Museum of Victoria 46043 WHAT BIRD IS THAT? Plate I . •• mm AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST BIRDS (excluding sea-birds; WHAT BIRD IS THAT? A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA BY NEVILLE W. CAYLEY, F.R.Z.S. Formerly President of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Member of the British Ornithologists ’ Union and Member of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. ILLUSTRATED BY THE AUTHOR ANGUS AND ROBERTSON SYDNEY • LONDON first Edition December 19)1 Reprinted 19)1, 1932, 19)3, 19)5, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954 SET IN LINOTYPE BASKERV1LLE PRINTED AND BOUND IN AUSTRALIA BY HALSTEAD PRESS PTY LTD, NICKSON STREET, SYDNEY REGISTERED IN AUSTRALIA FOR TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE POST AS A BOOK To MY FATHER FOREWORD The Gould League of Bird Lovers of New South Wales esteem it a privilege to sponsor What Bird is That? This book will be a permanent and beautiful memorial to the League's “coming of age", for the League was established on 22 October 1910, at Wellington, with Mr Walter Finigan and the late Mr Edward Webster as its foundation members. History was made that day! The book will also have high educational and patriotic value: educational, in that all who so desire may become intimately acquainted with the many and beautiful native birds that throng our bushland; patriotic, that by virtue of such knowledge, love for our feathered friends may deepen and enrich love of country. “What bird is that?" No question is more frequently on the lips of bush lovers. It may be occasioned by the bird on the wing, or on the tree in quiet contemplation, or by the lilt of a song. No question could be more spontaneous. What Bird is That ? is the most comprehensive and informative bird book published in the Commonwealth—if not in the world. The coloured plates are a triumph not only of the genius and imagination of the artist—our own Neville Cayley on whom has fallen so fittingly the mantle of his famous father—but also of the block-maker's and printer's art. The publishers have done nothing finer of its kind. The life-like portayals of our feathered friends, together with the succinct but compendious descriptive information, will place within easy reach of the bird lover, a most valuable vade mecum of bird and bush lore for out of doors as well as a thing of beauty for the library. Department of Education , Sydney . PREFACE The purpose of this volume is to assist and encourage those nature lovers who desire to gain a more intimate knowledge of our birds. No attempt has been made to arrange the species according to a technical classification. They have been, for the most part, grouped in habitats. In planning the arrangement of the birds, several factors in addition to habitat had to be considered—always having in view the simplest means of identification. Thus, it was deemed advisable to keep all the Parrots and Cockatoos together, regardless of habitat. Even a beginner recognizes a parrot, no matter what the species. Other well-known families are similarly treated. The coloured reproductions of the drawings eliminate the necessity for colour descriptions of plumage. With the exception of the Eyrean Grass-wren, all the drawings were made from specimens in museums or in private collections. In most cases, the figures of indigenous species are from birds taken in type localities. It has been the good fortune of the author to ramble over much of this interesting country of ours, and in so doing, to acquire useful field knowledge concerning some hundreds of species. This, together with information he has gathered from standard works and other sources, is given in a condensed form. The author owes a special debt of gratitude to Mr Keith A. Hind- wood, R.A.O.U., Hon. Ornithologist to the Australian Museum, Sydney, for his untiring help throughout the production of the work. He is also grateful for co-operation and assistance to Mr P. A. Gilbert, a past Chairman of the Ornithological Section of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales; to Mr Tom Iredale, F.R.Z.S., Chairman of the Ornithological Section of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales; to Mr A. F. Basset Hull, F.R.Z.S., Editor of the Australian Zoologist , a past President of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, and the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union; to Mr Charles Bryant, R.A.O.U., Editor of the Emu ; to Dr W. D. K. MacGillivray, C.F.A.O.U., a past President of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union; to Miss Doris Chadwick, B.A., Editress, School Magazine; and to Mr W. W. Froggatt, F.R.Z.S., President of the Naturalists' Society of New South Wales, a past President of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, and the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. X PREFACE He also wishes to thank the President and Members of Council of the Gould League of Bird Lovers of New South Wales for kindly sponsoring the work; the Trustees of the Australian Museum, Sydney, the National Museum, Melbourne, the Adelaide Museum, and the Brisbane Museum, for the loan of specimens in their collections; and the members of their respective staffs for personal help willingly rendered. In preparing this work the following publications have been con¬ sulted: Gould (John), The Birds of Australia, 7 vols, 1840-1848, and Supplement , 1869; Gould (John), Handbook to the Birds of Australia , 2 vols, 1865; Hall (Robert), A Key to the Birds of Australia and Tas¬ mania, 1899; Campbell (A. J.), Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds, 1901; North (A. J.), Nests and Eggs of Birds found Breeding in Australia and Tasmania , 4 vols, 1901-1914; Mathews (Gregory M.), The Birds of Australia , 12 vols, 1910-1927; Mathews and Iredale, A Manual of the Birds of Australia , vol. i, 1921; Leach (J. A.), An Australian Bird Book, seventh edition, 1929; Alexander (W. B.), Birds of the Ocean, 1928; The Official Checklist of the Birds of Australia , second edition, 1926 (issued by the Royal Australian Ornithologists* Union); and the Emu (Official Journal of the Royal Ornithologists* Union). Bacon & Co. Ltd have made the engravings, and Halstead Press Pty Ltd have printed them with their accustomed skill and care. N. W. C. CONTENTS PAGE The Gould League of Bird Lovers of New South Wales xv Introduction xv i* Australia's Largest Birds 1 Forest-frequenting Birds 7 Birds of the Heath-lands and Open Country 165 Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps 217 Birds of the Ocean and Shore 251 Appendix: Birds Introduced and Established in Australia 289 Index 295 t LIST OF PLATES PLATE I. Australia’s Largest Birds (Excluding Sea¬ birds) PAGE Fro?itispiece Forest-frequenting Birds II. Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs 10 III. Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs 16 IV. Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs 24 V. Nocturnal Birds 3° VI. Mound-building Birds 3^ VII. Ground-frequenting Birds 4 2 VIII. Birds of the Open Forest 54 IX. Birds of the Open Forest 5^ X. Birds of the Open Forest (Some Permanent Residents) 6 2 XI. Birds of the Open Forest (Some Migrants) 74 XII. Some Honey-eaters of the Open Forest 80 XIII. Ground-feeding Pigeons and Doves 88 XIV. Birds of the Blossoms and Outer Foliage 92 XV. Birds of the Blossoms and Outer Foliage XVI. Birds of the Blossoms and Outer Foliage XVII. Birds of the Tree-trunks and Branches XVIII. Some Birds of the Scrub-lands XIX. Birds of the Forest Borders and Grass-lands 128 XX. Parrots and Cockatoos of the Forest-lands 136 XXI. Parrots of the Open Forest and Scrub-lands 142 XXII. Parrots of the Tree-tops and Open Spaces 154 XXIII. Some Birds of the Mangroves XIV LIST OF PLATES Birds of the Heath-lands and Open Country PLATE PAGE XXIV. Some Birds of the Heath and Undergrowth 168 XXV. Birds of the Heath-lands 176 XXVI. Fairy Wrens of the Heath and Shrubs 00 XXVII. Some Birds of the Air and Open Spaces 188 XXVIII. Birds of the Reed-beds and Grass-lands 198 XXIX. Diurnal Birds of Prey 206 XXX. Diurnal Birds of Prey Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps 214 XXXI. Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps 218 XXXII. Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps 230 XXXIII. Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps Birds of the Ocean and Shore 248 XXXIV. Birds of the Shores and River Margins 254 XXXV. Birds of the Ocean and Seashore 272 XXXVI. Birds of the Ocean and Seashore OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS 280 A Typical Brush 28 Open Forest Country 44 Pine Scrub 124 Mallee Scrub 124 Mangroves 140 Mangrove Swamp 140 Heath-lands 192 Heath 192 Plain Country 200 Desert Country 200 Swamp and Reed-bed 23(1 Typical Stream 230 An Ocean Home of Sea-birds 252 Seashore Home of Waders 2.52 THE GOULD LEAGUE OF BIRD LOVERS OF NEW SOUTH WALES “Education is more potent than legislation in the matter of bird preservation.” THE LEAGUE'S WATCHWORD. Twenty-one years ago two men stood talking in the playground of the Public School at Wellington. They were visionaries with the faith of visionaries. The younger showed the other a membership certificate of the Victorian Gould League of Bird Lovers. The elder said: “We will send this movement through the schools of New South Wales!" The speaker was Edward Webster the Head Master: the other was Walter Finigan his assistant. Boastful words! But those two visionaries had the faith that can move more than mountains. How was it to be done? Almost at once a companion spirit, with an intense love of nature, was found in their Chief Inspector—James Dawson, M.A.—and he was soon to be in Wellington. On the Saturday morning, 22 October 1910 , following Mr Dawson s visit, a meeting was held and the following resolution was carried: That an Association be formed known as the New South Wales Gould League of Bird Lovers; that those interested enrol themselves as members and form a provisional committee with power to add; that a provisional subscription of Is. be paid by those joining for the purpose of defraying cost of stationery and postage; that Messrs Morgan, Finigan, and the mover (E. Webster) be elected as pro¬ visional executive for the purpose of propaganda; and that Mr Finigan be secretary pro tern. Thus, the first branch of the Gould League of Bird Lovers of New South Wales, with a membership of twenty-three, was formed in that country town. The Chief Inspector of Schools was asked to become President and before the end of the year Bird Day was established in the schools of the Wellington district. Later, at a meeting in the Sydney Girls* High School, on Wednesday, 21 December 1910 , the League was established as a State organization with Mr James Dawson as President. Its objects were declared to be: 1 . To protect all birds except those that are noxious. 2 . To prevent the unnecessary collection of wild birds* eggs. 3 . To disseminate knowledge regarding our birds and to help members, teachers, and others to identify them. 4 . To secure the general use of one common name for each bird. 5 . To cultivate a more friendly attitude towards birds by fostering an intelligent interest in them and their habits. 6 . To encourage the formation of bird sanctuaries. XVI THE GOULD LEAGUE OF BIRD LOVERS Rules were compiled, a scheme of work outlined, and a certificate was designed and issued to members. This certificate, tinted in green and illustrated with drawings of birds, bore the following Bird Lovers' Pledge to be signed by members: “I hereby promise to protect all birds except those that are noxious, and to refrain from the unnecessary collection of wild birds' eggs." Since then the League has spread and nourished, till today it is one of the powers for good in the land, with a membership of six hundred thousand. Bird Day has become one of our annual red-letter days. Literary competitions and Bird-call competitions express and keep alive the interest and enthusiasm of members. Planted in a country school, the Gould League's roots have spread to every school in the State, and from those schools and the idealism of their teachers, mainly, the Gould League has drawn its inspiration and its strength. A Bird-life Supplement to the Education Gazette , containing bird photographs and information on the study of bird-life, was issued in October 1911 to celebrate Bird Day; and that good work has been continued