17 
and upper tail-coverts varied more or less ■with black, many of the feathers being blotched and all of them 
tipped with that colour ; the white alar bar very narrow and inconspicuous ; the wing-coverts and inter- 
scapulars narrowly edged with fulvous brown j and the plumage of tlie upper surface without any sheen or 
g OSS. Bill reddish yellow, darker at the base ; legs and feet pale red. 
Covered with down of a greyish-buff colour, varied on the upper parts with black ; there is a broad streak 
of black on the crown, another on each wing and thigh, and a series of large square spots down the middle 
of the back, tinged with red at the base ; hill and feet dull brown. 
ino. Major Mair informs me that he saw a pure albino of this species on the ocean-beach at Opotiki. The 
whole^ of the plumage was of snowy whiteness, and the irides, hill, and feet bright red. He observed this 
eautiful bird on several occasions, but failed in all his efforts to secure it. 
rni ^ 
s ne species, which closely resembles the European Oyster-catcher (II. ostralegus), is generally 
perse over the southern coast of Australia, and is particularly abundant in Tasmania and among 
^ 0 islands in Bass Strait. It likewise occurs all round the New-Zealand coasts; but although a 
ew may be met with on every stretch of sandy beach, it is nowhere very abundant. Occasionally 
w’th parties of six or more, but more generally in pairs, and sometimes in association 
th Oyster-catcher, which is a far more common bird in the middle and southern portions 
e colony. I have counted as many as nineteen consorting together at one time, of which number 
^ y six belonged to this species. They are occasionally met with in the Hot-lakes District of the 
ort Island, wading about in the warm water and capturing small prey. Like its European 
prototype, it subsists on small mollusks and crustaceans, for securing which its long wedge-shaped 
mandibles are peculiarly adapted. Notwithstanding its ungainly form, the strongly contrasted black 
anc white of its plumage and the bright red of its bill and feet render it an attractive object on the 
smooth sandy beach, where it may be observed sedately reposing on one leg, or nimbly running to and 
^lo in search of its prey left exposed on the beach by the receding tide. During the nuptial season, 
^ curious to watch the male bird paying his addresses to the mate of his choice : elevating his back 
lowering his bill till it nearly touches the ground, he struts or runs round her with a loud 
quivering note, no doubt expressive of his undying attachment ; and when there are two rival males 
^ us performing in concentric circles before the same shrine of devotion, it is amusing to observe with 
rivd indifference the object of this demonstration appears to receive the attentions of her 
^ a suitois. When once, however, her affections are secured, she appears to remain faithful to her 
its together, if not for life, certainly long after the breeding-season, with all 
^ ares, has passed by. Even when consorting together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each 
P seems to maintain its individuality ; and when at rest on the sands the party may be seen 
ispose in couples, at short distances apart fr om the rest. 
bask in the sun, squatting close to the ground ; and when disturbed by the presence 
di t ^^^Q'^i^ting object, instead of immediately taking wing they habitually run some 
ce along the sands. On being disturbed at night they take to the shallow water for safety. 
^ of this species is rapid ; and on the wing it repeatedly emits a shrill whistling cry. 
drift open sandy spits, or in the dry river-beds, forming its nest among the small 
its ew other debris of the sea, or rather selecting a suitable depression in which to deposit 
hrown of _ "dually three in number, ovoid, measuring 2-5 inches by 1-5, and pale yellowish 
brown ^ marked over the entire surface with rounded spots and blotches of blackish 
ts on a which are paler markings of purplish brown. Sometimes, however, the nesting-place 
immediatT ^ ^ couple of miles or more from the sea-shore. The young are able to run 
among the st^^ h^hting the shell ; but on tire approach of danger they secrete themselves by squatting 
cunnina- 1 which their colour closely assimilates, while the parent birds resort to various 
g evices for drawing away the intruder. 
> on. u. 
