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ae Theil J i Wie : 


he Emu 2s 


A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection of Native 
Birds and to record Results of Scientific Research in Ornithology. 


— 2 @e 


Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


ey -oniaa Inez; 
AG Stity» 
> A ¢ 


Soe 


Editor: J. A. LEACH, D.Sc., C.M.B.0.U. 


(“‘ Eyrecourt,’’ Canterbury.) 


Assistant Editor: R. H. CROLL, R.A.0.U. 


(Education Department, Melbourne.) 


VOL. XVI.—1916-17. 


Welbourne : 
WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP -STREET. 
EUROPEAN AGENTS: 
WITHERBY & CO., 326 Hich Hotrorn, LONDON. 


1917. 


CONTENTS OF VOL. XVI.—1916-17. 


About Members, 67, 241. 

Acanthiza mariane (Everard Range Tit- 
Warbler), 158. 

Acanthiza pygmea, 160. 

Acanthize or Tit-Warblers, The, 170. 

Aprosmictus cyanopygius, 163. 


Ashbyia lovensis, Ashby, Description of 


Nest and Eggs, 165, 167. 
Australian Birds, Some New, 180. 


Avifauna of New South Wales Islands, 


we 
Barnardius zonarius myrt@, Central Aus- 
tralian Yellow-banded Parrot, 68. 
Barrett (C. L.), Co-Editor of 7he Emu, 
Resignation of, 115. 
Belcher, C. F., 23. 
Bird Life as Affected by Drought, 234. 
Bird Life in the North, 60. 


Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.), 15. | 


Bird Notes from Camp, 109. 

Bird Notes from Gallipoli, 59. 

Bird Observers’ Club, 64, 110, 195. 

Bird Portraits, Mr. Chandler’s, 106. 

Bird Sanctuary, 107. 

Bird Study in Queensland, Progress of, 
186. 

Bird Tragedy, 106. 

Birds at Cape Otway Lighthouse, 1849 
to 1879, 60. 

Birds in Melbourne Zoological Gardens, 


48. 
Birds of Paradise, Protection of, 33. 
Black Swan, 106. 
Bower-Bird at Play, 54. 
Bremer Bay, W.A., Observations at, 24. 
Camera Craft Notes, 50, 103, 189, 238. 
Central Australian Y ellow-banded Parrot, 


Climacterts minor, 164. 

Clutches, Abnormal, 104. 

Cockatoo, Ancient, 36. 

Cockatoos, Wary, 56. 

Cormorants, An _ Investigation 
cerning the Food of, 77. 

Cormorants and Pelicans, 56. 

Corrections, 62, 63. 

Correspondence, 62, 114, 195, 240. 

Crested Pigeons, 189. 

Cuckoo Clutch, Early Combination, 108. 

Cuckoo Notes from Tasmania, 96. 

Cuckoos, Resident Swallows and, 109. 

Dacelo minor, 162. 

Description of Eggs New to Science, 100. 


Con- 


Description of Nest and Eggs of A/e/t- 
threpius atricapillus mallee, 238. 

Description of Nest and Eggs of the 
Desert Chat (Ashbyia Jlovensis, 
Ashby), 165. 

Description of New Honey-eater of the 
genus Péz/otis, from North Aus- 
tralia, 165. 

Description of the Winiam Tit-Warbler 
(Acanthiza Wintamida, sp. nov.), 
169. 

Descriptions of New or Rare Eggs, 159. 
Desert Chat (Ashbyza lovensis, Ashby), 
Nest and Eggs of, 165, 167. 

Eagle, An Albino, 107. 

Evrismatura australis, 114. 


Eulabeornts castaneiventer, 164. 


Everard Range Tit-Warbler (Acazthiza 
mariang), 158. 

Fern-tree Gully District, Observations 
from the, 236. 

Field Notes on Three Species of the 
Pachycephaline, 37. 


| Flight Aviary, Melbourne Zoo, 191. 


Food of Cormorants, An Investigation 
Concerning the, 77. 

Fossil Birds’ Eggs, 80. 

Frogmouth, An Unusuai Nest of the, 191. 

Gallipoli, Bird Notes from, 59. - 

Garzetta nigripes, 162, 241. 

Giant Petrel (Osszf/raga gigantea), 103. 

Golden Merops (AZerops ornatus), The, 


99- 

Highest Nest in Victoria, 56. . 

Honey-eater (New) of the Genus P¢/ofis, 
165. 

Ibis, Straw-necked, 105. 

Lewin Rail, Nest of, 190. 

* List of the Birds of Australia,” 1913, 
Changes in Name, 34. 

Lopholemus antarcticus, 163 

Lyre-Bird at Poowong, South Gippsland, 
101. 

Lyre-Bird, Haunt of the, 44. 

Lyre-Bird’s Egg, Porosity of the, 109. 

Macquarie Island Penguins, 92. 

Malurus lamberti dawsonianus, 69. 

Melithrepitus atricapillus mallee, 
and Eggs of, 238. 

Merops ornatus, 99. 

Migrants, Late Stay of, 58. 

Moulting of the Crested Penguin, 57. 


Nest 


| New Members, 66. 


iv Contents of Vol. XVI.—1916-17. 


New Zealand Bird Notes, Some, 192. 

Ninox numeralis, 159. 

North Australian Birds, 118, 206. 

Notes, 246. 

Notes from Western Australia, 41. 

Notes on a Collecting Trip in the Lower 
North of South Australia, 231. 

Notophoyx flavirostris (Sharpe), Descrip- 
tion of Eggs of, 100. 

Obituary, 115, 197, 241. 

Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.), 24. 

Observations from the Fern-tree Gully 
District, 236. 

Ornithological Cruise Among the Islands 
of St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, 
S.A., 70. 

Ornithological Notes, 193. 

Ourselves, 245. 

Pachycephala inornata, 163. 

Pachycephaline, Field Notes on Three 
Species of the, 37. 

Pardalotes Before the Camera, 50. 

Parrot, An Unusual Crimson, 108. 

Parrot, Central Australian Yellow- 
banded, 68. 

Pelicans and Cormorants, 56. 

Penguin, Moulting of the Crested, 57. 

Penguins, Macquarie Island, 92. 

Pilot-Birds, 191. 

Porosity of the Lyre-Bird’s Egg, 109. 

Porzana immaculata, Notes on, 46. 

Protection of Birds of Paradise, 33. 

Pilots albilineata, 165. 

Publications Received, 64, 112, 197, 244. 

Review—‘‘ The Birds of Britain,” 239. 

Robins at a Sawmill, 91. 


Robins, Scarlet-breasted, 56. 
Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, 
66 


Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, 
198; Annual Report, 199; 
Balance-sheet, 202; Annual Do- 
nations to Coloured Figure Fund, 
204. 

Sanctuary, Bird, 107. 

Satin Bower-Bird at Play, 54. 

South Australia, Notes on a Collecting 
Trip in the Lower North of, 231. 

Spotless Crake (Porzsana zmmaculata), 
Notes on, 46. 

Stray Feathers, 56, 107, 192. 

St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, Ornitho- 
logical Cruise Among the Islands 
of, 70. 

Swallows and Cuckoos, Resident, 109. 

Swift, Spine-tailed, 190. 

Swifts and Weather, 61. 

Swifts Resting on Trees, 108. 

Tasmania, Cuckoo Notes from, 96. 

Ternlet, The White-faced, 52. 

Tit- Warbler, Description of the Winiam, 
169. 

Tree-creeper for South Australia, Record 
of New, 168. 

Western Australia, Notes from, 41. 

Wood-Swallow Colony, 238. 

Wren-Warbler, A New (M/alurus lam- 
berti dawsontanus), 69. 

Yanko Creek (N S.W.), Bird Life on, 


D5: 
Zoological Gardens, Melbourne, Birds in, 
48. 


Contents of Vol. XVI.—1916-17, Vv 


FELUST RATIONS INS VOL. xXVE 


Central Australian Yellow-banded Parrot (Barnardius zonarius myrte), 


(coloured) Ree nad plate i 
Sheoak on Wedge Island—N esting Site of Brown Hawk Ae page 6 
Cliffs on South Side of Wedge Island ; Vegetation on Wedge Island .. plate ii- 
Dr. Morgan Taking Temperature of Penguins ; ; Hunting for Penguins 

at Althorpe Island doc plate iii 
Althorpe Light—Site of Mutton- Bird Rookery Haycock Rock se plate iv 
Tricoloured Bush-Chat (3) on Nest Fes “an page 16 
At the Nest of the Yellow Parrot bud = =i plate v 
Yanko Creek— Haunt of the Delicate Owl yak fe sat plate vi 
Young Delicate Owl _... sak sat no Soc - page 22 
Young Cockatoo-Parrot Spe 58 ‘eh wae plate vii 
Yellow-breasted Whistler (Q), on | Nest ; Nest and Eggs of Yellow- 

breasted Whistler me 08 was ane plate viii 
Yellow-breasted Whistler at Nest ; Nest and Eggs of Rufous-breasted 

Whistler a: as oa at ace ose plate ix 
Crested Grebe a ate ote Bae anit plate x 
Lyre-Bird’s Nest in Tree-Fern ... "Ac 3 ic 55: plate xi 
Nest of Lyre-Bird % 5a cae = ane ve page 45 
Nest and Eggs of Spotless Crake ae 508 a6 S00 page 47 
Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon ... 5 Ha Be a plate xii 
Cuvier’s Frogmouth ... 50t oer sa ee Sct plate xiii 
Red-tipped Pardalote ... Sc ae = Se Bai page 51 
Spotted Pardalote 2 bac page 52 
Nest and Eggs of White-faced Ternlet ; ; Y oung White-faced Ternlet a plate xiv 
Satin Bower-Bird Working at Bower dob 308 page 54 
Moulting Penguin ss soe “oc ste soe page 57 
Crested Penguin’s Moulting Place : page 58 
Albatross Rising from the Sea, outside Port Jackson Heads, N.S.W. plate xv 
Nest of Pearly Flycatcher ( Wonarcha canescens) ... page 67 
Barnard’s Wren- Warbler ( Walurus lamberti dawsonianus ), (coloured) plate xvi 


A Flight of Cormorants, Beatrice Spit, South Australia; The Dark 
and Light Phases of the Arctic (Richardson) Skua ( Stercorarius 


parasiticus), South Australia, 1916 plate xvii 
Silver Gulls Flying, Pondalowie Bay, South Australia ; The Anchorage, 
North Coast, Wedge Island «. plate xviii 


Nest and Eggs of Caspian Tern ( Aydroprog ne ischegr ava “strenua) : 
Mangrove Flats north of Port Adelaide (tide in) ; The Home of 


Yellow-faced Cormorant oa plate xix 
Broken ‘* Warrener” Shells ( Z7zdo stramineus) ; 2 The Party, with the 

Lighthouse- keepers, on eee Island nC Sg plate xx 
Fossil Birds’ Eggs aes ae 50 plates xxi-xxv 
Penguins on Beach, Macquarie Island... Ber Soc .. plate xxvi 
The King Penguin, Macquarie Island ... ... plate xxvii 
The Sea-Leopard, an Enemy of the Penguins, Macquarie Island Ar page 95 
Young Pallid Cuckoo (Czceulus ee) pe to be fed, Kelso, 

Tasmania =m page 97 
Nest of the Yellow-faced Honey- -eater page 98 
Unusual Nesting Site fora Flame- breasted Robin (Petroica Phasnicea... plate xxviii 
Female Lyre-Bird, Poowong, Gippsland ... es vi ioe ee plateexxix 


The Giant Petrel (Ossifraga gigantea)... oes a ee page 103 


oa Bepnirinal Clutch of Pied Oyster-catcher (Zematopus strates lon 
meee. 70Strt5), Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria 
Straw-necked Ibises (Carphibis spinicollis) at the Zoo 


A Bird Tragedy—An Orange-fronted Chat Tangled in a Wild Oat Plant. 


: ir, Black Swans and Nest, Hacking River, N.S. W. 


_ Nest of the Great Crested Grebe ( Podiceps australis ), Thule Lake, 


¥ N.S. W. 
_ Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin ( Eopsaltria australis) ; 5 White-eared 
a Honey-eater (P¢ilotts leucotis); White-bearded Honey-eater 
ae (Meltornis nove-hollandie ) 
Nest and Eggs of Red-throated Whistler (Pach nycephala rufogularis ) 
Capt. S A. White, M.B.O.U. (Ninth President Royal Australasian 
Ornithologists’ Union) 
[a ip—Gulf of Carpentaria Region, showing W. M‘Lennan’s course 
Everard Range Tit-Warbler ( Acanthiza marian ), (coloured ) 
nbing to Rufous Owl’s Nest in Giant Paper-bark ( sr a Tree 
of Pachycephala tnornata, Ramsay, zx situ : : 
lincka, Central Australia, where the Desert Chat was s obianaeale 
© Burke’s Tree,” under which the explorer died 
‘t and Eggs of the Desert Chat (Ashbyia aaa 
-Acanthizee—Tit- Warblers m 
Nests of the Acanthizee—Tit-Warblers 
Nest of Acanthiza chrysorrhoa in a fence .. 
Queensland Bird Student ’ 
‘Honey- -eaters at Breakfast, Melbourne Zoo 3 : Crested cd Pigeon, Ocyphaps 
“ lophotes 
Nest of Lewin Rail, showing pathway 


ned 
ae” 
fi 


~ 


___ Spine-tailed Swift on Tree , 553 as 
Basi. Nest of Serécornis in an Old Frying- pan i ina Hut; Nest and Eggs of 
Rs Yn Frogmouth (Podargus) in Old Nest of Magpie (Gymnorhina) 
Nest of Pilot-Bird ; Pilot-Bird ne 
_ Nest and Eggs of Dusky Robin (Amaurodryas vittata), with Egg ‘of 
Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus), Launceston; Nest of Aus- 
tralian Coot (F2lica austraiis) aoe oe 
- White-stripe Honey-eater (P¢zlotzs albilineata), (coloured) 2 fas 
Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin (Zopsaltria australis) touched by 
observer; Pair of White-browed Wood-Swallows Ceres 
“a superciliosus) at Nest 
The late Dr. E. P. Ramsay, F.R.S.E., BinSs C.M.Z.S., &e. 


plate xxxi 
page 116 4 


plate xxxii ae» 
page ai oP ees 


plate XXxvi_ 


... plate Xxxvii_ 
. plate XXxxvil 


page 190 | 
plate xii Shei’ 


plate xlii 


plate xlin 


plate xliv 
plate xlv 


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


Birds and to record Results of Scientific Research in Ornithology. 


a & eo 


a | 


Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


CHARLES BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. ~~ 


| Melbourne : 

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

EUROPEAN AGENTS: 

WITHERBY & CO., 326 HiGH HoLsorn, LoNpDon. 
foe 0 Vapge 


[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] 


te = P RICE 1 & Ta YEARLY (Includes Membership of the Union): 


or, 4/- per Single part. 


. A. LEACH, D.Sc., Col. M. B.O.U.... » ee é 
Editors’ EAC c., Col. M. B.O.U al Wuet 
| 
| 


CONTENTS - o ULY. va ee # 


deductiont he may draw.) 


—— 


AN ORNITHOLOGICAL CRUISE AMONG THE ISLANDS OF ST. 
VINCENT AND- SPENCER GULFS, S.A. By ( ae. pe A, 
White, M.B.O.U., President R.A. Oion - v 


BIRD LIFE ON YANKO CREEK 4 $.W.) By Charles Barren 
C.M.Z.S., Melbourne : z : z : : 


OBSERVATIONS AT~BREMER BAY (W.A) By W. B. Alexander, 
M.A., R.A.O.U., Keeper of Biology, Museum, Perth  -  . 


Beciaan OF BIRDS OF PARADISE - 3 SSE pee Dale eet 
CHANGES IN NAME TO BE MADE TO My “ LIST OF THE BIRDS OF 
AUSTRALIA.” By Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., R.A.O.U.— 


FIELD NOTES ON THREE SPECIES OF THE PACHYCEPHALINA. 
By A. H. Chisholm, R.A.O.U. (Brisbane) 2K ee - > 


NOTES FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA.. By W. B. Alexandir, bat A, ate we : 
R.A.O.U., Keeper of Biology, Museum, Perth - - ‘ 


_ HAUNT OF THE LyRE-BiRD. &y A. C. Stone, R.A.O.U., ieee : Ad 
FURTHER NOTES ON THE SPOTLESS CRAKE (PORZANA IMMACU- 


LATA). By (Moss) iz A. Beso os R.A. se: U., Boat ae 
( Tasmania). - - - 


BIRDS IN ae MELBOURNE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. ‘By e ‘Le 
Souéf, C.M.Z.S., the Director - - - - ~ 48 


CAMERA CRAFT ES —Pardalotes before the Camera, 50; The White- faced = 
Ternlet, 52; Satin Bower-Bird at Play, 54. ; a 


STRAY FEATHERS.—Scarlet-breasted Robins, 56; Pelicans and Goa es 
: Wary Cockatoos, 56; Highest Nest in Victoria, 56; Moulting of the Crested 
Penguin, 57; Late Stay of Migrants, 58; Bird Notes from Gallipoli, 59 ; 3 Bird Life 
in the North, 60; Birds at Cape Otway Lighthouse, i to aEB 793 60; “Swifts and 
Weather, 61. ; 


CORRESPONDENCE - s 2 : 2 in a g anes Set 
BIRD OBSERVERS’ CLUB - - Ss as nee Sa S 
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED - - : = e E Z Z - 
THE ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION 
ABOUT MEMBERS - - - 2 : Z i z eae | 
CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN YELLOW-BANDED PARROT (BARNARDIUS = 


ZONARIUS MYRTAE) - - - - a es é a Maes 5 ; 

The following are the charges for Authors’ reprints if required :— £Neg 

(Orders to printers should accompany the MS.) 7 ae eae es : 

q 5 f $35e 

. < =) ‘ - 

menor NUMBER OF PAGES OF ARTICLE. oe 

ieneie PLAIN COVERS, || 

; ? 2 4 8 12 16 20 ; ; 

25 3/6 | 4/- | g/- | 10/6 | ra/- | -18/- pil bs 

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100 5/- 9/- 11/- 16/6 | 21/- | 27/- 2/6 be (hia 


te 
Sry) ee 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. PLATE |. 


if 
: 


CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN YELLOW-BANDED PARROT 


Barnardius zonavius myrte 


FEMALE AND MALE. 


She Emu | 


Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 


“ Birds of a feather.” 


View. 2Vi1-] rsx JULY 1616: [PART I. 


2 


An Ornithological Cruise Among the Islands of 
St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, S.A. 
5Yo (CAPT), 5.) a. WHITE, M.B:O-U., PRESIDENT RyACO2U: 


For some time past I had been anxious to procure specimens of 
a Skua, which had been often seen by ornithologists passing up 
and down the Gulf, but, owing to passenger steamers not being 
able to stop on the voyage, specimens had never been handled ; 
it had been thought desirable for some time that “‘ The Pages,”’ 
two large rocks at the entrance of Backstairs Passage, should be 
investigated, there being no record of any ornith: we having 
landed on them; a strange White-breasted Petrel had been seen 
by Dr. A. M. Morgan and the writer, but never identified; and, 
lastly, we had been anxious to carry out research work among 
the Cormorants of our seaboard. 

It can be well understood that when Messrs. A. G. and E. 5 
Rymill invited us to join them in a cruise through some of the 
islands off our coast-line, we were exceedingly pleased at the 
prospect of carrying out our desires, as stated above. The Messrs. 
Rymill’s yacht, the Avocet, was an ideal boat for our purpose, 
being a well-appointed craft 52 feet in length, driven by powerful 
motor engines, and also well equipped with sailing power. Above 
all, our kind friends practically placed their yacht at our disposal, 
and did everything in their power to assist ornithological research. 

The Avocet left her moorings at Port Adelaide on Ist January, 
tg16, and anchored for the night at the Outer Harbour. Here 
our research work began, for many Cormorants (all Hypoleucus 
varius hypoleucus) were returning from their fishing grounds to 
the mangroves in the Port River. Several specimens were 
obtained ; temperatures, measurements, and notes upon the soft 
parts were taken; stomach contents were investigated and listed. 
The results will be found in the list which follows this narrative. 

An early start was made next morning down the Gulf, and we 
coasted fairly closely inshore. A shimmering heat haze could be 
seen over the mainland, and, although the day was very pleasant 
with us, we heard later that it had been 106° F. in the shade in 
the city. After rounding Rapid Head, we sighted Cape Jervis 
lighthouse. Cape Jervis is the extreme southern end of the 

1 


Emu 
ist July 


2 WuHitE, An Ornithological Crutse. 
Mount Lofty Ranges. and was named by Capt. Matthew Flinders, 
R.N., on 23rd March, 1802. Péron (who accompanied Baudin), 
coming after Flinders, ignored the English name, and called it 
Fleurieu Peninsula. About 1871 a lighthouse was built on Cape 
Jervis. This is necessary to keep vessels passing through the 
narrow strait (between the mainland and Kangaroo Island), known 
as Backstairs Passage, from running upon the dangerous reef that 
lies at right angles to the coast. There is an old native legend 
connected with this cape. The natives are almost gone now, 
but they tell of a great spirit named Ooroondooil, who, after 
making the country to the east, formed the Murray or eastern 
tribes first, then the tribes at the Murray mouth, giving to these 
peoples all they possessed of the knowledge of life, and instructing 
them in mysteries and strange customs to be passed on from 
generation to generation. The great spirit then entered the water 
at Cape Jervis and swam off to make other lands. Two of his 
lubras or wives followed him, but were drowned, and turned into 
stone, and are now the rocks called “The Pages.’’ The spirit 
Ooroondooil then made Kangaroo Island. He is still going 
towards the setting sun, making lands and people as he goes. 
This is one of those old legends of the natives which are known 
to few. 

After steaming round the cape, at the entrance of Backstairs 
Passage we met a very strong wind from the south-east, and, 
with a rising sea, we had to give up all hope of landing upon The 
Pages, for it is only in very favourable weather conditions that 
a landing can be effected. Our course was now altered, and just 
about this time a small flock of the White-breasted Petrels was 
seen ; they kept well out of range, but even had one been shot 
it would have been impossible to pick it up, owing to the big sea 
that was running. We stood down along the coast of Kangaroo 
Island, and brought up for the night, in calm water, at the entrance 
to the Bay of Shoals, the anchor being dropped in two fathoms 
inside Beatrice Spit. We landed before dark on the Spit, which is 
a low sand-bank almost closing the entrance of the Bay of Shoals. 
It is about three miles long and only a few inches above high- 
water mark, and is mostly covered in low bush of a salsolaceous 
nature. I remember landing here in the late seventies from my 
father’s yacht, and we could not place a foot between the nests 
of eggs and young birds; then a few years ago I visited the place 
again, in company of my wife, and a sad sight met our eyes, for 
great numbers of Cormorant bodies were lying about minus their 
heads. Someone had been killing these birds and selling their 
heads for the magnificent sum of one penny per head. I am glad 
to say that is all changed now, for the Spit is proclaimed a 
sanctuary, and the Government has shown wisdom in ceasing to 
pay royalty on the heads of Cormorants, which, as this narrative 
will indicate, are not injurious birds. 

We found Penguins in their burrows under the bushes; Red- 
capped Dottrels, Little Stints, Sharp-tailed Stints, Sooty and 


Tra I. WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. 


3 
Pied Oyster-catchers, and Hooded Dottrels were seen running 
along the shore; Caspian Terns (breeding), uttering their harsh 
cries as they circled over us, Crested Terns in numbers, Little 
Terns (breeding), Silver Gulls, Pacific Gulls, were all seen, as well 
as a few Swans. Both the White-breasted Cormorant and the 
Pied Cormorant were there in numbers. Five Pelicans were upon 
the waters of a small bay, the remnants, most likely, of the vast 
hordes that Flinders found in Pelican Lagoon (only a few miles 
from the Spit) when he discovered this coast-line. Rock-Parrots 
were seen amongst the low bushes and sea-grasses. A few White- 
fronted Chats were there, also a number of Little Grass-Birds and 
one or two Ground-Larks. We rowed off to the yacht after dark, 
having spent a most enjoyable and instructive time ashore. 

Early next morning we left the Spit and stood along the north 
coast of Kangaroo Island. Emu Bay and Smith Bay were passed. 
and when we came abreast of Cape Cassini we made a more 
northerly course for the Althorpe Islands. Numbers of Gannets 
were now seen plunging from great heights into the water after 
fish ; it was noticed that they mostly showed the mottled plumage 
of immaturity. 

Early in the afternoon we reached the Little Althorpes, two large 
rocks. The yacht was brought up carefully to the more easterly 
one, and the anchor dropped in very deep water over a rocky 
bottom. The sea was calm, but a heavy ground swell from the 
Southern Ocean made landing dangerous. Mr. E. S. Rymill took 
the landing party—Mr. A. G. Rymill, Dr. Morgan, and the writer 
—off in the dinghy. We were soon surrounded by huge sea lions, 
many of which came close to our boat and frolicked about like so 
many water-dogs—a sight which we enjoyed. A landing was 
effected upon the slippery rocks, up which the great swell surged. 
The first bird seen was a Black-faced or White-breasted Cormorant ; 
the former name is the better one, for three species have a white 
breast. After scrambling some distance up the rocks, we saw a 
female seal, which was sleeping so soundly that a photograph 
was taken. The click of the shutter aroused the animal, and her 
amazement was great when she beheld three strangers con- 
fronting her. Pausing a second or two, she wriggled and flapped 
over the rocks to the water below. Climbing still higher, we 
found a little vegetation growing among the rocks, the dark granite 
having given place now to calciferous sandstone, which is rapidly 
breaking away and being washed by rains and blown by the winds 
into the sea. Where this decomposed sandstone has lodged 
between the rocks, some vegetation of a saline nature was found. 
A small shrub (Nitraria Schebis) bearing a quantity of berries 
seems to attract the Rock-Parrots, for we flushed several birds 
from amongst the bushes. One of the true salt-bush family 
(Atriplex cinerea) was found, and a bright little pink-flowering 
Frankema (F. pauciflora) was creeping over the rocks; a few 
bunches of barley-grass (Hordeum murinum) were seen in 
sheltered places. We disturbed a Crow from amongst the boulders, 


4 WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. Be 


and wondered why he was there. Soon we observed the reason, 
for high up on the side of the rocks several dry carcasses of sea 
lions were making their vicinity very odorous. We wondered 
why these animals had come together to die, but upon picking 
up a Winchester rifle cartridge we understood, and regretted 
much that such fine and harmless animals should be so wantonly 
destroyed. 

Returning to the surging ocean, we were taken off the rocks by 
the ship’s boat, and, having got under weigh, the Avocet stood 
over to the Althorpe Lighthouse, we dropping anchor in four 
fathoms of water over a good sandy bottom in a small cove on 
the north side, sheltered by a high and perpendicular cliff on the 
south of the island and by a short reef to the west. Dr. Morgan, 
Mr. A. G. Rymill, and the writer landed, and climbed to the top 
of the cliff, 300 feet up a narrow track cut in the face of the 
almost perpendicular cliff by the lighthouse people. We found 
Penguins in their nesting burrows 250 feet above the sea; it is 
really wonderful how these birds, seemingly so helpless on land, 
can climb to such a height. The island is almost level on top, 
and about half a mile long by a few hundred yards wide. Low, 
scrubby bush was growing over a shallow sandy soil, which was 
one huge Mutton-Bird rookery. Each burrow contained a 
brooding bird. There not being sufficient burrows to accommodate 
the population, many eggs are laid out on the surface, and in 
some instances in collections of half a dozen or so under bushes. 
Many Mutton-Birds were removed from their burrows while their 
temperatures were taken, and were then replaced on their eggs. 
Temperatures of these birds were found to range from 103.2° F. 
to 100° F. We then descended into a large cave on the south side 
of the island. 

Returning to the yacht, the anchor was weighed, and we stood 
over to the mainland—the foot of Yorke Peninsula. We passed 
on the way the wrecked barque Ethel, which was driven ashore in 
a gale, with loss of life. Passing round West Cape, which is beset 
with reefs, we steamed into the beautiful little harbour called 
Pondalowie Bay, and dropped anchor in two fathoms over sand. 
The bay is almost land-locked by two islands across the entrance, 
a deep channel opening towards the west and one to the north. 
It was fairly late when we came to anchor, and, after skinning a 
Cormorant secured at the Althorpes, it was too late to go ashore. 
Next morning, after an early breakfast, Mr. A. G. Rymill, Dr. 
Morgan, and the writer landed on the beach, and, scrambling 
over the sand-dunes, walked up a wide flat, timbered with sheoaks, 
tea-trees, and a dwarf gum (E. diersofolia). Birds were fairly 
plentiful. The fresh tracks and droppings of Emus were seen 
in many places, as well as many kangaroo tracks. We returned 
to the yacht to lunch, and then Dr. Morgan and I were landed 
on the nearest island, which we thoroughly searched. Caspian 
Terns were making a great fuss as they flew overhead, giving us 
the idea that they were nesting ; but no nests were seen. Several 


Vel ee} WHITE, An Ornithological Cruise. 5 


Pacific Gulls were also flying round. On the rocky, wind-swept 
part of the islands great quantities of broken shells of the large 
periwinkle or warrener (7urbo stamineus) were found, all in a broken 
condition. These are supposed to be carried up in the air by 
Pacific Gulls and dropped on the rocks to break the shells, so that 
the birds may extract the animals. I have never seen the Pacific 
Gulls or any other bird do this. It is the opinion of Dr. Morgan 
that the Osprey does so (I shall allude to this later). Several 
Grass-Birds (Megalurus gramineus, sub-sp.?) were flushed from 
the dwarf vegetation. 

Our friends having called for us with the boat, in which a 
motor engine was fixed, we were soon conveyed to the other 
island, and found it high and difficult to climb. After some little 
trouble Dr. Morgan and I gained the top. We found that it was 
one large Mutton-Bird rookery. Penguins were also seen. A 
nest of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle was discovered on a ledge 
of rock near the beetling cliff, on top; a young bird, fully fledged 
in the brown feathers of the first year’s plumage, sat on the side 
of the nest. The top of this island, called “Goat Island,” was 
covered in a stunted bush (Acacia anceps), not more than 2 to 3 
feet high, a eucalyptus of a very dwarf nature, not growing any 
larger than the acacia, which Mr. Black has identified as E. 
dversofolia, and another conspicuous plant was Lasiopetalum 
discolor. Leaving Goat Island, we cruised right round its ocean 
side ; and, the wind having risen, we were spectators of the great 
seas dashing in on the rocks with relentless fury, and were fairly 
wet by the spray by the time we reached the yacht. At 7.30 
next morning our little ship was ducking her bows into a big head 
sea and north-westerly wind as we made over to Wedge Island. 
A few White-fronted Petrels and a Mutton-Bird or two were seen 
skimming over the water. The further we got out the stronger the 
wind blew and the bigger became the seas. We were glad torun under 
the lee of Gambier Island, which is situated off the end of Wedge 
Island ; the anchor was let go in very deep water over rocks, with 
a big swell running in. Great numbers of swallow-tail (a scarlet 
fish shaped like a schnapper) were caught here. The wind shifting 
suddenly, we had to get away without delay, and made for the 
south side of Wedge Island in an open bay, where we anchored 
in four fathoms over sand. A big swell setting in made the yacht 
roll very much. Wedge Island is about 34 miles long and a mile 
wide ; it was sighted by Flinders on the 24th February, 1802, 
who, in his journal, says :—‘‘I obtained bearings of Cape Wiles, 
of the furthest extremity of Thistle’s Island, and of a group of four 
islands and two rocks five leagues beyond it to the east-south-east. 
The largest of these was named Wedge Island, from its shape, 
and the group Gambier’s Isles, in honour of the worthy admiral.’ 

The south side of Wedge Island is very bold and grand, for the 
cliffs rise perpendicularly from the ocean to 700 feet. Two 
strange sugarloaf rocks are situated at the south-east end, and are 
about a quarter of a mile from the island; they are called the 


6 WHITE, An Ornithological Crutse. [ae 


“Haycock Rocks.” Like all the other islands, this one has a 
base of dark granite capped by calciferous sandstone. Messrs. 
Golley Bros., who own the island, live upon it and breed a good 
stamp of pony. We landed that evening, but did not stay on 
shore long. Next morning, after breakfast, Mr. A. G. Rymill, 
Dr. Morgan, one of the Golleys, and the writer set out for the far 
end of the island. After leaving the bay, with its sandy beach, 
we passed over a clear, level country covered in high dry grass, 
mostly barley-grass (Hordeum murinum) and wild oats. Then 
the land began to rise towards the south-east, and we passed 


Sheoak on Wedge Island—Nesting Site of Brown Hawk. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY S. A. WHITE. 


through clumps, extending over 15 or 20 acres, of sheoak 
(Casuarina stricta), where we saw many Southern Stone-Curlew 
or Stone-Plover. May they always remain there, for they are 
free from the scourge of the Australian fauna, the fox. Passing 
over another bare space covered in high dry grass (and rising 
all the time), we entered a wide gully where large Myoporum 
bushes (W/. insulare) were growing, and here we saw many White- 
eyes (Zosterops) and Scrub-Wrens (Sericornis). Leaving the 
hillocks and Mvyoporum bushes, we found we were ascending a 
steeply-sloping shelf, from which the sandy covering had been 


a 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI: 


PLATE Il. 


Cliffs on South Side of Wedge Island. 


Vegetation on Wedge Island. 


FROM PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE, R.A,O4U 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


Waite, An Ornithological Cruise. a) 
blown away in places, showing a thick travertine crust with very 
dwarfed vegetation. We reached the highest point upon the 
island, which is the edge of the cliffs on the south-eastern end, 
where we looked upon the ocean, 700 feet below us, dashing into 
foam upon the granite rock which forms the bed of the island. 
About a quarter of a mile out was the strange sugarloaf “‘ Haycock 
Rock,” in the form of a hay-stack. A little to the east is another, 
but much more rounded off. The ocean swell was breaking with 
great fury upon these rocks, leaving a circle of foam of great 
width all round them. Upon the flatter rock of the two great 
numbers of seals were seen. On this vantage point a self- 
adjusting light is placed, which goes out with the daylight and 
lights up again with the darkness. Upon our way up a Hawk 
was secured, and proved to be Leracidea berigora occidentalis. As 
we returned along the north side of the island some Ground-Larks 
or Pipits were flushed, and a small party of White-fronted Chats 
(‘ Tintacs”’) and both the Spur-wing and Banded Plover were 
seen. Some large bushes of Logama (L. crassifolia) were seen 
near the beach. Going on board, our time was fully occupied 
till bed-time preserving material collected during the day. 

Next morning I was up early and finished my _ bird-skinning. 
Upon being told by one of the owners of the island that a brown 
Owl, which did not call ‘“ Boobook,” was often seen in the thick 
scrub, I landed, and beat every piece of cover, but without 
seeing any sign of the Owl. In some places there were 
thickets of tea-tree (Melaleuca pauciflora) which would make 
splendid cover for night birds. The new sub-species of Sericornts 
was again seen and a Stubble-Quail was flushed. After some 
photographs had been taken and we had said good-bye to the 
Golley Brothers, the yacht was boarded. It stood across to the 
mainland, with a very big swell running in from the south. We 
made Pondalowie Bay that night, and anchored in calm water. 
Next morning, the 8th January, we heaved anchor at g o’clock 
and made a start for home. When we passed through Investigator 
Strait a big ocean swell was sweeping in, and the wind freshened 
from the west, with rain squalls. Later in the day we passed 
the Adelaide Steamship Company’s vessel, the s.s. Willyama, fast 
upon a rock in Marion Bay. The rock pierced the hull at the 
bottom, but the vessel looked as if it were quietly riding at anchor. 
About 3 o’clock in the afternoon a Skua was sighted. Our friends 
manceuvred their yacht so that Mr. E. S. Rymill was able to 
shoot the bird, and the vessel was put about to pick it up. It 
proved to be one of the light forms. Very soon afterwards another 
was seen : this was a dark form, and it was added to the collection. 
We were very fortunate in securing these birds, and they are the 
first ever taken in South Australian waters. Mr. E. S. Rymill 
shot both birds. 

At 6.30 p.m. we fetched up at Troubridge Light, and dropped 
anchor in two fathoms over weed. Dr. Morgan, Mr. Acraman, 
and the writer landed on the sandy island which has formed 


8 WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. oe 


round the lighthouse. When the light was first built there was 
only a small sand-bank ; now the island is half a mile long, and 
covered in Myopforum bushes, spinifex, and other coastal flora. 
Cormorants of both species were seen here, the Yellow-faced bird 
(H. varius) being the more plentiful. Rock-Parrots were seen, 
as well as Grass-Birds, Pipits, and many species of Terns and 
Dottrels and other sea birds. We pulled off to the yacht at dark, 
and we were very busy with our work all the evening. Some 
rain squalls broke over us during the early part of the night. 
Next morning we left the anchorage at I0 a.m. and stood across 
the Gulf to Port Adelaide. We had a strong wind and sea right 
aft. There was little to interest us, though a few Mutton-Birds 
and Gannets were seen. The Avocet reached her moorings in the 
Port River at 5 p.m., and so ended a most interesting and _ profit- 
able cruise. 

Following is a list of birds observed during the trip, with 
observations upon them. The nomenclature is after G. M. 
Mathews’s, F.R.S., “A List of the Birds of Australia,” 1913, with 
Check-list names in parentheses :— 


Dromiceius n. novehollandiew (‘Dvomaius nove-hollandi@). Emu.— 
The country worked for some considerable distance round a water- 
hole at Pondalowie Bay (foot of Yorke Peninsula) revealed many 
tracks and fresh droppings of these birds. 


Eudyptula minor undina (Eudyptula minor). Little Penguin.— 
These birds were met with in a moulting condition on all the islands 
called at and at Pondalowie Bay, on the mainland. I feel! sure there 
is some work to be done amongst these Penguins, for the difference 
in size between the birds inhabiting the islands in Spencer and 
St. Vincent Gulfs and those found further along the coast to the 
east is very marked. One of the most remarkable traits in this bird’s 
character is the way in which it climbs up practically perpendicular cliffs 
to the summit of islands to nest. At Big Althorpe Island we tound 
them 250 feet up the cliff, which, until lately, had to be ascended by 
a ladder, but now has a very steep winding track cut in the face of 
the rock. Dr. Morgan took the temperatures of two birds, which 
registered 108.8° F. and 102.6° F. respectively. The iris of these 
birds when alive is grey, with a lighter ring round the pupil. Their 
wailing at night is mournful, and while anchored off Wedge Island 
at night their cries came off to us in a rise and fall in the volume of 
sound like hundreds of young children in great pain. 


Coturnix p. pectoralis (Coturnix pectovalis). Eastern Stubble-Quail. 
—Great numbers of these birds visit Wedge Island in December and 
January some seasons, but only one was flushed by the writer, from 
dry grass in the scrub: 


Cosmopelia elegans neglecta (Phaps elegans). Brush Bronze-winged 
Pigeon.—These Pigeons were rather plentiful round the water-hole 
already mentioned at Pondalowie Bay. They seem to be well dis- 
tributed along the coast-line of South Australia, and have a great 
liking for the sand-dune country. They lie low in the low bush till 
almost trodden on, when they get up quickly, but only go a short 
distance with a zigzagging flight, to drop into the bush again. 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI, 


PEAT ESI; 


Hunting for Penguins at Althorpe Island. 


FROM PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE, R.A.O.Us 


Vol XVI. Wuirere, An Ornithological Cruise. 9 
1916 , 


Hypotenidia philippensis australis (H. philippensis). Eastern Buff- 
banded Rail.—When climbing to the top of Goat Island in Pondalowie 
Bay we disturbed one of these birds in the rocks close to the water. 
The Golley Bros., on Wedge Island, stated that these birds were in 
numbers at times amongst the rocks, and that they came to the house 
and ate hen and turkey eggs. 


Pelagodroma marina howei (P. marina). Eastern White-faced 
Storm-Petrel.—A few of these Storm-Petrels were seen flying over 
the water as we approached Wedge Island. 


Neonectris tenuirostris brevicaudus (Pujfinus brevicaudus). Short- 
tailed Petrel—A few birds were seen skimming over the open sea. 
The top of Big Althorpe Island is a huge rookery of them, and they 
have been so pressed for room that they have burrowed right up to 
the lighthouse and the buildings round. The keeper of the light 
(Mr. M‘Lean) told us that 16 dozen eggs were collected under bushes 
in the close vicinity of this cottage. The birds are very little dis- 
turbed, for the light-keepers, at the time of our visit, were not using 
young or eggs for food. All burrows contained heavily-incubated 
eggs. The temperatures of four sitting birds, taken by Dr. Morgan 
as we pulled them out of the burrows, were 103.2°, 101.2°, 100°, and 
1o1° F. Iris in the living birds is dark brown ; legs and feet black. 
This Petre! was also nesting in numbers upon Goat Island, in Ponda- 
lowie Bay. 


Petrel (sp. ?)—This Petrel, which we had been on the look-out for, 
was unfortunately not secured, and still remains to be identified. 
From the distance it certainly resembles Mr. Basset Hull’s new bird, 
the Fluttering Petrel. 


Hydroprogne tschegrava strenua (Sylochelidon caspia). Australian 
Caspian Tern.—A number was observed during the cruise, and the 
birds were nesting on Beatrice Spit. A nest containing three eggs was 
seen, also one containing a chipped egg and a young bird. 


Thalasseus bergi poliocereus (Stevna cristata). Crested Tern.—These 
Terns are very plentiful all along the coast-line—in fact, they were 
the most numerous of the sea-birds, and far outnumbered the Silver 
Gulls. We met with them flying over the water (with their sharp 
bills pointing straight down), ever on the watch for food, when we 
were at sea, and at many places they were congregated in numbers 
on the sandy spits. When disturbed they flew round with great 
noise. At Beatrice Spit we found one egg in the sand ; but whether 
this was a pair of birds nesting late or the first egg laid of a party of 
Terns it is difficult to judge. 


Sternula n. nereis (Stevnula neveis). White-faced Ternlet.—These 
beautiful little birds were seen in large parties at several of the 
islands we visited. They were breeding at Beatrice Spit, having fully 
fledged young at one end of the Spit, while at the other numbers were 
sitting on their eggs. All the nests had two eggs, and the nests were 
placed in rows parallel to each other. 


Bruchigavia ethele (Larus nove-hollandigz). Southern Silver Gull. 
—Very few were seen. I have never been along our coast and seen 
so few ; one can only suppose they were away nesting. 


Gabianus p. pacificus (Gabianus pactficus). Pacific Gull.—A few 
birds were often found at the islands we visited ; they stood upon the 


Io WuiteE, An Ornithological Cruise. at aie 


rocks near the water, and made excursions over the water in search 
of food. Should a bird alight upon the water it would be the signal 
for all the others to take flight, and fly or settle round him. On one 
of the islands at the entrance of Pondalowie Bay a great number ot 
shells known as ‘‘ warreners”’ (Turbo stamineus) was found broken 
upon the rocks. It has always been supposed that the Pacific Gulls 
carry these shells to a great height and let them fall upon the rocks 
tosmash them, so that the animals can be extracted. The Golley Bros. 
on Wedge Island said they had seen the Gul!s doing this, and that 
sometimes the shells were carried up several times before they were 
broken. 


Stercorarius parasiticus (S/evcovavius cvepidatus). Arctic Skua.—lI 
was very lucky in securing two of these birds—one of each of the dark 
and the light phase. Both were females in a non-breeding condition. 
These are the first skins taken in South Australian waters. I have 
hardly ever travelled up and down the Gulf without seeing these 
birds. They are very easily picked out by their seemingly lazy, 
flopping flight ; but as soon as they sight Gulls or Terns with food 
it is wonderful how quickly they will overhaul and harass them till 
they make them give up the food. Light form measured—total 
length 16 inches, stretch of wing, tip to tip, 43 inches; wing, axilla 
to tip, 19 inches ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet black; nails very 
curved and sharp. Stomach contents: pieces of crab claws, one 
broken and one unbroken shell (Thalotia conica). Dark phase 
measured—total length, 16 inches ; wing, 20 inches ; spread from tip 
to tip of wing, 45 inches; soft parts same as light form ; stomach 
contents: piece of crab’s claw, one broken and one unbroken sea- 
shell (the same as in light form). Dr Morgan took the temperature 
as soon (in one case) as life left the body, and in the other before it 
died. The result was—dark form, 106.2° F.; light bird, 102.4° F. 
I handed the skeletons to Dr. Morgan, and he states that “‘ the light 
bird was the younger, judging by the incomplete ossification of the 
posterior border of the sternum. The light bird had.an extra pair 
of cervical ribs, making nine in all, to the dark bird’s eight pairs.” 
Each bird weighed 1 Ib. 


Hematopus ostralegus longirostris (H. /ongivostvis). Pied Oyster- 
catcher. — These birds were seen wherever there was a stretch of 
sandy beach. 


Hematopus niger fuliginosus (H. fuliginosus). Eastern Black 
Oyster-catcher.—Seen almost everywhere we touched. Although the 
Pied species is seldom if ever seen on the rocks, the dark species is 
often seen on the sandy beach or spits ; still, it shows a far greater 
liking for the rocky coast. 


Lobibyx novehollandiz (Lobivanellus lobatus). Spur-winged Plover. 
—Seen on the mainland at Pondalowie Bay and on Wedge Island. 

Zonifer t. tricolor (Z. pectovalis) Black-breasted Plover.—Two or 
three birds were seen on Wedge Island. 

Leucopolius r. ruficapillus (#gzalitis ruficapilla). Red-capped 
Dottrel.—Every place we touched at where there was a sandy beach 


these birds were seen. At Troubridge Island several were behaving 
as if they had nests, but none was seen. 


Charadrius ec. cucullatus (4 ¢7alitis monarcha)(?). Hooded Dottrel.— 
Mostly seen in pairs, but not nesting. 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE IV. 


Althorpe Light—Site of Mutton-Bird Rookery. 


Haycock Rock. 


FROM PHOTOS BY S, A. WHITE, M.B.O,U., R,A,O.U, 


Vol. XVI. 


ae Wuite, An Ornithological Cruise. ICU 


Numenius cyanopus (N. cyanopus). Australian Curlew.—These birds 
were seen and heard at the sand-bank at the mouth of the Port River. 


Pisobia minuta ruficollis (P. vuficollis). Red-necked Stint.—A small 
flock was seen on Beatrice Spit. 


Limnocinetus acuminatus (Pisobia acuminata). Sharp-tailed Stint. 
—Numbers were seen on Beatrice Spit. 


Burhinus m. magnirostris (Gtdicnemus gvallavius). Eastern Stone- 
Plover.—A great number of these birds had congregated in the 
Casuarina scrub on Wedge Island. 


Notophoyx novehollandie (N. nove-hollandie).  White-fronted 
Heron.—These birds were seen on the way down the Port River, and 
one at Pondalowie Bay. 


Chenopis atrata (C. atvata). Black Swan.—Several of these graceful 
birds were seen at Beatrice Spit. 


Hypoleucus fuscescens (Phalacrocovax gouldi). White-breasted 
Cormorant.—This bird keeps to the open sea, and is seldom if ever 
seen up the gulfs. Numbers were seen on Beatrice Spit, and on all 
the islands, where it was by far the commoner bird. 

Four specimens were taken ; they measured :—No. 1, g$—length, 
24% inches ; wing from body to tip, 19 inches ; spread of wings, 41 
inches. No. 2, 9—length, 24 inches; wing from body to tip, 18 
inches ; spread of wings, 39 inches. No. 3, gj—length, 27 inches ; 
wing from body to tip, 19 inches ; spread of wings, 44 inches. No. 4 
(?}—length, 25? inches; wing from body to tip, 184 inches; spread 
of wings, 384 inches. No. 2 weighed 44 lbs. and No. 3 3 lbs. 


Soft parts—iris sea-green; gular pouch black, except in one 
instance, when it was grey, which, I feel sure, is due to immaturity ; 
legs and feet black; bare skin of face black; bill black. This bird 
has always been described as having a purple face, but every skin 
that has yet come under my notice has been black. It is possible 
that it may have a purple sheen at breeding time, and birds must be 
examined at that time to make sure, for none of the above birds was 
in a breeding condition. 

The stomach contents were as follows :—No. 1, fish-bones and 
remains ; No. 2, one leatherjacket, parasitic worms; No. 3, one 
weed-fish, also worms ; No. 4, one weed-fish. 


Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus ‘Phalacrocovax hypoleucus). Eastern 
Pied Cormorant.—These Cormorants like the upper part of the gulfs, 
and haunt the mangrove creeks, where they nest. They were by far 
the most numerous at Troubridge Island, but became less as we 
approached the open sea. Not a single bird was seen at the Althorpes, 
but a few were at Wedge Island. 

Five specimens were examined, and the measurements were :— 
No. 1, g—length, 324 inches; wing from body to tip, 22 inches ; 
spread of wings, 49 inches. No. 2 (?)—length, 28 inches ; wing from 
body to tip, 19 inches ; spread of wings, 42 inches. No. 3, g—length, 
33 inches ; wing from body to tip, 23 inches; spread of wings, 48 
inches. No. 4, g—length, 31 inches; wing from body to tip, 22 
inches ; spread of wings, 47 inches. No. 5, g—length, 32 inches ; 
wing from body to tip, 21 inches ; spread of wings, 46 inches. No. 3 
weighed 54 Ibs., No. 4 4 lbs., and No. 5 4 Ibs: 

Bare space in front of the eye orange, bare space round the eye 


. . . E 
“2 WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. Sie STaiky 


blue; lower eyelid metallic green; gular pouch flesh colour; bill 
black, with horn-coloured tip; legs, feet, and nails black; iris sea- 
green. A young bird (No. 4) had the skin in front of the eye orange, 
bare skin round the eye light yellow; bill grey, culmen brown ; 
legs, feet, and nails black. - Stomach contents consisted mostly of 
weed-fish, and no marketable fish was found in this or the preceding 
species. Stomach contents were as follow :—No. 1, two weed-fish ; 
No. 2, not examined; No. 3, one leatherjacket, 8 rounded stones 
(7 granite and one sandstone), weighing 2} ozs.; one was as round 
as and the size of a large marble. There is no doubt the stones are 
swallowed to help the digestion, and not picked up accidentally. 
We know it is a common practice with seals to swallow large granite 
stones for the same purpose. 

Dr. Morgan registered some of the temperatures as follows :— 
No. 1 (Seven minutes dead), 101.2° F.; No. 2 (ten minutes dead), 
TOL, Ee. 

The contents of these birds’ stomachs show that they confine them- 
selves almost entirely to fish living amongst weed, and it is my firm 
opinion that they do not fish over sandy bottoms, simply because 
the fish can see them, and so escape. 


Morus serrator dyotti (Sula australis). Australian Gannet.—A good 
many of these birds were seen, mostly being immature, showing their 
first year’s mottled plumage. 


Catoptropelicanus c. conspicillatus (Pelecanus conspicillatus). Eastern 
Pelican.—Five birds were seen in the water near the Spit. They 
would have numbered as many hundreds many years ago. 


Circus approximans gouldi (Czvcus gould). Allied Harrier or Swamp- 
Hawk.—Several were seen sweeping over the long dry grass on Wedge 
Island. 


Uroaetus a. audax (U. audav). Wedge-tailed Eagle.—Only one 
bird was seen, and that was on Wedge Island. 


Cuncuma leucogaster (Haliattus leucogaster): White-bellied Seas 
Eagle.—Nearly every island seems to have a pair of these birds. 
Upon Goat Island, in Pondalowie Bay, a pair of these birds was 
nesting upon a ledge of rock facing the north-east, just under the 
overhanging top of the island. A large, fully-fledged young one, in 
its first year’s dark brown plumage, was sitting on the edge of the 
nest. When walking round the top of the island, Dr. Morgan and 
myself found the remains of Penguins, Mutton-Birds, and crayfish— 
evidently the food of these birds. 


Ieracidea berigora occidentalis (Hievacidea occidentalis). Western 
Brown Hawk.—Several birds seen on Wedge Island, and one secured 
had the stomach much distended with great numbers of lizards. 
Soft parts in the living bird were :—Iris brown ; bill slaty-blue ; legs 
and feet grey-blue ; nails dark brown. In my opinion this is strictly 
a coastal form, and Jevacidea b. berigova takes its place inland. 


Cerchneis ce. cenchroides (Cerchneis cenchroides). Nankeen Kestrel. 
—Strange to say, a bird flew from the Althorpe light-tower and one 
from the unattended light on Wedge Island. 


Pandion haliaetus cristatus (P. Jeucocephalus). White-headed 
Osprey.—First saw this bird at Gambier Island, then at Wedge 
Island. These islands being within a mile of one another, it is quite 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. 13 
possible that we saw the same birds. One was seen patrolling the 
beach on several occasions. Messrs. Golley Bros., of Wedge Island, 
say that these birds will nest in the deserted nests of the White- 
bellied Sea-Eagle. 


Spiloglaux (sp.) (Nznox ?)—The Messrs. Golley say that a brown 
Owl, which does not call ‘‘ Boobook,’”’ has often been seen in the 
bushes. I made every effort to discover one, without success. 


“Neonanodes petrophilus zietzi (Euphema petrophila). Eastern Rock- 
Parrot.—Seen in small parties upon Beatrice Spit, Little Althorpe, 
Wedge Island, and Troubridge Island. At the first and last localities 
there are no rocks, but they evidently frequent the low bush in search 
of food, and repair to the rocky islands to nest. 


Neochaleites basalis mellori (Chalcococcyx basalis). Narrow-billed 
Bronze-Cuckoo.—Several birds were seen in the scrub at the back 
of the sand-dunes at Pondalowie Bay, and they were calling at times. 
A young bird was taken on Wedge Island that was chased around 
by Sevicornis, which no doubt proved that it had been hatched on 
the island. 


Hirundo n. neoxena (H. neoxena). Welcome Swallow.—These birds 
were seen at every stopping-place, especially when high cliffs were 
met with. The Messrs. Golley Bros. told us that these Swallows 
remained with them on Wedge Island all the year round. Numbers 
were seen some distance off shore (quite three miles) when we were 
passing along the coast-line between the Outer Harbour and Glenelg ; 
they were chasing insect life carried out by a land breeze. 


Hylochelidon nigricans caleyi (Petrochelidon nigricans). Tree-Martin. 
—Soon after leaving the Outer Harbour these birds were seen with 
the preceding species, about three miles off shore. 


Whiteornis g. goodenovii (Petvoica goodenovit). Southern Red- 
capped Robin.—Several were seen at Pondalowie Bay. Quite an 
immature male bird was taken on Wedge Island, which would lead 
one to suppose they bred there. 


Melanodryas cucullata vigorsi (7. bicolor’. Southern Hooded 
Robin.—Several seen at Pondalowie Bay, where an immature male 
was taken. 


Leucocirea t. tricolor (hipiduva motacilloides). Black-and-White 
Fantail.—One or two birds seen at Pondalowie Bay. 


Drymodes b. brunneopygia (D. brunneopygia). Scrub-Robin.— 
Large masses of dense tea-tree were found to be the home of this bird 
at Pondalowie Bay ; one bird was taken there. 


Epthianura a. albifrons (EF. albifyons). White-fronted Chat.—We 
first met with these birds on Beatrice Spit, and found them quite 
numerous on Wedge Island. 


Poodytes gramineus halmaturinus (Megalurus gramineus’. Kangaroo 
Island Grass-Bird.—Numbers were seen upon Beatrice Spit, which 
are sure to be the above ; they were also seen on an island in Ponda- 
lowie Bay, as well as on Troubridge Island. As no specimen was 
secured, it cannot be said to which sub-species they belong. 


Geobasileus chrysorrhous perksi (Acanthiza chrysorrhous). Southern 
Yellow-rumped Tit.—Several of these birds were seen at Pondalowie 
Bay. 


14 WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. eee 


ast July 


Sericornis maculatus rymilli, sub-sp. nov.—Wedge Island Scrub- 
Wren.—All the upper surface, wings, and tail light greyish-brown ; 
all the tai] feathers having a large blotch of black, almost crossing 
the feathers near the tip, the extremity of the feathers having a very 
faint line of white; spurious wing feathers black, margined with 
white ; wing coverts ‘black ; lores black ; a white line extending from 
the base of “the pill to the back of the eye, with a small patch of white 
under the eye; throat, breast, and centre of abdomen dull white ; 
feathers of the throat marked with a few oblong markings of black ; 
rump and upper tail coverts ruddy-brown ; flanks and under tail 
coverts buff, the latter tipped with white ; bill brown ; iris dull white ; 
feet reddish-brown. Female somewhat lighter in coloration, the 
markings not so distinct, and the lores are buff-coloured instead of 
black. 

aes mature male collected on Wedge Island on 6th January, 
1916, now in the ‘“‘ Wetunga’”’ collection. Range, Wedge Island. 

This new sub-species was fairly numerous on Wedge Island ; its 
habits seemed identical with other members of the genus. I have 
collected specimens from the nearest point of the mainland (Ponda. 
lowie Bay), which is under 20 miles distant from Wedge Island. 
These birds from the mainland are much darker, and agree with the 
typical Sevicornis m. osculans from Port Adelaide. Specimens from 
Eyre Peninsula (Sericornis m. mellort), from the other side of the 
island, are before me, and the above new sub-species differs from 
them in being much lighter and not nearly so strongly marked. 

I have much pleasure in naming this bird in honour of the Messrs. 
Rymill (father and son), who have assisted ornithology in such a 
marked degree by giving their services and use of their yacht to 
assist this branch of science. 


Leggeornis lamberti assimilis (Maluvus assimilis). Purple-backed 
Wren.—Several parties of these birds were seen in the thick scrub 
covering the sand-dunes at Pondalowie Bay. 


Pseudartamus cyanopterus (Aviamus sordidus). Wood-Swallow.— 
Quite a number seen at Pondalowie Bay. 

Colluricincla harmonica victoria (C. haymonica). Victorian Grey 
Shrike-Thrush.—Several seen at Pondalowie Bay. 


Bulestes torquatus ethele (Cracticus destructor). Southern Butcher- 
Bird.—Seen and heard calling loudly. 


Oreoica cristata clelandi (O. cvzstata’. Southern Crested Bell-Bird.— 
Quite numerous at Pondalowie Bay ; an immature male was collected. 


Zosterops lateralis westernensis (Z. dorsalis). Southern White-eye. 
—Plentiful on the Althorpe Islands and at Pondalowie Bay, on main- 
land, also on Wedge Island. I have not put this bird under Z. J. 
halmaturina, because I am quite sure the Kangaroo Island and main- 
land birds are the same. 

Gliciphila melanops chandleri (G/yciphila fulvifyons). Victorian 
Tawny-crowned Honey-eater.—These birds were fairly plentiful in 
the scrub amongst the sand-dunes. They always draw attention by 
their erratic movements, darting straight up to the top of a bush or 
dry twig and back again. An immature bird was taken. 

Meliphaga s. sonora (Pit/otis sonova). Southern Singing Honey- 
eater.—They were plentiful at Pondalowie Bay and Wedge Island, 
and were seen at the Althorpes. 


Vol. XVI. : . . . 
ae WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. 15 
Coleia carunculata tregellasi (Anthocheva carunculata). Victorian 


Red Wattle-Bird.—Numbers were seen at Pondalowie Bay: 

Acanthogenys rufogularis cygnus (4. vufogularis). Southern Spiny- 
cheeked Honey-eater.—Numbers were calling in their quaint way 
at Pondalowie Bay ; an immature bird was taken. 

Anthus australis adelaidensis (Ad. ausivalis). Southern Pipit.— 
First met with on Beatrice Spit, then at Pondalowie Bay ; they were 
numerous on Wedge Island. 

Corvus coronoides perplexus (C. covonotdes). Southern Raven.— 
A bird was seen on Little Althorpe Island, no doubt attracted by the 
dead seals. 

Strepera, sp.—A bird was seen at Pondalowie Bay ; in spite of every 
effort it could not be secured, so the species was not determined. 


INTRODUCED BIRDS. 


Passer domesticus. House-Sparrow.—Well established on Althorpe 
and Wedge Islands, and has become a great nuisance on the latter. 

Sturnus vulgaris. Starling.—Were seen on Althorpe Island, and 
large numbers were observed running along the beach at Wedge Island 
and also at Pondalowie Bay. The low bush growing upon the islands 
and the coast of the mainland bears quantities of fruit, which would 
supply good food for these birds. They also seem to pick up much 
tood along the beach after the tide goes out. 

(Io be continued.) 


Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) 
By CHARLES BARRETT, C.M.Z.S., R.A.O.U., MELBOURNE. 


RAMBLES in Riverina in the nesting season are not, perhaps, 
always so profitable as those I enjoyed in November, 1913. I 
owed my success to the late Mr. Max Egger, a keen observer, who 
was intimately acquainted with the bird life of Jerilderie and 
surrounding districts. Delightful days we spent together, 
wandering across the plains and along the banks of Yanko Creek. 
My companion seemed to know the nesting haunt of every 
species within a radius of 40 miles. I arrived in Jerilderie with 
12 dozen plates, and few remained unexposed when I left. 
Many of the photographs obtained were of subjects that have 
rarely faced a camera. My harvest of sun pictures was large, 
and every hour spent among the birds was filled with interest. 
Besides, Mr. Egger gave liberally from his stock of bird lore, 
which appeared to be inexhaustible. 

A few days were spent in and around the town. White-browed 
Wood-Swallows (Artamus superciliosus) were nesting in every 
tree along the streets, on fence-posts, and other sites. Nests of 
the Sordid Wood-Swallow (A. sordidus) were also noted. From 
the hotel balcony I watched a pair of the former species feeding 
three fledgelings, perched in a tree whose branches brushed the 
railing. Every few minutes one or other of the parent birds 
would come swooping from the sky with a bunch of insects held 


16 Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) ae 


in its beak, distribute the food, and shoot into the blue again. 
At any time in the day, if one looked overhead, Wood-Swallows 
could be seen flecking the sky, some at a great height. “Sky” 
is the local name for all the species of Artamus that frequent 
Jerilderie, and it is both pleasing and suitable, for the birds seem 
to revel in their beautiful flight. 

In my companion’s garden many birds were nesting, Wood- 
Swallows, of course, being in the majority. A box-thorn hedge, 
fencing the western side of a paddock, was favoured by Tri- 


Tricoloured Bush-Chat (gf) on Nest. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY CHARLES BARRETT. 


coloured Bush-Chats (Ephthianura tricolor), and 1 spent nearly 
a whole afternoon with the camera at a nest which contained 
three heavily-incubated eggs. The temperature was over 100° 
in the shade, and, though I protected the camera with the 
focussing cloth, the base was cracked by the heat, and several 
plates were fogged. But I secured good photographs of the 
male and female Chats at the nest. The male was much the 
bolder of the pair, and my long vigil was due chiefly to the 
timidity of the female. In bright sunlight, the scarlet cap and 
breast of the male, as it sat in the nest, shone like flakes of fire. 


vor] Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) 187 


Many nests of the Tricoloured Bush-Chat were found in a 
bed of star thistles on the outskirts of the town, and others 
among long, dry grass in the paddocks. Later, when travelling 
across the plains, specimens of the Orange-fronted species (E. 
aurifrons) were observed, but no nest was discovered. 

With Mr. Egger I made two trips to Yanko Creek, about 16 
miles from Jerilderie. On the first occasion we visited, en route, a 
great rookery of the Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis) in 
a shallow lignum swamp on Yanko Station. The birds are strictly 
protected. We estimated that between 15,000 and 20,000 
were nesting at the time of our visit. Some of the bushes 
supported a dozen or more nests. There were fresh eggs in nests 
on the outskirts of the rookery, while many of those nearer the 
centre contained chicks a few days old; at the hub of the rookery 
there were broods nearly ready for flight. The older birds 
declined to remain in their nests when the camera was erected 
near them; many climbed to the top of the bush and clustered ; 
while others scrambled or fell into the muddy water, and splashed 
into the thickest cover. Alone in a nest was an albino fledgeling ; 
its plumage was not pure white, but of a creamy colour, and it 
was conspicuous among scores of dusky chicks in neighbouring 
nests. 

Travelling across the plains, I was impressed by the work of the 
Ibises. In every paddock there were hundreds of the birds 
warring on young grasshoppers. It was easy to see that the 
Ibises enjoy protection, for they allowed our vehicle to approach 
fairly close to them before rising to fly a few yards, and resume 
their feeding. Without Carphibis spinicollis to keep them 
in check, the grasshoppers would indeed become a terrible burden 
in Riverina. While we were at the rookery a boundary-rider 
galloped up, but he was reassured when he recognized Max 
Egger, who had done much to spread knowledge of the value of 
the Ibis to pastoralists. 

Pink-eared Ducks (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) breed among 
the lignum in this swamp, but we failed to find a nest. It was 
rather risky work searching the bushes, for they are favourite 
resorts of black snakes. We did not actually see a reptile, but 
as I thrust a stick into one bush there was a slithering noise, and 
I prudently retired. 

On the journey to the creek many nests of the Australian Crow 
(Corvus coronotdes) were observed in dead trees. Most of them 
were at no great height, and they were conspicuous objects even 
at a distance. Though nests were so numerous, few Crows were 
seen. Signs of their presence were noted in the Ibis rookery, 
where many eggs and nestlings must be destroyed by the black 
marauders. As the swamp dries up, Ibises that were late in 
nesting desert the unhatched eggs, which are eagerly devoured 
by Crows and rats. 

Yanko Creek is a fine stream, whose banks are lined with big 
eucalypts, while the trunks of dead gum-trees rise like twisted 

2 


~ 


18 Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) Paar 


grey columns from the water. We camped in a pleasant spot, 
where the ashes of old fires told of former camps enjoyed by my 
friend and others. On the morrow, a voyage among the dead 
gums in a “ flattie’’ took us to the nests of Ducks, Cockatoos, 
and Parrots. Thousands of Rose-breasted Cockatoos (Cacatua 
voseicapilla) were breeding in the hollows, and the clamour made 
by the birds when they returned from the feeding grounds was 
deafening. But their harsh cries were forgiven, because of 
the birds’ beauty. Wheeling above the trees, the noisy flocks 
presented a picture that will not soon fade from memory. Rose- 
pink and silver-grey in the early sunlight glowed and gleamed 
alternately against a pale blue sky. The nestlings offered a harsh 
contrast to their parents; they are grotesque and querulous 
creatures, at the very antipodes of grace and beauty. Taken from 
a hollow, two infant Galahs protested vigorously, and, when placed 
on a stump, menaced each other as well as the photographer. 
Placing my bare hand and arm deep into a Galah’s nesting hollow, 
I wondered how the young birds could stand the high temperature 
during the blazing November days. One would hardly be sur- 
plised to find their flesh baked brown ; but the heat really agrees 
with them. There were hollows in every tree, which in the great 
majority of cases were occupied by Galahs. In one tree we noted 
seven nests, and many each had three or four. 

Several pairs of Cockatoo-Parrots (Calopsitta nove-hollandié) 
were nesting in hollow limbs of dead trees in the creek. One nest 
contained young birds, and we watched them at dinner. The 
parent birds shared the duty of feeding the brood. Flying to the 
end of the broken branch, the male was greeted by gaping beaks, 
and into these, in turn, he regurgitated food. Then he flew 
away, and presently the female appeared, and the process was 
repeated. Unfortunately, a camera could not be used, as the 
nursery was in a slender bough, about 30 feet above the water. 
Later, a more accessible nest was discovered, and photographs 
of young Cockatoo-Parrots were secured. 

Continuing our voyage in the flattie, we next examined the 
nest of a pair of Yellow Parrots (Platycercus flaveolus) in a deep 
hollow. The tree trunk was hard and smooth, and to climb to 
the nest I was compelled to chop steps in the tough wood ; even 
then I had a fall into the boat, and barked my shins severely, 
before the object was attained. The nest contained four fairly 
fresh eggs. My companion remarked that the Yellow Parrot 
was becoming rare in the district, but in the course of the day 
two other nests were found. 

In a shallow knot-hole on a huge bent limb a pair of White- 
rumped Wood-Swallows (A. leucogaster) had a nest, which seemed 
beyond our reach. But my companion, after a stiff climb, and 
at the risk of a ducking, secured the three nestlings, and we took 
them ashore. They were just able to fly, and gave much trouble 
to the photographer. One bird, in fact, flew into a tree, where 
it was welcomed by the parents. Then the old birds continued 


THe Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PEATE 


At the Nest of the Yellow Parrot. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY (THE LATE) MAX EGGER: 


ete Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) 19 


their efforts to rescue the other fledgelings. Repeatedly they 
darted down to the branch on which the young ones were perched, 
and occasionally made vicious dives at my head. Finally, the 
whole family was united again, but the parents were not content 
until we left the vicinity of the tree among whose branches the 
brood was concealed. 

An interesting nest was that of a pair of Black-cheeked Falcons 
(Falco melanogenys), in a big hollow, at a height of about 40 feet. 
The birds have nested in the same place every season for a 
number of years, though I believe that the eggs have been taken 
more than once. Several nests of the Nankeen Kestrel (Cerchnets 
cenchroides) were discovered, some being at a great height in 
living gum-trees. One nest was in a hollow of a dead tree, on 
the bank of the creek. The brood consisted of five, and, as the 
birds were well grown, they were awkward to handle. We got 
them all out of the hollow eventually, and, ranged on a bough, 
they made a fine picture. Four were returned to the nest, but 
the fifth eluded us, and tumbled into the creek. We feared it 
would drown, but, using its wings as paddles, it managed to reach 
the other bank, and scrambled ashore, safe, though bedraggled. 
The Kestrel preys mostly on small lizards, field mice, and insects, 
but when driving into Jerilderie we saw one swoop at a Wood- 
Swallow, and bear it aloft in its talons. Such an occurrence, 
surely, is rare. 

On the return journey to Jerilderie we called again at the 
boundary riders’ huts where we had spent the night on the way 
to the creek. We learned that White Cockatoos (C. galerita) 
were nesting in the vicinity, but could not spare the time for a 
side excursion to the spot. As we neared the town a dust storm 
overtook us, and for at least three minutes pony, jinker, and 
ornithologists were enveloped in darkness. The dust was so 
thick that we could hardly breathe, and when the storm had 
passed we were coated in grey from head to feet. The dust 
swooped on us like a moving wall that towered into the sky. On 
the plains in summer these storms frequently occur. 

Max Egger, during portion of the year, followed the occupation of 
bird-trapping ; he sent large numbers of Galahs and Warbling 
Grass-Parrots (Melopsittacus undulatus) to dealers in Sydney, 
receiving for the former birds about ninepence each, and 
less for the Budgerigars. He asked me to accompany him and 
two assistants on a trapping expedition, and I accepted the in- 
vitation. My fiiend explained that if he did not trap the Galahs 
the birds would be poisoned or shot in thousands, as they were 
regarded as pests by men on the land. And I found that the 
trappers were welcomed wherever land was devoted to wheat- 
growing. I did not actually see a Galah attacking wheat, but 
was shown a field where the ears had been stripped and the stalks 
were mostly broken; this was declared to be the work of 
Cockatoos. The evil of poisoning is that not only Galahs, but 
other birds, that are certainly not pests, suffer. 


20 Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) at ta 


The trapper’s outfit consisted of a waggon surmounted by a 
large cage, divided into compartments, a jinker, nets, stakes, call 
birds, and so forth. The large vehicle was drawn by two horses. 
Leaving Jerilderie early one morning, we travelled slowly northward 
across the plains, and towards sundown entered a farm paddock, 
where we outspanned for the night. The farmer welcomed us, and 
said that the “ Galahs were eating him out.’’ In the evening, 
nets and poles, bagging, and other articles were carried to a crop 
paddock, and the trappers soon had everything ready for 
operations next day. 

We were astir before sunrise, for only in the early morming can 
trapping be carried on with a good chance of success. Each net 
is controlled by a long rope, and the trapper, crouched behind a 
screen of bagging against the fence, holds the free end, ready to 
give a sharp pull at the right moment. Soon after the eastern 
sky became flushed with rose-pink, the colour of the. Galah’s 
breast, small flocks of the birds came flying toward the paddock 
from the trees along Yanko Creek. Gradually the size of the 
flocks increased, till there were thousands of birds in sight. The 
call birds, tethered to the nets, “‘spoke’’ to those in the air, and 
presently a flock of about 30 Galahs circled over the net I was 
watching, and then alighted. The trapper pulled the rope, the 
poles leaped together, and a babel of harsh cries arose. Eleven 
birds had been caught, and they were quickly transferred to a box. 
In the course of an hour the nets were sprung three times, and 
the tally of captives was 87; this was not considered a_ par- 
ticularly good result. The Cockatoos were transferred to the 
big cage on the waggon, where they huddled on the long bamboo 
perches. Sulky at first, they soon became resigned to their lot, 
and ate and drank. In addition to netting the adult birds, the 
trappers gather nestlings and rear them. 

We moved toward fresh fields before noon, and spent the night 
at a farmhouse. One of the two ladies of the homestead was a 
lover of wild birds, and had tamed several Galahs without caging 
them. All day, she said, these birds were away with the flocks, 
but toward sunset they returned to the homestead, where they 
remained during the night. I was lucky enough to see three of 
these tame wild birds early in the morning, and secured photo- 
graphs of them on their favourite perch. The trappers, who 
had been at work before I awoke, reported an albino Galah, which 
they failed to capture. Max Egger, from a nest in the Jerilderie 
district, each season for three years in succession took two albino 
fledgelings, and reared them all. He had one in his aviary, which 
I photographed. 

Several nests of the ‘‘ Blue-bonnet”’ (Psephotus xanthorrhous) 
were found in hollows of gum-trees in a paddock near the farm- 
house. One nest was right on the ground, within a hollow trunk, 
the entrance hole being some 12 feet above. On another farm 
we were introduced to a young Australian Crane or Native 
Companion (Antigone australasiana), which the children had 


7 rT 
ae 
i 


em Ew, Viol. ovale. 


PLATE VI. 


Yanko Creek—Haunt of the Delicate Owl. 


R.A,O.U, 


FROM A PHOTO. BY CHARLES BARRETT, 


vol OT] Barrett, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) or 


captured and reared as a pet. The bird, which had the freedom of 
a small paddock, was friendly, though it showed some fear of the 
camera. Its plumage was similar to that of the adult Crane, but 
there was still a mass of beautiful silvery-grey down on the rump 
and flanks. The legs were sufficiently developed to enable the 
young bird to run briskly and dodge its pursuers very cleverly 
when it tired of posing for a portrait. We heard that, in another 
locality, no fewer than 400 of these noble birds had been destroyed 
by poison. 

Yanko Creek was reached at noon on the third day out from 
Jerilderie, and the shade of the gums was very welcome after the 
sun-glare and dust of the plains. Max Egger and I had come 
here together in the jinker, leaving his two assistants to continue 
trapping on the wheat lands. We camped in the old spot. 
While the billy boiled we sat in the shade and watched the bird- 
life of the creek. A flock of Maned Geese (Chlamydochen jubata) 
paddled down stream, within a stone’s throw of our camp. (We 
had also seen Wood-Duck earlier in the day, resting under a gum- 
tree near the Ibis Swamp.) Galahs, Yellow Parrots, and many 
other birds were noted. After the meal we made a voyage in the 
flattie, and my harvest of photographs was increased. On the 
following day we struck camp and drove along the creek for 
several miles, to a beautiful spot, the haunt of a pair of Delicate 
Owls (Strix delicatula). The nest, which had been found by my 
companion some weeks previously, was in a deep hollow of a 
dead gum-tree standing in the creek. A natural causeway of 
logs and débris enabled us to reach the tree dryshod, but it was 
not so easy to climb the hard, polished trunk. But Max Egger, 
who was a_ skilled and fearless climber, won to the nest, and 
descended carrying a young Owl. The queer little bird was almost 
enveloped in creamy white down, softer than teased silk, but its 
tail and wing feathers were well developed. Perched on a bough, 
it blinked sleepily, and made scarce an effort to escape. 

When the Owls’ nest was discovered, more than a month 
previously, it contained eggs. On a second visit, Mr. Egger found 
two nestlings, one of which was evidently several days older than 
the other, in the hollow. Now there was only one Owlet, the 
first-born, no doubt, being somewhere among the trees with its 
parents. The beak and legs of the Owlet we photographed were 
well developed, but the latter were not strong enough to keep 
the bird securely on its perch. 

This quiet reach of the creek was also the haunt of a pair of 
Boobook Owls (Ninox boobook), whose nest was in a hollow of a 
dead tree a few feet from the bank. It would have been pleasant 
to camp there for the night, and watch the Owls flitting on noise- 
less wings through the shadows and moonbeams among the 
ancient trees. But our plans would not permit of this. (The 
Owlet was taken to Jerilderie, and would have been reared, as 
a gift to the Zoological Gardens, but it escaped from its box one 
evening. While in captivity it ate sparingly of raw meat.) 


DD BaRRETT?T, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) [ Emu 


Ist July 


Leaving the Owls’ haunt, we walked to a_ billabong where 
hundreds of Budgerigars were nesting in the dead eucalypts. 
Many birds were seen entering and quitting hollows, but our boat 
was miles away, and all the nest-trees were in deep water. So 
we had to be content with watching the Warbling Grass-Parrots. 
Crossing the plains, vast flocks of these lovely little birds were 
observed. In a big hollow, near a wheat field, we noticed at least 
a thousand Budgerigars feeding on the dry grass. They were so 


Young Delicate Owl. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY CHARLES BARRETT. 


absorbed that they were unaware of our presence till we stood on 
the edge of the depression, only a few feet from the nearest birds. 
Then some of the little Parrots raised their heads, the alarm spread 
like flame in stubble, and the whole flock rose simultaneously and 
flew swiftly to a dead tree a hundred yards away. When the birds 
settled, every branch of the tree seemed suddenly to be clothed in 
ereen and yellow leaves, which stood erect instead of being pendent. 
On the wing, Budgerigars resemble large butterflies, and a flock in 
flight is one of the most charming sights I have seen in all my 


a i 


Eris abt 
is a 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE VII, 


Young Cockatoo-Parrot. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY CHARLES BARRETT, R.A.O,U, 


Mele cd BARRETT, Bird Life on Yanko Creek (N.S.W.) 23 


wanderings through Australian wilds. Many of these birds are 
killed in flight by striking against telegraph wires. On the road 
near Jerilderie I counted ove1 a score of bodies, and my companion 
said that this was not unusual. 

In very dry seasons Warbling Grass-Parrots travel far south, 
and small flocks were observed in the summer of rIg15 amid the 
tea-tree at Black Rock, on Port Phillip Bay. ‘‘ Old Bushman,” 
in his charming book, ‘‘ Bush Wanderings of a Naturalist,” 
mentions this species in the chapter on the ornithology of Port 
Phillip. “ Occasionally, but very rarely,’ he writes, “a flock 
of the Budgerigar, or Shell-Paroqueet, would pay us a visit ; and 
I recollect, in the middle of the summer, 1854, our gum-trees 
swarmed with them. They stayed about a month, when they 
suddenly disappeared, and only an odd straggler or so has been 
since seen in our district.”’ On the Riverina plains, in a good 
season, thousands of Budgerigars are captured by the trappers, 
and the market is giutted, with the result that the birds realize 
only a few pence apiece. I am a staunch advocate of bird 
protection, but I cannot truthfully state that trapping has any 
appreciable effects on either Galahs or Warbling Grass-Parrots. 
With regard to the former species, my friend declared that they 
were even more numerous in 1913 than they were several years 
before. But we should be watchful, for some birds that are now 
extinct—the Great Auk and the Passenger Pigeon, for instance— 
formerly existed in vast numbers. 

After returning to Jerilderie, I spent a day with Mr. Egger, 
hunting for a nest of the Australian Dottrel (Eudromias australis). 
The place where we searched is not far from the town—a desolate 
area, with scanty vegetation. There are large barren patches of 
greyish-white soil, surrounded by beds of star thistles and other 
lowly plants. Signs of the birds were seen, and more than once 
we felt sure that a nest would soon reward our patient patrolling ; 
but always came disappointment. My friend had secured two 
clutches of eggs from this locality. One was discovered by a 
boundary rider, who saw the Dottrel go to her nest. The birds 
are extremely wary, and nests are most difficult to find. 

Before bidding my friend farewell, I asked him to write a paper 
for The Emu, and he promised to do so when he had leisure. 
But death intervened, and we have lost a very valuable con- 
tribution to the knowledge of Riverina bird-life. Mr. Egger was 
a true naturalist, and no man has had a more genial and kindly 
companion than I had in my Riverina rambles. 


Mr. C. F. Belcher, M.A., LL.B., at one time co-editor of 
The Emu, has been appointed by the Governor of Uganda 
District Judge at Entebbe, which is the administrative centre 
of the Protectorate. 


24 ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) ae nee 


Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 


By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., R.A.O.U., CuRAToR, MUSEUM, 
PERTH. 


PROBABLY few parts of southern Australia are less known at the 
present day than the southern coast-line of Western Australia 
between King George’s Sound and the Great Australian Bight. 
In the extent of about 400 miles there are only two small towns, 
Hopetoun and Esperance—the former the port of the copper- 
mining town of Ravensthorpe, the latter the centre of a small 
agricultural area, and the nearest point on the coast to the 
Coolgardie goldfields. Before the construction of the railway 
from Perth to Kalgoorlie Esperance was a thriving port, as it has 
a fine harbour. The opening of the railway diverted the gold- 
fields traffic to Fremantle ; but, on the completion of the railway 
at present under construction to connect Esperance with Cool- 
gardie, the port will doubtless regain some of its former prosperity, 
Apart from these two towns, the only other habitations along the 
coast-line are a few isolated sheep-stations and the relay stations 
on the overland telegraph line which connects Western with 
South Australia. When, therefore, I was invited to join a party 
of sportsmen who were proposing to spend a holiday at Bremer 
Bay, in January, 1916, I gladly accepted the invitation, in the 
hope of learning something of the natural history of this little- 
known region. 

We left Albany at 1 o’clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, 
roth January, by the s.s. Eucla, and steamed out of King George’s 
Sound against a strong easterly wind, which made our voyage 
decidedly unpleasant. It was an agreeable surprise to me to 
note the presence of a number of Albatrosses, which proved to be 
the Black-browed (Thalassarche melanophrys), a species as to 
whose claims to inclusion in the Western Australian list I recently 
raised a doubt.* Some of the birds seen were apparently adult, 
but in others, which I judged to be immature, only the base of 
the bill was yellow, the tip being dark. Captain Fred. Douglas, 
who has been engaged in the navigation of the coast between 
Albany and Esperance for 50 years, was acting as a temporary 
officer on the Eucla, and his knowledge of this coast-line is 
unrivalled. In reply to questions, he informed me _ that 
‘“ Albatrosses ’’’ were only to be seen in winter, and then generally 
well out to sea; but the “ Molly-hawks’’ were always on the 
coast. He had never seen their nests, but believed that they 
nested on some of the islands of the Recherche Archipelago, as 
he had often seen them settled on these islands. More numerous 
than the ‘‘ Mollymawks”’ were Mutton-Birds, which I at once 
noticed were different from those seen on the west coast, as they 
lacked the wedge tail of Thyellodroma pacifica, and a pale patch 
at the base of the beak was conspicuous. This was the Flesh- 


* Emu, vol. xv., p. 183. 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


] ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 25 
footed Petrel (Hemipuffinus carnetpes). Their numbers increased 
towards Bald Island, where they probably breed. Except for the 
features mentioned, they seemed to resemble the western species 
in every way, their flight being precisely like that which has 
earned their British relatives the name of Shearwaters. 

Soon after we had passed between Bald Island and the main- 
land night set in, and the early hours of the following morning 
found us at our destination, where we were landed on the open 
beach in a little sheltered cove. Bremer Bay is about roo miles 
from Albany and 7o from Hopetoun. The capes which form its 
extremities are about 12 miles apart, and are composed of granitic 
rocks, on which the rollers of the Southern Ocean break per- 
petually. Between them the contour of the bay is divided by 
several other rocky points into a number of sandy beaches. The 
country near the coast is chiefly low and undulating, composed 
of a hard limestone from which rise several rounded granite hills 
to a height of several hundred feet. In places, especially close 
to the coast, the limestone is covered by sand-hills, and there are 
several large areas of drift-sand, with hardly a scrap of vegetation 
to break their dazzling white surface. These miniature deserts 
slowly blow inland, smothering the trees and bushes, until they 
become sufficiently attenuated for the vegetation to conquer 
them in its turn. In two places these moving sand-hills have 
blocked up the lower ends of valleys, forming considerable lakes 
of fresh water. One of these, named Lake Maxwell, was about 
three miles to the west of our camp; the other, known as the 
Hunter River, two miles east. The gradual rise of the water- 
level in these lakes had killed the trees which formerly grew on 
their banks, and the dead stems and branches of these trees 
projected from the water all round their margins, making a fine 
shelter for the Ducks and other waterfowl, but giving a most 
desolate appearance to the scene. 

In the middle of the bay is a large, shallow salt-water lagoon, 
known as the Wellstead Estuary, which receives several small 
streams at its upper end and every few years breaks out into the 
sea in the winter. In places it is almost a mile broad, and_ it 
extends in a winding fashion inland for about ro miles, assuming 
the aspect of a river for the last five or six. In the winter before 
our visit the water had broken out to the sea, but when we were 
there it was separated by a bar about 300 yards broad. The low 
water, owing to the recent outbreak, exposed many sand-flats 
and mud-banks which had been under water for some years, and, 
in consequence, great numbers of Ducks and Waders found 
abundance of food in the shallows and on the banks. From any 
point from which a view was obtained, the most striking feature 
was West Mount Barren, a rugged peak, 12 miles to the north- 
east, rising sharply from the plain. Still further to the east, 
Mount Bland and the Fitzgerald Range continued the line of hills 
almost to Hopetoun. On clear days the distant peaks of the 
Stirling Range, over 70 miles away to the west, stood out above 


Emu 
ist July 


26 ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 
the low intervening country. The more sandy tracts of country 
were covered by a low, heathy type of vegetation, characteristic 
of the Western Australian sand-plains, but on the more stony parts 
and the slopes of the hills this gave place to a thick mallee scrub. 
The more sheltered hollows were occupied by clumps of yate- 
trees (Eucalyptus cornuta), while the valleys among the sand-hills 
near the coast contained groves of the elegant peppermint-tree 
(Agonts flexuosa). Bordering the swamps and the estuary were 
tea-trees (Melaleuca). 

Having attempted to describe briefly the chief features of their 
habitat, I will now proceed to the proper subject of my paper 
and describe the birds I met with. But before doing so, it seems 
necessary, in the present state of affairs, to explain the nomen- 
clature I use. As these are field notes, and in only a few cases 
did I handle specimens, I cannot state definitely what sub- 
species I am dealing with, and in consequence I am_ using the 
species names as given in Mathews’s 1913 list. In my opinion, 
it would be better not to attempt to give separate English names 
to all the sub-species, but to use a single name for the species. 
The experts who can determine the sub-species will probably 
use the Latin names in any case, while the field naturalist, who 
uses the English name, cannot tell for certain what sub-species 
he is dealing with. This difficulty may not appeal to omith- 
ologists in the Eastern States, where the forms are better known, 
sO much as it does to those in the West, where, perhaps, two 
sub-species of a bird have been described—one, say, from Wilson’s 
Inlet on the south coast, another from Broome Hill inland, no 
further details of the cistribution of either form being known. 
To which sub-species would a bird at Bremer Bay belong ? 
Broome Hill is nearer, but Wilson’s Inlet is, like Bremer, on the 
coast. With these remarks I proceed to deal with the 81 species 
which I identified in the locality. As neither the sand-plain 
nor the mallee country, nor the sandy seashore, were very 
attractive for walking in the summer sun, most of our time was 
spent either on the water of the estuary or on the shores of the 
lakes, consequently such observations as I was able to make on 
the habits of the birds were almost confined to the aquatic 
species. 

