e » i 4% MPR OE toe kak dhl

Peer a

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.

COL — ntry, While hi > tos ¥ Such a

1 obj ect

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

* published in five

Yr

3 altogether about

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

HER MAJESTY’S LIBRARY,

WINDSOR CASTLE.

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY. HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA.

H.S.H. THE GRAND DUKE

ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY.

AIKMAN, Andrew, Esq.

ANSTEY, G. A., Esq.

ARGYLL, His Grace the Duke of, K.T., F.R.S. ASHER & CO., Messrs. (2 copies.) ATKINSON, J., Esq.

BALME, Charles, Esq.

BARCLAY, Hanbury, Esq., F.Z.S. BARCLAY, R., Esq.

BARKER, William, Esq.

BEDDINGTON, John Henry, Esq. BENNIE, Archibald, Esq.

BISHOP, Captain Thomas.

BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. BOUSTED, John, Esq.

BOUTCHER, Emanuel, Esq.

BOUTCHER, William, Esq. BRAYBROOKEH, The Lord, F.Z.S.

BREE, C. R., Esq., M.D., F.L.S. BRENCHLEY, Julius, Esq., M.A., F.R.G.S. BRITISH MUSEUM.

BRODHURST, B. G., Esq.

BROGDEN, Alexander, Esq., M.P. BROGDEN, Henry, Esq.

BROOKE, Sir Victor, Bart., F.Z.S. (2 copies.) BROWNE, J. W., Esq., M.D., F.R.G.S. BROWNE, Col. Sir T. Gore, C.B., K.C.M.G. BRUCE, David, Esq.

BRUCE, G. B., Esq., C.E.

BUCKLEY, Henry, Esq., F.Z.S. BUCKLEY, T. E., Esq., F.Z.S. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. CHOLMLEY, Alfred J., Esq.

|

OF HESSE-DARMSTADT.

CHURCHILL, Lord Alfred Spencer, F.R.G.S. CHUTE, Liecut.-Gen. Sir Trevor, K.C.B. (2 copies.) CLARKSON, David, Esq.

CLAY, Patrick, Esq.

CLERK, Alexander, Esq., D.C.G. CLIFFORD, Sir Charles.

CLOVER, Joseph Thomas, Esq.

COLMAN, Jeremiah, Esq.

COMISKEY, Patrick, Esq.

COOK, Francis, Esq.

COOPER, Stonehewer, Esq.

COPE, Alfred, Esq.

COX, Rev. J. E.

CROWFOOT, W. M., Esq.

DARWIN, Charles, Esq., M.A., F.R.S. DEVONSHIRE, His Grace the Duke of, K.G., F.R.S. DOMETT, Hon. Alfred.

DONOVAN, (the late) E. T., Esq. DOWSETT, A. G., Esq.

DRESSER, H. E., Esq., F.Z.S.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY.

DUTTON, The Hon. E.

DUPPA, George, Esq.

ELLIOT, D. G., Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

ELLIS, Samuel, Esq.

ELMHIRST, Moses, Esq., J.P.

EMSLEY, Thomas, Esq.

EWEN, John Alexander, Esq.

EYTON, T.'C., Esq., F.Z.S.

FARNALL, Harry W., Esq. FEATHERSTON, Hon. I. E., M.D. (4 copies.) FINSCH, Dr. Otto, C.M.Z.S.

FOX, Rev. H. E., M.A.

vi LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

FRANCIS, William, Esq., Ph.D., F.L.S. GALBRAITH, J., Esq.

GARDINER, James, Esq.

GATE, Henry J., Esq.

GELDART, Rev. G. C. FODEFFROY, Herr J. Cesar. GODMAN, F. Du Cane, Esq., F.Z.S. GOULD, John, Esq., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. GRAHAME, Walter, Esq. GRAHAME, William S., Esq. GRAY, (the late) G. R., Esq., F.R.S. GREEN, Major T. Edward.

GUNTHER, Albert, Esq.,M.A., Ph.D., M.D., F.B.S.

