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



65



had been common, and since then in spite of annual liberations, closed

.areas, and limited “ bags ” in the shooting season, they have never

recovered.


In New Zealand only cock Pheasants are shot, the hens being pro¬

tected by law. I very much doubt if this policy is altogether wise, as

in many districts there are far too many hens for the number of cocks,

the result being very poor broods of young. And I know of one definite

instance where an old matron, presumably well past the breeding age,

wilfully destroyed the eggs of a more fortunate lady.


Judging by the contents of the various pheasants I have examined,

insects appear to be their principal food, especially grass-grub, grass¬

hoppers, crickets, and, in a lesser degree, wood-lice. Of the wild fruits,

blackberry and cape gooseberry seem to be the most sought after.


One curious trait I found with the Pheasants in New Zealand, they

.almost invariably roost on the ground ! The reason for this I cannot

ascertain.


The Grey Duck, which is the commonest native duck, inhabits the

larger areas of water during the non-breeding season. Consequently

those interested in shooting clamoured for a bird that would dwell

all the year round in any little creek or stream. In due course the

Mallard was introduced as the answer to their prayer.


It is with some hesitation I include the Mallard in the present

article as its establishment is something of a joke on the one hand and

a tragedy on the other. Within a fortnight of their liberation in the

Auckland Province almost every bird was feeding in somebody’s back¬

yard. They were caught up and again released. But they resolutely

refused to be turned out into the hard, cold world when there was food

in plenty in the nearest fowl-yard.


However, at last some evidently lost themselves and became

established in the wild state but, although they were not averse to the

little creeks and streams during the breeding season, they agreed with

the native Greys that the larger waters were much more desirable

during the shooting season. In fact, so closely did they adopt the

habits of the Grey that the two have now commenced to hybridize

and, if the powers that be continue to liberate Mallards, New Zealand

lakes are likely to be populated with a race of mongrels.



