94 
PARROTS. 
islands, and is the species represented in our coloured Plate is a rather smaller bird, 
readily distinguished by the presence of a red tinge on the abdomen and under 
wing-coverts, as well as by a wash of golden-yellow on the ear-coverts. It is 
subject to a considerable amount of local variation. Still smaller, although with a 
longer beak, is the extinct Phillip Island parrot ( N '. productu-s), of which a 
figure is given on p. 95. This bird attained a length of about 15 inches, and was 
distinguished by the broad yellowish white band across the chest. Also extinct, 
the Norfolk Island parrot (A. norfolcensis), the smallest of the group, was 
distinguished from the Phillip Island species by the high curvature and length of 
the bill, which measured 3J inches, and by the absence of a dark bar on the tail. 
Confininp: our attention to the New Zealand representatives of 
Habits ° 
the genus, it may be observed in the first place that the brush-like 
extremity of the tongue of these birds indicates flower-sucking habits. They are 
generally found in mountain regions, the kea ascending to elevations of some six 
thousand feet. The kaka is an eminently social bird, and by far the noisiest of the 
denizens of the woods of its native islands. “ Being seminocturnal in its habits,” 
writes Sir W. Buller, “ it generally remains quiet and concealed during the heat of 
the day. If, however, the sportsman should happen to find a stray one, and to 
wound instead of killing it, its cries of distress will immediately raise the whole 
fraternity from their slumbers, and all the kakas within hearing will come to the 
rescue, and make the forest echo with their discordant cries. Unless, however, 
disturbed by some exciting cause of this sort, they remain in close cover till the 
approach of the cooler hours. Then they come forth with noisy clamour, and may 
be seen, far above the tree-tops, winging their way to some feeding-place; or they 
may be observed climbing up the rough vine-clad boles of the trees, freely using 
their powerful mandibles, and assuming eveiy variety of attitude, or diligently 
tearing open the dead roots of the close epiphytic vegetation in their eager search 
for insects and their larvae. In the spring and summer, when the woods are full 
of wild blossom and berry, these birds have a prodigality of food, and may be seen 
alternately filling their crops with a variety of juicy berries, or sucking nectar 
from the crimson flowers of the rata ( Metrosideros ) by means of their brush-fringed 
tongues. With the earliest streaks of dawn, and while the underwoods are still 
wrapped in darkness, the wild cry of this bird breaks upon the ear with strange 
effect.” It is from the oft-repeated cry of kaka-kaka, that the bird derives its 
name. In dull weather kakas may often be seen abroad in the daytime, while 
occasionally flocks may be observed sweeping across a forest glade in the full 
sunlight. In spite of their slow and measured flight, these birds periodically migrate 
from one part of the country to another, generally travelling in parties of three or 
more, and frequently stopping to rest on the bare boughs of some dead forest tree. 
During the pairing-season the male and female are constantly in each other’s 
company, flying side by side, and calling as they go. The breeding commences in 
November, the nest being a poor affair, made in the hollow of the trunk of a 
decayed tree. Here four eggs are usually laid, although it is said that there may 
sometimes be as many as six; and the young are able to fly early in January. 
Being an excellent mimic, the kaka is highly esteemed by the Maories as a pet, 
and, like most parrots, will live many years in captivity. 