GUNN, Ronald Campbell, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. GURNEY, John H., Esq., F.Z.S. HAMILTON, Archibald, Esq. HAMILTON, James F., Esq.

HANKEY, Ernest Alers, Esq. HARCOURT, Colonel E. W.

HARTING, J. Edmund, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S. . HEYMANSON, M., Esq.

HILLYER, W. T., Esq.

HIRSCH, Baron James de.

HODGSON, Charles B., Esq., F.Z.8. HODGSON, John, Esq.

HOLDSWORTH, E. W. H., Esq., F.Z.S. HOOKER, Dr. Joseph D., C.B., F.R.S. HORNE, H., Esq.

HOWORTH, Henry H., Esq.

HOYLE, Donald, Esq.

HUDSON, Robert, Esq., F.R.S.

HUGEL, Baron A. von.

HUNT, W. A., Esq.

HUNTLY, The Most Noble the Marquis of. ILLINGWORTH, S. E., Esq., M.A. JACKSON, John Henry, Esq.

JARDINE, Sir William, Bart., F.R.S.E. JERDON, (the late) Dr., F.L.S., F.Z.S. JONES, H. S. H., Esq., C.B.

JULYAN, Penrose G., Esq., C.B. KENNARD, Howard, Esq.

LARK WORTHY, Falconer, Esq.

LEAF, Charles James, Esq.

LEONARD, H. Selfe, Esq.

LEVIN, Nathaniel, Esq.

LEWIS, Bernard, Esq.

LILFORD, The Lord, F.Z:S.

LINDSAY, Dr. W. Lauder, F.R.S.E. LISKEARD READING SOCIETY. M°KELVIE, James Thomas, Esq. M°LEAN, Sir John.

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM LIBRARY. MAJORIBANKS, Sir Dudley. MANCHESTER, His Grace the Duke of. MARSHALL, Matthew, Esq.

MATTHEW, Gervaise F., Esq., R.N., F.L.S. MAY, James, Esq. (2 copies.)

MAYNEH, E., Esq., Sen.

MILLER, John, Esq.

MILNER, Edward, Esq.

MILNER, Henry W. B., Esq.

MOLLER, O., Esq.

MORGAN, Rev. Augustus.

MORHANGE, His Excellency Salvatore. MORRISON, John, Esq.

MUNDELLA, A. J., Esq., M.P. MUSCHAMP, W., Esq.

NEWTON, Professor, M.A., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. NEWTON, Hon. Edward, M.A., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. OWEN, Professor, LL.D., F.R.S. OXFORD UNIVERSITY.

PACKE, William, Esq.

PEARCE, Percival, Esq.

PEEK, Henry W., Esq., M.P.

PORTER, Robert, Esq.

QUARITCH, Bernard, Esq. (5 copies.) RIPON, The Most Noble the Marquis of, K.G., F.R.S. ROWLEY, G. Dawson, Esq., M.A., F.Z.S. ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY.

SALVIN, Osbert, Esq., M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. SASSOON, Sir Albert, K.C.B., C.S.1. SAUNDERS, Howard, Esq., F.Z.S. SAUNDERS, Wilson, Esq., F.R.S. SAVILL, Walter, Esq.

L.SLE

[ETY, Sq ‘

SRARY,

e Duke of.

- R.N.., FJ S.

4.

Salvatore.

5 copies.) rquis of,

iLS., F.Z.5- c.S.1. Z.5.

2.8

K.G., PRS.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Vil

SCLATER, P. L., Esq., M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. SCRIMGEOUR, Alexander, Esq. SHARPE, R. B., Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S. SHELLEY, Captain Ernest, F.R.G.S. SHOWBRIDGE, Charles J., Esq. SILVER, The Rev. Frederick.

SILVER, S. W., Esq., F.R.G.S. (3 copies.) SMITH, Dr. J. A.

SMYTH, Sir J. H. Greville, Bart. SOTHERAN & CO., Messrs.

SPILLER, Martin, Esq.

