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APTERYX AUSTRALIS. Shaw. 
Native Name, “KIWI." 
Apteryx australis. — Shaw, Nat. Misc., Vat XNIV. pis. 1,057, 1,058; also Gen. Zool., Vol. XIII. pi. 71. Less., Tiaite 
d Orn., p. 12. — Cuv., Regne Anim., I. I. p, 498. — Gould, Birds of Australia, \ ol. VI. pi. 2, Rowley, Oinith. 
Misc., Vol. I. pi. 4 (j uv.). — Yarrell, Trans.' Zool. Soc„ Vol. I. p. 71. — Owen, Art. Aves, Cycl. of An at. and 
Phys,, Vol. I. 1836, p. 269; Trans. Zool. Soc., Vol. II. p. 257. — Ibis, (1862,) pp. 104, 233; (1870,) p. 5 W 
(t 872,) pp. 35, 36, 414, 448; (1873,) pp. 447, 482; (1874,) p. 215; ( 1 S 7 5 ,) pp. 261, 294. 
TN the far-off islands of New Zealand there exists a family of birds known as the Apterygidcz, which are the smallest 
living representatives of the so-called “wingless’ birds, most oi which are now no longer in existence. Four species 
are known at the present time, and it is claimed that a fifth, larger than any as yet described, inhabits the mountains ol the 
interior; but no specimen of the latter has as yet been taken, although I have lately received a gigantic bird of this family 
which may be the much sought after A. maxima. For our first information concerning the present species, we are indebted 
to Dr. Shaw, who obtained his specimen from Capt. Barclay, ol the ship “ Providence,’ who brought it from New Zealand 
about the year 1812. After his death, his then unique specimen passed into the possession of the Earl of Derby. 
Owing to the energetic efforts of naturalists in later years, we have been able to obtain some information of its economy 
and habits. It apparently has an aversion to sunlight, and keeps concealed in the thick undergrowth during the daytime; 
but as soon as it is fairly dark, it wanders forth in search of lood, probing the ground with its long bill for worms, which 
appear to be its principal food. Generally, a number of these birds arc found together, and, it is claimed, utter harsh cries 
during their nocturnal expeditions. 
Gould states that the favorite localities of this bird are those covered with extensive and dense beds ol fern. He says: 
“When hard pressed by dogs, the usual mode of chasing it, it takes refuge in crevices of the rocks, hollow trees, and in the 
deep holes which it excavates in the ground in the form of a chamber. In these latter situations, it is said to construct its 
nest of dried fern and grasses.” 
Mr. Short, in a letter to Mr. Yarrell (Glds. Bds. Austr.), says : “While undisturbed, the head is carried far back on 
the shoulders, with the bill pointing to the ground; but when pursued, it runs with great swiftness, carrying the head 
elevated like the Ostrich. It is asserted to be almost exclusively nocturnal in its habits, and it is by torchlight that it is 
usually hunted by the natives, by whom it is sought alter with the utmost avidity, the skins being highly prized lor the 
dresses of tlie chiefs; indeed, so much are they valued, that the natives can rarely be induced to part with them. 1 he 
feathers are also employed to construct artificial flies for the capture ol fish, precisely after the European manner. When 
attacked, it defends itself very vigorously, striking rapid and dangerous blows with its powerful feet and sharp spur, with 
which it is also said to beat the ground in order to disturb the worms upon which it feeds, seizing them with its bill 
the instant they make their appearance.” 
Mr. Potts writes (Trans. New Zealand Inst., Vol. II. p. 66, 1869): “An egg received at the Canterbury Museum from 
Olcarito, or its neighborhood, is believed to be an undoubted specimen of this species. It arrived in a fresh state in 
November. It Is white, much blunted at each end, and presented a very smooth surface. 1 his enormous egg gives the 
following measurements: Through the apis, 5 inches 1 line, with a breadth of 3 inches 4 lines.” 
