^°\^'] ^rWOU'U, Birds Observed near U'ellington. 293 



13. Long-tailed Cuckoo (Urodynamis taifensis), Koekoea. — A 

 rather irregular visitor, but I doubt if a year passes without one 

 or two of these migrants visiting the district. 



14. Bush Hawk (Nesierax australis), Karewarewa. — Occasion- 

 ally pays a visit to the Hutt Valley. One, about three years 

 back, wrought havoc among Canaries until shot. 



15. Harrier (Circus gouldi), Kahu. — Generally to be observed 

 soaring around in search of prey. 



16. jMorepork {Ninox novcc-aealandicB) , Kuru. — The familiar 

 cry of this bird, from whence it takes its name, is heard all 

 around Wellington. 



17. Wood Pigeon (He)iiiphaya nova-zealandicc) , Kuku. — Now 

 of rare occurence, and only found in the bush on the eastern side 

 of the harbour, but I doubt if it breeds there. 



18. Blue Heron (Demiegretta sacra), Matuku-Moana. — Five 

 or six of these birds inhabit the northern parts of Port Nicholson. 

 They alternately appear at Lowry Bay and between Ngahaur- 

 anga and I'etone. It is believed they breed on a small islet off 

 Soames Island, in the harbour. 



19. Godwit (Liinosa novcc-zealandicc) , Kuaka.^ — This annual 

 migrant regularly appears about the mouth of the Hutt River. 



20. Caspian Tern {Hydroprogne caspia), Tara-nui. — Found in 

 the same locality as the preceding species, but I do not believe it 

 is resident in the district. 



21. White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata), Tara. — Flocks of 

 these graceful birds are usually to be observed on the harbour. 



22. Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus), Karoro. — Very 

 plentiful on the harbour at all times of the year. 



23. Red-billed Gull (Larus scopuUnus), Akiaki. — Equally as 

 plentiful as the preceding species. 



24. Nelly (Ossifraga gigantea). — A few are generally to be 

 observed about the waters of Point Nicholson, and approach 

 quite close to the wharves. 



25. Blue Penguin (Bndyptula minor), Korora. — Mostly found 

 outside the harbour, but occasionally may be seen inside the 

 heads and on Soames and Ward Islands. 



26. Gannet (Sula serrator) , Takupu. — Except in the breeding 

 season a regular visitor; probably wanderers from Cape Kid- 

 nappers. 



27. Black Shag (Phalacrocorax carho), Kawau. — Frequents 

 the mouth of the Hutt River mostly, where Dr. C. M. Hector 

 has watched their e\olutions under water, on a clear day, by the 

 aid of good glasses. He has often timed them with a stop-watch, 

 and finds 23 to 30 seconds to be the usual time of submersion. 



