BIRDS 
3G 
TiakU or Purourou — This elegant bird is about 
tlie size of the sky-lark ; and its plumage, for which 
it is remarkable, is of a glossy black ; except the 
outer feathers on the back and wings, which are 
of a deep dusky red, and give it a peculiar ap- 
pearance. Its legs are strong and black ; and its 
beak like that of the starling. It feeds on worms 
and berries ; is very rapid in its motions ; ex- 
ceedingly restless, hopping from twig to twig; 
and scarcely ever ceasing to make a clucking 
noise, similar to the single call of a hen to her 
chickens. It lays seven purely white eggs, in a 
compact nest, in the lower branches oftheTotara- 
tree. Its flesh is delicate. 
Nfjirungiru — This bird lays its eggs in the holes 
of trees : they are spotted with brown, on a white 
ground. Its food is small flies, and insects which 
crawl and feed upon the trees. It is a very small 
bird, not larger than the tom-tit : its plumage is 
black and white, having a white breast, and some 
of the near feathers of each wing tinged with 
wliite. It has yellow feet, and a short round 
black beak. Its voice is shrill ; not very pleasant 
when heard alone, but assists in the general and 
harmonious concert of the woods. 
Toutouwai — This bird is nearly the size of the 
sparrow; a little more round in its figure, but 
about the same length. It has a short strong 
beak, dark eye, and a short straight tail : its fea- 
thers are dark, tinged with white about the breast 
and tail, with small light-coloured downy feathers 
