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~The Emu,
CoS

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

=] we

Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASTAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

onian Inggion

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

(“‘ Eyrecourt,’’ Canterbury.)

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

(Education Department, Melbourne.)

VOL. XVII.—1917-18.

WMelbourne :
WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET.
EUROPEAN AGENTS:
WITHERBY & CO., 326 HiGH HoLBorn, LONDON.
: 1918,

CONTENTS OF VOL, XVI1.—1917-18.

About Members, 115.
‘* Alike in Difference,’’
Allied Harrier, The,
An Unusual Visitor, 46.

212.

58.

Australian Finches, The Nestlings
of, 100.

Australian Grass-Owl, Eggs and
Nesting-place of, 309.

Australian Ibises, 94.

Babblers and Sparrows, 237.

Bird Notes from New South Wales,
153.

Bird Notes from Tasmania, 45.

Bird Protection in Queensland, 239.

Birds About the Tanjil River and

Ranges, 221.

of America, The

Victory for the, 52.

Birds of the Rockingham Bay Dis-
trict, North Queensland, 2,

Birds Greatest

106.
Birds from Mallacoota, New and
Rare Victorian, 107.

Birds Met With in Pungonda, Notes
on Some, 219.

- Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus), 237.

Black Bell-Magpie (Strepera fuligi-
nosa), Lhe, 227.

Black-and-White Wren of Barrow
Island, W.A., 179.

Black-fronted Dottrel,
110.

Black Strepera on the
Tasmania,’’ 45.

Nesting of,

“Root ot

Bee-eaters: Do They Migrate ? 235.
Bulbul, Red-vented, 236.
Bush-Chat, The Yellow - breasted

(Ephthianura crocea), 61.
Camera Craft Notes, 53, 108, 231.
Caterpillar-eater (Lalage tricolor), 46.

Coachwhip-Bird, Notes on the, 232.

Conversaziones, Monthly, 114.

Cooper’s Creek Tree-creeper (Cli-
macteris waiter), 1.

Cormorants, Further Notes upon,
214.

Correspondence, 55, 112, 156, 244.

Crows and Sheep, 234.
Cuckoo Combinations, 234.
Cuckoo Foster-Parent, New, 235.

Description of the Eggs and Nesting-
place of Strix candida, Tickell

(Tyto longimembris wallert,
Mathews), Australian Grass-
Owl, 39.

_ Description of Nest and Eggs of the

Rufous-crowned Emu-Wren
(Stepiturus vuficeps, Campbell),

39-
Description of a New Sub-Species of
Platycercus elegans (Gmelin),

‘

43-
_ Dr. Hamlyn-Harris, Retirement from

Queensland Museum, 229.
Emu, Ways of, 49.
Evelyn Notes, 108.
Feathers, Traffic in Wild Birds’, 62.
Finches, 228.
Fleurieu Peninsula Rosella, 117.
Flights by Birds, Long, 179.
Frigate-Bird, A Greater, OBtained
in Western Australia, 238.

Gerygone, Two Singing Species of,
150.

Grey-throated Thickhead (Pachy-
cephala peninsule, Hartert),
LOG

Ground-Parrot (Pezoporus formosus),
216.

Harriers, 227.

Harriers in New Zealand, 109.

Herons, White-fronted, Nesting of,
Dieivie

Honey-eaters, White-naped
threptus lunulatus), 42.

Hooded Dottrels (4 gtalitis cucullata),

(Meli-

234.

Hylacola (Ground-Wrens), Observa-
tions on the Genus, 87.

Ibises, Australian, 94.

Magazines, From, &c., 59.

Magpie-Lark, The (Grallina picata),
236.

Magpie-Lark, 110.

Mallacoota, New and Rare Victorian
Birds from, 107.

Migrants in Tasmania, Late, 111.

Migrants in Tasmania, Spring,

Myzantha garrula, 58.

North-W estern Birds,

Notes on, 166.

iv Contents of Vol

Notes, 116.

Notes upon Eggs of the Wedge-
tailed Eagle (Ureactus audax),
149.

Notes on the Coachwhip-Bird, 212.

Obituary Notices, 59, 116.

Observations on the Genus Hylacola
(Ground-Wrens), 87.

Ornithologist at the Australian Mu-
seum, IIS.

Ornithologists in North Queensland,
63, 145, 180.

Ourselves, 51, 243.

Penguins on the Nobbies, Phillip
Island, An Introduction to
the Study of, 118.

Penguin Eggs, 38.

Pardalotus striatus, Nest of, 236.

Phaéthon rvubicauda, Extended Dis-
tribution of, 58.

Platycercus elegans (Gmelin), Descrip-
tion of a New Sub-Species of,

43.

Procellavitfoymes in Western Aus-
tralia, 40.

Queensland Notes, 48, 228.

Raptor (Gypoictinia melanosterna)

for Tasmania, A New, 103.

Red-capped Dottrel (#gialitis rufi-
capilla), 231.

Reviews, 245.

Rockingham Bay District, Birds of
the, 2, 106.

<4)

. XVIT.— 1917-18.

| Royal

| White-bearded Honey-eater

| White - winged

Australasian Ornithologists’
Union, The, 161.
Rufous-crowned Emu-Wren, Descrip-
tion of Nest and Eggs of, 39.
Shy Bar-shouldered Dove, The, 108.
Some Birds in the Bush, 46.
Stray Feathers, 56, 109, 234.
Sub-species, The Value of, 59.
‘“Summer-Bird’’ a Migrant, Is the,
46.

| Sundry Notes, 229.
| Swallow Tragedy, A,

Swifts and Weather,
Taronga Park Notes,
Tasmanian Notes, 223.
Tree-creeper, Coopers Creek, 1.
Warburton Bird Notes, I1It.
“ Warrener’’ Shells at Portsea, 108.
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Notes upon
Eggs of the, 149.
White, H. L., Collection, The, 159.
White-beard, Early Nesting of, 225.
(Meli-
ornis nove-hollandie), Nesting
Of 226:
White-eared Honey-eater, Simula-
tion of Death by the, Ito.
White-shafted Fantail on Nest,
Black Terns
Western Australia, 95.
Yellow-throated Honey-eater, Nest-
ing of the, in Northern Tas-
Mania, 53.

53.

Contents of Vol. XVII.—1917-18

PeLUS TRATIONS

The Cooper’s Creek Tree-creeper (Climacteris waitet) (coloured)
Nest of Topknot-Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus); Nest of
Rufous Owl (Ninox humeralis) a Src

Nest of Yellow Fly-eater (Gerygone flavida) and Wasps’ Nest
(as found) : a at

Ashy-fronted Robin's (Heteromyias cinereifrons) Nest (tn sztu)

Nest of Mangrove Robin (Pecilodryas pulverulentus) ; Nest of
Little Robin (P. nana)

Nest and Eggs of Spectacled Flycatcher (Monarcha gouldi): .

Nest of Brown-backed Honey-eater (Glyciphila modesta)

Nest of Yellow-spotted Honey-eater (P. notata) ; Nest of Lesser
Yellow-spotted Honey-eater (P. gracilis)

Pied Butcher-Bird (Cyracticus picatus); Black
(C. rvufescens) :

White-shafted Fantail on Nest after a Show er of Rain,
River, W.A.

Yellow-throated Honey- eater (Ptilotis flavigula) in tussock, just
after leaving nest, Northern Tasmania

Adult and three young of Pacific Heron (\ Totophoyx pacifica),
captured at Narrandera, N.S.W. ..

The Yellow-breasted Bush-Chat (Ephthianura crocea) (coloured)

Nest, Eggs, and Adult of the Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren
(Hylacola cauta) : oy

Flight of Ibises at Widgiewa, N. S.W. a

Young of Straw-necked “and White [bises near Kerang ; Nest
and Eggs of the Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis)
at Widgiewa, N.S.W., January, 1917

Rocky Islet, covered with Operculums and the Shells of the
“Wartrener’’ or Periwinkle (Zuvbo) used by the
Pacific Gull (Gabianus pacificus), Ocean Beach, Portsea,
Victoria 18 a at 36 ne

Young of Australian Ground-Thrush (Oveocincla lunulata) ;
Double Nest of Barred-shouldered Dove

Fleurieu Peninsula Rosella (Platycercus elegans fleurieuensis)
(coloured)

The Big and Little Nobbies at Flood- tide, from Phillip Island ;
Landing- place of Penguins, Little Nobby

Rookery on Little Nobby, showing tracks and entrances to
burrows amongst the “‘ pig-face ’’ weed ; eon Paths,
showing beaten track, Little Nobby

Shelly Beach Rookery, looking east ; Shelly Beach “Rookery,
looking west

Moulting Penguin underground, Shelly Beach rookery ; sear of
Moulting Penguins under a tussock, showing cast-off
feathers, Shelly Beach rookery :

Moulting Burrow on top of cliff, Headland Rookery, which
contained four birds ; Six Moulting Penguins sheltering
under the “ Blue-bush,’’ Shelly Beach rookery

Four Birds out of one burrow, two Bene completed moult
and two just beginning ‘ dc she

Nest of the Singing Fly-eater in situ =

H. L. White, Esq., M.B.O.U., Life Member R.A. 0.U.

Grey-throated Thickhead (Pachycephala pe ninsule,

(coloured) : ae
Ground-Parrot (Pezoporus formosus) : ate
Red-capped Dottrel (gialitis Ea) Nest of ..
Coachwhip-Bird, Nest and Eggs ,, : ar

Butcher-Bird

Vasse

Hartert)

tiie vO, AVIT.

plate i
plate u

plate in
plate iv

plate v
plate vi
plate vi
plate vu
plate ix
plate x
Page 54

pact oe
plate x1

plate xii

plate xiv

plate xv
plate xvi
plate xvii

plate xviii

plate xix

plate xx
plate xxi

plate xxii

plate xxiii
page 152
plate xxiv

plate xxv
page 216
page 231
plate xxvi

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

— 2 @e

Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

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

(“‘ Eyrecourt,’”’? Canterbury.)

Assistant Editor: R. H. CROLL, R.A.O.U, 0 r=

(Education Department, Melbourne.)

Welbournre:

WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET.
EUROPEAN AGENTS:
WITHERBY & CO., 326 HiGH HoLBorn, LONDON,

1917.

; (Includes Membership of the Union):
_ PRICE 15/- YEARLY or, 4/- per Single part.

“(The author of each ‘article is cweponsible for the facts recorded
i deductions he nee draw. es

eee CREEK TREE-CREEPER (CLIMACTERIS WAITED).
at . A. White, M.B.0.U., R.A.O.K - - 3 z 5

BIRDS: OF THE ROCKINGHAM BAY DISTRICT, NORTH QUEENS- ft
‘LAND. By A. J. Campbell and H. G. Barnard, Ms. R.A.O. U.- 32

i Sbaoh AM had

_ DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS OF THE RUFOUS-CROWNED ee
¢ EMU-WREN (STIPITURUS RUFICEPS, CAMPBELL). oy AL ce
White, M.B.0.U., RAO io 2 - . - =

Se CRIRTION OF THE EGGS AND NESTING-PLACE OF STRIX CAN-

dios DIDA, TICKELL (TYTO LONGIMEMBRIS WALLER], MATHEWS),

eo AUSTRALIAN GRASS-OWL. By HA. Chas. valge a R.A.O. us :
South Yarra, Victoria - - - -

| PROCELLARIIFORMES IN. WESTERN AUSTRALIA. By W. Bz
fe Alexander, M.A. R.A.OU. - - - : eS Save
ihe _ DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SUB-SPECIES OF PLATYCERCUS ELEGANS,
GMELIN. By Edwin Men lo MY. B. OU RAO Wittunga”
Blackwood, S.A. - -

BIRD NOTES FROM TASMANIA. By H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S.,
_R.A.0.U., West Devonport (Tas.) - Bh ioe - een

QUEENSLAND NOTES. From A. H. Chisholm, R.A.0.U., Brisbane -
& :

OURSELVES - = - - = a ten = a ss is

THE GREATEST VICTORY FOR THE BIRDS OF AMERICA - -

CAMERA CRAFT NOTES—White-shafted Fantail on Nest, 53; Nesting of the
e Vellow-breasted Honey-eater in Northern Tasmania, 53.

CORRESPONDENCE 2 5 : = 2 . s S 2 .

STRAY FEATHERS—tTaronga Park Notes, 56; Extended Distribution of Phaéthon
rubicauda, 58% Myzantha garrula, 38; The Allied Harrier, 58.

F ROM MAGAZINES, &C.—The Value of Sub-species - - - -

OBITUARY NOTICE - = : : = = 2 z .

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

We can NUMBER OF PAGES OF ARTICLE. : CoveERS. z

CoPIEs. 2 4 8 12 16 20 | Prain. ‘Prinrep, =
25 3/6 | 4/- | /- | 10/6 | r4/- | 18/- | a/- | Bf
50 4j- 5/- 8/6 12/6 | 16/6 | 21/- | 1/6 4/-
100 s/- g/- | 11/- 16/6 | 21/- | 27/- 2/6 5/6

= ob anes oa Pegi a hear Ps

a j ritae ie eos te Brie hone ee a | yy
te er laren hy ays %

Reamer eaten) Cet he)

THE EMu, Vol. XVII. PEATE A

THE COOPER’S CREEK TREE-CREEPER

Climacteris waitet.

_——<—

— The Emu

Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

“ Birds of a feather.’’

Vor XVit.] 2D JULY, 1917. LPART. 1).

Cooper’s Creek Tree-creeper (Climacteris

(S. A. White, Emu, vol. xvi., part 3, January, 191

BSA WHITE, MBO... RAO: Sal |

THE first example of this new species was met with in the vicinity
of “ Burke’s Tree.”’ My attention was first drawn to it by the
familiar sharp call of the genus. Directly afterwards a small
family party was observed flying from one tree-trunk to another,
which they circled in true Climacteris fashion—in short hops, and
tail pressed firmly against the bark when ascending the perpen-
dicular tree-trunk.

As soon as the first specimen was secured I felt sure that it was
anew bird. After this, and during the time the Cooper was
followed down, these birds were often seen, but as soon as per-
manent waters were left behind the Tree-creepers were lost sight
of. Many immature birds were in company with the parents,
and being fully fledged denoted that they were hatched in June
or July.

Climacteris watter showed a great preference for the box timber,
for it was not once seen amongst the large red gum trees on the
banks of the creek. These birds were observed once or twice
hopping over the ground in close proximity to tree-trunks, and
seemed to be in search of insects—most likely ants, for the last-
named form the chief food of C. swperciliosa in some parts of the
interior. How far this new species is found along the Cooper
into. Queensland I had no way of ascertaining, and it may extend

much further in the other direction during flood-time.
I

2 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. [ant Tuly

Birds of the Rockingham Bay District, North
Queensland.
By A. J. CAMPBELL AND H. G. BARNARD, Ms. R.A.O.U.

In The Emu, vol. x. (1910), pp. 233-245, there is a list with field
annotations on the ‘Birds of Cardwell and Herbert River
Districts,’ by the late Mr. Kendall Broadbent, Zoological Collector,
Queensland Museum, made during a trip extending from August,
1888, to March, 1889.

Previously, in the ‘* Proceedings Zoological Society (London),”’
years 1875-1877, the late Dr. E. P. Ramsay contributed articles on
a ‘** List of Birds Met With in North-Eastern Queensland, chiefly at
Rockingham Bay,” during a trip made in 1873. Ed. Spalding also
collected for Dr. Ramsay in 1874 on the Herbert.

Messrs. A. J. Campbell, A. Gulliver, and A. and F. Coles, as a
collecting and observing party, visited Cardwell in 1885. The
first-named returned again in I914; and our member, Mr. E. J.
Banfield, contributes in his ‘* Confessions’ “ A Census of the Birds
of Dunk Island,’ which place guards the northern gateway of
Rockingham Bay. With all this data to hand, the question may
be asked, ‘‘ Why the necessity of another collecting and observing
excursion to the region ?”’

(1.) The existing data is scattered, and much merely superficial.

(2.) The region is physically rich, and the avine population
numerous, therefore the locality is not likely to be exhausted
during a lifetime.

(3.) And, what is more important, the classification of birds and
the question, ‘“‘ What are species and what sub-species?”’ are so
confused in these latter days that enthusiasts are tempted to
take the field to throw as much light as possible upon these
problems. Besides, there is the pardonable satisfaction, in the
singleness of mind, of establishing points and passing them on, in
the interests of ornithology. Moreover, as an eminent judge once
said, ‘‘ He who judges last judges best.’’ Perchance it may be so
in some instances of our researches.

We (A. J. Campbell, observer and photographer, and H. G.
Barnard, observer and collector, acting for Mr. H. L. White,
** Belltrees,”’ N.S.W.), armed with full authority from the Govern-
ment of Queensland to investigate bird-life, and to procure
specimens if necessary, landed at Cardwell 31st July, 1916. The
Government was also good enough to encourage us by offering to
provide a cicerone to assist us in our explorations had we required
one. Our best thanks are also due to Messrs. J. S. Gill (Goold
Island), James Curtis and T. R. Butler (Upper Murray), and E. D.
Collins (Kirrama Table-land), and others, for kind, thoughtful, and
valuable assistance rendered during our explorations.

Our first day afield at Cardwell was the 1st August (the
Australian Bird-lovers’ “New Year’s Day’’—a happy omen for the
success and pleasure of the trip), when, in and around the township

Vol. XVIL. : ee a eel
o a | CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 3

we made a census of 50 species of birds heard or seen that day,
notably the following northern species:—Sun-Bird, Malurus
amabilis, Yellow Fig-Bird, Helmeted Friar-Bird, Ptilotis flava
and gracilis, Black Butcher-Bird, White-browed Robin, Yellow
Gerygone, Yellow Flycatcher, Spectacled Flycatcher, &c.

The Cardwell district is, par excellence, the place for bird
observing, both as regards variety and number. You have sea and
shore to explore, mud-flats and mangrove patches, tea-tree tracts,
grassy glades, reedy swamps, open eucalypt forest, tall timber,
dense scrubs, water-courses and fern gullies, mountains, and the
mysteries of a table-land—all having their quota of characteristic
birds.

Here are three scenes that the camera could not record :—
(a) Birds seen at one time in corner of scrub: Party of Lovely
Blue-Wrens (M. amabilis), party of Blood-backed Wrens, Rusty
Thrush, Carinated Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Yellow Gerygone.
(0) Bird-observing in a mosquito-infested forest: In adjacent
trees were Carinated, Northern, Leaden, and Yellow-tinted Fly-
catchers, Grey Shrike-Thrush, Rufous Thickhead, Dusky Honey-
eater. (c) Birds in a nook of the hills at nearly 2,000 feet:
Rifle-Bird, Cat-Bird, Toothbill, Grey Fantail, Lewin Honey-eater,
Fly-Robin, Swainson Graucalus, Fruit-Pigeons, Strepera, and
Yellow-fronted Scrub-Wren.

We concluded our three months’ observations with the end of
October. With the development of the season, had we remained
during November, we would probably have doubled our work. As
it was, we identified 200 species, secured skins of 123 kinds, and
noted 52 breeding, besides obtaining innumerable notes and about
five dozen successful half-plate photographs.

We are indebted to our honorary member, Mr. H. L. White,
“ Belltrees ”’ (N.S.W.), for his interest manifested in our research,
and for his kind assistance by the aid of his famous collection in
helping to identify the bird-skins. We deemed it advisable to
omit the few sea-birds, mostly of wide-spread range, noted about
Rockingham Bay. To Mr. White we are also indebted for the
expense of engraving six of the fine photo.-blocks for the illus-
trations of this article.

Here follow detailed observations and criticisms : nomenclature
according to the “ Check-list,” R.A.O.U., with G. M. Matthews’s
trinominal equivalents—* List, 1913’ :—

Casuarius australis. Cassowary.

Casuarius casuarius johnsonit.

The “‘ big bird of the scrubs’’ was seen on two occasions in the
luxuriant undergrowth that clothes the hollows of the hills, and
Cassowary tracks were frequently noticed in the scrubs along the
Upper Murray River.

At his selection, near Cardwell, Mr. W. A. Pershouse stated, a fine
Cassowary used to visit the orchard when the guavas were ripe. _The
bird picked the fruit off the tree and bolted it whole. Mr. Brice Henry,
who accompanied the Sugar Commission on a local visit, narrates

[ Emu

4 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. | nd July

that when the party was approaching the Murray River a Cassowary
on the opposite bank was posed, intently watching something in the
water. Closer inspection revealed the snout of a crocodile.

Mrs. Tom Butler, ‘‘ Fringford,’’ possesses an abnormally large-
sized Cassowary egg; probably it was a double-yolked specimen,
measuring 6 x 4 inches, or a circumference of 16} inches. The average
dimensions of an ordinary Cassowary’s egg is 54 x 3} inches. Our
visit to ‘‘ Fringford,’’ Upper Murray, was of historic and ornitho-
logical interest. The late Dr. E. P. Ramsay mentions (P.Z.S., 1876,
p. 121) that in 1875 the first nest discovered was found by some of
Inspector Johnstone’s black troopers, from whom Mr. Millar (not
Miller), a settler on the Herbert, purchased eggs. One—a light green
specimen—was presented by Mr. Millar to the Doctor, which he
described. Mrs. Tom Butler is a daughter of the late Mr. Millar,
and well recollects the incident.

Those persons who are champions for evact priority of specific
names would like to know why Mr. G. M. Mathews (‘1913 List ’’)
uses Mueller’s name johnsonii, 1867, when William S. Wall, brother
of Thomas Wall, of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition, previously
described and named the Cassowary australis in the Tllustrated_
Sydney News, 3rd June, 1854, p. 88, with figures.

For realistic situations of nests and haunts of the Cassowary see
Emu, vol. xii., pls. xxi. to .xxiv.

Megapodius tumulus. Scrub-Fowl.
Megapodius duperryit assimilis.

Scrub-Fowl were frequently seen, and an egg-mound surrounding
the base of a dead tree in tangled scrub, when prospected, yielded
five fresh eggs. Date, 24th October, 1916. We thought this an
unusual position, as the egg-mounds of these birds are generally isolated
and of pyramidal form. On 25th September the blacks brought in
three eggs and a young one just hatched.

Masters would appear to have some reason for separating the
eastern Megapode from the Northern Territory bird. The former,
M. assimilis, is generally smaller in size, has a smaller bill and tarsus,
besides different marking and coloration of the head and hind neck.

Catheturus lathami. Brush-Turkey.
Alectuva lathami robinson.

A few Brush-Turkeys were seen near the edge of the mangroves
in September, but they do not breed on the low country. Several
egg-mounds were seen in the ranges at the back of Cardwell, in course
of construction, at an altitude of about 1,500 feet. Other mounds
were observed in the hills near the Murray River Falls.

Mr. T. Butler informs us that Brush-Turkeys come down from the
ranges each year about the first week in May, go as faras the coast,
and return about the end of July. If there be a late, wet season the
birds may be a week or two later coming down. They do not breed or
make nests in the low country. Most of the birds that came down
this year (1917) were very young, some merely chickens. There were
few full-grown ones. The blacks had a great time catching them in
their traps. Since the majority of the blacks have been removed to
the settlement on the coast, the Turkeys seem to be on the increase,
their egg-mounds in the ranges not being so much interfered with.
The rough and ready traps made by the blacks consist of two extended
wings in the form of an obtuse angle that lead into a net. The

vans | CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 5

wings are about 18 inches high and are constructed of small boughs
and twigs.

Synecus australis. Brown Quail.
Synoicus ypstlophorus australis.

These birds were fairly common in the long grass of the Murray
River flats and about the cultivation paddocks of the settlers, and
their clear whistling call was frequently heard in the early morning
and evening. Some birds were laying during October.

Turnix melanotus. Black-backed Quail.
Turnix maculosa melanotus.

This little Quail was seen on several occasions on the low grassy
hills behind Cardwell, and pairs were several times flushed from the
sweet potato patch on Mr. Tom Butler’s farm on the Murray River.
Two seasons previously, Black-backed Quail were numerous on the
Bellenden Plains, further down the Murray. In riding across that
country the birds frequently flushed from under the nose of one’s
horse.

The males are small birds, about 4} inches in length. The female
is much larger, and is further distinguished by a chestnut nuchal
collar.

A death adder that was severed with a scythe during reaping
operations revealed one of these small Quail which the reptile had
swallowed.

Turnix varia. Painted Quail. |
Ortygodes varius subminutus.

These birds were nowhere numerous, and were generally observed

in dry localities.

Ptilonopus swainsoni. Red-crowned Fruit-Pigeon.
Ptilonopus regina regina.

This beautiful little Fruit-Pigeon was fairly common in the scrubs
about Cardwell, and their note was frequently heard. A male was
observed carrying a twig into a thick clump of mangroves.

[When on a visit to Cape York in 1896 and 1897 I found these
birds breeding freely in the mangroves there; they were seldom
found breeding in the scrubs.—H. G. B.]

Lamprotreron superba. Purple-crowned Fruit-Pigeon.

This well-named ‘“‘superb’’ little bird was plentiful in the scrubs
ot the Murray River and also in the scrubs of the Kirrama Table-land.
They frequently nest in the forest country as well as in the scrub.
The male birds appear to do most of the incubation, and are rather
conspicuous objects when seen on their frail nests at the end of some
bough. Many nests were observed near our camp at the Kirrama
“yard ”’ on the table-land, at a height of about 2,000 feet. A heavily-
incubated egg was taken from a nest on the 18th October, and on the
29th a perfectly fresh egg was taken from the same nest. The pretty
bird remained on the nest (which was close to the track) while a
snapshot photograph was taken of the situation of the nest, which
was in a small banksia.

Megaloprepia assimilis. Allied Fruit-Pigeon.
Megaloprepia magnifica keri.

This large and handsome Pigeon was common both at Cardwell
and in the scrubs of the Kirrama Range. They breed in any
locality, very often over water. The dark green of the upper surface

sp Emu

6 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. | .ng July

of the bird assimilates well with the surrounding green of the scrubs,
so that detection of the sitting bird is difficult. They are usually
first seen as a flash of green splendour streaking over the stream or
through scrub. One nest over water was reached with great diffi-
culty. Even then the single egg had to be “ladled”’ with a spoon
tied to the end of a long stick.

At ‘‘Fringford’’ (Mr. Tom Butler’s) a nestling was taken to the
house and reared. When able to take care of itself it went to the
scrub during the day, returning for food and to roost at the house.
It was an inquisitive creature, especially if visitors called. Hi all
doors were closed ‘‘Mr. Magnificent ’’ would get in somehow, and,
bowing gracefully, with deep voice utter “ Bonnet is blue” several

times.

Myristicivora spilorrhoa. Nutmeg-Pigeon.
Myyristicivora bicolor spilorrhoa.

Fairly common in the scrubs of the mainland, where they resort
to feed on the numerous berries of the scrub trees. The birds
generally breed on the islands near the coast, but odd birds breed
on the mainland, and often in forest country. They lay on the
Barnard and other islands in thousands. It is an inspiring sight
to witness flocks of these fine black and white birds, in strings,
flying between the islands and the mainland. They leave the islands
in the morning and commence to return about 4 p.m.

[I have seen these Pigeons breeding in the forest country at Cape
York and on the Macarthur River, Northern Territory.—H. G. B.|

Like the Magnificent Fruit-Pigeon, the Nutmeg-Pigeon can be
made a pet. Mr. Isaac Henry, of Bellenden Plains, had a tame one
for several years. It used to fly on to his shoulder when he was on
horseback, and would follow him about the run. Mr. Henry missed
the Pigeon (probably the migratory instinct became too strong, and
it took a trip northward) till the following year, when the bird came
out of a wild flock and again followed him some distance.

Nutmeg- Pigeons were first noticed by us (on Hinchinbrook), 15th
August ; but other observers in the district saw some a week earlier.
These Pigeons have been observed as far south as the islands off Cape
Palmerston.

All islands should be rigidly protected against the “‘ pot-hunting
sportsman,”’ or else the fine Nutmeg-Pigeon will soon become, like
the famous Passenger-Pigeon of America, extinct.

[Under the guidance of Mr. E. J. Banfield, two seasons previously,
I visited one of his ‘‘ Family Group.’”’ On the west side of the islet
we landed on a strip of coral strand, and, diving into a thick scrub,
chiefly Eugenia, nutmeg, fig-tree, Casuarina, Hibiscus. and _ four ~
varieties of palms, besides Pandanus, all comprising a shade so thick
as to make it dark below, we found Nutmeg-Pigeons nesting every-
where—at foot of fig-trees, on vines and palm-fronds, in “ nest-ferns,”’
and even on bushes near high water mark. The parents flushed
before us and cleared off, but we secured successful photographs of
nests with single eggs or young.—A. J. C.]

Lopholaimus antareticus. Topknot-Pigeon.
Lopholaimus antarcticus minor.

The first pair of these large Pigeons observed at Cardwell was
found breeding on the top of a bunch of mistletoe growing on a stringy-
bark tree in the hills at the back of the township. Curiously enough,

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII:

x Nest of Topknot-Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus).
—> Nest of Rufous Owl (Ninoxv humeralis).
(Climber, H. G. Barnard.)

FROM PHOTOS, BY A. J, CAMPBELL,

Vol. XVII.
ee ] CampBect anv Barnarn, Birds of N: Queensland. 7

these were the only ones found breeding. Flocks, however, were
seen in the scrubs of the Murray River, where they feed on the fruit
of the tall scrub trees—notably quandong (E/@ocarpus grandis). Seed
is the usual hard, pitted, round stone about #-inch in diameter, but
the thin rind is smooth and of a beautiful king’s, or violaceous, blue.
A fine Pigeon was obtained in the scrub near the top of the Kir-
rama Range, at an altitude of about 2,000 feet. The bird, with its
graceful topknot of rusty red, made a perfect skin, the bill being the
colour of scarlet sealing-wax. Except being slightly darker in plumage,
the bird differed not from the more southern Topknot Pigeons.
Moreover, notwithstanding the supposed sub-specific minor, there is
practically no difference in the size of the eggs. The dimensions
(1.67 x. 1.2 inches) given by Mr. H. L. White (Emu, vol. xvi., p. 164)
of the specimen we took are about the same as the average of three
eggs taken south—viz., 1.68 x 1.17 inches.

Reference to the illustration (Plate II.) will show Mr. H. G.
Barnard in the act of robbing the nest near Cardwell—a good companion
picture to Mr. S. W. Jackson’s (Emu, vol. i., pl. x.)

Columba norfolciensis. White-headed Pigeon.
Leucomelena norfolciensis.

A few birds only were seen, on the top of the Kirrama Range ; they
did not appear to be plentiful, but the fact that we were only a very
short time in the locality may account for our seeing so few.

[In February of 1889 I observed these birds in fair numbers on
the Bellenden Ker Range, at a height of 4,000 feet.—H. G. B.]

Macropygia phasianella. Pheasant-tailed Pigeon.
Macropygia phastanella robinsont.

These Pigeons were first observed in the scrubs at the head of Stony
Creek, in the ranges at the rear of Cardwell. They were fairly common
in the scrubs of the Murray River, and were also observed on the
top of the Kirrama Range.

The bird was smaller on the wing only (by about an inch) than
the Richmond River (N.S.W.) Pheasant-Pigeon.

[When exploring Bellenden Ker I came upon a Brown Pigeon’s
nest in a fern-tree. A carpet snake was round the bird. One egg was
in the nest; the other egg was below—broken, of course.—H. G. B.]

Geopelia humeralis. Barred-shouldered Dove.
Chrysauchena humeralis humeralis.

This Dove, with its run of Jaughing ‘‘coos,’’ is a common bird in
most of the coastal districts of Queensland and in the Northern
Territory.

[I have taken eggs from the following districts :—Dawson River,
Cardwell, Cairns, Cooktown, Cape York, and Macarthur River,
Northern Territory.—H. G. B.]

Like most Doves, these birds are very pugnacious. While on Goold
Island, and watching a pair of Shining Flycatchers in a patch of man-
groves, a pair of Barred-shouldered Doves settled on a bough close
to us, and began striking at each other with their wings. One bird
was hit badly, and fell to the ground. On picking it up its neck was
found to be dislocated.

Pairs of these Doves were breeding in the orange trees at “‘ Fring-
ford,’’ and a pair used to come daily on to the verandah to be fed.
on bread-crumbs.

For a prettily-situated nest 1m situ see Emu, vol. x., pl. xx.

‘

[ Emu

8 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. Eran tile

Geopelia tranquilla. Ground-Dove.
Geopelia placida placida.

Common about Cardwell. Were often seen in front of the Marine
Hotel picking up seeds, or were in the yard about the horse feeding-
boxes.

Regarding the sub-species, placida v. tvanquilla, the former appears
to be a smaller and northern race of the latter:

Chalcophaps longirostris. Long-billed Green-Pigeon.
Chalcophaps chrysochlova rogerst.

Frequently seen in the brush near Cardwell, and was common in
the scrubs of the Murray River and the Kirrama Range, usually seen
feeding on the ground. Little Green-Pigeons frequently visited the
gardens of the settlers, and were pretty objects when seen fossicking
underneath the fruit trees.

Besides the difference in the length of the bills, this bird appears
richer and more chocolate-coloured on the underneath parts than
the southern Green-Pigeon.

Geophaps scripta. Partridge-Pigeon.

At one time this bird was common in most of the coastal country
of Queensland, particularly in the Dawson River district ; but for
the last ten years it has completely disappeared from this part. We
were very pleased to renew our acquaintance with a few of these
interesting Pigeons on the Kirrama Table-land, behind Cardwell. Mr.
E. D. Collins, of Kirrama Station, informed us that the birds had
almost disappeared there for some years previous to our visit, but
that lately they appeared to be increasing again. We are of opinion
that the Partridge-Pigeon should be rigidly and totally protected
for many years, if it is not in the immediate future to be wiped out.
They are confiding creatures, which contributes to their danger. The
ones we saw on the track barely got out of our way ; they merely
trotted aside and ‘‘squatted’’ on the ground, or on a fallen stick,
while we passed:

Rallina tricolor. Red-necked Rail.
Rallina tricolor vobinsont.

Heard calling at night in the scrubs of the Murray River. This
Rail is very seldom seen, on account of its extreme shyness or
nocturnal habits. The nesting site is merely a slight depression at
the foot of a tree or stump, in which a few leaves are placed. The
eggs are white. ‘

During the season of 1915, Mr. Thos. R. Gardiner, a very observant
bushman, now residing at ‘“‘Fringford,’’ was out wallaby-shooting
one afternoon. On returning, about dusk, through some long grass
near the river, he felt something picking at his legs, and, with thoughts
of ‘‘snake,’’ instantly looked down, and to his surprise saw a mother
Red-necked Rail endeavouring to protect several jet-black, downy
chicks that Mr. Gardiner was nearly treading upon.

It is now accepted that the Red-necked Rail lays uniform dull
white eggs, not red-speckled or blotched as those of most other Rails:

Porphyrio melanotus. Bald-Coot.
Porphyrio melanotus neomelanotus.

Seen about marshy places on the Murray River and also at the
Kirrama Creek, on the table-land;

Vol. XVIT

i) CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 9
1017

Podiceps gularis. Black-throated Grebe.
Tachybaptus ruficollis parryt.
Odd birds were seen on lagoons near the Murray River.

Numenius cyanopus. Curlew.

These birds were arriving (first noted 17/8/16) from their long
flight from the far North towards the end of August, and were seen
in small flocks and singly passing south. A specimen shot showed
the feathers of the wings much abraded by the long flight.

Limosa uropygialis. Barred-rumped Godwit.
Vetola lapponica bauer.

Small flocks of this bird were seen on the sands at the mouth of
Meunga Creek, near Cardwell. Like the Curlew (Numenius cyanopus),
they were also just arriving from the far North.

Pisobia acuminata. Sharp-tailed Stint.
Limnocinclus acuminatus.

Numbers were seen on the sands at the mouth of Meunga Creek,
where they appeared to be resting for a while before continuing their
flight further southward.

Parra gallinacea. Comb-crested Jacana.
Ivediparva gallinacea nove-hollandia.

Seen on the large leaves ot the blue water-lilies growing in a swamp
near Cardwell, and are fairly numerous on the lagoons of Bellenden
Plains.

Cdicnemus grallarius. Sitone-Curlew.
Burhinus magnirvostvis vamsayt.

Fairly numerous in the brush about Cardwell, and their mourntul
calls were often heard at night, sometimes in the streets of the
township. [At the same season of the year, during my visit, 1885,
Stone-Plovers were numerous, in flocks of from 50 to 60 birds,
reposing by day in the forest.—A. J. C.]

Esacus magnirostris. Long-billed Stone-Curlew.
Orthorhamphus magnirostris neglectus.

One of these: “ large-billed ’’ birds was seen on the beach at Goold
Island, prospecting over a bed of oysters, and a pair was seen near
the mouth of Meunga Creek, on the mainland.

Antigone australasiana. Crane.
Mathewsia rubicunda argentea.

The Native Companion was seen near Cardwell at a swamp, also
on the Murray River. We were informed that they were plentiful
on Bellenden Plains, towards the Tully River.

[During a collecting trip through the Northern Territory, April,
1913, for Mr. H. L. White, of ‘‘ Belltrees,’’ I found a nest of the Native
Companion (Antigone australasiana) containing a single egg. The
nest was placed in long grass on a small plain and about 100 yards
from water. I observed a Black-breasted Buzzard soaring over the
plain a short distance away. I did not disturb the egg, except to
hold it up to see if it were fresh. On returning next day the nest at
first sight appeared empty, but on looking closer I observed small
pieces of egg-shell lying in the grass of the nest ; there was also a small
round stone in the nest, which was certainly not there the day before.
This led me to the conclusion that the stories often heard of this bird
dropping a stone on Emu-eggs to get at their contents were correct.

Io CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. aad Tal

The stone in question had evidently been brought from a short
distance, there being no stones in the immediate vicinity of the
nest.—H.G. B.]

Ibis molueea. White Ibis.
Threskiornis molucca strictipennts.

Frequently seen about tea-tree swamps, in small flocks, searching
for food in the shallow water.

Carphibis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis.

In the timber it is rather startling sometimes to come suddenly
upon a flock of Straw-necked Ibis prospecting a dry swamp-bed or
the shallow water of a lagoon. They simultaneously rise, with whirr
of wings and many grunts, and fly on to neighbouring trees, ‘‘ craning ”’
the while awkwardly with long bills.

A few of these birds were sometimes seen in company with White
Ibis.

Platalea regia. Black-billed Spoonbill.

Spatherodia regia.

~ Odd birds only seen: would probably be more numerous about
the Tully River swamps.

Xenorhynchus asiaticus. Black-necked Stork (Jabiru).
Xenorhynchus astaticus australis.

The Jabiru was seen about tea-tree swamps and on the reaches
of the Murray River. Two or three of these natural ‘‘ aeroplanes ”’
were observed flying high over Cardwel) one fine day.

Ardea sumatrana. Great-billed Heron.
Typhon sumatrana mathewse.

This large Heron was noted on several occasions in the mangroves
near Cardwell, also on the Murray River. The bird is commonly
known as the “ Alligator-Bird,’’ on account of the resemblance of
its call to that of an alligator.-

For illustration of nest see Emu, vol. ix., pl. xiv.

Mesophoyx plumifera. Plumed Egret.
Mesophoyx intermedia plumifera.
. Odd birds only noted about lagoons.

Herodias syrmatophorus. Egret.
Herodias alba syrmatophora.

Seen in a mangrove creek near Cardwell, where a specimen—a
plumeless bird—was obtained.

Notophoyx nove-hollandiw. White-fronted Heron.
Fairly common about tea-tree swamps and about the mangroves
near Cardwell.

Demiegretta sacra. Reef-Heron.
Demiegretta greyt.

Odd birds seen at Oyster Point, near Cardwell, also on the reefs
of Goold Island. A specimen—a female—procured was snow-white,
save a few streaks of dark colour on the upper wing coverts.

For an illustration of a Reef-Heron’s nest photographed in a
Pandanus tree, see Emu, vol. x., pl. xxi.

‘Nycticorax caledonicus. Nankeen Night-Heron.
Nycticorax caledonicus australasie.
Seen in trees in swamps and along the Murray River, and their

Vol. Xvil-] CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birdstof N. Queensland. LE
harsh call was frequently heard at night. Night-Herons were also
noted on the table-land.
Dupetor gouldi. Yellow-necked Mangrove-Bittern.
Dupetor flavicollis olivet.

Odd birds flushed at swamps, and also on the Murray River.
Anseranas melanoleuca. Pied Goose.
Anseranas semipalmata.

We first heard the call of this bird at Cardwell, as they passed over-
head during the night. A large flock was seen on the Murray River.

Anas superciliosa. Black Duck.
Anas superciliosa rogerst.

Was several times observed flying along the coast at Cardwell ;
also seen on swamps at the Upper Murray.

Phalacrocorax carbo. Black Cormorant.
Phalacrocorax carbo novehollandie.

Fairly numerous along the reaches of the Murray, where, in two
instances, it was caught in fish traps. On one occasion, as we were
wading along the bed of the river, we saw a Cormorant evidently
trying to swallow a fish. At our approach the bird flew away, and on
examining the spot we found a _ freshly-captured garfish, about
18 inches long, and the partly-digested remains of another fish.
Evidently, in trying to swallow the freshly caught fish the bird had
disgorged the other, or perhaps to relieve its flight, as we were
pressing the Cormorant by following it (unintentionally. down stream.

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus. Little Pied Cormorant.
Microcarbo melanoleucus.
Single birds seen on trees and snags about tea-tree swamps.

Plotus novex-hollandiz. Darter.
Anhinga novehollandia.

Odd birds only noted. They do not dive like other members of
the Cormorant family, but appear to sink in the water, drawing their
long, snake-like necks after them.

Circus assimilis. Spotted Swamp-Hawk.
Circus assimilis assimilis.

Occasionally seen hawking over the long grass of the Murray flats,

evidently in search of small birds and lizards.

Astur cinereus. Grey Goshawk.
Leucospiza clara cooktownt.

The fine Grey Goshawk was observed on several occasions soaring
high in the air, and also seen in the timber along the creeks.

Astur approximans. Goshawk.
Urospiza fasciata fasciata.

Fairly common about Cardwell, where they are much shot at by the
residents, owing to the Hawk’s depredations among chickens of poultry.
Accipiter torquatus. Collared Sparrow-Hawk.

Accipiter civrhocephalus cirrhocephalus.
Found breeding at Cardwell, also seen on the Murray River.

Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Red Goshawk.

This fine Hawk was seen near our camp on the Kirrama Range,
where a pair had a nest in a large blood-wood (Eucalyptus). Un-
fortunately, the nest contained young. The old birds were un-
commonly tame, and often watched us at close quarters from their
eyry.

I2 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. Pewae

Uroaétus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Uvoaetus audax audax.
Seen on several occasions soaring over the hill near Cardwell.

Haliwetus leucogaster. White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Cuncuma leucogaster.

Seen on Goold Island, also on other occasions about the sea-coast.

When on the s.s. Mouri/yan, and approaching Hinchinbrook Island,
a splendid Sea-Eagle followed and flew over the vessel several] times,
displaying a fine expanse of pure white under-surface. which con-
trasted with the black bands (edgings) of the pinions

Ramsay has observed the Sea-Eagle seize Plover and Porphyrio
as they rose from swamps.

For illustration of a Sea-Eagle’s eyry see Emu, vol. x., pl. xviil.

Haliastur leucosternus. White-headed Sea-Eagle.
Haliastur indus leucosternus.

A nest of this bird was observed in a tall dead tree near Cardwell,
but it contained young. This Sea-Eagle seemed partial to hawking
about the mangroves.

Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling Eagle.

A very common bird in most parts of Queensland. A nest was

seen in a large paper-bark (Melaleuca) on the Murray River.

Lophoictinia isura. Square-tailed Kite.

Odd birds were seen hawking over the tree-tops, both on the.

Murray River and about Cardwell. This Hawk often takes young
birds from their nests.

[1 once found a nest of Ptilotis fusca with a dead young bird in it
in the nest of this Kite.—H. G. B.]

Gypoictinia melanosternum. Black-breasted Buzzard.
Gypoictinia melanostervna melanosterna.

Single birds seen soaring high in the air. This bird has a peculiar
floating flight when hawking over the tree-tops, quite different from
that of any other Hawk.

[I saw evidence of the Buzzard dropping stones on eggs in the
Northern Territory.—H. G. B.]

Baza subcristata. Crested Hawk.
Several Crested Hawks were seen about the Murray River.

Hieracidea orientalis. Striped Brown Hawk.
Tevacidea berigora berigora.

Odd birds only seen. Brown Hawks, whether “striped ’”’ or not,
are exceedingly puzzling. However, the younger birds generally
seem the darker.

On the table-land we observed a Brown Hawk soaring to its nest
with a wriggling snake in its talons:

Pandion leucocephalus. White-headed Osprey.
Pandion haliaétus cristatus.

A few Ospreys were seen about the sea coast, chiefly about man-
groves.

There is a singular rock near Garden Island, off Goold Island, that
at a distance has the appearance of a sail, hence its name, “‘ Sail
Rock,’’ on the chart. On this rock a pair of Ospreys has an eyry,
which the birds yearly repair to. When we examined the nest
(20/8/16) from the boat, it apparently contained young, or eggs

M4 4 .
Oy | CAMPBELL AND Barnarn, Birds of N. Queensland. 108)

nearly incubated, as the owners became very solicitous at our
approach to take a photograph.

Ninox lurida. Red Owl.
Spiloglaux boobook lurida.

In the Queensland Museum there is a small Owl, evidently collected
by the late Kendall Broadbent, and labelled—'‘‘ New Athene : shot it
on the bank of Meunga Creek, eight miles from Cardwell, in a dark,
thick scrub. Bill and cere lead colour; eyes yellowish-white ; toes
and bottom of feet white; claws black. May 14th, 1886.”
[Dimensions in inches—length, 11; wing, 8; tail, 5; tarsus, 14.]
There is also another specimen from the Musgrave marked ‘“‘ female ”’
(2), which is a trifle more reddish on the back, with round white
spots on the upper wing coverts, otherwise upper surface uniform.
Tail not barred like that of boobook.

These skins are similar, if not reterable, we believe, to Ninox lurida,
which De Vis described in 1889. However, we obtained similar
skins—a female at Cardwell, and a mated pair in the Kirrama Range.
The pair was obtained in a curious way. We,were proceeding through
the range single file, when in a scrubby gully we heard some scolding
Honey-eaters. ‘‘A snake or an Owl,’ we thought. Investigation
proved the latter, and a pair of small reddish Owls was the prize,
which we judged to be a distinct species, and not a sub-species of the
familiar boobook. It is the smallest Owl in Australia, and apparently
the bird figured by Mathews in his ‘‘ Birds. of Australia,” vol. v.,
pl. 262, above the name of Spiloglaux bowervi. Locality, in the letter-
press, is mentioned as Cairns. But how came such a classic as the
author of “The Birds of Australia“ to displace De Vis’s /uvida—the
exact bird trom the same region, Bellenden Ker district ?

Ninox peninsularis. Cape York Owl.
Hieracoglaux connivens pentnsularts.

Heard a bird calling “Woop, woop” at night on Goold Island,
and flushed one during day on the mainland behind Cardwell.

Ninox (rufa) humeralis. Rufous Owl.
Rhabdoglaux queenslandica.

Observed along the water-courses near Cardwell; appeared to be
fairly numerous. Notes on the taking of the pair of type eggs of
this bird have already appeared in The Emu (vol. xvi., pp. 159, 160,
with illustration). See also Plate II. with this article.

Ninox humeralis is a good variety, being slightly smaller and much
darker in coloration than N. rufa, from the Northern Territory.
Moreover, the Territory birds have their tails tipped with brown.
The male of the Cardwell birds had a pronounced white tip to its
tail, while the tip of the female’s tail was light brown.

North, who examined a specimen from the Herbert Gorge, stated
it could not be distinguished from typical examples of N. humeralis
obtained in New Guinea.

Trichoglossus septentrionalis. Northern Blue-bellied Lorikeet.
Tvichoglossus novehollandieé septentrionalis.

A common bird on the coastal country and the table-land, feeding
in the flowering eucalypts, chiefly the so-called “blue gum” (E.
teveticorvnis) in the former locality and the poplar-leaved gum (E.
platyphylla)in the latter. These Lorikeets were also fond of fossicking
the red ‘‘bottle-brushes”’ of the Callistemons that flowered by

streams.

[ Emu

14 CAMPBELL AND BaRNarD, Birds of N. Queensland. | 4 July

It is interesting watching the birds going to “‘roost’’ at evening
in the hollows of the trees. They appear to use hollows to repose in
as well as to breed. Off and on during the night you can hear the
birds ‘“‘ talking ’’ in their hollows, where to sleep, instead of perching,
as do most other birds, they lie down or coil up, resting their heads
on the inside bottom of the hole. This we judged by analogy by
seeing pet birds sleep on the bottom of their cages instead of on
perches.

Whether about a house or in the bush wilds, the ‘‘ Blue Mountain ”’
Parrot is a great favourite. We were fortunate in observing a tame
bird, in shining plumage, at “‘ Fringford.’’ One wing was clipped,
but by the aid of bill and claws it climbed everywhere in the house,
and outside to the tops of trees, where it would cackle in imitation
of the fowls, and make other extraordinary calls. The bird was four
years old, and was brought in by the blacks from its nest and reared
by Mrs. Butler.

Regarding ‘‘ Blue Mountains”’ in the bush, there is a remarkable
picture by Mr. E. M. Cornwall in The Emu (vol. x., pl. xi.) showing
Mrs. Innes, of Pratolina, near Mackay, surrounded by a feathered
crowd of her bush pets.

Mr. T. R. Gardiner told us of a similar experience which he had
when in charge of the telegraph station on the Walsh River, North
Queensland, 1891-1905. The surrounding timber was chiefly ‘‘ box”
and blood-wood (eucalypts). At first Mr. Gardiner had a young
caged bird that enticed a wild bird, which was captured. On account
of its brilliant colouring it was called ‘‘ Reddy,’ and, after being
feasted on sugar and other dainties for about six months, was set at
liberty again.

“Reddy,” mindful of ‘‘ home comforts,’ occasionally returned
with a mate, and subsequently with young ones, all of which Mr.
Gardiner continued to feed with sugar and water. Then, as if
imposing upon good nature, scores of birds came, and finally hundreds
at a time! Such a screeching and scolding—an awful noise—
especially at early morn. If anything, the birds were thickest about
4 o’clock in the afternoon. But birds were always about, perching on
wire, under the verandah, or were bathing. The birds became so
common that even the cat treated them with contempt. To feed
this most interesting feathered family it cost Mr. Gardiner, for seven
years, the value of five bags of sugar per year.

When Mr. Gardiner was reading or reclining, numbers of his
feathered friends would climb all over him, and were fond of running
his hair through their bills. But, strange to say, the birds would
not alight on his man or his man’s wife, although they both used to
feed the birds in Mr. Gardiner’s absence. Often when Mr. Gardiner
was returning home flocks of hungry fluttering Lorikeets would meet
him at the slip-panel, 100 yards away from the house.

We took eggs on the table-land of 7. septentrionalis, which appears
to be a good northern variety of the ‘“‘Blue Mountain” Parrot of
southern parts. It is a pretty sight to witness these birds bathing
amongst the branches that hold the rain or the copious dewdrops of
night. How they flutter their wings and revel in the exercise !

Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet.
Eutelipsitta chlorolepidota chlorolepidota.

Seen in numbers, frequently in Company with the “‘ Blue Moun-
tains,’ in the flowering gum-trees. Eggs were taken from the hollow

Vol. XVII-] CAMPBELL AND Barnarp, Birds of N. Queensland. 15

spouts of gum-trees on the table-land—notably an instance in a tree
by the Kirrama track. It took us half an hour to rob the nest,
owing to having to chop five apertures in the hollow limb before we
reached the prize pair of eggs.

[I do not agree with Mathews in separating sub-specifically this
bird under the name minor. There is insufficient distinction in
coloration, and no wing difference. Moreover, the particular habitat
of TI. chlorolepidotus is comparatively circumscribed.—A. J. C.]}

Glossopsitta pusilla. Little Lorikeet.

A few Little Eorikeets were observed in the flowering trees near
Cardwell, and they were fairly common on the table-land, where speci-
mens were obtained. The tall, blossom-laden trees at Kirrama
frequently contained scores of the two previous-mentioned Lorikeets
as well as a sprinkling of this little bird.

Several Little Lorikeets were found dead under a flowering
“yellow box’’ at “ Belltrees,’’ New South Wales, early last Novem-
ber. Could they have been imbibing too freely of the flower nectar
feast ? We know that Honey-eaters have been found under flower-
ful trees intoxicated.

Calyptorhynchus banksi. Banksian Cockatoo.
Calyptorhynchus banksi northi.

Observed both about Cardwell and on the table-land, teeding on
the seed-cones of Casuarinas.

When camped at the Upper Murray Falls, the evening stillness
was broken by the wailing cries of Black Cockatoos on high as they
flew from the lowlands to roost on the ridges above us for the night.

Cacatua galerita. White Cockatoo.
Cacatoes galerita queenslandica. i

Common everywhere, neverthless interesting birds. We freqeuntly
disturbed White Cockatoos from trees along the track, feeding upon
the seed of a semi-green, broad, flat pod of a wattle (Acacia).

Often during our rambles we flushed White Cockatoos from nesting
hollows. In one tall tree above our camp on the table-land the pair
of birds became used to us. When we tapped the tree with our
tomahawk “Cocky ’”’ would merely thrust his yellow-crested poll
out to see what was the matter below.

At the orchard of Mr. W. A. Pershouse flocks of White Cockatoos
at times almost envelop the orange trees at the unprotected side of
the orchard and play havoc with the fruit—not for the fruit’s sake,
but to secure the pips within the fruit.

Aprosmictus minor. Little King Parrot.
Alisterus cyanopygius minor.

This handsome Parrot was seen near Cardwell, also on the Murray
River and in the scrubs of the table-land. A nest taken near the
residence of Mr. T. Butler, Upper Murray, contained three young
about a week old and an addled egg, which egg, the first described,
has become the “‘type’’ of the Little King Parrot (vide Emu, vol.
Xvi., p. 163). The nesting-place was about 20 feet down from the
entrance hole, in a large hollow eucalypt. How the birds get down
and up that long distance, especially when feeding their young, is a
puzzle.

A. minor is appreciably smaller than A. cyanopygius, while the
“butterfly ’’ wing is of a different shade.

16 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. [ Emu

end July

Platycercus amathusia. Blue-cheeked Parrot.
Platyveercus adscitus adscitus.

Seen in pairs on the table-land, where specimens were obtained.
This bird most resembles P. pallidiceps, with its pale head and bluish
under surface, but the blackish feathers of the mantle have lght-
bluish edgings instead of yellowish. Broadbent saw a pair which he
regarded as P. pallidiceps, while Ramsay regarded the bird, which he
met ‘once only,” as P. cyanogenys (7.e., amathusia).

We heard that P. nigrescens were in the neighbourhood, and were
disappointed we did not see them, as one of us did on a former trip.
These birds are more blood-red in coloration, especially on the rump,
and much more blackish on the back, than the true southern P. elegans.

Podargus phalenoides. Freckled Frogmouth.
Podargus strigoides cornwallt.

Seen near Cardwell, and also on the Murray River; their call was
frequently heard at night. One sitting bird was observed near the
track in a large, rough-barked wattle-tree. The male is the larger
bird.

Egotheles nove-hollandiz. Owlet Nightjar.
ZEgotheles cristata leucogaster.
Flushed from hollow spouts both at Cardwell and on the Murray.
[Possibly Gould’s 4. leucogaster should be reinstated. It appears
to be a recognizable northern and western sub-species. Type
locality, Northern Territory (Port Essington).—A. J. C.]

Eurystomus pacificus. Koller.
Eurystomus orientalis pacificus.

The Roller, or Dollar-Bird, 1s a migrant, and appeared from the
north in October. (First date observed, 2nd; first seen by Broad-
bent, 9th.) Was breeding on the table-land during our visit there.

Aleyone pulehra. Purple Kingfisher.
Alcyone azuvea mixta.

Seen along the rivers and creeks. Eggs (including a set of six)
were taken from burrows in the banks of the Murray River during
October.

As its name indicates, this river Kingfisher is more purplish (or
rather violet) in colour than the more southern azuvea.

Alcyone pusilla. Little Kingfisher.
Micralcyone pusilla hall.

Seen about the seashore near Cardwell, also about tea-tree swamps
and on the Murray River.

One balmy September day a pair of these tiny Kingfishers remained
perched for a considerable time in a Calophyllum on the strand.

[Referring to Mathews’s hall, ornithologists can hardly expect
to find two sub-species of the nature of this bird so close to each
other geographically as Cairns and Cape York. Students would be
more inclined to accept North’s vamsayi for the Northern Territory

Dacelo minor. Lesser Brown Kingfisher.
Dacelo gigas minor.

Common throughout the Cardwell district and the Kirrama Table-
land. Eggs were taken from a hollow drilled in a termites’ nest in
a large blood-wood (eucalypt) tree near our camp on the table-land.
Mr. H. L. White has described the eggs in The Emu, vol. xvi., p. 162.

Vol, XVII.

cc ] CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. ¥7

The northern “‘ Jackass ’’ appears to be cleaner in appearance than
its familiar southern compeer. The male is a gayer-coloured bird,
with blue on the lower back and upper tail coverts as well as on the
wings. There is about an inch only less difference in the wing
measurement.

Dacelo leachi. Leach Kingfisher.
Dacelo leacht kempt.

Common throughout the Murray and Cardwell districts. The
loud “‘ yelping ’’ notes of the Leach Kingfisher were frequently heard
in the forest at the same time as the “laughter” of the Lesser Brown
Kingfisher.

[The latter bird seems to have increased in numbers since my first
visit to the district, thirty years ago.—A. J. C.]

Halcyon macleayi. lTorest Kingfisher.
Cyanalcyon macleayt harnardt.

Common ; numbers of their pretty blue and white forms were
observed sitting on the telegraph wires about Cardwell. They
appeared to be typical ‘‘ Macleays.”’

Halcyon sanctus. Sacred Kingfisher.
Sauropatis sancta confusa.

Fairly common about Cardwell; often seen about the mangroves
and fishing about the beach. We have no doubt that they were the
common migratory sancius. We did not observe any breeding.

Haleyon sordidus. Mangrove Kingfisher.
Sauropatis sordida sordida.

Odd birds only of this fine Kingfisher were seen about mangrove
creeks. One would have to endure plagues of mosquitoes and to
wade knee-deep in mud to observe these birds properly, perchance
to find a nest in some hollow mangrove.

Merops ornatus. Bee-eater.
Cosmerops ornatus ornatus.

Common about Cardwell in September, where they arrived trom
the north. They seemed to be moving southward. The first one
we observed was on 11th September. Broadbent first noticed Bee-
eaters on 19th August, ‘‘in little flocks.”’ In October he saw them
flying over Cardwell in thousands for days, going southward.

Bee-eaters have been observed passing to and from New Guinea
during migration. How can it be possible, then, that there are two
races of these birds in Australia, as Mathews infers ?

Eurostopus albigularis. White-throated Nightjar.
Eurostopodus mystacalis.

A few birds were flushed from the ground in stony places. An egg
of this species was discovered by Constable O’Regan, of Cardwell,
while out wallaby-shooting during our visit to that locality, but,
instead of handing it over to us, he gave it to his wife, who placed
it under a broody hen, where it was, of course, promptly broken.

Caprimulgus (macrurus) yorki. Large-tailed Nightjar.

Generally flushed in pairs from the ground in swampy places, where
their eggs were found. This Nightjar’s peculiar ‘‘ Chop-chop’”’ notes
were frequently heard at night, even in the township of Cardwell.
The birds have a jerky, butterfly flight when flushed. One nest (really
no nest, only a selected spot on the ground), which we could not help

: a Emu
18 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. and: Tay

finding, was by the track side on the way to the Murray Falls. It
contained a pair of the usual elliptical-shaped eggs.

[A Large-tailed Nightjar’s nest was observed on 5th October with
eggs ; when examined again on the 26th it contained one young, about
two days old.—A. J. C.]

Collocalia franeica. Grey-rumped Swittlet.
Collocalia francica terreregine.

Seen hawking in numbers over the tree-tops both on the mainland
and on Goold Island. There is no doubt that these fairy-like little
creatures nest on several of the islands off the coast, and probably
in recesses of the mainland mountains.

[A description of a visit by me to one of these Swiftlet caves is
given in ‘‘ Reminiscences’? (Emu, vol. xv., p. 253). I was under
the guidance of our member, Mr. E. J. Banfield, of Dunk Island.
He was good enough to send samples of the little ladle-shaped nests
to the Australian Museum, Sydney, which are excellently figured
in the: ‘Special Catalogue, No. 7 22C “Nests and: Eees 7) volkor
p. 440.—A. J. C.]

Chetura caudacuta. Spine-tailed Swiit.

A few of these far northern nesters were observed hawking in the

air, generally when rain was pending.

Cuculus pallidus. Pallid Cuckoo.
Heteroscenes -pallidus.
Fairly common about the Murray River.

Cacomantis variolosus. Square-tailed Cuckoo.
Cacomantis pyrrophanus westwoodia.

Generally seen about brush, and their shrill whistling call was
otten heard.

Chalcococcyx plagosus. Bronze-Cuckoo.
Lamprococcyx plagosus plagosus.
Fairly common about brush and scrubs.

Chaleococeyx russatus. Kufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo.
Neochalcites minutillus russatus (vide Emu, vol: xvi., p. 34).

This little lustrous Cuckoo was fairly common ; often seen about
water-courses.

[There has always been difficulty in the identification of the
northern Little Bronze-Cuckoos, but the above identification is
probably correct, although C. vussatus and C. minutillus may possibly
be sub-species one of the other. Cardwell skins of C. russatus com-
pared with skins of C. minutillus from the type locality (Northern
Territory) differ markedly. Besides being the Jarger bird, the former
has more and darker rufous on the tail, throat, &c. The bronze bars
on the breast are also much larger and darker than in C. minutillus.
Comparative dimensions in inches :—

Q C.russatus.—Total length, 63; wing, 32; tail, 22.
Q C.minutilius.—Total length, 52; wing, 34; tail, 24.

In the Cardwell birds the male had a conspicuous red ring round the
eye, which in the female was pale yellow. In a Northern Territory
skin the collector has recorded the ring as greenish-white.—A. J.C.]

Eudynamys cyanocephala. Koel.
Eudynamys orientalis flindersit.
Common along the Murray River and at Kirrama Station, on the

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE

“T1398dWVO “P "V AG 'OLOHd VY WOUS

*(punoy sv) ysan ,sdseqq pure (vpravy auosksay) Iayea-A].J MOTJAR JO ISON

Vol. XVII. roashs ; a CN EUNT Rete
ay | CAMPBELL AND Barnarp, Birds of N. Queensland. 1g

table-land. Their loud whistling call of ‘ Koel’’ was frequently
heard during night-time, as well as by day.

Scythrops nove-hollandiw. Channelbill.
Scythrops novehollandie novehollandiea.

This great Cuckoo was observed in the scrubs of the Murray River,
usually feeding in the large fig-trees. They often brush off or let figs
fall, which patter loudly on the forest floor, and thus betray the
presence to observers of the big birds on high.

The screech-call of the Channelbill is difficult to imitate, but when
once heard is never forgotten. The first calls we heard were on 16th
September.

Centropus phasianus. Pheasant-Coucal.
Polophilus phasianus phastanus.

Common about the grassy flats, and when Jisturbed would fly up
into a neighbouring tree. One nest was observed in a patch of grass
about 2 feet above the ground, with the tops of the grass pulled over
in the form of a hood. It was in a good position for a photograph,
but the clutch of eggs was not complete.

ithescallwot the Coucal is very curious. It is continuous, and
resembles the noise made in the neck of a demijohn when liquid is
being poured out.

A good figure from a photograph of the Coucal may be seen in The
Emu, vol. ix., pl. xil.

Pitta simillima. Lesser Pitta.
Coloburis versicolor intermedia.

Common in the scrubs of the Murray River and the scrubs of the
table-land.

P. simillima is supposed to be a northern race of P. stvepitans. UH,
as Mathews states, he has an inteymedia form, then the birds may
possibly be linked as one. Two males that we procured were variable
in size.

The beautiful P. mackloti is stated by Broadbent to have been
observed at Rockingham Bay. It was high up the Herbert, in a
hill scrub. The bird may have overshot its mark in migrating from
New Guinea, from which country P. simillima has also been seen
coming.

Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow.
Hivrundo neoxena neoxena.
This homely little bird was seen about Cardwell, hawking over
the grass.
Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree-Martin.
Hylochelidon nigricans vogerst.
Seen on the Murray River and hawking low over the grassy flats.

Micreca fascinans. Brown Flycatcher.
Micreca fascinans pallida.

Seen on the Kirrama Table-land, where they were observed
breeding. There is no question that it was the common variety,
and not pallida, which De Vis described from the drier “‘ Gulf ”’ country,
and which is exceedingly pale-coloured.

Micreea flavigaster. Yellow-breasted Flycatcher.
Kempia flavigastey tervevegine.

Common about Cardwell, and a few seen about the Murray River.
It is essentially a coastal bird,in the Rockingham Bay region, at all

20 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. [.,,/""1,

events. This bird must have increased since Ramsay’s day ; he only
found it after diligent search.

Its miniature nest (the smallest, probably, of Australian nests),
with single egg, was found. A photograph of a nest and egg (natural
size) appears in The Emu, VOls xiy.:, “pla xia.

Regarding Mathews’s .M. tevyeregine, one would expect to find,
in heavy forest country, this species greener above and brighter
yellow on the under surface than, say, the birds from the type
locality—-Northern Territory. It is a scientific fact that all life is
affected by its environment.

Smicrornis flavescens. Yellow-tinted Tree-Tit.
Smicrornis brevirostvis pallescens.

This tiny Tit was detected on the table-land, where it was feeding
in company with other small birds in the tree-tops. We procured
a pair. :

For phases of colouring this appears to be a perplexing little bird
We are satisfied with its identity as per first name above. S.
flavescens may be taken as a northern representative of S. brevirosiris.

Gerygone albogularis. White-throated Fly-eater.
Gerygone olivacea queenslandica.

Found on the table-land only ; nowhere plentiful. It was not
observed by Broadbent, but Ramsay noted it.

Gerygone magnirostris. Large-billed Fly-eater.
Ethelornis magnirostris catynsensis.

Common about tea-tree swamps and the Murray River, where
their long, flood-drift-like nests were often observed. :

The nests were invariably within redch, and some were pic-
turesquely placed overhanging the water of lily lagoons. Sometimes
the nest would be suspended from the end of a slender branchlet,
which was swayed by the lightest wind that blew. One was seen sus-
pended from a “‘button”’ orchid. These tiny birds apparently give
themselves an unlimited amount of labour in constructing their nests.
First they construct about a foot in length of vegetable and other
matter resembling flood débris, to the bottom of which is attached
a roundish, cosy, and covered nest. The birds are often fond of
building their nests in the sheds or verandahs of settlers’ homes,
suspending the nest to some chance bit of wire, rope, &c. It takes
about three weeks to construct a nest. These nests are the favourite
receptacles of the olive-coloured egg of a small Cuckoo, presumably
the Little Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx minutillus). j

Gerygone pallida. Pale Brown Fly-eater.
Wilsonavis fusca pallida.

Supposed skins of this bird were obtained in the table-land scrubs,
near the ranges, and a nest was observed swaying from a “ lawyer ”’
palm. The birds, which were not scarce, seemed to approach
North’s G. pallida, from the Cairns district (“‘ Nests and Eggs, &c.,”’
vol. i., p. 196). They are smaller and much lighter-coloured than
fusca, especially on the under surface, which is almost white, and
if a sub-species at all, show more affinity to /@vigastey than to fusca.
More material is required.

The total length of the Kirrama bird is very small—3$ inches, with
wing 1# inches. Shee

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

IV.

PLATE

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Neer CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 21
Gerygone flavida. Yellow Fly-eater.
Pseudogerygone personata fiavida.

This chaste and esthetic-coloured little Gerygone, with its sulphur-
yellow under parts, was of great interest to us, and we closely
observed it whenever we could. ;

Some of our best authorities entertain the opinion that G. flavida
is the female of G. personata, which is found from the Endeavour
River northwards to Cape York, the male of which possesses the dark
throat and forehead. From our field observations we agree with
Mr. C. W. De Vis, tormerly Curator of the Queensland Museum, that
G. flavida is distinct. We found several nests, and procured a mated
pair of birds which were both yellow. It is also significant that when
Broadbent was collecting at Cardwell he got several, but no masked
birds, and regarded his find as “‘new.’’ Ramsay did not observe
the bird.

The first nest of the Yellow Fly-eater found by us was suspended
to a branchlet of a broad-leaved acacia, just at the rear of the Card-
well township. Both birds were building. Unfortunately, we had
to remove to the Upper Murray River before the eggs were laid. A
second nest was found suspended trom a Melaleuca near a creek of
the Murray. The bird was flushed from a single egg. Two other
nests were subsequently tound, but eggs were not laid. In these two
instances the nests were close to wasps’ nests. One nest was sus-
pended to a tree overhanging the river, and for photographic pur-
poses we had to smoke out the wasps (or hornets) in order to take
a picture (see Plate III.)

The nest of the Yellow Gerygone is comparatively a small structure
(not bulky, like G. magnirostris), g inches long by 3 inches broad.
The side entrance is $-inch across, the hood extending 3 inches from
the body of the nest. The nest is delicately constructed of fine
reddish bark intermixed with web, cocoons, and insect droppings,
and is lined with grass and very fine bark. In another example the
lining was thistle-like seed-down. An egg—the usual type—
measured .66 x .48 inch.

Heteromyias cinereifrons. Ashy-fronted Robin.

This unique ‘‘ Robin’”’ is one of the peculiarities of the densely-
timbered ranges, and was observed nowhere else. It is shy, and
frequents the dark gullies. Although early, several nests, with their
single eggs, were observed. The nests were made of green moss and
lined with dark rootlets, &c., and usually placed low down in a
“Jawyer’’ palm (Calamus\ or similar situation. For nest im si/u
see Plate IV. The call of this Robin is plaintive, and not unlike that
of the Eopsaltria.

Pecilodryas superciliosa. White-browed Shrike-Robin.
Pacilodryas superciliosa superciliosa.

This bird was seen in the scrub of the sand-ridges near Cardwell,
but was not common.

Pecilodryas pulverulentus. White-tailed Shrike-Robin.
Quoyornts leucurus leucurus. :

The White-tailed Robin frequents the mangroves. They are con-
fiding little birds, but it is hard work observing them, as these places
are badly infested with mosquitoes and sand-flies ; besides, you have
to wade knee-deep through mud. Several of their pretty nests,

Emu

22 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. | 14 Thay

placed in a forked mangrove branch, were found (see Plate V., top
figure).

During the nesting season their loud whistling call is frequently
heard in the mangroves, and, upon imitating it, the birds will come
close to you. A nest containing a pair of eggs was taken on the 27th
August ; a second nest was found being built a few days later, and
a third nest was observed on 6th September with a pair of young
birds.

Pecilodryas nana. Little Shrike-Robin.
Tregellasta capito nana.

A true ‘“‘sylph of the scrubs, ’’ and seen usually in pairs in the flat
country. They have the same habit of clinging to tree-stems, «c.,
as the Eopsaltria, when “‘observing’”’ your observing.

The nests were small, neat, made of moss, and lined with dead
leaves, usually of “lawyer’’ canes, upon which the bird builds (see
Plate V., bottom figure).

Several nests were found, each containing a pair of eggs.

Pachycephala queenslandica. Queensland Whistler.

For remarks see next issue of Emu.
Pachycephala rufiventris. Rufous-breasted Whistler.
Lewinornis rvufiventris pallidus.

This Thickhead made music wherever we went, whether on the
lowland or on the table-land, and eggs were secured.

The male is slightly smaller and richer-coloured, and with a more
silvery sheen on the upper surface, compared with a typical rujfiventris.
Whatever the race be, it is not Ramsay’s pallidus, as indicated by
Mathews. The song and well-known ‘“ E-chow”’ note are similar
to those uttered by the bird in its southern or summer habitat.

A male of this species was observed “‘ fighting ’’ its own reflection
on a window of the Herbarium, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, 29/6/16

In the Cardwell scrubs on two occasions two females were observed
“displaying’’ to the one male. The females were very excited,
assumed many pretty attitudes, and occasionally chased each other

Pachycephala peninsule. Grey Whistler.
Mattingleya griseiceps inornata.

This Thickhead was of peculiar interest to us, and was fairly
plentiful in the coastal scrubs ; and we had the opportunity of proving
that Ramsay’s Eopsaltria tnornata and Hartert’s Pachycephala penin-
sul@ (both shown on the Union’s “‘ Check-list,’’ p. 65) are the same
species.

Mathews gave two names for the Cardwell bird—first, Pachycephala
enid@é ; second, Mattingleya inornata.. Should the new genus stand,
then the latter name would be acceptable ; but if the genus does not
stand (field observation, especially nidification, shows the bird to
be a Pachycephala), the ‘‘ Check-list’’ name, No. 427, Pachycephala
peninsule, should remain. Cardwell and Cape York skins are similar,
while the name Pachycephala inornata is apparently pre-occupied by
Gould (P.Z.S., 1840, p. 164). Broadbent identified the bird at Cape
York.

We found three nests—one with fledgelings (rufous-coloured, like
those of Pachycephala gutturalis), and two with each a pair of eggs
resembling at first sight miniature Shrike-Thrushes’. The nest and
eggs (with illustration, pl. xxxv.) are described by Mr. H. L. White
in The Emu, vol; xvi., page 163, The nest figured was found near

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

PEATE, Vi

(Upper) Nest of Mangrove Robin (Pwcilodryas pulverulentus).
(Lower) Nest of Little Robin (P. nana).

FROM A PHOTO. BY A. J. CAMPBELL,

Vol. XV

an CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queenslvnd. 23

the edge of a dense scrub on a stump of a tree that had been cut off
near the ground, and from which suckers had sprung. The nest
rested on the stump, and was concealed by the suckers, and was only
found by the bird flushing. Adverting to the nest found with young,
we went the following day to photograph the family, but some “‘ evil
beast ’’ had anticipated us—the nest was empty.

In its quest of food this bird resembles all the Pachycephala tribe ;
it is often found in the company of other small birds during feeding-
time.

Eopsaltria magnirostris. Large-billed Shrike-Robin:
Eopsaltria australis magntrosiris.

As the Little Shrike-Robin (Pecilodryas nana) appeared to love
the recesses of the scrub, so the Large-billed Yellow Robin loved the
more open forest parts, lowland or table-land, where its figures, with
bright yellow breast and lower back, were often seen.* Many of its
characteristic nests (ornamented outwardly with long shields of
bark and lined with dead leaves) were found. One in particular was
fairly high-placed in a Casuarina.

This is no doubt the variety seen by Broadbent, which he records
as E. austvalis, and which he states “is more beautiful than the
Melbourne bird.’’ He also met it on Bellenden Ker up to 4,000 feet.

Falcunculus frontatus. Yellow-bellied Shrike-Tit.
Falcunculus frontatus herbertoni.

We did not observe this bird till we arrived on the Kirrama table-
land, where its plaintive whistle was occasionally heard. But a part
of its call-note was unlike that of its more southern form. In com-
paring skins, the birds had less wing (4 inch), and more intensely
coloured yellow than the southern Shrike-Tit. These differences
would probably warrant Mathew’s sub-specific title herbertont.

Oreoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird.
Oveoica cristata cristata.

When on the table-land of Kirrama it was a pleasant surprise to
hear and to see these familiar inland birds.

Rhipidura albiscapa. White-shafted Fantail.
Rhipidura flabelliferva frevet.

This familiar form of Fantail was another puzzle to us, because
the coastal bird seemed to differ from the bird of the ranges. Yet
there could not, ornithologically, be two forms (or sub-species) of
the same species in the one locality not many miles apart. The
coastal bird appeared to be a typical albiscapa, while its repre-
sentative in the ranges was darker. Specimens of each kind were
procured for reference.

Rhipidura intermedia. Allied Fantail.
Howeavis rufifrons intermedia.

The Rufous Fantail was occasionally seen and heard in secluded
situations in the scrub and hills alike.

Rhipidura isura. Northern Fantail.
Setosuva setosa superciliosa.

The Northern Fantail is found across the northern part of the
continent. When the late Dr. E. P. Ramsay collected the Rocking-
ham Bay bird he called it superciliosa. But in his subsequent

* See coloured figures of similar birds, Emu, vol. ix., pl. iii,

[ Emu

24 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. aid Sale

“Tabular List’? he dropped the name in favour of Gould’s tsura,
because he found the birds “‘ are identical.’’ In this we concur.

We had many opportunities of observing this active and attractive
little bird, which, in habits and mode of nidification, much resembles
the familiar White-shafted Fantail (R. albiscapa). Their “ tailed ”’
nest was usually placed on a naked twig in a low situation in open
forest.

Rhipidura motacilloides. Black-and-White Fantail.
Leucocirca tricolor utingu.

This ubiquitous yet ever pleasing bird was noted, but was not
numerous. We are not prepared to say it differed from the familiar
Black-and-White Fantail in other parts.

One prettily situated nest seen, with voung, was protected by a
over-arching branch of a dead fallen tree in a shallow swamp of weeds.
The parent birds were very trustful.

Myiagra plumbea. Leaden Flycatcher.
Myiagra vubecula yorkt.

So far as the Rockingham Bay bird is concerned, we found no
difference between it and the species found in the neighbourhood
of Brisbane, which is rubecula (or plumbea\. They were always in
evidence, or were heard calling.

Macherirhynchus flaviventer. Boat-billed Flycatcher.
Machervirhynchus flaviventer secundus.

These yellow-breasted, broad-billed birds were very fascinating to
observe. It would be difficult to believe that a bird with such a

comparatively restricted habitat really has a second or sub-species,

as indicated by Mr. Mathews.

Arses kaupi. Pied Flycatcher.
Orphryzone kaupt.
We observed Pied Flycatchers in various phases of plumage—a
reason why northern collectors have somewhat confused the species.
These are very lively and showy little creatures, and were some-
times seen hunting a tree-bole for food, after the manner of Tree-
creepers, only it did not trouble the Fiycatcher whether it went up
or down.

Piezorhynehus wardelli. Long-billed Shining Flycatcher.
Piezorhynchus alecto wardellt.

The male, in satiny black, and the female, in satiny brown, are well
called Shining Flycatchers, and are ever attractive birds. They
were usually observed about rivers or creeks, and a beautifully-built
nest was seen on a tea-tree branch overhanging water where some
blue water-lilies were growing.

Monarcha gouldi. Spectacled Flycatcher.
Sympostachrus trivirgatus albiventris.

This interesting Flycatcher was always in evidence. It does not
appear to be the albiventris of more northern habitat. Possibly it
may be Sharpe’s medius from Port Molle, which Mathews states 1s
synonymous with albiventris. Port Molle is a little below Bowen.

The moss-made nests of the Spectacled Flycatcher are among the
most beautiful of bird architecture, being outwardly constructed
of green mosses decorated with silky insect cocoons, yellowish,
whitish, sometimes greenish. The nest was usually placed in the

“ITS8dNVO “f *¥ AG OLOHd W WOYS

‘({pjnos vys¢vuopy) ayozyedh]J popoeyoods jo ss8q pur json

PLATE VI.

THe Emu, Vol, XVII;

se nea CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 25

upright fork of a low sapling, within reach of the ground, in an avenue
of scrub (see Plate VI.)

Monarcha leucotis. White-eared Flycatcher.
Carterornis leucolts. ‘

This black and white Flycatcher was of great interest to us, as
its nest and eggs were, and are still, ornithological destderata. We
observed individual birds in several places in the scrub on the main-
land and on Goold Island, but were not successful in tracing a nest.
These birds probably breed during October, when we took most of
the other Flycatchers’ nests. In habit these birds mostly resemble
M. carinata in their manner of flitting about the topmost branches
of the trees.

Monarcha ecarinata. Black-faced Flycatcher.
Monarcha melanopsis canescens.

These Black-faced Flycatchers were not so trequently observed
as their Spectacled brethren. They were smaller (3 of an inch) in the
wing and slightly richer in colouring than, say, New South Wales birds,
otherwise not different. We do not think that they are the Cape
York bird (canescens), with plumage of pearly appearance.

These fine Flycatchers at first appeared singly, but a little later
were seen in flocks of eight or ten, evidently migrating from north-
ward. They afterwards appeared to scatter, and were observed
building in October on the table-land.

Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike.
Coracina novehollandie connectens.

Cuckoo-Shrikes were common, and were often seen in small flocks.
There is no appreciable difference (save in size) between the Cardwell
bird and the familiar southern Black-faced species.

These birds were not observed at first at Cardwell, but were noted
later in small flocks, as were seen at Mackay during July. An im-
mature skin was obtained near Cardwell out of a small flock of birds.

Graucalus hypoleuca. White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike.
Coracina hypoleuca stalkeri.

-The smaller Cuckoo-Shrike seen was not G. mental7s, as Broadbent
indicates, although that species may possibly be found at other
periods of the year. It is a variety of hypoleuca, and agrees with
the sub-species sfalkert cf Mathews.

Graucalus lineatus. Barred Cuckoo-Shrike.
Paragraucalus lineatus.

As a general rule, northern scrub species are smaller in size or are
brighter in plumage than southern birds of the same kind. So it is
with the Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, which, in the Murray district, is
cleaner (brighter) in appearance and has the under-surface more
distinctly barred. For the northern form Mathews recently applied
the name ausiint.

