94 PARROTS. 



islands, and is the species represented in our coloured Plate is a leather smaller bird, 

 readily distinguished by the presence of a red tinge on the abdomen and under 

 wing-coverts, as well as by a wash of golden-yellow on the ear-coverts. It is 

 subject to a considerable amount of local variation. Still smaller, although with a 

 longer beak, is the extinct Phillip Island parrot {N. prodiictas), of which a 

 figure is given on p. 95. Tliis bird attained a length of about 15 inches, and was 

 distinguished by the broad j'ellowish white band aci"oss the chest. Also extinct, 

 the Norfolk Island parrot {N. norfolcensis), the smallest of the group, was 

 distinguished from the Phillip Island species by the high curvature and length of 

 the bill, which measured 3^ inches, and by the absence of a dark bar on the tail. 



Confining our attention to the New Zealand representatives of 

 the genus, it may be observed in the first place that the brush-like 

 extremity of the 'tongue of these birds indicates flower-sucking habits. They are 

 generally found in mountain regions, the kea ascending to elevations of some six 

 thou.sand feet. The kaka is an eminently social bird, and by far the noisiest of the 

 denizens of the woods of its native islands. " Being seminoctunial in its habits," 

 writes Sir W. Buller, " it generally remains quiet and concealed during the heat of 

 the day. If, however, the sportsman should happen to find a stray one, and to 

 wound instead of killing it, its cries of distress will immediately raise the whole 

 fraternity fi-oni their slumbers, and all the kakas within hearing will come to the 

 rescue, and make the forest echo with their discordant cries. Unless, however, 

 disturbed by some exciting cause of this sort, they remain in close cover till the 

 approach of the cooler hours. Then they come forth with noisy clamour, and may 

 be seen, far above the tree-tops, winging their way to some feeding-place ; or they 

 may be observed climbing up the rough vine-clad boles of the trees, freely using 

 their powerful mandibles, and assuming every variety of attitude, or diligently 

 tearing open the dead roots of the close epiphytic vegetation in their eager search 

 for insects and their larvae. In the spring and summer, when the woods are full 

 of wild blossom and berry, these birds have a prodigality of food, and may be seen 

 alternately filling their crops with a variety of juicy hemes, or sucking nectar 

 from the crimson flowers of the rata (Metrosideros) by means of their brush-fringed 

 tongues. With the earliest streaks of dawn, and while the underwoods are still 

 wrapped in darkness, the wild cry of this bird breaks upon the ear with strange 

 effect." It is from the oft-repeated cry of kaka-kaJca, that the bird derives its 

 name. In dull weather kakas may often be seen abroad in the daytime, while 

 occasionally flocks may be observed sweeping across a forest glade in the full 

 sunlight. In spite of their slow and measured flight, these birds periodically migrate 

 from one part of the country to another, generally travelling in parties of three or 

 more, and frequently stopping to rest on the bare boughs of some dead forest tree. 

 During the pairing-season the male and female are constantly in each other's 

 company, flying side by side, and calling as they go. The breeding commences in 

 November, the nest being a poor affkir, made in the hollow of the trunk of a 

 decayed tree. Here four eggs are usually laid, although it is said that tliere may 

 sometimes be as many as six ; and the young are able to fly early in January. 

 Being an excellent mimic, the kaka is highly esteemed by the Maori es as a pet, 

 and, like most parrots, will live many years in captivity. 



