can be seen nearly any morning passing round the lighthouse into the inlet. No 

 eggs or specimens have been secured. 



(4) The White-throated Shag or Cormorant. {Phalacrocorax brevirostris) ■ 

 Aroarotea. This species of shag is confined to New Zealand. It nests late in the 

 season, December to January, and the nest is not built in trees as is commonly 

 the case, but on the banks of a creek in this place, — Sealer's Creek. Several nests 

 were found in a row, about a yard apart. In 1919 the colony was located too 

 late to secure eggs, only young birds being seen. In 1920 I noted that four eggs 

 formed a clutch. They are bluish white in colour, and measure 47 to 52x33 to 37. 

 The nest is a large structure, formed of sticks and lined with grass and fern fronds. 



(5) The Spotted Shag. (P. punctatus). Parekareka. This is the com- 

 monest shag to be observed in the district, but I have not yet found its nesting 

 place. 



(6) The Little Black Shag. {P. sulcirostris). Kawau. Only one specimen 

 of this variety has been noted. 



(7) Southern Black-backed Gull. {Larus dominicanus). Karoro. Egg, 

 yellowish grey marked with grey, brown, and dark brown blotches. Size, (a) 

 70x47. (b) 73x51. The bird is not very common, and only odd nests are found. 

 They are built of marine debris amongst the rocks and boulders on the shore. 



(8) Silver Gull {Larus scopulinus). Akiaki. Moderately common and 

 very tame, but does not breed in the near vicinity. Eggs have, however, been 

 secured in the district. Size 48 to 52x35 to 38. Somewhat similar in color and 

 marking to the last, but the blotches much smaller. 



(9) Southern Skua or Sea Hawk. {Megalestris antarctica). Hakoakoa. 

 Two or three are occasionally to be seen, and it breeds in the district, though I 

 have not found its nest. I have seen eggs obtained here. Size, 73 to 78x52 to 57. 

 Color brownish tinged unevenly with green. 



(10) White-fronted Tern. {Sterna frontalis). Tara. Common at times, 

 but very few appear to nest here. Only one nest has been found. It was on a 

 high pillar of rock on Steep-to Island overlooking the water, and was just a slight 

 natural hollow with a few leaves of the daisy tree scrub. The egg measures 47x34. 

 The color is dull yellowish brown, heavily marked with fine black and dark brown 

 dots and irregularly shaped spots. 



(11) Paradise Duck. {Casarca variegata). Putangitangi. Only two pairs 

 are to be regularly observed. They nest in August and September. An egg was 

 found on the side of a creek to which they habitually resort. It is of a fine creamy 

 color, and measures 68x48. 



(12) Greg Duck. {Anas superciliosa). Parera. It is only seen very rarely 

 near the sea coast, though it is said to be fairly plentiful in the upper reaches of 

 the inlet. 



(13) Black Swan. {Chenopsis atrata). An imported species. Small flocks, 

 up to seven or eight, are sometimes seen flying past. 



(14) Reef or Blue Heron. {Demiegretta sacra). Matuku. One pair resi- 

 dents, three others visitors. A nest is built of sticks and grass in a cleft of the rock 

 in a bush clad spot. Four eggs are laid in a season. Color, very pale greenish 

 blue. Size, (variable) ; of one, 48x34. 



(15) Little Bittern. {Ardetta pusilla). Karourou. Only one has been ob- 

 served here — standing in Sealer's Creek — during a period of over two years. 



(16) Black Oyster-Catcher or Redbill. {Haematopus unicolor). Torea- 

 pango. The commonest shore-bird. Resident. Eggs are laid amongst the shingle 

 on the beaches without any attempt at nest-building. Three form the normal 

 clutch. Color, greenish brown spotted with black and brown. Size 55 to 57x38 

 to 40. 



(17) Pied Ogster-Catcher. {H. longirostris). Zorea. Only one observed, 

 amongst a large flock of the black variety. 



(18) Swamp Hen. {Porphgrio melanotus.) Pukeko or Pukaki. This is 

 the only one noted during the last 26 years, so I am informed by the 'oldest in- 

 habitant.' This bird is comparatively common in some places. 



57 



