CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION OF NEW ZEALAND BIRDS MANOR HOUSE LETCOMB REGIS WANTAGE BY SIR WALTER L.BUU.ER, K.C.M.G^ U. Sc., F. R. S> 598.2993j B87c Biology Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/classifiedlistofOObull GUIDE TO THE NEW -ZEALAND BIRDS IN THE MANOR-HOUSE COLLECTION, LETCOMB REGIS. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND ERANCTS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. A CLASSIFIED LIST OF ME. S. WILLIAM SILVER’S COLLECTION NEW-ZEALAND BIRDS {AT THE MANOR-HOUSE, LETCOMB REGIS), WITH SHORT DESCRIPTIVE NOTES BY Sir WALTER L. BULLER, K.C.M.G., D.Sc., F.R.S, LONDON : E. A. PETHERICK AND CO., 33 PATERNOSTER ROW. 1888. COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION, 1886 Diploma and Medal awarded to Mr. S. William Silver, F.L.S., /or Exhibit New-Zealand Birds {mounted by Messrs. Burton and Boils'). This Collection, which is one of the most complete in Europie, formed a very attractive feature in the New- Zealand Court at the above Exhibition. £'92.:?q-^3l 5<^7c PREFACE. Tins ‘ Guide ’ does not profess to give more than a classified list of the birds contained in the twelve cases forming the Manor-House Collection, with short explanatory notes for the information of visitors. The woodcuts, for the most part, are borrowed from Sir Walter Buller’s ‘ Birds of New Zealand,’ where full descriptions and biographies will be found of all the species represented in this Collection. Eiffht of these cases were on view in the New- Zealand Court at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, 1886 , The four cases since added contain many of the rarer species of New-Zealand birds; and the Collection, as a whole, may be regarded as a tolerably complete exemplification of a remarkably interesting Avifauna, many of the genera and most of the species being endemic or strictly confined to New Zealand and the neighbouring islands. May 1888. Prof. Hochstetter^s Pesto ration of the Moa Skeleton of Dinornis giganteus, Skeleton oe Dinornis elephantopus Leg-bones of Dinoknis maximus I. Subclass CARINATE]. Order PASSERES. Fam. CORVIDS. Genus GLAUCOPIS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.; 1. Glaucopis wilsoni^ Bonap. Blue-wattled Crow. Ko- kako"*^ of the Alaoris. (Case II. Nos. 64 and 65.) 2. Glaucopis cinerea, Gmelin. Orange-wattled Crow. (Case II. Nos. 53 and 63 : male and female.) The former species is sparingly dispersed over the North Island, being very local in its distribution. Its notes are loud and varied ; but the most noticeable one is a long- drawn organ-note of surpassing depth and richness. The other species is its South-Island representative, and may be readily distinguished by the orange colour of its wattles. 16 Fam. STUENIDiE. (jenus HETERALOCHA. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) Heteralocha acutirostris, Gould. Huia of the Maoris. (Case II. Nos. 33, 43, and 46.) This species is confined to the wooded ranges in the most southern part of the North Island. It differs from all other birds in this respect, that the two sexes have differently f ormed bills. This bird subsists chiefly on a grub which in- fests decayed trees ; and the different development of the mandibles in the two sexes enables them to perform separate offices. The male attacks the infested tree, chiselling out his prey by sheer strength, while the female probes with her long pliant bill the deeper cells, where the hardness of the surrounding wood resists the chisel of her mate. Genus CREADION. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Creadion carunculatus, Gmel. Saddle-back. Pu- rourou.'’'’ (Case II. Nos. 6 and 22.) 17 This bird derives its popular name from a peeuliarity in the distribution of its two strongly contrasted colours^ black and ferruginous^ the latter of which covers the back, forms a sharply defined margin across the shoulders, and sweeps over the wings in a manner suggestive of saddle-flaps. A few years ago it was very plentiful in both Islands ; but it has now entirely disappeared from the North Island, being met with only in some wooded islets in the Hauraki Gulf. 2. Ckeadion cinereus, Buller. Jack-bird. Tieke.^^ (Case II. Nos. 17 and 23.) Common in the wooded parts of the South Island. Of similar habits to the former species. It is a noisy bird, and hurries through the forest with loud cries of tiaki-rcre.^^ Fam. TURNAaRID^. Genus TURNAGRA. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Tuunagra hectori, Buller. North-Island Thrush. ^ahopio.^^ (Case IX. No. 10.) Named in compliment to Sir James Hector, Director of the Geological Survey Department. Formerly tolerably common in the North Island, but now one of the rarest of New-Zealand birds. This is much to be regretted, as it is a fine songster. 2. Turnagra crassirostris, Gmel. (Case II. Nos. 14, 15, and 28.) This species is confined to the South Island. It frequents R 18 the low woods^ but is fast disappeariug, owing to the ravages of wild cats and dogs. Fam. SYLVIIDiE. Genus MIRO. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) A C' A. Miro amiralis. li, C. Myiomoira toitoi. 1. Miro AusTRALis_, Sparrm. North-Island Robin. ^^Tou- touwai or Pitoitoi.^^ (Case IX. Nos. 5 and 6 ; Case X. No. 9.) Formerly the commonest bird in the North Island ; now well nigh extinct^ being met with only on the small islands lying off the coast. 2. Miro albifrons^ Gmel. South-Island Robin. (Case II. No. 20.) The South-Island representative of the former, and still plentiful in all suitable localities. Genus MYIOMOIRA. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) I. Myiomoira toitoi, Less. North-Island Tomtit. ^^Ngi- rungiru.'’"’ (Case X. Nos. 4, 5, and 6.) This elegant little bird has a pretty general distribution over the North Island, but is not met with south of CoolCs Strait. It is a familiar species, seeking the habitations of man, and taking up its abode in his gardens and orchards. 19 2. Myiomoira macrocephalAj Gmel. South-Island Tomtit. (Case II. Nos. 3^ 12, and 13.) This is the southern representative of the preeeding speeies. It is not found in the North Island, but is to be met with at the Chathams and on the Auekland Islands. It is a very elaborate nest-builder. Genus GERYGONE. (New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, and New Guinea.) Gerygone flaviventris. Gray. Grey Warbler. Riro- riro.'’^ (Case II. Nos. 27 and 29.) This little bird is chiefly remarkable as the foster-parent r2 20 of the two species of migratory Cuckoos in New Zealand {Eudynamis taitensis and Chrywcoccyx lucidus, see Case II. Nos. 2 and 4d). It builds an ingenious domed ncst^ and often with a porch or vestibule. There is much variety in this structure, as will be seen from the woodcuts on p. 19. Fam. FARIDA. Genus CERTHIPARUS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) Certiiiparus NoviE zEALANDi/E, Gmcl. Ncw-Zcaland Creeper. (Case II. Nos. 7 and 8, male; Case X. No. 3, young male.) Fam. TIMELIID^. Genus CLITONYX. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Clitonyx ALBiCAPiLLA, Less. Whitc-hcad. Popokotca.” (Case IX. Nos. 3 and 4.) Fifteen years ago this bird was plentiful all over the North Island ; now it is nearly extinct on the mainland, and only met with occasionally on the islands. 2. Clitonyx ocHRocEPHALA, Gmel. Yellow-head. (Case II. Group, Nos. 26, 31, and 32.) This bright-coloured bird is the southern representative 21 of Clitonyx albicapilla, and is still quite abundant in all the woods. It is known to the colonists as the Native Canary.’^ Genus SPHENQilACUS. (Common to Australia and New Zealand.) Spiienceacus punctatus_, Gray. Fern-bird. Matata or Koroatito.