FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Emu -^f^- A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection of Native Birds and to record Results of Scientific Research in Ornithology. Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION. / Editor: J. A. LEACH, D.Sc, C.M.B.O.U. (" Eyrecourt," Canterbury, Victoria.) Assistant Editor: R. H. CROLL, R.A.O.U. (Education Department, Melbourne.) VOL. XVIII —1918-19. 2^eC£>ourite : WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 429-31 BOURKE STREET. European Agents : WITHERBY & CO., 326 High Holborn, London. 1919. ^i-^s^t^r Guu^ CONTENTS OF VOL. XVllI.— 1918-19. About Members, -JT, 128, 322. A Bush Walk, 200. Acanthiza nana, Description of a New Sub-species of, 122. Additions to Library, 136, 217, 315. Albino Birds, J^. An Afternoon Among the Birds in the Baltimore (Md.) Woods, United States of America, 117. Australian Green-backed Finch (Erythritra trichroa mac- gillivrayi), i. Australian Roller [Eurystomus pacificus) in Tasmania, On the Occurrence of the, 136. Banded Finches, Nests of, 132. Bell-Birds and Caterpillars, 295. Bird Notes from the Boat Harbour (Tasmania) District, 96. Bird Protection in Queensland, 129. Birds and Caterpillars, 7v Birds and Droiight, 238, 305. Birds of Lake Victoria and the Murray River, 8. Birds of the Pilliga Scrub, New South Wales, 272. Brown Hawk, The, 209. Bustard and Mice, 205. Camera Craft Notes, 131, 209, 306. Chestnut-rumped Ground-Wren [Hy- lacola pyrrliopygia, Vig. and Hors.), Notes on, 292. City Observations, 304. Cormorants : Are They Pests or Otherwise ? 103. Correspondence, 76, 138, 210, 237, 310. Crested Bell-Birds and Caterpillars, 132. Cuckoo and Mice, 74. Cuckoo Seen with Egg, 302. Cyclones and Bird Destruction, 72. Dance of Coots, A, 205. Diurnal Birds of Prey, Food of, 88. " Down Mario W^ay," 265. Extraordinary Accident, An, 205. Finches and ^Grass-Parrots, 302. Forgotten Feathers, 202. Four Ornithological Trips to the Nullabor Plains, 189. Foxes and Plovers, 131. Freckled Duck, 74. Further Notes on Additions to the " H. L. White Collection," 254. Galahs, Flights of, 73. Gilgi Notes, Some, 207. Goldfinch, A New Trait of the, 301. Goshawk, The Australian, 306. Grass-Warbler (Cisficola exilis). Nesting Habits of the, 199. Great Brown Kingfisher and Heron, 132. Gull, The, as a Storm Prophet, 206. Hungry Honey-eaters, 74. Hylacola pyrrhopygia (Vig. and Hors.), Description of a New Sub-species of, 59. Jungle and the Snows, 106, 203. " Kea Parrot " {Nestor notabilis) of New Zealand, The Skeleton of the, 25. Kookaburra, The, 299. Letter-winged Kite (Elaiius scriptus, Gould), Haunts of the, 160. Letter-winged Kite (Elanus scriptus, Gould), The, 157. Little Penguin [Eiidyptula minor, Forster), Study of Australian Specimens of, 50. Lyre-Bird's Nest, 205. Lyre-Birds, The Nesting of, 298. Mallee-Fowls, Six ISIonths' Record of a Pair of, 285. Malitrus cyaiiotits. Description of a New Sub-species of, 121. Maternal Courage, 134. Members of R.A.O.U., 148. Monthly Conversaziones of R.A.O.U., 144, 220. Nesting Notes from Moree, 65. New Nests and Eggs, Descriptions of two, 127. Nomenclature, 238. Notes, 147. Notes on Birds Breeding in Dampier Archipelago, N.W. Coast of Australia, 240. Notes on Birds Seen on the Murray River, 122. Contents of Vol XVIII .—1918-19. Notes on Birds from the Gouldian- Gilbert Type-Locality, North Australia, 172. Notes on Some Additions to the H. L. White Collection, 2. Obituary Notices, jj. Pajingo Notes, 206. Penguins, The Moult of, 307. Petroica (Australian Robin), An Unidentified, ,300. Posing the Sitter, 307. Powerful Owl and Ring-tailed Possum, 303. Prickly Pear, Spread of by the Scrub-Turkey, 288. Protection of Birds, 57, 312. Publications Received, 59. Quail and Mice, 74. Queensland Bird Protection, 131. Queensland Notes, 43. Rare Birds, 205, 303. Red-cered Pigeon (Glohiccra rubri- cera). New Pigeon recorded for Australia, 240. Reviews, 140, 221. Rooks Killing Sheep, 75. Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union, 223. "Shamming Sick," 133. Singing Honey-eater {Ptilotis sonora), The, 297. Skua and his Victims, 135. Snakes and Young Birds, 303. Some Observations by a Bird- Lover in the Eastern Mallee Fringe, Victoria, 124. Spider and Chicken, 307. Spinebill, The, 209. Spine-tailed Swift, The, 302. Spotted Scrub-Wren (Sen'cornis maculata) and. Little Wattle- Bird (A nellohia lunulata), A Trip in Search of the, 10 1. Stray Feathers, j},, 131, 205, 302. Striated Grass-Wren [A mytornis striata, Gould) 81. Summer Visitors, 204. Swifts and Weather, 133. Tasmanian National Park, 132. Tawny Frogmouth, 308. Trinomials, i^i. Valuable Gift^to the R.A.O.U., 233. "What are Australian Petrels," 82. "Whisper Song," The, 133. White-tailed Black Terns in Western Australia, 134. Wild-Fowl, Proposed Refuge for, 130. Woodpecker, Red-headed (Melan- erpes erythrocephalus), and its Nest, 304. Contents of Vol. XF///.— 191 8-19. ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOL. XVIII, Australian Green-backed Finch [Erythruva trichoa macgillivrayi) (coloured) . . . . . . . . . . plate i Renmark Water Tower, under the j^rojecting top of which Fairy Martins nest ; Nests of Diamond-Birds scratched out by the cunning fox . . . . . . . . plate ii Water-Birds' Paradise, Murray River ; Examining a Black Duck's Nest . . . . . . . . . . plate iii Skeletoii of Nestor notahilis . . . . . . . . pis. iv to x Cormorants' Rookery at Toorilla ; Spoonbill Rookery, Toorilla, Queensland . . . . . . . . . . plate xi A Queensland Forest after the Great Cyclone . . . . plate xii Albino Magpie (Gym)iorhina Icuconota) ; Flights of Galahs (Rose- breasted Cockatoo) . . . . . . . . plate xiii The late Colonel W. V. Legge, C.M.B.O.U., first President R.A.O.U. . . . . . . . . . . plate xiv The Striated Grass-Wren (Amytornis striata) (coloured) .. plate xv The Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uroai.-tus audax) .. .. .. plate xvi Mummy Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) ; Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus) . . . . . . . . . . plate xvii Breeding-Groiind of Southern Skua (Megalestris antarctica), Kerguelen Island . . . . . . . . plate xviii Nest and Eggs of Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Plulibis flavipes) ; Lesser Frigate-Bird (Frcgata ariel) . . . . . . plate xix Letter-winged Kites (Elanus scriptus) (coloured) . . . . plate xx Billabong of Diamantina River, Western Queensland : Site of a Breeding Colony of Letter-winged Kites (Elanus scriptus) plate xxi Coolabah Trees, with Nests of Letter-winged Kite . . , . plate xxii Nest, in situ, and Eggs of Letter-winged Kite . . . . plate xxiii Nest of Letter-winged Kite, containing young in down . . plate xxiv Young Letter-winged Kites at Camp, with daily meals of rats plate xxv Young Letter-winged Kites at Camp . . . . . . plate xxvi Jackson's Camp on Diamantina River, Coolabah tree in back- ground containing nest of Letter-winged Kite . . plate xxvii Ooldea Native Well . . . . . . . . . . plate xxviii Parakylia, on leaves of which Bustards and other birds feed ; Cats'-tails (Trichinium exaltatus), frequented by many insects on which birds feed . . . . . . plate xxix Fruit of Acacia Randelliaiia, the food of many desert birds ; Grevillea stenohotrya, a plant of importance to desert Honey-eaters . . . . . . . . . . plate xxx A Limestone " Blow-hole," in which Owls roost ; A Granite Rock-hole, in which water can persist for some time plate xxxi Granite Boulders, a desert feature of importance to bird-life ; Granite Rocks, containing holes at which birds get water . . . . . . . . . . . . plate xxxii The Brown Hawk ; Spine-bill Honey-eater . . . . plate xxxiii Major (Dr.) W. Macgillivray, tenth President R.A.O.U. . . plate xxxiv The Red-cered Pigeon (Globicera rubricera) (coloured) . . plate xxxv On Barrow Island : True Spinifex (S. longifolius) . . . . plate xxxvi Whitlock Cove, Barrow Island . . . . . . . . plate xxxvii Nest and Young of Sea-Eagle . . . . . . . . plate xxxviii Nest of Malurus edouardi in prickly bush . . . . plate xxxix Type Nest and Eggs of the Desert-Bird (Eremiornis carteri) plate xl Contents of Vol. XVIII.— igiS-ig. The Mouth of the Snowy River and Drifted Sand Beach Blue-bellied Lorikeets on fruit-tree at Mario Cabbage-tree Palms near Mario, East Gippsland The Road from Mario east to Cape Conran Fig-tree at Belltrees, N.S.W. The Australian Goshawk (Astitr approximaus) Large Spider (Sclenotypus phtmipcs) and chicken removed by it ; Australian Brown Flycatcher on nest A Penguin moulting at the Melbourne Zoological Gardens Feathers moulted in one night by Penguin . . Two Frogmouths in the picture — find them Scarlet-breasted Robin (female) on nest in fruit-tree (Victoria) ; Black-faced Flycatcher (female) perched above nest (Queensland) plate xli plate xlii plate xliii plate xliv plate xlv plate xlvi plate xlvii plate xlviii plate xlix plate I The Emu, Vol. XVIII. PLATE I. AUSTRALIAN GREEN-BACKED FINCH. Ervthrura tnchi'oa macgillivrayi " Birds of a fcat»)Cr.' Vol. XVIII.] isx JULY, 1918. [Part i. Australian Green-backed Finch (Erythrura trichroa macgillivrayi). By J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., Curator, National Museum, Melbourne. The specimen illustrated is probably the first example of this bird taken in Australia, and the second to be recorded. It was obtained by the National Museum, with other Queensland skins, in March, 1891, from F. Ayres, who collected it in North Queensland in 1890. It was then identified as Erythiira cyaneifrons, Layard, but- as some doubt was entertained as to its being Australian, it was not recorded. In 1914, while in company with Dr. W. Macgillivray, president R-.A.O.U., and Mr. W. M'Lennan, on Lloyd Island, North-East Queensland, the latter secured a Finch which I recognized as being similar to the bird previously collected by Ayres. This specimen has been recorded by Mathews [A. A. Rec, ii., p. 103, 1914) as a new sub-species, but he quotes the locality as Claudie River instead of Lloyd Island,* and states that it differs from E. t. cyaneifrons in its larger bill, deeper blue coloration on the forehead and cheeks, deeper-coloured upper tail coverts and tail, and longer wings. The specimen here dealt with approaches very closely to E. cyaneifrons, the total length and measurement of the bill being practically the same, not larger, as in the Lloyd. Island specimen, according to Mathews, and it possesses the blue chin noted in Sharpe's key to the species. The wing, however, is somewhat longer. Mathews, unfortunately, only gives the length of the wing — 62 mm. Total length, 121 mm. ; wing, 62 mm. ; tail, 50 mm. ; culmen, II mm. The specimen figured is a male, and is in the National Museum, Melbourne. * See Emu, vol. xvii., pp. •jt,, 208. 2 Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection. [^^^ "j^jy Notes on Some Additions to the H. L. White Collection. By A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.U., Melbourne. At the request of Mr. H. L. White, and by the courtesy of both the Director (Prof. Sir Baldwin Spencer) and Curator (Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S.) of the National Museum, Melbourne, I examined some valuable additions to the " H. L. White Collection," now in that institution. One lot was recently collected for Mr. White by Mr. F. L. Whit- lock in the region of North-West Australia proper. I offer these few and somewhat abrupt comments on selected species, compared with other available material, and with special reference to Mr. G. M. Mathews's " List of the Birds of Australia " (1913), upon which he is founding his more important and permanent work, and purely in the interests of our mutual study — " The Birds of Austraha." And in making these com- ments I do so entirely of my own volition, and in no way what- ever compromise the opinion of Mr. WJiite, or of any other of the gentlemen before-mentioned, on the points raised. The names are those in vogue in the " Official Check-list " of the R.A.O.U. I take the Century Dictionary's definition of a sub-species : a climatic or geographical race recognizably different from another, yet not specifically distinguished. Regarding colour alone, the question is. What is sufficient varia- tion to be regarded as a sub-specific difference ? I would suggest at least either two tones in the tonal scale or two hues in the chromatic scale, and a tone or hue that is persistent and can be named according to modern chromatology.* Otherwise, your description is indefinite. " Differs from so-and-so in its darker coloration above," or " in its paler coloration," are no better descriptions than if they were " nude names." I would further define my position by stating the following negative reasons f why I consider a bird should not be recognized as a sub-species, namely : — (i) When characters are not sufficiently conspicuous so that they can be stated in clear language or figures. (2) When characters cannot be recognized without knowledge of the geographical origin of the specimen. (3) When characters do not distinguish corresponding ages or sexes of two forms. (4) When difference in dimensions is less than 10 per cent. Cracticus nigrogularis. Black-throated Butcher-Bird. Two skins from the Upper Coongan River appear identical with the eastern bird, except that the ends of the primaries and * I find " Colour Standards and Nomenclature " (Ridgway) the most suit- able for naturalists. — A. J. C. f These are not new. See Auk, Oct., 1905 ; also Emu, v., p. 172. ^°'" '^gTs"'] Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection. ri secondaries may be more brownish. The intensity of the black portions of the plumage varies in individuals, and so does the length of the bill. Dr. E. Hartert, who is a keen discerner of sub-species, remarks {Nov. Zool., xii., p. 229), touching birds from Nullagine and the Coongan : — " These specimens belong to the larger C. n. nigro- gularis, the distribution of which is peculiar, as it seems to occur in New South Wales and throughout Western Australia, and is only replaced by the smaller C. n. picatus in the Northern Territory and in the northern portions of Queensland." Apart from these two tolerably clear types, Mathews's numerous " subs " for this species are confusing and conflicting to a student. In addition to the smaller northern form, picatus, he debits us with two others — tormenti and territori — both practically from the type region of the first-mentioned — North Australia. Gymnorhina longirostris. Long-billed Magpie. Mr. Whitlock collected a male and two females on the Coongan, which are interesting because from, or near, the type locality (Ashburton River and Nullagine). Dr. Hartert states they differ from G. t. tibicen in their " larger size." Probably he intended to refer to the bill onlv, because in the other dimensions the western birds are smaller, and correspond with Mathews's G. t. terrce-regince, one specimen of which in the " H. L. White Collection " is marked " Identified by G. M. M." Both longirostris and terrce-regince incline to the light-coloured tibia, although one of the males of the Coongan birds has the tibia black, as also has a male from the Northern Territory. The Coongan specimens appear more weather-worn than the Northern Territory birds, otherwise they resemble each other. Geopelia tranquilla (placWa). Ground-Dove. One male, from the Coongan. This appears a tangible sub- species of Mathews {G. p. clelandi), and corresponds with his plate xxxii. (back fig.), " Birds of Australia," vol. i. Turnix velox. Little Quail. Pair from Coongan. There is no difference in coloration or measurements from specimens collected in New South Wales or Victoria. Moreover, Hartert states he has examined T. velox collected at Nullagine {Nov. Zool., xii., p. 195), the Coongan region. Mathews figures velox for the North- West, but has since intro- duced his "pallid" form — vinotincta. Halcyon obscurus. Northern Red-backed Kingfisher. Male and female, from Coongan. Representatives of a good sub-species (of pyrrhopygia) as indicated on the R.A.O.U. " Check- list," p. 57. In this species the $ usually appears more dingy in coloration than the 0*. Merops ornatus. AustraUan Bee-eater. Two males collected at the Coongan River. One, in perfect plumage, perhaps more golden about the head than is usually the A Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection, [jsf'juiy case, exactly corresponds with one (of a pair) collected at Kow Plains, Victoria. Mathews refers to the western bird as short- ridgei. . Referring to the migration of Merops from New Guinea, Mr. H. G. Barnard has kindly furnished me with some of his field observations. The continuous line of migration noticed from Cape York to near Port Darwin — a distance of about 800 miles — is a most important record. The following are Mr. Barnard's remarks : — " During a collecting trip to the east coast of New Guinea iu the years 1894-5 I observed Merops ornatus on Kiriwina Island, one of the Trobriand Group. During the winter of '95 they were then in moulting plumage ; as the spring came on they disappeared, and were not seen again. " In September, '96, while on my way to Port Darwin, I observed these birds, when nearing Cape York, coming from the direction of New Guinea ; they were passing in flocks of from four or five up to fifty or more, many of the flocks close together. In other instances they were far apart. Some were skimming the water, others hundreds of feet in the air. This continued all the way to Thursday Island. During my stay of two days at this place the flight still continued, many birds resting on the trees on the island. The same, thing was noticed nearly the whole way to Port Darwin, but in much fewer numbers. I spent several weeks at the latter place before returning to Cape York. On the return journey no Bee-eaters were observed passing overhead, but were seen on the mainland at the Cape on my arrival in October. The following March I observed them leaving for the direction of New Guinea : this flight continued for some time. Again, in 1910, while on a trip to Cape York for Mr. II. L. White, I observed the same occurrence in September. During the winter of 1913, while on the Macarthur River, Northern Territory, Bee-eaters began to arrive in August, but were not then in full breeding plumage. By September they had assumed full plumage and started breeding. " On the Dawson River, Central Queensland, birds arrive during August and September, but not in full plumage. This they assume shortly afterwards, when they commence their burrows. After burrow-drilling it is a hard matter to obtain perfect speci- mens, as the birds break the ends off their beaks in the hard ground ; the long central tail-feathers are also fractured. The birds leave again for the north from February to April, though, owing to very mild winters, I have known instances of a few Bee-eaters remaining till the spring." Melithreptus laetior. Golden-backed Honey-eater. Northern Territory (Borroloola and Brunette Downs) specimens are similar to typical M. Icetior, and cannot be separated from Coongan specimens. It would appear as if Mathews's M. coongani becomes a synonym. Vol. XVIII. igi 1 Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection. Myzantha lutea. Yellow Miner. Female. Palest skin of this kind in the " H. L. White Collection." (Wing 4I inches, or ^ inch shorter than typical birds from Napier Broome Bay.) Like others from North-West Cape, this Coongan bird comes nearest Mathews's wayensis, evidently a more palhd form of lutea. The Great Sandy Desert, in this case, appears to operate between the true lutea and way exists. Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater. Gould, who was a good judge of species, stated that he had " abundant evidence that the range of this species extends across the entire continent of Austraha from east to west." If that be correct, it is feared that many of Mathews's subs, notably mur- chisoni, decipiens, rogersi, and cooperi, dissolve into one, which may, in general, be a trifle brighter-coloured than, say, those from Victoria or South Australia. More recently Mathews desires to shift the type locality to Shark Bay. Scarcely will his new genus, Dorothina (pretty name though it be), stand, although he has discovered that Meliphaga (Lewin) is similar to the name Melophagits (Latrielle), for an insect ! Why not retain the well-known name Ptilotis, and put confusion out of court ? Whitlock collected skins on Barrow Island as well as at Cossack, on the mainland. Both examples are similar and typical. Ptilotis carteri. Carter Honey-eater. A pair {3 and ?) from the Coongan are typical specimens, and probably more than a sub-species, as the R.A.O.U. " Check-list " indicates. Ptilotis keartlandi. Keartland Honey-earter. Coongan or Marble Bar birds appear the same as those from the more central (type) locality. Some Western individuals may be paler in colour, but not paler than North's original figure.* For instance, one (?) taken on the Coongan agrees with Mathews's mtingi. However, Hartert recognizes the western birds as keartlandi {Nov. Zool., xii., p. 233). Stigmatops ocularis. Brown Honey-eater. A review of a large series of this widely-distributed species makes it appear that, at most, there are only three races— eastern {ocularis), western {indistincta), and northern {rufescens, with which Mathews's two other subs — perplexa and media — are apparently synonymous). Myzomela nigra. Black Honey-eater. This Western race is smaller than the Eastern {ashbyi). Eplithianura tricolor. Tricoloured Bush-Chat. Paler-coloured than the Eastern bird {assimilis). Does either * " Horn Expedition — Zoology," pi. 6, 6 Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection. [„pj"iy size only or slight variation of colour constitute a scientific warrant for separating a sub-species ? I think not. Emblema picia. Painted Finch. Mathews states {Nov. ZdoL, xviii., p. 428) that the Coongan birds (it. p. coongani) are paler in coloration than those from Gould's type locality, thought to be Derby. It does not appear so, according to the latter's plate 97, vol. iii., " Birds of Australia." Two skins [S and ?) in the " H. L. White Collection " from the North-West Cape are identical with Coongan specimens collected by Whitlock. Mathews now pronounces Gould's type locality to be Depuch Island, near the coast, between Cossack and Yule River [A. A. R., ii., p. 102). That being the case, all these North- western (proper) birds are doubtless Gould's true Emblema pida. In plumage the dark under parts vary in individuals. Some are black, others more brownish, while the scarlet markings, in instances, are absent from the throat, or altogether from the under surface. Pomatorhinus rubeculus. Red-breasted Babbler. The well-defined " Red-breasted " Babbler appears to inhabit the North-West and the great interior. These specimens (two $ from Upper Coongan) answer Mathews's nigrescens, which is the darkest race of this species. However, it is questionable whether there be a tangible sub-specific difference between nigrescens and the real nibecidus, from Derby. I think Mr. Mathews will find that North-West Australia is Gould's type locality, and not " Port Essington, N.T.," as quoted in his (Mathews's) " 1913 List," p. 202. Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow. Male and female from type region (W.A.) Eastern birds (munna) are larger and darker, but there is less difference between the respective females. Melopsittacus undulatus. Warbling Grass-Parrot. A female. Slightly paler in colour than typical specimens, but the skin is marked " immature." I venture the opinion, after examination of much material, that the " Check-list " Committee will find great difficulty in separating ornithologically either of Mathews's subs — intermedius and pallidiceps — of this interesting little species of wide-world aviary fame. One has to consider the various and extreme seasons these birds have continually to contend with travelling throughout their extensive inland habitat. In this connection there is a very interesting note by Dr. Wm. Macgillivray in The Emu, xiii., p. 158. Malurus assimilis. Purple-backed Wren- Warbler. The true Eastern M. lamherti appears to be a very separate form (sub-species), while M. assimilis is more mixed, and extends right across the inland provinces of the continent. It is a poor race, or variety, that one cannot name except one knows the locality it is from. Of the assimilis type, the Dawson bird, on the ^°'- 1"^^'"'] Campbell, Some Additions to H. L. White Collection. n east,, with its larger bill, and the Bernier Island bird, on the west, with the lighter chestnut shoulders, may both be picked out. Two fine Coongan River skins {assimilis) may be either Mathews's mtingi or occidentalis. In any case, none of the assimilis type possesses a blue breast, as indicated by that author's " vernaculars." The throat and breast are always deep black. Poecilodryas pulverulentus (leucura). White-tailed Shrike-Robin. Birds collected by H. G. Barnard and myself at Cardwell, North Queensland, appear similar to Northern Territory specimens, from which Mathews's connedens, from the farther North-West, are doubtfully separable. Two males F. L. Whitlock collected at Cossack are probably not fully adult, the plumage being slightly streaked or striated, especially on head and mantle. These are no doubt Hartert's dnereiceps, which may be distinguished from eastern and northern coast birds by their decidedly Hghter colouring. Pachycephala lanioides. White-beUied Whistler. Whitlock's collection contained two males and a female of this fine species from Cossack. The males appear similar to Gould's figure of farther North- Western birds. But the female (like those also from Port Hedland) is darker (browner), and has the shaft-lines of the under surface more pronounced than, say, Roper River (N.T.) specimens. It is presumed Mr. Mathews will accept De Yis' sfretorum (although the description is not very satisfactory) for the more eastern race should it be proved to differ from lanioides. Except it be in the skinning. Roper River birds show a greater-sized patch of black on the chest than do the Cossack skins. Eimensions in mm., Cossack specimens, according to collector's tabs : — (?. — Length, 183-200 ; wing, 96-98 ; tarsus, 26-30 ; culmen, 17-20. 9. — Length, 122 ; wing, 92 ; tarsus, 25 ; culmen, 20. Zosterops balstoni. Carnarvon White-eye. Three beautiful skins (^) from Barrow Island, apparently a safe sub {balstoni, Grant). They are similar to skins from Port Hedland and North-West Cape. Seemingly the Great Sandy Desert divides balstoni from the true lutea in the farther North- West (Kimberley). There is no difference between farther North- West and Northern Territory (type localit}') specimens — both lutea. That being so, how can Mathews sustain his two subs — hecla and tribiilationis — for the farther North-West ? Cacatua sanguinea. Blood-stained Cockatoo. Female. An interesting skin obtained on an island of Dampier Archipelago, 30 miles off the mainland. Wing, q\ inches, or an inch less than Lake Way birds. The island bird is also cleaner (whiter), and has the yellow parts of the plumage clearer lemon colour. It would be worth while examining more material of these island-breeding birds, 8 Campbell, Sone Additions to H-. L. White Collection, [i^f'j"! I was exceedingly glad personally to handle a skin of the White Cockatoo that frequents Dampier Archipelago, because, from reliable information, I thought, I called the Dampier Cockatoo Licmetis pastinator in my " Nests and Eggs." Obviously it should have been Cacatua sanguined. This is probably the oldest known Australian Cockatoo, for, when Dampier, the navigator, in 1699, was in the neighbourhood of the archipelago that now bears his name, off North-West Australia, he recorded there was a " sort of white Parrot which flew a great many together." Although the earliest known Cockatoo, up to date its name or names are by no means settled. Mr. Mathews, by much laborious research, has at last (" Birds of Australia," vol. vi., pp. 211, 212) narrowed things somewhat towards logical conclusions. But it is a pity he dispenses altogether with the old and familiar name gymnopis (" remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set " may be read metaphorically), while he introduces six other sub-specific (even secondary sub-specific) names of his own, for the species. The name gymnopis may have been inappropriately applied in the first instance, yet Mr. Mathews could have used it by " designation " for the race he now calls ashhyi, from the interiors of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. It will be observed that the wing measurement I give for the Dampier bird — namely, 9I inches, or 240 mm. — agrees with the female measurements of Mathews's small so-called race, normantoni, from the Gulf country, Queensland. Birds of Lake Victoria and the Murray River for 100 Miles Down Stream. By Capt. S. a. White, C.M.B.O.U. Owing to news coming to hand that since the River Murray had been in flood this past season (1917), water-birds of many species had congregated in great numbers over the flooded areas to nest, the writer and his ornithological friend of many years' standing. Dr. A. M. Morgan, determined to make a trip to Lake Victoria, and, after working that district, to examine the ornithology of the river for a hundred or more miles further down. It may be as well to give a few facts relating to the river and the country over which we observed. The River Murray was first discovered and followed to its mouth by Capt. Sturt, who started down the Murrumbidgee in a whaleboat on 7th January, 1830, and reached Lake Alexandrina on 9th February of the same year. He then went on over the lakes and traced the river to its mouth into the ocean. Sturt returned by the same route, reaching his starting-point on 23rd March, completing the longest boat journey ever undertaken by the Navy. The Murray River is navigable for 3,212 miles, and passes through a great valley Vol. XVIII. 