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* oThe Emu _

A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection
of Native Birds.

32s @&

Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

aie

a 29 19)4 —
#3 923 Loy
Stionat Ww

A. J. CAMPBELL, Col. Mem. B.0.U.
CHARLES BARRETT.

VOL. XIII.—1913-14.

Editors \

WelBbourne :
WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET.
EUROPEAN AGENTS:
WITHERBY & CO., 326 HicgH HoLsBorn, LoNpDon.

1914.

CONTENTS OF VOL. XII]—1913-14.

About Members, 104, 227.

Acanthiza, The, of Flinders Island, 58.
Amytornis woodwardi in the Northern
Territory, Search for, 188.

Austral Avian Record, The, 53.

“ Australian Nature Stories for Children,”
218.

Avium paradiseum, 196.

Bird-Life of Kow Plains (Victoria), 33.

Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.), 86.

Bird Observers’ Club, 59.

Birds and Sheep-Flies, 233.

Birds of Melville Island, 219.

Birds of Moora (W.A.) and District, 75.

Birds of Peel Island, 93.

Birds of the Brunnette Downs(N.T.), 205.

Black-eared Cuckoo (Mesocalius pallio-
Jatus), 80.

Bower-Bird, Regent (Serzculus chryso-
cephalus, Lewin), 101.

Brunnette Downs, Birds of the, 205.

Brush-Turkeys in England, Io1.

Butcher-Birds’ Eggs, Double Clutch of,

194.

Cassowary, Early History of the Aus-
tralian, 51.

Charcoal in Finches’ Nests, 100, 195.

‘© Check-list,” American View of the
R.A.O.U., 97.

S4(Check-list,., R.A.O.U:, 56, 102, 190;

193.

Cockatoos, White, 101.

Colluricincla woodward?, Search for Eggs
of, 210.

Commonwealth Collection, A, 65.

Correction, A, 195.

Correspondence, 55, 102, 193, 227.

Crake, Notes on the Spotless (Porzana
immaculata), 198, 202.

Cuckoo, Black-eared (Mesocalius pallio-
latus, Lath.), 80.

Description of a New Parrot, 105.

Description of a New Sericornis, 74.

Descriptions of New Eggs, 48.

Descriptions of two New Eggs, 186.

Eagles, 214.

Editorial Change, 233.

Eggs? Do Variations in Seasons Affect
the Size of, 48.

Field Notes on Some Radiina, 45.

Field Notes on the Spotless
(Porzana immaculata), 197.

Field Ornithology in South Australia,
I

Crake

From Magazines, &c., 51, 102, 218.
Game, Keeping Native, 234.
Gosford Scrubs, A Visit to the, 212.

Ground-Parrot, Notes on the Western,
202.

Gymnorhina, spp., The Eggs of, 15.

Honey-eater, New Sub-species of, 187.

Honours for Members of the R.A.O.U.,

63.
Kingfisher? Is there a Scarlet-breasted,

59.

Kow Plains (Victoria), Bird-Life of, 33.

Letpoa ocellata—Successful Breeding in
Captivity, 217.

Magpie a Songster? Is the Australian,
55, 103.

Mathews’ Latest List, 233.

Melville Island, Birds of, 219.

Members, Hon. Associate, 233.

Mock-Latin Names, 63.

Montebello Islands, 102.

‘* Nests and Eggs of Birds Found Breed-
ing in Australia and New Zea-
land,” 54.

New Journal, A, 219.

North Queensland Birds, 227.

Notes and Notices, 63.

Notes on Some North Queensland Birds,
132.

Notes on the Spotless Crake and Western
Ground-Parrot, 202.

Obituary Notices, 59, 104, 228.

Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird
(Anthochera carunculata), I.

Owl, Boobook, and Frogmouth, 215.

Owlet-Nightjar Nestlings, 216.

Parrot, Description of New, 105.

Parrot, New, for Australia, and Descrip-
tion of Eggs, 187.

Passenger Pigeon, The, 51.

Peel Island, The Birds of, 93.

Penguins of the Antarctic, 220.

Publications Received, 235.

Ralline, Field Notes on Some, 45.

Regent Bower-Bird (Serzculus chryso-
cephalus, Lewin), 101.

Reviews—‘‘ Nests and Eggs of Birds
Found Breeding in Australia and
New Zealand,” 54; ‘‘ Indian
Pigeonsand Doves,” 225 ; ‘‘Colour
Standards and Colour Nomen-
clature,”’ 226.

Rhipidura tricolor, Freak Coloursof, 195.

Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union,
Adelaide Session, 108; Annual
Report, 111; Balance-sheet, 112;
President’s Address, 114; The
River Excursion, 118; Birds Iden-
tified, Lower Murray Excursion,
122; Overland Excursion, 129,

iv Contents of Vol. XIII.—1913-14.
Search for Eggs of Colluricincla wood- | Swamp Birds, Some, 82.
wardt, 210. Swifts, Great Flight of, 48.
Sericornis, Description of a New, 74. ** The Birds of Australia,” 99.
Size of Eggs? Do Variations in Seasons | Torilla Plains, Visit to, 9o.
Affect the, 48. Visit, A, to the Gosford Scrubs, 212.

South Australia, Field Ornithology in, | Wattle-Bird (Anthochera carunculata),
On the Osteology of the Red, 1.

17.
South Australian Ornithological Associa- | Western Australian Session, 233.
White Island (N.Z.), Bird-Life on, 86.

tion, 61.
Springfield (Tasmania) Notes, 49. Wild Life Preservation Society of Aus-
Stray Feathers, 49, 100, 194, 214. tralia, The, 64.

ILLUSTRATIONS. IN. VOL. ocnee

Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird ... ae Sis +a ... plates i-iv
Sketch Map of South Australia... ae an ws a page 17
Blue-bush (Kochia sedifolia) Fe 5° ae ee page 19
Eggs of Gymnorhina tibicen, Latham (onteslaen Sue bis So plate v
Gawler Ranges, Typical Scene : Through Fields of Flowers ... :: plate vi
Nest and Eggs of Southern Frogmouth (Podargus rossi, Mathews) .. plate vii
Nest and Eggs of Orange-fronted Bush-Chat (Zphthianura aurifrons) ;

Nest (2 situ) of Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren (Hyacola cauta) ... plate vill
Nest of Striped Honey-eater (Plectorhyncha lanceolata) ib sen plate ix
Nest and Eggs of Yellow-plumed Honey-eater (P¢z/otis ornata); Nest

and Eggs of White-fronted Honey-eater (Glyciphila albifrons) ... plate x
Eggs of Mesocalius palliolatus ; Eggs of Chthonicola sagittata ... us page 81
Nest of Red-billed Gull (ards scopulinus) .. a aif “page go
Australian Eggs in Mr. H. L. White’s Collection (aes aa plates xi—xiii
Mr. Robert Hall, C.M.B.O.U., &c. (Seventh President baer Aus-

tralasian Ornithologists’ Union) ae wa plates
River Murray, showing typical ra of Red Ghitag (Buealypts) and

Steamer Arcadia ... wa platerey
River Murray and Cockatoo Cliffs . a be Se ... plate xvi
Young White Cockatoo at Eine of Nesting Hay “it w. page 125
Home of the Spotless Crake, Springfield, Tasmania ... ae ... plate xvii
Nest of Spotless Crake (Porzana immaculata) Be ... plate xviii
Haunt of Spotless Crake ; also Haunt of Stépzturus and Sabaeura -.. Ditewsam
Nest of Spotless Crake (Porzana immaculata) in situ ae ... ) plateaae
Nesting Site of Western Ground-Parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris) ... plate xxi
Paice oclater | 5. .. plate xxii

Nesting Place open ta a Young of Owlet- -Nightja ( Botha nove-
hollandia) .. page 217

Vol. Xiil.] JULY, 1913.

& © © &

(The E he_ e Emu

A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection |
of Native Birds.

382-2 @

Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION

og = =

aS re —

WN i hel g iS elect HD

fe ae te

A. J. CAMPBELL, Col. Mem. B:O.U.
CHARLES BARRETT.

WMHelbourne :
WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. |
EUROPEAN AGENTS: .

WITHERBY & CO, 326 HicH HorBorn, LONDON.
| 1913.

OZ ~ [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] :

Editors \

OY Ae ROUTE Ye OoRR RS TREES TOR) ee 2

4 :
(The author of each article is - responsible for the facts recorded
deductions he may draw.) : ”

carunculata ). .
R.4.0. U, ‘Washington, D. é - :

THE Eccs OF GyMNORHINA, spp. By
RA OYU,, Sydney oe PRS Nae = Wien ee

- Fietp ORNITHOLOGY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. By Coy Ss A ie
White, M.B.0.U., R.A.O. es Adelaide - 2 ; Mi a tala

BIRD- LirE oF Kow PLAINS. ey TG. Chandler, RA. 0
Melbourne - . ’ | Ae

| RALO.U,, ‘Springfield Tasmania Bae = ee ae

STRAY F FATHERS. — Great Flight of Swifts, 483 "Do Variations in Sandie Affect
the Size of Eggs? 48; Deseennus of New Eggs, 485 ; Springfield es
yee 49- i ie a

c m 4 +

- FRoM MAGAZINES, &e. —Early _ History — of the oAuaiesdint Cassowary °: fo:
The Passenger Pigeon, 51; 3. * Austral Avian Record,” ie wavs hata <

a

CORRESPONDENCE - ==, = — eee oe be
OzITUARY once Bess ct Pie. : ‘ egniee
‘BIRD OBSERVERS’ CLUB - Pets 2) ee . :

- SouTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL Association

NorEs AND Novices -. 7° <2 +/-~ =

¥
‘ ~-

~ (No, oF:
COPIES. WR nY Weer Went

as | 3/6 | al- | a- | 20/6 |
50 | a/- | .5/- | 8/6, | 12/6
100 | «5/- | F- | 11/- 16/6

ae
| Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. ical Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. |

“ Birds of a feather.’

Vor. <LI] Ist JULY, 1913: PART 1.

On the Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird

(Anthochzra carunculata).

By R. W. SHUFELDT, M.D., Hon. Mem. R.A.O.U., WASHINGTON,
Dic.

On the rgth of October, 1912, I received, per favour of Mr. A. J.
Campbell, R.A.O.U., an excellent and complete articulated
skeleton, which I understand was prepared at the National
Museum, Melbourne, of an adult specimen of the Red Wattle-
Bird, known to science as Anthochera* carunculata, one of the
Meliphagide of Australia. It was Mr. Campbell’s wish that I
prepare a brief, illustrated account of the osteology of this
species as a contribution to The Emu, of which he is co-editor.
This request was seconded, in a letter dated 8th June, 1912, by
Mr. F. Erasmus Wilson, the hon. secretary of the Royal Austra]-
asian Ornithologists’ Union, on behalf of the Council. Mr.
Campbell’s letter of transmittal was dated at Melbourne, 14th
September, I9g1I2.

At the time this skeleton came into’ my possession for descrip-
tion I had before me several hundred specimens of Pleistocene
fossil birds from Oregon to work up—the task being well in hand
—and I could not conveniently set it aside in order to undertake
what my colleagues in the R.A.O.U. had favoured me with, and
done me the honour to ask me to describe for the use of avian
osteologists in Australia.

I was especially pleased to get a skeleton of Anthochera carun-
culata to study, for I had already published descriptions of the
skeletons of a very large number of the Passerine birds of the
United States, with some of those of China, the Philippine
Islands, and elsewhere, and expressed opinions with respect to
their classification.t A few years ago I examined and compared
skeletons of a number of the Cerebide, Nectarinude, Meliphagide,

* So spelt in the new ‘‘ Check-list,” R.A.O.U., but formerly Acanthochera.

+ Shufeldt, Re Wise AT Arrangement of the Families and Higher Groups of
sees Amer. Anat., vol. xxxviii., Nos. 455-456, Boston, Noy.—Dec., 1904, pp.
35-856.

Also, ‘‘ Contributions to the Comparative Osteology of the Families of North
American Passeres,” Jour. Morph., vol. iii., No. 1, Boston, June, 1889, pp. 81-114,
Pls. V. and VI.

Emu
1st July

2 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird.
and Certhiide, sent me for the purpose by Dr. F. E. Beddard,
F.R.S., Prosector of the Zoological Society of London. These
were subsequently described and published,* and the material
upon which the paper was based—some 13 skeletons in all—is
before me at the present writing. Those of the Meliphagide
examined belonged to the genera Acanthorhynchus, Prosthemadera,
Entomyza, and Acanthogenys.

In the collections of the United States National Museum at
Washington there are numerous osteological specimens in the
Division of Birds, which I have been permitted to use in writing
this contribution. For this privilege I am indebted to the
authorities of that institution, and especially to Dr. Charles W.
Richmond, of the Bird Division. Among the specimens to which
I refer there is a nearly complete skeleton of Creadion carunculatus
(No. 18,289), as well as a sternum of Anthochera carunculata
(No. 9,344). There is quite a considerable collection of sterna of
Australian Passerine birds of many species, and they are all
interesting objects to study. Others which have proved of value
by way of comparison are the following skulls and skeletons :—

1.—Drepanis, sp. ?, 4 skulls (see Sharpe’s “ Hand-list of Birds,”
Vol. V.5°p:.120);

2.—Vestiria coccinea (skull No. 19,130; see Sharpe’s ‘“‘ Hand-list ~
of Birds,” vol. v., p. 130).

3.—Oreomyza batrdi (skeleton 19,097; see Sharpe’s “ Hand-list
of Birds,”’ vol. v., p. 132).

4.—Loxtoides bailleut (skeleton 19,098; see Sharpe’s “‘ Hand-list
Oi eirds,”* .vol..v2e py £36).

5.—Cephalopterus pardaliger (skeleton 19,688 ; Sharpe ?)

6.—Himatione sanguinea (skeleton 19,092; Sharpe’s “‘ Hand-list
ot Birds,’ volevz, psek3t):

7.—Himatione parva (skeleton 19,136. Sharpe ?)

8.—Acrulocercus braccatus (skeleton 19,125; Sharpe’s “‘ Hand-list
of Birds; p72):

g.—Tropidorhynchus, sp. ? (skull 18,410; Sharpe’s “‘ Hand-list of
Birds,”’ p. 92).

10.—Creadion carunculatus (skeleton 18,289 ; Sharpe’s “‘ Hand-list
of Birds,'/ vol. .v.5) p. 544):

In Sharpe’s ‘“‘ Hand-list of Birds” the genus Anthochera is
found on page 89 of vol. v., where two species are given—namely,
the one here considered and A. tmauris, of Tasmania.

The specimens which were kindly supplied me by Dr. Beddard,
alluded to above, are in the subjoined list, with their Zoological
Society numbers attached.

* Schufeldt, R. W., ‘*On the Comparative Osteology of the Passerine Bird
Arachnothera magna,” Proc, Zool, Soc., Lond., Aug., 1909, pp 527-544, Pl.
LXVIII.

Vol. XIII.

he SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Watile-Bird. 3
No. No.
289. Cyanerpes cyanea. 306. Cereba chloropyga.
345. Arachnothera longirostris. | 781. Acanthorhynchus, sp. ?
318. ee magna. 365. Prosthemadera nove - zea-
497. Leptocoma grayt. landie@.
340. Cinnyris chalybeus. 702. Entomyza cyanotis.
426. Diglossa barttula. 725. Anthogenys rufigularts.
500. Anthreptes malaccensts. 712. Climacteris scandens.

In the excellent work by A. J. Campbell (2 vols., 8vo) on the
“Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds,” we find the following
arrangement—that is, the Nectariniide, or Sun-Birds, containing
the single species Cinnyris frenata, followed by the Meliphagida,
or Honey-eaters, thus :—

FAMILIES. SUB-FAMILIES.
= Re ao 27 SDeGIeS
Meliphagide.. ..1Myzomeline .. May Pay oF
|Meliphagine .. aia ae

Dicediea. (Flower-peckers, with 10 species).

Several species of Anthochera are listed under the Meli-
phagide, some of which are differently classified by Sharpe in
his “‘ Hand-list’’; as, for example, Anthochera rufigularis is there
listed as Acanthogenys rufigularis, and so on.

Sharpe gives but two species of Anthochera—namely, A. carun-
culata and A. inauris (p. 80).

Anthocheara mellivora (Campbell) is Anellobia chrysoptera of
Sharpe’s “ List,” and Anthochera lunulata (Campbell) is Anellobia
lunulata in the same work. .

In any event, it will be appreciated, after reviewing the fore-
going material at my command, that a very fair comparative study
of the skeleton of Anthochera carunculata can be made through
its use, and to this I shall now proceed without further delay.

The Skull (Plate I., fig. 1, and Plate III., fig. 16).—With respect
to its general facies, the skull, including the lower mandible, of this
Red Wattle-Bird possesses all the characteristics of that part of
the skeleton in any of the ordinary Passeres of a more or less
similar size. On its upper surface the cranial portion is smooth,
and the vault of the brain-case semi-globular. The superior
margins of the orbits are sharp and somewhat elevated above the
depressed frontal region standing between them. Anteriorly, over
the cranio-facial part, the aforesaid depression is best marked,
while beyond it the upper surface of the somewhat broad mandible
slopes gently away. Beyond this again, the culmen between the
very large, subelliptical narial apertures is notably narrow; the
rest of the mandible is slightly decurved, and terminates rather
acutely at its apex.

When thus viewed from above, the skull of Creadion carunculatus
very much resembles A. carunculata, as will be observed by com-
paring figs. 15 and 16 of Plate III., where it will be noted that
Creadion simply has the fore part of the skull narrower than in

4 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. St i

Anthochera, the general characters being identical. These species
are in different families and placed far apart by Sharpe, the
former being arrayed with the Ewlabetide, and having between
this last and the Meliphagide no less different and distinct
families than the Icteride, Tanagride, Fringillida, and others.

However, on lateral and basal views, the skull in Creadion differs
considerably from the corresponding features in the skull of the
Red Wattle-Bird.

Skulls that more or less closely agree with the skull of Anthochera
carunculata are those of Entomyza cyanotis and Prosthemadera
nove-zealandie, both of which species belong to the Meliphagide,
and complete skeletons of both are before me at this writing.

In most particulars the skull of Entomyza cyanotis is more like
that of Anthochera carunculata than any other Meliphagidine
skull I have at hand, with the exception of Acanthogenys rufi-
gularis, which, although a smaller species of this family, has a
skull that closely agrees with the skull of Anthochera. In fact,
Gadow arrayed both the genera Acanthogenys and Anellobia with
Anthochera, and he doubtless had examined their osteology
(‘Catalogue Birds Brit. Mus.,” ix., p. 262, 1884).

Turning to the lateral aspect of the skull in our subject, we are
to note how largely the aural aperture is closed over posteriorly
by the flat shield of bone furnished chiefly by the exoccipital. In
not a few Passeres this flap is far more bulging and produced
further forward, causing the auricular opening to face directly to
the front, as in Avachnothera longivostyis and other forms among
the Nectarinuda.

In Anthochera the post-frontal and squamosal processes at the
side of the cranium are of about an equal length and prominence,
the latter being situated mesiad to the former, while the valley
between them is deep oval in contour and conspicuously defined.
Such forms as Hemignathus procerus and its near allies have these
apophyses practically aborted (fig. 18, Plate IV.), while in
Vestiaria coccinea only the squamosal one is developed, and it is
lamelliform in type, with the flat surface facing forwards and
upwards.

Anthochera carunculata has a large orbit with great joining
vacuities in the anterior wall of the brain-case and the inter-
orbital septum (Plate I., fig. 1). This feature is less marked in
some other Meliphagidine birds, though not so very much so.

The basi-sphenoidal rostrum is straight, being directed about
equally forwards and upwards, having its lower margin rounded
and its upper cultrate.

A pars plana in front of either orbital cavity is a very large
bone, and, apart from the circumscribed foramen above it, com-
pletely divides the latter from the rhinal chamber in front of it.
It fuses compeletely with the lachrymal anteriorly, and with it
extensively spreads out over the delicate and very slender
zygomatic bar below, without actually coming in contact there-
with, while in front it presents a deep concavity with projecting

Vol. XIII. SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. 5

1913

margins. Posteriorly, it has a curvature or concavity adapted
to the general form of the orbit, of which it forms the entire
anterior wall.

Turning to the skull of a small species of Acanthorhynchus at
hand, it is to be observed that in it the pars plana are also very
large and concavo-convex in contour, simulating what we find
in many species of Tvochilide, in which family, as a rule, they are
immense in proportion to the size of the rest of the skull, as in
Archilochus alexandri. Antero-posteriorly they are considerably
deeper in Prosthemadera nove-zealandie than they are in A.
carunculata.

AJl the species of this section of the Meliphagide have a large
nasal bone, which is concave mesiad and convex externally.

The osseous tomia of the superior mandible are sharp, and in
A. carunculata slightly produced below the roof of the palate.

Creadion carunculatus has the most of the morphology of the
structures here being described very different ; in fact, the skull
of this species comes much nearer some of the congeners and
representatives of the Icterid@, and its consideration has only been
introduced here with the view of exhibiting how it and its near
affines depart from the Meliphagidine types with respect to this
part of its osteology. Still, the departures here are not as great
as those presented by these parts of the skull in Cinnyris chalybea,
a species belonging to a large genus of the Nectariniide, and
considered to be much nearer related to the Meliphagidine Red
Wattle-Bird than is any member of the family to which Creadion
carunculatus belongs. Indeed, we find in Cinnyris chalybea the
big pars plana, the hair-like qguadrato-jugal bar, and the still finer
nasal bone, together with some of the associated osseous structures
of the face in this bird, very much as they are found in any of
the typical Humming-Birds of the Tvochilide. Particularly
does this apply to the marvellously attenuated nasal bone, so
different from what we meet with in this respect among the
ordinary Passeres.

With respect to the skulls of such species as Oreomystes bairdi
and Himatione parva of the family Drepanidida, it may be said
that they approach, in all their general characters, nearer to
many of the North American Warblers (Mmiotiltid@) than to any
of the Meliphagide as a whole, or to Anthochera carunculata in
particular. Little or nothing would be gained by comparing such
forms with our subject here, and we therefore pass them by. Even
Himatione sanguinea, with its longer and more curved beak, falls
in the same category, though it may be a bit—a very slight bit
—mnearer than the two first-mentioned species. Birds of the
genus Himatione, and especially H. sanguinea, possess the most
extraordinary palatine bones, the postero-external angles being
drawn out into long hair-like processes, while the rest of the
bone, on either side, is but slightly stouter, rendering the entire
structure one of extreme delicacy.

Already I have remarked, in another connection, that “so

6 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. [epee

entirely different is the skull in such a species as Prosthemadera
nove-zedlandie of New Zealand —a bird placed among the
Meliphagide—that a separate description would be required to
give an account of it. Here the nasals are very broad antero-
posteriorly, and each is pierced by a central foramen—an unusual
character. Then the pars plane are very thick from before
backwards, and a longitudinal groove marks the external aspect
of each.

“In not a few particulars Acanthogenys rufigularis of Australia
is a Meliphagidine species with a skull not at all unlike what we
find in the species of Acanthorhynchus, and these forms are more
or less nearly related. Acanthogenys has the broad nasals, each
pierced by the small central foramen, and there are several other
points in the two skulls of more or less close agreement. But such
representatives of the Meliphagid@ have no special relationship
with the Cerebide, and even less with the typical Nectariniudea.
Judging from the skulls alone, it is not difficult to recognize the
more or less close relationship existing among the species I have
before me of the genera Entomyza, Acanthogenys, and Prosthe-
madera, all of which present characters in this part of the
skeleton quite different from anything we find in Avachnothera,
and surely offer no skull-characters at all approaching any of
the Trochilide.’’*

Turning our attention next to the basis crani of Anthochera
carunculata, we are to note that all the characters it presents are
essentially those pertaining to this part of the Passerine skull.
The large foramen magnum is of a subcordate outline, with rounded
posterior apex and nearly transverse, straight base situated
anteriorly. Hemispherical in form, the occipital condyle is of
extremely minute proportions, unnotched and sessile. Some-
what elevated in character, smooth, and of considerable extent,
the basi-temporal area presents the usual fossa, at the bases of
which we note the foramina for certain vessels and nerves passing
to and from the brain-case.

*Schufeldt, R. W., ‘‘On the Comparative Osteology of the Passerine Bird
Arachnothera magna, Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond., 1909 (Aug., 1909), pp. 527-544,
Pl. LXVII. The two paragraphs quoted are found upon page 533 of this paper.
When this contribution appeared there was considerable elation in many quarters
over the fact that I had found all the representatives of the Veclariniide and
Meliphagide to be completely Passerine in the matter of their osteology, and in no
way especially related to the Humming-Birds (Zvochitide). Indeed, so exultant
were some of our avian morphologists, and nearly all of our systematic ornithologists,
over this announcement, and the candid and emphatic manner in which it was set
forth, that the circumstance was quite lost sight of by them, that, although there
was but little in the skeleton of any of the birds belonging to the Wectarinzide and
Meliphagide which at all suggested an affinity between those two families and the
Trochilide, this circumstance in no way detracted from the truth of my previous
demonstrations, published in many places in Europe and America, that the skeleton
of a typical Swift (Cyfse/’) and a Humming-Bird ( Zyochz/i) were, in their correspond-
ing characters, apart from their ‘‘ unnotched sterna” and ‘‘long hands,” essentially
utterly different, and it still remains for the avian taxonomer to decide what such
wide differences in skeletal structure as exists between these two groups of birds, the
Cypseli and Trochili, really indicates.

Reel SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. 7,

Quadrates and pterygoids are of the usual Passerine type, though
it may be said that the distal extremities of the latter are but
very slightly expanded.

Either palatine is a shell-like formation, articulating some-
what extensively beneath the sphenoidal rostrum with the fellow
of the opposite side, while the posterior angle of either bone is
produced as a long spicula-form process, and the narrow pre-
palatine is extended forward to make the usual articulations with
the bones of the roof of the mouth. Mesially, there is a consider-
able interval between the prepalatines, and in this interval the
posteriorly bifurcated and anteriorly truncated vomer is visible.

The floor of either orbit, and all the central portion of the roof
of the mouth, are entirely deficient in bone, and this condition
obtains in the case of all the Meliphagide, owing to the extreme
slenderness of the palatines, pterygoids, zygomas, the lateral
processes of the premaxillary and small maxillo-palatines.

In the larger representatives of the Meliphagida, if not in all,
the lateral masses, composed on either side of the ethmoidal
element, the lachrymal and pars plana, form one of the largest
and altogether the most conspicuous part of the mid-region of
the skull, and through the various articulations of this mass—
or masses—the stability of the cranio-facial region of the skull
is practically insured and maintained. This is the case in many
Passerine birds.

Posteriorly, the occipital area is distinctly circumscribed by a
low, linear curved line, convex superiorly, and carried down
laterally upon either side to the external auditory meatus. In
the middle line here there is always present a conspicuous and
smoothly rounded swpra-occipital prominence, though not quite
as well marked a one as in Nectarinuide and Trochilide. Through
the middle of this the aforesaid line always passes. No foramina
occur upon either side of it, and a similar prominence is present
in the various species of birds named in the foregoing pages of
this paper.

Anthochera carunculata, in common with other Meliphagidine
species, possesses the usual V-shaped lower mandible, which is
slightly decurved from about its middle to the apex (fig. I,
Plate -I.)

The upper and lower borders of the rami are smooth and
rounded, while distally the considerable symphysis present is
concave above and correspondingly convex below. A _ large
elliptical vamal vacuity is always present in either ramus of the
jaw in all the typical Meliphagide, and the sutural boundaries of
the several bones in its neighbourhood are entirely absorbed. The
articular end of this mandible is truncated posteriorly, concaved
above for the quadrate, and correspondingly convex below, with
the usual various apophyses short and blunt.

In such species as Pyrosthemadera nove-zealandie the hinder
part of either ramus is markedly weakened through the presence
of the unusually large ramal vacuity on either side, the upper and

8 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. Pa

lower boundaries being thus reduced to extremely slender rodlets
of bone, which in any case would require but little to fracture.

There may be a minute articular sesamoid present at the
quadrate-mandibular articulation on either side, and a free,
ossified stphonium leading into the aural cavity, posterior and
above either quadrate, such as we find in many other birds.

Such Meliphagide as the species here being considered, and
representatives of the genera Entomyza, Prosthemadera, and others,
have the /yoidean apparatus constructed upon a similar plan,
and this requires a more careful description than I have accorded
it in previous papers of mine on the subject.

We find that the thyro-hyals do not curve up over the skull
behind, as they do in some of the Nectariniid@, as I have else-
where pointed out.

In Anthochera carunculata and its near allies the glosso-hyal
is of some size (fig. 3, Plate I.), rather elongate, V-shaped,
concaved above, convex below, and with its postero-external

angles somewhat produced. Anteriorly it is slightly bifurcated,
~ and only semi-ossified. Mesially, from beneath this glosso-hyal
there extends far forwards a long, slender bundle of bony bristles,
which, for their anterior third or more, minutely re-divide so as
to form a stiff little distal free brush, which the bird employs in
feeding itself, after the fashion of its well-known, peculiar habit.

This arrangement is equally well developed in other Meli-
phagidine genera, as stated in a former paragraph.

The basi-hyal is rather short, laterally compressed, and is
extended posteriorly in the middle line by a semi-ossified, flattish
uro-hyal.

Either cerato-branchial is a long, nearly straight, very slender
osseous rod, while the flattened efi-branchials are very short, and
present but very slight curvature. The lengths of the latter vary
somewhat in the different species of the Meliphagide.

The sclerotal platelets of the eye present nothing worthy of a
special description, as they in no way differ from those structures
in ordinary Passerine birds of this size among the assemblage as
a whole (fig. 2, Plate I.)

Sharpe retained the genus Acanthorhynchus (Gould) in the
family Meliphagide (loc. cit., vol. v., p. 71). It will be seen in
the list of material given above that I have at hand a small un-
identified species of this genus (rough skeleton No. 715), it having
been sent me, as pointed out, by Dr. F. E. Beddard. Of this
specimen I said, on page 536 (footnote) of my paper on Arach-
nothera magna, cited above :—‘‘ Without going into details, and
judging from the skeleton alone, I would remark that the Aus-
tralian genus of birds named Acanthorhynchus, which have been
referred to the Meliphagide, possess skeletal characters which,
in the main, agree better with the corresponding ones in Arvach-
nothera than with any of the same characters as seen in the short-
billed Meliphagide.’’ After a careful comparison of the aforesaid
skeleton of Acanthorhynchus with additional material, the fact is

Vol. XIII.
1913

SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. 9
made clearer than ever that this bird at least belongs among the
Nectariniide, the entire structure of its skull and tongue pointing
unmistakably to this conclusion. The only question that can
be raised is that the skeleton at hand was accidentally mis-
identified by the one who labelled it at the Zoological Society of
London prior to transmitting it to me, and the skeleton is of some
small Nectarine species instead of a Meliphagidine one. Such
slips have happened to the best of naturalists.

REMAINDER OF THE AXIAL SKELETON.

A consideration of this part of the osteology of Amnthochera
carunculata need not detain us long, and, indeed, this may like-
wise be said of the skeletology of the limbs of our subject. The
reason for this lies in the fact that in my above-cited paper on
the osteology of Avachnothera magna quite a complete account is
presented of the osteology of these parts of the skeleton in such
Meliphagidine species as Entomyza cyanotis and Prosthemadera
nove-zedlandi@, and the characters there presented on the part
of any of the bones to be compared agree, in the main, with the
corresponding ones as we find them in Anthochera carunculata.

This last-named species agrees with Prosthemadera and
Entomyza in possessing Ig vertebre between the skull and the
pelvis, and of these vertebrae 14 are cervicals and 5 are true
dorsals. An extremely minute pair of very rudimentary free
ribs are attached to the 13th cervical vertebra, while the pair
articulating with the 14th are well developed, and possess small
epipleural appendages. These are shown as the leading pair in
fig. 4 of Plate I. of the present paper. From that illustration it
will be observed that the last pair of ribs are pelvic ribs ; they lack
unciform processes, and their hemapophyses do not reach the
sternum.

All this part of the skeleton in the Red Wattle-Bird is essentially
Passerine, and agrees, in the main, with any ordinary Passerine
bird, quite irrespective of its habitat.

While Anthochera agrees with Entomyza and Prosthemadera in
having s7x free vertebre and a pygostyle in the skeleton of its tail,
these are far better developed than they are in Entomyza cyanotts,
and still better than they are in Prosthemadera nove-hollandia,
in which last-named species they are very considerably reduced
in size as compared with those in the tail of the Red Wattle-Bird,
and yet the two birds are about of a size.

The .pelves of the three species here being compared likewise
closely agree in all of their essential characters, and this composite
bone is quite typically Passerine in its structure and morphology
in these particular species of the Meliphagide. It may be noted,
however, that the pelvis of Anthochera carunculata is actually as
well as relatively larger than it is in P. nove-zealandi@é and E.
cyanotis, and, in adult individuals, may at once be distinguished
by the double row of five—or five pairs—of intervertebral
foramina existing in the post-acetabular region between the

To SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. Ri gat

transverse processes of the co-ossified uro-sacral vertebrae. These
are either entirely absent or else extremely minute in the repre-
sentatives of the other two genera. They occur again, however,
in the pelvis of Acanthogenys rufigularis, another short-billed
Meliphagidine.

A glance at fig. 5 of Plate I. of the present paper is sufficient to
convince the avian osteologist that not only the bones of the
shoulder-girdle, but the sternum as well, are all typically Passerine
in their morphology and arrangement with respect to articulations.

Apart from the matter of variation in size, and a few insignificant .
details in character, all this part of the skeleton in Anthochera_ :

carunculata essentially agrees with Entomyza and Prosthemadcra
as represented by the two foregoing species of these genera.
Sternum, scapule, coracoids, and os furcule are all as distinctly
Passerine as they are. in an average Thrush. It is interesting to
note, however, that in one particular the sternum of Anthochera
carunculata agrees better with that bone in Prosthemadera nove-
zealandieé than it does with Entomyza cyanotis. This agreement
consists in a relatively longer manubrial process and a convex
border for the lower moiety of the anterior part of the sternal
carina, instead of a concave one, as it is in Entomyza cyanotts.
This lengthening of the manubrium sterni is also present in
Anellobia lunulata of Western Australia* and in other species.
In Meliphaga phrygia the hypocleidium of the os furcula is
remarkably long, agreeing in this particular with the Red Wattle-
Bird (fig. 5, Plate I.) This is also the case, however, in other
Australian Passeres having no special] relationships with the
Meliphagidea, as in Sphecotheres among the Oriolide, in which the
sternum and shoulder-girdle very closely agree with Anthochera.}
So far as the Meliphagide and some of the allied families are
concerned, I present a very complete account of the comparative

* There sometimes seems to be an individual variation in the matter of this
character, as the manubrium is somewhat shorter in the sternum of a female Anzho-
chera carunculata, collected on the 5th of May, 1865, by E. P. Palmer, (?) at
Dobroyde, and numbered 9,394 in the collection of the U.S. National Museum. (I
fail to find this locality on any of the standard maps.)

+ In the species formerly known as Grallina australis, which occurs on Clarence
River, New South Wales, the sternum is remarkable for having large elliptical
foramina, one on either side, in its xiphoidal extremity, instead of ‘‘ notches,” as is
the rule throughout the Passeves. There are three of these sterna in the Collections
of the U.S. National Museum (Nos. 9,396, 6, 9,278, 9, and 9,279, 2), but this
character occurs only in the sternum of the male.

Coues states in the ‘‘ Century Dictionary,” under Gra//ina :—‘‘ A genus of oscine
Passerine birds, variously located in the ornithological system, lately placed in a
family called Prtonopide. The Pied Grallina (G. pzcata) inhabits Australia. It is
entirely black and white, and 11 inches long. A second species, G. drazjnz, is found
in the Arfak Mountains of New Guinea; also called Tanyfus and Grallipes”
(p. 2,594). The only birds known to me, to which the specific name d7azjnz has
been applied, belong to the Paradiseidz. It would be very interesting to examine
the entire skeleton of a species exhibiting the above described character in the sterna
of the two sexes. I believe this condition may occasionally be found to occur in
Ptiloris paradisea, of which species I have five sterna before me (No. 9,366, Coll.
U.S. ‘Nat. Mus., ¢, zight side). The osteology of the Paradtsezde stands in need of
comparative description.

ee SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. TE

osteology of the sternum and shoulder-girdle in my above-cited
Proc. Zool. Soc. paper on Arachnothera magna, rendering it
entirely unnecessary to reproduce such descriptions here, especially
as the matter of space is to be taken into consideration.

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON : THE PECTORAL LIMB.

Such sesamoids as the os humero-scapulare at either shoulder-
joint, and the patell@ at the knees, completely ossify in all Passeres
as a rule; and, as it is the case of many of the birds mentioned
above, it is fair to presume that these elements are also performed
in bone in the Red Wattle-Bird, though they have all been lost
in the skeleton now at hand (figs. 6 and 7, Plate I.)

As is the case with nearly the entire skeleton of Anthochera
carunculata, the humerus is a completely pneumatic bone, and has
an extreme length of 3.5 cms. The shaft is smooth, sub-
cylindrical in form, and nearly straight, exhibiting but little of
the usual sigmoidal curvature seen in the humeri of many species
of birds. Thoroughly surrounded by a conspicuous and thickened
margin, the pneumatic fossa is both large and deep, exhibiting
several foramina at its base.

The radial crest is short, straight, and not lofty, ending abruptly
on the shaft, nearly opposite where the ulnar tuberosity terminates
on the other side.

At the distal end of the shaft we meet with all the features
present there in the humerus of any Passerine bird, they being
unusually large and prominently produced—in fact, distinctly
more so than they are in Prosthemadera or Entomyza. We in-
variably meet with a small sesamoid at the elbow in all of these
birds.

Structurally, the skeleton of the arm in Anthochera comes
much nearer Prosthemadera than Entomyza—that is, in the form
and proportionate lengths of the bones composing it.

So well are the bones of the antibrachium, carpus, and manus
shown in fig. 6 of Plate I. that any special description of them
would seem to be almost superfluous.

None of the phalanges ever supports “claws,” while especial
attention is invited to the prominent and much individualized
olecranon process of the wna; to the peculiar little tubercle for
the guidance of special tendons on the upper side of the distal
extremity of the bone; and to the deep tendinal groove passing
down the entire length of the index metacarpal on its anterior
aspect. This is for the passage of the tendon of the flexor
digitorum profundus muscle, and occurs in other species.*

THE Petvic Lime (fig. 7, Plate I.)

This limb seems to be non-pneumatic in all the species mentioned
in the present paper, such being the rule throughout the Passeres
generally.

Femur has an extreme length, in Anthochera carunculata,

‘

* Shufeldt, R. W., ‘‘ The Myology of the Raven,” p. 140, fig. 39.

12 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird, sat nie

Prosthemadera nove-zealandia, and Entomyza, of 3 centimetres,
the characters of the bone being very similar in all three of these
genera. The summit, including the head and trochanter, is
flat; the shaft is straight and cylindrical, and the condyles of
considerable size proportionately. These last are sharp in front
in Anthochera, but not so in the other species named, while in all
the groove for the head of the fibula on the posterior aspect of
the external condyle behind is invariably well marked. It would
be difficult to distinguish the femur of P. nove-hollandie from
that of E. cyanotis, while the form of the condyles anieriorly in
Anthochera carunculata is characteristic as well as diagnostic in
so far as these birds go.

The tbio-tarsus has an extreme length of 5.4 cms. in A. carun-
culata, 5.3 cms. in E. cyanotis, and 5.9 cms. in P. nove-zealandia.
In all it is straight, and presents the typical Passerine characters.
We note that the fibula is feebly developed, and in P. nove-
zealandie does not extend below the fibular ridge on the side of
the tibio-tarsal shaft.

Of all the bones of the pelvic limb, in the case of the Red Wattle-
Bird, the tarso-metatarsus is most diagnostic. Indeed, it is
peculiar in its morphology, and may be recognized on sight and
distinguished at once from the bone in the case of any of the other
tarso-metatarsi of Meliphagidines at hand. This is due to the
formation of the entire shaft, which, upon its outer aspect, is flat
and smooth, being as broad proximally as the shaft and outer
surface of the hypotarsus combined, completely shutting the
latter out of sight on this view. From this point it gradually
narrows down as it proceeds distally till it comes to be the width
of the external trochlea, upon the outer side of which it merges.
For the proximal moiety, or rather more, this is but a thin plate ;
and, as the inner border of the shaft is somewhat raised posteriorly,
and the hypotarsus is but a small cube in form, the posterior aspect
of the shaft, from the latter down to the free metatarsal, has the
appearance of being deeply excavated, which excavation gradually
shallows as we proceed distally.

The hypotarsus is four times pierced for the passage of tendons,
the anterior pair of foramina being the larger, and the posterior
ones very small. The distal end of the bone bearing the three
trochlea is greatly bent posteriorly —a bending which is still
more evident in the case of the tarso-metatarsus of P. nove-
zealandia.

P. nove-hollandi@ has the outer side of the shaft of its ¢arso-
metatarsus formed like Anthochera carunculata, but to a very less
degree, while it is entirely absent in the case of Entomyza cyanotis,
the bone in the latter species being much as we find it throughout
all medium-sized Passerine birds.

In A. carunculata it has an extreme length of 3.4 cms.; in EF.
cyanolts, 3.5 cms.; and in P. nove-zealandiea, 3.85 cms. In all
these species the first metatarsal (free) is of considerable size as
compared with many other birds of similar sizes.

THE Emu, Vol. X///.

PEATEs!

“LON354NHS *M ‘HY

Ag ‘OLOHd ¥ WOYS

Bear ae SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. re

Pes is normally constituted osteologically, being Passerine in
every particular. The joints of the outer toe are delicate and
small, while the claw of hallux is a big one, being equal, and more,
in size to any two of the other claws of the foot combined.

CONCLUSIONS.

Judging from such material as I have at hand, and without
having had the opportunity to study the osteology of some 40
other genera of the Meliphagide, it is clear, from what has been
brought out in this paper, that, in so far as the skeleton is con-
cerned, Anthochera carunculata comes nearer to Prosthemadera
nove-zealandi@ than it does to Entomyza cyanotis, thus confirming
the linear arrangement for these genera of Sharpe in his ‘‘ Hand-
list’ (vol. v., p. xiv.), where he places Manorhina and Myzantha
between Anthochera and Prosthemadera on the one hand and
Anellobia, Acanthogenys, Myza, Leptomyza, Acrulocercus, and
Chatoptila between Anthochzra and Entomyza upon the other.

Osteologically, Anthochera carunculata may be at once dis-
tinguished from the other two or three Meliphagidines with which
it has here been compared by some of the characters of its pelvis ;
by the relatively much larger size of the bones composing the
skeleton of its tail; by the sharp anterior ridges of the femoral
condyles ; and, with great certainty, by the morphology of its
tarso-metatarsi, together with the relative lengths of the bones
of the pelvic limb.

In the plates accompanying this paper. (Plates II.-IV.) are
presented the skeletons of other Passerine birds of Australia more
or less related to the Red Wattle-Bird—some remotely, others
nearer—which will be of marked value in the way of comparison,
and of assistance to the avian osteologist of the future, when the
study of the skeletons in other genera is taken up.

EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

(All the figures in these plates are reproductions of photographs made direct
from the specimens by the author. Adult. Natural size.)

eA Ts

Fig. 1 —Skull of Anthochera carunculata, seen upon right lateral aspect.
Mandible articulated, but left ramus somewhat elevated, owing to
the loss of its articular extremity.

Fig. 2.—Circlet of sclerotal plates of an eye, viewed upon their outer aspect.
Fig. 3.—Hyoidean arches, with the extended pair of cartilaginous rods
which bear at their distal ends the “brush” of the tongue.

Fig. 4.—Right lateral view of the trunk skeleton, with shoulder-girdle and
sternum removed. (See fig. 5.)

Fig. 5.—Shoulder-girdle and sternum, seen upon right lateral view. Left
scapula, clavicle, and upper border of sternum of the left side can
be seen in part, owing to the fact that the view is not absolutely
direct.

Fig. 6.—Skeleton of the left pectoral limb. Palmar side. For the most
part the bones are normally articulated, but the humerus subluxated.

Fig. 7.—Left pelvic limb ; bones zz sztu, but subluxated. The patella is
performed in bone, and the fibula is notably short.

14 SHUFELDT, Osteology of the Red Wattle-Bird. set gate

PLATE II.

Fig. 8.—Left lateral view of the skeleton of Creadion carunculatus, adult,
natural size. (Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 18,289, where it is incor-
rectly catalogued as “ Anthochera carunculata,’ Taranga Islands.)
In this specimen the skull has been perfectly cleaned up, but the
balance of the skeleton, as will be observed, is more or less in the
rough. It shows, however, many of the characters well, and the
proportionate size, as compared with Axthochera carunculata, it
being about one-third less. (See Sharpe’s “ Hand-list of Birds,”
vol. v., p. 544.)

PLATE ITI.

(All the figures in this plate are natural size and reproduced from the

author’s photographs of the specimens.)

Fig. 9.—Lower mandible of Hemignathus procerus, viewed from above ;
adult. (Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 19,094). The mandibles in this
species are markedly, though gradually, curved downward for their
entire lengths. The skull is shown in fig. to of this plate. (See
Sharpe’s “ Hand-list of Birds,” vol. v., pp. 134, 135.)

Fig. 10.—Superior view of the skull of Hemignathus procerus, of which the
mandible is shown in fig. 9 of this plate.

Fig. 11.—Lower mandible of Vestéarta coccinea, adult. Seen on superior
aspect. (Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 19,130). The bill is power-
fully curved downward in this species. The skull is shown in fig. 12
of this plate, and is from the same specimen.

Fig. 12,—Superior view of the skull of Vestéaria coccinea, of which the
mandible is shown in fig. 11 of this plate.

Fig. 13.—Right lateral view of the skeleton of Acrulocercus braccatus, adult.
(Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 19,125.) Limbs of the left side and
the hyoidean arches removed ; right clavicle broken and somewhat
displaced ; otherwise quite perfect. (See Sharpe’s “ Hand-list of
Birds,” vol. v., p. 91.) ,

Fig. 14.—Superior view of lower mandible of Creadion carunculatus. (No.
18,289, Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus.) From the skeleton shown in fig. 8,
Plate II., of the present paper (which see).

Fig. 15.—Superior view of the skull of Cveadion carunculatus. (No. 18,289,
Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus.) From the skeleton shown in fig. 9, Plate
II., of the present paper (which see).

Fig. 16.—Superior view of the skull of Azthochera carunculata ; mandible
removed ; adult. Same skull as shown in fig. 1, Plate I. of the
present paper (which see).

TP Nera AYE

(The two figures in this plate are about one-seventh above natural size, and
reproduced from photographs made direct from the specimens by the
author.)

Fig. 17.—Left lateral view of the skeleton of a specimen of Vestiarta coccinea.
(Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 19,130.) See figs. 11 and 12, Plate III.,
of the present paper, where other views of the skull and mandible
of this individual are presented. Right pelvic limb removed.
Manus of right side broken off. Hyoidean arches removed, as
well as the osseous portions of the larynx, trachea, &c. Ultimate
vertebral rib of right side somewhat displaced.

Fig. 18.—Left lateral view of the skeleton of a specimen of Hemignathus
procerus. (Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 19,094.) See figs. 9 and Io
of Plate III. of this paper, where other views of the skull and
mandible of this individual are presented. Right pelvic limb
removed, also the hyoidean apparatus and the various ossification s
of the air-passages. Otherwise this skeleton is remarkably perfect
and well shown.

AMsin, JD, Vas ACLU.

PEAME get:

FROM A PHOTO. BY R. W. SHUFELDT.

Tue Emu, Vol. XIII.

PLATE

‘LOTSSNHS “M ‘HY AS “OLOHd VY WOUd

THE Emu, Vol. XIII.

IV.

PLATE

“LOVSSNHS "M ‘YU AG ‘OLOHd WY WOU

Vol. XIII.

aia Hutu, The Eggs of Gymnorhina, spp. 15

The Eggs of Gymnorhina, spp.

By A. F. Basset Hutt, R-.A.O.U., Sydney.

THE eggs of the Australian Magpie (Gymmnorhina, spp.) exhibit a
greater variation in colour and markings than those of any
other bird. Although amongst the eggs of the Guillemots,
Terns, and Gulls great variation is found in ground colour and
markings, there is a general similarity in the type, the variation
consisting largely in degree of intensity of ground colour or
quantity and disposition of the markings. The eggs of the Magpie
differ in actual colour, class and disposition of the markings,
shape, and size. At the same time these differences are not local,
or the result of food or environment, nor are they, except as to size,
known to exist in the units of a clutch or the successive layings
of an individual bird. In the case of the sea-birds marked
differences often exist between the separate units of a clutch, or,
where the bird usually lays only one egg for a sitting (e.g.,
Onychoprion fuliginosa), and that egg is taken, the next laid varies
markedly from the first. The Magpie, on the other hand, is
consistent in that the units of a clutch are all of the same colour
scheme, varying slightly only in the disposition of the markings
and dimensions of the eggs, and the successive layings are of the
same type. Further, the known extreme departures from the
normal in the case of the sea-birds, such as the blue or red
mutations of Larus nove-hollandia@, are very rare.

Taking No. 5 on the accompanying plate as a typical Magpie’s
egg, perhaps 50 per cent. are in this colour. The actual departures,
not mere divergences from the type, are in overwhelmingly greater
proportion than in the case of any other species.

The plate, produced from the originals by the three-colour
process, illustrates a unit from each of nine separate clutches of
the Black-backed Magpie’s eggs (Gymmnorhina tibicen, Latham).
While a much greater number of specimens showing marked
variations from type could be illustrated, these nine very fairly
represent the chief variations ordinarily found. Similar variations
are common to the other species of the genus—G. leuconota (Gray),
G. organicum (Gould), G. dorsalis (Campbell), and G. longirostris
(Milligan).

Is the remarkable variation in these eggs evidence of the gradual
evolution of a fixed type ?

I would invite observers to favour me, through this journal,
with any interesting particulars relative to the eggs of this genus
coming under their notice, and especially evidences of the
persistence of a type in the successive layings of the one pair of
birds.

The eggs shown on the accompanying plate, presented to the
readers of The Emu by Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, form units of
the following clutches :—

I,+4, laid in captivity at Manly, N.S.W.
2,+3, taken at Burrenbilla, Q.

16 Hutt, The Eggs of Gymnorhina, spp. Bre:

3, +3, taken at Barnato station, near Cobar, N.S.W.
4,+4, taken at Cobbora, N.S.W.

5, +3, taken at Orange, N.S.W.

6,+4, taken at Cobbora, N.S.W.

7,+4, taken at Barnato station, near Cobar, N.S.W.
8,+4, taken at Orange, N.S.W.

9, +4, taken at Cobbora, N.S.W.

Field Ornithology in South Australia.
By (CapT.) S. A. Waite, M.B.0.U., .A.0.U., ADELAIDE:

THE GAWLER RANGES.

For many years the Gawler Range, with its strangely-formed hills,
which start immediately to the west of Port Augusta and extend
in a westerly direction for about 200 miles, has been a district of
great interest to the ornithologist.

The late Mr. Stephen Hack was the first to explore this country,
and after him Mr. Josiah Bonnin, at the head of a small party,
traversed these ranges, and rode out beyond them to the west
in 1862. The journal written by this gentleman was published
in the ‘Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of
Australasia (S.A. Branch),’’ vol. x., 1907-8. The account is very
interesting, for Mr. Bonnin, being a very observant man, mentions
the birds seen by his party. The first ornithologist, as far as I
am aware, to work this country was, however, the late Mr. J. F.
Andrews, who was one of my late father’s collectors during his
memorable voyage to New Guinea in 1880. Andrews made his
headquarters at Nonning, and worked out from there into the
spinifex-clad ranges. Seeing that he had to tramp nearly 200
miles from Port Augusta, carrying a pack, before reaching his head-
quarters, it can be understood that his work must have been
sorely handicapped. Through the courtesy of Mr. Robert Zietz,
Ornithologist to the Adelaide Museum, I have been able to read
letters written by Andrews to the late Mr. Waterhouse (first
Curator of the South Australian Institute). Andrews addressed
his letters from Port Augusta, and states having sent on, amongst
other birds, the skins of the Night-Parrot (Geopsittacus occidentalis),
and for a trifling sum per skin. Evidently these birds were much
more numerous then than they are now. In 1902 Drs. A. M.
Morgan and A. Chenery, M.’s R.A.O.U., made an expedition into
these ranges, but were retarded much in their collecting work by a
severe drought then existing, which eventually drove them back.*

Eventually, on the morning of 22nd August, 1912, my wife and
I started out from Port Augusta with high hopes. Our four-horse
team, with driver and black boy, crossed the head of Spencer
Gulf in the punt, and we were soon on the track, taking a southerly

* A small but very interesting collection of bird-skins was made by Dr. Morgan,
and is now to be seen in the Adelaide Museum.

a

THE Emu, Vol. XIII.

|

Eggs of Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham).

ENGRAVED BY S. W. BACON LTD.,

SYDNEY. MELBOURNE.

PLATE

PRINTED BY D. W. PATERSON CO, PTY. LTD.,

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Vol. XIII. WuiteE, Field Ornithology in South Australia, 17
1913 =

course, and travelling down the Gulf. My reason in taking this
route was owing to a wish to visit Mount Whyalla, which is the
southernmost outpost of the Gawler Ranges. On this mount
a bushman told me he had seen the Night-Parrot ; another thing,
I wished to continue through the new country round Lake Gillies.
Having passed through a most peculiar gap in the ranges, which
can be seen for many miles before it is reached, called Lincoln
Gap, we made our first camp. Up to this we had travelled

~.)

MN rgott Springs

(|

Sketch Map of South Australia,

through a veritable flower-garden. Rain having fallen some
little time before, all the country was bright with wild-flowers
and green with herbage. We thought all this boded well for the
future, and that we had visited the country at the right time.
We were, however, to meet too soon with disappointment, for
the further we went south the drier it became. On the second
day we entered the district visited by my late father when he
undertook the dangerous task of crossing the Gulf in a very frail
boat, with a makeshift sail formed out of a blanket; this was in
1866 or 1867. See Gould’s “ Birds of Australia,’ Supplement, iv.,

18 White, Field Ornithology in South Australia. aa

for the description of Turquoise Wren (Malurus callainus), which
my father discovered on this trip. Mr. A. J. Campbell also gives
an account of this discovery in his standard work, “‘ Nests and
Eggs of Australian Birds’ (vol. i., p. 171). Surely enough we
met with this beautiful Wren again in the same locality. Now
we entered country, as far as I know, never worked by an
ornithologist, and we journeyed on to Mount Whyalla, where we
camped for a while, working the country round the mount, but
not a sign of the Night-Parrot did we notice. Nevertheless, many
interesting species of birds came under observation. Still pro-
ceeeding south, we left the myall and mulga country and entered
the mallee. Here our troubles began. Water was very scarce,
and at last we were compelled to double back and give up hopes
of getting round Lake Gillies. The horses were suffering badly,
and we were reduced to a few pints of water. We made for Iron
Knob, but had to camp a few miles from it, for the horses could not
accomplish the last few miles.

Next morning, early, our team slowly dragged us into Iron
Knob. Imagine our disgust to find that we could not get a drop of
water there for love or money. Hurrying off to Corunna with
our jaded and thirsty team, we there found them water, and
rested. From a botanical point of view this district was extremely
interesting. Great variety of flowering plants was seen every-
where. We camped near a strange, detached range rising from
the plain, in many places perpendicularly, from 800 to 1,000
feet—one mass of rugged, broken granite rock, crowned with
low bush and scrub. Many of the ravines held larger timber.
The south end of the range is cleft by a deep gorge, at the end of
which is a nice spring of pure water that trickles down, and, from
numerous chippings, this spring must have been a_ favourite
camping-ground for the natives. After the horses had recovered
we pushed south again, our intention being to pass round on the
west side of Lake Gillies and pick up our tracks; but we did not
succeed, for we struck the dry belt again, ai.d returned to Lake
Gillies tank, where we filled our water-bags and watered our horses.
The next few days took us into the Gawler Ranges proper, striking
the Western Australian telegraph line at Courcipidney, where it
follows a long valley with picturesque hills on either side. This |
country impressed us as being very beautiful. The plain or
broad valley, along which we travelled many miles, was covered
with fine salt-bush and dotted with the beautifully shaped and
drooping foliaged tree, the myall. Where dry watercourses were
found the scrubby mulga (Acacia rigens) grew in clumps, and at
the time of our visit was covered with a wealth of golden blossom ;
the sweet perfume from the flowers could be detected a long way
off. On the slopes of the range patches of the quaint blue-bush
were seen. These plants grow so evenly as to space between, as
well as to height, that at a distance they resemble a vineyard.
A little higher up patches of mulga grew, and still higher spinifex
crowned the hills with low bushes, while the hop plant (Dodonea

Vol. XIII.

ions White, Field Ornithology in South Australia. ge)
lobulata) was a mass of scarlet seed-pods, showing up in vivid
contrast amongst the silvery seed-heads of the spinifex. On
the plain we drove over acres of glorious “‘ Sturt pea’’ (Clianthus
Dampiert). This beautiful plant, when in full bloom, is beyond
description. Amidst such scenes of beauty we moved on day
after day, ever adding to our ornithological and botanical collec-

Blue-bush (Kochia sedifolia).

FROM A PHOTO, BY S, A. WHITE.

tions and notes. Winding and twisting amidst the picturesque
hills, we were still going west. When crossing a spur and looking
down the valley it appeared like a mass of gold, owing to the
beautiful shrub, botanically named Cassia artemisioides, which
flowers so profusely as to hide the foliage. The scent from these
lovely bushes is the sweetest of all the flowers. Cattle are very
fond of this shrub, and anywhere near a station the bushes are
exterminated, and rabbits are helping to wipe it out, like many
others, by their deadly barking process. Another shrub which
came under our notice growing on these salt-bush plains, and
which made good beds by cutting the tops off and piling one upon
the other, was the kangaroo-bush (Pholidia stoparia). It bears
a little, delicate, puce, bell-shaped flower, and seemed to afford
much food for the honey-eating birds.

One morning, while exploring the summit of a high ridge, we
caught sight of Lake Gairdner for the first time. The bright
morning sun was glinting on the salt-encrusted shores. It bore
N.N.W. Again we struck a dry belt of country, where no rain

Emu /

20 WuitE, Field Ornithology in South Australia. 1st Jay

could have fallen for a very long time. It was a trying time for
our horses —water scarce end little or no feed. We at last
struck good country again. What a transformation scene from
the bare, parched, red ground to come on to a carpet of flowers.
In places wild geraniums were up to the horses’ sides. The
welcome note of the Brown Song-Lark (Cinclorhamphus cruralis)
was also cheering as we flushed the birds from the field of flowers.
Again miles upon miles of a broad plain between two ranges was
a perfect ‘‘ garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers.’”” Amongst the
brightest were the golden-yellow immortelles, Helipterwm incanum
and Helichrysum apiculatum. Although small flowers, they were
so massed as to resemble a veritable ‘“‘cloth of gold,’ relieved by
patches and bands of white flowers. Conspicuous amongst these
were Helipterum floribundum and H. corymbiflorum. Again, an
acre or so of ‘‘Sturt pea’’ would dazzle the eye with its scarlet
splendour.

On our arrival at Yardea, our depot, we were much perplexed
to find that our extra stores, which had left over a month
previously, had not arrived; but, through the kindness of Mr.
Bailey, part owner and manager, we were enabled to continue
our journey next day, when we left the western end of the
Gawler Ranges and plunged into a thick mallee scrub. This
scrub was of the greatest interest, for, as far as I can tell, it starts -
well over the border in Western Australia, and, with a sweeping
curve, ends abruptly at the western end of the Gawler Ranges.
There is not the slightest doubt that several Western forms of
birds have followed this belt of mallee by slow degrees eastwards
till the end was reached. They could go no further, the
country outside this belt of mallee being unsuitable for their
existence. Among the big mallee our camp was formed, and we
spent a few days collecting and making observations, which are
dealt with later on. The days spent at this permanent camp
were all too short. A few peculiar forms of plants came under
notice, suchas the flowering shrub Olearia Muellert, the bright yellow-
flowering, buttercup-like plant, Zygophyllum apiculatum, and the
bush known as Centipeda Cunningham, of repulsive odour. In
damp situations a small grass-like plant, bearing a seed-pod in
shape of a kangaroo tail, attracted our attention owing to its
bright red colour; I believed it to be Myosurus minimus.

It was with regret that we left this camp and pushed on in a
more north-westerly direction. Later, we were compelled to
make in for stores. On reaching Yardea we were surprised to
ascertain that oursupplies were not to hand, but received information
that the team was not many miles back on the track. We drove
along the track, meeting the team on the second day, and took
possession of the long-looked-for stores. From here we struck off
the track in a northerly direction and worked the country on to
Lake Gairdner. What a sight this big lake presents, with its miles
of glistening salt, which at times was covered with a few inches
of water in places! The shore-line is very,indented, forming

THE Emu, Vol. X//1.

PLATE VI.

Gawler Ranges: Typical Scene.
Salt-bush (Atriplex) in foreground, Myall (Acacia) in mid-distance.

Ret

a
te, whee

Through Fields of Flowers.

FROM PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE.

Wel SIL Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia. DF

19F3

many inlets and bays, and fine bold and lofty hills jut out into
the lake, appearing at a distance like islands. Working the
country well, we rounded the south end of the lake and turned up
the east side, and after a few days made Wattaker station. We
camped in a thick mulga scrub for a while, where bird-life was
more plentiful than usual, but the wind blew with great violence,
and hampered our work very much. Several fresh plants came
under notice, such as Guaphalium luteo-album and the pretty little
Athrixia tenella, Goodenia pinnatifida, &c. From here we
travelled in easy stages along the track, working the country on
either side. At Myall Creek we found the Thick-billed Grass-
Wren (Amytornis modesius) amongst the high salt-bush.

Our last night’s camp was formed on the side of a table-topped
mount, fairly high up on the lee side, hoping to get some shelter
from the wind. All through our trip the wind had been very
high, and gave us much trouble; but this night it blew with
hurricane force, making it almost impossible to stand up against
it. Towards morning the wind dropped, and a good fall of rain
followed. Before dark, on this our last night, we clambered
amongst the large boulders on the hill-side as well as we could
against the wind, and, although we saw few birds (Artamus
melanops, Glyciphila albifrons), some plants were noticed. One
of them, a bright scarlet and pink flowering shrub, Frankenia
pauctflora, was perhaps one of the prettiest in the north. Another
bright-flowering species growing on the sheltered sides of large
boulders was Jsotoma petrea. Many acacias abound in this
northern country. Most of them are of a prickly nature, but the
one known as the “dead finish’’ excels all others in its fierce
nature. Many birds build their nests in this shrub (Acacia
tetragonophyllia), knowing that by so doing their homes are well
protected.

In concluding my remaiks on the plant life, I must say that
the most beautiful flowering tree of the Gawler Ranges is a hakea
(H. multilineata). We met with some of these trees, covered with
scarlet blossoms, growing on a sandy ridge to the west of the
ranges. Making an early start on the last morning, we camped
at Lake Dempsey for mid-day meal, and did some work amongst
the Calamanthus around the lake, reaching Port Augusta West
in the late afternoon. A gale of wind was blowing, driving
sand before it in clouds, which the horses did not like facing. On
reaching the pant the men refused to face such a wind and running
sea, so my wife and I, after some inducement, got the ferryman
to pull us over, leaving the team to come over at such time as
the wind and sea moderated. Thus ended a trip of nearly 700
miles. Mrs. White’s heavy boots had been torn to pieces by the
rough, stony country invaded, and the last day or two she had
to keep in camp for want of footwear, while our driver’s feet
were protected only by pieces of leather bound up by wire ; his
clothes were in tatters. My second pair of boots was almost
done, and the knees were out of my breeches, &c., &c., while our

Pe} WuirteE, Field Ornithology in South Australia. ae

skins were tanned red, like the colour of the country we had
passed over. This we counted as nothing when we looked back
on our interesting trip and the work we had accomplished.*

The following is a list ¢ of 75 species of birds (with notes) taken
during the two months’ (August and September) trip, which, by
the way, included much ground not previously worked by an
ornithologist :—

Dromaius nove-hollandia. Emu.—Emus have been almost wiped
out by the natives (aborigines), who are nearly all armed with rifles.
Now and then a small party was seen, which consisted of 8 or 9 birds,
on the plains to the extreme western end of the ranges.

Coturnix pectoralis. Stubble Quail—Were not plentiful ; the only
place we saw them was near East Well, where a fair number was
located in the big salt-bush. They were calling loudly in the early
mornings, and just before sundown.

Podiceps gularis. Black-throated Grebe.—A few of these birds
met with on the water-holes.

Podiceps poliocephalus. Hoary-headed Grebe.—These Grebes were
more numerous than the Black-throated variety, Parties of 8 or 10
were observed at nearly all water-holes.

Zonifer pectoralis. Black-breasted Plover.— These handsome
Plovers were met with on all the plains near water. At water-holes
and dams we were sure of finding a pair or more, and on many
occasions discovered their nests; clutch, four eggs invariably, and
all heavily incubated. At some places the birds had hatched out
their young.

Ochthodromus veredus. Oriental Dottrel—One bird came under
notice (a female). It was on a wide plain between two ranges. She
was flushed from a bare patch of ground (red clay). The great extent
of tapering wing arrested attention at once. The bird flew a few
hundred yards and alighted again; it ran over the bare clay-pan
with great rapidity.

Agialitis nigrifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel—One specimen was

procured near a water-hole at Donald’s Plain, western end of the
ranges.

Agialitis ruficapilla. Red-capped Dottrel.
seen near water-holes, clay-pans, or dams.

Cdicnemus grallarius. Southern Stone-Curlew.—These birds were
heard at night, but not often. It is too evident that the fox is
exterminating these interesting birds.

Notophoyx nove-hollandie. White-fronted Heron.—Single birds or
pairs were seen near water-holes, dams, &c.

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal.—Met with a few Teal on dams
and water-holes.

An odd bird or two

*T am indebted to Mr. H. H. D. Griffith for identification of botanical specimens,
Four have been described as new to science by our well-known botanist, Mr. J. M.
Black. Also to Mr. A. M, Lea, F.E.S., for working out stomach-contents of birds,

+The names are in accordance with those of the R.A.O.U. ‘‘ Check-list,” as
specially requested in Zhe Emu, vol. xii., p. 290. I wish, however, to state that I
believe the strict law of priority should prevail, and that trinomials should be
admissible,

Poy Skit Wuite, Field Ornithology in South Australia. 23

1913

Spatula rhynchotis. Australian Shoveller—A fine male of this
species was found in a deep dam, and had apparently mated with
two female Nyroca australis. Stomach contained quantities of very
small insects found near the margin of the water.

Nyroca australis. White-eyed Duck.—Two females were found in
dam with the preceding species. Stomachs contained great quantities
of a species of large water-beetle, procured by diving.

Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle—Eagles were very few ;
poison has nearly cleared these noble birds out of the district.

Hieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk.—Met with these Hawks on
many occasions. They seem to be thinly dispersed through the
ranges, as well as over the surrounding plains. On the 21st of
August, 1912, we discovered the first pair nesting ; they had taken
possession of a Crow’s nest, placed in a gum-tree growing in a dry
water-course, and about 60 feet from the ground. The male was
upon the nest, and allowed us to walk round the tree and throw
sticks and stones at the nest before being dislodged. Nest contained
three eggs, slightly incubated. On 16th September found a nest in
a myall tree, about 15 feet from the ground; the female sat very
closely on three eggs, heavily incubated. Insects play a large part
in the diet of these birds ; many small lizards were also found in their
stomachs. They are rapid of flight, and utter a harsh and dis-
cordant cry.

Ninox (? sp.) Owl.—A bird of this family came under notice one
day in a thick myall. It seemed to differ from N. boobook in having
much more white upon the breast. Unfortunately, we were unable to
secure the bird, so the doubt of its identity was not cleared up.

Cacatua leadbeateri. Pink Cockatoo.—We did not observe these birds
till we reached the south-western end of the ranges, although we had
seen their crests in the head decorations of the natives. They were
feeding in large flocks on bare ground, and when alarmed they took
flight with great screeching, but alighted again soon. They often
alighted on a dead tree, which they covered in such a mass as to give
the appearance of cotton wool. Strangely, many of these birds were
in the worst possible stage of moulting, yet some birds in fine
plumage had paired prior to nesting. One nest was taken in a white
gum growing on a flat amidst the mallee belt. The hollow was 40
to 50 feet from the ground, and contained three fresh eggs.

Barnardius zonarius. Yellow-banded Parrot.—We were much
surprised to meet with these Parrots just after passing through
Lincoln Gap, for we had no idea that this bird had worked as far
north. Reliable old residents assured us that it was only within
the last few years that these Parrots had been seen in the district ;
yet it has come to my knowledge that Mr. J. W. Mellor procured this
bird in the same year, and somewhere about the same time, at Port
Germein, showing that the bird must have flown over the Gulf and
is pushing northward. We found these birds rare amongst the ranges,
but, when we entered the mallee belt, which extends from the Western
Australian border and ends abruptly at the south-western end of the
ranges, the birds were seen assembled in numbers amidst the large
mallee to nest. We were rather early, and just before we left this
interesting piece of country they had started to clean out their
nesting-hollows, making a great fuss the while. The male would
pose in all attitudes—hang head downwards, swing from under the

Emu

24 WuiteE, Field Ornithology in South Australia.

limb (where his mate was busy scraping out decayed wood and bark),
his tail oscillating energetically from side to side, and all the while
making an outrageous chattering call. On 7th September,we took
a full clutch of four eggs from a very large mallee, about 20 feet from
the ground, eggs slightly incubated and laid on the bare wood-dust.
On the following day, just before leaving, we visited a nest which we
cut open on the sth (to find the nest ready to lay in) ; this time there
were two eggs.

Psephotus pallescens (Salvadori). Pallid Yellow-vented Parrot.—
Although we met with this species in numbers round Port Augusta
the year before, we saw only an odd pair or two during this trip.
Found one nest, with four young slightly covered in dusky down ;
nest was made in the hollow bole of a sandalwood tree nearly on the
level of the ground, although the entrance was about 12 feet up.

Psephotus multicolor. Many-coloured Parrot.—This bird was met
with only in the scrub a few miles from the shores of Lake Gairdner.
Many larve of a gall-forming insect, with parts of galls, and two kinds
of seeds, found in stomach;

Podargus strigoides. Tawny Frogmouth.—A few Frogmouths were
seen, but at no time were they numerous. One was found nesting
in a myall in the centre of the ranges, and on flushing the bird
(a male) two eggs were found, slightly incubated. A few days later
two fully-fledged young were discovered sitting on either side of a
parent bird in a myall;

Cuculus pallidus, Pallid Cuckoo.—These Cuckoos were observed
in numbers all along our route. Strange to say, there were as many
females, if not more than males, in this country ; but in the same
months—7.e,, August and September—last year, at the other end of
the Peninsula, about 300 miles south, great numbers of males were
met with (see Emu, vol. xil., p. 2). We procured a number of speci-
mens, and cleared up all doubt as to the variation in plumage.
We are quite sure that the female never at any time takes the
plumage of the male, and, what is more, I am of the firm opinion that
the female never makes the prolonged scale-like call. She very seldom
utters a note; when she does so it is a harsh, short cry, repeated
two or three times. One specimen, when shot, deposited an egg
upon the ground where she fell. The egg was pure white in colour.
We saw no trace of these birds’ eggs in any nests which came under
our notice. Some days we met with great numbers, and they
appeared to be travelling south.

Chaleococeyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—Very few
of these_birds were seen during our trip—not more than 5 or 6.
Contents of stomachs, hairy caterpillars.

Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.—A few noted near stations
and homesteads.

Cherameca leucosternum. = White-backed Swallow. — These
Swallows came under notice on two or three occasions. The first time,
at No. 2 camp, quite a large colony was very busy cleaning’ out
tunnels, which were made in the side of a sandy bank of a dry water-
course. No eggs were yet laid.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Seen at Donald’s Plain.

Petrochelidon ariel. Fairy Martin—Observed several times, and
at Corunna they were building their retort-shaped nests on the-side

1st July

Vol. XIII.
1913

WuiteE, Field Ornithology in South Austraia. 25
of a mass of rocks, near the water. Many nests were finished, but
none contained eggs.

Micreca assimilis. Allied Brown Flycatcher.—Met with in pairs
on the edge of scrubs at times ; not at all plentiful.

Petroica goodenovii. Red-capped Robin.—Wherever sufficient
scrub was found to form cover these birds were observed, and on all
occasions they were remarkably tame, allowing us to approach within a
few feet of them. They had paired, but had not apparently started
to nest ; this, no doubt, was owing to the very rough weather ex-
perienced at the time.

Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robin.—These Robins were met with
on the plains to the south of the ranges, and were thinly dispersed
through the hilly country. They were in pairs, but not nesting.

Oreoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird.—Bell-Birds were observed on
the plains and through the ranges alike. Wherever a little scrub
afforded shelter they were sure to be found. Their beautiful note is
a characteristic of the country, and the first blush of dawn is the
signal for these birds to call. They procure most of their food on
the ground. hopping over the stones and sand after the fashion of
the Colluricincla. Many nests were seen, mostly containing eggs,
and none without the ordinary adornment of hairy caterpillars in a
torpid state. The reason these insects are placed in the nest is a
mystery. Stomach contents :—1 larva of moth, 4 small larve of moth,
fragments of large fly, two kinds of seeds.

Pachycephala rufiveatris; Rufous-breasted Whistler.—Whistlers
were met with in pairs occasionally, both in the ranges and on the
plains. The colouration of all birds which came under notice was
very pale—many shades paler than the birds found further south,

Pachycephala_ gilberti, Gilbert Whistler—Was very plentiful
through the ranges ; its loud and clear note could be heard at some
distance. It seems to be very pugnacious, for it was often seen
attacking much larger birds, and, although we did not see a nest,
from its restless manner and loud calling nesting time must have been
close handy. When we re-discovered P. rufogularis last year (see
Emu, vol. xii., p. 180), I remarked upon its distinct call, and was told
by more than one ornithologist that it was their opinion that P. galberte
made the same call. I am now in the position to affirm my first
statement, for we listened to dozens of P. gilberti calling at different
times, and never once did we hear a note resembling that of P.
vufogulavis. We found P. gilberti to be great ventriloquists.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail.—Few of these
familiar birds were seen. Dr, A. M. Morgan is of the opinion that
these birds differ from those down south. Not having procured a
specimen, owing to my reluctance to kill one, prevents my passing
any decided opinion.

Rhipidura albisecapa. White-shafted Fantail.—We met with this
bird only on one or two occasions in the thick mulga scrub.

Seisura inquieta. Restless Flycatcher.—These Flycatchers were
noticed but once on this trip, and that was near Donald’s Plain, our
attention being drawn to a pair of birds by their strange notes

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike.—Were thinly
scattered over the ranges and plains alike ; no sign of nesting.

Emu
ist July

26 Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia.

Cinclosoma castanotum. Chestnut-backed Ground-Bird.—Met with
these birds at the extreme western end of ranges and on Donald’s
Plain. In the mallee a nest was discovered, situated in a depression
in the ground, close against a fallen mallee. The nest was constructed
of strips of bark and a few dry straws. The female sat very closely
on two eggs. She allowed my wife almost to tread upon her. The
bird’s colouration harmonized so wonderfully with the dead timber
and bark that it was difficult to detect her.

Cinclosoma cinnamomeum. Cinnamon Ground-Bird.—A pair of
these rare birds was met with on the side of a spinifex-covered hill
near the shores of Lake Gairdner. One bird ran with great rapidity
under an acacia bush, and stood perfectly motionless to avoid
detection, and when flushed alighted under another bush and squatted
in the dead leaves.

Pomatorhinus superciliosus. White-browed Babbler.—This bird was
one of the most numerous met with. Specimens were seen everywhere
—out on the plains and in the hills, even up to the top of the
highest mount. Hundreds of nests are built by these birds
and they do not seem to lay in 10 per cent. of them. Judging
by the restless nature of these birds, one would think that they built
nests for lack of something better to do. We found these birds sitting
on clutches of two to five eggs, and in one instance flushed a bird
from a heavily incubated single egg. Many birds found out on the
clay country had their feathers stained such a deep red that one would
imagine at first sight that they were of a distinct species. Stomach
contained three larve of moths.

Calamanthus campestris. Field-Wren.—It is interesting to note
that Gould received the type of this species from the Port Augusta
district. We met with this bird all through the ranges, where it
keeps to the big salt-bush, and is seldom flushed, passing from
bush to bush (with feet just touching the ground and outstretched
wings) with great rapidity. One nest was found, composed of
dry grass and strips of bark from the salt-bush. It was placed
on the ground under a dead branch of a salt-bush ; dome-shaped,
rather depressed on top, and with the opening to the north. Nest
contained two naked young. The nest was only glanced into to see
the contents ; but in less than an hour the birds had pulled the nest
to pieces and carried every particle away. After these birds had
destroyed their home, what we took to be the male bird perched upon
a dead salt-bush and sang with such excitement that he nearly lost
iis balance—a most unusual performance for these birds when danger
is near.

Ephthianura albifrons. White-fronted Chat.—A few birds were met
with on the south side of the ranges, but they are not so numerous
as they, are down south.

Ephthianura tricolor; Tricoloured Chat.—Thinly dispersed through
the ranges—that is, the open timbered flats between the hills. They
seem to prefer a flat dotted over with myall or mulga to the open
plains. These birds were not nearly so numerous during this trip as
they were north-west of Port Augusta the season before. The stomach
contents of one bird was—two beetles (Forcicomus quadrimaculatus),
one narrow plant-bug and two ladybird beetles (Coccinella trvansversalis).

Ephthianura aurifrons. Orange-fronted Chat——We met with fair
numbers of these pretty birds, mostly out on the salt-bush plains

oe WuitE, Field Ornithology in South Australia: 27

1913

They were just starting to nest: They were found nesting freely by
Dr. Morgan at the south end of Lake Torrens 14 days before we left
Port Augusta, so they were much later nesting in this country.
Stomach contents of one bird—fragments of weevil (probably Poly-
phrades), three plant-bugs (Gentelleride).

Acanthiza uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Tit.— This Tit was
numerous throughout the ranges, and in great numbers round the
shores of Lake Gairdner ; they were nesting freely. We took eggs
on the oth of August, 1912, at the south-east end of the Gawler
Ranges, incubation well advanced ; while nearly a month later we
took fresh eggs on the shores of Lake Gairdner, several hundreds of miles
to the north-west. The favourite nesting-site was in the hollow
boles of dead trees, and we often found them placed in a ‘hollow log
lying on the ground, clutch consisting of three or four ; and the nest
is constructed of dry grasses (often clover), lined with feathers. The
birds are most restless in their habits, always on the move, with a
quick, hopping movement, uttering a bright little twittering note as
they search over the ground or in the bushes for insects. Sometimes
they would break out into a plaintive little song:

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa. Yellow-tailed Tit.—Mr. G. M. Mathews
has named this A. chrysorrhoa adenda, and I agree with him that the
yellow on rump is of a shade quite different from that of the typeof 4.
chrysorvrhoa. We found this bird in the Port Augusta district the
season before. On this trip we met with these dainty little birds on
several occasions. They were moving about in quite large parties,
although it must have been close to their nesting-time. They are
lively birds, and hopped over the ground and through the low bushes
with great agility, uttering a sharp little note, and at times a pleasing
little warble.

Pyrrholemus brunneus. Redthroat.— The KRedthroat is~ dis-
tributed throughout the ranges. We found it out on the salt-bush
plains as well as in the hill country. Its shy habits and mouse-like
movements when alarmed are very consistent wherever found, and
are identical with the Sericornis.

Malurus ¢allainus. Turquoise Wren.—This beautiful bird was of
the greatest interest to us, and when I procured the first specimen
I was much moved by memories of the past. In 1865 my late father,
the intrepid ornithologist and explorer, discovered this gem in bird-
life not more than 30 or 40 miles from this very spot, and it was from
one of two specimens then secured that John Gould described the new
species in his ‘““Supplement to the Birds of Australia,” part iv.,

1867, in which the author remarks :—‘‘ That this gentleman may
again visit the home of this species and obtain the female is my
ardent wish . . . . and I have no doubt he will do so; for lI

have reason to believe that no one of my many correspondents in
Australia is more keenly alive to the interest which attaches to our
favourite branch of science—ornithology.’’ However, the late
Samuel White did not return to the haunts of this bird ; but 47 years
later his son and his daughter-in-law did, and procured specimens of
both sexes. The first of the Turquoise Wrens met with was after
passing through Lincoln Gap. We had camped for the night, and
in the early morning we passed over a flat covered in large salt-bush,
around which were some fine bushes of scrubby mulga (Acacia rigens),
and from out of them darted a small party of Wrens, seemingly

28 WuiteE, Field Ornithology in South Australia. ee

some females and immature males. They flew into the giant salt-
bush and disappeared in an instant, and they could not be dislodged
again, although we could hear their faint little notes of alarm:
Returning to this spot later in the day, this party of Wrens was
surprised, and we procured a fully adult male, some immature males,
and a female, which proved to be Malurus callainus. Several days
later, further south, on the edge of the mallee (this mallee country
extends right down past Port Lincoln), we again came in touch with
this feathered gem, and this time they were in a large party, but very
shy. A dry watercourse, the bed of which was covered with deep,
coarse, loose sand, was fairly well covered for five or six hundred
yards in width with “scrubby mulga.’’ These bushes were in a mass
of blossom, and their thick, drooping foliage gave good shelter to
the Wrens. They darted from bush to bush in follow-my-leader
fashion.. When one broke cover the others followed. Sometimes a
beautiful male would perch on the top.of a bush, display or extend his
glorious mantle, utter a short trill, then dart to cover again. There
was no Salt-bush for some little distance, therefore I am of the opinion
that this bird favours low, thick scrub, and that it takes to the
salt-bush, if near, only to hide when hard pressed:

Again Malurus callainus came under our notice on our return journey
just before leaving the ranges. Again we found it amongst the
scrubby mulga bushes growing in a water-course between two ranges,
Dr. Morgan found this bird nesting about this time—z.e., September,
1912—at the south end of Lake Torrens, but we saw no signs of
nesting. This is owing to early rains falling at the southern end of
Lake Torrens, and Dr. Morgan informs me that the very strong
gales which we experienced during the whole of our trip were not
feit further north.

