THE FUTURE OF NATIVE AVIFAUNA 



213 



to the settler, and when better known is likely to be of set purpose 

 protected and encouraged. Though in great degree his ancient nesting- 

 quarters, holes in trees, have been destroyed, yet like the Kingfisher he 

 has adapted himself to novel con- 

 ditions ; on Tutira this small owl 

 now chiefly breeds in dry dark cliff 

 crannies. With habitations in the 

 everlasting hills, and with an enor- 

 mously increased food-supply, the 

 Morepork is safe. 



Three small species, the Grey Grey Warbler. 



Warbler (Gerygonejlaviventris), the 



Wax-eye (Acanthisitta chloris), the Fantail (Rhipidura Jlabellifera), 

 though immensely reduced in number through the clearing of bush and 

 scrub, will nevertheless always survive in the gorges and cliffs. The 

 Wax-eye and Fantail, moreover, already breed about homesteads, the 

 Wax-eye regaling himself on fig, 

 cape gooseberries, box-thorn and 

 other foreign dainties, the Fantail 

 not infrequently carrying his 

 friendly intimacy so far as to enter 

 open windows in the pursuit of 

 house-flies. Neither is the Grey 

 Warbler, though rather less domesti- 

 cated, quite proof against the super- 

 abundant supply of blights, cater- 

 pillars, and insect life generally, 

 that infest every unsprayed New 

 Zealand orchard and garden. 



About the Shining Cuckoo 

 (Chrysococcyx lucidus) I know but 

 little at first hand ; I have never 

 found a nest containing the careless 

 migrant's egg or chick. That the Fantail. 



Cuckoo, too, is in some degree 



adapting himself to changed conditions there is, however, considerable 

 proof, instances having occurred, I am told, where the chick has been 

 reared in nests of imported species. On the tree-feathered gorges and" 