^’’ (Case II. No. 42 : female.) This recluse species frequents the dense fern of the open country, and the beds of raupo and other tall vegetation that cover the swamps and low-lying flats. In these localities it may constantly be heard uttering, at regular intervals, its melancholy call of two notes, u-tick, u-tick,^^ and respon- sively when there arc two or more. It constructs a cup- shaped nest, which is found attached to reed -stems standing together, or placed in a grass-tussock. It lays three eggs, of a creamy white, prettily speckled over the entire surface with purplish brown. Fam. MOTACILLID^. Genus ANTHUS. (Found all over the world.) Antiius novte zEALANDiAiii, Gray. New Zealand Pipit. Pi- hoihoi. (Case X. Nos. 22 and 23 : male and female.) Common throughout the country, frequenting the open land, and sometimes resorting to the dry sands along the sea- shore, Forms a nest of dry grass and other fibrous sub- stances loosely put together, which is always placed on the ground, generally in a horse’s footprint, or in some natural depression, under shelter of a tussock or clump of rushes. The eggs are usually four in number, and are marked all over with spots or freckles of dark grey on a paler or ashy ground. Fam. CAMPEPHAdlDiE. Genus GIIAUCALUS. (Peculiar to Australia.) Graucalus melanops, Vig. & Horsf. (Case II. No. 66.) An occasional visitant from Australia. Only three in- stances of its occurrence arc recorded. 22 Fam. MUSCICA.PIDI:. Genus KHIPIDURA. (New Zealand_, Australia^ Tasmania^ Norfolk Island, New Guinea, and many of the Indo- Malayan Islands.) Rhipidura flabellifera, Gmelin. Pied Fantail. ^^Pi- wakawaka.^’ (Case X. Nos. 35, 36, and 37 : male, female, and young.) One of the eornmonest birds, and a eharaeteristic feature of the New-Zealand woods, where it may always be seen flying about with broadly expanded tail and performing all manner of fantastic evolutions in its diligent pursuit of gnats and flies. It builds a beautiful cup-shaped nest, formed of green moss, lined with dry bents, and bound round on the outside with spiders^ webs. Fam. HIRUNDINID^. Genus PETROCHELIDON. (Australia and Indian Archipelago.) Petrochelidon NiGRiCANs,Vieillot. Australian Tree-Swallow. (Case II. No. 16.) An occasional straggler from Australia. Several small flights have been recorded in the South Island. Fam. MELIPHARID^. Genus ZOSTEROPS. (Extends over the entire Southern Hemisphere.) ZosTERops CiERULEscENs, Latham. Silver-eye or Blight- bird. Tau-hou or Kanohi-mowhiti.^^ (Case X. Nos. 1 and 2, male and female; Case IX. contains nest and eggs.) The history of this little bird in New Zealand is a re- markable one. It is identical with the species inhabiting Australia, but whether it came over to New Zealand from 23 that continent^ or whether it has always existed in the ex- treme south of New Zealand,, is only a matter of eonjeeture. It appeared on the south side of Cookes Strait^ for the first time within the memory of the oldest native inhabitants,, in the winter of 1856. They remained for about three months and then departed as suddenly as they had come. During the two years that followed this bird was never heard of again in any part of the North Island; but in the winter of 1858 it again crossed the strait in greater numbers than before. During the four succeeding years it regularly wintered in the North Island^ recrossing the strait on the approach of spring. Since the year 1862 it has been a permanent resident. It builds a shallow nest laced together with long liorse-hair^ and generally suspended by side-fasten- ings to hanging branchlets or climbing vines ; and it lays three (sometimes four) eggs, of a lovely pale blue colour. Genus ANTHORNIS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Antuornis MELANURA, Sparrm. Bell-bird. Korimako.^^ (Case II. Nos. 1 and 4, male; Case IX. No. 9, female; Case X. No. 16, female.) This is tbe bird whose praises were sung by tbe illustrious navigator Cook a hundred years ago. It was formerly the commonest bird in New Zealand, but is now almost extinct on the North Island, being met with only on the wooded islets in the large inland lakes or off the coast. It is still plentiful in the South Island. 24 2. Anthornis melanocephala_, Gray. (Case IX. Nos. 1 and 2 : male and female.) Confined to the Chatliam Islands. As with the former species^ both sexes sing-. Genius PROSTIIEMADEIIA. (Peeidiar to New Zealand.) Prostiiemadera nov.'E zealandi^^ Gmelin. Parson-bird. Tui or Koko.^^ (Case II. Nos. 9, 10, 25, and 50 : adult male and female, young male, and variety.) This is one of the eommonest birds of the country, but deserves special notice because of its singular beauty. The hind neck is ornamented with a collar of soft filamentous ])lumes, curving outwards, and with a white line down the centre ; and on the throat there are two peculiar tufts of snow-white feathers having a fanciful resemblance to the clerical bands, whence the bird derives its popular name. Genus ACANTHOCIUjlRA. (Peculiar to xYustralia.) Acantiioch.era carunculata, Latham. Wattled Honey- eater. (Case II. No. 67 .) An occasional visitant from Australia, 25 Fam. XENICIDiE. Genus XENICUS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) XcNicus LONGiPEs, Gmclin. Busli-Wrcn. Matuliitulii.” (Case IX. Nos. 17 , 18^ and 19: adult male and female, and young.) This bird is confiMcd to the forests which clothe the sides of the sub-alpine ranges in the South Island. It is extremely rare in the North Island. Genus ACANTHIDOSITTA. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) Acantiiidositta ciiloris, Sparrm. Rifleman. Titi- pounamu.^^ (Case X. Nos. 7 and 8 : adult and young.) This is the smallest of the New-Zealand birds. It is strictly arboreal in its habits, and is to be met with generally on the sides and summits of the wooded ranges, seldom or never in the low gullies. It forms a large pear-shaped nest, with the entrance on the side, usually placing it within the shelter of some cavity. The eggs are from three to five in number, nearly spherical in form, and perfectly white. 26 Order P I C A R I .E. Fam. CORACIID^. Genus EURYSTOMUS. (Australia^ New Guinea,, and Indian Areliipelago.) Eurystomus pacificus,, Latli. Australian Roller. (Case II. Nos. 3d and 35 : male and female.) An oecasional visitant to the west coast of both Islands. Fam. ALCEDINID^. Genus HALCYON. (Both hemispheres.) Halcyon vagans, Lesson. New-Zealand Kingfisher. Ko- tare.^'’ (Case II. Nos. GO and 61 : adult and young.) This bird is generally dispersed throughout the country, being met with on the sea-shore, as well as in the open country, in forest-clearings, and on the banks of freshwater streams- It nests in deep holes, which it excavates in dead trees or in clay banks, and the eggs, which are generally five, sometimes six, in number, are of the purest white, with a smooth or polished surface. Fam. CUCULIDiE. Genus EUDYNAMIS. (Australia, New Guinea and Polynesia, and India.) Eudynamis TAiTENSis, Sparrm. The Long-tailed Cuckoo. Koheperoa.^^ (Case II. Nos. 2, 5, 18, and 19 : group of adult and young birds.) A migratory species. Arrives in the early part of October and disappears before the end of February. Genus CHRYSOCOCCYX. (Southern Hemisphere.) CuRYsococcYx LuciDUs, Gmelin. Shining Cuckoo. Wa- 27 rauroa/'’ (Case II. No. 4C female; Case IX. No. 12_, young bird.) This also is a migratory speeies, arriving in New Zealand about the end of September, spending the warm months and breeding there, and departing about the first week in January. Both this speeies and the preeeding one are parasitie in their nidifieation ; and both of them entrust the rearing of their young to the Grey Warbler, one of the smallest of the New-Zealand birds (see Nos. 27 and 29 in Case II.). Order PSITTACI. Fam. PLATYCERCIDjE. Genus PLATYCEECUS. (Australia, Now Zealand, New Guinea, and Polynesia.) 1. Platycercus nov^ ZEALAND^, Sparrm. Red-fronted Par- rakeet. Kakariki."’'’ (Case II. Nos. 47, 48, and 49, male and female ; also yellow-spotted variety. Case X. No. 12.) 2. Platycercus AURiCEPs, Kulil. Yellow-fronted Parrakeet. (Case II. Nos. 54 and 56, male and female, and Case X. No. 10.) 