_Malurus morgani (White), sub-species of M. assimilis. Morgan’s
Wren (see Austral Avian Record, vol.i., No. 5, p. 126).—I at first took
this bird for M. assimilis, but, on comparing, I find it has a distinct
shade of blue on the crown of the head, and that the ear coverts are
of a much lighter shade. This is consistent in all specimens procured,
and on comparing skins made by Dr. Morgan some few years before,
in the Gawler Ranges, I find that they are the same. I consider this
to be a good sub-species. iis an

Malurus eyanotus. White-winged Wren.—This white-winged beauty
was met with on the salt-bush plains, but seldom, if ever, found in
the ranges. For 30 miles round Port Augusta, in the salt-bush
country, these little birds were very numerous, but as we worked
south, parallel with Spencer Gulf, we lost them, and M. callainus
took their place. Heading north again, we picked them up at the
northern end of Lake Gillies, but not in any numbers. They were
again observed on our return journey north of the ranges, always out
on the salt-bush plains. We did not see any indication of nesting,
although Dr, Morgan found them breeding at the south end of Lake
Torrens during September.

Amytornis modesta. Thick-billed Grass-Wren.—Both Mrs. White
and our man (Thos. Ash) informed me they had -seen a brown,
skulking bird in the salt-bush, and, calling to me, showed where it
had disappeared. We spent hours trying to make it break cover,
without success. It was not till we were on our homeward track,
and had reached Myall Creek, that we were fortunate enough to

Vol. XIII, Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia. 29

1913 ma

procure an adult specimen and two young birds walking through the
salt-bush near the dry water-course. Two brown birds scuttled away
from under our feet, and after searching for some time they were
found sitting closely together, and quite motionless, under a bush ;
they were fully fledged young. On making a squeaking noise one
of the parent birds answered, and after some time was lured from cover
into the open and procured. These birds so resemble their sur-
roundings in colouration, are so cunning and such skulkers, that it is
the greatest difficulty to sight them. They will almost let you crush
them underfoot before they will betray their presence.

Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow.—On one occasion
only did we meet with these birds ; that was in the centre of the ranges
on 15th September, 1912—a day to be remembered, for the wind had
been blowing with great force for many days, but on that day it
seemed to excel in energy. Although we were camped under the
lee of a steep spur in thick mulga scrub, it was almost impossible to
light a fire or keep a duck tent from tearing to pieces. In a gully
close to our camp we came upon a vast host of these birds, sitting on
the ground or holding tightly to the lower branches of the mulga to
try and escape the terrific wind as much as possible. No doubt they
were migrating prior to nesting, and had been forced to take shelter
from the elements.

Artamus melanops. Black-faced Wood-Swallow —This Avtamus,
which my father, the late Samuel White, discovered at St. a’Becket’s
Pool in August, 1863, was not found to the south-east or south of the
Gawler Ranges. After passing through Lincoln Gap, which is to
the south of Port Augusta, this species disappeared, and A. sovdidus
became more plentiful. I doubt very much if this bird has a wide
range south-west, and would put the south-west end of the ranges
as its extreme limit. We came upon these birds about 40 miles west
of Port Augusta, in the low ranges, where they had just commenced
to nest, for on 17th September we took a nest with three fresh eggs ;
nest constructed of loose sticks, and placed in the thickly-forked
branches of a shrub, about 4 feet from the ground. In habits this
species resembles the other members of the genus; call also is the
same, and the characteristic wagging of the tail from side to side
while uttering their plaintive note is very pronounced. Contents of
one stomach were—one larva of moth, remains of grasshopper,
remains of beetle, two ants (? sp.), one ant (? sp.), ant (Odontomachus
coveavius—this ant was never found before in South Australia), one
ant (Camponotus nigviceps), 10 seeds (? sp.) of one kind.

Artamus sordidus. _Wood-Swallow.—The common Wood-Swallow
has a great range. We met with them all through the trip. On
13th September we noticed the first nest, which contained three
fresh eggs ; they had just started to build. Occasionally these birds
surprised us with their sweet twittering song, not unlike that of the
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena), only louder.

Colluricinela rufiventris. | Buff-bellied Shrike-Thrush.—Wherever
there was sufficient -scrub for shelter we met with this fine bird.
Observations proved that they procure much of their food on the
ground, over which they hop in an exceedingly sprightly manner.
The call does not compare with that of C. harmonica for body or
melody.

Corcorax melanorhamphus. White-winged Chough.—The curious

Emu
ist July

30 Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia.

Corcovax was only seen in the interesting belt of mallee at the south-
west end of the ranges, where a small colony of 6 or 8 birds came
under notice. A nest of the usual mud type was found placed on a
horizontal branch 50 or 60 feet from the ground, in a white gum (a few
of these trees were found on the flats amongst the thick mallee).
The nest contained three eggs ; incubation well advanced ; date, 7th
September, 1912. The long-drawn, loud, and mournful call of these
birds sounds most weird amidst the silence of the bush. Their
strange hopping movements when on the ground or passing from
branch to branch, often with the wings partially extended, are very
noticeable.

Aphelocephala leucopsis. Whiteface. — Whitefaces were noticed
everywhere—upon the vast salt-bush plains, in the myall and mallee
scrubs, amidst the great boulders of granite outcrops, and in rockv
gorges—sometimes in small parties and at others in pairs. They
were nesting in hollow trees, cracks in the rocks, in abandoned nests
of the Pomatorhinus. We found fresh eggs, also fully-fledged young.
When moving about the birds were continually uttering a low,
chirruping note. We kept a sharp look-out for Gould’s A. pectoralis,
but never saw a bird toresembleit. J am of the opinion that there was
some mistake in the locality from which he procured the type. One
stomach contained leg of grasshopper and part of plant- bug (Gentel-
levid@).

Neositta pileata. Black-capped Tree-runner.—Noticed these birds
once during the trip, at the south-east end of the ranges. A small
party was very busy looking for food amongst the black oaks. Their
shrill, chattering call drew our attention to them; they seem in-
variably to make this chattering call when on the wing.

Climacteris rufa. Rufous Tree-creeper.—We had not penetrated
that interesting belt of mallee already described 20 yards before
this fine bird was seen creeping up the bole of a giant mallee, and
the next few days’ observation proved that they were very numerous.
We felt sure they must be nesting, but could not flush a bird from a
hollow, so sat down and took a bird each under observation. In half
an hour one flew to a nest (after trying every ruse to decoy us—
flying away in a most unconcerned manner, but returning, hopping
about on the ground as if nothing troubled, &c.) At first it passed
in and out of all the hollow spouts but the one where the nest was.
At last the female entered one and did not come out, and on in-
vestigating we found the nest. Subsequently we must have discovered
about 20 nests. Unfortunately, all contained very young birds or
heavily-incubated eggs; date, first week in September. All must
have started to nest about the same time. The “old man’”’ mallee
trees at Donald’s Plain, affording so many hollows, were ideal places
for Tree-creepers to nest in. This bird’s favourite nesting-site is in
a leaning tree, especially leaning away from the prevailing winds,
which are south-west. No rain ever enters the hole. The opening
to the nest is generally about 7 feet from the ground (but we saw some
10 to 15 feet), and the nest proper is usually 4 to 5 feet down, and
consists of soft bark placed on the decayed wood, with a few feathers
as a lining, and sometimes a little opossum or rabbit fur. The clutch
varies from one to three eggs, but most two. The call, although
distinctly Climacterine, is more feeble than others of the genus ;
also, more time is spent on the ground hunting for food than I have
observed with other members of this family. The examination of

aoe Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia. Sa

IgI3

the stomach contents reveals a variety of ants. The following are the
contents of one stomach :—About 150 small caterpillars, one small
cockroach, 36 small ants (Iridomyrmea), 4 large ants, one sugar ant
(Camponotus nigriceps), 23 green-headed ants (Ectatomma metallicum),
one head of ant (possibly Pomera lutea), one part of ant (not enough
for identification).

[Mr. Mathews has described the eggs of the foregoing species under
the name of C. rufa orientalis. Vide Austyval Avian Record, vol. i.,
No. 8, p. 196.—Ebs.]

Climacteris superciliosa. White-browed Tree-creeper.—Met with
these birds at the south end of Lake Gairdner, amongst a dry,
scattered mulga scrub—one of the driest and most miserable pieces
of country we saw during the trip. Saw four birds only in many
miles of this country travelled through round the shores of the lake.
Their call is much louder, and the birds do not take to the ground
so much as C. rufa. They were under observation for some time.
while we were searching for their nest, and they showed no desire to
look for food on the ground as did C. rufa, but hopped along fallen
trees in the true Climacterine jerky fashion.

Zosterops dorsalis. White-eye.—Zostevops were very scarce. Once
or twice in the scrub their plaintive note was heard, and the birds
seen hopping about amongst the low scrub and salt-bush.

Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird. — Wherever mistletoe
appeared throughout the ranges, this little bird was found, or its
sharp, piercing call heard amongst the myall scrub. In some places
there was hardly a myall that had not a large mistletoe suspended
from its branches.

Pardalotus striatus. Red-tipped Pardalote—Found wherever a
few gums were growing, generally in the water-courses ; but the birds
were not numerous. At Yardea head station a pair of these little
birds nested in the stone wall of an outhouse.

Glyciphila albifrons. |White-fronted Honey-eater—A few were
met with on the south side of the ranges, but were so wary that we
could not identify them ; but later on, when returning further north,
we found quite a number amongst the low shrubs that grew on the
banks of dry water-courses. One of their chief feeding plants is the
very pretty tree fuchsia (Correa speciosa), and from its many-
coloured flowers the birds seem to collect quite a quantity of honey
and insects. They have the true Glyciphila zig-zag flight, and utter
a sharp, loud note. The very strange habit of darting about with
outstretched neck and the body swaying from side to side, so common
to other members of the genus, is also very marked in this bird.
Stomach contents :—Three small bees (heads and parts of abdomen).

Glyciphila fulvifrons. Tawny-crowned Honey-eater.—Rarely seen
on the trip. The bird’s absence is no doubt due to the want of under-
growth and bush country. On the edge of the mallee, down south,
we met with it here and there, and its long-drawn, mournful cry was
heard several times.

Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater.—This very familiar bird
was met with at both ends of the ranges, but I doubt whether it is
numerous in the hills themselves, where we saw one or two solitary
birds. A few pairs were nesting at the eastern end in the low shrubs
which marked the course of a stony creek running out upon the

32 Waite, Field Ornithology in South Australia. [ Hart

ist July

salt-bush plain. The nests contained from two to three eggs, all
fresh. Although this bird’s ordinary call is melodious, it has also
some short harsh and discordant notes. It is very inquisitive, and
when its curiosity is aroused the antics it goes through at times are
very ludicrous.

Ptilotis ornata. Yellow-plumed Honey-eater.—This graceful little
bird was met with at Valley Well and on Donald’s Plain—at the
former place in some stunted gums growing in the dry water-course,
and at the latter in the mallee, where it was very plentiful.

Ptilotis plumula. Yellow-fronted Honey-eater.—Mr. Mathews has
made this bird from the Flinders and Gawler Ranges a new sub-
species. I agree with him. We met with these birds on many
occasions in the ranges. They are very silent birds, and unlike many
other members (I may say nearly all) of the genus in their quiet, silent,
and retiring habits. They seem sociable, and were often observed in
parties of from 8 to 10. They apparently keep to the ranges ; never
once were they seen in the mallee or away from the hilly country.

Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner.— Wherever a few
eucalypts grew this Miner was found, and in places numerous. We
found it breeding in many localities in the ranges.

Anthochera carunculata. Red Wattle-Bird—The Wattle-Bird
was seen first on Donald’s Plain. We discovered a few trees of the
gorgeous “ bottle-brush’’ (Hakea muiltilineaia) growing on a sandy
ridge, and amongst other birds frequenting their lovely pink blossoms
was the Red Wattle-Bird.

Acanthogenys rufigularis. Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater.——This is
one of the most (if not the most) familiar bird of the vast northern
country. Wherever a bit of scrub is found surely these birds are
there. How often is the death-like silence which reigns amidst the
hills broken by the strange guttural and gurgling notes of these
birds! Stomach contents, one bird :—Fragments of at least two
kinds of weevils, and 8 seeds, of the same kind.

Anthus australis. Ground-Lark.—Met with this bird during the
whole of the trip.

Corvus coronoides. Australian Crow.—Crows seen in many places,
but were very difficult to approach. A few specimens were procured ;
one had the base of feathers perfectly white.

Cracticus destructor. Collared Butcher-Bird.—A few Butcher-
Birds were noted, but they were not at all numerous.

Gymnorhina leuconota. White-backed Magpie—Quite a number
of Magpies were seen all through the ranges. Some are of the opinion,
that these birds were introduced of late years into the Gawler Ranges.
I do not believe this possible, for they are too numerous and widely
distributed.

New Cuckoo Foster-Parent.—During last season I received from
my friend Mr. R. Walton a set of two eggs of Eopsaliria australis,
and one egg of Chalcococcyx plagosus, which were taken during
November at Ringwood, Victoria. FEopsaltria australis is, I believe,
a hitherto unrecorded foster-parent for this Cuckoo.—F. ERAsmMusS
Wirson. Melbourne, 2/6/13.

eters CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. 213

Bird-Life of Kow Plains (Victoria).

By L. G. CHANDLER, R.A.O.U., MELBOURNE.

(Read before the bird Observers’ Club, 18th December, 1912.)
WHEN Mr. Henry L. White, of Scone, New South Wales, offered
to pay my expenses during a collecting trip to the North-West
of Victoria I gladly accepted. For years I had desired to visit
“The Mallee.” I had heard Kow Plains spoken of as a fine
district for bird-life, and decided to try my luck there. I was
accompanied on the trip by my father, Mr. R. C. Chandler, who
ably assisted me in my work

Leaving Melbourne on 19th August, I9g12, we arrived at the
railway siding at Kow Plains on the afternoon of the following
day. After getting our paraphernalia together, we shouldered as
much as we could carry, and “‘ made tracks’’ for the Kow Plains
homestead, which was to be our headquarters for the next few
days. The heavier luggage was left on the platform, to be picked
up by a cart from the homestead in the evening. We noticed that
miles of country between Ouyen and Kow Plains had been swept
by bush-fires. All this country has been selected, and a portion
of it is under wheat, which looked in a promising condition when
we passed through. The mallee between these stations consists
principally of short saplings, and if we expected to find birds
numerous we were disappointed. As mile after mile passed by,
sometimes without the sign of a bird, we began to wonder
whether the statements regarding the abundance of bird-life in
the Mallee were not greatly exaggerated. We were soon to
learn that only certain species frequent this dense sapling mallee,
the majority of the birds keeping to the more open and taller
timber.

Kow Plains is situated about 350 miles from Melbourne and
30 miles from the South Australian border. The first objects to
attract the eye of the traveller when nearing the siding at Kow
Plains are the white copi hillocks on the north side of the line.
These hills consist of pure gypsum. We found this powder
superior to plaster of Paris for cleaning the feathers of birds.
Surrounding these hillocks large salt-bush plains support such
birds as Ephthianura, Calamanthus campestris, and Malurus
eucopterus. To the south of Kow Plains the country for several
miles consists of undulating ground, crossed at intervals by sand-
ridges, running almost due east and west. Many of these ridges are
covered with Murray pines and belah (Casuarina), but the principal
vegetation is mallee (Eucalyptus), with an undergrowth of
porcupine grass (7 viodia), and, in parts, dense thickets of “‘ broom-
bush,” tea-tree, and turpentine-bush. Here and there the mallee
(Eucalyptus) is covered with a heavy growth of parasitical dodder.
Between the ridges mallee of varying height predominates, inter-
spersed with turpentine-bush, myall, and different species of
acacias. As one nears the desert the face of the country alters
considerably. The reddish-coloured sand merges into a _ pure

34 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. clans

white sand ; the Murray pine degenerates into a dwarf scrub-pine ;
and tea-tree and species of heath take the place of the turpentine-
bush. The mallee (Eucalyptus) here is stunted in growth, but in
places the porcupine grass (Tviodia) grows luxuriantly. both on
the sand-ridges and in the valleys.

By 24th August we had a supply of provisions from Murrayville,
a township nearer the South Australian border. and the next
day our belongings were carted to a bore, 43 miles south-east
of Kow Plains. The tent was soon pitched in a snug position,
and everything made comfortable for the night. Our intention
was to stay here for a week only, but a few days’ investigation
proved bird-life to be so abundant and varied that we decided
to make a permanent camp. The first morning’s ramble in the
Mallee is one that will linger pleasantly in my memory for years.
The mallee was in blossom, and consequently the honey-eating
birds were present in thousands. The music of the birds was
wonderful. Our camp was situated on a pine ridge in virgin
country, and every morning we were awakened by the singing
of the birds.

I will now proceed to deal in order with the habits of the birds
noted during the trip. J] have included only those species which
were met with in the Kow Plains district.

Dromaius nove-hollandie. Emu.—Although this bird was not
seen, fresh tracks were noticed at Kow Plains, and also further south,
on the desert. A resident told me that his dog had chased two Emus
off the plains only half an hour before I met him.

Leipoa ocellata. Mallee-Fowl.—Judging by the large number of
old nesting-mounds which were found, these birds must have been
exceedingly numerous at one time in the district. About a dozen
new mounds were examined, but, as the season was late, no eggs had
been laid by the birds up to the time of our departure (16th October).
The first six mounds were situated thus -—No. 1.—In “‘ broom-bush ”’
and mallee, on sand-ridge, partly open on south side, acacia leaves
had been swept up in straight line from beneath a bush which was
fully 22 yards from mound. No. 2.—In “ broom-bush”’ on top of
sand-ridge, and open on west side; noticed a large amount of the
bird’s droppings in the mound. No. 3.—Mound among “ broom-
bush ’”’ and turpentine, on slope of sand-ridge ; closed in all round ;
‘““broom-bush’’ and mallee principal débyis in mound. No. 4—
Situated on slope of sand-ridge among stunted pine, mallee, and
turpentine-bush ; open on east side. No. 5.—In dense tea-tree and
“broom-bush ’’ thicket, on slope of sand-ridge ; open on south-east
and south-west sides. Débris swept up from a distance of 25 yards
in one narrow track when first seen ; later, the birds added vegetable
matter from all around the mound: acacia leaves largely used.
No. 6.-—Very poor mound, in stunted mallee and porcupine grass
(Tviodia), on slope of sand-ridge. Open on south side. Clump of
porcupine grass growing alongside mound: mallee leaves and bark
largely used. Both birds were disturbed from this mound one wet
afternoon.

We frequently saw these birds in our daily rambles, and in many
cases one would feed, while walking away from the intruder in a

Sie CHANDLER, Bird Life of Kow Plains. 35
stately manner, without evincing the slightest fear. At other times
a bird would rise with a cry of alarm, and, with rapidly-beating wings,
skim away. The favourite haunt of this species is among the
turpentine-bush. In the season the seed of this bush forms its
staple diet. The crops and gizzards of two specimens dissected were
crammed with this seed. A species of yellow fungus, which attains
large dimensions in the sandy soil, is also eaten at times. Any
palatable insect finds favour with the Mallee-Fowl, and the young
shoots of shrubs are eaten. I[n the turpentine tracts one is often
attracted by scratchings in the soil, which resemble those made by
a rabbit. These holes are scratched out by the Le/poa when in search
of ants, grubs, and so forth. After a careful examination of the
ground about a mound, it is safe to assume that the birds use their
wings to a large extent when sweeping the debris into the mound.
I took a photograph beneath an acacia, in which the wing-markings
can be clearly seen in the sand. A glance at a specimen of this
species shows that the curved wing is specially adapted for sweeping.
One of the specimens obtained had frayed quill-feathers, proving
beyond doubt that the birds use the wings for this work. The male
bird has a cooing, trisyllabic note, which was often heard when the
bird was near the female.

Geopelia tranquilla. Ground-Dove.-—A single specimen of this
species was secured. Apparently a rare bird in the district.

Phaps chaleoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon.—Although by no means
common, this species was well distributed. A nest was found on
top of a deserted Babbler’s (Pomatorhinus superciliosus) nest.

Zonifer pectoralis. Black-breasted Plover.—My father found a
nest of this bird, containing fresh eggs, near the edge of a wheat-field.
We visited the nest early on the following morning, but eggs and
bird had disappeared, with the exception of a few bits of broken shell
and feathers. There were tracks of a fox in the sand. This species
was fairly numerous in the limestone country around Kow Plains.

Cdienemus grallarius. Southern Stone-Curlew.—Heard calling on
one occasion.

Choriotis australis. Bustard.—My father reported having seen a
fairly fresh track of this species, about a mile north of the railway
line. A settler informed us that a solitary bird had been seen on
several occasions north of Kow Plains. Several persons had been
after it with guns, but they could not get near to it.

Notophoyx nove-hollandie. White-fronted Heron.—A single bird
was observed near our camp one day.

Chenopis atrata. Black Swan.—A flock of Swans passed over our
camp one evening (20th September), flying in a westerly direction.

_ Anas superciliosa. Australian Black Duck.—Two of these birds
were disturbed at the water-hole at Skeleton Hut, on the fringe of
the desert.

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant.—A_ single
bird was observed at the pool frequented by the Ducks.

Astur approximans. Australian Goshawk.—Only a pair of these
birds was seen during the trip, and the nest was found, ready for
eggs, on 14th September. By 15th October no eggs had been laid,
but a few green mallee leaves had been added to the lining of the nest.

36 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. ae iy

Accipiter torquatus. Collared Sparrow-Hawk.—Two nests, ready
for eggs, were found about a week before we left the district, but no
eges had been laid up to 15th October. Each of these nests was
built in a Murray pine and lined with green eucalypt leaves.

Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle.—This fine species is very
rare in the district, and only old nests were observed. One nest had
evidently been tenanted in the previous season.

Hieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk.—Three nests of this species
were seen. On several occasions, just at dusk, a bird would fly
swiftly through the timber, uttering loud cries. After this per-
formance the following day would invariably be windy and stormy.

Cerchneis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel.—A rare bird ; seen only on
two or three occasions.

Ninox boobook. Boobook Owl.—Seen and heard in five places.
The bird in the Mallee calls more rapidly than its representative in
Gippsland forests.

Glossopsitta porphyrocephala. Purple-crowned Lorikeet.—Wherever
the mallee gums approached any size suitable for nesting purposes,
these handsome little birds were seen in dozens. Nests were found
in every stage. Some contained fresh eggs, while others held
incubated eggs and young. Any convenient hollow is made use of,
and nests were observed at heights which varied from 5 feet to 40 feet.
It was noticed that from nearly every nest which contained eggs, if
the tree were tapped in the late morning or early afternoon, two birds
were flushed. While the breeding season was in full swing the male
birds of this species congregated in the mornings and feasted on the
nectar in the mallee blossom.

Cacatua leadbeateri. Pink Cockatoo.—A bird well distributed,
and a number of nesting-hollows were found. A curious coincidence
which we noted about the nesting of this bird was that a nest of
Barnardius barnardt was invariably found in the same or an adjacent
tree. This bird has keen ears, and will slip off the nest when one
is 50 yards or more away.

Cacatua_roseicapilla. Rose-breasted Cockatoo.— A _ flock of
*“ Galahs,’’ about two dozen birds, was observed on a few occasions
on the plains, at the end of August and early in September Later,
the birds disappeared, possibly to nest further north.

Platycercus eximius. Rosella——My father one day reported that
he had seen a pair of birds of this species about a mile north of the
railway line.

Barnardius barnardi. Ring-necked Parrot—A number of nesting
hollows of this species were chopped out. With a few exceptions,
they contained either an incomplete clutch or were being cleaned
out preparatory to egg-laying. This Parrot is noisy when about the .
nest.

Psephotus multicolor. Many-coloured Parrot.—This magnificent
bird was fairly plentiful, and several nests were chopped out, which
were ready for eggs. Two nests contained respectively four and
five eggs to the clutch. In a hollow stump a brood of five young
birds was found a few days before we broke camp. About a foot
below the Parrots’ nest, in the same hollow, a marsupial mouse had
made her neste

THe Emu, Vol. X//1.

REATE MS Nits

‘(SMOTIRIN ‘28804 sndAvpod) YANOW SOI UIBYINOS FO Sosy pure son

HYATGNVHO *D “1 Ad ‘OLOHd W WOYS

Vol. XIII. ; ; 7 j
ae CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. 37
Lathamus discolor. Swift Parrot —On oth September a flock of
Swift Parrots passed over our camp, flying in an easterly direction.

Podargus rossi. Frogmouth—Except when a nest was located,
this bird was rarely seen. The majority of nests found were built
on a horizontal fork of a small sapling. I succeeded one day in
taking a photograph of a Podargus on its nest. The bird took no
notice of the noise made by the camera shutter.

FEgotheles nove-holiandiz. Owlet-Nightjar.—Numerous hollows,
from which these birds were flushed, were chopped into before nests
containing eggs were obtained. Often tapping at the foot of a tree
will not dislodge the inmate, but should one scratch on the trunk of
the tree, in imitation of a climbing lizard, the bird will leave hurriedly.

Halcyon pyrrhopygius. Red-backed Kingfisher.—One day a settler
stated that he had shot a bird for us which was an entire stranger
to him. It proved to be a specimen of this species. Later a bird was
obtained several miles from this place.

Merops ornatus. Australian Bee-eater.—The first Bee-eaters were
heard calling on 24th September, and after that date the birds began
to arrive in flocks. No nesting operations had been started up to
the time of our departure.

Eurostopodus guttatus. Spotted Nightjar—One day we flushed
a pair of these handsome birds from the foot of a mallee sapling.
Hoping to find the nest later on, we left them undisturbed. A week
later this strip of mallee was being rolled, and the birds were not seen
again.

Cacomantis flabelliformis. Fan-tailed Cuckoo.—Found throughout
the district, but by no means common. No Cuckoo eggs were taken
on the trip.

Mesocalius osculans. Black-eared Cuckoo.—On 21st September
about twelve of these birds were seen. They had evidently just
arrived in the district, and were selecting mates.

Chalecococcyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—Seen and
heard calling on several occasions.

Chalcococcyx plagosus. Bronze-Cuckoo.—A rare bird. Its plaintive
whistle was heard only on one occasion.

Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.—A pair of Swallows had a
nest under the verandah at the home station.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Well distributed in the
tall timber. Several nests were noted in inaccessible positions. One
nest, which I chopped out, was ready for eggs. I carefully blocked
the hole which I had made, and a week later secured a set of four
fresh eggs. The nest was composed of mallee leaves. One tree
contained the nests of three pairs of birds.

Micreca assimilis. Allied Brown Flycatcher—A common species-
All the nests noted were built close to the ground.

Petroica leggii. Scarlet-breasted Robin —Noted on two occasions;
but specimens were not secured.

Petroica phenicea. Flame-breasted Robin.—Three female birds
were observed—one bird on the plains, and the other two several
miles south-east of Kow Plains. A specimen was obtained on oth
September, 1912.

38 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. Semis

Petroica goodenovii. Red-capped Robin.—A rare bird south of the
railway line. Specimens noted among Murray pines had _ well-
developed young flying.

Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robin.— Numerous in the open
timber bordering the plains, and well distributed elsewhere. I was
directed to a nest one day which contained two young ones. On the
following day I took the camera along to photograph the nest and
nestlings, but the birds had vanished. As on many other occasions,
a Raven (Corvus ausiralis) was possibly responsible for the dis-
appearance of the brood.

Smicrornis _ brevirostris. Short-billed Tree-Tit. — Exceedingly
numerous throughout the district. Although a sharp look-out was
kept for their nests, none was found.

Rhipidura albiscapa. White-shafted Fantail.—A very rare species.
Two specimens were secured, which bear a great similarity to the
Western form, R. preisst. The Mallee appears to be the eastern
limit for many of the Western aviforms.

Rhipidura motacilloides. |Black-and-White Fantail. — Common.
One bird visited the camp daily, and would enter the tent in quest
of flies.

Seisura inquieta. Restless Flycatcher.—Although often seen, by
no means a common bird.

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike.—Large flocks
of these birds arrived at Kow Plains at the end of August. By the
middle of October they had paired off, but had not started nesting
operations.

Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater. — A
single male specimen was obtained. No other birds were observed.
A. call of this. species resembles “ Peter-pete.”. The Peter yams
repeated about half a dozen times.

Cinclosoma ecastanotum. Chestnut-backed Ground-Bird. — Often
met with in sapling mallee. We had an interesting experience with
a female of this species. A nest was found on 26th September at
the foot of a mallee sapling ; it contained two young birds. When the
nestlings were handled the female came within 3 inches of us as we
knelt on the ground. At short intervals, while running round us,
the bird emitted a puffing sound, like that made by wind being blown
through pursed lips. A nest containing incubated eggs was obtained
near the end of September. These birds are fond of working over
ground where there has been a recent fire.

Drymodes brunneopygius. Scrub-Robin.—This species may be
numbered amongst the few Mallee birds which show little fear of
man. By imitating the call notes one can decoy a bird to within
a few feet of where one is standing. The principal calls resemble
“‘ Chip-pip-er-ee,’”’ ‘‘ Chip-pip-ee,’’ and ‘‘ Chip-peer-a-peet.’”’ These
notes are varied, and are sometimes uttered in a low key, the effect
being ventriloquial. Another note, used largely as a call-note, is a
long-drawn-out whistle. A note of alarm and distrust sounds
phonetically ‘‘ Charr-rrr, tuk-er-tuk-ertuk-ertuk,”’ the “ tuk-er-tuk ”’
portion being produced rapidly. This species is well distributed,
and is especially numerous where the turpentine-bush and acacia
grows. The Scrub-Robin is one of the last birds to begin calling in
the morning. The male will mount a favourite perch—in every case

ree CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. 39

an exposed limb, well above the scrub, often a dead Murray pine or
acacia—and repeat its calls, with slight variations, for some time.
Presently he will give the drawn-out note several times, as a signal
for the female to join him, and fly to the ground, still uttering this call.
Often the female does not appear until her mate has secured some-
thing edible ; then an extra appeal on his part brings her from the
nest or nesting-site, answering softly as she approaches, ‘‘ Coo-yer,
coo-yer.’’ At times this drawn-out note is also used as a warning
to the female. Both birds will now work over the ground together,
the male emitting, at intervals, some of the calls previously mentioned,
and frequently feeding his mate. In from 10 to 20 minutes the birds
begin to feed back to the starting-point. It is at this stage that the
male bird proves himself a past-master in the art of decoying.
Leaving his mate in a sheltered position, he suddenly flies across an
open space, for a distance, perhaps, of 20 yards, uttering the scolding
notes of distrust and doing everything possible to make one follow
him. The female, in the meantime, slips unnoticed to her nest by
a series of short, low flights.

With great difficulty I followed a female bird one day for fully
25 minutes. She ran behind a turpentine-bush, and the male bird
appeared on the other side about three seconds later. I thought at
the time that he was 4o or 50 yards away, at my back. The female
had vanished. Curiously enough, following on this clever perform-
ance, the male, after mounting to a lower limb of a pine tree and
calling ‘‘ Chip-pip-ee,’’ several times, flew straight to where his mate
was concealed. The female utters many of the male bird’s notes,
but in a subdued tone. Both sexes assist in constructing the nest.
A shallow hole is first made in the ground, possibly by the bird
turning around. Short, thick sticks are next placed in position
around this hole, and, finally, bark. A lining of rootlets or fine
twigs completes the nest. Many nests are built against the fallen
branch of a tree or a bush. In this case the outer edge of sticks is
built on three sides only, with a marked extension on the side opposite
the branch. Although, as mentioned, this species appears to exhibit
little fear of man, the birds resent anyone watching them building
the nest. Two nests which I found building were deserted, presum-
ably on account of my remaining too Jong in the vicinity. By
systematic search I was fortunate enough to find the new nests of
both pairs of birds. I visited one nest, which was nearly completed
when I first saw it, five days later. I could see that it was deserted,
and spent some time searching for the second nest, but without
success. I returned on the following day, and, after a short search,
found the nest, which contained a fresh egg.

The female will allow one to approach within a few feet before she
starts from the nest. It is a certain sign that a nest is not far away
should a female be noticed regarding one intently —without moving—
for several minutes. Unlike her mate, the female does not practise
to any extent the art of decoying. The birds make little demonstra-
tion while an intruder is at the nest. The female will approach to
within a few feet and look inquiringly into one’s face. When first
disturbed she may utter a scolding note, but after that remains
silent. Should the stranger retire a few paces, she goes to the nest
fearlessly. After the examination of a large number of nests, old
and new, it was found that the favourite situation was on the ground,
under a turpentine-bush. Other nests were placed—also on the
ground—among débris at the foot of mallee saplings, ‘‘ broom-

40 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Platins. ae

bushes,’”’ &c., while in a few cases the nest was built a few inches off
the ground, on a heap of sticks. Several old nests were found in
the area frequented by a pair of birds. The Scrub-Robin moves over
the ground in a succession of runs and hops, and has a habit of
flicking the wings and tail at times much like a Petroitca. The bird,
when feeding reminds one of the Ground-Thrush (Oveocincla
lunulata\ It has the same quick action in tossing the earth aside
with its bill when after a grub, and jumping back, with apparent
nervousness, before renewing the attack. A small white grub.
which they are very adept at extracting from the ground, is one of
the chief items of diet On one occasion I saw a bird fly about 2 feet
into the air and capture a passing insect A curious habit which this
species has, when perched, is to glance at the ground below it with
its head first on one side and vice versd, as though watching an
insect. While perched the tail is often raised and lowered with a
slow motion. One nest was found containing a newly-hatched
chick. The chick is born naked and blind, with skin of a dark brown
colour; gape cream.

Hylacola cauta. Red-rumped Ground-Wren.—This little songster
looks very pretty as it hops perkily over the ground. with tail erect.
The nest is hard to find. One nest contained three fledgelings.

Pomatorhinus superciliosus. White-browed Babbler. — Very
plentiful. Nests in all stages were noted. One pair built several
nests near our tent. The first nest, which they deserted after much
chatter, was built a few feet from the tent door, and was situated
amongst branches which had been placed in position as a breakwind.
I thought that the notes of this bird were slightly different from those
of the same species in the Melton district, Victoria.

Calamanthus campestris. Field-Wren.—On the salt-bush plains
surrounding the copi hillocks, north of the railway line, a few pairs
of birds of this species were observed. Mr. Gregory Mathews has
described a bird from this locality as C. howet. The birds are
extremely wary, and T had trouble to secure a specimen. Judging
by the condition of one specimen which I dissected, the nesting
period would have begun about the end of October.

Cineclorhamphus cruralis. Brown Song-Lark.—A single bird ob-
served north of the railway line.

Ephthianura albifrons. White-fronted Bush-Chat.— Noticed in
different localities. A nest ready for eggs was found in a salt-bush,
but a week later it had wanished, together with the birds.

Ephthianura aurifrons. Orange-fronted Bush-Chat.—Half a dozen
pairs of birds of this beautiful species were noted in the salt-bush
country a few days before we broke camp. A nest containing eggs
was found on the ground in a salt-bush. It contained two eggs when
first seen, and a set of three eggs was taken later, The male bird
was flushed off the nest on both occasions.

Acanthiza pygmea. Fairy Tit-Warbler —While having dinner one
day at the dam at Skeleton Hut—a sheet of water about 8 miles south-
east of Kow Plains railway station—we were attracted by the strange
notes of some birds in a pine tree above our heads. I secured three
specimens, and concluded that the species was A. nana. A few days
previously my father had noticed a pair of these birds among some
open timber on Kow Plains. This bird—since described as a new

Tha
Brat
me

BR Figs
Tans

THE Emu, Vol. XIII. PEATE Vin

Nest (2 situ) of Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren (Hylacola cauta).

FROM PHOTOS. BY L. G. GHANDLER.

Vol. XIII.
1913

CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. AI
sub-species by Mr. A. W. Milligan (vide Emu, vol. xii., p. 167)—
was only observed on these occasions.

Acanthiza pyrrhopygia. Red-rumped Tit-Warbler.—This rare bird
was occasionally seen. It frequents the low mallee, and moves rapidly
from branch to branch when feeding. On account of the lateness
of the season, the species had not started nesting operations by the
middle of October. We heard a bird imitating the calls of the Fan-
tailed and Bronze Cuckoos in a low tone.

Acanthiza uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Tit-Warbler.—In the
Murray pine forests we frequently met with this species. The birds
were observed in small flocks in September, but had split up into
pairs by October. Three nests, ready for eggs, were found about
the middle of October. In each case the nest was placed in a hollow
stump or tree.

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa. Yellow-tailed Tit-Warbler.—Fairly plenti-
ful in the disttict.

Pyrrholemus brunneus. Redthroat.—A rare species. Has a
pleasing song.

Malurus melanotus. Black-backed Wren-Warbler.—Plentiful among
the turpentine-bushes. Most of the male Maluri noted during the
trip did not regain their nuptial plumage until October. None of
the Wren-Warblers had started to nest.

Malurus cyanotus. White-winged Wren-Warbler.—A pair of these
birds was seen in the salt-bush, the male in immature plumage. This
species has a very distinctive note:

Malurus assimilis. Purple-backed Wren-Warbler.—This elegant
bird was often seen in company with M. melanotus, and the two
species appeared to be on friendly terms.

Amytornis striata. Striated Grass-Wren.—I spent a considerable
amount of time in the porcupine-grass (Triodia) tracts, systematically
searching for the nest of the Grass-Wren, but it was not until within
a few days of leaving the district that I found two nests containing
eggs and a nest in course of construction. The nests were well
hidden in the heart of porcupine grass, and could be seen only by
looking closely into the clump. I saw an Amytornis one day
apparently of a uniform brown colour. Although I visited this
locality frequently, I did not see the bird again.

Artamus superciliosus. White-browed Wood-Swallow.—A_ large
flock of Wood-Swallows passed over the camp on goth September,
flying in an easterly direction. They stopped for a few minutes in
a flowering mallee, and were busy extracting the nectar from the
flowers. The flock was composed of A. superciliosus and A. personatus
A week or two later a flock of these birds settled near camp to nest.
Within a few days nests were to be seen on top of every available
stump

Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow.—See note to previous
species.

Attamus sordidus. Wood-Swallow.—A stationary species. Speci-
mens were observed when we arrived at Kow Plains.

Colluricincla harmonica. Grey Shrike-Thrush—One of the first
things to attract our attention was the marked difference in the notes
of this bird when compared with the notes of the species around

42 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. ee

Melbourne. I felt convinced that an examination of the two types
would prove the Mallee bird to be a new species. However, Mr.
A. J. Campbell, to whom the skins were submitted for comparison,
states that they do not differ in plumage. Several nests were found.

Grallina picata. Pied Grallina.—Rare ; two or three pairs observed.

Gymnorhina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie.— A common bird.
Several nests were found each containing two eggs, and one which
held three heavily-incubated eggs. A number of hybrids between
G. tibicen and G. leuconota were seen at different times on the plains.

Gymnorhina leuconota. White-backed Magpie.—Rare. See note
to previous species.

Cracticus destructor. Collared Butcher-Bird.—Another bird whose
notes differ slightly from those of the Southern form. All the nests
noted were built in Murray pines.

Oreoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird.—Building ; nests of the Bell-
Bird, in course of construction, were found about the middle of
October, and also nests containing young.

Pachycephala meridionalis. Southern Whistler—On any ridge
where the mallee or tea-tree was covered with a growth of parasitical
dodder we met with specimens of this bird. At the same time, the
species is by no means plentiful. The nest in every case was placed
in dodder. On one occasion a male bird was found breeding in
immature plumage.

Pachycephala rufiventris. Rufous-breasted Whistler—The beauti-
ful song of this bird was heard at times. It is a vava avis among the
Pachycephala of Kow Plains.

Pachycephala gilberti. Gilbert Whistler—A common form. Several
nests were built on old Babblers’ (Pomatorhinus superciliosus) nests.
The male bird assists in building the nest, and also in the work of
incubation. The bird is very tame. FP. gilberti has a variety of
notes. Those which are freely used resemble ‘“‘ Rath-u, rath-u’’ and
“U-rath, u-rath.’”’ A note sometimes given sounds phonetically like
““ Tce-cream.”’

Pachycephala rufogularis. Red-throated Whistler.— One day
(20th September), while on the fringe of the desert, in some porcupine
erass (Tviodia\), I heard the call of a Whistler which resembled
slightly that of P. gilberti, but still was distinct. I raced through
the porcupine grass at full speed, for the call of the bird was growing
fainter. Presently, about 80 yards ahead, I caught a glimpse of the
bird, and was satisfied that it was larger than P. gilberti. For three
or four minutes I followed it, guided by the call, through dense
sapling mallee and porcupine grass. Suddenly I saw the form of a
bird move in the leaves of a mallee sapling ahead. I took a quick
snapshot, and a few seconds later had the pleasure of handling a
perfect male specimen of P. rufogularis. The next thing was to find
the female bird and nest ; but, although often in this neighbourhood,
I never obtained another glimpse of this rare species.

Eopsaltria australis. Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin.—One morning
we heard a bird-call a few times about a quarter of a mile from camp,
which sounded exactly like notes uttered by this bird. A close
search failed to reveal further evidence.

Aphelocephala leucopsis. Whiteface—Common on the plains.

THe Emu, Vol. XIII.

PEATE IX:

Nest of Striped Honey-Eater (Plectorhyncha lanceolata).

FROM A PHOTO, BY L. G. CHANDLER,

ates CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. 43

Neositta pileata. Black-capped Tree-runner.—Found in the pine
forests. Small flocks of from six to a dozen birds were sometimes
seen.

Climacteris scandens. Brown Tree-creeper.—Abundant. The Tree-
creepers spend much time hopping on the ground.

Zosterops dorsalis. White-eye.—On one occasion a small flock of
these birds was observed feasting on the nectar from the mallee
blossoms.

Pardalotus striatus. Red-tipped Pardalote.— A very common
species. Dozens of nests were found in hollow trees, but it was too
early for eggs. Both sexes assist in constructing the nest.

Pardalotus xanthopygius. Yellow-rumped Pardalote.— Over a
dozen nesting-tunnels of this species were opened out, but, with two
exceptions, it was too early for eggs. The bird is similar to P.
punctatus in its habits and calls.

Melithreptus leucogenys. Western Brown-headed Honey-eater.—
Common. One nest, ready for eggs, was found in a mallee sapling
on 8th October. A week later the nest was pulled about and the eggs
were lying broken on the ground.

Plectorhyneha lanceolata. Striped Honey-eater.— A common
species. These shy birds frequented the pine forests to a large
extent, and their nests were found suspended at the ends of pine
branches. They made a great din in the morning, and their noisy
notes were often heard through the day.

Glyciphila fulvifrons. Tawny-crowned Honey-eater.—These birds
were seen in hundreds, and their sweet notes were heard on all sides.
While searching for nests of the Amytornis, dozens of old nests of
this species were found in the porcupine grass, and a few new nests.

Glyeiphila albifrons. White-fronted Honey-eater——Very common.
The favourite situation for the nest of this songster is among the
dead growth at the foot of a clump of dwarf mallee. Nests were also
found in the porcupine grass and in turpentine-bushes.

Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater.—Occasionally seen on the
plains. One call of this bird resembles a note of P. leucotts.

Ptilotis nove-noreie. Western White-eared Honey-eater. — A
common bird in the district I mistook it for P. lJeucotis, but Mr.
A. J. Campbell places it as the Western form. JI could trace no
difference in the notes of this bird, and the nest is similar in every
respect to that of P. /eucotis. The eggs appear to be smaller. They
are pugnacious birds, and savagely drive any intruding bird from
the vicinity of the nest.

Ptilotis cratitia. Purple-gaped Honey-eater.—The favourite haunt
of this species is among a species of dwarf acacia. All the nests which
we found were situated in this acacia. P. cratitia is a noisy bird. It
constantly utters a chattering call. About 200 yards from camp the
birds were exceedingly numerous in the blossoming mallee.

Ptilotis ornata’) Yellow-plumed Honey-eater.—This is the common
Honey-eater of the Mallee. The birds are to be seen literally in
thousands. Dozens of nests were found, in most cases situated in
the mallee leaves.

Ptilotis penicillata. White-plumed Honey-eater— A few days
before we left the district I saw a species of Péilotis building a nest

44 CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains. Ran

near the homestead at Kow Plains, and subsequently obtained four
specimens. The birds are lighter in colour than a typical P.
pentcillata, and the legs and feet are more slender. Two of the
specimens are male birds, and several yellow feathers extend beyond
the white plume in both. The notes appeared to differ also from
those of P. penicillata.

Meliornis nove-hollandiew. White-bearded Honey-eater.—On 23rd
August a flock of these birds, numbering several dozen, was observed,
and odd pairs were often seen during the trip. The notes of the
Mallee bird differ from those of the Melioynis around Melbourne.

Myzantha melanotis. Black-eared Miner.—We found this species
very plentiful in the dense sapling mallee south-east of Kow Plains.
They search for their food on the ground, to a large extent, and, after
feeding in one place for a few minutes, fly through the scrub for 50
or 100 yards before settling again. On a few occasions I watched
individuals searching for insects under the bark of mallee saplings.
One of the farmers brought me a set of two eggs of this species the day
before we broke camp, but they were too heavily incubated to make
into specimens. Up to this time the majority of the birds was still
in flocks.

Myzanutha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner.—A few pairs of birds
of this species frequented the open timber on Kow Plains. On 14th
October a nest was found containing newly-hatched young, and a
nest in course of construction was noted.

Anthochera carunculata. Red Wattle-Bird.— Common. A re-
markably shy bird.

Acanthogenys' rufigularis. Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater. — These
noisy birds were observed in hundreds. Most of them were preparing
to nest about the middle of October. Two pairs nested close to
camp, in mallee gums. I watched one bird nest-building. The
female alone was doing the work. The male frequently flew near
her while she was flying to and from the nest. In the intervals he
would perch in a pine tree, close to the nesting-site, and utter his
gurgling notes. At times he made a curious flight into the air,
emitting a loud chattering call the while, then floated on outstretched
wings back to the pine tree. Perhaps on his return he would savagely
chase a Graceful Honey-eater out of the neighbourhood.

Anthus australis. Australian Pipit.—Fairly numerous on the salt-
bush plains.

Corvus australis. Raven.—Common. Several nests containing two
young birds were examined.

Strepera melanoptera. Black-winged Bell-Magpie. — This _ bird,
although well distributed, was not common. It is very shy, though
there are exceptions to the rule. We often disturbed a bird feeding
on the ground in thick mallee. It would rise hurriedly and fly away,
uttering its musical notes. Nests containing eggs, and in various
stages of building, were found. The height of the nest from the
ground varied from 15 feet to 35 feet.

Corcorax melanorhamphus. White-winged Chough. — Common.
A nest was found composed wholly of cattle droppings. Under one
nest I noticed a hole in the ground ; the birds had undoubtedly used

THE Emu, Vol. XIIT.

BEATE S x:

fest and Eggs of Yellow-plumed Honey-eater (Ptilotis ornaia).

+

Nest and Eggs of White-fronted Honey-eater (Glyciphila albifrons).

FROM PHOTOS. BY L. G. CHANDLER.

*
a
¥
‘
,
n¥

Vol. XIII. CHANDLER, Bird-Life of Kow Plains: 45

1913

the earth from this place to build the nest. As there was no water
in the vicinity, they must have moistened the earth with saliva.

On 13th October we broke camp at the bore, and made a
temporary camp at Kow Plains. We left for Melbourne three
days later. Our thanks are due to the residents of the district
for the kindly manner in which they assisted us in our work. I
must also thank Mr. A. J. Campbell for his help in naming a few
of the birds with which I was not familiar. All the birds, eggs,
and nests collected during the trip are in the collection of Mr.
Henry L. White, Belltrees, New South Wales.

Field Notes on Some Rallinze.
By (Miss) J. A. FLETCHER, R.A.O.U., SPRINGFIELD (TASMANIA).

AN ornithologist passing through this district and viewing it
superficially would probably consider it an unprofitable field for
investigation. My closer association, however, shows it to be
otherwise, its varied bird-life being intensely interesting, but in
this paper I shall confine myself to a few remarks upon the Lewin
or Slate-breasted Rail and Crakes.

The swampy growth of some of the marshy depressions appears
to be a stronghold of these birds, and I have identified the
following :—Slate-breasted Rail (Hypotenidia brachypus), Spotted
Crake (Porzana fluminea), Little Crake (P. palustris), and Spotless
Crake (P. immaculata). Of the first-named my sister and I found
many nests, but all nests found of the others were either after-
wards deserted by their owners or perhaps robbed by snakes,
which haunt these swamps, and add somewhat to the excitement
of field-work.

Whilst searching through one of these places, towards the end of
October, I came upon a small saucer-shaped nest in the centre of a
reed-clump. The nest was composed of tiny pieces of reeds bitten
into lengths. It was old, and traces of water-rats were in it. The
same day I also discovered two nests under drooping clumps of
grass. They resembled miniature Native-Hen (7ribonyx) nests.
Footprints of birds were visible in the mud, and also tracks or runs
through the reeds and cresses. No birds were seen, and subsequent
visits showed the nests untouched. On the afternoon of 4th
November my sister and I were sitting on the bank watching the
swampy creek, which lay some 5 feet below us. A Crake call
rung out, and presently a pair of birds was seen quietly feeding on
the cresses. I turned the glasses on them, and saw that they were
the Spotless Crake, their bright red eyes glancing to and fro.
Soon afterwards we heard a “ purring’ sound, and noticed another
bird close under the bank with a black chick following her. We
saw her pull a grub from the bank and give it to the little one.
After a while another chick came into view. The little ones were

46 FLETCHER, Field Noles on Some Ralline. ae

black, with blackish beak, and appeared to have a few white spots
on the back. The hen wandered further on, then gave some
grunting sounds before she led the baby birds over an open space
of shallow water. They crossed this in an attitude of fear, and
one little fellow was in such a hurry that he struck a stick, and
thus turned a complete somersault in the water. At his cry of
alarm the mother rushed back, and the glasses confirmed my
opinion that she was a Little Crake (P. palustris). After they had
gone we searched the swamp, and my sister found a new nest of
a Crake, exactly similar to the one of bitten reeds. No eggs were
ever seen in it.

Later on, in November, whilst watching for birds in the same
creek, though higher up, I saw a Crake with three young. The
mother made a noise resembling water pouring from a bottle,
whilst the chicks answered “‘ Peep peep,’’ and kept close to cover,
only running to their mother when she grunted and apparently fed
them. She glanced up at a white moth which settled on a reed,
saw me, and the family disappeared. I could not make out
whether she gave the chicks insects or pieces of the cress amongst
which she was searching. So far I have had no other opportunity for
studying the life-history of the Crakes. Several times the Spotless
Crake was flushed from a nest it had made, and in which it was
fond of sitting towards evening. I never saw eggs in this nest,
and I have come to the conclusion that this was a dummy nest,
and that perhaps the real one was a little further away. Two
other nests were found, but apparently robbed. Bush-rats also
frequent these swamps and live in the many logs which intersect the
morass. The female of the Spotless Crake whilst running makes a
noise like the ‘* puff, puff, puff’’ of a motor-car. In fact, I have
been asked the proper name of the little ‘‘ motor-car birds.” The
male answers with a squeaky grunt.

I had more success with the Lewin (Slate-breasted) Rail. These
birds begin their sentinel calling early in August, and any intruder
near the swamp is warned off by a loud metallic *‘ Tick, tick, tick.”
I observed that in the early morning and towards evening they
generally feed near their nests, and the calls then are a very good
guide to its locality. Should the female be on or near the nest
when the male calls, she will answer with a noise resembling the
deep purring sound of acat. As soon as the rustling reeds betray
the presence of an intruder she slips off her nest and is away.
Several times, though, the bird hid at the foot of the nesting
clump and once against my sister’s boot. I could not discover if
both birds assisted with the nest-building, though I gained some
idea of the time taken in its construction, unless the birds have
been robbed, when they rapidly construct another home, generally
only a few yards away.

‘On the 18th August a partly made nest was found with the
slightest attempt at an overhead covering. Near was last year’s
nest, containing egg-shell fragments, and also the skull of a Rail
upon it. A week later more material had been added and the

Vol. XIII. FLETCHER, Field Notes on Some Ralline. 47
1913

working tracks were showing plainly in the reeds. By 31st
August two eggs were laid, and the clutch completed in two
more days. This bird laid her eggs at mid-day; so did another
which nested in the school swamp. I took the clutch above, and
the birds rebuilt a few feet away and reared their brood.
This swampy creek was a great resort of these Rails, and about
a mile further down its course four other nests were found with
full clutches. The nests were placed in tussocks, and their heights
ranged in position from a foot to 3 feet above the water or mud.
One nest was placed 4 feet high in a tangle of reeds and dead
branches. Under this nest was another lower down, and a Wren
also built in the same clump. Were all inhabited at once ?
A swampy creek runs through the play-ground, and, in spite of

the noise of the school children, it is a great haunt of the Rail
and Spotless Crake. The latter was flushed many times, and three
nests were found, but they were either not used or were pillaged.
The Rails nested freely, and one was found sitting on five eggs in a
clump not 5 feet from the edge of the play-ground, whichruns to the
‘swamp. In fact, when playing hide-and-seek, some scholars hid
close to the bird, and several times when a cricket ball was lost I
have been afraid the searchers would unwittingly destroy the home.
I broke one of the eggs, and reckoned the hen had been sitting four
days, so, allowing three weeks for incubation, I concluded the chicks
would be out by 7th November. This bird was remarkably tame,
and would stay on the nest whilst the reeds above her were parted,
and twice allowed her back to be touched. All was well until the
3rd of November, when some creature stole two eggs, but she
continued sitting. The evening the chicks were due to be hatched
I looked at the nest, but the eggs were cold. I left them, and a
few days afterwards broke one. It contained a fully-developed
chicken with the beak ina position to chip the shell. The tiny
creature was clothed in black down; its bill was black, and it had
greyish-white legs. I returned to the nest for the other egg, but it
had gone. Twenty days afterwards a second nest was found near,
_ and the hen was sitting on five eggs.

Another bird I watched was incubating two eggs, but these were
found to be addled. The bird left them of her own accord. Yet
another pair successfully hatched a brood in a nest built in a
gutter by the wayside, just 3 feet from the road, down which a
constant stream of traffic passed.

Occasionally Slate-breasted Rails are met with some distance
from water. I presume they are travelling from one swamp to
another. The last brood of young ones evidently remain with
their parents during the autumn. A pair in the school swamp still
(April) have their chicks following them, and warn them should
danger threaten. I stood on a log the other evening and was
immediately challenged by the male bird; below me in the rushes
the hen answered, then the little ones replied, and as I listened I
heard the faint splash of water, the rustlings of a few reeds, and
the family disappeared.

48 Stray Feathers. ee

Stray Feathers.

Great Flight of Swifts.—In February, 1906, when I was at Port
Keats, Northern Territory, I observed an enormous number of
Spine-tailed Swifts (Chetura caudacuta) migrating. They came
from the south-east and were heading north-west. The flock
appeared to be about 200 yards in width, and maintained an almost
continuous column for about six hours. I had never seen these
birds there previously, nor did there seem to be any stragglers, as
none was to be seen next day. Inquiry from the aborigines
elicited the information that these flights had often been seen
before, but they could not tell which way the birds returned.—F.

L. GopFREY. Darwin.
a *

Do Variations in Seasons Affect the Size of Eggs ?—Although my
collection of eggs contains many thousand specimens, all of which
have been carefully measured, I have only lately noticed a case of
variation in size occasioned, I presume, by a change in season. I
refer to eggs of Chlamydera maculata. In IgtI, a season of
drought, I secured with difficulty a few sets from a certain locality,
my collector’s observations, however, pointing to the fact that at
times the birds bred very freely there. In 1912, a season of plenty,
I obtained a large number of clutches from the same locality, some
of them apparently laid by the same birds that were robbed
during rg11. All the eggs collected in 1912 show a marked increase
in size compared with those of 1911, the averages in inches being
1.45 X 1.03 for Ig11 and 1.55 x 1.05 for 1g12. It is well known
that in favourable seasons many birds lay more eggs to the clutch
than they do in bad seasons, but the question as to whether the
size of the egg also varies has, I believe, not been previously raised.
As an illustration of the effects of a good season upon the number
of eggs to the clutch, I note the following :—Up to 1912 I con-
sidered three or four eggs a full clutch for Gymnorhina dorsalts, of
south-western Australia ; in the remarkably favourable spring of
1912 I received particulars of no less than six clutches of five eggs
each. While on the subject of the eggs of G. dorsalis, my
observation of a very large number of eggs goes to prove the
correctness of Mr. A. J. Campbell’s statement (‘‘ Nests and Eggs,”’
page 296) that they vary less than others of the family. Can it
be that the Western bird is the older and purer species, and
therefore produces eggs more true to type >—H. L. WuiteE. Bell-
trees, N.S.W., 1/6/13.

*

Descriptions of New Eggs.—Mirafra rufescens. Ingram.—Clutch,
four eggs ; surface of shell smooth and glossy, minutely pitted all
over; roundish or swollen oval in shape. Ground colour dull
greyish or creamy white, well marked all over with minute splashes
of pale brown and lilac, those of the latter being somewhat
indistinct, and appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell.

‘Ge cles Stray Feathers. 49
Out of nine clutches the set described appears to be the most
typical, both as regards colour and shape. The eggs of the series
vary in shape and ground colour, as well as the general disposition
of the markings. Some are pointed ovals, with a pale bluish-white
ground ; others are very heavily blotched with umber and pale lilac.
The type clutch measures :—(a@) 0.75 x 0.61, (0) 0.75 x 0.61, (c) 0.73
x 0.61, (d) 0.73 x 0.61. They were collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard,
at Brunette Downs, Northern Territory, 3rd April, 1913.

Ptilotis forresti (Ingram).—Clutch, two eggs ; surface of shell fine
and slightly glossy ; oval in shape. Ground colour pale pinkish-
buff, becoming very much darker on the apex, where a cap is
formed, and here are scattered a few indistinct markings of very
pale brown and lilac, the latter appearing as if beneath the shell.
The eggs closely resemble those of Ptilotis sonora, except that they
are smaller. They measure in inches :—(a@) 0.78 x 0.57; (b) 0.80 x
0.58; against an average of nine eggs of P. sonora—o.89 x 0.66.
The eggs belong to a Cuckoo combination clutch, having been
found with one egg of Cuculus pallidus, and were collected by Mr.
H. G. Barnard, at Brunette Downs, Northern Territory, 5th
March, 1913.

Myzantha melanocephala crassirostris (North Queensland Miner).
—For years past collectors in North Queensland informed me of a
Miner which differed from our southern species, but they were
unable to obtain specimens. The eggs described were obtained in
1909, but were placed aside pending identification of the bird. Mr
G. M. Mathews has since named the sub-species as above. Clutch,
three eggs; oval in shape; surface of shell smooth and slightly
glossy ; texture fine. Ground colour very pale salmon, marked
with small spots and specks, particularly at the larger end, of
reddish-chestnut and purplish-grey, the markings forming a cap
at the larger end. The clutch measures in inches :—(a) 1.12
mos 7, (0) Lbex« 0.76;.(c) 1.15 x 0.77. Collected, by Mr. Geo.
Sharp, on the Herberton Range, North Queensland, 23rd Novem-
ber, 1909. Two other clutches from the same locality measure: —
(I) (a) 0.98 x 0.69, (b) 0.93 xX 0.72; (2) (@) 0.97 x 0.73, (0) 0.93
x 0.71.—H. L. Wuite. Belltrees, N.S.W., 1/6/13.

* * *

Springfield (Tasmania) Notes.—Gang-Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon
galeatum).—A flock of these birds visited this district several times
this year. They appear to have their home in mountain ranges to
the south-east. One bird was either attacked by some bird or
shot at, as some of its feathers were lying on the road. They were
soft, downy, red feathers, blood-stained at the base.

Scrub-Tit (Acanthornis magna).—Last season I discovered that
this bird is an inhabitant of the dense scrubs on our mountain
slopes. Three nests were given to me. One had been blown
down in a gale. The second was found when the bird was sitting
on three eggs. When I asked for these the nest had been robbed.
The bird rebuilt, but the two eggs laid were poorly coloured.

50 Stray Feathers. ae

Emu-Wren (Stipiturus malachurus).—The Emu-Wrens mentioned
in my article, page 169, vol. xiil., of The Emu, safely reared their
young. As soon as the little ones were able to take care of them-
selves the parents, or rather female bird, built another nest, and was
sitting by 27th November on three eggs. The nest was not far
from the former one. This seems to show that these birds rear
more than one brood in the year. It puzzles me where the young
ones afterwards go. They appear to stay with their parents until
March and then to be driven off. I also noticed that the Emu-
Wren sometimes lays two eggs only, having on 30th November
and 3rd December respectively found a bird sitting on that
number. On latter date three young were found as well. They
were about five days old, and had little room in their tiny home.
I tried an experiment to see if the Emu-Wrens would rear Tits
(Acanthiza), and on 17th December took the eggs from the former
and placed a clutch of the latter in their place. The Wren con-
tinued sitting until the roth, when the eggs disappeared. At the
beginning of February last the same pair was seen with fledgelings
following them, so, late as the season was, they must have rebuilt.

Long-tailed Wren (Malurus gouldi).— In this district Wrens
moult very early, commencing in January, the earliest I have
noted so far for any district. This has occurred for three years in
succession, so must be a general rule. By May the birds are nearly
fully feathered, anda few examples are quite so, and are very
merry.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis), Pallid Cuckoo
(Cuculus pallidus).—Several of these birds are still with us (roth
May), in spite of the last fortnight being a succession of heavy
frosts in the morning. Last winter a few remained right through
the cold season. The want of knowledge among country folk is
astonishing. In March a parcel was sent to me by a local
resident with a message to the effect that the bird inside was a
very rare Hawk, one seldom seen. It was shot because it had
been trying to get the pet canaries. The parcel contained a young
Pallid Cuckoo in its whitish stage of feathering. No wonder the
Hawk was rarely seen! Last week I saw a Ground-Lark (Anthus),
and heard a Graucalus. They, too, have lingered late, and are
generally gone by May.

Wattle-Birds (Anthochera inauris).—A flock of 30 Wattle-Birds
came up from the banksian coastal district, and spent a month
here, when the blackberries and apples were ripe. They have
apparently now returned to the warmer coastal district.

The Hill Bell-Magpie (Strepera arguta) likewise descended on the
orchards, destroying many apples. ‘The birds suffered severely
from the guns of the orchard-owners.

Brown Quail (Synotcus diemenensis).—Early in March a farmer
found eight young Brown Quail weak from starvation. They were
in the grain paddock, but had evidently lost their parents. He
took them home and tried to feed them, but they died that
evening. A pair of Quail nested in the school swamp, and have

Vol. XIII.
< cee Stvay Feathers: Sys

reared nine young. The whole family come into the school garden,
and the other morning were round the house door-step feeding in
the grass and amongst the young cabbages.—(Miss) J. A.
FLETCHER. Springfield, Tasmania, 10/5/13.

From Magazines, &c.

Early History of the Australian Cassowary.—Records of the
Australian Museum, vol. x., No. 4, 1gth April, 1913, consists of
Notes on the Early History of the Australian Cassowary (Casuarius
australis), by Alfred J. North, C.M.Z.S., C.M.B.O.U., ornithologist.
He states that the existence of a Cassowary inhabiting Australia
was first made known in 1849 by the late Mr. Wm. Carron,
botanist to the Kennedy Expedition from Rockingham Bay to
Cape York. Carron, in his “ Narrative,” 4th November, 1848,
writes :—‘‘ This morning Jackey went to examine a scrub through
which we wanted to pass, and while out shot a fine Cassowary ;
it was very dark and heavy, not so long in the leg as the common
Emu, and had. a larger body, shorter neck, with a large, red, stiff,
horny comb on its head. Mr. Wall skinned it; but, from the
many difficulties with which he had to contend, the skin was
spoiled before it could be properly preserved.’’ The subsequent
history of knowledge of the species is dealt with in an interesting

manner.
** ** *

The Passenger Pigeon. — Bird-Lore for March-April, 19713,
contains several interesting articles dealing with the Passenger
Pigeon of North America, and a series of unique photographic
illustrations showing the adult birds, young, and so forth. The
photographs were obtained by Mr. J. G. Hubbard at Woods
Hall, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1898, and represent birds
in the aviary of Dr. C. O. Whitman. The Passenger Pigeon is
doomed to extinction, as only one living specimen, in the Cincinnati
Zoological Gardens, is known to exist. The Passenger Pigeon
is a lengthened and elegant species, about 15 or 16 inches in
total length. The general colour of the upper surface is greyish-
blue, the region of the hind neck being iridescent with gold,
emerald-green, and crimson. Throat, breast, and sides are light
brown, the rest of the under parts being pure white. Eyes bright
red, bill black, and feet pinkish-purple complete an exquisite
figure.

Under the caption, ‘‘A Vanished Race,’’ Mr. Moritz Fischer
gives an account of the Passenger Pigeon. Writing of what has
long passed away, he says :—‘‘ About 1840, professional catchers
began to operate on the flocks. By degrees they bettered the
older methods. of luring and taking. The chief contrivance
universally employed consisted of a capacious net, which could be
quickly dropped over a bed baited with salt, mud, or grain, and

Emu
tst July

52 From Magazines, &c.
to which the Pigeons were attracted by imitation of their call
or by the voices of captive mates serving as decoys. By 1870
the netters had much increased in numbers. The register book
of Pigeoners in Wisconsin lists some five hundred names of
persons engaged in this unholy traffic at about this time. The
business of locating, killing, and marketing the birds was now
thoroughly systematized, and assumed ominous proportions.
Invading the winter home of the flocks, which so far had escaped
their marauding expeditions, the Pigeoners raided through the
cold seasons. Tracking the birds to the breeding range, they con-
tinued their nefarious operations in the great nestings, sparing
neither the brooding mates nor their young. The unfortunately
merely reminiscent accounts of some of the active participants
in the forays of those days were brought together by Mershon in
his valuable book on the Passenger Pigeon. . . . The netters
describe the remunerative business they followed. and frequently
give estimates of the seasonal yield. Averaging these fairly
reliable data, we find that the catch for the decade 1866-1876
amounted to more than 10,000,000 Pigeons per year. This number
represents shipments only. The birds used in the camps, those
taken by farmers and Indians, and the vast numbers killed
accidentally in the overcrowded rookeries, probably exceeded
2,000,000 more. Excepting a negligible quantity of squabs, these
12,000,000 were brooding birds, and their death involved that
of the nestlings. This annual and terrific loss suffered by the race,
made irreparable by the break in the sequence of generations due
‘to the fiendish destruction of the young, swiftly led to the in-
evitable end. Jae

‘A small number of birds outlived the dissolution of the last
flocks. Dispersed in couples, in bands of five or more, or as
solitary individuals, these were sighted at rare intervals throughout
the former breeding range during the nineties. A dozen or so
bred near the head-waters of the Au Sable River in 1896. It is
the last known nesting. With the beginning of the new century
trustworthy records cease, and there is but little doubt that its
first years witnessed the passing away of the hapless descendants
of a favoured race.”

Albert Hazen Wright contributes to Bird-Lore some historical
records of the Passenger Pigeon, indicating the almost incredible
size of the flocks in the days when the birds were but little
persecuted. The early colonists of America speak of the Pigeons
on migration as having darkened the sky like locusts ; there were
‘millions and millions of birds.’’ In the Pigeon-roosts the sight
was wonderful. The boughs of the trees were often broken down
by the weight of the nests built upon them. Two hundred birds
were taken from a single tree. FE. H. Forbush writes of the last
Passenger Pigeon—a female. Stories, the author states, have
been published to the effect that the Pigeons migrated to South
America or Australia. The absurdity of the assertion as regards
Australia, at least, is sufficiently apparent. The story of the

Vol. XIII. .
oo. From Magazines, &c. 53

Passenger Pigeon should act as a warning to us in Australasia ;
many of our birds are threatened with a similar fate, notably
the fine New Zealand Pigeon and the Nutmeg Pigeon of
Queensland.

Astonishing accounts of the multitudes (beyond computation)
of these wild Pigeons, and of scenes in bygone days, from the
original writings of Peter Kahn (1759) and John James Audubon
(1831) are reprinted in “The Smithsonian Report for rgr1I,”’
pp- 407-424, which may be found in the chief public libraries of
the metropoli of the Commonwealth, as well as in the library of
the R.A.O.U.

* * *

«Austral Avian Record.’’—This little publication (a 24-page
journal, demy 8vo) has reached issue ‘No. 8,” which completes
volume i.

The journal is ‘‘ devoted primarily to the study of Australian
avifauna,’ and Mr. Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S. (Edin.), &c., is
the editor and chief contributor. Such a journal should interest
Australian students much. In looking through its pages one
finds chiefly ‘‘ Notes, Additions, and Corrections’’ by the author
for reference, anticipating his greater work on ‘“ The Birds of
Australia.”” However, Nos. 6 and 7 (combined issue) are of
great historic interest to Australians on account of an article by
Mr. Gregory M. Mathews and Dr. Witmer Stone, of America, as
collaborators, entitled “A List of the Species of Australian Birds
described by John Gould, with the Location of the Type-
Specimens.”’

The writers state that details of the sale of Gould’s collection of
Australian birds to Dr. Wilson, of Philadelphia, are mentioned in
the late Dr. Bowdler Sharpe’s ‘‘ Analytical Index to the Works of
John Gould,’ Dr. Wilson being at the time president of the
Academy of National Sciences of Philadelphia, and his entire
ornithological collection, consisting of many thousands of specimens,
was presented to that institution.

Negotiations for the purchase of the Gouldian collection was
entrusted to one of Dr. Wilson’s brothers, then resident in
England, and were completed in 1847. The skins were sent to
Verreaux Brothers, Paris, to be mounted, and reached America in
1849. There were in all 1,858 specimens. Verreaux prepared a
manuscript catalogue of the collection, based on an original
catalogue of Gould’s, which apparently was never sent to
America. The information contained in this catalogue is
transcribed on the bottoms of the stands, and consists of number,
name, sex, and locality of each specimen, with the addition: ‘* Type,
Gould, ‘Birds of Australia’’’—every bird being so marked
whether it was the type of the species or not.

When Dr. Stone took charge of the ornitholgical collections in the
Academy, about 25 years ago, one of his first acts was to have
the type specimens unmounted, and placed in metal cabinets,

Emu

54 From Magazines, &e: ist July

while the stands containing the Verreaux labels have been marked
to correspond with the specimens.

In the case of each species, one specimen has been selected as
the type and so marked. Usually this selection was easily made,
because the bird described by Gould was readily identified by
locality, sex, measurements, &c. In instances where no individual
bird was mentioned in the original description, the selection has
necessarily been arbitrary, but it sounds somewhat pedantic to
state “and is final.” Although most of Gould’s Australian types
are in the Philadelphia Academy, it should be recollected that some
species were described from material never in his possession. A
few other types were never sent over, better specimens having
seemingly been substituted. Again, types of species described after
the date of the Wilson purchase are mostly to be found in the
British Museum, which secured Gould’s later Australian material.

It would appear that Gould has introduced 427 names into
Australian ornithological literature, of which number it is stated
85 are synonyms, leaving a balance of 342 species and sub-species
for which the great author is responsible.

Review.

[‘‘ Nests and Eggs of Birds Found Breeding in Australia and Tasmania.”’
By Alfred J. North, C.M.Z.S., &c., Ornithologist to the Australian Museum. ]

In continuation of the publication of this work, parts i. and ii. of
vol. iv. have been issued.

Part i. contains the Families [bidid@ and Plataleide of the Order
Platalee ; the Families Ardeid@ and Ciconiuda@, belonging to the
Order Herodiones; and the Sub-Families Cygnine, Anseranatine,
Plectropterine, Cereopsine, Chenonettina, Anatine, Fuliguline,
and Erismaturine of the Family Anatid@, which comprise the
representatives of the Order Chenomorphe in Australia.

Part ii. contains the Australian representatives of the Orders
Columba, Galline, Hemipodii, and the Sub-order Peditonomt. As
in the previous parts, the illustrations of birds are reproduced from
drawings made by the late Mr. Neville Cayley. The figures of eggs,
which are of the natural size, were reproduced by the heliotype
process, at the Government Printing Office, from photographs of
the specimens taken under the direction of the Government
Printer and the supervision of Mr. A. Dyer, Miss A. E. Potter
being responsible for hand-colouring the plate of eggs in the
coloured copies.

These parts uphold the general excellence of the preceding
issues of the work, especially the illustrations from line and half-
tone blocks, while an amount of valuable and original information
is found in the letter-press.

Vol. XIII.

es Correspondence. 55

Correspondence.

IS THE AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE A SONGSTER ?
To the Editors of ‘‘ The Emu.’

Strs,—It would be interesting to learn whether many members
of the Ornithologists’ Union agree with certain statements that
have been made in that excellent little work, “An Australian
Bird Book,” by J. A. Leach. Too much could hardly be said in
praise of the book, but it is a pity it is marred by a few mistakes.

On pages 2 and 3 of the introduction we are told that our
Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is one of the great song-birds of the
world, and again, on page 150, “‘ That glorious songster, the
Australian Magpie.’ The Magpie is not a song-bird at all; it
utters naturally a harsh guttural sound; yet in confinement,
curiously, it can be taught to whistle a few bars of certain tunes.
The Magpie lives in association with the Butcher-Bird (Cracticus
destructor), which latter is, without a doubt, the finest songster of
Australia. The mistake is continually being made, the Magpie
being credited with the song of the Butcher-Bird.

Mr. Frank Tate, in the introduction to Leach’s “ Bird Book,”’
page 4, remarks :—‘ Australian nature-poetry will be handicapped
until our children give names like ‘ Bobolink’ and ‘ Chickadee’
and ‘ Whip-poor-will’ and ‘ Jacky Winter’ to our birds.” Well,
we have so named a large number, but the Royal Australasian
Ornithologists’ Union ignores the names and suggests others. We
are told to call the Blood-Bird (Myzomela sangutneolenta) by
the name “‘Sanguineous Honey-eater’’; the Crack-a-barney or
Twelve Apostles (Pomatorhinus frivolus) by the name “ Grey-
crowned Babbler’”’; the Willie Wagtail (RAipidura motacilloides)
by the name “ Black-and-White Fantail’’; the More Pork
(Podargus strigoides) the ‘“‘Tawny Frogmouth’’; and so on.
Could anything be more absurd ? It is sincerely hoped that the
new names will not “catch on.” On page 104 the following
occurs :—‘‘ The Tawny Frogmouth is one of the most peculiar,
and is the ugliest of birds. On account of its wide mouth, it is
called the Frogmouth, and on account of the confusion connecting
it with the Boobook Owl, which calls ‘ Mopoke,’ this bird is also
called the Mopoke.”” Page 85—‘‘ The Boobook Owl, though not
often seen, calls ‘Mopoke,’ which sounded like Boobook to the
aboriginal ear, but became Cuckoo to the first white residents.

: Confusion was caused, for when daylight came, and
the Frogmouth was seen sitting in the tree, the Frogmouth was
supposed to be responsible for the frequent calls of the previous
night. However, some reliable observers, notably Mr. C. H.
M‘Lennan (‘ Mallee-Bird’) and Mr. T. H. Tregellas, claim that
the Frogmouth does call ‘ Mopoke’ occasionally, but the Boobook
Owl is the bird that is responsible for the frequent ‘ Mopoke’
on calm evenings.” In “‘ The Birds of Australia,’ by Lucas and
Le Souéf, page 189, the Boobook Owl is also credited with pro-

Emu
56 Correspondence. ist July

ducing the cry “‘ More Pork.” Now, the Owl’s cry sounds like
“Who” repeated rapidly about eight times. The Podargus
strigoides is the bird which calls “‘ Cuckoo,” and which the early
settlers thought sounded like the words ‘‘ More Pork”’: it should
be so written, not “‘ Mopoke,”’ which is meaningless.—I am, &c.,

Eidsvold, Queensland, March, 1913. THOS. L. BANCROFT.

[Regarding Australian Magpies, ornithologically they have been
placed in the Sub-Order Acromyodi, or ‘‘ Singing Birds.” Orni-
thologists from other lands, who have travelled, state that the
Magpie is one of the finest feathered songsters of the world. The
other points raised by Dr. Bancroft are published for whom they
may concern. No sound field observer admits that the call of
the small brown Owl is produced by the Frogmouth (Podargus),
whether the sound be ‘‘ Buck-buck,”’ ‘“‘ Boo-book,”’ ‘“ Who-who,”’
‘““Mo-poke,”” or even “‘ Cuc-koo.’’ The sound varies according to
distance. Ask such an observer as Mr. E. M. Cornwall, Mackay,
Queensland, who, by cleverly mimicking the calls, in many dis-
tricts, has invariably brought the Boobook Owl, and not a
Podargus, into the tree overhead.—EpDs.]

THE R.A.O.U. ‘“‘ CHECK-LIST.”’
To the Editors of “The Emu.”

DEAR Sirs, —After carefully going through the R.A.O.U.
‘““ Check-list,”’ I agree that it involved much time and forethought
on the part of the compilers. I do not consider that the ‘‘ Check-
list’ was adopted by the ornithologists of Australia, because the
members who attended the Tasmanian session did not fairly
represent Australian ornithologists. After the list was accepted
I spoke to several of the members, and they told me they did
not know what they were voting for ; and others said—‘* We are
tired of being chopped about from one list to another ; anything
will do as long as it is a fair list.’”’ I cannot see for a moment
how the list can stand when it is built up on such an unsafe basis
as John Gould’s nomenclature. Another thing, what right has
anyone to draw a line at Gould and say, ‘‘ That is the limit,”
especially when we consider that Australian ornithology is but
in its infancy, and the best of Australian ornithologists know
little more than the ABC of it? How can a list stand when
it contains so many very shaky sub-species which are called
species ? Take, for instance, two at random, like Zosterops
halmaturina and Petroica campbellt. It is a pity all this time and
energy should be wasted, for wasted it is, when the R.A.O.U
‘“Check-list,”” in its conservative way, has tabooed trinomials in
the face of the ornithological world having accepted them.

There are many other weak points in the list which could be
remedied, but the foundations will not warrant the repair.—
Tam; GcG., S. A. WHITE:

Wetunga (S.A.), 9/6/13.

[The above letter has been referred to me by the editors for

Vol. XIII.
1913

Correspondence. 57
perusal and comment. Before dealing with Captain White’s
trenchant criticisms upon the ** Check-list’’ and report, and (by
inclusion) upon the scientific attainments of the members of the
‘‘Check-list ’? Committee, I wish to make it absolutely clear that
(2) I do not herein necessarily express the views of the committee
named, but simply my own as a member of such, and (b) I do not
admit the right of a member of the R.A.O.U. (who attended that
session) to make publicly post-sessional attacks upon the * Check-
list’ and report. Obviously the sessional meeting at which the
report was presented was the proper place for discussion and
criticism. However, as Captain White is the accredited champion,
in Australia, of trinomialism, constitutional strictness may, in such
special circumstances, be relaxed without perhaps creating a pre-
cedent for further transgressions.

Dealing firstly with the most important of Captain White’s
criticisms—namely, his interrogative fulmen, ‘“‘How can a list
(‘ Check-list ’) stand when it contains so many very shaky sub-
species which are called species ?”’ and his citation in support of
two instances, Zosterops halmaturina and Petroica campbelli—
I answer simply that neither of such is called a species in the
**Check-list,” but that each is called a sub-spPecies in it. As to
the alleged instability of the species, let me emphasize the facts
that the former sub-species was named by Mr. A. G. Campbell,
and the latter by the late Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, and that both sub-
species have been confirmed as such by Mr. Gregory Mathews, and
also by the collective and final *‘ judgment ”’ of the ** Check-list ”’
Committee.

The second most important of Captain White’s criticisms is
contained in his statement that he did not consider that the
**Check-list’”? was adopted by the ornithologists of Australia,
because the members who attended the Tasmanian session did not
fairly represent Australian ornithologists. In reply, the critic is
reminded that, in the first place, the ‘* Check-list ” was signed by
six ornithologists who, when elected, were considered as fairly
representing Australian ornithology, and that, in thé second place,
a printed circular was posted to every member of the Union, in
ample time, notifying the date and place of the session, and also
notifying the special day set apart during the session to receive the
report of the ‘Check-list’’ Committee. I learn from trustworthy
sources that the session was in point of attendance the most
successful one of- the Union ever held, and that, as regards the
adoption of the ‘‘Check-list,’’ there was only one real dissentient.

The third most important of Captain White’s criticisms is his
challenge—* What right has anyone to draw a line at Gould and
say ‘That is the limit ?’’’ Presuming that Captain White means
‘“‘ starting point ’’ when he says “ limit,’’ I point out that ng one
person has so drawn such a line, but the Royal Ornithologists’
Union, acting within its own territory, has done so. Why not ?
Captain White may as well ask what right has anyone, or any body,
association, or congress, to draw a line at the date of the * roth

58 Carvespondence. eevee

edition ’’ of Linnzeus, or the “ 12th edition ”’ of Linnzeus, or at any
point of time other than the actual beginning, and say ‘‘ That is
the starting point.”

Regarding Captain White’s tilt that he “cannot see for a
moment how the list can stand when it is built up on such an
unsafe basis as John Gould’s nomenclature,” it is difficult to
understand the intended application of his remarks—whether in
respect to the law of priority, or to the binomial phase. I think
that it does not signify much which of the two is intended. John
Gould’s nomenclature has, except as to a few emendations, stood
solidly for 50 years and upwards, and the basis is still so safe as to
bear, if required, the superadded weight of trinomialism.

