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Vol. III.

THE

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

ORNITHOLOGIST,

A Magazine of Ornithology.

Ist JANUARY, 1917.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:

R. CROMPTON, R.A.0.U.

A. M. MORGAN, M.B., Cu.B.
S. A. WHITE, M.B.0.U.

F, R. ZIETZ, R.A.O.U,.;

Price, 2/=

=
1 >
Fe

~ South Australian

ORNITHOLOGIST.

— ann

7s

L:ditorial Commuttee :

R. Crompton, R.A.O.U.-
A. M. Morcan, M.B., Cu.B.
So Ay Wire AMR OL Ue
Bea AEs, Rae Ox Wy

Secretary :
F. M. ANGEL,
GHomwWwe Dey Ge) Ee | OiNyallis, Tetcas
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

CUNTENTS.

PAGE

The South Australian Ornithological Association . 3 : ; 5

Order Passeriformes, Family Dicaeidae, Genus Pardalotinus. 8
Field Notes on Acanthornis Magnus (Gld.) Serub Tit or Great Tit.

Edwin Ashby. s : : : : 3 : 6 3 10

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia No. 9).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U. . ‘ 12

Notes on Hatching of Cuckooand Wren. J. W. Mellor. ; - 18

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, Capt. 8. A. White,
M B.O.U. : , : : : i ; : ; : 19

Te

south Australian Ornithologist.

Wor. ULI.) Ist JANUARY, 1917. [Parr 1.

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

On 29th September, 1916, a monthly meeting was held at
the Royal Society Rooms, North Terrace, Adelaide, at which
Dr. A. M. Morgan presided.

Mr. H. A. Behrens, of Flinders Street, Adelaide, was duly
elected a member.

The Secretary read a letter from the Secretary of the Hon.
Commissioner of Crown Lands, intimating that vigorous
efforts were being made to put a stop to the destruction of
Swans on the lower Murray and Lakes, and for this purpose it
was intended to'appoint a caretaker in the district to prevent
trespassing or shooting on the holdings adjoining the River.

Mr. T. P. Bellchambers, of Humbug Scrub, exhibited an
interesting series of ducks’ eggs, showing results of experi-
ments made by him in the hybridisation of the Black Duck
(Anas superciliosa rogersi) and. Indian Pekin Domestic Ducks.

The same gentleman also reported haying observed the
following birds at Humbug Scrub during the month of Sep-
tember, which are unusual for the locality.

White Cockatoo (Cacatoes galerita rosinae).
Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus funereus whiteae).
Black-fronted Dotterels (Elseya melanops).

Nests of—

Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata vigorsi).

6 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

Southern White-throated Tree Creeper (Climactertis leu-
cophaea grisescens).
3earded Honey-eater (Jleliornis novaechollandiae subas-

c

similis).
Greenie (Ptilotula penicillata whitei).

Babbler (Jorganornis superciliosus).
were also observed near his homestead.

Dr. A. M. Morgan noted the Bottle Martin (Lagenoplastes
ariel), nesting at Coromandel Valley on September 18th, Wood
Swallow (Pseudartamus cyanopterus), Yellow-rumped Dia-
mond Bird (Pardalotus punctatus «anthopygus), and the ~
Restless Flycatcher (NSeisura inquieta) building, and the
Shrike Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) flying with young.

The birds for discussion for the evening were Flycat-
chers, (Mathews List, No. 493/502), and the specimens were
exhibited by Mr. F. R. Zietz from the S.A. Museum collection.

OCTOBER 27TH, 1916.

A monthly meeting was held at which Dr. A. M. Morgan pre-
sided.

Bird protection matters came under discussion, and were
referred to the Fauna and Flora Protection Society. Mr. J. W.
Mellor reported having seen several young broods of the Noisy
Minah (Myzantha garrula) at Lockleys lately. Messrs. EK. Ashby
and F. Parsons exhibited a small collection of skins taken at
Port Germein and Nackara during the previous month. Some
of the birds exhibited were Malurus -melanotus whitei (White’s
turquoise wren), Leggeornis lamberti assimilis (Southern blue-
breasted wren), Poodytes gramineus dubiws (Southern Grass
bird), Myzantha flavigula (Yellow-throated Minah), Lichenos-
tomus plumulus ethelae (Southern yellow-plumed honey eater),
Faleunculus frontatus flavigulus (Shrike Tit), Geopelia placida
tranquilla (Kastern ground dove), Psephotus varius rosimae
(Southern many-coloured parrot), Owenavis osculans (Black-
eared cuckoo), Lewinornis rufiventris inornatus (Southern rufous
breasted thickhead), Zonifer tricolor (Black-breasted plover),
Spiloglaux boobook (Boobook Owl), Barnardius barnardi whiter
(South Australian Mallee Parrot). .

The South Australian Ornithological Association. z

NOVEMBER 24th, 1916.

A monthly meeting was held, at which Mr. A. G. Edquist
presided. Mr. F. R. Zietz reported having seen some of our
native birds feeding their young in the Botanic Gardens this.
season, among others the Boobook Owl (Spiloglaux boobook),
Black-tailed Native Hen (Microtribonysx neutralis whitei), Grey
Shrike Thrush (Colluricinola harmonica). A commu-
nication was tabled by Dr. Morgan as_ to _ the
likelihood of the imported sparrow (Passer domes-
ticus) ‘following the East-West Railway line into
Western Australia from Port Augusta .Mr. Weidenbach re-
marked that he had seen the sparrows about 200 miles west
of Port Augusta, on the line of construction. The matter
was 2!lowed to stand over till next meeting. Mr. J. W. Mel-
lor reported hayng seen several flocks of Shell parrots (Melop-
sittacus undulatus) at Lockleys during the month, the same
member exhibited a skin each of the Mallee parrot (Barnardius
barnardi) and the pale yellow parrot (Platycercus flaveolus
innominatus), both specimens from the River Murray above
Morgan. A large collection of bird skins from the Cooper’s.
Creek district, was exhibited by Capt. S. A. White.

An outline of the country collected over by the Museum
Expedition was given, then a list of the birds observed, the
speaker stated that one new bird at least would be the out-
come of the trip, but on the whole he was disappointed with
the few species of birds met with, about 107. Emus were
not met with although their tracks were seen in the swampy
eround. Quail were only represented by the little quail
(Austroturma velox), the spotted-shouldered dove (Stictopeleia
cuneata) was met with, the crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes)
was not nearly so numerous as further north.

The native hen (Microtribonyx ventralis) was only seen
upon two occasions, hoary headed grebe (Poliocephalus polio-
cephalus), and the Caspian tern (Hydroprogne tschgrava strenua)
were seen upon the Cooper. The Crested Tern (Thalasseus
bergit pelecanoides) was observed at Lake Harry, and the Silver
Gull (Bruchigavia novaehollandiae) was also seen. Dotterels of
Several species were met with, White-headed Stilts (Himanto-
pus leucocephalus) as well as the red-necked Avocets (Recurvi-

8 Order Passeriformes, Fanvily Dicaeidie, Genus Pardalotinus.

rostra novachollandiae) were met with upon the swamps. Cranes —
of several species were seen, including the fine ‘‘Native” com-
panion or Australian Crane (Mathewsia rubicunda). Ducks
were scarce. The common grey teal, the pink-eared duck,
and Tennant’s maned goose, were all of this family met with,
The wedge-tailed eagle (the largest in the world) was unfor-
tunately being destroyed very fast by poison, and very few
living examples were seen. Little eagles and whistling eagles
were numerous, besides other members of the hawk family.
Boobook, winking and masked owls, were met with, the pink
cockatoo was only met with once, but the bare-eyed and rose-
breasted variety were very plentiful, parrots were not nume-
rous with the exception of shell parrots, which were in thou-
sands, swallows of three or four species were plentiful. The
rare desert-chat (Ashbyia lovensis) was taken as well as its
eggs, which are new to science. It was stated that there
were several items new to the science of ornithology to be
described. The chairman congratulated the speaker upon the
work accomplished, and upon his safe return.

Order Passeriformes, Family Dicaeidae, Genus
Pardalotinus.

Pardalotinus striatus subaffinis—Striped Diamond bird.

Description—Upper Surface.—Forehead and crown of the
head deep black, nape black, each feather with a narrow stripe
of white down the centre; lores black bordered above by a
broad stripe of orange yellow passing to the centre of the br6w
followed by a broad streak of white; ear coverts black stip-
pled with white; back, grey gradually changing to buff on the
rump and upper tail coverts.

Under Surface—Chin, throat and upper breast bright yel-
low, bordered on the sides of the neck by white; breast and
abdomen white; flanks greenish yellow fading upwards and
backwards to bufi; thighs buff; under tail coverts pale buff-

Wing—Primaries black, all except the second with the
outer webs margined with white, the white margins becom-
ing broader and shorter towards the carpus, all are lightly tip-
ped with white, the inner webs of all are broadly margined
with greyish white. Secondaries black broadly tipped with

Order Passeriformes, Family Dicaeidae, Genus Pardalotinus. 9

white, and the outer webs near the base: margined with red-
dish brown; upper wing coverts black, stippled on the carpus
with dull ‘y ellow, spurious wing, black tipped with bright ver-
milion.

Tail—Black, the inner webs tipped with white, the spots
becoming larger from the centre outwards.

Iris—Brown.

Bill—Black.

Legs and feet—Greyish Brown.

Total length (of skin) 92 m.m

Wing—65 m.m.

Tail—32 m.m.

Culmen—7 m.m.

The measurements are the average of seven specimens,
four males, and three females. The female differs from the
male only in the colour of the bill, which has the base of the
lower mandible light horn colour, and the rest of the bill of a
less deep black than in the male. Specimens from various
parts of South Australia do not differ in colour, except one
from Glen Ferdinand, Musgrave Ranges, which is lighter
coloured in all its markings.

Distribution—The whole of South atte.

Habits—This bird is an inhabitant of the gum trees, it is
never found in parts of the country where these do not grow.

The larger gums are perhaps. preferred, but they
are not uncommon in quite small mallee _ scrub.
Formerly they were common in the park lands about
the city, and even now an occasional bird my be heard in the
Botanic Park. As arule they go about singly, but sometimes
in the breeding season a pair may be seen together searching
the leaves for food. They are not easily frightened, and if
one keeps still, will go on feeding within a few feet of one’s
hand, hence their disappearance about the city, for their con-
fiding nature makes them an easy prey to the boy with a
shanghai.

Flight—Straight and rapid.

Food—Consists entirely of insects, which they gather
from the leaves of the gum trees, they assist greatly in keep-
ing the gum leaves free of scale.

Sone—Two or three notes, monotonously repeated resem-
bling the words Whit-i-chute, by which name they are known
in some parts of Australia,

10 ASH BY—Field Notes.

Nest—An open, cup-shaped structure usually placed in
the hollow of a gum tree, the hollow chosen is usually in a
thick limb, with avery small opening. The nest is built of
dried grass stems with occasionally a strip or two of bark.
They sometimes drill a hole for themselves in the bank, or
dig out the mortar between the stones of an old building, and
occasionally take possession of the old nests of the fairy mar-
tin. Inthe courting season they have a peculiar habit of sit-
ting in pairs on a bare twig, and sway the body from side to
side, with the wings half extended calling all the time. The
nesting season extends from September to December.

Eges—Three or four, pure white, the thick end very roun-
ded, and the thin end coming to a blunt point.

A: clutch of four eggs taken from a hole in a gum tree at
the R. Finniss measured in c.m. 1.1.80 x 1.40 2.1.80 x 1.50
3. 1.80 x 1.50. 4.1.75 x 1.40.

A nest taken at Kallioota in the banks of the Willochra
creek in August 22nd, 1912, had a tunnel 18 inches long slop-
ing slightly upwards to the nest chamber which was circular,
5 inches in diameter and 4 inches high. The outside measure-
ment of the nest was 5 x 5 inches x 3 inches high. The egg

cavity was 24 inches x 1 inch deep. It contained three slightly
incubated eggs. ;

~ Field Notes on Acanthornis Magnus (Gld.) Scrub
Tit or Grear hit

By Edwin Ashby, M.B.0.U., ete.

On the occasion of my recent trip to Tasmania I paid a
visit to a selected treefern gully, I think it is called Hors-
nail’s Creek, at the back of Mt. Wellington, where in January,
1915, 1 fonud two nests of the year of Acanthornis magnus,

yaese nests are now in the Adelaide Museum. At that date
areeding was apparently over.

This year on September 29th I hoped to find the birds
aesting, but was evidently too early.

I found one nest of the previous season in the same situa-
tion as those found in 1913, viz. in the hanging down dead
‘fronds of a tree fern, The ne Sts are in structure typical seri-

ASH BY—Field Notes. be

cornis nests, except that they are chiefily composed of portions
of dead tree fern fronds and roughly, but cleverly, so built in
between the hanging fronds of the tree fern that the weight
of the fronds keeps the nest in position. Unless the greatest
care is taken the nest drops to the ground as soon as the
fronds are parted, showing that no attempt is made to attach
the nest to the fronds, but trust is put in the weight of the
fronds to keep the nest in position.

The gully visited is a typical ‘fern gully,” the tree ferns
hugging the rivulet, which is almost a cascade, the sides of the
gully clothed with dense bushes and larger timber.

I saw no sign of the Acanthornis, although I waited quietly
in the locality for several hours, incidentally, wet to the skin,
as there had been a heavy shower, and the ferns and bushes
were dripping. My idea is that the birds only visit these tree
fern gullies in the upper range during the breeding season,
and that during the rest of the year they must be searched
for in the dense bushes that clothe the gullies lower down.
The old locality near Newtown in Kangaroo Valley was essen-
tially a bush gully, unfortunately from the ornithologist’s
point of view, now mostly occupied with gardens, and the
Acanthornis naturally has disappeared from that habitat.

On the 9th October we unexpectedly met with this bird at
an altitude of about 1,500 ft. in a gully known as “The Sidling”
near Scottsdale, in North-Eastern Tasmania. The sides of
the gully were very precipitous, but covered with dense scrub,
below the road a number of bushes had been cut down by
some men who were erecting a telegraph line, and it was
amongst these fallen bushes that the Acanthornis was first
noted, its movements and general appearance were very simi-
lar to Sericornis (frontalis) longirostris (Q and G)., afterwards
several were seen in the bushes on the other side of the road.
They were searching for insects as much in the bushes as the
ground. Not once did we detect a call note, but I was for-
tunate to hear one trilling out a very sweet little song, re-
minding one of the song of a Sericornis, but yet dissimilar.

Later, on 13/10/16, I again met with this bird in “Wenney’s
Gully” on the River “Don”, near the Latrobe, in North West
Tasmania.

This gully cannot in any sense be described as a Tree Fern
gully, but was clothed with bushes, myrtle, and big timber.
The gorge was very precipitous. Acanthornis were work-

12 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

ing for insects both amongst the fallen debris, and amongst
the branches of the bushes, also up the trunks of the trees
with a very similar action to a tree creeper’s, but not once did
I hear them make any call note or song.

I think probably it is a new locality for this bird, but Mr.
Butler records it from considerably further to the West. “Mr.
F. M. Littler in his birds of Tasmania, calls it the ‘White
Breasted Scrub Tit,” certainly a very descriptive name.

Locally it was known to my friends at Latrobe, when as
boys they had been egg collecting, as the ‘little scrub bird” in
distinction to the “Sericornis humilis”, which they knew as
the “Greater scrub bird.” Its habits, movements, and gene-
ral appearance lead me to conclude that it is more closely re-
lated to the genus Sericornis than to that of Acanthiza, where .
Gould originally placed it.

The rarity of this bird is probably due to its retiring
habits, and general lack of call notes. It is evidently widely
distributed though very local in its. haunts.

EDWIN ASHBY,
“Wittunga”, Blackwood.

Birds. of the
> North and North-West of Australia.

From Notes and Skins made by the late Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower.

By Grecory M. Matuews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U..,
No. 9.

No. 97. ANHINGA NOVAEHOLLANDIAE. Darter.

Plotus novaehollandiae (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.),
1847, p.34. New South Wales.
No. 535— 2. Length, 36.5 inches (10/11/86).

_ On being wounded its mate remained with her and they
dived about, often going some two hundred yards under
water. When they came to the surface they only showed

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 18

their snake-like head, and at most three inches of their long
neck. They dived before the gun could be put to the shoulder.
When diving they do not make a splash, but simply,
though quickly, sink.

101. CATOPTROPELICANUS CONSPICILLATUS WESTRALIS. Wes-
tern Pelican.

Pelecanus conspicillatus westralis (Mathews), Nov. Zool.
Vol. XVIII., p. 244, 1912. Perth, West Australia.

No. 426—Length 672 inches (22/10/86).

Weight 17 pounds. Expanse of wing 8 feet 5.5 inches.
Irides dark brown, eyelids lead colour, skin surrounding the
eye yellowish white with a shade of blue anteriorly where it
joins the feathers of the lores; bill white tinged with flesh
colour on the culmen, and the base of the lower mandible; also
shaded with light lead blue towards the point of the bill, par-
ticularly on the lower mandible, all the bill covered with fine
blue lines, but defined at the base of the lower mandible and
thickest at the base of the upper, where they give a bluish
tint: hook and cutting edges cf both mandibles for apical
helf, yellow; gular pouch white showing purplish lines, and
tinged with light ochre anteriorly and shaded with pale flesh
posteriorly, particularly where it joins the base of the lower
mandible; tibia and tarsi white with a faint tinge and with
a yellowish tint at the back of the latter; toes and webs
bluish white tinged or stained with ochre; soles of feet yel-
lowish; nails apparently nearly white, but stained with ochre.

A large quantity of fish were found in them varying from
one to five inches long.

102. Crrcts Assnmiis Rocerst. Lesser Spotted Harrier.

Circus assimilis rogersi (Mathews). Nov. Zool.. Vol. XVII
p. 244, 1912. Fitzroy River, North-West Australia.

No. 277— 6. Length, 20 inches (18/7/86).

No: 392— 4. Length, 20.8 inches (9/8/86).

Irides yellow, eyelid yellow, finely margined next the eye
with brown; bill black becoming bluish horn colour on the

sides at the base; legs and feet pale yellow, the latter the
brighter.

14. MATHEWS—Birds of North aud North-West Australia.

102. Crrcus APppPprRoOXIMANS INEXPECTATUS. Little Allied
Harrier.

Circus approximans inexpectatus (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII. p. 245, 1912. Perry’s Creek, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 154— 6. Length, 21 inches (19/6/86).
Irides pale yellow; bill black, bluish horn colour at the

base; legs dull yellow. This bird works over the flats like a
dog.

104. UrospizA FASCIATUS DIDIMA. Northern Goshawk.

Astur fasciatus didimus (Mathews). Austral. Av. Ree., Vol.
I., p. 338, 1912. Melville Island.

No. 143— 6. Length, 17.2 inches (17/6/06).
No. 211— ?. Length, 18 inches (30/6/06).

Irides fine yellow, eyelash black, with an outer rim of
yellow; bill black, bluish horn at the sides of the upper map-
dible at the base, and lead colour at the base of the lower, ©
cere and gape dull yellow tinged with green; tarsi greenish
yellow, toes dull orange yellow.

No. 245— 6. Length, 14.5 inches (31/8/86).

Irides splendid yellow, eyelash pale ochre with a fine
brown line next the eye; bill black at the tip, becoming lead
blue on the sides, at the base, cere dirty yellow; legs and feet
orange yellow.

No. 488— ?. Length, 16.7 inches (25/10/86).

Irides beautiful bright yellow, eyelid yellow, with a fine
black line inside; bill black becoming bluish horn at the base,
cere and gape greenish yellow; legs and feet ochre.

104. AccIPITER CIRROCEPHALUS BROOMEI. Western Collared
Sparrow Hawk.

Astur cirrocephalus broomei (Mathews). Noy. Zool., Vol.
XVIIL., p. 247, 1912. Broom Hill, South-West Australia.

No. 39— 4. Leneth, 17 inches (24/5/86). .

Irides light yellow; bill black, base bluish lead, cere
greenish yellow; legs dull yellow.

MATHEWS—Birds «of North and North-West Australia. 15

No. 67— 6. Length, 16 inches (80/5/86).

Irides light yellow, eyelids yellow, bill black, cere green-
ish yellow; feet dull yellow.

No. 413—6. Length, 11.7 inches (19/10/86).
No. 475— 6. Length, 12 inches (29/10/86).

Irides fine yellow, becoming orange on the outer circle,
eyelid dull yellow, with a fine black line next the eye; bill
with culmen and apical half of mandible black, remainder
bluish horn, cere and gape dirty yellowish green; tarsi dull
yellow tinged with brown on the sides, feet orange.

105. UROAETUS AUDAX CARTHRI. Western Wedge-tailed Eagle.

Aquila audax carteri (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol. XVIII,
p. 247, 1912. West Australia.

No. 307— 6. Length 3 feet (24/7/86).

Wing from tip to tip 6 feet 74 inches, weight eight and
a half pounds. Irides grey, becoming brown round the pupil;
bill, upper mandible black at the tip, becoming bluish horn,
then passing into yellowish white at the base, lower mandible
bluish horn at tip white for the remainder, but tinged with
blue at the base, cere dirty yellow, skin on the lores bluish
flesh colour; feet white.

107. ‘HALIASTER INDUS LEUCOSTERNUS. White-headed Sea
Eagle. ©

Haliaetus leucosternus (Gould). Synops. Birds of Austr.
Pt. Iil., pl. 40, 1888. New South Wales. ‘

No. 336—¢. Length, 18.5 inches (17/9/86).

Irides brown; bill bluish horn becoming whitish towards
the tip, cere lead colour; legs and feet yellowish white; claws
black.

No. 453— 6. Length, 18 inches (27/10/86).

Irides brown; bill whitish horn tinged with yellow and
passing into leaden blue at the base and gape, cere light
leaden brown; legs and feet pale yellowish white,

16 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

108. HALIASTUR SPHENURUS. Whistling Eagle.

Milous sphenurus viellot, Nou. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. Vol. XX.,
p. 564, 1818. New South Wales.

No, 152— 9. Length, 22.1 inches (19/6/86).

Irides brown; bill and cere horn colour; legs and feet
bluish white.

No. 172—%. Length, 20.6 inches (26/8/86).

Irides dark brown, skin on lores and around the eye
bluish-white showing through the thin covering on these
parts; legs and feet white.

No. 280— ¢. Length, 23 inches (18/7/86).
No. 287— 6. Length, 21.5 inches (19/7/86).

Irides light greenish-brown, eyelids brown, skin on lores
slaty-brown; bill and cere brown, becoming lighter on the cut-
ting edge of the upper and lower mandibles; legs and feet
white.

108. MILVUS KORSCHUN AFFINIS. Allied Kite.

Milwus affinis (Gould). Synops. Birds Austr., pt. III., pl. 47,
1838. New South Wales.

No. 37— 2 (22/5/86).

Irides dark brown; bill black, cere and feet yellow.
109. GYPOICTINIA MELANOSTERNA DECEPTA. Northern Buzzard.

Gypoictinia melanosterna decepta (Mathews). Noy. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII, p. 250, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Aus-

tralia.

No. 381— @. Length, 22 inches (9/10/86).
111. Fauco nypoteucus. Grey Falcon.

Falco hypoleucos (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.), 1840,
p. 162,1841. West Australia.

No. 269— 2. Length, 15.6 inches (17/7/86).

[rides brown, eyelid brown; orbital space white tinged

with yellow anteriorly, and at the posterior corner of the eye-
lid; bill, upper mandible, extreme tip as far as the notch

MATHEWS—Dirids of North and North-West Australia. ber

bluish black, passing into light bluish lead colour along the
eculmen, but not extending to the cere, the notch and a stripe
therefrom following the curve of the culmen, lead colour
gradually fading into the yellow of the bill, which colour is
brightest at the base, becoming of a whitish tint on the cut-
. ting edge and on the stripe between the lead colour of the
culmen, and the streak from the notch; lower mandible bluish
horn at the tip, passing into greenish white and finally into
white at the base, cere and gape deep but not bright yellow,
the former lighter and almost white anteriorly; legs and feet
orange; claws black.

This bird’s flight is very swift, and all birds, large and
small, seem much afraid of it.
111. RHYNCHODON PERIGRINUS SUBMELANOGENYS. Western
Black-cheeked Falcon.

Falco perigrinus submelanogenys (Mathews). Austral. Av.
Rec., Vol. L., p. 33, 1912. South-West Australia.
No. 536— 2. Length, 17.6 inches (10/11/86).

Irides dark brown, cere and orbital space fine yellow. A
narrow ring of brown round the eyelid, bill bluish lead, be-
coming black at the tip of the upper mandible and shading
into yellowish horn at the base of both mandibles; legs and
feet bright yellow.

111. Fatco LoNGIPENNIS ASPLEYI. Northern Little Falcon.
Falco lunulatus apsleyi (Mathews). Austral. Av. Rec., Vol.
1., p. 33, 1912. Melville Island, Northern Territory.
No. 181— 4. Length, 12 inches (25/6/86).
Irides dark brown, orbital space bluish-white; bill bluish,

darker at the tip, cere bluish yellow on the culmen; legs yel-
low. :

No. 250—¢. Length, 13.1 inches (14/7/86).

Irides fine brown, eyelash brown, orbital space bluish.
white, the same.at the base of the bill; bill bluish-black at
the tip, passing into bluish-white at the base, cere pale bluish-
white, tinged with greenish-yellow at the top; legs and feet
greenish-yellow.

No. 293— 8. Length, 11.9 inches (20/7/86).

No. 347— 2. Length, 13.7 (31/7/86).

This is often seen long after sunset.

18 MELLOR—Notes on Hatching of Cuckoo and Wren.

Notes on Hatching of Cuckoo and Wren.
By J. W. Mellor.

During last year some interesting evidence came under
notice relative to the nidification of the Narrow-billed Bronze
Cuckoo (chrysoccyx basalis mellori) an egg of which was dis- .
covered in a nest of the Southern Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus
legget) at Fulham, S8.A., on August 30, there being three eggs.
of the latter bird also in the nest. The eggs were left undis-
turbed to find out the rotation of hatching, which started next
morning, August 31, by the appearance of the young cuckoo,
its size being surprisingly large compared with the egg from
which it had just emerged, which was exactly the size of
those of,the wren, and hardly any difference in colouration. The
young cuckoo measured in inches in its somewhat crunched
up position 1.14 inches from bill to tail, by .54 across the
body, the wings being still folded up, and showing an ab-
normal spike at the spurious wing, while the claws were
curved and exceedingly sharp, resembling those of a young
hawk. The cuckoo was removed and preserved, and a close
watch kept for the apearance of the young wrens, the first of
which did not come out until early on the morning of Sep-
tember 2, followed quickly by a second chick the same morn-
ing, the third egg being chipped and hatched out during the
afternoon of the same day, but the young wrens were but half
the size of the cuckoo when born. Thus it can easily be seen
how the young cuckoo “rules the roost,” being at least two
days in advance of the first wren hatched out, and at birth as-
suming double proportions to the young of its foster parents,
the young wrens are soon edged out, or trampled to death as
the vigorous young cuckoo clamours for food, which the com-
paratively small foster parents are. barely able to supply to
the extent of its needs. On Setember 13 the three young
wrens left the nest, and perched on the twigs near by, while the
parent birds fed them. It is exceedingly strange why Nature
should have ordained things, so that the young of the useful
little blue wren, and kindred birds should be destroyed by the
small cuckoos, but it is evident from observations that such is’
the case, the cuckoos being given abnormal oppercumlss to:
predominate and overcome.

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel. White 19

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—

Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.
By His Son, S. A. White, M.B.O.U.

XI. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR

Soon after sunrise on Monday, June 14th, 1880, Samuel
White landed three guns and a party of the crew went on
shore to cut wood. ‘The collectors went through the thick
mangroves, and explored amongst the large rookeries of both.
birds and beasts. Some beautiful specimens were taken of
the Black-billed spoonbill (Spatherodia regia). Cockerell col-
lected several other birds, and Andrews confined his researches
to the vicinity of the boat where he secured a ptilotis or two.
A fine clutch of white-headed Sea-Eagle’s eggs were taken.
At 11.30 all went on board with the last boat-load of wood,
and made sail at noon. The wind kept very light and it was
sunset before another of the Cleremont group was reached,
and the anchor was let go in nine fathoms over hard sand
and mud. Samucl White with one collector landed at once.
A large flight of the beautiful white-shafted Ternlet (Sternula
albifrons placens) was seen on the sandy spit, and some speci-
mens secured. Darkness set in quickly and the boat put off
to the yacht. Next morning “before sunrise the vessel was
under weigh, with a light but steady wind. About 10 a.m. the
second lightship was passed (one having been passed the day
before) and soon afterwards a large steamer bound South. All
the birds procured at the last stopping place were skinned
and cured, and just before sunset the yacht brought up under
Cape Yarmouth in four fathoms over sand. Samuel White
landed and went into the serub, but did not procure anything.
Next morning just as the anchor was off the bottom line,
native canoes came off. They had a little Tortoise shell to dis-
pose of, and a variety of small things were bartered for seven
thin pieces. The canoe was different to those found further
South, it was a “dug-out” about 18 feet long, and about 18 in.
wide, with outriggers on either side. Those seen further
South were made of bark about a quarter of an inch thick,
very tough and sewn together with fine rattan, and streng-
thened with small saplings, which were sharp at both ends aad
about 10 or 12 feet long, by about two feet six inches wide,
with about two feet depth, and propelled by short, broad
paddles. In a note my father says, “About ten o'clock
to-day we passed a low sandy island to leeward,
when we saw the schooner ‘Rover’ lying at

20 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

anchor, and I° made out one of iny old friends
and aquaintances, one of the Torres Straits pirates,
Captain Hovel.” By noon the yacht passed Cape Glanville,
then a course was steered for Hanabal Island. At 3 p.m. “Bird”
Island was passed, and at 5 p.m. we made for Hanabal Island,
bringing up in 7 fathoms. A boat was lowered and Samuel
White with one collector landed, and found that the island
was very small and scrubby, nothing of note being found, and
only a few sea-birds were taken. On 16th at daylight the
yacht was on her way, after passing Charring Cross Island.
A top-sail schooner was sighted beating South, and then the §.
8. Cored going in the same direction. At 3.30 p.m. anchor was
dropped in Albany Passage. Notes made by my father on
the day read :—

“We dropped anchor opposite the home of my old friend
Jardine, and close to his yacht, and went on shore to see him,
and received a warm welcome.” The weather was very fine,
but inclined to be hazy in the morning. The crew were very
busy all day on the 17th getting water on board. Samuel White
busied himself getting butterfly nets fixed up, and putting col-
lecting gear in order. The weather was fine, but the swell
made the craft roll. ;

The 18th was a very busy day with all on board. Some of
the crew left the yacht at an early hour to cut firewood on
shore, another section took the big boat on_ shore,
and beached it for repairs, it having been damaed
during rough weather. Samuel White in his notes under the
above date says. “The men washed up all their clothes to-
day. Cockerell made some tan from Mangrove bark, and
tanned all his clothes, shirts, hats and everything else. He
also tanned some things for me, which makes them more
desirable and less conspicuous when collecting, the fishing net
was treated in the same way. I was up with Mr. Jardine
and had a long chat with him. It is always a pleasure to me to
engage in a conversation with that gentleman, for I look upon
him as being a man of good sense, and much practical experi-
ence. The weather is squally, with light showers of rain,
just the weather I experienced here the year before last.” The
next day while the crew cleared up the ship Samuel White
with one of his taxidermists cleared and straightened up the
specimen room, packing up some of the bird skins, and in his —
notes he says. “T packed a number of bird skins such as
Ospreys, Cranes, Egrets, etc., into seven boxes and sent some

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. “21

of the men on shore with these to Mr. Jardine’s house to
remain there till my return. My old friend came off to my boat
with me and we spent a pleasant evening together.” Early Sun-
day morning, the 20th, some of the crew went on shore and
brought off the big boat, and letters were left for the next mail
going South. The anchor was heaved and with a light breeze
the yacht stood on her way. The wind kept light all day, and
little progress was made. We passed through Endeavour
Straits, and reached Booby Island an hour before sunset, and
the anchor was dropped in 4 fathoms over coral. A boat was.
lowered at once and Samuel White landed, and in his notes
he says :—

“Booby Island is too small to afford much shelter. It Isa
granite rock which rises out of the sea almost perpendicularly,
indeed it is nothing more than a big rock, it is not more than
a quarter of an eighty acre section composed of red and white
volcano stone, with a few bushes growing in some of the cre-
vises. It was difficult to ascend and is entirely bare of earth;
the look of the place is inhospitable, barren and cheerless as
can well be imagined, and.I was much surprised to find a num-
ber of baldcoots (Porhyrio) on the top. These birds are
usually found on sodjy banks of fresh water rivers, reed-beds,
or swamps, but here they were running about on a bare rock
without any appearance.of fresh water, but upon walking over
the island I discovered several more holes in the rock near
the top of the island, which were filled to the brim with beau-
tifully fresh and cool water. I believe the holes were per-
manent, as they were of considerable depth, like wells in the
rock. This is where the above mentioned birds watered.”

Booby Island is celebrated as having being at one .time a.
refuge or depot for ship-wrecked mariners. In a cave on the
north side the Government stored quantities of provisions and
medicines for.the ship-wrecked. Letters were also left there
by passing ships in those days, to be conveyed south by war-
ships, which called regularly for the purpose. In this cave
there are still remains of stores, heaps of cask hoops and
staves, tin cans .which fell to pieces as soon as touched, the
names of many callers are marked upon the walls cf
the cave. This depot is rendered unnecessary .now owing to
the settlement on Thursday Island, which is one of the Prince:
of Wales group. During the night the yacht touched the bot-
tom several times, at first very lightly, but later the tide hay-
ing risen considerably swung the schooner on to a lump of

22 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Sumuel White.

coral, As soon as the anchor was heaved upon she cleared
and was soon under way. ‘The wind was very light up to 2
o’clock, when it freshened, and a good run was made.

The following night was beautifully clear and wind fresh,
so that up to noon the next day the little vessel made 180 miles.
A good big sea was met with which was not expected in this
shallow region. This part of the voyage seemed very monoto-
nous after the beautiful and varied scenery of the Barrier Pas-
sage. This was the second day without seeing land. The wea-
ther became cloudy more or less both night and day. During
the night of the 22nd the water shallowed suddenly and upon
sounding it was found that the water was only 4 fathoms and
even by the dim night-light looked white and muddy. The
captain altered the course from N.W. to S.W. and the water
soon deepened. It was surmised that the vessel was .close
to Frederic Henry’s Island, but although the night was not
dark and.the moon shone out at times, no trace of land could
be seen. All day a good breeze was blowing, and a good
headway was made, and the Aru Islands were expected to be
in sight the next day. As soon as the yacht left Booby Island
she .was attended by numerous birds, Terns, Gulls, Noddies,
and Gannets, two of the latter following the vessel for a long
time, making attempts to alight on deck or.spars. In his
notes my father says:— .

“Just after sunset the man at the wheel struck one of
the gannets which was attempting to alight upon his
head. I was standing close up, the bird rolled over
and made off uttering a loud hoarse croaking noise, and we saw
him no more. His mate sailed round a few times and rested
on the weather end of the square sail yard, and .as there was
another sail set above it the bird was safe, as,a man could not
reach the end of the yard while the sail was set. All the
efforts of some of the crew who exerted themselves failed to
drive the bird off. They shook the braces, and pelted him with
coal and although several pieces struck him, he refused to quit
the yard. While bracing the yard the bird was knocked off by
the flapping of the sail, but he managed to regain his place, |
and when I went below, was sitting with his head ,under his
wing. When I returned to the deck in the midnight watch, he
was comfortably perched on the main crosstrees, while the
ship was. rolling and sails flapping. At 6 a.m. I found the
bird with his legs tied. One of the crew had gone aloft and
captured him while asleep. I gave him his liberty, and in way
of showing his gratitude he bit my fingers severely.”

"Grenfell St., Adelaide.

Vol. IIL

THE

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

- ORNITHOLOGIST,

A Magazine of Ornithology.

Ist APRIL, 1917.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:

R. CROMPTON, R.A.O.U.
A. M. MORGAN, M.B., Cu.B.
S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U.
F. R. ZIETZ, R.A.O.U.,

Price, 2/=

; Meiryieat

niece, a
Se

Ree

aig

DRNITHOLOGIST.

bill

Liditorial Committee :

12 CRometon, (RvAOlW!

Do Me MoRcAn) NEB GC r0B
eae Wiis), UNIS 2). 0.

Be Re ALE, Re AG On,

. Secretary :
BEM. AUN Caen

Clow De Geri Ovnwalls, eds
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

COUNTENTS.

South Australian Ornithological Association
e

Order Passeriformes, Family Laniidae, Genus Faleunculus frontalis
flaviculus

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia No. 10).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U. . :

Further Notes upon the Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus).
Capt. 8. A. White, M.B.O U. : ,

New Record for South Australian Waters—Finding the Flesh-
footed Petrel (Puttinus carneipes, Gould). Capt. S. A. White,
M.BO.U. . é : . 8 ; : : : j

Notes on Ashbyia lovensis. J. R. B. Love
Notes on Amytornis merrotsii. J. R. B. Love

Note on Incubation Period of Leucopolius ruficapillus (the Red-
capped Dotterel). F. E. Storr : : :

Birds Breeding at ‘‘Glenburne.” J. W. Mellor
Note on the Stone Plover (Burhinus magnirostris). F. R. Zietz

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, Capt. S. A. White,
M B.O.U. g : F : A : k : A 3

PAGE

34

38

44

a ge ee le

south Australian Ornithologist.

wor. EIT. } 1s PAUP RUM LON Ge [PEAR I: “2:

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

Owing to the majority of members being out of the city
for the holidays no December Meeting was held,

January 26th, 1917.

A monthly meeting was held. Dr. A. M. Morgan pre-
sided. The Hon. Secretary stated that the matter of intro-
duced Sparrows (Passer domesticus) travelling along the East-
West Railway into Western Australia should be finally dealt
with. <A long discussion took place. Some of the leading
Ornithologists expressed their belief that the sparrows would
not follow the line, and others said it would only be the matter
of time when they would reach the Western State. The majority
of the members present recommended that the authorities
should be advised to instruct all station masters to destroy
sparrows at sight. Capt. S. A. White opposed this on the
grounds that pipits, which he had found to be very numerous
along the East-West Railway lately, would fall victims to this
order, and that more harm than good would be done by des-
troying useful insectivorous birds. A specimen of the
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) was shown by Capt. White, who
stated that this imported bird had been sent to him for inden-
tification by Mr. L. G. Folland, who stated that the bird was
doing damage among the gardens in the hills. The opinion was
expressed that the Greenfinch would soon rank next to the
Starling as an imported pest. It was a much more wary bird
than the Sparrow, and possessed a larger and stronger bill.
Mr. F. R. Zietz stated that the first of these birds to get their

30 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

liberty in South Australia, escaped, owing to a fire taking
place next door to a bird fancier’s shop in Adelaide. A win-
dow was broken, and the cages containing the birds fell out
and opened. Since then he had seen these birds nesting
in the pines in the Botanic Park. Some late nesting of native
birds this year was recorded. The remainder of the evening
was given up to Mr. Ashby, who spoke upon “Some Tasmanian
Birds and Eggs.” This speaker mentioned the eggs of the Spot-
less Crake (Porzanoidea plumbea immaculata) describing how art-
fully the nest is placed amid the grass and rushes, growing in
the swamps, the eggs of the Tasmanian Spotted Ground Bird
(Cinclosoma punctatum dovei) were also shown, with a clutch of
the South Australian form (C.p. neglectum) for comparison, the
latter having very unusual markings. Skins of Acanthornis
magnus were shown, and it was explained that they were
taken from a district hitherto unassociated with this bird.
Other birds exhibited were the Tasmanian Tit (Acanthiza
ewingit) the Brown Rumped Tit (A. pusilla diemenensis), the
Streaked Field Wren (Calamanthus fuliginosus), the Tasmanian
White-bearded Honey Eater (Meliornis novaehollandiae
canescens) Mr. Ashby stated that he found the latter bird very
plentiful amidst the low bush in the great Lake district. The
speaker showed a fine specimen of the Swift Parrot (Lathamus
discolor tregellasi and stated that strange as it may seem these
birds were numerous among the trees in the city of Hobart
at the time of his visit, but not one example did he see in the
surrounding country. At this stage the remaining material
was held over for next meeting.

February 23rd., 1917.

A monthly meeting was held, Dr. A .M. Morgan presided.
The Chairman welcomed the Chief Inspector of Fisheries and
Game (Mr. Bruce), and said he hoped that gentleman would be
a constant visitor to the meetings. <A discussion again took
place in reference to the sparrows following the East-West
Railway into Western Australia, but upon a member stating
that he was in communication with the executive of the Coun-
cil for Science and Industry, as to making use of his services
in the matter, the Chairman and others said that would settle
the question, for nothing better could be done.

Mr. J. W. Mellor gave some interesting notes upon late
nesting of native birds. upon his property in the Mount Lofty
Ranges, and pointed out what a number of birds had taken ad-

Order Passeriformes, Family Laniidae, Genus Faleunculus. 31

———

vantage of artificial nesting places which he had placed about
his property for them. ae

Captain White showed some specimens of Arctic Skuas
(Stercorarius parasiticus), and stated that the stomach contents
of these birds largely consisted of grasshoppers or plague
locust (Chortoicetes terminifera), and the beaks of Cephalopods
(Cuttlefish, Octopus, etc.), he also exhibited a specimen of the
Flesh-footed Petrel (Hemipuffinus carneipes) stating that this
was a record for South Australian waters. John Gould hay-
ing described this bird from Western Australia in 1844. Capt.
White also explained that these birds were secured through
the kindness of the Messrs. Rymill. Mr. F. E. Parsons exhibi-
ted a specimen of the Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis), Sou-
thern Crested Honey-eater (Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera indis-
tincta), and the Grass Parrot (Neonanodes elegans). Mr. Ashby
then continued his description of Tasmanian birds from last
meeting. He exhibited a number of specimens of many species,
and gave an interesting account of the conditions under which
they were taken. The Grass Parrots Neonanodes inhabiting
Tasmania were discussed, and the speaker pointed out the
ereat rarity of some of these species, where they were once very
numerous. He also drew attention to the strange call of the
black Crow Shrike (Strepera fuliginosa).

Some honey-eaters were shown, and among them the
Strong-billed Honey-eater (Ielithreptus validirostris), the Black-
headed Honey-eater (I/. affinis, Gould’s melanocephalius), and the
peautiful Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Nesoptilotis flavicollis
flavigula), and attention was drawn to its wonderful series of
pleasing notes. Mr. Ashby explained how all the birds varied
with the great range of altitude.

Mr. F. R. Zietz (Museum Ornithologist) exhibited a number
of birds from the Museum collection for comparison.

Order Passeriformes, Family Laniidae, Genus
Falcunculus.

Fateunculus frontatis flaviculus—Frontal Shrike-tit.

Description —Upper surface—Forehead, crown of head,
and back of neck, black; lores, white. bounded behind by a nar-
row black patch, extending from the back of the head. This
is succeeded by a broad white patch extending backwards on

32 Order Passeriformes, Family Lanwidae, Genus Falceunculus.

either side of the head to the hind neck. Back, olive green,
somewhat brighter on the upper tail coverts. The feathers of
the top of the head lengthened into an erectile crest.

Under surface.—Chin, throat, and upper breast, black.
bounded on either side of the neck by a broad patch of white;
rest of the under surface bright yellow.

Wing.—Primaries, secondaries, and wing coverts, dull
black; all, except the first primary, narrowly edged with light
grey. The outer webs of the secondaries washed with olive
green.

Tail.—Two central feathers dark grey, the two outer fea-
thers with the outer webs white, and the inner grey largely
tipped with white, the rest with inner webs dull black, outer
webs grey. :

Legs and feet, dark brown; bill, black; iris, reddish brown.

Measurements.—Total length of skin, 165 m.m. ee ing, 82
m.m.; Bill, 16 m.m.

The female differs from the male in being slightly less in
all measurements, in having the chin grey, and the throat and
upper breast olive green, instead of black, and in having the
bill dark brown colour, with lighter edges. The young re-
semble their parents from the nest.

Distribution.—All parts of South Australia in which
Eucalypti are found, except Kangaroo Island and Eyre’s Penin-
sula. It has been recorded from as far north as Moolooloo
in the Flinders Ranges, and as far south as Penola. Nearly
allied sub-species inhabit the whole of the eastern and northern
parts of the Continent, Western Australia having a_ species
of its own. No species oceurs in Tasmania.

Habits——This handsome bird is still commonly, though
sparsely distributed throughout the Adelaide parks and gar-
dens, though from its retiring habits it is not often recognised,
but anyone familiar with its mournful whistle can find a pair in
almost any part of the park lands. They are common in the
hills about Blackwood and Belair, but less so in the higher more
thickly timbered parts of the Ranges. They are very local

birds and a pair once located can be found about the same

situation year after year, and all the year round.

In the Autumn and winter each pair is generally accom-
panied by last season’s brood, the latter being driven away at
the approach of the next nesting season. They usually keep

Order Passeriformes, Family Laniidae, Genus Fuleunculus. 33

to the middle and lower parts of the trees where loose pieces
of bark may be found, underneath which they find their food.
They can detach surprisingly large pieces of bark, and when
at work on the trunk of a gum tree, a pair of these birds will
make a considerable noise, when pulling off and dropping the
pieces of bark for they move from one piece to another with
ereat rapidity. Ifa piece of bark be hard to move, they give
if a shake with the bill, and then listen for insect movemeut
underneath it before pulling it off. They are pugnacious
birds at nesting time, when they will drive any intruders out
of their particular district. ;

Flight.—Rather slow and undulating, and neyer long con-
tinued. /

Song.—A long drawn mournful whistle is fhe commonest,
another note is a double whistle, the second being drawn out;
and a third note is a triple sound, something between a whistle
and a chatter, resembling the words chet-a-chet frequently re-
peated. The song is uttered all the year round, but is louder
and more frequent in the breeding season.

Food.—Chiefly insects taken from beneath the bark,of
trees. They have been known occasionally to break open and
eat soft shell almonds.

Nest.—The nest is one of the most difficult to find of all
Australian birds, and when found is often inaccessable. The
site most commonly chosen is an upright fork at the extreme
top of an Eucalyptus sapling, at a height varying from 20 to
30 feet from the ground. The birds | first nip off the small
twigs about 5 or 6 inches above the selected site, and then
score the bark of the inner surfaces of the twigs to which the
nest is to be attached, right down to the wood; the edges of
the wound in the bark soon curl outwards, and so afford a
firmer hold for the nesting material. The nest is pear shaped,
and is built of fine strips ‘of bark bound together with cobweb.
and outwardly decorated with the teased up silk of spiders’
cocoons; it is lined with fine dried grasses. The upper edge
of the nest is curved inwards to prevent the eggs being thrown
out in a high wind, the nest has to be turned almost upside
dewn before the eggs will roll out.) Boil. sexes assist in
beilding the nest. ti the nest be taken, another is built with-

in a fortnight, within a 100 vards of the first, but it is not cer-

tain -whether two broods are reared in the season under
normal conditions. Three eggs are almost invariably laid,
very occasionally four.

34 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

Eggs.—Ground colour, white, sparingly marked with small
roundish spots of black, dark brown and purplish grey, the lat-
ter being semi:submerged. The spots are more numerous at
the larger end. <A clutch of three eggs measured 1. 2.40 c.m. x
iTOvem, 02.) 2:50-c.m. x 170 cam. 3, (20 ie amaexel (ere

Birds of the
North and North-West of Australia.

From Notes and Skins made by the late Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower.

[By Grecory M. Marurws, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U., Brc.,]
No. 10.

111. FALCO LONGIPENNIS APSLEYI.—

This is often seen long after sunset flying about hawking
at a good safe height apparently catching insects with its feet,
and’ eating them while on the wing, this operation continues ~
ull it is too dark to observe the bird. One bird on being
opened also had the leg of a small parrot in its stomach.

112. IpRACIDEA BERIGORA MELVILLENSIS. Northern Brown
Hawk. Tleracidea berigora melvillensis—Mathews, Aus-
tral Ay. ee) Voli i py. 45> OID, Melville Island,
Northern Territory.

35. @ Length 182 21/5/86—Irides brown; bill bluish, ©
tip black; legs dull greenish-white.

36. 6 Length 164 21/5/86.

70. @ Length 18.5 31/5/86—Irides light brown, gradu-
ally shaded off to white on the outer circle, orbits bluish white,
tinged with yellow at the corner of the eyes; bill bluish, black
at tips; cere vellowish white; feet greenish white.

92. 9 Length 18.5 4/6/86—Irides dark brown, Dill
light blue black at the tips, cere bluish flesh colour; legs and
feet greyish white.

175. @ Length 16.5 24/6/86—Irides dark brown, eye-
lash and orbital space bluish white, distinctly tinged with
light yellow on the eyelash, and at the ‘corners of the eyes;
feet bluish white.

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia, 35

176. 6 Length 16.3 24/6/86—Irides brown, eyelash
and orbital space bluish-white, very slightly washed with yel-
low on the eyelash and at the interior corner; bill bluish horn
shading into dark brown at the tip, cere bluish white; legs
and feet bluish white.

222. Length 17.3 3/7/86.

240. 9 Length 18.9 13/7/86.

240a. 6 Leneth 17.1 30/8/86—Shot from a nest which
contained two eggs and a young in down.

olan id) ene th 16.7:

113. CERCHNEIS CENCHROIDES minuIGANI. Dusky Nankeen
Kestrel. Cerchneis cenchroides milligani—Mathews, Nov.
Zool. Vol. XVIII, p. 253, 1912, Parry’s Creek, North-west
Australia.

158. 6 Length 12.5 20/6/86—Irides dark brown; orbi-
tal space yellow; bill bluish, base and cere yellow; legs deep
vellow.

305. 6 Length 125 22/7/86—Irides brown, orbital
space yellowish white, brightest in front of the eye; bill
bluish black at the tip, becoming bluish horn on the culmen
and edge of the upper mandible, in front of the nostril yel-
lowish; lower mandible bluish horn at the tip, becoming vellow
at the base; legs and feet ochre.

113. PANDION HALIAETUS cRISTATUS. White headed Orprey.
Buteo cristatus Vieillot Nouv. Diet. d’Hist, Nat. Vol. IV..,

p. 481, 1816, Tasmania.

427. 9 23/10/86—Irides yellow, eyelid dark brewn,
orbital space with the skin of a leaden hue, bill black, cere,
gape, and basal portions of the lower mandible lead colour;
feet and legs white, terminal scales of toes with a brown
mark, claws black.

When shot this bird had a garfish in the claws which
was still in position when brought in, the reverse of the outer
toe being well shown, the fish being held from four nearly
opposite points.

114. SPILOGLAUX BOOBOOK MIXTA. Pallid Boobook Owl.

Ninox boobook mixrta.—Mathews, Nov. Zool. Vol. XVIII.,

p. 255, 1912, Parry’s Creek North-west Australia.

324. ¢ Length 11.5 28/7/86—Bill, upper mandible dark
brownish horn passing into bluish ‘thorn on the basal half of
the culmen, lower mandible bluish brown at the tip, becom-
ing bluish horn at the base, cere bluish slate.

> atone eels

396 MATHHWS—bhbirds of North and ee ee Australia.

115. HieraAcoGuatX CONNIVENS OCCIDENTALIS. Western Wink-
ing Owl. Ninoxr connivens occidentalis Ramsay, Proc.
Linn. Soc: N.S.W. Ser. Il. Vol. 1.; 1886, 1887,° Wernee
North-west Australia.
409. 6 Length 15.7 17/10/86—Ivides orange yellow, eye-

lid olive yellow; bill dull yellow, bluish lead at the tip, feet

dull yellow, soles orange, claws black, base bluish.
437. @ Length 15.2, 25/10/86.

116. Tyro ALBA peLicartuLA. Masked Owl. Strix delicatula-
Gould, Proc. Zool. Soe. (Lond.) 1836, p. 140, 1837, New
South Wales.

252. 9 Length 13.5, 15/7/86. ;

258. ¢ Length —, “15/7 (/86.

254. ¢ Length 12, 16/7/86—Inrides black, eyelash purple-
brown, bill, upper mandible white at the tip, shaded with
brown on the culmen and sides, darker on the latter, lower
mandible fleshy white, skin at the base of the bill flesh colour;
legs and feet brownish-white, claws brown.

255. 9 Length 12.3, 16/7/86.

256. 6 Leneth 12:3; 16/7/80.

Zt. 6 enoth 12, 16/07/86.

258. 9 Length 11.4, 16/7/86.

357. 2 Length 138.3, 2/8/86.

Oe Length 13.2, 2/8/86.

119. TrrcnoGLossus Rupriroreuris. Red-collared Lorikeet.
Trichoglossus rubritorquis Vigours and Horsefield, Trans.
Linn. Soc. (Lond.), Vol. XV., p. 291, 1827, North-West

Australia.
Palmerston, 8/5/86,

3. 2 Bill orange yellow; feet slaty-grey.

5. 6 Length 12}—RBill orange-vellow; feet slaty-grey.

9. g Length 124—RBill orange-vellow; feet slaty-grey.
11. @ Length —Bill orange-yellow; feet slaty-grey.

12. ¢ Length 12—Bill orange-vellow; feet slaty-grey.
13. 9 Length 124—Bill orange- yellow; feet slaty-grey.
45. 6 Length 134—Derby 26/5/06. sil] searlet, with

yellow tips; legs olive. ;
46. 2 Length 131—Derby 26/5/06. Bill scarlet, with
vellow tips; legs olive.
538. 6 Length 124, 27/5/86.
59. @ Length 14, 29/5 5/86.

MATHEW S—Birds of North aud North- Wore Australia. 37

71. 6 Length 12.9, 31/5/86. \
72. @ Length 12. 5, 31/5/86.
(heey Length 12.5, 31/5/86:

Pal 6. Length 12.5, 30/8/86.
325. ¢ Length 13.6, 28/7/86.
328. 6 Length 13.6, 29/7/86.
384. Length 12, 7/8/86.

528. 9 Length 12.6, 8/11/86.

120. PstrrnuTELES VERSICOLOR MBLULORI. Northern Varied
Lorikeet. Tvrichoglossus versicolor mellori Mathews, Nov.
Zool. Vol. XVIIL., p. 259, 1912, South Alligator River,
Northern Ter ritory.

7. 6 Length 8. 8. @ Palmerston, 8/5/86—Irides white,
bill orange-yellow, with black tips, cere white; feet lavender.

These birds were shot together, while feeding on the
flowers of a gum tree, and were the Sle ones seen.

69. 6 Length 7.9, Derby 31/5/06—Irides white: Dill
orange red, cere ae Space round te’ eye, white; feet grey.

140. ¢ Length 8, 16/6786.

304. 6 Length &, 22/7/86—Irides hazel of three shades;
round the pupil a thin but bright and light ring, next a hazel
ring surrounded by one of a lighter shade, eyelid light-brown;
bill red, with an orange shade, tip of upper mandible brown,
cere and orbital space white; legs and feet bluish slate colour.