from year to year. No finer thing has come out of our schools than this league of Bird Lovers. Among those whom the League delight to honour three especially are acclaimed; the young idealist who sowed the seed, the older idealist who with him nurtured the young plant, and another whose care for it in later years has been rewarded by a tree in whose branches the birds of our land flourish in comparative peace and safety. One takes off one’s hat to Walter Finigan, Edward Webster, and Harold Wynne Hamilton. INTRODUCTION K- Birds express all that is beautiful, joyous, and free in nature. They delight our eyes, charm our ears, quicken our imagination, and through association with the bushland inspire us with a profound love of country. What visions of freedom and joy come to us when we see a flock of Scarlet Honey-eaters feeding among the blossoms of a tea-tree; a Spinebill sipping nectar from a native fuchsia; a Blue Wren moving among the golden beauty of a wattle-tree; or Silver Gulls flying lazily above the limpid blue waters of our harbours? What pleasure is ours when we hear the joyous carefree carolling of Magpies at dawn; the springtime song of the Grey Thrush; the wonderful song mimicry of the Lyretail, or a Song-lark soaring heavenwards filling the air with its melody. Nature study has developed enormously during the past few years, more particularly that branch devoted to birds. The idea is gradually being discarded, that, to study birds one had to make a collection of skins or eggs. Nowadays the camera has displaced the gun, and the photographic album, the skin and egg cabinet. The collection and preservation of specimens is essential to a complete knowledge of birds, as one must handle a definite object before its structure and colour can be studied correctly. This material is always available to students in museums—being placed there for that purpose. Students are therefore advised to visit these institutions, where every facility is offered for the study of species observed in the field. There is an art in studying birds in the field. For instance, obser¬ vations will be more successful in the early morning or towards evening, than if made during the midday period. In the morning birds are particularly active searching for food after the night’s rest: towards evening they are again active seeking food and roosting-sites. Birds may be found in almost any type of country; rain forests and open forests, however, offer the greatest variety. There they may be observed on the ground, on the tree-trunks, or among the foliage, favoured haunts being the borders of more open areas of the scrub. In the denser parts they are difficult to observe, as they keep to the upper outer foliage of the tall trees. Heath-lands also offer a wealth of bird- life. Here an observer s task is considerably lightened by the open nature of the vegetation. Belts of timber on the margins of streams, and isolated clumps of trees dotted over plains or cleared areas will amply repay investigation. Birds of the swamps and reed-birds are habitually shy and test the observer’s patience and ingenuity. The bird-student is advised to keep detailed lists of the birds of his locality or other areas he may be in the habit of visiting. These B INTRODUCTION xviii special districts will, of course, be divided into habitats. Thus he is enabled to group the species according to their environment-an important rule. Such record of observations spread over several years will give a good indication of the movements of the different species, and when used in conjunction with records from other districts wiJ be of great assistance in determining the distribution of species through- ° U Thc L ta essential of any up-to-date field-observer’s equipment is a pair of good field-glasses; by their means he is able to bring within close range even the most timid birds. , , A pocket-book is another necessity. Field-notes should include date and locality, feeding-habits, call-notes or song, composition and situa¬ tion of nest, descriptions of eggs and number in clutch, and plumage of fledglings (as well as the various changes to adult plumage). These particulars should be recorded “on the spot" and later transfeired to a loose-leaf book, or to folders devoted to the particular species. The observer should remember that drab-coloured clothing is much more inconspicuous in the field than bright or light-coloured, and has a less disturbing effect on birds. Nests out of reach may be investigated with the aid of a mirror tilted and affixed to the end of a long stick. A mirror is also useful in reflecting light into dark holes and similar places used as nesting-sites. A brief description of the habitats mentioned in the text may be useful. brushes AND Bic scrubs. Dense vegetation of the rain¬ forest type; generally very tall trees with luxuriant top foliage, creepers, palms, and abundant undergrowth, particularly along the watercourses and near the borders. Interspersed arc true rain-forest zones restricted to moist gullies and regions of a higher rainfall. Known as “scrub" in Queensland, and “brush" and “big scrub" in New South Wales. open forest. An even growth of tall trees with a scanty undergrowth except along the creeks and watercourses or the sides of hills. scrub-lands. Consist of Mallee and Marlock (dwarf Eucalypts), Mulga, Myall, Gidgea, Pindum, Brigalow, Belah, Wilga, Dead Finish (Acacias), Pine ( Callitris ), and She-oak (Casuarina) scrubs of the dry inland or semi-desert areas. heath-lands. Areas consisting of the flat-tops of hills or gently sloping plateaux with a stunted and semi-drought-resisting vegetation, mostly about two to six feet in height. open country. Includes plains, desert, and semi-desert areas. Plains are chiefly associated with Mitchell (Astrcbla) and Flinders (Iseilema) grasses; desert areas with spinifex, porcupine, and cane grasses ( Triodia ); and semi-desert areas with salt-bush (Atriplex), blue-bush, and cotton-bush ( Kochia ). PLAN OF THE BOOK divisions. Instead of chapters, the species are arranged under four main divisions: Forest-frequenting Birds; Birds of the Heath- lands and Open Country; Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps; INTRODUCTION XIX and Birds of the Ocean and Shore . These divisions have been subdivided into groups, such as Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs, Birds of the Open Forest, and so on. A full list oi these groups is shown in the list of plates. coloured plates. Each coloured plate is accompanied by the letterpress relating to the species figured on that plate, the numbers coinciding. Photographs illustrating typical habitats are also included. measurements. The size-key on each plate indicates the size: of the birds in proportion to their life-size. scientific names. The scientific names used are those accepted by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union and pub lished in the Official Checklist of the Birds of Australia (2nd edition. 