In respect to Captain White’s personal remarks on the element-
ary knowledge of Australian ornithologists, 1 have only to say
that, whilst freely admitting the force of such remarks as applied
to myself, I at the same time strongly resent them so far as they
affect the standing of such ornithologists as Colonel Legge and
Messrs. A. J. Campbell, Robert Hall, Basset Hull, and John W.
Mellor. The published works of the three first-named gentlemen
are well known throughout the scientific world, and the special-
izations in ornithology of the last-named two are widely known and
appreciated. Verily, a prophet hath no honour in his own
country.

Captain White’s concluding remarks, reading ‘‘ There are many
other weak points in the list which could be remedied, but the
foundations will not warrant the repair,” are too indefinite and
obscure for reply —ALEx. Wm. MILLIGAN. ]

THE ACANTHIZA OF FLINDERS ISLAND.
To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

DEAR Srirs,—I wish to state, ve contribution from Mr. F. M.
Littler under ‘‘ Stray Feathers”’ in the last issue of The Emu
(vol. xul., p. 278), that I am pleased to see his remarks about the
Acanthizas. He is right. I saw the mistake myself, but too
late to withdraw the note before publication. My explanation
of the matter is this: I labelled my skins A. diemenensis, and
wrote notes roughly for that bird. Later, I listened to other
opinions (I am sorry to say), and changed the name to A. ewrngi.
I afterwards found my first judgment to be correct. The differ-
ence between the two birds is very slight, but an ornithologist
like Mr. Littler, who is so conversant with the birds of his island
home, would detect them immediately. I am alone responsible
for this error.—I am, &c.,

Seas WEEE:
Wetunga (S.A.), 9/6/13.

Vol. XIII.
core Correspondence. 59

IS THERE A SCARLET-BREASTED KINGFISHER ?
To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

Strs,—In none of my bird books can I find any description of,
or even reference to, the scarlet-breasted Kingfisher. In Hall’s
“Key” I think twelve different species are described, but I can
find nothing in the list that would serve to establish the identity
of this beautiful bird. In the “ Check-list’’ recently issued by
authority of the R.A.O.U. fifteen Kingfishers are mentioned, but,
so far as I can make out, the scarlet-breast is not included. That
there is such a bird I know, as I have seen it at very close quarters
in the remote southern border districts of New South Wales. It
is one of the most charming bird-forms the writer has ever seen.
The back and wings are metallic green and royal blue, the throat
whitish, and the breast just as vivid a scarlet—so far as one may
judge without handling the bird—as the Scariet-breasted Robin.
I would be glad if you could enlighten me on this point.—I am, &c.,

Wagga, N.5.W., April, 1913. W. M. SHERRIE.
[There is no scarlet-breasted Kingfisher indigenous to Aus-
tralia. The nearest colour is ‘“‘ferruginous orange,’’ which

describes the breast of the familiar river Kingfisher (Alcyone).—
Eps. ]

Obituary Notice.

MELLOR.—On the 4th May, 1913, at Holmfirth, Fulham, S.A., in his 69th
year, after a long and painful illness, John Fox, youngest son of the
late Joseph Mellor, of Adelaide, and dearly beloved husband of Eliza
Mellor.

TuE late Mr. J. F. Mellor, although not an active member of the

R.A.O.U., always took a deep interest in its affairs since its

inception. He accompanied Mrs. Mellor and their son, Mr. J. W.

Mellor, to all the annual sessions, except to the last (Launceston)

meeting, when he was incapacitated on account of the dire illness

to which he ultimately succumbed.

Members who were fortunate enough to know the late Mr.
Mellor will ever remember his genial disposition and cheerfulness,
especially at the camp-outs, at which, moreover, being of a
mechanical turn of mind, he was an indespensable hand. In
numerous ways, private and public, his place will not be easily filled,
and members will condole with his family and friends at their loss.

The late Mr. Mellor married a daughter of the late Mr. John
White, of Reedbeds (near Adelaide), therefore was brother-in-law
to the late Mr. Samuel White, frequently mentioned in Gould’s
great work, ‘“‘ The Birds of Australia.”

Bird Observers’ Club.

THE first meeting of the Bird Observers’ Club for 1913 was held at the
Thistle Tea-rooms, Elizabeth-street, on Wednesday evening, 15th January.
Mr. C. F. Cole was the host. There was a good attendance of members.
The chair was occupied by Dr, H. W. Bryant, president. Mr. Slaney was

60 Bird Observers’ Club. gir

elected a member of the Club. Mr. L. G. Chandler, the hon. secretary,
reported that a party of Club members had spent an instructive week-end
on Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay. Thirty-seven specimens of the White-
faced Storm-Petrel (Pe/agodroma marina) had been ringed, in connection
with the study of migration. The Mutton-Bird rookeries at Phillip Island
formed the subject for the evening, and Mr. Cole thought it was time that
the Club arrived at some finality in regard to the preservation of these
interesting rookeries. Mr. A. J. Campbell said that little was known
regarding the life-history of the Mutton-Bird, and the B.O.C. should make
systematic studies. Mr. Campbell made suggestions concerning the pro-
tection of the birds. Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley considered that only wire
crooks should be used in extracting eggs from the burrows. When crooks
with wooden handles were used the mouths of the burrows were enlarged,
and finally the tunnels collapsed. Mr. G. A. Dyer stated that last year, on
Phillip Island, he met a man who had in his possession four 4o-gallon casks
of bird oil. At a rough estimate, over 3,000 birds had been killed to obtain
this oil. The chairman described a visit which he had recently made to
Cape Woolamai, in company with Messrs. A. J. and A. G. Campbell. He
considered that the Club should study the Mutton-Birds scientifically. He
outlined several plans whereby the many problems in the life-history of the
Petrels could be elucidated. Messrs. O. W. Rosenhain, F. E. Wilson, and A.
C. Stone also spoke on the subject. Major J. M. Semmens, Chief Inspector
of Fisheries and Game, who was present by invitation, said that it might be
better to go on with protection without waiting for the scientific points to be
cleared up. He detailed a series of recommendations, which, he said, he
intended to place before the Minister for Agriculture at an early date. It
was agreed that members of the Club visit Cape Woolamai before the old
birds had left the rookeries for the season. Mr. F. E. Howe exhibited an
unusual nest of the White-shafted Fantail (RAzpidura albiscapa), the speci-
men being devoid of the “tail.” Mr. C. Barrett exhibited photographs of
the nests of typical birds of the Lake Boga district, and Mr. Chandler photo-
graphs taken during the recent Club outing at Mud Island.

The monthly meeting of the Club was held on Wednesday evening, 19th
February, at the residence of Mr. Dudley Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S., Zoological
Gardens, Parkville. Before dinner, members inspected the gardens, under
the guidance of Mr. Le Souéf. The large mounds of the Brush-Turkey
created considerable attention. The host stated that the male bird alone
constructed the mound, the earth and déér7s being scratched up by the bird’s
feet, with a backward motion. A pair of White-quilled Rock-Pigeons
(Petrophassa albipennis) was also closely examined. Mr. Le Souéf had
recently brought these birds from the Northern Territory. At the business
meeting Mr. Le Souéf occupied the chair. Mr. L. G. Chandler, hon.
secretary, read the report of the Mud Island camp-out, and a brief paper by
Mr. A. H. Chisholm, of Maryborough, on the nesting habits of Thrushes.
Mr. J. A. Ross then read an interesting paper on Cuckoos. Mr. Le Souéf
gave a lecture on his recent trip to the Northern Territory. A series of
lantern slides was shown. Mr. D. Le Souéf exhibited an adult specimen of
the White-faced Storm-Petrel (Pe/agodroma marina), and two young in the
down. Mr. F. E. Wilson showed a set of eggs of the Yellow Robin
(Eopsaltria australis), with an egg of the Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx
plagosus). This was a new record. On behalf of Mr. H. L. White, of New
South Wales, Mr. A. J. Campbell exhibited a magnificent series of eggs of
the Spotted Bower-Bird (Ch/amydera maculata), and also a set of eggs of
the rare Yellow-spotted Bower-Bird (C. gu¢/a/a). For further note on this
exhibit see Z7zz, vol. xii., p. 286.

The monthly meeting of the Club was held on Wednesday evening, 19th
March, at the residence of Dr. H. W. Bryant, Toorak. The host occupied
the chair. Mr. C. F. Cole read an interesting paper on the Mutton-Bird.
The paper contained many valuable notes on the habits of the birds, and

oe Bird Observers’ Club. 61

Mr. Cole was congratulated on his good field-work. Mr. T. H. Tregellas
followed with a paper entitled “ Birds of Passage.” He dealt with many
migratory and partially migratory birds. Mr. P. R. H. St. John was
unanimously elected a member of the Club. Mr. A. C. Stone exhibited a
set of four eggs of the Plain-Wanderer. Dr. Bryant exhibited a skin of the
Terek Sandpiper (Zerekia cinerea), from the Snowy River, Victoria, and
skins of the Grey-rumped Sandpiper ( Zo¢anus brevipes) from Victoria and
another wader from Samoa. Several members contributed nature notes.

South Australian Ornithological Association.

THE annual meeting of the Association was held in the Adelaide Institute
on 28th March, Mr. E. Ashby presiding. There was a good attendance.
The honorary secretary, Mr. J. W. Mellor, read the thirteenth annual
report, which showed that good progress had been made, a number of new
members having joined, and much more interest was now being taken in
the study and welfare of our native birds. The police were taking an active
part in watching for offenders against the 4zrds Protection Act, and
prosecuting those found breaking the law, while numerous inquiries were
being made by people relative to the usefulness or otherwise of our native
birds. Two members of the Association, Mr. J. W. Mellor and Captain S.
A. White, had attended the congress of the Royal Australasian
Ornithologists’ Union recently held in fasmania, and officially taken charge
of the ornithological investigations made in connection. with the scientific
expedition to Flinders Island, in Bass Strait, after the congress
session. The silver cup presented by the Association to be competed for
annually by the school children of South Australia had this year been won
by the Wilkawatt public school. It was found that this cup was stirring up
enthusiasm amongst the children, and they were making keen observations
relative to the habits of the birds to enable them to write the essays
accurately. The fmancial statement showed a substantial credit balance.
The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The honorary secretary
reported having recently gone to Port Adelaide, at the request of the Police
Department, to investigate a case in which native birds were being exported
by a bird-dealer, and these had been detained by the police until it was
ascertained whether any protected birds were amongst the consignment.
Mr. Mellor found that the species were not protected, and they were allowed
to be forwarded. Captain S. A. White tabled the ‘‘ Check-list” of the
R.A.O.U., and also 7%e /é7s. Mr. F. R. Zietz was elected to the position
of president for the ensuing year, but it was resolved to adjourn the meeting
until next month, and in the interim to call for nominations for the
positions of vice-president and honorary secretary and treasurer, and in
tuture years to call for nominations for all officers of the Association, these
to be in the hands of the secretary at least ten days prior to the annual
meeting. The subject of the evening was the study of the Heron and
Bittern families. Specimens were brought by Mr. Ashby and Captain White,
and it was decided to continue the subject at the next meeting.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Society was held in the Royal
Society’s rooms, North-terrace, on the evening of 25th April. Mr. Robert
Zietz (president) occupied the chair. Other officers elected :—Vice-
president, Mr. J. W. Mellor ; secretary, Mr. R. Crompton. Dr. A. M.
Morgan reported the appearance of the Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater
(Acanthogenys rufogu/aris) on the plains. Mr. Zietz said he had seen the
first Flame-breasted Robin (Pefrotca phaenicea) for the season. Capt. White
said he had observed numbers of these beautiful birds on the salt-flats near
St. Kilda during the week, and that these birds leave the ranges at this time
of the year and disperse over the low country. The subjects for the evening
were Cranes, Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns. A fine collection of these birds

62 South Australian Ornithological Association. ee

was tabled by Mr. Zietz, from the Adelaide Museum. Capt. S. A. White
showed quite a number for comparison, among them the Grey Heron
(Ardea cinerea) procured in South Africa. This bird is found throughout
the world. Specimens from the Museum are from India. Other specimens
were Reef-Herons, Night-Herons, Large-billed Mangrove-Bitterns, some
Minute Bitterns from the Island of Zanzibar, and the beautiful White-winged
Zambesi Heron. In addition to the birds named, some fine specimens of
the Spoonbill were included in the Museum exhibit.

The usual monthly meeting was held on Friday evening, 30th May, in the
Royal Society’s rooms, North-terrace, Mr. Robert Zietz presiding. Mr,
Edquist, Educational Department, thanked members for articles on bird-
life for the school paper, some of which were being published. Capt. White
moved, and Dr. Morgan seconded, that’ a journal in connection with the
Association should be published quarterly. After much discussion it was
resolved that a committee should go more fully into this matter and report
at the next meeting. Mr. M. Hawker gave an interesting account of the
antics of some Emus on their first sight of a motor-car during a trip that
gentleman had lately. The birds under notice for the evening were Swans,
Geese, and Ducks. Mr. Robert Zietz showed a fine collection of these
birds from the Museum collection. Mr. Ashby sent specimens, the most
noticeable being the Pigmy-Goose (WVettapus pulchellus) and White-quilled
Pigmy-Goose (VV. a/bipennis). Mr. Laffer, of the Roseworthy College,
showed a male Shoveller (Spatula rhynchodzs) in its breeding plumage, also
a pair of Pink-eared Ducks (Walacorhynchus membranaceus). Capt. S. A.
White exhibited a fine series, including White-headed Shieldrake (7adorna
rujitergum), Shieldrake (Casarca tadornotdes), Blue-billed Duck (Erismatura
australis), and Pied Goose (Azseranas semipalmata). Some interesting
notes were read by the hon. secretary from Mr. Fisher, dealing with the
birds of Knightsbridge.

The monthly meeting was held in the Institute, Adelaide, on 27th June,
Mr. F. R. Zietz presiding. The honorary secretary, Mr. R. Crompton, and
Captain White reported upon the investigations made by the publishing
committee appointed at the last meeting, relative to printing a journal in
connection with the Association, and it was resolved to leave the arrange-
ments with this committee to carry out the work in the best way possible.
Mr. E. Ashby tabled a copy of the bill now being prepared for Parliament
for establishing the extended reserve on Kangaroo Island; its title is “A
Bill for an Act to Establish a Reserve on Kangaroo Island for the Protection,
Preservation, and Propagation of Australasian Fauna and Flora, and to
provide for the Control of such Reserve, and for other purposes.” Mr. Ashby
explained that the Royal Society suggested alterations for the smoother
working of the bill, which he hoped would become law. Mr. A. G, Edquist
reported upon the essays written by the public shool children in competing
for the silver challenge cup presented by the Association, and tabled some
of the best efforts of the children. Some of these essays were exceptionally
meritorious, one by a boy specially so, his description of the Black-
breasted Plover and its nesting habits being worthy of older field-observers.
Professor A. J. Perkins and Mr. W. Weidenbach were elected as members,
while the following nominations for membership were made by Dr. A. M.
Morgan :—Messrs. C. H. Rischbieth, Harold Fisher, H. H. Dutton, R. M.
Hawker, R. T. Melrose, S. S. Ralli, G. J. R. Murray, and H. W. Hughes.
The subject of the evening was centred in the Pelican, Gannet, Frigate-Bird,
Tropic-Bird, and Cormorant families, and some good specimens were shown
by various members, Mr. F. R. Zietz’s exhibit being from the national
collection at the Museum. Mr. E. Ashby exhibited several rare Parrots
recently obtained from a private collection in Queensland, viz. :—The rare
Chestnut-shouldered Parrot (eophema pulchelia), also the Scarlet-shouldered
Parrot (Psephotus pulcherrimus), the Crimson-bellied Parrot (P. hematorr-
hous) and its near ally the Yellow-vented (P. xanthorrhous), the Red-rumped

eee | South Australian Ornithological Association. 63

Parrot (P. hematonotus), and the Many-coloured Parrot (P. multicolor).
Mr. J. W. Mellor exhibited a freak of nature—a domestic chicken that
had been hatched with four well-devoloped legs. It was resolved to study
a portion of the Hawk family at the next monthly meeting.

Notes and Notices.

Erratum.—Launceston Session, second day (Emu, vol. xi..,
p- 143).—Obviously ‘17th November’’ should read ‘ 18th
November,” the former date being Sunday.

Treasurer’s Note.—The hon. treasurer again desires to remind
members that subscriptions, being payable in advance, are now
due, and he will be glad to receive any for the current year ; also
payment for the extra part last year (*‘ Check-list,” 2s. 6d.) where
still owing.

Honours for Members of the R.A.O.U.—Dr. T. Harvey Johnston,
Lecturer in Biology in the University of Brisbane, for his work on
the animal parasites of Australia, has been awarded the David
Syme Research Prize by the Council of the University of
Melbourne. Dr. Johnston has published a number of papers on
different parasites, and before his removal to Brisbane last year
was on the staff of the New South Wales Bureau of Microbiology.
The prize is open, with a few reservations, to Australia, and is for
the encouragement of original research.

Mr. C. Fenner, amongst other distinctions, at the University of
Melbourne, was awarded the Kernot Research Prize for Geology.

Mr. Brooke Nicholls, the hon. press correspondent of the Union,
has passed his examinations for the Doctrate of Dental Science
(D.D.Sc.) This is the first occasion this degree has been granted
by the University of Melbourne. Dr. Nicholls is congratulated
accordingly, and is deserving of every success.

Mock-Latin Names.—The following is taken from The Yorkshire
Weekly Post, 11/1/13, and, if the word ‘ornithological’ be
substituted for <‘‘ entomological,’” the subject may possibly
apply, in these latter days, to any enlightened country, save, of
couise, to the Commonwealth :—

“Mr. H. B. Brown gave a lecture ‘On Entomological Names.’ He
characterized his address as ‘a jeremiad ’—a tale of Jamentation and of woe—
concerning the dire confusion and chaos into which men who call them-
selves Scientists (with a capital S) have brought the study of insect-life by
their ill-considered and unrestrained invention of countless mock-Latin
names. An obvious disadvantage in the use of vernacular names is their
instability. A second and greater disadvantage in the use of all such names
is their uselessness in all countries except that which gave them birth.
Many, in fact most, of our English popular names are untranslatable. The
invention of a convenient method of naming insects constitutes our debt to
the great Swedish scientist, Karl Linné. The Linnean system was a
binomial system. On many of the absurdities which certain entomologists
have introduced the lecturer made a brilliant onslaught, and gave examples
of the most extravagant instances. Here, in the industrial north, we have
for our keenest field-workers men of the so-called ‘ working class,’ men who
are splendid observers in the field and keen lovers of nature, but men to

: E
64 Notes and Notices. Bh Trl

whom the long, meaningless, mock- Latin names that are now hourly invented
must be anathema. If in our day the science of entomology can be
advanced only by the invention of names for every freak that is found to
exist naturally, or that can be manufactured in our breeding-cages, then
the simple pleasure that our forefathers derived from its pursuit cannot be
ours, and the day will surely come when entomology, as a hobby for the
jaded ‘men of toil, will be a thing of the past.”

The Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia.—A society
formed four years ago, which has done active work since its
inception towards securing protection for the native fauna, has
recently endeavoured to secure the entire protection of the Black
Swans, as has been done in the case of the Brush and Plain
Turkeys in New South Wales; but this object has not yet
been attained. After repeated representations to the State
authorities, the opossum has been entirely protected up to
1924. Notwithstanding such protection, the export of opossum
skins still goes on. Representations have therefore been made to
the State authorities and to the Minister for Trade and Customs
with the object of stopping the exportation of these skins. It is
believed were it not for the export trade the destruction of these
animals would cease. The Society has reason to believe that
its representations in this direction will shortly have a satisfactory
result. Already the exportation of Emu skins is prohibited,
although the Emu is not, like the opossum, entirely protected.
Whether other States will fall into line with New South Wales
remains to be seen. In Queensland a very systematic and
inhuman slaughter goes on in the interest of the opossum skin
trade, the methods of trapping being very barbarous.

The prohibition of the importation of certain plumage appears to
be inequitably enforced in the various States, every case of these
goods being opened by the New South Wales Customs, whilst there
is every indication that in some of the States great laxity in this
respect exists. This fact has been brought directly under the
notice of the Minister for Trade and Customs, who has been good
enough to intimate that inquiries are being made. The question of
the close season for Wild Ducks has been raised by a correspondent
of the Society, and the desirability of having a different season in
the various localities has been (not for the first time) discussed.

In a Consular report received from the late Vice Consul-General
in New South Wales for the U.S.A., Mr. Baker, prominence is given
to the closing of the market in Australia to imported plumage of
certain kinds. Mr. H. D. Baker, who is now Consul for U.S.A. at
Nassau, the Bahamas, is a member of the Wild Life Preservation
Society of Australia, and an enthusiast on bird protection. The
Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia at its last two functions
employed cinematograph pictures of a very interesting and
intructive character, which have been much appreciated by all
present.

The annual subscription of the Society is 5s., and the hon.
secretary is Mr. Arthur W. Atkinson, ‘‘ Whare-Ona,’’ Manly, New
South Wales.

“ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

-_

- €0-PATRONS: ,
Their Majesties the King and Gubent

- OFFICE-BEARERS :

President: Mr. ROBERT HALL, C.M.Z.S.
SF aia 7 (Mr. A. H. E, MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S.
Fee e tS capi? S.A, WHITH, M’B.O.U.
on Secretary: Mr. F. ERASMUS WILSON.
Rae, (c/o Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY
‘ (Address—190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.)
-_. Hon. Librarian: Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S.
‘henge Mr. A. J. CAMPBELL, Cor. Mem. BO.U.
“ee ~Laad oe Emu vi. CHARLES BARRETT.
Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. E. BROOKE NICHOLLS.

Local State Secretaries:
\ R. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney
HAMLYN HARRIS, F.Z.S., "Re, ., Director Museum, jeg ae
J. W. MELLOR, Fulham, Adelaide é
Mr. T. CARTER, M.B.O.U., “Wensleydale,” Broome Hill, Western “Australia
Mk. | F. M. ee F. E. S., Box 114, P.O., Launceston

Members of Council : Victoria-_Dr. C. S.-RYAN, Dr. J. A. LEACH,

Dr. GEO. HORNE; New South Wales—Dr. WM. MACGILLIVRAY,
_ Mr..A. F.- BASSET HULL; Queensland—Mr. C. A. BARNARD;
_-South Australia—Dr. A. M. MORGAN; Western Australia—Mr. A. W.
_ MILLIGAN.

OBu eet &C.-

2 HE ieee of the. Souiety are the advancement and popularization
ot the ‘Science of Ornithology, the protection of useful and

yA The Annual Meeting shall be held in one or ‘othe: of the principal
owns. of the different. States, such State to be decided at the previous
=e Meeting. 8, ;

su ject to. aie should include the amount of the exchaiees)

¥ The offices of the Society shall. be at the office of the Hon. Secretary”
Cue the Society for the time being, or at such other place as the pte

iancérterd of every | :

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~~ Vol. XIII] OCTOBER, 1913.

—————

A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection
’ of Native Birds.

he Emu-

ob ae Bes

Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION

A. J. CAMPBELL, Col. Mem. B.O.U.

CHARLES BARRETT.
BHtelBbourne :

WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET.

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A COMMONWEALTH | COLLECTION. By A. J. Campoell, Col. Me
BO. 0 A OS ee ee ais ee

oo . Ba Cae eee

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SERICORNIS. By C. E Cole, R.A.0,U,

BIRDS OF Moora (W.A.) AND DISTRICT. By | Oe Beige Ty Orton ana
P. T. Sandland, Ms.R.A.0.U. - wb Sa eee ia Sa

THE BLACK-EARED Cuckoo (Mesocalius palliolatus, Lath. 9: By
~ P. A. Gilbert and H. Keane, Ms.R.A.0.U. = - = |

SOME SwaMP Birps. By A. Gi Stone, R.A. 0.U., aMiboutne a ee
BIRD-LIFE ON WHITE ISLAND fee z= we ,. R. B. Oliver,

R.A.O.U,, Auckland. - z z Ee = 36
VisIr TO TORILLA PLAINS. 3 By EZ. D. Barnard, RA. 0. ee s |
Koonigal(Q.) - - - bp Ses 5 ee eee

THE BIRDS OF PEEL IsLanD. By Noel Vv, I, Agnew, RAOU,
- Moreton Bay, Queensland - — ‘ee 3

_ AMERICAN VIEW OF THE R.A.O.U. “CHECK-LIST.”9 9 - =

‘THe BIRDS OF. AUSTRALIA? 2.5. 2 pene. ee ie Z

STRAY FEATHERS.—Charcoal in Finches’ Nests, 100; art Bower-Bird | (Serieulus
chrysocephalus), 101; White Cockatoos, tor; Brush-Turkeys i in England, 101. ot,

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Nos oF NUMBER OF PAGES OF sae aal

COPIES, p> | 4. 8 12

THE Emu, Vol. XIII. PLATE XI.

8—C. guttata.
6—Ptilonorhynchus minor. 9—C. orientalis.
4—Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus. 7—Sericulus chrysocephalus.

land 2—Chlamydera niaculata. 5—C. nuchalis.
3—C. cerviniventris.

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“ Birds of a feather.”’

VoL. XIII.] ist, OCTOBER lor 3. [Parny 2:

A Commonwealth Collection.
By A. J. CAMPBELL, Colt. Mem. B.O.U.
INTRODUCTION.

FOLLOWING on Mr. Milton S. Ray’s thoughtful remarks in defence
of oology, reprinted in part from The Condor (California) in The
Emu, vol. x., pp. 54-56, and the statement of the late Dr. P. L.
Sclater, in an address before the British Ornithologists’ Club,
that he ‘‘rejoiced in the progress of oology”’ (vide Emu, vol. xi.,
p. 260), I make no apology for giving a description (howbeit only
superficial) of the magnificent collection of Australian eggs, the
property of Mr. H. L. White, R.A.O.U., Belltrees, New South
Wales.

At the close of the Sydney session of the R.A.O.U., October,
1911, by the kind invitation of Mr. White, Mr. D. Le Souéf and
myself proceeded to Belltrees and inspected this collection, much to
our pleasure and instruction.

Belltrees homestead is about 20 miles from Scone, on the
Sydney-Brisbane railway, where we left the line. The up-to-date
home is situated near the Upper Hunter River, which courses
through fertile flats over a pebbly bottom, between banks fringed
with shapely sheoaks (Casuarina). Surrounding it is an amphi-
theatre of hills dominated by the double-headed peak of Woolooma,
distant about 6 miles, 5,000 feet above sea-level (see Emu, vol.
alts) P< 2),

Among persons interested in pastoral pursuits Belltrees is a
household word throughout Australia, but two reasons may be
mentioned why it is historical—(z) Richard Hoddle, the year
before he laid out the city of Melbourne, surveyed a portion of
Belltrees estate for the grandfather of Mr. White; (2) John Gould,
the great ornithologist, collected in the district, and stopped at
Yarrundi, a few miles from Scone, at the residence of his brother-
in-law, Mr. C. Coxen (a picture of this old home may be seen
in The Emu, vol. viii., pl. 1).

Mr. H. L. White, as a boy, at Goulburn, N.S.W., had a small
collection of odd end-blown eggs. It was not till latterly, during
the last 12 or 14 years, that he thought of collecting scientifically.
As Mr. Gregory M. Mathews (who, by the way, is a connection of
Mr. White) hopes to figure all known Australian birds, so Mr.

Emu
TSt Orbe

66 CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection.
White hopes to procure eggs and breeding information of the same.
To this end, with commendable enterprise and at considerable
expense, Mr. White has subsidized in the field such reliable collectors
as H. G. Barnard (Queensland), S. W. Jackson (New South Wales),
F. L. Whitlock (Western Australia), G. F. Hill (North-West Aus-
tralia), and others. The collection thus acquired is undoubtedly a
national one, and of the greatest value to its country. It is
admitted that egg-collecting may be, and is sometimes, abused,
but proper collecting is both scientific and popular ornithology.
For, as Mr. Ray argues, ‘‘it would seem that equally as much of
the science of /ife can be learned by the close study of the birds’
habits, their eggs and nests, as by the study of their structure and
their classification.”

However, for all the material collected from home for Mr. White
there is a ‘“‘compensating balance.” The broad acres (about
200,000) of ** Belltrees’’ are a close sanctuary for all birds. In the
five acres comprising the garden and orchard alone about 120
species are found during the year, a score of kinds remaining to
breed. It is interesting to have Wood-Swallows (Artamus) nesting
on one’s gate-post, Pardalotes laying in hollow spouts placed
within a summer-house, Honey-eaters and Flycatchers building in
the fruit trees, &c. According to Mr. White’s observations, the
majority of birds is increasing, notably Magpie-Lark (Grallina),
Spotted-sided Finch (Sltagonopleura guttata), Tits (Acanthize),
Crow and Magpie (Gymnorhina) ; but some species have decreased :
the Emu is extinct; Stone (Edicnemus grallarius) and Spur-
winged Plovers (Lobivanellus lobatus) are scarce, no doubt due to
the presence of foxes, 200 of which were poisoned on the estate one
winter.

The critical examination of the oological collection, which now
exceeds 800 Australian species, with data, together with over 1,000
bird-skins, occupied the best part of four days. The eggs are
arranged in series, classified and registered, the work of arranging
and recording having been most methodically and carefully per-
formed by Mr. S. W. Jackson.* Any clutch of eggs that one
chooses to name may be instantly inspected and its written data
referred to, the arrangements are so excellent. The collections
are contained in several handy cabinets, the drawers being
divisioned, which adorn a spacious billiard-room (with fire-proof
doors), where is also a library of ornithological works of reference,
including Gould’s great folio books.

It matters not where a visitor begins inspecting—beauty of form
and colour, not to mention information, is found in every casket
(t.e., cabinet).

OBSERVATIONS.

We will follow no recognized scheme of classification, but simply
* After the pattern of the ‘‘Catalogue of the Jacksonian Collection,”

noticed in Emw, vol. vil., p. 201. (Mr. White acquired the Jackson
collection.)

Vol. XIII.

ees CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. 67
examine the cabinets as they come, and mention the most striking
or important specimens.

The Pachycephaline sub-family at once attracts attention by the
number of red (salmon-tinted) mutations among the normally-
coloured sets of Thickheads or Whistlers, notably Pachycephala
gutturalis, P. rufiventris, and its near relation, P. falcata, the eggs
being pinkish and red spotted, like those of Honey-eaters. A
beautiful photo. (Jackson) of the rare nest and eggs of P. lantoides
isvseen on pl. wir, Emu, vol) 1x.

The study of the Accipitres, or Hawks, &c., would take a chapter
to itself were we to describe all the striking sets, such as the
marbled beauty of those of the Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus
axillarts)—pl. xu., fig 6—one egg in each set being generally
more marked on the smaller end ; the rich pinkish-red sets of the
Kestrel (Cerchnets cenchroides), some in exceedingly large clutches
—six to eight eggs: the rich and heavily-marked specimens of
the Osprey (Pandion leucocephalus)—examples are from the four
sides of the continent, one set in particular, from near Mackay,
being remarkable for its softly-coloured appearance. (In con-
nection with a note by Mr. D. Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S., on Mr. White’s
collection, see photo. (Jackson) of the series of Ospreys’ eggs.*)
The Little Eagle (Hieraétus morphnoides) is of special interest,
because Gould himself discovered this fine bird in the district
(Upper Hunter, 1839), as alluded to in the introduction ; and the
whitish eggs of the fierce Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radtatus).
It seems strange that the eggs of such a bird should be spot-
less.

Some sets of the various Sericornes are very similar to each
other, but whether or not Servicornis minimus is merely a northern
form of S. frontalis, its eggs differ considerably from those of the
southern bird. The lengthened and acorn-like eggs of S. citret-
gularis are exceedingly singular.

The richly-coloured, reddish, and round eggs of the Tree-
creepers (Climacteris) make a handsome show (examples, pl. xiii.,
figs. I1 and 16), except those of C. lewcophea (White-throated
Tree-creeper), which are almost white. According to the science
of oology, this species should be in a new genus. It certainly is
not a true Climacteris. Attention was directed to this at the
Hobart session (1903) of the R.A.O.U. Mr. G. M. Mathews has
since proposed the new genus Neoclima for the White-throated
bird.

ee the Wood-Swallows (Artamus), in sets of three or
four, none is wanting; but it is observed that, in the red-marked
eggs of the closely allied species, A. cinereus and A. melanops,
those of the former are slightly larger.

The divisions containing the bower-building birds are the eye
of the collection—no words can describe their marvellous markings
and variety There are pure white eggs of the Golden Bower-

* Emu, vol. ix., pl. v. tf 2mu, vol. ii., p. 170).
t Austral Avian Record, vol. i,, p. 115 (1912).

Emu
1st Oct.

68 CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection.
Bird (Prionodura newtoniana)—treference, Emu, vol. vii., pl.
XXViii.—cream-coloured eggs of the Tooth-billed Bower-Bird
(Scenopeetes dentirostris)—reference, Emu, vol. viii., pls. Xxxil.
and xxxiv.—mottled eggs of the Satin Bower-Birds (Ptilonorhvnchus
holosericeus and P. minor), and a wonderfully linear-marked series
of the Regent-Bird (Sericulus chrysocephalus)—see Emu, vol. ix.,
pl. v.)—and those of the Chlamydera, the Fawn-breasted (C. cervint-
ventyis) being the finest of the genus for its pronounced interlaced,
line-like markings. Examples of all coloured Bower-Birds’ eggs
are figured on pl? xi., figs. 1 to 9. (In addition “10 these
splendid natural illustrations, reference may be made to the fine
half-tone blocks of nests with eggs from Mr. Jackson’s negatives.
For C. guttata, see Emu, vol. ix., pl. xxviii., and for C. maculata,
Emu, vol. xii., pl. xii.)

Here are the smallest eggs in Australia, light buff in colouring,
and measuring only ;44, inch by ;3%, inch. They belong to the
tiny Tree-Tits (Smicrornis); and the rare eggs of Amytornis are
recognized by a remarkably good series of rich reddish sets (see
pia xii; ees 14):

These are succeeded by fine drawers of Shrike-Robins’. The
“Fly”? Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons) appears oftener to lay
a single egg than a pair. The familiar ‘“ Yellow”’ Robins’
(Eopsaltria) eggs are most beautiful by reason of their greenish
shade and complementary red markings. Here, again, oology
scores. The uniform olive-coloured eggs of EF. leucogaster (White-
breasted Shrike-Robin) do not resemble those. of true Eopsaltnia
(‘‘ By their fruits ye shall know them”’); therefore, that species
should be assigned to a different genus—namely, Amaurodryas—as
has been done by the “‘ Check-list’’ Committee of the R.A.O.U.
(1913). After calling it a Pachycephala in his “‘ Reference-list,”’
p. 317, Mr. G. M. Mathews has created for the species the new
genus, Quoyornis.* Other members of the large and varied family
Muscicapide are equally interesting. Those, for instance, of the
genus Arses, with their tiny hammock-like nests, that lay pearly,
red-marked eggs, as do the Monarcha, but depositing their eggs
in cup-shaped nests, beautifully built of green mosses. From this
latter group the Shining Flycatcher (nztidus), with its greenish-
white eggs (see pl. xiii., fig. 15), resembling somewhat those of
the familiar Fantail (Rhipiduva motacilloides), obviously differs,
and should be retained under its original genus—Pzrezorhynchus—
as shown on the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.”’

The glorious glossy dark green and umber marked eggs, in
sets of from one to three, according to the species, of the various
Cuckoo-Shrikes (Graucalit) always attract attention for their
extreme beauty. But a set of four of the Ground Cuckoo-Shrike
(Pteropodocys phasianella), in mottled ‘‘ picked green,’’ has the
pride of place in the exceptionally fine series in the Belltrees
collection. (Pl. xu., fig. 8.)

* Austral Avian Record, vol. i., p. 111 (1912).

THE EMu, Vol. XIII.

1—Cracticus rufescens.

2—Spbhecotheres flaviventris.

3—Colluricincla bower.
4—Porzana palustris.

ENGRAVED BY S. W. BACON & CO. LTD.,
SYDNEY.

5—Eurostopodus albogularis,
6—Elanus axillaris.
7—Rhynchea australis.
8—Pteropodocys phasianella.

PLATE XIl.

9—Tropidorhynchus buceroides.
10—Oreocicla cuneata.
11—Pedionomus torquatus.

PRINTED BY D. W. PATERSON CO. PTY. LTD.
MELBOURNE,
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Vol. XIII.
1913

CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. 69

Among the “ blue beauties ’’ are the eggs of Zosterops, in lustrous
triplets of delicate greenish-blue—or are they bluish-green ? The
remarkable Coachwhip-Birds (Psophodes) lay remarkable eggs of
a pale bluish shade, marked with a few hieroglyphics and commas.
A specimen of P. crepitans is given (pl. xiil., fig. 7), also a similar
beautiful egg of the Wedgebill (Sphenostoma cristatum) is figured
(pl mall fier)

Orioles’ eggs are easily recognized by their artistic shining and
stony shades splashed with umber, while those of the Fig-Birds
(Sphecotheres) are studies in rich reds and greens. For an
example of S. flaviventris see pl. xii., fig. 2.

The Honey-eaters’ (family Meliphagide), mostly salmon-tinted
eggs, are bewildering for their number, variety, and beauty. Of
the graceful Ptilotes, there may be mentioned P. macleayana, rare
and reddish (pl. xiii., fig. 12); the common P. fusca, with few
markings, but richly coloured ; P. versicolor, resembling much the
familiar eggs of P. sonora (Singing Honey-eater), delicate, and
almost uniform in colour, merely a pinkish blush ; while the scarce
Xanthotis filigera (Streak-naped Honey-eater) shines with red
speckles. The Myzanthe are full flushed in colouration: the
similarity of M. flavigula and M. lutea strongly show their sub-
specific connection, and, together with MM. obscura, appear
oologically separate from the common Miner, M. garrula.

Among the Friar-Birds the splendid series of Tvropidorhynchus
buceroides (pl. xii., fig. 9) is most captivating, and their bold and
brilliant reds, as in the case of the Miners, serve to differentiate
it from its congeners, the eggs of which have lovely lilac markings,
and are of soft appearance. Therefore, on oological grounds, Mr.
Mathews would appear to have reasons for generically subdividing
the Friar-Birds (see Austral Avian Record, vol. 1., p. 117).

The true Thrushes (Turdide) betray their kind in comple-
mentary shades of greens mottled with reds. For a fine example
of Oreocincla cuneata (Broadbent Ground-Thrush) see pl. xii.,
fig. 10.

Drongo-Shrikes (Chibia bracteata) are very striking specimens,
illuminating the trays with pinkish-red quartets.

The Grallina, or Magpie-Lark, is a truly Commonwealth bird,
because found common in every State, except, perhaps, Tasmania,
and this ‘“‘Commonwealth Collection’’ possesses many sets of
its eggs (several fives), varying in colour from white to rich
reddish-buff speckled with purple. One peculiar set of four is
altogether white.

The Calamanthi (Field-Wrens), notably montanellus, are coffee-
coloured and lustrous, while the Speckled Warbler (Chthontcola
sagittata) is singular in appearance and _ chocolate-coloured
(pl esate fig. ©7)-

The Sphenure (Bristle-Birds) eggs are reddish, and so rare and
beautiful that two—S. broadbenti and S. brachyptera—are figured
(pl. xiii., figs. 5 and 6).

The eggs of the forest-loving birds appeal to one’s imagination

70 CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. Bt

through thoughts of fern-gullies full of the fragrance of wattle
and of sassafras, where they build—the Lyre-Birds (Menura)
with their single elliptical, purplish egg, the Pilot-Bird (Pycnop-
tilus), with its leaden-coloured pair (pl. xiil., fig. 10), and the
mimicking Scrub-Bird (Atvichornis), which wakes up the sylvan
solitudes with loud, resounding calls, and lays its precious pair
in a nest lined with papier-mache. The only two nests yet dis-
covered were found by the perseverance of Mr. S. W. Jackson.
For character of eggs see pl. xiii., fig. 9.

Pittas’ eggs are in complements of threes or fours, excellent in
appearance, being round, pearly, and prettily spotted.

The socialistic Corcorax (White-winged Chough) has the com-
pleted number (seven) to, the set. Im one nest keptyunder
observation five eggs were deposited in three days. The Shining
Starling, or Calornis (A plonis metallica), is another socialistic bird,
nesting in companies, although not laying in one nest. Selected
sets of eggs (four) are light green and pink-spotted—rare objects
of delicate beauty.

The Rifle-Birds (Ptiloris) and Trumpet-Bird, or Manucode
(Phonygama gouldt)—really Birds-of-Paradise—possess most beau-
tiful eggs, and the Belltrees collection is rich with rare specimens.
Those of the Manucode are spotted and pink-striped (pl. xiii,
fig. 1), whereas those of the Rifles are striped—some from end to
end—with reddish-chestnut or olive, as if hand-painted with a
fine brush (pl. xiii., figs. 2 to 4; and for picture of the nest and
eggs of Victoria Rifle-Bird see Emu, vol. vill., pl. xxxv.)

Streperas, or Bell-Magpies, are unusually well represented,
making a large and most interesting series, the rich chocolates of
S. graculina being particularly striking, while one type resembles
in an extraordinary degree those of the common Magpie
(Gymnorhina).

The greens, mottled and splashed with sepia, of the Crows and
Raven (Corvus), common as they are, always please one. There
are many sets of sixes, and in one instance seven, all true ovals in
shape. A large collection of both birds’ demonstrates the fact
that the Crows’ are pale-coloured (bluish ground), while the Ravens’
are darker (more greenish ground).

Grass-Warblers’ (Cisticole) and Grass-Birds’ (Megalurt) are
contrasts in colour, the eggs of the former being greenish, slightly
spotted, the latter exceedingly pretty, spotted with pink,

The Shrike-Thrushes’ eggs (Colluricincle) form one of the “ sights
of the show,” being comparatively large, of pearly appearance,
and slightly spotted ; but the markings on C. bowert are somewhat
red (see pl. xil., fig. 3).

Eggs of Australia’s feathered favourites—the Magpies (Gym-
novhina)—furnish three well-filled drawers, making a marvellous
series, which could not be surpassed, of chiefly reds on greenish
grounds. Those of the Western form (G. dorsalis), however, are
the most uniform, as has been stated by Mr. White himself (vide
Emu, vol. xiii., p. 48), and the most brilliant (reddish) of the tribe

HE Emu, Vol. XIII,

1—Phonygama gouldi.
2—Ptiloris alberti.
3—P. victoric.

4—P. paradisea

5—Sphenura broadbenti.

6—S. brachyptera.

ENGRAVED BY S. W. BACON & CO, LTD.,

SYDNEY.

7—Psobhodes crepitans.
8—Parra gallinacea.
9—Atrichornis rufescens.
10—Pycnoptilus floccosus.
1l—Clumacteris scandens.
12—Ptilotis macleayana.

PLATE XIll.

13—Sphenostoma cristatum.
14—Amytornis megalurus,.

15—Piezorhynchus nitidus.
16—Climacteris superciliosa.
17—Chthonicola sagittata.

PRINTED BY D. W. PATERSON CO. PTY. LTD.

MELBOURNE.

a Vere a *

Po

| CaMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. 71

For illustrations and remarks by Mr. A. F. Basset Hull on varied
types of eggs of G. tibicen see ante, p. 15, pl. v., figs. I to 9.

Among the Butcher-Birds (Cractict), the Black (or Brown)
species, C. quoyi (rufescens), varies most—from light olive to a
bluish-grey ground, with bold, roundish spots—and resemble those
of a variety of Gymnorhina, but, of course, are smaller in size (pl.
sit. fig 2).

A good chapter could be well written on the Cuckoos and their
long and varied .list of foster-parents. In many instances the
eggs assimilate in colouring ; but it is a pretty contrast where the
red-speckled Bronze-Cuckoo’s (Chalcococcyx basalis) is seen in
combination with the uniform bluish eggs of the White-eye
(Zosterops dorsalis), or with a greenish set of Grass-Warblers’
(Cisticola exilis). The large Channelbill Cuckoo (Scythrops) is
supposed to be partial to Crows’ nests, but there is a pair of
Channelbill eggs in a set of Strepera graculina, which the great
Cuckoo’s eggs much resemble in colour and in size. Apparently
the Belltrees collection contains many foster-parents not yet
recorded. Perhaps Mr. White, at some early date, will compile
a complete list for The Emu. Such a list would be as interesting
as it would be valuable. The collection at present contains the
magnificent number of 250 different combination clutches, not
including duplicates.

Many cabinets gleam with the white eggs, showing considerable
variation in shape and size, of the long list of Cockatoos and
Parrots, which need only be mentioned. The same applies to
Pigeons.

Coming to the more terrestrial forms, the Charadriid@, or Plover
family, are most fascinating, especially the richly-coloured
quartets, such as, for example, those of Avocets and Stilts
(sub-family Himantopodine). Then there appear the remarkable
peg-top-shaped Sandpipers’, &c. (Totanine), stone-coloured and
variously marked, suggestive of sand and shingle surroundings.
One notices at once the comparatively large and heavily-marked
(purplish-brown) eggs of the Snipe (Gallinago australis), which
breeds in far-off Japan; likewise those of the Painted Snipe
(Rhynchea australis), from the interior provinces, dark-coloured
and curiously daubed, as if with sepia or Chinese ink (pl. xii.,
fig. 7). Mention should also be made of the numerous pairs of
Stone-Curlews (edicnemus grallarius), tinted according to soil and
situation where found—beautiful studies of environment—olive,
from the alluival plains of Riverina; red, reddish-brown, or
chocolate, from other localities; while smallness of markings
indicates sandy regions.

In the examples of eggs of the ‘“‘ Native Companion,’ or Crane
(Antigone), usually a pair, slightly spotted, there is one set of
three, while some of the Queensland eggs are uniformly white.

The various Herons’ (Ardeide), in full sets of fours or fives,
furnish the cabinets with exquisite shades of light greens or blues.
The largest and strongest (though light green) are the eggs of

)

Emu
1st Oct.

72 CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection.
the scarce Ardea sumatrana (Great-billed Heron), taken in Aus-
tralia ; then there are those eggs of the much-abused (for feminine
fashion) White Herons (Egrets), round in form and delicate
greenish-blue in hue, as spotlessly perfect as the parents them-
selves.

In keeping with the surpassing excellence of the collection, th
clutches of Quails (or Quails so-called) are very full. One Swamp-
Quail (Synoicus australis) clutch has a maximum complement of
fourteen eggs, and one of its Tasmanian ally (S. diemenensis) has
a splendid set of thirteen, while the sets (five) of the Least Swamp-
Quail (Excalfactoria australis) appear rich in darker olive colouring.
The unique Plain-Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) has such
remarkably shaped eggs that one is figured on pl. xii., fig. I.

From an oological point of view there are many object lessons
to be learnt in the study of the Ralline (Rails). The pearly and
pink eggs of Amaurornis decide it to be a Rail rather than a
Gallinule, and the two Native-Hens (Tvibonyx) might be generic-
ally separated, while the olive-like eggs of Porzana palustris (pl.
xil., fig. 4) should be differentiated from the Rail-like eggs of the
Spotted Crake (P. fluminea).*

The eggs, in quartets, of the Jacana (Parra gallinacea), rich stone
colour with interlacing loops and linear markings, much resemble
polished agates (see pl. xiil., fig. 8). .

Grebes (family Podictpedid@) are well represented by chalky-
surfaced specimens in various shades of staining according to the
length of incubation or the number of times the eggs have been
covered with wet weeds when the birds went ‘‘ from home.”’

There is a realm of romance about the many sea-birds’, especially
the Terns’ (Sternine). The writer’s own recollections of the far-
famed Abrolhos Shoals awake as splendid series of ‘‘ Sooties’”’
(Onychoprion fuliginosa) and the “‘Noddies’’’ (Anous stolidus and
A.melanops), are reviewed, not to mention the common Crested
Tern’s (Sterna cristata), with endless variety of hieroglyphic
markings, and the doublets of the Graceful Tern (S. gracilis), that
are dumped on grey, dead coral strands.

Gulls’ eggs are familiar objects, but the interest of the series of
Silver Gulls’ (Larus nove-hollandia) is enhanced by remarkable
mutations of reddish colouring and bluish.

Some of the chalk-encrusted eggs of Gannets (Sulid@) are much
stained—some strikingly so, being rusty-red, soiled by earth com-
posed of oxidized iron. Other specimens show their limy surface
has been nibbled by crabs.

Of the great order of Procillarizformes, or Petrel-like birds, the
various Albatrosses and Petrels’ eggs are exceedingly fascinating,
with the suggestive musty odour of some, from far-away bald
and bleak islets in Southern Seas. An egg of the Cape Petrel
(Daption capensts) comes from Laurie Islands, collected by a

* Previously mentioned in ‘‘ Another Decade Austr, Oology,’’ Emu, vol.
rsh Ioege Oy u 2p

Vol. XIII.

is CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. 73
Scottish expedition to the far South. It would be interesting to
know why eggs of some of the Albatrosses and of the Storm-
Petrels are freckled on their larger ends.

Fine, clean, and complete clutches represent the Duck family
(Anatine), all more or less greasy to the touch—a wise provision
of nature to protect the contained embryo from the dampness of
their usual surroundings—not that all Ducks breed upon the
ground, or in swamps: manys eek high and dry places in hollow
trees, as the abundant data of the Belltrees collection prove.
Of the two Whistling-Ducks, Dendrocygna arcuata lays the larger
eggs (nine or ten to a set). The splendid Rajah Shieldrake
(Tadorna rufitergum) has a maximum of eleven eggs, while the
little Grey Teal (Nettiwm gibberifrons) lays occasionally as many
as thirteen! The two “‘spiny-tailed’’ species (Evismaturinea)—
the Musk-Duck (Biziura lobata) and the rarer Blue-billed Duck
(Erismatura australis)—lay smaller clutches, but comparatively
larger eggs, which are somewhat coarse-grained and greenish in
tone. The number ranges from two to five. A fine full set of the
Blue-billed species is from the Lower Murray (S.A.), collected by
Captain and Mrs. White.

Among the largest and most handsome of the eggs of the world
are those of the Cassowary (Casuarius australis). For nests in satu
see Emu, vol. xii., pls. xxi. and xxii. Light green in colour, in
splendid sets, showing much variation, these eggs make out-
standing features of the already great collection, while last, but
not least (because now first in the approved classification) are
the dark greens of the Emus (Dromatus nove-hollandi@), one
champion clutch having fourteen eggs! With tenderest care
we are is permitted to handle an authenticated egg of the defunct
Tasmanian Emu (D. diemenensis)—probably the rarest item
of the whole collection.

CONCLUSION.

To give an adequate idea of the completeness of this national
oological collection at Belltrees—of which the foregoing observa-
tions are merely a sketch—it may be stated that, according to the
“ Official Check-list of the Birds of Australia,’’ there are enumerated
between 800 and goo species and sub-species, not including those
of the “ Provisional List.’’ Of that number, Mr. White lacks
about 8 per cent. only, or some 70 kinds. This is a great achieve-
ment, and at the present rate of progress the end—+.e., eggs for
every known species—is in sight. In my article ‘* Another
Decade in Australian Oology”’ (Emu, vol. iii., pp. 168-171, 1903),
I ventured the opinion that eggs of all our known birds would be
collected in the succeeding decade. That is_ practically so
Excepting the Petrels in their out-of-the-way homes, and the
far northern migrants, the chief and more strictly Australian
destderata are Leucotreron alligator, Notophoyx flavirostris, Cyclop-
sitta coxent, Geopsittacus occidentalis, Chalcococcyx russata,
Atrichornis clamosa, Falcunculus whit, Ashbyia lovensis, Malurus
whitii, Amytornis woodwardi, Amytornis goydert, Zosterops

74 CAMPBELL, A Commonwealth Collection. MCs

tephropleura, Melithreptus vinitinctus, and Stigmatops albt-
auricularis.

Finally, my best thanks, as well as the indebtedness of all students
in ornithology, more especially in oology, are due to Mr. H. L.
White for so generously defraying the great expense of etching
the excellent tricoloured photo.-blocks wherewith to illustrate
this article, and to Mr. S. W. Jackson for his careful attention to
the rare and valuable eggs entrusted to him by Mr. White while
the specimens were being photographed, at Sydney. by Messrs.
S. W. Bacon & Co. Limited.

Description of a New Sericornis.
By CE Corp aik. AO,

Tue following is a description of a new Scrub-Wren obtained
during a visit to Forsyth Island (Furneaux Group), Bass Strait,
with several other members of the working camp-out of the:
R.A.O.U. on Barren Island, during November, 1912 :—

Male.—Head, nape, hind neck, and mantle uniform reddish-
brown ; back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tail feathers much
darker, being a rich reddish-brown Tail feathers with no
distinct sub-terminal band. Wing uniform reddish-brown, the
outer webbing of the primaries having a distinct greyish tinge.
Spurious wing coverts dark brown, faintly tipped with white, a
few of the feathers having the inner webbing margined with white.
Chest dusky-brown, with a pronounced yellowish tinge. Breast
and abdomen pale yellow; side of breast dusky-brown ; flanks
reddish-brown. Under tail coverts brown, being margined paler
at the tips. Chin and cheeks ashy-grey, indistinctly mottled
with dusky brown. Throat and lower throat ashy-grey, with dark
brown centres to the feathers. Ear coverts dusky-brown, having
the quills ashy-grey. Lores dusky-brown, indistinctly mottled
ashy-grey. Forehead reddish-brown, mottled with ashy-grey,
giving a distinctive scaly appearance. Irides grey-hazel. Bill
black. Legs and feet brown.

Female.—Similar to foregoing.

Dimensions in millimetres: — Total length, 124; wing, 54;
tail, +47327 pill, yom se tarsus,, 19:

I propose provisionally the name Sericornis insularis, and, as
a vernacular, Forsyth Scrub-Wren.

Halbitat.—Forsyth, Cape Barren, and Clarke Islands.

Observations.—This bird was fairly numerous upon the island,
as many as five being flushed at one time. The birds keep close
to the ground, amongst the thick vegetation. Upon being flushed
they dart to the top of a low bush, giving utterance to a few short,
startled notes of danger, and immediately seek cover again.
Several specimens were secured, and upon dissection the type
female was found to be breeding.

An apparently old nest found was situated in a small, densely- —

eee Cote, Description of a New Sericornis. 75
foliaged shrub about 5 feet from the ground, and was built chiefly
of fine grass, and lined with downy feathers, representative of
several forms of bird-life. The nest resembled somewhat in shape
that of Sericornis citreogularis, but was much smaller and more
compact, the neck or dome-like structure being woven amongst
the foliage and extending vertically above the body of the nest
about 12 inches, giving to the whole a banjo shape. Entrance
upon the side of the body or lower structure of the nest.

Birds of Moora (W.A.) and District.
By C. L: B Orton AND P. T. SANDEAND, Ms.RvA‘O.U.

A List of birds identified within a 30-mile radius of Moora is
given herewith. The country in the immediate vicinity of Moora
is flat, covered mostly with salmon and white gum (eucalypts)
and undergrowth. Further east it becomes more hilly, the timber
being then mostly jam, manna (both acacias), and York gum,
with occasional belts of salmon gum and white gum, the latter
occurring on any ironstone hills. Going west from Moora there
is a large belt of sand-plain and gravelly ironstone country. Ten
miles out the red gum country begins, and from there on the
country is totally different, as well as the timber. Certain birds
occur there which are never seen near Moora, and there is also
a small “local migration ’’ among some species.

There is a post-office 22 miles west, Dandaragan by name. The
rainfall there is about 27 inches ; at Moora it is 183}; and 30 miles
east, at Wongan Hills, about 12 inches. But no records have
been kept for any length of time at the last place. From the
difference in rainfall it may be judged that the timber would vary
considerably, and with it certain forms of bird-life. Also, close
to Moora there are several swamps, which last all through the
summer after wet winters. Further west the swamps are per-
manent. Practically no water has run here during the last two
winters, so that we have had to go upwards of 50 miles west when
out Duck-shooting. A party went out last January and found
Ducks in hundreds ; but the swamps are so thick with tea-tree that
it is a difficult matter to find fallen birds.

Moora is shown only on the more recent maps. It is on the
Perth—Geraldton line, 108 miles from Perth, and about 60 miles
from the coast in a direct line. The railway line itself was built
by an English company on the land-grant system.

Dromaius nove-hollandiz. Emu.—Becoming rarer each year ;
once very plentiful.

Leipoa ocellata. Mallee-Fowl.—A rare bird, occurring 30 miles
east ; more plentiful in the early days.

Coturnix pectoralis. Stubble-Quail.— Uncommon.
Turnix velox. Uncommon.

76 ORTON AND SANDLAND, Birds of Moora (W.A.) een

ist Oct.

Geopelia tranquilla. © Ground-Dove.—Seen occasionally 20 miles
west.

Phaps chaleoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon.—Plentiful some years
back, but becoming very scarce on account of advancing settlement.

Tribonyx ventralis. Black-tailed Native-Hen.—Plentiful some
seasons.

Porphyrio bellus. Blue Bald-Coot.—A few seen on swamps after
wet seasons.

Fulica australis. Coot.—Seen on swamps after wet seasons.

Podiceps' gularis. Black-throated Grebe.—Fairly common on
swamps.

Zonifer tricolor. Black-breasted Plover.—Becoming plentiful as
clearing advances.

AEgialitis nigrifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel.—Fairly common.

Himantopus leucocephalus. White-headed Stilt.—A few birds seen
on swamps in wet seasons.

Cdienemus grallarius. Southern Stone-Curlew.— Rare; once
plentiful.

Choriotis australis. Bustard.—Very plentiful at times.

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked I[bis.—Seen occasionally in
flocks during winter.

Notophoyx nove-hollandiz. White-fronted Heron —vVery common.
Notophoyx pacifica. White-necked Heron.—Rare.

Botaurus poiciloptilus. Bittern——A few birds in swamps.
Chenopis atrata. Black Swan.—RKRare.

Casarea tadornoides. Chestnut-breasted Shieldrake.—Rare.

Anas superciliosa. Black Duck.—Very common.

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal.—Very common.

Nettium castaneum. Chestnut-breasted Teal.—Obtained one bird
when Duck-shooting. ;

Stictonetta nzwvosa. Freckled Duck.—Uncommon.

Nyroca australis. White-eyed Duck.—Uncommon.

Erismatura australis. Blue-billed Duck.—Uncommon.

Biziura lobata. Musk-Duck—Uncommon.

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris. Little Black Cormorant.—Uncommon.

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant.—Common.
Breeds in tea-tree swamps in wet seasons.

Cireus gouldi. Allied Swamp-Hawk.—Uncommon.

Astur approximans. Goshawk.—Fairly common.

Accipiter torquatus. Collared Sparrow-Hawk.—Fairly common.
Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle.—Odd pairs seen.

Hieraétus morphnoides. Little Eagle-—Fairly common during
breeding season ; very rare at other times.

Falco subniger. Black Falcon.—Extremely rare.
Faleo lunulatus. Little Falcon.—KRare.

Vol. XIII.

T913

ORTON AND SANDLAND, Birds of Moora (W.A.) ii

Hieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk.—RKare.

Hieracidea orientalis. Striped Brown Hawk.—Common during
breeding season ; rare during summer months.

Cerchneis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel —Uncommon.
Ninox ocellata. Marbled Owl.—Uncommon.

Glossopsitta porphyrocephala. Purple-crowned Lorikeet. — Very
common when eucalypts flower.

Calyptorhynechus baudini. White-tailed Cockatoo. — Common.
Absent during the summer from close round Moora. All birds leave
during November or early in December, and go out on to the sand-
plain country towards the coast. Return to Moora in flocks after
the first rains. Immediately pair off, and commence hunting for
suitable nesting-places in the salmon gum forests. Usually occupy
a month or six weeks preparing the hole before laying. According
to seasons, eggs may be obtained from the latter end of July to middle
of October. Clutch usually two, occasionally one. Have never seen
more than one young bird in nest.

Calyptorhynehus naso. Red-tailed Cockatoo.—Small flocks often
seen in red-gum country towards the coast during summer, but go
further north to breed.

Cacatua roseicapilla. Rose-breasted Cockatoo.—Small flocks seen
occasionally, but never remain here for more than a few hours.

Liemetis pastinator. Western Long-billed Cockatoo —Very common
20 miles west of Moora during summer. Breed further north.

Calopsitta nove-hollandie. Cockatoo-Parrot.—Seen in flocks
occasionally during the autumn.

Polytelis melanura. Black-tailed Parrot.—Visits district from
January until first winter rains fall.

Platycercus icterotis. Yellow-cheeked Parrot.—Fairly common.
In nesting habits opposite to Calyptorhychus baudint, for it returns
to district always about Christmas time, and odd birds stay as late
as July, but they nest in red gum country west of Moora.

Barnardius semitorquatus. Yellow-collared Parrot.—Common west
of Moora. None seen within to miles of the town.

Barnardius zonarius. Yellow-banded Parrot.—One of the com-
monest birds. An unmitigated pest in orchards.

Melopsittacus undulatus. Warbling Grass-Parrot. — Occasional
visitors in spring, often in company with Artamus personatus, and
breeds at odd intervals.

Podargus brachypterus. Short-winged Frogmouth.—Common.

Haleyon sanetus. Sacred Kingfisher——Very common in breeding
season.

Merops ornatus. Bee-eater.—Very common in breeding season

Cypselus pacifieus. White ramped Swift.—Seen at rare intervals
flying south.

Chetura caudacuta. Spine-tailed Swift.—Seen at rare intervals
flying south.

Cuculus pallidus. Pallid Cuckoo.—Very plentiful during breeding
season. Foster-parents :—Rhipidura motacilloides, Avtamus cinereus,

78 ORTON AND SANDLAND, Birds of Moora (W.A.) eae

Grallina picata, Melithrveptus chlovopsis, Glyctphila fulvifrons, Ptilotis
sonora, P. ovnata, P. carteri, Myzantha obscura, Anthocheva carun-
culata, Lalage tricolor.

Cacomantis flabelliformis. Fan-tailed Cuckoo.—Rather rare. Foster-
parent, Pyvrholemus brunneus.

Mesocalius oseulans. Black-eared Cuckoo.—Very rare. Foster-
parent, Pyrvholemus brunneus.

Chaleococcyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—Rare. Foster
parents :— Malurus splendens, Glyciphila fulvifrons, Acanthiza
chrysorvhoa.

Chaleococeyx plagosus. Bronze-Cuckoo.—Very common. First birds
usually appear in July. Foster-parents :—Acanthiza chrysorrhoa, A.
apicalis, Zosterops gouldt, Smicrornis brevirostris.

Hirundo neoxena. Swallow.—Rather rare.

Cherameeca leucosternum. White-backed Swallow.—Odd birds
seen at intervals flying very high.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Very plentiful.

Petrochelidon ariel. Fairy Martin.—Rare.

Micreea assimilis. Allied Brown Flycatcher.—Common.

Petroica campbelli. Western Scarlet-breasted Robin.—Odd_ birds
seen in red gum country.

Petroica goodenovii. Ked-capped Robin.—Common.
Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robin.—Rather rare.

Smiecrornis brevirostris. Short-billed Tree-Tit.— Very plentiful,
especially among suckers in ringbarked eucalypt belts.

Gerygone culicivora. Southern Fly-eater.—Uncommon.
Eopsaltria griseogularis. Grey-breasted Shrike-Robin.—Very rare.

Faleunculus leucogaster. White-bellied Shrike-Tit.—One bird seen
in four years.

Pachycephala _rufiventris. Rufous-breasted Whistler. — Very
common.

Rhipidura preissi. Western Fantail.—Appears with first rains, and
leaves during August.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail.—Very common.

Seisura inquieta. Restless Flycatcher.—Not so common.

Pteropodocys phasianella. Ground Cuckoo-Shrike.—Seen occasion-
ally.

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike.—Very common.

Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater.—Vervy
plentiful from September till January, odd birds remaining till April.

Pomatorhinus superciliosus. White-browed Babbler.—Common.
Cinclorhamphus ecruralis. Brown Song-lark.—Never very plentiful.

Cinclorhamphus rufescens. Rufous Song-Lark.—Very numerous
from September until January or February.

Ephthianura albifrons. White-fronted Bush-Chat.—Becoming more

wel IT ORTON AND SANDLAND, Birds of Moora (W.A.} 79
1913
plentiful as clearing advances. Found nests last season for first time
in district.

Acrocephalus gouldi. Long-billed Reed-Warbler.—Rare near Moora.
Found it plentiful in tea-tree swamps 45 miles west of Moora. Found
two nests containing young birds and one with fresh eggs in middle
of January. Nests were built in tea-tree shoots over water.

Acanthiza inornata. Western Tit-Warbler. Rare.

Acanthiza cehrysorrhoa. Yellow-tailed Tit-Warbler.—Extremely
plentiful.

Acanthiza uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Tit-Warbler.—Common in
salmon gum (eucalypt) belts.

Aeanthiza apicalis. Broad-tailed Tit-Warbler.—Nearly as _plenti-
ful as A. chrysorrhoa. Nests rather hard to find.

Pyrrholemus brunneus. Kedthroat.— Occuis only in certain
patches of thick saplings and undergrowth.

Malurus splendens. Banded Wren-Warbler.—Rare near Moora.
More plentiful further west and south.

Malurus cyanotus. White-winged Wren-Warbler.—Rare.
Malurus elegans. KRed-winged Wren-Warbler.—Rare.

Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow.—Visits district at
odd intervals. Very plentiful last spring.

Artamus c.nereus. (Grey-breasted Wood-Swallow.—Very plentiful:
Stationary.

Artamus sordidus. Wood-Swallow.—Not so common. Stationary.

Colluricinela rufiventris. Buff-bellied Shrike-Thrush.—Uncommon.

Grallina picata. Pied Grallina.—One of the commonest birds.

Neositta pileata. Black-capped Tree-runner.— Families often
noticed.

Climacteris rufa. Rufous Tree-creeper.— Fairly common. Dis-
appearing as the country is cleared

Zosterops gouldi. Grey-backed White-eye.

Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird.—Only seen from January
till May or June.

Pardalotus striatus. Red-tipped Pardalote-—Common.

Common.

Pardalotus punctatus. Spotted Pardalote.—Rare.

Melithreptus chloropsis. Western White-naped Honey-eater. —
Fairly plentiful in winter ; seldom seen during summer.

Acanthorhynchus superciliosus. White-browed Spinebill.—KRare.

Glyeiphila fulvifrons. Tawny-crowned Honey-eater.—Common on
sand-plain country.

Glyeiphila albifrons. White-fronted Honey-eater.—Visits here in
large numbers during March and April, in odd years, to feed on the
white gum blossoms.

Stigmatops ocularis. Brown Honey-cater.—Common.
Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater.—Not very plentiful.

Ptilotis ornata. Yellow-plumed Honey-eater.—Common in salmon
gum belts.

80 ORTON AND SANDLAND, Birds of Moora (W.A.) eee

Ptilotis carteri. Carter Honey-eater.—Uncommon.

Meliornis longirostris. Long-billed Honey-eater.—Common round
tea-tree swamps further west.

Myzantha obseura. Dusky Miner.—Common.

Anthochera ecarunculata. Red Wattle-Bird.—Very plentiful from
April to November. Nearly all birds absent from here during re-
maining months.

Anellobia lunulata. Little Wattle-Bird.—Very rare.

Acanthogenys rufigularis. Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater.—Same as
Glyciphila albifrons.

Anthus australis. Pipit—Very common, especially round cleared
country.

Teniopygia castanotis. Chestnut-eared Finch.—Uncommon.

Corvus australis. Raven.—Extremely plentiful; destructive to
lambs.

Strepera plumbea. Leaden Bell-Magpie.—Not very plentiful. Very
local in habits.

Cracticus nigrogularis. Black-throated Butcher-Bird. — Seen in
district for first time last year.

Cracticus leucopterus. White-winged Butcher-Bird.—Very common.
Gymnorhina dorsalis. Varied Magpie.—Very common.

The Black-eared Cuckoo (Mesocalius palliolatus,
Lath.) = Weare ce.
By P. A. GILBERT AND H. KEANE, Ms.R.A.O.U.

Tue first authentic evidence of the presence of the Black-eared

Cuckoo in the County of Cumberland, New South Wales, was

“an immature specimen procured by Mr. L. Harrison at Manly

on 13th January, 1906.’ * Since that date oological confirmation

has been obtained by us. At Flemington, 9 miles west of Sydney,

on 16th August, 1908, we found a nest of the little Field-Wren

(Chthonicola sagittata, Lath.), which contained three eggs. Being

an odd-looking set, they were submitted to Mr. A. J. North for

examination, and he identified one of them as the egg of M.

palliolatus. This is the first egg recorded in the County of Cumber-

land, and is now in Mr. H. Keane’s collection. The following are

some records :—

31/8/08.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and one egg of Little Field-
Wren, Flemington, N.S.W.

23/10/o9.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and one egg of Little
Field-Wren, Flemington, N.S.W.

17/9/10.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two young Field-Wrens,
Flemington, N.S.W.

10/12/10.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Blacktown, N.S5.W.

* Records Aust. Museum,’’ vol. vi., No. 5.

Monae GILBERT AND KEANE, Blachk-eaved Cuckoo. 81

19/8/11.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Flemington, N.S.W.

14/9/11.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Flemington, N.S.W.

16/9/11.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Flemington, N.S.W.

26/11/11.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Blacktown, N.S.W.

14/9/12.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Blacktown, N.S.W.

14/10/12.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Blacktown, N.S.W.

3/11/12.—One Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg and two eggs Little Field-
Wren, Blacktown, N.S.W.

17/11/12.—Found fledgling in nest of Little Field-Wren, Blacktown,

N.S.W.
6/12/12.—Saw young one being fed by Little Field-Wren, Blacktown
N.S.W.

Eggs of Mesocalius palliolatus (top row).
Eggs of Chthonicola sagittata (bottom row).*
FROM A PHOTO. BY P. A, GILBERT,

On 24/12/12 an adult Black-eared Cuckoo was seen flying
from the direction of a nest under observation. Closer examina-
tion revealed that an egg of the Little Field-Wren had been
ejected, and was lying 4 inches from the entrance. Two eggs of
the foster-parent and one of the Cuckoo were found in the nest,
thus showing, as in common with other Cuckoos, that where a
full set already exists one is thrown out and replaced by a Cuckoo’s
egg. The data here collated demonstrates that the Black-eared
Cuckoo evinces a decided preference for the nest of the Little
Field-Wren (C. sagittata) in Eastern Australia. In Western
Australia the nest of the Redthroat (Pyrrholemus bii:mnea) is
frequently chosen.

* For natural colour see pl. xiil., fig. 17.

82 GILBERT AND KEANE, Blachk-eaved Cuckoo. [eaoee

The shape of the Black-eared Cuckoo’s egg approximates to
that of the Bronze-Cuckoo (C. plagosus), being slightly larger in
size. In colour it ranges irom salmon-chocolate to a deep
chocolate, and, when found in the nest of C. sagittata, whose eggs
it very closely resembles, is readily distinguished by its super-
ficial coating of pigment—which comes off when lightly rubbed
with the finger—its elongated shape, and the white composition
of its shell, whereas the pigment is incorporated in the shell of
C. sagittata. The adult appears to do most of its feeding on the
ground, as we have frequently flushed it while walking slowly.
Its flight resembles that of the two Bronze-Cuckoos (C. basalis
and C. plagosus).

Some Swamp Birds.
By A. C. STONE, R.A.O.U., MELBOURNE.
(Read before the Bird Observers’ Club, 16th April, 1913.)

I HAVE had opportunities of observing many Australian swamp
birds in their natural habitat. The Murray River flats, which I
know well, have, up to the last few years, been subject to flooding
at longer or shorter periods from time immemorial. Now, huge
levee banks serve to keep the river within its bounds, but
in an abnormally wet season it is liable to break out at low-
lying places that are badly guarded.

It is over twenty years since | first made the acquaintance of
the Murray flats and swamps, when but very little had been done
in the way of “ banking.”’ Many times have I sailed, poled, or
rowed a flat-bottomed boat across Lake Boga (which is nearly
3 miles wide), over the flats for a mile or two, direct across the
Little Murray (‘¢ Barne’’),* hardly being able to distinguish the
river course (there are no bushes or trees lining its banks near
Lake Boga) ; then away over Pental Island (‘* Nyetnyetpert Buka-
rook’), across the Big Murray (‘ Millee’’), and into the swamps
of New South Wales. With shotgun and rifle ready to hand,
there was neve any difficulty in those good (or bad) old times
in keeping the larder more than well supplied. Lake Boga
(«‘Gourrm’’) is in a large lake system, and most of the lakes are filled
with fresh water from the backwaters and creeks at high water
mark. The shores of most of the lakes are plentifully sprinkled
with the kitchen middens, or ovens (‘lukull’’), of the now almost
extinct aborigines, which tell their tale of a former large popula-
tion, and vast supplies of fish and game ready to fall victims to
the skill of the native hunter.

On such a trip as I have outlined above there was much to
please an observer. At one time we would be passing within a
short distance of large fleets of Black Swans (Chenopis atrata),
‘“Coonnoar,”’ intent on pulling up the ribbon-weeds (‘‘ Narrelle’’),
which in some seasons grow thickly in Lake Boga, and feeding

* Lake Boga tribal names in inverted commas.

Vol. XIII. ES se
cae STONE, Some Swamp Birds. 83

on the soft roots and crustacea to be obtained thereby. Then
one’s attention would be drawn to a string of Pied Geese (A nsevanas
melanoleuca), ‘‘ Gnack,’’ passing almost overhead from one reed-
bed to another, ‘‘ honk-honking’’ as they went. Thousands
were to be seen with little trouble, and they nested in the snake-
infested reed-beds at some seasons. They were unsuspicious birds,
and could be easily shot. Settlement has driven them far away,
and it is years since I saw one in the district. Rounding a bend
in the swamp, we would come into view of a sand-spit on which
would be perhaps over a hundred Pelicans (Pelecanus con-
spicillatus), “‘ Nynungourk,”’ sunning themselves after a successful
fishing expedition. I have often seen hundreds of these birds
together on a moonlight night, swimming after a shoal of fish.
Their general habit at such times is to bunch together, shoulder
to shoulder, and they make a great commotion, eating the fish
and swimming at great speed. The Pelican’s power of vision is
very great, and in passing from one sheet of water to another at
any distance it reaches a great altitude, and soars on outspread
wings in spirals before departing, and, again, previous to alighting.
My observations go to prove that these birds, in their natural
state, feed principally upon small fish, although not disdaining
a larger one if in the way. A wounded bird will sometimes
disgorge a hatful of small fish. The Pelican swims very high in
the water.

On a sloping river-bank were to be seen large flocks of Wood-
Duck or Maned Geese (Chlamydochen jubata), ‘‘ Nannuck,’’ and,
stalking through the shallow water, Australian Egrets (Herodias
syrmatophorus), ‘“ Cathupbee Mununderra,’’ White-necked Herons
(Notophoyx pacifica), ‘‘ Waan,’’ White-fronted Herons (Notophoyx
nove-hollandte), ‘* Carthinbung,’’ Yellow-billed Spoonbills (Platibis
flavipes), ‘‘ Toop-toop,’’ and, perhaps, an odd Black-billed Spoon-
bill (Platalea regia), ‘‘ Naangourelle.’”’ The last-named species
nested in an adjoining lake some years ago Sometimes a Falcon
or other bird of prey would go flashing over a flock of Teal
(Nettiwn gibberifrons), ‘ Binnar,’’ its progress being marked by
a long succession of dives and splashes as the Ducks, in turn,
attempted to evade the enemy. In the distance, on higher
ground, were Australian Bustards (Choriotis australis), ‘‘ Gnarrow,”’
in numbers ; I have counted up to 32 in the field of vision. The
Australian Crane (Antigone australasiana), ‘‘ Gootthun,’’ was,
several years ago, in the estimation of some farmers, among the
pests of the wheat-lands, and was poisoned wholesale with
strychnined wheat. I have never heard of these birds nesting
freely near Lake Boga. I remember following a wounded Crane
for over half a mile—across a ploughed paddock, through the
native tobacco scrub, and over sand-hills. Suddenly the trail
which I was following disappeared, and was replaced, at right
angles, by the tracks of a fox, who secured a dinner at my expense.

Musk-Duck (Biziuva lobata), ‘* Goolwill,’’ were especially
common ; on many occasions I saw a wide, irregular band of these

as

84 STONE, Some Swamp Birds. Bess

birds stretching for over a mile on the lake, with a Pelican or a
Swan, Cormorants of different species, Australian Coots (Fulica
australis), ‘‘ Tdaich,’’ and Ducks—especially Hardhead or White-
eyed Duck (Nvyroca australis), ‘‘ Garrut’’—here and there. Flying
thickly overhead were hundreds of Marsh Terns (Hydrochelidon
fluviatilis), ‘‘ Garwit,’’ and Silver Gulls (Larus nove-hollandia),
‘“Barpethen.” If anything happened to alarm them, such as the
report of a rifle or the approach of a boat, the birds whose usual
mode of progression was by flight would depart, while the Musk-
Duck would, with head and shoulders stretched forward, rush
through the water with a side to side movement. The noise thus
made resembles the roar of a train—in fact, living about 300 yards
from the railway station, | was often deceived by it. At certain
times of the year the Musk-Duck is able to fly, and I have more
than once known one to be shot in full flight, at dusk, in mistake
for Black Duck (Anas superciliosa), “‘ Nyree.’’ The Musk-Duck
makes a rather bulky nest of water-weeds, and generally lays
four eggs. The Black or Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis),
‘“ Gnargourelle,’’ White Ibis (Lb7s molucca), ‘‘ Cukcuk,’’ and Glossy
Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) were all to be seen without much
difficulty, and the nests of the two former species, in favourable
seasons, would cover acres of half-dry swamp land. The Ibis
was always well spoken of by the farmer, and especially the
irrigationist, for the good done by the bird in eradicating insect _
pests. I remember an instance in which an invasion of cater-
pillars or grubs threatened the destruction of crops; but in a day
or two the plague was entirely cleaned out by a succeeding
invasion of Ibises. Australian Coots were generally much in
evidence, and, if sufficient rain had fallen in spring or autumn,
were to be seen in thousands, feeding on the succulent herbage
which so quickly springs up in the sandy soil on the Jake banks.

On the check-banks of the flooded area of Fish Point I dis-
covered, one season, a large rookery of the White-headed Stilt
(Himantopus leucocephalus), “‘ Kercumbul.’’ There were many
hundreds of nests. The approach of a stranger was the signal
for a great disturbance among the Stilts, or “‘ Bulldogs,’’ as the
fishermen called them, in consequence of their call resembling the
“yap’’ of a puppy. They also, when disturbed, hopped con-
tinually out of the water. On the outskirts of one of these
rookeries I found nesting the Spur-winged Plover (Lobivanellus
lobatus), “‘ Barretch Barretch,’’ Red-kneed Dottrel (Erythrogonys
cinctus), and Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra rubricollis). Within
two miles (205 miles from the coast-line), in depressions on a
higher bank, were scores of the nests of the Silver Gull (Larus
nove-hollandia), ‘‘ Barpethen,’’ each containing eggs—from one
to three. I regret to say that, within a few days, all the eggs were
destroyed, the delinquent being some prowling bird or beast.

The Bald-Coot (Porphyrio melanonotus), ‘‘ Beenbing,” is a
common Lake Boga bird. ~The nest is composed of reeds, bitten
into short lengths, and placed in a thick mass of reeds. The

Vol. XIII. “sa
om STONE, Some Swamp Birds. 85

number of eggs in a clutch varies, the largest I have known being
nine. I have a clutch of seven; three or four of these eggs bear
fine, hair-like lines. This bird is very destructive to the eggs of
the Black Swan. Directly the Swan leaves its nest, the Bald-
Coot, if in the vicinity, attacks the eggs with bill and claws. The
“boom” of the Australian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus),
“ Coweer,’’ can often be heard at night in the township, if the wind
is favourable. It is ridiculous to maintain that the aborigines
believed the Bittern’s “boom” to be the cry of the mythical
bunyip. The native knew Nature too well to be misled in such
a manner. The nest of the Bittern is composed of half-dried
water-weeds and rushes, and carried to a height of about 18 inches
above water level. In February, 1907, I had the great pleasure
of visiting a colony of nesting Grebes (Podiceps australis),
‘““Gorrwong,’’ on Long Lake. The nests, which were composed
of water-weeds placed upon floating masses of the same plants,
were only a few feet apart, and contained from one egg (of a
bluish-white colour) to four or five (badly stained) eggs. On the
approach of danger, if sufficient time offers, all the Grebes cover
their eggs with wet water-weeds, which speedily results in the
eggs being stained a deep chocolate. I found the Hoary-headed
Grebe (Podiceps poliocephalus), ‘‘ Gorrower,’’ nesting freely in
The Heart morass at Sale, in 1910. There were also hundreds
of nests of the Marsh Tern (Hydrochelidon fluviatilis), ‘“ Garwit,”’
containing, in most instances, the maximum number (three) of
eggs. I saw scores of nests containing young birds, with perhaps
an addled egg in the nest or water close by; but in no case were
there three young chicks. The parents fed the nestlings on small
fish. The Marsh Tern nested freely on Lake Boga in 1911; but
storms, causing huge waves, destroyed all the nests and eggs.
The Australian Shoveller, or Bluewing (Spatula rhynchotis),
‘“ Weetchut,’’ I consider to be the most suspicious of the Duck
family, and it takes but the slightest out of the common _ to
disturb them. They are always the first of the Ducks to take
alarm.