These birds were not observed till we reached the Murray River,
when they were noticed passing in small flocks from the north,
evidently going further south, though some of them remained during
our visit. If there be a difference between the skins secured and
the southern form, then the southern bird is either a stationary
species or migrates further south in the spring, while the northern
bird takes its place in the centre. Mathews omits the range of this
bird to New South Wales,

26 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. Vand Synty

Edoliisoma jardinii. Great Caterpillar-eater.
Metagraucalus tenutrostris obscurus.

As in the case of the Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, this bird was slightly
smaller and of cleaner appearance than specimens obtained in
southern localities. Can this migratory species be scientifically sub-
divided ? If so, what are the respective bounds of the so-called
sub-species of Mathews? If jardinii (or tenuivosivis, of South
Queensland migrates to New South Wales or to Victoria to breed,
where does obscurus of North Queensland migrate to to nest ? As
in the case of the Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, the same thing applies to
this bird. It does not remain in Central Queensland during the
winter, but arrives from the north in October.

Campephaga humeralis. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater.
Lalage tricolor tricolor.

Noted on the table-land of Kirrama. During .the winter season
the male birds assume the sombre garb of the female. In Central
Queensland these birds arrive from the north during September, and
shortly afterwards the males change from the sombre hue to the
black and white of adults. The>transition is very rapid, taking only
two or three weeks. As soon as they assume the adult plumage they
begin to build.

Campephaga leucomela. Pied Caterpillar-eater.
Karua leucomela yorki.

Pied Caterpillar-eaters were frequently observed silently moving
about the scrubs. There is no appreciable difference between a
Specimen procured and specimens from New South Wales, which
locality is not mentioned by Mathews for this species.

Orthonyx spaldingi. Black-headed Log-runner.
Macrorthonyx spaldingi.

Bird-lovers will be heartily entertained who hear this scrub
chatterer for the first time. It is most noisy during early morning,
when one or more birds may be seen upon the ground with bowed
necks, jerking their heads frantically while jabbering a string of their
“ Chow-chilla-chow-chow-chilla ’’ notes.

The Log-runners were confined to the ranges. One of our speci-
mens procured was in immature plumage.

For situation of a nest see Emu, vol. viil., pl. xxv.

Psophodes lateralis. Lesser Coachwhip-Bird.
Psophodes olivaceus lateralis.

This bird varies from the southern form by its lighter green
plumage and larger bill. Its loud whip-crack-like note was frequently
heard in thickets of scrub on the Upper Murray, as well as in the ranges.

Acrocephalus australis. keed-Warbler.
Acrocephalus australis inexpectatus.

A few birds were observed in the long grass and reeds of Kirrama
Creek, close to Kirrama homestead, on the table-land. Time, about
end of October. Dr. Ramsay noted these Warblers in tall reeds
while he was Wild Goose shooting.

Further south, near Mackay, during July, Reed-Warblers were
heard in the sugar-cane and among lantana (introduced) scrub.

Cisticola (exilis) lineocapilla. Grass-Warbler.
Cisticola extlis mixta.
This puzzling little species was observed on the flats, and a speci-

Vol. Sy it: ] CampBecy anp BarnarD, Birds of N. Queensland. 29

men procured appeared referable to Gould’s /ineocapilla. {On a former
visit, 1914, this species was common in grassy situations, Bellenden
Plains, where it was breeding.—A. J. C.]

Megalurus galactotes. Tawny Grass-Bird.
Dulciornis alistert dulcet.

One specimen was secured in some rank grass country near Card-
well, and it resembles skins collected in other northern parts of
Australia.

By the dulcet music of a new and trinomial name, Dudciornis alisteri
dulctei, for this “‘ tolerably abundant’ northern bird, Mr. Mathews
endeavours to allure students away from an old and familiar name.
Mr. Mathews’s only excuse for abandoning the old name is given in
his “ Reterence- list to the Birds of Australia” (1912). In a note
he states :—‘‘ The name hitherto used for this bird has been M.
galactotes, Temminck. Reference to the original figure and ee
shows this to be inapplicable. The figure (Plan. Color. d’Ots, vol.
ie ivi. pluixv., fie. In21623) gives: a bird disagreeing entirely in
general coloration with the Meee joibyclwe se OS The locality
given by Temminck (New Holland) must therefore be erroneous, and
I find that Temminck’s figure is almost certainly that of an African
species of Czsticola, and, moreover , agrees well with the bird at present
known as C. erythvogenys, Riippell.”

Granted that Mr. Mathews’s note is correct, and that an older
drawing is doubtful, why has he passed over eee superb and
truthfully-coloured plate (‘‘ Birds of Australia,’ vol. abla she and
letterpress description, both of which have stood ae we years olt
is incidents of this kind that shake students’ faith in Mr. Mathews’s
new names which he proposes for so many old and well-known names
of Australian birds. Changes like these create confusion.

Sericornis citreigularis. Yellow-throated Scrub-Wren.
Neosericornis lathami catrnsi.

These bright and active little birds were always seen about the
ground or threading scrub near thereto. They are smaller birds and
richer-coloured than their more southern brethren.

Sericornis levigaster. Buff-breasted Scrub-Wren.
Sericornis longivostris levigaster.

This northern Scrub-Wren was only seen on the table-land, chiefly
along the Kirrama Creek, where families fossicked for food, after the
fashion oft frontalis.

Serieornis (magnirostris) viridior. |arge-billed Scrub-Wren.
Sevicornis magnirostrvis vividior.

This large-billed Scrub-Wren was occasionally met with, especially
in dense scrub where ‘“‘lawyer’’ canes grew. Nests were also taken.
When seen in the open for the first time the bird reminds one more
of an Acanthiza than a Sericornis, but its comparatively powerful
legs) put itjaway.* The male has a slightly more vellowish tone
of plumage than the female.

Oreoscopus gutturalis. Fern-Wren.

Figure—Emu, vol. viii., pl. A.

This species is one of the novelties of the northern scrubs. It
spends almost its whole time on the ground, and resembles the
Sericornes. It builds a bulky nest, almost entirely of moss, and as

28 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. Cand ane

large as a football, which is suspended to a fern or low bush near the
ground. The entrance is at the side. We were unfortunate in not
taking eggs. One nest we had under surveillance was rifled by some
enemy (beast)

Malurus amabilis. [Lovely Wren-Warbler.
Leggeornis amabilis barront.

These “beauties of the bush’”’ were first observed at the rear
ot the township ot Cardwell, and pms pairs or small families
were seen amongst the rushes of dry lagoons or in the undergrowth
of forest country. There is little or no difference between the Card-
well birds and Gould’s species, amabilis, from Cape York—in the
males, at all events; but in specimens compared the Cape female
appears a little bluer in colour, perhaps accounted for by the different
time of season when taken.

On the edge of the scrub on the Upper Murray River a nest with
a fresh set of three eggs was discovered on 12th October.

Malurus (cruentatus) pyrrhonota. Blood-backed Wren-Warbler.
Ryania melanocephala pyrrhonota.

The males of this Wren-Warbler were always pretty objects, with
their black and red colour, as they flew before the observer. The
constancy of their dark red (blood-coloured) backs separates them
from the southern form, with more orange-coloured back—melano-
cephala.

Blood-backed Wrens were observed both on the lowlands and on
the table-land, and several nests were secured.

Artamus leucogaster. White-rumped Wood-Swallow.
Artamus leucorhynchus leucopygialis.

This familiar and graceful bird was observed in the coastal country
only.

Artamus sordidus. Wood-Swallow.
Pseudartamus cyanopterus.

A few of the Common Wood-Swallows were observed on the table-
land.

Artamus minor. Little Wood-Swallow.
Micraviamus minoy minor.

The Little Wood-Swallow was observed near Cardwell, where it
was sometimes seen perched on telegraph wires.
Colluricincla harmonica. Grey Shrike-Thrush.
Colluricincla harmonica pallescens. -

The Grey Thrushes were a trifle puzzling, although frequently in
evidence. Local birds are lighter in tint and more uniform-coloured
on the back than southern specimens.

Colluricinela parvissima. Allied Rufous Shrike-Thrush.
Caleya megarhyncha gould.

This little Thrush was one of the sweet songsters of the scrub, and
several nests were seen.

Ramsay, in his account of the birds of Rockingham Bay, evidently
inadyv ertently wrote pavvula for pravisstma tor this species.

Colluricincla boweri. Bower Shrike-Thrush.

Bowyeria bower.
The Bower Thrush is a fine species, and, although reddish (rusty),
like the last-mentioned Thrush, is larger and has its breast more

pa | CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 29
striped. It was mostly seen in the ranges. As Broadbent points
out, it is a true mountain bird. It has a loud and distinctive call.

Grallina picata. Magpie-Lark.
Grallina cyanoleuca cyanoleuca.

This ubiquitous~ bird was, of course, seen, but was not numerous.
They frequently came about dwellings.

Local observers state that the Magpie-Lark migrates, or moves
away during summer, from some northern localities. Where to ?

Neositta striata. Striated Tree-runner.
Neositta striata vothschitdt.

The female has the black head; the male is striated. With the
black-headed female, these birds, by field observation only, were a
bit perplexing at first, but when skins were handled there is no doubt
that the species is referable to Gould’s stvtata of northern localities.

Broadbent shows N. leucoptera for the district. Except he took
specimens, he would observe the large whitish patches on the wings
Gi siiaia ds. they flew, from: tree to..tree. “Hence his: -error,
probably, in identification.

Strange to say, Ramsay also records N. leucoptera trom Rocking-
ham Bay. “I received only two specimens, which I suppose to be
females. They have the whole of the head, neck. and throat black ;
chest and remainder of the upper surface silky white, with a black
stripe down the centre of each feather’’ (P.Z.S., 1868, p. 387).

Climacteris melanonota. Black Tree-creeper
Whitlocka melanota. ;

Broadbent states that a few specimens of the Brown Tree-creeper
(C. scandens) were seen by him between Gowrie Creek and Coldwater
Station, on the Herbert River, in the open forest. This would be on
the table-land. The species we obtained on the Kirrama table-land
was C. melanota, which has similar cries and habits to those of C.
scandens. Ramsay also refers to the bird as C. scandens.

Climacteris minor. Lesser White-throated Tree-creeper.
Climacteris leucoph@a minor.

There is so much difference between the northern White-throated
Tree-creeper and its southern representative that the difference
appears more specific than merely sub-specific. C. minor differs
from C. leucoph@a not only in its smaller size and much darker
coloration, but by having the throat grey instead of white, and by
the light stripes on the under-surface being buffy instead of white.
The light patch on the wing is also darker (yellowish-buff). Com-
parative dimensions in inches :—

leucophea, g—length, 6; aes 34; tarsus, $; culmen, 3.
minor, 3 — ,, es en Tee oes re S,

a‘ PE re Sho oh | £5 oes
leucophea, Qo— ,, Gi feet. oo ART! 55 Z - BL
minor, & — 4, Fae) 4 Os ai he 3° = 4.

(Northern eggs average .83 x .62 : southern average .85 x .64 inches.
The nest we found was a hollow part of a green tree by a stream,
in the depth of the scrub, Kirrama Range.
See description of type nest and eggs by H. L. White, Emu, vol.
XV1., p- 164.

7 z yy T } Emu
30 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. ee ya

Zosterops tephropleura. Grey-breasted White-eye.
Zostevops lateralis tephropleura.

Whether the Rockingham Bay bird be a sub-species of datevalis
(1.e., dorsalis), as Mathews contends, or not, it is the same kind of
Zostevops that was obtained on the Capricorn Group by the Union’s
expedition, 1909, and provisionally named Z. chlorocephalus (vide
Emit, WWOl.cx., Pp. 16).

These little birds were fairly plentiful in the coastal country, and
their chirping songs were always heard at dawn, provided noises
caused by wind, &c., did not drown the birds’ voices.

Diceum hirundinaceum. Mistletoe-Bird.
Austrvodiceum hirundinaceum hirundinaceum.

The cheery chirps of the Dic@um often betrayed its presence. One
of its purse-like nests was found a few feet from the ground suspended
in a small sapling or sucker of a Moreton Bay ash (eucalypt).

Pardalotus (punctatus) millitaris. Northern Spotted Pardalote.
Pardalotus punctatus millitarts.

We were greatly surprised to hear the dulcet notes of this pretty
Pardalote in the tall timber (eucalypts) about our camp on the
Kirrama Table-land. Ramsay regarded it as rare here. Not far
from our tent a pair of birds had enlarged a hole in a hollow part of
a green gum-tree bole, and therein had made a nest. The nest was
completely composed of fine dry grass, and measured in circumference
12 inches ; the side entrance was 14+ inches across. There was a full
set.ot tour eggs. Dates 25/ 10/16. The birds answer to Mathews’s
sub-species millitaris, from the Cairns district.

Pardalotus melanocephalus. Black-headed Pardalote.
Pardalotus melanocephalus barront.

These familiar birds were everywhere. In the sides of water-
courses (dry or otherwise) in some localities their burrows were
almost every few yards, but did not always contain eggs. Some of
the burrows had the appearance of having been rifled by reptiles.
Further south, at Mackay, these Pardalotes were nesting during July.

Cyrtostomus frenatus. Sun-Bird.
Cyrtostomus frenatus australis.

The gaily-dressed (male, rich lemon chrome under parts and
metallic navy blue throat) Sun-Birds, of Humming-Bird appearance,
are indeed tangible evidence of the tropics. They were noticed only
in the coastal region, sipping nectar from various flowers. They were
often observed about dwellings, fossicking the flowers of pa-paw,
citrus, and other trees of gardens ; and they love sometimes to build
their nests in verandahs or near houses.

One nest observed in the bush was prettily situated underneath
a bunch of ferns, and suspended to a dead frond.

When the little bird flits from flower to flower it utters a Tit-like
‘Chip”’ or “Chip, chip.’”’ The song is Malurus-like—a pretty,
rattling warble.

Melithreptus lunulatus. White-naped Honey-eater.
Melithveptus lunatus lunaius.

It was refreshing to meet this well-known Honey-eater so far north.
We first met it about our camp in the forest of the Kirrama Table-land.
As expected, the bird is shghtly smaller than southern birds of the
same kind. Its well-known lisping notes are exactly similar.

py | CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 31
A fledgeling * that had fallen from a tree was picked up for examina-
tion, when the old birds perched on the hand of the observer and
commenced to feed the young. When, however, the young one was
released and placed on a bush, a big Brown ‘Kingfisher (Jackass
sailed past and snapped the little one before it could be rescued.

Of course, we understand that it sometimes takes several sub-
species to make one species. But, as field observers of this bird
from the north to the south of its habitat, we venture to believe
that an important error has been made in classing the following
species—M. albogulavis—a sub-species of M. lunulatus. We found
these two birds a few miles only apart as “‘ the Crow flies.’’ And is it
not an axiom, even among sub-specificists, that two sub-species ot
the same species cannot exist in same locality ?

This Honey-eater is plentiful in Central Queensland, on the
Dawson River, among the hills and gorges of the Expedition Range.

Melithreptus albogularis. White-throated Honey-eater.
Melithreptus lunatus vinitinctus.

These birds were in numbers feasting upon the abundant flowers
of the blue gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis), and making a chorus with
their high-pitched “‘T-tee, t-tee, t-tee” notes. It was a pleasure
to recline under a tree and watch their active movements, while left
alone ; but they were often put to flight by the arrival of larger birds
-—Leatherheads, «c.

As pointed out in the preceding species, M/. albogular7s is distinct
from M. lunulatus. Amongst other specific distinctions, the naked
space above and behind the eye is Scarlet ‘of orange in the latter
bird, and in the former greenish- -blue. These colours are constant in
the respective species. In Central Queensland M. lunulatus is found
in the ranges only, while M. albogularis is found on the lower forest
country.

[Regarding M. albogularis found in Central Queensland and the
Northern one, the former appears larger, brighter in colour, and more
robust generally ; also its note is much stronger and clearer.—H. G. B.]

Plectorhyncha lanceolata. Striped Honey-eater.
Plectorhyncha lanceolaia lanceolata.

The occurrence of one or two of this usually inland species on Goold
Island, near Hinchinbrook Island and about 10 miles from the main-
land, surprised us. We secured a specimen for identification, and
saw it nowhere else. However, Ramsay stated it was to be found
60 miles inland.

There had been a drought the previous season, and these birds may
have been driven from their usual habitat, and, finding existence
on the island congenial, had there remained.

Myzomela sanguineolenta. Sanguineous Honey-eater.
Mvyzomela sanguineolenta stephensi.

Whether for appearance or pleasing song,f these little Honey-eaters
are gems, and the rich red portion of their uniform brightens the
picture wherever they fly for nectar—whether on to cylindrical,
greenish tea- tree flowers, or golden bunches of gum-blossom, or are
“drowned ”’ in their own colour in the red bottle-brush of Callistemon.

*Rough description :—Under surface yellowish, especially throat ; nape-
mark dull yellow ; edges of primaries, &c., yellowish-green.

{ Like the sound produced by a person rubbing a damp cork on a window-
pane, only not so harsh.

32 CAMPBELL AND Barnarp, Birds of N. Queensland. [4a

We could not separate it from the southern form, the reasons for
separation given by Mathews being the extension of red further down
the abdomen. This trivial reason was not convincing.

Myzomela pectoralis. Banded Honey-eater.
Cissomela pectoralis incerta.

This truly northern bird was noted on the table-land. Ramsay also
saw one specimen. :

It evidently extends right across to the Northern Territory, as it
is a common bird on the Macarthur River, where it was found
breeding in the latter end of 1913.

Myzomela obscura. Dusky Honey-eater
Melomyza otscura hartertv.

This dark-plumaged Honey “Sales was always in evidence, and
lively. It occasionally visited the gardens of our lodging at Card-
well, and dipped into the bluish bells of a Tecoma-like creeper

Mathews’s munna .which = hartert?v) is too near the type locality
of obscura for scientific separation.

The Dusky Honey-eater is amongst the many birds that feign
lameness or a broken wing when the vicinity of its young is invaded.

Acanthorhynehus cairnsensis. Cairns Spinebill.
Acanthorhynchus tenutrostris cairnsensis.

The Spinebill was observed on the table-land. It, in general, is a
smaller bird than the southern species, and the throat markings are
nearly obsolete, but our specimen was not paler-coloured on the
under-surface, aS mentioned by Mathews.

Glyciphila modesta. Brown-backed Honey-eater.
Ramsayornts modestus vamsayr.

This modest-coloured Honey-eater was a common bird, and many
of their elongated, covered-in nests were seen, suspended chiefly in
tea-trees overhanging water or creek beds.

We believe this Honey-eater to be a true modesta. If Mathews
thinks it is sub-specifically distinct, and should bear another name,
he should have used Ramsay’s sub-fasciata (P.Z.S., 1868, p. 385),
and not his own ramsayt Sub-fasciata was from Rockingham Bay,
not Cape York, as indicated in Mathews’s “1913 List,” page 267.
However, Ramsay, in his “Tabular List’’ (1888) states PhiatesGs
sub-fasciata = G. modesta.’ Broadbent, in his ‘“ List,’ mistook it
for the other species—G. fasciata.

A nest of Glyciphila modesta, taken in a wattle-tree, was composed
chiefly of shreds and pieces of paper (Melaleuca) bark, with an ad-
mixture of spiders’ web and cocoons. The structure was partially
hooded, with side entrance. Dimensions: — Length over all,
7 inches; body of the nest, 34 x 3 inches; entrance, 2 x 4 inches.
(See illustration of same, Plate VIT.)

It is remarkable that only two species of all the Honey-eaters
construct covered nests—this and Glyciphila fasciata. A photograph
of the latter may be seen in The Emu, vol. xv., pl. xxx.

Mr. Mathews is probably correct in separating these two singular
nest-builders from the true Glyciphile, which construct open nests,
usually in low situations.

Stigmatops ocularis. Brown Honey-eater.
Stigmatops tindistincta ourda.
The various races of this plain-coloured but sweet songster have

THE Emu, Vol. XVII,

PLATE VII,

Nest of Brown-backed Honey-eater (Glyciphila modesta).

FROM A PHOTO, BY A, J. CAMPBELL,

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

PEATIES VIN:

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ma CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. BR
perplexed ornithologists much. There was even a difference in two
males which we collected in the same locality, but they were smaller
than southern males. Again, the males are the larger of the two
sexes, and possess more greyish heads than the females.

A characteristic nest, lined with a downy substance and containing
a pair of almost spotless eggs, was taken in a Callistemon overhanging
Kirrama Creek.

Ptilotis gracilis. Lesser Yellow-spotted Honey-eater.
Microptilotis gracilis imitatrix.

The smaller Yellow-spotted Honey-eater was frequently noticed.
It sometimes came into gardens after the flowering orange-trees, and
was generally amongst the honey-eating birds that gathered about
the flowering trees of the scrub. A nest was secured at the edge of
a scrub, in a low tree. It contained a pair of fresh eggs, and was
lined with a snow-white downy material (? from seed of the Lyonsia,
climber), the same as that used for the same purpose by the larger
Yellow-eared Honey-eater (Ptilotis chrysotis’.

We witnessed one of these Honey-eaters attacking a large spider
upon its web. The bird made several attempts to take the spider,
which always fenced with its legs and kept the bird at bay. After
several more attempts at capture by the bird while on the wing,
without success, the doubtful morsel was abandoned.

For nest see Plate VIII., left-hand figure.

Ptilotis fusea. Fuscous Honey-eater.
Parvaptilotis fusca dawsont.

These birds were always observed in forest country, and frequented
the tall trees. Although not typical, this bird most resembles
P. fusca, with its dark-coloured bill and breast, while its habits and
call are identical with that bird’s. Possibly it is the bird that
Mathews has recorded from Cairns as Ptilotula flavescens subgermana,
which is another species.

Ptilotis notata, Yellow-spotted Honey-eater.

For remarks see next issue of Emu.

Ptilotis macleayana. Yellow-streaked Honcy-eater.
Caloptilotis macleayana.

This rare and fine Honey-eater was of especial interest to us, as
it was first collected here by Broadbent, and Gould described one
of the specimens from Rockingham Bay in 1875 as P. flavostriata—
a very descriptive name ; but Ramsay anticipated him earlier in the ~
year by a specimen from Cooktown with the name P. macleayana.

It was interesting watching these birds feeding on the large,
wreath-like, whitish flowers of Darlingia and among the honey-laden
flowers of a climbing Pisonia.

Ptilotis versicolor. Varied Honey-eater.
Meltphaga versicolor.

This equally interesting large and yellowish Péi/otts we found in
the mangroves, particularly near the mouth of the Meunga Creek.
This bird has a loud and rather melodious call, and was seen feeding
on the flowering mangroves.

[These birds also frequent the mangroves of Charo Bay, Cape
York, where they were breeding in 1910.—H. G. B.]

Ptilotis barroni. Lesser Yellow-faced Honey-eater.
Pavaptilotis chrysops barront.
Although we heard the familiar “chyysops’’ calls along the Kir-
3

[ Emu
end July

34 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland.
rama Creek, on the table-land, when we procured skins we found
that they were smaller, decidedly darker, and had longer bills than
the southern forms. The eggs were also smaller, but characteristic.

A nest found suspended in a Casuarina (27/10/16) was outwardly
composed of green moss and portions of insect cocoons and web and
was well lined with fine rootlets and a few Casuarina needles. Dimen-
sions over all, 3 inches across by 2 inches in depth.

Ptilotis flava. Yellow Honey-eater.
Broadbentia flava flava.

The flava, with its merry ‘“‘ Whee-a, whee-a”’ notes, is a favourite.
It is found throughout scrubs, and always frequents the orchards
and gardens when flowers are out. Its pretty nest, composed of
brownish shreds of bark, was also taken and photographed.

Ptilotis frenata. Bridled Honey-eater.
Meliphaga frenata. (

This dark-coloured Honey-eater is another of the fine feathered
‘citizens’ of Cardwell, and one of the Broadbent discoveries. The
discoverer states it “is a mountain bird.”

We observed it at the creek courses in the hills, at the rear of Card-
well. Smal! parties used to come to the rocky pools to bathe.
Sometimes a bird would peer inquisitively from behind a branch at
the intruder before it would momentarily splash into the clear water.

[I first saw this fine species in Dalrymple’s Gap, 1885, where
numerous birds were feasting on the long, branching, dark red
flowering spikes of a graceful umbrella-tree (Brassaia)—A.J.C.]

‘

Meliornis herbertoni. Herberton Honey-eater.
Meliornis niger herbertont. '

This showy species, with golden-splashed wings, was one of the
surprises of the table-land. It was fairly common amongst the red-
flowering bottle-brush trees (Callistemon) that embowered Kirrama
Creek. A nest was observed building down in the centre of a tuft
of reeds surrounded by water, but the bird had not laid when we
left the district.

The Herberton variety differs from the southern White-cheeked
Honey-eater by its smaller size and brighter colouring.

It is strange Broadbent neglected to record the bird for this
district, because there are several skins of his collecting in the

Queensland Museum.

Myzantha garrula. Noisy Miner.
Myzantha melanocephala crasstrostris.

This particularly common bird was seen, but not in numbers, on
the table-land. As expected, it was slightly smaller in size.

Tropidorhynchus buceroides. Helmeted Friar-Bird.
Neophilemon buceroides bucerovdes.

At first, from field observation, we thought this large species was
argenticeps, because of its silvery crown, but on procuring a skin it
was undoubtedly buceroides. Several of their large nests and hand-
some red-marked eggs were subsequently taken.

These big birds were always about the flowering trees, notably
gums, and were very pugnacious towards smaller birds that came
to the same tree.

Among the curious calls of this large Friar-Bird is one that resembles
the words, “ Poor devil, poor devil,’ repeated many times.

Oe a —— ee

oe. CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 35
For fine photographs of the Helmeted Friar-Bird see Emu, vol;
xv., pls. xlv. and xlvi.

Tropidorhynchus corniculatus, Friar-Bird.
Tvopidorhynchus corniculatus ellrote.

This common kind was observed, and specimens secured, on the
table-land. They are smaller birds (half an inch shorter on the wing),
otherwise there is no appreciable difference of colouring, save perhaps
a paler tint than the familiar southern Frair-Bird.

Philemon citreogularis. Yellow-throated Friar-Bird.
Microphilemon orientalis johnston.

As in the case of the former Friar-Bird, this was smaller in size and
slightly lighter-coloured in appearance; was observed only on the
table-land, feeding on the flowers of the poplar gum trees.

Stagonopleura guttata. Spotted-sided Finch.
Stagonopleura guttata guttata.

Noted on the table-land—a new record for the district.

Munia castaneothorax. Chestnut-breasted Grass-Finch.
Lonchura castaneothorvax castaneothorax.

A few of these Finches were seen in the rank-grassed places.

{During a previous trip—November, 1914—these birds were
numerous in flocks on the Bellenden Plains, near the U /pper } Murray
River.—A. J. C.]

For a group of these Finches at water, sec Emu, vol. xv., pl. xliii.
7Egintha minor. Lesser Red-browed Finch.
fEgintha temporalis minor.

The well-known “ Waxbill’’ was fairly common. It is more
yellowish on the upper surface than the southern bird.
Neochmia phaeton. Crimson Finch.
Neochmia phaeton tveda/et.

The choice-coloured Crimson Finches, although not numerous, were
often secn, and were building at “ Pringford ’ a farm on the Upper
Murray.

Oriolus affinis. Northern Oriole.
Mimeta sagittatus subaffinis.

The well-known tremulous call of this Oriole was occasionally heard,
and skins were secured for reference.

Oriolus flavicinetus. Yellow Oriole.
Mimeta flavocincta king.

The scrubs, especially by the streams, appeared to be the home
of this handsome Oriole. The birds were so numerous in parts that
at the early morn “babel of bird voices’”’ the chorus of the loud
bubbling-like notes of the Yellow Orioles drowned all others.

The birds frequently visited the orchards after cultivated fruit.
They were pretty figures in the pa-paw trees. They were laying
during October.

The Cardwell bird is larger and much brighter (more yellowish) in
colour compared with birds from the Northern Territory—the type
locality of flavicinctus ; therefore Mathews’s kingi would be an accept-
able name to distinguish the southern and more handsome race.

Sphecotheres flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Fig-Bird.
Sphecotheres flaviventris flaviventris.
These beautiful yellow-breasted birds, with scarlet “‘ facings,’’ are

[ Emu

36 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. | 4 Tuly

as common as Canaries. They love the precincts of dwellings, and
frequently breed in the trees of gardens.

[When I was at the homestead of Mr. Isaac Henry, Bellenden
Plains, November, 1914, Yellow Fig-Birds had nests in almost every
orange-tree.—A. J. C.]

The birds are very noisy at times, and their chicken-like chirpings
are a bit monotonous, especially at daybreak.

Chibia bracteata. Spangled Drongo.
Dicruvopis bracteatus bracteatus.

The Drongo was often seen, and might be sometimes mistaken for
a Black Butcher- Bird as it darts through the timber.

If this bird migrates from New Guinea (one of us has observed it
doing so), why does Mathews make two sub-species of the Drongc—
one for Queensland and the other for Northern Territory ?

Calornis metallica. Shining Starling.
Metallopsay metallicus purpurascens.

These socialistic birds with Starling-like activity arrived shortly
after our appearance in the district, and subsequently a breeding-
tree here and there in the scrubs was observed, notably at Deep
Creek crossing and on ‘‘Crescent Lagoon’’ Farm, on the Upper
Murray. The first young were hatched toth October.

[During a collecting trip to Cape York Peninsula, in 1896, these
birds were observed flying from a northerly direction in large and
small flocks during September. They came across the open sea, and
landed in the scrubs of the extreme end of the peninsula.—H. G. B.]

According to the statement of Mr. E. M. Cornwall, the Calornis
breeds as far south as some of the islands in the Whitsunday Passage
and on the mainland near St. Helens (Port Newry).

For a fine example of a Calornis nesting-tree see Emu, vol. viil.,
pl. xxvi.

Scenopeetes dentirostris. Tooth-billed Bower-Bird.
-Emu, vol. vili., pls. xxi. and xxil.

This remarkable bird was first observed in the hills behind Card-
well, and was found numerous in the Kirrama Range, where their
playing-places were observed every hundred yards or so in the dense
scrubs. By stealthily moving through “ lawy ers’’ and tangled
scrub you come upon a chattering ‘“ Tooth-bill”’ perched a few feet
above his play-ground. One play-ground we measured was a cleared
oval place, 5 feet 7 inches long by 4 feet 4 inches broad. The cleared
place contained 103 large, freshly-plucked green leaves, placed,
without exception, the under side uppermost. We could not ascer-
tain their botanical names, but there were evidently two kinds—
a dark green and a lighter-coloured one—averaging from 7 to 9 inches
in length by 2 or 4 inches in breadth.

Excellent pictures of play-grounds appear in The Emu, vol. iil.,
pl. xi., and vol. vili., pl. xxiii.; and of nests and nesting-sites, vol.
Viil., pls. xxxii, to XXxiv.

Ailuredus maculosus. Spotted Cat-Bird.
Atluvedus melanoius maculosus.

We observed Cat-Birds in the scrub by the sea, as well as in the
mountains, where they were more numerous They were laying
during October. For illustration of nest see Emu, vol. vil., pl. xxiv.

7 y ‘, y
Vol Xvil-] CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds of N. Queensland. 37

Chlamydera orientalis. Queensland Bower-Bird.
Rogersornis nuchalis nuchalis.

Only one bird made its presence known. It used to frequent a
thick tree in the street near the post-office, Cardwell, where it some-
times mimicked cries of the Whistling-Eagle.

For illustration of play-bower see Emm, vol. viil., pl. xxxix.

Ptiloris victoria. Victoria Rifle-Bird.
Philoris paradisea victoria.

The Victoria Rifle-Bird holds its own in fastnesses of the moun-
tains, while one or two were heard or seen in lower localities, but
always in dense scrub. A goodly percentage of the glorious full-
plumaged males was observed.

Gould, who was a keen observer of species, wrote :—‘‘ This Rifle-
Bird is smaller in all its admeasurements than P. paradisea, and may
be distinguished by the purple of the breast presenting the appearance
of a broad pectoral band, bounded above by the scale-like feathers
of the throat, and below by the abdominal band of deep oil-green,
and by the broad and much more lengthened flank feathers, which
show very conspicuously.’’ Yet Mathews states the two birds are
only sub-specifically different. The questions, then, are, what con-
stitutes a species and what a sub-species ? The Check-list Committee
of the R.A.O.U. would do well to settle these questions before
attempting to wade into the technicalities of nomenclature.

For a perfect picture of a nest ot this Rifle-Bird, see Emu, vol.
Villy) Pk. XXX.

Corvus coronoides. Crow.
Corvus cecitle queenslandtca.
Crows were not numerous. A few were noted on the table-land.

Strepera graculina. Pied Bell-Magpie.
Strepera gvaculina vobinsont.

The Pied Bell-Magpie appeared to be confined to the ranges. where
it was feeding upon native figs and other wild fruits. Ramsay
probably made an error in recording S. anaphonensis (cuneicaudata)
for this region.

Cracticus rufescens. Black (or Brown) Butcher-Bird.
Mellovia quoyt rufescens.

Although we were in the region of the Brown birds, those that
came under our observation were invariably black, except in one
instance. It is remarkable that there is a central belt of Brown birds
in the Cairns and Tully River district, while on either side—at Cape
York to the north and at Mackay to the south—the birds are always
black.

The Black Butcher-Bird is a melodious songster. Its notes are
rich and flute-lke. One of its songs has three distinct notes inter-
posed with softer ones. When sufficiently far enough away from
the singer so as to lose the softer sounds, the three dominant notes
remind you ofthe trivial round. ‘‘ Three blind mice.”

Several handsome sets of eggs were secured.

For nests in situ of the Black Butcher-Bird, see Emu, vol. iv.,
pls. vii. and viil.

Cracticus picatus. Pied Butcher-Bird.
Cracticus nigrogulavis inkermant.
This Butcher-Bird was noted on the table-land. Broadbent does

m 2 Emu
38 CAMPBELL AND BARNARD, Birds.of N. Queensland. | ,.4™ fy

not record it. However, one (a female) in a state of semi-captivity
at Cardwell interested us much. It was brought some years ago,
when young, from the table-land, and reared by Miss Cook, of the
Marine Hotel, who afterwards gave the bird its freedom. But it
rarely left the precincts of the place. If hunting abroad by day, it
usually returned to its cage at night. However, like the aborigines,
the bird is tempted to ‘“‘go bush” at times, and absents itself for
several days. Once it travelled as far as the Upper Murray school,
over 20 miles away, where some scholars recognized ‘‘ Miss Cook’s
pet Dutcher,”

About the time of our visit to Cardwell the Pied bird attracted
a Black Butcher-Bird, which used also to come into the house (7.e.,
the kitchen) after meat. One day we were able to get a photo.-snap
of the black and white bird. This was fortunate, because she after-
wards decamped for a period to the scrub with her bright black
mate—most probably to nest. (See Plate IX.)

The mating of the Black species with the Pied one might throw some
light on the proneness of the former to sometimes possess brown
mates. In any case, it is not evidence in favour of Mathews’s division
of the genus Cracticus and his new name, Melloria, for the Black
Butcher- Bird.

The distinctive duet of a mated pair of Pied Butcher-Birds is among
the sweetest music of bush-birds. While performing, the pair
courtesy to each other, and at the same time are answering other
songful pairs, so that the woodland resounds, as it were, with a round
of music.

Cracticus destructor. Collared Butcher-Bird.
Bulestes tovquatus torquatus.

This common Butcher-Bird was found breeding on the table-land.
Broadbent appeared to have missed it, while Ramsay stated it was
the same as the New South Wales species. The song of this
Butcher-Bird is five or six flute-like notes in distinct polka time.

Gymnorhina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie;
Gymnorhina tibicen terveregine.

Broadbent obtained the Black-backed Magpie, and, although we did
not get a skin, we agree with him that it appeared to be the fzbicen.
Ramsay also identified the species, but stated they appeared smaller
birds. Pairs were breeding near the Kirrama homestead. on the
table-land.

Penguin Eggs.—Mr. Gaze, who has lately returned from the
Antarctic, where he has been on the s.s. Aurora, states that the
eggs of the Adelie Penguin were a welcome source of food supply
to the explorers in those inhospitable and cold regions. He
states that by taking the first clutch of two eggs the birds gener-
ally laid again, so that in some cases one pair of birds produced
as many as seven eggs, but each clutch was smaller than those
laid previously. There was only a few days’ interval between
the laying of the additional clutches. The birds themselves
were also an additional meat supply, but were not quite as tender
as seal-meat. Seal blubber was never eaten, but was used ex-
clusively for burning, its smoke generally blackening the tent
inside.—D. Le SovEr. Melbourne.

a 4

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

IX.

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Vol XVII
1017

‘| Waite, Nest and Eggs of Rufous-crowned Emu-Wren. 39

Description of Nest and Eggs of the Rufous-crowned
Emu-Wren (Stipiturus ruficeps, Campbell).
Bye 4 Waite. MM. B-O0U., R.A.O.U.

Types.—Two eggs, swollen or rounded oval in shape ; surface
of shell fine and slightly glossy. Ground colour white (possessing
a very slight trace of pinkish-buff), well marked all over, par-
ticularly at the Jarger ends, with spots and specks of reddish-
brown, while intermingled here and there are a few of light umber.

Specimen A is heavily marked at the larger end, while the zone
in specimen B is more irregular and broken and the markings
smaller.

The eggs appear to be intermediate in size between those of
Stipiturus westernensis and S. mallee.

(2) 100. 3.47, (0)'.01 x. .47.

Nest an oval structure, with entrance at the side like the nest
of Malurus. Composed of fine bark, grass, and spiders’ webs,
lined with feathers and flowers of shrubs. It was situated about
120 yards from the beach, and placed a foot from the ground in
the middle of a small bush. When the bird got off the nest it
fluttered through the undergrowth, and appeared again about
15 yards away on the top of another shrub. Two eggs were in
the nest, with incubation about five or six days old, judging by
their appearance when blown.

Taken for Mr. Rowland Archer by Mr. Jim Box at North-West
Cape, Western Australia, on 13th October, 1916.

Description of the Eggs and Nesting-place of Strix
candida, Tickell (Tyto longimembris walleri,
Mathews), Australian Grass-Owl.

By A. CHas. STONE, R.A.O.U., SouTH YARRA, VICTORIA.

THE rarity of the eggs of this bird must be my apology for the
following extended description of them and the nesting-site.

Gould refers to them as being rare birds, but gives no informa-
tion relating to either nest or eggs, whilst both Campbell and
Mathews refer to Mr. J. A. Boyd as having found, on Ist June,
1884, in the Herbert District, Queensland, two nests of this bird,
each of which contained three young ones and one egg, and that
it was a curious fact that, though this bird always lays four
eggs, he had never found more than three young ones in a nest,
one egg always being addled.

On oth May, 1917, Mr. Fredk. L. Berney wrote me to the effect
that he had recently found a nest of Stvix candida containing the
unusual number of six eggs, and, as they were ‘“‘not common,”
he was sending them down to me, Owing to his kind thoughful-

40 STONE, Eggs and Nesting-place of Strix candida. Lica

ness they reached me in perfect condition on 21st May, 1917, and
are now in my collection. The particulars are as follows :—

Set of six eggs found by Mr. Fredk. L. Berney at Torilla, 80 miles
north-west of Rockhampton, Queensland; date, 19th March,
ror7, Incubation, =. Colour, pure white: ) Suntace,-shehthy
glossy. Texture.—Finely pitted, with limy nodules irregularly
distributed, being much thicker over the basal and zonal portions.
Shape, slightly ovate.

Measurements in millimetres :—(1I) 32 x 44, (2) 32 x 43, (3)
31 x 44, (4) 33 xX 43, (5) 32 X 42, (6) 33 X 44, averaging 32% x 435.

No. 4 has the fewest limy nodules, and under the lens shows
several scratches in the apical portion. No. 5 is the most
spherical. No. 6 is somewhat nest-stained, and has several slight
longitudinal creases up to 25 mm. in length.

Mr. Berney states :—‘‘ The eggs were laid on such grass as
was trodden down by the Owls moving about under a clump of
big, coarse grass about 4 feet high, situated on half an acre of dry
land surrounded by swamp and marsh. Under this grass the
Owls had trodden between the tussocks of grass a labyrinth of
winding passages or runs, at the end of one of which were placed
the six eggs. There is no doubt about the identification. The
two old birds were at the nest when it was found.”

Procellariitormes in Western Australia.
By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., R.A.O.U.

On 13th May, 1916, four days after a strong westerly storm, I
found on the beach at Cottesloe a specimen of the Fleshy-footed
Petrel (Hemipuffinus c. carnetpes, Gld.) This bird had previously
only been recorded from the south coast of Western Australia,
between the Recherche Archipelago and Cape Leeuwin, so that
the present record extends the range of the species some 200 miles
northwards on the west coast. The specimen was too far gone

for preservation, but the skull is now in the Western Australian

Museum.

On a voyage from Fremantle to Melbourne in July, 1916, I
made the following observations on birds of this group :—On
the 15th we were off Cape Leeuwin, coming eastward, at about
8 a.m.; by 10 o’clock we were already being followed by about
30 individuals of Thalassarche melanophrys, amongst which were
a few Nealbatrus chlororhynchus. At 11 the former were even
more numerous, while the latter had completely disappeared.
At 12.30 the first Diomedea exulans made its appearance, together
with a pair of Phebetria fusca. At 3.45 p.m. a single Nealbatrus
chlororhynchus was observed, and this was the last seen on the
voyage. All the way across the Bight Thalassarche melano phrys
was the predominant species. Usually one or two Duomedea
exulans were in sight, and in the western part of the Bight

Vio lee xoValilien|
117

ALEXANDER, Procellaritformes in Western Australia. AI
Phebetria fusca was seen at intervals. On 16th July Daption
capense made its appearance, but by this time we were too far
from the Western Australian coast to be able to count this as a
Western Australian. record. On the following day I saw a pair
of black Petrels, which I think must have been Pvocellaria
parkinsom ; but, though I watched them for a long time, they
did not come very near the ship, and it is possible that they may
have been P. conspicillata, and that the distance was too great
for me to distinguish the white markings on the head.

The foregoing observations would hardly be worth recording
except that they coincide so closely with Dr. Ferguson’s notes
in The Emu (vol. xv., p. 261), founded on observations made by
him in January and August. They thus serve to strengthen the
view maintained by Mr. G. M. Mathews that the birds of this
order are not great wanderers, as has been generally supposed,
but that most of the species, at any rate, occur in definite areas
quite as sharply defined as those occupied by land-birds.

This is most strikingly exemplified by the Yellow-nosed
Albatross (Nealbatrus chlororhynchus), which is evidently the
common form on the west coast from the Leeuwin to north of
Perth, a single straggler (the type of Dzomedea carteri) having
been obtained as far north as Point Cloates. Eastward of the
Leeuwin, on the south coast, its numbers decrease very rapidly,
and it has not yet been noted as far east as Albany. On this part
of the coast it is replaced by the Black-browed Albatross
(Thalassarche melanophrys), which extends from the Leeuwin
eastwards along the coast and right across the Bight.

The Mutton-Birds appear to furnish a similar instance, as the
Wedge-tailed Petrel (Thyellodroma pacifica) ranges from North-
West Australia down to the islands off Fremantle, whilst the
Fleshy-footed Petrel (Hemipuffinus carnetpes) is found along the
south coast as noted above, and my record at the beginning of
this paper shows that it straggles far enough north to overlap
the range of the other species.

If other travellers will record their observations in The Emu
we may be able to map out the distribution of some of the other
species. *

In a previous article (The Emu, vol. xv., p. 182) I gave a list

* Since writing the foregoing I have crossed the Bight between Adelaide and
Fremantle twice more—at the beginning of April and in the middle of May, 1917.
On both occasions Diomedea exulans was observed right across the Bight, but at the
latter date it was much more numerous, and was seen also off the south coast of
Western Australia. On the former trip 7halassarche melanophrys was seen off the
coast of South Australia and the south coast of Western Australia, but not on the
voyage across the Bight ; on the latter it was very plentiful right across the Bight.
On the earlier voyage 7halassogeron chlororhynchus was seen between Albany and
Cape Leeuwin ; on the later one only one bird was seen, close to Port Adelaide.
Phebetria fusca was seen across the Bight on both voyages, but was much more
plentiful on the later one, whilst on the latter Phabetria palpebrata was also met with,
one being seen in the western part of the Bight and several in the eastern part. No
Cape Pigeons (Daftion capense) were seen in April, but one was observed in the
western part of the Bight on rgth May.—W. B. A.

42 ALEXANDER, Procellavitformes in Western Australia. (Sea

of the Procellariiformes which had been recorded in various works
as occurring in Western Australia, and stated that I thought a
number of them must have been placed on the list hypothetically,
and not because of any actual specimen or definite record being
forthcoming. I there gave a list of the species of which there
were actual specimens in the Western Australian Museum, and
admitted also Daption capense and Diomedea exulans, though
stating that I considered these required confirmation. That con-
firmation has now been obtained by the observations of Dr.
Ferguson and myself, and we have both also recorded two species
which I then rejected—Thalassarche melanophrys and Phebetria
fusca. Since I wrote that article I bave discovered that in
Grey’s ‘‘ Travels in North-West and Western Australia,’ pub-
lished in 1841, there is an appendix containing a list of Western
Australian birds, prefaced by the statement that “the following
is an enumeration of the species which have come under the
notice of Mr. Gould as inhabiting the Western coast.’ Among
the ‘“‘ Natatores’’ are seven species of Procellariiformes—viz.,
Diomedea exulans, D. melanophrys, D. chlororhynchus, D. fuliginosa,
Procellaria gigantea, Puffinus brevicaudus, and P. chlororhynchus.
The only name in this list which calls for comment is Puffinus
brevicaudus, which was at that time a nomen nudum, as no species
was described under this name until 1847, when the bird was
figured and described in Gould’s “‘ Birds of Australia.’ Gould refers
to his own mention of the name in the Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., vol.
xlil., p. 365, 1844. On the same page as this second reference
to P. brevicaudus there is a description of P. carnetpes, a new
species from “‘the small islands of Cape Leeuwin.’ I think,
therefore, that in 1841 Gould was under the impression that the
Western Australian bird was the same as that from Bass Strait,
and that the reference to P. brevicaudus in the list should be taken
as referring to P. carnetpes.

In 1847, in his preface to ‘“‘ The Birds of Australia,’ Gould gave
a list of all the species, with crosses showing in which States they
were found, and in this list no less than 23 species of Procellarii-
formes are marked as occurring in Western Australia. As Gould
had not visited Australia in the interval, I think we must assume
that most of the 16 species which he then added to the list of
birds he had given six years previously were added for the
reasons I have already suggested, and not because he had received
specimens from Western Australia. The subsequent authors to
whose lists I referred in my previous article evidently followed
Gould’s lead.

A PAIR of White-naped Honey-eaters (Melithreptus lunulatus)
have built a nest near the top of a eucalyptus tree in the flight
aviary in the Melbourne Zoo. The nest is about 30 feet from
the ground. The hen bird is now sitting on her eggs.—W. H. D.
Le SovuEr. Melbourne.

Vol. XVII. cas é nae ae -
ee ASHBY, New Sub-spectes of Platycercus elegans. 43

Description of a New Sub-species of Platycercus
elegans (Gmelin).

By Epwin AsHupy, M.B.0O.U., R.A.O.U., “ WittunGa,” BLACK-
woop, S.A.

Colour.—As compared with P. elegans, the adult birds of the
form under review are scarlet rather than crimson; head, nape,
rump, and lower back bright scarlet ; hind neck, mantle, scapulars,
and most of the greater wing coverts black edged with bright
orange-red ; patch on shoulder black; median and lesser wing
coverts light blue; outer webs of primaries, secondaries, and
some of the wing coverts, basal part of exposed portions of outer
web, dark blue ; central tail feathers dull green on the inner web,
other portions of tail feathers blue, the outer four feathers broadly
tipped with pale blue; chin or lower cheek blue: under side,
including under tail coverts, uniformly bright scarlet ; under
side of tail feathers, with the exception of the broadly-tipped
portions of the four outer feathers, deep black; under side of
wing black, with the exception of the large shoulder patch, which
is blue.

In less developed specimens, in the mantles and scapulars the
edgings show more or less green, also some of the feathers on the
nape and rump have pale edges. This race is distinguished
from all other forms of P. elegans (with the exception of P.
adelaide) by the scarlet colour replacing the crimson, and from
the latter in the generally more brilliant scarlet plumage, and
in the case of old specimens the green feathers on rump and
back are entirely replaced by scarlet.

Habitat.—The Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, the ex-
tremity of which is familiar under the name of Cape Jervis. The
peninsula was thus named at the time of Flinders and Baudin’s
exploration of St. Vincent Gulf; but later the name was dropped,
until, in 1911, at the request of Count Fleurieu, the grandson of
the famous French Minister, the name was replaced on the South
Australian maps.

While we have recognized for a long time that a highly-
coloured strain of the Adelaide Rosella was frequently seen in
the neighbourhood of Myponga, and even extending as far as the
Meadows, along the same range, it has fallen to the lot of Mr.
Frank E. Parsons, R.A.O.U., and myself to locate the true home
of these highly-coloured birds on the occasion of a rather hurried
motor trip to Cape Jervis last Easter. I am indebted to Mr.
Parsons both for specimens and help in attempting to elucidate
the problem of this highly-coloured form.

We consider that their headquarters are between Nanananale
and Cape Jervis. Between Normanville and Second Valley every
flock had its quota of highly-coloured birds. They were met
with in numbers in the gums along the water-courses.

If it be decided to distinguish these geographical races by

44 ASHBY, New Sub-species of Platycercus elegans. rane

trinomial designations, I suggest the name of Platycercus elegans

fleurteuensts, or the Fleurieu Peninsula Rosella, for this form.

On the other hand, should it be decided to make P. adelaide a

dominant species, then this form under review and P. flaveolus

would be sub-species of P. adelaide.

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ON THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA ROSELLA,
AND COMMENTS ON THE AFFINITIES OF Platycercus adelaide
(GOULD) AND P. flaveolus (GOULD).

I have collected specimens of Platycercus elegans from the
western portion of Kangaroo Island and the Mount Gambier
district of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and
Southern Queensland, and have specimens from Cape York,
Northern Queensland. In Mr. Mathews’s 1913 “ List’ the western
form is called melanopterus (North), and the northern nigrescens
(Ramsay), both sub-species of the intermediate or dominant form,
elegans.

A comparison of these skins shows that the rich crimson
coloration, subject to some divergence of shade, is persistent
throughout the whole series.

Now, the Fleurieu bird, in the case of the adult specimen
described, at first glance appears to have closer affinities with P.
elegans than with P. adelaide, in that the whole of the green
coloration is replaced with red; but on closer study it is evident
that the character of the red links it up with P. adelaide, and
suggests the possibility that adelaide is more nearly related to
flaveolus than to elegans, of which it is made a sub-species in Mr.
Mathews’s 1913 “ List.”

On comparing the Fleurieu skins with those in Capt. White’s,
the South Australian Museum, and Mr. Parsons’ collections, I
find that, while no skins of adelaide show nearly as much red as
the highly-coloured skin described, several skins exhibit nearly
as much as the less brightly-coloured skins from Second Valley.
Two of these highly-coloured skins in Capt. White’s collection
came from Mount Compass, a place distinctly within the range
assigned to the new bird. The examination of a Jarge number
of skins establishes the fact that exceptionally bright P. adelaide,
although rarely, do occur throughout the Adelaide Hills, that
could not be specifically separated from the second class skins
of the Fleurieu birds ; but in the best the latter stands out as very
distinct in the brilliancy and extent of the scarlet coloration.

We therefore establish the fact that skins exist that, when
carefully selected and placed together, will show a_ gradual
transition from the brilliantly scarlet bird of Second Valley to
the more sombre green-backed and more or less green-rumped
form so common in the Adelaide Hills.

But on carrying this investigation further I find that inter-
mediate forms between P. adelaide and P. flaveolus are not only
not rare, but there is every reason to believe that the substitu-
tion of pale yellowish-green on the back and almost yellow on

Vol. XVII
1917

AsuBy, New Sub-species of Platvcercus elegans. 45
the under side, as occurs in typical P. flaveolus, for the scarlet and
more sombre green of P. adelaide, largely corresponds with the
decreasing rainfall.

My investigations lead me to the conclusion that P. flewrieuensis,
P. adelaide, and P. flaveolus are all one species. The types of
each race are certainly widely different, but undoubtedly inter-
mediates exist, making one doubt the advisability of referring to
any of them as other than varieties of the one dominant form.

The following notes on some of the skins examined should be
of interest :—

Platycercus flaveolus (Gould).—Of two adult birds shot out o!
the same flock at- Wirrabara, September, Ig16—(1) shows red
above beak, slight red wash over crown, upper side pale yellowish-
green, and a considerable amount of red distributed over the
general yellowish ground-colour of the under side. (2) Also red
forehead, but the reddish-orange extends over the crown ; upper
tail coverts, outer ones broadly fringed with red, and some otf
the scapulars showing red; under side, breast and tail coverts
bright red, with some yellow distributed throughout. Both were
adult males. (3) Skin from Melrose, also in the Flinders Range,
shows still more red both in upper tail coverts and scapulars.
(4) Skin obtained at Watervale, April, 1914, by Mr. Parsons, has
on the under side the general yellowish ground-colour of P.
flaveolus, but the forehead and crown are bright red; the upper
tail coverts have a considerable number of red feathers dis-
tributed throughout, and the general tone of the upper side is
deeper than is usual in this species; some of the scapulars are
brightly tipped with red, and the secondaries red-fringed ; the
breast and under tail coverts bright red and yellow ; bright red
distributed throughout the under side. (5) Skin taken by
myself on River Murray, 12 miles above Mannum, is fully as red
as any of the preceding, but has the mantle and shoulders almost
black.

P. adelaide (Gould).—(6) Shot by myself at Kangarilla, in the
Adelaide Hills, on 1toth November, 1914, is almost identical with
the foregoing, except that the pale yellowish-green fringe to the
feathers of the mantle ana scapulars is more marked.

Bird Notes from Tasmania.
By H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S., R.A.O.U., West DEVONPORT (TAS.)

The Black Strepera on the “ Roof of Tasmania.’’—A friend who
spends a great deal of time on the mountain plateaux of our
island tells me that in a certain valley at high altitude it is the
custom of the large “‘ Black Jay”’ (Stvepera arguta) to flock in the
spring of the year in order to feed upon the native berries
(Astroloma pinifoliwm and others) which are there in profusion.
At this time the usually noisy Strepera is very silent, and one does

46 Dove, Bird Notes from Tasmania. [ ae

2nd

not know the birds are there until right in amongst them. Even
then they do not care about moving far, and when forced to fly
often do so in silence, although at other times the famous “ kling-
klang ’’ notes (from which the species derived its name) are very
much in evidence. My friend has the idea that the assembly is
partly for the purpose of choosing mates for the ensuing season,
but I think this is not so; the probability is that this fine bird,
once mated, retains his partner for life. It has struck me that
there may be some narcotic quality in the berries consumed at
this period, which may account for the comparative sluggishness
of this usually very alert species.

An Unusual Visitor.—A loud, clear, oft-repeated double whistle
attracted my attention early in the morning of the 11th Novem-
ber, and, on going out to inspect, I found a Caterpillar-eater
(Lalage tricolor) in one of the gum trees. He was very shy, and

flew on my appearing, but next morning was there again ; failing,

however. to find a mate, to my regret he made a permanent

departure. During a long residence on the coast, this is the ‘

first time I have encountered the bird.

Is the ‘“Summer-Bird’’ a Migrant?—Some months ago a
correspondent found fault with me (in a genial way) for reférring
in some notes which appeared in The Emu to our Summer-Bird
or Small-billed Cuckoo-Shrike (Graucalus parvirostris) as a
migrant. I was referred to Campbell’s “‘ Nests and Eggs of Aus-
tralian Birds,’’ p. 97, in which the author mentions having
received the skin of a bird shot at. Burnie in July, also that
numerous observers testified to having seen the species in mid-
winter. I admit the possibility of obtaining skins at that period.
Exactly the same may be said of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Caco-
mantis flabelliformis), yet no one will, I think, deny that at least
go per cent. of the latter recross Bass Strait to winter on the
Australian mainland. My reasons for regarding our Graucalus
as non-resident are briefly these :—(z) In springitme (September)
I usually notice small parties coming across Devonport from a
N.W. direction and passing away to S.E. or inland; (2) in
autumn (March and April) small companies pass along this coast,
flitting in a leisurely way from one group of gums to the next,
but all coming from a general easterly direction and making west
to north-west ; (3) the very name by which the species is uni-
versally known here indicates that the early settlers regarded
its advent as a sign of the approach of the warm season.

Some Birds in the Bush.—In October Mr. L. A. Thruston and
myself had a run to the Gawler, on the North-West Coast, and,
while my friend tried his lures on the elusive trout, I went off over
hill and dale to find the Gawler Falls. After breasting a long
hill with wooded bank on one side and deep timbered gully on
the other, I reached more open country, and saw a nice lot
of Firetails (Zoneginthus bellus), whose delicately-pencilled

oe ee ee ee ee ee

= ee Dove, Bird Notes from Tasmania. 47

1017

plumage was finely contrasted by the brilliant red at the base
of tail feathers. After ascending and descending a few more
hills, the stream was again reached, and, turning sharp to the
left along a narrow foot-track, the roar of the falls was soon
heard. In the bush through which the track presently passed
the persistent call of the Olive Thickhead (Pachycephala olivacea)
struck upon the ear; those strange notes —“ I[’ll-whit’-yu,
T'll-whit’-yu,” the first syllable somewhat drawled, the second
clear and incisive—seemed in harmony with the voice of the
waters.

During the present month of November, Mr. and Mrs. Thruston
took me for a pleasant day’s outing to the Mersey, above the
shale mine, where the river is very charming. Some Robins’
nests in hollows of charred stringy-bark trees were found, probably
those of the Flame-breast (Petroica pheenicea), as these were the
only Robins seen in the vicinity. The young had left the nests,
which were about 4 feet from the ground, and formed of strips
of stringy-bark interwoven, the lining being of fine bark from the
same species (Eucalyptus obliquus). The mud nest of the Welcome
Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) was also found, about g feet from
the ground, in a hollow, burnt-out gum tree. We boiled the
billy on a shingle-bank adjacent to the stream, and while there
noticed a Pipit (Anthus australis) very busily picking insects
from among the shingle-pebbles. A Wood-Swallow (Artamus
sordidus) was coursing up and down over the water, taking
insects as the common Swallow does, but at a much higher
elevation (15 to 30 feet), and in a more leisurely fashion, while
the Welcome Swallow beat swiftly backwards and forwards just
over the surface, and the Tree-Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans)
generally kept a few feet higher. Seemingly they were in different
strata of insect life. A pair of Flame-breasted Robins—the
male in fine plumage—perched on snags projecting from the
water, while a male Malurus of almost black coloration flew into
a sapling near by. The sweet calls of the Grey-tailed Thickhead
(Pachycephala glaucura) fell frequently upon the ear, much differ-
ence being observed in the call-note of individual birds ; none of
its congener, the Olive Thickhead, was observed in this locality.
The charming notes of the Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Pézlotis
flavigula) were much admired in the belt of saplings close to where
Mr. Thruston’s car was left while we explored the bush.

Mr. E. J. Banfield, of Dunk Island, Queensland, is troubled with
brown snakes. His dog killed one lately about 6 feet long, and
through the wound a hen’s egg was extruded, which shows that
these reptiles are not above eating eggs when they get the chance.
—-W. H. D. LE SovEr. Melbourne.

fF Emu

48 Queensland Notes. taal oye

Queensland Notes.
From A. H. CuisHo“tm, R.A.O.U., BRISBANE.

Bird-Life in Far North. — Since the Gould League of Bird-
Lovers has become firmly established throughout Queensland,
many interesting notes on birds have been written by children
and teachers in various parts of the State. A case in point is a
letter I have from the head teacher of a small school beyond Cairns.
Extracts follow :—

“T have been trying recently to find out particulars of a
migratory bird which has been puzzling me for many years. It
has, however, again departed, leaving me but little the wiser for
my observations. The bird is small and brown, with a_buff-
coloured breast, and may be a Honey-eater. It has a beautiful
song, quite out of the common, and absolutely different to any
other bird I have ever heard. I am enclosing herewith an
attempt. at the song for piano. The local aboriginals call the
sprite the ‘Jan-da-berry’ bird, from the notes—' Jan-da-berry,
pe-ta, pe-ta’—which are repeated over and over in a high-pitched
whistle. I have lived at this place for 25 years, and have noticed
this little bird every year, and always wait for its song. It
arrives with the first general rains about the end of December,
and stays until about the middle of April. The nest is suspended,
and generally built im débris left on branches by the floods. I
spent 12 months on the islands in Torres Strait, and visited several
parts of Papua, but saw no trace of the © Jan-da-berry ’ * in those
places.

‘The children here, as well as myself, have often noticed an act
of the Apostle-Bird (better known in this district as the ‘ Squawker ’)
which I have not seen it credited with in any of the bird books.
We have seen a company of these birds bear down in full force
on the nest of a Pee-wee (Mud-Lark), chase the rightful owners
away, and take possession of the nest. In the books they are
credited with building mud nests, but we have never seen them
do so; always, relying on numbers, they take the nests of the
Pee-wees. At one nest here one of the school-boys had to inter-
fere to save the lives of young Pee-wees. To its own species,
however, the Apostle-Bird is most faithful. I have seen men
here shoot one and break its wing, and, when it squawked, the
whole flock, numbering nearly 100, flew around, some even
settling on the man. Shooting some will not drive the others
away on such an occasion.

“The Cuckoo-Shrike (or ‘Blue Jay’) never leaves this district,
and must live to a considerable age. There is a big tree close
to my house, and in this two of these Shrikes have built their
nest for the past 14 years. The nest is very small and difficult
to see. One wonders how such a big bird can sit in it.

“The Black-and-White Fantail builds a pretty nest of very

* Probably Gerygone levigaster.—A. H. C.

os Gg AST ae el thie ee ee Bee KE cel) net pate. "bent

Vol. XVII. y
aM Queensland Notes; 49

fine tea-tree bark. We watched a certain pair of these birds
build a nest and rear their young, and afterwards saw a Dove
take possession of the nest. The Dove has since returned and
reared a second family in the old nest of the Fantail.

“The Channelbill, also the Black and Speckled Cuckoos,* visit
this district always before the rain, about October. Our notes,
extending from 1915, give their arrival dates as about 5th October,
and not, as Leach says, with the floods. These birds never come
with the floods; they arrive well before that period, and depart
when the floods are over. The Black Cuckoo is a noisy gentleman,
and howls his ‘ Coo-ee’ all night long. Miners who work night-
shift often vow vengeance on him for keeping them awake. The
Speckled Cuckoo lays her eggs in nests of the Leatherhead, and
I have often seen keen battles for the privilege. The Australian
Roller always comes here after the first rains and stays until the
Cuckoos depart. He seems very fond of sitting high on a dead tree.

“The Sanguineous Honey-eatet visits this district about the
same time as the ‘ Jan-da-berry,’ and I often see the Jittle ‘ Red-
head,’ as the children call it, flitting among the trees. Then,
when the tea-trees are in blossom, the Blue Mountain Lorikeets
come here in millions, followed about a week later by the Friar-
Bird (Leatherhead). The Lorikeet is much the quicker flier of
these two birds.

“In regard to late nesting, I noticed only recently a nest built
of long grass-seeds woven neatly together and suspended on a low
bush. Two fairly large mottled eggs were in it at the time, and
yesterday (29th April) there were two young ones. This nest
belonged to birds we know as ‘ Australian Canaries.’

“T am pleased to say that, since the certificates of the Gould
League of Bird-Lovers were distributed here, fewer birds have
been destroyed. The chief offender was always. the ‘new
chum.’ ”’

Ways of Emu.—In a recent discussion in the Brisbane press on
events of 50 years ago, an old colonist contributes the following
interesting notes on Emu :—

‘ Before I was 20 years old I had charge of the Emu Holes
cattle station, Mookii River (pronounced Mukhi). Emus were
fairly plentiful on those plains, and I have now and then run one
down. No ordinary horse could run down an Emu in a long
chase the same as he would a dingo or a kangaroo, if you did not
bustle along at first. After going about a mile the Emu would
put up his head and go steadily for a few hundred yards, and
seem to take a second wind, then stretch out his neck and lay
himself out to go; and he would, too, and keep it up. The horse
would be run down before the Emu. The way to catch an Emu
is to lay up your horse’s neck so that the Emu cannot tell what
sort of an ‘animal’ it is. I have often got within a hundred
yards of them by walking straight towards them, so that they did

* Probably male and female of Eudynamys cyanocephala.—A. H. C.
4

50 Queensland Notes. [ena

not get a side view. As soon as they started to run we went for
the one intended to be caught as fast as the horses could carry us,
and yelled and made as much noise as_ possible. The Emu,
instead of running steadily, then staggered along. When near
enough the stockwhip was swung overhand in circles, and the
lash continually dropped on him, when he went head over heels
from fright. The Emu’s heels are his only weapon. I have been
kicked twice with Emus, and it is no joke. When an Emu is
being run fairly close, if there is any cover under which he can
hide his head he will often do it, for he seems under the im-
pression that if he cannot see you you cannot see him. On
Liverpool Plains there is a bushy weed called ‘ roly- poly. Lt
breaks off near the ground, and is blown about by the wind into
large balls. I have on several occasions seen an Emu, when
frightened and tired, run up and push his head under a clump
of roly-poly, and stand so still that on two occasions I tied his
legs together with my stockwhip. Of course, I took care not to
get behind him, for fear he should kick. I never saw an Emu
strike to the side—he always kicked straight back. I seldom
bothered to run them ; when I did I always picked a half-grown
one, for it is bad enough to get kicked by a half-grown one, and a
young one may be a bigger fool than an old one. I think Emus
do not learn from experience, as the following will show :—There
was a tame Emu at the head station at Wolhollow. A screen
was put about half-way up the kitchen window to prevent him
putting his head in and snatching from the table anything that
took his fancy. He could get his head over the top of the screen,
but could not reach down to the table. When the meat was
being cooked in the old long-handled bush fryingpan I used to
take a piece of it on a fork hot from the pan and give it to him
over the screen. He always grabbed it, but as soon as it burnt
his mouth he seemed in a hurry to swallow it, and if it was a big
piece he used to get it down his neck about a foot, at the time
walking round with his mouth wide open, saying ‘Wheep’ in
a most disconsolate manner. He never seemed to learn that it
burnt his mouth and neck, and was always ready for another
piece. Meat treated with black pepper was also given to him,
but he always swallowed it. I did not do this for cruelty, but
just to find out if it was possible for an Emu to learn by experi-
ence. When I was satisfied that he could not learn I often fed
him, and burnt his mouth no more. He had his little joke, too,
for when a strange dog came on the station he would run round,
passing close to the dog, trying to coax the animal to chase him.
If successful the Emu would slow down, and the dog got a kick
that astonished him. I do not recollect any dog trying to catch
that Emu a second time. I had cattle dogs that would heel cattle
and horses, but I never saw one of them try to heel an Emu.

‘“* Captain Francis had a tame Emu at Folkstone, Breakfast Creek-
road. I was very intimate with the captain, and one day when
I was at Folkstone the Emu was squatting down and did not seem

Vol. XVII.
1917

Queensland Notes. 51
to want to get up._ I said, ‘ Captain, your Emu is a bit seedy.’
He then told me that his man had been going to do some painting,
and had left a large pot of green paint for a little while. The Emu
had eaten all the paint, the colour having apparently taken his
fancy. It did him no harm, however.”

Another old observer, writing of the blacks and Emus, says :—
“Tf a red-coloured blanket is hung out the Emu will not leave
until he has come close enough to see what it is. I once did this,
and brought nine Emus close to the house, and then got the gun
to shoot one. But it seemed a cruel sin to fire on the beautiful
birds, and I could not. We had a black man on our station,
however, who could imitate an Emu to perfection. The evening
suited exactly. Light clouds partly hid the moon, and we had
a surprise for the young people. The black only had his grey
blanket and a stick for the neck of the Emu, his hand inside the
blanket for the head ; and thus equipped he personified the Emu
so well that at ten yards distant no one could have known but
that it was one.”

Ourselves.

THE first re-union of members of the Union took place on the
evening of Thursday, 24th May, 1917. A dinner was held first at
Nissen’s Exchange Hotel, at which 21 members were present, and
an adjournment was then made to the room at No. 2 Temple
Court, where seven more members joined.

Mr. D. Le Souéf was voted to the chair.

Details as to the proposed future re-unions were discussed.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw stated that as soon as the “HH. L. White
collection’ of skins had been received by the National Museum
he would inform the Council; also that the skins could be seen
there at any time during the day when the Museum was open, as
well as on one evening a month by members of the R.A.O.U. only.
The room in which they would be kept was well lighted and had
seating accommodation.

A hearty vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Mr. H. L.
White for his generous gift of Gould’s * Birds of Australia ’’ to the
library of the Union.

The bird skins, eggs, books, and other property of the Union
were inspected.

LEGAL POSITION OF THE R.A.0.U.

At a meeting of the Executive Council of the State of Victoria
on 29th May, 1917, His Excellency the Governor of Victoria
consented to the use of the word ‘“ Royal’’ in the name of the
company known as the ‘Royal Australasian Ornithologists’
Union.”

All legal preliminaries being now in order, registration of the
Union as a no-profit company will soon be completed.

52 Ourselves; Pease

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

The monthly re-union of members in the R.A.O.U. room at
2 Temple Court, Collins-street, Melbourne, has been fixed for the
first Wednesday in each month, at 8 p.m. The subject for the
August meeting will be ‘‘ Penguins,” illustrated by lantern slides,
specimens, &c. The subject in September will be ‘*‘ Honey-eaters,”’
and that for October ‘‘ Crows and Crow-Shrikes.’’ Members are
requested to bring or send any specimens, lantern slides, or photos.
they may have of these birds.

The Council welcomes suggestions from members as to subjects
for future meetings. They would also strongly impress on
members the value of keeping a record of the arrival and departure
of migratory birds, and any details they may note regarding the
same.

The Greatest Victory for the Birds of America.
By W. T. Hornapay.

WitTH record-breaking celerity the international treaty between
Canada and the United States for the federal protection of all
the migratory birds of North America north of Mexico has been
ratified by Congress, and is now a law. It was initiated over
two years ago by Senator George P. M‘Lean, of Connecticut, in
a Senate resolution. At that time President Wilson wrote a letter
to Secretary Bryan, approving the idea, and requesting its
advancement.

After a great amount of labour in Canada, in which Dr. G.
Gordon Hewitt, of the Canadian Department of Agriculture,
played a very important part, the treaty was finally sent down
from Ottawa early in August for ratification by this country. On
16th August it was signed by Secretary Lansing and Sir Cecil
Arthur Spring-Rice, British Ambassador.

By the President it was transmitted to the Senate on 22nd
August. It went to and through the Committee on Foreign
Relatioris in a few hours ; and Senator James A. O’Gorman, fully
resolved to secure action at this session, was designated to take
charge of it on the floor of the Senate. For several months past
Senator M‘Lean has been hard at work paving a broad and
smooth road for its passage.

On 29th August it was brought before the Senate, and quickly
ratified by a two-thirds majority. The swiftness with which
Congress did its part in the matter amazed and delighted the
defenders of the birds. That quick action is the Senate’s answer
to the very bitter and abusive attacks that have been made on
the federal migratory bird law and its defenders by Senator
James A. Reed, of Missouri, and a few of his duck-shooting con-
stituents who vehemently demand duck-shooting in spring as a
special privilege.

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Vol. XVII
1917

4 Hornapbay, Greatest Victory for Birds of America: 53

Once more the United States Senate has added to its fine and
quite unbroken record in the enactment of sane and reasonable
wild-life protection laws. The ratification of that treaty is the
most important and far-reaching step in the protection and
increase of birds that ever yet has been taken in any country!
It extends the strong arm of federal protection over about 1,022
species and sub-species of the most valuable and interesting birds
of North America. ;

The news of the event of 29th August will be read with thrills
of pleasure by the millions of farmers, forest owners, bird-lovers,
and sportsmen who are interested in the increase and perpetuation
of the birds of North America.

Except to Senator Reed, the p2ople of the United States owe
to the President, the entire Senate, and above all to Senator
M‘Lean, a profound and lasting gratitude.

Camera Craft Notes.

White-shafted Fantail on Nest.—Owing to its tameness, the
White-shafted Fantal is one of the easiest subjects for bird-
photographers, yet the accompanying illustration, taken by Mr.
P. D. Montague, will not easily be beaten. The nest, with its
characteristic tail beneath, was situated in a bush overhanging
_the Vasse River, near Busselton, Western Australia, and the
water forms a background to the picture. The photograph was
taken during a shower of rain, and drops of water cover the back
and tail of the Fantail and hang from the twigs of the bush. The
Western White-shafted Fantail was named Rhipidura preissi by
Cabanis in 1850, but there can be little doubt that Mathews is
correct in regarding it as merely a sub-species of the bird found
all over Australia. Its nest and its habits, at all events, are
similar on both sides of the continent.—W. B. ALEXANDER.

* * *

Nesting of the Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Péilotis flavigula)
in Northern Tasmania.—During the month of October, Igr16,
I had the pleasure of accompanying Mr. H. C. Thompson to a
gum-tree hill which is used by several pairs of “‘ Yellow-throats ”’
as a breeding-ground. The bush thereabouts looked very
beautiful with white clematis and blue Comesperma twining
among the scrub, while maidenhair fern grew in profusion over
the moist soil. The nests of the Honey-eaters were placed in
large Lepidosperma tussocks, and were of the open cup pattern.
A pair of adults fed their young on the ground close to us; the
latter were lately fledged, and had yellow throats and ear-tufts,
were of a yellowish tint on the upper surface, the head darker
than in the adult, but a tuft or two of nesting-down still remained
there. The parents were in beautiful golden plumage. The

54 Camera Craft Notes. aye

female almost alighted on us when my friend took one of the
youngsters in his hand, and the melodious call-notes of this species
resounded through the grove. One of the nests found was
suspended between the base of a white gum sapling and a bracken
fern, being bound to a frond of the latter; it was of a coarse
native grass, with finer kind within, and lined with sheep’s wool.
Some spider cocoons had been placed upon the outside of the
nest, which practice is adopted also by the White-eye (Zosterops
ceerulescens). This structure was nearly a foot from the ground,
and measured 4 inches across top over all, 2} inches across top
inside ; the depth outside was 54 inches, the egg cavity being
2 inches deep. Another, placed in the centre of a large Lepido-

Yellow-throated Honey-eater (Pézlotis flavigula) in tussock, just after
leaving nest, N. Tasmania.

PHOTO. BY H. C. THOMPSON. R.A.0.U.

sperma tussock, was of the same material as the first, but had a
fine wool lining to the rim, with tussock-blades interwoven, these
blades extending 4 feet above the nest. Measurements :—
34 inches across top over all, 21 inches across top inside, 34 inches
depth outside, 2 inches depth of cavity. A third was lined
almost entirely with fine grass, just a tuft or two of wool, one
or two spider cocoons on the outside ; two or three blades of the
tussock were woven into the sides. This nest was quite open
to the sky, except for the slight protection afforded by small gum
branches overhead. Measurements :—3} inches across top over all,
2? inches across top inside, 2} inches egg cavity. The distance
from the ground to the top of the nest was only 9 inches. The

Vol. XVII.
Paine Camera Craft Notes. 55

last one found was 1 foot 7 inches from the ground to the top of
nest; the material dry native grass, as in the others, with
a wool lining. There were three eggs reposing upon the wool,
of a creamy-white ground, with burnt sienna spots at the larger
end. These eggs measured, approximately, I inch in length by
# inch in diameter. The measurements of nest were :—3} inches
across top over all, 2+ inches across top inside one way by 2 inches
the other, 44 inches depth outside, 2} inches depth egg cavity.
Part of the rim was bound to Lepidosperma blades with strands
of sheep’s wool.—H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S., R.A.O.U.

Correspondence.
To the Editors of “The Emu.”

Sirs,—The Executive Committee of the Advisory Council of Science
and Industry have had brought to their notice the desirability of
further knowledge as to the food of Australian birds. It has been
suggested that if the stomachs of all wild birds shot were preserved
and their contents identified by experts great additions to our
knowledge would be made.

Mr. A. M. Lea, F.E.S., Entomologist of the South Australian
Museum, is at present engaged on a research on this subject, with
the assistance of other specialists in the identification of seeds,
molluscs, &c. The committee consider that members of the Royal
Australasian Ornithologists’ Union will no doubt be glad to assist
Mr. Lea in this valuable work by forwarding him the stomachs of
any birds they may shoot ; all such assistance will be acknowledged
by Mr. Lea when publishing his results.

After skinning a bird the stomach should be removed and placed
in methylated spirit, together with a label giving the following
particulars :—Name of bird (scientific name, if known), collector’s
name, locality, month and year. If several stomachs are placed in
the same jar or tube of spirits, each stomach with its label should
be wrapped and tied separately in a piece of muslin or cloth.

Birds whose stomachs are specially wanted by Mr. Lea are the
Emu, Bustard or Wild Turkey, Native Companion, and Crows, but
Mr. Lea desires it to be emphasized that he does not wish birds to
be specially shot for the purpose of securing their stomachs.—
Yours, &c.,

GERALD LIGHTFOOT, .
Secretary Executive Committee Advisory Council of
Science and Industry.
314 Albert-street, East Melbourne,
29th June. 1917.

[It is expected that R.A.O.U. members will heartily co-operate
by providing material for this important scientific research.—EDs. |

56 Correspondence. Meer ovale

FOOD OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS.
To the Editors of “The Emu.”

DEAR Strs,—Many details of a fragmentary nature have been
published on the food of Australian birds, but at the present time
a systematic examination of the contents of as many stomachs as
possible is being made by Mr. A. M. Lea, F.E.S., the Adelaide
Museum Entomologist, who has already listed the contents of about
a thousand stomachs. He would be glad to receive bird stomachs
from all parts of Australia. They could be sent to the Adelaide
Museum in spirits, or in tins with rags saturated in spirits (so as to
arrive in Adelaide in a damp condition). When sending the
stomachs the following particulars are desired :—Name of bird
(technical, if possible), month when obtained, locality, and col-
lector’s name. If the birds have been poisoned, it is also desirable
to mention that fact. In particular, he would be glad to receive
stomachs of large birds, but especially desires to state that he does
not wish any birds to be specially killed for the purpose of this
investigation.

Due credit will be given to all those who send stomachs when
the results are published, and will be acknowledged as received.—
Mours, cc., S. A. WHITE.

Wetunga, S.A., 14/5/17.

To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

DEAR Strs,—On page 175, vol. xvi., when referring to Milligania
vobustirostris, 1 gave Mr. Milligan credit for discovering this bird.
Mr. Milligan described the bird, and gave credit to Mr. F. Lawson
Whitlock for unearthing it.

In a recent letter Mr. Whitlock says :—* Possibly you did
not know that the Acanthize are quite absent frcm the Pilbarra
Goldfields. I did not see a single example of any species on the
Coongan, Nullagine, or De Grey Rivers. The same at Port
Hedland and Condon on the coast.’ A little farther on Mr.
Whitlock adds :—** Acanthiza tenuirostris is a bit of a puzzle in its
distribution. In this State it seems to be confined to the intericr,
and only to haunt the samphire flats at the big salt lakes.”—
Yours, &c., Fr. E.. HOWE:

Canterbury, 14/4/17.

Stray Feathers.

Taronga Park Notes.—A white Emu received seven years
ago has very gradually been turning brown, and has never
developed the dark grey colour of the ordinary bird. One eye
is white and the other is brown.

White Eagle-Hawk.—This bird, which was received about six
months ago, had two or three brown feathers on it, but since then

Vol. XVII.
cars Sivay Feathers. 57

a fair number of brown feathers have appeared on the wings and
back. The irides are light colour.

It is very interesting to note how soon birds become used to
blasting. During the erection of Taronga Park a good deal of
blasting has been done, but the wild birds soon learnt that it did
not do them any harm, and the Shrike-Thrush, Blue Wrens,

Adult and three young of Pacific Heron (Notophoyx pacifica),
captured at Narrandera, N.S.W.

PHOTO BY D. LE SOUEF, C.M,Z.S., R.A.O.U., TAKEN AT
TARONGA ZOOLOGICAL PARK, SYDNEY,

“Jackie Winters,’ Flycatchers, Shrike-Robins, Shrike-Tits,
Honey-eaters, and several other species have nested in the grounds,’
often very close to where the men are working.

It was also very interesting to note the other day a “ Willie
Wagtail’”’ picking flies off a lion’s back. The lion was lying ver
contentedly, and paid no attention whatever to the bird.—A. 5S.
LE SovEr. Zoological Gardens, Sydney, 15/1/17.

58 Stray Feathers: Peas 2

Extended Distribution of Phaéthon rubricauda.—A specimen of
the Red-tailed Tropic-Bird was found dead upon the South Arm
beach of the estuary of the Derwent River, Tasmania, on 25th
February, 1917, the specimen being passed on to me by Mr. Geo.
Griffiths while still in a fresh condition. Apparently it is a new
record for Tasmania, and its most southerly recorded range to date
It was an adult female, in perfect plumage, but in poor fleshy con-
dition, there being no fat between the skin and the trunk. I
should say it was a prey to the easterly gale blowing about the
time of its death. Buller has reported that specimens have been
washed ashore on the North Cape of New Zealand as the result of
easterly gales. It is only an occasional visitant to the North
Island of New Zealand, while southern Tasmania is in a much
higher latitude, and quite beyond the range of the normal habitat
of the species.—ROBERT HALL.

