BuLLEK. — On Neio Zealand Ornithology. 339 



Miro albifrons, Ginelin. (South Island Eobiu.) 



A correspondent, writing over the initials " S.D.B.," sends 

 the following to the LyttcUon Times of the 24th of April : 

 " A very interesting case, showing the usefulness of a purely 

 insectivorous bird, came under my notice the other day, and 

 is, I think, worthy of record. A friend was showing me his 

 vinery, and I was astonished to see in it a tame Robin {Pe- 

 troica albifrons) following him about in its characteristic fear- 

 less manner. The bird was in as perfect plumage as if in its 

 native bush, although now quite domiciled in the greenhouse, 

 which it keeps free from insect-life without injuring the vines 

 or grapes. I was informed that the Robin occasionally gets 

 out into the garden, but is then easily induced to return to the 

 vinery, which is, of course, kept locked when the owner is 

 away. I asked if it did not want a mate, but was told that 

 these birds are very pugnacious, and would fight like game- 

 cocks if shut up together. Certainly this fellow seemed quite 

 happy by himself." 



Myiomoira toitoi, Garnot. (North Island Tomtit.) 



It seems probable that the male of this species aids in the 

 task of mcubation, for an adult bird of this sex, shot in 

 November, had the under-parts much denuded of feathers. 



Sphenoeacus rufescens, Buller. (Chatham Island Fern-bird.) 

 Mr. W. Hawkins, the well-known Chatham Island col- 

 lector, writes to me, "The Fern-bird is extinct. I spent a 

 fortnight on the island where they used to be, but never saw 

 any sign whatever of them." 



Anthus novse-zealandise, Gray. (New Zealand Pipit.) 



It is very clear that these birds congregate in autumn. 

 During a ride to and from Owhaoko (22nd to 29th April) I 

 met with numerous flocks, numbering from twenty to fifty 

 at a time. I hardly saw a single bird detached from the 

 flocks. I have already noticed the inquisitive disposition of 

 this Pipit, and mentioned the circumstance of a flock keeping 

 pace with a train for some miles. There is another evidence 

 of it : as you ride along the road they keep before you, almost 

 allowing your horse to tread on them, then rising with a shrill 

 " cheep," flying a few yards further, and so on again till their 

 curiosity is satisfied, when they wheel upwards and fall to the 

 rear. 



Anthornis melanocephala, Gray. (Chatham Island Bell- 

 bird.) 

 Of this species Mr. Hawkins writes, "This bird, too, is 



very nearly extinct. I have no difficulty in selling the skins 



