﻿W. T. L. Tbavers. — On the Habits of Sortie Neio Zealand Birds. 20!:> 



as I believe, to tlie sea coast for that purpose. During their sojoiirn at the 

 lake, they roost on some large dead tree on its margin. 



I have fully noted the habits of the Crested Grebe (so far as I have been 

 able to observe them) in the third volume of the Transactions of the New- 

 Zealand Institute. 



The Black-billed Gull breeds on the main river-bed, and one or more pairs 

 usually frequent the lake after the breeding season is over. On one occasion 

 a pair of these birds, having by some means or other lost their own brood, 

 returned to the lake earlier than usual. I brought up a young bird belonging 

 to another brood, and placed it on the lake, and the bereaved parents at once 

 took to it, tending it with the greatest care and solicitude. It is extremely 

 interesting to watch these birds in their ordinary search for food during windy 

 weather. The prevalent winds blow either up or down the lake, and when 

 seeking food the birds soar against the wind along the margin of the lake on 

 one side, until they reach its extremity, when they at once turn and run down 

 before the wind to the other end, from whence they again recommence their 

 soaring flight. But the most singular circximstance is, that in the main valley 

 they pursue various species of moths, which occur in large numbers amongst 

 the tussock grasses, and especially in sedgy patches occupied by standing 

 water. I could not for some time make out the object of their peculiar flight, 

 but a friend of mine (Mr. R. W. Fereday, of Christchurch), who was lately on 

 on a visit with with me for the purpose of collecting the Leindoptera of the 

 district, whilst pursuing a large moth, observed one of these gulls swoop at 

 and capture it. We then noticed that some five or six of the birds were 

 busily engaged in feeding on the moths, pursuing them very much as other 

 insectivorous birds would do. The birds which frequent the lake become very 

 tame, one pair in particular readily taking a worm from my outstretched hand, 

 and constantly coming close to the house for food. Nothing can exceed the 

 pureness and delicacy of their plumage when in full feather. It is doubtful 

 whether this kind ever visits the sea-coast. 



The' Pied and Black Oyster-catchers, and Pied and Black Stilts, all occur on 

 the main river beds ; but it seems to be doubtful whether the entirely black 

 birds in each case belong to difierent species, or merely represent different con- 

 ditions of plumage. Upon this point I am at present unable to offer any 

 opinion. Their habits are precisely similar to those of cognate species in 

 Europe and elsewhere. 



The habits of the Kaka are in many respects remai"kable. In its absolutely 

 wild state it is fearless and inquisitive. I have often, whilst resting on the 

 banks of a stream which falls into the lake and runs thi'ough forest frequented 

 by these birds, seen several of them gravely take post upon some tree close to 

 me, eying me with the utmost apparent curiosity, and chattering to themselves. 