7329. 2 Length 7.4, : 29/7/86.

374. 2 Length 7.5, 6/8/86.

315. 2 Length 7.5, 6/8/86.

x78. ¢ Length 8.1, 6/8/86.

H24. 6 7/11/86.,

458. @ Length 7.3, 27/10/86—Irides brown, of three
rings, the inner lightest and very sparkling and the middle,
which is widest and darkest; eyelid with minute dots of
brown; bill brownish yellow, with the cutting edges and tip
transparent horn colour, cere and orbital space white; feet
slate colour.

459. ¢ Length 7.45, 27/10/86-—Similar to the above.

122, CALYPTORHYNCHUS BANKSII MACRORHYNCHUS. Great-
billed Black Cockatoo. Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus
Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.) 1842, p. 138, 1843, Port
Essington, Northern Territory.

141. 9 16/6/86.
200. ¢ Length 24.2, 27/6/86.

38 WHITE — Further Notes upon the Arctic Siua.

212. 9 Length 28, 30/6/86—Irides dark brown, eyelash
and naked space about the face, black; feet nearly black.

247. 9 Length 23, 14/7/86.

265. ¢ Length 28.3, 3/9/86.

Further Notes upon the Arctic Skua (Stercorarius
parasiticus).
By 8. A. Waite, M.B.0.U:

It is again through the kindness of the Messrs. Rymill,
that I have been able to procure further specimens of the
above birds. This time four specimens were obtained, two of
the dark phase, and two of the light. Some interesting notes
have been made upon these specimens. It was interesting to
find in the stomach contents of these birds, numbers of plague
locusts (Chortoicetas terminifera). Of course it cannot be enter-
tained for a moment that the skuas took these upon the land.
There had been a strong 8. E. wind blowing prior to the tak-
ing of the birds, which might have blown the grasshoppers out
into the Gulf, the stomachs also contained great numbers of
Cephalopods’ beaks, and seeing that one had a partly digested
squid in its stomach, it would lead one to suppose that the
aumerous hard beaks would belong to this species.

All the specimens were taken in St. Vincent Gulf, on Feb-
mary 13th. 1917. They were as follows.—

No.1. ¢ White phase, total length 194,in., total stretch of
wings 404 in.; wing full stretch 19 in.; feet deep shiny black;
bill, brownish black; stomach contents, small bones like those
of garfish, part of squid, two grasshoppers.

No. 2. @ Dark phase, feathers on nape, breast, and abdo-
men, tipped with white; weight, 1 lb. 23 0z.; legs and feet, deep
shiny black; bill, black; total length, 193 inches; total
stretch of wings, 45 inches; stretch of wing, 202 inches;
stomach contents, fish flesh, and many small bones like those
of garfish, 36 beaks of Cephalopods.

No. 3. ¢ Light phase, total length 19 inches: total
stretch of wings, 42 inches; stretch of wing, 204 inches; feet,
deep shiny black; bill brown; stomach contents, few fish
scales. and grasshoppers. :

WHITE— Finding the Flesh -footed Petrel. 39

No. 4. ? Dark phase, total stretch of wings, 434 inches;
stretch of wing, 204 in.; feet, deep shiny black, bill, dull black;
stomach contents, parts of small fish, 29 grasshoppers.

I handed the sterna of these four birds to Dr. A. M.
Morgan, and requested him to pass his opinion as to the ages
of the respective light and dark phases, for it has been put for-
ward by some that the dark form is the mature of the light
birds. Dr. Morgan has given me the following notes.

No. 1. 6 Light phase, nearly mature bird.
No. 2. 2 Dark phase, fully mature bird.
No. 3. ¢ Light phase, fully mature bird.
No. 4. @ Dark phase, not fully mature bird..

New Record for South Australian Waters —Finding
the Flesh-footed Petrel (Puffinus carneipes, Gould).

By 8. A. Wurre, M.B.O.U.

Through the kindness of the Messrs. Rymill, | was able to
procure a specimen of the above petrel, it was taken in St. Vin-
cent Gulf, February 18, 1917.

Mathews in his great work “The Birds of Australia,” Vol:
I1., part 1., separates the Norfolk Island from the western,
owing to its greater size, and calls it p. ¢. hullianus. My speci-
men seems to agree fairly well with Gould’s type bird, with
the exception of total length. I feel confident that this bird is
one of the western form. Gould’s type measurements are as
follows.—Total length 15 inches; bill 15 inches; tail = inches;
tarsus 2 inches; middle toe and nail 24 inches. My bird in the
flesh measured.—Total length 184 inches; wing 12 inches; total
stretch of same 204 inches; tail 5} inches; tarsus 25 in.; mid-
dle toe and nail 22 inches; total stretch of wings 423 inches.

Gould gives the general colouration of the type as choco-
late-black, the bird before me is blackish-brown, becoming
lighter underneath, the primaries and secondaries being much
darker; bill yellowish flesh-colour, culmen and tip of mandible
brown; legs, feet, and membrane yellowish flesh-colour; nails
brown; weight 1 lb. 6 oz., Stomach contents—32 beaks of
Cephalopods. :

40 LOV E—Notes on Ashbyia loveusis.

Notes on Ashbyia lovensis.
By) Rob: din

I first secured a solitary specimen of this bird at Leigh’s
Creek late in the year 1910. On sending the skin to Mr. E.
Ashby, he at once perceived it to be a new species, in con-
sequence of which, after some hunting, I found a small flock
of about twenty of the birds inhabiting a very barren looking
stony ridge near Leigh’s Creek.

Two specimens were secured, one of which, when shot,

ran down a rabbit burrow, dying within three feet of the
entrance. This running down a rabbit burrow at first
seemed to be merely a chance, but, on further aquaintance
with this bird, it appears to be a distinct, though certainly
very curious trait of the species.

With the three specimens before him, Mr. Ashby classed
this bird with the Hphthianurae, naming it provisionally
Hphthianura lovensis. My. A. J. North did not concur in his
view that the /bird is an Hphthianura, and named it Ashbyia
lovensis. Their view has further been endorsed by Mr.
Gregory Mathews.

While the bird may, and probably is, closely allied to
Hphthianura morphologically, in habits it is decidedly not an
Hphthianura, but bears a close resemblance to Anthus Aus-
tralis. The Ephthianurae live in small bushes, flitting from
bush to bush.

Ashbyia lovensis runs on the ground, and at the conclu-
sion of a run, elevates and depresses the tail in the same
fashion as Anthus. Ihave never seen 4 shbyia lovensis flit
from bush to bush, nor have I noticed it perched in a bush.
The favourite perch is on a small stone in an area of clear
ground, or upon a fence post, when it is found near a fence.

After the first three skins were secured, a small boy at
Leigh’s Creek caught an adult specimen of the bird, which
had run down a rabbit burrow. He took it home and placed
it in a cage with his canaries. The Ashbyia lovensis died on

the following day, and the boy’s mother threw away the body,_

which was thus lost.

This first flock soon left Leigh’s Creek, and did not re-
appear up till the end of 1912, when I left the district.

In December, 1910, I found the bird, in twos and threes,
fairly plentiful on the gibber plains between Hergott and
Killalpaninna, on Cooper’s Creek. -

LOV E—Notes on Ashbyiu lovensis. Aull

In January, 1918, while travelling overland to Darwin,
my two companions and I found the bird at intervals from
Lyndhurst Siding to Oodnadatta, being quite plentiful at
Stewart’s Creek, where several skins were obtained. Two
of these have been obtained for the Adelaide Museum from Mr.
E. Ashby, and a third I forward with these notes.

At Stewart’s Creek I saw the bird run down a rabbit
burrow on several occasions, which at first led me to wonder
if the bird nested below the surface. This final point, how-
ever, was cleared up by the discovery of the nest, near
Macumba, in January, 1913.

The nest was placed in a small depression in the earth,
as with Anthus,, and contained two eggs. The eggs are
pyriform, midway in size between the eggs of Hphthianura
and Anthus; and are white, with brown to buff spots, assum-
ing a band near the larger end. Seen by themselves, the
eges might be mistaken for those of the Fulvous-fronted
Honey-eater. These two eges are now in the possession of Mr.
A. L. Merrotsy.

We thereafter met with the bird as far North as Charlotte

_ Waters, which was the last place at which we found it.

It has thus been found on the gibber plains of the Lake
Eyre Basin to the East, South, West and North-West. The
township of Leigh’s Creek is on the watershed separating the
Lake Eyre from the Lake Torrens basin.

The first specimens found seem to be a small flock which
had strayed just to the extreme edge of the Lake Eyre basin.
As Ashbyia lovensis was found to be numerous a few miles
North of Leigh’s Creek, it would seem to belong properly to
the Lake Eyre basin itself.

The above notes were written and handed to the ornitho-
logist of the S.A. Museum (Mr. F. R. Zietz), about three years
ago by Mr. J. R. B. Love, who remarked that they were a
few notes on Ashbyia lovensis.

The paper was not read at the time, but was put aside
for the time being, and unfortunately has been lost sight of
among other papers until a month ago, when on perusal it was
found to contain descriptions of the eggs and nest. which
until quite recently had not been recorded.

Editors

42 an a otes on Ae. nis merrottst/.

Notes on Amytornis merrotsii.

By JLoR. 1By Woy:

This bird was first discovered in July, 1912, by Mr. A. L.
Merrotsy, at Yudana-mutana in the Flinders Ranges near
Leigh’s Creek. Skins and eggs were forwarded to Mr. J. W.
Mellor, who described the bird under the name it now bears.

In January, 1913, we discovered a nest containing two
eggs of Amytornis merrotsii, near the Douglas Creek, East
of William Creek.

In the previous July the bird seemed to be regularly nest-
ing at Yudana-mutana. Indeed that month is the usual
laying month for that district. In the following December
a fall of two inches of rain, followed a fortnight later by a
further + inch, brought about a sudden grow th of green grass,
anda for tnight after this second fall, birds were found laying,
among the birds so found being <Amytornis merrotsii and
Ashbyia lovensis.

The bird when flushed from one bush, flew into the heart
of the next small bush, where it crouched, allowing of one’s
approach to, often, within a foot. when it would flit into the
next bush. Frequently we almost caught these birds in our
hands, but, though they would wait till the hand almost
reached them, they flitted at the last moment. We saw the
bird at intervals as far North as Barrow Creek, usually among
the rocks and low bushes of a ridge, elem at times also
among the low bushes of the plains.

ft forward three skins with these notes.

Note on the Incubation Period of I eucopolius
ruficapillus (the Red-capped Dotterel).

[By F. E. Srorr.]

A nest of the red-capped dotterel was found on _ bare
baked mud of a small dried swamp at the Grange on Decem-
ber 25, 1916. It then contained one egg. It was visited
again on January 6, 1917, when there were two eggs. On the
evening of January 27, 1917, the first chick was hatched out.
This gives an incubation period of 33 days. When the nest
was visited on January 27, the egg shell was at first lying
beside the chick, but as we were watching it, the parent
returned, took the shell in its beak, and carried and placed it
upon the ground some fifteen or twenty yards away.

- MELLOR—Birds Breeding at “ Glenburne.” — . 435

Birds Breeding at “ Glenburne.”
(By J. W. MEeLtoR.)

Birds observed late with young at “Glenburne,” Stirling
West, February 12, 1917.

Scarlet Breasted Robin feeding two young within a few
feet of wife and children as we sat at breakfast beneath the
verandah, picking up crumbs, etc., thrown out to them, the
parent birds enticing the young to pick them up for them-
selves. which one did after a considerable amount of teaching.
It was interesting to note that one of the young, presumably
a male, had three small patches of bright scarlet on the chest,
and thus before it was able to feed itself, showing the early
stage that the red. appears. Both male and female feeding
young.

Blue Wren feeding four young. These birds were also
exceedingly tame, coming right up to the breakfast table near
the trees, and picking up the tit-bits thrown out to them, also
picking up insects, etc., and feeding the young birds, all of
which were in their immature plumage. It was noted that
poth the male and female were feeding their offspring, and
that they gave to the young in rotation, passing by one that
had just previously had a morsel, although the little bird
tried to get the crumb intended for its brother or sister.

Rufous Thickhead feeding young in the gum trees close
to the house, the old bird repeatedly whistling and calling to
its offspring to come on, which it did, to receive the food.

Harmonious Shrike Thrush brought its young quite close
to the table where we were having meals, being not the least
afraid of the children. My little son throwing out crumbs
to the parent bird, who picked them up and gave them to the
young bird. The old birds were calling loudly all day,
answering one another continually in beautifully clear liquid
notes, which resounded again and again in the bush and trees.

White-throated Tree-creeper. It is interesting to note
that the white-throated tree-creeper is very tame _ at
“(Jenburne,” where needless to say the birds have a sanc-
tuary well protected, with plenty of virgin bush and trees.
These birds have roosted at night for some years under the
front verandah, on a slight ledge. Last year I placed a hol-
low piece of wood in position just beneath the iron roofing,

teh WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

and the birds soon took up their abode in it, and the same
season prepared their nest of shreaded bark of the stringy
bark gum, lined with hair, and in due course laid three white
eggs, sparsely spotted with dark reddish-brown, and started
to sit, but unfortunately something disturbed them, and the
hen-bird which did all the sitting, left her charge, and the eggs
went cold, and became no good. The birds have not left the
place, although this year they have not laid in their old nest-
ing place. | :

Note on the Stone Plover (Burhinus magnirostris).
By F. R. Ziprz, R.A.O.U.

The Director of the Adelaide Zoological Gardens (Mr. A.
©. Minchin) has brought under my notice a strange habit of
a pair of these birds, which have nested for several seasons
in the local gardens. The male bird is unable to fly, but the
female has her wings complete. Two eggs constitute the
clutch, and two yvoung ones are usually hatched. Mr. Min-
chin, as well as several members of his staff have seen the
female bird, running along and carrying a young one under
each wing, with the head protruding forwards. As IT have
not seen a previous record of this curious habit, it would be
interesting to know if this is the usual habit of these birds to
thus protect their young.

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.
By His Son, S. A. Wain; M.B.O.U.

XII. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR.

My father was now approaching that wonderful collection
of islands which are situated between the Austraiian and
New Guinea coasts. I sav wonderful islands because they
are the hometof the Great Bird of Paradise, the King Bird of
Paradise, as well as other interesting forms. So it can be
well understood with what great expectations my father was
looking forward to the next few months collecting, yet in his
notes of January 23rd. he fore-shadows trouble, when he
writes. “Both my taxidermists are laid up with bad feet. con-

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White 45

sidering the little work they have done on the few islands we
touched at, coming up the coast, [ am afraid they will not
stand the hard work in the tropical islands we are bound for.”
During the morning of January 23rd, the water was very white
and muddy looking although ten or twelve fathoms deep, but it
gradually became ‘clearer and by noon was of a deep dark blue.
he weather had been very cloudy all day, with the wind
strong from the East. During the afternoon it suddenly shif-
ted to the North, and heavy clouds with rain came over from
the New Guinea Coast. Under the above date Samuel White
writes: “ £ came on deck at midnight, and observed an eclipse
of the moon, the shadow soon passed off, and the officer on
watch told me it had been a total eclipse.’ Next day the
wind was light, and at midday the Captain discovered that he
was twenty or thirty miles to the southward of the Aru
islands. ‘Thereupon he bore up, and on a course due North,
and at 4 p.m. land was seen right-ahead.

The same evening after dark the yacht brought up in 8 or
) fathoms under the Jsland of Tragan. Native fires were
visible on shore. Next morning (the 25th) the vessel was
under weigh at sunrise, and was steered North along the coast.
A sharp look out was kept for a channel mentioned by Wal-
lace as “‘Kobror.” After twenty-five miles had been covered.
shoal waters drove the yacht out to sea for about five miles,
and the channel was not seen till after it was passed. Any-
way the water was too shallow to allow the boat to enter, so
the course was continued for a few miles, then she was luffed
in shore, and bronght up in two and a half fathoms. It was a
little after noon, and the vessel hardly swung round upon her
anchor, when a canoe full of natives came alongside: Each
ione was made a present of tobacco and pipes at which they
showed great pleasure. Samuel White in his notes writes:
“Soon after coming to anchor a canoe full of natives came off,
and after making the people some presents I ordered out a
boat, and one of the crew pulled me ashore. Leaving the
boat I entered.a thick scrub; the ground was in a very swampy
condition. I secured seven birds, four of which were new to
me. Saw and heard a good many birds, but the place was so
wet and swampy that it was only with great difficulty one
could get about. I think rails were numerous for I heard
many, and the call is like the Cape York bird.” All’ the
natives seen, were most quiet and orderly. The canoe that
brought them off (there were about a dozen natives) flew the
Dutch flag. They were of a light-brown colour, wearing a

46 WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

piece of cloth round their waist, with the exception of the
Chief, who had a dirty piece of plaid about his shoulders.
They were extremely quiet, and made no attempt to come on
board until they were invited, when the chief stepped over the
side the rest followed. Unfortunately they knew not a word
of English, nor did they understand Malay, at least they
showed no sign of doing so when addressed in that language.
‘In the evening the Chief and several others paddled out to the
yacht, when they saw the owner go on board. It was amus-
ing to watch the chief and his son, who were invited to par-
take of tea, they sat up to the table with knife and fork imita-
ting all the white man’s movements, and behaving in a most
discreet and temperate manner. At dusk the natives were all
sent on shore. They would not give or sell cocoanuts. The
Chief had three half bottles of cocoanut oil, and refused three
new coloured handkerchiefs for them. Samuel White again
writes under January 25th: “I did not get far from the coast
to-day, but the country I saw was very low and wet; there was
a bank of sand along the beach covered with a dense mass of
bushes, vines, and long grass, and directly beyond this a low,
swampy scrub begins, and the water lay everywhere, from just
below the surface, to knee deep. The scrub was dense, and I
observed growing amongst it, the cane vine, cycus, casuarina,
the latter grew to an enormous height and size, some of them
200 feet tall, with spurred buts that would measure more than
20 feet round. These are the largest swamp oaks I ever saw.
Good numbers of cocoanut palms grew all along the coast, we
observed them all day when sailing along the coast of Tragan,
as well as Mycore, this must be a comparatively new fcature
in the Aru Islands, for when Wallace visited these
Islands in 1857 there -was not a_é single tree
the nature of the country prevented me from
feeling that amount of _ satisfaction that I should ~
have, upon being on a new field where every sound was new,
but I distinguished many old and well known voices, among
them Ralina tricolour, White Cockatoo, Blue Mountain Parrot,
Oriole, Leather-head, and I shot a specimen of Glariola gral-
larea. The wind has been light all day, and it is quite calm
this evening.” Next day, Saturday 26th, there was not a
breath of air, and very soon a light drizzly rain set in, the
specimens taken on the previous day were preserved. At 10
ia.m. a light wind sprang up, so all sail was made, but very
soon the boat was becalmed, and a light rain set in and con:
tinued for some time. Late in the afternoon a light breeze

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 47

blew from the S.E., and the yacht crept along the coast as far
as the Maykor Channel. Samuel White writes: “The names
and positions of these islands seem to be in much confusion,
and the charts are quite useless.”

After rounding the point of the supposed Maykor (accord-
ing to the chart), but which was in reality Tragan, a number
of canoes of various sizes were seen upon the shore. One was
a prau of considerable size (about 20 tons). Near this craft,
and close in shore, the anchor was let go in three fathoms of
water. It was not long before a canoe put off from the shore,
and came alongside the yacht. The crew, consisting of six
men, propelled the canoe by means of short spoon-like pad-
dles, chanting a song and beating a tom-tom. Besides the
crew, the canoe or prau contained a native teacher in a com-
plete suit of clothing excepting boots—he even wore white
cuffs, two others accompanied him, who seemed

subordinates. They could not speak a word of
English; but could converse fairly well in Malay
with the owner of the yacht. Referring again to my

father’s notes he says. ‘These men (the teacher and his assis-
tants) confirm the statements of the last natives in calling the
small nameless Islands on the chart Maykor. I asked them
into the saloon, and gave them some tea and bread, and the
three sat at the table and behaved in a most modest and be-
coming manner, but they are all great beggars. They wanted
tobacco, then grog, and to test the various reports I have read
upon this subject, I brought out a bottle of Rum 20, O.P., and
poured out about a third of a tumbler for the principal man,
who tossed it off without a grimace. I assisted the others to
a good nip, which they seemed to relish, the head man then
motioned to be permitted to give some of the crew a drop. I
began to assist them, but he was desirous to help them him-
self, and took the bottle out of my hand, gave some of the crew
a very tiny drop, passed the bottle over the side into the prau,

then after shaking hands all round, left with the bottle. Hav-

ing given orders to have a boat lowered, Samuel White wert
over the large prau to seé if he could eet. any information in
reference to ‘the islands, and in his notes he says: “The Cap-
tain and owner of the prau and several of his crew came back
with me on board, they stayed.an hour or more while I showed
him the charts. He seemed quite familiar with all the
Islands and places between Sumatra and the New Guinea
Coast. He was a very intelligent man, and I was much taken

48 y "ATT H— A Paes of the oe o SH White.

with his open countenance and manly bearing, as well as witiy
his quiet and unobtrusive demeanour. — Owing to this man’s
superior intelligence I was able to gain much information
about many things, the prau in which this man has to make a
voyage of twelve or fourteen weeks’ duration, was a strange
looking craft forward, for one fourth of her length she was
lew—not two feet from the water, she then rose abruptly to
more than three times that height, which was carried on to her
stern, on each quarter about eighteen inches from the water,
was a Square hole, through which rudders projected into the
water, which were worked from inside.

The next day being Sunday, the yacht remained at
anchor, and all hands remained on board. There was plenty
of amusement all day, for the craft was full of natives of all
kinds from daylight till dark. Several of the native teachers
came off dressed in their best, and one, a tall and rather intel-
ligent man, could speak a little Dutch, and he told my father
that there were four islands in a line from South tou North.—
Tragan, Watali, Maykor, and another small island round the
North end of Maykor. There was plenty of trade cifered. One
man bartered four pearls for 2,800 rupees. Other items for
sale were tortoise shell, birds nests, cocoanuts, eges, fowls,
parrots, pigeons, paradise plumes, ete., etc., very long prices
were asked for everything, and money was the tradi: 1@ article,
Ten plumes were purchased for 20 shillings each. .Several
more were offered, but were refused, 16/ and 18/ each for
them. ‘The saloon was crowded with natives for hours, but no
attempt was made to thieve, nor was anything lost, they were
remarkably well behaved, but as previously mentioned, great
beggars. Some wanted salt, some tobacco, some soap. whilst
others wanted a little of everything, and al? clamouved for
grog. Amongst the visitors was a merchant, connected with
the trading prau, a slight and sickly yellow man, with a few
light clothes around him. He was accompanied by his wife
and two children. The lady had a piece of coloured calico
thrown loosely round her, the children were better dressed, a
little girl of eight or nine years, having a clean loose frock of
coloured calico drawn around the neck, and the other, a ¢hub-
by-faced boy of ten or eleven years, wore a white calico shirt.
and pyjamas, with a blue calico head dress. The
wife and children were a warm dark brown , the wife
being most. likely an Aru woman. It seemed the universal
eustom to shake hands. The little girl appeared first, and

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 49

after shaking hands with my father, presented him with a
little papiermache box, containing twelve bright-looking
pearls, and he says in his notes: ‘I ascertained that this was
a present, I took them all three below to the saloon, and made
them presents of coloured calico, handkerchiefs, beads, jam,
knives, etc., at which they appeared very pleased. The mer-
chant had a few large but dull pearls for me, for which [ gave
him rice-and jam, whereupon he showed much pleasure, and
hugged me round the neck repeating the word “Rajah” many
times, a name by which I am addressed by ali here.

They were all remarkably quiet and well-behaved.. I was
called on deck to see a man who could speak English, but I
soon found out that his English was confined to five words.
three of which were blasphemous ones. The number of
plumes of P. apoda offered to-day, go te show that this beauti-
ful bird is not yet extinct, and I hope before long to meet with
them in their native forests. No King birds of Paradise had
yet been offered, although Wallace said they were plentiful
when he visited these Islands.” The weather was calm with
light rain. The next morning, the 28th, light rain was falling,
but in spite of this Samuel White ordered out a boat, and was
landed upon a jutting piece of the coastline, covered in thick
scrub. The land was very low and wet, which made collect-
ing very difficult, for all this part of the island was densely
wooded.

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S.A. WHITE MBO
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F. M. ANGEL,
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CONTENTS.

South Australian Ornithological Association
Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidae, Genus Myzantha .
Tasmanian Field Notes. Edwin Ashby, M.B.O.U.

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia (No. 11).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S,, M.B.0.U. —. é

Notes on the Food and Temperatures of Cormorants

Notes on the Mallee Fowl! (Leipoz ocellata rosinae) .

Bird Notes. Re Robins at Stirling West

Note on the Little Black Cormorant (Mesocarbo ater— Lesson)

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,

Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, Capt. S. A. White,
M B.O.U. A i : ; ‘ : : g : :

83

we Wee 2

South Australian Ornithologist.

Vou. III.] Ist JULY, 1917. [Part 3.

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

30th March, 1917.

The annual meeting of the South Australian Ornithologi-
cal Association was held on Friday evening, 30th March, 1917,
in the Royal Society’s rooms. Dr. A. M. Morgan took the
chair. He congratulated the acting Hon. Secretary (Mr. F. M.
Angel) upon the effective manner in which he had performed
his duties during the year.

The election of office-bearers resulted as follows :— Presi-
dent, Mr. A. G. Edquist; Vice-President, Capt. S. A. White;
Hon. Secretary, Mr. R. Crompton (absent on active Service);
Acting Hon. Secretary, Mr. F. M. Angel; Publishing commit-
tee to the “South Australian Ornithologist”, Dr. A. M. Morgan,
the Hon. and Acting Hon. Secretaries, Capt. 8. A. White, Mr.
F. R. Zietz.

Dr. Morgan vacated the chair in favour of Mr. Edquist,
who welcomed a distinguished visitor, Mr. W. B. Alexander,
M.A. (Keeper of Biology in the Western Australian Museum).
Mr. Alexander, in replying, stated that he had not been very
long in Australia, and consequently was working hard to get
a thorough knowledge of the fauna of the country. He took
a keen interest in the birds. Mr. Alexander went on to say
that he had been doing some work in Melbourne recently in
connection with the Commonwealth Advisory Council of
Science and Industry, and that he was now on his way back to
Perth. He wished to tell the members that the Council was

56 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

glad to,get the voluntary assistance of Capt. White to try and
combat the possibility of the imported sparrows entering Wes-
tern Australia by means of the East-West Railway. The
Council now looked to Capt. White for advice in this Impor-
tant question. Capt. White, in reply, said he had taken this
work upon himself, first, to try and save the western State
from a scourge under which South Australia had suffered for
a long time, and secondly to save our native birds that may be
destroyed in ignorance for the imported pests. A member
asked Mr. Alexander if the English starling had found its way
into the west, and he replied that recently a starling had been
sent to Perth for identification from the Albany district. This
was in a fruit-growing area. Upon an official being sent
down to investigate, he was told by a resident that a pair of
birds had appeared, and had been under observation for some
time, until they nested, when they were both shot, and one of
them sent to Perth to be indentified. Upon the tree being
felled with the nest, it was found to contain without doubt
the eggs of starlings.

Mr. Mellor read some interesting notes upon the coloura-
tion of the young of the robin, and pointed out that it took
only 14 days after three spots of colour appeared upon the
young male robin’s breast for the colour to spread all over the
under surface. He also drew attention to the number of ants
eaten by the white-throated tree-creeper, and to several
species of birds nesting very late this year at Lockleys. He
had seen many young in March.

Mr. Frank Parsons reported having seen several brush
bronzewing pigeons (Cosmopelia elegans affinis) in the Mount
Lofty Ranges.

Mr. E. Ashby exhibited a chestnut-breasted teal (Virago |
castanea), and drew attention to Mr. Alexander’s paper in The
BKmu upon this bird.

Mr. T. P. Bellchambers handed in a paper upon the incu-
bation of the mallee fowl eggs. It was agreed that this paper
should stand over until next meeting.

The remainder of the evening was taken up by an account
by Capt. White of his trip to Ooldea by way of the East-West
Railway. A description of the country was given, and a small
collection of birdskins was shown from this district. It was
pointed out that most of the birds were somewhat small in
comparison with eastern specimens.

The South Australian Ornithological Association. o7

27th April, 1917.

The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ornithologi-
cal Association was held on Friday evening, 27th April, 1917,
in the Royal Society’s rooms. Mr. A. G. Edquist presided.

‘Several letters in reference to bird protection were dis-
cussed. -

Dr. A. Chenery, of Wentworth, the well-known ornitholo-
gist, was nominated for membership.

Dr. A. M. Morgan exhibited a small collection of bird skins
which he had collected during a recent trip up the River
Murray. Among them were black-tailed parrot (Polytelis
anthopeplus), southern yellow-throated friar bird (Micro-
philemon orientalis © didimus), white-fronted honey eater
(Gliciphila albifrons), white-rumped wood swallow (Artamus
leucorhnychus leucopygialis), white-browed babbler (Morganornis
superciliosus), white-browed treecreeper (Climacteris super-
ciliosa), southern yellow-plumed honey eater (Lichenostomus
ornatus tailemi), purple-backed wren (Leggeornis lamberti
assimilis), white-face (Aphelocephala leucopsis), mallee brown-
headed honey cater (Melithreptus atricapillus mallee), red-tipped
Pardalote (Purdalotinus ornatus), yellow-rumped pardalote
(Pardalotus pinctatus xanthopygus). The doctor gave an
interesting description of the birds that had been met with
during his trip.

Mr. Arthur M. Lea, F.E.S., outlined some of his work ‘n
the examination of bird stomachs, and stated that there would
be issued soon a publication containing the results of much
of his research work. The Chairman and members expressed
their great admiration for the extremely useful services Mr.
Lea had rendered in this direction. Mr. Lea tabled a number
of the bird stomachs he had already examined, and solicited
further help from members in the way of material.

Mr. T. P. Bellchambers read further notes upon the mallee
fowl and its nesting habits. He stated that incubation had
been much retarded this season owing to the uncertain
weather conditions. The longest period of incubation had
been recorded, an egg having taken 99 days to hatch. Mr.
Bellchambers was complimented upon the valuable character
of his research work, and his notes were accepted with
pleasure for publication in the next number of the associa-
tion’s journal.

58 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

Mr. F. R. Zietz directed attention to a statement in The
Agricultural Gazette advising the killing of native birds to
use for baits as a means of poisoning foxes. The Hon. Sec-
retary was requested to point out that the killing of certain
birds mentioned would be a breach of the law.

24th May, 1917.

The ordinary monthly meeting was held in the Royal
Society’s Rooms, on 24th May, 1917. The President, Mr. A.
G. Edquist presided. Mr. Frank Hall, of Teatree Gully,
tendered his resignation as a member on account of his
inability to attend meetings or do any field work. The mem-
bers expressed their deep regret at the loss of such a keen
observer. Dr. A. Chenery, the well-known ornithologist of
Wentworth, N.S.W., was elected a member. Mr. T. P. Bell-
chambers forwarded some interesting bird notes from Hum-
bug Scrub. Several nests of white-plumed honey eater
(Ptilotula penicillata whitei) were observed, containing eggs
and young. A nest containing young of brown hawk (leracidea
berigora) was noted, situated on top of mistletoe on Blue Gum.
Several black-threated grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis novae-
hollandiae), and eight wood duck (Chenonetta jubata) were
seen on the dam. The latter bird is getting very rare. Mr.
F. R. Zietz reported the first flame-breasted robin (Littlera
chrysoptera phoenicia) seen at Kingswood this season. On
7th May, Mr. J. W. Mellor recorded the same species at Reed-
beds. At the end of April, 1917, Mr. W. Weidenbach reported
having observed blue mountain parrots (J'richoglossus novae-
hollandiae) in great numbers passing over Glen Osmond daily,
and it was noticed that the birds were always flying in a
south-westerly direction. Mr. Edwin Ashby noted a similar
occurrence at Blackwood.

Sympathetic reference was made to the recent announce-
ment of the death of Mr. A. J. North, CIM ZSe ime
renowned ornithologist of the Australian Museum, Sydney.

Messrs. Edwin Ashby and F. E. Parsons exhibited a small,
but interesting collection of birdskins recently secured by
them at Buckland Park, about ten miles north of Adelaide.”
A fine specimen of white-throated nightjar (¢) was shown,
and attention drawn to the curious serrated toenail on each
foot. Gilberts red-throated thickhead (Pachycephala rufo-
gularis gilberti) was fairly numerous, but hard to detect. It
is interesting to record this bird so near to Adelaide. Speci-

_ Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidae, Genus Myzantha. 59

mens of the Lesser bush lark (Wirafra javanica secunda) were
exhibited, and all were of the dark form. Red- rumped tit
(Acanthiza pusilla) was taken from this locality, and Mr. Ashby
showed for comparison skins recently collected by him at Cape
Jervis—probably the same as the Victorian form—and also
Acanthiza pusilla haniltont from Karoonda. It was noted
that this bird from these three localities represented three
distinct forms.

The birds for the evening’s discussion were Cuckoo
Shrikes (Mathews’ List, Nos. 503 to 509). © Specimens were
exhibited from the South Australian Museum by Mr. F. Rt.
Zietz, and from the private collections of Messrs. E. Ashby
and J. W. Mellor. All the species in Mathews’ list were rep-
resented, and skins from the different localities compared and
discussed. From the material available the members were
of the opinion that there was not sufficient variation to war-
rant the division of sub-species.

Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidae,
Genus Myzantha.
Myzantha melanocephala whitei—The Noisy Minah.

Description—Upper Surface.—Forehead and lores, dull
white; crown of head, black; ear coverts, dark grey; hind neck
and sides of the neck, brown, finely barred with white, the
lines becoming fainter and wider apart towards the shoulders;
back, brown, each feather having a darker subterminal spot,
giving the back a mottled appearance; lower back, faintly
tinged with green; upper tail coverts, light brown.

Under Surface—Throat, dull white, with a streak of dull
black down the centre; breast, grey, each feather having a
subterminal band of brown, giving the breast a_ scaly
appearance; abdomen and under tail coverts, dull white.

Wing—Primaries, dull black, distal portions of the outer
webs and tips white, the proximal portions of the outer webs
of the last three faintly tinged with green, basal portions of
the inner webs broadly margined with white; secondaries, dull
black, the outer webs broadly margined with yellowish green.

Tail—T wo central feathers dark grey, tipped with light

brown; the rest of the tail feathers dull black, largely tipped
with dull white.

60 Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphayidae, Genus Myzantha.

Legs and Feet—yellow.
Bill—Yellow.

Iris—Light brown, bare skin below and behind the eye,
yellow.

Measurements—Total length of skin, 255 m.m.; wing, 145
mm.; tail, 130 m.m.; bill, 18 m.m.; tarsus, 32 m.m.

The female resembles the male in colour, but is slightly
smaller in all measurements. The young from the nest
resemble their parents.

. Distribution—This bird is found in all the Eastern States,
but does not extend west of St. Vincent’s Gulf, nor is it found
in Kangaroo Island. Until about 25 years ago it was
unknown in the Adelaide district, but since that time it has
gradually extended along the foot hills from the Barossa
Ranges until it is now fairly common, and is still extending
its range over the plains, for it is only during the last three
years that they have appeared at the Reedbeds, where they are
now fairly numerous. They appear to have reached South
Australia from the Murray, along the banks of which they
are common, though they do not extend into the mallee
country on either side of the stream.

Habits—They inhabit open forest lands fairly well, but
not too thickly timbered. The high stringy bark hill country
with thick undergrowth is not favoured by them. In the
breeding season they are found in pairs, but when nesting has
finished they go about in small flocks of five to ten in number.
They are exceedingly noisy and animated birds, being always
on the move uttering a great variety of notes and calls. They
are very inquisitive and will peer down from the tree tops at
anything strange, calling loudly to the rest of the flock who
usually gather to join in the clamour. They are good mimics,
and will at times give imitations of the calls of other birds.

Flight—Rather slow, straight and flapping, not undulat-
ing.

Song—A great variety of notes. When feeding they
utter a clear bell-like note. Sometimes the whole flock will
gather in the top of a tree and utter loud squawking notes,
and at other times a shrill clear whistle. This last is the
alarm note, and is uttered on the ap»roach of a hawk or other
enemy. They are occasionally a great nuisance to sportsmen,
frightening up any game they may be stalking. On the other

ASH BY—Tausmunian Field N otes. 61

hand the aborigines used to, and some sportsmen on the Mur-
ray still, make use of an imitation of this alarm call to bring
high flying ducks to the water and within range.

Food—Largely consists of insects taken on the ground or
captured in the air. The bird may sometimes be seen, espe-
cially in the evening, flying out from a tree and catching some
fly or other insect, and returning to its perch to eat it. Inthe
Eastern States they have a bad name as fruit eaters, but in
South Australia have not done much harm in that respect up
till yet, though the gardeners at the foothills say they are
beginning to get a taste for soft fruits. They are known to
feed on the berries of the African box thorn. Like the rest
of the honey-eating family, they, of course, feed largely on
the nectar of flowers.

Nest—This is built outwardly of small sticks and dry
grass stems, lined with finer grasses and rootlets, and when
procurable a little fur or sheep’s wool. It is placed in the
fork of a tree at varying heights from the ground, sometimes
being at the top of the tallest available gum tree, and some-
times in a she-oak within reach of the hand. The birds are
very silent about the nest, and when disturbed fly off very
quietly. They are common hosts of the pallid cuckoo. The
eges are three in number, but four are not uncommonly laid.
As many as six has been recorded, probably the product of
more than one female.

Eggs—The eggs vary much in shape and in the distribu-
ftion of the markings, but not in colour, which is fairly con-
stant. <A typical egg has a creamy white ground colour, in
some instances flushed with pink, covered with irregularly
shaped blotches of salmon pink, forming an indistinct zone at
the larger end. Other eggs have the markings only at the
large end in the form of a distinct ring, and others again are
eovered with small spots so as to almost hide the ground
colour. Average measurement of 10 eggs—2.79 cm. x 2.01
em. Largest egg, 2.90 cm. x 2.05 cm. Smallest egg, 2.65

c.m. x 2.00 ¢.m.

Tasmanian Field Notes.
By Epwin Asuey, M.B.0O.U.

The period covered is from 26th September, to end of first
fortnight in October, 1916. Only a portion of my time was
available for work amongst the;birds. The travelling was

done by motor.

62 ASH BY—Tusmanian Field Notes.

Lathamus discolor tregellasi, Mat., (Swift Parrot), was dur-
ing the period of my visit very numerous in the City of Hobart,
feeding on the honey of the Tasmanian Blue Gum (Hucalyptus ©
globulus), and also on another species of gum, a red flowering
gum growing rather freely in the gardens. I was surprised
not to meet with this bird in any of the localities visited out-
side of Hobart. On comparison with specimens collected by
myself at Blackwood, South Australia, in July, 1914, I can ~
find no difference, and conclude that the birds that visited
South Australia had come from Tasmania. A female Skiu
obtained in Hobart is in every respect similar, except a little
brighter to the best male previously collected. There is evi-
dently no difference in the sexes, either in colour or length of
tail feather. In two short visits to the lower slopes of Mount
Wellington (raining most of the time), a nest of Cinclosome
punctatum dovei, Mat., (the Tasmanian spotted ground bird),
was met with. The bird was sitting on the usual deep cup-
shaped nest placed at the foot of a grass tussock, the two eggs
were quite fresh, and showed normal markings.

Sericornis humilis, Gld., (Brown Scrub Wren), was excep-
tionally numerous, many being in sight at a time quietly work-
ing for insects amongst the grass and leaves under dense tea-
tree. Further up the gully amongst the tree ferns, although
a few were noted, they appeared far less numerous..

Fine specimens of JMelithreptus validirostris, Gld., (Strong
billed Honey Eater), and Melithreptus affinis, Lesson, (Black-
headed Honey Eater), were obtained. The note of the latter
is very distinct from that of others of this genus. I took a lot
of trouble to obtain a specimen that was feeding in the top of
a lofty gum, thinking it was a bird I was unacquainted with.

The bush at the entrance of the gully was alive with birds,
but as most of the species are noted from other localities, I
will not refer to them now. The absence of Myiagra nitida,
Gld. (Satin Flycatcher), which I had met with in the same
localities in the first week of January some years ago, is inte-
resting, showing that they had not arrived, or their striking
notes would surely have been heard. While a few days were
spent at Brown’s River, between Hobart and the mouth of the
Derwent, owing to a sprained ankle, I was unable to go into
the scrub. Near the boarding house the two Diamond birds,
Pardalotus striatus, Gmelin (Yellow-tipped Pardalot), and
Pardalotus punctatus leachi, Mat. (Tasmanian Pardalot),

ASH BY—Tasmanian Hield Notes. 63

were working in the tall gum saplings, the note of the
former was very similar to the South Australian bird, but one
of the other species in addition to the familiar shrill double
whistle, added a distinct double note which neither Mr. W. L.
May, B.A.0O.U., or myself had heard anywhere else in Tas-
mania. We hoped that,it would have turned out to be the
rare forty-spotted pardalot, but on shooting, it was found to
be an adult male punctatus.

On 5/10/16, at Sandford, Southern Tasmania, I found a
beautifully-made nest ready for eggs, of Calamanthus fuligi-
nosus, V. and H. (Striated Field Wren), it was about 18 inches
from the ground in a bunch of “samphire” alongside the coach
road, built of grass, well-lined with soft feathers.

A very interesting visit was paid to Lake Sorell, which is
situated on the elevated plateau which occupies such a large
portion of the centre of the island. I was informed that the

elevation of Lake Sorell was about 2,300 feet. The locality
is exceedingly wild, the boarding house at Interlaken being
the only inhabited place, I believe, in the 18 miles from Oak-
land. The ground oozed water on the slopes as well as on
the flats, and the road was so bad that we did not venture ta
spend more than the night and half day there for fear that
further rain would make the road back impossible.

All the smaller Tasmanian Honey Eaters were exceed-
ingly numerous, and a fine specimen of the great Tasmanian
er Brush Wattle bird, Dyottornis paradorus, Dadin, was
obtained.

The trip to Lake Sorell had been especially undertaken
with the hope of obtaining the Neo-Strepera versicolor arguta,
Gld. (Hill Crow Shrike), a bird that is known to frequent the
Great Lake at an altitude of over 3,000 feet. From some
fishermen I learnt that a few pairs of this bird were in the
district, but that they became much more numerous as one
ascended towards the Great Lake; on the other hand the Sooty
or Black Crow Shrike, Strepera fuliginosa, Gld., was very com-
mon, and occurred at the Great Lake as well. I think they
called the former the “Squeaker’”, from its note. I was up.
the next morning before daylight, and followed along the
track around the Lake Shore, and one of the first birds I noted
was the Hill Crow Shrike making the usual squeaking call of
our Strepera melanoptera, a species that Gould considered it
was so closely allied to, that he doubted whether he was justi-

64 ASHBY —Tasmaniun Field Notes.

fied in making it a distinct species, though Mathews now
places it with the grey Crow Shrike.

The bird in question joined another, and I had almost
stalked it within gun shot, in fact was raising the gun for a
shot, when a third bird not before observed, gave the warning,
and the three flew on to the top of a rocky knoll. Owing to
the condition of my ankle I was unable to follow, and as na
more put in an appearance later in the day, I am still without
this species in my collection. The other species also peculiar
to Tasmania, Strepera fuliginosa, was most numerous, its loud
and weird cries reminding one more of the call of the Black
Cockatoo than that of a Crow Shrike.

The common Tasmanian Tit, Acanthiza pusilla diemanensis,
Gld. (Brown-rumped Tit), was numerous, but although a sharp
look out was kept there was no sign of A. ewingii, Gld.

The country here near the lake is open forest country,
with clumps of dense small bushes, and in places a heath-like
shrub belonging to the “Hpacrideae”’, probably a Brachyloma,
was densely covering the ground under the larger timber, this
shrub being 2 feet to 3 feet in height, and covered at the time
of our visit with bright red berries, upon which numbers of
the Green Parrot, Platycercus caledonicus, Gmelin, were feeding
Sericornis humilis, Gld. (the Brown Scrub Wren), were nume-
rous, mostly either on the .ground or in low dense bushes.
From the restlessness of a pair, I concluded that they must
have a nest, and after searching carefully through all the pos;
sible bushes in the immediate neighbourhood, bethought me
that it was possible that they might choose a similar nesting
place to that of Hylacola cauta, Gld., which almost invariably
selects a fallen branch with dead leaves still attached, as a
nesting place. I quickly found a sapling that had been cut
down, and on lifting up the fallen branches, there was the
nest close to the ground buried in the fallen branch, and in
construction a typical Sericornis nest containing three fresh
laid eggs. This nest is now in the S.A. Museum.

After leaving Lake Sorell it had been our intention t9
spend a day at Ross, or one of the central townships for the
purpose of endeavouring to obtain Tasmania’s species of Grass
Parrots, Neonanodes chrysogaster, Latham, (Orange-bellied
Parrot), and Neonanodes chrysostomus, Kuhl, (Blue-winged Par-
rot. The neighbourhood had until recent years been a well
known breeding place for both these species. Whereas until

ASHBY—Tusmanian Field Notes.> 65

recent years these parrots, especially the latter, used to
appear at harvest time and after, in hundreds, right through
the centre of the island as far south as Sandford on Frederick
Henry Bay. Particular enquiries made in a large number of
the townships elicited the fact that instead of hundreds only
a few pair now visit their old feeding grounds. Several of
my informants ascribed this decrease to the methods adopted
in the free distribution of poison for killing rabbits. On
. going north we saw no sign of these parrots, but Mr, W. L.
May saw a pair alongside the main road in Epping Forest, on
the return trip.

A hasty visit was paid to Scottsdale, in the north east of
the island. At an altitude of nearly 2,000 feet, on what is
known as the ‘Sidling’, bird life was most numerous.
Acanthornis magnus, Gld. (Scrub Tit), was here first met with.
‘Several Pink-breasted Robins, Erythrodryas rhodinogaster,
Drapiez, were noted, and more Olive’ Thickheads,
Timixos olivaceus, V. and H., were heard whistling at
one time than I have ever heard before. The
Acanthisa was still the common one, and not A. ewingii.
There was a bare hour available for searching this scrub so
rich in bird life, and drenching rain precluded any further
search if more time had been available.

The night was spent at Scottsdale, and a visit was paid to
one of the many swamps in this district next morning. The
erunting notes of Rails were heard in the Cutting Grass about
five feet high, and although they could have been only a yard
oY SO away, some times only a few feet, only once was the bird
seen, apparently Porzanoidea plumbea maculata, Swainson,
(Eastern Spotless Crake), and I was fortunate enough to find a
nest of this species containing five eggs almost fresh. The
nest was neatly made of grass about two feet above the water
in the centre of a tussock of cutting grass; the cutting grass
well overhung the nest, screening it from view. The photo
taken of the nest was unfortunately a failure. Of the eggs,
four were covered with fine spots and lines, and one with much
larger blotches. The parent bird kept within a few yards of
the nest for half an hour, sometimes on one side, and some-
times on the other, but not once did I get a glimpse of it.
Another interesting bird met with in this swamp was the Tas-
manian Emu Wren, Stipiturus malachurus littleri, Mathews.
Several were seen, both cocks and hens, and one cock bird
secured. Only about two hours was spent here, but it
would have well repaid a stay of a few days.

66 ASH BY—Tusmanian Field Notes.

Near Myrtle Bank in the heavy timbered country large
numbers of the Tasmanian Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus
funereus santhanotus, Gld., were seen, their wailing cries as
they flew from tree top to tree top, were quite in keeping with
the lonely wildness of the big forest scenery.

The next collecting was done in the neighbourhood of
Latrobe, North-West Tasmania. I stayed with friends
whose home is on the banks of the river Mersey. At early
dawn the fiute-like whistle of the Grey Butcher Bird, Bulestes
torquatus cinereus, Gld., was heard, a pair having built in a tall
gum on the property; also the loud cry of the Native Hen,
Tribonyx mortieri dubius in the adjoining swamp, and one was
seen on the green flat just below the garden.

Several pair of the splendid Tasmanian Yellow-throated
Honey Eater, Nesoptilotis flavicollis flavigula, Gld., kept up
their song (full melodious notes can be described as a
song), throughout most of the day from the saplings and
wattles along the river bank; but a careful search did not dis-
close a nest, may be it was a little too early. On donning a
pair of “waders”, a swamp situated between the Mersey
proper and an old channel, now a start of backwater, was
explored. A number of old nests or “seats” of the Native Hen
were noted on little islets or large tussocks standing out of the
water; in only one were eggs found. Later in the day a
second visit was paid, and in spite of the greatest care, nq
sight was obtained of the bird, which must have been sitting,
as the eggs were quite warm; three eggs were in the nest and
two floating in the water near by. At first I thought the hen
in hurrying off the nest must have dragged them out, but as
all the five eggs were badly rotten, I think a recent flood that
had taken place some fortnight, or nearly so, before, must
have drowned the eggs; in spite of their condition, fair speci-
mens were made of the eggs. The next day a swamp higher up
this old river channel was visited, and I found another nest
also in a tussock, containing the usual clutch ‘of five eggs, the
bird was sitting close. This nest which was made of grass
similar to the previous one, was exceedingly well screened
with the iong blades of the cutting grass which arched right
over the nest, the birds having made a means of ingress and
egress both back and front of the nest, so that from which
ever direction the disturbance came, the sitting bird could slip
out by the other door. This, it was able to do so effectively,
that several attempts failed to reveal the bird. These eggs

ASH BY—Tasmaniun Field Notes. | 67

were bad, although a dead chicken in a fairly advanced state
of development was found in several of them; no doubt the
same flood was accountable for this. One wonders how long
the birds would continue to sit on rotten eggs. Several Tas-
manian Bald-Coots, Porphyrio melanonotus fletcherae, Mat., were
seen in the swamps, but none obtained.

During my stay at Latrobe, a gorge of the Don river, was
visited. Near the entrance of the gully feeding on the
grassy flats along the banks of the stream were numbers of
Dusky Robins, Amaurodryas vittata, Quoy et G. A nest of
one was found containing three chicks and one unhatched
egg. The nest was placed at the base of a few shoots coming
out of an almost dead tree, about five feet from the ground.
The parent bird was quite undisturbed at our presence, and
allowed itself to be photographed without any concern, its
great black eyes watching us with keenest interest. It only
left the nest when one’s hand was almost touching it, and
returned again to the nest while we waited. A number of
brilliant plumaged Fire-tailed Finches, Zonaeginthus bellus,
Lath., were in some thick trees and brambles growing along
the banks of the creek, but neither of these birds were met
with in the damp precipitous sided gorge itself; the sides of the
gorge were covered with tall timber and dense undergrowth
and ferns, some of the timber being myrtle. In the gorge
were Olivaceus Thickheads, Acanthornis magnus, Gld.,. ang
Pink-breasted Robins were in considerable numbers. Always
close to river itself I should think there must have been a fresh
pair every hundred yards. A lovely nest of this species wag
found in a fork of asapling overhanging the stream. The
nest was beautifully made of moss, ornamented with
lichen, the moss exactly corresponded with the mossy covered
boughs to which it was attached. The moss of the nest was
as moist and green as was the growing moss on the tree stems.
I left the nest till the day before I was leaving Tasmania, but
no eges were laid; no doubt it was a little too early in the
season.

Perhaps the most important find in this gully was that of
Acanthiza ewingut, Gld., the Tasmanian or Ewing’s Tit. Four
nests were found all in forks of tea tree overhanging the run-
ning water (a typical mountain trout stream). Mr. W. L. May,
who was with me, and who was very familiar with the nests,
notes, and habits of the common Tasmanian Tit, Acanthiza
diemenensis, told me that these nests were absolutely different

68 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

both in construction, material, and situation to the nests of
the common bird; the note is also distinct, but the bird itself
requires a close inspection to distinguish it. The most
marked difference is the absence in ewingi of the pale freckled
marks on the forehead, and the more rufous crown of the head.
Two of the nests contained young, one was empty, and one con-
tained four fresh eggs, three of which are sprinkled with red-
dish spots chiefly at the large end, and one egg was quite white.
The male bird and eggs are in wy collection, and the nest in
the S.A. Museum. The birds with young were not interfered

with.

In the neighbourhood of Latrobe most, if not all, the com-
moner scrub birds of Tasmania were noted. Specimens of the
North Tasmanian Blue Wren, Malurus cyaneus fletcherae, Mat.,
were secured, but on comparison with skins taken by myself
in the south part of the island, I can find no difference,
although Mr. Mathews separates the two into separate sub-
species. Dates of nests referred to as under:—

~ 7/10/16.—Sericornis humilis, Lake Sorell.
8/10/ 16.—Pozanoidea plumbea immaculata, Mat., Scottsdale.
27/9/16.—Cinclosoma punctatum dovei, Mat., Hobart.
10/10/16.—Tribonyx mortieri, Latrobe.
11/10/16.— 3 Me
12/10/16.—Acanthiza ewingii, Latrobe.
12/10/16.—Erythrodryas rhodinogaster, Latrobe.

Birds of the
North and North-West of Australia.
From Notes and Skins made by the late Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower.
[By Grecory M. Matuews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.O.U., nrc.,]
No, dale
126. Ducorpsius GYMNOPIS SuBDISTINCTUS. North-Western
Bare-eyed Cockatoo.
Oacatoes sanguinea subdistinctus (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII., p. 265, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Austra-
lia.

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 69

No. 205— 36. Length, 18 inches (28/6/86).

Irides, brown; eyelash and space round the eye, light blue
lead colour, covered with whitish powder; bill, white, tinged
with bluish vc tiow; feet and legs, mealy lead colour.

No. 226— 3. (6/7/86).

No. 251— ¢. Length, 16 inches (14/7/86).

mMhese are very common about Derby. Every morning a
flock of some four or five hundred arrive about 11 a.m. and
remain till about 5 p.m. The trees are white with them, and
when they pitch on the smaller ones the effect is like a May-
tree in full flower. All at once they take to the wing
together, looking like snow, driven before a high wind; occa-
sionally some 20 or 30 come down to the lagoon to drink, and
then they seem 40 increase the number of water-lilies.{ They
are 4 noisy bird, and seem always on the lookout. When one
is wounded and on the ground shrieking, others come round
their fallen comrade.

497. Eotopuus Rosercaprutus Derpyanus. Pallid Rose-
breasted Cockatoo.

Cacatoes roseicapillus derbyanus (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIIL., p. 266, 1912. Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 105—¢?. Length, 13.3 inches.

Irides, pink; bill, white, bluish at the base; orbital space,
pinky-red; feet, grey.

128. Leprotopuus Auricomis INrERMEDIUS. Western Cocka-
too Parrot.

Leptolophus auricomis intermedius (Mathews). Nov. Zool,

Vol. XVIII., p. 267, 1912. Point Torment, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 125—@. Length 12.3 inches (14/6/86).

Irides, brown; bill, bluish-horn colour; feet, nearly black.

No. 129—¢?. Length, 12.5 inches (14/6/86).

irides, brown; bill, bluish-horn colour; feet, nearly black.