3. Platycercus alpinus, Buller. Orange-fronted Parra- ' keet. (Case II. No. 55, male.) 28 4. Platycercus rowleyi,, Bullcr. llowley^s Parrakeet. (CaseX.No.il.) These four species of Parrakeet^ which are distinguished hy the uniform green of their body-plumage and variously coloured foreheads^ are distributed pretty evenly over both Islands. They inhabit^ as a rule, the low woods and the outskirts of the forests ; but Platycercus alpinus is more generally met with in the alpine heights of the South Island. Fam. NESTOEID^. Genus NESTOR. (Peculiar to New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Phillip Island.) 1. Nestor MERiDioNALis, Gmelin. Kaka of the Maoris. (Case I. Nos. 2, 3, and 5 : male, female, and young.) This is one of the characteristic New-Zealand forms, and may be met with in all parts of the country. It is arboreal in its habits and seminocturnal. With the earliest streaks of dawn, and while the underwoods are still wrapped in dark- ness, its wild cry breaks upon the ear with a strange effect. Although habitually recluse during the day, it is not always so. During gloomy weather it is often very active ; and sometimes even in the bright sunshine a score of them may 29 be seen together^ eireling about high above the tree-tops^ uttering their loud screams^ and apparently bent on eonvivial amusement. It is a favourite pet vrith the Maoris^ and every native village has its tame Kaka, whieh is trained as a decoy-bird. It nests in hollow trees^ laying four eggs_, somewmat sphe- rical in form^ and pure white with a glossy surface. Very beautiful varieties are sometimes met with^ some having the entire plumage yellow with red facings, or orange and scarlet. The specimen in Case IX. (No. 14) represents Von Haast’s Nestor montanus, from the Alpine district of the South Island. 2. Nestor notabilis, Gould. Mountain Parrot. Kea.’^ (Case II. Nos. 21, 30, 36, and 52 : male and female.) This is essentially a mountain species, inhabiting the rugged slopes of the Southern Alps, and descending to the plains only during severe winters, when its customary haunts arc covered with snow and its means of subsistence have consequently failed. The most interesting feature in the history of this bird is the extraordinary manner in which, under the changed con- ditions of the country, it has developed a carnivorous habit. It attacks the living sheep, and always in one part of the body, tearing out and devouring the kidney-fat, and inflicting injuries that generally prove fatal. So destructive, indeed, has this Parrot become on the sheep-runs that the Govern- ment has been induced to offer a bonus of so much per head for killing them. Fam. STEINGOPID^. Genus STRINGOPS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) I. Stringops iiabroptilus, Gray. ^^Kakapo^^ of the Maoris ; 30 Ground-Parrot of the Colonists. (Case I. Nos. 1, 4_, 6, 8, and 10 : male, female, very old bird, and v^ery young one.) This is one of the very remarkable forms which distinguish the avifauna of New Zealand. In all the essential charac- teristics of structure it is a true Parrot; but it bears a superficial resemblance to an Owl, as, for example, in the possession of a facial disk, in which respect it differs from all other known Parrots. The sternum, which in all other birds of its class has a prominent keel, is so completely aberrant that it presents almost a flat surface ; and the wings, although to all appearance well developed, are entirely useless for purposes of flight. It is nocturnal in its habits, and lives exclusively on vegetable food. Formerly this species existed in considerable numbers in both the North and South Islands; but it is now only to be found in the mountainous parts of the Canterbury and Otago provincial districts. During the day it remains concealed in holes, under the roots of trees or under rocks, or sometimes perched on the boughs of low-growing trees with dense foliage. About sunset it becomes animated, and issues forth from its retreat to seek its food. When eating grass it grazes rather than 31 feeds,, nibbling its food after the manner of a rabbit or wombat. Sir George Grey has published some interesting notes on its habits. No. 6 in this colleetion is an abnormally small example, and is speeially mentioned at page 177 (2nd ed.) of ^The Birds of New Zealand/ Order S T R I G E S. Fam. STEIGTDH. Genus SPILOGLAUX. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) Spiloglaux NOV.E zEALANDiTi:, Gmclin. New-Zealand Owl. Ruru.-’^ (Case IX. Nos. 15, 16, 23, and 24: adult male, female, and young birds in two stages of growth.) Every colonist is familiar with this little Owl under the name of Morepork,^^ so called on account of its peculiar cry. It subsists on rats, mice, and small birds, and when these fail it does not despise the large nocturnal moths and beetles. It nests in hollow trees, and lays two white eggs, almost spherical in form. Genus SCELOGLAUX. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) ScELOGLAUx ALBiFACiES, Gray. Laughing Owl. Whe- kau.’^ (Case'IX. No. 22.) This is one of the rarest species now existing in New Zea- land. Half a century ago it was on the verge of extinction, and some years have elapsed since the capture of the last recorded example, although it is still occasionally heard of in the mountainous districts of the South Island. Very few European collections contain specimens of this interesting bird. 32 Order A C C I P I T R E S. Fam. FALCONID^. Genus CIRCUS. (Common to all parts of tlie world.) Circus GOULDi, Bonap. New-Zealand Harrier. Kahu.^^ (Case II. Nos. 58^ 59, and G2 : male, Lmale, and young ; No. 62, devouring a Tui.) This species has a wide geographical distribution, being met with also in Australia, Tasmania, and as far eastward as the Fiji Islands. 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. It nests on the ground or in a tussock, and lays from two to four perfectly white eggs, ovoido-conical in form. Genus HARPA. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Harpa NoviE zEALANDi^, Gmelin. Quail-Hawk. Ka- rearea.'’^ (Case X. Nos. 19 and 20, adult and young; Case IX. No. II, very finely marked adult female.) 2. Harpa ferox, Peale. Sparrow-Hawk or Bush-Hawk. (Case II. Nos. 45 and 57, the latter devouring a King- fisher.) These Tree-Falcons somewhat resemble an Australian genus, hut are sufficiently differentiated to form a distinct genus. The Quail-Hawk is very seldom met with in the North Island ; and both species are far less numerous than formerlj^ 38 Order G A L L I N i®. Fam. TETEAONID^. Genus COTURNIX. (Europe, Asia, Afriea, and Australia.) CoTURNix NOVJ5 zEALANDi^, Quoy & Gaim. New-Zealand Quail. “Koreke.^^ This species, which is almost, if not quite, extinct in New- Zealand, is represented in this Collection by four specimens of the closely-allied Coturnix pectoralis from Australia (Case X. Nos. 29, 30, 31, and 32 : adult male, female, and young). Order COLOMBO. Fam. COLDMBIDjE. Genus CARPOPHAGA. (Polynesia, Indian Archipelago, and China.) Carpophaga nov^ ZEALANDiiE. Ncw-Zealand Pigeon. Ke- reru.'^ (Case II. Nos. 11 and 24; Case X. No. 21: male and female.) This fine Wood-Pigeon is very abundant in all parts of New Zealand, as well as in tlie Chatham Islands. It is strictly arboreal in its habits, and appears to prefer the densest foliage. It subsists on various kinds of wild fruit and berries, and at certain seasons of tlie year becomes very fat, and is then esteemed a great delicacy. Both as to size and brilliancy of plumage it is the most conspicuous member of the restricted group to wbich it belongs. The metallic lustre of the neck and breast differs in individuals from bronzy green to coppery purple, with brighter reflections ; and this is well represented by the three specimens in the Collection. c 34 NeW-Ze ALAND WoOD-PlCEON Order LIMICOL^. Fam. CHAEADRIIDiF. Genus CHARADRIUS. (Cosmopolite.) 1. CiiARADiiius OBscuRUs, Gmeliu. Red-breasted Plover. ^‘^Tuturiwbata.