Page:The Kea, a New Zealand problem (1909).pdf/33

Rh The green colouration is most vivid on the back and on the sides of the wings, but it gets duller on the ventral surface of the body and towards the head.

The outer webs of the large wing feathers (primaries) have a bright metallic-blue tint, while the inner webs are brownish-black, banded by pale yellow teeth.



The under surfaces of these feathers are similar to the upper, except that the metallic blue colour on the outer webs is absent, being replaced by the general blackish-brown hue.

The tail feathers are nearly equal in length, and the upper surfaces are olive-green, getting paler towards the tips. They are crossed at their extremity by a black band.

The upper mandible, or beak, is smooth, and much curved. It is of a brownish-black colour, with a lighter yellow tint at its crown.

The lower mandible is much shorter, and is nearly straight, It is of lighter colour, being in the young bird