No. 343—¢. Length, 12.6 inches (31/7/86).

Irides, brown; bill and cere, lead colour; legs and feet,
brownish-black.

No. 346—¢4. Length, 12.4 inches (31/7/86).

70 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

These birds go in flocks of from twelve to twenty or
thirty. They arrive every morning and evening to drink.
They keep fiving round ind round before drinking, often going
down near the ground, and then mounting in the air again.
They often perch on dead or naked trees.

130. Aprosmicrus EryTHROPTERUS PARRYENSIS. Western Red-
winged Parrot.

Aprosmictus erythropterus parryensis (Mathews). Novy. Zool.
Vol. XVIIL., p. 268, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Austra-
lia. :

No. 145—Length, 12.6 inches (17/6 86).

Irides and bill, vermillion; feet, mealy black.

No. 364— ¢. Length 18 inches (8/8/86).

No. 376— ¢. Length, 12.9 inches (7/10/86).

No. 3877— @. Length, 13.3 inches (7/10/86).

No. 388— ¢. Length, 18. inches (11/10/86).

Irides brown next the pupil, pale orange outside; eyelid,
brown; bill, orange at the tip, becoming red at the base; nos-
trils, orange; legs and feet mealy black.

No. 389—¢. Length, 13.6 inches (11/10/86).

Irides, brown next the pupil, with an outer ring of orange;
eyelid brown: bili dull yellow at the base, shading into red-
dish-brown at the base; legs and feet mealy black.

142. PopareGus Srricorpes Denpyr. Western Freckled Frog-
mouth.

Podargus strigoides dendyi (Mathews). Nov. Zool. Vol.
XVIIL., p. 283, 1912. Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 38—¢. Length, 174 inches (22/5/86).

Irides, reddish-yellow; bill and feet, olive brown; inside
of mouth, fine yellow.

No. 186— ¢. Length, 16.3 inches (26/6/06).

This bird was flushed from the ground where two speci-
mens of Oracticus were flying round him as though they could
not make him ou.

No. 447— 6. Length, 16.5 inches (26/10/86.

Irides, yellow, deeper on the outer circle; bill, light brown,
with a yellowish white hue on the culmen, but the whole dirty
and much stained; legs and feet, olive brown.

MATHEWS—Birds. of North und North-West Australia. 71

No. 448— ¢?. Length, 15 inches (26/10/86).

Similar to male.

The nest was a small structure about four inches
across, placed at the end of a _ branch of a_ leaf-
less “boa-bab”, and was composed of a few twigs very roughly
pot together. One of the adults was on the nest, and so
much resembled a piece of wood, that had it not been sitting
or rather standing the reverse way to which a fork would gene-
rally grow, it would not have been noticed. Its feathers all
appeared closely drawn in, and the bird seemed to. have
extended itself to its utmost length, with the head and bill in
one line with the body. Its mate, probably the male, was on
the same tree, and no movement betrayed life in them; the sit-
ting bird slowly turned its head as the tree was approachea,
when the cock flew off, and soon afterwards the sitting bira.
The two young ones in the nest were covered with a white
down, but not so thickly as in the case with owls. The bills
were of a bluisn-white colour, and the jegs white. One was
eonsiderably larger than the other, and made a short hissing
noise of avery quiet kind. The nest was fully exposed to the

full rays of the mid-day sun. The larger young one flew from
tue rest, when ucxt visited, and crawled under some deaa
grass, and was found with difficulty. It made a curious
trembling cry for food. They open bill and wings and snap
at the intruder, after the manner of owls. They have not the
ow! motion about the head, but look most like these birds
when they place themselves in a defensive attitude, spreading
wings and moving the head about rather snake-like.

No. 449— ¢. (Young). Length, 9.3 inches (27/10/86).

Irides, light ochre; the pupil has a bluish slate tinge; bill,
light brown, with a slight leaden hue at the tip of the upper
mandible.

No. 451— 6. (Young). Length, 8.5 inches (27/10/86).

Similar to the above (perhaps from the same nest).

No. 498—°. Length, 15.1 inches (3/11/86).

144. AnGoTHEeLEs Cristara Rura, Rufous Owlet Nightjar.

Aegotheles rufa (Hall). Veit. Nat. Vol. X VIII., p. 89, 1901.
Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 424— 9. Length, 9.3 inches (22/10/86).

irides, dark brown; bill, brown, flesh colour on under man-
dible, and cutting edges lighter; legs and feet, flesh colour;
toes, brown. :

72) MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. °

145. Eurystomus OripxtTauis Bravi. Western Dollar Bird.

Eurystomus orientalis bravi (Mathews). Noy. Zool., Vol.
AVITI., p. 285, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Australia.

No. 406— 3. Length, 11.4 inches (17/10/86).

No. 456— 6. Length, 11.3 inches (27/10/86).

Irides, dark brown; eyelid, reddish brown; bill, vermillion,
with tip of upper mandible black; legs and feet, coral red.

148. DaceLo Leacui OccIDENTALIS. Western Fawn-breasted
Kingfisher.

Dacelo occidentalis (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.), 1869,
p. 602. Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 42— 6. Length, 16 inches (24/5/86).

irides, white; bill, upper mandible, brown, lower, yel-
lowish white; feet, pale olive.

This bird, though not rare, is very wild and difficult to
get within range of it. Its note is quite different from Dacelo
leachi, but not so much laugh about it as Dacelo gigas, and I
have not heard it give that kind of barking note which D.
leach. does on teaving a tree. Its note is heard early in the
morning, and occasionally during the day, but chiefly some
time atter the sun has set.

No. 60— ¢. Length,16.4 inches (29/5/86).

Irides, white; upper mandible, dark brown; lower one,
yellow’sh white; feet, olive.

No. 104— 2. Length, 17.5 inches (6/6/86).

irides, white; upper mandible, brown; lower, fleshy white;
legs and feet, pale olive. This bird was shot after sundown,
and while the moon was giving a fair light. There were two,
laughing away; when disturbed they flew to another tree, and
the “bark” like that uttered by D. leacht was heard for the first
He.
No. 114— ¢. Length, 16.5 inches (8/6/86).

lrides, grey.

No. 228—¢. Length, 16 inches (7/7/86).

Irides, whit'sh; legs, olive.

No. 309— 4. Length, 16.1 inches (13/9/86).

Irides, white; upper mandible, brown; cutting edges, horn
colour; lower mandible. whitish-brown, darkest at the sides
of the base; legs and feet, light olive.

MATHEW S—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 73

No. 311— ¢@. Length, 16 inches (13/9/86).

Similar to the above.

No. 341— 3. Length, 16.5 inches (18/9/86).

Irides, white; upper mandible, brown, passing into yel
lowish white at ibe tip and on the cutting edges; lower man-
dibie, white, with a brown patch on each side at the base; legs
and feet, yellowish olive.

No. 343— 6. Length, 16.2 inches (18/9/86).
Similar to the above.
No. 390— 6. Length, 16.8 inches (11/10/86).
148. Cyanatcyon Macieayi Pupusa. Forest Kingfisher.

Halcyon macleayi publa (Mathews). Austral. Av. Rec., Vol.
ip. 38,1912. Northern Territory.
No. 6— . (8/5/86). Palmerston.

149, CyanaLtcyon PyrruopyGcius Ogscurus. Northern Red-
backed Ningfisher.

Halcyon pyrrhopygius obscurus (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIIL., p. 288, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 1— 2. Length, 8.6 inches (Palmerston, 8/5/86).

frides, black; upper mandible, black; lower, pearly white
on the basal half, remainder, black; feet, olive brown.

No. 2— 6. Length, 9. inches (Palmerston, 8/5/86).

Irides, black; upper mandible, black; lower, pearly white
on the basal half, remainder black; feet, olive-brown.

No. 31—¢@. Length, 91 inches (21/5/86).

Irides, brown. upper mandible, black; lower, with basal
balf, white; remainder, black; legs, olive.

No. 34 2. Length, 94 inches (21/5/86).

No. 159—Length, 9.3 (21/6/86).

No. 96—¢?. Length 9 inches (5/6/86).

No. 274—Length, 92 (4/9/86).
150. CosMAEROPS ORNATUS SHORTRIDGEI. Western Bee-Eater.

Merops ornatus shortridgei (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVITII., p. 290, 1912. Strelly River, West Australia.

No. 4—Length, 104 inches (Palmerston (18/5/86).

74. MATHHEWS—DBirds of North and North-West Australia.

No.,137—@. Length, 8.6 inches (16/6/86).

Ivides, crimson; bill and feet black.

No. 189—2. Length, 9.1 inches (16/6/86).

No. 157— 6. Length 10 inches (19/6/86).

No. 271— 3. Length, 10.4 (17/7/86).
lol. Evrostropopus Araus HARTERTI. Northern Spotted

Nightjav.

Furostopodus argus harterti (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol.
WAIT. p. 294, 1912) > Northern. Derritory

No. 240—@. Length. 124 inches (11/5/86).

Irides, dark brown, with a large black pupil; eyelids,
fieshy brown; bili and feet, brown. This bird was shot on
board the S.S. Menmui, about five miles from Point Torment.

It was flying round the ship for some time, it was quite light,
being about 6.30 a.m.

No. 165—9. Length 11.9 inches 21/6/86).

In the evening these birds fly about, keeping low, and by
the edge of the lagoon.

No. 190—¢. Length, 11.6 inches 26/6/86).

No. 351— @. Length, 11.5 inches (1/8/86).

Common in the evenings. They stay during the day in
small hollows jn the ground, and are with difficulty distin-
guished. On the wing «heir flight is noiseless and quick, par-
ticularly in their sharp turns.

No. 368—¢@. Length, 11.6 inches (3/8/06).

No. 382—¢. Length, 12.3 inches (7/8/86).

No. 387—@. Length, 12.2 inches (10/10/86).

No. 519— 46. Length, 12. inches (5/11/86).

_ 154. Cucutus Opratus. Oriental Cuckoo.

Cuculus optatus (Gould). Proce. Zool. Soe. (Lond.), 1845, p.
18. Port Essington, Northern Territory.

No. 10—8/5/86, Palmerston).

Kye, yellow, bill, olive; lower mandible, lighter; feet, olive
green.

No. 126— 6. Length, (14/6/86).

trides, dark brown: eyelid, yellow; bill, brown; olive at
the base of the lower mandible; gape yellow; feet, olive brown.

MORGAN—WNotes on the Food and Temperatures of Cormorants. 75

No. 223— ¢. Length, 12.2 inches (27/8/86).

No. 248—¢@. Length, 11.4 inches (14/7/86).

Trides, clear brown; eyelash, bright yellow; bill, upper
qaandible, brown, lower, dull yellow; gape, bright yellow; feet,
mealy black. .

No. 425— 4. Length, 12.4 inches (22/10/86). 1

Irides, dark brown; eyelid, yellow; bill, brown; olive at
the base of the lower mandible; gape and the inside of bill,
reddish yellow; iegs and feet, olive brown. i

Notes on the Food and Temperatures of
Cormorants.

By A. M. Morcan, M.B., Ch.B.

Thanks to the hospitality of Messrs. A. G. and E. Rymill,
Capt. S. A. White and I were able to make some further obser-
vations upon the orange faced and little pied cormorants.

Leaving Port Adelaide on the evening of March 22nd, the
night was spent at the Outer Harbour. Next morning, after
getting a supply of cockles for bait, a start was made for the
flats to the nort4 of the Port River, a little fishing being done
on the way. The afternoon was occupied in investigating
some of the mangrove swamps in search of cormorant
rookeries, several of which were found, and seventeen speci-
mens secured. Saturday morning was spent in dissecting and
measuring the specimens, and the afternoon ashore at Port
Gawler in investigating some of the land birds. Next day,
March 25th, a return was made to Port Adelaide.

Two species only of cormorants were seen—the orange
faced Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus, and the little pied
Microcarbo melanoleucus-—neither of which was nesting. (Gene-
rally speaking, these two species occupy separate roosting
places, though a few of the orange-faced birds are usually
found in the flocks of the little pied and vice versa. Twelve
orange faced birds were secured, and their temperatures
taken as soon as they could be collected, none being taken
more than ten minutes after death,-and some wounded birds
while still alive. The temperatures were as follows:—

76 MORGAN—Notes on the Food and Temperatures of Cormorants.

I.A.M.=in articulo mortes ;

—=alive; D—dead.

bo SI SVT OT LS bo 1 by Carpus to tip.

PSR RE SSAAN wing,
Or Ou Ot Ot SS Gt Cl Sr Ct

2 Co Co CO CO BD bo Co GO CO

(Su)
>
i
3)

29.25
31.75

109. D.
106. D.
109. Bere
109.6 D.
108.6 D.
107.6 D.
7.60), (£60b ea)
7.60 7.00 4 3
740° 7.600) eer
6.50-- 7.00) "32a ge
6.50 7.30, 3S
7.00) (001 tome
7.00 7.60 5 3
TAQ | TAO) eae
7.40 7.00 44 3
740 760 eee
6.50 7.00 4 Q
7.00 7.00 4a

STOMACH CONTENTS.

11. 1 flathead, 9 green weed fish.
12. Fish bones, seaweed, parasitic worms.
Leather jacket (Monacanthus sp.), box fish (Aracana sp.),
brown weed fish (Odax' balteatus), green weed fish (Odaa water-
housi), flat head (Platycephalus sp.),

strigatus).

. Leather jacket bones, weed fish, trumpeter.

Shrimps, small shell, brown weed fish.
. Parasitic worms, box fish, brown weed fish.

iden 106.2 I.A.M.

2. 106.4 1.A.M.

3. 105.2 T.A.M.

4. 105. LA.M.

5. 106.2 T.A.M.

6. 105.4 10);
Oueaenrement in c.m., weight in Ibs.

as = ne

Beja Sheol) 129-909 58225

24 5 oe ORIG IBD. RD)

ee) SHL00 8 AZS00% a6

Be We To, | RAT Par eae

Dee fO-80 kISiZo i a32b

6, 82.25 126.75 56.75

7. 81.00 133.00 58.75

8. 78.30 126.75 — 56.00

$i veents coe ey PS a (aC tS)

NO OSO0le y lol to) i posZe

1 .. 78:30 124.75 ~ 55:25

12 tO) 2800 58:00
1
2. Fish remains, unidentifiable.
3. Empty.
4. Fish remains, unidentifiable. |
5. Parasitic worms, fish remains.
6. Portions of squid, box fish.
G
8
9. Shell grit, fish remains.
10

. Shell grit, box fish, weed fish, large fish not ideo
leather jacket.

trumpeter (Atypichthys

MORGAN—Notes on the Food and Temperatures of Cormorants. 77

From the material examined Capt. White and
myself have been able to make out the _ colour
changes of the bill and bare skin of the face in the
full grown birds of this species. The colours of the soft parts
of the nestling have so far as I know, not yet been recorded,
neither is it known whether the birds breed before attaining
their full nuptial dress, nor if they lose the colours after the
breeding season. .

First stage:—The bill, face, and gular pouch are of a uni-
form dull light yellow. Birds in this stage are undoubtedly
immature, though full grown, as the measurements show.

Second stage:—The orange spot in front of the eye
appears, and the ridge of the bill becomes light horn colour.

Third stage:—The blue over the eye appears, the culmen
and gular pouch are darker.

Fourth stage:—The green under the eye appears, the
gular pouch and ridge of the bill are much darker.

Fifth Stage:—The gular pouch and proximal portion of
the ramus of the lower jaw become deep purple, and the bill
nearly black. This is apparently the full breeding plumage,
for most of the birds in this condition showed signs of breed-
ing on dissection. They did not, however, all show them, sa
this point still remains uncertain.

The colours do not differ in the sexes.

Five speciments of the little pied cormorant were secured.
Their temperatures were :—

eee te LORD D. A) 2 er a GEO D.
Pees. us LOT. D. Der yuicvon are) le: D.
3 107.0 A.
Measurements in ¢.m., and weight in Ibs.

as 3 i oe % 2 ® :
ite Bia Otel P28 38005) S280) ule. ng
2. Rees) | FAI Ua Bee astell ye airoil) op $
3. Pe OO eo. 25. 40,00 722.75. 3:30) 2 3.300. <)
A. 57.00 88.00 39.50 2400 280 380 14; ¢
5. 62.00) 7 497.50.--44.25' = 25.505.-3.50:* 4.50.15. 8

78 BELLCHAM BERS—Notes on the Mallee Foul.

STOMACH CONTENTS.

. Two weed fish.

. Eight small crabs.

. Remains of small fish.
. Small fish.

. One brown weed fish.

In the stomachs of the 17 specimens examined, one
example of a marketable species was found, viz.: a small flat-
head: unfortunately so much digested that the species could
not be determined. The so called trumpeter is not
the valuable edible fish of Tasmania and the Eastern States,
but a non-marketable fish bearing the same name locally.

OTR CO hoe

Notes on the Mallee Fowl (Leipoa ocellata
rosinae).
No. 2.
By T. P. BELLCHAMBERS.

Nesting seasons—1916-17.

Comparing incubation notes of season 1915-17 with the
previous season, a great difference is seen, which I believe to
be due to abnormal climatic conditions. During the last
season, 1913-14, the birds commenced to lay August 19th; this
1916-17 season the first egg was laid August 15th; 1913-14
season 22 eggs were laid by December 12th; yet this year 28
eggs were laid up to the last week in January. In 1914 the
first chick was hatched on December 3rd; in 1917 the first bird
was not hatched till February 12th. The season before five
eggs failed to hatch; while this season there were sixteen
failures amongst the earlier laid eggs; in 1914 eleven chicks
were hatched out of a possible fourteen; this year only seven
chicks came out, all very late in the season, 71 days later than
previous season.

The incubation periods also show a very marked diffe-
rence, the longest period this season being 99 days, as com-
pared with 77 in 1914; the shortest being 62 days, compared
with 55 in 1914.

The last five eggs laid failed probably owing to the low
temperature of the mound.

ee on the blag Fowl. 79

The following temperatures were taken on two occasions
only :—

February 26th, 12.30 p.m. Over egg chamber .. 85° Fahr.
February 26th, 12.30 p.m. In sun.. .. 224 COP Bahr,
Merch Sth, 2pm. Eee éhamber.. ..°.. ..... . 93° Fahr.
March Sth, Zines WSU ey 2 tS A ae:
March 8th, 2 p.m. One inch under ‘surface hoe ee aN.
March 8th, 2 p.m. Six inches under surface .... 117° Fahr.

Chicks were hatching under these conditions.

About the last week in March, 1917, the birds ceased
working on the mound. April 20th, the birds showed indi-
tions of opening up the mound. Going to their assistance, I
removed ten sound eggs and one broken one. Ten eggs had
been removed from the mound during the season for various
reasons. Seven hatched out.

It is interesting to note that on opening the mound on
February 16th, I broke the egg numbered 16; taking the top
clean off, but the membrane was not injured, I repaired the
egg by using the shell of a common hen’s egg for the purpose,
using a strip of paper to keep it in position. It was very
gratifying to see the chick from this egg on the surface the
following day.

Birds were observed on April 21st to be filling in the pit
twith all available material, such as decayed wood, sticks, ete.
In the evening I emptied a large bag of gum leaves into the
aviary. Nearly all the material was placed in the pit by
eight o’clock next morning. Notice was taken of the fact
that the bed of the new pit was being placed above the old
one. Last season the old material was thrown out, and later
on incorporated with the new, this will bring the floor of the
egg chamber still higher above ground level, and should make
it drier and ,;warmer.

The following are the incubation notes for this season,
1916-17, each egg being numbered as laid :—

No of eggs Date laid Date of hatching Period of
incubation.

August 15
August 21

. August 29

. September 3
September 9.
September 15
September 19

eggs removed.

ounce h 8 le

80 PELLOHAM BERS Motes on ihe Mallee Four

No of eggs Date laid Date of hatching Period of
incubation.
8 .. .. September 24 broken
9. .. .. September 30
10. -. .. .. October 4 broken
Hie shee. ‘October dt.
ier .. October ws
Ise .. .. October, 24
14. .. .. .. October 30
15. .. .. November 4
16. .. .. November 9 February 16 99 days
17. .. .. November 15
Seo.) BNovember (Zi February 15 86 days
19. .. .. November 26 February 18 84 days
20 io ee December nS February 12 66 days
21. .. .. December 15 February 15 62 days
22. December 22 February 22 62 days
23. N ot ‘known March 8

24. Not known.
25. Not known.
26. Not known.
27. Not known.
28. Not known.

The feather phase of chick,is as under :—

Chick hatched March 8th; tail feathers made
‘their appearance on April ist; on: rump, April
6th; on back, April . 7th; on head and) Gthroar
April 14th; on breast, April 17th; upper tail coverts, April
20th; by February 12th no change had taken place in flight
feathers; first flight feathers seem to have power of growth.
The chick evidently merely puts on an overcoat, the first
feathers remaining under the new; oldest chick was shedding
flight feathers on June 2nd.

cg anil “ie x si

lr

io ml

te

ere re

MELLOR—Robins at Stirling West. 81

Section of mound of Leipoa ocelldta.

Scale—1 inch to 3 feet.

A—A.—Wet and cold weather rue
B—B.—Hot weather level.

C.—Blanket of sand and vegetable debris.
D—D.—Hot bed.

E—EH.— Rim

F—F.— Excavation.

H.—Egg chamber.

Bird Notes. Re Robins at Stirling West.
By J. W. MELLOR.

A fortnight after noting the young birds feeding, the
three red spots on the breast of young had spread and met,
forming a red breast almost as bright as the cock parent bird.
A strange thing noted was that the hen parent bird did all the
feeding of the young, and the cock bird was nowhere to be
seen, but just at the time for the young to be “weaned” he
appeared on the scene, and instead of assisting to feed, he
adminstered severe chastisement upon the offspring, appar-
rently with the object of letting them know that it was time
for them to be about their own business, whereupon they fed
themselves. They are now feeding themselves at the back
door each day.

Noted the white-throated tree creeper feeding on the
ground, and upon investigation found that it was eating num-
bers of the small common black ant.

March 30, 1917, saw at Lockleys the parent Minah feeding
two fully fledged young that were fiving.

March 29 saw parent bird of Brush Wattle Bird at Ful-

ham feeding two young out of nest and fully fledged, able to
fly.

March 28, saw numbers of Australian Swifts at Reedbeds,
they only stayed for an hour or two and passed on. They
were “hawking” after insects in mid-air in the usual way, and
were the forerunners of the present stormy weather.

March 26, saw two yellow-eared black cockatoos at
“Glenburne’’, Stirling West, passing over towards the east.

82 ZIHTZ—Note on the Little Black Cormorant

Note on the Little Black Cormorant (Mesocarbo
ater—Lesson).

By F. R. Zierz, Ornithologist, S.A. Museum.
(Contribution from the S.A. Museum.)

In January, 1911, the Museum received from Mr. E. Ashby
three nests and two nestlings of the Little Black Cormorant,
which he obtained in a swamp about twenty miles above Man.
num, on the River Murray. They were taken out of a dead
Eucalypt which contained thirty-two nests of the same species.

The two young birds which are nearly as large as an
adult, have their wings and tail feathered, whilst the neck,
body, and posterior third of the head, are covered with black
down. The anterior two thirds of the head and the whole of
the throat are naked, the clothed portion reaching a little
beyond the ears. The naked skin of the crown is reddish
brown, becoming lighter on the sides of the head, and yellow-
ish on the throat. A black line extends from a little below
the ear to the base of the bill, passing through the eye, «
black spot is present on the lower mandible immediately
below the eye.

The only naked skin on the head of the adult is a leaden
grey patch surrounding the eye, and a similarly coloured area
ft the base of the lower mandible. Mathews states* “The
immature bird differs from the adult in being more or less
brown on the head, sides of face, foreneck and chest; and
white-tipped plumes on the head much less numerous.”
Apparently his immature specimens were fully fledged, in
which case the greater portion of the head and throat had
already been covered with feathers.

This naked condition of the head and neck in the nest-
lings seems to be a provision by nature to avoid the soiling of
the plumage when the young birds insert their bills into the
gullet of their parents when being fed.

*Birds of Australia, by Gregory M. Machen Vol. IV,
pt. 2, p. 175.

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 83

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.

By His Son, S. A. Wurrs, M.B.O.U.
“XIII. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR.

Under.the date of Monday, 28th of June, Samuel White
- wroie:—“I did not get as many birds as I expected, returned
at noon to the yacht, and went out again this afternoon and
procured a few more. Andrews went out with the gun,
and after a short time in the scrub became quite exhausted.
Among the birds taken to-day were some beautiful parrots.
No Birds-of-Paradise yet, but a lot of plumes were offered to
me to-day, and fifteen shillings a piece was refused. Notwith-
standing I have been trying to persuade myself to the con-
trary I begin to be convinced that I have made a great mis-
take by not getting native gunners from Sydney or Thursday
Island. My white men are too soft and unaccustomed to the
climate to be of much use, and labour is not to be got here.
The crew have been cutting wood and bringing it off all day to
- the vessel. The weather has been squally, and travelling
through the scrub very uncomfortable, as we were wet to the
skin all day; shall only stay here to-morrow, the country is
too low.”

Next morning at sunrise Samuel White and his taxider-
mist (Andrews) landed with guns, and returned at noon,
Andrews only having four birds, while my father brought off
ten specimens. Andrews was too distressed to land in the
afternoon, but the owner of the vessel went off and brought
back several more birds. His other taxidermist (J. Cockerell)
remained on board owing to a bad foot, but he put the time in
curing specimens. Some traders visited the ship during the
day offering live parrots, also paradise plumes. In the even-
ing the native teacher, who was a man from Amboina, came
on board. My father writes:—“This native teacher is a very
quiet and well-behaved man. He, unfortunately, cannot
speak a word of English, but I am able to make myself under-
stood with a few words in Dutch. I made him a few presents
of coffee, tobacco, and a knife. I wished him to procure for
me a man to show me the nearest village, wheve the natives
captured the great birds of paradise; but after making
enquiries, he said they would not come with me because they
were afraid. I believe they were afraid we were 2uing to
interfere with their trade, as they do a good business in plumes.

84 WHITHE—A Sketch of the Infe of Samuel White.

Soon after this some natives brought off plumes for sale, and
through the teacher I was able to purchase fifteen plumes at
a slight reduction on twenty shillings, but they would
not deal for anything but money.” Heavy showers
passed over during the day, and those who went iate the scrub
were sopping wet, fer all the trees and shrubs showered down
water long after the rain ceased. On the morning of the
30th the yacht left the anchorage off the village of Maykor.
Jost as the vessel wes getting tnder weigh a cauoe came oif
with some cocoanuts and a megapode egg, the latter had a
fledged young one init The natives were made a present of
coffee and sugar. The wind died away, and very little head-
way was made; a current setting in, the anchor was dropped
in six fathoms between Maykor and the small island off the
North end. On July 1st the anchor was lifted, but the wind
was very light, and at ten o’clock the yacht was about four
miles off shore. Samuel White gave orders for a boat to be
lowered, and he, with his two taxidermists were pulled oa
shore by two of the crew. They remained here until 3 p.m.,
while the vessel worked up. They then went on board, hav-
ing obtained six birds, but this was not a good collecting
ground. When the boat left the island, Andrews could not
be found, so one of the crew with the dingy was sent off to
look for him. At ten o’clock, nothing having been heard of
Andrews or the man with the boat, an officer with a boat’s
crew was sent to search for the two men. The schooner con-
tinued on her way southwards, about five miles along the
coast of Wokan, when a deep inlet or mouth of a creek was
sighted, and here the vessel was brought up in nine fathoms
In the middle of the channel it was found there was fifteen
fathoms of water, and a very strong tide running out
Samuel White in his notes says:—‘This channel we have
anchored in is, I believe, the Watelai Channel, and looks like
the one in Wallace’s chart, and not like that marked on either
of the admiralty charts I have before me. Here I have
dropped (by accident, whilst trying to make a village that was
seen from the ship’s decks), on the very place I wanted io
reach. Up this channel is the village of Wanumbai—Wal-
lace’s old collecting ground. At dark a prau came alongside,
and the crew pointed up stream and said Wanumbai, so I
believe this is correct, although .at Maykor I was directed
round Dobbo to reach Wanumbai. Great numbers of fish
were jumping out of the water all around the vessel, but
would not take a bait. A small whale was also playing

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 85

around all the evening. The weather all the morning was
hot and sultry; in the afternoon heavy clouds came up, and a
steady rain set in all the evening.” At seven o’clock next
morning the man with the dingy turned up without having
seen anything of Andrews, and several hours later the second
boat’s crew made their appearance with the report that they
had not seen any trace of the missing man. At noon Samuel
White left with a fresh crew in one of the ship’s boats, and
made along the coast to the north, and after a few hours’
search, found Andrews in a hollow tree, where he had speut
the night. He was taken on board, seemingly little the worse
for his adventure. All Andrews could find to eat were some
large green frogs, which he described as being of excellent
flavour. During the afternoon Samuel White, with Cockerell,
landed on the island of Maykor, but they had barely set foot
on land when heavy rain fell, and continued till sunset, and
they had to return to the craft without procuring anything.
Under this date my father writes:—“Just before sunset, when
the weather showed signs of clearing, I ordered a boat out and
landed on the reef close by at low water, to look for shells, but
there was nothing worth gathering. A canoe full of natives
came off this evening with shells and a few birds,
all of which I purchased to encourage them to collect.
There are Paradisea apoda near here I know, for I heard
them this morning. I rose before it was light, to sit on the
deck and listen to the sounds and calls of birds, and among
numerous voices I heard that of the great bird of paradise.
Being otherwise occupied to-day, I shall endeavour to make
their acquaintance to-murrow.” The weather all the morn-
ing was fine and hot, but the afternoon was wet. Samuel
White in his notes under July 3rd, says:—“This morning f
took Cockerell and landed on the left bank of the Watelai
Channel, or what is according to Wallace’s chart, Wokan.
We pushed our way several miles back, but the country was
exceedingly rough and unproductive. The moment I landed
I heard and saw several of the great birds of paradise, and in
a few minutes shot one, but found it was a female, and of a
chocolate brown colour all over, much darker on the head and
chest. During the day I procured four, and saw several more,
but they were all of the same colour. They are as large as
a small crow. The old birds being like the rifle birds of
Australia, very shy, and surrounded by perhaps fifty females
and immature birds. We returned to the craft in the after-
noon wet to the skin as usual.” Before dark that evening,

86 WHITH —A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

Cockerell landed again, this time on. the other side of the
channel, but returned after dark without collecting anything,
and reported that the scrub was almost inpenetrable.

As soon as the natives sighted the “Ragah” (meaning my
father) going on board, they would swarm off to the ship, and.
the decks of the latter would be soon covered with their dark
forms, each one having some article to barter in the shape of
living birds, reptiles, shells, insects, arrows, plumes, ete.
They drive hard bargains, but nearly always want rupees.
They are very persevering and patient, behaving in a most
quiet and becoming manner. Always asking more than they
take; time appears to be of little object to them, for if they
cannot make a bargain to-day, they come again to-morrow and
the next day. Thetraders in plumes were all Malays or
Macassar men, and seemed to set a standard commercial value
on them to which they descend, but no lower. If trade such
as calico, tobacco, cutlery, be offered in barter, they will take
it up quietly, turn it over twenty times, count it over and over,
calculate the quality and commercial value to them, and if
they can get no more and can see a profit, they take it up and
walk away. Again turning to my father’s notes about this
time I find:—“Every day I have been here I have been trying
to trade for fresh birds of paradise, but I now believe that
none of the dealers catch the birds themselves, but barter for
them with the Aru natives or ‘Blackangtanna men’ as they
are called, which really means ‘back country men.’ They
are therefore not able to get fresh birds. I have been offering.
a gun a piece for them, which is equal to £2 15/ a piece, but
have not succeeded yet. I will go to Mr. Wallace’s old col-
leeting ground ‘Wanumbai, and try the natives there.
Plumes are to be had in plenty indeed. I have been so pes-
tered with traders to-day that I have had to put off much of
my work till the evening, and then they will come off up to
eleven p.m. offering plumes for sale as well as live parrots of
various species, some of them most gorgeous in colour. To-
day, for the first time, natives brought off Cuscus. One was
a light straw coloured animal, the body beautifully spotted
with black, and of a salmon pink about the face; the other was
pale sandy brown, with a dark stripe down the. back. These
animals differ from the southern opossum, no less in the
texture of the skin than in their colour, indeed, the skin seems
to have no texture in it, for it is more like wet tissue paper
than skin, which will not bear its own weight. If torn it is
too thin to allow of sewing. The natives seem to be fond of

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White 87

the flesh, and I always return the carcass to them, although
purchased to encourage them to bring more.” Although these
natives wear ornaments they will not take beads unless they
are red or white, these seemingly are the favourite colours.
The weather was very unsettled at this time, rain fell every day
in long and drenching showers, and the scrub showered down
water on the party at every step all day long, keeping them in
a constant bath. Fresh water was running everywhere and
tumbling into the Watelai Channel on both sides. In some
places at low tide fresh and good water was running into the
channel several feet deep, and 150 yards below where the salt
water had been in the morning. On the 4th some large
parties of natives were off to the ship before sunrise, for they
found that the “Ragah” was off collecting early in the day.
Many things were traded for, and amongst others a large
iguana, a rat, arrows, shells. Some praus came down the
channel later on, on their way to Dobbo, and of course the
crews might satisfy their curiosity by boarding the yacht.
Writing upon this incident my father says:—“Some of these
men who visited us to-day in their large praus had pearls for
sale, some had plumes. I could not see anything in their boats
they were taking to Dobbo for sale, and they did not appeac
to be traders as they could not speak a word of Malay, and
had a good deal of the Papuan appearance about them. Seve-
ral wanted to purchase tobacco with silver coins, and all
appeared much surprised when I refused money. Some of
my crew were on shore this afternoon, and when they returned
they said they had seen a full plumaged bird of paradise not far
fromus. Ican scarcely credit it.” The weather was gloomy
all day, and little rain fell. ‘

O OCI .

7

> ; ; } i

A Magazine of Omithology.

i

: Ist OCTOBER, 1917,

f

"EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:
“R, CROMPTON, R.A.0.U.
A. Ms MORGAN, M.B., Cu.B.
iS. AD WHITE, M.B.O.02
(2. RRR SIR TZ, BAO.) 62,7

» Price, 2/-

THE

south Australian

ORNITHOLOGIST.

ae en

a

Editorial Comuntittee :

R. Crompton, R.A.O.U.

si. M. Morcan, M.B., Cu.B.
Sea Were, NBO:

Be Re Zee, ROALO: Ui

Secretary :
HM ANG rr,

Cfo We De ea Ter On Wills Ietd
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

CONTENTS.
PAGE
The South Australian Ornithological Association .. , : : 93
Order Charadriformes, Family Vanellidae, Genus Zonifer : : 96

Birds on the River Murray. A. M. Morgan, M.B., Ch.B. : : 99

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia (No. 12).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.8S., M.B.O.U. . OS

A Day in the Mallee. F. E. Parsons, R.A.O.U. : Ns ells

The Grey-faced Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera Smith)—A New
Record for the S.A. Coast. F. R. Zietz . : : A se AG

Notes from Humbug Serub. T. P. Bellechambers . ; : =aiiinltle/)

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, Capt. S. A. White,
M B.O.U. : : : : : 4 : : ; é

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Ms

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south Australian Ornithologist.

Wor. LTT] isn OC POBER. L9G [pares Ae

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

JUNE 29th, 1917.

The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ornitho-
logical Association was held on Friday evening, June 29th,
1917, in the Royal Society’s Rooms. Capt. 8S. A. White pre-
sided. Mr. Ashby. reported that the swift parrot
(Lathamus discolor), had been seen at Blackwood during the
last week, and remarked upon the unusually quick return
of these birds, for they appeared in numbers in 1914. The
first record of this bird having.been seen in South Australia
is in 1862, and this again appeared in 1882. Mr. Ashby also
stated that great numbers of wood swallows (Pseudartamus
cyanopterus) had appeared on the ploughed ground at Black-
wood, and that it was a very fine sight to see dozens of these
birds in the furrows after the plough had passed along, hunt-
ing for grubs and insect life. Mr. Ashby further remarked
upon the numbers of grass parrots (Psephotus haematonotus)
in his district this year. Dr. A. M. Morgan reported the
appearance of the fantailed cuckoo (Cacomantis rubricatus),
and the narrow-billed cuckoo (Neochalcites basalis meltori),
and stated that he had seen great numbers of wood swallows
Pseudartamus cyanopterus) swarming at dusk upon a Grevillea
robusta tree growing in the park lands. This is a strange
custom common to these birds. The swarming takes place
at dusk, or on a dark cloudy day, when they hang to one
another like bees. Mr. A. Crompton stated he had seen
many Blue Mountain Parrots (T'richoglossus novae-hollandiae)

94 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

fiying high, and always in the same direction. Mr. J. W.
Mellor reported that the spiny-cheeked honey eater (Acantha-
genys rufogularis), the pallid cuckoo (Heteroscenes pallidus),
and the landrail (Hypotaenidia philippensis) were all seen at
Lockleys lately. Capt. White reported having seen and
heard the pallid cuckoo on June 12th, at the Reed Beds, the
fan-tailed cuckoo for some time past, and the narrow-billed
cuckoo quite recently, and the landrail on June 19th and 20th,
the last mentioned bird not having been seen for several years
past, also the white-shafted flycatcher (Rhipidura flabellifora
whitei), the scarlet-breasted robin (Petroica multicolor). All
these birds having been under observation during the last
month. The Adelaide parrakeet (Platycercus adelaidae), one
of two of which are often seen at the Reed Beds during the
winter months. The flame-breasted robin had been migrat-
ing for some time. The Hon. Sec. (Mr. F. M. Angel), read a
copy of Capt. White’s report to the Advisory Committee for
Science and Industry, upon his recent trip of investigation
concerning sparrows, following the East-west Railway line.
Mr. Frank Parsons exhibited a smal] collection of bird skins
procured in the lower Murray River. Among them were
the crested-bell bird (Oreoica cristata), red-capped babbler
(Pomatostomus ruficeps), mallee parrot (Barnardius barnardi),
bluebonnet (Northiella haematogaster), and Bennett’s crow
(Corvus bennetti). The following birds were discussed dur-
ing the evening:— Caterpillar catcher (Metagraucalus
tenuirostris), white-shouldered caterpillar eater (Lalage
tricolor), pied caterpillar eater (Karua leucomela), spine-tailed
logrunner (Orthonyx maculatus), black-headed logrunner
(Macrorthonyx spaldingi), spotted ground bird (Cinclosoma
punctatum), also the Tasmanian form, chestnut-backed ground
bird (C. castanotum), and the chestnut-breasted ground bird
C. castaneothoraz). Numerous specimens of these birds
were exhibited from the museum collection by Mr. F. R.
Zietz, and by Messrs. Ashby and Mellor and Capt. White
from their private collections.

IMLY 27 the elo,

The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ounitholne
gical Association was held on Friday evening, July 27th, in
the Royal Society Rooms. Mr. A. G. Edquist presided.
Mr. Shields (late of Renmark and now at Mount Remarkable)
was elected a member. Mr. Mellor reported that the white-
backed magpie was busy nesting at Lockleys, and that the

The South Australian Ornithological Assoviation. . 95

pallid cuckoo had been calling loudly lately. The white-
browed babblers (Morganornis superciliosus) had nested at
the Reed Beds, and that large fully fledged young were about
with the parent birds; he also reported the landrail. Mr.
Edquist recorded the nesting of the silver-eye (Zosterops
lateralis westernensis), and stated that the bird roosted in the
nest every night during the time of construction. Dr. A. M.
Morgan stated that he had found that the warty-faced honey
eater hadi left the foot-hills, and gone further into the ranges.
Mr. F. R. Zietz stated that two female plain wanderers
(Pedionomus torquatus) had been handed into the museum
during the last quail season. The same member added that
the introduced English skylark was fairly numerous at Gilles
Plains this winter. Capt. White stated that owing to the
heavy rains, and prospects of a fine season, several birds
which have been absent from the Adelaide plains for several
years have again appeared. The pallid cuckoos have re-
turned in numbers, and several landrails (Hypotaenidia
philippensis) have been seen and heard. He also drew atten-
ticn to the great good the white-browed babblers did in the
orchards, they being always on the search for codlin lavae and
insects. The birds under discussion for the evening were
serub robins (Drymodes), not sufficient specimens were forth-
coming to decide upon the various sub-species. Ground wrens
(Hylacola), a series of these birds was exhibited, and it was
thought that the New South Wales and Victorian birds differ
from those from South Australia. The coachwhip bird
(Psophodes) was discussed, and there seemed to be a diverstty
of opinion if the male and the female shared in producing
the wonderful swish and crack of the whip. Specimens
were shown from the museum collection by the ornithologist
(Mr. F. R. Zietz), and from the private ‘collections of Mr. F.
Parsons, Mr. Mellor, and Capt. White.

AUGUST 81st, 1917.

The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ornitho-
logical Association was held on Friday evening, August 31st,
in the Royal Society’s Rooms. Mr. A. G. Edquist presided.
The Chairman read a letter from the Head Tea-
cher, Prospect Hill Public School,. saying how
pleased and honoured the school was having won
the silver cup presented by the Association for
the best essay on a bird and tree. Capt. White referred to
the many water birds which had revisited the Reed Beds this

96 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

year, and staied that it was a record for so many white
cranes to have Leen seen together in the district. Mr. J. W.
Mellor mentioned having seen the white crane and the ibis
at Lockleys; he also reported the white-fronted heron having
young in the same district, and communicated upon the tame-
ness of all these birds. Mr. E. Ashby reported having seen
the white crane, also a bittern at Blackwood. He also re-
ported ‘that the swift parrot was still about in the
ranges. Mr. F. R. Zietz exhibited the skin of the grey-faced
petrel, which is a record for South Australian waters, it hayv-
ing been recorded breeding off the Western Australian
Coast. The bird had been evidently driven in by stress of
weather, for it was captured on the beach near Brighton after
the recent storms. Mr. Ashby showed a nest and eggs of the
restless flycatcher, which had been taken this season. The
discussions of the evening comprised the family of birds
commonly known as babblers (Pomatostomus). The following
birds came under notice:—Australian babbler (P. temporalis),
from Queensland, N.S.W., Victoria, and South Australia; the
~ chestnut-crowned babbler (P. ruficeps), white-browed pabbler
(Morganoriis superciliosus)). Specimens of the genus were
shown from many parts of the State. Specimens of all the
above species were shown by Mr. F. R. Zietz from the Museum
collection, and by Messrs. E. Ashby, F. Parsons, J. W. Mel-
lor, and Capt. White’s s private collections.

Order Charadriformes, Family Vanellidae,
Genus Zonifer.

Zonifer tricolor—The Black-breasted Plover, sometimes
called the Queen Plover to distinguish it from its larger rela-
tive the spur-winged plover, which in some parts is called the
King Plover.

Description—Upper Surface——Upper part of the head,
black; upper back, brown; middle and lower back, brown,
tinged with dull purple; upper tail coverts, white.

Under Surface—Throat, neck, and upper breast, white;
lores and a line under the eye, black, bounded above by
a narrow line of white broadening behind the eye, and extend-
ing to the sides of the occiput; breast, black extending up the
sides of the neck to join the black line on the sides of the
head; abdomen and under tail coverts, white.

See
ap es

Order Charudriformes, Family Vunellidae, Genus Zonifer. 97

Wing—Primaries, black; the bases of the inner webs,
white; secondaries, the first seven or eight with the outer
webs and tips, black; the inner webs white at the base, the
white gradually increasing until the last four or five are en-
tirely white; upper wing coverts, brown, tinged with dull
purple, the lower ones tipped with white; under wing coverts,
white.
ail—White at the base, followed by a broad band of
black, and tipped with white.

Legs and Feet—Dull dark red.

Bill—Yellow, tip brown.

Iris— Yellow.

Wattle at the base of the bill, bright red.

Measurements—Total length of skin, 26 c.m.; wing, 18
ce.m.; tail, 9.50 c.m.; bill, 2 c.m.; tarsus, 5.10 ¢.m.

The female resembles the male.

Chick—“Covered with pale brown down on all the upper
parts of the body, the base of the down black, giving it a
mottled appearance; forehead and crown of head like the
pack; lores and down above the eye with a rufous wash; a
erescent shaped marking on the nape, black; sides of the fore-
head, pale rufous; down below the eye, on the cheeks, and all
the under surface pure white; ear coverts and a patch on each
side of the forehead, blackish brown; long down on the out-
sides of the thighs and under tail coverts tinged with fulvous;
tips of pin feathers of inner secondaries and scapulars, ful-
yous; bill, olive-brown, the under mandible paler; legs and
feet, olive grey; iris, dull greenish yellow.”—(North).

Distribution—The Black-breasted Plover is found in all
the non-tropical parts of Australia, including Tasmania, Kan-
garoo Island, and most of the islands of the Bass’ Straits.
They are still fairly common on the Adelaide plains, and in
some parts, where not disturbed, become very tame. Unlike
the Spur-winged Plover it does not favour wet and swampy
country, but is generally to be found in dry plains, often such
as are grassless and stony. Dry lagoon beds and _ fallow
fields are favourite localities. Its range extends far into the
interior.

Habits—They go in flocks from six or seven up to forty
or fifty in number. As a rule they are very wary and diffi-
cult to approach on foot, especially in districts where they
have been much disturbed, but can usually be easily stalked
in a buggy or on horseback. When their backs are turned,
to the observer, they harmonise wonderfully well with their

98 Order Charadriformes, Family Vanellidae, Genus Zonifer.

surroundings, and are distinguished with difficulty; on the
other hand the white breast and black band are very con-
spicuous when seen face to face. If one of the flock be woun-
ded the rest come to his rescue, circling and screaming round
the intruder, and making bold dashes at him. ‘They are not
regular migrants, but wander from place to place as food or
other consideration impel them. These flights are usually
high in the air, and often take place at night; at such times
they are only distinguished by their eall.

Flight—Rapid and straight, with rather slow powerful
wing beats. Occasionally the flight is zig zag, almost like
that of a snipe. This kind of flight is most often seen in
windy weather, and seems to be in play.

Song—A succession of loud harsh notes like kak-kak-kak
—kak kak uttered when in flight, rarely uttered on the
ground.

Food—Chiefly insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and
caterpillars, occasionally worms; if insect life be scarce seeds
are taken.

Nest—A few short pieces of grass in a depression of the
ground. Sometimes the eggs are laid on the bare ground.
When breeding the old birds become very cunning and brave,
and are most energetic in trying to take one away from the
young or eggs. When not too near the nest they will dart
down on the intruder, often within a few inches of his face,
making one believe he is near the nest, when as a matter of
fact he is some distance off. The chicks when disturbed
immediately scatter and squat, and become almost invisible,
so that if a clutch of four be seen it is usually only the one
upon which the eyes have been kept fixed that is caught.
They are early breeders, eggs being commonly found in June,
but in an early season they breed in May, or as soon as the
green grass appears.

Kggs—Four in number, occasionally only three, of the
usual ploverine pointed shape. They are piaced in the nest
with the pointed ends inwards.

EKggs—Ground colour, brown with a tinge of green, thick-
ly and evenly covered with irregularly shaped spots and
blotches, varying in colour from medium brown to almost
black. Average measurement of 17 eggis, 4.28 x 3.20 c.m.

Largest egg, 4.60 x 3.25 em.

Smallest egg, 4.05 x 3.10 cm.

es

UORGAN—DBirds on the Liver M Urry. 99

Birds on the River Murray.
By A. M. Morgan, M.B., Ch. B.

his trip was not undertaken, in the first place, for orni-
thological purposes, but as a considerable amount of bird
observation and a little collecting was done, I think the results
are worth recording.

My wife and I left Morgan on March 31st, at 6 p.m., in the
Gem Company’s river boat “Ruby”, calling at Cobdogla,
Moorook, Pyap, and Loxton on April 1st, and reaching Ren-
mark on the morning of April 2nd. That day was the most
interesting of the trip, for the river between Renmark and the
border is but little settled, and water fowl were numerous.
April 3rd was spent between the border and Wentworth, and
April 4th at Mildura. From Mildura we returned to Renmark
by the boat reaching that town early on Good Friday morning.
A week was spent at Renmark at the excellent hotel. Our
days being occupied in exploring the surrounding country
under the guidance of Mr. Herbert Shields, who kindly gave
up much of his time in assisting us. Renmark was left on
April 7th by motor for the four and a half hours’ run _ to
Morgan through the mallee scrub. I may say that we found
the river boat very comfortable, with good food, and a most
obliging staff. It is also very gratifying to be able to state
that shooting from the Gem Co. boats has been absolutely
stopped. Formerly much useless slaughter took place from
these boats, both protected and unprotected birds, none of
which were, of course, recovered. I am sorry to say not a
Single emu was seen upon the trip. He heard that they are be-
coming very scarce near the river frontage, though a few are
still to be found further back. The mallee hen we also heard
spoken of as rare, though formerly the mallee scrub of this
district was one of their strongholds, we saw nothing of it.

As most of the birds observed were identified with the
field glasses, the subspecific name is given only when it had
been previously ascertained, or when a specimen was ob-
tained. Even then it is usually not possible to identify the

sub species from Mr. Mathews’ meagre descriptions. 96
" species in all were identified.

Birds observed :—

Geopelia placida tranquilla (The Peaceful Dove)—Common
near the river banks throughout the TEDDY,

100 MORGAN— Birds on the Rirer Murray.

Ocyphaps lophotes (Crested Bronzewing)—Common in the-
malle scrub about Renmark. Only seen once on the river
bank. A number of them was seen near Paringa about a
heap of “cocky chaff.”

Phaps chalcoptera (Bronzewing Pigeon)—A single bird
seen on the river bank near Renmark.

Gallinila tenebrosa (Moorhen)—Only two birds seen
throughout the journey. Each was swimming in the river,
and ran up the bank on the approach of the steamer,

Fulica atra tasmanica (Coot)—Seen, in pairs or small
flocks, throughout the trip. Nowhere numerous.

The bald.coot Porphyris melanotus was not seen at all,
although there was no lack of situation suitable for it.

_ Lobibyx novae-hollandiae (Spur-winged Plover).—Seen in
pairs throughout the trip;.generally on sandspits jutting out
into the stream. Not numerous.

Zonifer tricolor (Black-breasted Plover).—One large flock
seen on a dry bare flat near Renmark.

Elseya melanops (Black-fronted Dotterel)—Seen in pairs
throughout the trip, on the river bank and the edges of
Swamps.

Burhinus magnirostris (Scrub Curlew or Stone Plover).—
Frequently heard at night. One pair seen on a gum flat near
Renmark.

Carphibis spinicollis (Straw-necked Ibis)—Common about
Renmark, and from there to Wentworth; not seen lower down
the river. The white Ibis was not seen.

Platibis flavipes (Yellow-billed Spoonbill)—Seen occa-
sionally from Renmark upwards. At a place on the Vic-
torian part of the river, where there is a large heronry,
these birds were seen in numbers flying over the tree tops.
Dr. Chenery, of Wentworth, who visited this heronry early in
March, found nankeen night herons, white necked herons,
egrets, and spoonbills nesting in numbers in the tall gums.
All the birds except the nankeen herons, which were still
sitting, had large young. From the steamer only a few nests
were visible, but nankeen herons, white-necked herons and
spoonbills were flying over the tops of the trees in great num-
bers, and hundreds of young nankeens were roosting in the
trees near the water. We did not see any white egrets.
They had probably all left, as a month earlier Dr. Chenery
found full grown young ones. Over this heronry about forty
whistling eagles were constantly soaring, probably on the
lookout for dead young birds or dropped fish.

MORGAN— Birds on the River Murray. Lol

Herodias alba syrmatophora (The White Egret).—Not
commen. A single bird was seen near the mouth of the
Ana-branch, and a flock of about a dozen near Rufus Creek,
the entrance to Lake Victoria.

Notophoyx nova-hollandiae (White-fronted Heron or Blue
Crane)—Very common. There was no time throughout the
trip that a dozen or more were not in view.

Myola pacifica (White-necked Heron).—A few birds seen
below Renmark, but from there to Wentworth they were
very common.

Nycticorax caledonicus australasiae (The Nankeen Night
Heron)—Common from Renmark upwards. About a dozen
of these birds breed on Goat Island, near Renmark. The
nests were unoccupied at the time of our visit, but Mr.
Shields, who formally owned the island has seen them in use.

Chenopsis atrata (The Black Swan).—Seen occasionally
throughout the trip. <A pair was seen near Lake Victoria
Station with young unable to fly.

Chenonetta jubata (Wood Duck or Maned Goose).—Uncon-
mon below Renmark. Above that place they become very
plentiful. Flocks of fifty or sixty were constantly rising
before the boat. A pair was seen with young in the down.

Anas superciliosus (Black Duck).— Fairly _ plentiful
throughout the trip, but much more common aboye than be-
low Renmark. Several pairs were seen with young unable
to fly.

Virago giberrifrons (Grey Teal)—Common_ throughout
the trip, but as with the other waterfowl, much more nume-
rous above than below Renmark. Young birds unable to
fly were seen.

Nyroca australis (White-eyed Duck).—Only seen twice.
Once a flock of about a dozen, and once a pair—on both occa-
sions within a few miles of Renmark. ‘The flock dived to
avoid the steamer instead of rising from the water. .

Biziura lobata (Musk Duck).—Solitary birds seen occa-
sionally throughout the trip.

Phalacrocorax carbo novae-hollandiae (Large Black Cormo-
rant).—Solitary birds seen occasionally throughout the trip.
On one oceasion near Renmark four were seen flying with a
flock of little black cormorants.

Mesocarbo ater (Little Black Cormorant).—Common on all
parts of the river bank, generally in flocks of about a dozen.

Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus (Orange-faced Cormorant).—
three solitary birds seen. |

102 MORGAN—Dirds on the Itiver Murray.

Microcarbo melanoleucus (Little Pied Cormorant)—Com-
mon throughout the trip, in flocks up to about twenty.

Anhinga novae-hollandiae (Darter)—A single bird seen
fishing in the river.

Catoptropelicanus conspicillatus (Pelican)—Seen in num-
bers between Renmark and Wentworth.

Uroaetus audax (Wedge-tailed Eagle)—Only two birds
seen.

Haliastur sphenurus (Whistling Eagle)—Very common.
Seen in pairs throughout ,the trip, and once in a flock circling
over a heronry. Many nests were seen in the tall gums of
the river bank.

Teracidea berigora (Striped Brown Hawk).—Only one bird
seen near Paringa.

Cerchneis cenchroides (Kestrel)—Common both on the
river banks and on the borders of the mallee near Renmark.

Spiloglaux boobook (Boobook Owl).—Heard at night near
Wentworth. Mr. Shields has also heard them at Goat
Island.

Cacatoes galerita (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo)—Very
common throughout the trip.

Holophus roseicapillus (Galah)—Common from Renmark
to Wentworth. Near Paringa a flock was seen about a heap
of “cocky chaff.”

