138 BIRDS OF THE WATER 



the fledglings' growing weight. The nest is 

 tilted, and has lost its earlier eminently 

 trim and dainty appearance. On Tutira 

 the Waxeye's nest is always cup shaped, 

 and it seems to me a very remarkable fact 

 that those I have got from about the 

 Taupo district were noticably different and 

 distinctly boat shaped. 



These little Waxeyes, when paired, show 

 great affection for each other, stroking and 

 preening one another's feathers, and cuddling 

 together on the bough. 



During the eighties the species increased 

 largely in numbers. They then used to 

 roost in large flocks among the fern and 

 often at dawn, when mustering sheep, have 

 I startled then from repose. At the very 

 peep of dawn, too, whilst waiting for the 

 sheep to gather, and meanwhile amusing 

 myself by watching and listening to the 

 birds have I heard them, deep hidden in 

 the dewy tutu, singing what can be only 

 termed a whisper song, its notes so very soft 

 and low as to be inaudible at even a few 

 feet. Although not quite so courageous as 

 the Fantail, the Waxeye, too, is a good 



