308 Transactions. — Zoology. 



Art. XXII. — Observations on the Breeding Habits of the Eastern Golden Plover 

 (Charadrius fulvus). By C. H. Kobson. Communicated by W. L. 

 Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.B.S. 



[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 31st October, 1883.] 

 This interesting bird is dismissed by our leading naturalists with so few 

 words that one is induced to think that little is known as to its habits, and 

 that a few remarks on them from personal observation may not be unin- 

 teresting. Unlike others of the Charadriada, the Golden Plover's plumage 

 undergoes little or no change from summer to winter ; its habits of flight 

 and feeding are however very similar to those of C. obscurus as described by 

 Dr. Buller ; its food is of the same kind, and it likewise resembles that 

 bird hi the construction of its nest and the locality chosen for making 

 it. On the 9th of January last a Golden Plover was found sitting on three 

 eggs at the northern end of Portland Island. The nest is a very simple 

 affair, composed of a little grass laid in a slight hollow amongst the 

 driftwood a few yards above high water mark ; the egg is large for the bird, 

 being about the size of a pullet's, ovoid, a good deal pointed, in colour of a 

 light greenish yellow with irregular blotches of dark rufous brown, almost 

 black in the larger spots, and varying in size from a pin's head to a shilling, 

 the largest being at the more obtuse end of the egg. When disturbed the 

 bird rose with a harsh rattling cry, but did not seem frightened, and re- 

 turned to the nest after a few minutes. On the 10th the nest was not 

 visited, it being thought best not to disturb the bird again so soon ; and on 

 the 11th, on going to it for a specimen egg, the nest was found deserted and 

 the eggs gone, not a particle of shell remaining. 



Art. XXIII. — On some rare Species of Nenv Zealand Birds. 

 By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.B.S. 



[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 31st October, 1883.] 

 ScELOGLAUX ALBIFACIES. 



Mr. W. W. Smith, formerly residing on the Albury estate near Timaru, 

 and now settled at the Ashburton, has sent me from time to time very in- 

 teresting notes on this rare owl. He has not only been exceptionally 

 fortunate in getting specimens, but he has likewise been successful in his 

 endeavours to make them breed in captivity. The following extract from 

 one of his earliest communications on the subject will show what a good 



