Bullek.— Notes on New Zealand Birds. 83 



note but weaker, and when alarmed emits a distinct squeal. 

 The ordinary note of the species is a sibilant whistle, whence 

 it derives its native name, " Wio." (These notes were taken 

 from three birds obtained from the upper waters of the Wai- 

 kanae Eiver, and forwarded alive to Europe.) 



Podiceps rufipectus, Gray. (The New Zealand Dabchick.) 

 This interesting little bird is still numerous on the lagoons 

 of the west coast of this province, where, indeed, it appears to 

 be increasing. The pairing season commences in September, 

 and the birds become then very noisy, chattering to each 

 other across the water all day long. At this season it is very 

 amusing to witness the amorous gambols on the water of 

 these otherwise sedate swimmers, with their backs arched and 

 feathers fluffed out, splashing about and chasing each other 

 in the wildest state of excitement. 



Eudyptes antipodum, Hombr. and Jacq. (The Yellow- 

 crowned Penguin.) 



A correspondent, who had one of these Penguins alive for 

 some time, sends me the following note: "When excited it 

 has the habit of erecting all the feathers on the front of the 

 head, and as far back as the yellow band. When thus seen 

 the silky lustre and varying shades of bronze down the sides 

 of the neck are very beautiful." 



Eudyptes vittatus, Finsch. (The Thick-billed Penguin.) 



Of this rare species I have lately received a fine adult pair 

 from the Southland coast. 



Eudyptes sclateri, Buller. (The Auckland Islands Penguin.') 

 Of this Penguin, hitherto only known as occurring on the 

 Auckland Islands, I have obtained an adult pair recently 

 killed on the Ota,2;o coast. 



o 



Pygoscelis tseniatus, Peale. (The Eockhopper.) 



My authority for including this Penguin among the birds 

 of this country was a pair in the Otago Museum, obtained 

 from Macquarie Islands, where this bird is said to be plentiful. 

 Dr. Kidder found it very abundant in Kerguelen's Land. He 

 writes, "Two or three of the birds were captured by the 

 boat's crew which went on shore, after the eggs, and brought 

 back to the ship, where they created a good deal of amuse- 

 ment. When walking away from the spectator, swaying from 

 side to side, with flippers hanging well away from the body, 

 they have a ridiculous resemblance to small children just 

 beginning to walk, who have put on overcoats much too long 



