616 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
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 white. 
Fam. Corvidae . — The kokako, or New Zealand crow, is 
about the size of a small pullet, with long legs, and remarkably 
short wings, its eye is of a lavender color, the head is very 
small ; it has a strong black beak a little curved, and a 
small brilliant light-blue flap hanging down on each side the 
ear ; it is a sly bird, very thievish, and timid ; the flesh is 
bitter, but when skinned and steeped in water a short time 
previous to cooking, it becomes more palatable. 
Fam. Sturnidce. — Tieki , (creadion carunculatus.) This is 
a beautiful black bird, with a chesnut band across the back 
and wings ; it has also a fleshy lappet on either side the head; 
the tieki is considered a bird of omen, if one flies on the right 
side it is a good sign, if on the left a bad one. 
Aplonis Zelandicus and A. Obscurus. Fam. Fringittidoe . — 
Pihoihoi, wioi , kataitai, ( alauda , Novae Zeal:) This little bird 
is very similar to the ground lark, but has no song ; it is of 
a grey color, the breast white, with grey spots, makes its nest 
on the ground, and greatly resembles its English namesake. 
Fam. P sittaeidoe. has seven or more representatives. The 
kaka ( nestor meridionalis) . Its general color is a dark brown, 
with a reddish shade, the breast is also red and brown, 
with bright red feathers under the wings, the bill is very 
large and curved ; the cry is remarkably strong and harsh, 
when the other birds hold their morning concert, the kaka 
generally puts a stop to it with his harsh shrill note, when 
he thinks they have sung enough, it has a fine black eye, 
this is a large bird, easily tamed, and taught to speak ; the 
natives make mokai or pets of them, and generally use them 
to decoy wild ones ; this bird is eaten, but is very dry, 
and, excepting the breast, rather strongly flavored; it makes 
its nest in holes of trees, and lays two, four, and some- 
times seven eggs ; generally, three of these birds are found 
in the same hole, a male and two females ; and their nests 
are so close, that either bird can cover the eggs of her neigh- 
bour, and thus gives her leave of absence ; the natives have 
