214 Transactions. — Zoology. 



Orthonyx ochivccphala (Yellow-head). 



Commonest on the south shores of the lake. In some 

 seasons it is more numerous than in others. Some notes are 

 given on this species, associated with the saddleback. 



Gerygone flaviventris (Grey Warbler). 



The grey warbler is plentiful in all the forests in Westland. 

 As the chief foster-parent of the two species of parasitic 

 cuckoos, the latter will never, under ordinary circumstances, 

 become rare while the rearing of their young is intrusted to 

 the care of this cheerful and industrious little bird. The 

 warbler's merry song is heard throughout the day, as it 

 actively flits through the undergrowth in search of food. It is 

 exceedingly lively in all its actions. While warbling, the 

 white-tipped tail is often spread to form a fan, and its whole 

 motions are full of life and activity. The beautiful pensile 

 nest it constructs is an interesting object in bird-architecture, 

 the site selected being generally on the outer branches of the 

 manuka {Leptosj^ervmm scoparium) or other dense sma^ll-leaved 

 tree or shrub, where it is safe from the attacks of enemies. 

 Although the grey warbler does not decrease in numbers, it 

 cannot be classed with many otherwise favoured species, 

 owing to its having a "double debt to pay" — namely, the 

 rearing of its own brood and the young of the parasitic cuckoos ; 

 but nature has fully compensated for this by endowing the 

 species with a life the most active, cheerful, and diligent of all 

 our native birds, and thus enabling it to perform the onerous 

 duties perfectly. 



Acanthisitta chloris (Rifleman). 



The feeble note of this diminutive bird is oftener heard in 

 the bush than the bird is seen. It is more common near the 

 summits of the lower bush-covered mountains near the lake 

 than in the valleys. It is a very timid species, and has a 

 habit of keeping on the opposite side of the tree-trunks to that 

 on which the observer is moving, which explains the cause of 

 it being very seldom seen. 



Xenicus longipes (Bush Wren). 



Common some distance up the bushy slopes, where the 

 vegetation is not so dense as near the lake. It delights to 

 climb the moss-covered saj)lings, searching for minute insects 

 secreted among the moss. When disturbed it utters alarm- 

 notes, which are answered by others near ; at the same time 

 it endeavours to conceal itself in the thickest scrub, or, 

 hopping and climbing up the trees, it disappears among the 

 higher branches. 



