the plains” on the opposite side of
the Gardens, condemned to pass his life within an iron railing only ten feet square! From
observing the Frigate bird under such circumstances it is impossible to form any adequate idea
of what it is in a state of nature, where its whole individuality depends on its wonderful speed,

its long powers of endurance, and the graceful aerial evolutions it is able to perform. Audubon,
who was familiar with it in its native element, gave a spirited drawing of it, dashing headlong
through the air in pursuit of its quarry. In the ‘ Field’ of September 23, 1871, there is an
equally characteristic figure of the same bird as it is to be seen in the Gardens (accompanied by
an excellent description)—resting moodily on its feet, with the wings drooping, and the head
drawn closely in upon the shoulders.

Orper ANSERES. ] [Famu. PELECANIDA.

FREGATA MINOR.

(SMALL FRIGATE BIRD.)

Lesser Frigate Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 590 (1785).
Pelecanus minor, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 572 (1788).

Tachypetes minor, Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xii. p. 144 (1817).

Atagen ariel, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 669, pl. 104 (1845, ex Gould MSS.).

Spec. nigricans, plus minusve purpureo et viridi nitens: dorsi plumis elongatis lanceolatis et pectore
laterali nitidé viridibus aut purpurascentibus: tectricibus alarum cum bypochondriis brunneo tinctis :
remigibus cauddque nigris, scapis rectricum exteriorum albis: rostro nigricanti-cano: plag4 gulari
leté rubra, flavo tincté: pedibus brunnescenti-rubris : iride nigra.

Example. General plumage black with bluish metallic reflections, more or less distinct ; the long lanceolate
feathers of the back and on the sides of the breast brilliant, and changing from purple to green
according to the light; upper wing-coverts and sides of the body tinged with brown; quills and tail-
feathers black, the shafts of the outermost tail-feathers white. Irides black; bill blackish grey;
a bare membrane, an inch wide, and extending five inches down the throat, bright red tinged more or
less with yellow; feet brownish red. Total length 36 inches; wing, from flexure, 23 ; tail, to middle
of fork 7°25, to end of lateral feathers 15 ; bill, along the ridge 4°25, along the edge of lower mandible
3°6; greatest width of bill at the base 1:1; middle toe and claw 2°75; hind toe and claw 1.

Tuis smaller species of Frigate bird, which roams over the seas washing the shores of the more
tropical parts of Australia, has occurred at least once as a straggler on the New-Zealand coast,
and is therefore entitled to a place in our list. A fine adult male was taken on the Wakapuaka
beach in the early part of 1861; and the skin, which was fortunately preserved, now forms part
of the collection of birds in the Nelson Museum.

Mr. Gould states that this species of Frigate bird is very abundant in Torres Strait ; and
the late Commander Ince, R.N., who, during the voyage of H.M.S. ‘Fly’ was for some time
stationed on Raine’s Islet, superintending the erection of a beacon there, has given the following
interesting particulars as the result of his own observations on this unfrequented rock :—“ We
found this bird breeding in colonies at its $.W. corner, the nest being composed of a few small
sticks collected from the shrubs and herbaceous plants, which alone clothe the island, and placed
either on the ground or on the plants a few inches above it. The eggs, which are generally one,

but occasionally two in number, are of a pure white, not so chalky in appearance as those of the
Gannet, and nearly of the same shape at both ends. Upon one occasion I killed the old birds
from a nest that contained a young one; on visiting the spot I found the young bird removed to

st,
apotber ” Ss

ently
pouch } young |

iC A NIDA

et pectore
1eo tinctis:

lagd gulari

x lanceolate
> to green,
ils and tail-
ckish grey;
red more or
l,.to middle

er mandible

f the more
land coast,
Vakapuaka
forms part

strait ; and
some time
e following
ck :—* Ve
4 few small
and placed
jerally on
hose of the
ld pirds
oved 0

ie O
rem

343

another nest, the proprietors of which were feeding it as if it had been their own: I am sure
of this fact, because there was no other nest near it containing two young birds. Some of the
eggs were quite fresh, while others had been so far sat upon that we could not blow them; and
many of the young birds must have been hatched some two or three weeks. We regarded
these birds as the Falcons of the sea, for we repeatedly saw them compel the Terns, Boobies,
and Gannets to disgorge their prey, and then adroitly catch it before it fell to the ground or
water. We never saw them settle on the water, but constantly soaring round and round, appa-
rently on the watch for what the smaller birds were bringing home. I have found in their

pouch young turtles, fish, cuttlefish, and small crabs.”

Orpver ANSERES. | ‘Fam. SPHENISCIDE.

EUDYPTES CHRYSOCOMUS.
(YELLOW-CRESTED PENGUIN.)

Aptenodytes chrysocome, Forst. Comm. Soc. Reg. Sc. Gott. iii. p. 185, pl. 1 (1781).
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Birds, p. 17 (1844).

Eudyptes chrysocome, Gould, B. of Austr. fol. vii. pl. 83 (1848).

Chrysocoma pachyrhynchus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 775 (1856).

Eudyptes nigrivestis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 418.

Spheniscus chrysocome, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Urinat. p. 6 (1866).

Eudyptes pachyrhyncha, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 98 (1871).

Eudyptes nigriventris, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 98 (1871, err.).

Native name.—Tawaki.

Ad. supra nigricans, sordidé cyanescente nitens: subtis albus, pectore laterali dorso concolori: alé quoque
dorso concolori, secundariis angusté albido terminatis: supercilio distincto a naribus ducto et pileum
marginante, posticé cristato, diluté sulfureo: facie laterali guldque nigricantibus vix brunnescenti-albo
variis : rostro rubescenti-brunneo ad basin nigricante: pedibus flavicanti-albidis, subtus nigricanti-
brunneis : iride flavicanti-brunned.

Adult. Crown, sides of the head, throat, and hind part of neck black ; the rest of the upper surface bluish
black, each feather having a narrow central streak of pale blue ; from the base of the upper mandible,
on each side, a broad line of pale golden-yellow passes over the eyes, and is continued beyond in a crest
of fine pointed feathers, extending nearly two inches beyond the head; the black feathers of the crown
between these side crests are lengthened, acuminate, and slightly rigid; upper surface of flippers glossy
bluish black, the feathers, which are lanceolate and closely imbricated, being margined and tipped with
pale blue; along the inner edges a narrow band of white. The underparts of the body are silvery
white, ee aes sharply on the sides with the dark plumage of the upper surface, and tapering upwards

on the fore neck to a point about three inches below the angle of the lower jaw; under surface of

rdly,
white ; tail-feathers long, narrow, very rigid, and cares black ; the coverts greyish white, with black
shafts, and tipped with blue. Irides yellowish brown; bill rich nut-brown, darker on the lower man-
dible, blackish at the base, and horn-coloured at the tip; feet yellowish white, with darker webs; claws
dark brown, with black points, the soles blackish brown. Total length 27 inches ; length of flipper 8°5 ;
tail 4; bill, along the ridge 2°75, along the edge of lower mandible 2°75 ; tarsus 1°5; middle toe and
claw 3:5; hind toe and claw ‘75

Young. Differs from the adult in the character of the crests: instead of the broad ‘superciliary band of

golden yellow, there is a narrow line of pale yellow, beyond which there are a number of narrow
straggling feathers, forming, so to speak, occipito-lateral crests. Moreover, in the specimens that I
have examined, the black appears to extend further down the throat, the white on the fore neck forming
a less acuminate termination.

Eu

[4 quoque
et pileum
centi-albo
1igricanti-

ace bluish
mandible,
in a crest
the crown

ipper 8°
Je toe and

2p :
k formiDs

EUDYPTES CHRYSOCOMUS.

th,
%,
on

or,
BW TN
eas fe

Pee,

EUDYPTULA MINOR.

A spec
jumage pee

new feathers

|
‘
|
;
j
|

345

Tus fine Crested Penguin is occasionally met with on the shores of both North and South
Islands; but it is by no means numerous; and nothing is at present known of its breeding-
stations.

A specimen caught in the castaway wreck of a brig near the Wellington heads, in 1856,
was brought to me in a moulting condition, and presented a very singular appearance—the
plumage peeling off as it were in large patches, and disclosing to view a short undergrowth of
new feathers: the whole process was completed in two or three days.

NSER
oxoee A
Orper ANSERES. | [Fam. SPHENISCIDA.

EUDYPTES ANTIPODUM.

(YELLOW-CROWNED PENGUIN.)

4) Little F

Catarrhactes antipodes, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. xvi. p. 420 (1841). \ :
Eudyptes antipodes, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 199 (1843). Apt oe
Aptenodytes flavilarvata, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 260 (1848). Catarrh
Pygoscelis antipodes, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Péle Sud, Zool. iii. p. 156, pl. 33. fig. 2 (1853). Chrysoe
Pygoscelis antipoda, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 775 (1856). Sphen a
Eudyptes antipoda, Cass. U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 351 (1858). Aptenod
Spheniscus antipoda, Schleg. Mus. Pays-Bas, Urinatores, p. 9 (1866). Eudypte
Eudypti

Ad. supra obscuré cyanescens, nigro minuté varius: alé saturatiore, margine carpali angusté, margine apicali
latits flavicante: subtis argentescenti-albus, pectoris lateribus dorso concoloribus : pilei plumis rigidis,
pilosis, pallidé sulfureis, nigro medialiter lineatis: supercilio lato nucham cingente pallidé sulfureo:
genis anticis pallidé sulfureis nigro lineatis: facie reliqud et collo superiore laterali gulaque brunneis, a
hac mult pallidiore: rostro obscuré brunnescenti-aurantiaco: pedibus saturaté brunneis. Ad. = sins .

cinerea,

Adult. Top and sides of the head, cheeks, and towards the base of lower mandible pale sulphur-yellow, the albidis,
feathers of the forehead and crown lengthened, and having a shaft-streak of glossy black ; general upper

surface of the body, as well as the sides of the breast and thighs, dull blue, with a streak of black down Adult. Cro

the centre of each feather ; upper surface of flippers bluish black, the outer edges yellowish white ; with a |

region of the ears, throat, and upper sides of neck pale fulvous brown; fore neck, breast, and the rest all the 1

of the underparts yellowish white ; tail-feathers bluish black. Bill dull brownish orange; legs and feet white al

dark brown. ‘Total length 32 inches; length of flipper 7:5; tail 3; bill, along the ridge 2°5, along the Trides vy,

edge of lower mandible 3; tarsus 15; middle toe and claw 3°5. Siak

flipper 5

THERE is a single example of this large Penguin in the Otago Museum, obtained at Oamaru, on Claw 2+5
the east coast of the South Island. My description, however, is taken from one of the specimens

in the British Museum, in a more matured condition of plumage. Tals species ¢

SCID

1€ apicali
is rigidis
sulfureo :

brunneis,

ellow, the
ral upper
ack down
sh white;
1 the rest
s and feet

along the

naru, on
yecimens

.

Orver ANSERES.] (Fam. SPHENISCID®.

EUDYPTULA MINOR

(BLUE PENGUIN.)

Little Penguin, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 572, pl. ciii. (1785).
Aptenodyta minor, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 558 (1788, ex Lath.).
Catarrhactes minor, Cuv. Régn. An. i. p. 513 (1817).
Chrysocoma minor, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 61 (1825).
Spheniscus minor, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 199 (1843).
Aptenodytes minor, Forst. Descr. An. p. 101 (1844).

Eudyptula minor, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 775 (1856).

Hudyptila minor, Gray, Hand-l. of B. iii. p. 99 (1871).

Native name.—Korora.

Ad. supri obscuré cyanescens: subtis argentescenti-albus: facie laterali brunnescente lavataé: ald sordidé
cinerea, albo marginata et latits apicaté: rostro cyanescenti-cano, culmine saturatiore : pedibus carneo-
albidis, membranis interdigitalibus brunnescenti-nigris: iride flavicanti-cana.

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface, as well as the thighs, light blue,
with a black line down the centre of each feather ; sides of the head dark grey ; throat, fore neck, and
all the underparts silvery white ; upper surface of flippers black, tinged with blue, and margined with
white along the inner edges; under surface yellowish white, with a dark grey spot near the extremity.
Trides yellowish grey, with a brownish margin ; bill bluish grey, darker on the ridge ; feet flesh-white,
the soles, webs, and claws brownish black. Total length 19 inches ; extent of flippers 14; length of
flipper 5; bill, along the ridge 1°75, along the edge of lower mandible 2; tarsus 1; middle toe and
claw 2°5.

Tus species occurs all round our coasts, and resorts in large numbers to the Island of Kapiti, in
Cook’s Strait, and probably to other islands of similar character, to breed and rear its young.
It is abundant also in the seas surrounding Tasmania, in Bass’s Strait, and on the south coast of
Australia generally. Mr. Gould found it breeding on the low islands in Bass’s Strait from
September td January, and states that in these localities the ground is “completely intersected
by paths and avenues; and so much care is expended by the birds in the formation of these
little walks, that every stick and stone is removed, and in some instances even the herbage, by
which the surface is rendered so neat and smooth as to appear more like the work of the human
hand than the labour of one of the lower animals. ..... A considerable portion of the year is
occupied in the process of breeding and rearing the young, in consequence of its being
necessary that their progeny should acquire sufficient vigour to resist the raging of that element

on which they are destined to dwell, and which I believe they never again leave until, by the
222

348

impulse of nature, they in turn seek the land for the purpose of reproduction. Notwithstanding
this care for the preservation of the young, heavy gales of wind destroy them in great numbers,
hundreds being occasionally found dead on the beach after a storm; and when the sudden trans-
ition from the quiet of their breeding-place to the turbulence of the ocean, and the great
activity and muscular exertion then required, are taken into consideration, an occurrence of this
kind will not appear at all surprising...... Its powers of progression in the deep are truly
astonishing; its swimming-powers are in fact so great that it stems the waves of the most tur-
bulent seas with the utmost facility, and during the severest gale descends to the bottom,
where, among beautiful beds of coral and forests of sea-weed, it paddles about in search of crusta-
ceans, small fish, and marine vegetables, all of which kinds of food were found in the stomachs
of those I dissected.”

I once had a live one in my possession for a considerable time; and although very savage
when first taken, severely punishing the captor’s hands with its beak, it soon became quite tame,
and exhibited, for such a bird, a remarkable degree of intelligence.

On land its mode of progression is very ungainly, and it frequently topples over when at-
tempting to run. Its usual attitude is that represented in our Plate; but it sometimes crouches
low, with its breast nearly touching the ground. The sea, however, is its natural abode; and
on observing its movements there, it is at once manifest that the flippers are intended to perform
the office of fins, or paddles, for propelling the body through the water. On the surface it swims
low and in a rather clumsy fashion; but the moment it dives under it trails its legs behind like
a bird on the wing, and, using its flippers in the manner indicated, glides forward with the
same ease and freedom that the Sea-Gull cleaves the air above it. In clear deep water I have
watched its graceful evolutions with considerable interest; and I have been astonished at the
length of time the bird could remain under before rising to the surface to breathe.

Whether it is nocturnal in its habits I am unable to say; but I am inclined to think not,
inasmuch as my captive bird seemed to be far less active after dark than during the day, and
when disturbed appeared to stumble about in a very blind manner.

It produces a loud croaking noise; and where large companies are breeding together they
appear to keep up a constant angry altercation. The eggs, which are usually two in number,
are deposited in a shallow artificial burrow, or in a natural crevice among the rocks. Sometimes
three or four birds are found associated ; and it is said that the sexes assist each other in the labour
of incubation. The eggs are of a very rounded form, measuring 2:2 inches in length by 1:7 in
breadth, greenish white originally, but always much soiled or stained by the bird, and often
smeared with a white chalky substance.

Apte!
s phei
Eudy
Eudy

Ad. similis

Tas Pen
foregoing

Dr. |
types in t
minor, bl

the adult
the two }

tanding
umber,
N trans.
© great
Of this
re truly
LOSt ban
bottom,
f crusta-
tomachs

Y savage
te tame,

vhen at-
crouches

ar I have
od at the

nink not,
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ther they
number ;

and often

Orprre ANSERES.]

(Fam. SPHENISCIDA.

EUDYPTULA UNDINA.

