Majaqueus parkinsoni, Gray. (Black Petrel.)

Mr. J. Brough, of Nelson, in sending me a skin of this Petrel, furnishes the following notes: "This bird was killed in February on a dividing-range between the head of the Heaphy and the Big River. It was found in a hole at the roots of a huge rata, in the midst of dense forest. I am quite satisfied that this bird is the 'Night Demon' of our diggers. I had a live one some time ago from Collingwood, and I kept it for three months; so I had every opportunity of observing its habits. It was strictly nocturnal, and would never feed by day. On windy nights the bird would become very excited, and then it would give vent to the hysterical laugh or scream from which it takes its name of 'Night Demon.'"