190 Transactions. — Zoology. 



I have observed them in pairs, along with the yellow-head 

 [Orthonyx ochrocephaJa), and with Creadion caruncidatiis, also 

 the browu creeper (i'erthiparus nova-zealandur), hoppiug about 

 from branch to branch in search of food. I shot a series of 

 specimens of Creadion cinereus, and on skinning them I found 

 the reproductive organs of both sexes well-developed. On my 

 return to Christchurch, when speaking of this variety or species, 

 I was told that this is the young of Creadion canmculatus. 

 When I pointed out the difference in size and plumage, I was 

 informed that the plumage would become the same, in the third 

 year, as that of Creadion caruncidatiis — i.e., a uniform black, 

 with back and shoulders ferruginous. Being at this time a new 

 arrival in the colony, I did not contradict my informant ; I 

 corresponded with Dr. Buller, who agreed with me that Creadion 

 cinereus is a distinct species from C. caruncidatus. But determined 

 to find out the truth, I followed up the subject until February 7th, 

 1883, and on my trip to Taranga Island my efforts were crowned 

 with success, for I observed the first pair feed their young, 

 which I gave to Dr. Buller to enable him to bring forward his 

 lost species, on which he read a paper to the Wellington Philo- 

 sophical Society. After that, I procured a few more specimens 

 of Creadion carunculatus, feeding their yomig, which were just 

 out of the nest, the plumage being exactly like that of the 

 parents, only a little duller, uniform black and ferruginous on 

 the back and shoulders ; the wattles are either invisible or very 

 small. I have observed a series of Creadion canmculatus in all 

 stages, and never saw any difference in their plumage. 



Through all the northern forests, I have never met with 

 Creadion cinereus. In 1884, during my researches on the West 

 Coast Sounds, I saw Creadion cinereus up the ranges, in low 

 scrub, male and female together in pairs. I shot one pair in 

 Dusky Sound, in June 1884, a second pair in August of the 

 same year, and a third pair in Milford Sound in October 1884. 

 I never observed in any of the Creadion cinereus which I shot at 

 different seasons the slightest difference in plumage. Their 

 food consists of insects, their larvae, and small berries, which I 

 have found in their crops when dissecting. I only found this 

 bird in the South Inland, and even there they are scarce near 

 settled districts. I have met them frequently on the West 

 Coast in uninhabited places. The whistle of Creadion cinereus 

 consists first of three notes, " te, a, r," which he repeats several 

 times, then four, like 'He, te, te, te." Their movements are quick 

 in hopping and climbing, but feeble in flying ; they prefer 

 thickly- wooded and steep gullies. 



Glaucopis wilsoni, Gray. — Crow (Kokako). 



This remarkable bird, the natives told me, was once common 

 on all the ranges of the North Island forests, but now it only 