1 w^ijE_ Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. Q known as the " Murray Basin." It is stated by geologists that the plains of the great basin have been formed by the silting-up of a large arm of the sea which opened out to the ocean not far from where the present Murray mouth is, and that the arm or inlet extended as far into the interior as Menindie. For the first two hundred miles fossiliferous remains are found in great quantities in the river cliffs. These cliffs constitute a notable feature of the country. It is seldom the cliffs come in to face each other, on either bank of the river ; but in the general case there are cliffs or high lands on one bank and low flats (which at flood time are all under water) on the other. Sometimes the river passes through flats covered in Eucalyptus rostrata (Red Gum) and E. microtheca (Swamp Box) to the cliffs on either side which mark the valley. The cliffs in many places are hundreds of feet high. Those for the first two hundred miles are of marine lime- stone formation, of Miocene and Eocene age ; then further up a great change takes place, and they become unfossiliferous sand- stone, also of Tertiary age, and strongly coloured with oxide of iron. Here the plain or flat through which the river has cut its twisting course is much wider, the cliffs being much further apart. Lake Victoria occupies an area of 25,600 acres, and at the time of our visit was full to overflowing. Lake Victoria was discovered and named by Mr. Howden in 1838, and will soon play a very important part in the locking of the Murray River ; the water finds its way in and out of the lake by the Frenchman and Rufus Creeks. The Rufus Creek was the scene of a fierce but very unequal conflict between the natives and a force of police and overlanders in the early days. The blacks were almost exter- minated ; only one woman with a child on her back escaped by swimming across the river. The creek ran red with the un- fortunate natives' blood. That this district should have been a stronghold of the natives can easily be understood, for it abounded in game and wild fowl of all kinds. The red gum timber is very fine all along the creeks. The distance separating the lake from the river is about four miles. On 28th September, 1917, the writer left by rail for Morgan, then on by car to Renmark. Many birds were observed as the car passed through the mallee or dashed along the bush track out in the open, with a waving mass of spear-grass, 3 to 4 feet high, on each side. In one place a small party of Emus afforded me a lovely sight, as they kept up with the car for quite a distance. Reaching Renmark that night, I was a day ahead of my medical friend ; this was arranged so that I might see to the equipment, cook, stores, boats, &c. Next day kept me busy arranging matters, and that evening my mate joined me. The following day being Sunday, we walked along the edge of the flooded country and made many bird observations. Along the edge of the long backwater or lagoon grew fine red gum trees up to their first branches in water ; out further there was a mass of water plants, out of which came the harsh call of the Bald- 10 White, Birds of Lake Vicforia and Murray River. [ ^"l", Coot. A pair of these fine birds, with dark blue breasts, red bills and legs, on the edge of the swamp, were so quiet that they allowed me to focus the camera. The loud laugh of the Great Brown Kingfisher echoed away through the timber. White- plumed Honey-eaters, Blue-faced Honey-eaters, and others were seen. Moor-Hens slipped into the water from the bank as we passed along. Out in a clear patch of water the Australian Coots could be easily distinguished by the almost white shields on their heads. Dainty little Land-Rails went bobbing in and out amongst the vegetation on the edge of the water. We visited the water tower in the town that afternoon, and found the Fairy Martins nesting in thousands under the projecting top of the tower, their strange, retort-shaped nests being attached to the masonry. Unfortunately, the imported House Sparrow was driving many of the Swallows away and taking possession of their nests ; it was aggravating to see a Sparrow thrust its head out of the bottle-shaped nest. Next morning we were up with the light, to see that our boats and stores were put on board the steamer. At 7 a.m. the river steamer threw off from the bank and proceeded up-stream. It was a wonderful sight. The mighty river was running swiftly, awash with the banks, and in many places over them. Swiftly it rushed through the old gum-trees ; the latter had not seen such a flood since 1870. All day we steamed along this great waterway. As darkness set in, the powerful electric head-lights of the steamer shone upon the giant trees on either bank and showed up great scars, 12 to 20 feet in length, on some of the trees, marking where the happy blackfellow (in those days) had cut a canoe from the thick bark of the tree. It was in the small hours of the morning that Lake Victoria Station was reached. The steamer pulled into the bank, and we soon launched our boats and tied them up to the bank, while we landed our stores and baggage on shore ; then the quaint old river steamer backed out, and pro- ceeded on her way. Leaving our luggage, we took our blankets, and found our way to the gate of the fence which enclosed the homestead, and walked up a path of a well-kept garden, which we could just make out in the starlight. As soon as we reached the verandah we curled up in our blankets and went to sleep. It can easily be understood how surprised the housekeeper and her husband were to find, at sunrise, three men in possession of the verandah. Explanations were forthcoming, and Mr. Arm- strong's letter of invitation shown. We then learnt that the owner, Mr. J. B. Armstrong, was out at the back station, where shearing operations were proceeding. This visit to Lake Victoria Station savoured much of the Arabian Nights, for we arrived in the darkened hours of the morning, awoke to find we were in a beautiful garden, full of flowers and fruit, servants to wait upon us, and everything we required was supplied, yet not once did we see the owner. For seven or eight days we were waited upon, each day going out by land or water, and coming back in the evening The Emu, Vol. XVII I. PLATE II. J3 a X f ) o ■ji ■r. a ^ a 03 o ■n o •_, rn ex D C OJ •^ a V •^^ -zl ^-4 " ^ Vol. XVIII. 1 \yhij£^ Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. II to a brightly-lit dining table and cheerful fire. Our thanks went out a hundred times to our invisible host. We started our ornithological work earnestly on 2nd October. Walking along the edge of the flooded country, we were attracted by some deep wash-outs in the side of a hill, and here great numbers of Diamond-Birds were nesting. The greatest enemy of birdkind, the imported fox, had discovered these birds' nesting burrows, and in many cases had scratched them out for the eggs or young Another bird was nesting in these banks, and that was the Red-backed Kingfisher. The Pale-yellow Parrot was very numerous. Many Honey-eaters, attracted by some flowering box-trees, were observed, and the harsh calls of the waterfowl came from the flooded area. After lunch we manned one of the boats, and after a hard pull against a strong current made our way into one of the swamps. Here we saw a great sight — miles upon miles of swift-running water, over country which, in normal times, would be a box flat, with lignum bushes from 12 to 14 feet high growing upon it ; but at this time only a third of the box- trees was out of water, and only the tops of the lignum bushes. Amidst this great swamp thousands of water-birds had con- gregated to nest. The Black-tailed Native-Hen, the Moor-Hen, Australian Coot, and, at rare intervals, the Bald-Coot, would slip off the tops of the floating lignum bushes and swim away through the maze of light-green tops of bushes and trees. We found the Moor-Hens' nests placed just above the water in the lignum bushes. The Coot made its nest of water grasses and other material, always floating on the water, but so placed on the side of the bush that it could not be swept away by the current. We spent a delightful time in the haunts of the water-fowl. Snakes were numerous, and it was a frequent occurrence to discover a tiger or carpet snake coiled up on the top of a bush, on a branch of a tree, or a hollow limb. Often when the boat was under a dead tree-spout, and the writer pulled himself up by his hands to examine a likely Duck's nest, he would meet the gaze of a goanna or a, snake at far too short a range. These reptiles are responsible for the disappearance of many eggs and young birds. The clear, ringing notes of the Yellow-throated Friar-Bird were often heard, and over the water they sounded more musical than ever. This bird must have been described from an immature specimen, for they have a yellow throat only in the early stage of life. Next day set in wet ; heavy showers fell all the morning, and we congratulated ourselves, and thanked our invisible host, for being in such comfortable quarters. About 3 p.m. the weather broke, and we went along the flood waters on the high ground. No new birds were recorded. Rain set in again, so we returned. The following day thunderstorms passed over continuously, with heavy rain, which prevented our doing much work. On Friday we started out in one of the boats, and spent most of the day amongst the water-birds. Grey Teal, Black Duck, 12 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [isf'juiy and the Maned Goose were plentiful, and mostly in pairs, showing that they were nesting. The Maned Geese, or Wood-Ducks, were very quiet, for often when we passed through the garden gate several of these handsome birds would be feeding on the grass close to the gate, and when we passed out they would only move to one side to let us pass by. In a lucerne paddock close to the house numbers of beautiful White Egrets, White-necked and White-fronted Herons, could be seen at any time during the day. All this spoke volumes for the owner of the station, for he can never allow any shooting near the homestead, or these birds would not be there. In the late afternoon Dr. Morgan went out in the swamp again, taking Harris, our man, to assist him. The writer went along the flooded area with camera to take photo- graphs of the foxes' work in scratching out the birds' nests. Saturday morning, Mr. Smyth, of the adjoining station, " Nimpoo," called with his car and took us " out back " to his brother's place, where the ^soil was covered in a dense mass of spear-grass 4 feet high. The timber was chiefly mallee, pine, and sandal-wood. We saw a good many birds, amongst them the Pallid Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Miner, and the beautiful Yellow-vented Parrot in small flocks. The Gilbert Thickhead was often seen and heard. \Mien we emerged upon some more open country the Tricoloured Chat, like crimson spots, moved on before us. The Little Quail was also numerous. We returned by way of Lake Victoria. As evening was coming on, and the sun was setting, we had a splendid view of the lake, the vast expanse of water, with a fine fringe of gum-trees in the foreground, and the dechning sun shining on the sand-hills and cliffs, on the far side, made a wonderful picture, set in a great waving mass of spear-grass. On our waj- back we met with several flights of the beautiful Black-tailed Parrots ; they were making into the timber on the river from their feeding-grounds out-back. Their swift and elegant flight, combined with their rich yellow coloration, coral-red bill, and black tails, renders them most conspicuous. Next day was taken up curing specimens, writing-up notes, and taking photographs. My companion went out in the after- noon and procured a Red-capped Babbler ; this bird was taken on an island up-stream. Next morning Mr. Smyth again called for us, and kindly motored us over to where the Rufus Creek enters the lake. It was a bright morning, and we approached Lake Victoria on rising ground. When we reached the crest, the lake in all its grandeur opened out before us, with a fine flock of Swan sailing on its surface. We could not get anywhere near the Wentworth Bridge, over the Rufus, for it was well under the flood waters. Having procured a boat from a Government caretaker, we pulled down along the Rufus Creek, the creek being marked only by gum-trees half submerged along the banks. The air was laden- with the sweet scent of the Murray lilies. We turned, with a strong current, into a great swamp, out of which the green tops of The Emu, Vol. XVIII. PLATE 111. Water-birds' Paradise, Murray River. Lignum bushes and red gums are conspicuous. Examining a Black Duck's Nest. PHOTOS. BY CAPT. S. A. WHITE, C.M.B.O U. ^°'-^^y^-"| White, Birds of Lake Victoria arid Murray River. I^ lignum bushes and trees were showing. The harsh cries of water- fowl could be heard on every side, and we were soon busy taking notes and making observations. We were surprised to see the little Blue Wrens and their cousins, the Red-shouldered Wrens, moving about in the almost submerged lignum bushes. The weird, long-drawn call of the Grass-Bird could be heard coming from every bush, and many of their lovely little nests were seen. Numbers of nests of the Coot and Moor- Hen were observed. At mid-day we pulled the boat over to a picturesque little island. The boat was made fast, and we landed, boiled the billy, and did justice to lunch amidst the glories of Nature and a veritable bird paradise. Before we left the island a large fox, that had been feeding upon eggs and birds, took to the water from the island. We pulled out after Reynard, and despatched it in the water. Wednesday, loth October, we were on the move early, loading up the boats ; said good-bye to our kind friends, and started down the river with a boat and luggage in tow. We cut off a good many bends in the river where the stream ran swiftly between the timber. Great watchfulness had to be exercised in keeping our boats from being dashed against the tree-trunks. At noon we made into the first piece of dry land we had seen since starting, and it was only a few inches above water. The glorious song of Gilbert's Thickhead {Pachycephala gilberti) came from the tea-tree scrub. Landing at a very picturesque spot, we had dinner. Then my friend and I took a turn through the scrub. A good many Black-tailed Native-Hens went running away in front of us, like so many dark-coloured Bantams. The rich call of the Shrike- Thrush was often heard, also the weird note of the Black-eared Cuckoo. Whistling-Eagles and Noisy Miners were seen. A large Varanus, or goanna, went scuttling up a big tree ; it was the largest specimen of the species the writer had ever seen. It was 7 o'clock this evening before we could find land high and dry enough to pitch our camp upon. With some difficulty we poled the boats through the thick timber till a steep bank of yellow sand covered in Murray pine was reached. The night was very mild, and we all lay down to sleep in the open. It was discovered that we were close to Millewa, and had made 38 miles down- stream. The first bird to attract our attention in the morning was the Mallee Parrot. Brown-headed Honey-eaters were very noisy. Gilbert's Thickhead was calling loudly. The unmistakable tracks of an Emu were seen. Returning to camp, we had lunch and went on board, and were very soon on our way again. White- rumped Wood-Swallows were seen in small parties amongst the partly-submerged gum-trees. We soon passed over the border into South Australia. The boundary fence between Victoria and South Australia was .een, and that between New South Wales was passed some 8 miles further up stream. At 4.30 p.m. we called at Chowilla for our mail, and the owner, Mr. R. Robertson, was hard at work trying to save the stock from the flood waters, which had risen to his house. Having our mail, we moved on, lA White, Birch of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [j^f "juiy and, reaching a sharp bend in the river, a high bank was seen, and here we pulled in for the night. A White-throated Nightjar was disturbed from the bend of a tree as we landed, and Boobook Owls were calling during the night. Next morning the writer had some specimens to cure, and while this was being done Dr. Morgan went off into the scrub, where he discovered a Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater's nest. Striking camp at mid-day, we proceeded down stream. We made several attempts to get into a large swamp, into which the water was rushing with great speed. After being nearly capsized once or twice, we had to give it up, but made high land at the far end of the swamp by dark, where we pitched our camp. After breakfast next morning we took a boat, and made out on to the big lignum swamp, which was covered in 12 to 14 feet of water ; only the very tops of the highest lignum bushes were showing above the flood waters. We pulled in amongst some fine red gum trees, which evidently marked the bank of a creek. Amongst these trees were many hollow limbs, and all these had been selected by Grey Teal and Black Duck as nesting-places. After examining many nests, and watching the birds coming and going from the holes in the trees, we pulled out into the swamp again. Coot and Moor- Hen were plentiful, and here and there a stately old Musk-Duck would sail away amongst the bushes. In one place where we landed a great number of Native-Hens were running about. The morning was spent searching over the swamp. Several Australian Coots' and Moor-Hens' nests were seen, all containing eggs. Many nests of the Little Grass-Bird came under notice, Bald-Coot feathers neatly roofing them in. Once or twice we saw the nest of the Reed- Warbler. Pulling up to the hollow spout of a gum- tree, and looking in, on the bare wood lay the eggs of the Great Brown Kingfisher, or Laughing Jackass. Returned to the camp for lunch, after which my friend and I made out-back from the river to see what bird-life the mallee contained. The first bird we saw was the Black-breasted Song-Lark, and a nest of this bird was discovered shortly afterwards, placed in a depression in the ground, close to a tussock of grass ; it was neatly lined with grass stems and rootlets, and there were three eggs, with the usual beautiful pink mottlings. We met with a flock of Cockatoo- Parrots ; great numbers of Shell Parrots had congregated to nest in the mallee. We also saw several Many-coloured Parrots. The Yellow-throated Miner made its presence known by its loud call. We were much surprised to find the Eastern Ground Cuckoo- Shrike, for neither of us expected to find this rather rare bird in that locality ; only one specimen was seen. Mallee-Parrots and Grass-Parrots were very numerous. On our return journey we saw several fine Harriers sweeping over the long grass. The sun was sinking when we reached camp. After tea, specimens had to be preserved, and then to bed. One of the most prominent features of the night sounds during our trip through the flooded country was the frog concerts. The VoLXVlii.T ^mj^^ Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. I^ volume of sound was most remarkable when their millions of little throats were in full swing ; they produced a rushing sound resembling a fast railway express dashing along. The frogs were often seen during our excursions into the swamps — large green creatures with brown markings ; they plumped into the water at the approach of the boat. ^ Next morning we left camp early and reached Renmark (where the flood waters had nearly entered the town, and had completely surrounded it) by noon. The following morning we left by motor- car, which only proceeded through the township and then was driven on to an improvised punt and landed on high ground. We had a very pleasant trip into Morgan, through waving spear-grass and mallee scrub, having covered the 70 miles before noon. We boarded the train to Adelaide, reaching the city that evening. So ended an enjoyable and profitable ornithological outing on the flooded River Murray. The following is a list of the birds observed during the trip, with the writer's remarks and field notes. The writer is indebted to his old friend Dr. A. M. Morgan for notes and measurements of some birds preserved by him during the time we were out together. The measurements of the birds are in millimetres, and taken in the flesh. The nomenclature is that of Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., &c., in the " List of Australian Birds," 1913. The " Official Check-list " name is given in brackets when such is different. Dromiceius novaehollandiae {Dromaius novce-hollandics). Emu. — Several of these birds were seen between ]\Iorgan and Renmark, and tracks were seen elsewhere. Where there are only one or two now, twenty years ago I have seen scores. There is no doubt the time is only too quickly approaching when these strange birds will have disappeared from the country. Leipoa ocellata rosin se (L. ocellata). Eastern ^lallee-Fowl. — We were told by several station people that a few birds stUl remain in the district. From all appearances they are almost exterminated. Austroturnix velox {Turnix velox). Eastern Little Quail. — These birds were rather numerous, and were often flushed from the high spear-grass. Specimens taken and compared with birds from further south show the river bird to be much more strongly marked on the head and neck. A female taken at Lake Victoria on 6/10/17 measured — length, 165 mm. ; spread of wings, 270 mm. Iris yellowish- white ; bill bluish-horn colour ; feet pinkish-white. Geopelia placida tranquilla (G. tranquilla). Eastern Ground-Dove. — These birds were not numerous. Phaps chalcoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon. — An odd bird or two flushed in the scrub. Ocyphaps lophotes. Crested Pigeon. — These fine birds were rather numerous in places. A nest containing two fresh eggs was observed in a box tree about 10 feet from the ground ; this was at Rufus Creek on 9/10/17. Another nest was found near Renmark on 13/10/17 ; it was placed in a mallee about 10 feet from the ground, and contained two heavily-incubated eggs. l6 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [,sf"july Hypotsenidia philippensis australis (//. pliilippensis). Eastern Pectoral Rail. — A good number of these birds were seen, both along the edges of the swamps and out in the lignum bushes. There was no sign of nesting. Microtribonyx ventralis white! {Tribonyx ventralis). Eastern Black- tailed Native-Hen. — Great numbers of these birds were seen in several places running along the shores of the swamps, after the manner of domestic fowls. No signs of nesting were seen. Gallinula tenebrosa. Black Moor-Hen. — Great numbers were scattered all over the flooded area. The nests, which were composed of lignum shoots, bark, gum twigs, and leaves, were very loosely constructed, and placed in a lignum bush — in most cases just above the water ; in one or two seen they were higher, up to i8 inches. The number of eggs varied from eight to three, and the markings also varied. Some were heavily blotched, while in others the markings were small and sparse. One nest, in a lignum bush, 8 inches above the water, measured lo inches over all, cavity 8 inches, and 3 inches deep. The birds would invariably slip off the nest into the water, swim rapidly for a short distance, and then begin to call in a sharp, discordant note, while picking at the water-weed on either side, and doing everything possible to draw our attention from the nest. Porphyrio melanotus. Eastern Bald-Coot. — These birds were seen along the edge of the lagoon or backwater near the town of Renmark. We were quite surprised at the few met with elsewhere. Occasion- ally a pair or an odd bird would be flushed from the floating tops of the lignum bushes. No signs of nesting were observed. Fulica atra tasmanica (F. avstralis"). Eastern Coot. — Great numbers were met with all over the flooded country, and they were nesting freely everywhere. The nest was always floating in the water— in fact, in many cases the eggs were lying in it. The nests were com- posed of lignum branches (green and dry), gum-tree sticks and leaves, green, long, succulent water-grass bent round into shape, covered in some instances with the little floating Murray River weed, and were always made fast to a submerged lignum branch. The eggs varied in number from nine to four, all being of the usual finely mottled pattern. A floating nest observed on 5/ 10/ 17 had a foundation of dry lignum sticks ; the nest itself was of green water-weed, pieces of green lignum shoots, green gum leaves, and a piece of bark. Over all it was 12 inches, inside 7^ inches, depth 2-| inches. Podiceps cristatus christian! (P. australis). Australian Tippet Grebe. — Only once did we see a pair of these fine birds. Near the Rufus Creek they sailed majestically past us between the lignum bushes, and out of sight. Lobibyx novaehollandiae {Lohivanellus lohatus). Spur-winged Plover. — Seen in several localities. Zonifer tricolor (Z. pectoralis). Black-breasted Plover. — These birds were much more numerous than the preceding species. Elseya melanops {JEgialitis ruficapilla). Red-capped Dottrel. — Many of these familiar little birds were seen along the river, swamps, and lake. Burhinus magnirostris {Esacus magnirostris). Eastern Stone- Plover. — They were often heard calling at night. On a low piece of °''i^iV^' j ^Vhite, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. IJ ground close to the river, almost submerged, and covered in tea-tree {Melaleuca), we flushed quite a number of these birds. Austrotis australis (Choriotis aiisiralis). Australian Bustard. — Very few were seen. Threskiornis molucca strictipennis {Ibis molucca). White Ibis. — Thinly distributed over the flooded country. Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis. — Very plentiful in the swamps. Spatherodia regia {Platalea regia). Black-billed Spoonbill. — Numbers of these were met along the river and creeks. Platibis flavipes. Yellow-billed Spoonbill. — Occasionally seen, but not nearly as plentiful as the preceding species. Herodias alba syrmatophorus {H. syrmatophorvts). White Egret. — Seen all along the river and creeks ; the white plumage showed up in strong contrast against the dark background of trees. Notophoyx novsehollandise. White-fronted Heron. — Numerous everywhere, nesting at the time of our visit ; several brooding birds seen on their nests. Myola pacifica {N . pacifica). White-necked Heron. — These fine birds were also numerous, and it was a common sight to see them wading in the swamp or perched on some dry tree out in the water. Nycticorax caledonicus. Australian Night-Heron. — Numbers of these birds, in both adult and immature plumage, were roosting in the big gum-trees during the day-time. Chenopis atrata. Black Swan. — Large numbers of these birds on Lake Victoria made a pleasing sight. Met with occasionally in the great lignum swamps. Chenonetta jubata (Chlamydochen jubata). Maned Goose or Wood- Duck. — Numbers of these birds were met with perched upon the limbs of trees or feeding along the edge of the swamps. Their strange " konking " call was heard by day and night, Some of these birds at the station at Lake Victoria were very quiet, and came to the garden gate to feed on the green grass. No sign of nesting other than that they were in pairs. Dendrocygna javanica (D. arciiata). Whistling-Duck. — I am sure I saw one of these birds fly past on the river. Casarca tadornoides. Mountain-Duck. — These fine birds were not numerous along the river or in the swamps, and seemed to prefer large, open lakes. Anas superciliosa. Black Duck. Virago gibberifrons (Nettium gibberifrons). Grey - Teal. — Very numerous, mostly in pairs, nesting in the hollow limbs of trees out in the water. They would fly round, settle in the water a few feet away from the boat, and swim on in front of us for quite a distance. Spatula rhynchotis. Australian Shoveller. — Very few of these Ducks were seen ; the whistling sound when on the wing drew attention to their presence. Malacorhynchus membranaceus. Pink-eared Duck. — Seldom seen ; they were nesting without a doubt, although we did not see a nest. 2 l8 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [ist juiy Oxyura australis {Erismatura australis). Blue-billed Duck. — Only seen upon one occasion, on the river. Biziura lobata. Musk-Duck. — Scattered over all the flooded area. Several nests were seen, but none contained eggs. Phalacrocorax carbo novsehollandiae. Black Cormorant. — A number of these fine birds were seen along the river, but we were unsuccessful in finding their rookery. Mesocarbo ater (P. sulcirostris). Little Black Cormorant. — Frequently seen along the river. Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus (P. hypoleucus). Yellow-faced Cormorant. — Occasionally seen. Microcarbo melanoleucus (P. melanoleucus). Little Pied Cormorant. — This was by far the most numerous bird of the family. Catoptropelicanus conspicillatus {Pelecanus conspicillatus). Eastern Pelican. — They were not very numerous. Circus assimilis. Spotted Harrier (Swamp-Hawk). — We met with these birds sweeping over the long spear-grass and crops of corn in several localities. Circus approximans gouldi. Swamp-Hawk. — Seen upon a few occasions. Urospiza fasciata (Astur approximans). Australian Goshawk. — Only seen once. Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. — Not many of these birds were seen, and they were very far off. The mistaken idea of these birds doing so much harm to lambs has been the means of killing them off by poison and paying for scalps, which is greatly to be regretted. Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling Eagle. — Many of these birds were seen, also their nests, in the large gum-trees along the river, but they are not nearly so plentiful as I remember them in the eighties. Faico hypoleucus. Grey Falcon. — Only one example came under notice. leracidea berigora {Hieracidea berigora). Striped Brown Hawk. — Often met with, especially back from the river. Cerclineis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel. — This is a fairly common bird all through the Murray district. Spiloglaux boobook marmorata {Ninox boobook). Boobook Owl. — Heard calling at night ; no specimen was taken. Tyto alba delicatula {Strix delicatula). Masked Owl. — This bird's unmistakable screech was. heard more than once during the night. Glossopsitta porphyrocephala. Purple-crowned Lorikeet. — Although there were many gum and box trees in blossom, few of' these birds were seen. Cacatoes galerita (Cacatua galerita). White Cockatoo. — Numbers of these birds were seen along the river ; they were nesting in the cliffs. Eolophus roseicapillus {Cacatua roseicapilla). Rose-breasted Cockatoo. — These lovely birds are still numerous along the river, but are not in the same numbers as thirty years ago. ^"'i^is'^' 1 ^^HiTE, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. IQ Leptolophus auricomis {Calopsitta novcB-hollandice). Cockatoo- Parrot. — A large party of these birds was seen out back from the river just before reaching Renmark. Polytelis anthopeplus (P. melanura). Black-tailed Parrot. — These charming birds were met both out back and on the river; they seemed to fly a good way back to feed, returning to the big timber on the river to roost at night. Two specimens taken at Lake Victoria, 7/10/17 : — No. I, c? — iris brown, outer ring lighter ; bill rosy red ; legs and feet ashy-grey ; length, 440 mm. ; spread of wings, 620 mm. No. 2, $ — length, 360 mm. ; spread, 595 mm. ; bill pale pink. Platycercus flaveolus innominatus. Pale-yellow Parrot. — This was one of the most common birds on the river. They procure nearly all their food upon the ground, and were often to be flushed from the grass or blue-bush fiats, quite a distance from timber. Two birds secured at Lake Victoria, 3/10/17. — No. i, o — iris brown ; bill bluish- white ; inside mouth yellowish-white ; feet dark ashy-grey ; length, 350 mm. ; spread of wings, 502 mm. No. 2, ^ — length, 340 mm. ; spread, 485 mm. Upon comparison it is found that the Lake Victoria specimens approach most closely the Riverina bird, and this seems to be, in the writer's opinion, some grounds for G. M. Mathews's statement that " the lower Murray bird is paler in coloration." Barnardius barnardi. Mallee (Ring-necked) Parrot. — This is a numerous bird in the mallee all along the river. Two specimens were taken at Millewa, 11/10/17 : — No. i, (J — iris brown ; bill, upper mandible almost white, lower dark horn colour ; feet ashy-grey ; length, 350 mm. ; spread of wings, 490 mm. No. 2, $ — length, 2>2i7 mm. J spread, 479 mm. No. 3 — length, 360 mm. ; spread, 480 mm. ; wing, 180 mm. ; tail, 205 mm. ; tarsus, 22 mm. ; bill, zt, mm. Psephotus hsematonotus. Red-backed Parrot. — Numbers of these birds were seen during the trip, mostly out back from the river. Psephotus varius rosin ae (P. multicolor). Southern Many-coloured Parrot. — All the Murray specimens show a great deal more red on the abdomen in comparison with the North and North-Western birds. Northiella hsematogaster xanthorrhoa (P. xanthorrhous). Yellow- vented Parrot. — Met with in small parties in the sandal-wood country, 10 to 15 miles back from the river. Upon comparing these birds with skins from the north and north-east of Adelaide no variation can be detected. Three specimens secured at Lake Victoria, 6/10/17 : — No. I, $ — iris brown ; bill bluish-white ; feet ashy- grey ; length, 309 mm. ; spread of wings, 345 mm. No. 2, $ — length, 400 mm. ; spread, 370 mm. No. 3, (^^length, 400 mm. ; spread, 36 mm. Melopsittacus undulatus. Shell-Parrot or Betcherrygah. — These lovely little birds were in countless thousands, and as we motored through the high spear-grass they rose in such vast flocks that they darkened the air. As they wheeled and turned in their quick flight, the bright colours of their plumage formed a dazzling sight. ffigotheles cristata. Owlet Nightjar. — Dr. Morgan discovered a nest of these birds in a hollow stump at Lake Victoria station, 7/1O/ 17 ; it contained two young birds covered in white down. 20 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. fist juiy Dacelo gigas. Great Brown Kingfisher. — Wherever the big gum- trees grew this bird was to be found, and the quaint laughing call echoed through the timber and over the flood-waters morning and night. One nest was observed in the hollow limb of a tree out in the swamp ; the eggs were laid on the bare wood. Cyanalcyon pyrrhopygius {Halcyon pyrrhopygius). Red-backed Kingfisher. — Were met with in many places. Along the Murray and at Lake Victoria they were rather numerous. They were nesting in the steep banks of a wash-out. The male bird will sit for hours on a stump or post uttering at frequent intervals his strange call, which sounds like " Chow." One specimen taken at Lake Victoria, 3/10/17, $ — iris brown ; bill black, base of lower mandible white ; feet ashy-grey; length, 235 mm.; spread of wings, 355 mm. Sauropatis sancta (H. sanctus). Sacred Kingfisher. — Seen once or twice during the time we were out. Cosmaerops ornatus {Merops ornatus). Australian Bee-eater. — These beautiful birds, which, by the way, are often known locally as the " Rainbow-Bird," were just looking out their nesting-sites in the banks of wash-outs at Lake Victoria, but had not at that time com- pleted any of their nesting-tunnels. Two specimens taken at Lake Victoria, 8/10/17 : — No. i, ^ — iris scarlet; bill black; feet grey; length to tip of two central feathers in tail, 267 mm. ; to end of tail proper, 225 mm. ; spread of wings, 350 mm. No. 2, ? — length, 235 mm. ; spread of wings, 350 mm. Eurostopodus mystacalis {E. albogularis). White-throated Nightjar. • — Only saw one of these birds, just at dusk, on the bank of the river ; but tlieir strange call was often heard at night. Heteroscenes pallidus (Cuciilus pallidus). Pallid Cuckoo. — A good many of these birds were 'seen and heard. Two specimens taken at Lake Victoria, 6/ 10/ 17 : — No. 1, $ — iris dark grey, with dark brown rim ; bill, upper mandible almost black, lower yellowish-brown, black tip ; length, 310 mm. ; wing, 185 mm. ; tail, 180 mm. ; bill, 23 mm. ; tarsus, 27 mm. ; stomach contents, many hairy caterpillars. No. 2, c^ — iris greyish-brown ; bill, top mandible blackish-brown, lower mandible olive-brown ; inside mouth orange-red ; feet brownish- grey ; stomach contents, a quantity of hairy caterpillars. Owenavis osculans {Mesocalius osculans). Black-eared Cuckoo. — This bird was not often seen. One specimen taken at Lake Victoria had iris dark brown, bill black, inside month black, feet nearly black ; length, 203 mm. Neochalcites basalis mellori (Chalcococcyx basalis). Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo. — Only observed once or twice. Lamprococcyx plagosus (C. plagosus). Bronze-Cuckoo. — Seen only once. Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow. — Observed all along the river, and everywhere out back where there were human habitations. Cheramoeca leucosternum stonei. Eastern Black-and- White Swallow. — These Swallows were seen in several places during the trip. Hylochelidon nigricans caleyl {Petrochelidon nigricans). Tree-Martin. — Quite numerous along the river. ^°''i^iV'] White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. 21 Lagenoplastes arlel (P. artel). Fairy Martin. — Very numerous all over the flooded area, and at Renmark thousands had collected and had attached their strange retort-shaped mud nests under the pro- jecting top of the water-tower in the town. Micrceca fascinans. Australian Brown Flycatcher. — Many of these birds were noted, and Dr. Morgan discovered a nest at Lake Victoria 7/10/17, placed in the fork of a horizontal mallee branch, about 3 feet from the ground. It measured — over all, 2f inches ; cavity, i-l inches ; depth, f inch . Material, bark, bound with cobwebs and lined with rabbit fur. Contained two slightly incubated eggs. Whiteornis goodenovii {Petroica goodenovii). Southern Red-capped Robin. — One or two birds seen out back from the river. Melanodryas cucullata vigorsi (M. bicolor). Southern Hooded Robin. — ^A few of these birds noted in the mallee. Smicrornis brevirostris viridescens. Greenish Tree-Tit. — ]Many of these birds were seen in the tree-tops in many localities. Gilbertornis rufogularis gilbertii (Pachycephala rufogularis). Red- throated Thickhead. — These beautiful songsters were fairly numerous both in the tea-tree scrub on the river fiats as well as out back in the scrub. Two specimens taken : — No. i, c^— iris rich reddish-brown ; bill, black ; inside mouth, black ; back of palate, bluish colour. No. 2_, $, Lake Victoria, 6/10/17 — iris rich reddish-brown ; bill and feet black ; length, 205 mm. ; spread of wing, 305 mm. Leucocirca tricolor {Rhipidiira motacilloides). Black-and- White Fantail. — This familiar little bird was met in every locality. Pteropodocys maxima (P. phasianella). Eastern Ground Cuckoo- Shrike. — It was a great surprise to meet this bird about a mile or more back from the river, a few miles above Renmark. This was the only time the species came under observation. Coracina novaehollandiae melanops (Graucalus melanops). Black- faced Cuckoo-Shrike. — Seen in many localities. Lalage tricolor {Campephaga hiimeralis). White-shouldered Cater- pillar-eater.— Seen near Lake Victoria. Pomatostomus ruficeps (Pomatorhinns ritftceps). Chestnut-crowned Babbler. — Observed at Lake Victoria. One specimen taken by Dr. Morgan had iris brown, bill black, feet dark grey, inside mouth dull yellow. Morganornis superciliosus (P. super ciliosus). White-browed Babbler. — Seen all over the country visited. Cinclorhamphus cruralis cantatoris. Southern Brown Song-Lark. — Plentiful all through the country, breeding. Nest observed 13/10/17 ; three fresh eggs. Depth of nest, 3 inches ; opening, 2 J inches ; outer part dry grass, lined with green grass and spear-grass heads. Ptenoedus mathewsi vigorsi (C. rufescens). Eastern Rufous Song- Lark. — Seen upon several occasions during the trip. Epthianura albifrons. White-fronted Chat. — A fairly common bird. Parepthianura tricolor {E. tricolor). Tricoloured Chat. — Numerous in the open timbered country. One bird taken. Lake Victoria, 6/1 0/17, ^ — iris yellowish-white ; bill and feet dark brown ; length, 126 mm. ; spread of wings, 220 mm. 22 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [ j<^^"\"ui , Aurepthlanura aurifrons {E. aurifrons). Orange-fronted Chat. — A small party seen in the blue-bush country near Lake Victoria. Conopoderas australis {Acrocephalus australis). Southern Reed- Warbler. — A few examples seen and heard in the swamps. These birds prefer the reeds to lignum bushes. Two or three nests seen. They seemed to have just made a start to nest. Poodytes gramineus dubius {Megalurus gramineus). Southern Grass- Bird. — Great numbers of these birds were nesting in the lignum swamps. They had just started to nest when we arrived at Lake Victoria ; before we left many nests were seen. One nest, placed in a lignum bush 3 inches above water, was made of grasses and rabbits' fur, lined with Duck feathers, one Egret's feather, one White-fronted Heron's feather, and a feather of the Yellow Parrot. Height, 3 inches ; cavity, 2 inches deep and 2 inches broad. All nests were invariably covered in with Bald-Coots' feathers. Acanthiza uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Tit-Warbler. — These little birds were fairly numerous on the high ground at " Millewa," 11/10/17. One specimen taken, $ — iris white ; bill and feet brown ; inside bill black ; length, 103 mm. ; spread of wings, 160 mm. Geobasileus chrysorrhous {A. chrysorrhoa). Yellow-rumped Tit- Warbler. — Seen in many places ; a common bird. Pyrrholaemus brunneus. Redthroat. — Not a common bird ; seen out from Lake Victoria. Malurus cyaneus leggei. Southern Blue Wren-Warbler. — Often met with out in the flooded country, living in the tops of the lignum bushes, which were almost submerged. Upon comparison they seem to approach the Victorian bird more than the South Australian form, the blue being darker than in the latter bird. One specimen taken at Rufus Creek on 9/10/17, (^ — iris brown ; bill black ; feet brown ; length, 129 mm. ; spread of wings, 152 mm. Hallornis cyanotus (M. cyanotus). White-winged Wren-Warbler. — Met with in the blue-bush country. Leggeornis assimilis {M. assimilis). Purple-backed Wren-Warbler. — W^e found this species in the same locality as M . c. leggei, and they were often seen in close relationship with each other. Artamus leucorhynchus leucopygialis {A. leucogaster). White- rumped Wood-Swallow. — Was met with in many places, but seemed to keep fairly well to the river, lake, and creeks. It was often seen hawking in small parties over the flood-waters. Habits are very like those of other members of the family, but the note is distinctive. One specimen taken at "Millewa," 11/10/17 — iris, reddish-brown; bill light blue, tip black ; feet mealy-black ; length, 180 mm. ; spread of wings, 360 mm. In comparison with the Cooper's Creek bird, the Murray bird is darker, is 6 mm. longer, but, strange to say, is 8 mm. shorter in spread of wings. Campbellornis personatus munna {A. personatus). Masked Wood- Swallow. — Vast flocks of these birds, in company with other species of the family, were seen near Lake Victoria ; they were feeding on millions of immature grasshoppers. Campbellornis superciliosus {A. superciliosus). White-browed Wood-Swallow. — Seen in great numbers with the preceding specieg. ^"'i^iV'l White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. 23 Austrartamus melanops (.4. melanops). Black-faced Wood-Swallow. — Numbers of these birds were seen between Morgan and Renmark. It is my firm opinion that it is only of recent years that this species has come so far south. Pseudartamus cyanopterus (A. sordidus). Wood-Swallow. — This widely-distributed bird was seen in several localities. Colluricincia harmonica. Grey Shrike-Thrush. — These birds were plentiful all along the river— in fact, all through the big gum country. One specimen taken, 3/10/17, $ — iris brown ; bill slaty-grey ; feet mealy-black ; length, 240 mm. ; spread, 355 mm. Upon comparison with female specimens collected further south, the bird shows a lighter coloration all over, and striations on the throat are much more pronounced. Grallina cyanoleuca (G. picata). Magpie-Lark. — A very common bird all over the river district. Gymnorhina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie. — These birds covered an area between jNIorgan and Renmark. Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota (G. leuconota). White-backed Magpie. — By far the more numerous of the two species, but they do not seem to overlap. Cracticus nigrogularis. Black-throated Butcher-Bird.— Seen upon several occasions ; not plentiful. Their beautiful clear notes were often heard. Bulestes torquatus (C. destructor). Collared Butcher-Bird. — Often met with on the river, as well as in the scrub further back. Oreoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird. — This bird was seen, and its wonderful note heard. Aphelocephala leucopis. White-face. — Fairly numerous round Lake Victoria. One specimen taken at that place, 6/10/17, $ — iris white ; bill and feet black; length, no mm.; spread, 180 mm. This bird approaches somewhat A . I. whitei, and is of a much more ruddy coloration when compared with the form found lower down the river, and is smaller. Neochmia picumna australis {Climacteris scandens). Brown Tree- creeper. — These birds were fairly numerous amongst the timber on the river. Austrodicaeum hirundinaceum {Dicceum hirundinaceum). Flower- pecker or Mistletoe-Bird. — Only observed once. Pardalotinus striatus ornatus (Pardalotus striatus). Red-tipped Pardalote. — Found all through the district visited. At Lake Victoria they had assembled in numbers, and had made their nesting-tunnels into the bank of a wash-out. The tunnel was 18 inches to 2 feet in, where a small chamber was hollowed out, in which a neat nest of dry grass was formed. Many of these nests had been scratched out by the imported fox. Two specimens taken at Lake Victoria : — No. I, $, immature — iris brown; bill black, inside mouth blackish colour; feet slaty; length, 115 mm.; spread of wings, 200 mm. No. 2, (^ — length, 120 mm. ; spread, 205 mm. Upon comparison it is found that the Murray bird is much darker than the northern bird, and the tips of the spurious wing feathers are orange, while those of the Northern bird are crimson. 24 White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. [i^f "July Melithreptus atricapilla (M. brevirostris). Brown-headed Honey- eater. — Seen in the low scrub close to the river. Two specimens taken at " Millewa," 11/10/17: — No. i, ? — iris brown; bare skin round eye pale yellow ; bill black ; feet brownish-yellow ; length, 150 mm. ; spread of wings, 220 mm. Upon comparison these birds do not differ from specimens from the north-west of the State. Plectorhyncha lanceolata. Striped Honey-eater. — Observed by Dr. INIorgan on the Rufus Creek. Cissomela nigra ashbyi (Myzomela nigra). Black Honey-eater. — Seen in the flowering box-trees at Lake Victoria. One specimen taken, 2/ 10/ 17 — iris dark brown ; inside mouth flesh colour ; bill black ; feet dark brown. Meliphaga sonora (Ptilotis sonora). Southern Singing Honey-eater. — Seen in almost every situation. Iris brown ; inside mouth yellow ; legs and feet dark grey ; bill black. Ptilotula penicillata {Ptilotis penicillata). White-plumed Honey- eater. — A common bird all through the district. One specimen taken at Lake Victoria, ^ — iris brown ; feet yellowish-brown ; inside mouth orange ; length, 192 mm. ; spread, 240 mm. ; wing, 83 mm. ; bill, 12 mm. ; tarsus, 18 mm. ; tail, 43 mm. Stomach contents, insects and nectar. Myzantha melanocephala. Black-headed Miner. — A very common and noisy bird all along the river and round the lake, bvit never seen out back, where M. flavigula takes its place. Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner. — As soon as the river belt is left this bird appears ; the preceding species, being much more robust, seems to keep this bird back from the river timber. One bird taken near Lake Victoria, 6/ 10/17, 6 — i^is brown ; bill orange ; feet oli^'e-yellow. Acanthogenys rufogularis {Acanthogenys rufigularis). Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater. — A very common bird. Its strange gurgling note was heard on the river as well as in the scrub far back. Two birds pro- cured : — No. I, (J, Lake Victoria — iris brown, with white rim ; bare skin round eye light flesh colour ; base of bill flesh colour, tip black ; inside mouth orange ; feet dark slate ; length, 260 mm. ; wing, 120 mm. ; tail, 120 mm. ; bill, 23 mm. ; tarsus, 29 mm. ; spread of wings, 340 mm. ; stomach contained insect remains and part of small wasp. The rufous coloration on the throat seemed to be much paler in comparison with birds from further north. Dr. Morgan kindly supplies me with the following notes of a nest he observed near " Chowella " : — Measured 3^ inches in diameter, 2 inches deep ; built of green convolvulus stems, spider webs and cocoons, lined with thistledown, spear-grass seeds, and a piece of sheep's wool ; contained three slightly-incubated eggs. Entomyzon cyanotis (Entomyza cyanotis). Yellow-throated Friar- Bird. — These birds were very numerous round Lake Victoria, and their noisy yet musical note was often heard. They are very pug- nacious. Although no nests were seen, I am sure they were breeding by their antics. Three specimens taken at Lake Victoria: — No. i, iris brown ; bare skin below eye leaden colour ; legs and feet greenish- black ; inside mouth light flesh colour. No. 2, 3/10/17, ^ — length, 285 mm. ; spread, 415 mm. No. 3, 4/10/17, J — iris greyish-brown • Vol i^iV^'l White, Birds of Lake Victoria and Murray River. 25 feet greenish-black ; space below eye leaden colour ; bill black ; length, 280 mm. ; spread, 400 mm. Anthus australis. Australian Pipit. — Plentiful wherever there was open country. Mirafra javanica secunda {M. secimda). Lesser Bush-Lark. — Not numerous. Stagonopleura guttata. Spotted-sided Finch. — Only observed upon one occasion. Taeniopygia castanotis. Chestnut-eared Finch. — This widely- distributed Finch was observed upon many occasions. Corvus coronoides. Australian Raven (Crow). — Thinly scattered through the country. Strepera (sp. ?) — A Strepera was seen upon more than one occasion in the mallee, but not close enough to be identified. Corcorax melanorhamphus. White-winged Chough. — These birds were met with in large parties along the river, and were nesting. Their strange mud nests were seen. One specimen taken at Lake Victoria, 8/10/17, (^ — iris crimson ; bill and feet black ; inside mouth white ; length, 480 mm. ; spread of wings, 720 mm. The Skeleton of the " Kea Parrot '' of New Zealand (Nestor notabilis). By Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, C.M.Z.S., Hon. Member R.A.O.U., &c. During the summer of 1917 the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, New Zealand Government, presented to the National Zoological Park at Washington, D.C., nine adult speci- mens of the famous " Kea Parrot " {Nestor notabilis). When the shipment arrived at the Park, 31st August, 1917, one bird was found dead in the crate, and transferred to the United States National Museum, to be prepared as a skeletal accession to the collection. The tag on the specimen made record of the facts that the bird was a male, its Park number being 2441, and that it was dead on arrival at the station (30th August, 1917). The National Museum label gives its number as 225,989, and the fact that it was received on the ist of September, 1917. On the 24th of the same month the skeleton, which had been beauti- fully prepared by Mr. Scohick, of the Museum, was loaned to the writer for the purpose of preparing an account of its osteology. Turning to the literature of the group of Parrots to which Nestor notabilis belongs, it will be noted that, while some attention has been paid to its morphology, there is really no complete description of its skeleton extant. Under the generic name, Nestor, Alfred Newton, in his " Dictionary of Birds," says : — " The position of the genus Nestor in the Order Psittaci must be regarded as uncertain. Garrod removed it altogether from the neighbourhood of the Lories {Proc. Zool. Society, 1874, p. 597), to which, indeed, the structure 26 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notahilis). [.sf"}"] of its tongue, as previously shown by him {op. cit., 1872, p. 789), indicates only a superficial resemblance. Like so many other New Zealand forms, Nestor seems to be isolated, and may fairly be deemed to represent a separate family — NestoridcB — a view adopted by Count T. Salvadori (" Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.," xx., introd., p. viii.), and fully justified by a cursory examination of its osteology, though this has hitherto been only imperfectly described and figured (Eyton, " Osteol. Avium," p. 72 ; A. B. Meyer, " Abbild. von Vogel-Skeletten," p. 18, pi. 23)." What Eyton sets forth on page 72, vol. i., of his " Osteologia Avium " is of scant value, in so far as it throws any light on the skeletology of this genus ; while the work of A. B. Meyer {" Abbild. von Vogel-Skeletten ") has, in some manner, been lost from the library of the United States National Museum, and consequently the complete skeleton of the Kea, there said to be figured, has not been seen by me in the present comparison. It is very doubtful that it would be of much assistance. Garrod gave us a " Note on the Tongue of the Psittacine Genus Nestor,"* in which he compared the soft parts of that organ in a number of Parrots, Nestor hypopolius being among them. He arrived at this conclusion : — " From these considerations, and a comparison of the accompanying drawings of the tongues of Stringops, Nestor, and Trichoglossus, it is evident that the structure of this organ would lead to the placing of Nestor among the typical Parrots, though an aberrant one, and not with the Trichoglossin(£ ; and other points in its anatomy favour this conclusion " (Coll. Mem., p. 116). Garrod does not appear to have studied the osseous portion of the tongue in Nestor ; had he done so, he would have discovered how markedly that structure differs from the corresponding parts in Stringops and many other Parrots. This author also studied the carotids of Nestor notahilis (Coll. Mem., p. 170), as well as certain muscles of the thigh [loc. cit., p. 195). In three other very famous papers of his he went very thoroughly into these matters, taking other structures up in connection with them {loc. cit., pp. 247-263). Garrod does not appear to have paid much, if any, attention to the skeleton of Nestor in any of his writings. With respect to taxonomy, he relegated the Psittaci to a sub-order. In this sub-order, the PsittacidcB appears as Family II., which includes Sub-family (4) ArincB — Nestor appearing last after the genus Pceocephaliis. Forbes paid but scant attention to the anatomy of Nestor. In reviewing Dr. Hans Gadow's paper in the Jenaische Zeitschrift f — a very thorough paper on the anatomy of the avian organs oif digestion — he says : — " No allusion is made to the tongue of * Proc. Zool. Soc, 1872, pp. 787-789, five figs. f " Versuch einer vergleichen Anatomie des Verdauerungssystemes der Vogel " — (i) Theil, Jen. Zeitschr f. Wissenschaft, Band xiii., Heft i, pp. 92- 171 (1879); (2) Theil, torn, cit., Heft 3, p. 339, &c. {1879). ^°''i^iV^^ 1 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot {Nestor notahilis). 27 Nestor ; and the old statement as to the universal absence of a gall-bladder, or, at all events, its only exceptional presence as an individual variety, in the Parrots and Pigeons, are repeated" (Coll. Sci. Mem., pp. 163, 164). Later on he wrote a paper " On the late Prof. Garrod's Contributions to Bird Anatomy and Classification," in which he simply pointed out what Garrod had done with Nestor {Ibis, 1881, pp. 1-32, also Coll. Sci. Mem., pp. 189-213). Sharpe, in his " Hand-list of Birds," vol. ii., p. i, gives the following classification : — Order XXIII. — Psittaciformes. Family I. — Nestoridce. {Cf. Salvad. " Cat. B. Brit. Mus.," xx., p. 4, 1891.) with four existing species of Nestor contained in it, and two extinct ones. In his " Classification of Birds " further divisions are suggested, thus : — Order XXIX. — Psittaciformes. SUB-ORDER LXXII. — PSITTACI. Family i.- — Nestor idee. ,, 2. — Cyclopsittacidce. ,, 4. — CacatuidcB. ,, 5. — PsittacidcB. ,, 6. — Stringopidce. And of this he says : — " The following order of Families has been kindly supplied to me by my friend Count Salvadori. He pro- poses it in his forthcoming volume of the British Museum ' Catalogue of Birds.' " In the " Catalogue of the Specimens Illustrating the Osteology of Vertebrated Animals, Recent and Extinct, Contained in the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Part III. — Class Aves," by R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D., London, 1891, it is to be noted that Nestor is represented on page 239. (Wagler, " Abhandl. Ak. Wissensch. Miinchen," i., p. 503, 1829-30.) In that museum there was, at the time the " Catalogue " appeared, the upper mandible and a skeleton of the Ka Ka Parrot {Nestor hypopolius) (Gould, " Handb. B. Austr.," ii., p. 548, 1865), and a skull as well as a mounted skeleton of the Mountain Ka Ka {Nestor notahilis).* I have looked up the paper, which is in German, by Dr. Ludwig * Nestor notabilis, Gould, P.Z.S., 1856, p. 94 ; id., " Handb. B. Austr.," ii., p. 544, 1865 ; BuUer, " B. New Zealand " (second ed.), vol. i., p. 166 (1888); A. B. Meyer. " Abbild. Vogel-Skelet.," Taf. xxiii. (AT. meridionalis) ; Lorenz, Sitz, K. Akad. Wiss., Wien, Ixxxiv., Abth. i., p. 624. There is a brief but very good popular account of the Keas in " The Living Animals of the World," vol. ii., p. 487, Lond. It is illustrated by three figures of Keas, one of which is an excellent reproduction of a photograph from life by W. Reid. 28 SnvF-EL-DT, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). [isf"}"],. von Lorenz ; it is entitled " Uber die Skelete von Stringops hahroptilus und Nestor notabilis."* Dr. Frank E. Beddard, F.R.S., in his excellent work on " The Structure and Classification of Birds," London, i8g8, devotes some little attention to Nestor. 'f He points out that the furcula is complete in that Parrot. He gives the number of vertebrae that occur in its spinal column, and he comments on the fact that Gadow practically divided the Parrots into two families, according to the structure of their tongues — viz., the TrichoglossidcB and Psittacidce. " In all the TrichoglossidcB the orbital ring is in- complete, and it is possible that the remarkable structure of the hyoid, described above, may serve to distinguish this family. The first family contains only Nestor, the Lories, Cyclopsittacus, and Lathamiis ; but the two latter are very imperfectly known. The remaining genera are relegated to the second family " (p. 267). Beddard, in his sub-order Psittaci, arrays two families, the second one of which is the Psittacidce. In this family the sub-family ArincB is created to contain Ara, Connurus, BolborhyncJms, Caica, Psittacus, Poeocephalus, and Nestor. In all these groups the left carotid is superficial, and the ambiens muscle is present. He adds, on page 271 : — " Mr. Parsons and I have pointed out certain likenesses between Stringops, the Cacatuincs of Garrod, and Nestor, which he places in an altogether different family." The study of such fossil Parrots as have been discovered up to date does not throw much light upon the taxonomy of the existing ones. On the Skeleton of Nestor Notabilis. (Plates IV.-X., figs. 1-16.) During past years I have published several papers on the osteology of the Psittacidce, and these will be referred to during the present investigation of the skeleton of Nestor. % * Vorgelegt in der Sitzung am 15 December, 1881 ; Aiis dem Ixxxiv. Band der Sitzh. der K. Akad. der Wissensch., i Abth., December-Heft., Jah., 1881, pp. 1-9. It is illustrated by three plates (Taf. i.-iii.), two being devoted to some bones of Stringops and the third to Nestor notabilis. This latter presents three views of the skull of Nestor notabilis, also a dorsal view of the articular end of the mandible. They are lithographs, but apparently fairly accurate. f See also Blanchard, " Des Caracteres Osteologiques Chez les Oieaux de la Famille des Psittacides," Compt. Rend., xliii., p. 1,097, and xlix., p. 518; Milne-Edwards, "Observations sur les Caracteres Osteologiques, &c.," Ann. Set. Nat. (6), vi., p. 91. J Shufeldt, R. W., " Osteology of Connurus carolinensis," four. Anat. and Phys., Edinburgh, April, 1886, vol. xx., pp. 407-425, plates x. and xi., figs. 1-18. Shufeldt, R. \V., " Osteology of the Psittaci," Ann. Carnegie Museum, vol. i., pp. 399-421, plates xxi.-xxiv., 1902. Shufeldt, R. W., " An Arrangement of the Families and the Higher Groups of Birds," The Amer. Nat., vol. xxxviii., Nos. 455-456, Nov. -Dec, 1904, pp. 833-857, Boston, 1904, illus. ; in this arrangement the Nestoridce (Psittaciformes : Sub- order xxiii.,. Sub-order xxxiv., Psittaci, Super-family I., Psittacoidce, Thk Emu, Vol. XVIII. PLATE IV. Vol. ^Y^^'l Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). 2Q The Skull. — While the main morphological characters of the cranium in the. Psittaci are very similar, yet, when we come to compare this part of the skeleton of the " Kea " with the cranium of a Macaw, of a true Parrot, a Loriiis, or the hke, it is by no means difficult to select a character here or a character there which may not only be different, but very distinctive. Viewing the cranium of Nestor from above, it is to be noted that it possesses the broad, smooth, and rounded surface seen in the crania of the Psittacidce generally.* It is, however, longer than it is broad, being inclined to be narrow between the orbits, with the parietal prominences diffuse though well pronounced. These latter are practically absent in Amazona, and circumscribed in the larger Macaws. The superior margins of the orbits are sharp, as is the rule in Parrots generally ; while within their edges posteriorly we find a row of minute foramina for the transmission of vessels (and nerves ?) to the skin of the top of the head. Anteriorly, the cranio'-facial hinge is quite as functional as we find it in any other species of the group — indeed, more so than in such a form as Ara sever a, and, perhaps, other Macaws. This " cranio-facial hinge " very distinctly defines the supero-posterior limitation of the upper mandible in any member of this Order of bird ; in fact, in the dried skull of any Parrot of the family PsittacidcB one can readily break the upper beak off from the cranium simply by taking it by its forepart and forcing it backward in the direction of the top of the cranium. The palatines, and maybe the pterygoids, will come away with it. (See figs, i, 3, and 7 in Plates IV., V., and VI.) In Nestor the superior mandible is much elongated ; narrow from above downwards, being gently decurved from base to apex, and drawn out into a sharp, transversely narrow point. Its osseous tomia are cultrate ; the anterior two-thirds of its ventral surface (osseous roof of the mouth) being smooth and flat posteriorly, and somewhat concave anteriorly. Its' posterior margin is carried somewhat backwards mesially, which, in the Macaws and many Parrots, is a straight, transverse line. Posterior to this, the anterior ends of the palatines pass forwards and upwards into the rhinal chamber (fig. 3, Plate V.) For a Psittacine bird, the nasal apertures are unusually large. In either one of them the outline is elliptical, while the circular aperture is at the posterior base of the concavity (fig. i, Plate IV.) The maxillo-nasal suture is persistent. family Nestoridce), is placed as the leading family of the group next before the Loriidcs. Shufeldt, R. W., " Osteology of the Palceornis, with Other Notes on the Genus," Trans, of the Royal Society of South Africa, vol. v., part 5, June, 1916, pp. 575-591, plates xxxix.-xli. ; plate xxxix. is a coloured figure of the bird. * When Nestor is mentioned in the present contribution, it is to be under- stood that Nestor notabilis is the species invariably referred to. I regret to say that I have, at this time, the skeletons of no other representatives of that genus before me for comparison. ^O Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). [ist JuK- Passing to the lateral aspect of the cranium, its features are well shown in fig. i of Plate IV. of the present paper. It will at first be observed that the " osseous ring," which completely surrounds the orbit in so many species of Parrots, Macaws, and the rest, is here incomplete posteriorly, while the post-frontal process is very much aborted. The " zygoma " is of a very uniform calibre, with its extremities but slightly enlarged. Viewing it laterally, it appears to be straight ; but seen from above it presents a strong sigmoid curve, extending from one end to the other. (Compare figs, i and 3 of the plates.) The osseous auricular meatus is completely shielded by the surrounding bones of the cranium. A sphenotic concavity exists in front of it, triangular in outline, with elevated margins above and below — the latter overlapping the facet for the head of the quadrate (fig. i). Eminences, depressions, crests, and .ridges, so conspicuous at the sides and back of the cranium in so many other species of birds of diverse groups, are, in this New Zealand Kea, all prac- tically suppressed ; so that, upon the external aspect of all this latero-posterior part of the brain-case, the rounded surface is quite devoid of any conspicuous elevations whatever, which is the reverse of what we meet with in the skulls of the larger Macaw species. Posteriorly, Vae foramen magnum is of good size and sub-circular in outline, the rather prominent condyle having a marked con- cavity anterior to its site. The basitemporal area is distinctly triangular in outhne, with its general surface concaved, and its lateral margins raised, being withal thin and sharp. These latter are produced out to the ends of the temporal wings of the exoccipitals. Above the foramen magnum, the occipital area is flat, and the occipital crest indicated only by a feeble line on the smooth surface of the bone. This also apphes to either crotaphyte fossa, which latter is well shown in fig. I of Plate IV. Within either capacious orbit, the foramen rotundum is circular and thoroughly circumscribed by bone ; the large foraminal opening above it merges with the corresponding one of the other orbit, the two together robbing the anterior wall of the brain-case of a large part of its osseous partition. The mesial ethmoidal mass is markedly extensive and spreading, forming a broad base for the frontal roof above. Its anterior edge forms the posterior Hne of the cranio-facial hinge in front of it. Laterally and mesially, the body of the lacrymal, the pars plana, and the mescthmoid are so thoroughly fused together that all sutural lines of demarcation have been entirely obliterated in this adult skull. Mesially, the mesethmoid is raised into a sharpened crest, which is extended posteriorly over the sphenoidal rostrum to the mid-anterior angular projection of the basi- temporal area. The Emu, Vol. XV III. PLATE V. Vol. xvlil."] Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notahilis). 