77 



unfrequently met with in that neighbourhood. On Oct. 5, we saw a specimen 

 that permitted a tolerably close inspection, this was on the track across the 

 plains, within two miles of the place where those were observed last year ; we 

 have examined a beautiful specimen that was procured in that district. Is it 

 probable that a marked variety will be established 1 Birds of this species that 

 have been rescued from hawks have been so completely prostrated by terror 

 that for some time they have been wholly incapable of flight, on being gently 

 tossed in the air falling helpless to the ground. It is very sociable in some of 

 its habits ; we have counted seven or eight bathing together in a creek ; it is 

 usually observed in scattered companies. 



No. 35. — ZOSTEROPS LATERALIS, Lath. 



(See also Vol. ii., p. 61.) 



It was suggested in my previous notes on this species, that possibly the 

 sweet song of this bird was peculiar to pairing time ; closer observation proves 

 it may be heard through ten months of the year ; we have noted the singing 

 of the Zosterojys from the 17th of August till quite in the autumn (May 4th). 

 Sep. 20. — Crowds of Blight Birds in bushes of the Pittosporum Colensoi, 

 busUy employed about the woody capsules, picking off the gluten in which the 

 seeds are embedded. The fruit of one of the native mistletoes, Loranthus 

 micranthus, is a favourite food. The nest figured on Plate XII. was suspended 

 to a Fteris aquilina, on a slope not far from the sea ; it bore a strilcing 

 resemblance to a swinging cot or hammock. 



The Zosterops can be tamed without much difficulty ; we know of an 

 instance in which one of these cheerful little birds had been tamed so thoroughly 

 that it keeps about the room, hopping about the table, and taking honey from 

 the lips of one of the younger membei'S of the hoixsehold. 



No. 37. — Rhipidura flabellifera, Gml. 

 (See also Vol. ii., p. 63.) 



To the quiet observer of the habits of our bird-friends, but few sights can 

 afford more gratification than watching the patient industry which is displayed, 

 by the very energetic and useful Flycatcher, in the construction of its compactly- 

 formed nest. The admirable instinct disclosed in the selection of the site has been 

 already referred to, in the last volume. The nest is to be found near its food 

 supply (for the young will make incessant demands on the exertions of the parent 

 birds), and it seeks a sheltered position where insects "most do congregate ;" it 

 must at the same time afford " ample room and verge enough " for the num- 

 berless evolutions to be performed by the rapid fluttering of two pairs of most 

 active wings, which are soon to be constantly fanning the lazy air. To meet 

 these indispensable requii'ements, the security offered by the densely tangled 

 thicket is most commonly neglected for tlie retirement that is to be foxmd 