* * *

Myzantha garrula.—The writer has been but one month in
this glorious north-west of New South Wales. — Bird-life is
remarkably plentiful, and, whether from the abnormally prolific
season or not the writer does not claim to know, many young
broods are still to be found. On the 18th inst. he witnessed a
stirring example of the strong parental love of the Noisy Miner
(Myzaxtha garrula) for its young. One of the parent birds had
just fed the young brood when a fine specimen of the Brown
Hawk (Hieracidea orientalis) swooped down, and, seizing a young
one, flew off with the plump young bird. The unfortunate
parents vigorously attacked, daring to even light on the back of
the rapidly-flying Hawk, from whose suspended legs hung the
intended victim. As the trio disappeared through the timber
the shrieking parent was on the back of the Hawk, fiercely but
unavailingly pecking the feathers of the bird of prey, who was
hotly pursued by scores of other noisy birds, but chiefly Miners
and Grallinas.—S. A. HANSCoMBE. “ Gleness,’’ Warialda Railway
Station, 19/2/17.

* *

The Allied Harrier.—While on a driving trip along the north-
west of Tasmania in December, 1916, and January of the present
year, in company with Mr. W. G. Buck, we were greatly struck
with the large number of Harriers (Circus gouldt, Bp.) which were
visible during our journey. Almost every large paddock appeared
to have its individual or pair of these fine Hawks hunting over
it for prey. This increase in numbers we attribute to two reasons
—(1I) owing to the heavy rainfall of spring and early summer,
there was a great growth of green feed and a heavy yield of grain,
and a proportionate increase in the rabbits and rats which form
the chief prey of the Harrier ; some of the stacks we saw had the
sides and thatch riddled with holes made by the bush rats. (2)
A great many of the farmers’ sons, who carry guns and have a

it op amit

Vol. XVII.
ig et Stray Feathers. 59

bang at the Hawks as a matter of course, not knowing they are
destroying good friends, are away from the Commonwealth just
now, so that the Raptores have a chance to increase. The
Harrier, on clear, warm afternoons in summer, has a habit of
mounting high in the air and circling in a leisurely fashion at this
altitude, as if for pure enjoyment.—H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S.,
R.A.O.U. W. Devonport, Tasmania, 10/2/17.

From Magazines, &c.

The Value of Sub-species.—In The Ibis, January, 1917, p. 120,
Mr. Gregory M. Mathews has contributed a most important
letter. It speaks for itself, and terminates thus :—‘ I have con-
cluded that the value of sub-species is almost negligible in Aus-
tralian ornithology. In the Palearctic Region they may be
useful, but even here I think.that they have been much over-
rated ; while if large series are examined from Australia, very
many sub-specific forms can be differentiated, but larger series
always link most extreme cases up very quickly. Consequently,
in a ‘Birds of Australia’ I have depreciated sub-species.

. This course was adopted nearly two years ago.

Mr. "Mathews is to be congratulated on the frankness of this
admission. Many of his best friends in Australia were getting
bewildered in the mazes of his sub-species and consequent nomen-
clature, while he will win many who were flatly opposed to his
system. But, in fairness to both supporters and opponents, Mr.
Mathews, likewise in justice to himself, not to mention the
science, Should have made known the purport of his letter, con-
_ sidering that he changed his attitude regarding sub-species
“nearly two years ago.’’ No people are more interested than
Australians in Mr. Mathews’s work.—A. J. C

Obituary Notice.

NORTH.—On the 6th May, 1917, at his residence, ‘‘ Hillcrest,’ Darling-
street, Chatswood, Sydney, Alfred John, the beloved husband of Clar: a
R. North, and second son of the late Henry and Mary T. North, Moonee
Ponds, Victoria, Ornithologist to the Australian Museum, Sydney, aged
61 years.

THE friends of the late Mr. A. J. North, C.M.B.O.U., will greatly
regret his demise, which occurred somewhat suddenly from heart
failure on Sunday, 6th May. His remains were buried at the
Gore Hill Cemetery, Sydney.

The late ornithologist was born 11th June, 1855, at North
Melbourne, and was educated at the Public School, and subse-
quently at the Grammar School, South Melbourne. He was
apprenticed to the jeweller’s trade, and worked assiduously at his

calling many years for Mr. Henry Young, then in Little Collins-—

street, Melbourne. He joined the Australian Museum, Sydney, in _
December, 1886, when he was engaged temporarily to write a ~

‘Catalogue ” of Australian eggs (No. 12 of the Australian Museum), —

which appeared in 1889. In August, 1891, Mr. North was per- —

manently appointed Assistant in Ornithology, a position he held
till his death.

Mr. North contributed to various scientific periodicals, including
the “‘Records”’ of his own institution, but his greatest work was |
the ‘Special Catalogue No. 1,” being the second edition of
“Catalogue No. 12,” entirely rewritten, with additions, and styled
‘“Nests and Eggs of Birds Found Breeding in Australia and
Tasmania,” in four volumes, quarto size, and published by the
trustees, under Mr. R. Etheridge, J.P., curator The work was
adorned with excellent type-blocks of many birds, while the egg
illustrations were by process photography, a small edition being
hand-coloured. Although an inordinate length of time was taken
in the publication of the work, it reflected much laborious toil of
a painstaking kind by the author, ana was wonderfully accurate.
I. was what was omitted that disappointed students. Mr. North
had a dread of amateur contemporary writers, and, rather than
incorporate anything that he deemed doubtful, ignored the authors
altogether. This, however, did not detract from his personal work,
which was much, in the interests of Australian ornithology.

For his ornithological attainments Mr. North was elected a
Colonial Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union—an honour
which can only be held by ten persons at one time in the British
Overseas Dominions. He was also a Corresponding Fellow of the
American Ornithologists’ Union. Mr. North did not associate
- himself with the Australasian Union, probably because for many
years his heaith was extremely delicate, and he had not strength
to attend regularly at his Museum, or to do much work.

Mr. North was an original member of the Field Naturalists’ Club
of Victoria, and remained a member for over 30 years. In
boyhood’s days his first field outings were along the foreshore of
the bay between Sandridge (now Port Melbourne) and St. Kilda,
where Red-capped Dottrels used to nest on the sand and ‘“‘ Tangs”’
(Ephthianura) bred in the short Rictnocarpus bushes, while many
first bird-observing lessons were gained among the manna gums
and by the rush-covered natural lagoon which teemed with water-
fowl in Albert Park.

Mr. North, in his day, was a swift athlete, and one occasion,
with a few yards handicap, he beat L. L. Mount, the Canadian
champion. Mr. North was younger brother to Bendigo’s suc-
cessful citizen, Mr. H. Y. North.

IAN a UNION.

—<—:

¢O-PATRONS:
‘Their Majesties the King and Queen.

~ - OPFICE-BEARERS :
President: Dr. W. MACGILLIVRAY.

(Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U.
(Me. A. F. BASSET HULL.

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

(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)

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(158 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.)

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Hon, Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U.

(‘‘ Eyrecourt,”” Canterbury.)

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

(Education Department, Melbourne.)

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

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MATTINGLEY, and W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A.

Vice-Presidents:

Local State Secretaries:

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

Cart, S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., Fulham, South Australia.

Mr. W. T. FORSTER, Victoria Park. Western ee

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

“Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.G.S., Darwin, Northern Territory.

Members of Council:
5 Sie nik Cou: C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E, MATTINGLEY,
: C.M.Z.S., AND A. C. STONE.
_ New Sovutu WALEs—Dk. J. BURTON CLELAND anp Dr. E, A,
D’OMBRAIN,

- QUEENSLAND—Mr,. C. A. BARNARD.

SouTH AUSTRALIA=Mr. E. ASHBY, M.B.O.U.
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Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. LE SOUEF, C.M.ZS., &c.
,» A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U.
RR. HALE, -C.M.B.0.U; Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E.
|, BASSET HULL, R.A.0O.U. 3; A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S.
_ Dr. J, A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. soo) LR: WHIT-E,-M.B:0.U.
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Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

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

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‘\

THE YELLOW-BREASTED BUSH-CHAT (EPHTHIANURA CROCEA). He
A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.0.U. — - 4 E i

ORNITHOLOGISTS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND. oy Capt. (Dr ) W.
_Macgillivray, President of the R.A.O.U. : ‘

OBSERVATIONS ON THE GENus HYLACOLA icucuadweuna By

ioe ie fy £. Howe, CM, ZS. tac aet Canterbury Sy yere :
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_ WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERNS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA: A RE-

MARKABLE VISITATION. By W. B. Alexander, M.A.,R.A.0.U.

THE NESTLINGS OF AUSTRALIAN FINCHES: WHAT DO WE KNOW

ABOUT THEM? By Gregory M. Mathews, F.R.S. £., R.A.O.U. 100
5 NEW RapTor (GYPOICTINIA MELANOSTERNA) FOR PuSuenRT
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BIRDS. OF ROCKINGHAM Bay District. By A. J. Campbell,
C.M.B.O.U. - . - - - - - - - - 106
NEW AND RARE VICTORIAN BIRDS FROM MALLacoota. Sy Jas.
A. Kershaw, F.E.S., R.A.O.U., National Museum, Melbourne. 107
CAMERA CRAFT NOTES—* Warrener” Shells at Portsea, 108 ; set Notes, 108 ;
The Shy Barred-shouldered Dove, 108.
STRAY FEATHERS—Trafic in Wild Birds’ Feathers, 62 ; Harriers in New Zealand,
tog; Nesting of Black-fronted Dottrel, 110 ; Magpie-Lark, 110; Simulation of Death
by the White-eared Honey-eater, i10; Warburton Bird Notes, 111 ; Late Migrants
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THE Emu, Vol. XVII.
PLATE XI.

THE YELLOW-BREASTED BUSH-CHAT.
Ephthianura crocea

“ Birds of a feather.’’

Vor XVIt.j ism OCTOBER: 1017. [PART 2.

The Yellow-breasted Bush-Chat (Ephthianura crocea).
BY -Aw jf. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.O.U.

THIS rarely-seen and extremely beautiful little species was dis-
covered by Mr. T. A. Gulliver, of Townsville, when he was in
charge of the telegraph station at Normanton, in the Gulf of
Carpentaria district, and was described by Count F. de Castelnau
and Dr. E. P. Ramsay in the Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. in 1876
(vol.-i.,. p...380):

The original of the illustration (Plate XI.) was taken by Mr.
Chas. A. Barnard and Trooper F. L. Berney, Ms.R.A.O.U., last
March, at Torilla, about go miles from Rockhampton, Queens-
land.

As the late Mr. A. J. North has pointed out (“‘ Nests and Eggs,”’
vol. i., p. 352), Ephthianura crocea differs from E. aurifrons in its
smaller size and brighter-coloured under surface, while the male
adult of the former has the chin and throat rich yellow, and has
a conspicuous crescentic black mark on the fore-neck.

Mr. North has taken his carefully-worded descriptions of both
sexes of Ephthianura crocea from skins obtained near Derby,
North-West Australia, which variety Mr. Gregory M. Mathews,
F.R.S.E., desires us to differentiate by the trinomial appellation,
Aurepthianura crocea tunneyt (see “ List of the Birds of Aus-
tralia,” 1913, page 208).

Regarding the bird’s habits, Mr. G. A. Keartland, in a com-
munication to Mr. North, states :—‘‘ Whilst camped beside a
lagoon, about four miles from the Fitzroy River, North-Western
Australia, and nearly opposite Noonkoombah Station, I saw a
great many examples of Ephthianura crocea. Their yellow

62 CAMPBELL, The Yellow-breasted Bush-Chat. eee

plumage and black band at once attracted attention, but the
mode of life was very different from that of E. aurifrons. Whilst
the latter delights in searching for its insect food -amongst salt-
bush, or on the ground, FE. crocea is more at home in the branches
of trees about 15 or 20 feet high, where it hops about searching
for insects, either in the bark or on the foliage. Occasionally the
birds may be seen on the ground. They do not appear to associate
in flocks, like any of the other species of the genus, but each works
on its own account. Their nests are built in the usual cup-shaped
form, and the one from which my set of eggs was taken was placed
in a thistle about four feet high.” On the other hand, the late
Mr. Price Fletcher (‘‘ Bush Naturalist ’’) stated that in the neigh-
bourhood of the Gulf of Carpentaria he usually observed these
birds frequenting marshy and long grassy swamps instead of the
dry plains, as do the other Ephthianuras or Bush-Chats.

The range of Ephthianura crocea, at present known, is North-
West Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland.

Traffic in Wild Birds’ Feathers.—Notwithstanding that feathers
and down are prohibited articles, at present, in the United
Kingdom, quantities of wild birds’ plumages are still arriving
there, and, it is stated, chiefly through enemy-—alien agents in
British oversea dominions. If this be true, it is scandalous. The
ever-watchful and indefatigable Mr. James Buckland has
addressed a circular letter on the subject to members of Parlia-
ment and to the leading newspapers in the United Kingdom.
The following strong reference to the matter appeared in The
Humanitarian for May last :—‘ It is a matter for great satisfaction
that among the articles of which the importation was forbidden
(under an order issued on 23rd February, 1917) are included
‘ornamental feathers and down.’ It is sincerely to be hoped
that this prohibition will not be removed when the war is over.
The importation of hundreds of thousands of pounds weight of
wild birds’ feathers annually, at a time when there is a shortage
of food, has long been a public scandal of the first magnitude ;
the more so as this trade in the plumage—that is, in the destruc-
tion of birds—is in every way cruel and wasteful. It is to Mr.
James Buckland, whose unceasing labours in this matter are well
known, that the thanks of all humanitarians and lovers of
bird-life are primarily due for the suspension of this hideous
traffic.”

ae a ee

Vol. XVII.

i ] MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 63

Ornithologists in North Queensland.
By Captain (DR.) W. MACGILLIVRAY, PRESIDENT OF THE R.A.O.U.
PART TI:

WHEN Mr. M'Lennan was on a visit to me in the early part oi
1913, he persuaded me to allow him to go back in quest of a
Parrot that prospectors, sandalwood-getters, and others had
spoken to him about as frequenting the scrubs on the Pascoe
River, on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula, and which,
from descriptions supplied, he believed to be an Eclectus.

He left Thursday Island on the 26th June of that year in a
three-ton cutter, with two prospectors, and, after visiting and
making observations on the bird-life of several islands on his way
down the coast, entered the mouth of the Pascoe River on the
roth July. This river rises further south from the eastern slope
of the main Sir William Thompson Range, at a point opposite
Lloyd’s Bay, and, pursues a northerly course between this
range and the two smaller Tozer and Nelson Ranges, which shut
it off from the coast at Lloyd’s Bay, until it reaches lat. 12° 30”.
It then turns almost at right angles, and runs down to empty
itself into the sea in Weymouth Bay. It is here a very consider-
able stream of from 80 to 100 yards in width, its banks clothed
for the first two miles with a dense growth of mangroves, and
beyond this limit with open forest or tropical scrub, the latter
growing right down to the water’s edge. In places also the banks
are lined with a palisade formed of the great fronds of the Nipa
palm ; this palm has no stem proper, its fronds growing from a
base in the mud and shooting up to a height of from 30 to
40 feet. The river is a difficult one to navigate, owing to the
sand-bars, and, further up, logs and snags, the large trees growing
on the river’s edge falling into the stream as the banks are under-
mined by the frequent floods of the wet season.

On his way up the river Mr. M‘Lennan’s attention was attracted
by a Parrot which flew across, whose cry and manner of flight
were both unfamiliar to him. This afterwards proved to be
Geoffroyus geoffroyi, a bird which had been known for over a
century from the Malay Archipelago, but not previously known
to occur in Australia.

On the 17th July what appeared to be a Black Cockatoo flew
screeching past his camp, but it was not until many days of
watching—waiting for hours at a time in the tops of the tallest
trees—that the feeding-places were located, the birds stalked,
and specimens procured. This proved to be the bird he had come
in search of—clectus pectoralis—a species that had been known
from Papua for nearly a century and a half. It is only just to
our Australian bird to say that it is a bigger and much finer bird.

A shortage of stores made a trip to Lloyd’s Island necessary.
A sail was rigged on the dinghy (the cutter having returned to
Thursday Island), and M‘Lennan and a mate left the Pascoe
River on the 27th July, and by dint of much hard pulling and

Emu
ist Oct.

64 MACGILLIVRAY, Oynithologists in North Queensland.
some sailing managed to reach Lloyd’s Island before dark on the
2oth, a distance of over 40 miles.

Lloyd’s Island is a large island in the bay of the same name,
and on it Mr. Hugh Giblett, a gentleman engaged in the béche-
de-mey and sandalwood industries, has his home and_ keeps
supplies—the only place on that part of the coast where such
can be obtained.

Mr. M‘Lennan returned to his camp on the Pascoe on the 31st
July, and resumed his quest for Eclectus and other birds. After
about a month spent in searching the scrubs and open forest
country along the river, he elected to walk overland to Lloyd's
Island. This he did, arriving there on the 29th August, after
a rough trip.

Owing to the difficulty of procuring supplies on the Pascoe
River, and acting on Mr. Giblett’s advice, he decided to shift
camp to the Claudie River, a small stream which takes its origin
from the Nelson Range, whose highest peaks, Mount Dobson
(x,820 feet) and Mount Nelson (1,587 feet), are densely clothed
with timber and form the angle round which the Pascoe makes
its turn to the sea. The Claudie runs from here in a _ south-
easterly direction, and empties itself into Lloyd’s Bay, about
six miles south of Mr. Giblett’s island home, and directly behind
Mount Tozer (1,953 feet), the highest point of the Tozer Range.
Like all or most of the rivers on the peninsula, the Claudie is
lined for about two miles from the mouth with mangrove swamps,
which extend along the coast for about the same distance in one
direction. These swamps are filled and emptied by the rise and
fall of the tides. Behind these are tea-tree swamps or shallows,
more open than the mangrove swamps, and mostly dry, or nearly
so, in the winter and spring months, and well filled during the
rainy season. The country behind these again is low-lying, sandy,
lightly timbered with eucalypts, banksia, melaleuca, and other
trees, with a stunted undergrowth of tea-tree and other shrubs
and herbaceous plants. The flats further up the river are
covered with tropical forest—great trees of various kinds, whose
stems rise to a height of 60 or 70 feet before branching and
forming, with climbing plants of many kinds, a dense canopy
ovethead, through which the sun’s rays rarely penetrate. Many
of these plants flower profusely, and there is an abundance of
fruit of every size, shape, and colour, affording a plentiful food
supply for numberless fruit-eating birds.

The roof of this jungle is a world in itself, out of sight and
reach of the man who walks below, except where, at the edges
or along the river banks, it slopes down to earth or water’s edge,
festooned by climbers whose foliage and inflorescence show
infinite variation. There is a bird-life of this roof; some birds
keep under it in the shade of the scrub, and others, again,
keep to the floor, which is usually carpeted with a thick layer
of fallen leaves. Growth and decay are alike very rapid, and
fallen trees, limbs, and other débris soon disappear, and the gaps

Vol. XVII.
TQT7

| MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 65
so caused soon fill. Trees fall frequently in the wet season, and
often drag a lot of others with them. This is due to the fact
that dry rot, proceeding apace, with the depredations of insects,
in some great tree during the dry time has so weakened the stem
that when the wet season sets in the rush of sap to the topmost
branches, and the renewed growth and activity in the climbers
borne by it, with the superadded weight when every part is
saturated with moisture, adds so enormously to the weight borne
by it that it gives way.

What is known as the open forest consists of a fairly open
growth of large trees—eucalypts, melaleuca, and others—with
no under-scrub, the ground being covered with coarse grasses
and herbage, with a few small shrubs and trailers. It was to a
knoll in a patch of open forest overlooking the Claudie, with
tropical scrub to the right and left and all along the opposite
bank, that Mr. M‘Lennan, now with only one companion, Alfred
Mohr, moved his camp early in September. It was here also that
I joined him, together with Mr. Kershaw, of the National Museum,
Melbourne, and my son Ian, on the 5th November, and spent the
rest of the month very profitably in exploring the neighbourhood
under his able guidance. This camp was our main base ;
another camp, 7 miles further up stream, being occupied for a
few days at a time, as the scrubs and forest were of particular
interest there. The sandalwood Janding three miles down-
stream, and on the opposite bank, was a convenient spot from
which we could search the mangroves and tea-tree swamps and
the heathy country at the back of them.

During this early part of our stay the dry season had lasted later
than usual. The coarse grass of the forest lands was dry, the
scrubs were wilted and droopy, and one walked through the more
open ones on a carpet of dry and crackling leaves. The Claudie
ran a diminished stream to the sea, and the salt tide was making
its influence felt up to and beyond our camp, so that we had to
row and pole our way further up stream in order to replenish our
supphes of fresh water.

We had previously arranged with Mr. Giblett to take us out
to the islands along the coast and along the Barrier Reef as far
as Raine Island, in order that we might investigate the bird-life
on them. Consequently, we left Lloyd’s Island on the 3oth
November in the lugger Keats, fitted tor béche-de-mer fishing, and
manned by a crew of thirteen aboriginals and commanded by a
half-caste captain. These blacks are recruited from the coastal
tribes, who for generations have found their living along the
shore and on’ the islands off the coast, and are all expert
swimmers and divers.

After passing Cape Restoration we bore out towards the Reef,
our objective being Quoin Island, a rocky island about a quarter
of a mile in length and of half that width, rising at its highest point
about 50 feet above the sea-level. Numbers of birds were
hovering over it and settling at one end, mostly Sterna anestheta

Emu
ist Oct.

66 MAcaILLivRay, Ornithologists in North Queensland.
and S. bergit. The island is clothed with a dense growth of a
succulent stunted tree covering the greater part of its top, coarse
grass and herbage on the slopes and lower part, the south end
being rocky, with many boulders round the water’s edge and a
small beach of coral sand at the north end. A Grey Reef-Heron
was flushed from a nest amid the rocks; two small land birds,
Myiagra concinna and Zosterops albiventer, were noted. Terns
hovered constantly overhead, with a few Frigate-Birds floating
above all. After a thorough search of the island we rejoined our
boat and set sail for the Forbes Group, lying in a north-westerly
direction. There was little wind, however, and our passage was
very slow, as the trade winds were dying away, and the monsoons,
which bring the rainy season along with them, had not set in.
It soon became dark, but we enjoyed every minute of the lovely
tropic night, with its clear sky and rippling, phosphorescent sea,
as we sat in the stern and listened to the soft musical voices of
our aboriginal crew as one after the other they sang or chanted
their native songs, all joining at times in the choruses, keeping
time with a rhythmical beating of their hands or a stick, according
to the effect they wished to produce.

We made the main island of the group late, and anchored off
the shore opposite one of Mr. Giblett’s depots for curing the
béche-de-mer. All our crew went ashore, and we to bed on deck.
Next morning we were awake early to explore the island, which
is the largest of the group. It rises to about 200 feet above the
sea, is rocky, covered with coarse grass and herbage, with a thick
growth of trees and shrubs in the sheltered valleys. There is a
fine fresh-water spring near the house. Sun-Birds, Zosterops
albiventer, and Mytagra concinna were the only birds noted.

We started early, but made only slow progress, anchoring at night
in the open sea in 20 fathoms of water, and next day made the
Ashmore Banks late in the afternoon, anchoring off No. 2 after
dark. Next morning we made for No. 3 Bank, over which a great
crowd of birds was hovering; these proved to be mostly Sterna
bergit and. Sula leucogaster, both nesting. After spending some
time on the bank taking photographs and making notes, we went
on board the lugger and set sail for the Great Barrier Reef. As
there was very little wind progress was slow, and we did not
anchor till sunset. We were sheltered by the Reef, upon whose
outer ramparts the Pacific was breaking with a continuous dull
roar, which soothed all to sleep except Mr. M‘Lennan, who, having
contracted dengue fever after we started, found the hard planks
of the deck far from restful to his aching bones. We awoke to
admire a lovely sunrise over the Reef, and got ready to move,
when a killer whale came to inspect us, blowing first but 200 yards
away on our port side, then down and up till within 20 feet of
out boat, when, after a final inspection, and much to our relief,
he dived under our keel, making a great swirl in the water, and
disappeared. A few Brown Gannets visited us at intervals as
we went through the Raine Island Entrance, and we noted

er | MaccIiLiivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 67

Noddies (Anous stolidus), Lesser Crested Terns (Sterna media),
and a Frigate-Bird (Tachypetes ariel) perched on some dark coral
rocks on our starboard side. We progressed very slowly, and
did not sight the Raine Island tower till after mid-day, and did
not land till just before sunset, when the multitude of birds on
the island and in the air above it were making a babel of noises.
About thirty turtles were crawling up the beach near where we
landed, and the shallow water contained hundreds of them.
Whilst coming slowly up to our anchorage these reptiles passed
closely by our boat every minute at varying depths, and our
black crew, clustered on the bow of the vessel, amused themselves
by watching for them and diving down upon them to see which
one would be able to grasp the animal by its shoulders, and, by
tilting it up, make it swim to the surface, when it would be let
go, the frightened animal making off at a terrific rate, whilst the
boys, amidst much laughter, would swim to the boat, clamber up,
and wait for the next one. When we landed they amused them-
selves by jumping on the backs of the turtles and riding them
down into the water until their mounts gained a swimming depth.
We remained on the islet for eight days, absorbingly interested
in its wonderful bird-life during the day and tormented at night
by the nesting turtles, who would persist in trying to walk over
or under our sleeping shelter.

The lugger returned, and we went on _ board and steered a
course to the north till we passed through the Great Barrier again.
Several smal] sand-banks were passed, at one of which we
anchored and went ashore. This is mostly used by turtles for
breeding purposes. The bank is a quarter of a mile long and
about half as broad, and the whole surface is ploughed up by the
tracks and pits of the reptiles, and the air is redolent with the
odour of the dead. A small colony of about twenty Masked
Gannets had large young, and a few Brown Gannets had either
young or eggs. At one end a considerable colony of Sterna bergiu
were nesting, all having eggs, mostly fresh. Many of the eggs
must be broken by turtles ; it is really wonderful that any escape.
We returned to the boat, and were interested for the rest of the
day in watching our native crew fishing for béche-de-mer, and
afterwards the process of turning the sea-slugs into a marketable
commodity. In the moonlight we noticed thousands of turtles
climbing the sand-bank, their wet backs gleaming with phos-
phorescence as they leave the water. Next day, the 13th
December, our departure was delayed by an absence of wind.
Our crew did some fishing for slugs. We then sailed slowly
southward along the Reef for some time, and anchored at a small
sand-bank whilst some of the crew went over to the Barrier for
béche-de-mer. They returned at dark with their load.

On the following day we sailed along till we emerged from the
reef on the Pacific side, and coasted along it till we came to a
narrow opening through which the water races. On _ passing
through we could see the corals of the reef on either side of us.

68 MAcGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [,.Pm™

When we emerged a more westerly course was taken, and we
went on, hoping to reach the Ashmore Banks before dusk. The
wind had dropped, and our progress was very slow; however,
sea-snakes at intervals, Meduse of every size, shape, and colour,
with the animal life parasitic or commensal on them, served to
interest us and fill many of Mr. Kershaw’s specimen jars.
Every cupful of water contained living forms, and we could see
fish of many shapes and colours at all depths. Night fell and hid
all, and we sailed on in the moonlight until we gained the
anchorage olf the banks. At dawn we started for the Sir Charles
Hardy Islands. Progress was very slow ; still, the teeming animal
life in the sea kept our interest from flagging, and when we reached
shallower water the boys gave us an exhibition of their wonderful
diving powers till the alarm of “ Shark ”’ was given and all were
soon aboard. We noted the passing of the sharks, with their
attendant pilot-fish in front, like a team of horses harnessed and
driven by invisible bonds. The boat hardly moved, and, in
despair of ever reaching the Hardys, we took to the boats, rowed
the last three miles, and landed at last where Dr. Dobbyn and I
landed three years previously. After some time on the island
we sailed for Piper Island. As we could not reach it, we made
Haggerstone Island, going round the south end and anchoring
opposite a sandy beach where there was a deserted tenement.
Opposite this side of the island, and slightly to the north, is Cape
Grenville, with the outlying Sir Everard Home Islands. For
some days we had noticed dark, thundery clouds over the main-
land, which, from here to the Pascoe River, is low-lying, sandy,
and barren, making a decided barrier between the upper part of
Cape York and the mountainous country at the back of Lloyd’s
Bay and to the north and south of it. Haggerstone is a high,
rocky island about 14 miles in length by 1 mile in width, rising
about 500 feet above sea-level. It is clothed with scrub, in which
are many large trees with interlacing climbers. Mangroves and
tea-tree border its foot for three-parts of the way round. Birds
were numerous on the island, and we spent an interesting day
amongst them, getting away to our boat before dark to escape
the attentions of the sand-flies, which were very troublesome.
Next day, with a favourable wind, we made a good run to
Lloyd’s Bay, which we reached after dark, after grounding on a
reef, from which we were freed by the native crew diving and
shouldering the vessel off. We slept on board, and were
- awakened towards morning by a fall of rain. We rigged a sail
shelter, and watched the day breaking in the tail end of a storm.
The sun, rising behind Lloyd’s Island, produced, with the stormy
sky, a very beautiful effect, a fine double rainbow showing up
well against the dark clouds obscuring the western sky. After
breakfast our chattels were transferred to a cutter, and, with the
favouring monsoonal wind, we soon reached the mouth of the
Claudie. There was not sufficient wind to take us far up this
river, so we took to the two rowing boats—two natives in one

Vol. XVII.
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MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 69
with Mr. M‘Lennan and most of the heavier luggage, and three
with the rest of the party and less baggage. The air was hot and
oppressive, and rain threatened, but the incoming tide helped
our oarsmen. The varied calls of the land-birds and wonderful
vegetation bordering the river were very pleasant to our ears
after our three weeks on the sea. Many Whimbrels were flushed
along the mangrove portion of the river, and when we came to
where it was bordered with tropical scrub many Gerygone nests
were noted overhanging the water, from which the birds flushed
as we passed by. M’‘Lennan fired at a pair of Crimson-winged
Parrots. We saw the Great Palm Cockatoo, several Eclectus,
Brush-Turkeys, Scrub-Fowl, Bee-eaters, and other commoner
species, and when we came to a lily-covered backwater, known to
us as the Lily Pool—a haunt of the crocodile—we found a flock
of Magpie Geese in the trees bordering it, several of which were
secured for the pot. As we rearranged our camp and stowed away
our baggage our ears were assailed by the notes of the Rifle-Bird,
Scrub-Fowl, Manucode, Geoffroyus, Pittas, and other birds from
the adjacent scrubs. Rain fell heavily, and we dug gutters to
keep our camp dry, and it was evening by the time we finished.
Afterwards mosquitoes got busy, and sandalwood fires were lighted
to keep them off whilst we wrote up notes and went over butter-
flies and beetles collected by our cook during our absence.

On the following day we recommenced our searchings of the
scrubs and open forest country for specimens. The wet season
had commenced, and insect life became more abundant. Many
flying termites flocked in the air, and were caught on the wing
by several species of birds, such as Myzomela obscura, Mytagra
concinna, and Ptilotis gracilis. Mosquitoes were very trouble-
_ some, and made bird-observing in the scrub at any time a very
difficult matter. In the evening we heard the voices of numerous
frogs, many of which frequented the trees round our camp. The
“Chop-chopping ” note of Caprimulgus macrurus is a crepuscular
one, and is soon followed after dark by the calls of Ninox rufa,
Podargus marmoratus, the raucous scolding of the Scrub-Fowl,
and the occasional voice of the Koel. Before breakfast next
morning my boy and I went out at the back of our camp and
watched several species busily engaged in finding their morning
meal from amongst the branches of the trees or young eucalypts
and other undergrowth. Amongst these were, Friar-Birds, Brush
and Bronze-Cuckoos, Melithreptus albogularis, Myzoinela obscura,
Ptilotis gracilis, Pinarolestes rufigaster, Geopelia humeralis, and
others. The rest of the forenoon we spent in the scrub below
the camp until compelled to beat a retreat by the mosquitoes.
In the afternoon we crossed the river and had a long walk in scrub
and open forest towards the ranges and back. In the evening
the old crocodile that frequented the reach below our camp was
barking frequently. The night was close and sultry and thunder
constant in the ranges at the back, which were overhung by dark
and gloomy clouds. Later on again rain started, and continued

Emu
1st Oct.

70 MACGILLIVRAY, Oynithologists in North Queensland.
more or less heavily during the night. The next morning birds
were plentiful amongst the wet trees and undergrowth. One of
us chased a flock of Babblers, but failed to secure a specimen. In
the afternoon rain threatened, and we stayed in and noted a large
flock of Australian Swifts soaring overhead. Rain came on later,
and we obtained a few specimens near by, and occupied our time
skinning. Numbers of burying and carrion beetles came to the
lamp under our palm-leaf shelter at night, and any bird-body
thrown out would be immediately attacked by these and rapidly
cleansed of all fleshy matter. We obtained many beautifully-
prepared skeletons in this way.

On the 23rd December we were astir early. A lovely fresh
morning ; the grass and shrubs were beginning to respond to the
continued falls of rain, and were all starting to sprout. We took
the boat and went up-stream between banks overhung with
tropical trees, shrubs, and climbers. M‘Lennan speared two fish
on the way, and we landed and tied the boat up and went on to
examine an Eclectus tree; then more scrub. Tried to stalk a
Bustard in open grass country. Admired the view of the valley,
with the mountains in the background, which still hold many
secrets to be solved by the field men of the future in bird, plant,
and insect life. We paused to admire the wonderful growth and
beauty of a climbing plant which covered three forest trees ; this
is the one on which the matchbox-bean is borne (Entada scandens).
A flowering umbrella tree attracted a host of birds to its honey-
laden blooms—Xanthotis filigera, Tropidorhynchus buceroides, and
Myzomela obscura amongst Honey-eaters. A Manucode . also
exposed himself amongst the crowd for a short time, and plunged
into the leafage again. Rifle-Birds and Pittas were heard in
the recesses of the scrub. Geoffroyus maclennam flew from one
Alpinia tree to another, shrieking noisily as he went, to crack and
split more of the hard nuts of this tree for his favourite kernel.
A Drongo was busily engaged constructing his cradle-like nest
in a forest tree in which a Fig-Bird already had her nest. Many
Calornis were outside the edge of the now dark and damp scrub,
feeding on the host of flying termites, together with Avses lorealts
and Monarcha albiventer and others who had gathered to the
feast. Macropus agilis, disturbed from the long grass, rushed off
into the scrub; it was with difficulty that we got a glimpse of
this wallaby, as he kept low in the grass. The evening was spent
in the usual way—bottling insects that came to the lamp, skinning,
writing notes, and listening to the Red-necked Rails and Moor-
Hens that flew overhead at intervals, and to the constant call of
Ninox rufa, the Pittas, night-wandering Koel, or Podargus
marmoratus.

Many successive days were spent in this way, excursions being
made in varying directions, with more or less success, but always
absorbingly interesting and all too short, every day returning
wet, changing, sluicing with a bucket of water at our staging,
erected out of reach of the wily crocodiles, and a meal that was

“aa

Vol. XVII.
19'7

] MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 7a:
always done full justice to, whether of tinned meat or Brush-
Turkey, Scrub-Fowl or Nutmeg-Pigeon.

A very large spider’s hole had frequently attracted our atten-
tion; so, when one was found near the camp, the shovel was
brought into requisition, and the creature found in a_ roomy
chamber at the end of 6 feet of a passage. It measured, after
cyanidation, 6 inches from the tips of the fore legs to the tips of
the hind ones, 2} inches from mouth to end of abdomen, and
~ inch across the thorax.

On the 29th December M‘Lennan and I, with two blacks,
crossed the creek to investigate some scrub on the opposite side.
We were following up a dry creek which divided grass land from
scrub, and at times ran through scrub; it had a sandy bed and
occasional pools of water left by the recent rains. We had got
ahead of the blacks by cutting across a bend through scrub, when
one came running up to tell us that there was a “ big fellow
snake’? down the creek, and explained that it could not move,
as it had eaten something big. On returning with him we found
a large carpet snake, 11 feet in length, with a large bulging in the
middle of its body. The normal part of his body measured
g inches, whereas it was 24 inches round the swelling. After
transfixing the head with the black’s spear, we opened the snake,
and found that the cause of the swelling was a wallaby, measuring
3 feet from tip of its nose to tip of its tail. It did not smell too
sweetly, and several small carrion beetles were on the wallaby
and seemed quite lively and at home. It had been swallowed
head first, the fore limbs being alongside the body and hinder
limbs extended.

Early in January it was still raining, and the general dampness
was having its effect on our belongings. All our baggage,
especially anything of leather, was covered with mould; one’s
hat, if put down in the evening, would be mouldy by morning,
also one’s boots, which never became really dry, and all clothing
felt damp at all times. The leather covering our cameras became
detached, and also from our field glasses. Insects became more
numerous. Stinging flies of several varieties, varying in colour
and size; the most numerous and most persistent was a small
brown one, about half an inch in length. They had to be con-
stantly kept off one’s face and hands, and did their best to sting
through clothing if one’s hands were occupied for a few seconds ;
for instance, when a butterfly was caught by net, and had to be
transferred to cyanide pot, one’s face, hands, and any exposed
part of the body would be covered with these flies, each one
stinging so soon as it alighted.

The grass was growing tall and rank in the open country, and
there was an abundant growth of wild grape vines and other
trailers and herbage in the open forest. We had noted so far
three terrestrial orchids, and, whilst admiring the many beautitul
plants, regretted that we had no botanist with us. Small green
or yellow frogs are found upon the grass blades, larger ones in

72, MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. Roos
the branches of the forest trees, some in the hollows of trees. One
of these has a crying voice; it rather alarms one when uttered at
one’s elbow when passing a small tree. A lizard has a similar
voice, like the cry of a child, and is found also in the hollow
interior of small trees. One of our niggers captured a bandicoot
in its grass nest by putting his foot on it and then forcing its head
back and breaking its neck with his hand. Flowers were coming
out everywhere, on shrubs, herbage, and climbers. One shrub
has fine, large, white, star-like flowers of great beauty. This
was afterwards submitted to the late Mr. Bailey, at Brisbane,
and proved to be a new Gardenia.

On the 4th January we removed everything from the top
camp, 7 miles up the river, to the main camp, in heavy rain.
The river at the main camp was in high flood, and two days later,
when it subsided, we left for the sandalwood landing, three miles
down stream, on the opposite side. Here the soil is sandy, and
we were near the tea-tree and mangrove swamps. The open
forest of eucalypts, tea-tree, and several other varieties had an
under-brush of tea-tree and other small heathy plants. Cockerell’s
Honey-eater was common here, and there was an old bower of
the Fawn-breasted Bower-Bird beside the camp.

On the following day, when another boat-load of baggage was
being brought down from the main camp, three crocodiles were
disturbed from sand or mud banks. Our new camp was soon
fixed up, and in getting the tent poles a new bower of Chlamydera
cerviniventris was discovered quite near by. Round about this
camp were several burrows with a heap of sand at the entrance ;
they were about two inches in diameter at the entrance, and went
down about two feet. At the bottom was a chamber full of leaves,
and a female elephant beetle cheeped vigorously on being dis-
turbed. In one of the nests were three eggs of the beetle ; all had
the nests of leaves in the chamber and a female beetle in
possession.

On the 8th we all went down the southern bank of the river,
following the lightly-timbered bank for some distance, then into
dense scrub, emerging from it into tall-growing mangroves, in
which there was very little bird-life, then into swamp with thickly-
growing fan-palms. We occasionally halted and lit a smouldering
fire of leaves to make a smoke, in which we stood to give ourselves
a rest from the mosquitoes. We turned back soon after, and
struggled through thickly-interlaced scrub which opened out into a
tea-tree swamp — shallows with large and small paper-barks,
bordered with a thickly-growing Lomaria-like fern, coarse grass,
and Pandanus. We followed this up till near the camp, where we
got our cameras and went back to the swamp for views.

The following day we went up the river in the boat, and soon
noted where a large crocodile had slid off a sand-bank. There
were many beautiful climbers festooning the trees along the
banks ; one especially, with lavender flowers in large trusses, made
a great display. Another, with Tecoma-like foliage, had orange

Vol. XVII.
1917

MACGILLIVRAY, Ovynithologists in North Queensland: 73
berries covering it. Many of the deciduous trees were now
coming into leaf or flower. Some of these lose their leaves early,
and remain quiescent during the dry season; others retain their
leaves until the commencement of the rainy season, and shed
them immediately before regaining the new dress. One of these,
growing occasionally along the banks or on the edges of the scrub,
has leaves which turn to a brilliant scarlet before falling, and do
this just as the tree is bursting into flower. We landed and found
a nest of the Boat-billed Flycatcher in a bushy scrub tree. We
shot a grizzly flying-fox with a young one clinging to it; then a
Scrub-Turkey and several Nutmeg-Pigeons for the pot. We
came upon a small creek in the scrub, and noted where a large
crocodile had recently crossed a small isthmus separating one
water-hole from another.

After lunch M‘Lennan and I followed the two blacks, who had
borrowed an axe to cut out two “sugar bags,’ otherwise native
bee nests. The first was about 20 feet up in a living tree, and
contained a good lot of bees but only a small amount of honey.
The second was high up in a dry tree which took quite a long time
to fell. When this was done we found it to contain quite a lot
of honey, old and new wax-comb, bee bread, and new cells. We
ate some, and brought about a quart home ; it is very sweet and
sickly. After we had taken our share from the tree the two blacks
had a competition to see who would get most of what remained.
They would cram their mouths full of wax, honey, and bees till
they were too full to masticate. The honey was trickling down
their chins and over their chests, and bees crawling about their
mouths. It is necessary to explain that these bees do not sting.
Near here we found a fine new bower of Chlamydera cerviniventris.

On the roth we prepared to leave for Lloyd’s Island in order
to catch the steamer south. The cutter had come up for us, and
we first went out and shifted the nearer of the two bowers of C.
cervinwentris ; this we did quite easily, as the floor was firmly
woven together, and we placed it on a flat sheet of bark and put
it on the deck of the cutter with the rest of our baggage, and
made Lloyd’s Island late in the evening. Next day we explored
the mangroves, then the island behind them. A track ran along
here, with two beautiful pools of fresh water beside it. It was
here that we got the Finch Erythrura trichroa.

On the afternoon of the 12th we started for Restoration Island,
where it had been arranged that we should be picked up by the
s.s. Suva at g next morning. However, a mistake had been made,
and we woke in the morning to find the Suva steaming away
south. No other boat calls for a month, so we made our way
back to Lloyd’s Island and made up our minds for another stay
on the mainland. We left our heavier luggage at the island, and
sailed for the mouth of the river. The wind dropped, and we
anchored off the shore for the night, and made the mouth of the
river next morning; but the wind was so light that we had to
take to the dinghys again and row up to the sandalwood landing,

74, MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. He Sa

arriving early. This night we noticed several fire-flies about the
camp; they appeared as brilliant points of pure white lght
moving slowly about amongst the trees. We succeeded in
capturing several ; they proved to be small beetles, each about
a quarter of an inch long, the head and thorax reddish, the elytra
black, with a white luminous patch on the under surface of the
abdomen at-its termination. Next evening, at our main camp,
the fire-flies are all around in numbers ; they seem to congregate
about the tops of certain trees, flying slowly in and out and round
the trees, like so many brilliant, pure white stars. We captured
several, and they retained their light for some time after death
in cyanide. We kept several alive. The light seems to pulsate,
and any agitation seems to brighten it up. Both male and
female have the light, and no doubt the purpose is sexual attrac-
tion, and the flight round the tree-tops a nuptial flight.

M‘Lennan and I went down stream for the rest of our baggage.
The vegetation along the banks has improved wonderfully since
the rain set in. Everything is so fresh and green, and many
plants flowering, or on the point of doing so. There is a Smilax,
stronger-growing and with far better foliage than the commonly
cultivated ‘‘ bridal creeper.’ Another climber, and a freely-
growing one, has a very pretty mimosa-like leaf, but is not
flowering as yet. Another has large trusses of sweetly-scented
yellow flowers; another, again, is covered with white, star-like
flowers, after the style of a jasmine ; some are thorny and others
not unlike a passion-vine in growth. We went leisurely down,
packed up, and started back with the returning tide, examining
nests and plants on the way, and arrived before lunch.

Insects were getting more plentiful now that the vegetation
was responding to the continued falls of rain. March flies were
increasing in numbers, and persecuted us in an unmerciful manner,
so that the attentions of the mosquitoes, which were numerons
enough, almost passed unnoticed. My boy and Mr. Kershaw
were successful in capturing numbers of butterflies and moths,
many of which have proved to be sub-specifically new, and the
papering and labelling of these occupied their time in the evenings
at our table under the palm-leaf shelter. Every day we made
long marches in scrub which is either open or dense, or out in
open forest or grass lands. The grass had grown rapidly, and all
the lower lands were getting under water, and we had to. wade
in many flats that were quite dry when we first arrived.

The night of the 18th January was a very wet and uncomfort-
able one, the heavy rain beating through the fly that sheltered
our bunks and wetting them. Two Kingfishers were now noted.
Tanystptera sylvia was getting numerous in the scrub, and busily
engaged drilling its burrows in the termite nests. Syma
flavirostris was not so common nor so conspicuous. There were
many Cisticola in the grass lands, most of them building their
nests, which ate not easily found, so artfully are they concealed.

On the 20th January, in a small patch of scrub, we came across

ow conta 8 SO

> Dal too Hot

Vol. XVII. ane ofa a ,
2 ae | MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland 75

a very fine lily in flower. The flowering head is somewhat cone-
shaped, consisting of a number of brilliantly scarlet bracts, lke
in shape to the tubular florets of a dahlia. The top ones have a
yellow flower in each bract ; the bracts remain below as the flowering
ones expand. The bracts ‘are quite hard. These flowering heads
are borne on stalks varying in height from 18 inches to 4 feet.
Several large leaves come up from a common root-centre, and are
large and very much divided, and about a foot in diameter. There
were quite a number of them growing in sandy soil, with plenty
of moisture and under perpetual shade. This flower is a very
much handsomer thing than the waratah. One wet day we came
across a carpet snake sunning himself full stretch on a log; he
was not very active, and allowed us to handle him without much
show of resentment. Every day we got wet through; the long
grass and herbage was always wet, and all depressions, whether
in scrub or open, full of water. Mr. Kershaw and lan had
developed sores on legs and feet, and had to limit their ex-
cursions.

On the 26th January we packed our things to shift to the
sandalwood landing, sending them down by boat, whilst we walked,
and were ferried across by the boat. We found two black-boys
had also arrived at the landing with twelve pack-horses to get
stores for the sandalwood-getters inland. The horses were all
gathered together in the smoke of two fires lighted to keep the
March flies off the poor animals. A large dark variety of these
pests was very numerous, and persistent in its attacks on man
or beast. We found quite a number of the nests of Jvichodere
cockerella within a short distance of this camp, and the blacks
speared a small dasyure (native cat) that had been hiding amongst
_the pack bags. We spent our time exploring the tea-tree and
mangrove swamps for the next few days, the wading being often
difficult, owing to the amount of fallen timber, mostly submerged,
deep holes into which we would unsuspectingly plunge, clumps
of ferns, climbing ferns and rushes, and dangerous, as they were
infested with crocodiles.

On the 30th the cutter came for us, and we transferred our
belongings to it and went down-stream. A crocodile’s nest was
noted on the right bank, in the mangrove portion, and we landed
to examine it. The mangroves were small, the bank about
18 inches above high tide mark, and the nest 8 feet in from the
water’s edge. It had a base diameter of about 44 feet, and 2 feet
across the top; it was 3 feet high, composed of decaying vegeta-
tion and sand. Uncovering it, the eggs, 43 in number, were
found within a foot of the top, all in a heap. A piece of stick
was laid across the middle of the eggs—whether by accident or |
design it is hard to say ; but the blacks aver that it is always so.
The surrounding ground for 10 or 12 yards showed where the
reptile had scraped the earth and leaves from ; in many places it
had been done quite deeply, and showed the imprint of its claws.
We soon left the river and arrived at Lloyd’s Island, leaving next

76 MACGILLIVRAY, Oynithologists in North Queensland. gE,

day for Claremont lightship to catch the s.s. Suva to take us
home again.

After we had left the Claudie River Mr. M‘Lennan remained on
until 11th March, when he left for Lloyd’s Island, sailing at a later
date for Thursday Island. On 21st May, 1914, he left Thursday
Island in a Small two-ton cutter for the Archer River, on the western
side of Cape York Peninsula, taking three months’ provisions with
him for himself and Mohr, who had been with us on the Claudie, and
who acted as cook and camp attendant generally. The first anchor-
age was Crab Island, 28 miles from Thursday Island. Next morning,
in trying to negotiate a passage between the island and mainland,
the boat got stuck fast on a sand-bank. As this, with a falling
tide, necessitated some hours’ wait, M‘Lennan and Mohr went
ashore for breakfast, noting numbers of Sterna bergiit, a few |
Pelicans, Curlews, and Reef-Herons on the banks. A Bower-Bird
(C. orientalis), Crimson-winged Parrots, two species of Graucalus,
Coucals, Leach’s Kingfisher, Drongos, Fig-Birds, Friar-Birds,
Yellow MHoney-eaters, Wood-Swallows, Grallinas, Crows, and
Whistling Eagles were noted, and several others heard calling.

A start was made at 2.30 p.m., and, as the wind had changed to
south-west, it necessitated a close haul down the coast. A heavy
rain squall struck the boat, the jib sheet was carried away, and
they had a lively time until they got the jib rigged again. A
good anchorage in No. 2 River was reached at sunset. Here
a large flock of thousands of Curlew, Whimbrel, Little Whimbrel,
and several smaller flocks of hundreds of the smaller waders were
circling round the sand-banks at the mouth of the river, evidently
congregating for their flight to the other side of the world.
Terns, Noddies, Pelicans, and Egrets were also noted. Up the
river a large flock of Straw-necked Ibis was circling high in the
air. Several different bird-calls, mostly of migratory species,
were heard during the night.

On the 24th the boat anchored off the mouth of the Batavia
River, about 90 miles from Thursday Island. On the 27th inst.
it anchored early some distance beyond Albatross Bay. M’‘Lennan
went ashore and walked inland a couple of miles through
messmate forest country. Birds were not very plentiful. The
following were noted :—White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Osprey, Crow,
Cracticus mentalis, Graucalus melanops, Pachycephala pallida,
Micreca flavigaster, Pacilodryas superciliosa, Myiagra concinna,
Rhipidura tricolor, R. setosa, Climacteris melanonota, Stigmatops
ocularis, Ptilotis flava, Friar-Bird, Melithreptus albogularis, Malurus
dorsalis, Artamus hypoleucus, Merops ornatus, Coucal, a Bronze-
Cuckoo, Pardalotus (? sp., heard calling), Gerygone albogularis,
Halcyon macleayi, Dacelo leachit, D. maclennant, Collyriocincla
superciliosa, Cacatua galerita, Trichoglossus septentrionalts, Drongo,
Podargus papuensis, Caprimulgus macrurus, and White-fronted
Heron.

The mouth of the Archer River was reached on the 29th May,
and some difficulty experienced in entering it owing to numerous

Vol XVII.
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MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. oy
sand-banks. Next day he proceeded up the river to a mission
station, and was recommended by the superintendent to go to
the Watson River, a tributary of the Archer, as a boat could get
up about 40 miles, and there was a number of fresh-water swamps
and good camping-places along its banks. On the way up
several crocodiles were seen, and one shot. A sandalwood
landing-place was reached on the 2nd June, and here it was
decided to camp. The cutter went back and a dinghy was
retained. A dingo was shot during the night as it was investigating
the boat. Mr. M‘Lennan’s description of the country along the
river is as follows :—‘ The banks for about 10 miles from the
mouth are thickly fringed with mangroves; behind the man-
groves are big stretches of open plain and shallow, rush-grown
swamps ; and beyond these again are low ridges covered with
messmate, bloodwood, and numerous other trees. Above the
mangroves and beyond our camp there are narrow fringes of
light tropical scrub. The river flats are thickly covered with
stunted bloodwoods, cabbage gums, ironwoods, paper-barks,
wattles, and other trees. Around the lagoons are casuarinas and
paper-barks ; the ridges the same as lower down. No open plains
or large swamps.”’

On 6th June he notes, on returning from a long walk :—‘ The
carcass of the dingo came floating past, with a crocodile shepherding
it ; then just about dusk Alf was fishing from the dinghy, and a
crocodile came to the surface about 30 feet away, and lay
watching him. 1 grabbed the rifle and put a bullet into its head,
and down it went out of sight.”

On the 7th, after lunch, he started to skin some birds collected
during the forenoon, but soon had to desist owing to a sudden
attack of fever; took some quinine. His remarks are :—‘‘I
thought it was malaria, but have since concluded that it was
dengue. Spent a wretched night; could not sleep. The fever
abated a bit towards morning. 8th June.—Felt very sore and
stiff, bad headache ; took some more quinine and stopped in bed.
oth June.—Still feeling pretty bad. Alf went off up river to get
some birds for skinning. I shot a Micreca near camp, and was
just starting to skin it when Alf came back to tell me that a big
crocodile was asleep on the bank half a mile up the river. I got
the rifle and went up with him. The crocodile, a hideous brute
over 16 feet long and 2 feet 6 inches across the belly, was still
in dreamland. I could not get a shot at the head, so I put a
bullet in behind the shoulder from a distance of 20 feet. It
plunged into the river, swam up stream a few yards, then across
to the other side and sank. I waited for some time, but it did
not show up again. Returned to camp with a severe headache,
and skinned the Micreca.”

On the following night he “ heard a dingo prowling round the
camp ; it sneaked away when I got up. I waited a few minutes
till it came back, and I put a bullet into it. It crashed away
through the grass for a few yards, then uttered its death-howl.”
6

78 MAcGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [eames

On the r6th he went up the river in the boat, and reached the
limit of the tidal waters a little before sundown ; further progress
barred by rocks. The banks of the river are here about 30 feet
high, and the channel about 50 yards across. This is about
10 miles from the main camp. The notes for the rest of the
month are a daily record of collecting about the main camp.

July was spent in collecting—8 miles above the camp for the
first week, then 12 miles further down, mostly in scrub and the
more open country. Early in July several days were spent in
the mangroves getting specimens of the birds that frequent them,
such as Myzomela erythrocephala, Myiagra latirostris, Peecilodryas
pulverulentus, Alcyone pusilla, A. pulchra, and others. August
was spent in much the same way, and, as provisions and cartridges
were exhausted, a return to Thursday Island made at the end of
the month. One hundred and sixty-one species were identified.

A second trip was made by Mr. M‘Lennan to the Archer River
in 1915, when he left Thursday Island on 30th March, reaching
and anchoring inside the mouth of the river at sunset on the 4th
April. Here some natives told him of a breeding-place of birds
on Archer Creek, which runs into the Archer River a few miles
from its mouth. He anchored a few miles up the creek, and went
ashore to explore some swamps. Plover, Egret, and Ibis were
plentiful on the small swamps near the river. He writes :—'' Go
on to a big swamp about 3 miles from the river, and wade through
about 2 miles of it ; water waist-deep, going very heavy. Semi-
palmated Geese numerous ; found several half-built nests and
numbers that the natives had robbed. No eggs.”

On the oth April he went on to another river down the coast,
and went up it for about 3 miles before anchoring. The river
here widens out into a big shallow bay, 2 miles across by 3 miles
long. In this are two big mangrove-covered islands, and
numerous creeks or channels running into it. Egrets, Pelicans,
Mangrove Ducks, and Stilts were noted on the mud-banks. On
exploring the creeks hundreds of old nests were noted in the
mangroves ; along several of them Pied Egrets, Great-billed
Herons, and small flocks of Black-billed Spoonbills and Ibis were
noted.

On 13th April he returned to the Archer River, and went up
a tributaiy stream, the Watson River. On his first day here
he came across Bathilda ruficauda clarescens and the Golden-
shouldered Parrakeet. On the following day he explored a big
rush-grown swamp, noting a Jabiru, Plovers, Native Companions,
Black and Mangrove Ducks, Pied, Little, and Great Egrets, White
Ibis, and Sharp-tailed Stints. Numbers of Galahs were in the
trees round the swamp.

Leaving the Watson River on the 17th April, he went up
Archer Creek, exploring the creeks and islands along it. Some
distance up on the right bank he found a swamp which was alive
with birds—White and Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill,
Glossy Ibis, Egrets, Little Egrets, Pied Egrets, Plumed Egrets,

ae 2a

Vol. XVII.
1917

] MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in Novth Queensland. 79
Masked Plover, Sharp-tailed Stints, Red-kneed Dottrel, Black-
fronted Dottrel, Jabirus, and Native Companions.

On the following day he went to the swamp early in the day,
and later again at sunset, when he found it alive with Duck, and
remarks :—‘‘ They evidently come to feed at night, as I have
not seen them during the day.” Three species were identified—
Mangrove-Duck, Piumed Whistling-Duck, and Black Duck. On
other swamps were noted Jacanas, White-eyed Duck, and Pigmy
Geese. On a swamp 3 miles north-west of camp were Jacana,
Pigmy Geese (with young), and numbers of Semi-palmated Geese,
a mob of Black Duck, three White-eyed Duck, and a Whistling-
Duck. Out in Pandanus country Finches were numerous—
Red-faced, Bicheno’s, Black-rumped, Crimson (Neochmia phaeton
albiventer), and Chestnut-breasted, and several nesting.

On the 23rd April the country further up the river was explored,
but all the smaller swamps were dry. In the evening the natives
brought in a water carpet snake. This is a water python, with
all its scales keeled, to enable it to hold and crush its slippery
prey. Every night some hours were spent out after Owls, with
varying results. This expedition ended on 5th May, when
Thursday Island was reached.

NOTES ON SPECIES OBSERVED.

Dromaius nove-hollandiz (Dromiceius novehollandie novehollandia}.
—Emus had been frequently seen near the camp before our arrival,
and the aborigines had brought young birds to Mr. M‘Lennan. We,
however, did not see any, though we found traces on several occasions.

Casuarius australis (Casuarius casuarius johnsonit).— The ex-
crement of these fine birds was often met with in the scrub ; it con-
sisted usually of large stones and seeds of various fruits, even the
large, rough stones of the Pandanus. They lve mostly upon fallen
fruit, of which there is always a plentiful supply. The horny helmet
of the bird is no doubt helpful in enabling it to thread its way
through the tangle of vines and other climbing plants so frequently
met with in its usual haunts.

On 16th September Mr. M‘Lennan flushed a Cassowary from her
nest at the edge of the scrub; the nest contained two addled eggs
and a newly-hatched young bird. The nest consisted of a layer of
grass and leaves three feet in diameter and two inches in thickness.
The old bird emitted three roaring grunts as she ran from the nest.
The young bird was 50 days old when we arrived. It was 1 foot
high when erect, and was covered with hairy down of a pale brown
colour ; three dark brown stripes extended the whole length of the
dorsal surface, with two shorter and fainter ones on either side ; the
had was not striped, and was of a reddish colour. He was an
amusing companion, and accompanied us on our marches from one
camp to another, being usually carried in a billy. We fed him on
fruit, and were hoping to bring him away with us. Unfortunately,
however, he met with an untimely end at the hands—or, rather, teeth
—of a mongrel dog.

On one occasion we watched a Cassowary bathing in a shallow
pool on the Upper Claudie River. This one we bagged, and secured

80 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland: Hae en

the skin. Its crop, a very large one, was crammed with wild fruits
and leaves, some of the fruits being two inches in diameter. The
intestines contained a number of tape-worms.

Their tracks were often noted in the beds of creeks where the sand
or soft mud would take an impression. We on several occasions
heard their call, which seemed to be a short but deep booming
grunt.

Megapodius tumulus (Megapodius duperryi assimilis).—The Scrub-
Fowl was plentiful, and both old and freshly-attended mounds were
very common. Some of these were 20 feet in height from the base.
These are old nests, and are added to year after year. The bird
burrows down into these mounds to deposit her egg, and then fills
the burrow up. When searching for the egg one has to find these
‘pipes’ and follow them down. This is one of the noisiest birds
of the scrub, and may be heard both day and night. The call is
loud, harsh, and screaming in character. Though essentially birds
of the scrub, they are sometimes met with in open forest, and often
wander to it at night, especially in the wet season, when the scrub
is saturated with moisture. On one or two occasions they came into
the trees near our camp and woke us with their raucous calling.
They are shy birds, but we often got glimpses of them in the scrub.
Once, when sitting quietly on the bank of a creek, we had a good
view of one which strolled up on the other bank, walked jerkily
about for some time, and then went her way. Once, when examining
a Pitta’s nest, a pair rushed past without taking any notice of our
presence. They often served to replenish our larder, but are not
nearly so palatable as the next species.

Catheturus purpureicollis (A/lecturus lathamt purpuretcollis). —

Plentiful in the scrub. Their mounds are much smaller and more
loosely built than those of the Scrub-Fowl. The naked skin of the
neck is of a bright red colour, with a few white spots on the lower
and upper parts. The wattle is of a lavender colour, instead of
yellow, as in the southern form. The birds are an excellent addition
to the menu.

Synoicus australis (Synoicus ypsilophorus queenslandica).—Several
of these birds were flushed from the long grass, but no specimen was
obtained.

Excalfactoria australis (Evcalfactovia chinensis cairnse@). — On
several occasions we flushed this species from the grassy plain near
our top camp, and obtained one specimen—a male.

Turnix melanotus (lurnix maculosa melanota).—We flushed these
birds on many occasions, and obtained several specimens before the
grass grew too long. In the wet season we found it a difficult matter
. to raise any of the Quail.

Ptilinopus swainsoni (P. vegina regina). — Not at all common ;
noted on Haggerstone Island. In my previous notes I identified this
bird as P. ewingi; this latter species, however, does not occur on
the eastern coast-line, being found in the Northern Territory.

Lamprotreron superba.—A common bird in the scrub, where it
usually nests and feeds on the wild fruits.

Megaloprepia assimilis (/. magnifica assimilis).—Frequently seen,
and their throaty ‘‘ Bol-be-coo’’ note more frequently heard, in the

Seales.

ee | MAcGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 81

scrub. They feed upon wild fruits, and keep to the scrub, where they
usually nest on some thin, horizontal fork, at no great height from
the ground.

Myristicivora spilorrhoa (M. bicolor spilorrhoa).—Mr. M‘Lennan’s
earliest note of the arrival of these migratory birds was on the oth
August, when, on the Pascoe River, he noted seeing ‘‘a single Torres
Strait Pigeon fly into the scrub.’’ On the 29th August, when visiting
Lloyd Island, he noted that “‘a fair number were coming over to
roost.”’ On the 30th he noted—‘‘ About 100 Torres Strait Pigeons
came over’’; then on the 31st he noted—‘‘ More Torres Strait
Pigeons appear to be coming every day.’ On the 24th September
he noted—‘“‘ Great numbers of Torres Strait Pigeons are coming over
to the island to roost.’’ Again, on the 14th October, he noted—“ Great
numbers of Torres Strait Pigeons are now coming over.”’

On the 5th November, the morning after our arrival at the island,
we were witnesses to the prodigious numbers that left their roosting-
place on the island for the mainland. After the Lorikeets and
Starlings had mostly left, the Pigeons began to fly off, first singly,
then in pairs or small lots, at intervals, from different parts of the
mangroves. These lots became larger and more and more frequent
until a continuous stream of birds was passing over from every part
of the mangrove belt. The cooing, starting from single birds at
dawn, had gradually increased until it became a loud and continuous
murmur. We walked along after this between the mangroves and
the steep side of the island, and saw numbers still in the trees, where
many were beginning to construct or had already made nests in the
higher mangroves.

When at our camp on the Claudie we had frequently to take toll
of these birds in order to replenish our pot. They were in the habit
of feeding in the scrub just below our camp. They are easily traced
to their food trees by hearing their deep ‘‘ Hoo-hooing.’’ These
trees are tall forest trees whose tops are often hidden in the canopy
of the scrub. They bear plum-like fruits, some blue, others red, and
others, again, white ; some are bitter, others have a pleasant sub-acid
taste. The Pigeons swallow them whole, and make no difficulty
over it even when one measures 14 x ? inches. The presence of the
birds in a tree is also indicated by the constant dropping of fruit
dislodged by them, but even then it is a difficult matter to detect
them, as their black-and-white plumage blends so well with the light
and shade amongst the leaves.

When at Lloyd’s Island again on 11th January, we went along
the mangrove sea-front in two boats, and entered at different points.
Several Pigeons were flushed from their nests, which were not so
numerous as we expected. A recent storm blew down many of the
trees, leaving large gaps in places, so that only the well-sheltered
nests survived. Many nests were empty, some contained addled
eggs, others squabs, and a few recent ones fresh eggs. The addled
eggs are due to the parents being shot for the pot by the blacks
employed on the island, who find it much easier to shoot sitting
birds than those flying. Some of the nests are mere skeleton plat-
forms of sticks, through which the egg may easily be seen ; others
are quite compact structures of leaves and twigs.

By the end of January the Pigeons coming over were not nearly so
numerous, and we saw many flocks flying northward.

82 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. ease

Lopholaimus antareticus (Lopholaimus antarcticus minor).—Of this
Pigeon Mr. M‘Lennan wrote first of all on the 16th May, 1911, from
a camp on the Jardine River, 28 miles south of Cape York, when he
noted the occurrence of three large blue Pigeons. On the following
day he saw a large flock of blue Pigeons, and on the day after he got
two. These birds are smaller than the Northern New South Wales
birds in every way, and have a smaller crest. Both specimens were
males. Mr. Vidgen, of Paira, Cape York, at this time stated that
he had noted a couple of flocks flying over his house, and that they
seemed to be coming from over the strait, evidently from Papua.
He also noted that it was seven or eight years since any had passed
over, and previously to that ten years. Mr. M‘Lennan again noted
them flying over on the 6th August, 1911.

They were not again noted by Mr. Vidgen until 1914, when he

made the following note on the 29th May :—‘‘ The blue Topknot-
Pigeon has come across this year. The first arrivals were seen about
two weeks ago. This is their first appearance since 1911.’’ On 6th
August. 1914, he made this note :—‘‘ We have shot a fair number

of the Lesser Topknot-Pigeon this year, and right up to the last
sight of them the ovaries showed no sign of development. They
evidently do not breed here.’’ Mr. Vidgen sent specimens of these
birds ; they are much larger than those sent by Mr. M‘Lennan, and are
evidently L. antarcticus antarcticus.

Macropygia robinsoni (Macvopygia phasianella vobinsoni).—Fre-
quently seen and heard in the scrub. We did not succeed in finding
any nests. The note is a high-toned ‘“‘ Cuck-oo-waup,” repeated
five or six times in succession.

Geopelia humeralis (Chrysauchena humeralis lewinit).—This is a
very common bird ; it is in the mangroves along the coast and on the
islands off the coast. We frequently flushed small parties from the
ground in the open forest country. One nest found in open forest
on the 19th November was placed 10 feet up in a small tree; it
contained two fully-fledged young.

Mr. M‘Lennan found this species to be quite common on the Archer
River.

Geopelia tranquilla (Geopelia placida placida).—Occasionally seen
and heard. Mr. M‘Lennan noted this species as being common on
the Archer jxuver: :

Chaleophaps chrysochlora (Chalcophaps chrysochlova vogersi).—
Fairly common in the scrub. They are ground feeders, eating seeds,
kernels, and fallen fruits. A favourite feeding-place is under a
Calornis tree, where the ground is carpeted with seeds and stones
ejected by the nesting birds.

Mr. Kershaw and my son Ian found one nest in the scrub on the
14th November ; it was 8 feet up on a horizontal bough, and con-
tained two fresh eggs. The call is a soft ‘‘Coo-00-00-0.”’ Mr.
M‘Lennan noted them on the Pascoe River.

Hypotenidia philippensis (H. p. yorki).—We first met with this
bird on Quoin Island. They were numerous on Raine Island, either
in the grass or on the sand. They shelter during the heat of the
day in the burrows made by the Petrel (P. sphenurus) and in the
caves under the coralline rock. We flushed several when investi-
gating the Petrel burrows, and afterwards when searching the caves

Vol. XVII.
IQly

] Macairiivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 83
and crevices for Tropic-Birds. We flushed one from a nest under
some dry grass, the nest being a circular depression in the grass, with
the eggs, four in number, resting on the sand. From dissections of
other females, it was evident that many of them were breeding.

Rallina tricolor (Tomirvdus tricoloy vobinsont).—We heard nothing
of this species until the 20th December, when they were heard flying
over our camp at night. After this they were frequently heard
flying over every night, and they always seemed to be coming from
the east. About this time we left for the Reef, and on our return
we frequently heard them calling in the scrub at night, but never once
did we get a glimpse of one.

Poliolimnas leucophrys (P. cinereus leucophrys).—When following
the bank of a deep tea-tree swamp we shot one of these birds perched
in a bush growing in the water, and in doing so disturbed a large
crocodile from a clump of nipa palms about 5 yards from us.

Amaurornis ruficrissa (4. moluccanus ruficrissus)—We heard the
first of these birds on the night of the 22nd December, flying over
our camp ; a few more were heard on the 23rd, and on the 24th they
could be heard passing over at intervals throughout the night. After
this date we heard them nightly for the remainder of our stay ; it
was then the wet season. During the day we often heard them in
the long grass, either by the river or on the flats.

On 6th March, after our departure, Mr. M‘Lennan made _ the
following note :—“‘I flushed a Rufous-tailed Moor-Hen from a nest
containing six eggs, and whilst I was packing the eggs the bird
returned and kept walking about within a few feet of me, uttering
a hissing and grunting note. The nest-was 2 feet from the ground ;
the blades of grass were bent over and trampled down, forming a plat-
form slightly hollowed in the centre, with a few pieces of dry grass
for a lining.”’

Puffinus sphenurus (Thyellodvoma pacifica voyana).—We were on
Raine Islet for the first week in December, and during that time we
found many burrows of this Petrel in the soft sandy soil of the top
of the islet, where it was covered with a dense, down-trodden layer
of dry and wiry grass and herbage, which contained many thorny
burrs. This layer had to be removed before the burrows could be
located, and, as the soil into which the birds had burrowed consisted
of a mixture of loose, floury guano and fine sand, the task of ex-
cavating them proved to be hot, dusty, and disagreeable. Some of
the burrows went deeply, and pursued a_ tortuous course, on the
average, for about 6 feet, and were difficult or impossible to follow ;.
others, again, were shallower and more open, and ran along.close to
the surface ; many ran under the limestone ledges, and were safe
from interference. The birds uttered a grunting call on our nearing
them in the burrows ; some scurried out, and others remained in.
Most of the burrows contained a fresh egg; several eggs were in-
cubating, others just hatching, and a few nests were occupied by
downy young, the down being of a smoky grey, with the feet, bill,
and legs whitish. Each burrow containing an egg had a bedding of
dry grass for its reception. When caught, some of the old birds
vomited up the partly digested remains of small Medus@, the same
kind being found in the stomachs of those taken for specimens. At
a later date we found this jelly-fish in the sea, inside the reef. These

84 MaccILitvray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [,.F™3.,

Petrels cannot rise directly from the ground, but run or scurry along
until they come to a ledge, when they rise, and make off to the open
sea.

We frequently went up at night to where their burrows were.
Many birds were flying to and fro, and their mournful wailing and
moaning call was to be heard from all sides. Two at one burrow
were crying like a pair of cats ; another pair that we could discern
seemed to be indulging in a kind of display whilst calling in this way.

Just before dark flocks of these birds would return to the island
and fly up and down over the sea close to the shore for some time
before coming in on to their burrows.

Porphyrio melanonotus (Porphyvio melanotus neomelanotus).—This
species was noted by Mr. M‘Lennan on the Pascoe River and also on
the Archer River swamps, on the opposite side of the peninsula.

Podiceps poliocephalus (Poliocephalus p. poliocephalus).—Noted by
Mr. M‘Lennan on the Pascoe River on 1st August, 1913.

Sterna media (Thallaseus bengalensis torvesit)—A few of these birds
were noted on our way up the coast, near Townsville, and later, when
we were nearing the Ashmore Banks, small flocks were seen hawking
over shoals of fish. We did not find them nesting on any of the
islands or sand-banks visited.

Sterna cristata (Thallasseus bergii pelecanoides).—A small colony of
these birds was nesting on the south end of Quoin Island when we
visited it on 30th November. On our way out to the Ashmore Banks
they were frequently noted hawking over the shoals of fish. When
we arrived at the banks a great crowd of birds was seen to be over
No. 3 ; on nearing the shore this was seen to be composed of this Tern
and Sula leucogastey. On landing at the south end we found a
nesting colony of the Tern. Nearly every nest (which was a mere
depression in the sand) was occupied by a newly-hatched, downy
young bird, several of which were running about ; other nests con-
tained eggs nearly hatching. Although the colour pattern is the
same in all the young ones, the ground colour of the down varies in
the same way as that of the eggs.

We found a larger colony at the northern end of the sand-bank.
The nests here mostly contained a single egg ; those on the outskirts
and at one end were mostly fresh, whilst those in the centre and at
the other end were incubating. A few young were in nests or were
running about.

When we arrived at Raine Island, on the 4th December, two small
colonies were nesting in the depression in the centre of the island.
The birds themselves were very numerous ; the air over the island
seemed to be full of them. They are, however, mostly in pairs, and
keep together when flying, every movement being in unison. They
were often seen to perform most remarkable aerial evolutions,
tumbling and rushing down from a great height, and soaring high
in the air. They were frequently seen in early morning carrying off
turtles’ eggs from the sandy shore when these had been unearthed
by the nesting reptiles.

Another considerable colony of these birds was found on a large
sand-bank inside the Barrier Reef, north-west of Raine Island. Most
of the nests contained fresh eggs, though many must get broken by the
turtles, which overrun the bank every night.

Vol. XVII] Macattitvray, Ornithologists in North Queenslaud. 85
Sterna melanauchen (Gygisterna sumatrana kempi).—Only noted
once or twice after passing Cape Flattery on our way up the coast.

Mr. M‘Lennan found this species nesting freely on one of the
smaller islands in Lloyd’s Bay on 17th October ; all the nests con-
tained young birds. He also noted them a year later on the western
side of the Peninsula.

Onychoprion anexstheta (Melanosteyna anethetus novehollandie).—
We noted this species on the way up the coast after and before entering
the Reef. On the 30th November we noted hundreds of these birds
over the least of the three islands in Lloyd’s Bay. This had been
visited by Mr. M‘Lennan on the 16th October, when he found them
nesting freely in the crevices of the rocks. When nearing Quoin
Island, on the same day, a great number of birds were hovering over
it and settling on the shore at one end. A nearer approach enabled
us to make them out as mostly of this species. Quoin Island is a
rocky island about a quarter of a mile in length, and rising at its
highest point about 60 feet from the sea. A dense growth of a
stunted, succulent tree covers a good part of the top, coarse grass
and herbage the slopes and lower part. This Tern was flying all
over the island and nesting in the crevices of the rocks, in caves, and
under herbage.

During our stay on Raine Island we found this species breeding
in crevices of the rocks and amongst the piles of stacked limestone
in the central hollow of the island. The birds were in great numbers
on this island. At sea we frequently noted them hawking over the
shoals of fish.

Onychoprion fuliginosa (O. fuscata sevvata).—Raine Island provided
us with many sights, but one of the most extraordinary and at the same
time most interesting of these was furnished by this species. The
birds come in from the sea at about 5 p.m. in immense numbers.
They do not light upon the land, as one would expect them to do,
but fly high round and round over the island in a vast circle, every .
bird uttering shrill cries. The noise produced by such a_ vast
assemblage of birds is incessant and indescribable. It can only be
compared to that of millions of Cockatoos all calling at once. This
seemingly purposeless flight goes on all night long. One soon gets
accustomed to the din, and it lulls one to sleep ; indeed, the sudden
cessation of the calling in the morning at daybreak, when the birds
all make off to sea, is apt to awaken one. Watching these birds
flying overhead, a few seem to keep together, in pairs, but otherwise
one cannot make out any other purpose in this extraordinary flight.
I could only think that it was a mating flight, preliminary to the
commencement of the nesting season. After they leave the island in
the morning we see no more of them until their return in the evening
to resume their flight and fill the air with their graceful forms and
incessant cries. This happened throughout our stay on the island.

Anous stolidus (4. s. gilbevti)—-This species was noted on the way
up the coast, and when we arrived on Raine Island we found them
in great numbers, lining the seashore of the island or in small colonies
all over the island, mostly composed of fully-fledged young and their
parents. Many more were continually over the sea in the vicinity
of the island, and towards nightfall many more came in to roost on
the island,

86 MacaILuivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [ "Ot,

Anous leucocapillus (Megalopterus minutus minutus)—Many old
nests and dead birds of this species were noted amongst the succulent
trees on Quoin Island. Mr. M‘Lennan tells me that there is another
nesting place in Torres Strait, near Darnley Island.

Larus nove-hollandie (Bruchigavia novehollandie gouldi).—Gulls
are always to be found where other sea-birds nest in colonies, and are
always on the watch for a chance to steal an egg or young bird. They
were in fair numbers on Raine Island, and were constantly to be
seen early in the morning on the sandy strip above high-tide mark
on the look-out for turtle eggs that had been scooped out by these
creatures during the night. They were also numerous on the large
sand-bank on the reef north-west of Raine Island.

Strepsilas interpres (Avenaria interpyves oahuensis).—Several small
flocks of Turnstones were on the Raine Island shore and also on the
large sand-bank on the Barrier Reef north-west of Raine Island.

Hematopus longirostris (H. ostvalegus longivostris)—Mr. M‘Lennan,
when visiting the Macarthur Islands on the rst and 2nd July, 1913,
found six pairs nesting. The first nest found was on an exposed
coral ridge, and contained one egg ; two other nests contained two
and one egg each, all hard set.

Hematopus fuliginosus (Hematopus niger ophthalmicus).—On the
2nd July, 1913, Mr. M‘Lennan noted one pair on the Macarthurs.

Erythrogonys cinectus (E£. cinctus cinctus)—In April, 1915, Mr.
M‘Lennan noted this ‘species as common on the swamps off the
Watson River.

Lobivanellus miles (Lobivanellus miles harterti).—During the winter
of 1914 and 1915 Mr. M‘Lennan noted these birds as numerous on
the swamps and mud-banks near the Archer and Watson Rivers. He
also noted one flock near the sandal-wood landing on the Claudie
River before our arrival.

Squatarola helvetica (Squatarola squatarola helvetica)—A female was
shot on Raine Island on the 10th December. This bird was very fat.

Charadrius fulvus (Pluvialis dominicus fulvus)—Many times noted
on all parts of Raine Island.

Numenius cyanopus (N. cyanopus).—Noted on several occasions on
the shore or in the mangroves near the shore. Mr. M‘Lennan states
that this species is at Cape York all the year round, but is more
numerous during the summer months.

Numenius uropygialis (Pheopus pheopus variegatus).—Noted near
the mouth of the Claudie River and along the mangrove-bordered
banks of the river. We frequently flushed them from sand or mud
banks or snags during our trips up or down the stream. They were
also on Haggerstone and other islands off the coast.

Mr. M‘Lennan noted large flocks at the mouth of No. 2 River, on the
western side of the Peninsula, on 25th May, 1914. Probably they
were congregating before their annual migration northwards.

Mesoscolopax minutus (M. minutus).—On the 28th May, 1914,
Mr. M‘Lennan noted large flocks in company with Whimbrels and
Curlews at the mouth of the No. 2 River. On the 16th April, 1915,
he noted :—‘‘ Shot four Little Whimbrels, too fat to skin ; evidently
they lay in a supply of fat to sustain them during their migratory
flight.”

Vol. XVII
1917

‘| MACGILLIVRAY, Ovnithologists in North Queensland. 87

Limosa melanuroides (Limosa limosa melanuroides).—Noted on
Haggerstone Island on the 16th December. Noted also by Mr.
M‘Lennan on the Watson River on the 23rd April, 1915.

Totanus stagnatilis (J/iovnis stagnatilis horsfieldi)—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted this bird as occasional on the swamps off the Archer River
in May, 1914.

Heteractitis brevipes (Hetevoscelus incanus brevipes).—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted this bird as occasional on the Archer River, in May, 1914.

Actitis hypoleucus (Actitis hypoleucus auritus).

Glottis nebularius (Glottis nebularius glottoides).—Mr. M‘Lennan shot
a specimen on the Watson River on 25th April, 1915 ; it was very fat.

Pisobia acuminata (Limnocinctus acuminatus).—Common on Raine
Island. Mr. M‘Lennan found the Sharp-tailed Stint numerous on
the swamps bordering the Watson River in April, 1915.

Parra gallinacea ([vediparra gallinacea novehollandie@).—On the
21st April, 1915, Mr. M‘Lennan, writing from the Watson River,
notes :—‘‘ Went out north-west from camp and struck a swamp.
Some Jacanas were noted here. Spent a couple of hours in the
swamp looking for their nests, but did not find any. Found three
young, not long hatched, on a lily leaf.”’

(To be continued.)

Observations on the Genus Hylacola (Ground- Wrens).
By F. E. Howe, C.M.ZS., R.A.O.U., CANTERBURY.
(Read before the Bird Observers Club of Victoria, 22nd March, 1917.)

MatHeEws’s “A List of the Birds of Australia’’ (1913, page 199)
shows that we have two species of Ground-Wrens, together with
four sub-species, briefly set out as follows :—

Hylacola p. pyrrhopygia (Chestnut-rumped Ground-Wren).
Range : New South Wales.

