Bush-birds of New Zealand. 531 
but, as was usually the case with all the nests I found, the 
axe laid low their home. 
In the lower open country of the Kast Coast district the 
Fantail is not uncommon and holds its own. 
12. Cirronyx ALBICAPILLA. 
Clhitonyx albicapilla Buller, B. New Zeal. i. pt. i. p. 53, 
pl. i. (1887) ; McLean, Ibis, 1892, p. 251. 
No. 142. ¢. Maungahaumia, 2500 ft., June 29th, 1906. 
Total length 6°05 inches. Iris black, surrounded by a hazel 
ring; bill bluish black, lighter at the base of the lower 
mandible; inside of the mouth blackish, the remainder and 
edge of the gape bright orange-yellow* ; legs and feet 
brownish slate-coloured ; soles of the feet yellowish. 
No. 126. 2. Maungahaumia, 2200 ft., May 12th, 1906. 
Total length 6 inches. Iris black; bill black; gape tinged 
with yellow on the edge of mandibles; inside of the mouth 
fleshy-yellow; tarsus black; feet blackish horn-coloured 
above, lighter on the soles; claws blackish horn-coloured. 
Of the birds which may be called resident—those which 
are not compelled to seek, at different seasons, the various 
fruits and flowers which may grow in other parts—the 
Whitehead was the most numerous in the Maungahaumia 
bush. It was evenly distributed during winter, but in spring 
was more plentiful in the lighter Tawa and Tawhera bush 
than it was on the birch-ridge. . 
At first (April), and all through the winter, it was 
invariably found in flocks, and it was not unusual to meet 
with four or five different parties during the day numbering 
from eight or ten individuals to forty or more. As the depth 
of winter approached the size of these flocks increased. Pair- 
ing was first noticed on July 26th and some charming 
courtships were subsequently witnessed. On this date the 
trill of the male was heard for the first time, but it was not 
general until the flocks began to break up towards the end 
of August. 
* The inside of the mouth of the male is noted by the late Sir Walter 
Buller as black, but it certainly was not so in this instance.—J. OC. McL. 