^^ (Case TX. No. 32_, full nuptial plumage; Case X. Nos. 15 and 17 , summer and winter plumage.) This fine species_, although nowhere very plentiful, is dis- persed along the shores of both Islands, frequenting the open beaches and the sand-flats at the mouths of all the tidal rivers. It resorts, in small flocks, to the tops of mountains, being met with sometimes at an elevation of fully 8000 feet. 2. Charadrius bicinctus, Jardine. Banded Dottrel. Po- howera.^^ (Case VI. Nos. 12, 21, and 23 : male and female, different ages; Case IX. No. 8.) This pretty Dottrel is very common on the shores, and is sometimes met with on the meadows far inland. It asso- ciates in flocks, and is very lively and active in its habits. It occurs also in Australia and Tasmania, and has been re- corded from Lord Howe^s Island. Nestling of Banded Dottrel. c 2 36 3. Charadrius ruficapillus, Temm. Red-capped Dottrel. (Case X. No. 31.) An occasional visitant from Australia, where this species is a common inhabitant of the sea-shore. 4. Charadrius fulvus, Gmelin. The Eastern Golden Plover. (Case X. No. 13.) This species is only a rare visitant to New Zealand. Eacli of the Provincial Museums contains one or more specimens. The present example was shot on the east coast of the North Island. Genus ANARHYNCHUS. (Confined to New Zealand.) Anarhynchus frontalis, Quoy et Gaim. Wry-billed Plover. Ngutupare.^^ (Case VI. No. 14; Case IX. No. 21 : male and female.) This Plover is distinguishable from all others by having a crooked or asymmetrical bill, the apical portion being always turned to the right. This peculiarity, which naturalists at one time considered a deformity, or the result of accident, is congenital, being present in the newly hatched chick. Genus STREPSILAS. (Cosmopolite.) Strepsilas interpres, Linn. Turnstone. (Case IX. No. 7.) This bird occurs in New Zealand only as a straggler from high northern latitudes. The specimen in this Collection 37 was obtained at Portland Island by Mr. C. H. Robson, of the Colonial Service. Genus HiEMATOPUS. (Cosmopolite.) 1. H^matopus LONGiROSTRis, Vicill. Pied Oyster-catcher. Torea.^^ (Case III. No. 10.) This Oyster-catcher is very similar in appearance to the European species, and its habits are the same. 2. H^matopus unicolor, Wagl. Black Oyster-catcher. Torea.'’^ (Case III. Nos. 9 and II : male and female.) This dark species, wdiich occurs also in Australia, associates freely with the Pied one, and the two species occasionally interbreed. Fam. SCOLOPACIDIJ. Genus EEC URVIROSTRA. (Cosmopolite.) Recurvirostra NoviE HOLLANDi^, Gould. Red-uecked Avocet. (Case X. No. 28 : female.) This species is extremely rare in New Zealand, being evidently a straggler from the Australian coast. The specimen in this Collection was obtained many years ago in the Provincial district of Canterbury by the late Sir Julius von Haast. Genus HIMANTOPUS. (Cosmopolite.) I. Himantopus LEUCocEPHALus, Gould. Whitc-headcd Stilt. Tutumata.^'’ (Case III. Nos. 4, 5, and 6: group of old and young.) Thinly dispersed over both Islands, frequenting fresh- water lagoons and the sand-banks near the mouths of tidal rivers. It is partially migratory, and at certain seasons assembles in flocks of considerable magnitude. 38 i 2. Himantopus nov^ zealandi^e, Gould. Black Stilt- "a Plover. ^‘Kaki.^^ (Case IX. No. 31.) J This form, which may he readily distinguished from the 'i preceding one by its darker plumage, is strictly confined to -’n New Zealand. m Genus TRINGA. (All the more genial parts of the world.) Tringa acuminata, Horsf. Sandpiper. 'm An occasional visitant to the South Island from the ^ Australian shore. 9 59 Genus LIMOSA. (Cosmopolite.) Limo5A nov^ zealandi^, Gray. The Southern Godvvit. Kuaka.^^ (Case III. Nos. 2 , and 3 : group.) There is probably no bird whose history is more romantic. It is the eastern representative of the European Godwit, to which it bears a close resemblance ; and, like that species, it has a very extensive geographical range. It spends a portion of the year in Siberia, and visits in the course of its annual migration the islands of the Indian Archipelago, Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. It arrives in the North Island in November, then spreads rapidly southward, and takes its departure on its distant pilgrimage towards the end of March. Genus NUMENIUS. (Cosmopolite.) Numenius cyanopus, Vieill. Australian Curlew. (Case III. No. 18.) An occasional visitant to New Zealand. Order G A V I Al. Fam, LAEID.^. Genus LARUS. (Cosmopolite.) I. Larus DOMiNicANUs, Licht. Black-backed Gull. Ka- roro.^^ (Case VI. Nos. 16, II, and 8: adult, young, and transitional states, respectively.) The range of this handsome Gull extends over the whole Southern Hemisphere. It is extremely abundant on all the New-Zealand coasts, preferring, however, the smooth sea- beaches and the sandy spits at the mouths of the large tidal rivers. 40 2. Larus scopulinus, Forst. Mackerel Gull. “ Tara- punga.^’’ (Case VI. No. 7.) Frequents every part of the eoast^ and is equally plentiful at all seasons of the year, generally associating in large flocks. Fam. STEMIDiF. Genus STERNA. (Cosmopolite.) 1. Sterna caspia, Pall. Common Tern. Tara-nui."' (Case VI. Nos. I, 3, and 5 : male and female, summer and winter plumage.) This species is spread over a great part of the world, for it inhabits North America, South Africa, Southern Europe, India, the Malay Archipelago, and Australia. It is common on every part of the coast and on all the adjacent islands. 2. Sterna frontalis. Gray. Sea-Swallow. ^ laia. (Case VI. Nos. 2, 6, 10, 15, and 20 : male and female, in different states of plumage.) The term “ Sea-Swallow,'^ as applied to this Tern, is a 41 very appropriate one_, for, on watching the evolutions of a flock of these birds, one is forcibly rerninded of a fliglit of Sv\ allows coursing in the air. They breed in large colonies, as many as three hundred or more being sometimes associated together. The eggs are ovoido-conical in form, and present great beauty and diversity in their colouring. 3 . St I' RNA ANTARCTICA, Forst. Black-fronted Tern. Tara.’’ ' (Case VI. No. 19.) Frequents the river-courses, and sometimes spreads far over the plains of the South Island. It may be observed in large flights in the meadows, following the farmer’s plough, and picking up grubs and insects from the newly-turned earth. Order G R A L L JE. Fam. KALLIDiF. Genus llALLUS. (Cosmopolite.) IIallus PiiiLipPENsis, Linn. Striped Rail. Moho-pereru.” (Case IV. Nos. 8, 9, and 12 : of different ages and of both sexes.) This beautiful Rail, of which the Collection contains a good series, is sparingly distributed over both Islands in all suit- able localities. Its range extends to Australia and Tasmania ; also to the Celebes, Philippine Islands, and Polynesia. It frequents the grassy plains and sedges, runs with agility, and seldom takes wing. It nests in the most secluded places. 42 laying generally four rather glossy eggs^ of proportional size, ovoid, and marked over the entire surface with rounded spots of reddish brown. The chick, which is able to run immedi- ately after exclusion, is covered with thick jet-black down. An allied form with a more curved bill [Cabalus dieffen- bachii) formerly inhabited the Chatham Islands ; but it is now supposed to be extinct. The only known specimen is in the British Museum. Cahaliis dieffenhachii. Genus ORTYGOMETRA. (Cosmopolite.) Ortygometra affinis, Gray. (Case IX. No. 20.) Occurs in both Islands, but is everywhere a rare species and difficult to obtain. Genus OCYDROMUS. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) I. OcYDROMus EARLi. Gray. North-Island Woodhen. ^^Weka.^^ (Case IV. Nos. 4, 10, and 13: male and female.) 