THE KIWIS 



2343 



the long, flexible beak is driven into the soft ground, generally home to the very 

 root, and is either immediately withdrawn with a worm held at the extreme tip of 

 the mandibles, or it is gently moved to and fro, by an action of the head and neck, 

 the body of the bird being perfectly steady. It is amusing to watch the extreme 

 care and deliberation with which the bird draws the worm from its hiding place, 



- 



KIWI FEEDING. 



coaxing it out as it were by degrees, instead of pulling roughly or breaking it. ' ' 

 On getting the worm fairly out of the ground, the bird throws up its head with a 

 jerk, and swallows its prey whole. The stomachs of specimens that have been dis- 

 sected contained pebbles, remains of beetles, and the kernels of berries. In captivity, 

 kiwis are dull, listless creatures during the day, lying closely huddled together, and 



