VOCAL CHARACTERISTICS OP SOME N.Z. BIRDS 361 



wheeling and screaming over the object of attraction. In this 

 case the call conveys intelligence; it is analogous to the bnshman's 

 "coo-ey, " attracting instant attention, and summoning the 

 presence of all within reach of its sound. In the instances given, 

 the call notes used appear very similar. By way of contrast, stroll 

 across one of their breeding grounds when the down-clad young 

 lie in couples without the slightest shelter. Fiercely is the 

 intruder assailed; the harsh scream becomes intensified, and 

 plainly expresses anger, defiance, and would-be intimidation, for 

 the brave little tern protects its nestlings even against man, with 

 a courage unknown to the most powerful gull. Our large gull 

 {Lams dominicanus) will drive away the egg-stealing harrier, 

 which soars aloft in wide circles on silent wing, as the gull 

 chases it from the neighbourhood of the sandy shore or rocky 

 cliff where the roughly-built nest protects the broAvn-blotched 

 eggs ; it marks each dashing stroke with a short bark of anger, 

 and returns from the pursuit with hoarse, gratulatory noise. 

 But wlien man assails its treasures, the miserable bird wheels 

 aloft, and circling round in company with its neighbours, breaks 

 forth into loud despairing cries that sound like thick-voiced 

 mocking laughter. There is no levee en masse, as with the plucky 

 terns; there is no attempt made to defy or inspire fear; but, 

 securing itself from danger by ascending in wide circles, the loud- 

 voiced sea-fowl looks down on the plunderer in timid helplessness, 

 uttering incessantly its wailing lamentations. 



Look at that flock of gulls which surround the shipping lying at 

 anchor near the breakwater! What a busy picture of noisy 

 activity ! It is life at high pressure, and stands out in bold relief 

 to the rest of the scene, where all around lies still and silent, 

 steeped in the full glare of noon. Some are ranging restlessly 

 in circles, and swiftly their shadows come and go upon the 

 glancing waters; others sit lightly and gracefully on the rising 

 swell — all on the look out for scraps that may be thrown overboard 

 or swept through the scuppers of the ships. Suddenly one quick 

 eyed bird pauses in its flight, hovers an instant, from beneath 

 the snowy tail feathers drawing his pink feet, which for a brief 

 space dangle in ungainly fashion ere they clutch the water; now 