43 This peculiar form of brevipennate Rail (of which there are several species) is not found in any other part of the world. It is furnished with ample wings^ but they are so feebly developed as to render the bird quite incapable of flight. The quill-feathers have strong webs but are soft and flexible ; while the long inner secondaries take the form of a loose overlapping mantle. The legs, on the other hand, are very strongly developed ; and the bird is in some measure com- pensated for its disability of wing by being able to run almost with the swiftness of a rat. It is semi-nocturnal in its habits, and during the day usually remains concealed in the thick fern or scrub which covers its haunts, or takes refuge in a broken log or other natural cavity. The New-Zealand Woodhen and the Dodo of the Mau- ritius are the only two known forms (excepting, of course, the St7'uthiones) in which the angle formed by the axes of the coracoid and scapula is greater than a right angle — a feature of such importance that Professor Huxley has adopted it as one of the distinguishing characters in his scheme for the classification of birds, under the two divisions of Carinatce and RatitcB. 2. OCYDROMUS AUSTRALIS, SpaiTm. Soutli-Island Woodhen. ^^Weka.-’^ (Case IV. Nos. 5, 7, and II: adult male, female, and chick.) This is the Common Woodhen of the South Island. It abounds in considerable numbers on all the sheep-runs in the lower country ; and its thievish propensities render it sometimes very troublesome. 3. OcYDROMUS BRACHYPTERUs, Lafresuayc. Buff-marked Woodhen. '‘'Weka.'^ (Case IX. No. 35, with nest containing eggs.) This species is also confined to the South Island, being met with generally in the alpine heights, and sometimes on the snow-line. 44 4. OcYDROMUs Fuscus, Dubus. Black Woodlien. (Case IV. Nos. 1, 2j 3j and 6 : both sexes, and difiPerent states of plumage.) This species is eonfined to the south-west region of the South Island, often frequenting the sea-shore and feeding among the kelp. 5. OcYDROMUs AssiMiLis, Buller. New species of Woodhen. (Case X. No. 25.) This species, which inhabits the southernmost extremity of the South Island, comes very near to Ocydromus earli, which is strictly confined to the North Island. It may, how- ever, be readily distinguished by the bright colour of its legs and feet. Genus PORPHYRIO. (Warm and temperate countries.) PoRPHYRio MELANONOTUs, Temm. Swamp-hen. Pukeko.’"’ (Case IV. Nos. 14, 15, and 16 : male and female.) This fine Swamp-hen is widely distributed over Tasmania, the greater part of the continent of Australia, Xew Zealand, the Chatham Islands, and New Caledonia. The Maoris have a tradition that tame ones were brought by their ancestors in their migration from the historic Hawaiki.'’^ It is very abundant in all localities suited to its habits of life, such as marshes, flax-swamps, and lagoons covered with beds of raupo and rushes. In some parts of the country they associate in large flocks, and prove very destructive to the potato-grounds. Order HERODIONES. Fam. ARDEID^. Genus ARDEA. (Most parts of the World.) 1. Ardea EGRETTA, Gmclin. Egret. White Crane of the Colonists; Kotuku of the Maoris. (Case X. No. 14.) This beautiful Heron occurs so sparingly in most parts of New Zealand that ^^rare as a Kotuku'’^ has passed into a proverb among the Maoris ; while in the North Island it is said to occur only once in a lifetime He Kotuku rerenga tahi^^). Sir William Fox has described a nesting-place of this species which he visited on the west coast ; but unfortunately the persecuted birds have since quitted it, and, so far as is at present known, no heronry of a similar kind exists in the colony. 2. Ardea sacra, Gmelin. Blue Heron. Blue Crane of 'the Colonists. (Case III. Nos. 7 and 12; Case X. No. 24 : adult male, female, and young bird.) Frequents the rocks under the sea-cliffs and the shores of the sheltered bays and estuaries. 3. Ardea nov^ hollandi^. Lath. White-fronted Heron. (Case X. No. 33.) Thinly distributed over both Islands, but rarer than the preceding species. Genus NYCTICORAX. (Cosmopolite.) Nycticorax CALEDONICUS, Latham. Nankeen Heron. (Case X. No. 18.) A few specimens have been obtained in New Zealand, but these were probably stragglers from Australia, where the species is common. Genus BOTAURLS. (All parts of the World.) Botaurus pceciloptilus, Wagl. Bittern. Matuku- hurepo.^^ (Case III. Nos. 13 and 15 : male and female.) Almost every country possesses a species of Bittern, and 46 that inhabiting New Zealand is a very fine one. It is common enough in swampy or sedgy districts. It appears to love a solitary life_, being always met with singly. Although not strictly nocturnal_, it is generally most active towards evenings when it startles the ear with its four loud booming notes, slowly repeated, like the distant roar of an angry bull. Fam. PLATALEID.®. Genus PLATALEA. (Cosmopolite.) Platalea regia, Gould. Royal Spoonbill. Kotuku- ngutupapa.'’^ (Case X. No. 27.) An occasional visitant to New Zealand from Australia. Order STEGANOPODES. Fam. PELECANID.®, Genus PHALACROCORAX. (Cosmopolite.) 1. Phalacrocorax VARIES, Gmelin. Pied Shag. Kawau.^’ (Case XI. Nos. II, 14, and 15 : adult, young, and nestling.) This species of Shag frequents the freshwater streams, and is very seldom met with on the sea-coast. 2. Phalacrocorax nov^ HOLLANDiAi:, Gould. Black Shag. Kawau-tai.^^ (Case VII. Nos. 7 and 8; Case XI. No. 4: adult male, adult female, and nestling.) This is identical with the Sea- Shag inhabiting Australia, and comes very near to P. carho of Europe. 3. Phalacrocorax brevirostris, Gould. Short-billed Shag. (Case VII. Nos. I and 2 : male and female.) Confined to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. 47 Frequents the freshwater rivers and lagoons in all parts of the eountry, and, like the other members of the group, breeds in large communities. 4. Phalacrocorax punctatus, Sparrm. Spotted Shag. (Case VII. Nos. 3 and 4: male and female.) This beautiful representative of the Crested Shags is abundant on the coast of the South Island, but is seldom met with on the northern side of Cookes Strait. 5. Phalacrocorax carunculatus, Gmelin. Rough-faced Shag. (Case XI. No. 16.) This very handsome species occurs more often at the Chatham Islands than in New Zealand. 6. Phalacrocorax glaucus, Homb. & Jacq. Brown Shag. (Case VII. Nos. 5 and 6 : male and female.) A rare species, met with on the southernmost coast and on the rocky islands adjacent thereto. 7. Phalacrocorax magellanicus, Gmelin. (Case XI. No. 10.) This species, which comes rather near to P. carunculatus, inhabits the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, to the south-east of New Zealand. 8. Phalacrocorax chalconotus. Gray. (Case XI. No. 13 : nestling.) The home of this species appears to be the Auckland Islands ; but a few examples have been taken on the east coast of Otago. 9. Phalacrocorax cirrhatus, Gmelin. (Case XI. No. 12: young bird.) Another rare species, only a few specimens of which have been obtained at the extreme south. 48 Genus PLOT US. (Various parts of America, Asia, and Africa, Australia and New Guinea.) Plotus nov^ HOLLANDiiE, Gould. (Casc XI. Nos. 8 and 9 : male and female.) An inhabitant of Australia and New Guinea. Occurs only occasionally in New Zealand. Genus DYSPORUS. (All parts of tlie Globe.) Dysporus SERRATOR, Banks. Gannet. Takupu.’^ (Case VI. Nos. 18 and 17 : adult and young.) This bird is a very powerful flier, and it is very interesting to watch it while in pursuit of its finny prey ; poising its body for an instant in mid air, it plunges headlong into the sea -with a velocity that makes the spray rise several feet, entirely disappearing under the surface for some seconds, and then springing upwards with the buoyancy of a cork, after which it rests on the water for several minutes and then takes wing again to renew the feat. Order TUBINARES. Fam. PROCELLAEIIDjE. Genus DIOMEDE A. (Colder parts of both Hemispheres.) 1. Diomedea ExuLANS, Linn. Wandering Albatros. To- rea.'’^ (Case V. Nos. 5, 7, and 8; Case XII. No. 9: adult, young, and transitional states.) This noble Albatros, of which the Collection contains a complete series, is very abundant in the seas that encompass New Zealand. 2. Diomedea melanophrys, Boie. Mollymawk. (Case V. No. 6.) This is the commonest species of Albatros inhabiting the southern seas, and generally follows the coasting vessels to the very entrance of the harbours. After boisterous weather it is 49 sometimes piekecl up on the ocean-beach, not actually lifeless, hut so exhausted by fatigue as to be incapable of rising. 