30 Transactions. — Zoology. 



• 



This bird, which was one of the most curious freaks I ever 

 saw, had been tamed, and would come when called and allow 

 itself to be picked up and examined, as though conscious of 

 deserving attention on account of its peculiar adornments. 



I endeavoured to effect a purchase, but without success, the 

 Maoris appearing to set great store by their pet. 



3. Phalacrocorax ptjnctatus, Sparrm. — Spotted Shag. 



Writing of this species Dr. Buller says: — " This beautiful 

 representative of the crested shag is abundant on the coast of the 

 South Island, but it is seldom met with on the Northern side of 

 Cook Strait. I observed a party of three at the mouth of the 

 Waikanae Eiver, in January, 1864 ; two young birds were killed 

 in Wellington in the winter of 1865 ; and another was shot in 

 the Gulf of Hauraki, near Auckland ; and these are the only 

 instances I know of its occurrence in the North Island. . . 

 I have never had an opportunity of examining the eggs ; but j 

 understand that three is the usual number." (" Manual of N.Z. 

 Birds," p. 95.) It will therefore be interesting to note that I 

 was lately informed by Mr. J. C. McLean that a colony of fifteen 

 or sixteen of these birds has, for more than five years, been esta- 

 blished on a reef inside Cape Kidnappers. He states that he has 

 collected the eggs, but never found more than two in a uest. In 

 December, 1885, there were five nests, placed at equal distances 

 apart along the ledge which runs on one side of the rock, about 

 3 feet from the top. They were composed of sea-weed, and 

 were but a little larger than the nests of the Mackerel Gull 

 (Larus scopulinus, Forst.) One nest had two eggs in, and each 

 of three others contained two young birds covered with black 

 down, the fifth being empty. On the other side of the rock, 

 out of reach, was another nest ; this also contained but two 

 eggs. On visiting the locality again last December, the nests 

 were found to be more numerous, but apparently the season 

 was much later, as there were neither eggs nor young birds 

 visible, but the old ones were grouped about, and allowed him 

 to approach quite close before they took wing ; their breeding- 

 place being very difficult of access, it is evident they are not 

 often disturbed. The egg is smaller than that of the Black 

 Shag (P. nova'-hollaiuliw, Gould) and very dirty. The original 

 colour pale blue. 



Mr. McLean has kindly promised to furnish me with the 

 measurements of the eggs in his possession. 



The Cape is also the breeding ground of a large number of 

 Gannets (Dysporus serrator). 



4. Sterna Antarctica, Forst. — Common Tern (Tarn). 



The local name of this bird in the neighbourhood of Cape 

 Kidnappers is " The Plough Bird," or " Plough Boy," given on 