Polytelis anthopeplus (Rock Pebbler or Black-tailed Par-
rot).—First seen at Loxton where a flock of about twenty
flew along the bank. From there to Wentworth they were
frequently seen, but always in pairs. <A pair was shot at Ral
Ral creek, near Renmark. The measurement of this pair
were :—

g. Total length, 40.5 ¢.m.; spread, 52 c.m.; wing, 18.5
e.m.; bill (culmen) 2 ¢.m.; tarsus, 1.80 c¢.m.

9. Total length, 38 ¢.m.; spread, 53.5 ¢.m,; wing, 18.5 ¢m.;
bill, 2 ¢.m.; tarsus, 1.90 ¢.m.

Stomach contents:—Triturated vegetable matter. Crop
contents:—Small shelled seeds. Irides, dark brown. with
orange outer ring; bill, bright rose red, tips brown; feet,
black, mottled with grey; inside mouth, light yellow.

Platycercus flaveolus (Yellow Parrot)—Common near the
river banks throughout the trip. These birds are locally
known as “smokers.”

Barnardius barnardi (Mallee Parrot)—Common on the
river banks, gum, and box flats, and also in the mallee. They
have a bad name at Renmark as almond eaters.

—

MORG AN— Birds on the River Afurray. 103

Psephotus haematonotus (Red Rumped Parrot).—Common
in the big gums of the river bank throughout the trip.
They do not go far back from the river. ;

Psephotus varius (Many-coloured Parrot)—Seen only in
the big mallee near Paringa. Not common.

Aegotheles cristata (Owlet Nightjar)—A single bird was
flushed from a hollow stump in the mallee near Paringa and
was shot.

Measurements:—Spread, 35.5 c.m.; wing, 11.25 c.m.; bill
(culmen), 0.80 c.m.; tarsus, 1.80 cm. Total length, 20.5 ¢.m.
Sex,@. Iris, dark brown; feet, pale grey; inside of mouth,
flesh colour. The stomach contained the remains of a beetle.
This bird was moulting.

Dacelo gigas (Laughing Jackass)—Very common in the
gums of the river bank. It does not leave the big timbered
country.

Sauropatis sancta (Sacred Kingfisher)——Seen once at
Renmark and once crossing the river near Ned’s Corner.

Neochalcites basalis mellori (Narrow-billed Bronze
Cuckoo).— A single bird seen on a box gum flat near Ren-
mark.

Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow).—Common through-
out the trip. A pair or two were always to be seen skim-
ming the river in front of the steamer.

Cheramoeca leucosternum (White-breasted Swallow).—A
few birds seen on the telegraph wires between Renmark and
Morgan on the overland journey. Mr. Shields informed us
that they bred in the banks of the river at Goat Island.

Hylochelidon nigricans (Tree Swallow)—Only seen twice
—once in the big gums of a bend, near Ned’s Corner and
once cn the overland journey to Morgan. They were never
seen skimming the water like the welcome swallow.

Lagenoplastes ariel (Bottle Swallow). —KEvery cliff,
throughout the journey, had groups of the nests of these
birds upon it, but no birds were seen.

Microeca fascinans (Brown Flycatcher)—Common both
in the big timbered river flats and in the mallee. ;

Whiteornis goodenovi (Red-capped Robin)—Common on
the box flats and in the mallee. It does not come into the
big gum country.

Melanodryas cucullata vigorsi (Hooded Robin).—Seen twice
near Renmark on a box flat, and a dry polygonum swamp.

Smicrornis brevirostris viridescens (Short-billed Tree Tit).
—Very Common in all classes of country. Two nests were

104 MORGAN-—Dirds on the River Murray.

found, one on April 6th, with young birds, and one on April
7th, ready for eggs. Both near Renmark.

Lewinornis rufiventris inornatus (Red-breasted Thickhead).
—Common on the box gum and tea-tree flats, and in the big
mallee country. This bird proved to be the southern form,
not the pale bird of the northern dry country. <A specimen
collected measured—total length, 16 ¢.m.; tarsus, 1.70 ¢.m.;
sex, 6. Iris, bright reddish brown; bill, black; feet, greyish
black; inside of mouth, black. The stomach contained the
remains of spiders, grasshoppers, and catterpillars.

Gilbertornis rufogularis gilberti (Red-throated Thick-
head).—A large thickhead has several times been seen and
heard in the big mallee near Paringa, but no specimen could
be secured, so the subspecies could not be determined.

Leucocirca tricolor (Wagtail)—Common throughout the
trip in all classes of-country.

Seisura inquieta (Restless Flycatcher)—Common through-
out the trip near the river banks, not seen in the mallee.

Coracina novae-hollandiae melanops (Black-faced Cuckoo-
Shrike)—Seen occasionally near the river banks throughout
the trip. Not seen in the mallee.

Cinclosoma sp. (Ground Thrush).—A bird of this genus
ran across the track in front of the motor car near Paringa.
It was probably C. castanotum, but as the specimen was not
secured, I cannot be certain.

Morganornis superciliosus (White-browed. Babbler).—Seen
occasionally in the mallee and on the box flats, not at all
common. A bird shot for identification proved to be a male
in breeding condition. Measurements:—Total length, 20
c.m.; spread, 23.5 e.m.; bill, 2.5 ¢.m.; wing, 7 c.m.; tarsus, 2.6
em. The stomach contained remains of insects and a few
small black seeds. Iris, reddish brown; bill—upper man-
dible, black; lower, light horn colour at the base, black at
the tip; inside of beak, black; palate, horn colour; feet,
blackish grey.

Ephthianura albifrons (White-faced Tin Tac)—Seen occa-
sionally on the salt bush and box flats near Renmark. .

Conopoderas australis (Reed Warbler).—Only seen once in
some bull rushes beside a creek at Renmark. They may
have been more common, but as they were not singing they
would be difficult to locate.

Poodytes gramineus (Little Grass Bird)—Heard in the
same situation as the last bird. They were not actually seen.

MOLGAN — Birds on the Rivev Murray. 105

Acanthiza uropygialis (Chestnut-rumped Tit). — Very
common in the dry country away from the river at Renmark.
Two specimens were shot. The first was too mangled to
skin or sex. Its iris was white, bill black, under jaw lighter,
feet, black; inside of mouth black. The second was a male.
Total length, 8.80 ¢.m.; spread, 16.50 ¢.m.; wing, 4.7 ¢.m.; bill,
broken; tarsus, 1.60 ¢m. The stomach contained remains
of insects. *

Geobasileus chrysorrhous (Tomtit)—Seen at Mildura and
Renmark in the settlement, also at Renmark on the box flats.

Pyrrholaemus brunneus (Redthroat)—Common on -the
salt bush and samphire flats near Renmark. Their song at
this season is not so full and melodious as it is in the breed-
ing season. <A specimen measured:—Total length, 12 ¢.m.;
spread, 17 cm; wing, 5.3 ¢cm.; bill, 1 ¢.m.; tarsus,
19¢m.. Sex, 2; Iris, reddish brown, with lighter outer
rim; feet, dark grey brown; bill, brown; under jaw, lighter;
inside of mouth, blackish grey. The stomach contained re-
mains of insects.

Hallornis cyanotis (White-winged Wren).—Two families
were seen on a samphire flat near Renmark; they were Wely
shy, and were not singing.

Leggeornis lamberti assimilis (Purple-backed Wren).—
These birds were fairly plentiful in the large salt bush
ground, amongst the box gums, and also in the dry poly-
gonum swamps, but they were very shy, and quite silent, so
that it was only with difficulty that a specimen was secured.
Measurements:—Total length, 12 c.m.; spread, 12 c.m.; wing,
sO cme bill: S80 cm: tarsus, 2.10 cm. Sex, ¢. Iris,
black; bill, black; legs and feet, brown. The stomach con-
tained ants and insect eggs.

. Artamus leucorhynchus leucopygialis (White-rumped Wood
Swallow).—First seen near Loxton in the large gums of the
river side, from thence to Mildura they were seen occasionally
in similar situations. They do not seem to leave the river
bank, and are mostly in pairs or groups of four or five. An
adult and a young bird were shot on Goat Island. The
adult measured:—Total length, 17.5 ¢c.m.; spread, 35 c¢.m.;
wing, 10 c.m.; bill, 1.5 ¢.m.; tarsus, 1.3¢cm. Sex, ¢. Iris,
very dark brown; bill, light blue; tip, black; feet, mealy grey;
inside of mouth, black. Stomach contents, flying ants, iden-
tified by Mr. A. M. Lea as of the genus Iridomyrmen. The
young bird measured:—Total length, 17 c.m.; spread, 33.5
e.m.; bill, 1.40 ¢.m.; tarsus, 1.40 em. Sex, @. Stomach con-

106 MORGAN

Birds on the River Murray.

tents, flying ants and a grasshopper. Bill, brown; other
parts as in adult.

Campbellornis personatus (Masked Wood-swallow).—Seen
on two occasions near Renmark fiying overhead; not seen to
settle. ;

Campbellornis superciliosus (White-browed Wood Swallow).
—Seen on two occasions flying overhead in company with the
former bird.

Pseudartamus cyanopterus (Wood Swallow)—Seen at
intervals throughout the trip, near the river banks. Not
seen in the mallee.

Colluricincla harmonica (Grey Shrike Thrush.—Seen and
heard at intervals throughout the trip.

Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie Lark or Murray Magpie).——One
of the commonest birds on the river. There were always
several in sight throughout the trip.

Gymnorhina tibicen (Black-backed Magpie)—This bird
was first seen near the Ana Branch Station, in N.S.W., but
on our return to Renmark we found that it was common in
that district in the big mallee and box flats. Magpies of any
kind are uncommon in the big timber near the river. On the
overland trip to Morgan this species was the only one seen
till about 10 miles east of Morgan, where both species were
seen. From that point to Adelaide only the white-backed
were seen. The black back species probably extends from
near Morgan to near Wentworth, where Dr. Chenery tells me
the magpies are all white backs, he only having seen one
‘black back since he has been there. .

Gymnorhina hypoleuca lewconota (White-backed Magpie).—
Only seen near Morgan.

Cracticus nigrogularis (Black-throated Butcher Bird).—
Seen and heard at intervals from Renmark to Mildura, near
the river bank.

Bulestes torquatus (Butcher Bird)—Common from Morgan
to Mildura, both near the river and in the mallee.

Oreoica cristata (Crested Bell Bird).—Heard several times
in the mallee near Renmark. Not common.

Aphelocephala leucopsis (White face)—Fairly common in
the mallee and salt bush flats near Renmark, but in nothing
like the numbers in which one sees them in'the dry northern
country. A bird shot measured:—Total length, 10 ¢.m.;
spread, 17 c.m.; wing, 5.9 c.m.; bill, .80 c.m.; tarsus, 1.6 ¢.m.
Sex, ¢. Iris, white; bill, black; feet, black; inside of mouth,
black. The stomach contained the remains of insects.

. >
er
ee

MORGAN—Dirds on the River Murray. 107

OClimacteris erythrops superciliosa (White-browed Tree
Creeper).—Fairly common in the mallee near Renmark. <A
bird shot measured:—Total length, 14.5 cm.; spread, 25.5
e.m.; bill, 1.3 ¢.m.; wing, 8.1 ¢.m.; LAKSUS, 12 CeO Sex, (3 -
Iris, dark brown; legs and feet, black; inside of mouth, grey-
ish black. Stomach contents, insect remains. The speci-
men is somewhat darker in general coloration than birds from
the north-west of Port Augusta. :

Neochimia picumna (Brown Tree Creeper).—Fairly common
in the big timber near the river.

Pardalotus punctatus xanthopygius (Yellow-rumped Dia-
mond Bird)—Fairly common near Renmark, both in the big
timber and the mallee. A specimen measured:—Total
length, 8.80 c.m.; spread, 16.50 c.m.; wing, 4.7 ¢€.m.; bill
broken; tarsus, 1.60 c.m. Sex, ¢. Iris, brown; feet, brown;
inside of mouth, flesh colour. Stomach contents, insect re-
mains.

Pardalotus striatus subafinis (Striped Diamond Bird).—
Common throughout the trip in big gums and mallee. <A
specimen measured:—Total length, 10 c.m.; spread, 19 c.m.;
_ pill, .60 ¢.m.; wing, 5 c.m.; tarsus, 1.60 cm.- Sex, ¢. Iris,

greyish black; bill, black; base of lower jaw, light horn colour;
inside of mouth, white; feet, blackish grey. Stomach con-
tents, insect remains and a large green catferpillar.

Melithreptus atricapillus mallee (Brown-headed Honey
Eater).—Seen occasionally near Renmark on the box flats, and
in the mallee. Two specimens were shot. The first measured:
—Total length, 13 c.m.; spread, 18 ¢.m.; wing, 6 ¢.m.; bill, 1.20
c.m.; tarsus, 1.50 cm. Sex, ¢. Iris, dark brown; bill,
black; legs and feet, brown; inside of mouth, yellow . Stomach
contents, insect remains. The second measured:—Total
length, 12 c.m.; spread, 16 ¢.m.; wing, 6.10 c.m.; bill, 1 ¢.m.;
tarsus, 1.40 cm. Sex, @. Iris, brown; bill, black; bare
skin around eye, dull vellow; feet, brown. Stomach con-
tents, insect remains and a small green catferpillar.

Plectorhyncha lanceolata (Striped Honey Eater)—A small
flock seen feeding in the large red gums on Goat Island. One
specimen shot measured :—Total length, 21 c.m.; spread, 31.5
¢.m.; wing, 9 c.m.; bill, 1.60 ¢.m.; tarsus, 2.20 cm. Sex, ¢.
Iris, dark brown; bill, upper jaw, dark horn, lower jaw, light
horn at the base, tip darker; feet, blue grev; inside of mouth,
light horn colour. Stomach contents, beetles and some
triturated vegetable matter.

108 MORGAN— Birds on the River Murray.

Gliciphila albifrous (White-fronted Honey Eater).—Seen
at Paringa in the big mallee, and at Ned’s Corner on a box
flat. Two specimens were shot, both young birds. The
first measured:—Total length, 15 ¢c.m.; spread, 21 c.m.; bill,
1.30 c.m.; wing, 7 c.m.; tarsus, 1.70 ¢.m. Sex, 6. Iris, dark
brown; Dill, black; feet, blackish grey; inside of mouth, yel-
low; bare spot at outer angle of eye, dull red. Stomach con-
tents, remains of insects. The second measured:—Total
Jeneth, 15.75 c.m.; spread, 20 ¢.m.; bill, 1.50 e.m.; wing, 7.1
c.m.; tarsus, 1.90 cm. Sex, ¢. Soft parts as in the first.
Stomach contents, insect remains.

Meliphaga sonora (Singing Honey Eater)—Seen and
heard once near Renmark.

Tichenostomus ornatus tailemi (Yellow-plumed Honey
Eater).—Seen in a patch of big mallee near Paringa, where
they were fairly numerous. A specimen measured :—Total
length, 16 c.m.; spread, 22.5 c.m.; bill, 1 ¢.m.; wing, 6.70 ¢.m.;
tarsus, 1.70 ¢.m. Sex, 6. Iris, dark brown; bill, black; legs
and feet, greyish brown; inside of mouth, yellow. Stomach
contents, remains of insects. The sub species is diagnosed
from locality only.

Ptilotula penicillata (White-plumed. Honey Eater, or
Greeny).—Very common in the big gums near the river
throughout the trip. Not seen in the mallee.

Myzantha melanocephala (Noisy Minah).—Very common on
the river banks throughout the trip; they do not leave the big
guns.

Mysantha flavigula (Yellow-throated Minah).—Common
in the big mallee back from the river. They never come into
the big timbered country near the river, not, I think, because
they do not want to, but because the noisy minahs will not
let them, because at Laura, where the present bird was the
only species of the genus, they were more common in the big
gums than in the dry scrub. The bird seen was not
m. f. melanotis which was collected by Capt. White at Tur-
ner’s Well near Bow Hill. The latter bird is in my opinion
a good species, for it resembles m. melanocephala as much as
if not more than m. fl. flaviqula. ;

Acanthogenys rufigularis (Spiny-cheeked Honey Eater).—
Very common in all classes of country throughout trip.

Entomysa cyanotis (Blue-faced Honey Eater).—A_ single
pair seen feeding in a gum tree on the river bank.

Microphilemon orientalis (Yellow-throated Friar Bird).—
Very numerous on Goat Island. Two specimens were shot.

MORGAN—Birds on the River Murray. | rect LOD

Both young birds with marked yellow throats. The first
measured:—Total length, 27 c.m.; spread, 36.5 ¢.m.; wing, 12
c.m.; tarsus, 2.5 .c.m.; bill, 2.5 ¢.m.; sex, 2: Iris, dark grey ;,
bill, black; legs and feet, lead colour; inside of mouth, yellow;
bare space of face, black. Stomach contents, small beetles.
The second measured:—Total length, 27.5 ¢.m.; spread, 41.25
em. Sex, 6. Inside of mouth, , flesh colour; other parts
coloured as in the first bird. Stomach contents, yellow and
black wasps. ;

Anthus australis (Ground Lark)—Seen on the cleared
land near Paringa, and on a box flat near Renmark. Not
common.

Taeniopygia castanotis (Chestnut-eared Finch).—Common
in and about the settlement at Renmark.

Corvus coronoides (Raven).—Seen occasionally throughout
the trip. They were.common between Renmark and Morgan
on the overland journey.

Corcoraxr melanorhamphus (Chough or Jay).—Seen occa-
sionally near the river throughout the trip; also in the big
mallee and box gum flats near Renmark. They were espe-
cially numerous on the overland journey to Morgan. They
were always in flocks of about a dozen or twenty.

INTRODUCED BIRDS.

Sparrows and starlings were fairly plentiful at Renmark,
but we were told by the fruit growers that they did very
little damage. >

We saw only two goldfinches, and Mr. Shields informed
us that they were the first he had seen there.

Birds of the
North and North-West of Australia.

From Notes and Skins made by the late Capt. T. H. |
Bowyer-Bower.

By Grecory M. Maruerws, F.R.S.E., F.L.8., M.B.O.U., ete.
No. 12

156. CACOMANTIS PYRROPHANUS DUMETORUM. Western Square-
tailed Cuckoo.
Cuculus dumetorum (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.), 1845,
p. 19. Port Essington, Northern Territory.

110 MATUEWS—Birds of North und North-West Australia.

No.. 308— ?. Length, 8.5 inches (12/9/86).

Irides, brown round the pupil, and gradually shading into
olive grey on its outer circle; upper mandible, black, lower,
olive-brown; front of tarsi and feet brownish ochre; back of
tarsi and soles of feet, dirty yellow; inside of bill and mouth,
bright salmon colour, deepest on the latter.

No. 348— 6. Length, 9.0 inches (19/9/86).

No. 445— ¢. Length, 8.9 inches (26/10/86).

No. 527— 6. Length, 9.0 inches (8/11/86).

156. OWENAVIS OSCULANS ROGERSI. Western Black-eared
Cuckoo.

Owenavis osculans rogersi (Mathews), Austral. Av. Rec.,

Irides, brown, bill and feet, black.

Vol. I., p. 18, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-west Australia.

No. 218—¢. Length, 7.85 inches (5/7/86).

No. 358—¢?. Length, 8.1 inches (2/8/86).

No. 359— ¢. Length, 7.8 inches (2/8/86).

No. 411—¢. Length, 8.1 inches (18/10/86).

These birds were observed in a thick tea-tree scrub.

157. NEOCHALCITES BASALIS WYNDHAMI. Western Narrow-
billed Bronze Cuckoo.

Chrysococcyx basalis wyndhani (Mathews), Austral. Ay.
Rec., Vol. I., p. 14, 1912. . Point Torment, North-west Aus-
tralia.

No. 118—Length, 6.8 inches (12/6/86).

Irides, brownish grey; bill, black, bluish at the base of
the lower mandible; feet mealy black.

160. POLOPHILUS PHASIANINUS MELANURUS. North-western
Coucal.

Centropus melanurus (Gould), Birds, Austral., Vol. IV.,
text te pl. 92, 1847. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 202— ¢. Length, 2 feet, 3 inches (28/6/86).

No. 214— 9. (1/7/86).

Irides, light greenish brown; spaée around the eye, bluish
lead cclour; bill, fleshy white; legs and feet, lead colour.

No. 220— ¢. Length, 25.7 (26/8/86).

165. HyLOCHELIDON NIGRICANS NEGLECTA. Western Tree
Martin.

Petrochelidon nigricans neglecta (Mathews), Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII., p. 301, 1912. Fitzroy River, North-west Aus-
tralia. Rae .

No. 297— @. Length, 4.8 inches.

No. 298.—Length, 4.7 inches (21/7/86).

MATHEW S—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 111

Bill and legs, black. Very common, occasionally rests on
dead trees in considerable numbers, chiefly in the early morn-
ing.

166. MicRoECA FASCINANS SUBPALLIDA. Western Pale Fly-
catcher.

Microeca fascinans subpalliida (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII., p. 302, 1912. Napier Broome Bay, North-west Aus-
tralia.

No. 54—¢@. Length, 5.2 inches (27/5/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, brown; legs, black.

No. 83—¢?. Length, 5.1 inches (2/6/86).

No. 84— ¢. Length, 5.1 inches (2/6/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, black, whitish at the base of the
lower mandible; feet black.

170. MELANODRYAS CUCULLATA picaTa. Pied Robin.

Melanodryas picata (Gould), Handb. Birds Austral., Vol.
I., p. 285, 1865. North-west Coast, Australia.

No. 487— 6. Length, 6.5 inches.

No. 492— @. Length, 5.7 (2/11/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, legs, and feet, black.

No. 499— 6. Length, 6.4 inches (8/11/06).

No. 502— 6. Length, 6.4 inches (3/11/06).

Irides, brown; bill, legs and feet, black.

No. 518—¢@. Length, 6.2 inches (5/11/86).

171. SMICRORNIS BREVIROSTRIS RoGERSI. North-western Tree
Tit.

Smicrornis brevirostris rogersi (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII., p. 307, 1912. Napier Broome Bay, North-west Aus-
tralia. ;

No. 191— ¢. Length, 3.2 (27/6/06).

No. 1983—¢@. Length, 3.2 27/6/06).

No. 209—¢@. Length, 3.5 (29/6/06).

No. 291— 6. Length, 3.4 (19/7/86).

No. 352—Length, 3.2 (2/8/86).

-No. 353—Length, 3.4 (2/8/86).

No. 368—Length, 3.7 (26/9/86).

172. GERYGONE OLIVACEA ROGERSI. Grey Fly-eater.

Gerygone albigularis rogerst (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIITI., p. 23,1911. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 95— 6. Length 4 inches (5/6/86).

Bill, brown, fleshy white at the base of the lower man-

dible; legs, bluish-grey.

S

112 MATHEWS—Birds of North und North-West Australia

No. 113— ¢. Length, 4.1 inches ( (8/6/86).

Irides, light red; pill, dark brown, feet, dark grey.

No. 115— 9. Een 4 inches (8/6/86).

Bill, dark brown, lighter at the base of the lower man-
dible.

No. 275— ¢. Length, 4 inches (5/9/86).

176. PoECILODRYAS SUPERCILIOSA BELCHERI. Western Buft-
sided Robin.

Pachycephala superciliosa belcheri (Mathews), Austral. Av.
Rec. Vol. I, p. 40, 1912. Napier Broome Bay, North- west
SUS

No. 221— 6. Length, 6.1 inches (27/8/86).

No. 267— $6. Length, 6.1 inches (3/9/86).

No. 305— ¢. (11/9/06).

No. 330—Length, 6.9 (16/9/86).

No. 332—Length 7 inches (16/9/86).

Irides, brown; feet and legs, brown.

No. 357— ¢. Length, 6.4 inches 17/9/86).

Irides, greyish brown; bill, black; feet and legs, brown.

No. 465—imm. Length, 4.7 inches (28/10/86).

Irides, pale slaty brown; the pupil with a bluish and dull
tint; eyelid, brown; somewhat lighter than the feathers of the
head; bill, brown; the cutting edges and gape yellowish
white; legs and feet light brown, with a purplish tint on the
tarsus; claws, white.

No. 467— ¢. Length, 6.8 (28/10/86).

No. 468—¢@. Length, 6.5 (28/10/86).

Irides, brown; bill, feet, and legs, black.

The song of this bird is most beautiful and varied. In
itself also it is a lovely bird when alive. The skins give no
idea of its real beauty, when seen sitting under the shade of
a tree giving forth its beautiful song, with the dark green as
a background. It is very robin-like in its movements, and
when singing frequently jerks up its head after the manner
of that bird. It moves along the branches in a very taking
manner, and when singing lets its wings fall below the tail;
the colours show out very brightly.

The two adults and young were obtained in a very shady
spot. On the male being wounded and falling to the ground,
the female went down to him, and both were secured, a pair
not having been seen together before. The young one could
fiy, and also had to be shot.

=a

*
PARSONS—A Day in the Mallee. eles
178. PACHYCEPHALA PECTORALIS MELANURA. Black-tailed
Thickhead.

Pachycephala melanura (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.),
1842, p. 134, 1843. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 311— ¢. Length, 6.6 inches (25/7/86).
180. LEWINORNIS RUFIVENTRIS cOoLLETTI. Western Rufous-

breasted Thickhead.

Pachycephala rufiventris colletti (Mathews), Austral. Ay.
Rec., Vol. I., p. 41. Parry’s Creek, North-west Australia.

No. 188— 6. Length, 6.5 inches (26/6/86).

Trides, reddish brown; bill and feet, blacix.

No. 189—¢@. Length, 6.2 (26/6/86).

Bill brown, lower mandible lighter at the base. The
above are a pair shot together.

No. 19%7— 6 Length, 6.7 (27/6/86).

Irides, reddish brown; bill, legs, and feet, black.

No. 275— @. Length, 6.8 inches (17/7/86).

No. 354— 6. Length, 6.7 inches (2/8/86).

No. 476— 6. Length, 6.7 inches (29/10/86)

The males of this subspecies are very shy, and not easily
obtained, the females and young birds are easily shot. Their
note is full and sweet.

A Day in the Mallee.
By F. E. Parsons, R.A.O.U.

The new railway from Tailem Bend to Paringa passes
through very uninteresting and monotonous looking country
for the average traveller; the first 100 miles being through
dense dwarf mallee covering slightly undulating sandy soil.
The only break in the monotonous outlook being an occasio-
nal small galvanized iron humpy, and a clearing of 100 or
200 acres.

To anyone interested in ornithology the country is how-

ever, extremely interesting, and suggests great possibilities

to one able to spend a few hours in the scrub, for no forms of
bird life are more interesting than those whose habitat is the
vast unfrequented mallee covered areas between the River
Murray and the Victorian border.

During the first week in May I had occasion to go to Pun-
gonda siding, on the Paringa line, and as the trains only re-

114 PARSONS—A Day in the Mallee.

\
turn to Adelaide every other day, I found that after com-
pleting my business, I had to wait a day for the next train.
My time was fully occupied in observing and collecting some
of the many species of birds to be found in the district. The
wheat stack at the siding was very dilapidated, due to the
ravages of mice, and a large quantity of the grain was loose
and strewn about; this had attracted scores of Crested
Bronzewing Pigeons (Ocyphaps lophotes), Mallee Parrots
(Barnardius barnardi), and Blue Bonnets (Northiella haemato-
gaster canthorrhoa), which seemed to like the idea of being
able to secure such a feed without the necessity of fossicking
for it.

A specimen of Barnardius barnardi was shot from a pine
tree, and while the shot holes were being plugged, great inte-
rest was being taken in the operation by three striped honey
eaters (Plectorhyncha lanceolata), a butcher bird (Cracticus sp.),
and a beautifully plumed mallee parrot (Barnardius barnardi),
all of which were hopping about on the lower branches of the
pine tree over my head, while two beautiful pink cockatoos
(Lophochroa leadbeateri) circled aloft, evidently attracted by
the large piece of white cotton wool. Only eight years ago
I noticed flocks of many scores of these beautiful cockatoos in
this district, but residents inform me that it is rarely many
of these birds are seen now.

An unexpected bird was met with on the more open
country; the chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus rufi-
ceps). These were present in great numbers; they are ex-
tremely energetic and active birds, and at once attract atten-
tion by their snow white fronts and peculiar calls. This
bird is by far the most rowdy of the three species found in
South Australia.

Another unexpected bird procured was the short-billed
crow (Corvus bennetti). These birds were plentiful in the
district, and are shot by the farmers whenever occasion
arises, because of their decided liking for fowls’ eggs.

Several magpies were seen, all of which were the black-
backed variety (Gymnorhina tibicen).

Three species of tit warblers were noticed. (Acanthiza
pusilla hamiltoni, Acanthiza wropygialis, and Geobasileus
chrysorrhous). These birds prefer the pine country, and fre-
quently all three species could be seen feeding on the ground
together.

Many companies of the black-backed wrens (Malurus
melanotus) were met with, but unfortunately the beauty of

PARSONS—A Day in the Mallee. 115

this little bird was lost, as none of the males was in full
breeding plumage.

Some other species ideftified with certainty were as fol-
lows :—

Geopelia placida tranquilla (peaceful dove).—These grace-
ful birds went about in little flocks of 6 or 12 birds, and would
come about the doors of the farm houses.

Zonifer tricolor (black-breasted plover).—Four or five
birds could always be seen in a cleared grass paddock.

Uroaetus audax (wedge-tailed eagle)—Only one noticed;
it was soaring aloft. A nest was seen of this spcies, built in
a large mallee in a secluded part of the scrub.

Polytelis anthopeplus (black-tailed parrot)—Only _ five
birds were seen. I think these birds are plentiful closer to
the River Murray.

Psephotus varius (many coloured parrot)—Several of
these were met with in the scrub, but only a pair at a time;
they were very confiding, and could be approached to within
a few yards.

Whiteornis goodenovii (red-capped robin)—Many pairs of
this species were seen; they seemed to be always close to the
pine clumps.

Seisura inquieta (restless fly catcher)——A very common
bird; the residents of the district thought it was the common
willie wagtail (Leucocirca tricolor), but none of that species
were noticed. 5

Pseudartamus cyanopterus (wood swallow). — This
species was very plentiful; not many were noticed during the
day, but towards dusk they came in large numbers to roost
in blackwood trees close to the house. They clustered to-
gether, but did not hang on one another like bees swarming,
as I understand they do sometimes. First five or six settled
on a short bough, then others settled on them, and then
others, until a dark mass was formed about 18 inches high,
but all the birds were above the supporting bough. Some
birds were very much lighter in colour than others; they may
have been immature birds, or perhaps a sub-species.

Oreoica cristata (crested bell bird).—These were fairly
numerous, especially where the growth was not too thick.
They would run under a bush and remain stationary for quite
a long time.

Aphelocephala leucopsis (white face)—These birds were
plentiful, and often were in company with Acanthizae about
the pine clumps. ‘

116 ZIHTZ—The Grey- ee Petrel.

Neositta pileata tenuirostris (black-capped tree runner).—
This is a very restless bird, it is never still. Five or six
would quickly make their appearance, and just as quickly de-
part, flying from tree to tree always searching under the bark
for insects, working spirally down the tree trunk.

Pardalotus punctatus xanthopygus (golden-rumped dia-
‘mond bird)—A very common bird in the mallee. It can
always be detected from the following species by its mournful
single note call.

Pardalotus striatus subaffinis (red tipped diamond bird.—
Also a very common bird, and like the foregoing species
very often the first indication of its presence is the snapping
of its bill in procuring insects from the leaves sometimes only
six or eight feet above one’s head.

Acanthagenys vrufogularis cygnus' (spiny-cheeked honey
eater).—These birds are very numerous, and have a Very
varied lot of calls.

Lichenostomus ornatus tailemi (yellow-plumed honey eater).

Ptilotula penicillata (white-plumed honey eater).—These
two species are the commonest birds of the mallee country.

Although only one day could be spent among the birds,
quite a number of interesting forms were met with, and I am
sure that it would be difficult to find a tract of country in
South Australia more prolific as regards variety and interest,
especially in the nesting season.

The Grey-faced Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera
Smith)—_A New Record for the S.A. Coast.
By F. R. Zietz, R.A.O.U.

Contribution from the S.A. Museum.

One of these birds, a female, was picked up alive on the
Brighton beach, on the 19th of August, this year.. Evidently
it had been blown ashore by the heavy westerly gales whieh
were e3 <perienced atathat time.) Lis general colouration is a
brownish black, showing a lighter colour where the feathers
have become worn when being buffeted about in the storm,
evidence of which was found in the bruised condition of the
wings, when the bird was being skinned. The feathers of
the forehead, lores and chin are gréyish brown, a _ velvety

BHLLCHAMBERS— Notes from Humbug Serub. 117

black patch in front of each eye. Eyes dark brown; bill and
feet, black.
The following measurements were taken in the flesh :—

Wo rele nh qh ee cvs) oon in,
CGiuibimmenie a te tore stan we cet tN Ns 34 m.m.
RVG ee re et oe cin ne hae ebay TOMS EDL,
ITNT Uist AM aT eC a eee ar nn aie aa edi 4 00
RENE Oe) ek AON cal i Sarat Rey Mike ease 41 m.m.
Spreador mumece: sy 2 | Of mm:

Notes from Humbug Scrub.
By T. P. Bellchambers.

August.—Discovered two nests in garden belonging tol
white-bearded honey eaters. Nests situated low down in
pines, and lined with kangaroo fur.

August ist.—Nest of white-plumed honey eater and two
eggs.

August 1Ist.—Nest of babblers building.

August 1st.—Tits have built a nest in roof of cottage.
August 1st.—Landrail still here very quiet.

August 10th.—Night Heron paid visit to dam.

August 10th—My hybrid ducks have started sitting;
male keeps guard as usual with black duck. .

August 10th—Pet Teal paid us a visit, for two seasons,
she has nested away from home each time, bringing home
brood when grown up, but they did not stay.

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.
By His Son, 8. A. Wurtz, M.B.O.U.

XIV. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR.

Samuel White, writing under Monday, July 5th, states:—
“This morning I started early to try and find the Para-
disea that was seen yesterday, but did not see a trace of it.
Returned in the afternoon wet to the skin as usual, and with
four birds only. Andrews as usual secured nothing.

118 WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

Cockerell went back some distance in the island and struck a
piece of good country, where he procured three lovely little
kingfishers and two Paradisea apoda in full plumage with the
exception of the side plumes. The country is so dense in
most places that it is impossible to travel through it, and just
now water is oozing out everywhere; and although the islands
have the appearance of being low throughout, they are really
quite hilly in some places, having rather deep ravines in many
instances, and so thickly entangled with fallen trees, vines,
and other undergrowth, that is impossible to penetrate this
thick mass without cutting a way in. The weather to-day
has been wet, rain began to fall about 10 a.m., and heavy
showers fell all the afternoon. The natives came off in num-
bers again when they saw me come off to the craft, bringing
all sorts of things. I purchased birds, rats, seeds, shields,
bows and arrows, reptiles, and many other things. Some
natives coming down the Watalli Channel would not part
with two plumes for less than 20/ a piece.”

The 6th was spent on board the yacht owing to the con-
tinuous and heavy rain, all day. Samuel White
and his taxidermists occupied their time skin-
ning and curing birds, reptiles, etc., my father doing
the bulk of the work as usual. The officers and mem-
bers of the crew amused themselves- mending their clothing
and reading. A number of natives came off to the boat,
bringing five birds, three plumes, besides numbers of shells
and some bananas, all of which were purchased with calico,
tobacco, and beads. During the day a large canoe came
down from Batuli at the east end of the Watalli Channel.
These men wore calico round them, were very clean, but could
speak neither Malay nor English. Next morning Samuel
White landed with his two collectors. The weather was
threatening, but the rain kept off. My father and Cockerell
followed a creek which led into the interior of the island of
Wokan. There was water in the creek which ran over a bot-
tom of coral and petrified shells, being clear of scrub, formed
a rough road. The stream was followed for about four miles,
and was found in places to be ankle deep, and in others up to
the traveller’s waists. At four miles the creek branched off
into many small streams, the largest of which was followed
for another three miles, when it became so overgrown and
choked up with vines and thick scrub, that it had to be left.
My father says in his notes:—‘Proceeded to a little rising
ground, and after a short search we heard Paradisea apoda.

WHITH—A Sketch of the Infe of Samuel White. 119

We went under a large tree and imitated the bird’s call,
which sounds like the words ‘wark,’ ‘wark’ repeated five or six
times in succession. -We had not long to wait when a bird in
full plume came into the tree and perched on a bough directly
over my man’s head and commenced dancing in their pecu-
liar fashion, with its golden plumes spread out and waving
in the wind, it seemed but an instant and the report of my
companion’s gun rang out, and the bird was writhing
amongst the wet leaves, for it was raining fast. It was a
lovely bird with full length of plumes, which were of a deep
_vich golden orange, tipped with light brown; the bill was blue,
and it bright eyes saffron yellow. A _ broad ring round
the base of the bill as far back as the eye was of a deep rich
green, and the hair-like feathers stood on end like plush. On
the throat and under part of the neck the feathers are short
and stiff, and of a rich shining emerald green; the chest is
of a deep purplish brown; the under part deep chocolate
brown; the top of the head and back of neck, rich straw yel-
low; the feathers of the head are short and stiff, and stand on
end; but lengthen as they proceed down the back of the neck;
the back wings and tail are a deep rich chocolate brown; the
shafts of the two centre tail feathers are lengthened out be-
yond the tail to a length of 20 or 30 inches, and are of a wiry
nature. This is a glorious bird seen in its native wilds, and
this is the first adult P. apoda I have seen in the flesh. The
chief object of my calling at the Aru’s is accomplished, for I
have the first great bird of paradise. It is the largest of the
genus, and is the size of a crow, measuring 274 inches from
tip to tip of wings, and from tip of bill to the end of short
tail feathers, 185 inches. We secured two other specimens,
one a female, which was all chocolate brown. deener on the
head and chest, and is a smaller bird; the other a male, want-
ing but the side plumes to make it perfect. The birds require
to be 8 or 10 years old before they are quite perfect, then they.
become exceedingly shy. The tree under which we stood
happened to be one which'the birds select to “dance in.’ He
was attracted by the noise we made, and came to his accus-
tomed place to display his beautiful plumes, and was uncon-
scious of our presence. Several more were heard and looked
for, but the rain fell in torrents without ceasing, the sun had
been obscured all day, and every rivulet was now swollen to
a foaming torrent. The large creek by which we came up
was full of muddy water, so wé had to take to the scrub, and
not being able to see the sun, mistook the bearings and came

120 WHITHE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

out on the west side of the island beyond where Andrews was
lost. The beach along the coast is rocky and impassable,
and as darkness was coming on we could not think of going
through the scrub again, so made up our minds to wait till
morning on the shore, but just as light was going a native
prau came past on its way to the mouth of the Watalli Chan-
nel. We waded out and boarded the native craft. After a
long time poling along the coast, on and off reefs, we got near
-enough to make our people hear us, as the yacht had that day
dr agced her anchor about two miles down stream. <A boat
came off and took us on board at midnight. The weather
had been excessively wet, the rain poured down continually
all day till dark, when it eased up for a short time.”

It is only a keen field ornithologist who can enter into
the deep feelings which impelled my father to write these
notes. Can the reader follow this wonderful field worker
wading up a stream past his waist treading over
the cruel coral, forcing his way through prickly jungle, rain
falling incessantly, soaked to the skin. Then all is forgot-
ten, and he is kneeling amidst the wet fallen leaves of a tropi-
cal jungle with a great bird of paradise in his hands; there
on the spot he is noting up the colour of the soft parts before
they fade in death, not only that, but taking notes of the won-
derful lustre of the great bird, and he says in his notes he has
accomplished that which brought him to the Aru Islands, and
had seen Paradisea apoda in all its glory in its native habitat,
Taking his precious prize he has to plunge into the jungle, gets
off his bearings, and comes out many miles along the coast
from the yacht, rain falling all the time; at midnight he is
able to change and get food. Not a word of complaint or
comment upon the great privation is found in his notes, for
he had succeeded in his quest. His must have been indeed
a contitution of iron, but he overdid it as the sequel of this
short sketch will show. ‘The next day, the 8th, was again
‘wet, so my father and his two collectors remained on board
and cured specimens, the owner of the yacht trading with
the natives, which thronged the vessel all day. It required
no end of time and patience to trade with these men. “No”
would be said to one man twenty times or more, yet still he
would persist in offering his stuff. My father gave orders
to shift the yacht about two miles up stream, and the anchor
was dropped just off the end of the island in ten fathoms of
water over a rocky bottom. In between the showers during
the afternoon Cockerell took the dinghey and pulled on shore

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 121

and secured a few parrots: The natives brought off some
birds as well as a fine wallaby, which were all traded for. In
mny father’s notes dated the 9th he writes:—“I did not go on
shore to-day, but stayed on board to skin some birds and do
Some writing, but the natives pestered me so much that I
could not get on with my work. Anything the natives have
to barter the Malays or Macassar men seem to take in hand
for them, and prove far more troublesome than the Aru men.
1 was hours to-day bartering for two birds. Some wanted
rice, tobacco, calico, rope, and one man wanted the ship’s
anchors. Cockerell came on board in the afternoon with
some birds, so I went on skinning again. Andrews came off
in the evening with nothing as usual. I bartered and traded
with the natives to-day for a few insects, besides seeds, shells,
animals, etc. Rain fell off and on all day, but the even-
ing is clear.” The night was clear and fine, but at daylight
rain began to fall. My father ordered a boat out, and landed
~ with Cockerell. They came off to the yacht in the afternoon
drenched to the skin, with a few birds. The latter were
almost spoilt owing to being unable to dry them during such
damp weather, the atmosphere being so charged with mois-
ture. Andrews went on shore during the afternoon, but came
off without a single specimen. The natives crowded on
board all day. Birds, insects, shells, etc., besides a plume
were traded for. It was laughable to see them come on
board with all manner of things. One man would have a
joint of bamboo filled with worms, centipedes, and such crea-
tures; another a basket full of dead shells picked.up from the
beach; a boy would have a small basket filled with pieces of
basiana leaves, each piece folded and tied up with a piece of
Split rattan, in each parcel there was a bug, a small beetle, or
a spider, a grasshopper, or a cockroach. They brought
small birds shot with blunt arrows, strung through the nose
with split cane, live birds tied by the legs to a piece of stick
by rattan, birds eggs, bows, arrows, spears, and numerous
other things. _ As each man presented his article for trade
he would cry ‘“Tombacco” (tobacco) “Mama mama” (beads), or
whatever he wished for, but when a plume was offered rupees
were askd for, and if by chance they took trade for it, they
would take care to receive or demand twenty shillings worth.
They seemed to have a set commercial price, and it is like per-
sonal estate to them. It still continued raining day and
night. On the 11th some notes show that Samuel White
served out the week’s stores to the cook as usual, then set to

too WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of ‘Samuel Lise

work at his writing. The weather was very wet up to noo
- when Cockerell and one of the crew took a boat and pul
over to the other side of the channel, where there was
creek. He brought back a few birds, amongst them a h
_ plumed “apoda’. The natives were on board all the aft
- noon with all kinds of rubbish in leaves. Two birds we
bartered for, but several others were so knocked about thai
they were of no use. The weather in the evening gave ind
cations of clearing up. me
In some notes dated the 12th my father writes:—“Thi
morning I had a boat swung out and landed a little way u
- the channel. I made my way to a large fig tree which was
in fruit, where a variety of birds assembled. I stayed till m
about 2 p.m. and secured 12 birds. Cockerell went over on ‘
Kobror and took two half-plumed apodas and two king bir
of paradise (Paradisea regia). 1 bartered for a few sma
birds, besides other things, from the natives, when I returne
tothe yacht. The weather has been splendid to-day, the su®

etc. The wind blew fresh from the S.E.”

On the 13th-all hands remained on board. My fat
and his two collectors skinning birds and animals all day, the
former dealing with the natives as they came on board w

specimens. The natives soon found that the “Rajah” had
set price (ie., a stick of tobacco), for small birds which were
shot with blunt arrows, and this gave less trouble. Birds, |
lizards, shells, seeds, eggs, rats, etc., were secured during the
day. "The crew listed the yacht and painted her at the water —
line. The weather was very fine, rather warm in the middle
of the day.

On Wednesday, 14th, Samuel White writes:—“Thi
morning I made my way to the fig tree again, and secured
ao beautiful Bison Returned to the yacht, and na

x says
(eevee ie
j

{ Ye:

aes

i!

ON

MO

aay

THE

south Australian

ORNITHOLOGIST.

ee

Editorial Committee :

R. CROMPTON, R.A.O.U.
A. M. MorcGan, M.B., Cu.B.
o. A. WHITE, M.BO.U.
fs Re ZT, Ma AY OL.

Secretary :
F. M. ANGEL,
e/O Wee S& El. O. Wills, Lid
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

Pen ern
TT pg alee

- \ 4 Ree OL Lala AUR
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CONTENTS.

The South Australian Ornithological Association
Order Coccyges, Family Cuculidae, Genus Heteroscenes
Birds of Port Broughton. A. M. Morgan, M.B., B.Ch.

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia (No. 18).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U. .” 5

Birds observed fn the Neighbourhood of panBende, South Austra-
lia. Edwin Ashby, ™M. B.0.U. :

Cuckoo Egys in Blue Wren’s Nest. F. E. Parsons, R.A.O.U.

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,

Sailor, and peulerey ae his son, ee S. A. White,
M B.O.U. f :

145

te ys |

South Australian Ornithologist

Vou. III.] ‘Ist JANUARY, 1918. ~ | PARa., 5:

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

Report of meetings held at the Royal Society’s room,
North Terrace Adelaide.

SEPTEMBER 28th, 1917.

The President, Mr. A. G. Edquist, occupied the chair,
there being only a moderate attendance. Mr. J. D. Connor,
who was nominated at the last meeting, was duly elected a
member. The President read a letter which he had received
from the head teacher of the Napperby School commenting
upon the unusual number of water birds present this season,
and mentioned severai instances of protected birds having
been found shot. The schooi children were keenly interested
in their protection, and asked for a further supply of bird pro-
tection notices.

Mr. J. W. Mellor reported that he had observed the
Harmonious Thrush devouring the black woolly caterpillars
(larvae of the moth Spilosoma glatygni). Four cuckoos were
noted in the district, namely the Pallid, Fan-tailed, Bronze,
and Narrow-billed Bronze. Mr. Mellor also recorded the
Glossy Ibis at Fulham, a very unusual visitor to the district.

Mr. A. Crompton gave a very interesting account of birds
observed during a short holiday at Yunta Creek.

Mr. B. Henderson reported a curious nesting place of
swallows, the birds having built their nest on top of the
shower in a bath room of one of the River Murray steamers.

128 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

The rest of the evening was devoted to discussion of
Mathew’s Hand List Nos. 540 to 549 (Ground Thrushes and
Ephthianuras). Owing to the small meeting there was not
a large range of specimens tabled, those exhibited being from
the S.A. Museum and Mr. F. E. Parsons’ private collection.

OCTOBER 26th, 1917.

The monthly meeting was held on Friday evening in the
Royal Society’s rooms, North Terrace. Capt. S. A. White
presided.

Mr. E. Ashby reported having seen many Shell Parrots
(Melopsitiacus wndulatus) at Blackwood this season.

Mr. J. W. Mellor also stated that these birds were plenti-
fui at Lockleys, and seemed to be travelling north. Mr. Mel-
lor gave interesting notes upon birds observed for the month
at Lockleys. He stated that the landrails were numerous in
the crops, and remarkably quiet. The Masked Owl (Tyto alba
delicatula) was plentiful, and the Laughing Jack (Dacelo gigas)
was nesting in the hollow gums. The Native Hens
(Microtribonyx ventralis whiter) were much in evidence. Inte-
resting bird notes sent in by Mr. Bellchambers were read. .

The chief item of the evening was an account given by »
Mr. Ashby of a few days’ trip made by Mr. F. Parsons and
himself to a locality between the Paringa Railway line and
the Victorian border. Mr. Ashby described the country, and
exhibited birdskins collected by the two ornithologists during
their brief stay. Among them were the red-capped babbler,
red‘backed wren, white-browed treecreeper, crested pigeon,
Barnard’s parrot, Gilbert’s thickhead, yellow-throated minah,
Lanceolated honey-eater, black and white swallow, and white-
throated nightjar.

The Hon. Secretary (Mr. F. M. Angel) was requested to
convey the sympathy of the members to Mr. Saunders during
his severe illness.

NOVEMBER 30th, 1917.

Mr. A. G. Edquist presided. An apology was received
from Capt. S. A. White, who was away investigating the
spread of sparows along the Great Western Railway.

Mr. Edwin Ashby reported that the White-browed
Babbler (Pomatostomus superciliosa) had been observed at
Blackwood taking young sparrows from their nest and drop-
ping them to the ground. Dr. A. M. Morgan confirmed this
habit of this useful bird.

The South Australian Ornithological Association. 129

Mr. F. R. Zietz stated that Black Ducks were reported to
have nested in old crows’ nests at Mundoo, but on inspecting
the locality on a recent trip he found that the crows had
cleared them all out.

The principal business of the evening was an account by
Dr. Morgan of a trip to the Port Broughton district. An inte-
resting description of the country visited and the birds in-
habiting it was given, about 70 species having ‘been identified.
A small collection of skins was exhibited, and included what
was considered a new subspecies of Acanthiza iredalet.
The members were interested in an unusual nest of the
Thickhead, the one exhibited having been constructd in
bracken with green grass and macerated gum leaves. The
Doctor also, showed a curious clutch of the eggs of the Little
Shag, one being fully and others partially lime-coated.

In view of the Christmas holidays it was decided not to
hold a meeting in December.

Order Coccyges, Family Cuculidae,
Genus Heteroscenes.

Heteroscenes pallidus.—Pallid Cuckoo.

Description.—Adult male, general colour above greyish-
brown, a white spot on the nape. Forehead, throat, sides of
body and under surface ashy grey. Centre of abdomen and
under tail coverts white, the latter with narrow brown cross
bars.

Wing.—Primaries and secondaries brown, with white
cross bars on their inner webs. The inner webs of the basal
portion of ithe secondaries, and the upper edge of the wing,
white.

Tail Blackish brown, notched or barred with white on
both webs of the feathers.

Legs and feet olive.

Bill.—Black base of lower mandible olive.

Iris.—Brown.

Orbital ring —Bright yellow.

Inside of mouth.—Orange.

Measurement.—Total length in flesh, 310 m.m.; wing, 196
m.m.; tail, 163 m.m.; bill, 19 m.m.; tarsus, 20 m.m.

130 Order Coccyges, Family Cuculidae, Genus Heteroscenes.

Wa aan ce

Adult female.—A1l under surface poner grey, lighter
on the flanks and vent, the feathers of the former being faintly
barred with dark grey; sides of neck and throat mottled with
black and rufous; wing coverts strongly mottled with pale
grey and rufous; tail feathers barred on both sides with
rufous and white; upper tail, grey and elongated like those of
male, and ‘often mottled with white; under tail coverts white
with a few dark markings. Bill—Olive brown, becoming
yellow at the gape; inside of mouth, deep orange.

Feet.—Yellowish brown.

Orbital ring.— Yellow.

Iris.—bBrown.

In some cases the female has the white spot on the nape.

Young.—Both sexes are much lighter in plumage than the
adults. Both are mottled, but this is less marked in the male
in which sex the rufous tint is very faint. The female takes
on a deep rufous mottling from the nest, and retains most of it
throughout life. In Captain S.A. White’s collection are speci-
mens from the eastern states, showing very little rufous on the
throat, and the black marking on that part of the body are very
faint, and show a greyish tint.

The difference between male and female was first pointed
out in these pages by Captain White. Previous to that time
the mottled bird was considered to be the immature form.

Distribution—The whole of Australia including Tas-
mania. Birds from the Northern Territory and Western Aus-
tralia have been described as subspecifically distinct.

Habits.—They are strictly migrating, arriving on the Ade-
laide plains from the north about the middle of July, though
Mr. J. W. Mellor has noted them at the Reedbeds as early as
the middle of June. In the hills they are not usually seen un-
til the end of July or early in August. They do not congre-
gate in flocks. The birds very usually single, or at most in
twos when one is generally chasing the other. They perch
always on an exposed branch of a tree, or upon a fence post,
and prefer open plains or thickly timbered country to the thick
scrub. Much of their time is spent upon the ground, where
they get most of their food. They leave the Adelaide district
probably about the beginning of December, and go northward,
but how far is not known, but they have not so far been ob-
served outside of Australia. _ The greater number of the birds
seen on the Adelaide plains are on passage, probably for the
Eastern States, for eggs and young birds are very rare in this
district.

i]

Order Coccyges, Family Ouculidae, Genus Heteroscenes. 131

Song —When on the wing they utter a harsh discordant
scream; but when perched the note is very different. It is
thus described by Mr. E. Ashby, who, with a musical friend,
took careful notes of it. ‘The melancholy whistle commences
with a note uttered several times; then rising in a series of
five to eight semi-tones and completing the effort by repeating
the final note several times. As far as my observations go
the series of half tones, with a rising inflexion is usually limi-
ted to five or six, but there is a considerable variation in the
number of times the bird repeats the first or the final notes.” It
is said that the whistling note is sometimes uttered when
on the wing. In the Adelaide district the birds are
silent or almost so on their first arrival, and also for some time
before their departure. When uttering the whistling note,
the male sits with the head up and the wing drooped, this note
is not made by the female, but both sexes have the harsh flight
cali. The whistling call is uttered at night, more commonly
on moonlight nights; but also when quite dark.

Flight——Rapid, straight, and undulating.

Food.—Consist entirely of insects and their larvae ; a
favourite food is hairy catterpillars, the stomachs of all the
birds being found lined with their Sharp hairs. This circum-
stance formerly gave rise to the statement that cuckoos had
hairy stomachs.

Nest.—They build no nest, being purely parasitic in their
nidification. In this State the egg is invariably laid in the
nest of some species of honey-eater. The commonest being the
Greenie. (Ptilotula pennicillata; the Minah (Myzantha melanoce-
phaia}; the black-capped Honey-eater (Uv elithreptus lunatus); the
Wattle-bird (Coelia carunculata); and the Singing Honey-eater
(Ueliphaga sonora.)

Eggs.—As only one egg is laid in each nest, the number
laid by one female is unknown. The ege is oval in shape, but
Slightly smaller at one end. ‘The ground colour is a
light yellowish pink sometimes quite uniform, and some-
times with faint indications of spots of a somewhat
darker hue and occasionally with one or two Sharply defined
small dark brown spots; there is seldom any indication of a
zene. Two eggs measured A. 2.35 ¢.m. x 1.70 e.m.; B. 2.45 ¢.m.
x 1.80 cm.

132 MORGAN—FBirds of Port Broughton.

Birds of Port Broughton.
By A. M. Morgan, M.B., B.Ch.

Port Broughton is situated upon an arm of the sea on
Spencer’s Gulf, about midway between Port Pirie and Wal-
laroo. The surrounding country was originally dense mallee
scrub, now all cut down and replaced by wheat, except along
the roads, all of which have a belt of scrub on either
side of track; and, two or ‘three small patches which have so
far escaped. The largest piece of virgin scrub is a government
reserve of about 100 acres, near Clement’s Gap, about 15
miles from the towuship. The creek is margined by large
mangroves, and there 'is a mangrove covered island, about four
miles below the town. On the western side of the creek is a
large samphire swamp, intersected by many small creeks.
There is ‘also on this side a large patch of acacia ‘and sheaoak
scrub. ‘There is a fine well-kept hotel, the landlord of which
Mr. Wall, is most obliging in assisting visitors to see the dis-
trict.

