Var. Individuals exhibit the usual variation in the details of their markings. A young example from the Bay 
of Islands, which I had the opportunity of examining, was peculiar in being largely marked with pale fawn- 
colour on the throat, breast, and abdomen, the lower part of the body being entirely of that colour. 
A beautiful adult male specimen, from the Seventy-mile Bush, which came into my possession alive, 
differed slightly in its dimensions from that described above. Total length 15" 5 inches; extent of wings 
27'25 ; wing, from flexure, 9'5 ; tail 6 - 5. Another, from Wainuiomata, measured 16 inches in length; 
28‘5 in extent ; tail 7. 
Obs. This species closely resembles Harpa nova zealandia, but is decidedly smaller, and has more slender 
legs and claws ; otherwise it would perhaps be impossible to distinguish the two birds. 
Although not so common as it formerly was, the Bush-Hawk is more frequently met with than its 
congener. The high wooded lands of the interior appear to constitute its favourite haunts ; and on 
the southern mountain-ranges of the North Island, as well as in the subalpine woods of the Canter- 
bury provincial district, I have found it comparatively abundant. The skin of a Hawk from Mac- 
quarie Island, sent to me by Mr. Bourne of the Otago Museum, proved on examination to be identical 
with this species. 
It is a spirited little hunter, and subsists by the chase, its food consisting principally of mice and 
small birds. During the breeding-season it is more than usually bold and fearless, assailing with fury 
all intruders upon its nest or young. Some remarkable instances of its courage are mentioned by the 
late Sir J. von Ilaast in his interesting ‘ J ournal of Explorations in the Nelson Province ’ *. 
“ One day,” says this traveller, “ walking along near the margin of the forest in Camp Valley, 
my hat was suddenly knocked olf my head, and at the same time I heard a shrill cry. On looking 
up, I found it was one of these courageous little Sparrow-Hawks that had attacked me, and which, 
after sitting for a moment or two on a branch, again pounced on me ; and, although I had a long 
compass-stick in my hand, with which I tried to knock it down, it repeated its attack several times. 
.... We met with another instance of the courage of these birds in the Matakitaki Plains. A 
White Crane, of large size, standing in the water, was attacked by three of them at once ; and they 
made frequent and well-concerted charges upon him from different quarters. It was admirable to 
behold the Kotuku (White Crane) with his head laid back, darting his pointed beak at his foes with 
the swiftness of an arrow, while they, with the utmost agility, avoided the spear of their strong 
adversary, whom at last they were fain to leave unmolested. Another day, in the same neighbourhood, 
a Cormorant ( Graculus varius) passing near a tree on which two of these Sparrow-Hawks were sitting, 
was pounced upon by them and put to hasty flight with a shrill cry of terror, followed closely by his 
small but fierce foes ; and all three were soon out of sight.” 
The ordinary flight of this Hawk is direct and rapid ; but it may sometimes be seen soaring high 
in the air, with the wings almost motionless and the tail spread into a broad fan. On the wing it 
often utters a prolonged petulant scream. This is the signal for a general outcry among the small 
birds within hearing ; and the Tui and Korimako will often rise in large flights and follow him into 
the air. But the little Hawk, heeding not their menaces, pursues his course, and the excitement 
among the feathered fraternity gradually subsides till all is quiet again. The appearance of an Owl 
in the daytime produces a similar commotion among the small birds of the forest ; and I have often 
been guided to the hiding-place of the unfortunate “Morepork” by the clamour of the persecuting mob. 
Besides the prolonged shrill note which is generally uttered on the wing, this species has also 
a low peevish cry, exactly like the squealing of a young pig, which is peculiar, I believe, to the 
breeding-season. 
* Report of a Topographical and Geological Exploration of the Western Districts of the Nelson Province, New Zealand, 
undertaken by the Provincial Government. Nelson : 1861. 