H. p. belchert (Geelong Ground-Wren). Range: Southern Victoria
(coastal).

H. cauta cauta (Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren). Range: South
Australia.

H. c. halmaturina (Kangaroo Island Ground-Wren). Range:
Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

H. c..brevicauda (Short-tailed Ground-Wren). Range: Victoria
(Mallee scrubs).

H. c. whitlocki (Western Ground-Wren). Range: South-West
Australia.

For the technical descriptions of both species, with the excep-
tion of the female of H. c. cauta, I rely on those of Mr. A. J.
North (“ Nests and Eggs,” vol. i., pp. 263, 265). I am indebted
to Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, Scone, New South Wales, for
the loan of a very fine series of skins embracing both species,
together with all the sub-species according to Mathews,

88 Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. [eae tee

These birds are strictly terrestrial in habits, but on occasions
are seen in the lower branches of small trees or other thick bush,
but always within a few feet of the ground. They are, prac-
tically speaking, entirely insectivorous.

Adult Male.—General colour above brown, with a rufescent

olive tinge, which is more pronounced on the lower back and
rump; upper tail coverts pale chestnut ; wings like the back ;
inner webs of the quills brown, the apical half of the outer webs
of the primaries externally edged with ashy-brown, their bases
dull whitish, which is almost entirely concealed by the brown
primary coverts ; tail feathers brown, tinged with rufescent olive,
and all but the central pair crossed by a subterminal black band
and tipped with ashy-brown ; a spot in front of the eye dusky-
brown ; a distinct line extending from the nostril over the eye
whitish ; ear coverts brown, with white shaft lines ; under surface
of the body dull white, each feather, except on the centre of the
abdomen, with a longitudinal streak of blackish-brown down the
centre; under tail coverts chestnut; thighs brown; bill dark
brown ; legs and feet flesh colour tinged with grey ; irides hazel.
Total length in the flesh, 5.5 inches; wing, 2.15; tail, 2.35; bill,
0.45; tarsus, 0.8.

Adult Female.—Similar in plumage to the male, but has all the
under surface pale buff and less distinctly streaked, the dark
brown centres being narrower, shorter, and not extending to near
the tips of the feathers ; centre of the abdomen whitish.

Immature birds are without the striping on the throat and
breast, and, instead, nearly the whole of the under surface has a
rufescent wash, particularly on the throat and upper breast.

This bird appears to be nowhere more plentiful than in the
coastal scrubs between the Hawkesbury River and Wollongong
districts of New South Wales, and Vigors and Horsfield’s type
(Acanthiza pyrrhopygia) was probably secured near Sydney. Its
range must also be extended to Victoria, as one skin collected by
Mr. A. G. Campbell on the Murray River during 1904 is un-
doubtedly referable to this sub-species, and not to the allied form,
H. p. belchert. Another skin, collected by Mr. Campbell during
April, 1904, is a female, and the locality (Lethbridge) is only
about 50 miles from the place where I obtained H. p. beichert.
This skin is perplexing. In size it is much larger than H. #.
pyrrhopygia, and has the same rufescent colouring on the throat,
breast, and flanks of the female of that bird, whereas in the
female skin of H. p. belchert this colouring is missing, and the
skins were collected in the same month. In the last issue of The
Emu (vol. xvi., part 3, p. 161), Mr. H. L. White, referring to some
of the birds of the Cobbora district of New South Wales, says :—
“‘It may not be out of place to mention here that the Cobborah
Estate is 160 miles in a direct line inland from the nearest point
(Newcastle) “on the New South Wales coast, and to the west of
the Dividing Range. The country generally is open forest and

rib?

THE Emu, Vol. XVII:

PEATEs dil

Nest, Eggs, and Adult of the Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren (Hylacola cauta).

PHOTO. BY A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, G.M.Z.S.

Vol. XVII.
1917

Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. 89
high-class grazing, but in the vicinity is a belt of poor scrubby
land, and it is in this latter that Mr. Austin finds some very
interesting variations in what are usually looked upon as more
coastal forms. So marked is the variation that in two cases
(Eopsaliria australis austint and Geobasileus reguloides cobbora)
Mr. Mathews makes sub-species. Other species examined by
me—viz., Collyriocichla harmonica, Ptilotis fusca, and Hylacola
pyrrhopygia—present much paler coloration than the coastal
birds, the Hylacola being quite remarkable in its variation.”’

In the parcel of Hylacola skins lent me by Mr. White, he includes
a mature male and an immature pair, male and female, collected
by Mr. Austin at Cobbora on 7th October, 1916. The mature
bird is certainly much paler above and below. The eyebrow is
much whiter, the black centre of the throat and breast feathers
is not so dark, and is more linear ; the chestnut under tail coverts
are broadly tipped with white, and the tips to the outer tail
feathers are whiter and broader. The bird is also much larger
than specimens collected near Sydney. Probably Mr. White will
have something to say about this bird later.

H. p. belchert (Geelong Ground-Wren).

Two skins collected by Mr. H. A. Purnell and myself at
Anglesea, on the coast, south of Geelong, Victoria, on 4th April,
Ig15, belong to this form. In comparing them with skins
collected near Sydney, they are readily distinguished by the
darker upper surface, the more scaled appearance of the forehead
and crown, the darker striping on the throat and breast, and the
whiter abdomen. The eyebrow, too, is longer and whiter.
During April, 1915,* and October of the same year Mr. H. A.
Purnell and I located these birds in three or four spots. They
were equally at home in the dense tea-tree scrubs bordering the
creeks and coast and the heath and sapling country of the flats
and ranges. In habits and song they reminded me greatly of
H. c. brevicauda, of the North-Western Mallee scrubs. This bird
flies well, but when it runs its speed is astonishing, and it was a
difficult and long job to get specimens in the open heathy country.
The song is beautiful and well sustained, and that of the male
has more volume and is slightly higher pitched. On our second
trip, the object of which was to collect the so far undescribed
nest and eggs, the wet season had brought up a great growth of
tall grass, and this, added to the dense undergrowth, accounted
for our failure, for the birds were fairly plentiful, their rich song
being heard on every hand, and, githough we spent a full day,
not a bird was sighted. -

Hylacola cauta.
Hylacola cauta cauta (Rufous-rumped Ground-Wren).

Adult Male.—General colour above brown, the back washed
with rufescent olive, which is more pronounced on the rump ;

* Emu, vol. xv., part 1, page 41.

ele) Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. ae

upper tail coverts rich chestnut ; wings brown, with a faint rufescent
olive tinge to the outer webs of the secondaries and the inner
series of the greater wing coverts ; tips and margins of the median
and greater coverts white ; basal portion of the outer webs of the
outer primaries white, which is followed by a blackish wash
towards the centre of the feathers, and then by a narrow edge of
ashy-white on their apical half, except at the tips ; primary coverts
blackish, and only partially concealing the white bases to the
outer webs of the primaries, which form a conspicuous white spot
towards the centre of the wing; tail feathers blackish-brown,
the central pair and outer webs of the remainder washed with
reddish-brown ; tips of the four central feathers ashy-brown, the
remainder being largely tipped with white; a spot in front of
the eye blackish-brown ; a line extending from the nostril over the
eye white, bordered on the forehead by a narrow line of black ;
ear coverts brown, with white shaft lines ; sides of the neck brown ;
under surface of the body white, each feather conspicuously
streaked with blackish-brown down the centre, except on
the centre of the abdomen; under tail coverts chestnut ;
thighs brown; bill blackish-brown ; legs and feet fleshy-brown.
Total. length, 5.5: inches’; , wing, 2:2; tail, 2.3%;- bill) 0:5);
tarsus, 0.85.

Adult Female.—Similar in plumage to the male, but the under
surface is pale buff and less distinctly streaked, the dark brown
centres being narrower, shorter, and not extending so near the
tips of the feathers ; centre of the abdomen pale buff.

H. c. halmaturina (Kangaroo Island Ground-Wren).

When compared with H. c. cauta, the most striking difference
is the darker streaking in the feathers of the throat and breast of
H. c. halmaturina. The feathers of the flanks, too, are of a dark
olive-brown in halmaturina and greyish in cauta, and the white
tips of the tail feathers are larger and whiter in halmaturina, and
the upper and under tail coverts are brighter.

All ornithologists who have met this bird in the field are agreed
as to its timidity, and Capt. S. A. White, of Scuth Australia
(Emu, vol. xii., p. 269), says :—‘* These shy little birds were fairly
plentiful, and specimens were often seen darting over the open
ground between the bushes, uttering a chattering call.” Mr.
A. G. Campbell (Emu, vol. v., p. 142) says:— The male bird
is a pretty songster, and always attracts notice by his strong-
throated warbling. The female is less brightly marked, and the
young is distinguished by a light fawn-coloured throat and chest,
though it has the dark-centred feathers of the older birds.” This
is the reverse of the young of H. p. pyrrhopygia ; they lack the dark
striping.

Dr. W. Macgillivray has kindly forwarded for examination a
skin of an immature male, collected by Mr. F. P. Godfrey on
Kangaroo Island between 14th and 24th October, 1905. Con-
sidering that the Hylacola breeds in August, September, to
December, this bird was apparently only a few weeks from the

Vol. XVII.
1917

Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. gi
nest. The striping on the throat, breast, and flanks is very con-
spicuous, and the former, as well as being striped, is rufous
brown. This colour is only just noticeable in the mature female,
and is absent in the mature male. The white speculum in the
wing is as large as that of the mature male, which in the mature
female is just discernible, and the white edging of the primaries
is much more pronounced than in either of the adults.

H. c. brevicauda (Short-tailed Ground-Wren).

This form is shorter than cauta or halmaturina, and the tail is
shorter also, and much shorter than that of whitlockt. When
comparing the primaries with the latter, those of brevicauda are
much darker, but the white edging is not nearly so conspicuous,
the brown spot in front of the eye is larger and darker, and the
white patch on the forehead is only about half that of whitlocki.
Since 1907 I have spent a few weeks of nearly every year in the
North-West Mallee scrubs of Victoria, and on each occasion have
come across this bird. It is fairly well distributed, and is nowhere
more common than at Underbool, midway between Ouyen and
Murrayville. In the early part of the day its beautiful little song
is heard wherever there is short mallee or turpentine or other
good cover. About mid-day the birds become quiet, and are
rarely heard until evening comes, and then they sing again until
darkness fairly sets in.

This form is very fond of frequenting the scrubs bordering a
road or track, particularly when “ traversed” by the surveyors.
On the cut-lines through the Mallee the birds are generally met
with, and it is under the dead branches of the fallen mallee trees
they love to place the nest. A slight hollow is first scratched out
by the birds, and the dome-shaped nest, made of bark and lined
with grasses and feathers, placed in it, the opening in the side
_ being slightly higher than the ground. The female sits very
close, and the nest is usually found by flushing the bird. Nests
are often built into the bark and débris that accumulates at the
foot of the mallee bushes. Twice I found the birds nesting in
the porcupine (Jvzodia), and on another occasion a nest was
found at Ouyen backed up against a fallen dead pine, and without
any cover whatever ; it was only found by flushing the bird.

The breeding season for the Hy/acola in the Mallee is fairly early,
commencing in August; but more nests are found in early
September, and probably two broods are reared. The eggs are
three in number, nearly oval in shape; texture of shell fine,
surface glossy ; colour olive-grey, with very dark indistinct spots
underlying the surface of the shell, mostly about the larger end,
where they form an indistinct zone. These eggs are like miniature
eggs of the Pilot-Bird (Pycnoptilus). Messrs. A. J. Campbell
and A. J. North describe eggs taken by Mr. W. White on Kangaroo
Island as those of Hylacola cauta, and which are now referable to
those of H. c. halmaturina. The clutch in my collection was
taken by me at Pine Plains, North-Western Victoria, on 20th
September, 1907. They measure in inches—(a) .84 x .61, (b)

92 Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. Rivne
.83 x .61, (c) .83 x .61. I now claim my set to be the type clutch
of H. c. brevicauda. Twice I have taken the egg of the Fantail
Cuckoo (Cacomantis rubricatus), and on one occasion that of the
Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo (Neochalcites basalis mellort), from
the nest of this bird. In The Emu, vol. xiii., part 3, p. 149, I
named this form as a foster-parent of Chalcococcyx plagosus, from
information received in a letter from the late Mr. C. M‘Lennan
(‘‘ Mallee-Bird’’). I rather think the strange egg was that of
the Black-eared Cuckoo (Owenavis osculans). On gth October,
1909, Messrs. J. J. Scarce, J. A. Ross, and I found a nest con-
taining one egg and one young Hylacola, just hatched. It was
blind and featherless ; gape creamy-yellow, and the whole body
perfectly black. Two days later I found a nest containing three
fully-fledged young, that scattered as soon as the nest was touched.
After much running we secured the lot. The plumage was
identical with that of the parents, but the gape was cream in
colour, mouth orange, irides dark brown.

Mr. A. J. Campbell, in his “ Nests and Eggs,” page 265, says :
—‘J] have watched these birds in the Mallee. They hop about
in pairs over the ground and through the under-scrub like
Maluri.’ 1 think Mr. Campbell is wrong in saying they “ hop.”
A Sparrow “hops,” but the Hylacola, in its mode of progression,
is like an Amytornis—half running and flying, with the tail held
erect.

It is a fact that if the nest is touched, even if it contains an
egg or two, the birds immediately desert it. At Underbool, in the
North-West Mallee of Victoria, on 8th September, 1g10, I was
watching the suspicious actions of a Fantail Cuckoo in a small
mallee bush in thick scrub. The Cuckoo was perched a few feet
from the ground, and I could sce by its actions that it kept
looking towards the foot of the tree. I walked up and found a
Hylacola’s nest nearly finished. I did not touch it, and quickly
and quietly left the vicinity. After a week I visited the spot,
hoping to take a nice combination clutch, but the nest was nearly
pulled to pieces. This experience has been too frequent to please.

H. c. whitlocki (Western Ground-Wren).

Four skins collected by Mr. F. Lawson Whitlock for Mr. H. L.
White at Mount Monderup, Stirling Ranges, Western Australia,
are here exhibited. ~

This form is the most beautiful, the markings on the throat
and breast being very much darker than those of halmaturina
(the next darkest), and quite as broad as those of that bird, but
much broader than those of cauta and brevicauda. The abdomen
is whiter than any other of the genus, the chestnut upper tail
coverts are brighter, and the tail longer. In size it is equal to
brevicauda, both cauta and halmaturina being larger. Mr. Whit-
lock made two trips to the Stirling Ranges on behalf of Mr.
H. L. White during the seasons 1910-11, and his field notes are
worth recording. In The Emu, vol. xi., p. 239, Mr. Whitlock

says :—

Al
+

nts wal

Vol. XVII.

Ru Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola. 93

“In the previous season I had found several pairs of a
Hylacola inhabiting stony hillsides covered with low scrub. I
was too late to find the nest, as the young were already on the
wing. In my previous paper I referred to this species as Hylacola
pyrrhopyeia. On referring a skin, however, to experts, I find
that I was wrong, the bird being really Hylacola cauta. I deter-
mined to have a good hunt for the nest, which is described in
A. J. Campbell’s ‘Nests and Eggs’ as always a difficult one to
find—an opinion which I can now thoroughly endorse. I was
not long in locating two pairs of birds, though the species is
distinctly local, and rare, in the Stirling Ranges. I fully expected
to find this bird an early breeder, and I was not mistaken. I
was much hindered by the rough winds prevailing during the
greater part of August and September in my searches and observa-
tions of the more secretive birds. Especially was this the case
with the present species. The easiest way to discover the
presence of a pair is to listen to the song of the male, which, to
my ears, resembles somewhat that of Acanthiza apicalis, and,
again, that of Calamanthus montanellus. Hylacola cauta, however,
does not appear to sing in the very early morning, which is a pity,
for the winds at that. early hour are usually light ; and, as the
bird has not at all a powerful voice, and is by no means a constant
singer, one does not hear it to advantage in half a gale of wind.

“It was some days before I found the first pair, which haunted
rather open and low scrub, with a few patches of marlock and
stunted jarrah trees. In the marlock Ptilotis cratitua was breeding.
On the ground itself were small patches of what looked like a
dwarf banksia, and it was amongst this latter growth that I
caught sight of a beautiful male Hylacola. It was only by
_keeping motionless that I had a chance of watching him. On
my making the least movement he hopped or flew at once into
a patch of marlock and disappeared. Once or twice I saw him
catch a caterpillar and hop into the scrub with it—I suppose to
share the capture with his mate, whom I never once saw.
Despite the most persistent and systematic search, I failed to
find the nest of this pair.

“To vary the monotony of non-success, I went on alternate
days to watch the second pair, and at the third attempt I flushed
a bird from a nest built in a little hollow excavated in the ground
under the lee of a clump of dwarf banksia. I hid myself and
waited patiently until the bird returned, when I satisfactorily
identified her as Hylacola cauta—a similar bird in all respects
to the specimen procured the previous year. The nest was
globular, and much like that of a Calamanthus, the entrance being
flush with the ground. The general structure, however, was not
so firmly interwoven as that of the former species. The interior
was lined with fine grasses and a little fur and feathers. The
eges have been accurately described in Campbell's ‘ Nests and
Eggs,’ and the present clutch of three was typical. In this
particular set there seems to be a tendency for the spots to form

Emu
ist Oct.

04 Howe, Observations on the Genus Hylacola.
a zone. The eggs of Hylacola appear to have an affinity to those
of Sericornis, and also to those of Calamanthus. The nest, too,
belongs to the same class as those of the two latter kinds. As
a field naturalist, therefore, I should be inclined to place the three
genera very near together rather than admit other intrusive genera
in the present classification obviously less related.”

Australian Ibises.
By W. H..:D. Le-SouEr,-C.M-Z.Ss Hon, SEC RAC:

THE Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a comparatively rare bird
in Australia, except possibly in certain localities, when compared
with the White (Lbis molucca) and Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibts
spinicollis). Glossy Ibises nest in single pairs in trees, usually
overhanging water, and not in rookeries like the other species.

The Australian White Ibis is closely allied to the Egyptian
Sacred Ibis, and is just as useful as that bird is in destroying
locusts and other troublesome insects ; that is evidently why the
Egyptians made this bird sacred, and mummified it, over 3,000
years ago. In a wet season, when there has been sufficient water
to fill the swamps with surface drainage, these birds congregate
in thousands to construct their nests ; but should the season prove
dry, which it frequently does, they will not nest, apparently
knowing that there would be no food or water when the young
birds hatched out. Also, should they start nesting, and the
water in the swamp dry up before the young birds hatch out, the
parent birds will frequently desert the nests and eggs and leave
a feast for the Crows. On one rookery alone in Riverina, New
South Wales, over one hundred thousand Straw-necked Ibises were
computed to be nesting. The normal clutch is three eggs,
although occasionally two or four may be laid. The nests are
built of twigs on the trodden-down lignum or other bushes which
grow in the swamp, and the nests are frequently lined with fresh
eucalyptus leaves, probably to drive the insect pests away from
the sitting birds and young. The birds come to the swamp where
they -have decided to nest in various-sized companies, sometimes
only a single pair or possibly 30 pairs, and they choose a bush
that will take all the nests of the company ; therefore, the single
pair chooses a very small bush. The first-comers naturally choose
the centre of the swamp to nest in; therefore you will frequently
find young birds in the middle almost ready to fly, and fresh eggs
at the outskirts, and all stages in order in between.

When disturbed by human beings the young of two adjoining
companies will often scramble into the water and swim over to
one another ; I presume they return to their right quarters when
danger is past. It is a little difficult for us to tell how the parents
can “distinguish their own young, say, in a group of 60 young
birds all mixed up together. To us they all appear alike.

*
,
:
*
5

a a i ar

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII,

PLATE XIII.

"AATS'N “VMOISPIAA 32 Sostqy] JO 4qSITF

“YANINTVS AVMLO 'SYW AG *OLOHd

, oma alo ga

Y ae bac

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XIV.

Young of Straw-necked and White Ibises near Kerang.

PHOTO, BY W. R. PENNYCOOK, ESQ.. BENDIGO.

Nest and Eggs of the Straw-necked Ibis (Carphibis spinicollis) at
Widgiewa, N.S.W., January, 1917.

PHOTO, BY MRS. OTWAY FALKINER.

Vol. XVII.” Vn oo ys Riseae
ee Le Sougr, Australian Ibises. 95

Although both species nest in separate rookeries, yet as a rule
odd couples of the other variety nest with them; probably they
could not locate their own company—anyhow, they agree
together.

Their food consists mostly of grasshoppers, as well as fresh-
water snails (which are frequently the host of liver fluke), beetles,
and caterpillars. The enormous amount of insect life that is
eaten by these useful birds is difficult to realize, as by actual
counting I found that the contents of the stomach of one of them
contained 2,410 young grasshoppers, 5 fresh-water snails, several
caterpillars, and some coarse gravel, in all weighing 44 ounces.

It is impossible to estimate the value of the good work these
birds do for the grazier and farmer ; it is beyond our comprehension.
Last season was a wet one in southern Australia, and the Ibis
took full advantage of it and nested in many places—probably
considerably over one million of these splendid birds were added
to the Ibis population of Australia. The birds fly well and strongly,
and often at a great height, and they are probably, without ex-
ception, the most useful birds Australia possesses.

White-winged Black Terns in Western Australia:
a Remarkable Visitation.
By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A., R.A.O.U.

THe White-winged Black Tern (Hydrochelidon leucoptera, Temm.)
breeds in the lakes and marshes of Southern Europe and Central
Asia, from Spain to China. In winter it migrates southwards
into the tropics, and is met with on the coasts and lakes of Africa,
India, and the Malay Archipelago. The first record of its
occurrence in Australia was made by Gould in the Proceedings
of the Zoological Society in 1866, he having received specimens said
to have been obtained at Cape York. Some doubt was thrown
on the authenticity of this record, but the fact that the bird was
an occasional visitor to Northern Australia was established on
the publication of the ‘* Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum,”
since, in addition to Gould’s specimens, the Museum contains a
skin obtained at Cape York by Captain Stanley on the voyage
of the Rattlesnake in November, 1849, and two skins obtained by
Elsey on the Victoria River, Northern Territory, in March, 1856.
There are also in the British Museum skins of a pair from Nelson,
New Zealand, procured on 12th December, 18608. Mathews, in
his “ Birds of Australia,” gives his opinion that the authenticity
of these New Zealand birds and of one of Gould’s from Cape York
must be rejected, since they are in full breeding plumage, and he
states that after examination of a long series of skins he has
found no other birds shot in the winter (of the Northern Hemi-
sphere) in the breeding plumage.

Emu
ist Oct.

96 ALEXANDER, White-winged Black Terns in W.A.

The writer spent Easter, 1917, on a yacht at Careening Bay,
Garden Island, off the coast of Western Australia, about 12 miles
south of Fremantle. On Easter Saturday we experienced a very
_ strong easterly blow, which was at its height in the late afternoon
and evening. First thing the following morning a small Tern,
in immature plumage, was found sitting in the dinghy, and on
being approached tried to defend itself by pecking, but did not
attempt to fly away. Some half an hour later it was thrown
up into the air and flew off along the shore. Later in the morning
we landed on the island, and in a bay at the southern end found
a party of Terns hovering over the shore catching the large
dragon-flies, Hemtanax papuensis, which were exceptionally
numerous amongst the sbrubs on the island. When first seen
irom an adjacent hill these birds at once attracted attention
owing to their very white tails, which were spread out in a fan-
Shape while they hovered. When closely approached and seen
from below some of them were found to have black and white
speckled bodies and a conspicuous black patch under the wings,
similar in shape to that seen in the Letter-winged Kite ; others
were in the same immature plumage as our visitor of the morning.
During the rest of the holiday these birds were constantly noticed
along the coast, and on the following evening one settled on the
deck of the yacht just at dusk, and allowed itself to be caught.
It was placed in a hamper with the intention of taking it back
to Fremantle alive, but next morning it was found to be dead.
Subsequent examination showed that it had died from starvation,
the stomach and intestines being absolutely empty.

On my return to Perth I learnt from Mr. O. Lipfert, taxidermist
to the Museum, that he had seen these birds at Monger’s Lake,
close to Perth, and that among them he had had a good view
of one bird entirely black except for the grey and white wings
and white tail. I also heard from Mr. T. P. Draper, K.C., who
had been spending the holidays near Mandurah, on Peel’s Inlet,
some 40 miles south of Perth, that there were hundreds of the
birds on that inlet, and he brought a specimen which he had shot
for identification.

Subsequently, I inserted a notice in the paper pointing out the
rarity of these birds in Australia, and asking for information as
to the localities in which they had been seen. The replies
received may be summarized as follows :—

Mr. J. A. Waldeck, of Moora (about 100 miles north of Perth),
writes that he saw the birds “on the coast west of Moora, at a
place called Wedge Island, and for 12 miles inland, during Easter
week.” ‘“‘ We saw nothing of the bird on the way out, or at the
coast till Sunday morning. On the way home on Monday they
were very numerous, especially in the coastal hills; the last we
saw at a swamp 12 miles inland.”

Mr. F. F. Isele, of Wanneroo, says that the birds were seen on
the Mariginiup Lake, 5 miles from the coast and 17$ miles north
of Perth, in considerable numbers, also on Craigie Lake, 12 miles

Vol. XVIT-] ALEXANDER, White-winged Black Terns in W.A. 97
1917

north of Perth. He adds :—‘‘I remember having seen the birds
for several successive winters on the Upper Nile a few years ago,
but, not knowing that they were not familiar to this country, I
did not attach much importance to the matter.”’

Mrs. C. L. Johns, of South Doodlakine (120 miles E.N.E. of,
Perth), writes that the birds were there for a day or two about
the middle of March, and then disappeared. ‘‘ There is a chain
of lakes, or rather swamps, about 4 or 5 miles away, and there is
a large creek in our property which was running a banker.”’

Mrs. J. I. Rutland, of Bull’s Brook (about 20 miles N.N.E. of
Perth), saw the birds in great numbers a week previous to Easter.
‘Some of them flew away south without resting here, whereas about
50 hovered about for two or three days, living on the dragon-flies.”’

Mr. H. W. Gibbs, of Coolup (55 miles south of Perth), says that
a large number of the birds were hovering over and around a
swamp on his property, and spent most of the time in pursuit of
flying insects.

Mr. J. F. Johnston, of Bunbury (a seaport go miles south of
Fremantle), says that they’ were noticed first there on Easter
Monday, and were in thousands. Numbers of them were hovering
about over his lucerne patch, and there were large numbers on
the Leschenault Estuary. Mr. H. W. Gibbs and Mr. C. L.
Clarke also report numbers of them on the estuary at Bunbury.

Mr. P. L. Reynolds wrote that there were several hundreds
flying about the estuaries and fields in the neighbourhood of
Busselton (a seaport about 30 miles $.S.W. of Bunbury), and
that they appeared there about Easter.

A specimen was also sent to the Museum from Balingup
(125 miles south of Perth and 35 miles inland from Busselton),
-where it was picked up in a paddock.

The foregoing letters point to the birds having arrived over-
land from the north-east, and not along the coast, as might have
been anticipated. They seem to have reached Doodlakine in the
middle of March. They were seen at Bull’s Brook before Easter,
but they appear only to have reached the coast on Easter Sunday,
as the result of the strong easterly wind on the previous day. At
the risk of wearying my readers, I have set out all the observations
I have been able to collect—firstly, because no field-notes on the
habits of these birds in Australia have been published previously,
and secondly, because a visitation of a species of bird in such
very large numbers in a locality over a thousand miles from the
nearest point at which it had been previously seen must be
almost unprecedented. It seems quite clear that the total
number of birds in the area between Moora and_ Balingup,
225 miles apart, must have been many thousands. Practically
every swamp and estuary all along the coast-line seems to have
had its quota. It has been stated already that their chief food
seems to have been the dragon-flies (Hemianax papuensis). These
insects were in millions throughout the district at the time, and
it has been suggested to ine that the birds followed them. I do

Emu
rst) ‘Oct:

98 ALEXANDER, White-winged Black Terns in W.A. [
not know whether the unusual numbers of this common dragon-
fly were reared in Western Australia or whether they also had
migrated into the district. In this connection I may mention
that enormous numbers of the butterfly Danaida chrysippus
petilia appeared in south-west Australia in the summer of
1914-15. This species usually visits the area each summer, but
in that year its numbers were incredible to anyone who did not
see them, and it was accompanied by Tertas smilax, which had
never been met with in the south-west before, as well as by
Anapheis java teutonia and Papilio demoleus sthenelus. This is
not the place to enlarge on this insect migration, but it is worth
noting that the visitation of Terns can be paralleled by similar
irruptions of insects.

In these days many people attribute any unusual occurrence
to the war, and it has been seriously suggested to me that the
birds had been disturbed from their haunts on the Danube or
the Tigris by the fighting in those areas, and were seeking a
peaceful home in Australia.

During the weeks following Easter the birds remained plentiful
in the neighbourhood of Perth, and I frequently saw them about
the Swan River. On two occasions I visited Herdsman’s Lake,
a large swamp a few miles from Perth, with Mr. T. P. Draper,
in order to obtain specimens for the Museum.

The flock on Herdsman’s Lake consisted of several hundred
individuals, and, as already described, they spent their time
hovering with widely-spread tails over the water and reeds
capturing dragon-flies. Towards afternoon they settled down to
rest among the reeds, and those that remained flying about were
chiefly immature birds. I imagine that the older birds, being
more adept at catching dragon-flies, obtained all the food they
required by mid-day, whilst the young birds continued feeding
longer. A slightly larger Tern of a different species, which | think
was a Marsh Tern (Hydrochelidon hybrida), was associated with
the birds on Herdsman’s Lake, but it was not secured for
identification.

Four different states of plumage were represented—

(1) Adult in full breeding plumage.—Less than I per cent. were
in this plumage, and no specimen was secured, but, as already
mentioned, one was seen by Mr. Lipfert. I saw one or two whose
bodies appeared to be entirely black on Herdsman’s Lake, and in
the first week in May I had an excellent view of one sitting on a
post in the Swan River at Perth. In this plumage the head and
body are completely black, the wings grey, with a small white
patch on the shoulder, the tail pure white. The feet and legs
red, the bill black. This is the only feature in which this bird
and the one seen by Mr. Lipfert differed from the illustration
given by Mathews and the descriptions in the books. Is the red
beak the last feature of the breeding coloration to be assumed,
or does the Eastern form of the species have a black bill instead
of a red one ?

Vol. XVIL.) ; are Fhepocag ts : 7
4 es ] ALEXANDER, White-winged Black Terns in W.A. 99

In this connection I may point out that the presence of birds
in full adult plumage in Western Australia suggests that the
New Zealand and Cape York records, which Mathews does not
accept, may be genuine.

(2) Birds in intermediate plumage.—Probably 80 per cent. of
the birds were in this plumage. The head and body were white,
with black patches, varying in amount to some extent on different
individuals, but not as much as one would expect if the birds were
really in transition from winter to summer plumage. Moreover,
the birds did not appear as a whole to become any darker during
the month during which I frequently saw them, and this just at
the time of year when one would suppose they would be acquiring
their breeding-plumage (April and May). Judging from their
sexual organs, these birds were all immature. The wings were
grey, with a white patch on the shoulder, beneath with a large
black patch, as alrealy mentioned ; ; the tail pure white ; bill black ;
feet red:

(3) One specimen obtained was like the above in every respect
except that the tail was grey. It is stated by Mathews that the
females have grey tails, the males white. All the birds of group
(2), both males and females, obtained by us had white tails,
except this one specimen. The British Museum Catalogue says
that this species is distinguished by its white tail.

(4) Birds in immature plumage.—About 20 per cent., or perhaps
more, of the birds agreed with the others in size, colour, and shape
of bill and feet and proportionate lengths of quill- -feathers. Their
plumage was, however, quite different. They were grey above,
with brownish mottlings on the feathers of the head and wings ;
tail grey; under parts, including under surface of wings, pure
white ; feet red; bill black. It is only owing to their structural
similarity and their constant association with the other birds
that I regard them as individuals of the same species. Almost
certainly they are in first year's plumage.

In my opinion the first year’s plumage is (4), the second year’s
plumage (2), and the adult in summer plumage (1). I conclude
that the birds that visited Western Australia were almost all
immature, and that the few adults among them had already ©
assumed their summer plumage by April, when they reached us.
The bird described under (3) I suggest was a second-year bird,
which had exceptionally retained the first-year coloration of the
tail. These suggestions are made with much diffidence, as orni-
thologists who have had the opportunity of examining numerous
skins from all parts of the world have reached different con-
clusions. I would point out that many members of the family
Laride have two distinct immature plumages before reaching the
adult form, though I am not sure whether this is the case among
the Sternine.

In conclusion, I should like to appzal to Australian writers
not to use the most inappropriate name of White-winged Tern

100 ALEXANDER, White-winged Black Terns in W.A. Ba

ist Oct.

for this bird. The name White-winged Black Tern is given to
this bird by British ornithologists to distinguish it from the Black
Tern (Hydrochelidon nigra). It is true that the Latin name
leucoptera bestowed on the bird by Temminck means “ white-
winged,” but the white on the wing is a comparatively small
amount on the coverts. I would suggest that it should be known
in Australian books as the Black Tern, this being the only Black
Tern in Australian literature, and hence not needing the prefix
‘“ White-winged ”’ to distinguish it. It would be less misleading
than dropping the word “ Black’ out of the name, as is
commonly done.

A much happier name, as anyone who has seen the birds alive
will agree, would be White-tailed Tern. The white tail, in contrast
even with the speckled plumage of the majority of the birds seen
in Western Australia, was very conspicuous, and in the adult
this contrast is even more striking.

The Nestlings of Australian Finches: What do we
Know about Them ?
By GREGORY M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E., R.A.O.U.

A RECENT paper in an American scientific journal would not,
perhaps, be noted by every Australian ornithologist, and, as it
touches upon a subject which is of great interest to such, I here
make some notes.

The paper is entitled ‘“‘ The Classification of the Weaver-Birds,”’
and the author is James P. Chapin; it was published in the
Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, vol. xxxvii.,
pp. 243-280, 8th May, 1917. It begins :—‘ The one external
character which enables us to distinguish the Ploceide, or Weavers,
from the Fringillide at a glance is the condition of the tenth or
outermost primary.’”’ We have no members of the Fringillide
in Australia, but we have a series of Finches which are classed in
the Ploceide. The British custom, so far accepted by Australian
ornithologists, is to call the outermost primary the first, whereas
Americans count from the inside and term it the tenth. Much
of Chapin’s paper deals with the size and value in classification
of this outermost primary, which is a very small one. Chapin’s
conclusions were drawn up from field study of the African
members of the family Ploceide in the Congo, where he collected
birds for some years. During this period he noted the coloration
of the mouths of nestlings, and observed that peculiarities in that
connection could be reconciled with other data, and thereby a
more definite and conclusive classification be achieved. As
regards the Australian forms, he had recourse to literature, and
from this deducted certain items, which I now consider, and it is
certain that such facts, when confirmed, will add to the value of

Vol. XVII.
1917

MaTtHEws, The Nestlings of Australian Finches. IOI
our classification. We may ignore the condition of the outermost
primary in this place, as it does not concern us.

Two sub-families have long been recognized in the family
Ploceide—Ploceinee and Estrildinze—all the Australian Finches
being referred to the latter. . Again, Chapin separates some
aberrant members in the former sub-family, but that is of more
interest to the general systematist or African specialist than to
ourselves. He states, however :—‘‘ The skeletons . . . show
no differences by which the Biiqeeive can be distinguished from
the Estrildine. Moreover, they even agree closely with those of
Fringillide, such as Passer, Pinicola, and Parvaria.”’ No skeletons
of Australian forms seem to have been examined, so that it would
be of interest to consider these, especially as it is concluded after-
wards that these are the most specialized forms.

Chapin’s chief item is in reg yard to the mouth markings of the
nestlings. Campbell, in the “Nests and Eggs Austr. Birds,”
vol. 1., p. 498 {1gor), under the species Poephila Ces wrote :—
“There is a singular fact in connection with the voung birds that
has not yet heen recorded by other observers—that is, a pro-
tuberance upon the gape which (when the youngster is in a dark
part of the aviary) reflects the light and shines with an opal-like
brilliancy.’’ Simultaneously, however, this has been noted by
A. G. Butler in the Avicultural Magazine, vol. v., p. 25, December,
1898 (Campbell's MS. was written before this date, though not
published until rgor1), where he published a note “‘ On the Orna-
mentation of the Mouth in the Young Gouldian Finch,” observing :
—'‘ The inside of the mouth is either 1vory-white or flesh-pink,
the palate conspicuously marked (like a domino) with five more
or less round black spots in pentagonal form—one in front, two
wide apart in the centre, and two near together at the back.

The tongue is crossed just in front of its centre by a
broad belt, or by two large pear-shaped black spots, with apex
directed forward. . . . At the back of the gape are three
prominent rounded tubercles in the form of a triangle. Two were
emerald green and one blue, and all had a pearly or opalescent
lustre.”’

Chapin states his results thus :—‘‘ The two sub-families Estril-
dines and Ploceinz will be retained. For convenience we may
distinguish them in English as Weaver-Finches and Weaver-Birds
(or true Weavers). . . So far as known, all the nestlings
of the Ploceine lack dark spots in the mouth, have the gape simply
swollen, and yellow or whitish, as is usual in the young of Passerine
birds. The eggs of Ploceine are usually colouneal or spotted,
though in a few cases pure white. . . The Estrildine are to
be distinguished by the fact that their nestlings exhibit dark
pigmented spots or lines in the mouth, often with small coloured
wattles or lobes at the gape. These latter are lacking in Spermestes,
Amauresthes, and Mumnta, which have lines on the palate instead
of spots. Those three genera, with others, no doubt, still to be
ascertained, are thus rather distinct from the rest of the group.

Emu

102 MatHews, The Nestlings of Austvalian Finches. ECE:

The Weaver Finches can scarcely be said to merit their name,
for they build nests which are not pensile, nor really woven, their
most typical form being flask-shaped. The entrance opens at
the side. . . A striking thing about their nesting habits—
in many species, at least—is that the parents neglect to clean
the-nest of excrement, with the result that it becomes extremely
foul before the young are ready to leave it. This is rarely the
case ‘with the Ploceine. .. °. “So. far-as i can -ascertaims the
Estrildine in every case lay pure white eggs. - .»/-From the
preceding remarks, it should be clear that in order to decide on
the relationships of the various genera of Ploceidz, the examina-
tion of nests and young is indispensable. . . It is greatly
to be hoped that ornithologists will investigate the nesting.

The skeleton, and particularly the sternum, of the last-
named genera are worthy of attention. Important features of
many .--.". genera sare “Still in- doubt.. .@ . > Whemender
affinities of T@niopygia and the other Australian genera may not
be very clear, but they are all surely Estrildine.”

A diagram is given to illustrate the apparent development of
the forms, and Poephila, with which Chapin would associate the
other Australian forms, though he has indicated that Munia is
aberrant, is placed almost at the limit. On this account alone
it would be of great value to have on record the coloration of the
mouths of Australian birds. There is almost a score of species
on the Australian list, and the majority of these are referred to
different genera, a dozen being accepted by conservative workers.
Very different coloration is seen throughout the series, and in
some cases the same colour-pattern has been retained, though
structural differences have been evolved. Nothing is known about
the mouth coloration, save in the case of Poephila and Munia
(not the Australian species of the latter genus).

Chapin, from other characters, ranges the species into groups,
and thus Azdemosyne and Munia appear in the lowest, then
Tenopygia, then Bathilda, Agintha, Stizoptera, Zoneginthus,
Neochmia, Stagonopleura, Erythura, and Poephila, while he appears
to have overlooked Emblema. This is apparently Chapin’s idea
of their development, and it is certainly different from the
grouping, following Sharpe, given in my “ List,’’ which reads :—
Stagonopleura, Zoneginthus, Teniopygia, Emblema, Stizoptera,
Lonchura and Heteromunia (= Mumia, Chapin), Atdemosyne,
Legintha, Bathilda, Poephila, and Alisteranus and Neopoephila
(= Poephila, Chapin), and Neochmia, Erythura having been added
since the “ List’? was published. Many of the Australian species
are available to field ornithologists, so I am writing this note
asking anyone who meets with nestlings to observe and record
the coloration or any other details of the mouths, so that Chapin’s
notes may be confirmed, or otherwise, from different material
and locality.

A couple of interrogations may be noted. Have the Australian
species referred to Munia the same aberrant mouth-coloration as

—_— es ee eee

—_———— ws

tne PG tegen

ese Martuews. The Nestlings of Australian Finches. 103
the Java Sparrow, the real Munia 2? Has Aidemosyne a spotted
mouth, or is it like Munia? Then Temopygia, from external
characters alone, is regarded as possibly peculiar, and thus merits
consideration. My own conclusion, from Chapin’s account, is
that all the Australian birds will be found to resemble more or
less Poephila, though it is possible that unexpected results will be
seen, especially as it is suggested that these Weaver-Finches have
arrived in Australia at different periods. It is certain that they
are immigrants from the north, and, moreover, comparatively
recent. Thus, they are practically absent from south-west
Australia and Tasmania, only one species occurring in each of
these localities, and these are representative species, belonging to
the same genus, Zoneginthus. This at once suggests that this was
the earliest immigrant into Australia, and that later arrivals have
exterminated it in the northern districts. Stagonopleura and
Teniopygia occur in Victoria and South Australia, and_ these
may have come with Zoneginthus, but in less numbers, and, not
being such wanderers, have failed to penetrate into Tasmania or
get round to Western Australia. It is possible that some of the
northern species came at the same time, but did not push south,
but it is certain that the northern forms are extending~their
range, as the case of Erythura emphasizes this. However, the
Australian species are all well differentiated, so that every item
that can be of use is necessary. Consequently, I hope this note
will bring forth descriptions of nestlings’ mouths, and if this be
undertaken it is feasible to anticipate other items being recognized
that may be of even more value.

A New Raptor (Gypoictinia melanosterna) for
Tasmania.
By Cor.-W.-V. LEGGE, €.M:B:0.U., TASMANIA:

On or about the 23rd November, 1916, while in my poultry yard
in the early morning, my attention was arrested by an unfamiliar
cry of a bird of prey, accompanied by the well-known notes of
the Brown Hawk and the Harrier. The birds were high in the
air, directly above me. Soaring in wide and perfectly uniform
circles was a large, Eagle-like bird, with long, narrow wings and
even tail, seemingly quite indifferent to the swoops of the two
Brown Hawks and the Harrier. The wings and tail showed at
once that he was not a Wedge-tailed Eagle, and a momentary
glance revealed to me the two conspicuous white under-wing
patches identifying the stranger as the splendid Black-breasted
Buzzard (Gvpotctinia melanosterna), beautifully depicted in Gould’s
fine plate. As Campbell remarks in his ‘‘ Nests and Eggs,”’ these
white patches, very noticeable fromr beneath, when the bird is
soaring above the spectator, are an easy clue to its identity. It
was a fascinating sight to gaze at its majestic circlings, with
perfectly immovable wing, all the while indifferent to the attacks

104 LEGGE, A New Raptor for Tasmania. te

tst Oct.

of its adversaries. Gradually widening them without a beat of
the wing, the Buzzard moved out in a north-easterly direction
towards the forest-clad ranges-of the East Coast, until ‘he was
lost to view. Es

The question arose at once—from whence and by what migratory
path had this new visitant come to Tasmania? The true
Buzzards and our aberrant Australian form are denizens of forests,
both on mountain and plain. It is therefore probable that the
newcomer, under the influence of the frequent north-easterly
winds of last spring, took flight from the Gippsland forests across
Bass Strait to the Flinders Island ranges. Once in that locality,
it is an easy advance for a bird of powerful wing to the forest-clad
region of Cape Portland, and thence southward to the “ wilderness ”’
of hills and gorges which unite with the East Coast ranges, thickly
clad with forest. An alternative route would have been from the
Otway Forest to King Island and across to the North Coast.
There the country rises rapidly to the Great Central Plateau of
Tasmania, which would tend to preclude a further wandering to
the south or east.

To ornithologists who are given to studying the Accipitres,
the Black-breasted Buzzard is an interesting species. The wide
range that it is now known to possess since the publication of
Messrs. Campbell and Barnard’s exhaustive paper on “ The Birds
of North Queensland’’ has been but slowly added to during the
long years from Gould’s day until now. This is doubtless due
to its being, like the true Buzzards, a forest-loving species, and
consequently difficult of observation. Its great eastern habitat,
the mountain forests of Eastern Victoria, New South Wales, and
Queensland, is extended by the above-quoted paper to the
Northern Territory. From the coast brushes, where Gould pro-
cured it, the Buzzard probably, in the breeding season, sallies
westward into the great timber land beyond the Dividing Ranges
on its bird-egging depredations. There it would breed in isolated
forests, coming as it did under A. J. Campbell’s far-reaching
observations. Its powerful flight. will carry it thence westward
to the Macdonell Ranges, where it is also probably resident, as
these ranges would help as a connecting link to the Western Aus-
tralian woodlands, where Gilbert found it. From there north
the intervening forest land in the Kimberley province will form
another link in its range to the Northern Territory.

The most noteworthy feature in the interesting life-history of
this species is that, added to its ordinary reptilian diet, it has a
daring habit, combined with much “ sagacity and cunning,” of
robbing birds of their eggs, as an addition to its larder. As this
fact may not be known to readers of The Emu who have not had
an opportunity of reference to our standard works, it may be well
to recapitulate some of the evidence relating to the exploits of
the robber. It was first heard of from the aborigines, and dis-
believed. Why that should be so is not plain to the writer, for no
one who has studied the ethnology of the Australian aborigine

OS LreacE, A New Raptor for Tasmania. 105

can deny that among the child-races of the world he stands pre-
eminent for his marvellous powers of vision and observation in his
native wilds. He is a human companion of the fauna among
which he lives. Gould’s valued collector and assistant, Gilet
was the first, as we note in the great author’s ‘“‘ Handbook,” to
give information on the subject on the testimony of the blacks,
as related by a pastoralist, Mr. Drummond, together with his son.
In essence, the natives’ story is that the Buzzard, having discovered
an Emu on its nest, advances on the ground to the attack, with
a stone in its talons, with outstretched wings, and assaults the
Emu with great ferocity. Having driven the Emu off the eggs,
the Buzzard hovers over the nest and drops the stone on the eggs
It then devours their contents, and, in addition, probably carries
some to its nest. If no stone is procurable the bird picks up
lump of hard, calcined earth and uses it! A. J. Campbell, in his
comprehensive work, “ Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds,”
alludes to this evidence, and adds to it considerably by giving an
extract from an article by Mr. H. K. Bennett in the Proceedings
of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. This substantiates
the evidence of the blacks. Mention is made here of a friend of
his who found an Emu’s nest with five broken eggs and a lump
of calcined earth ‘as big as a man’s fist” lying by them.
Further proof is given by A. J. Campbell, who found a nest with
the shell of a Bustard’s egg in it. Finally, in Messrs. Campbell
and Barnard’s paper on ‘‘ The Birds of North Queensland,” we
have the latter's testimony that he has proof of this robber
‘dropping stones on eggs in the Northern Territory.” There
they also noticed its great soarings, and were struck by “’ its
peculiar floating flight while hawking over the tree-tops.”’ Lastly,
in its nesting habits it competes with the Eagles in building its
eyrie, which is nearly as large as that of the Eagles. It no doubt
has the habit of adding to the structure from season to season, as
the Sea-Eagle (Haliastur) does, which, by the way, is not the
custom of our Wedge-tailed Eagle, so far as I have ascertained.

Kaup, the well-known Continental ornithologist, removed this
species from the genus Buteo—the true Buzzards— and created
for its reception the new genus, Gypotctinia, on account, of its
very differently scaled tarsus, the anterior portion of which is
protected by broad, diamond-shaped scales, which are supple-
mented on the sides and posterior part by small reticulated ones.
This amply justifies its separation from Buteo, in which the
anterior tarsal scales are rectangular and transverse.

Finally, we may note that, to the systematic ornithologist, there
remains the interesting fact that the one and only Australian
member of this noteworthy group of birds of prey stands almost
at the head of the group in size. It is only exceeded in dimensions
by one or two species of the true Buzzards, notwithstanding that
they range over the new world and the old, Malaysia and Oceania
excepted, the big South American Buzzard (Buteo melanosterna)
of the western republics of that continent being the only species
that passes our bird materially in size and length of wing.

106 CAMPBELL, Birds of Rockingham Bay District. Emu

St) .OCE;

Birds of Rockingham Bay District.
By A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B:0.U.
In the remarks by Mr. H. G. Barnard and myself on the birds of

this rich region which appeared in the last issue of The Emu, -

two kinds were held over for further elucidation.

Pachycephala queenslandica (Queensland Whistler).

No birds are more puzzling in their phases of plumage than the
Yellow-breasted Thickheads. When we were on the flat country
and on Goold Island, during August and September, we procured
specimens which, although apparently adult, showed signs of
immature plumage (rufous edgings on the wing feathers, &c.),
and their notes were different. But when we went to the ranges
during October we found the males “ full-throated”” with song,
and with breasts resplendent with yellow. We now believe that
the grey birds of the coast and the full-plumaged ones of the
range are referable to the race above-named.

Ptilotis lewinit (chrysotis) (Yellow-eared Honey-eater).

We found this a fairly common species. It frequented the
flowering citrus trees of gardens, and came into outhouses and
even dwellings after fruit; hence sometimes the local name of
‘ Banana-Bird.” In the open the bird fossicked various native
flowers, including the olive-green floriferous heads of a climbing
pisonia (P. aculeata). These flowers, judging by the hum of
insects (including a big “bumble bee’’) about them, must be
heavily charged with nectar.

Several nests of the Honey-eater were taken on the coast land,
and birds observed, but the nest which we were “ shepherding ”’
on the table-land was destroyed by some evil thing. The table-
land birds were more tuneful, and frequently gave the character-
istic trilling whistle of Jewant1, which we never heard the lowland
birds give. Therefore we thought the lowland variety might be
possibly P. notata, but the only skin obtained in that locality
proved to be lewinit. Could the commonly-reputed notata of
collectors, after all, be a northern form only of the widely-
distributed /ewinit 2 We regretted we did not get more material
while on the spot.

Referring to pisonia trees and their sticky seeds, the late Mr.
A. J. North, in his “ Nests and Eggs,” vol. 11., p. 109, when dealing
with Ptilotis notata, on the authority of Mr. Frank Hislop, Bloom-
field River, mentioned this Honey-eater in connection with
another pisonia (P. brunontana), the seeds of which sometimes
hold a bird as with the best bird-lime. Indeed, the new material
must be more potent than the best bird-lime, because Mr. Hislop
has seen on the floor of the forest Nutmeg-Pigeons, a large Rufous
Owl (once), and a Crested Hawk, disabled by the clinging, glue-

like seeds.

Pe nn bt Fe

ee eae ee

ie CAMPBELL, Birds of Rockingham Bay District. 107

Various. —To our former list may be added the following,
which were observed during my previous trip (1914), namely :—
Agialitis nigrifrons (Black-fronted Dottrel), gtalitis ruficapilla
(Red-capped Dottrel), Charadrius fulvus (Lesser Golden Plover),
Hematopus fuliginosus (Black Oyster-catcher), seen at Dunk
Island ; Lobivanellus personatus (Masked Plover), Anthus australis
(Australian Pipit), seen on Bellenden Plains.

Regarding the previous remarks on the Ashy-fronted Robin
(Heteromytas cineretfrons), although we found nests with single
eggs only, the photograph in my book, “‘ Nests and Eggs,” by Mr.
D. Le Souéf, shows that a pair of eggs is sometimes laid by this
Robin. Also, referring to the Striped Honey-eater (Plectorhyncha
_ lanceolata), we stated these birds were observed on Gould Island
only. Some were noted on the Kirrama table-land too.

To conclude. It is a far cry from Kirrama, North Queensland,
to South Yarra, Melbourne. During October I heard the merry
voices of Reed-Warblers (Acrocephalus australis) on the Kirrama
Creek. The next occasion I heard them was two months later,
in the private gardens surrounding my lodgings in the populous
suburb of South Yarra. There is much yet to be learned of the
migration movements of these agreeably interesting birds.

New and Rare Victorian Birds from Mallacoota.

By Jas. A. KersHAw, F.E.S., R.A.O.U., NATIONAL MUSEUM,
MELBOURNE.

IN January last Mr. C. Daley presented to the National Museum
two birds sent from Mallacoota, in the far east of Victoria, by Miss
E. Dorran, R.A.O.U. These proved to be specimens of the Top-
knot Pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcttcus, and the Koel or Flinders
Cuckoo, Eudynamis cyanocephala. The former, although a very
tare visitor, has already been recorded from Victoria, and one or
two are known to have wandered as far south as Tasmania. As
early as 1879 a head of this fine Pigeon was forwarded, with other
birds, to the Museum from the Gippsland Lakes by the late C. T.
Stafford, Esq., who wrote :—‘* The head of this Pigeon is one of
six birds that were brought to me as shot in the vicinity of the
lakes, a considerable flight of them having come over the sea, but
too far gone in moult to be of any service as specimens. . . The
flesh is very inferior to the Wonga or Bronze-wing for the table.”
The occurrence of the Koel or Flinders Cuckoo so far south is of
particular interest, as it does not appear to have been previously
recorded south of Sydney. The specimen, which was the only one
seen, is a female.

Additional interest is attached to the above by the still more
recent discovery in the same locality of the Red-crowned Fruit-
Pigeon, Ptilinopus swaimsont. The specimen, a young male, was
obtained by Miss E. Dorran on the 2Ist August last, and forwarded

108 KkERSHAW, New and Rare. Victorian Birds. ee

to the Museum in the flesh. So far as I can ascertain, this species
has not been previously recorded south of the Hunter River in New
South Wales, though P. swperbus appears to have wandered as far
south as Tasmania, and the late Mr. A. J. North has recorded a
young male from Buckley’s Crossing, in the Snowy River district,
near the southern boundary of New South Wales. The occurrence
of these three species so far south of their usual habitat suggests
the possibility of further unexpected discoveries in this little-known
locality.

Camera Craft Notes.

‘“Warrener’’ Shells at Portsea.—The accompanying photo-
graph shows a small rocky islet on the shore platform, Ocean
Beach, Portsea, Victoria. The top of the islet is covered with
shells and the operculums of the large ‘*‘ Warrener’’ or Periwinkle
(Turbo) used by the Pacific Gull. Capt. White expressed doubt on
a somewhat similar occurrence in a recent issue of The Emu, but I
am satisfied the Pacific Gull does drop the shells to break them.—
De LE SOUEF, CM Zs:

* * cS

Evelyn Notes.—The Evelyn district is well known to many bird-
observers on account of being fairly rich in bird-life. Our few
experiences of the locality have usually ended in disaster through
bad weather. The accompanying photographs serve to remind
us of perhaps the most uncomfortable night we have ever spent
in the cause. We decided to pay a visit to Evelyn one week-end
during September, 1915, to obtain, if possible, pictures of the
Mountain Thrush (Oveocincla lunulata), of which we had previously
located two nests. We arrived at mid-day on Saturday, loaded
up with blankets and stretchers, prepared for sleeping out. We
did not bring a tent, however, and were not prepared for the rain
which fell continuously throughout the afternoon and night.
After capturing the young ones—one was nearly drowned in the
process—we proceeded to make ourselves a shelter for the night.
This, however, added to our discomfort, as the sodden branches
dropped icy water down our necks. Eventually we managed to
light a fire, and decided to sit at that all night. We steamed and
shivered till daybreak, when we commenced operations. At
lunch time, however, the adult birds still kept at a distance, and
we were obliged to satisfy ourselves with photographs of the
young. We were, however, more fortunate with a Harmonious
Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) nesting near by, which obliged
us with several sittings.—S. A. LAWRENCE, R. T.. LITTLEJOHNS.
Melbourne, 29/5/17.

* *

The Shy Barred-shouldered Dove.—Pigeons and Doves are
so. far as my experience goes, among the most difficult- of Aus-

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PEATIE XV.

‘NOwH “S"Z"°W'O ‘A4SNOS 371 °C “H “M AB ‘OLOHd

"eLIOPIA ‘vaS}IOg ‘Yovroag uwesdQ ‘(snatfrvd snuviqvy) [INH oyI9eg oy}
Aq pasn (oginz) aTAUIMIIEg JO ,,OUSIIeAA ,, PY} JO STEYS oy} pue sumnqnoiedO YWIM par1dA0d yo[sT AYoY

pale eaten: coee ONE Ee gies, Lie a 4

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———. cei leaf cen pa

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XVI.

Young of Australian Ground-Thrush (Oreocincla lunulata).

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

Double Nest of Barred-shouldered Dove—lower one deserted.

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

vel eyL Camera Craft Notes. 109g

tralian wild birds to photograph—a fact that is not so much due
to the average situation of the nests as to the restlessness of the
owners. Accordingly, the natural zest which attaches to the
stalking of a bird with a camera is added to in the case of the
Columbiformes, and increased further by the exceeding grace-
fulness of the birds, particularly the crested species, when sitting
on the nests. The Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) at home
is one of the prettiest avian vignettes one could wish to see ; but,
personally, I have not been able, with a limited experience of the
bird, to do more than photograph a nest of its young. During
this week I endeavoured to obtain a pictorial acquaintance
with the rarest of the three Doves—Geopelia humeralis ; but
the effort terminated before it was well begun, owing to the
excessive shyness of the potential sitter. The nest was found on
2nd August, in a thorny bush on the bank of Norman Creek, in
the heart of East Brisbane. It was just the usual flimsy structure
of grasses, but interest was added to the discovery by the presence
of a second nest immediately adjacent. Each nest contained
two eggs, but the set in the lower of the pair was addled, and
partly covered with grasses, obviously having been deserted. The
Dove flushed strongly at the first footfall, and did not return to
the vicinity within two hours. I photographed the two nests
without handling the contents of either, and gave the scene a
call later in the day. The Dove was sitting again, but she flew
immediately, and, from that point, probably did not go near the
nest any more, for when I paid another cautious visit on the
following day the fresh eggs were cold. A day later there were
only a few bits of shell in each nest—some marauder had cleaned
out all four.—A. H. CutsHo_m, R.A.O.U. Norman Park, Brisbane,

TIO / EZ: ‘

Stray Feathers.

Harriers in New Zealand.,—I was interested in Mr. Dove’s notes
on the Harrier in last issue. In New Zealand Circus gouldi is
the common—almost the only—Hawk. There is a bounty on
its destruction in this district, given by the Acclimatization Society,
and a patient of mine remarked the other day—*‘ Well, the Hawks’
bills have paid the doctor’s bill this time,” and sure enough he
paid me with a cheque of £3 IIs., representing 142 beaks. He
is a rabbit trapper by occupation, and catches the Hawks in
rabbit traps baited with a dead rabbit. Even young (healthy)
rabbits seem to have no fear of the Hawks, and I have never seen
a Hawk swoop at a rabbit yet; but he tells me they will some-
times attack a baby one, or one in the last stages of death from
poisoning. Mostly they feed on dead ones, I fancy. He only
trapped a small area, and 142 beaks seem to me an astonishing
number for a range of a few hundred acres.—T. J. Ick-HEwins.
Waiuku, N.Z., 4/9/17.

[Why this licensed slaughter ?2—Ebs. |

5B ae) Stray Feathers. Des

1st Oct.

Nesting of Black-fronted Dottrel.—About the first week in
January, 1917, when on the banks of the Yarra River, near
Heidelberg, I noticed a pair of Black-fronted Dottrels (4 gialitis
melanops), and, after watching them for some time, saw the
female bird approach her nest and sit on the two eggs, which she
had left on my arrival. I then took a stand a little distance off,
partly hidden from the birds, and noticed the female return to
the nest and sit on the eggs for a short time and then leave again.
This she did several times; but at other times when she went
to the nest she seemed to place a small drop of water on each egg,
but did not sit on them when she did that, and when I examined
the eggs I noticed the water. This she did on several occasions,
and, as the day was very hot and the eggs were exposed to the
sun, I was wondering whether the bird moistened the eggs with
the idea of better protecting them from the heat of the sun.
They were well advanced in incubation. I would be glad to
know whether any other bird observer has noticed the same thing.

—DONALD THOMSON.

Magpie-Lark.—Concerning that little favourite, the Magpie-
Lark (Grallina picata), the following incident may be of interest.
Behind my house is a box-tree in which a pair of these beauties
build. During the very dry spell last year they used a little
puddle-hole near my window for their “ pug,’ which they made
from collected grass (very small pieces), and mud, but only one
operated at a time. The male, carrying his quota of building
material, would fly in a bee-line for the nest, and immediately on
his arrival the female would leave the nest on the other side in such
a manner as to give the casual observer the impression that the
one bird flew right through the tree and out the other side. My
friend, Mr. H. Burrell, considers this to be a means of protective
deception on the part ot the birds. It certainly seems like it,
especially as it was difficult, even at a distance of five yards, to
distinguish male from female, owing to their very muddied throats
and breasts. I am convinced that the birds understood all the
principles of the Monnier system of reinforced cement in mixing
the mud with grass.—T. J. REDHEAD. The Vicarage, Manilla,
NoS: W.., 2/77/07:

*k *

Simulation of Death by the White-eared Honey-eater (Ptilotis
leucotis).—I1 was, during the season, greatly interested in the
wonderful mimicry of death by a female White-ear at Ferntree
Gully. In a dense thicket of dogwood (Prostanthera lasianthos)
I came across a very deep, cup-shaped nest of this Honey-eater
suspended from the frail branches of a dogwood. It was, as
usual, beautifully constructed of dry grasses and strips of dry
bark, and lined with a very thick mat of black wallaby hair, and
contained two young birds, apparently about a couple of days
old. Whilst admiring the beautiful cradle, the female flew into

aT et ieee

Vol. XVII. :
2 x7 Stray Feathers. Dae

the top of an adjoining dogwood, and, steadying herself by
clinging with her feet uppermost to every twig in its line of descent,
gradually came to the earth, when it very slowly collapsed upon
its side. The feathers of the neck shivered, and then lay quite
open and loose, and the brilliant beady eyes nearly closed. Then
like a flash she, was up and away, but speedily returned, to repeat
the same manceuvre over again, until I quietly drew away from
the heavily-breathing, naked bird babies in their cosy nest, and
left them to their mother’s care.—A. CHAs. STONE, ‘South Yarra.

* * *k

Warburton Bird Notes.—Yesterday (30th April), at 10.30 a.m.,
whilst working in my office, I pricked my ears at an unusual bird
call outside. Surely a Cuckoo ? On going outside, the plaintive
trill of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo was heard in all directions, and in
the distance the sad note of the Pallid Cuckoo. There must have

een at least a dozen Fan-tailed Cuckoos calling, and three were

seen in a small tree fronting the road. They were in evidence
for about ten minutes, and then all departed as abruptly as they
came, and have not been heard or seen since. Doubtless they
were on their way back north. On several occasions last week
a fluttering at the window announced the visit of a Black-and-
White Fantail, apparently desirous of engaging in mortal combat
with his own reflection. Butcher-Birds are heard every day. One
in particular has a very musical song, which might be attempted
in musical notation thus :—

Lyre-Birds are fairly plentiful along the Donna Buang road, and
by going quietly one can get quite close to them.—A. E. Roppa.
Warburton, 1/5/17.

* cS *

Late Migrants in Tasmania.—The following three species of
birds, which usually go northward in the autumn, are, in June,
still about Hobart, their most southerly range in the Australian
Region :—

Australian Curlew (Numenius cyanopus, Vieillot) was on the
sandy beach of Bellerive this morning (12th June). It is not a
good feeding-ground—in fact, a bad one, and the Silver and
Pacific Gulls (being too clean) appear to be the only birds which
get a living upon it. The two Curlews had probably strayed, as
the morning was well shrouded in fog. It is the first morning this
winter with a fog anda frost combined. Perhaps the food supply
in their familiar grounds had frozen. One of the two birds was
calling. This is the month for being well into the breeding period
in the tundra of North-East Siberia.

Emu
1st Oct.

5 GI 2 Stray Feathers:

Small-billed Cuckoo-Shrike (Graucalus parvirostris), Gould.—
I saw a flock of nine on several occasions on and about 5th June.
There were both adult and immature birds, the latter being the
young of this summer. The flock was perfectly silent, and was
passing amongst the orchard trees and adjacent timber.

Fan-tailed -Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis, Latham).—I saw
it on Ist June, and recognized it by its flight and markings. It
has not been calling for months.

The past few weeks have been mild, and on two occasions only
have we had a low temperature. The weather to-day appears
to indicate the real winter, and those birds which have been
induced ‘to stay because of good climate and abundance of food
—if Tasmania ever really has it—may now be sorry for them-
selves.—ROBERT HALL. Hobart, 12/6/17.

Correspondence.
To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

DEAR Strs,—The very valuable article on “ Birds of the Rocking-
ham Bay District, North Queensland,” by Messrs. A. J. Campbell
and H. G. Barnard, in The Emu, vol. xvii., p. 2, is to my mind
somewhat marred by the controversial tone adopted in reference
to the work of Mr. G. M. Mathews. Personally, I think that Mr.
Mathews’ own great work on “ The Birds of Australia” is even
more spoilt by this fault, and that a text-book is not the right
place in which to embody the controversies of the moment. It
will be a great pity if the habit is to spread to all contributions
to Australian ornithology. Of course, I do not object to the
authors expressing their opimions as to whether particular forms
are or are not worthy of specific or sub-specific rank. Such
opinions from field workers are of supreme importance, and
personally I think that these matters cannot be settled solely by
examination of skins, but that the nests, eggs, notes, and other
habits of the birds must also be taken into consideration.

Without in any way holding a brief for Mr. Mathews, who is
quite capable of fighting his own battles (but, being in England,
may not be able to reply in time for the next issue), will you allow
me to comment on one point in the article in question ?

On page 17 the authors write :—"“‘ Bee-eaters have been observed

passing to and from New Guinea during migration. How can it
be possible, then, that there are two races of these birds in
Australia, as Mathews infers?”’ Again, on page 36, when dis-
cussing the Spangled Drongo, they say :—‘‘ If this bird migrates
from New Guinea (one of us has observed it doing so), why does
Mathews make two sub-species of the Drongo—one for Queensland
and the other for Northern Territory ?”’

Mr. Mathews may or may not be right in these cases in
separating these migratory birds into sub-species, but the mere
fact that they are only summer migrants in Australia, and

open i eter vig OUR ees ted

i yee

A FO OR tate eh

Vol. XVII.
ied Correspondence. rr3

possibly winter together in New Guinea, does not affect the
question, as the authors appear to suppose. It has been known
_for some years that two sub-species of Wheatear occur regularly
in England on migration in spring and autumn. The smaller
form remains to breed in the British Isles, while the larger passes
on to Scandinavia. A similar phenomenon is met with in the
cases of the Willow-Wren and the Chiffchaff. The sub-species
Phylloscopus trochilus trochilus and Phylloscopus collybita collybita
remain in England: all through the summer, and are two of the
best-known British birds, but in spring and autumn some
individuals of the northern forms, P. trochilus eversmanni and P.
collybita tristis, pass through England on migration. I have just
received a reprint of an article by my brother, H. G. Alexander,
from British Birds (vol. x., p. 263, April, 1917), in which he
records that Miss E. L. Turner and he watched specimens of the
Common and the Northern Willow-Wrens in company in the
same bushes at Dungeness on 13th September, 1916, and were
able to distinguish them both by their slightly different coloration
and their decidedly different notes. The European cases quoted
seem to me exactly comparable with the Australian cases referred
to by Messrs. Campbell and Barnard. In each we have sub-
species with different ranges in the summer mingling together
on migration, and in neither case are we aware whether the two
forms remain mixed during the winter or have distinct winter
areas. The fact, however, that they follow the same routes on
migration has not prevented European students from regarding
the birds mentioned as sub-species.—Yours, &c.,

W. B. ALEXANDER.
Queen's College, University of Melbourne, 17/7/17.

To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

DEAR Srirs,—I beg to amend the classification at the end of
my article in the January, 1917, issue, p. 170. I had overlooked
the fact that Mathews, in the same volume (July, 1916, p. 34),
had separated Acanthiza albwveniris from A. pusilla, adding A.
venus, A. hamiltoni, A. consobrina, A. whitlockit, and A. tanami
as sub-species, and leaving A. macularia, A. archibaldi, A.
diemenensis, A. zietzt, A. arno, A. apicalis, and A. katherina as
sub-species of A. pusilla. —

Perhaps Mr. Mathews is correct, but the only difference,
according to the late Mr. A. J. North, is the white under tail
coverts and slightly larger size of A. albiventris. If this is
sufficient to separate A. albiventris specifically from A. pusilla,
it is strange that the under tail coverts in A. hamiltont are
fulvous, as is also the case in A. pusilla and all, or nearly all, of
its sub-species.—Yours faithfully,

F. BE BOWE:
Canterbury (Vic.), 24/7/17.

TTA Monthly Conversaziones. ee

Monthly Conversaziones.

Tue first monthly conversazione of the R.A.O.U. was held at
the Union’s room at Temple Court on 4th July, 1917, at 8 p.m.
There were 28 present. The vice-president, Dr. J. A. Leach,
occupied the chair.

Mr. W. B. Alexander exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Ashby, of
South Australia, skins of a new variety of Parrot (Platycercus
elegans fleurieuensis), and discussed the relationship of the new
form with P. adelaide, P. elegans, P. nigrescens, and P. flaveolus.
Mr. Kershaw exhibited skins of P. flaveolus and P. adelaide in
illustration of Mr. Alexander’s remarks. Mr. Alexander also
exhibited a pair of skins of the White-winged Tern (H. leucoptera),
an irruption of which had appeared in Western Australia this year.
Prior to this there were very few authentic records of this bird
in Australia. Mr. Kershaw made some interesting remarks re
skins of rare birds —Geoffroyus maciennant and Eclectus mac-
gillivrayi—that he had procured at the Claudie River, Queensland.
Mr. A. C. Stone exhibited the nest of Glyciphila fasciata, which had
been forwarded by Mr. F. C. Berney from Queensland. Mr.
Le Souéf read letters from Dr. W. Hornaday, of U.S.A., and
Mr. J. Buckland, of England, dealing with the protection of birds
and the plumage traffic. Mr. Buckland stated that the British
Government had prohibited the importation of avian plumage
as a war regulation. Mr. Le Souéf then showed a very fine series
of pictures dealing with the subject of Ibises, most of which had
been taken in Riverina, N.S.W. He indicated how very bene-
ficial these birds are to agriculturists, and how necessary it was
that they should receive the utmost protection. He also showed
some unique pictures of the locust, an insect that is particularly
acceptable to all species of Ibis. Live specimens of the White
and Straw-necked Ibis were also exhibited in illustration of his
remarks. Mr. Le Souéf was heartily applauded for the informa-
tion he had given. Messrs. Stone, Howe, Ross, and Mattingley,
in discussing the subject, also contributed many interesting
notes. Mr. G. F. Hill then contributed a paper dealing with the
nidification of the Rainbow Pitta (P. 771s) in the Kimberley and
Darwin districts, and called attention to the unusually open
nesting-sites utilized by this species.

The second (August) conversazione of the R.A.O.U. was held
on Wednesday, Ist, at the R.A.O.U. room, Temple Court,
Collins-street, and there was an excellent attendance of members.
Mr. W. H. D. Le Souéf occupied the chair. The subject before
members was “ Penguins,’ and Dr. Nicholls contributed a
masterly paper dealing with his investigations at the Penguin
rookeries at Phillip Island. Numerous birds had been captured,
and a very complete series of measurements obtained. These
proved conclusively that only the Little Penguin inhabits the
rookeries at Phillip Island. It was found that the male was

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‘
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Vol. XVII. . he
ee Monthly Conversaztones. ERS

slightly larger than the female. The paper was illustrated by a
splendid series of skins of the Little Penguin in different stages
of development, and some excellent pictures that had been
obtained by Mr. T.. oH. Tregellas:

Mr. Le Souéf then screened many unique studies of different
species of Penguins, and his remarks upon them were greatly
appreciated by members. Eggs of several species of Penguins
were exhibited by Mr. A. C. Stone.

The third (September) conversazione of the R.A.O.U. was held
on Wednesday, 5th, at the room, Temple Court, and a fair
number of members attended. The chair was occupied by Mr.
A. H. E. Mattingley, who welcomed to the meeting Mr. Quinney,
of Mortlake, and Miss Cayley, of Sydney. Mr. Alexander and Dr.
Nicholls exhibited skins of the Little Penguin from Western
Australia, and called the attention of members to the coloration
of the backs of the birds, which was somewhat brighter than is
found in the eastern birds. The subject for the evening was
‘““ Honey-eaters,” and Mr. W. H. D. Le Souéf opened the subject
with a fine series of lantern slides dealing with many species.
From his comments on the pictures members gleaned much
interesting information. Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley then contributed
some interesting notes on the subject, his remarks being illustrated
by some praiseworthy pictures of many forms of Victorian Honey-
eaters. Messrs. Alexander, Stone, Keep, and Ross took part in
the discussion which followed. Mr. F. E. Wilson then read a
letter from Private L. G. Chandler, which showed that, in spite
of exacting military duties in France, he was still able to gain
a little time for nature study.

A feature of the evening was the series of eggs of Honey-eaters
exhibited by Mr. A. C. Stone, and about which he made some
interesting remarks. A fairly extensive series of skins of Honey-
eaters from the Union’s collection was tabled, and a comparison
of them added much to the evening’s enjoyment.

About Members.

Ornithologist at the Australian Museum.—The trustees of the
above institution have decided not to fill permanently for the
present the position of ornithologist, rendered vacant by the
death of Mis Ag.|a North, ©.M.B:0:U:, Mr. A. Fes Basset > Hull;
R.A.O.U., has offered his services in an honorary capacity,
and the Museum trustees have accepted the offer.

Mr. Basset Hull is to be congratulated (and members of the
~ R.A.O.U. may well congratulate themselves, likewise the trustees
of the Museum concerned) on his patriotism in giving up
gratuitously so much of his valuable time in the interests of the
ornithology of his State, and incidentally of the Commonwealth.

he Le ee
ers | : a

tection Court” at an exhibition held in Melbourne some years

Mount St. Evin’s private hospital, East Melbourne, on the

the nation (through the Commonwealth Parliament Library) with

ges ‘
Pash Gy
5 ea hog.”
Seat al mae. ac oe
>
.

116 ;

ee
zone

fe ee ;
By reason of the ‘ material’”’ and fine library at his hands, Mr. — *
Basset Hull’s services on the ‘‘ Check-list’’’ Committee will be

doubly valuable.

‘

Obituary.

DeAtTH has removed two influential members of the R.A.O.U.
First, Mr. O. W. Rosenhain, who was travelling with Mrs.
Rosenhain in the East at the time. Three days before arriving
at Japan Mr. Rosenhain was attacked by a heart seizure, which
ended fatally on the 4th September, 1917. He was born in South
Australia, and was comparatively a young man. He took keen —
interest in birds and bird protection, and promoted the “ Bird Pro-

ago. At the Bird Observers’ meetings and field outings the late
Mr. Rosenhain was the most genial of members, and his loss will
be keenly felt.

Second, Mr. E. A. Petherick, C.M.G., the Australian biblio-
grapher, who, in submitting himself to an operation, died at

17th September. Mr. Petherick was born at Burnham, Somerset,
England, and was 70 years of age. In 1909 Mr. Petherick presented

an invaluable collection of books, documents, charts, &c.
(numbering several thousands—the collection of a lifetime) per-
taining to the history of Australia and the early voyages of
navigators in the Southern Seas. At the annual session of the
R.A.O.U. held in Sydney, 1911, a movement was started to have
the Petherick bibliography concerning Australian ornithology
published. The movement has not yet borne fruit, and, on purely
national grounds, should be set afoot again, perhaps after the war.
The work of the ‘‘ Check-list ’?’ Committee would be greatly aided
by such an indispensable reference.

All members of the R.A.O.U. will desire to pay tribute to the
memory of these two deceased members, and tender their sincerest
sympathy to the respective families.

Notes.

Tue honorary secretary, Mr. Le Souéf, would be glad of any
notes that members can give him from actual observation on
the food of birds of prey, especially Eagles.

Tue honorary treasurer is desirous of reminding members that
subscriptions for the current year are now due. Owing to the
great increase of printing cost, he would be glad to receive sub-
scriptions promptly.

FoLLowING the decision of the vote of members, the Council has
decided that the annual congress and camp-out shall not be held
this year, and that the election of officers and the business of the
annual meeting shall be conducted by correspondence.

| ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.
CO-PATRONS:
Their Majesties the King and Queen.

OPPICE-BEARERS :
President: Dr. W. MACGILLIVRAY.

fDr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U.
“\mr. A. F. BASSET BULL.

Hon. Secretary: Mr. W. H. D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &€c.
(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)

5 Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A.
(158 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.)

Hon. Librarian: Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.ZS.

Hon. Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U.
({‘ Eyrecourt,” Canterbury.)

a Assistant Editor: Mr. R. H. CROLL, R.A.O.U.

(Education Department, Melbourne.)
Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS.

A Hon. Auditor: Mr. J. BARR, A.1.A.V., A.C.P.A,
(42 Temple Court, Collins Street, Melbourne.)

Printing Committee: Messrs. A.J. CAMPBELL, A. H. E.
MATTINGLEY, anp W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A.

Vice~Presidents:

OSE RA a Re Ea, CP OTN oe

Local State Secretaries:
Mr. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney
Mr. E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland.
nae ta Cart, S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., Fulham, South Australia,
Be Mr. W. T. FORSTER, Victoria Park. Western Australia.
i Mr. W. L. MAY, Sandford, Tasmania.
Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.E.S., Darwin, Northern Territory.

Members of Council:
Vicror1a—CoL. C. S. RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E. MATTINGLEY,
C.M.Z.S., AND A. C., STONE
New Soutu WALES—Dr. J. BURTON CLELAND anp Dr. E. A.
D’OMBRAIN,
QUEENSLAND—Mr. C. A. BARNARD.
SouTH AUSTRALIA—MR. E. ASHBY, M.B.O.U.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA—Major A. E. LE SOUEF,
TASMANIA—COL. W. V. LEGGE, C.M.B.0.U.

Members of Check-List Committee:

Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.ZS., &c.
,, A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.O.U.. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U.

co Rd HALL,’ C. MBO. Uc Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E,

» BASSET HULL, R.A.O.U. ,, A.H. E. MATTINGLEY,C.M.Z.S.
Dr. J. A. LEACH, €.M.B.0.U. ,» H. L. WHITE, M.B.O.U.

COLONEL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CaPpTAIN S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

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

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Rare

-FLEURIEU PENINSULA ROSELLA. Ay aos Astty, MB. O.U, SS
ac RAO. mir ie - Shia - ee. - - a
i ss
oo INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF THE PENGUINS. ON THE
es NOBBIES, PHILLIP ISLAND, WESTERN PorT, VICTORIA. By

Dr. Brooke Nicholls, R.A.O.U. ea SE aoe eee

OPA POLOEISTS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND. ParT Il. By Café. =
eA: Dr. d W. Macgillivray, President of the R.A.O.U. - ee pes

a UPON EGGS OF THE WEDGE- TAILED EAGLE Geiss
‘AUDAS)... By He sL. ih ais R.A.O.U., Belltrees, N.S. W. - 149°

. Two SINGING SPECIES OF GERYGONE. By. AH, Chisholm, 2
va R.A. es U., Brisbane - - - BOO pet 2 é 2156
:
3 Birp NoTes FROM NEW SourH WALES. Communicated by Dr.
E. A. DOmbrain, M.D. RA. 0.0, Sydney ~

eo
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THe Puu., Vols XVII
PLATE XVII.

FLEURIEU PENINSULA ROSELLA.
Platycercus elegans fleurieuensts.

i
oe |

“ Birds of a feather.’’

Vor. XVII.j ist JANUARY, 10918. [PART 3;

Fleurieu Peninsula Rosella
(Platycercus elegans fleurteuensts).
(Edwin Ashby, Emu, vol. XVii., part 1, July, 1917.)
By EpWwIncAsHBy;, M.B-0.U.,. R-A.O:U.

THE habitat of this bird seems to be confined to the Fleurieu
Peninsula, South Australia, extending from The Meadows to Cape
Jervis. While on several occasions during the past twenty years
I have noted exceptionally highly coloured Rosellas in the
neighbourhood of The Meadows, I had no opportunity to collect
specimens. Last Easter, on the occasion of a hurried motor trip
to Cape Jervis, Mr. Frank E. Parsons, R.A.O.U., and myself saw
between Yankalilla and Second Valley a large number of this
highly-coloured form, but when nearing Second Valley they
became very numerous; every clump of gum-trees appeared to
be frequented by a flock of them, and each flock had its quota of
highly-coloured birds. The brilliancy of the red on the under
side and rump marked them out as very distinct from the normal
form of Platycercus elegans adelaidensis. Except for the fact that
the tone of red is so distinct from typical Platycercus elegans, one
would have placed them with that species, but the character of
the red coloration links them up more closely with the Adelaide
Rosella. While many of these birds were frequenting the red
gums, in both the evening and morning considerable numbers
flocked to the box-thorn hedges in the township of Second Valley,
feeding on the red berries, which were produced in great profusion.

The notes and habits of this Parrot are, as far as I could judge,
identical with P. adelaidensts. The birds could be heard early
in the morning calling to one another with shrill whistling notes,
rapidly repeated three or four times.

Emu

118 NicHo ts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. ee Ta

An Introduction to the Study of the Penguins on The
Nobbies, Phillip Island, Western Port, Victoria.

Wit SoME REMARKS ON THE VALIDITY OF EUDYPTULA UNDINA
(THE FAIRY PENGUIN).
By Dr. BrookeE NICHOLLS, R.A.O.U.

THE idea has long been entertained by Australian ornithologists
that two species of the genus Eudyptula inhabited the Victorian
coast.

