BurrER.—On the Occurrence of the Royal Spoonbill in N.Z. 337 
Eudyptula undina. 
In further illustration of my view that this bird is specifically distinct 
from Eudyptula minor, I beg to submit sketches of the bill (Figs. 8 and 4, 
Plate) shewing the relative size. These sketches are from specimens in 
the Colonial Museum. 
Art. XXXIIT.—On the Occurrence of the Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) in 
New Zealand. By Warrer L. Buuuer, C.M.G., Se.D., President. 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, July 29th, 1876.) 
I nave much pleasure in laying before the Society a fine specimen of the 
Australian Spoonbill, recently obtained at Manawatu, and kindly forwarded 
to me by Mr. Charles Hulke, of Foxton, to whom I am further indebted 
for the following notes :—“ This Spoonbill was shot in April last, near the 
mouth of the Manawatu River, by Mr. Blake, who, from having served 
under Messrs. Speke and Grant in Africa, never loses sight of any 
curiosity if possible. It was sitting on the sand in company with three 
Paradise Ducks (Casarca variegata). Mr. Blake saw that the bird was a 
stranger, and he was attempting to get the four birds in line, when his dog 
startled them, and up they flew. Sacrificing the ducks for the sake of 
getting the stranger, he fired and the bird fell upon the sand with a heavy 
thud. It measured 4 feet 21 inches from tip to tip of wings, and when laid 
on the table preparatory for skinning, it measured from the tip of the bill to 
the end of the tarsi 3 feet 9 inches. The body was about the size of asmall 
goose ; legs, bill, and skin of throat jet black, marked with orange round 
the eyes, assuming the form of a narrow streak below, and a crescent mark 
above. I observed that the tongue was very short, and that the passage to 
the gullet was furnished with small fringed flaps, or valvular appendages, 
somewhat similar to those at the base of the tongue, but much deeper. 
Having very little time at my disposal, I was unable to make a very minute 
examination of the specimen. It struck me, however, that the wing- 
shoulders were placed well back, indicating great power of flight, From 
the small size of the occipital crest, I judged that the specimen was a female. 
It was evident, also, that it had almost finished moulting. 
“ This bird has been seen for some five or six months about the lagoons 
in the vicinity of Mr. Robinson’s homestead. By his sons it had been taken 
for a White Shag. Only one had been seen by them, but I have been informed 
by a person who is in the habit of crossing the country between Foxton and 
Rangitikei, that he is confident he has seen another specimen near the 
Rangitikei River. No other specimen has, however, been seen in company 
with the one sent herewith.” Rl 