1926). This is the nomenclature generally used by Australian ornithologists. pronunciation. Guidance to the pronunciation of scientific names: The mark ' indicates the syllable to be accented. The marks ~ and v over vowels show their quantity; that is, whether they are long or short. Diphthongs are always long. The pronunciation here indicated is the English, not the “continental” or “Roman” pro¬ nunciation of Latin Pronounce a as in fate; 3 as in fat; e as in Peter; e as in pet; I as in site; I as in sit; 6 as in note; 6 as in not; u as in cute; u as in cut; au as in audience; ae and oe as e; ai as I; c (soft) as s before e, i, and y; c (hard) as k before a, o, and u; ch as k Vowels not marked are short derivation. The derivations of the generic and specific names are based on the investigations of the late H. Wolstenholme, whose researches in this province appear in an appendix to the Checklist . Mr Wolstenholme was unable to find the origin of some Australian generic names. When the originator leaves no reason for the name he has chosen, it is impossible always to know what was in his mind to suggest that name. abbreviations. Gk=: Greek L. = Latin N.L. = New Latin (a latinized form of a word from another language). vernacular names. With few exceptions the common names used are those accepted and published in the Checklist. Common names other than those used in the Checklist are included, but their use should be discarded to avoid confusion. distribution. Except in some few instances where slight additions and amendments are made, the range distribution used is taken from the Checklist . AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST BIRDS PLATE 1 AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST BIRDS (Excluding Sea-birds) 1. Pied Goose Anseranas semipalmata Latham An'-ser-an'-as— L., anser, goose; L., anas, anatis, duck: scmi-pal-ma!-ta— L., semi, half; L., palmatus, webbed. distribution. Northern, eastern, and southern Australia; casual to south-western Australia and Tasmania; also accidental to New Guinea. notes. Also called Magpie Goose, Black-and-white Goose, and Semipalmated Goose. Usually in flocks, frequenting swamps, lagoons, mangrove flats, estuaries, lakes and rivers. Generally seen searching lor food in shallow water, or else perched on the branches of trees bor¬ dering swamps and watercourses. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A flat, sometimes bulky, structure, composed of rushes and herbage; placed on a trampled-down tussock of reeds. Generally the nesting-site is near the middle of a swamp. eggs. Usually five to eight, occasionally as many as twelve or four¬ teen, creamy or dull yellowish-white, unless nest-stained. Breeding- season: varies according to the rainfall, January to March; July to December. 2. Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Temminck Pel-e-cd’-nus— Gk, pelecan, pelican: con-spic-ill-d'-tus—L., conspicilla¬ tus, spectacled. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in Amboina and New Guinea, accidental to New Zealand. notes. Usually in flocks, frequenting the estuaries of rivers, mud¬ flats of the coast and contiguous islands, or rivers and lakes of the in¬ land areas. It is generally seen fishing in shallow water or at rest on a mud or sand-flat. Whereas it is thoroughly at home on the water or in the air, it has a waddling gait on land. Food: fish and salt- and fresh-water crustaceans. nest. A depression in the ground surrounded by a collection of dead plant-stems, grasses, and sticks, gathered as incubation proceeds. It breeds in colonies, the nests being about a yard apart. eggs. Two or three, dull white or dirty yellowish-white, often irregularly coated with lime, and usually nest-stained. Breeding season: September to March (eastern Australia and Tasmania). 4 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3. Cassowary Casuarius casuarius Linne Cas-u-af d-us— N.L., casuarius, from Malay casoar. distribution. North-eastern Queensland (Cardwell to the Pascoe River); also occurs in Ceram, the Aru Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Usually singly, frequenting the dense scrubs. It is excep¬ tionally wary and timid, keeping to the thickest parts of the scrubs during the day, venturing forth towards evening and at daybreak to visit its favourite feeding-trees. Its call-note is a series of prolonged, harsh, guttural croakings, quickly repeated, or a short but deep boom¬ ing grunt. Food: native fruits, seeds, berries, and leaves. vest. A bed of sticks, leaves, and such-like vegetable debris, about 3 feet in diameter; usually placed near the base of a large tree in dense scrub. eggs. Three to five, light pea-green, the shell being coarse and granulated. Breeding-season: July to September. 4. Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis nova-hollandia Latham Cer-e-ops'-is— L., cera, wax; Gk, ops is, appearance: novce-hollandice— of New Holland. distribution. Coastal southern Australia, Tasmania, and the islands of Bass Strait. notes. Also called Pig Goose. Usually in pairs or small flocks, fre¬ quenting grass-lands and swampy areas. It is an extremely wary and timid species; unfortunately it is becoming rare. The name Pig Goose is due to its grunt-like notes. Food: grass and herbage. nest. A large and rather flat structure, composed of dried grass and plants, and lined with down; placed on the ground. f.ggs. Four to seven, creamy-white, the surface being highly polished. Breeding-season: June to September. 