3. Diomede A cauta, Gould. Shy Albatros. (Case XII. No. 7.) This is an extremely rare species, and difficult to obtain on account of its remarkably shy nature. The specimen in the Collection was taken at the entrance to Wellington Harbour in a disabled state. It is believed to be the only one in Europe. 4. Diomedea fuliginosa, Gmelin. Sooty Albatros. (Case XII. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 : adult male, adult female, and young.) This fine series represents a species which is comparatively scarce in New-Zealaiid seas, its true range being in more northern latitudes. The two adult examples were obtained off the Otago coast, and the young bird in Cookes Strait. Genus PELECANOIDES. (Southern Hemisphere.) Pelecanoides urinatrix, Gmel. Diving Petrel. (Case V. No. 3.) Consorts in large flocks, and lives on medusae and other marine productions. Genus PRION. (Seas around Australia and New Zealand.) 1. Prion turtur, Soland. Dove-Petrel. ^^Whiroia.^' (Case V. Nos. I and 2: male and female.) D 50 Tills charming little Petrel is extremely abundant off the New-Zealand coasts, and may often be observed in flocks numbering many hundreds. In boisterous weather it appears to suffer more than any other oceanic species from the fury of the tempest, and the sea-beach is sometimes found literally strewn with the bodies of the dead and dying. 2. Prion vittatus, Gmelin. Broad-billed Dove-Petrel. (Case V. No. 4.) Although closely resembling the preceding species in the colours of the plumage, this Prion may be readily distin- guished by the peculiar form of its bill, which is much dilated at the base, and very conspicuously pectinated along the edges, as shown in the woodcut. Genus DAPTION. (Southern Hemisphere.) Daption capensis, Linn. Cape Petrel or Cape Pigeon^' of sailors. (Case VI. No. 9.) Common throughout the southern seas, being familiar to voyagers from its habit of following in the wake of the vessel to pick up any floating snbstances that may be thrown over- board. 5] Genus ffiSTRELATA. (Chiefly confinefl to the Southern Hemisphere ) CEstrelata cookii^ Gray. CoolCs Petrel. (Case XT I. No. 4.) Common in the Hauraki Gulf, where it frequents the small islands and nests in subterranean burrows in association with the Tuatara lizard [Sphenodoa jjunctatum). Genus OSSIFRAGA. (Southern Hemisphere.) OssiFRAGA GiGANTEA, Gmclin. Giant Petrel or Nelly. (Case XII. No. 5 : albino.) This fine Petrel is universally dispersed over the temperate and high southern latitudes. The beautiful albino in the Collection was sent from New Zealand for exhibition at the Indian and Colonial p]xhibition, 1886. Genus PUFFINUS. (Both Hemispheres.) 1. Puffings GRisEus, Gmel. Mutton-bird. Titi.^^ (Case XL No. 2.) This species is very abundant, and forms an important article of food to the Maoris, who preserve the birds in their own fat, and store them in calabashes for future use. 2. Puffings gavius, Forst. Rain-bird. “ Hakoakoa.’"' (Case XI. No. I.) This Petrel, which enjoys a wide oceanic range, is compara- tively common in the seas surrounding New Zealand ; and after stormy weather it is frequently picked up either dead or in an exhausted state, among the sea-drift in the open strand. Genus MAJAQUEUS. (Southern Hemisphere.) 1. Majaqueus parkinsoni. Gray. Black Petrel. ^‘Toa- nui.^^ (Case XII. Nos. 8 and 10: male and female.) Frequents the Hauraki Gulf, resorting to the Little Barrier and the adjacent islands to breed, burrowing long chambers under ground for that purpose. 1 ) 2 UNIVERSrfY Of lUllNOIS LIBRARY 52 2. Majaqueus gouldi, Hutton. GoulcVs Petrel. (Case XII. No. 6.) Tills dark Petrel with a ^rey face^^ is eominon on the Tasmanian and New-Zealand coasts ; but its claim to rank as a distinct species is open to some doubt. Genus PELAGODROMA. (Southern Hemisphere.) Pelagodroma marina, Reich. White-faced Storm-Petrel. (Case VI. Nos. 4 and 22 : male and female.) This is one of ‘^Mother Carey’s Chickens/^ and it has a wide range over the southern ocean, breeding on the small rocky islands lying off the coast. Order A N S E R E S. Fam. ANATID^. Genus ANAS. (Cosmopolite.) 1. Anas superciliosa, Gmelin. Grey Duck. ^^Parera.’^ (Case IX. No. 34.) Common in every part of New Zealand, this Duck ranges also over the whole of Australia and Tasmania. It is met with in some of the Polynesian islands, and is said to occur on Norfolk Island also. It is deservedly in high estimation for the table, and from that point of view may be regarded as the most valuable of the indigenous birds. 2. Anas gibberifrons, Muller. Little Teal. Tete.^^ (Case XL No. 5.) This Duck, which ranges over Australia, New Caledonia, and the Indo-Malayan Archipelago, is of comparatively rare occurrence in New Zealand. 53 3. Anas chlorotis. Gray. Brown Duck. Pateke.” (Case YIII. Nos. 1, 2, and 5 ; Case XI. No. 6 : male and female, different ages.) Distributed all over the country, being met with on every inland lake, and often in the deep freshwater streams that run into them, where the overhanging vegetation affords ready shelter and concealment. Genus CAS ABC A. (All eontinents but Ameriea.) Casarca variegata, Grnelin. Sheldrake or Paradise Duek. Putangitangi (Case VIII. Nos. 13, 14, 12, and 15 : two males and two females.) This beautiful Duck is spread all over the South Island, being extremely abundant in some loealities; but in the North Island its range does not extend beyond latitude 39^ S. It is easily domesticated and breeds freely in eaptivity. Genus RHYNCHASPIS. (Europe, Asia, America, and Australia.) Rhynchaspis variegata, Gmel. Shoveller or Spoonbill Duck. Kuruwbengi.'’^ (Case VIII. Nos. 4, G, and 7, exam- ples of both sexes ; No. II, variety.) Erequents the shallow lagoons near the sea-eoast, and the quiet bush-creeks overshadowed by trees, usually associating in pairs, but sometimes forming parties of three or more. Genus FULIGULA. (Northern parts of Europe, Asia, and Ameriea.) Fuligula NOV.E ZEALANDI^, Gmeliii. Black Teal. “ Pa- pango.'" (Case VIII. Nos. 3 & 8.) Freely distributed over the eountry, frequenting most of the rivers and lagoons, but seldom being met with in the bush-creeks and never on the sea-coast. 5i Germs II YMENOL.EM US. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) Hymenol.^imus malacokhvnchus, Grnelin. Whistling or Mountain Duck. Wio.’^ (Case VIII. Nos. 9 and 10 : male and female.) This singular Duck inliabits the mountain-streams, and is generally to he met with among the rapids or in the deep pools of water below them, where it appears to subsist chiefly on a species of caddis woi’m. Its bill is furnished with a peculiar fleshy membrane to enable it to collect this kind of food. Order PYGOPODES. Fam. PODICIPEDID^. Genus PODICEPS. (Cosmopolite.) 1. PoDicEPs CRisTATUs, Linn. Crested Grebe. (Case XI. No. 7.) A very rare species in New Zealand, and almost confined to the Alpine lakes. 2. PoDicEPs RUFiPECTUs, Gray. Dabchick. Totokipio.^^ (Case III. Nos 17 and 19: male and female.) Like the other members of the group, this little Grebe dives with amazing agility, and, unless taken by surprise. will effectually dodge the gun by disappearing under the surface at the first ffash and before the charge of shot has re iched it. Order I M P E N N E S. Fam. SPHENISCID^. Genus EUDYPTES^ Vieill. (Southern Hemisphere.) Eudyptes chrysocomus, Eorst. Crested Penguin. Hoi- ho.^^ (Case VII. No. 9^ adult ; Case XL No. S, nestling.) Genus EUDYPTULA. (Southern Hemisphere.) 1. Eudyptula minor, Eorst. Blue Penguin. Korora.^^ (Case VII. No. 10.) Comparatively common on the shores of both Islands. It nests in underground burrows, and lays two, almost spherical, white eggs. 2. Eudypt jla UNDIN A, Gould. Little Penguin. Korora.^^ (Case IX. No. 33.) Less common than the preceding species, but of precisely similar habits. 56 n. Subclass RATIT.E. Order APTERYGES. Fam. APTERYGID^. Genus APTERYX. (Peculiar to New Zealand.) 