STACK, Lieut.-Colonel F. R.

STANLEY, W. O., Esq., M.P. STRICKLAND, Deputy-Controller, C.B. TEMPLE, J. W., Esq.

TESCHMAKER, W. H., Esq.

THOMAS & BROWNING, Messrs. THORNE, Cornelius, Esq.

TREVELYAN, Ernest J., Esq.

TRISTRAM, Rev. Canon, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S. TUBINGEN UNIVERSITY.

TURATI, The Count E.

VAN VOORST, John, Esq., F.L.S.

VEVIK EFFENDI, HisExcellency Achmed. (2cop.) VIENNA EXHIBITION COMMISSIONERS. WADDY, S. D., Esq.

WALDEN, The Viscount, F.R.S., Pr. Z.S. WALKER, Thomas, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.S. WARRE, SMITH, & CO., Messrs.

WATT, A. A., Esq.

WATT, James, Esq. (2 copies.)

WHARTON, C. Bygrave, Esq., I'.Z.S. WILLIAMS & NORGATE, Messrs. (3 copies.) WYATT, Charles William, Esq.

YOUL, James A., Esq.

ZEIGLER, Miss.

ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF TURIN. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

SUBSCRIBERS

NEW-ZEALAND GOVERNMENT, ror Pustiic LIBRARIES.

IN NEW ZEALAND.

H.E. SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B., tare Governor. (5 Coprzs.)

ALLEN, C. S., Esq.

ATKINSON, A. S., Esq. ATKINSON, Major H. A., M.H.R. AUCKLAND INSTITUTE. AYLMER, Justin, Esq., R.M. AYNSLEY, H. P. Murray, Esq., J.P. BANNATYNE, W. M., Esq., J.P. BARKER, A. C., Esq., M.R.C.S.E. BARRAUD, Charles D., Esq. BATHGATE, Hon. John. BEDLINGTON, William, Esq., J.P. BILLS, Mr. Richard.

BLACK, Dr. J. G.

BLAKISTON, A. F. N., Esq. BLAKISTON, A. G., Esq. BONAR, Hon. J. A., M.L.C. BORLASE, C. B., Esq., M.H.R. BOWEN, C. C., Esq. R.M. BRADSHAW, J. B., Esq., M.H.R. BRETT, Hon. Colonel, M.L.C. BUCHANAN, Hon. A., M.D., M.L.C. BUCHANAN, John, Esq. BUCKLEY, Hon. George, M.L.C. BULLER, Rev. James. (2 copies.) BULLER, John W., Esq., J.P. BULLER, W. Boyce, Esq. BUNNY, Henry, Esq., M.H.R. BURNES, Adam, Esq.

BUTTON, Charles Edward, Esq. CAMPBELL, Hon. Robert, M.L.C.

CANTERBURY PROVINCIAL GOVERN-

MENT. (4 copies.) CARGILL, Lt.-Colonel, J.P.

CARTER, C. R., Esq., J.P. (2 copies.)

CASSIUS, Michael, Esq. CATOR, William, Esq.

COSTER, Lewis, Esq. COWIHE, George, Esq., J.P. COWLISHAW, W., Esq. COX, Alfred, Esq., J.P. CRAIG, David, Esq. CRAWFORD, George, Esq.

CRAWFORD, J. C., Esq., B.M., F.G.S.

DERMOTT, F., Esq., M.R.C.S. DIXON, Marmaduke, Esq. DOBSON, Arthur, Esq., C.E. DONALD, Dr. W., R.M. DOUGLAS, Thomas, Esq.

DRAKE, John, Esq. DRANSFIELD, J., Esq., J.P. DUNEDIN, Right Rev. the Bishop of. EARLE, R. C., Esq., M.R.C.S. EDWARDS, Major, R.M.

ELIOTT, G. E., Esq., J.P.

ENYS, J. D., Esq., J.P.