From the earliest times the study of this particular genus has
been more or less of a puzzle, and it has been the custom to
recognize two species—+t.e., “a larger, light-coloured species known
as the Little Penguin (Eudypiula minor, Forster) and a smaller,
dark-coloured species, the Fairy Penguin (Eudyptula undina,
Gould).’”’ The quotation is from Mathews’s “ Birds of Australia,’’!
the latest work on the subject. This author, however, states that
the material he has on hand has led him to revise his views, and
he now thinks that there is but one form for the whole of Australia,
to which he gives the name Eudyptula novehollandiea (E. minor).
This species he believes to be “in a plastic state, several sub-
species being in the process of formation,” and he is forced to this
conclusion by the variation shown in the examples he has studied
from Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, and New
South Wales.*

In grouping the whole of the Australian forms under the sub-
specific name E. novehollandie, Mathews states that he is afraid
his scheme will not commend itself to Australian ornithologists,
and he invites them to co-operate in solving the problem by
making a study of series of specimens from breeding places.

With the object of further studying the problem, a visit was
paid to the Penguin rookery at Phillip Island on 9th to rath
March, 1917, in company with Mr. W. M‘Lennan (“the man from
the mangroves’’) and Mr. Tom Tregellas. It was our intention
to try and secure the necessary data whilst the birds were alive,
and afterwards liberate them; but the impossibility of making

* One of the ‘‘ plastic sub-species ”’ he describes from New Zealand waters under
the name of Z. sz7n0r treda/et (Chatham Island Little Penguin). This, he says, is the
most typical bird in his collection of Z. zdina (the Fairy Penguin). He further states
that it was a good species to me as it was easily recognizable, in addition to its
smaller and darker coloraticn, by its short, thick bill. His description is :—Adul¢
male differs from E. minor minor, Forster (New Zealand bird), in its smaller size,
darker coloration, and by its short, thick bill; exposed portion of culmen 34 mm.,
depth 16 mm.

+ Since the publication of vol. iv., Part V., of his ‘‘ Birds of Australia,”” Mathews
has again reclassified the Zudyptula.%* He now admits two species for Australia—
viz., #. minor novehollandie (Little Penguin), range N.S.W., Vic., Tas., S.A. ;
and £. minor woodwardi, sub-sp. n. (Western Little Penguin). Differs from
EL. m. novehollandie in its grey-blue coloration above, and the flipper being grey
and not blue. 7yfZe.—Sandy Hook Island, S.E. of Western Australia. Range,
Western Australia.

Een ent

Nee | NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. IIg

correct measurements, especially those relating to total length,
upon struggling, biting birds decided us to make a series of skins.
The list of same, with the data, will be found tabulated at the
end of the article. The coloration of the soft parts was taken in
the field, and all measurements were taken in the flesh, in milli-
metres. All the specimens were chloroformed. The measure-
ments were as follows :—

Total length.—Bird outstretched on back, and measured from
tip of bill to tip of tail.

Flipper (two measurements).—(1) From base of flipper to tip
of wing (in taking this measurement the mm. rule was pressed
in under the “ arm-pit ’’ of the flipper tight up against the body) ;
(2) from carpal joint to tip of wing.

Tarsus.— From joint of tarsus with leg to joint of first phalange
of middle toe.

Middle toe and claw.—¥rom joint of first phalange to tip of claw.

Culmen.—Length. (not following
the curve at tip of maxilla). Def he gonys (t.e., the
point of union of the mandibular rami), one point of the callipers
being placed on the prominence at the point of union of the rami,
the other immediately above it.

It has been found necessary to give the precise points from which
the measurements were taken, as most previous workers have
omitted them, or measured from different points, which renders
comparisons useless.

Before we come to summarize the tabulated results, a few
general remarks on Penguins may not be out of place.

The earliest reference to Penguins is to be found in the first
voyage of Vasco da Gama to India, in 1499. The following
extract has been taken from a paper read before the A.A.A.S.,
Adelaide, 1907, by James M‘Clymont, M.A.2 :—‘“ Penguins were
seen by the companions of Vasco da Gama in the Angrade Sao
Bras, on the south coast of Africa, in December of the year 1499.
These are referred to in a copy of the original MSS. of the vovage
by an anonymous writer who accompanied the expedition, in
which the birds are’ called ‘ Fotylicayros,’ in error for ‘Soty-
licayros,’ one of the names applied to Penguins as well as Auks.
It was stated that the birds were as large as Ganders (patos), and
their cry resembled the braying of asses, and they could. not fly
because they had no quills (feathers).

‘“Manuel de Mesquitor Perestrello, who visited the same coast
in 1575, added to this description that the ends of the wings of
Solilicarios were covered with fine down (penugen), that the birds
dived for fish and reared their young in nests constructed from
fish-bones, which, it may be inferred, were the residue of repasts
of Penguins and seals. Observations of present-day naturalists
do not support the fish-bone construction theory (says M‘Clymont),
as the Cape Penguins use only small stones, shells, and débris.
In modern Portuguese Penguins are called * Pinguins’ (‘ Pinguins
dussul).”

Emu

I20 NicHo.ts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. eng an

In Captain Cook’s third voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1776—
1780)3 mention is made that on 6th October, 1776, in lat. 35° 15’
S., about the level of the Cape of Good Hope, they saw three
Penguins and some Pintadoes. In consequence of this, says
Captain Cook, they sounded, but found no ground with a line of
150 fathoms. A White-capped Noddy settled on the rigging,
and was taken on the 8th. They arrived at Cape Town on the
18th. On the day they saw the three Penguins the nearest land
was then distant 100 leagues (some 300 miles). Penguins were
also met with on all the intervening islands visited between the
Cape and New Holland—Prince Edward, Marion, and Kerguelen
Islands—and were used for fresh food.

Prior to this, on his first and second voyages, Cook had met
with Penguins and Pintadoes. Cook was not the first Australian
bird-observer, but, curiously enough, the Pintado was the first
Australian bird ever described. A footnote in Dampier’s
‘““Voyages.”’ (1699) states that the Pintado-Bird was the Daption
capensis, and Dampier describes them as being “‘ as big as Ducks,
and speckled black and white.’ Professor Ernest Scott went to
some trouble in establishing the identity of this bird in a paper
read before the Club in 1906.4 It proved to be the Cape Petrel,
a bird fairly common to these seas.

As Captain Cook’s meeting with the Pintado was an historic
one, it may be quoted here :—“‘ On the 18th of March, 1770, in
the morning, we were visited by a Pintado-Bird and some Port
Egmont Hens—an infallible sign that land was near, which we
discovered at six o’clock in the morning of the 1gth, four or five
leagues distant. To the southmost point in sight we gave the
name of Point Hicks’’ (Cape Everard). That was Cook’s first
sight of the Australian coast, and incidentally of Victoria, not so
many miles distant from the Penguin rookery on The Nobbies.

The first Australian Penguin to be described was a Crested
Penguin, Catarrhactes chrysocome (Penguinis chrysocome chryso-
come). The type was secured by Tobias Furneaux, one of Cook’s
captains. In March, 1773, Furneaux accompanied Cook on his
second voyage. Their vessels became separated in a storm, and,
whilst Cook steered for New Zealand, Furneaux made up for
Tasmania and anchored near Penguin Island, in Adventure Bay.
This island, without doubt, received its name from the numbers
of birds upon it, but the species would not be the crested one, but
the small EF. minor, as the Crested Penguin (Catarrhactes chrysocome)
has only been recorded half a dozen times, or less, from our coasts.

Captain Cook also visited this island a few years later, for during
his third voyage it is mentioned that ‘‘ Captain Cook went again
on shore and found the grass-cutters on Penguin Island.”

Thus there is a long chain of Penguins stretching between the old
and the new worlds down the long years of discovery.

The first record’ we have of the Little Penguin, Eudyptula
minor (E. minor minor), is Forster’s account of the New Zealand
form, described from Dusky Bay, New Zealand, where it was

eee al NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. I21I

collected by Captain Cook on 31st March, 1773. I am indebted
to Mr. Hugh Wright, of the Mitchell Library, Sydney, for Forster’s
original description of the bird.

Forster, J. R.—-“ Historia Aptenodytz.”
(9) Aptenodytes minor, rostro nigro, pedibus albidis.

Habitat in Nova Zealandia. Haec certe species cuniculos agit in
montium latera; dum enim in fortu obscuro (Dusky Bay) in insulam
escenderem, portui objectam, Phocarum necandadaerum causa, et per
summam ejus partum virgultis Pzwelee consitam procederem ; vix tres,
quatuorve passus progredi licuit, quaminus in cuniculos suberraneos
deciderem, usque ad genua, vel etim ad medium cortoris: Deinde incolx
A stuartt Regine Charlotte (Queen Charlotte’s Sound) mihi ipsi common-
strarunt, qua ratione easeem e mari ad cuniculos in montibus_ sitos
succedentes, manibus capiunt vel sustibus enecant, ut eas, pellibus detractis,
assare et comedere possent.

Corpus magnitudine circiter Avatzs guerquedula.

Rostrum albidum, mardzbud7s inzequalibus, inferiore truncata, reliqua
cum Palato Linguague ut en congeneribus. -

Oculi Iride livida.

Pedes Supra albida, subtus una cum apicibus fusconigri ; in ceteris a
congeneribus non discrepant.

Ale Supra atro-coerulez, margine infimo albo, satus candide.

Cauda rotundata ? rectricibus xvi. laxe pinnatis, rigidissimis setosis.

Mensure.
Poll. Angl.

Ab apice rostri in extremum caudz _... See »» 14 = 355.6 mm.
Ab apice rostri in unguem digiti medii ee rrohnelld
Ale expanse se ae II
Rostrum longum _... wan It

latm bs We as SDE 2

Profundum (utraque mandibula simul sumta) ia
Ab apice tostri in medium oculum 24
il aapSaie gost er oun 4S
Diameter trunci, poné alas 3%
Pedes nudi in unguem digiti medii 2+
Digitus medius cum ungue ne
Unguis digiti medii ... 4
Polle cum ungue 4
Cauda circiter 135

The first mention we have of the Eudypftula in Australian waters
was made by Latham,® from a drawing made at Port Jackson.
Latham’s description is as follows :—‘‘ New Holland Pinguin.—
Length, two feet or more. Bill black, the upper mandible hooked
at the tip, the under truncated; plumage above brown, the
feathers tipped with grey, giving a mixed appearance ; chin, throat,
and the rest of the parts underneath rufous-white ; wings as in other
Pinguins, and brown ; legs pale flesh-coloured brown ; webs black.
Inhabits New Holland ; met with at Port Jackson, but is scarce :
called there ‘ Gur-roo-mul.’ ”’

This description, Mathews? says, was unrecognizable until the
original drawing was discovered. “It was then seen to be a

I22 NIcHoLts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. ae

1st Jan.

good picture, and, as Stephens had given a Latin name to this
description,’ Mathews says, ‘“‘ we should accept this as the earliest
name available for the Australian form.’ (‘ Two feet or more
in length’’ can hardly be called a good description.) This was
in 1826—a lapse of 53 years since Furneaux landed at Penguin
Island, in Tasmania.

It would be interesting to know who made the drawing at Port
Jackson described by Latham, and where it is at present. In
this connection the Mitchell Library was communicated with,
but they have not got it. But, as Mr. Wright, the librarian,
states :——“‘ It seems strange that the bird was not described
earlier than 1826 if it was found at Port Jackson, because Sir
Joseph Banks had men here collecting for him long before that
date, and Collins and White would surely have seen and described
it if it lived near the principal settlement. Is it not likely that
the specimen was brought here from some other part of Australia
and a sketch made from it here and sent to England ?”

Also, long before this date, both Bass and Flinders were familiar
with the Little Penguin (EF. minor). Bass, in October, 1798, when
he discovered the Strait that bears his name, must have seen the
bird, and probably ate it, although he makes no mention of it.
However, on his famous voyage in the whaleboat, just after
leaving Wilson’s Promontory, on the 2nd October, he, much to
his amazement, rescued a party of white men.’ They were the
remnant of a gang of convicts escaped from Port Jackson, who had
been marooned whilst they slept by the rest of their treacherous
companions, upon a small, wave-beaten rock. For five weeks
they had lived upon this small island off the Promontory, upon
Petrels and seals, says Bass. And Penguins, too, we may be
sure. Two days later Bass’s whaleboat turned into Western
Port, past Cape Woolamai. He spent twelve days in the harbour,
and from Bass’s eye-sketch of the island he must have been
within sight and sound of The Nobbies.

Again, in January, 1799, Bass and Flinders, in the Norfolk, a
25-ton sloop built of Norfolk Island pine, sailed from Sydney
Cove to confirm Bass’s idea that a strait existed. This they did
by circumnavigating Van Diemen’s Land. Upon the return
voyage the Babel Isles were marked down and named “ because
of the confusion of noises made by the Geese, Shags, Penguins,
Gulls, and Sooty Petrels.”® There we have the direct evidence
of both Bass and Flinders knowing the Little Penguin, and this
as early as 8th January, 1799—the date of the discovery of the
Cat group of islands. Again, in 1802, Flinders found the bird
“under the bushes on Goose Island,’ one of the Recherche
Archipelago. 1

How was it, then, that E. minor went so long undescribed ?
and who was it made the drawing at Port Jackson? One of
Banks's men, perhaps, or more likely either Bass or Flinders, both
very exact in describing and sketching natural features; or was
it a sketch made by one of the early sealers and whalers out of

-
;
a
:
a
é
:
H

ts a NIcHOLLs, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 123

Sydney Cove, who in those days lived the lives of Bass Strait
buccaneers ?

In 1827 E. minor (Aptenodytes minor) was described in King’s
“ Voyages!! to the Inter-Tropical and Western Coast of Aus-
tralia in 1815 and 1822.’’ He states :—‘ This bird is. common
in all parts of the Southern Ocean. The above specimen was found
at King George the Third’s Sound, near the south-west extremity
of New Holland.”

SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS WORKERS.

Spheniscus minor = EF. minor.—Gould’s “ Birds of Australia,’’*
vol. vii.,!2 states :—‘‘ There is no external difference observable
in the sexes. The feathers of the upper surface light blue, with a
fine black line down the centre of each, the whole of the under
surface silvery-white; eyes flat, inside pale buffy-white, with a
network of dark brown round the outer margin and with a fine
ring of the same colour near the pupil, giving the appearance of
a double iris; bill brown colour, deepening into slaty black on
the culmen and tip; feet yellowish-white ; nails black.”

Spheniscus undina = E. undina.—Of this species Gould states
that “it is considerably less in size than FE. minor, from which it
also differs in its comparatively smaller wing and in the deeper
blue colouring of the upper surface of the body. By many persons
it might be regarded as the young of E. minor, but I invariably
found the young of that species, while still partially clothed in
the downy dress of immaturity, to exceed considerably in size
all the examples of this new species, even when adorned in the
adult livery and possessing the hard bill of maturity. There can
be no question of the two birds being distinct. The whole of the
upper surface black, and upper side of the wings glassy light blue,
with a narrow stripe of black down the centre of each feather,
the black mark being broadest and most conspicuous on the back ;
all the under surface of the body, the under side and inner margin
of the upper side of the wings, and inner web of the tail feathers
silky-white ; bill reddish-brown beneath, black above ; feet yellowish-
white.”

Gregory Mathews? gives the following measurements :—j—
Total length, 398 mm. Culmen—length, 38 mm.; depth, 12 mm. ;
flippers, II mm.; tail, 28; tarsus, 24; middle toe and claw, 48.

F. M. Litiler.13—3, 425 mm.; bill, 39; wing, 75; tarsus, 19.
2, 400 mm.; bill, 35 ; wing, 65 ; tarsus, 18.

Describing birds of Ninth Island, off Tasmania, he says :—‘‘ It
is always an easy matter to separate the sexes, the male being much
stouter in build. . . Another point of difference exists in the
bills. That of the male is a stout, formidable weapon, whilst that

* Gould does not give any measurements,

Emu
1st Jan.

124 -NicHotts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic:
of the female is much slimmer and weaker in appearance. I
have found the above differences constant in the great hordes
of Penguins that were under continuous observation for just
two days short of a fortnight.’”’ Littler is inclined to bracket
E. minor and E. undina together.

Littler says that Dr. Finsch refused to admit any specific
distinction, also that Dr. Coues, after examining Gould’s types
in the museum at Philadelphia, says :—‘‘ These specimens are
slightly smaller than the average minor, bluer than usual, but not
bluer than No. 1338, and with rather weak bills. . . I cannot
distinguish these specimens even as a variety.”’

Lucas and Le Souéf, 14 describing FE. minor and E. undina, give
the following measurements :—

FE. minor, FE. undina.
Total length 18 inches (457.2 mm.) .... 14-15 inches (355.6-381 mm.)
Gape o Dalts Bie. UltaZ5
Elippeta ts. 5.6 Bigg: By
Mid. toe and claw 2.1 sins LeG)

Hutton and Drummond,'® writing of Blue Penguins (EF. minor),
give the total length at 16 inches, and state that “the female is
smaller than the male.’’ As they give no other measurements,
theirs is probably a naked eye observation. It has already been
mentioned how difficult it is to tell male from female, and the
difference of a-+few millimeters, as shown by the tables, is not
appreciable to the naked eye when comparing birds side by side.

A. J. Campbell 16—

E. minor, total length, 18 inches. States that a rookery existed
on Red Point, Phillip Island, in 1880, but departed after quarrying
and other operations had disturbed them.

FE. undina.—Total length (about) 14 inches, and differs from E.
minor ‘in being constantly less in size and in deeper glossy blue
colouring of the upper surface.”’

R. Hall.\7—E. minor (E. undina), one species.

Total length, about 16 inches (406.4 mm.)
Exposed culmen 1.4
Gape to tip ee le 25

Basset Hull'® gives the two species in his list, but in a recent
letter states that he “ has long since arrived at the conclusion that
there is but one valid species of Eudyptula, ranging from Tasmania
to Port Stephens.”

J. A. Leach'® allows two species.
Capt. S. A. White, in a letter, states :—‘‘I am sure we have
two birds on our coast-line.”

Charles I’. Belcher,2° writing of Fairy Penguin (E. minor undina,
Belcher’s nomenclature), says :—‘‘ I include the birds till recently

bere a NicHoLts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 125

known as Little Penguins, the authorities having decided that all
our small Penguins belong to the same species.’’ He states that,
granting all the birds belong to one species, they show amazing
variations. Of two picked up on beach at Torquay after the
autumnal gales, “the larger measured 16} inches, the smaller
134; the beak of former was 1} inches long and } inch deep at
base; in the latter 12 inches long and less than 2 inch deep.”
Generally speaking, the larger bird was almost twice the size of
the smaller, and was dull blue (unmottled) where the smaller
bird was a deep blue.” It is hardly correct to say that a bird
measuring 16} inches is “‘ almost twice the size’ of one measuring
134.

DEDUCTIONS FROM TABULATED List AT END OF PAPER.*

TABLE I. TABER, 2:
Total Length Measurements. | Flipper Measurements.
No. of No. of | No. of No. of
Skin. 3 Skin. OeStins Skin. 2
Be ee 3Oh 3 395 Ate cae Ebi 106 3 122 63
(iy eee e874 5 393 Gig ae lia 2 OY. 5 his 65
G-=".5°) 420 A 35205) LOM see UES GSO 7 115 63
[O) ss. 403 Sige earGOO Ar ld, cae TOU. cOS 8 120 71
LA ss Ad? Dee act G8 Fee 1S. e254 270 118 eee ols 62
NG cee" YAO) WD Soon BUA AMG), Soon WEG 2 12s Seo LLO 61
LGj- 20 AOZ VO nce sa Ona ke ae 73 1 Reamer) 0) G7) 68
NG) tase <= SYXO) Tif cose Mme 62
LOe ces S72 1Ot Nase can 66
: 2784 Be 3gH 713 403 =i TOZO> \ Sol
av. 397-7 av. 370.1 AVel1o.on Of av. 114.4 64.4
* Measurements of adult specimens only.
TABLE 3 (Culmen Measurements).
3 opel Length. Depth. 2) Nevo Length. Depth.
De tots. d BO ieee VA Bey Gdane apeyy/ 12
p Ca vetne , here 5 35 12
(pair 11) 9 «... 37 Bon wel ds i 35 12
Godin, 3) ler. “AOE. 27 015 8 38 13
ato ieee 7 A rear 12 35 12
WG eet 0A sea 16 39 13
NO ae AO Beene) U: 17 Bore 13
— | Roaweee ? 30) cash 12
270 101 | Bic ocd. * 30 eee dela
av. 38.5 14.4 | 332 112

126 NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. Emu

ist Jan.
TABLE 4 (Zarsus). TABLE 5 (Mézddle Toe and Claw).
No. of No. of No. of No. of
Skin, 3 Skin. g Skin. é Skin, 2
2 27 3 23 2 54 3 + 48
4 27, 5 26 4 48 5 48
9 27 7 25 9 48 7 47
10 27 8 23 10 47 8 50
14 28 Il 29 14 50 II 45
15 23 12 25 15 50 12 44
16 27 19 51 16 48
19 28 17 28 7, 49
18 24 18 46
D.ahatee WL OV: Ol 509 EIS) he eae yiltes i) sae ZIRE
26.7 av. 25:5. | av. 49.7 av. 47.2
7 adult males average 397.7 mm. in length.
So temas’ 5, 370.1 mm. in length.

Up to the present time little or no data has been available for
comparing the sizes of the male and female Penguins.

The adult female usually being described as “ similar to adult
male,’ the total length measurements show the male to be the
larger bird, and they are borne out by the culmen measurements
set side by side, both with regard to length and depth.

The flipper measurements, which show a fair amount of varia-
tion in both sexes, when averaged, also prove the male to be the
larger bird.

Such is also the case with the tarsus and the middle toe and claw.

The male is in every way the larger bird, but the difference in
size is only appreciated when the measurements are contrasted
side by side.

It is, in this connection, interesting to note that skins 21 and
22 of the tabulated list are those of immature pairs of birds caught
at same burrow. In every case the male measurements exceed
those of the female.

The missing numbers in the tables refer to immature birds.

The measurements, then, and the data in the list at the end
of the paper, show that there is only one species found at Phillip
Island. But there are two forms corresponding to two phases
of plumage—-‘ A,”’ those which have just completed the moult, and
‘“B,” those just about to moult.

The differences in plumage were very striking, the newly-
moulted bird being ‘ the small, dark-coloured species,” the other
(the bird not yet commenced to moult) being “ the larger (fatter)
light-coloured species.”’

We now determined to examine a number of live birds, and to
assist in their quick classification we labelled the small, dark-
coloured bird ‘“‘ Type A,” and the larger (?), light-coloured bird
‘Type BB.’ Type A corresponded in coloration to skins 17-18 ;
and type B to skins 4 and 5—all now in R.A.O.U. collection.*

* A few of the skins are in the collections of Dr. W. Macgillivray, Broken
Hill, and J. A. Ross, Esq., Melbourne.

Lor NicHo.ts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 127

Altogether, 24 adult (live) birds were removed from their
burrows, and at the end of the examination it was seen that they
all belonged to the one species, the difference in coloration being
due to the various stages the moult had reached.

Being desirous of ascertaining if the measurements of the culmen
would reveal the “short, thick bill’”’ species, FE. wndina (E. minor
ivedalei, Mathews), as compared with EF. minor (E. minor nove-
hollandi@), very careful measurements were made upon the living
birds. These are given below, together with the measurements
taken from the skin specimens. After examining a few of the
living birds, M‘Lennan detected a difference between the heads
of the male and the female. It was hard to define, but, after
closely inspecting a number of birds, both Tregellas and myself were
satisfied that a difference did exist. What constituted the differ-
ence it was then hard to say, but the head appeared to be very
slightly larger and more “ vicious” looking, whilst the eye had
a peculiar expression which can only be described as being more
aggressive.

M‘Lennan’s acute observation on the living birds regarding sex
is now borne out by the culmen measurements in Tables 6 and 7.
The asterisks denote pairs of birds (7.e., birds found in the same
burrow), and, with the exception of pair Nos. 46, 47 (live birds),
the males show the larger measurements.

In the skin specimens (Table 6) the male is the larger in two
pairs of birds listed.

CULMEN MEASUREMENTS OF ADULT (SKIN) SPECIMENS.

TABLE 6.
SAS evap ER: BS ALDI

No. of 3 No. of | Q No. of rey No. of Q
Skin. Tea: Sicinen fe nelee sa): Sie cli lbp = h Dy, Skin. TeettniD:
2 38 14 Fil Mose che 4 B7ee5 6 SP a2
BOs, 3/70 35 12 35) al2 *10 40 15 5 35. 12
TAS 7 a 16 39 13 8 38 13
MS 4) Zhe ae 17 Boe 13 18 20) liz
| II 2013

* Pairs of birds 9 and 11, 10 and 3.

128 NIcHOLts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. [ En

ist Jan.

CULMEN MEASUREMENTS OF ADULT (LIVING) BIRDs.

TABLE 7.
CA? RVPe. | Be Aly PR:

No. of 3 No. 2 No. of | 3 No. of 3}
Birds eee: Bird. a id, IO Bird. | L. D Bird Dyke 40)5
"22 {| Ao 13.) | 823 | 26 (72 a7 7 ate al Oa egrueet
*25.°|' 38-13 --| 2b |" 3702 a4) 28) rae\(a\iae eee
SY Ras ety Aloe Wl ae a ie Ao 370 a2 43 | 36 15
B29 \ 339 14 \(1)34. 1935" 12 RAOr Abe W222). Rape te sows
(2)35.0) 838 aq 3) 427) 938) 13 ¥49 11°38). 130} 1748 12) 38,2 1
BO | he37a 2 | 50} 35 12

fo” | 930-45 | |

SAL cl esG M4 | |

t ) S

sete pairs of birds 22- 23, 25-26, 27-28, 290-30, 41-42, 43-44, 46-47, 48-49.

“ A” type pairs with 30 ‘ *B” type. Note-book says that No. 30 was just commencing to moult.

(i), (a). (3), (4) all found in one burrow.

Thus I think it is fairly demonstrated that the culmen and
other measurements can be used in separating male and female.

In no one instance, however, out of the 50 birds examined, has
there been a culmen measurement to correspond exactly to the
34-16 of E. minor tredalei (E. undina), and Mathews characterizes
the “short, thick bill’? as the distinguishing characteristic of
this species. This is the form he states that his ‘‘ recent researches
have enabled him to trace as a sub-species breeding on the
Chatham Islands.”

At all events, as regards the birds at Phillip Island, everything
points to there being only one species, and that is E. minor (E.
minor novehollandia).

The data in the tables and the tabulated list reveal several
other interesting facts. The asterisks in Tables 6 and 7 show
that pairs of birds undergo the moult together (see photographs
8 and 11). In one instance, however (Table 7, pair 29-30), the
male (29) had completed the moult, and ran into the sea and
swam away when released, whilst the female (30), just commencing
to lose its feathers, ran towards the sea, but hid under a rock
instead of going into the water.

‘ Billy” Penguin, the crested bird befriended by Mr. Donald
Macdonald and myself at Lorne in 1910,21 showed the same dis-
inclination to enter the sea whilst undergoing a moult.

In Table 6 the pair of birds 9 and 11 also show that the male
had moulted (type A), whilst the female had not (type B).

SoME ADULT CHARACTERISTICS Not MENTIONED BY MATHEWS
AND PREVIOUS WORKERS.
(New descriptions are in italics.)

Tris.—Inner circle silvery-cream,* outer circle dark brown with
network of silvery-cream lines. ;
Upper Bill.—Mandible brownish-black, cutting edge and tip

Vol. XVII. : b, a NT OE he
ea ] Nicuots, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 129

and cutting edge of lower bill dark or slaty-brown, under surface
of lower bill pearly-white tinged with pink.

Feet.—White, faint tinge of pink,t edge of web and V-shaped
mark between toes dark brown, under surface blackish.

The newly moulted birds show a curious faint striation across
the broad end of each white feather on the under surface of the
breast. This appears as a fine whitish line. After the bird enters
the water we believe this line disappears. If so, it can be taken as
a guide to tell whether the bird (young or adult) has been in the
water after a fresh moult.

CHARACTERISTICS OF IMMATURE AND MOULTING BIRDS.

As the colouring of the bill and soft parts of the immature
(out of the down) and nestling birds have not been so far described,
it will be of interest to give them in full from the field notes.

Skin No. t (imm. 3).—IJris, when alive, dark brown ; after death
inner circle of silvery-cream, with an outer circle of dark brown,
with fine network of silvery-cream lines. (Soft parts unwittingly
omitted.)

Skin No. 13 (imm. 3).—Jms silvery-cream, flecked brown in
outer circle, whole of upper bill brownish-black, tip and cutting
edge of lower bill similar, under surface pearly-white tinged with
pink. Feet.—White, faintly tinged pink and blue, V-shaped mark
between the toes dark brown, and extending further than in
No. 15 (adult female). Stomach empty.

Skin No. 20 (imm. $).—Soft parts similar to skin No. ar.
Stomach.—Parasitic round worms in upper part of stomach mixed
with food débris, consisting of beaks of squid, seaweed, and small
white seed-like bodies, probably parts of squid, and numerous
basaltic pebbles (grit), much more in quantity than in adult
specimens examined.

External Parasites.—Fleas. The occurrence in the Penguins of
a flea akin to Pulex irritans was not expected.

Skin No, 21 (imm. 2).—Jris:—Inner circle of silvery-cream, outer
circle of dark brown, with fine network of silvery-cream lines.
Upper bill and tip of lower bill black, basal half of cutting edge of
upper and lower bills bluish-white, under surface of lower bill
bluish-white. Feet white tinged with blue, webs edged with blackish-
brown, V-shaped mark between toes and under surface blackish-
brown.

Parasites.—Internal, parasitic worms; external, small lice and
fleas.

Stomach.—Small pebbles of black basalt, squid beaks, seaweed.

Skin No. 38 (nestling 3g, youngest bird found).—Jr7s.—Inner
circle silvery-cream, outer circle dark brown, with network of
silvery-cream lines. :

* Gould described appearance of double iris.
ft Littler described pinkish tinge.

Emu
ist Jan.

30 NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

Upper bill and tip of lower bill brownish-black, cutting edge of
upper bill fleshy-brown, lower bill pearly-white, tinged with pink ;
egg tooth plainly marked ; bare skin round eye dull blue ; feet white,
faintly tinged with blue, edge of web and V-shaped mark between
toes and claws dark brown, and soles of feet blackish. Toe-rings,
1-2-1.*

Stomach.—43, (young) squid beaks, seaweed, feathers, and small
pebbles ; these squid beaks measured from 2 mm. to 3 mm. in
length.

Internal parasites, small round worms; external parasites,
small lice.

Skin No. 51 (imm. 3$).—J71s.—Inner circle silvery-cream, outer
circle dark brown, with fine network of silvery-cream lines.

Upper bill brownish-black, cutting edge fleshy-brown, tip of
lower bill brownish-black, rest pearly-white tinged with pink.

Feet white, faintly tinged blue ; narrow edge to web and V-shaped
mark between toes dark brown, under surface bluish.

Stomach.—Remains of fish.

Internal parasites, worms ; external parasites, lice.

The bluish tint in the coloration of the upper surface of the
feet of young birds appears to be characteristic.

The notes on the coloration of the soft parts and bill show
a gradual change of colour from nestling through immature and
young adult to adult life.

One night we decided to catch several “‘ wet ’’ birds—that is,
birds having just come up from the sea. The object was to make
sure of getting adult specimens in good plumage, moulting birds
not entering the water, and to ascertain if any of the season’s
young birds had left the burrows. Four specimens were secured
at IO p.m. one evening. All were adult birds—two males and
two females. Several others were secured, but they were “ dry ”’
birds, having come out of the burrows, as all moulting birds
appear to do, at night, or else the birds had come up from the
sea some time previously, and had dried off in the meantime,
taking at least one hour in the process.

THE ROOKERIES.

The Penguin rookeries, for purposes of description, may be
grouped into four localities—(1) the Big Nobby rookery (photo-
graph No. 1), (2) the Little Nobby rookery (photograph No. 1),
(3) the Shelly Beach rookery (photographs Nos. 5-6), (4) the
Headland rookery (photograph No. 9).

The Big Nobby rookery (photograph No. 1) occupies about two
acres on the summit of this outlier or stack, 100 feet above sea-
level. There is apparently only one entrance and exit for the

“ By ‘‘toe-rings”” is meant the scutellations. Jt was thought that the number of
these on each toe might assist in determining the age of the bird. Only a few
observations were made towards the end of the investigation.

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XVIII,

1.—The Big and Little Nobbies at flood tide, from Phillip Island.
Seal Rocks in distance.

2.—Landing-place of Penguins, Little Nobby.
Lane of pebbles leading to rookery.

PHOTOS. BY TOM TREGELLAS,

Mee NricHorts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 131

Penguins—a steep tourist track on the south-east corner of the
island, nearest the reader when looking at photograph No. I.
The sides are precipitous, and in places overhung, but, as we did
not circumnavigate the island, a closer inspection is necessary.

Twenty years ago the track up the cliff was on the opposite
side to the present one, but we did not see it. However, the
Penguins were there before the tourist. The top of the island
is a rabbit warren of burrows, and, at the time of our visit, was
covered with stalks of dry thistles and grass. The sides sloping
down from the crown are covered with mesembryanthemum,
which hides the nesting burrows. We found Penguins and
rabbits and a Mutton-Bird or two in this rookery.

On the Little Nobby rookery (photograph No. 1) we spent most
of our time. It was the nearest to the camp, and, although
inaccessible at high tide, was best suited for our observations.
Twice we waited half the night to see the birds come up from
the sea. - There is only the one landing-place. This is a natural
cleft in a small bay on the north side of the Lesser Nobby, marked
by a cross within a circle in photograph No. 1. The entrance is
studded with clumps of rock, round’ which the waves swirl and
race in a lather of white foam.

The first you see of the incoming bird is its small, dark head
just above the surface of the water, a few yards beyond the
breaking foam. By this time it is nearly dark, and on the moving
surface, amidst the black points of rock, it is difficult to pick out
your bird. An occasional “ bark” tells of their coming, and
from the point of observation on the rocky ledge a few feet above
the water one can distinguish little dark forms avoiding the rocks
at the entrance by swimming and paddling around them to an
easier approach in the clear water (photograph No. 2). If in
~ danger they. submerge, even if the water is only a foot deep. The
birds dislike the onward rushing foam of shallow, breaking water,
and will get beneath the surface if possible.

As they come ashore the birds wait about the water’s edge
to dry off, as was observed by Le Souéf on Albatross Island.
Several times we surprised little parties of them sheltering in a
sort of small cave running up under a shelf of rock at the landing-
place.

From the water’s edge a narrow lane about 20 feet wide and
1} chains in length, composed of small boulders and _ pebbles,
leads right up to the front of the rookery (photograph No. 2).

The first night we saw few birds; they saw us first, and waited
“outside ’’ till darkness allowed of a safe approach. By this
time we had taken up a new position at the end of the lane, right
at the foot of the rookery (photograph No. 3). We waited half
an hour in the darkness before a slight rattling of the pebbles
showed us two birds, very quiet and shy, and within six feet, as
the light of a dark lantern was turned suddenly on_ to
them.

At night all the birds, young and old, came out of the burrows,

132 NIcHo ts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. [ Emu

1st Jan.

and the noise and scuffling reminds one of the Petrels in a Mutton-
Bird rookery. Their loud, discordant cries at times resembled
the crying of a naughty, petulant child in a temper.

Looking up at the rookery, from the rocks at the water’s edge,
one could discern dozens of birds silhouetted against the black
sky along the crest. They looked like ninepins on the skyline.
And here and there, as a bird emerged from its burrow and sat
upright at the entrance, its breast gleamed white in the darkness
for a minute or so, and then vanished as the bird turned and
moved away.

That night we secured several of the birds. Those taken at
the little cave at the entrance were quite wet, and those secured
on the top of the rookery were damp, and it was an easy matter
to tell if a bird had come up from the sea or just out of a burrow.
We roughly estimated that at least 200 birds were to be seen at
any time on this rookery at night on an area of less than an acre.
During the day, when examining the rookery, it appears to be
deserted, even if 70 per cent. of the burrows be occupied. But
at night time the place was overrun with birds. They are every-
where under foot, and an evening visit is certainly an “ eye-
opener’ when trying to estimate the numbers inhabiting the
rookeries.

The constant journeyings of the Penguins to and from the
rookeries have worn little tracks and paths in the pigface-weed.
On the main track (photograph No. 4) the vegetation is quite dry
and bleached and beaten down into the soil, showing the course
followed by the birds. Photographs Nos. 2, 3, and 4 are taken
in direct series from the sea, up through the lane of pebbles to the
main track, from which pathways lead all over and up to the
crest of the rookery.

The Shelly Beach rookery is situated 1} to 2 miles from The
Nobbies, along the coastline of the island back towards Cowes.
It faces north, and consists of a beautiful curving bay, about
one mile in length (photograph No. 5). Unlike The Nobbies, it
contains no rock or pigface-weed, but is more or less of a sand-
dune formation covered with ‘ blue-bush,” ‘‘ cushion-bush,’” and
tussocks of porcupine-grass (photograph No. 6). The bay is ringed
round with a low hill range, and the level ground, averaging from
150 to 200 yards in width, extends from the foot of the hills to the
beach front.

This whole area is one large rookery, and part of it was once
an aboriginal kitchen midden. The birds are to be found moulting
everywhere. Underground (photograph No. 7) ; under the tussocks
(photograph No. 8); as many as six were counted huddled in one
heap under the dead branches of the “ blue-bush”’ (photograph
No. to). Penguins were also to be found half-way up the hill
slope and also on the top, and away inland more than half a mile
from the sea. In addition to the birds captured and measured
here, we saw over a hundred others, mostly in the “B”’ type of
plumage. . Of this number, two only were young birds with the

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII,

PLATE XIX.

3.—Rookery on Little Nobby, showing tracks and entrances to
burrows amongst the “ pig-face’’ weed.

4.—Penguin Paths, showing beaten track, Little Nobby.

PHOTOS. BY TOM TREGELLAS,

Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XxX:

5.—Shelly Beach Rookery, looking east. A mile of curving beach.

6.—Shelly Beach Rookery, looking west. Cushion-bush in foreground,

PHOTOS. BY TOM TREGELLAS.

eee NicHoits, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 133

last remnants of down hanging to their new feathers. The
remains of the egg tooth were quite distinct in both birds.

The birds under the bushes, when approached, would get up
and run away under adjacent clumps. Those birds in the
burrows, however, when molested too much, dug into the back
of the burrow and threw out the earth with a back kick of the feet.
The burrows were mostly shallow, one or two feet deep. In the
deeper holes, if the occupant was “at home,” the presence of
blow-flies and a peculiar odour indicated the fact. The latter is
not to be easily described, but anyone who has slept in a Bass
Strait bed on a mattress made from undressed Mutton-Bird
feathers will readily recognize it.

It is only when disturbed that a Penguin in the burrow will
call out during the day. Several times we heard a sharp ‘‘ squark,”’
and upon investigation found that a rabbit had forced itself in
between two birds, and seemed quite at home.

Based upon the rough calculation of 200 birds per acre, there
are probably not less than 10,000 Penguins in the Shelly Beach
rookery.

THE HEADLAND ROOKERIES.

These are situated upon the south-west corner of the island,
opposite The Nobbies (photographs Nos. g and 1). We had not
the time to find out how far they extended along the coast-line.
But the whole of the steep cliffs on the sea front, as well as the
flat headland above for about two miles east in one direction and
at least a mile south in the other were tenanted by birds. About
a mile from The Nobbies one portion of the headland is traversed
by a deep ravine which the storm waters have excavated to a
width of 40 to 50 feet. In parts this gully is 15 to 20 feet deep.
The opening on the beach faces towards Flinders, on the mainland
opposite. From here it runs back into the headland for half a
mile or so, decreasing in width and depth. We found the Penguins
making use of it as a track leading to the rabbit-burrows and
tussocks inland. Many of these birds were over half a mile from
the sea. During the breeding season the labour of making the
daily journey to and from these nesting-sites must be extremely
hard upon the birds. Dr. Wilson, of Antarctic fame,22 Captain
Scott’s beloved companion, has, however, recorded the Adelie
Penguin nesting 1,000 feet above sea-level on the sides of Mount
Erebus. Why birds whose enemies are in the sea should choose
such inaccessible spots to nest is a difficult problem to answer.
Probably it is a question of space and want of room, the burrows
on the sea front being taken up by the early comers, whilst the
later arrivals have to seek further inland.?3

In one of the moulting burrows on the top of the headland we
found four birds—Nos. 34, 35, 36, 37 of tabulated list. As they
illustrated the two “types” of the plumage phase, a photograph
was taken of them (photograph No. 11). ‘‘ The smaller, dark-
coloured species’’ is on the right, “the larger, light-coloured
species’ (E. minor) on the left of the picture.

134 NicHo ts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. ae

1st Jan.

In handling the birds in the burrows, it was found that the
young birds were softer-voiced and made fewer attempts at
pecking than the older birds. The “‘ fat’? adult unmoulted birds
(type “‘B’’) were very savage and shrill of voice. When brought
out into the open, in the sun, they commenced to pant, and, like
Falstaff, they could be well described as being “ fat, and short,
and scant of breath.’’ The moulted birds, on the other hand,
were far less irritable. Their fortnight’s fast, and loss of fat and
feathers, no doubt had something to do with their quietness.

On our last afternoon, after the arrival of the vehicle which
was to take us back to Cowes, we saw a rabbit, chased by a dog,
run into a burrow. Upon investigation a Penguin was found
there also. The rabbit was huddled in behind the bird, fur and
feather rubbing shoulder to shoulder. Both were easily reached.
The driver pulled out the rabbit; the driver’s dog immediately
~ jumped at it, but refused to look at the Penguin. We replaced
the bird in the burrow, and it was only after a lot of coaxing and
“sooling on” that we could get the dog to look at the burrow.
He positively refused to poke his nose in at the entrance, and his
whole demeanour spoke eloquently of a long acquaintance with and
a vast respect for Penguins in general and this one in particular.
We wondered if the half-wild cats, several of which were seen at
the Shelly Beach rookery, had the same fear of the birds. This
Penguin was one of the few examined on the side of the rookery
facing Cape Woolamai. It belonged to type “‘ B,”’ and was just
commencing to moult. Its burrow was on the highest point of
a steep cliff overlooking a rocky beach. The nearest landing-
place for the bird was three-quarters of a mile from the burrow.
Upon inquiry, the driver stated that he knew of another large
rookery a mile or two away. We had no time to examine
lite

We did not attempt to calculate the area of this headland, as
we hope to make a more detailed examination later; but at the
lowest computation it is six times the area of the Shelly Beach
rookery. The birds are not so thick upon it as at the Little
Nobby and Shelly Beach ; but, allowing for that and for the other
rookeries yet to be examined, it is probable that- the Penguins
on Phillip Island may number some 40,000 to 50,000.* This is
the last stronghold of these birds. upon what is practically our
mainland. All the other known large rookeries are placed in
islands off the coast, mainly in the Bass Strait.

As an asset to the residents of Phillip Island and to the Victorian
Tourist Bureau, its value is unknown and unguessed. Perhaps it
is better so. But it is unjust and unwise that these Penguins are
not found upon the list of our protected birds. They are not even
partially protected. It is only a matter of a few years, and they
will be driven away by increasing settlement and indifferent
fishermen, who now use them as bait for their crayfish pots.

* A second visit during the Christmas of 1917 revealed many further

rookeries and a much greater number of birds. The Penguins on Phillip
Island probably number close upon 200,000, including young birds.

Tue Emu, Vol, XVII,
PLATE XXII.

a ta

we and

8.—Pair of Moulting Penguins under a tussock, showing cast-off
feathers, Shelly Beach rookery.

PHOTOS, BY TOM TREGELLAS,

Tue Emu, Vol: XVII,

PLATE XxXIl.

9.—Moulting Burrow on top of Cliff, Headland Rookery, which
contained four birds. Note feathers outside burrow.

10.—Six Moulting Penguins sheltering under the ‘‘ Blue-bush,”’
Shelly Beach rookery.

PHOTOS, BY TOM TREGELLAS,

Er
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Tue Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XXIII.

11.—Four Birds out of one Burrow, two having completed moult and
two just beginniug.

PHOTO BY TOM TREGELLAS.

Vol. XVII

ava + NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic. 135

REFERENCES.

1 Mathews, “‘ Birds of Australia,” vol. iv., Part 5.
la Mathews, Novttates Zoologice, vol. xvill. (1911), p. 108.
2 A.A.A.S., 1907, vol. xi., James K. M‘Clymont, M.A., “ Allusions

to Penguins and Seals in a Roterio of the First Voyage of Vasco
da Gama to India.”

3 Extract from “‘ A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, under the Direction
of Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore, in the Years 1776 to 1780.”
Written by Captain James Cook, F.R.S., and Captain James King,
F.R.S. Illustated with cuts. In 4 vols. 1793.

4 Ernest Scott, ‘‘ Forgotten Feathers,’ The Emu, vol. vi., 1906.

Comment. “ehys. — ts i; pps 121-148, entitled’ “Elistoria
Aptendodyte, Generis Avium Orbi Australi Proprii,’’ auctore Jo.
Reinoldo Forster, recitata X Mart., 1780 (Mitchell Library, Sydney).

6 Latham’s “ General History of Birds,” vol. x., p. 388.

7 Gregory Mathews, “ Birds of Australia,” vol. iv., Part 5, p. 284.

8 and 9 Ernest Scott, “The Life of Matthew Flinders,” p.

Pp. 40.

10 W. B. Alexander, M.A., “ History of Zoology of Western Aus-
tralia,’ Roy. Soc. of West. Aust., vol. i., 1914-15.

11 P. P. King, “ Narrative of a Survey of the Inter-Tropical and
Western Coasts of Australia, Performed Between the Years 1818
and 1822” (published 1827), vol. ii., p. 422.

12 Gould’s “ Birds of Australia,’’ vol. vii.

I3SH2 M. Littler, ~ Birds of Tasmania,”’ p. 200.

14 Lucas and Le Souéf, “ Birds of Australia.”

15 Hutton and Drummond, “ Animals of New Zealand.’’
16 A. J. Campbell, ““ Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds.”
17 R. Hall, “ Key to Birds of Australia.”

18 A. F. Basset Hull, “ List of Birds of Australia.”

19 J. A. Leach, D.Sc., “An Australian Bird Book.”

20 C. F. Belcher. “ Birds of District of Geelong.”’

21 EK. B. Nicholls, The Emu, vol. x., p. 41 (1910).

22 Captain F. Scott, “‘ Voyage of the Dzscovery.”

23 Levick, “‘ Antarctic Penguins.”

Moseley, ‘‘ Voyage of the Challenger.”’

E. F. Knight, “Cruise of the Falcon.”

[No attempt has been made in this paper to describe or contrast
the general coloration of the specimens collected. This we hope to
do at a later date, after having reviewed the series of skins in the
H. L. White collection at the National Museum, Melbourne.

In conclusion, we wish to thank Messrs. W. B. Alexander, M.A.,
Biologist of the Perth Museum, and J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., Curator
of Melbourne National Museum, for their kindly interest in the
work, and loans of Western and Southern forms. These, with the
skins of the H. L. White collection, will apparently yield some
interesting data. ]

[ Emu
1st Jan.

NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

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137

| Nicuorts, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

Vol. XVII.
1918

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139

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‘| NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

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tst Jan.

NICHOLLS, Study of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

‘140

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141

i NicHo.ts, Siudy of Penguins on The Nobbies, Vic.

1918

Vol. XVII

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Narre 8) MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 145

Ornithologists in North Queensland.
By CAPTAIN (DR.) W. MACGILLIVRAY, PRESIDENT OF THE R.A.O.U.
PARE LE:

Cdiecnemus grallarius (Burhinus magnivosiris vamsayi). — The
plaintive wailing of this bird was occasionally heard from our camp
on the Claudie. Mr. M‘Lennan noted them as plentiful near the
Archer River, and that he flushed a flock of about 20 from amongst
the rushes and low tea-tree.

Esacus magnirostris (Orthorhamphus magnirosivis neglectus).—On
the 1st July, 1913, Mr. M‘Lennan flushed a pair of these birds from
some bushes on the Macarthur Islands, where they were preparing a
nest. We noted a pair on the Sir Charles Hardy Islands, and another
pair on Haggerstone. They are very shy birds, and run or fly off
when one attempts to approach them. ;

Choriotis australis (dustrotis austvalis devbyi).—Mr. M‘Lennan
flushed one of these birds on the 24th July, when at the Pascoe River :
it was in low, undulating country, covered with stunted tea-tree
brush, banksia, wattle, and other small trees. During September
and October he frequently disturbed them on an open grassy flat
across the Claudie River from the camp—sometimes as many as
fourteen at a time. They appeared to be feeding on caterpillars.

Out towards the ranges from our top camp on the Claudie, on a
small stony hill covered with stunted scrub, Mr. M‘Lennan showed
us a Bustard’s nest—a small, bare patch on the hard ground—from
which he had flushed the mother bird on the 30th October ; it then
contained a single hatching egg. On our return to camp we flushed
a pair from the grassy flat in front of it. They flapped their way out
over the scrub, uttering hoarse barking cries. On the Archer River
Mr. M‘Lennan noted only one.

Antigone australasiana (Mathewsia rubicauda argentea).—Noted on
several occasions, either flying overhead or feeding in grassy flats or
rush-covered, shallow tea-tree swamps. Mr. M‘Lennan states that
they are numerous on the swamps about the Archer River, a flock
of 100 being no uncommon sight.

Ibis molucea (Thveskiorvnis molucca stictipennis)—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted this species once on the Pascoe River, and a small flock on a
tea-tree swamp on the Claudie. He also found them in numbers on
the swamps along the Archer and Watson Rivers.

Carphibis spinicollis (C. spinicollis)—This bird was not noted on the
Claudie, but Mr. M‘Lennan found it in numbers on the Archer and
Watson River swamps.

Plegadis faleinellus (P. falcinellus)—Mr. M‘Lennan came across
numbers of these birds on the Watson River swamps, and, according

to the natives, they nested in a swamp about three days’ journey
from where he was camped. j

Platalea regia (Spatherodia vegia)—Mr. M‘Lennan flushed seven
Royal Spoonbills from the mangroves half a mile from the mouth
of the Claudie in October. They were numerous on the Watson
and Archer River swamps.

Xenorhynchus asiaticus (X. a. austvalis)—On his arrival at the
Claudie, in September, Mr. M‘Lennan found it tenanted by a pair of

146 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. erat

1st Jan.

Jabirus with two fully-fledged young ones; these were also noted
on.an open plain near a tea-tree swamp. We also on several occasions
flushed one or two on our way up or down the river. Mr. M‘Lennan
also noted this bird on the Watson River.

Ardea sumatrana (J yphon sumatrana mathews@).—We frequently
noted a fine specimen of this great bird on the Claudie, and on many
occasions heard its harsh, croaking call.

On 22nd August, 1914, Mr. M‘Lennan, writing from the Watson
River, notes :—“‘ Flushed A. sumatrana from a nest 40 feet from the
ground, in a paper-bark ; it contained one fresh egg, which I left.”
23rd August.—‘‘ When passing the Heron’s nest I noticed that the
bird was absent ; went over to investigate, and found the egg on the
ground. The Crows must have got at it.’ On the 9th April, 1915,
when on the delta of the Archer River, he notes :—‘‘ Rowed up
another creek ; two nests of 4. sumatyana noted. No eggs, but tracks
of natives about both nests.”

Herodias syrmatophorus (H. alba syrmatophova).—We only noted
one of these birds on the Claudie, but Mr. M‘Lennan found them in
numbers on the swamps on the opposite side of the Peninsula.

Notophoyx nove-hollandie (N. nove-hollandi@).— Common all
along the Archer River.

N. pacificea (Myola pacifica).—Occasionally seen about the swamps
near the Archer River.

Notophoyx aruensis; |

Notophoyx flavirostris |
Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan makes this note on gth April, 1915 :—
‘Go up for about three miles and anchor, as it is too shallow to
proceed farther in the cutter. The river here widens out into a big,
shallow bay, two miles across by three miles long. There are a
couple of big mangrove-covered islands in the bay, and numerous
creeks and channels running into it. A couple of flocks of Egrets
(Hevodias timoriensis and H. nigripes) noted. Spent the afternoon
exploring one of the creeks ; hundreds of old nests were seen in the
mangroves on both sides of the creek. A couple of pairs of Pied
Egrets noted.”’ On 1oth April, 1915, he noted :—‘* Rowed up another
creek for about four miles. A couple of miles up the creek I came
across another Heronry ; it continued for about a mile on both sides
of the creek. In the afternoon I explored one of the islands, and
found another small Heronry—all last season’s nests. Two large
flocks of Pied Egrets, of about 20 and 60 birds, were seen flying due
north from the mouth of the river at sunset.”

These birds were numerous on the swamps of the Watson River.

(Tonophoyy aruensts flavivostvis).—From the

Garzetta immaculata (Egvetia garzetta immaculata)—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted of this species on 4th April, 1915 :—‘ Large flocks of Egrets
flying north four miles from the shore.’’ He also noted them in
flocks on the Archer River, and as numerous on the swamps along
the Watson River.

Demiegretta sacra (D. sacva cookiowni, D. s. gveyi).—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted the Reef-Herons as numerous on the Hannibal Islands, and
that he found a number of old nests on one of the small islands in
Lloyd’s Bay.

We flushed a solitary grey bird from its nest on Quoin Island ; it
contained two eggs. On the Sir Charles Hardy Islands Mr. Kershaw

Vol. XVII.
1918

| MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 147
flushed a white bird from its nest, placed in a sheltered crevice on a
high rocky point; it contained three fresh eggs. Numbers were
disturbed by us when exploring the rocky shore of Haggerstone
Island.

Nyeticorax caledonicus (Nycticovax caledonicus australasie). —
Numerous on Raine Island. All fully-plumaged birds ; they would
soon have been nesting. We flushed one from a cave under the lime-
stone ledge, and in another cave found an old nest, no doubt placed
there to protect its contents from the depredations of the Gulls. On
the oth December we flushed one from its nest—a trampled-down
platform of herbage on a pile of rocks in the centre of the island ; the
nest contained one egg, which was afterwards taken by Gulls. Many
Nankeen Night-Herons were to be seen every morning at daybreak
on the turtle-nesting ground, on the watch for young turtles making
their way to the sea.

These birds were also numerous on the large sand-bank to the
north-west of Raine Island, on the Barrier Reef. We occasionally
flushed one during our wanderings in the tea-tree swamps near the
Claudie.

Mr. M‘Lennan noted this species as numerous on the Hannibal
Islands. On the western side of the Peninsula he found them to
be equally common.

Butorides stagnatilis (Butorides styviata littlev’).—Often noted on the
foreshore at Lloyd’s Island in early morning or evening. During the
day they roost in the mangroves. We on several occasions saw them
flying to the mangroves when the Pigeons and other birds were
leaving. We also disturbed them from the mangroves on Haggerstone
Island, and occasionally in the swamps near the sandalwood landing
on the Claudie River. Mr. M‘Lennan found them to be quite common
on the opposite side of the Peninsula in similar localities.

Dupetor gouldi (Dupetoy flavicollis olivei)—Frequently noted in
early morning or evening on the shore at Lloyd’s Island, refuging
in the mangroves during the day. Occasionally seen in the tea-tree
swamps. Common on the Archer and Watson Rivers.

Anseranas melanoleuca (dnsevanas semipalmata).—When returning
up the Claudie on the 18th December we flushed a number of these
birds from the trees about a large hole in the river which had come
to be known to us as the “ Lily Pool.”

Writing from the Archer Creek, off the Archer River, on the 6th
April, 1915, Mr. M‘Lennan stated :—“ Proceeded up the creek a few
miles, anchored, went ashore and explored some of the swamps.
Went on to a big swamp about three miles from the river, and waded
through about two miles of it ; water waist-deep and the going very
heavy. Semi-palmated Geese numerous ; found several half-built
nests and numbers that the natives had robbed. No eggs. Returned
along the edge of the swamp. Several old camps of the natives were
examined ; the ground about them was literally paved with egg-
shells.’”’ On 21st April, 1915, he wrote :—‘‘ Swamps north-west of
Watson River, Semi-palmated Geese numerous.”’

Mr. H. G. Vidgen, writing from Paira, Cape York, under date roth
November, 1915, said:—‘“‘In a dry swamp not far away some
thousands of Geese have been actually scratching the drying mud
to unearth the roots of rushes, on which they live. Boy (H. S.
Vidgen) said they scratched just lke fowls, and the ground was

148 MacciLiivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. “en

certainly too hard for any prospecting with the bill ; at any rate, they
managed to keep in good condition, and now the rain has softened
the crust for them. These birds have to fly three miles to a lagoon
for water, but they always returned to this dry swamp for food. We
rarely see Geese here. Sometimes they come to the Jardine River
swamps, but the nearest breeding-ground is the Batavia River.”’
Nettapus albipennis (Cheniscus coromandelianus albipennis).—We
first noted a pair of these birds on the 24th January, after the’ com-
mencement of the wet season. They were more frequently met with
afterwards, mostly in tea-tree swamps. They were pairing off when

we left the Claudie.
On the 21st April, on the Watson River, Mr. M‘Lennan saw one

with a brood of small young.

Dendrocygna arcuata (Dendrocygna javanica gouldi).—This_ Tree-
Duck was noted by Mr. M‘Lennan on the Watson River swamps.

Dendrocygna eytoni (Lepfotarsis eytont).—Mr. M‘Lennan noted these
birds as occasional on the Archer River swamps.

Tadorna rufitergum (Radjah radjah vufitergum).—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted this Duck on the Pascoe, and soon after coming to the Claudie
he flushed a flock of about 50 from a muddy mangrove bank a couple
of miles from the mouth of the river. In July, on the Archer River,
he found them to be fairly numerous.

On the 14th April, 1915, on the Watson River, he noted :—“A
couple of broods of young Mangrove Ducks were seen along the
water’s edge at sunset ; numbers in the swamps.’’ Two days later

he noted a brood of Mangrove Ducks almost ready to fly.

Anas superciliosa (4. superciliosa vogerst).—This Duck was on several
occasions noted in numbers on a sand-bank at the mouth of the
Claudie. Mr. M‘Lennan found this Duck to be numerous on the
Archer and Watson River swamps.

Nyroca australis (N. austvalis)—Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few on the
Watson River swamps.

Plotus nove-hollandie (duhinga novehollandi@).—On the 18th
December one of our blacks shot a specimen of this bird on the
Claudie. It was moulting, and useless as a specimen. The black,

however, did not discard it.
Mr. M‘Lennan, from the Archer River, under date ist June, 1914,

noted :—‘‘ Flushed a Darter from its nest in a dead paper-bark over-
hanging the water; it contained one egg.’’ 16th June, 1914.—“A

Darter’s nest in a paper-bark overhanging the river contained one
large young one, which promptly dived into the water as we
approached.” 15th July, 1914.—*‘ Flushed two Darters from nests
in paper-barks over the river ; each nest contained four eggs.”

Phalacrocorax carbo (P. carbo novehollandia).—From the Archer
River Mr. M‘Lennan noted, under date ist June, 1914 :—“ Flushed
a P. carbo from its nest in a dead tree near the bank ; no eggs.”’

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (Wesocarbo atey atey)—A few were seen
by Mr. M‘Lennan on the Archer River.

Phalacrocorax melanoleucus (Microcarbo melanoleucus).—Noted also
on the Archer River.

(To be concluded.)

eel WuitE, Notes upon Eggs of the Wedge-tailed Eagle. 149

Notes upon Eggs of the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uroaetus
audax).
Bye Hor Write, R.A.O°U, BELLTREES, .N.S.W.

THE six sets of {Uroaétus audax eggs which I send for exhibition
at this monthly meeting of the R.A.O.U. are not typical—in fact,
they are abnormal in coloration.

It is extremely hard to decide upon the typical colour of
Uroaétus eggs. . During the last two seasons I have examined
upwards of 50 sets, every one of which differed from what I had
decided as a typical pair in my collection. The more one sees of
eggs of this species the more the fact is made clear that to establish
a type is almost impossible.

My collection contains 30 clutches ; that of my friend Mr. J. H.
Bettington, of “‘ Terragong,’’ Merriwa, has a still greater number.
This gentleman has the largest collection of Wedge-tailed Eagle’s
eggs in Australia.

Some thirty years ago the Eagles existed here in hundreds, but
are now rare; on the other hand, at “ Terragong,’’ 45 miles due
west, the birds are still very numerous, and Mr. Bettington might
easily collect 30 clutches of eggs during the spring.

In my collection are specimens from each State of the Common-
wealth, all showing considerable variation, but none exhibiting
the extreme difference found in those collected by Mr. Bettington
on a comparatively small area round his estate. Not only do the
“ Terragong”’ eggs show great variation in size and shape, but
the coloration is most unusual. Some specimens are almost
spherical, while others are rather long ovals. The shades of
colour range from pure white and bluish-white to dark rusty-red,
through many shades of lilac, brownish-red, and purple.

The Merriwa country is chiefly undulating, black soil, volcanic
formation, very rich, and well watered. I am puzzled as_ to
whether some particular chemical in food or soil has anything to
do with the bright coloration of the eggs generally. Some clutches
of Ravens’ (Corone australis) eggs obtained in the locality show
a bright deep greenish-blue colour, quite unlike anything I have
seen elsewhere. As the Merriwa country has been ringbarked
for many years, Eagles find a difficulty in securing proper material
for nest construction. During late years some have utilized the
dead stalks (frequently with roots attached) of the variegated
thistle (Carduus lanceolatus), which grows most profusely in the
locality. These thistle-stalks become very limp in damp weather,
and the nests do not last long. In one particular instance the
stalks were so unstable that they kept slipping from their position,
and eventually formed a heap, equal to a dray-load, on the ground
underneath. The birds exhibited remarkable patience, and at
last, with the aid of Angophora twigs, completed the nest.

Of the eggs sent, the pure white clutch marked “ A”’ is a gift
from Mr. Bettington to the R.A.O.U. collection. Had this set
been taken near the coast a suspicion might have arisen as to its

[ Emu

150 Wuitet, Notes upon Eggs of the Wedge-tailed Eagle. FEOTEn
belonging to Halieetus leucogaster; but Mr. Bettington personally
verified the find, and states the female bird to be one of the
darkest he has seen; the nest was robbed three times, the clutch
upon each occasion being white.

Clutch ““B” represents abnormally large eggs—(1) 3 inches
1 line by 2 inches 63 lines, (2) 3 inches 1 line by 24 inches—the
cubic contents being greater than any other I have seen recorded.
The coloration is peculiar also, if not characteristic.

Clutches “C”’ and “D,” each containing a dark egg anda
light one, were taken (together with a third set) during the
present season from the same nest, and apparently laid by the
same bird. These are extremely interesting and most puzzling.
The fact of the bird laying three clutches all showing the com-
bination of dark and light eggs shows there must be some cause
for the variation. Unfortunately, it was not noted which egg
was laid first. I had previously noted this variation in a clutch
from Tasmania. It is the exception to find a well-matched pair
of Eagle’s eggs, but, on the other hand, nearly all the clutches
of three | have examined were very well matched in size, shape,
and coloration.

Clutch ‘“‘E’’—small, round eggs, a well-matched pair, with
light lavender underlying markings. I thought at first that
heavy incubation might account for the pale colour, but Mr.
Bettington has a similarly coloured pair, taken fresh, from the
same nest.

Clutch “ F”’ represents a new phase in markings (bluish-white
ground—one specimen fairly marked, other almost free from
markings). I have seen nothing similar previously.

I could exhibit many more variations, but as there is some risk
in sending eggs so far, I thought this exhibit would give some
slight idea of the variations in eggs of Uvoaétus audax.

Two Singing Species of Gerygone.
By A. H. CHIsHoLm, R.A.O.U., BRISBANE.

Gerygone is undoubtedly one of the most engaging genera of Aus-
tralian birds. The remarkable activity of the little creatures,
their highly-insectivorous qualities, and, in particular cases, their
sweet songs, all combine to make them both valuable and lovable.

The question of the origin of this generic name has interested
me of late, and, being unable to determine it from ornithological
sources, I invited the opinion of a member of the staff of the
Queensland University. From this scholar came the suggestion
that the title is a compound of the Greek words gerus, “a voice,”’

and goné, “the offspring of.’ Theocritus, in a poem called
‘“ Syrinx”’ (280 A.D.), speaks of ‘“‘ maidens gerugonat’’ —1.e.,
‘born of sound.” Gould first called the genus Psilopus, but

later found this to be pre-occupied.* Is it, then—lacking other
suggestion or explanation—too much to assume that, when

+ Srland book, sil, 9p ZOsy.

Vol. XVII. ape aA OF ~ 1) °
1918 CHISHOLM, Iwo Singing Species of Gerygone. I5I

reflecting on the characteristics of the bird for the determining of
a new generic name, the mind of the English ornithologist reverted
to the airy, unbodied melody of G. albogularis, and that he echoed
(perhaps unconsciously) the words of a greater English nature-
lover—“ Shall I call thee bird, or but a wandering voice ?’’ and
so Gerygone,* “born of a voice” ?

I did not see much of any species of the genus when living in
the south—indeed, only one record of the occurrence at Mary-
borough (Victoria) of that delightful bird, the White-throated
Fly-eater, came under my notice. That was during the ex-
ceedingly stormy period of the early spring of 1909, when a lone
male bird fluttered into an upstairs room of a business establish-
ment.t The impression that the species was very rare in Victoria
was not based on my own experience, however, so much as on
the general silence of Victorians in regard to the bird, on Mr.
Robert Hall’s failure to record it in areas 4 or 6 of his “ Key,”
and on Mr. A. G. Campbell’s note{ to the effect that his discovery
of a nest in the Grampians in November, 1909, was only the third
record of the bird’s presence in the southern State. Since that
time, however, I have come to know that the White-throated
Fly-eater is not, and probably never has been, rare in certain
parts of Victoria.

During January last f was on a visit to the Beechworth district
(North-Eastern Victoria), and there saw any number of members
of the pretty species in question. As a matter of fact, it was one
of the most numerously represented avine families of the locality,
and, throughout almost the whole of the daylight hours, its
sweet, plaintive melody—‘ joy and sorrow intertwined ’’—could
be heard stealing through the medley of more strident bird-voices.
Local residents knew the bird well under the colloquial title of
“Bush Canary,’’ and many also were familiar with its nest. At
that particular period, however, Gerygone’s home-keeping duties
were over for the season, and there was naught to do but “ sing
and be merry.”’ The species, I am told, keeps more or less
closely to those. North-Eastern hills the whole year through, but
is a good deal quieter during the winter, which is sometimes severe
in that locality.

In Queensland our little friend of the yellow vest and white
collar appears to be more generally distributed, though it
probably does not at any time wander very far from the seaboard.
Occasionally one hears its melody in the thick scrubs (rain forests)
of the north coast, but the class of country chiefly favoured is
open forest—Eucalyptus or Melaleuca areas. There is one glade
outside East Brisbane where I can always be sure of hearing the
small melodist warbling from the tops of the paper-bark tea-trees.
In the spring, when the beauteous little “‘ Blood-Birds ”’ (Myzomela
sanguineolenta) are there to keep the Fly-eaters company, the
spot is a riot of bird-song and colour. Sometimes Gerygone
forsakes the tree-tops; on one occasion I saw a pair working a

* Ge-vyg’-o-né. t Emu, vol. ix., p. 247. t Emu, vol. ix., p. 164.

152 CuisHoLMm, Two Singing Species of Gerygone. ares
small Acacia in company with a pair of Rufous Whistlers (Pachy-
cephala rufiventris), a pair of White-shafted TFantails (Rhipidura
albiscapa), and several White-throated Honey-eaters (Melithreptus
albogularis). It was a pretty sight.

It is an anomalous fact that the recently “ discovered’? member
of the genus, G. cantator, is one of the commonest birds about
Brisbane. Originally, of course, this small grey melodist figured
as G. fusca, but, whereas the latter bird keeps chiefly to the
scrubs, the Singing Fly-eater’s merry voice rarely resounds away

Nest of the Singing Fly-eater in situ.

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

from the fig-trees and other native vegetation of the city, or the
mangroves of the watercourses of “the Southern Queensland
seaboard. In my experience, it is very seldom indeed that G.
cantator frequents the open forest country favoured by its White-
throated relative ; only once, in fact, have I met the two species
in company. And it is a curious thing that the notes of the grey
bird seem to vary, in a remarkable denice according to locality.
Not only do the songs of the representatives of the species living
along country creeks differ from those of the city birds, but it
seems to me that there is quite a distinct difference between the
warbling of the Fly-eaters at East Brisbane and those stationed

Vol. XVII. ae ;
1938 CHISHOLM, Two Singing Species of Gerygone. 153

in the Botanic Gardens, less than two miles away. In all cases,
however, the songs are most melodious. The chattering prelude
to one bar is akin to that of G. albogularis, but the songs themselves
have naught of plaintiveness; they are sprightly, varied, and
moderately continuous, and place their author among the best
of Australia’s small bird-singers.

The precise distribution of the Singing Fly-eater has not yet
_ been determined locally. Mr. J. Colclough, of the Queensland
Museum, reports having seen the bird at Gympie (100 miles north
of Brisbane), and I have listened to it at Maroochydore (60 miles
north of Brisbane), but Mr. E. M. Cornwall has not noted the
species so far north as Mackay.

The breeding season is probably indeterminate. Personally, I
have only found the bird nesting in the springtime, but Mr. R.
Illidge has had nests in his fig-trees at Bulimba (a suburb of
Brisbane) both in November and June. Incidentally, the female
of the species, who seems to do by far the greater part of the work
of nest-building, is one of the most rapid little workers that ever
I have watched. Both birds, in fact, seem possessed of much
of the high vitality of their ecstatic kin-spirit, Diceum hirundin-
aceum, the Australian Flower-pecker.

Bird Notes from New South Wales.
COMMUNICATED BY Dr. E. A. D’OmBrarn, M.D., R.A.O.U.,
SYDNEY.

THE following notes were made by my son, A. F. D’Ombrain.
When one considers that the locality is but 8 miles from the
G.P.O., Sydney, and within an hour’s walk from a suburban
railway station, the facts become more interesting.

The area referred to in these notes, except where otherwise
stated, is that lying to the north of the northern shores of Middle
Harbour, and bounded on the east by the Manly coast-line, to
the west by the Milson’s Point-Hornsby railway line. The
country is all of the heathy kind loved by Honey-eaters and typical
of the Hawkesbury sandstone areas, and composed of huge masses
of grey sandstone tumbled and tossed into all sorts of shapes,
forming overhanging shelves, caves, crannies, &c. (ideal places for
the Rock-Warbler), which go to form the walls of the gullies, at
the bottom of which the streams find their way to the waters of
Middle Harbour. These gullies are not very thickly timbered,
though, judging by the relics left by the timber-getters, some
“ eiants there were in those days,” and there are still some fine
trees to be seen, but these gullies are quite unlike those, say, in
the Dandenong Ranges (Vic.), and such as are in that State
associated with the haunt of the Lyre-Bird.

The area covers many thousands of acres of country, and is so
vast, and the ramifications of the ‘“arms’”’ of the harbour so
intricate and numerous, that, though Sydney city is only half a
dozen miles away to the south, it is quite an easy thing for the

154 D'Omprain, Bird Notes from New South Wales. es

tst Jan.

unwary, and those who are not good bushmen, to find themselves
“ bushed ’’—at least for the time being.

This introduction is necessary in order to explain the reason of
any Lyre-Birds, or, indeed, any large birds, being found so near
the city.

Notes MADE IN THE VICINITY OF GORDON.
LYRE-BirRDS CLOSE TO SYDNEY.

28/11/1914.—Went down Stony Creek towards Middle Harbour,
and saw Lyre-Birds there for the first time, though we had often
seen scratchings. The male ran away, but the female was so
tame that she remained on a fallen tree, which was lying across
the gully, which is here very narrow, and allowed us to get right
under her and have a good look at her.

20/12/1914.—Up very early in the morning, and went down
the creek again. Heard the Lyre-Bird mimicking other birds,
amongst which we identified :—Butcher-Bird (Cracticus destructor),
Mountain Magpie (Strepera graculina), Grey Shrike-Thrush
(Colluricincla harmonica), Dollar-Bird (Eurystomus pactficus),
Coachwhip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans), Yellow-faced Honey-eater
(Ptilotis chrysops), White-eared Honey-eater (Pétilotis leucotts),
Yellow-eared Honey-eater (Ptilotis chrysotis), and Yellow-breasted
Shrike-Robin (Eopsaltria australis).

15/5/1915.—Found nest of Lyre-Bird just near where they
were seen the previous season. It was built in an overhanging
ledge of rock, near the creek. When first found it was only a mass
of sticks ; four or five days later it had only to be lined ; then about
two weeks later one egg was found in the nest. The egg was
purple, with black blotches. The nest was lined with feathery
down from the birds.

In January, 1915, saw a Drongo Shrike (Dicruropsis bracteata)
at Gordon. This is rather an unusual locality for it. It was
seen afterwards near Gordon feeding a young one which had
evidently been reared here.

RECORD CLUTCH.—Pymble, 14/11/16.—Found a nest of the
Warty-faced Honey-eater (Meliphaga phrygia) ; it contained four
eggs. The clutch is stated by most authorities as two, rarely
three. This clutch, therefore, is a record one. The nest was
built about 50 feet from the ground.

21/4/17.—A female Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovit)
was obtained at Lindfield, five miles from Sydney. This seems
an unusual locality for this Robin.

GRALLINA’S PECULIAR NeEsT.—Nest of G. picata found by G.
Anderson, R.A.O.U., was composed of a pile of seven nests (six
old ones underneath). The mass weighed 3 lbs. The nest on
top contained five eggs.

Pardalotus punctatus in this locality frequently lays clutch of
five eggs. A nest on one occasion was found in a hollow stump by
G. Anderson, R.A.O.U.

Having noticed that the White-bellied Sea-Eagles (Halieetus

vol xy |= D’Ompratn, Bird Notes from New South Wales. 155

1918

leucogaster) frequented one of the branches of Middle Harbour,
G. Anderson and I went in search of their nest on 6th July, 1917,
and were rewarded by finding two nests, one evidently an old
one. Saw one of the birds fly on to the other nest, so concluded
this was to be used this season. The nest was situated in the
fork of a fairly stout eucalypt, some 60 feet up. On climbing up
an adjacent tree we found the nest was repaired, and apparently
ready for eggs. Re-examined nest on 21st July, and could see
one egg, which was left, in the hope of another being laid. Nest
visited again on 22nd; still only one egg. 28th July.—G. Anderson
again climbed up, and, as only one egg was seen, he decided to
take it. Incubation had commenced. The nest was a_ huge
structure of sticks and lined with fresh eucalyptus leaves.
Dimensions :—Whole structure, 7 feet across by 5 feet deep;
egg cavity, 18 inches in diameter by 9 inches in depth. In the
body of the structure, and just where the sticks were resting on
one of the branches of the fork, the nest of Pardalotus punctatus
was found—surely a curious site for this little bird. In connection
with the discovery of the Eagle’s nest, a curious action of both
birds was noted. Whilst soaring around, the birds were seen to
suddenly “drop” one leg for a few moments. On one occasion
one of them was seen to reach one foot forward and scratch its
head. On another occasion we watched one of the birds make a
sudden drop from mid-air into the waters of the harbour, making
a great splash, and reappear with a fine mullet, which both birds
devoured on a reef close by.

SHINING FLYCATCHER (Myiagra nitida) is quite frequently seen
in this locality, and a specimen secured (Gordon, 2/3/15), and a
clutch of three eggs was secured in 1915 by G. Anderson. In con-
versation with the late Mr. North, he seemed to doubt the
identification of this bird for this locality. This was prior to my
son obtaining the specimen. In his last work, ‘‘ Nests and Eggs
of Birds Breeding in Australia and Tasmania,” the author states
that it is rarely found near Sydney, and that one specimen was
taken here in 1867. The birds are certainly not numerous, but,
as stated above, they are to be found here.

Ptilotis leucotis (White-eared Honey-eater).—Whilst looking for
the nest of this bird among the heaths of Middle Harbour (Duffy’s
Forest), 4/8/17, in company with Master E. Pratten, of Pymble,
we noticed the female bird fly almost to our feet, and we decided
she must have young ones close by. Suddenly, however, it
alighted on my stocking and began pulling out the wool; then
it flew to the legs of my companion and did the same thing, and
flew away, only to return in a little while with the male bird. The
latter did not come close, but the female perched on our heads.
She then flew off and returned again and took material from our
caps, coats, and my woollen jersey and stockings. Again, she
perched on my ear and pulled hairs out of the back of my head,
which made me call out, but she took not the slightest notice of
this. At last she flew away about 50 yards, with us in pursuit,

156 D’OmpralNn, Bird Notes from New South Wales. Emu

1st Jan.

We soon found a_ half-finished nest in a dwarf-apple bush
(Angophora). We left, and returned to where we were at first,
and the bird quickly followed. After remaining here for thirty-
five minutes we had to move on, and she very reluctantly had to
leave us. A Fulvous-fronted Honey-eater (Glyciphila fulvifrons)
had come within a yard of us, and as soon as the White-eared
left for its nest the former bird flew at the latter and tried to rob
it of the nesting material.

Note By E. A. D’OmBRAIN.—AII the forest country is singularly
devoid of domestic quadrupeds, and it is evident the scarcity of
hair or fur for nest-construction was the cause of the determined
action of the bird to commandeer the necessary and desired
material from the first thing offering. The same _ experience
occurred to a colleague of mine, Dr. C. Shepherd, whilst his party
were having a rest and afternoon tea during a motor drive through
another part of this region (French’s Forest).

Acanthiza reguloides (Buff-rumped Tit)—Pymble, 11/10/16.—
A nest of this Tit was found in a cleft of bark ; under the nest were
four old ones. The new nest contained two eggs and one of the
Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx basalts).

Correspondence.
SPECIES vVérvysus SUB-SPECIES.
To the Editors of.“ The Emu.”

DEAR Sirs,—While appreciating the article ‘The Birds of
Rockingham Bay,” by Mr. H. G. Barnard and myself, my friend,
Mr. W. B. Alexander, in the October issue of The Emu (p. 112),
is inclined to support Mr. G. M. Mathews in his (Mathews’s)
division of the Australian Bee-eater into two races or sub-species.
Seeing that this bird varies in seasonal plumage, Mr. Mathews’s
description (Nov. Zool., vol. xviii., p. 290) is not convincing.
Again, Mr. Alexander thinks there may be two Drongos. All
Mr. Mathews states regarding his sub-species is—‘ differs in its
larger wing—161 mm.” Not much of a peg (new description)
for one to hang one’s (ornithological) hat upon (Nov. Zool., vol.
Xvill., p. 437). The late Mr. A. J. North gives the average
measurement of the Drongo’s wing as 6} inches, practically the
same as Mr. Mathews gives for that of his new sub-species.
Both the Bee-eater and Drongo migrate from New Guinea
Archipelago and distribute themselves to a greater or lesser extent
over Australia fo breed. The interesting instance of the Common
and the Northern Willow-Wrens being seen in company in Britain,
which Mr. Alexander mentions, is, I think, hardly an analogous
case, because the common Willow-Wren breeds in Britain, while
the sub-species is only an occasional visitor on migration. The
other case of the Chiffchaff and Siberian Chiffchaff is still weaker,
because, in addition to the latter being only an occasional visitor,
some authorities state it_is a distinct species and not a sub-species.

Vol. XVII.
1918

Correspondence. £57
However, is it not almost an ornithological axiom that two subs
of the same species cannot exist, much less breed together, in the
same locality or region? Either they are the same species, or,
if there be difference, then it is specific, not sub-specific.—I am, &c.,

A. |). CAMPBELL.
Surrey Hills (Vic.), 18/10/17.

To the Edttors of “ The Emu.”

Sirs,—Re your footnote, “Why this licensed slaughter >? ”’
(Emu, vol. xvi, p. 109). It seems that the Acclimatization
Society, having introduced game birds, notably Quail and Pheasants,
felt bound to protect them in the interests of sportsmen. As Circus
gouldi is plentiful, and almost the chief enemy of the game birds
aforesaid, there is a bounty on their destruction. For a few months
lately the Hawks were protected, at the instance of some farmers
whose grass-seed suffered at the hands of the Quail, but the
society was successful in getting the protection removed—in
part, at least.

T.-J- I1CK-HEWINS.
Taranaki, N.Z., 18/11/17.

To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

Srrs,—In the July Emu (vol. xvii., pp. 2-38, 1917) there has
appeared an excellent essay on the “ Birds of the Rockingham
Bay District, North Queensland,’’ by Messrs. A. J. Campbell
and H. G. Barnard. Numerous papers of a similar character are
necessary, and are urgently desired by systematic workers on
this side of the world as well as in Australia. Too many cannot
be written, and it is to encourage such that I forward this com-
mentary on that essay. Questions are constantly put forward
which I am desirous of answering, as they show an imperfect
knowledge of some important items in bird study and _ record.
To answer these sevtatim would occupy a lot of space and make
this letter appear controversial, which is exactly what it must
not do. I have no desire to enter into controversy, but am most
delighted to explain items which have apparently puzzled the
authors, but which are capable of easy and satisfactory explana-
tion. I had elsewhere written that nomenclatural friction has
been completely dissipated, and it is gratifying to find my con-
clusions so amply confirmed in this essay, for, notwithstanding
the apparent discrepancies, the whole tenor of the paper justifies
my actions.

