NATIVE NAME MARE IS. KET-AY. 7 (8:2) Porphyrio albus caledonicus Sarasin Purple "coot." SEE CAYLEY P.231-2 Nos.5-6. Range.- New Caledonia, Maré, Lifu. Description.- Very similar to New Hebrides bird, but slightly larger and darker. Habitat.- Woodland (?), Second growth (?), swamps. Food.- Grub, roots, native garden products. Collecting.- Very important, get as many on each island as you are permitted. NOTES. Not very common on Mare Is. in spite of natives saying the contrary as it does seem to not damage in native garden lands which it inhabits almost exclusively + small patches forest in between gardens. In Nasalane area where natives admit it is more common than elsewhere we only heard + saw a few & took 3 days to collect / pair. They call mostly at night. Feed principally on large plantain bananas, but attack yams, taro + other native garden products. I believe they flock together at certain seasons of the year + form fairly numerous bands which gives the impression of its being common, + do considerable damage in small areas, corn suffers somewhat at such times. It is possible others appear from other localities (N.Cal. Lifu, etc.) but this is doubtful + I think it more likely they are all local birds + go on considerable tricks through the island. I found cases of gardens in Rawa area (N.Lentrie) being attacked + considerable damage done in one garden especially but the man on going to Nasalane area (5 kenbu) got food as no damage was being done there. Generally speaking they are found in pairs or small family groups + hulin a garden a few days or weeks then move on to another. Natives do not complain or worry about the little damage they do. (L.M. Jun 1938).