142 Transactions. — Zoology. 



may we have regard to the difference of size which specimens of either sex 

 very often present. 



Near the Ashburton one of the writer's sons, Geoffrey Potts, saw a large 

 weka iOcydromus) successfully attacked by a Quail-hawk. Noticing the 

 swoop of the Falcon, he rode up in time to pick np the weka at its last gasp ; 

 the fatal stroke had been dealt on the head and neck, from which a few 

 feathers only had been displaced. 



This ha,wk displays much dexterity in cutting off a single bird from a 

 flock, whether of pigeons, kakas, or parroquets. The pursuit of each species 

 seems to require the bird to call in aid some special method of attack ; the 

 chase after the noisy, screaming kaka, so often turning in its laboured flight 

 to ward off the impending stroke, differing from that after the silent, strong- 

 winged pigeon, as much, perhaps, as either varies from the pursuit of the 

 parroqiiet. Perhaps the Quail-hawk shows nicety of calculation of the 

 requisite force of its stroke, combined with the greatest neatness of execution, 

 in surprising a king-fisher whilst perched on a telegraph wire. 



We have known the newly-settled Australian magpie (Gymnorhina) 

 defend itself successfully by throwing itself on its back, striking out with 

 beak and claws, and shrieking most wildly. 



No. A. 1. — Falco ferox, Peale. 

 Sparrow-hawk. 



"We have the egg of this bird from the Paringa River, Westland. 



A nest was found up the Ashburton Gorge, on the bare ground, sheltered 

 by a snow-grass tussock. It contained one egg partially incubated. One of 

 the old birds was knocked over with a stone, and the flesh of the broken wing 

 was found to be infested with parasitic worms. 



December 28. — Found young birds up the Lawrence River able to fly 

 some hundred yards or so. They were most stoutly defended by the pai'ent 

 birds acting in concert. With almost ceaseless swoops and with noisy screams 

 they tried to stay our intruding steps. The young had been fed on larks 

 \Anthus). 



The domestic pigeon affords a fine chase for this Falcon ; every nerve and 

 muscle is strained to the utmost in the flight, the efforts of the pigeon being 

 directed to prevent the Hawk from getting the air of it, whilst the pursuer 

 dashes on regardless of everything bvit the quarry. Although the pigeon often 

 saves its life for a time by dropping into cover, yet in the end the Hawk 

 almost always gets the wearied pigeon. 



We have known the Sparrow-hawk in the month of June (winter) pursue 

 its prey early in the morning by the light of the waning moon. 



We have approached close to the bird after a chase, and have noticed that 



