298 THE ANIMALS OF NEW ZEALAND 



The blue pencnin breeds in caves, or in bnrrows, sometimes 

 twelve feet long. The burrow is about three or four inches in 

 diameter, and in it the females, about the end of September, lay 

 two eggs. Young birds appear in November; and, at the end of 

 February, or in ]\Iarch, they leave the shore, returning early in 

 September. The female is smaller than the male. They feed 

 upon fish and crustaceans. They walk badly, shuffling along with 

 the body thrown forwards, with a curious undulating motion. 



The White-flippered Penguin. 



Eudyptula albosignata. 



Like the last, but both margins of the flipper widely bordered with 

 white, and a more or less distinct white patch near the middle of the 

 posterior margin. Eye, silvery grey. Total length, about 16.5 in. 

 Egg — 2.15 in. in length. At present known only from Banks Peninsula. 



These birds may be found breeding in the months of November, 

 December, and January. ' ' They nest in large numbers, amongst 

 crevices of rock usually not far above high-water mark," says 

 Mr. Potts, "so as to have immediate access to the sea; and these 

 may be considered as choice stations for rearing their young. 

 Perhaps less fortunate, or more industrious, couples have to 

 undertake a far greater amount of toil in the accommodation of 

 a family. They burrow out a tunnel with very great neatness, 

 often for a considerable distance from the entrance, which is 

 usually a perfectly round hole some three or four inches in 

 diameter. When the tunnel is molested, the old bird makes a 

 vigorous defence of its offspring, using beak and claws with much 

 spirit, at the same time uttering cries not very unlike the mewing 

 of a cat." 



Order Steganopodes. 

 All four toes connected together by a broad membrane. Throat 

 furnished with a pouch. 



Key to the Genera. 



Bill pointed at the tii). Sula. 



Bill booked at the tii). I'halacrocorax. 



