3 
^ endowed, but I have often heard two or more Kokakos, each in a different key, sounding 
b b t 01 ^ an ' notes rapturous effect; and it is well worth a night’s discomfort in the 
e awakened at dawn by this rare forest music. I never hear it without being reminded of 
a ei °n s saymg of the pretty snow-white Campanero, that “ Actseon would stop in mid-chase, and 
j p eus nmself would drop his lute” to listen to its toll. Another of its notes may be described as 
a ou cackle, while others, again, are scarcely distinguishable from those of the Tui, resembling the 
so t tolling of a distant bell ; but it is only in the early morning that they can be heard to perfection. 
ias another note, which is very much like the mewing of a cat; but this is only occasionally heard, 
anc then immediately before rain, indicating, it would seem, a highly sensitive nature. 
In the pairing-season the male bird loves to display himself before the other sex, arching his 
neck, spreading his wings, and dancing round the mate of his choice in a very ludicrous manner. 
icy manifest much mutual attachment, and often continue to associate in pairs long after the cares 
of reproduction have been got rid of and the brood of young ones have grown up and dispersed 
This species subsists chiefly on small fruits and berries, but, like all the members of the family 
to which it belongs, it will readily partake of insect food of every kind. I have sometimes found its 
crop distended with the ripe pulpy seed of the tataramoa (Tlulms australis), or with the berries of the 
kaiwiria ( Parsoma albiflora) and kareao ( Rhipogonum scandens) ; and it is said to feed also on the 
leaves of the thistle and wild cabbage. The branch depicted in the Plate is that of the native 
fuchsia, or kohutuhutu, the fruit of which forms a part of its favourite diet. When feeding it often 
uses its feet, after the manner of a parrot. 
Its wings are small and rounded, and its flight is consequently feeble and generally limited to 
very short distances. Its progression through the forest is usually performed by a succession of hops, 
the wings and tail being partially spread— a movement precisely similar to that of the Huia (Hetera- 
locha acutirostris). v 
I he stomach of this species consists of a very muscular sac, with a tough epithelial lining or integu- 
ment which peels off readily on being pulled, as with the fruit-eating Pigeons and some other birds 
Ihe plumage is beautifully soft and silky, owing to the peculiar texture of the feathers. The wattles 
are smooth and somewhat glossy, but their rich cerulean colour gradually fades out after death. 
In disposition the Kokako inherits the true characteristics of the Crow family, being inquisitive, 
s ly, an cia ty. I purchased a live one from the Otaki natives in the winter of 1862, and as it shared 
my apartments for nearly a week (much to the discomfiture of my excellent landlady), I had a good 
opportunity of studying its habits and character. I was often much amused with the tricky manoeuvres 
of this sprightly bird, and I regretted the accident which deprived me of so intelligent a companion. 
It generally remained concealed under a side table in a dark corner of the room ; but in cold weather 
was accustomed to steal quietly to the inside of the fender, in order to get warmth from the fire. My 
presence had become familiar to it, but on the entrance of a stranger it would immediately spring out 
and hop away to its dark retreat under the corner table. 
The biid represented in the Plate is one of a pair shot on the Poroporo ranges during the Huia- 
hunting expedition of which an account is given further on. They were found perched in the midst 
of a supeib bunch of puawhananga ( Clematis indivisa), and feeding with avidity on the white petals, 
stopping at intervals to coy with each other and converse in a low musical twitter. The mated pair, 
with their unique floral surrounding, formed a lovely picture of real nature. 
On dissecting the male, I found the whole of the viscera and even the membrane and skin covering 
it stained to a vivid blue ; and on opening the stomach, I found it crammed with comminuted vegetable 
mattei of a perfectly black colour. On examining some of this matter after washing it in cold water, 
I found that it was in reality composed of Clematis-^ owers, the change in colour being apparently due 
to the action of some acid in the bird’s stomach. 
Mr. Beischek found a nest of this species in a bunch of Astelia, the birds having simply made a 
B 2 
