MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 April 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

TWO KAKA PARROTS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for the "Times-Age.”) The Kaka parrot, named in imitation of its cry, is found in flocks of fifty or more. They lived on insects and honey from flowers, relatively a rare diet, the search keeping them ever busy and active. With the coming of animals to New Zealand they now feed ; largely on carcases of sheep or cattle. On one or two occasions they migrated in flocks and invaded certain districts. In 1856 Otago settlers were almost panic stricken by their vast numbers. With their original simple diet they were ideal game birds and much prized as a delicate food. A captive bird held by a Maori hidden in the thick foliage of a tall tree, was ritade to cry in distress, when a dozen of its fellows would fly to its rescue. The hidden hunter would seize the legs of three or four at a time, twist their necks and drop them to the ground. The Kaka Po might parrot), grey with streaks of green was found in mountain, plain and forest, hidden by day, active all night searching for leaves and mosses upon which it seems to maintain an active life. It takes to the company of mankind like a dog and is playful as a kitten. It is almost helpless in flight and not quick in movement. Unlike any other bird, the Kakapo even in its state of nature, not used to the presence of human beings, will enter a tent, and in the candle light actually make quiet contact wiTh the occupants. Curiosity prompts him to carry off bright, metal objects, only u. drop them when thoj’ cease to shine by the candle light.