Specimens Of Rare Albino Pukekos For Museum

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 17

Specimens Of Rare Albino Pukekos For Museum

(New Zealand WELLINGTON, May 15. Specimens of rare albino pukekos which have been found in the Manawatu will be sent to the Dominion Museum, it was announced at this evening’s meeting of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society council. The council had been previously informed by a former ranger of the society. Mr T. Andrews, that these seldom-seen birds were frequenting the Manawatu. and arrangements were made with the director of the museum. Dr. R, A. Falla, to supply one or two specimens.

In his report. Mr Andrews said the birds he had spotted were in the Whakaronga area. The breast of one bird was light purple, and where the normal bird shows black colouring, this type was brown. "I cannot say just what value the birds will be to the museum until I examine them." said Dr. Falla. “White spotting is varied, and it will depend on the extent of their colouring whether they will be mounted for display.” The museum already had one albino exhibit, but even if the specimens received were not suitable for display.

Press Association) they would be of great value for research, said Dr. Falla. He said that white colouring in pukekos was a recessive characteristic, and as it was one that was inherited, the rare birds tended to be located in groups.