Brown Quail (Synoicus ypsilophorus) (?).—A few birds seen near 
the coast were probably of this species. 


Brush Bronze-winged Pigeon (Cosmopelia elegans ).—Fairly common. 


Spotless Crake (Porzanoidea plumbea).—Several were seen feeding 
among the reeds on the muddy shores of Lake Maxwell. They moved 
about with deliberate steps, constantly flirting the tail, which was 
kept raised. In one place about eight were seen together. When 
alarmed they immediately ran for the nearest reed-bed, and dis- 
appeared in a few seconds. One was secured for the Museum, and 
proved to be a male. It differs from the bird figured in Mathews’s 
“Birds of Australia ’’ in lacking the white margins to the edge of the 
bastard-wing feathers as well as in the coloration of the legs. The 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 27 
coloration of these is difficult to describe in words, as they are very 
parti-coloured, the joints being brown, while the centres of the tarsi 
and of each of the phalanges are light brick-red. In this connection 
I may perhaps point out that the figure cf Porphyrio bellus in the 
same work shows a bird with uniformly green legs, whereas they are 
usually parti-coloured, the joints alone being green, while the centres 
of the tarsi and of the phalanges are red. This may be the explanation 
of the sub-species of Porphyrio melanonotus, described as inhabiting 
Western Australia, which is stated to be distinguished from P. bellus 
by the possession of red legs.* The Black Moor-Hen (Gallinula 
tenebyosa) has also parti-coloured legs, the joints being green and the 
front portion of the tarsi and phalanges orange-red. Is this type of 
coloration universal in this family ? 


Black Moor-Hen (Gallinula tenebyosa).—Reported as seen on the 
Hunter River by one of the party, but not seen by me. 


Coot (Fulica atya).—A few seen on a small lake near the Hunter. 


Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus).— A single bird in full 
plumage was seen on the Hunter River, and it remained on the surface 
long enough to give us an excellent view. It then dived, and, though 
a sharp look-out was kept for it, was not seen again. As already 
mentioned, the dead trees in the water provided plenty of cover on 
this lake (miscalled a river). 

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus).—Numerous on 
all the sheets of water. On several occasions when we ascended the 
estuary a little flock of these birds kept flying ahead of the boat 
instead of taking refuge in the usual way by diving. The flights 
gradually became shorter as the birds obviously tired, until after 
about a mile they summoned up courage to turn and fly back past 
the boat. 

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne tschegyvava).—Small flocks were fre- 
quently seen on the estuary. It is perhaps worth noting that Crested 
Terns (Thalasseus bergit) were not seen either on the estuary or on 
the sea-coast during the three weeks, yet they are common in the 
harbour at Albany, and are the most plentiful sea-bird on the coast 
near Fremantle and on the Swan River except for Shags. 


White-faced Ternlet (Stevnula neveis).—F locks were frequently seen 
flying over the shallows at the lower end of the estuary. 


Silver Gull (Bruchigavia novehollanditg).—Frequently seen. 


Pacifie Gull (Gabianus pacificus).—A few were generally to be seen 
on the coast. Towards the end of our stay two adults and five young 
birds in very dark plumage took up their quarters at the mouth of 
the estuary, and were constantly to be seen wading about in the shallows 
or flying. They seemed not to care for swimming, for if they were 
wading in any direction, and the water became too deep, they would 
take to the wing. 

Pied Oyster-cateher (Hematopus ostralegus)—About a dozen were 
almost always to be seen by day, resting on a sand-bank in the middle 
of the estuary. Their feeding seemed to be done at night, as they 
were generally heard flying past the camp after dark.. 

Black Oyster-cateher (Hematopus niger).—A few solitary birds 
were seen on the rocks in the bay. 


* Austral Avian Record, vol. i., p. 29 (1912). 


Emv 


28 ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) heat 


Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominicus).—A flock of about 20 of these 
birds took up their quarters in a marshy tract of ground formed by 
the water which percolated through the sand-hills from the Hunter 
River. They were first seen about the end of January, and were seen 
at the same place on every subsequent visit to it. 


Large Sand-Dottrel (Pagoa leschenaulti) (?)—I several times saw 
birds which I believe were of this species among flocks of Hooded 
Dottrels on the beach, but as no specimen was obtained the record 
must remain doubtful. 


Red-capped Dottrel (Leucopolius ruficapillus).—Very abundant on 
the beach, among the sand-hills, and on the sand-flats in the lower 
parts of the estuary. Young birds were perhaps a trifle in excess of 
the adults; 


Hooded Dottrel (Charadrius cucullatus).—Though not so numerous 
as the last species, these were very common in similar localities, and 
among them also the young were about as numerous as the adults. 


Black-fronted Dottrel (Elseya melanobs).—Seen in pairs on the 
shores of all the fresh-water lakes and swamps, and on one occasion 
on the bank of the salt-water estuary. Judging by their habits, and 
particularly their flight, but without any knowledge of their anatomy, 
one would suppose that this species was a small member of the 
Lapwing group. Its rapid, nervous movements, and the readiness 
with which it takes to flight, contrast strongly with the somewhat 
deliberate trot of the Ringed Plovers and their allies, and their prefer- 
ence for running rather than flying when approached. 


Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus).—A party of about 10 
of these birds, which are always known in Western Australia as 
“Rottnest Snipe,’ from their abundance on the island of Rottnest, 
were seen on the estuary for the first two days of our visit. 


Red-necked Avocet (Recurvivostva novehollandig).—A flock of about 
20 was seen on one occasion sleeping on a muddy bank in the upper 
part of the estuary: 


Greenshank (Glottis nebulavius)—Rather numerous in the upper 
reaches of the estuary in parties of from two to about a dozen. They 
frequented the muddy parts of the shore, on which they ran about 
feeding, and constantly flew from one place to another. They were 
much more wary than the other waders, and flew off uttering their 
shrill notes when approached at all nearly, and it was only when one 
was shot that I could be sure of their identity. 


Little Stint (Pzsobia minuta).—Very plentiful on the lower parts of 
the estuary, feeding on the sand-flats in company with the Red-capped 
and Hooded Dottrels. In contrast with these two species they 
appeared to be much more diligent, as they were perpetually moving 
about with heads down, picking up minute objects from the sand. 


Sharp-tailed Stint (Limnocinclus acuminatus).—Fairly numerous, 
associating in considerable flocks, and generally keeping to them- 
selves on the more muddy flats, though sometimes mixed with the 
Little Stints and the two species of Dottrels. 


Great Knot (Anteliotvinga tenuivostvis)—A solitary bird, which I 
saw almost every day among a flock of Hooded Dottrels, puzzled me 
considerably. Ultimately it was shot for identification, and proved 
to be an example of this species, which, as far as I can judge from the 


Vol. ae a ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 29 
1916 ) 


literature, has not previously been obtained on the southern coast 
of Australia. There is a specimen in the Western Australian Museum 
obtained on the Houtman’s Abrolhos islands, which form the southern 
limit of the range of many northern torms, but the present record 
extends the range of the species by several hundred miles. The bird 
was very tame, and allowed of a close approach, so much so that 
when I walked towards it it kept its distance by walking away, and 
it was necessary almost to run to make it fly and reveal the colouring 
of the back and rump, which I hoped would enable me to identify it. 
Even when disturbed in this way it flew only a few yards before 
settling again. Having become acquainted with the species in this 
way, I hope to recognize it if | ever meet with it again, without the 
necessity of holding it in my hand, as there is really no bird with which 
it can be confused. 


White-fronted Heron (Notophoyx novehollandie).—Plentitul every- 
where—by the estuary as well as on all the fresh-water lakes and 
Swamps—often associating in flocks of upwards of 30 individuals. 


Nankeen Night-Heron (Nycticovay caledonicus).—Seen only on two 
occasions, when disturbed from the trees on the upper reaches of the 
estuary. 

Black Swan (Chenopis atrvata).—Numerous, flocks of trom a dozen 
to 50 being almost always seen on the larger sheets of water, and on 
a few occasions, probably when they had been disturbed, out at sea. 
During the day-time they generally kept out in the middle of the 
lakes or on the more open parts of the estuary, but at night-time they 
moved about, being often heard flying past the camp, probably going 
to their feeding grounds. 


Mountain-Duek (Casarca tadovnotdes).—The great abundance of 
these fine birds was the feature of the district. It was no uncommon 
matter, on rounding the promontory which concealed our approach 
to their favourite reach of the estuary, to find at least a couple of 
thousand of the Sheldrake standing on the banks or in the shallow 
water, and the sight of such a number rising into the air together 
is one which [I shall not forget readily. It is noteworthy how very 
quickly these heavy birds can reach a great height in the air, which 
suggested to us that the common name of the species might be a 
corruption of mounting Duck. Very possibly this has been suggested 
before. I learnt that the Mountain-Ducks had only appeared in the 
district about a week before our arrival, and were more plentiful 
than usual, perhaps on account of the great amount of shallow water 
exposed. 


Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)—Abundant, but not numerous in 
the lower reaches of the estuary, the haunt of the Mountain-Ducks. 
This species preferred the fresh-water lakes, especially the margins 
full of dead timber and the upper reaches of the estuary where the 
banks were overhung by bushes. 


Green-headed Teal (Vizvago castanea).—Met with on several occasions 
among flights of the next species. I was anxious to secure one of 
this species in its grey plumage, and therefore weighed a number of 
birds, as several writers have maintained that the two species may 
be readily separated by this means. The following were the weights 
recorded :—19 ozs., I (grey); 18 ozs., 3 (two grey, one green-headed) ; 
17 ozs., 5 (four grey, one green-headed) ; 16 ozs., 0; 15 ozs., 2 (grey) ; 


30 ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) lest gaits 


14 OZS., 1 (grey) ; 13 0ZS., I (grey) ; 12 0zS.,O; 11 Ozs., 1 (prey). Simce 
my return home I have studied the figures given for these birds, as 
quoted by Mathews in “The Birds of Australia.” Keartland is 
given as authority for the statement that Chestnut Teals average— 
males, 25 ozs., and females (grey), 24 ozs ; whilst Grey Teals average 
—males, 18 ozs. Memalesrnl j1OZSe According to these figures, all my 
birds, including the two green-headed birds, were Grey Teals! Do 
both species sometimes assume the chestnut plumage with green 
heads ? I regret now that I did not weigh and sex all the Teal shot 
during our stay. The only one that I examined was the green-headed 
bird which weighed 18 ozs., which proved to be a male. 


Grey Teal (Virago gibberifrons)—Very abundant, especially on the 
upper reaches of the estuary. 


Shoveller (Spatula rhynchotis)—A temale ‘ Blue-wing’’ was shot 
by one of the party at the fresh-water swamp near the Hunter River. 


White-eyed Duck (Nyvoca australis\.—Seen several times among the 
flocks of Grey Teal. It is commonly called ‘‘ White-wings”’ in 
Western Australia, and it may be readily recognized by this character 
when seen flying overhead. 


Musk-Duck (B2ziura lobata).—Common on all the sheets of water 
in the district, generally associating in small flocks. On two occasions 
individuals approached by the boat, instead of diving, as usual, 
escaped by flapping along the surface of the water in the fashion that 
has earned them the name of “‘Steamer,’’ presumably in the days 
of paddle-steamers. I had never seen them do this before, and 
cannot account for this departure from the ordinary custom of diving 
on these two occasions out of the dozens of times when we disturbed 
these common birds. On the small swamp or lake near the Hunter 
River, to which I have already alluded, there was a number of these 
birds, including an old drake with a very large flap below the bill, 
and from the bank I was several] times a witness of his curious amatory 
performance. When the party was near together he would swim 
in among them with his head held low, so that the bottom of the 
membranous flap was touching the water, and his stiff tail-feathers 
turned right forwards over his back, standing out from one another. 
Then all of a sudden he uttered his curious “‘ ponk’’ note, and at the 
same moment flapped both his wings, splashing up the water on each 
side. The loudness of the ‘‘ponk’’ sound I attribute to the flap 
acting as a sounding-board to convey it to the surface of the water.* 
The note and splash were repeated 20 or 30 times at intervals of a 
few seconds, the bird swimming about among the others in his curious 
attitude all the time. They appeared to take very little notice of his 
performance. 


* Since my return home I have noticed that other observers attribute the 
splash to the feet and not to the wings. Having subsequently had an 
opportunity of watching another bird performing these antics, I think this 
is correct, though it is difficult to see how such a considerable splash is 
produced by the feet. Careful watching, however, does not reveal any 
movement of the wings. In another respect this bird differed from that 
watched at Bremer in that its membranous flap was held clear of the water, 
yet the ‘‘ponk’’ was equally loud. Sometimes the sound produced was a 
loud whistle quite unlike the usual ponk, but the accompanying movements 
were exactly the same. 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


] ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 31 
Little Black Cormorant (Wesocarbo ater).—Common on the upper 
reaches of the estuary and on the Hunter River. 


Little Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleuca)—Numerous on_ the 
Hunter River. 


Darter (Anhinga novehollandié).—I\n considerable numbers on the 
estuary and on the Hunter River. The majority of those seen were 
in the grey plumage with white breast, females and young birds of 
both sexes in immature plumage, but there was a fair number of 
black adult males. The Darters were tond of sitting on stumps, with 
their wings hanging down ; when disturbed they flew rather heavily, 
gradually mounting into the air, but when they attained a certain 
height they sailed round with their wings widespread, giving a number 
of rapid flaps at short intervals to retain the necessary velocity. By 
this characteristic flight they could be recognized even at a distance. 
When flying the neck is bent into a sharp crook. There was a colony 
of their nests in the dead trees at the upper end of the Hunter River, 
in one of which I found two very young birds, probably only a few 
days old. My attention was attracted to this nest by the shrill cries 
of the young birds, and I proceeded to investigate it. The water 
round the tree was nearly 6 feet deep, and the nest was built rather 
loosely of dead sticks, about 3 feet above the water-level, on a sloping 
branch, at a point where a side branchlet was given off. The young 
birds were quite naked, with parchment-coloured skins, sufficiently 
transparent to show the colour of the underlying organs where it was 
tightly stretched, especially on the top of the head, through which 
the skull was dimly visible. The inside of the mouth was dull 
yellow. They scrambled about in the nest by the use of both wings 
and legs, raising their necks (which ,were about equal in length to the 
body) and calling shrilly. They did not seem able to hold the neck 
up for long, and mostly lay with the neck turned back along the side. 
When placed in the water they made no attempt to swim, and would 
undoubtedly have been drowned if left there. In order to be quite 
sure of their identity, | went on, and on returning half an hour later 
found that the mother had returned, and was sitting at the bottom 
of the tree, just above the water, with her wings hanging down ; she 
flew away again at my approach. I removed the nest with the 
young birds, and they are now on exhibition at the Western Australian 
Museum. Until this discovery I had not thought it worth while to 
investigate the nests, as I supposed the breeding season would be 
over ; but, as these birds were so young, it seemed possible that some 
of the other nests might contain young. I therefore investigated 
about’ 30 other nests, without further success. In two cases, as I] 
approached, fully-fledged young climbed on to the edge of the nest, 
hesitated there for a little while, and finally dropped into the water 
and dived, coming up at a distance. The nests were all built of 
sticks, and were from 3 feet to 10 feet above the water-level, some- 
times as many as four or five in the same tree ; mingled with them, 
but apparently always in different trees, were more solid nests, built 
of smaller sticks mixed with herbaceous stems, which I believed to 
be those of Cormorants ; if so, these birds had finished breeding. It 
is worthy of note that in all three cases there were two young Darters 
in the nest, while the usual clutch is said to be four. 


Pelican (Catoptropelicanus conspicillatus)—A few of these birds 
were generally to be seen on the estuary; 


32 ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) ae tale 


Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uvoaétus audar’.—Two were seen, or possibly 
the same bird on two occasions. One flew round above the water 
trying to make up its mind to attack a wounded Teal, but, seeing us 
on the bank, thought better of it. 


Whistling Eagle (Haliastuy sphenurus).—A pair seen occasionally 
circling over the water. 

Brown Hawk (levacidea berigova)—Frequent, hunting over the 
open country, especially where it had been burnt by bush- fires Lt 
is interesting to note that this bird has the hovering habit of the 
Kestrel group, but is not nearly so expert as the latter, hovering only 
for a few seconds. 

Nankeen Kestrel (Cerchnets cenchroides).—Seen only once. 

Osprey (Pandion haliaétus)—A few observed. 


White-tailed Black Cockatoo (Zanda baudinii)—Common. Noisy 
flocks of these birds were often to be seen, especially in the more open 
country. It is generally supposed that these birds are chiefly 
inhabitants of the gum-tree forests ; but, in my experience, they are 
more plentiful in the open country, finding most of their food in the 
low shrubs or on the ground. When settled they make a curious 
croaking note, very difficult to describe, but directly they fly they 
begin to utter their loud screams, and keep them up all the time as 
they travel, so that they are often heard approaching before they 
come in sight. To my mind, their loud, harsh cries are the wildest 
of all the sounds of the bush, and harmonize with the somewhat dreary 
country in which they are found. 


Western Australian Rosella (Platycervcus icterotis)—One was shot 
by a member of the party. 


Western Australian King Parrot (Purpuvetcephalus spurius).—An 
inhabitant of the gum-trees in the valleys. The call-note is much 
harsher than that of the more familiar ‘‘ Twenty-eight ’’ (Barnardius 
zonarius), and it is worthy of note that the latter species was not seen. 


Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)—A pair were seen on the sand- 
plain in a very small bush. yet their wonderfully softly-tinted 
plumage rendered them so inconspicuous that we almost walked on 
to them before they rose. 


Bee-eater (Cosmerops ornatus).—A few pairs. 

Swallow (Hivundo neoxena).—Common. 

Tree-Martin (Hylochelidon nigricans).—Common. 
Searlet-breasted Robin (Petroica mutlticoloy)—A few pairs. 
Short-billed Tree-Tit (Smicrorvnis byrevirostyis)—Seen once. 
Black-and- White Fantail (Leucocirca tricolory).—Very numerous. 
Restless Flycateher (Sezsuva inquieia).—Frequent. 

Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike (Covacina novehollandie).—Frequent. 


Striated Field- Wren (Cal/amanthus fuliginosus ) (?)—A skulking bird, 
seen several times among the bushes in the sand- -plain country, was 
perhaps this species. 


White-fronted Chat (Epthianurva albifrons)—Common on the sand- 
hills. 


Vol. XVI. 


56 ] ALEXANDER, Observations at Bremer Bay (W.A.) 33 


Brown Tit (Acanthiza pusilla) —Frequent. 

Yellow-rumped Tit (Geobaszleus chyvsorrhous).—One party seen. 
Spotted Secrub-Wren (Sevicornis maculatus\.—On the coastal hills; 
Banded Blue-Wren (Malurus splendens).—Common; 

Wood-Swallow (Angroyvan cyanopterus).—Common. 

Magpie-Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca).—Frequent. 

Magpie (Gymnorhina hypoleuca).—Frequent. 

Buteher-Bird (Bu/lestes torvquatus).—Frequent 

Green-backed White-eye (Zosievops gouldi).—Very abundant. 


Striated Pardalote (Pardalotinus striatus).—Seen several times, but 
the individuals were very pale in colour, and seemed to me to belong 
to a different race from those found near Perth. They may, however, 
have been young birds. 


White-naped Honey-eater (Melithveptus lunatus)—Common. 
White-browed Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus suffuscula).—Frequent. 


Tawny-crowned Honey-eater (Gliciphila melanops).—A few pairs 
seen. 


Singing Honey-eater (Meliphaga sonova).—Frequent. 


Wattle-cheeked Honey-eater (Lichenostomus cyratitius)—One pair 
seen. 


Goldwing Honey-eater (Meliovnis novehollandie@).—Common. 
Miner (Myzantha flavigula)—Common. 
Red Wattle-Bird (Coleta carunculata\.—Frequent. 


Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater (Acanthogenys rufogularis)—One pair 
seen. 


Ground-Lark (Anthus australis)—Common. 
Red-eared Fineh (Zoneginthus oculatus).—Frequent. 
Crow (Corvus coronoides).—Frequent: 

Squeaker (Neostvepera versicoloy).—Common. 


Protection of Birds of Paradise. 


A DEPUTATION from the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union 
waited on the Minister for Customs, Mr. F. G. Tudor, on 18th 
April, 1916, to bring under his notice the destruction of Birds- 
of-Paradise in Rabaul, and urge that the export of these birds’ 
plumes be prohibited. There were present Colonel G. Horne, 
Dr. E. B. Nicholls, and Messrs. C. Barrett, A. C. Stone, and D. 
Le Souéf, the honorary secretary. The deputation was cordially 
received, but the Minister informed it that the islands were at 
present under the control of the Minister for Defence. Never- 
theless, he listened closely to the statements made, and said that 
he would himself communicate with the Minister for Defence and 
place before him the views of the deputation on the subject. 

3 


34 MaAtHEws, Changes in Name. (eee 


Changes in Name to be Made to my “List of the 
Birds of Australia,” 1913. 
By GREGORY M. MaTHeEws, F.R.S.E., R.A.O.U. 
(See also Austral Avian Record, vol. iii., pp. 63-68.) 


p. 5. Megapodius reinwardt, Dumont, Dict. Sci. Nat., vol. 
KIX, «—P.-4l0; 27 eeDeee 1823, Aru Islands (Amboina 


evvore). 
Megapodius reinwardt reinwarti, Dumont. 
- he tumulus, Gould. 
“5 3p melvillensis, Mathews, 1s7 Gea 


synonym. 
55 ; assvmilis, Masters. 
p. 58. Pagoa leschenaulti, Lesson, Dict. Sci. Nat., vol. xlhi., 
p. 36 (1826), replaces P. geoffroyi1, Wagler, 1827. 
p. 70. Totanus damacensis, Horsfield, is a synonym of Ptsobia 
rujficollts, Pallas, 1776, and read in its place Prsobia 
subminuta, Middendorft. 


p. 91.—Read— 
Virago castanea. 
33 35 castanea, Eyton. 
is Bi alexandert, Mathews. 
»  gubbertfrons. 
Sf 3 gibberifrons, Muller. 


rogersi, Mathews. 
Dipl 37s Psephotellus chrysopteryeius chrysopterygius, Gould. 


te dissimilis, Collett. 
De L57- Neochalcites minutillus. 
Br se minutillus, Gould. 
09 55 perplexus, Mathews. 
a 5 vussatus, Gould. 


‘ barnardi, Mathews. 
p. 183. Read— 
Eopsaltria gularis. 
9 »  gularis, Quoy et Gaimard. 
re ~ griseogularis, Gould. 
>» a vosine, Mathews. 
p. 198. Read— 
Samuela alisteri, Mathews. 


Ae cinnamomea cinnamomea, Gould. 
as 4 samuelt, Mathews. 

ne castaneothorax, Gould. 
“s - marginatum, Sharp. 


Sr a nea, Mathews. 
p. 213. Read— 
Acanthiza albiventris. 
A x albtventris, North. 
Dp: 2h4. ee i venus, Mathews. 
sy A: hamultont, Mathews. 


Vol. XVI. 


Be MATHEWS, Changes in Name. 35 


p. 214. Acanthiza albwventris consobrina, Mathews. 


aA rs gayt, Mathews, is a synonym. 
i r whitlockt, North. 
p- 215. a ae tanamt, Mathews. 
p. 222. Read— 
Tasmanornis humilis gularis, Legge. 
pa223- 5 - insularis, Cole. 


Sphenura brachyptera brachyptera, Latham. 
55 re victoria, Mathews. 
3p 53 longirostris, Gould. 
p. 246. Read— 
ee leucopsis leucopsts, Gould. 
pallida, Mathews. 


4 ‘ whiter, Mathews. 

"5 Py castanewentris, Milligan. 

pectoralis pectoralis, Gould. 

» = nigricincta, North (synonym). 
55 tananu, Mathews. 


p. 261. Melithreptus gularis validirostris, Gould. 
»  kingi, Mathews. 
ps202)- Por Neophilemon buceroides read— 
Neophilemon york. 
5 »  yorkt, Mathews: 
Hs »  gordom, Mathews. 


NEw NAMES. 


Arenaria leucophea carteri for the bird figured and described in 
var dsirds of “Australia,” yol. mi:, p. 241, pl. 158. 
Type—Point Cloates, Western Australia. 
Pisohia subminuta bowert, for the bird figured and described in 
my “ Birds of Austraiia,”’ vol. iii., pl. 159 (as P. damacensis), 
S252. 
Tee River, North-West Australia. 
Pagoa zanda for the ae figured and described in my “ Birds of 
Australia, vol: 111... p: 100,) pl. 136. 
Type—Point Fomiche North-West Australia. 


Birds which have not occurred three times should be kept in 
a separate list as stragglers. 


p. 3. Aptenodytes patagonica, one occurrence. 
13. Globicera pacifica, two occurrences. 
24. Crex crex, one occurrence. 
32. Fregetta tropica, one occurrence. 
Fregettornis grallarius, data too unsatisfactory. 
35. Procellaria parkinsont, one occurrence. 
37. Pterodroma melanopus, one occurrence. 
41. Diomedea epomophora, no occurrence. 
50. Procelsterna cerulea, no occurrence. 
Gygis alba, no occurrence. 


~ . Emu 
36 MatTHews, Changes in Name. i July 


p. 65. Tyringa ocrophus, no occurrence. 
68. Bartramia longicauda, one occurrence. 
70. Puisobra damacensis, one occurrence. 
80. Ardea cinerea, data too unsatisfactory. 
gt. Querquedula querquedula, two skins (one occurrence). 
92. Spatula clypeata, data too unsatisfactory. 
106. Butastur teesa, data too unsatisfactory. 
152. Collocalia esculenta, data too unsatisfactory. 
163. Huirundo rustica, one occurrence. 
104. Hypurolepis javanica, data too unsatisfactory. 
222. Sericornis tyrannulus, De Vis, 1905, must be put down 
as indeterminable at present. 
294. Budytes flava, one occurrence. 
307. Sphecotheres salvadoru, two skins (one occurrence). 
p. 33. Has Puffinus assimilis, Gould, been taken on the east 
coast of Australia ? 


The following species have been added since my List was 
published :— 


p. Cinathisma cyaneoleuca, Hull. 


32 
37. Pterodroma inexpectata, Forster, one occurrence. 
53. Coprotheres pomarinus, Temminck, one occurrence. 
28. Geoffroyus geoffroyi, Bechstein. 
Lorius pectoralis, Muller. 

270. Macgillivravornis claudi, Mathews. 

300. Erythura trichroa, Kittlitz. 

The following should be added to my * List of the Birds of the 
Phillipian Sub-region ”” :— 
Raperia godmane, Mathews, Lord Howe Island (extinct). 
Fregettormis royanus, Mathews 5 
insularis, Mathews ae 
alistert, Mathews i 
oA innominatus, Mathews, Lord Howe Island. 
Pterodroma. neglecta (Schlegel), Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. 


> 


99 


+ melanopus (Gmelin) PA e 
Procelsterna cerulea (Bennett) a of an 
Gygis alba (Sparman) a. 53 5 


Ancient Cockatoo.— The death of ‘‘Cockey Bennett,’ the 
ancient Cockatoo, of Tom Ugly’s Point, Sydney, N.S.W., was 
reported in the Melbourne Herald of 26th May, 1916. ‘‘ He was 
said to be 120 years of age, and was known all over Australia,” 
says the report. ‘‘ The remains are now in the hands of a taxi- 
dermist. The bird died at Canterbury yesterday, after an illness 
lasting some days. Mrs. Sarah Bennett, to whom the bird had 
come down as an heirloom, left the hotel at Tom Ugly’s Point 
twelve months ago, and handed the bird over to the care of her 
nephew.” 


Vol. XVI 
1916 


| CuIsHoLM, Three Species of the Pachycephaline. 37 


Field Notes on Three Species of the Pachycephalinz. 
By A. H. CuisHo_m, R.A.O.U. (BRISBANE). 


My field acquaintance with that fine genus, Pachycephala, is 
confined to three species—namely, P. rufiventris, P. gutturalis, 
and P. gilberti. The observations embodied in the following notes 
were made over a wide area, but most belong to the bird-haunted 
bush surrounding Maryborough (Vic.) There the three Whistlers 
mentioned were to be found, P. rufiventris being plentiful and P. 
gutturalis occasionally well represented, while P. gilberti always 
was rare. In my experience none of the three species was 
stationary, nor was any species migratory. All three were simply 
nomads, coming and going as the spirit moved them. 

P. rufiventris—Spring in Victoria would not be complete without 
the Rufous-breasted Whistler. Its rich, clear warble, “ with ring 
and with ripple,” is one of the most joyous lilts in the bush and 
country towns from late August to mid-December. Occasionally 
the birds—male and female are both songsters—may be seen and 
heard in and about towns during the autumn and winter months, 
but it is seldom then that the song has the emphasis, the power, 
and the joyous abandon of the spring peon. Into this the male 
particularly seems to throw his whole spirit. His body vibrates 
with the melody. It is a curious fact, too, that the birds can sing 
finely when their beaks are full of insects. When photographing 
young Whistlers I have seen the parent birds emitting a vigorous 
musical protest from bills that were crammed full of orchard 
flies. On one occasion a male Whistler flew to an apple-tree in 
a favourite old bush orchard, and sang delightfully. His beak 
held a large, red worm, which, by the way, he ate himself. 

The loud, rippling song does not exhaust the Whistler’s 
repertoire. When the spring is over and gone, specimens of each 
sex may sometimes be detected pensively uttering a sweet little 
soliloquy, much akin to the autumn song of the Silver-eye 
(Zosterops). This habit of “thinking aloud” is, I believe, 
characteristic of the whole family ; probably of many other birds 
also. 

Occasionally the Whistler sings from a high tree-top, but more 
often it is content with whistling and singing in fruit-trees. It 
is this predilection for orchards that has earned the valuable 
bird the name of ‘‘ Gardener’ in some parts. “‘ Joey-joey”’ is 
another colloquial title, derived, presumably, from the series of 
notes that follow the whip-like crack. Apparently the birds are 
constant to the one locality. Year after year a pair returned to 
the same pear-tree in the bush orchard mentioned. 

These birds could always be expected about the first week in 
September. No one ever saw them arrive. On one day there 
would be no hint of their presence, and at dawn next morning 
the garden was vocal with melody. A week or so later and house- 
keeping commences. The fragile nest involves very little labour, 
and most of this is done by the female. Her consort, however, 


38 CuIsHoLm, Three Species of the Pachycephaline. aie 


takes his turn at brooding, and is also attentive to the young. 
Three is the greatest number I have found in a brood. Nesting 
probably extends well into January. On 3rd January, 1914, 
I found a nest, containing three young birds, situate at a height 
of about 20 feet in a pine-tree (Pinus insignis) in a Maryborough 
public’ park. 

P. gutturalts—The opinion is held by some that the Yellow- 
breasted Whistler’s notes are more melodious than those of the 
Rufous-breasted species. One can disagree entirely with this 
contention, and yet admire P. gutturalis as a sweet-voiced bird. 
What its strain lacks is continuity. On Tambourine Mountain 
(South Queensland) last spring (1915), however, a settler called 
our attention to the finely-sustained song of a Yellow-breasted 
Whistler. ‘‘ Is not that just like the opening notes of a gavotte ?”’ 
he remarked. 

This species was fairly numerous about the mountain scrubs, 
but not nearly so plentiful as the species is in the Mallacoota Inlet 
scrubs. Members of the R.A.O.U. party of 1914 found the 
Yellow-breasted Whistler exceedingly common about the Inlet. 
The surrounding bush rang with their voices. Several nests were 
found, mostly placed in the tea-tree. 

These bright-plumaged birds nested in the Maryborough (Vic.) 
district, but I saw very little of them in the spring. It was 
during the cooler months that the birds were most to be observed, 
and then they made an even more engrossing study than at the 
nest. The sexes seem always to separate at the end of summer. 
Time after time I have watched solitary males and females 
respectively, but only on one occasion (gth May, 1915) have I 
seen a mated pair between the end of March and the beginning 
of September. Each bird spends its time chiefly in working 
among the leaf-insects of the eucalypts. An indication of its 
presence (and of the value of the work) is given by the constant 
Crack-crack”’ in the trees it frequents, In thisithe bind 
resembles the Yellow-bellied Shrike-Tit (Falcunculus frontatus), 
as the male does also in plumage. On one occasion I saw a male 
F’. frontatus and a male P. gutturalis working almost side by side. 
They made a striking picture. By reason of his coloration, the 
male Whistler is easier to locate than the female. In my ex- 
perience, however, he is more of a wanderer. During the cool 
months of the past few years I frequently met this handsome 
bird, but always by chance; whereas there were at least four 
gullies around Maryborough where I could depend on finding a 
female—one to cach area. That is to say, the bird was constant 
to the one spot, but the “ finding”’ was a different matter. 

A creature of curious impulses, the female sometimes remains 
quiet for hours at a time, and on other occasions becomes 
melodious. I first began to pay close attention to these birds 
in April, 1g14. On the 14th, one emitted its rich, spasmodic calls 
‘’ Whee ! wee-wee !”’ and then came down and “ Charr-charred ”’ 
at me so much in the manner of a chiding Yellow-breasted Shrike- 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 
PLATE VIII. 


Yellow-breasted Whistler, 2, on Nest. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY R. T. LITTLEJOHNS, R.A.O.U, 


2 N 
Nest and Eggs of Yellow-breasted Whistler. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S., R.A.O.U. 


Vol. XVI. 
1916, 


] CHISHOLM, Three Species of the Pachycephaline. 39 
Robin (Eopsaliria australis) that one of these birds excitedly flew 
up to investigate. After that it became apparent to me that 
the grey-garbed bird with the touch of red in the wings was 
really a beautiful autumnal melodist. 

It is not straining at a fancy to say that the bar most frequently 
uttered by the solitary female wanderer suggests the words, 
“ Be quick, quick, O-please-do-be-quick!’’ Silence for a while, 
and then the strain is changed to ‘‘ Swee-e-t, swee-e-t ; oh, it’s 
pretty, it is pretty—pretty.” Almost every bar is preceded by 
the curious indrawn note characteristic of the genus. At times, 
too, the female uses the ‘“‘ half-indrawn”’’ call, a slender ‘‘ Peeee,”’ 
or ‘‘ Sweeet,” which frequently was heard coming from the 
musical male Whistlers at Mallacoota. Then there is, more rarely, 
a remarkably rich bar—* Bobby-link, bobby-link, bobby-link, 
bobby-link’”’; and another that is neatly expressed as ‘“‘ Pretty 
Dick, pretty Dick.’ The bird that I heard to best advantage 
on this rollicking note came down almost to within arm’s reach 
to inspect me; at other times it was impossible to call her down 


from the tree-tops. I have this note under date roth May, 
1914 :—‘‘ In the gully I heard a slight note, and presently found 
another of the remarkable female Whistlers. These birds 


evidently are all of the one mind, in that they are always alone, 
always in a gully, talkative only on odd occasions, and alternately 
curious and shy. In two hours this bird emitted but one rich 
bar—quite different from others I have heard.” 

Two weeks later, on the morning of a clear June day, I was 
intently watching a Shrike-Tit working on the ground, when the 
shrill ‘‘ Peeeee’’ note caused me to look up quickly. There was 
a male P. guituralis, darting from tree to tree around the female 
Whistler of the locality. It was as though the fire of spring was 
already in the air. ‘“‘ Seeeee,” he called, in a prolonged ecstatic 
note, as he flaunted his gay plumage for admiration ; then, as no 
response was forthcoming, ‘‘ Be-quick, quick, quick!’ But the 
female was indifferent ; she continued to feed quietly, her whole 
attitude suggesting the response, ‘‘ Nobody marks you.” For a 
while this little comedy was kept up, the male dashing all around 
the object of his affection and uttering the shrill note and the 
melodious ‘‘ Be-quick.’’ At times he went too close; then the 
quiet grey bird dashed at him and administered a sharp peck to 
cool his ardour. This had its effect after five minutes or so; the 
male became philosophic, and simply sat preening his feathers. 
He took no further notice of the disdainful female, and, when she 
flew off, did not attempt to follow her. Possibly she came back 
to look for him when the realization of her loss dawned upon her. 

I have seen odd birds (females) alone as late as September and 
October. In the first week of the latter month last year I met 
one working in a bush orchard. It sang softly—a confidential 
little lilt, with all the trills of a Canary. 

P. gilbertt.—This sweet-voiced bird I have met in Victoria and 
South Australia. It was found to be plentiful, as Capt. S. A. 


[ Emu 
ist July 


40 CursHotm, Three Species of the Pachycephaline. 
White points out,* about the Murray River sand-hills when the 
R.A.O.U. party visited that locality in November—December, 
1914. The birds were timid, but a specimen was procured through 
calling one up. No nests were found there, however, though 
probably the birds were breeding at the time. 

My acquaintance with the Gilbert Whistler ‘‘at home” dates 
back to 2nd October, 1912. On that day I was cycling slowly 
along an old bush road in the Maryborough district when I saw 
the large, bright eye of a bird peering over the rim of a nest placed 
on a bush-covered tree-stump about 3 feet in height. It suggested 
the Grey Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), but a closer inspection 
showed that the bird’s bill was smaller than that of the Thrush. 
When it was flushed from the nest the identity of the stranger 
became apparent. The nest was finely built, chiefly of grass, 
most compactly and neatly matted into a round wall. The 
eggs suggested those of the Yellow-breasted Whistler, but were 
slightly larger. While I was examining the nest the male bird 
appeared, uttering a low, plaintive whistle somewhat resembling 
the alarm note of Cinclosoma. For a little while the pair kept 
flitting anxiously about, each emitting an exceedingly sweet call, 
sounding as ‘‘ Wee-e-e-woo ’’—the last note lower. A number of 
other notes resembled some used by P. rufiventris, the whip-like 
crack being even stronger. It was preceded and followed, too, 
by a soft, sweet note that sounded like an echo of the crack coming 
from far away. On my next visit (7th October) the male bird 
was in charge of the eggs. (Is this division of duty a trait of the 
genus ?) Two days later the female sat on the nest, and was 
much bolder, the reason being that one young bird had just 
emerged from its shell. During the next three days the solitary 
chick—the second egg proved infertile—thrived; but on 15th 
October there was an empty nest and wailing parents. Ten days 
later the nest was wholly removed, presumably by the birds. 

After that I saw little of the Whistlers till September, 1913. 
On the 14th of that month I heard a pair calling about the same 
locality, and, on the 26th, found the nest. It was built neatly 
on the top of an old Babblers’ nest, placed about 7 feet up in a 
bushy sapling. The female fluttered off as I approached, and 
hopped about the ground “ fluffing”’ (not dragging) her feathers, 
in exactly the manner that Eopsaliria often adopts to draw away 
an intruder. (This pretty performance is distinct from. the 
broken-wing ruse used by Ptilotis auricomis, Ephthianura albifrons, 
and one or two other species.) There were two eggs in the nest; 
on 28th September these had disappeared, presumably having 
been stolen by boys, and the site was deserted. Evidently the 
Whistlers do not take long to build a nest, for on 6th October I 
found the same birds at a nest on a bushy stump less than 
roo yards from the position of the Babblers’ nest. The new 
nursery contained two beautiful eggs. I was able to photograph 


* Emu, vol. xiil., p. 126. 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PEATE, IX: 


Nest and Eggs of Rufous-breasted Whistler. 


FROM PHOTOS. BY A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.MsZ.S., R,A,O.U. 


eel CuisHoLMm, Three Species of the Pachycephaline. AT 


the nest and eggs, but the owners could not be persuaded to 
return while the camera was in position. They had evidently 
received a fright at the old nest. It was worth while, however, 
to spend many hours in the vicinity, if only to hear the melody 
of the birds. The call most frequently used was a ventriloquial 
‘Chup, chup,’’ which seems to roll softly off the chest and swell 
powerfully as it leaves the beak. It is not unlike the vesper hymn 
of Eopsaliria. On 7th October a third egg was laid in the latest 
nest. Still the birds were doomed to disappointment ; for on 
12th October one of the trio was gone, the other two eggs were 
cold, and some of the horse-hair lining of the nest was ruffled. 
It is difficult to suggest what was the cause of this curious con- 
dition of things. The birds were whistling some distance away. 
They came no more to that nest, but still clung loyally to their 
chosen locality. But it was all of no avail. On the last day of 
that month I found an empty nest, without any signs of young 
having been in it. There seemed an additional touch of plaintive- 
ness in the Whistlers’ melody then ; they had been thwarted for 
the third time. 

I saw but little of P. gilbertt subsequently until 22nd July, 
1914, when, to my astonishment, the sweet, prolonged ‘‘ Wee-e-e- 
woo’ sounded in the same locality. I had never before heard 
the birds anywhere in the district during the winter months. On 
almost every day of the week following I visited the locality in 
search of the birds, but did not note them again till early in 
August. Then I saw the female, which was fairly tame, feeding 
among the leaves of trees, while her consort, which displayed 
much wariness, kept about the litter of dead leaves and bark on 
the ground. During the whole of that Spring they remained 
constant to the same tract of timber, but were more often heard 
than seen. The “ wandering voice’ departed with the spring, 
but again echoed about the same spot at the end of the winter 
of IQI5. 


Notes from Western Australia. 


By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., R.A.O.U., KEEPER oF BIOLOGY, 
MUSEUM, PERTH. 
DuRING the past summer (1915-16) several birds seem to have 
extended their range further south than usual. Mr. J. Higham 
brought me a pair of Warbling Grass-Parrakeets (Melopsittacus 
undulatus) obtained at the Williams, roo miles south-east of 
Perth, and informed me that Little Doves (Geopelia cuneata) had 
been seen in the same locality. I learn from Mr. M. W. Elliott 
that at Dumbleyung, 50 miles further to the south-east, Warbling 
Grass-Parrakeets also appeared. Mr. Elhott also sent me speci- 
mens of the Black Honey-eater (Wyzomela migra) and the White- 
fronted Honey-eater (Gliciphila albifrons), stating that he had 
not met with either species in his locality until this summer. He 


42 ALEXANDER, Notes from Western Australia. [ Emu 


ist July 


informs me further that the Purple-crowned Lorikeets (Glossopsitta 
porphyrocephala) remained about Dumbleyung all the summer 
instead of travelling further north, as is their usual custom, 
recorded by him in his recent notes in The Emu. 

A very curious specimen of the Black Moor-Hen (Gallinula 
tenebrosa) was brought to me on 27th March. Its plumage is 
white, but it is marked all over with black streaks, resembling an 
immature Silver Gull. The eye was black, and the bill and legs 
normal in coloration, though decidedly pale, both green and red 
parts being very light. While I was examining the specimen 
Mr. Tom Carter came in, and, a few minutes later, Mr. L. G. 
Chandler, of Melbourne, also called, so that I had the pleasure of 
showing this remarkable bird to both these ornithologists. I will 
have a photograph of the specimen taken as soon as it is 
mounted, for publication in The Emu. It was shot at a swamp 
near Wanneroo, about seven miles north of Perth. 

A few days ago, when at the Victoria Reservoir, one of the 
sources of Perth’s water supply, situated a few miles from the city, 
in the Darling Range, I observed a Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps 
cristatus). In ‘‘ The Birds of Australia,” vol. i., p. 269, Mathews 
writes :—‘‘ A peculiar feature to me was, that I found no speci- 
mens from Australia or New Zealand in any other than full 
breeding plumage, although 1 examined specimens killed from 
November to August. Buller never noted any ‘ winter’ plumage 
for the New Zealand form, yet Gould wrote :—' The beautiful 
frill which adorns the neck of the P. australis is acquired in the 
spring, worn during the breeding season, and then cast off, when 
the face becomes of a greyish-white, or similar in colour to the 
other part of the neck.’ I suggest this was written from Gould’s 
knowledge of the European bird, and not from the actual facts 
and would ask Australian ornithologists for further information.” 
The specimen seen by me was absolutely without the ruff on the 
neck, but possessed the two ear-tufts; its throat, neck, and 
breast were almost white. Of course, I cannot be sure that it 
was not a young bird that had not acquired the ruff, but I record 
the observation for what it is worth. With a stop-watch I timed 
the period during which it stayed under water, and found that it 
varied from 20 seconds to 27 seconds, though on one occasion it 
reappeared in 8 seconds with what appeared to be a small fish 
in its beak. 

Early in March I came upon a flock of Red-kneed Dottrels 
(Erythrogonys cinctus) on a swamp close to Perth. They were 
feeding on a mud-flat close to the water’s edge or in the shallow 
water in company with Black-fronted Dottrels (E/seya melanops), 
Common Sandpipers (Actites hypoleucus), Sharp-tailed Stints 
(Heteropygia acuminata), and Little Stints (Pisobia minuta). In 
contrast to these other birds, which were feeding quietly, the Red- 
kneed Dottrels seemed much excited; every few minutes one 
would rush at another with his head held low, and the bird 
attacked would run away rapidly, with the second bird in pursuit 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


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Vol. XVI. 


eee ALEXANDER, Notes from Western Australia. 43 


J 


in his somewhat curious attitude. Occasionally the bird attacked 
stood his ground, also with head lowered, and a short fight then 
ensued, the two sparring at one another like game-cocks. Some- 
times a bird would appear to get, into an even more frenzied state, 
start rushing about in a distracted way in every direction, and 
then fly round swiftly just over the surface of the water, in which 
he would finally alight and splash about with his wings, making 
a great commotion. These antics led me to suppose that the 
birds were thinking about breeding, though the time of year 
seemed wrong; but on returning home and consulting Mathews’s 
‘“ Birds of Australia,’ I found that the only nest of the Western 
form of this bird recorded was discovered by Mr. Tom Carter 
in the month of May. About ro days later, | again visited the 
spot and found that the birds were still there, but seemed to have 
separated into pairs, each having its own little area of the mud- 
flat. No fights were seen, but the curious display, ending in a 
great splashing in the water, was again observed. A fortnight 
later the birds were still in the same spot, still in pairs, each 
moving around some particular clump of reeds on the mud-flat ; 
but a search failed to discover any nests. The birds were ex- 
tremely tame, coming within a few feet of my companion and 
myself as we waded about in the mud. 

Herdsman’s Lake, near Perth, is probably known by name to 
most members of the Union, as many interesting swamp-birds 
were collected there years ago, and a number of these specimens 
have been made the types of the Western sub-species. A good 
many years ago an attempt was made to drain it, and a channel 
was cut towards the sea. This has resulted in carrying off so 
much water that most of the lake is now a dry reed-bed in the 
summer, though in winter it becomes a considerable sheet of 
water. The drainage water is carried into an adjacent valley 
among the sand-hills, where in winter it forms a considerable lake, 
full of gilgies (the small fresh-water crayfishes of Western Australia, 
Cheraps preissu), which are much sought after by Cormorants 
of several species. On a visit to this spot in March last I found 
that the water had nearly disappeared, leaving only a few small 
pools, about which a great number of Night-Herons (Nycticorax 
caledonicus) were congregated. I presume that the gilgies must 
have retreated into these pools, and that the Night-Herons were 
obtaining them, as there were at least 200 of these beautiful birds 
feeding there in the day-time. They would not, however, allow 
of a near enough approach to see what they were doing, but flew 
up into the trees. About two-thirds appeared to be young birds 
with brown-spotted plumage, the remainder fully adult. Among 
them were a few White-fronted Herons (Notophoyx nove-hollandia), 
Darters (Anhinga nove-hollandia), Black Cormorants (Phalacro- 
corax carbo), Little Black Cormorants (Mesocarbo ater), and Little 
Cormorants (Microcarbo melanoleucus). On the same branch of 
one tree were sitting together a Night-Heron, a Darter, and a 
Crow—a curious “natural family,” of which I should much like 


to have had a photograph.—3rd April, 1g16, 


44 StoNE, The Haunt of the Lyve-Bivd. | Hit 


ist July 


The Haunt of the Lyre-Bird. 
By A. C. STONE, R.A.O.U., MELBOURNE. 


On a fine day we traversed dense fern gullies in the Dandenong 
Ranges (Vic.) in quest of the Lyre-Bird (Menura victoria). A 
rough track took us a good distance up a hill-side, where we 
diverged into the forest. The view changed at almost every step 
—now through the trees, where a glimpse was obtained of the 
waters of Western Port Bay, many miles distant, then we were 
again so completely shut in by giant tree-ferns that the light 
became dim. Here was a sight to delight the nature-lover. Tree- 
ferns, from a foot to 30 feet high, spreading out their feathery tops 
in all their soft and glorious greenery, no two angles of growth 
being the same. Some ferns were almost upright, while the 
crowns of others were two feet or less from the ground. Lying 
on the ground were thousands of fern-tree trunks, covered in 
lesser plants. 

Interspersed with the fern-trees were myrtle, musk, and sassafras 
trees, and huge eucalypts towering over all, to a height of 200 feet 
at least, and with a circumference of 40 feet at six feet from the 
ground. Some of these trunks bore the marks of stone axes, 
where aborigines had cut toe-holes to enable them to climb the 
tree in pursuit of possums (phalangers). This spot is the home 
of the Lyre-Bird, the Pilot-Bird (Pycnoptilus floccosus), the Rose- 
breasted Robin (Petroica rosea), and other species. 

Up the tiny creeks the “ going” is particularly strenuous owing 
to the denser and danker growth, and the scrambles over or under 
slippery fallen trees and ferns. But we cheerfully overcome these 
difficulties, for here is the place where the nest of the Lyre-Bird 
may be found, and here our real search begins. The nest is some- 
times placed many feet from the ground, on a leaning tree-trunk, 
but more often on the bank of a creek. After a prolonged search 
we were rewarded by finding a nest of the previous season, and 
one much older. Suddenly from the hillside in some thick timber 
and bracken came the call, “‘ Blick, blick,” instantly recognized 
as the natural notes of the Lyre-Bird. 

Proceeding very quietly, we were able to approach to within 
30 feet of the bird, which proved to be a fine male, standing on 
a branch several feet from the ground. Keeping perfectly quiet, 
we were delighted to hear him mimic the beautiful notes of the 
Grey Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), the laugh of the 
Great Brown Kingfisher (Dacelo gigas), the plaintive cry of the 
White-browed Scrub-Wren (Sericornis frontalis), the ‘‘ Guinea-a- 
week’ of the male Pilot-Bird, and the reply of the female, the 
crack of the male and female Coachwhip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans), 
the raucous note of the Gang-Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon 
galeatum), the flute-like carol of the White-backed Magpie 
(Gymnorhina leuconota), the song of the Collared Butcher-Bird 
(Cracticus destructor), the screech of the Crimson Parrot (Platy- 
cercus pennanti), the song of the Yellow-breasted Whistler (Pachy- 


THE Emu Vol. XVI, 


PLATE XI. 


Lyre-Bird’s Nest in Tree-Fern. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY A. C. STONE, RjA.0.U, 


Wea SS\1h STONE, The Haunt of the Lyve-Bird. 45 


1916 


cephala gutturalis), and the ‘‘ Wee chup” of the White-eared 
Honey-eater (Ptilotis leucotis). We listened for more than 15 
minutes, and the mimicking continued during that time, but was 
interspersed with the bird’s own notes and others that we could 
not identify. This was a very good performance for one bird, 
and we were sorry when it ended, and the bird disappeared amid 
the undergrowth. 

Feeling sure that there was a new nest somewhere in the 
locality, we again turned to the creek, passing one of the Lyre- 
Bird’s dancing mounds four or five feet in diameter. Reaching 


Nest of Lyre-Bird. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY A. C. STONE, R.A,O.U 


the creek, a prolonged search was made, and at last the nest was 
found. It was over two feet in diameter, made of sticks and 
twigs, and lined with the fibrous matter from fern-tree trunks 
and finished with the breast feathers of the bird. It contained 
an egg. The opening at the side faced the creek. The bird had 
broken off some staghorn fern fronds and placed them on top of 
the nest. 

One season a nest containing a young Lyre-Bird about four 
days old was found. The female bird remained within a foot or 
two during the time the observers were near the nest. The light 
was dull, and it was not possible to obtain a good photograph, 
as the bird was in motion the whole time. 


46 FLETCHER, Further Notes on the Spotless Crake. ene 


Further Notes on the Spotless Crake (Porzana 
immaculata). 
By (Miss) J. A. FLETCHER, R.A.O.U., Boat HARBOUR (TASMANIA). 


To a previous issue of The Emu * I contributed some notes on the 
Spotless Crake (Porzana immaculata), and now have the pleasure 
of adding a little more to the knowledge of the life-history of 
these interesting birds. I have been able to study them through 
three seasons, one of which was normal, another very dry, and 
the third (that of 1915) exceptionally wet. 

In the r9g1t5 season continuous floods delayed nesting, so far 
as these birds were concerned, fully six weeks in comparison with 
previous years. On the other hand, some of the clutches were 
above the average. The question then arises—When a season 
is thus likely to be shortened, will one clutch only be reared by 
each pair of birds, and that clutch be larger in numbers? My 
experience tends to show that such is the case. 

As with all birds, the more the Crakes are studied the more 
fascinating does the observer find them, the difficulties of their 
habitat only adding to the zest one feels in the study. More than 
once I have had the great pleasure of watching one of these little 
birds busy at its toilet, standing on the edge of a tiny open space 
of water preening its feathers. One has to remain very quiet to 
see this, and the best position is on a log overlooking a glimpse 
of water in a mass of reeds. These Crakes are fond of sunning 
themselves, and have their favourite spots for this. Sometimes 
a stick partly out of the water is the chosen perch ; at other times 
a clod of earth, or a bare point at the base of the reeds, and always 
near to cover. 

Early morning and evening are the best times for studying 
the Crakes, and these are also the hours when nest-building takes 
place. Several trial nests are made before the main one is built, 
and these, though discarded for eggs, are nevertheless used as 
resting places, and bear traces of constant occupation. It is also 
worth noting that, should the main nest be inspected too much, 
the owners will leave it, and probably choose one of the “‘ dummy ”’ 
nests. I have found the nests placed at heights varying from 
34 feet down to ground-level. It has always been a puzzle to me 
how the owners of the high nests can climb up, as all of the 
structures do not have a staging. I remember one nest which had 
three stagings attached to it, and two “ladders’”’ are not 
uncommon. I have noticed that when a Crake begins to weave 
the rushes down as a cover to the nest the eggs will shortly be laid. 
It is very difficult to determine whether a newly-found home is 
old og not. The material used in their construction is nearly 
always dead reeds, and when the eggs are hatched the female 
throws out every particle of shell. Even the tiny chippings seem 
to disappear. 


* Emu, vol, xili., part 4, pp. 197-202. 


Vol. XVI 


ee ‘| FLETCHER, Further Notes on the Spotless Crake. 47 

Unless disturbed, the chicks remain on the nest for a day, and 
the parents feed them there. A fellow ornithologist spent a 
delightful quarter of an hour watching a pair of Crakes carrying 
food to their young. He was standing above the swamp level 
by the railing of a culvert, waiting for signs of life in the reeds 
below. Out from the rushes walked a Spotless Crake ; it crossed 
a strip of sand and disappeared under a clump of blackberries. 
It reappeared with a worm, which it carried into the rushes it 
had recently quitted. Presently its mate came out, and the two 
kept journeying backwards and forwards, carrying the worms for 
their family. The call used to gather the chicks together, 


Nest and Eggs of Spotless Crake. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY MISS) J. A. FLETCHER, R.A.O.U, 


especially when they have been separated through fright, is an 
exact imitation of water gurgling over stones into a rocky basin. 

Generally speaking, these birds avoid travelling in the swift 
flow of the water, and have runaways just on the edge of the 
stream. Yet they do not hesitate to plunge boldly into deep 
water should occasion arise. Even chicks two days old will 
brave the crossing of a fairly swift channel. Spotless Crakes 
sometimes wander away from their swamps, and I have several 
times seen them cross the road. This they do in a crouching, 
hesitant run, in much the same way as a Quail which has hidden 
its brood and runs to have attention taken from their where- 


Emu 
ist July 


48 FLETCHER, Furthey Notes on the Spotless Crake. 
abouts. A fact worth recording is that Crakes are partial to ripe 
blackberries, and I have flushed them from the tops of low, 
tangled masses of the brambles when the plants were covered 
with fruit, in early autumn. 

Two seasons’ experiences among the Spotless Crakes seemed 
to indicate that three eggs form the normal clutch; four is an 
exceptional number, and frequently only two are laid. The 
heavy, continuous spring rains of last season (1915), as already 
stated, delayed the nesting, but larger clutches were observed 
Among those noted were several nests containing five eggs, and 
in three cases six formed the clutch. Of these latter, one clutch 
contained a double-yolked egg. Would the clutch otherwise 
have been seven ? There is much variation in the eggs, and to a 
certain extent the colours harmonize with the surroundings of 
the nest. I have seen one clutch of a uniform pale green colour, 
and the nest was hidden under a luxuriant growth of summer 
grass growing in a hollow of the creek’s bank, and was made of 
the same material. When rushes and reeds form a decaying, 
matted mass, the eggs laid in nests thereon are a darker brown, 
and not attractive in appearance. Again, where the surrounding 
herbage and grasses are more open, with shafts of sunlight 
filtering through, the markings on the eggs laid in these sites 
resemble those of our Large-billed Ground-Thrush (Oveocincla 
macrovhyncha). Some of the specimens have a brown cap on 
the larger end. Variations exist in the shape also. Many of the 
eggs are round and chubby: others elongated and swollen. 

Studying Spotless Crakes, one suffers discomfort and _ dis- 
appointment. But how quickly one forgets the long hours of 
wading, or standing knee-deep in mud, the sharpness of the frosts 
in the early morning, and the frights with snakes, when a nest 
is found or the birds are seen ! 


Birds in Melbourne Zoological Gardens. 
By D. LE Sover, C.M.Z.S., THE DIRECTOR. 


AUSTRALIAN Honey-eaters are comparatively easy to keep in 
captivity provided that they have suitable food, and we find 
them quite hardy in our large flight aviary (50 feet x 25 feet x 
30 feet high). Despite the number of birds in it (about rI00), 
both the White-naped Honey-eater (Melithreptus lunulatus) and 
White-plumed Honey-eater (Péilotis penicillata) bred last year and 
reared their young. As is well known, many birds, especially 
Finches, have, when in aviaries, a habit of pulling other birds’ 
nests to pieces and building their own with the material stolen, 
but with Honey-eaters this does not seem to occur often. In 
the same aviary the Pied Grallina (Grallina picata) also builds its 
mud nest, and successfully rears its young. 

In the young White-naped Honey-eater the top of the head 


PLATE XIl. 


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"MOV “S°Z°W'OD “A3SNOS 31 


‘dQ AS ‘OLOHd V WOXS 


ee | Le SouEF, Birds in Melbourne Zoological Gardens. 4Q 


is = areen, and if is some: months’ before -it gradually 
becomes black, but the young White-plumed Honey-eaters 
are practically like their parents when fully feathered. 
It is interesting to note how much longer some birds 
take than others to assume the fully adult plumage. We know 
little about this matter, mostly on account of not making the 
best of our opportunities when we have them, and lack of 
observation. The beautiful dark blue plumage of the male 
Satin Bower-Bird (Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus) is a case in point ; 
the facts were first ascertained from observation of birds in the 
Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Then, again, there is the Pacific 
Gull (Gabianus pacificus), which takes about four years (at present 
I am not certain as to the exact time—it may be a little longer) 
to attain the fully adult plumage. It is curious to note that in 
the young birds the feet and eyes are brown, like the plumage, 
and the beak whitish, and dark at the end; but the adults have 
the beak and eyes bright yellow and the legs whitish- yellow. These 
birds are not content with changing the colour of their feathers 
only. Again, in many of the Albatrosses the beak is almost black 
in the young birds, but changes to whitish later. The Straw- 
necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis), when young, has the top of 
its head covered with small blackish feathers, but in about three 
or four years these are all moulted, and the bare black skin shows 
instead ; light-coloured lines appear later across the top of the 
head, and give the appearance of cracks in the skin. 

In the flight aviary a pair of Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robins 
(Eopsaltria australis) live in company with the Honey-eaters, but 
woe betide any other bird of the former species that may be put 
in; the male Robin dashes at it at once, and the newcomer is 
usually soon killed. The Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin is far 
more pugnacious than the Honey-eaters, frequently driving them 
away from their feeding dishes. The Honey-eaters do not seem 
to treat newcomers so harshly, but they are bad enough. Wood- 
Swallows (Artamus sordidus), Blue Wren-Warblers (Malurus), 
and White-browed Scrub-Wrens (Sericornis frontalis) live peace- 
ably, possibly because they have plenty of room and _ cover. 
Most of these birds object to strong wind, and are usually to be 
found on the sheltered side of the aviary. In hot weather they 
are all very fond of bathing, and fly to and fro through the fine 
spray of the fountain, or else sit on a branch where the water can 
fall on them, and become nearly drenched. 

When the Gardens were first formed, more than fifty years 
ago, Nankeen Night-Herons (Nycticorax caledonicus) used to camp 
during the day in the large eucalyptus trees (E. rubra), and they 
and their descendants have continued to do so ever since. The 
birds probably breed in the tall trees on the Murray swamps in 
New South Wales, therefore during the nesting season only the 
young birds of the last season are here, and the young males have 
not got their adult plumage. Directly the Garden bell rings, 
and the visitors depart, these birds fly down to the Gull and 

+ 


50 Le Souer, Birds in Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Last Taty 


water-fowl enclosures, and hunt round for scraps of meat that 
may be left ; they are very tame. In the Cairo Zoological Gardens 
I noticed the same thing; there the Nankeen Herons (N. griseus) 
roost all day on the trees in the Gardens, and at night go to the 
Nile swamps to feed. Our birds usually go to the low-lying 
grounds and shallow water near West Melbourne ; they leave the 
Zoo just at dusk. 

The graceful Pied Grallinas, which assemble in flocks during the 
winter, come from the districts around Melbourne into the 
Zoological Gardens in the evening to roost, about an hour before 
the Herons leave. Two pairs of wild Grallinas have for years 
nested in the Zoo, but each pair has its own restricted area. The 
same applies to two pairs of White-backed Magpies (Gymnorhina 
leuconota), except that these birds have a battle royal should one 
pair seek to poach on the other’s ground. On several occasions 
pinioned Magpies were liberated in the Gardens, but they were 
all attacked by wild birds sooner or later, as they unwittingly 
trespassed on their area. They seemed to be frequently getting 
on the prohibited ground of one pair or the other, and found it 
a difficult matter when they were attacked by the wild birds. 
As they could not fly away, they simply lay on their backs and 
fought with beak and claws, often effectively. 

Three pairs of Black-and-White Fantails (Rhipidura mota- 
cilloides) nest in the Gardens, also many pairs of White-plumed 
Honey-eaters, and these, also, each have their separate parts. 
All these birds drive away their young as soon as they are able 
to look after themselves ; therefore our wild breeding stock never 
increases. 

In the Gardens there is a Queensland Cassowary (Casuarius 
australis), which, when about seven years old, laid two eggs. 
Before that it had always been regarded as a male bird, but the 
male and female are practically identical in appearance. The 
same applies to the Emu, but the male Emu drums and the female 
makes a grunting noise, whereas Cassowaries are very silent birds, 
and one cannot, therefore, easily identify the sexes by the sounds 
uttered. 


Camera Craft Notes. 


Pardalotes Before the Camera.—We have obtained a large 
number of photographs of the Red-tipped Pardalote (Pardalotus 
striatus). There must be very few families of these birds from 
Greensborough to Eltham and back to Preston, Victoria, which 
do not remember some annoying experiences of bird-photography. 
We have often found a pair nesting in the same place year after 
year, and some of them must now associate cameras with nest- 
building. 

Usually, when we have met with scant success elsewhere, we use 
the latter part of the day at one of the Pardalotes’ nests we 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PIA ES xa 


Cuvier’s Frogmouth. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY D, LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., R.A,O.U, 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


Camera Craft Notes: 51 
have located. Here, at any rate, we are always fairly sure of a 
satisfactory reception, and are able to continue our homeward 
journey with the comfortable feeling that we are not carrying a 
batch of blank plates. One pair of Pardalotes has been a 
favourite for several seasons. The nesting hole is in a very 
favourable position, both as regards sunlight and convenience. 
Usually, the time chosen for camera work is when the young are 
in the nest, for we are confident of being able to focus on the 
parent birds. 


Red-tipped Pardalote. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY S. A, LAWRENCE, R.A.O.U, 


Our first step on arriving at the nest is to make sure that the 
adults are not inside, and then to close up the entrance to the 
burrow with a piece of stone. The tripod is then placed in 
position, and generally, before the camera is fairly trained on 
some point near by, one of the birds (often both do so) is hopping 
on to it, and from it to the nest entrance. A long thread to 
release the shutter is unnecessary; the operator sits by, and 
waits for a favourable position. Our faith in this particular 
family was almost shattered on one occasion, when, after we had 
proudly described the birds to another nature photographer, and 


52 Camera Craft Notes. | ee yas 


asked him to accompany us to the nesting haunt, they refused, 
for the whole of one scorching afternoon, to have anything to do 
with the enterprise. Their reputation, however, was _ fully 
redeemed at the following week-end, by which time the eggs had 
hatched. 

The Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus) is also much 
harassed by us in our desire for pictures, but in this case the result 


Spotted Pardalote. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY R. T. LITTLEJOHNS, R.A.O-U. 


is not such a foregone conclusion. Some attempts have proved 
as unsatisfactory as if the subjects were very shy birds. A 
favourite pair nests annually in the same burrow at Eltham. 
Our methods of obtaining photographs are similar to those adopted 
in the case of the Red-tipped species, except that we frequently 
find it necessary to use a few feet of thread to release the shutter. 
—S. A. LAWRENCE and R. T. LITTLEJOHNS. Melbourne, 3/6/16. 


* * * 
The White-faced Ternlet.— Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay, 


Victoria, is noted chiefly for its rookeries of the White-faced 
Storm-Petrel (Pelagodroma marina); but of equal interest, I 


Tue Emu, Vol: XVI. 
PLATE XIV. 


Young White-faced Ternlet. 


FROM PHOTOS, BY CHARLES BARRETT, C.M.Z;S., R,A-O.Us 


Waa) Camera Craft Notes: 5) 
1916 . 


“ 
think, are the White-faced Ternlets (Sternula nerets), which nest 
on the sun-warmed beach. Among soft sand, and a mosaic of 
shells, mostly broken, and pebbles, the Ternlets rear their broods. 
Two eggs form the clutch, but rarely a set of three is found. The 
ground colour of the eggs is stone-grey, with blotches of umber 
and dark grey, and they harmonize with their environment so 
well that it is difficult to find them. The nest is a slight hollow 
in the sand, such as one might form by a few scoops with a 
teaspoon. 

The young Ternlets, like the eggs of the species, are protectively 
coloured, the down being yellowish-white. When only a few 
days old they are easily captured, often enough crouching quietly 
in the nest, and making no attempt to escape. When the 
feathers are sprouting, however, the little Ternlets are more 
active, and my patience was tried in obtaining the accompanying 
photograph. Time after time the chick darted away, and ran 
swiftly over the beach, generally towards the sea. 

In November, 1914, with other members of the Bird Observers’ 
Club, I visited Mud Island, and obtained some glimpses of the 
home life of Sternula mnerets. Walking round the islet in the 
eatly afternoon, we rounded a little headland, to see scores of 
the Ternlets flying excitedly above a long strip of beach, between 
high tide mark and the scrub. There lay the rookery, right before 
us, without a doubt. But six pairs of keen eyes searched the 
beach in vain for some minutes. Then a nest was found, with the 
footprint of a blundering boot within a few inches of the two eggs. 
Somebody had walked over the nest without seeing it. How- 
ever, the rookery was fairly compact, and nearly a score of nests, 
containing either eggs or chicks, was discovered in less than half 
an hour. Most of the eggs were heavily incubated, and one nest 
held a day-old chick and an addled egg. In another was a dead 
nestling and a living one ; the former had evidently been crushed— 
I fear, by a man’s foot. 

The rookery itself was sufficiently interesting, but, after 
exposing a number of plates, I packed up the camera and devoted 
my eyes to the birds in the air. There was no hope of obtaining 
a photograph of an adult Ternlet, for none of the birds alighted 
on the beach for even a second. Over our heads they hovered 
and flew, like a flock of big white butterflies. Sunlight gleamed 
on their plumage, and the lucent blue of the sky seemed to 
flow around their forms. It was a marvellous picture of wild 
beauty; one could not soon tire of watching the evolutions of 
that flock of agitated birds. Their cries came faintly to our 
ears—little quivering shafts of sound, in which were blended the 
tones of anger and solicitude. Some of the Ternlets carried food 
—minute fishes, whose silvery bodies also gleamed in the sun. 
At times a bird would dive down, with the same motion as if it 
were entering the sea, but curve upward again within a yard of 
the beach, and rejoin the company in the sky. 

It is a pleasure to reflect that Mud Island is sanctuary for the 


Emu 


54 Camera Craft Notes. rst’ July 


Storm-Petrels, and is so rarely visited that the Ternlets, too, are 
fairly safe in their lonely nesting haunt.— CHARLES BARRETT, 
C.M.Z.S., R.A.O.U. Melbourne, 31/5/16. 


* * * 


Satin Bower-Bird at Play.—On a day toward the end of last 
year, a friend and I walked quietly along a scrub-hemmed coach- 
road near the summit of Tambourine Mountain, about 30 miles 
from Brisbane. Suddenly we heard, amid the medley of bird- 
calls, a curious rasping note, suggestive of nothing so much as 
a circular saw at work in the distance. I knew the note well. 


Satin Bower-Bird Working at Bower. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY A. H. CHISHOLM, R.A.O.U. 


It was the ecstatic, half-crazy ‘“‘wheeze’”’ of the full-plumaged 
male Satin Bower-Bird (Ptilonorhynchus  holosericeus) as he 
pirouetted about the bower. 

Creeping stealthily through the tangle, we approached the spot 
whence the sounds seemed to come. So engrossed was the bird 
in the dancing that it was continued till we were within 12 yards 
of the performer. Then one of us trod on a stick. Instantly 
there was a startled ‘‘ Chuck, chuck,” a flutter of wings, and a 
flash of blue-black feathers ; there would be no more dancing for 


oe ae] Camera Craft Notes. 55 


that day. The bower was a neat, dainty little structure, much 
akin to those that I have photographed in Victoria. It was built 
between two tussocks of grass, and, as usual, was set off with 
a liberal sprinkling of blue feathers, small bones, and leaves. The 
dense nature of the surrounding scrub rendered photography 
practically an impossibility, nor did I get much opportunity of 
adding to my knowledge of the Bower-Bird’s habits “at home.” 

It was in Victoria that the accompanying photograph was 
taken. Some idea as to how the bird works is conveyed by it. 
Bower-Birds are not “jerry builders.’ The foundation of the 
bower is strongly laid, the walls are matted closely and with 
infinite care, and the bird never seems happy if one piece of 
“timber’”’ is out of alignment. In fact, the work seems a case of 
‘““more is it worth to have striven than in the end to attain,” for 
the walls are frequently pulled down and rebuilt as though for 
the pleasure of the labour. Often, too, the builder will pull a 
few sticks from near the “ front ’’ entrance and hop round to the 
“back”? with them. After suspiciously eyeing the camera for 
a time, the bird shown in the photograph half-viciously pulled a 
strand from one end of the bower, hopped around to the opposite 
end, and rammed it in with three quick little wriggles of the head. 
This is typical. The bird seems to discover more pushing power 
when its strong feet are planted well apart. 

The curious effect created by the eyes protruding is also 
customary. The male Satin Bower-Bird’s eyes are the most 
remarkable I have seen in any bird. Seen from different angles, 
they glint and gleam with myriads of bright colours. At times 
they are of the same hue as the owner’s lustrous feachers ; and, 
again, they present the same brilliant red as do the eyes of the 
Crested Bell-Bird (Oreotca cristata). 

But there is nothing more fascinating, when the Bower-Bird 
is at play, than its crazy dancing. Aspirit seems to take possession 
of the bird at irregular intervals. Then, without any preparatory 
exercise, its wings go up almost straight above its back, the 
primaries sometimes touching. Holding them thus, it bows 
gracefully, emits the saw-like “‘ wheeze,” and hops about in a 
most fantastic fashion, occasionally in the bower, but more often 
round and about it. Better still is the performance in which the 
bird minces about the bower on the tips of its toes. Sometimes 
this is done while the wings are raised, but the bird does not 
appear to be capable of sustaining itself in such position for more 
than half a minute or so. 

A fact of passing interest is that the female appears uninterested. 
This, of course, is not unusual; most female birds, I believe, are 
adepts at the art of disdain ; but in this case the male seems to 
be equally haughty. So far as I have seen, he takes very little 
notice (except of a hostile character) of his mate. Seemingly, 
life for him is worth while chiefly for the interest and satisfaction 
he gets out of dancing and bower-dressing.—A. H. CHISHOLM, 
R.A.O.U. Brisbane, 15/5/16. 


[ Emu 


56 Stray Feathers. rst July 


Stray Feathers. 


Searlet-breasted Robins.—A pair of Scarlet-breasted Robins 
(Petroica leggit) nested near our house last season (1915), and 
successfully reared their young. The male was still in immature 
plumage, which indicates that the adult plumage is not fully 
developed for two years or more.—C. C. CuRRIE. Lardner (Vic.) 


*K * * 


Pelicans and Cormorants.—Captain S. A. White states that he 
is endeavouring to have Pelicans protected for part of the year 
—from ist July to 20th December. The South Australian 
Ornithological Association has taken a lease of the islands in the 
Coorong where the Pelicans breed, and will have a warden there 
during the nesting season. Captain White is also studying 
Cormorants, and, with the great amount of data he has gathered, 
will soon be able to prove that these are useful birds. He will 
not rest until the species is protected during the nesting season. 
He has been instrumental in getting the royalty of Id. a head 
for Cormorants removed. He has gathered much information 
regarding crabs in relation to Pelicans, Cormorants, fishing-nets, 


and fish. 
ok * °K 


Wary Cockatoos.—That the White Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita 
is aware of the approach of man at a considerable distance, without 
seeing him, is very evident. I had the opportunity of observing 
the habits of a pair of the birds that nested here last season, the 
nest being five feet down in the hollow of a limb 30 feet from 
the ground. When I approached the nest the bird always flew 
quietly away when I was about 300 yards distant. Although 
I walked as silently as possible, against the wind, it made no 
difference ; the bird always flew away. This is only one instance 
of many of the kind that I have observed. The question arises, 
Has the Cockatoo some means of detecting danger? I do not 
know of any other bird that has a similar habit ; perhaps some of 
our Waders have.—J. A. Hiz_. Golton South, v7@ Lubeck (Vic.) 


k * * 


Highest Nest in Victoriaa—On 28th December, 1915. a party, 
consisting of members of the Melbourne Amateur Walking Club, 
found a nest of the Australian Pipit (Anthus australis), containing 
three eggs, on the top of Mount Bogong (6,508 feet), the highest 
mountain in Victoria. The bird was flushed from the nest. The 
ascent of the mount was made from the Little Snowy Creek, and 
on that (the north) side the timber ceased at 5,320 feet, as 
recorded by an aneroid. In the final belt of snow gums was a 
flock of seven Gang-Gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon galeatum), 
which, I thought, were unusually light in colour, and _ several 
Robins (Petroica phenicea?). Near one of Homan’s cattle huts, 


, ? age Ory eo aie hee —  - eS 


Vol. XVI. Stray Feathers. 57) 


1g16 


at 2,220 feet, a large Emu (Dromaius nove-hollandia) walked 
sedately past the party, at a distance of 30 to 4o yards. It 
showed no alarm, and vanished into the timber at the same 
steady pace—ohne hast. ohne rast. Here Whistlers (Pachycephala), 
Thrushes (Colluricincla harmonica), and Wonga-Wonga Pigeons 
(Leucosarcia picata) dominated the bird chorus. "Lyte- -Birds 
(Menura victoria) were common in all the gullies—R. H. CRo tt. 
Camberwell, 25/5/16. 


* x * 


Moulting of the Crested Penguin.— It is interesting to notice 
how quickly Crested Penguins (Catarrhactes chrysocome) shed their 
feathers when moulting. A large number was shed on one night 
by a bird in the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, in November, 
1915 (see illustration). During the process the Penguin will not 


Moulting Penguin. 


FROM A PHOTO, BY D, LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., R.A;O.U, 


on any account enter the water, and, should it be forced 
scrambles out again as rapidly as possible. 

The feathers come off in patches, starting usually at the back 
of the head and near the tail. The bird naturally is busy 
preening itself meantime, and when its old feathers are all off 
it is probably fairly hungry by the time it goes to sea. One can 
imagine what an enormous quantity of feathers must be shed in 


58 Stray Feathers: eae 


a big rookery, like those on the Macquarie Islands, where some- 
times over 1,000,000 birds are congregated in one locality for 
the purpose of moulting.— W. H. D. LE SouEF. Zoological 
Gardens, Melbourne, 2/6/16. 


Crested Penguin’s Moulting Place. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z3S., R.A.O.U. 


Late Stay of Migrants.—Although the majority of the Pipits 
(Anthus australis) left us, as usual, in April, there is still a small 
number about the grassy patches by the wayside. As one 
approaches they rise and fly over the fence into the paddocks, 
uttering their peculiar sibilant note while on the wing. They 
are, I believe, young birds of early summer, and appear to be in 
excellent condition. The few that winter with us seem to pick 
up a good living. The last Summer-Bird (Graucalus parvirostris) 
which came within my ken was sitting on an electric wire in the 
town on 11th May, but two or three were reported from the Don 
(in this district) on 23rd inst. Small parties of this species passed 
here several times during April, resting for a little while in the 
gum-trees about my place; all were heading to the westward, 
and evidently on migration. A Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis 
flabelliformis) was whistling melodiously from a wooded piece of 
ground on 20th inst., and this morning I caught sight of it. It 
used the soft whistling call, not the trill, although two seasons 


Le Stray Feathers. 59 


ago one sat on the wire which runs past the garden and _trilled 
like springtime on the shortest day of the year. For some un- 
explained reason it is almost invariably this species of which an 
individual or two elects to winter with us ; the more robust-looking 
Pallid Cuckoo hardly ever stays, and the Bronze never, in my 
experience.—H. Stuart Dove. West Devonport (Tas.), 31/5/10. 


* * * 


Bird Notes from Gallipoli.—24/9/15.—Yesterday I witnessed 
a sight that gladdened the eyes. High in the air, over the top- 
most hill as seen from our camp, the Swallows were gathering in 
hundreds for their great migratory flight. It was most inter- 
esting to watch them wheeling and circling in such numbers. I 
was on my way to a trench near the summit of the hill, and as 
I mounted the slopes I obtained a grand view of the great army 
of birds gathering their forces together for the long southern flight. 
At times, when massed together, they formed a dense, dark 
cloud for a few minutes; then they would gradually thin out in 
wide, sweeping circles, and swoop towards the earth, cleaving the 
air with a swishing sound quite foreign to their usual graceful 
motion. The idea they gave me was that they were angry and 
excited. They moved off eventually in a south-eastern direction 
as far as the eye could follow them. To-day I notice a few of the 
birds still about. Very little bird-life here. I have seen, so far, 
three forms—a bird like a Honey-eater, a shy little Robin, and 
a little bird, observed one day on a flat near the beach, which 
closely resembles our Field-Wren. From the nature of the 
country, I should not think it attractive to bird-life. 


6/10/15. — One morning I heard a commotion on the hill 
opposite our camp. Such a clucking and challenging of notes! 
I could see across the gully to open patches of clayey cliffs, and 
- there were the creatures having a high time, and chasing each 
other like rabbits. Then I saw they were Partridges. Visions of 
juicy roasts rose before my eyes, but, alas! friend Turk can sweep 
the area with his guns. 


6/10/15.—I found such a pretty little bird one day—something 
like our White-eye (Zosterops), with a quiet green plumage and soft, 
dove-coloured under-parts. The throat, when pulsating, shows 
a beautiful flush of yellow. The song is very sweet. The boys 
call it the Canary. 


5/12/15.—A few migrants have reached us here. Near the 
beach I noticed a dozen birds of the Stint family. They remained 
but a few hours; probably the noises of war hastened their 
departure. In Tasmania, at Lake Sorell, I have shot these birds 
in November. If these are going Australia way they are late on 
their journey. More birds are now observed here. Some are 
very beautiful, but to what family they belong I do not know.— 
Extracts from letters written by Mr. A. W. Swindells, R.A.O.U., 
when stationed near Suvla Bay. 


Emu 
ist July 


60 Stray Feathers. 

Bird Life in the North.—Mr. A. J. Dyer, who is a missionary 
at the Church of England mission on the Roper River, Northern 
Territory, in a letter to Mr. G. A. Dyer, R.A.O.U., of North 
Fitzroy ‘(Vic.), gives interesting notes on bird-life. He writes :— 

“ Once, I think, I said not many birds were here. But that 
was in the dry season ; in the wet, one sees so many birds which 
are new to one that one quite loses count of them, and some of 
them are beautiful birds, too. We have a great variety of the 
Finch family not described in Dr. Leach’s book. You ask re 
Summer-Birds. On 14th December last (1915) I saw a flock of 
them—I am pretty sure of about 100 birds. They camped on a 
billabong at the back of the mission station, and since then I have 
not seen any. Grass-Parrots returned here in hundreds on the 
25th March. Grass-seeds are just falling here now. No Rosellas 
are here, only King Parrots and _ Rose-breasted Cockatoos. 
Hawks are returning now, and most of the birds are nesting. 
They go away into the bush, and we do not see much of them. 
All the game birds are away now, mostly at the salt water, the 
natives tell me. We had a visit from a naturalist in a cutter. 
He called tor food, as the natives had stolen his on the King River, 
on the north coast ; he was right out of flour. He had some lovely 
birds, mostly from the mangroves by the river. He has been in 
places where no whites have been before. The country there was 
mostly poor. He started from Thursday Island, sent out by Mr. 
White, of New South Wales, to get eggs and so forth. M‘Lennan 
is his name. He is a gifted nature student, and has a wonderful 
collection of bird skins. At present he is at a rookery of Egrets, 
where there are thousands of birds of various kinds, such as 
White-fronted Herons, White-necked Herons, and the Great 
Plumed and Lesser Egrets. To get to them you have to wade out 
of the boat in about four feet of water, with a revolver in one 
hand and with a man behind with a rifle, as crocodiles are there 
in galore, and poke their noses up quite near them. You then 
let them have one; then your foot goes down on a big catfish, 
for they are there for the young ones. The nests are so thick 
that one parent throws out the young ones from other nests. If 
old enough, they climb up the trees again with legs and beak. 
The noise is deafening. Fancy three native boys eating 100 eggs 
for tea, and not at all particular about the young ones! I am 
afraid that they are not members of the Gould League of Bird 


Lovers.” 
* * 2 


Birds at Cape Otway Lighthouse, 1849 to 1879.—The Cape Otway 
lighthouse opened about the end of 1848, and my father took 
charge shortly afterwards. The first birds recorded as striking 
the light were Black Swans (Chenopis atrata), early in 1849 : they 
came from the south-east, apparently from King Island. The 
leading bird struck the lantern, breaking the half-inch plate-glass 
window, and was killed by the concussion. The next bird came 


eee Stray Feathers. 61 


into the lantern room, and was caught. Ever after that a dummy 
wooden pane was kept to block broken windows, if such accidents 
occurred. For 30 years, to 1879, Swans were never known to strike 
the light, although we often saw them in the evenings coming 
across from the direction of King Island, and going towards Aire 
River, 7 miles north-west, and returning towards the island. 
Swans were often heard going over at night, and Cape Otway 
appeared to be the first land that these birds and Ducks made 
when coming from the south-east ; they always left the land at 
the same point when going away. They followed the coast-line 
to and from Aire River. 

Other birds that struck and were killed were Black Duck 
(Anas superciliosa), Australian Teal (Nettiwm castaneum), Grey 
Teal (N. gibberifrons), and White-eyed Duck (Nyrvoca australis). 
Once nine of the latter species were killed or wounded ; they had 
evidently come across the sea from the south-east, as they were 
on the balcony and ground on that side. Only one Duck flew 
away from the balcony at daylight, and went towards King Island, 
about 50 miles away and not visible. Quail, both Stubble 
(Coturnix pectoralis) and Brown (Synoicus australis), as well as 
Pipits (Anthus australis) and Crimson Parrots (Platycercus 
pennantt) and Grass-Parrots (Euphema elegans), were often seen, 
and frequently struck the lantern. We occasionally saw birds of 
prey, such as the Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos), Black Falcon 
F. subniger), Little Falcon (F. lunulatus), Brown Hawk 
(Hieracidea berigora), and Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter torquatus) : 
but it was a rare thing for these birds to come to grief. Many 
other small land-birds used to strike, but very few sea-birds ; 
probably the light being nearly 300 feet above sea-level saved 
them. Often, when looking out on a summer’s night from the 
balcony rails, numbers of birds could be seen resting on them— 
frequently small birds and Hawks near each other. At times the 
Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook) and Delicate Owl (Strix delicatula) 
were seen, but these probably came after the bats and small 
birds near the light. In later years very few birds struck the 
light, and of those that did most were able to fly away.—H. W. 
ForpD. g Freeman-street, North Fitzroy. 


* * * 


Swifts and Weather. — Having for several years recorded 
observations on Swifts and the weather, I give herewith the result 
of this year’s watching, so far. The first considerable flight of 
Spine-tailed Swifts (Chetura caudacuta, Lath.) on the North-West 
Coast of Tasmania this season was noted on the evening of 24th 
February, from 6.30 o’clock until 7 o'clock, during which time the 
birds were passing almost continuously — not, of course, in a 
compact mass, but in a straggling sort of way, a few at the time, 
as is their wont. I could detect them in the distance, rising from 
the horizon, as it were, to the westward, and coming gradually 
overhead, then passing away to east and south-east against a 


62 Stvay Feathers. aoe 


light breeze, taking insects as they went, as their movements 
showed. They flew at various heights, from 30 feet up to 300 feet 
or 400 feet, and must have accounted for a great quantity of 
insects during their passage. Their appearance was coincident, 
as usual, with atmospheric disturbance, a thunderstorm, with 
heavy rain, having occurred on the previous day; and on the 
afternoon of the day on which they were seen there was a 
tremendous downpour to the west (the direction from which they 
came), the papers next morning recording that some of the creeks 
were up over the bridges in a very short period. On the evening 
of 5th March, shortly before 6 o'clock, some 30 or 40 Spine-tailed 
Swifts came from about E.S.E., and proceeded directly and 
rapidly to N.W., as if migrating ; the wind was from N.W., some- 
what squally, and snow was lying on the Tiers, having fallen on 
the previous evening. The birds flew low, just over the tree-tops, 
the swish of their long wings being plainly audible. Early 
next morning the wind blew fresh from S.E., bringing a heavy 
shower.—H. Stuart Dove. West Devonport (Tas.), 8/3/16. 
On 20th April about a dozen Spine-tailed Swifts were seen in 
the forenoon, heading from west to east, near the beach, at heights 
of perhaps 50 to 100 feet ; they were feeding as they went. There 
had been a heavy shower in the early morning, the weather for 
the remainder of the day being fine, but very humid. There was 
a bank of cloud on W. and N.W. horizon when the birds were 
seen, and the breeze was N.W., light. That same night a thunder- 
storm came up, with heavy rain, which continued during the 
remainder of the morning (Good Friday). On the 22nd it was 
fair until evening, although the wind was bleak ; rain set in about 
6 pm. On the 23rd there was a N.W. gale with showers, and 
very heavy sea running. Many visitors went out to Massey Bluff 
to see the great sprays against the headland. On the 24th there 
was a boisterous wind all day from the same quarter, with 
showers at night. On the 25th heavy rain fell all day, from the 
south-east, the greatest soaking we have had for some time. So 
the Swifts once more proved their ability to prognosticate dis- 
turbances. This was their last appearance for the season.— 
H. Stuart Dove, R.A.O.U. West Devonport (Tas.), May, 1916. 