The Hardhead, or White-eyed Duck (Nyroca australis),
“ Garrut,”’ and the Blue-billed Duck (Evismatura australis), were
often caught in the fishermen’s nets when diving for insects and
so forth. The Freckled Duck (Stictonetta nevosa), ‘“‘ Gnall Gnall,”’
is occasionally met with; but I have never known it to nest in
the Lake Boga district. The Pink-eared Duck or Widgeon
(Malacorhynchus membranaceus), ‘‘ Gewallert,”’ is, at times, very
common, and comes suddenly, as do most water-birds, in huge
flocks. I have not heard of the species nesting in the Lake
Boga district. In tgo08, on the shores of Lake Toutchewop,
(* Goutchewop’’), a large, straggling lake, there must have been
hundreds of thousands of birds. The Cormorants take toll of
the shoals of fish. I once saw a Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
carbo), “‘Murtmurrel,’’ choked when attempting to swallow a
cat-fish (“‘Buck’’). The side spines of the fish were caught in

= ~ = ‘ Emu
86 STONE, Some Swamp Birds. cir

the bird’s throat. The Snake-Bird, or Darter (Plotus nove-
hollandie), ‘‘ Gercarthin,’? when alarmed, sinks its body below
the surface of the water, and gets quietly away, with only the
top of its head and the long, sharp-pointed bill showing. It was
never abundant about Boga. The Little Crake (Porzana palusins),
‘“ Tillip,”’ and the Pectoral Rail (Hypotenidia phalippensis),
‘“Lerrup,’’ are both shy birds. Their nests are found occasionally,
the maximum number of eggs in a clutch being six and ten
respectively. The Sharp-tailed Stint (Pzsobia acuminata) is often
a common bird, and in favourable seasons every sand-spit round
some of the lakes is covered with them.

In 1904 I found the Red-backed Parrot (Psephotus hematonotus),
‘“Gechurt,”’ nesting freely in the hollow gum-trees in the Yassam
swamp, the maximum number of eggs in a clutch being four.
Many of the hollow branches not occupied by the Parrot were
tenanted by the Tree-Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans). In 1892
the banks on either side of the creek which fills Lake Boga from
the Murray were lined with willow-trees, which had been planted
by the Moravian missionaries, the original cuttings coming from
a willow growing over Napoleon’s grave at St. Helena. These
trees, with their green curtain of branchlets sweeping the face
of the creek, made a charming picture. These lower branches
were chosen by hundreds of Reed-Warblers (Acrocephalus aus-
tralis), ‘‘Garcoon Garcoon,” for nesting. The reeds at the edge
of the creek were also filled with nests. In some seasons the Black-
tailed Native-Hens (Tvribonyx ventralis), ‘‘ Dallip,’’ come in
thousands, and, after nesting, depart as speedily as they come.
I once found a nest of the Grass-Bird (Megalurus gramineus) in a
polygonum bush which was surrounded by water. Two or three
feathers of the Black-tailed Native-Hen were built into the
nests, shafts down, the feathery portion completely doming the
nest. The Harrier, or Swamp-Hawk (Circus gould), ‘* Birr,” is
a common bird. It places its nest in long grass, in growing crop,
or in rushes in the middle of a swamp.

Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.)
By W.R.. B. Otiver, RA.OW... AUCKLAND:

THERE is scarcely a spot more delightful for the naturalist than
a remote island, where sea-birds resort each year for the purpose
of rearing their young, and where the balance of nature has not
been disturbed by the intrusion of man. Such places are
becoming fewer every year: but, thanks to their inaccessibility,
rough and rocky surface, and often inhospitable climate, many
islands still exist in their primeval condition in the southern
seas. Included in the New Zealand biological region are some
of the most interesting of the nurseries for sea-birds.

Though not a rendezvous for many of the ocean Petrels, White
Island is, nevertheless, of interest to the ornithologist as the

yet ae: Ottver, Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.) 87
breeding-place for sea-birds under conditions—namely, in the
presence of poisonous fumes—scarcely paralleled elsewhere. I
considered myself fortunate, therefore, when, through the courtesy
of Mr. J. G. Magee, manager of the White Island Sulphur Co.,
I was permitted to visit White Island during December, 1912.
Leaving Opotiki in the company’s launch at 3 a.m. on the 6th, a
course nearly due north was steered for the island, which, though
35 miles out in the Bay of Plenty, was clearly visible, and easily
attracted attention by the white steam cloud resting over it.
Viewed from the sea at close quarters, it was a magnificent sight.
The sun, rising from near the south-east, made the island stand
out like a jewel against the clear blue sky and deeper blue of the
calm waters. The island itself is of a light pink colour, clothed
at its base and western end with dark green vegetation. Where
the crater wall is broken away (as it is at the eastern end, where
we landed), the sulphur-coloured cliffs of the interior are- visible,
and over all rests a huge cloud of steam, from which the island
receives its name. We landed at 7.40 a.m. in Crater Bay, near
where the overflow from the crater lake discharges. The sea
water here is discoloured, and no life is found for some distance
on either side.

White Island is only 134 miles in length, but it rises to a height
of 1,075 feet above sea-level. It is a volcanic cone, with a
central crater, which has steep outer and precipitous inner faces,
but is broken away almost to sea-level at the eastern end, where
a landing may be effected in fine weather. Within the crater
is a large lake of greenish-yellow water, boiling in several places,
and containing, among other chemicals, over 5 per cent. of free
hydrochloric acid. The outer slopes of the crater are very steep,
difficult and dangerous to walk over, as the stones give way
at every step, and deeply furrowed by innumerable channels,
often impassable on account of their precipitous sides of loose,
detachable material. An immense quantity of steam is discharged
from the crater at all times. Issuing from three large and innumer-
able small blow-holes near the level of the lake, it usually ascends
to the top of the island, where it is caught by the wind and carried
away. Apparently all steam issuing from the White Island crater
is charged with poisonous fumes, that from the lake being par-
ticularly noxious. It has a choking effect, and even in mild
doses, such as one can scarcely avoid when exploring the crater,
causes constant coughing, and colours the saliva pink. It is the
presence in the atmosphere of poisonous fumes which inhibits
(except at places remote from the crater) the growth of vegetation
on the island. It also occasionally disturbs the sea-birds, but,
apparently, does not interfere with the rearing of their young.

I spent three days on White Island, during the whole of which
time the weather was fine. Fearing a change, however, I decided
to return to Opotiki in a launch owned by a Maori, who came
over for the day to collect young Mutton-Birds for eating.
Trusting to a compass which was evidently affected by a lamp

88 OLiveER, Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.) egret

and the engine, we first sighted the New Zealand coast 11 miles
to the east of Opotiki. At 1 a.m. the Opotiki bar was reached,
but, it being low tide, could not be crossed until 3.30 a.m.—
eight hours after leaving the island.

Five species of birds are known to breed on White Island. One
of these I was unable to identify, only mutilated specimens being
seen. It was a small Storm-Petrel, which probably suffers from
the depredations of rats (Mus exulans), of which species I saw
one dead specimen.

Sula australis (Australian Gannet).

There are about six colonies of Gannets on the south coast of
White Island, and une on a rock a little distance from the shore.
The areas occupied are clear of vegetation—indeed, the presence
of dead pohutukawa plants (Metrosideros tomentosa) in the midst
of some of the colonies shows that the birds not only prevent the
scrub from spreading, but actually kill any on ground which they
may occupy.

It is not practicable to visit the Gannet colonies by land, as
it means climbing a dangerous track on the inner cliff-face of the
crater, and then descending the steep slope to the sea. I did not
attempt this route, but made use of the Sulphur Company’s boat,
which is kept for the purpose of getting firewood. The first
colony visited (7th December) contained mostly fresh eggs, though
in many incubation had begun, and some young birds were
noticed. Most of the chicks had just hatched, though a very
few were large and covered with white down. The nests were
placed at almost equal distances apart, each consisting of a low
mound of earth with a hollow at the top, in most cases lined with
Chenopodium stalks. I do not believe that the birds do more
towards making the nest than perhaps scratching a little hollow
and placing some pieces of Chenopodium or seaweed therein, the
weather and the protective action of guano accomplishing the
rest. The mound, therefore, is simply caused by rain water
washing away the ground round the nest.

Only one egg is laid. At first it is of a light greenish colour,
and covered with a thick layer of lime. Soon, however, it
becomes dirty, and the time during which it has been brooded
can be judged roughly by its colour. When first hatched the
young Gannet is naked and entirely black. As it grows it
becomes covered with pure white down, and is then really a pretty
object. Now, before rising the adult Gannet almost invariably
disgorges the contents of its stomach, and the young instinctively
performs the same act, though it is incapable of flight. Even
naked birds just hatched endeavour, when approached, to throw
up their food. Here seems to be a case of instinct at fault, for,
though it may be necessary for the adult to relieve itself of its
load of fish in order to rise quickly, it is incredible that it is of
any benefit to the young to lose a meal.

I examined the contents of the stomachs of several birds, and

oy Ottver, Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.) 89

found them to consist mostly of small garfish. In some,
however, there were other kinds of fishes and squids. Though
Gannets are usually silent, when their breeding colony is
approached they frequently rise in a body, uttering cries all the
time. The whole colony rises in a similar way when the wind
carries the poisonous fumes from th> crater among the sitting
birds. The fact that the prevailing winds in the Bay of Plenty
are from the west and south-west, thus carrying the fumes in a
north-easterly direction, no doubt explains why the bulk of the
vegetation and all the Gannet colonies on White Island are on
the west and south coasts.

Another and larger colony of Gannets which I visited (8th
December) contained mostly young birds just hatched, though
there were fresh eggs and large chicks covered with white down.
The breeding season, therefore, extends over many months, but
most of the eggs are laid about the beginning of November.
Seaweed was noticed as lining to a large number of nests in this
colony. Unlike the birds visited on the previous day, these
Gannets did not take much notice of me, and I was enabled to take
photographs at close quarters. Indeed, if not careful, one might
receive painful wounds from their large, pointed bills.

Larus seopulinus (Red-billed Gull).

The common Mackerel Gull of New Zealand breeds on the east
point and north coast of White Island. On the east point their
nests are placed among rocks and slopes covered with tussock-
grass (Poa anceps). The nest is small, being composed merely
of a few stalks of Mesembryanthemum, and perhaps lined with
grass. Several nests, each containing two eggs, apparently
freshly laid, were seen. On the north coast a small colony breeds
on a rocky point. Here were seen nests with eggs, young birds
just hatched, and others almost fully fledged. The newly-
hatched birds were covered with down of a creamy-white colour,
with black spots. At my approach most of the young endeavoured
to hide in rock crevices, and one took to the water, swimming out
some distance.

Cstrelata macroptera (Great-winged Petrel).

This is the “‘ Mutton-Bird”’ of the Auckland district, the term
being loosely applied to any of the Petrels or Shearwaters which
are used for food. White Island, being 35 miles from the main-
land, is seldom visited for its birds: but while I was there a
number was collected by some Maoris, who had come over from
Opotiki for the day. The burrows are found in all the patches
of vegetation round the coast of the island. As is usual in such
colonies, the ground is practically undermined, and one’s foot |
may sink suddenly at any step. The single egg is probably laid
in August. At the time of my visit each burrow contained a
nearly fully-fledged young bird, which fought vigorously on being
brought to the surface.

go Oxiver, Bird-Life on White Island (N.Z.) ui

ist Oct.

Nest of Red-billed Gull (Larus scopulinus).

FROM A PHOTO, BY W. R. B. OLIVER,

Sterna frontalis (White-fronted Tern).

There is a small breeding colony of this species at the eastern
point of White Island. I was not able to examine the nests,
which were high up on a cliff facing the sea.

Visit to Torilla Plains.
By E. D. BArnarpD, R.A.O.U., KooniGatL (Q.)

AN invitation from the manager of Torilla Plains Station to spend a
few days with him observing waterfowl during the breeding season
was hailed with delight. I left home 4th March. A ride for a
day and a half brought me to Wowan, the present terminus of
the newly-opened Dawson Valley railway. Wowan is said to be
one of the native names of the Brush-Turkey (Catheturus lathamt).
A train ride of about two hours brought me to Mount Morgan,
the celebrated mining town, which is scattered over a large area
of rough and rocky ridges at the source of the Dee River. Here
we changed trains, and, after descending the famous Razorback

Vol. XIII.
1913

BARNARD, Visit to Tortilla Plains. gI
Hill, soon reached Rockhampton. The Razorback is so steep
that a powerful rack engine is used to assist the ordinary engine
both in ascent and descent.

The next portion of the journey was by coach, and at 6.45 a.m.
the “ Royal Mail’’ left the P.O. with a large and miscellaneous
load, on which the several passengers perched. The first day’s
stage was safely accomplished, but that night it rained heavily,
and, as the country was already streaming with water, fears were
entertained as to to-morrow’s progress. These expectations were
realized when, at about 10 a.m., we reached Tilpal Station and
found Tilpal Creek, a large tidal creek, flowing in a swift, broad
stream, some feet over the bridge. The delay was most irksome,
especially as I could find nothing of oological or ornithological
interest in the vicinity ; but fortunately there was no more rain,
and after a delay of a day and a half the creek had fallen
sufficiently to allow the coach to cross with safety.

Torilla was reached by lunch time, and I received a warm
welcome from Mr. Rogers, who at once began planning excursions
for the remainder of the week. Torilla Plains takes its name from
the large plain (most probably at some remote period an arm
of the sea) which extends for about 18 miles, by an average width
of 4 or 5 miles, through the middle of the property, an island
(aboriginal name, ¢ovil/a) a few acres in size rising in the middle
of the plain. After a good, wet season the plain is covered with
water, varying in depth from 3 or 4 feet to as many inches, but
the greater depth obtains at the northern end, where one or two
mangrove creeks drain into the sea. Rushes grow thickly in the
deeper water and in some of the arms or indentations, which
extend in some cases for perhaps half a mile, and over the greater
part of the plain the water couch-grass flourishes, making wading
extremely difficult. After the water dries off the plain is a
valuable grazing pasture ; stock thrive and fatten on the marine
herbs and grasses, which possess great fattening properties.
Naturally, birds were present in great numbers, although I was
assured that three and four years ago there were fully treble the
present number.

Tuesday, the 11th of March, was a red letter day for me. After
a short ride through one of the stock paddocks, we turned our
attention to the plain. The horses were well used to the work,
and splashed steadily along, often almost swimming, but never
ceasing to reach out for a mouthful of the profusely-growing
couch-grass. In a shallow part we came upon a good number of
White-headed Stilts (Himantopus leucocephalus), and a_ short
search soon revealed two or three nests, one containing three
eggs. Pushing through the reeds, out of which in all directions
Pied Geese (Anseranas melanoleuca) were rising from their nests,
we came upon an Ibis colony. There were dozens of these nests
(of two species), built of reeds firmly and neatly plastered
together, and anchored securely to the ground. Often several
were joined together, forming a platform of irregular shape. I

Q2 BaRNarD, Visit to Tovilla Plains. ee sibt

took hold of one platform, and was surprised at its strength.
I could hardly shake it, and when I stood upon it it neither sagged
nor shook with my weight. The contents of the nests varied
greatly. In one platform of, say, six nests, there were eggs just
chipping, sets of fresh eggs, and nests not yet laid in, while a
few feet away I saw young birds almost able to fly. If heavy
rains occur while the birds are nesting hundreds of nests are
swamped by the rising waters, and the eggs or chicks destroyed ;
while, on the other hand, if the wet season ends suddenly, and
the waters dry up, the slower-maturing birds, such as Swans,
Geese, &c., die in hundreds because of their inability to travel to
more favourable localities. The nests of the Pied Geese and Swans
mostly contained incubated eggs, one Goose’s nest having the
unusually large complement of sixteen. Ducks’ nests were fairly
plentiful at this spot, but the majority nested in the long grass
on the drier portions of the plain. We saw several nests of the
Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata), White-eyed Duck (Nyroca
australis), Black Duck (Anas superciliosa), and secured a nest of
the Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytont) with thirteen
eggs. The nest of a Shoveller (Spatula rhynchotis) was also
secured. These Ducks select as a nesting site a patch of dry
ground with very short grass, and generally some distance from
water. ‘‘ Burdekin Ducks” (Tadorna rufitergum) were also seen
in occasional pairs, but, although I saw them perching in the
fringe of gums surrounding the plain, I was unable to secure a
nest. A peculiar fact which I noted was that I never saw a
Wood-Duck, a Black-throated Grebe, or a Bald-Coot during my
visit. Why had such a body of water, luxuriant with masses of
vegetation, no attraction for these species ?

A large sand-ridge on one side of the plain was tenanted by
White-necked Herons (Notophoyx pacifica), but all had young
birds of almost the same age, the cracked shells lying on the
ground beneath the nests. I ascended a tree which had a
Whistling-Eagle’s (Haliastur sphenurus) nest besides five of the
Herons’, and obtained a very pretty pair of eggs. A very
dull-coloured clutch of three of this species was taken from
a species of mangrove tree, the nest not being 10 feet above the
water. The next day I visited two colonies of Royal Spoonbills
(Platalea regia), situated in a tea-tree swamp. The colonies were
only about 300 yards apart, but, singularly enough, in one the
nests almost all had young, and in the other I did not see a young
bird. I should estimate the larger colony to contain about
200 nests.

Three species of Egrets were plentiful, and we made a gallant
attempt to visit their abode; but after plunging and struggling
through dense mangroves for a considerable time we came upon
the banks of a large, swiftly-running tidal creek, in the middle
of which, upon an island covered with mangroves, the Egrets
were apparently nesting in hundreds. There was no boat to be
got, and my desire to swim across was checked by the certain

Vol. XIII. on Taye ee
a BARNARD, Visit to Torilla Plains. 93

presence of alligators. Nankeen Herons (Nycticorax caledonicus)
were in thousands, but did not appear to be nesting. Doubtless
they, too, found a safe retreat among the mangroves when they
desired to breed.

Several nests of the Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
melanoleucus) were seen. Two of these contained seven eggs
each, and another six. Previously I had never seen more than
four in a nest. A Jabiru’s (Xenorhynchus asiaticus) nest was
inspected in a low ironbark, but it was not being used. Very few
of these stately birds were seen. A hurried visit to Stanage Bay,
a picturesque home on the coast, where I saw a White-headed
Sea-Eagle’s (Haliastur leucosternus) or Osprey’s (Pandion leuco-
cephalus) nest on a rocky pinnacle, securely isolated at high tide,
brought my trip to a conclusion, and I returned to work, with
both my diary and my mind stored with memories of happy days
among the birds of Torilla Plains.

The Birds of Peel Island.
By Noe V. I. AGNEw, R.A.O.U., MoRETON Bay, QUEENSLAND.

PEEL Island, or Turkrooa, is situated near the head of Moreton
Bay. It is somewhat flat, and about 2 miles long by I mile
broad. Few birds breed on the island. Most of them migrate at
the end of winter, returning again in the autumn. The following
76 species have been identified, namely :—

Stubble-Quail. (Coturniv pectovalis)—Not very numerous. Their
cry is often heard, but the birds are seldom seen, owing to the abund-
ance of grass. Nests on the island.

Barred-shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis).—Rare. Only one
specimen of this species has been seen.

Ground-Dove (Geopelia tranquilla)—Common. Many young ones
seen. According to reports, the Ground-Dove breeds in the more
secluded parts of the bush.

Little Green-Pigeon (Chalcophaps chrysochlora\.—Seldom seen. This
species comes and goes.

Bronze-winged Pigeon (Phaps chalcopteva\.—Rare ; some seen.

Bald-Coot (Porphyrio melanonotus).—Common. Breeds here. Nests
of “‘ Redbills’” (local name) are generally found in swamps, built of
aquatic plants, leaves, &c. Five eggs, of a greenish-stone colour
with brown markings, are laid at a sitting. Bald-Coots are often
seen in the fowl-yards after eggs or any bones with scraps of meat
on. Their note is rather squeaky—in fact, it is more of acry. When
flying their legs hang loosely behind.

White-faced Storm-Petrel (Pelagodroma marina).—Rare. Solitary
specimens have been seen flying over the island in bad weather.

Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuliginosa).—Rare. Doubtful species.

Silver Gull (Lavus nove-hollandig).—Common at times.

Pacific Gull (Gabianus pacificus).—Rare.

94 Acnew, The Birds of Peel Island. Emu

rst’ Oct.

Curlew (Numenius cyanopus)—Common. Seen on sand-banks at
low tide.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucus).—Seldom seen. Occasion-
ally one or two come to feed when on migration.

Southern Stone-Curlew (CEdicnemus grallavius).—Heard at night.

White Ibis (Jbis molucca)—Common during winter, but departs
in beginning of spring, evidently to breed elsewhere.

Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis)—Not so common as [bis
molucca. Winters here.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)—Rare. Seen singly or in pairs
during winter.

White-fronted Heron (Notophoyx nove-hollandie).—Common. Seen
on mud-flats. Nests here.

Australian Egret (Hevodias syvmatophorus).—Rare. This _ bird
occasionally visits us in twos and threes.

Reef-Heron (Demiegretta sacva)—Common. Is seen feeding on the
reefs and sand-banks at low tide with other sea-birds. Nests have
been observed.

Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)—Common at times. Shooting
parties have frightened most of these birds away. Nests have been
found.

Black Cormorant (Phalacrocovax cavbo).—Common.

White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax gouldi),— Common at
times.

Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorvax hypoleucus)—Common at times
Australian Darter (Plotus nove-hollandi@).—-Rare.
Australian Gannet (Sw/a australis)—Common at times.

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus).—Several pairs have
been seen. Not so numerous as formerly.

Spotted Swamp-Hawk (Circus assimilis)—One specimen was shot
by a resident and brought to me for identification.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Halizetus leucogastey).—One pair breeds
here.

Little Faleon (Falco /unulatus)—One specimen noted.

White-headed Osprey, ‘“ Fish-Hawk’’ (Pandion leucocephalus).—
Common. Breeds every year in the mangroves.

Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook)—Common. Their “ more pork ’’-
like cry is heard nearly every night. When out in mangroves I sur-
prised a pair. Nests here.

Blue-bellied Lorikeet (Tvichoglossus swainsont).—Common. Breeds
in the hollow spouts of gum-trees on the island. Very noisy bird.
Feeds on honey from blossoming gums (blood-woods) or any other
flowering tree.

Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus).—Rare. Inhabitants of
the island inform me that several specimens have been observed.

White Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita).— Several pairs seen, which
apparently inhabit the island. Nests in hollows of dead trees.

Australian Roller (Euvysiomus pacificus).—One specimen noted.

oe

2

cy AGNEW, The Birds of Peel Island. 95
Blue Kingfisher (A/cyone azuvea).—Rare. Have seen several pairs.
A nest observed.
Great Brown Kingfisher, ‘‘ Laughing Jackass ’’ (Dacelo gigas).—
Common. Nests here. One in captivity is fed with meat, grubs,
and Jizards.

Forest Kingfisher (Halcyon macleayi).—Single specimen seen.

Sacred Kingfisher (Halcyon sanctus)—Common. Nests and young
have been observed.

Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx plagosus)—Rare. One specimen was
seen behind the house, on fig-trees, eating insects.

Pheasant-Coucal (Centvopus phasianus).—Several ot these birds
have been observed.

Welcome Swallow (Hivundo neovena).—Common in winter. Nests
in spring months.

Tree-Martin (Petrochelidon mnigyicans’—Common in winter. In
early spring months these birds are seen building in the hollow spouts
of gum and other trees.

Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii).—A solitary specimen seen.

Rose-breasted Robin (Evythvodryas rosea).—Several of these dainty
birds have been seen.

White-throated Fly-eater (Gevygone albogulayis).—Rare. Song is
very cheerful. Have seen only one specimen.

Singing Fly-eater (Gevygone cantatoy)—Common. This bird is
called the “‘ Queensland Canary’’ by Brisbaneites because of its
cheerful song. This Fly-eater nests on the island, building on a low
branch of a mangrove. Nest made of tea-tree bark, moss, &c.,
and suspended from a twig. Eggs, three in number, are warm white
in colour, with reddish-brown blotches on larger end.

Rufous-breasted Whistler (Pachycephala rvufiventyis)— Common in
winter. Very active bird, and generally resorting to the higher
branches of gum and other trees.

White-shafted Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa)—Common in winter
months, but rare in spring and summer.

Rufous-fronted Fantail (?hipidura rufifrons).—Rare. Now and again
a specimen is seen.

Black-and-White Fantail (Rhipiduva motacilloides)—Common_ in
winter. Very friendly birds. One specimen noted in December
(1912).

Restless Flycatcher (Seisuva inquieta)—Common at times. Note
similar to that of a razor being ground, and uttered when hopping
on the ground or hovering about.

Leaden Flycatcher (Myzagra plumbea).—Common all year. Young
have been seen, though their nests have not been found.

Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike (Graucalus melanops\.—Commonly known
as “ Blue Jay.’ Generally inhabits the topmost branches of high
tHees.

Little Cuckoo-Shrike (Grvaucalus mentalis).—A flock of a dozen came
and stopped with us for two months.

Pied Caterpillar-eater (Campephaga Jleucomela).—Rare. In the

aE Acnew, The Birds of Peel Island: ee

winter months these birds are mostly seen, and when nesting-time
comes they disappear till about the end of each autumn.

Ground-Thrush (Oveocincla heinii)—Rare. A pair visits us
every winter. Beautiful song.

Grass-Warbler (Cisticola exilis)—This bird inhabits mainly the
grassy and swampy parts of the island, and breeds here. Its nest is
placed low in a small shrub, among long grass. The nest of this bird
which I found was 6 inches from the ground, sewn to two broad leaves
of a native shrub, and woven to the leaves with cobweb. The lining
was of thistledown, and very cosy for the young. The three eggs were
blue in colour, with reddish spots. Unfortunately. several days
after the female began sitting a fire demolished nest and eggs. The
song is very pleasing, and is better when the bird is on the wing.

White-rumped Wood-Swallow (Artamus_ Jleucogaster). — Common.
This bird is generally seen in flocks of a dozen or so, clinging to the
branches of trees. This species nests here, in the fork of a tree or
in the hollow branch of a mangrove. Egg of Avtamus leucogaster
has a neutral ground colour, and is dashed, speckled, and blotched with
different shades of brown.

Masked Wood-Swallow (Ariamus personatus).—Several of these
birds visited us last winter.

Wood-Swallow (Artamus sordidus).—One specimen has been seen
flying about paddock.

Pied Grallina, or Magpie-Lark (Grallina picata).—Common. Nests
here. Very tame.

White-throated Tree-creeper (Climacteris leucophea).—One only
observed.

White-eye (Zosterops dorsalis)—Common in winter. When not
breeding, flocks of White-eyes may be seen feeding in the mangroves.

Mistletoe-Bird (Diceum hirundinaceum).—Common. This _ bird
generally inhabits the topmost branches of trees, and is very hard
to distinguish at times, especially on a windy day. It has a clear
song.

Spotted Pardalote. or Diamond-Bird (Pardalotus punctatus).—
Common. Nests on island. Very timid bird.

White-naped Honey-eater (Melithveptus lunulatus).—Several speci-
mens have been seen.

Sanguineous Honey-eater (Myzomela sanguineolenta).—Common
This bird is generally known as the “ Blood-Bird,’’ because of its
blood-coloured head.

Yellow-faced Honey-eater (Péilotis chrysops)—Common. Breeds
here. Nest made of tea-tree bark, cobwebs, lined with leaves and
moss. Nests found were all suspended from branches of tea-tree.

Eggs buff in colour.

White-bearded Honey-eater ‘Meliornis nove-hollandie).—Common.
Very active bird, and is always near dwellings. A pair was resting
in my room one day for half an hour. Nest made of tea-tree bark,
leaves, moss, cobwebs, &c. Eggs, two in number, are buff in colour
and slightly darker on larger end.

Friar-Bird, or Leatherhead (Jvopidorhynchus corniculatus).—
Common. Breeds here. Most of their nests are found in tea-tree

Bee AGNEw, The Birds of Peel Island. 97

(Leptospermum). Nests made of tea-tree bark, dead gum leaves,
fine twigs, and horsehair, or any string that may be found.

Pipit, or Ground-Lark (Anthus australis).—Several pairs seen. The
nest which J] found was in a tuft of grass, made of dried grass and
fibrous roots. Three eggs are laid, of a greyish-white colour, blotched
and freckled with light brown and purplish-grey.

Shining Starling (Aplonis metallica).—Several specimens have been
observed.

Satin Bower-Bird (Piilonorhynchus holosericeus).—This is the only
Bower-Bird which frequents the island. A pair comes now and again
and stops for a tew months.

Australian Crow (Corvus covonoides)—Common. The stick nests
made by these birds are found in the high branches of gum-trees.

Australian Raven (Covvus austvalis)—Common at times.

American View of the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.”

Tue ‘*Check-list of North American Birds ” is the production of
many years of painstaking work by many masters in ornithology.
Whether Australians approve or disapprove of this masterpiece
little concerns our American cousins. Conversely, the appearance
of the Australian ‘* Check-list,” as seen through American spectacles,
is not necessarily of vital importance to Australian students.
Possibly each side may be right from its own point of view.

The Auk (vol. xxx., No. 3, July, 1913) has been good enough to
devote two pages (445-6) to a review, which is entitled to respect
by Australian ornithologists, on the “ Check-list ’’ recently issued
by the R.A.O.U.

Adverse criticism on the Australian “ List’? was partly expected
from this quarter, owing to the binomial nomenclature, the
limitation of the law of priority, &c., being diametrically opposed
to the American system; consequently the learned reviewer
expresses the opinion that the principles governing the list
“constitute the most remarkable code of nomenclature that
has been framed in recent times.’’ We agree that the list is a
“remarkable” production. It is unique: it retains binomialism
and rejects trinomialism ; it fixes the law of priority at Gould, thus
approaching the “statute of limitations,’’ which the Americans
rejected; and, although rules and explanations have been cited,
it is an ‘‘ authoritative” list based on Gould. There is not another
list of the kind extant, and is not likely to be, for the same
conditions do not obtain in any other country. Further, the
reviewer has not had the same experience and knowledge as
Australians of the practical application of trinomial methods—in
fact, he evades that important issue, the practical application of
trinomials, which, according to Mathews, increases the number of
Australian species and sub-species from 800 to 1,500 at a jump—
otherwise he might more readily comprehend the vigorous
objections of Australians.

98 American View of the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.” eo

1st Oct.

The reviewer is fearful that with the adoption of the R.A.O.U.
‘“«Check-list? the ‘* progress of ornithology in Australia has been
to some extent hindered,’ and gratuitously commends instead
Mr. G. M. Mathews’ ‘“ Reference-list’’ as an ‘‘ admirable check-
list of Australian birds on advanced lines.”’ The fear is rather
that Mr. Mathews’ “advanced lines” will lead students into
ornithological chaos, which the adoption of the R.A.O.U. ** Check-
list’? happily avoids. Take two examples among many :—
1. The White-bellied Robin of south-western Australia. In his
‘ Hand-list ” (Emu, vol. vii., p. 86, 1908) Mr. Mathews classes it as
Eopsaltria; in his ‘ Reference-list’’ (Nov. Zool., xvill., p. 317,
January, 1912) as Pachycephala; and not twelve months after, in
this American-recommended ‘‘ Reference-list,’”’ he consigns the
species to a new genus, Quoyornis (Austral Avian Record, vol. 1.,
p. 111, December, 1912). 2 The Yellow-plumed Honey-eater
(Ptilotis ornata). Gould regarded the bird collected by him in the
‘belts of the Murray” as identical with the species Gilbert
obtained in Western Australia, yet Mr. Mathews subdivides the
species into five, and in some instances from localities not 100 miles
apart. There are Ptilotis ornata ornata (W.A.), P. 0. wesleydalet
(W.A., inland), P. 0. muna (Stirlings), P. 0. tailemt (Tailem Bend,
S.A.), and P. 0. underboolit (Mallee, Vic.)—Vide ‘* Reference-list,”’
p. 410, and Austral Avian Record, vol., ii., p. 10. If we had
adopted Mr. Mathews’ conclusions, what guarantee would we have
had that they were final ?

There is a complaint that the ‘*Check-list’’? Committee ‘fails
to comprehend the true nature of a sub-species,”’ and the instance
is cited of the Tasmanian Swamp-Quail (Synoicus, not Synornis).
No doubt, generally, on the question of sub-species and
geographical races and varieties, there seems to be much confusion
(even amongst Australians) caused by treating sub-species, variety,
and race as identical. The great Darwin, in his “Origin of
Species,’ states :—‘‘ Certainly no clear line of demarcation has yet
been drawn between species and sub-species—that is, the forms
which in the opinion of some naturalists come very near to, but not
quite arriving at the rank of species ; or, again, between sub-species
and well-marked varieties, or between lesser varieties and individual
differences. These differences blend into each other in an insensible
series.”

It is stated in the R.A.O.U. list that every geographical race is
not a sub-species, though many are, and where they are sufficiently
distinctive they have been raised to that rank. Mr. Mathews
apparently draws no distinction between sub-species and variety.
Adverting again to Synoicus diemenensis, the ‘‘ cabinet’ ornithol-
ogist terms it ‘“‘a very questionable geographical race.”

Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., &c., professional ornithologist of the
Australian Museum, in part 2, vol. iv., p. 181, of his ‘“ Nests and
Eggs,’ recently issued, states (regarding S. diemenensis) that—

“In six adult specimens now before me the distinguishing
characters of this species pointed out by Gould are constant. The

Vol. XIII. ]
J

ane American View of the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.” 99
Tasmanian Swamp-Quail is altogether a larger and more handsome
species than Synecus australis. Both species are found in
Tasmania, sometimes frequenting the same locality, but S.
diemenensts is not found in Australia.

“Typically the eggs of this species can be distinguished from
those of Synacus australis, which in Tasmania may be found
breeding in the same district, by their larger size, the prevailing
yellowish-olive hue of their ground colour, and their more
distinct markings.”’

Colonel W. V. Legge, C.M.B.O.U., &c., author of “‘ The Birds of
Ceylon,” and for many years a resident in Tasmania, can confirm
Mr. North’s statement. It is therefore evident that S. diemenensis
is more than a ‘race.’ This demonstrates the mischief that can
be done by a ‘** cabinet’? man abroad intermeddling with the home
work of Australians, where local field knowledge is so indispensable.

“The Birds of Australia.”

As Mr. G. M. Mathews has apparently some invincible objection
to sending his work (save two odd parts of vol. 11.) to The Emu for
review—a journal probably more interested in Australian orni-
thology than any other—the following notice from The Field, 31st
May, 1913, may be taken as a fair and unbiased criticism on the
progress of Mr. Mathews’ important work :—

“‘ Since our last notice of this finely illustrated work (F7e/d, 1st February),
three more parts have appeared. Part 5 of vol. ii. includes a continuation
of the Gulls and Skuas, and contains also the title page of the volume and
index. The first part of vol. 11. includes the Plovers, amongst which are
some very remarkable forms which are peculiar to Australia. Amongst
them is the Red-kneed Dottrel (E7ythrogonys cinctus, Gould). The
account given of it by Mr. Mathews is very meagre compared with that
published by Gould forty-eight years ago in his ‘ Handbook to the Birds of
Australia... Mr. Mathews describes it from Parry’s Creek, North-West
Australia, and gives its distribution as ‘ West Australia, Northern Territory,’
mentioning no other localities in which it has been found, not even those
recorded by Gould. It has a much wider range than he supposes. We
happen to know this little bird very well, and have received specimens from
Queensland, North-East Australia, and seen others which were sent from
the Gomm Station on the Murray River, South Australia. The name which
he gives it in his text, Evy¢hrogonys cinctus mixtus—which does not corre-
spond with the lettering of his plate, a fault frequently noticed in this work—
suggests that he considers the north-western example which he describes to
differ in some way from the type. But as he does not indicate in what respect
it differs, and the plate gives a good representation of the bird described
by Gould, we fail to see why any change of name is necessary. Similarly,
the so-called Eastern Turnstone is separated from the well-known species
which is commonly to be met with on our own coasts, and its geographical
distribution—stated to be ‘ Eastern Siberia to Alaska, wandering to Australia
in the non-breeding season’—is very much wider than this. The Turn-
stone, in fact, is well-nigh cosmopolitan, as may be seen by looking at the
list of localities given by Sharpe in his ‘Catalogue’ of the Zzmzco/@ in the
British Museum (pp. 99-103), the only other species of Turnstone recognized
by him and other authorities being the Black-headed Turnstone (S.

100 “ The Birds of Australia.” Emu

ist Oct.

melanocephalus), found in Western North America from Alaska to
Montery in California. We are aware that certain American ornithologists
separate the common Turnstone of the Old World from that found in North
and South America, giving them different sub-specific names; but the
difference relied upon appears to be nothing more than individual variation,
and anyone who is familiar with the appearance of the Turnstone at all
seasons of the year will be aware that the plumage of the old and young
both in summer and winter shows considerable variation. Mr. Mathews
would have done well to point out that the larger of the two figures on his
plate is an immature bird. The same remark applies to his plate of
Charadrius geoffroy?. The well-known Grey Plover, Australian specimens
of which were properly recognized by Gould, Sharpe, Ramsay, and others,
as Sguatarola helvetica, is renamed by Mr. Mathews, although, like se
many others of the wading birds (ZLzmzcol@), it is found nearly all over the
world, and the variations of plumage to which it is subject may be safely
attributed to the age of the bird, and the time of the year at which it may
happen to be obtained. As in the breeding season it has the whole of the
under parts jet black, and in the winter pure white, naturally the inter-
mediate stages show great variation.

“Some very beautiful Sand-Plovers are figured in part 2 of vol. iil,
including the Red-capped Dottrel, the Hooded Dottrel, and the Black-
fronted Dottrel. Amongst the larger Sandpipers two very striking species
are the Banded Stilt—with pure white head and neck, a chestnut pectoral
band, back and wings black, and flanks white—and the Red-necked Avocet,
which has the whole of the head and neck chestnut, the wings black with a
white bar, the back, tail, and under parts pure white. The last-named is
widely distributed in Australia, being found in Queensland, New South
Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Why it should receive a
new name in Western Australia, as proposed by Mr. Mathews, will puzzle
those of his readers who happen to be acquainted with the species.

““The smaller Sandpipers may be conveniently grouped in two genera,
Totanus and Tringa—the former characterized by having a hard bill,
semipalmated toes, and a barred tail; the latter a soft, sensitive bill, toes
cleft to the base, and the tail not barred. Familiar examples of Zotanus
are the Greenshank, Redshank, and Green and Wood Sandpipers ; amongst
those of the genus 77z7ga are the Knot, Purple Sandpiper, Dunling, Little
Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, and many others. These are
ready marks of distinction, yet we note that Mr. Mathews, contrary to the
general practice, places the Green Sandpiper (with a barred tail) in the
genus /7imga, thus upsetting one’s preconceived notions respecting the
classification of these birds.

‘It seems very ungracious to find fault with an author who has bestowed
so much labour in the preparation of a very beautiful work (so far as the
plates are concerned), but he so often deliberately runs counter to the
accepted opinions of naturalists more experienced than himself, and creates
so much confusion by changing names that have been in use for many
generations, that it is not possible to give unqualified praise to the result of
his undertaking.”

Stray Feathers.

Charcoal in Finches’ Nests.—Mr. H. G. Barnard, who is col-
lecting for me on the west of the Gulf of Carpentaria, has lately
forwarded several clutches of eggs of Poephila personata, and he
mentions the curious fact, which I have not previously seen
recorded, that in every case the birds place pieces of charcoal in
the nest along with the eggs. The charcoal is in small lumps,

Vol. XIII.

iss Stvay Feathers. IOI
about the size of the eggs, which become quite dark-coloured
from contact with it. Other Finches—notably P. becki and P.
gouldie—breeding in the same locality do not adopt the curious
habit.—H. L. Waite. Belltrees (N.S.W.), 7/9/13.

* *k *

Regent Bower-Bird (Sericulus chrysocephalus), Lewin. —In The
Emu, page 44, vol. x. (1910-11), I remarked that probably the
female alone built the nest. I have since confirmed that deduction
by actual observation. At Ourimbah (12/11/11) I watched a
female Regent-Bird commencing her nest, and observed that she
returned with material every three minutes. I spent some con-
siderable time watching her movements, and am convinced that
she alone constructs the nest. On 26/11/11 the nest contained
one fresh egg: the female glided off as I approached. —P. A.
GILBERT. Redfern (N.S.W.), 16/2/13.

* * *

White Cockatoos.—These birds (Cacatua galerita) have always
been plentiful in the Upper Hunter district of New South Wales
(vide North’s “Nests and Eggs,” vol. ili., page 79), but the
numbers noted during the late winter have exceeded all former
records. I never previously noticed the birds in such numbers.
Luckily, the invasion occurred after the maize crops had been
harvested. To the south-west, and about a mile from the Bell-
trees homestead, a very sharp-pointed, conical hill rises abruptly
from the surrounding country to a height of about 1,000 feet ;
it is clothed on the eastern (or sheep-camping) side with a dense
coat of thistles and weeds, which appear to attract the Cockatoos.
During several mornings lately the pointed top of the hill has
been covered by thousands of Cockatoos, crowded so closely
together that from a distance the mass presents the exact appear-
ance of snow—in fact. several people who witnessed the sight for
the first time declared that the hill was capped by snow.—H. L.
Whiter. Belltrees (N.S.W.), 7/9/13.

* * *

Brush-Turkeys in England.—Mr. D. Le Souéf, Director of the
Melbourne Zoological Gardens, has received a letter from the
Duchess of Bedford, in which she states :—‘‘ The Brush-Turkeys
(Catheturus lathamt) have done extremely well with us. The first
were imported in 1897, and, as far as I can make out, we have
imported about 26 in all It is very difficult to estimate their
numbers now, as they are out in the woods; but, when Pheasant
shooting in winter, I have counted 40 in the trees at one moment,
and we must have well over a hundred. I think that they must
have been breeding before your visit to Woburn, as we have had
young for many years. They seem to hatch out at the end of
July and August. We opened a mound last year, in the first week
in August, and there was a young bird in it, which appeared to
have been hatched for some time, and was almost capable of

102 Stray Feathers. Emu

ist Oct.

flight. There were also several fertile eggs. The birds do not
stray at all, and, though they are in a wood which is on the
extreme outside of the park, I have never seen a single bird
outside, nor have I seen them in any other part of the park, though,
as you know, they have their complete liberty. We can only
catch them by feeding them into traps. We do not feed the
chickens until they come to the ordinary winter feeding for Brush-
Turkeys and Pheasants together.”’

From Magazines, &c.

Montebello Islands.—7he Geographical Journal (July, 1913)
contains a general and interesting article on these islands by
P. D. Montague. The islands are off the coast of North-West
Australia, and about 40 miles from the nearest mainland. Mr.
Montague had in his party the late Mr. L. Burns, whose obituary
notice appears in this issue. Mr. Montague remarks that
ten small land-birds are found in the group, the majority of which
agree with types from the north-west mainland, but two are
sub-species not elsewhere recorded —one a very pale form of
Anthus. named A. montebelli,* the other a dark sub-species of
Evemiornts, called E. assimilis.* Of the birds of prey, the Osprey
(Pandion) was the most abundant. Two pairs of Sea-Eagles
(Haligzetus leucogaster) were also found nesting, and a few pairs
of the White-headed Sea-Eagle (Haliastur leucosternus). The
latter species fed largely on rock-crabs. The mangroves were
much frequented by Brown Honey-eaters (Stigmatops) and a
species of Ground-Dove (Geopelia), which roosted in the thick
trees during night and from the heat of the day. The nesting
season varies according to the rains, said to be usually January
or February; but after a shower in July a small percentage of
these birds began breeding.

Correspondence.

THE RACO.U. “(GHECK-LIST.

To the Editors of “ The Emu.”
Sirs,—I am sorry that Mr. A. W. Milligan should have drawn
personalities into his defence of the ‘* Check-list.”” This should not
have been done, because I feel quite sure that all the members
of the “ Check-list ’’ Committee, except Mr. Milligan, know me well
enough not to credit me with any wish to be personal. I contend
that, in spite of Mr. Milligan’s argument, the Tasmanian session
did not represent the ornithologists of Australia. The majority
at every session is composed of trippers, or, if you like, call them
‘“ bird-lovers.’’ How could anyone, who thought for a moment,
adopt the list when they had not the shghtest knowledge of what
it contained ?

* Montague, Austral Avian Record, vol. 1., p. 181.

ee Correspondence. 103
The steamer which conveyed Mr. Milligan to Tasmania arrived
very late, and that gentleman had time only to go very hurriedly
through the list, put it to the meeting, and dash off to catch the
boat again for Melbourne. No one had a chance to grasp the
outline even of the ‘“ Check-list.” Mr. Milligan says that there
was only one dissentient, by which he means myself. I must
say that I feel very proud to have moved that more time be given
for consideration, and that the list be referred back to the com-
mittee. I was pleased that Dr. G. Horne, of Melbourne, supported
me in this, because I spoke on behalf of progressive ornithology.

In reference to Zosterops halmaturina, 1 will mix King Island
birds with specimens from the mainland, and will defy any
ornithologist, even Mr. Milligan, to pick them out. The Petroica
campbellt can be manufactured out of any P. Jeggzi when skinning
the bird simply by stretching the skin under the white frontal
spot. This all goes to show that there was not nearly enough
material at the disposal of the ‘* Check-list ’’ Committee to enable
it to form a fair idea of the work. Mr. Milligan told us at the
session all about the American ‘‘Check-list’’ falling to pieces
through trinomials, or, in his words, ‘“‘ trinomials were pulling it to
pieces with their own weight,’’ and that Mr. Ogilvie Grant, of
England, would not use trinomials. How strange that the
American ornithologists are stronger than ever on trinomials, and
the latest works of Mr. Ogilvie Grant plainly show that he is
using trinomials !

In conclusion, I say that Mr. Milligan is entirely wrong in
stating that I attacked the “‘ Check-list’’ Committee. If he thinks
that I have attacked him, he has no right to speak for the other
members. I feel that I have a perfect right to criticise the
**Check-list.””. I say again that the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list”’ will not
be considered scientific by the ornithological world.—I am, &c.,

Quorn (S.A.), 36/7/13. SA WETLE:

IS THE MAGPIE A SONGSTER ?
To the Editors of “The Emu.”

Strs,—Dr. Bancroft wants to know “‘ whether many members ”’
of our Union agree with Dr. J. A. Leach in (inter alia) his remarks
upon the Magpie. Dr. Leach says, ‘‘ That glorious songster the
Magpie’’; Dr. Bancroft says, ‘‘ The Magpie is not a songster at
all.’ Well, I, for one, am wholly in agreement with Dr. Leach.
There is a very old saying, ‘‘ De gustibus non disputandum,’’ and
if Dr. Bancroft considers that the lovely morning carol of the
Magpie is ‘‘a harsh, guttural sound,” all I can say is that I am
sorry for him. In my garden there are several large pines and
elms, in which a colony of Magpies roosts, and the music of these
birds in the morning is a never-failing source of delight to me.
Possibly the Magpies in Queensland do not carol; I have had no
experience of them. Possibly, again, Dr. Bancroft has no ear

104 Correspondence. JR GEE

for music. I know a barbarian who shot his Magpies on account
of ‘‘the noise they made in the merning.’’ He would perhaps
have delighted in Dr. Bancroft. The voice of the Magpie is ~
music to me, and to hundreds of others, and we decline, in spite
of Dr. Bancroft’s opinion, to consider it a “‘ harsh, guttural sound.”
—I am, &c., FRANK S. SMITH.

Noorat, Victoria.

About Members.

CAPTAIN S. A. White and Mrs. White, of Adelaide, have started
on a trip to Central Australia, and will be absent, probably, for
several months. In a letter to a Melbourne member of the
R.A.O.U., written before setting out, Captain White stated :—
“We will make for Macumba, with the object of visiting some
fine bores, where birds may have collected. Next, we will proceed
to Dalhousie Springs. From the Springs we will move on to the
Finke River, and follow its course into the Macdonnell Ranges,
travel along the southern side of the ranges, making trips into the
heart of the mountains where gorges will permit of a passage.
After reaching Alice Springs we propose to push on further east,
exploring the range for all kinds of animal life as we travel. We
will work out the extreme eastern end of the Macdonnell Ranges,
which is new country, return to the Hall River, run it down into
the unknown, and find our way back to Oodnadatta through
country which looks fairly blank on the map. This means, of
course, 2,000 miles of travel over rough country.”

Obituary Notice.

NEws was received in May of the accidental death by drowning
of Mr. Lachlan M‘Kinnon Burns, at the Forrest River, near
Wyndham, Western Australia. Mr. Burns, although only 24
years of age, had done valuable scientific work in different parts
of the western State. A native of Gippsland, he went to Western
Australia when a lad. Soon after leaving school Mr. Burns was
engaged on survey camps for some time. Two years ago, when
Mr. C. Price Conigrave organized his exploring expedition to
traverse the extreme northern part of Western Australia, Mr.
Burns joined as second in command. Through the efforts of
Messrs. Conigrave and Burns a valuable collection of the fauna
and flora of that part of the continent was made. Shortly after
the return of the expedition, Mr. Burns accompanied a party to
the Montebello Islands, off the Western Australian coast, where
interesting zoological finds were made for the Royal Society of
London.

In the early part of May, 1913, Mr. Burns volunteered to join
an Anglican party that was establishing an aboriginal mission
station at the Forrest River. Mr. Burns had obtained an intimate

Vol. XIII.
1913

Obituary Notice. 105
knowledge of the country, as the expedition under Mr. Conigrave’s
command went into depot for several weeks at the spot where
Mr. Burns eventually met his death. When attempting to
recover wounded Ducks from a small lily-covered lagoon, Mr.
Burns became exhausted, and, despite every endeavour on the
part of Bishop Trower, was drowned. The body was_ sub-
sequently taken in an open boat by the bishop to Wyndham, a
distance of 70 miles, and was interred in the local cemetery, Mr.
Burns had been a member of the Union for the past three years,
and the sincere sympathy of its members is extended to his
relatives.

Description of New Parrot.
By (Dr.) W. MAcGcILLIvRAY, R.A.O.U., BRokEN HILl, N.S.W.

THE discovery of a new and distinct addition to our Parrakeets is
due to the enthusiasm and energy of another member of our
Union, Mr. M‘Lennan. When collecting at Cape York, Ig10-1912,
he heard several times of a Parrot inhabiting the country in the
vicinity of the Pascoe River, and which, from various descriptions
given, he thought to be an Eclectus, or some allied form. He pre-
vailed upon me to allow him to proceed to the Pascoe River, which
enters the sea on the East Coast of Cape York Peninsula, about 20
miles, as the Crow flies, to the north of Lloyd’s Bay. When
proceeding up the river in search of a suitable camping-place, one
of the first objects which attracted his attention was a strange
Parrakeet, which flew from the scrub lining the banks of the
river. Its call and flight were unfamiliar to him.

I have now received from him a male and female of what seems
to me not only a new species, but a new genus. It may be placed
in the family Cyclopsittacide.

Although partaking in general of the characters of this family,
and of the two genera, Neopsittacus and Cyclopsittacus, of which it
is composed, it differs sufficiently, in my opinion, from both to
warrant it being placed in a distinct genus, for which I propose the
name Pseudopsittacus, the distinctive characters being :—Bill—
upper mandible crimson, merging into orange-yellow at the tip ;
lower mandible dark brown, gonys moderately broad and flattened,
with one distinct central ridge; nostrils bare. In the female the
bill is wholly olive-brown. Tail short; rectrices twelve, and of
equal length.

Pseudopsittacus maclennani, gen. and sp. nov.

Male.—Forehead, lores, cheeks, and ear coverts rose-red; the
posterior feathers of the ear coverts tipped with blue; crown,
occiput, and nape cobalt blue. The rest of the upper surface grass

- green, with the exception of a small chestnut-red patch on the

tertiary coverts of each wing, and the rectrices, which are
yellowish-green with brown shafts, and a brighter green edging to
the webs. The chest, abdomen, and flanks a lighter shade of green

106 MAacciLLivray, Description of New Parrot: ee

than the back. Under tail coverts yellowish-green, margined with
brighter green, under surface of rectrices yellowish-green. Under
wing coverts bright blue, outer webs of primaries bright green, the
first being only margined with green, the shafts and inner webs
brown.

Mr. M‘Lennan’s field notes on the soft parts are :—

“Testes slightly enlarged. Irides, outer circle silvery cream,
inner circle greenish ; skin round the eye pale olive, eyelid darker ;
upper mandible crimson, merging into orange-yellow at the tip ;
lower mandible dark brown; skin round nostrils olive-green ;
throat flesh colour ; tongue—upper surface whitish, under surface
blackish; legs and feet olive-green, soles of feet paler, claws
brown. Crop contents—three kinds of seeds; gizzard contents—
small grains of blackish gum and half-digested seeds.

‘Length in flesh, 93 inches; wing, 713 inches; wing outspread,
17i inches. 14th July, 1913.”

Female.—The whole of the head, neck, face, cheeks, and ear
coverts purplish-brown, the rest of the plumage similar to the
male.

Field note (Mr. M‘Lennan’s) on soft parts :—

“Ovary normal. Irides silvery cream, inner circle greenish,
skin round the eye pale olive, eyelids darker ; bill olive-brown,
nostrils olive-green; throat flesh colour; tongue—upper surface
whitish, under surface blackish; legs and feet olive-green, soles
of feet paler, claws brown. Crop contents—small grains of blackish
gum and half-digested yellow seeds and bean.

‘Length, g inches ; wing, 7? inches ; wing outspread, 18 inches.
20th July, 1913.”

Next Annual Session R.A.O.U.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

OwinG to the vaccination restrictions in Western Australia, the
visit to that State has been postponed, and instead the annual
session will take place in Adelaide during November. Members
will be informed as to precise date and programme by the usual
circular.

The most important feature of the session will be the “ working
excursion’’ on a River Murray steamer. Members will embark at
Murray Bridge and be landed at such stages along the river as are
best for bird-observing. There will be excursions into unexplored
Mallee, wading tramps through lagoons, inspection en voute of the
famous Cockatoo cliffs, &c.

‘ROYAL pte aa | ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.
-€O-PATRONS:
Their Majesties the King and Queen.
= OPFICE-BEARERS :
President: Mr. ROBERT HALL, C.M.Z.S.

fMr. A. H.-E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S.
*\capr. S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U.
Hon. Secretary: Mr. F. ERASMUS WILSON.
- (c/o Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY
; (Address—190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.)
Hon. Librarian: Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S.
ie Mr. A. J. CAMPBELL, Cor. Mem. B.O.U,
_ Hon. Editors of The Emu{ Mr. CHARLES BARRETT.
_Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. E. BROOKE NICHOLLS.

Vice-Presidents :

Local State Secretaries:

. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney
= HAMLYN HARRIS, F.Z.S., &c., Director Museum, Brisbane
capes “MELLOR, Fulham, Adelaide |
. T. CARTER, M.B.O.U., “Wensleydale,” Broome Hill, Western Australia
. F. M. LITTLER, F.E.S, Box 114, P.O., Launceston
{r, A. HAMILTON, Director Dominion Museum, Wellington, New Zealand
. G. F, HILL, Darwin, Northern Territory.

Members of Council: Victoria--Dr. C. S. RYAN, Dr. J. A. LEACH,
_ Dr. GEO. HORNE; New South Wales—Dr.~WM. MACGILLIVRAY,
Mr. A. F. BASSET HULL; Queensland—Mr. C. A. BARNARD;
South Australia—Dr. A. M. MORGAN; Western Australia—Mr. A. W.
MILLIGAN. : ;

- Just Published. ~~ : Companion Volume to INDIAN DUCKS.

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By E..C. STUART BAKER, F.z.s., F.L.s., M.B.O.U:

- With TWENTY-SIX COLOURED PLATES representing all the species
of Indian Pigeons and Doves, reproduced by the most approved
modern methods from the Drawings of Messrs. G. E. LODGE and

2 H. GRONVOLD. ss

Over 250 pages. Imperial 8vo. Half-bound Morocco,
= Gilt Efop: £2 10s. net.

London: WITHERBY & CO., 326, High ‘Holborn,
BS te And! leading Australian Booksellers.

ADVER TISEMENT. SE

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ANIMALS OF AUSTRALIA e e eo
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And at SYDNEY, BRISBANE and ADELAIDE, wre

te we, Vol. XUll. JANUARY, 1914.
eS ae aaa
(Ce 2 a ®
of @
The Emu |
Sars ee tehey ee anne os
| ee ae
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A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection
of Native Birds.

*. 2 @-

4) Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION,

/

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©
“Wy
*|
‘4 &
:
3 : A. J. CAMPBELL, Col. Mem. B:O{U:! /\) use!
% Editors { eT ees |
e 3 CHARLES BARRETT.
PS Welbourne : H
z WALKER; MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 23 MACKILLOP STREET. |
Es S EUROPEAN AGENTS: y
oy GO WITHERBY & CO., 326 HicH Hoxporn, LONpon. Ke
a(S; Ke Ge See Cae ae Wie |
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{ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

mE oe eee a ee ee
», Pe ~~. +h d

CONTENTS ©

JAN

At,

.

(The author of each article is roseousieie for the facts “sasabaee
_ deductions he may draw.) BY Hel ra

» : e

RoyaL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION * - |
FIELDS FoR Work : Presidential Addtess, oe fae oe, a
eee

_ BIRDS IDENTIFIED, LOWER MURRAY. EXCURSION, :
1913. By CH? S.A. Wee MB. 0. Ys: ee p ae :

Fak | Be caviieds or Two New Eecs. Byth ae wie, RAL Fis
fai) ae Belltrees (N.S. A em AY ah Se ees bi eat és

NEW SuUB-SPECIES OF HOMBRES By A. L White, na0
bliin the ode - eu Be ese ee

ny “Sg

’ SrARCH FOR eS Woopwarpr “IN THE
TERRITORY. By Harry G. Barnard, RA. 0. ue

Tae R.A.O.U. “ “ CHECK- LIST Ese _ Some Appreciations

" CORRESPONDENCE Soatiq the counts i

erence baatic Clutch ae Butcher-Bir's Eee, 1945 Freak, Colours of R
; tricolor, 195. & Plerg

ores AND NOTICES oF ie ie e ae eee

Be ‘

-

Jhe Emu
| Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

“ Birds of a feather.”’

Vous, Scitr,| Ist JANUARY, I914: [PART 3:

Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.
THIRTEENTH (ADELAIDE) SESSION.

MINUTES OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE ROYAL
AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION, HELD AT ADELAIDE
FROM 23RD NOVEMBER TO 25TH NOVEMBER, I0Q13.

AT the rg12 session of the Union it was decided that the 1913
congress should be held in Western Australia. Various circum-
stances prevented this from being carried out, and the locale was
changed to Adelaide, with a working excursion up the Murray
River to follow.

First Day.

The inter-State visitors arrived in Adelaide by the Melbourne
express train on 23rd November, and were met by Capt. S. A.
White and Messrs. F. R. Zietz (president) and R. Crompton
(secretary) of the South Australian Ornithological Association.
In the afternoon the visitors, together with a number of Adelaide
residents prominent in scientific circles, were entertained by
Capt. and Mrs. White at their residence, ‘‘ Wetunga,” Fulham.
Keen interest was manifested by all in the fine general collection
made by the host and hostess on their recent trip to Central
Australia—an interest that was deepened by a short, informal
lecture given by Capt. White. The appreciation of the visitors
was expressed in a vote of thanks moved by Mr. A. H. E.
Mattingley, C.M.Z.S.

SECOND Day.

At 11 o'clock on the following morning the programme was
resumed by a visit to the South Australian Museum. Urgent
University business necessitated the absence of Professor Stirling,
the honorary Director, and the party was taken in charge by Mr.
F. R. Zietz, the Ornithologist to the Museum. Though the
Museum could not be seen to best advantage, owing to im-
provements being in progress, it was evident that in a few years’
time it would be an exceptionally fine institution. Pleasure was
expressed at the ample accommodation being provided for
exhibits of Australian birds.

A motor-drive to the Mount Lofty Ranges occupied the after-
noon, Capt. White again being the host. The weather was fine.

ro8 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, Mgt.

After lunch at the Aldgate Hotel, Mr. J. W. Mellor’s property,
‘“Glenburne,” at Stirling East, was visited. The evening was
devoted to a lecture by Capt. White, who, taking as his title
‘The Dead Heart of Australia,’ related to a large audience, in
the Royal Society's Hall, Adelaide, the experiences of himself
and Mrs. White on their recent camel trip. The lecture was
illustrated by lantern slides. Capt. White remarked that he was
sure that one or two sub-species, if not distinct species, of birds
would be found in the material collected. Several interesting
and important records in the matter of distribution had been
made, and these would help to rectify mistakes made in regard
to interior forms previously collected. The address was well
received, and a hearty vote of thanks accorded the lecturer, on
the motion of Mr. Mattingley and Mr. A. M. Lea (Entomologist
at the South Australian Museum).

THIRD Day.

The Adelaide Botanical Gardens were visited on the morning
of the 25th, and subsequently Dr. R. H. Pulleine entertained
about fifteen guests at luncheon, for which he was cordially
thanked.

Mr. A. G. Edquist, organizer of nature study in South Aus-
tralian schools, took some of the visitors to city schools. Both at
the Sturt-street and Currie-street schools Messrs. A. H. E. Matting-
ley and A. H. Chisholm addressed the children. Mr. Matting-
ley dealt principally with the economic aspect of nature study,
and Mr. Chisholm with the esthetic side. Each addressed a large
class of trainee teachers. They also visited Mr. M. M. Maughan,
Director of Education, who expressed general appreciation of the
work of the Union.

GENERAL MEETING.

On the evening of 25th November the annual meeting of
members was held at the Royal Society's Hall. There were
present :—Capt. S. A. White (who was voted to the chair, in the
unavoidable absence of Mr. R. Hall, the president), Messrs. R.
Crompton (who carried out the secretarial work), E. A. Ashby, A.
G. Edquist, J. W. Mellor, F. RK. Zietz, ‘J. D. ‘Somerville; andi
Crompton (South Australia); and Messrs. A. H. E. Mattingley,
A. H. Chisholm, and H. B. Slaney (Victoria).

Capt. White regretted that the attendance was not larger, and
intimated that a number of apologies had been received.

Mr. Mattingley read a letter from their Majesties the King and
Queen, Patrons of the Union, conveying a felicitous message, and
returning thanks for the last volume of The Emu.

Mr. Mattingley remarked that it was very pleasing to note this
continued interest in the Union of its royal patrons.

Mr. Crompton read the minutes of the previous session, which
were confirmed.

The address of the President was received, and taken as read.

The following donations to the Coloured Figure Fund were

Se eee

Vol. XIII.
1914

Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 109
acknowledged :—E. D. Barnard (Qld.), 3s. gd.; Miss M. Brumby
(Tas.), 5s.; E. M. Cornwall (Qld.), 2s. 6d.; Chas. H. von der Pford-
ten (W.A.), 2s. 6d.; G. Graham (Vic.), 5s.; Chas. Gubanyi (N.S.W.),
Go node Cola Woe espe (las: 5s.; Dro W. J: Long (Vic.), Gey
R. E. P. Osborne (S.A.), 12s. 6d. ; Miss H. Lilias Sanderson (S.A.),
2s, Od.; Aj W-Swindells (Las.), 5s. ;.Thos. Tindale (Vic.), 5s. .;
W- Young, (Vic.), 2s... Total, £3 5s. 3d:

Donations for Ilustrations :—H. L. White, £12 2s.; Capt. S. A.
White, 19s. 6d. Total, £13 Is. 6d.

Mr. J. W. Mellor asked how the value of The Emu was arrived
at, as stated in the assets.

Mr. Mattingley said that the determination was _ largely
adventitious, based on Is. a copy.

Mr. Ashby considered figures hardly safe that would not bring
assets out at the price stated.

Mr. Mattingley said that the Union’s finances would be care-
fully safeguarded, and for some time it would not be possible to
issue large numbers of the journal. Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees,
Scone, had been very generous in the matter of illustrations.

Mr. Ashby spoke in eulogistic terms of The Emu and its editors.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted, on the motion of
Messrs. Mattingley and Edquist.

The annual election of officers resulted as follows :—President,
Misra ak. Mattineley, C.M.Z.S.; vice-presidents, Capt. S.A.
White and Dr. W. Macgillivray ; hon. secretary, Mr. A. C. Stone ;
hon. treasurer, Mr. Z. Gray; hon. librarian, Mr. W. H. D. Le
Souéf, C.M.Z.S.; hon. press correspondent, Mr. L. G. Chandler ;
hon. editors of The Emu, Messrs. A. J. Campbell, Col. M.B.O.U.,
and Charles Barrett; elective members of the Check-list Com-
mittee, Capt. S. A. White and Mr. F. M. Littler.

Members of Council :—Victoria, Dr. Charles Ryan, Dr. J. A.
Leach, and Dr. George Horne ; New South Wales, Dr. J. Burton
Cleland and Mr. A. F. Basset Hull; South Australia, Dr. A. M.
Morgan ; Western Australia, Mr. B. Woodward ; Queensland, Mr.
C. A. Barnard ; Tasmania, Colonel W. V. Legge. State secretaries :
—Victoria, Mr. A. C. Stone; South Australia, Mr. J. W. Mellor ;
New South Wales, Mr. A. S. Le Souéf; Tasmania, Mr. F. M.
Littler; Western Australia, Mr. E. A. Le Souéf; Queensland,
Dr. Hamlyn Harris; Northern Territory, Mr. G. F. Hill; New
Zealand, Mr. W. R. B. Oliver.

As honorary members, Messrs. H. L. White (N.S.W.) and A. W.
Milligan (Vic.) were nominated.

Mr. Edquist considered that Capt. S. A. White’s fine services
to Australian ornithology merited recognition, and nominated him
as hon. member. Mr. Ashby seconded the nomination, which was
supported by Messrs. Zietz and Mellor. On a ballot being taken,
Capt. S. A. White and Mr. H. L. White were elected.

Mr. Edquist thought that the list of hon. members should be ex-
tended, but Mr. Ashby considered that the honour should be made
as conservative as possible, so that it would be the more valued.

Emu
1st Jan.

IIo Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

NOMENCLATURE.

Capt. White moved that a recommendation be conveyed to the
editors of The Emu, through the Council, that the trinomial
system of nomenclature in connection with Australian ornithology
be adopted for all sub-species. He had properly described a
sub-species in a paper which he had written, and this name was
altered to a binomial. As a result of this, he was adversely
criticised in many quarters outside Australia. The Auk had said
that he did not know how to describe a bird, and he could not
run the risk of this again by publishing in The Emu.

Mr. Mellor seconded the motion. He said that there must be
some means of identifying sub-species.

Mr. Ashby supported the motion. He considered it a scientific
necessity that Australia should come into line with the rest of
the world, and use trinomials for valid sub-species.

The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr. Zietz criticised the ‘‘Check-list.”’

A suggestion by Mr. Edquist that was favourably regarded was
that a small sub-list should be published, giving the full nomen-
clature of the few sub-species that were recognized as sound.

BIRD PROTECTION.

Mr. Ashby intimated that everything possible was being done
with regard to the Kangaroo Island reserve. It was hoped that
the desired Act would be passed next session, and would make
provision for the reservation of 300 square miles. It was also
hoped that the reserve would be vested in trustees, outside
political influence. He was greatly desirous of seeing Lyre-Birds
introduced to the island, where he considered they would do
well. These birds were formerly plentiful in the Blackall Ranges,
N.S.W., where a few still remained in country very similar to
the interior of Kangaroo Island.

Arising from correspondence from Mr. James Buckland, Mr
Chisholm moved—‘ That this annual congress of the R.A.O.U.
urges upon the Commonwealth Government the great necessity
that exists for such a measure as the British Plumage Prohibition
Bill, and suggests that the High Commissioner be requested to
petition the British Prime Minister to have this Bill made law
without delay.” The motion was carried unanimously.

THANKS.

On the motion of Mr. Somerville, seconded by Mr. Zietz, a vote
of thanks was accorded the retiring office-bearers. Mr. Mattingley,
in responding, paid a tribute to the work of Mr. Zietz.

A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded the Royal Society
for the use of its rooms for meeting purposes.

On behalf of visiting members, Mr. Mattingley thanked the
South Australians, and particularly Capt. White, for the kindly
reception given all.

It was agreed that the next session should be held in Victoria.

Vol. XIII.

oe Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. TEL

NEw MEMBERS.

The following were unanimously elected members of the
Union :—

Victoria.—Mr. G. P. Kay, C. of E. Grammar School, Geelong ;
Mr. Ernest E. Barker, Horsham ; Mr. Frank Holloway, Heatherton ;
Mr. L. C. Buchner, University, Melbourne; Mr. J. E. Chubb,
National Museum; Rev. W. E. Dexter, St. Barnabas’, South Mel-
bourne ; Mr. Henry Holmes, Burnewang, Elmore ; Mr. D. Moffatt,
Grammar School, Geelong; Mr. Herbert A. Purnell, Geelong ;
Mr. H. B. Slaney, Hawthorn-road, Caulfield; Mr. A. C. Willis,
403 Collins-street, Melbourne ; Mr. Athol M‘G. Kirkwood, Kew;
Mr. F. Thonemann, 10r Queen-street, Melbourne.

New South Wales.—Mr. Ralph C. Blacket, Nerriga; Mr. E.
Bland, Tetholme; Mr. W. J. Enright, West Maitland ; Mrs. E. H.
Ferrier, Neutral Bay; Mrs. S. Kearney, Ashfield ; Mr. Ernest E.
Kersey, Rose Bay; Mr. J. K. M‘Crae, Hillston ; Mr. S. E. Rohu,
sydney; Mr. W. M. Steinbeck, Jerilderie; Mr. G. H. Wiburd,
Corowa.

Queensland.—Mr. Allan P. Dodd, Nelson; Mr. L. B. Mouritz,
Dalby ; Mr. Otto Sandel, Brisbane; Mr. V. E. White, Duaringa.

South Australia.—Mr. W. P. Cormack, Tumby Bay; Mr. J. D.
Somerville, Yeelanna; Mr. Samuel Sanders, Sturt; Mr. H. W.
Andrew, Black Forest.

Northern Territory.—Mr. C. E. W. Hogge, Darwin.

Tasmania.—Mr. Chas. Challis, Launceston ; Miss Ivy Fletcher,
Springfield.

New Zealand.—Messrs. Duncan and Simpson, Dunedin.

England.—Mr. Robin Kemp, Long Sutton, Somerset.

America.—Mr. W. J. Erichsen, Savannah, Ca.

ANNUAL REPORT.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,—The Council has much pleasure in
presenting to you the Thirteenth Annual Report of the Royal
Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

Since last annual meeting 29 new members have been enrolled
and 20 names have been struck from the rolls for various reasons.
The Council deeply regrets the deaths of four members of the
Union—Dr. Sclater, of the British Museum, who was one of the
first elected hon. members; Dr. Hinder, of New South Wales ;
Mr. Lachlan M‘K. Burns, of Western Australia, who died under
tragic circumstances; and Mr. A. Hamilton, our local secretary in
New Zealand. The Union also lost an old friend when Mr. John
F. Mellor, of South Australia, passed away.

Ten Council meetings were held in the past financial year, and
the average attendance of members was satisfactory. The best
thanks of the Council are again due to Colonel Charles Ryan for
placing his rooms at the disposal of the Council for meetings.

Several members of the Union assisted in the work of con-
ducting a “ Bird Protection Court’? at the Chamber of Manu-

II2

Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

Emu
ist Jan.

RECEIPTS AND

For Year ended

RECEIPTS.
Jf. Ss. <di > Aus
To Balance-—General Fund 1o2.9 7
- * Coloured Figure Fund ... 25 18 <2
= 44 7-3
», Subscriptions—Arrears ... B2EI2anO
= fc Current... L50.-12) 16
: i Check-list 21a 27 16
+ 5) 1914 19 8 oO
— 227 5 0
» Sales— Zhe Emu oes oa ase 20.005
,. Exchange, £1 Igs. 6d.; Interest, 8s. 5d.; Covers,
18s. 1d.; Tent Hire, £1 fs ae ee fis 4: Be
,. Donations for Illustrations—H. L. White... 1204200
» 3 a Capt.S. A. White. so 19216
— ewe it (6)
ot Ff Coloured Figure Fund abate
,, Advertisements—Coloured Figure Fund ... A SOLO
= ee ? cones
£325 10 7

ASSETS AND

At 30th
ASSETS.
phir Sete Zo Soe
Coloured Figure Fund—Cr. Balance ve 13° TOS
Library si 25 Jonge
The Emu in Stock 186 19 o
Illustration Blocks sf ‘ 20 (OG
Subscription Arrears 40 fo)
Less Prepaid 20>: 350
20 0 0
£265 Domes

Z. GRAY, L.C.A., Hon. Treasurer.

MELBOURNE, Is¢ July, 1913.

Vol. XIII.

ee Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. II3
EXPENDITURE
80th June, 1918.
EXPENDITURE.
ous. <fee come.
By 7he Emu, vol. xii.—Printing, &c. . LOGE 5-+. 0
Coloured Plate E (0) sare)
Illustrations 2618 7
Check-list ZO 2e 1 O
——- 286 18 4
» Library, £3 3s. 4d.; Reference-list, £2 7s. aes Sloe A
ei Postage, Ya2 138.3. Typing, =44 42s. 6d.; Sen
AA bises Covers. Los. 7d: ".... 4 e 22407
agro. Congress, £1 5s.; Tent, era ee 6d.; National
Parks Association, £1 Is. a e. yee ans)
wy exehanges £2. 1s 4d; Cae cons Se mie Bank
Charge, 5s. oe = se 2 EOE
324 16 4
, Balance—Coloured Figure Fund, Cr. . 13) To) <6
es . General Fund, Dr. ... Ron deers
Cae 014 3
£325 10 7
LIABILITIES
June, 1913.
LIABILITIES.
Sao .d.
General Fund, Dr. Balance 12 WS. 5
Balance 252.13
265 WO uO

MELBOURNE, 187%

Audited and found correct.

Ww. A. BLAIR,

C. W. WILSON,

August, 1913.

! Hon. Auditors,

Emu
1st Jan.

II4 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.
factures’ All-Australian Exhibition, held this year in Melbourne.
Pamphlets dealing with the value of birds and their protection
were distributed, and much information was given to visitors to
the Court.

The Zoological and Acclimatization Society of Victoria again
kindly housed the Union’s library, which is under the supervision
of Mr.Le Souet.

Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, Scone, N.S.W., with his customary
generosity, defrayed the cost of a number of plates which have
appeared in The Emu. Many valuable papers have been pub-
lished, notably those dealing with osteology, by Dr. R. W.
Shufeldt. Several new birds have been described by members,
also hitherto unknown eggs.

In conclusion, it may be stated that there is need for a large
increase in membership, and it is hoped that, in the forthcoming
year, members will endeavour to induce friends who are interested
in our birds to join.

F. Erasmus Witson, Hon. Secretary.

The address of Mr. Robert Hall, the retiring president, was as
follows :—
Fields for Work.

Mr. CHAIRMAN, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN,—

It is pleasing to us to realize the continued progress of
the Union since last we met. The Emu, in quarterly numbers,
shows the useful lines of our development, and we, fortunately,
keep with us the definite and sustained interest of the hon.
editors. Bird-observers over all the States gather from time to
time new springs of information, and their meandering within
The Emu is a source of satisfaction to us. Here we continue to
get the units of bird-lore that build the pages of our publication.

It is not an easy matter to successfully form a Bird Observers’
Club unless the district is so fortunate as to have some corner-
stones —or, in other words, an available inherited interest.
Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney are fortunate in this respect,
with the result that environment is rapidly making a nature-
loving community. Such centres as Brisbane, Hobart, and Perth
should be doing better work than they are at present. Let us
trust them, in the next year or two, to send to the editors of The
Emu some useful notices of the work of their little bands.

In the few words of my address to you this evening I prefer
that they should be suggestive rather than a multiple of acquired
fact. There is, as many of us know, a vast amount of pleasant
work to be done from our capital cities as centres, and I would,
for example, briefly outline what may be done from Hobart, as
one of them, apart from the land forms studied by members of

THE Emu, Vor. X/77.

PLATE XIV.

*(uoTU ()

"LYVGOH ‘SILLV3d "M ‘f AG 'OLOHd WY WOU

SISISOTOYJIUIO UeISE}eIJSNY [RAO JUSpPISeETg YJUIAIS) "OY “MOA INO ‘TRH 340qOW “JIN

Vol. XIII. .
ews Fields for Work. II5

the Union during their visit last year. I allude to the study of
Petrels, with its many difficulties. This year some of the best
results are being recorded by the different workers on Petrels,
the Mawson Expedition in particular. Upon this and Godman’s
monograph all new workers will have a good foundation. We
need to link Australia, Antarctica, and New Zealand, and the
work of Mr. Hamilton on the Macquarie Islands will be a strong
addition to our knowledge of pelagic birds. Then will follow the
relation of the same species of the sub-Antarctic islands * on the
east to Kerguelen, Heard and St. Paul on the west. When these
data have been placed before us by the more fortunate voyagers
still further relationships will follow—viz., those of the Weddell
Sea and Gough Island + and of the North Atlantic visitors.

A series of maps showing the geographical distribution of the
Penguins and Gulls, as well as that of the Petrel-like birds, in the
south, would make a fascinating study. The family of Albatrosses,
with its distribution shown in colour, would surely prove to be a
fine teaching factor. This would further develop an interest
along lines laid down by the Union. The present drawbacks to
map-making will be partly removed if the Mawson Expedition
has been fortunate enough with opportunities.

Difficulties are evident even with a family of such large birds
as the Diomedeide in the recognition of species when the species
themselves are so ill-defined. Take, for example, a skin from
the waters of Macquarie Island that recently came under my
notice :—

Cross bars on mantle and back agreeing with D. evulans ; wing
coverts of Godman’s figure { of D. regia being more strongly freckled
than in this specimen, making it more like the wing of D. chionoptera
than that of D. exulans.

In the same way we are troubled with the distribution of
Pelecanoides. At present the data on these little Diving-Petrels
are too meagre. Many valuable notes and skins are expected
from Macquarie Island, which will help us to know the distribution
of this genus. P. urinatrix has been located on the Macquaries,
Aucklands, and South America; P. exsul on New Zealand,
Kerguelen, and Crozet waters. The questions of inter-breeding
and dimorphism will probably be studied.

A matter of interest to sub-Antarctic workers in relation to
South-Western Australia is the distribution of strelata brevipes,
as it is a bird of the Northern Hemisphere visiting the waters
of Cape Leeuwin.

(Estrelata neglecta is a known Australian bird which penetrates
into the Antarctic as a visitor. Does it come westward to
Tasmanian waters ? The same may be thought of Pelea lineata,
which has occurred off Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. It will

* “ Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand,” E. R. Waite (1909).
+ ‘Scottish Antarctic Expedition,’’ [bis (1906).
t ‘“‘ Monograph of Petrels,’’ fol. 5, pl. 90 (1910).

Emu
Ist Jan.

I16 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.
be found, probably, that the longitude of Tasmania is its occasional
western boundary. Pwuffinus assimilis has been recorded from
such widely separated islands as Gough and Kermadec. The
Gough species will probably be found to disagree with our species
in so far as it will become a good sub-species. Procellaria pelagica,
the ‘‘ Mother Carey Chicken’ of the Northern Hemisphere, passes
into the extreme limit of Antarctic floating ice. If Puffinus kuhli
deflects from the same course eastward it might be that this
European bird occasionally does the same, touching our extreme
western waters. This is work for the fishermen-ornithologists
of Western Australia rather than those of Tasmania. The same
applies to Diomedea cartert, which is found off Gough Island, in
the South Atlantic, and North-Western Australia, and possibly,
between breeding seasons, directly west of Tasmania.

(Estrelata solandyi has been recorded from Bass Strait, but, as
there is a doubt of its specific value, it leaves some interesting
work to be done. While tracing the distribution its value as a
good species will be tested. (Cstrelata leucoptera, recorded in the
“ Official Check-list’’ as found in eastern Australia, has been
found just south of Tasmania. Prion vittatus and P. bankst sep-
arately range into each other, but much field data are required.

In Godman’s ‘‘ Monograph of the Petrels’’ no fewer than fifty-
nine species of Procellartiformes are recorded as found in
Antarctic waters. The most of these touch the Australian seas,
and a question is, How many? We have fairly well fixed the
number in the more easily accessible rookeries ; but I think that,
with more careful identification, a number of others will reveal
their true selves.

We should connect, with more certainty, New Zealand with
our continent by means of Macquarie Island. Long ago one of
our own members recorded * three genera — Puffinus griseus,
Priofinus cinereus, and Halobena cerulea—as ranging across from
New Zealand by nesting in the Macquaries ; but this was merely
a nucleus of our knowledge of the distribution of Australian
ocean-going birds. We have still to learn of those which range
between island and island, island and mainland, between main-
lands, endemic to islands or continents, Australia outwards in the
quarters of the compass, between northern and southern waters,
and east to west upon Australian shores as well as those adjacent.

On the Pacific Ocean border of our continent there is a most
interesting series of species, ranging between Queensland and
Antarctica, New Guinea and New Zealand.

So far in time very little attention has been given to the
numerical value of the species of sea-birds in their relation to
fishing grounds. It has been reported + that the eastern waters
of Flinders Island could give the most plentiful supply of fish in
south-eastern Australia ; and it is there that the great mass of the

*“" Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds,” pp. 894-896 (Campbell).
} F. T. Endeavour research.

Vol. XIII. :
eee Fields fov Work. Ti?

Australian Gannet locates itself when the young need their supply.
The movements of large bodies of Terns are an indication of shoals
of fish. One wonders how the reduction of Puffinus brevicaudus
(Mutton-Bird), in its relation to cephalopods, will affect our
deeper fishing grounds. In the study of the migration of this
Petrel some valuable light will fall upon the balance of things.

It is further to be hoped that some member of the Union,
living upon the coast-line. will give us data with regard to the
value of marine birds as destroyers of insecta and crustacea. It
is well known that our Silver Gull (Larus nove-hollandieg) is a
benefactor to man in this respect. We need to prove why the
better protection is necessary of what are considered to be birds
outside the walk of man so far as their economic value is concerned.

At the present time much interest is being centred in re-
afforestation, because a vandalism that has been working quietly
for fifty years is now becoming evident. The same will dawn upon
our people with regard to the need of a better knowledge of our
native land-birds. The opening of the country by means of
cultivation is already demanding serious interest. At present
two enemies to fruit-growers are doing much damage in a suburb
of Hobart owing to the lack of insect-eating birds, which are not
being encouraged to stay about. I refer to an aphis and a small
curculio. What has been done by anti-plumage laws and the
lessening of the exportation of live birds is very fine ; but the truth
is, in the words of a former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth
the women of our country have more power for the good of
this cause than even a combination of State Governments and
Commonwealth.

