BIRDS. 



443 



As I mentioned elsewhere, this bird is allied, at least in analogy 

 to Upupa, it has its precise habit of flight and a good deal of its 

 habits in looking for food, although the Hoopoe pokes about in the 

 ground, or rather hammers the ground alone. It is however fond of 

 building in holes of walls, it breeds at Punukka, in April. 



I observed, and shot a weasel, or a mungoose to-day, whilst it 

 was employed feeding on the cast away skin of a goat or sheep, so 

 that some of these creatures evidently feed occasionally on carrion, 

 although they are said to live upon live prey. 