Correspondence. 


To the Editors of “ The Emu.” 


Sirs,—Will you kindly allow me to correct an item in the review 

of my last work which appeared in the last issue of The Emu. It 

is in reference to the new birds discovered, which number five, not 

two, as stated—one new species and four new sub-species. They 

are as follows :— 

Acanthiza mariane, S. A. White (S.A. Ornithologist, vol. ii., No. 2, 
1915). Everard Range Tit. ; 


————— — EEE eo EEE 


EE EE Oooo ‘ " 


“WOW “IINH LASSVS “a “V LHDIYAdOO "1G¥YVLOD30 7 AB ‘OLOHd WY WOYS 


"M'S'N ‘spray uosyoef 10g apisyno ‘eas ay} Woy Suis -ssoryeq Ty 


PLATE XV. 


XVI. 


THE Emu, Vol. 


Vol. XVI. 
ae Correspondence. 63 


Lewinornmis rufiventris maudeea, S. A. White. Central Australian 
Rufous-breasted Thickhead. 

Ethelornis culicworus musgravi, Mathews (A. A. Record, vol. ii., 
No. 7, p. 130). Musgrave Fly-eater. 

Smicrornis brevirostris mathewst, S. A. White. Central Australian 
Tree-Tit. 

Barnardius zonarius myrte, S. A. White. Central Australian 
Yellow-banded Parrot. 


Thanking you for the review of my work, yours truly, 
5. Aa WELELE: 
“Wetunga,” Fulham, STA., 12/6/16. 


AVIFAUNA OF NEW SOUTH WALES ISLANDS. 
To the Editors of “ The Emu.” 


Strs,—Your sense of the “eternal fitness of things’’ was no 
doubt responsible for the transference of the plate depicting an 
Albatross rising from the calm waters of Port Jackson from my 
article in the last issue of The Emu to a place of honour facing 
Dr. Ferguson’s very valuable contribution, and the substitution 
of a less appropriate title. Visits of these splendid birds to our 
harbour are not of such frequency that they fail to excite 
comment and admiration, whereas an Albatross “rising from the 
sea’’ is an almost everyday spectacle to the sea-voyager. Such 
a picture I now present. It was taken by Mr. J. Degotardi just 
outside Port Jackson Heads. One can identify the species as the 
Black-browed Albatross, so clear is the negative. A comparison 
of the “footprints” in this picture with those in the previous one 
is interesting, as showing the greater distance the bird has to 
“walk ’’ on the surface before he gets sufficient impetus to enable 
him to rise. “The Albatross in a calm may run a quarter of a 
mile before getting headway enough to launch himself into the 
dit ediredenc A. lucas The Beginnings’ of Flight,” 2he 
American Museum Journal, vol. xvi., p. 8, I916).—Yours faith- 


fully, AL EASE, te Blu) ie 
Sydney, June, 1916. 


To the Editors of “ The Emu.” 

Sirs,—At page 264 of vol. xv. of The Emu you published a 
letter from me, by which I endeavoured to make a correction in 
regard to some note on Hylacola cauta which had appeared earlier 
in the same volume. I now know that instead of correcting one 
error I added another. This I regret very much. I have since 
been in communication with Mr. W. B. Alexander, of the Perth 
Museum, and Mr. M. W. Elliott, of Dumbleyung, and have 
ascertained that the interpretation which I had put on a previous 


Emu 


6 4 Correspondence. ea ie 


letter from Mr. Elliott was quite erroneous. There was no error 
in the West Australian Museum, and there is no doubt that the 
bird referred to was H. cauta. It would, therefore, seem quite 
clear that the eggs found did not belong to the bird which was 
shot. Unfortunately, the eggs have been accidentally destroyed, 
and there is now no possibility of identifying them.—Yours truly, 


J. A. ROSS. 


54 Claremont-avenue, Malvern, 7/6/16. 


Bird Observers’ Club. 


THE annual meeting of the Bird Observers’ Club was held in 
Melbourne on 25th May, 1916; Mr. Charles Barrett, C.M.Z.S., the 
president, in the chair. There was a fairly large attendance. Mr. F. 
E. Howe, the hon. secretary, in his report, referred to the interesting 
papers that had been read, and the specimens exhibited at the 
monthly meetings. In his address, the president suggested that 
members should endeavour, by combined effort, to obtain complete 
records of the home-life of at least a few native birds. In Europe 
and America excellent work was being done in this direction. 

After a long discussion, a proposal that nesting boxes, drinking 
basins, and food tables should be provided for native birds in school 
play-grounds and public parks and gardens, if possible, was approved. 
Several members expressed doubt whether nesting boxes would be a 
success, and Starlings and Sparrows were mentioned as the most 
likely tenants. It was stated that the executive of the Gould League 
of Bird Lovers had approved of the scheme, and it was hoped the 
League members would help to carry it out. 

Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, C.M.Z.S., was elected president for the 
ensuing year, and Mr. F. E. Wilson hon. secretary. Mr. G. A. 
Dyer was re-elected hon. treasurer. 


Publications Received. 


The Zoologist, January, February, March, 1916. 

January issue contains a short article by A. V. Aplin, ‘‘ Notes 
on an August Nightingale’’ at Bloxham, Oxon, also “‘ Some Bird 
Notes from the Somerset Coast,’ by Stanley Lewis. We are glad 
to see that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds keeps a 
watther at Bream Down, the part of the coast mentioned. The 
February and March numbers contain many interesting articles. 


Avicultural Magazine, February, March, 1916. 

As usual, this magazine is full of interesting matter. Among 
other articles in the ‘February number are “My Piping Crow,” 
by Mrs. Staveley-Hill ; ‘Sun-Birds in Their Native Haunts; 
by F. E. Blaauw; and ‘‘ Wonders of Birds’ Nests,” by F. J. 
Koch, March issue contains, among other articles, ‘‘ Birds in 


Vol. XVI. Publications Received. 65 
1916 


Flanders During the War,”’ by Col. W. Tweedie ; ‘“‘ My Swainson’s 
Lorikeets,’ by Guy Falkner; and “The Best System of 
Feeding Insectivorous Birds,” by P. F. M. Galloway. 


British Birds, February, March, 1916. 

These parts contain lists of large numbers of British birds that 
have been recovered marked, and states the progress for I9gI5 
of the marking scheme and some results, by H. F. Witherby. 
The number of birds ringed from 1909 to 1915 was 67,614, which 
shows how thoroughly the British ornithologists have worked at 
this interesting subject ; the results will be most valuable. 


Revue Francaise d Ornithologie, January, February, March, 1916. 

January issue contains some notes by L. Brasil on a collection 
of birds from New Caledonia, which includes some Australian 
forms, especially among the Waders, some observations on the 
birds of Kerguelen Island, and other articles. In the February 
number the notes on the birds from New Caledonia are continued. 
An interesting account of the Crested Auk, by Dr. R. Didier, is 
given as a supplement to this number. In the March issue M. 
André Godard has an article on “‘ Bird Destruction,’’ showing the 
immense number that are killed for the purpose of the feather 
trade. There are also further notes on the birds of Kerguelen 
Island. 


The Condor, vol. xvii., Nos. 5, 6, 1915; and vol. xviii., No. 1. 
These contain interesting papers on American ornithology. 


Burd Lore, vol. xvii., No. 5. 
This number is profusely illustrated. The account of the young 
Condor, with photographs, is exceptionally interesting. 


The Wilson Bulletin, March, 1916. 
This number contains a well-illustrated article on the Terns 
of Weepecket Islands, by A. R. Cahn, and other articles. 


University of California Publications in Zoology, January, 1910. 

A report on mammals and birds found in portions of Trinity, 
Siskiyou, and Shasta Counties, California, by L. Kellogg, is in- 
cluded in this issue. 


Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, vol. xxxv., 
at 7 
R. C. Murphy and F. Harper describe two new Diving Petrels 
—namely, Pelecanotdes urinatrix chathamensts, sub-sp., from the 
Chatham Islands, and P. georgica, sp., from South Georgia. 


The South Australian Ormthologist, vol. i1., part 6. 

This issue contains an article by T. P. Bellchambers on the 
nesting of the Mallee-Fowl (Letfoa ocellata), with illustrations ; 
notes on the birds noticed by Dr. A. M. Morgan on a trip to St. 
Vincent and Spencer Gulfs; and a continuation of a sketch of 
the life of Samuel White, by Capt. S. A. White. 

5 


66 Publications Received. ass 


The Australian Naturalist, vol. ii., part Io. 
There are no bird notes in this number. 


The Australian Zoologist, vol. 1., part 3. 

No bird notes. An interesting article on colour-variation of 
Australian phalangers of the genus Tvichosurus, and describing 
one new sub-species, by A. S. Le Souéf. 


The Victorian Naturalist, vol. xxxii., parts 1m and 12; vol. xxxiii., 
part I. 
No. 12 has an account of the wild bird life in the Melbourne 
Zoological Gardens, by D. Le Souéf. 


The Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 


THE Council of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union has 
received with gratitude the first half-year’s interest on the £1,000 
donated by a member, who wishes to remain anonymous. Messrs. 
Z. Gray (hon. treasurer), A. H. E. Mattingley (ex-president), and 
Dr. J. A. Leach (vice-president) have been appointed trustees. 
They have secured a room in Temple Court (Room 2, second floor), 
424 Collins-street west, Melbourne. It is large enough for the 
Council and ornithological meetings other than public lectures. 

Committees have been appointed to supervise fittings and 
furnishings, to build up working collections of skins, nests, and 
eggs, to care for the scientific collections which it is hoped will in 
course of time be possessed by the Union, and to provide for the 
library. It is hoped to secure, as far as possible, a complete set of 
the literature concerned with the Australian avifauna. A prominent 
supporter of the Union has already announced his intention of 
presenting John Gould’s great work, ‘‘ The Birds of Australia,”’ in 
eight volumes. A Melbourne member has donated a table of 
polished Australian timber ; others have provided chairs, hat rails, 
and bookshelves. Enlargements of famous bird photographs have 
already been presented, and a large photograph of John Gould has 
been promised. An electric lantern for showing lantern slides has 
also been presented. Members wishing to assist in furnishing or 
fitting up the room are requested to communicate with the hon. 
secretary. 

The next meeting of the Council will be held in the new room. 
Visiting members are requested to communicate with the hon. 
secretary, and members of the Council will be pleased to meet 
them at the Union’s room, thus realizing the wishes of the donor. 


New Members.—So many members have volunteered for the 
front that there is a danger that our membership roll will be 
reduced in these times of increased costs and reduced incomes. 
Will each member try to send to the hon. secretary the name of one 
bird-loving friend who may become a member of the Union ? 


Vol. XVI. About Members. 67 
1916 


About Members. 


Mr. Charles Barrett, C.M.Z.S., co-editor of The Emu for several 
years, is at present in the Royal Park Camp, training for the 
Army Medical Corps, Australian Expeditionary Force. While 
co-editor he succeeded in greatly improving The Emu from the 
point of view of pictorial illustration. A keen bird-lover, it is 
hoped that he will return safely to continue for many years his 
valuable work. 

Mr. Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E.; R.A.O.U., has been elected 
a member of the International Commission of Zoological Nomen- 
clature. Australasian members of the Union, without exception, 
express pleasure at the appointment, and feel gratified that Aus- 
tralian ornithology is to be represented at headquarters. For- 
tunately, Mr. Mathews is a member of the Check-list Committee, 
and is now in a position to get authoritative decisions. It is 
hoped that the second edition of the Official Check-list will be 
up-to-date, scientific, and acceptable to all ornithologists, and the 
Council expects much assistance from Mr. Mathews in securing, 
if possible, that most desirable result. The editors heartily 
congratulate Mr. Mathews, and wish him success. 


Nest of Pearly Flycatcher (Monarcha canescens). 


FROM A PHOTO. BY (OR.) W. MACGILLIVRAY 


Emu 
ist July 


68 Wuite, Central Australian Yellow-banded Parrot. 


Central Australian Yellow-banded Parrot (Barnardius 
zonarius myrtae). 
(S. A. White, Transactions of Royal Society of South Australia, vol. 
KKK. 7 LOLS). 
(See frontispiece.) 
By S. A. Wuite, M.B.O.U., PresipENT R.A.O.U. 
Tue Central Australian Yellow-banded Parrot was first met with 
during our trip into the centre of Australia, 1913 (see Tvansactions 
of the Royal Society of South Australia, vol. xxxvill., 1914. p. 427). 
It was plentiful on all the gum creeks met with upon our route, 
and it was just as plentiful west of Oodnadatta to the Musgrave 
and Everard Ranges. 

The type is a male, collected by S. A. and E. R. White at Horse- 
shoe Bend, Finke River, Central Australia, on 8th August, 1913, 
now in the Wetunga collection. Female differs in being of a much 
paler coloration. 

Description —Head and upper part of the neck black ; feathers 
on the cheeks tipped with bright blue ; a broad crescent of bright 
yellow crosses the back of the neck; chest and back bright green ; 
rump and upper tail coverts bright yellowish-green ; primaries 
brownish-black, the basal half external margin bright blue, 
secondaries, mternal half brownish-black, external bright bluish- 
green ; wing coverts rich greenish-yellow ; two central tail feathers 
bluish-green, next two bluish-green tipped with light blue, the 
remainder having their basal half dark blue ; the remainder light 
blue ; abdomen bright yellow ; under tail coverts bright yellowish- 
green ; iris brown; feet ashy-grey ; bill bluish-white. 

This new bird differs from Barnardius zonarius in having a much 
brighter coloration throughout, and being a somewhat larger 
bird ; the feathers of the chest and back, instead of being a dark 
green with an olive tinge, are of bright green ; the rump and upper 
tail coverts are a bright yellowish-green. 

Range.-—Extends from Oodnadatta north to the MacDonnell 
Ranges, and west to the Musgrave and Everard Ranges. 

Habits and Note.—Differ little from B. zonarius. They were often 
found feeding under the acacias upon the fallen seeds of the shrub. 
They were breeding at Wantapella Swamp in July, 1914, one nest 
having large young in a deep hollow in a red gum tree. 


: ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


CO-PATRONS: 
Their Majesties the King and Queen. 


OPFICE-BEARERS: 
President: Cart. S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


fDr. W. MACGILLIVRAY. 
\pr. J. A. LEACH, Cou. M. B.O.U. 


Hon. Secretary: Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.ZS., &c. 


(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.) 


Vice-Presidents: 


Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A. 
{190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.) 


Hon. Librarian: Mr. W. H. D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z,S. &c. 


: ~ (DR. Jy-A. LEACH, Cot. M.’B.0.U: 
Bog, Editors 7 ne Emu yy. CHARLES BARRETT, C.M.Z.S, 


Associate Co-Editor: Mr. A. J. CAMPBELL, Cot. M. B.O.U. sy 
Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS, 


Hon. Auditor: Mr. J. BARR, A.LA.V., A.C.P.A. 
. (42 Temple Court, Collins Street, Melbourne.) 


Printing Committee: Messrs. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, A. H. E. 
MATTINGLEY, AND A. C. STONE. 


_ Local State Secretaries : 


Mr. A. S: LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney 
Mr. E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland. 

Mr. J. W. MELLOR, ‘‘ Mellor Park,” Lockley, Fulham, South Australia. 
Mr. W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., Cottesloe, Western Australia. 

Mr. W. L. MAY, Sandford, Tasmania. 

Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Mr. G. F. HILL, F.G.S., Darwin, Northern Territory. 


Members of Council: 

VicToR1a-——CoL, C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, 
CM.ZS3,cAND~ A: C2 STONE, 

New SovutH WALES—Dr. J. BURTON CLELAND anp Mr. A, F. 
BASSET HULL. 

QUEENSLAND—Mr. C. A. BARNARD. 

SouTH AusTRALIA—Dr. A. M.. MORGAN. | 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA—MR. A. E. LE SOUEF, 

TASMANIA—CoL. W. V. LEGGE, Cou. M. B.O.U. 


Members of Check-List Committee: 


Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.ZS. 
;,. Av J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U. » Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R,A.O.U. ~ * 
» R. HALL, C.M.B.O.U. Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E. 
po BASSEE.-HULE,.R:A. OU, , A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S. 

Dr. J. A. LEACH,.C.M.B.0O.U. » H. L, WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


CoLoneL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CAPTAIN S. A. WHITE, M.B.0O.U. 


———_ 


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CONTENTS © 


(The author of each article is Laponsitile for the facts recorded therein, and any : 
deductions he may draw.) 


| A pace” 
A NEW WREN-WARBLER, Malurus lamberté dawsonianus 
(BARNARD’S WREN-WARBLER). By H. L. White, V.B.0.U., — 


Belltrees, Scone, N.S.W. - - = : i ™ - 69 


AN ORNITHOLOGICAL CRUISE AMONG THE ISLANDS OF ST. 
VINCENT AND SPENCER GULFS, S.A. By (Capt. ) Sosa 


White, M.B.0.U., President R.A.O.U. - - - R Sy (i: 
AN INVESTIGATION CONCERNING THE FOOD OF CORMORANTS. — 

By (Capt.) S. A. White, M.B.0.U., President R.A.O.U. - 77 
FossiL Btirps’ EGGs. BY REA, ia agai CWA S, 

Washington, D.C., U.S.A. - - - Se a -£ 80% 
MACQUARIE ISLAND Cones By A. Tulloch, Officer in Charge 

of the Mawson Wireless Station, Macquarie Island - £92. 
Cuckoo Nores FROM TasMANIA. By H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S., 

R.AC.U.~ - - - - - eta arte as - . - 96 
THE GOLDEN MERopS (Merops ornatus). By James Sloane, 

Mulwala Station, Mulwala, N.S.W. - - - - = .99 
DESCRIPTION OF, EGGS NEW TO SCIENCE—NOTOPHOYX FLAVI- 

ROSTRIS (SHARPE). By H. L. White, M.B.O.U., Belltrees, : 

Scone, IV. SW ie eaters 2 ee - - - 100 
NOTES ON THE LYRE-BIRD AT POOWONG, SOUTH GIPPSLAND. By 

LEC. CoORMR AO) O. - - - - - - - - 101 


CAMERA CRAFT NOTES.—Giant Petrel (Ossifraga gigantea), 103; Abnormal 
Clutches, 104; Straw-necked Ibis, 105 ; Black Swan, 106; A Bird Tragedy, 106; 
Mr. Chandler's Bird Portraits, 106 ; Nest of the Great Giasign Grebe, 107 ; Nest ned 
Eggs of Red-throated Whistler, 116. 


STRAY FEATHERS.—Bird Sanctuary, 107; An Albino Eagle, 107; An Unusual 
Crimson Parrot, 108; Swifts Resting on Trees, 108; Early Combination Cuckoo | 
Clutch, 108; Porosity i the Lyre-Bird’s Egg, 109 ; Feenident Swallows and Cuckoos, 
Iog; Bird Notes from Camp, 109. 


BIRD “OBSERVERS” GLUB Aa pie Se ek ee ee eer 


PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, I916 112 
CORRESPONDENCE - 5 : : : 2 é be rane Moat 
OBITUARY NOTICE - - - - - - = 2 epee eRe 
RESIGNATION OF Mr. CHAS. L. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S., Co-EDITOR 

oF “THE EMU” - - = me Z i Es Pee 


ee 


a 


The following are the charges for Authors’ reprints if required :— 
(Ordefs to printers should accompany the MS.) 


| Rey vay | NUMBER OF PAGES OF ARTICLE. COVERS. 
| COPIES | 2 4 8 12 16 20 Prati. | Prinrep. 
| a Ea Se aia Ss Baa - 
25 | 3/6 | -4/- 7i- | 10/6 | 14/- | 18/- Lic 3/- 
50 | 4/- | 5/- | 8/6 12/6 16/6 21/- 1/6 4/- 
100 | 5/- q/- | 11/- 16/6 | 21/- | 27/- 2/6. >| 5/6 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 
PLATE XVI. 


BARNARD’S WREN—WARBLER 


Malurus lamberti dawsonianus. 


Pe ohe Emu | 


Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union: 


“ Birds of a feathers 


MOE: ee 2ND OCTOBER, rae 


= — —___* fs 


A New Wren-Warbler, Malurus “esaene Fees 
sonianus (Barnard’s Wren). 
By H. L. Waiter, Eso., M.B.O.U., BELLTREES, SCONE, N.S.W. 


Mr. G. M. Mathews, under the generic name of Leggeornts, divides 
the species lambertt into six sub-species. I propose adding 
another, as above. 

The splitting-up of genera, after the style adopted by Mr. 
Mathews, appears to most of us quite unnecessary and cumber- 
some. What is wrong about Malurus that we cannot retain it ? 
Why puzzle us by adding Hallornis, Leggeornis, Rosina, Ryania, 
and Nesomalurus 2? The average man has enough trouble as 
it is in remembering generic names; it is hardly fair to add to 
his difficulties. The advantages conferred by the _ trinomial 
system of nomenclature are very considerably discounted by the 
plan adopted by Mr. Mathews of naming such a number of so- 
called new genera after ornithologists and his numerous relations, 
friends, and acquaintances. 

Some two years ago Mr. H. G. Barnard sent me a Malurus 
from the Dawson River, Queensland, which appeared to differ 
considerably from Malurus lambert lamberti. I asked him to 
procure more skins, which are now to hand. Our most con- 
servative authorities have admitted Malurus lamberti assimilis ; 
my new form differs from it quite as much as it (Malurus lamberti 
asstmilts) in turn differs from Malurus lamberti lambertt. My 
collection contains specimens of all but one of Mr. Mathews’s 
sub-species, so | am in a position to make comparisons. Assuming 
Malurus lamberti assimilis to be a recognized sub-species of 
Malurus lamberti lamberti, my new torm differs from it in having 
a more robust bill, the black band at the back of the neck wider, 
while the blue of the head and back is of a much more purple 
shade, and the chestnut shoulders are considerably darker—in 
fact, it is as much darker than Malurus lamberti assimilis as that 
form is darker than Malurus lamberti lambertt. In size it is 
slightly smaller than either of the others mentioned. 

Of the other sub-species mentioned by Mr. Mathews, my bird 
most nearly approaches Malurus lambertt masterst, from the 
Northern Territory, but is easily separable from that form by the 
fact that its ear coverts are of a quite distinct shade, being more 
like those of Malurus lambert: bermiert, from Western Aces. 

6 


70 WHITE, An Ornithological Cruise. nee 


An Ornithological Cruise Among the Islands of 
St. Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, S.A. 
By (Capt.) S. A. WuiTE, M.B.O.U., PRESIDENT R.A.O.U. 
Part II. 


On 20th April, 1916, the Avocet again put to sea in the interests 
of scientific ornithological research. The party consisted of 
Messrs. A. G. and E. S. Rymill, Mr. Robertson, Dr. Morgan, Mr. 
E. R. Waite (Director of the South Australian Museum), and the 
writer. The Messrs. Rymill had most kindly invited us to finish 
our work amongst the remaining islands; but, unfortunately, 
owing to the severe weather conditions, this could not be carried 
out. 

Owing to unavoidable delays, it was nearly dark before the 
moolings were cast off and we made down the Port Adelaide River, 
bringing up in an arm after dark in four fathoms of water. The 
glass had been going down all day, and thundery conditions 
showed very plainly that there was trouble ahead. Not long 
after dropping anchor the wind rose. Later on, rain squalls 
broke over us and continued all night. Next morning the vessel 
was under weigh at an early hour, steaming down the river in 
the face of heavy rain squalls, and we brought up at the Outer 
Harbour for breakfast. We stood across the Gulf in the teeth 
of a strong westerly blow, reached Yorke Peninsula at 3.30 p.m., 
and anchored under the lee of the land for dinner ; later, we stood 
down the coast, and when the wind moderated some _ sea- 
dredging was done. Mr. Edgar R. Waite, the well-known 
authority upon marine life, secured many specimens, and all the 
party was much interested in the wonderful objects brought up 
from the sea-bed; they were far too numerous to mention in 
detail. Just at dark we made the port of Stansbury, which is 
really a small bay sheltered from the west, and on its shores a 
small settlement has been formed. We passed a quiet night, and 
by daylight next morning were on the move again. A stiff breeze 
from the west soon set in, and in the afternoon anchor was dropped 
under the shelter of Cape Yorke in four fathoms of water over 
sand and weed. Dr. Morgan, Mr. Waite, and the writer were 
landed. Leaving my two companions to search for insects, I 
walked back from the coast for about two miles, and found the 
country had not recovered from a severe bush-fire. Very few 
birds were seen ; those identified were the White-backed Magpie, 
Ground-Lark, White-fronted Chat, Silver-eye, and the Shepherd’s 
Companion (Black-and-White Fantail). A few botanical speci- 
mens were collected. Returning to the coast, both the White- 
breasted and Pied Cormorants were seen. Two Hooded Dottrels 
were taken, and Dr. Morgan found their temperatures to be 
100° F. Silver Gulls and Crested Terns were seen. Upon 
returning to the yacht it was found that the fishermen of the 
party had paid the rocky headland a visit in one of the ship’s boats 


5 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI; 
BEATE xvillls 


The Dark and Light Phases of the Arctic (Richardson) Skua (Stervcorarius 
parasiticus), South Australia, 1916. 


PHOTOS, BY S, A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., PRES. R,A.0O.U, 


ieee WuitE, An Ornithological Cruise. Fibs 


and had hooked a great variety of cod and weed-fish, some of 
them of the most brilliant colorations. Mr. Waite had a busy 
time examining them and preserving those he required for 
specimens. The wind fell considerably towards dark, but the 
officers of the yacht thought it advisable to lay further off shore 
in case the wind went round. A big swell came round Cape 
Yorke, which made the yacht roll during the night. At day- 
light next morning an attempt was made to get round Cape 
Spencer, but it was soon found that we were running into a strong 
north-westerly gale. A course was steered across Investigator 
Strait, and after a bad time in a big sea we reached Althorpe 
Island and took shelter behind the island and reef. The fishing 
cutter Ivene was also sheltering there. Later, Dr. Morgan, Mr. 
Waite, and the writer went on shore and climbed to the top of 
the island, where we were for some time engaged taking tempera- 
tures of Mutton-Birds. We found that many of the young birds 
had already departed, yet a good sprinkling which we examined 
were still in the down. Dr. Morgan found the temperatures 
ranged from 99.4° F. to 101° F. Descending to the base of the 
cliffs, we captured many Penguins, and their temperatures, 
showing a range from 100° F. to 104° F., were taken. We went 
off to the yacht for the night. A strong roll was setting in round 
the reef, and rain squalls broke over us all night. Next morning 
there was no chance of leaving shelter. I went on shore, skinned 
some birds, and came off again late in the afternoon. The 
weather was still stormy, with a big sea running. Yacht rolled 
a lot in the night ; terrific ram and hail squalls broke over us all 
night, accompanied by lightning. After breakfast next morning, 
Dr. Morgan, Mr. Waite, and the writer went on shore and climbed 
to the top of the island. On the south side of the island the wind 
was so strong that we could hardly stand up against it. 
Descending to the foot of the cliffs, we visited a burial-place just 
above high-water mark, in a recess of the cliff, where a rough 
board is marked at the head of a heap of stones—‘‘ In memory of 
G. Petersen, aged 48 years, 8th October, 1838.’ Going on board 
the yacht to lunch, we found it more pleasant on shore, for the 
big seas breaking round the end of the island caused a big 
roll. 

On the morning of 26th April the sea and wind had moderated, 
and we left the anchorage at 9.30 a.m., standing round the reef 
and well out to sea; then the course was altered to north, and 
with a big sea running, accompanied with passing squalls, made 
the entrance to Pondalowie Bay, and dropped anchor in calm 
water in four fathoms over sand and weed. Dr. Morgan, Mr. 
Waite, and the writer landed. On the nearest island at the 
entrance some broken shells of Turbo stamineus, which are sup- 
posed to be dropped on the rocks by the Pacific Gull, were collected, 
as well as live shells from the reef below. Some botanical speci- 
mens were taken, also some insects, and we returned to the 
yacht to dinner. Later, I was landed on the beach of the main- 


72 WuiteE, An Ornithological Cruise. ae 


land, and went back into the scrub, but did not see many birds. 
This was owing to a very strong wind, with driving showers. 
Secured a male Malurus assimilis in non-breeding plumage. 
Several Sericornes were seen, but they were very shy. The 
weather was much calmer next day, and the sun showed out. I 
landed again on the mainland, and found birds much more 
numerous. I secured Scrub-Wrens, Silver-eyes, Spiny-cheeked 
Honey-eaters, and a Red-capped Robin. While I was skinning 
birds, some of the party were fishing over a sunken rock at the 
entrance to the bay, over which the water at times surged and 
boiled. A wonderful variety of fish was caught; some were of 
most exquisite colours. One, quite new to all on board except 
Mr. Waite, is known to the fishermen as a “‘ Blue Devil.” The 
weather set in cold and wet in the evening, and all hopes of 
getting to the other islands further out was abandoned. Next 
morning, at daylight, we heaved anchor and stood out into 
a big sea; but, after rounding Cape Spencer and clearing 
Investigator Strait, the sea went dow n. The engines were stopped 
off Cape Yorke, and while drifting some fishing was done, but we 
had no luck, as Port Jackson sharks seemed to be the only fish 
about. Mr. Waite captured some marine life, the water being so 
clear that the sandy bottom was clearly seen. The beautifully- 
tinted jelly-fish floating by were much admired. Cormorants of 
both species were seen on the cape, and a specimen of Hypoleucus 
varius hypoleucus was secured. Getting under weigh again, we 
picked up one of the boats with a party which had gone closer 
in shore to fish ; then we stood up the Gulf. During the afternoon 
two Arctic Skuas were seen chasing Gulls, but they did not come 
within range. The Adelaide Steamship Co.’s s.s. Willyama was 
passed hard and fast on a rock in Marion Bay; the rock pierced 
her hull some years ago, but she appears as if she were resting 
at anchor. We reached Edithburg late in the afternoon, and 
went on shore to send telegrams and get some stores. Then we 
stood over to Troubridge Light, and dropped anchor off the north- 
western sand-spit. Numbers of Cormorants (both species), 
Crested Terns, Pelicans, and small waders were clustered on the 
sand. Mr. A. G. Rymill, Dr. Morgan, Mr. Waite, and the writer 
landed. We divided, and went round the island from different 
directions. A Double-banded Dottrel was secured, and, strange 
to say, although fully fledged, was an immature bird. Quite a 
number of Rock-Parrots were amongst the low bushes, and two 
or three were taken. Going off to the yacht at dark, three 
Cormorants were secured ; they were all of the Yellow-faced 
variety. Next moming we were under weigh at an early hour, 
and stood up the Gulf with a north to north- -westerly breeze, 
which strengthened as the day went on, and brought up a lumpy 
sea. We made the Port River after lunch, and reached the 
yacht’s moorings in the afternoon, so ending the third cruise. 
There is much work yet to be done amongst the islands of 
Spencer Gulf, and I hope in the near future to be able to continue 


THE Emu, Vol. XV/. 


PLATE XVIII. 


Silver Gulls Flying, Pondalowie Bay, South Australia. 


#5 


aes % 
ae 


HEE 
Cee bs kate 
MOE cca 


tia Win 


The Anchorage, North Coast, Wedge Island. 


PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE, M.B.0.U., PRES. R.A.O.U 


Vol. XVI. ; ; acer 
Dee WuitE, An Ornithological Crutse: 73 


the work. Had the weather been fine during the last trip, the 
work would have been almost completed. 

The following is a list of the birds observed during the last trip, 
with notes upon same :— 


Dromiceius n. novehollandiew (Dromaius nove-hollandie). Emu.— 
Only old tracks were seen this time at Pondalowie Bay. 


Eudyptula minor undina (E. minor). Little Penguin.—Numbers 
were found upon Althorpe Island ; they were all in good plumage, 
but none was nesting. The wailing dirge sung by these birds every 
evening is very mournful. They start at dark and keep up for an 
hour or more, then cease. Evidently they then start their fishing 
and hunting for food. A skin was secured. and Dr. Morgan took 
many temperatures, the result being :—No. 1, temperature 104.2° F ; 
bill bluish-grey ; feet flesh-grey, underneath foot dark, dark margins 
to feet) ANo- 2). temperature 100:2° F.;-No,. 3; temperature «100.27 
Po; Now4, temperature 100° F.; No. 5, temperature 100° Bis Now 6, 
temperature 103° F. 

Neonectris tenuirostris brevicaudus (Puffinus brevicaudus). Short- 
tailed Petrel—No adult birds were taken from the burrows. <A 
great many of the young had departed, but there were still many 
remaining, which varied from birds in full plumage to those still in 
down. Two skins were preserved. The immature bird has the bill 
dark horn colour, tip light horn; iris dark brown; back of tarsus 
black, front greyish-pink ; top of toes same colour; nails dark horn 
colour ; edge of web black; outer edge of outer toe, broad margin of 
toes narrowly margined with black. Dr. Morgan took the following 
temperatures of these birds :—No. 1, 99.8° F.; No. 2, 99.4° F.; 
Nens-)100:2, F.:>-Nos 4,°100°-F.; No.5 Gn down), 100.4° F. > No.6, 
100° F:; No. 7, ro1° F.; No. 8, 100.8° F. (All these birds, with the 
exception of the two taken for specimens, were placed back in their 
burrows after their temperatures were taken.) 


Hydroprogne tschegrava strenua (Sylochelidon caspia). Australian 
Caspian Tern.—Seen at Pondalowie Bay. 

Thalasseus bergi poliocercus (S/evna cristata’. Crested Tern.— 
Numbers were seen all along the coast-line ; many birds in immature 
plumage were seen at Troubridge Light. 


Bruchigavia ethele (Larus nove-hollandi@). Southern Silver Gull; 
—These birds were not any more numerous than they were on our 
last visit. 


Gabianus p. pacificus (G. pacificus). Pacific Gull.—A small party 
of these fine birds was always on the rocks or searching the sea close 
by for food. While we were at Althorpe Island one or two were in 
their dark immature plumage. 

Stercorarius parasiticus (S. cvepidatus). Arctic Skua.—Two birds 
were seen when on our homeward trip. They were chasing a Gull 
and a Tern, but did not come near the yacht. 


Hematopus ostralegus longirostris (H. /ongivostvis). Pied Oyster- 
catcher.—Seen at Troubridge Light. 

Leucopolius r. ruficapillus (gialitis vuficapilla). | Red-capped 
Dottrel.—Seen at Pondalowie Bay and at Troubridge Light: 

Charadrius c. cucullatus (4gzalitis monacha). Hooded Dottrel.—A 
pair was taken at Cape Yorke, Yorke Peninsula. Iris light brown ; 


74 WultE, An Ornithological Cruise. ia lire 


skin around eye scarlet ; bill flesh colour, tip black ; feet yellowish- 
pink, nails black. No. 1, g—length, 93”; wing, 72” ; stretch, tip to 
tip, 162”. No. 2, 9—length, 63” ; wimg, 73° 5 streteh) ip to 1p; 17. 
Stomach contents—grit, thousands of small mollusca, part of a beetle. 
Temperature, 107° F. 


Limnocinelus acuminatus (Pisobia acuminata). Sharp-tailed Stint. 
—Seen at Troubridge Light. 


Hypoleucus fuscescens (Phalacrocovax gouldt). White-breasted 
Cormorant.*—Not many birds were seen this trip; no doubt they 
were nesting. 

Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus (Phalacrocovax hypoleucus). Eastern 
Pied Cormorant.—Seen all through the trip; more plentiful in the 
upper part of the Gulf. Observations made on specimens taken 
were :—No. I, g—sStomach contents, large leatherjacket. No. 2, 9— 
stomach contents, fish bones and molluscs, identified by Dr. J. C. 
Verco as follows, ten in number, and are :—(1) Thalotia conica, Gray, 
whole and fresh; (2) Thalotia conica, a fragment, bleached; (3) 
Phasianella pervix, Wood, broken and much worn; (4) Modtlaria 
impacta, Herman, one valve, brittle, and not fresh; (5) Mesoderma 
glabrella, Lamarck, one valve, fresh ; (6) Chione corrugata, Lamarck, 
one valve, worn through and soft; (7, 8, 9, 10) Paphia galactites, 
Lamarck, four valves, separate, and none corresponding—three fresh 
and one not fresh. That none of the bivalve species have the two 
valves of any individual suggests that none of these was swallowed 
alive. Two of the valves are plainly partly disintegrated, and have 
long been dead. The Phastanella is an old shell, and so is the 
fragment of Thalotia conica. The only specimen which may have 
been swallowed alive is the Thalotia conica. This proves the birds 
do not swallow these shell-fish as food. It has been suggested by 
some that these shells may have been swallowed by fish as food, and 
the fish having been digested in the Cormorant’s stomach, the shells 
remained. In my opinion this is not at all likely, for the whole, 
unbroken condition of the large bivalves, and the condition of the 
rest as regards freshness, plainly points to the fact that they were 
not swallowed by any fish as food. It may be that the shells are 
swallowed as an aid to digestion. I pointed this out at a meeting of 
the Royal Society of South Australia, but the president, Dr. J. C. 
Verco, said—‘‘ The shells seem rather large and unsuitable to be 
purposely swallowed as an aid to digestion, like the small pebbles 
swallowed by fowls.’’ Then, against that, in another part of this 
paper it is shown that a Cormorant’s stomach contained granite 
stones to the weight of 2} ozs., which, I feel sure, must have been 
deliberately swallowed to help to triturate its food. No. 3, g—stomach 
contents, two flathead and fish-bones. 

Morus serrata dyotti (Swla australis). Australian Gannet.—Birds 
were seen nearly every day. They were nearly always hunting over 
the water in a solitary manner. 

Catoptropelicanus cc. conspicillatus (Pelecanus  conspicillatus). 
Eastern Pelican.—A dozen or more birds were seen on Pelican Point, 
in the Port River, when we were returning. 

Pandion haliaetus cristatus (P. /ewcocephalus). White-headed Osprey. 


* This bird should be called the ‘‘ Black-faced Cormorant,”’ for three species 
have white breasts.—S. A. W. 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XIX 


Nest and Eggs of Caspian Tern (Hydvoprogne tschegrava strenua). 


“DD 


Mangrove Flats north of Port Adelaide (tide in). The Home of the 
Yellow-faced Cormorant. 


PHOTOS, BY S. A WHITE, M.B.O.U,, PRES, R,A.O U, 


Vol. XVI 
1916 


WHITE, An Ornithological Cruise. 75 
—Seen once or twice flying round the small cove at Althorpe Island. 
Not once did it show any signs of capturing fish ; it seemed more in 
search of flotsam. 7 


Neonanodes petrophilus zietzi (Ewphema petrophila). Eastern Rock- 
Parrot.—These birds were seen on Althorpe Island, and there were 
quite a number on the low sandy island at Troubridge Light. 
Several specimens were taken here ; they were moving in small parties 
of from five or six to twenty birds. When alarmed they flew from 
the ground very swiftly, uttering a sharp, whistling note, circled 
round, and perched on the low bushes, remaining stationary for a 
few minutes, calling and answering each other. Then they alighted 
on the ground and began searching for a very minute grass-seed. 
Many birds had not obtained their adult plumage, being much duller 
in feather than the older birds. 


No. 1, ¢.—Iris brown ; bill dark horn colour; feet ashy-grey. Total 
length, 9” ; wing, axilla to tip, 5%” ; ulna to tip, 44”; spread, tip 
to tip, 124”. 
No. 2, §.—Iris brown ; bil] dark horn colour ; feet ashy-grey. Total 
length, 92”; wings, axilla to tip, 6”; ulna to tip, 43”; total 
spread, 13%”. 
No. 3, 9.—Iris brown ; bill dark horn ; feet ashy-grey. Total length, 
83” ; wing, axilla to tip, 5%”; ulna to tip; 44”; total spread, 
No. 4, 9.—Iris brown ; bill dark horn ; feet ashy-grey. Length, 9”; 
wing, axilla to tip, 54”; ulna to tip, 42” ; spread, 13”. 
No. 5, ¢ Gmmature).—Inis dark ; bill horn colour ; feet grey. Length, 
92” ; wing, axilla to tip, 62”; ulna to tip, 44”; spread, 134”. 
All stomachs were distended with small grass or rush seeds. 


Hirundo n. neoxena (H. neoxena). Welcome Swallow.—Seen along 


the cliffs both on the islands and mainland. 


Whiteornis g. goodenovii (Petvoica gvoodenoviz). Southern Red- 
capped Robin.—Several were seen at Pondalowie Bay. 


Geobasileus chrysorrhous perksi (Acanthiza chyysoryhoa). Southern 
Yellow-rumped Tit.—Numerous at Pondalowie Bay. A 4g taken 


17 u" 


measured—total length, 44” ; wing, from axilla to tip, 3”; spread of 
wings, 7”. 

Epthianura a. albifrons (EF. albifrons). White-fronted Chat.— 
Seen at Cape Yorke, Althorpe Island, Pondalowie Bay, and Trou- 
bridge Light. 

Sericornis maculatus osculans (S. osculans). Allied Scrub-Wren.— 
These birds were numerous in the thick scrub growing on the sand- 
dunes at Pondalowie Bay. They were very shy, and some patience 
had to be exerted to secure specimens. Upon comparison I find 
that the birds from this locality are identical with those from the 
type locality (Port Adelaide). These birds, being the nearest main- 
land form to Wedge Island, have given me an _ opportunity of 
describing the insular form as new. Three specimens were taken— 


No. 1, g.—Iris dull white; bill and feet brown. Total length, 5”; 
wing, from axilla to tip, 3” ; spread of wings, 63”. 

No. 2, g.—Iris dull white; bill and feet brown. Length, 5 
axilla to tip, 2%”; spread of wings, 62”. 

No. 3, g.—Iris dull white ; bill and feet brown; Total length, 52” ; 
wing, axilla to tip, 2}”; spread, 6%”; 


Mu 


; wing, 


er as Oe “at 2 a eS 
‘my a a 


76 Wuite, An Ornithological Cruise. aes, 


Leggeornis lamberti assimilis (Malwrus assimilis). Purple-backed 
Wren.—These birds were again seen in the scrub crowning the sand- 
dunes at Pondalowie Bay. A specimen was secured in non-breeding 
plumage, the red feathers just showing. 

Zosterops lateralis westernensis (Z. dorsalis). Southern White-eye. 
—Numerous on Althorpe Island, Cape Yorke, and at Pondalowie 
Bay. A specimen procured at the latter place measured—total 
length, 42” ; wing, from axilla to tip, 3}” ; spread, 72”. 

Meliphaga s. sonora (Pitilotis sonora). Southern Singing Honey- 
eater.—Numerous at Pondalowie Bay. 

Acanthagenys rufogularis cygnus (4. vufogularis). Southern Spiny- 
cheeked Honey-eater.—Numbers were calling loudly at Pondalowie 
Bay. One specimen was taken—iris light blue ; base of bill and gape 
bright pink ; sere bluish ; feet slaty-blue. Total length, 93”; wing, 
from axilla to tip, 54”; spread of wings, 12”. 

Anthus australis adelaidensis (4. austvalis). Southern Pipit.— 
Found at Cape Yorke, Pondalowie Bay, and Troubridge Light. 

Stagonopleura guttata philordi (S. eizftata). Southern Spotted-sided 
Finch.—Several were seen at Pondalowie Bay. 

Corvus coronoides perplexus (C. covonoitdes). Southern Raven.— 
Every evening, while we were at Althorpe Island, a bird of this species 
flew along about the same time as if on its way to roost, perched 
for a while on the wire-rope of the flying fox, gave a few mournful 
calls, and went on its way. 

Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota (G. /leuconota). White-backed 
Magpie.—Several birds were seen at Cape Yorke. 


When comparing the list of birds with that of the first trip, it 
will be seen that some species of birds met with the first time were 
not seen during the second visit, while other species were not 
nearly so numerous. 


Some discussion has taken place over the possibility of the 
Pacific Gull (Gabianus p. pacificus) carrying the large shells Turbo 
stamineus, and dropping them on the rocks as a means to abstract 
the contents for food. These birds have always been credited 
for doing this work, and the Messrs. Golley, of Wedge Island, 
state that they have seen these Gulls dropping the shells. My 
old friend, Dr. Morgan, is of the opinion that the shells mentioned 
are far too heavy for the Pacific Gulls to carry up, and thinks it 
must be the White-headed Osprey, this bird being able to grasp 
the large shells in its claws. I am of the opinion that it must be 
the Gull, for Nature must have provided that powerful bill for 
some such purpose. Three shells (Zurbo stamineus, Martyn), 
weighed while alive, resulted as follows :—No. I, 8 ozs.; No. 2, 
1o ozs.; No. 3, 9} ozs. 


Since writing the above I have had the pleasure of a long talk 
with Capt. W. G. Randall, Senior Inspector of Oyster Fisheries 
of Port Lincoln. This gentleman has had much experience of 
the ways of the sea-birds along our coast-line, He states that he 


0 ee ea Es Pleo ome 


he ie a 


on 


mee 


pest 


Tue Emu, Vol: XVI. 


PLATE Xx: 


Broken ‘‘ Warrener’”’ Shells (Turbo stvamineus). The subject of much 
discussion recently in connection with Pacific Gulls. 


The party, with the lighthouse-keepers, on Althorpe Island. The cliffs 
are the homes of numerous Penguins. 


PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE M.B.O.U., PRES, R.A,O.U, 


Vol. XVI. . 5 5 
2 ier: White, An Ornithological Cruise. 7 


knows for a fact that the Pacific Gulls carry up the large shells 
Turbo stamineus, and drop them upon the bare rocks. Capt. 
Randall also states that these Gulls can lift a far greater weight 
than the shells mentioned, for he has seen one lift an octopus 
from the water over double the weight of the largest Turbo 
stamineus. Again, I have had a visit from Mr. Ellison Rowe, 
the second in command of the Althorpe lighthouse, and he states 
that he has frequently seen the Pacific Gulls carrying up the shells 
in question and letting them drop upon the rocks, and if they did 
not break the first time the shell was picked up and dropped 
again. Mr. Ellison Rowe tells me he spends much of his time 
when off duty at the base of the cliffs fishing, and that he has often 
watched these birds procuring food from the shell-fish in the very 
clever way already mentioned. I am hoping to see the Gulls 
some day at the work myself, but there is no doubt in my mind 
about this matter. 


An Investigation Concerning the Food of Cormorants. 
bie (CAPL.)bo. Ase WHITE, MoB.O.U.; PRESIDENT K.A.0.U: 


On 24th March, 1916, Messrs. A. G. and E. S. Rymill put to sea 
in their yacht, the Avocet, this time to assist ornithological research 
by investigating the Cormorant rookeries in the mangrove creeks 
to the north of Port Adelaide. Towards sunset on Friday, the 
24th March, we slipped our moorings at Port Adelaide and 
steamed down the river to the Outer Harbour, where the anchor 
was let go in 3 fathoms of water. The party consisted of our 
sailing master, Messrs. A. G. and E. S. Rymill (who looked after 
the engines), Mrs. A. G. Rymill and son, the writer and his 
wife, in addition to the steward, the latter a very important 
member of the party. 

After breakfast next morning three of us put off in the dinghy 
and collected some cockles on the sand-spit ; these were for bait, 
in case fish were plentiful. Heaving the anchor, we steamed 
along the coast for about 18 or 20 miles till we reached a shallow 
area called “‘ The Flats.”’ The tide was out, so we anchored over 
weed in 13 fathoms. While waiting for the tide to come in (as 
it was impossible to get up the creeks at low tide), the time was 
spent trying to catch fish; toad-fish and trumpeter seemed the 
only members of the finny tribe about. We lay about a mile off 
the mangroves. Outside these some mud-banks were showing up, 
and here a number of Black Swans were seen. A few Cormorants, 
all Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus, flew by on their way to the 
mangroves, but they were only stragglers, and the main party 
was still fishing in the shallow waters. When the tide turned 
and had covered the mud-banks, we all left in the dinghy, driven 
by a motor engine. The tide was racing up the creeks as we 
entered, and after we had explored several creeks, with high 
mangroves on each side, without locating the Cormorant rookery, 


, Emu 


78 WuiteE, Food of Cormorants. ander 


I landed for a while to search for the Southern Blue Wren 
(Malurus cyaneus legget), this being the type locality. A party 
of brown birds was met with amongst the mangroves, but, there 
not being any full-plumaged males, it was impossible to identify 
the species. A little later in the evening the Cormorants began 
to come in from seawards, and we were able to mark down where 
they were settling. Going on board again, we retraced our way 
out of the creeks, and on a flood-tide made our way into another 
large creek, where we found the rookery. Specimens having been 
secured, we made our way back to the yacht at dark. Before 
going on board I took a note of the soft parts of each bird, 
attached a number to each, and placed all on the bottom of the 
dinghy, so that I could make a start at examination in the morning. 
The day had been very oppressive and thundery, with a falling 
glass, and before morning a series of squalls struck the little craft. 
By daylight the wind had gone round into the west. and we knew 
it would soon blow hard from the south-west. The boat, with 
the Cormorant specimens, was pulled up on to the davits; the 
engine soon had the anchor up, and we made a run for the Port 
River. It was not long before we were steaming into a strong 
gale from the south-west, with a heavy sea. It was afternoon 
before we dropped anchor inside the river in calm water. After 
lunch, in spite of driving showers, my friends accompanied me 
on shore with my specimens, and gave me every assistance with 
my investigations, the results of which are as follows :— 

All specimens were of one species—Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus 

(Pied Cormorant). 

No nests were seen. Most of the birds were in a non-breeding 
condition, while some were very near it. 

No. 1, g.—Iris sea green, spot in front of eye orange, space round 
eye blue; bill—upper mandible yellowish-white, the ridge 
along the top horn colour, becoming almost black at the 
base, curved tip brownish-yellow, lower mandible light 
yellow ; gular pouch yellowish-white ; feet black. Stomach 
contents, numbers of large fish-bones and seaweed. 
Measurements—total length, 323”; spread of wings, tip to 
tip, 48”; axilla to tip, 22”. This bird showed signs of the 
approaching breeding season. 

No. 2, $.—Iris sea green, spot in front of eye orange, space round 
eye pale yellow; upper mandible dark brown, lower 
yellowish; gular pouch very pale yellow; feet black. 
Stomach contents, weed-fish. Measurements—total length, 
30”; wing, 22”; total stretch of wings, 49”. 

No. 3, 9.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contents, 6 weed- 
fish. Measurements—length, 303”; wing, 21”; spread of 
wings, 48”. 

No. 4 (sex ?)—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contents, two 

flathead. 

. 5, d6.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contents, three 

flathead. 


N 


© 


—— isa 


Vol. XVI. q y 
Wuite, Food of Cormorants. 79 


No. 6, g.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contents, one 
weed-fish. 

No. 7 (sex ?)—Iris sea green, bare space in front of eye orange, 
bare space round eye blue, lower part of eyelid green ; gular 
pouch pink; bill bluish-black, tip horn colour; feet black. 
Stomach contents, weed-fish. 

No. 8, g.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contained one 
flathead. 

No. 9, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 7.. Stomach contained one squid. 

No. ro (sex ?)—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained 
one squid. 

No. 11, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 2. One flathead in stomach. 

No. 12, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained four 
weed-fish, one leatherjacket. 

No. 13, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained one 
toad-fish and other fish remains. 

No. 14, 6.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Length, 33”; wing, 21 
wing span, 48”. Stomach contained three weed-fish. 

No. 15, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained one 
flathead and one weed-fish. 

No. 16, g.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contained weed- 


uw Yi, 


fish. 
No. 17, g.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contained one 
tommy-rough and one weed-fish. Length, 29”; wing, 


21%”; wing span, 46”. 

No. 18, 3.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contained one 
large weed-fish. 

No. 19, @.—Iris sea green ; bill dark bluish-black ; bare space in 
front of eye, and extended round to the back of the eye, 
orange ; bare space below eye very bright and iridescent 
shades of blue and green, being very beautiful ; gular pouch 
purplish-red ; feet black. Length, 304”; wing, 22”; wing 
span, 48”. One flathead in stomach. This bird would have 
laid within a fortnight. 

No. 20, $.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contents, two 
tommy-roughs, one weed-fish. Length, 32”; wing, 23%”; 
wing span, 49”. 

No. 21, g.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained one 
flathead, one weed-fish. Length, 323”; wing, 22”; wing 
span, 48”. 

No. 22, $.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained two 
squids. Length, 34”; wing, 22”; wing span, 48”. 

No. 24, 9.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contained one 
flathead and a weed-fish. Length, 30” ; wing, 21” ; stretch, 


45”. 
No. 25, ¢.—Soft parts same as No. 2. Stomach contained one 
flathead. Length, 324”; wing, 22”; stretch of wings, 48”. 
No. 27, 9.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contents, weed- 
fish, the remains of what appeared to be a_ flathead, 
Length, 313”; wing, 203”; stretch of wings, 47”. 


80 Waite, Food of Cormorants. aad OH 


No. 28, 9°.—Soft parts same as No. 7. Stomach contents, one 
weed-fish and one flathead. Length, 31”; wing, 20”; 
stretch of wings, 44%”. 


The following seven birds were not measured or numbered— 


a, g.—Stomach contents, two flathead, four weed-fish. 

b, $.—Stomach contents, fish-bones, cockle shells, and spiral shell. 

c, 9.—Stomach contents, 27 young toad-fish and a number of 
fish resembling whitebait. Soft parts same as No. 2. 

d, 3.—Stomach contents, small leatherjacket. 

e, ¢.—Stomach contents, one flathead and bones. 

f, 9.—Stomach contents, one flathead. 

g, $.—Stomach contents, weed-fish. 


There are one or two remarkable things arising out of these 
investigations—firstly, the preponderance of the male sex over 
the female birds; secondly, the great difference in coloration of 
the soft parts at breeding and non-breeding times ; thirdly, the 
number of weed-fish found in the birds’ stomachs, which supports 
my contention that these birds fish only over weed; fourthly, 
the remarkable fact that 27 toad-fish were found in one stomach, 
and it is believed on good authority that such fish are poisonous ; 
if such be the case, Nature has provided that these birds are 
immune to it. 


My investigations of the life-history of Cormorants is not yet 
completed. There is a good deal more yet to be done, and I 
have already shown that these birds do much more good than 
harm. With others, I have always known this to be a fact ; but 
unless we show proofs in black and white it is impossible to 
overcome the prejudices of the public. 


Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 
By Dr. R. W. SHUFELDT, C.M.Z.S., WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. 


FossIL remains of a great many species of birds have been dis- 
covered and described within the last century or more; still, 
fossils of this class of the Vertebrata are comparatively rare— 
that is, when we come to compare the number found with like 
discoveries of fossil remains of fish and mammals and some of the 
Invertebrata. In this matter of rarity, however, they cannot 
be compared with the fossil eggs of birds ; for, where we discover 
several score or more of fossil remains of birds, we do not find 
a single fossil bird’s egg. Indeed, I do not remember having 
seen more than six or eight of such fossils in my lifetime, and I 
have had abundant opportunity to meet with them in collections, 
museums, and elsewhere. 

_ In this country we have practically no literature on this 


ve SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 81 


subject, and, apart from the descriptions of fossil and sub-fossil 
eggs of certain large struthious birds of the East Indies, Mada- 
gascar, and elsewhere in that part of the Old World, I have come 
across but one prominent paper from the pen of an American 
scientist describing the fossil egg of a bird found within the limits 
of the United States. It is the only paper cited by Professor 
Hay in his bulletin on fossil vertebrates, where a special section 
is made for its reception.* This paper is by Dr. Farrington, 
published some twenty years ago,t and is now a well-known con- 
tribution to paleornithologists. As stated in the title of that 
paper, the egg described in it is from South Dakota, and Dr. 
Farrington believed it to be ‘a petrified egg of an Anatine bird 
of Early Miocene age.’’ One of the plates to the article gives the 
egg, natural size, in three different views, while in the other we 
have the specimen compared with the eggs of the following 
species: — Anas f. fulvigula, Sterna fuscata, Tympanuchus a. 
americanus, Charadrius d. dominicus, Florida cerulea, Podilymbus 
podiceps, and Phalacrocorax p. robustus. Of all these, it certainly 
more closely resembles that of the Duck, especially in form and 
size ; of course, there is no telling what the colour of this fossil egg 
may have been. And, as it has the typical broad ovate form, 
it may have been laid, not only by some Duck, but by a great 
many other species of birds belonging to widely-separated 
families. Then, too, we must remember that a very large number 
of birds may have become utterly extinct since the parent of this 
egg laid it in the “ Early Miocene age.” 

With respect to form and size of the eggs of all species of birds 
now in existence, they vary in these particulars, often in the case 
of eggs belonging to the same clutch. Where we have not colour 
to assist us, it would sometimes be difficult to identify eggs laid 
by the same species of bird, and frequently it is quite impossible. 
Domestic chickens of the present day lay eggs agreeing exactly, 
with respect to stze and form, with the fossil one described by Dr. 
Farrington, and this is also the case with the Sage Cock (Centro- 
cercus urophasianus) of the western plains. For instance, the 
egg of the Sage Cock, figured by Bendire and numbered 12 on 
plate iii. of his “* Life-Histories of North American Birds ”’ (Spec. 
Bull. No. 1), measures exactly the same size as the fossil egg 
here being considered. In other words, apart from the matter 
of colour, that egg of Centrocercus has exactly the same form and 
size as the fossil egg in the Field Columbian Museum. This being 


* Hay, O. P., “ Bibliography and Catalogue of the Fossil Vertebrata of 
North America.’ Dept. Int. Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv., No. 179. Washington : 
Government Printing Office, 1902, p. 537. 

t Farrington, Oliver Cummings, Ph.D. (Curator Dept. of Geology), ‘A 
Fossil Egg from South Dakota.’’ Field Columbian Museum, Publication 
35, Geological Series, vol. 1., No. 5. Chicago, U.S., April, 1899, pp. 193-200, 
plates xx., xxi., two text cuts. This article was reviewed in The Osprey 
(vol. iv., Oct., 1899, pp. 29, 30), and in closing his remarks the reviewer 
said :—‘‘ Indeed, it is not evident why the egg is supposed to have been 
a Duck’s, Dr. Farrington and Mr. Bryan to the contrary notwithstanding.”’ 


82 SHuUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. Ba 


the case, and taken in connection with what I have stated above 
in the Jast paragraph or two, there does not seem to be the 
slightest reason for believing that the bird which laid that egg 
(the fossil one) was a Duck, or in any way related to the Anatida. 
However, it may have been; but there is just as much ground 
for believing that its parent was some big Pheasant, a Sage Cock, 
or even some extinct, small-sized ratite or struthious bird, the 
remains of which have, as yet, not been discovered. 

Again, this fossil egg may have been a manufactured one, made 
with the intent to deceive some unwary paleontologist—a trick 
frequently resorted to by a certain class of fakers to obtain money 
for such specimens. Dr. Farrington had this in mind when he 
said in his above-cited article :—‘ If the specimen be not a 
petrified egg, therefore, it is as perfect an imitation of one in 
external appearance as can be conceived of’’ (p. 193). 

Now, I am of the opinion that the normal contents of a bird’s 
egg have never been fossilized, Dr. Farrington’s interesting dis- 
cussion on this subject to the contrary. He seems to believe 
that such a process has taken place, and possibly did take place, 
in the specimen described by him. “ At first thought,” he says, 
“an egg of the sort here described may seem too perishable for 
preservation by a process of true petrifaction. It is difficult to 
understand how, in such a mass as an egg, petrifying liquids could 
pass to and fro, removing particles of organic matter and replacing 
them by particles of silica, in the way that it is generally under- 
stood that petrifactions usually take place. On further con- 
sideration, however, the natural petrifaction of an egg need not 
seem to be an impossible phenomenon. If covered as soon as 
deposited, by mud or earth, as it is likely to have been in this 
region, its substance might endure for months or years. Or the 
process of petrifaction might have begun at once, since the 
present chalcedony veins of the region show that circulating 
siliceous waters are abundant there. 

‘Given conditions of this sort, I believe that petrifaction could 
have gone on by a process of endosmose and exosmose, similar 
to that believed by M. Forster Heddle,* to produce the formation 
of agates.”’ 

Personally, I do not believe that any such phenomenon ever 
took place in the case of an egg, as is here referred to and offered 
as an explanation of the petrifaction of birds’ eggs by Dr. 
Farrington. In the first place, the entire question of the addling 
of the egg has been overlooked—a process that takes place in a 
comparatively short time, accompanied with very marked changes 
in the egg. These changes would militate not only against the 
probability of. an egg’s “settling ’ down in the mud, under which 
conditions only could endosmosis and exosmosis go on, but they 
would increase very much the chances of the egg being broken. 
We have also to consider the matter of differences in specific 


* Nature, NOl. xix, ps -4.19; 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XxXI, 


a ae a eee hh 


d 


‘et SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 83 


1916 


gravity of the various kinds of mud, and whether it might or might 
not contain substances in the way of vegetation, stones, &c., 
which would prevent absolutely an addled egg settling down into 
it. Addled eggs often float, and the sun and the elements produce 
marked changes in them if left to their fate, to be tossed about in 
the water where wind and waves during storms would be almost 
certain to fracture them sooner or later. Then, the shell of egg 
and its lining membrane do not form especially favourable septa 
for the process of osmosis to proceed, and the success of the process 
would be considerably diminished in the case of a floating, addled 
egg—a fact that may be readily appreciated. 

When one comes to take all these factors into consideration— 
with a few others which I have not touched upon—it will be clear 
that some other view must be advanced as to how the eggs of 
birds may fossilize. I am of the opinion that the only way in 
which this can happen is when a more or less recently-laid bird’s 
egg, of medium size, received, in’ one way or another, a restricted 
fracture or puncture of the shell that so far rends the internal 
lining membrane of the latter as to allow the yolk and albumen 
of the egg to escape gradually, while their place is taken by other 
matter, having the nature of a soil, a sand, or mud, which can 
ultimately undergo the usual process of fossilization. Should the 
fracture be so extensive as to allow of too easy an ingress and 
egress of the mud, sand, or earthy matter in which the egg 
became lodged after its injury, then it would be more than likely 
that it would be, in its weakened condition, and from one cause 
or another, more extensively broken up and its egg-shape 
destroyed. Should this happen—the broken pieces subsequently 
fossilizing—no one would be able to recognize them in any matrix 
as being pieces of the shell of an egg of a bird. 

To best insure the future fossilization of the shell of a bird’s egg 
—admitting that the yolk and albumen never fossilize—is to have 
the aforesaid puncture or fracture received at the butt; for in 
that locality the air-chamber of the egg is present, situated 
between the internal and the external membranes. With the 
latter ruptured, and an internal, open space at hand, it is evident 
that the way would be cleared for the easy escape of the contents 
of the egg, and for the ingress of any soft, earthy constituents, in 
which the specimen may have become gradually embedded after 
the reception of the aforesaid fracture or puncture. The next 
most favourable point for the latter to be received would be the 
opposite end of the egg, or at the apex of such eggs as may happen 
to be more or less pointed. Lateral fractures, of a greater or less 
extent, though by no means militating against the ultimate 
fossilization of the shell, are usually more extensive in character, 
thus rendering the egg liable to be still further broken up, or so 
much crushed that it finally loses entirely the form it originally 
possessed, and one might or might not recognize it in its matrix 
as a fossil. 

For very evident reasons, the most likely specimens of ‘“ fossil 


84 SHuFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. Be 


eggs’ of this class of vertebrates to be discovered are those which 
were laid by such water-birds as breed on the ground, or in 
swamps, or along the shores of all manner of streams and rivers, 
or in burrows or holes in the banks of the latter. and so on. Less 
likely specimens would be those eggs of birds of all kinds that 
breed in nests in trees, shrubs, and hollows of all kinds in the 
former, or those of small birds which lay correspondingly small, 
and consequently very fragile eggs. Finally, as we know, there 
ave thousands of birds which breed on the precipitous rocks of 
certain coast-lines in northern and southern sub-polar regions, or 
upon lofty, rocky islands in those regions, or in similar situations. 
There would be no chance whatever of such eggs, or rather their 
shells, being preserved through the process of fossilization, as 
there would be no constituents present to fill their interiors, even 
were any of them so favourably fractured that their interiors 
could become filled with fossilizable material. Such eggs could 
only be so preserved through their being transported, in some way, 
to places where they would be placed under circumstances where 
the fossilization of their shells might ultimately be brought about. 

It is a well-known fact that birds frequently drop their eggs 
during flight, or lay them, for some reason or other, in unusual 
places * The eggs of such birds as Hawks, Owls (that breed in 
hollow trees, &c.), and other forms, may occasionally, or rather 
rarely, be deposited in this way, in situations where the subsequent 
fossilization of their shells be rendered possible. 

It will be as well to note, in passing, that manufactured “ fossil 
birds’ eggs’’ are usually made by making a puncture of greater 
or less extent in the egg of some domestic fowl (chicken, Duck, 
Turkey, Guinea-Fowl, &c.), evacuating the contents, and then 
filling the specimen with a mixture of plain gypsum and water, 
or a so prepared cement which, when thoroughly hardened, has 
the appearance and weight of a fossil of the same proportions. 
After this the external surface of the shell is stained or otherwise 
treated to imitate a smooth, fossilized surface—and the trick is 
complete. These eggs have even deceived good paleontologists, 
especially when some plain, white egg of some wild bird-form has 
been selected to perpetrate the fraud. Several such “ fossil eggs ”’ 
have been examined by me; but the nature of tl. specimen can 


* During the early part of the spring of 1915, I was walking with my wife 
through a field at Sunnyside, Maryland, when she found, among the thick 
grass at her feet, the perfect and entirely fresh egg of a Blue-Bird (Sialia s. 
sialis), which is still in her possession, having been carefully blown for her 
by Mr. Edward J. Court, of Washington, D.C., who was with us at the 
time. Now, had this bird dropped its egg in some soft mud or other, capable 
of fossilization in time, and the egg had thus received such a fracture of its 
shell as to admit of the escape of its contents ; and the ingress of the afore- 
said fossilizable material having in time taken place, the specimen 
ultimately settling down into the mud where it fell or was otherwise 
deposited by the bird, the shell of that specimen might, in due time, become 
thoroughly fossilized, as would the material of its subsequent matrix be 
similarly transformed. 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI 


PLATE XXII. 


Vol. XVI. eres fed 
cae SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 85 


usually be demonstrated by the careful use of a high-power, come 
pound microscope, seconded by an exhaustive chemical analysis 
of the shell and its contents. Further on in the present article 
this matter will be touched upon again, when the examination of 
some actual specimens is taken up. 

There are not a few geologists and paleontologists who contend 
that all the “so-called fossil eggs of birds and reptiles” are 
nothing more nor less than “ concretions.’’ These formations are 
now well known, and have been frequently described in text-books 
on geology, rendering it quite unnecessary to discuss them here.* 
These nodular concretions are often found where they have 
assumed the perfect ovate form of an egg, as the egg of a domestic 
towl (Gallus), for example. Where such concretionary formation 
subsequently comes to be, in some way, overlaid with a thin 
coating of calcareous deposit, and by some action or other this 
wears down to a more or less smooth surface, the entire specimen, 
when finally discovered by man, most assuredly has all the 
characters of what we would imagine the fossil egg of a bird 
possessed. Such ovate, thin, finely-granulated, Jime-coated, 
nodular concretions have been mistaken by many observers and 
discoverers of them for what they certainly are not—fossilized 
birds’ eggs. Wherein they differ from the latter I shall proceed 
to demonstrate. 

First, however, as to the source of the material at hand. This, 
as a whole, has been turned over to me for description by Mr. 
Charles W. Gilmore, Curator of the Department of Fossil Birds 
and Reptiles, of the U.S. National Museum, to which institution 
the specimens belong. Mr. Gilmore was especially kind in 
placing at my disposal all the information he had in his possession 
with respect to these alleged examples of fossil birds’ eggs, as 
well as all there were of them in the collection. They may be 
listed as follows :— 


List OF SPECIMENS. 


1.—‘ Fossil Egg.” Cat. No. 8,262, Quinn Draw, Washington Co., 
South Dakota. Oligocene. (Upper Titanotherium Beds.) 
1888. Collected and presented by J. W. Gidley (see Plate I., 
figs. I-3). 

2.—‘‘ Fossil Egg.”’ Cat. No. 4,891, Galistes, Santa Fé Co., New 
Mexico. Received: irom -F.. H., Wiley.) Nov; > 19¢0: 
(Horizon not known.) (See Plate I., fig. 4, and Plate V., 
fig. 16.) 

3-—" Fossil] Egg.” Cat. No. 6,496. St.Gérand de Puy, France. 
Oligocene. Gift of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, 1896. (See Plate 
Viet. T2:) 

4.—“ Fossil Egg.’”’ Cat. No. 6,498. St. Gérand de Puy, France. 
Oligocene. Gift of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, 1896. (See Plate 
V., figs. 14 and 15.) 


* Le Conte, Joseph, ‘“‘ Elements of Geology,’’ New York, 1883 (rev. ed.), 
Pp gy ) 
pp. 188-190, fig. 173. 
7 


86 SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs: ee 


5.— Fossil Egg.” Cat. No. 6,497. St. Gérand de Puy, France. 
Oligocene. Gift of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, 1896. (See Plate 
V., fig. 13.) 

Mr. cues W. Gidley, Curator of the Department of Fossil 
Mammals and Fish, of the U.S. National Museum, assisted by the 
late Mr. Wirt Tassin, Curator of Mineralogy of the Museum, had, 
on a former occasion, made a careful examination of Nos. 1 and 2 
of the above list. Mr. Gidley had made various sections of No. 1, 
compared them with similar sections made of the shell of an egg 
of a specimen of Crex globicera (from San José, Costa Rica), and 
these sections were mounted on slides for microscopical examina- 
tion. He had also made a series of micro-photographic enlarge- 
ments from these, obtaining some valuable prints. So far as I 
am aware, no chemical examinations were made of any part of 
the specimens. Mr. Gidley very kindly turned all this important 
material over to me, to be worked up and used in the present 
article. He was, however, unable to find the aforesaid prints ; 
but I soon made a complete series of others from his excellent 
negatives, and these—or rather their reproductions—are here 
shown on Plates II-IV., figs. 5-11. 

On the afternoon of the 18th of May, 1915, at my home 
(3,356 Eighteenth-street, Washington, D.C.), Mr. Gidley and I 
carefully re-examined the aforesaid material with my high-power 
microscope and other means. He came to the conclusion, in 
which I concurred, that the specimen here shown in Plate L., 
fig. 4, and Plate V., fig. 16 (No. 2 of the above list), was nothing 
more than a quite clever imitation of a fossil bird’s egg, though 
this by no means implies that the fraud was the work of the donor 
of the specimen. While its external surface is very smooth and of 
a rather light, earth-brown shade, it does not appear to be com- 
posed of a fossil avian egg-shell. As far as I can judge, the 
interior appears to be of a homogeneous material, of a stone-grey 
colour, and heavy. Possibly it may be a concretion with its 
external surface stained. It has the form of an ordinary hen’s 
egg, and there would be but little difficulty in finding one of the 
latter with exactly the same form, size, and proportions. It may 
be a clever cast of such an egg, ground smooth and subsequently 
stained. In anyevent, I am of the opinion that it is not a fossilegg 
of a bird, and its further examination (aside from a chemical one) 
would bring nothing to light beyond what has been set forth 
above. 

When we come to examine the specimen tabulated in the above 
list as No. 1, and shown upon three different views (figs. I-3) on 
Plate I., we have before us a very different kind of specimen, as 
compared with the one last examined. In the first place, it is 
a thoroughly fossilized specimen, and it has all the appearance of 
the empty shell of a bird’s egg, of about the size of the egg of a 
Cock-of-the-Plains, or Sage Cock (Centrocercus urophasianus), that 
had been crushed from side to side, filled with some fossilizable 
material—the whole, as I say, having fossilized. Evidently the 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI, 


PLATE XxXIll. 


Vol. XVI. , : ’ 
eo SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 87 


form of this egg, when whole, was typically ovate, and the 
external surface of the shell roughish and granular. Apparently, 
it was originally crushed in the manner above stated—that is, 
from side to side. This allowed its contents to escape completely 
and rapidly, their place being taken by the mud or whatever it 
was of that nature which subsequently fossilized. It would 
further appear that when this egg was crushed, the fracture 
admitted of one large piece coming away, sooner or later. This 
was on one side, and extended up to and included a part of the 
apical end of the egg. Nearly all this area is very rough, pre- 
senting many irregular, confluent elevations and depressions that 
render it so. 

When this specimen is held with the shell-side towards one, 
the apex pointing upward, there will be noted, on the right-hand 
side, well above the butt or big end of the egg, a place where the 
internal fossilized material bulges outwards, presenting a limited, 
flat, superior surface, evidently cut off by the sharp edge of the 
shell above it. This is well seen in fig. 2 of Plate I., where, by the 
high light upon it, it has reproduced white. Now, that must 
have happened after the egg was filled with the mud or other 
substance which subsequently fossilized, and before the process 
of fossilization had rendered it so hard, firm, and implastic that 
it would have been impossible. Still holding the egg in the above 
position, it will be noted, on the side away from the observer and 
continuous with the place above described, that there is a longish, 
longitudinal, and somewhat extensive area where the fossilized 
shell subsequently came away. Beyond any manner of doubt, 
then, this egg was subjected to some considerable pressure both 
before and after the process of fossilization was complete, though 
after its interior had been completely filled with the mud that 
found its way in there. Further, it would appear that this 
crushed egg rested on the muddy area where it settled down, and 
where its interior was filled. As fossilization proceeded, and its 
matrix being continuous with the same material that filled its 
interior—that is, the mud—the process was simultaneous within 
and without the shell. Later on pressure was exerted, the 
specimen flattened, and eventually was broken loose from the 
general semi-fossilized matrix. This will account for the very 
rough surface on the side where the shell is gone and where the 
mud entered. That this is now somewhat worn is evidence that 
the wearing took place after the specimen was detached from its 
matrix and became a free agent. No thin, rough, calcareous 
coating or envelope was ever deposited on the shell of this 
fossil bird’s egg, such as is often seen in the case of other speci- 
mens. 

From this point on it is difficult to trace the career of this fossil 
egg. When Mr. Gidley discovered it, it formed the apex of a 
small pinnacle of the Oligocene clays, which are so much a feature 
of the terres mauvais (“Bad Lands’’) of Southern Dakota. At 
some time or other these clays were horizontally disposed ; but 


Emu 


88 SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs Pear 


later, through tilting, their planes formed, over various areas, an 
inclined watershed, and erosion set in. During the enormous 
lapses of time following upon this, the rains carved out the 
immense hills and divides of that region as we now find them. 
No vegetation to speak of appeared ; and, as the sculpturing went 
on, fossils, among other things, were exposed. The rains fre- 
quently carved around these, as I stated above, leaving them 
surmounting cones of the hard clay in numerous places. This 
fossil egg, as pointed out above, occupied the apex of such a cone 
at the time of its discovery. Mr. Gidley was descending into one 
of these divides, following a companion. In the course of his 
descent he slipped ; and, throwing back his hand to steady him- 
self, he seized the peak of one of these small cones, the apex of 
which, breaking off in his hand, proving to be, much to his delight, 
the fossil bird’s egg here being described. 

It is said that Prof. E. D. Cope, on one of his expeditions into 
these terres mauvais, once discovered the fossil skull of some large 
animal surmounting one of these conical peaks. The latter was 
so high that it had to be pulled over by means of a rope before he 
could obtain the coveted specimen. 

By the aid of a powerful microscope I have, with great care, 
examined all the microscopical slides of the cross and surface 
sections of the shell of the fossil bird’s egg shown in figs. 1-3 of 
Plate I., as well as the corresponding ones of the shell of an egg of 
Crex globicera made by Gidley and Tassin, and I find that the 
intimate, minute structure of these egg-shells differs but very 
slightly for the fossil and the existing bird. Indeed, such an 
examination leaves no doubt in the mind of the microscopist but 
that the fossil specimen is the fractured shell of an egg of some 
bird of the period mentioned—Oligocene. There is a chance, of 
course, of its having been the egg of some reptile, and not a bird 
at all; though I think the ovate form of the egg indicates avian 
rather than reptilian parentage. 

It is quite impossible to say whether the bird that laid that 
egg is still represented as a species in the existing avifauna or not, 
although the chances are that it is an extinct form. 

There will be no necessity for my going any further into the 
results of the microscopic examination of the shells of eggs of 
extinct and existing birds, in so far as a consideration of the 
material before me is concerned. From all that has been set 
forth, from the study of the figures in the plates, and from what 
is given about them under “Explanation of Plates,’ the 
similarity of the two structures or their histological resemblance 
will have been amply demonstrated. 

Finally, as there is no saying what kind of bird laid this egg, 
it will be of no advantage to science to bestow a name upon it. 
Moreover, we now know that not a few of the birds of the Oligocene 
belonged to genera still in existence, and in no way differed from 
their present-day descendants beyond their specific differences. 
Among the former we have, up to date, such birds as Grebes, Gulls, 


THe Emu, Vol. XVI, 


PLATE XXIV. 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. 89 
Cormorants, Pheasants, and others, as may be seen by consulting 
some of my former papers on the subject.* 

Nearly twenty years ago, Mr. Jno. Eyreman, of Easton, Penn- 
sylvania, presented me with a collection of fossil bones of birds 
and birds’ eggs, which I subsequently described and presented to 
the United States National Museum.t Among these specimens 
I find three that are said to be fossil birds’ eggs, and which, 
apparently, from the records, were subsequent accessions. Mr. 
Gilmore has very kindly loaned me all this material for a second 
examination, though the eggs alone are of interest here. These 
I have already passed upon, in part, in a list given on a former 
page of this paper, and I need only add a few words in regard to 
them in this place. One of these specimens, No. 6,496 of the 
U.S. National Museum collection (fig. 12, Plate V.), is a very im- 
portant one, as it not only presents about half of the fossilized 
internal matrix of a medium-sized egg (the divisional plane passing 
roughly from apex to butt), but in addition it exhibits small areas 
of egg-shell, adhering to the convex external surface of this matrix 
in several places. What is even more interesting, it has, over- 
lying these shell-areas in some places, remaining pieces of what 
was originally a coating of pretty thick concretionary deposit. 
This last was some ten or fifteen times thicker than the egg-shell 
itself. Iam of the opinion that a bird, and not a reptile, laid this 
egg; that originally it possessed an almost perfect ellipsoidal 
form, and a true, thin shell. Its major and minor axes measured 
about 50 x 38 millimeters respectively. 

As it is from the Oligocene of France, its history and fate may 
have been practically similar to that of the fossil bird’s egg found 
in South Dakota by Mr. Gidley and described above. Its chief 
importance lies in the fact that it presents both the shell of the 
original egg—or, rather, its remains—and some of the overlying 
fossilized calcareous deposits that encrusted the shell later on. 

In fig. 13 of the same plate is shown the remains of another 
fossilized bird’s egg from the same horizon in France (No. 6,497, 
Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus.) Here we have an egg that was somewhat 
smaller than the last ; and, while a very much larger part of the 
shell has been preserved, no concretion or limy coating has formed 
and fossilized upon it. This shell is sustained by the usual 
internal, fossilized, coarse, pale grey matrix, upon which its much- 
cracked-up pieces are closely adpressed. As this specimen has 
been subjected to considerable pressure, and as less than half of 
it was found, the exact form of the original egg cannot, with 


* Shufeldt, R. W., ‘‘ Fossil Birds in the Marsh Collection of Yale 
University,” Trans. Com. Acad. of Arts and Sciences, vol. xix., pp. 54-60, 
1915. There are those who are of the opinion that all birds of the Oligocene 
must have been ratite forms. This is not true by any means, as anyone 
may be satisfied through an examination of the work here cited. 


+ Shufeldt, R. W., ‘‘ Fossil Bones of Birds and Mammals from Grotto 
Pietro Tampoin and Grive-St. Alban,’’ Proc. Acad. Nat. Sct. Phila., 1896, 
pp. 507-516, plate xxiv., one figure in text, 


go SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. Bee 


certainty, be determined. Its colour is of a medium buffy shade, 
such as we see in the case of some eggs of the existing domestic 
fowls (Gallus), and it is perfectly plain and unspotted. 

Finally, there is shown in figs. 14 and 15 on Plate V. a 
moderately thin, fossilized, calcareous coat (in two pieces), that 
evidently, at one time, overlaid either a somewhat pointed, ovate 
egg of a medium-sized bird, or a concretion possessing a similar 
form. This is also from the same locality in France (Oligocene, 
St. Gérand de Puy). How such a coating became detached with- 
out breaking up or having any of the fossilized egg-shell adhere 
to its internal surface, it is difficult to say, though I am quite 
confident that this is what this specmien represents. The interior 
of the concave aspect is shown in fig. 15 of the plate, with the 
apex resting on the plane (grass) upon which I photographed it. 

Whether there are any other fossil birds’ eggs in the museums 
or in private collections anywhere in the United States I am 
unable to say at this writing. Dr. Charles Schuchert, Curator of 
the Geological Division of the Peabody Museum of Yale University, 
wrote me, on the 2nd of June, 1915, that there were no such 
specimens in the paleontological collection of that institution, and 
this may be the case with other museums. It is rather remark- 
able that the few I have before me at this time are all from the 
Oligocene—those discovered in France, as well as the one from 
this country. No fossil eggs of birds, I believe, were found in the 
great Pleistocene lakes of Oregon, where Cope and others collected 
so many fossil bones of the water-birds of those times, and which 
were described by me many years ago in the Journal of the 
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and elsewhere. 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


(Figures natural size unless otherwise stated, from photographs by 
the author.) 


PrArE le 


Fig. 1.—Fossil Bird’s Egg. (Cat. No. 8,262, Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus.) 
Nat. size. Photo. by the author of a specimen collected 
by Mr. J. W. Gidley. 


Fig. 2.—Same as fig. 1 above. Photo. by the author; nat. size. 
View of the shell side. 


Fig. 3.—Same as figs. 1 and 2 above; nat. size. Photo. by the 
author. View of the side where the fossilized internal 
contents may best be seen. 


Fig. 4.—What appears to be an imitation of a fossil egg of a bird. 
(No. 4,891, Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus.) Nat. size. Photo. by the 
author. (See also Plate V., fig. 16.) 


PLATE II. 


Fig. 5.—Cross section of the shell of an existing bird, Crex globicera ; 
magnified about 200 diameters. Preparation by Mr. J. W. 
Gidley. (See fig. 6.) 


i a ian Nas a ate oe 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI: 


PEATE oXXV. 


eee SHUFELDT, Fossil Birds’ Eggs. QI 


Fig. 6.—Cross section of the shell of an egg of an existing bird, Crex 
globicera. The straight edge is the external surface of the 
shell. Fig. 5 is from near the middle of this piece. Magnified 
50 diameters. Preparation by Mr. J. W. Gidley. 


Fig. 7.—Cross section of the shell of a fossil egg of a bird (specimen 
shown in figs. 1-3, Plate I.) (See fig. 11.) Magnified about 
50 diameters. Negative by Mr. J. W. Gidley. 


Prare vile 


Fig. 8.—Ground-down superficial surface of the shell of an egg of 
an existing bird, Crex globiceva. Magnified about 200 
diameters. Taken from some part of fig. 9, where the 
magnification is but 50 diameters. Preparation by Mr. 
J. W. Gidley. 


Fig. 9.—Same as fig. 8 (Crex globicera). Magnification 50 diameters. 
Ground-down superficial surface. Prepared by Mr. J. W. 
Gidley. 


BeAr ive 


Fig. 10.—Cross section of the shell of the fossil egg shown in figs. 1-3 
of Plate I., being an enlargement to 200 diameters of the 
section shown in fig. 7 of Plate II., which is enlarged but 
50 diameters. Preparation by Mr. J. W. Gidley. 


Fig. 11.—Superficial ground surface of the shell of the fossil bird’s 
egg shown in figs. 1-3 of Plate I. Magnified 50 diameters. 
Prepared by Mr. J. W. Gidley. 


PLAT eve 


Fig. 12.—Fossil egg of bird ; nat. size. Photographed by the author. 
St. Gérand de Puy, France. Oligocene. No. 6,496, Coll. 
U.S. Nat. Mus. Gift of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Lateral aspect, 
and exhibiting in places both shell and concretion. 


Fig. 13.—Fossil bird’s egg: imperfect and considerably cracked up. 
Nat. size. “Lateral view. No. 6,497, Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus. 
St. Gérand de Puy, France. Oligocene. Gift of Dr. R. W. 
Shufeldt. 

Figs. 14 and 15.—Two somewhat extensive flakes of what appear to 
be of the nature of a concretion. Possibly they may have 
been all one piece at some time or other, and may or may 
not have coated the shell of a fossil bird’s egg. No. 6,498, 
Coll. U.S. Nat. Mus. St. Gérand de Puy, France. Photo- 
graphed and presented by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Nat. size. 

Fig. 16.—Different aspect of the same specimen shown in fig. 4 of 
Plates i 


Robins at a Sawmill.—At the sawmill, when the engine whistles 
blow for the saw to stop, both at mid-day and in the evening, the 
little Robins come at ‘once to the saw-bench for the insects that 
have dropped out of the logs.—T. CurRIE, Lardner, 


g2 TuLtocH, Macquarie Island Penguins. eae 


Macquarie Island Penguins. 


By A. TULLOCH, OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE MAWSON WIRELESS 
STATION, MACQUARIE ISLAND. 


MacguariE Island, situated in lat. 54° 30’ S. and 158° 57’ E. 
long., is one of the stormiest regions in the world. It is 22 miles 
long, and averages 3 miles in width. The main island is a long 
plateau, ranging from 500 to 800 feet in height, with peaks running 
up to 1,980 feet. The island was first discovered in 1810, and 
most of the Antarctic expeditions have called there on their way 
to the south, but very little scientific work was carried out there 
until Sir Douglas Mawson’s party was landed in December, Ig1t. 
On the return of his expedition the meteorological work was 
carried on for a further period of two years by the Commonwealth 
Government, in conjunction with the New Zealand Government, 
and a synopsis of the weather conditions was sent daily by wire- 
less to the meteorologists for New Zealand and the Common- 
wealth respectively. 

