The Zoologist— December, 1871. 2855 



allovTS the beak to open widely, and gives great freedom to the 

 movements of the lower mandible : about the middle of this skin, in 

 a line with the gape, a shallow sac or pouch exists, containing a 

 wax-like substance. 



Having only recently enjoyed the pleasure of reading Gould's 

 'Handbook to the Birds of Australia,' we were not aware how little 

 was known of the kaka; a desire to carry out a wish therein 

 expressed for further information about this bird must form the 

 apology for entering so minutely into its habits. A difficult task it 

 would be, even for an accomplished ornithologist, to give anything 

 like a strictly accurate description of the kaka's plumage, which 

 should at the same time be supposed to represent satisfactorily and 

 correctly the appearance of that of the species ; so great is the 

 variation in numerous minor points, that it offers great temptations 

 to subdivision. As children we used to be told that no two leaves 

 were precisely alike of the golden and green mass that made up the 

 foliage of the variegated sycamore ; we have been reminded more 

 than once of this piece of folk-lore when looking at a number of our 

 parrots. Mr. Buller, in his 'Essay' (p. 11), alludes to several 

 varieties in the feathers of the kaka. Most noticeable must this 

 variation of plumage appear to those who have enjoyed oppor- 

 tunities of inspecting specimens which have presented a change 

 and difference of feather so remarkable as in those birds which, 

 under the names of N. superbus and N. occidentalis, have been 

 classed as separate species. Here is a change, indeed ; instead of 

 the accustomed dress of sober brown, relieved from positive dull- 

 ness by an olive shade, our usually demure-looking friend appears 

 decked out in bright trappings of canary-yellow, with scarlet 

 facings. Is it to be wondered at that the assumption of a livery so 

 gay and parrot-like metamorphosed our kaka past recognition, 

 even by old friends ? In spite of his beak he was christened 

 " superbus," and cut off by this distinction from the rest of the 

 noisy fraternity. It is not known whether this gaudy clothing is 

 enjoyed by a select body of individuals doomed to a life of celibacy, 

 but it is certain that their numbers do not increase. 



The Kea or Green Mountain Parrot (Nestor notabilis).— In 

 order to convey a correct impression of the kea and its habits, it 

 is necessary to give a brief outline of the features of the country 

 in which it is to be found. Where we have most frequently 

 observed it has been far above the Gorge of the Rangitata, one of 