5. Bustard Eupodotis australis Gray Eu-pod-d'-tis—Gk, eupous, eupodos, having good feet; Gk, otis, otidos, bustard: australis— southern (Australian). distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Plain Turkey. Usually singly or in pairs, occa¬ sionally in small flocks, frequenting chiefly the inland plains. It is a wary bird, generally keeping to situations where it has an uninter¬ rupted view of the surrounding country. Being a ground-dwelling and ground-breeding bird, it falls an easy prey to the introduced fox, but the man with a gun is its chief enemy. During the breeding- period the male displays in an extraordinary manner, and utters his peculiar call—a low, hollow roar, difficult to describe in words. Its food consists of large insects (chiefly grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets), grass, and green herbage; also fruits and berries of low- growing vegetation. nest. None made; generally the eggs are laid on the bare ground, sheltered by tall grass or a low bush. AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST BIRDS 5 eggs. One or two, buff or greenish-buff, smudged or blotched all over with brown markings. Breeding-season: January to April; June and July (northern Queensland); September to November (New South Wales). 6. Jabiru Xenorhynchus asiaticus Latham Xen-o-rhynch'-us—G k, xenos, strange; Gk, rhynchos, beak: asiaticus— Asiatic. distribution. Northern and eastern Australia, from the Fitzroy River (north-western Australia) to north-eastern New South Wales; also occurs in India, Burma, the Malay Archipelago to New Guinea. notes. Also called Black-necked Stork. Usually singly, in pairs, or family parties, frequenting swamps, salt-water creeks, and lagoons. It is generally seen stalking quietly about seeking its prey, every now and again jumping along with great strides and jabbing at fish with its huge bill. Food: fish, crabs, and carrion of all kinds. nest. A large pile of sticks and twigs, on which a thin layer of grass or rushes is laid, placed on a low swamp tree, or in a tall tree. eggs. Two to four, whitish unless nest-stained. Breeding-season: May and June (NorthernTerritory); March and April (Queensland). 7. Brolga Megalornis rubicundus Perry Meg-al-orn'-is—Gk, megas (megalos ), large; Gk, ornis , bird: ru-bi-cun'- dus— L., rubicundus, red. distribution. Australia (except the south-western portion). notes. Also called Native Companian and Australian Crane. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting plains and swampy areas. It is a per¬ manent resident in some districts, nomadic in other localities. Its flight is easy and graceful and at times it soars to a great height. A flock will amuse itself by dancing, forming “quadrille parties” or “corroborees”. All manner of movements are performed in a most graceful way. Its call is a deep trumpeting note. Food: insects, small rodents, frogs, and reptiles; also herbage and edible roots of various kinds. nest. Usually none made, the eggs being laid on the ground; oc¬ casionally the eggs are rimmed around with pieces of reeds, plants, or grass. Sometimes it is a substantial platform of grass tussocks, reeds and similar material. eggs. Two, glossy white, covered with a few purplish-red spots. Breeding-season: September to March. 8. Black Swan Chenopis atrata Latham Chen'-op-is— Gk, chen, goose; Gk, opsis, appearance: a-tra'-ta— L., atra- tus, blackened. distribution. Australia (except the extreme northern portions) and Tasmania; introduced into New Zealand. 6 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting alike lakes, rivers, and swamps of the inland areas as well as similar situations in the coastal regions. It lives and breeds freely in parks and gardens. Its trumpet¬ like call as it flies from one feeding-ground to another, is well known to most bird lovers. These flights are mostly during the evening and more especially on moonlight nights. Its food consists of aquatic plants and animals. nest. A large, open, thick-walled structure, composed of twigs, rushes and aquatic plants; slightly lined inside with down. Generally placed in swamps and lakes, favourite sites being small islands of rushes and reeds surrounded by water-a protection against the fox. eggs. Usually five or six, sometimes as many as eight or nine, pale green or dull greenish-white and slightly lustrous. Breeding-season: August to December. 9. Emu Dromaius nov 6 7 One font BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 11 the big scrubs of the mainland and many islands off the coast. It is very similar in habits and call-notes to the Paradise Rille-bird. Food: native fruits and insects. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed ol dead leaves, vine tendrils, twigs, and portions of climbing plants; lined with fine twigs. Frequently pieces of the cast-off skin of a snake are used as decora¬ tions, these being worked into the outside materials of the structure. Usually secreted in a thick mass of vines or foliage, often near the top of a small tree in dense scrub. eggs. Two, reddish flesh-colour, beautifully marked with longitud¬ inal streaks and a few smudges or spots of red, purplish-red, reddish- violet, and purplish-grey, a number appearing as if beneath the shell. Breeding-season: (July to September), October to December. 6. Paradise Rifle-bird Ptiloris paradiseus Swainson—6A. Female Par-a-di'-se-us—L., paradiseus, of Paradise. distribution. Central Queensland (Rockhampton) to central New South Wales (Blunter River). notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes of the coast and contiguous mountain ranges. Each male bird appears to have his own special domain, an area about a quarter of a square mile in extent, over which he reigns; he rarely leaves his territory. The call is a harsh scream, "Y-a-a-ss”, frequently uttered, especially during the mating season. The male “displays” in an extraordinary manner, usually selecting for his performance a bare horizontal limb of a tree at the edge of the scrub, or overlooking a gorge. This limb he visits regularly. Food: insects, mostly procured from under or in the crevices of the bark on tree-trunks; also native fruits and berries. nest. A rather large, open, cup-shaped structure, composed of large brown dead leaves and vine tendrils, decorated with pieces of green climbing fern and portions of the cast-off skins of snakes; lined with wiry fern-stems and rootlets. Usually secreted in a dense mass of vines or foliage in the topmost part of a bushy tree, at heights up to 90 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually two, reddish-cream, beautifully and regularly marked with spots and longitudinal streaks like brush markings, of red, red¬ dish-chestnut, purplish-red, and underlying ones of purplish-grey; the markings are more pronounced on the larger end. Breeding- season: October to December. 