It is in this work of education that the help of our Union has
shown itself, and at no distant day the agriculturists of south-
eastern Australia, in particular, will realize the value of field research
done in their favour. In the interval, every encouragement to
the better protection of birds, as a whole, within the area of closer
settlement should be continued. To this end the Education
Departments are distributing and modelling the rough-hewn
material which we are supplying in The Emu, and it is a happy
union of strength and usefulness.

Results of observations by competent field naturalists will
continue to come forward until we shall be able to chart the work
annually to be done by certain birds throughout the Common-
wealth. There will be a fine summary of the value of their lives
before the Union is many years older. It will be then that guides
for the following years could be supplied. Just as grain-crops
and wool-clips can be fairly accurately judged at the last moment,
so will the movements of the more common birds in relation to
our and their food supply.

In the course of the year some important events have occurred
that may have far-reaching results. There was, foremost, the
publication of the ‘‘ Official Check-list’’ of the Union. A strong
desire on the part of the committee entrusted by you to draw up

118 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. Emu

tst Jan.

the list was evident when it set out to compile a list of unerring
simplicity. The principal thought was in the interest of a
growing community already burdened by a highly developed range
of learning. The law of priority of name was partly sacrificed.
It seemed best not to deviate from the established nomenclature,
which was working well. Certainly, the day will arrive when
geographical differences in our birds will be still further studied ;
but for the general working of such a national list we are, as a mass
of people, not yet ready to grapple with them. In the meantime
we have Mr. Gregory Mathews carefully and finely making his
study.

Recently our attention was drawn by Mr. A. J. Campbell to the
nearly perfect collection of the eggs of Australian birds in the
possession of Mr. H. L. White, of Scone, N.S.W. When that
collection is completed, or nearly so, and when the day arrives
for the administrators of the Federal Capital to be in need of the
finest collection in Australia, we may hope that Mr. White’s
cabinets will be vested in the leading institution of the nation by
lease in perpetuity, or gift, by the owner and constructor. It
will be a fine opportunity to do a great thing, and I should like
to be in such a position as the donor to the nation of a collection
so fine in most respects.

Apart from the Antarctic Expedition being conducted by Dr.
Douglas Mawson, other events have occurred since last we met.
Though not so great, they are of merit. In the pages of The
Emu we find their records, and the hon. editors are ever on the
watch for more of equal value.

The River Excursion.
By ALEx. CHISHOLM, R.A.O.U.

UNDER the most pleasant weather conditions, the trip up Aus-
tralia’s great waterway was commenced at Murray Bridge on
Wednesday, 26th November. South Australian members and
those visitors who had been attending the congress met the rest
of the Victorian representation at this township, and before noon
the party was well on the way up-stream per the s.s. Arcadia.
This steamer had been chartered for the occasion by Captain
White, and it proved very satisfactory. The Arcadia could work
well, and its management in all departments left nothing to be
desired. The passenger list was as follows :—Mr. A. H.E. Mattingley,
C.M:Z.S. (Victoria), leader; Capt. S. A. White, Messrs. J. W.
Mellor, F. R. Zietz, J. W. Hosking, F. M. Angel, P. Runge, S.
Sanders, P. W. Mellor, E. G. Mayo, R. Crompton, L. Crompton,
H. W. Andrew, C. Trescowthick ; Mesdames John F. Mellor, J.
W. Mellor, and S. A. White, Misses W. Mellor, R. Toms, and L.
M. Farr (South Australia), Dr. J. Burton Cleland (N.S.W.), Messrs.

THE Emu, Vol. X/J/J.

PLATE XV.

‘DIPVIAP IO

wea}S pure

(szdAje

ony) sums

‘AANOS 371°C AP ‘OLOHd VY WOYS

pey fo asus yeorddy Sutmoys ‘Aviin]y IOATY

ER

is
t
te
t
i

— oie!

Vol. XIII.
1914

The River Excursion: I1I9g

W. H. D. Le Souéf, A. H. Chisholm, H. B. Slaney, Dr. E. Brooke
Nicholls, Dr. J. A. Leach and Mrs. Leach (Victoria).

Having nothing very definite in view in the early stages of the
trip, the party sat back and enjoyed the “ most glorious beauty
of the day’’—the blue sky, the pretty shades of green created
by the sunlight slanting among the reeds and willows, the music
of the Reed-Warblers that made merry right along the miles of
reed-beds, and the striking wing-work of the wind-wrestling Tern
and majestic Pelican.

The first “‘ field work’’ was undertaken in the afternoon, when
the Mypolonga swamps were reached. While the leader and a
number of others boated up an attractive little creeklet and worked
among water-birds for an hour or so, the rest of the party
prospected on shore. At the present time the South Australian
Government is proceeding with the work of reclaiming these
swamp areas, and such contrasts in locomotion as bullock teams
and a miniature train were noted hard at work. It is a good
policy, this swamp reclamation, but one may express the hope
that the South Australian Government will see the wisdom of
reserving certain areas as_ breeding-grounds for the valuable
water-birds that at present abound. As a slight digression, the
Government may be offered a word of congratulation on the
prompt action it recently took to put a stop to the “ potting-
shooting ’’ at all kinds of birds that was being indulged in by a
“scarce-half-made-up’’ brand of ‘“‘sportsman’”’ on_ river
steamers ; and if a further digression will be pardoned by the
editors and the Premier of South Australia, it will do no harm
to draw the attention of the latter gentleman to the desirability
for moving in the matter of preserving valuable timber along the
river-banks. Perhaps, however, this matter is being held over
only till the States have satisfactorily adjusted their various ideas
concerning the locking of the river.

While the evening meal was proceeding, the brisk little town
of Mannum (24 miles from Murray Bridge) was touched, and the
night-halt was made at a wood-siding Io miles up. Some of the
party slept ashore (happy in the possession of stretchers), and
these received the full benefit of the dawn chorus contributed by
the frogs, Swans, Bitterns, and Laughing Jackasses. The notes of
none of these is particularly musical, and those who looked for the
burst of melody that usually greets the rising sun in the depths of
the bush had, perforce, to content themselves with admiring the
placid beauty of the river. These wood-sidings, it may be
remarked, are almost as much an institution on the Murray as
is the fishing industry, practically every river-sider keeping a
supply of wood for the steamers.

A couple of hours’ run after the 8 a.m. meal brought the party
to Schultze’s Landing, where a halt was called till mid-day. The
country there was not particularly inviting, but there were some
good swamps on the right bank, and one of these accommodated
a magnificent flock of Pelicans. The easy majesty and careless

Emu
ist Jan.

I20 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.
grace reflected in the flight of this fine bird sent our most poetic-
minded Melburnian into a brown study searching for a fitting
description thereof.

As the willows and reeds fell away the cliff country came into
view—mile after mile of picturesque walls with but short breaks
between each half-mile reach. Every one of these cliffs had its
colonies of Fairy Martins (Petrochelidon ariel), and it was among
specimens of these birds that Dr. Cleland found the Angas tick.

Passing Purnong, a straight run was made for Cournamont, a
little fishing landing whose name is probably a perversion of
‘“Cormorant.’’ A rookery of these birds has long been constituted
in the swamp trees at the end of the cliffs, but it was not this
that was looked for so much as the cliff-building Cockatoos
(Cacatua galerita). They were there in hundreds. and made a
striking picture as they dashed wildly out of hollows 150 feet
above the water and rent the air with a continual harsh ‘* Kar-r-r.”
It would be interesting to know how the young cross the wide
stretch of water from their inaccessible cliff-dwellings.*

From this point a straight run was made through the after-
noon and two hours in the soft evening air. On the Friday
the weather began to grow decidedly warm, and most of
the day went by on the river—steaming for a promised land
somewhere ‘‘ between Morgan and Renmark.’ On this stage
excursionists had plenty of time to pay attention to the scenery,
and to shout fraternal greetings to fishermen or little parties of
blacks along the stream banks. Passing interest was taken in
the ruins of the old homestead built by the late John Eyre,
somewhere in the early forties, just a few miles down stream from
Blanchetown. Going ashore before sunset at a spot 7 miles above
this little town, most of the party had a ramble round a dry
stretch of mallee ona table-land above a cliff; but it was not rich
in bird-life, and in the rarity of other notes the incessant
“Bubble-up”’ of Geopelia placida —‘‘ the Peaceful ’’— became
monotonous almost to the point of irritation. They minded one
of the two Doves in whose “ sweet, sad voices’ Shelley found

“ Despair
Mingled with love and then dissolved in sound.”’

However, the customary evening and morning dip in the river
was calculated to wash all cobwebs from the mind as well as dust
from the body. The sky overcast, and a fierce wind came out of
the north on the Saturday morning, and Morgan was found
sweltering in a heat of 110° in the shade. Up-stream then irri-
gation settlements were more numerous. There was little scope
for field-work adjacent to them, so that no stoppage was called
until rather a pretty little spot termed Moullein’s Bend was
reached, and made the week-end camping-place. Above the
cliffs at this bend some rather picturesque sandy mallee, thickly

*Tt is interesting to note that these famous and historic Cockatoo cliffs
are mentioned by Gould (‘‘ Handbook,”’ vol. i1., p. 4).—Ebs.

THE Emu, Vol. XIII.
PEATFE. SXvilr

River Murray and Cockatoo Clifts,

FROM A PHOTO. BY D. LE SOUEF

Vol. XIII. l 5 ; a
oe The River Excursion. T2T

covered with spinifex, was prospected, and a good number of birds
noted.

On Sunday morning the South Australian Director of Irriga-
tion (Mr. M‘Intosh) called on Capt. White, and intimated that
water-birds, and more especially Swans, were nesting on Lake
Barmera (or, as it is usually termed, Lake Bonney), a sheet of
water about 60 miles up-stream. This, then, was made the
objective, the leader being more impressed with the possibilities
of the lake than what he had formerly looked for—the country
“between Morgan and Renmark.” This Sunday was one of the
hottest of days, but the great blue sky smiled as though it had
others to follow—as, indeed, it had. By steaming right on from
1.30 p.m. the prosperous settlement of Waikerie was reached
just as the church bell was “calling the people to some other
prayers,” and, after a brief halt, the Arcadia went right on till
10 p.m. Keeping up the pace next morning, the steamer reached
Bell Rock, the nearest point to Lake Barmera, and somewhere
adjacent to Cobdogla, early in the afternoon. At this point
it had been expected to find vehicles waiting to take excursionists
across the 6 miles of country to the lake; but these did not
materialize, and so most of the party started out to walk the
distance. They were, however, prevented from reaching the
goal by a lack of knowledge of the locality, by the heat, and by
the very many objects of interest to be seen on the sand-hills close
to the river. They were really very pretty indeed, these sand-
hills, with the wealth of colouring given by white daisies, hop-
bushes of various greens, and numerous flowering shrubs.
Probably they would, in the youth of spring, provide a happy
hunting-ground for the ornithologist, for even in December birds
were plentiful and varied. Small companies of the beautiful
little Malurus assimilis darted in and out of scrub, to be joined
now and then by the fiery sprite M. melanotus ; Pachycephala
gilbertt emitted its Robin-like “‘ Chup-chup’”’ after every gunshot ;
Drymodes brunneopygius was quite common, and, after a harsh
“Charr charr’’ and a characteristic flick of the tail, did not run
away from anyone who stood quietly; the Ocyphaps lophotes of
the whistling wings was very numerous, and so, too, was
Barnardius barnardt, as well as Artamus, Campephaga, and many
other common forms. But perhaps the prize beauty of the
region was Cacatua leadbeatert, the handsome Major Mitchell
Cockatoo. A number of these birds frequented an attractive
little billabong at the foot of the sand-ridges, and a lovely sight
they made in flight, when the rich colours of the under-wings and
crest were displayed. In the mud at the edges of this billabong
a number of Emu prints was noted, but the big birds them-
selves were not seen. The water was clean and soft, but
of little use as a thirst-quencher—and thirsts took some quenching
when the temperature was about 115° in the shade.

On the Monday evening a sand-storm—a striking sight—gave
promise of a cool change, but the weather was much the same on

I22 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. Emu

ist Jan.

the Tuesday, and Dr. Cleland still found plenty of the malarial
mosquito pests available.

The return journey was commenced at 1.30 p.m. on 2nd
December, and at the small Overland Corner Dr. Cleland was
dropped, he purposing to strike across country.* Going right
ahead, Waikerie was called on at 7.30 o’clock, just as hot winds
were travelling across its sand. These fruit-growing settlements
probably have a future, but it certainly will not do for prospective
settlers to see them first while a dust-storm is raging.

The night was spent at Boggy Flat, and Morgan regained at
mid-day on the Wednesday. Further good pace was made in the
afternoon, and the evening halt called at Nortel. It was a calm,
soft night, and, while a young moon did its best to beautify the
river, Dr. Leach lectured to an interested assemblage on the
general aspects of Australian bird-life. Quite an animated dis-
cussion followed, and the lecturer was accorded a vote of thanks.
A ‘“below-stairs’’ address on ‘‘ Radium”’ later was not so
successful.

The looked-for cool change came up on Thursday, a sharp,
cold hailstorm occurring before mid-day. Some time was lost by
a boat overturning when aborigines came on _ board with
Cockatoos, but after that there was no stoppage till Mourkain,
near Foster, was reached. There Mr. D. Hutchinson received the
party hospitably. He has some fine fossil cliffs and swamp lands,
and the reservation of the latter should give a home to thousands
of birds. Crested Grebes nest there freely.

From that onward the only noteworthy stoppage was at a point
between Mannum and Murray Bridge, at mid-day on Friday.
This was the occasion of felicitous speeches. Mr. Mattingley
proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the skipper of the Arcadia,
Capt. Wolters, for his able management of the trip, and presented
him with a signed chart of the river. Mr. J. W. Mellor seconded
the motion, which was carried and responded to. A special vote
of thanks was also accorded Capt. S. A. White for his good
services, and the ladies’ general thanks were expressed by Mrs.
J. F. Mellor and Mr. Runge. So the excursion terminated on
Friday, 5th December. Results had been hampered by no one
having a first-hand knowledge of the best stopping-places, by
the weather being too hot, and the time of the year too late ; but
nevertheless the 200-mile trip had been productive of a profitable
and pleasant time.

Birds Identified, Lower Murray Excursion,
- December, 1913.
By (CApT.) 5. Ae avers. VE Or 2 ac:

NotE.—The following list is in the order of the R.A.O.U.
‘“‘Check-list,”’ and according to special request made in The Emu

* See separate account, p, 120.

Vol. XIII
IQ14

‘| Waulte, Birds Identified, Lower Murray Excursion. 123
vol. xii., p. 290, but is made under protest, for I believe in the
strict law of priority as set down by the National Code, and in the
use of trinomials to describe sub-species.—S. A. W.

Dromaius nove-hollandie. FEmu.—Although not seen, fresh tracks
and feathers were noted on more than one occasion, where the birds
watered at the river.

Geopelia tranquilla. Ground-Dove.—These lovely little birds were
often met with, and their deep cooing sounded refreshing on a hot day.

Phaps chalcoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon.— These were fairly
numerous in places. rising from the ground with a great whirring
sound, and often perching on the limb of a mallee tree.

Ocyphaps lophotes. Crested Pigeon.—The Crested Pigeons were
remarkably quiet, and fairly plentiful in places. Nests with young
were observed, and a photograph was taken.

Tribonyx ventralis. Black-tailed Native-Hen.—Numbers seen 9n
the river-bank and in the lignum swamps.

Gallinula tenebvosa Black Moor-Hen.—Severa! seen on the river-bank.

Porphyrio melanono.us. Bald-Coot.—Plentiful in all the reed and
flag patches on swamps and back-waters. Found breeding

Fulica australis. Australian Coot.—Two or three Coots were seen
on a large lagoon. They never collect in such numbers on the river
as they do lower down on the lakes.

Podiceps gularis. Black-throated Grebe.—A few were seen in the
swamps.

Podiceps australis. Great Grebe.—Seen on the back-waters, and were
reported by residents as having nested in numbers at certain places.

Hydrochelidon fluviatilis. Marsh Tern.—Great numbers of these
pretty Terns were observed fishing on the back-waters and sometimes
on the main stream during the first days of our progress We met
them in the same localities on our return down stream.

Lobivanellus lobatus. Spur-winged Plover.—Fairly plentiful on the
flats near the river.

fEgialitis nigvifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel.—An odd bird or two
met with all along the river.

Himantopus leucocephalus. White-headed Stilt.—A few Stilts were
seen on the wing passing from one swamp to the other. I have never
known these birds to nest on the Murray River ; they seem to prefer
the samphire flats of the plains. The absence of these birds on the
swamps is due, no doubt, to their being away nesting.

Gallinago australis. Australian Snipe.—Mr. J. W. Mellor procured
a fine specimen of this bird. It was a solitary, and was perched on
a log near the water.

CEdicnemus grallarius. Stone-Curlew.—Fairly plentiful, judged by
the numbers heard calling at night.

Ibis molucca. Australian White Ibis.—A few seen feeding in the
swamps near Murray Bridge. The bulk of these birds must have
been nesting in the flags lower down the river.

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis——The note for the White
Ibis well answers for this bird also.

Platibis flavipes. Yellow-billed Spoonbill.
dead trees over swamp.

A few seen perched on

124 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. [ fone

ist Jan.

Herodias syymatophorus. Australian Egret.—Fair numbers of White
Egrets were seen perched on trees bordering swamps.

Notophoyx nove-hollandie. White-fronted Heron.—These widely-
distributed birds were observed all along the river.

Notophoyx pacifica. White-necked Heron.— One or two birds
observed on the early part of the trip.

Nycticovax caledonicus. Nankeen Night-Heron. — Night-Herons
were plentiful, and several large rookeries came under our notice.
These were situated in the thick foliage of the weeping willows. Many
immature birds were perching with the adults.

Botaurus peciloptilus. Australian Bittern.— Two or three were
seen passing between clumps of reeds, and their deep booming note
was heard all night if we happened to be near the birds’ haunts.

Chenopis atrata. Black Swan.—Black Swans seldom visit the small
swamps in the day-time for fear of being molested. Messrs. Mackintosh
and Quinn, Government officials, who had just returned from a visit
to Lake Bonney, stated the Swans were nesting in great numbers there.

Chlamydochen jubata. Maned Goose.—These handsome birds were
not numerous. At many places on the river where, twenty years ago,
the birds were in hundreds, none was noticed.

Anas superciliosa. Australian Black Duck.—Fairly numerous, in
pairs and small families of six or seven.

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal.—Not numerous. Where we saw
one there were five hundred twenty years ago.

Spatula rhynchotis. Australian Shoveller.—A bird or two seen on
the river.

Nyvoca australis. White-eyed Duck.—A flock of a hundred or
more seen on a back-water.

Biziura lobata. Musk-Duck.—These birds were often seen on the
edges of reed-banks, and at the approach of danger dived. Some fine
old birds with large gular pouches were observed.

Phalacrocorax cavbo. Black Cormorant.—In fair numbers, perched
on dead trees and snags in the water.

Phalacrocovax sulcivostris. Little Black Cormorant. — Not so
plentiful as the larger species. To all appearances some of these
birds were nesting in the sides of the high cliffs.

Phalacrocovax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant.—These birds
were seen on two or three occasions.

Plotus nove-hollandie. Australian Darter.—One bird was observed
sitting on a dead tree near Murray Bridge.

Pelecanus conspicillatus. Australian Pelican.—These noble birds
were seen both on the river and on the swamp.

Circus gouldi. Allied Swamp-Hawk.—Several Harriers were seen
soaring over the reed-beds.

Astury approximans. Australian Goshawk.—Two Goshawks were
seen hawking over the big timber.

Uroaétus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle.—Few seen where they were
once plentiful along the river.

Haliastuy sphenurus. Whistling-Eagle.—These birds were very
numerous, and were often seen taking dead fish from the bank or
surface of the water.

vee aa WuiteE, Birds Identified, Lower Murray Excursion. EZ5

IOI4

Falco lunulatus. Little Falcon.—They seemed to prefer the high
cliffs on the river, where numbers were seen flying or perched on the
face of rock.

Hieracidea berigova. Brown Hawk.—Members of the party reported
having seen this bird.

Cerchneis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel.—These small, familiar
Hawks were plentiful, and no doubt nested in the cliff crevices.

Ninox boobook. Boobook Owl.—Although heard at night, did not
seem to be plentiful.

Glossopsitta porphyrocephala. Purple-crowned Lorikeet.—Numbers
feeding in the flowering mallee.

Cacatua galevita. White Cockatoo.—Numbers of these fine birds
were nesting in the high cliffs rising from the river. The numbers of
Cockatoos are decreasing each year, poisoned wheat being responsible
for their destruction.

Young White Cockatoo at Entrance of Nesting Burrow.

FROM A PHOTO. BY A, H. E. MATTINGLEY.

Cacatua leadbeateri. Pink Cockatoo.—One or two birds seen. These
handsome birds were in thousands on the river twenty years ago.

Cacatua roseicapilla. Rose-breasted Cockatoo.—A few birds were
observed during the trip.

Calopsitia nove-hollandig. Cockatoo-Parrot.—Not numerous ; seen
only once, and most likely came in from the back country to water;

Emu
1st Jan.

126 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union:

Polytelis melanura. Black-tailed Parrot.— A few of these fine
Parrots were seen flying swiftly by. They seem to be very scarce
where I once knew them to be numerous.

Platycercus flaveolus. Yellow Parrot.—Numerous along the river,
and were mostly to be observed among the big gums.

Barnavdius barnavdi. Ring-necked Parrot. — Fairly numerous.
The immature male takes on the same dull plumage as the female.
These Parrots seem to prefer the mallee to the big timber.

Psephotus hematogastery (?) Crimson-bellied Parrot.—Some of the
members of the excursion described a bird as the above, but I am
doubtful of its identity. ;

Psephotus hematonotus. Red-backed Parrot.—On some of the
grassy flats these pretty birds were numerous, but they will soon
disappear as the imported Starling takes up their nesting hollows.

Melopsittacus undulatus. Warbling Grass-Parrot.—Small flocks of
these birds were seen coming in to and going out from water.

Dacelo gigas. Great Brown Kingfisher.—Fairly plentiful all along
the river in the big timber.

Halcyon pyrrhopygius. Red-backed Kingfisher.—The mournful yet
harsh cry of this bird was heard at several halting-places. A
specimen was procured for identification.

Halcyon sanctus. Sacred Kingfisher.—The well-known call of this
bird was heard at one stopping-place only.

Merops ornatus. Australian Bee-eater.—Bee-eaters were very
numerous in many localities we visited. !

Cypselus pacificus. White-rumped Swift.—One sultry, hot day
these birds were noticed flying overhead.

Hivundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.—Plentiful on many occasions.

Cherameca leucosternum. White-backed Swallow.—Often seen,
especially near sandy ridges, where, no doubt, they were breeding.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Found nesting in the rocks
on the face of high cliff.

Petrochelidon aviel. Fairy Martin —Great numbers were flying
along the river. Huge masses of their strange, retort-shaped nests
were seen attached to the face of the rocky cliffs just above the water.

Petroica goodenovit. Red-capped Robin.—These little birds were
seen at Bell Rock.

Smicrornis brevirostris. Short-billed Tree-Tit.—Plentiful along the
river ; found in mallee and red gum alike.

Falcunculus frontatus. Yellow-bellied Shrike-Tit.—Mr. Chisholm in-
formed me that he observed a nest of this bird in the course of the trip.

Oveoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird.—The well-known call of this
very widely distributed bird was heard on several occasions. I have
never found these birds very plentiful near the river; they become
more numerous as one gets back into the mallee.

Pachycephala gilbertt. Gilbert Whistler—These birds were very
plentiful at Bell Rock, between Lake Bonney and the river. Many
pairs were located in the pine scrub. They were very wary, and
moved on in front of us. It was necessary to procure one for identi-
fication, and this was managed by standing amongst the lower limbs

eee Waite, Birds Identified, Lower Murray Excursion. 127

of a pine tree and calling a bird up. Although no nests were seen,
I feel sure they were breeding at the time of our visit.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail——These homely
birds were met with all through, out in the scrub as well as round
homesteads.

Setsuva inquieta. Restless Flycatcher.—These birds were somewhat
numerous, and their strange grinding call was to be heard at nearly
every place we landed. One nest containing young was seen, and
I fancy that many more pairs were nesting.

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike.—Seen flying over
the river, and were met with in the scrub.

Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater.—These
pretty and useful birds were met with in the mallee, where they were
found breeding. In one instance two young birds were found
so large that they could only just hang to the rim of the nest ; the
parent birds put themselves into a great fuss, and almost dashed into
one’s face in their frantic efforts to drive the intruder away.

Pomatorhinus temporalis (?) Australian Babbler.—This bird was
reported to have been seen in the thick scrub back from the river.

Pomatorhinus superciliosus. _White-browed Babbler.—A common
bird all through the river districts. They will keep so quiet in the
middle of the day that often one has no idea of their presence till
passing under a low tree, when they will break out into a babel of
discordant cries.

Acrocephalus australis. Australian Reed-Warbler.—Found wherever
reeds or flags afforded them shelter. There is no doubt that the
Reed-Warbler is one of Australia’s greatest songsters.

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa. Yellow-tailed Tit-Warbler.—Observed in
many places along the river-bank.

Acanthiza uvopygialis. Chestnut-rumped Tit-Warbler.—A specimen
procured by Dr. Cleland for identification. They were not numerous.

Pyrrholemus brunneus. Redthroat.—Observed this bird for the
first time on the trip in the low bush between Lake Bonney and
the river. They were singing most sweetly. A specimen procured
shows much less reddish marking on the throat.

Malurus cyaneus. Blue Wren-Warbler.—Observed in the first part
of the trip.

Malurus melanotus. Black-backed Wren-Warbler.—I was not at
all surprised to find this glorious little bird, for it was from the Murray
mallee belts that John Gould procured his type. On comparing this
bird with skins procured by Mr. A. J. Campbell from the Mallee in
Victoria they are found to be identical.

Malurus assimilis. Purple-backed Wren-Warbler.—This is the
true assimilis, and not the bird found further north and north-west
and in Central Australia. The blue of the head and ear coverts is
of much darker shade than in the Central bird, which I have named
M. lamberti morgani.*

Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow.—Fairly numerous,
and found breeding in the mallee.

Artamus sorvdidus. Wood-Swallow.—This very widely distributed
bird was found almost everywhere we landed.

* See Austral Avian Record, vol. i,, p. 126; also Emu, ante, p. 28.

128 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. re

ist Jan.

Colluricincla harmonica. Grey Shrike-Thrush —These fine songsters
were fairly plentiful on the river-flats, and were seen at the tops of
the highest gums.

Grallina picata. Pied Grallina.—The Murray River is the home of
these dainty birds. They were seen in numbers each day.

Corcovax melanorhamphus. White-winged Chough.—Met with in
large families, mostly in abraded plumage, owing to their having
finished nesting. A discussion took place ve the colouration of the
eye. Some contend that when the bird is alarmed or worried it can
produce a scarlet membrane in front of the eye. My experience has
shown me that the eye is deep red during nesting time.

Aphelocephala leucopsis. Whiteface.— A very common bird
wherever we went.

Neositia pileata. Black-capped Tree-runner.—Met with in the
mallee and pine scrubs. A nest containing young was observed.

Climacteris scandens. Brown Tree-creeper.—These birds were
numerous amongst the big timber ; they were also seen in the mallee.
There were very large broods of fully fledged young moving about
with parent birds.

Pardalotus striatus. Red-tipped Pardalote——Were fairly plentiful
amongst the red gums growing on the flats and near the river.

Melithveptus brevirostyis. Brown-headed Honey-eater.—One or two
large parties of these birds were met with searching amongst the low
scrub for insect life.

Glyciphila albifrons. White-fronted Honey-eater.—Numbers of
these birds were found in the low scrub between Lake Bonney and
the river. They were attracted by the flowering shrub known as
the wild or native fuchsia (Correa speciosa’. Many fully fledged young
birds were with their parents. I noticed the latter jumping about on
the ground in search of insect food. One’s attention is attracted by
this bird’s zig-zag flight.

Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater.—Was met with many times,
and its melodious note often heard.

Ptilotis ovnata. Yellow-plumed Honey-eater.—These birds were not
so numerous ; those observed had much darker plumage than those
found on Eyre Peninsula.

Piilotis penicillata. White-plumed MHoney-eater.— Found very
plentifully all along the river-bank, in the low scrub as well as among
the gums.

Myzantha garvula. Noisy Miner.—One of the most plentiful birds
to be found on the Murray banks.

Acanthogenys rufigularis. Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater.—This bird
is plentiful all along the river banks, and its peculiar gurgling call is
heard at its best when echoed amongst the high cliffs—a locality it
likes to haunt, and where I met with this bird for the first time
twenty-five years ago.

Entomyza cyanotis. Blue-faced Honey-eater.—This bird was met
with just after leaving Mannum. This is by far the lowest point
down stream it has been known to come. James Cockerell collected
it at Mildura, but that is hundreds of miles up stream. The young
were with the parent birds, showing that they must have nested in the

Vol. XIII.
1914

| Waite, birds Identified, Lowey Murray Excursion. I29
locality. A single specimen was obtained by Mr. E. Ashby near
Mannum last year, and is now in the Adelaide Museum.

Philemon citrveogularis. Yellow-throated Friar-Bird.—Numbers of
these birds were seen. They fly high at times, passing over the tree-
tops. Large young were flying about with the adult birds, the bird
being called the Yellow-throated because the immature bird has yellow
feathers on the throat, while the matured bird shows no trace of any
yellow.

Anthus australis. Australian Pipit—Numerous all along the river,
especially where any clearings extend.

Stagonopleura guttata. Spotted-sided Finch.—These pretty little
Finches were seen on the edge of cultivated ground.

Corvus covonoides (?). Australian Crow.—Birds were seen which
answered to this species, but one cannot be sure without handling
the bird.

Cracticus destructoy. Collared Butcher-Bird.—This Butcher-Bird
was once very plentiful in the Murray districts, but it seems to have
almost disappeared ; only one bird was seen in the course of the
trip.

Gymnorhina leuconota. White-backed Magpie.—A fair number of
these birds was seen, and often they came to the water’s edge in
search of insects and worms in the damp earth.

Owing to my not being in very good health after the recent
trying trip in the interior, I did not get about as much as some of
the other members.

Mr. J. W. Mellor informs me that he identified the following
birds, viz. :—

Accipiter torquatus. Collared Sparrow-Hawk.

Drymodes brunneopygius. Scrub-Robin.

Megalurus gramineus. Little Grass-Bird.

Artamus superciliosus. White-browed Wood-Swallow.

Zostevops dorsalis. White-eye.

Pardalotus xanthopygius. Yellow-rumped Pardalote.

Plectovhyncha lanceolata. Striped Honey-eater.

Mirafra secunda. Lesser Bush-Lark.

Corvus australis. Australian Raven.

Mr. Mellor also informs me he picked up a dead specimen of the
last-named species, and that the basal down of feathers was black.

Thus 113 species were identified—a good performance, I consider,
for nine days’ observation.

Overland Excursion.
By (Dr.) J. BuRTON CLELAND, R.A.O.U.

On the return of the party to Overland Corner at mid-day on
Tuesday, 2nd December, the opportunity was taken of returning
to the starting-point, Murray Bridge, by a route which promised
some interesting country. The plan outlined was to proceed by
coach to Renmark, thence across the river to Paringa, and then

130 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. =

1st Jan.

journey down by the newly-opened railway line through the
mallee to Tailem Bend, spending two days in the mallee itself.
Though the time at disposal was limited, and the weather during
a portion of it very hot, and, in consequence, the number of birds
seen small, this side expedition proved of great interest and
indicated some good collecting grounds.

The early coach left Overland Corner at 4.30 a.m. Fortunately,
a box seat was available, so that the cool, crisp air could be
enjoyed. The road passed for most of the way through open,
park-like country, grassed with an abundant growth of spear-grass
(Stipa), on which the horses fed well, and diversified with scattered
sandalwood-trees (Myoporum montanum) and patches of open
mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa, E. dumosa, and probably E. gracilis).
The freshness of dawn and the morning cheerfulness of the birds,
the clearness of the atmosphere, and the sweet smell of moisture
were a striking contrast to the heat of the mallee-scrub the day
before in the hot breath of the dust-storm. About 5 miles out,
Lake Bonney (now Lake Barmera) was seen over a grassy ridge,
a fine stretch of water. As the 30 miles into Renmark was
approached the valley of the Murray was reached again, here
opening out into a wide expanse of undulating woody country
much below the level of the surrounding plain. The weather was
warming up, and the country was becoming more sandy and less
interesting, when we passed through a gate and entered on a
transformation scene. We were on the outskirts of the irrigation
settlement of Renmark, and saw before us a wide road leading
on for 4 miles to the town, with orchards and vineyards on each
side and homes surrounded by sugar gums, palms, and foliage
trees. The desert was blossoming like the rose, when supplied
with the wherewithal of water. Little could Sturt have imagined,
as his men rowed past the cliff at Renmark in 1830, how the face
of the country would change.

With a shade temperature of well over 100°, little was to be
done in Renmark. A walk to the new railway station across the
Murray at Paringa took one through a thick belt of scrub (eucalypts
and acacias) on a higher flat. This scrub appears to occupy a
good deal of the extended valley of ihe river in this part,
and should repay careful investigation. Acanthiza, probably
uvopygialis, was the only bird specially noticed in the noonday
heat. The afternoon was spent, through the hospitality of friends,
in a motor-ride round the settlement.

Thursday, 4th December, showed an early rise at 4 a.m., a drive
to Paringa, and a train journey starting at 5.20. The wheat-
lands of Paringa were gradually left behind and mallee country
entered upon, cleared extensively in places. Wherever, along
the newly-laid line, the horses had been fed with oats, these had
germinated with the late spring rains, and were stooling heavily
and bearing well. As the day wore on, a temperature over 100°
was again reached, and the weather was unpleasantly hot on
alighting at Alawoona, 60 miles down, at 10.15 a.m. A friendly

Vol. XIII.
1914

CLELAND, Overland Excursion. L3k
storekeeper with a galvanized-iron hut allowed his place to be
used as a depot for baggage, and a short walk was made in the
neighbourhood. A few birds were seen, especially Glyciphila
albtfrons, and Crows were numerous and very tame, allowing one
to come well within gunshot.

After a meal in a navvy’s “ boarding-house,” during which
everything was covered with dust, a start was made, perched on
top of a tank on the contractor’s train running on the line now
being constructed to Loxton, the destination being a Government
Experiment Farm at Veitch’s Well, some 5 miles away.

Next morning a short excursion was made into the surrounding
mallee to visit a Leipoa’s mound. An egg had been taken some
weeks before, but my host was afraid that one of the birds, at
least, had been shot recently by some of the workers on the railway.
The mound was found, carefully heaped up by the bird, but no
eggs were met with on scraping away the sand till the dead leaves
were reached. My host told me that the birds usually feed some
quarter of a mile from the nest, on the little open flats between
the mallee-covered sand-hills. They are very tame, and allow one
to approach closely. In the course of the walk, Ptilotis ornata was
frequently seen. It has the habit of P. penicillata of occasionally
rising into the air, uttering a clear and peculiar note, and then
suddenly diving down again into a tree. A trait such as this,
manifested in certain birds of a genus and not in others, is
unquestionably of considerable importance in indicating the
degrees of relationship between the different species. P. ornata, P.
pencillata, and probably P. leilavalensis (1 cannot recall whether
I actually saw these birds exhibiting this action in North-West
Australia) exhibit this trait, whilst I have not seen it in P. sonora,
P. chrysops, &c., though I have watched many of these birds. It
serves to indicate that P. ornata is closer of kin to P. fenrcillata
than, for instance, to P. sonora. Several Ground-Thrushes
(Cinclosoma castanonotum) were met with, running amongst the
mallee and flying a short distance when disturbed. In the after-
noon a group of three or four was seen feeding by the track as
we were driving along. Two Dusky Robins (Drymodes brunnet-
pygius) were also seen amongst the undergrowth. Other birds
noticed were Pardalotus striatus, Corcorax melanorhamphus,
Acanthogenys rufigularis, Colluricincla harmonica, and Cracticus,
sp. A family of the pretty Wren-Warbler (Malurus assimilis)
was also seen, whilst the note of a Stvepera was heard. A faint
note, whose author could not be discovered, may have been a
Stipiturus (whilst driving, two very small brown birds passed
quickly through some bushes), whilst a larger bird, also brown,
darted rapidly from bush to bush, possibly an Amytornis.

It is interesting to consider that this country is, apparently,
devoid of surface water—at any rate, permanent natural water-
holes must be few and very far between. Even where the country
has been taken up, water available for birds is almost non-
existent. Notwithstanding, bird-life seems plentiful, and one can

)

132 Royal Australasian Ovnithologists’ Union. ae

ist Jan.

only conclude that fluid is obtained from other sources. Birds of
prey, perhaps, find drink enough in the lizards and smaller birds
which they capture. Honey-eaters and other nectar-sipping species
may obtain what they require from the blossoms of the eucalypts.
Doubtless, in other cases, the precipitation of dew during the
cool nights may give a further supply. That moisture was not
absent from the soil, in spite of no rain for some weeks, was shown
by the fact that some freshly-expanded specimens of a long-
stalked puff-ball (Battarea, sp.) were found growing in the sand.
Probably heavy dews had brought them up.

A start was made next day for the railway station, the oppor-
tunity being taken of seeing another Leipoa mound which had
been opened. The train was then entered at I0.20 a.m., and
Murray Bridge reached about 4.30. A very pleasant impression,
added to by the cool change, was left of this mallee country, and
the locality was evidently one worthy of a more prolonged stay.

Notes on Some North Queensland Birds.
By (Dr.) W. MaccILitvray, R.A.O.U., BROKEN HILL (N.S.W.)

LaTeE in 1909 Mr. W. M‘Lennan went to North Queensland on my
behalf to obtain specimens of the birds and their eggs, and to
make notes on their nesting and other habits in that portion of
country drained by the Cloncurry, Leichhardt, and Gregory
Rivers, the western portion of that tract of land known to all
Queenslanders and many others as “‘ the Gulf country,” and also
at Cape: y Onk.

Although Mr. M‘Lennan’s journeyings have not resulted in the
discovery of any very distinct new species, still they have been
helpful to me in clearing up many doubtful points as to the
identity, distribution, and habits of the various species inhabiting
the Gulf country, Cape York, and the islands between Cape York
and Raine Island.

After a brief visit to Cairns and the Upolu Bank and Oyster
Cay, where he made acquaintance with nesting sea-birds, he
went inland by train from Townsville to Cloncurry, arriving there
early in January, when he found everything very dry, the wet
season not having commenced as early as usual. Hearing that
the country was in better condition, owing to early rains, and birds
more plentiful, further down the Cloncurry River, he procured
an outfit, and journeyed down the river, finally making a per-
manent camp at the Sedan Dip, about 10 miles north of Byromine
Station and about 80 miles from the Cloncurry township.

The rainy season started in earnest soon after his arrival, all
the lakes and swamps filling up rapidly, and the river running
bank high. Vegetation grew rapidly and rankly along the river-
flats and out on the downs. Many small birds nested, and on the

Vol. XIII.
1914

MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 133
lakes and swamps the wildfowl were soon to be estimated in
thousands. After over two months’ stay he shifted his camp
back to Byromine, and then on to Cloncurry, where he remained
for some time, searching the creeks and stony ranges in the
vicinity.

On the 5th June a start was made towards the Leichhardt
River, the road at first passing through red sandy and stony
country, where the timber consisted mainly of mountain gum
and silver box ; thence across black-soil plains, where gidgee grew
in clumps, and bloodwood, river gum, and coolibah bordered the
creeks. Birds were not very numerous along this track. Corella
Creek was crossed on the following day, and at the crossing, where
birds were numerous and water plentiful, a stay was made for the
rest of the day.

On the 7th the journey was resumed, passing through gidgee,
silver box, bloodwood, and plain country, then low rangy country,
till Palm Creek was reached at mid-day, at the Quamby Hotel ;
thence on to Cattle Creek, 17 miles from the last camp, through
hilly country.

On the 8th he went on to Granada Station, thence 12 miles to
a creek in the heart of a thick gidgee scrub, passing through gidgee,
silver box, and plain country before reaching it. Struthidea were
met with here for the first time. Bower-Birds (Chlamydera
maculata) were numerous in the gidgee.

Next day, the 9th, Donaldson Hotel and Post-Office was reached
by mid-day, passing through silver box and_ turpentine-bush
country, in which the Keartland Honey-eater was noted. Thence
to Caloola Station, on the Leichhardt River, passing through
silver box and gidgee on the plains, mountain gum and spinifex on
the hills, bloodwood and wattle (similar to Victorian black wattle),
bauhinia, and silver box on the river-flats.

roth June.—A start was made down the river, passing through
silver box, coolibah, bloodwood, river gum, and bauhinia, growing
on the river-flats. Dacelo leacht, Geopelia cuneata, and Ocyphaps
were numerous here.

11th June.—Another 14 miles down the river, when he decided
to camp for two days. This stay was lengthened, however, by
his horses having strayed. Birds were numerous here, feed and
water plentiful. The river banks were thickly clothed with
melaleuca, river gum, sandpaper and smooth-leaved figs. A
Thrush (Colluricincla) was obtained here, which Mr. Mathews
considers a sub-species of C. brunnea. The variation in this species
from Cape York to the Territory seems to be at present rather
confusing, and a larger series of specimens from all these regions
will need to be examined before any certainty can be arrived at.
Ptilotis unicolor, Rhipidura albicauda, Myzomela fectoralis, and
Poephila hecki were met with for the first time. Other species
noted were Haliastur sphenurus, Lophoictinia isura, Gypotctinia
melanosternon, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, Ninox ocellata, Philemon
sordidus, Ptilotis flavescens, Stigmatops ocularis, Tamiopygia

134 MAaccILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. eee

castanotis, Diceum, Graucalus melanops, Artamus minor and
melanops, Climacteris melanura, Neositta mortom, Micreca pallida,
Pachycephala falcata, Dacelo leacht, Halcyon pyrrhopygius, Pard-
alotus rubricatus and uropygialis, Ocyphaps, Geopelia tranquilla,
Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, Cacatua galerita, C. roseicapilla,
C. gymnopis, Melopsittacus undulatus, Ptilosclera versicolor,
Calopsitta nove-hollandia, Cherameca leucosternum, Antigone
australasiana, Choriotis australis, Xenorhynchus asiaticus.

On the 19th a start was made, and Kamilaroy Station reached
with one horse. A camp was made near here for Io days.
Halizetus leucogaster and Myiagra concinna were met with for the
first time.

On the Ist July, still down the Leichhardt, Lorraine Station
was reached, and Augustus Downs on the 5th of the same month,
where Poephila personata was met with. On this station were
many lagoons, and wildfowl were abundant. A camp was made
on a chain of lagoons 3 miles beyond the station. Uvoaétus audax,
Halieetus leucogaster, Haliastur sphenurus, Lophoictinia isura,
Hieracidea berigora and orientalis, Astur approximans, Gypotctima
melanosternon, Falco subniger, Erythrotriorchts vadiatus, Cerchnets
cenchroides, Ninox connivens, N. ocellata, Strix flammea, Podargus
brachypterus, Corone australis, Corvus corone, Gymnorhina tibicen,
Cracticus migrigularis, Grallina picata, Graucalus melanops,
Chlamydera maculata, Lalage tricolor, Climacteris melanura,
Neositta mortont, Diceum, Mirafra secunda (2), Ctsticola, Poma-
torhinus rubeculus, Struthidea, Turmix velox, Pachycephala falcata,
Gerygone albigularis, Ptilotis umnicolor, P. flavescens, Ocyphaps
lophotes, Geopelia tranquilla, Stigmatops ocularis, Conopophila
rufogularis, Tentopygia castanotis, Stictoptera bichenovi, Neochmia
phaeton, Muna pectoralis, Poephila personata, P. gowdi, P.
hecki, Pardalotus rubricatus, P. wuropygialis, Seisura ingquieta,
Micreca pallida, Sauloprocta motacilloides, Mvytagra concinna, Rhip-
tidura dryas, Malurus assimilis, M. cruentatus, Calyptorhynchus
macrorhynchus, Cacatua galerita, C. roseicapilla, C. gymnopis,
Ptistes erythropterus, Ptilosclera versicolor, Melopsittacus undulatus,
Dendrocygna eytont, Nyroca australis, Malacorhynchus membran-
aceus, Chlamydochen jubata, Plotus nove-hollandia, Platibis flavipes,
Platalea regia, Notophoyx pacifica and N. nove-hollandia, Nycticorax
caledonicus, Herodias tumortensis, Mesophoyx plumifera.

This camp was struck on the 14th, when the track was retraced
for 20 miles, in order to cross the Leichhardt. Next day a start
was made on the Gregory River track, and a camp for the night
made on a water-hole a mile long and from 30 to 100 yards in
width. This water-hole was dotted with small islands, all being
thickly clothed in tea-tree, while numbers of blue and white water-
lilies grew along the edges. On one of the islands was a Cormorants’
old rookery.

On the 17th the track led through heavy forest country all the
way to Fiery Downs, a distance of about 20 miles. Next day the
Gregory River was reached, after another 20 miles, through open

Vol. MHI] Macaitiivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 135

forest for the first few miles, then plain country for the rest of
the way. The river here was a fine running stream 20 feet wide
and 8 feet deep, with water as clear as crystal. Some of the
holes along the river were a mile in length and 50 feet in depth.
Pandanus and cabbage-tree palms grew at the water’s edge, and
the banks were clothed with river gum, coolibah, tea-tree, pear-
tree, fig, and Leichhardt pine. Pecitlodryas cerviniventris, Geopelia
humeralis, Chlamydera nuchalis, and Alcyone pulchra_ were
recognized here.

The Gregory River was followed down to where it divides into
two channels, about 28 miles from Burketown. These channels
are known as the Gregory River proper and the Brook. Burke-
town was reached near the end of the month, and boat taken to
Thursday Island, whence Mr. M‘Lennan proceeded to Cape York,
remaining at Somerset until joined by myself and Dr. Dobbyn,
after our departure making his headquarters at Paira, the
picturesque home of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Vidgen, whence he explored
the country in all directions. In June and July, 1911, in company
with Mr. Vidgen, he visited nearly all the country between Cape
York and Raine Island and on to Bramble Cay, in Torres Strait.

Dromaius nove-hollandie. Hmu.—Noted on several occasions on
the plains that border the Cloncurry River and elsewhere in the Gulf
country, and also at Lockerbie, Cape York. Numerous near Batavia
and Ducie Rivers.

Megapodius tumulus. Scrub-Fowl.—This species was frequently
met with in the scrubs at Cape York. When disturbed they run off
through the scrub and then fly on to a horizontal limb of some tree
whence they can get a good view. They are seldom heard calling
during the day, but keep it up all night. and seem to be largely
nocturnal in their habits.

Their mounds are often very large. The first one examined, on
the 23rd December, 1910, measured 20 feet across the base, 10 feet
across the top, and was 15 feet in height ; it contained eleven eggs.
The birds early in the season scratch holes or pipes down into the
mounds, which have become consolidated since the previous season ;
these pipes go down from 3 to 5 feet from the surface. As soon as the
first rains come fresh mould is scratched into the holes.

In this particular mound two holes contained two eggs, near the
bottom and within a few inches of one another. This mound,
examined again on the 1st February, 1911, was found to contain six
eggs and two young birds just making their way out of the mound ;
they were about 3 feet from the surface. Mr. M‘Lennan remarks :—
“T put one on the surface of the mound, and it flew away
as soon as I took my hand off it. The other was converted
into a skin. It had a thick layer of fat beneath the skin, no doubt
to nourish it until it was able to find sufficient food for its needs.”
The irides were greyish-brown, bill light brown, legs a rich yellow
washed with olive. In the adult the irides are rich brown, bill
brown, legs rich orange-yellow. No definite arrangement is adhered
to in the placing of the eggs in the mound. Never more than two
birds were noted at any one mound. Old mounds were seen on
all the scrub-covered islands in Torres Strait, but no birds.

Another mound, examined first on the 16th January, I9g12,

136 MACcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. ee

measured 30 feet in diameter at the base, 15 feet across the top, and
was 15 feet in height. The eggs, eight in number, were from 3 to
5 feet from the surface, one only in each pipe; two were placed
vertically, the rest in a slanting position. This mound was again
examined on the 27th February, 1912 ; it again contained eight eggs,
and two birds were noted at the mound. On the 27th March, 1912,
it had been built up again, but contained only one egg. Two
distinct types of egg were obtained from this mound, as though laid
by different birds. These birds feed mostly on insects and snails.

Catheturus purpureicollis. Barnard Brush-Turkey.— They are
common in the Cape York scrubs, as are also their nesting-mounds.
These mounds are very much preyed upon by wild pigs and
‘‘soannas,’’ and great numbers of the eggs are in this way destroyed,
imposing a serious check on the natural increase of the bird. The
pig has been introduced by the white man, who is responsible for
the disappearance of the natural enemies of the lizard—the black-
fellow and the dingo.

Mr. M‘Lennan states :—“ Several birds lay in one mound. I have
taken four distinct types of egg from the same mound. During the
breeding season, which commences with the advent of the first rains,
the wattle of the male becomes very much elongated ; it almost
touches the ground, being about 6 to 8 inches in length. I saw two
males chasing a female at the beginning of the season in 1910, and
have occasionally seen one male chasing another male, and when
this occurs they appear to be quite blind with fury, and run into logs
or the butts of trees. The call of the male is a loud grunting
‘Oom,’ and one can always call them up by imitating it. I have
seen as many as seven feeding together before the breeding season.
They roost at night high up in the trees, those chosen being often
just outside the scrub or big trees in the scrub. They feed on the
ground, in the scrub mostly, but often in the open forest or at the
edge of the mangroves, sometimes feeding on fruit trees in scrub.
The nesting-mound is more loosely built than that of the Megapode,
and its temperature is regulated by heaping it up to keep the
moisture in when the weather is dry, or scratching it off to within a
few inches of the eggs when it is wet.

“6th March, 1912.—Dug out a mound near Lockerbie. It con-
tained one young bird, not long hatched, as it had only worked up
3 inches from the shell. All the wing feathers were encased in sheaths,
and the bird was very weak in the legs. I put it ina box when I reached
the house, as I wanted to see how long it would take to get rid of the
sheathing on the wings. When found in the mound it was in a cir-
cular chamber, and seemed to be resting in it, as the floor was padded
down hard. It was about 2 feet from the surface, and would
probably have remained there until it got rid of the sheathing from
its feathers and got strong on its legs. The 2 feet of soil above it
was quite loose.

“T had a look at the young Turkey as soon as I got up next
morning ; it was busily engaged in stripping the sheathing from its
feathers. At 1 p.m. it had all the sheathing off and was quite strong
on its legs, so I took it into the scrub and let it go ; it ran a few feet,
and then started to scratch and pick amongst the dead leaves and
mould. When I moved it darted away, and was soon out of sight.

“The largest number of eggs found in one mound was on 23rd
February, 1912; this, a large mound, 12 feet by 14 feet long and

eee MacaiILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 137

2 feet 6 inches in height, contained nineteen eggs, four freshly broken
shells, six shells that the young had been hatched from, and one
rotten egg. A young bird not long out of the mound measured in the
flesh 63 inches from tip of bill to tip of tail, 94 inches from bill to
toes. The irides were light brown, bill black, legs dark olive-brown.
The stomach contained small wild fruits.”’

Synoicus cervinus. Northern Brown Quail.—These Quails were
met with in the Gulf country and at Cape York. There does not
seem to be any marked difference between those from either of these
two localities and birds in my aviary at Broken Hill. They Jand in
numbers on Booby Island, in Torres Strait, in the spring, on their
way over from Papua, and are often caught on the pearling vessels
in the Strait.

Turnix melanotus. Red-backed Quail.—When burning off the
coarse grass at Paira, Cape York, after dark, the fire disturbed two
of these birds, and one was caught. 9, length in flesh, 54 inches ;
iris silvery-yellow ; upper mandible blackish-brown ; terminal half of
lower mandible pale brown, basal half yellow; gape yellow: legs
pale yellow. They are occasionally flushed in the open forest after
the grass begins to grow on the burnt ground.

Ptilinopus swainsoni. Red-crowned Fruit-Pigeon.—Occasional at
Cape York ; one skin sent down.

Ptilinopus ewingi. Rose-crowned Fruit Pigeon.—Common at Cape
York, frequenting the scrubs, open forest, and mangroves. In the
mangroves it usually nests, choosing a horizontal fork 3 or 4 feet
above high-water mark on which to place its frail, stick-built nest
and single egg. In the male the irides are orange, bill pale green,
legs pale green ; and the stomach contents were usually wild fruits.
The earliest nest noted was found on the 29th August, 1911, and the
latest on 15th December. After Mr. M‘Lennan left, during the
summer of 1912-13, both these species were much more plentiful
at Cape’ York.

Lamprotreron superba. Purple-crowned Fruit-Pigeon. — This
beautiful Pigeon is fairly common at Cape York, and is nearly always
found in the scrub, occasionally venturing out into the open forest,
near the edge, and here it will sometimes nest, but more often in the
scrub itself. The nest, a loosely-built structure of fine twigs, is
usually placed low down in a horizontal fork. The bird is very shy,
and soon gets out of one’s sight in the thick scrub. It feeds on fruit,
and its note consists of a succession of ‘‘ Ooms,’’ repeated slowly.
The earliest nest was found on 5th November, and the latest on 2nd
February.

Megaloprepia assimilis. Allied Fruit-Pigeon.— This fine and
brilliantly-coloured Pigeon is a common object at Cape York, nesting
in the scrub or in open forest at its edge. From its usual note it is
locally known as the Bel-be-coo. The nest, a frail structure even to
hold the single egg, is usually placed in a slender horizontal fork.
The earliest nest noted was on 28th August, and the latest on 3rd
February. The iris is orange, the bil! pinkish-red tipped with
yellowish-green, and legs pale olive-green.

Myristicivora spilorrhoa. Nutmeg-Pigeon.—This Pigeon is regarded
all along the north-east coast of Northern Queensland as the principal
game bird, and is very much esteemed as an article of diet. It is

j ; , Emu
138 MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. |... Ta,

consequently shot freely for the table, but, fortunately for the bird,
the so-called sportsman who goes in for record bags has not extended
his depredations to these parts as yet.

In the flesh an average bird measures 11 inches in length, the iris
is dark brown, the bill yellow tinged with green, legs and feet pale
greenish-blue. The stomach contents consist invariably of wild fruit,
for which they have an immense capacity. The lower mandible
is very distensible, and large sections of banana are easily swallowed.
A young bird brought irom Torres Strait by Dr. Dobbyn lived i:
Broken Hill for 10 months. and died only of neglect in its
owner’s absence from home. This bird’s migration from Papua
occurs in early spring. On the 16th August, 1911, Mr. M‘Lennan
saw two large flocks flying past Lockerbie and heading south-east,
about sunset. On the 3rd September, 1911, these birds were flying
south all day in large flocks.

The earliest nest recorded was found on the 4th September, and the
latest on the 15th January.

Lopholaimus minor. Little Topknot-Pigeon.—On the 16th May,
1911, when camped 28 miles from Peak Point, and near the Jardine
River, Mr. M‘Lennan saw three of these Pigeons. Next day he saw
a large flock of them, flying south. Mr. Vidgen, of Paira, a few days
previously, saw two flocks flying overhead, coming from across the
Strait and going south. He states that none had passed over for
seven or eight years, and ten years again previously to that, so that
we can regard the bird as only an occasional visitor from New Guinea.
The colouring of the soft parts of two males are as follows :—Iris,
outer circle crimson, front of inner circle brown, rest yellow ; upper
mandible fleshy-brown, lower mandible pinkish-red, legs reddish-
brown.

Geopelia humeralis. Barred-shouldered Dove.—In the Gulf country
this species was not noted until the Gregory River was reached, and
became more numerous nearer the coast. It was a common
bird at Cape York, feeding usually on the ground in the open pockets,
and resorting to the mangroves for nesting purposes. It is also found
on nearly all the islands off the coast. Nests were noted in January,
February, May, September, October, and November.

Geopelia tranquilla. Ground-Dove.—Mr. M‘Lennan found a nest
at his first camp on the Cloncurry River on 8th February. They
were plentiful along all the rivers running into the Gulf. Nests were
noted on 1st March, 17th April, roth June, 30th June, and 2nd July.
At Cape York they were numerous during February, March, and April.

Geopelia cuneata. Diamond Dove.—Numerous along the Clon-
curry and other rivers in the “ Gulf.” One nest was found, on 26th
June, 1910, on the Leichhardt River, built in a bauhinia tree; it
contained two young birds. Also noted at Cape York, but not
numerous.

Chaleophaps chrysochlora. Little Green-Pigeon.—This bird was
more plentiful at Cape York during 1912 than previously. It is a
ground feeder on fallen fruits. In the flesh this species measures
about 10 inches in length, the iris is dark brown, the bill pink with
a bluish tinge at the base, legs reddish-pink with a whitish stripe
down the back.

Phaps chalcoptera, Bronze winged Pigeon.—One of these birds

Wires MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 139

was shot at Peak Point, the Cape York telegraph station, on 21st
February, 1912, the only time that the species was noted.

Histriophaps histrioniea. Flock-Pigecn.—Only a few small flocks
were noted during Mr M‘Lennan’s travels in the Gulf country. In
early days, as I myself witnessed, they occurred here in countless
thousands, feeding on the Mitchell grass downs during the day and
coming in to water in the evening in an unbroken succession of
immense flocks. They breed on the “ground, so that the stocking of
the country with herds of cattle and sheep has seriously interfered
with their nesting operations and feeding habits.

Ocyphaps lophotes. Crested Pigeon.—Common throughout the Gulf
country, but not seen at Cape York.

Hypotenidia philippensis. Pectoral Rail.None noted in Gult
country, but numerous on islands in Torres Strait and all the way to
Raine Island. Here they caused Mr. M‘Lennan some annoyance by
frequenting the caves resorted to by the Tropic-Birds for nesting
purposes and dashing out in his face when he was crawling in.
Not seen on the mainland.

Rallina tricolor. Ked-necked Rail.—The first bird was noted early
in January, I9ir. On the 21st January another was seen, with
young ones not more than a week old ; these were covered with black
down. They were noted again at the ‘beginning of the following wet
season, on 11th December, 1911. After this they could be heard
calling almost every night, the call being a loud, shrill “ Kare, kare,
kare,’ many times and rapidly repeated, and sometimes a short,
sharp ‘ Tock, tock, tock,’’ which would be kept up for half an hour
at a time. They always frequented the scrubs, whether along the
creeks or on the ridges. Mr. Vidgen’s little boy found a nest in the
scrub not far from the house, Eon watched the birds come to it ; he
took Mr. M‘Lennan to see it. The nest was simply a depression in
the dead leaves at the foot of a tree, and contained three white eggs :
it was left until the 9th March, when the eggs were found to have been
taken, probably by a ‘‘ goanna.’’ Charlie, a South Sea Islander working
for Mr. Jardine, found another nest, near Somerset, containing four
white eggs. He did not take them, and when it was visited ten days
later the nest contained only one egg. This he brought to Mr.
M‘Lennan ; it had a half-developed chic! < in it. Although a thorough
search was made of a patch of scrub near the house in which five or
six could be heard calling every night, they were seldom seen during
the daytime, and no more nests were found. Their calling was last
noted early in April, 1912.

The colouring of the soft parts in specimens obtained was as
follows :—Iris orange-scarlet, bill light green, legs dark olive. The
stomach contents were usually the remains of land-snails. Another
nest, containing five fresh eggs, was found by Mr. Vidgen’s boy
during the past season.

Poliolimnas leucophrys. White-browed Crake.—One was _ flushed
from a clump of rushes in a tea-tree swamp behind Charo mangroves ;
it flew to the top of a _ tea-tree, and was secured as a_ specimen.
¢, lengthe-in, flesh) 7 inches, irides: dark scarlet;-eyelids scarlet,
bill dull olive-yellow. Stomach contained beetles and other insect
remains.

Amaurornis ruficrissa. Rufous-tailed Rail.—First seen when in
company with Mr. Barnard, in 1910. Not noted in numbers at Cape

140 MAcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. Bt
York until 21st January, 1912, when one was heard calling in the
rubber garden at Paira, and afterwards seen. Two days later several
were heard at Lockerbie. After this they were heard almost nightly,
their calling being kept up until about 7 a.m., when it ceased,
to recommence after sundown. All search for a nest proved
unsuccessful until the end of March. The birds usually frequented
long grass 3 to 5 feet in height, very dense, with reeds 7 to 9 feet and
pandanus up to 15 feet, all growing together, so that searching was
a very difficult matter. One bird was located in a small paddock
where wild mint grew thickly and to 6 feet in height, and on the
ist April, 1912, Mr. M‘Lennan made a thorough search of this. His
note is as follows :—‘‘ I went down to the Bull Paddock, to where I
heard the Moor-Hens calling last night, and began my search. To
start with, I parted a strip 25 to 30 feet long and about 10 feet from
where the bird was calling, and worked to and fro along the line till
a patch of about 30 by 30 feet had been completed. After a rest the
search was recommenced, and the nest found; it contained three
fresh eggs. No birds had been seen, so I cut a narrow track from the
nest to a spot about 12 feet away, and sat there and waited for the
bird to return. I waited for nearly five hours, but no bird returned,’
though I heard the call once about 20 feet away. After this I went
away, and paid three surprise visits to the nest, but did not see the
bird. I returned at sundown and sat in the old spot, and had not
been there long when I heard the birds calling about 50 yards away ;
they appeared to .be heading for the nest. Soon I saw the
tips of the mint shaking near the nest, and at last the bird hopped
on. tomate?

The nest was 4 inches from the ground, placed amongst stalks of
wild mint 3 feet high ; it was roughly constructed of pieces of dry
and green mint and dry twigs of syndratura, the twigs and pieces of
mint being about 4 inches long. It was 9 inches across by 5 inches
in depth externally ; egg chamber, 44 inches in diameter by 2$ inches
deep. The eggs measured, in millimetres, 35 x 25, 35 X 25, 38 X 25,
and were of a white ground colour spotted with dull red and purplish
markings. Such eggs have been sent for many years past from
various parts of the Cape York Peninsula as the eggs of the Red-
necked Rail.

An average male bird measured in the flesh 11 inches from tip of
bill to tail, and 154 inches to tip of toes. Irides rich brown ; bill
green, with base of culmen orange-yellow ; legs olive-yellow. Stomach
contents, portions of beetles and greenstuff. A female measured
from bill to tail 9% inches, from bill to toes 13? inches ; irides rich
brown ; upper mandible olive-brown, base of culmen tinged with
orange, cutting edge from nostrils to gape yellowish-green ; lower
mandible, terminal half olive-brown merging into yellowish-olive.
Stomach contents, grass seeds and beetle remains.

Tribonyx ventralis. Black-tailed Native-Hen.—Plentitul on the
rivers and swamps of “ Gulf,’ but not noted at Cape York.

Porphyrio melanonotus. Bald-Coot.—Many seen in Gulf country,
and also at Cape York.

Fulica australis. Coot.—Common on the waters of the Gulf country

Podiceps poliocephalus. Hoary-headed Grebe.—Noted occasionally
at Cape York, and numerous in the Gulf waters.

Puffinus sphenurus. Wedge-tailed Petrel.—This species, which I

bie ee | MACGILLIVRAY, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. 141

found in its burrows on Raine Island in October, Mr. M‘Lennan also
found at home in its burrows when at Raine Island in July, tort.
He obtained several skins, and noted that each burrow contained
two birds. He visited the burrows after dark, and waited for some
time, and saw only one bird leave, but could hear mournful calling
in all directions. A male and female in each burrow.

9, Ovary normal ; length, 16} inches ; iris dark brown ; horny tip
of bill dark brown, nostrils dark brown, rest of bill brownish-grey
legs and feet fleshy-white with brown markings. Stomach empty.

>
A . ~ . 3 inc “41 re meta pn 7 ~
3, testes enlarged ; length, 16} inches ; iris and other parts coloured
as in female. Stomach contained green slime.

Hydrochelidon fluviatilis. Marsh Tern.—A small flock noted at
Sedan, on the Cloncurry River, on 12th February, 1910, and numbers
over a big lake in the same locality on Ist March, 1910. They were
again seen over the Big Dalgonally Lake, at Byromine, on the same
river, on the 4th of April. At Cape York they were hovering over
Lake Sanamere, 3 miles from the Jardine River. Mr. M‘Lennan
remarks that this lake has more than its share of crocodiles, and that
no Jiving thing swims on its surface.

Gelochelidon macrotarsa. Gull-billed Tern.—On 12th February,
1910, Mr. M‘Lennan notes :—“ A few Gull-billed Terns passed up the
river to-day.’ Another flock was seen flying south on the 13th \
pair was flying over the Big Dalgonally Lake on the 31st March, roro.
Not noted at Cape York.

Sterna gracilis. Graceful Tern.—This beautiful Tern nests annually
on the top of Bushy Island, Torres Strait, in October. It was seen on
the Macarthur Islands. Hundreds of dead and dried bodies of this
species, all young birds, were found on a vegetated sand-bank off the
Coburn Reef on 17th July, 1911, possibly killed by the hurricane
which visited the coast of Queensland some months previously, as
I have a note from Mr. Olive, of Cooktown, that thousands of dead
Terns and other sea-birds were to be found along the beach between
that town and Port Douglas after that hurricane.

On an exposed coral ridge off Cairncross Island an old nesting-place
was found, and a few of the birds were seen hovering over the reef.

“Sterna media. Lesser Crested Tern —Upon visiting the Upolu
Bank, Cairns, on 19th November, 1909, Mr. M‘Lennan found the
whole surface covered with this species, in company with Anous
stolidus, all starting to prepare their nests. On the 14th December,
1909, a small colony was found tending young on Oyster Cay,
Cairns. All eggs had hatched. There were three other species nesting
on the same islet—A. stolidus, Sterna cristata, and Onychoprion fulig-
mmosa. Not noted on any of the islands near Cape York.

Sterna cristata. Crested Tern.—On visiting Oyster Cay, Cairns,
on the 14th December, 1909, three colonies were found, all sitting
on eggs. On 11th November, 1910, this species was breeding
freely on Mid Rock, Torres Strait. At Raine Island, on goth
July, 1911, a small colony was found in the centre of ae island.
The Gulls had been levying a heavy toll on them. On 27th July,
1911, great numbers were noted on Bramble Cay, but no ome or
eggs, although a few birds were flying about with fish in their bills.
They have a long, sweeping action of the wings, and often go up in
company in a spiral flight, and the higher they go the larger they

Emu

142 MAcGILLivrAy, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. | |. ae

appear to be, and when descending they sweep down, passing and
repassing one another on the way.

Sterna melanauchen. Black-naped Tern.—A common bird on the
reefs and islands about Cape York. It nests in October and November
on Bushy Island, Torres Strait, and also in lesser numbers on Kypenny
Island, 2 miles from Somerset. Also noted, but not breeding, in July,
1911, on the Macarthur and Bird Islands.

Onychoprion anestheta. Bridled Tern.—This graceful species is often
seen in the vicinity of Torres Strait. It breeds under the shelving
rocks of Bushy Island, fresh eggs being found early in October and
November. On Channel Rock, Torres Strait, this was the only
species found breeding, fully fledged young being noted on the 1oth
November.

Onychoprion fuliginosa. Sooty Tern.—Found nesting in numbers on
Oyster Cay, Cairns, on 14th December, 1909. At Raine Island, in
July, 1911, they were nesting in tens of thousands all over the island
On the 27th July, 1911, great numbers were also noted on Bramble
Cay, and two small colonies of fledged young. To show the variation
in size, before skinning one bird measured in length 154 inches and
the other 17 inches ; both were males.

Anous_ stolidus. Noddy.—Several flocks seen on the Bird Islands
in July, 1011, and in the same month they were nesting all over Raine
Island. An old nesting-site was found on a sand-bank 6 miles
east of the Bird Islands. At Bramble Cay they were also very
numerous.

Anous leucocapillus. White-capped Noddy.—There is a _ nesting-
place of this Tern on an island near Darnley Island, in Torres Strait,
the nests being placed on the trees. This was described to Mr.
M‘Lennan, but not visited by him. A dead specimen was found on
the Bird Islands.

Larus nove-hollandizw. Silver Gull.—This Gull is a common object
on all the northern islands. A few were found nesting on Tuesday
Rock, Torres Strait, on 21st June, 1911. On the Macarthur Islands
a few were breeding on 1st July, 1911. On the Bird Islands, on the
same date, a small colony was found breeding. Most of the nests
contained young about 14 days old. On the return journey, 17 days
later, fresh nests were found on the Bird Islands, on a small grassy
patch. Old nests from which the young had gone were noted on a
small rocky islet near Peak Point.

Hematopus longirostris. Pied Oyster-catcher.—This species is
tolerably common on the islands near Cape York. Two nests were
found on an exvosed coral ridge of the Macarthur Islands on the
18th July, 1911 ; another on the 19th on the second island of the
Hannibal group—this was also on a coral ridge, amongst stunted
trees ; and again one similarly situated on Cairncross Island.

Hematopus fuliginosus. Black Oyster-catcher.—The Black Oyster-
catcher is also common on these islands. Noted on Bushy, Cairn-
cross, the Hannibals, Macarthur, and Bird Islands. On one of
the Bird Islands a nest was found amongst a dense bushy growth
on a coral ridge, and one on a second island of the same group. On
the second island of the Hannibals a nest was placed amongst a thick
growth of stunted trees on a coral ridge, and again on the second
island of the Cairncross group.

Ee al MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 143
Erythrogonys cinetus. Ked-kneed Dottrel.—Found at Sedan, on
the Cloncurry River, frequenting the shores of a swamp.

Lobivanellus personatus. Masked Plover.—Very common through-
out the Gulf country, on the swampy areas. Also noted on a swamp
at Peak Point, Cape York. Their habits are much the same as those
of the southern species.

Charadrius fulvus. Lesser Golden Plover.—A common bird along
the Cape York Peninsula in the summer months, both on the islands
and mainland, frequenting mud-flats,; swamps, and open _ grassy
spaces.

Ochthodromus geoffroyi. large Sand-Dottrel.— At Cape York
specimens were obtained at Paira beach on 21st March, rgri, and at
Charo beach on 14th January, 1911. They were feeding in large
numbers on the crabs and shell-fish with which such places abound.
The soft parts were alike in colouring in the two sexes—irides rich
dark brown, bill slaty, legs pale yellowish-brown, feet black.

FEgialitis rufieapilla. Red-capped Dottrel—Noted at Cape York
and Cape Grenville, on sea beach.

Fgialitis nigrifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel.—Several noted on
bed of Cloncurry River and on the Leichhardt.

Himantopus leucocephalus. White-headed Stilt.—This Stilt was
fairly numerous in the Gulf country, frequenting the shores of lakes
and swamps.

Numenius cyanopus. Curlew.— On the 30th June, 1911, Mr.
M‘Lennan found this bird numerous on Bushy Island, near Cairncross,
and throughout the summer months it is a common object on all
the mud-flats and tidal beaches.

Numenius uropygialis. Whimbrel —Noted in company with the
Curlew on Bushy Island on 30th June, and common throughout the
summer.

Mesoscolopax minutus. Little Whimbrel.—Seen at Cape York on
several occasions, feeding on the beaches and mud-flats, in company
with other waders.

Limosa uropygialis. Barred-rumped Godwit.—Specimens of this
wanderer were secured on Charo beach and also noted on the swamp
at Peak Point, in the summer.

Totanus (Heteractitis) brevipes. Grey-rumped Sandpiper.—Two
skins of this species were obtained at Cape York. 4, length 93 inches ;
iris dark brown ; bill, terminal half blackish-brown, basal half pale
olive ; legs yellow with greenish tinge. 9, length 9} inches ; soft parts
as in male.

Glottis nebularius. Greenshank.—Noted on several occasions in
summer months at Cape York. In a typical specimen the soft parts
were as follows :—9, length from tip of bill to tail, 13 inches, to toes
154 inches ; irides brown ; bill, terminal half black, basal half pale
slate.

Pisobia acuminata. Sharp-tailed Stint—Many seen during the
summer on the swamps and lakes of the Gulf country.

Glareola grallaria. Pratincole.—Noted on 24th December, 1909,

near Hughenden, on the Flinders River, and also in the Cloncurry
River district, near the town, on 21st April, 1910.

Emu

144 MAcGILLivRray, Nofes on Some N. Queensland Birds. Fated

CGdicnemus graliarius. Southern Stone-Curlew.—Common in the
Gulf country, and heard and seen occasionally at Cape York. On
one moonlight night at Lockerbie three were calling and dancing
a few feet away from the door of the hut. While the loud, shrill, and
sustained call was being uttered the wings were outspread, the birds
faced each other and kept up a rapid stamping of the feet.

Esaecus magnirostris. Long-billed Stone-Curlew.—One or more
specimens found on most of the islands visited between Cape York
and Raine Island. On 18th July a nest was found on one of the
Macarthur Islands ; it was a mere depression in sand on a coral ridge
amongst a dense growth of bushes ; it contained one egg. The birds
are very shy, and seldom admit of a close approach, even on the most
unfrequented islands.

Choriotis (Eupodotis) australis. Bustard (Wild Turkey).-—Tolerably
plentiful throughout the Gulf country, flocks of from 5 to 50 being
frequently seen. They also occur on the Cape York Peninsula,
having been noted in numbers, and an egg obtained, during the past
season, near the Batavia River, by Mr Wheatley, of Peak Point.

Antigone australasiana. Crane ‘Native Companion).—These fine
birds were noted on several occasions in the Gulf country, one nest
being found with fresh eggs on 26th March, 1910. Only one was seen
at Cape York, but on the way from Croydon to Cairns Mr. M‘Lennan
counted over 200 of these graceful birds on a swamp near the coach
route, and a little later—it was towards evening—this number would
have been considerably augmented, as the birds kept flying in from
all quarters in flocks of from seven to eight or more. He estimated
that by nightfall there would probably be over a thousand birds on
the swamp.

Ibis molucca. White Ibis.—Found both on the Gulf waters and at
Cape York.

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis.—A few seen early in
September, 1911, at Gheedinia Lagoon, Cape York.

Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis.—Numerous on the swamps along
the Cloncurry River during February, March, and April, 1910.

Platalea regia. Black-billed Spoonbill—On the Cloncurry R'ver
early in February, 1910, a large flock of these birds was seen. There
were also many on the swamps and lakes at Sedan, on the same river.
Later, large flocks were noted in the same locality, and later again,
in July, 1910, on the Leichhardt River. They were also seen on the
lagoons at Cape York.

Platibis flavipes. Yellow-billed Spoonbill.—Several met with on the
Leichhardt River, and a nest containing two small young birds was
found early in July, 1910. Thev were noted on several occasions at
Cape York.

Xenorhynchus asiaticus. Black-necked Stork (Jabiru)}.—These birds
were seen on several occasions on the different rivers of the Gulf of
Carpentaria, and on the Leichhardt River, 25 miles beyond Caloola
Station, a nest was found on the 16th June, 1910, in a large gum
about 200 vards fromthe bank. Mr. M‘Lennan states :—“ The nest,
which was about 55 feet from the ground in a big river gum, was
loosely built of sticks and twigs, lined with tufts of grass and the
paper-like bark of the tea-tree. It was about 5 feet across by 3 feet
in depth, and contained one young bird, which was about 3 feet 6 inches

eeceart | MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 145
high when standing, and had a spread of wing of nearly 5 feet. The
wing and tail feathers were grey and white, breast well feathered and
white ; back well feathered, greyish-brown in colour ; neck covered
with greyish-brown down: bil] blackish, irides brown, legs and
feet faint greyish-pink. The young bird was annoyed at being
disturbed, and made a loud clacking noise with its bill, occasionally
emitting a deep guttural grunt and making vicious drives at me, none
of which reached me, as I had previously tried the power of its bill
on a stick, and did not like the impression it made.”

This species was occasionally seen at Cape York.

Ardea sumatrana. Great-billed Heron. — First noted at Cape
Grenville, flying over the mangroves, on 4th July, 1911. Another
specimen was seen several times on Charo beach or flying towards
Charo Swamp, in February, 1912. On 28th February, 1912, Mr.
M‘Lennan writes :—‘‘ Went to Charo Bay and rowed up channel
or creek in mangroves. Found a nest of Avdea sumatrana, with a
fully fledged young one sitting on a limb close by. I climbed to the
nest to get a closer look at both it and the young bird. The latter
calmly walked out to the end of the limb, and stood watching me,
and did not show any sign of fear. Height, about 3 feet ; irides
silvery-cream colour, bill dull !eaden-blue, legs dull leaden-blue with
patches of creamy-yellow ; head, neck, and under surface rufous-
brown, under tail coverts and flanks of a lighter shade ; back, wing
coverts, and upper tail coverts dark brown with a rich rufous-brown
edging to each feather ; primaries and rectrices dark slate.

The nest was placed in a horizontal fork of a mangrove overhanging
the channel, 2 feet from the surface of the water. It was composed
of dead mangrove sticks and twigs, and measured over all 3 feet long,
2 feet 6 inches wide, and 1 foot thick in the centre. A pair of fresh
eggs was taken from this nest in the past season by Mr. Vidgen’s son.

Herodias syrmatophorus (timoriensis). Egret.—Frequently observed,
both in the Gulf country and at Cape York.

Notophoyx nove-hollandis. White-fronted Heron. — Commonly
met with on all the waters of the Gulf. Found nesting in March,
1910, out from the Cloncurry River, on the trees fringing several
billabongs on the plains. Seen on several occasions at Cape York.

Notophoyx pacifica. White-necked Heron. — Noted on_ several
occasions in the Gulf country and at Cape York.

Notophoyx flavirostris. Pied Egret.—This bird was first met with,
and a specimen secured, on Gheedinia Lagoon, Cape York, on 14th
November, 1911. It proved to be a female. In February, 1912,
four were seen in the middle of a shallow salt-water swamp between
Peak Point and Cape York. One fine male, in full breeding plumage,
was secured. All efforts to find their nesting-place in the
miles of mangrove and _ tea-tree swamp were, however, fruitless,
though they must have been nesting somewhere in the neighbourhood

Garzetta nigripes.—Noted on the Leichhardt River.

Demiegretta sacra. Reef-Heron.—The KReef-Heron nests near
Somerset, on Kypenny Rock and Bushy Island. On 27th February,
1911, Mr. M‘Lennan flushed a white bird from a nest on Bushy Island,
with a grey bird close to the nest. On 1st March, 1911, in company
with Mr. Chum Jardine, he visited Kypenny and found seven nests
of the Reef-Heron containing either eggs or young birds. He had

146 MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. oe

List Jan.

previously visited this rock in October and found several pairs nesting
then. A nest containing two young birds was found on Cairncross
Island on 30th June, and dozens of old nests. On the Hannibal
Islands on 1st July, 1911, dozens of old nests were seen, and the birds
were in hundreds—nearly all white birds, only a few odd grey ones
amongst them. On the Macarthur Islands, on 30th July, 1911, a
Reef-Heron’s nest containing two young was found in some bushes
on a coral ridge, and aoisen containing two hard-set eggs.
Only one Reef-Heron was seen on Raine Tsland.

Nycticorax caledonicus. Nankeen Night-Heron.—Numerous along
the Cloncurry and Leichhardt Rivers, flocks of from 15 to 20 or more
being frequently flushed from the tea-tree. On the Macarthur
Islands, near Cape York, several were noted, and there were many on
Raine Island. On the 15th July, 1911, Mr. M‘Lennan notes, when
camped on Raine Island :—‘‘ Two young Nankeen Herons strolled
round to the camp to-day, and made themselves quite at home. They
could not fly, and the down was adhering to their feathers, so they
must have been bred on the island. I did not notice any nests.”’

These birds were numerous on Cairncross Island. At Gheedinia
Lagoon, Cape York, several immature birds were seen, They were also
noted on the Norman River.

Butorides stagnatilis. Little Mangrove-Bittern —One nest was found
on Kypenny in October. On the Bird Islands these Bitterns were
numerous on the 2nd July, 1911, and many of last season’s nests
were observed. There were also many of these birds at Cape
Grenville. One nest was found on the Bird Islands on the 18th
July, 1911, containing two addled eggs.

Dupetor gouldi. Yellow-necked Mangrove-Bittern.—This Bittern is
often met with in the swamps at Cape York, where it breeds in the
mangroves The nest is usually a rough platform of sticks about
g inches in diameter and about 14 inches thick, placed in a
horizontal fork of a mangrove.

On the 29th February, 1911, Mr. M‘Lennan writes :—‘‘ I went over
to the tea-tree and mangrove swamp behind Mud Bay, and found
another Bittern’s (D. gou/di\ nest. The nest was built in a mangrove
overhanging the creek and about 15 feet from the water. When I
was climbing to the nest I put my hand on a carpet snake about
8 feet long ; it was coiled up in a fork of the tree. I suppose it was
waiting till night to grab the bird on its eggs.’”’ In an adult male taken
on the 18th February, 1911, the soft parts are as follcws :—Trides
silvery-brown, bill blackish-brown, legs cark olive-brown. Stomach
contained fish and portions of cray fish: ; two of the fish were 5 inches
in length.

Chenopis atrata. Black Swan.—Two were noted on the Big
Dalgonally Lake at Byromine, on the Cloncurry River. These birds
are rarities in the Gulf country.

Anseranas melanoleuca. Pied Goose.—In March and April, 1910,
Mr. M‘Lennan found many of these birds on the lakes on Sedan and
Byromine, on the Cloncurry River, where they were nesting on the
lignum. The nests contained from six to eleven eggs’ A large flock
was also met with on a chain of lagoons near the Leichhardt River.