'XX 191S J -^ ^ y u The sderotal plates of the eyeballs that belonged to this speci- men have apparently been lost, so I am unable to describe them. Posteriorly, the " rhinal chamber" is largely filled by bone, it being co-ossified with the internal lateral and superior walls. Inferomesially, it develops a sharp spine, which projects anteriorly into the forepart of the chamber. The narial apertures are sub- circular in outhne, and open internally, side by side, just opposite the inferior line of the cranio-facial hinge. As in the majority of Parrots, the palatines are big, strong bones. Anteriorly, they are more or less rod-hke, being at first transversely flattened, to become compressed in the opposite direction at their distal terminations. Posteriorly, either bone is an extensive blade — ^broad, and with rounded margins. When articulated, this portion is directed downwards and backwards, curling inwards above, to articulate with the fellow of the opposite side. This takes place beyond the anterior free edge of the sharp, sphenoidal rostrum. Immediately posterior to this inter- palatine articulation there is to be seen the anterior extremities of the pterygoids. They, too, articulate with each other, and each with the palatine of its own side (fig. 3, Plate V.) Slightly above the middle of the posterior margin of either palatine, we find a delicate little spine some five millimeters in length, which projects directly backwards and slightly downwards. It is well shown in figs, i and 3, and constitutes a character, in so far as my observation goes, not found in the cranium of any other species of Parrot. A pterygoid is a very straight little rod, of nearly uniform calibre, and about two centimeters in length. Its extremities are but slightly enlarged to accommodate the articulate facet — a cup-like one posteriorly for the quadrate, and a more or less flat one anteriorly for the palatine and the pterygoid of the opposite side. Very probably, in life, the four bones named have a sliding motion on the sphenoidal rostrum, as the superior mandible moves up and down through the use of the cranio-facial hinge. In form, either quadrate is typically Psittacine, being very much compressed transversely, including the smooth, antero-posteriorly convex facet for articulation of the mandible. Its " orbital process " is short and spine-like, while the stouter " mastoidal " one supports a distinctly divided double head at its superior end for articulation with the twin concavity just anterior to the opening to the middle ear. By studying one of these quadrates in figs. I and 3 of the plates, a very good idea of its morphology may be gained. The mastoidal twin heads at the superior end of the bone are placed side by side transversely ; so that when the rocking motion comes into play when the superior mandible is in use, the requisite amount of mobility is extended to them. All the usual vascular and nervous foramina to be found in front of the basis cranii in the skulls of the Psittacidce generally are in evidence here, no one of them being shielded in any way by 32 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot {Nestor notahilis). [i^t juiy projecting osseous lip or otherwise, as they are in the crania of some members of the class. The Mandible (figs, i, 4, and 12). — This element of the skull in Nestor has more the appearance of the jaw of some kind of Hawk or other than of any ordinary member of the Psittacoidea. It is typically V-shaped in form, and entirely lacking in the in-turned apophyses at the mesial sides of the articular ends of the bone. They are aborted to their bases, and it is here that we note the usual pneumatic foramen, upon either side, that admits the air to this part of the jaw. The articular ends of this jaw are very elongate antero- posteriorly. In the case of either one, the outer side of the concavity is continuous with the mandibular ramus, with its upper border convex from before, backwards, and rounded transversely. The mesial margin is but feebly developed, the whole end being concave superiorly, and carried far behind the true articulation for the quadrate, which latter is rather a short facet situated above the aforesaid concavity, and is, for its entire length, concaved transversely. These characters are all well shown in the figures on the plates. Either ramus between the articular end and the symphysis is broad and deep, being pierced near its middle by a large, elliptical splenial vacuity, with its major axis placed longitudinally. The ramal borders are rounded, the inferior one being considerably thickened. Most Psittacine birds possess a deep and broad symphysial part to the mandible, and we find no exception to this here. It is broadly concave behind, the concavity being directed forwards. Superiorly it is markedly concaved from side to side, and correspondingly convex on its ventral aspect. Anteriorly this jaw is truncate at an angle of about 45 degrees with the longi- tudinal axis of the bone. The margin thus created is extremely thin and sharp. Judging from its appearance and the presence of numerous foramina, the bone seems to be highly pneumatic throughout, as is, indeed, the entire cranium of this remarkable representative of the Parrot tribe. The Hyoid Arches (fig. 10, Plate VI.) — This part of the skeleton has received considerable attention at the hands of not a few ornithologists. Some of this Hterature is cited in Beddard's excellent work, " On the Structure and Classification of Birds," where he reproduces for us many of Mivart's figures of the bony parts of the tongues of Parrots (pp. 265-267). Nestor appears to have the morphology of the various bones to some extent in agreement with what we find in such a species as Lorhis flavopalliattis. There is one very unusual departure, however, for the Kea has an entoglossum quite different from that of any other Parrot. The twin moieties are very elongate and drawn close together, which is not surprising, inasmuch as the face of the Kea is more extended anteriorly, and the mandibles narrower, than is at all usual among the Psittaci. The hasihyal is elongate, being about twice as broad posteriorly The Emu, Vol. XVIII PLATE VI ^°'" i^il^^^'l Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). 3^ as at its anterior end, where an enlargement exists bearing an articular surface distally, with a minute underlapping lip for articulation with the united entoglossum. Posteriorly it is produced mesiad as the iirohyal — a very slender rodlet about five millimeters in length. At the middle of the basihyal, dorsad, there is to be observed a scroll-like, osseous parahyal process, which practically agrees with what we find in the skeleton of the tongue in some of the Lories, as, for example, Lorins flavopalliatiis, as figured by Mivart and republished by Beddard {loc. cit., p. 266). The parahyal process upon either side is produced forwards on the dorsal aspect of the basihyal as an elevated, thin, osseous plate, to meet the fellow of the opposite side anteriorly, and co-ossify with it. At this point it is a thin, sharp, bony platelet, directed to the front, standing well above the basihyal and not in contact with it. The hypobranchials are long and slender, while the cerato- branchials — still more slender and more lengthy than in the Psittaci generally — do not seem to be terminated posteriorly in cartilaginous tips or free ends. In regard to the osseous hyoid arches, Beddard remarks that " the only bird which seems to present much resemblance to the Parrots is the Eagle, which, according to the figure in Bronn's ' Thierreich,'* has a broad basihyal with the short angular processes which suggest the more elaborate parahyals of the Parrots. "t Probably, were a more extensive comparison made than there has heretofore been of the hyoids of the Psittaci with those of the Raptores, not a few resemblances would be brought to light, in so far as these two groups of birds are concerned. With respect to the trachea, only a very small part of it was preserved by the osteologist that prepared this skeleton. It consists of the upper three tracheal rings, which are completely ossified, and the larynx (fig. 11, Plate VI.), all the dorsal portions and structures of which are in membraneous cartilage, while the solid " thyroid plate " is in bone. To gain much information, however, about the upper part of the trachea in any bird, the anatomy of it should be studied with the aid of good alcoholic specimens, or upon birds recently killed. There is large room for extensive work in such directions, and it is very humiliating to think how little we really know of the subject. The Vertebral Column (figs. 8 and 9, Plate VI. ; fig. 13, Plate VII. ; fig. 14, Plate VIII. ; and fig. 15, Plate IX.) — Ah the prepelvic vertebrae in the spine of Nestor are inclined to be strong and massive ; they interlock closely by thick and strong processes. The pelvic and coccygeal vertebrae take on pretty much the same character, all of which may be appreciated through a study of the figures on the plates. * Aves, plate xxxi., fig. 23. t Loc. cit,, pp. 266, 267. 34 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis). [,^f"Tui, The first eleven vertebrse of the neck or cervicals bear no ribs at all ; on the twelfth there occurs a small pair that have but the head and neck, the body being lacking entirely, and they are freely articulated in the usual manner. Passing to the thirteenth vertebra, it is to be noted that the pair of ribs are far better developed than on the twelfth ; each has a length of about two centimeters, but they do not support epiplenral appendages, nor do they, upon either side, meet with costal ribs below. In the case of the fourteenth or last cervical vertebra, its pair of ribs are completely developed as cervical ribs, for their articulations with the vertebra are perfect, while the ribs themselves possess small epiplenral spines, which anchylose each with the border of its rib, just as do those in the dorsal series following them. Twelfth cervical vertebra possesses a neural spine closely resembling those found on the dorsals, its height being about the' same, while longitudinally it is not so wide antero-posteriorly. These neural spines on the thirteenth and fourteenth cervicals are essentially like the corresponding ones in the dorsal series (Plate VIL, fig. 13). The atlas has its cup perforated, and to such an extent that a minute median deficiency occurs in its superior periphery. Its hvperapophyses are extremely small, while its big, shield-shaped haemapophysis is mesially keeled, the whole being produced back- wards beyond all the rest of the bone. The vertebral artery passes the centra of both the axis and the atlas on the way into the cranium, while in the third vertebra, and throughout the rest of the cervical series, it is, upon either side, extensively shielded by bone formed by the lateral processes of any particular vertebra as it passes it. Near the end of the cervical series, one or two of the rudimentary pleurapophyses, on either side, perform a similar service. Third, fourth, and fifth cervicals possess bluntly-pointed and lofty neural spines, the third and fourth also having well- developed haemal spines, the one on the fifth being aborted. On the sixth cervical the neural spine is extremely small, and it lacks a haemal one entirely. No neural spines occur on the seventh, eighth, or ninth, and they are small on the tenth and eleventh. Apparently the carotid arteries passed through the haemapophysis of the ninth vertebra, while it is an open canal in the sixth, seventh, and eighth. In the fifth and sixth cervicals the post- zygapophyses are elongate and spreading ; they gradually shorten after that, and in the last cervical they agree with what is to be found in the dorsal series. Second, third, and fourth cervicals have the pre- and post-zygapophyses very much shortened up, so that, when articulated, these elements of the spine are more extensively in touch among each other. There is a good-sized neural canal throughout the spine in the Parrot, it being of a somewhat larger calibre in the cervical series than it is in the dorsal. Passing to the dorsal vertebra, wc find their big, quadrilateral tHE Emu, Vol. XV in. f m. ^^■« m - • r .(<.'? J SHI- ' Cl: i^ ' ^"'-^iV'] ^KVFE'LVT, Skeleton of Kea Parrot {Nestor noiahilis). 35 neural spines intimately articulated throughout the series ; indeed, in the case of the first and second dorsal vertebrae no opening occurs between them. Only the first and second dorsals possess rather short haemal spines, the ultimate one being slightly bifid. These characters, as seen upon dorsal aspect, are well shown in fig. 15 of the present contribution, especially the broad transverse processes, which, on either side, supports a single, backward-proj ecting metapophysis. All the vertebrae of the spinal column, with the possible excep- tion of the last few caudals and the pygostyle, are thoroughly pneumatic ; this also applies to both the thoracic and the costal ribs. Nestor has its ribs very perfectly developed, the entire series being, as a whole, a most efficient protection to the contained organs and structures of the thorax and anterior abdominal cavity. There are four pairs of dorsal ribs and two pairs of pelvic ones ; they all connect with the sternum by the intervention of costal ribs, their modes of articulation being as they occur in all ordinary birds (ligs. 13, 14, and 15 of the plates). Large epipleural appendages occur on the first four pairs of these dorsal thoracic ribs ; and, upon either side, each overlaps the next rib following it. Curiously enough, on the last thoracic rib of the left side, there are two small epipleural appendages, the smaller one of the pair being the lowermost one (fig. 13). There are no epipleural appendages on the corresponding rib of the right side. No case similar to this has ever been seen by me in any bird, in so far as I can remember at the present time. As we pass from before, backwards, the distal ends of the sternal ribs become more and more expanded. It is hardly noticeable in the first pair, but a decided feature of the ultimate pair. On the right side this latter bone has a short, very narrow, super- numerary sternal rib articulated with its distal posterior margin. Such vestigial osseous structures are interesting, and may point to the fact that the early ancestors of Nestor possessed more ribs than this existing form of the species. This supernumerary costal rib is well shown in fig. 14 of Plate VIIL — in fact, close inspection of figs. 13 and 15 will likewise reveal both of these anomalies. The ultimate two pairs of thoracic ribs of Nestor articulate with the pelvis, and so are pelvic ribs ; they are not followed by any rudimentary ones more posteriorly, as so often happens among birds of other families. Other Parrots have two pairs of pelvic ribs, as, for example, Amazona leucocephala and its near allies. Nestor has five free caudal vertebra in its tail skeleton. Morpho- logically, they are very much alike, while they vary but little in the matter of size. Each has a stumpy, blunt neural, spine and the last two haemal spines, the one in the fourth being very rudi- mentary, while the ultimate one is much better developed and anteriorly bifid. All these vertebrae have stout diapophyses that are directed downwards and outwards (figs. 13, 14, and 15). 36 SnvFRLDT, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestoy notabilis). [,sf''juiy There is a large, quadrilateral pygostyle terminating the spinal column of Nestor ; its anterior and superior borders are sharp, while the remaining two are thick and rounded. At the angle of their intersection a special thickish enlargement occurs, which is flat and smooth upon its posterior aspect. Just anterior to this, upon either side, a small foramen is to be seen, the general surface upon this aspect of the bone being smooth and quite flat, apart from the slight elevation extending backwards and upwards from the articulation at the antero-inferior angle. The Pelvis. — While not typically Psittacine in its morphology, the pelvis of Nestor does not depart so very widely, in the matter of its form, from that bone as it occurs in Parrots belonging to other genera, as, for example, species of the genus Amazona, as well as some of the larger Macaws. Viewing the bone from above, it is to be noted that the anterior border is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the spinal column. At the middle point the projecting neural spine articulates in the usual way with the neural spine of the last dorsal vertebra. A slightly raised emargination finishes off the border, being interrupted mesially by the neural spine of the leading vertebra. For their middle thirds, the ilia meet in the middle line, and apparently fuse together. As a matter of fact, these bones completely close over the ilio-neural canals, so that no part of them remains open in the adult — anteriorly, mesially, or posteriorly. Either ihum — that is, its preacetabular portion — is much con- caved externally, the surface looking upwards and outwards ; while posteriorly this surface is carried over the top of the acetabulum (figs. 13 and 14). In the postacetabular area the neural spines of the vertebrse are completely fused together, forming a raised median ridge for the entire length of this part of the bone. The lateral processes of the vertebrae are fused together, leaving but few inconspicuous foramina among them ; it is only the last two pairs of the latter that are large and elhptical in outhne. Laterally, on either side, the general surface of this postacetabular area is smooth and generally convex. On the lateral aspect, the cotyloid ring for the head of the femur is large and circular in outline. Its base is entirely absorbed, while the triangular antitrochanter is rather small for a bird of the size of Nestor, its surface facing almost directly forwards and very slightly downwards. Immediately posterior to it there is a large, elliptical ischiadic foramen, its major axis being parallel to the postpubic style. All the postero-lateral surface of the pelvis is smooth, and withal very much concaved. The elliptical obturator foramen merges largely into the " obturator space," the latter running the entire length between the pubic style and the lower border of th^ ischium. The posterior moiety of the pubis is somewhat broader and stouter than the anterior, while it curves mesiad toward the The Emu, Vol: XVIII. PLATE VIII. Vol. XVIII. igi8 1 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notahilis)-. 37 fellow of the opposite side. Either one projects posteriorly beyond the ischium of the same side for at least a centimeter ; both margins of this bone are rounded. There is the barest suggestion of a prepiihis at the usual site on either side, and it is most evident in fig. 15 ; it is so minute, however, as to be hardly worthy of mention. The leading -pelvic vertebra has its body much individualized, while superiorly it fuses with the under surface of the iUa. The pair of ribs it supports appear to be freely articulated ; but this is not the case with the second pair. There are six of the leading pelvic vertebrae that develop lateral processes, which are thrown out to the ventral surface of the ilium upon either side, there to solidly co-ossify. Opposite the narrowest portion of the preacetabular moiety of the pelvis, the " sacrum " is very broad, and to some degree compressed. From this locality, however, it gradually narrows as we proceed towards the caudal extremity. In the forepart of the pelvic basin, opposite the acetabulae, the vertebrae fail to throw out any diapophysial braces to the inner margin of the ilium upon cither side ; while this is a conspicuous feature of the remaining part of the sacrum — that is, of the ultimate six pre- caudal vertebrae (fig. 14, Plate VIIL) There appear to be fourteen vertebras in the consolidated " sacrum " of Nestor, and this agrees with a number of other species of the Psittaci. Among other points it must be noted that the posterior free border of either ischium is sharp and convexed to the front ; the ilia behind form, by their borders, a rounded concavity, and into it extends the forepart of the skeleton of the tail, almost to the distance of two leading caudal vertebrae. The " ilio-ischiadic notch " is very shallow, and the ischia behind barely come in contact with the pubis upon either side. At the inner lower arc of either acetabulum there is an elevation which is very noticeable upon the ventral aspect of this pelvis, as it is in some other representatives of this most interesting assemblage of birds. The Shoulder Girdle. — Nestor is one of those Parrots that has its OS furcuhim complete. In form it is a perfect U, its lower half being much flattened from before backward ; it is of a uniform width, with a total absence of anything approaching a hypo- cleidium. Either free extremity is enlarged and flattened trans- versely, its superior border being rounded off. It articulates with both scapula and coracoid, thus completing the " foramen triasseum." Passing from either free extremity to the arch below, the mesial surface above gradually comes to face anteriorly, the loop below being entirely so directed. The opposite side of the bone reverses this ; for where the free end of the arch presses against the coracoid of the same side, its surface is directed out- wards. So, in passing to the arch below, this surface gradually comes to face backwards (figs. 13 and 14). 38 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parvot {Nestov notabilis). Lut "Yuiy A coracoid is a long, stout bone, with all its usual ornithic characters developed. When the girdle is articulated, as in life, the head of a coracoid is considerably above the clavicle of the same side — considerably more so with respect to the anterior extremity of the scapula. This head or superior extremity of the bone is notably enlarged and turned toward the median plane. It gradually merges below into the shaft, which latter is stout, straight, and somewhat compressed from before, backwards. This compression gradually- merges into the expanded sternal end of the bone. The outer angle of the latter is broadly truncate, while its inner angle meets in articulation the corresponding angle of the fellow of the opposite side. This meeting takes place in the middle line of the coracoidal groove, directly behind the sternal manubrium. Either coracoid furnishes about two-thirds of the articular surface of the glenoid cavity for the head of the humerus. Passing to a scapula, it is to be noted that its head is much compressed from above, downwards, being fashioned to meet the clavicle mesially, and to assist in forming the glenoid cavity externally. Its blade, too, is much flattened from above, down- wards, and has the exact form of a miniature cimeter. Distally, it turns outwards for about half its length, and ends posteriorly in a blunt point (figs. 13 and 15). All the bones of the pectoral arch are more or less pneumatic. The Sternum (figs. 13 and 14). — Oblong in outline, the sternal body has an average length of seven centimeters, while trans- versely it averages about four centimeters, being somewhat wider posteriorly than it is from the base of one costal process to a corresponding point on the opposite side. Ventrally, it is much concaved, especially just within the anterior border. The manubrium is conspicuously developed, being bluntly bifurcated superiorly and wedge-shaped below — the inferior edge in the median line being very sharp. This is continued on to the carinal angle, the anterior border of the carina being concaved from before, backwards. Posteriorly, the sternal body is slightly convex and entire. Well within its margin, one upon either side, there is a large triangular foramen, the angles being slightly rounded off (fig. 14). Each costal border supports six facets for the sternal ribs. Between each facet and the one next posterior to it there is a deep little pit, with one or more pneumatic foramina at its base. Costal processes are well developed and triangular in outline. A few minute pneumatic foramina are to be seen just over the anterior border posteriorly. There is a big, strong keel to this sternum, its free margin or border being convex downwards and thickened ; it runs the entire length of the bone, terminating in a little triangular area at the middle of the xiphoidal part of the body of the bone. On either side of the keel, running between the middle and lower thirds, there is a raised muscular line defining the insertion of the pectoralis major. Posteriorly, it runs into the superior defining line, which latter passes close to ^"''i^is''^'] Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notaUHs). 39 the edge of the xiphoidal foramen of that side, and then passes along just below the costal border, to terminate at the articulation of the first sternal rib ; this line does not show up very well in the figure. The carinal angle is an open, acute one, and the " coracoidal grooves " appear to meet at the base of the manu- brium. The Pectoral Limb (Plate IV., fig. 2, and Plate V., fig. 5)-— As in not a few other species of Parrots, the bones of the forearm and hand of this Parrot seem to be only partially pneumatic, while the humerus is perfectly so. This latter bone possesses all the characters as we find them in the typical Macaws of the genus Ara. As a matter of fact, the humerus of Nestor presents identically the same characters as are to be found in the corre- sponding bone of the pectoral limb of Ara chloroptera, with which I have carefully compared it. In the latter bird, the humerus has a total length of 8.9 cms., w^hile in Nestor it measures but 7.8 cms. It is a trifle shorter than this in the plates, for the reason that the bone is, to some extent, taken in perspective. Its shaft is short, stout, and to some degree compressed in the same plane with the head. Either extremity is very consider- ably enlarged — the head to some extent being flexed anconad and the distal end palmad, the two lending to the bone, for its length, the usual sigmoid curve ; though this is by no means very pro- nounced. Proximally, the caput humeri is large, smooth, and transversely compressed ; it is separated from the very prominent ulnar tuberosity by a strongly-marked incisura capitis, the former overarching a deep pneumatic fossa, at the bottom of which may be seen numerous small pneumatic foramina. A conspicuous radial crest is present, which is short, and has a convex, free edge. Distally, the usual tuberosities are well marked and prominently elevated. Small ectopicondylar and entepicondylar processes are to be seen ; but they are quite minute as compared with those found in many other birds. The radius is straight, with subcylindrical shaft, and presents the usual ornithic characters at either extremity. On the other hand, the ulna is comparatively very stout, considerably curved along its shaft — especially along its proximal third — while the papillae for the quill-butts of the secondary feathers of the wing are barely perceptible. Radiale and ulnar e metacarpals are large, with extensive articular facets for articulation with the long bones of the antibrachium and the metacarpus. This latter bone possesses an extreme length of 5.6 cms. Pollex metacarpal is short and projecting, while the main shaft of the bone or index metacarpal is stout and straight ; on the outer aspect of its distal half a very pronounced, longitudinal groove is present. Middle metacarpal is rather slender distally, and becomes broader and compressed proximally. All of these characters are present in Ara chloroptera. The distal phalangeal joints of manus in Nestor are all well developed— a fact that may be appreciated by a consideration AO Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot {Nestor notahilis). [,<;f"j",iy of their form, size, and characters in figs. 2 and 5 of the present paper. There are no claws on the ends of the finger-joints in Nestor, which holds true for all the Psittacidce. The Pelvic Limb (fig. 6, Plate VI., fig. 16, Plate X.)— It would appear that all of the bones of this limb are non-pneumatic, judging from their colour in the dried skeleton, and the absence of pneumatic foramina at the sites where they usually are present. For a Parrot, too, the skeleton of this limb is a powerful one, the individual bones all being of large calibre with respect to their shafts, and long in proportion to the size of the bird. This is readily appreciated by comparing their lengths with the length of the corresponding one in the much larger bird, the Red-and- blue Macaw {Ani chloroptera). Nestor notabilis. Ara chloroptera. Length of fepiur . . 6.7 cms. . . 6.5 cms. Length of tibiotarsus . . 10.4 cms. . . 9.0 cms. Length of tarsometatarsus 4.6 cms. . . 3.2 cms. All the bones of this limb appear to be pneumatic in the Macaw, while upon the other hand some of the characters are quite different. The head of the femur in the " Kea " is large and sessile with respect to the shaft. An extensive though very shallow pit is present for the insertion of the hgamentum teres. All of the summit of the bone is in the same plane, while the trochanterian prominences are much reduced, as compared with other birds of other famihes. Apart from being marked by certain muscular lines, the shaft of the bone is nearly straight, sub-cylindrical, and smooth. Either condyle is large and prominent, although, posteriorly, the popliteal fossa is shallow and not well defined. A large osseous patella is present, which is somewhat peculiarly formed. Anteriorly it is uniformly convex and smooth ; superiorly it is transversely elliptical in outline, and concaved. Posteriorly, it is much excavated for its inferior half, which produces a sharp edge for its distal border. The ligament in which it is encased is broad and strong. Tibiotarsus of the leg is a strong, straight bone, with a big, smooth, sub-cylindrical shaft. The low cnemial processes are widely separated in front, and extend but slightly, though equally, down the shaft. They rise to some extent above the summit of the shaft, and possess a common, thickened margin proximad. The " fibular ridge " is rather short, and is confined entirely within the limits of the superior third of the shaft. Distally, above the condyles, the shaft is somewhat compressed in the antero- posterior direction, being nearly flat posteriorly, while in front it is shallowly grooved in the middle line, being spanned below by a small osseous bridge, above which a roughened tubercle, one on either side of the median groove, afford attachment for the ligament that in life confines the tendons passing to the dorsum of pes. The Emu, Vol. XVIIU PLATE IX. ^"''ic^is'^' ] '^ii^^'P'^^'DT, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notahilis). 