Birds observed.—

(1) Coturnis. pectoralis—Stubble Quail—Very common,
constantly heard calling in the wheat fields.

(2) Austroturnix velor—Button Quail.—Several birds were
put up and one was found dead in the mangroves.

(3) Phaps chalcoptera—Bronze-wing pigeon.—Rare, occa-
sionally heard calling in the mallee at 'Clement’s Gap.

(4) Wicrotribonys ventralis whitei—Black-tailed native hen.
Seen in thousands on a swamp near Snowtc m.

(5) Thalasseus bergiit poliocercus—Crested tern.—A few
birds seen. fishing over the creek.

(6) Bruchigavia novehollandie ethele—Silver Gull.—Very
common, they sometimes come right into the township.

(7) Gabianus pacificus—Pacific Gull.—There were always
a few birds hovering about the end of the jetty.

(8) Hydrochelidon leucopareia fluviatilis—Marsh Tern.—Seen
in numbers hovering over a Swamp near Snowtown.

(9) Haematopus ostralegus longirostris—Pied oyster-catcher:
A single bird seen on a mud flat at low tide.

(10) Lobibyx novaehollandie—Spur-winged .plover.—A few
birds seen on the borders of the mud flats.

(11) Leucopolius ruficapillus—Red-capped dotterel.—Com-
mon on the beach. a few were in pairs, but most of them were
in small flocks.

\

MORGAN — Birds of Port Broughton. 133

(12) Glottis nebularis glottoides—Greenshank.—A few soli-
tary birds were seen feeding near the edge of the mangroves.
(18) Carphibis spinicollis—Straw-necked ibis—Seen on a

swamp near Snowtown. ~

(14) Herodias alba—White egret.—Seen on the Snowtown
Swamp. A flock of seven roosted during the day on the man-
groves opposite the town.

(18) Nntophoya novaehollandie—White-fronted heron or
blue crane.—Common along the shores of the creek.

(15) Notophoyx novehollandie—White-fronted heron or.
on the Snowtown swamp.

(16) Mesocarbo ater—Little black cormorant.—Common
in the water and roosting on the mangroves.

-(17) Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus— Orange-faced cormorant.

Very common, many hundreds roosted at night in the man-

groves opposite the town. There is a large “rookery” of
these birds on the mangrove island to the north of the town;
consisting of hundreds of nests in ‘the mangroves. The bushes
which have been occupied for Some years are all dead, pre-
sumably killed by the guano; the nests were not occupied at
the time of ‘our visit, a's in the locality the breeding season is
the autumn.

(18) Microcarbo melanoleucus—Little pied cormorant.—
Fairly common usually in company with the last species.

(19) Circus \approximans gouldi—Swamp hawk.—Not com-
mon, an occasional bird seen hawking over the crops or sam-
phire flat.

(20) Cerchneis cenchroides—Kestrel.—Not common, a few
birds seen in each patch of scrub.

(21) Pandion haliaetus cristatus—Osprey.—A solitary bird
sat on top of the mast of a yacht in the harbour, for the grea.
ter part of one afternoon. I was told that a few years ago, a
pair built a great stick nest on one of the beacons marking the
channel, but it had fallen down at the time of our visit.

(22) Leptolophus auricomis—Cockatoo parrot.—A pair seen
investigating hollows in the mallee.

(23) Psephotus varius rosinae—Many-coloured parrot.—
Only two pairs seen in the mallee bordering the roads.

(24) Melopsittacus undulatus—Shell parrot. NB com
mon, seen ‘daily in small flocks, and also nesting in the hollow

mallee trees.
(25) Cosmaerops ornatus—Bee-eater.—Common. They

were in pairs preparing to nest.
(26) Neochalcites basalis mellori—Narrow-billed bronze

cuckoo.—Not common.

134 MORGAN—Birds of Port Broughton.

(27) Lamprococcyx lucidus—Broad-billed bronze cuckoo.—
Only seen once.

(28) Hirundo neoxena—W elcome swallow.—Very common;
breeding.

(29) Cheramoeca leucosternum stonei—Black and white swal-
low.—A pair found nesting in a sand bank near Bute. .

(30) Lagenoplastes ariel—Bottle swallow.—Uncommon;
only a few birds seen in the township, none elsewhere.

(31) Microeca fascinans—Brown flycatcher.—Very com-
mon; ‘breeding. A newly hatched chick was quite naked,
black, and had the eyes closed.

(32) Whiteornis goodenovii—Red-capped robin.—Fairly
common; they had apparently finished breeding.

(33) Smicrornis brevirostris viridescens—Short-billed tree-tit.
Seen occasionally in the short mallee.—Not common.

(84) Lewinornis rufiventris inornatus—Rufous-breasted
thickhead.—Common in the patches of mallee and along the
roads; ‘a bird shot proved to be a male in breeding condition,
but in female plumage. Iris, dark brown; legs and feet, dark
grey; inside of mouth, yellowish white. Total length, 17.75
c.m.

(35) Rhipidura flabellifera whitei—White-shafted fantail—
Only a solitary bird seen.

(86) Leucocirca tricolor—Wagtail—Common; breeding.
Some had young out of the nest, while others were still build-
ing.

37; Seisura anguiei¢—Restless fly-catcher.—Several pairs
seen; one pair was feeding large young.

(88) Coracina novehollandie melanops—Black-faced cuckoo
shrike.-A few birds seen apparently only passing over.

(39) Lalage tricolor—White-shouldered catterpillar bird.—
Many pairs seen; one male bird seen building nest.

(40) Morganornis superciliosus—W hite-browed babbler.—
Common; they had finished breeding.

(41) Cinclorhamphus cruralis cantatoris—Black-breasted
song lark.—Very common in the wheat crops and grass lands.

(42) Epthianura albifrons—White-fronted tin-tac.—Com-
mon on the samphire flats. Breeding. s

(43) Poodytes gramineus dubius—Grass bust: —Common on
the samphire flats. Breeding.

(44) Acanthiza pusilla hamiltoni—Red- datiniped tit —Commoz
in the mangroves, and also in the mallee; a male and female
were collected. Total length 11 c.m.. Iris, light brown; bill

«

MORGAN—Birds of Port Broughton. 135

upper mandible black, lowe” dark horn. colour; lees and feet,
dark brown; inside of mouth, black.

(45) Acanthiza uropygialis augusta—Chestnut-rumped tit.
Not common; one pair found breeding.

(46) Acanthiza iredalei sub. sp.—These birds were common
in a patch of acacia and sheaoak scrub. Across the creek
from the town. A male and female collected differ con-
siderably from western and central Australian specimens, and
will probably be described as a new sub-species. ‘Total length,
6 1025¢m.; 2 10cm. Iris, white; bill, black; legs and feet,
very dark brown.

(47) Geobasileus chrysorrhous addendus—Yellow-rumped tit.
Common in the mallee and about the township. Breeding.

(48) Pyrrholaemus brunneus—Red-throat.—While “chirp-
ing” up some acanthizae in the acacia scrub, a male of this
species came within a few feet of me, this ‘was the only one
seen.

(49) Sericornis maculatus sub. sp—Common in the man-
groves. Iris, light grey; legs and feet, light brown; Dill—
upver mandible, dark ‘brown; lower, light brown. Tottal
length, 13 cm. I have not ‘been able to determine to which
sub-species this specimen belongs.

(50) Leggeornis Lamberti assimilis—Purple-backed wren.—
Common in the acacia scrub, the mallee and the tall samphire;
very shy, a male bird had the iris dark brown; bill, black;
legs and feet, dark brown.

(51) Pseudartamus cyanopterus—Dusky wood-swallow.—
Fairly common in the mallee. They were in pairs, and some
of them ‘still building their nests. No other species of wood-
swallow was seen. Probably on account of the good season
inland they have not migrated this year so far south as usual.

(52) Colluricincla harmonica victoriae—Grey shrike thrush.
Gommon in the mallee and about the township.

(53) Grallina cyanoleuca—Magpie lark.—Only one pair seen
near the township.

(54) Cyinnorkina hypelena Teuconota—W hite-backed mag-
pie Common, nesting in the mallee along the roads and in the
scrub. Some had young out of the nest, while others were
still sitting.

(55) Bulestes torquatus—Butcher pird.—Fairly common in
the mallee; one pair was feeding young out of the nest.

(56) Oreoica critata clelandi—Crested ‘bell-bird.— Very com-
mon; often seen on the roads. They came almost into the
township, and could be heard calling from the hotel.

136 MORG AN— Birds of Port Broughton.

(57) Aphelocephala leucopsis—White face—Uncommon; a
few pairs only seen in the mallee.

(58) Neositta pileata tenwirostris—Black-capped tree-run-
ner; one small flock seen, consisting of three males and one
female. Their nest measured the highest side, 11 ¢.m., open-
jing, 6 x 5 c.m.; depth of cavity, 4.5 cm. There were some
bits of newspaper in the lining. The female measured 11.80
e.m.; total length. Iris, orange brown; ring round eye, bright
yellow: bill, yellow at base, dark reddish brown at tip; legs and
feet, bright yellow; inside the mouth, flesh colour. All the
males were bringing food to the sitting bird. The nest con-
tained three slightly incubated eggs.

(59) Zosicrops lateralis westernensis—Silver-eye.—A few
birds seen in the acacia scrub near the sca.

(60) Pardalotus punctatus s«xanthopygus—Y ellow-rumped
diamond bird.—Fairly common in the mallee.

(61) Pardalotinus striatus subaffinis—Striped diamond bird.
Uncommon; only one bird seen.

(62) M clithreptus atricapillus mallee—Brown-headed honey-
eater.—Fairly common in the mallee; a male collected had the
iris, dark brown; ‘bare skin behind eye, dull yellow; inside of
mouth orange. Stomach contents, caterpillars.

(63) Plectorhyncha lanceolata neglecta—Striped honey-eater.
A pair seen building anest ina sandal wood (Myoporum sp.)
overhanging a road.

(64) Meliphaga sonora—Singing honey-eater.—Very com-
mon; some of them had young out of the nest, while others had
fresh eggs.

(65) Lichenostomus ornatus—Yellow-plumed honey-eater.—
Common in ‘the mallee; a male collected had the iris, dark
brown; bill, black; legs and feet, brownish grey; inside of
mouth, yellow. Total length, 15.5 c.m.

(66) Myzantha flavigula—Yellow-throated minah—A few
pairs found breeding in the mallee, not common.

(67) Acanthagenys rufogularis cygnus—Spiny-cheeked
honey-eater—Very common; most of them had finished nest-
ing, but one nest was found with young about a week old; the
chicks were ‘clothed with scanty grey down—eyes not open.

(68) Anthus australis adelaidensis—Pipit or ground lark.— ~
Seen in the open country; not common.

(69) Mirafra javanica secunda—Common in the wheat crops.
All the birds seen were very light in colour.

(70) Corvus coronoides—Raven.—Common in all classes of |
country. They had finished breeding.

h

MATHEW S—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 137

Birds of the
North and North-West of Australia.

From Skins and Notes made by the late Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower.

By Grecory M. Maruews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.O.U., ete.
No. 13

186. SETOSURA SETOSA TORMENTI. Western Fantail.

Rhipidura setosa tormenti (Mathews), Austral. Av. Rec.,
Vol. I., p. 90, 1912. Point Torment, North-West Australia.

No. 232— 6. Length, 6.7 inches (29/8/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, black; legs and feet, brownish
black.

No. 283— ¢?. Length, 6.9 inches (6/9/86).

No. 289—¢@. Length, 6.9 inches (7/9/86).

No. 291— ¢@. Length, 6.7 inches (8/9/86).

No. 482— ¢. Length, 6.8 inches (31/10/86).

This male was shot from the nest where it had been sit-
ting. The eggs have a creamy white back ground.

187. MyIAGRA RUBECULA YORKI. Northern Leaden Flycatcher
Myiagra rubecula yorki (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol. XVIII,
p. 821, 1912. Cape York.
Nos. 22 , 23—¢@. (4/5/13).
Thursday Island, off Cape York, North Oucenaiaua.

188. MyIaGRA RUBECULA BROOMEI. Western Blue Flycatcher.

Myiagra rubecula broome: (Mathews), Austral. Av. Rec.,
Vol. I., p. 90, 1912. Napier Broome ‘Bay, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 61— ¢. Length, 5.4 inches (29/5/86).

Bill, blackish grey; legs, black.

No. 112—¢?. Length, 5.9 inches (8/6/86).

No. 237— ¢. Length, 6.1 inches (29/8/86).

Irides, brown; bill, lead colour, with tips and edges of
mandibites black, which colour continues in the form of a fine
line from the tip for a short distance up the culmen; legs and
feet, black.

No. 306—?. Length, 6.1 inches (12/9/86).

No. 317—¢@.-Length, 5.9 inches (27/7/86).

No. 351—¢@. Length, 6. inches (19/9/86).

No. 407— ¢. Length, 5.9 inches (17/10/86).

No. 454— ?. Length, 5.8 inches (27/10/86).

138 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia.

Irides, brown; bill, bluish slate colour with black tips,
the lower mandible has more of this colour than jthe upper.

No. 461— ¢. Length, 6.1 inches (28/10/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, fine bluish-lead, with tips and
cutting edges black; legs and feet black.

188. MyIAGRA LATIROSTRIS TORMENTI. Western Broad-billed
Flycatcher.

Myiagra latirostris torments (Mathews), Austral. Av. Rec.,
Vol. I., p. 91,1912. Point Torment, North-West Australia.

No. 269—¢. Length, 6.1 inches (3/9/86).

189. SHISURA INQUIETA NANA. Little Flycatcher.

Seisura nana (Gould), Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. Ser. 11, Vol.
VI., p. 224, 1870. North-West Australia.

No. 449—¢. Length, 7.1 inches (25/5/86).

Bill and feet black. This bird will fly to the branch of a
tree, and by a quick motion of the wings remain suspended
in the air, after the fashion of the kestrel, during which time
it gives forth a harsh, quickly repeated note apparently with
the object of shifting any insects that were in the bark, as
generally after so doing it ended in the bird flying away with
some insect.

No. 65— 4. (29/5/86).

Irides, black; bill, black, base of lower mandible bluish;
feet and legs, black.

No. 75—¢?. Length, 6.9 (1/6/86).

Irides, dark brown; upper mandible, black; lower, oluish
with black tips; legs and feet, ‘black.

No. 91— ¢@. Length, 7.1.

Upper mandible, black; lower, bluish white; tips, black;
legs and feet, black.

No. 393—¢@. Length, 7.2 (12/10/86).

191. SYMPOSIACHRUS TRIVIRGATUS ALBIVENTRIS. White-vented
spectacled Flycatcher.

Monarcha albiventris (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.),
1866, p. 217. Cape York.

No. 19—(4/5/18). Thursday Island, off Cape York.

193. CoRACINA NOVABHOLLANDIAE SUBPALLIDA. Western Black-
faced Cuckoo Shrike.

Coracina novaehollandiae subpallida (Mathews), Nov. Zool.

Vol. XVIIL., p. 326,1912. Strelly River, Mid-West Australia.
No. 170—¢@. Length, 18.2 (22/6/86).
Bill and feet black.
No. 306—(22/7/86).
Bill and feet black.

MATHEWS— Birds of North and North-West Australia. 139

No. 355—?. Length, 12.5 inches (2/8/86).
No. 390— 2. Length, 12.3 inches (9/8/86).
No. 231—¢. Length, 13.1 inches (29/8/86).
Irides, dark brown; bill, legs, and feet, black.

195. LaLAGE TRICOLOR INDISTINCTA. Pale-rumped Cater-
pillar-eater. .

Lalage tricolor indistincta (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIIL., p. 328, 1912. Wyndham, North-West Australia.

No. 47—(immature) ¢. (26/5/86).

Upper mandible and tip of lower, brown; the ‘base of the
lower, yellowish white; feet, black.

No. 82— ¢. Length, 7.5 inches (2/6/86).

Irides, brown; bill, brown; the base of the lower mandible,
whitish; feet, black.

No. 270—?. Length, 7.2 inches (4/9/86).

No. 349— ¢. Length, 7.2 inches (81/7/86).

No. 299—¢. Length, 7.4 inches (21/7/86).

202. POMATOSTOMUS TEMPORALIS NIGRESCENS. Dark Babbler
Pomatorhinus temporalis nigrescens (Mathews), Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIIL., p. 335, 1913. Strelly River, Mid-West Australia.

No. 149— ?. Length, 9.6 inches (19/6/86).

Irides, dark brown; bill, dark horn, lighter at base of the
culmen and base of the lower mandible; legs and feet, black.

No. 153— ¢. Length, 10.2 inches.

No. 155— @. Lengith, 9.8 inches (19/6/86).

Irides, light yellow; bill, black; base of the culmen, bluish
white, base of the lower mandible, bluish white; legs and feet,
black. Common, :!nd lives in families of twelve to fourteen.
The nests are roughly made of twigs, oval in shape, the long
axis placed horizontally, the entrance hole being at the side,
placed about fifteen fect from the ground. The birds are very
noisy, and move from one tree to another, going first to the
lower branches, and then mounting by jumps or hops to the
top ones, when they would fly off to another some 15 or 20
yards off.

No. 348— ¢. Length, 9.6 inches (31/7/86).

No. 371— ¢. Length. 9.9 inches (26/9/86).

No. 372— 4. Length, 10 inches (4/8/86).

Irides, straw yellow; (bill, brown, lighter on the culmen,
and yellowish white oi the sides of the lower mandible, and
becoming ‘white at the base; legs ‘and feet, dark brown.

1440 MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia

205. CINCLORHAMPHUS CRURALIS RoGurst. Northern Brown
Song Lark.

Cinclorhamphus cruralis rogersi (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII., p. 338, 1912. Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 194— 4. Length, 9.7 inches (27/6/86).

Irides, brown. ‘This bird has a peculiar flight, and its
tail appears very long in comparison io the bird as it sa
quietly before going down to the long grass.

No. 298—Length, 9.2 inches (10/9/86).

Irides, olive-brown; upper mandible, light brown, lower
one white, tinged with white at the tip; legs and feet brownish.

No. 359—Lengtli, 9.8 inches (22/9/86).

No. 365—Length, 9.9 inches (3/8/86).

205. PTENOEDUS MATHEWSI SUBALISTERI. North-western
Rufous Song Lark.

Cinclorhamphus mathewsi subalisteri (Mathews), Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII., p. 339, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 55.—Length, 7.$ inches (27/5/86).

Irides, dark brow; bill, light horn; basal half of lower
mandible, whitish; legs, fleshy grey. This ‘bird flew up to a
small bush from some green grass, and it threw up its tail in
a peculiar jerky manner.

No. 271— 6. Length, 7.9 inches (4/9/86).

No. 270— ¢. Length, 8.1 inches (17/7/86).

No. 371—¢. Lei gth, 6.6 inches (4/8/86).

Irides, greyish brown; upper mandible, light brown, paler
on the cutting edges, and white towards the gape, lower man-
dible white 'tinged with flesh colour; tarsi and feet flesh colour,
the latter shaded with light brown.

209. AUREPTHIANURA CROCEA 'TUNNEYI. Orange-breasted Chat.

Epthianura crocea tunneyi (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
OVS spe O42 1 Oi South Alligator River, Northern
Territory.

No. 276— ?. Length, 4.6 inches (18/7/86).

Irides, greenish white; eyelid, brown; bill, brown, gradu-
ally shading into whitish horn colour at the basal half of
lower and basal portion of the cutting edge of the upper man-
dible, gape white; legs and feet, greyish black, lighter on the
under parts of the toes.

No. 283— ¢. Length, 4.7 inches (19/7/86).

No. 284— 9. Length, 4.6 inches (19/7/86).

No. 286— 9. Length, 4.5 inches (19/7/86).

No. 288—¢?. Length, 4.5 inches (19/7/86).

ASH BY— Birds of Pungonda. L41

No. 322—¢. Length, 4.8 inches (15/9/86).

Irides, greenish white.

No. 324—¢?. Length, 4.8 inches (15/9/86).

Irides, greenish white.

No. 326—¢?. Length, 4.8 inches (15/9/86).

Irides, greenish white.

These birds allow one to get quite near, and then fly off to
a small bush not far distant. They are always found on a
kind of salt bush which grows near the lagoon in some 4 or 5
inches of water, or in the long rank grass growing out of the
water. They appear to feed on insects, after which they care-
fully look over the small bushes.

These birds were seen flittmg among some strong weedy
grass growing out of the water, and appear to hang therefrom
and peck insects off the water. They utter a very simple call
note, but no song. Females and young are easily obtained,
but males are rare. When disturbed they take safety in some
grass some 50 yards from the swamp.

No. 355— ¢. Length, 4.8 inches (25/9/86).

No. 356— ¢. Length, 4.8 inches (25/9/86).

No. 357— ¢. Length, 4.8 inches (25/9/86).

No. 366— @. Length, 4.8 inches (25/9/86).

Birds observed in the eres athioad of Pungonda,
South Australia.

By Edwin Ashby. M.B.0O.U.

Messrs. F. E. Parsons, R.A.O.U., M. E. Saunders,
R.A.0.U., and the writer paid a hurried ornithological trip to
the Pungonda district in the second week in September last.
Mr. Parsons preceded us and had the tent erected in a patch
of pines (Callitris) situated a few hundred yards from the
station or rather siding. We reached the locality after dark
on the 10th September.

With the first streaks of dawn on the morning of the 11th we
iistened to the chattering notes of the (Pomatostomus ruficeps,
Hartlaub), Ghestnut-crowned Babbler. Some of the notes
were not unmusical, and their cries quite as varied, though
distinct, as those of the familiar White-browed Babbler.

There was ailarge number of these birds in this clump
of pines, and we found them just as common in similar coun-
try right up to the Victorian border and for several miles

142 ASH BY—Birds of Pungonda.

—. —

-uside. Mr. Parsons examined a large number of nests; a
large proportion were empty, the rest, with one exception, had
young.

The White-browed Babbler was noticed in one place near
the Victorian border by Mr. Parsons, but evidently the former
is the Babbler of this district.

Of Pigeons two species were noticed (Ocyphaps lophotes,
T. & L.), Crested Pigeon, were very numerous, a few specimens
of (Cosmopelia elegans neglecta, Mat.), Brush Bronze-winged
Pigeon, were flushed in a large belt of timber on the boundary.

Both the Stubble Quail (Coturnia# pectoralis, Gld.), and the
little (Austroturnia velor, Gld.) Eastern Little Quail, were
fairly common.

Three swallows were noted: the Welcome Swallow, Tree
Swallow, and Eastern Black and White Swallow; after dusk
the latter entered their holes which had been bored in the
railway cutting near the siding, several of both sexes were
caught out of the same hole.

Two species of Tree Creeper were met with in the pines
and bull oaks. The Brown Tree Creeper (Neoclima picumna
australis, Mat.), and the White-browed ‘Treecreeper
(Climacteris erythrops superciliosa, North). One specimen of
the latter was secured near Pungonda, and a pair in the Bull
Oaks on the Victorian side of the border. : |
\ Of ‘Acanthizas two were represented (Acanthiza pusilla
hamiltoni, Mat.), Red-rumped Tit, and A. wropygialis, Gld.),
Chestnut-rumped Tit, to which of the races that have been
given sub-specific rank these ‘should be referred to I cannot
say.

Of the Thickheads Lewinornis rufiventris inornatus, Gld.,
was common, andapair of Gilbertornis gilberti, Gld., was
secured.

The genus Malurus was represented by two species:
(Leggeornis lamberti morgani, White), Southern Blue-breasted
Wren, and (Malurus melanotus, Gld.), Black-backed Wren, the
latter were very numerous on the margins of salt-bush flats,
especially where ‘the dense bushes were three or four feet high.

In the same bushes that form the favourite haunts of the ~
Black-backed Wren, (Pyrrholaemus brunneus, Gld.), Redthroat
was met with; these birds were as usual exceedingly shy, a
great deal of ill spared time was spent in securing three birds
of this species.

Four species of the Hawk family were noted, and Mr.
Parsons inspected several nests of the Wedge-tailed Eagle;
some contained eggs and others young birds.

ASH BY—Birds of Pungonda. 143

Of Honey-eaters eight species were noted, but others not
jotted down on ones list were certainly there. The most
interesting were (Cissomela nigra ashbyi, Mat.), Black Honey-
eater; this diminutive little bird was noted in all places
visited, attention being called to it by its low mournful
whistle. One nest with two eggs was found, placed in the
fork of a.dead mallee about three feet from the ground. At-
tention was called to the Striped Honey-eater (Plectorhyncha
lanceolata neglecta, Mat.), by its loud call; specimens obtained
are darker in the markings than those obtained from the
North of Adelaide; it is not unlikely that birds from this dis-
trict are similar to the Victorian race.

The only Minah in the district visited was the Yellow-
throated Minah (Myzantha flavigula, Gld.). ‘These were nest-
ing, and clutches of eggs were found.

A score jof miles North-West of Pungonda, on the River
Murray, Mr. Parsons found the Southern Black-headed Minah
quite common, and further to the South-West I myself found
in the smaller mallee this genus represented by the Black-
eared Minah (Myzantha flavigula melanotis, Wilson), the form
obtained apparently is similar to the race found throughout
what is spoken of as the North and Lower North of South
Australia. The Owlet Nightjar (Aegotheles cristata, White),
was numerous and nesting, several clutches of eggs obtained.
|. Of Pardalotes the Yellow-rumped and South Australian
(striatus) were both common. 7

The Southern Brown Song Larks (Cinclorhamphus cruralis:
cantatoris. Gld.), were on the salt bush flats and in a little
grassy depression in tall mallee there were several pairs of the
astern Rufous Song Lark making the shallow valley echo
with their pleasing song.

Rose-breasted Cockatoos (Holophus roseicapillus, Vie.), and
the Pink Cockatoo (Lophocroa leadbeateri, Vig.), were scattered
in small flocks or in twos and threes throughout the district.
They were mostly seen feeding on the ground on wide grassy
flats.

The district was remarkable for the numer of species of
Parrots represented, and also for the number of individuals
observed (Barnardius tarnardi, V. & H.), Mallee Parrot, was
everywhere, but the Many Coloured (grass) Parrot was alinest
as numerous, and exceptionally brightly coloured; they were
remarkably tame; one allowed me to watch it for several
minutes ‘while it preened its plumage, almost within arm’s
length. The other parrots noted were the Blue Bonnet
(Northiella sxanthe-rhoa, Bon.), Shell Parrot (Melopsittacus

144 BEES ds a Pungouda.

undulatus, S. & N.), Cockatoo Parrot (Leptolophus auricomis,
Swainson), but at Loxton, 18 miles away, Mr. Parsons saw the
Black-tailed Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus, Lear.), and on tie
river at the same place (Psephotus haematonotus, Gld.), Red-
backed Parrot. To this list may be added several of the
Lorikeets, in all a remarkable number of representatives of
the Order Psittaciformes to be met with in so short a time in
practically one locaiity.

On a small salt lagoon there were something under a
dozen Dotterel, curiously enough, representing three species:
Red-kneed Dotterel, Red-capped Dotterel, and the Black-
fronted Dotterel.

COMMENTS.

The district under review was of exceptional interest to
those of us to whom it was a first visit. The soil was red,
heavier on the flats, red sandy loam on the rising ground.
The flats are separated by low broad undulating sandy ridges,
always having an east and west direction. The crowns of
these sandy rises are covered with Pines (Callitris), which are
exceptionally well grown, and in between the pines and on
the lower slopes grows an abundance of grass, the flower
stalks forming a ‘waving mass nearly two feet high. There
are very few bushes amongst the pines. The only mallee
met with may be termed large, some having the trunks
equal to those of respectable trees; nearly all the mallee was
on the Viictorian side of the Boundary. One patch of tall
Bull Oaks 30 to 40 feet high was visited, also on the Victorian
side of the fence.

The only patch of smaller mallee visited was a mile or so
to the south, and there only was the typical sand hill scrub
met with, and the only true mallee bird, Hylacola cauta was no-
ted; it is therefore pretty evident that to obtain the more typi-
cal forms of ‘birds that make the mallee peculiarly their home
one would have to go a good deal to the south. In the lis¢ of
species mentioned above the Small-billed Crow (Corvus
bennetti, North), should have been incinded; the two nests
visited had young, in ons case recentiy hatched, in the other _
almost fledged.

Altogether 70 species of birds were identified, but this
does not by any means exhaust the list that would be met
with during a longer stay (we had only three days for work,
and on one it rained nearly all the time), also if the mallee
country a few miles to the south was eure many addi-
tional birds should be noted.

PARSONS—Cuckoo Eggs in Blue Wren’s Nest. 145

_ Cuckoo Eggs in Blue Wren’s Nest.

(By F. E. Parsons, R.A.O.U.)

At Middleton on October 5th, 1917, I found a nest of the
Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus legge) containing three eggs, one
of which was very faintly marked with fine spots, and at first
I took it to be an egg of the bronze cuckoo, but it was a lightly
maiked wren’s egg. However, after removing, the three eggs
I noticed an egg of the narrow billed bronze cuckoo almost
covered in the feathers lining the nest, this was carefully re-
moved by pulling out some of the feathers, and I was surprised
to see another egg of the cuckoo at a lower level, and after re-
moving this second egg another cuckoo egg was found lower
sull.

The Wrens had evidently built and lined their nest when
the first cuckoo egg was deposited, this they covered with
feathers, then another cuckoo egg was placed in the nest, and
the owners of the nest again covered it with feathers; the third
cuckoo egg was then deposited in the nest, but the wrens evi-
dently were not desirous of undertaking the responsibility of
rearing the young cuckoo, and this egg was in its turn, almost
covered with feathers. The rightful owner of the nest then
laid her three eggs. The egg cavity, however, was by this time
about half filled with feathers.
eae

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.

By His Son, S. A. White, M.B.0.U.

XV.—THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SATLOR.

—A Trip to Wanumbi.—

In some brief notes made by my father, and dated from the
14th to 21st of July, he says: “About 1 p.m. on the 14th, I
made a start in the largest boat, taking a crew of three men to
pull, and one taxidermist. I gave instructions to make along
the South side of the channel in which the yacht is lying, in a
very short distance we saw a wide opening stretching away to
the South with the tide running up strongly. I determined to
try it, and steered the boat for the entrance. Later in the

146 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

day I ascertained from the natives, that it was the Wanumbi
River. As we pulled up easily with the tide I could see that it
was ariver or channel, and not a blind inlet. At the entrance
this river was about 200 yards wide, with dense mangrove
scrub on either side. After this it gradually narrowed for
about four miles, when it struck off into several
branches, and I determined to follow the largest, but
afier following it for another three or four miles it rapidly
decreased in width and depth, and in a short time ceased to be
navigable at low water; in fact the river ends in @
mass of bare rocks of a kind of limestone like
hardened white clay, and appears to be coraline
limestone, such as we found all through the islands.
Fresh water was running into the river here at several
places, and what appeared curious, there is scarcely any soil
anywhere near the place; yet there is a dense growth of scrub
growing as well as mangrove trees. At the top, or where the
rock dries,at low water, is situated the village of Wanumbi,
consisting of two houses raised on piles in the usual way,
placed on a piece of rock about 300 yards from the creek, and
surrounded with dense scrub, with the exception of a small
piece of partly cleared ground, where there is shallow covering
of black rich soil, and which the natives cultivate. ' When we
arrived the rocks were bare and dry near the ereek, and it be-
ing a neap tide the water did not rise much that night, so we
made our camp on the bare rocks, as all the scrub was wet and ©
dirty after the continued heavy rains we have had lately, in-
deed the day we started was the first fine day we have had for
afortnight. Next morning we awoke with the water under us .
and all round us, the fire put out, and everything afloat, the
water having covered every particle of the rock, so we had to
take refuge in the boat. Seeing several old praus lying up, I
determined to take possession and live in one if permission
of the owner could be obtained; this was soon arranged, and
after the old craft had the boat’s sails thrown over, it made a
very respectable dwelling, particularly so, as it rained all day,
and night, then the weather cleared up, and the sun came out
hotly. I took my gun and went into the scrub. Found numer- —
ous tracks or paths, but after the heavy rains they were half
way up to the knees in sticky mud, and the roots of trees also
stems lying about made walking very trying and troublesome.
T saw villages of one or more houses and plantations every-
where during my rambles, frequently met men on their way
from one home to another, always with a bow and a handful of

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 147

arrows, these men were always, civil in showing the
way, and invariably begged for a little tobacco; the
women were rarely seen, and if met suddenly, they
ran. into the scrub till I passed, or if natives were
with me they would stand on one side while we passed.
Birds were not numerous, the call of the great bird of paradise
was heard several times, but they were found to be young
males or females. The news of my doings had reached
Wanumbi before me, and all the boys and young men were off
hunting with their bows and arrows, and brought in hundreds
of different things daily, All sorts of rubbish, from a piece
of fungus to a bird of paradise, each trifle wrapped and tied up
in a separate leaf. The dealing and bargaining for these
things or such as. I wanted was at times laughable, while at
other time very aggravating. They are more persistent and
haggling kind of dealers, especially the Macassar men, they
have no conscience, frequently asking a hundred times more
than they will take, and never seem satisfied. These men will
present a thing twenty times after being refused, always with
the same cry, Tombocoo (Tobacco) or Mania Mania (beads), or
pise (knife), or whatever he may have asked for first. They.
will try on many little schemes in dealing, such as presenting
the worst article first. A man will tie up single beetles in
separate leaves and offer one, and when that is purchased, he
will present another, and so on for a dozen times he will
present a small bird, while the rest are hidden in the cloth
around his waist. I think these people have but little food to
spare as the insignificant quantities that were offered me were
not worth speaking of. Two small sweet potatoes have been
offered for fifty times their value, one hen’s egg, half a bunch
of bananas, one cocoanut, and so on, if what they ask be paid,
when they frequently say “tauba” (more). They swarm
around the camp all day long, fill the place we live in, and will
not move to allow us to move about to get our food, making a
perfect babel of voices, they talk loud and incessantly, they
are the noisiest people I ever came across. Nevertheless they
have many redeeming qualities, they are civil and obliging, if
it costs them nothing to be so highly good tempered and moral,
and above all they are strictly honest, that is they do not steal,
although they pried into anything we had, they did not take
anything without asking, and I had many things laying about
which were very tempting, especially red beads among the
‘young people, a theft could be easily committeed, and I could
never find the thief. There were very many fine young men

148 WHITE a Seocty of the Life of a White.

amongst the crowd, and I felt grieved to see the beastly habit
of chewing “Beetle Nut” carried to excess, some of the older
men had their features positively distorted through that
habit, if the habit is long continued gives the mouth a most
ghastly appearance. There are not so many big bushy heads
of hair amongst these men. Most of them have their hair cut
short, some had their heads shaved. Most of the boys about
ten or twelve years of age were seen chewing the horrid com-
pound of nut, leaves and lime. Men and boys were out every
day with their bows and arrows and shot me lots of small
birds, great lizards and frogs, besides cuscus, rats, and bandi-
ceots, it was holiday and feast time at Wanumbi while I was
there. The country all around our camp is flow, and was
covered with a dense virgin scrub, and the soil does not seem to
be deep anywhere. The birds were not numerous, and strange
to say, I did not see a single adult great bird of paradise. Rats
were numerous and very troublesome about our camp. In-
sects were not abundant. I secured ‘a few good beetles, and
one day secured about twenty-five butterflies, and many of the
species were those found over the North of Australia. One
must bear in mind that the month of July is not the best by any
means for insects. Several times during my stay here I have
taken two men and the boat at night and pulled down to the
vacht and back with the tide. I always choose the night, be-
cause the air is cool and pleasant, and it surprised me much
not to find more sand flies and mosquitos; they were not very
troublesome, although we were surrounded by mangrove
swamps. The banks of the river as we went to and fro pre-
sented a very beautiful sight, the banks themselves were low
and muddy, covered at high water, but the river
was hidden by the rich green foliage of the man-
groves, which reached from «the water’s edge to
60 or 70 feet above it, to outward appearance as
dense as a wall with breaks here and there on either side when
small creeks and inlets join the main stream. Along the
river the birds were not so plentiful as would be expected.
We saw scarcely anything with the exception of a few small
kingfishers perched on bare twigs near the water or on a man-
‘grove root. To-day, the 20th, 1 shifted camp and came back
to the yacht for there is only Cockerell to skin, and he is over
done with material coming in. The same day we arrived at
the yacht canoes came down from Wanumbi with specimens.
With the exception of two wet days the weather has been

fine; the sky is always more or less overcast, and the sun

comes out at times very warm.”

WHITE—A Sketch of the Infe of Samuel White. 149

The day following my father’s return to the yacht was a
very hard one, for there were many specimens to skin, and he
and Cockerell were going day and night to catch up with the
material as it came in.

Under date of the 21st my father writes:—“Late last night

and all day to-day Cockerell and I have been skinning, and

Ihave not yet cleared up. I have now obtained several “great
birds” from the natives, but I am paying dearly for them, for
I have to give a gun for each one—guns which cost me £3 15/

each; ‘but I came here expressly for the great bird of paradise,
and I am determined to have them at all cost. They are only
found on two islands in the Arus, and are most glorious birds,
as big as a crow, with most beautiful floating golden plumes
more than two feet long. The bird is excessively shy, and

lives in the densest part of the scrubs; the natives alone know
their haunts. A number of birds and other things came in
to-day brought by the natives.” Next morning early my
father and Cockerell were at it again, and it was not till nearly
dark when all the material was finished up. Cockerell
cleaned up the skinning room while my father packed away
specimens to make room. A few small birds came in that
day, and they were cured before turning in that night. The
mext morning, the 23rd of July, some natives came off to the
yacht very early, and brought three full plumed Paradisea
apoda, and one half-plumed bird. These were purchased with

guns, powder, and axes. After breakfast Cockerell went up
the creek on the Wokan side of the Watalee Channel and re-
turned in the evening with one King Bird of Paradise

(Paradisea regia), and several other species. Under the above

date Samuel White writes:—‘I remained on board to-day to

skin two or three “great birds”, for I want to make sure of
good skins. Ihave paid away a great deal in trade for these
birds now, but I find the only way to get the rare and shy bird
is to offer an exhorbitant price for it. There are natives

(hunting for the plumes of these birds in every part of Mykor
and Wokan, and I feel sure these fine birds will be wiped out
in the very near future. This evening a few small birds came
in. The weather has been showery all day.” My father
writing again on the 24th says:—“I kept my two taxidermists
iin with me to-day, for there were many animals and birds to
skin. I have given orders to Cockerell to keep to the birds,
and have put Andrews on to the mammals and reptiles. The

Jatter does net make as good a skin of the birds as I would
like. The natives were off in several lots to-day, and brought

150 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

aboard ten small birds and two “Bunongmatti” (great birds of
Paradise). The guns are all gone now, and it is difficult to
ideal with some of these natives; they know not what they
want. We have cleared up this evening, and have no speci-
mens left to skin. ‘The weather has been showery; the first
strong wind for several days blew for a few hours to-day.”
The next day Samuel White intended putting things straight
on board the yacht, washing up, etc. He often said his cabin
(where he kept his trade ammunition and a thousand and one
things) “was like a pawn shop” upside down after haggling
and bartering with twenty or thirty natives. From a rough
mote it appears that thirty to forty birds came in during the
day besides mammals, shells, reptile, insects, crustacea, etc.,
etc., So it can be easily seen that my father or any of his staff
Jhnad little time to clean up. My father says:— “Amongst the
birds brought in to-day were two fully-plumed “great birds”,
and one king bird. I have to pay very heavily for everything,
jas I can see it is the only way to ensure a supply being brought
in. Most of the men and the boys about the island prefer
tobacco, but the Wonambi people want “mamia mama” (beads)
for everything. The people who visit us now up here are
mostly Aru men, the Malays, and Macassar men generally live
near the coast. The weather is still showery although we
have a little sunshine between, the wind blew strongly and
cool most of the day.

On Monday, 26th, my father and Cockerell stayed on board
skinning all day. Andrews did some work amongst the mam-
mals and reptiles, but seems to have been given up for odd
jobs. He was not suited for hard work in the tropics. It
can be easily seen that the work of trading with the natives
‘was quite enough for my father without doing the bulk of the
skinning, and he over-taxed himself far too much. (‘The
natives took so long in deciding what they would take for the
stuff they brought in, haggled over it for hours, and the great
naturalist could not lose his temper for it may offend them,
and they would not come again. When a man brought any-
thing for sale he would sit or stand about for an hour at least
before he could make up his mind what price to ask. When
jhe did make an offer to deal he would ask ten times as much
as he would take. They did not mind standing about
between decks filling up all the space on the yacht so that it
lwas with great difficulty the crew could move about. In
some notes upon this subject my father says:—“I have made
it a practice now to offer a fair price for what is’ offered, and

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 151

if refused, not to deal for that article again at any price, so
that some who know me will not refuse the price I offer.
Their greed at times knows no bounds. A man came the
other day with three cassowaries’ eggs, and wanted a double
barrelled gun for them, and when he could not get what he
wanted he took the eggs away.”

- EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:
R. CROMPTON, R.A.0.U,
ALM. ‘MORGAN, M.B., CHB.
Ҥ. A. WHITE, M.B.0.U,

oe 3c R. ZAETZ, Seo

THE

South Australian

ORNITHOLOGIST.

FC

Editorial Committee :

R. Cromp’ron, R.A.O.U.

AA. M. MorGan, M.B., Cx.B.
S. A. WHITE, M.BV.U.
Peay Zier eA OU

Secretary :
F. M. ANGEL,
c/o We DD. J. O. Wills, Ltd
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

fen
bE H

HEN sph : \ i f
FA) < ‘ Phinies tape eisepesedrcdanye) ale i Hey LOAN
DK sya y ee rN , a Run ‘ Mi y
RHRANIHEhenIh . seater “i i Preval

CONTENTS.
PAGE
The South Australian Ornithological Association . ss a hee dig
Order Passeriformes, Family Campophagidae, Genus Lalage . a) HG!
A Trip on the Coorong and amongst the Bristle Birds on Young-
husband’s Peninsula. S. A. White, M.B.O.U. : : LG

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia (No. 14).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L.8., M.B.O.U. oye

Another New Record for South Australia. F. R. Zietz, R.A.O.U. . 180
Notes from Humbug Scrub. T. P. Bellchambers . : A oe LSE

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. 3y his son, Capt. S. A. White,

M B.O.U. 1S1

Se Ey es

South Australian Ornithologist.

Wor. TT. Ist APRIL, 1918. PARAS G:

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

25TH JANUARY, 1918.

The Monthly Meeting was held at the Royal Society’s
Rooms, North ‘Terrace, Adelaide, on Friday evening, 25th
January, 1918. Mr. A. G. Edquist presided.

Dr. A. M. Morgan reported that a pair of Black-throated
Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) had nested in the Botanic Gar-
dens. These birds had built a new nest, but unfortunately it
had been interfered with and had floated away.

Mr. Edwin Ashby commented upon the great numbers of

Shell Parrots (Welopsittacus undulatus) at Blackwood, and he

believed they were nesting. The appearance of Such vast
numbers of these birds this year was discussed. Capt. 8S. A.
White remarked that it is over 35 years since such numbers
were seen on the Adelaide plains.

Mr. J. W. Mellor stated ‘that he had seen two male birds
Blue Wrens (Malurus cyaneus leggei) ‘helping to feed the
young birds.

Some interesting notes forwarded by Mr. T. P. Bellcham-
bers of Humbug Scrub were read. Those upon the Wood
Swallow (Pseudartamus cydanopterus) caused discussion
owing to Mr. Bellchamber’s statement that he had found these
birds, which as is well known, eat numbers of bees, would only
consume the drones. As these were always in excess of the
numbers required, he contended that the birds were not doing
any harm.

160 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

It was reported that a number of G. J. Broinowski’s
coloured plates of Australian birds were for sale in the city,
and it was suggested that they might be of use to the Educa-
tion Department. Mr. Edquist said he would look into
the matter. :
Mr. F. R. Zietz, the Museum Ornithologist reported a

new record for South Australia. A pair of birds had ap-
peared at Mylor in the Adelaide hills, which were not known
by any of the residents. One specimen was secured, and
forwarded to the S.A. Museum, and was identified as the Aus-
tralian Roller (Hurystomus orientalis pacificus).

The rest of the evening was devoted to an account of the
excursion undertaken ‘by Dr. Morgan and Capt. White to Lake
Victoria and the River Murray. Eight days collecting and
bird-observing was done among the lakes and swamps around
Lake Victoria, then they descended the river to Renmark
with ‘two ‘boats, working the country ornithologically all the
way down, and in all over 140 specimens were identified. _ A
number of skins and eggs were exhibited also a number of
interesting photographs. Although nothing new had to be
recorded, many useful notes as to distribution and habits were
obtained.

22nd FEBRUARY, 1918.

Mr. A. G. Edquist presided at the usual monthly meeting
held on Friday evening, 22nd February, 1918.

Capt. C. H. A. Lienau and Mr. J. H. Welfare were pro- ©
posed as new members.

The Secretary read a letter from the Brisbane Crows and
Flying Foxes Destruction Board, asking the opinion of the
Association as to whether the imported starling should be
destroyed. An interesting discussion followed in which all
the speakers strongly condemned the starling, and expressed
the opinion that no effort should be spared to combat this pest. .
It was pointed out that the damage these birds do to the fruit
and young wheat is enormous, besides which they are driving
out our useful insectivorous birds. Mr. Mellor remarked that
it is almost hopeless to keep them in check, and stated that
he had shot 7 or 8 adult birds at a nest, but that did not pre-
vent the young from being brought up. Capt. White in-
stanced a similar case where 16 adult starlings were shot at a
nesting hollow, and yet the voung birds reached maturity. It
was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the Executive
Committee to forward a recommendation from this Associa-
tion.

-

The South Australian Ornithological Association. 161

Mr. J. W. Mellor drew attention to the numbers of
Purple-crowned Lorikeets (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala),
that were visiting the Adelaide plains. At Lockleys they
were feeding upon the blossoms of the Tasmanian blue gum,

and from the number of dead birds seen under the trees it
‘would appear that the honey from these flowers was too
strong for them.

The evening was set aside for consideration of the birds
as Mr. Mathews’ hand list Nos. 550/558 (Ashbyia Jlovensis),
Desert Chat was exhibited and Capt. White gave a description
of the habits and habitat of these birds.

— Conopoderas australis (Southern Reed Warbler). All pre-
sent deplored the fact that the ranks of these lovely songsters
were being depleted each year.

Cisticola exitis (grass warbler). The different sub-species
of this ‘bird were discussed.

Poodytes gramineus (Grass Bird). Each sub-species was
debated, and Capt. White described the strange habit of
placing curved feathers (invariably those of the bald coot,
which are ‘blue in colour) over their nests to keep out rain and
sunshine.

Eremiornis carteri (Desert Bird); Origina solitaria (Rock
Warbler); Clithonicola sugittata (Little Field Wren). Skins of
these birds were exhibited from the Museum Collection by Mr.
F. R. Zietz, and by Capt. White from his private collection.
Several specimens were also shown by Mr. Frank Parsons.

Order Passeriformes, Family Campophagidae,
Genus Lalage.

Lalage tricolor—W hite-shouldered Caterpillar-eater.

Description—Adult Male, Upper Surface.—Forehead to
the middle of ‘the back glossy metallic black. Lower part of
back and upper tail coverts, light grey, faintly barred with
dull white.

Under Surface.—White, the centre of the abdomen some-
times with a yellowish tinge.

Wing.—First primary black, the others, outer web black,
narrowly edged with white, inner webs white at the _ base,
black at the'tips. The white mark increasing in extent from
the 2nd onwards, secondaries black, outwardly edged and tip-

162. Order Passeriformes, Family Campophagidae, Genus Lalage.

ped with white, inner webs white at the base, shoulder white;
greater wing coverts white, with a broad streak of black down
the centre of each.

Tail—Black, the outer five feathers on each side tipped
with white, the extent of white decreasing to the centre.

3i11.— Black.

Legs and Feet.—Black.

Iris.—Brown.

Adult Female.—Upper Surface—Forehead to middle of
back, brown; lower back, greyish brown indistinctly barred
with dull white; line over the eye light brown ear coverts
greyish brown; upper tail coverts, ight ‘brown indistinctly
barred with dark brown.

Under Surface.—Dull white, the sides of the neck, upper
breast and flanks barred with brown.

Thighs.—Light brown, barred with dark brown.

Wing.—Primaries; brown the outer webs narrowly edged
with dull white, inner webs dull white at the ‘base, the extent
of white increasing inwards. Secondaries, brown, outer webs
edged with light brown; inner webs dull white at the base.
Shoulder, light brown, mottled with dark brown. Great wing
coverts, dark brown, broadly edged with light brown.

Tail—Two central feathers, light brown, slightly tipped
with white, two outer feathers dull black; the terminal half
of the outer web, and the tip white, rest of the feathers dull
black tipped with white.

Bill—Brownish black, base of lower mandible yellowish
orey.

Feet.—Ashy Grey.

Iris.—Brown.

The young of both sexes resemble the female except that
the white of ‘the under surface has a more yellowish tinge, and
the transverse barring is more distinct.

Measurement.—Total Length (of skin) 18 ¢.m.

Wing.—10.2 ¢.m.

Tail—Two central feathers light brown, slightly tipped
with white, two outer feathers, dull black; the terminal half
of the outer web, and the tip white, rest of the feathers, dull
black, tipped with white.

Bill.—1.8 ¢.m.

Tarsus.—2.9 ¢.m.

Distribution—The whole of Australia—They have been
placed on the Tasmanian list, apparently. in doubtful
authority since Mr. Littler (Birds of Tasmania) has not been
able to find the record. They have not been recorded from
Kangaroo Island. |

Order Pusseviformes, Fumily Campophagidue, Genus Laluge. 163

Habits.—They are purely migratory in the southern parts
of the continent, arriving in the Adelaide district early in Sep-
tember, and departing late in January. They do not however,
all come far south, as Captain White found them nesting in
the Gawler Ranges, and on Cooper’s Creek, and they have also.
been found nesting at Kallhioota on Lake Torrens, in August.
Males from the lower north, Central Australia, and the Nor.
thern Territory are usually not in full plumage, so that they
possibly put off their breeding plumage while in their winter
quarters. When on migration ‘they travel in smal! parties
never in large flocks. They perch usually in the Jeafy bran-
ches of the trees, or rest upon the ground.

Song.—At nesting time the song is very pretty, it is
uttered by the male only, and chiefly when on the wing.

Flight.—Low and undulating, when singing at nesting
time the flight is quite different, being then straight and
rather fluttering.

Food.—Consists entirely of insects and their larvae.

Nest.—A shallow cup shaped structure placed in a hori-

zontal fork of a tree, at a height varying from a few feet up to
forty feet feom the ground. The nest is built of strips of
bark bound together with cobwebs, if near an orchard it may
consist almost entirely of flower heads The male alone
builds the nest, and also does most of the sitting, the female
only going on when the male is feeding, and is at once turned
off by the male upon his return, It is said, however, that the
female sits at night time. This arrangement seems to be one
of Nature’s mistakes for the brightly coloured male is very
conspicuous, and his presence on the nest makes. it easily dis-
coverable, while the dull brown female harmonises well with
her surroundings. The male also does most of the feeding of
the young; the female only occasionally bringing a morsef for
them. In former times these birds nested regularly in the Ade-.
laide plains, ‘but thy have not been seen there for many years
now. though they still commonly nest about Blackwood.

Eegs.—Two or three in number, the back ground varies
from light apple green to dull greyish green, and the marines
from bright reddish brown to dull brown. The markings are:
longitudinal, and ave more thickly laid on at the upper end.
They begin to ‘build about ‘the middle of October. and go on
into December. Average measurement of twenty eggs, 2.18:

exh Crm.
Largest ege—2.30 ¢.m. x 1.70 ¢.m.
Smallest eeo—2.05 ¢.m. x 1.55 e.m.

164 WHITE—A Trip on the Coor gh

A Trip on the Coorong and amongst the Bristle Birds
on Younghusband Peninsula.
By S. A. White, M.B.O.U.

In the early morning of Monday, March 6th, 1916, the
writer left by rail for Goolwa. I had two cotnpanions, Mr.
Wylde, sub-editor of the “Register,” and Mr. Rogers, Jur. My
two companions were out for a holiday, but my chief object
was the procuring specimens and notes of the Southern Bristle
Bird (Maccoyornis broadbenti white), Mr. Mathews having made
the southern bird a sub-species ur the Victorian one,, from the
material semt ‘by the writer. Having parted with all the speci-
mens I had at that time I was anxious to obtain some more to
test the validity of the sub-sp. Not only was I able to do this,
Hut had the great pleasure of speading many hours each day
observing the strange birds. There has been very little writ-
ten about the South Australian form, so that the notes incor-
porated in this paper upon the Bristle Bird should ‘be of scien-
tific interest.

Reaching Goolwa ‘before noon, had our midday meal there,
then bearded Win. Buzzar’s little motor-boat, the “Mary Ann.”
Having packed away aJi our luggage a start was made up the
Coorong. Many why take this trip along the narrow strip
of water with sand-dunes on one side, which shut out the
ecean, on the other low lving limestone country on which
grows in places malley and pines, think it monotonous and un-
interesting, this is not so with the writer, for the ever-chang-
ing aspect of sandhills, either covered in sword grass or cur-
rent bush, or may be white drift sand, then the picturesque
pines and dense mallee on the other side have for me _ the
greatest charm, and needless to say the numerous water-birds
which nearly always frequent these waters are of a great and
-absorbing interest. Not from the gunners point of view, for
apart from a bird now and again for food, I have long ago
given up that which is known as sport. I can wateh the
water-fowl with glasses or naked eye for hours, admire and
take note of their habits without feeling that I want to de
strovy under the name of sport these more wonderful of God’s
creations. We passed the Murray Mouth and steamed on
over the placid water, the sun was setting and threw long
shadows from the highest peaks of the sandhills over the
great salt-water way, then the shadows faded out, and only the
sharply-cut edges of the sand-dunes remained sharply defined

WHITE—A Trip ov the Coorong. 165

upon an evening sky of bright blue, upon which many bright
twinkling stars were showing.

