57 



Dr. Hector found these birds rather plentiful in the snow-mountains of the Otago Province, 

 and so tame that it was easy to knock them over with a stone or other missile. On the level 

 ground their mode of locomotion is similar to that of the Kaka, consisting of a hopping rather than 

 a walking movement. In addition to the mewing cry noticed by Mr. Potts, the Kea utters a short 

 whistle, a chuckle, and a suppressed scream, scarcely distinguishable from the notes of the Kaka 

 (Nestor meridionalis). Although, as already shown, very easily captured, it is difficult to detain 

 this bird against its will. My brother, Mr. John Buller, during his residence in the back 

 Mackenzie country, obtained, at various times, no less than eight live specimens for me ; but in 

 every instance they managed to escape, either by eating their way out of the wooden cage, or in 

 some other, unaccountable manner, before reaching their destination. It is to be hoped, however, 

 that some one, having the opportunity, will yet succeed in obtaining a pair of live ones for the 

 Zoological Society's Gardens, where they would certainly receive all the attention and study that 

 so singular a bird deserves. 



Nothing is known of the breeding-habits of this species, although, judging from its general 

 economy, it may be safely inferred that it nests in the crevices and crannies of the rocks in its 

 wild alpine haunts. 