4I The condyles are separated by a smooth, well-marked valley or intercondylar space. In each one, their outer peripheries are elevated, especially in the case of the inner one, which at the same time is more elongate than the fellow of the other side. Both stand well out beyond the shaft posteriorly. Passing to the consideration of the fibula, we find the bone to be short, stout, and straight ; while distally it is sharp-pointed, and when articulated, as in life, passes but a couple of millimeters below the fibular ridge on the tibiotarsus (fig. 16). On its outer side, at the juncture of the middle and lower thirds, there is the usual tubercle for the insertion of the tendon of the biceps muscle. Distally, as well as proximally, the extremities of the tarso- metatarsiis are more or less compressed in the antero-posterior direction. This bone has a remarkable morphology, but this feature is still more evident in the tarsometatarsus of Ara chloroptera. In the " Kea " the summit of the bone is more or less flat, though it presents the usual shallow excavations for the condyles of the tarsometatarsus. The hypotarsus is short, and very broad and thickened. It is once-pierced for the passage of tendons, and twice deeply grooved in the same direction, the latter being completed behind by dense ligament. The shaft is rounded from side to side in front, and notably flat posteriorly. Just below the hypotarsus it is twice-pierced antero- posteriorly by minute foramina. Laterally, for the upper third of the shaft internally, there is a strong longitudinal ridge developed. At the distal end of the bone, the usual foramen for the passage of the anterior tibial artery is large, and a distinct groove leads into it from above on the anterior aspect of the shaft. To meet the requirements of the zygodactyle foot, the bi-g distal trochleas of this bone are turned and twisted in such a manner as to almost give this end of the bone a deformed appearance. The addition of a rather large " accessory metatarsal " rather enhances this appearance. This entire morphology and arrange- ment, however, is perfectly natural, and requires but a brief study to convince one of its marvellous adaptation to the various move- ments of the basial joints of pes in life. From a study of the bones of the foot, as shown in fig. 16 of Plate X., it will be appreciated that not only are they arranged for the four toes upon the more usual plan of 2, 3, 4, 5 joints for the first, second, third, and fourth toes respectively, but that all these joints are unusually large and strong, with very complete and extensive interarticulations. As we would naturally expect in this notable carnivorous member of the Psittacine assemblage, the ungual joints are each sheathed in a big, strong, and curved podothecal sheath, the distal end of each being quite as sharp- pointed as we find it to be in not a few Falcons ; indeed, Nestor possesses on a whole a foot that might well grace the pelvic limb of any average Falconine bird, or even that of some big Owl. ^.2 Shufeldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot {Nestor notahilis). [,sf"jui Conclusions. It would seem that the opinion is now very general among orni- thotomists — those living as well as those who have gone before — that the family Nestoridce should be created — indeed, has been created, as pointed out in the leading paragraphs of this memoir — to contain the various species of the genus Nestor. The structure of the soft parts of Nestor seems to sustain this opinion ; and these characters, when arrayed with the few striking differences pre- sented on the part of the skeleton of the species herein considered, prove that the proposition may well be considered as finally determined. The Nestorine osteological characters referred to have been set forth in so much detail in the foregoing pages that it would appear to be quite unnecessary to tabulate them in these conclusions. The family Nestoridce may now, as just stated, be Considered an established fact, in so far as the morphology of Nestor notahilis is concerned, and, presumably, all the other representatives of the genus. Explanation of the Plates. (All the figures are reproductions of photographs made by the author direct from the specimens shown ; they are natural size, and from the same skeleton.) Plate IV. Fig. I. — Right lateral view of the skull of Nestor notabilis ; mandible detached. Fig. 2.— Palmar aspect of the right pectoral limb of Nestor notabilis, complete, and bones normally articulated. Plate V. Fig. 3. — Basal or ventral view of the skull of Nestor notahilis. Fig. 4. — Inferior or ventral view of the lower mandible of Nestor notahilis. Fig. 5. — Anconal aspect of the right pectoral limb of Nestor notabilis ; complete, and bones normallv articulated. Compare with fig. 2 of Plate IV. Fig. 6. Pl.\te VI. -Right pectoral limb of Nestor notahilis ; median or inner aspect. F, femur ; p, patella ; th, tibiotarsus ; tm, tarso- metatarsus ; pes, skeleton of the toes. Fig. 7. — The skull of Nestor notahilis seen upon direct superior or dorsal view. Fig. 8. — Ventral aspect of the leading seven cervical vertebrae of Nestor notabilis. Fig- 9- — Ventral view of the eighth and ninth cervical vertebrae of Nestor notabilis. Fig. 10. — Ventral view of the hyoid bones of Nestor notahilis ; the glossohyal is detached. Fig. II. — Subvcntral aspect of the larynx of Nestor notabilis. Fig. 12. — The mandible of Nestor notahilis, superior or ventral aspect. The Emu, Vol. XV III: PLATE X. ^"'ifis'"'] Shi^feldt, Skeleton of Kea Parrot (Nestor notahilis); 43 Plate VII. Fig. 13.- -Left lateral view of the trunk skeleton of Nestor notahilis- Plate VIII. Fig. 14. — Ventral aspect of the trunk skeleton of Nestor notabilis. Plate IX. Fig. 15. — Direct dorsal view of the trunk skeleton of Nestor notahilis. Plate X. Fig. 16. — The pelvic limbs of Nestor notahilis ; the left limb is the one wherein the foot is the lower on the plate, and the fibula is in full view. Queensland Notes. By D. Le SouiiF, C.M.Z.S., Hon. Sec. R.A.O.U. I LEFT Melbourne on 12th April by train, and visited the Zoological Gardens in Sydney on the following afternoon, and was glad to see that the Birds-of-Paradise which they had obtained some months ago were still thriving, and were getting over their moult, the young feathers showing up well ; there seems every chance of their living through the winter. The beautiful Fruit-Pigeons from New Guinea were also doing well. The next day I left for Brisbane, arriving there on the evening of the following day. Comparatively few birds were seen from the train, as most, if not all, the migratory birds had gone north. I did not even hear the call of the Pallid Cuckoo, usually so plentiful earlier in the year. I only remained one day in Brisbane, but visited the Museum and saw the improvements that had taken place in their collection of birds, both in the skins and the mounted specimens. I left Brisbane late in the evening for Rockhampton, arriving in that town in the evening of the following day. During the journey a few Whistling-Eagles {Haliastur sphenurus), Brown Hawks {Hieracidea herigora), Kestrels {Cerchneis cenchroides), Wood-Swallows {Artamus super ciliosus), Fantails {Rhipidnra motacilloides), Leach's Kingfisher {Dacelo leachi), and Plovers {Lohivanellus lobatus) were seen. I only remained one day in Rockhampton, and the damage done by the recent disastrous flood was everywhere in evidence, even to a four-roomed cottage being washed across the railway track ; but on the swampy ground, not far from the town, I was glad to see some Egrets, Ibis, Spoon- bills, Ducks, &c. Early next morning I left by train for Duaringa. Mr. C. Barnard, who represents Queensland on our Council, met me here, and we drove out to his station, " Coomooboolaroo," where I remained four days — until the 22nd. There is little timber near the homestead, therefore scrub-loving birds were not seen. Both the Collared and Black-throated Butcher-Birds [Cracticus destructor and C. nigrogularis) were plentiful, and the note of the latter bird A A Le Souef, Queensland Notes. [isf 'jui ■ was even more musical than that of the former, and was always a pleasure to hear. The Blue-faced Honey-eater [Entomyza cyanotis) was another bird with a musical note that was often heard. We saw some old nests that had been built in deserted nests of Babblers {Pomatorhinus), the usual place of nesting with these birds, although Mr. Barnard informed me that occasionally they build their nests apart from the Babblers. The Little Quail {Tnrnix velox) were plentiful, and were on several occasions nearly run over by the car — possibly some quite, but those we could not see or hear. Peaceful Doves {Geopelia placida) were plentiful. Squatter Pigeons [Geophaps scripta) had quite disappeared from this district after the last severe drought, but are gradually appearing again ; we saw several of them. They squat on the roadside and seem disinclined to move until the vehicle is nearly on top of them. They can often be killed with the whip from a conveyance or when riding. I saw no sign of the Scarlet- shouldered Parrot {Pscphotus pnlcherrimus) . They nest in the termite mounds ; the last drought cleared them completely out of this district. Crows (Corviis coronoides) were always in evidence — in fact, while in Queensland and Northern New South Wales I either saw or heard them every day. The Black-backed Magpie {Gymnorhina tihicen) was also plentiful. I left here early on Monday, 22nd April, with Mr. Barnard for Rockhampton, arriving about 11 o'clock, and left the same afternoon by train for Kunwarara, 45 miles out. Early next day we hired a jinker to take us the 45 miles on to Toorilla. The seat was made for two, but the driver and ourselves squeezed in. The day was showery, and few birds were seen, except Squatter Pigeons on the roadside. It rained heavily all that night and the next day, so no outside work was done ; but the rest of the time was fine. Next morning we went to the top of a small hill near the house and obtained a fine view of the large extent of more or less swampy country to the north. Close to the foot of the hill, and in the water, was a patch of paper-bark or Melaleuca trees, and in them hundreds of Black-billed Spoonbills {Platalea regia) and Little Pied Cormorants {Phalacrocorax melanoleitcns) were nesting, and the noise made by the adult birds and the young ones was quite audible. On the far side of the timber were to be seen many hundreds of Egrets, mostly the Lesser {Garzetta immaciilata), the Straw-necked {Carphibis spinicolUs) and White Ibis [Ibis molucca), Magpie-Geese {Anseranas melano- leitca), Whistling-Ducks [Dendrocygna arciiata). White-headed Shieldrakes (Tadorna nifitergum), Coots {Fitlica anstralis), as well as many Native Companions {Antigone australasiana). It was a most interesting sight, from which we found difficulty in tearing ourselves away. At the back of us was much open plain country, interspersed with belts of timber, mostly Melaleuca, and there were many greenish spots where water lay, and these looked as if a white sheet had been thrown over them, as small flocks of Egrets had settled round them to feed. What interested us most Vol.xviii.-j L^ SouEF, Queensland Notes. 45 was that flocks of the Lesser Egrets, from one pair of birds to about thirty, were continually flying from the swampy ground towards the sea coast ; the total would run into thousands. We determined to follow these birds down, and if possible find their nesting rookery ; so, taking our lunch and the camera, we started off on foot. We found the level country much interspersed with water, and in such places long grass usually grew, therefore much wading had to be done, which, of course, we could not undress for. The heavy rain the day before had filled up most of the shallow depressions. We frequently heard the double note of the Brown Quail. When disturbed at close quarters they flew up with a whirr. They came into the garden of the homestead and were easily called up by imitating their call. We also saw a few King or Chestnut-bellied Quail {Excalfactoria australis). On the ridges of the higher land Eucalyptus trees grew, but on all the low-lying country belts of paper-bark {Melaleuca). About one in fifty of these had a flange on the trunk varying in size and height from the ground, which always contained a certain amount of sweetish-tasting water close to the outer edge, so that if a shallow cut is made the water, which is quite good to drink, squirts out. We passed a post of a fence, and from it ants were swarming and hundreds flying away. The birds had found them out, and thirteen Black- and- White Fantails [Rhipidura motacilloides) , two Restless Flycatchers {Seisura inquieta), many Welcome Swallows [Hirundo neoxena) and Fairy Martins [Petrochelidon ariel) were busily catching the flying ants. We noticed two dead cows, and Crows were naturally not far off. The cattle may have died from the result of ticks, these animals being very numerous in this country, and the cattle have to be regularly dipped in arsenic and soda every month. You sometimes see a beast with many thousands of ticks, especially on its head. Pigs have gone wild in many parts of Queensland, and we saw a mob of 20, and 40 had been caught not long before our visit. In the Cooktown district they are accredited with rooting up the Scrub-Turkeys' {Cathetiirns lathami) nests and eating the eggs. It was interesting to watch the wonderful flight of flocks of Straw-necked and White Ibis as they slowly circled round and round, gradually getting higher all the time, and rarely flapping their wings. Egrets occasionally did the same thing, and got so high up as to be hardly visible. We saw a few kangaroos, and tracks of dingoes. Butcher-Birds (C. destructor) were seen, and I was informed that a person had seen five small dead birds hanging in the forks of branches of a shrub close together, waiting to be made a meal of by one of these birds. A Little Falcon {Falco liimdatus) flew past, and Mr. Barnard informed me that he had seen one of these birds chasing bats in the evening, but that as the Falcon sought to seize them they dodged below and escaped the clutches of the bird of prey ; but one bat kept above, and was promptly caught. I saw three Crows hustling a Whistling-Eagle, and one pecked him on the back, which made the Eagle cry out, and, turning round, he chased a6 L-e Sovef, Queensland Notes. [isf'juiy that Crow, but the latter bird zigzagged rapidly to the ground and escaped, just the same way as when a Sparrow-Hawk or Falcon attacks Nankeen Night-Herons {Nycticorax caledonicits) they at once fly on to the ground. We often notice it at the Melbourne Zoo. When passing a small swamp much overgrown with bulrushes we saw an Allied Swamp-Hawk {Circus goiddi) attempt to strike a Coot, which was on the water ; but the latter bird was too quick for him, and, calling out, quickly dived, throwing up water at the Harrier at the same time with its feet. Several Whistling-Ducks {Dendrocygna arcuata) were on the same water, and uttered their musical note ; they dived also, and betook themselves to the rushes for safety. These birds frequently nest on the ground, and usually near water. Black Ducks {Anas siiperciliosa) only occasionally nest in hollows in trees ; they nest usually in the long grass of the plains, and often well away from water. Native Companions only seemed to be in pairs on the plain country. They often uttered their loud, shrill call, and were answered by others in the distance. They are usually much more noisy in the evenings. Most of the white ants' or termites' mounds we passed had been burrowed into by the porcupine ant-eaters, or echidna, in their search for food. In the thicker patches of grass, where the ground was dry, we usually saw tracks made by the Grass-Owls, bush rats, and kangaroo rats, but pigs often camped in these places too. On examining the small swamps, or swampy ground on the plains, where the grass was usually green, and where the flocks of Egrets settled, we soon found out why the birds came here, as the vegetation was more or less alive with thousands of small frogs of two kinds. Mr. Barnard has often noticed that many frogs have cannibalistic tendencies, and eat one another whenever they get a chance and are hungry. W'e also noticed numbers of small fresh-water snails, which are eaten by the Egrets and Ibis. The next day was spent wading, with a camera, in the swamp among the Cormorants and Spoonbills. It is difficult to describe the interest of being in a colony of nesting birds, hearing the raucous call of the parent birds, the shrill cries of the young of various sizes, and the gurgling noise they often make when being fed, as well as the rustle of the birds' wings. Both kinds of birds nested in the same trees, the Spoonbills' nests being larger and usually placed higher up. We noticed that, although the Cormorants were all of the Pied variety, many of the young were pure black, while others had light-coloured breasts. They were in all stages of growth — some just hatching, and others ready to fly. We only found one nest of the Yellow-billed Spoonbill {Platibis flavipes) — it contained three eggs ; but there were hundreds of nests of the Black-billed. When we waded close to a Melaleuca tree on which nests were, the larger young Cormorants got very restless, and frequently climbed out of the nests, and at the same time vomited up the contents of their stomachs, so we had to The Emu, Vol. XV I II. PLATE XI. Corinorauts' Rookery at Toorilla. '^A 1 ll r 1 ■wC— "V -— ^g. .-ii • >/ Spoonbill Rooker}', Toorilla, Queensland. PHOTOS. BY S. LE SOUEF. C.MZ.S. ^'°'' iVs'^^l L-E SovisF, Qtieensland Notes. 47 avoid passing underneath these trees. Several fell into the water, and, although they could swim and dive well even at that early age, they often got entangled in the water weeds at the bottom, and so were drowned. We saw several dead ones floating on the water. The Spoonbills were much quieter. The water was mostly thickly covered with floating water-fern (Azolla), of a reddish hue, and only patches, so to speak, were clear, and in these were seen small flocks of White-headed Shieldrakes or Burdekin Ducks {Tadorna rufitergum). When we stood still they came quite close to us ; the male uttered a deep note and the female a much higher key. They had evidently finished nesting. Mr. Barnard stated that they usually nest in trees. Not far off, among the bulrushes, and perched on trees, was a flock of about one hundred Pied or Magpie Geese (Anseranas meJanoleiica). As we approached them they all flew up, and the loud noise made by their wings as these heavy birds rose in the air could he heard a long way off. They also were not nesting. Black Moor-Hens {Gallimda tenehrosa) were plentiful, and a few Coots {Fulica anstralis) were seen. Not far from the trees, and on the ground, were congregated a large body of White Ibis, probably feeding on frogs, &c. Further away we saw many — fully one hundred, if not more — Native Companions. These interesting birds were often bowing one to the other, and taking jumps into the air with the aid of their outstretched wings and going on with various similar antics. We saw many Black-throated Grebes {Podiceps gnlaris) on the clear water. Whistling-Eagles {Haliastur sphennnis) were nearly always visible, and their cry was constantly heard. We saw one roosting on a tree, just above some Spoonbills' and Cormorants' nests ; the latter birds did not seem to mind him in the least. Allied Swamp- Hawks {Circus goiildi) were often seen ; they frequently disturb the Egrets when they are feeding on the plains. Wedge- tailed {Uroaetus aiidax) and the White-bellied Sea-Eagle {Haliceetns leucogaster) were occasionally seen soaring high overhead. Crows, as before stated, were also much in evidence, and must be truly hated by the nesting birds on account of their thieving pro- pensities, always noticeable should any eggs or very young birds be left unguarded. A flock of about sixty Pelicans {Pelecaniis conspicillatus) were resting on a drier portion of ground, and they looked very conspicuous against the dark background. The birds here had been late in nesting, as the heavy rain and cyclone in January had destroyed practically all the Ducks' eggs, as well as many nests of tree-building birds, as the swamp was a sea of water. Mr. Broome, the manager, informed us that shortly after the cyclone was over he went round the flood-marks of the swamp, where the debris had been deposited, and found many dead Coots — these, being weak-flying birds, would naturally suffer ; also a few Native Companions — -these birds are apt to get their wings broken by heavy weather ; many thousands of drowned native rats (in one spot he counted 32 in one square yard), plenty 48 h'E SouEF, Queensland Noies. fisf "tuI - of mice, a few dead snakes and numbers of live ones, mostly black snakes (Pseudechis porphyriaciis), also kangaroo rats and similar animals. Crows and Butcher-Birds were busy regaling them- selves on the dead remains. We evidently have no conception of the amount of animal, bird, and insect life destroyed by these disastrous cyclones. Mr. Ernest Barnard visited Toorilla in March, 1913, and saw a rookery of both Straw-necked and White Ibis together on the far side of the swamp. There were about 30 to 40 nests, which were built among scattered reeds growing in about four inches of water. The nests were built of rushes plastered with excreta, and in some cases six or seven would be joined together. Single nests were uncommon ; twos and threes joined together were the rule. He saw no crocodile tracks. It is unusual for Ibis to nest so close to the ground ; he states that a very slight rise of water would swamp the nests. When returning to the homestead we flushed about fifteen Stone-Plovers {(Edicnemus grallarius) that were congregated under the lee of a rise. I do not remember seeing so many together before. During the evening we heard a pair of Winking Owls {Ninox connivens) in the trees of the rookery. The note of the female was in a higher key than that of the male ; the note sounded like " Wouf, wouf." Next morning we drove to the other side of the swampy plain to see the nest of a Jabiru {Xenorhynchus asiaticns). A huge old nest had been blown down, but a new nest had been started at the top of a large bean-tree. The nest was difficult to detect from the ground, on account of the foliage. Mr. Berney had noticed another pair nesting, but we could not locate them. About 50 yards away from the Jabiru's nest a pair of White- bellied Sea-Eagles had a very large nest on a eucalyptus tree ; the female bird was watching us from a neighbouring tree as we took the photo. Close by this place a creek ran out over the plain, consequently the Egrets congregated here to catch what they could in the shallow running water. Mr. Berney had noticed an Osprey {Pandion lencocephaliis) nesting nearer the coast than where we were when he visited Toorilla last year. We now drove back to the homestead and caught the coach — a buck-board buggy with one seat — back to Kunwarara, and went on next morning (Monday) to Rockhampton. The train passed through a good many patches of scrub, and in all of them the introduced prickly-pear cactus {Opitntia) was growing thickly — so much so that in many places it would be difficult to get through. Scrub-Turkeys were also plentiful, and I was informed that last year about 1,000 of these birds were shot and sent to Rock- hampton for sale. We visited the Botanical Gardens during the afternoon, and noticed a fine Cassowary (Casuarius australis), Scrub-Turkey {Catheturus lathami), and other birds in their enclosures, and plenty of water-fowl in a small lake close by, where they are pro- ^"'i^is"'"] ^^ SouEF. Queensland Notes. ^g tected. It is astonishing how quickly these birds find out water where they are not disturbed. The same evening I gave an illustrated lecture on " Bird- Life," under the auspices of their local Bird Protection Society, to an audience of about 400, mostly young folk, and next day (Tuesday) I left for Brisbane, arriving there on Wednesday morning. I was able to see several of our members there, and Mr. Longman, the Director of the Museum, kindly showed me the cases of mounted birds ; they have been much improved, and form an instructive exhibit. In the evening I gave a lecture before the Field Naturalists' Club, and met many members well known in Victoria. On the following day I was enabled to visit the aviaries of our member, Mr. T. C. Marshall. He has twenty-six kinds of native birds doing well. These include the Yellow-eared Honey-eater [Ptilotis chrysotis), Brown Honey-eater {Stigniatops ocularis), Noisy Pitta {Pitta strepitans), and Scaly- breasted Lorikeet {Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). In the evening I lectured before the Royal Geographical Society on the birds found on our southern islands, and left next morning for Glen Innes, N.S.W'., arriving there in the evening ; and early next day went by motor to Inverell. On the way we saw a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles perched on a tree by the roadside, also Galahs {Cacatua roseicapilla) and Grey Jumpers {Struthidea cinerea). I caught the 9.30 a.m. train for Warialda station, and here our member, Mr. S. A. Hanscombe, kindly met me. In the evening I gave a lecture in the local hall to about 200 persons, mostly school children. It was interesting to notice that a pair of Variegated Wren-Warblers [Malurus lamberti) nested, not only in a rose-bush in Mr. Hanscombe's garden, but also on a creeper on the wall of his verandah, and close to a window where the family frequently sat during the day, thus showing how tame these little birds become if not disturbed. Next day (Sunday) Mr. Hanscombe drove me to Warialda itself, about 4 miles from the station township. On Monday I took a long walk over the poor sandstone country at the back of the town, but birds were not plentiful, and only the commoner kinds were noted. In the evening I gave a lecture in the local State school to the children and their parents-; about 250 attended. Next day I went on to Moree, and met our member, Mr. Morse, there, and gave a lecture in the evening in the Council Chamber, but it could not accommodate all those who wished to attend, which clearly shows how interested people are in natural history generally and in our birds especially. On leaving this town for Sydney I had the pleasure of seeing four adult Bustards {Choriotis australis) not far from the hne. They are being thinned out by foxes, along with so much of our other native game. The railway lines frequently had no fences on either side, and whistling had to be done by the driver to frighten stock off the lines. Large flocks of Galahs were seen on the plains, also some Emus {Dromaiits novce-hollandice) and kangaroos. I finished up by giving a lecture in Sydney, and arrived back in Melbourne on 8th April. 4 50 Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. [ist July A Study of Australian Specimens of the Little Pen^ guin (Eudyptula minor, Forster). By W. B. Alexander, M.A., and Dr. Brooke Nicholls. Introductory. In The Emu, vol. xvii., p. ii8, one of us (Nicholls) gave an account of the Penguin rookery on The Nobbies, Phillip Island, Western Port, Victoria, and in concluding his paper stated that no attempt had been made to describe or contrast the general coloration of the specimens collected, but that he hoped to do so at a later date. This work has now been carried out by us jointly at the National Museum, Melbourne, through the kindness of the Curator, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. In addition to the skins obtained at Phillip Island by Nicholls, M'Lellan, and Tregellas, now in the R.A.O.U. collection, we have carefully examined the birds from New South Wales in the " H. L. White Collection," birds from various parts of the Victorian coast and from Cat Island, Bass Strait, in the National Museum, birds from Westera Australia (lent by the Western Australian Museum), and a bird from South Australia kindly lent by Capt. S. A. White. Altogether, 60 skins were thus available to us for comparison, including specimens from Cabbage-tree Island, Port Stephens, New South Wales (about S. lat. 32° 40'), the most northerly breeding-place of the species known on the east coast, and speci- mens from Penguin Island, near Rockingham, Western Australia (about S. lat. 32° 20'), the most northerly breeding-place known on the west coast. Incidentally, it is worthy of remark that these two northern limits of the species are almost in the same latitude. Before stating the results arrived at, it may be well briefly to outline the position on which it was hoped that light would be thrown. For many years Australian ornithologists, following Gould, considered that there were two species of small Penguins - — the Little Penguin (£". minor) and the Fairy Penguin {E. ttndina) — found on the Australian coast. The former was supposed to be larger and lighter in colour ; the latter smaller and darker. Mathews, in 1911, in his " Birds of Australia," challenged this view, stating that in his opinion all the small Australian Penguins belonged to one species, and we think that the study by Nicholls of the birds on The Nobbies has furnished proof that he was right in this contention, the minor form having been shown to be the bird just before moulting, when it is fat and its feathers have worn dull, whilst the undina form is the same bird freshly moulted. Forster' s Aptenodytes minor was founded on birds from New Zealand, and Mathews has shown that Austrahan birds are separable from those from New Zealand, being characterized by their white tails and lighter coloration. Hence, in his "Birds of Australia " he used the name Eudyptula minor novcvhollandice for the Australian sub-species, Spheniscus novce-hollandicc being the Vol.Xvlii.-| Alexander and ^101101.1.%, The Little Penguin. ^1 name given by Stephens to Latham's description of the Wathng drawing of a bird from Port Jackson. Mathews added (" Birds of Australia," vol. i., p. 285) : — " The few specimens from each locality I have studied have not allowed me to designate any sub- species of the Australian bird." In the same year (1911) in which he wrote this, however, in his " List of the Birds of Austraha," published in Novitates Zoologies, vol. xviii., he separated the Western Australian bird under the name of E. minor woodwardi, stating that it differed from E. m. novcehollimdicB in its grey-blue coloration above, and the flipper being grey and not blue. The type was a bird from Sandy Hook Island, in the Recherche Archi- pelago, on the south coast of Western Austraha, collected by Mr. J. T. Tunney in November, 1904. In his " List of the Birds of Austraha," published in 191 3, Mathews retained this sub-species from Western Australia, limited E. m. novcehollandicB to birds from New South Wales, and used Gould's name, itndina, as a sub-specific name for a third Australian race, E. in. iindina, whose range is given as Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia. Material Studied. The 60 specimens studied by us may be classified as follows : — 1. Nestlings in down. — One from Cabbage-tree Island, New South Wales, collected in September, and one from Cat Island, Bass Strait, collected in December. Of these, the former, which is the younger, is dark chocolate brown, whilst the latter is rather paler. 2. Yoiiiig birds, partly in down, partly feathered. — Three from Cabbage-tree Island, New South Wales, collected in January ; four from Phillip Island, Victoria, collected in March ; two from Tollgate Island, New South Wales, collected in Septeml^er ; and two from Cat Island, Bass Strait, collected in December. The down on these birds is light chocolate-brown above and white below. In some birds the down on the throat is smoky-brown, in others yellowish. This difference can evidently not be used in separating sub-species, since some birds from New South Wales show one character and some the other. The down is lost first from the breast and lower back, and the loss progresses forwards, the down remaining longest above the flippers and on the head. The fresh feathers on these birds are precisely similar in colour and form and present the same variation in colour in different specimens as is found in moulting or freshly-moulted adults. 3. Adult birds moulting. — One female from Phillip Island, Vic- toria, collected in March. 4. Birds freshly moulted (" undina " stage). — Four from Phillip Island, Victoria (one S, one immature S, two $), collected in March ; one from the Coorong, South Austraha {S), collected in March ; one from Mordialloc, Victoria (immature S), collected in April ; one from Penguin Island, Western Australia, collected in December. ^2 Alexander and Nicholls, Tlie Little Penguin. T^^' Em VI July Freshly-moulted birds can be distinguished immediately by the transverse lines visible on the white breast feathers. We have traced these lines to the impression left on the feathers by the base of the quill of the old feather. The tip of the young feather is enclosed for about a millimetre in the quill of the old one, and the barbs are thereby held together at the tip whilst tending to expand lower down ; a slight mark is thus made on each barb, and when the old feather finally falls off and the barbs spread out flat, these marks form' a straight line across the feat-her close to its tip. These lines are readily visible on the white feathers on the breast, and on searching they were found to be present also on the dark feathers of the back. They were referred to by Nicholls in his previous paper, but, as far as we are aware, had not previously been noticed or explained. The marks evidently do not last long, but they do not disappear directly the bird enters the water after moulting, as we were at first inclined to think, since in one specimen, caught at The Nobbies just after it had come out of the water, they are still plainly visible. 5. Birds in fresh plumage (still in the undina stage). — One from Phillip Island, Victoria {^), collected in March ; one from Phillip Island and two from Queenscliff, Victoria, unsexed, and without dates of capture. These birds are as brightly coloured as freshly- moulted birds, but show no lines on the breast. 6. Birds in worn plumage (intermediate between undina and minor stages). — One from Penguin Island, W.A. ($), April ; one from Mordialloc, Vic. (o), June ; one from Mordialloc, Vic. {S), July ; one from the Melbourne Aquarium ((^), July ; five from Mordialloc, Vic. (one ^, four $), August ; one from Tollgate Island, N.S.W. {S), September ; one from Mordialloc, Vic. (?), September ; one from Cabbage-tree Island, N.S.W., October ; four without data. These birds are evidently the worse for wear, the blue edges to the feathers being quite worn off the flippers, whilst on the back the feathers have become dull, but are still blue rather than gre}'. 