It was 9 p.m. when we dropped anchor off our camping
ground, we threw our blankets and a few things into the
dingey and rowed ashore. Making our way to the tents which
our friend Mr. Buzzar had pitched a few days previously. No
time was lost in getting some supper and then to bed. In the
morning it was found that our camp was situated on a narrow
strip of land between the sandhills and the Coorong.. —A few
lignum bushes were scattered over a flat, and at the foot of
+he sandhill and around our camp a, number of straggling
bushes of the introduced tobacco plant (Nicotiana glauca) were
growing. After breakfast my friends were anxious to get a
brace of duck for the pot, so I accompanied them along the
shore, till we came to one of those places where the fresh
water was percolating through the sand and finding its way
into the salt. This was the means of attracting a good many
wild fowl, the day was a bright sunny one in Autumn, and the
sunlight went dancing out over the water which was like
the surface of a mirror. Sitting on the clean sandy beach I
watched the antics of a pair of Musk Duck, the female was in-
tent on feeding, but the male bird amused himself by Swim-
wing in circles half on his side, giving forth the deep peculiar
cal every now and again throwing jets of water quite a dis-
tance with his feet. The little Red-capped Dotterel and Black-
fronted Dotterel as well as the Stints formed subjects for
thought and observation. Nets were set for fish that evening,
and our guide ran them early next morning, and he had a nice
dish cooked for our breakfast, after which I went into the
sandhills to look the country out for Bristle Birds. A large
depression quite a mile long by nearly half that distance wide
opened out before me with an amphitheatre of high hills all
round. Most of the sand both in the depression and on the
hills around was covered in high ‘Sword Grass,” (Lepidosperma
gladiatum) with a few low shrubs such as the “Currant Bush,”
(Leucopogen Richi.) | It was not long before I heard the unmis-
takable alarm call of the Bristle Bird, and I afterwards dis-
covered this was their stronghold for some distance round. |
Search as I would not a glimpse of a bird could I get, they kept
so tight to cover. <A few brush Bronze-winged Pigeons,
(Cosmopelia elegans) were seen, and a Goshawk, (Urospiza
fasciata cruenta). Just before surdown Mr. Wylde came out
with me, we sat still and watched, and my friend succeeded
in procuring the first Bristle Bird. The days were very warm,

166 WHITE—A Trip on the Cooron).

in fact hot, and the nights cool with heavy dews. 1 had seen
and heard Scrub-wren in large lignum bushes near our camp,
but for a long while in spite of all my efforts could not
secure one, but after many attempts succeeded, and as soon as
I handled it it seemed new to me (see “S.A. Ornithologist,”
Mol ri PP. 169)

Next morning I was out at peep of day and took up a posi-
tion to watch for Bristle Birds, the whole of the depression
under me was filled with dense fog at daylight, and
it looked as if the deep depression were half full of
snow or cotton wool, soon it ‘began to rise and
envelop everything around me for some time, soaking
the vegetation in moisture, then the sun arose and
pierced the great white pall that hung over the hills and val-
levs, as it rose the bright rays fell on a sand hill a hundred
yards or more away. Here the morning song of Bristle
Bird burst forth and was carried on down the gully, soon after-
wards by the aid of glasses I saw two fine birds coming out
on the bare white sand, chasing one another in a most play-
ful manner. Their long tails which swept the ground gave
them more the appearance of mammals or reptiles than birds,
they were well out of range, and when I shifted they were
gone like a shot. Returning to the camp for breakfast,
and went out again in the evening to sit listening to the
Bristle Birds’ evening song, just as the sum goes down one bird
starts, then it is taken up and passed on till out of hearing.
Sitting perfectly quiet a bird darted over an open space to
make cover on the other side, but I was too quick and procured
it. Each day I was out at daylight collecting and observing,
returning to ja late breakfast. We would then row over to the
mainland. On the 12th we did this and worked out amongst
the sheoak and tea-tree scrub, quite a number of birds was

found there. <A pair of fine Wedge-tailed Eagles were soaring
high up over head. As would be expected in sheoak country,

the Narrow-billed Tree-runner was plentiful, as soon as we
reached the tea-tree the familiar call of the Singing Honey-
eater could be heard in many directions. The New Holland
Honey-eater was also plentiful, the rich full note of the Har-
monious Shrike-thrush was often heard, and several ‘birds seen.
The twittering call of the (Jlelithreptus brevirostris) could not
ihe mistaken. as they flew from tree top to tree top in small
varties. Yellow-rumped Tits were very plentiful, and several
lorge parties of Red-rmnmped Grass Parrots were met with in
the she-oak country. Spink-cheeked Honey-eaters wete plen-

WHITEH—A Trip on ihe Cooroig. 167

tiful, and their strange gurgling note »was often heard, the
noisy Minah was in evidence, the White-browed Babbler was
also seen, the Striated Tit was moving about in large parties.
A few Crows were observed flying over. _ We reached camp
in time to have tea, and for me to get out amongst the Bristle
Birds at sunset. There was a pair of Butcher-birds nearly al-
ways about the camp, and a fish was tied by the tail to one of
the tobacco trees near our tents, every half hour they would
eome along, and have a great squabbling over the fish, pulling
vigorously till they procured a good mouthful, then off they
would go to a distant tree ‘to swallow it, these birds were so
hold that they would attempt to take the fish out of the fry-
ing pan, while the pan was on the fire. After a most success-
ful time amongst the Bristle Birds I said goodbye to my
friends, who were remaining, and at 4 a.m. on the 14th, board-
ed the motor boat with the owner, and we soon had the
anchor up and on board, and were steaming for Goolwa. Lt
witnessed one of the most wonderful sunrises I have ever seen,
for the banks on either side were wrapped in a veil of mist,
the sun like a ball of fire shining through this thick fog, ap-
peared as if steeped in blood, and threw the most wonderful
coloured lights upon the water, from which the fog or mist
was rising in columns. Objects in the distance were mag-
nified to many times their real size, stately old Pelicans looked
like fullrigged ships, and when a party of these birds was
swimming from one side to the other, they looked like a con-
voy of ships in full sail. A White-faced Heron standing on
the bank appeared through the deceiving mists as large as an
emu. The journey back was as full of absorbing interest for
we were passing every few minutes some fresh species of
birds, fine old Black Swans were seen feeding, their long necks
thrust down, and their tails on end as they reached to the bot-
tom for weed. Cormorants of several species, were Sitting
on the stones or the muddy bank, Gulls and Terns were con-
tinually passing up and down. One mottled black and white
Tern was quite new to me, and I was unable to get a speci-
men. The motor boat grounded in the shallows, and we had
to put my things into a dingey then pull on for a mile or more
into deep water, where we found a motor boat going into
Goolwa with a sporting party which we joined, and reached
Goolwa in time to catch that afternoon’s train to Adelaide.
The weather all through had been very fine, the days rather
hot at times, but cold nights often with dense mists or fogs.

163 WHITE—A Trip on the Coorong.

The following is a list of the birds taken or observed dur-
ing the trip, with the writer’s remarks and field notes. The
nomenclature is that of Gregory M. Mathews, F.L.S.. “List
of the Birds of Australia, 1913.”

Budyptula minor undina (Gould). Fairy Penguin.—A
specimen was picked up on the 90 mile beach, having been
blown ashore, it agrees with other specimens I have seen,
which makes me feel sure that there are two species of pen-
guins off the Victorian and South Australian Coast, this
being a much smaller bird in every way. Length 300 m.m.;
bill, 26 m.m.; depth of bill, 9 m.m.; tarsus, 18 m.m. The bill
is very much lighter in construction and the blue of the back
is a very light bright blue.

Cosmopelia elegans neglecta (Mathews). Brush Bronze-
wing pigeon.—Small family parties of these ‘birds were met
with in the sand-dunes, some so young that they were hardly
aible to fly.

Podiceps cristatus christiana (Mathews). Australian Tip-
pit-Grebe.—Not many of these birds were seen. I was told by
a fisherman that they are often found in their set nets. One
specimen taken ¢ measured—length, 508 m.m.; wing from
body to tip, 355 m.m.; spread of wings from tip to tip, 756 m.m.
Stomach contents—Weed, particles of shells, three small fish,
and a great many feathers. All the Grebe seem to ibe feather
eaters. ,

Gelochelidon nilotica macrotarsa (Gould). Australian Gull-
Milled Tern. These birds were often seen in large parties
skimming over the water.

Hydroprogne taschegrava strenwa (Gould). Australian
Caspian Tern.—Solitary birds were seen all through the day
passing up or down the Coorong uttering their harsh calls,
and more often than not they had their bright-red bills point-
ing downwards as they patrolled the waters in search of food.

Thalasseus bergit poliocercus (Gould). Crested Tern.—
Small parties of these birds were seen continually passing up
or down the Coorong, ever on the look out for food. Whea
sighting a fish they shut up their wings and plunged into the
water like a stone.

Sternula nereis (Gould.) White-faced ‘Ternlet.—These
beautiful and graceful little birds were often seen, and their
plaintive call heard.

Bruchigavia novaehollandiae ethelae (Mathews). Southerr
Silver Gull.—Plentiful all along the Coorong.

WHITEH--A Trip on the Coorong. 169

Haematopus ostralegus longirostris (Vieillot). Pied Oyster-
catcher.—A good many of these birds were met with on the
flats or along the shore.

Haematopus niger fuliginosus (Gould). Eastern Black
Oyster-catcher.—Only a single specimen seen of this species.

Lobibyx novaehollandiae (Stephens). Spur-winged Plover.
‘These plovet were numerous they were seen along the shore,
on the flats when the tide was out, also on the grass land, a
long way back from the water. They are most wary birds, and
many other species depend upon them for the call of alarm.
I have seen hundreds of birds of many species feeding conten-
tedly, but upon the alarm note of the plover every bird had its
head up and was ready for flight.

Leucopolius ruficapillus (Temiminck.) Red-capped Dot-
terel.—Nuinbers of these birds were met with on the flats at
low water, and were also seen running along the saniy
beaches.

Eilseya melanops (Vieillot). » Black-fronted Dotterel.—
These birds were often seen, but not nearly as numerous as the
preceding species.

Numenius cyanopus (Vieillot). Australian Curlew..-—Mct
with all along the Coorong, and their weird calls were heard
all through the night.

Vetola lapponica baueri (Naumann). Eastern Barred-
rumped Godwitt.—Several ‘birds seen along the shores and on
the flats.

Pisobia minuta ruficollis (Pallas). Red-necked Stint.-—
Quite large flocks of these little birds were met with in many
places. No doubt they were congregating prior to migration.

Hrolia ferruginea chinensis (Gray). Eastern Curlew-Sand-
piper.—A few examples seen in company with the last-named
species. ‘ .

Notophoyx novaehollandiae (Latham). White-fronted
Heron.—Numbers of these birds were seen silently watching
by the water.

| Chenopis atrata (Latham). Eastern Black Swan.—A good
many of these stately birds were seen in the swamps off the
Coorong, they were very timid, due to being shot at most
likely.

Casarca tadornoides (Jardine and Selby). Mountain-
Duck.—A few observed flying low along the water and at
night their deep-toned call. the male bird answering the
female was often heard.

170 WHITH—A Trip on the Coorony.

Anas superciliosa (Gmelin). Black Duck.—These fine
ducks were not numerous, and moved about in pairs or three
to four at the most.

Virago gibberifrons (Muller). Grey Teal.—These were by
far the most numerous ducks on the Coorong. They congre-
gate in numbers on the shallow waters covering the
flats, when fresh water comes out of the sandhills and meets
the salt water of the Coorong.

Biziura lobata (Shaw and Nodder). Musk Duck—An old
bird or two was often seen sailing about the inlets, the male
birds submerged to the pouch under the bill.

Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus (Brandt). White-breasted
Cormorant.—These birds were not as numerous as one wonid
expect, great numbers are destroyed by the fishermen
each year under the mistaken idea that they are injurious to
the fishing industry.

icrocarbo melanoteucus (Vieillot). Little Cormorani.—
Quite a number was seen sitting on the edge of the water,
and on the stakes and posts in the water.

Urospisa fasciata cruenta (Gould). Lesser Goshawk.—-.\
few birds seen, one taken a @ measured—length, 482 m.in.:
spread of wing from body to tip, 449 m.m.; spread of wings
tip to tip, 915 m.m.

Uroaetus audar (Latham). Wedge-tailed HKagle.—One or
two birds seen flying high up.

Haliastur sphenurus (Vieillot). Whistling Eagle.—Only
one bird seen.

Cerchneis cenchroides (Vigors and Horsfield). Nankeen
kestrel. Occasionally seen hovering over the long grass.

Psephotus haematonotus (Gould). Red-backed Parrot.—
These birds were numerous in the open scrub on the mainland.
Three specimens taken showing no variation with the more
northern -bird. No. 1 2, total length, 258 m.m.; wing from
body to tip, 171 m.m.; spread of wings, 380 m.m.. No. 2 3,
length, 279 m.m.; wing from body to tip, 171 m.m.; spread of
wings, 380 mm. No.3 ¢, 279 m.m.; wing from body to tip,
177 m.m.; spread of wings, 380 m.m. _

Neonanodes elegans (Gould). Grass Parrot.—A small
party of these birds was feeding on grass seeds in the sand
dunes, between the Coorong and the sea. One. bird taken, ¢
measured—leneth, 229 m.m.; wing from body to tip, 152 m.m.;
spread of wings, 337 m.m. “

Hirundo neorena (Gould). Welcome Swallow.—Quite a
number observed.

WHITH—A Trip on the Coorong. 171

Hylochelidon nigricans caleyi (Mathews). ‘Tree-Martin.—
A few birds noted.

' Morganornis superciliosus (Vigors and Horsfield). © White-
throated Baibbler—These birds were numerous on the main-
land. Upon comparing skins with the northern ones it is found
there is little or no difference in colouration. The bil! of the
southern bird seems to be shorter, and not so curved, still the
pill of the northern form varies at times. The measure-
ments of these specimens taken—No. 1 ¢, length, 215 m.m.;
wing from body to tip, 114 m.m.; spread of wings, 265 m.m.
No. 2 ¢, length, 223 m.m.; stretch of wing from body to tip,
- 420 m.m.; spread of wings, 254 mm. No. 3.— 36, length, 190
m.m.; wing from body to tip, 110 m.m.; spread of wings, 253
m.m.

Epthianura albifrons (Jardine and Selby.) White-fronted
Chat.—Great numbers of these birds were hunting diligently
over the flats where the fresh water gravitates into the salt,
when the tide came in they went back into the sandhills, and
returned when the tide went out.

Acanthiza lineata (Gould, sulb-sp?) Striated Tit—A few
birds observed in the scrub on the mainland. In comparing
them with the Mount Lofty Range bird the bill is not so stout
and more pointed, the brown on the forehead and the stri-
ations are almost absent, and the green on the back is not so
pronounced. A ¢ measured—length, 100 m.m.; wing from
body to tip, 63 m.m.; spread of wings, 155 m.m.

Geobasileus chrysorrhous (Quoy and Gaimard). Yellow-
rumped Tit—This bird agrees with the southern form, and
G. M. Mathews is right in making the northern form a _ dis-
tinct sub. sp., for it is a brighter and larger bird. One speci-
mena ¢ measured—length, 108 m.m.; wing from body to tip,
$4 m.m.; spread of wings, 285 m.m.

Sericornis longirostris wyldet (S. A. White.*) Coorong
Scrub Wren.—These birds were very rare and shy, and it was
only after many attempts that I was able to procure them,
they keep to the lignum creeks, sing a low sweet song morn-
ing and evening, otherwise one would never know they live
there, the type specimen measures—length, 120 m.m.; wing
from body to tip, 75 m.m.; spread of wings, 170 m.m.

Maccoyornis broadbentt whitei (Mathews). Southern
Rufous Bristle Bird—There is quite a number of these
birds scattered over the sandhills of Younghusband Peninsula.
They were exceedingly shy and difficult to secure, darting

* “South Australian Oinithologist’’?, Vol. JI., page 169.

172 WHITE—A Trip on the Coorong.

with lightening-like rapidity from one bush or clump of sword-
grass to another. They seem to'‘be perfectly silent during the
day, but at sunrise and sunset they sing a most remarkably
sweet song. The prelude is a loud ticking note, like the tick-
ing of a clock, but loud and sharp, and after being repeated
three or four times, they burst into a beautiful soft melody,
which increases in volume then softly dies away. The song
is taken up and carried on from one depression in the sand-
hills to another and lasts for about two minutes. With
this exception the birds are silent without their
hiding place is approached, then an alarm eall is given of two
notes, resembling very much the alarm call of some of the
honey-eaters, but louder and shriller. They depend upon
their feet to escape from danger, as a rule only once did I see
a bird take to flight, and that was when I flushed it from a
patch of sword-grass which stood out in the open. I found by
experience that it is quite correct that these birds will run
down a rabbit burrow till the danger is past, and have repea-
tedly tracked them down the burrows. They are extremely
local birds, and if a pair be marked down in a clump of bushes
or rushes they will be heard singing morning and evening at
sunrise and at sunset, within thirty yards of first discovery.

Measurements of specimens taken—

No. 1. @length, 253 m.m.; spread of wing from body to
tip, 114 m.m.; spread of wings, 270 mm. No. 4 6, length,
265 m.m.; spread of wing from body to tip, 113 m.m.; spread
of wings, 278 mm. No.6 36, length, 273 m.m.; spread of
wing from body to tip, 112 m.m.; spread of wings, 279 m.m
No. 01 92, length 253 m.m.; spread of wing from body to tip,
114 m.m.; spread of wings, 279 m.m.

No. 1 bill, 15 m.m.; tarsus, 34 m.m.; Iris, bright reddish-
brown, top mandible, greyish-brown; lower mandible, light
grey; feet, slaty brown.

No. 4. Iris, bright reddish-brown; top mandible, ¢ark
brown; lower, greyish brown.

No. 6, bill, 17 m.m.; tarsus, 33 m.m.

Colluricincla harmenica victoriae (Mathews). Victorian

Grey Shrike Thrush.—These birds were fairly numerous, and

were found both in the sandhills and on the mainland. Upen
camparison with skins taken round Adelaide, showed no
variation.

No. 1 @ Length, 265 m.m.; spread of wing from body to

tip, 164 m.m.; spread of wings, 381 m.m.. Iris, rich brown;
bill, blackish brown; feet, slaty black.

WHITH—A Trip ou the Coorong. 173

No. 2. 6, length, 265 m.m.; spread of wing from body to
tip, 164 m.m.; spread of wings, 381 m.m. Iris, rich reddish-
brown; bill and feet, black.

Bulestes torquatus ethelae (Mathews). Southern Butcher
Bird.—A pair of these birds was so quiet in camp that they —
would take food from the hand.

Neositia pileata tenwirostris (Gould). Slender-billed Tree-
runner.—A fainily of these charming little birds was met with
in the sheoak country. One bird,a ¢ taken, measured--—
length, 126mm. Wing from body to tip, 70 m.m.; spread ot
wings, 158 m.m.

Melithreptus atricapillus (Latham). Brown-headed
Honey-eater. Small parties were moving about from tree
top to tree top on the mainland. One bird taken, ¢—length,
135 m.m.; wing from ‘body to tip, 95 m.m.; spread of wings,
210 m.m.

Meliphaga sonora (Gould). Souhern Singing Honey-eater.
These birds were numerous on the mainland, and were occa-
sionally seen in the sand dunes, two male birds were taken,
which measured as follows. No. 1,—length, 203 m.m.; wing
from body to tip, 127 m.m.; spread of wings,, 298m.m. No. 2
—Length, 203 m.m.; wing, 127 m.m.; spread of wings, 293 m.m.

Meliornis novaehollandiae subassimilis (Mathews). South
Australian White-bearded Honey-eater.—Numerous on the
mainland, a ¢—length, 178 m.m.; wing, 105 m.m.; spread of
wings, 241 m.m.

Myzantha melanocephala whitei (Mathews) Southern
Black-headed Minah.—Numbers of these noisy birds were met
with on the mainland, mostly in the scrub or open forest
country, two specimens taken. No. 1. ¢—Length, 290 m.m.;
wing from body to tip, 178 m.m.; spread of wings, 412 m.m.
No. 2. $—Length, 280 m.m.; wing, 190 m.m.; spread of
wings, 430 m.m.

Acanthagenys rufogularis cygnus (Mathews). Southern
Spiny-Checked Honey-eater.—Fairly plentiful on the main-
land, not seen on the sandhills between the Coorong and the
sea. ‘The specimen taken was a very dull bird, showing but
‘ little rufous on the throat, it was a é, and measured—length,
254 m.m.; wing from body to tip, 228 m.m.; spread of wings,
344 m.m. |

174 MATHEWS—DBDirds of North aud North-West Australia.

Birds of the
North and North-West of Australia.

From Skins and Notes made by the late Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower.
By Grecory M. Maruews, F.R.S.E., F.L.8., M.B.O.U., ete.
Nov 14,
209. CONOPODERAS AUSTRALIS CARTERAE. Pale Long-billed
Warbler.

Acrocephalus australis carterae (Mathews). Noy. Zool.;
Vol. XVIII., p. 343, 1912. Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 255— 2. Length, 6.7 (1/9/86).

Irides, hazel brown; bill, upper mandible, dark brown;
almost black at the base and shading off lighter towards the
point, and with a fine brownish fiesh-coloured line along its
side near the cutting edge, lower fleshy white with a bluish
tint about half its length, which does not extend to the tip,
legs and feet, lead colour They seem rare and are shy and
difficult to procure.

210. CisticoLa Exinis Parryi. Western Grass Warbler.

Cisticola exilis parryi (Mathews). Austral.,, Av. Ree:
Vol. 1., p. 77,1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Australia

No. 273.—Length, 4.5 inches (4/9/86).

No. 316. ¢—Length, 4.3 inches (27/7/86).

No. 318. 9 —Lenegth, 4.5 inches (28/7/86).

No. 350.—Leneth, 4.8 inches (19/9/86).

226. Leccrornis Lamperti Muner. North-Western Blue-
Breasted Wren.

Malurus lamberti mungi (Mathews). Noy. Zool., Vol.
XVIII., p. 360, 1912. Mungi, North-West Australia.

No. 342.— 6. Length, 5.4 inches (31/7/86).

No. 344.—¢@. Length, 5.5 inches.

No. 391—¢. Length, 5.4 inches (12/10/86).

Irides, brown; bill, black; tarsi, fleshy brown; feet, brown.
227. Rosina Coronata Coronata Purple-crowned ‘Wren.

Malurus coronatus (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.) 1857,

p.221, Victoria River, Northern Territory. .
No. 218.— ¢. Length (without the tail), 5. inches.
No. 220.—¢6. Length, 5.7 inches (26/8/86).
Very plentiful, but somewhat difficult to obtain.
No. 238.—¢@. Length, 6.1 inches (29/8/86).
No. 243.— ¢. Length, 6.3 inches.
No. 244.— 6. Length, 6.2 inches (30/8/86).

———

~WMATHHW S—DBirds of North and North-West Austrulia. 175

Irides, ‘brown; bill, black; legs and feet, brownish flesh

colour. ,
No. 254.—¢. Length, 6.1 inches (1/9/86).
No. 266.— 6. Length, 5. inches.
No. 268—@. Length, 5.8 inches (3/9/86).
No. 272.— ¢. Length, 6.1 inches (4/9/86).
No. 276—¢@. Length, 5.5 inches (5/9/86).
No. 282.— @. Length, 5.9 inches (6/9/86).
No. 287.—¢. Length, 5.9 inches (7/9/86).
No. 292—é6. Length, 6. inches (8/9/86).
No. 293.—@. Length, 5.6 inches (8/9/86).
No. 302.— ¢. Length, 6. inches (11/9/86).
No. 308.— 6. Length, 6.3 inches (11/9/86).
No. 304.—¢@. Length, 5.7 inches (11/9/86).
No. 334.— 6. Length, — inches (16/9/86).
No. 338.— ¢. Length, 6.2. inches (17/9/86)
No. 352.— 2. Length, 6.5. inches (20/9/86).
No. 354.—@. Length, 5.8 inches (20/9/86).

No. 372.— ¢. Length, 5.9 inches (27/9/86).
No. 375.— 6. Length, 5.9 inches (27/9/86).
No. 373.— @. Length, 5.6 inches (27/9/86).
No. 408—¢. Length, 5.7 inches (17/10/86).
No. 430—¢?. Length, 5.9 inches (24/10/86).
No. 452.— 6. Length, 6.4 inches (24/10/86).
No,— 6. Length, 6.4 inches (24/10/86).
No. 463—@. Length 6. inches (28/10/86).
No. 466.— ¢. Length, 6.4 inches (28/10/86)
No. 471.— 6. Length, 6. inches (28/10/86). t
No. 477.— @. Length, 5.4 inches (29/10/86).
No. 478.— 6. Length, 6.3 inches (29/10/86)
No. 529.— 6. Length, 6. inches (8/11/86).
No. 530.— @. Length, 5.8 inches (8/11/86)

These birds are found in a bamboo-like growth, some-

times many yards from the riverside. They are always driv-
ing away Ryania melanocephala bower. They are very in-
quisitive, the females coming within two or three yards of one.
The all have the power of raising the feathers of the crown of
the head, which greatly increases the apparent size of that
part. The female always seems to lead the parties or
families and they are never far from the water’s edge. While
moving along they constantly utter a call “chirripp,” which
seems to be repeated by each member. The number of these
parties varies from 5 to 7. The tail is carried

Malurus, but not-so far over the back. They often take in-

mueh like

176 MATHEWS —Birds of North and North-West Australia

sects on the wing, but appear to live on larger ones than
Ryania. The male is shy when in adult plumage, but he is
truly a lovely bird, and the colours of the head show out in the
light to a remarkable extent. They have no song, and the
“ehirripp”’ uttered while moving along jin flocks is far stronger
and easily recognised from that of Ryania. They always
select long rushes or bamboos, up the stems of which they
climb with ease; they also feed more on the wing than Ryania.
228. RyantsA MmLaANocErHALA Bowert. Western Red-backed
Wren.

Malurus cruentatus bowert (Ramsay). Proc. Lenn. Soc.,
N.S.W., Ser. fl. Vol. II., 1886, p. 1100, 11887 Derby, North-
West Australia

No. 803.— . Length, 9.9 (22/7/86).

trides, brown; bill, very dark ‘brown; becoming horn
recolour for a short space in front of the nostrils, and on the
sides of the lower mandible; legs and toe, slate.

No. 398.— @. Length, 9.5 inches (13/10/86).

Irides, reddish-brown; bill, whitish-brown, darker in the
culmen at the tip and round the nostrils; legs and feet, bluish.
lead.

No. 402.— ¢. Length, 10. inches (13/10/86).

Irides, reddish-brown; eyelid, lead; ‘bill, black; legs and
feet, slate.

No. 443.— 6. Length 10. inches (26/10/86).

Irides, fine brown; bill, black; legs and feet, lead.

No. 496—¢. Length, 9.5 inches (3/11/86).

Irides, brown, with a reddish tint; bill, black; tarsi and
feet, lead; the former tinged ‘with olive.

No. 213—¢. Length, 4.3 inches (1/7/86).

No. 233.— 6. Length, 4.3 inches (29/8/86).

No. 257.— 6. Length, 5.2 inches (2/9/86).

No. 259.— . Length, 4.8 inches (2/9/86).

No. 801.—¢. Length, 45 inches (21/7/86)

Trides, brown; bill, black; legs and feet, flesh colour.

No. 314.— 6. Length, 4.2 inches (26/7/86).

No. 315.— ¢. Length, — inches (26/7/86).

No. 385.— 6. Length, 4.5 inches (30/7/86).

No. 353.— @. Length, 4.3 inches (21/9/86).

No. 381—4¢. Length, 4.3 inches (7/8/86)..

No. 415—6é. Length. 4.5 inches (20/10/86).

No. 419 — ¢@. Length, 4.4 inches (21/10/86).

No. 485.— 6. Length, 4.4 inches (2/11/84).

No. 489.—é. Length, 4.4 inches (2/11/86).

MATHEW S—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 177

No. 490.— ¢. Length, 4.3 inches (2/11/85).
No. 493.— ¢. Length, 4.4 inches (2/11/86).
No. 503.— ¢. Length, 4.2 inches (3/11/86). .

(234. ArramMus LrevucorsayNcHuSs Harrurti. Western White-
rumped Wood Swallow.

Artamus leucorhynchus hartertti (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII., p. 367, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 246.— 6. Length, 7.1 inches (31/8/86).

No. 247.-—@. (31/8/86).

Irides, brown; bill, deiicate light bluish slate, becoming
black at the tip; legs and feet, mealy black.

234, CAMPBELLORNIS PERSONATUS ‘GRACILIS. Northern
‘Masked Wood swallow.

Artamus gracilis Udngran), Bull. Brit. unin! Club, Vol:
p-. 115, 1906, Alexandra Northern Territory.

219.— ¢. Length, 8.1 inches (5/7/86).

Irides, fine brown; bill, beautiful blue or lavander at the

base, becoming black at the tip; legs and feet, black with a
bluish tinge.

No. 220—9?. Length, 7.8 inches (5/7/86).

No. 221.— 6. Length, 8.2 inches (5/7/86).

No. 223.—@. Length, 7.7 inches (5/7/86).

No. 224.—9@. Length, 7.6 inches (5/7/86).

No. 259— 9. Length, 8. inches (16/7/88).

Legs and feet, nearly lead colour.

No. 260—2. Length, 7.8 inches (16/7/86).

No. 261.— 6 and No. 262.¢. Length, 7.9 inches (16/7/86).

No. 319-2. Length’ 7.5 inches (28/7/86).

No. 820.— 6. Length, 7.8 inches (28/7/86).

No. 321.— ¢. Length. 8. inches (2 28/7 i 186).

No. 322.— 6. Length, o inches (28/7/86).

No. 323.— ¢. Length, & wae (28/7/86).

No. 326.-—_2 and No. 307 . (28/7/86).

Common on the red i Sate gum trees, all their heads
and throats being covered with the pollen of the flowers. Their
note greatly resembles that of the Common House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus), and they are a noisy bird. When fiying

hey are graceful in the wing, and very swallow-like in their
movements, keeping at a great height, sometimes almost out
of sight, but still uttering their single note.

”

17S Mz ainsi ae Hinde fain ON th and North- jaasihe “est cainialns

Le

Bd. VAMBELLORNIS) ¢) SUPERCILIOSUS/: PimAnUS. Northern
White-browed Wood Swallow.
Artamus phacus (Ingram), Bull. Brit. Ornith. Club., Vol.
ROVE ip. 115 1906. alex wee Northern Territory.
No. Length, 7.7 inches (20/7/86).
No. 296.— @. Length, 79 inches (20/7/86).
Bill, beautiful light bluish slate for a little more than
half its length, remainder, black; legs and feet, black.
No. 308.— 6 Length, 8.1 inches ¥24/7/86).
No. 3/6.— ¢. Length, 8 inches (6/8/86).
No. 377.— 9. Length, 7.7 (6/8/86).

235. AUSTRARTAMUS MeLaANops . VENUSTUS. White-vented
Vood Swallow.

Ariamus venustus. Sharpe in Rowley’s Ornith. Miscel.,
Vol. TIL., p. 198, 11878. North-West Australia.

No. 26—¢. Length, 7.4 inches.

Irides, dark brown; bill, lavender, tip nearly black; legs,
bluish grey.

No. 29.—¢@. Length, 7.7 inches (29/5/86).

No; 30.— 3)... Length, 7-7, inches (29/5/86).

No. 99.—@. Length, 7. inches (5/6/86).

No. 102.— 6. Length, 7 t 5 inches (5/6/86).

No. 103— 9. Length, 7.5 inches (5/6/86).

This bird was seen bainétine together for the night like
a swarm of bees, clinging to one another in a bunch suspended
from a bough.

MicrarramMus Minor Derpyr. Northern Little Wood
Swallow.

Artamus minor derbyi (Mathews). Noy. Zool., Vol. XVIIEL,
p. 368, 1912. ‘Derby, North-West Australia.

No. 161.— ¢@. Length, 5.6 inches (21/6/86).

Irides, brown; upper mandible, lavender; tip, black; tip
of lower and a stripe from the tip to the chin, black; legs and
feet, ‘black.

No. 162.— @. ‘Length, 5.7 inches (21/6/86).

No. 163— . Length, 5.7 inches (21/6/86).

No. 184.— 6. Length, 5.6 inches (26/6/86).

No. 505.— 9. Length, 5.8 inches (4/11/86).

This species is decidedly more swallow-like in its move-
ments than “renustus” and does net resort so much to trees.

740. CaALEYA MrGARHYNCHA Grishara. Minute Shrike Thrush.
Myiolestes griseatus (Gray). Proc. Zool. Soc. (Izond.),
1858. p. 180. Cape York. Thursday Island, Cape York.
No. 21:— 4 | (4/5786).

ne

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 179

944, GRraLtuina CyANnoLtEvcaA Nreeiecta. Little Magpie Lark.
Grallina cyanoleuca neglecta (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol.
MOVE, p. 372, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-West Australia.
No. 337.— 6. Length, 11.3 inches (30/7/86).
Pretty and graceful birds, generally seen in pairs (male

‘and female.) Their note is peculiar, at each note the male

raises his wings.

943. Cracticus NIGRO-GULARIS TORMENTI. \estern Pied
Butcher Bird. ,
Cracticus nigrogularis tormenti (Mathew 8). Austr. Av.

Rec., Vol. I., p. 46, 1912. Napier Broom Bay, North-West
Australia.

No. 495— 6. Length, 13.8 inches (3/11/86).

Irides, very dark brown; bill, bluish or steel-white for the

‘basal two aanis, apecial third, black; tarsi, olive brown, but

where the seales are off, bluish-lead; feet, bluish-lead.

This is certainly a King of ‘Songsters, and as soon as the
first dawn appears, his clear notes ring out, for the rest of the
day he appears to be silent. .

249. Neosirra PrLreEarsa NAPIERA. Western White-winged
Tree-runner.

Neositta pileata Napiera (Mathews). Austral. Av. Rec.,
Vol. I1., p. 68, 1913. Napier Broome Bay, North-West Aus-
tralia.

No. 48.—¢6. Length, 4.5 inches (26/5/86).

Irides, light brown, becoming darker towards the pupil,

eyelids, greenish white; bill, black; basal half greenish white;

legs, dull vellow.

They fly from one tree to another, and while flying they
call ina single note. Unlike “chrysoptera” they do not fly to
the trunk of the tree, and work upwards, but to the high
branches, and after running round the bark generally, went ‘to
the flowers, where they obtain insects.

238. COLLURICINCLA BRUNNEA RKOEBUCKI. Little Brown

Shrike Thrush.

Colluricincla brunnea roebucki (Mathews). Austral. Av.
Rec., Vol. L., p. 94, 1912. Roebuck Bay, North-West Aus-
traha

No: 268,—¢?. Length, 7.9 inches.

Trides, ‘brown; bill, with the extreme tip and culmen,
brown; sides, verv light brown, shading towards white _ to-
wards the tip; legs and feet, bluish lead colour; claws, brown.

No. 294. 6. Length, 9.6 inches (20/7/86).

Bill, dark brown, almost iblack.

180 4ILTZ—Another New Record for South Australia.

No. 50.—¢. Length, 4.4 inches (27/5/86).
Irides, reddish-brown; eyelids, greenish-yellow 3 OME
greenish-yellow; tip, black; legs, yellow.

No. 51.—¢. Length, 4.5 inches (27/5/86).

No. 52.— 8. Length, 4.5 inches (27/5/86).

No. 58.— 6. Length, 4.5 inches (28/5/86).

No. 63.— . Length, 4.5 inches (29/5/86).

No. 504.—?. Length, 4.5 inches (3/11/86).

Trides, light brown; bill, yellow, with black tips; legs, yel-

low; ‘bill, yellow; tip, black; legs and feet, yellow.

Irides and eyelid, greenish-white; bill, brown, with the
base of the lower mandible, white; and gape and basal third
of cutting edges of both mandibles, pale yellow; legs and feet,
pale yellow. |

No. 510.—é. Length, 4.7 inches (4/11/86).

Another New Record for South Australia.
(By F. R. Zeitz, R.A.O.U.)
—Contribution from the S.A. 'Museum.—

Mr. J. Formlby, a resident of Mylor called at my office
about the middle of January of this year, and described two
strange birds to me, which had recently made their appearance
im that district. As there are many extensive orchards in
that neighbourhood it was feared that these birds might take
to fruit-eating, and perhaps be the forerunners of a new pest
for the ochardists. According to the vague description given,
I showed Mr. Formby the Australian Dollar Bird, but as he
could not satisfy himself that it was identical with the birds
he had seen, he shot one of them and forwarded it to the
Museum for identification. It proved to be a very young

male of the Australian Dollar Bird or, Roller (Hurystomus

orientalis pacificus) heavily in moult. It is paler and more
blnish below ithan Queensland and \N.S. Wales specimens,
which character may be due to immaturity.

The Museum Entomologist (Mr. A. M. Lea) examined the
stomach contents of which he reports as follows.—Head and

other fragments of Stag Beetle (Lamprima varians); bits of two
large Stag Beetles (Tetralobus); bits of large Clerid Beetle

(Trogodendron fasciculatum); head of a large Ponerine Ant;
head of a Sand Wasp; many other fragments, mostly of
beetles.

This record gives this species a still greater range, as it
was previously recorded from India, N.W. Australia, Northern
Territory, Queensland, N.S. Wales, and Victoria.

BELLCHAM BERS—Notes from Humbug Scrub. 18L

Notes from Humbug Scrub for November, 1917.
By T. P. Bellchambers.

Tachybaptus ruficollis novachollandiae. Black-throated.
Grebe. One bird paid occasional visits to the dam.

Austroturma velowx. Eastern Little Quail.—Several nests
observed, one in the herbs, one in the hay crop, only seen after
crop was cut, and contained four eggs. As soon as the cover
was cut away the birds constructed a neat cover over the nest.

Pseudartamus cyanopterius. Wood Swallow.—Numerous
in the district this season, and considered harmful to the bee
industry. I experimented with one of these birds in captivity,
and found it refused all worker bees, only eating drones, thus
proving beneficial and not harmful to beekeepers, drones
always being in excess of requirements.

—~—— -
WTS ©

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer.

By His Son, 8. A. White, M.B.O.U.

XVI. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND =SATLOR.

No great Birds of Paradise came in on Monday, July 26th,
yut the natives brought along about twenty «ther birds of
several species, a cuscus and several rats. My father and
both his taxidermists were now suffering very much from the
effects of arsenic and arsenate of potash in the skin curative,
“Arsenical soap.” My father always prepared his own soap
for this purpose, and made it doubly strong. When riis pre-
paration works down undec the finger nails and especially the
thumb nails, it separates the flesh from the nail, and keeps it
in a constant state of festering. Often the irritation reaches
three fourths of the distance down the nail, and if the ends
of the fingers come in contact with anything hard, it makes
one cry out with pain. I have experienced this myself, so it
can be understood how the great Naturalist and his assistants
suffered when they had to skin and cure hundreds of speci-
mens in a week. The weather was showery during the 26th,
little if any wind was perceptible. The next morning Cocke-
rell was sent out with the gun to see what he could get. One

182 WHITE—A_ Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

of the crew landed him and came back with the boat. My

father and Andrews remained on board to barter with the

natives, and cure the specimens, but they had far too much to
do for the natives came in with a good number of_ birds,
amongst these some great birds of Paradise, and two “Goby,
Goby’s” (Paradisea regia). The great birds were not all fully
plumed, some were young males and others females. Cocke-
rell returned with several birds, one a large Manucode or fruit
crow. In some brief notes my father wrote on that day.
“The natives have been coming and going all day, and my
patience has been put to a severe trial, these fellows are so
persistent, and so troublesome, and! it ,will not do to fall out
with them, as they may then not come at all, it is amusing to
see some of them when they bring a “Buring Matti” (Great
Bird of Paradise) for sale.

They know not what to ask, but will sit or stand for the
first hour and refuse all offers, then perhaps they will name
over a long list of things required, then alter their minds and
name over another list, ‘‘Sopie,” (spirits) often included, thus
they remain to my great annoyance blocking up every inch of
space to such an extent that wecannot move. I have
had too much of them to-day, the skinning room has been full
all day, and my dusky visitors have been talking incessantly,
and at the top of their voices, making so much noise that we
cannot hear ourselves speak. This afternoon a good number
of beetles came in, bugs tied up in leaves. caterpillars and
beetles tied in green leaves, large longicorns with their legs
tied up to keep them from running away, or tied in bunches by
_ the antennae.

rN

This evening for the first time a quantity of sweet
potatoes was ‘brought on board (about half a bushel), and I
purchased them for ten times their value. A man came off
this afternoon with two Great Birds of Paradise in such a state
of putrification that their feathers were falling off them, and
these birds are very far gone when the feathers come off, for
I have frequently skinned them when they were quite green,
and full of maggots, and the skin is exceedingly tough, and

the feathers well set. These two birds had been rolled in

ashes to’absorb the moisture which was coming out through
the feathers, and their beautiful plumes were soiled from end
to end. » The fellow must have kept them a week or more.
He was very persistent in asking for guns, and seemed hardly
to realise the fact that the birds were useless. He had pos-
sibly been out in the scrub for weeks—perhaps covered in

WHITH—A Sheteh of the Life of Samuel White. 183

boughs and perched in a ‘tree awaiting for the “Great Birds”

to come to feed in the tree, when he would be prepared to

shoot them with his bow and arrows. Samuel White writes

in his notebook under heading of 28th July:—“We have been.
skinning all day, but there was a great falling off

in the quantity of things brought in by the natives. I

skinned nine Birds of Paradise to-day, which were in

all stages of plumage from full to no plumes at all.

They are chocolate colour of different tints all over,

and often quite destitute of plumes. I have gone im

to-day for ethnological specimens a good deal.

A variety of things were brought and offered, but every-

thing is very dear, the natives know not how to ask enough. To-
morrow I shall go over on the Wokan side to try for some flies,

as I think it is a good place.’ Then again on the 29th he
wrote:—*This morning at sunrise I had a boat swung out.
Two of the crew with Cockerell and myself started to ascend

the creek on the Wokan side of the Watalli Channel. This:
creek I call Cockerell’s creek, because Coeckerell was the first

of our party who ascended it. I took provision for two days,
a fly net, boxes, pins, bottles, etc., but no gun, for I intended

giving up all my time to insects and leaving Cockerell

to look after the birds. We crossed in the boat, and down

the Watalli Channell about 14 miles, when we arrived at the

mouth of the creek running in on the Wokan side, it enters

in a northerly direction, and winds about for the distance of
about a mile, through a densely-wooded and _ picturesque
country, the banks on either side were rocky and_ thickly

covered with beautiful and varied vegetation. It was early

morning, and although they day was a cloudy one and the sky

threatening the picture around us was very beautiful. The
calls of many birds were heard as is usual at early morn in the
tropical scrubs and forests, and amongst ‘others we heard the
loud “Wark, Wark” of the Great Bird of Paradise.

After we had rowed abeut a mile in this creek in salt.
water, our progress was suddenly ended by a huge reef across
the creek. about four feet out of high water, here the salt-
water ceased, and fresh water runs into it during rains. We
now left the boat which I sent off to the yacht, with orders to
meet us in the morning of the next day at the same place. My
companion and I walked up the creek for about four miles,
through fresh water varing in depth from ankle deep to up
to our waists. The bottom of the creek for the whole dis-
tance is bare rock (Coraline limestone) the water had ceased

1s4 WHITE —A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

to flow, or almost so, and it lay in long pools varying in depth
from a few inches to three or four feet. After wading up the
creek for about four miles we were nearly at its source in the
centre of the island of Wokan. ‘The land although very un-
dulating, rough and rugged is very low, the only rises I could
perceive as we walked up the creek, being a few ledges of
rock over which the rain water tumbles and there _ rises
averaged about a foot high, and occurred several times in a
mile. The ‘bottom of the creek was bare rock, without mud
er sand. ‘At the source of the creek is a native plantation,
where they have made a partial clearing, and were growing
a variety of plants for food. It was here I was expecting
to find numbers of insects, and long before we reached the
spot rain began to fall, and continued at short intervals all
day. It was a poor day for anything, and J only captured
about a dozen flies, besides a few beetles.

As the weather was so wet we decided not to stay the
night, but to return to the village a little below where we
entered the creek and try to get a canoe to take us off to the
Yacht, as | had told the men not to come off for us till next
day. Cockerell shot a few good birds. Little could be done
in the wet, and I could take more flies in Australia in an hour
than here in a day. ‘On our return I captured several in-
teresting flies, and Cockerell procured several beautiful little
Kingfishers, with bright-blue backs and yellow breasts.

Upon arriving at the village which is composed of one
large house, it was not difficult to persuade one of the men to
take us in his canoe to the Yacht, and be it said to the credit
of the natives generally, that they were always willing to
render me assistance of this kind when I have been benighted
or astray among them. They of course always expected to
he rewarded with a little tobaceo or some other thing, and I
never failed ito pay them liberally. We reached the yacht
wet and cold about dark, and I was glad I had returned as
there were no less than eleven Birds ‘of Paradise to be pur-
chased, these were not all plumed of course, but a fair propor-
tion. had pane to barter for all these kept me vigorously at

work till just on midnight, the guns were all gone, but the _

breech loaders, and these had to be shown to prove there was
not a muzzle loader left, then the birds had to be purchased
with a variety of things such as powder, shot, beads, axes,
knives, calico, handkerchiefs, iron wire, and sovereigns such
bartering I never experienced before. The trading “will be-
gin by asking for tens or fives of everything, and reduce the

¢

\

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Sanuel White. 185

numbers as business progresses, during all this time the cabin
of my little craft is filled with men so full that no one can
move, the heat is very oppresive, all talking at once and at the
top of their voices. This goes on hour after hour, and after 1
have had a fatiguing day’s walk in a tropical scrub, it re-
_ quires all the patience I possess to keep me from losing my
temper, but I am determined not to show anger at any trifling
annoyance, as these people do not mean ito be offensive.

So this evening I concluded our bargains, and we parted if
not quietly (for these people are excessively boisterous) we did
so with satisfaction on both sides. A number of things were
purchased such as, birds, insects, shells, baskets, implements,
etc. A young cassowary that was offered I could not buy as
the owner would be satisfied with nothing but “Sopie” (Grog.)
I am frequently asked for spirits, but I do not mean that they
shall have a drop of it, as it is a useless and dangerous luxury.
that they can well do without. I have suffered exceedingly
all day to-day with chafed flesh. It frequently happens that
persons in these warm climates have their flesh break out into
a rash, prickly heat, etc, especially in the over-heated parts,
such as under the arms, round the waist, inside thethighs, ete.
Mine seems on the inside of the thighs, and the desire to
scratch is irresistable, and our hands being continually im
arsenic the skin may have become poisoned. However my
flesh has broken out into festering sores. JI am not the only
ene, for those who have to go out and do as I do are as bad,
and the wet to-day and chafe of our wet clothing has made
Cockerell and myself perfectly raw, and it is with difiiculty
awe can get about, indeed if it gets much worse we will be
laid up.’
- he next day the 30th, my father remained on board all
cay for he and bis two taxidermists were very busy curing
specimens. Several Birds of Paradise were brought on
board, and many other birds and natural history specimens
were bartered for, but my father seems to have been suffering
very acutely with bis flesh sores aggravated so by his wet trip
inland. re

In avery brief note written on that day by wy father he
says:—‘Abeut 10 o'clock this morning a Macassar man came
with a Bird of Paradise and is here still (midnight) he expec-
ted a gun for it, but my muzzle-loading guns are all gone, and
the fellow cannot realize the fact. The day has passed as
usval—crowds of natives filled the ship. Ihave not been
too tolerant with them tce-day ‘* have been been a good deal

186 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

out of temper, having, suffered all night, and to-day very much
with my sores, the wetting yesterday has not done them any
good. Rain has been falling all day.” The man referred te
in the above note remained on till the morning when my
father tried all kinds of ways to get rid of him or purchase
the bird, but to no purpose the fellow wanted a gun and was
fearfully disappointed about not getting one, as last when he
found that the owner was leaving his ship he accepted a
sovereign and a variety of other things. These other Malays
are the worst class of men to deal with for they will remain
or come ‘back day after day and renew their bartering. The
Aru men are quite bad enough in their persistent ways, but
the Macassar and Malay men are far worse. As soon as my
father got rid of all the natives on ‘board he ordered out the
big boat and a crew, and made up the Watalli Channel, a light
breeze sprang up, and a sail was hoisted, but after a mile or
so it died away and they resumed pulling, which was con-
tinued for four: hours and arrived within a few miles of the
end of the channel. When the tide changed and became too
strong, and he had to turn back owing to the wet, and not hay-
ing a tent with them. In some notes written some time after-
wards, my father says: “The channel did not turn suddenly to
the north-west as I expected it might, but kept in an easterly
and north-easterly direction, the bends were not excessive
although not straight anywhere.

After we left the yacht a few miles behind, the channel
became a little narrower, (about 400 yards in the narrowest
place). The scenery was exceedingly beautiful as we passed
along, the channel looked like a broad and noble river, the
tide-like stream running at the rate of two or three miles
an hour. The banks in some places were perpendicular rock,
and in others low and muddy; the land on either side was low,
very uneven, indeed rv ugged, and densely clothed with luxu-
rious vegetation of many species, amongst it here and there a
cocoanut struggled through and showed its head amongst the
rest of the vegetation.- The very edge of:the cliff grew thick
scrub, and trees at times grew on the bare face of the cliff,
spreading their roots and grasping every inequality of surface
or every hole in the rock. During the first four miles we
passed about a dozen houses of the natives, generally not
more than one at one spot placed on the points of land that
jut out into the water here and there, and where the soil on the
rock is a little deeper than usual, here the natives half clear
the land, and plant their food stuffs, the. houses are built in

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White 187

the usual way on piles, thatched with palm leaves, and the
sides formed with mats. One man was building a new house
alongside the old one, it was not very extensive, but must
have been nearly 30 feet long, it had two raised floors, which
were about seven feet apart, the first floor being about that
distance from the ground. We passed many tributaries to
the Watalli Channel like the Wanumbi creek, but most were
shallow and shot off from the main stream on either side.
Although I did not reach as far as I desired I was gratified
and much pleased with the scenery, I consider it extremely
beautiful, and am sure if it were within reach of civilized
parts of the world it would ‘be much frequented. In many
places we observed fresh water falling over rocky banks into
the salt water of the channel at such places we frequently
landed after an hour of so’s pull in the sun (as the sun shone
out very warm between the showers), and my men refreshed
themselves with cool clear water, which comes from the dark
dense tropical scrub and falls in cascades into rocky basins be-
fore it finally mingles with the water of the ocean.

We reached the yacht before dark, and I felt as though
I had ended a good days work, but far worse than all the work
are the sores that are increasing both in size and number in
places about my body. When warm and the perspiration is
running, the horrible itching and smarting at times seems
almost as much as I can endure, several times to-day I have
een on the point of jumping overboard to wash away the
perspiration, but am afraid the salt water may aggrevate the
wounds. There were a great many natives on board when I
got back, but they bring but little now. The weather to-day
bas been very disagreeable, being both hot and wet.”

August 1st, my father gave orders to have the yacht shif-
ted with the ebb tide, and at ten o’clock she was under way,
and came out of the Watalli Channel. There were several
patives on board when the anchor was heaved, one had a live
Bird of Paradise tied by the leg to a stick, it was a fine bird,
five or six years old, perfect all but the side plumes, these
were only a few inches long, and of a very dull straw colour.
The poor bird fluttered, bit, and screamed, the owner refused
several axes for it, and took it away as the yacht got under
way, he either did not know what he wanted for it, or could
not explain. My father, writing under the above date, says:
“We came out of the channel with both the wind and tide, and
were soon in the big open bay at the mouth of the Watalli
Channel, here I intended dropping anchor, but I was busy be-

188 WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

low, and the Captain disobeyed my orders in not calling me.
He went on to the north-west point of the bay, I fear it
is too fax to return, or I would have liked to settle the doubt
as to there being a passage for a boat from the Watalli Chan-
nel to the village of Maykor, but I think it very doubtful. We
dropped anchor early in the afternoon, and most of the men
went on shore. The weather was much finer than yesterday.”

A Magazine of ‘Omithology. :

ls JULY, 1918.

: EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:

R, CROMPTON, R. AOS
Ae Gi EDQUIST a,
S.A. WHITE, ¢.M.B.0.U.
ey R. ZAETZ, RAOU.

THE

South Australian

ORNITHOLOGIST.

=
oo

AS |

|

Editorial Committee : .

R.” Crompton, R.A.O.U.

A. G. EpQUIST
SS) Warr CoM. Bw. U-
Be Are Zs) Ro AOL:

Secretary :
KF. M. Ancer, R:A.0.U:,
c/o W. D. & H. O. Wills, Lidge
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

CONTENTS.

The South Australian Ornithological Association . : : LOS
Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphasidae, Genus Anthochaera . 196

A Visit to the Breeding Grounds of Swan and Pelican on the

Coorong. Capt. S. A. White, C.M.B.0.U. . ; : Brian lie}
Some Observations on the Nesting and the Young 0: Cormorants.
A. M. Morgan, M.B., Ch.B. y : : . : i Spe DI! :
Birds of the North and North-West of Australia Sate Hae
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.L. 5. M.B.O.U. 205
About Members . : : : 2 : : : 2 ‘ un 269
Distribution of Lalage Tricolor . 5 : 3 : : 5 - - 210

Living versus Dead Names for Australian Birds. A. J. Campbell,
U.M.B.O.U. : ! ; : : 2 : 3 i Epa (4

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, Capt. S. A. White,
C.M B.0.U. 4 : 4 : ito 4 : : i NI

deductions recorded.

RAED fe sige id ia

South Australian Ornithologist.

Wor. ILL] Tse OLS?) 198s: [PPARs

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

MONTHLY PROCEEDINGS.

—April 5th, 1918.—

Nineteenth Annual Meeting, Mr. A. G. Edquist in the
chair. Election of office-bearers—President, Capt. S. A.
)White; Vice-President, Mr. E. Ashby; Hon. Secretary, Mr. R.
Crompton (on active service); Acting Hon. Secretary, Mr.
F.M. Angel. The election of Editorial Committee was defer-
red until “next meeting. Some notes were supplied upon
bird-life at Humbug Scrub by Mr. T. P. Bellchambers. Capt.
White gave a report of his official visit of inspection to the
islands in the Coorong, and spoke of the kindness and assis-
tance given by that keen Nature lover, and bird protector, Mr.
Thos. McCallum, of McGrath’s Flat, also by the energetic
police officer in charge of the district, M.C. Kaine, who is doing
his best to see that the Bird Protection Act is carried out. The
speaker gave a description of the islands, and the nesting
haunts of the birds, and reported that the birds had incr eased
well this season, the only check was that a number of young
pelicans had died through the parent birds being destroyed
when in search of food, and on their way back to their young.

The speaker said that large painted notice boards, stating
that no one without a permit could land on the bird sanctu-
ary, were wanted in place of the calico notices hitherto used.
It was resolved to carry this recommendation into effect.
A debate took place in reference to the publication of the

194 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

Association’s Journal, “The S.A. Ornithologist’’, and a decision
was deferred till next meeting. A discussion was entered
sma.iao]q JO Soweds-qns Mou B Jo AjrpITeA oy, wodn o7UL
adelaidae, some remarkably bright specimens were tabled by
Mr. Frank Parsons, and by Mr. E. Ashby. It was decided to
adjourn the discussion to a future time, when other members
would submit more material.

APRIL 26th, 1918.

