88 Olivkk, Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.) [,sf "oct. 



• 

 and the engine, we first sighted the New Zealand coast ii miles 

 to the east of Opotiki. At i a.m. the Opotiki bar was reached, 

 but, it being low tide, could not be crossed until 3.30 a.m. — 

 eight hours after leaving the island. 



Five species of birds are known to breed on White Island. One 

 of these I was unable to identify, only mutilated specimens being 

 seen. It was a small Storm-Petrel, which probably suffers from 

 the depredations of rats {Mits exiilans), of which species I saw 

 one dead specimen. 



Sula australis (Australian Gannet). 



There are about six colonies of Gannets on the south coast of 

 White Island, and one on a rock a little distance from the shore. 

 The areas occupied are clear of vegetation — indeed, the presence 

 of dead pohutukawa plants {Metrosideros tomentosa) in the midst 

 of some of the colonies shows that the birds not only prevent the 

 scrub from spreading, but actually kill any on ground which they 

 may occupy. 



It is not practicable to visit the Gannet colonies by land, as 

 it means climbing a dangerous track on the inner cliff-face of the 

 crater, and then descending the steep slope to the sea. I did not 

 attempt this route, but made use of the Sulphur Company's boat, 

 which is kept for the jmrpose of getting firewood. The first 

 colony visited (7th December) contained mostly fresh eggs, though 

 in many incubation had begun, and some young birds were 

 noticed. Most of the chicks had just hatched, though a very 

 few were large and covered with white down. The nests were 

 placed at almost equal distances apart, each consisting of a low 

 mound of earth with a hollow at the top, in most cases lined with 

 Chenopodiiim stalks. I do not believe that the birds do more 

 towards making the nest than perhaps scratching a little hollow 

 and placing some ])ieces of Chenopodiiim or seaweed therein, the 

 weather and the protective action of guano accomplishing the 

 rest. The mound, therefore, is simply caused by rain water 

 washing away the groiind round the nest. 



Only one egg is laid. At first it is of a light greenish colour, 

 and covered with a thick layer of lime. Soon, however, it 

 becomes dirty, and the time during which it has been brooded 

 can be judged roughly by its colour. When first hatched the 

 young Gannet is naked and entirely black. As it grows it 

 becomes covered with pure white down, and is then really a pretty 

 object. Now, before rising the adult Gannet almost invariably 

 disgorges the contents of its stomach, and the young instinctively 

 performs the same act, though it is incapable of flight. Even 

 naked birds just hatched endeavour, when approached, to throw 

 up their food. Here seems to be a case of instinct at fault, for, 

 though it may be necessary for the adult to relieve itself of its 

 load of fish in order to rise quickly, it is incredible that it is of 

 any benefit to the young to lose a meal. 



I examined the contents of the stomachs of several birds, and 