(LITTLE BLUE PENGUIN.)

Aptenodytes undina, Gould, P. Z. S. 1844, p. 57.
Spheniscus undina, Gould, B. of Austr. vii. pl. 85 (1848).
Eudyptula undina, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 775 (1856).
EHudyptila undina, Gray, Hand-1. of B. iii. p. 99 (1871).

Ad. similis E. minori, sed minor, et supra dilutitis et letits cyanescens.

Adult. Crown, nape, hind neck, and all the upper parts bright glossy pale blue, the shafts of the feathers
black; sides of the head bluish grey; throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure silvery white ;
upper surface of flippers bright blue, each feather with a lanceolate mark of black down the centre ;
along the inner edges of flippers a narrow band of white. Bill blackish brown, paler on the under
mandible; feet yellowish white, with black claws; the webs and soles blackish brown. Total length
14°5 inches ; length of flipper 3; tail 1:25; bill, along the ridge 1°25, along the edge of lower mandible
1:5; tarsus *75; middle toe and claw 1°75; hind toe and claw °4.

Tus Penguin is equally, if not more abundant on our coasts than the preceding one; and the
foregoing account is applicable to both species.

Dr. Finsch refuses to admit any specific distinction. Dr. Coues, also, in writing of Gould’s
types in the Museum at Philadelphia, says :—‘ These specimens are slightly smaller than average
minor, bluer than usual, but not bluer than No. 1338, for example, and with rather weak bills.

. I cannot distinguish these specimens even as a variety.” Mr. Gould, however, who originally

Hescitted this bird, observes :—“ By many persons it might be regarded as the young of E. minor ;
but I invariably found the young of that species, while still partially clothed in the downy dress of
immaturity, to exceed considerably in size all the examples of this species, even when adorned in
the adult livery, and possessing the hard bill of maturity; there can be no question, therefore, of
the two birds being distinct.”

Orver ANSERES.] [Fam. PODICIPIDA.

PODICEPS RUFIPECTUS.

(NEW-ZEALAND DABCHICK.)

Podiceps (Poliocephalus) rufipectus, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 198 (1843).
Podiceps rufipectus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 17, pl. 16 (1844).

Native names.—Weweia and Totokipio.

Ad. supra nigricans vix viridi nitens, interscapulii plumis scapularibusque pallidé brunneo marginatis: pileo
nuchdque sordidé chalybeo-nigris, facie et collo lateralibus brunneis, genis et pilei lateribus filamentis
pilosis albidis ornatis: tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus cinerascenti-brunneis, secun-
dariis conspicué ad basin albis: gula brunnea: jugulo et pectore anteriore rufescenti-brunneis : corpore
reliquo subtis argentescenti-albo, plus minusve brunneo lavato, corporis lateribus brunneis: rostro
cyanescenti-cinereo, culmine nigricante: pedibus pallidé olivascentibus, supra flavicante lavatis, un-
guibus cyanescentibus : iride argentescenti-cana.

Adult male. Crown and upper sides of the head black, with numerous white hair-like filaments having the
appearance of pencilled markings; hind neck and all the upper parts dark olivaceous brown, margined
on the back with paler brown, and glossed with green ; lower sides of head, throat, and fore neck dusky
brown; the cheeks pencilled with white, but not so thickly as on the crown; upper part of breast dark
rufous brown; underparts of the body silvery white, stained on the sides and flanks with dusky brown ;
soft downy plumage at the lower extremities dull sooty brown. Irides silvery grey; bill bluish grey,
shading to black on the ridge; feet light olive, marked with yellow on their upper surface, olive-brown
below, the claws pale blue. Total length 12 inches; extent of wings 19; wing, from flexure, 5; bill,
along the ridge 1, along the edge of lower mandible 1°25; tarsus 1°5; longest toe and claw 2:1;
hind toe and claw ‘5.

‘female. In the female the pencilled markings on the head are not quite so distinct, and the rufous colouring
on the breast is somewhat paler ; but in other respects the sexes are alike.

Young. ‘The following is the description of a young Dabchick in a transitional condition—that is to say,
after it has ceased to be a nestling, but before it is fully fledged. On close examination a beautiful deve-
lopment exhibits itself: the body is covered with real feathers; but they are largely fringed with fine
down, for the purpose of imparting greater warmth, and the whole of the plumage is soft and silky to
the touch. The head is handsomely marked, the crown being blackish brown varied with rufous ; sides
of the head and throat fulvous white traversed with marbled veins of dusky black ; hind part of neck
varied with dull rufous; upper surface and sides of the body dusky brown; breast pale buff; abdomen
yellowish white; bill dark brown; feet olivaceous yellow, with grey margins.

First year’s plumage. Head black, variegated on the crown with bright ferruginous, and marked on the

sides
occif
yello
with
tip ¥

Progress
disay
char‘

Remarks.

palat

EverY cou
of very mu
species, is
same. It
equally so
physical et
indeed the
Auckland
1852. On
Museum.
Like

surprise w
before the
time; and
exposed,

at the bo
Surface fo)
observed |]
tance, skiy
SWims

|

low
aMinated
Cleary Wate
Sttetcheq ,
Wa Mean

On t]

CIPID »

atis : pileo
filamentis
els, secun-
S$: corpore
eis: rostro
avatis, un-

having the
, margined
1eck dusky
yreast dark
sky brown ;
Jluish grey,
jlive-brown
re, 5; bill,

claw 2'1;
s colouring

it is tO say,

f; abdome?

301

sides with two broad streaks of buffy white, one commencing above the eye and passing round to the
occiput, the other extending from the angle of the mouth down the side of the neck ; throat and neck
yellowish buff streaked with black ; upper parts and sides of the body dusky black, indistinctly mottled
with fulvous; breast and abdomen buffy white. Bill dark brown, crossed in the middle and near the
tip with dull black bars.

Progress towards maturity. The head becomes darker, the facial streaks described above gradually
disappearing, but the lengthened plumes with the white pencilled markings still wanting, this being
characteristic of the fully adult plumage; breast dark rufous brown.

Remarks. In this species there is no true crest, but the plumage of the crown and upper sides of the head
is very soft, and the shafts are produced into hair-like filaments, the whiteness of which renders them
more conspicuous. In place of a tail there is a tuft of black silky feathers about an inch in length.
The toes are armed with flattened claws, resembling the human finger-nail; and that of the middle toe
has a pectinate edge. The tongue is large and fleshy, filling the cavity of the lower mandible; and the
palate is armed with two convergent rows of papille directed backwards.

Every country appears to possess at least one species of Dabchick ; and the group does not admit
of very much variety. The form inhabiting New Zealand, although readily distinguishable as a
species, is very similar to Podiceps nestor of Australia; and its habits of life are precisely the
same. It is very abundant in all the freshwater lakes and lagoons of the South Island, and
equally so in the southern portions of the North Island. Strange to say, however, although the
physical conditions of the country are the same, it is rarely or never met with in the far north ;
indeed the only instance that has come to my knowledge of its occurrence in the district north of
Auckland is that of a pair shot by Major Mair in the Hurupaki lake (Whangarei) as far back as
1852. One of these was sent to Europe; and the other is in my collection in the Colonial
Museum.

Like the other members of the group, it dives with amazing agility, and unless taken by
surprise will effectually dodge the gun by disappearing under the surface at the first flash, and
before the charge of shot has reached it. It is capable of remaining under water a considerable
time: and when wounded, it hides by submerging the body and leaving only its bill and nostrils
exposed. When hunting for its food, which consists of small mollusca, among the aquatic plants
at the bottom of the lagoon, it usually remains under about 20 seconds, and then rises to the
surface for an interval of 7 seconds, repeating these actions with the utmost regularity, as I have
observed by timing them with my stop-watch. It flies with difficulty, and only for a short dis-
tance, skimming the surface with a very laboured flapping of its little wings. On the water it
swims low, and with a rapid jerking movement of the head. The form of its body and the
laminated structure of its feet are admirably adapted to its subaqueous performances; and in
clear water I have watched the bird gliding easily along the gravelly boftom, with the neck
stretched forward and moved from side to side, and the wings partially open, the feet being used

as a means of progression.

On the breeding-habits of this species, Mr. Potts writes*:—‘ The nest is rather a large and

* Trans. N.-Z. Instit. 1869, vol. ii. p. 73.

302

somewhat clumsy structure, formed of the roots and leaves of various aquatic plants. We have
found it built against the stem of the Carex virgata, beneath the drooping leaves of which it was
perfectly concealed from casual observation. Situated just within the swampy side of a small
lake, it was raised a few inches only above the water-level. . . . . . . When alarmed on the
water, the parent birds have a knack of tucking the young under the wing, so that its head is
alone visible; they dive and swim thus encumbered with the greatest ease.”

The eggs of the Dabchick, usually two in number, are of a perfect elliptical form, and
greenish white when first laid, with a granulate surface, and often presenting round warty excres-

cences. Examples vary slightly as to size; but an average specimen measures 1-7 inch in length
by 1 in breadth. After long incubation the surface of the shell becomes smeared and stained to
a yellowish brown colour.

nSI
onves -

Colyn
{ ‘lyn
Podic
Colyn
Lophe
Podic
Podic
Podit
Pod
Podic

Ad. supra 0
erect
colle ;
ribu:

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Adult ma
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brea

Fema), :

: ung,

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On the

length
ined to

Orver ANSERES.] [Fam. PODICIPIDA,

¢PODICEPS CRISTATUS.

(GREAT CRESTED GREBE.)

Colymbus cristatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 222 (1766).

Colymbus urinator, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 223 (1766).

Podiceps cristatus, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 780 (1790).

Colymbus cornutus, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. ii. p. 353 (1811).
Lophaithyia cristata, Kaup, Natiirl. Syst. p. 72 (1829).

Podiceps mitratus, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 953 (1831).
Podiceps patagiatus, Brehm, Vg. Deutschl. p. 955 (1831).
Podiceps longirostris, Bonap. Faun. Ital., Uce. p. 18 (1832-41).
Podiceps australis, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1844, p. 135.

Podiceps hectori (var.), Buller, Essay on N.-Z. Orn. p. 19 (1865).

Ad. supra nigricans, remigibus brunnescentibus, minimis albis: pilei plumis utrinque elongatis, fascias duas
erectas formantibus: loris et lined superciliari angusté cum facie laterali guldque albis : regione oculari,
collo laterali guttureque cristatis, ferrugineis, nigro marginatis : corpore subtts argentescenti-albo, late-
ribus brunneis: rostro cinerascenti-brunneo, versts apicem pallidiore: pedibus olivascenti-nigris ; iride

coccinea.

Adult male. Crown, hind neck, and general upper surface, as well as the sides of the body, blackish brown,
slightly glossed with green ; a streak in front of the eyes, the throat, sides of the head and lower part
of fore neck fulvous white; underparts of the body silvery white, stained deeply on the sides of the
breast and slightly in front with chestnut. The feathers of the nape are produced in soft filamentous
plumes, forming two black occipital crests, nearly 2 inches in length; the corresponding plumage of
the neck is developed in a similar manner, forming a thick ruff of a beautiful silky texture, bright chest-
nut in its anterior portion and then jet black; on the neck below there is a wash of the same bright
chestnut. The primary quills are greyish brown, with black shafts, the webs stained more or less and
tipped with pale rufous ; secondaries pure white, excepting the outermost ones, which are black on their

exposed webs and are largely marked with rufous; bastard quills pure white ; outer wing-coverts greyish

brown; secondary coverts much produced and almost black ; edges and lining of wings white, with
rufous stains. Irides red; bill dark brown, yellowish along the lower edge and at the tip of the lower
mandible ; legs and feet olivaceous black tinged with green on the edges and near the joints; claws

greenish black, with a pectinate edge of transparent horn-colour. Total length 22 inches ; wing, from °

flexure, 7°5; bill, along the ridge 2-4, along the edge of lower mandible 3; tarsus 2°75; longest toe

and claw 3°25.

Female. Similar to the male in plumage, and adorned in the same manner with ruff and crest.

Young. Crown of the head and nape black, with dull steel-reflections; the feathers of the forehead and
those immediately over the eyes tipped with white; hind part of neck, back, and general upper

304

surface blackish brown; throat, fore neck, breast, and underparts of the body silvery white. The
occipital feathers on both sides are lengthened, forming an inconspicuous crest : there is no ruff; but the
plumage of that portion of the neck is somewhat longer than on the surrounding parts, and is lightly
washed with chestnut and marked on the sides with black: there is an absence of the chestnut colouring
on the breast, which is pure white; but there is a tinge of rufous on the dark plumage of the sides
immediately under the wings; the primaries are of a uniform blackish brown, with darker shafts ; the
secondaries, tertials, and a broad band on the anterior edge of the wings pure white; primary and
secondary coverts blackish brown ; lining of wings and axillary plumes pure white.

Obs. The above descriptions are taken from fine examples of this bird in the Colonial Museum ; but it
should be mentioned that individuals exhibit slight differences of plumage, especially in the amount of
chestnut and rufous colouring.

Nestling. Covered with soft down; the head, neck, and upper parts generally, pale buff, with numerous
longitudinal stripes of black, which are broadest on the back; the underparts yellowish white. Bill
yellow, crossed at the base and in the middle with black, changing to white near the tips of both man-
dibles; legs and feet light olive-brown.

THE species described above is no doubt identical with that inhabiting Australia, and named
Podiceps australis by Mr. Gould. On a careful comparison of specimens, however, I can see no
reason for separating it from the well-known Podiceps cristatus of Europe ; and I therefore agree
with Dr. Finsch in the adoption of that name.

The specimen on which I founded my original description of Podiceps hectori was in an
imperfect condition, and the supposed absence of the white secondaries proved afterwards to be
merely accidental; but, as I have already pointed out in a paper read before the Wellington
Philosophical Society *, there appears to be a distinct race inhabiting some of the South-Island
lakes, and distinguished by the dark colour of the underparts. Dr. Hector considers this a good
species, and states that he found it on the Whakatipu Lake, accompanied by young, and exhi-
biting the double crest and red ruff which characterize the fully adult bird; while in brackish
lakes by the coast, where old and young birds, as well as eggs, were obtained, none but white-
breasted ones were ever shot.

On a comparison of the two forms, I find that the Whakatipu bird (of which there are
several examples) is rather larger than ordinary specimens of P. cristatus, has the upper parts
perfectly black, and the fore neck and underparts greyish brown tinged with rufous; the lores,
moreover, are black, the rufous white commencing at the angle of the mouth and passing under
the eyes to the ear-coverts. It will, of course, be necessary to obtain a larger series of specimens,
establishing the constancy of these characters, before the question can be set at rest; but if the
dark-breasted bird should hereafter prove to be a distinct species, I must claim from naturalists
its recognition as the true Podiceps hectort.

Mr. Travers has so well described the habits of the Crested Grebe from personal observation,
that I cannot do better than transcribe a portion of his paper, merely adding that, although I

* Trans. N.-Z. Instit. 1869, vol. ii. p. 388.

the Ge on -

hich , the sti

are fc pais
found grow!
above the s!
the general
be in great 1
“The «
apparent thi
a chalky anc
coloration is
under the i
“Tt ha
birds is duc
Rev. J. C. /
that ‘ when
becoming a
White, all e
is this colon
believe that
altogether ¢
the birds fi
Single ege
Stained of ‘
after much
~ tenth p,
Its origin, 4
of future

lary an d

1; but it
hount of

tuMerous
ite. Bill
oth man-

| named
n see no
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as in an
ds to be
allington
h-Island
is a good
nd exhi-
brackish
it white-

-here are
per parts
he lores,
ng under
yecimens,
ut if the
aturalists

though I

355

have had less favourable opportunities of studying this bird in its natural haunts, I can myself
verify much of what he has written :—

*“* Podiceps cristatus is found at all seasons of the year upon Lake Guyon, a small lake in
the Nelson Province, lying close under the Spencer mountain-range, and upon the borders of
which the station buildings connected with a run occupied by me are situated. The water of this
lake is generally very warm, and even in severe seasons has-never been frozen over. To this fact I
attribute the circumstance that some of these birds are to be found upon it throughout the year.
There are several apparently permanent nests on the borders of the lake, which have been occupied
by pairs of birds for many years in succession, from which I am led to infer that, as in the case of
some of the Anatide, these birds pair for life. These nests are built amongst the twiggy branches
of trees which have fallen from the banks of the lake, and now lie half floating in its waters, and
are formed of irregularly laid masses of various species of pond-weeds, chiefly Potamogeton,
found growing in the lake, and which the birds obtain by diving. They are but little raised
above the surface of the water; for, in consequence of the position and structure of its feet, and
the general form of its body, the Grebe is unable to raise itself upon the former unless the body
be in great measure supported by water.

