346 THE ANIMALS OF NEW ZEALAND 



of protectiiiii' the eyes and head frcuii injury, and may also <?uide 

 or regulate the force of the thnist given by the bill. They form 

 a perfect guard of feelers and a simple means of defence, in strict 

 harmony with the retiring cautiousness which is the natural 

 instinct of the kiwi. The under surfaces of the feet are well 

 protected by cushions. The claws, which are slightly curved, are 

 sharp at their points, and are admirably adapted for scratching, 

 bnt are not shaped like those of the domestic fowl, which are 

 adapted for traversing hard ground as well as for scratching. 

 The robust tarsi, defended by hard scales, are articulated with the 

 tibia^ by very strong joints, which nuist give the kiwi great power 

 of leaping and jumping, and enable it to scale fallen trees, and 

 search along their upper surfaces for insects. The hind toes and 

 claws help in maintaining the position of the Inrd when 

 fossicking about the prostrate trunks, strengthening the hold, and 

 preventing the bird from slipping to the ground when reaching 

 down. 



The cry of this kiwi is described as like "kvee, kvee, kvee," 

 repeated sometimes twenty times in succession, with moderate 

 haste. This scarcely ceases when it is replied to by ' ' kurr, kurr, 

 kurr." These calls are heard through the night, sometimes 

 commencing after sundown and ceasing about 3 o'clock in the 

 morning. 



The breeding season extends over several months, and eggs 

 have been obtained on the West Coast during a great part of the 

 year. The home of the bird is generally found beneath the 

 spreading roots of trees, in log's, or under rocks, and contains one 

 or two eggs or young, but no more. The nests are found on the 

 bare soil, and are never constructed of dried ferns and grasses. 

 The pair of birds usually remain together during some months, 

 and share in the labours of incubation ; but the male apparently 

 allows nnicli of the labour of rearing the young to be done by the 

 female. The young have been found at a short distance from the 

 family al)ode, in a kind of nursery. They are described as 

 "quaint looking little aninuils, with not too much of the savour 

 of youth about tliem, being nearly exact miniatures of the adult. 

 There is no young state of plumage with them, and none of that 



