Harbingers of Spring.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxi, Issue 6077, 25 September 1903, Page 4

Harbingers of Spring.

It is reported that Feveral shining, or bronze cuckoos have been seen in Canterbury during the past few days. If (says the " LytteHon Times ") the report is correct,the fact 13 a notablo one, as these remarkable migrants generally observe very regular habits, coming to the South Islasid early in October, though they arrive in the North Islai.d during the latter half of September. The shining cuckoos, together with the other New Zealand species, the long-tailed ouckoo, breeds in this colony, appropriating the nest of the grey warbler or some other bird, and then leaves for other lands. The old shining cuckoos leave the southern portions of the country during the first and second weeks in January, but they do not leave the north until the end of that month, ■■■r perhaps later. This little harbinger of spring is easily recognised by its plumage, which, on top, is a metallic bronzy green, and below white, with bronzy brown bars, while the forehead is freckled with white. The two NVw Zealand cuokoos are among th; most notable bird migrant in the world.