Notes upon some Rare New Zealand Birds. 63 
XII—Notes upon some Rare New Zealand Birds, and Exhibition 
of Skins, Skeletons and Eggs. By Symington Grieve. 
(Received 25th March 1913. Read 24th March 1913.) 
THE Kiwis are perhaps the most interesting group of birds to ornithologists, 
and, as there is a danger that the species may become extinct, it is desirable 
that every scrap of information about them, and their habits, should be 
put on record. 
Perhaps Apteryx haasti, of which specimens are on the table, is now 
extinct, and, if not, it is upon the verge of extinction, When I was in 
New Zealand in 1889, it was the impression among a number of naturalists 
that only one skin was known and that was in the Museum of Natural 
History at Dunedin. I was always doubtful as to whether such information 
was correct, and I believe one or more specimens of Apteryx haasti were to 
be seen in the fine collection of New Zealand birds in the museum at 
Canterbury, even at that time. The mistake probably arose through a 
confusion in the nomenclature, as the name by which I heard these birds 
called was Apteryx grandis, which I understand has been identified as the 
same as Apteryx haasti, the latter being the name by which it is now 
known. : 
It appears it is limited to a comparatively small area in the South 
Island, while its smaller congener, the Apteryx oweni, has a wider dis- 
tribution and is much less rare. 
However, all these birds are now great rarities, and, owing to the 
necessary restrictions put upon their capture by the New Zealand 
Government, it is most difficult to obtain specimens. 
I may say at once, that in acquiring these specimens it was for no 
private purpose ; but with the object of enriching a public scientific collection 
in Scotland. They have now been presented, along with a number of 
other New Zealand birds, to the Royal Scottish Museum of this city. I 
hope before long they will be suitably mounted and be on exhibition in 
approximately natural surroundings. 
It is questionable if we have heard the last about the naming of the 
various Kiwis. However, the following may now be considered as accepted 
names, which are likely to continue to be recognised by scientists :— 
Apteryx haasti from South Island, Apteryx australis from the South 
Island and Stewart Island, Apteryx mantelli from the North Island, and 
Apteryx owen from both the North and South Islands, with a variety of 
A. owen named by Rothschild A, occidentalis. 
