THE BUSH CANARY 



99 



Genus Mokua. 

 First primary about two-thirds of the second. Tail feathers 

 frayed at ends, the shafts projecting. Tarsi with three or four 

 scutell^, which are often united. Feet large, the middle toe 

 and claw nearly as long as the tarsus ; hind claw longer than the 

 bill. New Zealand only. 



The Bush Canary. — Mohua. 



MoJtua oclirocepliala. 

 Head, breast, and abdomen, yellow; back, yellowish brown; tail, 

 yellowish olivaceous. Wing-feathers, brown, mostly edged with 

 yellowish brown. Bye black. Length of the wing, 3.2 in.; of the tarsus, 

 1 in. Egg — White, with small faint specks of red; length, 0.9 in. The 

 sexes are alike; the young are much duller in colour. South Islancl only. 



Nest of Bush Canary. 



The New Zealand canar}^ has a sharp, strident call, and its^ 

 movements are quick and active. Its golden head and breast 

 are seen popping out of the green foliage, and as suddenly 

 disappearing again. The bird may often be seen on the ground, 

 searching amongst the moss for insects. The nest is made 

 principally of moss, tightly pressed together, and interwoven 

 w^ith spider webs. It may be found in the hollow trunk of the 

 broad-leaf, and sometimes in a decaying black beech. 



