2 NEW ZEALAND lUUDS. 



" The eggs very closely resemhlo tliose oT Faft-o pcreyrinus of 

 Europe in colour^ size, and shape; are usually three in number; and 

 are deposited on any decayed vegetable matter that Avind or rain may 

 have collected on the rocky ledge; for the efforts of this biid in the 

 way of nest-building are of the feeblest descri])tion." — Potts. 



Opinions are divided as to the admissibility of tAvo species. Pro- 

 fessor Hutton recognizes only one, which is " ver}' variable in size." 

 Mr. R. B. Sharpe, in his '^ Accipitres of the British INIuscum/' makes 

 one a sub-species of the other. The author of " The Birds of New 

 Zealand " says, — 



" IlaA'ing brought Avith me to England good examples of both 

 forms, for more critical examination, and having compared them Avith 

 the fine series of specimens in the British Museum (about tAventy in 

 number) and Avith Eorster's original draAvings, I have come to the con- 

 clusion that there are in reality tAvo distinct species, closely resembling 

 each other in plumage in both the young and adult states, but differ- 

 ing appreciably in size." — I.e., p. 1. 



2, Hieracidea ferox. Feale. 



Busit-HAWK. Karkavaeeava. 



This species resembles Hieracidea novce-zealandia', but is decidedly smaller, and has 

 more slender legs and claws. 



Male.—L., 16 ; W., 9 ; B., -85 ; T., 2-25. 

 Female.— li., 17 ; W., 11 ; T., 2-5. 

 Sab. — With the preceding. 



" Although not so numerous as it formerly was, the Bush-Hawk 

 is more frequently met Avith than its congener. The high Avooded 

 lands of the interior appear to constitute its favourite haunts ; and 

 on the southern mountain-ranges of the North Island, as Avell as in 

 the subalpine Avoods of the Canterbury Province, I have found it 

 comparatively abundant. It is a spirited little hunter, and subsists 

 by the chase, its food consisting principally of mice and small birds. 

 During the breeding-season it is more than usually bold and fearless, 

 assailing Avith fury all intruders upon its nest or young 



" The Bush-HaAvk is generally met Avitli on the outskirts of the 

 woods or among the dead timber of nati\"e ' Avairengas/ these 

 localities being favourable for mice, on Avhich it largely subsists. I 

 once obsei'A'ed a young male of this species playing in the air Avith 

 mice, after the manner of a cat ; and the sight Avas as pretty as it 

 AA^as novel. AYhen I first observed the bird he Avas perched on the 

 naked limb of a tree, apparently engaged in examining his quarry. 

 Then mounting in the air with a mouse in each of his talons, and 

 expanding his Avings and tail to their full extent, he drojipcd first 

 one mouse and then the other, and instantly darted after them, 



