NATIVE BIRDS

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 33, 7 August 1918, Page 11

NATIVE BIRDS

. TO THE EDITOR Sir, —A paragraph in this evening's issue calls attention to a dove petrel which was found at Taihape recently. It goes on to say that these birds annually migrate during the winter months from New Zealand to Siberia, and it is surmised that the one found was portion of a number on their immigration to that country, and had been blown away from the main body during the recent stoi'my weather. It was sent to the Wanganui Museum. Mr. G. H. Drew, the curator, informed a- reporter that several specimens of dove petrels had been sent to tho museum during the last few days. As mentioned in the paragraph, these birds do get much knocked about by stormy weather. I think the reason of this is that as they fly close to the suilfaco seeking their food, when the sea is rough and the waves are high, they are caught by them and rendered unable to fly. This would account for there being so many found on the sea beaches as mentioned by Mr. Drew. Those found inland have apparently been.driven there by the wind. Mention is made in the same paragraph of three species being found in numbers on the sea beach at Castlecliffe, those being the giant petrel, priou ariel,-and whale bird. I cannot think that the species called the giant petrel is one of them, as that is a bird of most, powerful flight, even as a. rule less liable to be cast ashore in a etoi-m than the albatross, but is not so large as that bird. It breeds in cliffs, chiefly on the southern islands and Antarctic islands* A number of almost pure and many partial albinos have been found. It is known as tho "Nelly," "Stinkpot," and other names. It is a voracious eater, to such an extent as often unable to fly. One of the petrels above alluded to is known as the dove petrel on account of its colour. The genus is called prious. There are four species, the dove, priou banksii, above alluded to ; priou yittatus, » much larger species; priou desolatus; and priou ariel. They are also called "whale birds." Priou banksii is thomost common; breed on Stephens Island, and often occupy the same holes as a tuatara lizard. I have, when on that island, taken both out of the same hole. Very large flocks are often to be seen in Admiralty Bay and Queen Charlotte Sound by passengers on the steamers between Nelson and here. When on. Stephens Island I could never make out whether the petrel started the hole, or the tuatara, but I think the petrel did, and the tuatara saved itself a good' deal of trouble by only having to enlarge it. The statement made in the above quoted paragraph that this "petrel went to Siberia" is incorrect. It is the "kuaka" of the Maori," "godwit" of tho settler, and "limosa, novoe-zealandie" of scientists. They breed in Siberia, in the summer, and visit various places as well'as New Zealand, leaving again for Siberia about March. On a trip I made in the Hinemoa a number of years ago to the Kenmadec Islands, some were seen coming towards this country. Mr. T. Bell, who lived at those islands far many years, told mo that he often saw them on the shorequite exhausted, but after a time left on their journey to this country. I know from actual observation that a number of these birds remain about the Collingwood district and .<th© inside of Farewell Spit, and are increasing, but whether through breeding or others remaining no one is at present able to say. It wouldl be interesting' if the residents in those localities would take notice if young'birds are ever seen. No reason si> far has been given for this extraordinary migration. It may be the want of a particular food., or it requires a colder climate to breed in.— I am, etc., HENRY H. TRAVERS. sth August.