A HANDBOOK OF THE Birds of Tasmania AND ITS DEPENDENCIES BY FRANK MERVYN LITTLER, F.E.S. (Member of the Australasian Ornithologhls' Union). Launceston, Tasmania : PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 1910. LONDON WILLIAM WESLEY & SON 28 Essex Street. Strand. i' FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Handbook of the Birds of Tasmania AND ITS DEPENDENCIES A HANDBOOK V OF THE 4-^' Birds of Tasmania AND ITS DEPENDENCIES BY FRANK MERVYN LITTLER, F.E.S. (Member of the Australasian Ornithologists' Union). Launceston, Tasmania : PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 1910. [Jlll ^Rights lieserved.] //. ^f ■(*=V(^- )is} ... ... 44 FAMILY— LANIID^ : CEO W- SHRIKES. Sub-Family — G YMXORHiNiE . Lesser White-backed Magpie (Gymnorliina hypcrleuca) 46 Grey Butcher-Bird, Jackass {Cracticv>i rinercHs) ... 48 Sub-Family — Pachycephalin.e . White-throated Thickhead {PaclnjccpliaJn gtittiiraJiH) 49 Grey-tailed Thickhead {Pachycephala glaucura) ... 49 Olive Thickhead (Pachycephala olivacea) ... ... 50 FAMILY— CE RTHIID^ . Sub-Family — CERTHiNiE . White-throated Tree-creeper {Climactcris Jeucophcea) 51 Brown Tree-creeper {Climacteris scanden-'i) ... ... 52 FAMILY— MELIPHAGID^ : HONEY -EATERS. Sub-Family — Zosteropin.e. White-eye {Zosterops coerulescens) ... ... ... 52 Sub-Family — Myzomelin.i: . Spinebill {AcanthorhyncJius tenuirostris) ... ... 54 Sub-Family — Meliphagix.e . Strong-billed Honey-eater {Melitlireptus validirostris) -lo Black-headed Honey-eater (Melithrcptus melano- cephalus) ... ... ... ... ... ... 56 Fulvous-fronted Honey-eater {Glycypliila fulvifrons) 57 Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Ptilotis flavigularis) ... 57 Crescent Honey-eater, Tasmanian [Mcliornis ausfral- asiana) ... ... ... .. ... ■■■ 58 White-bearded Honey-eater {Melioniis )iovai-hollandicB) 60 Miner [Myzantha (Maiiorhina) garrula) ... ... 61 Wattle-Bird {Acanthochcera inauris) ... ... ... 62 Brush Wattle-Bird (AcanthochcEra mellivom) ... 64 FAMILY— DIC^IDiE : FLOWER-PECKERS. Yellow-tipped Pardalote (Pardalotus affiyiis) 65 X BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Spotted Pardalote, Diamond-Bird (I'ardalotus piinc- tatus) 06 Forty-spotted Pardalote {Pardalotus quadraginins) ... 67 FAMILY— HIEUNDINID^ : SWALLOWS. Swallow (Hirundo neoxcna) ... ... ... ... 68 Tree-Martin (Petrochclidon nigricans) ... ... ... 69 Fairy Martin (Petrochclidon ariel) ... ... ... 70 FAMILY— MOTACILLID^ : WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. Ground-Lark (Anthus australis) ... ... ... 71 FAMILY— AETAMID.E : WOOD- SWALLOWS. Wood-Swallow {Artumns sordidns) ... ... ... 72 FAMILY— PLOCEID^ : WEAVERS. Fire-tailed Finch (Zoncegifitliu^ helhis) ... ... 74 ORDER— PICARI^ : PICARIAN BIRDS. SUB-ORDER— CORACI^. FAMILY— GYP SELID.^ : SWIFTS. Sub-Family — Cypselin^e. White-rumped Swift (Micropus pacificus) ... ... 75 Sub-Family — Ch^turin^ . Spine-tailed Swift (Chcetura caudacuta) ... ... 76 FAMILY— POD ARGIDJ5 . Sub-Family — Pod arginje . Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) ... ... 78 Sub-Family — .^gotiielinje. Little or Owlet Nightjar (/Egotheles novce-hoUandice) 79 SUB-ORDER— HALCYONES. FAMILY— ALCEDINID/E : KINGFISHERS. Sub-Family — Alcedinin Ji: . Blue Kingfisher (/llci/o/ic a;:; urea) 80 Sub-Family — Dacelonin^ . Sacred Kingfisher (Ha /.ci/oji sfl»ct us) ... 80 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. xi SUB-ORDER— COCCYGES : CUCKOOS, &c. FAMILY— CUCULIDJ^ : CUCKOOS. Sub-Family — CucuLiNiE. Vsillid Cuckoo (Cucuhis pallidus) ... ... ... 81 Fan-tailed Cuckoo {Cacomaniis flabeUiformis) ... 84: Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo {Chalcococcyx basal Broad-billed Bronze-Cuckoo {Chalcococcyx lucid us) Bronze-Cuckoo (Clialcococcyx j)lagosus) Channel-bill (ScytJirops novie-hoUandiiC) 85 86 8G 87 ORDER— PSITTACI : PARROTS. FAMILY— LOEID^ : LORIES, OR BRUSH-TOXGUED PARROTS. Blue-bellied Lorikeet {Trichoglossus nov(e -holla ndiw) 88 Musk Lorikeet (Glossopsittacus concinnus) ... ... 88 Little Lorikeet (Glossopsittacus pxisillus) ... ... 90 FAMILY— CACATUID^ : COCKATOOS. Sub-Family — Cacatuin.^ . Black Cockatoo {Calyptoihynchus funereus) ... ... 90 Gang-Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon galcatnin) ... 92 White Cockatoo (CVicfli-i/a graJen'ia) ... ... ... 93 Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Galah (Cacatiia roseicapilla) 93 FAMILY— PSITTACID^ : PARROTS. Sub-Family — PLATYCERCiNiE : Parrakeets. Green Parrakeet (Platycercus flaviventiis) ... ... 94 Rosella (Platycercus eximius) ... ... ... ... 95 Blue-winged Grass-Parrakeet (Neophema venusta) ... 96 Orange-bellied Grass-Parrakeet (Neophema chryso- 4 gastra) ... ... ... ... ... ... 97 Swift Lorikeet (iVa>u) k 1 ^ 0* ' «. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 115 Eggs. — Clutch lour usually; lengthened, oval in shape; tex- ture fine; surface glossy; colour grej-ish-white, mottled with chest- nut. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: — (1) !27 x 20.5, (2) 27.5 X 21, (3) 20.75 X 20, (4) 28 x 21.5. Breeding Season. — October to December, perhaps January. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, South and Western Australia, Queensland; also New Zealand, and many islands in the South Pacific, up to the Philippines. Observations. — To the best of my knowledge this is the rarest of the Kails and Crakes in Tasmania; as a matter of fact, in none of its habitats is it at all plentiful. Frequently this species is known as the Tabuan Water Crake. In its general habits and food it much resembles the other species previously discussed. " Its compressed form enables it to thread its way among the close-growing reed-stems with wonderful celerity; and although its low purring note (resembhng that of a brood hen) may some- times be heard on every side, it is extremely difficult to obtain a glimpse of the bird. Its body weighs only two ounces; and its attenuated toes are well adapted for traversing the oozy marsh in search of its food, which consists of small fresh-water molluscs, insects, seeds of aquatic plants, and the tender blades of various grasses. It seldom takes wing, and then oidy for a very short distance; but it runs with I'apidity, swims very gracefully, and often dives to escape its enemies " (Sir W. BuUer). NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx mortieri, Du Bus). Male. — Upper surface greyish-olive, lightly washed with chest- nut-brown on the crown of the head and back of .the neck, and distinctly tinged with the same colour on the back, rump, and upper tail coverts; tail black; wing coverts greenish-grey, tinged with olive, the median series tipped with white; primary coverts and quills blackish-brown, edged with reddish-brown; under sur- face bluish-slate, becoming blackish on the abdomen and under tail coverts ; conspicuous patch of white on the flanks ; sides of the body brownish ; thighs purplish-grey ; irides ruby ; bill j^ellowish- green; legs and feet yellowish. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 500; bill, 39; wing, 190; tail, 95; tarsus, 77. Female. — Similar to male save that the chestnut-brown on the back is less pronounced. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 445; bill, 39; wing, 190; tail, 95'; tarsus, 77. Nest. — Flat and shallow; a variety of substances enter into its composition, depending largely on its situation. WHien it is half afloat, either in a swamp or under shelter of a bank of a creek, it is composed of grass or aquatic herbage ; when on the bank of a river or stream at the base of a tree or among briers, leaves, twigs, and grass are used. 116 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Eggs. — Clutch four to nine; varying in shape from stout oval to long oval ; texture of shell coarse ; surface fairly glossy ; ground colour grey or greenish-stone, marked with moderate-sized spots of reddish-brown and purplisli-brown, many niiiuite spots of the latter colour appearing as though under the surface. Clutches from dif- ferent localities often differ in size, shape, and the number and intensitv of the markings. Dimensions in nnn. of an average clutch :— (1) 53 x 40, (2) 54 x 39, (3) 54 x 38, (4) 56 x 39, (5) 51 X 3G, (6) 54 X 40, (7) 54 x 38. Of a selected pair :— (1) 62 x 39, (2) 65 x 37. Breeding Season. — August to Januar}-. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania. Observations. — There are very few dwellers in the country, at least, who do not know this bird, if not by sight at least by sound. In some districts it is extremely plentiful, but, owing to its shy disposition, it is always difficult to obtain an idea of its numbers unless one lays oneself out for the express purpose of' watching for it. Although as a general rule the nest is placed well out of sight and away from habitations, I know of more than one instance where the nest was constructed in the open by the side of a creek not more than two hundred yards from a dwelling. Along the edges of rivers that overflow their banks at times, and where there is a quantity of debris washed up against the roots of the willows and briers, no true nest is formed, but only a semblance of one, for sticks, leaves, and other vegetable matter are raked together and formed into an apology for a nest. Swampy places, creeks, and rivers, where there is a sufficiency of cover on the banks, are the favourite haunts of this bird. During the middle of the day it generally remains hidden among the undergrowth of its retreats, but early in the morning and just about sundown it sallies forth in search of food. It is at such times that one is made painfully aware of the harsh, grating voice of this bird, which can be heard for a considerable distance. A chorus of some half-dozen or more is rather excruciating, especially when heard at close quarters, as I have often found when lying watching their habits. Each and every bird seems to commence on a different key, so that the discord may be imagined. The noise of sharpening a saw or cutting through galvanized iron is music in comparison. The Native-Hen is a very swift runner, and will give most dogs a good "go" over a short distance. From practical experience I know that this bird cannot be domesticated, even when the eggs ai'e taken from the nest and brought out under a farmyard hen. A peculiar habit of the bird is that of bobbing its tail constantly up and down as though the appendage were on a spring. When not in motion it is carried erect like that of the ordinary domestic fowl. In some agricultural districts whei-e the haunts of the Native-Hen are in close proximity to grain fields, farmers are very vehement in their accusations against the bird, for thej' allege it BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 117 does great damage to the grain just when it s2)routs, and also when in the ear. It is not so much tht> amount of grain consumed as the quantity destroyed that is objected to, for a small party of birds will trample down a large patch in the course of a night, and make it look as though an elephant had been rolling there. The places trampled down are often circular in shape, as though they had been used as jilay-grounds. When a small flock or even a pair of birds are feeding in or about a grain field, one bird is always on the watch, and gives a sliort cry of alarm should danger threaten. As a natural result of its mischievous traits, a relent- less war with poison and gun is waged on this unfortunate fowl. In several instances that have come under my notice the charges brought by farmers have been fully sustained. When not engaged in purloining forbidden grain, the food of this species consists of a certain quantity of aquatic vegetation and a miscellaneous assortment of insects gathered on land and out of the water, admixed among all of which is always more or less gravel, used as an aid to digestion. Owing to the weakness of the muscles of the chest and wings, the Native-Hen is almost, if not quite, incapable of rising about the surface of the ground. On the othei- hand, the leg and thigh muscles arc well developed. As an article of diet this bird is despised by all except Chinamen, who, I am given to understand, use it for making certain dislies of which they are very fond. BALD-COOT [PorpJiyrio melanonoUis, Temm.) Male. — Face, back of the head, centre of the al)donien, and thighs sooty-black; back of the neck, b)-east, and flanks rich indigo blue; upper siirface, tail, and wuigs shining black; outer webs of primaries indigo blue; under tail coverts pure white; iris brown; frontal plate and bill crimson; legs and feet salmon-pink, joints black. Dimensions m mm.: — Length, 515; bill, 74: wing, 278; tail, 110; tarsus, 92. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — " Pretty black creatures, resembling at a distance Langshan chickens " (Miss J. A. Fletcher). Nest. — A somewhat carelessly put together structure of reeds, rushes, or aquatic plants; placed in a swamp or lagoon among the growth there. Eggs. — Clutch four to seven generally; oval or elliptical in shape ; texture somewhat coarse ; surface slightly glossy ; colour greyish-brown or greenish-stone, spotted and blotched with reddish- brown (the most frequent colour), purplish-brown, and dull grey The markings are bolder and more reddish than those on Coots' eggs. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 53 x 36, (2) 56 x 36 (3) 55 X 35, (4) 52 x 34, (5) 54 x 35, (6) 55 x 33. 118 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Breedi)ig Scaso)i. — September to Deceinber u.saally. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, King Island, New South Wales, Victoria, South Austraha, Queensland, Northern Territory ; also New Zealand, Norfolk and Ijord Howe Islands. Observations. — In many parts of Tasmania the Bald-Coot is more or less plentiful, but, taking it altogether, it is not as plentiful as the Native-Hen. Nearly every swamp, lagoon, and river flat supplies its quota. It is said that this bird becomes easily domesti- cated and will live quite contentedly among poultry. Like the previous species, it is very destructive to sprouting grain, so much so that farmers in affected districts have occasionally been forced to organize a regular battue. It has a rather extraordinary method of eating its vegetable food. It seizes the food between the hind claw and sole of one foot, holding it up, and rapidly devouring it in small pieces. Like the Native-Hen, it is a very swift runner, and makes use of this power to escape from its enemies, fancied or real. Only when hard pressed does it take to flight. Early morning and evening are the best times to see this bird, for it is at such times that it sallies out in search of food, which is similar to that of the preceding species. Down the Eiver Tamar, where it is frequently secured by shooting parties, it has developed great cunning, for often the heads of the birds may be seen peering over the tops of the long reeds, which they have climbed to see if danger threatens. As soon as they know they are perceived they drop out of sight and scurry away. COOT {Fulica australis, Gould). Male. — Head and neck black; whole of the upper surface bluish to greyish black ; under surface black ; irides red ; bill bluish-grey ; legs and feet blackish. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 370; bill, 36; wing, 177; tail, 51 ; tarsus, 47. Female. — Similar to male except that the mider surface is greyish and the feathers are very narrowly margined with whitish. Young. — " The young in down are black, having yellow hair- like tips, the down thickest about the face and neck; bill cream colour" (A. J. Campbell). Nest. — A bulky structure, partly submerged; composed of broken reeds and other aquatic plants, the top not coming more than a few inches above the surface of the water. It is placed in a swamp or a lagoon. Eggs. — Clutch seven to nine; oval in shape; texture of shell somewhat coarse ; surface slightly glossy ; colour dull or bufTy- white, or else stone colour, spotted and freckled with small spots of dark purplish -brown, many appearing as though below the sur- face. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: — (1) 51 x 36, (2) 52 x 85. (3) 52 X 34, (4) 51 x 33, (5) 49 x 33, (6) 50 x 34, (7) 51 x 35. w BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 119 Breeding Seaso)i. — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, King Island, and Aus- tralia in general. Observations. — The Coot is not as generally distributed through- out the island as either of the two preceding species. On some of the lakes and larger lagoons it is, however, fairly numerous. Of late years its numbers have diminished, owing to Duck-shooters taking heavy toll, as it is considered by many very palatable. It is quite a sight to see large liocks of this species feeding in the water, and when suddenly disturbed scuttling of? as fast as they can to take shelter m the reeds. Diving is often resorted to when feeding; the birds give a slight upward spring and then disappear for a short space, returning with some food i)lucked from below. In addition to vegetable stuffs, the visual insects and molluscs found in and about lakes and lajjoons are devoured. ORDER— LIMICOL/E : PLOVERS, &c. FAMILY— (EDICNEMID/E (1 species). *STONE-PLOVER (Land Cuulew) [BurJiinus [Qidicnemus) grallarius, Lath.) Male. — Crown of the head and hind-neck ashy-grey, streaked with blackish ; shoulders and back also streaked, but more heavily ; lower back and rump ashy-grey, with blackish shaft-streaks; tail feathers crossed by numerous narrow and irregular bars ; the outer ones are broadly tipped with black ; there is also a broad sub- terminal bar of white; lesser wing coverts dark brown; median series dull white, with black shaft-streaks; greater series dark ashy-brown; primary coverts and quills black, first four primaries broadly banded with white; secondaries white towards base of inner web; eyebrow white; band below the eye' black; ear coverts brown; cheeks reddish-brown, streaked with black; throat and under surface white, tinged with tawny and streaked with black; under tail coverts pale cinnamon-buff; bill black; legs yellowish- olive; feet brownish. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 520 ; bill, 49 ; wing, 270; tail, 155; tarsus, 116. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — " The prevailing colour of the young in down is a light grey, with a darker marking in the shape of an oval line extending from the head to near the end of the back; dark lines also extend from the wings towards the tail " (A. J. Campbell). Nest. — None formed, the eggs being laid on the bare ground. Eggs. — Clutch two usually; inclined to oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface slightly glossy; colour pale buff, blotched all over with umber and dull slate. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch from Victoria :— (1) 58 x 39, (2) 57 x 38.5. 120 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. lincdiiuj Season. — Aii^aist to Dccu'iiilx'i'. ( ic()(jr(t iihicdl DislrUnilion. — 'J'asinniiiii ( accick'ntal) and Aus- tralia in griicral. Observationfi. — Tim iii'st record we liavc of this spct-ics in Tas- mania is contaiiuid in the proci^ctlings of the Uoyal Society, 1894-5 )'e.port. We tlusre find that a bird was obtained at Spring Bay, April, 1805, and another at Swajisea in the following July. In The Emu (vol. vii., p. 86) Mr. T. Hurst, Caulfield (Vie.), reports having seen a flock of fully 30 " feeding contentedly in a stubble paddock " some twelve miles down the west bank of the River Tamar. This was Easter, 1907. I have grav(! doubts as to the birds seen being correctly identific^d. Personally I have never met with this species in Tasmania, noi' can I ascertain any undoubted record of il, being seen by anyone else since the birds of 189;") were shot. The Stone-Plovi>r favoui's grassy plains and nphnids with out- crops of broken stonc^s, where it can hide with ease when danger threatens. T^ike all Plovers, it resorts to strange devices in its erideavours to hu'c an intruder from the vicinity of its eggs or young. Its flight, though rapid, has an appeai'ance of being laboured. It does not remain in the air for long, but soon di'ops to the ground. In disposition it is very shj'; very rarely does it allow one t© approach to within anything like close quarters. When on the ground it runs with great rapidity, and should real or imaginai-y danger threaten, rather than fly it will squat down among the stones and remain practically invisible. The colour of the young bird matches more closely the stones of their haimts than does that of the parent bird. They (the young birds) will remain crouched among the stones until almost trodden on. Stone- Plover usually move about their feeding and breeding grounds in pairs or small bands of four or six birds. Sometimes, however, at certain seasons of the year, they congregate in larger flocks. T believe that it is at night time that this bird moves from one district to another or wings its way to more southerly regions. At the approach of evening the air resounds with its loud, harsh cries. Its food consists of insects and seeds found on thi> ground among the stones of its haimts. FAMILY-CHARADRIID/E (24 species). Sub- Family —Arenariinae. TURNSTONE (Aroiana interprcs, Linn.) Mttlc {breeding plumage). — General colour of u])])ei- surface black mi.xed with chestruit; lower back and runi]» wliilie; upper tail coverts black; tail feathers bhiek, with white bases, all but BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 121 centre feathers tipped with white ; lesser wing coverts blackish ; median coverts chestiuit mottled with black ; greater covert-^ blackish, tipped witii white; primary coverts black, innermost with white tips; jjrimaries black, with white shafts; secondaries mostly white, with blackish tips; crown of the head and hind-neck white, streaked and mottled with black; " base of forehead and narrow frontal line black, followed by a band of white, which unites with a broad eyebrow, and is extended over the ear coverts " (J3. M. Gat.); lojes and cheeks white; a patch of black beneath the eye, which is connected with the sides of the neck, fore-neck, and sides of the breast, all of which are black interspersed with white; throat and abdomen white; iris hazel; bill black; legs and feet deep orange-red. Dimensions in mm.: — Ix-iigth, 200; bill, 23; wing, 154 ; tail, 57 ; tarsus, '24. Female (breeding phnnage). — C'hestmit luarkings less con- spicuous. Malt and Fentale [icintcr jiluniage). — Upper surface, including head, dusky-brown, feathers edged with ashy-brown; sides of face brown ; sides of neck light brown. Young. — Upper surface dusky-browu, feathers edged with sandy-buff ; crown of head dark brown, streaked with sand}' -buff ; lower throat, fore-neck, sides of neck, and sides of breast mottled with dusky centres to the feathers; rest of plumage very similar to adults. Nest. — According to Dr. K. B. Sharpe, the nest is constructed in a slight depression in the ground, and lined with a few dead leaves. It is generally concealed behind a l)ush, or under some broad-leaved plant or a tuft of herbage. Eggs. — Clutch foiu' ; pyriform in shape; textnie fine; surface glossy ; colour greenish-stone, boldly blotched and daubed with umber; there are also some underlying spots of purplish-grey. Dimensions in inches, as given by Dr. Sharpe : — 1.5-1.7 x 1.05-1.2. Breeding Season. — .June to ( ?). Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in geufial ; also practically the whole of the rest of the world. Observations. — The Turnstone is but an infrequent visitor to our shores during the summer months from the Polar regions, from wlience it arrives in winter or non-breeding jilumage. Writing of this species, Dr. Sharpe says: — "This handsome little Plover is by no means shy, and in autumn the young birds may be approached within easy distance of observation. I have seen them at this latter period of the year resting, at full tide, on the green herbage just beyond the high water mark in some of our southern harbours. When sitting on the shingle, however, their plumage so completely harmonizes with the surrounding stones that they are not discovered until they fly up with a sharp note. It is essentially a bird of the sea-coasts, and is -very seldom seen inland, although it is said to move across countrv in its mig^ra- 122 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. tious. The name of ' Turnstone ' is derived from its curious habit of turning over pebbles to look for tlie insects underneath, and Colonel Fielder has in his possession a slab of stone several inches square which he saw turned over by one of these birds. Edward, the I3anffshire naturalist, noticed three of them engaged upon mov- ing the body of a fish, which, as they could, not overturn it, they undermined, and were then enabled to reach the insects which were underneath the body. Mr. E. W. Nelson also says that the species feeds upon the larvae of the insects which are found upon the tens of thousands of seal carcasses strewn about the Seal Islands in North- Western America. ' The call note of the Turn- stone,' writes Mr. Seebohm, 'is a clear, loud, shrill whistle, having some resemblance to the call notes of the Golden and Grey Plovers, which may be represented by the syllable ' Ko ' or ' Keet.' It has also a double note, which may be represented by the syllables ' Kitter ' ; and not infrequently the shigle note is added, making a treble note, ' Kitter keet.' In spring, diu'ing the breeding season, it is said that these notes are often so rapidly uttered that they form a trill.' " Sub- Family — H aematopodmae. *PIED OYSTER-CATCHER {Hcematopus longirostris, Vieili.) Male. — Head, neck, back, wings, and chest sooty-black; rump, under tail coverts, and abdomen pure white; irides crimson; legs light brick colour. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 493; bill, 74; wing, 265; tail, 105; tarsus, 54. Female. — Plumage similar to male; bill longer by 15-17 nun. and more slender. Young. — Head black; neck, back, tail, wing, and chest brownish-black, the feathers margined with pale rufous ; rump and upper tail coverts white, streaked with brownish-black; breast and the rest of the under surface pure white; bill yellowish, tip black ; legs and feet flesh colour. Nest. — The only semblance of a nest is a shallow circular de- pression scratched in the sand near the sea shore. Eggs. — Clutch two; somewhat elliptical in shape ; texture some- what coarse; surface glossy; ground colour light stone-grey, spotted and blotched with umber; obscure markings of bluish-grey appear as though under the surface. Dimensions in nun. of a clutch :— (1) 64 X 41, (2) 63 x 40. Breeding Season. — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Coasts of Tasmania and several of its larger dependencies, whole of the mainland ; also New Zea- land, New Guinea, and Moluccas. Observatiou.'<. — .\bout the sea-sliore arovnul the coasts of Tas- BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 123 mania and the majority of the islands in Bass Strait, the Pied Oyster-catcher is fairly connnon, but very shy. When disturbed the bird utters a cry which, as ^Ir. A. J. Campbell tells us, has caused a southern tribe of aborigines in Western Australia to call it " Quickham," for so the alarm notes may be translated. Its flight is rapid and strong; frequently when on the wing it will utter its loud call notes, as though endeavouring to attract the attention of others of its species. As a general thing it moves in pairs, but occasionally a small flock of some half-dozen birds may be seen busily searching among the debris and stones left ex- posed by the tide for small crustaceans, molluscs, and the like. The late Sir Walter Buller wrote: — "During the nuptial season it is curious to watch the male bird paying his addresses to the mate of his choice ; elevating his back and lowering his bill till it nearly touches the ground, he struts or runs round her with a loud quivering note, no doidit expressive of his undying attach- ment ; and when there are two rival males thus performing in concentric circles before the same shrine of devotion, it is amus- ing to watch with what perfect indifference* the object of this demonstration appears to receive the attentions of her rival suitors. When once, however, her affections are secured, she appears to remain faithful to her mate, and the pair continue together, if not for life, certainly long after the breeding season, with all its cares, ha^s passed by. Even when consorting together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each pair seems to maintain its individuality ; and when at rest on the sands the party may be seen disposed in couples, at short distances apart from the rest." . SOOTY OR BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER (Hcrmatopns unicolor, Wagler). Male. — ^^Entire plumage sooty-black; iris red; round the eye is a fleshy circle of coral-red ; bill coral-red ; legs and feet coral-pink ; nails yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 470; bill, 7."); wing, 288; tail, 127; tarsus, 53. Female. — Plumage similar to male; bill longer by l.')-17 mm., and more slender. The difference in the length of the bills is the only external distinguishing mark of the sexes. Young. — Small editions of the adults. Nest. — As Mr. J. D. MaoLaine remarks, the eggs are laid among the seaweed, well above high water mark, oron the mesem- bryanthemum in the clefts of the rocks. Eggs. — Clutch two; somewhat elliptical In shape; texture fairly coarse; surface glossy; colour stone-grey, marked and spotted with irregular shaped and sized blotches of imiber and dark brown, a few markings of dull greyish appearing as though under the surface. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 66 x 42, (2) 63 X 45. 124 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. "The eggs are similar to those of the Pied Oyster-catcher, but are larger in size, darker in the ground colour, and the character of the markings as a rule is not so uniformly roundish in shape " (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — August to December. Geographical Distribution. — Coast of Tasmania, a number of islands in Bass Strait, and Australia ; also New Zealand. Observations. — This species is generally to be seen in company Vv-ith the preceding one, but there are some islets in Bass Strait where the Black Oyster-catcher is the only species seen. In its economy it is a counterpart of the Pied species. During the breeding season it moves in j^airs, at other times in small bands. Very rarely does one see it further inland than the extreme edge of the rocks, where it will allow itself to be splashed time and again by the rollers without moving out of the reach of tlic water. Even when flying from one part to another of the rocky shore of its haunts, it prefers Hying over the water to taking a short cut inshore. Its sharp cry is usually uttered when on the wing, but someti»ies when at rest, especially should danger threaten. When with eggs or young, many strange antics are performed in an endeavour to entice intruders away. In general disposition the bird is very shy. Sub- Family — Lobivanellinae. SPUR-WINGED PLOVER (Lobivanellus lobatus, Lath.) Male. — Oown of the head black, also back of the neck, and extending backwards to meet a broader band across the hind-neck as far as a black patch on the sides of the upper breast; back of the neck and rump brown, tinged with olive; sides of the rump and upper tail coverts white; tail white, with a broad band of black at the tip, the outer feathers tipped on extreme ends with white ; wing coverts like the back ; primaries, coverts, and quills black ; lores, sides of face, and ear coverts, as well as the entire under surface, white, including the under wing coverts and axillaries; bill pale yellow, tip darker; legs and feet purphsh- red; wattles yellow. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 380; bill, 34; wing, 247; tail, 104; tarsus, 7.5. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — "Collar round the neck and underneatli part white; forehead, crown of the head, rest of upper surface mottled black and brownish-grey " (A. J. Campbell). Nest. — No proper nest is constructed, but the eggs laid in a depression in the ground by the side of a swamp or the edge of marshy country; on occasions a few dead stalks are placed in the nesting hollow. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 125 Eggs. — Clutch, three td four usually; pyritorm or nearly so in shape ; texture fairly fine ; surface glossy ; colour rich warmish green, somewhat boldly marked with different shades of olive. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: — (1) 50 x 86, (2) 48 x 35, (3) 49 X 36, (4) 48 x 35.5. " Eggs show a marked tendency to correspond w itii the colouration of their environment " (Col. Legge). Breeding Scaso)i. — August to the end of the year. GeograpJticaJ Distribution. — Tasmania, several of the larger islands in Bass Strait, New South Wales, Victoria, South Aus- tralia, and Queensland. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th Jime. This fine bird mostl}' confines itself to open, swampy localities bordered by grassy uplands. Except during the immediate breeding season it moves in flocks, which vary greatly in size. On the mainland two broods are said to be reared in a season ; in all probal)iIity the same applies to Tasmania. The note of the Spur* winged Plover is a harsh cry, which grows very loud and dis- cordant when the bird is alarmed. The ordinarj'^ cry is uttered when on the wing. It moves from one feeding ground to another very often under the cover of darkness. On moonlight nights I have on many occasions heard flocks passing over Launceston, calling loudly as they flew. Sometimes one flock can be heard calling to another, which answers in quite a different key. I do not know whether they have any special time for moving ; I have heard them at all times from 9 p.m. until midnight. This Plover is a very courageous bird when there are young or eggs to be defended. Although naturally very shy, it becomes bold and daring in the extreme when real or imaginary danger threatens. In addition to feigning lame or wounded, and doing all in its power to lure the intruder away from its nest, it will boldly attack sheep- dogs and predaceous birds. Not only does it fly screaming round them, but right into their faces to turn them from its nest. It does not hesitate to attack man should occasion arise. Its food consists of insects and the like gathered from off the ground of its haunts. Sub- Family — Charadriinae. BLACK-BREASTED PLOVER (Znnifer tricolor, Vieill.) Male. — Crown of the head and nape glossy black; back brown, glossed with pui-plish-bronze ; sides of rump and upper tail coverts white; basal half of tail white, terminal half black with the extreme tips of the feathers white ; wing coverts like the back, median series tipped with white ; there is also a subterminal bar of black; greater covei'ts white; primary coverts and quills black; behind the eye a broad streak of white; cheeks and throat white, 126 BIEDS OF TASMANIA. " encircled with a broad band of black, which extends from the base of the bill, below the eye, and across the ear coverts down the sides of the neck on to the fore-neck and breast, where it widens and forms a very broad pectoral band"; rest of under surface, also under wing coverts, white; bill yellow, tipped with black; legs and feet blackish-brown; iris yellow; wattle deep red, base bright yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 285; bill, 24; wing, 200; tail, 94; tarsus, 49.5. Female.- — Plumage similar to male. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 275; bill, 22; wing, 183; tail, 85; tarsus, 44. Nestling. — "Sandy-brown, with black markings; a white collar round the hind-neck ; under surface white, with a broad black collar on the breast" (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — A slight indentation in a fallow field or open grass rim is lined with a small collection of pieces of dead herbage. Eggs. — Clutch four; pyriform in shape; texture of shell fine; surface slightly glossy ; colour light olive-stone, usually spotted and blotched all over with small markings of brown. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch :— (1) 46 x 30, (2) 44 x 31, (3) 45.5 x 31, ^4; 45 X 80. Breeding Season. — September to December. Geographical Distrihution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South and Western Australia. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. The Black-breasted Plover is more familiar to most people than the species previously discussed, as it is the one more frequently exposed for sale during the open season, and also it resorts to cultivated land in the vicinity of homesteads. Whereas the Spur- winged Plover is hardly ever found away from moreor less marshy ground, the species now under review frequents grass lands and cultivated fields impartially. In some districts at certain times of the year it is rather common, moving in fairly large flocks. It seems rather a remarkable thing that two prominent writers, when dealing with Australian ornithology, should persistently overlook the fact that this species and the previous one are found in this island. During the shooting season the Black-breasted Plover becomes very wild^ often not allowing one to approach to within gunshot. Shooters, if they can obtain a wounded bird, make it cry out; by doing this others are attracted back, when one or two shots can be obtained. It moves over the ground very fast. When feeding it will run a short distance, stop, then hurry on a little further. On several occasions I have been to within a few yards of a flock of this species, and no notice has been taken of me. Certainly, I was without a gun, on the road, and the birds feeding in a field close to the dividing fence. It resorts to many of the same devices as the previous one in order to lure intruders from its nest. It is not, however, as BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 127 courageous as the Spur-wing. Souietinies a number will nest close together in a field, for common safety, perhaps. As may be expected, its food consists of all kinds of insects and their larvae, gathered in the open country and cultivated fields. GREY PLOVER [Squatarola Jiclvetica, Linn). Male (breeding plumage). — General colour of upper surface, including scapulars and wing coverts, mottled with bars of black and ashy-white ; lower back and rump dusky-brown, spotted and fringed with white; upper tail coverts and tail white, baned with black; quills black, inner webs white; crown of the head like back, but with more black; forehead and eyebrow white, extending down the sides of the neck to the upper breast, where it forms a large patch; lores, sides of the face, ear coverts, and under surface black, except abdomen and under tail coverts, which are white; axillaries black; iris dark hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in nnn. : — Length, 263; bill, 33; wing, 201; tail, 74; tarsus, 45. Female [breeding plumage). — Similar to male, save that the upper surface is less spangled with black and the under surface less uniformly black. Male and Female (winter plumage). — Black on face and breast absent ; upper surface ashy-brown, edged with whitish ; throat and under parts white. Yoting. — Resemble adults in winter dress, but ai'e spangled with golden-buff on the upper surface ; axillaries black. Nest. — " Was a hollow, evidently scratched, perfectly round, somewhat deep, and containing a handful of broken, slender twigs and reindeer moss " (Seebohm and Harvie-Brown). The nest was situated on " one of the dry, tussocky ridges intersecting the bog." This was on the tundra in the valley of the lower Petchora, Kassia. Eggs. — Clutch four. "Intermediate in colour between those of the Lapwing and the Golden Plover, and subject to variations, some being much browner and others more olive; none quite as olive as typical Lapwings' eggs or as buff as typical ones of the Golden Plover, but the blotching is in every respect the same. The underlying spots are equally indistinct; surface spots are generally large, especially at the larger end, but occasionally very small and scattered, and sometimes taking the form of thin streaks. They vary in length from L9 to 2.2 inches, and in breadth from 1.45 inch to 1.4. Only one brood is reared in the year" (Seebohm). Breeding Season. — Messrs. Seebohm and Harvie-Brown found eggs in June and Jul}'. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, 128 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. New Guinea, South Afriea, and the Indian Peninsula, breeding in the high north in Siberia, Eussia, and Alaska. Observations. — The true home of this globe-trotting bird is within the Arctic Circle, where it breeds during the summer, wandering far southward during the winter, arriving here in small flocks during the beginning of our sunuiier. All writers on the Grey Plover state it is essentially a shore- loving bird, never venturing far inland, yet the only locality from which I have records of it for Tasmania is in the Lake district. Doubtless it also frequents the Low Head district, in company with the Lesser Golden Plover, as the country is more suitable for it. LESSER GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius dominicus, Mull.) Male (breedmg ■plumage). — Upper surface, including head, lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts, mottled with black, golden-buff, and ashy-white markings; scapulars and wing coverts with more gold and buff than back; tail feathers brown, barred with pale golden, outer ones notched with white on outer webs; frontal band and eyebrow white, extending down the sides of the neck and joining the white on the sides of the body ; sides of face, ear coverts, and throat smoky-black ; centre of fore-neck, breast, and abdomen deep black; thighs black; under, tail coverts white; axii- laries smoked-brown ; iris dark hazel ; bill black ; legs and feet lead- grey to nearly black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 260; bill, 24; wing, 170; tail, 65; tarsus, 40.5. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male, but with black on breast patchy. Male and Female {ivinter jilnmage). — Black on face and breast wanting; axillaries always smoked-brown. Young. — Resemble adults in winter plumage, but with moz-e golden on upper surface and slightly more brownish on lower. Nest. — " Merely a hollow in the ground upon a piece of tvu-fy land, overgrown with moss and lichen, and lined with broken stalks of reindeer moss " (Seebohm). Eggs. — Clutch three to four; pyriform in shape; texture fairly fine ; surface glossy ; colour varies from rich clay-brown to light stone-grey, mottled all over with blotches of black, the underlying blotches and spots being reddish-brown. Dimensions as given by Dr. Sharpe are :— 1.85-2.05 in. x 1.27-1.35 in. Breeding Season. — Similar to preceding species. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Guinea, New Zealand, many islands in the Pacific, India, and South America, breeding in the far north of the old and new worlds. Observations. — Here we have another bird whose globe-trot- ting propensities are at least as great as those of the Grey Plover. BIRDS OF TASMANIA 129 It only visits us in small flocks and in company with other species. Gould obtained specimens along the banks of the Derwent and vicinity ; he also shot it on one of the islands in Bass Strait. I have received specimens from Low Head, where small flocks were feeding in company with other birds along the sea-beach. It is also to be found about the Great Lake district. According to Mr. A. J. Campbell, this species arrives in the Australian "region " towards the end of October. What time it arrives at Low Head I am unable to definitely ascertain. I have seen it on the opposite side of the river in December. The middle to the latter end of May is the latest it has been seen at Low Head. Very often this bird is known under the name of the Asiatic Golden Plover. *DOUBLE-BANDED DOTTREL {Ochthodromus {Mgialitis) hicinctus, Jard. and Selby). Male (breeding plumage). — A broad stripe of white across the forehead, above which a band of black; rest of head and whole of upper surface pale brown ; primaries blackish-brown ; throat white, surrounded by a narrow line of black, which commences above the upper mandible and continues down the sides of the neck and across the chest in a broad band ; across and down the centre of the abdomen a broad band of bright chestnut ; rest of under sur- face white; tw^o central tail feathers greyish-brown, next paler, outside ones white; bill yellowish, tipped with black. "Dimen- sions:— Length, 6J in.; bill, |; wing, 4f ; tail, '2|; tarsus, Is" (Gould). Female (breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female (winter plumage). — The chestnut band be- comes considerably reduced, but does not altogether disappear. Young. — " Upper parts diffused with rust-red, each feather having a narrow margin of that colour; forehead, throat, and under parts white, with a slight tinge of rufous; a broad aone of dark mottled grey encircles the fore-neck, but there is no indica- tion of the pectoral band of chestnut " (W. Buller). Young "in down resemble little brownish puffs, being of a bright sandy -yellow, mottled with dark brown on the upper sur- face, changing to yellowish-white on the under parts " (A. J. Campbell). Nest. — None formed, eggs being laid in a slight hollow. Eggs. — "Clutch three; inclined to pyriform in shape; texture of shell fine and thin ; surface without gloss ; colour of a greenish tinge, or light green stone (but sometimes greyish-stone), spotted and fancifully streaked fairly over with sepia or black. In some specimens the markings form patches about the obtuse end. Dimensions in inches:— 1.4 x .98, (2) 1.37 x 1.0" (A. J. Campbell). 10 130 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Breeding Season. — According to the late Sir W. Buller, August to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and several of its de- pendencies, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and several other islands in the Pacific. Observations. — So far as I am aware the eggs of this species have not yet been found either in Tasmania or Australia, its breeding stronghold being New Zealand. Gould obsei-\'ed large numbers in the vicinity of George Tow^n during the month of May ; they were on migration. The late Mr. Ronald Gunn stated that the species was plentifully dispersed along the northern shores of the island. Colonel Legge is of opinion that the Double-banded Dottrel breeds on some of the islands in Bass Strait. This may be so, but, taking into consideration the attention that the various groups have received during the past few years, it is strange that if the bird really does breed on any of them its eggs have not been found. The late Sir W. Buller, the well-known authority on New Zealand birds, says : — "In location of the nest itself there is very little attempt at concealment, the bird apparently trusting more for protection to the assimilation of colouring ; but after the young are hatched out the old birds (and particularly the female) mani- fest considerable sohcitude for the safety of their offspring, and feign lameness or a damaged wing for alluring intruders away — a device which very often succeeds. The young bird runs the moment it quits the shell, and is not slow to second its parent in the art of self-preservation. Its sandy colour makes it almost indistinguishable when squatting on the ground, and it has the instinct to remain perfectly motionless the moment it hears the note of alarm, even allowing itself to be handled without betraying a sign of vitality." The following interesting note was forwarded by ]\Ir. H. Stuart Dove: — " On the afternoon of 16th July, 1909, which was warm and sunny, about 30 of this species were feeding in a swampy paddock at East Devonport. The flock was wary, and would not allow me near enough to make out the bands; but it is my own opinion, and that of a distinguished ornithologist to whom I refeiTed the matter, that the party was of this species. As the conspicuous black band pales to ashy-brown in winter, it is not remarkable that this was not to be made out at a distance without glasses, and the chestnut band would not be very conspicuous either under these conditions. Upper surface appeared brownish, under surface white, with whitish patch at rump when on wing. The wings were somewhat curv^ed, and a pretty effect was produced when they all wheeled together before alighting. This species is not infrequent along East Devonport sands." Under date of 6th December he again writes: — "It may interest you to know that I have seen the Double-banded Dottrel several times this spring on our beaches, although it is supposed to go to southern New BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 131 Zealand to breed. A pair was observed on 15th September, and on 30th October two pairs were seen, in company with the Ked- capped sj)ecies, which is always here." *RED-CAPPED DOTTREL {/EtjtaUtis ruficapilla, Temm.) Male. — Crown of the head and back of "the neck rich rusty -red; between the forehead and the crown of the head is a crescent- shaped line of black; a line of the same colour extends from the corner of the mouth to the ej'es, and down the sides of the head ; upper surface and wings light brown, each feather tipped with yellowish ; four central tail feathers dark brown, remainder white; primaries blackish-brown, with edges of outer webs white, forehead and under surface white ; irides brown ; bill black ; legs and feet blackish. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 158; bill, 15; wing, 103; tail, 10; tarsus, 25. Female. — Similar to male, save that the rusty-red colour is pale. Nest. — A slight depression in the sand a little distance above high water mark, occasionally ornamented with a few pieces of seaweed, but at oth3r times quite plain. Eggs. — Clutch two, pyriform in shape; texture fine; surface without gloss ; colour usually stone, blotched and spotted with dark brown and sepia. Dimensions in mm. of a selected clutch from the mouth of the Tamar :— (1) 30 x 23, (2) 28 x 22. Breeding Season.- — September to October or January. Geographical Distrihution. — Tasmania, King Island, the whole of Australia, also New Guinea. Observatiojfis. — The Red-capped Dottrel is, perhaps, the most plentiful of the Dottrels, or Sand-Plovers, to be seen round our coasts. It is in addition the smallest species. It does not congre- gate in flocks as large as some of the other species. A note on this species, taken while on a visit to Kelso, at the mouth of the Tamar, may not be without interest: — "The first birds to attract my attention were Red-capped Dottrels. These pretty Uttle birds were very numerous on all sides, some busily fishing in the shallow pools ; in one small pool nearly a dozen were counted; some engaged in play, mimic combats, and running hither and thither in sheer exuberance of spirits ; others resting on the dry sand ; others, again, flying on rapid wing from one part of the beach to another. The rapidity with which they run is surprising; one can hardly follow their slim little legs as they twinkle over the sand. The flight is very rapid, and generally not far from the surface of the water or the ground. Both when on the wing and on the ground they utter their sharp little cry. These birds have a curious habit, the same as I have noticed in the Silver Gulls — i.e., of now and then running sideways for some 132 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. yards as though blown by a strong breeze — no satisfactory explana- tion for which is forthconnng from observation. From the intentness with which the parties in the pools were fishing, sub* stantial results must have been crowning their efforts. Many were engaged in turning over dead ' sea-urchins ' and scraps of sea- weed scattered about. Turning my glasses inshore, my attention was arrested by the suspicious movements of one of these birds; it ran down the beach to a pool, pottered round for some time as though unable to decide on its next movements, then ran slowly up the beach, dodging among the piled-up heaps of kelp, until at last it arrived at a spot a little distan'ce above high water mark, then, apparently satisfied that the coast was clear, squatted on the sand. After keeping the spot under observation for some little time, I walked slowly up to where the bird appeared to have stopped — it, of course, had fled at my first movement — but could find no semblance of a nest. After searching round for some Uttle time I slowly retraced my steps, examining carefully every foot of the ground ; not many yards had been traversed before I suddenly espied, right at my feet, a pair of the prettily marked eggs of this species lying on a shallow depression in the bare sand. The nesting hollow was not more than the size of a crown piece, and quite destitute of fining save for a few broken scraps of grass-roots lying against one side. The nest was some three or four yards above high water mark. Subsequently I watched another bird sneak above high water mark, come to a standstill, and squat down. But owing to its distance from where I lay concealed, and the similarity of the surroundings, I was unable to locate the exact spot . ' ' BLACK-FEONTED DOTTREL (I'Egialitis melanops, Vieill.) Male. — Forehead, a stripe commencing at the eye, passing over the ear coverts and round the back of the neck, and a broad band across the chest extending a short distance downwards black; a stripe of white passes over each eye and continues round the back of die neck, separating the black band from the crown; crown, back, and middle of the wings brown; shoulders deep chestnut; tips of greater wing coverts white, forming an obscure band across the wing; primaries black ; whole of the under surface, save for the black band, white; two middle tail feathers brown, tipped with black; next three on each side white at the base, passing into blackish-brown tipped with white; remainder entirely white; bill orange, tipped with black. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 164; bill, 15; wing, 106; tail, 56; tarsus, 25. Female. — Similar to male. JS-cst. — Merely a slight hollow in a river bed or on a sandy ridge. Eggs. — Clutch three; pyriform in shape ; texture fine; surface without gloss; colour light stone, marked all ever with fine spots NEST AND EC;GS OF KED-CAPI'KD DOTTP.EL. Photo, bu H. C. Thompson. NEST AND EGG OF HOODED DOTTREL. Photo, by H. C. Thompson. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 133 and lines, chiefly of umber. ])iniensions in nan. of odd examples : —(1) 29 X 20, (2) 28.5 x 21. Breeding Season. — August to the end of the year. Geographical DistribHtio}i. — Tasmania (accidental) and Aus- tralia in general. Observations. — The first record, so far as I am aware, of this species being found in Tasmania was by ^Ir. W . L. May, of Sandford, in 1896, who shot a specimen. As to whether this species has succeeded in establishing itself here I do not know. Personally I have never met with it in the flesh. I'nlike other Dottrels, the ]31ack-fronted species does not frequents the exposed sea-beaches, but prefers the shores of inland lagoons and lakes. *HOODED DOTTREL (JEgiaUiis cucidJafa, Vieill.) Male. — Head, fore-neck, and a band across the upper part of the back sooty-black ; back of the neck and under surface white ; back and shoulders greyish-brown; centre of the wing white, rest black ; two middle tail feathers black ; the next three on each side white at the base and tip, black in the centre; remainder of feathers white ; bill orange, tipped with black. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 206; bill, 19; wing, 130; tail, 63; tarsus, 25. Female. — Resembles the male save that the head is mottled with white. Young. — Crown of the head, back, and upper tail coverts light grey, each feather being narrowly margined with black; semi- circular band of black on nape of neck; neck, throat, and whole of under surface white; primaries black; secondaries black, narrowly tipped and margined with white; bill black. Nest. — Just above high water mark a slight circular dejDression is made in the sand, in which are sometimes placed a few scraps of seaweed. Eggs. — Clutch two to three; somewhat pyriform in shape; texture fine; surface without gloss; ground colour soft stone-grey, spotted and marked all over with irregularly shaped marks of blackish-brown. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: — (1) 38 x 26.5, (2) 37 X 27, (3) 38 x 26.5. Breeding Season. — September to January. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, some of the larger Bass Strait islands, New South Wales, South and Western Australia, and South Queensland. Observations. — The Hooded Dottrel is plentiful practically everywhere round the coasts of Tasmania. Being very graceful in all its movements, it is very pretty to watch it running over the sands with short, quick steps. When running very fast its legs fairly twinkle, if one may be pardoned for using the term. It is very entertaining to watch a small band feeding at low water 134 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. when the tide is just on the turn. As the waves retreat the birds run down as far as they can and hunt about in the wet sand witii great energy. As the waves come tumbling shorewards back the birds scurry as fast as their legs will carry them, only to hurry down the sandy beach again in the wake of the retreating breakers. Unless hard pressed this bird does not take readily to flight, preferring to trust to its legs to carry it out of danger. Sub- Family — H imantopodinae. *WHITE-HEADED STILT (Hiniautopus leiicoce-pliahis, Gould). Male. — Back of the neck, back, and wings glossy greenish- black ; rest of plumage pure white ; bill black ; legs flesh colour. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 370; bill, 56; wing, 223; tail, 77; tarsus, 105. Fc))iale. — Similar to male. Young. — Crown of the head, back, wings, and tail dull black, tinged with brown; under surface pure white. Nest. — Constructed of grass, twigs, and aquatic herbage, and placed some inches above the water in a shallow swamp. Eggs.- — Clutch four; pyriform in shape; texture of shell fine; surface fairly lustrous; colour j'ellowish-olive, heavily marked with sepia and dull greyish-black. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch :— (1) 44 x 29, (2) 43 x 28," (3) 44 x 30, (4) 43.5 x 29. Breeding Season. — Erratic. According to Mr. A. J. Campbell, August or September, or even as late as April or May. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general; also New Guinea and Moluccas. Observations. — The first notice of this species being found in Tasmania was a communication to the Tasmanian Eoyal Society, July, 1852, when it was reported that a specimen had been shot at South Arm in April of that year. Its appearance in certain localities depends greatly upon chmatic conditions. During a wet season, when there is an abundance of water in swamps and lagoons, it is sure to be found in greater or lesser numbers. The White-headed Stilt is very graceful in all its actions ; but for its delicate proportions its long legs would appear incongruous. It associates in small flocks along the maigins of inland swamps and lagoons, where its long legs are of great use in allowing it to wade among the aquatic plants and search for its food. The late Sir Walter Buller says of this species: — " Notwitli- standing the extraordinary length of its legs, this bird is most graceful in all its movements; it is a very prcttj' sight to watch a flock of them on the edges of a lagoon stalking about in the BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 135 shallow water in search of their food, which consists of aquatic insects and small molluscs, and displaying their well-balanced bodies in a variety of artistic attitudes. When on the wing the legs are trailed behind with a slight swaying motion, as if to preserve the equipose, and the bird utters a sharp, quick-repeated note like the yelping of a small cm-." *BANDED STILT {Cladorhynchus leucocephalus, Vieill.) Male. — Whole of the upper surface, including head, neck, and tail, white; chest crossed by a broad band of chestnut; wings and centre of abdomen black; bill black; legs flesh colour ("red" — Gould; "yellowish" — A. J. Campbell). Diniensions in mm.: — Length, -139; bill, 72; wing, 198; tail, 90; tarsus, 82. Fonale. — Similar to male. Young. — "Entirely white below" (R. Hall). Nest. — None formed, the eggs being laid on the bare ground usually, or should a slight depression be formed it is ornamented with a few scraps of herbage. Eggs. — Clutch four; incUned to pyriform in shape; texture fine; surface slightly glossy; colour rich olive-stone, marked and blotched with sepia and umber. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :— (1) 45 x 30, (2) 42 x 29.5. Breeding Season. — According to Mr. A. J. Campbell, between the months of April and November in the interior. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South, Western, and North-West Australia. Observations. — In certain favourable localities it may be seen in small numbers in company with other waterfowl wading about in the mud at the mouths of estuaries, in swamps and lagoons. It does not visit us until near the end of the year, and again departs, after a short stay of a few mouths, for the interior of the mainland. As may be expected from the nature of its haunts, its food consists of all manner of molluscs and insects gathered in and about the lagoons and mud-flats it frequents. Its note may best be described as somewhat similar in sound to the barking of a pup. *RED-NECKED AVOCET (Recurvirostra novcB-hollandice, Vieill.) Male. — Head and upper part of the neck chestnut; middle of the wings, primaries, and part of the shoulder feathers black ; rest of the plumage white. " Length, 18^ in. ; bill, 3| ; wing, 8f ; tail, 3^; tarsus, 3i " (Gould). Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — The eggs are laid on the baregroimd, usually near water. Eggs. — "Clutch four; long oval in shape; texture of shell 136 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. somewhat coarse ; surface lustreless ; colour a shade of deep stoue, or stone colour with an olive tinge, moderately marked over the surface with blotches and large spots, mostly roundish in form, of dark brown ; also some duller markings of a slaty-chocolate appear under the shell's surface. Dimensions in inches of a clutch: — (1) 2.04 x 1.34, (2) 2.03 x 1.4, (3) 1.92 x 1.28" (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Seasoii.- — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general; also New Zealand. Observations. — This species cannot be said to be a regular visitor to our shores, and when it does come it is in small numbers only. In appearance it greatly resembles a Stilt, but its bill is very much upturned. The Avocet frequents the shores of lakes and estuaries. Speaking of the European representative of this species, Mr. Seebohm says: — " Like the Stilt, the Avocet haunts the margins of the water, running daintily along the wet, shining sands, or exploring the black inud-banks in the shallow lakes. It is not particularly shy, but if alarmed will mount into the air, its long legs stretching behind in a line with its bill, and fly round and round, uttering its alarm note, which resembles the syllables 'Tut, tut, tu-it, tu-it.' If one of the birds is wounded its com- panions fly round overhead, incessantly uttering their notes, as if bewailing its fate. At all seasons of the year the Avocet is sociable, and may be observed in large or small parties. It is a very beautiful sight to watch a party of these birds, when their nesting grounds are invaded, daintily run along before ypu, their brilliant plumage contrasting strongly with the mud or sand. The food of the Avocet is captured principally on the mud and in marshy places. It is chiefly composed of womis, small crusta- ceans, and vast quantities of aquatic insects. Their prey is searched for as the bird moves its long, slender bill from side to side across the surface of the sand or mud, or in the shallows. The Avocet never appears to probe in the soft ground with its bill, but always uses it in a side direction. A small quantity of gravel is swallowed to aid digestion. Sometimes the bird captures the little gnats and other insects as they flutter over the water, or flit by on the land." Sub-Family — Totaninae. *CUKLEW (Xunienius cyaiiopus, Yieill.i Male. — The whole of the upper and lo\\er surfaces are varying shades of brown and greyish-buff, heavily striated with dark brown; legs bluish lead colour. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 530; bill, 177; wing, 305; tail, 110; tarsus, 83. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 137 Female. — Similar in plumage to male. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 600; bill, 188; wing, 315; tail, 118; tarsus, 81). Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding Season . — Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, King Island, and doubt- less other of the lai'ger islands in Bass Strait ; Australia in general, New Zealand, New Guinea; migrating to Eastern Siberia, where it breeds. Observations. — The Curlew Is a fairly familiar bird about the mouth of the Tamar and various other localities on the North, North-East, and North-West Coasts towards the latter end of the year, arriving in September. 1 cannot speak with any degree of certainty concerning the Southern Coast. A note of mine made one December at the mouth of the Tamar reads: — " Away on a small bank by the edge of the water was a long-billed, long-legged bird whose identity puzzled me for some short while», but when at last it flew to join some companions, befoie unnoticed on the edge of a channel slightly to my left, 1 found the party to consist of Curlews. With slow and stately walk they marched about, searching the shallow pools with long, inquiring bills for their breakfast. I noticed that when on the wing the neck is sometimes constricted after the manner of the White-fronted Heron (Noto- phoyx novce-hollandicB)." In common with other migratory species, the Curlew at the approach of autunni wings its wa}' to Siberia, where spring is fast approaching, and there breeds. Gould was of opinion it would be found breeding in the highlands of Tasmania, but, as is well known, such is not the case. Some years a few individuals remain all the winter, they being, in all probability; non-breeding birds. *WHIMBREL (Nunieniim variegatus, Salvad.) Male {breeding plumage). — Upper surface nearly uniform dark brown ; feathers of mantle and upper back marked with ashy- brown ; lower back and rump very thickly mottled with bars and spots of brown; tail ashy-brown, tipped with white and crossed by regular bars of dark brown ; wing coverts like the back ; primaries blackish-brown, notched with white on inner webs; secondaries brown, with white marks on both webs ; centre of crown streaked with brown, remainder of crown dark brown, form- ing two broad bands; sides of face and neck pale brown, with darker streaks; chin and upper throat white, sparsely spotted with brown; lower throat, breast, and sides of body pale reddish-buff, streaked with dark brown ; abdomen and under tail coverts white, the latter with brown marks; axillaries white, with broad and numerous bands of brown ; iris dark brown ; bill blackish ; legs and 138 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. feet deep lead colour. Dimeusions in mm.: — Length, 385; bill, 75; wing, 225; tail, 95; tarsus, 54. Female (breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female (winter plumage). — Lower back perfectly white ; under surface less distinctly streaked ; otherwise similar to summer 2:)lumage. Young. — Upper surface much mottled, the feathers spotted on both webs with whitish or pale reddish buft ; under surface practi- cally similar to adults. Ne'st and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding Season. — Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Guinea, through the Malay Archipelago to Japan and Eastern Siberia. Observations. — So far as my observations go, this species is a somewhat Kare visitor to our shores. When it does straggle down here it is with the other migratory waders, in whose company it may be seen; its food and general habits are also very similar. The Australian Whimbrel is very closely allied to the species found in Em'ope — in fact, some authorities go so far as to consider them one and the same. In general appearance this bird is very similar to the Curlew, but smaller. *BAREED-ilUMPED GODWIT (Lim,osa novce-zealandice, Gray). Male (breeding plumage). — Upper surface blackish, mottled with pale rufous and cinnamon; lower back and rump dusky, feathers with white edges ; tail feathers greyish-brown, barred and tipped with white ; wing coverts dark brown, feathers edged with white and some tinged with chestnut ; primary coverts and quills blackish, primaries lighter brown on inner webs; secondaries edged with white and with subterminal white mark on inner webs ; crown of head chestnut, streaked with black ; eyebrow chestnut ; lores and side of face chestnut, the former spotted with black; under surface chestnut, streaked with black on upper breast; under wing coverts thickly mottled with dusky bases to the feathers ; axillaries distinctly barred with dusky-brown ; iris brown ; bill, tip blackish, base reddish; feet blackish-brown. Dimensions in nun. :— Length, 376; bill, 86; wing, 224; tail, 74; tarsus, 55. Female (breeding plumage). — Similar to male, but less dis- tincth" marked. Male and Female (winter plumage). — Upper part of back rusty- brown, mottled with white; lower back greyish-white, varied with brown ; rump and upper tail coverts barred with brown ; tail feathers brown, barred and tipped with white ; wing coverts brown, more or less tipped with white ; primaries brown ; secondaries light rust-brown ; crown and sides of the face dusky-brown ; throat BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 139 white; breast and sides of tlie body cieaiii} -white, tinged with grey; abdomen and under tail coverts white. Young. — Resemble adults in winter plumage, but more reddish on botli upper and under surfaces; tail distinctly barred with dusky-brown and butty-wiiite. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding Seaso)i. — Unknown. (Jcograpliical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Zealand, the other Oceanic islands, the Malayan Archipelago, up through China and Japan to Eastern Siberia. Obscrvdtious. — This species is the Eastern representative of the Bar-tailed Godwit (L. Jimosa) of Europe. The two species breed in almost but not quite the same regions. The European bird nests principall}' in Finland and Lapland, only going as far east as the Yenesei Valley, while the Australian species favours chietiy the eastern portion of Siberia. It is generally considered that the Taimyr Peninsula forms the dividing line between the two species. Their general habits are to all intents similar. The vicinity of the sea-shore, and on the sand-banks and mud-riats, are the favourite haunts of the Barred-rumped Godwit. In addition to these places it is not infrequently found on flooded lands, swamps, and lagoons. On occasions it congregates in fairly large flocks, and keeps company with other species of shore-loving and wading birds. It is a shy species, very difiicult to approach. Although it freely mixes with other birds when feeding, yet when disturbed it separates from them and flies only in company with its own species. On the mainland when plentiful it is shot for the market. Although the nest and eggs of this species have not yet been discovered it is thought there is every probabilitv' that they are verv similar to those of the Bar-tailed Godwit. *CO]\IMON SANDPIPER (Tringoidcs liypoleucus, liinn.) Male (breeding plumage). — Upper surface bronzy-brown, with central arrow-shaped markings of black, fonning bars on the scapulars and inner secondaries; tail feathers bronzj'-brown, barred with blackish-brown and tipped with white ; wing coverts like the back, but regularly barred with blackish; greater coverts broadly tipped with white ; primary coverts and quills brown, glossed with olive ; the secondaries are tipped with white, and have broad white bases; head and neck bronzy-brown, with blackish-brown shaft-streaks; cheeks and imder surface white, streaked with brownish ; sides of chest and upper breast brown ; axillaries white ; iris brown ; bill blackish : feet greyish-green. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 200; bill, 27; wing, 103; tail, 50; tarsus, 24. 140 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Fc)}}(dc [brcc(U)i(/ pluniagc). — Similar to male, but less heavily marked, Male and Female {ivinter -plumage). — Upper surface almost uuiforni bronzy-olive, without central black marks to feathers; under surface less distinctly streaked. Yoinig. — Upper surface with cross bai-s of reddish-buff and dusky-brown, giving the upper surface a freckled appearance; under surface almost uniform, scarcely streaked. Nest. — " A mere hole lined with dry grass and moss, or without lining; situated among herbage upon the banks of a stream, in a gravel bed among pebbles, in irregularities upon the surface of a bare rock (Buller)" (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — " Generally four in number, varying in colour from pale claj'-colour to greenish- white, with chocolate-brown spots and blotches, as a rule equally distributed, but sometimes more thickly round the larger end, the underlying spots purplish-grey. Axis 1.3-1.6, diameter 0.95-1.05" (R. B. Sharpe). Breeding Season. — i\lay and June. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Guinea, Africa, India; also throughout temperate Europe and Asia, where it breeds. Observations. — Like a number of other species the Common Sandpiper, or, as it is called in England, the Summer Snipe, only visits us during the northern winter, arriving here with the other migratory wading birds and departing at or about the same time. Not only does it frequent the sea-shore and the mouths of rivers and estuaries, but also the margins of inland lakes. The Sand- piper almost invariably moves about singly, but on occasions as many as half a dozen may be seen feeding and flitting from place to place in company. I have seen this on the North-West Coast. Its food consists of insects of various descriptions and Crustacea gathered from out of the water and under the pebbles of its haunts. " Shortly after their arrival at their breeding grounds the males are xevy demonstrative and excessively nois}'. In early summer they may often be seen running along the rough stone walls near the water, with drooping wings, as if displaying their charms to the females crouching amongst the herbage below. At this season the cock birds sometimes soar into the air and vitter a short trill, as is the case with most other waders" (Seebohm). *GREENSHANK (Glottis ncbularins, Gunnel'). Male (hreeding plumage). — Upper sui-face ruddy-brown, with black centres to the feathers; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts white ; two central tail feathers ashy-grey, remainder of tail feathers white barred with blackish ; head and neck streaked with BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 141 black ; under surface white ; lower throat, i'ore-ueck, and chest spotted with black ; bill blaekish-brown ; legs and feet yellowish- grey. Dimensions in nun.: — Length, 305; bill, o'2; wing, VJ'6; tail, 76; tarsus, 55. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to nuile. Male and Female {ivinter ylumage). — Upper surface ashy- brown, with whitish fringes to the feathers; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts ^\•hite ; tail feathers wiiite, barred with brown; wing coverts brownish, fringed with white; secondaries ashy- brown, fringed with white; crown and hind-neck greyish-brown, feathers edged with white ; forehead, lores, and sides of face pure white ; sides of neck streaked with ashj^-brown ; under surface white ; sides of upper breast freckled with brown ; axillaries white ; iris dark brown ; bill, legs, and feet light slate colour. Nest. — " Sometimes built in a tuft of grass, or concealed amongst the heath and short herbage; it is, according to ]Mr. Seebohm, very slight, being a mere depression in the ground, lined with a few bits of dry grass or withered leaves" (R. B. Sharpe). Eggs. — Clutch four; pyrifomi in shape; texture fine; surface glossy. According to Dr. Sharpe, the ground colour varies from creamy-buff to deep clay-brown ; spotted and blotched with deep chestnut and purplish grey, especially about the stouter end. Dimensions in mm. vary from 42 to 51 by 31 to 34. Breeding Season. — May and June. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, Africa, India, China; migrating to Northern Europe generally, and parts of Northern Asia, where it breeds. Observations. — To the late Mr. Tom Carr belongs the honour of being the first to record the Greenshank for Tasmania. This specimen w'as shot down the Tainar in 1892. My first introduction to this species was in 1904, when staying at Kelso, at the mouth of the Tamar. 1 there recorded: — " Not far away, and sometimes mingling with the Dottrels, were a number of Greenshanks. Their behaviour was a marked contrast to that of the Dottrels ; for, while the latter birds were all hurrj' and skurry, the Greenshanks took matters very calmly. While some fished in the pools and along their edges, thrusting their long bills into the mud, others slept or preened their feathers. Now and then a small party would leisurely take flight to another and more distant part of the beach. All the while I had the birds under observation there was constant movement, much coming and going. Altogether there must have been some twenty indi- viduals of this species scattered over different parts of the beach. What made their presence all the more interesting was the fact that the species is but an irregular visitor to our shores, there being but few records of previous visits." U2 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Sub- Family — Scolopacinae. *LITTLE STINT (Hed-necked Stint) [Limonites ruficolUs, Pallas). Mule and Feviale [icDitcr plumage). — Forehead and above the lores white; crown of the head and back ashy-brown, with dark shaft-streaks to the feathers; lower back, rump, and uj^per tail coverts blackish-brown ; sides of lower back and upper tail coverts white; tail feathers smoky-brown; wing coverts rather dark brown, the greater coverts tipped with white ; primary coverts blackish- brown, tips edged with white; quills dark brown, with white shafts; secondaries dark brown, tips fringed with white, also base of inner web white ; lores dusky-brown ; ear coverts light brown ; cheeks, throat, and under surface white; sides of neck brownish; under wing coverts white; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 147; bill, 17; wing, 95; tail, 41; tarsus, 19. Male {summer plumage). — " Much more mottled on the upper surface than in winter, the centres of the feathers being blackish and the whole of the upper parts overspread with a brighter chestnut colour, with which the feathers are broadly margined; the crown is blackish, washed with rufous and mottled with grey margins ; the forehead and eyebrows are shaded with bright rufous, and this colour occupies the whole of the sides of the face, sides of neck, throat, and chest, the chin being whitish ; bill and feet black; iris nearly black" (B. M. Cat.) Female (su7nmer pluTnage). — Practically similar to that of the male, but slightly less rufous. Young. — Upper surface blackish, edged with rufous; hind-neck ashy ; scapular feathers edged with whitish ; fore-neck and chest tinged with buff. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding Season. — Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Guinea, and the IMalay Archipelago; migrating to Burma, China, Japan, and Eastern Siberia. Observations. — The home of this little Sandpiper is Eastern Siberia, where it is supposed to breed. By some writers this species is known as the Ked-necked Stint, to distinguish it from another species, also called the Little Stint, which breeds in Northern Europe and winters in Japan and Ceylon. The favourite haunts of the species that visits our shores during the summer are brackish lagoons, arms of the sea, and the shores of rivers flowing into the ocean. In such places it feeds on all manner of marine insects and Crustacea. The Little Stint never visits us in any numbers, as it does Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia. During December, 1909, Mr. 11. Stuart Dove observed individuals of this species on the West Devonport beach. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. U3 *SHARP-TAILED STIXT (I\Iarsii Stint) (Hcteropygia acuininaia, Horsf.) Male {breeding plumage). — Crowu of the head bright sand^'- rufous, streaked with IJack; lores and eyebrow white, streaked with blackish ; back and shoulders sandy-rufous, streaked with black; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts dusky-black; tail feathers ashy-brown, fringed with white; lesser wing coverts dull brown; greater coverts dusky-brown, tipped with white; primary coverts blackish, inner tipped with white; quills brown, shafts white for the most part ; secondaries with narrow whitish fringe near the tips ; sides of the face white streaked with dusky ; ear coverts tinged with rufous ; under surface white, with a tinge of rufous, spotted minutely with blackish on the throat, fore-neck, and chest ; sides of the body distinctly- spotted ; under wing coverts white; bill blackish-brown; legs and feet olive-greenish. Dimen- sions in mm. : — Length, 175 ; bill, 27 ; wing, 136 ; tail, 51 ; tarsus, 30. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female {ivinter plumage). — Head very slightly tinged with rufous ; upper surface almost, uniform brownish ; under surface white, with the lower throat and chest ashj'-fulvous, sparsely streaked with blackish; flanks slightly washed with brown. Young. — Crown of the head distinctly rufous, streaked with black; back almost black, intermixed with rufous, many of the feathers having whitish edges ; wing coverts broadly margined with sandy-rufous; quills brown; under surface mostly white, tinged with buff to sandy-buff in parts; feathers on the lower throat, sides of neck, and sides of breast with black shaft-streaks. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding /Season. —Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general. New Zealand, New Guinea, j\Ialay Archipelago; migrating through China and Japan to Eastern Siberia f*nd Alaska, where it is thought to breed. Observations. — Some years the Marsh Stint or Tringa is fairly plentiful in different parts in the northern half of the island, at least. It is nomadic in its habits during the short time it is with us. During March, 1909, a large flock suddenly appeared on the marshes in the Bracknell district, where they had never before been seen. After remaining a few days the flock disappeared as suddenly as it had come. On several occasions small flocks have been noted on the Town Point reclamation area at Launceston. Mr. H. Stuart Dove informs me that on 27th October, 1909, he saw a party of five feeding on the mud-flats close to Launceston. Early in December in the same year the same observer saw a party of eight individuals of this species on the beach at West Devonport. Marshy districts and the edges of streams are frequented by Ui BIRDS OF TASMANIA. this species ; it may also be seen in small flocks hunting along the ocean beaches. Aquatic insects and their larvae, also other insects, constitute its principal food. ^CURLEW STINT {Ancylocliilus subarquatus, Gmelin). Male [siumner pluniage). — Upper surface deep brown to dark reddish-brown, with black centres and whitish edges to the feathers; lower back dull greyish-brown; sides of lower back and upper tail coverts white, the latter tinged with rufous, with a few black bars; tail feathers ashy-brown, fringed with white; wing coverts dark brown, the latter tipped with white ; primary coverts and quills dark brown, the brown fringed with white ; the second- aries fringed with white ; under surface rich chestnut, the feathers more or less edged with white; sides of body and flanks white, sparselv barred with black; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm."^:— Length, 190; bill, 33; wing, 132; tail, 49; tarsus, 29. Fetnale {sur^mer plumage). — Similar to male, but not so richly coloured. Male and Female {winter pluniage). — Upper surface and wing coverts ashy-brown, slightly mottled with blackish ; rump and upper tail coverts white ; tail feathers ashy-brown, fringed with white, and a subterixiinal bar of blackish; quills blackish-brown; under surface white, with fine markings of dusky-brown on sides of face and neck, also on lower throat and fore-neck. Young. — " Similar in general colour to the winter plumage of the adult, and distinguished by the absence of rufous colour in the plumage of the upper surface ; on the under surface the streaks on the fore-neck are almost obsolete, and a fulvescent shade over- spreads the fore-neck and chest, in some specimens even extending to the breast itself " (B. M. Cat.) Nest, Egg, and Breeding Season. — Unknown. Geographical Distribiition. — Tasmania, Australia in general. New Guinea, Africa, India, and so northwards to the iVrctic regions, where it is supposed to breed. Observations. — But few individuals of this species visit our shores in company with other birds of northern breeding species. Mud-banks and shingly beaches of rivers and estuaries are the favourite haunts of the Curlew Stint. In such localities little parties may be seen feeding in company, when the tide is out, on the edges of the shallow pools left by the receding waters, while others are busily engaged in procuring food on the mud-flats. " This fine Stint, though it is fond of frequenting sand-banks and fore-shores left bare by the tide, is frequently found on salt- marshes near the lagoons and estuaries on which it has taken up its winter abode; and I have seen a little flock on dry, rising ground, a few hundred yards away from the water's edge. It BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 145 associates in Ceylon with the Long-toed Stint and tlie Little Stint, but when found in such company is generalU single or in a small troop of three or four. When collected in small flocks of six to two dozen or more, it is almost always accompanied by other species, and feeds gregariously in close company, the whole walking nimbly about as they pick up their food. It does not run about as much as its smaller relatives, feeding more after the manner of a Sandpiper than a Stint " (Col. Legge). SNIPE {Gallinago australis. Lath.} Male. — Crown of the head brownish-black, with a median line of buff; back dark brownish-black; four central tail feathers blackish-brown, tipped with white ; lateral feathers barred with dark and lighter brown, also tipped with white; scapulars mottled with deep sandy-buff, the feathers margined with pale buff; wing coverts dark brown, tipped with pale buff; quills dark brown, tips fringed with white ; sides of the neck, breast, and flanks washed with pale reddish-brown and mottled with spots of deep brown — on the tlanks the spots become bars; centre of the abdomen white ; under tail coverts buff, barred with dark brown. Dimen- sions in mm. : — Length, 292 ; bill, 67 ; wing, 169 ; tail, 65 ; tarsus, 46. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — " On the ground amongst the grass of marshy uplands " (A, J. Campbell). Eggs. — " Clutch four; pyriform, or pear-shaped; texture of shell comparatively fine ; surface glossy ; colour warm stone-grey, boldly blotched and spotted, especially round the upper quarter, with rich umber and dull or cloudy pui-plish-brown ; some of the heavier markings have the appearance of having been wiped on with a brush. Somewhat large compared with the size of the bird, and, except for their larger size, come nearest in likeness to those of the Turnstone {Arenaria interpres). Dimensions of a clutch in inches:— (1) 1.77 x 1.2, (2) 1.73 x 1.22, (3) 1.71 x 1.22, (4) 1.7 x 1.21" (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — The eggs described by Mr. Campbell were obtained for him in Japan in May, so we m.ay infer that that month and June constitute the chief breeding months. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Zealand (accidental) ; migrating to Japan to breed, via Formosa and intermediate localities. Observations. — Although during the time the Snipe is in Tas- mania it is scattered over a wide area, in no locality is it anything approaching plentiful. In Widowson's "Present State of Van Diemen's Land," written somewhere about 1830, it is stated that " Snipe are found in great abundance from September to March in the lakes and wet 11 146 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. valleys. They are precisely like the tjiiipe ol Englaz:d, but not near so wild." Jas. Bischoff, in his " Sketch of the History of Van Diernen's Land" (1839), states that Snipe were found in the Circular Head district, but fails to mention whether plentifully or not. Some twenty-five years ago, Colonel Legge, in the course of an article published in the P. U.S. of Tasmania, says: — "It is a singular fact that the Snipe is decreasing in numbers in Tasmania ; the country is doubtless not as suited to its habits as in former years, when swamps and favourite marshy feeding grounds were in their primeval state ; but there are many tracts of land fit at the l^resent time to hold numbers of Snipe, and to which one would think that they would stray on their arrival. Nevertheless, they fail to appear in them, and the common lament of the sportsmen is that the Snipe are getting scarcer." The conditions to-day are far worse than they were a quarter of a century ago, and sportsmen complain that some years thej' never see a Snipe. Mr. Thos. Haley, than whom there is not a better sportsman on the East Coast, informs me that he has not seen a Snipe for years. The whole thing is very puzzling, for there are still a number of localities ideal in their way for Snipe — locali- ties where the birds would be very little disturbed. The beginning of September may be taken as the average time when the bird arrives, and the end of February to the beginning of March that of its departure. Mr. W. L. Sidebottom tells me that it practically, if not always, arrives and departs during a moonlight night. The marshy ground round and about the Western Tiers is said to be the most likely locality to find Snipe nowadays. Mr. Campbell mentions that on the 27th July, 1897, three birds were shot at ]\Ielton — an extraordinarily early date. A corre- spondent to the "Nature Notes" in a recent issue of the Argus writes: — " The earliest Snipe I shot in Australia during 40 years' experience was on 16th June, 1908, at Lake Corop, and the latest was at a swamp near Kentbrook, Heywood Forest, on 7th March, 1906." ORDER— GAVI/E : SEA-BIRDS. FAMILY— LARID/E (8 species). *CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspio, Pall.) Male (breeding plumage). — Forehead, crown, and nape glossy greenish-black ; mantle pale French grey ; tail greyish-white ; quills dark grey to slate colour ; entire under surface white ; bill vermil- ion-red; legs and feet black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 505; bill, 79; wing, 419; tail, 153; tarsus, 41. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 147 Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Dimensions slightly less. Male and Female {luinter plumage). — The black on the cro\Vn of the head and nape is streaked with white ; 1)111 orange-red, tij^ped with horn colour. hntnature. — Less white on crown and nape than in winter plumage of adults; wings and tail more or less washed with brownish-grey. Young. — " Similar, but feathers of the mantle and tail mottled and barred with brownish-black " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — A slight depression in the ground among pig-face weed, &.C. ; usually situated on the rocky summit of an islet. Eggs. — Clutch two to three; oval in shape; texture coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour light olive-brown, blotched and spotted with roundish markings of umber and dull greyish-black. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch :— (1) 59 x 42, (2) 60 x 40, (3) 61 x 41. Breeding Season. — September to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New ZealaiTd, also many parts of the coasts of Europe, Asia, and America. Observations. — This almost cosmopolitan species may be seen in small numbers round the coast of Tasmania and the shores of many of the islands in Bass Strait. Small parties may be seen about the mouth of the Tamar at almost any time; it comes up the river as far as George Town. The Caspian Tern may" readily be distinguished by its habit of carrying its bill downwards at right angles to its head when flying over the water on the look-out for food ; it does not move its head from side to side, but keeps it practically motionless. This Tena is a very graceful diver. When about to take the plunge the wings are closed, and the body falls like a stone into the water; on a still day the splash can be heard for some distance. The body just goes beneath the surface, and that is all; very little time is wasted in the water. Bound our coast it generally moves in pairs, but round the coast of India and about the Persian Gulf it congregates in colonies, oftentimes of considerable size. Dr. Sharpe mentions that it is said to rob other birds' nests, devouring both eggs and young. The Caspian Tern is an extremely noisy bird, uttering its harsh, cackling, screeching notes constantly, especially when either eggs or young are in the nest, thereby attracting attention to the fact. *CRESTED TERN (Bass Strait Tern) (Sterna bergii, Licht.) Male (breeding plu7nage). — Forehead greyish-white, becoming black at the back of the head; back, throat, and all the under surface white; wings and tail grey; bill yellow; feet black. Dimen- 148 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. sions in mm.: — Leugtli, 490; bill, 67; wing, 345; tail, 182; tarsus, 27. The dimensions of individual birds vary considerably. Female (breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female (ivinter -plumage). — -Crown mottled with white; otherwise practically similar to summer plumage. Young. — " Forehead and lores dull white, closely streaked with brownish-black ; crown and nape more boldlj^ streaked with black ; mantle mottled with black and buffish-white ; primaries chietly dark brownish-grey, the shafts brown; tail feathers dark grey, tipped with white ; under parts chiefly white ; the neck and throat streaked with brown; bill olivaceous-ycUow " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — A shallow depression is made in the sand or shingle among the pig-face or short herbage. Fairly large colonies are to be found on the small islands to the south of Tasmania. The nest on Little Acteon is in a slight depression among the shingle, over- grown with herbage, just above high water mark, a few herbs and strips of seaweed being the only lining in the bottom. Eggs. — Clutch two; oval, with one end somewhat pointed; texture coarse, and faintly glossed; ground colour usually stone- gre}', irregularly- streaked, spotted, or blotched with dark sepia or black, sometimes chestnut-brown and purplish-brown. Dimen- sions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 61 x 43, (2) 62 x 42. Breeding Season. — November principally. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania and Australia ; also the greater part of the Western Pacific Ocean, up to Japan, Indian Ocean, Ai'abian and Red Seas, and the east and west coasts of South Africa. Observations. — Discussion has arisen at various times as to whether the Crested Tern found in Australian waters is distinct from the bird found in the Indian Ocean and elsewhere. Gould made two species of them, but Mr. Howard Saunders, the eminent authority on sea-birds, recognizes but one species. Although the Crested or Bass Strait Tern is to be observed in some numbers round the northern coast of Tasmania, yet it is not nearly as plentiful as round the southern coast, where ifc nests in fairly large colonies on some of the small islands, notably the Acteons. On several occasions, especially during rough weather, I have seen this species fishing in company with Gannets in sheltered bays on the North-Eastern Coast of Tasmania. Occasionalh' a few may be seen about the mouth of the Tamar, but not as frequently as the Caspian Tern. *WHITE-FEONTED TERN (Southern Tern) {Sterna frontalis, Gray). Male and Fe7nale (breeding plumage). — Lower forehead and lores white ; crown of the head and nape black ; upper surface very pale grej' ; under surface white, flushed with a delicate pink BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 149 when alive; bill black; legs and feet rcddisL-brovvii. JJimensious in mm. : — Length, 420; bill, 55; wing, 284; tail, 180; tarsus, 20. Male and Female [luiyitcr plumage). — Similar to summer plum- age save that there is more white on the forehead and the crown is mottled with the same colour. Young. — Forehead, crown, and nape greyish-black, mottled with white ; practically the whole of the upper surface bulfy-white to grey, mottled with greyish-black ; under surface white. Nestling. — " Covered with bulfy-white down, tinged with fulvous on the head and neck and mottled \\ith grey on the back " (Buller). Nest. — A slight depression on the ground among the herbage growing near the sea-shore. Breeds in colonies. Eggs. — Clutch two usually; inclined to oval in shape; texture fine ; surface faintly glossy ; colour stone-grey, boldly blotched and spotted with umber and dull grey. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch :— (1) 46 x 32, (2) 45 x 31. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribvtion. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. Observations. — In certain favoured locaHties the Southern or White-fronted Tern is moderateh' plentiful round the coast of Tasmania, especially about some of the small rocky islets, on which it breeds. No prettier sight can be witnessed than a flock of this species fishing ; the graceful motions and clear-cut way in which the fish are captured are very interesting. On its general habits round New Zealand the late Sir W. Buller wrote: — "This elegant species is extremely abundant on our coasts, flocks of a hundred or more being often met with on the sand-banks at the river mouths in association with Gulls and other shore birds of various kinds. The term ' Sea-Swallow ' as applied to this Tern is a very appropriate one, for on watching the evolutions of a flock of these birds one is forcibly reminded of a flight of Swallows coursing in the air. Their aerial manoiuvres are truly beautiful, and the apparent ease with which they dip into the water and capture their finny prey cannot fail to interest an observer. They usually alight on the sandy beach near the edge of the water, and stand so closely packed that 30 or 40 may be obtained at a single shot. They shuffle about with a constant low twittering, and occasionally stretch their wings upwards to their full extent, presenting a very pretty appearance. When fired at, or otherwise alarmed, the whole flock rises simultaneously in the air, crossing and recrossing each other as they continue to hover over the spot, producing at the same time a perfect din with their sharp cries of ' Ki-ki-ki.' Some years ago, when exploring among the shoals and sand-banks of the Great Kaipara Heads or Basin, I observed thousands of these birds, and in this wild and unfre- quented part of the coast they were so fearless that they coursed 150 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. about our boat within a few feet of our heads. The discharge of a gun among them only tended to increase their apparent interest in us." SOOTY TEEN [Sterna juliginosa, Gmel.) Male [breeding plumage). — Forehead and upper part of lores wliite ; head and nape deep glossy black; entire upper surface and wings blackish-brown, the latter white along the outside edges; outer webs of lateral tail feathers white ; under surface wliite ; bill, legs, and feet black, slightly tinged with red. Dimensions in mm. : —Length, 430; bill, 51; wing, 300; tail, 191; tarsus, 24. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female [ivintcr plumac/e). — Similar to the above save that the crown is flecked with white. Immature. — "Brownish-black above, darker on the upper wing coverts ; outer tail feathers nearly as sootj'-black as the rest of the rectrices, except towards the tips; tarsi and toes reddish- brown" (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — None formed, the egg being laid on the sand or on the ground under bushes. Breeds in large colonies. Eggs. — Clutch one; stout oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface shghtly glossy; colour warmish white to pinkish, blotched and spotted, especially about the stouter end, with chestnut and dull purplish-brown. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples: — (1) 50 x 35, (2) 50 X 36, (3) 50 x 36.5. Breeding Season. — November to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania (?) and Aus- tralia; "also tropical and juxta-tropical seas, wherever suitable islands and reefs exist ; occasionally wandering to Maine, in North America, and to Europe, even as far as England. Almost unknown on the South American side of the Pacific ; otherwise very generally distributed" (B. M. Cat.) Observations. — It is somewhat doubtful whether this Tern really does come as far south as the Tasmanian seas, but at the same time it is quite probable stragglers do come down. Mr. A. J. Campbell states that he has seen eggs of this species supposed to have been taken in the Furneaux Group, but he was unable to obtain confirmatory evidence. In an interesting account of this Tern on Ascension Island, Captain Sperling writes: — " Leaving Comfortless Cove about the middle of the day, I walked two dreary miles of cinders and ashes, uncheered by a symptom of vegetation, before I noticed flocks of Tenis converging from various parts of the ocean to a spot appar- ently about a mile in front of me ; but as yet I observed nothing of the 'fair.' At length, on turning slightly to the left, and sur- mounting a low ridge, the whole scene was disclosed. A gradual incline of a quarter of a mile terminated in a plain of ten or fifteen BIRDS OF TASMANIA. " 151 acres in extent, which was hterally covered with the birds. The plain was surrounded by low mountains, except on the side on which we stood, and, being entirely sheltered from the wind, its heat under the full blaze of a tropical sun was very oppressive. No description can give an adequate idea of the effect produced by the thousands upon thousands of these wild sea-birds, floating and screaming over this arid cinder-bed, the eggs and young scattered so thickly over the ground that in some instances it was impossible to avoid crushing them, and the bleached bones of dead birds distributed in all directions. During our short walk down the incline, large Hocks of parent birds hovered over our heads, and assailed us with plaintive cries, regardless of our sticks, with which we might have killed any number of them ; but their beautiful pure black and white plumage and graceful motions caused it to appear almost a sin to knock anj' of them down. On arriving within the precincts of the breeding grounds, their numbers increased ; large flocks were arriving in endless succession from seaward; clouds of birds rose from the ground, and joining those already attending us, their wheelings and gyrations almost made us giddy. I sat down on a lump of cinder, and the society, being at length convinced that my policy was not aggressive, went on with the oi'dinary routine of incubation. There were young of all sizes, from the little callow ones just hatched to the nearly fledged birds, that fluttered and crawled like young Pigeons. There were also lots of eggs exposed on the bare ground ; but in most instances the old bird sat on its solitary treasure, hissing defiance as I approached, and fighting if I attempted to remove it." *WHITE-FACED TERNLET (Little Tebn) (Sterna nereis, Gould). Male and Female (breeding plumage). — Forehead and lores white; spot in front of each eye, crown, and nape black; back, shoulders, and wing coverts pale pearl-grey ; rump greyish-white ; tail white ; quills brownish ; under surface silvery-white ; bill bright yellow; legs and feet dull yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 238; bin, 36; wing, 186; tail, 88; tarsus, 15. Male and Female (winter plumage). — Crown marked with white, otherwise similar. Immature. — Crown greyish-white; nape black; tail greyish- white; rest of plumage practically similar to winter plumage. Young. — Crown and nape mottled with dull brownish-black ; back barred with ash and tipped with dull white ; slight mottling of ashy-grey on tail feathers. Nest. — Merely a slight depression in the sand or shingle. Eggs. — Clutch two usually; oval in shape ; texture fine ; surface faintly glossy; colour warm stone-grey, moderately marked with 152 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. dark umber and grey. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples: — (1) 35 X 24.5, (2) 36 x 25. Breeding Season. — November to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. Observations. — So far as I am aware, this species is a some- what rare bird round our coast, its home being chiefly in sub- tropical and New Zealand waters. Of its general habits the late Sir W. Buller wrote : — " It is very active in its movements, flies high, turns in the air with facility, and dips into the water after its prey in a very adroit manner. Its note is a harsh scream. During the breeding season it is very clamorous, especially when its nesting ground is invaded, or even approached." Sub- Family — Larinas. ^SILVER GULL [Larus novce-hollandice, Steph.) Male. — Head, neck, tail, and under surface white; back and secondaries pearl-grey; first and second primaries, basal three- quarters black, then a long white patch on the inner web, and subterminal black patch and a narrow tip of white; third priixiary, greater part of inner web black, then as first and second quills; fourth and fifth quills, large subterminal black patch and a narrow white tip ; under tail coverts grey ; bill crimson-lake ; iris silver- white ; eyelid coral-red ; legs and feet lake-red. Dimensions m mm. : — Length, 410; bill, 35; wing, 304; tail, 124; tarsus, 50. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — INIottled with brown on the back and wings; tail with subterminal band of brown; iris brown. Immature. — Very little grey on back. Nestling. — Heavily mottled with brown on the upper surface ; under surface M'hite. Nest. — Somewhat flimsy, and constructed of grass, sea-weed, and sometimes of different kinds of vegetable debris. It is placed in a colony, either on a bold headland or an isolated rock. Eggs. — Clutch two to three. In a majority of cases they are inclined to oval in shape ; texture of shell coarse ; surface glossy ; the ground colour varies from light greyish-green to olive; the markings vary very considerably in number, size, and shape, ranging from small spots to blotches or wavy lines ; in colour they are umber, olive-brown, and dull grey. Dimensions in mm. of a full clutch :— (1) 53 x 40, (2) 52 x 39, (3) 55 x 40. A clutch of two laid b}' a pair of birds in semi-captivit}' are distinctly pyriform in shape ; the ground colour of one is bluish, sparingly spotted except round the stouter end with the usual colours ; the other is light BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 153 olive, well spotted aud blotched all over. Dimensions in nmi. : — • (1) 56 X 38, (2) 54 x 37. Breeding Season. — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania and Australia to New Caledonia. Observations. — Of the various species of sea-birds frequenting the coast of Tasmania, the Silver Gull is the most familiar. It frequents the sea-shore and the mouths of rivers rather than the open ocean. It congregates oftentimes in immense flocks, especially at low tide, along the beach or on reefs and shoals. At Devonport it is to be seen in hundreds at low tide on the sand- banks just below Wood's Slip, left bare by the receding tide. As the tide comes in they move ofl: to the mouth of the harbour and out to sea. Some go up the river towards Latrobe and search for food along the shores of the sedge-grown sand-banks, where I am given to understand many nest. Eound Launceston wharves and on the mud-flats of the Tamar large flocks may be seen every day in the year. The same may be observed about any of the rivers and harbours round the island. Every winter the low-lying lands up the vallej' of the North Esk become flooded for longer or shorter periods. To these swampy flats the Silver Gulls resort in hundreds, and feed on the young grass-grubs and worms that have been washed out. Every evening, shortly before sunset, the birds uiay be seen winging their way haibourwards, following the course of the river all the while, from St. Leonards to the wharves. At the Great Lake a flock has been firmly established for some time ; they breed on a rockj' islet in the middle of the lake. Kegarding the general habits of the Silver Gull nothing need be said, as they are so well known, both when flying in the wake of a vessel and darting down and squabbling over scraps thrown into the water or when quietly feeding about any of our rivers. As a domestic pet for picking up noxious insects in gardens, this species is held in high estimation. ^PACIFIC GULL {Gabianus {Larus) pacificus, Lath.) Male. — Head, neck, and under surface white; the feathers of the under surface are distinctly flushed with rosy-pink, which lingers for some hours after death ; mantle and surface of wings deep black ; scapulars slightly tipped with greyish-white ; second- aries with broader white tips and dark lead coloured upper parts ; primaries black, rather paler on the inner webs, and with white tips from the fifth upwards; tail coverts white; tail feathers white, with broad subterminal band of black; irides white; bill yellow, tip reddish -orange ; legs and feet saifron-yellow. Dimensions in mm. .-^Length, 615; bill, 59; wing, 450; tail, 182; tarsus, 65. 154 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Female. — Siinilar to male. Immature. — Forehead aud under surface practically white; head and neck mottled with brown; upper surface nearly black; tail coverts white; tail almost white, slightly mottled. Young. — "Head and hind-neck nearly uniform dark brown; feathers of the mantle and tail coverts rather paler brown, with huffish edges ; primaries sooty-black, with pale tips to the inner quills; rectrices dark brown, with whitish extreme tips; under surfaci-' brown ; paler on the abdomen ; under wing coverts dark brown; bill nearly black, ochraeeous near the base of the upper mandible; tarsi and toes yellowish-brown. At a subsequenii stage the forehead and throat are streaked with greyish-white and brown, while the general tone of the plumage is lighter. The next year dull white is the prevailing colour on the under parts ; some black shows on the mantle; the throat and head are ver}- boldly streaked with brown ; some white begins to show at the base of the tail, and the coverts are nearly white; bill greenish basallv " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — Well constructed either of grass and stalks of plants or of pieces of pig-face weed; it is placed under the shelter of rocks, tussock-grass, or salt-bush, generally on islands or islets. Eggs. — Clutch two to three; oval in shape; texture coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour light olive-brown, sometimes dark olive-brown, spotted and -blotched with umber and dull grey, some of the markings appearing as though under the sui-iace. Dimensions in mm. of two clutches :— A— (1) 78 x 56, (2) 80 x 55, (3) 73 x 54; B— (1) 71 X 57, (2) 78 x 55. Breeding Season. — October to December. Geographical Distribution. — Coasts of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South and Western Australia. OhservatioiDs. — Next to the Silver Gull, this species is perhaps the most familiar sea-bird found round our coasts. At no time, however, does it congregate in as large flocks as the previous species, on whose eggs and young it wages relentless war during the breeding season. The general habits of the Pacific Gull closely resemble those of the preceding species as far as gathering food from river flats, sea beaches, and following steamers for the sake of the scraps thrown overboard. It also wanders up the valley of the North Esk in winter and feeds, in company with Silver Gulls, Ravens, and Starlings, on the grubs and worms washed out of the ground by floods. Three years elapse before it attains adult plumage. On Ninth Island, where there are large rookeries of White- faced Storm-Petrels (Pelagodroma marina), I found that the Pacific Gull was responsible for the death of great numbers of this daintj^ little Petrel, for on moonlight nights it could both be seen and heard " hawking " over the rookeries, and every now and then BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 155 pouncing clown on a bird. It is a noble bird on the wing, reminding one much of the Swamp-Hawk (Circus gouldi) in the manner in which it sails in great circles, and, in small companies, hawks backwards and forwards over the same ground. When progressing at what might be termed an ordinary rate of speed, it beats the air with its wings 100 times in 80 seconds (actual count). When sailing directly in the eye of the wind on. motionless wings, and wishful of changing its course either to the right or the left, the tips of the wings are slightly depressed and the body brought round by a slight lateral movement of the head and tail, but not the faintest semblance of a flap is given. Its cry is a very harsh single note, which frequently might be mistaken for a short, sharp bark uttered by a terrier dog. At other times a somewhat long drawn out note, sounding like " Oh-ah," is uttered in doublets, especially when hawking in couples over Petrel rookeries. FAMILY— STERCORARIID/E (2 species). SKUA (Megalestris antaictica, Less.) Male. — Crown of the head very dark brown, almost black; rest of upper surface dark brown; under surface slightly paler; iris dark brown; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 595; bill, 54; wing, 410; tail, 170; tarsus, 80. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — Faint wash of rufous on upper surface, also on wing coverts. Nest. — A depression in the moss or grass, with a little lining in the shape of a few grass-stems. Eggs. — Clutch two; varying in shape from pointed oval to pyri- form ; texture of shell coarse ; slight gloss on surface ; colour varies from olive-green to olive-brown; in a pair one is usually olive-green and the other olive-brown, both sparingly blotched with dark olive-brown or dull brown and greyish-black. They may be distinguished from those of the Pacific Gull by being less marked and slightly smaller. Dimensions in mm. of a pair: — (1) 75 X 53, (2) 78 x 55. Breeding Season. — August to November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and Australian seas ; also Southern Ocean in general, ranging as far north as Madagascar. Observations. — Of this species in the Antarctic, Dr. E. A. Wilson says: — "They live here, as Skuas do elsewhere, largely by harassing other birds until they disgorge. We saw one dipping at a Whale-bird (Prion]. Fear was a thing apparently unknown to them, for in the open ocean we watched them chasing even the largest Albatross, and no sooner did the sailing flight of the Skua 156 BIRDS .OF TASMANIA. change for its bee-line swoop than the Albatross would immedi- ately drop to the water, there to remain until either its tormentor was gone or the coveted food in its stomach had passed beyond recall. The Antarctic Skua, or iSea-Hcn of sailors, is more j)lentiful in southern Tasmanian w aters than in northern. As a matter of fact, it is rarely seen round the northern coast. Gould records having seen this species somewhat plentifully about btorm Bay, near the mouth of the Derwent. Whale-Birds or Prions seem to be a favourite article of diet, the unfortunate birds being swallowed whole. The Kev. A. E. Eaton, who accompanied the British Transit of Venus Expedition to Iverguelen Island, writing of this iSkua, says, inter alia: — " Every marsh near Koyal Sound used to have its pair of Skuas. Many were destroyed within a radius of four miles from the ships; and before the expedition sailed from the island it was impossible to walk far without coming across dead bodies of the poor creatures. The cause of this useless slaughter was the menacing aspect of the birds, who swoop with fierce impetuosity directly towards the face of anyone approaching their domain, rising just in time to clear his head, and uttering short despairing cries. They did not feign to be crippled quite so much as the Skuas of Spitzbergen, but preferred intimidation as a means of averting danger near their nest. When they thought they had succeeded in making the enemy retreat they celebrated their triumph by standing face to face upon the ground, with their wings extended vertically so as to almost meet above their back, whilst they chanted a psean, consisting of a dozen notes or so delivered in the tones of a Carrion Crow. ... If Blue Petrels were turned loose in the daytime, they were almost invariably chased by Skuas and killed on the wing before they had flown half a mile. Petrels of one sort or another seem to constitute the staple diet of these Skuas. They hunt foi- them in the evening when it is becom- ing dusk, flying rapidly along the hillside close to the ground, ready to pounce upon any that they may see emerging from the mouths of their buiTOws. Again in the early morning they are upon the wing to waylay Peti'els returning late from sea." EICHARDSON SKUA (Stercorarius crepidatiis, Banks). Male. — " Crown, nape, and sides of the head dull greyish- brown; neck all round, breast, and sides of the body greyish-white; shoulders and all the upper surface dark olivaceous-grey of different shades; primaries and tail feathers blackish-brown, the former with white shafts; inner surface of wings, axillary plumes, and abdomen ashy-grey, tinged with brown; some of the under tail coverts uniform ashy-grey, others white barred with grey; irides BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 157 black: bill dark brown; tarsi and toes greyish-blaek, the claws daiker " (Buller). Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 420; bill, 30; wing, 300; tail, 140; tarsus, 40. Female. — Similar to male. Immature. — " Streaked and mottled with various shades of brown on the upper surface ; mantle chiefly umber ; upper tail coverts barred with dark brown, white, and rufous; under surface more or less baired with brown on a paler ground " (B. i\I. Cat.) Nestling. — " Sooty-brown above, paler below " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — " Consti'ucted rather carelessly of grass, moss, and fragments of heather, and situated on the ground amongst heather in marshy or uncultivated moorland (Butler) " (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — "Two in number; ground colour dark chocolate- brown, varying to light clay colour, the dai'ker eggs more strongly ftiarked with deep brow^n or blackish, the spots being distributed over the greater part of the egg, and the grey underlying markings very indistinct. The pale eggs have the spots collected round the larger end, the rest of the egg being rather free from markings. Axis 2.3-2.55, diameter 1.5-1.65 " (E. B. Shai-pe). Breeding Season. — June and Jul}'. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand ; also off the southern coast of Africa, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and ranging northwards to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions to breed. Observations. — To Mr. A. J. Campbell belongs the honour of having first recorded this species for AustraUa. In 1883 he noticed individuals about Port Phillip Bay when returning from a trip to Tasmania. ORDER— TUBINARES : TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. FAMILY-PROCELLARIID.