“The eggs are usually three in number, and are somewhat peculiar in form, having an
apparent thickening in the middle and tapering towards both ends. When first laid they are of
a chalky and slightly greenish hue, but soon become completely discoloured. Whether this dis-
coloration is solely due to contact with the materials of the nest, or whether the birds themselves,
under the influence of some instinctive habit, contribute towards it, I am not prepared to say.

“It has been suggested by observers that the discoloration of the eggs of some of the water-
birds is due, in part at least, to voluntary action of the parent birds. In this connexion the
Rev. J. C. Atkinson, a very close observer, tells us, in reference to the eggs of Podiceps minor,
that ‘when first extruded they are perfectly white, but seldom remain long so, gradually
becoming a stale blood-stained hue, from which are gradations to a more or less dirt-bedabbled
white, all eventually becoming of one dirty, muddy red-brown;’ and he inquires, ‘to what cause
is this colouring due? is it intentional on the part of the bird, or is it accidental?’ He does not
believe that the colour ‘is, in any case, due to mud from the feet of the bird, nor that it is
altogether derived from the weeds with which the eggs are usually covered during the absence of
the birds from the nest;’ for he mentions that he met with a nest of Podiceps minor with a
single egg in it, evidently very recently laid, uncovered as it lay in the nest, but which was
stained of a dull mottled dirt-colour all over. He worked at it with water and his fingers, and
after much labour brought it back to a dirty mottled white; but he says ‘ that had he expended
one tenth part of the same labour upon a soiled hen’s egg, he would have succeeded in restoring
its original whiteness.’ But this point is one which I merely suggest here for the consideration
of future observers, having formed no absolute opinion of my own upon it. I am, however,

inclined to think against any intentional action on the part of the bird in producing the disco-

loration of the egg; for I believe that, were such a discoloration necessary for the protection of a

species having so wide a range, it would be exhibited by the egg itself immediately upon its extru-

sion, as in the case of Gulls and other birds which form slight open nests in exposed situations, in

which cases the eggs (and even the young birds proceeding from them) are so much assimilated
3A 2

356

in general colour to the ground on which they are deposited, as not to be detected without close
search.

“Both the male and female Grebe assist in the labour of incubation, although I believe
that the chief part of this task devolves upon the female, and that she is only relieved by her
partner for the purpose of enabling her to feed. Before the actual work of incubation com-
mences, the eggs are usually covered with pond-weed during the absence of the birds from the
nest; but afterwards the nest is seldom, if ever, left by both birds, except under unusual
circumstances.

“The New-Zealand bird, as might be expected from its more recent contact with civilized
man, is far less shy than the European one, and easily discriminates between persons who may be
dangerous and those who are not. ‘The children of my manager frequently visit the nests during
the progress of incubation; and as they have never injured the nests or eggs, or interfered
mischievously with the birds themselves, they are allowed to approach quite close without the
latter thinking it necessary to quit the nest. When they do so, they glide into the water with a
quick but stealthy motion, diving at once, and rising at a considerable distance from the nest.

“The eggs do not appear to suffer from immersion in water, even for a considerable time ;
for on one occasion, three eggs which by some means had been thrown out of a nest, and had
sunk below it to a depth of several feet, and which must have been immersed in the water for
twenty-four hours at least, were replaced by one of the children, and, the parent birds having sat
upon them, two out of the three produced chicks.

“When the water of the lake is rising, in consequence of heavy rain, the birds are seen
busily engaged in procuring material and building up the nest so as to raise the eggs above the
reach of the flood. This added material is afterwards spread out after the water subsides; but
on some rare occasions the rise of the lake has been so great and so rapid that, the birds having
been unable to meet it, the eggs have become addled. In such cases no chicks have been pro-
duced that season.

“The young birds are of a greyish colour, striped with black, and, particularly when
of a small size, are not easily detected whilst floating on the water. They take to the water
immediately after being excluded from the egg; and both parents exhibit the greatest solicitude
in tending and feeding them. When fatigued, they are are carried on the backs of the old birds,
taking their station immediately behind the insertion of the wings, for which purpose the parent
bird immerses itself deeper than usual in the water.

“ Mr. Yarrell, in his description of the Crested Grebe of Europe, says :—‘ The parent birds
are very careful of their young, taking them down with them for security under their wings when
they dive.’ This is certainly not the case with the New-Zealand birds; for I have frequently
observed the parents, both when engaged undisturbed in feeding the young ones, and when
pursued by a boat for the express purpose of noting their habits. In no instance did I see the
young one being taken down by the parent when diving. It dives itself with great ease, and
travels a considerable distance under water. From its inconspicuous colour and small size it
easily eludes observation, more particularly if there be the slighest ripple on the water; and this
is quite sufficient protection for it. When engaged in feeding their young, each parent bird
dives in succession, the young ones remaining on the surface, but with the body fully immersed, so as

4tD
» leave notl
’ - and (

oreat difficul
the general
“J havé
yarious spec!
to any parti
ramble far fi
nests frequel
[ have found
boat, but the
Accordi
9:25 inches
yellowish br:

drawing of a

ut Close

beliey e
t by her
NM com-
from the
unusual

Civilized
may be
3 during
iterfered
10ut the
r with a
nest.

le time;
and had
rater for

ving sat

are see
bove the
les; but
s having

een pro-

ly when
he water
slicitude
ld birds,
e parent

ent birds

357

to leave nothing but the small head and neck visible. The habit of carrying the young on their
backs, and of diving in order to shake them off when the young birds exhibit a determined
disinclination to leave their snug station, has probably led to the error referred to. I have seen
the parent frequently endeavouring to shake off the young one, which, judging from its outcries,
disliked and resisted the attempt, until removed in the manner I have mentioned. Nor is the
suggestion of Mr. Yarrell at all consistent with the fact that the Grebe, when diving, uses its
wings to add to its velocity.

“ Although the Grebe reluctantly takes to flight, there is no doubt that it flies without any
great difficulty ; for it is found in situations which it can only reach by rising considerably above
the general level of the ground.

“J have never seen two or more pairs of birds associating together or mingling with the
various species of ducks also inhabiting the same lake; no pair, however, appears to confine itself
to any particular station, except when accompanied by young ones, in which case they do not
ramble far from the nest until the young ones have attained a considerable size. I visited the
nests frequently at night, but never found them occupied after the young were hatched out; but
I have found it warm, as if recently occupied. The birds no doubt left it on the approach of the
boat, but their quiet stealthy motion prevented my hearing them do so.”

According to my experience the eggs of this species are ovoido-elliptical in form, measuring
9-25 inches in length by 1-45 in breadth, and greenish white thickly smeared and stained with

_ yellowish brown, and often presenting a very dirty appearance. Mr. Potts has sent me a coloured

drawing of a.specimen in his possession of a uniform dark reddish-brown tint.

OrveR STRUTHIONES. | [Fam. APTERYGIDA.

APTERYX MANTELLI.

(NORTH-ISLAND KIWI.)

Apteryx australis, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pl. 2 (1848, nec Shaw).
Apteryx mantelli, Bartlett, P. Z.S. 1850, p. 275.

Native names.—Kiwi and Kiwi-parure.

Ad. rufescens: dorsi plumis rufescentibus ad basin pallidioribus, utrinque nigro marginatis, quasi striatis,
scapis plumarum productis, duris: pileo et collo postico nigricanti-brunneis, plumis ad basin grisescen-
tibus: fronte et facie laterali clariis grisescentibus, illA pallidiore: gutture sordidé brunnescente :
corpore reliquo subtis grisescenti-brunneo, plumis medialiter pallidioribus, quasi striolatis : corporis
lateribus dorso concoloribus: rostro albicanti-corneo: pedibus saturaté brunneis: iride nigra.

Adult. Head, neck, and fore part of breast dark greyish brown, the produced filaments of the feathers
black, inclining to grey towards the base of the bill; general plumage of the upper parts dark rufous
streaked with blackish brown; lower part of breast, abdomen, and inner side of thighs pale greyish
brown. The streaky appearance of the upper surface is produced by each feather having the centre
pale rufous-brown, darker towards the tip, and the long hair-like filaments on both sides black ; the
fluffy basal portion of the feather is of a uniform light grey. The long straggling hairs or feelers which
beset the fore part of the head and angles of the mouth are jet-black. Irides black ; bill clear white
horn-colour ; tarsi and toes dark brown; claws the same, that of the middle toe whitish towards the
base.

Male. Extreme length, following the curvature of the back 23 inches ; bill, along the ridge 4-25, along the
edge of lower mandible 4°85; tarsus 2°75; inner toe and claw 2°25; middle toe and claw 2-9; outer
toe and claw 2°1; hallux or hind tarsal claw °5.

Female. Extreme length, following the curvature of the body, 27°5 inches ; bill along the ridge 6, along the
edge of lower madible 6°6 ; tarsus 3°5; inner toe and claw 2°6; middle toe and claw 3:4; outer toe and
claw 2:2; hallux or hind tarsal claw °75.

Obs. As will be at once apparent from the above measurements, the male is considerably smaller than the
female. It is moreover usually of a brighter rufous, inclining to chestnut-brown, although the tone of the

colouring in different examples is somewhat variable.

Young male. A young male which I received from the Upper Wanganui in October 1870, had the general
tints of the plumage lighter than in the adult female, but not so bright as in ordinary examples of
the adult male; the sides of the head whitish grey, with a dark ear-spot; the bill 8 inches long and

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399

of a white horn-colour; tarsi in front and toes whitish or flesh-coloured; the edges of the metatarsal
scutella margined with pale brown, hind part of tarsi and soles darker, and the claws blackish brown.
In this bird the feathers of the back were far less rigid than in the full-grown bird ; the rudimentary
wings were furnished with a delicate sharp-pointed spur of an arched form, half an inch in length,
brown in its basal portion and yellowish towards the tip. The tubes of the quills were extremely
small, narrow, and flexible, the feathery shaft being far more ample in proportion than in the adult
bird.

In another example of the young bird (in a more advanced condition, judging by the greater strength
of the quills) the tarsi and toes were of a dark greyish-brown colour.

Younger state. In the very young bird the plumage is soft and fluffy, and of a uniform dull rufous brown,
with the tips of the shafts and the produced hair-like filaments black ; paler or greyer on the head and
throat.

General Remarks. Although the head of the Apteryx is small, the neck is large and muscular. There is also
a great development of muscle on the thighs; and the feet are strong and powerful, and armed with
sharp claws. (In the adult female, of which the general measurements are given above, the circum-
ference of the tibia in its largest part was 6°25 inches, of the tarsal joint 3°25, and of the tarsus 2.)
The bill is broad at the base, then tapering, gently arched, and very much produced, with a slight
enlargement at the tip. The tongue is short and flattened, very thin, but rigid in its anterior portion,
with an even width of -2 of an inch, and rounded at the extremity. The wings are rudimentary, and
are entirely concealed by the plumage of the body: in a bird of the largest size the humerus measures
only 2 inches, and the cubitus 1:25. At the extremity of the latter there is a slender claw or spur, like
a twisted piece of wire in appearance, bluish-black in colour, and varying in length from half an inch to
1:1, being generally more largely developed in the female. The tubes of the quills in a full-grown
specimen are 1°25 of an inch in length, and -1 of an inch in diameter in their thickest part. In the fully
adult bird the scales covering the tarsi and toes are closely set with overlapping edges, and are perfectly
smooth; in the young they are soft and detached, presenting a reticulated surface. The feathers are
lanceolate and composed externally of long disunited barbs or filaments ; the downy portion towards the
roots is very largely developed, and far exceeds in extent the exposed or hairy portion. They are desti-
tute of the accessory plumule so highly developed in some of the struthious birds, for example in the
Emu and Cassowary ; but the basal or concealed portion of each feather is very fine and silky. Beyond
the extremity of the barbs the shaft becomes more rigid, and on the upper and hind parts of the body it is
produced to a sharp point. The development of this structure to such an extent as to render the
plumage stiff and harsh to the touch is the character which separates the present species from its near
ally Apteryx australis. The fore part of the head and sides of the face are beset with straggling hairs
or feelers, varying in length from 1 to 6 inches, and perfectly black.

A FuLL and complete history of the remarkable wingless birds which, even to the present day,
form the most distinctive feature in the avifauna of New Zealand, would necessarily fill a volume.
As, however, the osteology and anatomy of these singular forms have already been exhaustively
discussed by Professor Owen in several able ‘Memoirs’ published by the Zoological Society, I
do not propose to touch on this part of the subject, but rather to confine myself to some account
of their life-history; and as the habits of the several species of Apteryx at present known to us

360

appear to be the same in almost every respect, I consider it sufficient for my present purpose to
record the observations I have made on the bird inhabiting the North Island, an excellent portrait
of which, from a living bird, is given on the foregoing Plate.

Whether we are justified in separating this form, as a species, from the one inhabiting the
South Island, originally described and still known as Apterya australis, is a point on which orni-
thologists are not yet agreed. My reasons, however, for adopting this course will be found in my
account of the last-named species at a subsequent page.

Some thirteen years ago, when residing at Wellington, I received, through the kind offices
of Mr. Richard Woon, my first live specimens of the Apteryx. They were eight in number,
mostly females, and all full-grown. Three of these birds having shortly afterwards died, I
forwarded them in spirits to Professor Owen, to assist him in his examination of the anatomy of
this anomalous form. ‘The others remained in my possession for a considerable time; and I was
thus afforded a favourable opportunity of studying their peculiarities of structure and habit. In
the letter forwarding them, Mr. Woon gave the following information :—‘ They were caught by
muzzled dogs in the bosky groves and marshes of the Upper Wanganui, at a place called Manga-
nuioteao, about 100 miles from the mouth of the river. There are great numbers still to be
found in this district. They go together in companies of from six to twelve, and make the country
resound at night with their shrill cry.”

During my residence in Wanganui, I have had in my possession at various times no less than
seventeen of these birds, of different ages, and all obtained from the same locality, which appears
to be the last stronghold of the Apteryx in the North Island. In former years they were very
abundant in the mountainous part of the Hokianga district, north of Auckland; but according to
all accounts they are now comparatively scarce in that part of the country. To the present day they
linger on some of the small islands in the gulf of Hauraki; for although so singular a fact has
often been called in question, resting as it apparently did on the mere assertion of the natives,
the matter has been placed beyond all dispute by Mr. T. Kirk, who lately obtained several
himself on the Little Barrier.

‘ J cannot better illustrate the habits of this bird under confinement than by giving the
following extracts from a notebook containing the record of my own observations from time to
time. ‘The first entry relates to a fine bird brought to me by a native from Ranana, who stated
that he had taken it from a small natural cavity on the slope of the Mairehau hill, some fifty
miles up the Wanganui river.

“Oct. 1866. One of the inmates of my aviary at present is an adult female Kiwi, only
recently captured. During the day it retires into a small dark chamber, where it remains coiled
up in the form of a ball—and if disturbed or dislodged, moves drowsily about, and seeks the
darkest corner of its prison, when it immediately rolls itself again into an attitude of repose.
It appears to be blinded by the strong glare of sunlight; and although it recovers itself in the
shade, it can then only detect objects that are near. Night is the time of its activity; and the
whole nature of the bird then undergoes a change: coming forth from its diurnal retreat full of
animation, it moves about the aviary unceasingly, tapping the walls with its long slender bill, and
probing the ground in search of earth-worms. The feeding of this bird at night with the large
glow-worm (‘ toke-tipa’ of the natives) is a very interesting sight. This annelid, which often

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361

attains a length of 12, and sometimes 20 inches, with a proportionate thickness, emits at night a
bright phosphoric light. The mucous matter which adheres to its body appears to be charged
with the phosphorus; and on its being disturbed or irritated the whole surface of the worm is
illumined with a bright green light, sufficiently strong to render adjacent objects distinctly visible.
Seizing one of these large worms in its long mandibles, the Kiwi proceeds to kill it by striking
it rapidly on the ground or against some hard object. During this operation the bird may be
clearly seen under the phosphoric light; and the slime which attaches itself to the bill and head
renders these parts highly phosphorescent, so that, even after the luminous body itself has been
swallowed, the actions of the bird are still visible. There is no longer the slow and half stupid
movement of the head and neck; but the bill is darted forward with a restless activity, and
travels over the surface of the ground with a continued sniffing sound, as if the bird were
guided more by scent than by sight in its search for food.”

