290 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Jan. 
Tui ( Prosthemadera riovaeseelandiae).—T}ie tui is very common, but is 
not so often seen as the bell-bird. Besides many notes similar to those 
of the bell-bird, tui have many calls characteristic to themselves. They 
are frequently seen in pairs chasing one another through the bush with 
a swift noisy flight. They feed on nectar from flowers, various fruits, 
including peaches and figs, from the caretaker’s orchard, and, when these 
are not available, soft-bodied insects and spiders. 
Stitch-bird ( Notiomystis cincta). —The stitch-bird frequents the forests 
well up on the sides of the mountain. In certain places, one of which is 
on the path to the summit, a few can nearly always be seen. Seeing the 
stranger, they call quickly “ Tee-tee-tee,” and come hopping excitedly 
towards him until quite close, when, their curiosity satisfied, they may 
sit on a twig and preen themselves, or else continue their search for food, 
which consists of juices from flowers, soft fruits, and insects. 
ZOSTEROPIDAE. 
Wax-eye ( Zosterops lateralis). —Wax-eyes are very plentiful. They are 
usually seen in small flocks, and in the summer-time feed largely on the 
peaches and figs in the caretaker’s orchard, picking out the pulp from holes 
made by tuis or bell-birds. They make a small hanging nest, which is 
built on manuka-scrub on the lower slopes of the island. Like the honey- 
eaters already mentioned, they feed on juices from flowers, fruits, and 
soft-bodied insects. 
Birds transferred to the Island. 
Brown Kiwi (Apteryx australis). —Although recorded on Little Barrier 
Island by Buller,* who states that Kirk collected several there, no kiwis 
were seen during Mr. Shakespear’s residence. Some time before 1903 
Mr. S. Percy Smith sent two kiwi from New Plymouth; in 1903 the 
“ Hinemoa ” landed a specimen, presumably from Besolution Island. These 
three birds were not again seen. A few years ago a batch of sixteen 
North Island kiwi was landed. These appear now to be well estab¬ 
lished. Several times during my visit their call was heard after dark. 
Mr. Nelson, the caretaker, once separated a brown kiwi and a Haast’s 
kiwi from fighting. He thinks, from feathers he has found, that the 
albino kiwi sent from the Taupo district is still alive. 
Haast’s Kiwi (Apteryx haasti). —A batch of nineteen birds from Gouland 
Downs, Nelson, was liberated by Mr. H. Hamilton in June, 1915. Being 
nocturnal in their habits, none were actually seen during my visit, but 
their tracks were noticed in the garden, and they were heard at night 
on several occasions. The caretaker states that they frequent the low 
ground during most of the year, but during the breeding season retire 
into the forest. Young birds have been seen by the caretaker. They 
therefore appear to have established themselves thoroughly, though, on 
account of their strictly nocturnal habits, it is not known in what numbers 
they are present on the island. 
Kakapo (Strigops Inabroptilus). —The “ Hinemoa ” in 1903 landed four 
kakapo from Besolution Island. No sign of them has since been seen. 
Introduced Birds. 
Sparrows, thrushes, blackbirds, starlings, and greenfinches are common, 
having found their way over from the mainland. 
* Birds of N.Z., ed. 2, vol. 2, p. 311. 1888. 