7. Shining Starling Aplonis metallica Temminck-7A. Immature Ap-lon’-is—no derivation has been found; the name suggests Apollonis, from Apollo, the sun: met’-al-li-ca- L., metallicus, like metal. distribution. Northern Queensland; also occurs in the Celebes, Molucca Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Migratory, arrives in August and departs in March. In flocks, resembling in their flights the introduced Starling, performing many visoioiA ao rosso* W®** 2 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA weird movements; like Starlings, they make the same chattering noise while on the wing. An exceptionally noisy species, and an excel¬ lent mimic. In certain districts it is known as "Whirlwind-bird”. It breeds in colonies in trees, chiefly tall white mangrove and Moreton Bay ash-trees. Food: native fruits, principally wild nutmegs from which the mace only is eaten; also insects, often caught on the wing. nest. A large, domed structure, rather oval in shape, with an entrance at one side, constructed chiefly of hard twisted tendrils of creeping plants; lined with portions of palm leaves, and a quantity of hair-like fibre. Suspended from the limb of a tree, usually in or close to dense scrub. As many as two hundred nests have been counted hanging in a tree. eggs. Three or four, pale bluish-white, spotted and speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish-brown, dull purple, and dull purplish- grey. Breeding-season: August to December. 8. Regent Bower-bird Sericnlus chrysocephalus Lewin-8A. Female Ser-ic'-u-lus— Gk, sericos, silken: chrys-o-ceph'-al-us— Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, cephale, head. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. NOTES. Also called Regent-bird. Mostly in pairs or flocks accord¬ ing to the season of the year. The flocks usually consist of one fully plumaged male to twenty or more females and immature males. Generally observed feeding upon the fruits and berries of native trees! vines, and shrubs. The call-note is a guttural "Te-ar” long drawn out; when alarmed the bird utters a squeaky “Whit-whit”. This species builds a bower or playground—a cleared space about 4 feet in diameter, in the centre of which it constructs a bed of sticks, well trampled down, erects two walls, each about 8 inches long and 6 inches high, and then decorates the bower with empty land-snail shells and a few leaves and berries. Often the bower is built without a bed of sticks, the materials of the walls being pushed into the damp soil. Food: insects, native fruits, and berries; also cultivated fruits. nest. A rather deep, saucer-shaped structure, composed of thin drv sticks and twigs, lined with thinner twigs. Usually placed in a mass of foliage or vines, at heights up to 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually two, yellowish-stone colour or faint-greyish or dull white, beautifully and delicately marked and marbled with lines and hair-like irregular markings of olive-brown, blackish-brown, and dull purplish-grey; some have the markings predominating around the larger end, in others, these are confined to the centre. Breeding-season- October to Lhe end of January. 9. Golden Bower-bird Pvionodura newtoniana De Vis—9A. Female Pri'-on-o-dur'-a—Gk, prion, saw; Gk, ura ( oura ), tail: newtoniana- Alfred Newton (1829-1907), Professor of Zoology, Cambridge. BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS *3 distribution. Northern Queensland. notes. Also called Newton’s Bower-bird. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting the big scrubs. Its call as a frog-like croak, difficult to imitate; the bird is also a splendid mimic. This species builds an immense bower, usually constructed on the ground between two small trees or between a tree and a bush. It is made of small sticks and twigs which are piled up almost horizontally around one of the trees in the form of a pyramid, attaining a height varying from 4 to 9 feet; a similar but smaller pile is then built around the foot of the other tree. The space between is arched over with stems of climbing plants, and the walls are decorated with pieces of green moss, ferns, orchids, flowers of other plants and clusters of berries. Through and over the covered run-way the birds play, the males displaying their glorious plumage, erecting the crest and nape feathers and spreading the tad. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed of dead leaves, large but thin strips of bark, skeleton leaves, small sticks, and moss, lined with rootlets and twigs. It is usually placed in an opening, ledge, or hollow portion of a tree, or other such sheltered position in dense scrub, and often within 3 or 4 feet of the ground. eggs. Two, pure white. Breeding-season: October to December. 10. Spangled Drongo Chibia bracteata Gould Chib'-i-a —East Indian chibia, drongo: brac-te-d-ta—L., bracteatus, like a shining metal plate. distribution. North-western Australia to northern Queensland to eastern Victoria, accidental to Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting alike scrub and open forest countries; chiefly migratory, arriving in New South ’Wales during October and departing in March or occasionally as late as May. It shows a preference for trees on the edge of scrubs, and is very similar to the Dollar-bird in the method of securing its food The call-note is a loud, harsh, cackling whistle, easily recognized when compaied with the calls of other species. Food: insects, procured on the wing and among the leaves and blossoms. nest. An open, shallow, cup-shaped structure, composed almost entirely of vine tendrils intermingled with plant-stems; frequently it has a quantity of spiders' webs worked over the forked branch m which it is built; often lined with rootlets. It is attached at the sides to a thin forked stem of an outspreading branch of a bushy tree, at heights up to 50 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Three to five, varying from faint reddish or pinkish-white to pale purplish-grey, spotted, blotched, and finely streaked with pinkish- red, chestnut, and purplish-grey. Breeding-season: October to Feb¬ ruary, c 14 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 11. Manucode Phony gammus keraudreni Lesson and Garnot Phon-y-gam'-mus—G k, phone, voice; Gk, gamos, marriage: keraudreni - Keraudren, French voyager and naturalist. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Cape York to the Claudie River district; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Australian Bird of Paradise and Trumpet-bird. Usually in pairs, frequenting the tall fruit and berry-bearing scrub- trees, usually in the company of other fruit-eating species. It has a melodious call, and also utters a loud and deep gutteral note. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. An open and rather shallow structure, composed almost en¬ tirely of strong, curly vine tendrils and creeping plant-stems woven together; lined with finer tendrils. Usually placed in a thin forked branch of a leafy tree, at heights up to 70 feet or more from the ground. The nest of this species is usually placed in a tree close to one containing a nest of a Butcher-bird. eggs. Usually two, pale purplish-pink, well marked with short long¬ itudinal streaks and spots of reddish-chestnut, purple, and purplish- grey, the markings becoming more numerous towards the larger end. Breeding-season: October to the end of January. 12. Koel Eudynarnys orientalis Linnc—12A. Female Eu-dy'-na-mys— Gk, eu, well, good; Gk, dynamis, power: or-i-en-ta'-lis— L., orientalis, eastern. distribution. North-western, northern, and eastern Australia to as far south as Victoria; also occurs in Timor, the Molucca Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Also called Cooee-bird and Flinders Cuckoo. Usually in pairs, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes. It is a migratory species, arriving in New South Wales during September and departing in March. Its joyful call, "Coo-ee”, may be heard at night as well as in the day-time; besides the “Coo-ee” it has other notes uttered in quick succession. It is exceptionally noisy during mating-time. This Cuckoo is often pursued by other birds, more especially those species that act as fosterers. Food: chiefly native fruits and berries and introduced fruits such as mulberries and figs; also insects. parasitic. Known foster-parents number about twelve species, chiefly the larger Honey-eaters and Orioles. egg. Pale reddish-salmon, rather sparingly sprinkled with dots and small irregular markings and short wavy streaks of dull purplish-red and purplish-grey, the latter appearing as though beneath the shell; the markings predominate towards the larger end. Breeding-season: October to January or February. 13. Satin Bower-bird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Vieillot—13A. Female PtiV-on-o-rhynch'-us— Gk, ptilon, feather; Gk, rhynchos, bill: vi-o-la'-ce - us —L., violaceus , blue. BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 15 distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cape York to southern Victoria (Lake Corangamite). notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, according to the seasons of the year, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes. It is plentiful throughout the brushes of the coastal districts where it is usually observed feeding upon native fruits. Females and young males pre¬ dominate in the flocks and appear to be more fearless than fully coloured males. It has several call-notes, chief of which is a saw-like “wheeze”; it is also a splendid mimic. Wild fruits and berries constitute the greater portion of its food, to which are added insects of various kinds. During the summer and autumn months, when congregated in flocks, it visits orchards and does considerable damage, attacking chiefly the soft fruits. It builds a bower or playhouse on the ground, generally in scrub, and placed near a fallen log or moss-covered rock. A space about 2 or 3 feet in diameter is cleared and covered with a layer of thin sticks and twigs to a depth of about 3 inches. In the centre of this platform two parallel walls of thin sticks are built, the base of the walls being thicker, the inner portion resembling in form an inverted horseshoe. Scattered over the platform, but rarely in the bower, are various decorations, chiefly coloured blue, yellowish-green, and olive-brown, and consisting of feathers, berries, flowers, leaves, pieces of glass, blue-bags, snail shells, and cicada larvae shells. The birds also paint the inner walls of the bower with powdered charcoal. nest. An open and rather shallow structure, composed of thin sticks and twigs; lined with dried eucalypt leaves. Usually built in the fork of a tree at heights up to 40 feet from the ground; often a clump of mistletoe ( Loranthus) growing in a tree, is used as a nesting- site. eggs. Two or three, dark cream-colour, spotted and blotched, chiefly towards the larger end, with dark olive-brown, cinnamon-brown, and slaty-grey. Breeding-season: October to the end of December. PLATE III BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 1. Rose-crowned Pigeon Ptilinopus ewingi Gould Ptil-in'-o-pus— Gk, ptilon, feather; Gk, pus (pous ), podos, foot: ewingi— Rev. T. J. Ewing, Tasmanian naturalist and friend of John Gould. distribution. North-western Australia (Kimberley) to Northern Territory; also occurs in Flores and Timor. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the fruit and berry¬ bearing trees of the coastal brushes and scrubs. Similar in habits to the Red-crowned Pigeon. nest. A slightly built platform, about inches in diameter, com¬ posed of small sticks; placed in the branches of a tree up to 8 feet or more from the ground. egg. Pure white. Breeding-season: October to February. 