The subject of this notice having afterwards died, I sent the skeleton (skilfully prepared by
Dr. Knox) to Professor Newton, of Cambridge; and it now occupies a place of honour in the
University Museum.

The next entry in my notebook refers to a purchase of eight from the Upper Wanganui
natives in October 1870 :—

“ The lot consists of two adult males, one young male, three adult females, and two young
birds of doubtful sex. One of the females has the plumage very much faded and worn, resem-
bling somewhat that of the Australian Emu, the tips of the feathers having, as it were, a weather-
beaten appearance. The old birds are shy, always attempting to hide themselves from view, but
very Vicious when taken hold of: they struggle violently and utter a low growling note, accom-
panied by a vigorous striking movement of the feet. The young birds are particularly savage,
and instead of running away they charge you in the most plucky manner, using their feet as
weapons of offence: when provoked they manifest their anger by an audible snapping of the bill;
and at other times they emit a peculiar chuckle, not unlike that of a brood-hen when disturbed
on her nest. I have only once heard these captives produce the loud whistling cry which is
so familiar to the ear in the wild mountain-haunts of the Kiwi. The birds occupy at present an
empty stall in my stable, and they find both concealment and warmth by burying themselves in
a heap of loose straw. During the day they remain coiled up in the form of an almost perfectly
round ball, with the head and bill hidden beneath the dense hair-like plumage of the body. If
hungry, however, they will sometimes wander about in a desultory manner, probing or touching
every object with their bills. They often huddle together when at rest, lying one upon another
like little pigs; and when sound asleep no amount of noise will rouse them. On being thrust
with a stick, or rudely wakened, they move about in a drowsy inert manner, and soon relapse into
a state of apparent lethargy. They have naturally a peculiar earthy smell; and the place in which
they are confined has acquired a very perceptible odour. On taking my dog to a spot in the
garden where the Kiwis had been probing for worms on the previous day, he took up the scent
very readily, and followed it without any check. I am informed by old Kiwi-hunters that the
bird is easily ‘brought to earth, and captured by dogs accustomed to the work, and that in
former times a hundred or more have been taken in this way in the course of a single night.

“ My birds have shown a preference for earthworms; but they will also partake readily of
3B

362

minced liver, or pounded flesh of any sort. For the first few days of their captivity the old birds
ate very sparingly of this new diet; but the young ones were not so fastidious, eagerly devouring
any thing that was offered them.”

The Kiwi is in some measure compensated for the absence of wings by its swiftness of foot.
When running it makes wide strides and carries the body in an oblique position, with the neck
stretched to its full extent and inclined forwards. In the twilight it moves about cautiously and
as noiselessly as a rat, to which, indeed, at this time it bears some outward resemblance. Ina
quiescent posture, the body generally assumes a perfectly rotund appearance; and it sometimes,
but only rarely, supports itself by resting the point of its bill on the ground. It often yawns
when disturbed in the daytime, gaping its mandibles in a very grotesque manner. When pro-
voked it erects the body, and, raising the foot to the breast, strikes downwards with considerable
force and rapidity, thus using its sharp and powerful claws as weapons of defence. The story of
its striking the ground with its feet to bring the earthworms to the surface, which appears to
have gained currency among naturalists, is as fanciful as the statement of a well-known author
that it is capable of “ inflicting a dangerous blow, sometimes even killing a dog!”

While hunting for its food the bird makes a continual sniffing sound through the nostrils,
which are placed at the extremity of the upper mandible. Whether it is guided as much by
touch as by smell I cannot safely say; but it appears to me that both senses are called into
action. ‘That the sense of touch is highly developed seems quite certain, because the bird,
although it may not be audibly sniffing will always first touch an object with the point of its
bill, whether in the act of feeding or of surveying the ground; and when shut up ina cage or
confined in a room it may be heard, all through the night, tapping softly at the walls. The
sniffing sound to which I have referred is heard only when the Kiwi is in the act of feeding or
hunting for food; but I have sometimes observed the bird touching the ground close to or imme-
diately round a worm which it had dropped without being able to find it. I have remarked, more-
over, that the Kiwi will pick up a worm or piece of meat as readily from the bottom of a vessel
filled with water as from the ground, never seizing it, however, till it has first touched it with its
bill in the manner described. It is probable that, in addition to a highly developed olfactory
power, there is a delicate nervous sensitiveness in the terminal enlargement of the upper man-
dible. It is interesting to watch the bird, in a state of freedom, foraging for worms, which con-
stitute its principal food: it moves about with a slow action of the body; and the long, flexible
bill is driven into the soft ground, generally home to the very root, and is either immediately
withdrawn with a worm held at the extreme tip of the mandibles, or it is gently moved to and
fro, by an action of the head and neck, the body of the bird being perfectly steady. It is
amusing to observe the extreme care and deliberation with which the bird draws the worm from
its hiding-place, coaxing it out as it were by degrees, instead of pulling roughly or breaking it.
On getting the worm fairly out of the ground, it throws up its head with a jerk, and swallows it
whole.

The stomach of a recently killed wild bird which I dissected, contained a Hinau-berry
(Eleocarpus dentatus) and rounded fragments of white quartz. Dr. Day writes me:—“ In its
very muscular stomach I have usually found the remains of beetles, pebbles, and many hard
kernels of the Hinau-berry.”

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363

In preparing my specimens I was astonished at the toughness of the skin, even in the very
young birds; and Mr. Dawson Rowley, writing of the dried skin, sends me the following inter-
esting note:—“I have a portion of the skin of an adult male Apteryx before me; this is so
thick that a pair of light shoes might easily be made of it. In setting up these birds, the tough-
ness of she skin is such that it can hardly be relaxed: water has little effect upon it. It
resembles leather, and is more like the skin of a mammal than that of a bird. In Nestor nota-
bilis we find the skin tough (fit to make gloves), but not near so stout as in Apteryx.”

On the eve of my departure from New Zealand I purchased from a Wanganui native a very
fine example of this species for presentation to the Zoological Society, and shipped it by the
‘Wild Duck;’ but (as I have since been informed) it unfortunately died when crossing the
Equator. Others have been more successful ; and at the present time very healthy specimens of
three species (Apteryx mantelli, A. australis, and A. oweni) are to be seen in the Society’s unri-
valled menagerie at Regent’s Park.

The following notes by Mr. Bartlett, on the incubation of the Kiwi in the “Gardens”
(P. Z.S. 1868, p. 829), are full of interest :-—

“Ty 1851 Lieut.~Governor Eyre presented to the Society an Apteryw. This bird proved to
be a female of Apteryw mantelli. In the year 1859 she laid her first egg, and has continued to
lay one or two eggs every year since that time. In 1865 a male bird was presented by Henry
Slade, Esq. During the last year these birds showed symptoms of a desire to pair. This was
known by the loud calling of the male, which was answered by the female in a much lower and
shorter note. They were particularly noisy during the night, but altogether silent in the day-
time. On the 2nd January the first egg was laid, and for a day or more the female remained on
the egg; but as soon as she quitted the nest the male bird took to it, and remained constantly
sitting. On the 7th of February the second egg was laid, the female leaving the nest as soon as
the egg was deposited. The two birds now occupied the two opposite corners of the room in

which they were kept, the male on the two eggs in the nest under the straw, the female concealed
in her corner, also under a bundle of straw placed against the wall. During the time of incu-
bation they ceased to call at night—in fact, were perfectly silent, and kept apart. I found the
eggs in a hollow formed on the ground in the earth and straw, and placed lengthwise side by
side. ‘The male bird lay across them, his narrow body appearing not sufficiently broad to cover
them in any other way; the ends of the eggs could be seen projecting from the side of the bird.
The male continued to sit in the most persevering manner until the 25th April, at which time
he was much exhausted, and left the nest. On examining the eggs I found no traces of young
birds. Notwithstanding the failure of reproducing the Apteryx, 1 think sufficient has been
witnessed to show that this bird’s mode of reproduction does not differ essentially from that of
the allied struthious birds, in all cases of which, that have come under my observation, the male
bird only sits. I have witnessed the breeding of the Mooruk, the Cassowary, the Emu, and the
Rhea; and the mode of proceeding of the Apterya fully justifies me in believing the habits of this
bird to be in no way materially different from those of its allies.”

The enormous size of the Kiwi’s egg has often been the subject of speculation and comment ;
for, till the fact was established beyond all question, it seemed almost impossible that the very
ionally brought in by the natives were the produce of this bird. In the spring of

large eggs occas

364

1870 I had the pleasure of forwarding several live examples of the Apteryx to the Hamburgh
Consul at Wellington, for transmission to the Zoological Society of Berlin; and one of these
afterwards furnished the subject of the following notice in the minutes of the Wellington Philo-
sophical Society * :—

“Dr. Hector drew the attention of the meeting to an interesting specimen of an egg of the
Kiwi taken in utero. He stated that the bird from which the specimen had been taken belonged
to Mr. Krull, and had recently died. It had been presented to the Museum; and on being
skinned, it was found to contain a fully formed egg, the large size of which had evidently been
the cause of the death of the bird. He considered the specimen unique and setting at rest all
doubt as to whether the Kiwi really lays an egg so disproportionately large to the size of the
body of the bird.”

The period of gestation in this bird appears to be unusually protracted; and one of my
captives, for the space of forty days before extruding her egg, moved about with evident difficulty,
being apparently unable to stand upright, resting the weight of the body on the heel of the
tarsus, and walking in a staggering manner. She laid a very large egg on the 22nd March,
recovered her full activity on the following day, moped on the next, and died on the 25th.

An egg of this species, obtained at Whangaroa, is broadly elliptical in form, measuring
5°3 inches in length by 3-1 in breadth, with a granulate surface, or, more correctly, covered with
minute puncta, and of a creamy-white colour, more or less stained. The one I have described is,
of course, a very large example. ‘They vary not only in size, but also in form; and on the latter
point I have the following note from Mr. Kirk :—“ During a recent visit to Maretai I was shown
an egg of the Kiwi decidedly ovoid, widest in the middle, and tapering towards each extremity
in a remarkably uniform manner; and I have since seen eggs of a similar shape obtained at
Whakatane. But the egg we have in the Auckland Museum [measuring 5:25 inches by 2°85] is
of a different shape, very little wider in the middle than at one fourth the total length from each
extremity.”

Some examples are nearly pure white, with a smoother surface; others, again, are marked
with small excrescences, and with irregular furrows or interruptions in the granulation of the
shell.

* Trans, New-Zealand Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 73.

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Onver STRUTHIONES. ] (Fam. APTERYGIDA.

APTERYX AUSTRALIS.
(SOUTH-ISLAND KIWL)

- Apterya australis, Shaw and Nodder, Nat. Misc. xxiv. pls. 1057, 1058 (1813).
Dromiceius nove zealandie, Less. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 210 (1828).

Native names.—Kiwi and Tokoeka.

Ad. similis A: mantelli, sed pallidior et magis grisescens: tergo tantim vix castaneo tincto: scapis plumarum
haud conspicuis, itaque ptilosi molliore distinguendus.

Adult. Differs from Apteryx mantelli in the lighter colour of its plumage, the feathers being of a sandy or
greyish brown, with darker margins, those of the upper parts only slightly tinged near the tips with
rufous. The plumage of the nape and back of the neck is less hairy; and the feathers of the back
and hind parts are destitute of the lengthened and stiffened points which characterize the other species.

Obs. As a rule the South-Island birds are larger than those from the North Island; but occasionally examples
of Apteryx mantelli are met with fully equal in size to the largest specimens of Apteryx australis; and
this is therefore of little or no value as a specific character. It may also be observed that in this
species the long facial hairs or feelers are, generally speaking, far less abundant than in the North-
Island Apteryz.

Young. A specimen in the Canterbury Museum has the head dark grey, and the rest of the plumage greyish
brown, lighter on the underparts, each feather with a narrow streak of fulvous along the shaft ; on the
feathers of the upper parts this streak is darker towards the tip, and the terminal filaments are black,
whereas on the underparts of the body both the tips and filaments are light brown or fulvous; the bill,
which measures two inches in length, is light horn-colour ; the legs and feet are light brown, the meta-
tarsi being covered anteriorly with thin scales, scarcely definable to the eye. In this young condition
the quill-tubes are very minute, and the plumage of the body is extremely soft to the touch.

In Mr. Dawson Rowley’s private collection of New-Zealand rarities at Chichester House, Brighton,
there is a specimen of the chick, apparently younger than those in the Canterbury Museum, and
differing from them in the lighter tone of its plumage, especially on the upper parts.

Tux first example of the Apteryx of which there is any record was obtained in New Zealand
about the year 1813, by Captain Barclay, of the ship ‘ Providence,’ and afterwards deposited in
the collection of the late Lord Derby. This bird was first described, under the above name, by
Dr. Shaw (Nat. Misc. /. c.), and afterwards, at greater length, by Mr. Yarrell, in the ‘ 'Trans-
actions of the Zoological Society’ (vol. i. p. 71, pl. 10). On the 10th December, 1850, a series
of specimens was exhibited before the Zoological Society of London, when Mr. Bartlett pointed
out characters which, as he contended, established the existence of two species, hitherto con-
3¢

366

founded under the specific name of Apteryx australis. Mr. Bartlett stated, at this meeting,
that an Apteryx belonging to the late Dr. Mantell having been placed in his hands by that
gentleman, he had remarked its dissimilarity to ordinary examples, and that, after a careful
comparison with a number of other specimens, he had come to the conclusion that it was a new
species. On comparing Dr. Mantell’s bird, however, with the original specimen in the Earl of
Derby’s collection, he had found that they were identical. He accordingly referred his supposed
new species to Apteryx australis, and distinguished the more common bird as Apteryx mantelli,
for which he proposed the following characters :—“ its smaller size, its darker and more rufous
colour, its longer tarsus, which is scutellated in front, its shorter toes and claws, which are horn-
coloured, its smaller wings, which have much stronger and thicker quills, and also its having
long straggling hairs on the face” (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1850, p- 276).

Mr. Bartlett stated further, that the Apteryx belonging to Dr. Mantell was collected by his
son in Dusky Bay, whence the original bird, figured and described by Dr. Shaw, was also obtained,
and that, so far as he had been able to ascertain, all the known specimens of Apterya mantelli
were from the North Island.

In a “Report on the present State of our Knowledge of the Species of Apteryxz,” by
Drs. Sclater and Hochstetter, read at a meeting of the British Association in September 1861,
and published for general information in the ‘ New-Zealand Gazette’ in May 1862, the following
observation occurs respecting Apteryx australis :—“In fact, the species is so closely allied to the
Apteryx mantelli as to render it very desirable that further examples of it should be obtained,
and a rigid examination instituted between the two. For the present, however, we must regard
this form of Apteryx as belonging to the southern portion of the Middle Island.”

Mr. Gould, in the Appendix to his ‘ Handbook to the Birds of Australia’ (p. 568), retains
the original name for the species, but remarks :—‘“ If Mr. Bartlett’s view be correct, it is probable
that the bird figured by me is the one he has named Apteryx mantelli.”

In a paper read before the Wellington Philosophical Society on the 12th November, 1870*,
I pointed out that the characters by which Mr. Bartlett had distinguished the species would not
stand. I showed that the sexes differed from each other both in size and in the tone of their
plumage, that the arrangement of the tarsal scutella differed according to age and other circum-
stances, that the peculiarity in the cubital quills was not a specific character, the “soft slender
quills” indicating only immaturity, and that the length of the “straggling hairs on the face”
varied in almost every individual. I stated further that an inspection of the drawings illustrative
of the supposed specific distinctions (published by the Zoological Society) had only tended to
confirm me in the opinion expressed above.