FARMER, Hon. James, M.L.C. FEREDAY, Richard W., Esq. FINNIMORE, Major. (2 copies.) FISCHER, Dr. C. F., F.L.S. FITZGERALD, G. G., Esq., R.M. FORSAITH, Rev. Thomas S. FOSTER, Reginald, Esq.

FOX, Hon. William, M.A. (2 copies.) FRASER, Rev. Charles, M.A., F.G.S. FULLER, Mr. F.

GARLAND, Thomas H., Esq., M.R.C.S.

GOULD, George, Esq., J.P. GRAHAM, George, Esq. GRAHAM, Robert, Esq., J.P. GRAY, Hon. Ernest, M.L.C. GUINESS, Arthur, Esq.

HAAST, Julius, Esq., Ph.D., F.R.S.

(25 Copigs.)

LAND,

TES.)

M., F.GS.

sishop of.

ypies.)

R.M.

9 copies. )

lm

, F.GS.

, M.B.C5-

F.R.S-

SUBSCRIBERS IN NEW ZEALAND.

HALL, Hon. John.

HALSE, Henry, Esq., J.P. HARDCASTLE, Edward, Esq. HARPER, The Venerable Archdeacon. HARRIS, John Hyde, Esq., J.P. (2 copies.) HARRISON, Shafto, Esq., J.P. (2 copies.) HART, George, Esq., J.P..

HARVEY, George W., Esq., D.J. HAWDON, Arthur, Esq.

HAY, W. Macgregor, Esq.

HECTOR, James, Esq., M.D., F.R.S. (2 copies.) HERON, John, Esq.

HEWLINGS, Samuel, Esq., J.P. HICKSON, W., Esq., J.P. (3 copies.) HIGGINS, R. L., Esq.

HILL, J. R., Esq.

HOLDSWORTH, J. G., Esq., J.P. HOLMES, Hon. Matthew, M.L.C. HOLMES, R. L., Esq. HUDDLESTON, F., Esq., J.P. HUTTON, Capt. F. W., F.G.S. JOHNSTON, Hon. John, M.L.C. JONES, (the late) John, Esq. (5 copies.) JONES, William, Esq.

KEOGH, M., Esq., R.M.

KIRK, Thomas, Esq., F.L.S.

KIRTON, George, Esq.

KLEIN, Joseph P., Esq.

KNIGHT, Charles, Esq., M.D. LAHMAN, Hon. Henry H., M.L.C. LEWIS, Frederick, Esq.

LEWIS, John, Esq.

LIGHTBAND, Martin, Esq.

LYON, William, Esq., F.G.S. M°GREGOR, John, Esq.

M°GREGOR, W., Esq.

M°LEAN, Hon. D., C.M.G. (2 copies.) M°LEAN, Hon. John, M.L.C.

MAIN, D. F., Esq., M.H.R.

MAIR, Captain Gilbert.

MAIR, Major W., R.M.

M°IREITH, James, lsq.

MARTIN, John, Esq.

MAUNSELL, Henry W., Esq., M.R.C.S. MAXWELL, G. C., Esq.

MENZIES, Hon. J.; M.L.C.

MILLER, Hon. H. 8., M.L.C. MONTGOMERY, W., Esq. MOORHOUSE, W. S., Esq., J.P. (2 copies.) MURISON, M.D., Esq. NEW-ZEALAND EXHIBITION. OLLIVER, Richard, Esq., M.R.C.S. OLLIVIER, John, Esq.

ORMOND, Hon. J. D.

OWEN, Heyward, Esq.

PACKE, George, Hsq., J.P. PARKINSON, J. W., Esq.

PATTEN, Edward, Esq.

PATTISON, J., Esq.

PEACOCK, J. T., Esq., M.H.R. PEARCE, Edward, Esq., M.H.R. PHARAZYN, Robert, Esq., F.R.G.S. PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE (Canterbury). PILLANS, Hon. F. 8., M.L.C.

POTTS, Ambrose, Esq.

POTTS, Donald H., Esq.

POTTS, Geoffrey, Esq.

POTTS, Thomas H., Esq., M.H.R., F.L.S. PRESHAW, George O., Esq. PURCHAS, Rev. Arthur G., M.R.C.S. REED, Charles, Esq.

