THE KAKA 



139 



the renowned namesake of its genus, the cvmning Pylian orator, 

 whose tongue poured forth a flood of more than honey-sweet 

 discourse upon the strife of kings. 



Living on and among trees, the kaka remains in the forest all 

 the year round. When disturbed in its leafy home. Mr. Potts 

 says, it hops amongst the branches with much dexterity, beak and 

 wings assisting its awkward but rapid progress as it threads its 



Kaka. 



way amongst the leaves and sprays with unruffled plumage. 

 ''The peculiar formation of its grasping feet enables it to 

 perform wonderful feats of agile climbing. A sharp note or two 

 marks its uneasiness when a viligant eye watches what takes 

 place below. When really alarmed, after a few hurried move- 

 ments, it flies a short distance away, at first usually gliding 

 downwards rather than flying straight, threading the leafy maze 

 of the close-growing trees with perfect ease and grace." At 

 this time it warns its fellows of impending danger by uttering 

 loud cries of "kaka, kaka !" which are often repeated. It is from 

 this cry that it has derived the name given it by the Maoris, which 

 has been adopted as a popular one by Europeans. 