Since that paper was written I have had an opportunity of examining a fine series of South-
Island Apteryges in the Canterbury Museum, and of comparing them with examples from the
North Island; and I am now convinced that there are in reality two species of brown Apteryz,
readily distinguishable from each other by a very remarkable difference in the structure of their
plumage. In the South-Island Kiwi the feathers of the upper parts are soft and yielding when
stroked against the grain, whereas in the North-Island bird (Apteryx mantelli), owing to a

* Trans. N.-Z. Instit. 1870, vol. iii. pp. 37-56.

pf |
auc? wes
3h aj) the SP
s i > salt
ee at the Si
sgopt8 é Ps
"pf aD sup}
yrse + a
i i J have u
10 W 0 im | ue
Jt ke
ecei VIDE from me
pn FOC é :
\useuD, detecte@ }
hs portunity
{had a0 opport |
Dr (Otto Finsch,
| ; a
apposite conclusion ;
Sd a
ciwi to the ra
Jdand Kiwi 0

According to th
{ difference is qu!
sis certainly the ¢
nmtelli (Finsch Net
«| submit, as much

Ceting,

nantelli

yx,” by
r 1861,
lowing
d to the
btained,
t regard

, retains

srobable

1870*,
ould not
of their
circum-
+ slender
he face”
ustrative
ended to

f South-
from the
Aptery®
of thei
ng wher

ng to ®

367

peculiarity in the structure of the shaft, they have stiffened points, and are harsh and prickly to
the touch. This character (apart from a slight difference in the colour of the plumage) is con-
stant in all the specimens I have examined; and I have no hesitation in giving it a specific value,
adopting at the same time the distinctive names originally proposed by Mr. Bartlett. In this
course I am supported by the unanimous opinion of several of the best ornithologists in England,
to whom I have submitted specimens for examination.

I take this opportunity of saying that the credit of this discovery belongs to Dr. Haast, who,
on receiving from me a North-Island bird for comparison with the specimens in the Canterbury
Museum, detected this structural difference in the plumage, and informed me of it long before
I had an opportunity of verifying the fact for myself.

Dr. Otto Finsch, who has had a recent opportunity of comparing the birds, has arrived at an
opposite conclusion ; but he seems to have practically conceded the point by admitting the North-
Island Kiwi to the rank of a “ variety ” (i.e. Apteryx australis, var. mantelli) *.

According to the now generally accepted view of what constitutes a “species” the amount
of difference is quite immaterial, provided it be constant and readily distinguishable. If
(as is certainly the case) all the known examples from the North Island are referable to “ var.
mantelli (Finsch),” then, for all practical purposes, the bird must be regarded as distinct, and

I submit, as much entitled to recognition as any other species on our list.

* Journal fiir Ornithologie, 1873, p. 263.

: 205

Oxper STRUTHIONES.} (Fam. APTERYGIDA.

APTERYX OWENL

(LITTLE GREY KIWI.)

Apteryx owenii, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1847, p: 94.
Native name.—Kiwi-pukupuku.

Ad. griseus, brunneo et fulvescente alterné transfasciatus, dorsi plumis etiam subterminaliter nigro trans-
fasciatis: subtis pallidior, clarits grisescens, plumis albido et brunneo alterné fasciatim transnotatis :
pileo guttureque claré griseis, facie laterali paullo saturatiore : rostro saturaté corneo: pedibus pallidé
brunneis, unguibus corneis : iride nigra.

Adult. Head, throat, and fore neck dull yellowish brown, darker on the nape; general plumage of the
body light yellowish brown mottled all over, and obscurely banded in a wavy manner with blackish
brown; the rigid hair-like points of the feathers bright fulvous ; underparts paler, the plumage of the
abdomen becoming light fulvous obscurely barred with brown. Each feather examined separately has
the main portion, which is concealed by the outer plumage, glossy greyish brown, becoming paler
towards the root; above this, where the barbs are disunited, it is crossed by an irregular bar of
fulvous or yellowish brown, beyond which again it is blackish brown tipped with shining fulvous: on
the feathers of the underparts and sides of the body there are generally two of these transverse bands.
It is the blending together of these markings that produces the peculiar mottled and wavy ap-
pearance described above. Irides black; bill dark horn-colour; legs and feet pale brown, the claws
horn-coloured, with transparent tips.

Male. Total length, following the curvature of the back, 17:5 inches; bill, along the ridge 2°85, along the
edge of lower mandible 3:4; tarsus 1°75 ; middle toe and claw 2°4; hallux or hind tarsal claw °4.

Female. ‘Total length, following the curvature of the back, 20 inches; bill, along the ridge 3°5, along the
edge of lower mandible 4; tarsus 2°5; middle toe and claw 3; hallux, or hind tarsal claw, °5.

Obs. Independently of the marked difference in size between the sexes, there is a considerable amount of
individual variation ; and adult specimens are sometimes met with of so small a size as even to suggest
the existence of another species. I have remarked this more particularly with examples received from
the southern portions of the South Island.

The ground-tints of the plumage vary slightly in different birds. As a rule, however, the male is
of a somewhat darker shade than the female, and the plumage has a more banded or rayed character,
while the tips of the feathers on the upper parts are of a brighter fulvous.

ugro trans-
-ansnotatis :

ibus pallidé

rage of the
th blackish

d wavy ap-
n, the claws

5, along the

aw ‘4.

5, along the
“5.

le amount
n to suggest
sceived from
, the male 18
F

ad character;

— EE

APTERYX OWENI.

young: i”
light ©

und
gro

Very young
a unifo
me wit
“ Kiwi
exactly
exceed

Varieties.
to albu
and th
near t
above
surrou

hi

white,

Remarks.
much
scarce
curved
and tl
fulvou
tarsi a

riorly

surfac
both

Tur Grey
Temote dist
sland,

OVerh

angin

a

369

Young. Dull greyish brown, obscurely mottled; vertex, sides of the head, and throat greyish white; the
light tips of the feathers very conspicuous, having the appearance of small pencilled lines on a darker
ground, the produced hair-like filaments being entirely black.

Very young state. A chick of this species, in the possession of G. Dawson Rowley, Esq., at Brighton, is of
a uniform yellowish-brown colour, with the tips of the feathers lighter. Dr. J. F. Knox has favoured
me with the following notes on a still younger specimen, obtained at Nelson in November 1858 :—
“ Kiwi chick: just escaped from the egg, or rather, in all probability, taken from the egg. Weighed
exactly 2 ounces; bill straight, soft, and measuring 1°25 inch in length; feathers few in number; wings
exceedingly small, and no claw observable.”

Varieties. The following is the description of a specimen in the Canterbury Museum, oxiditee a tendency
to albinism :—On the left side, just above the thigh, there is a broad irregular patch of the purest white ;
and there is a similar but more rounded patch on the inner side of each thigh, and another smaller one
near the rump; on the right side there are also a few white feathers; and on the sides of the head
above the eyes, as well as on the throat, there are patches of dull greyish-white blending with the
surrounding dark grey plumage.

_ In the Sydney Museum there is a more perfect albino, the whole of the plumage being greyish
white, very obscurely streaked with brown.

Remarks. In this species the bill is straighter than in Apteryx mantelli; and the facial hairs or feelers are
much shorter, seldom exceeding 2°5 inches in length. In the rudimentary wing the forearm measures
scarcely more than one inch; the terminal claw is about 5 of an inch in length, horn-coloured, slightly
curved, and sharp-pointed ; the quills are equal and regular, the tube being ‘75 of an inch in length;
and the webs, which are perfectly soft, are light brown in colour, crossed by two broad bars of pale
fulvous. In the young, or in birds of the first year, the wing-quills are very feebly developed. The
tarsi are proportionally longer and more slender than in Apteryx mantelli; and they are covered ante-
riorly with closely-set scales of a rounded form. The claws are long, slender, and sharp-pointed,
sometimes with the tip incurvate; the hind claw is slender, only = arched, a with eink edges.
The plumage is soft and yielding to the hand when passed along it; but in a rever ti gainst
the grain it is slightly rigid, although it wants the stiffened shafts w oa, give to the feathers - pan
manteli their distinguishing character. On raising the plumage with the hand and viewing it laterally

_ it has very much the appearance of the thick fur on the back of a tabby cat. The general effect on the
surface bears a close resemblance to the fur of the small Australian marsupial, Lagorchestes fasciatus,
both in colour and in the peculiar character of the wavy markings.

THE Grey Kiwi is distributed over a great portion of the South Island, and in some of the
remote districts is still very abundant. It does not occur, however, in any part of the North
Island.

It frequents the woods, and, being (like its congeners) nocturnal in its habits, must be sought
for in prostrate hollow trunks, natural holes or caverns among the roots of the large forest-trees,
and clefts or fissures in the rocks. It breeds in these localities; and Dr. Haast informs me that
he has sometimes taken its nest from under a dense tussock or from the cavity formed by an
overhanging stone on the slope of a wooded hill.

The male, female, and young, described above, were all taken from one nest by Dr. Haast
himself during one of his explorations on the west coast of the Canterbury Province.

It is said to be excellent eating; and the diggers’ pot is contributing, equally with the trade
in specimens, to the rapid extirpation of the bird. The effect of such a statement as this on the
mind of a true-hearted naturalist may be readily inferred from the following letter addressed by
Mr. E. Blyth to the Editor of ‘The Ibis,’ in 1861 :—‘*Some time ago I met a stranger who had
been.travelling in New Zealand.

Of course I was curious about the Apteryx owent; and I showed
him Gould’s figure of the bird, and tried to make him comprehend some notion of its value.
‘Good, said he, ‘I know it well: we ate four of them in one pie!’ Alas for Apteryx oweni, as
well as for the last remaining specimens of Dinornis or Palapteryx (if such there yet remain), to
be put into a pie! Gather your roses while you may, Mr. Editor, and collect your impennates
before this pestilent civilization spoils and ruins every thing!”

The egg of this species is of a long elliptical form, measuring 4°3 inches in length by 2:4 in
its widest part. It is originally white, but becomes much stained or soiled during incubation ;
and some examples have the shell traversed with thread-like excrescences, especially at the
larger end.

ones gr RUTH
B

Aptery®
Aptery®

Ad. similis A. «

Adult. Hea

Obs. Anot]
chestnr
these bi
it may]

General Rey
much
chestn)
anteric
than g
formed
termin
feathe
Shafts

interm
ONLY tyy

bury M Usey
South Islan,

0 8}

Orver STRUTHIONES. | [Fau. APTERYGIDA.

APTERYX HAASTI.

(LARGE GREY KIWI.)

Apteryx haasti, Trans. N. Z. Instit. 1871, vol. iv. p. 204.
Apteryx maxima, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 23 (nec Bp.).

Native names.

Roa or Roaroa, and Kiwi-Karuai.

‘Ad. similis A. oweni, sed multd major, saturatior, et tergo castaneo tincto.

Adult. Head and neck dark greyish brown; the whole of the upper parts as in Apteryz oweni, but darker,
the bands being almost black, and the fulvous markings strongly tinged with chestnut; underparts as
in A. oweni, but decidedly darker. Irides black ; bill white horn-colour ; legs and feet dark brown,
changing to brownish black on the posterior aspect of the metatarsi and on the soles ; claws dark horn-
colour. Total length 25:5 inches; bill, along the ridge 4°75, along the edge of lower mandible 5-4;
tarsus 2°75 ; middle toe and claw 3:1; hallux or hind tarsal claw ‘75.

Obs. Another example is slightly smaller and somewhat darker; and the thighs are marked by two
chestnut bars, one on the hind part and the other immediately above the tarsal joint. To which sex
these birds belong has not been ascertained, although they are supposed to be females. If they are males,
it may be reasonably inferred that the female of this species is considerably larger than Apteryx australis.

General Remarks. 'This species resembles Apteryx oweni in general appearance, but is distinguished by its
much larger size (equalling that of A. australis), by its darker plumage, which has a strong tinge of
chestnut, and by the more robust form and darker colour of its legs and feet. Its metatarsi are armed
anteriorly with large and broad scutella, approaching more nearly in this respect to those of A. australis
than of the former species, in which the scales are small and rounded. The claws are large, well
formed, only slightly arched, and sharp-pointed. The quill-tubes are about an inch in length; and the
terminal claw, which measures ‘4 of an inch, is slender, arched, and pointed. The structure of the
feathers on the upper parts of the body appears to be similar to that observable in Apteryzx australis, the
shafts of the feathers being less produced than in A. oweni; and altogether the form appears to be an
intermediate one, combining in some degree the distinguishing characters of both.

Onty two specimens of this fine Apteryx are at present known, both of which are in the Canter-
bury Museum. ‘These were obtained on the high ranges above Okarita, on the west coast ‘of the
South Island, where, according to the resident natives, this Large Grey Kiwi is tolerably common.

372

In giving the species a name, Mr. Potts has paid a well-merited compliment to Dr. Haast,
to whose personal exertions the Province of Canterbury is largely indebted, not only for the
establishment of a valuable museum of science and art, but for several most important topo-

graphical and geological surveys.

There is no proof whatever that the bird here described is the same as that for ‘which
M. Jules Verreaux proposed the name of Apteryx maxima*; on the contrary, the evidence, so
far as it goes, would seem to indicate the existence of a much larger species of Kiwi than
any of the foregoing—in fact, a bird equalling in size a full-grown Turkey. For this reason,
I have considered it safer to retain Apteryx haasti as a recognized species, and to leave the
further elucidation of the question to the zeal and enterprise of future explorers in the “land of

the Apteryx.”

* Bp. Compt. Rend. Acad. Sc. xliii. p. 841 (1856, ex Verr. MS.).

iw i0V
Aljate ; .
VGiPoOs dn
s du Cap
—

a Haast,
"for the

Nt topo-

ot which
dence, so
iwi than
S reason,
eave the
“land of

spur acesthee 112.
gilrvi Bild.

— stris, 112.
Acanthiza albofrontata, 111.
—— flaviventris, 107.

—— tenuirostris, 112.

acutirostris, eer 63.

eomo

edemastor Trocetlazia, 305.
s, 305.

Albatros, Blask-eyebrowed, 292.
——, Chocolate, ,

—, ; Gr rey- -headed, 295.

, Sooty, te

an ri

g, 289.
——, Yel aa 294.
Albatros an yen de Bonne Espé-

289.
oe s, Di omedea 289.
mii Leer 101.
101.

eas x, 10
aliiotide , Certhiparas 101.
albifi ee aa hene, 2
ag 21.

bf oid
pe ce 21.
albi albifrons, Anarhynebus, 216.

——, Sterna, 281.

INDEX.

albifrons, Turdus, 122.
vein ites Rhi pidur a, 143.
albofrontat cantina, 111.
, Gerygone, 111.
albolineata, i ney 228.
albopectus , Muscicapa ;

albostriat, Hydro, 283.
opus

albus,

Alcedo link 60.

, 6

—— vagans, 69.

alpinus, Pla aiyote, xvi, 61.

ee. Nectris, 317.
Ppea

Anarhyne oli aDbifrons, 216.

a, 241.
antarctica, Cataradte, 267.
——, norte , 283.
antarcticus, Lestris, 267, 270.
—, Megalest: sc 267,
—, Steve corar’
Anthomiza pence pacer oe 91.
Anthornis auriocula, 96.

Anthus — ats 132.
—— grayi, 10

lie, 132.
antipoda, indypton, 346.
ake pea 346
346.

antipodes, Catarrhactes, 346.
—, Pygoscelis, 346.
cel pe ye 270.
—, Eu ne s, 346,
—, Lar 270.
antipodus, Dominieanus, 270.
s, 11.

approwimans, Cire
aca a min ”, SAT.

undin 349,
Aptenodyte ain haere 344,
a a, 346

BAT.
Apter australi 358, 365.
i, 371,

coe 358.
puioneels 371,

“eniile, ‘Ties 339.
re

339.
—,, Ta grrieintes 339.

sparrmannii, 233
syrmatophora, 226,
pees nove zelandice, 235.
usilla, 235.
Ardetta maculata, 235.
3

374

Ardetta punctata, 235.
pusilla, 235.
Arenaria Cae. 221.
a,

, Herodias, 228.
assimilis, Crs ds

——, Ger e, 107.
ee Petees, "31 8.

sits, Re llus, 176.
Matec relata leueocephala, 303.
acl ey ae Trove

Aone athe Bis

a
atripes, Sterna,
ee Anthus, 132.
, Ceenocorypha, 196.
ral eo

Platycercus, 58.

australis, aed oe 358, 365.
thya,

omace atin an
, Centrourus, 39.