Macquarie Island may be considered the home of the Penguins. 
On walking round the island one is astounded at the number of 
vast rookeries to be met with. These stately birds are to be 
found in millions along the beaches, on the slopes, and on the 
south we even came across one rookery on the top of the cliffs, 
at least 600 feet above sea-level. Why these birds wend their 
way up the cliffs year after year is a mystery to me. It has been 
suggested that the island was at one time much smaller, and the 
birds then formed their rookery near the water’s edge, and, as 
the land has risen above sea-level, these conservative birds have 
still kept their original place of habitation. Again, if we take 
the theory that Macquarie Island is part of a vast continent, 
supposed at one time to be connected with Australasia, it upsets 
the previous theory. We do know that the rookery is still there, 
high above the sea, and the way up is so rugged that we found it 
impossible to walk up; .so that how this rookery originated is 
still a matter of conjecture. 

There are four different species of Penguins to be found on the 
island—the King (A ptenodytes patagonica), Rock-hopper (Pygoscelis 
papua), Royal (Catarrhactes  schlegelt), and Victoria Penguins 
(Catarrhactes pachyrhynchus). Taking them in order of size, and, 
I think, importance, the Kings come first. They are magnificent 
birds, standing about 3 feet 6 inches high, and weighing about 
30 lbs. The plumage is of a bluish-grey on the back, with white 
fronts, black heads, and a brilliant yellow or gold-coloured band 
on each side of the neck. With their white fronts they resemble 
men in evening dress, and their stately carriage aptly earns for 
them their name. About 20 years ago these birds were ruthlessly 
slaughtered by the sealing parties. It is quite apparent that they 
have not yet recovered from the effects, and now there is only 
one rookery left on the island. It is situated at Lusitania Bay, 
on the south-east of the island, where there are from 6,000 to 


ee 


XVI. 


THE Emu, Vol. 


PLATE XXVI. 


‘puvjsy olenboeyy ‘yovoq uo suinsueg 


"HOOTING “VY AB *“OLOHd 


1S Ps ee ee a, a iy: Oe A ie Mc, 
« oa % F 


Vol. XVI. 


ae TuLiocnu, Macquarie Island Penguins. 93 


7,000 birds.| A few strays are also found amongst the various 
rookeries round the island. There are always 15 to 20 to be 
found in the Royal rookery at The Nuggets, but they do not breed 
there. 

The King Penguins make no attempt at nesting. Only one egg 
is laid, and it is held on top of the feet, between the legs, where 
it is covered by a kind of skin pouch, and incubated there. The 
egg is completely concealed from view, and when disturbed the 
birds shuffle along, carrying the egg with them. The egg is about 
twice the size of that of a Goose, pear-shaped, and of a greenish 
colour. They are laid during the latter part of December and 
the beginning of January. The period of incubation is six weeks. 
The young are covered with a _ woolly-looking down of dark 


King Penguins at Lusitania Bay, Macquarie Island. 


PHOTO. BY A. TULLOCH. 


greyish-brown colour, which is retained until the second year. 
The King Penguins are the least plentiful on the island, and 
appear to be the hardest to rear. 

Next in size come the Rock-hopper Penguins, although there 
is very little difference between the size of these birds and the 
Royals. The Rock-hoppers do not migrate like the other species, 
and may be seen at the island all the year round. They have no 
crest, and are more timid than the other species. Their clean head 
gives them a fine, neat appearance. We found their eggs more 
palatable than those of the other kinds, and, being the first to 
lay, they were a welcome addition to our menu. The first eggs 
were found on 12th September. They are globular in shape— 
some of them look almost round—and they have a bluish tinge. 
Like the Victorias and Royals, they usually lay two eggs—the 


[ Emu 
2nd Oct. 


94 TuLLocH, Macquarie Island Penguins. 
first a small, infertile egg, and the second a fertile one. A peculiar 
thing I noticed with the Rock-hoppers was that, where we robbed 
them of their first egg, two more were laid, with a result that about 
75 per cent. of them hatched two chicks instead of one. 

The Royal Penguins are the species killed for oil. They are 
chosen because they exist in such large numbers, huddled together 
in great rookeries. One rookery at the south end has an area 
of over 164 acres, while another at The Nuggets covers over 
ro acres. They are much the same as the others in habits, but 
they have a yellow crest something like a Cockatoo. They lay a 
very large egg in proportion to their size. The eggs are pear-shaped, 
and, as with the Victorias and Rock-hoppers, a fertile and an in- 
fertile egg are laid. They usually form their rookery near a 
running stream, and use it as a means of getting to and from the 
rookery. At The Nuggets they march up and down with almost 
military precision, but, once in the rookery, quite different con- 
ditions obtain. Here there are squabbles all day long. The 
males get away from their mates, and fights (where beaks and 
flappers are freely used) are continually taking place. They 
migrate from April to the end of September, and commence laying 
in October. 

The Victorias are the smallest Penguins on the island, but they 
are the most ferocious, and come second as regards numbers. 
They are marked like the Royals, with black back, white front, 
and a yellow crest, but the crest spreads out laterally. When 
first disturbed, they always show fight, but soon get reconciled, 
and will allow one to stroke them in the rookeries. They migrate 
in May, return in October, and commence laying in the middle 
of November. The period of incubation for all the species, 
except the King, is about five weeks. The Victoria Penguins are 
not particular about being near running streams, but seem to 
prefer to get shelter under the cliffs, where they make a rough 
nest of tussock or anything which happens to be in the im- 
mediate surroundings. 

The same rookeries are used year after year by the different 
species. They usually rear one chicken, and it is fed by placing 
its beak inside that of its parent, where the food is regurgitated 
from the stomach of the latter. The male assists both in the 
hatching and bringing up of the young. 

The way the Penguins are slaughtered for oil should be inter- 
esting to all bird observers. At present—or, at least, when I 
left the island in December, 1915—the oil industry was only being 
carried on at one place—The Nuggets rookery. For two seasons 
prior to December, 1915, the works were abandoned, but a new 
company was formed in 1915 to exploit the oil industry in the 
southern seas, and whether it will restrict its operations to the 
one place or not I cannot say ; but in all probability it will extend 
the works to the south end. 

It is almost impossible to estimate the number of birds on the 
island ; but in the one rookery in the south end there are at least 


THE Emu, Vol XVI. 


PLATE XXVII. 


The King Penguin, Macquarie Island. 


PHOTO, BY A, H, TULLOCH, 


Vol. XV}. ; : 
er | TuLtocu, Macquarie Island Penguins. 95 


three-quarters of a million birds. At The Nuggets, where the 
Royals are slaughtered, the area is at least Io acres, containing 
over half a million birds. They are so thick in the rookeries that 
you have to kick your way through them. At the foot of The 
Nuggets Gully, where these birds go to and fro from the sea, I 
counted them passing a point at the rate of 150 each way per 
minute. This continues in the season for about ten to fifteen 
hours a day. 

There are about 150,000 birds killed every season at The 
Nuggets, but the annual increase would be about 40 per cent. to 
50 per cent. in spite of this, and, as I stated, this is the only part 


The Sea-Leopard, an Enemy of the Penguins, Macquarie Island. 


PHOTO. BY A, TULLOCH, 


at present where they are molested. The first oil season com- 
mences about the beginning of January and lasts for three weeks, 
until the old go to sea. In February both the old and the previous 
year’s young (which are very fat) return in great numbers to 
moult. This time they are detained on the beach as far as 
possible by the sealers, who put wire-netting across the creek. 
Flocks of birds are driven into a wire-netting enclosure, and the 
young, fat birds are drafted off and clubbed and put into a digester. 
This is about the most humane and only practical way of killing 
the birds, and I found the headman very particular about killing 
the birds. I think the oil industry at the present scale has very 


96 Tuttocnu, Macquarie Island Penguins: ne 


little effect on the Royals, and as long as it is restricted to that 
species not much harm will result, or, at least, there is very little 
likelihood of the species becoming extinct. As regards the King 
and the Rock-hopper, I think both should be protected, especially 
the King, which is a magnificent bird; and the whole species 
could easily be killed right out in one season should the sealers 
decide to operate on them. 


Cuckoo Notes from Tasmania. 
By H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S., R.A.O.U. 


My friends, Messrs. Thompson and Claridge, of Launceston, have 
kindly sent along a few jottings concerning the hosts of Cuckoos, 
which I have written up, thinking they may be interesting for 
comparison with mainland hosts. 

The egg of the Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus) has been found 
in the nests of the Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla selbit), the Dusky 
Robin (Amaurodryas vittata), the Grey-tailed Thickhead (Pachy- 
cephala glaucura), the White-bearded Honey-eater (Meliornis 
nove-hollandig), the Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus  dubius), the 
Black-headed Honey-eater (Melithreptus melanocephalus), the 
Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Ptilotis flavigula), and the White- 
eye (Zosterops dorsalis). It will be noticed that these are all open 
nests. 

The egg of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis) 
was deposited most frequently in the domed nest of the Brown- 
tail (Acanthiza diemenensis), also found in that of the Brown Scrub- 
Wren (Sericornis humilis), Ewing’s Tit (Acanthiza ewingt), and 
the Grass-Bird (Megalurus gramineus). These are all covered 
nests, that of the last-named being usually semi-arched. 

The Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx plagosus) favours the two 
Tits which are found in our scrubs—viz., the Yellowtail (A canthiza 
chrysorrhoa) and the Browntail (Acanthiza diemenensis). 

Mr. Thompson has found the egg of the Narrow-billed Bronze- 
Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx basalis) on only one occasion, which was 
in the nest of the Blue Wren (Malurus longicaudus) ; but a clutch 
from Clarke Island, Bass Strait, was given to him of the Brown 
Scrub-Wren (Sericornis humilis), with an egg of the Narrow- 
billed species. It will be noticed that both the Bronze-Cuckoos, 
like the Fan-tailed, favour the domed nests. Mr. Green, of Kelso, 
found the egg of the Narrow-billed on two occasions only, and 
Mr. Claridge a like number. 

My friend then goes on to remark that it will be seen that the 
Pallid Cuckoo has a far greater variety of foster-parents than 
any of the others. At Kelso he saw a pair of Strong-billed Honey- 
eaters (Melithreptus validirosiris) feeding a young Pallid Cuckoo. 
This species and the Fan-tailed frequently remove an egg of the 
host before depositing their own, if there are more than two 


Vol. XVI. Dove, Cuckoo Notes from Tasmania. 97 
1916 


already in the nest—that is, we often found a nest with three eggs, 
and on visiting it afterwards we would find one egg on the ground 
and that of a Cuckoo in its place. It often happens that the 
contents are cleaned out of the rejected egg and one half the shell 


Young Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus) waiting to be 
fed, Kelso, Tasmania. 


PHOTO. BY H. C. THOMPSON, R.A.0.Us 


is placed in the other half. On one occasion, in the Gorge Creek, 
Launceston, he found the nest of a Browntail (Acanthiza 
diemenensis) containing both the Bronze and the Fan-tailed 
Cuckoos’ eggs. 

In December, 1913, a letter from Mr. Thompson contained the 
following items :—‘‘Cuckoos are very numerous this season. 
Mr. Claridge took the nest of a Fire-tailed Finch (Zoneginthus 
bellus), with five eggs of the host and one of the Fan-tailed 
Cuckoo. The long, funnel-like entrance to the nest was not 
injured in any way, so we are inclined to think that the Cuckoo 
laid her egg before the funnel was finished. On the same day 
I found a nest of the Blue Wren ready for eggs; on putting my 
fingers in I felt something hard under the lining, and on working 
this out it proved to be the egg of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo, which the 
Wrens had built in.” 

In a letter recently received from the same observer, some Kelso — 


= > : Emu 
98 Dove, Cuckoo Notes from Tasmania. Sad ee 


experiences are given :—‘‘ We found the nest of a Flame-breasted 
Robin (Petroica phenicea) in a very unusual place as far as our 
experience goes; it was in a large gum tree, green excepting the 
top of the main stem, which had been broken off and was partly 
dry. We saw the birds about the tree for several days, but 
could not find the nest, never thinking it would be so high, until 
one day I noticed the male fly up to the splintered top. We got 
ropes and pulled the lightest member of our party up 40 feet 
from the ground, and he saw that the nest was built in the split 
top. It contained a young Pallid Cuckoo, and two of the Robins’ 
eggs were lying in the splintered wood. We got a snapshot of 
another Pallid Cuckoo that had left the nest and was being fed 
by a pair of Strong-billed Honey-eaters and by a male Blue Wren. 
It often happens that a fully-fledged Cuckoo will sit on a limb 
and call to every bird that comes near, and, strange as it may 
seem, they frequently come to feed it. At Russell’s Plains we 
saw a Garrulous Honey-eater fly down to feed a Fan-tailed Cuckoo 
when its own brood were in a tree close by. The eggs of these 
Cuckoos are often found in Sericornis nests close to the ground ; 
we have never found them very high.” 

I may say that the observation as to an egg of the host being 
removed and one of the parasite put in its stead coincides with 


Nest of Yellow-faced Honey-eater that previously contained two 
eggs of the Honey-eater. It now contains one of the Honey-eater 
and one of the Pallid Cuckoo. Eastern Gippsland. 


PHOTO. BY J. H. M, COMMUNICATED BY H, STUART DOVE, F.Z.S., R.A,O.U. 


something which came under my notice during a sojourn in East 
Gippsland, Victoria. A nest of the Yellow-faced Honey-eater 
(Ptilotis chrysops) was built in a hedge of Kangaroo Island Acacia, 
and contained one egg when found ; next day two eggs ; the third 
morning one of the Honey-eaters’ eggs had disappeared, and an 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 
PLATE XXVIII. 


Unusual Nesting Site for a Flame-breasted Robin (Petroica phenicea). 


The nest, above the climber’s left hand, contained a young Pallid Cuckoo. 


Kelso, Tasmania. 


PHOTO. BY H. C. THOMPSON, R.A.O.U, 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


Dove, Cuckoo Notes from Tasmania. 99 
egg of the Pallid Cuckoo was in its place. The ground was fairly 
clear under and around the bush, but not a trace could I find of 
the missing egg, so I came to the conclusion that the Cuckoo had 
carried it away in her bill. The egg deposited was a good match 
for that of the Honey-eater in shape and tint, but was somewhat 
larger; the fraud was detected, however, and the Honey-eater 
deserted her nest. 


The Golden Merops (Merops ornatus).* 
By JAMES SLOANE, MULWALA STATION, MULWALA, N.S.W. 


THE sand-ridges near the Murray on Mulwala are a regular nesting- 
place of this beautiful migrant. It comes only during the breeding 
season, and as soon as the young are strong enough for the 
journey it goes back to its tropical forests. It had specialized 
in nesting in a way that resisted its habitual enemies, and its 
burrow used to fulfil its purpose in giving ample protection against 
ground foes. Twice only have I seen nests disturbed by them. 
But the fox came, specialized as a ground-hunter, with a cunning 
that the underground nest of the Merops gave no protection 
against ; and the birds that came for countless ages to the Murray 
have in a few years nearly lost their place in the plan of Nature. 
Already they are almost gone, and in a few years will be unknown. 
The nest is at the end of a narrow tunnel about 3 feet long and 
a foot below the surface. The fox digs down on top of the nest. 
For some years the foxes did not interfere with the nests, but 
when they did every one was destroyed. The foxes seem to 
farm the birds, for the attack is not made till the young are about 
to leave. Several that I had under observation appeared likely 
to escape, but they were always taken. Sometimes the fox lives 
near the Merops’ burrow, and must see it nightly. It is hard to 
understand why the nests are left till the young are well grown, 
for one would expect competition for them amongst the foxes. 
Perhaps some of the birds are now breeding elsewhere, though, 
with their fixed habits, this is not likely. Wherever they go in 
Southern Australia they will not, while they nest on flat ground. 
escape the fox, even though the instinct of self-preservation does, 
as I have seen, occasionally help some pairs for a while. It is 
unusual for the nest to be near a human habitation, but one was 
made at the corner of our garden near the back of the house, on an 
open space where an untied dog slept at night. This saved the 
nest. The following year there were two nests, and last year 
four. This year two were made, but unfortunately a new enemy 
appeared ; a brown snake came, and was killed in one of the 
burrows. It is clear that the birds realized that there was a pro- 
tective influence at the spot, even though the first nest may have 
been put there by chance, and possibly they knew the protection 
came from the dog. The dog certainly took no interest in them. 


* The Australian Bee-eater. 


- 


I0o SLOANE, The Golden Merops: (eanoe 


The Merops is a bee-eater. I think (though I have not given 
the subject attention) that it catches blow-flies. This bird uses 
bright objects as illuminants in its dark burrow. Small pieces 
of white bone, mussel-shell, and, in fact, anything bright. I have 
found a pearl shirt-button. Every nest has these natural lamps. 
In one I examined catefully they were placed at the end of the 
burrow. The nests are made in light forest country, on an open 
space, where the sun can shine upon them all day and where the 
drainage is perfect. 

Foxes have made great inroads into our native fauna, and they 
have certainly come to stay and be an everlasting curse. Some 
settlers from the Old Land are never happy till they surround 
themselves with the pests they were used to. Some want still 
more. Some time ago I was asked to join a society whose one 
object was to introduce more beasts and birds from oversea that 
might be acclimatized here. I have not again heard of this 
society, but if it exists—and it may—it should be hunted up by 
the proper authorities and brought to reason. 


Description of Eggs New to Science—Notophoyx 
flavirostris (Sharpe). 
By H. L. Wuitet, M.B.O.U., BELLTREES, SCONE, N.S.W. 


As far as I can learn, no complete description of Australian-laid 
eggs of this species of Heron has yet appeared. I claim my 
clutch, therefore, to be the type. 

Gould does not mention the eggs; A. J. Campbell, in ‘‘ Nests 
and Eggs,”’ states the eggs are undescribed; A. J. North omits 
all mention of the bird ; while G. M. Mathews gives no description 
of the nest, and queries the clutch of eggs. 

Mr. William M‘Lennan, who lately returned from a nine months’ 
trip, on my account, to the coasts of the Northern Territory, has 
sent me several clutches of the eggs of the Pied Egret (Notophoyx 
flavirostris), together with skins of the bird. They were taken 
at an immense heronry on the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

A detailed description of the nest will be given later. For 
various reasons it is inadvisable to define the exact locality of 
the heronry until Government action has been taken to protect it. 

Clutch, three to four; long oval, some of the specimens 
approaching Cormorant shape; texture of shell smooth, glossy, 
and finely pitted. Colour bluish-green, much darker than is usual 
with Herons’ eggs generally. Of two clutches, which may be 
accepted as fairly typical, the measurements, in inches, are as 
follows :— (I) ° @, 1:64 2x TAG 5050) 1207 Ge ies 1c. 4 x ee 
d, 1.6 X 1.2. | (2) ia, TO4¢sxgIe2T Ole 545 x Oe sl 5 aero), 
Gs 1:54 °K 1.18: 


Vol. XVI. 


ae Cook, Notes on the Lyve-Bird. TOT 


Notes on the Lyre-Bird at Poowong, South 
Gippsland. 
Byaelk. Cy Coo. ReALOfU: 


In the early days in Poowong, when most of the land was covered 
with virgin scrub, the majority of Lyre-Birds’ nests that came 
under my notice were built on the ground, presumably because 
they were as safe there as anywhere else, for the native cat was 
then their only enemy, and building in trees would not safeguard 
them from these climbing marauders. At a later stage these 
pests were exterminated, and for some years the birds enjoyed 
security; then came the fox, and gradually the practice of 
building up in the air increased, till at the present time the 
majority of nests now found in this district are built where the 
fox cannot get at them. This apparently points to the fact that 
through the agency of the fox, what was once an unusual 
occurrence has now become an established habit in this district. 

The birds display extraordinary ingenuity in constructing their 
nests on leaning trees. One came under my notice built on the 
clean stem of a large musk that had only the slightest lean and 
no limbs; yet somehow they laid a secure foundation, and 
finished a very pretty nest. As an engineering proposition this 
was the cleverest I ever found. 

The following instance will show how efficacious the high- 
building habit is in saving their lives :—My neighbour had a nice 
reserve containing two males and six hens, while the one at the 
back of our property at that time held only two males and four 
hens. When my hens nested on the ground their eggs were 
promptly removed as soon as laid, but my neighbour would on no 
account allow his to be interfered with. After six years the 
result was that I had eleven birds and five eggs, while my neigh- 
bour had only one male and two hens left. 

Whether the male and female construct the nest together I am 
unable of my own observation to say, but I know that the female 
can manage it quite well by herself. A pair lived in a small and 
isolated patch of scrub, and in course of time the male dis- 
appeared ; I fear he was shot. At all events, his beautiful tones 
were no longer heard, and for six years the hen lived in celibacy ; 
yet three different seasons after losing her consort she built her 
nest, laid in it, and sat on the egg, finally deserting it. A young 
lady, knowing of the sitting hen, took her mother to see it. 
Creeping quietly to the nest, she threw her veil over the aperture, 
captured the bird, examined and released it ; yet the hen returned 
and resumed her sitting. My experience has been that the hen 
will never desert her nest after the egg has been laid, but will 
readily do so before the egg is laid should the nest be touched. 

Once, when some scrub was being felled near the homestead, 
the cutters found a nest with a chick in it. They bodily removed 
both nest and inmate to a safe position some distance away ; the 
mother followed and resumed her maternal offices. 

§ 


[ Emu 
2nd Oct 


102 Cook, Notes on the Lyve-Bird: 

Concerning the mimicry of the Lyre-Bird, I find it necessary to 
modify some things I have said and written. Until about two 
years ago it had always appeared to me that they did not 
promiscuously imitate the extraneous sounds around them, but, 
instead, learned their repertoire from their parents. The ground 
for this belief was based on the fact that the present-day birds 
still reproduce the calls of those that have for fifteen years left 
the district, and fail to favour us with the calls of the new arrivals, 
such as the Starling and Whistling Eagle. Then, again, though 
I have been always within hearing of the call of these birds for 
over thirty years, only twice have they reproduced the sounds 
of any other than the calls of certain birds when I have been 
listening to them. On the well-remembered occasion when the 
male bird first demonstrated to me his power to improvise, 
Messrs. C. L. Barrett and G. Findlay were also present, and that 
day his whole performance was entirely different from anything 
I had previously heard from any Lyre-Bird. He commenced by 
reproducing the bark of a cattle-dog and its owner whistling him 
up; this was repeated again and again, sometimes quite distinctly, 
then dying away as though faint with distance. His power of 
modulation was superb. Then he gave us the squealing that 
half-grown foxes indulge in when playing together, and many 
other unusual sounds. 

I find that when the chick is a few weeks old the hen does not 
stay in the nest at night, but, instead, roosts in the tree-tops 
close by. 

Although the male always has several hens attached to him, 
it is quite open to doubt if they all lay, and my opinion is that 
they do not, and much evidence has come my way in support of 
this theory. 

It is not uncommon in this part of the country to hear the 
Starling imitate the Lyre-Bird and his selections. This fact has 
been often remarked by my friends. 

I would like to show the members a bit of the work of Mr. 
Chandler, who had considerable success in photographing the birds 
in my company in Poowong. There was one hen that had been 
photographed dozens of times, and was very tame, and when her 
chick was in her nest would always follow me through the scrub. 
I chanced to notice that whenever she lost sight of me _ she 
would spring up on to the nearest stump or bough to enable her 
to watch my movements better. It occurred to me to turn this 
habit to account ; so when Mr. Chandler arrived I induced him to 
focus his lens on a pretty bush pedestal covered with drooping 
staghorns and lichens at the best distance to secure a perfect 
photograph, if the bird should sit on it. To Mr. Chandler the 
chance seemed very remote, as I had told him nothing of my 
observations. When all was ready, and Mr. Chandler well 
concealed, with the pressure bulb in his hand, I proceeded to the 
nest and caused the chick to squawk. The mother instantly 
appeared then, and followed me at a little distance. When she 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI, 


PLATE XXIX. 


Female Lyre-Bird, Poowong, Gippsland. 
J 8 i 


-A,O.U. 


R 


PHOTO. BY PRIVATE L. G@. CHANDLER, 


+ 
cad 
Shi 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


Cook, Notes on the Lyve-Bird. I03 
was just opposite the camera I stopped; she did likewise, and 
began scratching about. As soon as her eyes were taken off me 
I lay down, while she, looking up a second later, and not seeing 
me, sprang quickly on to the bush pedestal to reconnoitre, and 
was immortalized by Mr. Chandler. The sun was shining right 
on her, and everything was favourable for a good photograph, 
for Mr. Chandler took an exposure, not a snap. Members will 
agree that he well deserved his success. 


Camera Craft Notes. 


Giant Petrel (Ossifraga gigantea) —The bird photographed was 
caught in Port Phillip Bay, near Williamstown, and about 40 
miles from the Heads. Mr. F. Lane and another were fishing 
near the lightship, and saw the bird swimming not far off. 
They threw it pieces of bread, which it promptly swallowed. 
They then baited a hook with some bread and threw it towards 


The Giant Petrel (Ossifraga gigantea). 


’ 


PHOTO. BY D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z,S., R.A.O.U. 


the bird, which readily took it, and so was captured. The hook, 
having caught on the bird’s bill, was easily removed. It is inter- 
esting to note that this ocean bird should have come up the 
harbour so far from the ocean and close to the shipping. The 
photograph was taken in the Melbourne Zoo.—D. LE SoueEr. 
Melbourne. 


IO4 Camera Craft Notes. Bs 


Abnormal Clutches.—The accompanying photographs serve to 
illustrate the unusual clutch of four eggs of the Pied Oyster- 
catcher, Hematopus ostralegus longirostris (Haematopus longirostris), 
found by me on 13th December, 1914, at Mud Island, near the 
entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. The nest, which was 
just above high water mark, was a depression in the sand lined 
and surrounded by a few pieces of broken shell, and partly sur- 
rounded by a curved piece of decaying mangrove. Each egg 
was uniform both in shape, size, and coloration, practically 


Abnormal Clutch of Pied Oyster-catcher (Hematopus ostralegus longtrostris), 
Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. 


PHOTO, BY H, A. PURNELL, R,A,O,U,, GEELONG 


proving that all the eggs were laid by the one bird. They were 
all slightly addled, and would not, therefore, have been hatched. 
The problem presented is as to whether the unusual number was 
too large for the bird to incubate successfully, or simply that the 
bird had neglected the eggs too long either in storms or in the 
search for food. After the eggs had been photographed and 
removed the bird returned and sat on the nest, so that the nest 
had not been actually forsaken. This problem often presents 
itself to the oologist. On 15th December, 1915, at Beaconsfield, 
on the Cardinia Creek, I found the nest of the Helmeted Honey- 


£ohee 


“os 


Vol. XVI. ; y y if 
Camera Craft Notes. I05 


eater (Ptilotis cassidix), containing a clutch of three eggs, which 
were slightly addled and cold, and the nest was sodden, proving 
that the bird had already forsaken it. These eggs are quite 
uniform in shape and colour, but one is slightly smaller than the 
others. This, I understand, is the first clutch of three eggs of 
this bird that has been found so far.—A. CHAS. STONE. 


Straw-necked Ibises (Carphibis spinicollis) at the Zoo. The adult has a 
bare head, the young has the head covered with down. 


PHOTO. BY D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., R.A,O.U. 


Straw-necked Ibis.—Mr. Dudley Le Souéf, who is now recovering 
from an attack of influenza, utilizes his opportunities at the 
Zoological Gardens, Melbourne, to secure interesting and instruct- 
ive pictures of birds. The accompanying photograph of Straw- 
necked Ibises shows the bare head of the adult, and the down- 
covered head of the young. The difference in the length of the 
bill is also interesting to students of bird phylogeny. 


106 Camera Craft Notes. Cees 


Black Swan.—Mr. Harry Burrell, R.A.O.U., continues to achieve 
success with his fine photographs of Australian wild life. We 
have pleasure in publishing a picture of the vara avis, the Black 
Swan, obtained by Mr. Burrell at Hacking River, Sydney. 


A Bird Tragedy.—The accompanying photograph, by Mr. H. J. 
Bennett, head teacher Elementary School, Nanneella Estate, an 
irrigation settlement in northern Victoria, will interest bird-lovers. 
The victim, an Orange-fronted Bush-Chat (Ephthianura aurtfrons) 


A Bird Tragedy.—An Orange-fronted Chat tangled in 
a wild oat plant. 


PHOTO. BY H. J. BENNETT, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, NANNEELLA ESTATE, VICTORIA, 


had become entangled in the long head of a wild oat plant, and 
could not free itself. An observant child discovered it too late, 
and brought the plant and bird to school as a nature study 
exhibit. 


Mr. Chandler’s Bird Portraits.—Though Mr. L. G. Chandler has 
departed for the front as a private, he has left behind many 
beautiful photographic studies of living birds. We gladly 
seized the opportunity of presenting four of these to the readers 
of The Emu. 


XVI. 


THE Emu, Vol. 


PLATE XXX. 


“ASN JOATY 


SuUINOeH, “YSaN pue suemMsG yoriq 


“MVOWY INBNdNs 


"H AG “OLOHd 


Vol. XVI. : 
ere Camera Craft Notes. 107 


Nest of the Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps australis), Thule Lake, N.S.W. 


PHOTO, BY D, LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., R.A;O.U. 


Stray Feathers. 


Bird Sanctuary.—We have great pleasure in stating that, 
through the instrumentality of Captain S. A. White, the President 
of the R.A.O.U., helped by other bird-lovers in South Australia, 
the Government of that State has proclaimed Carlot Lagoon a 
sanctuary for birds—an ideal place for that purpose, very many 
water-fowl nesting there. 

* xk * 


An Albino Eagle.—During June I secured a splendid live speci- 
men of a white Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uvoaétus audax, Lath.), and 
presented it to the Sydney Zoological Gardens, where it arrived 
safely, and is now on view. The bird appears to be full grown ; 
it was captured (being too gorged to fly, probably) at Ridgelands, 
near Scone, New South Wales, and, I believe, is unique. With 
the exception of a brown-shaded feather in the wing, the bird is 
pure white, even to its beak, legs, and feet ; eyes colourless, with 
dark-coloured pupils —H. L. Wuitr. Belltrees, Scone, N.S.W., 


14/8/16, 


to8 Strav Feathers. ies 


An Unusual Crimson Parrot.— Another curiosity received 
during June is a female specimen of Platycercus elegans, the 
common Lowry or Crimson Parrot, showing a wonderful variation 
from the normal. It presents the most beautiful instance of 
xanthochroism that I have seen, the whole of the usual black 
and dark blue being absent, and replaced by very pale yellow 
and blue. The head, neck, rump, and breast are bright crimson ; 
cheeks and shoulders pale blue; back pale yellow, with each 
feather narrowly margined with crimson ; wings and tail cream 
colour, with just a tinge of blue in some of the outer feathers. 
The bird was shot near here while in company with a small flock 
of normally-coloured ‘‘ Lowries.”’ A good skin has been made of 
it. H.-L. WHire.><-Belltrees,NiSaWs7 i478 10: 


* * * 


Swifts Resting on Trees.—I would like to know if any of your 
members have seen Swifts resting on trees. On ist February, 
1898, my mother and I were watching the progress of a bush-fire 
before a strong east wind (we were very anxious, as all the men 
were away working at it), when we noticed a very large flock of 
Swifts, and their movements were peculiar, we thought, and as 
we watched they settled on the trees—not as ordinary birds do, 
on the horizontal limbs, but on the trunks of the trees and the 
perpendicular branches, clinging on sideways, as Wood-Swallows 
(Artamus) sometimes do. I have never met anyone yet who 
has seen them resting. My mother thought the air being so very 
smoky had something to do with it. That summer was very 
hot and dry in this district, and the Swifts came in great numbers. 
They used to fly low over the grass—to catch grasshoppers, we 
thought. Also I would like to ask if anyone has noticed how 
they come in a large flock in front of a thunderstorm.—K. CURRIE. 


Lardner. 
*k * SS 


Early Combination Cuckoo Cluteh.—My nephew, Mr. C. C. 
Hook, on 26th August, 1916, found at Ringwood a nest of the 
Victorian Brown Tit, Acanthiza pusilla macularia (Acanthiza 
pusilla), ready for eggs, and on visiting it again on 3rd September, 
1916, he found in it two eggs of the Acanthiza, one egg of the 
Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Cacomantis rubricatus rubricatus (Cacomantis 
flabelliformis), and one egg of the Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo, 
Neochalcites basalis mellori (Chalcococcyx basalis). The nest and 
contents had evidently been forsaken, as the Tits had built another 
nest right on top, the opening of which was to the right of the 
bottom nest. Both nests were built of similar materials—viz., 
dry grasses, a few shreds of bark and moss, and lined with feathers. 
This peculiar structure was placed one foot from the ground, 
in a bunch of dead prickly tea-tree, on the bank of a creek at 
the foot of the hill. Both the Cuckoos and the Brown Tit were 
heard calling in the vicinity—A. CHaAs. STONE. 71 Tivoli-road, 
South Yarra, 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XXxXI. 


“N'O'VW'yd ‘YSITGNVHO “5 °7 SLVAIYd AB “SOLOHd 


‘(MipUnjoYy-waou siuAoyapy) 1ayeo-AauOP papszeaq-o}y Ay ‘(S2709Na7 $170717q) Jeyea-AQUO}{ poivs-s}1YAA—MOP 


‘(sapajsny viaqjvsdoy) UIqOY-I4l1YyYS pojsesiq-Mol|jaA—saoqy 


Vol. XVI. 
1916 


Stray Feathers. IO0Q 

Porosity of the Lyre-Bird’s Egg.—On 12th July, 1916, a nest 
of the Victoria Lyre-Bird, Menura novehollandieé victoria (Menura 
victorie), was found in South Gippsland. The nest was domed, 
and made of small sticks, lined with fine rootlets twisted together, 
and finished off with breast feathers of the bird; it was placed 
6 feet from the ground on a stump of blue gum (Eucalyptus 
globulus), the entrance facing north-east and away from the creek, 
which was about three chains away. The nest contained the usual 
single egg, which was quite typical of the bird in size and shape, 
the surface somewhat smooth and slightly glossy, ground colour 
purplish-grey, and blotched and spotted with umber and darkish- 
purple ; incubation, j4. The nest was not further interfered 
with, and on oth August following it contained another egg laid 
by the same bird, identical in shape and colour with the first egg, 
but covered over nearly the whole surface with small limy 
excrescences ; incubation, j4,. The shells of both these eggs 
were so very porous that during the process of blowing beads of 
water exuded over the whole surface, as though the egg had been 
left out on a very dewy night.—A. CHas. STONE. 


* * * 


Resident Swallows and Cuckoos.— In a recent letter from 
Launceston, Mr. Thompson remarks that each season the number 
of Swallows and Fan-tailed Cuckoos which remain in his district 
seems to increase. Six years ago there appeared to be only one 
pair of Swallows which stayed ; now there are a good many. My 
correspondent’s idea is that the latest-hatched brood stays with 
the parents, and, as the latter remain, so do the young. If this 
be so, there should be a very rapid increase in the resident party, 
as the following season the young themselves will be parents, 
and will remain with their latest brood, in addition to the old birds 
of the previous season. The Swallows do not remain on the coast 
here, but the number of Cuckoos is certainly on the increase ; 
this winter I could have put my hand on half a dozen within a 
short radius of the cottage, and, as there is no reason to suppose 
that this particular portion of the coast is more favoured than 
others, the number wintering with us must be very considerable. 
A somewhat singular thing is that they appear to be in pairs this 
season instead of isolated individuals, as usual. It will be very 
interesting if we develop a non-migratory race of Cuckoos as 
well as of Swallows. The species referred to are, of course, the 
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena), and the Fan-tailed Cuckoo 
Cacomantis flabelliformis.—H. Stuart Dove. West Devonport 
(Tas.), 24/8/16. 


* * * 


Bird Notes from Camp.—Opportunities for bird-observing in 
a military camp are rather rare, but during my two months’ 
sojourn at Royal Park, Vic., I have been able to glean a few notes 
regarding some familiar species. The Starling and the Sparrow 


IIo Stray Feathers. ee. 
are most numerous, and, with the Indian Mynah, come around 
the tents to pick up crumbs from the soldiers’ “tables.” I have 
seen a big flock of Starlings, high in air, above a platoon, and the 
manceuvres of the birds were so clever as to suggest that they, 
too, were moving to the commands of a sergeant-major. During 
the 15 minutes allowed us for ‘“‘smoke-o”’ in the morning and 
afternoon, reclining on the grass, I watch the Starlings and other 
birds feeding, and the time passes swiftly. 

Of native birds, the Magpie-Lark (Grallina picata) has been 
most abundant in the past two months. Day long their shrill 
cries have resounded all over the camp, and we have seen them 
patrolling marshy spots or perched on posts or in trees around 
the park fence. Next to the Grallina, in point of numbers, comes 
the Ground-Lark, or Australian Pipit (Anthus australis). Every 
day I see these restless little birds running through the short 
grass and onion-weed (now in blossom) searching for insects. 
Some, I fancy, have already begun nesting. Early in August a 
Scarlet-breasted Robin (Petrotca leggit) was observed, flying 
above the tents in our (A.M.C.) lines, but it was only a casual 
visitor. Occasionally, just after the bugles have sounded reveille, 
one hears a Great Brown Kingfisher (Dacelo gigas) welcoming the 
dawn. Recently two Rosellas (Platycercus eximaus) flew over 
from the direction of the Zoological Gardens, and on a clear, frosty 
night I heard the honking of a flock of Black Swans that was flying 
westward above the sleeping camp. Other birds were winging 
“across the moon’; I heard their calls, faintly, but could not 
identify the species. 

The gum trees on the outskirts of the Park are frequented by 
Honey-eaters, Acanthizas, and other small birds, and if one had 
leisure in the day-time a fairly good list of species could be made. 
Several of my camp-mates are interested in birds, and one is a 
member of the Gould League, having joined it when at school.— 
(PRIVATE) CHARLES BARRETT. C.M.Z.S., R.A.O.U. Royal Park 
Camp, Vic., 5/9/16. 


Bird Observers’ Club. 


Tue Acanthize were the subject for special attention at the June 
meeting of the B.O.C. Mr. F. E. Howe read a paper on the genus. 
He showed the close relationship of some of the species and sub- 
species, and compared the methods of Australian ornithologists in 
classifying them. A chart showed at a glance how each worker had 
split up the species Mr. Howe traced several dominating species 
through their geographical variations. Mr. A. Chas. Stone exhibited 
a series of eggs of the genus, and drew attention to Acanthiza ewingit 
vufifyvons, from King Island, which had the characteristic of laying one 
white and two spotted eggs to a clutch. 

The secretary, Mr. F. E. Wilson, showed a series of skins of the 
genus, including Victorian and Western Australian forms of Acanthiza 
chrysorrhoa. 


eee Bird Observers’ Club. Teer 


Mr. A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture, 
was elected a provisional member of the club. 


The July meeting received some interesting information about the 
Lyre-Bird. 

Mr. L. C. Cook, of Poowong, read a paper on the birds and their 
habits. He showed that the human element in the nesting habits of 
birds was sometimes beneficial. He destroyed nests of the Lyre-Birds 
that were placed near the ground on his reserve, for the purpose of 
inducing them to build higher, and so escape the ravages of the fox. 
The fact that in place of four birds there are now eleven shows what 
measure of success he has met. A neighbouring place where the birds 
were left unmolested showed practically no increase. 

Mr. D. Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S., exhibited some unique lantern slides of 
the birds and their haunts, while the president, Mr. A. H. E. Mat- 
tingley, C.M.Z.S., showed slides illustrating other bird life in the 
same haunts. 

The eggs of Menurva victovie and M. superba were exhibited by 
Mr. A. Chas. Stone, who remarked upon the variation in colouring of 
the eggs of this family. 


Lieut.-Col. Bryant entertained the members at his rooms at the 
August meeting. He gave a most interesting and instructive paper 
on “ Birds Met With While on Foreign Service with the A..F.’ He 
illustrated his remarks with lantern slides, which included some re- 
markable views of the war zone. The swamps bordering the Nile held 
vast numbers of aquatic birds, the rarest of which was the Fan-tailed 
Sandpiper. Numerous species of birds were seen around Cairo, and 
hundreds of Kites frequented the city. These birds acted as excellent 
scavengers, and did incalculable good for the health of the community. 
White Egrets were seen breeding in the Zoological Gardens at Cairo. 
Lemnos Island was not rich in bird life. About a dozen different 
species were noted, including the Mediterranean Gull, which _fol- 
lowed the old-fashioned ploughs of the peasants in search of food. 

Mr. Le Souéf read an extract from the Bulletin of the Zoological 
Society of New York dealing with the plume trade in India. It showed 
that £44,000 worth of Egret plumes had been seized by the Customs, 
and fines to the amount of 55,000 rupees had been paid. 

Mr. Harold Pottenger was elected a member of the club. 


The quarterly dinner and usual meeting was held on 21st Sep- 
tember, 1916. 

The chairman, Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, suggested to the members 
the desirability of using the bird movement to augment the patriotic 
funds. Discussion ensued, and it was decided to go further into the 
matter. Members were asked to offer suggestions for a motto for the 
club at the next meeting. 

Several members gave some interesting field notes for this season 
(1916), which went to prove that the birds had started breeding early. 
Some remarkable observations on game-birds were related by Dr. 
Norman M‘Arthur. The method adopted by the Little Falcon (Falco 
lunulatus) in killing its prey was to seek the upper position and strike 
obliquely. The Black Duck, its favourite quarry, often rose forward 
quickly, and the Falcon swept past its tail; but the rapidity of its 
flight soon brought it to the upper position again. When the Falcon 
was successful it accomplished the feat of completely scalping its 
quarry with its claw. 


k . Emu 
T12 Publications Received. pnduOue 


Publications Received during July, August, 
September, 1916. 
D. LE SouEF, C.M.Z.S., Hon. LIBRARIAN, R.A.O.U. 


Australian Naturalist, vol. ili., part 2. 


My System with Pigeons, by Leslie Gaze. 

The principal idea of this helpful publication is to foster the 
squab industry, and details as to breeding and rearing Pigeons 
are given, as well as how to treat their various ailments. It has 
some clear illustrations, and will be a help to those who keep these 
interesting birds. 

Royal Society of Queensland, vol. xxvii., parts I and 2. 
Royal Society of Tasmania, 1915. 
South Australian Ormthologist, vol. 11., part 7. 

Contains, among other notes, the description of a new sub- 
species of Scrub-Wren (Sericornis longirostris wyldiw) by Capt. 
S. A. White. Also a list of birds, with descriptions, from North 
and North-Western Australia, by G. M. Mathews, and some 
further observations on the Cormorant and bird temperatures by 
Dr. A. M. Morgan. 

The Victorian Naturalist, vol. xxxiil., parts 2, 3, 4. 

Part 3 contains a short article on “‘ The Birds of Fraser Island, 

Gippsland Lakes,” by G. A. Keartland. 


The Hawkesbury Agricultural College Journal, vol. xiii., parts 2, 


3, 45 5. 
Victorian Education Gazette and Teachers’ Aid, vol. xvi., Nos. 6, 
aie oy 


We are glad to see the stand the Education Department is taking 
against the wilful destruction of bird-life, and how it is seeking 
to instruct the scholars in the value of birds to the community, 
especially farmers and fruit-growers. 


In the Far North-West, by Capt. S. A. White. 

An interesting and well-illustrated account of an expedition to 
the Musgrave and Edward Ranges, in which many notes are given 
of birds met with. The author is to be congratulated on the 
careful way in which he has described the various natural history 
facts that came under his notice. 

Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, vol. v. 

This volume is, as usual, full of interesting articles, and well 
illustrated. 

The Austral Avian Record, vol. iii., No. 3, by G. M. Mathews. 

Contains 76 new sub-species, as well as many changes in his 
‘‘ List of the Birds of Australia.” If the author continues making 
new sub-species at the present rate, and with so little difference, 
it is difficult to realize the number he will run into before he has 
finished. As usual, no dimensions are given to guide the perplexed 
ornithologist. 


bie Publications Received. 3 


Avicultural Magazine, vol. vii., Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9. 

As usual, this magazine is full of interesting matter regarding 
aviculture and bird notes generally, as well as good illustrations. 
A capital picture is shown of the rare New Zealand Owl-Parrot 
(Stringops habroptilus) in No. 7. 

Proceedings of the Linnean Society of N.S.W., vol. xl., parts I, 2, 
Beet avOls Xlie part 1. 
Bird-Lore, vol. xviii., No. 3. 

Has two coloured illustrations and many photographs ; full of 
interesting notes regarding American birds. 
The Wilson Bulletin, vol. xxviii., Nos. I, 2. 

Contain several interesting papers, especially one entitled ‘‘ The 
May Bird Census,”’ at Oberlin, Ohio; also ‘‘ The Terns of Weepacket 
Island, Massachusetts.” 

The Condor, vol. xviii., Nos. 3, 4. 

No. 3 has an illustrated article showing the wonderful sea-bird 

life on Hat and Egg Islands, Great Salt Lake. 


Annual Report of the United States National Museum for 1915. 


Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, vol. lxvi., No. 2. 
A list of birds seen in Alaska and North-Eastern Siberia during 
the summer of 1914, by F. S. Hersey. 


Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, vol. lxv., No. 13. 
Descriptions of seven new sub-species and one new species of 
African Plantain-eater, Courser, and Rail, by E. A. Mearns. 


University of California Publications in Zoology, vol. xii., Nos. 
TS EO, 

Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences (fourth series), 
VOL. Vv... NO.6. 


Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 
vol. Ixvii., part 3. 
Revue Francatse d’Ornithologie, Nos. 81-87. 

Professor Brasil has continued his interesting notes on the birds 
of New Caledonia and of Lifou; some Australian forms, especially 
sea-birds, are included in them. In No. 83 there is a good article 
by André Godard on the destruction of bird-life in many parts 
of the world, and their need of protection ; also some observations 
on the birds of Kerguelen Island, by J. Loranchet, in No. 84. In 
Nos. 84 and 86 is an illustrated article on the ornithological park 
at the Villiers-Bretonneux, with a list of the splendid number of 
birds it contains, including Ostriches, Cranes, water-fowl, sea- 
birds, and land-birds ; over 300 species must be represented, in- 
cluding Humming and other rare birds. The article is by J. 
Delacour. In No. 86 is also an interesting article on artificial 
replacement and measures of protecting birds. In No. 87 the 
notes are continued on the birds of Kerguelen. ‘“‘The Tufted 
Puffin of Kamschatka (Lunda civthata),’ by Dr. Robert 


IIt4 Publications Received. Emu 


end Oct. 


Didier. This pamphlet is a supplement to No. 82, and contains 

much information about this bird. 

Bulletin of the National Acclimatization Society of France, 1914, 
IQI5. 

The. Ibis (tenth series), vol. iv., Nos. 2, 3. 

No. 2 contains a valuable article by our member, Launcelot 
Harrison, on bird parasites and bird phylogeny. Also, among 
other articles, notes ‘““On Some New Guinea Bird Names,” by 
G. M. Mathews, and a reply thereto by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant. In 
No. 3 C. P. Conigrave gives an account of the bird-life on 
Houtman’s Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. 


The Zoologist (fourth series), vol. xx., Nos. 231-234. 
Many interesting notes on European birds are in these numbers. 


British Birds, VOl.. x NOS. a2: 
An especially interesting and well-illustrated article on ‘* The 
Habits of the Sparrow-Hawk”’ is in both these numbers. 


The Journal of the South African Ornithologists’ Union, vol. xi., 
NOx. 
A most interesting article by C. and M. Swynnerton, entitled 
‘Birds in Relation to Their Prey,’ appears in this number. 


Correspondence. 
To the Editor of “ The Emu.” 


Sir,—For some years I have been corresponding with a station- 
owner on the Lachlan River. Upon this station I knew there was 
a lake which in a good season was a wonderful place for water- 
fowl, many kinds breeding there in hundreds. In one of my 
letters I asked for any information of the breeding of the Blue- 
billed Duck (Erismatura australis), but received no notes upon 
it till March last, when the owner wrote informing me that, owing 
to a flood in the Lachlan last year, the lake became full, and that 
all sorts of water-birds bred there in hundreds. He found twenty 
nests of the Blue-billed Duck, some of which were placed in lignum 
bushes, and were composed of sticks and grass ; others were placed 
in long grass upon islands. The nests contained from eight to 
fifteen eggs—mostly twelve. I thought he must have made some 
mistake in the identification of the bird, in spite of his having 
stated that he watched one nest for three hours until the owner 
returned and sat on the eggs. When the eggs reached me there 
was no further room for any doubt about their being authentic. 
This is another case in which that wonderful early-days orni- 
thologist, John Gould, made a statement which many years after 
proved to be correct. 
THOS: (Ps AUSTIN: 
Cobbora (N.S.W.), 8th July, 1916. 


Vol. XVI. : ] 
seo Obituary Notice. £E5 


Obituary Notice. 


It is with regret that we have to announce the passing away of the 
Misses M. and E. Brumby, members of the Union since its incep- 
tion. Leading a retired, peaceful life at their pretty cottage on 
the outskirts of Devonport, they did all in their power to encourage 
the native birds about their home, and with marked. success. 
The two acres surrounding the cottage were largely planted with 
trees and shrubs from Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, 
and these, blooming at different seasons, ensured a succession of 
sweets for the various Honey-eaters which frequented their 
domain. The flower garden, which was attended to entirely by 
the ladies themselves, was always a picture of neatness and 
beauty. Besides The Emu, the Misses Brumby subscribed to a 
North American bird periodical, and had a good library of orni- 
thological and general literature. Mathews’s “ Birds of Aus- 
tralia’? was presented by them to the Launceston Museum (a 
handsome gift), and a complete “ Britannica’”’ in leather, with 
bookcase, to the Devonport Public Library. 

Descended from an old Lincolnshire family, their grandfather’s 
estate adjoined the ancient, square-towered church at Scotton 
in that county, and a fine view of that building hung in the 
drawingroom at their Devonport residence. 

Only a few months separated the passing away of these Tas- 
manian bird-lovers. ‘‘ They were lovely and pleasant in their 
lives, and in their death they were not divided.”’ 


Resignation of Chas. L. Barrett, C.M.Z.S., Co-Editor 
of lhe Eman. 


PLacinG the call of his country above all else, Mr. C. L. Barrett, 
now Private Barrett, has joined the Australian Imperial Forces. 
After some time spent in training with the Army Medical Corps at 
the Royal Park Camp, Mr. Barrett has been transferred to the 
Caulfield Military Hospital, and hopes soon to leave for the front. 
Mr. Barrett has made a wide and enduring name as a nature 
lover and a nature writer in the daily and weekly papers, as well as 
in magazines. He is also the author of several novels, based 
largely on natural history. An expert photographer, and a keen 
enthusiast, who has used his annual leave for years past to get 
away into the haunts of wild animals, especially birds, Mr. Barrett 
has been able to illustrate his work freely from his own original 
photographs. The Emu, in common with other illustrated journals, 
has benefited much from Mr. Barrett’s keenness and success as a 
nature photographer. The Emu has also benefited by his ex- 
perience as a professional journalist on the staff of the Herald. 
From the date of his election to the post of co-editor, at the 


II6 Resignation of Chas. L. Barrett. aoe 


Adelaide Session, 1909, Mr. Barrett has done much to improve the 
officia] journal of the Union, especially on the pictorial side. He 
is responsible for the introduction of the ‘‘ Camera Craft” section, 
which promises to do much towards realizing the aims of the 
Union. 

An enthusiastic bird lover and protector, he has received several 
honorary memberships as a recognition from overseas nature- 
lovers. The latest of these is the election to the honour of Corre- 
sponding Member of the Zoological Society of London (C.M.Z.S.) 


Mr. Barrett recently relinquished office as president of the Bird 


Observers’ Club, of which he was one of the founders. 

The Council of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union 
wishes Mr. Barrett a safe return and a long life to continue his 
successful work in adding to our knowledge of the Australian 
fauna and developing the appreciation of this amongst young Aus- 
tralians. 


<a 


Nest and Eggs of Red-throated Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis). 


PHOTO. BY H. A, PURNELL, R.A.O.U. 


ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


CO-PATRONS: 
Their Majesties the King and Queen. 


OFFICE-BEARERS: 
President: Carer. S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


fDr. W. MACGILLIVRAY. 
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(190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.) 


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MATTINGLEY, AnD A. C. STONE. 


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Mr. E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland. 

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Mr. W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., Cottesloe, Western Australia. 

Mr. W. L. MAY, Sandford, Tasmania. > 

Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Mr. G. F. HILL, F.G.S., Darwin, Northern Territory. 


Members of Council: 

Vicreria—Co.. C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs, A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, 
C.M.Z.S., and A. C> STONE. 

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Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.ZS. 
5» A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U. 
SURO SA LIS OM. B.O,U: Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, E.R.S.E. 

» BASSET HULL, R.A:0.U. , A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.MZ.S 

Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. »» HLL. WHITE,. M.B.0:U; > 


COLONEL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CAPTAIN S. A, WHITE, M.B.0.U. 


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CONTENTS _ JANUARY, 1917. 


(The author of each article is responsible for the facts recorded thetein,, and 
deductions he may draw.) 


NORTH AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. By = Le ad ee 0.U., Bellies, 
N.S. W. - - - - - - - - - 


EVERARD RANGES TIT-WARBLER (AcaNTHIZA Mantane) By 


( Capt.) S.A. White: M.BiOU Bo ee ee eee} 


DESCRIPTION OF NEw OR RaRE Ecos. By A. L. White, RA. 0.U., 
Lelltrees, N.S. W. - E 2 s s i ie : z 


DESCRIPTION OF NEW HONEY- EATER OF THE GENUS PTILOTIS 
FROM NORTH AUSTRALIA. oe A. os White R.A.O. U., Bell- 


ULES INES Vee 3 2 E 5 = C = B = 
DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS OF THE DESERT CHAT (ASHBYIA 


any 


LOVENSIS, ASHBY) By (Cafpt.) S. A. White, M.B.0.U. - - 165 
NOTE ON THF FINDING OF THE NEST AND EGGS OF THE DESERT 
CHAT (ASHBYIA LOVENSIS, ASHBY)... By Edgar R. Waite, 
£.L.S., Director of the South Australian Malkesen, Hoy UE es ok STOP 
RECORD OF A NEW TREE-CREEPER FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. By 3 
(Capt.) S. A. White, M:B.0. U. - - - : - - 168 
DESCRIPTION OF THE WINIAM  TIT-WARBLER (ACANTHIZA 
WINIAMIDA, SP.-NOV.) ale Erasmus Wiison, RA.OU., Mel- 2 
bourne - - - - - - . - - 169 
THE ACANTHIZ® OR TIT-WARBLERS. ~ By FE E. Howe, CM. Z.S., 
R.A.O.U., Canterbury, Victoria - - = = - - 170 
SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. By Gregory M. Mathews 3 F. R. S.£. 180 
PROGRESS OF BIRD STUDY IN QUEENSLAND. By A. H. Chisholm 186 
CAMERA CRAFT NOTES.—Crested Pigeons, 189 ; Nest of Lewin Rail, 190; Spine- 
; tailed Swift, 190; An ‘Unusual Nest of Frogmouth, 1913 Flight Aviary, Melbourne 
Zoo, 191 ; Pilot-Birds, 19, : 
STRAY FEATHERS—Some New/Zealand Bird Notes ~~. - ~~ - . - 192 
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. By Edwin Ashby, M.B.0. a RA, O. U., 
Wittunga, Blackwood, South Australia - - - = See F193 
BIRD OBSERVERS’ CLUB’ 2-1 Me. Se ea ee 
CORRESPONDENCE - - Blea igs ou = eek - : - 195 
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED - Bo Pel La een eS - - - - 197 
ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. - - - - 198 
ANNUAL, DONATIONS TO COLOURED FIGURE ak a - Suds 204 
The following are the charges for Authors? ee required :— 
(Orders to printers should accompany the MS.) 
No. or NUMBER OF PAGES OF ARTICLE. COVERS. 
Soe 2 fe gt eae eo eee Bae 
25 3/6 | a)- 7/- | r0/6 | 14/- | 18/- We Bh 
50 4f= 5/- | 8/6 | 12/6 | 16/6 | 21/- 1/6 4/- 
100 5/- 7/- | 11/- 16/6 | 21/- | 27/- 2/6 5/6 


Tue Emu, Vol, XVI, 


PLATE XXXII, 


Capt. S. A. White, M.B.O.U. 
(Ninth President Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union). 


“ Birds a a Seatieny 


Vor: eXVir.] 15TH . JANUARY, LOLZ: [PART, 3. 


North Australian Birds.* 
By H. L. Wuitr, R.A.O.U.,. BELLTREES, N.S.W. 


ORIGINALLY it was intended that Mr. Wm. M‘Lennan, who 
collected for me, should personally supply an account of his 
recent northern trip, but the unfortunate loss of his full field-notes 
and a very severe attack of beri beri and malarial fever prevented 
him from so doing. Therefore, I have compiled the following 
narrative from a personal report to me by Mr. M’‘Lennan, and 
from his carefully-kept diary, which contains many most inter- 
esting facts, including a full description of the great Roper River 
Heronry. 

The present is my third attempt to explore (ornithologically) 
the Northern Territory. In t1g10 a collector was sent from 
Thursday Island to the Roper River, but, owmg to an adverse 
season, results were poor. In 1913 Mr. G. H. Barnard went 
overland from Camooweal vid Brunette Downs, on the Barclay 
table-land, to Borroloola, on the Macarthur River. Much useful 
information was obtained, and many rare birds and eggs collected. 
Mr. Barnard returned per steamer vid the Roper River and 
Darwin. The vast Heronry near the mouth of the Roper was 
observed at a distance only, a landing not being effected. 


NARRATIVE. 


On the 29th June, 1915, under a permit kindly furnished by 
the Federal Government, Mr. M‘Lennan sailed from Thursday 
Island in his cutter Avis with two companions (named New and 
Mohr), fitted out for a ten months’ cruise. His intention was to 
sail round the Gulf of Carpentaria and establish a camp on one 
of the rivers flowing north and emptying itself to the east of Port 
Essington. We had an idea that possibly a good collecting 
ground, covered with tropical vegetation, might be found on some 
of the more northern streams. Such an opinion, however, was not 


* The nomenclature Mr. M‘Lennan has used is according to ‘‘ Catalogue of 
Birds,’ British Museum, as furnished by Lucas and Le Souef (‘‘ Animals of 
Australia’’). A more systematic list of all birds collected or identified by 
Mr. M‘Lennan will appear in next issue—nomenclature according to the 
R.A.O.U. ‘“ Check-list,”’ with equivalent trinomials as given by Gregory M. 
Mathews’ 1913 list. 

9 


118 WuiteE, North Australian Birds, [ Se 


t5th Jan. 


justified by practical experience. The country examined was 
poor in the extreme, fresh water extremely scarce, timber scanty, 
and natives few but generally hostile. The distance sailed over 
was about 2,500 miles—te., out from and back to Thursday 
Island. 

After passing Batavia River, on the 2nd July, where Sula leuco- 
gaster, Sterna media, Sterna bergu, and Fregata ariel were noted, 
a landing was effected on the 4th July at Pera Head, where a nest 
of Haliattus leucogaster, 70 feet up in a paper-bark (Melaleuca) 
tree, was climbed to and found ready for eggs; the nest, an 
immense structure of sticks measuring 7 feet across by 6 feet in 
depth, was lined with fresh green leaves. Bird-life was plentiful. 

The little Archer River was reached on the 6th, and a landing 
made. Another nest of Pandion leucocephalus, at a height of 
40 feet In a Casuarina, was examined, but, although the bird was 
flushed, no eggs were found. The river was ascended to a 
distance of about three miles to large mangrove-covered islands, 
where it was anticipated that breeding Egrets would be found. 
The site, however, was occupied by a vast colony of flying foxes 
(Pteropus), and the mangrove branches, by the weight of animals, 
broken off in all directions. Not a single Heron was seen, not- 
withstanding earlier in the year Mr. M‘Lennan saw their nests 
and birds approaching the breeding stage of plumage. On the 
7th a trip was made up another channel of the river to a second 
known Heronry; it also was deserted. A nest of Ardea swmatrana 
noted contained a full-fledged young one. The nest was situated 
8 feet above high water mark, and composed of sticks ; dimensions, 
24 feet across by 9 inches in depth. Pzrezorhynchus wardellt and 
Pectlodryas pulverulentus were noted, while several crocodiles 
(usually erroneously called “‘alligators’’) were seen on _ the 
river-banks. 

On the roth the Kendall River (not shown on the chart) was 
passed, the Mitchell reached on the rzth, and the Nassau on 
the 14th. No fresh water was obtained from the 4th to the 
18th, when a windmill was sighted with joy near the shore, where 
the Delta Station hands were erecting it at a shallow well. 
Karumba, at the mouth of the Norman River, was reached on 
the 19th, and mails obtained. Up to the present the voyage 
had been in an almost due south direction down the west coast 
of the Cape York Peninsula, the distance from Thursday Island 
to Karumba being: about 500 miles, birds identified on the trip 
being Sula leucogaster, Sterna media, Sterna bergu, Fregata ariel, 
Antigone australasiana, Anas superciliosa, Xenorhynchus asiaticus, 
Haliactus leucogaster, Pandion leucocephalus, Haliastur sphenurus, 
Dacelo leach, Halcyon macleayt, Grallina picata, Rhipidura tricolor, 
Pachycephala falcata, Ptilotis flava, Stigmatops ocularis, Glyctphila 
fasciata, Myzomela obscura, M. erythrocephala, Melithreptus albt- 
gularis, Hydroprogne caspia, Tadorna rufitergum, Pelecanus con- 
sprcilatus, Agialitis ruficapilla, Hamatopus longirostris, Alcyone 
pulchra, A. pusilla, Halcyon sanctus, Ardea sumatrana, Platalea 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


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foe Wuire, North Australian Birds. 11g 


regia, Plotus nove-hollandia, Numenius cyanopus, N. variegatus, 
Herodias  timoriensis, Garzelta migripes, Sterna  melanauchen, 
Piezorhynchus wardelli, and Pecilodryas pulverulentus. 

From Karumba the course was a little north of west to the 
passage between Sweers and Bentinck Islands. Here very bad 
weather was encountered, and the dinghy got adrift. In swimming 
from the anchored cutter to the shore with a mate, M’Lennan was 
nearly drowned ; the revolver which he had strapped to his head 
slipped round and interfered with his movements. However, 
a landing was effected, a fire lighted, and after a warming no bad 
result followed. The dinghy was recovered in a clump of man- 
groves about two miles from the boat. A few natives were seen, 
but they could not speak or understand English. The country 
on the islands was poor, covered with stunted timber, and_bird- 
life scarce. 

On the 24th the shallow passage between Mornington anc. 
Forsyth Islands was reached. Here some natives who had come 
from the Mission Station were interviewed, and inquiries made 
about fresh water, none being in the locality except at the station, 
which was unknowingly passed. A nest of a Pandion was 
examined in a tree on shore ; the nest contained three extremely 
handsome eggs. Ellis Island, north of Mornington, was next 
visited (on the 26th), where thousands of Gannets (Sula leuco- 
gaster) were seen circling round. The southern end of the island 
is bare guano rock rising about 30 feet above the water, the 
northern end being a few feet only above water; surface com- 
posed of sand and pieces of coral, covered with coarse grass and 
low herbage. The Gannets were nesting in hundreds, the 
majority just beginning to lay. A large number of nests con- 
tained one egg, a few two eggs, and an odd one a_half-grown 
young. Six old Pelican rookeries were noted, one covering about 
three-quarters of an acre. Hundreds of addled eggs (in a highly 
explosive condition) and dozens of skeletons of young birds were 
scattered about. A few of the old birds were seen out on the 
edge of the reef. The island was searched for Petrel burrows, 
but none was observed. A few nests containing broken egg- 
shells of the Reef-Heron (Demuegretta sacra) were found in caves 
and holes at the southern end of the island. The island swarmed 
with rats, probably introduced when it was worked for guano 
some years ago. Large numbers of JFvregata ariel were noted 
flying round Rocky Island, a few miles distant. It was visited 
next day. Some difficulty was experienced in landing, as there 
was no beach, the island being a bare mass of ironstone rising 
sheer 50 feet on the north side and sloping to the water on the 
south. Three colonies, containing approximately 800, 120, and 
roo nests of the Frigate-Bird, were examined. Eggs and young 
were in all stages—the latter from newly-hatched to those just 
able to fly. About 100 nests contained one egg each. Several 
sets were collected. Both male and female birds were sitting, 
and had to be lifted off their nest to take the egg. They resented 


120 Wuite, North Australian Birds. Peaeeyeen 


being disturbed by ruffling up their feathers and snapping viciously 
at hand or foot of the intruder. The young were just as savage. 
If one happened to jostle another a fight occurred forthwith, each 
bird getting a good bill-hold, pulling and shaking until a piece of 
skin, sometimes flesh, parted. A few adults and fully-fledged 
young were secured for museum purposes, but unfortunately 
were subsequently abandoned owing to a severe accident to one 
of Mr. M‘Lennan’s hands. The rest of the island was occupied 
by Gannets, which had just commenced laying, a few nests only 
containing each a fresh egg. Early next morning, while weighing 
anchor, M‘Lennan had the misfortune of having one of his hands 
badly crushed, which put him out of action for some time. Thus 
it was that the bird specimens procured on Rocky Island were 
not preserved. 

A return (south) to Mornington Island Mission Station was now 
made to obtain fresh water. This was obligingly supplied by 
Mr. Hall (head of the station) from his well. Birds observed 
about the station were Haltiaétus leucogaster, Pandion leucocephalus, 
Astur approximans, Falco lunulatus, Dacelo leach, Calyptorhynchus 
macrorhynchus, Cacatua sanguinea, Grallina picata, Rhipidura 
tricolor, Lalage tricolor, Geopelia placida, Coracina melanops, 
Melithreptus albigularis, Pachycephala falcata, Zosterops lutea, 
Chlamydera nuchalis, and Ninox connivens. 

Leaving Mornington Island on the 31st July, a north-westerly 
direction was taken, the next call being at the Macarthur River, 
which was reached on the 7th August. Beyond meeting a canoe- 
load of natives, and trading with them for fish, nothing of interest 
occurred since quitting Mornington. 

The channel of the Macarthur is not easily navigated, and some 
time was occupied in reaching the police station, where Constable 
Kelly, in charge, gave the party much useful information 
respecting the country to be visited to the north. He also 
showed M‘Lennan a copy of a report of a prospecting party which 
had traversed the extreme north coast country. The report was 
not very encouraging. Further facts were obtained from Capt. 
Lawson (in charge of a party improving the river channel), and 
a decision was arrived at to visit the Glyde and Goyder Rivers 
and look for a suitable site for the season’s camp. Birds observed 
at the Macarthur River were :—Ptistes coccineopterus, Lobwvanellus 
miles, Chlamydera nuchalis, Nycticorax caledonicus, Falco lunu- 
latus, Butorides stagnatilis, Syneecus cervinus, Ninox connivens, 
Pelecanus conspicillatus, Anas superciliosus, Numenius cyanopus, 
N. variegatus, Notophoyx nove-hollandiea, Herodias timoriensis, 
Garzetta nigripes, Himantopus leucocephalus, Glottis nebularius, 
Pisobia ruficollis, Xenorhynchus asiaticus, Piezorhynchus mitidus, 
Cacatua sanguinea, Pandion leucocephalus, Circus gouldt, Haltaétus 
leucogaster, Haliastur girrenera, H. sphenurus, Cerchnets cenchrordes, 
Hieracidea orientalis, Astur approximans, Phalacrocorax sulct- 
rostris, Phaps chalcoptera, Ewpodotis australis, Ibis molucca, 
Notophoyx pactfica, Tadorna rufitergum, Corvus coronotdes, Cacatua 


ee VI. Waite, North Australian Birds. I2T 


galerita, Cacatua rosetcapilla, Micreca flaviventris, Seisura nana, 
Rhipidura tricolor, R. setosa, Nettion gibberifrons, Geopelia 
humeralis, G. placida, Pachycephala falcata, Zosterops lutea, 
Ptilotis unicolor, Stigmatops ocularis, Coracina robusta, Philemon 
sordidus, Evythrogenys  cinctus, Malurus  coronatus, Artamus 
venustus, Merops ornatus, and Dendrocygna eytoni. Near the 
river’s mouth a Bronzewing was secured showing a marked varia- 
tion, in size and colour, from the normal Phaps chalcoptera. 

Contrary winds and mud-banks prevented a departure from 
the Macarthur until the 15th August, when a start was made 
for the Roper River, Maria Island being reached on the 17th. As 
is often the case here, heavy weather was experienced ; an anchor 
was lost, and the entrance to the river delayed. On exploration 
the island proved poor, low, and scantily covered with scrub and 
stunted eucalypts, bird-life scarce, and nothing much to note. 
Instead of entering the Roper the voyage was continued a little 
east of north along the western shore of the Gulf (Carpentaria), 
Bickerton Island being reached on the 23rd August; and the 
water supply being low, a spot marked “ well’’ on the chart was 
searched for. Although smoke signals were seen, no natives 
were observed, though their tracks were plentiful enough. The 
well was located, but was dry, and required deepening. When 
this was done the water proved too brackish for use. Next 
morning a single native passed in a canoe, and, upon following 
him for about three miles, a lately deserted camp was found 
near a pool of greenish, slimy, brackish water, unfit for con- 
sumption. A trip along the coast in an opposite direction gave no 
better results. Country poor, bird-life scarce. 

Cape Barrow, on the mainland, was next visited, and a natives’ 
old camp on the beach indicated water—a track of about 500 
yards in length leading to an almost dry swamp. A hole was 
dug, and the muddy water allowed to drain into it, and a couple 
of canvas bagfuls were eventually obtained. A Ninox connivens 
was flushed from a dry spout about 20 feet from the ground, 
from which nesting-place two eggs were secured. The locality 
yielded one hitherto unnoted bird—namely, Platycercus brown. 
A large bundle of natives’ spears wrapped in paper-bark was 
found near the old camp and taken, a good supply of tobacco, 
fish-hooks, &c., being left in exchange. 

On the 26th a landing was made on Woodah Island, where 
natives were interviewed. They could not speak English, but 
showed a well on the beach, evidently covered at spring tides, 
where good water was obtained at 6 feet. Cape Shield was visited 
on the 28th, and a trip three miles inland made. Country very 
poor, and birds scarce; Entomyza albipennis seen. 

Although contrary winds made progress slow, Caledon Bay 
was passed on the 29th and Port Bradshaw on the 31st. A party 
of natives was met, one of them speaking English. An exchange 
of tobacco for fish and turtle eggs was made, and a landing effected 
on the northern side of the port. The country here was very 


I22 Wuite, North Australian Birds. Ben 


poor, being covered with low, tangled, thorny scrub. An out- 
crop of limestone carried a few wattles and other trees, Sphecotheres 
flaviventris, Chibia bracteata, and Dacelo cervina being the only 
fresh birds noted. A small flock of Sterna melanauchen was seen 
about the rocks in the bay. 

Some trouble was experienced in rounding Cape Arnhem, the 
most north-eastern point of the Northern Territory, and it was 
not until the afternoon of the 4th September that Inglis Island, 
on the north coast (the Gulf of Carpentaria had now been quitted), 
was reached. Here a number of natives was seen on the beach, 
but they cleared off as soon as they sighted the exploring party. 

At sunset on the 5th anchor was cast some 16 miles down 
Caddel Strait. Smokes of several fires were visible on Elcho Island, 
but no natives appeared. The following day hundreds of migratory 
birds (Waders) were observed on the mud-banks along the shores 
of the strait; they were chiefly Curlews, Whimbrels, Little 
Whimbrels, Greenshanks, and Little Stints. A few Tadorna 
rufitergum, Ibis molucca, Herodias timortensis, and Garzetta 
nigripes were also seen, besides a large flock of Sterna melanauchen. 
In the evening the Goyder River was entered. Coming to an 
anchorage about 6 miles up the river, an Ardea sumatrana was 
flushed from the mouth of a small creek, and Rails were heard 
calling after dusk in the mangroves. During exploration next 
morning four natives came up the river in a canoe. None spoke 
English, and it could not be ascertained where fresh water existed. 
However, a start was made up stream. At about three miles 
the mangroves on both sides of the river were covered with 
flying foxes, which rose as the party passed, formed a dense cloud, 
and flew ahead of the boat. A number of Sea-Eagles and 
Whistling-Eagles flew among the animals, but the birds did not 
attempt to catch any. Black Butcher-Birds were calling, and 
a few Waders were noted. The river was ascended for about 
17 miles from its mouth. Here a low ridge of cypress pine came 
in on the right bank. 

On the 8th the right bank and inland for a couple of miles was 
examined. Country consisted of very poor, shaly s:ndstone 
ridges covered with cypress and other trees and low brus!, while 
narrow, sandy flats supported stunted paper-barks, wattle, and 
brush. The opposite side of the stream appeared to be a vast 
mangrove swamp. Very few birds were observed. A _ return 
was made to the first night’s anchorage when entering the river. 
Just prior to sunset several flocks of Nutmeg-Pigeons were seen 
flying across the river, evidently heading for the mangroves at 
the mouth. At the mouth of the river a natives’ camp was 
visited, but no good water found. 

On the oth sail was set for Glyde River, about 6 miles further - 
west, which was reached by sunset. By direction of two natives 
good water was found in a small pool covered with a dense growth 
of cane, vines, and other vegetation in an open space in the man- 
groves, a few yards from th2 river. The following day the cutter’s 


ee Waite, North Australian Birds. 123 


water-tank was replenished and the mangroves investigated for 
Rails (Eulabeornis castaneiventer), which were heard calling at 
daybreak. Birds noted were :—A Strix, Piezorhynchus mtidus, 
Pecilodryas pulverulentus, Cracticus quoyt,  Calyptorhynchus 
macrorhynchus, Haliastur sphenurus, H. girrenera, Numenius 
cyanopus, N. variegatus, Pisobia ruficollis, Herodias timoriensis, 
Garzetta megripes, Tadorna rufitergum, and a flock of ten 
Pied Oyster-catchers. The left bank of the river was explored, 
and across a plain to ridges which appeared about 3 miles distant. 
The plain was covered with swamp-grass and short rushes, all 
probably under water during the wet season. The ridges were 
sandstone, covered with a thin, stunted growth of eucalypts, with 
patches of low, thorny scrub in the gullies, the usual birds being 
noted. After exploring about 30 miles of this river, and there 
being no change for the better in the appearance of the country, 
a start was made for the Liverpool River, further west. 

When anchored off Cape Stewart, on the 17th, at the flush of 
dawn, fifteen natives came alongside in a big canoe. They all 
started to climb on board. Signs were made to the blacks to 
remain in their own canoe, without avail. M‘Lennan reached 
for his shot-gun, intending to fire overhead, but one old fellow 
seized the barrel and commenced yelling, whereat M‘Lennan’s 
two companions stood with revolver and rifles ready for any 
emergency. It certainly appeared as if the natives were about 
to make a rush on the cutter, and a shot was fired over the 
natives’ heads, which immediately caused half the black company 
to dive overboard, while the rest were persuaded to leave without 
further trouble. By the way, Sandy Island, with its quota 
of sea-fowl, was explored, and in due course the Liverpool River 
was reached on the evening of 18th September. 

Mr. M'Lennan now having reached the region of the Liverpool 
and King Rivers (N.T.), not far distant, geographically speaking, 
from the locality (Port Essington and the Coburg Peninsula) 
where Gilbert procured many of Gould’s northern types (which, 
unfortunately, were lost to the nation by being taken to 
America), I make no apology for quoting at length the interesting 
details of M‘Lennan’s diary. No doubt, good Gilbert’s daily 
experiences were similar to M‘Lennan’s ; both men were keen and 
accurate observers. Indeed, from the excellent material and 
carefully recorded observations which Mr. M'‘Lennan has 
returned with, he might truly be termed the modern Gilbert. 
One thing is evident: M‘Lennan has brought back most, if not 
all, specimens of the species that formed the celebrated Gilbert- 
Gouldian types (as figured in Gould’s great folio work, ‘‘ The 
Birds of Australia’’), an invaluable acquisition to ornithological 
material and indispensable to anyone working at the avifauna of 
the Commonwealth. 

LIVERPOOL RIVER. 

19/9/15.—Three natives came in a canoe a little after daybreak. 

One could speak a few words of English ; I asked him about fresh 


I24 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. (angen 


water, and he pointed to a spot a couple of miles further up the river 
(Liverpool). New and I proceeded in the dinghy to look at the spot. 
The well was in the middle of a dry paper-back swamp at the edge 
of the mangroves, but the water was very foul and not fit to drink. 
Made a start with the tide and a light but favourable breeze. 
Anchored at 4 p.m. The banks of the river are very low, and clothed 
with a dense growth of mangroves ; an open salt-pan runs right back 
to a low ridge 14 miles away. > The following birds were seen along 
the river :—Ardea sumatrana, Herodias timoriensis, Garzetta nigripes, 
Butovides  stagnatilis, Tadorna rufitergum, Dendrocygna  eytoni, 
Eupodotis australis, Haliastur sphenurus, Haliaétus leucogaster, 
Cacatua sanguinea, Grallina picata, Geopelia humeralis, Myristicivora 
spilorrhoa, Piezorhynchus nitidus, Pecilodryas pulverulentus, Stigmatops 
oculavis, and Myzomela erythrocephala. Went on shore along the 
edge of the mangroves for half a mile. A flock of Burhinus grallarius 
was flushed ; Rhipidura tricoloy and Stigmatops oculavis were the 
only other birds seen here. Returned along the foot of the ridge to 
the boat. A single Anthus australis was seen on the salt-pan, and a 
couple of Cacatua galerita noted in some paper-barks at the foot of 
the ridge. 


20/9/15.—Made a start with the sweeps about an hour after sun- 
rise, against the tide till 10 a.m. ; then we got a light breeze, hoisted 
the sail, and got along easier. Higher country comes in on the left 
bank, but there was no sign of fresh water. Anchored again an hour 
before sunset. New and I went a little further in the dinghy. A flock 
of Anseranus semipalmata flew across the river. About a dozen 
natives came running out of the mangroves, evidently scared by the 
report of the gun. Theycaught sight of me in the dinghy and changed 
their direction. I held up my hand and called, and they stopped. 
After a while a couple came up. I made signs that I wanted fresh 
water, and they led me to a shallow lagoon about a quarter of a mile 
from the river, but the water was very brackish and weedy. 


21/9/15.—Went ashore to explore. A native that could speak 
a little English was with the others this morning. He told me that 
there was good fresh water further up the river, but I could not 
ascertain how far. Went inland for a couple of miles. Country 
low-lying, mostly dry swamps and billabongs surrounded with paper- 
barks ; appears to be all under water during the wet season. 
Haliastur sphenurus, Corvus coronoides, Grallina picata, Coracina 
vobusta, Rhipidura tricolor, Micreca flaviventris, Stigmatops ocularis, 
Melithreptus albigularis, Glyctphila fasciata, Merops ornatus, Cacatua 
galerita, C. sanguinea, C. roseicapilla, Geopelia humeralis, and G. 
placida were noted. On a brackish lagoon near the river a few 
Nettopus pulchellus, a couple each of Anseranas semipalmata and 
Dendrocygna eytont, a few Parva gallinacea, Herodias timoriensis, and 
Notophoyx nove-hollandie were seen. Struck the natives’ camp on 
returning to boat ; got spears in exchange for tobacco, wire, and nails. 
Our boat proceeded further up the river. Progress very slow, as 
innumerable snags and sand-banks are met with. Anchor at dark 
about 6 miles further on. No suitable camping-place to be found ; 
banks of the river only a few inches above high water mark. Man- 
groves are here replaced by paper-barks and other trees, mostly 
covered with vines and other creeping plants. A few fresh birds 
were seen—Oriolus flavicinctus, Chibia bracteata, Lalage leucomelena, 


re ie Waite, North Australian Birds. 125 
Chlamydera nuchalis, Dacelo cervina, Alcyone pulchra, Halcyon 
macleayt, H. sanctus, Centropus phasianus, Entomyza albipennis, 
Ptilotis wunicolor, Trichoglossus vubritorques, Ptilosclerva versicolor, 
Ptistes coccineopterus, and Platycercus brownt. 


22/9/15.—Caprimulgus macrurus and Burhinus grallavius heard 
calling through the night. The boat was high and dry at daybreak. 
The river is just a mere trickle here, the water being very brackish 
and weedy. It is not possible to go further, as big trees lie across 
the river. Natives came along shortly after daybreak ; they told 
me that the fresh water was a long way. The country about here 
is similar to our last anchorage ; no suitable place to form a camp. 
Made a start back when enough water to float boat. We had only 
gone a couple of miles when the boat became fast on a log, and, as 
the tide was falling, we could not get her off. Went ashore on the 
right bank and inland for a couple of miles ; no change in the country. 
Returned to the boat ; the tide had fallen about 7 feet, and the boat 
slid off the log ; fortunately, no damage was done. 


23/9/15.—Made a start at 9.30 a.m. Got fast on a bank about 
4 p.m., but, as the tide was coming in, we got off a little later. I 
went ashore on the left bank and inland for a couple of miles, through 
mangroves and open salt-pans. Eupodotis australis was seen on one 
of the salt-pans and a single Hievacidea orientalis noted ; no other 
forms of bird life to be seen. Madea start at 9 p.m. and pulled till 
I a.m., then anchored. 


24/9/15.—Made an early start, and pulled for a couple of hours, 
then got sufficient breeze to hoist sail. Got fast on a bank again 
about 4 p.m., but, with the rising tide, were soon got off. Kept on 
till the mouth of river was reached about midnight. 


25/9/15.—Saw a couple of natives on the beach ; went ashore to 
ask them about fresh water. They pointed to a spot half a mile 
along the coast. Took one of the natives on board, sailed down 
opposite the place. Got ashore and examined the spring; it was 
about 50 yards away from the mangroves. Cleaned it out, waited 
for it to fill, and then replenished the tank. Got under way and 
headed for the King River. Anchored at sunset at Cape Braith- 
waite. 


KING RIVER. 


26/9/15.—Made an early start with a light north-east breeze. A 
few small Terns (Sterna gracilis) seen about the cape. Natives seen 
on the beach past Hall’s Point. Reached the mouth of King River 
2.30 p.m.; proceeded up-stream and anchored at sunset about 
10 miles from the mouth. Both banks of river thickly clothed with 
mangroves. A few birds noted were Haliaétus leucogaster, Tadorna 
vufitergum, Numenius cyanopus, N. variegatus, Herodias timoriensis, 
Notophoyx  nove-hollandig, Cacatua sanguinea, Calyptorhynchus 
macrorhynchus (a scattered flock of 24 birds flying westward a little 
before sunset), and Myristicivora spilorrhoa (two large flocks also 
flying westward a little before sunset), and Stigmatops ocularis and 
Eulabeornis castaneiventer, heard calling in the mangroves. 


27/9/15.—An early start,and made a couple of miles further. There 
is an open space in the mangroves on the left bank, where some high 


Emu 


126 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. tee 


country comes in; further back a high range of hills can be seen. 
Anchored here for observation. Cyvacticus quoyt, Myristicivora 
sptlorrhoa, Piezorhynchus nitidus, Pachycephala simplex (?), Micreeca 
flaviventris, Myzomela erythrocephala, Pseudogerygone magnirostrts, 
and Geopelia humeralis were seen or heard calling along the river. 
Got ashore on the left bank and proceeded inland for a couple of miles 
through good forest country—messmate, blood-wood, and other trees ; 
struck the hills—a high range of sandstone. Climbed a few hundred 
feet to get view of the surrounding country. All along the river, 
as far as I could see, are immense belts of mangrove, in some places 
a couple of miles in width. About a couple of miles below where 
the boat was anchored was a small outcrop of sandstone at the edge 
of the mangroves. The country round about appeared to be mostly 
a succession of low, thickly-timbered ridges. Could not see to the 
westward, as the range of sandstone is higher in that direction. The 
ranges are scarred with deep ravines in places, and there are pre- 
cipitous bluffs hundreds of feet high. In the narrow ravines a few 
bushy trees are seen, and in the wide ravines and on broad ledges is 
a stunted growth of wattles, eucalypts, and other trees and shrubs, 
and great areas of spinifex. A couple of Collyriocichla woodwardt 
was seen; a pair of Ptilotis, which I cannot place, was also seen: 
Artamus ‘minor, Coracina robusta, and Geopelia placida were the 
only other birds observed in the ranges. Explored the foot of the 
range for some distance to the northward, and then back through 
the forest country to the boat, reaching it about 3 p.m. No sign of 
fresh water met with. Bird-life was fairly plentiful in the forest, 
some of the eucalypts being in flower. Tvopidorhynchus argenticeps, 
Myzantha flavigula, Trichoglossus vubritorques, Platycercus brownt, 
Pomatorhinus rubeculus, Mevops ornatus, Covracina vobusta, Ptistes 
cocctneopterus, Rhipidura tricolor, Micreca flaviventris, Mvyiagra 
concinna, Lalage tricolor, Melithreptus albigularis, Myzomela pectoralis, 
M. obscura, Climacteris melanura, Collyviocichla brunnea, Pachy- 
cephala falcata, Gerygone albigularis, Cacatua galerita, Calyptorhynchus 
macrorhynchus, and a small Cracticus, probably argenteus, were 
noted. Mohr went up the river about 3 miles. and came across one 
place where water might be obtained by sinking. Ninox connivens 
was heard calling in the mangroves across the river after dark. 


28/9/15.—Went up river through the forest country for about 
4 miles and struck a small patch of scrub of about a quarter of an 
acre in extent, where Cacatua galerita, Oviolus flavicinctus, Lalage 
leucomelena, and a Pinarolestes were noted. In the forest country 
Corvus coronoides, Geopelia humeralis, Chibia bracteata, Dacelo cervina, 
Halcyon macleayi, Entomyza albipennis, Chlamydeva nuchalis, Ptilotis 
unicoloyv, Malurus cruentatus, Cracticus avgenteus, and Eurystomus 
pacificus were also noted, in addition to those mentioned yesterday: 
Went into the ranges and along to where I struck them yesterday. 
A party of Malurus dulcis seen; procured a male. Returned to 
boat at 2 p.m, and procured Cracticus argenteus on the way. Rest 
of the afternoon spent in the mangroves after Eulabeornis castanei- 
venter, which were heard calling, but did not see any. Mohr went 
up the river and sank a hole at the place noted yesterday ; he got 
water at 5 feet; 


29/9/15.—New and I went up river in the dinghy. About a mile 
from the boat a fairly large branch comes in on the left. We got up 


vel Waite, North Austrvalian Birds. 27, 


this branch for about 7 miles, until further progress was barred by 
the mangroves, which are overhanging and interlaced across the 
channel. Bird-life not very plentiful along the river. A pair of 
Tadorna rufitergum, a large flock of Dendrocygna eytont, an occasional 
Numenius cyanopus, N. variegatus, Notophoyx nove-hollandie, 
Herodias timoriensis, Nycticovax caledonicus, and Plotus nove- 
hollandie were the only water-fowl noted. Cvracticus quoyt, 
Piezorhynchus nitidus, Stigmatops oculavis, Myzomela obscura, M. 
erythrocephala, and Micreca flaviventris were also seen. <A nest of 
Micreca flaviventris containing one egg was found in a dead mangrove 
near the edge of the river. Got ashore on the left bank and made 
for the sandstone ranges across a flat stretch of poor country covered 
with a thin growth of stunted trees. A Falcon (F. lunulatus) was 
observed. Reached the ranges and climbed a bluff to get a view of 
the country up river. The flats on both sides appeared very poor, 
covered with a thin growth of stunted trees—paper-barks, wattles, 
blood-woods, and other eucalypts. No signs of fresh water. A few 
Bower-Birds were the only birds seen in the ranges. Returned to 
the dinghy and went back to the boat ; reached there about 3 p.m. In 
the afternoon went down river to the small sandstone range at the 
edge of the mangroves. There was a little scrub around the base of 
the bluffs and in the ravines, but very dry. Pitta ivis was secured. 
Pachycephala simplex and P. falcata were the only other birds seen in 
the scrub. Uvoaétus audax seen circling on high. Got round the base 
of the bluffs; still no sign of any fresh water. Returned to boat, 
reaching there a little before dark. Mosquitoes and sand-flies were 
very troublesome. 


