64 
NATURE STUDY NOTES 
upper feathers, occasionally spread out like that of 
the fantail, for which it is sometimes mistaken. 
Eyes, red. 
FOOD Insects and nectar of shrub flowers. 
NES I Different from any others; pear-shaped, 
very well made, opening on the side which faces 
the opposite direction to the prevailing winds; 
built in hedge or bush, frequently in tea-tree or 
manuka. (See pp. 43, 46). 5 or 6 eggs are laid in it. 
HABITS — Flight, quick and fluttering; found 
near the towns (in gardens and hedges), and also 
in manuka scrub and thick “bush” country; is the 
foster parent of Shining Cuckoo. (See p. 66.) 
THE GROUND LARK 
SONG—A cry of pip-it: : : pip-it: : : : 
pip-it, whilst perched on a fence or tussock, and 
wagging its tail. 
DESCRIPTION—Also called “New Zealand Pip¬ 
it" and “New Zealand Lark." Maori name, “Pi-hoi- 
hoi." Upper parts, brownish grey with a yellow 
tinge. Under parts, brownish white with a spotted 
breast. Tail, dark brown with white edges. Legs, 
yellowish brown. (Illustration, p. 51.) 
FOOD—Insects, especially those found in dry, 
sandy soil. 
NEST—Builds in October, also December-March 
(two broods). Nest is found in slight hollows in 
the ground or in tussocks. (See pp. 43, 46). 3, 4 or 
5 eggs are laid in it. 
HABITS—Prefers open country or land adjoin¬ 
ing sea beach rather than near the haunts of men. 
