The POE, or TUI (_Prosthemadera circinata_), is readily distinguished
by the two remarkable tufts of feathers that decorate each side of
the throat; in other respects its formation closely resembles that of
its congeners. The coloration of the plumage is principally of a deep
metallic green, which appears black in some lights, and in others shines
like bronze. The back is umber-brown, but glistens with the same varying
shades. A white line passes over the shoulders, and the long feathers on
the nape are enlivened by white streaks upon the shafts. The strange tufts
on the sides of the throat to which we have alluded are pure white, and
form a dazzling contrast to the dark plumage by which they are surrounded.
The belly is deep umber-brown; the quills and tail-feathers black, very
glossy and resplendent above, and quite lustreless on the lower side.
This species is twelve inches long. The wing measures five inches and a
half, and the tail four inches and a half. Layard tells us that of all the
feathered inhabitants of the New Zealand forests the Poe is most certain
to attract the notice of the traveller, as it flutters noisily from branch
to branch, or sails in airy circles over the tree tops. It is not uncommon
to see eight or ten of these birds at a time turning somersaults as they
circle after each other, or rise and sink with outspread wings and tail,
until at last they return to seek repose after their gambols under the
sheltering branches of the trees. The Poe has been frequently described
as the most wonderful of songsters, and some writers have gone so far
as to declare that its performance far exceeds that of the Nightingale,
both in beauty of tone and clearness of execution. Such accounts as these
are, in our opinion, much exaggerated, though we admit that it certainly
ranks with the finest songsters inhabiting Australia. The food of the
Poe, we are told, consists of insects, in search of which it exhibits
a very restless activity. It also devours berries and earthworms. This
species possesses a most wonderful talent for imitating the notes of all
the feathered inhabitants of the woods; hence it is sometimes called the
Mocking Bird. In confinement it also learns to mimic other sounds, such
as the noises of dogs, cats, or poultry, and readily pronounces long
sentences with great correctness.
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The FRIAR BIRDS (_Tropidorhyncus_) are recognisable from all their
congeners by a knob at the base of the upper mandible, a bare place on the
head and throat, and the long feathers that adorn the nape or breast. The
tongue is provided at its extremity with a double brush-like appendage.