The main point in the paper is concisely summed up by the
authors themselves on page 37. ‘‘ The questions, then, are, what
constitutes a species and what a sub-species ? The Check-list
Committee of the R.A.O.U. would do well to settle these questions
before attempting to wade into the technicalities of nomen-

Emu
Ist Jan.

158 Correspondence.
clature.’’ This is good advice, but unnecessary. I have already
dealt fairly completely, and, I hoped, satisfactorily, with both
matters in The Emu, but, apparently, my efforts have been left
unstudied by the authors, though they were considered worthy
of special distinction by extra-Australian scientific workers. I
do not feel inclined to go over the ground again, but would refer
the authors to my published papers, which would have made
many of the queries propounded in Messrs. Campbell and Barnard’s
paper unnecessary. To instance, they refer to my disusage of
Casuarius australis, Wall. It is recorded in my List (quoted by
them) that the name was unavailable, as it had been previously
used in another sense. If the writers did not understand such
a simple nomenclatural question they should have postponed
criticism altogether on such matters until they had mastered the
first rules connected with the subject. In a similar case they
are amazed at my rejection of Megalurus galactotes, Temminck,
proposed for an African bird, urging that Gould’s misusage of
the name claimed acceptance. Such ignorance of the laws
governing nomenclature simply prohibits any discussion, and it
seems very urgent that these authors should not attempt to wade
into “the technicalities of nomenclature.” It is impossible to
deal with the many little queries of like quality put forward, as
the majority are answered beforehand in my List. If these
petty and querulous items had not been interpellated, there could
have been nothing but praise for the paper, and, notwithstanding
the above remarks, I consider this to be one of the most helpful
papers from the systematic viewpoint we have recently had.
The field notes are comparatively scant, which is to be regretted,
as the field observations of such experienced workers as the
authors should have been valuable, and worthy of publication.
Certainly, they would not have displayed the lack of knowledge
of the subject treated as their nomenclatural notes do. A good
instance of how not to write ornithological results may be cited.
On page 22 they wrote :—‘ We had the opportunity of proving
that Ramsay’s Eopsaltria inornata and Hartert’s Pachycephala
peninsule (both shown on the Union’s “ Check-list,”” p. 65) are
the same species.” No proof is then put forward, and as the
identity of these species has been recorded and accepted some
years ago, their statement reads strangely, and cannot be under-
stood.

A matter of broader interest is brought under review on page 17
by the note :—‘‘ Bee-eaters have been observed passing to and
from New Guinea during migration. How can it be possible,
then, that there are two races of these birds in Australia, as
Mathews infers ?’’ There is no evidence that all the Bee-eaters
that are met with in Australia pass through New Guinea, which
is the suggestion of the authors, and it is tolerably certain that
the western birds do not. Consequently, there is no reason why
the eastern and western forms should not be sub-specifically
different. As the subject is referred to more than once in the

Vol. XVII.
1918

Correspondence. 159
paper, I might state that it is possible to have sub-species of
migratory birds, and in my “ Birds of Australia’’ I will give
details of an extraordinary case with regard to Micropus pacificus,
for the benefit of Australian workers. Under Merops, in that
work, I will also fully discuss the above particular item, and I
would refer those interested to that place. In justice to myself,
I would remark that some of the items Messrs. Campbell and
Barnard refer to have been already dealt with in my larger under-
taking, and these authors have not considered my latest and most
particular studies.

As above stated, I have no wish to belittle the valuable paper
presented by Messrs. Campbell and Barnard, but I would have been
more pleased had they confined themselves to the field work, in
which they were past masters, rather than dabble in a study so
foreign to their efforts and so unknown in its usages. I have
continually bemoaned the lack of full field observations, and now
complain of an apparently lost opportunity, while they have
added little to the nomenclatural side, though fully confirming
the majority of the sub-specific distinctions bestowed upon the
birds of the district they collect in. Many more “ collecting and
observing excursions to the region’’ are still necessary, and the
“last judge’ will not appear for centuries, so that we need not
think yet of the “ best judge.”’ It only is necessary for each of
us to add his iota to the best of his ability to our congenial study.
—Yours, &c.,

GREGORY M. MATHEWS.

Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants, England.

The H. L. White Collection.

Mr. H. L. White, as a boy, when at Goulburn, New South Wales,
possessed a small egg collection of side-blown specimens. Some
seventeen years ago he set about forming a scientific collection
of eggs and nesting information pertaining to every known Aus-
tralian bird. Some of the results and successes of the enterprise
are mentioned in The Emu, vol. xiil., pp. 65-74 (with three
coloured plates), under the title “ A Commonwealth Collection.”
It was easy enough, with the assistance of enthusiastic friends,
to procure the commoner kinds, but to obtain the rarer sorts,
and to discover the eggs of birds specimens of which were still
desiderata, Mr. White spared neither pains nor expense; con-
sequently, he had such reliable collectors in the field and forest
as Messrs. S. W. Jackson (New South Wales), H. G. Barnard
(Queensland), L. G. Chandler (Victoria), F. L. Whitlock (Western
Australia), G. F. Hill (North-West Australia), W. M‘Lennan
(Northern Territory), and others.

When the egg-collecting was proceeding apace, and nearly all
species were represented, Mr. White determined to utilize his col-
lectors at the birds themselves. Since the inception of the R.A.O.U.

160 The H. L. White Collection. Emu

ist Jan.

ornithology had made immense and rapid strides. With research,
new forms, so-called “‘ sub-species,’’ were being multiplied and
designated ; more material was needed to settle many scientific
points. Mr. White, in a very practical and patriotic manner,
threw himself into the breach, and undertook to procure sufficient
material to enable ornithologists in this country to settle their
own disputes, instead of these differences being settled in Europe,
America, or, forsooth, in Japan. The late Professor Alfred
Newton, of Cambridge, once, in writing to one of our members,
said that disputed points about purely Australian birds should
be settled in Australia, and by Australians themselves—for the
obvious reason, no doubt, that Australians were on the spot, with
information and material at first hand.

In order not to destroy unnecessarily beautiful bird-life, Mr.
White commenced by acquiring a few small, carefully made private
skin collections, notably those of Messrs. Lancelot Harrison, Harold
Blakeney, Robert Grant, A. G. Campbell, and others. These,
with the consignments from the field-workers, soon built up an
important and valuable collection. Especially important were
the various specimens collected by Mr. W. M’‘Lellan near the
Gilbert “ type locality,’’ Northern Territory. It will be recollected
that the original Gouldian-Gilbert types went to America. In
an honorary capacity Captain S. A. White has also added to the
H. L. White collection.

This splendid and unique mass of material Mr. White has
generously and unostentatiously donated to the nation, to be
housed in the National Museum, Melbourne. As the headquarters
of the R.A.O.U. for the time being are Melbourne, the donor’s
primary idea was to have the material in such a place that it
could be available for ready reference by members of the Union,
and, of course, for ornithological students in general. And not
the least encouraging is Mr. White’s magnanimous announcement
—‘T hope to add materially to the collection from time to time.”

The majority of the skins have been excellently prepared,
those made by Mr. Robert Grant especially being object lessons
in the taxidermist’s art. In the general collection there is affixed
to every skin a convenient-sized label showing name of collector,
locality, date, sex, measurements, &c. This is preferable to the
old-fashioned method of numbering, with the registration of
details in a separate book. Nevertheless, there is a complete
“Key” to the collection, and any specimen (which bears its own
history) can be referred to at a minute’s notice. The ‘‘ Key to
H. L. White Collection ’’—the work of Mr. S. W. Jackson—for
carefulness and neatness could not be surpassed.

On Friday, 12th October, 1917, a large company of orni-
thologists and naturalists accepted the invitation of Sir Baldwin
Spencer, Director of the National Museum, Melbourne, to view
officially this priceless collection. Those present saw for the first
time many of the rare birds of Australia. Light refreshments
terminated a memorable evening.

> —~—Vi

hice

id
le

fain

-
*

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XXIV.

H. L. White, Esq., M.B.O.U., Life Member R.A.O.U.
(Donor of the £1,000 and other handsome gifts to the R.A.O.U.)

PHOTO, BY CROWN STUDIOS, SYDNEY;

er The Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 161

The Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

ITEMS FROM SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT, 1916-17.

THE Council has again unanimously decided to postpone the
annual congress and camp-out fixed for Queensland, as they
consider that all our energies and spare cash should go towards
helping our country in its time of need.

Since the last annual meeting the Council has rented a room
at No. 2 Temple Court, Collins-street, Melbourne, where it can
hold its monthly and other meetings, and where the library
of the Union, and the cabinets for bird-skins, eggs, &c., have been
placed. The room has been furnished, the tables, chairs, cabinet
for bird-skins, &c., having been presented by various members.

During the year 38 new members have been enrolled, 11 have
resigned, and we have lost 4 members through death—Mr. E. A.
Petherick, C.M.G., Mr. O. W. Rosenhain, Mr. D. B. Fry, and Mr.
G. P. Kay, the two latter having been killed at the front whilst
bravely fighting for their country. Our president, Captain
Macgillivray, has also enlisted, and is now absent in Europe.

A splendid collection of birds’ eggs has been most generously
presented to the Union by Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, Scone,
N.S.W. It consists of 365 species, with full data, and these are
now being placed in the cabinet in the Union’s room. A complete
list will be published shortly in The Emu, and the Council trusts
that members will endeavour to fill the gaps as they are able.
The Council has appointed Mr. A. C. Stone as curator of the egg
collection, assisted by Mr. F. E. Howe and Mr. J. A. Ross. Mr.
White has also generously presented to the Union over roo bird-
skins, as well as a complete set of Gould’s magnificent ‘ Birds of
Australia.” Mr. T. P. Austin also presented a valuable collection
of 212 sets of eggs not represented in Mr. White’s gift. Mr.
Bellington added 30 sets, Mr. Stone 20, Mr. Howe to, and Miss
Fletcher 6 sets of eggs.

A collection of over 2,000 bird-skins was purchased by the -
Council, and these have now been placed in a cabinet, and are
a great help at the conversaziones. A catalogue will be published
later on. Mr. A. J. Campbell has kindly consented to act as
curator of the skins, assisted by Mr. F. E. Wilson and Dr. Brooke
Nicholls. Mr. White kindly presented his duplicate skins.

The splendid reference collection of Australian birds’ skins
belonging to Mr. H. L. White, and numbering over 5,000 speci-
mens, has been generously presented by that gentleman to the
National Museum, Melbourne, and can now be inspected at any
time. The Union can hold a monthly meeting in the bird room
of the Museum.

During the past year the Union has been registered under the
Companies Act 1915 of Victoria as a company, limited by
guarantee, and not having a capital divided into shares, and
without the addition of the word ‘“ Limited,” but with the
addition of the word “ Royal”’ to its name. This was found to

162 The Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. Jas

ist Jan.

RECEIPTS AND

For Year ended

RECEIPTS.

HOES as er See aC

To Balance 5 E2 sae Bh Bile 35) 1 39
“6 Subscriptions—Arrears .. =e ao Sony oO
5 a Current . See abe TA S(O
55 Advance _ se a 1241hevO

— 213 7 6

» Sales—The Emu TOMO
5, Donation, £10; Blocks, Ls Os. 8d. ; . Exchange, £1 18s. 6d. ;
Interest, 19s. 11d. ; Special, 41 6s. ; Postage, 4s. 9d. ;

Covers, ve 15s. a sie af 22) AGIO

,, Coloured Fund—Donations, ec. ... nae a6 BAP 12 3
», lrust Fund—Interest ... aie S ASOn Oo
3 ¥ Donations .. ae a 4216 2F0

Se Ao: One

: £443 6 4

ASSETS AND

At 30th
ASSETS
Bo etSes og: esl Gh ame
Savings Bank—Cr. Balance oat sie my ae B34 IG aes
Subscriptions in Arrears ... ae oor 2020/20
Less in advance ... anh 50 26 10 oO
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The Emu in Stock, say ... oe sas ois ei BZOOn OVO
Illustration Blocks aR) aoe bia BOF 20) ©
Tent, Material, Punch, and Register 55 ae B07. a0
Commonwealth War Bond (Trust Account) ee <0 1,000) -Om0
Za, 857. oll

Z. GRAY, L.C.A., Hon. Treasurer.

MELBOURNE, Ist /aly, 1917.

The President, Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, Melbourne.

Sir,—I have completed the audit of the books and accounts of the
The books and accounts were presented in excellent order by the
Messrs. Hedderwick, Fookes and Alston have stated to me that the
pending completion of the arrangements for it to be taken over by the

en The Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. 163
EXPENDITURE
380th June, 1917.
EXPENDITURE.
Lo Sa Gn. @f Sed
By The Emu, vol. xvi.—Printing, &c. acs LOS) Lon o
ee 5 vol. xvi.—Blocks 0 ae AZ Iz A
* i vol. xvi.—Coloured Plates “ 30° 5. 6
fe - vol. xvi.—Articles Association ... 927-0
——-._ 265 18 6
~euLicence Kee ; use eh aes Ai Sas x0)
Postage, £7 8s. 5d.; Stationery, £6 18s.; Election,
#3) os: 6d: Lecture, £3. 7s. > Library, 43 Tse3de5
Covers, £3 3s. 2d.; Insurance, £2 9s. 1d. ; Exchange,
LI 185. gd. ; Commission, vas 5S) 2d" She 3200ie 4
5, Room- —Furnishing, &C., Li7 Ss Sundries, 77S, “@2als 2
Skins, £13 2s. 6d. s oii Bil ele eG
mr _ Gas, 12s. 7d. ; anes 8s ; Fire, 1s. Freight,
13s. 1od. . Bae ii Os as
ms (Trust Account)— Rent, “£32 105. ; Bookcase,
£25 1855; Chairs, £13 8s; 560 Se 7) Oe
408 12 II
5» Savings Bank—Cr. Balance ‘iss ee on SAS hans
£443 6 4
LIABILITIES
June, 1917.
LIABILITIES.
Lil.
Re Shaan
By Balance Sat ae sae aa 50 ane LS0572 IORI
£1,657 ol!

42 TEMPLE COURT, COLLINS-STREET,
MELBOURNE, 14¢h August, 1917.
Union for the year ended 30th June, 1917.
treasurer, Mr. Z. Gray, and I have certified them correct.
Trust Account War Loan Bond for £1,000 was held by them on 3oth June,
trustees.—Your truly,

JAMES BARR, A.1.A.V., A.C.P.A., Hon. Auditor.

be necessary in order- d
munificent gift of the £1,000. Memorandum and atficles pe
association were carefully drawn up by Messrs. Hedderwick,
Fookes and Alston. The Union is deeply indebted to this firm

of solicitors for all the work they have done, and that in a purely

honorary capacity. The Union is now on an entirely new footing.

A copy of the articles of association, together with an historical |

sketch of the old Union, has been sent out to every member, and
the Council trusts that the career of the new Union will be in
every way as successful as the old.

The Union would be glad of any cabinets that members may

have to spare, as additional room is required for their bird-skin

collection.
In conclusion, the Council finds it difficult to express its deep
appreciation of the whole-hearted generosity of Mr. H. L. White,

who is doing so much to advance in every way the interests and _

_ study of ornithology, and the debt of gratitude owed to him by
the Union can never be repaid; and the position of the Union,
as it now is, as a registered company with assets, is entirely due
to the splendid gifts to the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’
~ Union by Mr. White.

The election of office-bearers resulted as follows :—President,
> Dr. W. Macgillivray ; vice-presidents, Dr. J. A. Leach, A. F;
_ Basset Hull; hon. secretary, W. H. D. Le Souéf; hon. treasurer,
Z. Gray ; hon. librarian, W. B. Alexander; hon. editor of Em,
Dr. J. A. Leach; hon. assistant editor, R. H. Croll; hon. press
correspondent, Dr. Brooke Nicholls; hon. auditor, J. Barr;
printing committee, A. J. Campbell, A. H. E. Mattingley, W. B.
Alexander.

Local State Secretaries :—New South Wales, A. S. Le Souéf ;
South Australia, Captain S. A. White; Western Australia, W. T.
Forster; Tasmania, H. Stuart Dove ; New Zealand, W. R. B. Oliver ;
Northern Territory, G. F. Hill; Queensland, E. M. Cornwall.

Members of Council : — Victoria, Colonel C. S. Ryan, C.B.,
A. H. E. Mattingley, A. C. Stone, F. E. Wilson ; New South Wales,
Dr. J. Burton Cleland, Dr. D’Ombrain, P. A. Gilbert ; Queensland,
C, A. Barnard, A. H. Chisholm; South Australia, Edwin Ashby,
J. W. Mellor ; Western Australia, Major A. E. Le Souéf; Tasmania,
Colonel W. V. Legge, Clive E. Lord.

[Pressure on our space prevented the printing of the full
report.—EDs.]

REGRET will be expressed for the author and publishers of
Mathews’s ‘‘ Birds of Australia”’ that part 3 of volume vi. was_
sunk in the Mongolia. However, contributors will be glad to know
that the publishers (Witherby and Co.) have arranged to reprint
a sufficient number to supply-Australian orders. Part 4 has been
received in Australia, but subsequent parts of the work will be
retained in London until after the war. The missing part dealt
with the Galah, Cockatoo-Parrot, Green-Leek, Biack-tailed Parrot,
Alexandra Parrot, Red-winged Parrot, and King Parrot.

ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

Z z a - ee pee

CO-PATRONS:
- Their Majesties the King and Queen.

; OFFICE-BEARERS :
President: Ds. W. MACGILLIVRAY.

fDr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U.
(mr. A. F. BASSET HULL.

Hon. Secretary: Mr. W. H. D, Le SOUEF, C.M.ZS., &c.
(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A,
(158 Bridport Street, South Melbourne.) 5

Hon. Librarian: Mr. W. B. ALEXANDER.

Hon. Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U.
(“‘ Eyrecourt,” Canterbury.)

Assistant Editor: Mr. R. H, CROLL, R.A.O.U.

(Education Department, Melbourne.)

Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS,

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

Printing Committee: Messrs. A. J. CAMPBELL, A, H. E.
MATTINGLEY, anv W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A.

Vice~Presidents:

- Local State Secretaries:
Mr. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney
Mr. E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland.
Capt, S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., Fulham, South Australia,
Mr. W. T. FORSTER, Victoria: Park, Western Australia.
Mr. H. STUART DOVE, Tasmania.
Mr. W..R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.E.S., Darwin, Northern Territory.

Members of Council:
VicToria—Co. C. S, RYAN, C.B., Messrs. A. H. E. MATTINGLEY,
- C.M.Z.S., A. C. STONE, anp F. E. WILSON.

New South WaLes—.Dr. J. BURTON CLELAND, Dr. E. A.
D’OMBRAIN, anv P. A. GILBERT.

QUEENSLAND—MeEssrs. C. A. BARNARD anv A. H. CHISHOLM.

SouTH AusTRALIA — Messrs. E. ASHBY, M.B.O.U, anp J. W.
MELLOR. :

WESTERN AUSTRALIA—Major A. E. LE SOUEF,

TASMANIA—CoL. W. V. LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U, anp CLIVE E. LORD.

= Members of Check-List Committee:

Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. Lz SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &c.

;, A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.O.U. Dr, MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U,

yy R.~HABL, C.M.B.0O.U. Mr. G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E.

» BASSET HULL, R.A.O.U. 4, A.H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S.
Dr. J. A..LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. » H. L. WHITE, M.B.O.U.
COLONEL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CaPpTaIn S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U.

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Official Organ of the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

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GREY-THROATED THICKHEAD (PACHYCEPHALA PENINSULA, HaR-

TERT). By A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.U. Bt eae - -

NOTES ON NORTH-WESTERN Birps. By F. Lawson Whitlock,
R.A.O.U. - 3 ~ “ - x ‘ = 3

=
ORNITHOLOGISTS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND. ParT III. By Caz.
(Dr.) W. Macgillivray, President of the R.A.O.U. - - -

“ALIKE IN DIFFERENCE.” By e SES eZ PERE R.A.0,U., Dunk
Island, Queensland - = ey 2

FURTHER NOTES UPON CORMORANTS, THEIR FOOD, TEMPERA-
TURES, &cC. By Caft. S. A. White, M.B.0.U., R.A.0.U. -

THE GROUND: PARROT (PEZOPORUS FORMOSUS). Sy A. H. E.
Mattingley, C.M.Z.S. - - - - - - - -

NOTES ON SOME OF THE BIRDS MET WITH IN THE NEIGHBOUR- —

HOOD OF PUNGONDA. By Edwin Ashby, M.B.O.U., Black-
wood, S.A. - - - i : ae ge 2 : 2 z

BIRDS ABOUT THE TANJIL RIVER AND RANGES, VICTORIA, 1916-17.

By H. W. Ford, R.A.O.U. . - - - - - ees G
TASMANIAN NOTES - - - - - - - - - - 223
QUEENSLAND NOTES - - - - - - - - - 228
CAMERA CRAFT NOTES.—Red Capped Dottrel, 231; Notes on the Coachwhip-

Bird, 232.

STRAY FEATHERS.—Crows and Sheep, 2345 Cuckoo Gonbinations 234; Hooded
Dottrels, 234; New Cuckoo Foster-Parent, 235; Bee-eaters, 235; A Swallow
Tragedy, 235; Nest of Pardalotus striatus, 236; Red-vented Bulbul, 236; Magpie-

Lark, 236; Babblers and Sparrows, 237; Nesting of White-fronted Herons, 237;

Blue Wren, 237; Great Frigate-Bird obtained in Western Australia, 238.

BIRD PROTECTION IN QUEENSLAND. By A. H. Chisholm - - 239

OURSELVES - - - - - - - - - - - 243

CORRESPONDENCE - - - - - - - - - - 244

REVIEWS) - - - - - - - - - - - - 245

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P-
i

PLATE XXV.

THE Emu, Vol. XVII

‘oinsuruadg vjpydaatyoavg
‘YSTLSIHM GALVOYHL-AaYD

—_ -—_.
-_———_

Jhe Emu

Official Organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union.

“ Birds of a feather.’’

Wier. xc V. ET] ist APRIL, rors: [PART 4.

Grey-throated Thickhead (Pachycephala peninsule,
Hartert).

By A.) CAMPBELL, €.M_B.O.U.

To accompany the plate in this issue, I cannot do better than
reiterate, in part, what was stated regarding this species by Mr.
H. G. Barnard and myself in connection with “ The Birds of
Rockingham Bay” (ante, p. 22).

We found this Thickhead fairly plentiful in the coastal scrubs,
and obtained examples of both sexes for museum purposes,
together with the nest and eggs. In quest of food this bird
resembles all the Pachycephale, and was often observed feeding
in company of other smaller birds. One nest inspected contained
fledgelings, rufous-coloured, like those of P. gutturalis. The bird
ranges up to Cape York, a similar bird appearing in New
Guinea. (See Dr. Macgillivray’s remarks, Emu, vol. xiii., p. 167.)

This species is listed under two names on the Union’s “ Check-
list” (p. 65)—No. 421, Eopsaltria inornata, Ramsay; No. 427,
Pachycephala peninsule, Hartert. But, in view of our field
evidence, we venture to recommend the adoption of the latter
name, or, if a difference of genera be established, then Mathews’s
Mattingleya (griseiceps) tnornata, with the vernacular Grey-
throated Whistler or Thickhead.

Dimensions in mm.—Length, 145-150; wing, 76-78; tail, 64-70;

tarsus, 17-19 ; culmen, I0.

166 WuittLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. fete

Notes on North-Western Birds.*

By F. Lawson WuitTtock, R.A.O.U., CHILTERN, TuporR, vid
ALBANY (W.A.)

(With criticisms by A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.U., on certain skins
collected.)

WHITE-WINGED WREN (Malurus cyanotus).

DurinG my travels in Western Australia I frequently met with
the White-winged or Blue-and-white Wren. It has an extensive
range. I have met it as far south as Lake Dundas, on the Norse-
man goldfield, and in our great North-West up to the De Grey
River. Generally speaking, it is an inhabitant of the hot, dry
interior, being very plentiful around Lake Austin, on the Murchison
goldfield, and, again, further east, around Lake Way, 150 miles
farther inland. In these latter localities its favourite haunts are
samphire flats around the shores of these vast salt lakes. In
latitudes farther south it inhabits the sand-plains, but the nearer
the latter approach the forest country the scarcer this Wren
becomes. It approaches the coast-line the farther north its
range extends, and may be found adjacent to the seashore in many
parts of our North-West.

With such an extended habitat it naturally shows some variation
in plumage. This is most apparent in the brilliance or other-
wise of the blue coloration, the brightest birds being found,
according to my observations, in the hot interior, where the
species is most plentiful. On the sand-plains of the south-west,
where it is far from common, the blue appears to be of a deeper
shade, and the white not so pure. Again, in the far north,
amongst the spinifex, where its range must about reach its limit
in that direction, the general appearance of the White-winged
Wren is less striking. It is smaller, has a deeper-toned plumage,
and the ear coverts do not differ much in tint from the remainder
of the blue plumage.

It is a hardy little bird, and one wonders how it can hold its
own in localities where rain is often absent for over twelve months
at a time, and where the summer temperature for lengthened
periods exceeds 100° Fahr. in the shade. Even in the driest seasons
pairs are found breeding. Near the coast the heavy morning
dews would afford sufficient moisture for drinking purposes, but
in the sweltering interior, around the salt lakes, dew in the early
morning is unknown. How these and other small birds exist
without water is a mystery. I can only suggest that the sappy
leaves of the samphire are eaten for the sake of the moisture they
contain,

I have observed many nests of this little Wren. In the interior

* There are two divisions in North-Western Australia—the North-West
proper and the Farther North-West, known as Kimberley. These two
divisions are separated by the Great Sandy Desert—a natural barrier to some
species, or varieties, as the case may be. The present paper refers to the
North-West division proper.

Vol. |
1915

Wuittock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 167
the favourite situation is in some small salt-bush or in the branches
of the woody samphires. The breeding season varies according
to locality. The earliest nest I have found was on 3rd August ;

others, again, were not completed before October. The Hest is
of the usual Malurus type, the eggs varying in number from two
to four. In one instance of four there was a “fifth egg—the produce
of a Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx basalis). The latter species 1s
very partial to nests of this Wren. Recently I observed a nest
perched on the top of a clump of spinifex (Zviodia) standing in
a clear, open space. On my near approach a male bird flew off.
It had either been feeding or was brooding a nearly full-grown
Bronze-Cuckoo. This Wren ran (not hopped) like a small blue-
and-white mouse, crouching low, and trying to lure me away
from the nest.

In the spinifex country one often finds the nest just perched
on the top of the big clumps, and with the flower-stems inter-
woven with the walls of the nest. But a still more favoured
situation is in the slender branches of some small bush growing
through the spinifex, the bottom of the Wren’s nest just reaching
the top of the clump.

At nesting time the male is generally near at hand, usually
with only the female in his company, but not uncommonly two
or three brown birds may be present. The female is a ‘close
sitter, and comes within a few feet of the observer when near the
nest. At all times the adult male is very wary and difficult of
a near approach. In old males the bill, once it attains its full
coloration, is always black. Males frequently breed in the brown
plumage. Full nuptial plumage, as a rule, is not attained until
the third year.

With regard to a supposed blue White-backed Wren (Malurus
leuconotus), there is much doubt whether it may have been a sport
or the white back has been produced by the contraction of the
skin between the shoulders when the specimen was made up. I
have searched in many localities for this supposed white-backed
species without success.

[The White-b ace Wren (M. lewconotus) was always considered
a doubtful species ; that is why it was omitted by the compilers
from the Union’s “ Check-list.”’

Mr. Tom Carter, M.B.O.U., in a most attractive article in The
iors, October ror7;) On the Birds of Dirk Hartoe Island and
Peron Peninsula,’ and dealing with the subject of the White-
winged and the White-backed Wrens, states :—‘ Some years ago I
noticed that the blue feathers in the interscapular region in these
birds are merely long pendent feathers growing on the base of the
back of the neck, and if these feathers are raised by a pencil white
feathers will be observed growing beneath them right across the
back. The pendent blue feathers overlap them in triangular
form, and hang down over the mid-lower back. Many specimens
obtained in various parts of mid-west Australia have been
examined in the flesh immediately after shooting, and all had

Emu

168 WuitLock, Noles on North-Western Birds: OB ae

white feathers underneath the blue, varying in amount according
to the season, as these white feathers largely fall out at the
moult. Much depends, too, on the making of a skin as to whether
these white feathers show or not. At certain stages of the moult
the pendent blue feathers may be very scanty, causing more white
to show. After examining a long series from various parts of
Australia, Mr. G. M. Mathews and myself are agreed that there
is but one species, which must stand as Hallornis cyanotus, Gould,
and of which Malurus leuconotus, Gould, is a synonym.”

It is satisfactory to have this point so thoroughly cleared up,
and to know that Messrs. Mathews and Carter’s decision is prac-
tically in agreement with the Union’s “ Check-list’’ name for
the White-winged Wren—namely, Malurus cyanotus.

Regarding eastern and western races, it is very difficult to divide
them. Birds taken in New South Wales are similar in all dimen-
sions (wing, 46 mm.) to some examples from, say, Carnarvon
(North-West). The males of the former locality are darker blue,
while the females are decidedly browner compared with western
birds in general. Mr. Mathews reverses the colour of the male
of his western sub. (exsul)—“‘ Differs from M. c. cyanotus in
having the blue coloration darker above and below”’ (Nov. Zool.,
XVill., p. 359). This is not so according to test by Prof. Ridgway’s
‘Colour Standards ”’ for naturalists. The eastern bird assimilates
the tone “ smalt blue” * (pl. ix.), whereas the western bird more
assimilates “‘ phenyl blue,” a tone lighter than smalt blue. How-
ever, hues or tones may vary in the birds according to season,
or age,as well as situation. For instance, there are sim the
“ H. L. White Collection” three Carnarvon skins taken the same
month (October) ; two are the darker shade of blue, more like that
of eastern birds, while one has the lighter tint (phenyl), and
resembles birds from Lake Way, East Murchison (perplexus,
Mathews). Again, a Cossack skin collected by Mr. Whitlock
shows smalt blue under parts and the phenyl hue about the head.
In any case, exsul and perplexus are practically the same birds
from the same faunal region. Students will, no doubt, accept
one western geographical race—namely, ewsul.—A. J. C.]

DESERT-BirD (Evemiornis cartert).

I first encountered the Desert-Bird near Marble Bar during the
spring of the year 1908. Unfortunately, I left its haunts before
I had the opportunity of learning about its breeding habits.
Three years ago I again visited its haunts, and saw much of the
birds, but the season was unfavourable, and, in common with
most other species, Desert-Birds did not breed.

At the request of Mr. H. L. White, Belltrees, New South Wales,
I made another trip to the Coongan River, near Marble Bar, in
the spring of last year (1917). I soon picked up a pair or two of
the birds, and before September I had more than half a dozen

*Smalt blue resembles ultramarine blue, with a violet tinge. To be more.

accurate, smalt blue is an equal blend of spectrum blue and violet.

kd L

Pewee WuittLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 169

pairs under observation. In the Upper Coongan district this
species cannot be called rare ; it is very local, and shows a decided
preference for haunts where observation is difficult.

Before the breeding season actually commences pairs may be
met with in the small gullies at the foot of the ranges ; but I think
at nesting time they retire to the open flats adjacent to the larger
creeks, where the spinifex (Tviodia) grows to a large size, and
where the big clumps are very numerous and close together.
When observing the Desert-Bird, I always think that ‘ ‘ Spinifex-
Bird’’ would have been a more appropriate trivial name. Our
North-West coast at its worst can hardly be regarded as a
“desert,” considering its numerous rivers and creeks, the majority
of which are well timbered with eucalypts and other trees of
respectable dimensions. On my last trip I found the best place
for observing the Desert-Bird was a large flat of fairly rich
alluvial soil not far from a large creek. The spinifex here was
growing in great profusion and size, many clumps measuring as
much as 10 “feet in diameter, with occasional larger ones ; others
of from 5 to 8 feet* in width were innumerable. Small bushes
were frequent, with occasional trees, the latter, as a rule, not
giving much shade. Within a distance of a mile and a half I had
five pairs of Desert-Birds under constant observation.

To find these birds one must learn the call-note, and learn it,
too, so well as to be able, when heard at a distance, to distinguish
it from the call of the common Pipit (Anthus australis) and also
from distant calls of the Wood-Swallows (Avtamus) and accidental
notes of other species. After listening at close quarters to a male
perched on a small bush, I cannot render the sound better than by
the French words “ Je swis, é vous’’ (pronounced Je swee, ah
voo). More often than otherwise only the first syllables are
uttered ; then the call closely resembles that of the Pipit. One,
asa rule, rarely sees the female, but her presence may be ascer-
tained by carefully listening. Almost simultaneously with the
liquid notes of the male, she adds two or three rather grating
sounds, somewhat resembling two stones being rubbed together.
The sound is difficult to render on paper, but the syllables
“ Thrip-thrip ’’ will give some idea of its character.

I put in much time watching these birds, hoping to get a clue
to the time of building and character of nest and eggs ; but, despite
eventually finding two nests, I failed to get eggs.

From experience gained in 1908 I was inclined to look upon
the species as rather a late breeder; but no doubt the character
of the season—or, what amounts to ‘the same thing, the early or
late incidence of the rains—will have great influence on the
nesting period. It was not until the first week in October that
I got a clue to the nest. I felt pretty certain it would be found
in the densest and largest clumps of spinifex. All I had to guide
me was the affinity of the species to Megalurus, with which the
Desert-Bird has much in common. On going my rounds one
morning I observed a pair which appeared anxious and uneasy

170 WuittLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. eure

at my presence. One bird, which I identified as the female, was
uttering frequent calls resembling the syllables “‘ Tchut-tchut,”’
the notes being very guttural. She was obviously trying to lure
me to follow her. This I did, and soon lost her in the spinifex.
I returned to my post of observation and sat down. Presently
she reappeared with a spray of flowers in her beak. These flowers
I subsequently identified as Trichinium onotum. It is a greyish-
green herbaceous bush growing to a height of 18 inches or 2 feet ;
the stems are very slender, and the flowers small but very downy.
The female was carrying a piece about two inches long, with
several flower-heads on it. She disappeared into the top of a
large clump of spinifex, and presently came out again with her
beak empty. This was repeated a number of times during the
hour I watched. The male, in the meantime, was similarly
occupied, but he was not so anxious, and was quite silent. I
observed all these facts with the aid of a field-glass, about a chain
away. I was partly hidden by a small bush. I was fairly
justified in concluding that this pair was building, or at any rate
lining the nearly completed nest with vegetable down. Observa-
tions on other pairs revealed a similar state of affairs in progress.
I gave the above pair a full week before examining further,
keeping an eye on them at the same time. In about three days
the apparent building operations had ceased. After a week I
decided on a closer inspection. The clump of spinifex was a
large one, and about 4 feet 6 inches in height—a densely-matted
growth, and quite impenetrable to vision from any point of view.
Armed with a bill-hook, I cautiously commenced at the bottom
of the clump ; I cut away about a third of it until I was able to
part the stems a little with my hands. I could then—looking up
from below—make out the shape of a small nest, about 18 inches
from the top. Further opening up revealed an open, cup-shaped
nest, rather shallow, but with thick walls, built entirely of dried
grasses. It was empty. Where was the vegetable down the
parent birds were carrying ? I was both puzzled and much dis-
appointed, and, despite constant efforts of search and watching
of other pairs, I could not at first clear up the mystery.
However, about a week later, by dodging from cover to cover,
I was able to approach another pair unseen. These birds, too,
were carrying sprays of Trichinium into the spinifex. I waited
my chance until both birds were away, and then walked over to
the clump into which they had been carrying flowers. I gave
the clump_a kick, and out fluttered a young bird, which I vainly
attempted to catch. Both parents were soon around, and I shot
the female with a spray of flowers in her beak. The mystery was
solved. I was too late for eggs, and the flowers, or the half-
formed seeds they contained, were destined for feeding the young.
I carefully dissected the shot bird. The gizzard contained a few
very small black seeds, fragments of tiny beetles, and much
vegetable matter. Carter's Desert-Bird is, at any rate for some
time of the year, a vegetable feeder. I found the flower-stems

Vol. ae |
1918

WaHitLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 7.
of the Trichintwm very easily broken, so that, despite their soft
beaks, the parent birds had no difficulty in nipping off the sprays.

September is evidently the breeding month. I procured two
nests, the counterpart of one another. I am of opinion only two
eggs are laid at most; possibly in some seasons only one. It is
hazardous to prophesy, but I venture the opinion that the eggs,
when discovered, will be true ellipses in shape, ground colour
white, and nearly obscured by fine stripes of earthy brown or
reddish-brown. I was able to photograph a nest 7m situ, and also
a general view of the haunt.

[Mr. Whitlock collected both sexes of Evemtornis cartert on the
Coongan, also a fine series on Barrow Island (see his narrative
later AL Both, lotstane snmewom they. Eh. wa White Collection,”
National Museum, Melbourne. The latter birds are undoubtedly
a good island variety or sub-species (EF. c.. assimilis, Mathews),
as the author points out, by its “smaller size, larger bill, and in
having the head darker reddish-brown, while the whole plumage
is darker” (A.A.R., i., p. 181). But, judging by two other skins
in the “H. L. White Collection”’ from St. George’s Range,
Kimberley, and named FE. c. rogerst, they are not convincing enough
to be considered another sub-species, 1f Mr. Mathews will pardon
my presumption. They too much resemble the typical carierz,
although the Great Sandy Desert rolls between the two respective
habitats. But the Evemiornis is called the ‘“ Desert-Bird.’”’—

Mey Ce

TrIP TO BARROW ISLAND.

Barrow Island is the largest of the Dampier Archipelago. It
is situated in S. lat. 21° and 25 miles west of 116° E. longitude.
The climate is tropical as regards temperature, but the mean
annual rainfall does not exceed 12 inches. At times deluges of
rain fall in a few hours. These heavy falls are usually accom-
panied by gales of cyclonic character, locally known as “ willy-
willies.” One of these occurred the second week in March last
year. A heavy fall of rain in such a dry climate has naturally
much influence on the time birds select for breeding.

Geographically, Barrow Island is best reached from Onslow,
but, owing to the dislocation of shipping due to the war, boats
have only been calling at Onslow at infrequent intervals. I had,
therefore, to make my arrangements for reaching the island from
Cossack, the old port for hie Pilbarra goldfield. There was -
difficulty in procuring a suitable boat ; but, through the kindness
of Messrs. Jiro Muramats and J. Ramsarny, I was able to engage
an eighteen-foot cutter—rather a small craft for a voyage of
300 miles—and two Japanese boatmen. We left Cossack on
Wednesday afternoon, 24th October, and reached our destination
on Saturday, 27th October. Our course from Cossack was along
the coast until we made Cockatoo or Eaglehawk Island, where we
anchored until about 4 o’clock a.m., when, the wind being favour -

Emu
1st April

Wuittock, Notes on North-Western Birds.

172
NY
Be
y
WIS

C.Malouat
Flacourt Bay

Lahiude Point

-
wm.

Scale, one inch = 3 miles,

eee WurtLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 173

able, we put out to sea. Our boat proved a rapid and good sailer,
and in about three hours land could be dimly ise ael ahead.
A nearer approach, however, proved this to be Lowendal Island,
but, more to the westward, the low-lying coast of Barrow Teland
was just visible. Our course was accordingly altered, and in a
couple of hours we were near the shore.

Viewed from seaward, Barrow Island presents a desolate and
most uninviting appearance. The highest point of the island is
but 270 feet above sea-level. This altitude, on an island 17 miles
long by about 5 miles wide on the average, is insignificant. As
we sailed along to our appointed anchorage the coast-line
presented few features of interest. Occasionally we passed a length
of low cliffs, with an isolated rocky promontory, tenanted by a
pair of Sea- Eagles or Ospreys, but more often the coast was a mere
fringe of low sand-hills, with infrequent and small patches of
mangroves. The land rose a little towards the interior, but
bushes or trees seemed to be conspicuous by their absence.
Small patches of what looked like scrub on closer investigation
proved to be a variety of stunted mangrove, or other tree closely
resembling it. Tracts of bare rock, some of considerable extent,
were visible, and with the aid of a field-glass could be seen
extensive areas covered by very dwarfed spinifex (771o0dta).

Our anchorage was a natural little port, easily entered at high
tide, and well protected from a heavy sea by its very narrow
entrance. Immediately to the east, and not more than a half-
mile away, was Double Island. Fresh water was obtainable
both on Double Island and near our anchorage by digging in the
sand above high-water mark. On a sandy peninsula forming the
southern side of our harbour were a few large bushes of snake-
wood, inhabited by the common Singing Honey- -eater (Ptilotrs
sonora), and also by a_ few ‘““Mangrove-Pigeons’”’ (Geopelia
tranquilla), with a pair or two of White- rumped Wood-Swallows
(Artamus leucogaster). Land-birds, other than the larger birds
of prey, were scarce, both as regards numbers and species. An
interesting species, however, was present in a variety of Desert-
Bird (Evemiornis cartert), which I found more frequent than in
any other locality I have visited in the North-West.

The main object of my trip, however, was to learn all I could
of. the little-known Black-and-White Wren of Barrow Island
(Malurus edouardt), and also to procure a few specimens for museum
purposes. My beat was the before-mentioned sandy peninsula,
and also about five miles of coastal country on the north side of
our harbour. I also made several trips half-way across the
island, but the bird-life of the interior was so sparse and un-
interesting—apart from the presence in low-lying spots of a pair
of Desert-Birds—that I gave but little of my time to its further
exploration.

I was on the island for a fortnight, and also put in a day on the
neighbouring Double Island. During this period the weather
was very hot, and, as a rule, a strong warm wind was_ blowing.

yA WuitLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. Be

There was no shade or shelter apart from an awning over our
boat and a small patch of mangroves a hundred yards away.
Skinning small birds under such conditions was difficult, and,
after trying various expedients, I finally did my work on board
the cutter, despite the strong wind. I tried camping ashore, and
erected a tent-fly furnished with mosquito netting, but this was
soon torn off by strong winds. Small black ants were in myriads,
and it was impossible to sleep on shore on their account. They
even invaded the cutter at low tide by running along the mooring
rope, which had to be kerosened to keep them away. Burning
the grass above their nests proved of little use. Mosquitoes and
sand-flies and other stinging insects were not much in evidence,
and gave no real discomfort.

Barrow Island is a faunal reserve (see map), created chiefly
in the interest of the local kangaroo (Macropus woodwardi), which
is said to be peculiar to the island. It appears to be holding its
own pretty well, as I nearly every day saw individuals, and on
one occasion put up six within a very short distance. Other
marsupials identified were Isoodon barrowensis, a small bandicoot
(I often saw one in the spinifex) ; Lagorochestes hirsutus, too, was
in the spinifex, but appeared to favour the low-lying tracts of
the interior. In a Sea-Eagle’s nest were the remains of a small
wallaby with rather long, soft fur. I think this was Lagostrophus
fasciatus (the banded wallaby). Fish were abundant in our little
harbour, and there was no difficulty in catching a large supply
with a small cast net. Turtle were plentiful, and my “Japanese
boatmen brought many eggs back to the cutter.

The following notes on Barrow Island birds may be of interest :—

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haligzetus leucogastey).—Pairs observed as
we sailed along the coast in making our port. At almost the extreme
north-east point of the island I examined an eyrie. Both the parent
birds were sitting on rocks near, and a fully-fledged young bird was
seen a little distance away. The nest was on a rocky point a few feet
above high tide level, and very easy of access. It was a mere plat-
form of sticks lined with seaweed, and had probably been used for
years.

White-headed Sea-Eagle (Haliastur leucosternus)—Only a_ pair
seen, in a small tract of mangroves near our anchorage.

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uvoaétus’ audax).—An immature bird seen
several times.

Osprey (Pandion leucocephalus).—This was the most numerous of
the birds of prey in the Dampier Archipelago. Every island of
sufficient size had its pair or more. I examined about a dozen empty
nests. This species—and, in fact, all land-birds—had bred after the
torrential rains of last March. A large proportion of birds of this
species were immature, and it was usual to see one or two perched on
rocks or other points of vantage near the nesting-site. Usually,
when our cutter approached an island, one or two young Ospreys flew
off to meet us, and on one occasion a fine example actually perched
on the peak of our mainsail. Some nests were on rocky points, but
more often they were on the summit of a sand-hill ; others, again,

Vol. XVII.
1918

Wuit tock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 75
were amongst the débvis Cast up by the big blow of last March. An
exceptionally situated nest was quite 200 yards inland, on perfectly
flat country. All were similar in construction—mere platforms of
dry sticks lined with seaweed, and often containing a collection of
bleached sea-shells.

Common Harrier (Civcus assimilis)—A pair used to annoy me by
driving all birds to cover in front of me when I was searching for an
adult male of Malurus edouardi.. On Double Island I observed one
of this species carrying some small animal. An Eagle swooped at it
and the Harrier dropped its prey. The animal, which was found to
be a common house-rat, had a severe wound in the throat, and was
dead.

Nankeen Kestrel (Cerchnets cenchroides).—This species was un-
common. Individuals looked very small and slender, but this may
have been due to the greater numbers of the large birds of prey, the
contrast in size being so very striking.

Singing Honey-eater (Pitilofis sonova).—Fairly common amongst the
large snake-wood bushes, where I found two empty nests. In a low-
lying tract of country about two miles from the coast was a small
thicket of old and gnarled Brachychiton trees. Though almost devoid
of leaves, the blood-red flowers were opening. Many birds of the
present species were feeding on the nectar they contained.

Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater (Acanthogenys rufigularis).—A_ single
example of this species both seen and heard in the mangroves near
our harbour. Its presence on Barrow Island was no doubt due to
accident.

White-rumped Wood-Swallow (Artamus Jleucogastey).—Rather un-
common, and confined to the small patches of mangroves.

Welcome Swallow (Hivundo neoxena).—Pairs observed in various
parts of the island, but I saw no young birds.

Black-and-White Wren (Malurus (leucopterus) edouardit).—To learn
all I could of the habits and present status of this scarcely-known
species was the chief object of my visit to Barrow Island, for Mr.
White.

It was not until the second day of my exploration that I
encountered it. I was examining a valley about a mile from the
coast when I observed a party of small birds fly from the spinifex
into a patch of low scrub. They looked very brown—much like the
colour of the surrounding soil, in fact—and when they hopped or
ran amongst the spinifex were very difficult to follow with the eye.
I watched them quietly for some time without seeing any signs of
a male in nuptial plumage, and an _ hour’s’ subsequent search
throughout the neighbourhood failed to discover one. I came to
the conclusion that this party was led by a male which had not yet
acquired nuptial plumage. I have often found the same state of
things prevailing with parties of the common blue White-winged
Wren (Malurus cyanotus). According to my observations, it is not
until the third season that males amongst the Maluvi assume full
nuptial plumage, though exceptional cases of early hatched males
assuming a partial nuptial garb late the following season un-
doubtedly occur. Later (5th November) I procured a male in change.
This is a late date for such an occurrence, and bears out my contention
as above. Males in brown plumage, too, undoubtedly pair with
adult females, and become the parent of a brood of young.

Emu

176 WHITLOCK, Notes on North-Western Birds. fe ABE

My first impressions of Malurus edouardi pointed to the fact of
its being the smallest of the genus I had hitherto met with. Com-
pared with its nearest congener, Malurus cyanotus, it seemed less
robust in build, had a shorter tail, and rather a feeble voice. The
trill-like notes are similar to those of the blue White-winged Wren,
but not so sustained or frequently uttered. The brown males
and females and immature birds I found by no means timid, and if
chirped to would come out of cover and allow of observation at a
distance of a few feet. Once I began to follow them, however, from
bush to bush, they took longer and. longer flights, and the party broke
up into twos and threes, finally disappearing amongst the spinifex.
The favourite haunt proved to be the shore, well above high-water
mark, amongst the low sand-dunes, where a coarse sea-grass was
growing amidst the large clumps of spinifex. If any “half-dead
bushes were about, so much the better; when followed a party
would always make for the nearest one.

It was not until my fourth day on the island that I saw the first
male in nuptial plumage, though I had found several parties of brown
birds on the previous days. This male was certainly not in close
company with any party, but females and immature birds were not
far away. I found him exceedingly wary and quite unapproachable
in a locality devoid of adequate cover. Even viewed at a distance
through field-glasses he was constantly in motion, and only for a
few seconds in full view, as he rapidly flew from bush to bush. He
took longer and longer flights until I finally lost him. It might be
thought ‘that a bird with “such strikingly contrasted plumage would
be easily visible, despite its small size, but I found the glare of the
tropical sun on the dancing waters and sandy coast-line very trying
to the eyes. Possibly. during the pairing or nesting time males
would be less wary and more easy of observation. I was out one
morning for nine hours before I secured my first male specimen in
nuptial “plumage. I fairly tired this bird out. A freshly-killed male
- is beautiful, despite its simple coloration, the velvety black plumage
being in sharp contrast with the pure white. The central tail feathers
are distinctly shot with blue ; flight feathers earthy-brown ; bill black ;
legs hazel-brown ; iris very deep brown.

‘On Barrow Island this Wren can hardly be called rare, but it is
distinctly local. My regular beat consisted of about 6 miles of
coastal country to a distance inland of half a mile. The Wrens
frequented only certain portions of this tract, but I have no doubt
similar localities all around the island would be equally favoured.
No land-birds were breeding on the island during my visit, and no
birds I dissected appeared to be less than six months old. The latter
fact points to birds having bred immediately after the heavy rains
the second week in March of last year. I found, however, two empty
Wrens’ nests. One appeared to be two seasons old. It was perched
on the summit of a large clump of harsh spinifex, and was much
weathen beaten. A second and more perfect nest was placed about

2 feet from the ground in the coarse shore grass of the sand-hills. It
was of the usual. Malurus type, but prettily decorated on the outside
with a reddish-brown substance. The walls of the nest appeared
to be rather thin, and the lining not so profuse as in nests of other
Wrens-*

In sailing to and from Barrow Island I landed on several other

* For detailed description see page 179.

ace at sep

poe Wuittock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 77

islands of the Dampier Archipelago, the majority being much nearer
the mainland (Barrow Island is distant about 30 miles), but, though
I kept a very sharp look-out, I could discover no species of Wren on
any of them. But I observed a blue-and-white Wren with a_ party
of brown birds near Cossack, and on my return from Barrow Island
I secured a specimen, as well as a brown bird accompanying him.
A second party met with the same day, unfortunately without a
nuptial-plumaged male, closely resembled females and immature
Black-and-White Wrens. The easiest guide under such circum-
stances is the more feeble appearance of the birds and the shorter and
darker central tail feathers when compared with females and im-
mature forms of Malurus cyanotus. I have little doubt in my own
mind that two specimens secured should be referred to the Black-and-
White species.

Mr. H. L. White kindly lent me No. 4, vol. ili., of the Austval Avian
Record, containing Mr. Tom Carter’s notes on the Black-and-White
Wren (M. leucopterus) of Dirk Hartog Island, a locality some 500
miles south of Barrow Island. I can fully endorse all Mr. Carter’s
field notes, which agree with my experiences on Barrow Island.

[Skins of the Black-and-White Wren procured by Mr. Whitlock,
which Mr. H. L. White kindly permitted me to examine, may be
briefly described thus :—

Adult Male.—Primaries brownish-black edged with greyish-blue ;
side of breast, scapulars, inner (upper) secondaries, and upper wing
coverts pure white; tail bluish, transversely minutely barred with
black ; rest of plumage glossy steel or bluish black. Eyes deep
brown ; bill black ; feet nearly black (Whitlock).

Adult Female.—Fawn colour or cinnamon-drab above ; under parts
whitish, except flanks and tibia, which are light brown ; tail bluish-
grey, primaries edged with same colour. Eyes deep brown ; bill
horn colour, paler at base and under mandible; feet dark brown
(Whitlock).

Dimensions in mm. :—

g—Length, 115-118 ; wing, 45; tail, 60; tarsus, 17-18 ; culmen, 8.
as ei mere Aertel hie Sma BGO US. 3h, asin: 8-0

The following are the measurements given by Mathews of a male
from Dirk Hartog Island (A.A.R., ili., No. 4, p. 87) :—

engin, 112 wine, Ao tail, 55-3 tarsus, 19; culmen, 9:

There is no tangible difference in coloration of the female of the
Blue-and-White Wren of the mainland (opposite) and the female of
the Black-and-White Wren from Barrow Island. The latter may be
a sensation darker.

Length, 115 ; wing, 40-42 ; tail, 60; tarsus, 17 ; culmen, 8—10.

I originally described the Black-and-White Wren from Barrow
Island in the Victorian Naturalist (xvil., p. 203, 1901) as Malurus
edouardt. Subsequently I was inclined to agree with the late Mr.
A. J. North’s opinion that I had re-described Quoy and Gaimard’s
tong-lost M. leucopterus (see Emu, i., pp. 26_and 65, 66, with figs.)
If so, I fear my friend Mr. Carter’s claim to re-discovery has been
anticipated. Neverthefess, Mathews cites (4.4.R., ii., p. 88) what
he considers sub-specific differences :—‘‘ The former (Dirk Hartog

178 Wuittock, Notes on North-Western Birds. tree

specimen) has a distinctly stouter bill, recalling the original figure,*
which appears to have exaggerated that feature to call attention to
it. The white markings on the scapulars extend to the secondaries,
which are pure white, while in the latter they are brownish with
white edgings; the wing in the Barrow Island form is noticeably
longer. As no series is available, these characters may not be
constant, but, as Campbell emphasized, the localities are five hundred
miles apart, and consequently the forms must, for the present, be
regarded as sub-specifically separable.”’

The present ‘‘ Check-list ’? shows one black-and-white species—
namely, Malurus leucopterus. It must be left to the new “ Check-
list’? Committee to say whether M. edouardi should be added as a
sub-species. There is no reason why a species on separate islands
should change. Take, for instance, the New Zealand “ Tit’? (Petveca
macrocephala), found on both Chatham Islands and Auckland Is-
lands (double the distance apart than Dirk Hartog and Barrow) ;
it has not varied (‘“‘ Animals of New Zealand,’ Hutton and Drum-
MONG 328):

Owing to bright blue feathers occasionally occurring in the male
Black-and-White Wren (Carter, /bis, October, 1917, p. 597) and the
similarity of plumage in the female of both tlack-and-white and
blue-and-white birds, tend to prove that the former (island bird)
has evolved from the latter (mainland bird). If: these premises be
reasonable, Mr. Mathews is hardly warranted in splitting the genus
into two—repectively Nesomalurus and Hallornis. Why not adhere
to the ornithological and original name, Malurus, for both? If
simplicity is the highest in art, it should also be in science.—A. J. C.]

Allied Desert-Bird (Evemtiornis (cartert) asstmilis).—Fairly common
on Barrow Island, and frequenting the coarse shore grass of the sand-
hills, but more often the dense and very harsh spinifex both near the
coast and in the low-lying interior valleys. Its habits were much the
same as I have observed and recorded from the Upper Coongan River.
I spent many hours searching amongst the coarse herbage for a nest,
and only discontinued when I found by dissection this species was
not breeding. I could see but little if any difference in plumage
from mainland birds. The Barrow Island specimens may perhaps
be a little darker in tone on the mantle and upper parts generally.

Australian Pipit (Ground-Lark) (Anthus australis)—A few pairs
only. Specimens shot were unfortunately too damaged to make
presentable skins.

Ground-Dove or “ Mangrove-Pigeon ”’ (Geopelia tranquilla).—A few
pairs in the mangroves and amongst the snake-wood bushes at
feeding time.

Sacred Kingfisher (Halcyon sanctus).—A single bird seen several
times near the cutter, but very wary of a near approach.

Carnarvon White-eye (Zosterops balstoni).—Fairly common amongst
the small patches of mangroves. I was struck by the richness of
the coloration when fresh killed.

This completes the list of strictly land-birds, but I observed pairs
of Reef-Herons, Little Mangrove-Bitterns, and another still smaller
Bittern. The latter would not allow of a near approach. I also saw
several times a single Little Egret.

* Vide Emu, vol. i., p. 66.—EDs.

Vol. Bete WuittLock, Notes on North-Western Birds. 179

Shore-birds were not plentiful, and only comprised species common
to our North-West coast.

The only sea-birds were a pair or two of Caspian Terns (Hydro-
progne caspia) and a flock of the common Silver Gull ; but on Double
Island a colony of the Wedge-tailed Petrel (Puffinus sphenurus) were
breeding, and I obtained a ica eggs after much laborious digging out
of burrow nests.

The smaller islands and islets of Dampier Archipelago, though
very numerous, closely. resemble one another in physical features.
As a rule they are very low, long, and narrow. The shore on the
land side is generally sandy, and on the ocean side rocky and often
wild, low cliffs. The cliffs on one or two islands are tenanted by the
Dampier Cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea) during the breeding season.
I was informed that two eggs only are laid in holes and recesses in
the cliffs, but occasionally pairs will breed in hollow spouts where there
are large mangroves. On several of the islands I saw pairs of the
Long- billed Stone- Curlew, but I failed to find eggs, despite much
systematic searching. Terns were seen in small flocks, apparently
travelling to some breeding-grounds further north. At one island
near Cossack a party of Frigate-Birds was sailing about overhead.
Black-breasted Gannets, too, were seen plunging after their prey in
the neighbourhood of other islands, but no breeding colonies of any
sea-birds were discovered.

Black-and-White Wren of Barrow Island, W.A.—With Govern-
ment sanction, I commissioned Mr. F. L. Whitlock to visit Barrow
Island for museum specimens of the Black-and-White Wren ;
also, if possible, to procure its nest and eggs. Unfortunately, he
did not succeed in finding eggs, but the followi ing is a description
of a nest :—Dome- shaped, with side entrance near top ; composed
of broken blades of dry grass, grass rootlets, and profusely matted
with light-coloured, brown, fine silky substance, probably portions
of spiders’ egg-cocoons. There is also a sprinkling of similar white
material and a small, single, white downy feather. Dimensions.—
Six inches long by 3 inches broad ; entrance, 1? by 14 inches across ;
depth, inside, from lower lip of entrance, about 24 inches.—H. L.
WHITE. Belltrees, N.S.W.

* * *

Long Flights by Birds.—A Thrush was caught at Southport,
Eng gland, recently with a ring on its leg marked ** Inform Witherby,
High Holborn, London.”’ Mr. H. F. Witherby, who is the editor
of British Birds, has, since 1g10, had 75,000 birds so marked in
the hope of learning something about their travels. A Swallow
ringed in Lancashire was found seven months later at Grahams-
town, South Africa, 6,000 miles away. A Lesser Black-backed
Gull, ringed at the Farne Islands, off Northumberland, was found
eight months later at St. Louis, Senegal, and a Blackbird, ringed
at London, was found in Moscow a few weeks afterwards. It
would seem that birds are greater travellers than most of us
imagine.

[ Emu

180 ~ Maccrtiivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland: | ..¢ ‘April

Ornithologists in North Queensland.
By CAPTAIN (DR.) W. MACGILLIVRAY, PRESIDENT OF THE R.A.O.U.

ID/Neae IOE

Sula ecyanops (Parasula dactylatva personata).—\ have little to add
to my description of this species which appeared in The Emu of Decem-
ber, 1910, as a result of the visit paid to Raine Island by Dr. Dobbyn
and myself a month previously. We then found numbers of fresh
eggs, hatching eggs, and young in various stages of development.

When Mr. M‘Lennan visited Raine Islet in July, 1911, he found
this species commencing to nest. When we spent a week there in
December, 1913, nesting had just about finished ; only one nest con-
tained eggs. We also found this species nesting on the large sand-
bank on the Barrier Reef, about 12 miles north-west from Raine
Islet.

During our stay on Raine Islet our attention was frequently arrested
by a rushing sound, which we found to be due to a peculiar habit of
this species. When returning from a distance they do so high up
until over the edge of the island, when they suddenly swoop down
with half-closed wings to the nest or young, after the manner of a
Falcon stooping to its quarry, and at an equal, if not greater, rate of
speed. This is possibly done to evade the attentions of the Frigate-
Birds, who are always hovering aloft on the watch to relieve incoming
Gannets of their cropful of fish. The fully-fledged young bird has
the head, neck, and breast white, mottled with brown, and the wings
brown.

Sula piseatrix (Sula piscatoy vubyipes).—The nesting season of the
Red-legged Gannet on Raine Islet seems to extend from June until
December. When the islet was visited by Mr. M‘Lennan, in July,
1911, he found that nesting operations had not long commenced,
only a few nests containing either the single egg or a newly-hatched
young bird. It was just about over when | Dr. Dobbyn and I
examined the islet on 30th October, 1910, and only a few stragglers
were nesting when we visited it in December, 1913. A few nests
contained an egg ; more contained young at varying stages of growth,
but there was a great number of young birds that had left the nest
either still being cared for by their parents or fending for themselves.
These, together with adult birds, roosted all together in larger or
smaller communities—a habit not resorted to by either of the other
species.

The nest, a substantial interwoven platform of sticks, 8 to 12 inches
in diameter, depressed to about 1 inch in the centre for the single egg,
is, unlike that of the Brown or Masked Gannets, always built a foot
or more off the ground, on a low, shrubby growth common on the
islet, or on some small trampled-down bush. The egg is smaller
and more of a long oval than that of the other species. It is white,
with a limy coating, which is soft when the egg is first laid, and then
easily receives impressions from the nest or Dirds’ claws, but soon
hardens on exposure. It is easily removed when wetted, exposing
a pale greenish shell. An average egg measures—axis, 60 mm. ;
diameter! 49 mm.

The nestling is hatched out blind, with a le leaden-coloured skin,
only an indication of down on the head, back, humeral and femoral
tracts, and on each side of the breast. The bill is shorter and the

eS ee

Vol.XV
1918

| MACGILLIvVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland t81
mask much darker than in the nestling of either the Masked or Brown
Gannets. The eyes soon open, and the bird becomes thickly covered
with white down, which is worn until the bird is almost fully grown.
Then the feathers begin to appear, the primaries and rectrices being
the first, then those of the head and back. These birds go through
several stages before reaching maturity.

No. 1 stage.—When first feathered, the bill, mask, and feet are
black, and the rest of the body dark smoky-brown.

No. 2 stage.—A lighter brown all over the feathering, with a dark
brown bill and lighter brown feet.

No. 3 stage.—Light brown all over, with a white tail, horn-coloured
bill with a pink tinge round the base, legs and feet and bordering of
gular pouch reddish. This stage was found breeding and mated with
mature birds.

No. 4 stage (maturity).—Pure white, with dark primaries, light
horn bill bordered with pink, and gular pouch bordered with bright
pink ; red legs and feet.

Birds in all these stages of plumage may be seen roosting together
in the groups before mentioned. When asleep the beak is tucked
in under the scapulars.

The duties of incubation are shared by the parent birds, one sitting
during the night, the other by day.

Sula fusea (Hemisula leucogastey plotits)—I can add little to the
description of the nesting habits of this bird which appeared in The
Emu of December, 1910.

Mr. M‘Lennan found this species starting to nest when he visited
Raine Islet early in July, 1911; only a tew nests then contained
eggs, and there were no young.

When Dr. Dobbyn and I visited it on 30th October, 1910, eggs
and young in all stages of growth were in thousands all over the
place. When I again visited the islet, early in December, 1913,
nesting was finishing, as there were very few fresh eggs or nests,
though incubating eggs were plentiful and young birds were every-
where. This species was also nesting on the Ashmore sand-banks
and on a large turtle-infested sand-bank on the Barrier Reef, about
12 miles north-west from Raine Islet.

The young when feeding puts its beak down the parent’s throat.
They seem able to accommodate fairly large fish ; one large downy
young one disgorged a flying-fish 10 inches long by 14 inches in
diameter.

The small, naked young feel the heat very much, and the mother
bird shelters them by standing over them during the heat of the day.
The white downy covering of the larger young sufficiently protects
them from the rays of the sun.

Fregata ariel (Fregata ariel ariel)—When Mr. M‘Lennan_ visited
Raine Islet in July, 1911, he found eight nesting-colonies of these
birds of from three to thirty nests each, there being 150 nests in all;
several of them contained one egg each—two of these were hatching.
The rest of the nests contained one young bird each, in all stages of
plumage, from birds a couple of days old to those ready to fly. At
Bramble Cay, ten days later, he noted a pair of birds, but none was
nesting.

At Raine Islet in December, 1913, nesting had finished, but
numbers of fully-fledged young birds roosted all over the islet, and,

Emu

182 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. |. April

though able to fly quite well, were being fed by the parent birds.
Many were soaring overhead with adult birds, and these latter were
very numerous, and constantly on the watch to deprive incoming
Gannets of their fish. All three species of Gannets are made to
disgorge, and we frequently witnessed encounters between a Frigate-
Bird and a home-coming Gannet. The Gannet often manages to
elude its adversary by flying low to the ground, but even then they
are sometimes forced to drop the fish on the ground, when the
Frigate-Bird will alight, pick it up and swallow it, and rise again into
the air. They find no difficulty in rising from the ground. They
sometimes soar at a great height, and I have counted as many as
_ 40 at different elevations directly over our tent, and there were many
more aH round the islet. Mr. Kershaw and I kept our eyes on one
that passed overhead, sailing with outstretched wings, without any
perceptible movement. He sailed down to the other end of the
islet, gradually rising higher, then went round several times, and
once half-closed his wings to descend about 50 feet ; then spread them
out and resumed his sailing flight, never at any time flapping his
wings. The only time that they do so is when they are buffeting a
Gannet to make it disgorge, or on rising from the ground. When
flying the tail is mostly closed like a large pair of scissors with in-
curving blades meeting at the base and tips. The legs are carried
on either side.

To show that, powerful fliers as they are, they are not equal to a
war with the elements, I will quote the following note from Mr. H. G.
Vidgen, made on 31st December, 1913, at Paira, Cape York :—
“ The wind was of hurricane force ; it blew down trees in numbers and
covered the ground with a débris of limbs and twigs. For two days
it was so bad that the Frigate-Birds were knocked out. They used
to rest on the mangroves in a sheltered spot in our bay by spreading
out their wings and lying across twigs and leaves. The birds were
present in hundreds—a thing I have not seen before.”

The fully-plumaged young on Raine Islet were dark brown, with
a dirty whitish patch on the chest, the head of the male being fawn-
coloured, and of the female rufous. In both the iris is brown, bill
and gular pouch bluish-white, feet fleshy-white.

Female.—Total length 790 mm., wing 570 mm., culmen 110 mm.
Male.—Length 790 mm., wing 565 mm., culmen 100 mm.

Three eggs collected by Mr. M‘Lennan in 1911 measure as follows
in mm. :—

(1) Axis 65 x diameter 44.
2 gg 1 SOB IR » 43.
(3) isp, 207) ” 46.

Phaethon rubricauda (Sceophaethon rvubricauda novehollandie).—
When Dr. Dobbyn and I visited Raine Islet, in October, rg10, we
overlooked this species, the few hours that we spent on the place not
permitting of an examination of the caves and crevices. These caves
are under the margin of the coralline rock which caps the islet ; some
are of respectable dimensions, but the entrances are small, and one
has to crawl or wriggle in on one’s stomach in order to examine them.
The Tropic-Birds are, however, more often tound in small crevices
not more than a foot or two in under the rock ledge facing
the sea, or in one of the pits or trenches that have been excavated in
the centre of the islet.

Mr. M‘Lennan, who examined all these on visiting the place in July,

Vol. XVII.

was. | Macaitrtvray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 183

1911, found several nests. The first, containing an egg, was a
depression in the sand at the back of a fair-sized cave, 20 feet long,
12 feet broad, and 4 feet high, the opening being 9 feet across by
14 feet high. Seven nests were found, three containing each one
fresh egg, and there were young in the others ; two contained small
young, the other half-grown young.

When I visited the islet in December, 1913, these birds were still
nesting ; only one nest, however, contained an egg, the others young
birds, from downy young to fully-feathered birds. The down of the
nestling is long, fluffy, and smoky-grey. The feathers showing first
are the primaries and scapulars; these are black and white, in
transverse bars. When fully feathered this barring is general on
the upper surface. No nest is made, the birds simply sitting in a
depression in the soft sand forming the floor of the cave or recess.

On one occasion, when we were examining a sitting bird, another
bird flew up, and, after circling round near us several times, flew
into the pit and alighted at the mouth of the cave. The birds cannot
stand or walk, but shuffle along the ground ; they can, however, rise
readily from the ground by means of their wings alone. When
flying the tail is outspread, the two red central tail feathers kept
apart, and the feet kept outspread on either side of the tail. The
plumage of the male is of a more distinctly beautiful roseate hue than
that of the female ; this tinting fades from cabinet specimens.

They only come out of their caves to fly about the island at certain
times of the day, and then only for an hour or more ; this seems to be
about noon and at about 4 p.m. Their flight reminds one somewhat
of that of a Pigeon. They utter a grunting call when flying about
the island, but this is much harsher when they are disturbed on their
nests. The young seem able to swallow fairly large fish ; a downy
young one that we handled disgorged a fish 6 inches long by 14 inches
in witdh. Flying-fish seem to be the usual food of this bird.

Pelecanus conspicillatus (Catoplyvopelecanus conspicillatus con-
spicillatus). — When on our return journey we noted, on the 3rd
February, numbers of these birds nesting on one of the Howick
group of islands.

Cireus gouldi (Civcus approximans gouldi)—Mr. M‘Lennan notes
the common Harrier as occasional about the Archer River swamps.

Astur nove-hollandia (Leucospiza clava cooktowni, Leucospiza
novehollandie novehollandie).—On the 7th November we examined
a nest of the White Goshawk placed high (about 120 feet) on a
deciduous tree in the scrub. Mr. M‘Lennan went up 70 feet on a
rope ladder and then climbed by means of steps cut with a tomahawk.
This nest contained two eggs. A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo had her
two young in a hollow, and several Shining Starlings were starting
their nests in the same tree. On the following day we flushed a
Grey Goshawk from her nest high in a paper-bark (Melaleuca). Two
days later Mr. M‘Lennan pointed out another Grey Goshawk’s nest
in a tall scrub tree, in which there was.a Calornis colony and a hollow
occupied by FEclectus ; this nest was at a height of 92 feet, and also
contained two eggs. The bird was flushed from the nest. On the
14th November Mr. M‘Lennan and I went to get a Goshawk’s nest
70 feet up in a Melaleuca on the edge of the scrub ; two eggs were
also in this nest. We waited and shot the female, a grey bird, then
waited on for a long time for the male, until our patience gave way

Emu
ist April

184 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland.
before the mosquito onslaught. On skinning this female several
fine parasitic worms were found under the nictitating membrane of
thesieye.

Another nest examined on the 15th November was placed high
in a large fig-tree in the scrub. <A colony of Calornis were busy with -
their nests in this tree, and the Hawk had not laid.

We were not able to throw any further light upon the vexed question
as to whether the grey and the white bird are only phases of the one
species or two distinct species. So far, Mr. Barnard’s evidence is
all that we have in favour of the one species, and even that is not
conclusive, as we know from other instances that nearly-related
species inhabiting the same district often interbreed in a state of
nature. To sit still and watch for the return of the second bird is
no easy task. Mr. M‘Lennan’s observations have shown that the
male rarely returns to the nest before dusk, and then one has to
watch from close below the tree, which is usually the tallest one in
the neighbourhood, stretching up above the roof of the jungle. This
means lying on the ground and keeping still for hours where ants of
all kinds and many other creeping things luxuriate, with an ever-
increasing horde of hungry mosquitoes in constant attendance—a
severe test for the most ardent field naturalist.

We saw only one white bird during our visit to the Claudie. On
the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few pairs.

Astur approximans (Uvospiza_ fasciata fasciata)—On the 8th
November we flushed an Australian Goshawk from a nest placed
high in a eucalypt in open forest. Later on Mr. M‘Lennan climbed
to another nest of this species ; it contained two young birds and the
half-eaten remains of a Superb Fruit-Pigeon. On the Archer River
these birds were fairly common.

Accipiter torquatus (Accipiter cirrhocephalus civrhocephalus).
Collared Sparrow-Hawk.—Noted on the Archer and Pascoe Rivers.
From the Claudie River he made this note on 31st October, 1913 :—
“Saw a small Hawk fluttering on the ground ; thought that its wing
was broken, but soon saw that it was in the clutches of a small
monitor lizard. I caught and killed them both. The lizard had a
mouth hold at the base of the three outer tail feathers, its front feet
gripping the skin and feathers on each side of the base of the tail,
the hind feet gripping each wing near the body, and tail coiled once
round the neck of the Hawk, which was just about exhausted.”

Uroaétus audax (U. audax audav). Wedge-tailed Eagle—Noted
on the Archer River.

Haliwetus leucogaster (Cuncuma leucogastey). White-bellied Sea-
Eagle.—When at Haggerstone Island we saw one of these birds
soaring above it. A feeding-place on a large stranded log had many
fish remains on and about it, and also portion of a Torres Strait
Pigeon. When out with a blackfellow on a rainy day on the Claudie
I saw one of these birds sheltering from the rain in a low tree in open
country.

Mr. M‘Lennan noted this species at the mouth of the Archer River.

Haliastur leucosternus (Haliastuy indus leucosteynus).—We occasion-
ally noted the White-headed Sea-Eagle on the Claudie and at the mouth
of the Archer River. An untenanted nest was high in a tree which
was being rapidly covered with Calornis nests.

Peat MACcGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 185

Haliastur sphenurus (H. sphenurus). Whistling Eagle.—Occasional
on the Claudie, but plentiful on the Archer River.

Milvus affinis (Milvus korschun korschun). Allied Kite.—Occasion-
ally seen flying high on the Archer River.

Lophoictinia isura. Square-tailed Kite—A few were seen on the
Archer River, and one specimen was obtained.

Gypoictinia melanosternon (Gypoictinia melanosterna melanosteryna).
—We saw only a few of these birds on the Claudie. Mr. M‘Lennan
found them on both the Archer and Watson Rivers.

Elanus axillaris (E. avillavis axillaris). Australian Black-shouldered
Kite.—Mr. M‘Lennan noted a pair on the Watson River.

Baza subcristata. Crested Hawk.—On the 17th November we
had crossed a stretch of grass land, and were entering a strip of tall
paper-bark trees, when we disturbed a pair of Hawks unfamiliar to
us; the binoculars, however, enabled us to settle their identity.
Very soon one returned to a small nest high up in a tree. On the
following day Mr. M‘Lennan, using a rope ladder, climbed to the
nest, which contained three eggs ; it was placed at a height of 70 feet
in a fairly well concealed position. The nest was small comparing
it with most Hawks’ nests ; it measured 12 inches across the top by
5 inches in depth, the egg cavity being 5 inches in diameter by
14 inches in depth. It was composed of dry twigs and branchlets of
eucalypts and tea-trees, and lined with green leaves. The eggs, pure
white in colour, were slightly incubated. The gizzard of the female
contained the remains of a small bird, beetles, and grasshoppers.

Falco melanogenys (Rhynchodon pervegrinus macropus).—We first
saw. the Black-cheeked Falcon on the day of our arrival at Lloyd’s
Island, sitting on a termites’ mound. On the 12th January, when
lying off Lloyd’s Island, in the early morning, we watched one
stooping at a Lorikeet (Tvichoglossus novehollandie septentrionalis) ;
it missed, and the Lorikeet escaped by dodging past our cutter. The
Falcon then turned his attention to another Lorikeet, which also
avoided him by rising high in the air. Mr. M‘Lennan, previously to
our visit, had seen this Falcon kill a Pigeon and fly off with it to a
small island in the bay.

Faleo lunulatus.—The Little Falcon was several times noted on
the Claudie and Archer Rivers.

Hieracidea occidentalis (Jevacidea bevigora berigorva).—The Striped
Brown Hawk was noted on several occasions on the Claudie and
Archer Rivers.

Pandion leucocephalus (Pandion haliastuy cristatus)—When at the
Hannibal Islands, in June, 1913, Mr. M‘Lennan saw a pair of White-
headed Ospreys circling round, and found their empty nest in a
bushy tree at the edge of the scrub.

On the ist July, on the Macarthur Islands, Mr. M‘Lennan noted :—
“Did one of the coral ridges before dark ; found an Osprey’s nest in
the same mangroves as in 1911. It now contained three eggs.
Another nest in a mangrove contained one fully-fledged young one.”’

We noted this species on the Claudie River, over Lloyd’s Island,
and at Haggerstone Island. Mr. M‘Lennan noted two pairs at the
mouth of the Archer River,

Emu

186 MACGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. | ... “April

Ninox boobook (Spiloglaux boobook macgillivrayi).—Mr. M‘Lennan
repeatedly heard a Boobook Owl calling after dark on the Pascoe
River, but did not obtain a specimen. We did not hear any on the
Claudie. On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan also heard its call.
This bird is probably the same as those obtained by Mr. M‘Lennan
on the Jardine River and at Lockerbie.

Ninox rufa (Rhabdoglaux queenslandica).—On first arriving at the
Claudie, Mr. M‘Lennan wrote of the Rufous Owl :—“‘ Heard an Owl
calling on the river below the camp about 9 p.m. I imitated the call,
and the bird flew into a tree near by. I shot it and identified it. The
call is a soft, low-pitched, measured, and deep ‘ Hooo-hooo,’ repeated
at intervals.” He heard the call frequently after this, and came
across the bird in the scrub. Almost every night after our arrival
on the Claudie we heard this bird calling, and by imitating the call
Mr. M‘Lennan could bring the bird by degrees, answering his call each
time and in a softer tone. On one occasion it flew right into the tree
over our tent, but left quickly on detecting our presence. It, how-
ever, soon replied to the imitated call, but would not venture as near
again. One day we flushed a pair roosting together in the scrub,
and obtained one for skinning ; its stomach contained the remains of
a mantis. Under the skin of the head and in the orbit were worm-
like parasites; Mr. M‘Lennan obtained two specimens on the Archer
River in 1914. On the 30th July, 1914, he made this note :—
“ Ninox rufa was calling again this morning. It came across the river
near the camp after daylight, and was hunting for food about the
mangroves and scrub. After breakfast I hunted round to see if I
could find the nesting hollow ; examined all trees within a mile radius
of the camp, but did not see a suitable one.”’

Strix delicatula (Tyto flaminea delicatula).—Mr. M‘Lennan found the
Delicate Owl fairly common on the Archer and Watson Rivers. He
noted on the 25th April, 1915, on the Watson River :—‘“‘ Went out
at 8 p.m. to look for Owls ; heard one call, and located it on-a dry tree
at the edge of the mangroves. Kept uttering the call at intervals,
and another bird came along and tried to perch on my head.”

This bird has another call besides the harsh, hissing screech—a sharp,
grating note similar to that of a tame Hawk when you try to take
his food away.

Tyto galeii—This specimen, obtained by Mr. M‘Lennan on _ the
Pascoe River on 16th July, 1913, may prove to be only a variation
of T. flaminea delicatula. His note on it is as follows :—“ Heard an
Owl (S. delicatula) scream about 9 p.m. I imitated the call a few
times ; the bird came along and perched on a dead tree near the camp.”

Strix nove-hollandie (Tyto novehollandie).—We heard the call
of the Masked Owl on our first night at our top camp on the Claudie,
and three weeks later we obtained a specimen flushed from a tree in
an open tea-tree and Pandanus flat. A second one, flushed on the
following day, sought refuge in the scrub. We heard their call on
several nights afterwards.

Trichoglossus septentrionalis (7. novehollandie septentrionalis).—
We arrived at Lloyd’s Island at night, and early on our first morning
we were witnesses of the extraordinary number of the Blue-bellied
Lorikeets flying off from the mangroves which border the sheltered
side of the island, where they roost for the night in company with

5 apatite ih

Vol. XVII.
1918

| MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 187
numbers of Torres Strait Pigeons and Shining Starlings. The Parrots
are the first to leave for the mainland. many going off in semi-
darkness ; they keep flying off in increasing numbers for quite a time
before the Pigeons make a start. They feed on the flowering eucalypts
and Melaleucas on the mainland. Mr. M‘Lennan found a nesting-
hollow on the 31st October, 35 feet from the ground, in a swamp
mahogany in open forest ; it contained two eggs.

On the Archer River in June he noted “large flocks flying north
daily.”

Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus (Eutelipsitta chlorolepidota chloro-
lepidota).—We did not meet with the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet in the
extreme north, but found it feeding on the blossoms of a fine rain-tree
(Pithecolobium saman) in the Townsville Botanic Gardens.

Ptilosclera versicolor—On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan noted
large flocks of Varied Lorikeets flying north daily in June, 1914.

Geoffroyus personatus maclennani.—This was one of Mr. M‘Lennan’s
discoveries on the Pascoe River, where he found it to be fairly plentiful.
The first specimen was obtained on the 14th July, 1913. He came
near to finding the nest on two occasions. On the 7th August a pair
were prospecting a hollow in a paper-bark at the edge of the scrub.
Although he watched them for some time, examination of the hollow
a day or two later did not disclose any attempt at using it for nesting
purposes. On the 21st September, on the Claudie River, he disturbed
a couple at the edge of the scrub ; they flew into a tree about 100 yards
further on. The male started to feed the other, which Mr. M‘Lennan
took to be a fully-fledged young bird, and shot both. On skinning
the birds, the one which he took for a young bird proved to be a
female with enlarged ovary and a greatly enlarged and dilated oviduct.
It had evidently just finished laying. She was very fat, but not so
the male. Mr. M‘Lennan searched all the trees near where the birds
were taken for a likely hollow, but without success.

When we came to the Claudie we could hear and see the bird any
day from our camp, in the scrub on the opposite side of the river or
feeding in some of the trees along or just outside the edge of the scrub.
A favourite food tree was the A/pinia. The ground under the trees
was strewn with the broken-up seed-vessels, from which the seeds
had been extracted, and we frequently flushed them from these
trees. They are not gregarious ; we rarely saw more than two or
three together, though Mr. M‘Lennan has seen as many as eight.
When leaving a tree the birds usually scream in an alarmed manner,
but when feeding in a tree they are quiet.

