51 



minuta, and the new species from the Rakaia, has already been pointed out. 

 The egg of Dysporous serrator only differs by 1-|- lines in length, from that of 

 Sula alba of Europe ; whilst similar chalky encrustations may be found on 

 either specimen. 



No. 1. — Falco Nov/E Zelandi.e, Gml. 

 Ka rewa rewa-tara. 

 Quail-hawk. 



In New Zealand, the courageous family of the Raptores is very feebly 

 represented, the honourable post, of head of the family must fairly be assigned 

 to this bird, which is commonly known by the name of the Quail or Sparrow- 

 hawk ; " the hardy Sperhauke eke the Quales foe," as Chaucer has it. This 

 bold little Falcon, which, a few years since, was so frequently seen, is now of 

 comparatively rare occurrence. How seldom do we now hear that wild 

 chattering scream, which gave notice of its approach, and spread alarm amongst 

 the denizens of the poultry yard. Many instances might be cited of its daring 

 courage and perseverance in pursuit of its j^rey, such as dashing into houses, 

 penetrating to an inner room, striking its quarry, and clinging to it till 

 ruthlessly knocked over with a stick. Years ago, when Quail shooting, how 

 we have been troubled by the assiduous attendance of this bird, and have shot 

 this dauntless fowler almost in the act of swooping off" our game. We have 

 noticed the female, with a Tui trussed in her talons, which she carried a 

 considerable distance without a rest, when the male soared boldly in company, 

 and kept watch and ward over his well-laden helpmate. 



At present it is in the "back country " only, that we can hope to find its 

 breeding-place, which is usually on a ledge of rock commanding a prospect over 

 some extent of country. Such an out-look gives an advantage of no little value, 

 of which the Falcon is not slow to avail itself, should such a bird as a Tui or 

 Pigeon appear in sight. 



Several of the breeding-places, which we have had opportunities of 

 examining, have presented, in a remarkable degree, very similar conditions as 

 regards situation. Amongst bold rocks on the mountain side, somewhat 

 sheltered by a projecting or overhanging mass, appears to be the favourite 

 site for rearing its young. The eggs very closely resemble those of Falco 

 peregrinus of Europe, in colour, size, and shape, usually three in number, are 

 deposited on any decayed vegetable matter, that wind or rain may have 

 collected on the rocky ledge, for the efforts of this bird in the way of nest 

 building are of the feeblest description. The eggs are of a rich reddish-brown, 

 mottled over with darker shades of brown, sometimes the ground-colour is 

 pale reddish-white, less suffused with the darker colour at the smaller end, 

 broadly oval in shape, they measure 2 inches in length, with a diameter of 

 1 inch 6 lines. Some eggs taken from a range near the head-waters of the 

 Rakaia, give measurements somewhat less than the above, with a yellowish, in 

 place of reddish-brown colour. Young birds are covered with grey down at 

 first, and assume a plumage of dark brown above, with breast of rufous-white 

 spotted with brown, thighs slightly rufous. October, November, and 

 December is the principal breeding season, and the localities we have noted for 

 the eyries, are rocks near Cass's Peak, Governor's Bay, Malvern Hills, River 

 Potts, Mount Harper, etc. 



Notes. — Oct. 10 — Young Quail-hawks, near the home paddocks on the 

 Rangitata River. 



Nov. 8 — Above the upper gorge of the Ashburton or Haketere River, 

 found a nesting-place on the bare soil, sheltered by a large isolated rock ; two 

 young birds, covered with grey down, old birds very bold in defence of their 

 young. 



I 



