Notornis, 10 (4), 176-179
Article Type: Paper
- The hen laid her eggs during the height of a severe gale with some heavy rain.
- The hunting away of other birds by the male appears to be connected with food supply in the vicinity of the nest.
- The brooding period up to hatching is confirmed as 14 days.
- The male was not definitely observed to feed the young on any occasion, either in the nest or subsequently.
- The period in the nest is established as 21 or 22 days.
- Every observation of feeding at the nest was of insect food only, and after leaving the nest, of berries, occasional insects, and nectar.
- A young bird either leaving or fallen from the nest at 17 or 18 days was led back to the nest, probably by withholding food.
- Attacks and threat display against the young at four weeks would appear to be to force them to regroup at a height for safety, and for ease in feeding.
- At five weeks the young become practically self-supporting.