NEW ZEALAND BIRDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND BIRDS

RARE LITTLE BUSH FOLK OBSERVATIONS AT MANGA WEKA, Interesting comment on observations he has made of the North Island tomtit (ATyiomoira toitoi), the whitehead (Certhiparus albicilla), and the rifle* man (Acanthisitla ch loris)/ ’ is mada by Air J. R. Blake, of Alangaweka. 4i l have been a keen student of n»* tivc birds for a number of years/* ha adds, “and have lately had an op portunity of studying these three par* ticular birds in their natural haunts. This was in a Government reserve bush on the hills near the township of Alan* gaweka, on the Mai Trunk line. A!any native birds abound here, including tuis, bell-birds, redpolls, and the native pigeon. 44 Whiteheads were to be seen n numerous flocks of 20 birds or so, noisily searching for food—much in the way as the silver-eyes d. The lower trees are chosen for this purpose, and a consistent chirp is sustained, much after the ehirp of a sparrow. Although those notes are most unmusical, a canary-like song may be heard from these birds during the middle of i warm, sunny day. The head of the whitehead is an ashen grey colour, or light slate, but I differ from Dr Chatfield that 4 it is really a yellowhead/ as this latter bird is r South Island bird, and is easily distinguishable by its superior size and its bright yellow 1 head, while its upper parts are yellowish white. While feeding they take little notice of the presence of man, and may be observed at close quarters. 44 The North Island white breasted or pied tits were frequently observed. Although quite numerous, these birds were mostly seen singly, the male bird, however, being apparently much more numerous than the female. Their song is a descending warble an ; is verv melodious. The ‘tomtit’ is a verv friendly little follow, and will follow one through the bush, or will approach even within arm’s length. Alanv bushmen have persuaded them to eat front their hands. ‘•The rifleman, or bush wren, is the most active of all our native birds, and is one of the most interesting. 1 observed one for over a . hour, and never once did it take a minute’s rest. Ascending the trunks of trees spirallv, it. appears to stand out at right, angles 1<» it. This wonderful little bird is easily distinguished by its small size, its upturned hill, and its short, tail, which is no longer than one’s thumb nail. The rifleman is the most indefatigable o" birds, and is one thnt will give a thrill to all bird lovers who may he fortunate enough to come across if.”