1. Apteryx bulleri, Sharpe. North-Island Kiwi. (Case I. No. 13 ; Case IX. Nos. 25, 27, & 28.) This is one of the most extraordinary of all existing birds. It is practically wingless, its anterior limbs being mere rudi- ments, only about an inch in extent. It is strictly nocturnal in its habits, and subsists chiefly on earthworms, which it obtains by probing the ground with its long bill, the nostrils being placed at the extremity of this organ instead of at the base, as in all other birds. During the daytime it remains concealed in underground burrows, where it also forms its nest and hatches its young. The egg of this bird is of remarkable size, measuring 5 inches in length by 3 in breadth, and is perfectly white till soiled in the process of incubation. 2. Atteryx australis, Shaw. South-Island Kiwi. (Case I. Nos. 9 and 14 : male and female.) This species is closely allied to the former, but is larger, of a lighter brown colour, and with softer plumage. Its range is confined to the mountainous parts of the South Island. 3. Apteryx oweni, Gould. Grey Kiwi. (Case I. Nos. 7, 11, and 12 ; adult male, and two younger birds, male and female.) This form is readily distinguishable from the others by its smaller size and spotted grey plumage. It is comparatively common in the alpine parts of the South Island, and a few specimens have recently been obtained in the Tararua ranges, near Wellington, in the North Island. Nkst of Saddle-hack [Creadioit carunculatus). Nest of North-Isi.and Kobin [Miro nufttralis) . 59 Nests of South-Island Tomtit [Myiomoira macrocephala) . ()\ Eccentric Nests of Myiomoira macrocephala . k ; r i 03 ‘■/f' 65 Nest of White-head [Chtonyx albkapiUa). 67 Nest of Fern-bird [Sphenwacus puncAatus) . Nest of Silver- eye [Zoster ops cmrulescens) E 2 69 Nest of Tui [Prosthemadera nov(S zeal mil (b). 71 Nest of Rock- Wren [Xenicus gllviventris). Four-fiftlis natural size. 73 Reference List. CASE I. 1. Stringops iiABROPTiLUS_, Gray. Ground- Parrot. Ka- kapo.^^ (Very old bird.) 2. Nestor meridionalis, Gmel. Brown Parrot. Kaka.'^ $ . 3. Nestor meridionalis, Grael. Brown Parrot. “ Kaka.^^ c?. 4 & 10. Stringops habroptilus. $ . Vide No. 1. 5. Nestor meridionalis. Vide No. 2. (Young bird.) 6. Stringops habroptilus. Vide No. 1. (Young bird.) 7. Apteryx oweni, Gould. Grey Kiwd. $ . Vide Case IX. No. 26* 8. Stringops habroptilus. Videl^o. 9. Apteryx australis^ Shaw. South-Island Kiwi. $ . 11. Apteryx oweni. (Young bird.) $ . Vide No. 7. 12. Apteryx oweni. (Young bird.) . Vide '^ 0 . 7 . 13. Apteryx bulleri, Sharpe. North-Island Kiwi. ($ . 14. Apteryx australis. (^ . Vide No. 9. 74 CASE II. 1. Anthornis melanura, Sparrm. Bell-bird. Kori- raako.^’ . 2 & 5. Eudynamis taitensis, Sparrm. Long- tailed Cuckoo. Kolicperoa.’" ^ k ^ . 3. MyiOxMoira MACRocEPiiALA, Gmcl. South-Island Tom- tit. . 4. AnTHORNIS MELANURA. Eiflfe No. 1. 6 k 22. Creadion carunculatus, Gmel. Saddle-back. “Tieke.^’ <5'- 7 & 8. Certhiparus nov^ zealandixE, Gmel. ]Ne\v- Zealand Creeper. Toitoi.^' J . y. Prosthemadera NoViE zEALANDiiE, Gmel. Parsou-bird. Tui.^' ? . 10. Prosthemadera nov^-zealandi.e, Gmel. (Variety.) 11 & 24. Carpophaga nov^e zealandi.e^ Gmel. New- Zealand Wood-Pigeon. Kereru.” . 12 k 13. Myiomoira macrocephala. $ . Vide No. 3. 14. Turnagra crassirostris, Gmel. Thick-billed Thrush. Piopio.^^ ^ . 15. Turnagra crassirostris^, Gmel. (Young.) 16. Petrochelidon nigricans, Yieillot. Australian Tree- Swallow. 17 & 23. Creadion cinereus, Buller. '^Tieke.” ? & J . 18. Eudynamis taitensis. (Young bird.) 19. Eudynamis taitensis. ^ . Vide No. 2. Toil- 20. Miiio ALiJiriioNS^ Less. JSoutli- Island Robin. touwai.^^ ? . 21, 30, & 36. Nestor notabilis, Gould. Mountain Parrot. Kea.’^ d' & 9 • 25. PrOSTIIEMADERA NOVA5 ZEALANDIiE. F?V/6^No. 0. 26 & 31. Clitonyx ociiRocEpiiALA, Gmcl. d'lic Yellow- bead. Popokatea.'^ J . 27 & 29. Geryoone FLAVivEiXTRis, Gray. Grey Warbler. “ Riroriro.^^ 2 ^ S • 28. Turnagra C’RASSiRosTRis. $ . Vide No. 14. 32. Clitonyx ociirocepiiala. (Young bird.) Vide No. 26. 33 & 46. Hetekalocha acltirostris, Gould. lluia.^^ J & ?. 34 & 35. Eurystomus pacieicls. Lath. Austialian Roller. 37, 38, & 39. Ghol’p of Clitonyx ochrogei hala. Vide No. 26. 40. Carpopiiaga nov/E ZEALANDiiE. ^ . Vide No. 11. 41. Chrysococcyx lucjdus, Gmcl. Shining Cuekoo. YV^arauroa."’'’ $ . 42. SpHENOiACUs punctatus, Gray. Fern-bird. Ma- tata.'’^ $ . 43. Heteralocha acutirostris. $ . Vide No. 33. 45. Harpa ferox, Peale. Bush-Hawk. Karewarewa.^^ Y • 47 & 48. Platycercus nov^e ZEALANDiAi, SpaiTm. Red- fronted Parrakeet. Kakariki.’'’ cf . 49. Platycercus nova^ zealandia:, Sparrm. Red-fronted Parrakeet. Kakariki.^-’ $ . 76 50. Prosthemadera nov^ zealandi^. . (Young bird.) Vide No. 9. 52. Nestor notabilis. ? . Vide No. 21. 53 & 63. Glaucopis cinerea, Gmel. Orange-wattled Crow. Kokako.’’^ d &■ $ . 54 & 56. Platycekcus auriceps, Kubl. Yellow-fronted Parrakeet. Kakariki.^-" $ & <5 . 55. Platycercus alpinus, Buller. Orange-fronted Parra- keet. Kakariki.^’ c? . 57. Harpa ferox. Devouring Kingfisher. Vide No. 45. 58. Circus gouldi, Bonap. Harrier. Kahu.^^ 6 . (Adult.) 59. Circus gouldi, Bonap. Harrier. Kahu.^^ (Young.) 60 & 61. Halcyon vagaxs_, Less. New-Zealand Kingfisher. Kotare."’^ 6 . (Adult and young.) 62. Circus gouldi. cS . Devouring Tui. Vide No. 58. 64 & 65. Glaucopis wilsoni, Bonap. Kokako.’^ d & $ . 66. Graucalus melanops, Vig. & ’ Horsf. Australian Shrike. 67. Acanthoch^ra carunculata^ Lath. Wattled Honey- eater. CASE III. L 2, & 3. Group of Limosa nov^e zEALANunu, Gray. 3'he Southern Godwit. Kuaka.^’ c? & $ • Vide Case IX. Nos. 29 & 30. 4, 5, & 6. Group of Himantopus leucocepiialus, Gould. 77 White-headed Stilt. ‘^Tutumata.’^ (Old and young.) 7. Ardea sacra, Gmel. Blue Heron. Matuku-moana.” $• 8. PouiCEPS CRisTATUs, Liuu. Crested Grebe. $ . 9. H^matopus unicolor, Forst. Black Oyster-catcher. Torea.'^ $ . 10. H^matopus longirostris, Vieill. Pied Oyster-catcher. Torea.^^ ? . 11. HiEMATOPus UNICOLOR, s • Vide No. 9. 12. Ardea sacra. ( 5 * . Vide No. 7. 13 & 15. Botaurus PCECiLOPTiLUS, Wagl. Bittern. Ma- tuku-hurepo.''^ . 18. Numenius cyanopus, Vieill. Australian Curlew. 17&19. PoDiCEPs RUFiPECTUs, Gray. Dabchick. Toto- kipio.'' cT & ? • CASE IV. 1 & 6. OcYDROMUs Fuscus, Dubus. Black Woodhen. $ . 2 & 3. OcYDROMus FUSCUS, Dubus. Black Woodhen. ^ . 4, 10, & 13. OcYDROMUs EARLi, Gray. North-Island Woodhen. Weka.^^ . 5. OcYDROMUs AUSTRALIS, Sparrm. (Chick.) South- Island Woodhen. Weka.^^ 7. OcYDROMUS AUSTRALIS. FzV/c No. 5. 8. Ballus philippensis, Linn. Striped Rail. Moho- pereru.^^ ^ . 78 9. Rallus philtppensis, Linn. Striped Rail. Moho- pereru.^^ $ . 11. OcYDROMUs AUSTRALIS. $ . Vide No. 5. 12. Rallus philippensis. ? . Vide No. 8. IL 15, & 16. Group of Porphyrto melanonotus, Temm. Swamp-hen. Pnkeko.” & ? . CASE V. 1 & 2. Prion turtur, Soland. Dove-Petrel. Whiroia.^’ cT & ?. 3. Pelecanoides urinatrix, Gmel. Diving Petrel. ^ . 4. Prion vittatus, Gmel. Broad-billed Dove-Petrel. ^ . 5. Diomedea exulans, Linn. Wandering Albatros. ^‘Toroa.’^ (Adult.) 6. Diomedea melanophrys, Boie. Mollymawk. ^ . 7. Diomedea exulans. (Young bird.) Vide No. 5. 8. Diomedea exulans. (In transition plumage.) CASE VL 1 & 3. Sterna caspia, Pall. Common Tern. Tara-nui.^^ c? & ?. 2. Sterna frontalis, Gray. “ Sea-Swallow. Tara.^^ 4. Pelagodroma marina, Reich. White-faced Storm- Petrel. d' • 79 5. Sterna caspia. (Winter plumage.) Vide No. 1. 6. Sterna frontalis. ^ . Vide No. 2. 7. Larus scopulinus, Forst. Mackerel Gull. Tara- punga.” $ . 8. Larus dominicanus, Licht. Black-backed Gull. Karoro.^^ (In transition plumage.) 9. Daption capensiSj Linn. Cape Petrel. ^ . 10. Sterna frontalis. ^ . (In full summer plumage.) Vide No. 2. 11. Larus dominicanus. (Young state.) Vide No. 8. 12 & 23. Charadrius bicinctus, Jard. Banded Dottrel. Pohowera.^^ . 13. Larus dominicanus. (Adult.) Vide No. 8. 14. Anarhynchus frontalis, Quoy & Gaim. Wry-billed Plover. Ngutuparc.^’ $. 15 & 20. Sterna frontalis. (Young state.) Videl^o, 2. 16. Larus dominicanus. Vide No. 8. 