MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 November 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

PARADISE DUCK. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Putangitangi (crying chorus), from its beauty of form, its plumage, and its habit of feeding on the lawns or fields near the home, became an easy prey to ruthless gunmen. About 50 years ago this would have led to its extermination, but for its sudden and complete departure for the mountain recesses of the South Island. When it was so well known over the North Island its eggs were vainly sought. The Maoris told us that it invariably nested in the tallest trees as a protection against the hungry wingless land birds, then so numerous. A dozen eggs hatched under an old “Cochin China” hen produced a brood of Paradise ducklings so tame that a wooden trellis had to be placed over the doors to keep them out. They led the way daily to the river and enjoyed sporting in the water, followed and watched anxiously from the shore by their distressed foster mother.

Their power of flight in natural conditions is developed at six weeks, but now remained dormant for over six months, until one fine morning, when toddling to the river for their daily swim, a strange drake from the ducks’ Paradise hovered aloft with his alluring cries to this brood, which, strange to say, were without one brother. Instantly, and for the first time, they found they could fly as well as their sky pilot, whose call was so alluring. They were never seen again. The Ren mother and the little boys and girls wept over their loss. Unlike most birds, the female is the more attractive. Her head, breast and upper wings are white, contrasting with the dark blue black of the drake.

They are now rigorously protected by law, but could and should be bred by public institutions throughout the country. They would be a unique attraction to tourists.