^°'i4^"] (UJ\EK, irirds of Little learner Jsland. 49 



merit loses much of its force. Further, this species is common about 

 Cook Strait and westward, whereas P. assiniilis is not known from 

 these waters unless Mathews' specimen is authentic. I do not think, 

 therefore, that there is sufficient reason to sink the name gavia as a 

 synonym of assimilis and found a new one for the Brown Petrel. 



Sterna striata. White-fronted Tern. — The common Tern of New 

 Zealand coasts is abundant in Hauraki Gulf, and usually seen in small 

 flocks. 



Hydroprogne caspia. Caspian Tern. — Occasionally seen in Hauraki 

 Gulf; usually only a few (two to six) together. 



Larus dominicanus. Black-backed Gull. — This fine bird is one of 

 the most conspicuous species in our coastal watei's. Ths young, 

 which is quite differently coloured, is thought by many to be a dis- 

 tinct species and referred to as Sea Hawk. This species breeds in 

 unfrequented places on open slopes near the coast, building a large 

 nest of grass on the ground. Two eggs are usual, though clutches of 

 three are common enough, and are laid in November. A few nests 

 are built each year on Rangitoto, while Shakespear states that it 

 breeds on the north-west point of Little Barrier Island. 



Larus novte-hollandiae. Silver (Red-billed) Gull. — Common in 

 Hauraki Gulf as elsewhere on the coast of New Zealand. Flocks of 

 these birds and the White-fronted Tem follow the schools of com- 

 mon mullet {Agonostoma forsteti) which are also pursued under 

 water by the Kahawai {Arripis triitta). 



Haematopus unicolor. Black Oyster-catcher. — Noted on Little Bar- 

 rier Island by previous observers. I did not see it. Oyster-catchers 

 are usually met with on sandy coasts. At Kaipara Heads I have seen 

 pairs of black birds, pairs of pied birds, and mixed pairs. The sug- 

 gestion at once occurs that the present species may be merely a 

 melanistic form breeding time. Other members of this category are 

 the Black Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and the Bronze Shag {Hypo- 

 leucus clialconotiis ) both of which are known to breed with pied species 

 though intennediate forms are not known. 



Porzana pusilla. Little Crake (Marsh Rail). — This species is in- 

 serted on the authority of Shakespear, who states that he has seen 

 two examples. 



Lamprococcyx (Chalcococcyx) lucidus. Shining Cuckoo. — Plentiful 

 during the summer months. No eggs have yet been found on Little 

 Barrier Island. 



Urodynamis taitensis. Long-tailed Cuckoo. — Like the preceding 

 species, this is a summer migrant. Occurring commonly on Little 

 Barrier Island among a populous avifauna, it is said to rob the nests 

 of other birds, taking both eggs and young. It has not itself been 

 detected breeding on the island. 



Circus approximans. Allied Harrier. — According to the caretaker, 

 Mr. R. Nelson, the Harrier breeds on Little Barrier Island, but owing 

 to his efforts not many are now to be seen. As protector of the other 

 birds, Mr. Nelson takes every opportunity to destroy or frighten away 

 predaceous species. Harriers are now chiefly as visitors from the 

 mainland. On one occasion during my visit I noticed three. 



Nesierax novaeseelandiae. Bush Hawk. — This fierce bird of prey is 

 present on the island, but is not often seen. 



Ninox novaeseelandiae. Morepork Owl. — The Morepork is very 

 common, but is not seen in daylight. From dusk throughout the night 

 its call can be heard from all directions. Small bii'ds doubtless form 

 a portion of its fare, but it is more frequently observed catching night- 

 flying insects. Though invisible when settled, it can be seen flying 

 into the air from its perch, making quick movements and returning 

 again to the same or a nearby resting place. It is probably capturing 

 moths which the human eye in the dim light cannot detect. 