——.,, Podiceps, 353.
—, ’ Prion, XXil.
——, Psittacus, 39.
——, Rallus ae
se

oa
es Red. nec ked, 201.
Avocetta nove ja Rot 201.
Aythya australis, 257.

INDEX.

oe ee 270.

s, 270.

balthica, Saat 279.
Banded Dottrel, 210.

banks i, Pachyptila, 311.
ibace se n, 311
a, Pro

lesa, 311.

—, Pse do oprion, 311.
ee 8 Dove Petrel, 311.
Barred- rum ped Godwit, 198.

d 198.

, Chatham-Island, 96.
ber ardi, Pelecanoides, 314

k Te ms 2
Bla Se Wood n, 174;
Black- ae “Bittern, 238.
Gallinule, 185.
me bellied hee Petrel, 319.
te jaltod woe se 276.
yebrowed Albatros, 292.
Tak: Pood Cite, 148.
, 148.

Shrike
£ ae ba 2» 84.
Blue 262.

us australis,
—— melanot US, 238,
puri us, 238.
eciloptilus, 238.
brachypterus, Ocydromus, 170.
Brandt’s Shearwater, 315.

udus, Pricfinua, 315.

Path nus
brevipes, weer
arr AS 80

iris Carbo,

330.
Broad-billed Rove ae 312.
ucK,

a eae Southern, 39.

Brown Petrel, 305.
Bru chigavi eh 27 3.
—— melanorhyncha, 276.

Bush- Wess "15.

Ceenocorypha aucklandica, 196.
cerulea, Ardea, 228.
, Shee lobeen na, 306.
oe ale Bane pila, 306.
——., Procellaria, 306.
semulenvaphitie serthans ane OL:
ceru

— wilsoni, 152.
Campephaga fortagines, 139.
—— melanop

(73 Canar >

canutus, ” Calidris, 194.
a, Trin inga, 194.
Canutus cinereus, 194.
— islandicus, 194.

us, 328.
ee — hypoteos 328.
—— leucogaster, 328.
—— pu ae en, 332.
carboides, Gracul » 825.
, Pha rocorax, 325.

atlas novee zealandie, 157.

Carunculated Shag, 332.
car pany Greudion 149.
——, Gra 8, 332.

—, ae ocar arte? 332

Casarca variegata, 241
Casarka castanea, 241
caspia, rai 2 279.
——, Sterna, 279.

elit

castaM ;
‘atarac
(ataractes longs
yrasita v7
a
tes, Lestt

——, Cuculus, 7
Chalcites lucidus,
chalconotus, Gracs

—., Phalacroco
Chardin aurate

caspia, reer 279.
Cas acing 279.

tica, 267.
Cataractes long iat, 268.
arasita,
catarractes, Les tris, 267.
Cata: a ctes cntipodes 346.

Cablepyris inane ae
Cecropis nigri iF
Centrourus sips Sa 39.

—— olivacea,

— virginianus, 212.
mre:
hocheilus
Chatham. Teland bal tid 96.
Robin

—— Utick, 1
Cheli don PP, pee
cheneros, Anas,
Chestnut- breasted Plover, ‘ 210.
chloris, Acanthisitta, 112.
uscicapa, 103

?

chlorocephala, a. sae ag
chlororhyncha,

chlororha ynchos, Diometes, on 295.
chlorotis, Anas,

INDEX.

Chocolate Albatros, 289.
Chrysococcyx chalcites, ig
—— lucidus Ee 07

Chrysocoma min Negi
—— pachyrhyn is, 3
chry ena fees 344,
Spheniscus, 3
chry ysocomus, Eudyptes, 344.
cincinnata, Certhia, 87.
cincinnatus, Merops, 87.

ae
a

it ilem n, 87.
cin clus, Char ac rius, 221.
Cinclus interpres, 221

Wa
cinereus, Cake
—., Cre adion, 149.
—., ei, 305.
Sela: PiastlieRiailiés, 87.
Circus approwimans, 11

—— gouldi, 11.
crrhatus, Graculus, 332.
——, P Ble anus, 332.
age Motacilla, 112,
ylvia,
Citrine Warbler, 112.
citrinella, Mota Cilla, A EER
Clupeilarus antipodum, 270.
collaris, sae rinella, 221,
, Str tots

Collocalia a

ana ki
Co n Utick, 128.
concinna, Colluricincla, 14

8.
concinnata, Prosthemadera, 87.

concolor, A Ardea,

B.
ie)
98
eon
et bo
SE
(oe)
Cyaan i eae
bo
CO

cellaria, 307.
Cookilasia leucoptera, 307.
—— velow, 307.

Cook’s Petrel, 307.
Core thrura pane 181%

cornutus, Colymbus, 353,

Corvus melanops, 148.

Corydalla aucklandica, 132.
, 132.

Coturnix nove zealandic, 161.
Coucou brun oe a noir, 73.
sho

139.

7 Lure
Cravate Frisée, 87.
ustkty carmen 149.
— s, 149.

— vide eS, ge
eee Mock ng, 9
, New ~Zealand, 1, 105.

— color, 77.

clint pila ces 295.

cuneicauda, Ku cro 8, 73.

c nae Alc edo, 69.

Cyanoramphus eee 58.
ees

e gun
—— nove zealandice, 58,
il Spel saisseti, 58.

Dabchick, New feaere 350.
Dacelo san 69.

n gn
dese st Mosicn pa, 146.
dieffenbachii, Hypotseutdia, 179.

‘

5

376

Se tions oa 126.
a, 126.

—— sp ,

Diving Petrel, — 314.

dominicanus, Larus, 270.

—— canus ont 270.
ce, 270

dora Zotoro 80.
Dottre

, Banks’s, 311.
Fanicns He 312.

i.
Dusky E r, 208.
Dys coe eo 323.

earli, Ocydromus, 165.
Ea stern Golden Plover, 212.
iulans, Athene, 21.
nea saa el 58.
, Platyce a 58.

eslingiy Nes
Eudynamis tahitiensis, 73.

Eulabeornis philippensis, 176.
Eup 61.

hema auriceps,

INDEX.

uphema nove zeclandie, 58.
culans, Diomedea, 289.

é eytoni Dendrocygn a, Xxi, 265.
» Leptotarsis, 265.

Falco aurioculus, 11.
—— australis, 1.
brunneus, 6.
ferox, 6.

+
—— harpe, 1, 11.
er it ‘scelantiee,:1
bniger,
Falec ete New- Zealand, 1.
Fantail, oo 146.

3.
an- “tailed Flycatcher, 143.
3.

ciatus, Cucu
Feather poten to 338.
ferow, Falco, €

ferru ginea, Sasgeniens 139.
—-, Tri —
Jissipes, 8 287.

flabelli ifr Misccape, 143.

flava ta Ca in 380,
Havilarvaty Apteno dytes, 346.
flavi

irhyn s, Phalacrovorax, 333.
a, 226.

——, Herodias, 2.
vipanig=i Acanthina, 107.

, Ger e, 107.
Flyeatcher, Fan tailed, 143.
, Yellow-he nee 103.
‘firstert, Pach iy 312.
, Platyce
— Proeelai a 312.
, Rallu

forsterorum, YM aie ake 262.

Forster’ 8 Shearwater, 318.
198.

Fregata aquila, 339.

minor

Lelie melany astra, ane
Frig

aa frag
or “fie a 342
, Palm n, 339.
WV. niteaan 339.
Pein igate te Petrel, 321
Frilled Shag, 333.
Fringilla albicilla, 101.
frontalis, Anarhynchu s, 216.
, Charadrius, 216.
——, Sterna, 281.
aA R iy 216.
‘fucon seo gis. 328.
has ulig Aste i, Aelia 304.

—, Bee apr 146.

——, Phebetria, 296.

tall) Procellaria, 304.
rodroma, 304.
— hn ara a, 146.
fuliginosus, een opus, 225.

Fuligula nove zealandie, 259.

Fulix nove seelandic, 259.

Fulmar, Cinereous, 3

Fulmarus atlanticus, 304,
coeru ulews , 306.

fulvay 8
ulvous "Howes 212.
Utick, 130.

Lites Charadrius, 212.
, Pluvialis, 212.

——, 2 peer tge 180.
fusca, Diomedea,
— cus, ‘alls i
70.
eee 174.

pana piensa 196.

—— fe “la, oes

Gallinula pees Ys ta, 181.
Gallinule, Black- badkad, 185.
Gallirallus fuscus, 174.

—, ellaria, 318.

Gavia andersonti, 273.

gavius, Puffinus,

Ge lastes anderson, 273,

Gerygone albofrontata, 111.
07.

Giant Petre
gibberifrons, Anas, 250
, Nettion, 250

=, UF quedula, 250.
gigante, Ostia Mt

Lod

givens, scans, LL,
ae 117. -

glaci » Prowl aria, 301
esos Remy us, 301.
— —

orp
’ Procellaria, 308.

guid, T vate 1
ee oe

8 ore

—_ meél

i Parrok 2
Gull, Bl; lack- bilted
—, Mackerel-.

—, Southern B

br.

Ty Nea 6

198.

gouldi, Tribonyx, xix.
gouldii, 4 308.
Go soa Har:

Gracalus alent, 334.
saniis 2
Graculus aiines 338.

brevir ostris, 330

—— carbo,
Be kencwates, 53 1352
laucus 334.

Graucalos auritus, 334,
) D.

ee ee 148,

varius, 3:

gr ays Anthus, 132.

Gray’s Shag, 33

Great any Grae, Spa:
ae) ry! oe ird, 339.

Great- hoa ded ae 126.

Grebe, Great — ed, 353.

Grey Duc

Tern,

28 83,
—— War 107.
i oar Storm. Petrel, 322.

“ Gro nak ark,” 132.
G ot,

Gull, Black- billed, 276.
, Macker:
—, So one ct backed, 270,

haasti, Apteryx, 371.
haastii, Acanthisitta Ere
, Xen V7.

aera “Stein gops, 26.

lage eis austratasianus, 223.
— fuligino

ae longr Sich os

mager, 225.
pieatus 223.
—— wn r, 225.
e., Procella aria, 305.

Haladroma > 313, 314.
158 9.

ried

Halodroma pdt 313.
harpe, Falco, 1.

Harpe brunnea, 6.

INDEX.

Harpe oe
Harrier
hasiiaia, Proollsi, 305,

gra,
Helopus parc ie 79.
Hemiphaga nov voe-zealandie, 157.

nove hollandicn, 231,
—— pannosa, 228.
—— sacra, 228.

syr VE ip 226,
ees ina

ean 228.
red, 2

nota, 141.
ee alo ie pis ostris, 63,
gaa 63.

heteroclites, Ce rthia,
iret cape “ae
Hiaticula bicincta, 210.
—— nove seelandia, 214.
Hieracidea brwun ned, 6.
nove zealandi

@, 1.
Hihi: Huihi-ma alors Hihi-paka,

>

Himantopus, albus, 203.
siamo Bares 208.
PiUsy

—— sly

20 It
ealandie, 205.
Hirundo Pp at 141,
nigricans, 141.
ines Scolopax, 196.

a, M ohona, 103.
hh sonica, Tringa, 221.
Huia, ae

Hur 115.

hybrid, face helidon
Hydrochelidon eat te oe
bee ida, 283.

—— leucoptera, 287.

migra
Biya enan cin aegis ~

=

ropr aSpUR
Hploalton nigrie
alco dia ela, 262.

ee
precise "aee.

377

Hypoleucus varius, 328.

hy Bese eg 39,

s, 39.

Fane oc Hallas 176.
Hypotenidia oe ae 179.
philippens

Hypotriorchis nove zealandice, 1

Ichthyaétus leucogaster, 16.

ee Ort serra , 103.

Icteru rufusater, 149

Ter tee nove zealandia, 1

Teraglaux albifacies, 21,
ealandie, 17.

Thi, 98.

immaculata, ee 181,
ie orzana, 181.

ie i or, Thala asseus, 279

C s, 221.
, Strepsilas, 221
£ a, 221,

Iringatau, 80.

Mitta "Tringa, 194.
islandicus, Canutus, 194.

1sUrUs, Milvus, 16.

jamesonit, ert ase 273.

» xem
juguaris, rece 298,
, Herodias, 228.

Kaeaea, 1
Kahoho,
Kahu: Kaho korako, Kahu-pango, 11.
Kaiaia, 1,

= ds

——. Western, 50.
Kaka- Be See 39.
Kakapo, 26.

Ka akarapiti nels 7
Kakariki, 58,

aka’ wariki, re “61.
a DUD.

nohi-mowhiti, 80.
pee

Kawau- paka, 330,
Kaw saute, 13.
Kea Parrot, 52,

3 E

378

Kereru, 157.
Sides crassir oe 139.

u
a)
t
au
99
fY)

oea, 73.
Koheperoa, 73.
Kohimako, 91.
Kohorimako, 91.
Koitareke, 183.
okako, 152, 155.

87
Kokomako, 91
Kokorimako, 91

ea

otare, 69.
spoala ia 69.

otata,
Kotihe ~~ Kotihewers, 98.

pho
oukou

Lied! tank (bane

aka, ae
cuhlit, Puffinus, 305.
Kuku, and Kukupa, 157.
Kuruwhengi, 252.

rae gto lucidus, 77.
mius gy “is, 139.
198.

ening -Jackass, 21.

INDEX.

Laughing-Owl, 21.
Lepbotarets € he 265.
lessoni, Fulmarus, 303.
——., Proce asi 303.

——, Rhantistes, 303.
liobiolias Bstrelat ta, 303.

, Procellaria, 303.
Lestris antarctius, 267, 270.

cocarbo carenculanel, 302,
shalt me 303.
lar

lewcocephalus, Himantopus, 203.
, Pelecan

jes)
oS

leweopterus, Fulmar us, 307
Limosa australasiana, 198.
8.

.
@ oleate 198.
—— rufa, 198.
gape 198.
Little _

— Whi e Ter 285.
itor eck. Steps, 221.
littorea, Alauda,
hhitore ee Larus, do.
his dees Kahleea Cataractos, 268.
, Ste s, 268.
aI Stars rna, 281.
lores, Acanthisitta, 115.

—, Xen s, 115.
loki eirostr 18, i 223.
, Podiceps, 353.
ae -legged Warbler, 115.
Long-tailed. Cuckoo, 73.

Lophaithyia cristata, 353.
Loxia turdus, 139.
lucidus, Chalcites, 77.
—— drt bi gr Tt, 107;
——, Cuc

=) eee Wie

Mackerel-Gull,

ae ii, nae
, Mus peer

—-, ae tice

——., Petroica, 136,

——., Rhipidur
macr maorbephals Bachy cephalus? 126.

, Par
macr eptera Bertone, 308.
acular a, Tan
macula he At dey 285.

——, Ar det

mncutcandas, ‘Oerthigarns, 105.
Majaque ei: soni, 302.
creer

Mak eis Ok
malacorhyncha Anas, 262,

Bp eit nolemus, 262.
idan ntti —_ 262.
malherbi, Gy anora: 61.
malherbir, Plat tyce

Mantell’s Notornis, 189.
marina, Pelagodr roma, 321.
——, Procellaria, 321.

h alassidroma, 321.
28

megarhynchos, St ‘Bte “4
melanocephala, Anth hae s, 96.
melanogaster, i halagedttieends 319.
melanoga abet ei 319

—, Pro
ae Gracy, 333.
——., Halieus,

——, Micro ee “338.

entre rax, 333.

inclanoplir YS, Diomedea, 292.
melanops, Campephaga, 148.

, Ceblepyris, 148.

——,, Corvus, 148.