^ (5 species). Sub- Family — Oceanitinae- ^YELLOW- WEBBED STORM-PETREL (Wilson's Petrel) (Oceanites oceanicus, Kuhl). Male. — Upper surface sooty-brown, tinged with leaden-grey; upper tail coverts white ; tail black ; primaries and secondaries black; throat same as back; rest of under surface a shade lighter; a patch of white feathers on each side of the vent; "bill entirely black; feet and toes black, the webs black at the outer border, and black also along the sides of the outer digits, but otherwase bright orange from the base of the first phalange to a point level with the second phalange; claws black; iris dark brown " (Edward Wilson). 158 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 19U; bill, 15; wing, 152; tail, 05; tarsus, 35. Female. — Similar to male. Nestling. — "Covered witii a uniform greyish-black down; bill blaclc; legs bluish, tinged with faint yellow; webs of toes bright yellow, toes faint black; nail black" (K. Hall). Nest. — " A shallow indentation beneath a slope, or within a crevice, lined with twigs" (Hall). Eggs. — Clutch one; elliptical in shape; texture fine; surface without gloss; colour white, with a zone of fine purphsh-brown spots round the stouter end. Dimensions in mm. : — 31.5 x 22. Breeding Season. — The Scottish Antarctic Expedition obtained their first egg on the South Orkneys on 11th December; Dr. Wilson, with Nat. Ant. Expedition, the first egg at Cape Adare on 9th January; while JNIr. Fiobert Hall found eggs on Kerguelerr Island in February. Geograpliical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand, down to the Ice Barrier in the Antarctic, and up through the Atlantic to Labrador; and in the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea. Observations. — The statement made by Gould that this Petrel is one of the most plentiful in the Australian seas holds good to this day. Almost anywhere in Tasmanian waters may this extremely graceful little bird be seen flitting from wave crest to wave crest. " Its food, consisting of minute crustaceans, is picked up from the surface of the water while on the wing. Flitting about from wave to wave the little Petrel delicately treads the water to steady itself for a moment while it picks up a tiny morsel" (E. A. Wilson). Dr. Wilson's account of the finding of the first nest is very interesting. He says : — ' ' The birds were to be seen hovering round the mouth of crevices in the rocky side of the cliff, often settling close by for a few seconds, and then sailing in short circles round it, reminding one strongly of the movements of a House- Martin at its nest under the eaves of a country barn. Two of these crevices could not be reached, but soon we saw a bird hover round and settle upon a large boulder. Hunting about for a burrow underneath, we caught the sound of twittering, and traced it to a kind of mouse-hole. This, by dint of long and tedious picking with a sheath-knife, we enlarged until it admitted an arm up to the shoulder. The work was laborious, as the floor of the burrow was hard black ice and grit, but eventually we reached the nest. At theendof the little tunnel was a chamber containing a very com- fortable nest, thickly fined with Adeha Penguins' feathers, and in it a somewhat remarkable collection. First we brought out an adult male alive, then an adult female; then two eggs, one clean and newly laid, the other old and rotten; and under all another BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 159 dead and flattened adult Occanitcs. Outside, as we worked, a fourth bird was hovering, which, when shot, proved to be an adult male. It has long been known that with this species the nesting burrow is often used by more than a single pair. The fresh egg was preserved, the rotten one fell to pieces, and the three birds were preserved. "The burrows are not very difficult to discover, for one's attention is drawn to them by the habit the bird has of hovering round the entrance in the evening hours, and settling there without actually going in, and also sometimes by the twittering of the bird within. They are often quite inaccessible without a rope, even when located, but on the other hand they ma}' be almost on level ground. " The flight of the bird is peculiarly attractive in these barren wastes of snow and rock, chiefly perhaps from its resemblance to the flight of the farriiliar Martin, for it flits here and there exactly as though in search of insects on the wing. Occasionally it sails on outstretched wings. The power of flight must be very wonderful, for it seems to spend its lifetime on the wing." *GREY-BACKED STOllM-PETKEL (Garrodia nereis, Gould). Male. — Upper surface, including head and neck, dark ashy- grey; rump and upper tail coverts a little lighter; tail feathers ashy-grey, with a terminal bar of black ; primaries and secondaries black, shaded with ashy-grey ; throat and chest dusky-brown ; rest of under surface white ; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 180; bill, 12; wing, 130; tail, 69; tarsus, 30. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — "Differs from the adult in having hoary-white margins to the feathers of the back and scapulars, as well as the upper wing coverts and tail coverts, the latter thus showing a dusky-black subterminal bar" (F. Du Cane Godman). Nest. — The nests discovered by Dr. Kidder on Kerguelen Island were placed under overhanging clumps of grass and " Ker- guelen tea" (Accena ascendens) in low, swampy ground near the sea." Mr. Percy Seymour informed the late Sir W. Buller that the nests were placed in buiTows resembling rat-holes, about 15 inches deep. Eggs. — Clutch one; oval in shape; texture fine; surface slightly glossy and finely pitted; colour white, some specimens with a distinctly freckled patch of reddish and lilac on the apex, others almost devoid of markings. Dimensions in mm, : — 34 x 24. Breeding Season. — November to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and the Southern Ocean in general. Observations. — The Grey-backed Storm-Petrel was first dis- 160 BIEDS OF TASMANIA. covered and procured by Gould in 1839 between Hobart and Sydney'. Later he found it between the coast of New South Wales and New Zealand, off the coast of which it breeds. During the Transit of Venus Expedition to Kerguelen Island, it was found by both the British and American naturalists, but only by the latter were nests found. Dr. Kidder, of the American party, states that it becomes very fat during the breeding season, and is strictly crepuscular in its habits. In New Zealand individuals have been captured inland, where they have been blown by strong gales. *WHITE-FAC.ED STORM-PETEEL (Pclagodroma marina, Lath.) Male. — Forehead and a line above the eyes white; crown of the head dark ashy-grey ; back and shoulders and sides of the neck dusky-grey ; rump and upper tail coverts light ashy-grey ; tail feathers black; primaries and secondaries black; sides of the face, throat, and under sui'face white; irides black or nearly so; bill, legs, and feet black, middle of webs yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 205; bill, 19.5; wing, 155; tail, 76; tarsus, 41. Female. — Plumage similar to male. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 200; bill, 17; wing, 152; tail, 69; tarsus, 39. The above dimensions were taken froin a pair of birds captured in the same burrow. Young. — " Covered with a sooty-black down. The first feathers resemble those of the adults, but the grey feathers of the mantla are fringed with white and the greater coverts and secondaries are edged with white at the tips, the grey of the upper and under tail coverts being barred with white. These markings are retained by the young bird after it has become full grown and lost the down" (R. B. Sharpe). Nest. — A rat-like burrow underground, frequently curved, and from 18 inches to 2 feet long; the nesting chamber is circular, and on the floor are placed a few fragments of weeds and tussock-grass. Situated in a rookery on an islet covered with short herbage. On parts of Ninth Island burrows of this species are in close proximity to those of Mutton-Birds and Little Penguins. Eggs. — Clutch one; elHptical in shape; faint gloss on surface; colour white, with minute reddish dots, especially round the larger end. Dimensions average about 38 mm. x 25 mm. Breeding Sea son. —November to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and the Southern Ocean generally, ranging northwards to the South Indian Ocean, Canary Isles, British Isles (accidental), and off the coast of Massachusetts. Observations. — This dainty little Petrel is to be found breeding on a number of islands in Bass Strait, notably Petrel, Three Hum- BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 161 mock, several islets of the Hunter Group, and others. Its food, as far as we know, consists of minute aninialculue gathered from the surface of the ocean. During a visit, extending over nearly a fortnight, paid to Ninth Island, on the North-East Coast of Tasmania, in September, 1909, I had exceptional opportunities for observing the White-faced Storm-Petrel. Before going to the island I had been informed that large numbers of this species nested there. So, naturally, I expected to witness some interesting sights when the birds came in to clean out their burrows. Nor was 1 disappointed. On arriving on the island on the 22nd September, a keen search was made for evidences of the burrows of this tiny Petrel. I w^as not long in discovering signs that the birds had commenced to come in to clean out their homes in preparation for the breeding season. How long prior to my arrival they had been coming in it was impossible to say. As I afterwards discovered, not only were the burrows driven under the tussock-grass almost everywhere, but also in the soft soil on the top and sides of the island. An investigation showed that in these latter places the burrows were from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet in length ; many were curved, some almost forming the letter L. The nesting chamber was some 6 inches in diameter, with a few fragments of vegetable debris on the floor. It was my custom every evening, after watching the Little Penguins landing on some part of the island, to spend some hours on the various rookeries armed with a powerful acetylene lamp, watching the various birds. I found that by walking slowly and as noiselessly as possible, I could move with impunity, and observe the birds cleaning out their burrows, courting, fighting, &c. I found that the first White-faced Storm-Petrel arrived each even- ing punctually at 6.50. By 8 o'clock the majority of the birds had arrived and were in their burrows hard at work " spring cleaning." It was a very pretty sight watching them alight and seek out their homes; they cannot walk after the manner of ordinary birds, but flit over the ground, just tipping it with their toes. They gave one the impression of being full of springs. As soon as a bird arrived at the entrance of its burrow it would come to a stop and dart suddenly out of sight. Even with hundreds of birds of this species round, not a sound was heard while they were on the wing, but when in their burrows a mouse-like squeaking, only slightly louder, could be heard. With many hundreds of birds underground, the noise was distinctly audible. From the 22nd to the 25th, Storm- Petrels were only fairly numerous ; then a curious thing occurred — not a single bird put in an appearance for three nights. On the 29th they reappeared in vast numbers, and continued every night while I was on the island. No prettier sight can be imagined than hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these dainty creatures passing and repassing in the rays of the lamp, coming from darkness into light and disappearing 12 162 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. again into darkness as they flitted over the rookeries. They looked for all the world like giant moths, and appeared as thick as flakes in a snow-shower on a calm day. Again and again 1 caught individuals in my hands as they flew past, to be released again. It was found that after being held in one's hand for a few seconds and then the fingers slowly opened, the birds would remain either quietly resting or poised with out- stretched wings for quite an appreciable time. On suddenly turning the lamp on to any bird on the ground, it was always possible to pick it up without any attempt at escape on its part. As to the number of birds in the various rookeries, it was impos- sible to arrive at any estimate, beyond that the number must have run into some thousands. Not all the birds left at dawn, for in several instances pairs were found in their burrows during the day. Pacific Gulls are not the only enemies they have to contend against on Ninth Island, for a couple of domestic cats run wild, in high condition, were seen. Scores and scores of dead Storm- Petrels in various stages of disruption were scattered about the rookeries, and in several places among the rocks on the hill-side were heaps of bones and feathers. Penguins also account for a number, for they peck them as they search for their burrows, and one peck means death. *BLACK-BELLIED STORM-PETREL (Cymodroma melanogantcr, Gould). MaZe.— Upper surface sooty-black, glossed with leaden-grey; lower rump and upper tail coverts white ; tail black ; wing coverts sooty-brown; quills black; throat sooty-black, shaded with grey and slightly mottled with white; lower throat, chest, breast, abdomen, and under tail coverts sooty-black — the last have white bases ; sides of breast, abdomen, also flanks, white ; bill, legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 190; bill, 12; wing, 165; tail, 67; tarsus, 37. Female. — Similar to male. Some of the feathers on the back however, have greyish- white fringes. Young. — Some of the feathers on the back have greyish-white fringes ; chin more or less mottled with white ; also a few black- tipped feathers on breast and abdomen. Nest. — Crevice in a rock. Eggs. — According to Dr. F. Du Cane Godman, an egg taken on Kerguelen Island by the Challenger Expedition is dull white, with a faint pinkish shade at one end, sprinkled with dots of the same colour, which are also seen over the rest of the egg ; there is a slight indication of purphsh dots, which are, however, scarcely perceptible; axis 1.45 in., diameter, 1.03 in. Another egg in the British Museum is from Falkland Island, and two others from Chatham Islands. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 163 Breeding Season. — In all probability siiiuiar to tliat of other Storm-Petrels. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean in general, and northwards off the coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean. Observations. — Gould met with this species on several occasions in Australian waters. He found it very abundant in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially off the islands of St. Paul and Amsterdam. Dr. Edward Wilson states that during the voyage of the Discovery the species was constantly seen in the South Atlantic during September and October. Practically nothing is known of the general habits of the Black- bellied Storm-Petrel. *WHITE-BELL1ED STORM-PETREL {Cyniodroma grallaria, Vieill.) Male. — The upper surface resembles that of the Black-beUied Storm-Petrel save that the dorsal feathers have hoary-white mar- gins; breast and abdomen pure white; under tail coverts black, lightly fringed with white. Dimensions in min. : — Length, 175; bill, 12; wing, 165; tail, 78; tarsus, 35. Female. — Similar in plumage to male. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Breeding Season. — Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, AustraHa, Southern Ocean in general, and northwards to off the coast of Florida. Observations. — This species is described as being scarce in Australian waters. Dr. E. A. Wilson observed several in the wake of the Discovery in the Southern Indian Ocean, but none in the South Pacific or Atlantic. He records having seen them "drop- ping to touch the water with one foot and steadying themselves while they daintily took their minute crustacean food from the surface of the water." FAMILY— PUFFIN I D/E (21 species). WEDGE-TAILED PETREL (Puffinus chlororhynclnis, Less.) Male. — Upper surface sooty-brown; tail black; primaries and secondaries blackish-brown; throat ashy-grey; remainder of the under surface, including under tail coverts, dull ashy-brown ; bill, legs, and feet yellowish flesh colour. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 445; bill, 41; wing, 295; tail, 131 ; tarsus, 48. Female. — Similar to male. 164 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nest. — A buiTow driven obliquely into the ground for 2 to 5 feet. Eggs. — Clutch one; oval in shape; texture somewhat coarse; surface slightly glossy and minutely pitted ; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples : — (1) 62 x 39, (2) 60 x 40. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and northwards to the Society Islands; there are also a few records for the Indian Ocean. Observations. — The Wedge-tailed Petrel closely resembles the familiar Sooty Petrel or "Mutton-Bird." It breeds on several islands off Australia, but to the best of my knowledge has not been recorded from any of the Tasmanian islands in Bass Strait. Of this species on Rat Island, Mr. A. J. Campbell records: — ' ' About half an hour after sundown they commence moaning and get uneasy in their burrows, and shortly afterwards birds may be seen swiftly cutting the air in many directions. The moaning and infant-like cries of the Wedge-tailed Petrel are a curious experience. After a ramble one quiet night I noted in my pocket- book next morning that the whole island seemed groaning and travailing in pain with the noise of Mutton-Birds. About half an hour before sunrise they disappear underground, when all is quiet as far as they are concerned. The attitude of this Petrel upon the ground resembles a Duck upon water — a squatting posture. When walking they are assisted by their wings, which gives the birds a waddling or lame gait. The eggs, like those of the Noddies and other birds, are excellent eating, not at all fishy in flavour, as may be supposed." ALLIED PETREL {Puffinus aissimilis, Gould). Male. — Upper surface, including head, slaty-brown to black; tail black; quills black; sides of the face and cheeks white; sides of the neck mottled black on white; entire under surface pure white; "bill dark horn colour; tarsi and toes greenish-yellow, webs yellowish-orange " (Gould). The colours of the bill and feet have been variously described by different authors. Sir W. Duller (Hauraki Gulf) describes them as " bill bluish-black; feet greenish- grey, with yellow interdigital webs, marked with black on the outer edge." Specimens procured by the Scotia Expedition from Gough Island had "basal half of bill blue, distal part and nasal tubes black ; front of tarsus and toes greyish-blue ; posterior portion of tarsus and sides of toes black ; webs yellowish." Dimen- sions in mm. : — Average length, 270; bill, 24; wing, 184; tail, 65; tarsus, 38. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A rabbit-like burrow, driven obliquely into the ground. Eggs.— Clutch one; broad oval in shape: texture of shell some- BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 165 what fine; surface minutely pitted; with or without a faint trace of gloss; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. vary from 48-50 X 35-37. Breeding Season. — October and November. Geograpltical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand ; also the Atlantic Ocean as far as Madeira. Observations. — The Allied Petrel does not breed off the Tas- manian Coast, but does so in some numbers on the Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. In its general economy it closely resembles the other members of the genus Ptifjlnus. FLESHY-FOOTED PETREL (Puffi)iiis carneipcs, Gould). Male. — Upper surface, including head, soot3--black ; tail black; quills darker black than upper surface ; ear coverts shghtly tinged with ashy-grey; whole of the under surfactv sootj'-brown; cheeks and throat only tinged with grey. The bill is variously described as being " fleshy-white, the culmen and tips of the mandibles brown," " flesh-colour with a yellowish tinge," " the tip brownish- black," "dark brown," "yellow horn colour, brownish-black at the tips of both mandibles and along the culmen to the opening of the nostrils." The feet are likewise variously described as being "yellowish flesh colour," "dull flesh colour," "pale flesh colour," and "flesh colour." Dimensions in mm.: — Length, about 485; bill, 40; wing, 310; tail, 113; tarsus, 55. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A burrow some 4 to 8 feet in length. Eggs. — Clutch one; inclined to oval in shape; texture some- what coarse; surface slightly gloss}' and minutely pitted; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 66 x 43. Breeding Season. — November and Deceinber. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania (?) and probably the southern coast generally, Western Australia, New Zealand, and northwards to Japan. Observations. — It is somewhat doubtful whether this species really does frequent Tasmanian waters. It obtains its vernacular name from its flesh-coloured feet. Although it ranges to Japan, it has never been found breeding there, nor yet in the intervening area. According to the late Sir W. Buller. the Fleshy-footed Petrel breeds in large colonies off the coast of New Zealand. SHORT-TAILED PETREL (Mutton-Bird) (Puffinus ienuirostris, Temm.) Male. — Upper surface, including head, sooty-black; tail black; quills black ; some of the wing coverts and secondaries shaded with brown; imder surface sooty-brown, the feathers faintly edged 166 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. with ashy-grey; iiides brown (practically invisible at night time); bill black; legs and feet, outer edges black, inner and webs much paler. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 110; bill, 34; wing, 280; tail, 82; tarsus, 49. Female. — Plumage similar; dimensions vary but little. Nest. — An obliquely driven burrow, ranging in length from 1 to 7 feet, largely depending on the nature of the soil. The burrows are so close together on some rookeries as to honeycomb the ground. Eggs. — Clutch one; shape varies from oval to slightly elongated oval ; texture fairly coarse ; surface minutely pitted and faintly glossy; colour pure white at first, but usually soon becoming nest- stained. Dimensions in mm. of examples from different rookeries: —(a) 73 X 47, (b) 80 x 58, (c) 72 x 44, (d) 75 x 57. Should the burrous be robbed at the beginning of the season another egg is laid. Breeding Season. — Birds arrive to scratch out their buiTows about the 20th September ; eggs laid about 25th November, varying only a day or two each year. Young birds are able to fly end of April or beginning of May. Geograpliical Distribution. —Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and Now Zealand; also northward to Japan and eastward to Samoa. Observations. — So much has been written about this interesting Petrel that I shall make my notes as brief as possible. Only those who have witnessed a flight of Mutton-Birds can have any conception of the vast numbers in which they move. On two occasions I have been fortunate enough to witness gigantic fights during the da3-time. The second and more remarkable occasion was on the 2nd October, 1909, when, standing on the top of an island off the north coast of Tasmania, I watched a stream of birdsgoby that lasted all the morning, and must have numbered hundreds of thousands. One of the earliest accounts of the vast hordes of birds to be seen during certain seasons in Bass Strait is by Flinders, who, accompanied by Ross, was, in December, 1798, in the neigliibourhood of Three Hummock Island. According to calculations made by him, the birds numbered some 132,000,000. Since that time many more or less full accounts have appeared in various publications concerning the vast numbers seen in Bass Strait and vicinity. When on Ninth Island in September, 1909, I had the good fortune to witness the incoming of a flight of birds for the purpose of cleaning out their buirows in preparation for the laying season, which commences on or about the 25th November every 3^ear. The first bird of the season put in an appearance at 6.30 p.m. on the evening of the 29th. It was observed that the birds did not at once enter their burrows on alighting, but rested on the ground outside for some time as though worn out. The mouths and thi-oats of a couple of individuals secured for taxidermical purposes were full of a pasty substance of the appearance and smell of semi- masticated tinned salmon. It is generally thought that the food BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 167 of this species consists of " whale food," an oily substance con- sisting of animalculifc, found floating on the surface of the water. Botli birds appear to assist in the task of cleaning out the burrows. When the burrows have all been cleaned out and some fresh ones scratched — do not get within the line of fire when a Mutton-Bird is making the sand liy — the birds disappear and do not return until the laying season. During the camp-out of the Australasian Ornithologists' Union on Phillip Island in November, 1902, I had the opportunity of witnessing the birds coming in to lay — an experience even more remarkable than that of seeing them coming in to scratch out. The din made by some thousands of birds is something that once heard can never be forgotten. It is, as Donald Macdonald has remarked, incessant, variable, but always harsh and unearthly. Its uncanniness baffles description. As the first streak of dawn appears the birds emerge quietly from their burrows, and as they cannot rise directly from off the ground, start out from the edge of a cliff or some slight eminence so as to get the wdnd under their wings. The departure is as silent as the arrival is clamorous. I omitted to mention that the birds commence to come in for laying purposes just a few minutes after sunset. Just at this time of the year heavy gales usually blow, which are known as " Mutton-Bird gales." Only one bird of a pair goes to sea in the morning, as a rule, the other remaining in the burrow. On Phillip Island, which is under the jurisdiction of Victoria, egging is allowed, and some 20,000 or more eggs are taken every season of a few weeks, the bulk finding their way to the Melbourne market, where they are sold as fresh duck eggs. They are all right as an article of diet so long as they are not boiled. The eggs are raked out of the burrows by means of a piece of looped wire at the end of a stick. It takes a good deal of practice to locate and draw an egg out. On the Tasmanian islands egging is forbidden under a penalty, only the birds being taken. A few- years since, however, this was not so. The ]\Iutton-Birding season lasts from 20th March until 20th May. The principal " birding " islands are Chappell, Babel, Little Dog and Big Dog Islands, Green Island and Little Green Island. Vigorous, but unfortunately unavailing, protest has been made within late years by white and half-caste residents on some of the islands regarding the damage done to a number of rookeries by sheep and cattle. The owners of these animals are supposed to remove them off the rookeries in time for the birds to get their homes in order for the nesting season. Unhappily, the stock is too often left on, in defiance of the regulation, until after the birds return, and they, finding the burrows trampled in as fast as they clean them out, leave in despair, perhaps never to return. It is a matter for regret that the bulk of the residents of the Strait 168 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. islands should be to a great and iiicieasiiig extent deprived of their only harvest in the year owing to the greed and selfishness of a few non-resident holders of grazing Hcences. Any article dealing with Mutton-Birds would be incomplete without some reference to their economic value. In 1905 I was engaged in making some investigations on this subject, and feel 1 cannot do better than reprint the result of my inquiries. The figures given may be taken as a criterion for other years. As 1 previously remarked, the season opens on the 20th March each year: — "For some time previous men arrive on the scenes of their future operations from Launceston, the North-West Coast, the largest islands in the Strait, and from other j)laces. They rebuild their temporary huts and get everything ready so that there will be no hitch when the real work commences. Empty casks by the dozen, for putting the birds in, either accompany the men or are sent down almost immediately. The modus operandi of ' birding ' is briefly as follows : — The young bird is dragged ovit of its burrow and has its neck dislocated by a smart jerk. Then some fifty or more birds are stinang on a spit, care being taken that their heads are upwards, else the oil will run out of their mouths. The next operation is to pluck, then scald the body, to remove all feathers and down, after which the feet are cut off. After the bodies have been allowed to cool on the grass for some time they are cleaned, the head and neck removed, and finally salted or pickled in the barrels brought for the purpose. Birders alwaj's retain a certain nuinber of birds for their own home consumption. On my turning up the Government year-books and other likely and unlikely publi- cations, I found that no attempt had been made to ascertain the number of birds imported into Tasmania. In my perplexity I applied to Mr. Geo. D. Gardner ; he very good-naturedly and at some considerable trouble compiled me some statistics for last season. He estimates that some 555,000 birds were caj^tured last year. Of this number 475,000 were landed in Launceston, 10,000 each at Beaconsfield and George Town, and the balance consumed on the islands. The whole of those received in Launceston are not consumed locally, many casks being sent to the various mining fields and the larger townships. I am given to understand that practically no jNIutton-Birds are captured on the islands lying off Hobart, nor are they brought direct into that place from any of the other islands. The same authority informed me that these birds are practically unknown in Sydney. The birds are sold wholesale at so much per 100, and retail at so much per dozen. For the last three years the prices were : — 1902, 10s., lis. ; 1903, lis., 12s. 6d. ; 1904, 14s. per 100. Last year was a bad year, owing to the continuous wet during the hatching season, consequently the number of birds caught was much below the average, and the selling price as much above. The birds are retailed at eight a BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 169 shilling ill the beginning of the season, then falling to twelve for the same money. Of course, on the West Coast, and other far- away places the prices are much higher. The wliolesale price has been down as low as 6s. per 100, but, as a large importer remarked to me, there is nothing in them at that price. AJutton-Birds cap- tured last season represented £3,885 — no inconsiderable amount. The fat and oil are worth about a shilhng a gallon, and are used for manj' purposes. Saddlers utilize good quantities. Up to the last few years the feathers were a wasted asset, on account of their very strong odour. I am informed that a Gemian on one of the islands now collects them and sends them to Germany, where the odour is extracted, and they are used for many ])urposes." Further details concerning this very interesting si^ecies may be found in A. .J. Campbell's "Nests and Eggs," The Emu, P.R.S. of Tasmania, and in my series of articles in The Weekly Conner of 1905. FORSTER PETREL [Puffinus gavia, Forster). Male. — Upper surface, including head, sooty-black; tail and quills black; cheeks, sides of throat, and sides of neck dull ashy, mottled with white ; throat and under surface pure white ; a patcli of sooty-black in the region of the thighs; " bill dark grey, lighter and more yellowish-grey on the under mandibles; tarsi and toes pinkish flesh colour, stained with blackish-brown along the front of the tarsus and on the outer edge of the toes; the webs darker; iris brownish-black " (W. Buller). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 345; bill, 34; wing, 215; tail, 62; tarsus, 45. Female. — Upper surface similar to male, but the ashy-brown on the sides of the neck extends down the sides of the breast ; centre of the throat mottled with ashy-brown ; sides of the body smoky- brown. Nestling. — Covered with thick down, slate coloured on the upper and white on the under surface. Nest. — A burrow some 3 feet long, with a fairly large nest- ing cavity at the end. Breeds in colonies or rookeries. Eggs. — "Clutch one; oval in shape, or mor.^ pointed at one end; texture of shell comparatively fine; surface slightly glossy; colour pure white. Dimensions in inches: — 2.2 x 1.55" (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — October chiefly. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania (doubtful). New South Wales, South Australia, and probably other parts of Aus- tralia; also New Zealand. Observations. — Some doubt exists as to whether this species should really be included among the sea-birds frequenting our waters, but as it is found off the coast of South Australia and New 170 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. South \\'ales there is httle doubt tiu^t soiue iudividuals, at least, wauder further south. New Zealand waters are a stronghold, it breeding in large numbers on islaiids oft' the coast. It was in Queen Charlotte Sound that i'orster's Petrel was first discovered, during Cai^tain Cook's voyages. The late Sir Walter Buller wrote of this species : — " They congregate in flocks, often of considerable size, and fly in a compact body, generally in a zig-zag course, with a very rapid movement of the wings and not far above the water. Their flight is peculiar, too, in this respect, that they appear all to turn at the same moment, like a company of soldiers, showing first the dark plumage of the upper surface and then the white under pa]-ts, as they simultaneously dip towards the water. " Their habits are sociable, and flocks may often be seen in the daytime disporting themselves in the sea, making short flights just above the surface, then flopping into the water, splashing and chasing one another in their playful gambols, and when tired of their fun rising in a body and rapidly disappearing from view as already described. On one occasion I saw a flock of several hundreds thus amusing themselves in the bright sunshine (though the bird is more nocturnal than diurnal) as our ship was steaming through the narrow ' French Pass ' in Cook's Strait. " They seemed to scatter at night, for as darkness approached I have noticed numerous single examples, as if the flocks of the daytime were dispersing over the surface of the ocean in quest of their food. They fly low but swiftly, and with a note resembling the native name by which the bird is called, but somewhat pro- longed, as ' Paka-ha-a-paka-ha-a. ' During the breeding season I have seen very large flocks of them between Whale Island and the mainland, some of them hovering on the wing, hundreds together in ' schools ' or flocks, and others scattered far and wide over the surface, floating in a hstless manner, as if resting after the hunting exploits of the night." *BKOWN PETEEL (Great Grey Petrel) (Priofinus cinercus, Gmelin). Male. — Crown of the head dusky-black; rest of the upper surface ashy-grey, with faint hoary-grey margins to the feathers; tail black, with ashy-grey on the imier webs; wing coverts and quills dusky-brown; sides of the neck slate-grey; entire under surface pure white; sides of the body ashy-brown. There is con- siderable difference in the colouration of both the bill and the legs in individuals from different localities. Dimensions in nnn. : — Length, 500; bill, 50; wing, 332; tail, 106; tarsus, 56. Female. — Similar to male. ]\7est. — According to Mr. Campbell, on Macquarie Island bur- BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 171 rows are formed under tussock-grass, mostly high upon the mountain sides. Eggs. — Clutch one; roundish oval in shape; texture somewhat coarse; surface very slightly glossy; colour pure white. Dimen- sions in mm. : — 70 x 50. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean in general. Observations. — This large and powerful Petrel is somewhat luuiierous hi southern seas. During the voyage of the Magenia a number were observed in Bass Strait. The flight of this species is very powerful, and resembles in some ways that of an Albatross. Of the diving powers of the Great Grey Petrel Dr. E. A. Wilson remarks that they " drop suddenly beneath the surface of the water with their wings spread to seize some scrap of food. They unhesitatingly go completely under, and reappear with their wings still spread." Ascension Island is considered to be the most northern point reached bv this bird. *SILVER-GKEY PETREL {TrioceUa glacialoides, Smith). Male. — Crown of the head white; nape and hind-neck slightly shaded with pearly-grey ; tail pearly-grey ; back and wing coverts pearly-grey ; quills blackish ; secondaries pearly-grey ; under sur- face of body pure white ; shade of pearly-grey on lower flanks ; " bill rarely pink, blackish at the tip of both mandibles and maxilla; iris rich brown; legs, toes, and webs all flesh-grey, with a strong pink tinge" (E. A. Wilson). Dimensions ' in mm.: — Length, about 460; bill, 45; wing, 330; tail, 115; tarsus, 48. Female. — Similar to male. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean in general, and ranging northwards to the Columbia PJver, on the Pacific Coast of America. Observations. — Much mystery attaches to the site of the breeding grounds of this delicately marked Petrel, whose range over the Southern Ocean is very v/ide. Strong suspicions are held that Kerguelen Island contains a rookery or two, but nothing definite has been discovered. Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, cf the Scottish Expedition, looks upon Laurie Island as a probable breeding ground, while Dr. Wilson, who accompanied the National Ant- arctic Expedition, considers the Balleny Islands a probable nesting place. He further adds: — "It may be that the basaltic rocks of Scott Island, discovered in Eoss Sea by the rehef ship Morning, are a breeding place for this Petrel and for the Antarctic Petrel too. From its position this is quite likely, and from the large 172 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. number of birds seen in the neighbourhood in January one might well be led to think that the eggs and young oi these t\\o birds may at some future date be found there." Those who have had opportunities of seeing this handsome Petrel in any number in the southern seas state that it flies higher and rests more frequently than the smaller species. * SPECTACLED PETIIEL [Majaqucus cequinoctialis, Linu.) Male. — Upper surface sooty-brown; tail and quills nearly black; under surface, except the chin, which is white, a shade paler than upper surface. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 5(^0; bill, 52; wing, 365; tail, 115; tarsus, 5^). As Dr. Du Cane Godman points out (" Monograph of the Petrels," pp. 171, 172), there is some difference in the markings of Australian specimens of this species and those from more northerly latitudes. In some birds there is a band of white (vary- ing in width) across the crown, and in others the cheeks are white, and this white extends nearly right round the occiput; this band is in addition to the one on the crown of the head. The white on the chin is also variable in extent. Feviale. — Similar to the male. Dr. Godman remarks that the female procured in Tasmanian waters examined by him had no white on the cheeks. Nest. — A burrow on the sloping sides of a hill. According to the Eev. A. E. Eaton, the nesting chamber is spherical in shape and rather large ; the nest itself is composed of mud and pieces of plants arranged in the form of an inverted saucer, 3 or 4 inches high, slightly hollowed out on the top, a space being left between its base and the sides of the chamber. Eggs. — Clutch one; elongated oval in shape; texture coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — - 86 X 52. Breeding Season. — November to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, New South Wales, Southern Ocean in general, and north to off the southern coast of South Africa. Observations. — Seldom does this species come into purely Tasmanian waters, but it is ver^^ plentiful almost everywhere in the South Atlantic. " The wings in flight have a very angular look. The bird is of a quaiTelsome disposition, fighting greedily for scraps, and displaying the most imgainly spread of feet and straddled legs as it splashed with its rivals into the water" (E. A. Wilson). The Rev. A. E. Eaton, who accomjjanied the Transit of Venus Expedition to Kerguelen Island, states, inter alia : — " In Kerguelen Island a hole similar to a deserted rabbits' earth, excavated in wet ground, with water standing (in early summer) BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 173 an inch or two within the entrance, especially if it be in a slope near the sea, may be regarded as a burrow most likely to be that of a White-chinned Petrel. If it is occupied by the birds there will probably be some green shoots of Accena, clipped off from plants near its mouth, dropped by them in the water. During the season when the birds are pairing, before their egg is laid, they make an extraordinary cackle in the nest-chamber; the sound of approach- ing footsteps, or a thump upon the ground some distance from the nest, and even a shout at the mouth of the burrow, will cause them to commence in the daytime. During the night this call is uttered by the female sitting on her nest or in the entrance of the tunnel, and she can be heard at a distance of a quarter of a mile when it is calm." BLACK PETREL (Majaqueus parkinsoJii, Gray). Male. — Similar in plumage to the previous species, but smaller, and also lacks the white band on the head and the white chin. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 460; bill, 50; wing, 335; tail, 105; tarsus, 55. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A burrow, either in loose soil or under the roots of trees, or even under stones. Eggs. — Clutch one; stout oval in shape; texture coarse; surface glossy; colour pure white. Dimensions in nnn. : — 69 x 49. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand. Observations. — The Black Petrel is an infrequent wanderer to Tasmanian waters. Round the coast of New Zealand, however, it is very numerous, and breeds in great numbei's in certain parts of the North Island and on small islands off the coast. The Maoris make great inroads not only among the young birds, but also the old ones, which are captured in large numbers by lighting fires on calm nights and thus decoying them to their destruction. *GREAT-WINGED PETREL (Long-winged Petrel) (O^strelata macroptera, Smith). Male. — Both the upper and lower surfaces are sooty-brown-, the back is tinged with grey; tail black; quills also black; "the primaries dull ashy at the base of the inner web, not forming a white base " (Godman) ; " bill and feet black" (Buller). Dimen- sions in mm. : — Length, about 385; bill, 34; wing, 300; tail, 45; tarsus, 41. Female. — Similar to male. Nestling. — "Covered with dingy slaty-grey down; the black 174 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. feathers first appearing on the head and iu four or five parallel series ou the cheeks. The down is long, thick, and fluffy, especi- ally on the under parts; and the bill and feet are perfectly black " (W. BuUer). Nest. — "A hole or burrow, usually at the base of a cliff. In companies, sometimes four or five pairs of birds having nests within the same cavern, each nest being placed at the end of a separate burrow, having a varying length, with an oval chamber at the farther end. These burrows are generally about 3 feet in extent (one, however, measured 4 feet) and the nest or egg chamber is decidedly smaller than that formed by the Black Petrel (M. parkinsoni) and had a few dry leaves on the floor " (Buller). Egcfs. — Clutch one; roundish oval in shape; texture fairly coarse ; surface faintly glossy and minutely pitted ; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 85 x 48. Breeding Season. — September. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, and ranging over the Southern Ocean generally. Observations. — During the non-breeding season the Great- winged Petrel may frequently be observed in Tasmanian waters. It may at once be identified by its great stretch of wing, reminding one of a gigantic Swift. "These Petrels are common on the coast of New Zealand. I saw them in large flocks out at sea, where they remain from March to August; in the latter month they come ashore to their old breed- ing places, which they use annually as long as they are not molested. These birds breed in colonies; their burrows are some- times very close to one another; on the Little Barrier Island (or Hauturu Island) I measured a piece of ground thii-ty-six feet in circumference in the centre of which were six burrows. Their breeding resorts are always on the cliffs along the coast — and some were very difficult to approach — dug out by these Petrels in hard sandy formation or clay. "After sunset thick clouds of these Petrels swarm round the chffs, uttering the melancholy sound ' Ohi ! ohi!' from which the native name is ' Ohi.' Each one circles round its burrow several times before it goes down to it ; and then they stop for a moment before entering. These birds go to and from their bin-rows several times a night. When the young is hatched, the female stops for a few days with her chick in the burrow ; after that both parents leave every morning before sunrise, and fly to their haunts on the ocean. Keturning after sunset, they circle round their burrows, then swoop down to the entrance and call ; when answered by the young bird thoy enter. If both birds come to the burrow together, one stops outside until the other reappears. When feeding the young they make a whimpering noise " (A. Reisckek). BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 175 *WHITE-HEADED PETREL (CEstrelata Icssoni, Garnot). Male. — Head white, a patch of black in front, round, and behind the eye ; neck and back hght ashy-grey ; the feathers on the back have hoary-grey margins; centre tail feathers asliy-grey, remainder mostly white ; shoulders and wing coverts inchned to slaty-black; quills blackish, tinged with grey; entire under sur- face pure white ; sides of chest light ashy-grey ; sides of body faint ashy-grey; " bill black; tarsus and half the toes and webs fleshy- white; tips of toes and their webs black " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 460 ; bill, 38 ; ^^■ing, 300 ; tail, 145 ; tarsus, 42. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A short burrow, tlie entrance of which is usually strewn with green shoots of Accena. Eggs. — Clutch one; inclined to oval in shape; texture fine, surface glossy; colour dull white. Dimensions in mm. : — 70 x 49. Breeding Season. — The Rev. A. E. Eaton found young in the burrows in September, and Mr. R. Hall found eggs in December and Januarj', both on Kerguelen Island. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia in general. New Zealand, and South Indian Ocean generally. Observations. — Very little is known of the habits of this fine species, whose wing powers, according to Gould, far exceed those of any of its congeners. There are but few records of the White-headed Petrel beine; seen in Tasmanian waters. SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL (CEstrelata Tnollis, Gould). Male. — Crown of head slaty-brown; feathers round eye and a patch below same black ; upper surface slaty-grey ; rump a shade darker than back ; tail ashy-grey ; shoulders and wing coverts blackish-brown ; throat and whole of under surface pure white ; sides of neck ashy-grey ; centre of upper fore-neck barred with wavy lines of dark ashy-grey ; sides of body sparsely barred in a similar manner; bill black; tarsus flesh colour. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 315; bill, 25; wing, 220; tail, 92; tarsus, 32. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A rabbit-like burrow in the ground. Eggs. — Clutch one; inclined to oval in shape; texture fairly coarse ; surface slightly glossy ; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 69 x 41. Breeding Season. — January, probably. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania (doubtful), Aus- tralia in general (possibly). New Zealand, Southern Ocean, South Atlantic and South Indian Oceans. 176 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Observations. — A certain amount of doubt exists as to whether the Soft-plumaged Petrel is really found in Tasmanian waters. So far as I am aware there are no records of this species having been observed round our coasts, but, taking into consideration the fact that Petrels in general are great ocean wanderers, there is no reason to doubt that, occasionally at least, it comes to within close proximity of the Tasmanian coast. Those who have observed this bird in its haunts state that it is a very rapid flier and generally moves at a considerble height above the surface of the water. *BEOWN-HEADED PETEEL (Solaxder Petrel) (Q^strclata solandri, Gould). Male. — Head black; cheeks and sides of face dark brown; upper surface black, tinged with grey ; tail feathers blackish, tinged with ashy-grey; under surface dusky-brown, shaded with slaty-grey ; ' ' slightly mottled with white spots on the throat and with larger ones on the breast, mostly concealed" (Godman) ; bill, legs, and feet black. Diniensions in mm..- — Length, 460; bill, 38; wing, 300; tail, 135; tarsus, 30. Female. — Probably similar to male. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. GeograpJiical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania and Australia in general. Observations. — Nothing is known of the habits of this species, the type specimen of which was secured by Gould in Bass Strait on 13th March, 1839, and is now in the British Museum. Dr. F. Du Cane Godman is inclined to think that this Petrel is but the dark phase of some other species, possibly (E. lessoni. *WHITE-WINGED PETEEL (CEstrclata leiicoptera, Gould). Male. — Forehead white, mottled with black; head and hind- neck blackish ; sides of face white, spotted with black in front of and below the eye ; feathers immediately surrounding" the eye black; back dark slaty-grey, edged with black; rump and upper tail coverts light slaty-grey; tail feathers slaty-grey, blackish on the inner web ; shoulders slaty-grey ; wing coverts and quills black; under surface white; sides of neck and upper breast black, with a fftint ashy tinge. " Bill black; tarsus and basal half of the interdigital membrane fleshy- white, remainder of the toes and interdigital membrane black" (Gould). Dimensions in mm.: — Length, about 310; bill, 27; wing, 216; tail, 92; tarsus, 30. Feviale. — Similar to male. Nest and Eggs. — Unknown. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 177 Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania and Australia in general; also among the Fiji Islands and Duke of York Islands. Observations. — The White-winged Petrel was discovered by Gould on Cabbage-tree Island, at the mouth of Port Stephen Harbour, in New South Wales, on which island he was informed it bred abundantly. Mr. A. J. Campbell states that it does not do so now. " Gould describes it as one of the most beautifully formed species of the genus, and says it is easily distinguished by its white abdomen and under wing coverts, which show to great advantage when the bird is seen on the wing from below ; it seldom, however, rises higher than the vane of the ship " (Godman). Sub-Family — Fulmarinae. *GIANT PETREL (Macronectes gigantea, Gmelin), Male. — Head dark brown, slightly mottled with black; back slaty-brown, the feathers having pale brown edges; tail feathers dark brown; wing coverts slaty-brown; quiils blackish-brown. " Throat dull white, mottled with bars of brown on the lower throat" (Godman). Rest of under surface slaty-brown; iris brown; bill pale yellowish horn colour; legs and toes grey, tinged with yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 840; bill, 102 ; wing, 535; tail, 197; tarsus, 95. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — When in down they are light greyish in colour, when fully fledged the feathers are dark brown mottled with white. Nest. — A hollow scratched in the ground, in w^hich are placed a few stems of grass. Eggs.- — -Clutch one; inclined to oval in shape; texture very coarse and granulated ; surface rough and without gloss ; colour dull white. Dimensions in mm. : — 99 x 65. Breeding Season. — September to November. Geographical Distribution. — The seas round Tasmania and the most of Australia ; also New Zealand, Southern Ocean in general, ranging as far south as 78 deg. S. lat., and as far north as 30 deg. S. lat. Observations. — This Giant Petrel, which has a close superficial resemblance to the Sooty Albatross, is a very familiar bird to all those who "go down to the sea in ships." The following quota- tions extracted from the writings of those who have had excep- tional opportunities for observing it in its haunts may not be without interest: — Dr. Wilson writes:- — "Of the Giant Petrel, the 'Nellie,' or ' Stink-pot ' — call him which you will — we saw far more in milder 13 178 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. climates than we have seen since we entered the ice. At Cape Adare it is true that we saw a number, and among them all varieties of shade, from the white albino to the chequered grey and the dark individuals, of which some were dark all over, even to blackness, and others had light-coloured heads and necks, con- trasting with their darker bodies. It is strange that we should have found here a dozen or so of this albino variety, for a white Giant Petrel was considered a great rarity by the members of the Southern Cross Expedition, nor was more than one seen there during the Vv'hole time of their stay at Cape Adare. The Nellie has never been found nesting so far south of the Circle, but breeds freely at most of the islands that lie a short way north of it. Variability is its marked characteristic, far more so than it is of the Skua, whose changes bear some relation to the age of the individual. It appears, however, that the variations in the Giant Petrel are independent of sex and age, and it maj' result in some way from the safety it enjoys from enemies that it has no need in the economy of life to maintain any definite colouring, and there- fore individual variation has full play." Howard Saunders, in his "Antarctic Manual," writes: — " The Giant Petrel, which approaches the larger species of Albatross in size, was observed by Dr. M'Cormick soaring over Possession Island, Victoria Land, and the Belgica found it a constant attendant in the ice-pack. The ' Nelly,' as sealers call it, is, in fact, the Vulture of the sea, visiting every spot where car- casses and refuse of seals and Penguins, or any other means of subsistence, can be found. Its breeding and habits on IMarion and Kerguelen Islands have been described by Moseley and others, and the bird probably nests on Heard Island. Webster found it on Deception Island, South Shetlands, from January to jNIarch ; and, as regards South Georgia, where the eggs are laid in the beginning of November, the practical Weddell remarks that these are inferior to those of other species. The beak of this voracious bird is very powerful, and assertions have often been made by sailors that it will attack a drowning man and accelerate his death. Dr. M'Cormick states that when, after leaving Kerguelen, the boat- swain of the Erebus fell overboard and could not be saved, the Giant Petrels swooped at him as he struggled to keep afloat, and it is doubtful if they did not actually strike him with their bills ; while Mr. Arthur G. Guillemard states that a sailor who was picked up had his arms badly lacerated in defending his head from the attacks of an ' Albatross,' which may have been this Giant Petrel." Mr. Borchgrevink, in " First on the Antarctic Continent," says : — "The Gigantic Petrels also visited Camp Ridley. They were very scarce during the summer. We did not find one of their nests, and their visits to the peninsula were always short and interrupted, and, to a great extent, I ascribe their visits to Robertson Bay and BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 179 our peninsula to strong gales at sea, which drove them towards shore for shelter. In fact, during the strongest gale we had in the autumn, they arrived at Camp Kidley the day before the gale com- menced, and left immediately after it was over. So I, at least, came to look upon their arrival as the sign of an approaching gale. These large birds, which in their flight much resemble the Alba- tross, vary somewhat in their colour — perhaps as much as the Lcstris — from dark brown to light faded brown ; and albinos are occasionally seen. I secured one of these latter, and Captain Jensen secured another. We had both of us great difficulty in securing a specimen. A noble, rare bird as he is, he seemed to soar about higher and more lonely than the rest, and remarkable was it that an albino, although of exactly the same species as the dark one, was seldom or never seen in its company. Whether this is because the others combine against him and hunt him because of his whiteness, or because he, in modest ignorance of his value, seeks his own sphere, I do not know, but cei'tain is it that he willingly or compulsorily soars about in higher regions than the rest." Mr. Burn-l\Iurdoch, who was on the Balaena on the "Edin- burgh to the Antarctic" Expedition, gives the following note on the species : — " A number of Nellies, or Giant Petrels, come circling over us as we slowly drift from our shelter to leeward. They gorge themselves with the ' cran ' (scraps of seal's flesh cut off the blubber — this name is also given to the carcass of the seal when it is skinned and the blubber has been stripped off), that is constantly being thrown over our sides, then fly back to the sea and sit beside their Penguin friends. Strange, ugly birds they are, the apparent coarseness of their build, and their grej'-green, clumsy beaks and rough brown feathers, give the impression that nature has turned them out in a very wholesale fashion. Some of them are appar- ently white, and a few of the same kind of bird, I believe — perhaps one in twenty — are pure white, all but one or two brown feathers. The different stages of colouring are rather like those of the Gannet. We call them ' scavengers.' " *CAPE PETREL (Cape Pigeon) (Daption capensis, Linn.) Male. — Head and hind-neck black; sides of shoulders and sides of neck black; central upper tail coverts white, conspicuously spotted with black; tail feathers white, with a broad terminal black band; marginal wing coverts black; inner wing coverts white, spotted similarly to shoulders ; primaries black, with inner webs white; outer secondaries white; inner also white, tipped with black; chin black; throat white, mottled with black; rest of under surface white. Female. — Similar to male. 180 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nestling. — According to Mr. W. Eagle Clarke "it is slate- grey above, paler and more sooty on the under side." Young. — " Covered with greyish down above and greyish-white below; bill black " (11. Hall). Nest. — On Iverguelen Island, according to Mr. R. Hall, the nests are placed in holes in stony parts of the cliffs about 50 feet above sea level, no lining of grass or weeds being used. On Laurie Island nests were found composed of stones and earth, and placed on exposed ledges of cliffs, frequently in colonies, but sometimes isolated. Egg's.- — Clutch one; oval in shape; large for the size of the bird. Dr. Godman states that the eggs obtained on South Orkney Islands averaged 62.35 x 43.11 mm. Average dimensions in mm. of three examples presented to the British Museum by Dr. W. S. Bruce:— 61 x 41. Breeding Season. — December. Geograpliical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean in general, to lat. 65 deg. south, ranging north to European waters. Observations. — Round the southern coast of Tasmania this species is more or less plentiful during the greater part of the year, but is not at all plentiful at any time in northern waters. To all those who have voyaged from Australia to the Cape it is a very familiar object skimming over the waters in the wake of the steamer in company with Albatrosses and other ocean wanderers, or else moving in great flocks over the face of the waters. " It feeds upon minute crustaceans, most of which appear to be coloured with bright orange pigment, that is so marked a feature in those animals. They are freely ejected in a mucoid orange- coloured mess when the bird is caught and handled, and the same objectionable habit is said to be indulged in when the birds are dis- turbed upon their nests " (E. A. Wilson). Mr. W. Eagle Clarke gives the distance of ejection as " 6 or even 8 feet." "This Martin among the Petrels is extremely tame, passing immediately under the stern and settling close down to the sides of the ship if fat of any kind or other oily substance be thrown over- board. Swims lightly, but rarely exercises its natatorial powers except to procure food, in pursuit of which it occasionally dives for a moment or two. Nothing can be more graceful than its motions while on the wing, with the neck shortened, and the legs entirely hidden among the feathers of the under tail coverts " (Gould). *BLUE PETREL [Halobcena coerulea, Gmelin). Male. — Forehead, sides of face, and ear coverts white; feathers on the forehead mottled with black ; crown of the head and neck slaty-black; back, rump, uj^per tail coverts, tail, BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 181 shoulders, and wing coverts greyish-blue ; tail feathers broadly tipped with white; outer webs of primaries black, inner hoary- white ; inner primaries and secondaries greyish-blue ; whole of under surface pure v^hite; sides of chest greyisli-blue. " Bill dull blackish-brown, with a stripe of blue-grey along the lower part of the lower mandible ; tarsus and toes delicate blue ; interdigital membrane fleshy-white, traversed with red veins" (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 280; bill, 27; wing, 212; tail, 92; tarsus, 32. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — According to the testimony of the llev. A. E. Eaton and Dr. Kidder, of the British and American Expeditions respect- ively, the burrows on Kerguelen Island were excavated beneath clumps of Azorella. The winding burrows terminated in large, dr}' chambers lined with fine roots, fibres, twigs, ferns, and leaves of the Kerguelen " tea." Eggs. — Clutch one; roundish oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface without gloss ; colour white. Dimensions in mm. : — 48 x 36. Breeding Season. — October and November. Oeographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean to 70 deg. south lat. Observations. — Gould on his first voyage to Australia observed the Blue Petrel in large numbers off the coast of Tasmania. Some authorities place this species among the Prions, which bird it closely resembles, but may be readilj' distinguished by its square tail and white tips to its tail feathers. " The resemblance between this Petrel and the Prion desolatus extends even to their ' coo. ' Their calls underground are so much alike that on hearing one it is difficult to state to which of the two species the bird cooing should be referred without digging it up for inspection, and their tone is very similar in sound to the cooing of some foreign doves. But their calls during flight are very different from one another" (A. E. Eaton). *BEOAD-BILLED DOYE-PETREL (Prion) (Prion vittatus, Gmelin). Male. — Crown of the head blue-grey, the grey being somewhat pronounced; back blue-grey; patch of black in centre of rump. " Sides of the rump, upper tail coverts, and tail feathers blue-grey, the centre ones with a broad black bar, disappearing towards the outermost feathers, which have black ends and black shafts" (Godman). Wing coverts like the back; primaries blackish; secondaries greyish; cheeks and under surface white; sides of the chest blue-grey ; under tail coverts light blue-grey. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 290; bill, 32; wing, 215; tail, 100; tarsus, 34. Female. — Similar in plumage to male, but, according to Dr. Godman, slightly smaller in size. 182 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nest. — A small burrow on the summit of small islets or a hole in the face of a clilf on the sea-shore. Eggs. — Clutch one; roundish oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface without gloss and minutely pitted ; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. of four specimens in the British ]\Iuseuni average 48 x 84. Breeding Season. — September. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean down to at least 61 degrees south lat. ; also South Pacific Ocean. Observations. — Prions, or "Whale-birds," are extremely diffi- cult to separate into species, even when handled. " Of the genus Prion four species are recognized. They are alike in plumage and markings. There is very little difference in the dimensions except in the bill and in the development of the lamellae at the base of the upper mandible, but with respect to these characters great individual variation is displayed. Prion vittatus has the largest bill, its sides being distinctly bowed and graduating towards the tip. P. banski has a bill bowed on the sides, but is smaller. I have, however, examined some specimens which could not be referred with certainty to either P. vittatus or P. banski, but were inteniiediate between the two. P. ariel and P. desolatus have the sides of the bill straighter, but as in the case of P. vittatus and P. banksi, it is not always possible to separate the two species definitely' " {¥. Du Cane Godman). But little is known of the habits of the Broad-billed Prion, or, for the matter of that, of any others of the genus. Usually con- sorts in small parties, or even immense flocks. *BANKS DOVE-PEION [Prion banski, Gould). Male— Head dark ashy-blue; back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tail feathers ashy-blue ; centre tail feathers broadly tipped with black, outer ones with narrow white tips ; primary coverts and primaries black; inner pinmaries and secondaries pearly-grej' ; sides of the face and whole of under surface white ; the bill has been variously described as being " turquoisene lead colour," " blue and slate colour," " bluish-grey " ; legs blackish. Dimensions in mm. : —Length, 255; bill, 27; wing, 200; tail, 90; tarsus, 30. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A burrow in the side of a hill. Eggs. — "Clutch one ; roundish or broad oval in shape ; texture of shell comparatively fine; surface without gloss; colour pure white. Dimensions in inches :— (1) 2.01 x 1.38, (2) 2.0 x 1.4, (3) 1.98 x 1.49, (4) 1.97 X 1.45, (5) 1.97 x 1.42, (6) 1.87 x 1.32 " (A. J. Campbell). BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 183 Breeding Season. — End of November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean to 74 deg. S. lat. ; also South Indian Ocean. Observations. — Very little is known concerning tlie habits of this Prion, but they are doubtless very similar to those of the other species of the genus. Macquarie and Auckland Islands at present appear to be the only localities where it has been found breeding. *DOVE-LIKE PKION (Prion desolatus, Gmelin). Male. — Similar to previous species except that the blue-grey is slightly paler; the head is also the same colour as the back; " bill bluish-grey, darker on the sides, and inclined to black at the base; legs and feet light blue, tinged with green in front, the webs whitish-grey; iris brownish-black" (BuUer). Dimen- sions in mm. — Length, about 265; bill, 26; wing, 185; tail, 88; tarsus, 27. Female. — Similar to male, but slightly smaller. Nest. — A rat-like burrow underground or in a crevice of a rock ; the floor of the egg-chamber is lined \Aith a little herbage or seaweed. Eggs. — Clutch one; inclined to oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface slightly glossy; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 46 x 36. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean down to the Ice Barrier, and as far north as 30 deg. S. lat. Observations. — The Dove-Petrel is occasionally washed upon the north-western and southern coasts of Tasmania after a severe storm . " In boisterous weather it appears to suffer more than any other oceanic species from the fury of the tempest, and the sea- beach is sometimes found literally strewn with the bodies of the dead and dying. I have frequently watched them battling, as it were, with the storm, till at length, unable longer to keep to windward, they have been mercilessW borne down upon the sands, and, being unable from sheer exhaustion to rise on the wing again, have been beaten to death h\' the rolling surf, or pounced upon and devoured by a hovering Seagull " (W. Buller). On Kerguelen Island, according to the Eev. A. E. Eaton, it is extremely plentiful, and on calm nights the rustling of a multi- tude of wings as the flocks flew produced a continuous murmur like the sound of distant traffic in a lar^e town. 184 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. *FAIRY DOVE-PRION (Prion ariel, Gould). Male. — " Similar iu colour to the other species of Prion, but with a pale crown, hardly differing from the tint of the back ; the spot below the eye also paler and less conspicuous; the terminal dark band of the tail wider; the bill much narrower and more compressed, though the unguis is as large as those of the other species; the sides of the mandibles are nearly straight, and the lamellae feebly developed and quite invisible when the bill is closed" (B. M. Cat.) Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A small burrow underground or in a crevice of a rock. Eggs. — Clutch one; somewhat oval in shape; texture fine; surface without gloss; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 43 X 32. Breeding Season. — October and November. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, eastern and southern coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean in general. Observations. — Of the various species of Prion frequenting the coasts of Tasmania, this one is the most often seen. Among other localities, it breeds on several islets in Bass Strait. Very little is known regarding the habits of the Fairy Dove- Petrel, but what is known goes to show that it closely resembles the other members of the genus in its natural economy. FAMILY— PELECANOIDID/E (1 species). *DIVING-PETREL (Pelecajioides urinatrix, Gmelin). Male. — " Crown and sides of the head, hind-neck, and all the upper surface shining steel-black; the forehead tinged with brown, the sides of the neck dusky, and the scapulars touched with white; throat, fore-neck, and all the under parts pure white; the sides of the body and flanks sometimes stained with grey. Irides and bill black; legs and feet cobalt, tinged with green, the webs bluish- white" (BuUer). Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 240; bill, 20; wing, 140; tail, 50; tarsus, 25. Feviale. — Similar to male. Nest. — A short burrow underground or in a crevice in a rock. Eggs. — Clutch one; roundish oval in shape; texture fairly fine: surface without gloss and minutely pitted; colour pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — 38 x 30. Breeding Seaso7i. — July and August in some localities; October and November in others. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 185 Geographical Disirihution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and south coast of South America. Observations. — "In mid-ocean one may see a small Petrel, quite alone, tlying fast and straight close over the wave tops, until suddenly, like a stone, it disappears into the water. If the sea is particularly calm it may be seen that its wings tlap rapidly for three or four strokes, then follows a quick, short sail, the bird seldom rising more than a foot or two from the surface of the water. Its flight seems to be hurried and in a straight line, coming to an abrupt termination as the bird drops. It is not easy to observe at sea, but its flight is so peculiar that it can- not well be mistaken for any other form of Petrel." The above description of the habits of P. exsiil, a close ally of P. urinatrix, by Dr. Wilson, may be taken as equally applying to the latter species. The Diving-Petrel is to be found in small numbers in Bass Strait, where it breeds on one of the islands of the Kent Group. Eound the coast of New Zealand it is very plentiful, consorting in flocks. Its food consists of medusae and other marine life. FAMILY-DIOMEDEID/E (6 species). ^WANDERING ALBATROSS {Diomedia exulans, Linn.) Male. — General colour white; feathers of the back and mantle crossed with narrow wavy brown lines; tail white, irregu- larly spotted with black near the tip; wings blackish- brown mottled with pale brown, edges of wings white; primaries blackish; secondaries browner; breast and sides of body with tiny pale brown markings; under surface of wings and under tail- coverts white; " irides rich dark brown ; bare eyelids greenish-purple ; bill white, with a pinkj^ tinge, yellowish horn coloured at the tip ; legs and feet flesh-white, some- times with a pinky tinge. Total length, 40.5 inches; extent of wings, 40; wing from carpal flexure, 24; tail, 8.5; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible, 7; length of lower mandible, 6; depth of bill at the base, 2.5; bare tibia, 1.5; tarsus, 5; middle toe and claw, 6.5; greatest width of expanded foot, 6.5 " (Buller). Female. — Similar to male. Young. — "Above dark brown, paler on the neck, with a dark patch on the crown and nape ; wing uniform darker brown ; fore- head, sides of the head, and upper portion of the throat white; under surface whitish, paler on the abdomen; the flanks speckled; under tail coverts brown ; under wing coverts and axillaries white ' ' (B. M. Cat.) 186 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nest. — " Clumps of short grass and moss, trodden down, well matted together, and scooped about with earth and feathers into a conical-shaped mound, with an egg-cavity at the top about the size and depth of a soup plate " (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — Clutch one; elongated oval in shape; texture coarse; surface rough and without gloss; colour dull white, with a few dull purplish-brown markings on the apex. Dimensions in mm. : — 125 X 75. Breeding Season. — December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Ocean, northwards to South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans. Observations. — Much has been written from time to time con- cerning this great ocean wanderer, a giant among birds. Those who have witnessed the majestic ease and grace with which it wings its way over the waters or circles on outstretched pinions on the look-out for tit-bits cannot but conclude that the Wandering Albatross is the embodiment of grace when on the wing. Bound the southern coast of Tasmania this bird is a some- what famihar object, wheeling over the blue water, its snowy plumage glistening in the sunlight. " When on the wing the feet are held together the full length under the tail, and, extending well beyond its longest feathers, give the impression of a markedly wedge-shaped tail with a white terminal border. This, of course, is not the case, for the tail is bordered by black at the extremity and the appearance of white beyond the black is due to the whitish feet " (E. A. Wilson). *BLACK-BEOWED ALBATROSS [Diomedia melanopJirys, Temm.) Male. — General colour white; a slaty patcli in front of and behind the eyes ; back and wings slaty-black ; tail slate-grey ; bill dull yellow; legs and feet yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, about 860; bill, 138; wing, 510; tail, 185; tarsus, 78. Female. — Similar to male. Youn^/.— Differs from the adult in that the head is grey and the bill dark blue. Nest. — Constructed of grass, moss, and earth into the shape of a small inverted cone. Breeds in colonies. Eggs. — Clutch one; inchned to oval in shape; texture coarse; surface without gloss; colour dull white, with a few distinct mark- ings on the apex. Dimensions in mm. : — 101 x 67. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and the Southern Ocean in general. Observations.— Wound the coast of Tasmania this fine Albatross BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 187 is frequently to be seen either following in the wake of ships or else scouring the ocean for food. It has been found breeding on Campbell, Auckland, Antipodes, Bounty, Falkland, and Kerguelen Islands. " Of all the species with which I am acquainted this is the most fearless of man, for it often approaches many yards nearer the vessel than any other; I have even observed it so near that the tips of its pinions were not more than two arms' lengths from the taffrail. It is very easily captured with a hook and line, and, as this operation gives not the least pain to the bird, the point of the hook merely taking hold in the horny and insensible tip of the bill, I frequently amused myself by capturing specimens in this way, and after detaining them sutiiciently long to afford me an opportunity for investigating any particular point respecting which I wished to satisfy myself, setting them at liberty again, after having marked many, in order to ascertain whether the individuals which were flying round the ship were the same that were simi- larly engaged at daylight in the morning after a night's run of 120 miles, and this in many cases proved to be the case. When brought upon deck, from which it cannot take wing, it readily becomes tame, and allows itself to be handled almost immediately; still, I believe that no member of this gx'oup can be domesticated, in consequence of the difficulties of procuring a supply of natural food " (Gould). *WHITE-CAPPED OR SHY ALBATROSS (Thalassogcron caiitiis, Gould). Male. — "Head, neck, lower back, upper tail coverts, whole of under surface, under wing coverts, and axillaries white "; a grey- ish-black mai'k in front and over the eye ; face pale grey ; back, wings, and tail greyish-brown; "bill light vinous, grey or bluish horn colour, except on the culmen, where it is more yellow, partic- ularly at the base ; the mandible is surrounded at the base with a narrow belt of black, which also extends on each side of the culmen to the nostrils ; base of the mandible surrounded by a belt of rich orange, which extends to the comers of the mouth; feet bluish- white; irides brown" (Gould). Dimensions in mm.: — Length, about 890; bill, 152; wing, 560; tail, 230; tarsus, 92. Female. — Similar to male save that the face is slighth' lighter in colour and the culmen dull yellow. Nest. — Constructed of soil mixed when in the wet state with rootlets and other vegetation and raised a few inches ofi: the ground. Eggs. — Clutch one; elliptical in shape; texture coarse; surface rough and without gloss; colour soiled white, with a freckled band of reddish-brown about the apex. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :— (1) 96 x 70, (2) 107 x 69. Breeding Season. — September and October. 