66 HOW TO IDENTIFY NEW ZEALAND BIRDS 
Pied Oyster-catcher.—In driftwood or other sea debris, in 
dry river banks or sandy spits. Three pale brown eggs 
spotted with blackish blotches. 
Pied Shag.—Nests in trees over water, some nests being 
used for years; variety of situations. Four eggs, measuring 
about 2.34—1.4. 
Pied Tit.—November, December. Nest flattened in fork 
of tree, few feet up in thick scrub; 38—4 white speckled 
browny grey eggs. | 
Pipit, N.Z.—October, December, to»March (two broods); 
nest on ground in slight depression or tussocks. Eggs greyish 
white, speckled greyish brown. 
Pink-footed Shearwater.—Nests in islands in burrows 
about 4 ft. long. One white egg. 
Quail Hawk.—On ledge of rock under shelter of rock | 
(over hanging), eggs layed on decayed vegetable matter; 
October, November, December. Eggs yellowish mottled red 
brown. 
Rain Bird.—In holes near the top of mountain ranges; 
far inland in both islands. 
Red-fronted Parakeet.— Breeding begins very early Sep- 
tember, October, November, December in hole of decayed 
or dead tree, or branch 60 ft. up; 5—6 white eggs. 
Redpole (Lesser).—Nests generally low down, variety of 
situations, November, December; 4—6 pale bluish green 
eggs spotted at end with orange red, underlying marks pale 
grey. 
Rifleman.September onwards, two broods a year; hole 
in tree trunk or cavity. Eggs white. — 
Rock Wren.—Domed nest on ground or cliffs. Eggs white. 
Rook.—Amongst the highest branches of tall trees in 
colonies, August, September, October; 4—5 eggs, pale green 
or brownish green, blotched greenish brown. 
Rough-faced Shag.—Breeds at White Rocks, Pelorus 
Sound. Egg white, 2.5. 
Saddleback.—Nests in hollow tree fern, about two feet 
down stem, and similar situations. Eggs white spotted browny 
grey and mauve. 
Sea Swallow or White-fronted Tern.Eggs laid on bare 
rock often in reach of sea spray, on shingle, banks, mouths 
of rivers. Eggs yellowish brown blotched grey and black. 
Shining Cuckoo.—Middle of October and November; eggs 
laid in nest of Grey Warbler and other birds. Eggs browny 
olive. 