30/9/15.—New and I went up the other branch of the river in the 
dinghy. About 2 miles from the boat there was a break in the man- 
groves on the right bank. The river got very narrow in the next 
couple of miles, and the mangroves overhung and interlaced across 
the channels ; had to cut our way through in several places. Reached 
the end of the mangroves. The channel was very shallow and full of 
snags ; it was not safe to go further. Went ashore on the right bank ; 
a small billabong surrounded by paper-barks and pandani was located 
about 400 yards from the river. Birds were fairly plentiful in the 
trees surrounding the water, but nothing fresh was seen. In a break 
in the mangroves traces of an old camp (buffalo-shooters’) were noticed. 
A track runs down the river about 500 yards to a thick patch of 
paper-barks and other trees, palms, pandani, and ferns, where is a 
fine spring of good water. A low hematite ridge comes in close to the 
river at this spot ; returned along the foot of it. Several more fine 
springs were met with. The country is heavily timbered—messmate, 
blood-wood, paper-barks, and numerous other trees—and bird-life 
plentiful. It should be a good place to form a camp. Returned to 
the boat. Butorvides stagnatilis was the only fresh bird seen. Had 
some lunch, then proceeded north-west from the boat to the end of 
the sandstone ranges. Climbed the highest bluff for view of the 
country. It is similar to country across the river. Hunted round 
amongst the bluffs and ravines for a couple of hours. A few Artamus 
minoy and a couple of Bower-Birds (nuchalis) were all that were 
noticed. Returned to the boat at sunset. Mohr tried for water 
close to our anchorage ; he sank four holes, from 6 to 1o feet in depth, 
without success. Decided to shift up the river to the old buffalo- 
shooters’ camp. 


128 Wuite, North Australian Birds. [ eae 


15th Jan. 


KinG RIVER CAmp. 


1/10/15.—Removed to the old camp. Had to use the sweeps, 
there being no wind. Fixed up a camp near the boat. Cleaned out 
and deepened the spring. Several small eel-like creatures were 
caught when cleaning out the hole ; bottled them. 


2/10/15.—Spent the morning near camp. My right hand is very 
swollen and painful ; appears to be poisoned. Had to keep it strapped 
up. Some Neochmia phaeton (immature) and Megalurus galactotes 
seen in the long grass and pandanus around a spring at foot of the 
ridge near the camp. In the afternoon went up the river for a couple 
of miles. A number of Finches’ old nests were seen in a small patch 
of banksia and tea-tree brush. Some Stictoptera annulosa and 
Neochmia phaeton seen here. Struck narrow, dry billabongs sur- 
rounded with paper-barks about a mile from camp, and followed 
them along for some distance. A Jabiru flew past. A couple of . 
Tadorna vufiterygum and a Notophoyx were at a salt-water billabong, 
and a Bustard and Coucal were seen.  Bird-life generally fairly 
plentiful about fresh water, but no nests were found. Fresh buffalo 
tracks were observed in a small patch of marshy country along the 
foot of the ridge. 

3/10/15.—Went down the river about 3 miles. A flock of Geophaps 
were flushed from burnt country at foot of the ridge. Podargus 
phalenoides was flushed from its nest, containing two eggs, in a small 
dead tree. An occasional Geopelia placida and Rhipidura tricolor were 
the only other birds noted on the river-flat. In a patch of good 
forest country Tvichoglossus rubritorques was flushed from a hollow 
about 60 feet from the ground in a messmate; could not examine 
nest, as my hand was still bad. <A few old nests of Babblers and 
Finches were seen. Bird-life very scarce on the ridges. Pachy- 
cephala falcata, Rhipidura tricolor, Climacteris melanura, Geopelia 
placida, Pomatorhinus rubeculus. were all that were seen. After lunch 
took to the ridges south from camp and hunted till dark. . Two flocks 
of Ptilosclera versicoloy seen on the wing. Grallina picata and 
Artamus venustus seen in some burnt country. A large flock of 
Ansevanas semipa/mata passed the camp after dark, heading south- 
west. Whistling-Ducks also heard flying past. Later, two Owls 
(a small Ninox and a Strix) were heard calling. 


4/10/15.—Went up and across the river in the dinghy ; struck a bad 
place, having to go through about half a mile of mangroves to reach 
forest country. Headed up-stream through a mile of sandy country 
covered with stunted paper-barks and wattles. Rhiptdura isura, 
R. tricolor, Myiagra concinna, Pachycephala falcata, and Geopelia 
placida were the only birds noted. A couple of Halcyon macleayi 
were seen in a poor messmate patch on a gravelly flat. Went nearer 
the river, where there are some big paper-barks and eucalypts. A 
pair of Tvichoglossus rubritorques was flushed from a eucalypt with a 
good hollow about 50 feet from the ground. A mile further on a small 
lagoon was struck, where three Antigone australasiana and an Ibis 
molucca were seen; Conopophila rufogularis also noted. Came to a 
flat covered with a thin, stunted species of Melaleuca ; searched it for 
13 miles. Birds seen :—Poephila personata, Micreca pallida, Cracticus 
argenteus, C. picatus, and Rhipidura tricoloy. In some blood-woods 
a small flock of Ptilosclera versicolor were in a flowering tree. 
Ptistes coccineoplerus was seen in some big paper-barks along a creek; 


ee | Wuitet, North Australian Birds. 129 
In making back to the dinghy, got bushed in the mangroves for a 
couple of hours. Myzomela erythrocephala, Stigmatops ocularis, 
Micreca flaviventris, Piezorhynchus nitidus, and Pecilodryas pulveru- 
Jentus noted in the mangroves. Returned to camp about 3 p.m. 
and skinned birds. 

5/10/15.—Proceeded up river. A pair of Xenorhynchus asiaticus, 
a couple of Hevodias timoriensis, a single Ibts molucca, a Platalea 
vegia, two Glottis nebularius, and two Tadorna rufitergum were seen 
at the billabongs. Went inland, to the east, for about 3 miles, 
through a good forest country. Myzomela pectoralis fairly numerous. 
Lalage trioloy noted and Covacina hypoleucus shot. Struck towards 
the river again and across some low hematite ridges. Very poor 
country. Followed the ridge round to the camp. Calyptorhynchus 
macrorhynchus, Cacatua galerita, and C. sanguinea seen in some big 
paper-barks at a fresh-water billabong. A flock of Neochmia phaeton 
- WaS amongst some pandanus. Reached camp pretty late in the 
afternoon and skinned birds. Avdea sumatrana calling on the river 
after dark. 

6/10/15.—A few Cacatua roseicapilla seen flying past the camp 
at sunrise. Spent the morning hunting through the mangroves for 
13 miles down the river. Myzomela erythrocephala, M. obscura, 
Prezorhynchus nitidus, Pecilodryas pulverulentus, Stigmatops ocularis, 
Pseudogerygone magnirostris, Micreca flaviventris, Pachycephala simplex, 
and Cracticus quoyt were seen, but no nests found. Had a good 
hunt through the patch of scrub at the spring. Pinarolestes, Chalco- 
phaps, Pseudogerygone magnirostris, Ptilotis unicolor, Cacatua galerita, 
C. sanguinea, Chibta bracteata, Megalurus galactotes, Eurystomus 
pacificus, and Dacelo cervina were seen. Got back to the camp and 
skinned birds. Sent New to the spring to secure a specimen of the 
Black Butcher-Bird which could be heard calling. He returned in 
about an hour’s time with a Drongo. A small Ninox was heard 
calling. I imitated the call, but could not bring the bird up. 
fEgotheles also heard calling. 

7/10/15.—Went up other branch of river in dinghy. Found Micveca 
flaviventris building in the fork of a dead mangrove ; nest 8 feet above 
high-water mark. Another bird found building in a similar position 
further on. Went upa small creek about 400 yards. Flushed Pseudo- 
gerygone magnirostyis from its nest, which was 4 feet above the water 
in an overhanging mangrove. Clutch, three eggs. A mile further 
up the river another Micreca flaviventris flushed from its nest, 6 feet 
above the water, in fork of dead mangrove ; secured the egg with 
egg-scoop. Further along the river yet another Micrewca was flushed 
from its nest 4 feet above the water in a dead mangrove ; the nest 
contained one egg. The parent bird made a great fuss, fluttering 
round within a couple of feet of my head. Both Alcyone pusilla and 
A. pu/chra were seen and shot. Returned on the other side of the 
river and found several more Micreca nests. In trying to get the 
egg from one with the scoop the bird returned, and sat on the nest, 
and would not budge. If I pushed her off with the scoop she 
returned again. She eventually flew off and dragged the nest and 
egg clear of the scoop. The egg fell in the dinghy, and was broken. 
Got back to camp about 3 p.m. Stictoptera annulosa observed 
building near camp ; nest 6 feet from the ground in a small bush. 
After dark Geese heard flying past to the westward and Sfrir heard 
calling. The weather has been very hot lately. 


130 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. Bras 


8/10/15.—Went up the river in dinghy, landing in three places where 
Eulabeornis castaneiventer were heard calling, but could not catch 
sight of the Rails—mangroves too thick. Shot a Pinarolestes and a 
Pachycephala simplex. Got back to camp about 11 a.m.; skinned 
birds and blew eggs taken yesterday. 


9/10/15.—Went down the river to nest of Tvichoglossus rubn- 
torques noted 3/10/15. Both birds flushed from the tree. Climbed 
to the nest, which contained two small young about a week old. A 
Little Eagle was seen and secured. Worked back across the ridges 
to camp. <A covey of Turnix castanonota was flushed from the long 
grass at the foot of a ridge. Had a long chase after some Cracticus 
picata. Got back to camp 2.30 p.m. and skinned birds. 


10/10/15.—Went up river about 43 miles. A pair of Tvichoglossus 
vubritorques was flushed from a hollow 30 feet up in a eucalypt ; it 
contained two small young, not long hatched. Covey of Syne@cus 
cervvinus was flushed from some long grass near a dry billabong ; shot 
one of them. <A small flock of Geophaps smithi was next flushed ; 
bagged three, but only one was fit to skin. Dacelo cervina flushed 
from a hollow 20 feet from the ground in a eucalypt ; nest contained 
two eggs. Another pair of Tvichoglossus rubritorques was flushed 
from a hollow 35 teet from ground in a eucalypt ; it contained two 
young about a fortnight old. Headed back to camp along a sandy 
rise through thin forest country. A%gotheles nove-hollandi@ flushed 
from a hollow 20 feet from the ground in a eucalypt; no nest. 


Secured a specimen of Pomatorhinus. Got back to camp about . 


3.30 p.m. and skinned the birds. 


11/10/15.—Spent the morning working the river flat and the 
ridges near camp. Micreca flaviventris found building 30 feet from 
the ground on a thin, horizontal branch of a dead paper-bark. Shot 
a Bronze-wing Pigeon at spring near the camp. A Rufous Flycatcher 
(Rhipidura) was seen and shot in the scrub at another spring ; saw 
Tropidorhynchus argenticeps. In the afternoon secured specimens of 
Gerygone albigularis, Rhipidura tsuva, and Turnix castanonota, and 
returned to camp to skin them. 


12/10/15.—A pair of Poephila personata is starting to build in a 
pandanus near camp. Went up the other branch of the river in the 
dinghy for about 1} miles. Had a look at two nests of Micreca flavi- 
ventyvis noted building 7/10/15 ; one contained one egg, the other 
appeared to be deserted. Found four more nests of this bird, almost 
completed, in the forks of dead mangroves. Got ashore on the right 
bank tor about 3 miles, working the river flat. Country very poor ; 
timber mostly stunted paper-barks, with a few large trees along the 
edges of the salt-pans and around the small billabongs. A pair of 
Trichoglossus was flushed from a dry spout 4o feet from the ground 
in a paper-bark ; it contained two small young a few days old. A 
Brown Hawk was flushed from its nest in a thin, dry fork of a paper- 
bark ; branch too rotten to climb to. Another pair of Lorikeets 
flushed from a hollow 20 feet from the ground in a dead spout of a 
eucalypt ; again young. Returning along the edge of the forest 
country, Rhipidura tricolor, Pachycephala falcata, and a few Geopelia 
placida were the only birds noted. Some Stints (Pisobia acuminata) 
were seen on a salt-pan; shot a pair. Shot a Sandpiper (Heleractitis 
brevipes) along the river. 


Vol. ae Wuite, North Australian Birds: B GES g 
1917 


13/10/15.—Went up the river in the dinghy for 14 miles, and got 
ashore on the left bank and worked the river flat for about 34 miles. 
From tree where I flushed a pair of Lorikeets 4/10/15, both birds 
again flew from the hollow ; it contained two eggs. Nest of Falco 
lunulatus was found 70 feet from the ground, in the topmost branch 
of a eucalypt. I had some trouble in securing the eggs. Both the 
birds were flying round whilst I was at work. A Black-breasted 
Buzzard was seen flying high. A couple of Czsticola seen in some 
long, dry grass. Shot a specimen of Dacelo cervina. Got back to 
camp about 3 p.m. and skinned the birds. 


14/10/15.—Went up other branch of the river in dinghy for about 
3 miles. Got ashore and went to sandstone ranges about 3 miles 
distant. Followed up a wide ravine, well timbered with messmate, 
blood-wood, wattle, and other trees. Spinifex was very high and 
thick. Saw some of the Ptilofis that I had previously secured ; shot 
one.* When looking for a wounded bird I slipped and fell on a 
glazed surface of rock and damaged the right barrel of my gun, putting 
it completely out of action. Explored through narrow ravines and 
across some of the smaller bluffs. Shot a pair of Arvtamus minor. 
The ravines for a hundred feet up were full of low scrub. Pitta iris, 
a Chalcophaps, and Geopelia humeralis were seen; also. sighted 
Collyriocichla woodwardi. Had lunch and skinned birds. The Pizlotis, 
owing to the heat, was nearly putrid. A thick smoke which I had 
previously seen came down the ravine, and I had to leave. Worked 
through the forest country at the foot of the ranges. Megapodius 
tumulus was seen in a small patch of scrub. <A few Oriolus flavi- 
cinctus and a pair of Pinarolestes also noted. Dacelo cervina was flushed 
from a hollow 20 feet from the ground in a eucalypt. The nesting- 
place contained two eggs. <A _ pair of Climacteris melanura was 
examining a hollow 12 feet from the ground in a dry stump. I 
climbed to it, but there was no sign of a nest ; coming down, I got 
a splinter 14 inches long in my leg, which took me some time to 
extract. Returned to the dinghy and headed campward. Eulabeornis 
castaneiventey seen at the water’s edge. Reached camp 7.30 p.m. 


15/10/15.—After lunch I went to the patch of scrub at the spring. 
spent some time watching Pachycephala simplex, which are always 
to be seen here ; do not fRink they are breeding yet. Went into the 
mangroves further down the river. Flushed a big Owl, probably 
Ninox rufa. It flew off across the river. Continued through the 
mangroves again for about a mile after Cvracticus quoyt. Shot a 
Shrike-Thrush (C. brunnea) at the edge of the mangroves. A small 
flock of Myristicitvora spilorrhoa was in the scrub at the spring. 


16/10/15.—Went down and across the river. Three nests of 
Micreca flaviventris previously noted building were examined, but 
contained nothing ; think they have been deserted. Two mote pairs 
of these birds were observed building Went ashore and up through 
forest country to the range. A pair of Pseudogerygone chloronota 
was seen. Shot Oviolus Aavicinctus and Cyracticus argenteus, and 
returned to the dinghy. Afternoon, went into the mangroves to where 
I had seen the large Owl; saw the bird again, but it escaped. 
Thunder and lightning to the southward after sunset. 


17/10/15.—Crossed the river into the mangroves to see if I could 


* This distinctly new Ptilotis is described by me on p. 167.—H. L. W. 


132 Wuirte, North Australian Birds: ares 


procure any Black Butcher-Birds or Chestnut Rails. Saw the former 
birds building in the fork of a mangrove, 20 feet from the ground ; 
nest about half built. Spent much time after the Rails, but could 
not catch even sight of them, although at times they were only a few 
feet away. They usually frequent the densest part of the mangroves, 
along the small channels. Another pair of Butcher-Birds was noted. 
A nest of Pseudogerygone magnirosiris, containing two eggs, was 
found, a couple of feet above the water in a mangrove. The tide was 
rising, and, as the mangroves were flooded, I returned ; reached camp 
about 2 p.m. Went in quest of Rufous Owls again ; two birds were 
seen. After stalking them for about two hours brought one down. 
They are very wary birds, and fly off at the slightest sound or 
movement. Got back to camp and made skin of the bird before dark. 
Heavy thunder and lightning away to the southward again. Heard a 
Strix call about 10 p.m., and went out after it, without success. 


18/10/15.—Went out east by south from camp for about 4 miles, 
then around to the south and west, striking the river about 34 miles 
above camp. Very little bird-life seen. Nest of Pomatorhinus 
vubeculus, 8 feet from the ground, in a wattle, was examined ; it 
contained three small young. Shot a pair of Myzantha flavigula and 
a Poephila acuticauda. A Tree-creeper (C. melanura) was found 
building in a hollow 20 feet from the ground in a eucalypt. Falcon 
(F. lunulatus) was seen attacking a Whistling-Eagle, stooping at it 
repeatedly and uttering its sharp, querulous call, but never actually 
striking the big bird. A Jabiru and Spoonbill were the-only water- 
birds seen at the billabongs. Procured a specimen of Entomyza albt- 
pennis. Got back to camp about 2.30 p.m. My legs were very bad 
—all out in a burning rash, and puffed up. After I had skinned the 
birds I went down to the mangroves to see if I could get the other 
Owl ; no sign of it. I must have strained my left ankle to-day: it 
was very painful when I turned in. 


19/10/15.—Started up the river. My ankle is very stiff and 
painful, but it may improve with walking. A number of migratory 
birds seen about the salt-pans which have been filled by the big tides. 
Glottis nebulartus, Totanus stagnatilis, Mesoscolopax minutus, Hetero- 
pygta acuminata, Pisobia ruficollis, A:gialitis melanops, Lobivanellus 
mules, Antigone australasiana, Nettion gibberifrons,and Dendrocygna eytoni 
noted. My foot had not improved, so I shot a few birds and 
returned to camp. On the way saw pair of Eurystomus pactficus and 
the Rufous Owls. 


20/10/15.—My ankle too painful for walking, so I took to the 
river in the dinghy to examine the nests previously noted building. 
Some were deserted, others contained eggs. Pseudogerygone magnt- 
vostvis was flushed from a nest containing three eggs. Halcyon 
sovdidus were heard calling. A fine pair of Avdea sumatrana pre- 
ceded the dinghy all the way up the river. On return noted Alcyvone 
pulchva and Numenius variegatus. Eulabeornis castaneiventer was 
heard calling in several places. Got back to camp about 3 p.m. 
Sent New up the river. Cacomantis flabelliformis and a Chalcococcyx 
heard calling in the mangroves near camp. 


21/10/15.—Went down river in dinghy for about 5 miles. Ex- 
amined several small creeks and channels. A pair of Micreca 
flavivenivis found building in fork of dead mangrove, about 5 feet 
above the water. A number of A£gialitis ruficapilla and O. geoffroyt 


ss 


eee ee 


Vol. XVI. Waite, North Australian Birds. 133 
1917 


seen on a mud-bank. A Tern (Gelochelidon anglica\) seen and shot. 
Saw a Mangrove-Bittern and a Darter. Shot a Whimbrel on the 
wing. A few Numenius cyanopus and N. variegatus were seen along 
the river. 


22/10/15.—Spent the morning near camp. Noted Mymnisticivora 
spilorrhoa, Myzomela_ erythrocephala, Melithreptus  albigularts, 
Stiematops ocularis, two Poephila acuticauda. Mosquitoes were ex- 
ceptionally bad in the scrub and in the mangroves. In the afternoon 
I went along the salt-pans and billabongs, then through forest 
country on the ridges. Procured Dupetor gouldi at the fresh-water 
billabong. Nothing of note in the forest country. Mosquitoes bad 
about the salt-pans and billabongs. 


23/10/15.—Went down river a couple of miles and landed on the 
left bank. Worked through the forest country to the sandstone 
range. A pair of Climacteris melanuva seen feeding full-fledged 
young. Very few birds here now; trees past blooming. Worked 
through the low bluffs for about 2 miles and got into the main range 
for about 2 miles. A Pi#tlotis, a Collyriocichla woodwardi, Stigmatops 
ocularis, Pachycephala falcata, Rhipidura tricolor. and R. tsurva were 
seen. A pair of Podargus phalenoides was flushed from a blood-wood 
where was a nest containing two small young. Returned to camp 
about 3 p.m. and skinned birds. 


24/10/15.—Went up river and landed in several places in the man- 
groves, where the Rails and Butcher-Birds were calling. Found five 
nests of Pseudogerygone magnirostvis—one with one egg, two with 
two eggs each, and two building. Procured two males of Pvezo- 
vhynchus nitidus. Nothing else of importance to-day except mos- 
quitoes, which are in clouds about the camp: have to keep a circle 
of fire-smokes going from about an hour before sunset till we turn in. 
The cure is, however, almost as bad as the cause. 


25/10/15.—Heard the Strix calling about an hour before daylight ; 
went out after it—no luck. Did not feel well, so shot some birds 
near the camp. In the afternoon I went out along the foot of the 
ridge north-east from camp. Saw Smicrornis flavescens and Oriolus 
flavicinctus ; nothing else of note seem. Heard a possum screeching 
near the camp about 9 p.m. Went out with the electric torch ; 
located the animal in some small paper-barks at the edge of the man- 
groves. It made a good specimen. 


26/10/15.—Went south of camp, through the timbered ridges, 
for about 3 miles. Obtained Pardalotus uropygialis (three) and a 
male Malurus cruentatus. Returned to camp about mid-day. One 
of the Pardalotes was already putrid. Spent the afternoon in camp, 
feeling unwell. The weather was oppressively hot, and nights very 
sultry. 


27/10/15.—Went up the river to examine some nests in course of 
construction, and got a Little Kingfisher. After lunch went out east 
from camp a couple of miles; not much bird-life about. Nearing 
camp, Glyctphila fasciata was seen. Heard a strange Owl calling 
again some time after I turned in; went in quest. There were two 
birds, which led me a nice dance for about a mile. Got nearly eaten 
with mosquitoes, and never sighted the birds. 


28/10/15.—Up river to get the nest of Climacterts melanura that 
was building. The bird flushed from the hollow, so I climbed up 
10 


134 Wulte, North Australian Birds. [nes 


and secured two eggs. Noted Philemon sorvdidus and Myzomela 
pectoralis, the latter being fairly numerous in a patch of burnt forest. 
My legs had swelled and were painful, so I remained in camp during 
the afternoon. The sores on my hands are beginning to heal; have 
been careful lately—have not got any fresh scratches. 


29/10/15.—Went up the river in the dinghy to have a look at the 
nest of Cyvacticus quoyt noted 17/10/15; it was completed, but 
there were no eggs. Heard the birds close by. The other nest noted 
same date had not been added to. Hada search for the nest of another 
pair of these birds, but only found two old nests. Found a nest of 
Zostevops lutea in a small-leaved mangrove overhanging the river ; 
it contained two fresh eggs. The bird sat on the nest till touched. 
Two nests of P. magnivostyis, containing two eggs each, were taken. 
Another nest contained two hard-set eggs. A nest of M. flaviventris, 
8 feet above the water, in fork of dead mangrove, contained one egg. 
The nest of P. magnirostris noted 27/10/15 still contained but two 
eggs; took them. A Pied Goose was flushed from the mangroves, 
and a Megapode was seen, also Pzezorhynchus nitidus and Zosterops 
lutea. Afternoon, I went down the river through the mangroves. 
Heard the Chestnut Rails calling in a fairly clear patch of mangroves. 
Crept quietly up to within sight of them. There were eight birds ; 
two pairs were fighting, while the others looked on, uttering their 
queer calls occasionally. Although I shot one of the outsiders, the 
others kept on fighting. I was preparing for another shot when a 
bird caught sight of me, uttered a loud warning grunt, and all dis- 
appeared instantly. Saw a Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis) and a 
Black Butcher-Bird. Mosquitoes plentiful. Arrived at camp about 
5 p-m. and skinned birds. 


30/10/15.—Went up the other branch of river. Took nest of 
Micreca flaviventris and several nests of Pseudogerygone magnirosins. 
One had two eggs, including one of a Bronze-Cuckoo. A nest of 
Zostevops lutea contained two slightly incubated eggs. Hunted 
near camp in the afternoon. Koel heard calling after dark, as it 
had by day. 


31/10/15.—Went up river in dinghy for a couple of miles. Nest of 
Yellow Zosterops noted 29/10/15 contained three eggs. Landed on 
the left bank and proceeded through the forest country to the west 
for about 3 miles. Flushed Rhipidura isuva from its nest, 5 feet 
from the ground, in a dead wattle, and saw Mytagra concinna. 
Halcyon macleayi was flushed from its hollow in a termites’ nest 
20 feet from the ground in a eucalypt ; the mound contained four 
eggs. A little further on Tvichoglossus rubritorques flushed from a 
hollow 25 feet from the ground in a eucalypt; result, two eggs. 
Secured Conopophila rufogularis. Reached camp 1.30 p.m. and skinned 
birds. After I had finished I went to the patch of scrub at the 
spring near camp. Shot a female of Lalage leucomelena and a couple 
of Myzomela obscura. Mosquitoes very troublesome. 


1y/ Tyee 


Excessively hot, and an uneventful day. 


2/11/15.—Went down river a couple of miles along the edge of 
the salt-pans. Noted Ochthodromus geoffroyi, Himantopus leucocephalus, 
Glottis nebulavius, and Heteropygia acuminata. Saw a Cisticola and 
several Stictopteva annulosa at the spring near camp. After lunch, at 
the spring again; noted Diceum hirundinaceum, Glyctphila fasciaia, 


Vol, vue j Th lov y WT : TT. 
Ln | WuiteE, North Australian Birds. 135 


Neochmia phaeton, and Centropus phasianus. A Little Eagle was 
seen overhead. 


3/11/15.—Went out east across the ridges for about 3 miles, 
and back to camp along the foot of the ridges. Birds identified :— 
Myzomela erythrocephala, Lalage tricoloy, and Ptilotis unicoloy ; and 
in the afternoon, Syn@cus cervinus. 


4/11/15.—Went up river to the billabongs. A score of Tadorna 
vufitergum were seen. After lunch visited the spring. Saw a 
White Goshawk ; spent about two hours trying to get it, without 
success. Saw Megalurus galactotes and Melithreptus albigularits. 
Stvix heard calling after dark. 


5/11/15.—Went up the river in the dinghy ; visited the two old nests 
of Ardea sumatrana, as I thought these birds might have started to 
build. The nest of Cvracticus quoyi noted 17/10/15 appeared to 
be deserted. Worked round through the mangroves in several places, 
but did not find any nests. Of two nests of P. magnirostris noted 
24/10/15, one was deserted, the other contained two eggs. A nest 
noted 27/10/15 also contained two eggs. Shot a couple of Glottis 
nebulayius on the way back to camp. After lunch I went down to 
the spring to see if I could see Astur nove-hollandie, but there was 
no sign of the bird about. Worked round through the forest. Pro- 
cured Covacina robusta, Halcyon sanctus, and Neochmia  phaeton. 
Rest of day uneventful. 


6/11/15.—Went down river a couple of miles. The nest of 
Micreca flaviventyis noted 21/10/15 contained one hard-set egg. 
Landed on the left bank and went to small sandstone range. A 
couple of Pitta ivis was heard, a pair of Caprimulgus macrurus 
flushed, and Collyriocichla woodwardi, Rhipidura isura, and Pachy- 
cephala falcataseen. Shot a Ptistes coccineopierus in some paper-barks. 
Got back to camp at 2.30 p.m, shooting a Curlew on the way which 
had the claw of a small crab fastened on its bill. Excessively hot 
to-day. Distant thunder and lightning after sunset. 


7/11/15.—Went up river a couple of miles through the forest. 
Found a nest of Rhipidura isuva, ready for eggs, 5 feet from ground 
on dead twig of a Banksia. Dacelo cervina flushed from a hollow 
15 feet from the ground in a eucalypt; nest contained two eggs. 
Felt unwell, so I returned to camp. Called at billabongs on the way ; 
saw a flock of ten Whistling-Ducks. Shot a couple of Tadorna rufi- 
tergum for the pot, and noted Entomyza albipennis, Merops ornatus, 
Pachycephala falcata, and Malurus cruentatus. 


8/11/15.—Feeling too unwell to go far afield, went to spring at 
foot of ridge about 7.30 a.m. to see what birds came to water. In 
an hour and a half identified Geopelia humervalis, G. placida, Poephila 
personata, P. gouldie, Neochmia phaeton, Tropidorhynchus argenticeps, 
Philemon sorvdidus, Entomyza_ albipennis, Stigmatops  ocularis, 
Glyctphila fasciata, Myzomela obscura, Melithreptus albigularis, and 
Rhipidura tricolor. Five Lobivanellus miles were seen at an open 
pool at the edge of the scrub. Went again to the springs about 
2p.m. Geophaps smithi was the only additional bird seen. Distant 
thunderstorms to east, south, and west during the afternoon and 
evening. 

9/11/15.—Still unwell ; must have a touch of fever. Went to the 
spring at foot of ridge for a couple of hours ; saw Myzomela pectoralis, 


136 Wuite, North Australian Birds. (eee 


Conopophila albigularis, Poephila gouldie, one Philemon sordidus, and 
one Tvopidorhynchus argenticeps. Just as I was about to return a 
fine Red Buzzard flew into the trees near the spring. I secured it. 


10/11/15.—Better to-day. Went up the river for about 3 miles. 
Found nest of Climacteris melanura 30 feet from the ground in 
hollow spout of a messmate; it contained young almost ready to 
fly. A pair of Rhipidura isura seen feeding small young in a nest 
30 feet from the ground on dead twig of a paper-bark. Nest of 
Podargus phalenoides 15 feet from the ground in upright three- 
pronged fork of an iron-wood also contained young. Shot a speci- 
men of Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, and returned to camp with 
a bad headache. 


. ‘ 

11/11/15.—Went up other branch of river by boat for about 4 
miles, landing on the left bank and walking for another 3 miles. 
Oviolus affinis was seen, which I tried to get. Few other birds were 
seen. On return I took eggs of Pseudogerygone magnirosivis and 
Micreca flaviventris. Shot a Sandpiper (H. brevipes)—the only one 
seen. In the afternoon I went out on the ridge near the camp. 
Smicrornis flavescens, Stigmatops ocularis, and Glyciphila fasciata 
noted. 


12/11/15.—Spent the morning in the ridges east of camp. Neosvtta 
leucoptera, the first noted, was shot. Watched four pairs of Climac- 
tevis melanura in different places. Shot Turnix castanonota and a 
couple of Collyriocichla brunnea. In the afternoon got a fine 
Myristicivora spilorvrhoa in the scrub at the spring, and made a good 
skin of it. 

13/11/15.—Went out through the forest country to south-east and 
south of camp. Shot Platycercus brownt and found nest of Rhipidura 
isuva, 6 feet from ground on dead twig of a eucalypt, containing a 
single egg. Nothing else exceptional noted to-day except a pair of 
Turnix melanotus, which flushed from some grass; did not get a 
shot, too much timber in the way. 


14/11/15.—Uneventful day, except for great heat. Ineessant 
lightning to the south after dark. 


15/11/15.—Another uneventful day. More thunder and lightning 
around after dark. 


16/11/15.—Went to a spring at foot of ridge about 1} miles away. 
Remained about three hours. Tyvopidorhynchus argenticeps, Philemon 
sovdidus, Ptilotis unicolor, Melithveptus albigularis, Myzomela obscura, 
M. erythrocephala, Stigmatops ocularis, and Glyciphila fasciata were 
seen in fair numbers. Three Conopophila rufogularis also seen, likewise 
Entomyza albipennis, Lalage tricolor, Rhipiduva tricolor, R. wisura, 
Synecus cervinus, Geopelia placida, Neochmia phaeton, Poephila 
personata and P. acuticauda, and Munia castanetthovax (a number 
of these birds came in—the first I have seen of the genus). Falco 
lunulatus, Cisticola exilis, Megalurus galactotes, Malurus cruentatus, 
Chibia bracteata, and Merops ornatus also noted. In the afternoon 
visited the patch of scrub at the spring. Edoliisoma tenutirostre was 
seen. Procured Péilotis unicoloy and Trichoglossus rubritorques. 
Thunderstorms to east, south, and west during the afternoon. A 
few points of rain fell, and made a most welcome change. 


17/11/15.—Went to the spring up the river again. There were 


oe 


Vol. XVI. Wuite, North Australian Birds. 137 
1917 


noted Poephila gouldie, Diceum hirundinaceum, Megalurus galactotes, 
and five Antigone australasiana. A great number of Waders were also 
seen about the salt-pans, including #gialitis melanops and a single 
Evrythrogonys cinctus. The water in the salt-pans and billabongs was 
a moving mass of mosquito larve. Track of a large crocodile was 
seen crossing from the channel that fills the salt-pans to a billabong 
at the foot of the ridge. Returned to camp, shooting Malurus 
cruentatus and Rhipidura tricoloy on the way. In the afternoon 
noticed all the birds were busy catching flying termites. At the 
other spring down the river a number of Finches (Neochmia phaeton) 
were also catching flying termites on the wing. 


18/11/15.—Went to the spring up river again. Some Munia 
arrived about 10 a.m.; shot two, but lost one in the long grass. A 
pair of Poephila gouldi was seen. Another flock of Munia (apparently 
castaneithovax) flew into the bushes near. Brought down one, which 
proved to be M. xanthoprymna. Got ashot at more castanetthorax (?) ; 
brought down seven birds, one of which was M. xanthoprymna. Had 
brought the skinning outfit with me, so I set to work at once. 
Finished six specimens and returned to camp. A iew Poephila 
personata, P. acuticauda, and Neochmia phaeton kept coming in to 
water whilst I was at work. Did not see any more of M. xantho- 
prymna. Returned to camp about 3.30 p.m. and finished the rest 
of birds. Heavy thunderstorm to southward, but it did not reach 
the camp. Mosquitoes very troublesome again. 


19/11/15.—Went up river for a couple of miles through forest. Put 
in two hours nesting. A Red Buzzard was near the spring. Some 
Finches (Neochmia phaeton and Munia castaneithovax) were feeding 
amongst the grass. A small Tuynix was flushed. Went down round 
the salt-pans and billabongs, but did not see anything of note. 
Returned to camp; reached there about mid-day. Shot a_speci- 
men of Poephila personata on the way. Had some lunch and skinned 
the birds. In the afternoon worked the forest country down river. 
Birds scarce, but secured Gerygone albigularis, Malurus cruentatus, 
and Rhipidura isura. Mosquitoes very bad. 


20/11/15.—Went down river about 14 milesin dinghy. Landed on 
the left bank and got into the sandstone range. A party of Malurus 
dulcis (male and three females) was watched for some time. Plenty 
of water now in rock-holes since the rain, but bird-life as scarce as 
ever. Collyriocichla woodwardi seen on a high pinnacle of rock, 
uttering its rich and varied song. Another bird flew from under a 
ledge below ; it appeared to come from a nest. There was a deep 
ravine intervening, and I could not get across.’ Deposited lunch and 
water-bag under a shady ledge and hunted round till mid-day. A 
pair of Ptilotis was watched for some time without result. Crossed 
the range and worked along the other side for some distance. A 
Koel noted. Hunted through the scrubby ravines where I had 
previously shot a Chalcophaps, but no birds of any kind were seen, 
so headed for camp. Examined the place where Collyrtocichla wood- 
wardt was seen earlier in the day. Two fresh nests were found in 
holes in the rock under high, overhanging ledges, and the birds heard 
calling a short distance away. Reached camp a little after sunset. 
Exceedingly hot to-day. Mosquitoes very bad on the river. 


21/11/15.—Explored the sandstone range again. Worked through 
about a mile before any Collyriocichla woodwardi were heard. Found 


138 Wuite, North Australian Birds. [ Emu 


15th Jan. 


many old nests and one fresh of the Thrushes, all placed in holes in 
the backs and roofs of overhanging ledges of rock. Malurus dulcis 
observed for some time; could not locate the females. A Pitilotis 
also seen. After lunch I worked another part of the range. A 
Thrush flew from under a ledge 20 feet from the bottom of a ravine 
—rather a stiff climb. A fresh-looking nest was found in a hole 
under the ledge. Further on a nest of Avtamus minor was found on 
a narrow ledge 20 feet up the face of an abrupt pinnacle of rock ; 
after a stiff climb I managed to get above the nest, which contained 
two small young. Some Koels, a Bower-Bird, a Megapode, and a 
Chalcophaps were noted in a small patch of scrub at the head of a 
ravine. Worked about 24 miles of the range to the northward. 
There had not been any rain in this part yet. Caught a few water- 
beetles and some tiny shell-fish that were swimming rapidly in a pool ; 
bottled them. Reached camp at dusk. 


22/11/15.—Felt stiff and sore; too much rock work yesterday. 
Took a skinning outfit and went to spring up river. Neochmia 
phaeton were the only birds seen up till 10 a.m. Then a few Munia 
and Stictopteva came. Four Poephila were located in a bushy tree 
about 20 yatds away from where I sat. I fired, and quite a large 
flock flew from the tree. I picked up 13 birds; four of them were 
badly damaged ; the others were good specimens. Sent New back 
to the camp to bring along some lunch, and set to work on the birds 
again ; finished 13 skins by 3 p.m. Later, two large flocks of P. 
gouldi were noted, and numerous small flocks of M. castaneithorax 
kept arriving Did not see any of M. xanthoprymna. Rest of the 
afternoon hunted through the forest. 


23/11/15.—Went to the sandstone range and into it about a mile 
further north than last visit. A party of Malurus dulcis (male and 
four females) was watched for some time without result. A single 
Ptilotis was procured. Several Thrushes heard calling, but only 
one nesting-place discovered—two nests side by side on a sheltered 
ledge ; one appeared to be fresh. An Eagle’s nest was observed 
jambed between a fig-tree and the face of the cliff, about 100 feet 
from the bottom of a ravine. Worked round and up above the nest, 
which appeared being built, as a green branchlet could be seen in 
it. Some large bats were disturbed in a narrow ravine: bagged two 
of them. A fine rock-hole of clear, cool water was found, from which 
a lot of small, shrimp-like creatures were secured. After lunch 
worked through another part of the range. A pair of small Owls 
was flushed from a bushy tree; one bird was dropped, the other dis- 
appeared. A number of human thigh and shin bones, mostly ccloured 
red, was found hidden under a shelf of rock. Nothing else of note 
seen. Returned to camp about sunset. shooting a Platycercus brownt 
on the way. 


24/11/15.—Shot a Little Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx minutillus) near 
the camp before breakfast. A Swift (Cypselus pacificus) flew south. 
Worked through the forest south of the camp. A small Owl flushed 
from bushy eucalypt; shot it. Two pairs of Cracticus argenteus 
were observed for some time ; do not think they have started to breed 
yet. Avtamus venustus noted. Called in at the billabongs on the 
way back. Tracks of Emus seen in the mud. All the Finches again 
in evidence at the spring, and fairly numerous. Got back to camp 
about 2 p.m. and skinned birds. 


ee Waite, North Australian Birds. 139 

25/11/15.—Went to the northern end of the sandstone range ; passed 
through about 3 miles of forest on the way. Little bird-life observed. 
Nest of Avtamus minor noticed in a hole of rock ; could not reach it. 
Another nest of this bird seen on the face of a precipitous cliff ; it 
contained young. The strange Ptilotis was seen and watched for 
some time. On imitating its call the bird became very excited, and 
in a few minutes another bird appeared, presumably the female. 
Both birds then flew off into a scrubby ravine. Followed them, but 
could only locate the male ; it was then too late to search the ravine. 
I must have strained my foot in the ranges, as I could hardly walk 
when I reached camp at sunset. 


26/11/15.—Foot very stiff and painful this morning, so spent day 
near camp, procuring some useful material and observing. Thunder- 
storms to the south. 


27/11/15.—Went to the sandstone range where I was watching 
the pair of Ptilotis mentioned 25/11/15. On imitating their call, 
one of the birds flew from the entrance of the ravine ; a little later 
the other bird appeared. Watched them for about an hour. Searched 
the ravine thoroughly, but could not find any nest. After lunch 
worked another part of the range. Eight more nests of Collyriocichla 
woodwardi were found ; two appeared to be fresh. All were in similar 
positions to those previously noted. The bush was melodious with 
the birds’ varied and beautiful song. Two nests of Avtamus minor 
noted in inaccessible positions in cliffs. Two pairs of the Pétlotis 
were watched for some time, without result. Saw parties of Malurus 
dulcis. A slight thunderstorm passed up the river about mid-day, 
and another passed over the camp at night. 


28/11/15.—Went down the river for about a mile in the dinghy, 
and up a small creek for 14 miles. Nests of Pseudogerygone magni- 
vostvis, containing eggs, were taken. Nests of Pzezorhynchus nitidus 
and Craclicus quoyt, containing young, were noted. Saw Pecilodryas 
pulverulentus ; also a number of Edolitsoma tenuivosive were heard 
calling in different places among mangroves. Went up the river a 
short distance to where I had previously heard Halcyon sordidus. 
Mosquitoes very bad in the mangroves. In the afternoon two pairs 
of Climacteris melanuva were watched for an hour; no _ result. 
Cacomantis flabelliformis seen near camp. The nest of Rhipidura 
isuva examined two days ago contained two eggs. 


29/11/15.—Went up the river and examined three of the small 
creeks. On the butt of a fallen mangrove, near the creek, I found 
a nest in course of construction that perhaps belonged to the Chestnut 
Rail ; at present it is a shapeless, flat-topped heap of dead twigs and 
mangrove leaves. The birds were heard calling close by. A pair 
of Pachycephala simplex was watched for some time. After lunch 
worked the mangroves down the river for about 14 miles. A last 
season’s nest of the Rail was found on the butt of a fallen mangrove. 
Mosquitoes and sand-flies made the mangroves unbearable. Spent 
the rest of the afternoon working the forest. Pair of Rhipidura 
isuva had started a nest in a small paper-bark at the landing. 


30/11/15.—Went down the river a couple of miles and into the 
mangroves on the right bank after Eudabeornis, which were calling 
in the vicinity. Pecilodryas pulverulentus seen feeding a full-fledged 
young. Several old nests of Bitterns and Doves noted. Saw, at the 


140 Wuite, North Australian Birds. [setae 


spring, Myzomela obscura and M. erythrocephala. After lunch went 
across the river opposite camp to where a pair of Eulabeornis was 
calling nearly every day. After hunting for a couple of hours found 
a freshly-built nest on a fallen mangrove. Mosquitoes and sand-flies 
terrible. 

1/12/15.—Proceeded down river beyond where I went yesterday. 
Searched through the mangroves. Nest of E. castaneiventer at last 
found, containing three eggs; left it to see if more would be laid. 
Pecilodryas pulverulentus were about and watched. Left the man- 
groves for a small sandstone range near. A pair of Pitta ivis and a 
pair of Pseudogerygone were noted, also Lalage leucomelena, Edoltisoma 
tenurvostve, and Collyriocichla woodwardi. Returned to river. A 
Butorides stagnatilis flushed from its nest 4 feet above the water in 
dead mangroves ; it contained two eggs. Found beginnings of another 
Rail’s nest at the base of a mangrove on a mound of earth. Back to 
camp at sunset. 

2/12/15.—Uneventful day, save for mosquitoes. 

3/12/15.—Went up river and ashore searching for Eulabeornis. 
Found a nest that had just been started, and observed some old nests. 
Missed a Bronze-Cuckoo. Nothing else of note, except mosquitoes. 
On return to camp shot a pair of Trichoglossus rubritorques. After 
lunch I went up river through the forest. Found Rhipidura isura 
just starting a nest 8 feet from the ground in a dead wattle. Very 
few birds to be seen. 


4/12/15.—Nothing eventful to-day, which was oppressively hot. 
5/12/15.—Uneventful. 


6/12/15.—Went down river to nest of Eulabeornis noted 1/12/15 ; 
it contained four eggs. Took them and waited for the bird, which 
returned in about half an hour, walked up the sloping root of the 
mangrove, and hopped on to the nest. Crossed the river and 
examined several other nesting-places of the Rails, including a nest, 
apparently building, 3 feet above the ground on the butt of a fallen 
mangrove. Tracks of the birds in mud could be seen leading to the 
nest. Another nest, almost finished, was 10 feet from the ground on 
a large horizontal limb of a mangrove. 


7/12/15.—Went over to the range. Visited 15 nesting-places 
(previously noted) of the Sandstone Thrush; no eggs in the four 
fresh nests and no sign of building in the other places. In one place 
three birds were trying to outsing one another—a great treat to hear 
their music. A pair of the strange Ptilotis was seen and watched 
for some time; no result. <A pair of Falco melanogenys was seen. 
Got back to camp just at dusk, and heavy thunder and much Hig ema 
to the south occurred afterward. 


8/12/15.—Went through the forest south-easterly about 3 miles. 
A Tree-creeper (C. melanura) flew into a hollow with something in its 
bill. Climbed up, but could not see in; will invéstigate again in a 
few days. Returned to river and worked it down, calling at the 
billabongs on the way. Procured Edoliisoma tenuivostre. Tracks of 
natives seen in the mud along the edge of the mangroves ; they have 
evidently been spying the camp. Returned to camp about 2 p.m. 
Did not go out again. Mohr shot a pair of Tadorna rufitergum on a 
salt-pan. Crop and stomach of both Ducks were full of beetles ; 
bottled some. 


Kel et Waite, North Australian Birds. EAT 


; nothing of note. 
Returned to camp about 11 a.m. Great numbers of Finches were 
watering at the spring near camp. Rails (Amaurornis moluccana) 
heard calling in the long grass ; could not flush any of them. After 
lunch crossed river. Found a nest of Eudabeornis containing four 
eggs ; they appeared to be slightly incubated, so I took them. Nests 
of Piezorhynchus nitidus containing young, and Pseudogerygone magnt- 
vostvis containing three heavily-incubated eggs. noted. Amaurornis 
moluccana heard calling after dark as they passed over the camp. 


10/12/15.—Shot specimens of Alcyone pusilla and Little Bronze- 
Cuckoo. Rest of day uneventful. 


9/12/15.—Went out east of camp a couple of miles ; 


11/12/15.—Heavy thunderstorm to-day ; over an inch of rain fell. 
Swifts passed over the camp just after the rain. 


12/12/t5.—Went down river through the forest for 2 miles. 
Rhipidura isuva noted building. Shot Geophaps smithi and Halcyon 
macleayt. Little bird-life anywhere now. Storm came up about 
mid-day, when it rained heavily, succeeded by a drizzle which con- 
tinued for the rest of the afternoon. A large flock of Swifts passed 
up the river just after the heavy rain. Rainfall at 6 p.m., 1% inches. 
Three natives came to the camp at sunset ; they could understand 
little English, and only spoke a few words. I gave them a little 
“°’bacca’’ and tucker,and let them camp near. 


13/12/15.—Nest of Rhipidura isuva, noted building near landing 
29/11/15, contained two eggs. Went up branch of the river and 
worked through the mangroves, where Rails were calling. Heavy 
rain fell about 10.30 a.m. Returned to camp. After lunch I took 
the three natives and worked the mangroves for 2} miles up the river, 
but did not find anything except a 4}-feet brown snake, which I 
nearly put my hand on. The reptile was coiled on a fallen man- 
grove. 


14/12/15.—To-day’s efforts were damped with heavy showers. 
In the sandstone range Thrushes and Maluri were noted, and eggs 
of the former taken. Had a very narrow escape from snake-bite 
in the forest. I almost stood on a brown snake which was coiled up 
near a rat-hole. The instant I saw it I sprang sideways as its head 
flashed past my leg. The reptile disappeared into the hole before 
IT could shoot. 


15/12/15.—Uneventful day. 


16/12/15.—Light rain, with occasional sharp showers, al! day. 
Went over to the sandstone bluffs to get the nest of Thrush noted 
with two eggs 14/12/15; no more eggs laid. The birds sat until I 
got within three yards of the nest, which was 4 feet from the ground 
on a shelf of rock under a broad ledge. Crossed a broad ravine, and 
up into the south-west end of the range, and hunted the ravines for 
a couple of hours, without success. 


17/12/15.—Light rain started to fall a little after daybreak, with 
occasional heavy showers. and continued till about 2 p.m. Too wet 
to go out anywhere. 

18/12/15.—Worked through the forest country up river. Two 
Cormorants (P. sulcivostvis) seen, and one shot. Two pairs of 
Lobivanellus miles were watched for some time. After lunch worked 
the forest down river for a couple of miles. On return, a Finch 


142 Wuite, North Australian Birds. Bere 


(Poephila personata) was observed catching insects on the wing, and 
Moor-Hens (Amaurornis) were calling in the long grass at the spring 
near camp. 


19/12/15.—Rain fell from daylight till mid-day, with occasional 
heavy showers. Too wet to go out. Rest of day, nothing unusual 
noted, except Alcyone pulchra seen drilling a hole in the bank of 
washaway near the landing. Rainfall nearly 2 inches. 


20/12/15.—Went up river about 3 miles to examine banks for 
nests of Alcyone pulchra. A pair of Tadorna rufitergum seen flying 
along the edge of the forest country as if looking for nesting hollows. 
Worked through the forest back to the fresh-water billabong ; a pair 
of Tadorna seen perched in a big paper-bark. There is a likely 
hollow in the next tree; birds may nest there. Moor-Hens calling 
from the long grass. Another lot of these birds was at a spring 
nearer camp. A Pardalotus uropygialts observed in the forest. A 
number of birds appear to have left the district since the rain ; others 
have got scarce. Rhipidura tricolor, Lalage tricolor, Grallina picata, 
Merops ornatus, Eurystomus pacificus, and Artamus venustus have 
not been seen this last week. Pachycephala falcata, Glyciphila 
fasciata, Stigmatops ocularis, Tropidorhynchus argenticeps, Tricho- 
glossus vubritorques, Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, Ptilosclera 
versicoloy, Turnix castanonota, Geophaps smithi are but rarely 
observed. A heavy thunderstorm came up before I returned to 
camp. After lunch crossed the river and worked through the man- 
groves up stream. Cvacticus quoyi, Pachycephala simplex, and 
Pecilodryas pulverulentus were watched for some time; no result. 
Nests of Pseudogerygone and Piezorhynchus, each containing one 
egg, were noted. Rain fell most of the afternoon. 


21/12/15.—Went down river and round to a salt-pan where were 
several pairs of Lobivanellus miles. Found first nest of these birds, 
containing two eggs ; another nest contained three eggs. The next 
three nests found contained four eggs each. Several pairs of 
Tadorna rufitergum were noted, also Antigone australasiana, a few 
Garzetta nigripes, and a number of Glottis nebulavius. Got back to 
camp about 4 p.m., wet with rain. The three natives came 
again to-day. 

22/12/15.—-Rats raided the camp last night and destroyed two 
skins secured yesterday. I had left them on a box near a tin of 
hot coals to dry them a bit. It started to rain again soon after day- 
light, and continued till 11 a.m. Went up the river to get the nest 
of Piezorhynchus nitidus noted 20/12/15; it contained two eggs. 
Too wet to get any birds for skinning, so I returned to camp, had an 
early lunch, then went down and across the river in the dinghy and 
up along the edge of the mangroves for about 3 miles. It started 
to rain before I had gone, and rained more or less all day. How- 
ever, more Plovers’ eggs were collected at the salt-pans, including 
a set of four from a nest on a small sandy islet. Flushed a Dollar- 
Bird from a hollow 60 feet from the ground in a big paper-bark ; 
too wet to climb tree. Got back to camp 6 p.m. Rainfall, 3 inches, 
and no sign of clearing. 


23/12/15.—Rained heavily throughout the night; 3 inches in 
tin this morning, and still raining. River level with banks, and 
rising rapidly. By 10 a.m. the water was 18 inches deep in the 
tents, and still rising. Packed everything in the dinghy under the 


Vol. XVI. : 4 
oO see Waite, North Australian Birds. 143 


tent, as we would soon have to shift. About 11 a.m. there was 24 feet 
water in the tent, so moved to higher ground, about 400 yards away, 
nearer the ridge. Hundreds of beetles and other insects flooded out, 
and had taken refuge on grass-stalks, trees, bushes, and ant-hills ; 
spent a couple of hours collecting specimens. Another 3 inches of 
rain fell during the day, making total for the 24 hours 612 inches. 


24/12/15.—More rain last night, and river rising again, so I did 
not leave camp. Spent morning catching beetles and other insects. 
Two trees, about 200 yards from the camp, had been struck by 
lightning ; pieces of wood several feet long and weighing up to 2 cwt. 
were hurled in all directions. After lunch I went down the river 
along the edge of the forest for about 3 miles. Nothing of note. 


25/12/15.—Rain had cleared off, and river normal again. 
Examined nest of Dollar-Bird noted 22/12/15; it contained two 
small young. Went over to ranges to examine nests of Sandstone 
Thrushes previously noted. Birds heard, but no new nests. Three 
pairs of the Péilotis and two parties of Malurus dulcis were watched 
for some time; no result. Some Swifts (Cypselus pacificus) were 
seen circling high overhead. Went through forest country and to 
the Plovers’ nest noted with two eggs 21/12/15 ; it contained three 
eggs. The nest had been covered by about a foot of water during 
the flood, and appeared to have been deserted. On return a pair of 
Rhipidura isuva was seen feeding a young Cuckoo (C. flabelliformts). 
Visited the nest of Eulabeornis noted with one egg 19/12/15 ; now 
contained five eggs. Got back to camp at dark. 


26/12/15.—Spent the morning near camp. The nest of Little 
Kingfisher noted 19/12/15 had been under water a couple of days. 
Birds were hard at work clearing it out again. Three nests of 
Rhipidura isuva previously noted were all deserted. After early 
lunch, crossed the river to the Plovers’ nests noted 22/12/15. One 
that contained two eggs was covered with flood débris and the eggs 
washed away. Another, containing three eggs, had been under 
water, and the eggs washed a couple of feet away. Went to the 
sandstone range. A Northern Oriole was seen, and a pair of Cacatua 
voseicapilla shot. Nest, containing eggs, of Chibia bracteata was 
found, but I could not reach them without scoop. 

27/12/15.—Went down river to nest of Eulabeornis noted building 
6/12/15; it contained three eggs. The birds had added much more 
material. Crossed river. A fresh nest of Oviolus flavicinctus was 
found, but the birds had not yet laid. Eulabeornis had built on the 
old nest, which contained four eggs. Went through the forest to 
the nest of Chibia noted yesterday; it contained three eggs. 
Returned to camp before sunset. Our native friends disappeared. 
Have been trying to get them to look for nests, but they will not 
trouble looking for anything they cannot eat. 

28/12/15.—Did not see anything of note. Weather very hot, and 
mosquitoes bad in the mangroves. 

29/12/15.—Went east of camp through forest for about 3 miles. 
Bird-life scarce. Watched a couple of pairs of Pachycephala simplex 
for some time at the edge of the mangroves. These birds should 
soon be building. The males were calling all day, and they fly up 
at once when their call is imitated. It is trying work watching 
them, as the mosquitoes are simply awful. A single Bronze-Cuckoo 
(C. minutillus) seen. Very hot again. 


144 Wuite, North Australian Birds. [, ee 


sth Jan. 


30/12/15.—Went up river in dinghy. Ardea sumatrana found 
building 15 feet above the water in a mangrove overhanging a small 
creek. A new nest of Dupetor gouldi, 8 feet above the water, noted 
on the same creek. Another nest of Butorides stagnatilis, 8 feet 
above the water, in a mangrove overhanging the river, contained 
two eggs. After lunch went down the river to nests of Eulabeornis, 
last visited 27/12/15. Both still contained three and four eggs 
respectively, so took lot. One of the birds remained on the nest 
until I had approached within 6 feet. Light rain fell during the 
whole of the afternoon. 


31/12/15.—Did not feel well, so spent the day resting in camp: 
Another lot of natives—three men and a boy—visited the camp ; 
one could speak very good English. Sent them out to look for nests ; 
all they found was a Macleay Kingfisher’s nest, containing four small 
young, which they brought back. I tried to make them under- 
stand that I wanted eggs, not young. 


1/1/16.—Spent greater part of the day hunting through the 
mangroves ; most of time spent watching Pachycephala simplex. An 
old nesting-place, apparently of Alcyone pusilla, was observed in a 
termites’ nest 12 feet from the ground, on a mangrove ; a number 
of these beautiful little birds seen about the river lately. Avdea 
sumatrana calling, and one seen flying up the river with a stick in 
its bill. Got back to camp about 3 p.m. Rest of afternoon was 
out, but nothing to report. 


2/1/16.—Went to the northern end of the sandstone range. A 
long and uneventful day, except that a pair of Neositta leucoptera 
was secured. 


3/1/16.—Light rain fell after daylight. Some natives brought a 
set of four Grebe’s eggs, taken yesterday on a water-hole east of 
camp. I induced the darkies to take me to the water-hole so that 
I could identify the species. After a tedious tramp of about 
2% hours we reached a small, shallow lagoon about 400 yards long, 
in the midst of forest country on a flat-topped ironstone ridge. A 
few Black-throated Grebes were the only birds seen. Searched the 
lagoon thoroughly ; two nests were found building, another nest 
contained four eggs. Returned to camp about 3 p.m. Made a 
skin of a Grebe—rather a tedious job; it was very fat, and took 
much cleaning. The specimen was a male, and apparently must 
do most of the sitting, there being an oval space on the breast and 
abdomen about 3 inches by 2 inches devoid of feathers, and of the 
puffy appearance usually seen in sitting females. Another native 
brought a nest containing two eggs of the Brown Shrike-Thrush, 
which he had found in the hollow top of a dead stump. 


4/1/16.—Took two natives, went across the river, and worked 
forest country for the greater part of the morning. A nest of 
Pomatorhinus yvubeculus only was found. Went into the ranges and 
hunted for about 3 hours. Save seeing Bower-Birds and the Pvilotis, 
nothing of conseqeunce was noted. One native brought in another 
nest of the Brown Thrush, containing three eggs, and built in the top 
of a dead stump. I had eight natives on the job on this side of the 
river, and that was all they found. 


5/1/16.—Spent the day about camp. Alcyone pulchra was flushed 
from its nest every day this last week, so I dug it out; result, four 


Vol. XVI. Wuite, North Australian Birds: 145 
1917 
eggs. Nest of Rhipidura isura noted 29/12/15 contained two 
eggs. Found a nest of Covacina hypoleucus, containing two eggs ; 
nest placed in the fork of a paper-bark 15 feet from the ground. 


6/1/16.—Went to sandstone range without result. Pitta iris, 
a Chalcophaps, Chibia bracteata, Oriolus flavicinctus, Edoliisoma, 
Stigmatops ocularis, and Myzomela obscura were, however, observed. 
Returning to the mangroves, a nest of Eulabeornis containing five 
eggs was found in an exposed position, 2 feet from the ground, in 
spreading fork of a solitary mangrove, in an open space. After a 
long search, another nest of these birds was found 6 feet above the 
water, on the trunk of a mangrove overhanging the creek ; it con- 
tained one egg. A native brought to camp a nest of Conopophila albi- 
gulavits containing three eggs, found in a small white mangrove at 
the edge of a salt-pan about a mile down the river. 

7/1/16.—Sent natives to get nest of Podiceps noted 4/1/16. I 
went to salt-pan where I had first found Plovers breeding ; three 
more nests were found, each containing four eggs. Went to the 
northern end of the sandstone range. Some Snipe were flushed from 
a marshy spot in a gully ; shot one of them.* Searched through the 
ravines, but did not see anything of note. The natives returned 
with two sets of Grebes’ eggs—four and five eggs respectively. 


8/1/16.—Rained more or less; day uneventful. 


9/1/16.—Usual programme of work and observation. Nest of 
Zostevoys lutea, containing one fresh egg, found 6 feet above the 
water in a narrow-leaved mangrove overhanging the river. Alcyone 
pulchva noted drilling a nesting-hole in the washaway at the landing. 
After lunch I went up the river to search through the small paper- 
barks and mangroves round the salt-pans. Another pair was drilling 
into a termites’ mound about 100 yards from the edge of the man- 
groves. 

10/1/16.—Uneventful day. 

11/1/16 —Visited nest of Dupetor gouldi noted 9/1/16 ; it contained 
four eggs. The nest of Zosterops lutea noted 9/1/16 contained 
three eggs. Not feeling well, returned to camp, and did not go out 
again. 

12/1/16.—Proceeded to forest country. A termites’ mound near 
the natives’ camp had been dug out. I asked one of the natives 
what did it. He replied—‘‘ Old man look for kai-kai,’’ and he set 
to work and dug out some large, hairy grubs—larve of a beetle. 
Digging deeper, he got some perfect insects. The natives roast and 
eat the larve. A nest of Collyriocichla brunnea was found in a hollow 
15 feet from the ground in a eucalypt, containing two eggs. I had 
only been out a couple of hours when I had to turn back, as I felt too 
ill to proceed further. 

13/1/16.—Day of usual observation. 

14/1/16.—When I reached the landing, found that the dinghy 
was missing. A search revealed that it was dragged into the man- 
groves, opposite the cutter, and tracks of natives were visible in the 
mud near. Went on board the cutter and found that it had been 
broken into and raided. My trade tobacco and a lot of the stores 


*This bird proved to be Gallinago megala—an interesting find. See 
Mathews, ‘“‘ Birds of Australia,”’ vol. iil., plate 167.—H. L. W. 


Bf 46 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. Pewee 


were missing. Sent Mohr up river to see if he could find tracks of 
the raiders, while I went down the river. Called at the natives’ 
camp, but, of course, none was at home. Went down the river 
about 7 miles and inland about 4 miles, and did not see any sign of 
the niggers. 


15/1/16.—Went across the river and along the edge of the salt-— 


pans. Mohr took tally of the stores, and found that the niggers 
had got away with a good deal of stuff, there being barely a month’s 
supply left. Shall leave here in a few days, as it will be necessary 
to go to the Roper River Station for stores. 


16/1/16.—Nothing exceptional, save the finding of nest of Pseudo- 
gerygone magnivosivis 5 feet above the water, containing four eggs, 
two of which were Bronze-Cuckoos’. 

17/1/16.—All day in camp. 

18/1/16.—Spent the day in the dinghy examining the other branch 
of the river and five small creeks running into it. Found several 
nests of Dupetor gou/di, some with each four eggs. All were built 
on horizontal forks of mangroves overhanging creeks, from 12 to 
20 feet above the water. A nest of Butorvides stagnatilis with four 
eggs also found. A nest of Eulabeornis, 3 feet above the water, on 
the roots of a mangrove, contained three much incubated eggs. 
While examining the nest, one of the parent birds returned, and on 
seeing me spread its wings, ruffled its feathers, and with neck out- 
stretched and bill opened ran up the root of a mangrove to within 
2 feet of me, then turned and ran away. Many nests of Pseudo- 
gerygone magnirostris and Geopelia humeralis were observed building. 

19/1/16.—Spent day cleaning out and fumigating cutter, and 
placing specimens on board. 


20/1/16.—Went up the river and several of the small creeks in 
dinghy for general observation. Found Dupetor gouldi, Butorides 
stagnatilis, Geopelia humeralis, Zosterops lutea, Ptilotis unicolor, 
Piezovrhynchus nitidus, Rhipidura isuva, and Oriolus flavicinctus, all 
nesting. 

21 and 22/1/16.— Out for general exploration and finishing 
observations. Visited nest of Glyciphila fasciata previously found : 
something had torn the side out of it. Wonder what creature destroys 
so many nests. 


23/1/16.— Dismantled camp and stowed everything on board the 
cutter ready to start with to-morrow morning’s tide. Had generai 
examination round. Nest of Pseudogerygone magnirvosiris contained 
two eggs, together with two of Bronze-Cuckoo. Dug out burrow of 
Alcyone pulchva, which contained maximum set of six eggs. 


24/1/16.—Went down the river, in the dinghy, to small creek near 
the sandstone range, leaving Mohr and New to bring the cutter along 
as soon as the tide turned. Went ashore for the last time into the 
scrub amongst the bluffs. Pitta ivis was watched for a while. The 
pretty bird hopped about over the ground, turning over the dead 
leaves, then picked up a leaf and flew to a rock. Its mate appeared 
the same instant, also carrying a leaf. On examining the spot, found 
a nest half built on a ledge near the top of the rock. Returned to 
the dinghy and reached mouth of creek just as the cutter was 
passing. Got on board and proceeded down the river. Reached 
the mouth before sunset and anchored for the night. 


Vol. XVI. eK; . 
Naas | Wuitt, North Australian Birds. 147 


RETURN VOYAGE. 


Mr. M‘Lennan and party, on the 25th January, 1g16, made an 
early start from their anchorage at the mouth of King River on 
their return to the Roper, and on the following day anchored at 
sunset in Rolling Bay. The mouth of the Liverpool River was 
reached about noon next day. 

Birds were fairly plentiful in the scrub of an island near. There 
were noted an Owl (Strix), Bronzewing (Chalcophaps), and Fruit- 
Pigeons (Ptilinopus). A pair of Pitia iris was seen, also Chibia, 
Myzomela obscura and M. erythrocephala, Zosterops lutea, and 
numerous Pachycephala melanura. Rhipidura dryas and Myiagra 
concinna were nest-building, while Megapodes and Nutmeg-Pigeons 
were heard. 

On the 28th Cape Stewart was reached about 7.30 p.m. On the 
30th, when in the channel between Howard Island and the main- 
land, two natives approached in a canoe. A few birds, chiefly 
Waders, were noted, and mosquitoes were exceptionally bad at 
night. After a vicarious passage, grounding on sand-banks and 
reefs, Caddel Straits were entered on the evening of Ist February, 
and the following day anchor was cast under Alger Island. Just 
before dusk some Notophoyx flavirosiris and a single Garzetta 
nigripes were observed coming in from the north-west and heading 
for the mainland. Cape Wilberforce was rounded on the 3rd, and 
Cape Arnhem the following day, when anchor was cast in Port 
Bradshaw at sunset. Some natives came alongside with turtle-eggs 
in exchange for tobacco. 

M‘Lennan and Mohr went on shore. Centropus phasianus, 
Eudynamis cyanocephala, Myristicwora sptlorrhoa, Chibia bracteata, 
Oriolus flavicinctus, Geopelia humeralis and G. placida, Melithreptus 
albigularis, and Myzomela obscura were noted, also Megapodes, 
Bronze-wing and Fruit-Pigeons, while Pztta wis, Chlamydera 
nuchalis, and Pachycephala simplex were heard in the low, tangled 
scrub. The Pittas were nest-building. 

As the natives had reported ‘* bullockie,”’ an excursion was made 
inland in quest of fresh meat. Cattle tracks only were seen, but no 
beasts. Country passed through was open forest, lightly grassed, 
but patches of low scrub existed on the quartz-porphyry outcrops. 
Birds seen, in addition to those before mentioned, were Uvoaétus 
audax, Dacelo cervina, Halcyon macleayt, Geophaps smithi, Synecus 
cervinus, and Diceum hirundinaceum. 

After baffling breezes and calms, the vicinity of the Roper was 
reached on the evening of the 14th. After much squally weather, 
described sometimes as a ‘‘ howler,” and blinding rain and risks of 
stranding on sand-banks, the Avis safely entered the big river on the 
-15th. M‘Lennan went across the plains for game, saw none, but 
noted three species of Egrets and many migratory Waders, and 
occasionally flushed from the grass Larks—Anthus, Muirafra, and 
Cinclorhamphus—and Megalurus. 

As the party has now arrived in the vicinity of the great 


Emu 


148 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. ee Nae 


Heronries of the Roper, perhaps I should allow Mr. M‘Lennan to 
give his own plain, unvarnished, but interesting account, as 
continued in his diary. Moreover, reliable first-hand field-notes 
are most valuable. 


ON THE ROPER RIVER. 


17/2/16.—It rained continuously through the night. There was 
little wind. Tide running out very fast. Went across the river to 
look at the Egret rookery. Could not get near the mangroves in 
dinghy because of an intervening mud-bank about a quarter of a 
mile wide. Waded to the mangroves, thigh-deep in mud. Only 
had time to work the edge of the mangroves before the tide turned. 
Nests of Garzetta nigvipes and Hevodias timoriensis were in great 
profusion, but none of those examined contained full sets. Some 
of the eggs had evidently been blown out by _ yesterday’s wind- 
squalls, as the mud underneath was covered with eggs. A number 
of Notophoyx flavivostyris could be seen flying to the mangroves 
farther in, but could not see their nests. An occasional Mesophoyx 
plumifera could also be seen. Returned to the boat and made a 
start up the river. Light head wind; progress slow. Anchored 
at sunset when the tide turned. Egrets could be seen for miles 
along the river, flying to and from the rookeries. Other birds noted 
were Numenius cyanopus, N. variegatus, Platalea vegia, Ibis molucca, 
and Anas superciliosa, all on the wing, and mostly flying down river. 
Lobivanellus miles occasionally seen in the open spaces in man- 
groves, while on shore were heard Ardea sumatrana, Dupetor gouldt, 
Eulabeornis castaneiventer, Pachycephala melanuva, Piezorhynchus 
nitidus, Pecilodryas pulverulentus, Geopelia placida and G. humer- 
alis, Pseudogerygone, Chalcococcyx, Cacomantis flabelliformis, and 
Myzomela erythrocephala. No sign of the rain clearing off. Débris of 
recent flood could be seen in the mangroves on the banks 8 feet above 
high-water mark. 


18/2/16.—Made an early start, and held on till nearly noon. 
Numbers of Night-Herons were flushed from the mangroves on the 
left bank ; probably breeding, but could not see any nests from the 
boat. A number of bts molucca and Platalea vegia, a few Corvus 
covonotdes, Haliastur sphenurus, and H. girvrenera were seen. Made 
fair progress, and anchored at dark. The following birds were again 
noted on the way :—Notophoyx flavirostvis, Herodias timortensts, 
Garzetta nigripes, Butorides stagnatilis, Ardea sumatrana, Antigone 
austvalasiana, Numenius cyanopus and N. variegatus, Dupetor gould, 
Dendrocygna eytonit, Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, Pachycephala 
melanura, Pectlodryas pulverulentus, Piezorhynchus nitidus, Zosterops 
lutea, Myzomela evythrocephala, Pseudogerygone, Geopelia placida 
and G. humeralis, and Centropus phasianus. Anservanas semtpalmata 
were heard passing up the river after dark. Finished the last of 
provisions ; only a little tea and sugar remain. 


19/2/16.—Went ashore for two hours; no game of any kind 
observed. Conopophila albogularis, Merops ornatus, Eurystomus 
pacificus, Covacina vobusta, Cuculus optatus (saturatus), Herodias 
timoriensis, Nycticovax caledonicus, Pandion leucocephalus, Haliastur 
sphenurus, and Astur approximans noted. Returned to boat and 
rowed up river to a small rocky islet in mid-stream. Fished, but 
only caught two 3-feet sharks. With strong south-east breeze made 


a 


piace Wuitet, North Australian Birds. 149 


a Start against the tide, and continued a couple of hours. Flock 
of Pied Geese seen a little before sunset perched in tall paper-bark 
trees along the river ; put off in dinghy and bagged three. Anchored 
at dark. A number of Cormorants and a few Darters were noticed 
in a paper-bark ; they were just starting to build. Large flock of 
Platalea regia seen. Additional birds noted were :—Cacatua galerita 
and C. sanguinea, Rhipidura tricoloy and R. isuva, Seisura nana, 
Stigmatops ocularis, Ptilotis unicolor, Lalage tricolor, Cacomantis 
flabelliformis, and a Chalcococcyx. 

20/2/16.—No wind, and tide running out strongly. Went ashore 
on the right bank to a big lily-covered lagoon ; followed it for about 
3 miles. The only birds seen about it were two Jabirus and an 
occasional large Egret. Returned along river to boat.  Bird-life 
fairly plentiful. Haliastur sphenurus, Corvus coronoides, Cacatua 
galerita and C.sanguinea, Rhipidura tricoloy and R.isura, Setsura nana, 
Micreca pallida, Lalage tricoloy, Merops ornatus, Grallina picata, 
Geopelia placida, Geophaps smithi, Ptilotis unicolor, Glyciphila 
fasciata, Stigmatops ocularis, Conopophila albogularis, Smicrornis 
flavescens, and a Pardalote being noted. Started about mid-day. 
Saw a native on the bank of the river about 3.30 p.m., and ascer- 
tained from him that the mission station was near. (It is about 
80 miles from the entrance of the river.) Went ashore, and he 
put me on the track. Mr. Warren, the superintendent, informed me 
that there was no possibility of getting stores farther up the river, 
as the police station—the only place where a surplus stock was kept 
—had twice been under water during the recent flood ; moreover, 
the police had gone to Port Darwin. However, Mr. Warren very 
kindly offered to let us have whatever stores he could spare, mainly 
flour and sugar. He had meat, but had lost all his salt in the flood. 
Spent the evening at the station. 


21/2/16.—In the morning Mr. Warren let me have about two 
months’ supply of flour and sugar and a few tins of meat and fish. 
He informed me that cattle—‘‘ clear-skins ’’—were fairly plentiful 
near the mouth of the river. 

22/2/16.—Made an early start. Took native as pilot, there being 
many sunken rocks, snags, and banks for 30 miles below the station. 
We were extremely lucky in getting up the river without striking 
anything. Anchored at dark. 


23/2/16.—Put the native ashore after passing the last dangerous 
reach, and anchored at sunset a few miles below our anchorage of 


the roth. 
24 to 26/2/16.—Uneventful progress down stream. 


27/2/16.—Heard cattle through the night ; made an early start 
after them. Mohr went up the river and New and I went down along 
the edge of the forest country. After going about two miles I dis- 
turbed an old bull in a swamp on the plain ; he made off down river. 
Further on fresh tracks were seen heading out to the plain. Followed 
them for a while, and came across another bull, which also made off. 
Followed his tracks (was in hopes that he would rejoin the mob) for 
about a mile along the edge of the forest and inland for another 
mile along a well-defined pad ; came across him again, but no signs 
of the mob. Found fresh tracks of a mob of about a dozen beasts. 
Followed them for about 14 miles, and disturbed another bull in 

11 


150 Wuite, North Australian Birds: eee 


thick brush. He made off at a great pace, and disturbed the mob, 
which was camped about 150 yards further on. Followed them for 
about 2 miles, odd beasts breaking off here and there, till only three 
were left. When I came near them my friend the bull again caught 
sight of me, and away all went. I tried running shots at a small 
beast, but there was too much timber and bushes in the way. How- 
ever, the cattle circled, so I ran across to an open space in the 
direction of which they were heading. As soon as they caught sight 
of me they stopped. They were three bulls—one about 18 months 
old, so I dropped him. Fresh meat at last! Divided it into two 
loads. But I was about bushed. Climbed a tree to see if I could 
locate the boat. Caught sight of Gulnare Bluff, some miles to the 
north, and was able to approximate position of boat. Very bad 
walking ; ground soft, and several swamps to cross. Eventually 
reached boat. Mohr had just returned, and was waiting at the 
dinghy ; he only saw one bull. 


AT THE GREAT ROOKERIES. 


28/2/16.—Anchored opposite the Egret rookeries about 5 p.m. 
Mosquitoes awful. Had to get tea under the nets straight away. 


29/2/16.—Mosquitoes terrible all the morning. Two small 
crocodiles were floating on the surface of the river eyeing the boat ; 
shot one. Spent morning fixing up a camp on shore. Had to go 
up river about a mile for suitable poles for tent. Saw the crocodile 
that I shot lying at the edge of the river; got rifle and finished it. 
Mosquitoes thicker than ever. They clustered on one’s hands, face, 
and clothes like a swarm of bees. Forced to get under nets before 
sunset. 


1/3/16.—Mosquitoes again terrible all the morning. Made big 
‘“smokes’’ round the camp, but could not drive the troublesome 
insects away. Went across to the rookery after lunch to make a 
thorough examination. It is situated in a belt of mangroves (trees 
with a smooth, pale green bark and lanceolate leaves), extending 
along a reach of the river for about 14 miles. The rookery covers 
approximately an area half a mile long by 70 yards in width. The 
mangroves, for a distance of 40 yards from the river, are from 1 to 
24 inches in diameter at the base, and 15 feet in height ; for another 
30 yards behind this belt the trees range up to 5 inches in diameter, 
and are up to 30 feet in height. A strip along the river, 30 yards 
wide and about 200 yards at either end of the rookery, is occupied 
wholly by Garzetta nigripes (tmmaculata) and Herodias timoriensis, 
the nests of the latter being placed on the topmost branches. In the 
central portion all species are intermingled—G. nigripes, H. timori- 
ensis, Notophoyx flavirostvis, Mesophoyx plumifera, and occasional 
nests of Phalacrocovax melanoleucus and P. sulcirostris. There is 
scarcely any difference between the nests of G. nigripes, N. flavi- 
vostvis, and M. plumifera, and the eggs of each in some instances 
are very much alike. Will have to flush each bird from its nest 
to make sure of identification. Most of the nests within reach con- 
tained small young. I secured some sets of N. flavirostyvis. A great 
number of birds were still building, and a number of nests examined 
contained one or two eggs. A fair-sized crocodile came swimming 
up through the mangroves till it was within 15 feet of me; when it 
saw me it turned, disappeared beneath the surface, and made off. 


ee Waite, North Australian Birds. 151 


The water was about waist-deep, so I made my way back to the 
dinghy and returned to camp at sunset. Had a bad time at tea. 
mosquitoes being in full force. Had to grab a pannikin of tea and 
piece of bread and meat and stand across a fire to get a little brief 
respite from the wretches. 


2/3/16.—Spent the morning blowing the eggs. Had a bad time 
dodging the mosquitoes; had dense “‘smokes’’ going all around 
the camp, but could not drive the insects away. Went over to the 
rookery after lunch for fresh sets of eggs of G. nigvipes, N. flavirostris, 
and H. timortensis. All nests of M. plumifera examined contained 
small young. Mosquitoes bad all day. Two crocodiles seen at 
pretty close quarters at high tide, water being about waist-deep 
then. Got back to camp 5 p.m. Had tea and turned in to beat 
mosquitoes. 

3/3/16.—Laid in till pretty late, waiting for the mosquitoes to 
leave mosquito-net ; tent and everything under it was black with 
them. Got the “‘smokes”’ going. Spent the morning blowing eggs. 
I will have to test the eggs before taking any more. Visited the 
rookery after lunch; more sets G. nigripes, N. flavivostris. Tested 
all in water; those that floated I replaced in the nests. Big 
crocodile seen pretty close up ; it went down before I could get a shot. 
Large cat-fish numerous. I stood on a couple—jumped, thinking 
they were crocodiles. Nest of Piezorhynchus nitidus noted. Re- 
turned to camp before dark. Mosquitoes still terrible. 


4/3/16.—Spent the day blowing and packing eggs. New and 
Mohr went up the river in the cutter to look for water. They got 
back shortly after sunset with a quantity, but it was not the best. Bit 
of a breeze kept the mosquitoes away for a while this evening. 


5/3/16.—Mosquitoes again in full force. Visited the rookery after 
lunch, for observations. The big crocodile up again, about 20 yards 
away, just as we got to the dinghy, and went down again before 
I could get a shot. It looked as if it were stalking us. 


6/3/16.—Mosquitoes bad, and flies also becoming a nuisance. 
Visited the rookery in the afternoon. Most of the nests of M. 
plumifera contained two heavily-incubated eggs. 


7/3/16.—Visited the rookery after lunch. Took several sets— 
G. nigripes, N. flavivostyris, and M. plumifera. Water was waist 
deep at back of rookery. I was just starting for dinghy when a big 
crocodile came to the surface about 8 feet from me, and calmly lay 
watching me. New was carrying the rifle, and handed it to me. 
I put a bullet into the base of the saurian’s skull ; it gave a leap out 
of the water, almost turned a somersault, and disappeared. Got 
to camp about 5 p.m. Mosquitoes not quite so bad; smoke keeps 
them under. 

8/3/16.—Blowing and packing eggs during the morning. Bird- 
observing and crocodile-shooting in the afternoon. The ugly reptiles 
appear fairly plentiful about here. Mosquitoes bad again after dark. 


9/3/16.—Uneventful day, save for mosquitoes, which were bad 
all day. 

10/3/16.—Mosquitoes awful during morning. Visited rookery 
after lunch, and examined Egrets’ nests. Found a nest of Pviezo- 
ihynchus nitidus with two eggs. Water was chest-deep at the 


52 WuitE, North Australian Birds. eee 
dinghy, which was left about 20 feet inside the mangroves. Were 
watched by crocodiles. Shot one in the head, and it “‘ turned turtle ”’ 
and sank. 

11/3/16.—Visited the rookery directly after breakfast. The carcass 
of the crocodile was floating in the exact spot where I shot it yester- 
day ; secured it to a mangrove tree. Mohr and New went up the 
river in cutter for water, and they did not return till 10 pm. Put 
in the afternoon blowing and packing eggs. 


12/3/16.—Finished off work on hand, and examined the Heronries 
while dodging crocodiles. 


13/3/16.—In the afternoon more bird-cum-crocodile observations. 
Got back to camp at sunset. Mosquitoes exceedingly bad. 


14/3/16.—Visited the rookery after lunch. Took eggs of Phala- 
cyocovax melanoleucus and P. sulcirostris. Saw a boat coming up 
from the mouth of the river when we were leaving the rookery ; it 
proved to be the mission station launch. Mr. Warren, who was in 
charge, came across and gave us a tow to the camp. He had come 
down to see if he could get any salt in the salt-pans. Mosquitoes 
not so bad. 


15/3/16.—Mr. Warren, of the Mission Station, spent the day at 
camp. He wished to visit the rookery to secure some photographs. 
It was a very poor day for photography, but Mr. Warren took half 
a dozen snapshots. Hope they will be successful. 


16/3/16.—Mr. Warren left this morning for a small river about 
4 miles north of the Roper. Visited the rookery after lunch. 
Secured sets of each of the four fine Egrets, and took the Pseudo- 
gerygone’s nest noted 10/3/16; it contained two eggs and one of a 
Bronze-Cuckoo. Waited till the bird returned. I think it was 
undoubtedly /@vigaster. Another nest of a similar bird was found, 
which contained two eggs. Mosquitoes bad again, interfering with 
work. 

17/3/16.—Spent the day in camp. Mohr and New had to go up 
the river in the cutter for water. Mr. Warren came up the river 
about 5 p.m. He had been up the coast and explored three small 
rivers. Natives fairly numerous there. In one camp they had 
dozens of Egrets’ eggs that the natives had got on an island in the 
river. 

18/3/16.—Did not feel well to-day. Mohr shot an 8-foot crocodile 
at the landing. After lunch, went down and across the river in the 
dinghy, up a big creek for about 3 miles. Very few mangroves along 
the creek, mostly open salt-pans. Bird-life scarce. Zosterops lutea, 
Pecilodryas pulverulentus, and Piezorhynchus nitidus only were noted. 
Alcyone pulchra was flushed from burrow in a steep bank ; the nest 
contained six eggs. Sand-flies are taking the place of mosquitoes. 


19/3/16.—Finished off blowing and packing all the eggs on hand. 
When out heard a Thickhead close by. On imitating the call, a bird 
appeared that was new tome. It is probably Pachycephala fretorum, 
or perhaps P. laniotdes. 

20/3/16.—Unwell, so spent the day in camp. 


_21/3/16.—General exploration. Shot two crocodiles. Nothing else 
of note seen. Four natives came to camp from the mouth of river 


se ee WuiteE, North Australian Birds. 153 


in canoe. They said—‘ Plenty of dugong outside mouth of river.”’ 
I induced them to try to get one for us, as our beef was about finished. 
The niggers departed after dark, promising to bring a dugong in 
the morning. 


22/3/16.—Spent the morning exploring the mangroves on small 
creeks down the river. After lunch, was just making a start when 
I saw the natives coming up the river in two canoes lashed together. 
There were ten natives, and they had two dugongs. ‘‘It never rains 
but it pours’’ here. Cut up and salted about 2 cwt. of the meat. 
Boiled some for tea. It was splendid—not unlike pork, but more 
delicate in flavour. 


23/3/16.—Day of usual exploration. 


24/3/16.—Went to the rookery after breakfast. Think that all 
the Egrets have nearly finished laying. Noted Pachycephala 
melanuva and Mytagra lativostris. Watched a pair of Pactlodryas 
pulverulentus for some time. The female was gathering building 
material for a nest about 100 yards away. After lunch went across 
river to big creek. Took two nests of Pseudogerygone tevigaster. 
Saw two crocodiles, but did not get a shot. There was a “high 
perfume ’’ in the mangroves near where I shot one of these brutes 
on my last visit ; did not stay to investigate. 


25/3/16.—Spent day in camp. Got through all the work on hand. 
Mohr and New up the river for water. 


26/3/16.—Stayed within sight of the camp, as natives were about. 
They brought some fine fish (Barramundi). New and Mohr got back 
about 3 p.m. They had to go up the river about 7 miles for fresh 
water ; the former watering-place had dried up. 


27 /3/16.—Afternoon, went round the salt-pans and across the plain 
to the south of camp. Miurafra fairly plentiful. A couple of 
Cinclorhamphus cruralis and Anthus australis seen. Most peculiar 
haze about all day. Eyes very sore; think I am getting sandy 
blight. 


28/3/16.—Haze much thicker than yesterday. Cross the river: 
Characteristic bird-life appears to be plentiful. Amongst others 
were noted Pachycephala lanioides, which were watched for some time ; 
no result. P. levigaster fairly numerous. Nest of Conopophila 
albogulavis, 6 feet above the ground, contained three smal] young. 
Shot a ‘‘Shafted’’ Rhipiduva. Found a pair of P. pulverulentus 
building 2 feet above high water in dead mangrove. Found a halt- 
built nest of C. albogularis 5 feet from the ground in a small man- 
grove; Philemon sordidus and Artamus leucogaster seen. All the 
birds appear to be feeding on a small hairy caterpillar—quite a 
plague—which feeds on the mangrove leaves. Eyes exceedingly 
sore, and flies bad. 


