Art. XLVII.—On a further Occurrence of the Australian Tree Swallow (Hylochelidon nigricans) in New Zealand.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 11, 1878, Page 360

Art. XLVII.—On a further Occurrence of the Australian Tree Swallow (Hylochelidon nigricans) in New Zealand. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc. [Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 17th August, 1878.] In the ‘Birds of New Zealand’ I have recorded two distinct occurrences of the Tree Swallow in this country as a visitant from Australia. In the summer of 1851, Mr. F. Jollie observed a flight of swallows at Wakapuaka, in the vicinity of Nelson, and succeeded in shooting one; and on the 14th March, 1856, a specimen was shot by Mr. Lea, at Taupata, near Cape Farewell. This is still preserved in the Otago Museum. It would appear from some observations made by the late Sir David Monro, at a meeting of this Society in February, 1875,* Trans. N. Z. Inst., Vol. VII., p. 510. that there have been other instances of its occurrence in Nelson. Having reference, no doubt, to the same bird, I have lately received the following interesting communication from a gentleman in Blenheim:— “22nd June, 1878. “Dr. W. L. Buller, Wellington. “Dear Sir—Knowing the great interest you take in the ornithology of New Zealand, I wish to bring under your notice the following:— “On Sunday, the 9th instant, about two miles from Blenheim, on the bank of the Opawa River, I saw the first martin I have met with in New Zealand. The bird was hawking after insects close to the ground in a ploughed field. I was accompanied by two residents in Blenheim at the time, and we watched it closely for some time. It passed us at one time within a few yards. There was no mistaking either the appearance or the flight of the bird. It seemed to me more like the English house martin than the common Australian martin. It seemed, however, dingier in the black than the English bird, and rather smaller—more like the sand-martin, indeed. “Unfortunately I was absent from the district for some days after seeing it, but since returning I have carefully watched for its re-appearance. I have not again seen the bird, so presume it has shifted its quarters. “I shall be glad to hear from you if you have had any notice sent you of the appearance of the martin in New Zealand.—I am, dear Sir, yours truly, “J. R. W. Cook.”