THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 227 



wings or tail, the hair-like texture of the feathers, the 

 lengthy beak with the nostrils placed at the end of it (in 

 this respect being absolutely unique), the huge egg which 

 it lays, so out of all proportion to the size of the kiwi that it 

 is impossible to replace it in the skeleton of the bird which 

 laid it without breaking some of the bones ; surely here we 

 see a regular triumph amongst Nature's freaks. They 

 are night birds and strongly resent the daylight, the 

 consequence being that if disturbed they protest by loud 

 hisses, whilst if touched will strike out vigorously with 

 their strong feet, and quickly draw blood where the claws 

 get home. 