29/3/16.—Eyes still sore. Went to where I was yesterdays 
Observed Pachycephala lanioides, and examined two nests with 
young. One nest was 6 feet above the ground, placed in small 
twigs growing from the trunk of a tall mangrove. The structure 
was very frail, and composed of fine twigs lightly bound with cob- 
web. A little further on three more pairs of these fine Thickheads 
were seen. Spent some time observing them. On imitating the 
call the males flew up, very excited, to within a couple of feet of 


. . E 
154 Wuite, North Australian Birds. [ ma 


15th Jan. 


each other. With tail erect, bill pointing upward almost at right 
angles to the body, and wings drooping, the birds gave a few jerky 
bows, chased each other around for a few times, and returned to 
where their respective females were perched. They then uttered 
their calls, which the females responded to, but in a less vigorous 
manner. 


30/3/16.—Eyes too bad to go afield to-day. 


31/3/16.—Eyes little better. Went across the river to the big 
creek. Varied bird-observing with crocodile-shooting to-day. 


1/4/16.—Day of general observation and skinning specimens. 
2/4/16.—More general observation. 


3/4/16.—Heard Bronze-Cuckoos calling this morning ; went after 
them. It took two hours to locate one and secure it. Otherwise day 
uneventful. 


CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 


4/4/16.—Spent morning writing up notes. After lunch went 
over to the rookery. The majority of the young Egrets have left 
the nests, and are perched on the topmost branches of the man- 
groves, which from a distance appear to be covered with snow. 
Some of them are fairly strong on the wing, but do not think many 
have been away from the rookery yet. 


Herodias timoriensis (syrmatophorus) (Australian Egret). 


Nests.—Thin, slightly concave structures, from 18 to 30 inches 
in diameter, composed of small sticks and placed from 12 to 28 feet 
from the ground in the topmost branches of mangroves. Clutch, 
from three to four eggs. Apparently one of the first Egrets to start 
breeding. The parent birds were occasionally seen displaying their 
plumes when returning to the nest to feed young. The bird bows 
gracefully, and the dorsal plume is erected to an angle of about 
90 degrees with a fan-like spread for a few seconds after the bird 
reaches the nest. They are exceedingly shy birds, and leave the 
nest aS soon as they catch sight of an intruder. 

Smal! Young.—Iris greyish, bill dull brownish-yellow, skin dull 
greyish-green, legs dull brown. 

Half-fledged Young.—Iris creamy yellow; skin pale sulphur- 
yellow tinged with green; bill yellow, tip and cutting edge black ; 
feet very dark greenish-brown, heel and above pale yellow tinged 
with green and mottled with dark greenish-brown. 

Full-fledged Young.—Similar to adult birds. The young, on one’s 
near approach, eject the contents of their stomachs, and, if strong 
enough, leave the nest and walk out on to the branches. They were 
invariably seen sitting on the extreme edge of the nests. During 
the middle of the day the parent birds shelter them from the sun 
by standing over them with outspread wings. 


Mesophoyx plumifera (Plumed Egret). 


Nests.—From a frail, slightly concave structure 10 inches in 
diameter to bulkier structures 20 inches in diameter, composed of 
small sticks and occasionally branchlets with the leaves attached, 
and placed from 5 to 15 feet from the ground. Clutch, from two 
to five eggs. 


Vol ae WuiteE, North Australian Birds. 155 


Small Young.—lIris cream, bill dull dark greenish-yellow, skin 
dark greyish-green, legs dark greyish-green. 

Half-fledged Young.—lIris pale yellow, bill yellow, naked skin 
yellow tinged with green, legs pale greyish-green. 

Full-fledged Young.—Similar to adult birds. The parent birds 
always displayed their plumes when they returned to the nest to 
feed young or to sit on their eggs. They bow gracefully, the crest 
and neck plumes become erected, and the dorsal plumes are erected 
to an angle of 90 degrees and spread fan-like for a few seconds after 
reaching the nest. When chastising an intruder, in the form of a 
youngster that has strayed from its own nest, or when repelling 
a marauder in the form of N. flavirostris, the plumes and all the feathers 
of the body are erected, and with bill agape and wings extended 
the bird pecks savagely. Very shy birds. Young birds, on being 
approached, eject the contents of their stomachs and walk out on 
to branches or go over the side of the nest and fall to the ground or 
into the water. If replaced in the nest they walk off on the opposite 
side, and have to be replaced several times before they settle down 
again. 

Garzetta nigripes (immaculata) Lesser Egret). 


Nests.—From a frail, slightly concave structure 8 inches in 
diameter to bulkier structures 15 inches in diameter, composed of 
small sticks and occasionally branchlets with leaves attached, placed 
from 5 to 15 feet from the ground. Clutch, from three to five eggs. 

Small Young.—Iris grey, bill dull slate-green and dull yellow, naked- 
skin dull yellow, legs dark greyish-green, skin of body dull greyish- 
green. 

Half-fledged Young.—lIris greenish-grey, bill yellow, tip blackish, 
naked skin yellow, legs and skin of body pale slate-green. 

Full-fledged Young —Similar to adult birds, except the bill, which 
is yellow tipped with black. 

The parent birds always display their plumes on returning to 
the nest to feed the young or to sit on their eggs. They bow 
gracefully, and the dorsal plumes are erected to an angle of about 
90 degrees, and spread fan-like for some seconds after reaching the 
nest. They are savage birds, and attack any young that come near 
the nest until they have either driven the intruder off or knocked 
it into the water. Stray young ones covered with blood were often 
noticed about the rookery. Young, in common with those of the 
others, on one’s approach eject the contents of their stomachs and 
walk off the nest and fall beneath. They have to be replaced several 
times before they settle down in the nest again. 


Notophoyx flavirostris (Pied Egret). 


Nests.—From a frail, slightly concave structure 8 inches in 
diameter to bigger structures 12 inches in diameter, composed of 
small mangrove sticks and occasionally branchlets with leaves 
attached and placed from 5 to 15 feet from the ground. Clutch, 
three to four eggs. 

Small Young.—Iris grey, bill brown and flesh colour, legs fleshy- 
brown, skin of body blackish. Down of the head variable—buff, 
blackish, or whitish ; down of the body—upper surface blackish, 
under surface whitish. 

Half-fledged Young.—Iris greyish-brown, bill and naked skin 
brownish-black, legs pale yellowish-green, skin of body darker. 


[ Emu 
15th Jan. 


156 Wuite, North Australian Birds. 

Full-fledged Young.—Variable. Iris yellow tinged with green, 
bill streaked brown and fleshy-brown or olive-brown and pale 
yellowish-green ; legs greenish-yellow or yellow faintly tinged with 
green. Feathers of the head, neck, and under surface white ; in some 
birds the crown of the head is reddish-buff or grey ; in others the 
crown of the head and the abdomen are slate colour. 

Young of this Egret are the most fearless of all ; on being approached 
they crowd to the centre of the nest, crouch down, and with their 
bills pointing directly at you impart the appearance of hiding 
behind the points of their bills. Occasionally one walks off and 
falls to the ground or into the water, but on being replaced the 
youngster crouches down at once. The young were never seen to 
eject the contents of their stomachs. 

The adult birds are most interesting to watch. They are quite 
fearless, and perch on their nests till you get within a few feet of 
them, and if you stand still they return within 6 feet of you and 
calmly feed their young or sit on their eggs, as the case may be. On 
returning to the nest the crest is erected and spread fan-like, the 
elongated feathers curving towards the tip of the bill, giving the 
bird a most graceful appearance. When driving off intruders or 
when quarrelling amongst themselves—say over a fish that two 
or more birds have pounced on at the same instant—the crest and 
body feathers are erected, wings are outspread, and, with bill agape, 
the appearance of a bird is most formidable. They savagely attack 
any Strange young that wander near their nests, pecking with their 
bill and buffeting with their wings until the stranger escapes into the 
branches or falls into the water beneath. 

The Pied Egrets are the rogues of the rookery. Numbers may 
be seen tormenting the young of the other three species until, under 
compulsion, the latter eject the contents of their stomachs, ‘where- 
upon there is a scramble for the spoil. Some of the teasing birds 
alight on the water and swim round after the ejected fish ; others 
take it on the wing off the water, while others, clinging sideways 
to the stems of the mangrove trees, climb down to secure their share 
of the half-digested food. Nothing comes amiss to them. I noticed 
one pick up and swallow a small water snake, about 15 inches long, 
that was basking in the sun on the trunk of a mangrove. A Pied 
Egret was seen to fly to a nest that H. timoriensis had just quitted, 
pick up an egg, and drop it overboard. They were repeatedly seen 
at the nests of other birds, and numbers of the eggs that I examined 
bore bill-marks. However, I did not see Pied Egrets eating eggs, 
but I would not be at all surprised if they do. An unguarded nest 
of the large H. timoriensits attracted the attention of a Pied bird, 
which began to hop up from branch to branch, keeping a good 
look-out the while, until it reached the nest. After a short examina- 
tion the bird started to pull the nest to pieces, and when the owner 
returned it flew off and joined a crowd of its fellow-marauders. 
These Egrets are repeatedly seen at the unguarded nests of G. nigripes 
and M. plumifera, stealing sticks and adding them to their own nests. 
They pull out as many as a dozen sticks before they get one that 
suits their taste. I never saw them interfere with the eggs of either 
of those two species, neither did I observe any eggs with bill-marks. 

A female N. flavirvostris was seen sheltering small young on a frail 
nest about 10 feet away from where I was observing. Presently 
the male came along with a stick in his bill ; on reaching the nest he 


ite. Wuite, North Australian Birds. 157 


straightened his head and neck, and with bill pointing upwards 
uttered a couple of soft cooing notes. The female acted in similar 
manner, then gently took the stick from her lord and added it to 
the nest, he looking on till she finished the operation ; then he went 
off for another stick, and the same performance was enacted. He 
brought home nine sticks during an hour. Another bird, whose 
fragile nest near contained three eggs, returned with a stick, placed 
it to the nest, and sat on the eggs for a while before seeking more 
material. It returned with another stick, which appeared difficult 
to balance. After hopping from branch to branch and juggling 
with the stick, it fell into the water. Peering after the fallen 
furniture, the bird started to hop down, clinging sideways to the 
trunk of the mangrove, till it reached the water. Not finding the 
stick, the bird went off in search of another, and added four sticks 
to the nest during the half-hour I was watching. 

Great numbers of the young of the other three varieties may be 
seen dead, hanging by wing, legs, or neck from the narrow forks of 
the mangroves, but this rarely occurs with the young of N. flavt- 
yostvis. Also, a fair number of the adult birds of the other three species 
were seen caught in like manner, but I did not see a single instance 
of N. flavivosiris having been hung. 

The nests of Phalacrocorax sulcivostris and P. melanoleucus were 
bulky structures of branchlets with leaves attached, about 15 inches 
in diameter, and placed here and there about the centre of the 
Heronry, from 12 to 20 feet from the ground. 

Perhaps it should be more particularly stated that the great 
Heronry is situated on the north side of the Roper, about 3 miles 
from the entrance to the sea. The rookeries extend along the edge 
of the river for a distance of half a mile by a depth of about 80 yards. 
At high tide there is a depth of 4 feet of water at the centre of the 
Heronry. When the tide is out the water recedes about half a mile. 
The country inland is intersected by water-channels and salt-pans 
for a distance of about a mile. At high tide the vicinity of the 
Heronry is infested by cat-fish and crocodiles, which apparently 
feed on fallen eggs and young of the Egrets. When a crocodile is 
startled, and, to escape, it forces its way through the small saplings, 
its course may be traced by the vibration of the upper twigs of the 
trees and by the chorus of cries of the brooding birds along the track. 

The food of the Herons consisted almost entirely of small fish, 
from 1 to 5 inches in length. 

This great Heronry had been previously mentioned to Mr. H. L. 
White by Mr. B. L. Jardine, in 1910, and by Mr. H. G. Barnard in 
1913. These observers, however, did not land, but the latter 
supplied date of the nesting time. 


CONCLUSION. 


Mr. M‘Lennan having told the tale of his long and adventurous 
expedition, which ended in sore sickness—nigh unto death— 
it only remains for me to state that the party, from the 5th to 
the 7th April, was buffeted with boisterous weather—a gale at 
times. The few following days preparations were made for 
striking camp, and the Roper was finally quitted on the rth. 
Shelter was sought at Maria Island the following two days, where 
a few birds were noted, and Beatrice Island was reached on the 


158 Wuite, North Austvalian Birds. acenaeee 


14th. As only a few days’ provisions remained on the 18th, it 
was determined to bear down on Borroloola, on the Macarthur 
River. Moreover, M‘Lennan felt he was in for an attack of 
beri beri, and was without medicine. Borroloola was reached 
on the 2oth. All the inhabitants were at the landing-place, 
supposing that the Avis was the provision boat. The Darwin 
boat was some time overdue, and the local people were short of 
supplies. Therefore, M’Lennan could not procure stores, except 
a little salt beef. Diarrhoea added to M‘Lennan’s trouble, but 
Constable Kelly kindly supplied medicine. To make matters 
worse, Mohr and New had a quarrel, and the latter absconded. 
With the assistance of the police New was brought back, but 
obstinately refused to work the boat, so was formally discharged. 
Thus, short-handed and ill, M'Lennan bravely made a start home- 
ward on the 27th. After sailing several days, owing to incapacity 
from increasing sickness M‘Lennan was compelled to return to 
Borroloola, which was reached on the afternoon of the 6th May. 
The patient was carried on shore and put to bed, with a severe 
attack of beri beri and ague. Luckily, at this critical juncture 
I was able to engage a boat (lugger) at Thursday Island, which 
the owner sailed, and rescued M‘Lennan in an exceedingly low 
state of health. On the return trip from Borroloola, the party, 
for some reason or other, made a detour to the north of Port 
Roper, but ultimately reached Thursday Island safely. After 
regaining sufficient strength M‘Lennan packed and despatched all 
his specimens, which were received in good order and condition. 


Everard Range Tit-Warbler (Acanthiza marianz). 
(S. A. WHITE, South Australian Ormithologist, vol. ti., No. 2, 1915.) 
By S. A. Waits, M.B.O.U. 


AFTER entering the granite country west of Indulkana Range, 
this new Acanthiza was met with. It was fairly plentiful in the 
thick mulga scrubs which extend between the Musgrave and 
Everard Ranges. In some cases this was the only bird found in 
these dense, waterless solitudes. The ¢yfe, now in the “‘ Wetunga ”’ 
collection, is a male collected between Moorilyanna Native Well 
and the Everard Ranges, in the N.W. of South Australia, by 
S. A. White on 1st August, 1914. 

Description.—All upper surface (with exception of tail coverts) 
bluish-grey ; feathers of the forehead tipped with white, those 
of the crown having a distinct streak of black down the centre ; 
wings dark brown, each feather edged with greyish-white ; tail 
brownish-black, basal half dull reddish-brown, each feather 
broadly tipped with buffish-white ; upper tail coverts reddish- 
brown ; throat and breast greyish-white; flanks buff; abdomen 
white ; eyebrow and ring round the eye white ; iris dark red ; bill 
and feet black. Sexes alike. 


ihe Vol. XV. 
PLATE XXXIII. 


THE EVERARD RANGE TIT-WARBLER 


Acanthiza marianeé. 


Mela Yat Wuite, Everard Range Tit-Warbler. 159 


Measurements of dry skin.—Total length, 98 mm. ; bill, 9 mm. 
wing, 5I mm.; tarsus, 19 mm.; tail, 42 mm. 

The bird most closely allied to this species is Acanthiza uro- 
pygialis condor, but this new species differs in having a stouter 
bill; the iris is of a very dark shade of red, while that of A. 
uropygialis condor is white. The bluish-grey of the upper surface 
is of quite a different shade from that of any other Acanthiza yet 
described for Australia. 

I have to thank Mr. S. Sanders for mounting this bird for re- 
production, as well as the Parrots which appeared in the July 
Emu, 1916, vol. xvi., part 1, Plate I. 


Descriptions of New or Rare Eggs. 
By HL Waite, RAO LU. BELEEREES, N.S. W: 


Ninox humeralis, Hombr. and Jacq. (types) (Rhabdoglaux queens- 
landica). Queensland Rufous Owl. 


During a late trip to Rockingham Bay, North Queensland, in 
company with Mr. A. J. Campbell, Mr. H. G. Barnard was 
fortunate enough to secure a full clutch (two eggs) of this ex- 
tremely rare Owl. I can find no previous authentic description of 
the eggs. Mr. Mathews, in “ Birds of Australia,” vol. v., p. 351, 
mentions a clutch of two eggs, but leaves us in doubt whether 
he intends his reference to apply to Ninox rufa or Ninox humeralts. 
No locality is given, nor is there anything said of the taking. 
Mr. Barnard sends me a most interesting account of the securing 
of my specimens ; I append it, together with a photograph kindly 
supplied by Mr. A. J. Campbell. 

Mr. Barnard forwarded a pair of skins, which, curiously enough, 
reached me about the same time as a fine series of Ninox rufa 
specimens secured by Mr. M‘Lennan at the King River, Northern 
Territory, close to Gould’s type locality. The two species are 
very easily separable, and Mr. Mathews’s description (‘‘ Birds 
of Australia,’ vol. v., pp. 350, 351) is readily followed, though he 
omitted to mention the broad band of white feathers which exists 
round the necks of immature specimens of NV. rufa. 

The specimens composing my clutch, as mentioned above, are of 
true Ninox shape; colour pure white; texture of shell smooth 
and glossy, showing numerous pittings when examined with the 
lens. 

Dimensions in inches :—(@) 2.09 x 1.74, (0) 2.12 X 1.74. 

Nest in a dead spout of a tall paper-bark tree (Melaleuca), in 
forest near scrub on the Meunga Creek, 3 miles from Cardwell, 
North Queensland. Tree standing amongst ground-ferns, and 
about roo feet in height; nesting-spout about 80 feet from 
ground. The tree at 4 feet from the ground measured 13} feet 
in circumference. 


160 WuiteE, Descriptions of New ov Rave Eggs. [emacs 


tsth Jan. 


The concluding paragraph to Mr. Barnard’s note will be read 
with regret by many; he is such a wonderful tree-climber— 
probably the best Australia has seen—that his retirement will 
be a loss to oologists generally. Mr. Barnard has collected for 
me for years, and on no occasion has he admitted a tree to be 
too tall or too large for him to climb. «His work was mostly 
amongst the big timber of the coastal districts of Queensland, 
where nests at a height of roo feet are no rarity. His bushman- 
ship and knowledge of the habits of birds are of the very highest 
order, while his tally of new birds, let alone new eggs, secured 
is a lengthy one. Mr. Barnard has returned to station life, 
where, I think. I am safe in saying the good wishes of all Emu 
readers will accompany him. 


“NOTES ON FINDING NEST OF NINOX HUMERALIS. 


“While on a trip to Cardwell, North Queensland, for Mr. H. L. White, of 
Belltrees, and in company of Mr. A. J. Campbell, I had the good fortune 
to discover a nest of this fine Owl. On Friday, the 8th of September, I was 
hunting through a patch of tall Melaleuca or paper-bark trees, when I 
noticed an Owl sitting on a branch high up in one of the trees. The 
appearance of the solitary bird led me to suspect that the mate was 
somewhere near in a nesting hollow. On looking round I noticed a large 
tree about 70 yards away, with a dead hollow. Walking over to it, | hammered 
the butt of the tree with my tomahawk ; there was a scramble inside, and an 
Owl looked out of the hollow. I hit the tree again, and the bird flew on to 
the bough of an adjoining tree. The bird I had just seen at once joined its 
mate, and both birds ruffled their feathers and kept opening their wings, 
showing signs of being very angry. They were a very fine pair, the female 
being smaller and much darker than the male. The female was the bird 
flushed from the hollow. Wishing to get a full clutch of eggs if possible, I 
did not attempt to climb the tree, but left it till Monday, the 11th, when, in 
company with Mr. Campbell, I again visited the spot, this time armed with 
a length of wire rope as well as my tomahawk, Mr. Campbell being provided 
with his camera. First cutting a long sapling with a fork at the end, I 
placed it against the tree and climbed to the top; this took me above an 
awkward bump. I then placed the rope round the tree and myself, thus 
giving me a support in case I got tired. I then cut my steps, slipping the 
rope up as I went from step to step till I reached the first limb, about 68 
feet from the ground; from there to the hollow, about 12 feet, was soon 
accomplished, and on looking in the hollow I was rewarded by the sight of 
a fine pair of eggs, which had been incubated about a week, showing the 
bird would not have laid any more. Mr. Campbell has placed the taking 
of this nest on record by taking a couple of photos. of the proceedings. 
Strange to say, neither of the birds made any protest while I was robbing 
their nest. The tree was a large one, being 13 feet in girth at the butt. 
This will probably be my last big climb, as I feel it is getting beyond me.” 


Acanthiza pygmea, Milligan (Acanthiza nana pygmea). Fairy 
iat: 

For some time past Mr. T. P. Austin, of Cobborah (N.S.W.), 
has mentioned an Acanthiza which puzzled him, and has been 
good enough to send me a series of skins, together with a nest 
and eggs ; the last-named I now describe as the type clutch. 

In spite of my fine series of Acanthiza skins, I was very un- 
certain about the Cobborah bird, thinking it was new, until Mr. 


THe Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XXXIV, 


Climbing to Rufous Owl’s Nest in Giant 
Paper-bark (Melaleuca) Tree. 


PHOTO, BY A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U, 


Vol. soa Waite, Deseriptions of New or Rare Eggs: 161 


1917 


A. J. Campbell, who lately spent a fortnight amongst my speci- 
mens, put me right. I have the types of A. pygmea (vide Emu, 
vol. xil., p. 167), much shrunken in size, certainly, but agreeing 
exactly with the Cobborah birds when carefully measured ; the 
coloration is identical. It may not be out of place to mention 
here that Cobborah estate is 160 miles in a direct line inland from 
the nearest point (Newcastle) on the New South Wales coast, 
and to the west of the Dividing Range. 

The country generally is open forest and high-class grazing, 
but in the vicinity is a belt of poor scrubby land, and it is in this 
latter that Mr. Austin finds some very interesting variations in 
what are usually looked upon as more coastal forms. So marked 
is the variation that in two cases (Eopsaltria australis austint 
and Geobasileus veguloides cobbora) Mr. Mathews makes sub- 
species. Other species examined by me—viz., Collyriocichla 
harmonica, Ptilotis fusca, and Hylacola pyrrhopygia—present 
much paler coloration than the coastal birds, the Hylacola being 
quite remarkable in its variation. 

Adverting to Acanthiza pygmea again : 

Iypes.—Three eggs, oval in shape, surface of shell very fine 
and smooth, being almost devoid of gloss; under the lens minute 
pittings can be noticed. Ground colour warm pinkish-white, 
marked all over, particularly at the larger ends, where well- 
defined zones or caps are formed, with spots and specks of reddish- 
brown, light chestnut, and dull purple. 

The eggs very much resemble some of those laid by the Gerygone 
family. 

The clutch gives the following dimensions in inches :—(a) 
1045x240; (0) (020 40; (6) (63 x .46. 

Collected by Mr. Thos. P. Austin at Cobborah Estate, Cobbora, 
New South Wales, on 28th October, 1916. 

Nest.—Small, neat, oval-shaped structure, with an opening 
I inch across on the side near the top. Total length, 34 inches, 
by 24 inches wide at broadest part. Constructed of dried grasses, 
cobwebs, bark, Eagle-down, and a little green moss and _ lichen, 
all neatly interwoven. Lined inside with feathers and a little 
sheeps’ wool. The nest is smaller and not constructed of such 
quantities of green moss as is often the case with the nests of 
Acanthiza nana in the coastal districts. This type nest was 
placed 13 feet from ground, at the extreme end of a long, thin 
branch of a cypress pine (Callitris robusta), and was reached by 
building a tripod of saplings. 

Female shot at nest, and skin received with the eggs. 

Another nest taken by Mr. Austin is constructed of dried 
grasses well matted together with sheeps’ wool instead of Eagle- 
down. Mr. Austin states that during the present season he 
found three other nests of this bird placed from 50 to 70 feet from 
ground—one in an Angophora, two in cypress pine (Callitris). 
One of the nests similar to type, others more roughly made, with 
less moss but more grass and sheeps’ wool in the construction. 


Emu 
15th Jan. 


162 Wuitt, Descriptions of New or Rare Eggs. 
Garzetta nigripes, Temm. (Egvetta garzetta wmmaculata). Lesser 
Egret. 

I am of opinion that authentic Australian-laid eggs have not 
previously been described—in fact, I can find two doubtful 
references only. A. J. Campbell, in “‘ Nests and Eggs,” page 958, 
gives particulars of a clutch of these eggs said to have been taken 
on the Nicholson River, Gulf of Carpentaria, North Queensland. 
The set is now in my possession, and is clearly wrongly identified. 
G. M. Mathews (“ Birds of Australia,” vol. iii., p. 424) quotes 
the same clutch. Mr. A. J. North omits the bird from “ Nests 
and Eggs.’ I have alist of most of the larger oological collections 
in Australia. G. migripes is on some of them, but in each case, 
when I queried the identification, the owner admits a certain 
amount of doubt. 

My doubts receive confirmation from the fact that no descrip- 
tion I have read makes any mention of the single long white 
feather which grows from the back of the head of the adult birds 
during the nesting season. My specimens show this peculiar 
feather (after the style of those worn by Nycticorax caledontcus), 
and Mr. M‘Lennan states that it was noticed on the bulk of the 
birds at the Roper River Heronry. If this feather is so prom- 
inent during the nesting season, is it not reasonable to suppose 
that collectors would have made a note of it when taking the 
eggs 2 Most probably eggs of Mesophoyx plumifera have been 
mistaken for those of Garzetta nigripes, but when seen together 
they are readily separable. 

The average dimensions of twelve clutches of M. plumufera is 
1.82 x 1.33, while the average of the same number of G. nigripes 
is 1.69 x 1.23 inches. The former is rather darker in colour, and 
the texture of the shell is different, M. plumifera being more 
deeply pitted. 

G. nigripes lays three to four eggs as.a rule, five very rarely. 
They may be described as being of the usual Heron shape. 
Texture of shell smooth, very shghtly limed in some cases, colour 
very pale bluish-green. Average dimensions, 1.73 xX 1.24. /.67 %/2% 

The clutches I claim to be types measure :—Types (typical 
clutch).—Dimensions in inches—(a@) 1.68 x 1.23, (b) 1.67 x 1.25, 
(c) 168 = 1.23, (@) B68 x 1.27, °Co- Iy pes (typical clutch)" 
(@) B70 x 1:27, (6)-1.00:35 1235 (6) 1-02 x 123.0 (2) 02 ieee 
Another clutch, which are much more elongated and more pointed 
towards the smaller ends, measures—(a@) 1.77 x 1.18, (b) 1.67 x 
E.18, (€) 12684 ae Ora) eae 2h 2 

Nest a rough structure of sticks about 12 inches across, placed 
chiefly in low mangrove trees growing along the edge of streams 
or tidal water. 

Dacelo minor (Dacelo gigas minor). Northern Brown Kingfisher. 

Types.—Three eggs, very rounded ovals in shape ; surface of 
shell very fine, rather glossy, and pitted all over (and much con- 
fined to the larger ends in this case) ; colour white. 

(@) 07 x 1.27, (6) 1.67 X26 e(G) 02) excarez 7amGhess 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE OOxeXve 


Nest of Pachycephala inornata, Ramsay, in situ, but 
denuded of some of surrounding branchlets. 


PHOTOx BY A. Ja CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0O.U. 


Vol. XVI. 
1917 


Wuite, Descriptions of New or Rare Eggs. 163 
Collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard on the Kirrama Table-land, 
Cardwell, North Queensland, on 24th October, 1g16. 
Nest consisted of a hollow scooped in a white ants’ (Termites) 
nest placed 40 feet up in a tree. 


Pachycephala inornata, Ramsay (Mattingleya griseiceps inornata). 
Grey Thickhead. 

Types.—Two eggs, swollen or rather rounded oval in shape, 
surface of shell fine and slightly glossy. Ground colour white, 
well marked all over, particularly at the larger ends, with spots 
of dark and light umber and purplish-grey, the latter having the 
appearance of being beneath the shell. 

(@)r 63) x64; (0) 283" x» :63 inches, 

Found by Mr. A. J. Campbell and collected by Mr. H. G. 
Barnard at the Murray River, Cardwell, North Queensland, on 
toth October, 1916. 

Co-Types.—Iwo eggs, more pointed specimens than those of 
the type clutch, and more heavily marked all over, and closely 
resemble very small specimens of those of the Harmonious 
Thrush, and certainly present no likeness to the eggs of the 
Eopsalirva family. 

(a) 83" 62: (6). .63 x .62 inches. 

Collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard at the Murray River, Cardwell, 
North Queensland, on 13th October, 19106. 

Nest is cup-shaped, somewhat loosely made of broad, dead 
leaves interwoven with rootlets and tendrils, and sparingly lined 
with dead grass, tendrils, &c. On the outside a little web and 
droppings of insects. Placed in the upright fork of a small 
sapling. Dimensions over all, 34 imches by 3 inches deep ; inside, 
24 inches by 1} inches deep. 

The first nest, which was placed low down near the ground, 
was neater in structure; dimensions over all, 3 inches, inside 
2 x Id inches. (See illustration.) 


Aprosmictus cyanopygius, Vieill. (Alisterus cyanopygius minor). 
Little King Parrot. 

Type.—One egg, approaching to almost round in_ shape ; 
surface of shell very fine and rather glossy. Colour white. No 
pittings can be detected in the shell by the naked eye, but the 
lens shows them. The egg measures, in inches, 1.27 x 1.08. 

Collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard at the Murray River, Cardwell, 
North Queensland, on 3rd October, 1916, and taken from the 
hollow of a large gum (Eucalyptus) tree about 20 feet down from 
the entrance hole; it contained three young birds about a week 
old, also this egg (which was addled). 


Lopholzmus antarcticus, Shaw (Lopholaimus antarcticus minor), 
Little Topknot-Pigeon. 
Type.—One egg, swollen oval in shape and rather pointed at 
both ends ; surface of shell smooth, rather glossy, and finely pitted 
all over. Colour white. 


Emu 


164 Waite, Deseriptions of New or Rare Eggs. rsth Jane 


Dimensions in inches, 1.67 x 1.20. 

Collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard at Cardwell, North Queens- 
land, on 12th August, 1916. 

Nest a frail structure of dried twigs placed on a bunch of mistle- 
toe (Loranthus) growing on a_ stringybark tree about 50 feet 
from the ground. 


Climacteris minor, Kamsay (Climacteris leucophea minor). Lesser 
White-throated Tree-creeper. 


Tvpes.—Iwo eggs, swollen oval in shape, surface of shell very 
fine and almost devoid of gloss. Ground colour very pale creamy- 
white, sparingly marked (especially specimen a@) all over with 
minute spots and specks of reddish-brown and pale lilac. 

(a) .82 x 262,50) 64s G2simches: 

_ Collected by Mr. H. G. Barnard on the Kirrama Range, Card- 
well, North Queensland, on 28th October, 1916. 

Nest consisted of green moss and soft bark to a depth of 
6 inches, placed in a hollow of a small tree in scrub; eggs in small 
depression on top of the moss. 


Eulabeornis castaneiventer, Gould (Eulabeormis castaneoventris 
castaneoventris). Chestnut-bellied Rail. 


Eggs of this bird are so exceedingly rare that, although Mr. 
Mathews describes a clutch of four (“ Birds of Australia,’’ vol. 1., 
p. 200), it may not be out of place if I give some further par- 
ticulars. 

For many years I had to be content with odd eggs—one taken 
near Normanton, North Queensland, and another at the Aru 
Islands ; then Mr. Mathews very kindly presented me with a pair 
taken at Melville Island, Northern Territory. Now Mr. M‘Lennan 
has secured several clutches, all taken at the King River, about 
go miles east of Port Essington, N.T., where the birds are 
plentiful but extremely shy and difficult to observe, as they live 
entirely in the mangrove scrubs along the tidal waters of the 
river. Several skins of this really splendid Rail accompanied 
the eggs; I had not previously seen a specimen, and am naturally 
delighted at obtaining such novelties. 

Stomach contents consisted of small crabs. 

The nest is a large, loose structure of sticks, grass, and leaves ; 
a typical example measures 14 x 12 x 8 inches, while the egg- 
chamber measures 8 x 2} inches. The nests are placed at heights 
varying from 2 feet to ro feet, in leaning trees, upturned roots, 
&c., among the densest mangrove scrub. 

The eggs, five appearing to be the maximum clutch, are of 
typical Rail shape, and coloured much like those of Hypotentdia 
philippensis, Linn., though in many cases the coloured spots can 
scarcely be seen for dirt. 

Two typical clutches of five eggs each give an average measure- 
ment of 2.0 x 1.44 and 2.11 x 1.41 inches respectively. 


pels Wulite, Description of New Honey-eater. 105 


Description of New Honey-eater of the Genus 
Ptilotis, from North Australia. 
By H. L. Warre, R:A.0.U., BELLTREESs, N.S.W.: 


Ptilotis albilineata, sp. nov. White-stripe Honey-eater. Col- 
lected by William M‘Lennan. 

Adult.—Whole of upper surface fuscous, darkest on the head ; 
primaries and tail feathers edged with olive-yellow. Conspicuous 
white stripe extending below the eye from the gape to behind 
the ear coverts ; under surface dull white, whitest on the throat, 
and mottled with fuscous about the breast ; under wing coverts 
yellowish-buff, and the inner edges of the wing feathers also 
buffy. 

Bill brownish-black; gape yellow; feet brownish-grey; eyes 
light or bluish-grey. Sexes are alike in coloration. 

Dimensions in millimetres :— 

3, (1) Length 192, wing go, tarsus 22, culmen 20; (2) length 
185, wing 8g, tarsus 21, culmen 21. 

9, (1) Length 183, wing 83, tarsus 19, culmen 19; (2) length 
171, wing 82, tarsus 20, culmen 20; (3) length 170, wing 79, 
tarsus Ig, culmen Ig. 

Stomach contents, seeds and skins of fruit. 

Type Locality.—King River,* Northern Territory. 

Observations.—The bird appears to be confined exclusively to 
the rocky gorges of the sandstone hills, and was seen only in the 
deepest and narrowest ravines. Its call is a loud, clear whistle— 
‘“ Tu-u-u-heer, tu-u-u-in,”’ uttered occasionally. When the call 
is imitated the birds will come within a few feet of the observer, 
peer all round, and try to locate the sound. On one occasion a 
pair of birds was called up and became very excited, flitting 
through the bushes, and even examining the crevices in the sand- 
stone. 


Description of Nest and Eggs of the Desert Chat 
(Ashbyia lovensis, Ashby). 


(Ephihtanura lovensis, Ashby, Emu, vol. x., IQII, p. 251; 
Ashbyta lovet, North, Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., vol. xxii., p. 211.) 


By S. A. Waite, M.B.O.U. 


THE Board of Governors of the South Australian Museum 
organized a collecting expedition to the north-eastern limits of 
this State in September and October, 1916, under the leadership 
of Mr. Edgar R. Waite, F.L.S., Director of the Museum, the 
writer being attached to the party as ornithologist. Upon the 
return journey by way of Cooper’s Creek, and when traversing 
a wide belt of table-land, the eggs of the Desert Chat (Ashbyia 


* About go miles east of Port Essington. 
12 


t66 Wuite, Nest and Eggs of the Desert Chat. Emu 


15th Jan. 


lovensis) were taken. Through the courtesy of the Board and 
of the Director I am able to describe these eggs. 

Although the Desert Chat was described by Mr. E. Ashby as 
long ago as Igtt (Emu, vol. x., p. 251) as Ephthianura lovensis, 
and subsequently placed in a new genus by Mr. A. J. North, no 
knowledge of the eggs or nest of this bird could be gleaned. 
Upon two occasions supposed eggs were taken of this bird, but 
I deprecated describing them as such. Now I can positively say 
they were not the eggs of the bird in question, and that the fol- 
lowing is a description of the first authenticated eggs of Ashbyta 
lovensis ever taken. 

I met with these birds west of Oodnadatta during June, 1914 
(see Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, vol. 
XXXIX., p. 752), and, although in my opinion they had then paired 
off for breeding, nests were not met with. The type clutch now 
in the South Australian Museum comprises three eggs, of which 
the following is a description :— 

Ground colour before blowing pale pink or light flesh colour ; 
after blowing, yellowish-white ; reddish-brown spots are clustered 
round the larger ends, and in two eggs (a and b) very small spots 
are scattered over them ; the third (c) has the spots at the larger 
end much more strongly pronounced in comparison to the other 
two. Eggs pomted, measuring as tollows :—(a) 10.93 xX 10.45, 
(b) 10.97 X 10.47, (Cc) 10.94 x 10.45 mm. respectively. 

Nest.—A deep, neat structure built in a comparatively deep 
hole, the rim extending or overlapping all round, and slightly 
higher than the level of the ground. Constructed with small 
twigs (mostly parts of Bassia, sp.) and dry grass, neatly lined with 
rootlets, the rim being exceedingly well and solidly formed with 
rootlets intertwined with the pale yellow flower-heads of Gnephosts 
ertocarpa, Benth. 

Note.—On 14th October, 1916, when the expedition was some 
12 miles east of Mungeranie, I had taken my turn to ride a camel 
for a rest, and Mr. Waite had assumed duty to search for water. 
From my elevated position I had a good view of Mr. Waite 
tramping over the gibbers or table-land. I saw him partly raise 
his gun, and I could also plainly see a bird fluttermg away. Soon 
afterwards the gun was fired. I then saw Mr. Waite move 
forward and pick up the bird. Mr. Waite signalled for me, and 
when I reached him he was holding an adult Desert Chat in his 
hand, and at his feet, within a foot or 18 inches of a small salt- 
bush on the edge of a shallow crab-hole, he indicated a beautifully 
constructed nest containing three eggs. I said, ‘‘ Then this is 
the nest of Ashbyta lovensis ?’’ and my friend, holding out the 
bird, replied, ‘““ Shot from the nest.’’ He told me that when he 
flushed the bird it did the “ broken wing” trick very well indeed, 
and he had to wait until it was sufficiently distant before he shot 
it. He also said that when he found the nest it contained but 
two eggs ; the third was lying a few inches away, having evidently 
been ejected by the bird in its hurried departure. The first thing 


Vol: XVI. Waite, Nest and Eges of the Desert Chat. LOZ, 


IQt7 


that struck me upon seeing the eggs was their resemblance to 
those of Honey-eaters, and since comparing them with the eggs 
of Melithreptus it is found that they could be easily assigned to 
members of that genus. The photograph of the nest and eggs, 
taken i sttu by Mr. Waite, and reproduced in illustration of 
this paper (Plate XXXVII.), does not convey a correct idea of 
the position of the nest, owing to the salt-bush being between it 
and the camera. The nest was just beyond the bush, on the 
bare ground. When the nest was removed the hollow in the 
ground looked as if a rounded stone had been taken out. As 
the eggs were fresh, and as fully fledged young birds were taken 
a few days previously, it is evident that the breeding season was 
very much extended this year, most likely owing to the good 
season, with early and late rains. The photograph of the eggs 
was taken by Mr. Waite upon our return to Adelaide, the material 
of the nest forming the background. The photograph of the 
gibber country (Plate XXXVI.) was taken by myself at Inna- 
mincka, close to where we secured specimens of the Desert Chat, 
the foreground giving a good idea of the stony habitat of this 
bird. 


Note on the Finding of the Nest and Eggs of the 
Desert Chat (Ashbyia lovensis, Ashby). 


BY EepGAR ok. W Are, ES: DIRECTOR ‘OF THE Soutm AUS- 
TRALIAN MUSEUM. 


Mucu of the country traversed by the expedition is in the nature 
of what Sturt called the “Stony Desert,’ locally known as 
‘““gibber country,’’ and further differentiated as large gibber 
and small gibber. The latter, with which we are at present only 
concerned, consists of reddish-brown stones, nowhere larger than 
a walnut ; they lie close together, and in places are so even that 
one might almost imagine they had been levelled by a road 
roller. The interstices are filled with fine sand, the constant 
movement of which under action of the wind has smoothed all 
asperities from the stones, and a mosaic appearance is produced. 
In other places walking is less comfortable, and in crossing the 
big gibber riding a camel is preferable to walking. Such a desert 
may extend for 20 miles or more, and it supports very little 
herbage indeed, low and scattered salt-bushes being the only 
indication of vegetation. 

The Desert Chat was found only in the gibber country, and 
was nowhere very common. Though the breast of the bird is 
bright yellow, the colour is not specially noticeable, while its 
brown back harmonizes so well with the colour of the stones, 
tempered with that of the sand, that a sitting bird must be quite 
inconspicuous. That the bird relies on such similarity to its 
surroundings when sitting is evidenced by its actions, as hereafter 
described. 


168 Waite, Finding of Nest and Eggs of the Desert Chat. (Soeeee 


The following incident happened on 14th October, on which 
date we had been two days without water; in consequence 
thereof we sent out scouts to a mile on each side of the camel 
train in the hope of finding some soakage or wet clay-pan. 
During one of my “ watches,’ and when about 12 miles east of 
Mungeranie, [ flushed a Desert Chat. The little bird did the 
“broken wing ’’ trick very well indeed, and fluttered away, while 
I remained stationary. As soon as the bird was sufficiently 
distant I shot it with the .410, feeling that if I could find the 
nest it would be well to place the identity of the species (A shbyia 
lovensis, Ashby) beyond aispute. 

I found the nest within a yard and a half of my feet, concealed 
in a clump of salt-bush; it contained two eggs, and a third was 
lying a few inches away, having evidently been ejected by the 
bird in its hurried departure. This was the more remarkable as 
the nest was particularly deep. It was built in a hole in the small 
gibber, and when removed the hollow looked as if it had been 
artificially excavated, though it is not conceivable that the bird 
had removed the stones and sand. The hole would contain an 
average teacup, and the nest was built with a rim which extended 
beyond the hole for some distance all round. The groundwork 
of the nest consists of small twigs overlaid with fine roots inter- 
spersed with flower-heads to form a lining, and the fine roots were 
used to form the rim above mentioned. 

The eggs are pale yellow in colour, with chestnut-brown 
blotches disposed around the larger end. In two of the speci- 
mens minute brown dots occur on other portions also. Before 
blowing the ground colour was pale pink, as with most small 
white or nearly white eggs. The eggs are larger and more pointed 
than in any species of Ephthianura, with which genus the bird was 
first associated, and measure 10.93 X 10.46, 10.97 x 10.47, and 
10.94 X 10.45 mm. respectively. 

The accompanying photograph was taken of the nest and eggs 
in situ, but, owing to the searching fine sand having interfered 
with the working of the shutter, the result is not so sharp as I 
could have wished. 

It will be realized that under the circumstances above 
mentioned we could not afford much time on the ground for 
making observations, but I signalled to Capt. White, who was 
about a quarter of a mile distant, so that he, as ornithologist to 
the expedition, might have the opportunity of seeing the nest 
and eggs (previously unknown) in an undisturbed state. 


Record of a New Tree-creeper for South Australia. 
Byvse Ac W aire.) MeO sue 
Climacteris waitei, sp. nov. Cooper’s Creek Tree-creeper. 
Head and forehead dark grey, feathers of the latter showing 
narrow dark lines down the centres ; back of the neck grey ; back 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XXXVI. 


‘“Burke’s Tree,’’? under which the explorer died. 


PHOTOS. BY S. A. WHITE, M.B.0.U. 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 
PLATE XXXVII: 


Nest and Eggs of Desert Chat (Ashbyia lovensis). 


PHOTOS BY EDGAR Re WAITE, ADELAIDE, 


Vol. XVI. , : ee : vals 
ah | Waite, Record of New Tvee-creeper for S. Australia. 169 


and rump ruddy brown ; wing—all primaries excepting the first, 
and all secondaries, blackish-brown at the base, crossed by a 
band of buff, in secondaries followed by a deep band of blackish- 
brown ; tips of primaries and secondaries brown ; throat whitish, 
and some of the feathers marked with black; chest grey; breast 
and abdomen pale rufous, with a dull white stripe down the centre 
of each feather, lined on each side by a narrow brown line ; 
flanks rufous; tail greyish-brown, all the feathers excepting the 
first two crossed by a deep black band ; under tail coverts rufous, 
shaft of each feather and tip white, a series of small double spots 
of a dark brown colour situated close to the centre shaft of the 
feathers and at even distances along it. The coloration of the 
sexes is alike, with the exception of the female showing a faint 
rufous marking on the feathers of the lower throat. Iris brown ; 
feet slaty-grey ; bill brown. 

Measurements, taken in the flesh, in inches :—Total length, 
64; total stretch of wings, tip to tip, 114; tarsus, %; bill, 4. 

Type.—A male collected at Innamincka on 2nd October, 1916, 
by S. A. White, and now in the South Australian Museum. 

Range.—As far as yet known, the bird is confined to Cooper’s 
Creek district, from above Innamincka in the east to Cuttapirie 
Corner in the west. 

The markings on the lower side of Climacterts waiter partake 
somewhat of those of C. scandens, while the coloration of the 
back approaches that of C. superciliosa, but differs noticeably 
from both. Although of about the same size as C. supercaliosa, 
this new bird has a shorter and stouter bill, its feet and legs much 
more powerful, and the claws longer and stronger. 

Habits much like those of other members of the genus. The 
call resembles that of C. scandens, but is not so loud. I secured 
the first specimen in the vicinity of “ Burke’s Tree,’ a few miles 
above Innamincka, on the south side of Cooper’s Creek. 

Fully fledged young ones were accompanying the parent birds 
as they flew from tree to tree, their advanced plumage suggesting 
that these birds had nested in June or July. 


Description of the Winiam Tit-Warbler, Acanthiza 
Winiamida, sp. nov. 
By F. Erasmus WItson, R.A.O.U., MELBOURNE. 


THE whole of the upper surface, with the exception of the lower 
forehead and rump, uniformly grey, slightly tinged with olive- 
green. Feathers of the lower forehead black, widely barred with 
white near the extremity; rump creamy-white. Primaries and 
secondaries ashy-brown, the primaries being faintly margined with 
white in their external webs. Tail feathers black, partially tipped 
with white. Feathers of ear coverts and throat whitish, faintly 


[ Emu 
15th Jan. 


170 Wirson, Description of the Wintam Tit-Warbler. 
margined with black. The dark throat feathers termimate abruptly 
in a pale pectoral band, thus giving the appearance of a distinct 
gular patch. Breast, abdomen, and flanks greenish-white. Legs 
and bill black. Irides creamy-coloured. 

This description refers to an adult female. 

Measurements.—Totai length, 3.75 inches; tail, 1.5 inches ; 
tarsi, 0.603) inch; culmen, 0.25 i0¢h 

The above bird was collected by me on the 12th October, 1916. 
in a desert south of Winiam East, a district lying about 12 miles 
south-east of Nhill, Victoria. Its nearest relation is the Small- 
billed Tit-Warbler (Acanthiza morgant), Mathews, but from which, 
apart from other minor differences, it may be easily distinguished 
by the dark gular patch above mentioned. The birds are ex- 
tremely. shy, and when disturbed usually fly fully two hundred 
yards before alighting; I thus found it very difficult to secure 
specimens. 

The type specimen was obtained when in company with its 
mate and two immature birds, one of which was also secured. 
I saw many of them on the desert, and, with the one exception 
mentioned, there were always three birds in company. A 
partially constructed nest was found, situated about 4 inches 
from the ground in a dwarfed Banksia. The materials utilized 
in building the outer portion of the nest were dried desert grass, 
an occasional spider cocoon, and quantities of the epidermis from 
the back of Banksia leaves. Whether this epidermis separates 
from the leaf when dead, or is raised by the attacks of insects, 
Iam unable to say. The quantity used, however, is remarkable, 
and it would be interesting to know whether Acanthiza morgani 
likewise uses such material. 

According to Mr. Mathews’s system of nomenclature, this bird 
would be known as Acanthiza iredaler winiamida. 1 propose the 
vernacular name of Winiam Tit-Warbler for the new bird. 

Type in collection of F. Erasmus Wilson, Melbourne. 


The Acanthize or Tit-Warblers. 
By F. By Howe; C.M.Z:S., RAL O30... (CAntPeRBURM(VICs) 
(Read before the Bird Observers’ Club, 21st June, 1916.) 


THE genera Acanthiza and Geobasileus form one of the most inter- 
esting groups of the family Sylvid@e. The following notes 
regarding the distribution of these birds in Australia refer more 
particularly to the species inhabiting Victoria and Tasmania. 
This group of birds has puzzled ornithologists since they were 
listed by Gould. Most authors have used the genera A canthiza 
and Geobasileus. Gould admitted Acanthiza (Vig. and Hors., 
Trans. Linn. Soc. London, vol. xv., page 224, 1827) and Geobasileus 
(Quoy and Gaimard, “ Voy. de /’Astrolabe, 1830). North (‘‘ Nests 


Tue Emu, Vol; XVI, 


PLATE XXXVIII. 


Acanthize—Tit-Warblers. 


I. Yellow-tailed. 2. Brown. 


3. Striated. 4. Buff-rumped. 


PHOTO, BY R. T. LITTLEJOHNS. 


Vol. ev Howe, The Acanthize or Tit-Warblers. 17% 


IQI7 


and Eggs ’’) uses the same, while Campbell, Hall, and the R.A.O.U. 
“ Check-list ’’ use Acanthiza only. In amore recent list (Mathews’s 
“¢ A List of the Birds of Australia,’ 1913) there is added the genus 
Milligamia, founded by the author in honour of Mr. Alex. Milligan, 
who did good work in Western Australia and other places in 
describing new birds, particularly in regard to the Tit-Warblers. 

The problem now facing Australian ornithologists, however, is 
the number of species that should be admitted and how best to 
deal with the geographical races or sub-species. To my mind 
Mathews has best dealt with this vexed question by trinomial 
nomenclature ; but how many or which of his sub-species can 
stand can only be determined by time and a large series of skins. 
Gould, Campbell, Hall, North, and the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list ” 
Committee have all named sub-species at different times. 
Binomial nomenclature for sub-species is scientifically wrong, and 
conveys nothing to the student. John Gould, in his magnificent 
work, ‘‘ Birds of Australia’’ (1848), figured Acanthiza pusilla, 
A. diemenensis, A. ewingu, A. uropygialis, A. apicalis, A. pyrrho- 
pygia, A. tnornata, A. nana, A. lineata, A. reguloides, and A. 
chrysorrhoa. In his “‘Handbook of the Birds of Australia,” 
vol. i., p. 365 (1865), he makes A. ewingiut a synonym of A. 
diemenensis, and places chrysorrhous and reguloides under the 
genus Geobasileus. 

Gould included Acanthiza magna, of Tasmania; but, as North 
points out that, ‘ although allied to both Acanthiza and Sericornis, 
the distinctly curved bill alone would have been sufficient to 
justify Colonel Legge in separating it from either and instituting 
for its reception the genus Acanthorms, in which he places it 
(Ibis, 1888, p. 93). In addition to other characters, it differs 
from either in having long downy plumes on _ the lower back, 
which are even more pronounced than in Pycnoptilus.”’ 

Campbell (“ Nests and Eggs,’’ 1899) and Hall (‘‘ Key to the 
Birds of Australia,’ 1906) gave the genus Acanthiza only, with 
eleven species; both these authorities listed Acanthiza squamata 
as being closely allied to A. reguloides. 

In the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list,” 1912, the genus Acanthiza only 
is used, and there appear fifteen species, A. mathewst, A. flavt- 
ventris, A. morgant, A. vobustirostris, and A. archibaldi being 
added as species, and A. masterst, A. pallida, A. modesta, A. 
diemenensis, A. macularia, A. whitlocki, A. ztetzt, A. albiventris, 
and A. squamatus as sub-species. Again, A. squamatus is placed 
as allied to A. regulotdes. 

Mathews’s “A List of the Birds of Australia,’ 1913, has 3 genera, 
13 species, and 37 sub-species. He adds A. tanami and Geobasileus 
hedleyi as new species, but differs from other authorities in 
regard to A. squamatus, placing it as a sub-species of Geobasileus 
chrysorrhous. Mr. S. W. Jackson, in The Emu, vol. viii., pp. 261 
and 284, described the nest and eggs of A. squamata, and adds 
that they (the nest and eggs) “closely resemble those of Acanthiza 
veguloides.’ In a recent letter. to me, Mr. H. L. White, of Bell- 


Emu 
15th Jan. 


172 Howe, The Acanthize or Tit-Warblers. 
trees, Scone, N.S.W., says :—‘‘ The description of the nest omits 
the fact of its being fastened into the drooping twigs of the oak 
tree. The marking of the eggs would point to the bird being 
rather distinct from A. chrysorrhous, but the nest is constructed 
more after the style of that bird than A. reguloides.” 

In Acanthiza pusilla alone there has been great confusion 
regarding forms that should rank as sub-species. Mathews, in 
dealing with this bird, gives the habitat as South Queensland and 
New South Wales for the dominant sub-species and the type as 
Motacilla pusilla, White, 1790. He adds twelve sub-species. 
Three of them—A. apicalis, A. archibaldi, and A. pyrrhopygia— 
are given the rank of species, while 4. diemenensis, A. macularia, 
A. whitlockt, A. zetzt, and A. albiventris are listed as sub-species 
in the R.A.O.U. “ Check-list,” leaving A. venus, A. arno, A. 
consobrina, and A. katherina as Mathews’s contribution. North 
was very careful regarding sub-species, and deprecated the 
describing of them as species ; but when perusing his work one is 
convinced that these geographical races confused him, for he says, 
when dealing with A. pusilla :—‘ A close ally of this species, A. 
apicalis, inhabits the western portion of the continent ; speci- 
mens examined from some parts cf South Australia combine the 
characters of both A. pusilla and A. apicalis, while yet another 
hardly distinguishable species is found in Tasmania” (italics mine). 
Again, after describing A. pyrrhopygia, North says :—‘ Dr. Sharpe, 
who had apparently never seen an example of A. pyrrhopygia, 
for he transcribes Gould’s description of it in his *‘ Catalogue of 
Birds in the British Museum,’ regards it as ‘very doubtfully 
distinct from A. apicalis,’ and erroneously gives its habitat as 
Western Australia. I feel sure, however, if Dr. Sharpe had seen a 
specimen he would never for a moment question the validity of 
A. pyrrhopygia. Its very pronounced rufous upper tail coverts 
and more conspicuously white-tipped tail feathers, which have 
also a broader blackish-brown subterminal band, will readily 
serve to distinguish it from A. apicalis.” North, in drawing 
attention to the so-called A. pyrrhopygia from New South Wales, 
says :—‘‘ They may readily be distinguished from specimens 
obtained in South Australia by their larger size, rufous-chestnut 
upper tail coverts, lighter under surface, which have only a slight 
tinge of fulvous on the flanks, and by their white under tail 
coverts.”” He named this form A. albiwentris. 

Between the years 1907-13 I have spent a few weeks in Sep- 
tember or October of every year in the Mallee, and have collected 
the eggs of A. pusilla hamiltom, Mathews. During September, 
to1t, Mr. F. E. Wilson and I collected skins of this race south of 
Kow Plains, now known as Cowangie. These birds are very close 
indeed to A. p. apicalis, and one of them, an adult male, is much 
lighter on the under surface. If Mathews’s sub-species venus and 
ayno are intermediate, the differences must indeed be small. I 
have often found nests of A. p. hamiltoni in the Mallee of north- 
west Victoria. The nest is identical with that of A. p. macularia 


eet Howe, The Acanthize or Tit-Warblers. 173 


of southern Victoria, and is always placed in a turpentine bush, 
usually about 18 inches or 2 feet from the ground. This bush 
usually grows in the more open parts of the scrub or on small 
grassy plains. The eggs, too, are hardly distinguishable from 
those of the southern bird, but are a trifle larger. The call notes 
of the birds are, however, very different. A nest I found of this 
bird on 15th September, 1913, contained one egg, and on the a 
I flushed the bird from the nest and took a set of three fresh egg 
The rufous rump and white-tipped tail feathers were very con- 
spicuous as the bird flew. 

Mathews, in dealing with Acanthiza nana, gives the type locality 
as New South Wales, and adds A. x. mathewsi for Victoria and 
South Australia and A. n. pygmea of Mallee districts of Victoria. 
A. n. mathewsi is the smallest and brightest of the Tit-Warblers 
in southern Victoria, and is very plentiful at the You Yangs, near 
Geelong. During last September I found this species breeding, 
one nest being built in a pine tree, and another, containing young, 
built in the top of a small flowering Golden Wattle (A. pycnantha). 
Mr. H. A. Purnell, of Geelong, finds it breeding very freely in 
the Geelong Botanical Gardens. The nest is very beautifully 
made, not quite so neat as, but much smaller than, that of A. 
lineata. The eggs of this bird are usually three in number, and, 
unlike those of any of its congeners. At Tailem Bend, in South 
Australia, I saw a bird in some Murray pines that was probably 
referable to A. pygmea of Milligan. 

Under the species A. lineata (Gould, 1837), North says :— 
‘Specimens from Mount Lofty Ranges, near Adelaide, where this 
species is very common, are richer and darker in colour, especially 
on the under surface, than examples from New South Wales, where 
the type was obtained.’ Mathews gives the type locality as 
Mount Lofty, South Australia (Gould, ‘“‘ Synopsis of the Birds of 
Australia,” 1838). He named five sub-species, one of which, 4. 
lineata chandlert, is the Victorian representative. In southern 
Victoria this bird is probably as common as Geobasileus chrysorrhous 
sandlandi, if not more so. Its notes are unlike those of any other 
Victorian Tit-Warbler, and, when seen in company with A. pusilla 
macularia, the striped crown is sufficient to distinguish it. The 
nest of this bird is one of the most beautiful of Tit-Warblers’ nests, 
and is very neatly made. It is usually placed fairly low down 
in a sapling, but I have taken eggs from one that was built in 
some suckers within a foot of the earth; others I have seen were 
placed at an altitude of about 50 feet. The breeding season com- 
mences early in August and lasts until December, and two broods 
are reared. At Ringwood, September, 1914, I found a nest in a 
sapling on which the bird was sitting. On examination the nest 
was found to contain six eggs, probably two sets laid by the same 
bird, as three eggs were partly incubated and dried up and three 
were perfectly fresh. 

Acanthiza uropygialis uropygialis (Gould, 1837), occurs in New 
South Wales, and the Victorian representative, A. u. rutherglen 


174 Howe, The Acanthize or Tit-Warblers. Pee 
is one of the most common forms of bird-life in the Mallee scrubs. 


it associates in small flocks of six or eight. It nests in dead spouts 
and hollows of the mallee, making the typical dome-shaped nest, 
and laying three, and sometimes four, eggs for a sitting. One set 
of four fresh eggs I took from a hollow in a small dead mallee were 
of the usual colour seen in typical eggs of A. pusilla, but were 
smaller and more dumpy in shape. In September, 1913, I found 
a nest, by seeing the birds fly to the spot, amongst some folds of 
a chaff bag hanging over a rafter in the stables of Mr. W. Ribbons, 
at Mulcra, in the far north-western corner of the State. Apart 
from all other distinctions, this form is easily separated from the 
Red-rumped Tit-Warbler by its white irides, which in 4A. 4. 
hamiltont are of a beautiful ruby. Five other sub-species of this 
bird occur across Southern Australia and Central Australia, ex- 
tending to the coasts of Western Australia. Mr. Sandland secured 
me a set of eggs taken at Moora, on the Moore River. Regarding 
Acanthiza inornata imornata, Mr. A. J. North, when comparing 
skins collected by Mr. George Masters at King George’s Sound 
and the Swan River, noticed the differences occurring from those 
collected in the neighbourhood of Perth, where Gould’s type was 
collected. He named them A. mastersi. North adds :—‘‘ The 
darker upper and under surface will always serve to distinguish 
it from its near ally, A. inornata. The rump and upper tail 
coverts of this species are olive-brown.” 

In the Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 
vol. xiv., p. 112 (1900), Mr. A. Zietz describes a Tit-Warbler under 
the name of Acanthiza tenuirostris. The types were obtained at 
Leigh’s Creek, between Lakes Torrens. and Frome, about 374 
miles north of Adelaide, South Australia. Mr. Zietz, writing to 
Mr. North, says :—‘‘ My Acanthiza tenuirostris may possibly be, 
after all, a diminutive form of A. reguloides, from which it is 
distinguished by its smaller size, the absence of the buff colouring 
on the rump, and it also lacks the pale buff bases to all the tail 
feathers, as described by Gould in his ‘ Handbook to the Birds 
of Australia.’"’ Mr. North (page 282), says :—‘‘ It is unquestion- 
ably a good and distinct species, not a small form of G. reguloides, 
nor has it any othe1 near ally. It may be distinguished from all 
other species of Acanthiza by its almost uniform coloured tail, 
prononcedly light upper tail coverts, and its small, slender bill, 
which is comparatively narrow at the base, with a tendency to 
recurvature.”” Dr. Morgan, writing to Mr. North, says :—" This 
is a salt-bush bird, and is exceedingly shy.’’ The nest is built in 
positions similar to those of the Acanthize, and not like that of 
G. rveguloides. I have reason to believe that this form will 
ultimately be found inhabiting the big salt-bush plains of north- 
west Victoria. Mr. M‘Lennan described a bird to me, and was 
certain that a new Tit was in company with a Calamanthus. 
Mathews lists this species as follows :— 

Acanthiza iredalei iredalei, Lake Way, Western Australia. 
»  morgani, Leigh’s Creek, interior of South 
Australia. 


THE Emu, Vol. XV/, 


PLATE XXXIX. 


Nests of Acanthize—Tit-Warblers. 


1. Striated Tit-Warbler at Nest. 2. Double nest of Yellow-tailed, showing two 
egg nests and one upper nest. 3. Nest of Yellow-tailed. 4. Nest of Brown. 


PHOTO. BY S, Ay LAWRENCE, R,A.0.Us 


Vol. he Howe, The Acanthize ov Tit-Warblers. 17/5 
1917 


Since Mr. Mathews believes in ‘‘ bed-rock priority,’’ why are 
these forms not listed as Acanthiza tenutrostris tenutrostris (Zietz), 
from South Australia, and A. ¢. tredalet, from Lake Way ? 

Acanthiza ewingit ewingtt (Gould, “ Birds of Australia,” 1848).— 
ple species 1s found in Tasmania, and, although closely allied to 

pusilla diemenensis, it can at once be distinguished by its 
aS upper surface and by having the flanks and abdomen 
greenish-olive, the colour of these parts in its ally being pale 
fulvous. The forehead, too, is light rufous, and has not the 
scaled appearance of A. diemenensis. A beautiful set of four 
fresh eggs was sent to me by Mr. F. A. Claridge, of Launceston. 
These eggs are very like those of A. p. diemenensis. Mr. A. J. 
Campbell described a form of Acanthiza ewingi in The Emu, 
vol. ii., p. 203 (1903), inhabiting King Island. Mr. Campbell 
says :—'' It differs from the three species of Tits beforementioned 
—viz., pusula, diemenensis, and magnirostris—by its more slender 
tarsi and wings, but conspicuously by the absence of the light 
crescent- -shaped marks on the brownish (rufous-brown) feathers 
of the forehead, and by the white feathers on the cheeks, chest, 
&c., having the centre only black and not also edged with that 
colour, as in the other species.”’ After giving dimensions, Mr. 
Campbell adds :—‘ By this diagnosis I strongly suspect the 
stranger to be a re-discovery of Gould’s long-lost Acanthiza ewingit. 
If not, and pending the receipt of more material, I venture to 
name the bird provisionally Acanthiza rufifrons, or King Island 
Dita 

Milligania robustirostris of Mathews (A. robustirostris, Milligan, 
The Emu, vol. iii., p. 71, 1903), was one of Mr. Alex. W. Milligan’s 
discoveries, and is easily distinguished by the ‘head, neck, and 
upper mantle being of clear ‘indie -grey, the feathers having longi- 
tudinal black centres’’ (in A. lineata they are buff), “‘ bold on the 
forehead and crown, but faint and rare on the upper mantle; a 
conspicuous patch of white silky feathers on the rump and its 
sides ; upper tail coverts of a uniform rust or snuff colour; ear 
coverts and cheeks bluish- grey, with whitish margins, producing 
a ‘rippled’ appearance.” cine types were secured at Day Dawn, 
Murchison district, W.A.* 

Geobasileus chrysorrhous chrysorrhous.—Regarding this species 
North says : he present species was one of the novelties dis- 
covered by he French naturalists Quoy and Gaimard during the 


*In The South Australian Ornithologist, vol. ii., No. 2, 1915, Captain S. 
A. White, M.B.O.U., described a ‘‘ Tit,’’? and named it Acanthiza marianeé (see 
Emu, vol. xiv., page 188). I have not seen a detailed description of this 
species, but recently Captain White presented me with a copy of his work, 

‘Scientific Notes on an Expedition into the North-Western Regions of South 
Australia,’’ and in it he refers to the new Acanthiza. From his notes and the 
short description given it seemed possible that he had come across Milligan’s 
A. robustirostris, but Captain White would hardly describe it as new without 
comparing the birds. I should add that there is not a decent collection of 
skins to be seen in Melbourne, and I have not been able to examine either of 
these forms. 


aL 76 Howe, The Acanthize or Tit-Wayrblers. aes 


“Voyage de Jl Astrolabe’ in Australian waters, 1826-29, under 
the command of Capt. M. J. Dumont d’Urville. The precise 
locality where the type was obtained is not recorded in the original 
description, but, with the exception of the extreme northern and 
north-western portions of the continent, it is distributed in favour- 
able situations throughout most parts of Australia and Tasmania. 
Specimens obtained by Mr. George Masters at King George’s 
Sound, and by Mr. Edwin Ashby near Perth, Western Australia, 
have the crown of the head darker and the upper surface paler 
than Eastern examples. Specimens from Tasmania are larger 
and richer in colour, while those from Central Australia have that 


Nest of Acanthiza chrysorrhoa in a fence. 


PHOTO, BY H. Je BENNETT, NANNEELLA ESTATE. 


faded and washed-out appearance common to many species 
inhabiting hot and arid districts. The type locality, according to 
Mathews, is New South Wales and South Queensland. He adds 
seven sub-species, and names the Victorian bird G. c. sandlandt. 
I have found this bird from Gippsland to the far north-western 
Mallee districts. At Parwan, near Bacchus Marsh, it is exceedingly 
plentiful, and in August and September its large, bulky nest 
(made mostly of wool in grazing country) is to be seen in almost 
every other sheoak tree (Casuarina). During one season Mr. 
J. A. Ross found several sets of five eggs and one clutch of seven. 
In Gippsland the eggs are usually pure white, but on the open 
northern plain country they are invariably speckled with faint 


Vol. XVI. 
19 7 


Howe, The Acanthize ov Tit-Warblers. Ae, 
red markings. Twice I have found this species breeding in 
company. At Stawell 1 found three nests joined together ; two 
contained eggs and the other young. At Parwan Mr. Fred. 
Godfrey and I found two nests in one, but both were empty. This 
last-mentioned specimen was exhibited before the Bird Observers’ 
Club. 

Geobasileus regulordes regulotdes occurs in South Queensland 
and New South Wales. The Victorian form, G. 7. connectens, is 
very common near Melbourne. At Ringwood this species prefers 
the sapling country, where gooa tussock grass abounds, and it is 
in these tussocks that the nests are placed. This bird will also 
choose a cleft in the bark of messmate trees, &c., and is then 
easily found, but when placed in the tussocks it is generally only 
found by flushing the sitting bird. The song of this species is 
totally different from that of its congener, G. chrysorrhous, and is 
more sustained. The buff rump readily distinguishes it from the 
yellow-rumped bird. North, after describing birds from New 
South Wales, remarks that “there is a variation in the depth of 
colour in examples of G. reguloides obtained from different parts 
of the continent. Specimens collected by Mr. George Masters 
at Gayndah, on the Burnett River, Queensland, have only a 
slight ochraceous tinge to the yellow rump and upper tail coverts, 
and the breast, flanks, and abdomen are pale yellow. Examples 
collected by Mr. Edwin Ashby at Upper Sturt, Woodside, and 
Callington, in the hills south-east of Adelaide, are much darker 
than the New South Wales specimens, and may be distinguished 
from typical examples of G. reguloides by the richer and deeper 
ochraceous-buff rump, upper tail coverts, basal portion and tips 
of tail feathers, and, in two specimens, the more distinct rufous 
forehead and deeper ochraceous-buff under surface’’; and adds— 
“Should it be necessary to distinguish the latter darker race, I 
would suggest the name G. australis.” Farther on Mr. North 
remarks :—‘I particularly wish to point out that I regard this 
darker-coloured race from South Australia only as a geographical 
variation of the typical form of G. regulotdes. Likewise also all the 
races described in this catalogue, for which I have proposed 
names, and which appear in the text of the letter-press only, and 
not as head-lines to a species. They are, in my opinion, how- 
ever, far more entitled to full specific recognition than many 
others that are recognized as such—say, for instance, A. apicalts 
and A. diemenensts, which are only really geographical variations 
of A. pusilla, and not distinct species. . . . Trinomial nomen- 
clature has not been adopted by Australian ornithologists, 
although that does not protect Australian ornithological literature 
from the hair-splittmg of the most ardent sub-species-maker 
resident elsewhere. Comparatively few British and Continental 
ornithologists make use of the sub-specific distinction. It is 
useful, however, and has this advantage : one knows at a glance 
that the added trinomial refers only to a geographical variation, of 
a typical form; whereas in binomial nomenclature one may 


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Vol. 


180 Howe, The Acanthize ov Tit-Warblers. Seq ga 


possibly discover, after the loss of much time in searching out an 
original description, that the supposed specific value does not 
exist, and that a name has been given to a form that very often 
does not merit even sub-specific recognition.” 

Geobasileus hedleyt, Mathews (Aust. Avian Rec., vol. 1., p. 78, 
1912) occurs in the south-east of South Australia, and a sub- 
species (G. h. rosine) near Adelaide, South Australia ; but of this 
species ornithologists in Australia know little or nothing. 

Geobasileus flaviventris, the last species in this group, was 
described in The Emu, vol. ix., p. 137 (1910), and was secured at 
Lake Frome, in the interior of South Australia. Mr. Ashby 
remarks :—‘‘ Acanthiza flaviventris differs from A. chrysorrhoa in 
the typical white spots on the forehead, face, and ear coverts 
being entirely absent; in the general buff coloration, yellow 
abdomen and under tail coverts.”’ 


Some New Australian Birds. 
By GREGORY M. MaAtTuHeEws, F.R.S.E. 


THAT many new endemic Australian species will now be found 
is not expected, but the addition of well-marked specific forms 
may be anticipated by means of stragglers. Macgillivray’s 
exploration of the Claudie River district of Cape York Peninsula, 
by means of M‘Lennan, furnished a most extraordinary surprise 
in the discovery of the two large Parrots, but we cannot hope for 
further shocks in this delightful manner. We may obtain odd 
forms such as Ashbyia lovensis (Ashby), Lacustroica whitet (North), 
Kempiella kempi (Mathews), the two former being Centralian 
forms, the latter a Cape York species. Another addition is 
Erythura trichroa, a sub-species of which I recorded from the 
Cape York Peninsula. The erratic occurrence of this species is 
worthy of remark. It has turned up in various places, each time 
securing a new specific or sub-specific name. I am now doubtful 
of its sedentary habits, and am inclined to the belief that it is 
a sporadic migrant. I am collecting evidence on this point, and 
will deal fully with the matter at a later date. 
I now record as Australian 


Munia atricapilla. 
Loxia atricapilia, Vieillot, Hist. Nat. Oiseaux Chanteurs, p. 84, pl. 
liii., 1805 : ‘‘ les Grandes Indes.” 

In the Catalogue of Birds of the British Museum, vol. x11., 
p. 334 (1890), Sharpe gave as range—‘ Himalayas and Central 
India to the Burmese countries and the Malayan Peninsula.” 

A specimen was secured by Mr. Robin Kemp at Cape York, 
and I concluded it must be a cage-bird that had escaped. Mr. 
Kemp assures me that it was with wild Finches, and I therefore 
put it on record. I still think it may have been an escaped cage- 


nh Sale aah Nal tress 


‘i 


nO ted ae ee ee 


“welts 
ee 


Vol. rl 


pars MATHEWS, Some New Australian Birds. IS1 
bird, but it deserves record in case the species may be extending 
its range, though I confess I have no facts at present that this 
is SO. 

Another addition is 


Collocalia fuciphaga. 


A small Swiftlet procured by Mr. Robin Kemp at Cape York, 
Queensland, was not viewed with much favour, and laid aside 
for future consideration. A few months ago it was observed 
to differ from the known Queensland form, and, having little 
knowledge of this difficult group, but considering the differences 
. merited a sub-specific term, I diagnosed it under the name 
Collocalia francica yorkt. Upon re-examination I found the 
differences cumulative, and I thereupon made further study. The 
full results will appear in my “ Birds of Australia”? ; but here I 
may state that the bird was. referable to a distinct species — 
fuctphaga, not francica—and, further, that up till a couple of 
years ago two species were confused under the name fuciphaga. 
My blunder may thus receive excuse when I record just a few of 
the cxperts’ results in connection with this species. 

In 1906 Oberholser reviewed the species, and admitted three 
sub-species and a distinct species. In I912 he again revised the 
species and now admitted ten sub-species, reducing the aforesaid 
species to sub-specific rank. He writes :—'‘ Although the differ- 
ences between the several races are apparently slight, they are 
reasonably constant, for individual variation is not great.” 

Stresemann (Verhandl. Ornith. Gesellsch. Bayern, bd. xii, 
Heft. 1., pp. 1-12, Mai 15,. 1914) reconsidered the matter, and 
showed two species were confused, and of fuciphaga alone he 
admitted ten sub-species. Though separating sub-species from 
small groups of islands, New Guinea birds were classed under two 
sub-specific names only—C. fuciphaga hirundinacea, Stresemann, 
being proposed for Western New Guinea birds, and C. f. vant- 
korensis, ex Quoy and Gaimard, being used, followmg Oberholser, 
for specimens for East New Guinea, Louisiades, Santa Cruz, New 
Hebrides, &c. Quoy and Gaimard (Voy. de l’Astrol. : Zool., vol. 1., 
p. 206) proposed Hirundo vanikorensts for a Vanikoro_ bird. 
Vanikoro is one of the Santa Cruz group, and the bird was figured 
on pl. xii., fig. 3. No specimens from this group are available, 
and had no fieure been given I should not have concluded the 
name was applicable to this species, as Quoy and Gaimard wrote : 
—— Hayundo; toto. -corpore nigro . . . . c¢auda longa. 

Betitevespece . . . . temarquable par la longuenr 
deesamgueue, . -. - . toute noire en dessus... (Uheysbird fis 
not black. It is interesting to note that Thunberg’s description 
reads— Supra atra . . . . cauda rotundata” ; but again 
the figure given shows this species. 

Ogilvie-Grant (Ibis, Jubilee Suppl., No. 2, Dec., ae 5) continued 
the use of C. f. vantkorensts for South-West New Guinea speci- 
mens, but added a new sub-species of Collocalia hirundinacea— 

13 


182 Matuews, Some New Australian Birds. Beene 


viz., excelsa. He had determined that the sub-species C. /f. 
hirundinacea, Stresemann, was of specific value. 

Having shown that even “doctors have disagreed,’ I now 
claim usage for my own sub-species name in preference to 
vanikorensis, Quoy and Gaimard. 

I have given Oberholser’s comment that the species shows 
constancy and little variation in its sub-specific forms. This is 
confirmed by measurements taken by Stresemann, Ogilvie-Grant, 
and myself. Thus two birds are in the British Museum from the 
New Hebrides, the nearest locality to the Santa Cruz group. 
They are both poor specimens, and a female from Efate Island 
measures II2.5 mm. in the wing; a male from Espiritu Santo 
Island measures 117 mm. in the wing. Which of these is nearer 
the typical vantkorensis it is impossible to decide. However, I 
found two birds from St. Aignan Island, South-East New Guinea, 
collected by A. S. Meek, and I made the wings of both these—one 
a male, the other a female—to measure 122 mm. I then noted 
that Stresemann records six specimens from that locality—two 
in the British Museum and four in Lord Rothschild’s museum at 
Tring. He gives the measurement of the wing as 122, 122, 122, 
122.0122, 123'5\ mam. 

Now, these show such constancy that they cannot be regarded 
as the same as the New Hebrides birds, and are consequently not 
true vantkorensis. Another bird in the same box in the British 
Museum, labelled Astrolabe Range, New Guinea, collected by 
Goldie, is smaller, wing 106 mm. (Stresemann records it as I10), 
darker above and greyer underneath, with shorter feathered 
tarsus ; this is referable to a different species, as the present one 
has the tarsus wnfeathered. 

The Cape York specimen has the wing 117 mm., and Ogilvie- 
Grant gives the measurements of the birds from $.W. New Guinea 
as—wing, 117, 117, 116, 115, 111 ; so that my bird is nearest those 
in measurement. Until more birds are available, and especially 
specimens from the type locality of vantkorensis, my name should 
be preferred for the Cape York specimen, and may be used for 
the Southern New Guinea form. 


The name and references read— 


Collocalia fuciphaga. 
|Collocalia fuciphaga fuciphaga. 


Hivundo fuciphaga, Thunberg, Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl. 
(Stockh.)) vol. xsaxil= p.15 3,pljiv., 1812 4— ava inemontium:,. 
Extra limital.] 


Collocalia fuciphaga yorki. 


Collocalia francica yorki, Mathews, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, vol. xxxvi., 


p. 77, 27th April, 1916. Cape York, North Australia. Range, 
Cape York, North Australia. ? Extra limital. 


Notwithstanding this addition, the Australian specific forms do 


mh a 


ere Matuews, Some New Australian Birds. 183 
not increase by one, as it is necessary to eliminate Collocalia 
esculenta. No authentic occurrence of this species in Australia 
is at present known. The species was added on account of the 
specimens in the British Museum, but these are “ Cockerell”’ 
birds. No “ Cockerell”’ species can, in my opinion, be admitted 
without confirmation. 

When I introduced C. f. yorkt I wrote :—“ Differs from C. f. 
terre-vegine (Ramsay) in lacking the whitish rump, in being 
darker below, and in having the bill bigger and broader.’’ These 
characters will suffice to determine any other Australian speci- 
mens, but the legs should be carefully examined under a lens, 
as there is a very closely allied species which has the tarsus 
feathered on the outside. This might also occur in Australia, as 
there is a specimen from Southern New Guinea in the British 
Museum. As above noted, I will give fuller particulars in my 
“Birds of Australia,’ where the present bird will be figured. 


Magnamytis dorothee. 


Barnard recorded (Emu, vol. xil., p. 188, 1914) his ‘‘ Search 
for Amytornis woodwardi in the Northern Territory,’’ and in 
vol. xiv., p. 45 (1914), added a further note. 

In the Austral Avian Record, vol. il., p. 99 (24th September, 
1914), I sub-specifically separated these under the name Magna- 
mytis woodwardt dorotheg, writing: —‘‘ Differs from M. w. 
woodwardt in its much smaller size and in lacking the black 
feathers on the head, the head feathers having only a narrow 
black line on each side of the white shaft. The co-type of M. 
woodwardi measures—culmen 15, wing 78, tail 103, tarsus 26 mm. ; 
M. w. dorothee—culmen 12, wing 62, tail 86, tarsus 23 mm. 
Type from Macarthur River, Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern 
Meratonys.. .collected’ jon the 24th September, 19013; © Kange, 
Northern Territory (east).” 

Recently, reconsideration of this group has convinced me that 
the bird is specifically distinct, though it is certainly allied to MW. 
woodward: and is referable to the genus Magnamytis. Thus it 
agrees in bill characters, wing formula, feet, and tail with that 
genus, and differs from Diaphorillas in the bill structure, though 
approaching in its small size the latter genus. In M. woodwardi 
the feathers of the sides of the lower breast are like those of the 
top of the head, white centres and black edges; these continue 
across the lower breast, fading into the deep red-brown of the 
abdomen. In M. dorothee these black-edged feathers are entirely 
missing, the sides of the breast agreeing in coloration with the 
abdomen, which is very pale buff. The mantle feathers are 
reddish-brown, not black, with white centres, while the secondaries 
show a broad reddish margin which is only seen as a very narrow 
line in M. woodward:. Further, the inner primaries of M. 
dorothee show the inner edges to be reddish, whereas this is 
missing in M. woodwardi. The accumulation of all these differ- 
ences compels the specfic distinction of M. dorothee. 


184 MatHews, Some New Australian Birds. erie 


Eudyptes serresianus, Oustalet. 

In my * Birds of Australia ’’ Pengwinus chrysocome was included 
and figured, no authentic Australian specimen being available. 
When drawing up the “ List of the Birds of New Zealand,” in 
conjunction with Iredale, more study had to be given to these 
birds, and it was found that there was much confusion. After- 
wards, continued investigations showed peculiar results, which 
have been fully developed in The Ibis. I give here the items 
especially affecting the Australian avifauna. 

Examination of Forster's drawing, preserved in the British 
Museum, proved that the first record from Tasmania was of the 
species known as “ pachyrhynchus.’ This suggested further 
reference to Gould’s “‘ Birds of Australia,” when plate 83. of 
vol. vii. was seen to portray the latter species, though given under 
the name “ chrysocome.’’ Gould wrote :—‘‘ For a fine example 
of this smgular Penguin I am indebted to my friend Ronald C. 
Gunn, Esq., of Launceston, Van Diemen’s Land, who informed 
me that it had been washed on shore on the northern coast of 
that island after a heavy gale.’ I at once wrote to Mr. Witmer 
Stone, who is in charge of the Gouldian collection at Philadelphia, 
and he courteously replied (8th September, 1913) :—‘‘ We have 
a single specimen from Tasmania marked as Eudyptes chrysocome, 
type of Gould’s ‘ Birds of Australia,” and which matches well 
Gould’s plate, so I have no doubt it is the specmien referred to 
by him as the basis of the painting. The tufts are bleached almost 
white from exposure to ight, and from the beginning of the white 
stripe on the lore to the end of the longest feather of the tuft 
measures 4 inches ; the bill, from feathering at base to tip, 2 inches ; 
depth through nostril, .go inch: width at nostril, .56 inch ; width 
at beginning of basal feathering, .86 inch; tail, 4.15 inches ; wing 
(1.e., from carpal jomt to tip), 3.75 inches. The total length I 
should judge to be rg inches, but, as the specimen is mounted 


and head bent, this is somewhat guesswork. I see I have 
identified the specimen as pachyrhynchus . . . . many years 
ago 


It should be noted that Coues also so determined this specimen, 
though he used the name chrysocome as equivalent to pachyrhynchus. 
In the Rothschild Museum at Tring is a specimen labelled 
~ Hobart, Tasmania, 7/1/91, ex Mus. Dresser.” This is also 
referable to E. pachyrhynchus. 

Consequently, in my “ List of the Birds of Australia’ I replaced 
the species chrysocome by pachyrhynchus. When I was in Australia, 
however, I noted in the Macleay Museum a specimen of another 
species, also from Hobart. The trustees acceded to my request, 
and forwarded this specimen to the British Museum, so that it 
could be accurately named. This necessitated a review of the 
group, Which was undertaken, with the result that the name of 
the species proved to be the one given at the head of the note. 
The two species differ in the following features :—Eudyples pachy- 
rhynchus is the larger bird, with dark blue upper coloration, and 


<a iat cama iia eleaa int eae 


—"- 


Vol. XVI. 


Ss MATHEWS, Some New Austvalian Birds. 185 


x 


the throat deep velvety-black, agreeing with the colour of the 
cheeks and top of the head. A full crest of yellow feathers com- 
mences as a thick line at the lores and extends over the eyes on 
each side of the head. The bill is very stout, though short. E. 
serresianus is the smaller bird, with generally lighter slate-blue 
upper coloration, and the throat is slaty or grey-black, agreeing 
with the cheeks, and much lighter than the black of the top of 
the head. A long, flowing crest of yellow and black feathers 
commences at the lores as a thin yellow line extending over the 
eyes. The bill is shorter than in the preceding, and comparatively 
slender. When these differences are grasped the birds are easily 
separable, but without actual comparison of specimens it is 
difficult to attach the existing records of Penguins in Australian 
waters. Thus, H. Stuart Dove, in The Ibis (1916, p. 86), appears 
to have been dealing with the smaller species, while Brooke 
Nicholls’s Victorian specimen seems to have undoubtedly been 
the larger species. In The Emu, vol. ix., p. 92 (1909), Conigrave 
recorded a specimen from Rottnest Island, Western Australia, noting 
that A. J. Campbell in 1889 had recorded the first from West 
Australia from Hamelin Harbour, near Cape Leeuwin. I saw 
two specimens in the South Australian Museum, one of which 
seemed to be the smaller species, the other the larger; but these 
must be re-examined. In the Donations to the South Australian 
Museum, 1914 (Report, p. 12, I915), appears:—‘‘ A big crested 
Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) from Mr. J. W. Hilton, head 
keeper of the Cape Banks lighthouse.’’ As Mr. E. A. Waite, the 
Director of the Museum, is familiar with these birds, we can with 
certainty attach this record to the larger species. 
We have, then, for Australia 


Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Gray. 


Reference as given in my “ List of the Birds of Australia.’’ 
Tasmania (less than half a dozen records, as Forster, Gould, 
Dresser Coll. in Tring Museum). (?) Victoria, Brooke Nicholls. 
South Australian Museum, as above. (?) Western Australia (two 
records). 


To be added— 


_ Eudyptes serresianus, Oustalet. 


[Eudyptula servesiana, Oustalet, Ann. Sci. Nat. Paris, Ser. vi 
Zool,, vol. viil., Art. 4, 1878. Tierra del. Fuego.] 


a, 


Eudyptes serresianus filholi, Hutton. 
Eudyptes filhoi, Hutton, Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S.W., vol. iil., p. 334, 
1879. Campbell Island, N.Z. 

One definite occurrence : Hobart, Tasmania (Macleay Museum)- 
(2?) Devonport, Tasmania (Dove). (?) Specimen in South Aus- 
tralian Museum. 

The Neozelanic sub-specific name must be used, as the Neo- 
zelanic birds slightly differ from the typical South American form, 


186 CursHoLM, Progress of Bird Study in Queensland. ees 


Progress of Bird Study in Queensland. 
By A. H. CHISHOLM. 


In his presidential address to the R.A.O.U. congress at Adelaide 
in November, 1913, Mr. Robert Hall made passing reference to 
the position of bird-study in the several States. ‘“‘ Such centres 
as Brisbane, Hobart, and Perth should be doing better work 
than they are at present,’ he declared. “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.”’ 

Three years having gone by since Mr. Hall wrote this, the time 
seems opportune for examining the ornithological situation in 
the centres referred to, or, better still, as far as possible in the 
States at large of which they are the capital cities. 