Nettapus pulchellus. Green Pigmy-Goose —This beautiful little
Goose was found breeding at Byromine, one nesting hollow containing
as many as eleven eggs. The birds were also noted at Cape York.

Lisa MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. TAF

Chlamydochen jubata. Maned Goose (Wood-Duck)\—Plentiful on
the waters of the Gulf, and nesting in March, 1910, at the end of the
wet season.

Dendrocygna arcuata. Whistling-Duck.—Numerous at Sedan and
Byromine. On the 30th March, 1910, ‘‘a Whistling-Duck with
seven small young ones was noted on one of the Byromine lakes.”’

Dendrocygna eytoni. Plumed Whistlinge-Duck.—Great numbers
were observed on all the lakes and swamps about the Cloncurry
River, flocks of 200 or 300 being common. They nest out on the
plain, in the grass, 3 or 4 miles from water, laying as many as ten
or eleven eggs. Also noted at Cape York

Tadorna rufitergum. White-headed Shieldrake——Only one seen,
and that on the beach, Charo Bay, Cape York.

Anas supereiliosa. Black Duck.—This species was met with in great
numbers at Byromine and Sedan, on the Cloncurry River, where the birds
were nesting freely in the hollows of the trees in and about the lakes.
One nest was found in the grass at the foot of a tree. The nests con-
tained from eight to ten eggs. At the end of March, when they were
found, most of them contained hard-set eggs. This Duck was also
common at Cape York, where conditions favoured their habits.

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal.—This Duck was very numerous
on the Jakes at Sedan and Byromine, and nesting freely in the
hollow trees. The nests contained from five to twelve eggs, the
average clutch being seven or eight. Eggs were nearly all hard-
set at the end of March, 1g10o.

Malacorhynechus membranaceus. Pink-eared Duck.— Found in
great numbers on the Cloncurry River lakes and swamps, and were
nesting at the end of March.

Nyroca australis. White-eyed Duck.—Numerous on the waters
of the Gulf of Carpentaria. They were nesting in the hollow trees
round the lakes at Byromine. They were also met with all the way
down the Leichhardt River.

Phalacrocorax carbo. Black Cormorant.—At Sedan, on the Clon-
curry River, a flock of this species was noted on a ee

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris. Little Black Cormorant.
this species was nesting on the gutta-percha trees in the Big acer
Lake, in company with P. melanoleucus and Plotus nove- hollandie.
One free contained 13 nests, another 27. The clutches varied from
three to six eggs, and many nests contained young birds. The species
was also seen on the Leichhardt.

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, Little Pied Cormorant.—Writing from
Byromine, Mr. M‘Lennan notes on 29th March, 1910 :—“ Rode to a
small lake across the river, about 3 miles from the station. Found
a Black-and-White Cormorants’ rookery of 66 nests, built in four
trees out in the lake, with clutches of three, four, and five eggs or
young in each nest.’’ On 31st March, 1910 :—‘* Rode to the top
end of the Big Dalgonally Lake. Black-and-White Cormorants were
nesting in some gutta- -percha trees in the lake. One tree contained
four nests, ane six, a third seventeen Cormorants’ and three
Darters’ nests, a fourth three Cormorants’ and one Darter’s, a fifth
thirty-nine nests.”’

On the 15th July, 1910, writing from beyond the Leichhardt River,

148 MAcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. Ming

he notes :—“ After leaving the Leichhardt I camped at a little water-
hole about 7 miles from the river, on the Gregory track. It was about
a mile long and from 30 to 100 yards wide, dotted with small islands
thickly covered with tea-tree. There were numbers of blue and
white water-liles growing about the edge of the water-hole. After
lunch I went for a walk round the water-hole, and saw an old Cor-
morants’ rookery (P. melanoleucus) in the tea-tree on an island. I
counted 30 nests.’’ This species was also noted at Cape York.

Plotus nove-hollandiw. Darter.—Found breeding in company with
P. sulctyvostris and P. melanoleucus at Byromine. No. 1 tree contained
one Darter’s nest, containing four eggs ; No. 2 tree, one containing
four eggs ; No. 3 tree, three nests, two with four young and one with
five ; No. 4 tree, one nest with four eggs ; No. 5 tree, four nests, all
with young birds. Noted the old birds disgorging food into the
mouths of the young. This species was also found at Cape York.

Sula cyanops. Masked Gannet.—At the time of Mr. M‘Lennan’s
visit to Raine Island, on 10th July, 1911, a few of these Gannets had
selected nesting-sites, but none had laid. One egg was laid before
he left on the 15th July.

Sula piseatrix. Red-legged Gannet.—Mr. M‘Lennan found, on the
10th July, 1911, several nests with one egg in each and a few with
one young bird. Great numbers of the birds were building.

Sula fusea (sula). Brown Gannet (Booby).—Mr. M‘Lennan visited
Raine Island early in July, 1911, and found this Gannet scattered
all over the island, but only eight nests contained two eggs each,
several contained one egg, and there were no young birds. Evidently
the birds had only started nesting.

On 27th July, 1911, he visited Bramble Cay, of which visit he
writes as follows :—‘‘ When at Darnley Island we heard that the
natives and South Sea Islanders from there and from Murray Island
were in the habit of paying weekly visits to Bramble Cay for the
purpose of getting eggs and birds for food during the breeding season,
and that they brought them away in boat-loads ; also that a cutter
had set out for Raine Island about the same time as ourselves, but
had to put back on account of bad weather, and that three boats had
just left Murray Island for Raine Island. At Bramble Cay I found
only two nests of the Brown Gannet containing two eggs, and three
containing one egg, five nests with one young bird in each, and dozens
of nests from which eggs had been taken. I also saw a great pile of
skins near a heap of ashes, where the blacks had been having a feast.”’

Tachypetes (Fregata) ariel. Lesser Frigate-Bird.—Mr M‘Lennan
noted six of these birds at Cape Grenville. They headed out to sea
when they reached the Cape. At Raine Island, on the oth July,
1911, he notes :—‘‘ Several colonies of Frigate-Birds were seen near
the beacon. Went and had a look at the Frigate-Bird colonies. They
were cight in number, of from three to thirty nests. I counted 150
nests altogether, several of which contained one egg each ; two of
these were on the point of hatching. The rest of the nests contained
one young bird each, in all stages of plumage, from a couple of days
old to birds ready to fly. On the 27th July two birds only were noted
at Bramble Cay.”

Phaethon rubricauda. Red-tailed Tropic-Bird.—When Dr. Dobbyn
and I paid our very brief visit to Raine Island, in October, 1910, we
must have overlooked the caves in which these birds are in the habit
of nesting. Mr. M‘Lennan’s notes are as follows :—

verry. | Macaittivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 149
goth July, 1911.—“ Had a look for Tropic-Birds under the ledges of

rock, and found three nests. The first contained a half-grown young
bird, the second one egg, the nest being a shallow depression in the
sand 4 feet under the rock ; the third contained one small young bird
not long hatched.”’

roth July, 1911.—*‘‘ Examined all the holes and caves round the
edge of the island. The first containing a Tropic-Bird’s nest with
one egg was at the back of a fair-sized cave, 20 feet long, 12 feet
broad, and 4 feet high. The opening of the cave was g feet across
by 18 inches high. Another nest under a small ledge of rock con-
tained one small young bird. Did not find any more. Crawling into
the caves was not exactly a pleasant game. The air in some of
them was very foul, and a match would only just burn in it, and as
a rule one or two Pectoral Rails would be found. in each. As I
crawled into them the Rails would make a dash out, and two of them
gave me such a start by striking me in the face that I tried to stick
my head through the several feet of coral rock that formed the roof
of the cave. Found another nest in a cave in the centre of the
island. The bird was sitting on it, but had not yet laid. This bird
deserted the nest without laying.

15th July, t911.—‘‘ Went round the caves again, and found
another Tropic-Bird’s nest containing an egg. Saw one of these
birds flying round the island ; it had two long tail feathers. When
on the ground these birds cannot walk—they can only shuffle along.
When on the wing the feet are kept out at a slight angle from the
body with fully outspread webs, and are very conspicuous.’*

27th July, 1911.—‘‘ No Tropic-Birds at Bramble Cay.”

Pelecanus conspicillatus. Pelican.—Noted in fair numbers through-
out the Gulf country, many of the water-holes and lakes containing
flocks of twenty or more. All these rivers abound with fish, so that
they are always assured of a good supply of food. They were
frequently seen on Channel Rock, in Torres Strait. <A large flock
was also noticed on the swamp between Cripple Creek and George-
town, where the Native Companions were congregating.

Circus gouldi. Allied Swamp-Hawk.—Noted at Peak Point, at
Lockerbie, and at Bramble Cay.

Astur cinereus. Grey Goshawk. Astur nove-hollandia. White
Goshawk.—Mr. M‘Lennan agrees with Mr. Harry Barnard in regarding
the Grey and the White Goshawks as phases of the one species.* He
found it, however, very difficult to gain information as to the mating of
birds of the two colours and the resultant effect on the young. Like
Astur fasciatus, the male bird is rarely seen anywhere near the nest;
Many hours were spent waiting and watching for the appearance of
the male bird, and, although fourteen nests containing either young
or eggs came under observation, the male was seen only once.
Eight of the females were grey birds, and six white. Where the male
and female were seen both were grey. Only one nest contained a
young bird ; it was nearly fully fledged, and was grey, the parent
being also grey.

These birds began to build or repair old nests early in August, but
no eggs were laid until October, the earliest record being on the 5th
of that month. Nesting finished at the end of November, the only
two records in December being of hard-set eggs or fully fledged

* See Emu, vol. X., p. 247:

Emu

150 MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. aeewrant

young. One autumn nest was found to contain eggs, on the 17th
April. Most of the nests were placed in a horizontal fork of a Moreton
Bay ash, this tree being resorted to in the case of twelve out of the four-
teen records, the other two nests being in melaleucas ; the average
height at which they were placed was 60 feet. Many of the nests, well
out on horizontal limbs, could only be reached by means of a scoop on
a long rod. I cannot do better than quote Mr. M‘Lennan’s note to
illustrate some of the difficulties a climber has to contend with who
seeks to investigate the nesting of this bird :—‘‘ In a pocket off Peak
Point track I found a White Goshawk’s nest 60 feet up in a big
Moreton Bay ash ; it contained two hard-set eggs. I had a terrible
time climbing this tree. It was a hard tree to climb, and when I got
30 feet up I struck myriads of small yellow ants ; they got all over
me—in my eyes, ears, and nose—and bit savagely, so that you can
imagine what it was to go the other 30 feet and back again before
getting any relief. One nest was placed in a tree in which a colony
of Calornis had nested. During the nesting season of the Goshawk
the adult young of the Caloynis form their principal article of food,
and it is probable that the nesting of the Hawk is timed to that of
this Starling.”

Astur approximans. Goshawk.— Noted on the Cloncurry and
Leichhardt Rivers. At Cape York, on 11th August, 1911, when the
long grass was being burned off from several of the open pockets,
some Australian Goshawks and Brown Hawks were attracted to
whatever might be disturbed by the fire. On ist November, 1911,
one of these birds was flushed from her nest containing two eggs.
This nest was placed 70 feet up, on a horizontal limb of a Moreton
Bay ash, and on his way home Mr. M‘Lennan flushed another Aus-
tralian Goshawk from its nest 40 feet up in a Moreton Bay ash ; it
contained a young bird just hatched and two chipping eggs. The
eggs were very small for this bird.

Aceipiter torquatus. Collared Sparrow-Hawk.—Seen several times
on Cloncurry and Leichhardt Rivers. At Cape York, on 24th
November, 1910, a nest of this species was found, containing three
fully fledged young birds, in a Moreton Bay ash. The birds were not
at all common.

Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Red Goshawk.—Noted on many occasions
at both Sedan and Byromine. One that was shot for a specimen
was eating a Galah at the time. This species also came under notice
on the Leichhardt and Gregory Rivers.

Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Eagle-Hawk).—Common in
the Gulf country. At Lorraine, on the Leichhardt River, Mr.
M‘Lennan “saw a Nankeen Heron that he had previously disturbed
coming down the river at full speed with a Wedge-tailed Eagle in
pursuit. The Eagle stooped when opposite him, but missed the
Heron, which took refuge in the tea-tree.”’

At Cape York this Eagle was noted on two occasions.

Haliwetus leucogaster. White-bellied Sea-Eagle.—Mr. M‘Lennan
first met with this species at Sedan, on the Cloncurry River, early in
March, and afterwards at Byromine. When camped on the Leich-
hardt River he made the following note :—‘‘ Heard a strange bird
calling as soon as I woke, so I got the gun and proceeded to investigate,
but did not succeed in locating the bird. Returned to camp, had
breakfast, and then went down the river. After a while I left the

Mipeeva MaccILiivray, Notes on Some N: Queensland Birds. I51
water's edge and started back through the timber, and about
100 yards from the edge of the water I heard the same call, and
followed up the sound. I soon located the bird, a White-bellied
Sea-Eagle, sitting beside its nest in a large river gum. It flew off
as I approached, and the male flew from a tree near by. Later in
the day I climbed to the nest ; it contained one hard-set egg. The
nest was very large, and had evidently been used and added to for
several years, measuring 6 feet in depth by 8 feet in diameter ; egg
cavity, 2 feet across by 6 inches deep. The nest was composed of
sticks and lined with green leaves, and placed in a fork at about
50 feet from the ground.”

Another nest, found on the Macarthur Islands on the 2nd July,
IQII, was in a mangrove at a height of 14 feet. This nest measured
9 feet by 6 feet in width, 6 feet deep, with an egg chamber 1 foot
across by g inches deep. Other nests, mostly containing young,
were found on Cairncross, Bushy, and the Bird Islands early in July.
There were also several nesting-places on the mainland at Cape York.

Haliastur leucosternus. White-headed Sea-Fagle. — This species
was observed near Burketown and on the Norman River, in the Gulf
country, but seldom at Cape York.

Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling-Eagle.—Tolerably common on the
Gulf rivers. It was nesting in March at Sedan, and several nests
were found containing eggs, in July, along the Leichhardt River.
Common at Cape York.

Miivus affinis. Allied Kite —This species, so common in western
New South Wales, is replaced in the Gulf country by the Square-
tailed Kite. Only a few Allied Kites were noted by Mr. M‘Lennan
in the Gult country, and an occasional one at Cape York.

Lophoictinia isura. Square-tailed Kite.—Quite the most plentiful
of the Hawk tribe throughout the Gulf country, where dozens may
be seen in the air at a time. They nest on the smaller coolibah creeks
on the downs country, and seldom on the main rivers. On 23rd
March, 1910, Mr. M‘Lennan visited one of these creeks, and made
the following note :—‘‘ Went to a water-hole about 8 miles from
camp. Found four Kites’ nests containing two eggs each, one with
one egg, and one ready for eggs. Two old nests were also found,
under one of which were seven lizards’ eggs. These nests were at
an average height of 12 feet from the ground.”’

Gypoictinia melanosternon. Black-breasted Buzzard.—From the
notes made by Mr. M‘Lennan, the Gulf country seems to be the head-
quarters of this fine species. He found them along all the Gulf
rivers, and more than once noted as many as five females in the air
at the same time. Several old nests were found in late summer and
autumn, but were used only as roosting and feeding platforms. The
birds evidently nest at the same time as in western New South Wales, as
early in July on the Leichhardt River a bird was flushed from a nest
which was newly lined with green leaves. They were noted on
several occasions at Lockerbie and Paira, at Cape York.

Elanus axillaris. Black-shouldered Kite.—Several seen at the Brook,
about 20 miles inland from Burketown.

Falco melanogenys. Black-cheeked Falcon.—Noted only once, on
the Corella River, 25 miles west from Cloncurry.

Faleo hypoleucus. Grey Falcon.—This fine Falcon was noted on
all the Gulf rivers.

Emu

ist) Jan.

152 MACcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds.

Faleo subniger. Black Falcon. — Noted frequently in the Gulf
country. 14th March, 1910.—‘‘Saw a pair of Black Falcons
examining old nests in the coolibah trees on a channel of the Gilliat,
probably intending to use one of them. The birds were in splendid
plumage, but too wary to admit of a close inspection.’’ Several other
pairs were seen on the Leichhardt and Gregory Rivers, but the
spring is probably their nesting time.

Falco lunulatus. Little Falcon.—Writing from Sedan, Mr. M‘Lennan
sent the following notes :—24th February, 1910.—“ Saw a Little Falcon
trying to catch dragon-flies at the swamp. Sometimes it caught
them, but more frequently missed.”

31st March, 1910.—‘‘ When returning from the Big Dalgonally
Lake to Byromine a Little Falcon accompanied me for some distance,
catching the grasshoppers as they rose from under my horse’s feet.
It was very quiet, and would let me approach to within a few feet
of it when perched on a tree.’

4th April, 1910.—‘' A pair of Little Falcons at the Big Dalgonally
Lake have taken possession of an old Whistling-Eagle’s nest at the
edge of the lake, and will probably breed there later on.”’

Also noted at Cape York.

Hieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk.—Seen on many occasions in
the Gulf country and at Cape York, where the following note was
made :—‘‘ 1ith August, 1911.—When burning off all the pockets
the fires attracted a number of Brown Hawks and Australian
Goshawks.”’

Hieracidea occidentalis. Striped Brown Hawk.—Noted at Corella
Creek and on the Leichhardt.

roth July, 1910.—‘“‘On the Leichhardt River, 2 miles from
Augustus Downs, shot a light brown Hawk. Saw a pair of these
birds in a tree with a nest in it just ready for eggs.’

7th July, 1910.—‘‘ On Leichhardt River saw a Black Falcon fly
into a tree with a nest in it. Watched it for some time, but it did
not go to the nest, so left it till later.”

“Went down creek to where I had seen the Black Falcon. Flushed
a bird from the nest, and climbed to it ; it contained two eggs. I did
not take them. A pair of Black Falcons was flying round the tree
while I was at the nest.”

11th July, 1910.—*‘‘ Went down to creek where I had seen the
Black Falcons about a nest. Flushed a light brown Hawk from the
nest, which still contained two eggs.”

Cerchneis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel.— A common _ species
throughout the Gulf, and occasional at Cape York.

Pandion leucocephalus. White-headed Osprey (Fish-Hawk). —
A nest found on the Hannibal Islands on the ist July, 1911, con-
tained three eggs. The bird was flushed from the nest, which was
40 feet from the ground in a horizontal fork of a large leafless tree.
The nest, which was composed of sticks, seaweed, and pieces of
pumice, measured 3 feet across by 2 feet deep, with an egg chamber
1 foot across by 6 inches deep.

On the Macarthur Islands another nest was found on the same
date, containing a fully fledged young bird. This nest was on a small
mangrove, 6 feet from the ground ; it was 4 feet in diameter and 3 feet
deep, composed of sticks, coral, pumice, and seaweed. Another nest.
on the Bird Islands, found on the 2nd July, was built on a small

oe MACGILLIVRAY, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. 153
mangrove on the reef, and was unoccupied. On another island of
this group a nest contained a fully fledged young bird. This nest was
in a mangrove at about 15 feet from the ground, and composed of
the same materials, 3 feet across by 2 feet deep. Two old nests were
within a few hundred yards of this, one of which looked as though
it was being prepared for nesting by another pair of birds. On the
return journey, 17th July, this nest was still unoccupied, but another
further along the reef was found to contain a fully fledged young
bird. On visiting the Macarthur Islands two pairs were found
building—one pair, the parents of the young bird noted on the Ist,
in a small mangrove about 100 yards from the old nest ; the second
pair on a peculiarly shaped log that had been washed ashore. This
nest was about half-built.

Visiting Cairncross Island on the 20th July, an Osprey’s nest
containing one small young bird was found on a mangrove growing
on a long coral ridge amongst a dense growth of stunted trees. A
pair of these birds was often seen about Cape York. The colouring
of the soft parts in a fully fledged young bird was as follows :—Iris
yellow ; bill black, cere pale greenish-blue ; legs greenish-white. The
stomach contained fish. A female measured 18 inches in the flesh.

Ninox ocellata. Marbled Owl.—Mr. M'Lennan heard the note of
this species when on his way down the Cloncurry River, and after-
wards found it to be quite common on all the creeks and rivers that
he visited in the Gulf country. The note is much the same as that
of N. boobook of more southern latitudes. The specimens obtained
averaged from 12 to 12} inches in length ; irides yellow, bill blackish-
brown. The stomach contained mostly beetles and grasshoppers.
They are spring breeders.

Ninox maegillivrayi.* Macgillivray Owl.—A smaller and_ lighter
Owl was obtained at Cape York, mostly at from 22 to 28 miles down
the telegraph line and on the Jardine River. The note of this species
is much softer than that of either N. boobook or N. ocellata. Its
habits are in all respects similar: Iris yellow ; bill horn colour, tip
black ; feet pale bluish-slate. The stomach contained large brown
beetles in one specimen, and in another were found the bones and
fur of a small rat.

Ninox connivens. Winking Owl.—This bird was heard calling by
Mr. M‘Lennan at his first camp on the Cloncurry River, and was
afterwards found to be numerous throughout the Gulf country. At
Sedan, on 22nd February, 1910, he imitated the call. when the bird
flew to a tree at the back of his camp, and was shot and
skinned. The call of this bird sounded like ‘‘ Hoo, wuk, wuk,”’
uttered in a fairly low key. The iris was yellow: bill black, cere
greenish-yellow ; feet light orange. The stomach contained grass-
hoppers and beetles.

On the oth March a pair was shot and skinned. The female
measured 16 inches and the male 17 inches. The stomach contents
were the same as in previous specimen. Seven worm-like parasites
were found under the skin between the eyes, each measuring 24+ inches
X yz Inch.

When camped on the Leichhardt, 14 miles from Caloola Station,
Mr. M‘Lennan made the following note :—‘ 13th June, 1910.—Heard

*Vide Mathews, Austral Avian Record, vol.1i., p. 194.

=e J = Tete tS BP, ; Bs Emu
154 MacaILiivray, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. | ,., Tait

a most peculiar call about 11 p.m. in the timber about 200 yards
from the camp, so strolled out to investigate, and found it was
uttered by a bird perched on a dry tree. It proved to be a Winking
Owl. The call, as near as I can give it, was ‘ Karr, karr, karr, karr,
koowook.’ The stomach contained a _ half-digested bat and some
grasshppers.’*

“rath June, 1910.—Heard call like that of a Wood-Duck again
last night ; located the bird, and found it to be a Winking Owl.”’

“29th June, 1910.— On Leichhardt River, 20 miles beyond
Augustus Downs, heard Winking Owls calling through the night. At
dusk the call is ‘‘ Hoo, wuk, wuk,” and later on through the night
“ Karr, karr,’ and another call, “ Chirr, chirr,’’ ma very: high key:
They were heard for the last time where the Gregory divides into
two channels, about 20 miles from Burketown. Skins of this bird
were submitted to Mr. North, of the Australian Museum, who pro-
nounced them to be indistinguishable from specimens of N. connivens
obtained in New South Wales. Mr. Mathews considers them to be
identical with the Northern Territory birds.

The breeding season is in the spring months.

Ninox peninsularis. Cape York Owl. —This species is very distinct,
being shorter and darker in colour than the preceding. When camped
in the scrub at Cape York Mr. M‘Lennan made the following note :—
20th December, 1910. —‘‘ Ninox peninsularis came alone again
to-night, and when I imitated its call it became wild and flew at
me several times, coming to within 18 inches of my head. This
occurred on several nights. The call was a repeated ‘ Kow, kow.’
This assumed quite a comical aspect when the bird, perched on the
ridge of my tent, looked down at me with an angry expression and
uttered the word ‘ Kow.’ ”

The first nest containing eggs was found on the 6th August, 1911,
at Lockerbie. From then the nesting season extended until the
end of September. In this time fifteen nests were examined,
containing either eggs or young. These nests were in large, open
hollows, usually in big tea-trees (Melaleuca) at an average height of
about 4o feet from the ground. The hollows averaged in ‘depth
about 2 feet, and were of an average diameter of about a foot. Many
were bedded with a good layer of finely-chipped rotten wood. The
mate of the sitting bird was usually found roosting in the branches
of the same tree, or one near by. The clutch consisted of two eggs—
in one instance only were three young birds found in a hollow. These
were at different stages of growth. The youngest seemed to be about
four days old, the next six, and the oldest about eight. The oldest
one had a few feathers showing, eyes widely open ; bill black, cere
yellowish-green ; legs and feet greenish-white. The smallest was
covered with white down and had its eyes only slightly open. The
bottom of this hollow was covered with the remains of Fruit-Pigeons.
One hollow found in possession of a pair of Owls had evidently been
the subject of a dispute, as it contained a broken egg of the Owl and
a broken egg-shell of a Little White Cockatoo. Mr. M‘Lennan
had previously seen the Little White Cockatoos about the hollow,
but the Owls were the ultimate possessors. That they were able to
dispossess more formidable antagonists was shown in one case where
their eggs were found in the freshly-lined hollow of Muicroglossus
ateyvrimus. On two occasions Little White Cockatoos had _ their
nesting-hollow in the same tree as a pair of Owls.

ek oenl MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 155

The soft parts of this Owl are as follows :—Cere greenish, bill horn
colour, feet yellow.

Strix delicatula. Delicate Owl.—Frequently met with on the Gulf
rivers and creeks, and also on one occasion at Cape York.

Trichoglossus septentrionalis. Northern Blue-bellied Lorikeet.—
The only pair of “ Blue Mcuntains ”’ noted in the Gulf flew past the
Brook Hotel, 20 miles from Burketown. At Cape York they were
very numerous in all the open pockets, feeding on the blossoming
eucalypts and other trees, and nesting freely in the spring in the
hollows of tea-tree, Moreton Bay ash, or bloodwood, usually at a
height of about 50 feet. Nesting operations commenced in August and
continued until January A single nest was, however, found in
April. The invariable clutch was two. Thirty nests were examined
by Mr. M‘Lennan containing either young in all stages or eggs.

Ptilosclera versicolor. Varied Lorikeet.—Noted at Sedan, in flocks,
feeding on the flowering box, in February, 1910, and later in the
flowering tea-tree along the riverat Byromine. Later again, in March,
April, May, and June, they were noted through to the Leichhardt.
where they were very numerous on the river-flats, which are covered
with bloodwood, wattles similar to the Victorian black wattle, silver
box, and bauhinia. They are probably spring breeders, as no nests
were found in these months.

Cyclopsitta maccoyi. Blue-faced Lorilet.—When camped a few
miles from the Jardine River, on the Cape York Peninsula, a pair of
small Lorikeets was noted feeding high up in a flowering bloodwood
near the camp. One was shot, but fell into some tea-tree brush and
could not be found. Mr. M‘Lennan is sure that they were of this
species.

Microglossus aterrimus. Pa!m-Cockatoo.—This fine Cockatoo is a
common object in the scrubs and open pockets on the upper end of
the Cape York Peninsula. In the 1911 season Mr. M‘Lennan in-
spected numerous nesting-hollows, seventeen of which contained either
the single egg laid by the Cockatoo or a young bird. A large hollow
is required by the bird, consequently a big tree or dead stump is
usually chosen to nest in. The hollows were at an average height
of 35 feet from the ground, and were of an average depth of 4 feet,
with an internal diameter at the nest and at the mouth of the hollow
of from 10 inches to 2 feet. Usually, however, the entrance is smaller
than the bottom of the hollow. The egg is always placed on a bed of
splintered twigs; these are carried to the nest in long pieces, and
there splintered by the bird. This bedding may be several feet
in thickness in some hollows and only a few inches in others. It
serves to keep the nest clean, the excreta, which is very oily, and the
scaling of the feathers filtering through.

The eggs vary a good deal in size and shape, the largest specimen
measuring 24 inches x 1;% inches, an average of ten being 1% inches
x I, inches. A rounded specimen measured 1t# inches x 14 inches ;
this was also the smallest.

Nests were found containing eggs and young birds as early as the
6th and 8th of August respectively, and the last on the 22nd of
January ; August, September, October, and November being the
principal nesting months, so that most of the young are reared before
the commencement of the wet season. One nest visited on the 8th
August, 1911, contained a newly hatched young bird. This was

Emu

156 MACcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. ihe cae

again inspected on the 1st September, when it was found to be about
half-grown, with all its feathers encased in sheaths from 1 to 2 inches
in length, giving it the appearance of a porcupine. This young bird
was taken from the nest on the 18th September, 1911. The feathers
were then just breaking out of their sheaths, half of them being clear ;
cheeks white, with a faint yellowish tint. On the 1st October the
feathers were almost free of sheathing, of a beautiful glossy black,
breast and abdomen barred, and cheeks beginning to assume a
pinkish tinge.

Another young bird was first found in its hollow on the 13th August,
I9II ; it was then about 10 days old. On the 2nd of September it
was a little larger than the other bird when inspected on the ist, and
the feathers were a little longer, but still encased in sheaths. This
bird was taken from the nest on the 1st October, when it was nearly
fully fledged, and in Mr. M‘Lennan’s opinion would have left the nest
in about another 10 or 12 days. The feathers were black, without
gloss ; lower breast barred with yellowish ; abdomen and a few feathers
under the wing barred with narrow bars of sulphur-yellow, two or
three bars to each feather ; cheeks pinkish-red ; upper mandible, basal
half blackish-brown, terminal half whitish ; lower mandible whitish,
with brown streaks at the base ; legs and feet greyish-black. Both
birds did well on crushed boiled maize. These two birds were reared
until May on crushed corn and wheat, when they took it whole ;
they were very fond of peanuts. They were sent away to Sydney
in perfect health, and arrived safely, but one sickened and died not
Jong after its arrival ; the other is sull alive and well, in the possession
of Dr. D’Ombrain, who has made many interesting notes on the
manners of his pet.

On several occasions parties of from five to seven of these birds
were noted at play in a big tea or other tree in an open pocket, going
through a whole series of evolutions and antics. Sometimes a pair
would take up a position on a spout, and the others would all try to
displace them by flying at them from all sides, and this would often
be kept up for more than half an hour.

In the open forest these birds were found to feed principally upon
the very hard nut or stone of the nonda plum or weeba-tree, and in
the scrub on another very hard nut which had no local name.

Calyptorhynechus macrorhynchus. Great-billed Cockatoo.—A black
Cockatoo frequently noted on the Gulf rivers seems to be referable
to this species. The iris is dark brown, bill dull leaden colour, legs
black. The gizzard contained seeds.

Cacatua queenslandica. Little White Cockatoo.—This bird was
also fairly common on the Gulf rivers. One nest was examined on
the Leichhardt River on 18th June, 1910, and found to contain two
newly-hatched young. At Cape York this species is also common,
nesting in the early spring months in trees growing in the open
pockets. The earliest record of a nest containing eggs was on the
oth August, 1911. This nest was in a hollow in a Moreton Bay ash
in which a pair of Owls (N. peninsularis) had reared a brood in the
previous season. In all, about thirty nests were noted in
August and the early part of September. One note, made on the
7th September, 1911, gives an idea of the difficulties the birds
have to contend with in rearing their young :—‘‘ Had a look at nest
of White Cockatoo that contained one egg on 27th August. The
ege was still there, so also was an 8-foot carpet snake. The Cockatoo

Ne | MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. Py

was inside the snake. The tree, a Moreton Bay ash, was 2 feet 6
inches in diameter, and the hollow about 30 feet from the ground.”’

This bird, unlike its southern variation, does not feed on the
ground, and is never seen in flocks.

Cacatua sanguinea. Blood-stained Cockatoo. — This Cockatoo,
which is generally regarded now as synonymous with C. gymnopis,
is a common bird in the Gulf country, and was noted frequently on
the Cloncurry, Leichhardt, and Gregory Rivers. Several nesting-
hollows were examined in February and March, 1910, containing
either eggs or young birds. At Sedan, on the Cloncurry, each nest
contained either two eggs or young.

At Normanton these birds were seen in large flocks in the winter.

Cacatua roseicapilla. Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Galah)—Common
throughout the Gulf country, nests being found in February, March,
and April.

Calopsitta nove-hollandiz. Cockatoo-Parrot.—Noted in February
and March on the Cloncurry River. On the Leichhardt River, in
June, they were very numerous, large flocks coming to water in
company with Melopsittacus undulatus.

Ptistes erythropterus. Red-winged Parrot.—Many of these birds
seen on the Cloncurry and Leichhardt Rivers, and also at Cape. York.

Platycercus cyanogenys. Blue-cheeked Parrot.—Mr. M‘Lennan made
his first acquaintance with this species at Lockerbie, Cape York, when
in company with Mr. Barnard, in January, 1911. He afterwards
found them to be more plentiful on the Jardine River, where several
specimens were obtained. One nest, found in May, contained newly-
hatched young birds. From anatomical appearances of specimens
obtained in March, this would be the usual nesting season for this
bird. Like the other broad-tail Parrakeets, it is a seed-eater, and its
habits are much the same as those of the more southern members of
the genus. The colouring of the soft parts is as follows :—Irides
brown, bill bluish-white, legs dark grey.

Platycereus browni. Sooty Parrot.—When at Burketown, on the
Gulf of Carpentaria, Mr. M‘Lennan examined a pair of caged Parrakeets
which answered in general to this species, but differed in having a
broad red band across the chest. They were young birds, and the
owner affirmed that in the adult birds the band was much
brighter. They came from the Northern Territory, Queensland
border.

Barnardius macgillivrayi. Cloncurry Parrot.—This species, well
named the Cloncurry Parrot, ranges to the south and west of that
town, being numerous on the Diamantina River, getting fewer in
numbers to the north of Cloncurry. Going down the river, it was
not found after 36 miles had been covered. It was noted on Corella
Creek, about 28 miles west of Cloncurry, and again on the Leich-
hardt, Caloola Station being its northern limit on that river. It was
not met with on the lower part of the Gregory, but would probably
be found on the head waters of this fine perennial stream. The
manager of Caloola Station, Mr. Macpherson, who had one of these
birds in a cage, told Mr. M‘Lennan that he obtained it on the
Diamantina seven years previously.

Irides dark reddish-brown, bill bluish-white, legs lead colour. The
crop usually contained grass-seed, and the gizzard grass-seed and

Emu
1st Jan.

158 MAcGILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. [

gravel (ironstone in the vicinity of Cloncurry). They are spring
breeders.

Melopsittacus undulatus. Warbling Grass-Parrot (Betcherrygah).—
Seen at Sedan, on the Cloncurry River, in February and March, flying
north. In June they were breeding freely along the Leichhardt
River. It is interesting to find from my Broken Hill notes that these
birds were seen flying north about a month earlier than the date of
Mr. M‘Lennan’s note at Sedan. Do these birds, after rearing their
young, fly to North Queensland to breed again in June? They
usually put in an appearance again in western New South Wales in
September, and start nesting operations towards the end of that
month.

Podargus papuensis. Papuan Frogmouth.—Fairly common at Cape
York, where it is met with both in open forest and scrub. When in
the latter it usually roosts low down. It utters a weird and
ghostly ‘“‘laugh’’—a rapid ‘‘ Hoo-hoo-hoo ’’—at times. It also has
a call like P. stvigoides, a series of ‘‘Ooms”’ repeated for half an hour
at a time and at night. Nesting starts in October and continues
until January. Only one egg is laid, and there are great variations in
size and shape.

On one occasion, when he was climbing to a nest containing a
young bird, the parent birds kept flying round and snapping their
bills within a few feet of Mr. M‘Lennan’s head, and one kept
uttering the laughing note previously heard at night.

Irides orange. bill yellowish-olive, legs olive-yellow. Stomach
contents usually beetles.

In September numbers of these birds were seen flying over
Thursday Island, making for the mainland.

Podargus brachypterus. Short-winged Frogmouth.—Several skins
of a small Podargus were sent from the Gulf country by Mr. M‘Lennan.
They were referred to this species by Mr. A. J. North, to whom they
were submitted. This species ranges over the whole of central,
western, and north-western Australia, Northern Territory, and western
and north-western Queensland.

Irides are yellow, bill and legs light olive-brown. Stomach con-
tained beetles and grasshoppers.

Mr. M‘Lennan heard a call which he attributed to this bird; it
was like ‘“‘ Koo loo, koo loo,’ repeated from twelve to twenty times
in succession.

Podargus phalenoides. Freckled Frogmouth —Skins of a small
Podargus from the Jardine River, Cape York Peninsula, collected in
open forest, were submitted to Mr. North, who is of opinion that they
closely approach Gould’s description of this species. Gould’s
specimens came from North-West Australia.

Irides, outer circle golden-brown, inner orange-yellow ; bill dark
brown ; legs pale olive. Stomach contained beetles.

They were found frequenting the open forest country. Mr.
Wheatley found several nests containing each a pair of eggs in the
open country bordering the Batavia and Ducie Rivers during the
past season.

Podargus marmoratus. Marbled Frogmouth.—This small Podargus
frequents the scrubs, where it has ample opportunity for concealment,
consequently it appears to be a rarer bird than it really is. It
is doubtful whether its nest and egg or eggs have yet been obtained.

gd MACGILLIVRAY, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. 159

Irides yellow, bill pale yellowish-green, legs pale yellow. Stomach
contents usually beetles. Total length in flesh, 15 inches.

Mr. Wheatley obtained nests of this Podargus in the scrub country
bordering the Ducie River ; each nest contained three eggs.

' Aegotheles nove-hollandiz. Owlet Nightjar.—Flushed from their
roosting hollows on several occasions in the Gulf country—one grey
and the others showing a general rufous colouring, such a variation
as also occurs in Podargus papuensis and P. marmoratus.

Eurystomus pacificus. Australian Roller. — Dollar-Birds were
plentiful both in the Gulf country, in February and March, 1910,
and at Cape York, in March, 1912.

Alcyone pulehra. Purple Kingfisher.—First met with on the Gregory
River, where a specimen (a male) was secured in July.

Irides dark brown, bill black with cream-coloured tip, legs scarlet.
Stomach contents, small fish.

Other specimens were obtained on the creeks at Cape York.

On 17th February, 1911, the following note was made :—‘‘ Went
to big swamp behind Charo mangroves, and searched through it.
Flushed a Kingfisher (4. pulchyva) from its nest in a mass of earth
adhering to the roots of a fallen tea-tree near the edge of the swamp ;
it contained five fresh eggs. The tunnel was 6 inches long, oval in
shape, 1} inches across by 1} deep ; egg chamber 5 inches across by
4 in depth.”

After this they were found to be fairly plentiful along the fresh-
water creeks, and several old nesting-places were noted.

Aleyone pusilla. Little Kingfisher.—This little bird is found
in the mangrove swamps along the coast, frequenting the creeks that
run through them ; and as these swamps are also the haunt of the
crocodile (C. porosus), a search for nests, often wading waist-
deep in water, is no sinecure. Two nests were found by Mr. M‘Lennan,
both in February, 1911, an account of which has already appeared
in The Emu.* Each contained a full clutch of five fresh eggs. The
total length of the bird in the flesh is 4} inches ; irides brown, bill
black, legs blackish-brown. Stomach contents, small fish.

The call is a faint whistle.

Syma flavirostris. Yellow-billed Kingfisher.—Mr. M‘Lennan’s first
note on this bird was made on 2nd December, 1910 :—“‘ Noted Syma
flavirostris for the first time ; it is a beautiful bird. Saw another later
in the day, and heard it calling ; it has a mournful call, very difficult
to locate. The nest is usually in a termites’ nest in a tree in scrub
or in open forest just at the edge of the scrub. They call only in
the breeding season, and the call is almost continual when there is
a nest. They resent any interference with or examination of a nest,
and usually abandon one that has been examined.”’

Another note, made on 10th January, 1912 :—“ Flushed a Syma
flavivostris from its hollow in a termites’ nest 25 feet from the ground
at the edge of the scrub ; it contained three hard-set eggs. The birds
attacked me when I was taking the eggs, and struck my hand four
times, once drawing blood.’’ Several nests were found containing
young birds, but never more than three young or eggs in any nest.

In the flesh the adult bird measures 74 inches ; irides brown, bill
vellow with the terminal half of the culmen brownish-black, legs
yellow. Stomach usually contained small lizards and_ beetles.

#Vol, xi.p. 126.

Emu
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160 MAcGILLivray, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds.

Dacelo minor. Lesser Brown Kingfisher.—This smaller ‘* Laughing
Jackass’? was found by Mr. M‘Lennan to be fairly common on the
Jardine River, frequenting the tall messmate and bloodwood forest.
It has much the same habits as the better-known D. gigas. The
note is similar, but not so loud. The birds’ old hollows were noted
in the termites’ nests in trees at a height of from 10 to 30 feet from
the ground. From a number of post-mortem examinations principal
food seemed to consist of beetles and grasshoppers. The iris is greyish-
brown, upper mandible black, lower dirty white with sides of base
brown, legs pale olive. Mr. Wheatley found this species nesting in
termites’ nests high up in the trees near the Batavia River; each
nest contained four eggs.

Dacelo leachi. Leach MKingfisher—Fairly common on the Clon-
curry, and numerous on the Leichhardt. At Cape York they were
also common, frequenting and nesting in the trees in open forest.
For nesting purposes they usually choose a hollow spout, whereas
D. minor usually burrows into a termites’ nest in a tree; on
one occasion, however, Mr. M‘Lennan found a_nesting-hole of D.
leacht in a termites’ nest. At Cape York most of the nests found
contained only two eggs or one young bird. No doubt the extreme
and unusual dryness of the season accounted for the small clutches,
as I have noted the same to occur in Victoria in respect to D. gigas.

Halcyon macleayi. Forest Kingfisher.—Noted all the way down the
Cloncurry River.

At Cape York they were numerous in the open forest all the year
round, nesting in termites’ nests on the trees at an average height
of from 30 to 4o feet. The usual nesting time is from October until
the end of the year. A full clutch consists of five eggs, though a
smaller number is often found. At Lockerbie, when he was examin-
ing a nest containing four heavily incubated eggs, the bird attacked
Mr. M‘Lennan savagely.

Halcyon pyrrhopygius. KRed-backed Kingfisher.—Found both at
Cloncurry and at Sedan. At the latter place the following note was
made, 21st February, 1910 :—‘‘ Found Red-backed Kingfisher’s nest
with three eggs, and another containing five young birds. The latter
looked like little porcupines, all the feathers being encased in sheaths.
Body feathers about 4 inch long, primaries 2 inches, rectrices 1} inches.
I got one of them out and was going to kill it for a skin, but it com-
menced to bite my thumb and try to swallow it. and it looked so
fearless that I had to put it back in the nest.”

They were common also en the Leichhardt River.

Haleyon sanetus. Sacred Kingfisher.—Mr. M‘Lennan did not come
across this species in the Gulf country, though I had _ previously
obtained skins from Cloncurry. At Cape York Mr. M‘Lennan first
noted them as numerous in the mangroves on 19th March, 1911. Of
three specimens obtained, all proved to be young birds. They were
also numerous on the Hannibal, Macarthur, and Bird Islands in June
and July, 1911, and again in the Mud Bay mangroves in February
and March.

Haleyon sordidus. Mangrove Kingfisher.—This fine species, the
largest of the smaller Kingfishers, is migratory. Appearing first at
Cape York in September, it soon becomes quite numerous in the
mangroves, where it is always to be found, and never in open forest
or scrub. It feeds upon the smaller crustaceans, such as crabs, cray-

sere MACGILLIVRAY, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds. 161
fish, or shrimps. Its note is similar to that of H. sanctus, but much
louder. The length in the flesh of an adult male is 10 inches, of a
female 9} inches ; irides brown, bill black, legs dark lead colour. No
nests were found.

Tanysiptera sylvia. White-tailed Kingfisher.—This species puts in
its first appearance at the end of October or beginning of November,
at or just before the commencement of the wet season, and soon
starts nesting operations. For this purpose a low termites’ nest
on the ground, in the scrub, is chosen, and a hole, with nesting
chamber at the end, drilled into it. Occasionally a termites’ nest
in a tree is utilized, up to a height of 10 feet. The termites’ nest
chosen is always an inhabited one, never a dead mound. During the
nesting season this bird’s trilling call may be heard all day long in
the scrubs, from which it rarely emerges. The clutch of eggs is
invariably three.

Merops ornatus. Bee-eater.— Mr. M‘Lennan’s notes on the move-
ments of this bird are interesting when taken in connection with mine at

Broken Hill. He writes. (13th February, 1910):—‘“ At Sedan a
large flock of Bee-eaters passed over the camp at dusk, going north.”
My note on 24th January, 1910, at Broken Hill, is :—“‘ Several flocks
of Bee-eaters passing over the town, going north. Many young birds,
still being fed by their parents, were with the flocks.’”’ This migration

occurs at about this time every year. It would appear that they go
on to the Malay Archipelago and New Guinea, where they were noted
by the B.O.U. expedition as being numerous after the month of
April, though not met with previous to that date. It seems, how-
ever, that a few winter in North Queensland, as Mr. M‘Lennan noted
them at Caloola, beyond the Leichhardt, in June, and obtained speci-
mens further down the same river on Ist July. He also saw them
at Cape Grenville in July of the following year. At Cape York they
congregated in great numbers on 11th February, 1912, and then,
gathering together, resumed their northward flight across the Strait.

Eurostopodus albogularis. White-throated Nightjar.—Noted in the
ranges about Cloncurry, where it was fairly common. Also seen
at Paira, Cape York, and at Cape Grenville.

Caprimulgus macrurus. Large-tailed Nightjar. — Met with at
Lockerbie, where it frequented some patches of black tea-tree scrub
along the coast between the true scrub and the mangroves. One
nest was obtained at Paira, in September, by Mr. Vidgen’s boy.

Cypselus pacificus. White-rumped Swift—Mr. M‘Lennan made
notes at Sedan on 11th February, 1910, that probably applied to this
bird :—‘‘ Saw a large flight of Swifts passing over the tent at 7 p.m.,
flying north. Could not identify them, as it was too dark.”

14th February, 1910.—“‘ Another flight of Swifts passed over, going
north, at dusk.’

8th April, 1910.—‘‘ Saw some Swifts flying south-west this after-
noon—Australian Swifts, I think they were, as I distinctly saw the
white rump. One of the men on the station told me that they
usually put in an appearance after a steady fall of rain.”

At Cape York the earliest note is 5th November, 1911 :—" Aus-
tralian Swifts noted flying south.”’ Pye
16th November, 1911.—‘‘ Lockerbie, Australian Swifts flying south

to-day.”

162 MAcGILLivray, Noles on Some N. Queensland Birds.

~

[ Emu
Ist Jan.

26th December, 1911.—‘‘ Saw a great flock of Swifts circling over
the house a little before sundown.”

4th March, 1912.—‘“‘ Paira. A large flock of Australian Swifts
noted flying in a southerly direction.”

31st March, 1912.—‘‘ Lockerbie. A large flock of Australian Swifts
hawking over the forest country all day.”

17th April, 1912.—‘‘ Lockerbie. A few one tan Swifts hawking
over open forest country near the house at sunset.’

Cuculus optatus. Australian Cuckoo.—This Cuckoo was on several
occasions noted at Cape York in the summer months. It was
never there in numbers; it was exceedingly shy, and so difficult
of approach that no specimens were obtained.”’

Cuculus pallidus. Pallid Cuckoo.—A young fully fledged specimen
was obtained at Sedan on 15th February, 1910. It was being fed
by a pair of Red-throated Honey-eaters (Conopophila rufogularis).
The colouring of the soft parts in this young bird was :—TIrides light
stone colour, legs and feet leaden. Stomach contents, large grass-
hoppers and portions of beetles. ;

On the 16th February another young bird was seen being fed by
a pair of Yellow-throated Miners (M. flavigula) ; it was a much older
bird than the first, but the colouring of the soft parts was the same.

It is interesting to note that both the small Red-throated Honey-
eater and the larger Miner fed these young Cuckoos on the usual food
of the Cuckoo family, and not on their own. Even the larger foster-
parents rarely eat such large insects.

This species was not noted at Cape York, though common in the
Gulf.

Cacomantis variolosus. Square-tailed Cuckoo.—The Square-tailed
Cuckoo, or a smaller variation of it, was common at Cape York,
frequenting the swamps and open pockets, and being rarely met with
in the scrubs. The tea-tree swamps behind the mangroves are
resorted to by the small Honey-eater, Glyciphila modesta, for breeding
purposes. In numbers of their nests Mr. M‘Lennan found one or
more eggs of a Cuckoo—pure white, sparingly spotted with fine specks
of brown, very like yet distinguishable in shape and lustre from the
eggs of the Honey-eater. Such an egg has been attributed to
Cacomantis castaneiventris, a bird never seen out of the scrub and
never by any chance in the mangrove or tea-tree swamps, where
these eggs were found. On this evidence it is fair to assume that
the eggs found in the nests of Glyciphila modesta are those of this
smaller form of C. variolosus. This type of egg was also found ina
nest of Ptilotis analoga, in scrub, and also in anest of Malurus amabilis.
At the Jardine River a young Cuckoo was obtained as a specimen
which, though differing remarkably from the adult bird, was probably
the young of C. variolosus. It was being fed by a pair of Gly-
ciphila modesta, and was taken in tea-tree country. On one occasion
two of these Honey-eaters were noticed chasing a Square-tailed
Cuckoo out of a swamp where they had their nest. Although these
Cuckoos were so numerous, no eggs were found which bore the least
resemblance to the eggs of the Square-tailed Cuckoo of more southern
latitudes.

A male of this northern form measures in the flesh 83 inches ; irides
reddish-brown, eyelids pale greenish-grey ; upper mandible blackish-
brown, lower a shade lighter ; legs pale olive, soles of feet yellow.
Stomach contents, hairy caterpillars, beetles, and other insects.

eet | MAcGILLIvray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 163

Cacomantis castaneiventris. Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo.—This bird
finds its living in the thick tropical scrubs of the Peninsula, and was
not seen out of them, and never in the mangroves or tea-tree swamps.
It is a beautiful bird, with its glossy dark slaty-blue upper surface,
rich chestnut under-parts, and bright yellow eyelids. It feeds on
beetles and other insects. Its nesting habits require further elucidation.
Mr. M‘Lennan is certain that the eggs found in the nests of Gly-
ctphila modesta are not those of this Cuckoo. The only Cuckoo eggs,
apart from those of C. vussata, found in the scrub were those found
in the nests of Péilotis analoga and Malurus amabilis, and they are
indistinguishable from those found in the nests of Glyciphila modesta,
and Cacomantis variolosus is occasionally found in the scrub.

An average adult male measures in the flesh 84 inches to 8} inches ;
irides, inner circle brown, outer yellow ; eyelids bright yellow ; bill
black, basal half of lower mandible yellowish-brown ; legs and feet
bright yellow.

Chaleococcyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—From Sedan
Mr. M‘Lennan sent a clutch of eggs of Malurus assimilis containing
an egg of this Cuckoo. I had previously to his visit obtained a skin
from the Cloncurry district.

Chalcococcyx plagosus. Bronze-Cuckoo.— In April, 1911, Mr.
M‘Lennan obtained two skins of this bird on the Jardine River, Cape
York. The birds were not numerous, and those obtained were both
females. Irides greyish-brown, eyelids pale green, bill black, legs
dark or blackish-green. Stomach contents, caterpillars.

Chaleococcyx russata. Kufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo.—This, the
most numerous of the small Cuckoos at Cape York, is easily recognized
in the flesh by its bright scarlet irides and eyelids. It frequents for
the most part the open forest and mangroves, though occasionally
met with in the scrub. It was also noted on Bushy Island, near
Cairncross Island, and on the Sir Charles Hardy group, in June
and July, and was prevalent throughout the summer and autumn
on the mainland. The usual foster-parents are the Gerygones, G.
personata and G. magnirosivis. On one occasion Mr. M‘Lennan saw
one of these Cuckoos following a pair of G. magnirostris in the man-
groves, where the latter species usually nests. This attention was
resented by the Gerygones, who, after repeated assaults on the
Cuckoo, succeeded in driving it away.

In an adult male the soft parts are :—Irides scarlet, eyelids bright
scarlet, bill brownish-black, legs dark olive-brown. In a less mature
bird the irides were pinkish-brown.

Any eggs of a dark chocolate colour taken from nests of Gerygone
personata or G. magnirostris are sure to be those of this bird:

Eudynamis cyanocephala. Koel.—First met with on the Cloncurry
River early in February. One young bird which was being fed
by a pair of Yellow-throated Miners, and was obtained for a speci-
men, was, in its barred plumage, even more beautiful than the adult
of either sex. In this bird the irides were light stone colour, feet and
legs lead colour. Stomach contents, grasshoppers and beetles.

In a young male about to assume the adult plumage the irides were
orange ; upper mandible pale brownish-horn, lower pale greenish-
horn ; legs greenish-slate. In an adult male—irides ruby-scarlet,
bare skin round eye black, bill pale green, legs greenish-lead. Stomach

Emu
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164 MAcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds.
contents, wild fruits. In an adult female—irides ruby-red ; bill pale
olive-green, base of culmen blackish ; legs dark olive-green. Stomach
also contained wild fruits.

Scythrops nove-hollandia. Channelbill—These birds, known in
the Gulf country as Storm-Birds, on account of their first ap-
pearing with the thunderstorms which usher in the wet season, were
common during the summer months. On 8th February, 1910,
Mr. M‘Lennan noted eight in one tree. On 12th March, 1910, he
made the following note :—‘‘ Struck a channel of the Gilliat River,
and found a Short-billed Crow’s (C. bennetti) nest containing five
young Channelbills almost ready to leave the nest. I took two for
specimens. They were all in series—there seemed to be about two
days between each of them, and one would be led to believe that the
eggs had been laid by the same bird.’ As two young Channelbills
have often been seen by several reliable observers being fed by Crows
or other foster-parents, it seems certain that they do not eject one
another from the nest. At the same time it is equally certain that
they eject the progeny of their foster-parents. How is it that such
nestlings are able to distinguish between their own kith and kin and
those of the foster-parent, especially, as seems to have been the case
with the five young Cuckoos, where they were hatched out in suc-
cession ? Unfortunately, as darkness overtook Mr. M‘Lennan on
this occasion before he could regain his camp, and he had to spend
the night under a tree, the steamy weather spoiled the skins, but a
description was made of one, a male :—‘‘ Head fawn colour ; back,
tail, and wing coverts mottled fawn, grey, and brown ; tail and wing
feathers barred; under surface dirty white. Irides brown, bill
reddish-brown. No trace of a channel on the bill. Legs lead colour.
Stomach contents, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers.”

Another Crow’s nest contained one young Channelbill, and a third
an egg of the Channelbill with one of the Crow.

The loud, screeching call of this species could be heard at any hour
of the day or night.

At Cape York they were seen only occasionally.

Pitta simillima. J[esser Pitta.—This smaller northern form is fairly
common in the Cape York scrubs from July until the end of March.
They nest in the wet season, from December until March, building
a domed nest, usually on the ground at the base of a tree or by a
fallen log. The nest is generally constructed of twigs and lined with
leaves and fine fibres. Three eggs are the usual clutch. In the
nesting season their call is frequently heard ; it consists of a three-
note whistle, and another sharp ‘‘ Keow’’ repeated at intervals.
They will always answer their call if imitated, and come to one. They
may often be seen sitting in trees and calling. They spend a good
portion of their time on the ground, where they find their usual food,
which consists of beetles and other insects. When building they usually
find their material on the ground, and have been seen hopping along
to the nest with leaves.

Colouring of soft parts :—In adult male—irides brown, bill black,
legs fleshy-straw colour. Length in flesh, from tip of bill to tip of
tail, 7 inches ; to the toes, 9 inches.

Not noted in vicinity of Batavia and Ducie Rivers.

Pitta mackloti. Blue-breasted Pitta. — Found during summer
months only at Cape York, when they are common.

Magee ad MaccILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 165

The note is a mournful whistle of two notes. The birds will always
answer a call, and may often be seen sitting in a tree and calling.

The nest is usually placed on a stump or in a mass of vines at from
2 to 8 feet from the ground. It is domed, composed of twigs and
leaves, and lined with fine black, hair-like vegetable fibres.

An adult male measures in the flesh, from tip of bill to tip of tail,
71 inches ; to toes, 8? inches. Irides dark brown, bill black, legs
fleshy-slate. Stomach contents, beetles.

Common in Batavia and Ducie River scrubs.

Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.—Noted both at Cape York
and in the Gulf country.

Cherameca leucosternum. White-backed Swallow. — Found at
Sedan in March, and on the Leichhardt River in June.

Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.—Observed occasionally at
Cape York and in the Gulf country, not nesting at any time

Petrochelidon ariel. Fairy Martin.—Frequently noted in Gulf
country. Ona creek off the Leichhardt River, 2 miles from Augustus
Downs, a large colony of Fairy Martins was engaged in nesting
operations under an overhanging rock on the side of the creek. The
Leichhardt at this point flows over a bed of rock. and is bare of
timber.

Micreca pallida. Pale Flycatcher.—Numerous all the way down
the Cloncurry River, in the trees round the lakes and in those
lining subsidiary channels. They were also numerous on both the
Leichhardt and Gregory Rivers, even as far as Burketown. Not
seen at Cape York, where the following species takes its place.

Micreca flavigaster. Yellow-breasted Flycatcher.—Fairly common
at Cape York, frequenting open forest country all the year round,
where its tiny nest, containing one egg, is placed on some high
horizontal branch. Its habits in general are similar to those of the
southern members of the genus. During the nesting season, which
extends from July until the end of the year, the male may often be
heard whistling in the topmost branches of the forest trees.

Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robin.—A form intermediate between
this and M. picata is fairly common in the Gulf country, where it was
several times noted on the Cloncurry, Corella, and Leichhardt Rivers,
frequenting either box or gidgee country.

Smicrornis flavescens. Yellow-tinted Tree-Tit——Common in the
Gulf country, where it frequents the box flats, finding a living in the
leaves of low box trees. Nests were found in February, March, and
April, commonly placed at the end of a drooping branch. The birds
usually went about in small flocks of five to six. On the Leichhardt,
where conditions were so favourable to bird life, these birds were
especially numerous.

Gerygone albogularis. White-throated Fly-eater. — Noted first
about 25 miles from Cairns, in the scrub. At Sedan they were
numerous, especially in the gidgee. Also seen on the Leichhardt
and Gregory Rivers. Iris dark orange or orange-scarlet ; bill, feet,
and legs black. This species was also heard on the Jardine River.

Gerygone magnirostris. Large-billed Fly-eater.—First observed at

Cape York, where they find a living all the year round in the man-
groves, feeding amongst the leaves. They nest in these trees, and

166 MacaiLiivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. sree

the nest is usually placed in close proximity to that of a large hornet
which builds a comb nest. Nests were found from September until
March, and to obtain them it is usually necessary to row round the
coast and up the channels in the mangrove swamps. This bird is a
common foster-parent of the Cuckoo (C. russata).

The nests are usually constructed of fine, soft rootlets, and lined
with feathers. ‘‘ Crossed a small creek in mangroves and found a
nest of G. magnivosivis containing one egg of the owner and one of
Cuckoo. Had to wade out into the creek a few yards to get the nest.
When I was putting the eggs into my bag a crocodile a few yards
down the creek emitted a roar.”’

Gerygone personata. Black-throated Fly-eater.—Also met with at
Cape York, where it frequents the tropical scrub, and is rarely
seen in the mangroves. Usually found feeding in company with
Piezorhynchus albiventris, Macherirhynchus flaviventer, Arses lorealis,
Malurus amabilis, Sericornis minimus, and Rhipidura dryas. The
nest is usually placed near the papery nest of a small yellow hornet
or wasp, sometimes near that of the large hornet, and occasionally
away from any hornet’s nest.

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. The
gape of.the young is a rich yellow colour.

The Cuckoo Chalcococcyx russata also makes use of this species
as a foster-parent.

Nests were found from September to May, and, as usual with this
genus, contained two eggs.

This note was made from observations taken in a dry _ season.
During the past season, 1912-13, three-egg clutches were more often
found.

Heteromyias cinereifrons. Ashy-fronted Robin.—Only noted at
Atherton, in November, 1909, when it was nesting.

Pecilodryas cerviniventris. Buff-sided Shrike-Robin.—First met with
when the Gregory River was reached. This, then, is its eastern limit.
It usually feeds on the ground, in the short grass, and when disturbed
makes for the pandanus growing along the river-banks, where it is
usually to be found at other times, and in which it doubtless nests.
The call of this bird is a piping whistle repeated four times
very loudly ; it is something like the call-note of a Platycercus.
Irides brown, bill black, legs brownish-black.

Pecilodryas superciliosa. White-browed Shrike-Robin.—Only one
bird seen, and secured for identification. It proved to be an immature
female, and was obtained at the Jardine River. ‘A sprightly little
bird. When on a limb, erects its tail and droops its wings after the
manner of the Fantails. Feeds on small beetles and other insects.
Irides dark brown, bill black, legs fleshy-brown.”’

Pecilodryas pulverulentus. White-tailed Shrike-Robin.—Observed
first at Cape York. It is a denizen of the mangroves, and is locally
known as the Mangrove Robin—an excellent and distinctive ver-
nacular name for it. It may be seen in fair numbers by anyone who
has the hardihood to search amongst the mangroves and the patience
to watch and wait for it when its call is heard. This, a short, low
whistle, is frequently heard in the breeding season, and if

We eae MacaILiivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 167
imitated will bring the bird to you. The female does most of the
nest-building, the male usually feeding close by. The nests are placed
in a dead or living fork of a mangrove at from 8 to 14 feet from the
water, and are made to assimilate in colour and character of exterior
to the limb they are on, so that they are very difficult to detect.
When flushed from the nest the female drops low down, flies right
away, and does not return for some considerable time. The eggs,
two in number, vary considerably in colouration, the ground colour
in some being a light green and in others a dark olive-green.

Pecilodryas albigularis. White-throated Shrike-Robin.—Not a
common species at Cape York, only one pair being noted, in a big
patch of scrub about 44 miles from Lockerbie. This pair frequented
the same locality for three months before nesting. They are very
quiet birds, and only once in the three months did Mr. M‘Lennan
hear their call, which was a short, harsh ‘“‘ Chee-chee-chee.’”’ ‘* When
I was watching them they would often fly to within a few feet of where I
was sitting and cling motionless to the side of a tree, a habit identical
with that of the Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin of Victoria. The
nest was placed in a lawyer vine, about 10 feet from the ground, and
contained two eggs. I sat down some distance away and waited
for the birds to return. After waiting for about half an hour I saw
one of the birds fly to a tree about 10 feet from the nest. It sat there
for about ten minutes, then flew to within a couple of feet of the nest.
As soon as I moved it dropped from the nest and fluttered away
through the undergrowth.”

Measurements of soft parts in a female specimen : — Length,
44 inches ; irides greyish-brown ; bill black, base of lower mandible
transparent white ; legs pale yellow. Stomach contents, small beetles
and other insects.

Mattingleya inornata. Plain-coloured Shrike-Robin.—Under this
heading we must now put a bird which was originally described as an
Eopsaltria by Dr. Ramsay in the “ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society of London,” 1874, p. 604. The type is in the Australian
Museum, the habitat being given as the scrubs to the north of the
Endeavour River, but the locality on the label of the type is Cardwell.
The former locality is more likely to be the correct one, as the bird
is fairly common in the Cape York scrubs, and even more so on the
Pascoe River. I had it pointed out to me by Mr. M‘Lennan in the
scrub at Somerset in 1910, where we watched and listened to it for
some time. According to Mr. M‘Lennan, it is never to be seen near
the ground, always finding its living amongst the tangle of vege-
tation up in the scrub trees, and in this situation it was that we saw
it disporting itself. It has a Robin-like note and all the ways of this
group, and not in the least resembles any of the Pachycephaline,
under which group it has been placed by Dr. Hartert, who has
described it as Pachycephala peninsule. Mr. Mathews created a new
genus for it in Mattingleya and as it is obviously neither a Pachy-
cephala nor an Eopsaltria it will have to take its place under this
new genus.* However, I must disagree with Mr. Mathews in still
calling it a Thickhead. Its nest and eggs, when found, will help
towards settling the points in dispute. Eggs have been sent down
from Cape York as those of P. peninsule ; these are, however, in most
instances doubtless those of P. falcata, the only Thickhead in that
region.

* Vide Matthews, Austral Avian Record, vol. ii., p. 11.

, Emu
168 MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. |, Ta

Rhipidura albiscapa. White-shafted Fantail.—First met with in
April at the Jardine River, Cape York, where a few were seen, and
on the 5th of May, 1912, one was seen near Peak Point. Very rare.

Rhipidura albicauda. White-tailed Fantail.Noted in the Gulf
country, on the Leichhardt River, where specimens were secured.
Irides brown, bill and legs black.

Another specimen was secured on the Gregory River.

Rhipidura dryas (?). Wood-Fantail.—First observed on the Gregory
River at first camp, and thence all the way down. Irides brown,
bill brownish-black, legs dark slaty-brown.

This bird occurs at Cape York in fair numbers, but does not breed,
leaving by the end of November or beginning of December, to re-
appear in February, staying two months, and disappearing in April.
This applies to the seasons 1911 and 1912. This species is more
probably R. vufifrons, R. dvyas not appearing east of the Gulf.

Rhipidura isura. Northern Fantail—-Numerous on the Gregory
River all the way down to Burketown, this fine, large Fantail does
not occur at Cape York, and probably not on the eastern coast at
all. During the two years that Mr. M‘Lennan was at Cape York
he saw no sign of it.

3, irides brown, bill and legs black.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail. — Numerous
throughout the Gulf country, but only once noted at Cape York.

Seisura inquieta. Restless Flycatcher.—A Restless Flycatcher found
throughout the Gulf country is intermediate between this species
and S. nana. It was numerous on the Leichhardt and Gregory
Rivers. In the male the irides are dark brown, bill and legs black,
the female differing only in the colouring of the lower mandible,
which is leaden.

Myiagra conecinna. Blue Flycatcher.—Two specimens were secured
on the Leichhardt River, where they were feeding about the tea-tree.
They were not very plentiful.

At Cape York this bird, which has been separated by Mr. Mathews
as M. yorki, is a common species all the year round, breeding in the
open forest, mostly on the bloodwoods, and also in the mangroves,
in the summer months.

“Flushed Dacelo leachi from hollow in a bloodwood. A Blue
Flycatcher had its nest in the same tree ; it contained the usual clutch
of three eggs. The bird sat on the nest till I touched her.”’

Myiagra latirostris. Broad-billed Flycatcher.—Found always in
the mangroves at Cape York, where they find an abundance of insect
life amongst the leaves. They usually place their nest on a dead
twig about 2 feet above high-water mark over a channel in the man-
groves. When building one of the birds was always near the nest.
The male would sit in some chosen position, calling all the time that
the female was away gathering material. When she returned he
would flit away on the same quest.

Macherirhynehus flaviventer. Boat-billed Flycatcher. — Always
found in the scrub, where it finds its living amongst the leaves and
branchlets from within 2 feet of the ground to the tops of the scrub
trees, snapping up the insects which cling to the leaves. Whilst
building the male is constantly calling, at the same _ time
lending aid in the construction of the nest. Although the male

erat MacaItttvray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 169

whistles when searching for food, a more persistent whistling is
usually an indication that a nest is being built. They nest during
the wet months of the year, from November until March, and usually
lay two eggs. }

Arses lorealis. Frill-necked Flycatcher.—Found at Cape York.
It seems to search the stems of vines and trunks of trees for its insect
food, hopping up round a big tree trunk and searching the crevices
in the bark. The nest, thin and net-like, is usually suspended by
the rim from two vines or from a loop of vine, and placed at from
8 to 20 feet from the ground. It is a bird of the scrub, and nests
in the wet months. In a male the irides are brown, bare skin
round eye bright blue, bill horn colour, legs dark leaden.

Piezorhynehus nitidus. Shining Flycatcher.—Mostly found in man-
groves and tea-tree swamps, only occasionally in the scrub. It has
a very pretty whistling call, and will always come when the note is
imitated. Finds its food usually amongst the roots and _ lower
branches of the mangroves. Thestomach contents of those examined
consisted of beetles and other insects.

The nest is usually built in an upright fork of mangrove or tea-
tree, usually about 3 feet from the water. The male bird shares in
the task of incubating the eggs. They nest, in) the’, ;sumamer,
months. In a male the irides are dark brown, bill leaden-blue with
tip and cutting edges black, legs black.

Monarcha albiventer. White-bellied Flycatcher.—This northern
form of P. gouldi is fairly common at Cape York in a good season.
It is always found in the scrub, feeding from low down to the upper
branches of the vegetation. It also nests in the wet months of
the summer. In a dry season, like that of I91I—12, very few nest.
Iris dark brown, bill horn colour, legs dark leaden-blue.

Monarcha leucotis. White-eared Flycatcher.—Only one of these
birds was seen during Mr. M‘Lennan’s stay at Cape York. 4g, length
5% inches ; iris dark brown ; upper mandible black ; lower mandible,
tip black and the rest bluish-white ; legs greyish-black. This is no
doubt its northern limit.

Monarcha ecarinata. Black-faced Flycatcher.—A number of these
Flycatchers arrived at Cape York in February, 1911. They seemed
to come from the south, stayed for about two months, and then
disappeared, so that they can be regarded only as visitors to this
region. dg, irides brown, bill horn colour, legs horn colour. Stomach
contents, insects.

Monarcha canescens. Pearly Flycatcher.—Only one noted at Cape
York during Mr. M‘Lennan’s stay there. 9, irides dark brown ; bill
horn colour, black tip ; lower mandible dark horn colour ; legs horn
colour. Stomach contents, insects. This is probably a Papuan
bird, only occasionally visiting Cape York.

Pteropodocys phasianella. Ground Cuckoo-Shrike.—Very plentiful
throughout the Gulf country, where in parties of from three to six
they may often be seen feeding on the ground. The flight is
undulating, like that of Gvaucalus melanops. One nest only was
found, near the Cloncurry River ; it was placed in a horizontal fork
of a gidgee at about 14 feet from the ground, and contained three
young birds.

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike. — Numerous

Emu
ist Jan.

170 MAcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds.
throughout the Gulf country, and during the winter months only at
Cape York, where they assemble in large flocks prior to their departure.
After September only an occasional bird is noted.

Graucalus hypoleueus. White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike.—Seen only
at Cape York, where they were most numerous down towards the
Jardine River, and were present all the year round. They nest
in the early summer months, in open forest. Iris brown, bill
and legs black. Stomach contents, large winged insects and cater-
pillars.

Edoliisoma jardinii. Great Caterpillar-eater.—Frequents the open
forest country at Cape York, where it is fairly common.

Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater. —
Common in the Gulf country, but only occasional at Cape York.

Campephaga leucomela. Pied Caterpillar-eater—Fairly numerous
all the year round at Cape York, in the scrub, open forest, and man-
groves. One nest was found, early in February, built on the topmost
branch of a mangrove at 50 feet from the ground. The nest is a very
small structure, hardly more than sufficing to hold the single egg.

Drymodes superciliaris. Eastern Scrub-Robin —Fairly numerous in
the scrub at Cape York, where its note, a long-drawn-out whistle,
may often be heard in the breeding season. It finds its living
on the ground, where it hops about quietly, turning over leaves and
other débris in search of hidden insect life. When they are nesting
the male will at once put in an appearance when its call is imitated,
and becomes very excited. The female does all the nest-building
and alone engages in the task of incubating the eggs.

22nd December, 1910.—‘‘ Watched a pair of Scrub-Robins for some
time engaged in building a nest; it was about half-built. The
female selects a leaf and then hops along to the nest. Male follows
her about, but does not do any work. It is a difficult job watching
these birds, as one cannot see far through the undergrowth, and you
have to get down on your hands and knees and crawl about after
them.”

28th December, 1910.—‘‘ Went out to Scrub-Robin’s nest pre-
viously noted building. It came on to rain heavily after I had got
some distance from the camp, and made things pretty miserable.
The nest contained two eggs. It was built in the side of a small
hollow in the ground, composed outwardly of a thick wall of twigs,
some of which were -inch thick and from 3 to 8 inches in
length, and lined with dead leaves and fine fibres. Egg chamber
34 inches deep and 3 inches in diameter. Whole nest was 9 inches
across and 44 inches high on one side and 3 inches on the other.”

3, iris brown, bill black, legs fleshy-straw colour. Stomach contents,
beetles.

Pomatorhinus intermedius (Mathews).—A form intermediate between
P. rubeculus and P. temporalis, with a leaning towards the former,
is found in the Gulf country in fair numbers, and, according to Mr.
Mathews, is identical with the Northern Territory bird to which he
has given the above sub-specific title.* It usually lays two eggs.

Length of adult male, to inches ; irides light stone, bill and legs

* Mathews, ‘‘ Reference-list,” p. 335.

Wiel MacaILtivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 17e
black. In the various stomachs examined were beetles, spiders,
grasshoppers, and chrysalides.

The Cape York bird, which Mr. M‘Lennan found to be fairly
common in the vicinity of the Jardine River, more nearly approaches
P. temporalts in type. On one of its old nests was a nest containing
eggs of Entomyza harterti, a form which differs only slightly from E.
cyanotts.

Cinclorhamphus rufescens. Rufous Song-Lark.—This species was
on several occasions noted in the Gulf country, but was never very
numerous.

Ephthianura crocea. Yellow-breasted Bush-Chat.—When camped
at Sedan Mr. M‘Lennan procured a specimen of this species. Only
a few pairs were noted. 4, length 44 inches; irides rich cream
colour, bill black, legs dark brown. Stomach contents, small insects
and caterpillars.

Acrocephalus australis. Australian Reed-Warbler —Noted at Sedan,
in the lignum, on Dalgonally Lake.

Cisticola alexandria.*—-Mr. Mathews informs me that the Cape
York bird is the same as that described by him from the Northern
Territory. It certainly is very different from the southern bird. It
is common both in the Gulf country and at Cape York, but absent
from the latter locality in the winter.

Megalurus gramineus. Little Grass-Bird.—Observed at Sedan.

Megalurus galactotes. Tawny Grass-Bird.—Noted first on the
Leichhardt, 2 miles beyond Augustus Downs, in the cane-grass
growing along the side of a water-hole. Mr. M‘Lennan states that
he “sat for some time listening to their delightful song, with its rich
and varied notes.’ g, irides brown; bill, upper mandible brown,
lower dirty white ; legs very pale brown. Stomach contained small
insects and beetles.

Acanthiza_ chrysorrhoa. Yellow-tailed Tit-Warbler. — Frequent
throughout the Gulf country. Many nests noted, at the end of drooping
gum branchlets.

Sericornis minimus. Little Scrub-Wren.—Numerous in the Cape
York scrubs, where they fossick for food amongst the dead leaves
and débris on the ground or amongst the masses of fallen vines and
trees. They are easily approached. Average length of male, about
44 inches ; irides deep orange-scarlet ; upper mandible pale brown,
lower brownish-white. Stomach contents, insects.

Malurus cyanotus. White-winged Wren-Warbler.—Mr. M‘Lennan
came across a few of these very small Wren-Warblers when camped
at Sedan. They were found amongst the lignum bordering a water-
channel at some distance from the camp. They were very shy birds
and only a pair was secured for skins.

3g, irides brown, bill black, legs blackish-brown. 9, irides brown,
bill and legs brown. Stomach contents in both, small insects.

Malurus assimilis. Purple-backed Wren-Warbler.—This Wren-
Warbler was found to be fairly common throughout the Gulf country.
On the 28th of March a nest was found in rather an unusual position
for this bird, being placed amongst the leaves of a tea-tree at about

* Mathews, ‘‘ Reference-list,”’ p. 343.

172 MacGILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. ae

~

5 feet from the ground. It was composed outwardly of fine bark,
strips of grass, and skeleton leaves, and lined with fine rootlets and
horsehair. It contained three eggs, one of which was a Cuckoo’s
(Chalcococcyx basalis.) In Western New South Wales this species
builds on or very close to the ground. Mr. M‘Lennan found it
frequenting the tea-tree along all the rivers from the Cloncurry to
the Brook, near Burketown.

Malurus amabilis. Lovely Wren-Warbler.—This species represents
the Chestnut-shouldered group at Cape York. The female, being
blue, differs markedly from the females of the other Maluri. It
frequents the scrubs, where it is quite common, and is rarely seen
out of them, and then only when crossing from one patch of scrub
to another. The largest flock noted consisted of one fully plumaged
and two immature males and four females. [In _ the breeding
season three birds—a male and two females—and occasionally only
the pair, were met with. Their call note is very feeble, and can only
be heard a few feet away. The nest is usually placed in a_ small,
thorny bush within a foot of the ground, and one found on the 7th
March contained a Cuckoo’s egg similar to those found in the nests
of Glyciphila modesta. Nesting takes place during the wet season.

3, irides black, bill black, legs bluish-white. Stomach contents,
insects. Total length, 4? inches.

Malurus coronatus. Purple-crowned Wren-Warbler.—Mr. M‘Lennan
first met with this fine, large Malurus on the Leichhardt River, 25 miles
beyond Caloola Station, where it inhabited the cane-grass growing
near the water’s edge. This river may be regarded as marking its
eastern range. It was common in the cane-grass and pandanus
along the Gregory River. Its call note is very loud, and like that
of Sericornis frontalis of southern parts. When he was standing still
this bird came within 4 feet of Mr. M‘Lennan, and showed no sign of
fear.

g, irides brown, bill black, legs light slate.

Malurus cruentatus. Red-backed Wren-Warbler.—Mr. M‘Lennan
obtained his first nest of this species at Cairns on the 1st December, 1909,
where he found the birds rather plentiful. He next met with them
at Sedan on 20th February, 1910, in a long Mitchell and cane-grass
swamp. A male was secured in brown plumage with a crimson dorsal
patch. These birds probably assume their full breeding dress in
the spring, rear a brood, lose their livery, and then, with’
the revival of all vegetable and insect life which follows the summer
rains, breed again in their ordinary brown dress. This male
was found to have enlarged sexual organs. Irides_ blackish, bill
dark brown, legs reddish-brown.

The accompanying females were found to be tending a young bird
that had only recently left the nest. Another pair was found
building a nest, which was afterwards deserted.

At Byromine, on the roth April, Mr. M‘Lennan was rather puzzled
with these birds when he found them mated and nesting with both
male and female alike in plain brown plumage. He found two nests
containing eggs and secured the pair of birds from the second one.
Both were brown.

g had one abnormally enlarged testicle. [rides brown, bill brown,
legs brown. 9, irides brown, bill and legs light brown. Stomach
contents in both, small grasshoppers and other insects.

vee | MaccILtivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 173

Another pair was found building, and specimens were secured: The
breeding male was also in plain brown dress.

They were again noted at Cloncurry and on the Leichhardt, where
they were very plentiful, and all brown, in June. Writing from
Augustus Downs, on the Leichhardt, under date 4th July, Mr.
M‘Lennan states :—‘‘ One thing noticed regarding these birds is that
the three lots that I found breeding were three pairs only—not a
male and two or three females as with other species; but now I am
finding them in small flocks.’* Until after this date Mr. M‘Lennan
was of opinion that the plain brown Wren-Warblers were a species
apart from any other, in which the males were always brown. How-
ever, he changed his opinion at this camp, where he found these
Wrens in large flocks, as many as 30'in some of them. From one
of these flocks he shot two specimens, one of which had a few crimson
feathers on the back and a few black ones round the eyes and on
the head, showing that the birds were M. cruentatus changing their
winter plumage for the early spring breeding.

3g, testes normal ; irides brown, bill light brown, legs pale brown.

On 20th July, on the Gregory River, another male with changing
plumage was shot. g, testes normal, iris brown, bill black, legs
brownish-flesh colour.

They were last seen near Burketown on the 25th July, still in flocks.

At Cape York this species frequents the open pockets, and is
never found in the scrub. Specimens were secured in January.

I have compared fully plumaged males from Cairns, Cape York,
and the Gulf country, and can find little, if any, difference.

Artamus leucogaster. White-rumped Wood-Swallow.—Noted at
Green Island and on a nest in a tree in the main street, Cairns, on
18th November, 1909 ; at Sedan in February, 1910, and frequently
at Cape York. One nested in an old nest of Chlamydera cerviniventris
another in a cleft of a dead mangrove.

y)

Artamus superciliosus. White-browed Wood-Swallow.—Only once
seen—in the Gulf country, on the Gregory River, in July.

Artamus personatus. Masked Wood-Swallow.—First noted in the
Gulf on 8th June, when on the Leichhardt road: On the 12th June
a large flock passed the camp at sundown, flying north. Again seen
on the Gregory River on 22nd July, rgto.

Great numbers of this migratory species appeared in western New
South Wales early in August, 1910, and continued to arrive until
well on into September. Very few, however, remained to nest.

Artamus melanops. Black-faced Wood-Swallow.—Frequently noted
throughout the Gulf country. This species is not migratory.

Artamus minor. Little Wood-Swallow.—Fairly common through-
out the Gulf country.

Colluricincla brunnea. Brown Shrike-Thrush.— Mr. M‘Lennan
collected two specimens in the Gulf country, both of which Mr.
Mathews refers to this species. They differ very considerably from
one another, and until a larger series of skins is examined and more
observations made in a state of nature I would not consider the
matter settled. Mr. North also refers both these to C. brunnea. They
are fairly common in the Gulf country, where conditions favour their
habits.

At Cape York there is one large Colluricincla and one small.
The latter is easily placed as C. vufigaster. The former is in dispute.

YS re T ‘ + 7 ‘ Emu
174 MacGIiL.Livray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. ee aa

Mr. North refers it also to C. brunnea, and states that it does not
agree with the type of C. superciliosa, Masters, the latter bird having
a broad white eyebrow and being very distinct from my specimens.
Mr. Mathews refers my Cape York specimnes to C. superciliosa. It
that be correct, then the type skin must be abnormal, as my skins
do not show any white eyebrow, or, at any rate, no very distinct one ;
and, again, the female of C. brunnea is supposed to have a white
eyebrow. Mr. M‘Lennan met with only the one species at Cape York
in the course of two years, and it is not likely that he could overlook
so conspicuous a bird if any other such existed there. Skins were
obtained at Paira, Peak Point, and on the Jardine River, all of the
Same species, and several nests were found containing either young
birds or eggs.