On the 19th December Mr. M‘Lennan saw an immaturely-plumaged
male feeding a young one which had not long left the nest. The
plumage of the immature male resembles that of the female. If this
male was the parent of the young one, it is reasonable to suppose
that the males take two years or more to attain their full colouring.
The breeding season would seem to be the three spring months.

Microglossus aterrimus (Solenoglossus ateryimus macgillivrayt).—
We often heard or saw these fine Palm-Cockatoos. They were
feeding on the hard seed-capsules or nuts of various open forest
trees. We occasionally flushed them from the ground where they
were splitting up Pandanus nuts. Their call was a familiar one about
our catnp. My boy and [I watched one in the scrub on one occasion

188 MacaiLiivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [iy

as it called and walked backwards and forwards along a horizontal
branch with erect crest, nodding its head and indulging in a number
of evolutions until a mate appeared and perched in an adjacent tree,
when they both flew off.

Mr. M‘Lennan found this bird on the Pascoe, and before our advent
he found several nesting-hollows on the Claudie. A large hollow in
a tree or stump is usually chosen, the single egg resting on a bed of
cut-up sticks. Few were seen on the Archer River.

Calyptorhynehus, sp. ? (C. banksii northi ?)—On the 27th June,
1914, Mr. M‘Lennan noted on the Archer River :—“ A flock of about
twenty Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus) flew past the camp at
sunrise heading towards the coast.”

Cacatua galerita (Cacatoes galerita queenslandica). White Cockatoo.
—Fairly common, usually flying over or about the tall nesting trees
in the scrub. One nesting-hollow containing young birds was in the
same tree in which a Grey Goshawk had her nest. Three other nests
containing young were found in trees in which Eclectus was also nesting.
This bird was not seen feeding on the ground ; it is here a tree feeder,
no doubt because of want of opportunitiy, the ground being mostly
covered with grass, climbers, and other herbage, even where it is
most open. Common also on the Archer River.

Eclectus pectoralis macgillivrayii Every day this splendid Parrot
could be seen or heard flying over or past our camp.

On the 7th November Mr. M‘Lennan took us through the scrub
up the river to see a nesting-tree. The female was in possession,
with her head looking out of the hollow. She had been in possession
for about a month, and had not yet laid. In a near-by tree was the
nesting-hollow of another pair, from which Mr. M‘Lennan has taken
the type set of eggs. On the 9th November we went to our top
camp, seven miles further up the river, to investigate two nesting-
trees. The birds were at home in each, so we cleared the scrub to
enable the rope ladder line to be thrown up next day. The first
hollow was 63 feet from the ground, in a large leafless tree with an
entrance 2 feet by 8 inches and a depth of 2 feet. Two eggs rested
on a bed of chippings from the hollow. These eggs were slightly
incubated.

When we went to the other tree the birds made a great outcry.
The hollow was 53 feet up, 2 feet 6 inches deep, with an opening 12
inches by 9. The hollow was 2 feet in diameter at the top and
20 inches at the bottom; it contained a hatching egg. One male
and three females were in attendance. They were a beautiful sight,
the bright green male contrasting with the three red females as they
flew screeching round and round over the tree. Down the river from
this camp, in a large patch of scrub, was another nesting-tree, a
chestnut, with a colony of Shining Starlings and a Grey Goshawk
nesting in the same tree. The Eclectus hollow, at a height of 72 feet,
was 2 feet 6 inches in depth, and contained two slightly incubated
eggs. An Eclectus hollow near our main camp contained two eggs.
The males kept flying round the top of the tree uttering their harsh
cries, the female only coming occasionally.

The lowest nest was 45 feet from the ground, with a hollow only
1 foot deep and an entrance 5 inches by 8 inches.

In one hollow examined after our return from Raine Island, and
from which we had taken a pair of eggs six weeks previously, were

Vol. XVII
1918

‘| MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 189
two young birds about a week old ; their eyes were open, and they had
dark grey down on femoral, humeral, and dorsal tracts.

The large deciduous trees mostly chosen for nesting purposes by
these birds lose their leaves in the dry season—that is, the winter
and spring—and regain them after flowering at the commencement
of the wet seson. It is when they are bare that the birds start. to
nest in them. The cry of the Ec/lectus is a harsh scream, and they
feed on the seeds and nuts of various trees.

Cacatua gymnopis.—Mr. M‘Lennan noted a large flock of Bare-
eyed Cockatoos on the Archer River in June, 1914.

Cacatua roseicapilla.—On the Watson River Mr. M‘Lennan found
Galahs (Rose-breasted Cockatoos) in numbers round the edge of the
swamp in April, 1915.

Aprosmictus erythropterus yorki. Red-winged Parrot.—Heard and
seen occasionally only. Mr. M‘Lennan noted them on the Archer
and Pascoe Rivers.

Platycercus cyanogenys (P. adscitus amathusig).—We only saw
Blue-cheeked Parrots once, in open forest, not far from the tea-tree
swamps behind the mangroves. The note of these birds is a very
subdued one, and is very much like that of the Red-browed Pardalote.

On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few scattered pairs.

Psephotus chrysopterygius. Golden-shouldered Parrot.—On _ the
14th April, 1915, Mr. M‘Lennan made the following notes when on
the Watson River :—‘“‘On reaching the river a pair of strange
Parrakeets was flushed from the thin fringe of mangroves ; they flew
off up the river, and disappeared in a big patch of mangrove. I
followed, and searched for about an hour, but did not see them.
Returning along the edge of the mangrove, I saw one of the Parrakeets
flying in from the plain. It alighted in the mangroves, and I managed
UG? SECULE. it.

Podargus papuensis.—We frequently heard the weird, guttural
laughing of the Papuan Frogmouth at night, though we did not often
come across it during the day. Two nests were observed, each con-
taining a young bird—one in a forest tree not far from our camp,
the other in a bushy tree outside a large patch of scrub. Occasionally
met with on the Archer River by Mr. M‘Lennan.

Podargus marmoratus (Micropodargus ocellatus marmoyvatus).—The
note of the Marbled Frogmouth soon became familiar to us, as it
was to be heard every night, though the bird was seldom seen by us.
It is more a bird of the scrub than P. papuensis, and occasionally
one was flushed from its resting-place in a tangled mass of lawyer
vines or other climbing, parasitic, or epiphytal plants. The note is
a soft yet loud ‘‘ Kooloo kooloo kooloo,’’ repeated several times.
One specimen which we obtained had been feeding on beetles, and had
a tape-worm in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen. Like
nearly all night-feeding birds, it is only heard at dusk and dawn on
dark nights, but all night long when it is moonlight. It is my ex-
perience that few if any of the so-called nocturnal birds get about
when it -is really dark. S

Total length, 395 mm. ; wing, 185 mm. ;
22; middle toe and claw, 31. Irides yellow.

FEgotheles nove-hollandia (4. cristata leucogastey\.—The Owlet-
Nightjar was only heard calling once, and one specimen was obtained,

culmen, 40 mm. ; tarsus,

190 MACGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland: — een

which proved to be a breeding bird. This was on the 24th December.
It was, however, more often noted on the Pascoe and Archer Rivers
by Mr. M‘Lennan.

Eurystomus pacificus (Eurystomus orientalis pactficus).—We noted
the Australian Roller on our way up, at Brisbane, at Townsville, and
on many occasions at the Claudie.

Aleyone pulehra (A/cyone azuvea mixta).—There were always a few
Purple Kingfishers along the banks of the Claudie and along the
small creeks that run into it through the scrub. On the 15th January,
whilst Mr. M‘Lennan and I were examining a nesting-burrow in a
bank of the Claudie, the parent bird arrived to feed her young with
a small fish in her bill, and sat on a twig within two yards of the boat.

On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan noted this bird as “ fairly
plentiful along the river.”

Alcyone pusilla (Micralcyone pusilla pusilla). Little Kingfisher.—
We first noted this little gem on a small creek running into the Claudie
through thick scrub, and afterwards on .the Claudie itself, at the
sandalwood landing, and lower down, where the river is lined with
mangroves. We afterwards found some of their holes drilled into
dead mangroves or tea-tree stumps in the swamps. To find these
required prolonged searching under most trying conditions—wading
in, tea-tree swamps, where progress was difficult owing to the depth
of the water, the uneven character of the muddy and oozy bottom,
and the number of submerged logs and branches, our view all round
being obscured by clumps of Nipa palm, tall-growing grass, or young
tea-tree. The tracks of crocodiles on every sand-bank also did not
tend to give one a very comfortable feeling, let alone the constant
attention one got from hordes of mosquitoes and March-flies (gad-flies)
of every size and colour. On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan found
this species to be numerous in the mangroves.

Syma flavirostris (Syma torotoro flavivostvis).— The note of the
Yellow-billed Kingfisher is a melancholy ascending and _ trilling
whistle frequently repeated, something like that of the Bronze-Cuckoo
(C. plagosus) of southern parts, and at first to us indistinguishable
from that of the Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castanei-
ventvis\, though, when they became more familiar, we were able to
distinguish them. They are usually to be found inside the edge of
the scrub, only occasionally in the open. On the 17th January we
flushed one from a hole in a termites’ nest 15 feet up on the trunk of
a scrub tree with a bole about 12 inches in diameter. When Mr.
M‘Lennan was at the nest the bird flew at him with a scream, and then
perched on a near horizontal twig, where in her anger she made a
pretty picture, with all the feathers of her head raised and her neck
and body feathers ruffled up. This nest, however, only contained
one old, stained egg. Another nest just inside the edge of the scrub
was, aS usual, in a termites’ mound, about 12 feet up in a tree; it
contained three eggs, the usual complement. ‘These birds feed upon
lizards, beetles, butterflies, and other insects. Mr. M‘Lennan heard
only one on the Archer River.

No. 88, §.—Total length, 198 mm.; wing, 77 mm.; culmen, 35 mm. ;
tarsus, 14 mm.; middle toe and claw, 14 mm. _ Bill and legs yellow ;
claws pale brown ; testes slightly enlarged ; stomach contents, remains
of beetles and butterflies.

Wel: eee | MAcGILLivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. IgI

No. 119.—Total length, 195 mm. ; wing, 76 mm. ; culmen, 38 mm. ;
tarsus, 16 mm. ; middle toe and claw, 18 mm. Bill yellow ; terminal
half of culmen black ; feet and legs yellow ; claws brownish ; irides

brown.

Dacelo gigas maclennani.—A pair or more of Great Brown King-
fishers inhabited most of the larger patches of open forest. Their
laughing note is very like that of the southern bird (D. gigas). We
flushed one from its nesting-hollow on the 12th November. The hole
was in a termites’ nest 30 feet up a eucalypt, in open forest. It
contained three eggs on the point of hatching. On the 4th January
we found this same pair with a nest not far from the old one, also at
a height of about 30 feet. It contained three young birds about a
week old. One parent became very anxious when Mr. M'‘Lennan
was examining the young, calling excitedly and flying from tree to
tree. On the Archer River the birds are common in the forest
country.

Dacelo leachi (D. bath kempt). Leach Kinegfisher.—Noted at Cook-
town in possession of the same hollow from which Dr. Dobbyn and I
took a set of eggs in 1910. At the Claudie they were occasionally
met with, but were very silent before the wet season, when their noisy,
loud shouting call was to be heard all day long. Common in forest
country along the Archer River.

Haleyon macleayi (Cyanalcyon macleayit barnardi). Forest King-
fisher.—Fairly common in open forest about our camp, where they
nested in termites’ nests on the trees. Also noted on the Sir Charles
Hardy Islands.

On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan found them to be common in
the forest country.

Haleyon sanctus.—When Mr. M‘Lennan was making his way down
the coast from Cape York to Lloyd’s Island in July, 1913, he made
the following notes about the Sacred Kingfisher at his various
stopping-places :—Round Point, Cape York.—‘‘ Numerous in the
mangroves.’ Baird Island, near Piper Island Lightship.—‘ Noted.”
Macarthur Islands.—‘‘ Numerous.”’ Stony Point, south of Piper
Island. — “‘ Numerous in the mangroves.’ JLloyd’s Island. —
““ Numerous.”’

On the 30th August there were still some on Lloyd’s Island ; by
the 15th October they had all gone. This species seems to disappear
from the Cape York Peninsula by October, and to reappear in March
and April, when they soon become numerous. Mr. M‘Lennan has
no notes of their presence in May, and only one in June.

Haleyon sordidus.—Mangrove Kingfisher.—Frequently heard and
seen by us in the Lloyd’s Island mangroves and in the mangroves
bordering the first few miles of the Claudie. This fine Kingfisher
has a note similar to that of H. sanctus, but much louder. It is seldom
seen out of the mangroves.

Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few on Lloyd’s Island in July, more in
August, and numbers in October.

Tanysiptera sylvia (Uvalcyon sylvia sylvia).—The first White-tailed
Kingfisher arrived at the Claudie on the 20th December ; after this
they became more frequent. We found the first nest on 18th
January ; this was in a termites’ nest 4 feet up in a tree in thick
scrub, through which we had great difficulty in making our way.

192 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. [PR

It seemed to be an entanglement of prickly and spiny climbers and
shrubs, whilst we were beset by the usual swarm of mosquitoes and
March-flies. Next day we found three nests, each containing the
full complement of three eggs, after which they became everyday
occurrences tili we left. The birds were then common in the scrub,
and their undulating flight through the trees was more apparent than
real, owing to the waving of the two central tail feathers ; these vary
a good deal in length. The birds feed upon grasshoppers, beetles,
and other insects. Not all termites’ nests are suitable to burrow
into ; many show that the birds had tried them and given it up, some
being too shallow, the birds only digging in a few inches before
encountering the tree-trunk.

Merops ornatus (Cosmevops oynatus oynatus). Australian Bee-
eater. — Noted on many occasions on the Claudie; became very
plentiful about the 20th December, hawking for insects in the open
forest and along the edge of the scrub. Mr. M‘Lennan found this
species to be quite common on the Archer River in June.

Mr. H. G. Vidgen writes from Paira, under date 10th November,
1915 :—"‘ Merops ornatus generally departs from here to the last
bird. This year some thousands camped on the mangroves in our
bay during May, June, and July, and then disappeared. August
being the month on which they start to come over from New Guinea,
I presume this lot then started for the south.

Caprimulgus maerurus (C. macyvuvus yorki)—We heard the ‘‘ Chop-
chop-chop’”’ note of the Large-tailed Nightjars on the evening of our
first day on the Claudie and almost every day afterwards. At the
top camp they were all round the camp, and would come and perch
on the tent pegs. They fly at dawn and dusk and on moonlight
nights. We often flushed them during our wanderings from some
roosting-place on the ground either at or just within the edge of the
scrub in thin scrub bordering a creek or on scrubby hills. We found
three nests—just depressions in the leaf-covered ground ; the first
was on the 19th November and the last on the 26th December. One
evening, at dusk, when sitting by the tent listening to the voices of
the birds and other creatures, a Caprimulgus that had been ‘‘ Chop-
chopping’ in the scrub near at hand came and took possession of
a small post three yards away, whence he would sally forth at
intervals to capture a passing insect, sailing round again to his perch
on widespread and noiseless wings. Our dog walked towards him,
when he flopped down on the ground and flattened himself out, but
on the dog coming nearer he was up and away. When hawking and
waiting for passing insects the birds do not call. On the 26th
January I flushed an old one accompanied by a young one from some
tea-tree brush. They are common on the Archer River.

Collocalia franecieaa—Numbers of the Grey-rumped Swiftlets were
often to be seen hawking for insects near our camp. They are very
quick on the wing, darting here and there with great rapidity.

Chetura caudacuta (C. c. caudacuta). Spine-tailed Swift.—Only
noted on one occasion (7th November).

Cypselus pacificus (Micropus pacificus pacificus)—On the 22nd De-
cember a great flock of these White-rumped Swifts were soaring over
our camp, and made off in a south-easterly direction. They were
about on the 24th and 25th December. On the 26th numbers were
hawking for flying termites all round and over our camp. The mouth,

Vol. XVII.
1918

] MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 193
throat, and gizzard of a specimen obtained was crammed with the
insects. On the 28th numbers had again come to the feast of flying
termites, and we obtained several specimens. All were males, and
the stomach and throats of all were full of the insects. We last saw
a number before we left hawking over the water front at Lloyd’s
Island.

Cuculus pallidus (He/evoscenes pallidus pallidus).—During all the time
that Mr. M‘Lennan spent at Cape York he saw no sign of the Pallid
Cuckoo. We did not see or hear it on the Claudie. In June, 1914,
on the Archer River, Mr. M‘Lennan found it to be quite common.

Cacomantis flabelliformis (C. vubricatus atheytont)—Mr. M‘l.ennan
found the Fan-tailed Cuckoo fairly plentiful on the Archer River in
June, 1914, though he had not previcusly noted it on the Cape York
Peninsula.

Cacomantis variolosus (C. pyrvhophanus westwoodia).—The Square-
tailed Cuckoo was common, and its plaintive trilling call was often
heard on the Claudie. The Cuckoo egg found in the nests of the
Brown+backed Honey-eater (Glyciphila modesta), and bearing a close
superficial resemblance to the egg of that Honey-eater, is, in my opinion
now, undoubtedly the egg of this bird. The Honey-eaters’ nests
are usually found on small tea-trees in open tea-tree swamps. This
Cuckoo has been noted in these swamps, and is usually a bird of the
open, being very rarely seen in scrub. Whether the egg bearing a
close resemblance to the Cuckoo egg in the nests of G. modesta, and
found in nests of the Lovely Wren-Warbler (Malurus amabilis) and
Ptilotis notata, in scrub, is also the egg of this species,~or that cf the
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castaneiventiis) is doubtful,
and the egg of the latter Cuckoo is, in my opinion, not certainly
known up to the present time. No fully-formed egg has ever been
found in the oviduct of C. castaneiventris ; it has never been seen
depositing its egg in any nest, and no Cuckoo egg in any nest has ever
been watched until it hatched a young C. castaneiventris, and no
description of the young stages of plumage has ever been published.
I have handled two skins of young Cuckoos, which are the young
stage of either C. variolosus or C. castaneivenivis, but I cannot say
of which.

When blowing a clutch of Glyctphila modesta eggs with an egg of
C. variolosus, the shell of the Cuckoo egg is found, on drilling, to be
much stronger, and the yolk is of an orange colour instead of pale
yellow, as in the Honey-eater’s egg.

Since writing the above I have received from Mr. H. G. Vidgen the
skins of a young Cuckoo and its foster-parent, the Black-throated
Fly-eater (Gerygone personala). This young Cuckoo, although
undoubtedly a Cacomantis, differs altogether from the young Cuckoos
mentioned above, and more nearly resembles adult specimens of C.
castaneivenivis than do the other two. This complicates the whole
question still further, as all Cuckoo eggs that have been found in
nests of Gevygone pervsonata have been the same as those of the
Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyy russata) as usually
found in nests of the Large-billed Fly-eater (Gerygone magnirostris).

Cacomantis castaneiventris. — Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo. — Not
common ; more often heard than seen. They keep to the tropical
scrub. We did not see them further out than the edge. We obtained
several specimens. They feed on hairy caterpillars, and their

Emu
1st April

194 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland.
gizzards are hair-lined. The call is a plaintive trilling one, which
bears a close resemblance to that of the Yellow-billed Kingfisher
(Syma flavirostris).

Chalecococeyx russata (Neochalcites vussatus). Rufous-throated
Bronze-Cuckoo.—The common Bronze-Cuckoo of the Cape York
Peninsula, and easily distinguished from other Bronze-Cuckoos by the
vermilion ring of bare skin round the eye. The note is very like
that of C. plagosus. The stomachs of specimens obtained contained
either beetles alone or beetles and bugs. Only one nest containing
an egg of this Cuckoo was found—that of Gevygone personata, in a
small tree on the bank of a creek in the scrub. This Cuckoo was
occasionally noted on the Archer River.

Eudynamis cyanocephala (FE. ovientalis flinderst)—This Cuckoo
(the Koel or Flinders Cuckoo) was heard nearly every night, and
occasionally by day, but, as it finds its food high in the roof of the
iungle, where it is almost impossible to see it from below, it is seldom
seen. At times during the day the birds can be very noisy when
disputing possession of a feeding ground with other birds. They
feed mostly upon wild fruits.

Seythrops nove-hollandie (S. novehollandie novehollandie).—The
Channelbill was also more often heard than seen, its loud screaming
call attracting our attention as it flew overhead. The call somewhat
resembles that of Leach’s Kingfisher, and is sometimes heard at night.

Centropus phasianus (Polophilus phasianinus phasianinus).—The
Pheasant-Coucal was seen frequently, and was more often heard. °
It usually frequents lightly-timbered grassy flats, or the outside edges
of the scrub, where the grass is long and rank. When disturbed it
seeks refuge in the grass, through which it can make its way rapidly.
One day, when approaching one in a small tree on a grassy flat, it
dropped from the tree straight down, as though it had been shot, and
disappeared.

Pitta simillima (Coloburis versicoloy simillima).—When at our camp
during the dry weather we did not hear anything of the Lesser Pitta.
We first heard it calling on Haggerstone Island, and towards evening
saw one feeding on the shore near some mangroves. On our return
to the Claudie the wet season had started, and we could hear them
calling every night, and often during the day, especially towards
evening. By imitating the call and keeping quiet, we found it quite
an easy matter to bring the bird within view in the scrub. On the
31st December one was noted carrying material for nest-building,
but it was not till the 17th January that we found our first nest ;
this was placed on the ground, in the angle formed by the buttresses
of a big fig-tree growing in thick scrub over the river. The nest was
a dome-shaped structure composed of sticks and skeleton leaves,
with a platform leading up to the entrance. It contained three eggs.
Sometimes the nests are placed well above the ground. One was
well hidden in a niche about 9 feet up on a big fig-tree. The call is
a three-note whistle and a sharp ‘‘ Keow,” repeated at intervals.

Pitta mackloti (Evythvopitta mackloti yorki).—The Blue-breasted
Pitta was not seen nor heard until after our return from the Barrier
Reef trip. -On the 23rd December we first heard its melancholy call,
and later on the same day we saw one. The call became more
frequent every day until by the 28th it was constantly heard from

Vol. XVII. : a Brae :
segue ] MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 195

different parts of the scrub. Like the other species, it could be
called up to within view by imitating the call. On the 22nd January
Mr. M‘Lennan found the first nest, artfully concealed at about 5 feet
from the ground on a platform made by a dead bough which had
fallen and caught on a tree. The female was flushed from the nest.
We visited this nest again on the 24th, and, approaching it quietly,
got to within two feet of the entrance. The sitting bird then looked
out and remained with head and neck out watching us for several
minutes. It was only when we moved nearer that she darted out
and away. The base of the nest was composed of sticks, forming a
substantial foundation ; the upper part of leaves and fibres, skeleton
leaves roofing it over ; the lining was of fine fibres—these are mostly
fine aerial rootlets, of which there is an abundant supply in the scrub.

On the same day Mr. Kershaw and I were together in the scrub,
and I was explaining to him the usual situation of a Pitta’s nest,
pointing to the angular space between the buttressed roots of a fig-
tree, when a Blue-breasted Pitta rushed out from one of the angles.
This nest was on the ground, and contained three eggs. Another nest
of this species was placed on a shelf on the side of one of the buttresses
of a big scrub tree, and was two feet from the ground. At first glance
the nest looked an old and dishevelled one, as a good deal of founda-
tion material had fallen to the ground, and the skeleton leaves
roofing it looked sodden and old from having been wetted during the
recent heavy rains. The bird, however, flushed from the nest. which
contained three eggs at an early stage of incubation. The call is a
mournful whistle of two notes.

Petrochelidon nigricans (Hylochelidon nigricans nigricans).—Mr.
M‘Lennan noted a few Tree-Swallows about the Archer River
swamps.

Petrochelidon ariel (Lagenoplastes ariel ariel)—At Albatross Bay
Cape York Peninsula, on the 27th May, 1914, Mr. M‘Lennan notes
that “‘a Jarge flock of Fairy Martins flew across at dusk.”

Micreeca flavigaster (Kempia flavigastey tervavegine)—The Yellow-
breasted Fly-catcher is quite a common bird in open forest about
our camp, where on one occasion I watched one feeding a_ fully-
fledged young bird. The parent captured a large caterpillar on the
grass, flew up to a branch, beat it about, then to another branch,
repeated the procedure, and finally flew to the young one and gave
it the caterpillar. The young bird tried to swallow it, but dropped
it ; the parent bird skilfully caught it before it reached the ground,
subjected it to another knocking before again giving it to the young
one, who this time managed with an effort to gulp it down.

These birds are also common on the Archer and Watson Rivers.

Smicrornis flaves¢ens (Smicrornis byvrevirostvis pallescens). — Mr,
M‘Lennan noted a few scattered pairs of Yellow-tinted Tree-Tits in
forest country along the Archer River. This seems to be their
eastern limit, as they have not been noted at Cape York, but are
numerous in the Gulf country.

Gerygone magnirostris (Ethelorvnis magnivosiyis caivnsensis).—The
long, pendent nests of the Large-billed Fly-eater were common objects
all along the Claudie, hanging well over the water. Most of these
could be reached from the boat, but several were well up out of reach
even at high tide. Many were built so low that they became sub-
merged when the river rose in flood when the wet season set in.

196 MAcGILLivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. bere

Nesting had commenced a month before our arrival, and continued
till we left at the end of January. A few pairs were noted by Mr.
M‘Lennan on the Archer River.

Gerygone albogularis (Gerygone olivacea flavigastey). White-throated
Fly-eater.—Mr. M‘Lennan notes from the Archer River :—‘‘ A few
scattered pairs in the torest.”’

Gerygone personata (Pseudogerygone peyvsonata pevsonata).—The
Black-throated Fly-eater is usually found in the scrub, hunting about
amongst the leaves and branchlets for insects. The nest, though
pendent, is pear-shaped and compact, quite unlike the elongate
structure of G. magniyosivis. One pair was seen building high up
in the underscrub. A nest examined on the 18th January was
hanging about 12 feet up in a small bushy tree ; it contained one egg
of the Fly-eater and one of the Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo (C.
vussaia). A few pairs were noted by Mr. M‘Lennan on the Archer
River.

Pecilodryas superciliosa (P. supeyciliosa supercitiosa}—The White-
browed Shrike-Robin was found usually at the edge of the scrub,
where the vegetation was thinned out, or else in small isolated, scrubby
patches in open country. We found the first nest at the edge of a
patch of scrub below our camp ; it was placed at about 3 feet from
the ground on some dead hanging vines, and was a very frail cup-
shaped structure composed of aerial rootlets and fibres, and contained
two eggs. A deserted nest not far from this was 8 feet up in a small
shrub, and was made of fine fibres and decorated on the outside with
occasional patches of lichen. Several old nests were found in patches
of tea-tree in open heathy and lhghtly-timbered country near the
sandalwood landing. A few pairs were also noted here. Each pair
seems to have its own locality. The pair whose nest we found on the
31st December nested again a few yards away from the site of the
first nest, and had a pair of hard-set eggs by the 21st January. On
the 27th a pair was noted with fully-grown young.

On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few pairs along the
river, and found a nest containing two eggs on the 11th July.

Peecilodryas pulverulentus (Quoyornis leucurvus leucurus).—We heard
the White-tailed Shrike-Robin calling from the mangroves at the
mouth of the Claudie. It should be known as the ‘“‘ Mangrove Robin,”
as it is the only Robin constantly found in the mangroves.

Pecilodryas albigularis (1vegellasia leucops albigularis).—The White-
throated Shrike-Robin, though rare at Cape York, is quite common
in the scrubs along the Claudie. It is usually found low down in
the scrub, and has the habit of clinging to the side of a tree-stem,
after the manner of the Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin of scuthern
parts. One became quite used to us at our top camp, and would
visit us at meal times, perching on tent peg or rope. The first nest
noted was in the scrub over the river from our main camp. Mr.
M‘Lennan found it before our arrival, but the birds deserted it,
leaving one egg. The next was in scrub down the river; this was
only 3 feet from the ground, in a slender shrub. It was a compactly-
built, cup-shaped structure, and then contained one egg; another
was laid on the following day, the 27th December. Another nest
in course of construction on the 20th December contained two eggs
on the 2nd January. Another nest on the 18th January contained

Vol. XVII.
1918

MAcGILLIVRAY, Oynithologists in North Queensland. 197
two newly-hatched young at 5 feet from the ground. A nest found
30 feet up also contained two eggs. This nest was composed of fine
strips of bark and fibres, was lined with fine fibres, and had several
pendent pieces of white paper-bark attached to the outside. These
birds feed upon insects, especially small beetles, and seeds. The
call is a harsh, grating ‘‘ Cheet-cheet-cheet,”’ repeated rapidly.

Kempiella kempi.—This Flycatcher first came under my notice
on the 22nd November in some scrub at our top camp. Another
pair frequented the edge of the scrub not far from our main camp.
We watched a pair high in the scrub for an hour, trying to locate a nest,
during which time we were unmercifully harassed by hordes of
mosquitoes and March-flies ; we had finally to retreat.

This bird has the ways of a Flycatcher, making short flights from
branchlet to branchlet, and occasionally into the air to capture a
passing insect, all the time uttering a subdued piping call which
resembles “ Zzt, zzt, zzt,’’ given out in a low tone, and repeatedly.
The yellow of its gape is plainly seen when calling with open mouth.
We watched other pairs after this, but the nest still remains to be
found.

Eopsaltria inornata (Mattingleya gyviseiceps tnornata).—This inter-
esting bird is also a denizen of the tropical scrub, and is fairly often
seen. We failed, however, to find its nest, and this is not to be
wondered at when its usual haunts are taken into consideration ;
these are the smaller branches and leafage of the largest trees in the
scrub, which often support an entangled mass of climbing plants.
The height from the ground, the dull light, and the density of the
foliage make it a difficult matter to follow a bird’s movements. It
seems to feed mostly by picking insects from off the leaves, and finds
its living at a much higher level than Kempiella. The usual note is
a loud, clear whistle of from five to ten notes, and, as a call, two short
ones. The stomachs of specimens obtained contained mostly small
beetles. Mr. M‘Lennan, after we left, found a young bird that had
evidently dropped from the nest ; the bird was in a tangle of lawyer
vines, but no nest could be located.

Pachycephala faleata (Lewinornis rufiventris pallidus).—We noted
this bird (the Northern Whistler) on several occasions, feeding in the
gums and other trees in the open forest, often quite near our camp.

Pachycephala robusta (P. pectoralis vobusta).—This northern form
of the Yellow-breasted Whistler is found on all the islands along the
coast on which there is any scrub, but is never seen on the mainland.
On Haggerstone Island we noted quite a number of these birds, and
secured specimens. Dissection indicated that they were not then
breeding. They probably nest in early spring, as several old nests
were seen in the scrub. I have, however, a set of eggs in my collec-
tion taken on Darnley Island on 30th December.

Rhipidura phasiana (Rhipidura flabellifera phasiana).—The Pheasant
Fantail was several times noted, and specimens obtained, on the
Archer River by Mr. M‘Lennan.

Rhipidura intermedia (Howeavis vrufifyons kempi)—The Allied
Fantail was occasionally met with in the scrub. One nest was found
in a patch of scrub near our top camp, finished, and the bird in attend-
ance, but was afterwards found to be abandoned. It was at about
15 feet from the ground, on a small horizontal twig of a small scrub

Emu
ist April

198 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland.
tree. The nest was the usual small cup-shaped structure of fine
bark, cobwebs, and fibres, with a short tail. A féw were noted by
Mr. M‘Lennan, along the Archer River. He notes :—“ These birds
do not seem to breed at Cape York. They are numerous there in
November, but by December they are all gone. They reappear in
February, staying a couple of months, only an odd one being seen
after April.” :

Rhipidura isura (Sefosuva setosa supeyciliosa).—The Northern Fantail
is a bird of the open forest, frequenting the smaller trees. Near the
sandalwood landing on the Claudie, where there were small clumps
of tea-tree in open forest, we came across several pairs, and an old
nest was noted about 20 feet up in a small tree. It was a small cup-
shaped structure placed on a horizontal branch, and composed of
fine bark and fibres bound together with spider webs. -Mr. M‘Lennan
found a nest 5 feet from the ground in a small wattle in open forest
on the 15th December; it contained two slightly incubated eggs.
On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan found this species to be fairly
plentiful.

Myiagra coneinna (Myiagva vubecula yorki)—The Blue Flycatcher
was a very common bird, mostly found in open forest. They were
nearly always feeding in the trees about our camp. They are on
nearly all the islands off the coast. We noted them on Quoin Island,
the Forbes Group, and the Sir Charles Hardy Islands. On our way
out to the Raine Island opening in the Reef, and just before reaching
the Ashmore Banks, one of these birds alighted on our boat for a
few minutes, and then resumed its flight in the direction of the main-
land ; it seemed to have come from the north-east. On Raine Island
we also found one sheltering in the tower, on the morning of the
toth December, a female ; in the afternoon there were two females
in the tower.

On our return to camp on the Claudie these birds were seen to be
very busy in the trees, especially after a fall of rain.

Myiagra latirostris (M. /ativostvis kempt).—The Broad-billed Fly-
catcher keeps near the shore, and is nearly always found in or near
the mangroves. Several pairs were noted on Haggerstone Island.
Mr. M‘Lennan states that it is always found in the mangroves, finding
its living amongst the leaves. They usually build on a dead twig
about 2 feet above high-water mark, over a channel in the mangroves.
When building the male sits on a chosen twig and calls all the time
that the female is away getting material, and on her return he leaves
to bring his share of it. Mr. M‘Lennan noted this species in the
Archer River mangroves.

Macherirhynehus flaviventer (VW. flaviventer flaviventer).—Boat-
billed Flycatchers live amongst the leaves of the scrub trees, and are
difficult of detection. The small basket-like nest is usually placed
in a slender horizontal fork amongst the leaves of a scrub tree. The
two nests first found were at a height of 30 feet in thick scrub ; one
contained two eggs, the other was deserted before completion.

Mr. M‘Lennan and I found two nests on the 20th January in some
scrub up the Claudie. Both were at a height of about 60 to 70 feet,
and the birds were feeding young in both nests: We noted that the
parent bird after each feeding removed the excreta and carried it to
some distance from the nest before dropping it. =

Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few pairs in the scrub at Archer River.

Vol. XVII. aA : 5 ,
sone ] MAcGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 199

Arses lorealis (Ovphryzone lovealis)—The Frill-necked Flycatcher
was fairly common on the Claudie, a denizen of the scrub, where its
frail, open, basket-like nest is usually seen suspended, hanging in
mid-air between two parallel rootlets or vines. The eggs can usually
be seen quite plainly from below through the fine network of the
nest. One nest to which Mr. M‘Lennan climbed was suspended
8 feet below the horizontal branch to which the vines were attached.
The birds remained on the nest until the climber got opposite her on
the tree, when she flew off. This nest, though open, was compactly
built of fibrous rootlets and other fibres, bound together with a very
little cobweb, which served to attach a few odd pieces of lichen. It
was lined with fine fibres.

On the 22nd December, after heavy rain had fallen, this species
was very busy in the trees in the open forest round and even over
our camp. The heavy rains seem to drive a lot of the scrub birds
out into the open ; the scrub gets too dank and dark for them. They
seemed to find their food amongst the branches and leaves, searching
these assiduously, and going from branch to branch.

Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few pairs on the Archer River. He also
noted that these birds seem to find their food by searching the
trunks of trees and stems of vines, and he has often seen them hopping
up round a big trunk searching the crevices of the bark for insects.

The female of this species differs from the male in having a black
instead of-a white chin.

Piezorhynchus nitidus (Pzezorhynchus alecto wardelli)—The Shining
Flycatcher is a bird of the muddy edges of the river, the mangroves,
and tea-tree swamps, only rarely seen at any distance from the river-
bank in the scrub. Several pairs were always to be noted on our
going up or down the Claudie in our boat, running on the mud or
flitting up into the trees or shrubs overhanging the water, the glossy
black dress of the male contrasting with the rich rufous plumage of
the female. The young males resemble the female in colouring.

The first nest containing eggs was found on the 16th January. It
was placed in a hanging loop of vine under sheltering leafage, 10 feet
above the water. On the following day, when waiting in the boat
for Mr. M'Lennan (who had gone ashore to get some Pigeons for the
pot), a male bird of this species, moving about anxiously, directed my
attention to a nest placed on a small branch of an overhanging tree
at about 8 feet above high-tide mark. On Mr. M‘Lennan’s return
we examined the nest, and found it to contain one egg. The male
bird shares the task of incubation with the female. We _ tound
another nest on the 27th January in a tea-tree swamp ; it was placed
2 feet above the water in a small upright tea-tree, and contained
three eggs. On the following day we found another nest in thick
mangroves down the river, with the birds in attendance. Several
other nests containing either ‘young or eggs were examined. The
male always seemed to be more agitated than the female when the
nest was approached. The call is a pretty whistling one. The bird
was common on the Archer River.

Monarcha albiventer (Symposiachrus tviviygatus albiventer).—The
White-bellied Flycatcher is a common bird in the scrub. Several
nests were noted after the commencement of the wet season ; these
are usually placed within easy reach, the highest being 15 feet up.
A small upright fork is usually chosen as a site for the cup-shaped
nest, composed usually of fine bark and fibres well bound together

200 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. bg et

with cobwebs. The eggs are invariably two in number. The newly-
hatched young have the skin blue-black, with a trace of dark slaty
down on the head, back, femoral and humeral tracts. The sprouting
primaries also appear to be bluish-black, legs and feet slaty, bill

black, eyes just opening, gape pale yellow. There were a few in the
scrub on the Archer River.

Monarcha leucotis (Cartevornis Jleucotis}——The White-eared Fly-
catcher is a rare bird in the extreme north. Though the type came
from Cape York, Mr. M‘Lennan has only seen one specimen in that
locality. He noted one on the Pascoe River and one again on the
edge of the scrub on the Claudie.

Monarcha carinata (Monaycha melanopsis melanopsis). — Mr.
M‘Lennan noted the Black-faced Flycatcher on the Claudie River on
the 1st October, but there was none there when we arrived. He
notes :—‘‘ They seem to come from the south in February and remain
for about two months, when they are numerous; they then dis-
appear.”

Monarcha canescens (Monaycha melanopsis canescens).—Though
rare at Cape York, the Pearly Flycatcher is quite common on the
Claudie. Found both in the open forest and scrub, we frequently
watched it searching the trees over and about our camp for insect
life. On the 8th December one of these birds came into our tent on
Raine Island, but went on, and was soon lost sight of amongst the
host of sea-birds.

Graucalus melanops (Covacina mnovehollandie@ connectens).—The
Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike was fairly plentiful on the Archer River
during June. Mr. M‘Lennan speaks of this bird as “plentiful at
Cape York during the winter months, leaving about September and
returning again at the beginning of the winter.’’ We saw none on
the Claudie.

Graucalus hypoleucus (Gvaucalus hypoleucus stalker). — White-
bellied Cuckoo-Shrikes frequent the open forest, where they are often
met with. One pair had a nest high up on the horizontal fork of a
slender gum quite near our camp. Two other nests were noted in
similar situations. Fairly plentiful on the Archer River. Mr.
M‘Lennan states that this species is a resident one, and is common
all the year round.

Graucalus lineatus (Pavagraucalus lineatus lineatus)—Mr. M‘Lennan
noted Barred Cuckoo-Shrikes on the Pascoe River, where they were
feeding on fruiting trees at the edge of the scrub.

Edoliisoma jardinii (Metagyaucalus tenuirostyis obscuvus).—Great
Caterpillar-eaters were noted on several occasions on the Claudie in
open forest. According to Mr. M‘Lennan, they are fairly common
at Cape York, but he saw very few on the Archer River.

Campephaga leucomela (Kavua leucomela yorkt).—This species was
often noted in the trees by our camp. At our top camp I watched
one for some time feeding on the berries of a small tree growing at
the end of our tent. A pair was frequently noted about our main
camp, and a nest found that had been blown out of one of the trees.
According to Mr. M‘Lennan, these birds are resident in the north,
and are found in scrub, open forest, and mangroves in fair numbers:
He noted a few on the Archer River.

ee enes| MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 201

Campephaga humeralis (Lalage tvicoloy tvicoloy).—White-shouldered
Caterpillar-eaters were numerous on the Archer River during winter

months. They are never common at Cape York, and we saw none
on the Claudie.

Drymodes superciliaris.—Northern Scrub-Robins were often noted
in the scrub, but they were very shy, and ran out of sight or flitted off
to perch on some low tree on the slightest movement on the part cf
the observer.

I found a nest one day by accident. Mr. Kershaw and my son
were searching some tangle from which a Podaygus (Marbled Frog-
mouth) had been flushed when I walked over and stood watching
them. Happening to glance at the ground, I saw, almost at my
feet, a nest of this Robin, containing a pair of eggs. The nest was
on the side of a depression in the scrub amongst the dead leaves
which everywhere carpet the ground. It was a neat, open bowl of
sticks lined with rootlets and fibres and built up on the lower sides
with a compact layer of sticks.

The birds are easily called up by imitating their call note and
keeping quite still. This note is a long-drawn-out whistle. They
find their living on the ground turning over leaves and other débyis.
The female is the nest-builder. Uncommon on the Archer River.

Pomatorhinus temporalis (Pomatostomus ¢. cornwalli).—Small flocks
of the Northern Babbler were several times noted in open forest on
the Claudie.

Scattered parties were noted by Mr. M‘Lennan in open forest on
the Archer sven.

Cisticola exilis (C7sticola evilis mixta) —Common on the grassy
flats. One noted carrying building material on the roth January.
The nest was fixed in the leaves of a small plant amongst the
grass. On the 23rd January, when making our way homeward
across a long grassy flat in drenching rain, we flushed another from
her nest containing four eggs ; this nest was almost round in shape,
2 inches in diameter, the base formed of fine grassy fibres and cob-
webs, the sides and top a canopy of leaves sewn together with fine
fibres and cobwebs. They get more numerous on the flats as the wet
season advances. Common on the Archer in June. They are usually
absent from the north in the winter.

Megalurus galactotes (Dulciornis alistert dulciei)—A female of the
Tawny Grass-Bird was shot in the long grass in one of the open
pockets on the 8th November, and several were flushed after this at
different times up to the commencement of the wet season, when
the grass began to grow longer and denser ; it was then a difficult
matter to disturb them. Occasional in swampy places along the
Archer River.

Sericornis minimus (Sericornis longivostris minimus).—The Little
Scrub-Wren is common in the scrub, frequenting the undergrowth
and fallen branches. One nest was found on a small shrub growing
between the buttresses of a large fig. This had evidently been torn
open and its contents rifled by some creature. Before our advent
to the Claudie Mr. M‘Lennan, on 18th September, flushed one from
its nest in a vine clinging to a tree ; it was 2 feet from the ground,
and contained two eggs. <A few were also noted in the scrub on the
Archer River.

Emu

202 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. ie ‘April

Malurus amabilis (Leggeoynis amabilis amabilis)—We found Lovely
Wren-Warblers frequenting the undergrowth of the scrub and also
the low heathy country behind the tea-tree swamps near the Claudie.
At our top camp a male and two blue females inspected us when at
breakfast. We found a deserted nest suspended from a small shrub
at about 18 inches from the ground. The cause of the desertion was
not far to seek ; it was near a tree named by us the “ bird-lime tree.”’
The pods of this tree fall off in bunches and exude a tenacious material
like bird-lime. One of these pods near the nest had adhering to it
the tail feathers and many of the breast feathers of a female M.
amabilis, probably the owner of the nest. Only a day or two previously
we found one of these bunches with all the tail feathers of a Rufous
Fantail adhering to it. On the 26th January I found a nest of M.
amabilis in the heathy country at the sandalwood landing ; it was
pendent from a dead shrub at about 18 inches from the ground.
The female flushed from the nest, which contained three eggs. A
few pairs were noted on the Archer River.

Malurus cruentatus (Maluvus melanocephala cruentata)—The Red-
backed Wren-Warbler inhabits the long, coarse grass of the open
forest. There was always a troop of these birds near the edge of
the scrub down below our camp. It was common also on the Archer
River.

Artamus leucogaster (Ayvtamus Jleucorhynchus leucopygialis). —
There were always several White-rumped Wood-Swallows flying
about Lloyd’s Island and other islands along the coast on which there
was any scrub. At Haggerstone Island several old nests were found
in the tea-tree along the shore. Common on the Archer River in June.

Artamus melanops hypoleucus.—The Black-faced Wood-Swallow
was common on the Archer River.

Artamus minor (Micvavtamus minor minoy).—The Little Wood-
Swallow was common along the Archer River.

Colluricinela superciliosa (C. haymonica superciliosa).—The White-
browed Shrike-Thrush was fairly common in the open forest. The
type of C. superciliosa was obtained at Cape Grenville, half-way
between Cape York and the Claudie River, and is so far the only speci-
men obtained that has a broad white eyebrow. All specimens,
however, obtained from different parts of the Cape York Peninsula
are alike, and Mr. Mathews groups them all under this sub-specific
title. Scattered parties of from two to five birds were common in
the forest country about the Archer in June.

Colluricinela parvissima (Caleya megarhyncha gviseata).—We often
watched Allied Rufous Shrike-Thrushes from our tent door, quietly
but very busily engaged in searching the leaves and branches of the
trees about our camp. They are also commonly met with in the
scrub. They nest both in the scrub and in the open. Our first nest
was in a scrub tree at a height of about 30 feet ; it contained a pair
of eggs. On the same day we found a newly-finished nest out in the
open in a small clump of tea-tree. Several others were afterwards
found both in scrub and in open forest, usually low down, and con-
taining either two or three eggs. jhe nest is a cup-shaped structure,
usually placed low down in a small shrub or single-stemmed slender
bush. It is composed of fibres, leaves, and aerial rootlets, and lined
with fibres and rootlets. The nesting cavity is deep, to allow of the

ete a MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 203

branch swaying to a certain extent without emptying the contents
out. The note of this bird bears a resemblance to that of C.
harmonica of southern parts. A few were found in the Archer River
scrubs.

Grallina picata (Gvallina cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)—Mr. M‘Lennan
saw big flocks of Magpie-Larks on the burnt country on the Archer
River in June, 1914. On the 4th April, r915, he noted at the mouth
of the Archer River :—‘ A small flock coming in from due west as
we were going into the river.”

Neositta striata (Neosiitella stviata styiata).—Striated Tree-runners
were noted on many occasions on the Claudie, feeding, after the manner
of their kind, in the open forest.

Climacteris melanonota (Whitlocka melanota).—Black Tree-creepers
were in scattered pairs in the forest on the Archer River.

Zosterops albiventris (Zostevops albiventris albiventvis).—The type
oi the Pale-bellied White-eye came from Warrior Island, in Torres
Strait. We first noted it and obtained two specimens on the Forbes
Group. Both were females, and the stomach contents were insects
and berries. There were many of these birds on Haggerstone Island,
where they were busily engaged feeding amongst the branches of
several flowering trees. Two nests were found—one just started,
the other ready for occupation. This species is never found on the
mainland, preferring the scrubs on islands off the coast.

Zosterops tephropleura (Zostevops latevalis vamsayi).—This is the
mainland Silver-eye. It was quite common along the edge of the
scrub, whether bordering the open forest or overhanging the river.
The broad ring around the eye is a conspicuous feature in this species.
Curiously enough, although this bird is so common on the mainland,
the type is labelled as having been obtained on Palm Island, Torres
Strait.

Diceum hirundinaceum (Austvodiceum hivundinaceum hivundin-
aceum).—The Mistletoe-Bird was noted once on the Claudie. <A
male in very brilliant plumage was investigating a bunch of mistletoe
growing on a chestnut. It was occasionally noted on the Archer
River.

Pardalotus rubricatus (Pardaloitus vubvicatus yorki)—A few Red-
browed Pardalotes were noted along the river flats on the Archer.

Pardalotus uropygialis (Paydalotus melanocephalus barvvoni).—The
Chestnut-rumped Pardalote was also seen on the river flats of the
Archer River.

Cyrtostomus frenatus (Cyyvtostomus frenatus macgillivrvayi).—We
first noted Sun-Birds at Cooktown wharf, where one was collecting
building material from amongst some bushes, and then at Lloyd’s
Island, where we saw a female plucking kapok from its pod for the
same purpose. Later again, when going up or down the Claudie,
their nests were often seen hanging from some shrub or bough over-
hanging the river. On our return journey, Mr. Olive, of Cooktown,
showed us where one of these birds was sitting in a nest attached to
the string that pulled the shower in his bathroom. So that the birds
could rear their brood undisturbed. Mr. Olive cut the string with nest
on it and hung it to a hook in the ceiling. The birds did not seem

204 MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. meee

to mind the people who came into the room, the sitting bird rarely
moving even when the bath and shower were used.
This species is also common on the Archer River.

Melithreptus albogularis (Melithveptus lunatus vinitinctus).—The
White-throated Honey-eater was a common bird on the Claudie.
Often in the trees about our camp, especially after heavy rain, when
the trees and shrubs of the open forest were alive with birds. One
could sit at the door of the tent and watch these birds together with
Glyctphila modesta, Monarcha canescens, Myiagra concinna, Arses
lovealis, Colluvicincla parvissima, and many others.

According to Mr. M‘Lennan, this species is equally common on
the Archer River, where he found a pair building a nest on the 6th
July ; this was finished and contained two eggs by the 14th. It was
in a paper-bark at about 20 feet from the ground.

Melithreptus letior (Welithvepius gularis carpentavianus)—A few
Golden-backed Honey-eaters were seen on the Archer River.

Macgillivrayornis claudii—On the day following our arrival at
camp on the Claudie Mr. M‘Lennan and I came across this species
in the scrub. It was Mr. M‘Lennan’s keen ear for bird-notes that
first detected one that was strange to him and led to his finding the
birds feeding high up in the scrub, where their small size and sub-
dued colouring made it no easy matter to make out what they were.
We, however, soon had two of them in our hands, and immediately
saw that they were new and quite unlike any other genus of Honey-
eaters. We afterwards found them to be fairly common in the
scrub, but always high up in the leaves, where only the trained eye
of one accustomed to look for such things can be expected to find
them.

Myzomela erythrocephala (Myzomela eyythvocephala kempi).—The
beautiful little Red-headed Honey-eater frequents the mangroves
and the scrub growing on the islands near the coast. We first met
with it in the mangroves 50 miles south of Lloyd’s Bay. On Hagger-
stone Island numbers were feeding on some flowering trees.

On the Archer River Mr. M‘Lennan found them to be plentiful in
the mangroves. He found one building in a tea-tree near his camp
on 3rd August ; by the 7th the nest was completed and contained
one egg.

A nest forwarded by Mr. Vidgen is a small cup-shaped structure
suspended by the rim from a small horizontal fork. It is firmly but
openly woven throughout of fine wiry fibres, with a few cobwebs
binding it on the outside ; there is no lining. It measures 50 mm.
in diameter at the brim, 30 mm. in external depth, and 25 mm.
internal.

Myzomela obscura (Melomyza obscuva hartevti)—Dusky Honey-
eaters were common birds in the trees about our camp, where they
seemed to be constantly searching the twigs and leaves for insects.
They are also common along the edge of the scrub. At our top
camp they were numerous in the trees along the river, and again at
the sandalwood landing there were many of them feeding on the
blossoming gums. Together with several other species of honey-
loving birds, they were often seen congregated on the flowering heads
ot the umbrella-tree. They vary greatly in size. They were common
also on the Archer River.

eee a MACcGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 205

Myzomela pectoralis (Cissomela pectovalis).—On the Archer River
Mr. M‘Lennan noted Banded Honey-eaters as numerous in the
blossoming trees. On the 25th July he flushed one from its nest
18 inches from the ground in a small bush ; it contained two eggs.

Glyciphila modesta (Ramsayornis modestus subfasciatus).—Brown-
backed Honey-eaters were very common birds in the trees and shrubs
in the open forest. They usually nest in the tea-tree—a few before
the wet season, but the majority after it has started. We found a
number of their nests, mostiy commencing or half-built, in a tea-tree
swamp on the oth January. They are usually suspended from the
ends of branches over the water. By the 21st January the nests
mostly contained eggs, usually a pair. These nests are formed wholly
of the fibrous bark of the tea-tree and lined with soft flaky bark from
the same tree. On the 27th we waded through the tea-tree swamps
near the sandalwood landing and examined numbers of these nests.
The first swamp had tall tea-trees in it and clumps of small tea-tree
saplings, all standing in about 2 feet of clear water. It is on the
saplings that this Honey-eater suspends its nest. The first nest
examined contained an egg of the Square-tailed Cuckoo ; most of the
others, incubating eggs of the Honey-eater. In a deeper portion of
the same swamp we found two nests, the first containing a Cuckoo’s
egg and two of the Honey-eater, the other an egg of each bird. Next
day, in another swamp, we found nests containing newly-hatched
young. The eyes of the young birds were not open ; the skin flesh-
coloured and naked, and the gape pale yellow. This bird is also
common on the Archer River.

' Glyciphila fasciata (lamsayornis fasciatus inkeymani).—A_ few
White-breasted Honey-eaters were found amongst the blossoming
trees on the Archer River.

Conopophila rufogularis (Conopophila vufogularis queenslandica).—
A few Rufous-breasted Honey-eaters were noted on the Archer River.

Conopophila albogularis yorki.—The MKed-throated Honey-eater
seems to me to be an immature stage of the above species.

Stigmatops ocularis (Stigmatops indistincta ouida).—Brown Honey-
eaters were common on the Archer River, where they were feeding
on the flowering paper-barks (Melaleuca). On the 25th July Mr.
M'‘Lennan flushed one from its nest 4 feet from the ground in a small-
leaved paper-bark ; it contained two eggs just chipping.

Ptilotis notata.—The Yellow-spotted Honey-eater was common
both in open forest and scrub. <A few were in scrub along the Archer
River.

Ptilotis gracilis (Microptilovs gvacilis).— Lesser Yellow-spotted
Honey-eaters were very common in the trees about our camp, and
especially so after rain, which drives them out of the scrub. They
are fairly plentiful on the Archer River. Mr. M‘Lennan found a
pair building in a Melaleuca overhanging the river. The eggs of this
Honey-eater are beautifully and richly coloured.

Ptilotis versicolor (Meliphaga versicolor versicoloy).—This fine Honey-
eater (the Varied Honey-eater) is never found out of the mangroves,
where it is quite common either along the shore or on the islands.
When staying at any time at Lloyd’s Island we were in the habit of
sleeping on one of the cutters, anchored opposite the mangroves, in

206 MACGILLIvRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. aa

order to escape the attentions of sand-flies and mosquitoes. Here
it was a great pleasure to wake at dawn and listen to the glorious
whistling of these birds before the shrieking of the Parrakeets and
the ‘‘ Hoo-hooing ’’ of the Pigeons began to obscure all other sounds.

Ptilotis flava (Broadbentia flava flava).—Yellow Honey-eaters were
not common, and were only occasional in the open forest on the
Claudie. They were common on the Archer. They have a bold,
loud, clear whistling note.

Trichodere cockerelli— We first came across the Cockerell Honey-
eater out towards the ranges from our top camp, in hilly country
covered with stunted tea-tree. At the sandalwood landing, and
between it and the tea-tree swamps, the country is sandy, covered
with a low growth of tea-tree and other small shrubs under a larger
growth of eucalypts and other forest trees. It was here that we
found them nesting under ideal conditions. The eucalypts and some
of the tea-tree were in flower, providing a plentiful supply of nectar
and insects attracted to it, with the smaller forms of insect life
abounding everywhere, especially after the advent of the wet season.
The first nest containing an egg was found on 1oth January by our
cook within a few yards of the camp. It was built in a small tea-
tree 18 inches from the ground. On the 26th, 27th, and 29th
January we found a number of these nests containing eggs. Nearly
all were placed in low bushes from 18 inches to 3 feet from the ground.
One was picturesquely situated in a tangle of wild grape vine, which
here grows freely in the open forest along the ground when it cannot
find a tree to cling to. On the 27th the first nest containing young
birds was found. The nest, usually firmly placed, is cup-shaped,
and constructed of fine fibres and grasses. The eggs are invariably
two. The young, when newly-hatched, have the skin yellowish ;
feather tracts are bluish-black, with a small amount of smoky-coloured
down on the dorsal, humeral, and femoral tracts ; culmen blackish ;
gape and mouth pale yellow ; legs pale slaty ; eyes not open. The
note of the adult is a clear, sharp whistle, much like that of the
Glyciphila.

This species was uncommon on the Archer River.

Xanthotis filigera (X. flaviventey filigeva).—Streak-naped Honey-
eaters were always to be seen about the edge of the scrub, where the
leafage comes down to the view; they also came out into the open
forest trees, especially during the wet season, and were common in
the trees over and about our camp. The roof of the scrub, where
the trees and interlacing climbers flower and fruit in the sunlight,
and where there must be a wealth of insect life, is the hunting-ground
of most of the scrub birds. This is usually at a height of from 70 to
100 feet, and well out of sight of anyone on the ground, and it is only
at the edge, where the trees and climbers come gradually down to the
ground, or along the banks of the river where it runs through the
scrub and the trees and shrubs festooned by climbing plants with
leafage of every form and colouring and adorned by flowers and fruits
of every hue that one can get an opportunity of watching many of
the birds. The nests of this Honey-eater are not easily found, as
they are usually placed high in some bushy scrub tree, where they
are hidden from below. We several times found old nests when
cutting down such trees in the scrub to enable us to use the rope
ladder, One nest was, however, detected near our camp at the

eer | MacaILLivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 207

sandalwood landing, high in a slender gum-tree. Here, also, the
birds were plentiful in the flowering gums, and one frequently saw
them with a company of other honey-loving birds revelling in the
feast provided by the flowering tops of the umbrella-tree. The eggs
were invariably two in number, and varied much in colouring, but
all had a beautiful glossy surface. :

Mr. M‘Lennan noted a few on the Archer.

Entomyza harterti (Entomyzon cyanotis harteyti)._-The Northern
Blue-faced Honey-eater was common on the Archer River.

Tropidorhynehus argenticeps (Philemon argenticeps kempi).—Mr.
M‘Lennan saw numbers of Silvery-crowned Friar-Birds on the
Pascoe River in messmate and blood-wood country.

Tropidorhynehus corniculatus (Tvopidorhynchus corniculatus elliott).
—The Friar-Bird common on the Archer River is quite distinct from
Victorian and New South Wales specimens ; it is a well-marked sub-
species.

Tropidorhynchus buceroides (Neophilemon bucevoides buceroides).—
Helmeted Friar-Birds were common in the open forest on the Claudie,
where they nested in company with Fig-Birds and Drongos.

Philemon sordidus (Mzcrophilemon oytentalis johnstoni).—Little
Friar-Birds were common at Cooktown and also on the Archer River.
Several young birds obtained by Mr. Vidgen at Paira had the yellow
throat of immaturity.

Anthus australis (dnthus austvalis queenslandicus).—Australian
Pipits were noted on the Watson River by Mr. M‘Lennan.

Munia castaneothorax (Lonchuva castaneothovax castaneothovax).—
Chestnut-breasted Finches were first noted after the wet season
had started, on the 24th January. As Mr. M‘Lennan and I came
out of a swamp (where we had been wading) into long grass we saw
a male carrying grass to a nearly completed nest in the grass. The
female was inside acting as builder whilst he brought the material.
The nest, composed of dry grass, was somewhat spherical in shape,
and supported in the upper part of the strongly-growing grass. The
stems of this grass are stiff, and easily able to support a fairly heavy
nest at 2 to 3 feet from the ground. The birds were common on the
Watson River, where they were breeding in April.

#Egintha minor (4gintha temporvalis minov).—We saw Lesser Red-
browed Finches on several occasions on the Claudie, and also saw
their old nests. Mr. M‘Lennan records them from the Archer River.

Bathilda ruficauda (Bathilda vuficauda clavescens)—Mr. M‘Lennan
met with the Red-faced Finch on the Watson River. On the 22nd
April, 1915, he flushed one from its nest placed in a stunted gum
sapling, 3 feet from the ground ; the nest contained five eges. The
birds were quite common.

Poephila leucotis (Neopoephila pervsonata — leucotis).—White-eared
Grass-Finches were common on the Archer River.

Poephila gouldiew (Poephila gouldie aymitiana).—Gouldian Grass-
Finches were common on the Archer River in.both phases of plumage.

Poephila cineta (Poephila cinctus nigrotectus).—Black-throated Grass-

Finches were common on the Archer River, where Mr. M‘Lennan
found them nesting in June. On the Watson they were nesting

Emu

208 MACcGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. at ADE

freely in April, and were mostly found frequenting the Pandanus
flats.

Neochmia phaeton albiventer. — This new _ sub-species of the
Crimson Finch we first found on 31st December in a small water-
course running through long grass towards a large patch of scrub
on the Claudie. We did not come across it again until the 19th
January, when we first secured a specimen in Pandanus and long grass
country near a swamp. Two days later we saw a few more, again
in the same class of country.. Mr. M‘Lennan found it to be common
on the Archer River, where it was nesting in April. He found his
first nest, containing four eggs, in a Pandanus, and it was mostly in
the Pandanus flats that he found them. He also noted them catching
and eating flying termites.

Stizoptera bichenovii (Stzopteva bichenovit bichenovit)—When at
Cooktown on our way up the coast we noticed several Banded
Finches in some small trees near the wharf. They were common on
the Archer River in June, where several nests containing eggs were.
found. They were also nesting in April on the Watson.

Erythura trichroa.—On the 11th January, whilst walking round
between the side of Lloyd’s Island and the mangroves, Mr. M‘Lennan
saw a new Finch. It was feeding in the grass, and took refuge in
the mangroves. We all went along next morning to look for it, but
only got a glimpse of it before it disappeared into the mangroves.
We went along to the end of the island, and on our return Mr.
M‘Lennan secured the bird. It is grass-green in general colour, with
a blue face, maroon tail and upper coverts. This species is found in
the Moluccas, Papua, and the Caroline and Solomon Islands.

Oriolus flavicinetus (Mimeta flavocincta kingi)—The Yellow Oriole
was a common bird on the Claudie. On a bright day in the scrub
the pleasant liquid bubbling notes are heard on every side. On the
8th January we found a nest on a tree near the bank of the river at
about 20 feet from the ground ; it contained the usual clutch of two
eggs. On the 28th of the same month, when wandering in dense
mangroves down the river, we came across another nest hanging in
a small horizontal branch at about 8 feet from the ground. The
nest was constructed of strips of paper-bark and lined with fibres
and rootlets. It also contained eggs. Judging by the stomach
contents, the usual food consists of wild fruits. A few were noted
in the scrub along the Archer River.

Oriolus affinis (Mimeta sagittata subaffinis)—The Northern Oriole
was noted at Cooktown. A few were noted on the Archer River in
June in the open forest.

Sphecotheres flaviventris (Sphecotheres flaviventyis flaviventyis).—
The Yellow-bellied Fig-Bird was common all through from Cooktown.
At the Claudie it frequented both scrub and open forest. This species
usually nests in the same tree as the Drongo and Helmeted Friar-Bird,
in the open forest. It feeds mostly upon wild fruits. A few were
noted on the Archer River.

Chibia bracteata (Dicruvopsis byvacteatus byvacteatus). — Spangied
Drongos were first seen in the Townsville Gardens. On the Claudie
they were common both in the scrub and open forest. Nesting com-

Nel ear MACGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists in North Queensland. 209

menced about the 23rd December, thence afterwards it continued
until well on into January. These birds are insectivorous. <A few
were seen along the Archer River.

Aplonis metallica (Metallopsar metallicus purpurascens).—We first
arrived at Lloyd’s Island at midnight. On the following morning
we were witnesses to the great numbers of Shining Starlings that
left the mangroves for the mainland. The Lorikeets (Tvichoglossus
novehollandie septentrvionalis) are the first to make off, to be soon
followed by the Caloynis (Shining Starlings), who leave in larger and
larger and more compact flocks, which whirl up and down and round
before making off to the mainland. Their flight is very rapid, and
before all have left the Pigeons begin to leave also. The Way in
which they leave the island is, however, not to be compared to the
curious and wonderful manner of their return, which we were
witnesses of on a later visit to the island.

We first noted these birds nest-building on the 6th November on a
tall deciduous scrub tree on which was a deserted nest of the Red-
backed Fish-Eagle. The tree usually chosen for the purpose is a
tall one in the scrub. Here on the Claudie the tree is usually one
that loses its leaves in the late winter and spring, which corresponds
to the dry season, and comes into flower before the leaves are put
out at the commencement of the wet season. Such trees are also
the favourite nesting sites of Eclectus pectoralis macgillivrayi, Cacatua
galertta, and Astuy nove-hollandie.

The Starlings are noisy creatures, keeping up an incessant chatter
when building and flying to and fro to their nests. We could always
tell when a Goshawk was returning to its nest by the sudden cessation
of the chattering, which would not be resumed until the Hawk had
either settled on its nest or taken its departure. The ground under
these trees is carpeted with wild nutmegs from which the mace has
been digested by the birds, and also by the stones and seeds of many
other fruits. Even when in a nutmeg or other feeding tree the
same constant chatier is kept up, the birds darting rapidly through
the trees and frequently quarrelling with one another.

On our next visit to Lloyd’s Island, on the 29th November, Mr.
M‘Lennan directed our attention to the manner of their return to
their roosting-place in the mangroves at nightfall. It happened just
before dark, after the main body of Pigeons and Parrots had passed
over, and in a way that has earned for this bird the local name of
the ‘“ Whirlwind-Bird.” We first notice a quickly-moving, dark,
cloud-lke body on the horizon over the mainland. The cloud, a com-
pact mass of these birds, moves high up into the sky, then down and
forward with a rush, upwards and backwards again in ever-changing
form. At first a compact body, it lengthens out into the sinuous
form of a snake, then closes up again to assume the shape of an aero-
plane, with two outspread wings and a central body, then as a spiral,
going rapidly upwards like a_ willy-willy of the plains, to gather
together again as a dumb-bell or some other fantastic shape, or to
spread out until the whole mass becomes diaphanous and invisible,
instantly to become a concrete form again. Going through these
performances, the flock has come high up over the sea, and when
within measurable distance of the island it dives down to the level
of the water and rushes with incredible rapidity towards the man-
groves, into which it seems to hurl itself, to roost. Whilst this is
happening to one flock, others of larger or smaller dimensions have

210 MacaILLivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. eA

appeared on the horizon, and all go through the same evolutions before
finally seeking a resting-place in the mangroves.

Shining Starlings are not wholly fruit-eaters, as we noticed a
number of them busily engaged in capturing flying insects in open’
forest. When at Raine Island, on the 1oth December, one of these
birds was found sheltering in the tower.

Ailuredus maculosus (Ad/uredus melanotus maculosus).—We seldom
saw the Spotted Cat-Bird in the scrub, but frequently heard its cat-
like cries. When first we came to the Claudie dozens of old nests
were seen in the scrub, but it was not until after our return from the
islands that we found a fresh one ; this contained a pair of eggs on
- the 21st December, and was 15 feet up in a small scrub tree. The
nest was open, constructed of sticks, and lined with bark fibre.

Chlamydera cerviniventris (C. cevviniventvis cerviniventyis).—Fawn-
breasted Bower-Birds are shy, and more often heard than seen. At
the sandalwood landing an old disused bower was on the bank of the
river right by our camp, with a still older one a few yards distant.
Mr. M‘Lennan found a new one a couple of hundred yards further
back. It was a very compact structure of closely-interwoven sticks
and twigs—so closely, that the inside walls were quite smooth, and so
secured to the floor and platforms at either end that it could be
moved en masse. On the platforms were collections of glossy green
berries, and a number are also stuck along the top of the side walls.
The old and withered berries had been removed to a place a couple
of feet away from the bower, and formed quite a small heap. Every
morning fresh berries are brought to the bower and the withered ones
are removed. Two days after finding this bower Mr. M‘Lennan and
I, when out with two blacks looking for some wild bees’ hives, heard
a Bower-Bird calling, and found a fine new bower in a small clump
of tea-tree in open forest country. It was very compactly built.
The actual bower was 14 inches long by 13 inches wide ; one wall was
6 inches high, the other 4. The passage was 3 inches in width, with
perfectly smooth inside walls. The front platform was 14 inches by
12 inches, and was covered with fresh green berries, about 100 in
all. These were also stuck in along the tops of the walls on the
inner edge, and there were a few on the rear platform, which measured
10 inches by 7 inches.

When at Cape Restoration, on the 13th January, we listened to
one of these birds giving voice to a great variety of notes, and found
that she had a fully-fledged young one with her.

Mr. Kershaw had the first bower removed on the 9th January for
transport to the Melbourne Museum. Seventeen days afterwards
the birds had a fine new bower all complete a few feet from the old
site.

Chlamydera orientalis (Rogersoynis nuchalis nuchalis).—The Queens-
land Bower-Bird was fairly plentiful on the Archer River. In July
Mr. M‘Lennan found a bower in a small patch of scrub. Length,
2 feet ; breadth; 18 inches; height, 15 inches; roofed over with a
thin layer of twigs, forming a tunnel-like run 9 inches high by 6 inches
wide, decorated with Helix shells and pieces of a white clayey stone.
In the centre of the run was a circular depression about 4 inches in
diameter, filled with fresh and rotting green fruit, ?-inch long by }-inch
in diameter.

Vol. XVII.
1918

| MAcGILLIVRAY, Ornithologists 1m North Queensland. OTT

Ptiloris alberti (Cvaspedophova magnifica albevit)—On my second
day on the Claudie, when Mr. M‘Lennan and I were on our way down
the river in a dinghy, a female Albert Rifle-Bird flew across in front
of us, closely followed by a fine male. On our way back we tied up
the boat and entered the scrub. We soon found a ragged-looking
nest 20 feet up in a fork of a thin tree. A female Rifle-Bird flew
from it, and the nest was found to contain a pair of eggs. Later, a
male perched near us, and was so intent on probing and examining
the broken end of a dry hmb that he took no notice of our presence.
Soon after, Mr. M‘Lennan, by imitating the loud, insistent whistle of
the male, succeeded in calling up three females, and for an instant
a beautiful male, with rustling plumage ; they were, however, shy
birds even here, where they had not been molested, and soon vanished
into the recesses of the scrub. Such was my introduction to this
species on the Claudie.

On the 7th November another nest was found 10 feet up in a small
scrub tree. It was constructed of broad leaves and twigs wound
round with a parasitic climbing plant pulled in its green condition.
The lining was of fine midribs of leaves and fibres. Young birds were
found in a nest on 9th November. One nest was found neatly placed
on the top of a stump formed by a small tree having broken off at
3 feet from the ground ; the stump had sprouted, the sprouts forming
a canopy of leaves over the nest. A fully-fledged young bird flew
from this nest, but was captured and conveyed to our camp. He
escaped into a tree near by, where he was found and fed by the
parent birds on the following day. The recently-hatched young are
fed upon insects, grasshoppers and beetle remains being found in
one that accidentally fell from a nest and was killed.

In Mr. M‘Lennan’s opinion, the note of this species on the Claudie
differs remarkably from its note as heard at Cape York. The Cape
York bird, for the greater part of the year, gives voice to two loud,
sharp whistles. During the breeding season there are three loud,
clear whistles and a long-drawn, diminishing note, whereas with the
Claudie bird the note is the same throughout the year, and strikingly
different from that of the Cape York bird.

Phonygama gouldi (Phonygammus kevaudvenit gouldi).—The Manu-
code—for no better or more euphonious vernacular name could be
given it—is fairly common in the scrubs of the Claudie River. It
keeps, however, to the roof of the scrub, and is not easily detected.
With its double crest and shining black plumage it is a handsome
bird. The irides are orange, bill yellow, gape black, mouth and
throat blue-black, feet and legs black, and soles of feet greyish.

Corvus cecile queenslandicus.—On the 24th November, whilst Mr.
Kershaw was skinning a wallaby at our top camp, a Crow’s voice
was heard—a harsh, short ‘‘ Ahr, ahr.’”’ Two flew over, and one
perched on a tree ; we failed to get it for a specimen. Mr. M‘Lennan
had previously obtained specimens, and several since, both on the
Claudie and on the Gulf side of the peninsula. All these have white
irides, unlike the Crows of southern parts, whose irides are hazel.
We saw more of these birds at the sandalwood landing, and over the
beach opposite Lloyd’s Island. Mr. M‘Lennan found them to be
quite numerous on the Archer River.

Strepera graculina (Siveperva gvaculina vyobinsont).—On_ several
occasions on the Pascoe Mr. M‘Lennan caught sight of a pied Bell-

212 MacaiLuivray, Ornithologists in North Queensland. Soret

Magpie, which he supposed was referable to the above species, but he
did not succeed in getting a specimen.

Cracticus rufescens (Melloyia quoyi javdini).—The Black Butcher-
Bird is a very shy bird, and, though common, it is not often seen. It
mostly keeps to the scrub. Mr. M‘Lennan noted a pair on the
Archer River, in the mangroves.

Cracticus nigrogularis (C. migvogulavis inkermani).—The Black-
throated Butcher-Bird was fairly plentiful in the forest country
bordering the Archer River.

Cracticus mentalis (Bulestes mentalis kempi)—The Black-backed
Butcher-Bird was fairly plentiful in the forest country along the
Archer River.

“ Alike in Difference.”
By E. J. BANFIELD, R.A.O.U., DunK IsLAND, QUEENSLAND.

For many years past notes have been taken of the dates of arrival
and departure of Nutmeg-Pigeons and Metallic Starlings at Dunk
Island, each observation confirming the opinion that these delightful
birds, so unlike in appearance ‘and character, have two con-
spicuous qualities in common: both are gregarious, both
wondrously precise in habit ; both come to these parts from regions
nearer the equator early in August, and fly to warmer regions
late in March. Though they have not, so far, been observed
earlier than August, on two occasions during twenty years casual
and embarrassed flocks have lingered after March, one being seen
well on in April and another towards the end of May.

This season the first appearance of the heralds of each species
were recorded on 8th August, during anything but welcoming
weather. The atmosphere was cool and dull, with high winds
and driving rain—just such conditions as seem to be abhorrent
to sun-loving birds seeking rest and refreshment after long and
turbulent flight. The Pigeons flew about excitedly, as if not too
sure of locality, for had they not been tauelt by experience to
expect serenity and light and warmth? The Starlings darted
in droves through the forest, shrieking distractedly, and dis-
appeared. Two days after, when the sun “began to resume control
of local meteorological affairs, the Starlings came again, to forth-
with tear in haste and flurry the fragments of last year’s nests
attached to the Moreton Bay ash tree in the forest. Many new
nests were built with all possible speed, and the love-making in
the tall, slim tree which has been time out of mind the head-
quarters of the most neighbourly colony showed off the sprightly
and beautiful birds in most engaging and fantastic attitudes.
On 26th September dozens of broken egg-shells were found under
the tree. There will be successive broods until the end of
January. A pair of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos still nests in the
Starling tree, and the Red-backed Sea-Eagles’ eyrie close along-

Vol. XVII. 7 co Ady , , 12
8 BANFIELD, ‘‘ Alike in Difference. yi Ge

side is bigger than ever. This one tree has therefore a motley
and worthy annual output.

The Nutmeg-Pigeons, less vivacious, and more suspicious of
man—for do they not represent easy sport to pot-hunters who
raid their nesting resorts >—have crowded Purtaboi, the islet in
the bay. Before sunrise a murmur arises from the islet, soon to
develop into a loud and melodious sound which might be likened
to that of water falling from a height into an echoing ravine
among hollow rocks, and at the first gleam of the sun the swaying
trees shed their snowy blossom as flock after flock swoops sea-
wards and sails across the blue channel to accustomed feeding-
grounds among the ranges of the mainland. The few that
remain on the islet are silent during the day ; but when the male
birds begin to strut and to “‘ Coo-hoo,”’ and to fly with clicking
wings, the sounds from Purtaboi, blended and mellowed, will
contrast with the unrestrained shriekings of the black, burnished,
red-eyed Starlings. An hour before sunset the Pigeons begin to
return. The sighing casuarinas are soon overweighted by masses
of plump white birds. The living snow settles at dusk and melts
at dawn.

Diary records show dates of departure and arrival of Metallic
Starlings and Nutmeg-Pigeons during recent years to be as
follows :—

19g12.—12th August, Starlings arrive; 13th, Nutmegs arrive.
18th December, two Red-backed Sea-Eagles roosting in Moreton
Bay ash tree this evening; Starlings seem to have deserted the
tree. 20th December, Starlings deserted Moreton Bay ash tree,
after several half-hearted attempts to re-establish colony.

1913.—12th March, have not seen Starlings or Nutmegs since
roth. 4th August, heard first of the Starlings; 11th, Starlings
have begun to lay in accustomed tree, Red-backed Sea-Eagles
also begin housekeeping ; 24th, Nutmegs in great numbers—must
have missed observation of the first flocks.

1914.—26th March, Starlings manceuvring in great flocks,
preparing for northward flight ; have not seen Nutmegs since 16th.
roth August.—Starlings return ; few in the “ nestful tree”’ ; first
of the Nutmegs seen.

1915.—25th March, have not seen Nutmegs during last few
days; note this day for departure. ist April, saw flock of
Starlings—last. 14th August, heard Starlings, about a week
earlier than usual ; 29th, Starlings begin to build; Nutmegs arrive
in large flocks; probably the heralds came a_ fortnight ago,
escaping notice.

1916.—25th March, Starlings depart; 28th, Nutmegs depart.
Ist August, Starlings make their first appearance ; 2nd, Nutmegs
this afternoon on Purtaboi.

1917.—12th April, Nutmegs on Purtaboi, latest date on record
save for the belated flocks specified. 4th July, Sea-Eagles begin
15

Emu
1st April

214 BANFIELD, ‘‘ Alike in Difference.”
to build in Starling tree, Cockatoos occupying spout in same tree.
8th August, Starlings and Nutmegs arrive. 26th September, egg-
shells beneath Starling tree.

On the last day of September this year an attempt was made
during a boating trip to compute the number of Nutmeg-Pigeons
passing from the mainland to the Family Islands, a few miles to
the southward of Dunk Island. The birds in each trailing flock,
as well as the number of flocks per minute, were averaged, it being
estimated that 20,000 passed in an hour over a strip of ocean a
mile wide. Since the aerial. pathway favoured by the birds from
the mainland to the islets is about three miles wide, not less than
60,000 travelled over it. The parties to the estimate agreed among
themselves that it had the merit of being conservative.

Metallic Starlings may be even more numerous than Nutmeg-
Pigeons, for their colonies, though not so concentrated as those
of the Pigeons, are more fruitful. The Nutmeg hatches a single
egg at each successive brood during the season; the Starling’s
clutch averages four. The first brood may be born in September ;
the final as late as the end of February.

May both the beautiful and entertaining birds be long one of
the most edifying features of the tropical coast ! _

Further Notes upon Cormorants, their Food,
Temperatures, &c.
Bx Capt. S. A? Ware; M.B:O.U-) RAO U:

ONE or two articles having appeared in The Emu from my pen
upon this subject, 1t may be interesting to the readers of The
Emu to see further information upon a subject the writer has
been following up for some time past.

The Messrs. Rymill Bros. having most kindly arranged to take
Dr. Morgan and the writer to a well-known Cormorant rookery
in the mangroves, we left on the evening of 22nd March, 1917,
in the motor yacht Avocet, and reached the mangrove swamps
next day and at once started operations. Only two species of
Cormorants were met with—Hypoleucus varius hypoleucus, the
orange-faced bird, and Mucrocarbo melanoleucus (Little Pied
Cormorant). Twelve specimens of the larger species were taken,
and five of the smaller. I am indebted to my friend Dr. A. M.
Morgan for the temperatures, and we spent Saturday morning
taking measurements, dissecting, and making examination of
stomach contents, which resulted as follows :—

Stomach contents, Hypoleucus v. hypoleucus.—No, 1, leatherjacket
(Monacanthus, sp.),- box-fish (Aracana, sp.), weed-fish (Odax
waterhoust), trumpeter (Atypechthys strigatus); No. 2, many fish
remains, most likely same as preceding one ; No. 3, quite empty ;
No. 4, fish remains like weed-fish ; No. 5, fish remains, parasitic
worms ; No. 6, portions of squid, one box-fish; No. 7, a small

eens Waite, Further Notes upon Cormorants. 215

shell, brown weed-fish, shrimps ; No. 8, brown weed-fish, parasitic
worms, box-fish ; No. 9, fish-bones, particles of shells; No. Io,
weed-fish, leatherjacket, box-fish, shell grit; No. 11, a species of
flathead, g green weed-fish ; No. 12, parasitic worms, seaweed,
fish-bones.

Temperatures.—No. 1 106.2, No. 2 106.4, No. 3 105.2, No. 4
105.0, No. 5 106.2, No. 6 105.4, No. 7 109.0, No. 8 106.0, No. 9
109.0, No. 10 109.6, No. 11 108.6, No. 12 107.6.

Measurements and Weights.—All measurements are in centi-
metres and weights in lbs. :—No. I, 3, weight 54, length 83.50,
spread 129.90, wing 58.25; No. 2 Oo ete A; lene thy 70-75,
spread 126.75, wing 55.60 ; No. 3, 3, weight 44, length 81, spread
128, wing 56.75 ; No. 4, 9, weight 33, length 74.75, spread 121/75,
wing 53.25; No. 5, 9, weight 32, length 75.80, spread 118.25, wing
53-25 ; No. 6, 3, weight 33, length 82.25, spread 126.75, wing 56. 75 3 :
INOW 7, 3, weight 5, length Sr, spread 133, wing 58.75; No. 8, d,
beer 44, length 78.30, spread 126.75; wing 50; No. Bo 3, weight
43, length 81, spread 128.75, wing 56.75; No. 10, 3, weight 43,
length 83.50, spread 131.75, wing 58.25; No. 11, 9, weight 4,
length 78.30, spread 124.75, wing 55.25; No. 12, 6, weight 4k,
length 81, spread 128, wing 58.