7. Birds in much-worn plumage {minor stage). — Three from Cabbage-tree Island, N.S.W. (two 3", one $), January ; eight from Phillip Island, Vic. (three J, five ?), March ; one from Mordialloc, Vic. ($), April ; one from Phillip Island, Vic, June ; two from Mordialloc, Vic. (one o, one ?), August ; one from Tollgate Island, N.S.W. (?), September; one from Recherche xA.rchipelago, W.A. (cJ), October ; one from Recherche Archipelago, W.A. (0), November ; one without data. These birds are grey rather than blue above, and the flippers are entirely dull grey, the white edges having become dirty. The type of Mathews's E. m. woodwardi, from the Recherche Archipelago, W.A., is evidently a bird in this plumage, similar to the two from the same locality recorded above, which were collected at the same time. These birds can be precisely matched among specimens from Victoria and New South Wales. Classing groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 together as birds showing fresh Vol. XVIII IQlS ] Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. 53 plumage, it will be seen that these have been obtained in September, December, January, March, and April. Birds in group 6, with worn plumage, have been obtained in March, April, June, July, August, and September ; whilst birds in group 7, with much-worn plumage, have been obtained in August, September, October, November, January, March, x\pril, and June — that is, at every season of the year. Coloration. In the "Birds of Australia" Mathews wrote: — "Nothing but the study of series from breeding-places will serve to explain their variation. General coloration will, I believe, be of the greatest value if correctly used. If only freshly-moulted birds are used for comparison, differences will be noted in coloration, which, I think, a large series will emphasize." We have carefully studied the freshly-moulted birds in the series before us, which, as stated by Mathews, show very consider- able variation in the colour of the feathers. Each feather has a black stripe down the middle and a blue patch on each side, and in freshly-moulted birds the colour of the feathers on the back and the flippers corresponds precisely, though owing to the smaller size of the feathers on the flippers the general colour effect may be rather different, owing to the patches of black and blue being more closely intermingled on the flipper. In worn specimens the blue colour on the back is often still evident after all blue has disappeared from the flippers, as noted above. The feathers on the sides are always lighter than those in the centre of the back. The blue may be pale electric- blue or dull grey-blue or any intermediate shade. The series of moulting or freshly-moulted specimens, numbering 19, examined by us form an almost con- tinuous series, which can be arranged as in the succeeding table, where each bird is lighter than the one immediately below it. Freshly-moulted and Moulting Penguins Order of Colour. Arranged in Shade of Blue. Lightest (greenish) Light" Medium Dark Darkest (blackish) Localily. Cabbage-tree L, Port Stephens, N.S.W QueenscUff, Port PhilUp, Vic. Penguin L, Rockingham, W.A. Coorong, S.A. QueenscUff, Vic. Cabbage-tree I., N.S.W. Cat I., Bass Strait . . Tollgate I., N.S.W. PhilUp I., Western Port, Vic. PhilUp I., Vic. Phillip I., Vic. PhUlip I., Vic. Cat I., Bass Strait . . Phillip I., Vic. Cabbage-tree L, N.S.W. Age and Sex. Young. Adult. Adult. s Adult. Young. Young. Two young. Three young. Young (J. Two adult cj. Adult. Young. Adult ?. Young. 54 Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. r Emu St July Though the series available is not as long as could be desired, it is, we think, sufficient to show that the colonies of Eudyptula minor in the different States of Australia cannot be separated on the basis of colour. Whilst all the birds from Phillip Island are medium or dark, we have two light birds from Queenscliff, only a few miles away, •v\'hilst of the three young birds from Cabbage- tree Island one is the lightest bird in the series, another the darkest, and the third in the middle of the list. The bird from Penguin Island, Western Australia, is very light in colour, though it should belong to the sub-species separated by Mathews on account of its being duller in colour than the eastern Australian form. It is clear that both light and dark birds are found in the two States (Victoria and New South Wales) from which we have- more than one specimen, and the single specimens from South Austraha and Western Australia, though both light, are not quite as light as one of the birds from each of the other States. Dimensions. The two forms, E. minor and E. undina, as already mentioned, were supposed to differ in coloration and size, and, in particular, the size of the bill was at one time regarded as differentiating them. Mathews gives the measurements of the exposed portion of the culmen of E. minor novcehollandice as — length 38 mm., depth 12 mm. ; whilst those of E. m. iredalei, a sub-species from the Chatham Islands, which he considers close to undina in measure- ments, are given as — length 34 mm., depth 16 mm. In his previous paper Nicholls gave a series of measurements, which showed that the birds in one colony varied considerably. He also showed that the bills of males were, on the average, larger than those of females. We have measured the length and depth of the bill in all the adult birds available, and these measurements, together with those of the adult birds previously given by Nicholls, are shown in the following table : — Measurements OF Bills of Little Penguins. Males. Females. ■S c ■e j=- ■£ e ■£ X Locality. c S s-s = ^ Locality. ^s = s- J.S Q.5 ►JQ J.S Q.£ j;Q Victoria . Victoria. Mordialloc (Port Mordialloc (Port Phillip) 37 14 2.6 Phillip) . . 34 12 2.8 Mordialloc 36 13 2.8 Mordialloc 31 12 2.6 Mordialloc . . • • 37 16 2.3 Mordialloc 3^ 13 2.7 Mordialloc . . * -35 14 2.5 Mordialloc 3'; 14 2.'? Melbourne Aquarium 36 16 2-3 Mordialloc ^> 13 2.7 Phillip I. (Western Mordialloc 36 14 2.6 Port) .. ..! 38 14 2.7 Mordialloc . 36 14 2.6 Phillip I 37 15 2.5 PhiUip I. (Was t. Port) 35 I I 3-2 Vol. XVIII. 1 1918 J Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. 55 Males. Females. Locality. 11 M c Locality. ;ngth mm. u - C .5" Q. J.S o.s V Q J.S Q.S H Q Phillip I. 37 15 2.5 Phillip I. 37 12 3.1 Phillip I. 40 15 2 7 PhiUip I. 35 12 2 9 Phillip I. 37 14 2 6 Phillip I. . . 35 1 12 2 9 Phillip I. 41 14 2 PhiUip I. 38 13 2 9 Phillip I. 40 14 2 9 PhUhp I. . . 36 13 2 8 Phillip I. 40 13 3 I PhUlip I. . . 35 12 2 9 Phillip I. 38 13 2 9 PhUlip I. . . 39 13 3 0 Phillip I. 37 12 3 I PhUlip I. 38 13 2 9 Phillip I. 37 IS 2 5 PhUlip I. 39 12 3 3 Phillip I. 39 14 2 8 PhiUip I. 36 12 3 0 PhilUp I. 38 14 2 7 PhUlip I. . . 38 12 3 2 Phillip I. 37 12 3 I Phillip I. 37 12 3 1 Phillip I. 37 12 3 I PhUlip I. 35 12 2 •9 Phillip I. 39 15 •^ 6 Phillip I. 35 14 2 • 5 PhiUip I. 39 14 2 8 PhUlip I. 38 13 2 ■9 Phillip I. 38 12 3 2 PhiUip I. 36 15 1 2 •4 Phillip I. 37 12 3 I PhiUip I. . . 38 13 2 •9 Phillip I. 35 12 2 9 PhiUip I. 38 13 i 2 • 9 Phillip I. 38 13 2 9 1 Phillip I. 35 12 2.9 New South Wales. New South Wales. S. Tollgate I. 40 16 2-5 S. ToUgate I. 38 16 2.4 Cabbage-tree I. (Pt Cabbage-tree I. (Pt Stephens) . . '' 38 14 2.7 Stephens) . 42 18 ' 2.3 Western Australia. Western Australia. Mondrain I. (Recher- Penguin I. (Rocking- che Archipelago) 39 14 2.8 ham) . 38 14 2.7 Mondrain I. . . 40 14 2.9 South Australia. j i 1 Coorong ' 31 10 3.1 t Sex Not Determined. Victoria. New South Wales. Western Port 35 14 2-5 Cabbage-tree I. (Pt. Queensclifi (Port Stephens) 41 i'^ 2.7 PhiUip) . . 30 1 1 2.7 Queensclifi: 34 14 2.4 Western Australia. PhiUip I. (Western Penguin I. (Rocking- Port) 35 II 3-2 ham) 35 13 2.7 Phillip I 35 13 2.7 Phillip I 34 1 1 3.1 Locality unknown. National Museum, Melbourne 37 14 2.6 National Museum, Melbourne 31 12 2.6 National Museum, Melbourne 38 14 2.7 National Museum, Melbourne 37 13 2.8 National Museum, Melbourne 35 16 2 . 2 56 Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. [,st'^'juiv The foregoing figures show a range in length from 30 to 42 mm., and in depth from 10 to 18 mm., the ratio of length to depth varying from 2.2 to 3.3. Four specimens have bills markedly smaller than the rest — viz., one from Queenscliff (not sexed), 30 X II ; one from Coorong (o), 31 x 10 ; one from Mordialloc (?), 31 X 12 ; and one without localit3% in the National Museum (not sexed), 31 x 12. If these four specimens are omitted, we ma}' state that the bill in E. minor varies from 34 to 42 mm. in length, and from 11 to 18 mm. in depth. We incline to the view that these birds with small bills are first season birds. We would have supposed them to be immature, but Captain White assures us that the specimen from South Australia had mature sexual organs. The bill measurements of six immature birds have been given by Nicholls in his previous paper : — Immature $, 25 x 9 ; immature c^, 28 x 11 ; immature S, 30 X II ; immature (not sexed), 30 x 11 ; immature (J, 34 x 11 ; immature S, 37 x 13. We think these figures strongly support our view. The alternative is to suppose that the four birds belong to a distinct small-billed species or sub-species, and personally we do not believe this. The bill-lengths of the individuals measured may be summarized as follows : — Length of Bill in mm. No. of Males. Ko. of Females. Total. 30 _ I 31 I I 3 32 — — — 33 — — — 34 — I 3 35 3 8 17 36 2 5 7 37 10 2 14 38 6 8 14 39 4 2 6 40 5 — 5 41 I — 2 42 — I I These figures, when plotted in a graph, suggest that the true form of the curve is one with three maxima — one at about 31 mm., which, we suggest, is the average bill-length of immature or first- season birds ; a second at about 35 mm. in females and 37 mm. in males, which, we suggest, may be the averages of one-year-old birds ; and a third, at about 38 mm. in females and 40 mm. in males, which may be the average length of the bill in birds of two years old and over. It is worth noting that the five birds from New South Wales ^^g''"] Alexander and Nicholls, The Little Penguin. 57 Vol. XVIII all have large bills, the averages and variations in the birds from the different States being as follows : — State. New South Wales \'ictoria Western Australia Largest. Smallest. Average. s ? 6 -to s ? 40 42 .38 38 39 40 41 39 .35 34 3« 36 40 3« 39 3« 40 38 (No. of specimens in brackets.) 39-8(5) 36.8(57) 38.0(4) The numbers are, of course, too small to found any conclusions on them, though they certainly suggest that Victorian birds have smaller bills than those from the more northern States. Conclusion. In conclusion, we think we may claim to have shown that all the Penguins that breed on the coasts of Australia belong to one race, for which the proper name is Eiidyptitla minor novcBhollandice , and that no further differentiation of forms is possible on the evidence at present available. Mr. Mathews has specially appealed to Australian ornithologists to study the problem on the spot, and we have done so entirely without prejudice, with the above result. We do not think Mr. Mathews has anywhere stated how many skins had been examined by him when he separated the Australian birds of this species into three sub-species. We have given full details of the numbers available to us and the localities from which they were obtained, so that in any further discussion of the subject other workers may know exactly on what material our conclusion is founded. Protection of Birds. We have received vol. ii. of " The Statement of the Permanent Wild Life Protection Fund" of the U.S.A., 1915-16, and we heartily congratulate the author, Dr. W. T. Hornaday, on what he has brought before us and on the good work that has been done by the Fund. It is difficult to realize how any of the American States can possibly refuse to protect fully their animal and bird life after reading what is brought before them in this book ; but possibly many do not want to read it. It is with pleasure that we are able to state that the Victorian Parliament has just passed an amendment of the Game Act, which prohibits the possession of feathers and eggs of practically all our valuable insectivorous birds, including the Egret. Our hon. secretary has been trying to get this done for years past, and we congratulate the last Government (which had Sir Alexander Peacock as its Premier) upon having passed such a much-needed 58 Protection of Birds. [tsf "juiy law, which we must now all help to carry out. The clauses in it which are especially valuable are as follows : — " 6. In section nine of the Principal Act — [a) ' Any person who buys sells consigns or knowingly has in his possession house or control any flesh skin feathers or other portion of any game or native game killed or destroyed during any period in which such killing or destroying was or is prohibited by this Act or by any Proclamation there- under shall for every such offence be liable to a penalty of not more than Five pounds and for every subsequent offence to a penalty of not less than Ten pounds or more than Fifty pounds ' ; (b) at the end of the said section nine there shall be inserted the following sub-section : — ' (2) After the first day of January One thousand nine hundred and eighteen so far as regards Egrets and so far as regards any other native game specified in any proc- lamation to be made Ijy the Governor in Council for the purposes of this sub-section any person so offending shall be liable to the like penalties as aforesaid whether such Egrets or native game were killed or taken in Victoria or elsewhere.' " We are glad to notice that a similar provision is before the Parliament in New South Wales. The Duchess of Portland presided at the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, held at the Middlesex Guildhah on 12th March, 1918. The society's gold medal was presented, through representatives, to Dr. Hornaday and Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, for their successful efforts in forwarding the treaty — the first international treaty for such a purpose — between the United States and Canada for the protection of birds migrating between those countries. This treaty protects all bird-life between the Gulf of Mexico and the North Pole, and has saved American farmers many millions of dollars, insomuch as that hitherto the loss in crops destroyed by insects amounted in the United States to 520,000,000 dollars. Mr. Butler, attache to the American Embassy, replaced Mr. Page, who was unable to attend, and represented Dr. Hornaday. In thanking the society for this distinction, awarded for the first time to an American, he said that the news would be of keen interest to all those interested in bird-life throughout the States. He compared moths and insects to the enemy submarines, and the birds to the aviators who watch and destroy them. Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, who was formerly a lecturer at Man- chester University, and has since done so much by both speech and pen for the bird-life of Canada, was represented by Sir George Purley. Birds that do more harm than good, if there are such, are not worth mentioning — their number is so small ; and it was suggested that if farmers were made to understand this through chambers of agriculture and farmers' unions from a materialistic point of view, results would be more satisfactory than if the propaganda Vol. xyni.j Protection of Birds. 59 came through private sources, which are generally looked upon with suspicion. An instance was given regarding the woods which have been felled, where the insects swarming to the newly-cut stumps were so overwhelming in their numbers that it will be impossible to use those same woods for years unless the birds are allowed to save i\\em.— The Queen, 23/3/iS. Description of a New Sub'Species of Hylacola pyrrhopygia (Vig. & Hors.) By F. E. Howe, C.M.Z.S., R.A.O.U. Through the courtesy of Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, I was enabled to exhibit before the Bird Observers' Club of Victoria, on 22nd March, 1917, skins of a mature male and an immature male and female, collected by Mr. T. P. Austin at Cobbora, New South Wales, on 7th October, 1916 (see Emu, vol. xvi., part 3, p. 161). The mature bird differs from typical specimens of H. pyrrho- pygia collected near Sydney in being much paler above and below. The eyebrow is much whiter, the black centre of the throat and breast feathers is not so dark, and is more linear ; the chestnut under tail coverts are broadly tipped with white, and the tips of the outer tail feathers are whiter and broader. This bird is also much larger than the typical H. pyrrhopygia collected near Sydney. Habitat.- — Cobbora, New South Wales. Type specimens now in the H. L. White Collection, National Museimi, Melbourne. I propose that this race be scientifically known as Hylacola pyrrhopygia magna, and in the vernacular as Large Ground- Wren. Publications Received Since April, 1917. W. B. Alexander, M.A., Hon. Librarian. [It is regretted that, owing to pressure on space, no con- tributions to the library were acknowledged in vol. xvii. of The Emu.'] Bird Lore, vol. xviii.. No. 6 ; vol. xix., Nos. 2-6 ; vol. xix., Nos. I and 2. Avicultural Magazine (3rd series), vol. viii., Nos. 1-12 ; vol. ix., Nos. 1-5. Austral Avian Record, vol. ii., Nos. 4-8 ; vol. iii., Nos. 1-3. Ibis (loth series), vol. v., Nos. 1-4. Journal of the South African Ornithologists Union, vol. xi., No. 2. 6o Alexander, Publications Received. [isf July South Australian Ornithologist, vol. iii., Nos. 1-5. British Birds, vol. x., Nos. 6, 8-12 ; vol. xi., Nos. 2, 3, 5-8. Revue Francaise d'Ornithologie, Nos. 91-107. Condor, vol. xviii., No. 6 ; vol. xix., Nos. i, 3-6 ; vol. xx., Nos. i and 2. Wilson Bulletin, vol. xxix., No. 4 ; vol. xxx., No. i. Auk, vol. xxxiv., Nos. 1-4 ; vol. xxxv., Nos. i and 2. Papers and Proceedings of Royal Society of Tasmania for 1916 and 1917. Proceedings of Royal Society of Queensland , vols, xxviii. and xxix. Proceedings of Royal Society of Victoria, vol. xxix., Part 2, and vol. XXX., Part i. Proceedings of Linnean Society of New South Wales, vol. xli., Nos, 3 and 4 ; vol. xlii., Nos. 1-4. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. Ixviii., No. 3, and vol. Ixix., No. i. Victorian Naturalist, vol. xxxiii., Nos. 9-12 ; vol. xxxiv., Nos. 1-5. 7-12. Proceedings of California Academy of Sciences, parts of vols, v., vi., and vii. University of California Publications in Zoology, parts of vols. xiii., XV., xvii., and xviii. Hawkesbury Agricultural College fournal, vol. xiv., Nos. 4-6, 10 and II ; vol. xv., Nos. 1-5. Zoologist (4th series), vol. xx., Nos. 904-906 (now incorporated with British Birds). Australian Naturalist, vol. iv.. No. 2. Australian Museum, Sydney, reprints of papers by the late A. J. North. Australian Zoologist, vol. i.. No. 5 (presented by H. L. White). Articles in Above Periodicals Dealing with Australasian Birds. " The Birds of Dirk Hartog Island and Peron Peninsula, Shark Bay, Western Austraha, 1916-17," by Thomas Carter, with nomenclature and remarks by Gregory M. Mathews. Ibis (loth series), vol. v.. No. 4. Mr. Carter records 38 land-birds and 17 sea-birds and waders met with on Dirk Hartog Island, and 32 land-birds and 20 sea-birds on Peron Peninsula. Dirk Hartog Island is of special interest as the type locality of the Black-and- White Wren {Malurus leucopterus) and the Grass- Wren {Diaphorillas textilis), which were discovered there by Quoy and Gaimard on the voyage of Vol. xviii.-| ALEXA^iDER. Publicalious Received. 6l 191S J ^^ -^ the Uranie in 1818. Since that date no ornithologist had visited the island, and Mr. Carter was successful in obtaining specimens of both these birds. Six birds from Dirk Hartog Island and one from Peron Peninsula are described as new sub-species, including an Emu-Wren {Stipiturns malachnnis hartogi), of which a coloured plate is given. A coloured plate is also given of the White-winged and White-backed Wrens, which the authors regard as being of the same species {Malurus cyanotus). " Australian Parrots," by the Marquess of Tavistock. Ibis, vol. v.. No. 4. An interesting letter detailing differences observable in live specimens between the sexes of a number of species. AvicuUural Magazine : Anzac Number, vol. ix.. No. 3. This number is almost entirely devoted to Australasian birds. It contains the following articles : — " Notes on the Egg of Mantell's Apteryx," by Dr. G. Renshaw ; " Notes on the White-browed Wood-Swallow," by R. T. Littlejohns and S. A. Lawrence ; " Bird Talk," by An Old Australian Bird-Lover ; and reprints of articles by the late A. J. North and of an article on " The Songs of Australian Birds." " Birds in My Garden," by Henry L. White. Australian Zoologist, vol. i., No. 5. Notes on the more interesting of the 104 species met with in the garden of " Belltrees," Scone, N.S.W., with observations on their habits. " The Birds of the Cobbora District," by Thomas P. Austin. Australian Zoologist, vol. i., No. 5. A valuable record of observations on the birds met with on the Cobborah Estate, N.S.W., during the past 17 years. In an area of about g,ooo acres Mr. Austin has taken the eggs of 122 species, has evidence of the nesting of 10 other species, and has records of 60 more, which are chiefly casual visitors. The article is illus- trated by excellent photographs of nests of 16 species. " Field Notes on Acanthornis magniis (Gld.), Scrub-Tit or Great Tit," by Edwin Ashby. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii.. No. i. " Birds of the North and North- West of Australia, from Notes and Skins Made by the late Capt. T. H. Bowyer-Bower," by Gregory M. Mathews. 5. .4. Ornithologist, running through several parts. " A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White — Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer," by his son, S. A. White. 5. .4. Orni- thologist, running through several parts. " Further Notes upon the Arctic Skua {Stercorarius parasiticus)," by S. A. White. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii.. No. 2. " New^ Record for South Australian Waters — Finding the Flesh- footed Petrel {Puffin us carneipes, Gould)," by S. A. W^hite. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 2. 52 Alexander, Puhlications Received. [isf"juiy "Notes on Ashhyia lovensis," by J. R. B. Love. S.A. Orni- thologist, vol. iii., No. 2. "Notes on Amytornis merrotsii," by J. R. B. Love. S.A. Orni- thologist, vol. iii., No. 2. " Tasmanian Field Notes," by Edwin Ashby. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 3. " Notes on the Food and Temperatures oi Cormorants," by A. M. Morgan. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii.. No. 3. " Notes on the Mallee-Fowl {Leipoa ocellata rosin^e)," No. 2, by T. P. Bellchambers. 5.^1. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 3. " Notes on the Little Black Cormorant {Mesocarbo ater. Lesson)," by F. R. Zietz. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii.. No. 3. "Birds on the River Murray," by A. M. Morgan. S.A. Orni- thologist, vol. iii.. No. 4. "A Day in the Mallee," by F. E. Parsons. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 4. " The Grey-faced Petrel {Pterodroma macroptera, Smith) — A New Record for the South Australian Coast," by F. R. Zietz. 5. .4. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 4. " Birds of Port Broughton," by A. M. Morgan. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 5. " Birds Observed in the Neighbourhood of Pungonda, S.A.," by Edwin Ashby. S.A. Ornithologist, vol. iii., No. 5. " Additions and Corrections to my List of Australian Birds," by G. M. Mathews. Austral Avian Record, under various titles in several parts. " Geopelia shortridgei, Grant," by Tom Carter. Austral Avian- Record, vol. ii., p. 108. Good evidence is given for the belief that this is a hybrid between G. tranquilla and G. cuneata. " Notes on Some Birds from the Kermadec Islands," by G. M. Mathews and Tom Ircdale. Austral Avian Record, vol. ii.. No. 5- '' Plumage Changes of Elseyornis nielanops," by G. M. Mathews. Austral Avian Record, vol. ii., No. 5. " Diggles's Ornithology of Australia and Other Works," by G. M. Mathews. Austral Avian Record, vol. ii., No. 7. " The Mancd Goose {Chenonetta jubata)," by H. Wormald. Avi- cultural Magazine, vol. viii.. No. 6. " My Moreporks," by An Old Australian Bird-Lover. Avicultural Magazine, vol. viii., No. 6. " Change of Colour in Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus) as Affected by Seasons," by H. D. Astley. Avicultural Magazine, vol. viii., No. 5. ^'°''i^iY^' 1 Alexander, Publications Received. 63 " The Display of the Blue Wren {Malunis cyaneits)," by H. D. Astley. AvicuUural Magazine, vol. viii., No. 7. " Mantell's Apteryx," by Dr. G. Renshaw. AvicuUural Magazine, vol. viii., No. 12. "With the British Association in Australia," by A. H. Evans. Ibis, vol. v., No. I. " Note on the x\cclimatization of the Australian Black Swan {Chenopis atrata)," by R. T. Gunther. Ibis, vol. v., No. 2. Articles of General Ornithological Interest. " Tail-Feathers and their Major Upper Coverts. H. L. Clark. Auk, vol. XXXV., No. 2. " Ferruginous Stains on Waterfowl." F. H. Kennard. Auk, vol. XXXV., No. 2. "The Description of the Voice of Birds." R. M. Strong. Auk, vol. XXXV., No. 2. " The Extraction of Fat front Bird-Skins." H. Lloyd. Auk, vol. XXXV., No. 2. " The Moults and Sequence of Plumages of the British Waders." Miss A. C. Jackson. British Birds, vol. xi.. No. 3, continued in later numbers. Several of the Waders common to Britain and Australia are dealt with, including Turnstone, Sanderling, Pratincole, Golden Plover, Grey Plover. " Development of Pattern in Birds," Dr. A. G. Butler. Avi- cuUural Magazine, vol. ix., No. 5. " Photographs of Falkland Island Bird Life." R. H. Beck. Bird Lore, vol. xx.. No. i. Includes photgraphs of several species familiar to Australasians, such as Black-browed Albatross and Giant Petrel, on their nests. " The Speed of Flight of Birds." Sub-Lieut. Aviator Guerin. Revue Francaise d'Ornithologie, No. 106. Experiences of chasing Cormorants, Geese, and Ducks in an aeroplane. " Keeping Field Records." A. F. Gainer. Wilson Bulletin, vol. xxix.. No. 4. " Reference List of Coloured Plates of the Parrots." Dr. E, Hopkinson. AvicuUural Magazine, vol. viii., Nos. 3 to 6. "Are Birds Easily Deceived ? " Dr. A. G. Butler. AvicuUural Magazine, vol. viii.. No. 4. " On the Species and Sub-Species of the Genus Fregata." G. M. Mathews. Austral Avian Record, vol. ii.. No. 6. " Capacity in Nest Construction." Dr. A. G. Butler. AvicuUural Magazine, vol. viii.. No. 6. " An Improved Observation Tent." R. M. Strong. Auk, vol. xxxiv., No. 3. 64 Alexander, Publications Received. [^^^ Emu July " A Study of Subsequent Nestings After tlie Loss of the First." H. Mousley. xiiik, vol. xxxiv., No. 4. " The Shedding of the Stomach Lining by Birds, Particularly as Exemplified by the AnatidcE." W. L. M'Atee. Auk, vol. xxxiv., No. 4. " Notes on the Genus Piifinus, Brisson." H. C. Oberholser. Auk, vol. xxxiv.. No. 4. " The Possibility of Using the Kerguelen Islands as a National Park for the Preservation of Antarctic Animals." A. Menegaux. Revue Francaise d'Ornithologie, No. 93. The action of the Tasmanian Government in refusing to renew licences to boil down Penguins on the Macquarie Islands is cited with approval, and the French Government urged to take similar action in regard to Kerguelen. " Some Factors Involved in the Nesting Habit of Birds." C. H. Kennedy. Condor, vol. xix.. No. 3. " Results of the South Australian Museum Expedition to Strzelecki and Cooper Creeks, September and October, igi6 : Aves. By S. A. White. Trans. Roy. Sac. S.A., xK., 1917, p. 441. A most valuable contribution to our knowledge of the birds of the interior of Australia. One hundred and six species were collected or recorded during the expedition. A new Tree-creeper {Climacteris waitei) discovered on the Cooper was described in The Emu, xvi., p. 168, and figured in vol. xvii., plate i., and an account of the finding of the nest of the Desert Chat was given in vol. xvi., p. 165. Captain White states that, with the exception of Bare-eyed and Rose-breasted Cockatoos and Shell Parrakeets, the paucity of bird-life in the region visited was remarkable, even though the season was an exceptionally good one. He attributes this to overstocking and the ravages of rabbits, together with droughts, which have largely destroyed the native vegetation, and he thinks there is no chance of its recovering its original con- dition. Most of the birds met with were such as are characteristic of arid regions, or of the water-holes of the interior. The Desert Chat {Ashbyia lovensis) and the Black-banded Whiteface {Aphelo- cephala nigricincta), previously only known from the region between Oodnadatta and the Macdonncll Ranges, were both met with, so that their known range is largely increased. It is some- what surprising to find the names of three familiar sea-birds — the Caspian and Crested Terns and the Silver Gull — on the list of birds met with on the water-holes so far inland. L'nder the title " In the Far North-East," Capt. White has reprinted a popular account of the expedition contributed by him to the Register, and illustrated it with numerous photographs. This most inter- esting booklet will be read with much pleasure by all Australian ornithologists. Vol. ^Y''"l Morse, Nesting Notes from Moree. 65 Nesting Notes from Moree (40 Miles from Queensland Border). By F. C. Morse, R.A.O.U. During the months of August and September I examined fourteen Ravens' (Crows') nests, eleven of which contained five eggs, two four, and one six eggs. On ist September I noticed the first arrival of Wood-Swallows ; these were the Masked variety. They are generally accompanied by the White-browed, but for some reason these latter did not appear. There are always some of the White-rumped and Common Wood-Swallows to be found here during the winter months. On the same day (ist September) I noticed one Pied Caterpillar-eater. 20th September. — Watched a Brown Tree-creeper dropping something down a hollow spout. She did not appear to be feeding young, so I climbed up and opened the hollow with my toma- hawk. About a foot down there was the foundation of a nest made of grass, on the top of which was about a handful of kangaroo droppings, probably to give warmth. Many birds use dry manure for lining their nests, the White- browed Babbler in particular, but more so for the winter quarter nests than those for breeding purposes. 15th September. ^Found three nests of the Tawny Frogmouth, ' none of which was quite complete. About here the clutch is almost invariably four eggs. 2ist September. — First flight of Bee-eaters noticed. ■ 2gth September. — Found the nest of a Ground Cuckoo-Shrike ; on climbing up, found three large young therein. Shortly after I found another with three fresh eggs. 1st October. — Found a Brown Hawk's nest, which was high up in a tall, straight belar tree {Casuarina). The nest contained two eggs. Attached to the bottom of the nest was a Yellow- tailed Tit's nest, with eggs, on which the little bird was sitting. It is a remarkable thing that these little birds should so often choose a similar place to nest. I wonder if it is for protection ? On another occasion, on the Macquarie River, I found one nesting under a Sparrow-Hawk's nest, and a few' days ago I noticed a Spotted-sided Finch flying with grass up to an Eagle's nest. nth October. — Found a Striped Honey-eater's nest ; to obtain it I had to attach a strong cord to the limb, which I then cut off and lowered to the ground. The little bird continued to sit on her eggs. The nest contained three fresh eggs. Birds are nearly all robbers. The little Spotted-sided Finches' nests in the jacaranda trees in the garden are literally torn to pieces each year by " Blue-faced Soldiers," White-rumped Wood- Swallows, and many other kinds, to build their own homes. On 13th October went with my two small boys to a swamp to see if I could shoot a Snipe. This is not a natural swamp, but is the terminus of a bore drain, and every year a few birds collect 5 66 Morse, Nesting Notes from Moyee. [.