Colluricincla rufigaster. Rufous Shrike-Thrush.—Common in the
scrubs at Cape York, where its nests are frequently found.

Grallina picata. Pied Grallina (Magpie-Lark)—Common through-
out the Gulf country, but only occasional at Cape York.

Gymnorhina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie-——Common in the Gulf
country. Not noted at Cape York. This Gulf bird is smaller than
southern birds, and has been separated by Mr. Mathews under the
sub-specific name ferva-regina (‘‘ Reference-list,’’ p. 372).

Cracticus quoyi. Black Butcher-Bird.—Common at Cape York,
where their association with the Manucode, first noted by Mr. H.
Barnard, has been amply confirmed by Mr. M‘Lennan, as will be
seen in the notes on the latter bird. Towards one another the
attitude of these species seems to be one of armed neutrality, the
Manucode finding a certain amount of protection from being in the
neighbourhood of so warlike a bird, but at the same time keeping
a watchful eye upon its own eggs or callow young when the ally is
near.

Cracticus nigrogularis. Black-throated Butcher-Bird. — Common
throughout the Gulf country. A fawn-coloured bird was frequently
noted, probably one of the plumage changes towards maturity.

g, irides brown, bill black at tip and rest horn colour, legs horn
colour. Stomach contents, beetles and grasshoppers. 4, juvenile,
irides light brown, bill blackish, legs greenish-horn colour.

Cracticus mentalis. Black-backed Butcher-Bird.—Mr. M‘Lennan
found this small Butcher-Bird very numerous at Cape York between
the 16-mile point on the telegraph line and the Jardine River, where
several old nests were noted. Several nests were obtained by Mr.
Wheatley on the Batavia.

3, irides dark brown ; bill, basal half light horn coleur, rest black :
legs greyish-black. 9, irides dark brown ; bill, basal half light horn
colour, rest black; legs slaty colour. Stomach contents in both,
beetles. Length in flesh, 9% inches.

Pachycephala melanura. Black-tailed Whistler.— When Mr.
M‘Lennan was on Cairncross Island, in July, 1911, he observed a
yellow-breasted Whistler, which was probably this species.

Pachycephala faleata. Northern Whistler—Common _ throughout
the Gulf country and also at Cape York.

Neositta mortoni. Morton Tree-runner.— This is the common
Sittella throughout the Gulf country, and will probably be found to
be identical with N. magnirostris of Ingram, described from a cattle

veh XII) WacGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 175
or

station a little westward of the Gulf country. Two sets of eggs were
taken by my nephew prior to Mr. M‘Lennan’s visit. :

3, irides yellow, bill yellow with black tip, legs yellow. Stomach
contents, small beetles and other insects. 9, similar in all respects
to the male. g, juvenile, irides yellow; bill brown at tip, yellow
at base ; legs yellow.

Neositta striata. Striated Tree-runner——This is the Cape York
bird. It is more frequent down the telegraph line from the 16-mile
point to the Jardine River, in the tall bloodwood and stringy-bark
forest.

5th March, 1911.—‘‘ g, testes enlarged, irides yellow ; bill yellow,
tip black ; legs yellow. Stomach contents, small beetles and other
insects.”’

2nd May, 1911.—‘‘ 9, ovary and oviduct much enlarged ; irides
and eyelids bright yellow ; bill yellow, tip black ; legs bright sulphur-
yellow.”’

Climacteris melanura. Black-tailed Tree-creeper. — Numerous
throughout the Gulf country, especially on river-flats of the Leich-
hardt, which are clothed in bloodwood, wattle, bauhinia, and silver
box. <A spring breeder.

$, irides dark brown, bill and legs blackish-brown. Stomach
contents, small beetles, ants, and other insects.

Zosterops albiventris. Pale-bellied White-eye.—A pair of these
birds was secured on Cairncross Island. They were numerous there,
and also on Wednesday Island, York Island, Darnley, and other of
the Torres Strait islands. ‘‘ When at anchor off York Island the
singing of these birds seemed to come from some hundreds of throats.”

g, testes normal; length, 4+} inches; iris silvery-brown ; upper
mandible black, tip of lower mandible black, rest greyish-black ; legs
bluish-grey. Stomach contents, fruit juices and insects.

Zosterops gulliveri. Golden White-eye-—Numerous in the man-
groves along the Norman River. One pair was obtained on the
Leichhardt River, and another pair near Burketown.

g, testes normal; irides yellowish-brown ; bill, upper mandible
brown, lower mandible horn colour; legs dark slate. Stomach
contents, small insects.

Differs but little from Z. lutea.

Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird.—Common in the Gulf
country and at Cape York.

Pardalotus rubricatus. Red-browed Pardalote-—Numerous through-
out the Gulf country, and on the Jardine River, on the Cape York
Peninsula.

When camped at Sedan several banks where they nested in com-
pany with P. uropygialis were examined. One contained five burrows
of P. rubricatus and seven of P. uvopygialis, another five of P.
uvopygialis and three of P. rubricatus. Still another contained 26
burrows, 18 being those of P. uropygialis and eight of P. rubricatus.
The birds were at these burrows on the roth February, but no com-
pleted clutches were found until the 25th March. On the Leich-
hardt a Red-browed Pardalote was flushed from its burrow, containing
a nearly completed nest, on the 16th June. Both this species and
P. uvopygialis from the Gulf country are paler in colour than those
from the Jardine River.

176 MaccILitvray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. a gee

Pardalotus uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Pardalote.—Numerous
in the Gulf country and at the Jardine River.

Cyrtostomus frenatus. Sun-Bird.—Verv plentiful at Cape York.

Melithreptus albogularis. White-throated Honey-eater.—First met
with in the Gulf country at the Lorraine camp, on the Leichhardt
River, on 3rd July, 1910. The call was a single piping whistle like
that of a Tree-creeper.

gd, testes enlarged ; irides reddish-brown ; bare skin over the eye
white, with a faint greenish tinge; bill black; legs olive-brown.
Stomach contents, small insects.

This bird was again found at Cape York, but Mr. M‘Lennan is of
opinion that the bird from this locality shows points of difference.
The note is different. Noted at Paira, Jardine River, and at Cape
Grenville. Two skins were obtained at Paira, both females.

Q, ovary normal ; irides orange-scarlet, eyelids white, bill black,
legs fleshy-brown. Stomach contents, honey and small insects.

Melithreptus letior. Golden-backed Honey-eater.—First observed
in the Gulf country, at Sedan, where specimens were secured on
23rd October.

3g, testes enlarged ; irides brown ; skin round the eye bright green,
with a tinge of yellow; bill black ; legs brownish-yellow. Stomach
contents, portions of flowers.

‘On the 25th of the same month this species was noted feeding fully
fledged young. They were plentiful at this camp and at Cloncurry,
where they were seen again feeding young birds on the 3uth April.

In another specimen, secured on the Leichhardt River, the soft parts
were as follows :—@, testes enlarged ; irides dark brown, naked skin
above eye greenish-yellow, bill brownish-black ; legs pale yellowish
brown, feet lighter. Stomach contents, honey and insects.

On the 23rd July, on the Gregory River, about 20 miles from
Burketown, this bird was found building, the nest being half-finished,
placed in thick foliage at the end of a horizontal branch of a blood-
wood, and about 15 feet from the ground. It appeared to be built
of fine shreds of bark bound together with spider web and cocoons,
and was suspended by the rim.

Myzomela sanguineolenta. Sanguineous Honey-eater.—At Cairns,
on the 17th November, 1909, they were numerous in the mangroves.

Myzomela erythrocephala. Red-headed Honey-eater.—Noted at
Cape York—very few in 1910-11, but became numerous after-
wards. They also frequent the mangroves. In a male taken in
March, which appears to be the breeding time, the soft parts are :—
3, testes enlarged ; length, 4 3% inches: irides brown, bill black, legs
dark slate. Stomach contents, honey and small insects.

Myzomela nigra. Black Honey-eater.—One specimen was obtained
at Sedan. I had previously obtained skins from the neighbourhood
of Cloncurry.

Myzomela pectoralis. Banded Honey-eater.—First met with on the
Leichhardt River, 25 miles beyond Caloola Station, where a number
were feeding in a patch of bloodwood. Three specimens were
obtained on 16th June, 1910.

3, testes enlarged ; irides dark brown, bill black, legs dark slate
Stomach contents, honey, insects, and portions of bloodwood flowers

Mele aa MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 177

3, juvenile, bill dark brown, gape bright yellow, otherwise similar
to the adult.

They were also noted at Cape York, on the Jardine River, and
near Paira. In the latter locality they were feeding on the blossoms
of the black tea-tree. One specimen was obtained here on 27th
March, 1912.

dg, testes enlarged ; length, 4% inches ; irides reddish-brown, bill
and legs black. Stomach contents, honey and portions of flowers.

Myzomela obseura. Dusky Honey-eater.—First seen in numbers
at Cairns, and later on at Cape York, where they were very plentiful
in the mangroves, scrub, and forest. These birds vary a good deal
in size. One nest was found, on 14th May, 1912, containing two
hard-set eggs.

3g, testes enlarged ; irides brown, bill black, legs slate colour.
Stomach contents, insects. Obtained 23rd February, 1911.

2, ovary normal; iris light brown, bill brownish-black, legs lead
colour. Stomach contents, honey and smal] insects. Obtained on
27 tne December, 1010:

Glyciphila faseiata. White-breasted Honey-eater.—Met with only
on the Gregory River, at the Brook Hotel, 20 miles from Burketown,
where they were found feeding in the blossoming tea-tree.

3, testes small ; irides light stone colour, bill brown, legs pale fleshy-
brown.

Not seen at Cape York.

Glyciphila modesta Brown-backed Honey-eater.—A common
Honey-eater at Cape York, where it is mostly found in the mangrove
and tea-tree swamps, and in these it breeds freely from November
until April. It is also of interest as it is usually the chosen foster-
parent of a Cuckoo, presumably the local variety of the Brush-Cuckoo.
The Cuckoo eggs found in this Honey-eater’s nest are unlike
those of the Brush-Cuckoo from southern Australia, and are like
those described as the eggs of the Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo. The
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo is, however, an inhabitant of the tropical
scrub, and not of the mangrove or tea-tree swamps, where this Honey-
eater nests. In these swamps, however, the Brush-Cuckoo is fairly
common, and no Cuckoo egg other than the one described has been
found there that could be attributed to this Cuckoo.

Many nests of this Honey-eater were obtained containing a Cuckoo's
egg, with either one or two eggs of the parent bird. Some contained
two Cuckoo eggs; others were deserted nests containing a single
Cuckoo egg. In one old nest a dead and decomposed young Cuckoo
was found, too far gone to be recognizable In one nest were found
two not long hatched young birds, one of which was a Cuckoo. This
nest Mr. M‘Lennan was unable to visit again until after the young
one had flown. In another nest, in which a brood had been reared,
were the feathers of a young Cuckoo. These were gathered, but
were lost in a subsequent scramble through scrub.

On one occasion a pair of G. modesta was seen chasing a Brush-Cuckoo
out of the swamp.

From all this evidence one would naturally come to the conclusion
that the Cuckoo eggs found in the nests of G. modesta were those of
the Brush-Cuckoo, but it cannot be conclusively proved until the
hatching of a young bird from one of the eggs is watched and its
various stages of development noted.

178 MacGILtivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. bear

Conopophila. rufogularis. Rufous-breasted Honey-eater. — Very
common in the Gulf country, frequenting the tea-tree, and building
in the prickly acacia bushes at a few feet from the ground. Also very
common on the box flats at the Sedan camp. Many nests were found
here, in various stages of construction or containing eggs or young
birds, during February and March. One pair was noted feeding a
young Pallid Cuckoo. The female alone engages in the task of nest-
building, the male accompanying her to and from the nest.

Q, ovary normal; irides olive, bill brownish-black, legs slate.
Stomach contents, honey and small insects. 3rd July, 1910, on the
Leichhardt.

Ptilotis notata. Yellow-spotted Honey-eater.—At Cape York this
Honey-eater was numerous in the scrubs, but only occasional in the
open forest or mangroves. It nests in the summer months, the
nest being placed low down, and usually containing two eggs. One
nest found in the scrub on the 7th February, 1911, contained two eggs
of this Honey-eater and one Cuckoo egg similar to these found in the
nests of Glyciphila modesta.

Q, ovary normal; irides dark grey, bill brownish-black, naked
patch of skin at gape bright yellow, legs dark leaden-grey. Stomach
contents, stems and seeds of berries.

Ptilotis gracilis. Lesser Yellow-spotted Honey-eater—This small
Honey-eater was plentiful at Cape York in the open forest, but only
occasional in the scrub.

21st March, 1911.—4, testes normal ; irides greyish-brown ; upper
mandible black, lower brownish-black, gape yellow : legs light slate.
Stomach contents, small berries.

Ptilotis sonora. Singing Honey-eater.—Numerous in the Gulf
country between the Leichhardt and Gregory Rivers.

29th June, 1910.—¢, testes normal ; irides brown, bill black, legs
blackish. Stomach contents, insects.

Ptilotis versicolor. Varied Honey-eater.—This fine large Honey-
eater, which bears a superficial resemblance to the Singing Honey-
eater, inhabits the mangroves at Cape York, where its tuneful voice
is frequently heard in the breeding season. They were plentiful
during the season 1910-11, but hardly any were present in IQII-~12.
In the latter season, however, they were found to be plentiful in the
mangroves along the south bank of the Escape River, in the mangroves
on Bushy Island, near Cairncross Island, where a fully fledged young
one was seen on 30th June, 1911, and on the Hannibal Islands. A
fresh nest was found in the Macarthur Island mangroves, and the
birds were plentiful on the Bird Islands. At Cape Grenville a nest
was found in a small mangrove on sth July, 1911, containing two
half-fledged young birds, and not far away was a half-built nest of the
same bird. Lateron, on 17th July, a nest with two young birds almost
ready to leave it was found on the second of the Bird Islands.

Ptilotis keartlandi. Keartland Honey-eater.—First noted on the
21st April, 1910, on a turpentine and spinifex ridge at Courtenay’s
Creek, 3 miles from Cloncurry, and afterwards found to be very
numerous in this class of country. Also frequently met with at
Donaldson, on the Leichhardt, on stony ridges clothed in stunted
trees and shrubs.

Ptilotis flavescens. Yellow-tinted Honey-eater.—Common in the
Gulf country, but not seen at Cape York One pair was found

Vol. XIII.
IQT4

| MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 179
- building a nest at Sedan, on the Cloncurry, on 8th March, 1910, but
deserted it after completion. Another nest, containing small young
birds, was found at Byromine on the oth April ; one on the Gregory
River road, on the 17th July, containing one egg ; and a fourth building
near Burketown on the 23rd July.

Male, taken on 21st February—irides dark brown, bill blackish-
brown, legs olive-brown. Stomach contents, bronze-green ants and
small beetles.

Ptilotis flava. Yellow Honey-eater.—First noted at the Jardine
River, Cape York, where they were common in the open forest and
along the river and where their bold, loud, and clear whistling note
was constantly heard.

3, iris greyish-brown; upper mandible brownish-black, lower
mandible dark brown : legs yellowish-olive. Stomach contents, honey
and insects.

Ptilotis leilavalensis. Pallid Honey-eater.—Numerous throughout
the Gulf country in eucalypts and tea-tree. One nest was found,
containing eggs, on the 18th March. In habits they resemble closely
P. penicillata of southern latitudes.

Ptilotis unicolor. White-gaped Honey-eater. — These fine, large
Honey-eaters were first met with on the Leichhardt River beyond
Caloola Station; thence onward to Burketown they became more
numerous. They are very noisy birds, with a loud whistling note,
and were never met with away from the tea-tree which borders the
rivers.

3g, taken on 12th June—irides greyish-brown, bill black, naked patch
of skin at base of upper mandible bright sulphur-yellow, legs dark
slate. Stomach contained skins and seeds of the wild grape, portions
of mistletoe flowers, and ladybird beetles. The female resembled the
male in these particulars.

Trichodere cockerelli. Cockerell Honey-eater.—Mr. M‘Lennan found
this very beautiful Honey-eater to be fairly plentiful in the neigh-
bourhood of the Jardine River, Cape York Peninsula, in March,
April, and May, 1911. In December they were in numbers in the
black tea-tree country between Paira and Peak Point, but disappeared
within a month In their habits they closely resemble the members
of the genus Glyciphila, and their call is almost indistinguishable
from that of Stigmatobs ocularis.

On the 24th April, 1911, one of these birds was found building its
‘nest in the fork of a small tea-tree 2 feet from the ground at the edge
of a swamp, the nest being composed of fine rootlets bound together
with spiders’ webs.

The first clutch of eggs was found on the oth of May, 1911, the nest
being 2 feet from the ground in a small tea-tree. Four old nests
were found in the vicinity, and one containing two half-fledged young
birds, in similar bushes, all at about 2 feet from the ground

On the roth May, rt911, another nest was found, again in a small
tea-tree bush at about 18 inches from the ground. An old nest was
near by in another bush. On the 15th a nest was found containing
two young birds, and another pair of young birds that had just left
the nest was seen, and one obtained for a skin.

In an adult male taken on the 12th March the soft parts were as
follows :—, irides reddish-brown, bill black, naked skin at gape dark
greenish-blué, legs dark slate. Stomach contents, honey and small

< : : E
180 MacciLiivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. |... iran

insects. Q, juvenile, irides brown, bill black, naked skin at gape pale
greenish-blue, legs slate. Stomach contents, honey only (26th
April, 1911). 9, fledgeling, taken on 15th May, 1911—1irides brown ;
bill, upper mandible dark brown, lower light brown, gape yellow ;
jegs lead colour. Stomach contents, insects.

Xanthotis filigera. Streak-naped Honey-eater.—Very common at
Cape York, in scrub, open forest, and mangroves. They are
silent birds, mainly insectivorous in their diet, and may often be seen
searching the dead leaves on trees for insects. The first nest was
found in course of construction in the mangroves at Paira on the
7th January, 1911 ; two eggs were afterwards laid. This nest was
10 feet from the ground, suspended by the rim from a horizontal fork
of a small, bushy mangrove. It was composed outwardly of broad
strips of melaleuca and swamp mahogany bark, lined with a few fine
rootlets and fine strips of bark, and very compactly built, the sides
being }-inch in thickness, the bottom #-inch. Another nest, con-
taining eggs, was found on the 2nd February. This was 30 feet up
ina bushy tree in the scrub. A third nest, found on the 12th February,
was also about 30 feet up in a bushy scrub tree, and contained two
half-fledged young. A fourth, found on the 11th April, contained
one hard-set egg; this nest was 50 feet up in a bushy scrub tree.

©, length in flesh, 73? inches ; irides brown, bill black, legs leaden-
blue. Stomach contents, insect remains.

Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner.—Numerous in the
Gulf country, where they were nesting in and after the wet
season. Noted as a foster-parent of the Koel.

Entomyza harterti. Northern Blue-faced Honey-eater.—Numerous
from 16 miles on Cape York telegraph line to the Jardine River, and
at Lockerbie when the tea-tree is in bloom. This bird very closely
resembles E. cyanotis, E. albipennis not being found on the Cape
York Peninsula. Only one nest was found, near the Jardine River,
in an old Babbler’s nest ; it contained two eggs only.

2, irides silvery-cream colour ; bare skin above eye pale greenish-
blue, below the eye deep sky-blue; bill black, base of bill pale
greenish-blue ; legs pale slate. Stomach contents, honey and insects.

Tropidorhynechus argenticeps. Silvery-crowned Friar-Bird.— At
Cape York these birds were only noted on the western side of the
Peninsula, where they were numerous in 1911 in the messmate and
bloodwood forest country. The nest is usually placed high in one
of these trees, and is a pendant one, somewhat smaller than that of
the Helmeted Friar-Bird. Usual clutch, two.

3, irides light brown, bare skin of head black, legs slaty-blue.
Stomach contents, honey and insects.

Tropidorhynchus buceroides. Helmeted Friar-Bird.—Numerous all
the year round in the forest country at Cape York, where they nest
in the Moreton Bay ash trees in company with Sphecotheres, Drongo,
and Aplonis, laying three to four eggs.

Q, iris dark orange, bill and naked skin of head black. legs dark
leaden-grey.

Philemon sordidus. Little Friar-Bird—Common in Gulf country
and at Cape York in the more open country. One nest found on the
Cloncurry River contained young birds in February ; another, which
had two eggs in it, was vigorously defended by the parent birds
when Mr. M‘Lennan attempted to examine it.

eee MaccaiLtivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 181

Colouring of soft parts in a Gulf specimen, 21st February, 1910—
6, irides brown, bare skin round eye greenish-lead colour, bill dark
brown, legs lead colour. Stomach contents, seeds and small insects.
In a Cape York bird these more nearly approached P. citreogularis.

2, irides greyish-brown, bill black, bare skin of head dull leaden-
blue, legs dark slate. Stomach contents, beetles and other insects.
Taken on 6th December, 1910, at Paira.

Anthus australis. Australian Pipit (Ground-Lark).—Not noted at
Cape York, but common throughout the Gulf country.
Mirafra seeunda. Lesser Bush-Lark.—Mr. M‘Lennan first met

with this bird at Sedan in February. 1910. He notes :—‘‘ It has a
louder and more varied song than M. horsfieldi, and it is a pleasure
to listen to it.’ They were evidently breeding, as he saw them

carrying building material, and dissection of specimens confirmed
this opinion. Although he spent many hours on several occasions
in searching for the nest, he did not succeed in finding it. They were
very numerous in some places on plains or grassy flats.

3g, irides light stone colour; bill brown on top, cream-coloured
underneath. Stomach contents, grasshoppers and beetles. Taken at
Sedan, on Cloncurry, 19th February, 1910.

2, irides olive-brown ; bill brown, upper mandible brownish-flesh
colour ; legs pale straw colour. Stomach contents, seeds.

A pair of eggs sent me some years ago bore a general resemblance
to those of M. horsfieldi—had the same gloss, but were larger by about
2 mm. in both diameters.

Teniopygia castanotis. Chestnut-eared Finch. — Very common
throughout the Gulf country, but not seen at Cape York.

Stictoptera bichenovii. Banded Finch.—Many of these birds in the
Gulf country. Several nests were found in and after the wet season,
the usual clutch being four to six. The nests on the Cloncurry River
were usually composed of fine rootlets and placed in the tea-tree.

At Augustus Downs, on the Leichhardt, they were building in the
cane-grass. Here they were nesting freely in June. On the Gregory
River they were still nesting in July.

Munia castaneothorax. Chestnut-breasted Finch.—Found only at
Cape York, where they nest in the long grass growing on the small
rocky islets near the mainland, seldom being found to nest on the
mainland itself. On one small islet about a mile from Peak Point
the nests were placed at from 6 inches to 2 feet from the ground. The
growing grass is woven to form the outside of the nest, which is then
lined with fine grass. Several nests just commenced showed the
outer fabric only, and were green. Clutches of from four to
seven eggs were found.

3g, irides brown, bill horn colour, legs dark slate. Stomach
contents, grass seeds (17th February, 1911).

Munia pectoralis. White-breasted Finch.—First noted at Sedan,
but found to be more plentiful near the ranges. They were also met
with on the Leichhardt and Gregory Rivers.

3, irides brown, bill horn colour, legs straw colour. Stomach
contents, seeds.

gintha minor. Lesser Red-browed Finch.—This very distinct
sub-specific form was met with only at Cape Grenville, where the birds
were found nesting in July, 1911. One nest containing five eggs was
found in a creeper-covered shrub growing on a sandy rise between

182 MAcGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. ee

the beach and the mangroves ; another, containing young birds, was
placed in a small mangrove on the beach and at about: 2 feet above:
high-water mark: and a third half-built one close by in another
mangrove. One specimen was secured.

2, length, 3}% inches ; iris reddish-orange ; upper mandible crimson,
culmen dark brown; lower mandible, tip and cutting edge crimson,
the rest black ; legs pale straw. Stomach contents, grass seeds.

Poephila hecki. Red-billed Grass-Finch.—Met with for the first
time on the Leichhardt, 25 miles beyond Caloola Station, where a pair
was found in attendance upon a nest containing four young birds,
on 16th June, 1910. This nest was placed in a horizontal bushy limb
of a bauhinia, 15 feet from the ground, and was composed of fine grass,
lined with a few Galah feathers ; it was 6 inches in depth and 8 inches
long on the outside, 4 inches by 5 inches on the inside. The young
were covered with pin feathers and grey down. Bill blackish, irides
grey.

Adult 3, irides dark orange, bill orange-scarlet, legs and feet
bright red. Crop and gizzard contained grass seeds.

These birds became numerous as the Gregory River was ap-
proached, where several nests were found in small bauhinia trees
at about 5 to 7 feet from the ground. On the Gregory River itself
several nests were found in the pandanus ; none contained more than
four eggs.

Poephila personata. Masked Grass-Finch.—First noted on the
Leichhardt River, 2 miles beyond Augustus Downs. On the Gregory
River they were numerous.

3, irides ruby-red, bill yellow, legs bright red. Stomach contents,
grass seeds. 9 similar.

Poephila gouldie. Gouldian Grass-Finch.—First observed on the
Leichhardt River, 2 miles beyond Augustus Downs. Seven miles
from the Leichhardt, on the Gregory River track, they came to a
water-hole at night in numbers.

Neochmia phaeton. Crimson Finch.—Noted throughout the Gulf
country, being more numerous along the Leichhardt and Gregory
than in the vicinity of Cloncurry. Along those rivers it was found
frequenting the cane-grass and pandanus, and many nests were
found. They were bulky structures, composed of grass and lined
with feathers.

3, irides golden-brown, bill crimson, legs dark straw colour,
Stomach contents, seeds. ©, juvenile, irides grey, bill blackish, legs
straw colour. Adult female similar to male.

Oriolus affinis. Northern Oriole-—Numerous on the Gregory River,
but not so common in other parts of the Gulf country. Frequent at
Cape York, where it was found in the open forest country. Its note
differs considerably from that of its southern congener.

3, irides light orange, bill brown, legs slate. Stomach contained
beetles and other insects (Leichhardt River, 15th June, 1910).

3, irides orange-red, bill blackish-brown, legs light slate. Stomach
contents, caterpillars (Jardine River, 28th April, 1911).

Oriolus flavicinetus. Yellow Oriole.—A very common bird at Cape
York, frequenting scrubs and mangroves, but preferring to nest in
the open pockets, where it usually selects a small tree, the nest being
generally placed at a height of from 5 to 20 feet from the ground.
It also nests in the mangroves just above high-water mark, and

Vol. XIII.

sey MACGILLIVRAY, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 183
occasionally in the scrub. The nest is a pensile structure of bark,
and as a rule one long streamer of bark of from 1 to 2 feet in length
hangs from it. Nests were found from November to February.
Two eggs form a clutch.

Sphecotheres flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Fig-Bird.—One of the
commonest of birds at Cape York, where it nests high up. usually in
a Moreton Bay ash, in company with the Helmeted Friar-Bird
Drongo, and Calornis (A plonis).

,

Chibia bracteata. Spangled Drongo.—Found all the year round
at Cape York, but not so numerous in the winter. They nest in
company with other birds, in the open forest usually, but sometimes
in the scrub.

Aplonis metallica. Shining Starling.—Numerous at Cape York
from August until March. They usually come early in August, and
soon take possession of their nesting-trees.

3, irides scarlet, bill and legs black. Stomach contents, wild fruits.

Chlamydera maculata. Spotted Bower-Bird.—Met with at Sedan.
Mr. M‘Lennan’s note, made on 24th February, 1910, reads :—
“Saw a bird in a thick bush. Could not get a clear Jook at it, so
shot it ; it proved to be a Bower-Bird. Its mate flew from a tree
close by, and started to mimic all the birds of the district—Miner,
Friar-Bird, Whistler, Magpie, Butcher-Bird, Red-throated Honey-
eater—and ended with a marvellous imitation of a cat in a rage.”’

When at Cattle Creek, 50 miles west from Cloncurry, this note
was made :—‘' While fixing up the horses I heard a Bower-Bird
mimicking the following birds :—Black Cockatoo, Whistling-Eagle,
Brown Hawk, Kite, Butcher-Bird, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike,
Whistler, and Restless Flycatcher—all imitated to perfection ; in fact,
I was trying to locate the three first-named birds when I saw the
Bower-Bird.”’ They were numerous round this camp.

Chlamydera nuchalis. Great Bower-Bird.—Seen on the Gregory
River and at the Brook Hotel, 20 miles from Burketown. They are
considered to be a nuisance in the hotel garden, destroying the fruit,
especially the grapes.

¢, irides brown, bill blackish-brown, legs olive. Stomach contained
seeds and portions of green vegetable matter (wild figs)

Chlamydera orientalis. Queensland Bower-Bird.—Numerous at
Lockerbie in 1910, but fewer in 1911. Their bowers are decorated
with the shells of land-snails.

g, length 134 inches ; irides brown, bill blackish-brown ; legs olive-
green, feet a darker shade. Stomach contents, wild fruits.

Chlamydera cerviniventris. Fawn-breasted Bower-Bird. — Fairly
common at Cape York, but unevenly distributed. They were met
with at Paira, Peak Point, and Somerset, on the Jardine River and
Escape River, and at Cape Grenville. Many nests were found, but
only one contained the much-coveted eggs. Seven bowers were
noted at Cape York. Some had a platform of sticks in front of the
bower, and one had a square platform, also of sticks, about 6 feet
from the bower, raised 14 inches from the ground. The only decora-
tions about these bowers were bunches of green berries—no shells,
flowers, or leaves were noted. Berries were on all the bowers, and
on the platforms in front. One bower was below high-water mark,
in the mangroves, and was flooded by the high tide every fortnight.

Emu

184 Macaitivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. |. Jak

There was a shelly beach 3 yards away, but shells were never used
for decoration, though so near at hand—always some kind of berry.
When playing about the bowers the birds make a rustling noise with
the throat.

3, irides brown, bill black, legs greenish-olive. Stomach contents,
berries. Jardine River (12th March, 1911). Q, irides greyish-brown,
bill black, legs slate colour. Stomach contents, seeds and skins of
wild fruits and berries.

Ptiloris alberti. Albert Rifle-Bird.—This bird, although fairly
common still in the Cape York scrubs, has suffered a great diminu-
tion in numbers, mainly through the depredations of scientific
collectors. One man alone obtained over 70 skins. It is difficult
to imagine why any museum or investigator should require so large
a number. The number of skins taken for scientific purposes should
be limited, and the large areas of scrub on this Peninsula should be
made a sanctuary for the birds, else in a few years they will be a thing
of the past, as well as many other rare and interesting species.

They keep to the scrub, where their ordinary call, two sharp
whistles, is often heard. During the nesting season this call alters
to three sharp whistles and a long, sonorous one to finish up with.
They feed mostly on wild fruits of various kinds.

Phonygama gouldi. Trumpet-Bird (Manucode).—A fair number of
these birds is to be found in the scrubs at Cape York. They seem
to arrive early in August, and take their departure at the end of
March, or early in April, when they gather together in flocks. Building
as they do a frail nest high up in a scrub tree, it is a difficult matter
to locate one through the tangle of vegetation overhead. The first
nest found by Mr. M‘Lennan proved rather a difficult proposition.
After watching a pair for some time, on the 24th November, 1910,
the male bird was seen to chase other birds from a certain tree, which
was watched, when one of the birds returned to it with building
material. The nest was soon located, at a height of about go feet
from the ground. The bird was sitting on the nest on the 2nd
December, and on the 5th the tree was climbed during a thunderstorm.
“TI thought my last hour had come. The limb I was on swayed 7 or
8 feet when the wind caught it ; one flash of lightning rattled my
nerves—it seemed so close ; rain started to pelt down when I was
descending the tree, and continued for the rest of the day. The
nest contained two eggs.”’

Another nest, found on the 6th December, 1910, was 50 feet up
at the top of a bushy tree; it contained a fully fledged young bird,
which flew off and came to the ground. This young bird Mr. M‘Lennan
succeeded in rearing for several months, when it died. A third nest
was found on the 2nd February, 1911, at the top of a tall, thin
sapling, 60 feet from the ground ; it contained two hard-set eggs.

After this, acting on Mr. Barnard’s note that this bird’s nest is
usually in the vicinity of the nest of Cvracticus rufescens (quoyt), Mr.
M‘Lennan was more successful.

On the 16th November, 1911, at Lockerbie, the following note
was made :—“‘ Searched through the scrub near the house, as I had
frequently heard a Butcher-Bird calling there. I soon discovered
its nest in a large fork of a leafless scrub tree ; it contained four very
pretty eggs. I had almost made up my mind to take them when I
heard a Manucode call close by,so I came down and investigated. I
soon located the nest in a bushy tree 50 yards from the Butcher-

Mee ree | Maccitttvray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. 185
Bird’s nest. It appeared to be just ready for eggs, the Manucode
sitting in a tree close by. On the 28th I went to the nest again. The
bird was sitting, but flew off. As I approached the nest. one of the
Butcher-Birds flew into a tree close by and the Manucode attacked
it and drove it away, then returned to the nest and stayed there till
I climbed to within a few feet of it. The nest was about 4o feet
from the ground, and contained two eggs. On the 18th November,
in a small blind pocket at the foot of the big hill, a Manucode was
flushed from its nest in a big fig-tree at the edge of the scrub. This
nest, which contained two eggs, was 70 feet from the ground. Heard
a Butcher-Bird calling, and found its nest, containing three eggs, in
a bushy tree 30 yards from the Manucode’s. Crossed the hill to Tiera
Pocket. Flushed a Butcher Bird from its nest in a big fig-tree at
the edge of the scrub, but did not examine it. Heard a Manucode
calling close by, but it was too late to search for its nest.”

4th December, 1911.—‘' Went to Tiera Pocket, to Butcher-Bird’s
nest, and had another search for Manucode’s nest, which I found in
the bushy top of a small-leafed tree in thick scrub about 60 yards
from the Butcher-Bird’s ; it contained two young birds just hatched.
The nest was 40 feet from the ground. The Butcher-Bird’s nest
also contained small young birds.”

21st November, 1911.—‘‘ Found a Butcher-Bird’s nest containing
small young birds in a big bloodwood. Had a search for Manucode’s
nest, and found one in some vines in a bushy tree at the edge of the
scrub ; it contained two eggs, and was 25 feet up and 4o yards from
the Butcher-Bird’s nest.”

28th November, 1911.—‘* Went out along Gheedinia track. Heard
a Manucode calling near Butcher-Bird’s nest that I had found on the
14th November, and, after watching for some time, saw one of these
birds fly into a rubber-tree about 50 yards from the Butcher-Bird’s
nest. In a few minutes its mate flew into the same tree with some
building material. They were just starting a nest. I watched them
for about half an hour, and twice in that period the male bird
flew into the scrub and returned with a vine tendril and added it to
the nest. The rest of the time he spent in an adjoining tree, uttering
his peculiar call and preening his feathers. The female was ex-
ceedingly busy gathering her nesting material—aerial rootlets from
the tree in which she was building—occasionally uttering a harsh
croak in answer to her mate’s more melodious call. This nest was
afterwards deserted or removed.

The last nest of the season was found on the 4th December in the
bushy top of a small-leafed tree in thick scrub about 60 yards from
a Butcher-Bird’s nest ; it contained two newly-hatched young. The
Butcher-Bird’s nest also contained small young.

Corvus coronoides. Crow:—Noted occasionally in the Gulf country.

Corvus bennetti. Short-billed Crow.—This species predominates
throughout the Gulf country, and is the usual foster-parent of the
Channelbill. On a channel of the Gilliat River, near Sedan, 23 nests
were found one morning containing either young Crows, young
Channelbills, or Crows’ eggs. The trees of other creeks on the plain
were resorted to in the same way. This was in March, at the end of
the wet season.

Corvus australis. Raven.—Frequently noted in the Gulf country.
Two nests were found on the Leichhardt River in July, one partly
constructed and the other containing fully fledged young.

186 MacaILLivray, Notes on Some N. Queensland Birds. Emu

mst Jan.

Struthidea cinerea. Grey Jumper (Apostle-Bird).—First met with
near Granada, on the Leichhardt River, where a flock of about 30
was disturbed and a specimen obtained. They were common
thence onwards

Q, irides brown, with yellow outer ring; bill and legs black.
Gizzard contained grasshoppers, seeds, and coarse sand. A number
of parasites were found under the skin of the head and neck.

Descriptions of Two New Eggs.
By Henry L. Waite, R.A.O.U. Belltrees (N.S.W.)

Neositta leucoptera, Gould (subleucoptera, Mathews).

Type.—Eggs two in number, roundish in shape, somewhat
pointed towards one end; surface smooth and slightly glossy.
Ground colour a very delicate greyish-white, over which are well-
scattered blotches and spots of slaty-lilac and light and dark
umber.

Dimensions in inches :—(a) 0.64 x 0.49; (b) 0.64 x 0.48.

Birds, together with the eggs, were collected for me by Mr. H.G.
Barnard, on the Macarthur River, Northern Territory, on 22nd
September, 1913.

Co-type.—Eggs two in number, rather roundish-oval in shape,
but decidedly more pointed at the one end than in the case of the
type specimens. The markings are more confluent, and confined
chiefly to the larger apex of each egg, where they form a well-
defined zone.

Dimensions in inches :—(a) 0.67 x 0.50; (b) 0.66 x 0.50.

Taken in same locality by Mr. H. G. Barnard, on 14th October,
1913. The nests were beautifully finished, cup-shaped, and
composed of pieces of bark and cobweb neatly woven into the
forks of Coolibah saplings, and placed about 10 feet up from the
ground.

Pezoporus flaviventris, North.

Type.—Eggs three in number, roundish in shape, surface of shell
very fine and smooth and possessing very little gloss. Colour pure
white.

Dimensions in inches :—(a) 1.06 x 0.87; (b) 1.05 x 0.88; (c)
Ti08), %2 0,07:

Collected by Mr. F. Lawson Whitlock, at Wilson’s Inlet, South-
West Australia, on zoth November, 1913. Nest consisted of a
hollow under the lee of a prickly shrub, growing on a low ridge in
a huge flat. Female flushed from nest. Eggs fresh.

Broinowski’s ‘‘ Birds of Australia.’’—This work, complete, in
parts, unbound, price £5. Apply Editors, The Emu.

Vol. XIII.

i WHITE, New Sub-species of Honey-eater. 187

New Sub-species of Honey-eater.
byob i WHire, k.A.O.U:, BELLTREES: (N.S:W.)

From Mr. H. G. Barnard, who is collecting for me on the Mac-
arthur River, Northern Territory, I lately received skins of a
Honey-eater which appears to be a new sub-species of Ento-
mophila picta. I suggest the name of Entomophila borealis, or
Northern Painted Honey-eater. As far as I can learn, the
Painted Honey-eater has not hitherto been recorded north of
New South Wales, from which State I have a series of skins.

The northern bird, as compared with the southern, is smaller
generally, the comparative measurements being—

= fae Mone? os FE. borealis (in the flesh).

Length .. ee 6.3 inches. 6 inches.
Wing Sr at 3.5 inches. 3.3 inches.
Bill me Ee -55 inches. .5 inches.
Tarsus -7 inches. .6 inches.

* *€ Nests and Eggs of Birds,” &c., vol. ii., p. 83.

It also differs in both sexes being darker above, the yellow on
wings being more pronounced, and in having the wing feathers
faintly tipped with white (this is more noticeable in the female).
The white markings on the under part of tail feathers are much
smaller, while the breast is purer white and less spotted.

The female is slightly lighter on the upper parts than the
male ; otherwise the colouring of the sexes is almost identical.

New Parrot for Australia and Description of Eggs.
By (Dr.) WM. MacciLLivray, R.A.O.U., BROKEN HILL (N.5.W.)

BeEroreE leaving Broken Hill for a trip to Cape York it was my
pleasure to receive from Mr. W. M‘Lennan three fine specimens,
a male and two females, of an Eclectus taken on the Claudie River,
which runs into Lloyd’s Bay, on the Cape York Peninsula, where
these birds are fairly common. So far as I can make out, this
bird does not differ specifically from the Papuan bird, FE. pectoralts,
which is to be seen alive in the Adelaide Zoological Gardens.
Description of Eggs.—The clutch consists of two eggs, oval in
shape, smooth, without lustre, and pitted, pure white, usually
nest-stained. Long axis, 45 mm.; short axis, 35 mm. This set
was taken on the Claudie River from a deciduous tree in the scrub
at a height of over 70 feet. Average eggs are dumpier and more
pointed at the smaller end than are those of this first set.

= A Take r Emu
88 BARNARD, Search for Amytornis woodwardi in N.T. ieee

Search for Amytornis woodwardi in the Northern
Territory.
By Harry G. BARNARD, R.A.O.U.

On Tuesday, 23/9/13, my companion and self left camp for some
high sandstone ranges about 7 miles distant, and east of the
junction of the Clyde River with the Macarthur, in the Northern
Territory. The object of our quest was an Amytornis, or Grass-
Wren, of which we had previously seen a single specimen, but
which we had failed to obtain. As we intended to put in two
days in the ranges, we carried provisions to last the time, also
took camp mosquito-nets, as snakes are numerous in that class of
country. We also carried a small-bore rifle and a 410-bore
specimen gun, with plenty of ammunition, and skinning apparatus.

About I0 a.m. we arrived at a small pool under a high sand-
stone bluff. Here we established our headquarters, and, as it was
still early, placed our swags on the sandstone shelves, and, taking
the gun and rifle, spent several hours among the high sand-
stone bluffs and deep ravines, in which grew a few stunted bushes
and great masses of ‘old man” spinifex or porcupine-grass.
This grass is armed with sharp points, which penetrate one’s
clothing, also one’s flesh, leaving a nasty stinging sensation. It
is also covered with a sticky, waxy-like substance which blackens
one’s clothing and is very hard to remove. We returned to camp
at mid-day, having seen nothing of the bird wanted. The only
birds seen were a few Thrushes (Colluricincla woodwardt),
“one old nest of which was seen placed in a round hole in
the side of a cliff,’’ a Honey-eater (Ptilotis) which is only found
among the sandstone, and a small colony of Lavender-flanked
Wrens (Malurus dulcis). After a short spell and lunch, we again
set forth, this time following the ranges parallel with the Mac-
arthur River; after going about 3 miles through very rough
country we struck across to the river. We had seen no sign of the
bird we were after, but found an old nest, placed on the top of a
bunch of spinifex, which undoubtedly belonged to an Amytornis.
On reaching the river we flushed a Winking Owl (Ninox con-
nivens) from a hollow high up in a large melaleuca, and a
clutch of two eggs was obtained. Tired of mountain climbing,
we followed the river till opposite the camp, which we reached
towards evening, weary and very disappointed with the day’s
work. After supper we rigged our nets, and, as it became dark,
crawled beneath them. The night, however, proved very chilly
and the ground hard, and long before morning we crept out
and gathered what sticks we could find in the dark. After
lighting a fire we lay beside it, waiting for dawn, and listening
to the rock-wallabies, which kept hopping about on the rocks,
wondering, no doubt, what strange beings had taken possession
of their drinking quarters.

At the first sign of dawn the quart-pots were on the fire, and,
after a hasty breakfast, we rolled up our swags, and, taking them

Vol. XIII. <a £E TN EM me ops eee
eet | BARNARD, Search for Amytornis woodwardi in N.T. 189

with us, made for some high ranges on the opposite side of
the river and the place where we had seen the Amytornis on a
previous occasion. After crossing the river we made for a pool of
water about a mile from the river and on the top of the range.
In crossing a low spur at the foot of a very high wall of rock a
pair of Amytornis suddenly darted from under a rock close in
front of us, and instantly disappeared among a mass of rocks.
Our swags were dropped, and, creeping quietly forward with the
gun ready, I gained the rocks, only to see one bird dart from
rock to rock with such speed that it was impossible to get a shot,
and in a few seconds it had gained the bluff, which was fully
50 feet high, and with a succession of short flights and hops
quickly reached the top, over which it disappeared. I now turned
my attention to the other bird, which had reappeared further
dewn the spur. It made for the bluff. After much difficulty
with rocks, &c., a shot brought the bird down. We were quickly
on the spot, and for some time searched in vain; at last, when
nearly giving up in despair, I climbed to the ledge of rock above
our heads, and saw the bird wedged into a crack. In trying to
get my hand in I touched the bird, which quickly fluttered out
of the crack lower down and on to a rock close to my companion,
who promptly caught it. Making our way to where we had left
our swags, I left my companion on watch to see whether the other
bird returned to its mate, and with some difficulty scaled the
bluff. The top was fairly flat, and I searched for some time
without result. In one place was a deep depression down which
water evidently pours during the wet season, probably coming
out again at some spot at the foot of the bluff. This depression
had a few small trees growing in it, the tops of which just reached
the surface, causing it to be dark within. In climbing down
I disturbed a pair of Boobook Owls roosting in a shrub at the
bottom ; probably they nest in the hollows of the sandstone.
Continuing my search for a quarter of a mile, I climbed down
to a lower shelf of rock, and watched a family of Malurus dulcis
feeding among the shrubs and spinifex below me. Several
** Sandstone’ Thrushes were creeping among the rocks like rats.
I thought that if any specimens of Amytornis were about they
would be feeding with the other birds. For about ro minutes I
remained still, watching the birds, when suddenly an Amytornis
hopped on to a rock close to me. I fired at once, killing it. I
kept quiet for a while, hoping that others would show out, but
as none appeared I climbed down and secured the dead bird.
Hearing a quick “chirp” behind, and turning quickly, I saw
another bird hop on to a rock, and, firing before it could get
away, killed it also. I now followed the Thrushes and Maluri
lower down, and, after watching them for some time, saw three
more Amytornis feeding among the rocks. I now returned to my
companion, and we again shouldered our swags and made for the
water.

The quart-pot was now boiled, and after a pannikin of tea I

Emu

Igo BARNARD, Search for Amytornis woodwardi in N.T. ee ae
proceeded to convert the dead birds into specimens. Great
numbers of Plumed-Pigeons (Lophophaps plumifera) come to these
water-holes to drink, but very few other birds except the
Ptilotis. While hunting among these sandstone bluffs we came
across several examples of so-called paintings by the blacks, but
they were all of the same character—namely, hands and the arm
as far as the elbow. Some of these paintings were out of our
reach, and had evidently been done when the lower stone was far
higher than it is at the present day. After dissecting the
specimens (which were all males), and turning them into skins,
we had lunch, and then commenced a long tramp homewards,
reaching there just before sundown. A dip in the river and we
were ready for supper, and shortly afterwards turned in for a
needed night’s repose.

The R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.”

SOME APPRECIATIONS.
QUEENSLAND MUSEUM,
Brisbane, 30/9/13.
The Hon. Secretary, Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.
DEAR Sir,—At the last meeting of the Brisbane Field Naturalists’
Club appreciative comment was made by several members on the
‘* Official Check-list of the Birds of Australia,’ as published as
a supplement to The Emu in January last. After discussion, it
was unanimously resolved that the R.A.O.U. be heartily con-
gratulated on its endeavours to protect time-honoured names of
Australian birds, and its decision to adhere to the simpler form of
nomenclature. As naturalists and bird-lovers, the members of
the Club are gratified at the stand the Union has taken in this
important matter.—On behalf of the Club, we are, yours very
sincerely,
(Signed) .H. A. LoncMaANn, President.

(Signed) C. T. WuiTEe, Hon. Secretary.

Mr. Tom Carter, M.B.O.U., Western Australia, states :—

“Please accept my best congratulations upon having com-
pleted a work so useful as the ‘ Check-list.’ I am indeed much
pleased that binomials have been retained and that the law of
priority has not been carried to excess. There are many orni-
thologists of high standing in England who are strongly protesting
against the trinomial system, the hair-splitting of species, and the
great confusion that is being caused by the extreme use (or, rather,
abuse) of the law of priority. Personally, I fear that there will
never be fixity of nomenclature.. There will always be persons
wanting to differ from the rest. Sooner than accept trinomials,
[ would give up ornithology altogether. I desire that my hobby

nee The R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.” IgI

be a pleasure to me and not a laborious task.’’—Wensleydale,
Broome Hill, 12/5/13. fi Sloe

Mr. Gerald F. Hill, F.E.S., Government Entomologist, Northern
Territory, states :—

“The ‘ Check-list > came to hand last mail, but I regret to say
I have not had time for more than a glance at it. However, I
am satisfied it is what has been badly wanted, and will put hope
into those who, like myself, found the burden of ornithology
getting too weighty. I felt that I would have to give up the study
or fall behind, as I could not devote the time necessary to keep
abreast of things.

“May I offer the members of the committee my congratulations
on bringing out such a work as the ‘ Official Check-list’ ? It
has been a great undertaking, but I feel sure you have won the
thanks of the vast majority of ornithologists. I, for one, feel
pleased that the burden of the trinomial system has been peas
us who have not the same facilities as city folk for keeping up te
date in study.” Darwin, 25/4/13.

Mr. Frank 5. Smith, Victoria, a writer on popular ornithology,
Stales i=

“From the point of view of the ordinary bird-lover the © Check-
list’ seems to be a splendid piece of work. All ornithologists will
feel much obliged to you and your committee for your labour of
love.

“T feel convinced that you are correct about the trinomial
business and the eternal splitting of species; also about priority
of nomenclature. I am certain some authorities have split species
up far too much, and have raised the priority business to a fetish.

“Your list seemed to me to be so altogether admirable (and
workable) that I thought it right to let you know my opinion.”
Noorat, 29/3/13.

Later :—‘ 1 am more and more enamoured of the ‘ Check-list
the more I use it. I am sure that even your few opponents will
gradually come round.”

The Editors of “ The Emu.”

Sirs,—On behalf of the 50,000 members of the Gould League
of Bird Lovers of Victoria, and the almost equal number of Gould
League Bird Lovers of the other States of the Commonwealth,
I desire to thank the R.A.O.U. for the timely issue of the
“ Official Check-list of the Birds of Australia.” It provides some-
thing definite at this period of uncertainty and research. The
whole-hearted diligence of Mr. Gregory M. Mathews in_ his
successful investigations of the literature of the past has revealed
so much of interest and value that his ‘‘ Reference-list,’’ published
less than two years ago, is already obsolete. He has announced
in the Austral Avian Record of 23rd October, 1913, the issue of
“A New List of the Birds of Australia.” As Mr. Mathews is still

192 The R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.”’ Emu

2 ist’ Jan.

in the midst of his researches on the birds of Australia for his
great work of that name, the “* New List’ will probably become
obsolete also before finality 1s reached.

“The British Museum Catalogue,”’ Sharpe’s “ Hand-list of
Birds,” Mathews’ “ Hand-list of the Birds of Australasia ’’ (1go08),
and Mathews’ “ Reference-list to the Birds of Australia” (1912)
have already been superseded for Australian birds. The ‘‘ New
List ’’ will probably follow suit. Meanwhile, the ‘‘ Official
Check-list ’’ will prove a safe anchor for bird lovers.

A student of ornithology is at present bewildered by the many
new names—generic, specific, and sub-specific. Mr. Mathews, a
few months ago, proposed to “ lump genera.’ Now he is splitting
genera. A paper in a late Austral Avian Record contains no
less than twenty-seven new generic names for Australian birds.

This turmoil and uncertainty will apparently continue for some
time, so that it is fortunate that the ‘ Official Check-list ’ 1s at
hand for those who are more interested in birds than in disputes
as to names. Such disputes, indeed, seem almost incapable of
early settlement, for Mr. Mathews has refused to recognize a
certain ruling of the International Committee for Zoological
Nomenclature concerning the recognition of Brisson’s genera.

When the difficulties concerning names have been settled, it
will be an easy matter to bring out a second edition of the
‘ Official Check-list..”. It might be noted, in this connection, that
it has been found necessary to issue a third edition of the ‘ Check-
list of North American Birds.”

One point that will be appreciated by nature lovers, and the
many teachers who are compelled to deal with birds in the course
of their nature study work, is promised by Mr. Mathews for his
“New List.’”’ He intends to “ include all the sub-species hitherto
named, grouped together under a_ binomial species-name.”’
Australian children are advancing rapidly in knowledge and love
of the birds of their school locality ; but there is little possibility
of naming sub-species in a field study of living birds in a restricted
area. The sub-specific name is unnecessary and is a hindrance in
our nature study work.

In Australia, a land practically devoid of natural barriers, birds
change ground so often and to such remote places that sub-species
have not been often designated. In a season of abundant rain
the “ Central Desert’ is teeming with animal life. During a dry
season, animals, especially birds, are driven into more favourable
regions. This tends to a breaking down of the isolation so
necessary for the evolution of species and even sub-species. The
Official Check-list’’? was drawn up by men who understand
Australian conditions.

Many bird lovers have been driven to threaten to abandon their
favourite study by the needless splitting of genera, species, and
sub-species, and the endless alteration of names. The “ Official
Check-list ’? has reassured such, and will serve them until the
way is clear for the issue of a second edition.

ee | The R.A.O.U. “ Check-list.”’ 193

Meanwhile, the tens of thousands of Gould League Bird Lovers
are thankful to the Union for the “ Official Check-list.”’ They at
least can pursue their desire to study the interesting and varied
avifauna of their native or adopted land.—I am, &c.,

jeer. (LEACH, ID:Sc:;
Organizing Inspector of Nature Study, and Hon. Sec. Gould
League of Bird Lovers of Victoria.
Education Department, Melbourne,
22nd December, I913.

Correspondence.
FURTHER ON R.A.O.U. ‘* CHECK-LIST.”
To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

Sirs,—My attention has been drawn to the following statement
by Captain S. A. White in a letter on this subject appearing
in the last issue of your journal :—‘ Mr. Milligan told us at the
session [Launceston session] all about the American ‘ Check-list ’
falling to pieces through trinomials, or, in his words, ‘ tr7nomials
were pulling it to preces with their own weight,’ and that Mr.
Ogilvie-Grant, of England, would not use trinomials.”’

I had determined not to pursue the correspondence on this
subject any farther, but as the statement quoted is both falla-
cious and mischievous, I cannot allow it to pass uncontradicted.
In the first place I do not, when speaking or writing, employ
confused metaphors of the nature indicated by the italicized words,
and, secondly, I had not, at the time of the session, any knowledge
of the home working of the American ‘“ Check-list,” except in
the one particular after appearing. In any event, how could
the use of trinomials or binomials pull a Check-list to pieces !

I think that Captain White is unconsciously attributing to me
the language and opinions of the late Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and
Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, as the former appear in the R.A.O.U.
««Check-list ’’ report which I read at the session. They are as
follows :—‘‘I consider that the burden imposed on zoologists
who follow this method [trinomials] for the naming of their
specimens will become too heavy, and that the system will fall
by its own weight’? (Bowdler Sharpe). ‘On the whole, I see
no useful object in using trimonials; in ninety cases out of a
hundred it does not help one to identify a bird—often the
contrary’ (W. R. Ogilvie-Grant).

Or, probably, Captain White is confusing what I was charged to
say in support of that portion of the R.A.O.U. ‘* Check-list” report
which stated that a recent practical application of the trinomial
system to Australian ornithology resulted in raising the number of
species and sub-species from 800 to 1,500. The tenor of my

Emu
1st Jan.

194 Correspondence.
remarks in that connection was that American ornithologists also
were not wholly in agreement in regard to the wholesale multipli-
cation of sub-species, and I cited a very able article appearing in
The Auk,* written by Mr. Joseph Grinnell, Museum of Vertebrate
Zoology, California, who in summarizing at the end of his article
declared that the present ‘Check-list”” [American] was unsatis-
factory to both the amateur and the specialist in respect to the
sub- ‘species problem, and further suggested that a new ‘‘ Check-
list,’ with sub-spectes omitted altogether, would be hailed with
appreciation by the great majority of bird-students.

The Auk containing the article under notice was handed to me
by the convener of our ‘ Check-list’’ Committee on the point of
my leaving for Tasmania to attend the Launceston session, with
instructions to cite it as above, and I carried out my instructions
faithfully.

I am at a loss to understand why Captain White introduced this
phase of the matter at all, as it had nothing to do with the matters
in issue between him and ‘me—I am, &t.,

Melbourne, 30th Dec., 1913. ALEXR. WM. MILLIGAN.

The Editors of “ The Emu.”

Strs,—In your number for October (ante, p. 103) of this year you
credit me with saying, in my letter ve the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list,”’
that “I will mix King Island birds with specimens from the main-
land.” This should be Kangaroo Island. It may have been my
fault for most likely I have written “K.I.,” which we South
Australians have a habit of doing for Kangaroo Island.—I am, &c.,

Fulham (S.A.), 24/10/13. S.A. WHITE:

Stray Feathers.

Double Clutch of Butcher-Bird’s Eggs.—I lately received a
curiosity in the shape of a seven-egg clutch of Cracticus destructor.
The eggs were taken by a boy attending the Public School at
Seaham, N.S.W., the teacher being Mr. S. A. Hanscombe,
R.A.O.U., one of the best known writers upon ornithological
matters in the Education Department of New South Wales. Mr.
Hanscombe states that the clutch is bona fide, and that the nest
and eggs were photographed i situ by him. The eggs are
apparently laid by two birds, four of them being much larger
and slightly different in shade and markings from the rest. The
Butcher-Bird is so pugnacious that the fact of two females laying
in one nest is most unusual, and hitherto unnoticed by me.—
H. L. Wuite, Belltrees (N.S.W.), 30/11/13.

“Vol, Xxix., pp. 501 to 565) (Oct. s10 12).

Vol. XIII.
IQ14

Stray Feathers. I95

Freak Colours of Rhipidura_ tricolor.—For three successive
seasons a neighbour has sent me young white birds of the Black-
and-White Fantail—rough skins on two occasions, and a live bird
on the third. Becoming interested, I obtained some information
from him. All the young mentioned appear to have been the
progeny of the same birds, which built close to the house, and are
normal in colour. They have been under observation for three
years, in which time four clutches were reared—two white
birds only on three occasions, the fourth clutch consisting of two
each white and normal. None of the white birds appears to have
lived long after leaving the nest, though during last winter I
noticed a pure white one within four miles of my neighboutr’s
house. In some of the white birds a darker shade was observable
where the black usually exists. —H. L. WuiTeE. Belltrees
(N.S.W.), 30/11/13.

Notes and Notices.

The late Dr. P. L. Scelater, F.R.S. — Owing to unavoidably
restricted space, a notice, with portrait, of this late distinguished
ornithologist is held over until the next issue of The Emu.

A Correction.—In vol. xiil., page 100, of The Emu, under the
heading ‘Charcoal in Finches’ Nests,’’ I made an error which I
wish to rectify. The fact of charcoal being placed in the nests
of Poephila personata was previously recorded by Mr. G. F. Hill
(vol. x., page 280, of The Emu). My friend Mr. T. P. Austin, of
Cobborah, N.S.W., drew attention to the mistake, he having
received a clutch of eggs from me, the data mentioning the fact
of charcoal being found in the nest. At the time of writing the
note for The Emu I was in the midst of shearing, and I presume
that my wits must have been “‘ wool-gathering.’’-—H. L. WHITE.
Belltrees (N.S.W.), 30/11/13.

Charcoal in Finches’ Nests.—In connection with the foregoing
‘‘ Correction,’ Mr. G. F. Hill, Darwin, sends the following note,
which was accompanied by a photograph of the Finch’s nest, 7
situ, in scrub :—*‘ Although this habit is common, if not general, in
the species, I do not think it occurs in any other nesting in
Northern Territory or North-West Australia. The large size of the
pieces of charcoal, ‘about the size of the eggs,’ is somewhat
unusual, I think. The charcoal is generally in the form of powder
and small pieces about the size of grains of hemp seed. The habit
is not confined to nests built on the ground, but has been observed
in nests built in bushes in North-West Australia, also in bushes
and on Termites’ nests near Roper River, Northern Territory.
Since some field notes on the situations chosen by Poephila
bersonata for nesting were published in The Emu (vol. xi., Part 4,
page 260), I have had some opportunities for observing their
nesting habits further north (about 20 miles south of Darwin,

Emu
ist Jan.

196 Notes and Notices.

Northern Territory), where I find that no partiality is shown for
the vicinity of Termites’ nests. Records of some 15 nests show
that all contained charcoal, and were built on the ground or on
tussocks of grass, generally on dry stringy-bark and woolly-butt
ridges.”

Avium Paradiseum.—The following extract is from a letter
dated Cape York, 25/11/13, by Dr. Wm. Macgillivray, one of the
vice-presidents, R.A.O.U. :—

‘“No rain yet, and there will not be any general breeding until
the wet season commences. It is unusually dry, and the whole
place shows the effects of it, even the scrubs. Birds build their
nests only to pull them to pieces again or to desert them. We -
have taken several nests of Eclectus,* but cannot find that of
Pseudopsittacus.| I have a Honey-eater which is, I think,
entirely new. It is small, and lives in the midst of the scrubs.
The other day, fora moment or two, I saw a bird like a Regent-Bird,
but it dived into the scrub and was gone. I have not seen it
since. We have not been into the mountains yet. They are
covered with scrub, and stretch for 40 miles, and all well watered.
It will take a generation of field naturalists to find all their wealth.
There is another Parrot near here, but we have not come across
it yet—a black one. Pseudopsittacus and Eclectus are calling
now—one from the opposite side of the creek, where there is a
nesting-tree, the other from a food tree just below our camp.

“The scenery along the river here is very beautiful, the scrub
overhanging the banks, and a plant with huge palm-like fronds,
40 to 50 feet in length, springing from a common base, grows
frequently in clumps in the mud at the water’s edge. You may
tell any botanical friend that we found a new hoya, each floret being
as large as a half-crown piece, and of a beautiful and delicately-
tinted purple hue. When the tide comes up in the evening the
surface of the water is strewn with large yellow hibiscus-like
blooms of a tree which overhangs the stream ; these fade into orange
and red, and give the stream a gorgeous appearance. There are
drawbacks, the chief of which is the want of rain, an occasional
snake in our beds, and the having to bathe in a bucket instead
of a swim in the creek, in deference to the appetite of Crocodilus
porosus. In spite of all, however, existence here is very pleasant,
and it is glorious to wake in the morning and. hear the multitudinous
voices of the birds. The chorus was a babel at first, but the
species are sorting themselves out now as our ears become
educated to their calls.”

‘Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds ’’ (Campbell). — This
important work, although out of print, retains its value. In
nomenclature the names of the birds mostly accord with those on
the newly adopted ‘‘ Check-list’”” of the R.A.O.U. Price per copy
(in two handsome vols.), £3 10s., the last offer at so low a figure
for the few reserved copies. Apply Editors, The Emu.

* See ante, p. 187. t See ante, p. 105.

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{
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CONTENTS. - APRIL, 1914.

(The author of each article is responsible for the facts recorded therein, and any
deductions he may draw.)

PAGE
FIELD NOTES ON THE SPOTLESS CRAKE (PORZANA pie ee
By (Miss) J. A. Fletcher, Springfield (Tas.) - . - - 197

NOTES ON THE SPOTLESS CRAKE AND WESTERN GROUND-PARROT.
By F. Lawson Whitlock, R.A.O.U., Chiltern, Tudor Siding,
Denmark Line (W.A.) = : : - - - 4 - 202

BIRDS OF THE BRUNNETTE Downs (N.T.) By Harry G. Barnard,

RA OMS mG io EEO EE een le es

SEARCH FOR EGGS OF COLLURICINCLA WOODWARDI. By Harry G.

Barnard, R.A.O.U. - - - : - - - - ar tot

A VISIT TO\THE GOSFORD ScruBS. By Sidney Wm. Jackson,
R.A.O:U., Chatswood (N.S.W.) - - - - =. Grr

STRAY FEATHERS.—FEagles, 214; Eggs of Munia pectoralis, 215; Frogmouth and
Boobook Owl, 215; Owlet-Nightjar Nestlings, 216; Tieipoa ocellata—Successful
Breeding in Captivity, 217.

FROM MAGAZINES, &C.—“ Australian Nature Stories for Children,” 218 ; Birds of
Melville Island, 219; A New Journal, 219; Penguins of the Antarctic, 220. z

REVIEWS 05 82-0" 25 8 ree ers ee
CORRESPONDENCE ~— - - - 3 - = = ; z 227.
ABOUT MEMBERS (2 yee Oa ean) ate eee ee 227 s
OBITUARY NOTICE o> 3 sijscee ee bad Poe pe Ser are eet 228
Nores AND NOTICES LO ie eee ee 233. |
PUBLICATIONS RECHIVED. <3.°S= 00-60 32 a oe ee eee

Oe

The following are the charges for Authors’ reprints if required ;-—
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| 0 | official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. |

“Birds of a feather.’”’

Vor. XIII.] isp’ -APREE. 1914: [PART 4.

Field Notes on the Spotless Crake (Porzana
immaculuta).
By (Miss) J. A. FLETCHER, SPRINGFIELD (TAS.)

IN a paper on the Lewin Rail (Hypotenidia brachypus) published
in The Emu, July, 1913, I expressed a hope that during the 1913
season I might glean some facts regarding the life-history of that
little-known bird, the Spotless Crake. My wish has been fulfilled ;
I have been able to make a careful study of the bird, which is
known locally as the ‘‘ Little Native-Hen’”’ and ** Motor-car-Bird.”
Owing to the nature of the locality frequented by the Crakes, this
success has been achieved at the cost of much fatigue and
discomfort. In most of these excursions I have been accom-
panied by my sister or my scout, Miss Lowther, both of whom
have ably assisted me.

So constantly have I observed the Crakes this season that I
cannot understand why they were not seen in the previous year.
However, the seasons probably have something to do with the
movements of the birds. Last winter was dry, and the Lewin
Rails nested early in July—seven weeks sooner than usual. The
comparative dryness may have sent the Crakes out of their usual
quarters. Then we had record rains during August and Septem-
ber, which ensured a heavy growth in the swamps, and, doubtless,
a full food supply. This would cause the birds to nest freely.

Last season I found in the school swamp small nests which
puzzled me. From the middle of August that locality was well
watched—not by going in and disturbing the rushes, but by
listening to sounds and watching the birds. Long, wide open
toe-marks on the sand or mud, and channels, showed that the
“Tabuan’’ Crake was present. By degrees I learned that these
birds preferred the flowing water in a swamp, and not the deeper
and swifter water of the larger creeks, nor that of a pond. The
cover was excellent, though by December many of the smaller
streams were dry, and the Crakes retreated to the deeper creeks.
Early morning and the evening are the chief feeding times. A
pair of Crakes appears to keep together all the year, and also to
its own feeding area. The Crakes are particularly fond of water-
courses that are overgrown with water-cress or native musk. The

198 FLETCHER, Field Notes on the Spotless Crake. Peer

cress is often torn about, but I do not know whether the birds
eat it or only search through it for the creatures that it harbours.
I have found pieces of reeds pulled up and the ends gone;
evidently the Crakes like the soft white part at the base. Under
damp herbage and among rotting grass a species of “ hopper ”’
lives. It is similar to the sand-hopper of the seashore, and I
daresay all the Ralline eat it.

Owing to the denseness of their habitat the birds are seldom
seen, but may be occasionally surprised, and if pressed too closely
will sometimes fly a short distance just over the top of the grass,
and then drop down. More often they crouch in the grassy
tangle, remaining motionless at the base of a tussock. My sister
opened a tussock, and when pulling up the dead matted strands
was surprised to see the brown back of the bird. Once I saw a
Crake sitting on a fallen stick in the water; but it soon noticed
me, and darted into the rushes. The Spotless Crake has a variety
of calls, some of which are peculiar. One, uttered when the bird
is alarmed, resembles the growl of an angry cat. A warning call
to one another, if the mates be separated, is similar to the noise
made by a sitting hen when a hand is placed under her. The
Crakes make this noise if the rushes or logs are struck with a stick.
One bird replies with the low growl. They approach each other
as they reply, and it is interesting to hear the contented chuckle
when they meet. Another call is like the sound made by a motor-
cycle as its engine begins to work. When feeding quietly, the
birds utter pretty murmuring sounds, which remind the listener
of air and water escaping from a bottle. These notes are also
used to call the little ones to follow their parents.

Early one morning I was endeavouring to discover the nest
of a pair of Crakes. I knew that the birds were present, as they
sounded the alarm when I struck the rushes and reeds with a
stick ; but after I entered the swamp no answer was given. After
a little while I became aware that the birds were behind me, and
“talking” to themselves. Thus they followed wherever I
searched. Not a glimpse could I get of them, but while I
hunted the bubbling chatter continued. The swamps here are
boggy depressions between rises. In some the footing under the
water is fair; in others very muddy. They are, in most cases,
densely matted with reeds (Juncus pallidus and Juncus pauct-
florus), also the common sword or cutting grass (Carex pantculata)
and meadow fescue. Wild musk, peppermint (Mentha viridis),
and the water grass (Glyceria fluitans) choke the channels and
overrun every Spare space.

At the beginning of the season much time was devoted to
searching under the drooping tussocks, but several small nests
found towards the end of August showed that this was useless.
Strangely enough, the first nest of the Spotless Crake discovered
was in the school swamp, a few yards from the playground, and
so close that I often heard the alarm call when the birds were
startled by the noise of windows opening. Once the “‘ Squeak

THE Emu, Vol. X//I.

PLATE XVII.

‘YSHOLATS ‘V (SSIW) Aq

‘eluetUse], ‘pjaysutids ‘ayer ssatjods ay} JO sWOPT

“OLOHd ¥ WOUS

Co, reg RIC wa hes ER PSE a ae ES he TE ete 0 ae

6 ebm seat ee ee + Shei catia ew penn Oh a dade dS te te ae ae

;

Vol. XITI.1
1914 |

FLETCHER, Field Notes on the Spotless Crake. 199

squeak ”’ of alost ‘“*Tabuan”’ chick and the reply of the mother
were heard in the school. After the scholars had gone, I walked
to the edge of the swamp, and from near the crossing-place came
the sounds of the family. I slipped down quietly, but they were
too quick. All I saw was discoloured water and footprints in the
muddy edge of the open pool. A few feathers floated on the
water, and an alarm rang out. On the 23rd August four tiny
nests were found in the haunt of the above pair. Each was placed
low down in the heart of a sword-grass tussock. The nests
measured 1} inches across and I inch in depth, and were made
of pieces of soft grass woven around. Three were in a radius of
a few yards, the fourth some distance away. A slight track led
to one. They were untouched when looked at a week later. On
6th September the fourth nest had been moved completely, the
others were neglected, and a fresh one was found near the three.
A week later another nest was discovered by my sister. This
was placed 2 feet from the ground, in sword-grass, on the edge
of the running stream, and a few yards from the bank. Some
strands were bent over for a cover, and a staging led down to the
water. This nest was left until the 21st September. As we
approached on that date we heard the sound of the bird jumping
off the nest. No chance of seeing her in that tangle. My sister
peeped, and called out excitedly, “Three eggs!” At last we
had succeeded! Though the Crake’s eggs were warm I left
them, to see if three constituted the full clutch. Two days
passed, and, as no more eggs were laid, I took the clutch. The
bird must have been brooding for four or five days. Nest
measured 5 inches outside, 3 inches inside, 1} inches deep. It
was made of short pieces of sword-grass, with strands of same
bent over for a cover. The slight platform was composed of
loose ends of the same material. The eggs are somewhat lighter
than those figured in A. J. Campbell’s ‘‘ Nests and Eggs.” They
are light greyish-white, with a suggestion of green in the ground
colour, freckled with chestnut; at the larger end the spots
accumulate and form a brownish cap. The dimensions of the
three eggs are as follows :—11 inches x ,", inch, 14 inches x 44 inch,
EE inches x ;*, inch:

Meanwhile, further afield, several other haunts of the Spotless
Crake were found. Many nests were made before one was used,
One pair of birds made nine nests, immediately deserting if one
was looked at. This pair also lived in the school swamp, and
always used the fine rushes for their nests, which were frail
structures 2 inches across and }-inch in depth, and of hardly any
thickness. The ninth nest, containing one egg, was built against
a tree-fern stump in a ragged tussock and under a tangle of ferns
and blackberry trailers, among reeds nearly 6 feet high, standing
in muddy water. I took the clutch (four eggs) on the 16th
November. The eggs were of the brownish type—a uniform

wash of brown. Measurements :—1.7, inches x }# inch, 14 inches

x 12 inch, 1,3, inches x 12 inch, 1} inches x }# inch. The same birds

200 FLETCHER, Field Notes on the Spotless Crake. [ae nee

built a chain further up the swamp, in a tangle of blackberries
and short reeds. The young birds left the nest on the 15th
December. I was fortunate enough to handle one of these, the
second clutch of young ones that I had seen. When ready to
leave the nest the chick is clothed with down, which is a shining
greenish-black, similar to the sheen on the feathers of a Crow in
good plumage. The bill is straight, shorter than the toes, and is
black from the tip to half-way ; from there it is white to the base.
Eyes are deep ruby, with a shade of black—not bright, like those
of the parents ; legs long, and, like the feet, greyish greenish-black ;
toes wide apart and 3 inch in length. The parent birds call
their brood with a purring sound, while the young answer with a
‘““squeak,’’ similar to a chicken’s cry. When disturbed they
squat in the rushes, and the adult birds perform grotesque antics
and utter strange sounds to entice the intruder away. A special
call is used to gather the fledglings together after the danger has
assed.

. One afternoon in December my sister and I were exploring the
banks of a creek. I struck some rubbish at the sides with a
stick. Instantly there was a splash, and I caught sight of a
brown bird as it dashed under the tangle of a blackberry-covered
island. The Crake alarm call rang out, and was answered from
the bank on our side. Leaning over the edge, I could just see
a nest in a tangle of reeds, but it was empty. One cannot tell
whether nests have been used or not. Unlike the Rails, Spotless
Crakes do not leave the egg-shells in the nest. Choosing a good
position for watching, we waited. The water was 4 feet deep,
and flowing steadily. I trained my eyes on the cover from whence
the male bird had answered, and saw him come out and cross
over to the island. It swam with the body under water, landed,
and with a quick, crouching run, joined the female. Then the
birds were silent. We hunted, but found only an old nest. We
moved away, and after a few minutes the call for the young
sounded, and was answered by squeaks from three directions.
Presently a chick swam up the creek close to the bank, where the
movement of the current was not felt ; another called from the
island ; and a third from under the first nest found. We could
see it on the edge of the reeds. It toddled to the water, then
drew back as if afraid. Finally, the coaxing of its mother per-
suaded it, and it scrambled across.

In all this season I have inspected I9 nests (containing eggs)
of the Spotless Crake, and handled three broods, located several
others by the squeaks of the chicks, and examined 70 nests
which, as far as I know, were never used, or probably were robbed.
These nests were all placed in tussocks, and height ranged from
I foot to 34 feet above the water or slush. Sword-grass clumps
were favoured, but a few birds chose the tall, thick reeds (Juncus
pallidus), and toward the end of the season we found several nests
in rushes in thick beds of tall, wild peppermint in the midst of
bog. The birds do not seem to mind animals grazing through

THE Emu, Vol, XIII.

PLATE XVIII.

Nest of Spotless Crake (Porzana immaculata).

FROM A PHOTO. BY J. W. BEATTIE, HOBART,

Vol. XIII.
IQI4

FLETCHER, Field Notes on the Spotless Crake. 201

their haunts. The nests are frail structures, and even when they
contain eggs are not easily discovered. Some were placed in the
dense jungle of the swamp, others almost on dry ground near
the edge, but in every case the “run” dropped into water. All
used nests had a staging, in some cases two, and in one nest three
platforms were built. Generally speaking, the centre of the
tussock is chosen, but a few nests were placed at the sides of the
clump, though not on the ground. If the female decides to lay
in a nest she begins to form a roof by bending the reeds above.
I heard a bird at work one evening. Of course, I could not see
her, but the tops of the rushes shook and rustled. I took a
clutch of eggs from this a few days later. Seven days afterwards
my sister found the bird brooding in a new nest in the next clump.
A nest found on 6th September contained one egg on 4th October.
Another September nest contained eggs on 2nd December ; still
another, found on 12th November, contained an egg on 7th Decem-
ber. On 25th October I found a few muddy strands laid across
each other in a fairly open tussock in a strip of boggy water.
Passing through the same piece on 7th November, I disturbed
the bird from three eggs. The nesting periods commence about
the beginning of September, judging by the fact that on the
27th September I found a nest containing three heavily incubated
eggs.

The last clutch of eggs was found by my scout on the 24th
January, 1914, and at time of writing (February) there is a new
nest under observation. The birds lay between 9g a.m. and noon,
and every day (an exception noted). Three appears to be the
normal clutch, four the maximum. Thirteen of the 19 clutches
examined consisted of three eggs, the remainder of four. Three
broods of three each were observed. From these facts it appears
that three is the average clutch in this district.

The two clutches of eggs in the possession of Mr. Malcolm
Harrison, of Hobart, are similar in measurements and colour to
those found in this district. The clutches number four in each
case.

The colouring of the eggs examined varied somewhat, though
the brownish type predominated. On the whole, there is a
certain resemblance in colour markings to the eggs of the
Ground-Thrush (Orveocincla macrorhyncha). Eggs of the first
clutch taken were greener and paler than others of the season.
This may have been colour protection, the reeds in September
being in their full spring growth. Another clutch was prettily
mottled with darker markings, while in a third, of a lighter type,
two eggs were similar, but the other was boldly flecked with
chestnut, dark brown, and purplish markings. The female
begins to brood immediately the clutch is completed. The
incubation period, judging by observations, extends over from
14 to 16 days. When the nest contains an egg or eggs the
owners become very quiet. It is worth noting that the 70 nests
recorded were in the haunts of 17 pairs of Spotless Crakes, spread

i? oo a po) are e.

bem
see tere ea

202 FLETCHER, Field Notes on the Spotless Crake. ental

over a radius of two miles, taking the school swamp as a
centre.

The illustration of nest and eggs (three) of the Spotless Crake
was procured for me through the kindness of Mr. A. W. Swindells,
of Hobart. The photographer was Mr. J. W. Beattie.

Notes on the Spotless Crake and Western Ground-
Parrot.

By: F. Lawson Wuittock, R.A.O.U., CHILTERN, TUDOR SIDING,
DENMARK LINE, W.A.

OuR rainy season commences as a rule early in April, the annual
fall being 36 inches and upwards, and the country, generally
speaking, is well supplied with swamps and wet ground. During
the months of January, February, and March, however, our
climate is usually hot and dry, when all surface water quickly
disappears. The haunts of the Spotless or Tabuan Crake (Por-
zana immaculata) and other semi-aquatic birds are subject,
therefore, to a certain amount of local change.

In the wet months—and these include the breeding season—
pairs are more frequently met with in what may reasonably be
termed flooded ground rather than around the large and more or
less permanent swamps. My first experience of the Spotless
Crake occurred in the hot, dry weather, when I picked up a chick
only a few days old in a wheel-rut near Torbay Junction, about
ro miles west of Albany. Probably others of the brood were
concealed in the long grass close at hand. This was in March,
1905. The general appearance of this newly-hatched chick was
black, with just a tinge of deep. brown in the thick down clothing
the body. The legs, feet, and beak, too, were black, with just
enough gloss to suggest they had been black-leaded.

Again, in December, 1911, I was engaged in ornithological
work within a couple of miles of Albany, when I was shown a pair
of rough skins of the Spotless Crake. These were the remains
of birds brought in from a neighbouring thicket by a cat. At
the time of my visit to this particular locality, a third example
was brought home by the same cat; I secured this, practically
undamaged.

The following year a pair of small Crake’s eggs, from a clutch
of four (unblown), were given to me. The identity of these eggs,
which are a little larger than typical eggs of the Spotless Crake,
is not absolutely certain, however. The same season, in searching
for nests of the Grass-Bird (Megalurus striatus), I heard peculiar
but Crake-like notes issuing from a large clump of reeds. I enticed
the creatures out by imitating the notes as well as I could, and had
a good view of a Spotless Crake a few feet away. I could clearly
distinguish the peculiar pinkish-red of the irides.

In November, 1913, I had occasion to camp on an extensive

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_ Vol XIII] WHITLOCK, Spotless Crake and Western Ground-Parrot. 203

1914

black-boy (Xanthorrhea) flat. On either side of the bit of dry
ground on which my tent was pitched were tracts of sloppy
ground, with dwarf tea-tree, Banksia, Xanthorrhea, Leptospermum,
and long herbage growing profusely all over them. At dusk I
heard the notes of a pair of Spotless Crakes which came out to
feed as the light faded. I spent the whole of one morning paddling
about in water which varied in depth from two to eighteen inches
in a vain quest of their breeding place. I saw nothing of the
birds nor of their nest ; but on r1th November, whilst searching
for the nest of another species of bird, on the opposite side of my
camping-ground, I came across four eggs of the Crake, laid in an
apology for a nest, concealed in a tuft of long grasses and beautiful
white-flowering plants. The eggs were placed with their thin
ends pointing to the centre, after the manner of a clutch of
Plover’s eggs. The nest itself was a slight cavity, formed by the
half-exposed roots of the surrounding grasses, with a mere
pinch of dead grass as a lining. I photographed the eggs im situ.
The surrounding ground was totally devoid of water ; the nearest
pool was a hundred yards away, and rapidly drying up.

A little later in the year I encountered a family (probably six
birds) in the Megalurus swamp before mentioned. This party
was a noisy one, the individuals continually calling one to the
other. The most frequent note resembled the syllable ‘‘ Quip,”
sharply uttered in a whistling tone, and one readily imitated.
Another very curious sound was frequently uttered, too. I can
only compare it to the rattle made by a sewing machine running
at a high speed. This can be imitated by pressing the in-doubled
tongue against the palate and blowing hard through the nearly
closed lips. Another sound resembled a very liquid and bubbling
noise; but this was only occasionally uttered. During these
observations I had members of the party all around me, and as
I tried with more or less success to imitate their notes, one or
other would take a peep at me, or run from one clump of reeds
to another. They are dainty and pleasing little birds in their
movements, and with each step the short little tail is jerked
downwards. On the water drying up on this large swamp the
Crakes, Bald-Coots, and other aquatic birds repair to a neigh-
bouring bulrush swamp, which I regard as permanent water,
and when waiting for a shot at same I often hear their notes, and
at times get a glimpse of them on the margins of vegetation beds.

