THE MAKOMAKO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20743, 14 June 1929, Page 7

THE MAKOMAKO.

TO THE EDITOR. ®“’77?° *^°? e who have regard for ?n ft f l^ 8 ’ r$ may be of interest to know that mokis " can make a small stand in defence of their rights, as the following incident, trifling enough perbv P « ! how V 1 was attracted recently by a pine tree from which came considerable noise by "mokis" using those peculiar, but somewhat unusual calls of 01 ?°j rss ’ ehort screeches r,?* are ln parked contrast to . their better known rich, sweet notes. These calls p?Mi-er 6 K’ I f belleve - when they are agitated _ ■t, by , fear or anger, but I was surfrnmdfbWhl? « ea Y ? grey °wl emerge from the depths of the pine foliage and fly straight across to trees on the other side of the road, pursued by seven or eight mokis. This was in daylight, of course Unfortunately I could not see how the owl was actually dislodged and sent on an unwelcome flight. They did not Mow it far, and none attacked, it tb f Wln ", . The “ mokis " returned to the pine, and changed their war cries, if ® ac , h thcy were. for more pleasing notes, l n £' h ,? n dispersed, evidently well pleased £ it' l . the discomfort they bad caused the

•< \f . tbe d rst time I have seen the raoicis in an aggressive mood. Their ™ U / t^ neS8 ’ tbat of the fantail tomtit, would lead one to suppose that these birds had in far off times lew at any, natural enemies.' But 1 should be now rather interested to know what prompted the “mokis” to harass a ni£ht prowler like the crey owl. Was or ?f ? att&ck on tHem , or did they instinctively recognise a dauonemy? If it were an instinctive dislike, then these birds’ ancesters must ha \’ e . hacl ai 3 enemy of the owl species which they had learned to fight. I have heard it said that the “moki” destroys fruit, but after care ,1 observation. I can hardly believe that, so far as apples, pears and plums are concerned i; rt, B -? ea , ter °.f honey, gums and juices’, so that when it visits a fruit tree, it i?l t 0„ | lck off sweet juicy matter in 5' eck ? d Portion of fruit a that has already been attacked by other sorts ot birds. On no occasion have I seen It peck a hole m fruit or peck at anv made in it. The tameness or the bird makes close observation possible.—l nm, etc,. Native Birds Admirer., Oamaru, June 12.