Porrs.— Birds of New Zealand. 149 
been made on those of the Whistler; yet repeated attempts have failed to discover 
any guide why the number of its notes should so greatly vary ; whether the 
bird's call is affected by the state of the atmosphere, temperature, the force of 
the wind, or the quarter whence it blows. 
At all hours it may be heard in its season, but at night the call seems most 
sustained, both as regards the distinct notes or whistles, and the remarkable 
song or flourish with which it often ends the performance. 
Some NOTES, TAKEN FROM OCTOBER 25TH TO NOVEMBER 10TH. 
Lowest and Highest, Number of Notes. 
11.30 p.m. to 1 a.m, a.m. 4.45 a.m. 6.45 ат. - 
14 to 34 18 to 41 15 to 24 13 to 25 
11.45 a.m. to 0.20 p.m: 4.30 p.m. 6 p.m. 9 p.m. 
3 to 42 11 to 35 12 to 44 18 to 68 
10.5 p.m. 11 p.m. 
17 io 64 25 to 107 
The notes do not include the terminal song or flourish. 
October 8, 1872.— Whistler heard for the first time. 
October 6, 1873.— Just heard the Whistler's call; this is early, as the spring 
із а late one. Their route on arrival seems to be from W. to E., or N.W. to 
S. E. 
In the early morning the call of the Cuckoo is certainly more plaintive in 
tone than at other times. This callis delivered without that evident labour 
which accompanies the outpourings of some species of birds. Whilst 
performing it sits rather low on its perch, the head is slightly raised, the bill 
pointing rather upwards, the head is slowly moved from side to side. 
November 4.—Female Whistler killed by dashing against the plate-glass 
windows; irides liver brown, inclining to reddish brown ; tarsus and toes 
slaty blackish, beneath dirty flesh ; ovaries not in an advanced state. 
November 11.— Another female Whistler suffered a similar fate. 
November 12.— Whistlers feeding on the moths that are busy about the 
ngaio trees (Myoporwm letwm); in picking off the moths the gape is opened 
very wide. Whilst feeding a few low, brief notes are uttered. 
Have seen this Cuckoo hotly pursued by the black fantail (R. fuliginosa). 
When alarmed its call sounds like * peewau, peewau." 
No. 59.—CARPOPHAGA NOVJ.E-ZEALANDUE, Gf. 
Pigeon. 
Perhaps few birds show more art in the construction of their homes than 
does the Pigeon in the arrangement of the slender twigs which form the well- 
poised platform on which it rears its young. The slight fabric, which at first 
glance appears of a rude, careless make, has its materials so nicely adjusted as 
to bear with safety the weight of its heavy builders. It may be said to 
resemble somewhat the hollow of the human hand. In the slight depression 
