448 



WADING BIRDS. 



Shaw's Apteryx (Apteryx Austmlis) is an inhabitant of New 

 Zealand. It stands about two feet high, and its plumage is of a 

 dark brown colour. It runs with great rapidity, and when pursued 

 takes refuge in the holes of rocks or amongst the roots of trees. 



FIG. 375 APrhiux. 



When seized it defends itself vigorously with its powerful feet. It 

 is active during the night, and feeds principally upon earthworms, 

 which it captures by driving its long bill into the soil. These birds 

 live in pairs, and construct a rough nest in the retreat which they 

 generally frequent. In this nest the female lays a single egg, about 

 the size of that of a goose. Their flesh is much esteemed by the 

 New Zealanders, who make cloaks of their skins and feathers. 



ORDER OF WADING BIRDS 

 GRALLATORES.* 



These birds derive their name from their habits 

 and from the peculiarities of their structure. They 

 are characterized by the height of their legs, which 

 are naked, and thus adapted for wading to a certain 

 depth into the water, where many species catch 

 their prey. Those genera that are possessed of a 



