NATURAL HISTORY. 
407 
Fam. Ardeidce.—Mataku urepo , (botaurus melanotus .) The 
bittern is very generally spread over the whole of New Zea¬ 
land ; it is of a buff color, with brown spots, and lighter under 
the breast; it utters three hollow sounds, and then ceases for 
a short period before it commences again. When it stands at 
rest or sleeps, it elevates its bill to the heavens, which gives it 
a very singular appearance. 
The mataku (herodias mataku ) is of a bright ash color. The 
top of the head is covered with slight bristles, and the back of 
the skull is of a red color, perfectly bald; its neck and legs 
are long. The female lays two eggs of a pale blue color, 
about the size of a turkey’s egg. It is a very shy bird, and 
seldom seen ; it flies gracefully, with its long legs stretched out 
like a tail. 
Kotuku, ( Herodias flavirostris ,) the white crane ; a beauti¬ 
ful and rare bird; it has a yellow bill, and dark green legs. 
Though sufficiently abundant in the Southern Island, it is 
seldom seen in the Northern, so that there is a saying, kotahi 
ano te rerenga o te kotuku, that is, a man only sees the white 
crane once in his lifetime. 
Fam. Scolopacidce. — Tarapunya, (liimantopus Nova; Zeal:) 
a white breasted bird, black wings, back and head, red bill 
slightly curved upwards, with long red legs ; it is found on the 
Taupo lake, with several other varieties of sea birds. 
Fam. Anatidce. — Parera, turuki, (anas superciliosa,) the 
duck, very similar to the wild duck of England. Those in 
the interior appear to be of a larger kind. 
Putangitangi , (c as area variegata ,) the paradise duck. This 
fine bird is confined to the southern part of the Northern 
Island, but is very abundant in the Middle Island. The colors 
of this bird are very distinct, the breast white, and the wings 
of a yellowish red, or dark orange, with partly colored back; 
it is easily tamed. 
Wio, (Jiymenolaimus malacorynchus,) the blue duck, is found 
abundantly in the mountain streams of the south part of the 
North Island, and in the Middle; it takes its name from its 
cry. This bird has a remarkable membrane attached to its 
bill; it is highly prized by the natives; climbs up rocks by 