Capt. 8. A. White presided over a very large attendance.
Miss Edwards, the first lady member of the Association was
elected, Mr. A. G. Edquist was chosen to be a member of the
publishing Committee in place of Dr. A. M. Morgan, resigned.
A motion was carried by acclamation that Dr. Morgan’s splen-
did work, while on the Committee be recorded. The Chair-
man referred to the death in Tasmania of Col. Legge, R.A.,
C.M.B.O.U., and said how much ornithology had gained by his
services, and the great loss it had sustained by his demise.
Many bird notes were recorded, Mr. J. W. Mellor reported hav-
ing seen on April 4th a young Pallid Cuckoo, ‘being mobbed by
the common “greenies,” and a wagtail. Mr. E. Ashby nioti-
fied that he had seen the White-throated Nightjar (Lurostopo-
dus mystacalis), this being a record for Blackwood. The same
member reported the presence of the Red-capped Robin
(Whiteornis goodenovi) at Coromandel Valley (which is very
unusual if not unique), and that the Spiny- -cheeked Honey-
eater (Acanthagenys rufogularis cygnus) had been seen on
LeFevre’s Peninsula. Several records of the first appearance
for the season of the Flame-breasted Robin (Littlera chrysoptera
phenicea) were made. Mr. F. Parsons had noticed it at
King’s Park, Mr. T. Souter some time ago at Gilberton, and
the Chairman at Tapley’s Hill on April 19th. Mr. Lienau
stated that the tree martins lately had been congregating in
numbers on telephone and telegraph wires in the surburbs.
The Chairman announced that nearly all the male Maluri
(Wrens) were still in their brown plumage. Only one out of
many had retained its nuptial dress. Autumn was the sea-
son when many birds seemed to be on the move, and it was at
this time several species came down from the ranges to the
plains such as the Rufous-breasted Thickhead (Pachycephala
rufiventris), Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina novae-
hollandiae melanops), Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater (Acanthagenys
rufogularis cygnus), Spotted Diamond Bird (Pardalotus
punctatus), and the Adelaide Rosella (Platycercus elegans

The South Australian Ornithological Assocvation. 195

adelaidae), and the White-eye (Zosterops lateralis). The
latter become more ‘numerous, and the buff mark-
ings on the flanks become more pronounced. The Chairman
also remarked that Mr. Osborn, who had much experience
with birds in captivity, made a statement that he had seen,
without doubt, a pair of Painted Finches on his farm at
Pinnaroo a few weeks back. The remainder of the evening
was devoted to a discussion on the validity of a new sub-
species of Platycercus adelaidae, lately described by Mr. E.
Ashby from Cape Jervis. Considerable material was tabled,
including a fine series from the museum collection, shown by
the Ornithologist (Mr. F. R. Zietz), and by Messrs. Ashby,
Parsons, and “Mellor, and the Chairman, from their private
collections. Mr. W. Weidenbach exhibited two Painted
Finches (Emblema picta ethelae), and a Honey-eater from the
MacDonnell Ranges.
MAY 3ist, 1918.

Capt. S. A. White presided. The Hon. Secretary (Mr.
F. M. Angel) stated that in company with the Chairman he
had waited upon the Minister of Industry in reference to bird
protection, and the Minister had promised to do all he could
in the matter. A letter was read from Mounted Constable
L. Jury of Edithburg, stating that he wished to become a mem-
ber, and expressing his great appreciation of the Nature Notes
published in “The Register.” The Chairman was congratulated
upon the distinguished ornithological honour conferred upon
him by the British Ornithologists’ Union. Mr. Alfred Cromp-
_ton stated that he had received a letter from his brother
Robert (on active service) in which he gave an account of a
few days furlough, which was spent in Paris, during which
time he visited several museums; he was treated with the
greatest courtesy, and was shown Baudin’s and Peron’s
specimens from Australia, among them the extinct Kangaroo
Island Emu, the only existing specimen. Mention was made
of the death of Mr. M. E. Saunders, and the Chairman made
feeling remarks regarding the loss the Association and Orni-
thology in general had suffered in the demise of the young and
promising member. It was decided that a letter. of condolence
be sent to the relatives. Many bird observations were recorded.
Mr. F. Parsons stated that he had seen the Grass Parrot
(Neonanodes elegans) in numbers at St. Kilda lately, and that
he had seen the Red-capped Robin near the City. Mr. J. W.
Mellor reported having seen the Flame-breasted Robin at
both Fulham and L ockleys, also the Black-faced Cuckoo-

196 Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidue, Genus Anthochuera.

Shrike. Mr. Samuel Sanders stated that during a recent
trip to the Murray he had seen about 50 Wedge-tailed Eagles.
They all settled on the ground, and covered about an acre.
They danced and hopped about for a time, then all rose up
and circled to a great height. Two new members were pro-
posed—M.C. L. Jury and Mr. Ifould. The Chairman then read
many extracts from letters received from observers in many
parts of the State, which were most interesting. The birds
under discussion for the evening were sombre coloured
little tits whose presence is hardly noticed as_ they
move about among the trees and bushes ever in
search of insects. Those skins under notice were:—
Acanthiza pusilla from New South Wales, A. pusilla macularia
from Victoria, A. p. archibaldi from King Island, A. p
diemenensis from Tasmania, A. p. zietzi from Kangaroo Island,
A. p. hamilioni from the mallee districts, A. p. arno from
Eyre’s Peninsula, A. p. consobrina from the interior of South
Australia. Specimens of the above were exhibited by Capt.
White, Mr. F. Parsons, and Mr. J. W. Mellor.

Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidae, Genus
Anthochaera.

Anthochaera chrysoptera intermedia (Brush Wattle Bird).

Description.—Male primaries, greater part of basic end of
the inner webs, rufous; outer webs and remaining half of
inner webs, dark brown, tipped with white; upper surface,
blackish brown, each feather having a thin line of white down
the centre; tail and wing coverts, blackish brown, tipped with
white; tail, dark brown, tipped with white; all the feathers of
the throat and chest, very dark brown, almost black, and ter-
minating in hair-like tips which are white; under surface,
blackish brown, each feather having a broad white line down
the centre; iris, brown; feet and legs, reddish brown; bill,
black.

Measurements.—Total length of dry skin, 270 m.m.; wing,
140 m.m.; bill, 25 m.m.; tarsus, 30 m.m.

The only difference between the sexes may be the slightly
smaller size of the female.

The young take the adult plumage from the nest.

Distribution.—Found over South Queensland, New South
Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Kangaroo Island.

Order Passeriformes, Pumily Meliphugidae, Genus Anthochaera. 197

The birds found in Queensland and New. South Wales,
those from Tasmania, and those found on Kangaroo Island,
have been separated into three sub-specific forms, while those
found in Victoria and South Australia (to which the above
description pertains) forms the fourth sub-species. This may
or may not be correct, there being little variation between
them. The West Australian bird A. ¢. lunulata being very
distinct.

Habits.—Noisy, conspicuous birds, which often visit the
gardens in the suburbs. They are as a rule found in the bush
or scrub, and seldom seen in thinly timbered coun-
try. Occasionally they are to be found in situations
where heath and low Banksia grow. Common birds in many
parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges, and once found in num-
bers upon the Adelaide Plains, in the days when thick scrub
including Banksia covered a great deal of that country.
Within the last few years a pair or two have visited the Reed-
beds and nested there. When nesting time approaches they
become very pugnacious, driving away all birds, large or small,
from their nesting site, or feeding trees. They are restless
birds, always on the move, flying from tree to tree, hanging
in all attitudes as they search the blossoms for nectar and
insects. They shift considerably according to food supply,
for in some districts when Hucalypts and Banksias are in blos-
som these birds become very plentiful, but as soon as the trees
cease flowering the birds will move to another district. They
nest early and late; it is not uncommon to see young about in
August, and as late as February.

Flight.—Strong, undulating, but erratic at times.

Food.—Consists of nectar, also insects, for which they
diligently search the foliage, limbs, and trunks of trees; some-
times catching them on the wing.

Note.—Harsh and varied; when feeding, a sharp short call
like “clock” repeated at intervals of two or three minutes.
At nesting time the male bird will perch in an exposed posi-
tien and utter a series of remarkable notes, lifting his head
until his bill is straight up, tthe throat swelled out, and tail
raised. Most of the notes are harsh and guttural, but at
times sharp and resembling the words “Keckwick, keckwick”’
repeated several times in quick succession.

The young will follow the parent birds round all day long
till fully fledged, uttering a monotonous and incessant call of
“quock, quock”, only pausing when food is thrust into their
mouths by the parent birds.

/

~

198 WHITH—Breeding (rounds on the Coorong.

Nest.—Invariably placed in an upright fork, and is open.
The nest is small in comparison to the bird, and generally
consists of twigs, lined with rootlets. The female sits very
closely on the nest, ond the male bird brings her most of her
food.

Kggs.—Clutch Be or three, generally the former,
but not infrequently only one is laid. The ground colour
varies from white faintly tinged with yellowish pink, to light
reddish brown. The spots, which are chiefly grouped about
the larger end, are generally rounded in shape, but occasional
irregular blotches occur, they vary in colour from very dark
reddish brown to bright reddish brown. Average measure-
ment of 7 eges—2.81 ¢.m. x 2.05 ¢e.m. Largest egg, 2.90 cm.
x 2.15 e.m.; smallest egg, 2.70 c.m. x 2.00 c.m.

A Visit to the Breeding Grounds of Swan and
Pelican on the Coorong.
By 8. A. White, C.M.B.0.U.

Some few years ago a misguided Government was paying
blood-money for cormorants and pelicans. Many thousands
of these useful birds were destroyed in spite of all the efforts
of ornithologists to prevent it. Eventually the South Austra-
lian Ornithological Association was able to obtain a lease of
the islands in the Coorong, upon which the swans and pelicans
nested.

A caretaker was recommended by the Association and
appointed by the Government. Notices were erected upon
the islands, and all went well till Mr. Goldfinch left on active
service, and another caretaker had to be appointed.

Of late, reports had reached the Association that things
were not altogether satisfactory, so upon the authority of the
Association, the writer left by train for Milang upon a trip of
inspection. Crossing Lake Alexandrina from Milang by
steamer, thence through the passage and over Lake -Albert,
Meningie was reached the same evening. Mr. Thos. McCallum
was there to meet me, and before leaving the township
arrangements were made with a resident to drive over to
Woods Point taking with him a _ boat, which would
be in readiness on the third day. My kind friend
motcred me out to his well known station, MeGrath’s
Flat. Next morning we rode to some high ground

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WAITE—Breeding Grounds on the Coorong. 199

overlooking the Coorong for many miles on either side. One
of the most wonderful and pleasing sights opened out before
me. ‘ihe fine sheet of water was dotted over by many small
islands and rocks, but the water itself was covered in wild-
fowl, swans in thousands, mountain ducks, black ducks, and
teal in countless numbers. The beautiful white egrets and
spoonbill cranes, relieved the dark masses of ducks. Some of
the islands were covered with silver gulls, and pelicans in
small parties were dotted all along. After breakfast Mounted
Constable Kaine arrived from Meningie, and my host
motored us over to Hack’s Point. M.C. Kaine wished to see
Mr. Appelkamp in reference to a report he had sent in. After a
long conversation with Mr. Appelkamp, the caretaker, upon
the birds under his care, we made arrangements to meet after
lunch at the same.spot, and then row up to the islands upon
which the swans nest. Mr. McCallum having kindly supplied
me with a horse, M.C. Kaine accompanied me to the appointed
spot, where the caretaker was waiting with a boat, and we
started off upon a long and a hard pull along the Coorong,
passing many islands on the way. But it is only those
islands completely surrounded by deep water upon which the
swans will nest. Reaching the first swan island the boat
was pulled into a small cove, and we landed near a beautiful
little spot of sandy beach which made an ideal landing place
for the swans because it shelved to the higher ground. It
was a glorious sight that we beheld upon the top of the island,
for amongst the tussock grass dozens of nests of the beautiful
swans were placed; they contained from three to six eggs, and
each nest was placed well out of the reach of its neighbour.
The birds were swimming close up to the island and giving
forth their plaintiff calls. Having seen other islands we
made our way back in the dark. All had a hard pull, for in
the dark we missed the channel upon several occasions, and
became entangled in the water weed. After leaving the boat
we had a scramble up the cliffs in the darkness, and a hunt in
the low scrub for our horses. Even when mounted our pro-
gress was very slow, owing to the ground being honey-combed
by rabbits. ‘Consequently it was very late when we reached
MeGrath’s Flat, and our host met us on the track thinking
something had happened to us. Next day Mr. McCallum took
us in his car and we started out to the spot where the boat was
to be in readiness to take me off to Pelican Island. The old
overland track to Melbourne was in a bad state, and the car
had to negotiate one of the bad sanddrifts. Having reached

200 WHITE— Breeding Grounds on the Coorong.

the meeting place the man who had gone up from Meningie
was in waiting with the boat, and we put off for the island.
A large white patch of birds was soon seen on the eleyated
part of the island, and there was a great string of birds com-
ing and going, some on their way to the Murray River, and
others on their way back with a load of golden carp for their
young. Pulling up to the high side of the island we landed,

and I crept quietly up and looked over the top. It was a fine

sight to see’so many pelicans. They were of all ages, from
squabs not long hatched, to many ready to leave the island,
and there were also many old birds watching over their young.
I examined much of the food which had been vomited up by
the young birds in their agitation, and. found that
there was not one marketable species of fish amongst
the lot, the bulk of the food being imported gol-
den carp, a useless fish, and amongst them a few
congolly. A .yellow-faced cormorant rookery was close
by, but only a few young birds remained, which joined
company with the young pelicans upon my approach. After
a few photographs had been taken I withdrew and returned to
the boat. Upon my return I visited the scene of an early
massacre, where a mass of headless bodies of young pelicans
still remained to mark the spot at which some cold-blooded
scoundrel had chopped off hundreds of these fine birds’ heads
for the paltry sum of one penny each.

| It is grand to think those days are past, and that those
who authorised and took part in the shocking work now see
the mistake. Reaching the mainland we lit a fire, boiled
the billy, and partook of a lunch which our kind host had pre-
pared.

We reached the homestead before dark, and next morning
my. kind friend motored me in to Meningie to catch the early
morning boat. So ended a pleasant trip to the home of the -
pelican and the swan.

I am under a deep debt of gratitude to the McCallum
brothers of McGrath’s Flat for all their kindness, and I was
delighted to make the acquaintance of such an energetic
officer and friend of the birds as M.C. Kaine.

WAR nes U eS 4 Dara
Wein nl se

Wt hed
AUG! aeeen
1 ace

‘ISHN WHEL fO LNO LSNL (snonapodtiy sre smonaodiy) SUXVAONLOO DYNNOA ap uel Turslow “MW “V

i eee

~~

MORGAN—Some Observations on Cormorants. 201

Some Observations on the Nesting and the Young
of Cormorants.

By A. M. Morgan, M.B., Ch.B.

Haying heard that the Great Black Cormorant (Phala-
erocorax carbo novaehollandiae) was nesting on Mundoo Island,
my wife, son, and self made a trip to examine into the matter.

On November 24th, 1917, Mr. F. H. Downer kindly
motored us to Goolwa, where a motor boat was waiting to
convey us to Ram Island, where the shooting hut of Dr. Ben-
son and Messrs. Cullen and Marshall had been placed at our
disposal for the night.

After breakfast at 6 a.m. we went in the motor boat as
far as it could get, and thence in the dinghy to the shaggery
On the way several of the bark nests of the Moorhen
(Gallinula tenebrosa) were seen placed in the butts of large
tea trees standing in the water, the contents were in all stages
from fresh eggs to newly hatched young. One nest, which
our boatman told us had been robbed three weeks before again
contained seven eggs of a very light colour. We also found
several nests of the Little Grass Bird containing eggs ia the
overhanging branches. On rounding a bend we came sud-
denly upon the nesting shags. The nests were all built of
tea tree twigs, apparently broken off by the birds themselves,
for in the new. nests some of the twigs still had green leaves
upon them. Only two species were nesting, the little black
(Mesocarbo ater), and the little pied (Microcarbo melanolewcus)
there were no Big Black Shags present at all, and although
there was a number of orange-faced birds sitting about in the
trees none of them was nesting. The two nesting species
were more or less mingled, but there was a tendency for each
to nest in small groups by themselves, though occasionally
one or the other species had a nest in an alien group. The
contents of the nests varied from incomplete clutches of fresh
eges to young birds able to fly. The young, when little more
than half grown, disgorged the contents of their stomachs,
flopped into the water and dived out of sight directly the nests
were approached. It was a puzzle to us how they regained
their nests, some of which were 10 or 12 feet from the water,
until we saw one climbing up the branches using beak, claws,
and wings.

The young of both species are quite black, and have the
face and forehead bare until nearly full grown. It is not until

202 MORGAN—Some Observations on Cormorants.

about half grown that the white feathers of the breast appear
on the little pied bird, and even after they are able to fiy the
under part of the neck remains black.

The disgorged fish sank when ejected, hence very few
were seen, the only species identified was the introduced carp,
which has become very numerous in the river and lakes of late
vears.

The note of the young birds is a feeble chirping,
uttered when the nest was approached or an old bird flew
overhead; the adults were quite silent all the time.

After examining the shaggery some time was spent in
rowing about amongst the flooded tea trees and samphire, and
some more moorhens’ and grass birds’ nests were examined; a
disused swan’s nest was also seen as well as many young black
ducks and a few young swans. After an unsuccessful search
for nests of the Baldcoot (Porphyrio melanotus), and the Musk
Luck (Biziura lobata), we had lunch at the hut, and returned
to Goolwa; a pleasant drive through the hills brought us
back to Adelaide the same evening.

On the 4th of May of this year, my wife, son, and self
journeyed to Port Broughton to pay a visit to the Orange-
faced Cormorants (Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus), which we
had heard were breeding on Shag Island. _

On the morning of May 5th Mr. Wall, Jun., sailed us
down the channel to as near the island as the boat could get,
and then rowed us some further distance in the dinghy, after
which a wade of a quarter of a mile brought us to the man-
groves, at that time the tide being low, out of the water.
The first birds met with were a flock of Silver Gulls
(Bruchigavia novaehollandiae), about 200 in number, evidently
in attendance for the purpose of picking up any unconsidered
trifles such as disgorged fish and unprotected eggs or chicks;
they were also eating the dead birds, for one such was seen
with the breast muscles picked away, and many gulls’ tracks
about it in the mud. A few crows were also hanging about
the rookery, sharing the office of scavengers with the gulls.
The Island is such only at low water, the incoming tide cover-
ing all the mud and flooding the butts of the mangroves. <A

narrow belt of trees facing the sea was unoccupied, but on.

passing these we found ourselves at once in the rookery.
The nests are all in the trees, some within reach of the hand,
but many as high as 10 or 12 feet up, and sométimes as many
as a dozen nests in one small tree; they are built of mangrove
and samphire sticks, and at the time of our visit were mostly

MORGAN—Some Observutions on Cormorants. 203

lined with excrement, in some a few small shells were seen.
The rookery covered an area of about two acres, all the trees
in which were covered with excrement, leafless, and apparent-
ly dying. I had noticed on a former visit that the trees in
which last year’s nests were placed were quite dead. The
smell, though not exactly aromatic, was by no means un-
bearable, perhaps because the ground was washed by each
incoming tide. As we approached the trees the young birds
disgorged the fish in their stomachs, and those old enough to
do so flopped to the mud and waddled off towards the water.
It was not very difficult to catch one of two, for examination,
but care had to be taken io avoid their sharply hooked bills,
for they bite savagely when caught. By far the greater
number of the birds were nearly full grown, though here and
there younger birds were found, and a few nests still con-
tained eggs in clutches of two or three.

‘Beneath the trees the mud was thickly strewn with dis-
gorged fish in varying stages of digestion. The most nume-
rous species was the Green Weedie (Odaz waterhousi), next
came the Rock Flathead (Platycephalus sp.). This fish, unlike
the common Flathead (P. fuscus), lives on rocks and weedy
bottoms; it is, I suppose, this species which Capt. S. A. White
found in the stomachs of shags he dissected at Port Gawler
(S.A. Ornithologist, Vol. ii., pp. 178 and 179). It is probably
an edible fish, but is rarely if ever seen in the market. The
next commonest was the Cat Fish (Cnidoglanus megastomus),
many of which were seen; there were also a few Trumpeter
(Atypichthys strigatus), and one each of the Garfish (Hemir-
hamphus intermedius), and the Brown Weedie (Oda balteatus).
Some of the fish measured as much as a foot in length, and
ione about # fb. weight was seen. The young birds do not
‘seem at all particular which nest they sit on; an adult sitting
on two chicks and an egg was constantly pecking off young
birds which were trying to get on to her nest, which they
immediately occupied when she was driven off. The owner.
ship of nests is a constant source of quarrellyng amongst the
young birds themselves, and when pecking and squabbling
they are rather more noisy than usual. The young birds even
when only a quarter grown are excellent climbers, using the
hooked point of the bill, the wings and claws to assist them-
selves back into their nests, and when climbing the trees some-
times hoist themselves up by hooking the neck into a forked
branch. Occasionally they get stuck and perish; we released
one bird which was caught by a foot in a fork, and saw seve.

204 “MORGAN—Some Observations on Cornorurts.

—

ral dead ones in similar situations. The note of the young
birds is a sibilant squawk, feeble by itself, but when some
thousands of birds are uttering it at the same time the volume
of sound is considerable. ‘The old birds make no sound at
all when flying over, but when a silver gull or a crow becomes
too inquisitive they utter a hoarse grunting sound. When
the adults or well-grown young get angry or afraid they half
open the bill, partly extend the rami of the lower jaw, and
keep the pouch and skin of the neck in a quiver.

The newly hatched chick is quite naked, of a greenish
black colour above, and reddish black below. The eyes are
closed.

Quarter grown young have the head naked, all the upper
parts and wings covered with scanty black down, and the
under parts with scanty white down; iris, dull brown.

Half grown birds have the forehead and crown of. the
head bare and of a light greenish black colour; iris, dull
brown; pouch and bill, dull greenish yellow; neck and breast,
white. The dome of neck in these two stages » much stained
from putting the head down the parents gullet when feeding.

The fully grown nestling has the under parts of the neck
and breast covered with white down, the upper parts and
wings, dull black; iris, dull brown; beak, pouch, and bare parts
of the face, pale dull yellow.

First stage out of the nest. Beak and soft parts of head,
pale yellow; chin, neck; and upper part of breast, strongly
mottled with black; abdomen, less mottled; iris, dull brown.

Second stage. Chin, white; middle of neck and upper
part of breast, mottled with black; iris and soft parts as in
first stage.

Third stage. Upper part of breast and abdomen, spar-
ingly spotted with black; iris and soft part as in first stage.

- Fourth Stage. Beak more greenish, culmen,.dark brown
eolour; iris, dull brown, or brown with a grey margin, or all
grey; bare part of face, dull yellow; abdomen, with a few black
spots.
Fifth Stage. | Ready to fly; all the under parts, white;
wings and upper parts, dull black; iris, grey; bill and bave
parts as in 4th stage.

The grey of the iris taking the place of the brown is pro-
bably the prelude to the sea green of the adult, but none uf
the birds we were able to capture had yet attained to that
stage.

MATHHWS—Dirds of North and North-West Australia. 205

The breeding adult has a narrow band of green round
the eye, all the rest of the face including the bases of the rami
of the lower jaw is bright orange; bill, mottled horn colour;
lower mandible somewhat darker. iL had previously thought
that the stage described by me (S.A. Ornithologist, Vol. iii.,
p. 77), was the breeding plumage. That colouration is pro-
bably the adult non-breeding plumage, or possibly a prelude
to the breeding plumage. The occurrence of the black
feathers on the breast of the young of both the little
pied and orange faced birds is of phylo-genetic interest as
indicating their descent from an all black ancestor.

Birds bn ke
North and North-West of Australia.

From Skins and Notes by the late Capt. T. H. Bowyer-Bower.

3y Grecory M. Maruerws, F.R.8.E., F.L.S., M.B.0O.U., prc.
No. 15.
251. \\ SITLOCKA MELANURA MELANURA. Black-tailed Tree
Oreeper.

Climacteris melanura (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1842,
p. 138, 1842. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 160—¢@. Length, 6.6 inches (21/6/86).

Ivides dark brown; bill, legs, and feet black.

Thinly dispersed through the country, generally seen
Singly or in pairs, which appear to keep at some distance from
each other. They utter a very shrill harsh note when on the
- tree, and also just before flying. It never flies far, but alights
im another tree about 20 yards off, clinging to the trunk and
working upwards examining all the cracks and nooks for in-
sects.

No. 187— $. Length, 6.7 inches (26/6/86).

No. 207—@. Length, 6.6 inches (29/6/86).

No. 208— 6. Length, 7.2 inches, (29/6/86).

No. 237—@. Length, 7 inches (13/7/86).

No. 239— 6. Length, 7.2 inches (13/7/86).

No. 869—?. Length, 6.9 inches (26/9/86).
255. AUSTRODICAEBUM HIRUNDINACEUM ‘TORMENTT. Western

Mistletoe Bird.

Dicacum hirundinacewm tormenti (Mathews). Nov. Zool.,
Vol. XVIII., p. 387, 1912. Point Torment, North-west Aus-
tralia.

206 MATHEWS—Dirds of North und North-West Australia

No. 266—¢@. Length, 4.1 inches (16/7/86).

No, 334— 6. Length, 4.1 inches (30/7/86).

No. 356— 6. Length, 4. inches (2/8/86).

No. 360—@. Length,.3.9 inches (3/8/86).

No. 392—¢. Length 4.1 inches (12/10/86).

No. 501— 46. Length, 4.1 inches (3/11/86).

Large seeds are found in this bird, it seemed almost im-
possible for so small a bird to contain such large seeds.

257. PARDALOTUS MELANOCEPHALUS TORMENTI. Point Tor-
ment Pardalote.

Pardalotus melanocephalus tormenti (Mathews). Austral
Av., Rec. Vol. 1., p. 96, 1912. Point Torment, N.W. Australia:

No. 166— ¢@. Length, 3.7 inches (21/6/86).

Irides greenish brown, bill black, lighter at the base, and
a light stripe from the base to tip of the lower mandible.

No. 167— 6. Length, 3.8 inches (22/6/86).

No. 168— 6. Length, 3.8 inches (22/6/86).

No. 172— ?. Length, 3.8 inches (23/6/86).

Irides greenish brown; bill brown, becoming whitish at
the gape and the base of the lower mandible; feet and legs
‘brown.

No. 192— 6. Length, 3.7 inches (27/6/86).

No. 274— ¢. Length, 3.8 inches (17/7/86).

No. 309— 6. Length, 4. inches (24/7/86).

No. 378— ¢. Length 4. inches (8/10/86).

* Although frequenting the ground a great deal, they are.
also found at the top of the highest trees. They are difficult
to see when flying; when doing so they utter a clear loud note
often repeated.

258. CyRTOSTOMUS FENATUS MACGILLIVRAYI. Jape York Sun

Bird. :

Cinnyris fenata macgillivrayi (Mathews). Austral Avy.
Ree. Viol. p. ot 912. Cape Mork

No. 17—6. May 4th, 1886. Thursday Island.

259. MELITHREPTUS LUNATUS SUBALBOGULARIS. Allied White-
naped Honey-eater.

Melithreptus lunatus subalbogularis (Mathews). Noy. Zool.,
Vol. XVI, n 392, 1912. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 2 Length, 4.9 inches (29/8/86).

Irides es brown, bill black, legs and feet flesh colour.

No, 236— ¢ Length, 4.9 inches s (immature), (13/7/86).

No. 339— 8. Length, 5.3 inches. —

Irides dull red, naked skin over the eye, which is very
small and easily overlooked (indeed the skin has to be
stretched to observe it) white; bill black; legs brownish flesh.

&

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 207

ia 345— 6. Length, 5.5 inches (13/7/86).
No. 520— 6. Length, 5.6 inches (6/11/86).

260. MELITHREPTUS GULARIS -COONGANI. Western Black- .
chinned Honey-eater.
Melithreptus gularis coongani (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII.,- p. 392, 1912. Coongan River, West Australia.
No. 88—¢?. Length, 6. inches (2/6/86).
Irides dark brown, naked skin over eye emerald green;
bill black; legs ochre.
No. 89—¢. Length, 6. inches (2/6/86).
No. 110— ¢. Length, 6.4 inches (7/6/86).
No. 111— 92. _ Length, 6. inches (8/6/86).
No. 332— 6. Length, 6.1 inches (29/7/86).
No. 366—¢@. Length, 6.5 inches (3/8/86).
No. 367—¢. Length, 6.5 inches (3/8/86).
No. 491— ¢. Length, 6.3 inches (2/11/86).
264. CISSOMELA PECTORALIS PECTORALIS. Banded. Honey-
eater.
Myzomela pectoralis (Gould). Proc. Zool. Sec. Lond., 1840,
p. 170, 1841. North-west Australia.
. No. 68— ¢. Length, 5.1 inches (31/5/86).
Irides dark brown; legs dark greyish black.
No. 331— @. Length, 4.8 inches (29/7/86).
No. 380— ¢. Length, 5.2 inches (6/8/86).
No. 412—¢@. Length, 4.8 inches (18/10/86).

269. CONOPOPHILA RUFOGULARIS RUFOGULARIS. Red-throated

Honey-eater.

Entomophila rufogularis (Gould). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond.,
1842, p. 137, 1843. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. it Length, 5.2 inches (26/5/86).

Irides brown, bill black, lower mandible fleshy white at
the base; bill black; gape yellow; feet lavender.

No. 64— 6. Length, 4.8 inches (29/5/86).

No. 78—@. Length, 4.8 inches (1/6/86).

Irides greyish brown; upper mandible grey, black at the
tip; lower bluish flesh colour; gape greenish white; legs
bluish grey.

No. 79—¢. Length, 4.7 inches.

No. 80—¢. Length, 4.9 inches (2/6/86).

No. 81—¢. Length, 5. inches (2/6/86).

No. 86— 6. Length, 5.3 inches (2/6/86).

No. 90— 6. Length, 4.9 inches (2/6/86).

No. 263— ¢. Length, 5.6 inches (3/9/86).

208 MATHEW S—DBDirds of North and North-West Australia.

Irides greyish brown; bill black, lighter at the base, more —
so on the lower mandible; legs and feet lead colour. {
Very plentiful in the flowering trees, and they keep off
most other birds.
No. 281— ¢. Length. 4.9 Dinehee (6/9/86).
No. 285—é. Length, 5.4 inches (6/9/86).
No. 286— 6. Length, 5.3 inches (7/9/86).
No. 290— 6. Length, 5. inches (7/9/86).
No. 295—¢@. Length, 4.7 inches (8/9/86),

271. STIGMATOPS INDISTINCTA MEDIA. Least Honey-eater.
Stiqmatops indistincta media (Mathews). Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII, p. 403, 1912. Parry’s Creek, North-west Australia.
No. 66— 6. Length, 5.6 inches (30/5/86). :
Irides dark brown; bill black; feet greyish black.
No. 74— 6. Length, 5.5 inches (1/6/86).
Irides dark brown; bill black; legs bluish grey.
No. 76—é6. lLeng'th 6. inches (1/6/86). |
Irides dark brown; ‘bill | black; feet and legs greyish black.
No. 7(—@. Length, 5. inches (1/6/86).
Irides dark brown; pill brown; gape yellow; feet lead.

INO ses . Length, 5.7 inches (10/9/86).
No. 521 Oe reel ength, 5.5 inches (6/11/86).

271. PTILOTINA ANALOGA NOTATA. Yellow-spotted Honey-
eater.

Plilotis notata (Gould). Ann. Mag. Nat. Hert. Ser IT.,
Vol. XX., p. 269, 1867. Cape York, Queensland.
No. 18—20 ¢ Thursday Island, May 86. Cape Yellow.

274. MELIPHAGA SONORA ROGERSI. North-western Singing
Honey-eater.
Ptilotis sonora rogersi (Mathews). . Nov. Zool., Vol.

XVIII., p. 406, 1912. eau ey North-west Australia.

No. 83—¢. Length, 8. inches (21/5/86).

Irides brown; bill black; legs grey.

No.'62—¢@. Length, 7.1 inches (29 /5/86).

Irides brown; bill black; gape yellowish white; legs and
feet bluish black.

No. 342— 9. -Length, 7.1 inches (18/9/86).

Irides very dark grey; bill black; gape yellowish white;
legs and feet lead colour.

About Meiners. 209

About Members.

Though late, we none the less sincerely congratulate our
honored Patron, Sir George Murray, on his attainment to the
distinguished position of Chief Justice and Lieutenant
Governor of South Australia, also on the recently conferred
honor of Knighthood.

We have to congratulate our only Hon. Member, Mr. G.
M. Mathews, of England, and of world wide ornithological
fame, on having attained a seat upon the Council of: the
British Ornithological Union. This is an honour which testi-
fies to the great ornithological ability of our Hon. Member,
and also refiects partly upon Australia in general. Every
Australian Ornithologist must feel pleased at knowing we
have such an able representative on the Council of the
world’s first Ornithological Body.

The British Ornithologists’ Union recently conferred upon
Capt. S. A. White the honour of Distinguished Colonial Orni-
thologist, an honour that is confined to ten most eminent
ornithologists in the British Dominions. This is indeed a
fitting tribute in recognition of Capt. White’s scientific work
for Australian ornithology, and members and bird lovers
heartily congratulate our worthy President on this well-
deserved honour.

One of our foundation members, Dr. A. M. Morgan, has
made a visit to the Cormorant Rookery at Port Broughton of
late, and a paper appears in this number upon the subject.

All will be glad to know that one of our members, Dr.
Chenery, who came to Adelaide to undergo a severe operation
has returned to Wentworth quite restored to health, and we
are hoping to have some of his sound ornitholigical observa-
tions in our future numbers.

Our Vice-President, Mr. E. Ashby, in company with his
son (Dr. Ashby), left for America last month. Mr. Ashby
hopes to confer with American Ornithologists.

Another of our members, Mr. F. E. Parsons, left on busi-
ness for Yorke Peninsula last month, as this member generally
combines some field work with his duties, we may look for-
ward to some bird observations at least.

Our President made an inspection of the Islands in the
Coorong for the Association, and reported upon the nesting
of swans and pelicans. A short article on this subject

210 Distribution of Lulaye tricolor.

appears in this number. He also made one of his periodical
trips along the Great Western Railway to investigate the
movement of the imported sparrows towards the west, this
work being carried out in an honorary capacity for the Com-
monwealth Council of Science and Industry.

OBITUARY.

It is our painful duty to record two losses of late.

Col. W. V. Legge, R.A., C.M.B.0.U., who died in Tasmania,
will be greatly missed in Ornithological circles. Col. Legge’s
ornithological work is world wide, his “Birds of Ceylon”
being a standard work His geological work is very extensive,
and he has contributed largely to this branch of science.
Some years ago he made a geological, geographical, and orni-
theological investigation of the Great Lakes district in Tas-
mania, taking surroundings of the lakes, and observing the
water birds.

Col. Legge was the first President of the Australian
Ornithologists’ Union, and was a constant contributor to “The
Emu”, his articles also appeared in “The Ibis”. Although
of late years the Colonel was very conservative in his orni-
thological views the new school has always recognised that
his ornithology was very sound.

We have sustained a great loss in the early closing of the
life of Mr. M. E. Saunders, R.A.O.U. He was a comparatively
young member of our Association, but one of great promise,
for he was a constant attendant at our monthly meetings, and
e keen field worker.

a ie el i i ll

Distribution of Lalage tricolor.

In the April number of “The South Australian Ornitholo-
gist” (Vol. III, Part 6, Page 162), doubt was expressed as to
the occurrence of Lalage tricolor in Tasmania. Dealing with
this question Mr. Clive E. Lord, of the Tasmanian Museum,
Hobart, and compiler of a list of Tasmanian Birds, informs us
that the point has been definitely settled»the bird having been
recorded on several occasions from the north coast of
Tasmania.

CAMPBLELLI—Names for Australian Birds. 211

Living versus Dead Names for Australian Birds.
(By A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.0.U., Melbourne.)

Much attention has been paid recently to nomenclature
in connection with our birds, perhaps more so than to ornitho-
logy itseli—which study should be the first consideration.
Nomenclature is a means to an end only. Nomenclature as
the dictionary states means “names appropriated to any
science;” not that the science is appropriated to the names.

I, too, have been temptéd tio put ornithology aside for a
space te look into names and the methods of nomenclaturists,
if haply I may find enlightenment.

Let me take, at random, an instance illustratiye of my
title:—“‘Living v. Dead Names.” The fine Tasmanian Brown,
or Swamp-Quail has been known by the living .and_ well-
supported, name of Synoicus diemenensis, with Gould’s most
excellent life-coloured plate thereof, for the last seventy
years—the ordinary life of man. Now Mr. G. M. Mathews
in his laborious work of research has resurrected the dead
{obscure and obsolete) specific name of ypsilophorus—a prior
name may be, but as dead as Julius Ceasar, and the work of
reference given, old, foreign and obsolete—“Bosc, Jour. d.Hist.
Rake L792.”

That is not all, Mr. Mathews in his enthusiasm (which we all
admire) has also discovered that some other animal was pre-
viously called Synoicum; therefore, on the score of the so-called
science of “one-letterism” Synoicus cannot stand, so says that
authority, and he proposes the new genus Ypsilophorus, and as
there are sub-species of the Swamp-Quail, in trinomial terms
the resurrected and glorified name for the Tasmanian Quail
would become:—Ypsilophorus ypsilophorus ypsilophorus* as
against the present living and appropriate name:—Synoicus
diemencrsis. In the name of reason which term shall stand?
Surely the latter. ‘Let the dead bury their dead,” is divine
philosophy. Even, as the proverb goes, a “living dog is better
than a dead lion.”

Ah, but I may be informed that the “Rules of National
Nomenclature” must be abided by. (By the way, probably
there are not three copies in the whole of the Commonwealth,
and it would be interesting, in these terrible days of war, to

* The Austral Arian Record, Vol. Dl., p. 63.

212 CAMPLELL—Nunes for Australian birds.

know the names and nationalities of the original Committee
who compiled them). My reply is, if these rules.turn the liy-
ing into the dead, they were not made for, or by Australians.

We sometimes hear the stereotyped expression, “if we do
not conform to the National Codes of Nomenclature, we shall
be behind other nations in ornithological science.” Nonsense!
Australian ‘Soldiers did not lag bebind in the great World-
War. Neither shall we be behind in ornithology, because we
desire certain living names that breathe of Australia, and are
an inspiration, instead of names like “dry bones” dug from old
and musty literary graves.

However, if the august National Committee can make rules
it can also make exception thereto, and may possibly issue
“an opinion” in favour of present living names not ornithologi-
cally incorrect, or scientifically wrong of certain purely endemic
Australian birds. Before another “Check-list” takes final
shape let us consider an Australian Nomina conservanda, or
better still, an ‘‘Ornithologist’s Memorial,” in memory of
Australia’s sons, who have fought, and not a few have fallen
for their country in the great war—a list of Time-honoured
and historic names of well-known birds, which names _ that
“grave-digger”’—the arbitrary ‘Law of Priority” proposes to
bury. We can then approach the National Committee, and
say:—*This is a list which the Nation desires you to be
good enough to honour, and to let live for all time.”

Such a “Memorial Exception List” would not exceed 40
names, or about 5 per cent of the names on existing local
lists. If this were happily accomplished, I venture to sup-
pose we would have an Australian List of Commonwealth
Birds, which all workers would acknowledge to be intelligible,
practical, and permanent, .

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor and Explorer.
By His Son, S. A. White, C.M.B.O.U.

XVII. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR.

_ Monday, the 2nd of August the yacht remained at anchor,
and my father spent the morning packing away many of his
specimens, and clearing up his specimen room and cabin. Ina

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 213

few notes he says: “It seems strange after the last few weeks
of rush and bustle to have a little time to myself, and I now
find time to have a good clean up and put things away. I
think my sores are better after a day’s quiet.” Andrews
went off in the morning with a gun, and Cockerell left in the
afternoon, but neither of these collectors put in an appearance
at dark, and were given over as bushed. About 11 p.m.
Cockerell turned up after a very rough time in the scrub.
Andrews was out all night and nearly all the next day. My
father set out in search of him, and at length he located the
missing man’s whereabouts by firing his gun several times and
awaiting Andrew’s answering shot. Samuel White in his
' note book makes the following comment: “Andrews out all
night, had to go after him. He must have had a lively time
of it as the mosquitos are very trowblesome in this part of the
island. ‘This is the second time within a few days that my
taxidermists have lost themselves. This corner of the island
seems to be a quiet spot, no natives living here, and there are
no cocoanut palms to be seen, consequently a few great Birds
of Paradise live here in quietude, and their calls could be
heard from the yacht. As soon as I got Andrews on board
and saw that he had some nourishing food after his wet and
rough time in the tropical scrub, I took Cockerell, ordered a
boat out, and landed a little distance up the coast. We went
in search of the great bird, and we were successful in securing >
three fine specimens. I had a good opportunity of watching
these beautiful birds to-day, and I still find that their actions.
resemble those of the Rifle Bird of Australia. Some of them
‘clung to the branches of the tree in which they were dancing,
with their backs downwards, stretching their wings, and
waving their plumes, and giving forth their loud cry of wark,
wark, repeated several times. I was unable to stay out very
long owing to my sores giving me much pain when I walked,
and the country is full of ‘Lawyer Palm’, which makes travel-
ling very difficult under any circumstances. While out after
Andrews to-day I observed more palms than usual, some of
them very tall and slender, perhaps 70 feet high and not more
than six inches in diameter, being but a trifle larger at the
lower end, tham near the top. I saw a good many cycads,
which were like those growing in Australia. The country
here as elsewhere is low, and in many places the soil is very
shallow, notwithstanding which there are some very large,
and tall trees growing at frequent intervals. Birds were
not numerous, except the ‘Great Bird’ and a large rail, but

214 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

the latter is shy, and as it runs on the ground and amongst the
undergrowth it is difficult to obtain; the natives sometimes
snare them. ‘The ‘Great Bird’ is the shyest of them all. If
a stick is cracked, or the slightest noise be made whilst
approaching him he is off in an instant. As we lie here at
anchor a corner of the island lies to the south of us, the
Watalli Channel to the east, the little round island of “Polo
Baby” (Pig Island) to the north, and the open sea to the west.
Northward from Polo Baby lies the Island of “Wamma’’, on
which is situated the town of ‘Dobo’, a very old trading port
for the Malay and Macassar men, and distant about twelve
miles. I will not visit Dobo this time as there is nothing to
interest me more than I ‘have already seen. I have been very
troubled of late with the master and crew, and have deter-
mined to return to Australia and fit out with fresh Officers
and crew.” ‘This is the first time that my father mentions
the trouble with his officers and crew, but he had been suffer-
ing a great disappointment for many days, and had to put up
with a great deal of insolence from the master. The weather
was still showery as usual. On Wednesday 4th, the anchor
was heaved, and Samuel White gave instructions to the mas-
ter to make along the west coast of the Aru’s and fetch up
at the south end of the Island of Trangan. The wind was very
light and weather finer than usual. The yacht kept on her
course all night, but the wind being light she made very little
headway. About nine next morning the wind freshened, and
about 11 a.m. the vessel came to anchor off the west shore of
Trangan. Some of the natives were soon off, and the crew
with one officer went on shore with the big boat to cut and
bring off firewood. ‘Samuel White seems to have stayed on
board, as he was very distrustful of his crew, and his sus-
picions were well founded as subsequent events will show.
The next day the crew were busy bringing off wood. Cocke-
rell went on shore and returned with a few birds, amongst
them two beautiful little King Birds of Paradise. My father
seems to have found it hard to make up his mind to return
when there was so much work in front of him; he paced the
deck nearly all that night, and seems to have made up his
mind, for I have found the following notes written on Satur-
day 7th of August: “I gave orders this morning to trim ship
by putting some of the stores in the skinning room aft, stow-
ing away firewood, and had some spare cable chains shifted aft.
IT am afraid the master will drop to my move, and guéss that
I intend to return, I have not told him of my determination
yet. A number of natives came off this morning to sell their

WHITEH—A Sketch of the Infe of Samuel White. 215

stuff. I purchased platted and coloured mats, cocoanuts,
fish, and many other things, like the rest of Aru’s things they
are very dear. I had to give a flat cake of tobacco for every
four nuts, one cake of tobacco for three small fish. The men
who came on board to-day had a very feminine appearance,
both in features, and the way they dressed their hair. Many
of them tied up their hair in a bunch behind, and adorned it
with beads, and wore ear-rings. As soon as all was clear and
straight I gave orders to get the anchor up, and then gave
the master his course, and told him to keep on the one course
till such times as I gave orders to alter it. JI wonder if he
guesses that I am returning, but I am determined to return
and refit, and reman my vessel before visiting New Guinea. I
find that my officers, crew, and staff are altogether unfit for
-this kind of work. The master is especially a beastly fellow,
and quite unfit for his position. At dark we were still in
sight of the island we had left at mid-day, for the wind was
very light. So the land of the Aru’s and 600 miles of a nasty
choppy sea between us and Australia, thus for a time (it
was the last), and once again I must bid farewell to the land
of the “Burong Mattee” (Great Bird of Paradise), and the
“Gooby Gooby” (King Bird of Paradise), an out of the way
corner of the earth that few Europeans ever visit. I know of
only three Englishmen who have ever been there. They are
all “Cranky bird or bug hunters.” In this land some of the
most singular and beautiful of God’s creatures live and die
amongst a wonderful tropical scrub. My stay has been short,
and the first voyage will terminate ‘much sooner than I
anticipated, for I. intended to have been out two years at
least. I am determined to re-fit, for I cannot put up with
insolence and bad manners on my own boat. The collecting
in the islands has exceeded all my expectations, and had I
gone the route and time I expected, and had been as success-
ful all the way my collection would have been a very large
one. As it is I have a nice little collection of birds, about 800
to 1,000, besides other things. A list of the birds I will make
out when I have had time and an opportunity to compare and
examine them.” It seems that my father gave the sailing mas
ter his course, but upon going on deck before morning he
found the vacht heading for the New Guinea coast. An en-
counter followed, of which I have no record, but from that
time on Samuel White mostly steered the ship himself, and
watched day and night, a strain in fearfully bad weather
which was encountered, and there is no doubt all that upon a
man who had over-worked himself in a tropical country, was

216 WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

oa

the shortening of his life. My father took a greater command
over the yacht, and he set her course south, and day after day
battled through a heavy sea, and the owner of the ship kept
her on her course for hours drenched to the skin. He put
few, if any, complaints on paper, but seems to have written a
few notes at odd moments, and these I will give as they are
written from day to day.

Sunday, Sth. “Since yesterday the wind has been
changeable. We have been making between three and four
knots, although I have had the craft close hawled. My watch
on deck is almost continuous now, I cannot trust anyone. If
the weather keeps as it is now I will keep the vessel on this
(starboard) tack for about a week, and if she still steers south
will bring about the Coburg Peninsula, then lay along the
coast of Australia to Cape York. ‘The glass is falling, and
the weather looks like changing. Monday, Yth. Since yes-
terday the weather has kept dull and threatening. Iam hay-
ing continual trouble with my officers and crew. There. have
been numbers of birds about us, although we are hundreds of
miles from land. This morning there were several tropic
birds round the ship, and all the morning thousands of flying
fish were rising out of our course. There seems to be two
species of them, one a much larger one than the other, and
they are not seen together. This morning I discovered that
there were bugs in my cabin, some of the beautiful crew for-
ward had brought a stock on board at Sydney, and they have
now found their way aft. I have lived most of my life
amongst vermin in the bush, but I am sure if I had flies, mos-
quitoes, ants, sandflies, leaches, spiders, centipedes, scorpions,
snakes, and a thousand other pests found in the bush, and
put them all together they are not a tenth part as ‘bad as that
disgusting pest. I find a white crew can be in every way as
dirty and treacherous as a ‘black one.” <A few notes written
by my father, and which I fancy were made on the 10th
simply say: “A heavy wind came up last night, and we have
been plunging into a terrific sea. There is not a dry spot on
deck, and it is impossible to keep dry. The continual watch-
ing and exposure is making it hard for me. While at the
islands I did not use a coat, but now I have warm clothing
and an oilskin overall, but cannot keep dry or warm. Wed-
nesday, 11th. Last night I went aloft and saw a red glow
which I fancy was from a bush fire on the Australian coast.
I put the yacht about, but at sunrise there was no land in
sight. <A nasty heavy sea is running, and we are taking it at
a bad angle, which causes much water to come on board. I

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White 217
am standing on the starboard tack again to-night. T2th
Had to face off to the west last night owing to the
heavy seas, and to-day we are beating up to the east. At

daylight this morning the sea looked angry and black; the
sup rose through a heavy bank of clouds. We are making
heavy work of it to-day. 18th. Had to put the yacht about
several times last night, but have her on the port tack, and
will keep her there if possible to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria
The wind has gone more to the south, and the sea is not so
high, still a nasty short one is worse. I had frequent soundings
taken during the day, and the bottom of the ocean is very
uneven, for at some castings of the lead only five fathoms of
water shown, while at the next cast no bottom could be
touched. 14th. Have been running into a heavy head sea
all night and to-day, and I will-be glad to get over to the east
side of the gulf. Iam having much trouble with my crew to
make them obey orders. A large waterspout was seen to-day
not very distant from the ship. The wind is blowing
strongly again, and I have had to reduce the sail again.
15th. I changed the course again at eight bells this morning.
My little vessel was making hard and dirty work of it, for
terrific squalls accompanied by rain burst over us very fre-
quently, and with a heavy sea made the craft plunge a great
deal. 16th. We had a bad night; the yacht was thrashed
with wind and rain, and dowsed with heavy seas all night.
f have lost all confidence in my officers and men, and have to
remain almost continually on deck. I have been drenched
for days now, first with fresh water, and the next five
minutes with salt. I will be glad to get to Cape York, when
I can have a rest and straighten these fellows up. ‘A heavy
sea carried one of the boats off the davits, but fortunately it
hung by the painter, and we were able to get it on board again
with only the loss of the side-benches. The seas are running
very high to-night. 18th. The sea is running high still, and
wind blowing hard, this makes thirteen days of very dirty
weather. Noland in sight. I will be glad when the strain
is over. 19th. The wind went down towards morning, and
the sea moderated some, but at daylight rose again, and the
sea regained its former height. In spite of the weather birds
have been with us all through the voyage. Last night a little
black backed tern came and sat on the skylight close to me .
while I was at the wheel, and allowed me to put my hand on it,
for it was exhausted with battling against the wind and sea.
Several little companies of tropic birds have been seen at.
different times. A day or so ago I saw an unfortunate white-

218 WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Sanvuel White.

faced heron trying to alight on the vessel, but the wind blew
so hard that after several attempts, and every time he blew
to leeward and had to beat up again, then he went off with
the wind, and if he ever made land would be an emigrant to
-the Aru Islands. 20th. Wind and sea went down some:
what this morning, and I was glad of the rest for I took a
little sleep. My position shows me at noon to-day to be nine
miles to the leeward of Booby Island, so put about on the
other tack. My officers and crew are playing cards all day,
and I have a job to keep any kind of discipline on board, and
have ordered the watch on deck myself more than once. To-
day a white tern came on board and sat closetome. I put my
hand on it, and it flew off, and it soon returned and sat about
the deck for hours, then seemed rested and flew off. I took
it up once and found its body very thin and wasted like the
others I had captured on board, and appeared as if they had
been out for weeks at sea. 21st. The wind and sea got up
again last night, but moderated again at noon. I find that I
am out of my reckoning, and have grave suspicions that the
chronometer has been interfered with. The ship was put
about, and at 4 o’clock this afternoon Prince of Wales Island |
was some distance to windward, and at dark I ordered an
anchor to be let go. _ I felt anxious not knowing our exact
position and knowing that several reefs are situated around
us I had a man stationed forward all the night, but nothing
was seen. Ismelt smoke distinctly, and believe it came from
Prince of Wales Group. 22nd. Lifted the anchor and stood
for a few hours towards Red Wallace Island, which was in
sight, then tacked in towards the strait, when the wind fell
and a strong tide set in, so I had an anchor let go. 23rd.
This morning at daylight we got under way and beat
through Endeavour Straits with a strong head wind until we
reached York Island, and here anchored in six fathoms of
water till the tide changed, which did not take place until 4
o’clock, when the wind rose and blew very hard. Weighed
anchor and beat up to Albany and dropped anchor a little
after sunset. Thus prematurely ends the first part of my
expedition after five months’ hard sailing, and an expenditure
of £5,000. Out of this I have had about four or five weeks
collecting, with one man besides myself. What my crew will
.do or what I will do with them I'am now making up my mind,
but what ever happens they will find a rigid discipline and con-
tre] put upon them. A short time after anchoring Mr. Jar-
dine kindly sent off the letters and papers addressed to the
yacht.

ae

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ||

gets eer) Pan ac : a |
bY Massy \ hy | nor As { {i ) k Paes a wt
'- A Magazine of Ornithology. OO a

f es f | eB
{

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Ne OCTOBER, Ila nV Ee

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE : a ae Pech Aan ae
A OROMPTON RAO Or ia ok ;
Oy ih Ge BDOUISE Wicker Mansell Wea ;
.. S.A. WHITE, C.M.B.0.U., .
BOR, 2URTZ)) RAL0.0, |

Editorial Committee :

R. Crompron, R.A.O.U.

AAG. DOUIST | Nye
S$. A. Ware, C.M.BO.U

BR Zier, R.A.0.U.

Secretary -
F. M. ANGEL, R.A.O.U.,

c/or WD) ee Et. O... Wills htds
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

CONTENTS.

The South Australian Ornithological Association

Order Psittaciformes, Family Lo riidae, Genus Glossopsitta

Birds of the North and North-West of Australia (No. 15).
Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S.E., F.LS., M.B.0O.U.

Notes upon the Black-breasted Plover alas tricolor, Vicillot).
Ss. A. White, C.M.B.0.U. ; : ; F

Notes npon the Brush Wattle Bird (Anthochacra cea eaate inter-

inedia) J. W. Mellor, R.A.O.U.

’

Review: ‘‘Re-naming Australian Birds —Is it Necessary?”
S. A. White, C.M.B.O.U. : : Y

Bird Notes. McGilp Bros.

About Members

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—Ornithologist, Soldier,
Sailor, and Explorer. By his son, 8. A. White, C.M B.O.U.

Officers and Members—S. A. Ornithological Association.

PAGE
319
283

225

231

The Editorial Committee accepts no responsibility for the
views or deductions expressed by any of its contributors.
The Journal welcomes a free interchange of ideas with the
object of extending the knowledge of our avifauna, but the

author of each article is responsible for the opinions and
deductions recorded.

eee CT aE

South Australian Ornithologist.

Vou. III.] Ist OCTOBER, 1918. [PART 8.

The South Australian Ornithological
Association.

MONTHLY PROCEEDINGS.
28th June, 1918.

