30 
“ Ground-Parrot ” of the Colonists. (Case I. Nos. 1 
4, 6, 8, and 10: male, female, very old bird, and rery 
young one.) 
This is one of the very remarkable forms which distinguish 
the avifauna of New Zealand. In all the essential charac¬ 
teristics of structure it is a true Parrot; but it bears a 
superficial resemblance to an Owl, as, for example, in the 
possession of a facial disk, in which respect it differs from all 
other known Parrots. The sternum, which in all other 
birds of its class has a prominent keel, is so completely 
aberrant that it presents almost a flat surface; and the wings, 
although to all appearance well developed, are entirelv useless 
for purposes of flight. It is nocturnal in its habits, and lives 
exclusively on vegetable food. 
Formerly this species existed in considerable numbers in 
both the North and South Islands; but it is now only to be 
found in the mountainous parts of the Canterbury and Otao-o 
provincial districts. * 
During the day it remains concealed in holes, under the 
roots of trees or under rocks, or sometimes perched on the 
boughs of low-growing trees with dense foliage. About 
sunset it becomes animated, and issues forth from its retreat 
to seek its food. When eating grass it grazes rather than 
