4144 The Zoologist — September, 1874. 



the words "Hook it, hook it!" as a hint to escape, whilst the 

 shriller cry of the duck inquiringly replies " Where, where ?" 



Amongst other species which use the voice in company, and 

 seem to enjoy the chorus, the lark may be mentioned, as it usually 

 utters its sharp " chirrup," " chirrup," on taking wing. The same 

 note, or one vastly like it, is used for encouragement or to incite 

 watchfulness when a flock in loose order are near a harrier hawking 

 close to the ground, or perched on some commanding stone or 

 ti tree. When the blight birds {Zosterops) — which might safely 

 adopt as a motto " Frnges consumere nati" — crowd about a tree, 

 peering through the leaves, thrusting their sharp beaks into the 

 fresh pulp of luscious plums, they constantly twitter, as they also 

 do when shifting to fresh food ; the call-note, not unlike the chirrup 

 of the sparrow, is always quickly answered. Their power of 

 song as yet does not seem to be appreciated as it deserves. I have 

 heard individuals sing their sweet low notes in a way that would 

 charm the most exacting bird-fancier that ever gathered chickweed. 

 Tlie notes of the bell-bird, as it trips up and down the scale with a 

 cough at the end, are too well known to need further notice ; one 

 of their concerts, with a full chorus, is a delightful treat that some- 

 times rewards the early riser. The graceful parrakeet utters a 

 gratulatory note as the flock hastily assembles to some favourite 

 food, as on the stooks of an oat-field; this differs from their call 

 when on the wing, as much as it does from that low confidential 

 murmur in which I have heard a pair indulge about nesting-time. 

 The kaka in his leafy domain utters his harsh grunt of satisfaction 

 as he and his mates scramble about the bending boughs that yield 

 a honeyed food. How shall I attempt to describe the song of the 

 tui, with its sudden bursts of melody, ringing the changes upon 

 notes merry, plaintive or harsh, in rapid sequence, as though the 

 sympathetic voice felt and expressed every varying emotion that 

 chanced to stir the lively bird ? The attitudes assumed during the 

 course of its recitative are well worth watching, although they may 

 seem to detract somewhat from the pleasure of hearing it. 



The kaka sounds his alarm harshly, hopping restlessly from 

 bough to bough ; nor does his warning cease whilst on the wing, 

 gliding to safer quarters. In the moist Fagus forests, whose glades 

 are carpeted with the deepest moss, the beautiful green wren sounds 

 his cheepy cry, denoting danger, with a most confident air. Away 

 out on the open ground or sandy river-bed, how often does the "twit, 



