A RARE BIRD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 32

A RARE BIRD.

THE NEW ZEALAND NOTORNIS. “ABSOLUTELY PROTECTED.’’ (From Oua Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 4. A report recently published that live specimens of the Tare New Zealand bird known as the notornis had been seen in the Sounds district of Otago has spurred several amateur collectors, not knowing the restrictions on the bird, to action. It is well that these ardent naturalists should heed the law, for the provisions of “The Animals’ Protection and Game Act, 192122” place the notornis in the list of “absolutely protected” birds, and the penalty for infringement is severe. “Since the publication of the report from the south,” remarked the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. R. F. Bollard) this morning, “the department has had evidence thpt some amateur collec-" tors are keen to track down a live specimen of the notornis, and to find the habitat of the notornis and prove that the rare bird is not extinct as was supposed prior to the recent reports. I think they would be wise to remember the legal aspect of tho matter before embarking on an expedition which might have a termination different from that anticipated.” Mr Bollard pointed out that under the Act (notices in connection with which had been sent to the Post Offices and police stations of the dominion) every person committed an offence who without lawful authority took or had in possession any absolutely protected bird ot the skin or feathers of any such bird, the fine for an offence being £25. Tho regulations also provided tnafc any absolutely protected bird or the skin, feathers, or eggs of any such bird unlawfully taken or in possession became forfeited to the Crown. The nptornis, or as it is called by tho Maoris “Tnkahe,” is a large, heavy and flightless rail with a massive bill and

legs, and a very handsome and striking plumage. The bill and legs, in contrast to the pre£j}iling colour of the plumage, are bright red, the plumage being olive green above with some blue shading. The wings are a blackish blue, and the head, neck, and lower wings a dark purplish blue. The bird has been described as being something like a gigantic pukeko.