188 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania and Australia except the northern portion. Observations. — liound the southern coast of Tasmania the White-capped Albatross is frequently to be seen not far from the laud. It appears to be more plentiful there than off the innnediate northern coast. Gould first detected this species as a distinctive one when lying wind-bound in Recherche Bay. During the 1909 camp-out of the Tasmanian Field Naturalists' Club on Freycinet Peninsula, several individuals of this species were seen out in the bay. Albatross Island, in Bass Strait, is one of its principal breeding grounds. Ov/ing to the difficulty of land- ing on the island, the birds are very little disturbed. *FLAT OR BROAD-BILLED ALBATROSS [Thalassogeron cuhninatus, Gould). Male. — Head and neck whitish-grey; a patch of blackish in front of and above the eye ; back blackish-brown ; tail dark greyish- brown, shafts white; bill blackish, tip pale; legs and feet yellow. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 920; bill, 129; wing, 510; tail, 197; tarsus, 82. Fetnale. — Similar to male. Young. — "Has the head and neck dark grey; the space between the upper mandible and the eyes, as well as a mark above the latter, of a deeper shade; beneath the posterior side of the lower eyelid a light grey mark; the cheeks whitish; bill black, with indications of yellow in the middle portion of its ridge, and with the outer edges of the lower mandible horn-coloured towards the base; legs and feet yellowish-white " (BuUer). Nest. — " Composed outwardly of tussock-grass and mud, lined inside with fine grass and feathers; situated on the top of a rock or a loamy plain. Dimensions in inches: — External diameter at top 12, at base 18; egg-cavity, 10 across by 5 deep (Emerson) " (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — " Clutch one; oval in form, smaller at one end; both ends quite blunt; colour inclined to light creamy-white, with a ring of seemingly fine, spattered burnt sienna specks or spots, like those made by drawing a brush of colour across a stick, as a painter does to get the effect of granite. They form a ring about 2 inches broad round the larger end. The centre of the ring runs together in the fine markings, making the colour almost solid, and fading away from the outer edge almost to needles' points. Dimensions in inches: — 4.75 x 2.38" (Emerson). According to Kutter:— (1) 4.25 x 2.75, (2) 4.11 x 2.7" (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — December and Jaiuu\ry. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New BIRDS OF TASMAI^IA. 189 Zealand, Southern Ocean, and ranging northwards to the coasts of Central America. Observations. — This species was observed by Gould to be plentiful in the seas round Australia. Between northern Tas- mania and South Australia he noticed it in numbers. Regarding its general habits, he states that they are verj' similar to those of the other members of the group, and therefore there was no necessity to repeat what he had already written of other species. *YELLOW-NOSED (GEEEN-BILLED) ALBATROSS. (Tlialassugeron clilororliynchus, Gmelin). 'Male. — Head and neck white, with a slight tinge of grey; an indistinct dark grey mark in front of the e^'e ; back dark sooty- brown; rump white; tail dark grey, the shafts white; wings almost black; under surface white; "bill black, culmen yellow passing into blood-orange at the tip, base of the mandible yellow, the tip also slightly yellow; legs flesh colour " (B. M. Cat.) Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 850; bill, 128; wing, 480; tail, 192; tarsus, 77. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — Does not differ from those of the other members of the genus. Eggs. — "Clutch one; colour dull white, with single yellowish blotches, probably resulting from dirt. Dimensions in inches: — 4.0 X 2.28 (Kutter) " (A. J. Campbell). Breedmg Season. — October and November. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and the Southern Ocean generally. Observations. — Practically nothing is known of the natural economy of the Yellow-nosed Albatross, but which we may sup- pose is very similar to other species. Gould, on his way to Australia in 1838, found this species very plentiful at times. *SOOTY ALBATROSS (Phoebetria fuliginosa, Gmelin). Male. — Plumage generally sooty; shoulders and under surface slightly tinged with brown; ring of white, interrupted in front, round the eyes; bill black; along either side of the lower mandibles a line of yellow; " feet dark hazel " (B. M. Cat.); " legs and feet white, with a puq^lish tinge " (Buller). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 880; bill, 113; wing, 505; tail, 245; tarsus, 76. Feinale. — Similar to male. Immature. — An immature female captured in Bass Strait was similar in plumage to the adult save that some of the feathers on 190 " BIRDS OF TASMANIA. the abdomen were tipped with dirty-white; iris b)ack; bill yellow, tip bluish horn colour; legs and toes black; webs sooty-black. ]3imensions in mm.: — Length, 860; bill, 92.5; wing, 505; tail, 187 ; tarsus, 82. Nest. — A low mound constructed of earth and vegetation. Eggs. — Clutch one; somewhat oval in shape; texture fairly coarse; surface without gloss; colour dull white. Dimensions in mm. :-— 99 x 40. Breeding Seasoji. — September to November. Geographical Distrihtdion. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean in general. Observations. — At times the Sooty Albatross is very plentiful about Bass Strait, chiefly when heavy weather is being experienced in the Australian Bight or further south. " The cuneated form of the tail, which is peculiar to this species, together with its slight and small legs and more delicate structure, clearly indicate that it is the most aerial species of the genus, and accordingly we find that in its actions and mode of flight it differs very considerably from all the other species of the Albatross, its aerial evolutions being far more easy, its flight much higher, and its swoops more rapid ; it is, moreover, the only species that passes directly over the ship, which it frequently does in blowing weather, often poising itself over the mast-head, as if inquisitively' viewing the scene below ; at this moment it offers so inviting a mark for the gunner that it often forfeits its life " (Gould). ORDER— PLATALE.^. FAMILY- IBIDID/E (2 species). STRAW-NECKED IBIS {Carphibi.'i spinicoUis, Jameson). Male. — Crown of the head and fore part of the throat bare and of a dull inky-black, surrounded b}' a ruff of white feathers; lower hind-neck dusky-black; upper back, mantle, shoulders, and wings black, glossed with steel-green and purplish, crossed with dull black bars; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts black, almost destitute of gloss ; the long upper tail coverts and tail feathers white; wing coverts and quills black, outer webs glossed with dull green; "centre of fore-neck white, with long straw- coloured pluines on each side"; sides of neck and chest black, glossed with green and purplish; breast and abdomen white; bill dull black; legs and feet blackish-brown. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 725; bill, 204; wing, 372; tail, 135; tarsus, 83. Female. — Similar in plumage, but dimensions slightly less. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 191 Young. — Upper surface, save hind-neck, dull sooty-black, without gloss ; hind-neck and under surface white ; sides of chest slightly blackish. Nest. — A platform of broken-down reeds in a colon^^ in a swainp. Eggs. — Clutch three to four; roundish oval in shape; texture coarse; surface pitted and slightly glossy; colour dull white. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: — (1) 62 x 46, (2) 61.5 x 46, (3) 63 X 47, (4) 61 X 45. Breeding Season. — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania (accidental), Australia in general, and New Guinea. Observations. — I cannot find any exact data relating to this bird's appearance or appearances in Tasmania. *GLOSSY IBIS {Plegadis jalcinellus, Linn.) , Male {breeding plumage). — Forehead and crown glossy green; back black, glossed with green and bronzy-purple; lower back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tail black, glossed with green and bronzy-green ; wing coverts deep chestnut ; primary coverts and quills glossy green ; neck and under surface deep maroon chest- nut; bill, legs, and feet dark brownish-olive. Dimensions in mm. —Length, 560; bill, 128; wing, 284; tail, 98; tarsus, 104. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male, but dimensions slightly less. Male and Female {non-breeding plumage). — Head and neck more or less striped with whitish and black ; no rufous on back or shoulders; rest of plumage practicallj* similar to breeding dress. Young. — Head dusky-brown, both it and the throat lightly striped with whitish; rest of plumage similar to adults, but more of a uniform oil-green, with metallic reflections. Nest. — Somewhat bulky, composed of sticks and twigs, placed in the branches of a tree in or near water. Eggs. — Clutch three to four; oval in shape; texture coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour deep bluish-green. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :— (1) 50 x 36, (2) 52 x 36.5. Breeding Season. — October and November. Geographical Distrib^dion. — Tasmania (accidental), Australia in general, Borneo, Java, Celebes, New Guinea, China, Siam. Afghanistan, Turkestan, Persia, Southern Europe, eastern portion of the United States, South Africa, Egypt, and several minor places. Observations .-—The same remarks apply to this species as to the former one. At the most they are but rare and accidental visitors, in all probability blown out of their course. 192 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. ORDER— HERODIONES : HERONS. FAMILY-ARDEID/E (6 species). *EGRET (Hcrodias timoriensis, Less.) Male {breeding plumage). — Entire plumage pure white, with a bunch of elongated plumes on the back reaching just beyond the tail; "bill beautiful orange; naked space before and behind the eye fine greenish-yellow ; legs alcove the knee pale dull yellow, this colour continued down the centre of the inner part of the tarsi ; remainder of the feet and tarsi black " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 760; bill, 110; wing, 385; tail, 158; tarsus, 143. Female {breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Male and Female {ivinter plum.age). — Similar to that of the summer but without the plumes ; bill j^ellow. Young. — Similar to winter plumage of adults. Nest. — A rough but strong platform of sticks, built in a tree overhanging water; usually a heronry is formed. Eggs. — Clutch three or four; elliptical in shape; texture coarse ; surface slightly glossy; colour light bluish-green. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :—(l) 55 x 38, (2) 55 x 37, (3) 54 x 37. Breeding Season. — Commences towards the end of November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general. New Zealand; through the Austro-Malayan Archipelago to North China and Japan. Observation's. — This handsome species is but seldom seen about our rivers, and when seen is unfortunately rarely left un- molested. During the summer of 1892 there was an astonishing influx of birds of this species into the island. Reports as to its occurrence were received from the Tamar, North and South Esk, Midlands, Sorell district, and the basin of the Derwent. Unhappily the birds were not given an opportunity to breed in any of the above localities ; but were ruthlessly hunted down. At the present time it is sparingly found at different points on the East Coast. *WHITE-FRONTED HERON (Crane) {Notophoyx 7iov(B-hollandicB, Lath.) Male. — Forehead, eyebrow, cheeks, and the whole of the throat white; head and neck dark slate colour, especially the former; back and shoulders slaty-grey, with long lanceolate plumes of pale vinous tint; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts lighter grey ; tail dark slaty-grey, the lateral feathers with brownish tips ; wing coverts slaty-grey ; primary coverts and quills black ; long lanceolate plumes on neck and chest deep vinous; abdomen and thighs pale isabelline-grey ; lining of wings white ; upper man- b: » Jt 'v^^.* ^/.> -^ ^z>J -**:^<^: -C !?■ ;t: r, Zz!^ NESTS OF WHITE-FHONTED HERON. Photo, by A. H. E. Mattingley. From "The Em0.' BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 193 dible blackish ; lower maudible yellow for basal half, balance blackish; legs and feet yellowish-brown. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 655; bill, 79; wing, 320; tail, 132; tarsus, 99. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — Upper surface uniform grey ; cheeks and upper throat white ; rest of under surface as in adult, but no lanceolate plumes on neck and chest. Nest. — A platform of stout sticks, with finer ones in the centre, placed in the branch of a tree close to or overhanging water. I have seen nests in lightly timbered country built in trees some considerable distance from water. Eggs. — Clutch four to five; elliptical in shape; texture fairly coarse ; surface moderately glossy ; colour pale bluish-green. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch:— (1) 48.5 x 34, (2) 48 x 34, (3) 49 X 33, (4) 47 x 33.5, (5) 49 x 34. Breeding Season. — September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general. New Zealand, and a number of islands in the Malay Archipelago. Observations. — The Blue Crane is a very common object in almost every part of the island. It frequents the sea-shore, the banks of tidal rivers, edges of lakes, lagoons, and swamps. Often- times it is to be seen in flocks of a dozen to twenty individuals, though frequently it is a solitary bird. Not only does it seek its food in pools left by the receding tide, or on the edge of the marshy ground of its haunts, but it also wades knee-deep into the water in quest of aquatic insects, Crustacea, fish, &c. Its flight is heavy, with a great flapping of wings ; the neck is much constricted the while. In some districts the Crane is shot and eaten ; it is said to be very good stewed. ♦WHITE-NECKED (PACIFIC) HERON (Notophoyx pacifica, Lath.) Male. — Head and neck pale vinous-grey to buffy-white ; upper surface glossy olive-green, the lanceolate feathers on shoulders maroon tipped with slate; edges of wings white; throat white, spotted with a few black spots ; feathers of fore-neck elongated ; remainder of under surface blackish, streaked with white; on either side of the upper breast a patch of elongated purplish-red feathers; sides of body and flanks deep slate colour; upper mandible black, basal half of under mandible yellow ; legs yel- lowish-olive; feet black. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 760: bill, 41; wing, 400; tail, 135; tarsus, 126. Female. — Similar to male. Voting. — Head grey ; upper surface dingy ; throat heavily spotted with black; under surface blackish-grey, streaked with white. 14 194 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nest. — A loosely constructed platfoiin of sticks, placed in a tree overhanging water or standing in a lagoon. Eggs. — Clutch four to five; oval-roundish in shape; texture coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour light bluish-green. Dimen- sions in mm. of a small clutch: — (1) 50 x 40, (2) ')() x 89.5, (3) 51 X 40. Breeding Season. — September and March. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and Australia in general. Observations. — The Pacific Heron cannot be considered a resident species, though doubtless a few individuals occasionally remain the year through. Diuung the autumn of 1892 several districts in the north of Tasmania were suddenly visited l)y this handsome species. Specimens were shot at Lake Kiver, Stanley, St. Mary's, and on the River Tamar. During certain months it is sparsely distributed on the North and East Coasts; doubtless there are other localities as well. In addition to the mouths of rivers, the Pacific Heron frequents swamps, in which place it may be seen in company with other wading birds. Its food is very similar to that of the Pacific Crane. The first record of this species in Tasmania was fif)ni Lake Tiberias, March, 1876. *REEF-HEEON (Deniiegrctta sacra, Gmelin). Male. — " General plumage slaty-gre3% darker on the upper parts, tinged on the lower with brown ; a broad line of white down the middle of the throat, and extending in some examples down the fore-neck. The back is ornamented with a number of narrow lanceolate feathers of a bluish-grey colour, overlying the scapulars, and there are a few similar feathers on the lower part of the neck, overlapping the breast ; the feathers of the nape are long and silky and of a brighter tint than the surrounding plumage. Dimensions in inches: — Length, 25; bill, 3.5; wing, 11.5; tail, 4; tarsus, 3 to 3.5" (Buller). Female. — Similar to male. Nestling. — " Covered with slate-coloui-ed down " (BuUor). Young. — More sooty-brown than adults; ornamental plumes on head, back, and chest wanting. Nest. — " Perfectly flat nest of coarse grass-stems in a cranny of rock " (J. D. MacLaine). Eggs. — Clutch two to four (occasionally); elliptical iu shape; surface finely granulated and without gloss; colour delicate greenish or bluish white, depending on how they are examined. Dimensions of a clutch :— (1) 45 x 33, (2) 46 x 33.5, (3) 45 x 32.5. Breeding Seaso7i. — September and the two succeeding mouths. Geographical Distribution. — " Coasts of Australia and Tas- mania; also New Zealand and other islands of the Pacific up to BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 195 Corea Baj^; coast of Further India and Austro-Malaj'an Airlii- pelago " (A. J. Campbell). Observations. — Although found in many places round the coast of Tasmania, some of the islands in Bass Strait must be considered its sti'onghold as far as Tasmania and its dependencies are con- cerned. ]\Iuch discussion has taken place among authorities at various times concerning the blue and white phases of this species. Those who are interested in this matter can find valuable informa- tion in Legge's " Birds of Ceylon," Baird, Brewer, and Eidgway's " North American Water-Birds," and the writings of Drs. Finsch and HartlaXib. -NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax calcdonicus, Gmelin). Male. — Head black, with two long white plumes; eyebrow white ; upper surface cinnamon or light chestnut ; whole of under surface white; bill black; legs and feet yellow. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 505; bill, 76; wing, 296; tail, 92; tarsus, 90. Female. — Similar to male. Young. — Upper surface heavily streaked and spotted with buffy- white, under surface streaked with blackish. Nest. — Loose platfonxi of sticks, placed in a heronry, in trees standing in water. Eggs. — Clutch four; oval in shape; texture of shell fairly coarse; surface slightly glossy; colour light bluish-green. Dimen- sions in mm. of a pair : — (1) 50 x 35, (2) 50.25 x 35.5. Breeding Season. — September to December. GeograpJiical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, New Zealand, and several islands in the I'acific. Observations. — The Nankeen Night-Heron is a rare species as far as Tasmania is concerned, there being but few localities from which it has been recorded. As its name implies, it is a nocturnal species, seeking its food in swamps and lagoons when ixiost of the other members of the feathered world are steeped in slumber. Its note is a hoarse croaking one, which can be heard for some considerable distance on a still night. During the daytime it sleeps in lofty trees. ^BITTERN (Botaurus poeciloptilus, Wagler). Male. — Head and nape dark brown; back of neck and back dark purplish-brown, varied with buff; tail feathers dark brown, margined and freckled with buff ; scapulars and secondaries like back, and mottled on the edges with tawny-yellow; "the longer coverts with broad arrow-head marks along their whole extent, and the shorter ones freckled and mottled with different shades of brown " (Buller) ; quills purplish-brown, with buff markings on 196 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. inner webs of primaries and both webs of secondaries; throat, sides of neck, and all the under surface tawny-buff, variegated with dark brown, some of the markings zig-zag shape; abdomen and under tail coverts yellowish-buff ; irides yellow ; bill dark brown ; legs and feet i^ale green. Dimensions in nun.: — liength, 760; bill, 69; wing, 350; tail, 112; tarsus, 103. Female. — Plumage somewhat duller, but otherwise similar. Young. — Differs from the adults in being more uniforml}- yellow ; crown of head and ruff pale smoky-brown ; quills mottled and barred with rufous ; under surface yellowish-buff, distinctly streaked with rufous. Ne'st. — The usual situation is in a swamp, when a i:)latform of reeds laid crosswise is built up some few inches above the surface of the water. Eggs. — Clutch four to five; oval in shape; texture coarse; sur- face glossy; colour pale olive. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 49 X 36, (2) 50 x 35, (3) 49 x 35.5, (4) 48.5 x 36. Breeding Season. — October to December or Januar}-. Geographical Distribtdion. — Tasmania and the larger islands in Bass Strait; also Australia in general, Xew Zealand, and New Caledonia. Observations. — Although nowhere plentiful, the Bittern is distributed over a wide area in Tasmania, those districts where there are swamps being frequented. Both by night and by day may its hollow, booming notes be heard issuing from the reedy fastnesses of its haunts. As may be expected, its food consists of fish, frogs, aquatic insects, and molluscs. Among other places, I have records of this bird from Kelso, Waratah, the country lying between The Tunnel and Lilydale, Noland Bay, lower reaches of the Tamar, Tasman's Peninsula, Gladstone, and Eoss. Of the general habits of the Bittern, the late Sir Walter Bullt-r wrote : — "It appears to love a solitary life, being always met with singl}^; it remains concealed during the heat of the day, and at eventide startles the ear with its four loud, booming notes, slowly repeated, and resembhng the distant roar of an angry bull. . . . It is interesting to steal up, under cover, and watch this Bittern alternately feeding and reposing in its sedgy haunts. When in a quiescent posture tlie body is nearly erect, the head thrown back and resting on the shoulders, with the beak pointed upwards, and the contracted neck forming a broad curve with the closed ruff depending, the attitude altogether being rather grotesque. The instant, however, any sound causes it alarm, the whole character of the bird is changed; the neck is stretched to its full extent, and every movement betokens caution and vigilance ; unless imme- diately reassured, it spreads its broad wings and raises itself into the air in a rather awkward manner, with the legs dangling down, NESTS OF NIGHT-HERON, EGGS, AND YOUNG. Photo, by A. H. E. Mattingley. From "The Emu.' BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 197 but gradual!}- I'aised to a level with the tail ; the Hight then assumes a steady course, often in a broad semicircle, and is maintained by slow and regular flappings. If unmolested, it may be observed stalking knee-deep in the water in search of food, with its neck inclined forward, raising its foot high at every step as if deliberately measuring the ground." ORDER— STEGANOPODES : PELICANS. FAMILY-PHALACROCORACID/E (4 species). BLACK CORMORANT [Phalacrocorax caibo, Linn.) Male [breeding plumage). — General colour dark, glossy puii:)lish-black; crown and greater part of the neck covered with long, narrow white feathers ; distinct crest of black feathers on nape ; tail black ; a large patch of white feathers on each flank ; bill greyish-brown; legs and feet blackish. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 905; bill, 65; wing, 340; tail, 178; tarsus, 60. Female [breeding plwiiage). — Similar to male. Male and Female [non-breeding plumage). — Xo white feathers on head and neck ; white patches on the flanks also absent. Immature. — Upper surface similar to adult, but some brownish- feathers mixed with it ; under surface mottled with broad bi ownish- black ends to the feathers. Young.— Up-per surface dull brown, margined with black and faintly glossed; centre of under parts white; sides, flanks, and under tail coverts dark brownish-black. XestUng. — Covered with thick blackish down. Nest. — Placed in a rookery and generally roughly constructed of twigs, leaves, and aquatic herbage. The situation of a rookery varies from the tops of stunted bushes or low trees over water to ledges of rock on some sea-girt island. When the nest is situated in this last position it is constructed of seaweed, and is some 4 or more inches thick. There are several rookeries on various islets in Bass Strait. Eggs. — Clutch three to four; somewhat elliptical in shape, with the shell coarse ; no gloss on surface ; greenish-white in colour; the surface is more or less coated with lime, but laid on more evenly than on the eggs of the White-breasted species. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch:— (1) 57 x 39, (2) 59 x 37, (3) 58 X 39. Breeding Season. — June to November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general. New Zealand, Chatham Islands, the Austro-jNIalayan region, parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, South Greenland, the Faroes, Iceland, and the Atlantic coast of North America. 198 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Observations. — The Black Cormorant is, perhaps, tlie most plentiful of its genus, not only being Icuncl in numbers off the coast, at the mouths of rivers emptying into the sea, bays, and islets, but also about inland rivers and lakes. It is the hetc noir of fishermen, though hardly more so than the other species. Much discussion has ensued at various times, especially recently, as to whether the Cormorant, treating all species as one, is as black as it is i^ainted. The conclusion one arrives at, after reading all the correspondence, is that in inland waters the Cor- morant may be voted a pest; while, as to the coast, man in his wisdom has decided that but little damage is done. I have no intention of entering into a discussion on the subject, but would like to call attention to the fact that the Cormorant is not the only enemy against which imported trout have to contend. It is a well-known fact that eels are ver^' destructive to ova and young fry ; then there are the large trout, who develop decided cannibalistic tendencies and wreak great havoc among the young of their own kind. A writer in Tlie Ediu has asserted that it is only the weak and deformed fish that fall victims to the Cormorant. The following word picture of the Black Shag is from tlie pen of the late Sir W. Buller : — "It walks with awk- ward, waddling gait, supporting itself in part witli its tail, which is moved alternately to the riglil and left at every step. It has a very foetid odour; and a person approaching a Hock of these birds on [he leeward side is made sensible of this at a hundred yards or more. Its usual attitude on the beach is one of repose, with the body mclined forward, the tail resting full length on the ground, and the head drawn in upon the shoulders. When disturbed it instantly stretches up its neck, listens and watches attentively for a second or two. and then, after a few ungainly steps, shoots its white ordure along the sands, then rises into the air with laboured flapping of its wings, and flies off in the direction of the sea, into which it speedily plunges." LITTLE BLACK COEMOEAXT (Plialacrocorax sidcirostris, Brandt). Mole and Female (breeding plumage). — All the upper and under surface save the upper back, wing coverts, and shoulders, which are ash-coloured margined with black, are brownish-black, glossed with dull brown ; on the sides of the head and scattered about the neck are a few narrow white feathers: behind the ears is a rather long tuft of white feathers; bill lead colour, with a line of black down the centre; legs and feet black. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 640; bill, 42; wing, 255; tail, 123; tarsus, 41. Male and Female {non-hreeding plumage). — Similar to the above, but without the white plumage on head and neck. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 199 Immature. — Head, neck, and nnder surface brownish-black; rest oi plumage brownish-grey. Nesi. — Constructed of sticks and placed in a low tree over water. Ef/(j.-i. — Clutch three; somewhat oval in shape; texture coarse; surface without gloss; colour greenish-white, with a limy coat- mg. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples : — (1) 49 x 33, (2) 50 x 35. Breeding Season. — August to December. Geographical Distiibutio)i. — Tasmania, Australia, New Zea- land, New Caledonia, and portion of the Austro-Malayan Archi- pelago. Observations.— This species was first recorded for Tasmania by Mr. A. E. Brent in 1890. In 1893 he again saw several more of the same species. A few individuals have been seen in the Eiver Tamar within the last twelve months. Altogether, the Jjittle Black Cormorant is somewhat rare in Tasmania. WHITE-BEEASTED CORMOEANT [Phalacrocorax gouldi, Salvad.) Male and Female (breeding plumage). — Crown, neck, back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tlanks black, glossed with dull steel- blue ; sides of the upper back, shoulders, and wing coverts glossed with dull green; quills and tail feathers brownish-black; sides of the head and under surface white ; on both the upper surface and the flanks are a few scattered white plumules; iris green; bill legs, and feet black. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 695; bill. 58; wing, 300; tail, 110; tarsus, 54. Male and Female (non-breeding plumage). — Differs from the above in that the white plumules are absent. Nest. — A fairly large structure of seaweed and marine debris, l)laced in a rookery on the tops of flattish rocks on an island or islet, close to the water. The rookery of this species and that of the Black Cormorant are sometimes adjoining. Fgga. — Clutch two to three; long oval in shape; shell coarse and without gloss ; colour varies from greenish to bluish white ; surface roughly coated with lime, and soon becoming nest-stained. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 62 x 37, (2) 57 x 37, (3) 60 X 38. Breeding Season. — August or September to November. Fre- quently eggs have been found in June and July on some of the islets in Bass Strait. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and the greater part of Australia ; also Louisiade Archipelago. Observations. — It is a matter for debate as to whether this species or the Black Shag is the more plentiful in and around Tasmania. Those whose business or pleasure has taken them 200 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. among the islands and islets dotting Bass Strait during the latter months of the year cannot but have observed rookeries of the White-breasted Cormorant on many of them, showing out con- spicuously on account of the rocks being "whitewashed." Along many of our rivers flocks of this species may be seen perched on piles or on the dead branches of trees overhanging or close to the water. ])uring my trip to Ninth Island, in September, 1909, 1 had good opportunities for observing this Comiorant. On a rocky isthmusrunningout from the south-east corner of the island was a large rookery, with incubating operations in full swing. There were between 100 and 150 nests, the majority containing eggs. Th.- rookery was divided into two parts, the portion on the land\\ard side containing eggs absolutely fresh; some of the nests farthest inland were only just ready for their reception. The nests towards the extremity of the isthmus contained eggs somewhat incubated. They were bulky structures of variously coloured seaweed ; the egg- cavity occasionally contained fragments of tussock-grass, but usually no lining other than fragments of sea debris was used. The nests were placed about 2 feet apart, on top of the rocks, which were heavily limewashed, as was the surrounding shingle. After taking some photographs of the sitting birds — for they allowed one to approach to within three yards on this my first visit — and the nests, a few clutches of eggs were secured, then the birds left in peace. On again visiting the rookery, a few days later, it was found that the Silver Gulls {Larus nov(F-holl(iudice) had played havoc among the eggs. Later on I watched through my field-glasses these Gulls quietly drop down among the nests and steal eggs from unprotected nests right under the noses of birds sitting hard by. From observations it was found that the Cormorants were afraid of the Gulls, and would not return to protect their nests while any of these impudent robbers were close by. On other parts of the island reriiains of extensive I'ookeri'es were evident. It was noted that when this Cormorant was in full flight its wing action much resembled that of the Black Duck {Anan siipcr- ciliosa). When disturbed from the rookery they would fly some few hundred yards from the shore and settle in a compact mass in the water, with their bodies sunk low and necks erect. LITTLE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorox nwlanolcucHS, Vieill.) Male and Female {breeding plumage). — Upper surface shining black, glossed with greenish ; on the sides of the head and neck longish white feathers, forming a kind of mane; the feathers on the forehead form a short crest, in wliich a few white feathers BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 201 are mixed; shoulders and wing coverts shining greyish-black; under surface white ; under tail coverts sooty-black ; bill yellow ; legs and feet black. Dimensions in mm.; — Length, 585; bill, 29; wing, 228; tail, 152; tarsus, 36. Male and Female {non-breedi)i(j jAuinayc). — Crest almost absent and without white feathers; feathers forming lateial mane short. Young. — Feathers of upper surface margined with brownish to bi'ownish-white ; those of under surface somewhat yellow-brown towards the tips. Nest. — Constructed of sticks and lined with leaves; placed in the branches of a low tree in water. Breeds in colonies. Eggs. — Clutch three to four; inclined to oval in shape; texture coarse; surface \\ithout gloss; colour bluisli-white, irregularly coated with lime. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 47 x 30, (2) 46 X 30, (3) 47.5 x 31. Breeding Season. — August or September to November. GeograpJiical Distribution-. — Tasmania, Australia, New Zea- land, New Caledonia, and northwards to some of the islands of the Austro--Malayan Archipelago. Observations. — The first Tasmanian recorded specimen of this Cormorant was shot in November, 1874, at Brown's River. Since the above bird was recorded the Little Cormorant has spread to many districts, but in no one is it at all plentiful. So far as I am aware, it has not been found breeding on any of the islets in Bass Strait. It may be found about inlets, rivers, and lakes, frequently fishing in lonely solitude. FAMILY-SULID/E (1 species). *GANNET (Sula serrator, Gray). Male. — Crown of the head and back of neck deep sienna- yellow ; primaries, secondaries, and two central pairs of tail feathers brownish -black, with white shafts; rest of the plumage white ; irides olive-white ; bill dark pearl-grey ; naked space round the eyes bluish-grey ; bare skin down the centre of the throat blackish; legs and feet dark brown, with a stripe of greenish- yellow down the centre of the tarsi and toes. Dimensions in mm. :— Length, 905; bill, 90; wing, 470; tail, 248; tarsus, 54. Fern ale. — Similar to male. Young. — When first hatched are naked and slaty-black in colour; later they are clothed in white down and have the bill and feet black. Later the plumage becomes brown, dark on the upper surface, light on the lower. Gradually the brown dis- appears and white takes its place. 202 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Nest. — Constructed on the ground, oi scraped-up earth and vegetable debris, well trodden together; the height of the nest Ls some 4 inches, and the egg-cavity about 1| inches. The largest rookeries in Australia are in Bass IStrait, and notably the one on Cat Island. Eggs. — Clutch one; elongated oval in shaj^e; texture coarse; surface under the chalky coating slightly glossj', otherwise with- out gloss; the whole egg is covered with a tliick, rough coating of lime, more or less nest-stained; under the coating the shell is bluish-white. Dimensions in nun. of odd examples: — (a) 79 x 46, {b} 84 x 44. Breeding Season. — October to January. Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. Observations. — The Gannet is one of the most conspicuous and handsome of sea-birds ; it is plentiful practically all round the coast of Tasmania. The gigantic rookery on Cat Island, which has recently been proclaimed a "sanctuary-," has been several times visited and described by ornithological enthusiasts. Nearly 3,000 birds are said to nest on this island. The sight during the breeding season is one never to be forgotten. When the males of the sitting birds come in from the sea it is a pretty sight to watch them caress in most loving fashion. It is a matter of difficulty to estimate from what height the Gannet plunges when fishing; however, it enters the water with a splash that sends the spray up all round, and completely disappears from view for a few seconds. When on the wing it is rather an imposing bird, and is a very powerful flier. Sometimes it will scar to a great height and wheel round and round after the manner of an Eagle. During heavy weather Gannets gather in the bay off Bridport in numbers, and may be seen busily fishing in company with Terns of various species. A few pairs also come a few miles up the Tamar, especially when fish are plentiful in the river. Unfortunately, yachtsmen consider this bird fair game, and a large number are shot round various parts of the coast, especially during the holiday season, and their bodies either allowed to drift away unheeded or else they are taken aboard for a few hoiu's and then cast away as worthless. FAMILY-PELECANID/E (1 species). *PELICAN (Pclecanits conspiciJIatus, Tcnuii.) Male and Female [breeding pJuuiage). — Plumage chiefly pure white ; on the back of the head and neck is a fairlj' long crest ; the feathers of the inner lesser wing coverts, the median wing coverts. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 203 and the chest are elongated and of a pale straw colour; sides of rump, ui)per tail coverts, tail, shoulders, and outer lesser wing coverts brown ; quills and their coverts black ; basal half of primary shafts white on the upper surface; " gular pouch and mandibles yellowish-white, the latter stained with blue, which gradually increases in depth to the tip; apical half of the cutting edges of the mandibles yellow, gradually increasing in depth to the tip; nail of both mandibles greenish-yellow; irides dark brown; eyelash indigo-blue ; orbits pale sulphur-3'ellow, bounded by a narrow ring of pale indigo-blue ; legs and upper part of the metatarsi yellowish- white; feet, webs, and lower part of the metatarsi pale bluish- grey, the two colours blending with each other at the middle of the metatarsi; nails dull yellowish-white" (Gould). Dimensions in nmi. : — Length, 1,520; bill, 445; wing, 625; tail, 190; tarsus, 127. Male and Fonalc (non-breeding plumage). — Crest and straw- coloured feathers absent. Nest. — Either a flat construction of dry herbage, or else a shallow depression scratched in the ground; placed in a small rookery in an elevated position on a small island, or else on the shore of an inland lake. Eggs. — Clutch two to three; elliptical in shape, with the shell coarse in texture; surface fairly glossy; colour white, more or less heavily and unevenly coated with hme ; the shell soon be- comes much nest-stained. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 105 X 60, (2) 92 X 59. In no instance did a clutch number more than two in a number of nests examined i)i a moderate-sized rookery in Bass tStrait. Breeding Season. — September and November usually. Geograpliical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia in general, and New Guinea. Observations. — Thanks to the attentions of '' pot-hvmters," the Pelican is far more scarce round the coast of Tasnaania than it was a few years since. At various times 1 have seen solitary indi- viduals fishing some distance up rivers emptying into the sea. On several small islets lying oi^ the Tasmanian coast there are small rookeries of this species. ORDER— PYGOPODES : DIVING BIRDS. FAMILY- PODICIPEDID/E (3 species). ^BLACK-THROATED GEEBE [Podicipcs novcB-hollandice, Steph.) Male and Female {breeding plumage). — Forehead, crown, and back of the neck black, glossed with green; a dark chestnut band, commencing behind the eyes, runs down either side of the neck; 204 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. back sooty-black, wushed with grey ; sidea of the lower back aud rump white, tinged with rutous; wing coverts similar to back; ijuills brown ; inner primaries and secondaries more or less white ; cheeks, chin, throat, and upper part of the fore-neck black ; upper parts of the chest, sides, and lianks more or less smoky-black; rest of under surface glossy white. Dimensions in nnn. : — Length, 236; bill, 24; wing, 100; tarsus, 34. Male and Female [iwn-breedi)i(j phiinage). — Cheeks and entire under surface white. Young. — Upper surface more or less striped with black and brownish-white; under surface white. Scst. — ■' A floating structure, composed usually of aquatic weeds piled up in rounded form, the top being almost level with the surface of the water — in some instances the eggs are in the water — and stranded among rushes or submerged fallen reeds, &c., or anywhere in flooded country. Sometimes these uests are placed near or amongst those of the large Tippet Orebe " (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — Clutch four to six usually ; elliptical m shape ; texture flue; surface glossy; colour pale bluish-white, \\hich is obscured by a thin coating of lime. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 33 X 25, (2) 34 x 25, (3). 33.5 x 26, (4) 32 x 24. Breeding Season. — September to January. Geographical Distribution.— TasmaniR, Australia in general, New Guinea, Java, and New Caledonia. Observations. — According to Mr. A. J. Campbell, the Black- throated Grebe " is the most plentiful of the three species inhabit- ing the Australian region." This may be so on the mainland, but as far as my own observations go it does not hold good for this island. Owing to its retiring habits, this species is but seldom seen save by those who lay themselves out to do so. A rather curious habit of this bird is mentioned by 'Sir. A. J. North, and which doubtless has been noticed by many others; that is, the bird while sitting covers herself over with the outer poilions of the nest until only her head and neck are visible. When leaving the nest the eggs are covered over, the bird diving immediately and reappearing some 10 or 15 yards away. *HOAKY-HEAD,ED GREBE (Podicipes poliocephalus, Jard. and Selby). Male (breeding plumage). — "Head covered with long, fine liair-like white feathers; throat, occiput, and upper surface dark- brown; bill black, with light tips; tarsi blackish-olive" (Gould). Under surface silvery-white; inner primaries and secondaries almost pure white. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 252; bill, 20; wing, 108; tarsus, 33. Female (breeding plumage). — Similar to male. Dimensions the same. NEST OF BLACK-THROATED GREBE. Photo, by A. E. E. Mattingley. Frorn " The Emu." BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 205 Male and Female (non-breeding plumage). — Head destitute of long hair-like feathers; rest of plumage practically similar to summer coat. Young. — Similar to non-breeding plumage of adults. Nest. — Very similar to that of the previous species. Eggs. — Clutch four to five usually ; elliptical in shape ; texture fine; surface glossy; colour greenish-white, obscured by a thin limj- coating. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 39 x 28, (2) 38 X 27.0, (3) 38.5 x 28, (4) 39 x 27. Breeding Season. — October to January. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South- West and North- West Australia, and South Queensland. Observations. — This species is fairly plentiful in different parts of the island, both on tidal rivers and inland waters. I have records of it from a number of widely separated localities. Like other: members of the genus, it is very shy, quickly taking flight at the slightest semblance of danger. *TIPPET GREBE (Podicipcs cristatus, Linn.) Male and Female (breeding plumage). — Forehead and crown black; feathers on each side of the crown elongate, and forming a long double crest ; feathers on the upper part of the neck elongate, forming a ruff ; lower part of hind-neck deep ashy-brown ; back black- ish-brown; " lesser wing coverts forming a wide white band along the edge of the wing " ; humeral feathers white ; primaries blackish . lores, space in front of the eye, cheeks, chin, and throat white ; tinged with rufous, becoming rich chestnut on the long feathers on the hinder part of the head; rest of under surface silvery- white, save the sides and flanks, which are dark ash ; irides crimson ; culmen blackish, base of lower mandible dull carmine, tip pale horn colour; legs and feet yellowish-brown. Dimensions in mm. : —Length, 530; bill, 50; wing, 172; tarsus, 54. Male and Female {non-breeding plumage). — Head, neck, and back dark ashy-brown ; sides and flanks similar ; rest of plumage similar to breeding plumage. Young. — Similar to above, save that the head and neck are striped with dark ash-brown. Yomig in down. — " General colour of the upper parts whitish- brown, shading into white on the head and neck; longitudinally striped with deep smoky-brown; rather large patch of the latter colour on each side of the crown, immediately behind the bare I'ed patch on the forehead; base of the fore-neck and rest of the under part white " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — Composed of aquatic herbage, and so constructed that 206 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. the top is uearly on a level with the surface of the water ; placed among rushes, &c., in large lagoons. Eggs. — Clutch five to seven; somewhat elliptical in shape; texture fairly fine ; surface glossy ; colour greenish-white ; obscured by a limy coating. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples: — (l) .50 X 34, (2) 50.25 x 35, (3) 50 x 34.5. Breeding Season. — November and December. Geographical Distrihution. — Tasmania, Australia in general; also New Zealand, Africa, Asia, Central and Southern Europe. Ohservations. — Although fairly well distributed, the Tippet Gi'ebe, which is a very handsome species when in full breeding plumage, does not appear to be as plentiful as the preceding species. Very much the same locahties are frequented. Its general habits and shy, retiring disposition are very similar to those of the other species. Of this bird in New Zealand, Mr. W. T. L. Travers writes: — " Both the male and female Grebe assist in the labour of incubation, although I believe that the chief part of the task devolves upon the female, and that she is only relieved by her partner for the purpose of enabling her to feed. Before th'.; actual work of incubation commences the eggs ai'e usually covered with pond-weed during the absence of the birds from the nest; but afterwards the nest is but seldom, if ever, left by both except under unusual circumstances." Henry Seebohm says : — ' ' Its food is entirely procured in the water, and consists of water-beetles and other aquatic insects, small fish, small frogs, and molluscs. The seeds and tender shoots of aquatic plants are also to be found in its stomach, but, instead of small stones or' gravel, numbei's of its own feathers plucked from the ventral region are mixed with its food. It is not known that this curious habit, which is more or less common to all the Grebes, is intended to assist digestion, but it has been remarked by many ornithologists in widely different localities." ORDER— IMPENNES : PENGUINS. ^CRESTED PENGUIN (Catarrhactes chrysocome, Forst.) Male. — " Crown, sides of the head, throat, and hind part of neck black; rest of the upper surface bluish-black, each feather having a narrow central streak of pale blue from the base of the upper mandible on each side ; broad line of pale golden -3- allow passes over the eyes and is continued beyond in a crest of fine- pointed feathers extending nearly 2 inches beyond the head ; the black feathers of the crown between these side crests are lengthened acuminate and slightly rigid ; upper surface of the nippers glossy bluish-black, the feathei-s, which are lanceolate and BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 207 closely imbricated, being margined and tipped with pale blue, along the inner edges a narrow band of white. The under parts of the body are silvery- white, contrasting shai-ply on the sides with the dark plumage of the upper surface, and tapering up on the fore-neck to a point about 3 inches below the angle of the lower jaw; under surface of Hippers bluish-grey, with the central portion outwardly and a continuation towards the root silvery-white ; tail feathers long, narrow, very rigid, and perfectly black; the coverts greyish-white, with black shafts, and tipped with blue; irides yellowish-brown; bill rich nut-brown, darker on the lower mandible, blackish at the base and horn-coloured at the tip; feet yellowish-white with darker webs, claws dark brown with black points, the soles blackish-brown. Total length, 27 inches; length of flipper, 8.5; tail, 4; bill along the ridge 2.75, along the edge of lower mandible 2.75; tarsus, 1.5; middle toe and claw, 3.5; hind toe and claw, .75" (BuUer). Female. — Similar to male. Young.—" Differs from the adult in the character of the crests; instead of the broad superciliary band of golden-yellow there is a narrow line of pale yellow, beyond which there are a niuTiber of narrow straggling feathers, forming, so to speak, occipito-lateral crests " (Buller). Nest. — A shallow depression either in the ground or among shingle, sometimes scantily lined with a few bits of grass, or not lined at all. Egfjs. — Clutch two; round, with one end somewhat com- pressed ; texture coarse ; surface without gloss ; colour greenish or bluish white, with a limy coating. Average dimensions in mm. of several eggs : — 60 x 48.5. Breeding Season. — On Tristan da Cunha the birds commence in July or August, Falkland Islands end of October, Kerguelen Island the same, Macquarie Island a little later. Geographical Distribution. — " Ten-a del Fuego, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Cape of Good Hope, Tristan da Cunha, Prince Edward, Marion, Crozette Islands, Kerguelen Island, St. Paul Island, Tasmania, South Australia, Campbell, Antipodes and Bounty Islands, New Zealand Group " (B. M. Cat.) Observations. — This dweller on the lonely islands of the Southern Ocean is very seldom seen round the coast of Tasmania. A few specimens have been taken round the southern coast, and one or two in Bass Strait. The following is taken from Professor Moseley's account of his experience with this Penguin on Inaccessible Island: — " Many of the droves of Penguins made for one landing-place, where the beach surface was covered with a coating of dirt from their feet, forming a broad track leading to a lane in the tall grass about a yard wide at the bottom and quite bare, with a smoothly beaten black roadway ; this was the enti-ance to the main street 208 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. of this part of the ' rookeiy,' for so tliese Penguin estabhshments are called. Other smaller roads led at intervals into the rookery to the nests near its border, but the main street was used for the majority of the birds. The birds took little notice of us, allowing us to stand close by, and even to form ourselves into a group for the photographer in which they were included. This kind of Pen- guin is called by the whalers and sealers ' Rock-hopper,' from its curious mode of progression. The birds liop from rock to rock with both feet placed together, scarcely' ever missing their footing. When chased they blunder and fall among the stones, struggling their best to make off. With one of the Germans as guide, 1 entered the main street. As soon as one was in it, the grass being above one's head, one was as if in a maze, and could not see in the least where one was going to. Various lateral streets led off on each side from the main road, and are often at their mouths as big as it ; moreover, the road sometimes divides for a little and joins again; hence it is the easiest tEing in the world to lose one's way, aiid one is quite certain to do so when inexperienced in Penguin rookeries. The German, however, who was our guide on our first visit, accustomed to pass through the place constantly for two years, was perfectly well at home in the rookei*y, and knew every street and turning. "It is impossible to conceive the discomfort of making one's way through a big rookery, haphazard, or across country as one may say. I crossed the large one here twice afterwards, with the seamen carrying my basket and vasculum, and afterwards went through a still larger rookery at Nightingale Island. You plunge into one of the lanes in the tall grass, which at once shuts the surroundings from your view. You tread on a slimy, black, damp soil, composed of the birds' dung. The stench is overpowering, the yelling of the birds perfectly terrifying — I can call it nothing else. You lose the path, or perhaps are bent from the first in making for some spot on the other side of the rookerj'. In the path only a few droves of Penguins on their way to and from the water are encountered, and these stampede out of your way into the side alleys. Now you are, the instant you leave the road, on the actual breeding ground. The nests are placed so thickly that you cannot help treading on eggs and young birds at almost every step. A parent bird sits on each nest, with its sharp beak erect and open readj' to bite, 3'elling savagely ' Caa, caa, urr, urr,' its red eye gleaming and its plumes at half-cock and quivering with rage. No sooner are your legs within reach than they are furiously bitten, often by two or three birds at once — that is, if you have not got on strong leather gaiters, as on the first occasion of visiting a rookery you probably have not. At first you try to avoid the nests, but soon find that is impossible; then, maddened almost by the pain, stench, and noise, you have recoui-se to brutality. Thump, thump, goes your stick, and at each blow goes BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 209 a bird. Thud, thud, you hear from the men behind as thej' kick the birds right and left off the nests ; and so you go on for a bit — thump and smash, whack, thud, ' Caa, caa, urr, urr,' and the path behind you is strewed with the dead and dying and bleeding. But you make miserably slow progress, and, woi-ried to death, at last resort to the expedient of stampeding as far as your breath will cany you. You put down your head and make a rush through the grass, treading on old and young haphazard, and rushing on before they have time to bite. " The air is close in the rookery, and the sun hot above; and, out of breath and running with perspiration, you come across a mass of rock fallen from the cliff above, and sticking up in the rookery; this you hail as ' a city of refuge.' You hammer off it hurriedly half a dozen Penguins who are sunning themselves there and are on the look-out, and, mounting on the top, take out your handkerchief to wipe off the perspiration, and rest awhile, and see in what direction 3'ou have been going, how far you have got, and in what direction you are to make the next plunge. Then when you are refreshed you make another rush, and so on. " If you stand quite still, so long as your foot is not actually on the top of a nest of eggs or young, the Penguins soon cease bitmg at you and yelling. I always adopted the stampede method in rookeries, but the men usually preferred to have their revenge, and fought their way every foot. " Of course, it is horribly cruel thus to kill whole families of innocent birds ; but it is absolutely necessary. One must cross the rookeries in order to explore the island at all, and collect the plants or survey the coast from the heights." *LITTLE PENGUIN (Eudyptula minor, Forst.) Male. — Upper surface varies from slate-blue to bright slate- blue, each feather having a brownish-grey base and black shaft- streak; chin, throat, fore-neck, and rest of the under surface silvery-white ; the feathers on the throat and fore-neck have brownish bases, whilst those on the chin, breast, and lower parts are pure white ; flippers greyish-black, narrowly edged with white on the inner margin ; tail white, but very seldom found that colour; iris yellowish or silver-grey, acording to the light; bill black; legs and feet white, tinged with pink. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 425; bill, 39; wing, 75; tarsus, 19. Female. — Similar in colouration, but less bulky in build. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 400 ; bill, 35 ; wing, 65 ; tarsus, 18. Young. — "Down on upper surface grey and fluffy; on under surface dull white and somewhat close in texture " (J. E. M'Clymont). Nest. — When a short burrow is not scraped out beneath tus- 15 210 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. sock-grass or on the side of a gentle slope, a slight hollow either between or under rocks is formed, and a small quantity of dry grass and weeds placed therein. Very large rookeries are to be found on several small islands in Bass Strait. Kgg--i. — Clutch two; vary from pyriform to roundish in shape; texture of shell coarse ; surface sliglitly glossy ; colour white, slightly tinged with green. The eggs soon become nest-stained. Dimensions in mm, of two clutches : — A — (1) 58 x 40, (2) 59 x 41 ; B— (1) 54 X 47, (2) 55 x 45. Breeding Season. — September to January. GeograpJiical Distribution. — Off the coasts of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia, and New Zealand. Observations. — The birds from which the above measurements were taken were secured from the same burrow, and had paired up. When tw-o Little Penguins are in a buiTow, it is always a matter of ease to separate the sexes, the male being much stouter in build. When the pair are teased, the female remains silent at the extreme back of the burrow, while the male boldly attacks the stick or whatever is thrust in, hissing loudly the while. An- other point of difference exists in the bills. That of the male is a stout, formidable weapon, while that of the female is much slimmer and weaker in appearance. I have found the above differences constant in the great hordes of Penguins that were under continuous observation for just short of a fortnight on Ninth Island, off the Tasmanian coast, during the latter part of September and the beginning of October, 1909. A distinct varia- tion in colouration is discernible among the members of any flock examined, but this variation cannot be taken as being in the slightest manner specific. On arriving on Ninth Island on the 22nd September, 1909, I found but few burrows ocupied either by a single bird or by a pair. During my stay the birds increased until there must have been a few thousand on the island every night and a couple of hundred during the day. A pair that had taken up their abode among the stones of the foundation of the hut, and were kept under the closest observation, never left their retreat for sixty hours. During the day they remained silent, but towards evening the inale would commence to croon, and later on both birds joined in the general discord reigning over the island. It was found that the first bird came up from the sea at 6.30 p.m., the party at each landing-place first consisting of about a dozen birds. These would sit on the rocks preening their feathers. At 6.35 the first real contingent would arrive, at 6.40 the second, and at 6.45 the third and last. When all the birds had landed and more or less preened themselves, a commencement would be made over the rocks to the rookeries on the top or sides of the island. On no occasion were any birds seen to move inland until the last bird of the last batch was up on the rocks. Also night BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 211 after night, rough or smooth, the various batches arrived punc- tually to the minute. On a calm evening the birds could be seen moving through the water some five or six hundred 3'ards from the shore, where they would show as a ripple on the surface. As the birds came closer their heads could be distinguished just above the surface. It was usual for them to wait until a roller washed them on to the low rocks at their landing-places; then, before the backwash had time to carry them away, they would rapidly scramble to safety, using feet, flippers, and bills. One evening a party of birds were slightly late, and they seemed to know it, for the speed w'ith which they came through the water was truly astonishing — they gave one the impression of miniature torpedoes. 80 well did they make up for lost time that they were but a few seconds behind schedule time. On some evenings no sound was uttered by the birds either when ixioving through the water or after landing and on their way towards the rookeries. On other occasions a short, sharp barking note was uttered. To see what would happen, a batch was driven back into the water one evening. They tumbled in like so many Ducks, and uttered a note closely resembling the quacking of those birds. They were soon ashore again, however. Penguins when fii'st issuing from the water have the appear- ance of the proverbial drowned rats, but they dry rapidly. Almost invariably progress was made to the rookeries in silence. I noted that by 6.50 p.m. a few birds had commenced calling. A variety of notes is uttered by both sexes, varying from mewing to bleating and squeaking. The male bird utters a deeper note than the female. When the former is courting, and nttering deep notes, the female is giving vent to hoarse purring sounds. These sounds are varied by different birds. By 7 p.m. a rookery would be in full swing, some birds courting, some scratching out their burrows, others quarrelling, and others agam merely making a hideous noise. I observed that during the early part of any night but a small proportion of the birds in any one rookery would be giving tongue. Occasionally a female would resent the attention of a male; then a battle royal would result, with much noise and little damage. In several instances a bird was observed to enter a burrow already occupied by a pair; result — well, the intruder would come out of that burrow in record time and scuttle away as fast as its short legs would carry it. Between midnight and 4 a.m. every Penguin on the island seemed to be in active vocal competition with its neighbour, but by 5 a.m. silence reigned supreme, the majority of the birds having quietly waddled down the rocks the same way as they had arrived the previous evening, and swum out to sea, disappearing from view in a few minutes, while the few that remained slept. Very rarely was it that a sound broke the silence on a rookery between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., even though a couple of hundred 212 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. birds might be underground. Tlie curious fact was noted on the 2oth September that up to 9.30 p.m. hardly a Penguin had uttered a sound, though present m vast hordes. *FAIKY PENGUIN (Eiuhjpiula undina, Gould). Some doubt exists as to whether this is a valid species or not. The author of that part of the '26th volume of the British Museum Catalogue dealing with the Penguins places E. widina as a synomym of E. minor. Gould described the species from specimens procured off the North Coast of Tasmania. Of it he says: — "I invariably found the young of that species {E. minor), while still partly clothed in the downy dress of immaturity, to exceed considerably in size all the examples of this species (E. undina), even when adorned in the adult livery and possessing the hard bill of maturity. There can be no question, therefore, of the two birds being distinct." The rookery on Waterhouse Island from which he obtained examples no longer exists, all the birds having been either killed or driven off. The late Sir Walter Buller, who believed in the validity of the species, stating it to be as plentiful if not more so than the preceding species round the coasts of New Zealand, writes: — "Dr. Finsch refused to admit any specific distinction. Dr. Coues, also, in writing of Gould's types in the Museum at Phila- delphia, says: — "These specimens are slightly smaller than average minor, bluer than usual, but not bluer than No. 1338, for example, and with rather weak bills. ... I cannot distin- guish these specimens even as a variety." Judging from their writings, both Messrs. A. J. Campbell and D. Le Souef considertheFairy Penguin to be a good species. Per- sonallv, I am inclined to bracket E. minor and E. vndina together. ORDER — CHENOMORPH/E. - Sub-Order — Anseres : Geese, &c. FAMILY- AN ATI Dvt (15 species). Sub-Family — Cygninae. BLACK SWAN (Chenopsis atrata, Lath.) Male. — Upper surface brownish-black, the feathers tipped with greyish-brown; under surface a little paler; primaries and secondaries pure white; "bill pinky-scarlet, crossed near the tip BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 213 with a broad band of white ; the extremities of both mandibles are also white ; irides scarlet ; eyelash and lores pinky-scarlet ; feet black " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 1,023; bill, 677; wing, 484 ; tail, 167 ; tarsus, 92. Female. — Similar in plumage to male. Young in Duivn. — " Upper surface light brownish-grey; under surface white; chin and throat white, changing gradually into the grey tinge of the cheeks ; bill and lores brownish-black ; nail of the bill white ; feet dull greyish-brown ; later on the cygnets get greyish also on the under parts " (B. M, Cat.) Nest. — A large open structure composed of aquatic herbage, bark, sticks, &c. ; the lining is usually grass, leaves, a few feathers and a little down. The site generally chosen is on the edge of a swamp among the rank grass. Eggs. — Clutch four to six generally; elliptical in shape and coarse in texture ; surface glossy ; dull greenish-white in colour, but soon becoming nest-stained. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 115 X 73, (2) 111 X 71, (3) 102 x 65, (4) 106 x 68, (5) 108 x (\o, (6) 108 X 66. Breeding Season. — August to December generally, January sometimes. Geographical Distiihution. — Tasmania, several of the larger islands in Bass Strait, and the whole of Australia. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. During certain times of the year the Black Swan is exti'emely plentiful on the East Coast ; then it is that scores fall victims to the guns of " sportsmen " who are concealed in the reeds between the sea and the lagoons frequented by this bird. Among lovers of the gun exists a great diversity of opinion as to whether the Black Swan should be classed as a game bird and shot as such. I have heard keen sportsmen condemn in no measured terms the shooting of this handsome bird, and declare they would never think of eating one. Yet, on the other hand, there are many who consider Swan-shooting fine sport and the bird delicious for table purposes. Almost every shooting season one sees in the press paragraphs recording the exploits of shooting parties who have killed so many hundred Swans in two or three days. What sense there can be in such wholesale slaughter I know not, for the majority of the birds are, too often, left to rot in the reeds. A few years since a resultless effort was made to have the Black Swan placed on the totally protected list. Not only does it frequent the coastal regions, tidal rivers, and the larger islands in Bass Strait, but it may also be found in small numbers on several of the inland lakes ; this more particu- larly applies to the non-breedmg season. I think I am correct in stating that this species is more plentiful about the northern half of the island than the southern. At odd times small parties of this species come some miles up the Tamar towards Launceston. 214 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. The largest flock 1 have seen leeciitly iiiiinhf ifd 14 birds; that was some 12 miles down the river. 1 am indebted to Captain W. E. Leggatt, ot Stanley, tor the following interesting note : — ■ Dnring the day the Black Swan keeps to tlie salt water, and feeds over the sandy mud-flats which are covered by the tide. It is timid, and approaches no nearer the shore than the depth of water allows, swinnning in as the tide flows and retreating with the ebb, keeping always in such a position that it can comfortably reach the bottom with its bill. At the least strange sound it raises its head above water and looks about, and if all is not quiet moves out from the shore. It is very sensitive with regard to hear- ing, and it is ahnost impossible to approach within a couple of hundred yards of it if 3'ou are to windward, so that it is always necessary to keep to leeward if you wish to approach close, and then great care nmst be taken that you do not expose yourself in an}^ way. " Bfack Swans generally keep together in large flocks; it is seldom that one sees a couple at any distance from hundreds of others. If the tide, when receding, leaves large banks uncovered, the Swans, after having obtained sutflcicnt food, generally bask in the sun on these banks and go to sleep. Towards evening they make a move towards the river mouths and creeks, and stay in there all night, and so by getting up early one has a 'good chance of obtaining an easy shot at them by taking up a position at the mouth of a river and waiting for them to swim by. "The Black Swan does not like rough water, and always moves as the wind changes, so that it may feed peacefully under the lee of some bank or point. When moulting it loses all the white feathers from its wings and is unable to fly. If pursued when in that condition it can travel at a great speed by swimming, and then, using its wings as in flying, flap itself along the top of the water, but if closely followed and made to keep this up for some time it soon gets exhausted. " At ordinary times it has great difliculty in rising from the ground unless facing the wind, tnid even then covers a good space before it rises clear. " They are as a nde easily killed, a single grain of large shot in the head or neck being quite sutflcient to cause death. " The above remarks apply to the Xorth-West Coast, to which portion of Tasmania my ex])erience with this bird has been confined." Sub- Family — Anseranatinae. PIED (tOOBE (AiiHcranaf< sriiiijuthiiata , Tjatli.) MaJc.—" Haul, neck, mantle, wings, tail, and thighs black; back, rump, breast, abdomen, upper and under tail coverts, BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 215 scapulars, and smaller upper wing coverts white ; ' irides blackish- brown; bill reddish-brown; feet 3-ellow ' (Gould). Total length, 35 inches; wing, 18.5; tail, 8; bill, 3.25; tarsus, 3.62 " (B. M. Cat.) Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — A bulky structure of dead aquatic herbage, placed among growing herbage in a swamp or lagoon. Egg.'i. — Clutch nine to eleven usually; oval in shape; texture coarse ; surface glossy and pitted ; colour yellowish-white. Dimen- sions in mm. of odd examples: — (1) 76 x 57, (2) 75 x 57, (3) 75.5 X 56, (4) 76 X 56.75. Breeding Season. — October to December. Geographical Distribution . — Tasmania (casual) and Australia in general. Observations.— In June, 1888, a paper was communicated to the Royal Society of Tasmania by the late Mr. A. Morton on Mr W. F. Petterd's account, relating to the recent shooting of a Semipalmated Goose in the Lake district, near Cressy. It was one of a small flock that had i-ecently been seen near Lavmceston. I know of no other instance of this species having been seen in Tasmania. Sub- Family — Cereopsinae . CAPE BARKEN GOOSE {Cereopsis novce-hollandice , Lath.) Male. — Upper surface brownish-grey, the feathers margined with a lighter shade, crown of the head much lighter; some of the feathers of the shoulders and wing coverts have a dark spot near their tips ; the tail portions of the quills, and under tail coverts inclined to blackish; under surface brownish-grey; "bill black; cere lemon yellow; irides vermiHon; eyelash dark brown; legs reddish -orange ; toes, webs, claws, and a streak up the front of the- legs black" (Gould). Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 850; bill, 49; wing. 512; tail, 201 ; tarsus, 90. Female. — Similar to male. Yovng. — " They assume the plumage of the adults at an early stage, but have the greenish-yellow cere must less conspicuous" (Gould). Young in Down. — " Sides of the head and upper parts brown, under parts whitish-grey ; throat white ; a broad white band on each side of the head, and another on each side of the back as far as the sides of the rump " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — Usually constructed on the ground, among salt-bush or tussock-grass, of grass and herbage, the lining being down. Eggs.— Clutch four to six; elliptical in shape; texture coarse; surface glossy; there is always a thin coating of limy matter over the shell, which is white. Dimensions in mm. of a full clutch : — • 216 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. (1) 90 X 60, (2) 89 X 57, (3) 88 x 58, (4) 91 x 60, (5) 87 x 59, (6) 88 X 57. Breeding Sccbson. — .Erratic, as eggs ma}' be found, in June as well as in {September and the following months. Geographical Distribution. — Coasts of Tasixiania, especially the northern; several of the larger Bass Strait islands; also Vic- toria and South and Western Australia. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. Discussion has arisen at various times in the pages of The Emu as to whether the Cape Barren Goose is decreasing, increasing, or holding its own. Although great diversity of opinion exists on this subject, it is conceded by those most competent to judge that the bird is at least holding its own, and is in no immediate danger of extinction. Unfortunately, the bird is not a favourite one with pastoralists on some of the Bass Strait islands, on account of its voracious appetite and its fouling tlie grass so that sheep will not feed after it. Mr. A. J. Campbell states, on the authority of Airs. Eobinson, of Green Island, that — "Each bird possesses its own mate. Should a goose in captivity lose her mate, the probability is that she joins a wild flock and never returns. Should a gander lose his wife, he entices a wild bird to dwell with hmi. An old bird never mates with a young one, nor do young from the same clutch pair or breed. The birds do not lay until they are two years old. The Geese have a voracious appetite, their chief food being herbage. They eat nearly all day, and frequently by night, quickly digesting their food. Sheep will not graze after them, as in the case of the domesticated Goose." In The Emu for July, 1907 (vol. vii., p. 36), there appeared a note by Air. T. Hurst, of Caulfield, Victoria, to the effect that during a visit to Launceston he had seen, a few miles down the Tamar, a flock of between 20 and 30 Cape Barren Geese. This being contrary to my experience, I set to work to discover whether this species was in the habit of coming up the river frequently, as stated by Mr. Hurst, but was unable to discover a single person who had within the last 30 years seen a Caj^e Barren Goose inside Tamar Heads. I interviewed master mariners, yachtsmen, sportsmen, and professional fishermen, the majority of whom had a knowledge of the river extending over some twenty to tw-enty- five years, and some longer. In no instance were two persons questioned at the same time, nor did I tell them for what pur- pose I required the information. Mr. Frank Murray, who has a large property abutting on the river, a few miles from Launceston, informed me that some time since, when in Adelaide, he was given a pair of " Chinese Geese," which he stated resembled Cape Barren Geese lo a certain extent. The Geese were allowed their liberty on his property, and in course of iime bred freely, until he had quite a large flock. Sportsmen and others travelling BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 217 up and down the river appreciated the Geese greatly, in one morning alone seven being shot before daylight. Mr. ]\Iuriay has now shot the flock right out, owing to their wandering habits, and being tired of providing " Cape Barren Geese " for river sportsmen. Sub- Family — Chenonettinae. *WOOD-DUCK (Maned Goose) (Chenonetta jubata, Lath.) Male. — Head and neck reddish-brown; lengthened plumes down the back of neck brownish-black ; back grey, tinged with black; lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts black; tail glossy black; shoulders grey, broadly margined with black on the outer webs, and naiTowly on the inner with the same colour ; lesser wing coverts grey ; a glossy green band across the secondaries, which are tipped with white ; greater wing coverts also tipped with white ; primary coverts and primaries brownish-black ; breast grey, mottled with black and white ; abdomen and under tail coverts glossy black; sides and flanks greyish-white, very finel}- ver- miculated with black ; bill olive-brown ; legs and feet blackish- brown. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 504; bill, 30; wing, 274; tail, 98; tarsus, 42. Female. — Head, hind-neck, mane, and fore-neck pale reddish- brown; sides of the face, chin, and part of the throat finely speckled with white ; back greyish-brown ; green band on wings somewhat inconspicuous; breast brown, each feather barred and tipped with white; sides and flanks light brown, the feathers broadly barred and tipped with white; abdomen and under tail coverts white ; bill more brown than in male ; legs and feet blackish- brown. Young. — According to JNIr. A. J. Campbell, they are sooty- brown above, with two stripes along the face ; vmder surface dull white. Nest. — Within a hole or hollow spout of a tree, either near or standing in water. Eggs. — Clutch nine to twelve; oval in shape; texture fairly fine; surface glossv ; colour creamy-white. Dimensions in mm. of portion of a clutch:— (1) 55 x 39, (2) 55 x 38.5, (3) 54.5 x 39, (4) 54.25 X 38. Breeding Season. — August to January. Geogrnpliical Distrihtition. — Tasmania and the whole of x\us- tralia. Observations. — At a meeting of the Tasmanian Eoyal Society, September, 1864, the late Mr. Morton Allpoi-t reported that he had seen a Maned Goose on the Plenty River; this was the first record for Tasmania. Again, in October, 1867, Mr. Allport stated 218 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. that the species was, aud had been, plentiful about the upper reaches of the ])erwent. In 1874 a specimen was received at the Hobart Museum from JNlacquarie lliver. I have no knowledge of any specimens of this species being taken of late years. It is of this bird that Gould states: — " It seldom if ever visits Van Diemen's Land." Sub-Farnily — Anatinae. PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocycna njtoni, Gould). Male. — Crown of head, hind-neck, and breast pale reddish- brown; sides of the head and neck pale grey, becoming white on the throat; feathers of the back and wings brown, the edges of the former pale ochreous; upper tail coverts whitish-buff, edged with greyish-brown ; tail brown ; quills also brown ; lower breast and sides reddish, regularly barred with black, bars very distinct on the sides ; abdomen and under tail coverts white, slightly tinged with buff; bill yellowish-brown, with a patch of black in the centri"; legs and feet flesh-brown. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 428; bill, 39; wing, 249; tail, 74; tarsus, 57. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — On the groimd, among herbage, away from water. Egg's. — Clutch ten to twelve probably (A. J. Campbell); roundish in shape ; texture fine ; surface glossy ; light creamy- white. ]3imensions in mm. of odd examples: — (1) 49 x 39, (2) 48 X 38.5, (3) 48.5 x 38, (4) 49 x 38. Breeding Season. — September to the end of the year. GeograpJiieal Distribution. — Tasmania (casual), the whole of the mainland; also New Zealand (accidental). Observations. — The first record of this Duck is in the P.K.S. of Tasmania, May, 1871, wherein is the report of a specimen having been received from Kichmond. Again, in June, 1872, another specimen was received, this time from Bridgewater. It was also reported that several specimens had been seen at Sorell. I can find no record of it having been seen within recent years. SHIELDRAKE OK MOUNTAIN-DUCK (Casarea ((uh^rnoides, Jard.) Male. — Head and upper neck glossy greenish-black; in old examples the feathers at the base of the bill and round the eyes become brownish ; a white ring separates the upper neck from the lower, which, together with the upper breast and back, are reddish- brown : back, scapulars, and under surface black, finely waved and ficckled with i)ale fulvous: upper tail coverts and tail black, BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 219 glossed with green ; wing coverts \^hite ; primaries and primary coverts black ; speculum on secondaries glossy green ; outer web of tertiaries rich chestnut, inner dark grey; under tail coverts black; under wing coverts and axillai'ies white; bill black; legs and feet greyish-black. Dimensions in nun.: — Length, 69"); bill, 48; wing, 368; tail, 143; tarsus, 58. Female. — Plumage duller and dimensions less than male; head and upper neclv brownish-black ; feathers round bast' of the bill mottled with white. Young. — According to Mr. A. .1. Campbell, the young in down are marked on the head, along the back, and across the wings with dark grey, tending to black, the rest of the ujjper surface and underneath parts being whitish. Nest. — Usually witliin the hollow spout of a tree, close to watei'. Tlie nesting hollow is lined with down and fine grass. Eygs. — Clutch ten to twelve usually; roundish-oval in shape; texture fairly fine ; surface greasy to the touch ; colour creamy- white. Dimensions in mm. of a portion of a clutch : — (1) 68 x 49. (2) 67 X 49, (3) 67.") x 49.5, (4) 70 x 50, (5) 69 x 48, (6) 68 x 48. Breeding Season. — August to October generally. Geographical Disiributio)i. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South, Western, and North-West Australia. Ohnc r vation s .—^hooting begins 1st February, ends 3()th June. This handsome Duck is somewhat rare in Tasuuuiia, the Lake district appearing to be its stronghold. 1 have both seen and have records of it from several other parts of the State. In no locality is it anything approaching plentiful. Mr. George Russell, of Cressy, informs me that as a table bird it is almost worthless, many people refusing to touch it at all, its flesh being very ' ' strong. BLACK DUCK (Wild Duckj [Anas superciUosa, Gmelin). Male. — Crown of the head and nape and a band fiom the forehead through the eyes to the occiput black, slightly tinged with brown; superciliary stripe and a band from the base of the upper mandible through the cheeks, chin, and throat clear pale buff; a blackish -brown band from the gape to the ear coverts; iDack, rump, upper tail coverts and tail brownish-black, the feathers, especially the scapularies, narrowly edged with ochreous-buff ; wings brown- ish ; speculum on the secondaries glossy green ; anteriorly and j)osteriorly is a band of black ; outer web of outer tertiaries black ; whole of under surface brownish-black, the feathers margined with yellowish-buff; under wing coverts and axillaries white; bill dull bluish-red; legs and feet yellowish. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 568; bill, 52; wing, 264; tail, 98; tarsus, 40.5. Feinale. — Hind-neck, upper back, and scapulars distinctly 220 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. brownish ; margius of feathers on the under surface tinged with rufous; other parts similar to male. Uimensions in mm.: — Length, 605; bill, 53; wing, 263; tail, 124; tarsus, 45. yuung. — Plumage in general paler than in adult; margins to feathers distinctly brighter. Nestling. — " Upper parts dark olive-brown, with produced hair- like filaments of paler brown; sides of the head and under parts of the body pale yellowish-brown, lightest on the abdomen; from the base of the bill on each side a dark band passes beyond the eye and another in a curve below it ; there are markings of fulvous white on the edges of the wings, and on each side of the back there are two irregular spots of the same about an inch apart, irides black; bill and legs plumbeous, the nail of the former brown" (Buller). Nest. — Either placed on the ground among herbage, or else in a hole in a tree or in a stump. It is formed of grass, lined with down. Eggs. — Clutch ten to twelve; elliptical in shape; texture fairly fine; surface glossy and greasy; colour light greenish-white. Dimensions in mm. of a portion of a clutch: — (1) 57 x 41, (2) 57 X 40, (3) 56 X 40, (4) 57.5 x 42, (5) 56.5 x 40.5, (6) 58 x 41.5. Breeding Season. — August or September to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, King Island, whole of the mainland; also New Zealand, Polynesia, Timor, and Java. Observations.- — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 80th June. Of the various species of Ducks inhabiting Tasmania, the Wild Duck is the best known, and one of if not the highest esteemed, both as a game and table bird. Owing to the persistency with which it has been hunted of late years, it has become verj' shy, calling forth great patience and ingenuity on the part of gunners to circuixivent it. On several of our larger rivers " flatties " are much used, these often being decorated with reeds and rushes to conceal the gunner. Owing to its semi-nocturnal habits, it is the custom in districts where this bird frequents lagoons to do most of the shooting at night, a clear moonlight night being considered the best. When arriving at its feeding ground, and before settling down, it always circles round to reconnoitre, and then descends in an oblique direction. " In its habits, it differs in no respect from the other members of its group. In the water it swims low, with the neck erect and the head gentl}' swayed to and fro ; when at rest it either floats on the surface with the head drawn closely in, or it reposes on the bank very near to the water's edge, often selecting a jutting point of land, as affording a more vmobstructed view and less danger of surprise ; and when the banks are soft and muddy it takes up its station on a log of wood, bare rock, or other projecting object " (Buller). On the Tamar and Derwent Kivers especially, and in other BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 221 localities, I have seen large flocks of Black Duck, Teal, and Shoveller all feeding together or resting on the mud at low tide. As the tide rises the flocks scatter into small parties and a sharp look-out is kept for possible enemies. At St. Helens, Swansea, and other places along the East Coast, the Black Duck is at times extremely plentiful, but often verv diflicult of approach. TEAL (Nettion castaneuni, Eyton). Male. — Head and neck dull glossy green; mantle and back black, the feathers margined with chestnut; rump, upper and under tail coverts black, glossed with green; tail brownish-black; scapulars and wings dark olive-brown, the former narrowly margined with chestnut; the last row of upper wing coverts white, with a shght tinge of reddish ; wing speculum glossy black, along the upper edge of which is a metallic green band glossed with coppery-red; secondaries tipped with reddish-white; breast and abdomen chestnut, with black spots ; on the lower flanks a whitish- buff band; under wing coverts olive-brown; axillaries white; " bill bluish lead colour, nail and the edges of the upper mandible black ; the under mandible crossed near the tip b}^ a band of red- dish-flesh colour; irides hazel; feet lead colour, with the mem- branes of a somewhat darker hue " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : —Length, 470; bill, 339; wing, 228; tail, 115; tarsus, 34. Female. — Crown of the head dark brown, almost black, some of the feathers streaked with buff; sides of the head whitish, more or less streaked with blackish; chin and throat whitish, unspotted; back, rump, and tail blackish-brown, the feathers of the upper back margined with pale rufous ; wing coverts uniform dark greyish-brown, the last row white; speculum on the secondaries velvety-black, tipped with white, three middle secondaries metallic green on the outer web ; primaries dark brown ; under surface reddish-grey, the feathers having a large central mark of black; towards the vent the central mark becomes brownish ; under wing coverts brown, axillaries white. Dimensions in min. : — Length, 462; bill, 37; wing, 200; tail, 101; tarsus, 30. Young in Down. — " Upper parts brown; the upper part of the head darker; sides of the head, fore-neck, and lower parts whitish, with a ruf escent tinge ; a dark brown band from the lores through the eyes backwards ; a small dark spot at the gape ; two whitish rufescent spots on the back at the base of the wings and two more on the sides of the rump " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — "Usually in a hollow tree, but occasionally on the ground in grass or other herbage in the vicinity of water ; furnished with a plentiful supply of down. Should the nest be on the 222 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. ground, fine grass is soniethnes intermixed with the fuscous- coloured down, each particle whitish in tlie centre, and with light- coloured tips, apparently slightly darker than the nest down of the Grey Teal. Dimensions (inside), 5 inches across h}' 2^ inches deep" (A. J, Campbell). Eggs. — " Clutch nine to ten usually, thirteen maximum; ellip- tical in shape; texture of shell fine; surface glossj' and greasy; colour rich cream. Dimensions in inches of odd examples: — (1) 2.04 X 1.5, (2) 1.9 X 1.45. Of four from a set :— (1) 2.14 x 1.5, (2) 2.1 X 1.49, (3) 2.09 x 1.52, (4) 2.08 x 1.48 " (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — According to ]\Ir. A. J. Campbell, it extends from June to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, some of the larger islands in Bass Strait, and Australia in general. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th -June. Doubtless there are but few who are aware that two species of Teal exist in Tasmania, most being under the impression that the species so much in evidence in a number of localities during the "open" season is the only one found here. The species under review is on the mainland frequently called the Mountain-Teal. It is a scarce species in Tasmania, or at least the males are but seldom procured. I have inspected specimens from the Lake district, and am informed on good authority that it frequents several localities on the North-East Coast; doubtless it is also to be found in the southern portion of the island. To verify my own observations concerning the two species, I forwarded to ]Mr. A. J. Campbell a set of questions, which I now give, with his answers appended thereto, thinking they may be of interest : — Question. — Does the male of the Chestnut-breasted Teal retain its black head and neck and chestnut breast during the non- breeding season? Reply : Yes. [I believe that once the male of this species dons his full livery he never throws it off ; but I also beheve that many males breed before they have attained full livery.] Question. — Is the breeding plumage of both sexes of the Grey Teal similar to the non-breeding plumage? Reply. — Yes. Question. — Are there any outward differences between the female of the Chestnut-breasted Teal and the female of the Grey Teal? Reply.— 'i^ one, except in weight— Chestnut, 1-^ lbs.; Grey, l^lbs. Question.— Are both sexes of the Grey Teal similar in appear- ance? Reply. — Yes. BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 223 GREY TEAL [Nettion gibberifrons, Mull.) Male. — Upper part of the head dark brown, with the edges of the feathers reddish or greyish ; sides of the head paler, thickly streaked with black or brown ; chiu and throat white ; upper parts brown, the feathers edged with pale reddish; feathers of the lower back and rump almost uniform, with edges scarcely paler; feathers of the under parts light fulvous on the margins, with obscure brown spots in the centre, especially on the breast and the sides of the body, each feather having a broad central mark of blackish-brown ; sides and under tail coverts darker than the rest of the under parts; wing coverts dark greyish-brown, with an olive lustre, the greater series white, forming a band broader outwardly than inwardly ; speculum on the secondaries velvety black, tipped with a white band, but the three middle secondaries metallic green on the outer web ; primaries and tail feathers dark brown; under wing coverts dark brown; axillaries white: irides yellowish-brown ; bill bluish-black ; legs and feet lead colour, tinged with yellow. Dimensions in mm.- — Length, 462; I)!!!, 37; wing, 200; tail, 101; tarsus, 30. Female. — Somewhat smaller and less distinctly marked than the male. I have seen individuals with the markings on the under surface scarcely distinguishable. Nest. — A hole in a tree or in the hollow spout of a limb is usually chosen, but occasionally a situation among herbage is resorted to. The nest is always well furnished with down. Eggs. — Clutch nine to twelve usually; elliptical in shape; texture fine; siu-face glossy; colour light creamy-white. Dimen- sions in mm. of a portion of a clutch : — (1) 46 x 34, (2) 45.5 x 34, (3) 45 X 33, (4) 46 x 33.5, (5) 44 x 33. Breeding Season. — September to the end of the year. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, King and other of the larger islands in Bass Strait, the mainland in general, Xew Zea- land, and a number of the islands of the Anstro-Malayan region. Observations. — Shooting season begins 1st February and ends 30th June. Here we have the Teal so well known to all shooters, whether on rivers, lakes, or lagoons. It is widely distributed throughout the island, and, in company with the Black Duck, frequently congregates in large fiocks on many of our rivers. As a consequence, it is one of the most familiar species of Duck to be seen in poulterers' windows during the season. SHOVELLER {Spatula rhynchotis, Lath.) Male.- — Crown of the head, base of the bill, and chin brownish- black ; a crescentic white band between the bill and the eyes ; 224 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. rest oi the head and neck bluish-grey; back brownish-black, the feathers edged with fulvous; rump and upper tail coverts glossy black, tail black, the outer feathers narrowly margined with whitish; "shorter scapulars brown, with white crescentic bars and rufous edges; the longest scapulars have a central greyish- white stripe, but the upper ones glossy black, while the lower ones have the outer webs light blue, like the upper wing coverts" (B. ]\i. Cat.); upper wing coverts light blue,, with tha last row broadly white ; speculum glossy green ; primaries and outer secondaries brownish-black; inner secondaries long, black glossed with blue, some with a terminal whitish central stripe; feathers of lower neck and upper edge of breast more or less often very slightly white, centred with blackish-brown and edged with fulvous; rest of breast and abdomen bright rufous-chestnut, with black bands; in old males the black markings practically dis- appear, leaving only the bright reddish-chestnut; flanks brighter, broadly barred with black; under tail coverts black glossed with green; a patch of white on the lower flanks; marginal under wing coverts pale brown, edged with white; bill purplish-black; legs and feet bright saffron. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 503; bill, 62; wing, 244; tail, 103; tarsus, 31. Female. — Crown of the head blackish-brown, slightly streaked with ochreous ; neck ochreous, streaked with black ; back and shorter scapulars blackish-brown, tipped and edged with reddish -brown; longer scapulars as in male, with central streak almost absent ; rump and tail blackish, with narrow rufescent edges; upper wing coverts paler blue, white band on wing, and speculum less distinct than in male; chest and throat sandy-buff; rest of under surface pale brown, the feathers with black centres, more distinct on chest than on abdomen. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 462; bill, 58; wing, 226; tail, 83; tarsus, 34. Young. — Very similar to female. Nest. — A slight hollow in the ground among herbage is usually selected, and this is lined with grass and down. Eggs. — Clutch seven to nine usually; roundish-oval in shape; texture fine ; surface glossy and greasy ; colour light creamy- white, tinged with green. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 50 X 38, (2) 50.25 x 28.5, (3) 51 x 39, (4) 50 x 37.5, (5) 51.5 x 38, (6) 52 X 38.5, (7) 51.5 x 39. Breeding Season. — September to November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Kmg, and several other of the larger islands in Bass Strait, Australia in general; also New Zealand. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. The Blue-wing or Shoveller is a very showy species, especially the male, and although not nearly so plentiful as the Black Duck or the Grey Teal, yet it congregates in fair numbers on several of our BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 225 tidal rivers, and therefore often falls a victim to the fowler's gun. When on the wing it moves with great rapidity, the noise made by its wings being very pronounced. PINK-EARED DUCK [Malacorhynchus niembianaceus, Lath.) iV/a?t'.— Crown greyish-brown; sides of the head and chin whitish; a patch on the sides of the head and a line from either eye, uniting at the occiput and passing down the back of the neck, blackish-brown; a patch of rose-pink, oblong in shape, immediately behind the dark patch surrounding the eye; back, scapulars, and upper wing coverts greyish-brown, minutely freckled with whitish points ; rump and upper tail coverts dark brown ; the latter with a dark band at the base; tail brown, minutely tipped with white; the secondaries with a terminal band of white; primaries dark brown, the inner ones tipped with white ; neck, breast, and under surface greyish-white, thickly' barred with brown, narrow on the neck, broader on the breast and flanks, almost disappearing in the centre of the abdomen ; under tail coverts bulfy-white ; ' ' irides dark reddish-brown ; bill varies from greenish-grey to bluish-olive ; tip of the lower mandible white; tarsi and toes emerald-green in some specimens and yellowish-brown in others; webs dark brown " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 429; bill, 68; wing, 185; tail, 66 ; tarsus, 32. Female. — Plumage similar; dimensions slightly less. Nest. — The deserted nest of some bird such as the Eaven or Heron is frequently appropriated and thickly lined with down. Eggs. — Clutch seven to nine, oval in shape; texture fine; sur- face glossy; colour creamy-white. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :— (1) 45 x 32, (2) 47 x 33, (3) 46 x 32, (4) 47 x 32.5. Breeding Season. — August to November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and the whole of Aus- tralia. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. The Pink-eared Duck, which on the mainland is known to shooters and dealers by the name of Widgeon, is somewhat scarce in Tas- mania. I can obtain but few records of specimens having been secured within the past few years. To my knowledge individuals have been secured in the Longford district, the Lakes district. Lakes Sorell and Crescent, the vicinity of Noland Bay; and it has been seen as a very rare visitor on both the Tamar and Derwent Rivers. FRECKLED DUCK (Stictonetta ncevosa, Gould). Male. — Whole of the upper surface, wings, and throat blackish- brown ; crown of the head almost black, minutely freckled and 16 226 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. spotted with irregular buiiish-white marks; no speculum on the wings; primaries plain brown; under surface whitish, tinged with buff, especially on the chest, where the colour approaches rich chestnut ; under wing coverts white, more or less freckled with brown; axillaries pure white; bill greenish-grey, nail black; legs and feet bluish-green. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 550; bill, 57; wing, 232; tail, 75; tarsus, 41.5. Female. — Similar to male. Nest. — Among herbage on the ground. Eggs. — Clutch nine to twelve probably; lengthened ellipse in shape ; texture of shell fairly fine ; surface greasy to the touch ; colour light greenish-white. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples in the Launceston Museum : — (1) 52.5 x 40, (2) 55 x 41. Breeding Season. — October to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia, and Queensland. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. The Freckled Duck is an extremely rare species in Tasmania ; there are but few records of it having been obtained here. It is occasionally seen on the Macquarie River and about Noland Bay, on the North-East Coast ; also on the Great Lake. In Victoria this species is frequently called the "Monkey- Duck " by shooters. Sub- Family — Fuligulinas. WHITE-EYED DUCK (Widgeon) (Nyroca australis, Gould). Male. — Head, neck, and breast rich chocolate; feathers on the back and shoulders dark brown, edged with olive-brown ; rump dark brown; tail brown; wings brown, glossed with olive; quills brown; secondaries mostly white; primaries centrally white, together forming a conspicuous bar on the wings; across the centre of the under surface is a broad band of brownish-white; rest of abdomen brown ; under tail coverts white ; bill, basal two- thirds black, rest bluish-red, with the nail black; legs and feet pale bluish-lead. Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 490; bill, 48.5; wing, 225 ; tail, 63 ; tarsus, 34. Female. — Similar, but slightly duller, and dimensions slightly less. Yoiuig. — Male. — " Has a chestnut-brown plumage, much lighter, and the feathers at the back margined with pale brown; it has also less gloss on the head and the brownish-white of the under parts mottled with brown " (Duller). Nest. — The situation of the nest varies from a hollow in a tree to the ground among herbage, where it is composed of grass, feathers, and down. BIRDS OF TASMANIA 227 Eggs. — "Clutch eleven to thirteen; elliptical in shape, texture of shell comparatively fine ; surface glossy and greasy ; colour light creamy- white. Dimensions in inches of a pair: — (1) 2.27 x 1.67, (2) 2.26 X 1.64" (A. J. Campbell). Breeding Season. — September to November. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, Australia, New Zea- land, New Caledonia, and several other islands in the South Pacific. Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. Among shooters the "Widgeon is much sought after, it being con- sidered by many a better table bird than some of the commoner species. On account of its rapid flight, it is one of the most diffi- cult birds to shoot; this, combined with its comparative scarcity, does more to make it a desirable bird in the eyes of shooters than its problematical superiority of flfc-vour. On the Tamar, Der- went, and other rivers it may be found in small numbers feeding in company with Teal, Black Duck, and Shoveller; in addition to rivers it frequents a number of the lakes and larger lagoons. Sub-Family — Erismaturinae. BLUE-BILLED DUCK (Erismatura australis, Gould). Male. — Head, neck, and throat black; back, chest, and flanks rich chestnut ; wings and tail brownish-black ; under tail coverts brownish-grey, with dark brown markings; bill bluish to bluish lead colour. Dimensions in mixi. : — Length, 395; bill, 45; wing, 158; tail, 70; tarsus, 39. Female. — Uniform blackish-brown, with transverse zig-zag lines of chestnut-brown ; the under surface is more greyish -brown, the feathers being tipped with yellowish. Nest. — "Not unlike that of a Musk-Duck, well concealed in the herbage of a marsh or swamp, and lined with grass and down " (A. J. Campbell). Eggs. — Clutch two to nine or ten (Gould); four or five (Campbell) ; six (J. C. FitzGerald, quoted by A. J. Campbell) ; fairly oval in shape ; texture of shell coarse ; surface slightly glossy ; colour light greenish-white. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples :— (1) 66 x 47, (2) 70 x 49, (3) 68 x 48. Breeding Season. — August to December. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia. Observations. — This little-known Duck is found in various parts of the island, but is scarce everywhere. I have records of it from the river Tamar, Piper's Edver, and Lakes Crescent and Sorell, The first recorded Tasmanian specimens (a pair) were secured at Cambridge, May, 1892. 228 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. *MUSK-DUCK (Biziura lobata, Shaw). Male. — Crown of the head and nape brownish-black; back, wings, chest), and flanks blackish-brown, crossed by very narrow freckled lines of buffy-white; quills and tail feathers blackish- brown ; sides of the head and neck freckled with buffy-white and black; abdomen blackish-brown, with broad bulfy-white margins to the feathers: towards the under tail coverts the margins almost disappear; "bill and large lobe beneath the 'chin greenish-black; legs and feet dark leaden-grey, inside of the tarsi greenish-grey " (Gould). Dimensions in mm. : — Length, 658; bill, 40; wing, 246; tail, 152; tarsus, 38. Female. — Plumage similar, save that the narrow buffy-white bars on the upper surface are more distinct, lobe much smaller or even absent. Dimensions in mm.: — Length, 565; bill, 33; wing, 186; tail, 99; tarsus, 35. Young in Down. — " Upper parts, head, neck, upper part of the breast, sides, and flanks uniform dark brown, scarcely lighter round the face at the base of the bill; lower breast, abdomen, and under tail coverts whitish " (B. M. Cat.) Nest. — Usually a hollow in the ground among rushes or grass, or the centre of a slight elevation in a swamp, is chosen. The nesting hollow is lined with down. Eggs. — Clutch two to three; elliptical in shape, with both ends somewhat pointed; texture of the shell coarse; surface slightly glossy and rough ; colour greenish-white, more or less soiled. Dimensions in mm. of a clutch : — (1) 84 x 54, (2) 85 x 51. Breeding Season. — October to December or January. Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, round and on several of theiarger Bass Strait islands, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia, and South Queensland. Observations. — At one time and another much printers' ink has been expended in controversy over this Duck's ability or otherwise to fly. A proof positive that it does so is furnished by Mr. C. H. Hamilton {Emu, vol. i., p. 147), who records being with a friend when he shot a Musk-Duck at dusk one evening in mistake for a Black Duck ; it was flying high and very fast. The largest flock of this species I have ever seen numbered twenty-four birds (actual count), on the River Tamar. On some of the inland waters it is moderately plentiful, but very shy. As is well known, this Duck, when disturbed but in no immediate danger, will submerge itself until only the eyes and nostrils are showing above water. APPENDIX. EXTRACT FROM THE T ASM AN IAN GAME PROTECTION ACT 1907, being "An Act to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to the Protection of Game, and for other purposes." 1. This Act may be cited as '" The Game Protection Act 1907." 2. (1) The Acts mentioned in the Schedule (1) are hereby repealed. 3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise determines-- "Imported game" means and includes Wonga Wongu Pigeon {Leucosarcia picata), Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse, whether the same are ahve or dead, and any other bird or animal which the Governor by proclamation as hereinafter provided declares to be imported gam.e. "Mutton-Bird" means the Short-tailed Petrel {Pujjinus tenuirostris). "Native game" means and includes Wild Ducks (other than Musk-Ducks), Teal, Widgeon, Quail, Plover, Black Swans, Wattle-Birds, Cape Barren Geese, Bronze-winged Pigeons, and Brush Bronze-winged Pigeons, whether such birds are alive or dead, and any other bird, whether such bird is alive or dead, which the Governor by proclamation as hereinafter provided shall declare to be native game. "Quail" includes the bird usually called the Cahfornian Quail. " Tasmania " includes the dependencies thereof. 4 It shall be lawful for the Governor, by proclamation, to name any other bird or animal which shall be included m the term " imported game " or " native game " ; and after the publication of any such proclamation in the Gazette, and after the expiration of the period mentioned in such proclamation for the commence- ment thereof, the bird or animal so named shall be included m the term " imported game " or " native game " as the case may be. 230 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. Imported Gamk 5. If any person kills or takes any imported game, or uses any dog, gun, net, snare, or other engine or instrument, for the purpose of killing or taking anj^ such game, he shall for every head of imported game so killed or taken, and for every such offence of so using any dog, gun, net, snare, or other engine or instrument, incur a penalty not exceeding Ten Pounds. ^ 6. If any person buys or sells, or knowingly has in his house, possession, or control, any imported game, except live game kept or to be kept in a mew or breeding place, every person shall, for every head of imported game so bought or sold, or found in his house, possession, or control, incur a penalty not exceeding Ten Pounds. Nothing herein contained shall extend to any dead imported game brought into this State. 7. If any person wilfully takes out of the nest, or destroys in the nest, the eggs of any imported bird of game, or knowingly has in his house, possession, or control any such eggs, every person shall for every egg so taken or destroyed, or found in his house, possession, or control, incur a penalty not exceeding Five Poimds; but this provision shall not extend to the owner of any mew or breeding place for game in respect of eggs in or taken from the nest in such inew or breeding place, or to any person in respect of any eggs taken from the nest and given to such person b}' such owner. Native Game. 8. The following shall be deemed to be the breeding seasons for native game ; that is to say : — For Wild Ducks, Teal, Widgeon, Plover, and Black Swans, from the first day of July in every year to the last day of January in each succeeding year, both days inclusive. For Gape Barren Geese, from the first day of June to the last day of December in each year. For Bronze-winged Pigeons and Brush Bronze-winged Pigeons, from the first day of July in every year to the last day of February in every succeeding year, both days inclusive. For Wattle-Birds, from the first day of August in every year to the thirtieth day of April in every succeeding year, both dajs inclusive. For Quail, from the first day of July in every year to the thirtieth day of April in every succeeding year, both days inclusive. 9. It shall be lawful for the Governor from time to time by proclamation to declare that any native game described in such proclamation shall not be killed, taken, or captured din-ing any APPENDIX. 231 time, to be stated in such proclaniatioii, in such parts of Tasmania as may be described and set forth in such proclamation ; and every person acting in contravention of such proclamation shall be liable to the like penalty as if he had offended against the next section of this Act. 10. If any person kills, takes, or captures, or has in his possession or control (whether on his own land or on that of any other person), any native game during the breeding season of such game, such person shall for every head of native game so killed, taken, or captured by him, or so found in his possession or control, forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding Two Pounds; but nothing in this section contained shall apply to any person keeping native game in a mew or breeding place for breeding purposes, or to any person in whose possession or control any dead native game is found, and who proves that the same was not killed during the breeding season of such game. 11. Whoever at any time — (1) Kills or attempts to kill or destroy any Wild Ducks, Teal, Widgeon, Black Swans, or Cape Barren Geese, with any device or instrument known as a swivel or punt gun, or with any gun other than such guns as are habitually raised at arms' length and fired from the shoulder, or (2) Uses or attempts to use any decoy duck (whether arti- ficial or not) or similar device, for the purpose of taking or killing any Wild Ducks, Teal, or Widgeon, shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. Penalty : Five Pounds. 12. Whoever takes or wilfully destroys the eggs of any native game shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. Penalty : One pound for every egg taken or wilfully destroyed. 13. Whoever takes or wilfully destroys the eggs of any IMutton- Bird shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. Penalty : One pound for exerx such egg taken or wilfully destroyed as af-oresaid. 14. Whoever, without the written consent of a police magis- trate or two justices, buys, sells, or offers for sale any of the birds enumerated in the Schedule (2) of this Act, whether dead or alive, shall be guilty of an offence against this Act for every such bird so bought, sold, or offered for sale : Provide^d that this section shall not apply to Pheasants, Partridges, or Grouse in a mew. Penalty : One pound. 15. Whoever shoots at or wilfully kills any of the birds enumerated in the Schedule (2), or takes or destroys the nest or eggs, or takes the young of any of the birds enumerated in the said Schedule, without the written consent of a police magistrate 232 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. or two justices, shall be guilty of an oft'ence against this Act : Provided that this section shall not apply to Pheasants, Partridges, or Grouse in a mew. Penalty : One pound. 16. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the Governor may, in writing, authorize any person at any time to kill, capture, or destroy any native gar»e or imported game, or any bird or any animal or the progeny thereof which is protected by this Act or by any proclamation issued hereunder, or to take and keep the eggs of any protected bird, provided that the Governor is satisfied that any such person requires any sucli native game, imported game, bird or the eggs thereof, or any such animal or the progeny thereof, for a scientific purpose. 17. The Governor is hereby empowered from time to time, by proclamation, to reserve any lands of the Crown as and to be hunting grounds for Mutton-Birds, and also for acclimatization ptn-poses, and any such proclamation to revoke. Licences. 23. (1) No person — (1). Shall kill, take, or capture any Mutton-Bird unless he holds a hcence for that jDurpose. 28. Nothing in this Act contained shall bo deemed to authorize any person holding any licence issued under this Act to kill, take, or capture Mutton-Birds, except during the prescribed time. . . . 31. (1) The Governor may from time to time make regulations for the following purposes, or any of them ; that is to say : — i. For the protection of Mutton-Birds. ii. Prescribing the time during which and the purpose for which the Mutton-Bird may be killed or captured. SCHEDULE (2). 1. Albatross, Black-browed {Diomcdia niclunopJirys). 2. Albatross, Flat-billed {Thalassogcro)i ctihiiiiiatus). 3. Albatross, Green-billed (Tlialassogeron rlih)rorInjiirhus) 4. Albatross, Sooty (Phoehetria fuliginosa). 5. Albatross, Wanderiug {Dioniedia exiilaiis). 6. Albatross, White-capped (TlialasHogcron caitins). 7. Avocet, Ked-neeked (RccxirviroHtra nibricoUis). 8. Barn-Owl, Tasmanian {Strix cdfitttiiops). 9. Bittern (Botaurus poeciloptiliis). 10. Blackbird (Turdus mcrula). 11. Brown-tail (Acaniliiza diemenoisi!^). 12. Caterpillar-eater, White-shouldei'ed [Lalage tricolor). APPENDIX 233 13. Chat, White-fronted {Epldliiaiiura albijrons). 14. Cockatoo, Black {Calyptonjnchus xanthonotus). 15. Cockatoo, Gang-Gang {Callocephalon galeatuin). 16. Crake, Little [Porzana palustiis). 17. Crake, lied-backed {Porzana tabucnsis). 18. Crake, Spotted {Porzana fiuminea). 19. Cuckoo, Broad-billed Bronze {Chalcococcyx lucidus). 20. Cuckoo, Bronze {Chalcococcyx pJagosus). 21. Cuckoo, Channel-bill {Scytlirops novcs-hollandice). 22. Cuckoo, Fan-tailed {Caculus fiahelliformis). 23. Cuckoo, Narrow-billed Bronze {Chalcococcyx basalis). 24. Cuckoo, PaUid {Cucidus pallidus). 25. Curlew, Australian {Nuvienius cyanopus). 26. Diamond-Bird (Pardalotiis punctatus). 27. Diamond-Bird, Allied [Pardalotus affinis). 28. Diamond-Bird, i'orty-spotted [Pardalotiis quadragintus). 29. Dove, Ground — The Ground-Bird (Cinclosonia pnnctaturii). 30. Drongo [Cliibia bracteata). 31. Duck, Musk {Biziura lobata). 32. Egret, White {Herodias iir)wricnsis). 33. Fantail, Tasmanian {Rhipidura diemenciisis). 34. Finch, Fire-tailed {Zonccginthus bcllus). 35. Flycatcher, Leaden {Myiagra rubccula). 36. Flycatcher, Satin {Myiagra nitidia). 37. Gannet, Austrahan {Sida serrator). 38. Godwit, Barred-rumped {Liniosa uropygiaUs). 39. Goldfinch {Carduelis elegans). 40. Goose, Maned {Chenonetta jubata). 41. Goshawk, White {Astur novoe-hollandice). 42. Grass-Bird {Mcgaliirus graruineus). 43. Grebe, Hoary-headed (Podiceps ncstor). 44. Grebe, Little {Podiceps novce-liollandice). 45. Grebe, Tippet {Podiceps crisiaius). 46. Greenshank {Glottis nebularius). 47. Grouse (Lagopus scoticus). 48. Gull, Little {Larus novcE-hollandite). 49. Gull, Pacific {Larus pacificus). 50. Hawk-Owl, Brown (Ninox boobooh). 51. Hawk-Owl, Spotted {Ninox viaculata). 52. Heron, Night (Nycticorax caledonicus). 53. Heron, Pacific (Notophoyx pacifica). 54. Heron, Keef {Deyniegreita sacra). 55. Heron, White-fronted {Notophyx novie-hollandice) . 56. Honey-eater, Black-headed {Melithreptus melanoccphalus). 57. Honey-eater, Crescent {Meliornis australasiana) . 58. Honey-eater, Fulvous-fronted (Glycyphila fulvifrons). 59. Honey-eater, Minah, Garrulous {Manorhina garrula). 60. Honey-eater, Strong-billed (Melithreptus validirostris). 234 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 61. Honey-eatiT, White-bearded (Mcliornis novcB-hollandice) . 62. Honey-eater, Yellow-tliroated {Ptilotis flavigularis). 63. Ibis, Glossy {Geronticus australis). 64. Kingfisher, Bhie {Alcyone aziirea). 65. Kingfisher, Great, or Laughing Jackass {Dacclo gigas). 66. Kingfisher, Sacred {Halcyon sanctus). 67. Lark, JNlagpie {GialUna picata). 68. Lyre-Bird {Momra siipcrba). 69. Lyre-Bird, Albert {Mcnura alberti). 70. Lyre-Bird, Victoria {Menura victorice). 71. Magpie, White {Gymnorhina Jiypeiieuca). 72. More-pork or Frogniouth {Podargus strigoides). 73. Owlet Nightjar {JEgotlicles novce-hollandice). 74. Oyster-catcher, Sooty {H(ei)iatopus unicolor). 75. Oyster-catcher, White-breasted {Hcematopus lo)tgirostris). 76. Parrakeet, Ground or Swamp {Pczoporus formosHs). 77. Partridge {Perdix cinerca). 78. Pelican {Pelecanus conspicillatuH). 79. Penguin, Crested {Catarrhactes cJirysocome). 80. Penguin, Fairy {Eudyptula undijia). 81. Penguin, Little (Eudyptuhi niinor). 82. Petrel, Atlantic {Ptcrodroina (itlantica). 83. Petrel, Black-bellied Storm [C ymodroma Diclanogaslcr). 84. Petrel, Blue (Halobrena carulca). 85. Petrel, Cape {Daption capcnsh). 86. Petrel, Diving {Hcdodroma nrinatrix). 87. Petrel, Giant {Ossifraga gigantea). 88. Petrel, Grey {Priofinus cinereus). 89. Petrel, Grey-backed Storm {Garrodia nereis). 90. Petrel, Long-winged {Ptcrodroma macroptera). 91. Petrel, Silver-grey {PrioceUa glacialoides). 92. Petrel, Solander {Ptcrodroma solandri). 93. Petrel, Spectacled (Majaqueuiy cqinnoctialis). 94. Petrel, White-bellied Storm {C y)nodronia grallaria). 95. Petrel, White-faced Storm (Pclagodroma marina). 96. Petrel, White-headed {QSstrelata lessoni). 97. Petrel, White-winged {(Estrclata leucoptcra). 98. Petrel, Yellow-footed Storm [OccanitcH oceanicus). 99. Pheasant {Phasianus colcJiicus). 100. Pigeon, Superb Fruit {Lamprotrcron superbus). 101. Pigeon, Topknot {Lopliohenivs antarcticus). 102. Pigeon, Wood {Colinnba.s p C' ~i ^ ^ ^ ^ cP cr K ^ 3? > AMNH LIBRARY ^ 00108790 i