THE BELL-BIRD 115 



that there is no picture in Nature more beautiful than the sight 

 of them clinging and swinging in grotesque postures in the 

 sunshine on the brilliant blooms of the rata, flying every few 

 minutes to some bough, and uttering their rich songs. The bell- 

 birds and the tuis come to some of the native trees, and remain 

 there as long as the blooms support them. They then disperse 

 among the warmer valleys of the bush, and subsist, during the 

 wet winter months, chiefly upon insects, until the return of the 

 spring, when the melliferous blooms of the kowhai again supply 

 them with the necessary food. 



The decrease in the numbers of the bell-birds is attributed to 

 bush fires, especially in the North Island, and to the depreda- 

 tions of cats, rats, and honey bees. In many districts bell-birds 

 have entirely disappeared since the bees were introduced. A 

 theory has been advanced that the honey-eaters are stung to death 

 when attacking and eating the bees. Mr. Smith, after close 

 study and observation, has come to the conclusion that the honey- 

 bee theory, in its bearing on the disappearance of any of our 

 native birds, is an utter fallacy. He admits that the bees rob 

 the honey-eaters of a little nectar during the season, but he says 

 he has never seen the bees in such numbers as to effect the honey- 

 eaters. He has watched the birds and the insects daily for years 

 regaling themselves together on the yellow kowhai blossom, but 

 he has never seen the honey-eaters attack the bees. He has also 

 w^atched them feeding together for hours on the peach blossoms 

 without the least signs of molestation. Inquiries show that his 

 conclusions are probably correct. It is probable that cats and 

 rats are the birds' great enemies. 



In September the male and female bell-bird begin to build a 

 nest together. It is made of small branches and moss, lined with 

 feathers, and is placed in thick branches of trees, from 20 to 

 50 feet above the ground. Nests have also been found in hollow 

 trees. At the end of September, or early in October, four or five 

 eggs are laid. The two birds hatch them together, and both 

 parents feed the young. When leaving the nest, the male looks 

 after the family until they are able to take care of themselves. 

 A male bird has been seen to knock a young one from a branch 