REID, Donald, Esq., M.H.R. REYNOLDS, Hon. M. H.

RHODES, Hon. W. B., M.L.C. RICHARDSON, Hon. J.L. RICHARDSON, P., Esq.

RICHMOND, Hon. J. C.

ROBERTS, W. C., Esq.

ROBINSON, F., Esq., J.P.

ROUGH, Captain D.

RUDDENKLAN, Mr. John George. RUSSELL, Hon. H.R., M.L.C. (2 copies.) RUSSELL, Thomas, Esq. (2 copies.) RUSSELL, W. F., Esq., J.P.

x SUBSCRIBERS IN

SALE, Professor, M.A.

SEALEY, Edward P., Esq.

SEED, William, Esq., J.P.

SCHULTZE, C. W., Esgq., J.P. SMALES, Rev. G.

SMITH, Benjamin, Esq.

SMITH, Charles, Esq.

SOUTH, Samuel M., Esq.

STACK, Rev. James.

STAFFORD, Hon. E. W. (8 copies.) STEWART, F. E., Esq., J.P. STEWART, John, T. Esq.

STRODE, A. Chetham, Esq., R.M. STUDHOME, John, Esq., M.H.R. TABART, F. C., Esq.

TANCRED, Hon. H. J., M.L.C. TAYLOR, Hon. Charles, M.L.C. TAYLOR, Waring, Esq., J.P. (2 copies.) TESCHMAKER, T., Esq.

THAMES MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

NEW ZEALAND.

THOMPSON, N. P., Esq.

TRAVERS, W. T. L., Esq., F.L.S. (2 copies.)

VOGEL, Hon. Julius, C.M.G.

WAKEFIELD, C. M., Esq.

WALKER, Sherbrook, Esq.

WALTON, Henry, Esq., J.P.

WATT, James, Esq.

WATT, W. H., Esq., J.P.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL LIBRARY. (2 copies.)

WHITE, John E., Esq.

WHITE, Thomas L., Esq.

WHITE, William, Esq.

WHITMORE, Hon. Colonel E. 8., C.M.G.

WILSON, Sir J. Cracroft, C.B., K.C.S.I.

WILL, W., Esq.

WILLIAMSON, John, Esq., J.P. (2 copies.)

WITHERS, C. B., Esq.

WOODWARD, Jonas, Esq., J.P.

WOON, Richard, Esq., R.M.

THE s'! histor’ matur chiefly preser

gener

; decide highh comm

a jud;

y that, » actual Verifie durin; will }

natur

]

grant

Engla

9 :

AL Councy,

2. S., C._M.G. 3., K.C.S.1,

J.P.

(2 copies.)

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.

Tue fi of the -

Th plished

(some t birds of

2

ng the “ONtent,

‘Ving Charge of = N to be allowe se of o

t q to XAMinatio,

the Library Of the | valuable

AWSistangp ciety h

ad made him eady Published py Comparatively light y Siven for the fig nenclature critically

y acknowledgments

their opinions and

- assistance accorded llection of Birds, on

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 eceding that of the pr ye . arts 18 darker; in rpar S . f 7 tris a

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, ts of te

yots by W ‘rence of m s on the outsk A better situation fot

mbining, ® I

«ted, CO lec ted neti

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

atta, hed WO its on

: . “lay, * 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

e known upwalt

Js of a

Mr. Potts tha Hawks pe

Jmost neo

r annul

anne uch a man

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

at

© SUM of

tr mention t}

i. alth:

mM our list

ECF Pecies - ; : - : a vay on the eas ; Ss Tr — Kiss S traits and as

— ey eee eee etimes as a strageler iy

nen Was obtained there,

} presumed occurrence,

i

- ‘al . ] rtsman and a tolerable

rle” on the rocks nea

biting South Austral

to

ir habitat, on We

’ 1) ing 3h). offers the TOLLOWL

-.~ the former was ™

, -Zealand specimen pad soollll Norw ich Muse ul

he gas: ed me, at the ume, He had been killed HW a may oct asionally re eys gurl

; - Gu Wp T Mr. r , Southe hy him the 4

VD) : tai Sturt ©

, Cap the

aa by st 10 pt

yu n we must :

LOSE | th F

though there js yy

“4-40 BI II

S. LBIFACIE AUX A

SCELOGL

LANDIAz . PILOGLAUX NOVA ZEA Ss

Prnoe Tome

4 orvex AC

Female, Nest lin X the Varieti, fro fou

ALBIFACIES.

