S. D. Potter—Some British Birds in New Zealand



63



Two-third of the successful species hail from Britain but actually

some of these are decidedly rare and local.


The Cirl Bunting, for instance, had not been recorded for some

years until in 1934 an unblown egg was handed to me, which undoubtedly

belonged to this species. The Bullfinch and Linnet after a decided

increase have now practically disappeared. In fact, the former is

probably extinct. The Bedpoll is now making rapid strides and like

the Hedge Sparrow slowly but surely extending its range northward.


The Starling has multiplied at a phenomenal rate and is now un¬

doubtedly the commonest bird in Hew Zealand to-day. This increase

is all the more remarkable when we consider the acute housing problem

of this bird. With few exceptions colonial dwellings do not provide

nesting sites for birds, neither are there old ruins, suitable cliff faces,

or a plentiful supply of old timber in the cleared areas where the Starling

abounds.


In rural districts we find that rabbit-burrows, especially those in

banks or roadside cuttings, are the most favoured sites, closely followed

by rural mail-boxes. Even those adorned with a loose flap over the

slot are not proof against the Starling when he is house-hunting. He

just lifts up the flap and hops in. To come out he has only to push

against it.


I once discovered a nest in a thick box-thorn hedge. It is an untidy

and loosely constructed affair which was only held together by the

density of the surrounding twigs. However, a brood of. youngsters

was safely reared therein. It would be interesting to know if the

Starling has been forced to adopt an “ open ” nest in Britain.


With most farmers the Starling is considered a friend. It haunts

areas where the grass-grub is prevalent and also devours the cattle-tick.

In orchard districts, however, he is becoming a nuisance and before

very long the vast numbers of this bird may become a serious problem.


Once the breeding season is over it is a wonderful sight to see huge

armies of Starlings winging their way across the sunset sky to a common

roost. There used to be (and may still be) one of these favoured

spots near Arapuni where flock after flock would arrive calling as they

alighted, while those already there joined in until one had to shout

to be heard above the din.