’ Graucalus, 148.

melanorhy yncha, Bruchigavia, 276.

melanorha ynchus, Larus, 276.

nealt
glanottss Gre,
" Ste

Qik

3 isurus, |
minor; care ene
nodyte

J
minuta, ance v

minutus R alius,

mac? ocepha
— tortoi, 124
—— travers 12
1TO,

0
Mohoug ? albicill
Nay 10:
Och wr 0. } )
cpha
are ™. at
4 SU
orepor} 17
nla Trine
ne A collar;
Ornella Cin
mo A
Me Tribon,
— Na Cttrin,
Ctrinella
L Nines l
Yo vttain Pary
etn 2.

is ?, 126,

» 262.

6.
, 319.
),

1, 276.

melanotis, Graucalus, 148.

nualanave, Anthorn nis, Ol.
——, Certh
—_, poeraan 146.

Meliphaga cincta, 98.
ane zeal, 19,

Oks
meridionalis, Nestor, 39.

, Sterna, 285
peda Rallus, 181
oe te

iefinachi, 126.

a tpes, Sa
— nacrocepha, 126.
24.

ocking Creeper, 91
modestus, Rallus, 179
Moeriki, 17
Moho,

Moho-patatai, > a mn 176.
Mohotatai, 1
aa sib, 101.

ou
outuutu, R
millert, Anas, 245.

INDEX.

Muscicapa albifrons, 122.
oe rE stn 124.
is, 103.

eae . 146.

—— flabell ifera , 148.
=a Faliginose, 146.
longrpes, 119.

maer rowel 126.

SNS y a wpa, 103.

toitot, 1
venti ae. 14
Myiomoira dieffenbachii, 126
macrocephala,
tottot, 124.

dficossor longipes, 119.
Myiothera novee-zelandice, 119.
neevia, Tringa, 194.

neevius, Pelecanus, 335.

—., Ph alacrocorax, 335.

Nako, 1
Nankven N fight- ig 233.
Nec 317,

ris amauroson
woe oe uda, 315.
Neomorpha acutirostris, 63.
—— crassirostris, 63.

—— gouldi, 63.
bir Procellaria, 322.
oma,

; Thalassidroma, 322.
9.

2;
notabilis, 52.
—— nove dealandiea; 39.
—- aga = ¥ Tike

Netion ‘ler fio,

hon may Creeper 105.
<a ick, 3

ste ee Pigeon, 157.
—— —— Pipit, 132,

—— Qua il, 161.
—— —— Sand- ‘Plover, 214.

Night-Heron, Caledonian, 233.
an

n, 23
w Hol Ila nd, "233.

nig, “Hydsdholiiiens 287.

Night- Seen: 233.
g, 325

Oe — 141.
eon

?

ue

ins 141.
ised, 141.
oa s, 174.

heli fon 141.

——, Pet
ne ‘gr nigriventi Buys, 344,
estis

, Eu

nove as

novee hollandice

nove ce

a
Be.
ge
Ja

Aid Lie

rT;

|
I

+

nove waiting }

er Ke oN Ne

wow

MTT |
II

1)

Larus,

Phalacrovorax, 325.
ecurvirostra, 201.

Q, me oe , 182.
then

i)

dypt C8, 344,

latyoereu 58.
wettisiiabite 87.

cops,

HL
i

2 =p

piloglaux, 1
hinornis, 214,

lieracidea,

limantopus

[ypotriorchis, 1
1

380

nove zeelandic, Coriphilus, 58.
—— , Euphema, 58.

—— ——,, Pe es orus, 58.
——, Psittacus, 58.

nove pin ain: Heat la, 235.

—— ——, Ce rthiparas, 105.

Nyetinndea cale donica, 233.
Nycticora x caledonicus, 233.
Nyroca austr alis, 257.

obscurus, CRaradries 5. 208;

, Pluv iothynehus 208,

debienialis, Nes

ochrocephala, Meas, 103.
——, Muscica

us, Tur 22.
odromus bicinctus, 210.
romus austra 170.
brachy eae 170,
dieffenbaci, 179.

arte
aZESs
ee
=z

—— ylves

tr eel x, 170.
ivacea, Certhia, 91.
olivascens, Callwas, 152.
copis, 152.
opisthomelas, Puffinus, 318.
Orange-wattled Crow, 155.

ossifraga, Proc ellaria, 297.
Ossifraga gigantea, 297
35,

Otagon | tanagra, 1
urdus, 139.
oweni, Apteryx, 368
0 aughing, 21.
w-Zealand, 17.

——, Ne
Owl Parrot, 26.
Oxystomus ‘earunculatus, 149.

oe ster-catcher, Black, 226.
——, Pie
Pachycephalus ? macrocephalus, 126.
sdesacj ate banksi, 311.
—— cerulea, , 306.
a fn ter 312,

1, 212
phy wh nah, Chysysocoma, 344.
dyptes, 344.

Pai rrot, 38, 61.
ponte Dara 270.
atycercus, 58.
oe ham 58, 61.
ce, 185,

INDEX.

palmerstoni, ——— 339.
, Tachypete s, 339.
palprebrat ata, Dicmedla, 296.
pannosa, Ardea, 228

parasite
par sit, i arus,
, Stercorarius, 268.

Pa arera, 245

peers Majaqueus, 302.

, Procellaria, 302.
Parrake et, Red-fronted, 58.
, Yellow- ree 61.
Parrot, Kaka, 3

nee be! °
, Mountain, 52.
>

Parson bird,

ame maer crocephalus, 126,

—— novee seelandie, 105.

—— nove sala, 105.
101.

par ~)

purvissima, Strix, 25.
patagiatus, Podiceps, 353.
Patatai, Av Gr

Pateke, 24

pectoral, “Rallis, 176

Pelagotrome fregata, 321.
soul
Palecanoides Ber ardi, 314.

Paks y
Peleeans au, ae
—— carunculatus, 332,
a sah rohats 332,
ephalus, 339

— prinertn, 339.
328.

A, 04

pncats 335.
US, Eee
eaaiaina: ‘lug, 3

——,, Little, ae
——, en a = ne
——, Yellow

—, Yellow- enna en
Patel, Black, 302.

eae Blu e, 30
= Bek: billed, 312.

; g, 313, 314.
——, Dove, 309, 311, 312,

am lack- bellied Storm-, 319.

s

Petrel, Frigate, eae

——, Grey-faced, 308
—, Silv ery-Grey, 301.

; * Soo

y, 304
—— rie faced Storm-, 321.

, White-headed, 3038.
Petrochelidon nic gricans, 141.
Petroica albafr ons, 122,

— aera, 126.

Phabetria fulig ginosa, 296.

Phalacrocorax brevirostris, 330.
: Oar

oides, 5
—— carunculatus, 332,
CNA ICo onotus, 334,

— featherstoni, 338,
—— fla ee bp 333.
—— glaucus, 334.

—— aie 333.

——s 8.00.
—— nove = Halon, 325.
Sass ~—
— 5, 33 .
phos, “Groad , 149.

hiledon dumerilit, 91,
—— sannio, 91.

on cincinnatus, §

Phile 87.
Philippe a NS 176.
pe digfay

176.
Phili en ne Hail, 176.
pica, Pelecanus, 328.
icatus, Hema us, 223.
aeons Ralls, 1 176,
ied Fantail, 143.
Oys ny “catcher, 223.
ee = Sse. 32

Pipiwarauroa, 77,
Piripiri, 112.
Pitoitol, 119, 122,

a>}
7H

a,
Piwauwau, 115,
Platycercus oe ak xvi, 61,
—— ndicus, 58,
—— auriceps, 61.
—— cookit, 58.

—— for steri, 58,

iant, 297
, Grey- baad Storm-, 322.

FC Rartay nsis, i

ner re

30,

_

176.

Platycercus matherbii, 61.
—— nove gine, 58.
ie, 58,

— nove pane 61:

pact <eg 58.
— n

pluvialis om 212,
212.
31

ae 353,

ea wala 4 dea , 28 38.
pecilopteru otaurus, 238.
tontpihe, ae 238,

aay Se 350.
opokotea,

opor mene

opot 176,

aed 101, 103.

Porere,
Porphyrio melanotus, 185.
83.

e, 58, “es
Privoolla ¢ ear:
Pri ofinu ren, 315.
s, 305,

2.
Provllna St ecsauin, 3805.
ariel, 309.
PRS 304.
————_panksu, oll,
érard. 4,

cinerea, 305,
cookit, 307.

INDEX.

Procellaria sc hip 306, 312.

freg
Figs, 304.
gavia, 3

= mga, 307.

a
Ss
Q
NS
= s §
os
A
is)
fom)
pt

‘d 8,
—— grallaria, 319.

ese lexocepha, 303.
—— leuco ee a, 307.

2, 321.
— iecuané 319,
nereis, 322.

Psittacus australis, 39.
hypopolius, 39.

mer ional, 39,
estor, 39.

nove aun die, 58.

>
3
g
g

=.
Q

macropter
Ptilotis auritus, 98.
— cineta, 98.
Pueto, 1

Puffinuria urinatrix, 313.
Puffinus GIR O8ON 317,

28

opisthomelas, 318.
—— hie 317

0, 185.
pret, ag 112.
, Ardetta, 235.

, Synallaxis, 128.

eee sec seep 335.
8, 128,

Tig erty ” 335,

381

beelige oe 3a0:
, Ral eae st

—, ; Sph s, 128.
—, Stiteabo, 335.

Pusous 149.

purpw aes Carbo, 332.

platen Ar = » 200.
, Ardeola, 235.

Pygosceli s antipodes, 346.
p py ee or 141.
, Hirundo, 141,

Quail, New-Zealand, 161.
Quail-Hawk, 1.
Querquedula gibberifrons, 250.

Rail, Ties, s, 179,
e, 176.

——, ee ied ; 1,

, Tabua

Toga “70.

ae: es sae 7% 176.

oe ea hres

—— troglodytes, 170.
ra me, Plafyetons, 58.
Rea

Reourvrsi nove hollandie, 201.
rubico

Red-fronted Dorsaleek 58.
i.

SE
ee
S85

R notias
rha vores

oa or Roaroa, 371.

382

vi Chatham-Island, 128.

——, North-Island, 119.
a wn ee 122.

Rock-Wre 114;
ollier A masque noir, 148.
TOSSUt, "Prion , oll

, Thino ornis, §
Rough-faced Shag, 332.
rubicollis, aes 201.
rufa, Lim 198.

, Trin a, 194.
rufescens, Gasthas 194.
——, Megalurus, 131.
anne 131.
ruficeps Anthornis, 91, 92.
raft rie eps, 350.

ephalus, 350.
STR Ieay Nahata, 149.
Ruru,

R “whekau, Zils
Rusty-sided Warbler, 80.

sacra, eg

, 149.

saisseti, Cyanorhamps 58.
sancta, Malton
sanctus,
Sandpiper, “Gisled, ‘94,
, Southern, 194.
Sand-Plover , New-Zealand, 214.
suetinshonste, Anas, 245.

Y a1.

hiled

Sceloglanx atic 21.
schillingn, 8
Scolopax holmes, 196.

cops novee zealandic, 25.
scopulinus, Larus, 273.
; ee eon

“ Sea-Swallo
senilis, ‘Corps or

101.

ser re de 323
Shag, Black, 325.
—_—” Carunculated, 332.
——, Chatham -Island, 338.
3

——, White-th
Shearwater ‘Brendes , old.
ine 318.

—, ° aL

She pacey Now. Zealand, 241.
Shining Cuck

Sho ae ew- ig EN 252.
Sik, Blaekoe, 148.
Silver-

Since eer Petrel, 301.

INDEX.

Sitta chloris, 112.

S
smithi, Procellar
Snipe, Au dani ia 196.
Soca Cuckoo, 73.
Sombre Shearwater, oly.
caee Albatros, 296.
etrel,
rant nies backed Gull, 270.

spadicea, Columba, 157
iomedea, 289, 296
sparmanii, Lathamus, 58

w-Hawk, 6
meri rhynchotis, 252.
variegata, 252.

gata, 25
asi cat 346.

—— undin nd, 349,
gia fulous, 130.
—— pun s, 128.
. ele
Spiloglaux nove zealandice ne

Stercoraire & lon @ queue, 268.
Stercorarius entation, 267.
—— cephus,

lon penudati, 268.

paras

Sterna alba,

ae ngipen
— negara 979,
s, 279.

lgaris, 279.
ious antar rctica, 283.

85.
Stic oes, punctatus, 335.
Stilt, Black, 205.
Stiteh-bied "98.

tations, ‘Body 73.
s, Eud

stokes, Xenicus, 115.
Storm-Petrel, Black- bellied, 319.
srey-backed, 322.

W hite-faced, 321.
serbrovay Sylochelidon 279:
Strepsilas borealis, 2

collaris, 221,
—— interpres, 221
littoralis, 221
minor, 22 -
aa greyi,
he 26
Sistped Bal 6.

Strix Strix delicatulus, 25.
Ulva, 1é

—— nove ‘seeded A.
—— parvissima, 25.

Sturnus carumeutatus, 149.
crispico fie

subniger, F aie

Sula australis, cae

Swallow, Dun-rumped, 141.
pee Crake, 181.

e

Sylochelidon balthica, 279.

™
é

—— versicolor, 77.

Synalla. sinprrid is 128.

8 iene ser ora, Ardea,

syrm atophorus, Herodias, 226.

Tabuan Rail, 181.
tabuensis, ree 4 181.

B; 43s
enor: mee 219.
—, ie Te

pu, 32
tanagra, Keropia, 135.
, Otagon, 135
——, Tarn nagra, 136.
Tenagra capensis, 139.
macul 39.

Tara, 281, 283.

a

a 95:

1 NA

—— méelano gast r,
— nereis, 322.
Thalassites melano ti
Thalassoica po laris,
—— tenuirostris, 3t

Thick-billed Thrust

a2)
sS —

~~"
mum ¢ =

=

0s sit, 214.

—, White-front
Ticke, 149, ‘

> Fed, rol

r gi, 209,
‘Opounamu, 119
itmouse, New-Z i

kata, 135

Lvaiwaka, 143,
Wakawaka 14

: rake 148

. » 289
~Pang 99-
Q, “<0,

oo po 286.

a De
awaki, 344,
Teal, Little, 250.

°
She.

Tern, et, 279.
rey,
fae Tittle White, ann

—, Whi te-fr

——, White- winged Black, 287.

Tete, 250, 2

Tetepango, 25,
Tete-whero, 248.
Thalasseus caspius, 279.
emper wags
Beccrems. gate 321.
hypoleuca, 321.

Sem marina,

melanogaster, 319.

—— is, 322.
Thalassites melanotis, 279.
Thalassoica polaris, 301.
tenutrostris.

, 301.
ae -billed Thrush, 139.
2

—— rossit, ;
Thrush, ke May 135.
——, South-I 139
—, Thick. bill d, 139.
——, Wh ere 122.
49,

Tieke eke,
Tihe- kiore, 98.
Tirawake, 149.
nit: ite 124
ig -breasted, 126.

Titmouse, New: ay 105.
Tintiukata,

Tiw: wakn, a, on

aa aka, 143.
odirhamphus vagans, 69.

kohea, 189.
Torea, 223, 289, 292.
Torea-pango, 225, 296.

INDEX.

Torete, 58, 61.
torquata, tom 214.

3.
idee) earn 141.
tribonyx =

tr ‘daca, baidiot; 313.
Tringa australis, 194,

islandica,
oe ea

tr istio, Psaltis, 317.
——,, Puffinus, 317.

— Ripida, oe

od
tor nly nes, Oesdromas xx, 170.
170.
Tufted ‘Shag, 332.
Tui, 87.
turdus, aie a
ae
a6,
Dardis afm 122,

rostris, 139.

mt ere - 6.

—— ochrotarsus, 122.
Turnagra cr ‘assir ot at 139.
—— hectori, 135.

ik a, 20
Tuturiwhata, 208, 210
Tu atu, 214.

typica, Halobena, 309
typus, Adamastor, 305.

ie ae, ae 181.
a, Zapornia, 181.

wndin, vt ptenodyies, 349.
Eudypt

——, Puffinuria, 313.

383

pach hate eg 198.
ostigma, Parus, 105.
Util. Ch area Tsland, ae

, Common, 128.