SCELOGLAUX

SPILOGLAUX NOV ZEALANDIZ.

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 length p order to teen of 1 them in’ and Che abundan of these of the d them th perfectly

—

over a W compris’ which t] and rea: moonlig making, causing the ligh the roof Th country. predatoy have ah &@ Voraci inestim: Tavages balance removir part, T Country Its plac ie

ce Plumagy ° bel

me of « : ot Mi Tepork . ore ie St, or hiding jp a 8, Mice. ; tics > Nd the Vari : ne QQ | the COUNTY, altho , #9 Aiton) L It derives jt. Popa 8 Popul 88 In th ul Instances of the barn, and re

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 ‘ow external margil, and bird are full of life and walities, preferring, how hush-clearings in the lly infestel 1s regu!

ic being genera vy, it afterwart 4s That the Morepo™ s been frequent]} det!

tu bush (Corian ™ once told Bt “cop,

Robins after SU sag it B

; orapplus i

1d a native Captain

t. , his garden

ut the “d pian”

ndre

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 ky | yrecipiet

| pal of

1

rest the roe Ss 1a r the provision? nde - iT 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 leave its h nizing wit distinguisl Althc Zealand fi decoration purchased Acco: South Isle becoming on the au as I have of the Ta; The read befo) transcribe

D 8 DE gn. vy th t] “Peting iment : egret th Q % Sir G2 ClNCe st) , , Ory, S the ¥ adult plum a les : = Ss Admixturs vi Uy Yelloy, the re oy vas String . AP Within h; Pe they » While the) e lowe

‘KS loose, wit, di, > the tars} COVered yi} scutellate towards the oj

Ss. 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

e abel temp rarily zygodact}#,

re day in holes of trees birds of prey: As thee . lies, a nist! Cakapo, implies, 4” g

s being the connect; op patts

e on the other p@

‘nos : he being pan

structure, g the base 0

nds that the ”

point, that tbe

of flight,

ut ted below

£ 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 Of the la showing e upon it on shore by ‘ allowed to like a dog “ Nez a thick la stomachs of fibre in

8teedy bir

ull foun

ers y Deja. : W here Wen ’ rst ] te Tree, als Place Wheres, “1s A} : © ti und liv eit N Ar... hi ; | ACes the : Hy, Lor} nm . ariv Ce nna ly Presseq do Uy "7

to

ic th Ch other Usual. Sully,

SS eC;

Casi; nal

ly foung above or 4

ound, ho} appeared to have } .

< + Oe 5p quently ty, them were hollow ¢, O fly was :

Wie ~< 8 ay

here Were fre

shor, t evel than the Place fro ) assist it. Except tha as only by the assistag ; and when the bird m; of catching it at nicht, g, and sometimes inflics 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 raunts of these birds, We than two, in the sm addled egg: There wi They build no 26 The young welt The &

wWOt yd. y with down.

. eae ed ant shriek wh

isc rd , , gumbers #

sed 0

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 cially if screeche note he mingled

nainted ; for ; . It

if a dog than aee te eg . ~ 888 about the « are h. « = 1 tl onl 1€ West Coast bias | : mut the Sources of th ection of the ol Old pen 0D) unated by te in

reTS

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: >§ chest 5 hown the hg *

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

SE r pp rt —

the gr

obtaine! ra |

with oc

hick uch mS

os they chew y JUlce Which th 8 of chewed fibr

© whit 1ey have ™

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