Microcarbo melanoleucus.—Stomach contents:—-No. 1, Two
weed-fish ; No. 2, eight small crabs; No. 3, remains of small fish;
No. 4, small fish ; No. 5, one brown weed-fish.

Temperatures.—No. I 105.2, No. 2 107.0, No. 3 107.0, No. 4
106.0, No. 5 105.4,

Measurements and Weights.—No. I, 3, weight 14, length 58.75,
spread 87.25, wing 41.75 ; No. 2, 3, weight 1, length 58.25, spread
87.25, wing 40.50; No. 3, 9, weight 1, length 57.0, spread 89.25,
wing 40.0; No. 4, ¢, weight 14, length 57.0, spread 88.0, wing,
39.50; No. 5, 6, weight 14, length 62.0, spread 97.50, wing 44.25.

As far as we could tell, neither species was nesting, but many
specimens of the larger variety showed signs of breeding by
having the bill black, bright green under the eye, and gular pouch
purple.

Would like to draw attention to the fact that only one (and that
doubtful) marketable fish was found out of 17 specimens examined.
Where are all those quantities of splendid fish some fishermen
tell us these birds devour ? The fish here called a trumpeter is
not the Tasmanian edible fish, but a non-marketable fish found in
South Australian waters.

A Curiosity. . Frank Mack, of Narromine, N.S.W.,
sent me a curiosity in the shape of a Welcome Swallow’s (Hirundo
neoxena) nest built upon the flat side of the bill of an Eagle-Hawk
(Uroaétus audax). The Eagle’s body had hung for some time
in an outhouse, and the Swallows had evidently considered the
head to be a suitable nesting-site—HENRY L. WHITE. Belltrees,
NESW, 5/10/17.

216 MATTINGLEY, The Ground-Parrot. en

The Ground-Parrot (Pezoporus formosus).
By Ag, Ee MATTINGEBY, 1CM.ZS:-

THESE beautiful birds are to be sought where the wind goes
alternatively sobbing, soughing, whistling, and sighing through
the harsh herbage, which renders the bird’s light-timbred call
difficult of segregation. This separation from other bird-calls
and subsequent fixture of the position of the Ground-Parrot’s
voice is a requisite essential to successful observation and the
discovery of the bird and its place of abode without its being
startled by being forced to fly up to disclose itself, which act is
contrary to its desire and usual habit of comporting itself.

The Ground-Parrot.

PHOTO. BY A. H, E MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z.S.

This interesting bird is local in habit, and can usually be found
in the same area of country—moorlands or coastal plains. To
seek out a bird one should requisition the services of a well-trained
pointer or setter, which can help one considerably to find and
flush the bird when desired, or to “ point’’ it out. These birds
have a “scent,”’ and dogs can readily “ pick up”’ their trail, run
them down, and “set”? them. As they go singly or in pairs,
and are sparsely distributed, a dog that “ranges ’”’ well will soon
indicate their presence or absence.

In selecting its home, the Ground-Parrot naturally frequents
a type of country that affords a close covert as a protection from
observation from above, and in harmony with its own colour;

Vol. XVII.
1918

MATTINGLEY, The Ground-Parrot. 217
and as well it chooses a class of growth that permits of the free
exercise of its habit of running rapidly through it, but free from
observation ; and a place which also contains its food supply,
consisting mainly of the seeds of grasses and shrubs and tender
shoots of plants.

The Ground-Parrot has been occasionally encountered in
swampy places on uplands, and has also been found on open
plains and swampy areas on mountains. Like its congener, the
Night-Parrot (Geopsittacus occidentalis), the Ground-Parrot is
doomed to early extinction on the mainland of Australia,
especially in those parts whereon the foxes are encroaching, in
the course of the next few years, as will be shown later on.

The call of the Ground-Parrot is issued in a somewhat warbling
fashion, harmonious withal, but conveying a sense of sadness
well befitting the nature of its environment. On windy days
the note is rarely heard, no doubt on account of its want of
fulness and carrying capacity. It appears to be used solely in
calling to its mate. As far as could be ascertained, it uses its
call as infrequently as possible. The following is the call set to
music, and is repeated softly by the bird two or three times
generally :—

ee os ae er oe eee —
=f 6— ee ae

Roe three times.

The notes, therefore, of the last remnants of the Pezoporus are not
easily detected.

Ground-Parrots lead a terrestrial life solely, and are never found
in trees. I have seen a bird, however, climb up to the height
of about one foot on a shrub after some seeds growing thereon.
When flushed they fly rapidly away, somewhat after the whirring
manner of a Quail, but not so direct, since they zigzag in their
course. ‘ No fright screech is uttered either when rising from the
ground during flight or on capture. When handled the birds
bite savagely. in ‘defence of their liberty. When flushed they
mount up in the air about 4 or 5 feet—usually a foot or two above
the herbage—and proceed from 30 yards to even as far as
200 yards should the intervening ground flown over be too open
or otherwise unsuitable to alight on as a covert. The late Mr.
A. J. North records that on one occasion he noticed birds that he
had flushed alight on a fence.

I am informed by an old Quail-shooter who lived by hunting
that his retriever dog used, years ago, when the Parrots were
plentiful, to run down these birds and frequently capture them.
This evidences the fact that it is a difficult matter to flush the
birds. I have noticed, once birds have been flushed, if there be
plenty of cover available, the Ground-Parrot will not flush again,
expose itself, and fly away, but it prefers to trust to its powers
of running to place itself beyond danger, They sleep on the

Emu
ist April

218 MATTINGLEY, The Ground-Parrot.
ground at night, and are therefore easily caught by prowling
foxes, since the strong scent emitted by them attracts the wily
animal. As they nest on the ground, the fox and other predatory
creatures, such as domestic cats gone wild, dingoes, native cats,
snakes, and lizards have little difficulty in obtaining their eggs
or young.

An old correspondent of mine, Mr. Percy Peir, a well-known
aviculturist, of Sydney, has kept a pair of these Parrots alive for
some years in an aviary where the conditions were more suitable
than in the ordinary bird-cage, and where they could run about
on the ground.

Ground-Parrots are exceedingly active and graceful in contour,
and the colour of their plumage is as distinctive as the livery of
many other Australian Parrots is gaudy. The adult plumage of
both sexes is similar, being dark grass-green, or, to be more
correct, a bright Rinnemann’s green, barred alternately with
black and yellow, on the upper surface, and a yellowish-green,
barred also alternately with black and yellow, on the lower and
abdominal surfaces. The forehead is surmounted with a distinct
scarlet-tinged nopal red patch. The feet (which are somewhat
large, and have four toes) and legs, adapted for running, are of a
fleshy-pink colour tinged with blue-black.*

Their food consists largely of grass-seed, such as that of
kangaroo-grass (Anthistiria), fruit of the tea-tree (Melaleuca),
wattle (Acacia) seed, and tender shoots of grasses. JI am informed
by a Quail-shooter that the flesh of the Ground-Parrot is excellent
eating, and equal to that of Quail.

The breeding period ranges through the months of September,
October, and November. The eggs usually number three or four
to a clutch, are round in form like most Parrots’ eggs, and of a
glossy white colour, with a shell of fine texture. It is somewhat
remarkable that the eggs are not coloured, like those of most
ground-nesting birds. Coloured eggs afford some modicum of
protection from the prying eye of an enemy. This fact is all the
more noticeable when we know that the nest of the Ground-
Parrot is simply a somewhat deep hollow in the ground. The nest,
which is composed of grasses, is placed in a grass tussock or in
a mixture of heath and coarse grass, which, overlapping as a
rule, forms an overhead canopy.

Three varieties or sub-species of the Ground-Parrot are
recorded for Australasia, viz.:—P. formosus, Latham—range,
South Queensland,’ New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia ;
P. flaviventris, North—range, Western Australia; P. leachi,
Mathews—range, Tasmania. .

* Little seems to be recorded with reference to the immature plumage of
Pezoporus. The red patch on the forehead is missing in the immature birds
during their infancy, but is represented as they develop by asmall dull yellow
patch, visible in both sexes. The plumage of the ventral surface generally is
more suffused with yellow, whilst the dark marking of the feathers-of the
throat is much more pronounced.

Vol. XVII.

208 AsuBy, Birds in Neighbourhood of Pungonda. 219

Notes on Some of the Birds Met with in the
Neighbourhood of Pungonda,

ON BorDER BETWEEN SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND VICTORIA, 25 MILES
SouTH OF RENMARK, BETWEEN IITH AND I4TH SEPTEMBER,
EOQX7:

By Epwin Asupy, M.B.O.U., WitTUNGA, BLAcKwoor, S.A.

”)

THE neighbourhood visited was mostly “ pine’’ country—that is,
the country was undulating, extensive red sand-ridges running
east and west, with broad flats between. The low-lying portions
of the flats were covered with salt-bush, the sand-ridges with
exceptionally fine, well-grown native pines (Callitris). On the
South Australian side the pine ridges were well grassed, also the
slopes and higher parts of the flats. The Victorian side showed
a complete contrast, evidently badly eaten out. On the border
there were many low hills of a form of gypsum called kopai ;
upon these mounds very little vegetation grew except tall mallee.
One large patch of “ bull-oak” (Casuarina), interspersed with
native pine, was visited, the oaks attaining a height of from 30 to
40 feet, with trunks of considerable dimensions.

The pines were everywhere occupied with the very interesting
Chestnut-crowned Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficeps, Hart.) Their
huge nests, made of coarse sticks, were most common, but few
were occupied, and those that were in use had young. The way
in which these nests hung together was quite remarkable ; a nest
thrown down from the top of a tree was undamaged when picked
up. The notes of this bird were very distinct from those of P.
superciliosus, and so varied that one was continually going after
apparently a fresh bird, which after all turned out to be P.
ruficeps. A nest with young alongside of the camp was watched,
and quite a number of adult birds took part in the feeding of the
young.

An interesting find was the White-eyebrowed Tree-creeper
(Climacteris superciliosa, North). One male was secured in the
pine scrub close to Pungonda, and later a pair secured in the
bull-oak on the Victorian side. They appear to be most silent
birds ; although the birds were about, only once or twice in an hour
was a whistle heard. The one shot in the pine scrub uttered a
low chattering noise very similar to that of C. scandens.

In the neighbourhood of the wheat stacks (now removed) a
number of Parrots were seen, the most common being the
Mallee Parrot (Barnardius barnardi) and Many-coloured Parrot
(Psephotus multicolor). The latter birds are variable ; one showed
a double red band on the rump, others a single band.

Psephotus hematogaster (Northtella hematogaster alter, Mat.),
the Crimson-bellied Parrot, were in small flocks, but no specimens
were obtained on this occasion. Both morning and evening
couples could be heard flying over on their way to and from
their feeding-grounds, uttering the loud cry peculiar to this
species, and so different from the calls of its near allies,

Emu

220 AsuBy, Birds in Neighbourhood of Pungonda. ae a

Myzantha flavigula, Gld. (the Yellow-throated Miner), was very
numerous ; nests with eggs were found. It was rather re-
markable the Black-eared Miner (M. melanotis) was not to
be seen; neither was the Southern Black-headed Miner (M.
melanocephala whiter, Mat.) present, though this latter was
common along the river a few miles away, near Loxton. Cer-
tainly, the Black-eared Miner would be met with a few miles
further south; it was the only species I noticed near Ka-
roonda. I would suggest that the respective habitats of these
three species are determined by the vegetation ; thus, the Black-
headed Miner is not found any distance away from the large red
gums along the River Murray, the Yellow-throated Miner in the
pine and large mallee country, and the Black-eared Miner in the
small mallee.

Ocyphaps lophotes, Tem. (Crested Pigeon), were most numerous.
Their habit of flying to some dead branch and erecting their crest
was most taking. Often three or four would lodge in the same
tree, forming a very effective picture silhouetted against the
skyline.

Malurus melanotus, Gould (Black-backed Wren) were most
numerous on the flats. They seldom went far from the clumps
of dense bushes, 3 or 4 feet high, being met with but sparingly
amongst the smaller salt-bush. The habits of this lovely bird
seem identical with those of the White-winged Wren. We did
not find any nests during our brief stay, but think had we had more
time we should have done so.

Myzomela nigra (Cissomela nigra ashbyt, Mat.), Black Honey-
eater, were not uncommon. One’s attention was usually called
to them by hearing their warning call—a low but strangely
penetrating whistle; at a little distance this whistle so closely
resembles the call of the Scrub-Robin that at first I thought I was
listening to that species. This was in large mallee, on the Vic-
torian side of the boundary. During our stay we neither saw nor
heard this bird. One nest with eggs of Myzomela nigra was found
placed in a fork of dead mallee about 3 feet from the ground.

Corvus bennett, North (Small-billed Crow).—Two nests of this
bird were found, both with young; it seems the Crow of the
district.

My companions on the trip were Messrs. F. E. Parsons and.
M. E. Saunders, both members of the R.A.O.U. The foregoing
brief notes are only a few of the results of our mutual work. We
were evidently too far north for the typical Mallee forms ; only
one Hylacola was noted, and that was in smaller mallee a few
miles to the south. No Nightjars were either seen or heard.

Eggs of Corella.—8/8/16.—A Corella (Licmetis nasica) laid one
egg in captivity. 39/8/16, a second egg laid. 23/8/16, a third
egg laid (double yolk).—A. F. D’OmBrarn. Sydney.

ene Forp, Birds of Tanjil River and Ranges. DON:

Birds about the Tanjil River and Ranges, Victoria,
1910-1917.
SEEN OR HEARD BY H. W. Forp, R.A.O.U.

BLAck Swans (Chenopts atrata).—During July, 1916, these birds
used to fly over our camp between 7 and 8 p.m. nearly every
night, and always going west. On looking at the map, our camp
was in direct E. and W. lime between Gippsland Lakes and
Western Port Bay. During July, 1917, no Swans were heard
going Over.

Emu (Dromaius nove-hollandia).—In March, 1917, a pair of
these birds came to eat the blackberries near camp, and were
seen for some time about. They were fairly tame. Two rifle-
shots heard where they used to feed ; birds never seen after.

Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa).—A few pairs come up the
river to the lagoons or flats in the breeding season. They are
mostly shot before they rear their young. I have not seen any
others of the Duck tribe about here.

Black-tailed Native-Hen (Tribonyx ventralis).—A few always
to be seen about the lagoons. They breed every year about same
place.

Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus).—Always about the
ranges. Nest in the district.

Gang-Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon galeatum). — Plentiful.
Nests seen in high gum-tree spouts in October to January. They
lay usually in October, and young leave the nests from December
to middle of January. Saw young come from nest on 15th
January, 1917. There are never more than two young as far as
seen, and fully as often only one young one. During the time
the young were growing they appeared to be fed on the seeds of
the silver wattle, which were not quite ripe; in fact, the wattles
down the gullies nearly always had parties of Gang-Gangs—parents
and young—feeding in them. They were very quiet, and took
no notice of me passing beneath the trees. On 30th January,
1917, in forenoon, a flock of these birds came up the gully going
north, the flock being increased by other small parties coming
in from the ranges. They all went over the range to north. On
30th August, 1917, saw two pairs cleaning out nesting-holes.

King Parrot (A prosmictus cyanopygius).—Fairly plentiful. Called
“Spud Parrot’ by selectors, as they attacked the potatoes when
dug and lying on ground, also maize crops and fruit (peaches).

Crimson Parrot (Red Lory) (Platycercus elegans).—Always
here; nested near our camp in November, 1916. Birds very
plentiful.

Rosella (Platycercus extimius),—Always here; a few compared
to King Parrot and Red Lory. Nested in stump near our camp,
November, 1916; laid six eggs, brought out five young, and
reared the lot. Young birds left nest as under :—Two birds on
22/1/17, one bird on 24th, one on 26th, two on 27th—one in
forenoon and one in afternoon. The nesting stump was 14 feet,

222 Forp, Birds of Tanjil River and Ranges. ae

with 3 feet deep hollow in top. It was interesting to watch the
old birds trying to get the young to leave the hollow after first
two came out.

Sacred Kingfisher (Halcyon sanctus).—A few pairs of birds
about. One pair nested near us. They are very pugnacious,
and drive all other birds away from near their nesting-tree.

Blue Kingfisher (Alcyone azurea).—A few of these beautiful
little blue and copper-coloured bigds about the Tanjil River.

Grey Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica).—Always here.
Two that were about camp got very tame. They would fly on to
my lap, back, or shoulder when I came to feed them, and would
sit on my knee and feed out of my hands. They like cheese
better than other foods—cooked meat, grubs, and fat ; don’t care
for bread or rice.

Lyre-Birds (Menura victorie@).—Five birds seen, and some
others heard. These birds are being. killed out by foxes, I think,
as they are in less‘numbers than 30 odd years ago here.

Scarlet-breasted Robin (Petroica leggit).—Several pairs seen.
One pair about camp for four years ; leaves in spring and returns
in the autumn—twice with a young Fantail Cuckoo, once with a
young Pallid Cuckoo, and last time no young of any kind, so in
four years they have not reared any Robins.

Flame-breasted Robin (Petroica phenicea).—Plentiful in winter.

Pink-breasted Robin (Petroica rhodinogaster).—One pair seen
down in scrubby gully.

The following birds are always to be seen near the camp :—
Wattle-Birds (Anthochera carunculata), Butcher-Bird (Cracticus
destructor), Mountain Thrush (Oveocincla lunulata), Welcome
Swallow (Hirundo neoxena), Spotted Ground-Bird (Cinclosoma
punctatum), Blue Wrens (Malurus cyaneus), Yellow-tailed and other
Tits (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa, A. mathewsi, A. pusilla), Fire-tailed
Finch (Zoneginthus bellus), Red-browed Finch (4gintha tempor-
alis), Coachwhip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans) (saw young birds
just left the nest on 24/12/16), Golden-breasted Whistler (Pachy-
cephala guttuvalis), Rufous-breasted Whistler (P. rufiventris),
Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin (Eopsaltria australis) (saw nest
with young 20/12/16), Spine-billed Honey-eater (A canthorhynchus
tenuirosiris), White-eared (Ptilotis leucotis), White-plumed (P.
ornata), White-eared (P. penicillata), and White-bearded Honey-
eaters (Meliornis nove-hollandi@)—the Spinebill is the most
plentiful; Zosterops (Z. dorsalis), White-backed Magpie (Gym-
norhina leuconota), Bell-Magpies (Strepera anaphonensis and
Strepera graculina), Brown Tree-creepers (Climacteris scandens),
Satin Bower-Bird (Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus) (destructive in
gardens to peas, vegetables, &c.), Wonga-Wonga Pigeon (Lewco-
sarcia picata) (over a dozen seen), Bronzewing Pigeon (Phaps
chalcoptera), White-shafted Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa), Rufous-
fronted Fantail (R. vrufifrons), Black-and-White Fantail (R.
motacilloides) (only saw one, on 12/9/17), Pipit (Anthus australis),
Spotted Crake (Porzana fluminea), Pardalotes (P. punctatus) (saw

Vol. XVII.
1918

Forp, Birds of Tanjil River and Ranges. 223
a pair of Spotted birds excavating in a bank on 25/9/17),
Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter torquatus), Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook),
Frogmouth -(Podargus sirigotdes), White-fronted Herons (Noto-
phoyx nove-hollandie), Pied Grallina (Grallina picata) (a pair about
the camp, but the White-backed Magpies drove them away),
Laughing Jackass (Dacelo gigas).

The following birds were only seen occasionally :—Nankeen
Kestrel (Cerchneis cenchrotdes), White-winged Chough (Corcorax
melanorhamphus) (two flocks seen, 1916 and 1917), Wedge-tailed
Eagle (Uroaétus audax) (noticed carrying stick for building nest),
Whistling-Eagle (Haliastur sphenurus), Black-cheeked Falcon
(Falco melanogenys), and Little Falcon (F. lunulatus). Also
European birds, such as Starlings, Goldfinches, and Sparrows.
Several species were in evidence during the summer only, such as
Leatherheads (Tvopidorhynchus corniculatus), Orioles (Ortolus
viridis) (arrived in 1917 on 15th August), Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus
pallidus) (first heard in 1917 on 22nd August), Fantail Cuckoo
(Cacomantis flabelliformis) (first heard in 1917 on 8th August),
Bronze-Cuckoos (Chalcococcyx basalts) (first heard in 1917 on
22nd August), Wood-Swallows (Artamus fpersonatus and A.
sordidus) (come in flocks for nesting), Spine-tailed Swifts (Chetura
caudacuta), and Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon arvel).

Tasmanian Notes.

Swifts and Weather.—The past summer was remarkable for the
number of Spine-tailed Swifts (Chetura caudacuta) which visited
North-West Tasmania. None came within my personal ken until
4th February, although a pioneer pair was reported by Foster
Leek from the neighbourhood of Mersey Bluff as early as 6th
December, 1916. When, however, these birds did begin to make
their regular appearance, they were on view at frequent intervals
until the third week of April. The first individuals which I saw,
early in February, passed at intervals towards the west, then
returned, and were apparently insect-catching, for the-air was
full of flying beetles, Tipule (crane-flies), and moths, the time
being about 8 p.m., near dark. Numbers of flying ants were
observed emerging from a decayed log and taking wing, so that
the Swifts were well supplied with food variety. The evening was
clear, with light breeze from S.E., but next day was cloudy and
rain threatened. On 21st February there was a warm rain all
day from the N.E., then a cool change, wind veering N.W. to
S.W. Heavy fall of snow occurred shortly afterwards on the
Tiers, in sight to the south. On the 23rd inst. the Swifts, which
had not been seen since the 4th inst., came after dinner, and were
seen heading to N.W. against a heavy squall. Between 3 and
4 o'clock a large party passed to N.W. against heavy wind and
showers, flying very high—the highest could just be discerned
against the thick squall-cloud. They were moving in circles,

, Emu
224 Tasmanian Notes. SP AGA

but making steady progress to windward. On 25th the wind
was fairly strong and cool from $.W., and numbers of Swifts were
about Mersey Bluff all the morning, sweeping almost to the
ground, then rising to a fair height, taking insect food. Next
morning, between 7 and 8 o'clock, the wind was cold and from
the $.W.; the sky was covered with fine interlacing cirrus, and
numbers of the birds were circling very high from E. and S.E.
towards the N.W. Later in the day, the breeze moderating and
the sun becoming warm, the Swifts were all the afternoon between
Don Road and Mersey Bluff, passing backwards and_ forwards,
feeding, at a low altitude. After sunset the wind was again cold
and from the $.W.; the birds, singly and in pairs, passed con-
tinuously towards the N.W., often tacking backwards and
forwards while doing so. They were at varying heights, from
50 to perhaps 400 feet, but mostly high. They were still going
over, sparsely, one in three or four minutes, at a height of 50 or
60 feet, as long as I could see, and there may have been numbers
passing at a _ greater altitude. The following day, between
noon and 1 o’clock, numbers were flying backwards and forwards
at a great height, looking no larger than flies. The wind was
N.E. and light, thundery clouds were passing over from the west.
Their next appearance was recorded on 6th March, when from
half an hour before sunset until after sunset there was a great
company overhead. A large number, fully 300 feet up, were
circling and wheeling, apparently for pleasure; others, much
lower, were flying backwards and forwards capturing insects, for
great numbers of beetles and ants were in the air. Some flew
just over my cottage, “‘ swishing”’ very distinctly with their long
wings —sometimes gliding, sometimes fluttering the wings,
turning on one side, then reversing, like a swimmer ‘‘ changing
arm’’ in side-stroke. There had been a thunderstorm in the
morning, followed by a close, muggy atmosphere, which is very
favourable for bringing flying ants, beetles, and other insects into
the air. The birds were about until nearly dark; the wind was
light and variable. The 14th March was very squally from the
N.W., with heavy showers, and so on through the night. Next
morning, at 8 a.m., large numbers of the birds passed over at a
height of about 300 feet towards the N.W., not circling or feeding ;
the air had then changed to light southerly, with overcast sky.
There was a cold change, with snow on the Tiers, on the night of
the 21st. On the afternoon of the 22nd Swifts appeared at
varying heights up to 150 feet, apparently taking food ; the wind
was squally, strong from $.W., heavy cumulo-stratus clouds
spread over the sky. On 23rd and 25th Swifts again appeared ;
on 26th they were very high, gliding towards the west, the wind
being S.E., and the birds just discernible against heavy cumulus
clouds. There had been heavy showers at mid-day and early in
the afternoon. Later in the afternoon the birds were seen near
the beach, flying low and feeding. These appearances were noted
every day or two until 17th April, when a few birds were seen

Vol. XVII. .
eas Tasmanian Notes. 225

feeding at a height of 30-60 feet; next morning there was a
change to drizzling rain, which seems to have heralded the
departure for the season of the last of the Swifts.—H. Stuart
Dove, F.Z.S., R.A.O.U. West Devonport, Tasmania, 18/8/17.

** ** *

Early Nesting of White-beard.—During the last week of August,
1917, my attention was called to a nest of the White-bearded
Honey-eater (Meliornis nove-hollandie) situated in a prickly wattle
(Acacia verticillata) which had sprung up in the grounds of a friend
here. The nest was in a fork about Io feet up, and on Ist
September I got a step-ladder and investigated, to see whether
incubation had started. To my surprise the contents were three
fully-feathered young, snugly packed into their cup-shaped
domicile. My friend saw them out with their parents two days
afterwards. The nest must have been finished about the end of
July, which is the earliest I have ever known for this species, or
for any of the family, in this State. It was fortunate (or was it
- prevision ?) that the pair selected August for the rearing of their
brood, as that month was most unusually fine and sunny; the
present month of September has, so far, been distinguished by
rough winds and heavy, soaking rains. Inside the cup-shaped
nest of small twigs was placed some fine bark, which the birds
had pulled from a clematis stem, and upon this was a felted
mass of white material. This was examined with a lens, and
appeared to consist chiefly of long hair-like processes, resembling
those from clematis seeds, and small white florets, probably from
a native plant. The partiality of the White-beard to a floral
lining is well known to ornithologists. Mr. A. J. Campbell, in
his “‘ Nests and Eggs,’’ mentions one from Upper Werribee which
was entirely lined with soft, yellowish-white seed-casings ; and
Mr. H. C. Thompson and myself, when investigating a nest some
years ago, built into the fork of a paper-bark tea-tree (Melaleuca)
at Distillery Creek, North Tasmania, found it lined with the soft
downy seed-pods of the “Cotton Shrub” (Pimelea nivea). —
He SscuArD Dove; F.Z.5., R-AcO:US West Devonport, Tasmania.
8/9/17.

* ** *

Spring Migrants in Tasmania.—The notes of the Tree Diamond-
Bird (Pardalotus affints), or “ Pick-it-up,’’ were heard for the first
time this season in the white gums at the Mersey Bluff on the
morning of 27th August. The first Welcome Swallow (Hirundo
neoxena) was seen on the afternoon of 26th August at Wood’s
Slip, on the Mersey, about a mile from the sea. The afternoon was
beautifully warm and summer-like, with a breeze from S.W. On
the morning of the 28th a Swallow was back at Leek’s Gardens,
Mersey Bluff, where Swallows build each year under the verandahs
of the dwelling-house. On the same morning, which was beauti-
fully sunny, with a light breeze off the sea, a Fantail Cuckoo

‘ Emu
226 Tasmanian Notes. eho

(Cacomantis flabelliformis) was trilling from a gum-tree, and some
newly-arrived Pipits (Anthus australis) were sporting with one
another on the track close to the beach. These birds seem to me
lighter in tint when they first arrive, as if they had wintered on
the sandy plains of Central or Western Australia, and their
plumage had taken a corresponding tint. One or two stayed the
winter with us, as did several Fantail Cuckoos and a pair of
Summer-Birds (Graucalus parvirostris). The main body of
Graucali are not ‘here yet ; they usually arrive in September and
October, as do the large Pallid Cuckoos (C. fallidus).—H. STUART
Dove, F.Z.S., R.A.O.U. West Devonport, Tasmania, 30/8/17.

* *% *

Nesting of White-bearded Honey-eater (Meliornis nove-
hollandia) in Tasmania.—The pair of White-beards which I
recorded as having fully-feathered young here on Ist September
built again very soon afterwards in the fork of a cypress
(Cupressus macrocarpa), about 18 feet from the ground, and on
the morning of 18th September there were three eggs, which had
evidently been laid a few days, as there were two newly-hatched
young on the morning of 26th September. One of these was
out with the parents on 8th October; the other left the nest the
following day; the third egg was found cast out beneath the
nest. The first nest of this pair, which was built at the forking
of a branch from the main stem of a prickly wattle (A. verticillata),
about g feet from the ground, was composed of tough brown
rootlets, some nearly 12 inches in length, long pieces of string,
and bark fragments. The thick felted lining, when re-examined,
was found to consist mainly in the seeds of the aster, with the
pappus still adhering, my friend, in whose grounds the nest was
placed, being a large grower of these plants. When portions of
the lining were pulled out, a number of lines like strong spider-
web were seen connecting it with the side of the nest. Width of
nest over all, 5 inches; depth of nest, outside, 3 inches; width
of egg cavity, 24 inches ; depth of egg cavity, 2 inches. The second
nest was similar, except that for the foundation lining the birds
tore off portions of the circumference of tree-mallow (Lavatera
arborea) leaves and placed them in the bottom of the egg cavity.
The mallow was growing in the same garden, and certain of the
leaves became whitish and semi-decayed at the edges. The
Honey-eaters hung on to these, and tore off portions with their
bills ; after placing these in position, they formed a dense soft
lining over them, consisting of hundreds of small, oval, woolly
calices or seed-vessels, with a quantity of pappus-hair intermixed.
A noticeable point about these Honey-eaters is their extreme
pugnacity when nesting ; they would not allow any others of the
Meliphagide in the same grounds while breeding was progressing.
The Crescent Honey-eater was formerly numerous in this large
garden, but was completely driven out by the pair of White-beards,
although still numerous in my own garden, about a mile distant,

Vol. XVII. 7 : ;
ae Tasmanian Notes. 2A,

which the White-beards have not frequented this season. When
my friend was pruning his fruit trees with the long-handled
seccateurs, the male Honey-eater would come and attack the knives
while they were working, probably attracted by the sharp “ click,”
which much resembles his own alarm note. When the knives
were held up, but not worked, he desisted from the attack.—
H. Stuart Dove, F.Z.S. West Devonport, Tasmania.

** * *

Harriers.—The Harrier (Circus gouldt) is, to my mind, after
the Wedge-tailed and Sea-Eagles, our finest bird of prey, and I
have been rejoiced to see a marked increase in its numbers during
the past two seasons. In springtime it is a grand sight to watch
a pair of these birds, with their great wing-spread, playing together
high up in the “ethereal blue,” turning at times a complete
somersault, and uttering their wild cry as if permeated with the
sheer joy of living. How a man can pay his bills with such
“ blood-money’”’ as that derived from the slaughter of these
harmless and beautiful birds, as related in the current Emu
(vol. xvil., p. I09), passes comprehension. I was pleased to see
the editor’s comment—‘ Why this useless slaughter ?’’ If the
New Zealand Acclimatization Society will consider the case of
the brave and accomplished Lord Lucas, who lost his life during
an aeroplane ascent in Flanders, and had previously willed his
fine estate in Norfolk as a bird sanctuary, but especially for the
breeding and preservation of the Harriers, in whose aerial evolutions
he took the greatest delight, it should go far towards inducing
the society to abrogate its barbarous enactment.—H. Stuart
Dove, F.Z.S. West Devonport, Tasmania.

* * *

The Black Bell-Magpie (Strepera fuliginosa).—Last Christmas
vacation I spent a week with friends (Wilsons) at The Steppes.
I was much interested in the Black Magpies, which were regular
visitants to the homestead. The original pair came about ten or
twelve years ago, and many of their progeny are now about, and
are particularly tame in winter, when snow is on the ground, and
food, therefore, scarce. A pair of the old birds frequently brought
their two young ones to the house during my visit. The latter
were nearly as big as their parents, but whenever the camera was
in evidence they kept under the shadow of a large willow tree
overhanging the roof. Sometimes their rather petulant cries
would be heard as early as 4 a.m. as they walked about the roof,
evidently wondering why their tit-bits had not been placed out
for them. There were several nests in the gum-trees near the
house, where the birds build regularly. In my journey to The
Steppes I noticed, as we drove along, fourteen nests of these
birds, placed at varying heights. Some were in the dark-leaved
cider gums, others in the ordinary white gums. Their nests were
also seen in some of the trees near the road on the way to the

: Emu
228 Tasmanian Notes: ist April

Great Lake. I questioned Miss Wilson about the behaviour of
the Black Magpies, and she gave me the following information :—
The tame birds prefer sweet food, such as cake, but when the
ground is frozen hard they will eat anything. Sometimes they
go into the stable loft and catch mice in the hay. They are very
fond of chickens while they are small, and these have to be kept
shut up till they are feathered, after which the Magpies will not
touch them. They prefer young Ducklings to anything, and it
is almost impossible to keep them. As the wild Ducks breed in
this locality, I expect many of the Ducklings furnish a meal for
the Black Magpies and their young. Young Turkeys are also
favourites. When a Magpie attacked a Turkey and her brood,
the mother would give the alarm, the young ones would lie flat
beside a stone or tuft of grass, and the old Turkey would go and
fight the Magpie. In their wild state these Magpies eat a great
many common red berries which grow amongst the rocks. When
the young ones are in the nest the old birds seem to have a hara
time hunting for them, and get very shabby and rusty-looking.
Sometimes they alight on the roof of the porch with a load of grubs
and beetles in their bills. They put their load down and have a
feed of bread or cake themselves, then pick up their load and fly
straight off to their nest. They do a lot of good killing the grass-
grubs. On the marshes some miles back, flocks of these Magpies
gather, all hunting grubs. Those coming round The Steppes
homestead seem rather more kindly disposed to each other thai
most wild creatures, judging by their treatment of a one-legged
Magpie in their company. This one is always given a larger share
of the dainties than the others, and in no way have they ever
molested it.—(Miss) J. A. FLETCHER. Boat Harbour, Tasmania,

10 OV 1G

Queensland Notes.

Finches.—I have reared young Gouldian (Poephila gouldie),
Black-throated (P. cincta), Plumhead (Aidemosyne modesta),
and Banded (Stictoptera bichenovit) Finches in my aviary, and
was most interested in the markings in the mouths of the
young Gouldians, or Painters, as we call them. I thought they
might be for the protection of the young when disturbed, opening
their mouths wide and wagging their heads and showing all their
spots, with their naked neck behind, in a fearsome manner, which
gave me the impression that they were reptiles peering out of the
entrance to the nest, as I never saw other young Finches do this
when alarmed; they usually cower down and remain still. I
have never noticed any signs of bright spots or colouring in the
other young Finches reared in captivity. Many Finches build
family nests to play building with by day and sleep in in cold
weather. I always keep a supply of dry grass for them, and
after every rainy day they have a building fit, but when they mean
to nest for young ones each pair builds separately, and fiercely

Vol. XVII. arepnaelire
a Queensland Notes. 229

resents another coming near or even looking at their “ very own
wee home.”’ My son found a Jabiru’s nest in a Pandanus palm
early in the year. This is the third nest we have heard of in this
locality. One of the others was in the top of a big mistletoe on
a box tree.—Mrs. ADAM Brack. Pajingo, Charters Towers,
Queensland.

* * *

Retirement of Dr. Hamlyn-Harris from the Queensland
Museum. — According to the Daily Mail (Brisbane) recently
(October), the members of the Queensland Museum staff met in
the library to make a suitable presentation to Dr. R. Hamlyn-
Harris, to mark his retirement from the directorship after seven
years’ service. Apologies were received from Dr. J. Shirley and
Mr. A. B. Walkom. In asking the Director to accept a framed
enlargement of himself, with the museum as a background, Mr.
H. A. Longman said he would lke briefly to refer to the valuable
work which had been done under the direction of Dr. R. Hamlyn-
Harris. The galleries had been reorganized, and both exhibited
and reference specimens were now largely systematized. The
Museum Memoirs published had won wide recognition for their
scientific standing, and had resulted in enhancing the library of
the institution through the accession of exchange material. The
introduction. of educational lectures, especially those to school
students, had been a great progressive step. Dr. T. Harvey
Johnston, hon. zoologist, in supporting the remarks of Mr. Long-
man, said it was to the credit of Dr. Hamyln-Harris that the
museum was to-day recognized as of genuine scientific value.
Unfortunately, the director’s health had been seriously affected,
and he sincerely hoped, with all the members of the staff, that
the complete change which Dr. Harris was about to make would
result in a speedy recovery of his good health. They wished him
every success in his enterprise on the land. Mr. B. Harrison, the
veteran attendant, also spoke. In replying, Dr. Hamlyn-Harris
said he was naturally self-conscious, as any man would be under
similar circumstances. Of his work in the institution, all he could
say was that he had served the museum and the State to the best
of his ability. He realized the momentous step he was taking
in severing his connection with scientific work. One of the main
reasons was that he was making a bid to regain his health. He
expressed the hope that the museum would maintain its position,
and that every member of the staff would continue to render
faithful service. He also paid a special compliment to the valu-
able assistance rendered to him by Mr. J. Douglas Ogilby, the
well-known ichthyologist. Dr. R. Hamlyn-Harris leaves to-day
for Stanthorpe, where he has secured interests on the land.

* cS
Sundry Notes.—I found a Black Duck’s (Anas superciliosa)
nest a few days ago, and the little ones were just emerging from
the eggs, of which there were eight in the nest. The Condamine
16

230 Queensland Notes. He ae

River is not far away, but is only a series of shallow pools just
now, so they will probably fall a prey to the foxes, which have
unfortunately reached us. Until their arrival, three or four
years ago, there were always two pairs of Bustards (Ewpodotis
australis) nesting in the paddock, but they never come near now,
and in many of the large station paddocks in this locality scarcely
a bird now is to be seen where we used to see dozens. Kangaroo
rats (Bettongia penicillata) have completely disappeared. Opossums
(Phalangista vulpina) are on the decrease ; I find them frequently,
when riding about, headless under the trees. The foxes have also
taken to killing lambs in these parts, due probably to the scarcity
of their natural food.

Two old friends of eight years’ standing, in a pair of House-
Swallows (Hirundo neoxena), have commenced to get their nests
in order, but birds appear to be very irregular in their nesting
habits in these parts. I saw a Chestnut-breasted Finch (Muna
castanetthovax) building last week.

In spite of two weeks of frosts, we still have the Pallid Cuckoo
(Cuculus pallidus) with us; he, however, is very silent, and
appears to spend most of his time dodging other birds. The
quiet and busy Caterpillar-eater (Campephaga humeralis) appeared
in numbers about the beginning of the year, and cleared a small
lucerne patch I had in the garden of green grubs; they stayed
on for several weeks.

Regarding the fox, I do not think they would bother with a
small Duckling ; I really believe they would wait until they were
a decent size before interfering with them. I notice here that,
as the stream becomes shallow, the Ducklings about the “ flapper ”’
stage make for the long grass or any cover there may be on the
banks, and are then, of course, an easy prey for the fox. A colony
of Fairy Martins (Petrochelidon ariel) made their nest this year
in a recess in the river-bank, and I kept a good look-out, expecting
that when the eggs were laid the foxes would break them down,
and, as I could trace the animals easily, I began to think that
they were not going to molest the’ birds ; however, about a week
after the little ones were hatched I found one morning that every
nest was broken down and nothing but feathers to be seen. This
makes me think that these animals bide their time, and may
therefore turn up their noses at a tiny ball of fluff in the shape of
a young Duck. With the disappearance of the kangaroo rat and
the scarcity of Bustards (Eupodotis australis), the monitor lizard
(iguana) can be pressed on to the list. They may be a tough
morsel, but apparently nothing comes amiss to the fox.

I once shot a Musk-Duck (Biziura lobata) with two small ones
on her back in a lignum swamp, near the Kow Swamp, in the
Terricks district, in Victoria. I spent my boyhood’s days on a
property we had on the Pyramid Creek, which was filled from the
Kow Swamp, and, after travelling in New Guinea, Northern
Territory, North Queensland, East, West, South, and North Africa,
I have yet to find a place that abounded with wild-fowl as plentiful

Vol. XVII.
1918

Queensland Notes. 231
as Kow Swamp. I have sometimes been out in a boat shooting,
and, when the first shot was fired, the rising of the birds sounded
like thunder, but that was about 20 years ago.--E. R. CALDWELL.
**Gilgi,’”’ Pampas, Queensland, 3/6/17.

Camera Craft Notes.

Red-capped Dottrel.—It is interesting that the Red-capped
Dottrel (4 gialitis ruficapilla) always nests, as far as my observation
goes, on coarse sand, and just at high-water mark ; occasionally
a higher wave than usual wets the eggs, but, the sand being so
coarse, at once sinks away and no drawback occurs—if it did the
eggs would run the risk of being rolled away. I took the accom-
panying photograph in Tasmania on 23rd November last. It
will be noticed how the bird has placed small pieces of white shell
alongside the eggs, and the excellent site from a protective point

Nest of Red-capped Dottrel (#gvalitis ruficapilla).

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

of view. Not far away was the nest of the Pied Oyster-catcher
(Hematopus longirostris). This bird had made its nest (if nest
it can be called) well above high-water mark and on fine sand.
I notice that the Black Oyster-catcher (H. fuliginosus) usually
nests further away from the sea, and on darker material—such as
on patches of seaweed, &c.—than the lighter-coloured bird does.
The photographs were taken on the same day, on the eastern
coast of Tasmania.—W. H. D. Le Sour. Melbourne.

Emu

232 _ Camera Craft Notes. vst Apal

Notes on the Coachwhip-Bird.—Our experience of the Coach-
whip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans) has been limited to about the last
four seasons—the period during which we have worked the
Ferntree Gully district. For the first portion of this time we
occupied ourselves in the more open country, and so learnt
nothing of the nesting habits of this interesting bird. We saw
and heard many of them, however, and made some attempt
to satisfy ourselves as to which bird was responsible for the
two notes closely following the loud whip-crack.

It was in November, 1915, that we first located a nest near
Upwey. It was built about 4 feet from the ground in a tangle
of wire-grass, and contained one egg. The birds were in the
vicinity, but did not venture very close. Being unfamiliar with
their habits, we took the precaution of not disturbing the nest
or egg. Examination the next week-end, however, showed the
nest deserted. A week or two later, while endeavouring to catch
a young Pilot-Bird in the same locality, we roused two well-grown
young Whip-Birds with their parents. A long chase, equally
divided between Whip-Birds and Pilot-Bird, failed to accomplish
either object. A little later we found a nest about a hundred
yards from the bottom of a deep gully at Ferny Creek. This
nest was also built in wire-grass and contained two eggs. The
cameras were set up, but a long wait failed to bring any reward.
The birds appeared to take little interest in the welfare of their
prospective chicks, and kept well out of sight. We did not again
visit this nest, on account of its distance from the house. On the
5th December we located a nest in the Upwey district. It was
built in dry bracken, and placed about 5 feet from the ground.
As the nest contained two newly-hatched young, the parent birds
showed great anxiety, and came to the nest several times while
we were close by. Notwithstanding the dulness of the light,
which is a serious drawback with our apparatus, we decided to
give them a trial. The advent of the camera disturbed them
considerably at first, but we were able to make four exposures in
the limited time at our disposal. As we expected, however, the
pictures obtained were failures, being greatly under-exposed.
During the season Ig16-17 we spent very little time at the Gully,
and succeeded in finding one nest only. This was built in bracken
fern in a small dry gully, and was placed only about 18 inches
from the ground. The two eggs it contained were quite fresh,
and the birds were therefore too unconcerned to give an oppor-
tunity for photography. We, however, obtained the accom-
panying picture of the nest and eggs.

Our next and most successful encounter with this bird was in
October of the present season. We had made a trip to Ferntree
Gully, intending to devote the whole of our time to the Coachwhip-
Bird. About 7.30 one morning we commenced our search along
a small creek a quarter of a mile from the house. We watched
one pair of birds for some time without result, and in making our
way down the gully disturbed another pair within 20 yards of

THE Emu, Vol. XVII.

PLATE XXVI.

Nest and Young of the Coachwhip-Bird (Psophodes crepitans).

Coachwhip- Bird.

PHOTOS. BY R. T- LITTLEJOHNS AND S; A, LAWRENCE, MS,R.A,.0O.U,

Perry eed
a

ere Camera Craft Notes. 233

the road. The characteristic chuckling note of one bird first
drew our attention, and we at once concealed ourselves.
Presently the other bird appeared, and the two fed together for
a time. Soon we noticed that one bird had again disappeared,
and as the male (the remaining bird) had twice emitted his loud
whip-note without receiving an answer, we concluded that the
female was sitting somewhere in the vicinity. Our sudden issue
from concealment roused the female a few yards ahead. Failing
to find a nest at the spot, we were in the act of moving on when
a faint call arrested our attention. After a few minutes’ search,
aided by the feeble answers to our imitation of the adult calls,
we succeeded in capturing two well-grown chicks. The old birds,
becoming very excited, ran and flew around us, uttering harsh
cries. After about ten minutes they quietened down and began
to collect food.

We had made preparations to photograph the birds in an open
space, but it was a considerable time before they could be induced
to leave the scrub. When eventually the female gained confidence
enough to feed the young, she took advantage of every particle
of cover available and carefully avoided the camera. After trying
many schemes unsuccessfully we at last conceived the idea of
keeping the young ones in the hollow of a stump near by. This
made it necessary for the adults to leave the ground to feed
them, and, after noting the spot most used by the parents, we
focussed the camera on that side of the stump. This proved
effective, and we succeeded in exposing six plates. The young
were exceedingly quiet, and soon after being caught appeared to
take no interest in the proceedings except on the near approach
of the adults with food. Even when handled for the purpose of
obtaining a picture they could hardly be kept awake. Although
we were on the spot for about eight hours, we observed the male
to feed the young on two occasions only. Sometimes the male
bird transferred food to the female, who in turn fed the young.
The male and female invariably searched for food in company,
being never more than a few yards apart. This was particularly
noticeable when the female appeared near the stump, and we
prepared for an exposure. The male would decide at this time
to move a few yards off, and the female always followed. Their
food was obtained on the ground, and the powerful feet were
freely used among the débris. Usually the undergrowth near at
hand furnished their food supply, but an occasional excursion
further afield would keep the pair away as long as a quarter of an
hour.

During all our observations we have taken particular notice of
the calls of male and female. It appears quite clear that the
whip-crack is always emitted by the male. Our observations in
1913 were that in ten instances where male and female were in
sight at the same time the whip-crack originated from the male
and the two answering notes from the female. In two cases also
there were no answering notes to the call of the male. Other

234 Camera Craft Notes. eet

instances where both birds were not in sight appeared to point
in the same direction. In 1915 we have notes of four cases
where both birds were in sight at the same time. Three times
the female answered, and once there was no answer. In six
other instances the male only was in sight, and certainly made
no answer to his own whip-note. During the present season
we have kept notes of seven cases in which both birds were in
sight together. In every case the reply was by, the female. In
four other instances where the male only was in sight there were
two answers and two calls unanswered. In no case did the male
make the answering call. There have also been occasions where
the female was in sight and made the answering notes, but we
have not kept a record of these. We have not on any occasion
heard the male make the answering notes to his own call, nor the
female to make the whip-crack.—R. T. LitTLEjouns, R.A.O.U.,
AND S. A. LAWRENCE, R.A.O.U.

Stray Feathers.

Crows and Sheep.—Is the Crow acquiring the same habit as
the New Zealand Kea? This year the Crow has been a terrible
scourge among our ewes and lambs, and often before the ewe
could get up the Crows had the eyes plucked out and the lamb
killed. But another feature has come under my observation
lately which has not been noticed in this district before. The
Crows actually picked a hole in the sheep’s back right into the
kidneys to get the fat! This sheep I had to kill, as the poor
thing would not have lived much longer. I thought this was
an isolated case, but one of my neighbours had three or four, and
another one, the Crows doing exactly the same. This would
almost point to a time in the near future when the Crow will be
as bad as the New Zealand Kea.—Josrpu A. Hit_. Phoracantha,
Golton South, via Lubeck, Vie. 12/11/17.

* * *

Cuckoo Combinations.—The following rare Cuckoo combinations
have been recorded by us :—Hylacola pyrrhopygia (two eggs) and
Cacomantis flabelliformis (one egg), recorded near Sutherland,
N.S.W., on 12/8/17; Falcunculus frontatus (two eggs) and Caco-
mantis flabelliformis (one egg), recorded at Blacktown, N.S.W.,
on 13/10/17.—P. A. GILBERT and H. KEANE. Redfern (N.S.W.),
07/ CL | 7s

x *k x
Hooded Dottrels—A male Hooded Dottrel (#gialitis cucul-.
lata) was observed on a lonely stretch of sandy beach fronting

the ocean, occasionally running in from the water’s edge, but
generally interested in the results of the receding tide. After

Vole WU Sivay Feathers. 235

forty minutes’ watching through glasses from a distant and
partly-concealed position, the bird was eventually marked down
to a spot on the sand some 15 or 20 yards up and in from the sea.
This spot was only reached after the most circuitous and deliberate
wandering on the part of the bird, with long pauses, punctuated
by occasional jerking and bowing of the body. There were no
landmarks in the shape of driftwood or weed by which to identify
the situation amongst the rolling, sandy ridges; but, as far as
could be definitely ascertained without rising, the bird had
settled down into a sitting posture. Before many minutes, a second
bird (the female), who had not previously been seen, arrived on
the wing, and alighted on the sand a short distance from the
male, who immediately rose, flew towards the sea, and re-
commenced peregrinating near the waters edge. The last-
comer, meanwhile, after a short run, shuffled down on the sand,
though not exactly where the male had been sitting. On reaching
the site two eggs were found, but they were 3 feet apart, one of
the two being more elongated and less pyriform than the other.
Both the eggs were in an advanced stage of incubation. Were
these eggs, evidently the product of this one pair of Hooded
Dottrels, ever lying together side by side? The sand-ridges
were sufficiently undulating to obviate separation by the force
of the wind, and the possibility of human interference may be
neglected, the locality being utterly isolated and unfrequented.—
Henry L. CocHrAneé, M.B.O.U., Captain R.N. Melbourne,
LOY tee / LF.
* xk x

New Cuckoo Foster-Parent.—Last September, at Raak Plains,
N.W. Victoria, in company with Mr. A. W. Milligan, I found a
nest of Amytis striatus (howe1) containing an egg of the Amytis
with one of the Narrow-billed Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcococcyx
basalis). This Amytis has not, I think, been previously recorded
as a foster-parent of C. basalis. The new set is now incorporated
in Mr. H. L. White’s oological collection.—F. Erasmus WILSON.
Melbourne, 20/12/17.

* * *

Bee-eaters: Do They Migrate?—In reference to Mathews—
Campbell correspondence about the Australian Bee-eater, owing
to my extensive field ornithology in South Australia and the
central regions, I can say for certain that the Mervops found in
South Australia does not migrate to the New Guinea Archipelago,
but only shifts about according to food supply.—S. A. WHITE.
“Wetunga,’ Fulham (S.A.), 9/2/18.

* * *

A Swallow Tragedy.—A pair of Swallows (Hirundo neoxena)
used to come yearly and rear their brood in our verandah. One
season, after the incubation had commenced, I noticed, although

236 Stray Feathers; Saeal

one was always on the nest, there were two flying about; and
after a few days, seeing the sitting one always in the same place,
I climbed up to examine it, and found that it had been built into
the nest, and was dead. The clay was firmly attached on either
side across its back. I took the poor little thing and four eggs
away ; the others then repaired the nest and laid and hatched their
brood of four.—(Miss) C. A. LuTTRELL. East Devonport, Tas.

* * *

Nest of Pardalotus striatus. — During a holiday sojourn at
“The Creel,” on the Thredbo River, January, 1917, I observed P.
striatus breeding in a large company in a bank of the Snowy River.
A few yards in from the bank I noted a small bird disappear into
a cleft about three feet from the ground, in the trunk of a small
snow gum. After hammering for some time on the tree with no
result, I sat and waited. Presently P. striatus appeared. P.
punctatus will breed in trees or bank, and striatus, as is well known,
will do likewise. This one of P. striatus is the lowest place of
any ever seen by me.—E. A. D’OmsBrRaIN. Sydney.

* * *

Red-vented Bulbul.—It is interesting that one of our members,
Captain N. Conant, should have obtained a specimen of the Red-
vented Bulbul, of Burma. The bird was breeding, and its nest
and eggs were secured. Those birds have also apparently been seen
in Sydney. The bird must have been some time in Victoria, as
last year a clutch was evidently hatched in one of the Melbourne
suburbs ; a specimen was also seen lately at the Melbourne
Zoological Gardens. It has a clear, distinct, whistle-like note,
is dark greyish in colour, with a black crest and red patch under
the tail. But how it should have become acclimatized both in
Melbourne and Sydney is a puzzle. Neither of the Zoos has ever
imported them.—W. H. D. LE Souer.

* * *

The Magpie-Lark (Grallina picata).—In the same tree as White-
fronted Herons, 15 miles west of Bendigo, a pair of these dainty
birds was sitting. They relieved each other every twenty
minutes while sitting. A bird would fly up to the side of the nest,
the sitting one get off and fly away, to come back in twenty
minutes to sit again. This was carried on all day. It was
wonderful how close to the twenty minutes they kept in relieving
each other. After the young were hatched they used to take
eight-minute spells away from the nest after food. A bird would
fly up on to the side of the nest, when the other, if on nest, would
get up and fly away for the same spell. One of the birds was
always at the nest, either pee over, ee or standing on the
edge of the nes

Vol. XVII.
1918

Stray Feathers. 237

Babblers and Sparrows.—Last month my son heard, early in
the morning, a company of White-eyebrowed Babblers (Poma-
tostomus superciliosus) making a great row outside our back
door. On inspection he found that one of their number was
up a small gum-tree in which was a Sparrow’s nest. The
Sparrows were buffeting and scolding the Babbler, but without
avail, as he forced his way into the nest, took out a young
Sparrow, and tossed it down to the other members of his company
below, who then performed a sort of war dance around the victim.
So pleased was the bird at the result that he again ascended to
the nest, drew forth another fledgeling, and threw it down.
Whether it was sheer love of cruelty or retribution for some
offensive act or bad language on behalf of the Sparrows it is
impossible to say, but undoubtedly while the cruel deed was done
by one bird the rest were parties to it, and seemed to find some
pleasure and excitement in the proceedings.—EDWIN ASHBY.
“ Wittunga,”’ Blackwood, South Australia.

* * *%

Nesting of White-fronted Herons.—Once we were boring
on a creek flat 15 miles west of Bendigo, and near our work
was a yellow box tree with a White-fronted Heron’s (Noto-
phoyx nove-hollandie), a Magpie-Lark’s (Grallina picata), and
three Spotted-sided Finches’ (Stagonopleura guttata) nests in it.
One of the Finches’ nests was just under the Heron’s nest. We
noted that the Herons, when sitting, relieved each other at
g a.m. and 3 p.m.—that is, in six-hour spells. At 9 a.m. a bird
would come to next tree to nest, give a little croak, when the
one on nest would get up, walk a few feet, and fly away. Then
the other would go on the nest and sit till 3 p.m., when the mate
came back and took up the sitting. We were alongside the
nesting tree for a fortnight, and noted these actions of the birds
daily. It was remarkable how close they kept to 9 a.m. and
3 p.m. in changing. I saw this pair of birds some weeks after
with five young ones. I may say we were at work from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m., and do not know how the night sitting was done.—
H. W. Forp, R.A.O.U.

* *% *

Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus).—Once we were camped on
Jackson’s Creek, 8 miles south of Ararat, Victoria. It was
November when we pitched the three tents alongside an acacia
hedge. We saw a party of ten Blue Wrens about the hedge—
two full-plumaged males and eight grey birds. A few days after
we fixed camp two pairs of birds started to build a@ nest in bushes
on side rail of one of the tents, 3 feet from passage into the tent.
They finished nest and laid three eggs. Then the two female birds
took turn about at sitting, and the two full-plumaged males used
to feed them. (There is no doubt about this—I saw the females

238 Stray Feathers: Rea

relieve each other often. The birds were very tame, and came
into the tents after flies and crumbs regularly. The non-sitting
birds often came on to my bunk, and even on my knees, in tent.)
They hatched three young, which were fed regularly by the four
birds that were partners at the nest. After the young left the
nest two of them were attached to female or grey birds’ party,
and the other was fed by full-plumaged male. Both the bright
blue birds lost their bright colours after a time and got a rusty
brown. As to these birds losing the blue plumage, this does not
always happen, as I have seen a male keep his colours all the
year, but in my opinion this is exceptional.—H. W. Forp,
KACO FUz

* * *

A Greater Frigate-Bird Obtained in Western Australia.—After
stormy weather a female of this species settled on the bank of the
Swan River at Perth on 4th May, 1917, and allowed itself to be
captured. It was placed in a crate and brought to the Museum,
and when approached kept snapping through the bars of its cage
with its savage-looking hooked bill. As these sea-birds do not
live in captivity, and this was the first bird of the species to be
obtained in the State, it was killed, and is now on exhibition in
the Museum. The great confusion with regard to the species of
Frigate-Birds, which has always existed, has to a large extent
been dispelled by Mr. G. M. Mathews’s monograph on the genus,
published in his “ Birds of Australia.”’ This enables us to state
with practical certainty that the bird captured at Perth belongs
to the form which breeds on Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean,
which Mathews has named Fregata minor listert. (The un-
fortunate necessity of calling the larger bird manor is due to the
original naming of the species Pelecanus minor by Gmelin.) This
was the sub-species included by Mathews in his “ Birds of
Australia’? as the most probable form of the species to occur in
Australia. We can now state positively that this form is a
member of our avifauna. The colour of the soft parts of the
Christmas Island sub-species has not been described. In our
specimen the bill was slaty-grey, the feet pale flesh-coloured, and
the eyelids bright pink. The Greater Frigate-Bird is stated to
occur in Northern Australian seas, but it has not yet been found
breeding. Gould added the species to the Australian list, stating
that he had received specimens from Torres Strait, and there are
birds from that locality in the British Museum. After discussing
the records Mathews writes :—‘‘ Apparently the large form of
Fregata is a rare straggler in Australian waters, and I have seen
no specimens absolutely procured in Australia.’”’ Campbell records
the capture of one at Brighton, Port Phillip, Victoria, which is
now in the National Museum, Melbourne. It would be of interest
if it were examined in connection with Mr. Mathews’s monograph
to determine whether it is also a specimen of F. m. listeri.—W. B.
ALEXANDER.

Vol. XVII.

sors CHISHOLM, Bird Protection in Queensland. 239

Bird Protection in Queensland.*
By A. H. CHISHOLM.

APPRECIATIVE interest in birds, so strongly stimulated in Queens-
land during the latter part of rg16, showed no diminution in the
following year. As a matter of course, the enthusiasm was
mainly in evidence among the school children, who, fired by the
very comprehensive series of articles, stories, verse, and photo-
graphs tendered them in the Bird Day School Papers, joined the
Gould League of Bird Lovers in large numbers. Approximately
4,000 additional enrolments were made in the two months fol-
lowing the issue of these Papers, and, as showing the solid
foundation upon which this interest rests, random extracts from
some of the letters received in connection with these enrolments
are here given :—

Rolleston (Central North District).—‘ We have grown over
ninety trees in the school ground, of which sixty are fit for birds
to build their nests in. During the last eighteen months eight
birds built in them. At the present time we have Finches
building, Flower-peckers rearing their young, and Parrakeets,
Martins, and Willie Wagtails with their full-grown young in the
school ground. At the schoolmaster’s residence Chestnut-eared
Finches have built their nests in each of the four corners of the
verandah, and reared their young during the last two seasons.
In this district birds have increased in numbers considerably
during the past two years. With the exception of Canaries, we
are pleased to say there are no caged birds about the school
district. All thoughts of caging wild birds have been given up.”

Mackay District.— The children here take an active interest
in their local birds. It is a common occurrence to see several
birds walking in and out of a group of children, eating the crumbs
dropped at lunch-time.”’

Cooyar District.—“It fills me with pleasure to know the
children are so unanimous in their desire to protect the birds, as
many native birds are found in this locality. Even in the school
grounds and about the school garden many varieties may be seen.”

Crow’s Nest District.—‘‘ The children here have always been
taught by me to care for the birds, and, though our ornamental
trees are very young, we have several nests in them. Flocks of
Wrens, Diamonds, and other small birds are always around the
school, and we have not an insect left on our rose-bushes, proving
what a benefit they are.”

Jondaryan District.—‘‘ The children at this school are very
interested in birds. There are two nests in the bush house made
by the little Yellow-breasts. At present the birds are hatching.”

In addition to the medium of the School Papers, the Gould
League of Bird Lovers reached teachers and the public generally
through a series of public lectures during the cooler months, and

* Supplementary to notes in Emu, vol. xvi., p. 186.

Emu
ist April

240 CuIsHOLM, Bird Protection in Queensland.
the children (mostly of the metropolitan area) through lectures
on Bird Day. The morning proceedings at the Exhibition Hall
on that day (vide Brisbane Telegraph) ‘‘ came to an abrupt con-
clusion amidst considerable excitement and alarm, occasioned by
the unfortunate bursting of a tube of the lantern which was being
used to project specially prepared slides on the screen. The
demonstration was attended by about 1,700 senior scholars,
drawn from eleven metropolitan schools. . . Mr. Chisholm
had only just commenced to lecture when there was a small
explosion, followed by a sudden outburst of flame, which startled
the whole of the large juvenile audience. The doors were at once
thrown open, and most of the children made a hasty but fairly
orderly exit.”

The cause of the birds has also found champions in the State
Parliament, on both sides of the House. Speaking on the
Education estimates on 26th November, Mr. Donald Gunn
(Liberal) said he wished to draw attention to the destruction of
native birds. Some of the most beautiful birds of all classes and
descriptions were to be found in Queensland. It would be well
if the Education Department showed the youth of Australia the
value of the bird life in Queensland. If scholars were taught that
every bird they killed meant that they were doing some harm to
the country, they would probably not kill the birds. He knew
that the Education Department was doing something in the
direction of teaching children their duty with regard to native
birds, and he hoped that they would do a lot more, and that every
member of Parliament would tell the children of his district that
it was wrong to kill native birds.

Mr. F. M. Forde (Labour member for Rockhampton) endorsed
Mr. Gunn’s remarks with regard to bird-protection, and went
further by speaking at some length on the subject when the
agricultural estimates were being debated three days later. Mr.
Forde said the protection of native birds was a matter of greater
importance to Queensland than was generally conceded. He
regretted that the Act as now administered was not of as much
use as it would be if more rigidly enforced. He had consulted
ornithologists on the question, and he was assured that while this
State had a good Bird Protection Act there was still much destruc-
tion going on. The Secretary for Agriculture, in reply to a
question he had put to him a few days ago, informed him that
there were fifty-two Crown land areas and nineteen privately-
owned areas proclaimed as sanctuaries for native birds. That
latter number should be vastly increased. If land-owners generally
were clear-sighted enough to apply to the Department for the
reservation of their properties, that could easily be done, and they
would be doing a beneficial act for Queensland. Perhaps it would
be only after they had had the same bitter experience as other
countries—after all their valuable birds had been destroyed—
that they would realize their great value. He would suggest to
the Minister that he secure the services of an honorary ornith-

ey CuisHoim, Bird Protection in Queensland. 241

ologist. Later he could be paid and instruct the children of their
schools regarding the nature of the birds and their services to the
country. Every State in America had a professional ornithologist
attached to the Agricultural Department to give advice on those
matters. He knew that the Minister was greatly hampered for
want of funds, but in the meantime he might make some improve-
ment, and afterwards adopt the practice of the American States.

In this debate Mr. Gunn offered further advocacy of the interests
of the birds, particularly in their relation to the blow-fly and tick
pests, and he was followed by the Hon. J. G. Appel (Liberal).
The latter said that he, as a native of the State, liked to see the
birds and bears looked after. He did not think that almost any
penalty was too great for those who contravened the bird
Preservation Act. In the district in which he lived the Agricultural
Department was good enough to proclaim a reservation extending
from the south head of the Nerang River to the Tweed Heads,
and proclaim the properties which he possessed there also to be
reservations for birds. It was marvellous, since that reservation
had been effected, to notice the increase in bird-life. Since the
reservation had been made you could see male Regent-Birds, Satin-
Birds, and other birds of different characters which even he—
although he had been living there for twenty-nine years—knew
nothing about.

The Minister for Agriculture (Hon. W. Lennon), in replying to
the champions of the birds, outlined various points on which the
Department had already been active, and promised to continue
to do what he could to safeguard Queensland’s avifauna.

A MENACING INDUSTRY.

Mr. Forde not only spoke generally in advocacy of the birds ;
he took the lead (at the request of members of the R.A.O.U.) in
offering opposition to what was characterized by a Cairns resident
(in a letter to the present writer) as “‘ the biggest blow which bird-
lovers have been called upon to face.” The nature of this is
indicated in the following report (vide Hansard) of Mr. Forde’s
remarks :—‘ During the last few days there had been on view at the
Belle Vue Hotel a display of the feathers of some of their beautiful
wild birds made up in the form of flowers, and, from what he was
told, their Governor and several of their Ministers had visited the
display. They had been very pleased with it; but he regretted
to hear, on the authority of two bird-men who inspected the
exhibition, that much of its effect was secured only by the
sacrifice of the lives of many of Queensland’s best birds—birds
which were presumed to enjoy the protection of the law. He
understood that those feather flowers had been placed with a big
city firm, which was to act as the agent for the owner, who pro-
posed to carry on an industry. He trusted, however, that the
Government would secure advice and act firmly and quickly in
putting a stop to the traffic, because it would be a serious menace
to Queensland. Such an industry as the manufacture of fancy hat

. ‘ ‘ 5 Emu
242 CuisHoLm, Bird Protection in Queensland. ee

pins and hair pins for society ladies at the expense of the lives
of the beautiful native birds of Queensland was not by any means
a necessity, and would be a disgrace to the Government of Queens-
land. Ladies should not be allowed to wear beautiful headgear
at the expense of Queensland’s native birds, the loss of which
would in time mean the loss of all vegetation. He appealed to
the Minister for Agriculture not to rest content with the mere
proclamation of sanctuaries for birds, but to place the Act under
proper supervision, and try in every way to safeguard these natural
police. Let them learn from the experience of other countries,
which had awakened too late to the extraordinary value of their
birds, destroyed by irresponsible people who were after pleasure
and the almighty dollar all the time, and had not the interests of
their country at heart.

Immediately after Mr. Forde’s protest had been lodged, this
important matter was taken up in the following letter to the
Brisbane press:—‘‘ Mr. A. H. Chisholm writes :—Sir, For the
enlightenment of any of your feminine readers who, lacking a
guiding knowledge of the ways of the plume trade, may be tempted
to buy certain feathered ornaments that are (or were) about to
be placed upon the market, permit me to stress the protest uttered
by Mr. Forde in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. In
company with another member of the Royal Australasian Orni-
thologists’ Union, I visited the exhibition of these decorations
at the Belle Vue Hotel during the week. Like everyone else, we
thought the display strikingly pretty (albeit a good deal less so than
the live birds from which the feathers were taken), but any
pleasure aroused by the artistry of the creations was quickly
overwhelmed by the knowledge that it was only obtained at the
expense of the lives of some of Australia’s most beautiful and
valuable birds. The dainty orange and black plumes from the
tail feathers of the Black Cockatoo, ostensibly a strictly protected
bird, first met our astonished gaze, and in a few moments we had
identified feathers from several other species which are presumed
to be immune from destruction the whole year through—not to
speak of other varieties which are (according to law) protected
in the breeding season. It may be confidently assumed that,
following the Parliamentary protest, the Agricultural Department
will take prompt measures to stop the sale of decorations con-
taining the feathers referred to; but all lovers of country who
realize the awful possibilities ahead of an extensive plume trade
will surely join in appealing to women not to wear the feathers
of any wild bird. i

These protests did not go unheeded. At the annual meeting
of the Gould League of Bird Lovers a few days later His Excellency
the Governor (Sir Hamilton Goold-Adams) announced that, in
view of the destruction of valuable birds which the proposed new
industry would apparently entail, he had refused a request for
patronage ; while the Under Secretary for Agriculture (Mr. E. G.
Scriven) informed the writer that he had refused a request by
the proprietor of the feather ornaments for the removal of the

ue CuIsHOLM, Bird Protection in Queensland. 243

Shining Starling (Calornis) and the Australian Roller (Euwrystomus)
from the list of protected birds.

The next development was the publication in the Brisbane press
of the following crushing (?) retort for the defence :—‘‘ Sir,—I
have just received a clipping from your paper published after my
departure from Brisbane. A man by the name of Chisholm writes
that he visited an exhibition of ‘ feather decorations’ at the Belle
Vue Hotel. I was the proprietor of that exhibition, and the
person in question must have accepted my general invitation.
He advertises the fact that he is a member of the Royal Austral-
asian Ornithologists’ Union. He certainly should have made
himself known to me. I am always pleased to meet a gentleman,
and in this case would have saved the public being led astray by
someone with a ‘little knowledge,’ which is dangerous. I pur-
posely brought the few feather flowers in my possession that
contained the feathers of protected birds, and explained that
these birds’ feathers were not required by me, and I had forbidden
their destruction, believing it far better and more honourable to
act in this way than to have some person bringing a charge against
me later on. I specially invited several of the most prominent
members of the Queensland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty,
the Minister for Agriculture, and the Under Secretary for Agri-
culture, besides the most prominent people in Brisbane, and many
representatives of the press. To each I explained the class of
bird I was using—edible and destructive birds with feathers that
are thrown away in very large quantities all over the world. Yet,
immediately my back was turned, I was subjected to an un-
warranted and unprincipled attack from a person signing ‘ A. H.
Chisholm,’ a name that I cannot find amongst the members or
donors of the Queensland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
in their annual report, kindly handed me by one of their com-
mittee. Kindly accept my apology for using so much of your
valuable space, but I am sure you will agree the attack was unjust,
and in the spirit of fair play allow my reply.—Yours, &c., E.
PHuUNtER. “Kuranda, 117th) December. 1917.’

Since that time very little has been heard of the feather industry
and its virtuous “ proprietor,’ but it is worth noting that the
superintendent of the Mona Mona Mission Station (North Queens-
land) has lodged a protest against his blacks being used as bird-
murderers.

Ourselves.

Ir has been decided that the conversaziones of the Union be held
as follows, all at 8 p.m. :—

Wednesday, 3rd April, at the R.A.O.U. rooms in Temple Court,
the subject to be “ Swimming Birds.”

Wednesday, Ist May, at the R.A.O.U. rooms, the subject to be
“ Robins.”

Wednesday, 5th June, at the Museum, the eaece to be “ Thick-
heads (Pachycephala).”

244 Corvespondence. ae

ist April
Correspondence.
““ BIRDS OF ROCKINGHAM BAY,’ BY A. J. CAMPBELL AND H. G.
BARNARD, MS.R.A.O.U. (Emu, vol. xvii., pp. 2-38).

To the Editors of “ The Emu.”

DEAR Strs,—On behalf of Mr. Barnard and myself, kindly permit
me to make a brief rejoinder to Mr. G. M. Mathews’s letter, which
he was good enough to forward for the previous (January) Emu,

Boe 67
Mr. Mathews, in a somewhat patronizing criticism of our paper,
states we “‘ fully confirmed the majority of the sub-specific dis-
tinctions bestowed”’ by him, in the district we collected ; but where
we ventured to disagree with that author, Mr. Mathews imputes it
to our “‘ignorance ’’—“‘ such ignorance,” “lack of knowledge,” &c.
We bracketed Mr. Mathews’s names with those of the R.A.O.U.
‘““Check-list ’? in a complimentary sense, not because we agreed
with all his. Our readers know the bird we are dealing with at
once by using the Union’s “ Check-list’’ ; the same, 1 am afraid,
cannot be said had we used Mr. Mathews’s nomenclature only.
Therefore it is the Mathewsian “‘ technicalities of nomenclature ”’
that are confusing. Even his last ‘“‘ 1913 List’’ (which he wished
the Union to espouse) is “in liquidation,’ as a student aptly
put it. Moreover, Campbell and Barnard’s paper of “ petty and
querulous items’’ was not written especially for “ extra-
Australian scientific workers,’ but, with singleness of aim, purely
in the interests of Australian ornithology.

We shall get to business and narrow our “ little queries” to
four particularly cited in Mr. Mathews’s letter :—

1.—Almost all ornithological authorities (including Mr. Mathews
himself in his “larger undertaking,’ “‘ The Birds of Australia,”
which he states we ‘‘have not considered’’), use Casuarius
australis (Wall) for the Australian Cassowary. Now he revokes
on his subscribers, requiring them to deface his fine plate by
altering the name australis to gohnsonu. It was the Hon. Walter
Rothschild who first suggested that johnsonit should take
precedence, because an ancient (A.D. 1792) popular miscellany,*
edited by one Shaw, called the Emu the “ Southern Cassowary.”
Therefore, as “*Southern Cassowary”’ signifies Casuarius australis
in technical terms, and as that name (although by inference only)
was once previously and erroneously attributed to the Emu, it
is unavailable for the Cassowary. If that be a sample of the
operative laws of nomenclature or cf priority, save Australian
ornithology from such laws and from such “‘ confusion worse
confounded.” I defy Mr. Mathews or any other authority to
say that there is anything scientifically or ornithologically wrong
in the use of the term Casuarius australis for the Cassowary.

* «The Naturalist’s Miscellany’? (of Shaw and Nodder). It contains

figures of more than 280 birds, but very poorly executed.—‘‘ Encyclopedia
Britannica.”

Vol. XVII. ;
pa Cor respondence. 245

2.—‘No changes should rest on uncertainties,’ wisely writes
an authority. Mr. Mathews states that Gould’s name for the
Tawny Grass-Bird (Megalurus galactotes) was proposed for an
African bird. There is no direct proof of this, although Mr.
Mathews’s opinion is that Temminck’s figure is only “ almost
certainly ’’ an African Cvsticola. Therefore, we were truly
“amazed”? that Mr. Mathews rejected Gould’s perfect, lifelike
coloured plate in favour of an old figure of a supposed African
species and added to a well-known Australian bird fis own new
names.

3.—Mr. Mathews disparages, because Belatadl news, our state-
ment—‘ We had the opportunity of proving that Ramsay’s
Eopsalitria inornata and Hartert’s Pachycephala peninsule are
the same species.”’ Our sentence should have been elaborated
thus :—‘ But are not two different sub-species, as shown in
Mathews’s last (1913) ‘ List.’ We have examined skins from
both of Mathews’s so-called sub-specific localities, also from New
Guinea. ‘No proof is put forward,’ says Mr. Mathews. We
hold the material.

4, and lastly.—Regarding the Merops, one could write pages of
speculative interest on the variation and habitat of Bee-eaters.
Let it suffice for the present to remark that with the “H. L.
White Collection,’ together with the national collections at
Sydney and Melbourne, there is enough material to enable
Australians to work out their “own salvation.’ In the first-
mentioned collection there is, from the Coongan River, North-
West Australia (Mathews’s precise locality for M. shortridget),
a male specimen in perfect plumage, perhaps more golden about
the head than is usually the case, but it exactly corresponds with
the male of a pair collected at Kow Plains, Victoria. Again,
there is a typical MW. ornatus taken by Capt. S. A. White, M.B.O.U.,
on or near the Nullabor Plain, at the head of the Great Australian
Bight—imidway between the east amd west coasts of Australia.
To which stream of migrants (or supposed sub-species), eastern
or western, would Mr. Mathews refer this central bird ?>—I am, &c.,

A. J. CAMEBEEL:
mute Hills (Vic.), 22/1/18:

Reviews.

[‘‘ Descriptive List of the Birds of Tasmania and Adjacent Islands,’’ by
Clive E. Lord, Hobart. ]
THERE have been several lists of Tasmanian birds published—
Gunn’s and Swan’s, both founded on John Gould; Legge’s, after
the ‘ Catalogues of Birds,” British Museum; and last we have Mr.
Lord’s, according to Mr. G. M. Mathews’s “1913 List,” and in
useful pocket form. In Mr. Lord’s list the vernacular name of the
bird is first given, then the technical (trinomial) nomenclature,
followed by a few succinct words of description.

246 Reviews. ee

Miss J. A. Fletcher’s interesting little publication, ‘ Nature
and Adventure in Australasia’? (Macmillans), for boys and girls,
has come to hand. We can easily realize the success this work
has had, being told in a charming style and containing much field
information. Any children reading this work will take far more
interest in the wonders of nature, and especially of bird-life,
than they otherwise would. We can heartily recommend this
book to juvenile readers.

THE second series of ‘‘ Bird Numbers” of the School Paper,
issued by the Department of Public Instruction, Queensland, are
very creditable to all concerned. Many of the articles contain
original field observations, while some of the photographs depicting
bird-life are really excellent. Old as well as young should profit
by Governor Hamilton Goold-Adams’s wise remark-—‘‘ The more
you get to know about birds, the more you will realize how
valuable they are to yourselves and the other inhabitants of this
country.”

Note.—Wanted to buy, part 3 of vol. i. of The Emu. F. E.
Howe, “ Athenz,”’ Bryson-street, Canterbury, Victoria.

Obituary.
DEATH OF COL. W. V. LEGGE.

Too late for adequate notice in this issue came the sad news
of the death of the first President of the R.A.O.U., Col. W. V.
Legge, C.M.B.O.U. An extended notice will appear in our next
issue,

Walker, May and Co., Printers, Mackillop-street, Melbourne.

ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

CO-PATRONS:
Their Majesties the King and Queen.

OFFICE-BEARERS :
President: Dr. W. MACGILLIVRAY.

Vice-Presidents :{ x os men Gat

Hon. sitio eG Mr. W. H. D. Le SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &c.
(Zoological Gardens, Melbourne.)

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Z. GRAY, L.C.A.
(158 Bridport Street, South Maibearne )

Hon. Librarian: Mr. W. B. ALEXANDER,

Hon, Editor of The Emu: Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.0.U.
(‘* Eyrecourt,” Canterbury.)

Assistant Editor: Mr. R. H, CROLL, R.A.O.U.

(Education Department, Melbourne.)

Hon. Press Correspondent: Dr. BROOKE NICHOLLS.

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

Printing Committee: Messrs. A. J. CAMPBELL, A, H. E.
MATTINGLEY, AaNnpD W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A.

Local State Secretaries:

Mr. A. S. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., Director Zoological Gardens, Sydney
Mr. E. M. CORNWALL, Mackay, Queensland.
Capt, S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U., Fulham, South Australia,
~ Mr. W. T. FORSTER, Victoria Park. Western Australia.
Mr. H. STUART DOVE, Tasmania.
Mr. W. R. B. OLIVER, H.M. Customs, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr. G. F. HILL, F.E.S., Darwin, Northern Territory.

Members of Council:

VicTor1IaA—Co.. C. S. RYAN, C.B., Mussrs. A. H. E. MATTINGLEY,
GME Z:S:, “A. Ge STONE, AND > E. WILSON,

NEW SOUTH WaLes — Dr. J> -BURTON--CLELAND; . Dre EA;
D’OMBRAIN, anv P. A. GILBERT.

QUEENSLAND—MeEssrs, C, A. BARNARD anp A. H. CHISHOLM...

SouTH AusTRALIA— Messrs, E. ASHBY, M.B.O.U. anv J. W.
MELLOR.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA—MaAjor A, E. LE SOUEF,

TASMANIA—COoL, W. V. LEGGE, C.M.B.0.U. anon CLIVE E. LORD.

Members of Check=List Committee:

Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. Mr. W. H. D. LE SOUEF, C.M.Z.S., &c.
» A. J. CAMPBELL, C.M.B.0.U. Dr. MACGILLIVRAY, R.A.O.U.

Se ten KLALEC.MeBsOr7Ux Mr, G. M. MATHEWS, F.R.S.E.

» BASSET HULL, R.A.O.U. >» A. H. E. MATTINGLEY, C.M.Z,S.
Dr. J. A. LEACH, C.M.B.O.U. PS aad wt ON Be 9810) SH Ol DA Deal Bd 55 Oa Oe
CoLoneL LEGGE, C.M.B.O.U. CapTAIn S. A. WHITE, M.B.O.U.

| | ADVERTISEMENTS. : | ;

NEW SERIES. ENLARGED IN SIZE WITH COLOURED PLATES.

The Austral Avian Record

A Scientific Periodical dealing with the Australian Avifauna.
EDITED BY GREGORY M. MATHEWS,
Author of “‘Ghe Birds of Australia.”

Crown 4to.; current volume (III.) commenced June, 1915. .

Published at intervals, about four times a year, in parts of about 24 pages each.
Subscription per Volume (8 parts), post, 12/-.

AUSTRALIAN AGENTS:—MELBOURNE, Melville & Mullen Proprietary 4
Limited; SYDNEY, Angus & Robertson Limited; ADELAIDE,

E. S. Wigg & Son; BRISBANE, Watson, Ferguson & Co. Limited ;
LAUNCESTON, Birchall & Sons; PERTH, E. S. Wigg & Son.

LONDON: WITHERBY & CO, 326 High Holborn, London, W.C. ;

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(Incorporating BAKER & ROUSE PTY. LTD.)
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MELBOURNE,
And at SYDNEY, BRISBANE and ADELAIDE. |

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