Eggs of the Spotless Crake have been described from specimens
taken in Tasmania, or from islands adjacent to Australia; but a
photograph of the nest in situ, discovered on the mainland, will
not be without interest. (See Plate XX.)

Mr. A. J. North has separated the Western Ground-Parrot from
the Eastern form, under the name Pezoporus flaviventris. Inform-
ation as to the character of the nest and eggs of the Western
form became, therefore, desirable. I found it a very difficult
bird to study, and the task of finding its nest and eggs
trying in the extreme to one’s patience. It is absolutely

204 WHITLOCK, Spotless Crake and Western Grownd-Parvot. ie et

the most silent and unobtrusive bird I have yet encountered
in Western Australia. Occasionally one may unexpectedly
flush an individual in some more or less frequented spot;
but as arule to find these birds one must go to the un-
disturbed flats and systematically tramp through all the closely-
growing vegetation, and, if in luck, an odd bird, or at times even
a pair, may be flushed, with a startling suddenness, into a flight
of 40 or 50 yards, when they drop into the herbage again just
as suddenly as they rose. I have never seen this species fly at
a greater height than 8 or g feet. The flight is slightly undulatory,
but very different to that of ordinary Parrots, the wings being
very rapidly beaten at intervals, with periods of gliding flight
more like that of a Quail between, the tips of the wings being
pointed downwards like those of the latter bird. It never flies
any great distance, and when about to alight appears to fall
headlong to the ground. Usually it can be flushed again if
followed immediately, as it does not appear to run along after
alighting. Once or twice I have been able to watch a bird at
close quarters. Despite its long legs, it does not appear very
active on the ground, but it certainly moves with more grace and
greater ease than the average Parrot, the awkward, waddling gait
of the latter being quite absent.

The early settlers in this district tell me this species is not so
frequently seen as formerly. Common, in the true sense of the
term, I can hardly believe it ever was, and, with the numbers of
large lizards haunting the flats, the wonder is it has not been
exterminated years ago. Mr. James Knapp, who was born in
this district over fifty years ago, states that as a boy he has more
than once marked a bird down, and by carefully crawling on
hands and knees has knocked it over with a stick. He attributes
the diminishing numbers of these beautiful Parrots to Quail-
shooters ; but there are many square miles of flats as absolutely -
undisturbed now as they were fifty years ago. Bush-fires are
probably more frequent now than formerly, and in dry seasons
there may be some destruction of young not yet strong enough on
the wing to escape.

In the spring of 1912 I spent many tiring hours tramping the
flats on behalf of Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, N.S.W., in quest
of the eggs of this species. Though I not infrequently flushed the
birds, it was not until after weeks of plodding search that I dis- |
covered a nest containing two young birds a few days old. This
was on 20th October. The nesting-site was on a low but dry
ridge, thickly clothed with herbage, amongst which a few small,
rounded, prickly bushes were growing—probably a species of
dwarf Hakea. A slight hollow had been scratched out by the
parents and scantily lined with dry grasses. The young birds
uttered feeble and querulous cries when handled. Their bodies
were clothed with a neutral-tinted down, with beak, legs, and
feet lead-coloured. I photographed them as they lay in the nest.

I saw absolutely nothing of the parents, nor could I flush them
near at hand.

THE Emu, Vol.

XITI.

PEAGE cl:

Nesting Site of Western Ground-Parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris).

FROM A PHOTO. BY F. L. WHITLOCK,

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Vol. XIII,
1914

] WuttLock, Spotless Crake and Western Ground-Parrot. 205

The present season I found a nest of the previous year, with
remains of the hatched eggs, and was also fortunate, after a long
and weary search, in securing three fine and freshly-laid eggs
from anest sheltered, as before, by a prickly ( (?) Hakea) bush.
This was on goth November—just a month later than the previous
season. I flushed the female from this nest at a distance of about
Io feet away, and, though I made several attempts to see her
sitting on her eggs, I was unsuccessful in this respect. The eggs
were well sheltered by the overhanging bush, and the nest was
very neatly lined with fine dead grasses, the latter being arranged
in a true circular manner. When flushed the female flew a short
distance away, and uttered no sound. I saw nothing of the
male. As far as I can judge, he spends the day at some distance
from the nest, lying concealed in low, thick scrub, from which he
will not emerge until nearly trodden upon.

In searching for a nest of this species I may state that I
examined no less than nine nests of the Emu-Wren (Stipiturus
westernensis)—all this season’s. It is a curious fact that such
a small and feeble-flying species as the Emu-Wren can hold its own
when larger species like the Noisy Scrub-Bird (Aérichia clamosa)
and the Western Bristle-Bird (Sphenura longirosiris) are, in this
coastal district, verging upon, if not quite, extinct.

The eggs from this nest were described by Mr. H. L. White in
The Emu, January, 1914. They now form part of his fine
collection.

Birds of the Brunnette Downs, (N.T.)*
(Observed during February, March, and April, 1913.)

By Harry G. BARNARD, R.A.O.U.

Uroaétus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Eagle-Hawk).—A few odd
birds were observed flying high in the air, and some old nests were
seen in gidgea trees at heights of from 7 to 10 feet from the ground.

Hieraetus morphnoides. Little Eagle-—A few birds seen, generally
on the wing.

Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling Eagle —Very plentiful; found
breeding in March and April in the gidgea trees growing near water-
courses.

Gypoictinia melanosternon (decepta). Black-breasted (Northern)
Buzzard.—Occasionally seen flying over the plains.

Milvus affinis (napieri). Northern Allied Kite——Very common,
breeding freely in the gidgea. About 70 nests were examined, but
only in two instances were clutches of three eggs obtained, the other
nests containing either two eggs or two young birds or one egg or
one young bird.

* Skins of any birds mentioned in this list, about which any doubt existed,
were identified by Mr. G. M. Mathews, and are shown in his sub-specific
names in parentheses,

206 BARNARD, Birds of the Brunnette Downs. Brg

Faleo subniger. Black Falcon.—Very scarce ; only odd birds seen.

Falco lunulatus. Little Falcon.—Odd birds seen, generally catching
large grasshoppers, which, during the day time, were on the wing
in millions.

Faleo melanogenys. Black-cheeked Falcon.—Only odd birds seen,
generally on the wing

Circus gouldi. Allied Swamp-Hawk.—Fairly common, hovering
over swamps and catching grasshoppers off the lignum.

Circus assimilis. Spotted Swamp-Hawk.—Seen frequently flying
low over the plains in search of food.

Hieracidea occidentalis. Striped Brown Hawk.—Common, both
flying over the plains and in the timber ; a number of immature birds
were seen.

Cerchneis cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel——Very common; seen
resting in small patches of timber and hovering over the plains.

Astur approximans. Goshawk.—Common in timber country ;
nearly all birds observed were immature.

Strix delicatula. Delicate Owl.—Four birds seen, flushed from
holes in stunted coolibah along the creeks.

Podargus phalenoides. Freckled Frogmouth.—Fairly common in
the gidgea, where they were breeding.

FEgotheles nove-hollandie (leucogaster). (White-bellied) Owlet
Nightjar.—Very scarce ; found breeding in gidgea stumps a few feet
from the ground.

Corvus coronoides. Crow.—Very common, breeding freely in the
gidgea and coolibah trees along water-courses during February and
March.

Gymnorhina terre-regine. Little Magpie —Fairly common ; several
old nests seen in the gidgea.

Cacatua derbyana. Pallid Rose Cockatoo.—Common. A few were
found breeding during February and March in the coolibah trees along
the water-courses.

Liemetis tenuirostris. Long-billed Cockatoo (Corella),—Seen in
flocks of hundreds. A few were found breeding during February and
March in hollows in the coolibah trees.

Calopsittacus nove-hollandie (obseurus). (Northern) Cockatoo-
Parrot.—Numbers seen, always in small flocks, but did not appear
to be breeding.

Melopsittacus undulatus (intermedius). (Northern) Warbling Grass-
Parrot.—A few small flocks seen, generally in open country.

Pteropodocys phasianella (pallida). (Northern) Ground Cuckoo-
Shrike.—Fairly common ; generally seen in pairs, breeding in the
gidgea trees in February and March.

Graucalus melanops (connectens). (Queensland) Black-faced Cuckoo-
Shrike.—Plentiful ; many fully grown young seen.

Grallina picata. Pied Grallina (Magpie-Lark)—Common ; breeding
freely along the water-courses in February and March.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail. — Common ;
found breeding alongside the Grallina in the gidgea trees.

bei BARNARD, Birds of the Brunnette Downs. 207

Seisura inquieta (nea). (Northern) Restless Flycatcher.—Two or
three birds seen near water.

Artamus melanops (florenci#). (Northern) Black-faced Wood-
Swallow).—Fairly common. Nests found with eggs and young in
February and March.

Artamus personatus (gracilis). (Northern) Masked Wood-Swallow.
—tLarge flocks seen, generally in lightly-timbered country.

Artamus leucogaster (harterti), (Western) White-rumped Wood-
Swallow.—A few birds seen about the swamps.

Melanodryas picata. Northern Hooded Robin.—A few pairs seen
among the gidgea, often accompanied with fully fledged young.

Cuculus pallidus. Pallid Cuckoo.—Fairly plentifu! when I arrived
here in February, and several immature birds were seen, but they
had all disappeared by April. Probably gone towards the coast, as
it is said to be very cold in this part during winter.

Chalcocoecyx basalis. Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo.—Very scarce.
An egg found in nest of Malurus dorsalis.

Scythrops nove-hollandie (neglectus). (Little) Channelbill—Odd
birds seen in the gidgea trees or flying high in the air. They do not
appear to stay here, probably making over the coastal fall.

Geopelia tranquilla. Ground-Dove.— A few birds seen on our
arrival here, but they disappeared soon afterwards.

Geopelia cuneata. Diamond Dove.—Plentiful everywhere. A few
bred during March.

Fulica australis (ingrami). (Northern) Coot.—Numbers seen in the
lignum swamps, but were not found breeding.

Porphyrio melanotus. Bald-Coot.—A few seen at lignum swamp
near the station ; none seen elsewhere.

Antigone australasiana. Crane (Native Companion).—Several pairs
seen, and their nests found on the plains, in one instance fully a mile
from water. One nest, when found, contained a single egg, which
was left, and the nest again visited two days later: the nest then
contained only a few very small pieces of egg-shell and a small stone
which was certainly not there when the nest was first seen. If there
is any truth in the story of the Black-breasted Buzzard (Gypoictinia
melanosternon) robbing nests, he was probably the culprit, as one was
circling near.

Choriotis (Eupodotis) australis. Bustard (Wild Turkey).—Fairly
plentiful, but not nearly so many as I expected. Last season
being a very dry one, they may have shifted for water and not yet
returned. MHalf-grown young were seen and fresh eggs taken in
February and March. The eggs are placed on the bare ground
beside a tuft of grass.

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis —These birds were about
the swamps in thousands, but only in two places was any attempt
made to breed. At one swamp the nests were placed on the mud
against trees growing by the water, and a few eggs laid, but, as the
swamp was dry ten days after, this rookery was deserted ; the other
nests were placed on lignum growing in a few inches of water. At
the time of our visit only two sets of eggs were laid, and these were
taken.

208 BARNARD, Birds of the Brunnette Downs. anal

Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis.—Several small flocks seen about
the swamps, and one flock of about 100 birds was seen flying towards
the coastal fall, where the rains are much heavier. As this swamp
would be dry in a couple of weeks after our visit, and was 13 miles
from our camp, we did not again visit the locality. This rookery was
also most probably deserted.

Ibis molucea (alligator). (Northern) White Ibis.—A few seen about
the different swamps. A small colony of five pairs bred in a lignum
swamp; the nests were placed close together on a large clump of
lignum. Three sets of eggs were taken, and the birds deserted the
place.

Platalea regia (stalkeri), (Northern) Black-billed Spoonbill.—A
flock of about 20 of these birds remained at a lignum swamp for some
time, but eventually left. They were in full breeding plumage.

Platibis flavipes (whitei). (Northern) Yellow-billed Spoonbill.—Odd
birds seen at the swamps.

Herodias syrmatophorus (neglecta). (Northern) Egret.—Only two
or three birds seen.

Notophoyx pacifica (alexandre). (Northern) White-necked Heron.
A few birds seen ; one pair found breeding.

Notophoyx nove-hollandie (parryi). (Northern) White-fronted
Heron.—Fairly common ; were breeding.

Cdicnemus rufescens. Little Stone-Curlew.—A single pair seen in
a patch of gidgea.

Erythrogonys ecinectus. Red-kneed Dottrel.—Odd birds seen about
the swamps.

Agialitis nigrifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel—A few were seen
about the swamps.

Nycticorax caledonicus. Nankeen Night-Heron.—Odd birds seen
roosting in trees near swamps.

Glareola grallaria. Pratincole-—These birds generally go on stony
ground. Only one small flock was seen.

Himantopus leucocephalus (assimilis). (Northern) White-headed
Stilt—A small flock seen at the Head Station swamp. The rains
were very light out here this year ; only a few small swamps were
filled. This being the largest, most of the water-birds were observed
about it, but did not breed, owing to being constantly disturbed.

Lobivanellus personatus (harterti). (Eastern) Masked Plover.—
Common round all the swamps, and many nests were seen during
February and March.

Hydrochelidon fluviatilis. Marsh-Tern.—A small flock was seen
at times flying over the swamp.

Pelecanus conspicillatus. Pelican.—Only odd birds seen. These
birds are said to breed in thousands on a large lake near here, but
at the present time the lake is dry.

Podiceps poliocephalus (cloatesi). (Western) Hoary-headed Grebe.
—Only odd birds seen.

Podiceps australis. Great Grebe.— Seen on water-holes in the
creeks—always five or six together.

Vol. XIII.

sane BARNARD, Birds of the Brunnette Downs. 209

Phalacrocorax hypoleucus. Pied Cormorant —Odd birds seen
about the water-holes.

Plotus nove-hollandiz. Darter.—A pair of birds seen at a swamp.

Dendrocygna eytoni. Plumed Whistling-Duck.—Fairly common ;
found breeding on the downs away from water.

Anas superciliosa. Black Duck.—Common ; young birds seen.

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal.—Common ; found breeding in
the hollows of coolibah trees on water-courses.

Nyroca australis. White-eyed Duck.—A few birds seen.

Malacorhynehus membranaceus. Pink-eared Duck. — Seen in
hundreds, but did not appear to be breeding.

Anseranas melanoleuca. Pied Goose.—A flock of two or three
hundred seen on a large water-hole.

Chetura caudacuta. Spine-tailed Swift.—Several flocks seen after
rain.

Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird.—Fairly common, generally
in the mistletoe hanging on gidgea trees.

Cisticola exilis (alexandre). (Pallid) Grass-Warbler.—A fair number
of these little birds was seen on a plain some distance from here.
Several nests were found with young and heavily-incubated eggs.

Malurus eruentatus. Red-backed Wren.—Generally seen in pairs
in the long grass. Several nests were found with young.

Ephthianura tricolor (distineta2), (Northern) Tricoloured Bush-
Chat.—Only one pair of these little birds was seen.

Campephaga humeralis (indistincta). (Pale) White-shouldered
Caterpillar-eater—Very common; were breeding everywhere in the
gidgea.

Pachycephala pallida. Northern Whistler.—Fairly common ; found
breeding in the gidgea. ;

Ptilotis forresti. Pale Singing Honey-eater.—Common in the gidgea,
where they were breeding.

Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner.—Only two or three
birds seen in the gidgea.

Conopophila rufigularis (queenslandicus). Rufous-breasted Honey-
eater.—Fairly common along water-courses, where they were breeding.

Melithreptus letior. Golden-backed Honey-eater.—Only a pair of
these Honey-eaters was seen, feeding in a bunch of mistletoe.

Smicrornis flavescens. Yellow-tinted Tree-Tit.—A few pairs seen
about the coolibah creeks.

Pardalotus uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Pardalote —Odd birds
about the coolibah trees near the creeks.

Neositta leucoptera. White-winged Tree-runner.—TIwo small flocks
seen in the gidgea.

Teniopygia castanotis (alexandre). (Northern) Chestnut-eared
Finch.—_Common. Found breeding in the gidgea, also on the under
side of Kites’ and Whistling-Eagles’ nests.

Poephila personata. Masked Grass-Finch.—A few pairs were seen
on the plains, where they were breeding in the grass.

210 BARNARD, Birds of the Brunnette Downs. ‘eee

Mirafra rufescens.* Rufous Bush-Lark. — Very common on the
plains. A number of nests found, both with eggs and young.

Cinclorhamphus eruralis (rogersi). (Northern) Brown Song-Lark.—
A few birds were seen on the plains, where they were breeding.

Cinclorhamphus rufescens (horsfieldi). (Northern) Rufous Song-
Lark.—A few birds seen about small bushes near the plains.

Haleyon obseurus. (Northern) Red-backed Kingfisher.—Common
about the gidgea ; the only Kingfisher seen out here.

Turnix pyrrhothorax. Red-chested Quail.—Several birds seen with
young ; one nest found on plain, with eggs.

[The foregoing list has been kindly supplied by Mr. H. L. White,
R.A.O.U., Belltrees, New South Wales, for whom Mr. Barnard is
collecting.—Ens. |

Search for Eggs of Colluricincla woodwardi.
By Harry G. BARNARD, R.A.O.U.

HAvING searched the sandstone hills for miles around Borroloola
(N.T.) in vain for the ‘Sandstone Thrush” (Colluricincla wood-
ward1), | determined to try further afield. I heard that at the
junction of Western Creek with the Macarthur (20 miles west)
there was much high sandstone country, and determined to try
that locality. My assistant not having returned from the table-
land, I went alone.

I left Borroloola on Wednesday morning, the roth December,
taking with me a small tent-fly, a mosquito net, and enough flour,
tea, and sugar for four or five days. Beef I could not carry, but
depended on my gun and the rock wallaby “ venison.” I reached
the edge of the sandstone country, one mile from Western Creek
junction, at mid-day, and, finding water in the Macarthur River,
I decided to camp. It was not known if there was water further
on. After lunch and a couple of hours’ spell, I took a turn for
a few miles through the sandstone. All the sandstone seen was
of the same class as that round Borroloola—namely, the columnar
variety. This sandstone outcrops from the flat, sandy country,
and rises in columns from a few feet to 50 or 60 feet in height,
and is intersected in all directions with narrow passages which one
may in places wander through for miles. The columns at a
short distance resemble huge beehives. I saw no sign of the
bird I was in quest of, but saw a single specimen only of a Grass-
Wren (Amytornis woodward). As the sun was getting low I
returned to camp, and after supper crept beneath the net, to be
lulled to sleep by the howling of the dingoes, which are apparently
very plentiful hereabouts. Thursday morning I was early astir,
and after a hasty breakfast I took a south-west course to see if
I could not reach the same class of country as that in which we
found the bird when at Macarthur Station. After going about

*Ingram, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, vol. Xvi., p. 116.

ss | BARNARD, Search for Eggs of Colluricincla woodwardi. OTE

three miles I climbed a sandstone hill to get a view of the country.
I was on the edge of a wide valley, which stretched before me for
about two miles. On the far side, and rising abruptly from the
valley was a range of red sandstone rising to a height of 700 to
800 feet, the high cliffs and dark ravines being perfectly visible.
Here, I thought, is the country I am in search of. Descending
to the valley and making my way across it, | suddenly came to
a rocky depression, through which flowed a beautiful spring, the
water being like crystal. Its course formed numerous small
holes, which were covered with purple water-lilies—a transporting
sight in this barren land of stunted timber and spinifex. After
a good drink and a short spell I again went forward. Signs of
a recent storm, in the shape of broken boughs and uprooted
trees, became visible, and a little further on pools of water
were seen among the rocks. On reaching the sandstone I made
my way up a ravine till a large overhanging rock on my right
attracted my attention as a likely place for a Thrush’s nest.
On approaching it and looking round I observed a nest partly
hidden behind a jutting ledge of rock, and, placing my hand therein,
was delighted to find a pair of eggs. Lifting them carefully out,
I at once saw they belonged to a Thrush. Replacing the eggs,
I retired to the shelter of a rock, and, after waiting a few minutes,
heard the clear whistle of a Colluricincla, and a few seconds after
a female C. woodwardi flew on to the ledge beside the nest, and,
after a careful look round, sat quietly down on the eggs. The
instant I moved, however, she was gone like a flash. Carefully
packing the eggs in a collecting box, I resumed the search, and by
mid-day had located five more nests, none of which, however, had
eggs. While the quart-pot was boiling I reviewed the situation,
and came to the conclusion that the distance from camp was too
great to allow of good work, so decided to shift it. After lunch
I made a bee-line for camp, which was reached about 3 o'clock.
I at once dismantled and re-packed the outfit, and once more
turned my face towards the sandstone ranges. As a storm was
brewing, I lost no time on the return journey, and by sundown
was under the friendly shelter of the rock from which I had taken
the Thrush’s eggs in the morning. Cutting some saplings, I
wedged them between the floor and roof of the rock and swung
my net between them. By this time the storm was sweeping
over the hills, and, although the thunder and lightning were very
severe, I was quite secure in my rocky refuge. My supper con-
sisted of Johnnie-cake and roast rock wallaby. Friday and Satur-
day were spent in searching the ranges, and, although many nests
of the Thrushes were seen, both new and old, no further eggs
were taken.

A fair number of Amytornis woodwardi was seen, and two old
nests of last season were observed in the top of spinifex clumps,
but they do not seem to have made a start for this season,
probably the delayed rain and great heat (the thermometer aver-
aging 105° for the whole of November at the police barracks in

Emu
ist April

212 BARNARD, Search for Eggs of Colluricincla woodwardt. [
Borroloola) being the chief cause. Several nests of the Little
Wood-Swallow. (Artamus minor) were found in holes in the
sandstone cliffs, but they all contained young. Also numbers of
old nests of the Fairy Martin were seen in caves or under over-
hanging rocks. Realizing that I was too early for the birds, I
decided to revisit the locality in about 1o days’ or a fortnight’s
time, when I shall hope to do much better. When I returned to
Borroloola I had tramped over 70 miles for a single pair of eggs !

A Visit to the Gosford Scrubs.

By SIDNEY Wm. JAcKson, R.A.O.U., CHATSwoop, NEw SouTH
WALES.

In company with my brother, Mr. Frank T. A. Jackson, I spent
a few days camped on his property near Gosford, N.S.W., during
the last Christmas holidays. Notwithstanding the then unusually
dry state of the country, in all 62 species of birds were noted in
and about the bush close to our camp, the more elevated portions
of which are covered with blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularts), blue
eum (Eucalyptus, sp.), sweet-scented wattle (Acacia pruinosa,
a late flowering species), forest oak (Casuarina), &c. ; while in the
beautiful scrub-clad gullies below the camp were _ tree-ferns,
bangalow and cabbage-tree palms, stag-horn ferns (Platycerrum
gvande), &c. Here the water-vines (Vitis hypoglauca) drooped
over the moss-covered logs, and climbed up and linked together
the tall and shady scrub trees, such as the maiden’s blush tree
(Echinocarpus australis), bean-ball tree (Castanospermum australe),
black apple tree (Sideroxylon australe). The moss on everything
in the scrub was parched, and not of its usual beauty when
glistening with moisture. Many broken land-shells—snails (Helix
egveyi, Helix strangeit, &c.)—were strewn about on the ground in
the scrub, and these fragments were no doubt the result of the
work of the Lyre-Bird (Menura), which, like the beautiful
Dragoon-Bird or Pitta (Pitta strepitans) of our more northern
scrubs, is a great snail-eater, and usually breaks them on a stone.
We observed a female Regent Bower-Bird (Sericulus chryso-
cephalus) frequently fly over our tent into a clump of mistletoe
(Loranthus) growing in a forest oak (Casuarina) on the edge of
the scrub. In this parasitical growth the bird had its nest, which
contained young. The female alone was noticed feeding them,
and the male was not observed near the nest. Several beautiful
nests of the White-shafted Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) were
found, with the birds sitting on eggs or chicks. It was most
pleasing to watch the little birds going to and from their nests,
which were built on dead limbs of wattle (Acacia pruinosa) and
turpentine-trees (Syncarpia laurifolia) on the recently burnt-off
land beside the scrub. Other nests were found, but none of any
importance ; in fact, most birds had, no doubt, finished breeding,

yor fonge Jackson, A Visit to the Gosford Scrubs. 256

as it was so late in the season. In a small bush known as native
holly (Oxylobium trilobatum) a nest of the Yellow-faced Honey-
eater (Ptilotis chrysops) was found, which was neatly hidden in the
prickly bush. Two eggs were in the nest, but were not inter-
fered with. Strange to say, we did not see any Parrots. Amongst
the birds met with in the gullies were —Lyre-Bird (Menura
superba), Yellow-bellied Shrike-Tit (Falcunculus frontatus), Black-
faced Flycatcher (Monarcha carinata), Yellow-eared Honey-eater
(Ptilotis chrysotis), White-throated Tree-creeper (Climacteris
leucophea), Cat-Bird (Atluredus smitht), Yellow-throated Scrub-
Wren (Sericornis citreigularis), White-throated Thickhead (Pachy-
cephala gutturalis), Little Green-Pigeon (Chalcophaps chrysochlora),
Brown Fly-eater (Gerygone fusca), &c., but none of these was
plentiful; in fact, only one specimen of the Lyre-Bird was
observed.

The Brown Fly-eater, though a very small bird, livens up the
scrub with its sweet twittering song, which resembles “‘ Two tid
ed ed, two tid ed ed, two tid ed ed,” and is uttered rapidly, the
“tid ed ed” being of a higher tone than the first note. The
peculiar and familiar notes of the Black-faced Flycatcher
awakened us at daylight, and the most usual note of the bird is,
as near as I can describe it—‘‘ Give us a chew, whack; give us a
chew.” Often it is repeated several times quickly without the
“whack,” but ultimately it is brought in.

_Bell-Miners (Manorhina melanophrys) were fairly plentiful in
one pretty dell near our Gosford camp, and their notes simply
charmed us. It is delightful to enter the forest where these
birds abound, and where their clear, sweet, bell-like jingle falls
upon one’s ears. The incessant notes resemble the distant jingle
of many sheep-bells, the silvery sounds of which go straight to
the bird-lover’s heart, and crowd his memory with thoughts of
stately trees, drooping ferns, and delightful mossy dells, while
all the magnificent beauty of the Australian forest and scrub
passes along in fanciful procession before him. Shortly after
sunset, and before dusk, their bell-like notes generally become
silent, and in their place louder and less musical notes are
rendered, of quite a different character. The bell-like note is a
short, sharp whistle, and is often most difficult to locate. The
birds call one after the other in quick succession, and their notes,
being apparently of all different keys, cause the bell-like effect.
On an early summer’s morning, as a light breeze gently fans the
valleys, and the golden tints from the rising sun strike the top-
most branches of the trees, and before the pulsating and noisy buzz
or rattle of the so-called locust (Cicada) has begun, then, above
all times, the exquisite notes of these birds are heard to perfec-
tion. They always keep together, the whole year in the same
locality, which may cover an area of only a few hundred yards
or so in breadth, and probably no more of their dingley dells will
be met with for many miles. I have met with the birds in the
bush generally close to the sea. They are difficult to see while

Emu
ist April

214 Jackson, A Visit to the Gosford Scrubs.
feeding amongst the leaves in the bushy trees, owing to their
greenish tinge, and also because they do not fly about much. They
appear to have a decided preference for country where the timbers
of the forest and scrub meet, intermix, and form a sort of jungle.
A few of their neat but old cup-shaped nests were found, placed
in ferns and vines only a few feet from the ground, yet they often
build very much higher. Nine years ago I found these birds very
plentiful in the Gosford district, but since then, I am sorry to
say, their numbers have become considerably lessened. In the
near future these and other of our native birds will be a thing of
the past about Gosford as well as other places, if the “ juvenile
pea-rifle bird-killing crusade ’”’ is still allowed by the Government
authorities to so openly carry on its wanton and ruthless destruc-
tion. Just below our camp the Bell-Birds chimed sweetly all
day as they fed in the bushy branches of the blackbutt and blue
gum (eucalypt) saplings on a slope beside the scrub, and the
loud crack of the Coachwhip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans), the
pulsating, buzz-like sound of Jardine’s Caterpillar-eater (Edolitsoma
jardinit), the loud call of the Roller or Dollar-Bird (Eurystomus
pacificus), the very peculiar whistle or call of the Ground-Thrush
(Oreocincla lunulata), as well as the clear ringing notes of the Grey
Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), were all pleasant music to us.

At night the Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), Boobook Owl
(Ninox boobook), and White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus
albogularis) often called in proximity to our camp, and on New
Year’s Eve, in the stillness of midnight, a Koel (Eudynamys
cyanocephala) ‘‘ cooee-ed’”’ the old year out and the new year in.
A person who has been living in the district for over fifty years
informed me that the Koel was known to him as the “ Christmas-
Bird,” as it usually started to put in an appearance and call
about Christmas.

Like many portions of the rich scrubs on the eastern coast,
those of the Gosford district are still being rapidly cut down,
burnt off, and completely demolished, and the farmers and
orchardists are all busily tilling the fertile land and putting in
various crops. In time, and before long, the scrub-frequenting
birds must move to other parts, where they will probably become
more concentrated, provided the pea-rifle fiends and ruthless
sportsmen do not slaughter them.

Stray Feathers.

Eagles.—About two months ago I saw two large Eagles
(Uvoaéus audax) near the Werribee Gorge, Victoria, and estimated
the wing-spread of each at 10 feet. In the following week one of
the birds was shot by the boundary rider, and was measured by
Mr. Robert Honnan, pastoralist and owner of the station (late
Staughton’s). The wings measured 11 feet from tip to tip.
Part of the plumage was nearly jet black. The remaining Eagle
still haunts the locality—W. GuBBINS RocHE. Melbourne,

21 / T/T.

Vol. XIII.
IQT4

Stray Feathers. 215

Eggs of Munia pectoralis—It will probably be considered pre-
sumptuous on my part to criticise the work of writers like Messrs.
A. J. North and A. J. Campbell; but, as the following remarks
may help to solve a puzzle, I have no hesitation in making them.
It has long been a mystery to me why eggs of Munia fectoralis
should possess a faint bluish shade, while those of the rest of the
genus are pure white. Mr. A. J. North, in pages 281 to 283,
vol. 11., of his ““ Nests and Eggs,”’ describes eggs of Munia castanet-
thorax and Muma xanthoprymna as being pure white, while on
page 286 those of Muna pectoralis are said to be “ white, with a
faint bluish tinge.’”’ Mr. A. J. Campbell describes eggs of Munia
castanetthovax and Mumia fectoralis in a similar manner, those
of the last-named bird being apparently from the same clutch
as described by Mr. North. It struck me as being peculiar that
birds so closely allied should lay differently coloured eggs. <A set
in my own collection presented the same bluish tinge, but the
eggs were not identified beyond question, and therefore are
labelled ‘doubtful.’ From the Macarthur River, Northern
Territory, Mr. H. G. Barnard lately sent me a clutch of Munia
pectoralis eggs, and skins of the parent birds shot at the nest; the
eggs are pure white, of similar shape to those of the rest of the
genus, and measure — (a) .67 x .47, (db) .65 x .47, (c) .67 x .47,
(d) .69 x .49, (e) .71 x .48, (f) .67 x .47. I claim them to form the
true type clutch of the species. While on the subject of Mr.
North’s book, if the publication is to be considered an official one,
authorized by the Trustees of the Australian Museum, let us hope
that these gentlemen will issue a supplement containing descrip-
tions of the many well-known birds omitted from their proper
places in the original. In its present form the work, admirable
as it is as far as it goes, is very far from being a complete record
of the ‘Nests and Eggs of Birds Found Breeding in Australia
and Tasmania.’’—H. L. WuitTe. Belltrees (N.S.W.)

* * *

Frogmouth and Boobook Owl.—For several months past I have
heard at night a peculiar metallic call. It appeared to come
from the creek, about a mile away, and was never heard earlier
than Io p.m. or Ir p.m. A few days ago I was watching a pair
of Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) flying about our
garden, a little after sunset. Occasionally they uttered the call
““Oom, oom,” as if communicating something of importance to
one another, especially after a sudden swoop on the part of either.
A little later a Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook), a frequent visitor,
fluttered into one of the pine trees, and began its leisurely,
solitary call. Early in the morning I awoke, and, hearing this
metallic call, determined, if possible, to find the author thereof.
It should be noted that the Boobook Owl continued its note
during the time of which I am writing. Going out into the
garden, I at first found it very difficult to locate the bird (pre-
sumably) for which I was looking. At times the cry appeared

216 Stray Feathers. gre

to come from the east, then from the north, and always from far
away. Thinking it best to start the search from home, I stood
first under one tree, then another, until, coming to an old, partially
leafless eucalypt outside the school fence, I distinctly heard, above
my head, the sounds, ‘‘ More pork, more pork,” uttered very
rapidly from seven to ten times in succession, with a pause of a
minute or two before the next series of calls. I could not discern
the bird, but it happened to fly down to a low branch, and, being
between me and the setting moon, I could see it plainly—in fact,
I could have touched it. It was a Frogmouth. For about
twenty minutes I stood watching and listening, comparing the two
calls as they happened to be uttered together. Then I followed
the Frogmouth from tree to tree until it went to a distant
paddock, where I could not follow. As a result of my observa-
tions, I would say, firstly, that the Frogmouth does call ‘“‘ More
pork,” and secondly, that no one who has heard the Boobook
Owl’s and the Frogmouth’s calls could ever mistake one for the
other. I will indicate what I consider to be the chief points of
dissimilarity :—The Boobook Owl has a leisurely call, the Frog-
mouth a quick call; the Boobook utters one call at a time, the
Frogmouth from seven to ten calls in succession ; the Owl makes
a slight pause between the two syllables ‘‘ Boo-book,”’ the Frog-
mouth makes no appreciable pause between the two syllables ;
the Owl has the distinct vowel sound “ oo,’’ whereas P. strigotdes
utters the “aw’’ in a guttural manner, not nasal. Heard at
close range, it sounds like a hoarse whisper; at a little distance
it sounds metallic. Constable Montgomery, of Eldorado, was able
to confirm my observations. He has seen and heard the Frog-
mouth many times. — MURIEL CHENEY. Carraragarmungee,
18/1/14.

* * *

Owlet-Nightjar Nestlings.—A farm hand at Caermarthen, Manilla,
N.S.W., at the end of August last selected an old stump in the
ranges for the purpose of steadying his rifle while testing its
accuracy in a long shot at a rabbit ; but before he could open fire
an Owlet-Nightjar (gotheles nove-hollandie) blundered out of
the butt. The hollow stump contained four white eggs just
within arm’s reach from the top of the spout. I visited the spot
on I9th September and found the stump situated in a dry gully
between two mountains. The adult birds were absent, but the
nest contained four nestlings. Two of the brood appeared to be
a day or two older than the others, but all were in the down. The
following morning I returned, and was rather surprised to find
that the two advanced chicks had left the nest, but I was convinced,
after witnessing the activity of the others, that they had departed
on their own accord. Some patience was required to obtain
photographs. The nestlings would persist in scaling the spout,
like mice, or fluttering off in opposite directions from the aperture
below. After making exposures, I examined the nest. It was

Vol. XIII.”
1914

Stray Feathers. 217
composed of dried leaves and small pieces of shredded bark,
matted together in layers with bird droppings. Evidently Owlet-
Nightjars do not clean up after their young like most birds that
build in the open, but simply cover the nest each night or early

Nesting Place (opened) and Young of Owlet-Nightjar (gotheles
nov @-hollandia).

FROM A PHOTO, BY H. BURRELL.

in the morning with fresh leaves for the comfort of the brood
during the daytime. However, on this occasion the top layer
was certainly snug and dry, while directly underneath the
excretions were fresh HARRY BURRELL. Kensington (N.S.W.),
24/9/13.

* * *
Leipoa ocellata—Successful Breeding in Captivity.—It will
prove of interest to those who love our native birds to learn that

a species so shy and retiring as the Mallee-Fowl has at last been
induced to breed in captivity. At Cliff Aviary at the present

218 Stray Feathers: feqencn

time there can be seen a mound built by a pair of these birds.
It is about 40 feet in circumference, and built from material
placed at their disposal. The aviary is about 45 feet long by
II feet wide, the width increased to 14 feet at one end to admit
of mound-building. The female started laying about the end
of last August, and up to date has laid twenty-nine eggs.
Having a large rainfall, excessive moisture in the mound
destroyed all eggs laid previous to last week in November.
About three weeks ago the first chick came out ; two more have
since appeared, and another is about due now. I have been
interested in these wonderful birds for about 30 years, making
a special study of them and their habits during the past 12 years.
A large number of these birds have passed through my hands
during my career as a collector of native fauna. They make very
interesting pets, getting on very friendly terms with their keeper.
Their dispositions vary considerably, it being easier to get on
good terms with some individuals than with others. I always,
if possible, take the pairs as I find them, avoiding as much as
possible the mating of strange birds. I can always form a good
idea of their dispositions during the period spent in the collecting
camp; but the best birds to deal with are those reared from
chicks. I have several such pairs, and for some years I
endeavoured to impress on the minds of these birds the need of
taking up family duties and responsibilities. At the age of
two years they would hardly entertain the thought; at three
years I got them to start in a half-hearted way. Not until the
fourth year would they fully accept my suggestion ; then, in the
month of April, they cleaned out the old hot-bed, and set to work
with a will. Then I gave them abundant material, which they
made good use of, hence my present success—the first instance
on record, I believe, of the breeding of Mallee-Fowl in captivity.
—J. P. BELLCHAMBERS. Humbug Scrub! (5.A.),217/ 2/24:

From Magazines, &c.

‘“‘ Australian Nature Stories for Children.’’ — Under this title
an admirable little handbook by Miss Constance Tisdall, B.A.,
is published by Messrs. James Ingram and Son, Melbourne. It
contains twelve charmingly written stories—four each of birds,
animals, and trees. But, although only “ stories,’ it is a pity
that all the natural history facts are not accurate. Surely Miss
Tisdall could have got some expert friend to wisé her proofs. The
Laughing Jackass, or Great Kingfisher, is stated to lay ‘‘ two
lovely eggs.” That bird oftener lays three eggs, while the full
complement is four. ‘“‘Some Magpies lay eight eggs’’ is another
statement. Any schoolboy will tell you that Magpies lay three
or four eggs, rarely five! But the most astounding statement of all
is that the Lyre-Bird lays a “ pale green egg’?! Exception is
also taken to attributing the wonder-workings of Nature to

Vol. XIII.
1914

From Magazines, &c. 219
gnomes and fairies instead of to the Spirit of the Creator. The
talented authoress has lost a golden opportunity of lifting, by
her powerful pen, the young mind by teaching it to look from
Nature up to Nature’s God.

* * *

Birds of Melville Island. — Zhe Jhis for January contains
‘A List of the Birds of Melville Island, Northern Territory,” by
Mr. Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E. No less than 167 species and
sub-species are mentioned, with valuable field-notes, and in some
cases descriptions of nests and eggs. The author makes full use
of the trinomial licence, and the following are instances of some
familiar forms in their new nomenclature (members can guess
the vernaculars for themselves) :—Chrysauchena humeralis apsleyt,
Erolia ferruginea chinensis, Cyanalcyon macleayt distinguendus,
Cosmerops ornatus shortridger, Quoyornis leucura greda, Muscitrea
grisola riordant, Dulciornis alistert melvillensis, Microphilemon
orientalis breda. The general reader would suppose that Mr.
Mathews had visited Melville Island, and that the field observa-
tions were personal; but. by the mention occasionally, in a
negative sense, of Mr. J. P. Rogers’s name, it may be inferred
that Mr. Mathews had commissioned that reliable collector and
observer to visit this interesting locality. In his enthusiasm
Mr. Mathews no doubt inadvertently omitted to record that
circumstance. In any case, ornithological knowledge has been

greatly enriched.
* *k *

A New Journal.—The first part (January, 1914) of The South
Australian Ornithologist has been received, and is welcomed. It
is a 24-page journal (size, demy 8vo), modestly got up, but of
far-reaching importance and prospective usefulness. The South
Australian Ornithological Association is to be congratulated on
its ability to support an organ of its own.

The opening chapter contains a succinct and most interesting
gecount,, by Me K>~ Compton, R-A-O:U:, of “The History ‘of
Ornithology in South Australia,’ of course including the history
of the Ornithological Association, which was founded the year
previous to the inauguration of the R.A.O.U. It is well to write
up such histories ‘‘ while it is yet day,’’ and not wait, as is usually
the case, for a “ jubilee,’’ when all papers and persons concerned
are often not available.

“The Avifauna of Melville Island, Northern Territory,” by
Mr FOR. Zietz; R.ALOLU:, is the next: article; and by the aid of
trinomialism the author has been able to add no less than nine
sub-species, with short descriptions, to the Australian bill of
birds, namely : —Chalcophaps chrysochlora melvillensis, A stur
clarus vobustus, Aprosmictus erythropterus melvillensis, Chrysococcyx
minutillus melvillensis, Petroica cucullata melvillensis, Pachycephala
gutturalis longirostris, Pachycephala rufiventris minor, Colluricincla

220 From Magazines, &c. sai
brunnea melvillensis, and Colluricincla parvula melvillensis. But
according to “A List of the Birds of Melville Island,” published
by Mr. Gregory M. Mathews in The Ibis for January, does
not Aprosmictus erythropterus melvillensis appear to be A. e.
coccineopterus, Chalcophaps chrysochlora melvillensis to be C. c.
longirostris, Chrysococcyx minutillus melvillensis to be C. m.
minutillus, Petroica cucullata melvillensis to be P. c. subpicata,
and Pachycephala gutturalis longirostris to be P. g. consobrina ?
Mr. Edwin Ashby, R.A.O.U., also technically and trinomially
describes a new sub-species of Kingfisher from Northern Territory,
Halcyon macleayu ceruleus, remarking that it is easily distinguished
from its congener, H. macleayit (or, as it should be written, H. m.
macleayit), by its more intense and brilliant blue colouration, &c.
There is no disguising the fact that The South Australian
Ornithologist is out for trinomialism. Therefore, it behoves the
editorial committee to be consistent, and not make the journal,
however small, “a hybrid,’’ so to speak, by introducing binomial
nomenclature as well as trinomial. If the journal declares for
trinomials, then on the opening page (6) there are two omissions
—Artamus melanops and Malurus callainus should be written
respectively Artamus melanops melanops and Malurus melanotus
callainus. On page 18, Rhipidura tricolor should undoubtedly
be Rhipidura tricolor motacilloides. Again, in Dr. A. W. Morgan’s
valuable contribution (page 21), Diceum hirundinaceum should be
Diceum hurundinaceum hirundinaceum, to distinguish it from
either Diceum hirundinaceum yorkt or Diceum Iurundinaceum
tormentt on the trinomial ‘“ Reference-list’’ (Mathews). Mr.
J. W. Mellor, R.A.O.U., is correct in stating (page 22) that the
Fan-tailed Cuckoo is the Cacomantis flabelliformis of Gould, but
he (Mellor) is wrong in stating that Mathews calls the bird Cuculus
vubricatus ; it should be Cuculus rubricatus rubricatus. Similarly,
Acanthiza pusilla should be Acanthiza pusilla pusilla. Mr. H. E.
Laffer, in mentioning the Brush Wattle-Bird (page 22) calls it
Anellobia chrysoptera instead of Anellobia chrysoptera intermedia,
while Merops ornatus should be Merops ornatus ornatus ; and in
Mr. C. L. Compton’s interesting snake-killing ‘‘ Observation of
Laughing Jackass’”’ the technical name should have been written
Dacelo gigas gigas instead of merely Dacelo gigas. However, in
future issues of the journal no doubt such anomalies will disappear,
otherwise there will possibly be a danger of misleading students.

* * *

Penguins of the Antaretic.—The Smithsonian Report for 1912
contains an article entitled ‘‘ The Penguins of the Antarctic
Regions,” by L. Gain, D.Sc., naturalist of the Charcot Expedition.
Following is portion of the article (which was translated, with
additions, by the author from La Nature, Paris, No. 2,041,
6th July, 1912) dealing chiefly with the Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis
adelia) :—

‘From whatever side one approaches the Antarctic, whether

Vol. XIII. 5
a From Magazines, &c. 221

from south of America or from the longitude of Africa or of
Australia, throughout the circumference of this vast polar. con-
tinent the Adelie Penguin is always one of the animals encountered
by the voyager on his route. This bird is everywhere, watches
over everything ; it is to him, indeed, that the Antarctic belongs.
Curious, unruly, violent, a chatterbox and blusterer, of an extra-
ordinary liveliness, you should see him dart like an arrow from
the water to a height of more than 2 meters, and fall vertically
down again on the piece of ice or the rock chosen for his resting-
place.

“Never leaving these regions or passing north of 60° south
latitude, they people the isles of the frontier, the low elevations
of the Antarctic continent, on which, during a few months of the
year, the snow, in melting, leaves some clear spaces of soil.

“On slightly uneven locations they settle in numerous colonies
during the period of breeding and raising their young, forming
these noisy cities, these rookeries, which number thousands, often
even tens of thousands, and sometimes even hundreds of thousands
of individuals.

“After having abandoned their rookeries for the winter, which
they pass on the open sea, opposite the land ice, the Adelies return
in October to their cities and immediately take possession of their
rocks again. Indeed, these rocks are really theirs, for, according
to the observations made on the spot at Petermann’s Island, where
the Pourquot Pas wintered, I have ascertained, in the case of
the Gentoo as well as of the Adelie, that the same birds come
back to the same rookery year after year.

“When the expedition arrived at Petermann’s Island in
February, 1909, I put on the right leg of several Penguins (young
and old) some celluloid rings of various colours, according to the
age of the birds. In October and November, 1909, on the return
of the birds to their rookeries, I had the good fortune to recover
a score of adults marked by me nine months before. I did not,
however, recover any of the young, which seems to indicate that
they do not return to their birthplace and do not mate until two
years old.

“Since the return of the expedition to France I have learned
that in November and December, I9g10, some ringed birds had
been recovered by whalers who, during the summer months, went
in search of cetaceans in those regions.

“The Adelie Penguin is a brave animal, and rarely flees from
danger. If it happen to be tormented it faces its aggressor and
ruffles the black feathers which cover its neck. Then it takes
a stand for combat, the body straight, the animal erect, the beak
in the air, the wings extended, not losing sight of its enemy. It
then makes a sort of purring, a muffled grumbling, to prove that
it is not satisfied and has not lost a bit of its firm resolution to
defend itself. In this guarded position it awaits events. If the
enemy beat a retreat, then the Penguin abandons its menacing
attitude ; often it stays on the spot; sometimes it returns, and,

; Emu
222 From Magazines, &c. April

lying flat on the ground, pushes itself along with all the force
of its claws and its wings. Should it be overtaken, instead of
trying to increase its speed it stops, backs up again to face anew
the peril, and returns to its position of combat. Sometimes it
takes the offensive, throws itself on its aggressor, which it punishes
with blows of its beak and wings.

‘With the opening of spring, the Adelies return little by little
toward their old rookeries. As soon as they arrive many make
their bed on the snow as if to rest from the fatigue of their long
journey ; those more rested or less indolent hunt for pebbles
needed for building their nests.

“The life of the city becomes more and more active ; the birds
are each day more numerous. The smallest rock uncovered is
at once occupied. Small stones become scarcer and scarcer, and
it is difficult for new arrivals to procure them ; thereupon the last
comers resort to stratagem in order to steal from neighbouring
nests.

‘The quarrels over ownership increase ; each works for itself ;
selfishness rules as master ; everywhere is distrust.

“One suspects its neighbour, which, when it approaches,
suspects it ; if it tries, in spite of the cries and menaces, to come
nearer, it is received with blows of the beak ; if it tries to steal
a pebble and is detected, it is pursued and severely punished. At
every moment some quarrels, some battles, burst out. Often a
dispute between two indvidiuals, degenerating into a fight, ends
by spreading the trouble into every corner of the city. The
Adelie is a savage individual, constantly in conflict to defend its
property.

“When the Penguins come to their rookeries the male begins
to search for a female, with whom it will stay until the young are
able to take care of themselves. At this time the male is full of
animation before the female, and carries on a very ardent court-
ship. Sometimes two males having the same tastes court the
same female. There is then seen a rivalry in gallantry; the
female, surrounded by two suitors who attack, probably with
pretty words, dares not decide too quickly. She is intimidated,
and these attacks of gallantry are generally ended by a regular
battle between the suitors; but we cannot say with certainty
whether the victor in the contest inevitably becomes the husband
of the lady Adelie.

‘What confusion in these cities of the Adelie! How many
quarrels over stolen pebbles and property rights! How many
battles, too, started by jealous husbands! And all this occurs
on ground wet with melting snow, stained with mud the colour
of wine dregs.

“The Adelies lay two, very rarely three, eggs. They are
slightly greenish-white ; their weight varies between 125 and 135
grams. The laying begins in the first days of November and ends
by the last of December. Male and female alternately sit on
the nest.

Vol. XIII.
1914

From Magazines, &c. 220

“ The female takes great care of the eggs ; several times during
the day she turns them with her beak, then she rests on them so
as to bring in contact with the shell the region of the abdomen
which, on a longitudinal median surface, is destitute of feathers.
The lower part of the eggs rests on the feet of the bird.

“Incubation lasts from 33 to 36 days.

“The first broods hatch in the latter half of December. On
hatching they are covered with a uniformly blackish-grey down,
darker on the head, which they keep for seven or eight weeks.

“ After the hatching of the eggs, which ends in the first half of
January, the city presents great animation. The parents must
assume the difficult task of nourishing the broods, which are
rapidly developing. Also, when the hatching is over, the male
and female in turn abandon the nest to go a-fishing.

“One then sees the Adelie quit the rookery in little flocks,
which always follow the same route, and in fleeing make veritable
paths in the snow to reach some point on the coast where it will
be easy to launch out to sea.

“The Penguins remain in the sea only long enough for the
fishing. There, in fact, they encounter their formidable enemies,
the killers and the seals. The heron seal (Lobodon carcinophagus),
the Weddell seal (Leptomychotes weddelli), and especially the fierce
sea leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx), take for their nourishment an
ample supply of Penguins.

“ The fishing ended, always in companies, the birds return to
the rookery, where they are impatiently awaited by their offspring.

“ With its great belly, which reaches to its feet, the young bird
has a very clumsy appearance. Sometimes completely satiated,
it remains in place without being able to stir; at other times,
moved by hunger, it runs after some adult returning from the
sea ; it harasses that unfortunate until it finally yields. Through
a sort of regurgitation, the bird causes part of the food to return
into the throat, where the young glutton, burying its head almost
entirely in the beak of the adult, searches for it.

“In general, the broods abandon the nests a few at a time. The
young now keep together in small groups, moving about, splashing
in the midst of the reddish mud, with which they are covered
from head to foot. The very disagreeable odour which comes
from them leaves some doubt as to the good hygiene of these
animals. Each group is confided to the care of some adults,
which carefully watch over all these noisy and already inquisitive
young creatures. One side of the rookery ends in a cliff over-
hanging the sea or a ravine, some adults standing there as sentinels.
Woe to the curious little one that ventures too near the dangerous
spot ; the watchman, with a light stroke of the beak or of the
Wing, reminds the rash bird of the duty of obedience and of the
need of returning to the ranks.

“In February the young, little by little, change the down for
the plumage which they wear for a year or until the next moult.
They are now distinguished from the adults by the absence of the

224 From Magazines, &c. Back

white iris, also by the colour of the throat, which is white instead
of black, the line of white and black crossing the cheek below
the eye. It is not until the next moulting, at the end of a year,
in February or March, that they take on the plumage of the adult.
At the end of February the young can care for themselves ; they
leave the rookeries and ramble in groups along the coast. From
day to day their number diminishes. They leave in March,
going northward to dwell on the open sea.

“The parents have done their work. Having laboured for
their offspring during four months, they must now think of them-
selves. Winter approaches ; they must form the new habit which
will enable them to endure bad weather. They go to rest on the
snow or in some crevice of the rocks, sheltered from the prevailing
winds. They remain there in the same place, without moving,
during the entire moulting season—that is to say, for 20 days.
They are compelled to live on their reserve fat. They become
unsightly, resembling birds poorly stuffed, eaten by insects.

“At the end of March, when the moulting is over, the birds in
small flocks gradually leave their city, to which they will again
return at the close of winter, after seven months’ absence.

‘Finally, the last species, which, like the Adelie, is distributed
over the whole extent of the Antarctic continent, is the Emperor
Penguin (Afptenodytes forstert), a bird of large size, sometimes
reaching a height of 1 meter 10 centimeters and a weight of 40
kilograms. It is a very beautiful bird ; its head is jet black ; on
each side of the head a band of golden-yellow diminishes gradually
toward the neck and ventral regions; the back is bluish-grey,
the beak to the base of the mandibles purplish-rose. The
Emperor does not leave the polar regions, where the birds are
found in small groups on the icebergs. If two groups happen to
meet, the leaders bow to each other, lowering their beaks on their
breasts ; remaining in this position, they hold a long discourse ;
then, compliments having been exchanged, they raise their heads
and describe a great circle with their beaks. They act in the
same way toward men, who generally have great difficulty in
understanding this mimicry, obliging the Penguin to begin over
again.

‘The habits of this Penguin are very different from those of
the birds that we have just considered. The mode of reproduction
is very peculiar, and has been ably studied by Mr. Wilson,
naturalist of the Discovery Expedition. It occurs in the dead of
winter, in the middle of the polar night, at the end of June, in cold
that may reach 50° C. below zero, when the Emperors gather
together near the continent, on a solid iceberg, to lay a single
egg. There are no preparations, no nest.

“To keep the egg off the ice, the Penguin places it on his feet,
held between his legs, protected by a fold of skin covered with
feathers at the base of the abdomen. As the incubation lasts
nearly two months, the birds, of which not many are engaged in
brooding, pass the egg to one another in turn. At the beginning

Vol. XIII.
IQ14

From Magazines, &c. 225
of September the young is hatched. As there is only one chick
to ten or so adults, and as every one of the latter wishes to brood,
there is much jostling and struggling to get possession of the little
one, that brings upon the poor creature unintentional wounds,
sometimes causing its death.

“Toward the end of October migration toward the north takes
place, the birds letting themselves be carried off on fragments of
ice broken from the iceberg ; the chicks, still covered with down,
are carried by their parents. In January they lose this down,
and from this time on they provide for themselves.

“While the young live on the outskirts of the icebergs the
adults return south to seek solid ice, on which they go to moult,
then in the month of June they come together again, and the
cycle that we have just briefly described begins anew.”’

The article was illustrated by numerous excellent photo.-blocks.

Reviews.

[Indian Pigeons and Doves.” By E. C. Stuart Baker, F.Z.S., F.L.S.
M.B.O.U. Witherby and Company, London. 1913.]

Tuis finely-illustrated volume should prove a boon to field
ornithologists in India, and both author and publishers are to be
congratulated on its production. In his preface the author
states :—

“My reasons for writing a volume upon our Indian Pigeons
and Doves are several. . . In the first place, there has as
yet been no book published which deals with these most beautiful
birds from the point of view of the sportsman and field naturalist
as well as from that of the scientific or museum naturalist.
Skins—as skins—are without doubt full of interest, and especially
so, perhaps, when the person studying them is more or less
intimate with the life-histories of the birds themselves; but
Pigeons are well worthy of study in ways other than by dry skins.
To the field naturalist they are birds full of interest; to the
aviculturalist they are birds more charming and worthy of culture
than has hitherto been generally admitted ; and to the sportsman
they offer an object well worthy of attention, for he must have
a quick eye, a sure hand, and considerable perseverance and
patience before he has mastered their habits, and is able to find
them, and, when found, bring them to bag.”

Many ornithologists will agree with most of these statements ;
but one may be permitted to wonder wherein lies the pleasure
of shooting, for sport, birds that are so beautiful and interesting.
A bird in the bush is worth a score in the game-bag, in the opinion
of those who are true bird-lovers.

A feature of this book is that it introduces for the first time
into India the trinomial system—the system that recognizes
sub-species. But India, the author states, is essentially a country
in which such a system is found necessary, ‘‘ for the variations

Emu
ist April

226 Reviews.
in climate are so great, according to elevation, humidity, &c.,
that the same species in different localities are bound to undergo
some degree of evolution, which shall render them suitable to their
surroundings.” He accepts geographical variations “‘ as sufficient
reason for the creation of sub-species as long as they are constant
within a given area, though intermediate areas may be inhabited
by intermediate forms.”’

The coloured plates, from drawings by H. Groénvold and G. E.
Lodge, deserve the highest praise. They are a delight to the
eyes. The printing and binding of the volume are also excellent.
If such a work on Australian Pigeons and Doves could be pro-
duced at a reasonable cost it would be warmly welcomed by
members of the R.A.O.U.

[‘‘Colour Standards and Colour Nomenclature.’’ By Robert Ridgway,
M.S., C.M.Z.S., &c., Curator of the Division of Birds, United States National
Museum. With fifty-three coloured plates and eleven hundred and fifteen
named colours. Washington, D.C., 1912. Published by the author. ]

THE author, who is an honorary member of the R.A.O.U., has
kindly sent for its library a copy of this useful book, with the
following note :—‘ A year or so ago I promised to send you,
when the book was published, a copy of my ‘ Colour Standards
and Colour Nomenclature’ for review in The Emu; but my time
has been so fully occupied, chiefly by the preparation of part vi.
of ‘ Birds of North and Middle America,’ that many things have
necessarily been deferred. . . . As information for’ \your
readers, I will state that the sole agents for the sale of the book
in Europe and the British Colonies are William Wesley and Son,
28 Essex-street, Strand, London, W.C., and that the price is
Yi in a= ty

Professor Ridgway’s gift is very acceptable and easily acknow-
ledged, but to criticise it is another matter. The critic may well
say it is above criticism. The fifty-three plates are a technical
triumph. Each has gradations of tints or shades shown by
21 small oblong shields of colour on a pale neutral grey mottled
background. One has to be possessed of a very discriminating
eye to separate the colours. Take, for instance, “‘ mouse-grey.”
On the light side there are “ light mouse-grey,”’ “‘ pale mouse-grey,”
and “‘ pallid mouse-grey,” while on the dark side there are
‘deep mouse-grey,” “‘ dark mouse-grey,’’ and ‘‘ blackish mouse-
grey.’ And so on for over one thousand different colourations.

The standardization of colours and colour names is of great
assistance to ornithologists in describing birds and eggs, and a
tremendous incentive to the trinomialist to multiply sub-species
on the slightest variation of shade or tint of colour.

The highly technical introduction must be of fascinating
interest to students of chromatology and colour physicists. One
often hears mentioned ‘“‘complementary colours.” Defined by
the professor it means :—“‘‘ As white light is the sum of all colour,

Misc Reviews. 227
if we take from white light a given colour the remaining colour
is the complement of the given colour.’ When any two colours
or hues which when combined in proper proportion on the
colour-wheel produce, by rotation, neutral grey, these two colours
each represent the complementary of the other.”

Now that wattle-blossom has been proclaimed Australia’s
national flower, Australians especially will be interested and
instructed in a number of new names in the scale of yellows, such
as baryta, martius, pinard, picric, massicot, naphthalene, chal-
cedony, marguerite, chartreuse, &c. King’s yellow is missed,
but instead there is an “empire yellow,” of similar tint.

Correspondence.
NORTH QUEENSLAND BIRDS.
The Editors of The Emu.

Strs,—Dr. W. Macgillivray, in his most interesting paper on
the birds of Northern Queensland, in The Emu, January, 1914,
remarks that it is doubtful whether the nest and eggs of Podargus
marmoratus have been obtained. I wish to state that I described
the nest and egg in The Ibis for July, 1899 (page 361). Dr. Mac-
gillivray also mentions that the eggs of a Cuckoo were found in
the nest of Glyciphila modesta, and he presumes that they were
those of Cacomantis variolosus. He is right in his contention,
as in 1808 I left an egg of the Cuckoo in the nest of foster-parents
until it was hatched and the fledgeling was able to leave the nest.
I then secured the specimen and brought it to Melbourne. It
proved to be the young of the above-mentioned species.

Zoological Gardens, Melbourne. D. LE SOUEF.

About Members.

Dr. George Horne, member of Council, R.A.O.U., is enjoying
a well-earned holiday in Europe.

Mr. Robert Hall, C.M.Z.S., late president R.A.O.U., is now an
orchardist in the Hobart district, Tasmania, and intends to pursue
ornithology as a recreation only.

Mr. Tom Carter, M.B.O.U., has left Western Australia and
returned to England. His temporary address is c/o Dr. M. C.
Ward, Marshall’s-road, Sutton, Surrey.

Mr. Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S. (Edin.), is on a visit to the
Commonwealth in connection with the publication of his great
work, ‘‘ The Birds of Australia.’ He touched at Perth, and
was warmly welcomed at Adelaide? by the South Australian
ornithologists. He was entertained at Melbourne by the Council
of the R.A.O.U. and the Bird Observers’ Club respectively. Mr.

228 About Members. Brae

Mathews is at present in Tasmania. From there he will proceed
to New South Wales and Queensland before returning to Britain,
vid America, in July. Mr. Mathews was accompanied to Aus-
tralia by Mrs. Mathews and their sons, who remained on _ the
mail steamer until Sydney was reached.

Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, of Washington, D.C., an honorary member
of the R.A.O.U., hopes, with Mrs. Shufeldt, to visit Australia
during the meeting of the British Association for the Advance-
ment of Science. Dr. Shufeldt has a world-wide fame as an
author and ornithologist. He was collaborator with the late
Professor Alfred Newton in the “ Dictionary of Birds.’ He is
an unwearied and versatile writer in many branches of orni-
thology. In addition to the valuable articles on osteology which
he contributed to The Emu last year, he has written in Science
(N.S., vol. xxxvii., No. 947) on “‘ New and Extinct Birds and Other
Species from the Pleistocene of Oregon,’”’ and a highly technical
paper, ‘‘ On the Patella in the Phalacrocoracide,’’ which appeared
in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. On the
more popular side of ornithology Dr. Shufeldt contributed to the
Popular Science Monthly for November, 1913, an article on “ The
National Zoological Garden.’ In the Ouwters’ Book he continues
his pleasantly written articles (illustrated) on ‘‘ American Grouse
and their Identification,’ and in that charming publication,
“The Guide to Nature,’ he has written, with illustrations, on
‘““Some American Wild Fowl,” &c., while The Auk, vol. xxx.,
No. 2, p. 318, contains a sympathetic obituary notice of Professor
Robert Collett, of Christiania, from the pen of the talented doctor.

Obituary Notice.

The Ibis for October, 1913, contains a memoir of the late
Philip Lutley Sclater, D.Sc., F.R.S., by Mr. A. H. Evans. “ Not
only was he of world-wide reputation for a long life’s work,” states
the writer, ‘‘ but the various posts which he held at different
periods entitled him to be considered of late the head of that
branch of learning to which he was specially devoted, as well as
a great power in zoology generally. He always had the welfare
of ornithology at heart, and was not only ready but anxious to
further any project for its advancement, while his kindness and
consideration to all beginners who applied to him were equally
characteristic. The names of Bowdler Sharpe, Garrod, and W. A.
Forbes will at once occur to us in this connection, but these are
a mere drop in the ocean compared to the long list of all who have
owed their position or their reputation to his support, and those
of them who are still alive will have heard with the keenest regret
of his removal from our midst. It may, perhaps, be permitted
to the present writer here to strike a personal note by expressing
his own feeling of gratitude for all Dr. Sclater’s kindness towards
him, both in early life and while joint-editor with him of The Ibis,

- » Oe. be ee =

wT

Tue Emu, Vol. XIII.

PLATE XXIl.

FROM THE 1861S”? (1913), PL. XIIf.

5

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4

Vol. XIII. .
2) sors Obituary Notice. 229

and to add his tribute to the memory of a great ornithologist
and a warm and consistent friend. As an original member of
our Union, as editor of our journal, and as chairman of the British
Ornithologists’ Club, Dr. Sclater was connected with all of us by
the closest ef ties, and thus this notice must be considered as an
expression of the greatest regret and at the same time a token of
the greatest esteem put forward in the name of every member
of the B.O.U.

“The subject of our notice was born on the 4th of November,
1829, at Tangier Park, in Hampshire, then the residence of his
father, Mr. William Lutley Sclater, J.P.; but his boyhood was
passed at Hoddington House, another estate in the same county,
also belonging to his father, to which the family moved in the
month of September, 1833.

“In beautiful Hampshire, not far from the old home of Gilbert
White, Sclater acquired, at an early age, a love for outdoor life
and exercise and a special taste for the study of birds. At the
age of ten he was sent to a well-known school at Twyford, near
Winchester ; in 1842 he left for Winchester College, and in 1845
was elected Scholar of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Being at
that time under sixteen years of age, he was not called into
residence until Easter, 1846. At the University his attention
was given principally to mathematics, though his spare time was
occupied by the study of birds, and of the excellent series of
natural history books then in the Radcliffe Library.

“ Hugh E. Strickland, the well-known ornithologist, who was
at that time resident in Oxford as Reader in Geology, became
interested in young Sclater, and it was at his house that he met
John Gould, shortly after his return from his great journey to
Australia. From Strickland he received his first instruction in
scientific ornithology. He began his collection of bird-skins at
Oxford, making British skins for himself, and buying foreign
specimens whenever he had the opportunity.

“In December, 1849, he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts,
obtaining a first class in the mathematical school and a ‘ pass’
in classics. At that time these were the only two recognized
subjects for study in the University, no sort of encouragement
being giyen to natural science. After taking his degree Sclater
remained in Oxford for two years, devoting his time principally
to natural history. He also gave much attention to modern
languages, studying them with masters at home and always
visiting the Continent in vacation-time, and thus soon made
himself familiar with French, German, and Italian.

“At this period of his life he was often in Paris, studying at
the National Museum in the Jardin des Plantes. Here he made
the acquaintance of the great ornithologist, Prince Charles Bona-
parte, at whose house, in the Rue de Lille, he was a frequent
visitor. In 1851 he entered as a student at Lincoln’s Inn, while
the winter of 1852-53 was devoted to travel in Italy and Sicily.

“In December, 1855, Sclater was admitted Fellow of his college,

230 Obituary Notice. trays

and, having in the previous June been called to the Bar, went on .
the Western Circuit for several years.

“Tn 1856 he made his first journey across the Atlantic, in
company with the Rev. George Hext, a fellow Oxonian. Leaving
England in July, they went by New York up the Hudson to
Saratoga, and there attended the meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science. After that they
went to Niagara, and thence through the Great Lakes to Superior
City, at the extreme end of Lake Superior. Here they engaged
two Canadian ‘ voyageurs,’ and travelled on foot through the
backwoods to the upper waters of the St. Croix River. This they
descended in a birch-bark canoe to the Mississippi. Sclater sub-
sequently published an account of this journey in the third volume
of ‘Illustrated Travels.’ Returning by steamboat and railway
to Philadelphia, he spent a month studying the splendid collection
of birds belonging to the Academy of Natural Sciences in that
city, where he formed the acquaintance of John Cassin, Joseph
Leidy, John Le Conte, and other then well-known members of
that Society. He returned to England shortly before Christmas,
1856. For some years after this he lived in London, practising
at the Bar, but always working steadily at natural history. He
was a constant attendant at the meetings of the Zoological Society
of London, of which he was elected a Fellow in 1850, and in 1857
became a Member of the Council. In 1858 he took a prominent
share in founding The Ibis, and became its first editor.

“Tn January, 1859, Sclater made a short excursion to Tunis
and Eastern Algeria, in company with his friend, E. C. Taylor.
They visited the breeding-places of the Vultures and Kites in
the interior, and gathered many bird-skins, returning to London at
the end of March.

“At this time Mr. D. W. Mitchell, secretary of the Zoological
Society, was about to vacate his post, in order to take charge of
the newly-instituted Jardin d’Acclimatisation in Paris. As his
successor Sclater was selected by Owen and Yarrell, then influential
members of the Council, and was unanimously elected at the
anniversary meeting on 30th April, 1859.

“He found it necessary for several years to devote himself
entirely to the reorganization of the affairs of the Society. The
Proceedings and Transactions were at that time several
years in arrear—they were brought up to date; the ‘ Garden
Guide,’ which was out of print, was re-written ; the large staff at
the Gardens was re-arranged and divided into departments under
the superintendent, and various other reforms were introduced.

“In 1874, when his brother (then the Right Hon. George
Sclater-Booth, M.P., and afterwards Lord Basing) accepted office
in Mr. Disraeli’s administration as President of the Local Govern-
ment Board, Sclater became his private secretary, a position
which he occupied for two years. But when subsequently offered
a permanent place in the Civil Service he declined it, because he
could not make up his mind to give up his dearly-loved work in

Vol. XIII. , ;
Su Obituary Notice. 231

natural history. His most engrossing duties were in connection
with the Zoological Society of London, to which, as principal
executive officer, he, of course, devoted most of his time. It is
conceded by all that its affairs prospered well under his direction.
The number of Fellows of the Society, about 1,700 in 1859,
increased to over 3,000. The income of the Society, which in
1858 was a little over £14,000, rose to £30,000. Besides this,
nearly all of the principal buildings in the Society's Gardens were
rebuilt and fitted up with every sort of modern convenience for
animals. The old office building (No. 1r Hanover-square) was
sold, and was replaced by a much larger and more convenient
house (No. 3 Hanover-square) in the same vicinity. A debt of
£12,000 was paid off, and the house became the freehold property
of the Society without any sort of encumbrance. The first floor
of the Society’s house was devoted to the accommodation of a
large and very valuable zoological library, under the care of a
librarian and his assistant, and was the constant resort of the
working zoologists of the metropolis. This library had been
almost entirely accumulated since 1859. Sclater was also
instrumental in the adoption of that important work, ‘ The
Zoological Record,’ by the Society. .

“Sclater, as already mentioned, was selected by the British
Ornithologists’ Union as the first editor of its journal, The Ibis,
in 1859. He finished the first series in 1864. Professor Newton
took his place as editor of the second series, and Osbert Salvin as
editor of the third. In 1877 Sclater was associated with Salvin
as editor of the fourth series, and in 1883 commenced. the editor-
ship of the fifth series, with Howard Saunders as co-editor. When
the fifth series was completed, in 1888, he became sole editor of
the sixth, which he finished in 1894. In 1895, having again
obtained the assistance of Howard Saunders, he commenced work
on the seventh series, and finished it in Ig00. Taking A. H.
Evans as co-editor, he completed the eighth series in 1906, and
the ninth series in 1912.

“When the British Ornithologists’ Club was established, in
1892, he joined heartily in the movement inaugurated by Dr.
R. Bowdler Sharpe, and was elected chairman. He was most
regular in his attendance at the monthly meetings, occupying the
chair and delivering an inaugural address at the commencement
of each session.

“With the British Association for the Advancement of Science
Sclater had a long connection, having become a member in 1847,
at the second Oxford meeting, and having attended its meetings,
with few exceptions, for many years. For several years he was
secretary of Section D, and at the Bristol meeting, in 1875, he
was president of that section, and delivered an address, ‘On the
Present State of our Knowledge of Geographical Zoology.’ In
1876 he was elected one of the two general secretaries of the
Association, together with Sir Douglas Galton, and served in that
capacity for five years, thereby becoming an ex officio member

232 Obituary Notice. ieee

of the Council, at the meetings of which he continued to be a
constant attendant.

‘In 1886 Sclater began the transfer of his private collection of
American bird-skins to the British Museum. This collection
contained 8,824 specimens, representing 3,158 species, belonging
to the Orders Passeres, Picariz, and Psittaci. It may be re-
marked that when he began his collection at Oxford in 1847 he
intended to collect birds of every kind and from all parts of the
world, but after a few years he resolved to confine his attention
particularly to the ornithology of South and Central America,
and to collect specimens only in the Orders above mentioned, which
were at that time generally less known than the others, and of
which the specimens are of a more manageable size for the private
collector.

“At the time of the beginning of this transfer, which was only
completed in 1890, Sclater agreed to prepare some of the volumes
of the British Museum ‘Catalogue of Birds,’ relating to the
groups to which he had paid special attention. In accordance
with this arrangement, by the expenditure of fully two years of
his leisure time on each volume, he prepared the eleventh volume
in 1886, the fourteenth in 1888, the fifteenth in 1890, and half
of the nineteenth in 1891.

‘When the Challenger Expedition started to go round the
world in 1873, at the request of his friend, the late Sir Wyville
Thomson, he agreed to work out all the birds. Soon after the
return of the expedition, in 1877, the specimens collected were
placed in his hands, and, with the assistance of his ornithological
friends, were speedily reported upon in a series of papers con-
tributed to the Zoological Society's Proceedings. The whole
of these papers were reprinted, with additions and illustrations,
and now form part of the second volume of the ‘ Zoology’ of the
Challenger Expedition.

“Geography, being very closely connected with zoology, always
commanded Sclater’s hearty interest. He became a life member
of the Royal Geographical Society in 1880, and attended its
meetings very regularly. He also served two years on the
Council, and was a member of the Geographical Club. He assisted
in promoting many researches in foreign parts, chiefly, however,
with a view to obtaining collections in natural history from strange
places. Among these may be especially mentioned Sir H. H.
Johnston’s expedition to Kilima-njaro in 1884 and Professor
Bayley Balfour’s visit to Socotra in 1880. He also took a leading
part in sending out naturalists to Kerguelen Land and Rodriguez
with the Transit-of-Venus Expeditions of 1874~75, and in many
other similar efforts to explore little-known parts of the earth’s
surface.

“Tn fact, his work on Geographical Distribution and Classification
may be considered his greatest claim to the gratitude of posterity.
Of the former subject he set forth his views soon after 1858, when
he suggested for the acceptance of ornithologists his six well-

Vol. XII.
1914

Obituary Notice. 2354
known geographical regions, while later he wrote, jointly with
his son William, on the geographical distribution of mammals.
With regard to the latter subject, he propounded a Classification
of the Class Aves in The Ibis for 1880.

“In 1884,he took advantage of the opportunity of the visit of
the British Association to Montreal to cross the Atlantic a second
time, and after the meeting to again visit the United States. He
was not in good health at that period, and did little, if anything,
in the way of zoology. But he had the pleasure of seeing several
of his former friends, especially Messrs. Lawrence and Baird, and
of making the personal acquaintance of Mr. Ridgway, Mr. Allen,
Mr. Brewster, Dr. Merriam, and many other naturalists.

“ Sclater’s death took place, as the result of a carriage accident,
on 27th June, 1913, at the age of 83 years. He leaves a widow,
three sons, and a daughter.”’

—_=

Notes and Notices.

Hon. Treasurer’s Note.—Members whose subscriptions for the
current year are still outstanding are kindly requested to forward
them at once, so that the year’s accounts may be satisfactorily
closed. Address: Z. Gray, 190 Bridport-street, South Melbourne.

Editorial Change. — After thirteen years as honorary orni-
thological editor of The Emu, Mr. A. J. Campbell retires from office
—temporarily, at least. Dr. J. A. Leach has consented to become
associated with Mr. Charles Barrett in the editorship. All articles
for publication, parcels, &c., for the journal should be addressed :
“Editors, The Emu, c/o Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.”’

Important.—The Council R.A.O.U. hopes to arrange the annual
session earlier this year, so as to coincide with the Melbourne
meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science,
which takes place during August, while it is proposed to hold the
working camp-out at Mallacoota Inlet. Such arrangements, it is
thought, will give Australian ornithologists an opportunity of
meeting more closely with any ornithologists from abroad.

Birds and Sheep-Flies.—The Department of Agriculture, New
South Wales, is conducting some experiments with a view of
ascertaining the best method of destroying the sheep maggot fly
pest. Some birds are supposed to destroy the flies, and it is
proposed to carry out an examination of such species. It is asked
that members of the Union should examine the contents of the
stomachs of birds shot, and advise the Department as to the
results.

Hon. Associate Members.—In The Emu, ante, page 109, it is
stated that Capt. S. A. White (S.A.) and Mr. H. L. White
(N.S.W.) were elected “honorary members.’’ Obviously, it

234 Notes and Notices. [ Emu

rst April

should be ‘honorary associate members.” The rule (3) regu-

lating such elections reads:— ‘‘ Honorary members shall be
§

prominent ornithologists residing out of Australia. Honorary
associate members shall be prominent ornithologists residing in
Australia or New Zealand. Honorary and honorary associate
members shall not together exceed ten in number.”

Mathews’ Latest List.—Mr. Gregory M. Mathews has brought
to Australia this, his last and most important list, and has been
good enough to present the Union with a copy. It is a large
publication, between 400 and 500 pages, containing the names
and synonyms connected with the genera, species, and sub-
species of birds found in Australia at present known to the
author, together with an introduction of much historical interest,
as well as with highly critical and argumentative matter. As
the volume was received when this issue was going to press, an
extended review of Mr. Mathews’s latest list will-appear in the
next (July) Emu.

A W.A. Session.—In all probability the proposed visit of the
R.A.O.U. to Western Australia will take place next year.

In reference to a desirable locality for original field-work, Mr.
Tom Carter writes :—‘‘ Referring to the proposed expedition of
the R.A.O.U. last year to the islands of the Recherche Archipelago,
in the Australian Bight, I have just had a conversation with
Captain Airey, of the Government s.s. Penguin, on his return from a
search through the abovementioned islands for the missing dredge
Posidonia. He informs me that landing, or even anchoring near
the islands, is most uncertain, and in many cases dangerous, if not
impracticable, even in calm weather, owing to the heavy swell
constantly rolling in. This information might be useful in case
an expedition there is planned in the future. Of course, several
of the islands have been landed upon by Mr. Tunney and others at
various times, but apparently this landing is very largely dependent
upon the weather. Captain Airey states that the only passable
landing is between Middle Island and Goose Island.”’

Keeping Native Game.—An important point was determined
recently by Mr. Justice Hodges in the Practice Court as affecting
the right of a person to be possessed of native game in the close
season. Last September Speros Lucas, café proprietor, of Eliza-
beth-street, Melbourne, was charged, on the information of Charles
Moore Cliff, ‘‘that on 25th August he knowingly had in his
possession certain native game—16 Wild Ducks—within the period
of the year when the season for such game was closed.”’ The
defence was that the Ducks had been purchased when the season
was open, and had since been kept in freezing chambers. The
magistrates dismissed the case, and the Crown obtained an
order to review the decision. Mr. Justice Hodges said that the
Crown took the view that the moment after the period of 10 days
from the close season no game could be sold, while the defendant,

hae

Vol, XIII. .
Pe: Notes and Notices. 235

in turn, contended that he was entitled to retain possession of
game. The Act gave a person a right to remain in possession of
game, but it was to be subject to certain restrictions if imposed.
If the Act provided that a person could not take delivery of game
until certain restrictions were imposed by the Governor in Council,
then, if no conditions or restrictions were imposed, he would not
be able to take delivery of the game at all. The person already
had the game, and if no restrictions were imposed as to the mode
of keeping the game, he could continue to remain in unrestricted
possession of it. The order nist was discharged, and the decision
of the justices was upheld.—Melbourne Argus.

or

Publications Received.

Annual Report Field Museum of Natural History, 1913.

Annual Report Smithsonian Institute, 1910 and IgIT.

Annual Report U.S. National Museum.

Wins Nhe NV Ol XI, patt: 4.5 Vol. XXX., parts
Vol, XX XE, part. 1.

Austral Avian Record, Vol. II., parts 1 to 4.

Australian Naturalist, Vol. I1., parts 9, 13, 14, 15, 16; Vol.
Ri; part- x:

Avicultural Magazine, Vol. IV., parts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Vol.
Vee parts ©, 2; 3; 4.

Bickerton, W., Home Life of the Terns.

Bird Lore, Vol. XIII., No. 5; Vel. XIV., No. 5; Vol. XV., Nos:
mee AS Se Ors Voll Xx Vil, Nos: i:

brisk Birds, Vol. Vi., patts 10, 11, 12; Vol. VIL., parts 1, 2,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Buckland, James, The Plumage Bill.

Bulletin B.O.C., Vol. XXVIII.

Bulletin of the Northern Territory, No. 6.

Gondor, Ene. Vol 2eV- parts 1, 25 354,.5,.6; Vol. XVI., part 1

Cooper Ornithologists’ Club, August, 1912, October, 1913.

Geelong Naturalist, Vol. V., parts 3 and 4.

Hawkesbury Agricultural College Journal, Vol. X., parts 4, 5,
Gyo; FO; 113 Vor Xie parts, 1,2. 3.

Ibis, Vol. VI., No. 24; Vol. I., Nos. 2, 3, 4 (roth series).
Journal of South African Ornithologists’ Union, Vol. IX., part 1.
L’Emue de I’Ile King.

Memoirs of Queensland Museum, Vols. I. and II,

Oldys, Henry, Current Items of Interest.

iS)
ue
dss

236.

Ornithologischen Jahrbuch, Vol. XXIII, pats 5, 6: Vol. x
paris ts 3A. Bea:

Proceedings of Linnean Society of New South Wales,
XXXVIL., parts 3, 4; Vol. XXXVIII., part 2.

Tiake sane of Royal Society of Queensland, 1913.

Proceedings of Royal Society of Tasmania, 1912, 1913.

Proceedings of Royal Society of Victoria, Vol. XV., par
Vol. XVI.; part I.

Paceline of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelp,
Vole-LAXTy;, Nos: 1 and?2: te

Producers’ Review, Western Australia.

Publications in Zoology, Vol. XII., Nos. I, 2, 3.

Records of Canterbury Museum, Vol. I1., No. 1.

Records of Western Australian Museum, 1912.

Report of London Zoological Society, 1912.

Revista Italiana del Ornithologia, parts 1 and 2 (1913).

Revue Francaise d' Ornithologie, Vol. V., parts 45, 46, 47,
50, 52, 54, 55, 59, 57, 58.

Shufeldt, Dr. R. W., Patella in the Phalacrocoracide.

South Australian Ornithologist, January, 1914.

University of California, Vol. X., No. Io.

Zoologist, The, Vol. XVII., parts 193-205.

a

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