80 



THE ANIMALS OF KEW ZEALAND 



four eg'g's. Nests have been found in porches, sheds, and 

 outhouses, on the face of a high cliff by the sea, under the arch 

 of a bridge on a public road, in the crevices of cave-like roete, in 

 the hollows of decayed trees, amongst the pendant leaves of 

 cabbage-trees, in manulca, and in other places. The tit, in fact, 

 seems to have no fixed idea in regard to a suita1)le site for its 



Nest of the Yellow-breasted Tit. 



home. It frequents gardens, and is often seen perched on a 

 b)ough watching for gTubs. As an insect-eater, it is very useful. 



These birds are extremely quarrelsome. Two combatants have 

 been separated by hand before the victor in an encounter could 

 be induced to leave his panting adversary. On one occasion, 

 two were taken by hand whilst fighting on a lawn, and, like a 

 pair of naughty boys, were carried into the house ; on being 

 released out of doors, hostilities were immediatelv liegun again. 



The White-breasted Tit. — ]\[iro-miro. 



Petroeca toi-toi. 

 Like the last, but with less white on the quills, and jnire white on 

 the breast and abdomen. Eye black. Length of the wing, 2.7 in.; 



