[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 20th July, 1872.

Graucalus concinnus, Hutton.

Colluricincla concinna, Hutton, “Cat. Birds N.Z.,” No. 40.

A specimen of this species was shot at a farm four miles from Invercargill, and the skin is now in my possession.

Platycercus, sp.

I think that we have near Invercargill another species of paroquet, which differs from P. auriceps in being of a much bluer green, with a band of orange on the forehead, and one of light yellow above it; the spots under the wings and on each side of the rump orange, corresponding with the forehead. It is about the same size as P. auriceps. (See note by Captain Hutton.)

Ardea alba, L.

I have had great experience in handling and watching the habits of this bird, having been to the breeding-places on several occasions, and having kept two in confinement for six months. They had to be treated with great caution to preserve their health, for although they well knew the hand that fed them, and would always recognize me, still if I came upon them suddenly, or in any way disturbed them beyond what they were accustomed to, they would instantly vomit and sometimes remain sick all day, or even for two or three days at a time, and would sometimes lose the power of their legs.

After a close study I came to the conclusion that this bird is three years in arriving at maturity.

The first year they are pure white, with the skin on the sides of the head greenish or greenish yellow; bill yellow; legs black.

In the second year the bird increases in size and the dorsal plumes appear a little in May, and the tip of the upper mandible commences to get dark.

In the third year the dorsal plumes are elongated beyond the tail in a most graceful manner; the bill is now black or dusky, and the base of the bill along with the naked skin round the eye is of a beautiful bright blue. Both male and female have the power of erecting their dorsal plumes at pleasure in a similar manner to the peacock; this I have seen them do on their nests, uttering their hoarse croak at the same time.

The adult bird is migratory, but to what extent I am not yet certain, but all birds shot near Invercargill throughout the winter are young birds of the first and second year.