" Birds of a fezitfjer. 



Vol. VI.] 2ND JULY, 1906. [Part i. 



The Fern^Bird of New Zealand (Sphenoeacus 



punctatus, Quoy et Gaim.) 



By J. C. M'Lean, M.B.O.U., Te Karaka, N.Z. 



Four species of SpJienceacus are found inhabiting the islands 

 of New Zealand, and all are peculiar to the region. S. punctatus 

 is the best known, being naet with in each of the main islands. 

 A larger and paler form, S. fulvus, also occurs in the South 

 Island ; S. caiidatus is found in the Snares, and S. rufescens on 

 Mangare, one of the Chatham group. 



The Fern-Bird is not uncommon in localities suited to its 

 mode of life, but, being of a shy and cautious nature, is not often 

 seen ; still its monotonous call is sure to attract the attention, 

 whether it be heard in the dense swamp of flax and raupo or in 

 some rough creek skirted by scrub and fern. A favourite haunt 

 is among the patches of rushes and cutting-grass which fringe the 

 edges of low-lying swamps and lagoons, and often stretch up into 

 the surrounding gullies. In the open virgin country it may 

 occasionally be heard amongst the dense fern and scrub in the 

 gullies or damp flats. It does not penetrate the bush, nor ascend 

 to high altitudes. Large expanses of waste appear to suit the 

 Fern-Bird best, and it is never noticed in the small patches of 

 swamp in settled districts, nor about open creeks. 



It is a difficult matter to study the habits of a bird which has 

 its home among such dense and tangled growths. The move- 

 ments of the Fern-Bird are quite mouse-like, and, if occasion 

 demands, extremely rapid. It is a wary little creature, and 

 usually found singly. This would lead one to think that the 

 birds only pair for the breeding season, but from a long acquaint- 

 ance I believe they remain paired throughout. A sight of the 

 bird is usually momentary, and generally occurs in a chance 

 manner. A pig-hunting expedition may disturb a little brown 

 bird, which, flying with feeble flight and depressed tail for a few 

 feet in a direct line and low, is lost to sight as it drops with a 

 scramble into the fern of its own colour. Or, while waiting for 

 Ducks far out in some lagoon, with the boat well hidden in the 