17. Dysporus serrator, Banks. Gannet. ^^Takupu.^’ (Young bird.) 18. Dysporus serrator. Banks. Gannet. Takupu.^^ (Adult.) 19. Sterna Antarctica, Forst. Black-fronted Tern. Tara.^^ 21. Charadrius BiciNCTUs. . Fit/e No. 12. 22. Pelagodroma marina, Reich. ? . Vide No. 4. 80 CASE VII. l & 2. Phalacrocorax brevirostris, Gould. Short- billed Shag. Kawau.-’^ c? & $ . 3 & 4. Phalacrocorax punctatus, Sparrm. Spotted Shag, c? & ? . 5 & 6. Phalacrocorax glaucus, Homb. & Jacq. Brown Shag, & ? . 7. Phalacrocorax nov^ hollandi^e, Gould. Black Shag. 8. Phalacrocorax nov.e hollandi^, Gould. Black Shag. (Nestling.) 9. Eudyptes chrysocomus, Forst. Crested Penguin. ^ . 10. Eudyptula minor, Forst. Blue Penguin. “ Korora.’^ CASE VIII. 1, 2, & 5. Anas chlorotis, Gray. Brown Duck. Pa- teke.'" ? & d'. 3. Fuligula nov^ zEALANDiiE, Gmcl. Black Teal. Pa- pango."" S . 4, 6, & 7. Rhynchaspis variegata, Gmel. Shoveller. Kuruwhengi.^’ 8c ^ , 8. Fuligula nov^ ZEALANDiiE. $ . Vide No. 3. 9 & 10. Hymenol-Emus malacorhynchus, Gmel. Whistling or Mountain Duck. Wio.^^ $ & . 81 11. IliiYNCHASPis VARIEGATA. (Variety.) Videl, 75. Shrike, 7(5. Tree-Swallow, 74. Avoret, Red-necked, 37, £4. Banded Dottrel, 35, 81. Bell-bird, 23, 81, 83. , Chathani-Island, 81. , Nest of, (50. Bittern, 45, 77. Black-bac-ked Gull, 30, 70. Black-Fronted Tern, 41, 70. Black Oyster-catcher, 37, 77. Petrel, 51, 86. Shag:, 46, £0, 85. Stilt-Plover, 38, 82. Teal, 53, 80. Woodhen, 44, 77. Blue Duck, 80. Heron, 45, 77, 84. Penguin, 55, 80, 82. Blue-wattled Crow, 15. Botaurus 45, 77. Broad-billed Dove-Petrel, 50, 78. Brown Cheeper, 74. Duck, 53, 80, 85. Parrot, 73. Shag, 47, 80. BufF-marked Woodhen, 43. Bush-Hawk, 32, 75. Bush-Wren, 25, 82. Cabr.lus dieffenbachii, 42. Cape Petrel, 50, 70. Pigeon, 50. novce zealandice, 33, 74, / 5, 84, Casarca variegata, 53, 81. Caspian Tern, 78. Certhiparus novce Zealand ice, 20, 7 4, 83. 1 Charadriiis .35, 70, SJ. 1)2 Cbaradrius fulvns, 36, 83. ohscurus, 35, 82, 83. rvjicapillus, 36, 84. Chatham-It.land Bell-bird, 81. Chrjsococcyx lucidns, 20, 26, 75, 81. Circus gouldi, 32, 76. Clitonyx alhicapilla, 20, 65, 81. ochrocephala, 20, 65, 75. , nest of, 65. Common Tern, 40. Cook’s Petrel, 51, 85. Coturnix nuvce zeaUmditx, 33. pedoralis, 33, 84. Crane, White, 44, 83. Creadiou caruncukdus, 16, 57, 74. , nest of, 57. drier eus^ 17, 74. Creeper, New-Zealand, 20, 74, 83. Crested Grebe, 54, 77, 85. Peng-iiin, 55, 80, 85. Crow, Blue-wattled, 15. , Orange-wattled, 15, 76. Cuckoo, Long-tailed, 26, 74. , Shining, 26, 75, 81. Curlew, Australian, 39, 77. Dabchick, 54, 77. Daption capensis, 50, 79. Darter, Australian, 85. Dinornis elepliantopus^ skeleton of, 11 . (jhjanteus, skeleton of, 9. ■ maxhnus, leg-bones of, 13. Diomedea cauta, 49, 86. ■ exidans, 48, 78, 86. fidiginosa, 49, 85. melanoplirys, 48, 78. Diving Petrel, 49, 78. Dottrel, Banded, 35, 79, 81. — , Red-capped, 3(5, 84. Dove-Petrel, 49, 78. , Broad-billed, 50, 78. Duck, Brown, 53, 80, 85. — , Grey, 52, 82. , Mountain, 5J, 80. Duck, Paradise, 53, 81. , Shoveller, 53. , Spoonbill, 53. , AVhistling, 54, 80. Dysporus seirator, 48, 79. Eastern Golden Plover, 36, 83. Eccentric nests of Myiomoira macro- cephala, 61. Egret, 44. Eudynamis taitensis, 20, 26, 74. Eudyptes c'krysocomus, 55, 80, 85. Eudyptula ^ninor, 55, 80. nndina, 55, 82. Eurystomus pacificus, 26, 75. Fan tail. Pied, 22, 84. Fern-bird, 20, 75. , nest of, 67. E uligula novce zealandice, 53, 80. Gan net, 48, 79. Gerygone Jlaviventris, 20, 63, 75. , nests of, 63. Giant Petrel, 51, 86. Glaucopis cinerea, 15, 76. tdlsonij 15, 76, Godwit, Southern, 39, 76, 82. Golden Plover, Eastern, 83. Gould’s Petrel, 52, 86. Graucalus melanops, 21, 76. Grebe, Crested, 54, 77, 85. Grey Duck, 52, 82. Kiwi, 56, 82. Warbler, 20, 75. , nests of, 63. Ground-Parrot, 30, 73. Gull, Black-backed, 39, 79. , Mackerel, 40, 79. Ilaematopus lonyirostris, 37, 77. unicolor ^ 77. Halcyon vayans, 26, 76. Ilarpa fero.v, 32, 75, 76. novce zealandice, 32, 81, 84. Harrier, 76. Harrier, New-Zealand, 32. Hawk, Bush-, 32, 75. , Quail-, 32, 81, 84. , Sparrow-, 32. Heron, Blue, 45, 77, 84, , Nankeen, 45, 84. , White-fronted, 45, 84. Heteralocha acutirostris, 10, 75. Himantopus leucocephalus, 37, 70. novce zealmidim, 38, 82. Honey-eater, Wattled, 24. UynienolaDinus malacorhynchus, 54, 80. Huia, 10, 75. Jack-bird, 17. Kaka, 28, 75. Kaka-Parrot, Alpine, 81. Kakapo, 29, 73. Kingfisher, New-Zealand, 20, 70. Kiwi, Grey, 50, 82. , North -Island, 50, 73, 82. , South-Island, 50, 73. Larus dominicanus, 39, 79. scopulinus, 40, 79. Laughing Owl, 31, 82. Limosa novce zealandi(^, 39, 70, 82. liittle Penguin, 55, 82. Teal, 52, 85. Long-tailed Cuckoo, 20, 74. Mackerel-Gull, 40, 79. Majaqueus f/oiddi, 52, 80. parhinsoni, 51, 80. Miro alhifrons, 18, 75. austi'alis, 18, 57, 81, 83. , nest of, 57. Moa-feathers, 87. Moa, restoration of the, 7. Molly mawk, 48, 78. Mountain Duck, 54, 80. Parrot, 29, 75. Mutton-bird, 51, 85. Myiomoira fnacrocephala, 19, 59, 74. , nest of, 59, 61. toitoi, 18, 83. Nankeen Heron, 45, 84. Nest of Antliornis melanura^ 69. Bell-bird, 69. CUtonyx- albicapilla, 65. ochrocephala, 65. Creadion caruncidatus, 57. Fern-bird, 67. Geryyone Jlaviventris, 63. Miro australis, 57. North-Island Kobin, 57. Prosthemadera novce zealandice, 69. Rock- Wren, 71. Saddle-back, 57. Silver-eye, 07. Sphenoeacus punctatus, 07. Tui, 09. White-head, 65. — — Xenicus gilviventris, 71. Yellow-head, 65. Zosterops ccerulescens, vfith. eggs, 67, 81. Nestor meridionalis, 28, 73, 81. montanus, 29, 81. notabilis, 29, 75, 76. Nests of Grey Warbler, 63. Myiomoira macrocephala, 59, 61. South-Island Tomtit, 59. New-Zealand Dottrel, 82, 83. Harrier, 32. Kingfisher, 26, 76. Owl, 31, 82. Pipit, 21, 84. Quail, 33. AYood-Pigeon, 33, 74, 84. North-Island Kiwi, 56, 73, 82. Robin, 18, 81, 83. I , nest of, 57. i Thrush, 17, 81. 91 North-Island Tomtit, 18, 83. Woodhen, 42, 77. Numenius cyanopuSj 39. Nj’cticorax caledonicus, 45, 84. Ocydromus assimilis, 44, 84. australis, 43, 77, 78. braehypterus, 43, 83. earli, 42, 44, 77. fuscus, 44, 77. (Estrelata cookii, 51, 85. Orange-fronted Parrakeet, 27. Orauge-wattled Crow, 15. Ortygometra affinis, 42, 82. gigantea, 51, 83. Owl, Laughing, 31, 82. , New-Zealand, 31, 82. Oyster-catcher, Black, 37, 77. , Pied, 37, 77. Paradise Duck, 53, 81. Parrakeet, Orange-fronted, 27, 76. , Bed-fronted, 27, 75, 83. , Bowley’s, 28, 83. , Yellow-fronted, 27, 76, 83. Parrot, Alpine Kaka, 81. , Brown, 73. , Ground-, 30, 73. , Mountain, 29, 75. Parson-bird, 24, 74. Pelagodroma marina, 52, 78, 79. Pelecanoides urinatrix, 49, 78. Penguin, Blue, 55, 80, 82. , Crested, 55, 80, 85. , Little, 55. Petrel, Broad-billed Dove, 78. , Black, 51, 86. , Cape, 50, 79. , Cook’s, 51, 85. , Dove-, 49, 78. , Diving, 49, 78. , Giant, 51, 86. , Gould’s, 52, 86. , White-faced Storm-, 52, 78. Petroche’idou nigricans, 22, 74. Phalacrocorax breoirostris, 46, 80. carbo, 46. carunculatus, 47, 85. chalconotus, 47, 85. cirrhatus, 47, 85. glaiicus, 47, 80. magellanicus, 47, 85. novce hollamlice, 46, 80, 85. punctatus, 47, 80. varius, 46, 85. Pied Fantail, 22, 84. Oyster-catcher, 37, 77. Shag, 46, 85. Pigeon, Cape, 50. , New-Zealand Wood, 33, 74, 84. Pipit, New-Zealand, 21, 84. Platalea regia, 46, 84. Platycercus alpinus, 27, 28, 76. auriceps, 27, 76, 83. novce zealandice, 27, 75, 76, 83. rowleyi, 28, 83. Plotus novce Iwllandicx, 48, 85. Plover, Black Stilt-, 38, 82. , Eastern Golden, 36, 83. , Bed-breasted, 35, 82, 83. , Wry-billed, 36, 79, 82. Podiceps cristatus, 54, 77, 85. nip pectus, 54, 77. Porphyrio melanonotus, 44, 78. Prion turtur, 49, 78. vittatus, 50, 78. Prosthemadera novce zealandice, 24, 69, 74, 75, 76. , nest of, 69. , var., 74. Puffinus gavius, 51, 85. griseus, 51, 85. Quail, Australian, 84. , New-Zealand, 33. Quail-Hawk, 32, 81, 84. Bail, Striped, 41, 77, 78. , Swamp-, 82. Rain-bird^ 51, 85. Rallus philippeyisis, 41, 77, 78. Reciirvirostra novce hollandice, 37, 84. Red-billed Gull, 79. Red-breasted Plover, 35. Red-capped Dottrel, 30, 84. Red-fronted Parrakeet, 27, 75, 83. Red-necked Avocet, 37, 84. Rhipidura^a6e^///