Reischkk. — On the Habits of New Zealand Birds. 97 



Hieracidea ferox, Peal. — Sparrow Hawk (Karewarewa). 



This hawk is similar in plumage to the former, but differs in 

 habit, and is smaller in size, the female being the larger. It 

 inhabits the mountains, where the forest is low and dense, 

 and I found both species on the West Coast, South Island. 

 In November, 1882, when encamped in the centre of Hauturu 

 Island, I often heard the cry of young hawks, which I followed 

 on one occasion, but a precipice prevented me getting near. 

 I then climbed a tree, and soon saw at a short distance below 

 me, in the crown of a bushy tree, a nest with tbree young 

 birds ; but, though I tried to descend at several places, I 

 was unable to get any foothold, so, to my great disappointment, 

 had to abandon the attempt to get any closer. The old birds 

 flew about very excitedly, sometimes past my head, and I 

 shot the female a few days afterwards in the act of darting 

 at a kaka. This hawk is very bold, and commits much havoc. 

 I saw them catch fowls within three yards from me ; and a 

 Mr. Silver and the Natives told me that they lost as many as 

 100 fowls, ducks, and young turkeys in one season. They also 

 prey on rats, mice, and lizards. It is gratifying that these 

 two species of hawks are not common. 



Circus gouldi, Bonap. — Swamp Hawk (Kahu). 



This hawk is common everywhere, especially in the swamps 

 and plains. It is very destructive, catching anything it can 

 master, such as poultry, game, rats, etc., and I have been told 

 that they even attack young lambs. They also feed on carrion 

 and eggs, and have frequently robbed me of birds which I had 

 shot and hid, but found on my return half devoured or removed. 



Athene albifacies, Grey. — Laughing Owl (Whekau). 



Owls are more useful than destructive ; but this species I 

 never saw in the North, or outlying islands, and in the South 

 it is extremely rare, and preys mostly on rats. 



Athene nove-zealandl<e, Gml. — Morepork (Ruru). 



This little owl is common everywhere. In the forests it 

 prefers deep, dark gullies, hiding during the day in hollow trees, 

 or between the tbick foliage, and in caves ; but in the evening, 

 when it comes out to seek its food, its melancholy call, " more- 

 pork," or " ruru," is heard. We can forgive it for catching 

 a bird now and then, on account of the great number of rats, 

 mice, and insects it destroys. On returning to the house 

 of Mr. Wilson, Northern Wairoa, one bright moonlight night 

 in 1879, I saw a Morepork swooping down ; tben heard a 

 squeak ; when suddenly it flew upwards, and let something drop, 

 repeating this action several times, ultimately remaining on the 

 ground for a time, and then flying away. On examining the 

 spot, I found the skin, head, legs, and tail of a rat. In April, 



