PREFACE 17 



Amongst the additions to this edition is a table, at the 

 befijinning of the Class Aves, supplying a key to the orders. 



I have added largely to the information in regard to the 

 habits of several species of birds. The most notable 

 alteration in the edition, however, is the elimination of 

 references to the probable extinction of our whole avifauna. 

 Since the second edition was published, personal observa- 

 tions and information gathered from other sources have 

 convinced me that statements published in this respect 

 are exaggerated. For many years ornithologists were under 

 the impression that New Zealand's birds were rashing 

 headlong to destruction and that they would soon pass 

 completely away. The utter extermination, in a flash of time, 

 as I may say, of one of God's brightest and most harmless 

 beings, which has been represented in this life for ages, is a 

 regrettable incident in the world's history, and it is not 

 surprising that naturalists and scientists should commiserate 

 with New Zealand in the loss that seemed to be impending. 

 I am glad to be able to sound a brighter note. Some time ago, 

 by the courtesy of the Agricultural Department, I had 

 thousands of circulars sent to all parts of the dominion. These 

 circulars contained questions in regard to our birds' present 

 position. When they were returned to me, I found that all 

 the birds had been accounted for except one. The missing bird is 

 the native quail (Coturnix novae-zealandiae) , which fell in 

 thousands before the great grass fires that swept through the 

 land as settlement advanced. But I feel that I am justified in 

 hoping that even the quail is still represented on some flats and 

 plains where settlement has not yet reached. 



There is no convincing evidence that any New Zealand bird 

 has been exterminated by the European inhabitants of this 

 country. Although we regret the needless destruction that 

 has taken place, we may find some satisfaction in the 

 knowledge that the position is not nearly as bad as we thought 

 it was. Our birds may still be seen wherever the ancient forests 

 stand. As long as large tracts of forests are left as sanctuaries 

 and scenic reserves, we need not have much fear that our 