——, Fulvous, 130.
utopiensis, Charadrius, 194.

eee rite 69.

é
ventilabrum, “Muiaps, 143.
ve ee Se ehis
—,§8 ivia, 7

Viralva batons era, 287.
virgimanus, Charadrius, 212.
virginicus, Charadrius, 212.
vittata, Pachypt, 312,

vo er Larus, 370.

Warauroa, 77.
dashes oe

Wattle-bird, Gineroou, 155.
Wattled Sigs 149,
Weka, 165

te-faced Storm Petrel, 321.

White-fros fronted Hern, ae

— rh 122.
Whit rite
White- ‘eae oe a
White-throated Shag,
White- -vingd Black ec, 287.
*“ Widgeon,” 259,

384 INDEX.

wilsoni, Glaucopis, 152.

vs: bee Scexaasee 84.
Wio, 2 xX

Xanthornus sett apg 149: Yellow-nosed Albatros, 294.
ty Die

/ cus ilsesteas Tad bee | Zapornia spilonota, 181.

W Sa th Black, 1 | — haastii, 117. —— tabuensis, 181.
——, No rth- ianne, “168. | a ati 115. —— umbrata, 181.
—_—, South- 2 ra 170, | —— sto paler — umbrina,
Wren, Bus a | zealandica, Columba, 157 mm

, Rock-, ir: | Yellow-breasted Tit, 1 zelandica, Noctua, 17. |
Wey. ry- “billed Plover, 216. | Yellow-crested i "344, zelandicus, Parus, 105.

| llow-crowned Penguin, 346 osterops caerulescens, 80.

wanthocheilus, Charadrius, 212 | Yellow-fronted Parrakeet, 61. lis,
——, Pluvialis, 212. | Yellow-head, 103.

a lnioealia, 80.

THE END. « Breps, as Most F

FLAMMAM,

then of Le eyden, y
ordinary avifauna
the credit of ¢]

ory
Tesult is that on vr
; é at the ean
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, Mt the sa ne con
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. Seneral Public « :

OUs
g — Car
ated on the

A

THE BIRDS OF NEW ZHALAND.

By WALTER LAWRY BULLER, Sc.D., F.LS., &c.

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

“ Brrps, as most people know, or ought to know, form the
most important part of the vertebrate fauna of New Zea-
land ;, and their importance is maintained not only when
they are compared with their compatriots of other classes,
but when ae in reference to members of their own

class in the world at large... .....
«The birds of New Zealand, therefore, merit pone
attention, and we are happy to say they receive it at

hands of the authors whose works are above cit Ne, g
the field in or about the year 1865, Mr. Buller, till then

ours. Some of his views were elsined by Dr. Finsch,
then of Leyden, who had paid attention to this extra-

controversy ensued. This, to
the credit of the BETES was carried on in a
spirit very different fro i i
in natural-history anes has been waged ; and the happy
result is that on most points the combatants have arrived
at the same conclusion, thereby giving assurance to the
general public of its being the right one. The Essay we
h menti

ordinary avifauna; and a
edi

e ich a
full strength; and Mr. Buller’s book, or that part of it
which is as yet published, shows what he can do now that
the colonial authorities have allowed him to come to
England for the express purpose of pecniics his design.
“Captain Hutton is known as an observ

speculated on the mode in which it was performed and the

forces it brought into operation—to some purpose, as the
Duke of Argyll and Dr. Pettigrew have testified. The

and though to the last must belong the crown of glory, w
y no means wish to overlook the useful ae which Gap:
tain Hutton’s publication will play. If here we do not
notice it further, it is because its value will be most appre-
ciated in the colony itself, while Mr. Buller’s "peautifal
book appeals to a larger public. ......
“ Of the Kakas (Mesto) Mr, Buller admits three species
—WNestor meridionalis, N. occidentalis, NV. notabilis—
the two first of which, we think, are barely prance

This very remarkable genus of Parrots cali some tw
or three other species, one of which, the N. productus of
Phillip Island, is believed to have gone the way of so
i hat only inhabit small islands; and the
same fate in all likelihood awaits its congeners. Most
animals suffer from not being able to accommodate them-

seine dese y their brush-like tongue, and deriving a
nsiderable portion of their subsistence in a man
worthy of the Golden Age, from flowers
wretched Kea (NV. notabilis), since the introduction o
heep to New Zealand, has incur
fondness for mutton-cutlets @ V Abyssinie; and the charge,
hether true alse, is likely to bring about its doom,
since the eortesd is apt to practise what in good old
times was called ‘border justice,’ and the species will
probably suffer extinction before its guilt is ee Lik
or extenuating circumstances ery
aka (VV. meridionalis), o

mon
er schulan is ably de-
fended by Mr, Buller as one ee “or id useful birds in the

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

country ; yet this also is rapidly diminishing. ‘In some

districts,’ he says, ‘ where in former years they were exces-
a diandant, their is now seldom or never heard ;’
and though he adds bat in the wooded parts of the in-

sae oi are as plentiful as ever,’ it requires no prophetic
eye to see that, with the extension of settlement, the Kaka

we mu
way worthy of Lanibek anid we at that we have

birds from the point of view of their intrinsic interest, or
m that of so many being now on the verge of rane
= It is easy to be wise after the event, and o

towards their predecessors who have let so many species
pass away without tracing the process of extermination.”
—WNature (July 18, 1872).

“ New Zealand is especially fortunate in the possession
of many a admirable Naturalists, including geologists, bota-

Institute,’ and whose acquirements, more especially as an
ornithologist, have been recognize = is having had co

ferred upon him the Degree of Doctor of Science, as well
as the Fellowship of the Linnean, Goslogiea, Royal Geo-

minently into notice the present aspects of scientific cul-
ture in that colony.”—Constitutional (Nov. 18, 1872).

“‘ Tt is not often that thorough practical peace both

ject in both aspects, and bbe: value of his book is clearly
— thereby. Moreover he has set about his task
in a way that shows us that he thoroughly panes =
in SS it

e birds themselves has been followed up b
nea aorta of the writings of previous authors ;
and, lastly, an independent examination of many of the
typical specimens in England has placed him in a position
to speak with great precision upon intricate points of

therefore, supplies w
sion in ornithological aes It is not too late to write
a full life-history of those New-Zealand birds whose num-

bers are rapidly diminishing; but a few years hence it is
more than probable such a

ack to far beyond historic times; for though Maori tradi-
tion may give an approximately recent, time when the Moa
still survived, numbers of other similar forms

form a fit companion work, and thus provide us with a very
complete record of the birds of New Zealand both past and
present.”—The I

“‘ The first work professing to give a complete account of
the ornithology of New Zealand must needs be an impor-
tant on his ornithic fauna presents so many points of
general Giuingeal interest, that only those of the islands
east of Africa can be compared withit......... It
was high time that a complete account of this fauna should

5

mn by a competent naturalist. Some of the most
serie oa is already become almost, if not quite,
extinct ; others are fast ee or obliged to accommo-
date themselves to the ged conditions of the country.
Re er We do sees we that the majority of the
native species will not survive, though in diminished num-
bers of individuals ; but it is quite probable that some of

0)

less perceptible manner their nidification, food, or some
other part of their mode of life: and if such changes
should occur, the student of a future generation will find
in Dr. Buller’s work the means of comparing the birds of
his time with ateds Of. the Past. as vrei ete The author
has shown unremitting care in adducing all the information
that can possibly throw light on his subject; he has spared
no pains in illustrating it in the most perfect manner; and
the result is that a most valuable work is placed before the
student of ornithology, which will offer to every lover of
natural history real and permanent enjoyment, and which,
by its attractive form, will allure many a young man in that
colony from the pursuit of other branches into the camp of
ornithology.” —Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

‘A mind may be so imbued with the views of Darwin
as to be blind to the evidence of his eyesight, deaf to the
logic of facts; but there is no proof that Dr. Buller is
either; he is evidently friendly to Darwin’s celebrated

0

ee

readers of the * Zoo
vaenes.”—Z0010 gest
«The accounts W
given to the world
have been hitherto
although forty yea!
publications made
information on this

an actual explorer
tion gave him um
by means of the n
time passed throu
antipodean species

“When Mr. Got
the Birds of Austr

R lay
past In Working
co | ‘
uw Uy; and the
S0tleties Contaiy

. avery
ast and

ount of

Jebrated

ee A aT

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

ypothesis, but sees, hears, and thinks for himse
i Sci

quiring the information required for making such a work
POIDLCb Gray ass sees) It contains a vast amount of the
soundest natural-history teaching, and seems to combine
in an eminent degree the new with the true........
The Siitentions i in the first number, the only one yet
published, are excellently drawn He Mr. Keulemans, who
always aims at the representation of living birds rather
than the Rabb iiss attitudes ze birdstuffer’s specimens.
They are well coloured by hand, an us the work is

ornamental as useful. We cordially recom-
mend the ‘ History of the Birds of New Zealand’ to the
readers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ and we sincerely wish it every
success.” —Zoologist.

«The accounts which naturalists from time to time have
orld he bi

EL.
publications made its appearance, the available sources of
information on this subject are still so few in number, that
they es be enumerated almost in a breath. The late
Mr. George Gray might deservedly be regarded as the
pioneer of New-Zealand nig for, although never
an actual explorer of the country himself, his official posi-
tion gave him unusual facilities for diidtine its avifauna
by means of the numerous collections which from time to
time passed through his hands, and not a few of these
gee a heen were Ae reed a OUD Ye DUM are cee
« When Mr. ished his ‘ Handbook to
the Birds of ane = Pie “a way of appendix to his
of various New-Zealand species
which were scarcely on to English readers, save in
nam in point of date this would seem to have been
the latest publication on the subject in this country until a
ew months since, when Part I. of Mr. Buller’s splendid
made its appearance. ittle, com-
se , has of late been published here, na ee in
New Zealand have been actively engaged for some years
past in working out the natural aie of their adopted
country ; ; and the transactions of two of their scientific

iso]
=
=
=
fo}
aa
=
nm
°
es
5
et
ct
&
sees

have our friends in Germany been behindhand in their zeal

remarkable in the world..........

“¢ We recognise in Mr. Buller’s publication, however, the
first attempt which has been made to give anything like a
complete history of the birds of New Zealand ; and it would

not be easy to overrate the importance which attaches to
vie an undertaking ......

Those who had an opportunity of seeing the Hui
which liv va r some time in the Parrot-house in tig
Zoological Gardens, gaecn scarcely ee noticed it without
and habits ; and to
them Mr. Buller’s account of it will ea most entertain-
ing. In the ete extract we seem to get a peep of
the country which i t inhabits, as we search for and find
this very curious bird......... Such sketches as these
go far to enliven a comprehensive work on birds, which, in
other a is strictly scientific. As regards the illus-
trations uller has been most fortunate ; for, under his
direction, his artist, Mr. Keulemans, has produced some of
the most life-like and beautiful pictures of birds which we
have seen. We understand the work is to be completed in
five Ay two of pie ee already appeared, and a third

active preparation. It will assuredly become the
és ss tna for all ace we Nee: Zealand peti 7
The

wishing to learn

ODT: tabi big Bose ites Part IV. of his great
gy of New Zealand ; and we may now
faisly say that the high jee diesbor we had formed as to
the author’s capabilities have been fully realised. In
book before us we find the two great r requiremen nts of

5B

ted of a scientific wor
ent day, and the ability to write in orem
and ditectaig language the life-histories of the birds

“The ornithology of New Zealand is especially in-
teresting, from the fact that the indigenous species are
being gradually ee and we read with regret

names by w .. have been known to different
writer
“The coloured plates are really exquisite examples of

the roars skill, In every respect the work is a
most valuable addition to the scientific student’s library,
as well as to that of the more general reader, and seems
+o contain the fullest information on every point connected
with this interesting study.”—Land and Water.

“Although several more or less complete treatises on
and lists of the Birds of New Zealand have been published,
they were rather of a tentative and preliminary character ;

d the work before us is the first which gives a full

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

account of thi ithi ich, in zoological interest,
is not excelled by that of any ae GOUNUV 25 < cecsahus
There can be no doubt that Dr. Buller, well known in
Europe his preliminary ntl publications, is
Rages qualified to fulfil this task. s long residence

n the colony and his official a ee me) given him rare
spartan of making observations and collecting mate-
rials ; ! a lengthened visit to England he has derived
the gre ie of studying typical examples and of
an. ee of that typographic and artistic skill in
which this country excels. To ae by the first part
jssued, Dr. Buller has succeeded i n producing a work of
real excellence. The text is clear, instructive, and 1
overloaded with unnecessary detail while the fretoarcel
are beautiful and life-like.”—T'he Academy

“New Zealand may be congratulated on having out-
stripped the pau colonies in the race for scientific honours.

Even Canada, with all the resources at her command, has
produced ee at all comparable with the ‘ oe
of ms New -Zealand Institute. Now we have oo us

of afar more ambitious kind—na

as oe nee of the birds of New Ze ae eee
the present advanced state of a a science, and
most beautifully ssieated with coloured pla

The descriptive part of the text is 7 ety gored
out, both in English and Latin; and the history of each
species is given in the most ee and exhaustive
manner. The plates are extremely beautiful, and are ren-
dered more attractive by the introduction of botanical
i eaialail representing the indigenous flora of the country.

0

drawing-room companion ; for, to adopt the language of a

leading scientific journal respecting it, ‘the plates are as
beautiful in execution as the text is excellent in quality.’ ”
me News

"4 The lamentable way in which the indigenous birds are

the feathered denizens of those places which in a short
lapse of time ‘ shall know them no more.’ This i

fallen to Dr. Buller’s lot to accomplish ; and it were small
praise indeed to say that his task is executed in an admir-
able manner. Few ornithological works that have been
written come up to the standard of the subject of this
notice; and none have yet surpassed it, nor will it be pos-
sible to do so. By coaisd the author brings to his aid un-

usual advant : but even these might fail in the hands
of a less Gace person than Dr. Buller has shown
himself to be. < sais. » the part now before us the

n

history is given of thirteen birds, ten of which are figured ;
and this brings us down to the end of Puig Rick Potark.
ANd (PUG Ee east eats Noo nce the time of the late
Professor Macgillivray has so ee pee the
wo branches of cabinet and field ornithology as Dr. Buller ;
and his experiences, and those of his numerous coadjutors,
are told in a pleasing and instructive manner, which cannot
fail to interest and amuse his readers. Indeed it is seldom
hat we have seen a book which so thoroughly calls for
unqualified praise as the present. ..... e have only
in conclusion, to perform the pleasing duty of es our
congratulations to the inhabitants of New Zealand o
possession of so distinguished a naturalist as Dr. aay
and to the author on the complete success with which his
arduous task promises to be crowned.”—European Mail.

THE author hav

it, thus t0 make

qure in comply

obtained.

“The und
very remarkabl
species of New:
dificult of acce

a coloured rep!

(S

THE BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

By WALTER LAWRY BULLER, Sc.D., F.LS., &c.

Proposed Series of Supplementary Plates.

Tux author having received the following Memorial, thinks it only due to those who have signed

it, thus to make known their wishes—and at the same time to add that he will have great plea-

sure in complying with so flattering a request, provided a sufficient number of Subscribers can be

obtained.

“« November—December 1872.

“The undersigned Subscribers to Mr. Buller’s ‘ Birds of New Zealand,’ believing that the

very remarkable avifauna of that country deserves full illustration, and knowing that many of the

species of New-Zealand birds have hitherto been figured only in various works, some of which are

difficult of access, request Mr. Buller to issue a Series of Supplementary Plates, so as to include

a coloured representation of every species of New-Zealand bird.

(Signed)
WALDEN.
LILFORD.
BRAYBROOKE.
J. GOULD.
VicToR BRooKE.
J. H. Gurney:
F. Du CanE GODMAN.

GxEoRGE Dawson Row Ley.

Davin G. ELuiot.
WILLIAM JARDINE.

ALFRED NEWTON.

C. R. BREE.

T. EK. Buckley.

G. E. SHELLEY.

JosEPH D. Hooker.

H. E. Dresser.

J. KE. Hartine.
Howarb SAUNDERS.

E. W. H. Hoipsworta.
P. L. SciaTEr.

OSsBERT SALVIN.”

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