The monthly meeting of the South Australian Ornithologi-
cal Association was held in the Royal Society’s rooms on Friday
evening. Capt. S. A. White presided. Two new members,
Mr. Percy Ifould and M.C. J. Jury, were elected. Several new
members were nominated. Observations were recorded by
members. Dr. A. M. Morgan stated that the Black-breasted
Song Lark had put in an appearance on the Seaton Golf Links,
and he had observed the Warty-cheeked Honey-eater at Black-
wood. Mr. A. Crompton stated that he had seen 11 Blue Cranes
or White-faced Herons quite content and happy in Hazel-
wood Park. The Chairman remarked that it was nice to think
that the birds were enjoying this beautifully timbered piece of
land lately purchased for the people. Mr. F. R. Zietz reported
that Landrails were plentiful down south, but many were des-
troyed through being caught in rabbit traps. The Chairman
stated that he had seen the remains of a Landrail early in May
at Wetunga, the bird evidently having been killed by a fox or
cat; a little later in the month several of these birds were
observed in the garden. On June 5 a New-Holland Honey-eater
had built its nest in a shrub two feet from the ground, and
two eggs were laid, which were hatched out, this bird
being one of the earliest breeders. On June 23 one male
wren which had been in brown plumage for many months was
changing into his blue-and-black livery. June 24, Narrow-
‘billed Cuckoo calling.

220 The South Australian Ornithological Association,

Mr. A. G. Edquist had the trophy on the table which had been
presented by the members of the Association to be competed
for by the schools. Mr. Edquist explained for the benefit of
the new members present that upon one evening meeting he had
suggested that it would be nice to have a challenge cup for
which the school children might compete each year by means of
an essay upon a native bird and tree. Thereupon the members
subscribed the amount required. This had been the means of
giving much pleasure to hundreds of children, had brought
out much talent, and had worked wonders for the preservation
of birds. Mr. Edquist stated that he had departed from the
essay competition, and had substituted a sketch of a native
bird and tree from life this year. This had not brought for-
ward very many competitors, but some of the work was excep-
tionally good. He then handed around the winning sketches
of a Magpie in several attitudes, and of a gumtree. All the mem-
bers were astonished at the life-like attitudes. The Chairman
thanked Mr. Edquist for giving the members the opportunity
of seeing the inscribed cup, and the excellent work of the
winner. He also congratulated Mr. Edquist most heartily for
the grand work he was doing for bird protection among the
children. The fact that many thousands of members of the
bird clubs had pledged themselves to protect the native birds
spoke well for the next generation. Mr. W. G. Randall was
welcomed as a visitor, and requested to say a few words in
reference to sea-birds and weather forecasts. The late
Inspector of Oyster Fisheries said that he was confident that
gulls foretold heavy weather from the west. He had often
seen these birds wheeling in flocks round and round in a most
disturbed way, then alighting and lining up on the beach. He
spoke of many movements of the gulls before stormy weather,
and then went on to say that since the blood money had been
taken off the Cormorants, whiting were again appearing on the
old grounds near Beatrice Spit, which is now:a bird sanctuary.

26TH JULY, 1918.

The President, Capt. S. A. White, occupied the chair.
Miss Harman, of Tranmere School, and Mr. L. K. MeGilp, of
Muloowatana Station were elected members, and nominations
were received for two new members.

The Chairman reported that a meeting of representatives
from scientific bodies, sportsmen, and professional shooters
was held on 8th July, 1918, for the purpose of discussing the
close season for ducks and quail, and the Animal and Birds Pro-
tection Acts. After a lengthy discussion a resolution was

The South Australian Ornithological Association. - 221

passed approving of the extension of the close season for ducks
and quail to ist February, that the quail bag be limited to 30,
and also that the gun license fee be increased to five shillings.
A deputation subsequently waited upon the Minister, and
placed the resolution before him, and further urged that the
Animal Protection Act, the Bird Protection Act, and the Gun
Act be consolidated and brought under the control of one
department, instead of three as at present. Asa result a new
Bill was now being drafted on these lines, and if the proposals
are carried out it will be a splendid thing for the birds.

The Secretary (Mr. F. M. Angel), read letters received
from Mounted Constable L. Jury, of Edithburg, recommending
the extension of the close season for ducks to 31st January, and
protesting against the use of duck boats, and guns of over 12
bore. Mr. R. Upton, of Coomandook, reported the pre-
sence of a bird unknown to the residents. From the descrip-
tion given the bird was evidently a Landrail.

Mr. J. W. Mellor reported that a lot of shooting had been
going on at Fulham recently, and he was pleased to say that
one man had been apprehended and heavily fined. Dr. Morgan
noted the Pallid Cuckoo at Seaton on 30th June, and a Red-
capped robin on the Parade Grounds. Mr. J. W. Mellor stated
that Landrails were plentiful at Lockleys, and a young magpie
just off the nest was seen in June. Mr. A. Crompton reported
that Landrails which had not been seen at Stoneyfell for the
past four years were there in numbers this year, and
remarkably tame. Magpies were nesting early; two pairs
were seen building the previous week. Capt. White stated
that one Malurus, which was losing its brown plumage last
month, had on July Ist assumed its full blue plumage. On
3rd July the Fantail Cuckoo was calling; 5th July, Black-
breasted Plover was observed sitting on four eggs, and on 6th
July the first Pallid Cuckoo was noted. Three Australian
Orioles were seen on 18th and 19th July, and Ibises were roost-

ing in a tree near the. house every night. i hieatayats
G. Edquist reported that a Blue Mountain Parrot in
captivity had laid four clutches this season. The

first clutch was laid 11th and 13th March; second, dates not
recorded; third, 21st and 23rd June; and fourth clutch, 14th
and 16th July. It was noticed that the eggs gradually
decreased in size. Master A. Lendon stated that a Pink
Cockatoo laid 18 eggs in a cage in one year. Mr. ©. H. A.
Lienau described a finch unknown to him which he had recently
acquired for his aviary. The bird appeared to be half way

222 The South Australian Ornithological Association.

between a masked and the long tailed finch. The same member
also referred to the strange habit of a Landrail he had in cap-
tivity which would feign death when the cage was entered.

The President announced that Mr. Gregory M. Mathews
had informed him that the British and American Ornitholo-
gists’ Unions were about to compile a list of the birds of the
world, and solicited the assistance of this Association. The
meeting was in favour of assisting in this his work. Capt. White
stated that the Tasmanian Government had invited him to go
to Macquarie Island to enquire into and report upon the
method of killing Penguins for the boiling down works, and
that he had the matter under consideration. During the
month the President addressed a well-attended meeting at
One-tree Hill on bird protection, and the interest displayed by
his hearers was very encouraging.

Mr. J. W. Mellor exhibited a specimen of Acanthiza rosinae
taken by him at the mouth of the Port River in June, 1897.
The same member also showed two Stubble Quail, a Double-
banded Dotterel, and a Pipit, which had been killed through
collision with telegraph wires.

Consideration of the Acanthizas was continued, the species ©
discussed being Acanthiza iredalei and Geobasilius chrysorrhoa
Specimens were exhibited by Capt. White, and Messrs. J. W.
Mellor and F. E. Parsons.

50TH AUGUST, 1918. —

Capt. S. A. White presided over a large attendance. Mr.
J. Gordon Hastings and Master Alan Lendon were elected new
members. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. F. Angel) stated that the
Executive Committee had appointed a sub-committee to deal
with the nomenclature work for Mr. G. M. Mathews. A dis-
cussion took place in reference to the new Bird Protection Bill,
notice of which had been given in the House of Assembly. The
Chairman spoke at length upon the necessity for a new Act,
owing to the faulty existing measure. It was unanimously
agreed that a letter of thanks should be forwarded to the
Attorney-General and Mr. Geo. Laffer, M.P. for the
interest they had taken in this matter, and for the
proposed introduction of the much needed Bill. Many
bird observations were recorded for the month. Mr. A.
Crompton recorded that Landrails had been seen to sit or roost
in orange trees at Stonyfell eight or nine feet from the ground,
this being a most remarkable occurrence, and was supposed by
members to be due to the danger of destruction by the fox.
Dr. Morgan reported having heard the reed bird, this being an
early date for it to make an appearance. The doctor also noti-

Order Psittaciformes, Family Loriidae, Genus Glossopsitta: 223

fied having seen fully fledged young of the Brush Wattle Bird.
Mr. J. W. Mellor said that he had seen 30 swan flying low down
from the north towards Glenelg; also that he had witnessed 12
Pelicans on the wing. The Narrow Billed Cuckoo had been
calling, and the White-faced Herons were nesting in the big
gums at Lockleys. Mr. Zietz also reported having heard many
Swan and Plover passing over at night time. Miss Edwards
stated that she had noticed 16 White-faced Herons at Hazel-
wood Park. Mr. Bellchambers forwarded interesting bird
notes. The Chairman said a pair of New Holland Honey-
eaters had hatched young. Swallows had been seen carrying
nesting material. A Boobook Owl had been roosting in the
day time over a woodheap where a man was cutting wood
almost every day, within six feet of the bird, chips flying around
it. Finches from Western Australia, and which Mr. Lienau had
in captivity, were also exhibited. Mr. Lienau gave an interest-
ing account of a-trip to Victoria among the birds of the
Dandenong Ranges, including the Lyre Birds.

Mr. Zietz exhibited the skin of one of the finches referred
to at the previous meeting by Mr. C. H. A. Lienau. He also
exhibited specimens of the Masked Finch (Neopoephila
personata), and the Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda)
for comparison. Mr. Zietz read a description of the above
bird, and pointed out the chief distinguishing features between
it and the two latter birds, but for want of certain literature
was unable to complete his paper for publication.

Order Psittaciformes, Family Loriidae, Genus

Glossopsitta.
Glossopsitta porphyrocephala Dietrichsen (Purple-crowned
Lorikeet ).
Description. — Frontal band and _ lores, shading

from yellow to deep red; ear coverts, red tipped
with yellow; back of the head and_ neck, bright
green shading into’ yellowish brown on_ the © back;
crown of the head very dark purple; wing and tail coverts as
well as rump, bright grass green; inside wing, crimson; shoul-
der, light blue; primaries, blackish brown, margined externally
with bright green, edged with yellow; tail, green on upper sur-
face, yellow beneath; throat and under surface, bluish green,

224 Order Psittaciformes, Family Loriidue, Genus 3s Gloasapee

with orange and red markings on flanks; under tail coverts,
green; iris, brown; feet, ashy grey; bill, black.

Menphversentas In the flesh, total length, 180 m.m.; wing
from body to tip, 156 m.m.; spread, 305 m.m.; tarsus, 12 m.m.;
bill, 12 m.m. Little or no difference in sexes.

Distribution.—New South Wales, Victoria, South Austra-
lia, including Kangaroo Island. The bird found in West
Australia has been separated into a sub-species.

Habits.—Noisy, gregarious birds. Of the Lowen in
‘South Australia this is the best known for it congregates in
great flocks at times, and shifts about according to food
supply; when the Eucalypts have finished blooming in one dis-
trict these birds will disappear and find trees in blossom at a
great distance. Just before dark they will start off for a fast
fly, rising and falling, twisting and turning on very swift wing,
then circle back to where they started from and dart into their
favourite roosting tree for the night.

' Nest.—No nest is made, the two to five round white eggs
are laid on the bare wood of a hollow limb, hundreds of pairs
nesting at times in the one locality, taking possession of all the -
hollow limbs of the Eucalypts for quite a distance round.
Nesting season varies in different localities, from August to
November. + i Bia

Eggs.—The eggs are quite white, and rounded in shape.
Average measurement of eleven eggs, 2.13 em. x 1.77 ¢.m.;
largest egg, 2.15 x 1.80; smallest egg, 2.0 x 1.70.

Flight.—Very swift and long sustained.

Food.—Consisting of honey, varied at times by the seeds
of Kucalypts.

Note.—Very shrill and piercing. All the time these birds
are feeding, crawling from one blossom to another, or hanging
head downwards they are giving forth their shrill calls. They
also call a great deal when upon the wing.

Habitat.—They will be found wherever the trees are in
blossom, be it open timber country or thick forest, and are to
be found more often than not with other members of the
brush-tongued parrots.

3

MATHEWS— Dirds of North aud North-West Australia. 295

Birds of the

North and North-West of Australia.
From Skins and Notes by the late Capt. T. H. Bowyer-Bower. .
By Grecory M. Marnews, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.B.0.U., ere.

No. 16.

280. LIcHENOSTOMUS PLUMULUS PLANASI. Yellow-necked

Honey-eater.

Ptilotus planasi (Campbell). Emu. Vol. X., p. 168, 1912.
Napier, Broome Bay, North-West Australia.

No. 97—¢?. Length, 5.7 inches (5/6/86).

Jrides, dark brown; bill, brown; basal portion of lower
mandible, flesh colour; legs and feet, fleshy brown.

280. PTILOTULA FLAVESCENS FLAVESCENS. Yellow-tinted Honey-
eater.
Ptilotis flaviscens (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.), 1839,
p. 144, 1840. Derby, North-West Australia.
No. 264—-¢?. Length, 5.6 inches (16/7/86).
No. 294— ¢. Length, 6.1 inches (8/9/86).
No. 420.— @. Length, 5.7 inches (21/10/86).
No. 310—?.. Length, 5.3 inches (24/7/86).
No. 513. Length, 5.4 inches (4/11/86. )

228. STOMIOPERA UNICOLOR DARBISKI. Western White-gaped_
Honey-eater. °
Ptilotis unicolor darbiski (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.

XVIIL, p. 413, 1912. Fitzroy River, North-west Australia.
No. 230—¢@. Length, 7.8 inches (29/8/86).

Irides, grey; bill, dark brown; gape and space on the upper’
mandible, yellowish white; legs and feet, lead colour.

No. 239—¢. (29/8/86).

No. 261—@. Length, 7.8 inches (2/9/86).

No. 277—-@. Length, 8.2 inches (5/9/86).

No. 278—¢@. Length, 8.1 inches (5/9/86).

No. 288— 4. Length, 8.2 inches (7/9/86).

987. MYZANTHUA FLAVIGULA LUTEA. Yellow Minah.
Myzantha lutea (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.), 1889, p.
144, 1840. Derby, North-West Australia.
No. 403— 3. Length, 9. inches (13/10/86).
Ivides, bluish slate, shaded next the pupil with brown; eye-
lid, brown, naked skin under and behind the eye of a bluish
tinge anteriorly, then shaded with yellow and_ posteriorly be-
coming greenish white; bill, pale yellow, becoming lighter at

r

226 MATHEWS—Birds of North und North-West Australia

aa base of the bill which is very fleshy; legs and feet, greenish
ochre.

No. 404— ¢. Length, 10.7 inches.

Irides, pale grey; skin round the eye, bluish white on the.
under part, remainder, bright yellow; bill, bright deep yellow,
brightest at the base and gape, which is fleshy, and on the skin,
which covers the bones of the bill (that is the forks) ; legs and
feet, ochre.

No. 486— 6. Length, 11. inches (2/11/86).

No. 506— ¢. Length, 10. inches (4/11/86).

No. 508—¢?. Length, 10. inches (4/11/86).

No. 509— 8. Length, inches (4/11/86).

No. 512—¢@. Length, 9.8 inches (4/11/86).

No. 514—¢. Length, 10.4 inches (4/11/86).

291. PHILEMON ARGENTICEPS ARGENTICEPS. Silvery-crowned

Friar Bird. .

Tropidorhynchus argenticeps (Gould), Proe. Zool. Soe.
(Lond.), 1839, p. 144, 1840. Port Essington, Northern Terri-
tory.

No. 160— 6. Length, 13.5 inches. Palmerston (8/5/86).

Bill, black; face tinged with bluish lead; legs, lead colour.

293. MICROPHALEMON ORIENTALIS OCCIDENTALIS. Western Yel-
low throated Friar Bird.
Philemon occidentalis (Ramsay), Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S8.W.,
Ser II., Vol. II., p. 676, 1888. Derby, North-west Australia.
No. 25—¢. Length, 11.7 inches (18/5/86).
Irides, black; bill, black; naked skin, bluish black; legs,
grey. This bird imitates the notes of the Bower Bird exactly.

296. MyrarRA JAVANICA SUBRUFESCENS. North-western Bush
Lark. ea
Mirafra javanica subrufescens (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.

XVIIL., p. 426, 1912. North-west Australia.

No. 130. Length, 5.8 inches (15/6/86).

Irides, brown; upper mandible, brown, yellowish white at
the base and along the cutting edges; lower, fleshy white at the
base, brown at the tips; legs and feet, fleshy white.

No. 229. Length, 5.8 inches (7/7/86).

Irides, brown. |
298. TAENIOPYGIA CASTANOTIS ROEBUCKI. Dark Chestnut-eared _

Finch.

Zonaeginthus castonotis roecbucki (Mathews), Austra Av.
Ree. Vol. I., p. 198. Roebuck Bay, North-west Australia.

No. 215— 6. Length, 4.4 inches (2/7/13).

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 227

No. 369— 3. Length, 4.35 (3/8/86).
No. 370—¢@. Length, 4.35 inches (3/8/86).
No. 879— 3. Length, 4.5 inches (6/8/86).

299. STIZOPTERA BICHENOVII ANNULOSA. Black-ringed Finch.
_ Amadina Annulosa (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond), 1839,
p. 143. North-west Australia.
No. 345— 8. Length, 4.5 inches (18/9/86).
No. 3846—@. Length, 4.6 inches (18/9/86).
No. 399—¢. Length, 4.3 inches (13/10/86).
Bill, lavender, darker at the base; legs and feet, lead
colour.
No. 400—¢. Length, 4.3 inches (13/10/86).
No. 401—°. Length, 4.35 inches (18/10/86).

301. HETEROMUNIA PECTORALIS PECTORALIS. White-breasted

Finch. .

Amadina pectoralis (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.),
1840, p. 127, 1841. North-west Australia.

No. 182— 3. Length 4.9 inches (15/6/86).

Trides, brown; bill, bluish black; legs and feet, light
brown, darker in colour on the latter.

No. 134— 3. Length, 4.9 inches (15/6/86).

These birds live amongst the Swampy ground, flying from
the grass to a kind of tea-tree.

302. BATHILDA RUFICAUDA SUBCLARESCENS. North-western Red-
faced Finch.

Aegintha ruficauda subclarescens (Mathews), Nov. Zool.,
Woly SVILL.. p. 43%, 1912: Parry’s Creek, North-west Aus-
tralia.

No. 281— ?. Length, 4.5 inches (19/7/86).

Irides, orange-yellow ; bill, reddish-brown, brighter on the
‘lower mandible and darker on the culmen ; legs and feet, ochre.

No. 282— $. Length, 4.5 inches (19/7/86).

Irides, bright orange yellow; bill, fleshy red; legs and feet,
ochre.

No. 297— ¢. Length, 4.8 inches (10/9/86).

Trides, light orange; bill, red; legs and feet, pale yellowish.

No. 299— 2. Length, 4.6 inches (10/9/86).

No. 374— $. Length, 4.6 inches (27/9/86).

No. 362—¢. Length, 4.8 inches (3/8/86).

No. 375— 2. Length, 4.8 inches (27/9/86).

No. 363— ¢. Length, 4.9 inches (3/8/86).

228 MATHEWS— Birds of North and North-West Australia.

|

3035. PomPHILA ACUTICAUDA ACUTICAUDA. | Long-tailed Finch.

Amadina acuticauda (Gould), Proc. Zool. Soc. (Lond.),
1839, p. 148, 1840. Derby, North-west Australia.

No. 28—¢. (8/5/86).

No. 98—¢@. Length, 6. inches (5/6/86).

Trides, light reddish-brown; bill, yellow; legs and feet,
coral red.

No. 100— 6. Length, 7.1 inches (5/6/86).

No. 101— ¢. Length, 4.8 inches (5/6/86).

Irides, reddish-brown; bill, yellowish flesh colour; legs and
feet, flesh-colour.

No. 183— ¢. Length, 6.8 inches (15/6/86).

No. 169— ¢. Length, 5. inches (22/6/86).

Tail feathers not developed.

No. 485— 6. Length, 6.8 inches (25/10/86).

No. 486— 6. Length, 6.4 inches (25/10/86).

No. 494. Length, 6.3 inches (2/11/86).

304. NEoCHMIA PHAETON FITzROY!. Western Crimson Finch.

Neochmia phaeton fitzroyi (Mathews), Austral Av. Rec.,
Vol. I., p. 120, 1912. Fitzroy River, North-west Australia.

No. 307— 6. Length, 5.5 inches (12/9/86).

Irides, ochre ; bill, crimson, with a pinkish white line at the
base of both mandibles; tarsi, ochre; feet, light yellowish-
brown; claws, transparent brown.

No. 347— 6. Length, 5.5 inches (19/9/86).

No. 348. Length. 5.5 inches (19/9/86).

No. 483. Length, 6. inches 24/10/86).

Lives in pampas-like grass, growing not far from the banks
of the rivers. They are generally seen in small flocks of about
ten.

305. MIMETA SAGITTATA BLAAUWI. North-western Oriol.
Oriolus sagittatus blaawci (Mathews), Nov. Zool, Vol.
XVIII., p. 435, 1912.
Napier, Broome Bay, North-west Australia.
No. 40—@. (24/5/86).
Irides and hill, brown; legs, bluish lead-colour.

311. RoGERSORNIS NUCHALIS OWENI. Western Great Bower

Bird.

Ohlainydera nuchalis oweni (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVIII., p. 440, 1912. Point Torment, North-west Australia.
No. 313—¢. Length, 14.4 inches (13/9/86).

No. 386— 6. Length, 15.5 inches (10/10/86).
No. 388— 32. Length, 15.3 inches (9/8/86).

MATHEWS—Birds of North and North-West Australia. 229

lrides,brown ; bill, brown; inside of nostrils, fine yellow, in-

side of bill, white, becoming light yellow round the swallow;

legs and feet, olive brown, lighter at the bottom of each scale -
or the tarsi.

No. 889— ¢. Length, 15.3 inches (9/8/86).

Irides, brown; bill, brown; much lighter at the tip of both
mandibles, the inside of the nostrils light dirty yellow, inside of
bill, orange, brightest round the swallow; legs and feet, olive;
lighter and brighter at the bottom of the scales on both tarsi
and foot.

No. 8373— ¢. Length, 16. inches 6/8/86).

Irides, dark brown, lighter round the pupil; bill, dark
brownish olive, inside of bill, yellowish white; legs and feet,
dark olive.

The bower was bui!t under a thick bush, which was pulled
down by the bird after being visited. At one end was a small
collection of bones, at the other charcoal. The birds feed on
the reddish blackberry which grows on a small bush.

314. Corvus ceciuaE. —_Northern Crow.

Corvus coronoides cecilae (Mathews), Nov. Zool., Vol.
XVITI., p. £42,1912. Napier Broome Bay, North-west Austra-
Na.

No. 34°'— @. Length, 18.4 inches (30/7/86).

Irides, brown, with an outer circle of pale grey; bill, legs,
and feet, black. Another bird had the irides particolovred,
that is. brown next the pupil and white outside.

Notes upon the Black-breasted Plover
(Zonifer tricolor, Vicillot).
(By S.A. Waiter, C.M.B.0.U.)

The Black-breasted Plover is widely distributed, being
found all over Australia with the exception of the tropical
parts. It also inhabits Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and the
Islands of Bass Straits. This bird’s presence is soon known
by its far-reaching, but musical note, which is given both upon
the wing and on the ground; it moves over the ground in series
of short runs, pausing in between. It was once very numer-
ous upon the Adelaide Plains, especially here at the Reed-beds,
where it is still to be seen, but not in such numbers as in

‘the days gone by.

230 WHITE—Notes upon the Black-breasted Plover.

_ Still a few pairs nest every season upon my property, and
I give them all the protection within my power. The Black-
breasted Plover is one of our most useful birds, for it lives al-
most entirely upon insect life. Although found very often upon
low swampy country it does not confine itself to this habitat for
it can be seen in all manner of places, I have met with it in the
dry interior, upon fallow land, in grassy valleys of the Ranges,
and on the stony tableland country, as well as on the vast ex-
panses of dry sand.

I do not look upon this bird as a migrant, but as one which
shifts from place to place according to the food supply. I
have noticed that it is very plentiful when crickets and
grasshoppers are abundant.

It is a very intelligent bird, knowing when it is protected,
and becoming very confident and tame under these conditions.
Next to man the fox is now its greatest enemy, and there is no
doubt great numbers of birds and their eggs fall victims to the
wily fox, who works the ground systematically for their nests.
The Plover moves about both by day and night, and it must take
much of its food at night time, when many noxious insects
are abroad. It is a very wary bird when molested, and
can detect the approach of human beings long before they are-
seen, and will give the warning call, very much after the man-
ner of the Spurwing (Lobibyx novaehollandiae). The Black-
breasted Plover is often heard at night, flying high, it is no
doubt then shifting its quarters. Yet I have known this bird
to remain within the radius of a mile for many months, and
long after it has brought out its brood; it moves about
as arule in parties of ten or a dozen, but T have seen over thirty
at times.

The eggs are from three to four in number, but in
dry seasons I have known it to incubate two eggs; at times
the eggs are laid on the bare ground without the semblance of
a nest, while at others a few sticks or stones are placed around
the eggs. Yet again, in rare instances a snug nest is
formed of dry grass and rootlets.

The accompanying photographs illustrate the last two
cases, in the one with three eggs a few sticks are placed around,
in the other the nest was made in the centre of an old dry flat-
tened out lump of horse manure, and the eggs were difficult to
detect. It is an early breeder, for I have often seen nests
in June, and in the case of the illustration of the four eggs,
they were well incubated when seen on July 3rd. The young
leave the nest very soon after being hatched, and they are of a
dull brownish black in colour, and so like the earth on which

‘0}OU “UUM “VW ‘S
‘s632 U0 BuIpooiq (107001. 4afiuoy) IeA0|q peqsveiq-yoRl_ ;

Eggs of the Black-breasted Plover (Zontfer tricolor)
S. A. White, Photo.

Black-breasted Ployer’s Nest in dry lumps of horse manure.
S. A. White, Photo,

MELLOR—Notes upon the Brush Wattle Bird. 251

they squat at the slightest sign of danger, that it is almost im-
possible to pick them out unless they move. The old birds
are yery cunning in their efforts to draw the attention of the
intruder from their nest, and will sometimes fly straight at
one, when well away from the nest, to make believe the nest is
close handy.

eS

- Notes upon the Brush Wattle Bird

(Anthochuera chrysoptera intermedia).
(By J. W. Metror, R.A.O.U.)

[The following Notes came to hand too late to be included
in the description given of this bird in the last number. Ed.
Committee. | .

A comparatively few years ago the Brush Wattle Bird was
only an occasional visitor to the Reedbeds, coming for a short
time only, and then departing; but about ten or twelve years
ago a pair took up their quarters in our front garden at Fulham
and nested. They were strictly protected, and from then onward
they have kept with us throughout the year, and so increased
that they are now quite a common bird, and each year several
pairs breed in the garden or orchard, they prefer an orange or
lemon tree to any other, although they do not Keep to these
trees, they place their nest quite close to where we are working
the ground, and sit upon their nest until any one passes close
to them, then they merely slip off to a neighbouring tree or
bush, and back again in a few minutes. The clutch is in-
variably two eggs here, but in other parts I have found ocea-
sionally three eges, I have known a pair to start early, and end
late in their domestic duties, and bring up three broods. The
young are seen about in the trees near to where they were bred,
and feed on insects, etc., although the food of the old birds con-
sists chiefly of honey obtained from the flowers. The young
for some time after leaving the nest make a peculiar plaintive
squeaking note while being fed. I have noticed them both in
the hills and plains country, but always when it is well bushed,
_as they are not long flyers, merely going from tree to tree. They
are very noisy birds, especially in the spring time, when the
eucalypts are in blossom, and like other members of the family,
will drive all other birds from a particular feeding tree. Their
call is a harsh guttural one uttered often when in a tree, but
not upon the wing. ;
4

232 CAMPBELL-— Re-naming Australian Birds.

ae

Review: ‘‘Re-naming Australian Birds-—_Is it
Necessary ?”

By A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.O.U.

Delivered at a Conversazione of the Royal Australasian Orni-
thologists’ Union, Melbourne, July 3rd, 1918 (Walker, May
and Co., Melbourne).

Reached the Hon. Secretary and has been handed to me for
comments. I know my old friend’s very conservative views
upon “Nomenclature”, and I also know the good work he has
done in the past on Australian Ornithology, still Mr. Camp-
bell’s address cannot be taken seriously, because his aim seems
to be, to make an ornithology for Australia to the exclusion of
the Old World. If this be the case no scientific ornithologist
could work along those lines. In opening, Mr. Campbell
says—“Nomenclature is not a science.” I do not agree with
this, for the naming of birds with scientific names can only be
done by scientific ornithologists, therefore it must be science.
Then Mr. Campbell goes on with a lot of things which have
nothing to do with either ornithology or science; I refer to such
statements as “Official circles of Army, Navy, Civil Service:
Let the dead bury their dead, etc., etc.,’’ but one sentence is inte-
resting, it is “Again in every walk of life many of us do not re-
ceive the reward we fancy we should.” This is no reason why we
should not give those men before Gould’s time the honour
which is due to them. Mr. Campbell quotes, “The excellence
and correctness of the major works such as John Gould’s “The
Catalogue of Birds.” As to the first John Gould says in his
“Hand Book of the Birds of Australia”, “Modern research
having ascertained that many of the species believed at the
time I wrote to be new, had been previously described by
Latham and others, the specific names assigned to them by
those authors have, in obedience to the Law of Priority been
restored.” As for the catalogue, the B.O.U. is now at work
upon a list of the Birds of the World, which looks very much
as if a new list is badly wanted. As for the market value of
these old works, it is their age and excellence of finish which
gives them the values quoted by Mr. Campbell. No progres-
sive ornithologist works by Gould now, for apart from his real
types his work is obsolete, and has not Mr. Campbell said so,

for he has written in the preface of his fine work “The Nests _

and Eggs of Australian Birds”. “Since Gould’s day ornt-
thology. like every other science, has advanced @ pace, conse-

,

CAMPBELL—Re-numiny Australian birds. 233

quently Gould’s classification is somewhat obsolete.” In refe-
rence to “The National Rules of Zoological Nomenclature” Mr.
-Campbell asks, ‘“Who has copies of these rules in the Common-
wealth?” Should any one break an act of the law, it would
be no excuse to say one did not read the act. The same with
the ornithologist, if he does not keep abreast of the literature
on the subject, ornithology will not wait for him, and he will be
left behind. The next question is, “Who made them?” (the
rules). These rules were made by the most eminent zoologists
of the world, and as for Australia taking part in forming the
rules, I would be very much surprised if such savants who
composed the Committee, would think of including an Austra-
lian ornithologist. after the class of ornithology which

has been expounded in Australia. That the Law
of Priority should suit one branch of zoology and
not another is not in the least consistent. If The

Emu, as Mr. Campbell says, is “to popularize the study
of our native birds’, and not to contain scientific matter,
the union will suffer; for it will become a_ bird lovers’ club.
How many of Gould’s children who were born in Australia have
nothing to do with nomenclature, nor has sentiment anything
to do with science. John Gould did good work in Australia, he
was a very shrewd business man, and made his work pay. No
man gave less credit to some who helped him beyond measure
in Australia. Mr. Campbell speaks of assistants who took up
the work for payment, but not a word about a great field orni-
thologist who spent thousands, put up with great hardships,
took more than one trip to England to help the author of “The
Birds of Australia” in his work, with notes and material which
‘gever cost John Gould a penny, and this man was hardly men-
tioned in the big work. Surely Mr. Campbell must know that
the rulings of the International Congress are for the world and
that all scientific ornithologists over the face of the globe must
work by them. If Mr. Campbell means that the so called
Official Check-list when he says “Australian Ornithologists in
taking Gould, are precisely on the same footing and adopting
the same rule as did the old world ornithologists in regard to
the Xth Linnaeus,” all I can say is that, I had better give
the reviews of the leading ornithological journals upon that
list. The Auk, vol xxx., p. 447, 19138, says—“These prin-
ciples we think constitute the most remarkable code of nomen-
clature that has been framed in recent times. . . . The
members seem to have failed utterly in comprehending the
problem before them. We regret exceedingly that we cannnot
endorse this check-list for general use. Aside from all ques-

234 McGILP BROS.—Bird Notes.

tions of nomenclature it would serve a valuable purpose as a
conservative list of Australian species and sub-species, but
here it fails insomuch as the lack of synonymy makes it difti-
cult or impossible to ascertain with which the many recently
described races have been united.” Then again The Ibis, 1918,
pp. 669 to 701 says—‘“It is impossible to recommend the list to
the use of present day workers, as no Synonymy is given, and
names are apparently used for species with which they have
been shown to have no connection. In conclusion it can only
be reiterated that the Official Check-list can be regarded merely
as an expression of the conservative views of the old school of
Australian Ornithologists, and not as a useful index to that of
Ornithological Science in Australia.”

The International Committee on Zoological Nomenclature
is steadily confirming or rejecting names. The Law of
Priority has been affirmed both in 1892 and 1901.

All ornithologists in this State are of one mind that “The
vexed question of Nomenclature” must be settled now, once and
for all. What we have to do is, set to work (the sooner the
better), and form a list of Australian birds upon the founda-
tion laid down by the most eminent men in the Ornithological
World.

S. A. WHITE, ‘“Wetunga”,

Shoiedber 1918. Fulham. S.A.

Bird Notes.
(From the McGilp Bros., Moolawatana Station.)
AUSTRALIAN DOTTEREL (Peltohyas australis).

On 22nd of June we were motoring on the plains east of
here, and nearly ran down a dotterel. After pulling up we had
no difficulty in finding the nest, which contained three eggs,
quite fresh, the usual “clutch. We were surprised to find the
bird had made a nest, for we had never observed more than
a small hole scraped out, and the eggs laid therein, and some-
times covered with earth and small. twigs. On this occasion
the bird had built a very artistic nest. It is well known that
after water dries up on the clay pans the silt when drying
curls slightly in small pieces. The bird had gone to some
trouble to collect these pieces, and after scooping out the usual
hole, had placed the curly pieces around, to a height of at least
14 inches above ground line. Among the collected pieces were
a few small twi igs and a good deal of half dry grass and herbage,
the whole making a beautiful nest and, the first we have seen.

On Wednesday my brother and I took a trip to the Salt
Lakes to see if the swan were nesting, the lake was covered with

ee See ees eS

2 ee

ae eee ee oe

McGILP BROS.—Bird Notes. 235

Swali and numerous species of ducks. We found scores of
swans’ nests, but the blacks (half castes) had robbed nearly all
of their contents only two were seen with seven eggs in each. It
seems a Shame that so many of these beautiful birds should
have their eggs taken. The coloured people were shifted to a dis-
tant part of the run, and it is to be hoped that the swan will
lay again and hatch out their young in peace.

The following notes were written by Mr. J. Neil McGilp in
answer to a letter from 8. A. White. Since reading your let-
ter, re Kites, I do not think we have the Square-tailed Kite, we
often get half a dozen in the fowl yard when they go after the
scraps, but do not trouble the fowls; all appear to have a forked
tail, but as mentioned before nearly square at times.

Yes the Little Eagle is here, not very plentiful, still one
could not say rare. There is no mistaking this bird when once
handled. It is an Eagle Hawk in miniature, the head espe
cially so, and the feathers down to the feet. When seen on the
wing this bird cannot be confused with others. The note is
one shrill whistle, and I have only heard it used when chasing
or being chased by other birds. This bird can be approached
quite closely when nesting, at other times it is wary, and flies
very high. Have you noticed that this bird seems to have a
set on the Whistling Eagle. When the Little Eagle is about
he or she will not let the Whistling Eagle alone, and swoops
down on the resting bird, the latter bird often closes for a fight,
but I have never seen any damage done. The Little Eagle does
not appear to resent any other of the hawk family, and is
often seen soaring contentedly round with Kites, Wedge-tailed
Eagles, etc., but as soon as the Whistling Eagles get up, they
invariably start chasing one another.

A Shell Parrot was observed to leave a White-browed Bab-
blers nest; upon examination three Shell Parrot’s eggs were
found. Such a strange nesting place is often used, for the young
have been noticed twenty to forty miles from hollow trees.
Have you ever noticed Rose-breasted Cockatoos breeding in old
rabbit warrens? My black boy pointed out a case a couple of
years ago (about 30 miles from timber) when I found 3 eggs.
These Cockatoos were close at hand all the time. I under-
stand from my stockmen that they now and then flush these
Galahs from holes in the ground.

A great many Pratincoles haye visited us this year, but
they did not stay long, and have now gone to other parts. Bee-
eaters were in thousands in the Hamilton Creek during Febru-
ary ond March.

236 WHITK—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

ABOUT MEMBERS.

Every member of the Association, in fact ev ery one in
South Australia, and many outside its limits, were delighted to
hear of the honour conferred by His Majesty The King on Mr.
Thos. Gill, C.M.G., ILS.0. There is no better friend to secure
than our honoured member. Not only has the Under Trea-
surer done a wonderful work for Science, but he has saved the
State many hundreds of thousands of pounds sterling through
his sound judgment. It is the sincere wish of all members of
the Association that Mr. Gill may live for many years to enjoy
the honours so richly deserved.

Ina ee aatee fate 14th, 1918, and addressed to the
President of the Association from Major R. W. Shufeldt, of the
United States Army, says:—‘‘I chanced into the rooms of the
Bird Division of the Washington National Museum to work up
some bird notes, when a very charming gentleman came in, in
his shirt sleeves, and evidently up to his eyelids in work. Dr.
Richmond introduced him to me as Mr. Edwin Ashby of South
Australia. You can easily imagine all that followed. He
gave me your kind note, and we chatted away for over an hour.”

A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White—
Ornithologist, Soldier, Sailor, and Explorer. .
By His Son, 8S. A. Wuirn, C.M.B.O.U.

XVIII. THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND SAILOR.
In notes dated the 24th August my father writes:— i!
“To-day the men have been off cutting firewood. I went
up to see Mr..Jardine and ascertained that one of his boats:
was going to Thursday Island to meet a steamer on her way
to Sydney. This offered me an opportunity to write, so I
came off to the yacht to do so. Weather very squally and the
wind very strong at times. The 26th. Spent the morning
with Mr. Jardine. He has kindly undertaken to take care
of my craft if I wish to leave her for any time, and also to have
a sheet of copper put all round her to secure her from marine
insects. In the afternoon I set a couple of the men to clear out
the port store room in order to get out a cask of meat; I then
went on shore. Cockerell has gone off into the bush to stay
a day or two. The weather has been moderately clear and

-

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torte ~ oe

fa viretanas

are cea

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 237

without rain, but the wind is still blowing hard. 26th: To-day
I packed up many specimens, birds, and shells and spent the
evening with Mr. Jardine. The weather is milder, but the
wind is still strong and sky clear.” )

On Friday, 27th, my father seems to have had more
trouble with his captain, and he ordered the anchor up, and
made sail for Thursday Island, which was reached in a few
hours. In company of Captain Pennefather, Samuel White
went to the Senior Magistrate, and it was arranged that the
captain and crew would come before the Bench next day.
In a few notes written on the day my father says:—

“At the invitation of Captain Pennefather I went on board
the Government Schooner ‘Pearl. This schooner is owned’
and kept by the Queensland Government, and has only
recently been put into commission; she has been until recently
the survey ship owned partly by the British Government after
the manner of all the colonial survey ships. About a _ year:
ago she was in the market, and I was nearly purchasing her,
but an unavoidable delay proved fatal. She is a schooner of
about 50 tons measurement, carries two six pounder Arm-
strong guns, and appears to have a large native crew on
board; she is kept for the regulation of the pearl fisheries, the
settling of disputes, and a little exploring between times.”

The next morning my father breakfasted with the Captain
of the “Pearl,”, then appeared against his crew, who were
sent down to Sydney. He seems to have let a Mr. Robb have.
all his ship stores, intending to get fresh supplies when he
returned. There were some things which had to go into bond.
It seems that the weather was so rough that nothing could be
landed from the yacht, and Samuel White passed most of his.
time on his craft at anchor. On September 1st he writes:—
“Spent most of the day on board; went to see Mr. Robb and.
arranged with him to store all my stuff. He will come him-
self and take it from the ship, put what he' does not want
into bond, and make use of the remainder for himself. Capt.
Pennefather came on board, and I lent him my big swivel gun,
and gave him a bag of shot and a bag of wads. I do not
think I will get away this week.” It seems that the yacht:
and owner remained in the same spot for another week. He
could not get rid of his stores, so sold flour, sugar, rice,.
biscuits, rum, brandy, ale, beef, etc., etc., for £25, which cost
£200, and the rest of stores were put into bond. Then
he arranged with Mr. Jardine to send his men over to Thursday.
Island and take the yacht over to Cape York to be laid up.

On the 15th Samuel White and his two taxidermists were

BBs WHITE-——A Sketch of the Life of Sumuel White.

still waiting for the crew from Cape York to shift the yacht,
and under the date my father writes:—“This morning I
nailed down some boxes of specimens, and found that some of
the boxes had been opened, and many of the specimens re-
moved, and upon examination I founé some one had been in
my cabin, and taken most of my tortoiseshell and all my
pearls. Thus I have been robbed by my crew from the time
I started till they left me.”

On the 26th of September Samuel White, with one taxi-
dermist (Cockerell) boarded the Somerset bound down the
coast, and the yacht was to sail for Cape York that day to be
under the care of Mr. Jardine. Samuel White joined his wife
in Sydney, and had only been there a few days when on the
very day he arranged to purchase a home on north shore
for his wife and family while he was away to finish his expedi-
tion, he caught a chill, inflammation set in, and on
November 17th, 1880 there passed away one of (if not) the
greatest field ornithologist the world has ever seen. He pos-
sessed a most kindly and loveable disposition, by far too good
natured. He was a great musician, chemist, photographer, in-
trepid explorer, a keen soldier, a sailor as this brief sketch
shows, but above all and in every sense of the word a Man.

Among my father’s papers were some notes evidently
written upon his last voyage from Thursday Island to Sydney;
they were very brief, pointing to the fact that he intended
enlarging upon them at a later date. The first notes deal
with the islands on which my father collected the birds,
he says:—‘The Aru Islands consist of a great number of
islands of all sizes. The largest are divided from each other
by narrow channels holding salt water, and appear no more
than rivers, or such was the appearance of those I was in.
The names of the principal are Tragan on the south, Kobror,
Maykor, Wokan, and Wamma. The last named is much the
smallest, and most northerly, but is notable as containing the
old trading village of “Dobbo”, and is situated at the northern
end of the group, which extends from north to south for about
100 miles. The islands are variously laid down and divided
in different charts, and I believe the two admiralty charts
that I have are quite wrong so far as they apply to the parts I
have visited. Wallace’s Chart at page 442 of his “Malay
Archipelego” is by far the most correct, indeed had it not-
been for this map I should have been a long time finding the
Watalli Channel, had I been in it I should not have known it
bv the Admiralty Charts, for it is quite absent from them.
The land everywhere is very low and even swampy at this

WHITE—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White. 239

time of the year. There is not one mountain in all the Arus.
Had there been a hill of any size it could have been easily
seen from the sea-ward. ‘Tragan is the highest and most
undulating, grassy patches of large extent can be seen along
the west coast. The islands are composed of soft white
stone which locks like limestone, in many parts quite bare, in
others covered in black mud or mould, but not to any great
depth, and of a vegetable nature, and very rich. Consequently
there are no water wells, but water was running or lying
everywhere. All along the west coast from end to end there
was a good anchorage at this time of the year quite close in
shore for a vessel drawing from 10 to 15 feet. The most
southern of my anchorages was at the south end of Tragan;
from this we dropped anchor in places all along and beyond
the island of ‘‘Polo Babi’, first a quarter of a mile from shore
in four fathoms, next a mile from shore in seven fathoms, then
a few hundreds of yards from shore in three and a _ half
fathoms. Again at the village of Maykor a quarter of a mile
from shore there was four fathoms, and at half a mile there
was 15 fathoms. All through the Watalli Channel we bottomed
at seven to sixteen fathoms. Along the coast the bottom was
rock and sand, and in the channel it was bare soft rock, over
which the chain rumbled when the tide changed; in one or two
places soft mud was found. The beach all along the west
coast was either sand or rock. Where sand occurred it was
merely a bank covered with low dense vegetation, when over
this, a low wet country begins, covered with dense tropical
forest. A good deal of rock occurs along the shores of the
bay, into which the Watalli Channel enters, and for want of a
proper name I called it “Polo Babi Bay”. Here the banks
are not high, and once over them a low wet scrub is entered,
wet at this time of the year, for rain falls nearly every day;
but when a fine day or two comes along there is a great dimi-
nution in stream and pool, so that I have no doubt that in the
drier part of the season the scrubs are quite dry and water
scarce, but in July and August the climate is cool and moist,
with abundance of water everywhere. There are no rivers,
only small creeks, and then not deep, excepting when the salt
water flows up them, and these are fringed with mangrove
swamps. It was.a great wonder to me that there were not
more mosquitoes. They did not trouble us very much on board,
only in the scrubs, and then not so badly as I have experienced
them in many parts of Australia. Possibly they wonld be
more troublesome from December to March.

24.0

WHITK—A Sketch oj the Life of Samuel White.

“The people of the Arus who assisted me in collecting
birds, especially the Great Bird of Paradise, are without
doubt the most mixed of human beings. I had not the time
to study these mixed races, but they appeared to be on the
whole well made muscular men, especially those from the
‘Blackangtanna’ (bark country). They were taller and
longer limbed men, with a greater number of beads and other
ornaments about them, and a greater number of frizzly heads.
They evidently had more of the Papuan blood in them. The
Aru people are not black. Many are a pale brown, others
somewhat darker. Many who lived on the Watalli Channel
and in the interior had their hair cut short, while others wore
it long and frizzly standing out all round, making a man’s
head the size of a half bushel measure! In some there seemed
to be a slight skin disease, and some had their hands and spots
about their bodies white, or spotted white and black; they did
not appear dirty, but the big mop of hair in some instances
was in a disgusting state. I saw some men with long frizzly
hair tied up in a bunch on top or at the back of the head,
which, I thought gave them a very feminine appearance, es-
pecially as little hair grew on their faces. Some old men
were seen with short stubbly beards, but the majority had
little or no beard. I noticed several men who had one or
more moles or spots on various parts of their faces, out of
each mole grew several hairs; these seemed to be cultivated
till they had reached several inches in length, this being the
only hair upon their faces. Most of the men go nearly naked,
having nothing to cover them but a long narrow strip of
coloured calico round the waist and brought up between the
thighs. The Malay or Macassar men are mostly draped in
loose folds of calico. There is a great difference in character
also between the Malay and the Aru men. ‘The former is
diffident, docile, and not given to talking, shows little expres-
sion on his face, rarely smiles; indeed some look so solemn that
one would think it were a serious thing to live. The Aru men
are the contrary, for they are talkative, even boisterous and
impulsive, they will sing to themselves, and always chant a
song while paddling often to the music of a tom tom or a gong,
they thronged the yacht all day long, packed themselves as
closely as they could stand, and would not move for anyone
to pass until their toes were trodden upon. They pulled
everything about, and watched with attention everything that
was going on. At meals every mouthful and every movement
was taken note of, much to the annoyance of my father, officers
and crew ; they all talked at once and incessantly as loud as they

WHITH—A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White 241

could yelp, hoot and yell at each other till nothing else can be
heard, but their greatest redeeming quality is honesty.
Although this crowding went on for weeks, and many things
lying about which must have been a great temptation, yet
nothing was missed but a hand lead and line which some of
the crew accused the natives of taking, but I am confident
they did not take it, and thought I heard it fall into the water.
They did not take a pin or a piece of paper without asking for
it. They are as a whole strictly honest, and although they
are but savages they are a pattern for their more enlightened
brothers. A good many of the Aru men speak Malay so that
I was able to get along with them very well as I learnt a good
deal of the Aru language as well. One could not say that
they are industrious, although they work plantations, but like
all savages are idle, their greatest pleasure being chewing and
talking. They chew “Beetel Nut” lime and green leaves
sometimes mixed with a little tobacco if they can get it, and
carry this chewing to a great excess. 1am afraid they would
be great drinkers if they could get it, as I have been asked for
“Sopi” (spirit) hundreds of times. Some men have refused
everything else in exchange for birds, but I hardly ever in-
dulged them, without it be a chief, and never in exchange for
anything else. Their homes are good passable structures,
always built on piles raised from the ground five or six feet,
have a split bamboo floor, and an opening through the
centre as anentrance. The sides are usually of mats, and the
roof thatched with palm leaves. The only ornaments seen in
the houses were trophies of the chase, such as cassowaries’
feathers and bones, fish tails, bird feathers, etc. The
utensils for preparing food and holding water, etc., were rough
clay puts. Some with very wige iwoutus in shape much like
the old three legged iron pot; in these they boil their food.
Gaudy coloured plates and basins were seen, but these came
from Dobbo. Many families had a copper or brass gong.
Some of the houses are large, being 30 feet long, and several
families dwell in them. The villages are small, consisting
of one to three or four houses, scattered anywhere from the
coast to the interior. Their plantations are all well fenced
with spars laid on their sides about two inches apart, and
three or four feet high; this is to keep wild pigs out. In many
places they construct pig traps by making little shoots or
leads with stakes driven into the ground and a cross piece
lashed along the top with rattan, the lead is about five or six
yards at the entrance, and about a foot or less at the other
end. <A pig on the outside would if tempted by the green

242 WHITE —A Sketch of the Life of Samuel White.

vegetables inside easily find his way in at the wide end of the
lead, and when once inside would not find the small opening
to return. For these plantations a piece of land is selected
which had more than ordinary depth of soil, it is of course in
the midst of a dense tropical scrub. The land is partially
cleared by cutting down most of the trees and leaving them
lying on the ground to decay away. The crop is then put in
the virgin soil among this labyrinth of tree trunks and grows
luxuriently, it consists of sweet potatoes, yams, sugar cane,
etc., and sometimes, not always, bananas. The cocoanut
grows anywhere without clearing for it, but this tree requires
from five to ten years to come into full bearing. At the time
Wallace visited the Aru Islands cocoanuts were not known,
but there are a great many full grown trees now. ‘The
natives do not care to part with the nuts; they ask an enor-
mous price for them, or indeed for any of their products.
Bananas are as dear if not more so than in Australia. I have
seen several kinds of bananas growing in the plantations when
out in search of birds. The milk of the young cocoanut
forms a delicious and wholesome drink, but it is not often one
ean indulge oneself in the Aru Islands... Besides their
vegetable foods the natives obtain large quantities of fish.
They catch them in small nets, but more frequently by spear-
ing them at night by torch light. Then the men and boys are
good archers, and shoot numbers of birds, now and again a
wallaby, and upon rare occasions a pig; they also snare the
terrestial birds as well as mammals. The men and boys
always have bows and arrows with them. When rambling
through the bush I have on several occasions not known my
exact whereabouts. This is very easily managed when the
sun is so often obscured by heavy clouds, and every yard of
that country is dense bush. Coming suddenly upon a village
or hut I vould ask one of the men to put me in the right direc-
tion; that he would do without a moment’s hesitation, and if
he only had to go twenty yards he woud bring his bow and
arrows and mat. This mat is an extremely useful article; it
is made of the leaves of the pandanus palm, neatly sewn to-
gether three or four thick, it is about four feet by three, is
doubled once, and the end sewn up so that it is like a sack
with the top and one side open. This mat then forms the
men’s seat or bed, it is very soft, should it rain he can open_
it out and put it over his head, when it will cover the head,
shoulders, and back, and no rain will go through it, if it is cold
he does the same, or if the sun shines too hotly he can make
an umbrella of it. The boys shoot well with their arrows,

S.A, Ornithological Association. 243

and brought dozens of birds to me which had been shot with
blunt headed arrows. Have frequently tried their skill.
They will hit a biscuit at twenty yards almost every shot.
The natives are fond of shooting with a gun also, but they
rarely can get ammunition. Some of them have old flint.
muskets. They were awestricken when the breach-loaders
were first shown them. While at Wanumbi they would not
leave the guns alone. As soon as they were put down one
of the natives had them and was pulling them about showing
and explaining to the rest; often I had to send my fifty guinea
gun off to the yacht as it was not safe to allow. such
inexperienced people to handle it.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIA-
’ TION.

Patron—
Hon. Sir George Murray, K.C.M.G., Murray Park, Magill.

OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1918.
President—Capt. 8S. A. White C.M.B.O.U., “Wetunga”, Fulham. ©
Vice President—KEdwin Ashby, M.B.O.U., “Wittunga”, Black-
wood.

Secretary—Robert Crompton, On Active Service.

Aeting Secretary—F¥. M. Angel, C/o. W. D. & H. O. Wills, 113
Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

Editorial Committee—
R. Crompton, On Active Service.
A. G. Edquist, King Street, Mile End.
Capt. S. A. White, ‘“Wetunga’”’, Fulham.
F. R. Zietz, Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide.

Honorary Member—
Mathews, Gregory M., F.R.S.E., F.L.S., etce., Foulis Court,
Fair Oak, Hants, England.

Other Members—
Barritt, E., Ruthven Mansions, Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
Crompton, A., Statenborough Street, Upper Kensington.
Clark, M. S., Third Street, Knightsbridge.
Connor, J. D., Barnard Street, North Adelaide.

244 S.A. ee Assoviation.

Chenery, Dr. A., Wentworth, N.S.W.

Dutton, H. H. , “Anlaby”, Kapunda.

Edwards, Miss, Tranmere School, Coryton.

Fisher, He “Montefiore”, North Adelaide.

Gill, Thos., 1.8.0., C.M.G. , Woodley Road, Glen Osmond.

Hughes, Harold, Gladstone.

Hawker, R. M., 9 Currie Chambers, Currie Street, Adelaide.

Hawker, M.S., Adelaide Club, North Terrace, Adelaide.

Henderson, B., On Active Service.

Henderson, Robt., Barton Terrace West, North Adelaide.

Hosking, J. W., 47 Parade, Norwood.

Harman, Miss, Tranmere School, Coryton.

Hastings, J. G., McGrath’s Flat.

Ifould, Percy, C/o. John Dunstan & Sons, Ltd., Waterfall
Gulley, Burnside.

Jury, Mounted Constable L., Edithburgh.

Laffer, H. E., Viticulture Expert, Department of Agriculture,
Sydney.

Lienau, Capt. C. H. A., 23 Victoria Avenue, Unley Park.

Lendon, Master Alan, C/o. Dr. A. Lendon, North Terrace,
Adelaide.

Macgillivray, Dr. Wm., Broken Hill.

Mellor, J. W., Fulham.

Melrose, R. T., “Rosebank’’, Mount Pleasant.

Minchin, A. au Director, Zoological Gardens, Adelaide.

Morgan, Dr. A. M., North Terrace, Adelaide.

Morgan, W. M., C/o. Dr. A. M. Morgan, North Terrace,
Adelaide.

Osborne, R. E. P., Avenue Road, Clarence Park.

Parsons, F. E., National Mutual Life Buildings, King William.
Street, Adelaide.

' Pulleine, Dr. R., “Netherby”, Mitcham.

Rischbieth, C. F., Glenelg.

Rymill, A. G., Brougham Place, North Adelaide.

Shields, H. D., Melrose.

‘Souter, T. G., Victoria Street, Goodwood.

Weidenbach, W., Glen Osmond.

White, H. ih “Bell Trees,” Scone, N.S.W.

White, Wm., Fulham.

Welfare, J. H., “Sondamere”’, Semaphore.

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