122 



THE ANIMALS OP NEW ZEALAND 



has been disturbed and upturned by the strong claws of the 

 wood hens. 



The nest is admirably hidden, generally amidst a quantity of 

 moss. A typical one was found beneath the moss-covered roots 

 of a ribbon-wood tree. It was pouch-shaped, and had an opening 

 near the top. The sides were straightened with fern root care- 

 fully interlaced and beautifully interwoven. It was so well 

 •concealed that the entrance could hardly be seen. 



Nest of Green Wren. 



The Rock Wren. 



Xenic us gil vivcnti'is. 



Above, olive green; the bead and neck, brownish. Below, fawn 



colour; the flanks and vent tinged with yellow. A white line over the 

 eye. Eye dark brown. In the female the upper part of the back is 



brown. Length of the wing, 2 in.; of the tarsus, 1 in. Egg— White; 

 length, 0.7 in. South Island. 



This little bird is found only in the mountain regions of the 

 South Island among stunted vegetation, and is rarely seen. 

 Several dead specimens have been picked up on the glaciers. It 