I speak of Queensland on the experience of little more than 
one year. So far as Brisbane is concerned, I must confess to a 
sense of disappointment at the comparative lack of working 
bird-observers. To one who knew something of the numbers and 
enthusiasm of ornithological workers in Adelaide and Melbourne, 
the almost entire absence of such in the chief city of this richly- 
endowed State of the north was bound to come as somewhat of 
a shock. That is not to say, of course, that it was not possible 
to find any who were interested in birds; the point is that any- 
thing in the nature of field-work was practically a dead letter. 
The only ornithological company this writer has had among 
many excursions held during the year was that of Mr. A. J. 
Campbell, C.M.B.O.U., when the veteran ornithologist was in 
this city in June, and Mr. W. J. Colclough, a sound observer, 
who had a few hours’ leave from the Queensland Museum to 
accompany us. A capable bird-student of years gone by, Mr. 
R. Illidge, of Bulimba, still has an attractive collection, but he 
now confines his field pursuits to entomology. The Government 
Entomologist (Mr. Henry Tryon) also finds his attention fully 
occupied in matters insectivorous, and does not devote to the 
birds a fraction of the time he did when State secretary of the 
Union. It is possible that there are others who might give atten- 
tion to ornithology were it not for the demands of war-time 
matters, but, on the whole, I decidedly do not think it is yet 
possible to form a Bird Observers’ Club in Brisbane with the 
expectation of making it live and successful. All that can be 
done at present, in my opinion, is to keep the birds before the 
Field Naturalists’ Club and the Royal Society, and to help 
forward the work of the Gould League of Bird-Lovers. 

It is in connection with the last-mentioned body that the most 
valuable work of the Queensland year—or of many years—in an 
avine respect, has been accomplished. At the end of last year 
the Bird-Lovers’ League was not particularly active. The 
handsome certificate (bearing a representation of the regal 
Regent-Bird) had been produced by the Department of Public 
Instruction some months previously, but no very definite effort 


Vol MT] Cutsnoim, Progress of Bird Study in Queensland. 187 


had been made to reach the school children. Obviously, the 
way to do this was through the departmental School Paper, such 
policy making, as Mr. Hall aptly observed in the address earlier 
quoted, “a happy union of strength and usefulness.” The 
Under-Secretary for Public Instruction (Mr. J. D. Story), when 
approached, was good enough to speak very appreciatively of 
the nature-study work carried on in the southern States, and, 
with the Minister’s approval, readily assented to Queensland 
schools holding a Bird Day in October, the Gould League to 
supply material for special issues of the School Paper. 

The collecting and arranging of the necessary articles, verses, 
and photographs took some little time, but it was a most pleasant 
occupation, made doubly so by the readiness of the response of 
those approached. Messrs. A. H. E. Mattingley, C.M.Z.S., 
hen OsW ek. Is leittiejohnsak.A-©:Us oa. lawrence, RK.A-OjU: 
(of Melbourne), and Mr. E. M. Cornwall, of Mackay, Queensland 
secretary of the R.A.O.U., are especially to be thanked for con- 
tributing many fine photographs. Other members of the Union 
who lent willing assistance were Messrs. E. J. Banfield, of Dunk 
Island ; N. V. J. Agnew, of Peel Island ; and A. J. Campbell (the 
latter writing from Cardwell). It will be stimulating to these 
contributors to learn that, since the issue of the School Paper, 
the juvenile membership of the Queensland Gould League of 
Bird-Lovers has jumped from some few hundreds to approxi- 
mately 7,000. 

In connection with this wave of enthusiasm, one of the most 
pleasing features is the interest that has been aroused in the far 
north of the State, particularly in the neighbourhood of Cairns 
and Atherton. This seems to point to ‘“‘a brighter day to be” 
for the unique and _ beautiful bird-forms of those tropical 
localities ; and the impression is strengthened by the fact that 
the Barron Shire Council (Cairns) has carried a resolution con- 
gratulating the educational authorities on the prominence being 
given to the value and interest of birds. It is probable that this 
Shire Council will act shortly in the direction of having ornitho- 
logically rich areas reserved as sanctuaries. 

In going through some hundreds of letters received by the 
League from various schools, I have been much struck with the 
apparent earnestness of the children in their desire to protect 
the birds and learn more of them. Many teachers also have 
written in similar strain. One small school reported that, on 
Bird Day, 25 nests were located within the school area, which is 
a sanctuary. Another locality reports Finches nesting in the 
orange trees, and Black-throated Butcher-Birds (Cracticus nigri- 
gularis) coming to the kitchen for scraps; while yet again there 
is a report from the North of children studying Bower-Birds at 
close quarters, and, better still, keeping an intimate watch on 
the movements of migratory birds. 

In the matter of providing food and drink for bird visitors, an 
excellent example is set by Mr. Cornwall. His pictures of 


188 CutsHoim, Progress of Bird Study in Queensland. [ Erne 


15th Jan. 


Finches and other birds crowding to a tank have aroused marked 
interest. Mr. Cornwall’s good work during the year was followed 
up on Bird Day, when he took many of the Mackay school 
children in hand. At Rockhampton, too, the cause of the birds 
found champions on Bird Day in members of the Central Queens- 
land Bird Protection Association. This Association, in a quiet 
way, has been doing signal service for quite a while. Its members 
are unselfish enough to devote much time to patrolling the big 


A Queensland Bird Student. 


PHOTO. BY A. H. CHISHOLM, R,A.O.U. 


lagoons adjacent to the town. They have been out at daybreak 
on many occasions, and have had the courage to prosecute 
always successfully—several offenders against the game laws. 
A few months ago the president (Mr. W. J. King) came to Bris- 
bane to offer resistance to an attempt that was ‘being made to 
narrow the close season for native game. He was quite successful, 
for we heard no more of the misplaced effort. 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XL. 


Crested Pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes. 


PHOTOS. BY D. LE SOUEF, C,M.Z,S., ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, MELBOURNE, 


Vol. ed CHISHOLM, Progress of Bird Study in Queensland. 189 


1Q17 


Intermediately, there have been the usual periodical outcries 
against particular birds that have proved temporarily trouble- 
some. First it was the ‘Currawong’’ (Strepera graculina), 
whose collective head was demanded to be served up on a 
(metaphorical) charger to certain men on the land; then the 
“ Red-bill’’ (presumably Porphyrio melanonotus) was roundly 
abused by sugar-growers—Halifax farmers actually were found 
to be paying od. a head for this protected bird; and, thirdly, 
various aplarists raised a shout of execration against the Bee- 
eater (Merops ornatus)—chiefly, one suspects, because of its 
unhappy name. However, Porphyrio and Merops continue to 
enjoy whatever protection the law affords, but the Strepera has 
to look after its own welfare—a thing the vigorous bird is not 
at all incapable of doing. 

Reverting, in conclusion, to the personal note, it may be 
mentioned that, in addition to Mr. Campbell, two travelling 
members of the Union were welcomed to Brisbane during the 
year. These were Colonel T. Anderson, formerly of Ballarat, 
who is now on transport duty, and Mr. F. L. Berney, formerly of 
Western Queensland, who has been in England for two years. 
This absence has in no way lessened Mr. Berney’s interest in 
Australian bird-life. 

It is worthy of note also that, on the occasion of a Field 
Naturalists’ outing to Oxley, an outer suburb of Brisbane, we 
made the acquaintance of Mr. Daniel O’Connor, a_ venerable 
gentleman who had been a friend of John Gould’s mother. Mr. 
O’Connor * is over go years of age, but still takes a healthy 
interest in things of the outdoor world, and still retains a vigorous 
memory. He told us that, on the last occasion he saw Mrs. 
Gould, she spoke of her son John, who had left for Australia a 
short time before “to study birds.” Mr. O’Connor was also to 
leave for Australia in a few days’ time, and the lady expressed 
the hope that he would meet her son. Unfortunately, he never 
did. 

Brisbane, 1st December, 1916. 


Camera Craft Notes. 


Crested Pigeons.—Crested Pigeons (Ocyvphaps lophotes) are 
common in Northern Victoria in open country, being usually 
found feeding on the ground. They make a loud whirring with 
their wings when they fly, and, as a rule, are not shy. They 
generally nest on salt and other bushes. They are easily kept in 
captivity, and breed every year in the aviaries at the Melbourne 
Zoological Gardens, where I took the photograph.—D. Lz SouEF. 
Melbourne. 


* Mr. O’Connor passed peacefully away on 5th December, aged 91, 


Igo Camera Craft Notes. Seapets 


Nest of Lewin Rail.—This interesting photograph of a Lewin 
Rail’s nest shows the “staging’’ plainly. This staging was 2 
feet long to the level of the water. One nest I found was built 


34 feet up, and had a remarkably long ladder or stairway. 


Nest of Lewin Rail, showing pathway. 


PHOTO. BY MISS J. A; FLETCHER, R.A.O.U. 


This, instead of going straight down, wound in and out, and I 
was unable to get a satisfactory photograph of it. The enclosed 
was taken on 28th August, 1915. (Miss) J. A. FLETCHER, 
R.A.O.U. Boat Harbour, Tasmania. 


* * * 


Spine-tailed Swift.—The photograph of the Spine-tailed Swift 
(Chetura caudacuta) was from a specimen which was picked up 
on the ground under some telegraph wires. It must have struck 
one of these, probably in partial darkness. It had quite re- 
covered when I had it, but naturally could not fly off the ground. 
I took the photograph as it clung on to the rough bark of a tree, 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI: 
PLATE XLI. 


Spine-tailed Swift. 


PHOTOS, BY D, LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S, 


THe Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PEATE XENI: 


Photograph of Sertcornis in an old frying-pan in a hut. 


PHOTO. BY A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, R.A.O.U, 


Nest and Eggs of Frogmouth (Podargus) in old nest of Magpie (Gymnorhina). 


PHOTO. BY J. A. KERSHAW, F.E.S-, NATIONAL MUSEUM, MELBOURNE. 


Moskast Camera Craft Notes. Ig! 
its natural perching place. Unfortunately, the photograph was 
slightly out of focus. When I had finished I threw the bird into 
the air, and off it flew.—D. LE Sour. Melbourne. 


* * * 


An Unusual Nest of the Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides). 
During the recent stormy weather a nest of this bird, with the 
unusual clutch of three eggs, was blown down. The birds then 
went higher up the gully to a more sheltered spot, and, for greater 
stability, built in an old nest of the White-backed Magpie 
(Gymnorhina leuconota). It was in the fork of a manna gum, 
about 30 feet from the ground. The bird was on the nest when 
I discovered it, and was also on it the following day, when the 
eggs were taken. It may be of interest to state that this nocturnal 
bird flew apparently at its usual speed through several trees, and 
appeared to have no difficulty in alighting, in the broad daylight.— 
J. M. Moreswortn, R.A.O.U. Ballark, Morrisons (Vic.) 


* *k k 


Flight Aviary, Melbourne Zoo.—The birds shown in the photo- 
graph, taken in the Flight Aviary at the Melbourne Zoological 
Gardens, are nearly all Honey-eaters. We find they are very 
hardy birds to keep, and live for years, and are a constant source 
of attraction ; and so they should be, with their beautiful, graceful 
forms and lively, engaging ways. 

Last year a pair of White-plumed Honey-eaters (Ptilotis pent- 
cillata) hatched and reared two young, which early assumed the 
same phase of plumage as their parents, but the young White- 
naped Honey-eaters (Melithreptus lunulatus), of which several 
were reared, had the top part of the head green, like the back, 
and only assumed the black head and white crescent when well 
over six months old.—D. LE Sovér. Melbourne. 


* * * 


Pilot-Birds.—In December, 1gtr; whilst camping near Olinda, 
in the Dandenongs, Victoria, with two other enthusiastic bird- 
lovers, we were fortunate enough to locate a nest of the Pilot-Bird 
(Pycnoptilus floccosus) in rather a strange way. While scrambling 
down a dense, scrubby hillside, one member of the party, on 
stepping over a log, was startled by a loud clamouring suddenly 
arising from a tangle of dry bracken at his feet. We excitedly 
searched for what we thought must be a nest of some kind, and 
almost immediately located a dome-shaped nest of grasses, bark, 
and leaves firmly woven together. It was lined very snugly with 
feathers, and contained two fine half-fledged youngsters. Although 
the nestlings called lustily every time the nest was disturbea, 
no parent bird put in an appearance for some considerable time. 
Eventually a beautiful chocolate-coloured bird came hopping 
quite close to where we were sitting, and, proceeding to the nest, 
fed the young birds with a large moth. Having had no previous 


Ig2 Camera Craft Notes. [ Emu 


15th Jan. 


experience with the Pilot-Bird, we were rather mystified as to what 
it could be. It was not till we reached the camp and consulted 
Dr. Leach’s ‘‘ Bird Book’’ that we discovered what our find was. 
We decided to try next day for some photographs of the adult 
birds. Daybreak found us at the nest determined to secure 
pictures at any cost. Having fixed one of the cameras in position, 
we patiently waited for the parents to visit the nest. After about 
twenty-five minutes the female appeared, and, without taking 
any notice of the camera, which was focussed only some 18 inches 
from the nest, fed the young and departed without giving us a 
good position. As we received similar treatment on four or five 
visits, occupying roughly an hour, we grew weary of waiting, 
and decided to keep the parents around the nest by preventing 
them from feeding the young. This method proved effective, 
and we succeeded in securing several exposures without delay. 
During the day we had unlimited opportunities, the birds becoming 
so tame as even to allow themselves to be handled. We were 
also fortunate as regards the light, but, owing probably to our 
inexperience of photography at that time, the two photographs 
reproduced were the total result of many exposures.—sS. A. 
LAWRENCE and R. T. LITTLEJOHNS. 


Stray Feathers. 


Some New Zealand Bird Notes.—I wonder if the following notes 
are of any interest ? The Waiuku district consists mostly of 
small dairy farms, and most of the original forest has long ago 
disappeared. It was mostly kauri, puriri, and rimu on the low, 
rolling hills, and kahikatea or white (butter-box) pine on the rich 
swamp land north of the Waikato Heads. Starlings are here in 
thousands, and where they can find an old puriri are well off for 
nesting-places, as the puriri “ pipes’’ just as eucalypts do. But 
standing timber is scarce, and these birds have taken to nesting 
within a foot or so of the ground. You see, nearly all corner-posts 
and gate-posts are of puriri in the round. These have, as usual, 
“ piped,’ decaying down the middle and leaving sufficient space 
for a Starling to descend, and sometimes for a human arm to 
follow and even reach the nest. Perhaps the same thing happens 
in Australia, but I think it would be novel in England—I mean. 
of course, for the nest to be so near, if not sometimes on, terra 
firma. Besides Starlings we have several other acclimatized birds. 
Blackbirds and Thrushes are common ; there are probably three 
nests of each in my grounds of a couple of acres. Skylarks also 
are very numerous, so you can see we get plenty of music. Gold- 
finches, Chaffinches, and Greenfinches are in about that order 
of frequency. (I leave a corner of the orchard waste pour les 
encouragey.) The Yellow Hammer is also a common bird—and 
the Sparrow ! 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI 


PEATE NEI: 


Pilot-Bird. 


Nest of Pilot-Bird. 


T. LITTLEJOHNS, R.A,O.U. 


AND Ri: 


R.A,O.U.,, 


PHOTOS. BY S. A, LAWRENCE, 


Tue Emu, Vol, XVI. 


PLATE XLIV. 


Nest and Eggs of Dusky Robin (4A maurodryas vittata), with egg of 
Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus), Launceston. 


PHOTO, BY H. C. THOMPSON. R.A.O.U. 


Nest of Australian Coot (Fulica australis). 


PHOTO. BY W> J. SANDOW, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MILNE’S BRIDGE, 


Vol. XVI. aA) 3 < 
or Stvay Feathers; 193 


As tor native birds, the commonest is, I think, the Ground-Lark 
(Anthus nove-zealandie). The Harrier (Circus gouldt), the King- 
fisher (Halcyon vagans), the Fantail (Rhiptdura flabellrfera), and 
the Grey Warbler (Pseudogerygone tgata), are about equally 
numerous. The Weka (Ocydromus earlt) is not uncommon, being 
more often heard than seen, and aquatic birds are plentiful on 
the swamps along the Waikato River. The only rare bird I have 
seen there is a small Rail, but which one I am not sure, as I only 
glimpsed it twice while driving along the road. I have heard the 
Tui once (further north I have seen scores), and seen a Kaka 
once ; these also I have seen on several occasions north of Auck- 
land. Even when to the above list I add the beautiful Californian 
Quail, which are plentiful, and the equally beautiful but rare 
Pheasant, the ubiquitous White-eye (Zosterops cerulescens)—like 
myself, an Australian migrant come to stay—the Banded Dottrel 
(seen at Tokomaru Bay, on the East Coast), the Indian Myna (seen 
also at the same place), and the dear old Australian Magpie 
(Gymnorhina tibicen), found on the mainland opposite Kawan 
Island, to which they were introduced by Sir George Grey. The 
Shining Cuckoo should be added to the list, also the ‘‘ More-pork ”’ 
Owl. Even with all that I can scrape together, you will see what 
a short bird list I have, and understand how I miss my native 
land, with its wealth of bird-life.—T. J. Ick-HEwIns, M.B., B.S. 


Ornithological Notes. 


By Epwin AsHBy, M.B.O.U., R.A.O.U., “ Witrunca,” BLAcK- 
woop, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 


In looking through my diary I have culled the following notes, 
which may be of interest. 


Pomatostomus superciliosus, V. and H. (White-browed Babbler). 
—On the 14th March, 1916, observed a pair of these birds feeding 
their young in nest situated in a peppermint (Eucalyptus odoratus), 
about 15 feet from the ground. I could not help spending some 
time watching these birds ; I think they are in some respects the 
most interesting of all the native birds in this locality. They 
spread their tails when they make their short flights, the white 
tips to the tail feathers giving a pretty fan-like appearance. The 
short, quick beats of their wings make a fluttering sound, very 
noticeable even when the birds are not visible. The habit of 
alighting on the ground at some distance from the tree that they 
wish to ascend, and completing the final few feet by taking a series 
of huge hops is almost grotesque, and this is added to as each of 
the flock follows its leader, the whole party ascending the branches 
of the tree in a spiral fashion. The notes are most varied ; the 
most common is a combination between a warble and a scold, 
followed by a loud scolding noise without the warble, or some- 


[ Emu 
isth Jan. 


194 AsHBY, Ornithological Notes. 
times the warbling notes in a little higher tone without any 
scolding at all. At dawn they utter a soft cry, quite different 
from the notes uttered during the day-time. Their actions when 
feeding on the ground are always worth watching. They turn 
over dead leaves and sticks with a quick movement, and often in 
their hurry throw leaves and sticks a distance of a foot or two. 


On the same date (14/3/16) I noted the first Cacomantis 
(flabelliformis) rubricatus, Lath. (Fan-tailed Cuckoo), which stays 
with us in this district till July, when it disappears. 


On the 1st of June large numbers of Meliphaga (Ptilotis) sonora 
(Southern Singing Honey-eater) and Acanthogenys rufogularts, 
Gld. (Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater) were about my garden— 
the first time I have seen either of these species in this district, 
and we have lived here 14 years. The varied notes of the 
Spiny-cheeks as they chivied one another about the shrubs 
and trees in the garden were most pleasing; we wish we could 
always have them with us. Unfortunately, we had about 
II inches of rain in June, and by the end of the month both these 
visitors, except a few pairs, had left. Warty-faced Honey-eaters 
(Zanthomiza (Meliphaga) phrygia tregellasi, Mat.) also visited us 
in May, but they all disappeared before the breeding season. 
Every few years they breed with us, and at other times they do 
not put in an appearance. 


Geobasileus chrysorrhous perksi, Mat. (Southern Yellow-rumped 
Tit-Warbler).—A pair nested in a creeper in my front verandah. 
The first egg was laid on 11/8/16. On the 13th there were two 
eggs, and the nest was soaked through and through with heavy 
rain and a leak or overflow of the gutter; on 15th, three eggs, 
and the same number of eggs on 24th and 27th. On 30th there 
were four eggs, and the same number on 3rd September. On the 
6th or 7th September the four chicks were hatched, showing that 
the wetting had not damaged the vitality of the eggs. This brood 
was fledged while I was away from home. Directly the young 
had left the nest the parent birds commenced tidying and mending 
it. They disappeared for ten days, and then commenced laying 
a second clutch ; the second brood left the nest yesterday (15/11/16). 


Geobasileus chrysorrhous perkst.—Additional Notes.—The parent 
birds began tidying the nest ready for the third brood two days 
later—-viz., 17/11/1916. The first egg of the third brood was laid 
on 20th November, or the fifth day after the second brood left the 
nest; it was a fertile egg, as subsequently proved. On 1st Decem- 
ber there were four eggs; 15th December, three chicks hatched, 
one egg; the next day, 16th, four chicks; 27th December, the 
chicks were a good size, with fairly long quills. Noticed that the 
parent birds were neglecting the family. On examination found 
a dead chick at entrance of nest; removed same, when parents 
immediately commenced feeding the three young left. 


Vol. XVI. : 5 
Roe Bird Observers’ Club. 195 


Bird Observers’ Club. 


At the October meeting of the B.O.C., Mr. Edwin Ashby, M.B.O.U.., 
of South Australia, gave an account of his recent collecting trips in 
South Australia and Tasmania. He first told of the bird-life found 
in a narrow strip of country about 5 miles wide and 4o miles long at 
Port Germein, South Australia. One side of this strip is bordered 
by the sea and the other by a mountain range, and in it were 
associated Malurus callainus, M. cyanotus, Megalurus gramineus, and 
other interesting forms. Mr. Ashby considered that the first-named 
species was now almost extinct. He made his remarks most inter- 
esting by handing round specimen skins of the birds under discussion. 
Many fine skins secured from Tasmania a few days before the meeting 
were also shown, and they included rare species such as Acanthornis 
magna, Acanthiza ewingt, Melithreptus validivostris, and M. melano- 
cephalus. Mr. Ashby dwelt at length on the plumage phases of the 
birds he exhibited. The hon. secretary (Mr. F. E. Wilson) exhibited 
a number of Victorian skins of the same species as those collected 
by Mr. Ashby, and some interesting comparisons were made. 

The November meeting of the Club was held at the residence of 
the hon. secretary, Mr. F. E. Wilson. Mr. Wilson read an inter- 
esting paper on his ornithological trip to Winiam, in the Nhill dis- 
trict. He showed specimens of a new Acanthiza which he discovered 
in the district, and which he proposed to name Acanthiza winiamida. 
About 85 species of birds were met with, including some of the 
Mallee forms, such as Drymodes brunneopygius, Hylacola cauta, Pachy- 
cephala gilberti, and Acanthiza pyrrhopygia. Mr. Wilson illustrated 
his paper in an interesting manner with a collection of birds, nests, 
eggs, plants, and other forms of life met with in the district. The 
president, -Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, C.M.Z.S., welcomed to the 
meeting Mr. Berney, of Queensland, and spoke of the excellent work 
Mr. Berney was doing in preparing an index to The Emu. Mr. Berney, 
in response, spoke of his recent trip to England, and of the notable 
ornithologists he had met there. He showed a number of photo- 
graphs of the Bustard (Otis tarda) displaying its magnificent plumage. 
From the remarks of Mr. F. E. Howe, there are still some rare birds 
to be found breeding near Melbourne. Mr. Howe referred to a gully 
near Ferntree Gully, where he met with the Red-browed Tree-creeper, 
Rose-breasted Robin, Rufous Fantail, Lewin’s Honey-eater, Olive 
Thickhead, Satin Flycatcher, Black-faced Flycatcher, and Pilot- 
Bird. 


Correspondence. 
To the Editors of “The Emu.” 


Strs,—Referring to Dr. Shufeldt’s interesting and _ instructive 
paper on “ Fossil Birds’ Eggs”’ in the last number of The Emu, 
I would be glad to make a few comments on it. 

He states the difficulty there is in the contents of the egg 
becoming fossilized. That is quite true, unless the contents had 
dried or hardened in the first instance. The few eggs that have 
been found are probably those of ground-laying birds, whose eggs 
were probably swept away in a flood and deeply buried in mud. 


196 Correspondence. ee: 


Then, again, they may be those of mound-building birds, and 
this class of bird may have been far more numerous then than 
they are now. I have found eggs of these birds that had been 
3 or 4 feet down in an old mound for many years, and were 
perfect, although fragile, and the interior always filled with soil 
that had worked in through some crack. 

Then, again, take birds that nest in burrows, such as Petrels 
and others. On several occasions I have found buried eggs of 
Mutton-Birds (Puffinus brevicaudus) that had been originally laid 
in a burrow possibly 2 to 3 feet deep; the parent had been killed 
and the egg left. In time the hole fell in and the egg was covered, 
and, as the ground above may possibly be raised by sand drifts 
and other means, the egg was quite protected from the weather. 
Only last year I examined a cliff of hardened sand which had been 
eroded by the wind, and about 8 feet from the surface saw half 
an egg projecting from the bank. The erosion was taking place 
across an old Mutton-Bird nesting-ground, which probably had 
not been used for over one hundred years. On removing the egg 
I found it full of sand, and the surface slightly cracked. If this 
mound had eventually been formed into dune sandstone instead 
of being eroded away, this egg would have become fossilized also, 
and the shell would have been almost perfect. I have found 
three eggs of these birds in similar circumstances, and all full of 
sand, which would agree with Dr. Shufeldt’s contention. 

Although we have found fossil remains of animals in dune 
sandstone, no signs of eggs have been noticed, but they may easily 
be overlooked. Of course, this rock is of recent origin, but the 
same principle would apply. . 

W.-H. D: LE SOURE: 
Zoological Gardens, Melbourne. 


To the Editors of “ The Emu.” 


Sirs, — The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth 
Advisory Council of Science and Industry has had brought before 
it the possibility that the completion of the Transcontinental 
Railway may lead to the introduction of European Sparrows into 
Western Australia, in which State they are at present unknown. 

The Committee are endeavouring to ascertain whether Sparrows 
have followed the construction of the line from the Port Augusta 
end, and if so, to what distance ; and it has occurred to them that 
some reader of The Emu may have travelled on the line and made 
observations on the birds seen, which would enable him to answer 
these questions. If so, I should be much obliged if he would 
communicate with me as soon as possible.—Yours faithfully, 


GERALD LIGHTFOOT, 
Acting Secretary, Executive Committee, Advisory 
Council of Science and Industry. 
314 Albert-street, East Melbourne, 14/11/16. 


6 
f 
s ‘” 
we 
= 


Vol, a 


1G17 


Publacations Received. 1Q7 


Publications Received. 


The School Paper of Queensland, Classes 1.-II., II.-IV., V.-VI., 
October, 19106. 

The first issue of a special Bird Day number of this School Paper. 
It is a pleasing and praiseworthy production. Stories, articles, 
poems, and pictures are devoted to the instruction of the youngsters 
in bird-lore. To Mr. A. H. Chisholm, R.A.O.U., is due the credit 
of having secured the contributions, which are from observers in 
many States of Australia, 


Mr. Rk. C. Murphy’s interesting paper on the Anatide of South 
Georgia, on which island he had the unique opportunity of 
studying bird-life, has been received. It is a reprint from The 
Auk, vol. xxxiii., No. 3. One is glad to see that there is not 
much chance at present of the Ducks mentioned being exterminated, 
and it is to be hoped that the introduced Magellanic Geese will 
survive. 


Messrs. Witherby and Co., publishers, 326 High Holborn, 
London, W.C., announce the publication of a volume entitled 
~ A Veteran Naturalist,” being the life and work of W. B. Teget- 
meier, by E. W. Richardson, with an introduction by the late 
Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart.; with portraits and many other illus- 
trations, demy 8vo, cloth, ros. net. The subjects dealt with 
include :—The First Pigeon Flight in England; Use of Carrier 
Pigeons for Lightships; the Discovery of the Cylindrical Origin 
of the Bee’s Cell; Co-operation with Charles Darwin ; Long Give 
nection with The Field; Introduction of Anesthetics and Auto- 
mobiles; the Introduction of Decimal Coinage in England; of 
Balloon Post and “‘ Pigeongrams’’ ; Axolotls ; Aeroplanes ; Bees ; 
Cock-fighting ; Mendelism ; Micro- photogr aphy ; Okapi; Pallas’s 
Sand-Grouse ; Pheasants and Game Pieserving ; Pigeons ; icPoultry,: 
the Savage Club; Snakes and Vipers ; Sparrows ; | ‘ Wireless ” 
Zebras. 


Obituary. 
MR. B. H. WOODWARD. 


WE regret to learn of the death of Bernard H. Woodward, F.G.S 
C.M.Z.S., which took place in October last at Harvey, Western 
Australia. Mr. Woodward was a member of a Norwich family 
which has produced a number of men well known in the scientific 
world. As a young man he came out to Western Australia for 
the sake of his health, and acted as mineral registrar and assayer, 
and when a Geological Museum was established in 1889 he was 
appointed Curator. From that date until his retirement at the 
end of 1t914 the advancement of the Museum was the leading 
object of his activities, and his enthusiasm for and interest in 
natural history, geology, and art enabled him to gather valuable 
14 


198 Obituary. [sar je 
collections in all these branches, so that the Western Australian 
Museum and Art Gallery compares favourably with similar 
institutions in the other States. Mr. Woodward was specially 
interested in ornithology, and was for many years a member of 
the R.A.O.U. He organized numerous collecting expeditions to 
various parts of Western Australia, with the result that the W.A. 


Museum contains some 6,000 skins of local birds, besides a good ° 


series of birds from all parts of the world obtained by purchase 
and exchange. In 1899 a special Bird Gallery was opened, one 
end of which is occupied by a case illustrating the bird-life of a 
Western Australian swamp, the details of which were copied from 
photographs taken by him. Mr. Woodward’s interest in Aus- 
tralian ornithology will be preserved for all time by the fact that 
three species discovered by Mr. J. T. Tunney, the W.A. Museum 
collector, were named after him—viz., Amytornis woodwardi, 
Hartert, Colluricincla woodwardi, Hartert, and Murafra wood- 
wardt, Milligan, whilst Mr. G. M. Mathews subsequently named 
several Western Australian sub-species in his honour. Mr. Wood- 
ward was much interested in the preservation of the disappearing 
fauna of Australia, and mainly as the result of his efforts several 
faunal reserves were set aside by the Western Australian Govern- 
ment, of which the most important are Barrow Island, off the 
North-West coast, and a large area in the Darling Ranges, in the 
south-west. He was always ready to welcome and help any 
naturalist who visited his State, and his own activities for the 
advancement of the study of natural history in Western Australia 
will be much missed. 
MISS W. MELLOR. 


Members of the R.A.O.U. will regret to hear of the death of 
Miss Winifred Mellor, younger daughter of Mrs. J. F. Mellor, of 
Fulham, Adelaide, S.A. For a number of years Miss Mellor was 
a regular attendant at the annual meetings and excursions of the 
Society, and, during the “ camp-out”’ expeditions held through- 
out the Commonwealth her unselfish manner and _ cheerful 
personality endeared her to all. In her own State Miss Mellor 
was a well-known nature-lover, and she took an active interest 
in the welfare of ornithology. 


Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 


THE annual meeting of the Union was held in Melbourne on 13th 
December, 1916, at» 7.30: pam., to receive the answers to) the 
printed questions sent out to all members. There were present : 
—Dr. J.-A. Leach. (ine the “thair)> Col. *G Elorme; Col: eS We 
Bryant, Dr. B. Nicholls, Messrs.’W. B. Alexander, C. Barrett, 
J. Barr, A.J; Campbell, Ry H Croll, GA Dyer. Wie Gates: 
C. G. Gibson, Z. Gray, Fs Howe, WwW) ae Dike Souci aye: 
Mattingley, A. F. Phillips, H. Pottenger, T. Tregellas, and A. 
Wilkie. 


ee ee ee Oe ee ee eee ee ee Sree ea 


Vol. XVI. 


See Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. I99 


ANNUAL REPORT, Ig16. 

GENTLEMEN,—Your Council has much pleasure in presenting 
to you its Sixteenth Annual Report. 

As the dreadful war is still going on, the Council considered 
it advisable to postpone again the annual congress and camp-out 
in Queensland, as it considered that all our energies and spare cash 
should go towards helping our country in its time of need. 

During the year thirty-three new members have been enrolled, 
eleven have resigned, and nineteen have enlisted for active 
service in the war now going on. We have lost four members 
through death, which include Mr. Bernard Woodward, late 
Director of the Perth Museum, and Miss Winnie Mellor, of 
Adelaide, obituary notices of whom appear in this Emu. 

Captain S. A. White, the retiring president, has kindly under- 
taken the duties of local State secretary for South Australia, and 
Mr. W. T. Foster for Western Australia. Dr. E. A. D’Ombrain 
and Dr. J. Burton Cleland now represent New South Wales on 
the Council in place of Dr. Macgillivray and Mr. A. F. Basset 
Hull, who are now president and_ vice-president respectively. 
As Mr. C. L. Barrett, the co-editor of The Emu, has enlisted, Mr. 
R. H. Croll has kindly undertaken the duties of assistant editor. 
Mr. A. J. Campbell and Mr. W. B. Alexander have joined the 
printing committee, and Mr. C. L. Barrett has consented to act 
as honorary librarian until his departure. 

During the year the Union has had donated to it the sum of 
£1,000, to enable it to have its own room, in which to house its 
library and collections and to hold the Council meetings. A room, 
No. 2 Temple Court, Collins-street, Melbourne, has now been 
secured and furnished. The same generous donor has also pre- 
sented to the Union a copy of Gould’s valuable “‘ Birds of Aus- 
tralia.” The Council cannot sufficiently express the thanks of 
the Union to this gentleman for his great generosity and whole- 
hearted interest in the cause of ornithology. 

The Council has again to thank the Royal Zoological and 
Acclimatization Society of Victoria for so kindly continuing to 
house the Union’s growing library. 

The Emu is still being kept up to its normal standard of 
excellence, and many instructive papers have been published 
during the year, some of which have been well illustrated ; many 
interesting photographs have also been published in the Camera 
Craft column, the Council realizing the value of photography in 
ornithology. 

WED: Le Soukry Hons see 


The following office-bearers were unanimously elected : — 
President, Dr. W. Macgillivray ; vice-presidents, Dr. J. A. Leach, 
Aver. Basset tin: hon. secretary, W. Hi. D. Le Souehz yhon 
treasurer, Z. Gray; hon. librarian, C. L. Barrett; hon. editor 
of Emu, Dr. J. A. Leach ; hon. assistant editor, R. H. Croll ; hon. 
press correspondent, Dr. B. Nicholls; hon. auditor, J. Barr : 


200 Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. [ es 


15th Jan. 


printing committee, A. J. Campbell, A. H. E. Mattingley, W. B. 
Alexander. 

Local State secretaries :—New South Wales, A. S. Le Souét : 
South Australia, Capt. S. A. White; Western Australia, W. T. 
Forster ; Tasmania, W. L. May; New Zealand, W. R. B. Oliver ; 
Northern Territory, G: F. Hill; Queensland, E. M. Cornwall. 

Members of Council :—Victoria, Col. C. S. Ryan, C.B., A. H. E. 
Mattingley, A. C. Stone; New South Wales, Dr. J. B. Cleland, 
Dr. E. A. D’Ombrain ; Queensland, €. A. Barnard; South Aus- 
tralia, E. Ashby; Western Australia, Major A. E. Le Souéf; 
Tasmania, Col. W. V. Legge. 

Col. Charles S. Ryan, C.B., and Mr. A. W. Milligan were elected 
honorary associate members. 

The following new members were also elected :— 

Victorta.—Miss C. C. Currie, Lardner ; Mrs. Strange, Ararat ; Dr. 
A. N. M‘Arthur, Boundary-road, Toorak; Messrs. J. Cross, B.A., 
Evan-street, Port Melbourne ; R. H. Croll, Education Department, 
Melbourne ; W. J. Lindsay, ‘‘Quamby,’’ Woolsthorpe ; W. Laidlaw, 
Department of Agriculture, Melbourne ; C. A. Ladwig, 154 Williams- 
road, Prahran; K. MacMeikan, Neerim-road, Murrumbeena; H. 
Pottenger, Kinross-avenue, Caulfield; W. H. Sloane, Buckland- 
avenue, Geelong; H. B. Williamson, Redan; T. Tregellas, 
kobinson’s-road, Auburn; A. Wilkie, Zoological Gardens, Mel- 
bourne ; and Victorian Railways Institute, Melbourne. 

New South Wales.—Mrs. A. K. Smith, Wanganella, via Denili- 
quin ; Messrs. D. B. Jolley, Lismore ; E. A. W. Tubman, Dulwich 
Hill; H. J. Tanner, Lismore ; A. M‘L. Bowler, Annandayle South, 
Holbrook; and J. Sloane, Mulwala Station, Mulwala. 

Queensland.—Mrs. J. Black, Pajingo Station, Charters Towers ; 
Mr. H. M. Moore, Barambah, Goomeri. 

South Australia.—Messrs. Atkinson and Co., Adelaide; Mr. 
M. E. Saunders, tor King William-street, Adelaide. 

Western Australia. Mr. M. W. Elliott, Dumbleyung; the 
Librarian, Parliament House, Perth. 

Tasmania.— Messrs. L. A. Thurston, West Devonport; J. 
Harrison, Wynyard; B. G. Nicholls, King Island. 

New Zealand.—Dr. T. J. Ick-Hewins, Box 13, Waiuku. 

England.—Mr. A. H. Evans, Cambridge. 

America.—Mr. F. M. Bean, Gross Point, Michigan. 

The meeting then resolved itself into a special general meeting, 
in accordance with the notice that had been sent out to all 
members. 

Messrs. Hedderwick, Fookes and Alston, solicitors, had strongly 
advised that the Union should be registered, as, until that was 
done, the donor of £1,000 could not hand over the money, there 
being no legally constituted association to receive it. 

The following resolutions were carried unanimously :— 

“ That the Council of this Union be and it is hereby authorized 
to take steps to have this Union registered under the Companies 
Act 1915 of Victoria as a company limited by guarantee and not 


alive ot LOR oe 


Vol. XVI. 
1Q17 


Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, 201 
having a capital divided into shares and that application be 
made to the Attorney-General of Victoria for a licence directing 
the registration of this Union with limited liability without the 
addition of the word ‘limited’ but with the addition of the word 
“ Royal’ to its name.” 

Phat the ypresident: of the Council be “and he is hereby 
authorized to enter into and sign on behalf of this Union a pre- 
liminary agreement with a trustee for the intended association 
providing (amongst other things) for the transference to it of 
the assets and liabilities of this Union, the continuance of its 
proceedings, and the admission of its ordinary members, officers, 
and honorary members into the new association, upon such terms 
and conditions and with such status as the Council of this Union 
shall stipulate or approve.” 

Mr. Z. Gray, hon. treasurer, was appointed the trustee. 

The memorandum and articles of association will be printed, 
and a copy sent to each member, before they are finally adopted 
at a special general meeting called for that purpose. 

The ordinary meeting was then resumed. 

Letters were read from the retiring president, Capt. S. A. 
White ; Judge Belcher. of Entebbe, Uganda, British East Africa ; 
Major E. A. Le Souéf, on active service in Egypt; and Lieut. 
H. W. Wilson, on active service in France, the latter stating that 
when out “naturalizing’’ on the banks of a canal he had acci- 
dentally met Private Chandler, who was doing the same thing. 

It was decided that the Camera Craft section in The Emu be 
continued, but that discretion should be used as to the photo- 
graphs reproduced. 

A cordial vote of thanks was carried, with acclamation, to 
Messrs. Hedderwick, Fookes and Alston, solicitors, for the heavy 
gratuitous work they had done in preparing the memorandum 
and articles of association for the Union. 

It was also decided that a letter of appreciation be sent to 
Capt. S. A. White and Mr..H. L. White for the splendid work 
these gentlemen had done in the interests of ornithology: it is 
impossible to estimate its value. 

Mr. G. Gibson stated that all the Egret rookeries in the Northern 
Territory should be protected, and 1t was resolved to ask the 
Federal Government to make sanctuaries of all the known Egret 
rookeries in the Northern Territory. 

It was stated that the anonymous donor of the £1,000 to the 
Union had also presented it with a complete set of Gould’s 
‘Birds of Australia.” The Union has provided a handsome 
bookcase for its reception. 

Dr. H. W. Bryant suggested that the A‘gean Partridges should 
be introduced into Australia for the purpose of stocking the 
islands of Bass Strait with these splendid game _ birds. “They 
would stand a better chance of becoming established there than 
on the mainland, where they would have so many more enemies 
to contend with. He had seen many of these birds at Lemnos 
and the other islands. 


202 Royal Australasian Oyntthologists’ Union. Ane 


RECEIPTS AND 


For Year ended 


RECEIPTS. 
Jf 5oF Ge ean 
To Balance—General Fund Ape ae 085658 
A Hs Coloured Figure Fund... ots 23 216) 52 
wa 92 ~ 2°10 
», Subscriptions—1914__... oF aa 34 0 
. a TOIG sees ae Br 30 10 oO 
a 53 1916 (160 subs.) ... aan 120 10 oO 
_ > TORT ver asc wei Ni Ms SO 
45 x eyes gas Bat ig O15, 0 
- x Check-lists ant a8 Onnoner©) 
Ss AL IDE 
» sales— The Emu ot ae ane anh 14° 70 
»» dixchange, 71 145); Interest; 62 8siod.~ ss. ue Amuoe 
‘Blocks: #413. Postagen 41 125. 8... bes ee 2220 
,, Donations—Coloured Figure Fund te SM teh 
, Advertisement _,, 2 ii 1 fist cyan 9) 
an ae 
5, Trust Fund —Half-year’s Interest on £1,000 War Loan .. 22) TORO! 
£364 15 4 
ASSETS AND 
At 30th 
ASSETS. 


Savings Bank—Cr. Balance Se Hat at rs 
Subscription Arrears (estimated good) _... 30; O76 


Less Prepaid 18 0 oO 
IZ OO 
Library Be as a ee ie : 25, -Gr 10 
Illustration Blocks (estimated value, say) ... ae ie 20 OO 
The E-mu in Stock 3 4 eae Adi ses R200. O BO 
Tent, Material, Punch, and Register es Bae wee 217 eae 
£345 19 3 


Z. GRAY, L.C.A., Hon. Treasurer. 


MELBOURNE, Ist July, 1916. 


The President, Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, Melbourne. 
Sir,—I have the honour to report having completed the audit of the 
The books and accounts were presented in excellent order by the 
honour to be, Sir, yours faithfully, 


Vol. XVI. 
1917 


EXPENDITURE 
380th June, 1916. 


Royal Austvalastan Orntthologtsts' Union. 203 


EXPENDITURE. 


By The Emu, vol. xv.—Printing, &c. ae TIO Vero 
* re vol. te pee Index es (4.0 .0 
a 3 vol. xv.— Blocks : Lae 36. Go) 2 
ee x vol. xv. 7 estauved Plates 40 30 128.6 
ae oat or 243 13 6 
2 $5 vols. xiil., Xiv., xv..-Royal Patrons Re Pf 6) 
5 = early volumes repurchased as Se Io 18 6 
256 19 
» Stationery, £6 11s. 6d.; Postage—Secretary 41 15s. 6d., 
Treasurer £2 8s. i1d., Librarian oe 4s., Witherby 
ONS 150. sab ae D5, ee 
» Ringing Register a eae ats Ms i GEv 1 
» Binding, £3 6s. 6d. ; Commission, £1 os. 3d.; Exchange, 
£1 13s. 7d.; Insurance, 5s. 5d. ue is 65556 
279) E347 
55 . Balance—General Fund ; vo 12-19) 10 
* 55 Coloured Figure Fund sie AOn Li 11 
= - Trust Fund eh 221O— O 
See Sr Oe ee 
£364 15 4 
LIABILITIES 
June, 1916. 
LIABILITIES. 
Nil. 
4, sd 
By Balance ice ae er ote ssa ae 345 Voness 


£345 19 3 


Audtted ana found correct. 
JAMES BARR, A.I.A.V., A.C.P.A., Hon. Audttor. 


TEMPLE COURT, 
MELBOURNE, 30¢4 August, 1916. 


books and accounts of the Union for the year ended 3oth June, 1916. 
treasurer, Mr. Z. Gray, and I have certified them correct.--I have the 


JAMES BARR, A.1.A.V., A.C.P.A., Hon, Auditor. 


204 Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. eae. 


Colonel Horne stated that he had noted in France that about 
10 per cent. of the Starlings suffered from frost-bitten feet, one 
or two toes being lost. It is possible that their immunity ‘from 
this and other conditions in Australia accounted for their remark- 
able and serious spread throughout the Commonwealth. 

Mr. A. J. Campbell made some interesting remarks about his 
recent visit to North Queensland, and said that he had identified 
about two hundred species of birds, and that later on he hoped 
to give an account of his results in The Emu. 

Messrs. Howe, Mattingley, Tregellas, Alexander, Dyer, Le Souéf, 
and the chairman contributed ornithological notes of interest. 


Annual Donations to Coloured Figure Fund, 
YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1916. 


Victorta— B.C. J. Bettington ..f0 10 0 
Advertisement Ei LOae@ A. Boutawack «0 T1096 
Wait. Le peepee ee OTeis70 Be eel O46 10 
L. Buckland . Me te Mrs. Burrell . col > Lae 
Gea Diver =u 7 hen Soe Dr. E. C. Chisholm eg eS 

Pe ae Dr.4) 5 B7-Cleland O' D7 nO 
Geo. Finlay .. bes Ouest iO . J. B. : 7 
HeeWw. Bord .. fee Dr. E. W. Ferguson OF See 
W. F. Gates Oo fs O Dir Gee Borst OR1OmEe 

-.* sie D (an a i 
John Hooks .. 520 ar OMeO. J. K. a cate © 5 og 
Mais: ulin: Hutchinson Ono can OS. SMCS 5 oie 
Mrs..J. W.Israel ..0 10 0 OE ag Domiae ele 
F. Keep a HOE nO iL sie. White .. 3, a6rRe 
W. Lawford .. Onno H. L. White Firs) 16) ©) 
W. ISL. 1D) Le Soueét OPLO© O Queensland— 
Mises Tuma says oa: 2 5 etl ay Noel Vee Agnew .. 0 1030 
De. Lone : Os or C. A. Barnard . 2 2a 
J. M. Molesworth OAS SIO.) Rae eae een o ee 
Drea ss NichollSeee oO 5 200) e re Chippindall : oes 
re ie Cues si 5 = g E. M. Cornwall—ig916 0 10 oO 
E. Qu ae ae be = E. M. Cone eo OOS 
Noe ai; <: as ae Leslie A. Hall fone siene G 
Shure es 2 H. Thoneman Onna 
J). Az @itoss O25, 10 
A. Scott 0 5 O | South Austratta— 
Ce eee ait ss a 10 Miss H. T. Sanderson o 5 30 
MS ee pas J. D. Somerville kOe Smee 
a a oe . 2 “ Capt. S.A. White noe ©) 
. Tinda : “oes 
MirsS. “AGeW hit oO 
T. Tindale @) wi ©) eee Rey oe 
W. Young O 4 6 | Western Australia— 
Tasmania— | Ae = cee . “ - : 
ngage Xe) oue on 
Miss M- Brumby 93-0 wasn 5 . 
Col. T. M. Evans ..0 5 oO | Phtlppine Islands— 
Col. Legge: 1 0,5 0.) RC, MiGregex <i) OF TO 


New South Wales— eo. 


ie Ps Austin C2120 AOVeO© CABAL otha 


TOI Ey] ah Oaees 


ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


CO-PATRONS: 
Their Majesties the King and Queen. 


OFFICE-BEARERS: 
President: Cart. S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


fDr. W. MACGILLIVRAY. 
pr. J. A. LEACH, ‘Cot. M. B.O.U. 


Hon. Secretary: Mx. W. H. D, Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &. 


(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.) 


Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A 
(190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.) 


Hon. Librarian: Mr. W.-H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S. &c. 


Hon. Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, Cou. M. B.O.U. 
(‘* Eyrecourt,” Canterbury.) 


Assistant Editor: Mr. R. H. CROLL. 


(Education Department, Melbourne.) 
Associate Co-Editor: Mr. A. J. CAMPBELL, Cor. M. B.O.U. 
Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS. 


Hon. Auditor: Mr. J. BARR, A.LA.V., A.C.P.A. 
(42 Temple Court, Collins Street, Melbourne.) 


Printing Committee: Messrs. W. H. D. LE SOUEF, A, H. E. 
MATTINGLEY, anv A. C, STONE, 


Vice-Presidents: 


Local State Secretaries: 
Mr. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney 
Mr, E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland. 
Mr, J. W. MELLOR, ‘‘ Mellor Park,” Lockley,; Fulham, South Australia. 
Mr. W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., Cottesloe, Western Australia, 
Mr. W. L. MAY, Sandford, (eee 
Mr. W, R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand. 
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.G.S., Darwin, Northern Territory. 


Members of Council: 

VicTor1A—CoL. C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E, MATTINGLEY, 
C.M.Z.S., AND A, C. STONE. 

New SourH Wa.Les—Dr, J. BURTON CLELAND anp Mr. A, F. 
BASSET HULL. of 

QUEENSLAND—Mr. C. A. BARNARD. 

SouTH AusTRALIA—Dr, A. M. MORGAN. |. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA—MR, A. E. LE -~SOUEF, 

TasMANIA—CoL. W. V. LEGGE, Cot. M. B.O.U, 


Members of Check=List Committee: 


Mr. C. BARRETT, C;M.Z.S. Mir. W.. HD Be SOUEF, C.M.Z.S. 
,» A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U. 
Sy. HALES CMB: O.. Mr. G, M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E. 
ig tb AS oh LOE, Ry A.O.U, » A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S. 

Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. > dee WEEE TBS Ml. B:O.U, 

CoLoNEL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CAPTAIN S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


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APRIL, 1917. — 


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A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and Protection of Native 
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ae Editor: J. A. LEACH, D.Sc., C.M.B.0.U. 


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NOTES ON NORTH AUSTRALIAN _ BIRDS | Gactiewe: BY y W. 
M‘LENNAN. (Communicated by. wf L. White, sae 0. U.,, Bell 


trees, (NGS SW.) cao Salis a Peas Bee eee tage ae Shee 


NOTES ON A COLLECTING TRIP IN THE LOWER NORTH OF ~ 


SOUTH AUSTRALIA. By Edwin ee MB. 0. & R.A. 0. ee 
Wittunga, “ Blackwood,” SAS ae - et aa 


BIRD-LIFE AS AFFECTED BY DroucHT. By Charles Barnard - 


OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FERN-TREE GULLY DISTRICT (VICT.) 
By R. T. Littlejohns, R.A.O.U., and S$. A. Lawrence, R.A.O.U. 


DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS OF MELITHREPTUS ATRI- 
CAPILLUS MaLLEE, MATHEWS. Sy Ff. £. Howe, C.M.Z.S., 
i Pek OSE re Se Soe ae oe ee an 55 Je 


CAMERA CRAFT NOTES—A Wood-Swallow Colony - : : ene 
Oe ae eee ee Bane 
_ CORRESPONDENCE s - Spt er % = 3 ibe : 
Pane MiipeRs | OS a ee OS 
- OBITUARY - - : : i 3 SS : : if 
BIRD OBSERVERS’ CLUB - -  -— -__ Ser eee Se ae 
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED - - oe Ge 2 Sie z 3 


OURSELVES . - : z : Teas 3 : 


NOTES Gaye ee oes Rea Re oer oy eer en etme oe 
The following are the charges for Authors’ reprints if required :- 
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aaa NUMBER OF PAGES OF. ARTICLE. : Covers. 

COPIES. 2 4 8 12 16 20 Pratn. | PRINTED, 
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50 4/- 5/- 8/6 12/6 | 16/6 | 21/- | 1/6 . 4[- 
100 5/- 7/- 11/- 16/6 21/- | 27/- 2/6 5/6 


ee 


240 


PAGE 


205 aS 


239 


241 
241” 
243 
244 
245 
246 


THE EMu, Vol. XVI. PLATE XLV. 


WHITE-STRIPE HONEY-EATER 


Ptilotis albilineata 


[For description see THE Emu, Vol. XVI., Pt. 3. p. 165.] 


| She Emu 
Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 


“Birds of a feather.’’ 


Vor. XVI.) BieaP Welk Wks Woy [PART 4. 


North Australian Birds { 


OBSERVED BY WILLIAM M‘LENNAN. 
(Communicated by H.-L. Waits, R-A.O.U., .Bellttees, “N.S.W.) 


* Skins secured. | From type locality. 


Dromaius nove-hollandiw. I¢mu. 
Dromiceus novehollandie novehollandie. 

King River; 24/11/15. The fresh tracks of two birds seen in mud 
along edge of salt-pans, up river from camp. 


*+Megapodius tumulus. Scrub-lowl. 
Megapodius duperryit tumulus. 

Bickerton Island, 23/8/15.—A single bird procured in small patch 
of tangled scrub. Woodah Island, 26/8/15.—Heard calling after 
dark. King River.—Three birds seen : 14/10/15, a single bird seen 
in small patch of scrub ; 29/10/15, single bird taken in mangroves ; 
21 /%i/T5,° a ‘bird. noticed in small patch of brush in sandstone 
ranges. Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Couple of birds heard 
and a nesting-mound noted. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—A few birds 
heard in patches of scrub. 

Gizzard contained remains of beetles. 


**+Synecus cervinus. Northern Brown Quail. 
Synoicus ypstlophorus cervinus. 

Macarthur River, 10/8/15.—A few birds flushed from rushes at 
edge of river. Maria Island, 20/8/15.—Couple of coveys flushed ; 
about a dozen old nests noted in long grass on coral and sandstone 
ridge. Cape Barrow, 25/8/15.—Small covey flushed in forest country. 
King River.—Small coveys often met along the river flat. 2/11/15.— 
Covey of about a dozen birds have been coming to bough-shed ae 
we have our meals, after bread crumbs ; they are very tame, and will 
come within a few feet of where we are sitting. They continued to 
come until we shifted camp. 

Gizzard contained seeds and sand 
*+Turnix castanonota. Chestnut-backed Quail. 

Austroturnix castanota castanota. 

King River.—Small coveys, up to a dozen birds, were often met 
about the ridges in forest country. 

Gizzard contained beetles, ants, seeds, sand, and insects’ eggs. 
Smal] worms in chest and abdominal cavity and eye socket. 

*Turnix melanotus. Black-backed Quail. 
Turnix maculosa pseutes. 


+ For narrative, with map, see Emu, ante, pp. 117-158. Nomenclature, 
R.A.O.U. ‘‘ Check-list’’; trinomials, Mathews’s 1913 “‘ List.” 
15 


e 


206 Wuitet, North Australian Birds. eee 


King River.—Occasional birds flushed from the long grass about 
springs and marshy places at foot of ridges. They would only fly 
a few yards and drop into grass again, and could not be flushed a 
second time. 

Gizzard contained seeds and sand. 


Ptilonopus ewingi. Rose-crowned Fruit-Pigeon. 
Ptilonopus vegina ewingt. 

Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Several heard calling, but could 
only get a fleeting glimpse of them as they flew through scrub. Port 
Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Heard in patches of scrub. 


*Myristicivora spilorrhoa. Nutmeg-Pigeon. 
Myristicivora bicolor spilorrhoa. 

Goyder River, 8/9/15.—Several small flocks seen coming from the 
south-west and heading for mouth of river, a little before sunset. 
Glyde River, 9/9/15.— A few heard calling in mangroves, and 
(10/9/15) seen along the river. Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—A few 
along the river. King River, 26/9/15 —Two large flocks seen flying 
west a little before sunset. Some were often noticed in patch of scrub 
at spring near camp. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—An occasional bird 
seen. 

Crop contained small fruit. 


Geopelia humeralis. Barred-shouldered Dove. 
Chrysauchena humeralis apsleyt. 

Cape Barrow, 25/8/15, and Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.—A few birds 
seen in forest country. Glyde River, 10/9/15.—Heard and seen in 
mangroves. Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—A few birds noticed. King 
River.—Fairly numerous in forest country till end of year; then they 
went into the mangroves, and were rarely met with in the forest. 
18/1/16 and 20/1/16, noted building in mangroves along river. 
21/1/16.—Nest with two eggs taken in mangroves. Port Bradshaw, 
5/2/16.—Occasionally seen. Roper River, 17/2/16.—Few birds seen 
and numbers calling along the river. Maria Island, 13/4/16.— 
Occasionally seen in clumps of mangroves along beach 


*+Geopelia placida (tranquilla). Ground-Dove. 
Geopelia placida placida 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15.—Numerous about mission station. 
Cape Barrow, 25/8/15, and Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.—A few birds 
seen in forest. Goyder River, 8/9/15.—A few along the edge of 
mangroves. Glyde River, 11/9/15, and Liverpool River, 21/9/15.— 
Few noted along the streams. King River.—Fairly plentiful along 
river flats. A number of birds were constant visitors at bough-shed 
where we had meals. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—A few observed. 
Roper River, 17/2/16.—Fairly plentiful along river. 


*+Chaleophaps longirostris. Long-billed Green-Pigeon. 
Chalcophaps chrysochlora longirostris. 

King River, 6/10/15.—A bird shot in patch of scrub at spring near 
camp. 14/10/15.—A bird shot in scrubby ravine, sandstone ranges. 
Another bird seen near here, 21/11/15. A bird seen in patch of 
scrub at small sandstone range down the river, 1/12/15, 15/12/15, 
6/1/16. Noted building here, 16/1/16. Nest, a frail platform of 
twigs 5 feet from the ground in a small bush, in scrub. Liverpool 
River Island.—Coup!le of birds seen, and several! heard in the scrub. 
Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Several birds calling in scrub. 

Crop contained seeds and small fruit, and gizzard seeds and sand. 


Ri AN PT 8 He a ee ee ee 


‘ena | Wulte, North Australian Birds. 207 


*Phaps chaleoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon. 
Phaps chalcopteva chalcoptera. 
Macarthur River, a ae of birds flushed from bank of 


river aS we were ey ae in boat /8/15, a bird shot from the boat. 
Maria Island, 19/8/15 —A few bade seen near some bushes on beach ; 
they were very wary . 20/8/15.—Occasionally seen amongst the 


timber. Cape Barrow, 25/8/15.—Bird flushed in forest. King River 
11/10/15.—Couple of birds seen at spring near camp. Bird seen 
on three occasions in forest country during stay. 

Crop contained seeds, and gizzard seeds and small pebbles. 


**+Geophaps smithi. Naked-eyed Partridge-Pigeon. 
Tevvaphaps smithi smith. 

King River.—Fairly plentiful in forest country. Met in small 
flocks up to a dozen birds. When flushed they fly into nearest tree, 
perch a few seconds, and then dash out of sight. . 

Crop, seeds and beetles ; gizzard, seeds and sand, 


*+Eulabeornis castaneiventris. Chestnut-bellicd Kail. 
Eulabeornis castaneiventris castanetveniris. 

Cadell Strait, 6/9/15.—Heard calling in the mangroves. Goyder 
River, 6/9/15, and Glyde River, 10/9/ 15.—Heard calling in the man- 
groves. Iwo birds seen at water’ s edge at low tide. Liverpool 
River, 19/9/15.—Heard in mangroves. King River.—Numerous in 
mangroves all along river. Always heard calling, but rarely seen. 
The call is a harsh screech, preceded by a short grunting note, rapidly 
repeated about twelve times= “When disturbed they utter the 
grunting note at intervals, and occasionally a bird would utter a single 
screech, preceded by the short grunt. Adepts at keeping out of sight ; ; 
I often heard them within 1o feet of me, but could not see them. 
They appear to be very local in their habits, and would always 
remain within a radius of 150 yards of where they were first heard 
calling. CGRefer notes 26/9/15, 14 and 20/10/15, 29 and 30/11/15, 
ine ees ORG Oy Iie kewlio iLO, 25.527 200 and 2O/12/Tih, 5. Lai 
16, 18, and 24/1/16; see narrative.) Howard Island Channel, 30 
and 31/1/16, and Roper River, 17,-27, and 29/2/16.—Heard calling 
in mangroves. 

Stomach contained small crabs. 


Amaurornis ruficrissa. Rufous-tailed Rail; 
Amaurornits moluccanus rvuficvissus. , 

King River.—These birds were first heard calling 9/12/15. They 
frequented long grass round springs and billabongs. Although I did 
not see these birds, I am quite certain of their identity ; the call 
cannot be mistaken for that of any other bird. G. M. Mathews 
questions their occurrence in the Northern Territory. 


*Podicipes gularis. Black-throated Grebe. 
Tachybaptus ruficollis novehollandie. 

King River, 3/1/16 —A few birds seen on small water-hole about 
6 miles from camp. Set of four eggs was taken, a nest containing 
one egg noted, and two lots of birds found building. 7/1/16, sent 
the natives out to get nest noted with one egg (4/1/16) ; it contained 
four eggs. They went further afield, and found another nest con- 
taining five eggs. . 

Stomach contained pebbles, charcoal, small beetles, and other 
insects. 


208 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. (oaeaert 


*Gelochelidon macrotarsa. Gull-billed Tern. 
Gelochelidon nilotica macrotarsa. 

King River, 21/10/15.—A single bird shot as it was flying along 
the river. 

Sylochelidon ecaspia. Caspian Tern. 
Hydroprogne tschegrava strenua. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—A number of. birds seen amongst a 
large flock of S. cristata and S. media on sand-bank at mouth of river. 
Mornington Island, 23/7/15.—A single bird seen. Maria Island, 
20/8/15.—A few. birds seen. 

Sterna gracilis. Graceful Tern. 
Sterna dougalli gracilis. 

Cape Braithwaite, 26/9/15.—A few birds seen. 

Sterna media. Lesser Crested Tern. 
Thalasseus bengalensis torresit. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15—Large flock seen in company with 
S. cristata and S. caspta on sand-banks at mouth of river. Noted all 
along the coast from Thursday Island to Mornington Island, usually 
in company with the former. 

Sterna cristata. Crested Tern. 
Thalasseus bergit pelecanotdes. 

Noted along the coast from Thursday Island to King River. 
Little Archer River, 6/7/15—A large flock seen in company with 
St media and S. caspia on sand-bank at mouth of river. Ellis Island, 
20/7/15.—A flock seen. Sandy Island, 17/9/15.—A large flock seen. 
This island is evidently a breeding ground, as great numbers of dead 
young and addled eggs were noted about. 


Sterna melanauchen. Black-naped Tern. 
Gygisteyna sumatrana kempt. 

Sweers Island, 21/7/15, amd Cape Shield, 29/8/15.—A few birds 
seen in company with S. cristata. Cadell Strait, 6/9/15.—A large flock 
noted at western entrance. 2/2/16.—A few birds noted at eastern 
entrance, 

Larus nove-hollandiw. Silver Gull. 
Bruchigavia novehollandieé gouldt. 

Seen. occasionally along the coast from Thursday Island to King 
River. Ellis Island, 27/7) ‘15 —A number followed us around the 
island, ready to pounce on any unguarded eggs of Sula fusca. 
Hematopus longirostris. Pied Oyster-catcher. 

Hematopus ostralegus longivostrts. 

ittle: Archer, mince , 6/7/15.—Pair seen on sand-bank at the mouth 
and a couple of pairs seen on the mud-banks in the river. Glyde 
River, 9/9/15.—A pair seen at mouth of river; 10/9/15, a flock— 
ten birds—flying up ine river. Sandy Island, 17/9/1s.—-A couple 
of pairs noted. 

*Hematopus ophthalmicus. Bare-eyed Oyster-catcher. 
Hematopus niger ophthalmicus. 

Sandy Island, 17/9/15.—A couple of pairs seen, and a nest with 
two eggs found. 

Stomach contained oysters. 

Erythrogonys ecinetus. KRed-kneed Dottrel. 
Evythrogonys cinctus mixtus. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A few birds seen on a small islet in 

river. King River, 17/11/15.—A single bird observed on salt-pans. 


Vol. XVI. 


pad Wuite, North Australian Birds. 209 


*+Lobivanellus personatus. Masked Plover. 
Lobibyx miles personata. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—A number of birds seen on mud- 
banks in river. Macarthur River, 8/8/15.—Two birds noted along 
giver. ‘Glyde River, 11/9/1 1§.—Occasionally birds noted along river. 
King River.—A few pairs always seen about salt-pans. (Refer notes 
19/10/15, el use yaa o, 21) 29. 25° Mand ASW AG ZY Ue 7h, 5 Zia\Gl 
21/1/16.) Roper River, 17/2/16.—An occasional pair seen on salt- 
pans along river ; 25/2/16, a nest containing four much incubatéd 
eggs found on a salt- pan. 

Stomach. insect remains and sand. 


*Ochthodromus geoffroyi. Large Sand-Dottrel. 
Pagoa geoffroyt. 

King River, 21/10/15.—A number of birds seen on a mud-bank 
in river in company with 4. ruficapilla; 2/11/15, a few birds seen 
on salt-pan down river; 17/11/15, numerous on salt-pans up river. 
Cadell Strait, 2/2/16, and Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16.—A few noted on 
sand-banks. 

Stomach, small shellfish, crabs, shrimps, and insects. 


Egialitis ruficapilla. Ked-capped Dottrel. 
Leucopodius ruficapillus tormenti. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Small flock noted on sand-banks at 
mouth and several small flocks noted on mud-banks in river. Maria 
Island, 20/8/15.—A single bird seen on beach. King River, 21/10/15. 
—A number of birds seen on mud-bank in river in company with O. 
geoffroyt. 

* egialitis nigrifrons. Black-fronted Dottrel. 
Elseya melanops melanops. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Several small flocks seen on mud- 
banks in river. King River, 19/10/15.—A single bird seen on salt- 
pans up river ; 17/11/15, a couple of birds seen on salt-pans up river. 

Stomach, insect remains. 

*Himantopus leucocephalus. White-headed Stilt. 
Himantopus leucocephalus leucocephalus. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Small flocks noted on mud-banks in 
river. Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A tew birds noted flying past. 
King River, 2/11/15. i salt-pan down river. 

Stomach, insects and sand. 

Recurvirostra rubricollis. Red-necked Avocet. 
Recurvivostra novehollandie. 
Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—A few birds seen on mud-banks in river. 


*Numenius cyanopus and *N. uropygialis. Curlew and Whimbrel. 
Numenius cyanopus and Pheopus pheopus variegatus. 

Macarthur River, 6/8/15.—Small flocks flying across bay; 7/8/15, 
a large flock noted at mouth of, and odd birds seen along, river. 
Maria Island, 19/8/15.—A couple of birds seen along beach. Cadell 


Strait, 6/9/15.—Numerous all through straits. Goyder River, 7/9/15, 
and Glyde River, 10/9/15.—A few seen along river. King River.— 
A few birds always to be seen by river. Howard Island Channel, 


2 and 31/1/16.—A few birds along channel. Cadell Straits; 2/2/16. 
noted. Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16 —A few birds seen on the 
banks in the bay, always busily feeding. . Roper River.—Birds 
always seen along river. 

Stomach, remain of crabs and mud; claw of crab fastened to bill, 


210 Waite, North Australian Birds. ee 


Mesoscolopax minutus. Little Whimbrel. 
Mesoscolopax minutus. 

Cadell Straits, 6/9/15.—Numerous through straits. King River, 
19/10/15.—One bird seen on salt-pan up river. 


Totanus stagnatilis. Little Greenshank. 
Iliornis stagnatilis horsfieldit. 
King River, 19/10/15.—A few birds on salt-pans up river. 


*Glottis nebularius. Greenshank. 
Glottis nebularius glottoides. 

Macarthur River, 6/8/15.—Small flocks flying across bay : 7/8/15, 
a large flock, about 150 birds, seen at mouth of river. Maria Island, 
19/8/15.—A bird seen. Cadell Straits, 6/9/15.—Numerous along the 
straits. Glyde River, 10/9/15.—Occasionally seen along river. King 
River.—Often seen about salt-pans, and occasionally along river, 
at low water. Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16.—An occasional bird 
noted. Roper River, 16/2/16.—A few birds flushed from grass on 
plain. A few birds always along river and on salt-pans. 

Stomach contained remains of small shrimps. 


*Pisobia ruficollis. Eastern Little Stint. 
Pisobia minuta vuficollis. 

Macarthur River, 6/8/15.—Small flocks flying across the bay. 
Cadell Straits, 6/9/15.—Numerous along straits. Glyde River, 9/9/15. 
—A few birds noted at mouth of river. King River, 19/10/15.— 
Three birds seen on salt-pan up river. Cadell Straits, 2/2/16.—A 
few birds seen. Roper River, 16/2/16.—A few birds flushed from 
grass on plain ; occasionally seen about river. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*Pisobia acuminata. Sharp-tailed Stint. 
Limnocinctus acuminatus. 

King River, 12/10/15.—About a dozen birds seen on salt-pan up 
river ; 19/10/15, several small flocks seen on salt-pans ; 2/11/15, a 
few birds seen on salt-pans down river ; 17/11/15, numerous on salt- 
pans up river. Roper River, 16/2/16.—A few birds flushed from 
amongst the grass on plain. 

Stomach, small salt-water shells, black seeds, and sand, as- well as 
insect remains. 


*Actitis hypoleueus. Common Sandpiper. 
Actitis hypoleucus auritus. 
King River.—Single birds seen occasionally along river. Howard 
Island Channel, 31/1/16.—Fairly numerous along the channel. 
Stomach, remains of small crabs. 


*+Heteractitis brevipes. Grey-rumped Sandpiper. 
Hetevoscelus tncanus brevipes. 
King River, 11/11/15.—Single bird shot along the river. 


*Gallinago megala. Swinhoe Snipe. 

King River, 7/1/16.—A few birds were flushed from long grass 
in a marshy spot in a gully ; shot one. 

Stomach, mud and sand. 


Parra gallinacea. Comb-crested Jacana. 
Ivediparra gallinacea vothschildt. 

Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—A few birds seen on hly-covered 
billabong: 


ii aiiad 


Cae | Wuite, North Australian Birds. OT 


CGdicnemus grallarius. Southern Stone-Curlew. 
Burhinus magnirostris rufescens. 

Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—A flock, 12 birds, flushed from outer 
edge of mangroves ; 21/9/15, heard calling through the night. 


Esacus magnirostris. Long-billed Stone-Curlew. 
Orthorhamphus magnivostris neglectus. 
Woodah Island, 10/2/16.—Three birds seen flying along shore. 


Eupodotis australis. Bustard (Wild Turkey) 
Austrotis australis derbyt. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Two birds seen at bank of river. 
Liverpool River, 19/9/15 and 23/9/15.—Birds seen on a salt-pan. 
King River, 2/10/15.—Bird seen flying past. 

Antigone australasiana. Crane (Native Companion). 
Mathewsia rvubicunda argentea. 

Batavia River, 1/7/15.—A few small flocks seen flying along shore 
about 10 miles south of the river. Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few 
seen. King River.—Three birds often met about the salt-pans and 
billabongs up river. 30/10/15.—A flock of 11 birds was flying high 
overhead. Several pairs of birds seen about salt-pans along river 
after the first rains in December. 21/1/16.—A pair. was found 
building amongst rushes in salt-pan. Howard Island Channel, 
30/1/16.—Heard calling beyond the mangroves. Port Bradshaw, 
5/2/16.—Three birds seen at small swamp. Roper River, 16/2/16. 
—A flock of about 20 birds seen out on plain. 

Ibis molucea. White Ibis. 
Threskiornis molucca strictipennis. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Fairly numerous on the mud-banks. 
Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A few along the river. Cadell Straits, 
6/9/15.—A few birds seen in straits. Glyde River, 11/9/15.—Flock 
seen along river. King River, 4 and 5/10/15.—A bird seen up river. 
Roper River, 17/2/16.—Several smal! flocks seen coming from the 
west and heading for mouth of river ; 18/2/16, a number noted along 
river. 

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis. 
Carphibis spinicollis. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Fairly numerous on mud-banks. 
Platalea regia. Black-billed Spoonbill. 

Spatherodia regia. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Several small flocks seen on mud- 
banks. Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A small flock flying. overhead. 
Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few birds noted along river. King River, 
5/10/15 and 18/10/15.—A single bird seen on each occasion. Cadell 
Straits, 2/2/16.—Three birds seen. Roper River, 17/2/16.—Six 
birds seen flying to the north; 18/2/16, a number seen ; 19/2/16, a 
large flock seen in the paper-barks along river. 


Xenorhynchus asiaticus. Black-necked Stork (Jabiru). 
Xenovhynchus astaticus astaticus. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—A pair seen circling round a small fresh- 
water swamp. Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Two birds seen on 
mud-banks. Mornington Island, 23/7/15.—One bird seen on beach. 
Van Alphen River, 4/8/15.—Three birds seen on sand-banks. Mac- 
arthur River, 6/8/15.—A couple of birds on banks, outside the 
mouth ; 7/8/15, one bird seen along river. Maria Island, 19/8/15.— 
One bird seen along beach. King River.—A single bird and occasion- 


Emu © 


212 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. aise Ae 


ally the pair of birds often noticed. Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16—A 
single bird seen on mud-bank. Roper River, 20/2/16.—A _ couple 
of birds seen at a big billabong. 


Ardea sumatrana. Great-billed Heron. 
Typhon sumatrana mathewse. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—A smgle bird seem; 7/7/15, a nest 
containing one fully-fledged young found. Goyder River, 6/9/15, 
and Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A single bird seen along the river. 
Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—Two birds noted. King River.—Single 
birds often seen along river. On one occasion only was a pair seen. 
Often heard calling, the call being a deep guttural roar repeated three 
or four times, mostly heard at night, and occasionally during the 
day.  (CRefer- notes. 4; (20;,730; and) 31/10/15 pels) ty 05) ee eee 
II, 19, and 30/12/15, 1, 9, 11, 13, 18;20,21, and.23/ 1 /Opm nara ueces) 
Howard Island Channel, 30/1/16.—One heard calling ; 31/1/16, one 
seen along the channel. Roper River, 17/2/16.—One bird heard 
calling. Often seen and heard calling during our stay here. 


Mesophoyx plumifera. Plumed Egret. 
Mesophoyx intermedia plumifera. 

Roper River (see narrative). 

Stomach, small fish. 

*Herodias syrmatophorus (timoriensis’.. Egret. 
Herodias alba syrymatophora. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Odd birds seen about mud-banks. 
Macarthur River, 6/8/15.—A few birds seen on banks outside mouth 
of river ; 7/8/15, an occasional bird seen along river. Cadell Straits, 
6/9/15.—A few birds seen along straits. Glyde River, 9/9/15.—A 
couple ot birds seen at mouth of river ; 14/9/15, a few birds seen in 
company with N. flavivostris. Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—A few 
noted along river. King River, 26/9/15.—An occasional bird seen 
along river; 29/9/15, a single bird noted. Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16. 
—A single bird seen. Roper River.—See narrative. 

Stomach, small fish. 


Notophoyx nove-hollandizw. White-fronted Heron. — 
Notophoyx novehollandia. 

Mornington Island, 23/7/15.—A couple of birds seen along beach. 
Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A few birds about river. Maria Island, 
20/8/15.—Couple seen along beach. Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few 
birds seen along river. King River, 26/9/15.—An occasional bird 
seen; 29/9/15, a single bird seen; 2/10/15, a-single bird seen at 
billabong. 

Notophoyx pacifica. White-necked Heron. 
Myola pacifica. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Odd birds seen. 
*+Notophoyx flavirostris. Pied Egret. 
Notophoyx aruensts flavirostris. 

Glyde River, 14/9/15.—A flock of about a-dozen birds noted. 
Alger Island, 2/2/16.—Four birds seen coming from the north-east 
and heading for mainland a little before dark. Roper River.—See 
narrative. 

Stomach, small fish. 

*+Garzetta immaculata (nigripes). Lesser Egret. 
Egretta garzetta immaculata. 
Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Odd birds seen on mud-banks. 


eres a 


Pe WuitE, North Australian Birds. 213 
Mornington Island, 23/7/15.—A couple of birds on beach. —Mac- 
arthur River, 6/8/15.—A few birds seen on mud-banks outside mouth 
of river; 7/8/15, a few birds seen. Cadell Straits, 6/9/15.—A few 
birds seen in straits. Glyde River, 9/9/15, and Liverpool Rtver, 
19/9/15.—A few birds seen along river. King -River, 21 and 


22/12/15.—A few birds seen on salt-pans. ~ Alger Island, 2/2/16.— 
A single bird seen coming from the north-east and heading for main- 
land.a little before dark. Roper River.—See narrative. 

Stomach, small fish. 
Demiegretta sacra. lMeel-Heron. 
Demigretta sacra cooktownt and D. greyt. 

Ellis Island, 26/7/15.—sA few birds seen on -reef. . Several nests 
were found in rock- es and caves round island ; all raided by rats: 


Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—A number of birds flushed from bushes 
on small islet in ea Several fresh nests found without eggs— 


probably raided by natives. 


Nycticorax caledonicus. Nankeen Night-Heron. 
Nycticorax caledonicus australast@. 


Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—An occasional bird flushed from man- 
groves as the boat cosecer Glyde River, 11/9/15.—Occasional bird 
flushed from mangroves. King River, 29/9/15.—A_ single bird 
flushed from mangroves: Howard Island -Channel, 31/1/16.—A 


couple of birds flushed from mangroves, disturbed by passing boat, 
Roper River, 18/2/16.—Hundreds of birds flushed from dense Stowe 
of mangroves on left bank of river as the boat passed ; 19/2/16, a 
few birds seen in a mangrove and paper-bark swamp. 


*Dupetor gouldi. Yellow-necked Mangrove-Bittern. 
Dupetoy flavicollis oliver. 

Goyder River, 7/9/15.—One bird noted. King River, 22/10/15.— 
A bird shot. Occasionally heard calling along river. Great numbers 
were seen and heard along river after first rains, and several nests 
iomndy (Refer notes 30/12/15, .9/10/16, 18, 20/1/16.).. Koper. River, 
17 and 18/2/16.—Heard calling along river. 

Stomach, small fish and remains of small] lizards. 

*+Butorides stagnatilis. Little Mangrove-Bittern. 
Butorides striata stagnatilis. 

Macarthur River,- 10/8/15.—A single bird seen. Glyde River, 
ft/o/i5——A couple of birds seen. Liverpool  Kiver, :19/9/15.— 
Occasionally seen. King River.—Single birds seen occasionally. 
Pere MOLES I, 4. 10, and’ 30/12/15, 1. 18, 20, and 27/1/16.) Roper 
River, 18/2/16 —An occasional bird noted. 

Stomach, small fish and shrimps ; several small worms in stomach. 


Anseranas melanoleuca. Pied Goose. 
Ansevanas semipalmata. 


Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A single bird noted in mangroves ; 13/9/14, 
a large flock passed over at dusk heading south-east. Liverpool River 
20/9/15.—A passing flock. King River, 3/10/15.—A large floc k 


flew over the camp after dark, heading south-west ; 29/10/15, a single 
bird flushed from mangroves. Roper River, 18/2/16.—A flock heard 
passing up stream after dark ; 19/2/16, a flock seen in paper-barks 
by river ; 22/2/16, noted again in same place. 
Nettopus pulchellus. Green Pigmy-Goose. 
Cheniscus pulchellus. 

Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—A few birds seen on salt-water billabong 
near river, 


214 Wuite, North Australian Birds. fe 


Dendrocygna arcuata. Whistling-Duck. 
Dendrocygna javanica gouldt. 

King River, 7/11/15.—Ten birds seen flying past at salt-pans, up 
river. 

Dendrocygna eytoni. Plumed Whistling-Duck. 
Leptotarsis eytont. 

Macarthur River, 12/8/15.—A small flock flushed from the man- 
groves. Glyde River, 10/9/15.—Small flock flushed from the man- 
groves; 11/9/15, another small flock seen. Liverpool River, 
19/9/15.—Two small flocks flushed from mangroves. King River, 
29/9/15.—A large flock flushed from the mangroves—they were often 
seen about the same place ; 3/10/15, flocks heard passing over camp 
through the night; 19/10/15, a large flock seen at the salt-pans up 
river. Roper River, 18/2/16.—Two birds seen. 

*+Tadorna rufitergum. White-headed Shieldrake. 
Radjah vadjah rufitergum. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Flock of about 200 birds noted on 
the sand-banks at mouth of river. Cadell Straits, 6/9/15 —A few 
noted. Glyde River, 9/9/15.—A couple of birds noted; 11/9/15, 
a few birds noted along the river. Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—A 
few birds seen along the stream. King River.—Few pairs seen 
occasionally along river and about salt-pans ; more plentiful during 
the rains. 4/11/15.—A flock of about 20 noted on the billabongs. 
(Refer notes’ 7/10/15, 8, 9, 20; 21, and) 22/12/15.) koper einen, 
21/2/16.—A single bird seen. 

Gizzard, sand and fibrous green scum. 

Anas superciliosa. Black Duck. 
Anas superciliosa vogerst. 

Batavia River, 2/7/15.—Several flocks noted flying along the 
shore 10 miles south of river mouth. Pera Head, 4/7/15.—Small 
flock seen on the swamp. Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—A few birds 
on mud-banks. Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A few birds along the 
river. Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few birds seen. Roper River, 
17/2/16.—A single bird flew down river. 

Nettium gibberifrons. Grey Teal. 
Vivago castanea vogerst. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.— Three birds noted. King River, 
19/10/15.—Three birds seen on the salt-pans up river. 
*Phalacrocorax sulcirostris. Litt!e Black Cormorant. 

Mesocarbo atey ater. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Glyde River, 11/9/15.—Birds seen 
along river. King River, 18/12/15.—Pair of birds seen on the salt- 
water billabongs. Roper River, 2/3/16.—Breeding in the Egret 
rookery (see narrative). 

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant. 
Microcarbo melanoleucus. 

Roper River, 19/2/16.—A number of birds noted building in a 
paper-bark overhanging the stream; 2/3/16, breeding in the Egret 
rookery 
Plotus nove-hollandizw. Darter. 

Anhinga novehollandie. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15 —Odd birds seen. King River.—Birds 
noted along the river and about the billabongs. Roper River, 
19/2/16.—Two pairs seen building in a paper-bark overhanging the 
river, in company with Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. 


awa) White, North Australian Birds. 215 


Sula fusea. Brown Gannet (Booby 
Hemisula leucogastey plotus. ; 

Noted all along the coast, from Thursday Island to King River. 
Ellis and Rocky Islands, 26/7/15 —Thousands ot birds breeding. 
Sandy Island, 17/9/15. oT: arge flock seen. 


Fregata ariel. Lesser Frigate-Bird. 
Fregata ariel. 

Batavia River, 1/7, ab a couple of flocks seen coming in from the 
west. Ellis Tea: 26/7/15.—A large flock circling round this island. 
Rocky Island, 27/7/15. One a thousand birds breeding. 


Pelecanus conspicillatus. Pelican. 
Catoptropelicanus a pate conspicillatus. 

Little Archer River, 6/7 ‘airly numerous on the sa banks. 
Noted all along the anes 6 ae Island. Ellis Island, 26/7/15.— 
A few seen out on the reef, and several old rookeries noted. 

Cireus gouldi. Allied Swamp-Hawk (Harrier) 
Circus approximans inexpectatus. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15—A couple of birds seen circling. over- 
head. 

*Astur approximans. Goshawk. 
Uvospiza fasciata didima. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15.—One bird noted. Macarthur River, 
7/8/15.—A couple noted. Glyde River, 11/9/15.—One bird noted. 
King Rive i Roper River, 
19/2/16.—Odd birds seen about a mangrove and paper-bark swamp. 

Stomach, remains of grasshoppers, a young goanna, and feathers. 


Astur nove-hollandia. White Goshawk. 
Leucospiza novehollandiea. 

King River, 4/11/15.—A single bird seen in scrub at spring near 
camp 
*Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Ked Goshawk. 

Erythrotriorvchis vadiatus. 

King River, 9/11/15.—A single bird procured at spring near camp ; 
19/11/15, a single bird seen in a tall paper-bark at a spring up river. 
Maria Island, 12/4/16.—A bird flushed from its nest, building. 
Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. 

Uvoaétus audax cartert. 

King River, 29/9, eee single bird seen circling over small sand- 
stone range near river ; 2 oo ‘15, a nest, apparently fresh, noted in 
the ranges ; visited eine 2/1 /16, but it appeared deserted. Port 
Bradshaw, 6/2/16 —A single bird seen. 


*Hieraetus morphnoides. [ittle Fagle. 
Hievaétus morphnoides morphnotdes. 

King River, 9/10/15.—A single bird shot; 2/11/15, bird seen . 
circling high overhead. 

Haliwetus leucogaster. White-bellied Sea-Eagle. 
Cuncuma leucogaster. 

Peras ‘Eead, 4/7/71 d from its nest. Macarthur 
River.—Two birds noted by river. Goyder River, 7/9/15.—A 
number of birds seen flying, circling through thousands of flying 
foxes that were disturbed by our passing boat; the birds did not 
attempt to molest them. Liv erpool River, 19/9/15.—One bird seen. 
King River. Sat odd bird seen occasionally Rie river and about 
billabongs. /12/15.—Disturbed a big flying fox from the man- 


216 Waite, North Australian Birds. eer. 


groves, which flew off. An immature Sea-Eagle gave chase, and a 
few seconds afterwards we heard the animal screaming—evidently 
captured. Roper River, 18/2/16.—Noted along the river. 


Haliastur leueosternus. White-headed Sea-Eagle. 
Haliastuy indus leucosternus. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Glyde River, 10/9/15.—A couple of 
birds noted. Roper River, 18/2/16.—One noted. 
Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling-Eagle. 

Haltastur sphenurus. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—A couple of birds noted. Macarthur River, 
7/8 Fairly numerous along stream. Cape Barrow, 25/8/15, 
and Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.—A few birds noted. Goyder River, 
7/9/15.—Many birds noted. Glyde. River, 11/9/15.— Fairly 
numerous. Liverpool River, 21/9/1§.—Fairly numerous. King 
River.—A few birds always about the river and billabongs, and 
occasionally seen in the forest country. Roper River, 18/2/16.— 
Fairly numerous. 


Gypoictinia melanosternon. Black-breasted Buzzard. 
Gypoiclinia melanosternon decepta. 

King River, 13/10/15.—Bird seen. passing overhead. 

Falco melanogenys. Black-cheeked Falcon. 
Rhynchodon peregrinus macropus. 

King River, 7/12/15.—Pair seen in the sandstone ranges. 

*Falco lunulatus. Little Falcon. 
Falco longipennis apsleyt. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15 —One seen in full chase of a Dove 
(G. placida). Macarthur River, 10/8/15.—A singlé bird noted. 
King River, 29/9/15.—A single bird noted. 2/10/15.—A Falcon was 
seen to swoop at a Dove (G. ‘placida) in a tree ; it missed, hovered for 
a couple of seconds, then tried to drop on the Dove, but again missed. 
The Dove darted to a safe refuge in the mangroves. 300 yards away. 
The Falcon soared over the ys then disappeared.~- 13/10/15.— 
Found nest containing three eggs. 18/10/15 —Falcon seen attacking 
a Whistling-Eagle, swooping eect but never actually striking 
it, and all the time uttering a eae ‘querulous call. 16/11/15.—One 
bird seen - 

Stomach, remains of a Dove (G. “placida® ) and ofa Quail (S_ cervinus) 
Tape-worms in mass of yellow pus, and a growth containing pus and 
worms on left leg. Very small worms in eye-socket and membrane. 
Short, thick, round worm in abdominal cavity. Mass oi long, thin, 
round worms over kidneys and testes; the testes almost totally 
destroyed. Some of the worms over 6 inches long. Bird shot at nest. 


Hieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk. 
Tevacidea berigora melvillensis. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, . and Cape Barrow, 25/8/15.—An 
occasional bird noted. Glyde River, T1/ ‘9/15 —Pair of birds noted 
on the ridges. Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15, and Liverpool River, 
23/9/15.—A .single bird) noted. King River.—Occasionally seen. 
12/10/15.—-A bird flushed from its nest 50 feet from the ground in 
a paper-bark. 

Cerchneis cenehroides. Nankeen Kestrel. 
Cerchneis cenchroides milligant. 

Rocky Island, 27/7/+5.—A single bird seen coming to roost on 

cliffs a little before dark. Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—One seen, 


a a ee EEE eee 


5X0: 


ee | Waite, North Australian Birds. ZA 
Pandion leucocephalus. White-headed Osprey. 
Pandion haliaétus cristatus. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—Pair of birds seen. Noted along the coast 
and on most islands to King River. Little Archer River, 6/7/15.— 
Pair building. Mornington Island, 25/7/15.—Nest containing three 
eggs found. Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.—Nest noted on a rock in bay. 
Noted on all the rivers. 


*Ninox boobook. Boobook Owl. 
Spiloglaux boobook mixta. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15, and Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Small 
Ninox heard. calling during a os King River.—Small Ninox 
often heard calling at night, ‘15.—A pair seen in sandstone 
ranges ; shot one.-: 24/11/15, ae eines near camp. 

Stomach, beetle remains and grasshoppers. Mass of worms in 
inflamed fibrous membrane on the skull between the eyes ; two more 
in left eye-socket, and one in abdominal cavity. : 


*Ninox connivens. Winking-Owl. 
Hieracoglaux connivens occidentalis. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15, and Macarthur River, 7/8/15.— 
Heard calling at night. Cape Barrow, 25/8/15.—Nest containing 
two eggs found ; one bird shot. King River, 28/9/15.—Pair of birds 
calling after dark. 

Stomach contents, fur and remains of a grasshopper. Several 
worms under skin of body and legs. Bird shot from nest. 


*+Ninox rufa. Rufous Owl. 
Rhabdoglaux rufa rufa. 

King River, 15/10/15.—Bird seen in mangroves. 17/10/15.—Two 
birds seen in mangroves ; shot one. 19/10/15.—Three birds seen in 
small patch of scrub up river; shot two. 22/10/15.—-One seen in 
patch of scrub up river. 4/12/15.—Another seen in smal! patch 
scrub across river. 

Stomach, pellet of fur, remains of beetles, feathers, jaws of an 
insect, insect eggs. Numerous tape-worms under skin of legs ; round 
worm in left eye. 


*Strix delicatula. Delicate Owl. 
Tyto alba delicatula. 

Glyde River, 9, 9/15.—Heard calling in mangroves after dark. 
10/9/15.—One flying about in mangroves as if in search of food ; 
procured it. King River.—Heard calling at night, near camp, on 
several occasions. Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Shot one in 
patch of scrub. 

Stomach contents, bones and fur of small animal, probably a rat. 


*Trichoglossus rubritorques. ed-collared Lorikeet. 
Trichoglossus rubritorques. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Goyder River, 8/9/15.—Small flocks 
seen flying very high ; not sure of identity. Liv erpool River, 22/9/15. 
—Several flocks seen flying to the east. King River.—Numerous 
wherever flowering trees till end of the year, then most of them left. 
(eter motes 27/9/15, 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, 24, and 31/10/15,-16/1z/15, 
3/12/15, in narrative). 

Stomach, honey and portions ot blossoms. A number of large 
tape-worms in abdominal cavity. 


218 WuiteE, North Australian Birds. oe 


*Ptilosclera versicolor. Varied Lorikeet. 
Psitteuteles versicolor mellort. 

Goyder ae 8/9/15.—Small flocks noted flying high. Liverpool 
River, 22/9/15.—Large flocks flying eastward. King River.—Small 
flocks often Se occasionally seen in the forest country amongst 
flowering trees. 

Stomach, honey and portions of bloss«ms. 


*+Calyptorhynehus macrorhynehus. Great-billed. Cockatoo. 
Calyptorhynchus banksi macrorhynchus. 

Mornington Island, A single bird flying ; 30/7/15, flock 
of 14 birds flying past. Bickerton Island, 24/8/15, and Glyde River, 
9/9/15.—Birds noted on the wing. King River 26/9/15 —-Scattered 
flock of 24 birds passing to westward. Small flocks, usually five birds, 
often seen passing, and occasionally some seen in the forest country 
or in tall paper-barks about billabongs. Roper River, 18/2/16.— 
A couple of birds seen, others heard calling beyond the mangroves. 

Crop contained seeds. 


Cacatua galerita. White Cockatoo. 
Cacatoes galerita melvillensis. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—A few along the river. Bickerton 
Island, 24/8/15 ; Cape Barrow, 25/8/15; Port Bradshaw, 1/0/15 ; 
and Glyde River, 10/9/15 —A few seen each place. Liv erpool River, 
19/9/15.—Iwo birds seen ; 21/9/15, few seen about billabongs. King 
River.—A few often about the billabongs and occasionally in the 
forest. Roper River, 20/2/ Few noted along the stream. 


Cacatua sanguinea. Blood-stained Cockatoo. 
Ducorpstus sanguineus sanguineus. 

Mornington Island, 220) aoe seen at the HSS Oe station. 
Macarthur River, 7 / 8/16 mouth 
Of diver sont Bradshaw, eee number (Sai Ghia: River, 
10/9/15.—A few seen Liverpool River, 21/9/15—Numbers ob- 
served. King River, 26/9/15.—A small flock seen in mangroves by 
river, and occasionally along the river and in tall paper-barks around 
billabongs. Roper River, 19 and 20/2/16.—A few noted. 26/2/16.— 
A large flock observed feeding on ground at edge of plain. A large 
flock often seen in mangroves up the river. Maria Island, 12/4/16. 
—Numerous. 


*Cacatua derbyana.{ Pallid Rose Cockatoo. 
Eolophus rvoseicapillus kuhlt. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—A few 
birds noted. King River, 6/10/15.—Birds seen flying past camp; 
26/12/15, a pair seen, and one bird shot. 

Crop, small tubers. 


*+Ptistes coccineopterus. Crimson-winged Parrot. 
Aprosmictus evythropterus coccineopterus 

Macarthur River, 8/8/15 ; Cape Barrow, 25/8/15 ; and Liverpool 
River, 21/9/15 —Few observed. King Ponigie-Caeawional pairs seen 
in forest and about billabongs. 

Crop, seeds ; gizzard, seeds and sand. 


+t Mathews gives three names for the pale- -coloured Rose-breasted Cockatoo 
—buhli, assimilis, and derbyana. The ‘“‘ Check-list”’ (p. 51) uses the last ; the 
matter will soon be finally dealt with by Mr. Maines in his “ Birds of 
Australia.’’—Eps. 


Regalia’ # eae 


poe? 


he Waite, North Australian Birds. 219 
*+Platycercus browni. Smutty Parrot. 
Platycercus venustus venustus. 

Cape Barrow, 25/8/15.—In the forest country. Liverpool River, 
King River.—Occasional pairs in the forest 
country and on the river flats. 

Crop, seeds ; gizzard, seeds and sand. 


*+Podargus phalenoides. Freckled Frogmouth. 
Podargus strigoides eo sees 
King River, 3/10/15.—Nest containing two eggs found. One bird 


taken, Spoukict bird seen and_ shot later. 19/10/15.—Single bird 
noted. 23/10/15.—Pair flushed from a blood-wood, in which was 
nest containing two small youne. 27/10) ieee euele bird pro- 
cured. 10/11/ 


Stomach, Peet ot mecca: Bird shot from nese Skin or breast 
and abdomen puffed and containing watery fluid. 


* #Egotheles nove-hollandiw. Owlet-Nightjar. 
{4gotheles cristata leucogaster. 
King River.—Often heard calling near camp after dark. 10/10/15. 
—One flushed from hollow in eucalypt ; shot specimen. 
Stomach, remains of beetles. 


*Eurystomus pacificus. Koller. 
Eurystomus orientalis pacificus. 

King River.—Fairly numerous on the flats till after the first rains. 
25/12/15.—Nest containing two small young examined. Roper 
River, 19/2/16.—Couple of birds noted. 

Stomach, remains of insects and wasp. 


*+ Aleyone pulchra. Purple Kingfisher. 
Alcyone azurea pulchra. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Occasionally noted along the small 
creeks in mangroves. Goyder River, 7/9/15.—Two birds noted at 
small creek in the mangroves. Liverpool River, 21/9, /15.—Pair noted 
along stream. King River. —Occasionally seen along river and small 
ereeles in mangroves (Kefer motes” jo) and 26/12/15; 5) 6, and 
23y ay UG See narrative.» Roper River, 18/3/16.—Nest containing 
six eggs found. 

Stomach, small fish and shrimps 


*Aleyone ramsayi. Kamsay IKingfisher. 
tAlcyone pusilla vamsayt. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Pairs noted along the small creeks 
in mangroves. King River.—Occasionally noted along the river 
and mangrove creeks. Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16.—One noted. 

Stomach, small fish. 

*+Dacelo cervina. Fawn-breasted Kingfisher. 
Dacelo leachit cervina. 

Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.—Pair seen. Liverpool River, 21/9/15.— 
A few noted. King River.—Occasional pairs along the river flats, 
also in forest country. Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16.—Birds observed in 
forest. Pera Head, 4/7/15.—Pair noted. 

Stomach, beetles, a grasshopper, a young goanna, and small bones. 


*Haleyon macleayi. Forest Kingfisher. 
Cyanalcyon macleayt barnardt. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15, and Liverpool River, 21/9/15——A few birds 
noted. King River.—Few pairs noted on river flats and in the forest 


220 Wutte, North Australian Birds. Ree 


country. 31/10/15.— Nest containing four eggs found. Port Brad- 
shaw, 6/2/16.—A few. 
Stomach, remains of beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects. 


*Halcyon sanctus. Sacred Kingfisher. 
Sauropatis sancta vamsayt. 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15, and Goyder River, 7/9/15.—An 
occasional bird noted along the small creeks in mangroves. Liver- 
pool River, 21/9/15.—Few birds noted. King River.—Few birds 
noted during November. Roper River, 28/3/16.—Some birds seen 
in mangroves 

Stomach, remains of grasshoppers. Two large and two small 
worms in neck. One large worm in abdominal cavity. 


Halcyon sordidus. Mangrove-Wingfisher. 
Sauropatis sordidus melvillensis. 
King River.— <A bird occasionally seen or heard calling at particular 
spot in mangroves along the river. 
Haleyon pyrrhopygius. Red-backed Kingfisher. 
Cyanalcyon pyrvhopygius obscurus. 
Roper River, 21/2/16.—A couple of birds noted. 


*Merops ornatus. Bee-eater. 
Cosmerops ornatus shortridget. 

Macarthur River, 12/8/15.—A few birds noted along the river. 
Maria Island, 19/8/15 ; Cape Shield, 28/8/15 ; and. Liverpool River, 
21/9/15.—Few noted at each locality.. King River.—A few birds 
always along river flats. Roper River, 19 and 20/2/16-—A. few 
noted ; 27/3/16, some seen about mangroves near camp. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*Caprimulgus macrurus. Large-tailed Nightjar. 
Caprimulgus macrurus keastt. , 

Liverpool. River; 21/9/15 through the night. 
King River, 6/11/15.—Pair of birds flushed in scrub at small sand- 
stone range ; shot one. : 

Stomach, remains of beetles. 

Cuculus optatus. Cuckoo. 
- Cuculus optatus. 
Roper River, 19/2/16.—A single specimen of this scarce bird noted. 


*Cacomaniis variolosus. Square-tailed Cuckoo. 
+Cacomantis pyrrophanus dumetorum. 
King River, 20/10/15.—Heard in the mangroves. Fairly numerous 
after the rains. Roper River, 19/2/16-—Heard along the river. 
Stomach, caterpillar, wasps, termites, and other insects. 


*+Chalcococeyx minutillus. [Little Bronze-Cuckco. 
Lamprococcyx minutillus minutillus. 
King River, 20/10/15. Fairly numerous 
after the rains. Roper Rive r.—Occasionally calling in mangroves. 
Stomach, remains beetles, beetle larva, and Gee insects. 


*Eudynamis cyanocephala. Koel. 
Eudynamys orventalis subcyanocephalus. 

King River, 30/10/15.—One heard after dark as it was flying past 
camp. Fairly numerous in the forest, along the river, and in the 
sandstone ranges, after the first rains. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—-Heard 
calling in scrub. 

Stomach, wild figs and other fruit. 


. XVI ‘| 


et Waite, North Australian Birds. 2 


i) 
H 


*Centropus phasianus. Pheasant-Coucal. 
tPolophilus phastanus macrourus. 

Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—Bird seen along the river. King River. 
—Occasionally seen in the long grass at the springs. Howard Island 
Channel, an / i) /16.—Heard calling in a couple of places along channel. 
Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Two birds noted. Roper River, 18/2/16. 
— Heard calling occasionally. 


Cypselus pacificus. White-rumped Swift. 
Micropus pacificus pacificus. 

King River, 24/11/15.—Bird seen flying southward. 11/12/15.— 
Large flock of Swifts passed over camp after the rain, but not sure 
of identity. 12/12/15.—Another flock passed after a heavy shower. 
25/12/15—A number of C. pacificus seen circling high over sand- 
stone ranges. 

*+Pitta iris. Rainbow Pitta. 
Pulchripitta tris. 

King River, 29/9/15.—A couple of birds heard calling in scrub at 
small sandstone range ; shot one. 14/10/15.—A single bird seen in 
a scrubby ravine, sandstone ranges. 6/11/15.—A couple heard 
calling, and four old nests examined in scrub at sandstone ranges. 
They were either seen or heard on every subsequent visit, and found 
building 24/1/16. Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Pair of birds 
seen in “scrub. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Heard calling in the patches 
of scrub, and two pairs observed building. 

Stomach, remains of beetles and other insects. 


Micreea pallida. Pale Flycatcher. 
Micreca fascinans pallida. 

King River, 4/10/15.—A few seen amongst stunted paper-barks 
on river flat about 34 miles above the camp. 7/10/15.—A couple 
of Micreca seen near camp. 


*+Micreeca flavigaster. Yellow-breasted Flycatcher. 
Kempta flavigaster flavigaster. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—Fairly 
plentiful all along the rivers. King River.—__Numerous in man- 
Stoves, tarely, seen) in forest. = (Kefer motes-209, and 30/9/15, 7, 11, 
Lai TOs ty 20. 21. 24. and! 30/10/N, O and) nn /im/ps, in narra- 
tive.) Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16. A few noted in the forest country. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


Petreca picata. Pied Robin. 
Melanodryas cucullata picata. 
Goyder River, 8/9/15.—Bird shot (skin No. 4). Roper River, 
27/2/16.—An occasional bird seen. 
*+Smicrornis flavescens. Yellow-tinted Tree-Tit. 
Smicrornis brevivostrvis flavescens. 
King River.—Occasionally met in the forest country, usually in 
company with Gerygone albogularis. Noted Roper River, 27/2/16. 
Stomach, small insects. 


*Gerygone albogularis. White-throated Fly eater. 
Gerygone olivacea olivacea. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Occasionally heard. King River.— 
Occasionally observed in forest country, usually in company with 
S. flavescens. 

Stomach, small insects. 


16 


222 Waite, North Australian Birds. ee 


*+Pseudogerygone magnirostris. Large-billed Fly-eater. 
Ethelornis magnirostris magnirosiris. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Liverpool River, 19/9/15.—Heard 
calling in the mangroves. King River.—Numerous all along river 
in mangroves. (Refer notes, various dates, in narrative.) Howard 
Island Channel, 31/1/16.—Heard in mangroves. Roper River, 
23/3/16.—Pair found breeding. 

Stomach, small insects and insects’ eggs and beetles. 


*+Pseudogerygone chloronota. Green-backed Fly-eater. 
Wilsonavis chloronota chloronota. 
King River. 16/10/15 —Couple seen in a small patch of scrub ; 
shot one. 1/12/15.—Pair seen in scrub at sandstone range. 
Stomach, small insects. 


*+Pseudogerygone levigaster. Buff-breasted Fly-eater. 
Wilsonavis levigaster levigaster. 

Roper River.--Numerous in the mangroves about the Egret 
rookery.. (Refer notes, 16, 19, 23, 24, 27, 28,.and 31/3/16" see 
narrative. ) 

Stomach, remains of small insects. 


*Pocilodryas pulverulentus. White-tailed Shrike-Robin. ti 
Quoyornts leucurus alligator. 

Little Archer River, 7/7/15.—Pair noted in the mangroves. Mac- 
arthur River, 7/8/15.—Heard in mangroves. Bickerton Island, 
23/8/15 ; Goyder River, 7/9/15 ; Glyde River, 10/9/15 ; and- Liver- 
pool River, 19/9/15.—Both heard and seen in: mangroves. King 
River.—Fairly plentiful in the mangroves. (Refer notes 28 and 
30/11/15; see narrative.) Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16.— 
Heard in mangroves. Roper River.—Fairly plentiful in mangroves. 
(Refer notes, 18, 24,728,020, and. 31/3/16) Ly and. 8/A/16 "see 
narrative. ) 

Stomach, remains of beetles, other insects, and caterpillars. 


*+Rhipidura dryas.. Wood-Fantail. 
Howeavts rufifrons dryas. 

Glyde River, 10/9/15.—Single bird noted in mangroves. King 
River, 11/10/15.—A bird shot in scrub at spring near camp. Liver- 
pool River Island, 27/1/16.—A pair building. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*Rhipidura phasiana. Pheasant Fantail. 
Rhipidura flabellifera phastana. : 

Roper River, 28/3/16—Bird shot in mangroves. 29/3/16.—Bird 
seen. 8/4/16.—Another shot. 

Stomach, remains of small insects 


*+Rhipidura isura. Northern Fantail. 
Setosuva setosa tsura. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Fairly plentiful along the river. 
Bickerton Island, 23/8/15 ; Cape Barrow, 25/8/15 ; and Glyde River, 
11/9/15.—A few birds seen. King River——Numerous in forest 
country, and a few seen in mangroves and along the river. (Refer 
notes various dates in narrative.) Roper River, 19 and 20/2/16 
—A few noted. 

Stomach, small insects, termites, and small beetles. 


Vol. XVI. Fe aps oe 
ian Wuite, North Australian Birds. 223 


*Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail. 
+Leucoctrca tricolor pticata. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—A few noted. Mornington Island, 30/7/15.— 
Numerous about the mission station. Macarthur River, 7/8/15 ; 
Maria Island, 19/8/15; Bickerton Island, 23/8/15; Cape Barrow, 
25/8/15 ; Cape Shield, 28/8/15; Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15; Goyder 
River, 8/9/15 ; Glyde River, 11/9/15 ; and Liverpool River, 21/9/15. 
—Noted at all localities. King River.—Numerous in the forest 
country and on river flats till December, when all disappeared. 
Roper River.—Numerous along the river above the limit of man- 
groves. Maria Island, 13/4/16.—A few observed. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*|Myiagra concinna. Blue Fantail. 
Mytagra vubecula concinna. 

King River.—Occasionally seen in forest country and mangroves. 
Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16 —A couple noted ; one seen building 
in scrub. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—An occasional bird noted. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


Myiagra latirostris. Broad-billed Flycatcher. 
Mytagra lativostris lativostrts. 
Roper River, 24/3/16.—Pair noted in mangroves. 


*+Piezorhynehus nitidus. Shining Flycatcher 
Piezorhynchus alecto nitidus. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15; Bickerton Island, 23/8/15; Goyder 
River, 7/9/15 ; Glyde River, 11/9/15 ; and Liverpool River, 19/9/15. 
—Calling in mangroves. King River.—Numerous along river and 
mangrove creeks. (Refer notes 28/11/15, 9, 20, and 22/12/15, -20, 
223 cand 24/1/16; see’ narrative.) Howard. Island --Channel, 
31/1/16.—Heard in mangroves. Roper River, 17 and 18/2/16.— 
In the mangroves. 10/3/16.—Nest found containing two hard-set 
eggs. 

Stomach, insect remains. 

Piezorhynehus wardelli. Long-billed Shining Flycatcher. 
Prezorhynchus alecto wardelli, 

Little Archer River, 7/7/15.—Occasionally noted along the man- 

grove channels. 


*Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike. 
Coracina novehollandie subpallida. 

Mornington Island, 23/7/15.—Pair noted. 30/7/15.—Fairly numer- 
ous about mission station. Maria Island, 20/8/15.—A couple seen. 
Cape Shield, 28/8/15 ; Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15 ; Glyde River, 11/9/15 ; 
and Liverpool River, 21,/9/i5.—A few birds seen at each place. King 
River.—Occasionallv met in forest country and in mangroves. 
29/12/15.—A pair of birds selecting a nesting-site. Roper River.— 
Noted 19 and 27/2/16. 

Stomach, remains of beetles, seeds of fruit. Small worms in 
nictitating membrane. Large tape-worms in the intestines. 


*+Graucalus hypoleucus. White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike. 
Coracina hypoleuca hypoleuca. 

King River.—Occasionally met with in forest country and in man- 
groves. 5/1/16.—Nest containing two eggs found. 

Stomach, insect remains. Worms under skin of thighs. , 


Emu 


224 Wuite, North Australian Birds. saatAagal 


*Edoliisoma jardinii. Great Caterpillar-eater. 
Metagraucalus tenuirostris melvillensis. 

King River, 16/11/15.—A single bird seen. 28/11/15.—Number 
of birds calling in mangroves. Continued fairly plentiful in man- 
groves, scrub, and forest till I left the district. 

Stomach contained pale green caterpillars. 


*Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater. 
Lalage tricolor indistincta. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15.—Fairly plentiful about mission station. 
Maria Island, 20/8/15.—Few birds seen. King River.—A few in 
forest country. Roper River.—Fairly numerous. 

Stomach, remains of beetles and caterpillars, termites, and other 
insects. 


*Campephaga leucomela. Pied Caterpillar-eater. 
Karua leucomela rvufiventris. 
Glyde River, 11/9/15.—Bird seen. Liverpool River, 21/9/15.— 
A couple noted. King River.—Occasionally seen about scrub. 
Stomach, small fruit. 


*+Pomatorhinus rubeculus. Red-breasted Babbler. 
Pomatostomus temporalis rubeculus. 

King River.—Occasionally met with in the forest. 18/10/15.— 
Found nest containing three small young. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*Cisticola exilis. Grass-Warbler. 

+Cisticola extlis lineocapulla. 
King River.—Occasionally seen in long grass about the springs. 
Shannan. insect remains. 


*Megalurus galactotes. Tawny Grass-Bird. 
Dulciornis alistert melvillensis. 
King River.—Occasionally seen in long grass about springs. Roper 
River, 16/2/16 —Occasionally seen in long grass on plain. 
Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Malurus dulcis. Lavender-flanked Wren-Warbler. 
Leggeornis amabilis dulcis. 

King River.—Occasional parties seen in the sandstone ranges, 
amongst the spinifex and brush. (Refer notes 28/9/15, 20, 21, 23, 
and 27/15/15, 14/12/@5, 10 and: 15/1/16; see nanrative:) 

Stomach, small insects and beetles. 


Malurus coronatus. Purple-crowned Wren-Warbler. 
Rosina coronata macgillivrayt. 

Macarthur River, 11/8/15.—A small party seen in brush by the 
river bank when passing in boat. 


*+Malurus cruentatus. Red-backed Wren-Warbler. 
Ryania melanocephala cruentata. 

King River.—Parties met occasionally in the forest, along the river 
flats, and about springs. 

Stomach, insects. 


Artamus leucogaster. White-rumped Wood-Swallow. 
Artamus Rea hartertt. 
Roper River, 28/3/16.—A few seen about the mangroves 


rat 


Oe ae Waite, North Australian Birds. 225 
*Artamus cinereus. Grey-breasted Wood-Swallow. 
Austrartamus melanops flovencie. 

Mornington Island, 25/7/15, and Macarthur River, 12/8/15.—A 
few birds observed. King River.—Small flocks seen till December, 
when they disappeared. 

Stomach, beetles and other insects. 


*Artamus minor. Little Wood-Swallow. 
Micvartamus minor derbyt. 

King River.—A few birds always about the precipitous bluffs in 
sandstone ranges. 

Stomach, smal! winged insects. 


*+Colluricincla brunnea. Brown Shrike-Thrush. 
Colluricincla brunnea brunnea. 

King River.—Fairly plentiful in forest country. (Refer notes, 
Abeta and. 13/1/16 > See narrative. ) 

Stomach, small remains of insects and seeds, beetles, grasshoppers, 
and lizard bones. Small worms in eye membrane, and larger ones 
in Jiver. 


*+Colluricinecla woodwardi. Brown-breasted Shrike-Thrush. 
Colluricincla woodward. 

King River.—Numerous in the sandstone ranges. (Refer notes, 
various, in narrative. ) 

Stomach, remains of insects, grasshoppers, and spider. Worms 
under skin. 


*+Colluricinela parvula. Little Shrike-Thrush. 
Conigrava parvula parvula. 

King River.—Fairly plentiful in mangroves. One pair was met 
with in small patch of scrub a mile away from river. 

Stomach, remains of beetles. 


*Cracticus quoyi. Quoy Butcher-Bird. 
+Melloria quoyt spaldingt. 

Goyder River, 7/9/15.—Heard calling in mangroves. King River. 
—A few scattered pairs always heard or seen about the same places 
inn maneraves,-  kefer notes, 28 and) 20/11/15, .2.and 20/12/15, 
31/1/16 ; see narrative.) 

Stomach, small crabs and remains of beetles. 


*+Cracticus picatus. Pied Butcher-Bird. 
Cracticus nigrogularis picatus. 

Goyder River, 8/9/15.—One bird seen. King River.—Occasional 
pairs noted in forest country. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Cracticus argenteus. Silvery-backed Butcher-Bird. 
Bulestes tovquatus argenteus. 
King River —Occasional pairs seen in forest. 
Stomach, remains of beetles, wasps, ants, and other insects 


*+Pachycephala faleata. Northern Whistler. 
Lewinornts vufiventris falcatus. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—A few birds Mornington Island, 30/7/15, 
Macarthur River, 7/8/15; Bickerton Island, 23/8/15; and Cape 
Barrow, 25 /8/15.—In each instance a few birds. Cape Shield, 28/8/15, 
and Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few birds noted. King River.— 
Numerous in the forest till December, when the majority disappeared, 

Stomach, insect remains and a large caterpillar, ; 


226 Waite, North Australian Birds. ere 


*Pachycephala melanura. Black-tailed Whistler. 
Pachycephala pectovalis melanura. 

Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Fairly plentiful in scrub. Roper 
River.—Fairly plentiful in mangroves. 

Stomach, insect and beetle remains, also caterpillars. 


*+Pachycephala simplex. Brown Whisiler. 
Muscitrea grisola simplex. : 

Glyde River, 10/9/15, and Liverpoo! River. 19/9/15.—Heard 
calling in mangroves. King River.—Numerous in the mangroves. 
Call and habits similar to Pachycephala inornata. Howard Island 
Channel, 31/1/16.—-Heard in mangroves. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.— 
Heard in patches of scrub. 

Stomach, remains of small beetles and insect eggs. 


*Pachycephala lanioides. White-bellied Whistler. 
Alistevornis lantoides lanioides. : 

Roper River.—Refer motes’ 19, 22, 24, 28,.and> 32/3/ iowa) 4 1a: 
see narrative. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*Climacteris melanura. Black-tailed Tree-creeper. 
Whitlocka melanura melanura. 

King River.—Fairly plentiful in forest. (Refer notes, 18, 23, and 
28/19/45; 1O/, Tt, 12;.13,; and 28/11/15, 8.15. and 26/7 te vn asee 
narrative.) 

Stomach, remains of small beetles and other insects. 


*+Neositta leucoptera. White-winged Tree-runner. 
Neositta pileata leucoptera. 

King River, 12/11/15.—A bird shot. 2/1/16.—Pair shot in forest 
country. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Zosterops lutea. Yellow White-eye. 
Zosterops lutea lutea. 

Mornington Island, 30/7/15 ; Macarthur River, 7/8/15 ; Bickerton 
Island, 23/8/15; and Glyde River, 11/9/15.—Noted in the man- 
groves. King River —-Often seen in mangroves along river. (Refer 
notes, 29/10/15, 31/10/15, 9, 11, -and 20/1/16; see’ narrative.) 
Liverpool River Island, 27/1,/16.—Noted in the scrub. Roper River, 
18/2/16 and 18/3/16.—Noted in the mangroves. 

Stomach, remains of small beetles and other insects. 


*Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird. 
Austrodiceum hirundinaceum torment. 

King River.—An occasional bird seen in patches of scrub and 
amongst bushes at springs. Port Bradshaw, 6/2/16.—An occasional 
bird seen in the forest country. 

Stomach, mistletoe berries and some deep indigo-coloured berries. 


*+Pardalotus uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped Pardalote. 
Pardalotus melanocephalus uvopygialis. 
King River, 26/10/15.—Three birds seen. 20/12/15.—One _ bird 
shot. 29/12/15.—Heard calling. 
Stomach, small insects. 
Pardalotus rubricatus. Red-browed Pardalote. 
Pardalotus rubricatus leichhardti. 
Roper River, 20/2/16.-—A couple of birds noted, 


oe Waite, North Australian Birds. 227 


*+Melithreptus albogularis. White-throated Honey-eater. 
Melithreptus lunatus albogularis. ; 

Pera Head, 4/7/15; Mornington Island, 23 and 30/7/15; Cape 
Barrow, 25/8/15 ; and Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—A few birds noted 
at each locality. King River and Port Bradshaw.—Numerous in 
the forest country. 

Stomach, a small grub and insect remains. 


*+Myzomela erythrocephala. Ked-headed Honey-eater. 
Myzomela erythrocephala evythrocephala. A 

Little Archer River, 6/7/15.—Noted in mangroves. Bickerton 
Island, 23/8/15; Goyder River, 7/9/15; and Liverpool River, 
19/9/15.—A few noted in mangroves. King River.—Numerous in 
mangroves and in the flowering trees along river. 

Stomach, small beetles and other insects. 


*Myzomela pectoralis. Banded Honey-eater. 
Cissomela pectoralis pectoralis. 

King River —Noted occasionally amongst the flowering trees in 
forest. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Myzomela obseura. Dusky Honey-eater. 
Melomyza obscura obscura. 

Pera Head, 4/7/15.—Noted amongst some flowering paper-barks. 
King River.—Fairly plentiful about mangroves and in flowering 
trees near river. Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.—Noted in scrub. 
Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Fairly plentiful about scrubs and in forest. 

Stomach, insect remains and honey. 


*+Glyciphila fasciata. White-breasted Honey-eater. 
Ramsayornis fasciatus fasciatus. 

Pera .Head, 4/7/15.—A few noted amongst flowering paper-barks. 
Glyde River, 11/9/15.—A few noted about the ridges. Liverpool 
River, 21/9/15.—Some seen amongst the paper-barks round _billa- 
bongs. King River.—Fairly numerous amongst flowering trees. 
Roper River, 27/2/16.—Fairly numerous in paper-barks in swamps. 

Stomach, insects. 


*Conopophila rufogularis. Rufous-breasted Honey-eater. 
Conopophila rufogularis -queenslandica. 

Mornington Island, 25/7/15.—A few noted. King River, 4/10/15. 
—Two noted coming to water at small water-hole. 31/10/15.—A 
bird shot at the same place. 16/11/15.—Three birds seen at spring 
up river from camp. 

Stomach, small insects. 


**+Conopophila albogularis. Red-throated Honey-eater. 
Conopophila albogularis albogularis. 

King River, 2/11/15.—Single bird seen. at spring near camp. 
9/11/15.—Shot three birds and saw more at spring near camp. 
Often seen after this date about the salt-pans and along edge of man- 
groves. Roper River.-—Fairly numerous in places along river and in 
the mangroves over the river, near Egret rookery. (Refer notes 
6/1/16, 28/3/16, 8/4/16; see narrative.) 

Stomach, insect and termites’ remains. 

Stigmatops ocularis. Brown Honey-eater. 


Stigmatops indistincta melvillensis. 
Pera Head, 4/7/15, and Macarthur River, 7/8/15._-Numerous in 


Emu 


228 Waite, North Australian Birds. Rae 


a] 


flowering paper-barks. Bickerton Island, 23/8/15.—A few birds. 
Goyder River, 8/9/15 ; Glyde River, 11/9/15 ; and Liverpool River, 
19/9/15 and 21/9/15.—-Numerous in mangroves. King River.— 
Numerous in mangroves, in flowering trees along river flats, about 
springs, and occasionally seen in sandstone ranges. Roper River.— 
Numerous in the mangroves along river. 

Stomach, small insects. 


*+Ptilotis unicolor. White-gaped Honey-eater 
Stomiopeva unicolor unicolor. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Fairly plentiful along river above limit 
of mangroves. Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—A few noted. King 
River.—Fairly plentiful about river flats and in small patches of scrub 
at springs. Occasionally seen in the mangroves. 21/1/16.—Found 
building in the mangroves. Roper River.—-Noted along the river 
beyond the hmit of mangroves. 

Stomach, skins and seeds of berries and fruit, remains of beetles 
and other insects. 


Ptilotis flava. Yellow Honey-eater. 
Broadbentia flava flava. 
Pera Head, 4/7/15.—A few birds noted. 


*tPtilotis albiiineata. White-stripe Honey-eater. 

King River.—A few pairs of birds seen in the sandstone ranges 
only, usually in the deep, narrow ravines. Their call is a loud, clear 
whistle, ‘‘ Tuuuheer-tuu-uu-eee,’ uttered occasionally ; when imitated 
the birds would fly uv to within a couple of feet of one and peer all 
round, endeavouring to locate the imitator. On one occasion I 
called a pair of birds up and kept them, repeating the call. The birds 
got very excited, and flitted through every bush and shrub and 
examined the crevices and ledges in the ravines, then flew off. (Refer 
notes, various, in narrative.) 

Stomach, honey and insect remains, skins and seeds of berries and 
fruit. 


*Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner. 

Myzantha flavigula alligator. 
King River.—Small parties up to six birds often met in the forest. 
Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Entomyza albipennis. White-quilled Honey-eater. 
Entomyzon cyanotis albipennts. 

Cape Shield, 28/8/15; Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15; and Liverpool 
River, 21/9/15.—A few birds seen each locality. King River.— 
Birds seen occasionally in the forest, and large party often noted at 
fresh-water billabong up river before the rains. 

Stomach, insect remains. 


*+Philemon sordidus. Little Friar-Bird. 
Microphilemon orientalis sovdidus. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15, and Cape Shield, 28/8/15.—Occasionally 
seen. King River, 28/10/15.—A bird shot. Subsequent dates 
during November.—Several seen coming to water. Roper River.— 
28/3/16.—Numercus in mangroves across the river near Egret 
rookery. Maria Island, 12/4/16.—Numerous. 

Stomach, insect remains. Number of worms in abdominal cavity. 


{ For description see Emu, ante, p. 165. 


Nene: I. Waite, North Australian Birds. 229 
*+Tropidorhynebus argenticeps. Silvery-crowned Friar-Rird. 
Philemon argenticeps argenticeps. 

King River—Numerous in forest amongst flowering trees, and 
occasionally seen in mangroves. 

Stomach, honey and remains of insects. 


*Mirafra secunda. Lesser Bush-Lark. 

Mivafra javanica nigrescens. 
Roper River, 16/2/16——Numerous on plain 
Stomach, remains of insects and seeds. 


Cinclorhamphus ecruralis. Brown Song-Lark. 
Cinclovrhamphus cruralis vogerst. 
Roper River, 16/2/16.—Numerous on plain. 


Anthus australis. Pipit or Ground-Lark. 
Anthus australis vogerst. 

Glyde River, 11,/9/15.—Single bird seen on plain. Liverpool 
River, 19/9/15.—Bird seen at salt-pan. Roper River, 16/2/16.— 
Fairly numerous on plain. 


*Stictoptera annulosa. Black-ringed Finch. 
Stizoptera bichenovit annulosa. 

Macarthur River, 7/8/15.—Noticed when passing in boat. Cave 
Barrow, 25/8/15.—Some seen in thick brush in forest. King River. 
—Small flocks always along river flat and about springs. 

Crop, seeds. 


*Poephila hecki. Med-billed Grass-Finch. 
Poephila acuticauda heckt. 

King River.—Occasionally seen in forest country. Fairly plentiful 
about springs and billabongs before the rains. 

Crop, seeds. 


*+Poephila personata. Masked Grass-Finch. 
Neopoephila personata personata. 

King River.—Occasionally seen in forest and numerous along river 
flats and about springs prior to rains. 

Crop, small seeds : gizzard, seeds and sand. 


*+Poephila gou!die. Gouldian Grass-Finch. 
Poephila gouldie gouldie. 

King River, 8/11/15.— Five birds seen at spring near camp. 
9/t1/15.—Pair seen. 17/11/15.—Three birds at spring up river 
from camp. 18/11/15.—Two birds seen. 22/11/15.—Flock of about 
50 birds seen at spring up river. 

Crop, seeds. 


*+Neochmia phaeton. Crimson Finch. 
Neochmia phaeton phaeion. 

King River.—Small flocks always seen along river flat and in long 
grass and pandani about springs. 17/11/15.—Small flock seen 
catching flying termites. Roper River, 21/2/16.—Birds seen along 
river amongst the pandani and vines. 

Crop, termites and seeds ; gizzard, seeds and sand. 


) 


*Munia assimilis. Dark-breasted Finch. 
Lonchura castaneithovax assimilis. 

King River, 16/11/15.—Several small flocks coming to water at 
spring up river. Numerous about springs till the rains. 


Crop, seeds. 


Emu 
_2mst April 


230 Waite, North Australian Birds, 
*Munia flaviprymna. Yellow-rumped Finch. 
Lonchura flaviprymna. 

King River, 18/11/15.—Pair birds shot amongst flock of M. 
castanetthorax. 

Crop, seeds. 


*+Oriolus flaviecinctus. Yellow Oriole. 
Mimeta flavocincta flavocincta. 

Glyde River, 11/9/15.— Noted in small patches of tangled scrub 
on ridges. Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—Occasional bird noted along 
river. King River.—Occasionelly seen in mangroves and in small 
patches of scrub. Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16.—Heard in man- 
groves. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.— Few seen and heard about small 
patches of scrub. (Refer notes 27/12/15, 20/1/16 ; see narrative.) 

Stomach, remains of small figs, and skins and seeds of other fruit: 
Two small worms in abdominal cavity. 


Criolus affinis. Northern Oriole. 
Mimeta sagittata affinis. 
King River, 11/11/15,.26/12/15.—A single bird seen each date. 


Sphecotheres flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Fig-Bird. 
Sphecotheres flaviventris ashbyt. 
Port Bradshaw, 1/9/15.--A few seen about small patch of scrub. 


*Chibia bracteata. Spangled Drongo. 
Dicruropsis bracteatus baileyi. 

Port Bradshaw, 1/9/13.—Rirds noticed about small patch of scrub. 
Glyde River, 11/9/15.—-Occasionally seen along the river and in 
patches of scrub on ridges. Liverpool River, 21/9/15.—Few birds 
seen. King River.—Occasionally seen along the flats. ‘Refer notes 
26 and 29/12/15 ; see narrative.’ Liverpool River Island, 27/1/16.— 
Two birds seen. Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16.—Seen occasion- 
ally. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.— A few seen. 

Stomach, remains of insects. 


*Chlamydera nuchalis. Great Bower-Bird; 
Rogersornis nuchalis melvillensis. 

Morningion Island, 30/7,/15.--Some birds seen and heard near 
the mission station. Macarthur River, 8/8/15.---Noted along river. 
Bickerton Island, 23/8/15.—Two seen. Liverpool River, 21,9/15.— 
Seen and heard by river. King River.—Occasional birds in man- 
groves and in small patch of scrub. Often observed in sandstone 
ranges. Port Bradshaw, 5/2/16.—Heard in patches of scrub. 

Stomach, small berries. 


Corvus coronoides. Crow: 
Corvus coronotdes bonhoti. 

Mornington Island, 23/7/15; Macarthur River, 7/8/15; Cape 
Barrow, 25/8/15; Glyde River, 11/9/15 ;- and Liverpool River, 
21/9/13.— Few noticed at each locality. King’ River.— Seen 
occasionally flying past. Roper River, 18 and 20/2/16, and Maria 
{sland, 13/4/16.—few seen. 


*Grallina picata. Pied Grallina: 
Grallina a neglecta. 


Pera Head, 4/7/15.—-Seen about the swamp. Mornington Island, 
30/7 16 OR ae numerous about mission station. Cape Barrow, 
25/8/15.—A few seen. Goyder River, 8/9/15.—A few birds seen. 
Give River, 11/9/15.—A few birds seen. Liverpool River, 19 


Pe Se ee 


Vi aedae Waite, North Australian Birds. 230 


and 21/9/15.—A few birds seen. King River.—Often met with 
up till the first week in November, then they ail disappeared. Roper 
River, 20/2/16.--Fairly numerous. Maria Island, 13/4/16.—A few 
birds seen. 

Stomach, remains of beetles and grasshoppers. 


Notes on a Collecting Trip in the Lower North of 


South Australia. 


BYAeSDWiINEASHBYe. VB OLUe KReACOsU:. |] WitTUuNGA.’ BLACK- 
woop, S.A. 


THE special object of the trip was to visit the habitats of Malurus 
melanotus whiter, Campbell, and Malurus leuconotus, Gould. The 
former is only met with in a narrow strip of salt-bush country 
between the Flinders Range and Spencer Gulf, only a few miles 
in width and about 40 miles in length, between Port Germein and 
Port Augusta. The latter was last met with by the writer in 
November, 1900, about 35 miles east of Petersburg, on the eastern 
side of the Flinders Range, in salt-bush and mallee country. 

A start was made from Adelaide on the 4th September, and 
Adelaide was reached on a return trip on the gth, so that all 
the following notes have reference to the intermediate dates. 
About 600 miles were ae by motor in the six days. Messrs. 
Frank E. Parsons and Maurice E. Saunders, both members of 
the R.A.O.U., with the writer, formed the party. Comparatively 
few birds were noted between Adelaide and Crystal Brook, 
151 miles’ run ; but in a patch of large mallee near Mallala a short 
stop was made, as it was alive with birds. One specimen of 
Plectorhyncha lanceolata neglecta, Mat., Southern Striped Honey- 
eater, was obtained. This bird is decidedly one of the rarer of 
our South Australian Honey-eaters. 

Mirafra javanica secunda, Sharpe. Lesser Bush-Lark.—Was very 
numerous in many of the cornfields through which the road passed. 
Our attention was chiefly called to them by their sweet song, which 
rivals that of the English Lark, both species singing as they ascend 
high into the air. 

Cinclorhamphus cruralis cantatoris, Gld. Southern Song-Lark.— 
Was in great numbers in the cornfields between Crystal Brook and 
Port Pirie. Several specimens were obtained, but no difference could 
be distinguished between them and specimens obtained in the neigh- 
bourhood of Adelaide. 

Cinclorhamphus (rufescens) mathewsi vigorsi, Mat. Eastern Rufous 
Song-Lark.—_In a patch of large red gum _ timber (Eucalyptus 
vostvata), thick with red gum saplings, growing along a water-course, 
a few miles from Port Germein, this bird entirely replaced the pre- 
ceding species. The scrub resounded with their song, which was 
decidedly more pleasing than that of C. cruralis, and also more varied. 

Artamus (sordidus) cyanopterus, Lath. Wood-Swallow.—Was very 
numerous in this bush, as it was in all suitable places throughout the 
trip. This was the only species of Av/amus noted in any part of the 


232 AsHBy, Collecting Trip in Lower North of S.A. chanel 


trip. I expected to meet with A. melanops, as I have skins from 
localities not much further north, but none was identified. 


Three species of Malurus were met with in this belt of timber 
or in the low bushes immediately adjoining the belt of large 
timber. 


Malurus melanotus whitei,* Campbell.—Only one specimen (a fine 
male) was seen and secured. We were informed that it used to build 
in a thick (box thorn ?) hedge, now destroyed. Nearly the whole of 
the scrub has been cleared throughout the district, so it is not likely 
to be long before this lovely Wren is extinct. 


Malurus (assimilis) lamberti morgani, White. Southern Blue- 
breasted Wren.—Was very numerous. The male birds obtained 
showed the crown of the head almost entirely blue, whereas the 
majority of specimens in my collection, obtained further south, have 
a good deal of black or blackish coloration on the crown; but it is 
possible that this is due to the perfect plumage of the specimen 
obtained here. 


Malurus cyanotus, Gould. White-winged Wren.—A considerable 
number of these were seen, but it was most difficult to obtain males, 
they were so shy. They were only noted in the low bushes where 
the creek had overflowed the flat. Most of the mobs had two or three 
males, and on several occasions the former species was in company 
with them, the two species going about in the same mob. The 
female bird has a curious little tremulous song, quite distinct from the 
stronger notes of Malurus cyaneus leggei, Mat. A few days later we 
again met with this species in large numbers near Nackara, on the 
eastern side of the Flinders Range, some 80 miles further east, in 
“ blue-bush ’’ country. While we thought it possible that we saw 
Malurus leuconotus, we did not obtain any specimens. 


Poodytes (Megalurus) gramineus dubius, Mat. Little Grass-Bird.— 
A nest in “‘ poignum’’ bush was found with a clutch of freshly-laid 
eggs. The bird is considerably darker in plumage than specimens 
obtained on the River Murray swamps—a curious reversing of the 
usual order. As far as we could judge, there is very little country 
in the district suited to the habits of this bird. The nest had not 
the usual Coots’ feathers, probably because Coots are unknown in 
the locality. 


Smicrornis brevirostris viridescens, Mat. Greenish Tree-Tit.—Was 
numerous in patches of scrub near Port Germein. 


* Malurus whitet, Campbell (Emu, vol. i., p. 65).—Several ornithologists 
have considered the above a good species, and the careful comparison of 
the material in my hands supported this contention, but I have since writing 
the foregoing had an opportunity of examining seven more specimens of M. 
callainus, Gld., in Capt. S. A. White’s collection. I find that some of the 
specimens collected on the west side of Spencer Gulf and the Gawler 
Ranges so closely approach the Port Germein (east side of the gulf) form 
that they are not separable. Those specimens of M. callainus collected in 
the Everard and Musgrave Ranges show more purple in the throat anda 
deeper blue in the abdomen. The larger material suggests a transition into 
deeper and more purple shades of blue as the distance from Spencer Gulf 
becomes greater, and therefore Campbell’s M. whitei must stand as a 
synonym of M. callainus, Gld. 


Me ee AsHBY, Collecting Trip in Lower North of S.A. 230 


Epthianura aurifrons, A few small flocks were seen on the 
samphire flats near Port Pirie, but this species was much more 
numerous near Nackara, the other side of the Flinders Range. 


Epthianura albifrons.—Numerous almost everywhere. 


Epthianura tricolor.—Three specimens seen near Nackara, but they 
were very shy, and none was obtained. 


Pachycephala rufiventris.—Several noted near Port Germein ; one 
specimen was obtained. 


Pachycephala gilberti (Gz/berviornis rufigularis gilberti, Gld.\—In the 
mallee on the east side of Flinders Range, near Dawson, they were 
quite numerous. The specimen obtained is a little more buff on 
abdomen and under tail coverts than specimens obtained from River 
Murray district. 

‘Meliphaga (Ptilotis) sonora, Gld. Southern Singing Honey-eater.— 
Numerous near Port Germein. : 


Directly the Gorge into the Flinders Range was entered the 
vegetation altered, and evidences of a rapidly increasing rainfall 
were numerous ; correspondingly, a distinct change in the bird- 
life was noted. 


Myzantha flavigula, Gld. Yellow-throated Miner.— Was very 
numerous in the Port Germein district, also 80 miles further east, 
in similar country, on the other side of the Flinders Range. 


Lichenostomus (Ptilotis) plumulus ethele, Mat.—These were very 
numerous in and near the entrance of the Gorge, but when the upper 
part of the Gorge was reached and a higher altitude attained this 
species was replaced with 


Ptilotula (Ptilotis) penicillata rosine, Mat. The Port Augusta 
White-plumed Honey-eater.—A comparison of specimens of plumulus 
obtained at the Gorge, and later on near Nackara, with those obtained 
by the writer near Callion, in Western Australia, show the Western 
Australian form to be smaller, back and wings paler, and dark dash 
markings on under side less pronounced and more buff. The 
penicillata obtained here, as compared with those obtained near 
Adelaide, show the Flinders Range specimens to be a little more 
yellow on face and crown, and generally a little brighter in wings and 
tail, breast paler, and the contrast between the light margins of breast 
feathers and the darker centres is almost as marked as in plumulus. 
In Adelaide specimens this marking is very indistinct. 


Faleunculus frontatus, Lath. Crested Shrike-Tit.—Both male and 
female were obtained at the Gorge. The female is considerably 
yellower—more a buff-yellow than the greenish-yellow of the more 
southern form. The male was not so allay but of the buff shade 
similar to the female. Rump of both brighter yellowish-green than 
in Adelaide specimens. 


Melithreptus gularis, Lath.—Obtained in the Gorge. Showed some 
slight differences from the Adelaide form. The nape ring was whiter 
and broader; the yellowish-green of rump extends right across the 
back to the black neck-ring. 

Platycercus flaveolus. Pale Yellow Parrot.—At the top of the 
range a considerable number was met with, some being almost as red 
on the breast as P. adelaidensis, Gld. 


234 AsHBy, Collecting Trip in Lower North of S.A. Bee 


Barnardius barnardi whitei, Mat. South Australian Mallee-Parrot. 
—These were met with near Clare, and again near Dawson, on the east 
side of the Flinders Range. Those handled were of the usual northern 
form that has recently been designated a sub-species. 

Psephotus varius (multicolor). Many-coloured Parrot.—These were 
numerous in the Nackara district. 

Owenavis (Chaleites) oseculans, Gld. Black-eared Cuckoo.—One 
male was obtained near Nackara, and several were heard in the same 
locality. At a distance the note reminds one of the warning whistle 
of the Scrub-Robin. The sound carries much further than one 
would suppose. It is most difficult to judge the distance the bird is 
away by the whistle. 

Of the genus Servicoynis two species were secured — (Sericornis) 
Pyrrholemus brunneus, Gld. (Redthroat), in the blue-bush country 
near Nackara, and Seriecornis maculatus, Gld. (the Spotted Scrub- 
Wren). One specimen was obtained near Port Germein,in the dry 
country, and it is interesting to note that it is the pale form, similar 
to those obtained on Eyre Peninsula, and named _ sub-specifically 
S. m. mellort by Mathews. 

The specimens of Geobasileus chrysorrhous (Yellow-rumped Tit- 
Warbler) that were secured near Port Germein were brighter yellow 
in the rump than is usual in Adelaide specimens, and were similar 
to the form from Port Augusta, described by Mathews sub-specifically 
as G. c. addendus. 

Acanthiza iredalei morgani, Mat Southern Thin-billed Tit.—We 
were most interested in meeting with this bird in the blue-bush 
country near Nackara. It is a locality much further south than I 
believe it has been recorded from in this State before. 


A considerable number of other species were noted, and a few 
more species were obtained; but the foregoing seem of interest 
as indicating certain definite tendencies of variation in the dry 
districts, even when they abut closely on localities favoured with a 
heavier rainfall. Also, in some cases the known range of the 
species has been extended. 

In referring to variant forms it has seemed best to adopt Mr. 
Mathews’s sub-specifi¢ names, but it is an open question as to 
whether it would not be better, in many of the cases under review, 
to refer simply to the variant forms as varieties and not attempt 
to give them sub-specific rank. 


Bird Life as Affected by Drought. 
By CHARLES BARNARD. 


UNDER this heading I would like to mention a few instances that 
have come under my notice, showing how certain forms of bird-life 
can be driven away from, or exterminated in, certain districts 
during times of severe drought, and also showing how birds can 
become a medium of conveying seeds of plants, or grasses, possibly 
of a injurious nature, from one district to another, in other ways 
than by the usually accepted one of eating and evacuating. 


= ot al 


iledee eet 


Wal Dey BARNARD. Bird-life as Affected by Drought. 235 


1917 


Referring particularly to the district round about Coomoo- 
boolaroo, Central Queensland, I can mention the case of the 
Beautiful Parrot (Psephotus pulcherrimus). Previous to the terrible 
drought of Ig02 it was not very uncommon to see a pair of these 
birds when out mustering on the run, and on two occasions nests 
were found, but since that year not a single specimen has been 
seen. 

About the year 1882, when on a collecting trip to Fairfield, a 
station about 70 miles south of CoomoobooJaroo, many of these 
birds were seen, and several sets of eggs taken. 

Since 1902 I have frequently asked the people living at Fairfield 
to keep a look-out for the birds, but they report that none has 
been seen. I have also been in the vicinity myself, but saw no 
birds. The reason of their disappearance is not hard to discover. 
For three years previous to the climax of the drought in Igo02 
there had been no wet season, and very little grass grew, con- 
sequently there was little seed; then the worst year came on, in 
which no grass grew, so that the birds could not find a living, and 
either perished or migrated. As there was more grass on the 
coastal country, the latter is possible, but if so, it is strange that 
they have not found their way back to their original haunts. 

Then we have the case of the Scarlet-backed Malurus (J. 
melanocephalus). These little birds were always numerous in the 
long grass, but after that drought not one was seen on the run for 
at least three years, but since then an odd little flock has been 
seen. It is possible that as the grass became scarce inland they 
worked their way towards the coast, where the grass was longer. 
The year after the drought I had occasion to be on the coast 
country, and noticed numbers of Malurus in the long grass. 

During the year of drought many of the far western birds came 
into our district, notably the Ground Graucalus (Pleropodocys 
phasianella), Western Miner (Myzantha flavigula), and Cockatoo- 
Parrot. 

The Bustard, or Plain Turkey, is rarely seen in our district, but 
when a bad season occurs in the West, they work in towards the 
coast, and last winter I shot a female weighing 17 lbs. When 
plucking the feathers off I was surprised to find spear grass seed 
sticking thickly into the skin, principally round the base of the 
neck, but more or less all over the body, many of the “spears ’”’ 
being completely embedded in the flesh. Now, hundreds of these 
birds would find their way back to the Western plains, and 
eventually drop the dreaded spear grass in the sheep country. 

In 1903 I was up towards the Gulf country, and was told that 
the Bustards were driven in towards the Gulf by the drought the 
previous year, and that hundreds died from drinking the salt water 
in the salt-pans. 

The poor Laughing Jackass (Dacelo gigas) had a bad time in that 
year, and numbers died. Several times three or four were seen 
lying under the night-roost, and for some years after the drought 
it was rare to hear a “ corrobboree’’ in the early morning. Now, 


2 36 BARNARD, Bird Life as Affected by Drought. tee 


however, they have become plentiful again, and the ‘‘ bushman’s 
clock”’ chimes regularly every morning. Magpies became so weak 
that they could not fly, and no doubt many died. Also many of 
the smaller birds died. 


Observations from the Fern-tree Gully District (Vic.) 
By R. T. LitTLEjouns, R.A.O.U., Anp S. A. LAWRENCE, R.A.O.U. 


For the last two or three seasons we have carried out our modest 
observations with the comfort of a house at Upper Ferntree Gully 
as headquarters. Here we have used our limited opportunities 
in an endeavour to secure photographs and reliable information 
of the local birds in their natural surroundings. We always make 
it our aim to refrain from-injuring our subjects in any way, and, 
probably for that reason, know very little of sub-species. We 
are more bent on obtaining photographs such as that of the 
Yellow Robin here reproduced than on seeking new forms. It 
appears to us that the bird in question would far rather be 
recorded by photography than have the honour of position as a 
type specimen. 

Our experience has satisfied us that results can be obtained even 
with an inexpensive outfit. Some of our first photographs were 
obtained with an ordinary box camera of the cheapest variety. 
Much time and energy, however, we have always found it 
necessary to spend. During the season 1915-16 practically every 
week-end from June to January was spent at Ferntree Gully. 
For the early part of this time our attention was confined almost 
entirely to the Lyre-Bird (Menura victoria), with which we were, 
and are, anxious to try conclusions. Several week-ends of 
strenuous hunting through damp gullies failed to disclose a nest. 
The time was not wasted, however, as on two or three occasions 
we were able to observe from very close quarters. The first 
occasion was at Belgrave, when we located a pair feeding a few 
yards from a tourist track. By carefully stepping from log to 
log we approached close enough to obtain a glimpse of the male 
as he paraded to and fro on a fallen tree-fern. For some time 
he treated us to imitations of various bird-calls, including those of 
the Laughing . Jackass, Coachwhip-Bird, and many others. 
Eventually our presence became known, and the pair began to 
work slowly down the gully. A silent chase on hands and knees 
brought us more than once to within a few feet of them when 
they paused to feed. 

A few weeks later we spent the whole of one damp, foggy 
morning watching a male bird we had often heard in the Ferntree 
Gully Reserve. We had located a fresh dancing-mound the week 
before, and made our way carefully to this spot. Unfortunately 
for our proposed attempt at photography, the bird was already 
on the mound when we arrived. We were fully compensated, 
however, by a fine performance lasting about half an hour, and 


Leesa LITTLEJOHNS, LAWRENCE, Fern-tree Gully Observations. 2377, 


at a distance of about six feet. We approached by crawling slowly 
forward while the bird was occupied with his performance, and 
lying motionless immediately he paused to listen for signs of 
possible danger. This he did frequently, and our progress became 
slow and tedious. Eventually we reached a position separated 
from the mound only by a thin screen of bracken. Then, although 
uncomfortably wet and cramped, we spent one of the most-inter- 
esting half-hours of observation in our experience. Almost 
perfect imitations of many bird-calls followed each other in quick 
succession, that of the Jackass being most oft repeated and 
perhaps least perfect—slightly faulty always towards the finish. 
After this lengthy performance the bird walked slowly into the 
dense bracken at the far side of the mound, and to our delight 
turned again in our direction, passing unconcernedly within 
four feet of where we lay, unconcealed and almest afraid to 
breathe. He then disappcared again into the bracken. The 
movement of the fern marked his course until he presently re- 
appeared on a fallen tree abcut 30 feet distant. Here he pro- 
ceeded to preen himself and dry his plumage in the morning 
sunshine, now struggling through the thick fog. His toilet per- 
formed, he glided silently down the hill and out of sight. We 
had now little hope of his returning in a reasonable time, but 
remained on the off chance for an hour or two with the camera 
carefully concealed and focussed on the mound. At the end of 
that time we gave it up, but are still confident that a picture 
could, with patience, be obtained in this way. 

In a gully at Ferny Creek, a little further afield, we located a 
pair of Pink-breasted Robins (Erythrodryas rhodinogaster), but, 
owing to being occupied at the nest of a Pilot-Bird (Pycnoptilus 
floccosus), we were unable to spend sufficient time to discover the 
nest, which was undoubtedly scmewhere in the vicinity. In 
the same gully, on another occasion, we were photographing under 
difficulties at the nest of a Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons), 
when the appearance of a male Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra 
plumbea), a bird new to us, drove all thought of the Fantail out 
of our minds. A long search, however, failed to disclose any 
NESE. 

In the more open country towards Lower Ferntree Gully we 
have given considerable attention to the Rufous and Yellow 
Whistlers, and have succeeded in securing photographs of both 
species. We have also, on one occasion, come across the rarer 
Olivaceous Whistler, but were not fortunate enough to find a nest. 

However, we are often quite content to spend considerable 
time with some of the birds which are more common, and there- 
fore give more opportunities for choosing suitable circumstances 
for photography. Probably the most frequent victim of cur 
enthusiasm is the Yellow-breasted Robin (Eopsaltria australis), 
and our negatives of this bird number thirty or more. One of our 
chief aims, when time and circumstances allow, is to demonstrate 
the remarkable trustfulness exhibited by many of the subjects. 


17 


238 LITTLEJOHNS, LAWRENCE, Fervn-tree Gully Observations. ees 
The picture reproduced was obtained without trouble. The nest 
contained newly-hatched young, and the parent bird took little 
notice when disturbed, as shown, or even placed by hand in a 
suitable position. Several other species, including the Jackass, 
Pilot-Bird, Flame-breasted Robin, Mistletoe-Bird, Rufous and 
Yellow Whistlers, Buff-rumped and Striated Tits, Blue Wren, 
White-shafted and Rufous Fantails, and Pardalotes, we have found 
quite as trustful after a little coaxing. Unfortunately, we have 
not been able to make a record of every case. 


Description of Nest and Eggs of Melithreptus atri- 
capillus mallee, Mathews. 
(Austral Avian Record, vol. i., p. 192, 1913.) 
By EE. Hower .GveZ-S. ak wweOres 


Nest made of grasses and lined with horsehair and fine grass, and 
decorated externally with a few spider cocoons. Dimensions in 
inches, 22 across by 1? depth, egg cavity 1? x 14 in depth, and 
placed in the topmost branch of a mallee tree. 

Eggs.—Two eggs taken from the above nest by Master Roy 
Ribbons at Carina, north-west Victoria, on 13th October, 1916, 
are now in my collection. In shape they are nearly oval, and the 
texture is fine and with a slight gloss. Colour beautiful salmon- 
pink, but deeper at the larger end, where they are boldly blotched 
and spotted with rich red-brown. In both specimens purplish- 
brown markings appear as if beneath the surface. Dimensions 
in inches :—(a) .75 x .56, (b) .74 x .56. 

A set of three fresh eggs taken at Kiata, Victoria, by Mr. William 
Blutcher on 16th October, Ig16, are much smaller than the type 
set. The colour, too, is much paler, and they are more like the 
eggs taken in southern Victoria. Dimensions in inches :—(a) 
(66, 555, (0) .65: x .53, (c) 08 % 355." Fis clutch 1semowsinetie 
collection of Mr. Erasmus F. Wilson, R.A.O.U. 


Camera Craft Notes. 


A Wood-Swallow Colony.—Of many pleasant rambles in quest 
of photographs in the Greensborough district, none has been 
more enjoyable than those spent at a little spot on the Plenty 
River known to us as the ‘‘ Wood-Swallow Paddock.” Inter- 
sected by dry watercourses, and in parts thickly grown with 
native and introduced shrubs, the paddock apparently possesses 
a great attraction for a colony of twenty or more pairs of White- 
browed Wood-Swallows (Artamus superciliosus), which nest there 
annually. The Sordid (A. sordidus) and the Masked (A. fersonatus) 
are also present, but not in any great numbers. Small prickly 
acacias appear to be most favoured as nesting sites, but the 


THE Emu, Vol. XVI. 


. 


PLATE XLVI 


“NOVY “SNHOP3SILLIN “1 “y AS "OLOHd 


ysou ye (snsorpiosadns 
SNUDIAP) SMOTTEMS-POOAA POMOIG-9}IYA\ JO meg 


“"N°O°'W"EY “BONSYMVI ‘¥ * 


‘IaArasqo Aq payouo} 
(saypajsnv viayosdoy) Urqory 


aylyS poeyse 


91g- 


Ss Aa ‘OLOHd 


MOT[PA 


Vora Camera Craft Notes. 239 


1QI7 


advantage of such an accessible position does not compensate for 
the extreme wariness of the bird. Several whole days have we 
spent without obtaining a picture. The nesting site is usually 
chosen close to a dead gum tree, and this appears to be used by 
the birds as an observation post. Occasionally an unthinking 
bird will alight on the look-out belonging to a neighbouring pait. 
This is the signal for an attack by the owners, who fiercely 
drive the offender some distance away. The photograph of 
the pair at the nest was taken in a furze hedge at Meredith. The 
camera in use in this case was a box one, which did not allow of 
focussing, everything having to be done by measurement. It 
was a remarkable chance, therefore, that the picture included 
beth birds.—S. A. LAWRENCE, R. T. LITTLEJOHNS. 23/2/17. 


Review. 


[‘‘The Birds of Britain: their Distribution and Habits.’’ By A. H. 
Evans, M.A., F.Z.S5., M.B.O.U. Cambridge: At the University Press. 1916.] 


THE Syndics of the Cambridge University Press have been good 
enough to send a copy of the above little work for the acceptance 
of the R.A.O.U.; and interest is lent to the book because the 
author, having visited Australia, is known personally to many 
members of the Australasian Union. 

Though primarily intended for the schools of the British Isles 
—geographically “a little spot,’ yet the hub of a world-wide 
Empire—the book will also be useful for those who require a short 
handbook which includes results of recent observations, and is 
adapted to more modern nomenclature—z.e., the new list of the 
B.O.U. The introduction, in a general way, deals briefly with the 
origin of birds, technical terms used for feathers, plumages, 
migration, geographical distribution, &c. The “classification ”’ 
is also briefly explained; then follows in order each species, 
succinctly treated. As a sample, here is a little pen-picture about 
the Puffin (p. 241).:— 

“By name at least everyone knows the Puffin, Sea-Parrot, or 
Tammie Norie (Fratercula arctica), a black bird with white cheeks 
and under parts, orange feet, and orange and blue bill. The sheath 
of this huge compressed bill is shed in pieces in autumn. The 
bird breeds in suitable places all round our coasts, choosing to 
burrow in earthy slopes on islands or cliffs, and laying a coarse- 
grained, whitish egg with faint llac markings, on the bare soil 
or a little dry grass. It is amusing to walk about a big colony 
and see the birds popping out of their holes one after the other 
and speeding like arrows to the sea, which soon becomes covered 
with them, while it is equally interesting to watch them passing 
to and fro with fish for their young later in the season. They bite 
severely if disturbed in their burrows. The Puffin ranges from 


240 Review. 


2tst April 


the Arctic seas in Europe to Portugal and to the Bay of Fundy 
in America. It returns very regularly to its breeding haunts in 
April, and is commonly met with in winter at sea.” 

The book is numerously illustrated by nearly one hundred 
excellent half-tone photo.-blocks by various named photographers, 
depicting birds, nests, and eggs, those subjects which were taken 
in the open being, of course, the most natural. 

Adverting to technical nomenclature, it will be observed that 
Mr. Evans has only employed trinomials where he deemed it 
absolutely necessary. Under the list of ‘‘ Occasional Visitors” 
he shows the American Golden Plover (Charadrius dominicus) and 
the Eastern Golden Plover (C. d. fulvus). Can two birds, one of 
which is the so-called sub-species of the other, be found in the 
same region ? If so, may it not prove that both birds are identical, 
or that they are specifically distinct ? 


Correspondence. 
To the Editors of “ The Emu.” 


DEAR SirS,—A paragraph in Nature of 29th July, 1915, p. 599, 
in discussing the question of the alleged destruction of salmon 
by Cormorants in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, says :—“ A precisely 
similar charge was levelled, some years ago, against the Cormorants 
of the Murray -River, in Australia, where, to increase the salmon 
supply, a huge colony of Cormorants was wiped out. But the 
unexpected happened. The salmon disappeared with the birds. 
It was then found that the latter had been feeding on crabs and 
eels, which in turn fed upon salmon eggs and fry. With the 
extermination of their enemies they increased in such numbers 
that scarcely a salmon egg remained; the fry from such as did 
escape were eaten by the eels. Those responsible for the massacre 
of Cormorants are now repentant.” 

What ground is there for the above statement 2? Have salmon 
or rather trout—been introduced into the Murray? (Perhaps 
this refers to a Murray River in Western Australia, not to the 
great Murray River—in fact, I believe it must.) Was there 
sufficient evidence to base the above statements on ve crabs and 
eels, or was this merely surmise, and dependent on the failure of 
the introduced fish to establish themselves ? : 

We all wish our birds protected, but every over-statement or 
misstatement does more harm to the cause than good—in fact, 
in such cases no statement at all is better. If the above account 
in Nature is correct, it is very interesting anc important; if 
surmise in great part, let us know it as such.—Yours, &c., 


42. Bo CLELAND: 
93 Macquarie-street, Sydney, 4th April, 1917. 


[Can any member give Dr. Cleland observations ?—EDITORS. | 


Tue Emu, Vol. XVI. 


PLATE XLVII. 


The late Dr. E. P. Ramsay, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., &c. 


FROM A PHOTO. BY HENRY KING, SYDNEY. 


Vol. XVI. 
1917 


Correspondence. 241 

To the Editors of “‘ The Emu.” 
Strs,—The ‘‘Note on the Finding of the Nest and Eggs of the 

esert Chat (Ashbyta lovensis),” by Edgar R. Waite, F.LS., 
Director of the South Australian Museum, which appeared on pp. 
167 and 168 of the January issue of The Emu, was sent to me by 
Mr. Waite, and was forwarded by me to the editor as received.— 
Yours, &c., 

S. Al: WHEEEE: 
Wetunga, Adelaide, 12th March, 1917. 


Eggs of Garzetta nigripes: a Correction.—In my article upon 
the eggs of Garzetta nigripes in last issue of The Emu (vol. xvi., 
p. 162), I wish to correct a possible mistake. My reference to 
the non-description of the bird’s head plumes was meant to apply 
to the taking of the eggs rather than to the bird itself. Dr. Leach 
and Messrs. Hall, Lucas, and Le Souéf all have noted one or more 
head plumes during the breeding season, though collectors taking 
reputed clutches did not mention the plumes. In another part 
of the same article the average dimensions of eggs is given as 
1.73 xX 1.24 mches; this should read 1.69 x 1.23 inches.—H. L. 
WuiTeE. Belltrees, 4/2/17. 


About Members. 


MEMBERS of the R.A.O.U. will be pleased to learn that at the 
thirty-fourth stated meeting of the American Ornithologists, 
Union, held in Philadelphia, Pa., 13th to 16th November, our 
fellow-member, Mr. Robert Hall, C.M.B.0.U., C.M.Z.S., was elected 
a Corresponding Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union. 
We congratulate Mr. Hall, who is a member of the R.A.O.U. 
Check-list Committee, on the honour conferred on him. 


Obituary. 


RAMSAY.—December 16, 1916, at his residence, Truro, Queensborough- 
road, Croydon Park, Edward Pearson Ramsay, LL.D., F.R.S.E., &c., 
third son of the late David Ramsay, M.D., aged 74 years. 


ALL ornithologists—the older ones, at all events, to whom the 
late doctor was better known—will desire to pay tribute to the 
memory of Edward Pearson Ramsay. 

On the 18th December his remains were laid to rest in the old- 
fashioned, vine-covered, stone vault with iron railings built by 
his father, the late David Ramsay, M.D., an early Australian 
settler, in the little private cemetery adjoining St. David's 
Presbyterian Church, Haberfield. The son inherited his love of 
Nature from his father, whose collections of birds, insects, &c., 
are preserved in the Perth Museum, Scotland. It was fitting, 
too, that Edward was buried near the old family Dobroyde estate, 
Ashfield, where he obtained so much first field knowledge, anc 


, Emu 
242 Obituary. 2ist April 


used to watch particular birds’ nests containing various Cuckoo 
eggs to see what species the strange egg would hatch out. 

Amongst the mourners were Mr. J. H. Maiden, I.S.0., Director 
of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney ; Mr. Chas. Hedley, F.L.S., repre- 
senting the Australian Museum, of which the deceased was erst- 
while Curator ; there were also representatives present from the 
Technological Museum, the Royal Society of New South Wales, 
Australian Historical Society, and many notable persons. 

The late Dr. E. P. Ramsay was born at Dobroyde House 
74 years ago. He was educated at St. Mark’s School, Macquarie 
Fields, and afterwards: at Darling Point, under the Rev. G. S. 
_Macarthur. Later he entered the Sydney University. For a time 
Dr. Ramsay was engaged in managing the Dobroyde Nursery, on 
the estate of his father, but he and his brothers finally entered 
upon a scheme of sugar-growing in Queensland, in which under- 
taking they were successful. 

When Dr. Pittard was the Curator of the Australian Museum 
in Sydney, Dr. Ramsay travelled in New South Wales and Queens- 
land, notably the Cardwell district, October, 1873, in search of 
specimens suitable for the Museum. In 1874 the curatorship of 
the Museum was vacant, and Dr. Ramsay was appointed to the 
position, a post he filled with much success until 1895, when he 
was compelled to retire through ill-health. His retirement was 
a great disappointment to his friends. As Baron von Mueller 
was great amongst botanists, it was thought that Ramsay would 
become a “ Mueller’? amongst ornithologists. However, Dr. 
Ramsay retained until his death the appointment of consulting 
ornithologist to the Museum, and during that time wrote many 
manuscripts pertaining to ornithology, which it is hoped the 
trustees of the institution may soon publish. There is no more 
popular nature study in Australia than its birds. 

While natural history was the chief branch of his scientific 
research, Dr. Ramsay took a keen interest in the advancement 
of science generally. His early love for botany found expression 
in the Dobroyde new plant nursery, through which a large number 
of plants were first introduced to Australia. Bird and animal 
life also largely claimed his attention, and he worked in col- 
laboration with the late Sir Richard Owen (England) on the 
extinct animals of Australia, among which were discovered the 
giant kangaroo and marsupial “lion.” Dr. Ramsay _ was 
requested by John Gould to guard his Australian interests in his 
famous folio work, “‘ Birds of Australia.” 

In the work of furthering the advancement of science in Aus- 
tralia, Dr. Ramsay was, together with Sir William Macleay, one 
of the founders of the Linnean Society. When a lad he was also 
the treasurer of the old Philosophical Society, which finally 
merged into the Royal Society of to-day. As a reward for his 
labours in this direction Dr. Ramsay was created a life member 
of the Royal Society. Dr. Ramsay was closely associated with 
scientific societies in Great Britain. He was a Fellow of the 


Vol. ay 
1917 


Obituary. 243 
Geological Society of England, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical 
Society, a corresponding member of the Zoological Society of 
England, and a member of the Royal Ivish Academy. 

In 1883 he was appointed Commissioner for New South Wales 
and Tasmania at the great International Fisheries Exhibition held 
in London, and while he was there the University of Edinburgh 
conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. At that time he was 
also created a life member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 
and the Italian Government made him a Knight of the Crown of 
Italy. 

Dr. Ramsay published in 1888 a “ Tabular List of the Birds 
of Australia”’ (an amended edition of his 1877 “ List’), which 
was extremely useful, and was followed by the field workers of 
those days. Another important ornithological work was the 
“Catalogue of the Australian Birds in the Australian Museum, 
Sydney.” © Parts 1 and 2—Accipitres and Striges—were re- 
spectively issued 1874-8, and subsequent additions; part 3— 
Psittaci—was issued 1891; and part 4—Picarie (Kingfishers)— 
in 1894. 

Amongst the most remarkable Australian birds first described 
by Dr. Ramsay were Atrichornis rufescens (Rufous Scrub-Bird), 
Heteromytas cinereifrons (Ashy-fronted Robin), Orthonyx spaldingt 
(Black-headed Log-runner), Colluricincla bowert (Bower Shrike- 
Thrush), Eopsaliria (now Pachycephala) inornata (Grey Thick- 
head), Ptilotts macleayana (Yellow-streaked Honey-eater), Ptilotis 
frenata (Bridled Honey-eater), Scenope@etes dentirostris (Tooth- 
billed Bower-Bird), and Adluredus maculosus (Spotted Cat-Bird) ; 
and he described many new eggs. 

In private life the deceased ornithologist was of a genial dis- 
position. He was a great lover of music, and had a kecn sense 
of humour. So has passed one of the most conspicuous of Aus- 
tralian-born workers among the orvmis of his country. 


Bird Observers’ Club. 


THE December meeting of the B.O.C. was held at the residence of 
Dr. Norman M‘Arthur, Toorak. Mr. Barnard, of Queensland, was 
welcomed as a visitor, and read a short but valuable paper on “ Bird 
Life as Affected by Drought.’’ He stated that some birds were 
practically exterminated, whilst others usually worked towards the 
coast. Sometimes years elapsed before they returned to their locality 
again. He instanced such birds as the Orange-backed Wren-Warbler 
(Malurus melanocephalus) and the Beautiful Parrakeet (Psephotus 
pulcherrimus}, which he had only seen once since 1882, when a big 
drought occurred. Mr. Tom. Tregellas read a paper describing in 
detail a collecting trip taken in October, 1916, to Linga, in the Mallee 
country. He illustrated his remarks with an excellent series of 
lantern slides, showing the plant and bird life of the district. <A 
notable picture was the nest and egg of the Spotted Nightjar 
(Eurostopodus guttatus). Mr. Howat was provisionally elected a 
member of the Club. 


244 Bird Observers’ Club. [ Emu 


21st April 


At the January meeting Messrs. Lawrence and Littlejohns gave a 
lantern display which was a revelation to members. Remarkable 
pictures of the Mistletoe-Bird (Diceum hirundinaceum), Pilot-Bird 
(Pycnoptilus floccosus),and the A canthiz@ were thrown on the screen. 

Dr. Norman M‘Arthur, who has been elected chairman of the Game 
Protection Society, stated that he had been instructed by his society 
to endeavour to bring about co-operation between the B.O.C., Gould’s 
League, and the society, with respect to the furtherance of game 
protection. 

Bird notes from places as far apart as Macquarie Island and 
Cooper’s Creek were the outstanding feature of the February meeting, 
which was held at the residence of Mr. George Dyer, North Fitzroy. 
Dr. Macgillivray, of Broken Hill, President R.A.O.U., related his 
experiences amongst the birds on his last trip to Cooper’s Creek. At 
Yanco Station he saw the tunnels of the Red-backed Kingfisher 
(Halcyon pyrrvhopygius) in the mud walls of a bush hut. White-necked 
Herons (Notophoyx pacifica) and Shell Parrots (Melopsittacus undulatus) 
were nesting in great numbers. Numerous immature Pied and Black 
Honey-eaters were met with. Dragon-flies were plentiful, and were 
being freely taken by Bee-eaters (Mevops ornatus). Dr. Macgillivray 
also described the country in the vicinity of the Claudie River, Queens- 
land, where he established*three camps in company with Mr. M‘Lennan, 
Mr. J. A. Kershaw, and his son. He described the habits of many of 
the rarer birds, such as the Cockerell Honey-eater (Tvichodere cockere/lt), 
Striated Tree-runner (Neositta striata), Rifle-Bird (Pitloris paradisea), 
and the new Parrot that he had discovered—viz., Eclectus geoffrey. 
This bird nested in the very tall deciduous trees at the time when they 
were bare of leaves. 

Mr. Henderson showed a very fine series of Penguin photos. taken 
by him when stationed at the wireless station at Macquarie Island. 
He exhibited an albino skin of the Royal Penguin. These birds lay 
two eggs, one of which is always infertile. One hundred and fifty 
thousand birds are killed annually for their oil, but he considered that 
there was no danger of their becoming exterminated. 

Mr. F. E. Howe entertained the members in the city at the March 
meeting. He read an instructive and scientific paper on the genus 
Hylacola. He went into details concerning the nomenclature, de- 
scription, distribution, and habits of H. halmaturina, H. cauta, and 
H_ pyrrhopygia. <A visitor to the meeting was Miss Manfield (‘‘ Guide 
Alice’’), of Buffalo, who brought a number of slides showing the life of 
the Lyre-Bird and the country in which it lives. Miss Manfield 
promised to give a paper and lantern display on her travels and 
experiences over the Buffalo Mountains. 


Publications Received. 
D. LE SoukEC.NCZ SS. Hon Wibrarian 


Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victorra, Vol. XXIX., part 
I (New Series). 

The Victorian Naturalist, Vol. XX XIII., Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8. 

The Victorian Education Gazette and Teacher's Aid, Vol. XVI., 
Nos. 9, 10, 12. 


Vol. XVI. sae . 
es Publications Received. 245 


The Australian Naturalist, Vol. 111., part 12. 

The South Australian Ornithologist, Vol. IL, , part 8. 

Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club. 

The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, Vol. XXVIL, 
part 4. 

The Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, Vol. 
OCR SpaGts 2. 

The Ibis (roth series), Vol. IV., No. 4. 

The Ibis Index from 1895-1912 has also come to hand; it is 
a bulky volume, and must have entailed much work in its 
preparation. 

Avicultural Magazine (31d series), Vol. VII., Nos. 10, 11, 12. 

The Zoologist (4th series), Vol. XX., Nos. 9OI, 902, 903. 

British Birds, Vol. X., No. 5. 

Revue Francaise d’ Ornithologie (8e), Nos. 88, 8g, go. 

Bird Lore, Vol. XVIII., Nos. 4, 5. 

The Condor, Vol. XVIII., No. 5. 

University of Californa Publications in Zoology. Vol. XS 
Nomi Volo Now10; Vol. XVIIL., Nos. 1, Ay Be 

Proceedings of the Academy of N atural Sees of Philadelphia, 
Vol. LXVIIL., parts 1 and 2. 

Bees of North and Middle America. By Robert Ridgway. 

art 7, 

The Auk, Vol. XXXIII., No. 4. 

Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, Vol. V., part 5. 


Ourselves. 


THE generous donor who has insisted on being anonymous for 18 
months has now given permission for his name to be revealed. 
He is no other than the chief benefactor of the Union, Mr. Henry 
L. White, of Belltrees, Scone, N.S.W. For services rendered, Mr. 
White was years ago elected a life member. Far from taking 
advantage of this position to reduce contributions, Mr. White 
suggested the scheme whereby The Emu has been improved by the 
addition of a coloured plate in each issue, and still pays half the 
total cost (which amounts to about £36 a year). 

His gift of £1,000, invested in the War Loan, is now providing 
the Union with its own centrally-situated room, where the Council 
regularly meets, and members gather to discuss ornithological 
problems and welcome visiting ornithologists and members. 

The special meeting of the R.A.O.U. on 18th April is likely to 
become as memorable in the history of the Union as that famous 
inaugural meeting at Adelaide in 1901. A unanimous vote of the 
members completed the legal business, and established our Union 
as a legal entity capable of suing for just debts and owning 
property. It afforded the necessary opportunity for Mr. White to 
complete the transfer of his gift. The room contains as one of its 
chief articles of furniture a beautiful specially-constructed book- 


Emu 
2 46 Ourselves. arst April 


case, designed on Mr. White’s suggestions to hold John-Gould’s 
great work, “The Birds of Australia.” The volumes are in 
beautiful order, and are valued at £300. 

Further obligations are laid on the Union by the gift of Mr. 
White’s famous collection of Australian birds to the National 
Museum, Melbourne. This carries, as well as the privilege of 
inspection in common with the general public during official hours, 
the special privilege of a monthly meeting in the Bird-room of 
the National Museum, with Mr. White’s collection available for 
inspection and illustration of papers, discussions, &c. 

Working ornithologists again are indebted to Mr. White for the 
gift of his duplicate specimens to the Union. These are now at 
the Union’s room, and are always available for examination and 
study. 

Bee years, Mr. White, by sending and maintaining field orni- 
thologists in distant parts of the Commonwealth, has been the 
sharer with Gregory M. Mathews and Captain White of the honour 
of chief workers in Australian ornithology. Mr. White has now 
consummated the work by placing his priceless collection in safe 
custody, where it is available for scientific workers, and by placing 
the members of the R.A.O.U. in the fortunate position of having a 
central meeting room, John Gould’s ‘*‘ Birds of Australia” in the 
library, and a working collection of skins for young students 
desirous of learning Australian birds. Mr. White, in addition, has 
announced his intention of making the R.A.O.U. room second to 
none in the world. Other members of our Union are also assisting, 
but there is still room for contributions of furniture, eggs, skins, 
books, and other ornithological publications. The hon. secretary 
would be pleased to hear from those desirous of contributing at 
this historic juncture. 


Notes. 


Owinc to financial stringency consequent on the war and the in- 
crease in cost of printing, paper, &c., the Council of the R.A.O.U. 
was reluctantly compelled to reduce the size of the current issue. 
It is hoped that the next issue will be of normal size. 


Tue well-known and old-established natural history monthly, 
The Zoologist, having been acquired by Messrs. Witherby and 
Co., will in future be incorporated with the illustrated monthly 
magazine, British Birds, published by the. same firm at 326 
High Holborn. 

Messrs. Witherby and Co. have been appointed European agents 
for the *“* Journal of the Natural History Society of Siam.” The 
work is illustrated with plates and figures, and deals with all 
branches of the natural history of that country. 


Walker, May and Co., Printers, Mackillop Strcet, Melbourne, 


— a ere. 


- 
y 


YYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 


RO 
: el os ai 
45 CO-PATRONS: 


Their Majesties the King and Queen. 


OFFICE-BEARERS: 
President: Dr. W. MACGILLIVRAY. 


ae ae _fDR. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U. 
Vice-Presidents#)\) “a. # BASSET HULL: 


Hon. Secretary: Mr. W. H. D, Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &c. 


(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.) 


Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A. 
(190 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.) 


Hon. Librarian: Mr. C. BARRETT, C,M.Z.S. 


Hon, Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U. 
(‘‘ Eyrecourt,” Canterbury.) 


Assistant Editor: Mr. R. H. CROLL, R.A.0O.U. 


(Education Department, Melbourne.) 
Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS. 


Hon. Auditor: Mr. J. BARR, A.I.A.V., A.C.P.A, 
(42 Temple Court, Collins Street, Melbourne.) 


Printing Committee: Messrs. A. J..CAMPBELL, A, H.-E. 
MATTINGLEY, anp W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A. 


Local State Secretaries: 
Mr. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney 
Mr, E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland. 
Capt, S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., Fulham, South Australia. 
Mr. W. T. FORSTER, Victoria Park. Western Australia. 
Mr. W. L. MAY, Sandford, Tasmania. 
Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand, - 
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.G.S., Darwin, Northern Territory. 


Members of Council: 

VicTorIA—CoL. C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, 
C.M.Z.S., AND A. C. STONE. 

New SoutH Wa.tes—Dr. J. BURTON CLELAND anp Dr. E. A. 
D’OMBRAIN. 

QUEENSLAND—Mkr,. C. A. BARNARD. 

SouTH AUSTRALIA—MR. E. ASHBY, M.B.O.U. : 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA—MAJor .A. E. LE SOUEF, 

TASMANIA—CoL. W. V. LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. 


: Members of Check=-List Committee: 


Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W.H. D, Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &c. 
,, A.J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0O.U. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U. 
Re HALL, -GM.B.0.U: Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E. 

» BASSET HULL, R.A.O.U. », A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S. 

Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. » H. L. WHITE, M.B.O.U. 


CoLONEL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CaPraIn S. A. WHITE,—M.B.0.U. 


| ADVERTISEMENTS. 


—* 


MESSRS. WITHERBY & CO. have been appointed || 
Guropean Agents for the ; 


JOURNAL of the . . . a 
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY of SIAM | 
which is illustrated with plates and figures, and deals ithall benches 

of the Natural History of the Country. 
The price of each Volume is 15s. Application must be made as to 
the price of the single parts. : is 
Volume | (5 parts) is now completed; of Volume 2, Part | is ? 
Be j now ready. : 
LONDON: 326, HIGH HOLBORN. : 


_____ PHOTOGRAPHY | — 


NO DARK ROOM required. Perfect Pictures assured. 


Kodak (Australasia) Limited } 
(Incorporating BAKER & ROUSE PTY. LTD.) " 
The Block, 284 Collins St., — 
MELBOURNE, _ Cae 
And at SYDNEY, BRISBANE and ADELAIDE. — | , 


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