164 



THE ANIMALS OF NEW ZEALAND 



crickets, and other insects, as well as rabbits, rats, and mice, are 

 also on its bill of fare. 



The harrier is not courageous. It has been beaten by the 

 falcon, the oyster-catcher, and the g'ull, and has been chased 



The Harrier. 



away by a i)air of Australian magpies. "When the great harrier 

 ventures near the nesting-place of the little bush-hawks, it is 

 furiously assailed. The bush-hawks utter a kind of neighing 

 scream, and both male and female generally unite to beat off the 