^^"juiy there. The drain itself runs into a large tank about 60 yards square, and the sides are now overgrown with flags, in which the Reed-Warblers and Grass-Birds congregate. I was successful in getting six couple of Snipe, but the prize of the day w^as a Painted Snipe's nest, with four eggs. We also found one Pectoral Rail's, with seven eggs, and two Reed- Warblers' ; also a Square-tailed Kite's, with two heavily-incubated eggs. During the week, while driving a mob of sheep, I noticed a Magpie-Lark fly from a Magpie's nest. Passing the same spot a week later, I saw the same thing occur. Curiosity got the better of me, and, although the nest was on the thin branches of a white-wood tree, I took the risk, and to my surprise found the bird, which builds a mud nest, was sitting on four eggs of her own. She did not seem to have re-lined or made any alteration in the Magpie's nest. As I was coming down the tree again I found a Spiny-cheeked Honey- eater's nest with two eggs. 20th October. — Found a Bell-Bird's nest with two eggs ; nest was lined with sheep's wool and a few hairy caterpillars, and the rim was finished off with a beautiful lining of sheep's wool. A sheep had died a few yards away, from where, no doubt, the birds got the material. 27th October. — Paid another visit to the swamp. Succeeded in finding- — or, rather, my dog did — three young Painted Snipe, unable to fly, close to where I had found the eggs a week before ; also shot five more of the " Long-bills." The Painted Snipe must lie very quiet while breeding. As a rule they are not hard to flush ; but in my two visits to this swamp I only saw one bird, while, on the evidence of nest and young, there must have been two pairs, unless the birds nest again as soon as the first brood is fledged. We also found three Pectoral Rails' nests and one egg of a Spotted Crake. 25th October. — ^Took a Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo's egg from a Tit's nest. The birds had not finished building, and the Cuckoo's egg was slightly incubated. I make special note of this, as a Narrow-bill's egg previously taken from a Tit's nest was far further incubated than the Tit's eggs. A Pallid Cuckoo's egg, taken from a White-plumed Honey-eater's nest in the garden, which we were watching carefully (having seen a Cuckoo hanging round), was laid four days before the owners laid their first egg. 5th November. — Paid a third visit to the swamp, and found one Little Crake's nest with two eggs, also several nests of the Grass-Bird, all in polygonum bushes over the water. One had two large young ; the other two were not quite built. 5th Novenil)er. — Found the first Pied Caterpillar-eater's nest, also Sacred Kingfisher's ; latter had five fresh eggs. Found several Pectoral Rails' nests ; eggs scattered about, with small holes pecked in them, as if by some bird. Noticed a large flock of Starlings about. I wonder if they were the culprits ? They have only recently appeared in these parts, and have not estab- lished themselves yet. Voi.xvill.j Morse, Mesting Noies from Moree. 67 8th November. — Noticed large numbers of White-browed Wood- Swallows about, many of which started nesting a few days later. I2th November. — Found a Bell-Bird's nest in a low wild cherry tree, and many White-browed Wood-Swallows nesting in fence- posts and any available spot. Found Singing Honey-eater's nest ; nest contained one large young Pallid Cuckoo, also a Honey- eater's egg, which was on the Cuckoo's back, and almost over the edge of the nest ; also found Oriole's nest with three fresh eggs. During same week found four fresh eggs of the Kestrel, and found the shell of an egg of the Bustard ; egg apparently recentty hatched. T7th November. — Found the Mistletoe-Bird building ; female doing all the work, while the male conducted her to and fro, singing all the while. i8th November. — Paid another visit to tlic swamp : found two Pectoral Rails' nests, also found a Grass-Bird's nest with three eggs. 24tli November. — Found a little Peaceful Dove's nest and Barred-shouldered Dove's, both with eggs. 27th November. — Flushed a Horsfield Bush-Lark from nest of three eggs ; near same spot, two days later, flushed Brown Song- Lark from a nest of two eggs. Both sets seemed fairly heavily incubated. 4th December. — Flushed Brown Lark from nest of three eggs ; seemed quite fresh. x\lso found a Whistling-Duck's nest under a roly-poly bush, containing six fresh eggs. Previous year I found a Whistler's nest in the long grass with seventeen eggs. 7th December. — Found fresh egg of Pallid Cuckoo in a White- browed Wood-Swallow's nest. loth December. — Found Little Dove's nest through the antics of bird in trying to attract me away ; the nest had two fresh eggs in. Close by found a White-rumped Wood-Swallow nesting in a Magpie-Lark's nest. These birds nearly always make use of the deserted nest of the Magpie-Lark, after re-lining it to their own satisfaction. i6th December. — Found a White-fronted Heron's nest with four eggs, also a Little Dove's nest with two fresh eggs. 23rd December. — Found a nest of White-winged Superb Warbler with three eggs, also with one Narrow-billed Bronze- Cuckoo's. 23rd December. — While picnicking with the family near a creek a pair of Bower-Birds came to the camp and came within a few yards for crumbs, at the same time gomg on with the antics that these birds excel in ; noticed they took the crumbs away in a certain direction, and after a little trouble we located the nest high up in a belar tree. I climbed up ; nest contained two large young ones. ist January. — Paid another visit to swamp : noticed many Reed-Warblers' nests with eggs and 3'oung. Also found several Plum-head Finches' nests in the long grass. Found one Little 68 Mouse, Nesting Nofes from Moree. [.J^'juiy Crake's nest with six eggs in, also several Grass-Birds' nests. Found the nest of Bald Coot, built on flags bent over-; nest con- tained five eggs and two little ones just hatched. On approaching, the little ones jumped into the water, and tried to dive, but without much success — they could only get their little heads under, kick as they wovild. I got two rotten eggs ; the remainder were just chipping. In the one green tree (coolibah) at the edge of the tank was the nest of a Square-tailed Kite. I noticed the shells of Duck eggs, and also a lot of down, lying about under the tree. One of the boys climbed up to investigate, and found a Duck had made use of the Kite's nest and had recently hatched. 6th January. — Noticed numbers of Bee-eaters flying about fairly high, as if preparing for migration. It may be the earlier broods getting their wings, as there are several nests near the house in which the young are still being fed. 8th January. — Paid a visit to a lagoon about 8 miles away ; flushed a Darter from a nest in which were four ugly, long-necked young ones. 20th January. — Found White-winged Superb Warbler's nest with three Warbler's eggs and one Narrow-billed Cuckoo's ; took the latter, which was quite fresh. Also found a Whiteface's nest, containing three eggs, in an old Finch's nest. 22nd January. — Found Singing Honey-eater's nest — one fresh egg ; this is only the second specimen I have found. The bird itself is very rare here, and confines itself to small areas. The nests are difficult to find, being of scanty structure and built high up in the small branches. 23rd January.— On the way home from Garah my boys and I had a hunt through the grass for Quails' nests, and found the nests of three Little Quail, each containing four eggs, and also one Stubble Quail's nest with five eggs. Noticed many young Quail of both species in all stages of growth. 24th January.- — While driving a mob of sheep I noticed a Painted Quail fly up from a salt-bush ; on examining which, found a nest with four eggs. 28th January. — ^There are still some Bee-eaters about, but the majority have gone. I believe now the only ones remaining are the late breeders. 29th January. — Made a farewell visit to the swamp. Reed- Warblers still nesting freely ; also found three Grass-Birds' nests, with eggs, but all heavily incubated. 30th January. — Found Little Dove's nest close to the house, with two eggs. A pair of Delicate Owls has nested for years in a large red gum tree near the house. I made one attempt to climb the tree, without success. These birds are said to hoot, but their call is a horrible screech, like a tenor White Cockatoo with a prolonged note. Every night through the nesting season, from August to January, the birds pass backwards and forwards over the house, making the most discordant noise, which is most disagreeable and alarming to any stranger. When I first came ^'^'"i^iV"'] Movt.SE, Nesdng Notes from Moree. 6q here, seven years ago, we cleared a small area of ground, and in felling one tree, close to where the present nest is, a limb split open, which contained, for fully two feet, mould, and more particularly bones of small birds and mammals ; there must have been thousands destroyed to form such an accumulation of bones, which were chiefly the jaws of small rodents and beaks of birds. 4th February. — Found a Mistletoe-Bird building. As on a previous occasion, I noticed the little female bird did all the work, encouraged by the melodious little twitter of her more gaily-dressed mate. 5th February.— Noticed a pair of what I believe to be Black- eared Cuckoos ; have never seen these birds before. Most of the Wood-Swallows have disappeared during the previous fort- night, though I have not noticed them collect as they usually do before migration. The Bronze-Cuckoos and Pallids are still about, but the Fantails have been absent for the whole of the summer. I cannot help thinking that these birds winter here, as I have noticed many of them in the depths of winter in the big belar scrubs. About July one could see 20 or 30 birds in half an hour's ride, but they all go away for the summer. The Pallid Cuckoo is here all the year, but the Bronze leaves us in March, and does not appear till the following spring. ■ Have been carefully watching all the season for another set of Owlet Nightjar's eggs with the black markings. The bird did not come back to the same hollow to nest. I have been unable to find a Nightjar's at all this season, although we can hear the little birds calling every night close to the house. loth February. — Merops ornatus. — ^Took a young Bee-eater from its nest to photograph it. The nest had a fortnight earlier (when the little ones were just hatched) been broken in by a horse ; we noted the occurrence, and built a roof of boards over the tunnel. I have done the same thing on several previous occasions, and have never known the birds to desert their young, though our construction was very different from the original. 12th February. — Dicceum hirundinaceum. — Found a nest of the Mistletoe SwaUow containing three fresh eggs ; just recently have noted several of these little birds getting material for building. I2th February. — Ptilotis sonora. — Found a Singing Honey- eater's nest with two eggs. I often wonder why these birds are designated " Singing." Their notes are few and far between — one a " Preet, preet, preet," which is a call to its mates ; another a plaintive little mew, something like that of a kitten ; and another of two notes, which I never heard during the breeding months. Their food is chiefly gathered from the mistletoe blossoms, and, although they can be heard from the house, I never knew one to touch fruit in the garden. Turnix velox. — Last week I brought home a Little Quail, the young of Turnix velox — a tiny thing not larger than the joint of one's thumb. For the first afternoon it would not eat, but next 70 Mo-RS-R, Nesting Notes from. Movee. [isfXiy day was tempted to try a fly, after which it developed a most voracious appetite for insects only. We tried it with grass-seeds, bread crumbs, oatmeal, biscuit, various berries, and all manner of things that one would imagine a Quail might like, but it would have nothing except insects and spiders. It delighted in large brown-and-green blow-flies. It kept my family going all day in catching food for it. On the second night of its captivity I caught i8 earwigs, each about half an inch long, all of which it ate next morning in a few minutes, and in a quarter of an hour it was just as hungry as ever. It must have eaten more than its own weight of insects each day. After the fourth day its little life was cut short by getting itself under someone's foot. There are thousands of these Quail about, and I presume all have appetites similar to the one in question. What a bearing they must have on the insect pest — perhaps, too, on the blow-fly, which has cost the country so much money ! It would be quite simple for the birds to get the flies in the early mornings ; and it is a striking fact that this year the fly trouble with the sheep in these parts has been practically nil, while last year the loss was enormous. The season in all respects seemed to favour the fly, and at the same time the Little Quail were much more numerous than I have ever known them to be. nth March. — Notophoyx pacifica. — Found a large colony of White-necked Herons nesting in the big red gum trees on the Barwon River ; the young were flying or standing on limbs near the nest. There was also a pair of Black-billed Spoonbills {Platalea regia) with a nest among the Herons. 28th March. — Strix delicatnla. — ^The Delicate Owls that have been within earshot of the house since August have suddenly disappeared, and the absence of their horrible screech is most marked. These birds come here every spring to breed, and disappear during the winter months. Their departure now cannot be influenced through want of food, as the whole country is overrun with mice. Strange to relate, the Quail have also all gone — not only from here, but the whole district reports the same thing. I believe the Quail have been driven away by the mice, which have eaten up everything. 23rd March. — ^Was on an island off the New South Wales coast, where Mutton-Birds and the httle Blue Penguins breed freely. Up the gullies, under fallen palm leaves, we found some young Petrels, and also some mature birds, caught in the Pisonia seeds. I believe these belonged to the genus (Estrelata. We took one of these on board our boat and fed it for two days on pieces of garfish, and, although when found it was very weak, the fish diet strengthened it so much that we were able to liberate it. I was struck by the way the bird used the hook of its bill ; it was con- tinually trying to climb out of the boat by hooking on to anything in reach, and made me think they must use their bills largely for climbing into the rocky situations in which the eggs are laid, flight there being impossible owing to the density of the fohage. 24th March. — Paid a visit to another small island of about Voi.xviii-I Morse, Nesting Notes from Moree. yi 15 acres, 3 miles from the mainland. There are no trees, but the surface is fairly flat and covered with coarse grass and reeds. Every square foot is utihzed by Mutton-Birds. We also flushed a number of Brown Quail. The only other land-bird was the Australian Pipit {Anthits australis). There does not appear to be much animal life, but we noticed many small brown lizards. 3rd April. — Returned home, and on 5th noticed a flight of Bee-eaters making north. I2th April. — -Zosterops. — Numbers of Silver-eyes have come about ; never saw these little chaps so far inland before. 20th April. — Artamus siiperciliosus. — -Large flight of White- browed Wood-Swallows passed over to-day, apparently going south-west. 25th April. — Heard an unusual disturbance among the birds in a sandal- wood- tree. On investigating found a brown snake's skin hanging from the branches ; evidently it was carried there by a whirlwind. Round it, in great consternation, were " Jacky Winters " (Australian Brown Flycatcher), Rufous Whistlers, Yehow-tailed Tit-Warblers, Little Tit- Warblers, some " Soldier- Birds " (Noisy Miner), and "Razor-grinders" (Restless Fly- catchers). 4th May.— Emus are now in pairs every\vhere in these parts ; we are always on the look-out for fresh eggs this month. Listening to one of Mr. Le Souef's interesting lectures reminded me of an old male Emu. Living by himself in the hills, far removed from any of his kind, he has each year, for many years, gone to the rubbish heap and got together about a dozen bottles, on which he used to sit for some weeks. This happened every year for eight years to my knowledge, and I don't know how long after. 6th May. — ^Was witness of a funny incident yesterday. Great Brown Kingfishers come every morning for the mice thrown out of the traps. One got his mouse and flew with it to the limb of a tall, dead gum-tree. Another laid claim to the same mouse, and flew up and grabbed the other end. They both sat back and pulled. We watched them for a few minutes, then went in to our own breakfast, leaving them still steadily pulling. Fifteen minutes later they were still in the same position, but had been joined by five others, which were watching the contest with apparently much interest. No. i then made a mighty effort to get the mouse, overbalanced, and fell off the limb ; but in spite of this he still hung on, and spun slowly round and round under the limb with wings tightly closed. The strain was too great, and he had to let go, at which the five spectators threw up their heads and laughed heartily. However, the defeated one bore no malice ; he joined the others on the limb and joined in the merriment. The mice do not only provide food for " Jackasses." Two very large green frogs live in our back skillion. Hearing an unusual scuffling in the onion-box the other night, we went out with a light, just in time to witness the larger frog getting a mouse down its throat. 72 Cyclones and Bird Destruction . [isf'juiy Cyclones and Bird Destruction. This year cyclones in North Queensland were unusually violent, the one at Mackay — at its height the night of 20th -21st January — being a record for fierceness and widespread damage, in which much avifauna was wiped out. Mr. E. M. Cornwall, although himself heavily hit by the great storm, kindly sends the accom- panying photograph of a portion of his bush paddock and bird sanctuary, with the following note : — " The destruction of bird- life has been deplorable. Thousands of sea-birds were driven ashore : amongst them were Frigate-Birds, Gannets, and Caspian, Brown-winged, Crested, Lesser Crested, Black-naped, Roseate, and Noddy Terns. Thousands of these were lying dead along the beaches. I found some in my paddock amongst the drift which the tidal wave swept up to my garden back fence. Our forest birds are almost wiped out.. We have not seen a single Honey-eater of any kind since the storm, and those birds we have seen could be counted on the fingers of one hand. At Mrs. Innes's place the Parrots flocked into the house, and, though the roof went off, they remained there until the storm was over." The illustration shows how completely the foliage has been stripped, by the force of the wind, off the trees, which were acacias (two kinds), melaleuca, eucalyptus, careya, &c. Regarding another cyclone at Cardwell the night of loth-iith March, a corre- spondent, Mr. Tom Butler, J. P., after mentioning destruction of his own property, loss of local stock, two aborigines killed, and the appearance of the scrub after the blow — " like those illustra- tions you see in the papers of a forest in France that has been shelled" — writes: — "I think the birds in the scrub (really a green jungle) are nearly all wiped out. Most of them would be killed, and the fruit-eaters would have to leave or starve, there being nothing for them. A few birds strange to me came round the premises looking for food. White-eyes (Zosterops) came in great numbers after the fallen oranges (nearly all the orange crops came to the ground). The poor little chaps were starving, and so weak they could not fly. Others made a raid on ' Joeys' ' (Blue-bellied Lorikeet) milk pots — in fact, were all over the place hunting for food. Our tame Pigeon (Magnificent Fruit-Pigeon) was away that night ; do not know where he got to, but he returned home next morning a complete wreck, and was apparently so disgusted that he rarely leaves home now. You remember how tuneful the numerous birds used to be in the adjacent scrubs at early morn. Since the blow there has been a dead silence — not a sound of any sort. Even the Megapodes do not sing out." The destruction of beautiful bird life by these fierce visitations of Nature must be enormous — temporary ex- tinction in some parts. Therefore, as a mere drop of water in a bucketful must be the few specimens taken by the hand of man from time to time for museum and scientific purposes, to which there is sometimes objection taken by over- zealous persons. — A. J. Campbell Surrey Hills (Vic.) The Emu, Vol. XVIII. PLATE XII. o a V u o at < The Emu, ]'ol. XVIII. PLATE XIII. Albino Magpie (Gyiniwrhina leuconota). PHOTO. BY D. LE SOUEF, C M.Z.S. Flight of Galatis (Rose- breasted Cockatoo). PHOTO. BY F. C. MORSE. R.A O.U, ^'^'- ^yg^'^'l Cyclones and Bird Bestrucfion. 73 In the recent cyclone which took place at Mackay, on the coast of North Queensland, the damage done to the small bird-life can hardly be reahzed. Probably many thousands of birds have been killed. The following note from our member, Mr. E. M. Cornwall, will give a httle idea of the havoc wrought : — " One of the saddest features of the storm is the loss of bird-life. The deadly stillness of the bush is to me simply awful. Lying round about my place there are a pair of Leach's Kingfishers {Dacelo leachi), a pair of Koel Cuckoos [Centropus phasianus), two or three Crows [Corvus coyonoides), and one Black Butcher-Bird {Cr adieus quoyi). All the hundreds of Honey-eaters, &c., that were in the habit of coming mto the garden are utterly gone ; the Doves, which used to come into the yard and feed with the fowls, are also gone, and I fear greatly that it will be a long, long time before we shall see the fluttering wings and hear the cheerful twitter and whistle of our httle friends again. You will be glad to know that my col- lection did not come to grief. When the house came down, with the piles on which it stood, it fell so gently that we barely felt it : the roar of the cyclone drow^ned all the noise of falling, and not one single egg in my cabinet was out of place." Another member, Mr. W. G. Harvey, states that, " sad to relate, the birds and beasts are nearly all gone, and, as the country has been devastated for about 100 miles on either side of Mackay, I fear that it will be some years before we can hope to have a full complement of birds in our district." — D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S. Stray Feathers. Flight of Galahs. — The accompanying photograph was taken in 1910 by Mr. F. C. Morse, R.A.O.U., at a place 35 miles north of Maxwellton, on the Townsville-Cloncurry railway. North Queens- land. The Rose-breasted Cockatoos or Galahs [Cacatita rosei- capilla) are nomadic, and appear at times in immense flocks. Albino Birds. — It is interesting to notice the albino phases of some of our birds. In Parrots, for instance, where the red never changes, the green becomes yellow and the blue white ; green and blue are both composite colours. In other birds that are shades of black and white the bird becomes pure white, as, for instance, the Emu, Crow, Magpie, Eagle, Hawk, &c. I have never yet heard of a white Bower-Bird, but in any case albinos of any birds are very rare, and, being conspicuous, may soon be killed by birds of prey. A white Magpie often has trouble in securing a mate ; the other birds of his kind evidently do not recognize their companion in his new dress. An albino Eagle we had for some years occasionally grew an ordinary-coloured 'J A Stray Feathers. \^ Emu July feather, and the white Emu in the Sydney Zoological Park has now grown several feathers of the natural colour. The albino Magpie in the illustration belongs to our member, Miss S. M. Robertson, of Mordialloc. It has the run of the garden. — D. Le SouiiF. Melbourne. * * * Freckled Duck. — The Freckled Duck (Stidonetta ncBvosa) is fairly plentiful on our lakes this season. I had one brought to me for the table last week, and it proved excellent eating. The very compact plumage resembles that of the Musk-Duck. Sportsmen have never seen the bird in this locality before. — A. Trezise. Robe, S.A., 14/6/18. * * * Quail and Mice. — A strange thing has happened in these parts lately. A month ago the whole country was alive with Quail, both Stubble {Cotitrnix pedoralis) and Little {Ttirnix velox), but in a few weeks they were gone almost to a bird. I believe the reason is mice. These little rodents have run over the plains in countless swarms, and probably eaten all the grass seed ; there are still heaps of dry grass, but no seed. — F. C. Morse. Garah, N.S.W. * * * Cuckoo and Mice. — I secured a male. Coucal {Centropns phasi- anus) the other day, and I was surprised on opening the stomach to find two partly digested and one fresh mouse and the remains of a grasshopper. This bird swallowed the mice whole, there being no sign of their having been torn to pieces in any way. I have not seen any of these birds about here before. I secured the bird on the edge of a thick brigalow scrub which was thickly infested with prickly pear. Has there been previous evidence of this bird eating mice ?^N. Geary, R.A.O.U. Mount Pleasant, Dalby (Q.). 19/5/18. * * * Hungry Honey-eaters. — For some unexplained reason the bush does not seem to be producing sufficient food for the Honey-eaters at the present time, as far as the vicinity of Hobart is concerned. Although my home is within two miles of the G.P.O., I am deriving great pleasure owing to my garden being graced with the presence of numerous Meliphagidce. There are nearly always a few Crescent Honey-eaters {Lichmera aiistralasiana) in the garden, but in addition, at the present time, I notice Yellow- throats {Ptilotis flavigula), New Hollands {Meliornis novce- hoUandice), and an occasional Spinebill {Acanthorhynchus dubius). The latest arrival, however, is no less than the Wattle-Bird {Anthochcera inmms). This is the first time that I have seen a Wattle-Bird so close to the city for many years. The main object of their visit appears to be to feed upon a few apples that have been left on the trees, these being now almost over-ripe, — Clive E. Lord. Hobart, 27/5/18, Vol.xviii.j si^ay feathers. 75 "Rooks Killing Sheep.— Damage in Hawke's Bay. — Farmers in Hawke's Bay are complaining of depredations of Rooks among their flocks. The Rooks have acquired the habit of attacking not only lambs, but full-grown sheep, and the losses in some parts of the district are becoming serious. The birds attack the flocks not only in the daytime, but also during moonlight nights, and one farmer near Farndon has lost scores nightly. The Rooks attack the throats of the sheep, and numbers can be seen in the paddocks with open wounds. One was seen with its head completely severed with the exception of the spinal column. The birds also eat the flesh right down the middle of the back, rendering the skin quite useless. As the Rooks are protected, the position is serious in some parts of the district. Representa- tions are being made to the Government on the subject." The above paragraph cutting is from the Auckland Weekly News, and may be of some interest as showing some of the troubles of an Acclimatization Society. — Communicated by Dr. T. J. Ick- Hewins. Manaia, Taranaki. N.Z., 9/6/18. Birds and Caterpillars.— The interesting observations by Mrs. Adam Black, of Charters Towers, on the " fearsome manner " in which young Gouldian Finches open their mouths and wag their heads when disturbed,* calls to mind the following note on the young of Gerygone personata, which occurred in one of Dr. Macgillivray's valuable papers f on the birds of North Queens- land : — " The young birds have four peculiar head-plumes, which they have the power of erecting and quivering vigorously. When one looks into a nest these head-plumes are put into motion by the birds, and remind one of a number of caterpillars waving about." These notes are the more interesting to me in the light of a recollection I have of a similarly curious experience with a pair of baby Bell- Birds [Oreoica cristata). Wandering through a bush recess in the vicinity of Maryborough (Vic.) on a day in October of 1912, I chanced upon these two squatting in a nest on a bushy stump. They were altogether uncanny-looking objects. Though almost fully fledged, the tops of their heads and a patch right down their respective backs were quite free of feathers, and instead of the usual wide-eyed stare of inquiry the visitor gets from most young birds, the eyes were tightly closed. Both babes, in fact, might have been quite devoid of life ; but when I touched them lightly there was a decided change of tactics. The eyes remained closed, but the necks were out- stretched, the sprouting feathers on the foreheads started, and the heads waved in exactly the threatening manner of the tails of processional caterpillars. Meanwhile, the old birds kept * Emu, vol. xvii., p. 228. f Emu, vol. xiii., p. 166, 76 ' Stray Feathers. [isfTui' severely away from the nest. In half an hour's time I stole a march on the young actors, and found them sitting up com- placently, with eyes wide open ! Immediately, however, these were closed again, and the uncanny mimicry (?) of caterpillars was vigorously resumed. Is there, one wonders, any affinity between this queer process and the Bell-Birds' habit of storing their nests with caterpillars ? Of dozens of these homes examined, I do not recollect one that had not its complement of caterpillars, usually the larvae of Darala ocellata. Sometimes the insects were on the rim of the nest ; sometimes they were under the brooding bird or beneath the young ones ; sometimes they were obviously dead ; sometimes they were alive, but sluggish ; and sometimes they appeared to be petrified. I saw no indications of the caterpillars being used as food,* and the only theory presenting itself was that the birds gathered them for the same reason as the young Bell-Birds wave their heads— defence purposes. Can anything better be offered ? An interesting observation upon the subject is given by Mr. G. F. Hill in his " Ornithological Notes on the Barclay Expedition of I9ii-i2,"f wherein he remarks that he was surprised to find Bell- Birds in the Northern Territory using a species of caterpillar {Spilosoma, sp.) closely related to Spilosoma ohliqua, which he has noted to be much favoured by Victorian Bell-Birds. The matter was discussed also in early issues of The Emu, but no definite conclusions arrived at. — A. H. Chisholm. Brisbane, May, 1918. Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Emu." Dear Sirs, — In the issue for October, 1917, page 108, it is stated that I express doubt in reference to the Pacific Gulls dropping " Warrener shells " to break them and extract the contents. It was my old friend Dr. A. M. Morgan who doubted the above, and I brought evidence to bear in my article which appeared in The Emu to substantiate my contention that the Gulls do drop the shells. I would like to know what evidence caused Mr. Le Souef to be " satisfied the Pacific Gull does drop the shells to break them." Not by personal observation, I should think. — Yours truly, S. A. WHITE. " Wetunga," Fulham (S.A.), 22/11/17. *Mr. Charles Barnard, in " Nests and Eggs " (Campbell), makes the sound point that the caterpillars usually gathered by Oreoica seem altogether too hairy to be used as food by the birds. This observation applies particularly to caterpillars of Darala and Spilosoma. — A. H. C. ^Emu, vol. xii., p. 258. The Emu, VoL XVI 1 1. PLATE XIV. The late ColoiRl W. \'. Leuge, C.M.B.U. U., lir^l Picsuk-ut K.A.U.r. ^'°'"ij.r"] About Members. yy About Members. Mr. G. M. Mathews, F.R.S. Edin., has been elected a member of committee, British Ornithologists' Union, in place of Mr. D. Seth- Smith, F.Z.S., who retired by seniority. Although Mr. Mathews resides in Britain, he is the first Australian (by birth) elected on the committee of the venerable B.O.U. Capt. S. a. White, R.A.O.U., South Austraha, has been elected a " Colonial Member " of the British Ornithologists' Union — a coveted prize, as only ten living overseas ornithologists can hold that distinction at one time. Capt. White is to be congratulated accordingly. * * * Our member and keen-sighted observer, Private Les. G. Chandler, has been slightly wounded (gassed) in France, where he has been for over two years. Fellow-members will sympathize with him in his temporary disablement. Sympathy is also extended to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Chandler, of " Maloort," Frankston, with the hope that their good son will soon return to his humanitarian duties in the Field Ambulance Corps. Obituary Notices. LEGGE. — On the 25th March, 1918, at his residence, " CuUenswood House," CuUenswood, Colonel W. V. Legge, late Royal Artillery, in his 78th year. The late Colonel Legge, ex-Commandant Tasmanian Defence Forces, had a distinguished and useful career. He was born at CuUenswood, which is near St. Mary's, Tasmania, during " vellow- haired September," 1841, his father, the late Mr. R. V. Legge, being one of the earhest settlers in Eastern Tasmania. Young Legge was destined for the army, and proceeded to England with his parents at the age of 12, and crossed the Isthmus of Panama on mule-back. He was educated chiefly at Bath, also in France and Germany, and was a most proficient linguist, having taken the prize for German at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich (which he entered as a cadet), and was beaten only in French by a cadet of French extraction. In 1862 he received his commission, and served first at Dover Castle with the garrison, then was transferred to Melbourne, where he was stationed with his battery (No. 7 of the 2nd Brigade) during the Duke of Edinburgh's visit. He was in charge of the detachment which fired the royal salute on the Duke's arrival in Port Phillip, 78 Obituary Notices. [ist^T^iy 1867. From Melbourne his battery was transferred to Colombo, and he remained in Ceylon for nine years, where his family of three was born. On his return voyage to England he was wrecked in the Red Sea. In order to the better carry on the work of his book (" The Birds of Ceylon "), he took a staff appoint- ment at Aberystwith, in Cardiganshire, which he held for about five years, and was next offered by the then Commander-in-Chief, the Duke of Cambridge, the most coveted appointment of all artillery officers — namely, inspector, or instructor, of experimental gunnery. Owing to his father's failing health he refused this, even when offered lengthened furlough to pay his parents a visit. Col. Legge had also experience as an engineer officer, and super- vised the construction of some of the Portsmouth forts. Latterly he was for 11 years Commandant of the Tasmanian military forces, and after the Boer War was retired on reaching the age limit. He then took to pastoral pursuits. Colonel Legge' s hobby was natural science — forestry, physi- ography, with a strong leaning towards ornithology. He was one of the founders and first president of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union.* His magnum opus was " The Birds of Ceylon," two large volumes, quarto size, illustrated with coloured plates by the best artists of the day. The work is still a standard one, and in our library the two handsome books are inscribed, " Presented to the R.A.O.U. by its first President — ^The Author." In 1887 he published a useful " Systematic List of Tasmanian Birds." Col. Legge was rather a "lumper" than a "splitter." In his introductory note he states : — " There has been an un- necessary separation of genera in many families of Australian birds. Nothing is more perplexing to the young student than this, and I have, in cases where there are no differences of external structure, discarded many such genera." At the Hobart meeting (January, 1892) of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, Col. Legge con- tributed an important paper, " On the Geographical Distribution of the Australian Lijiiicolce." The paper dealt with 46 species, grouped under their respective families. He inadvertently omitted the Sanderling, but included the Little Indian Ringed Plover [Mgialitis jerdoni), as he believed it to be the second species (or sub-species) found in the Papuan Region, and no doubt also on the contiguous coast-line of Northern Australia. Col. Legge took a prominent part in the compilation of the " List of Vernacular Names for Australian Birds," f which was presented at the Sydney session of the A.A.A.S., 1898. He made several special trips across the Strait for the purpose of conferring * His comprehensive address on " Current Australian Ornithology" appears in Emu, iii., pp. 142-155, and probably his latest written and interesting note, " A New Raptor for Tasmania," may be seen in the last volume (xvii.) of The Emu, pp. 103-105. t Popularly known as the "Yellow List," on account of the colour of its wrapper. Vol.xviii.-j Obituary Notices. yg with the more centrally situated fellow-members of that com- mittee Because of his extensive ornithological knowledge in both northern and southern hemispheres, Col. Legge will be much missed at the deliberations of the R.A.O.U. " Check-list " com- mittee, of which he was an original member. His ripe judgment was exceedingly useful to the committee of the present official " Check-list." When debating points or examining specimens younger members in experience often came to a quicker decision, but it was characteristic of the Colonel that in the execution of any duty he was conscientious to a degree, and never gave a decision without due consideration of every side of the question. Colonel Legge and the late Dr. Bowdler Sharpe were firm friends, and the former frequently, when in England, visited John Gould, the " Father of Australian Ornithology." Possibly the passing of the Colonel has severed the last living link between members of the R.A.O.U. and the great " Pictorial Ornithologist," who, by common consent, has benefited Australian ornithology more than any other author, past or present. Colonel Legge was a Colonial Member of the British Orni- thologists' X'nion and a Honorary Fellow of the American Orni- thologists' Union. Even to those who knew him best there was an amount of modest or natural reserve about the personality of our deceased member. His Christian-like courtesy was perfect, as was his gentlemanly demeanour at all times and in all places. Two sons (Mr. Vincent Legge, Victoria, and Mr. Robert Legge, Tasmania) and his widow (by second marriage) survive him, to whom all members of the R.A.O.U. respectfully extend their most sincere sympathy. A Tasmanian Tribute. The death of Colonel Legge will make a gap hard to fill in the ranks of Tasmanian ornithologists. For many years he has always contributed the ornithological notes to any special hand- book or special meetings of scientific men concerning the natural history of our island. He was a frequent contributor to the papers and proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, and his papers (numbering seventeen) are mainly concerned with ornithology. It may not be generally known that the splendid collection of skins that Col. Legge made in Ceylon while engaged on his classic history of the birds of that island are in the Hobart Museum. Strange to say, it was only a few days before news was received of his death that I had the privilege of re-arranging the whole of this splendid collection. This was presented to the Museum in 1902. — Clive E. Lord. 80 Obituary Notices. . ' [.st^'juiy The late Gunner M. C. Thompson, R.A.O.U. General and sincere regret will be felt by all members of the R.A.O.U. at the loss of a young and promising naturalist, Maurice Charles Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Thompson, of " Pambula," Moreland. Gunner Thompson fell in France on 29th April last, and, as heroes do, facing the foe on the Lys River, where the British, fighting hard, thrust the horrible Huns back apace. The late gallant gunner, who was formerly in the Auditor of Receipts Office, Victorian Railways, was only 25 years of age, was born at Ascot Vale (Vic), and was educated at the Moreland State school. He enlisted July, 1915, and was in the thick of the fighting for over two years in France. He will be remembered amongst members for his well-nigh faultless and lovable disposition. As a bird-lover and in the field he lived near to Nature's own great heart, and consequently was a keen observer. On service he was very fond of reading The Emu, and, when digested, he always returned his copy home for safe keeping. The following extract of stern duty and bird-observing is taken from a letter of Gunner Thompson's, written to a fellow-member, Mr. A. C. Stone, under date France, 24/4/17 : — " We had some interesting though strenuous times lately following Fritz through and far beyond Bapaume. The most exciting time (which has since been well described in the papers) was one morning, when I had an unpleasant awakening. Just before dawn a chap came running past our dug-outs with the pleasant news that Fritz was advancing in force just over the rise. We were soon told to retire to the next village, as our infantry was falling back. The breech-blocks. &c., were removed from the guns, as the latter could not be used under the circumstances. ^Machine gun and rifle bullets were pretty thick, and the shells were falling in the fields, but not so thickly. At first I thought I would soon be mending Fritz's roads. It was something new for us. Finally, as you now know, Fritz got a terrible mauling. " The weather to-day is glorious. What a wonderful ditference it makes to us ! It is good to be alive. The Larks are singing beauti- fully, and to-day I saw the first Swallow this season. The Magpies {Pica pica) are building in a small wood not many miles from here. I saw about one hundred of these birds one evening. The Partridges are going about in pairs now. There are a fair number of what I take to be Linnets, and a few tiny Hawks which somewhat resemble our Kestrel in habits. The only other 'birds' that are at all common hereabouts are aeroplanes, of many different species. It must be the ' mating season ' for them too, as I often see them fighting fiercely." The Emu, Vol. XVIII. PLATE XV. THE STRIATED GRASS-WREN ..■liin'toyuis striata " Birds of a feather." Vol. XVIII.] ist OCTOBER, 1918. [Part 2. Striated Grass^Wren (Amytornis striata, Gould). By a. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.L'. There is possibly sulilicient material in the " H. L. White " and National Colleetions, Melbourne, to enable students to review the geograpliic range and colour variation of this species. The dullest (hazel) phase appears to be the extreme eastern birds — Mallee (Victoria) and New South Wales (type locality) — while the richer-coloured (bright auburn or Sanford's brown) phase extends northward and through the great interior to western West Australia. Of the extreme eastern birds, the true striata might be united with howei (Mathews), which is stated to differ from the former in " being red-brown above and in having the white shaft-streaks bordered by a line of black " {Bull. B.O.C., xxvii., p. 100). A pair (^ upper fig., $ under fig.) of hoivei, the subject of the coloured plate, is from the " H. L. White Collection," National Museum. Gould's plate (" Birds of Australia," vol. iii.. No. 29) more assimilates the richer-coloured interior form. There is less variety among the rich auburn headed and mantled birds, which apparently come under one group, namely : — nifa (Campbell and Kershaw), interior of Northern Territory (Emu, xii., p. 274). owoii (Mathews), interior of Western .Australia (Bull. B.O.C.. wii., p. 48). whitei (Mathews), Mid- West Australia (Bull. B.O.C ., xxv., p. 34). Therefore, we can, in Amytornis striata, recognize generally two forms, or races — striata proper (Eastern) and whitei, the more auburn phase (Interior and Western). Nestlings of the two forms can likewise be separated. Interesting field observations on A . striata will be found in The Emu, vol. ix., by Messrs. F. L. Lawson (W.A.) and F. E. Howe (Vic.) respectively on pages 204 and 2^z. Dimensions in mm. : — Eastern — Length 160-170, wing 61, tail 80-85, tarsus 2^, culmen 10. Central — Length 165, wing 62, tail 8g, tarsus 22, culmen 12. Western — Length 165, wing bo. tail 80, tarsus 22, culmen 13. Amytornis nwrrotsyi. Mellor (E)nu. xii., p. i6b), from South Australia, appears to bi' a robust \ariety of striata -probaI)ly a distinct species ; it is not a sub-species of tcxtilis, as indicated 1)\- Mathews in his " i()i3 List," p. 2^]2. (i 82 Mathews, " What are Australian Petrels?"- [,si (lu " What are Australian Petrels ? " Bv riKEciOKV M. AIathews, F.R.S.E., Fouus Court, Hants., England. In mv " Birds of Australia " I devoted much space to the elucida- tion of tlie species of Petrels found in Australian seas. I then found, in the course of my investigations, that species were regarded as Australian upon the authority of Gould's inclusion of these in his works. It is necessary to recall that Gould made a special study of these birds upon his voyage out to Australia, and that he concluded that these birds had immense ranges on account of their power of flight. These views have since been modified, and it is now becoming recognized that while there ma}^ be wanderers even as in other groups, as a rule the birds of this order are more or less local in their habits. Other factors are the nocturnal habits of many species, and their custom of breeding on isolated islets, often almost inaccessible. In my " List " I included most of the recognized species, but I recorded that I had already rejected three — viz., Procellaria mollis, ProceUaria cookii, and Diomedea albatriis. Recently I have gone into the records of many of the other species, with astounding results — viz., that I can trace }io authentic records of the following series : — Fregettoriiis grallarius, Ptiffiniis assimilis assimilis, Reinholdia reinholdi huttoni, Procellaria aajiti- nodialis steadi, Procellaria conspicillata conspicillata, Priofiniis cinereus, Pterodroina macroptera goiildi, Diomedea exiilans chio)i- optcra, Diomedea epomophora epomophora, and Phcrbelria palpehrata huttoni. There appears to l)e only one authentic record of Fregetla tropica, Procellaria parkinsoni, Pterodroma inelanopits, Pterodronia iiiexpectata thorn psoni, and Thalassogeron chrysostoma ciilininatiis. Such a sweeping series of rejections needs explanation, so before entering this phase I would point out that my object in writing this note is to draw attention to this matter, so that definite records may hv. brought forward. At the present time no authentic records exist, but that does not mean that these species may not be living in .Australian waters, but merely that we have no proof of the fact. I'ntil we secure that proof we cannot recognize the l)ird as Australian, as otherwise we might, instead of curtailing the list, extend it by adding others that might also (with luck) be met with. Thus, I find Reinholdia reinholdi byroni a com- paratively common bird on the coast of New South \\'ales, while Piiffinus assimilis assimilis I have no record of. Yet the latter appears in every list heretofore, and I saw birds in Australian museums under the latter name, whereas they belonged to the former species. Again, Ramsa\-, in his " Tabular List," wrote down localities ifhere the species might in his opinion occur, not where they had been knf)wn to occur. Thus, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14 is a regular range for species, indicating that llie ])ir(l might occur in the Wide ^"'■,^,V"-] ^'-^ 1 iif:\\ s, '• IV/ud (ire Aiislraliaii Pelrels ? "■ S^ Bay District, Xcw South Wales, \'ictoi"ia, and Soutii Australia, Tasmania, West and South-West Australia. This is written without consideration of known facts, a brilliant instance of the same being in connection with Pterodroma solandri (Gould), which, at the time Ramsay wrote, was represented bv a single specimen procured by Gould in Bass Strait. I will deal with the species named above in that order. Fregettornis grallarius (White-bellied Storm-Petrel). — This was descril)ed from " .\ustraUa," but 1 cannot trace any definite record. Gould does not give any Australian range at all, writing : — " I observed it to be very generally distributed over the South Indian Ocean, and I have reason to believe that it ranges over all the temperate latitudes between the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, and it. is not unlikely that it may inhabit similar latitudes in the South Atlantic." Ramsay marks it for 7, 10, 12, I J, 14, noting there are no specimens in the Museum. Campbell copied this range, commenting ; — " Flies chiefly over the surface of the southern seas, but is probably scarce in Aus- tralian waters." I have examined the type specimen, which is now one hundred years old, during which time it has been stuffed and set up to public view and light in the Paris Museum. There is no definite locality, so that in any case we have a dubious record, while no specimen has since been procured in Australian seas. From Lord Howe Island, collected by Mr. Roy Bell, I received specimens killed by cats, and stray birds, representing three distinct species. None of these agreed exactly with the type, but i( that came from these seas one should. There is, however, the possibility that the type might have been procured in Western Australian seas, in which case it might show the observed differ- ences. Until series are collected or the breeding-place discovered, this species can have no definite place on the Australian list. PufTinus assimilis assimilis (.\llied Petrel). — Under the . name Piif/iiuis )iiig(ix (iould wrote : — " All the specimens of this species that I have seen were procured on Norfolk Island, where it is said to liiccd : conse([uentl\", the seas washing the eastern shores of .\ustralia niav be considered its native habitat." Ramsa\' recorded it from 7, 10, 12, starring it as being in the Museum. Campbell added Western Australia from personal knowledge, quoting Gould for the rcuiainder of the extended range given. I have seen specimens from Eastern Australia labelled as this species, but tliey all proved to be Reinholdia reinlwldi hyroni, and no record is known to me of this form from the eastern coast. North also stated that no mainland record was available from the east coast. I tlierefore await such before admitting this form. The western race, Piiffiniis assijiiilis titrncyi is, of course, well established as a l)reeding form at tlie .\brolhos and I'lsewhere off Western Aus- tralia. Reinholdia reinholdi huttoni (Brown-backed Petrel). — I included this specimen, wliirli 1 described as breecUng at Snares Island, 84 Mathews, '' What are Anstyalian Petrels ?"■ [,st''''oct South New Zealand, on the faith of a specimen in the British iMuseum from Adelaide. Re-examination of the specimen suggests tliat the record is unreHable, and for the present there seems to be too much doubt for its acceptance. Captain S. A. White writes that it may occur, and that he may have seen it, but he has not yet procured it. As its east coast representative was long mistaken for a different species, there is no course save rejection until l)irds are actuallv secured. Procellaria aequinoctialis steadi (White-chinned Petrel). — There is a specimen in the British Meusum labelled " Tasmania, " but there is no authenticity to the record. Consequently this species must be rejected until we get a good record. Procellaria conspicillata conspicillata (Spectacled Petrel). — Descril)ed h\ doukl from Tasmanian seas, this species has not lieen since collected. Gould later wrote : — " The Majuqiwiis coiispicilhitiis flies both in the Atlantic and Pacific, but is most plentiful between the twenty-fifth and fiftieth degrees of south latitude. I observed it to be very abundant about the islands of St. Paul and Amsterdam, and thence to Tasmania. I also noticed it in considerable numbers off the Falkland Islands, in the Atlantic, and in the neighbourhood of Tristan d'Acunha." Ramsa\- only gives it as lo and 13, and has no specimen in the Museum. Campbell gives the same range, writing : — " This large, dark-coloured Petrel, with conspicuous white markings about its face, is a flier over the southern seas, and has been noted off New South Wales and Tasmania. There l.ias been a little difiiculty about determining the species on account of the variation in some individuals of the facial markings, especially under the chin." He ranked conspicillatus as a synonym of ccqiiinoctialis, so that the above remarks might refer to both. He quoted Eaton's remarks about the Kerguelen birds : — " In none of the Kerguelen specimens did the patch extend to the forehead, as it docs in the birds from Australia." This was due to the fact that in the British Museum all the conspicillata birds have been labelled " Australia " on account of (iould's locality, but none bear an original label giving that place. A l)ircl from dould's collection bears the note " n. sp. near cequinoctialis " on the original label in Gould's handwriting, and on the other side " Brooke." This must have been one of the birds collected before (jould described the species, and I surmise " Brooke " may have been the name of the sailor who procured it. Unfortunately, none of Gould's notebooks was preserved, so that all we have to go on is the fact that " he observed it to be very abundant about the islands of St. Paul and Amsterdam." This suggests that region as the type locality of the species, and not " Tasmanian Seas," especially as no recent voyager has noted it in Australian waters. This species must be rejected until examples are again procured. Priofinus cinereus (Brown Pitrrl). In this instance Gould Vol. xviii.j Mathews, " What are Australian Petrels ? " 85 detinitely states that he "obtained specimens on my passage from Hobart Town to Sydney." I cannot trace any of these skins. Ramsay had no specimen in the Museum when he extended the range to 10, 12, 13, and 14. Campbell cites the same range, though apparently he only knew it from Macquarie Island. This species should be sought for on account of Gould's explicit state- ment, as otherwise there is no authentic record. It may be recorded that Gould procured several species on this trip which have since been scarce or not otherwise collected. Pterodroma macroptera gouldi (Great-winged Petrel). — Gould wrote :— " Of this genus {Pteyodronia), which is intended to com- prise the nearly uniformly coloured black Petrels of the Southern Ocean, there are at least three species which frequent the Aus- tralian seas . . . Pterodroma macroptera. — I consider a bird I killed over the seas surrounding Tasmania, where it was tolerably abundant, and which differs from the next species Pterodroma atlantica. — ^This species frequents both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. . . . Pterodroma solandri. — I shot a single individual in Bass Strait on the 13th of March, 1839." None of the three above mentioned has been met with in Tasmanian seas during the succeeding nearly eighty years. Ramsay had not specimens of any of the three in the Museum, and gave the range of the first as 10, 13, of the second 13 only, and of the last 7, 10, 12, 13, and 14. Campbell, ranging the first two together, gave the distribution as " seas of New South Wales, Victoria (probably), and Tasmania," but gave no further records, quoting New Zealand accounts of the breeding habits. I have been unable to trace any record, but the caution necessary in dealing with these night-birds is evidenced by the discovery of a form breeding on the south-west coast of Western Australia. It is thus quite possible that there may be a form breeding off Tasmania ; but we are not listing possibilities, so that until we secure specimens this species should not be included in the Aus- tralian list. Pterodroma melanopus (Brown-headed Petrel). — This may be here dealt with. Campbell wrote : — " The Brown-headed or Solander Petrel has been recorded for all Australian seas except north and north-west. However, most probably it is found off the latter coast. Gould procured his type in Bass Strait, 13th March, 183Q. So long ago ! yet nothing is known of its breeding ([uarters. When thev are discovered thev mav prov^e to be high land of some verdure-clad island of the warm Pacific, and not the usual Petrel abode — a bleak island of the south." I have quoted this because, through a peculiar coincidence, this happy suggestion proved to be correct, and ten years later it was found to breed on Lord Howe Island. I have given full details in my " Birds of Australia," but so far no other straggler has been met with in Australian waters. 86 ]\Iathe\vs, " What are AiisU'alian Petrels?" [,J'T^^ Phoebetria palpebrata huttoni (Sooty Albatross). — I cannot find any record of this species in Australian waters, though it appears in New Zealand waters. Until such appears we cannot recognize this species as a constituent of the Australian avifauna. Fregetta tropica (Black-bellied Storm-Petrel). — The only speci- men I examined is the one in the Macleay Museum. Gould states : — " It was almost daily observed mitil we arrived at Tasmania on the 19th of Septem])er, (183Q). . . In March, 1840, I again met with it in great abundance between the eastern coast of Australia and New Zealand." Ramsay, therefore, gives it for 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, and this time there was a specimen in the Museum, but wlience, of course, is not stated. Campbell addi'd nothing, so tliat further records would be acceptable. Procellaria parkinspni (Black Petrel). — The only specimen I have seen is in the same place and recorded at the same time as the preceding. Ramsay added this species, marking it for 10 and 13, Campbell elaborating " seas of New South Wales, \'ictoria (probably), and Tasmania." It is possible that this species may occur as a straggler, and a look-out should be kept, but at the present time the only record is the above one. Pterodroma inexpectata thompsoni (Mottled Petrel). —The only record is my own, but it is {possible that more specimens would crop up were the shores watched during and after winter gales from the south. Diomedea exulans chionoptera was included on account of the record of the Crozet Island specimen supposed to have been picked up at Fremantle, Western Australia. I understand that doubt has now been cast upon that record, so that until confirmation is forthcoming this form must be rejected. I have written " form," as re-investigation has shown that reconsideration of the values is necessary. I described a form as Diomedea exulans rohiti from Sydney, wliich was regarded as very closeh' allied to chionoptera, which I had classed with exulans on account of the bill formation, which noticeably differed from that of " Diomedea regia." I gave cuts of the bills in my " Birds of Australia," and was dubious of the generic identity of these huge birds. Recently, Murphy, meeting with a strange Albatross off the coast of Chile, in- troduced a new sub-genus, Rhothonia, for it, naming it Diomedea sanjordi. Lord Rotlischild, from the description, would have referred it to 1). chioiioplei'a. noting that the latter also came from Sydney. Howevei", the bill of chionoptera is like that of exulans, true Diomedea. whereas the bill of Pianwdea sa)ifoydi is that of " rc'^Kf." t\-en as I figured it. 1 have criticised the birds again, and would now rank chionoptera as specifically distinct, and allow Khothonia generic rank. The xoung of Rhothonia is \-er\- different from the young of Diomedea, so that this st'cms a reason- able course, and will, moreover, lessen tlie sources of error in the fuTure. Vol. XVIII. 19:8 ] Mathews, " Wha( are Atislralian Petrels?'-'- 87 I luive specimens of both from Australian waters, so that the two species \\'oukl read — Diomcdea cxulans rothschildi. Diomcdea chionoptera rohiii. The last-named is much rarer than the lirst named, wliile they also appear to be more shy and not so easily approached. The last Petrel to be discussed is Gould's D. ciiliiiiiiatiis. This was described from a varied locality, Bass Strait being indicated, while Gould later wrote : — " This species appears to be more plentiful in the Australian seas than elsewhere : numbers came under my notice during a voyage from Launceston to Adelaide, particularly off Capes Jervis and Northumberland. I frequently observed it between Sydney and the northern extremity of New Zealand. . It is a powerful bird, and directly intermediate in size between Diomedea caiita and D. chlororhynchiis. The specific differences of the three species are so apparent that I liad no difficulty whatever in distinguishing them while on the wing." In view of this clear statement, Ramsay gave 10, 12, 13, 14, though there was no specimen in the Museum. Campbell added nothing, but under Diomedea melanophrys gave a table which is a guide to other observers. Captain Anthon " logged " Albatrosses as to occurrence in the Great Australian Bight, with the result that they were absent during the months of December, January, and February, few being seen in March, increasing in April, and numerous from May to October, decreasing in November. This may be the reason why Gould's culminatus has .not since been seen, observers having looked at the wrong time. Moreover, the above results refer to " Albatrosses." A specialist might note that different species were more numerous at different times. At any rate, the present species has not since Gould's day been commonly met with, and recently my correspondents have failed to secure one at any place. The preceding notes will, I hope, assist in the observation of Petrels, as it is obvious that the species observed by Gould should be re-stated, .\nother species which Gould procured, Garrodia nereis, seems to have escaped recognition since his time. The difficulty in finding their breeding-places is well exemplified by the cases of Reinholdia reinholdi byroni, Pterodroma macroptera albani, Pterodroma rnelanopus, and Cookilaria cookii lencoptera, to give the recent records. I feel sure that more species will be found l)reeding on outlying islets, both east and west as well as south, but it is certain that we still have much to learn about Australian Petrels, and I con- clude we cannot admit any Petrel as Australian unless there is a definite record and skin to verify it. Hence mv title, and con- clusion that a number at present included in our lists are not yet Australian Petrels. Emu, vol. xvii., p. 41 (1917). — In a footnote Alexander notes Ph(vl)etria palpeJiratd as occurring in the Bight — one in the 88 Mathews, " What are Australian Petrels ? "- [,J'"\"t western, several in the eastern part. No specimens have yet been procured, though Ferguson {Emu, vol xv., p. 249, 1916) also noted it. [Mr. Mathews's article is very suggestive, and might lead to more marine excursions in Australian seas than inland. But it would probably be unwise to suppress any of Gould's Australian Petrels because specimens have not been taken since his day. In circumnavigating the southern seas, Gould paid especial attention to the Petrels, and such records as he left are very direct, and so careful an authority would scarcely figure folio plates of Petrels which had no connection with the Australian region. Moreover, since Gouldian days great ocean steamers have taken the place of sailing vessels. The former are now numerous, and in ploughing the usual ocean tracts the shyer species of Petrels may have been driven from their beats a bit. The Cape Petrel {Daption capcnsis), for instance, at one time numerous between the Cape and Australia, of later years, for some reason or otlier, is less frequently observed, or is not seen at all. — Eds. J Food of Diurnal Birds of Prey. By I). Le SoriiF, C.M.Z.S., Zoological Gardens, Melbourne. These splendid birds are often maligned without cause, therefore I thought that a few personal observations from those who are well known to us, and on whose word we can rely, would be of value. Mr. E. R. Caldwell, of Gilgi. Pampas, X.S.VW, states that, although he has been accustomed to these birds, and also sheep, all his life, he has never known them to kill a lamb, although he has seen them eating stray carcasses. He states that he has spoken to many persons in his district on the subject, and they all say that this bird does far more good than harm, in killing rabbits. On one occasion, some years ago, he was shooting in the Cohuna district, and saw a pair of Eagles perched on a bush, and on walking up a hare jumped out and the birds went after liini. He next saw the birds sitting on the rails ot a cu]\-ert, and on approaching it the birds flew away, and seven hares dashed out ; they evidently had gone there to shelter from the Eagles. He says that he has seen many hares killed by these birds of j^rey. He also saw an Eagle quickly descend and take a kangaroo-rat from its nest. Mr. T. p. .Austin, of (Ohljorali I'state, Col)l)()ia, X.S.W., who is so well known in his writings on ornithology, also states : — " My own personal experience is that I ha\'i' never known of a single lamb to be killed by these birds. There are always a fail' numl)er of them about here, and, as far as I can see, they do no harm whatever, but much good in killing rabbits. In my time I sui)pose T have climbed to nearh' one hundred of their n(sts, an