Art. XXV.—A remarkable Variety of the New Zealand Pigeon (Carpophaga novæ-zealandiæ), with References to previous Notices.

By T. W. Kirk.

[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 24th June, 1885.]

Head, neck, and fore part of breast, which in ordinary specimens are shining gold-green, are here thickly strewn with white feathers. On the fore-neck, the coppery purple band is replaced by a large patch of pure white feathers. The nape, shoulder, and upper surface of wings are also thickly strewn with white feathers; back and uropygium have likewise many white patches, but getting fewer towards the latter portion. The bright green of the breast is succeeded by a band of pale grey, which fades as it approaches the abdomen. Quills and tail-feathers, normal colour. In no instance is a parti-coloured feather to be found, the white feathers being pure; even the shafts are destitute of colour.

Eyes, pink, not carmine-red, as is usual. Feet, paler than customary; the soles flesh colour, rather than yellow. Bill, normal colour.

This specimen was shot at Eketahuna, in the Seventy-mile Bush, Provincial District of Wellington, by Mr. R. R. Greville, and by him presented to the Museum.

References.—Buller, “Birds of N.Z.,” p. 158; “Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” vol. viii., p. 196.

Kirk, T. W., “Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” vol. xii., p. 248.