2. Purple-crowmed Pigeon Ptilinopus superbus Temminck Su-perb'-us— L., superbus, handsome. distribution. Eastern Australia, accidental to Tasmania; also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called Superb Fruit-pigeon. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the brushes and big scrubs, chiefly of the coastal districts. Similar in habits and food to the Red-crowned Pigeon. Its call-note is a gruff succession of "ooms" uttered slowly. nest. A platform about 3 inches in diameter, composed of a few twigs; built in a small tree on a low horizontal fork at a height up to 10 feet from the ground. Usually situated in open forest at the edge of scrub. egg. White, with a faint creamy tinge. Breeding-season: October to February. 3. Red-crowned Pigeon Ptilinopus regina Swainson re-gi-na— L., regina , queen. distribution. Eastern Australia, as far south as the Bellinger River; also occurs in New Guinea and the islands of Torres Strait. notes. Also called Swainson’s Fruit-pigeon and Pink-headed Dove. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the brushes and big scrubs of the coastal districts as well as forests and mangroves. It is a migratory Plate III One foot BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 17 species, usually arriving in New South Wales during October and November. Except when feeding, it is a difficult bird to locate in the scrub, its plumage harmonizing wonderfully with the leaves of the trees it frequents. The call-note, which is comparatively loud for a small bird, is a single “Coo" repeated about a dozen times. It is generally found feeding in fig or other fruit and berry-bearing trees. nest. A scanty platform, about 5 or 6 inches in diameter, composed of twigs. Generally placed high up from the ground in the leafy branches of a scrub tree, or in a mangrove tree. Usually the egg can be easily seen from beneath the nest. egg. Pure white. Breeding-season: October to February. 4. Green-winged Pigeon Chalcophaps chrysochlora Wagler Chal'-co-phaps- Gk, chalcos , bronze; Gk, phaps, pigeon: chrys-o-chlor'-a -Gk, chrysos , golden; Gk, chloros, yellow-green. distribution. Northern Territory and eastern Australia; also occurs in Timor, the Molucca Islands, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and Lord Howe Island. notes. Also called Little Green Pigeon. Usually in pairs, frequenting the brushes and big scrubs of the coastal districts. It is mainly terres¬ trial in habits, and is remarkably fearless. When flushed, it rises with a whirring sound, flies rapidly through the scrub for a short distance, and then drops suddenly to the ground. Its call-note is a monotonous “Coo-coo" uttered throughout the day. Food: native fruits, berries, and seeds. NEST. A scanty and almost flat structure, composed of twigs. Usually placed at the junction of several leafy horizontal branches, on a mass of vines, or on top of a fern growing on a tree, at heights up to 15 feet from the ground. EGGS. Two, pale cream-colour. Breeding-season: October to January. 5. Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus King Or-i-ol'-us- N.L., from O. Fr. oriol and L. aureolas , golden; aurum, gold: flav-o-cinc'-tus— L., flavus , yellow; L., cinctus, banded. distribution. Tropical northern Australia. notes. Common in the scrubs and mangroves, where its pleasant, liquid, bubbling notes are heard from daybreak until sunset. Similar in habits to the Olive-backed Oriole. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. A compact, open, cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of soft bark and vine tendrils; lined with twigs and rootlets. Usually placed in the outer branches of a high tree, up to 50 feet from the ground. EGGS. Two, pale cream colour, boldly spotted and blotched with blackish-brown and pale slate markings, particularly at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December. i8 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 6. Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Latham sa-git-ta'-tus— L., sagittatus, marked with arrows. distribution. Northern, eastern, and southern Australia to as far south as Adelaide. notes. Also called Green Thrush and Cedar Pigeon. Usually in pairs or flocks according to the seasons of the year, frequenting the open forest or brush and showing a preference for the latter as it affords an abundant supply of food, consisting of native fruits, berries, and insects. It is a splendid songster, possessing a varied series of melodious notes; it is also an excellent mimic. nest. A deep, open, cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of stringy-bark, bark-fibre, or paper bark, interwoven with leaves; occasionally it is decorated with lichen and spiders’ webs and egg-bags; lined with dried grasses. Usually placed in the outer drooping branch of a tree, up to 60 feet from the ground. eggs. Two to four, usually three, pale cream-colour, spotted and blotched with light and dark umber and slate-grey markings, particu¬ larly at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to the end of December or January. 7. Fig-bird Sphecotheres vieilloti Vigors and Horsfield—7A. Female Sphec-o-ther'-es— Gk, sphex, sphecos, wasp; Gk, theras , I hunt: vieilloti —Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (1748-1831), a celebrated French ornithologist. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cairns (northern Queens¬ land) to Sydney (New South Wales). notes. Also called Mulberry-bird and Banana-bird. Usually in pairs, frequenting the big scrubs, brushes, and open forests. It is exceptionally active and noisy, constantly uttering its peculiar parrot¬ like notes; generally observed feeding in fruit and berry-bearing trees. It also visits orchards, chiefly devouring mulberries, figs, bananas, papaws, loquats, and guavas. nest. An open, shallow structure, composed of vine-tendrils or stems of climbing plants and a few twigs. Although only a scanty structure, through which the eggs are easily seen from beneath, it is strongly built into the forked horizontal leafy twigs of an outer branch of a tree, at heights up to 70 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually three, varying from pale apple-green to dull olive- green, spotted all over, but more so at the larger end, with reddish or purplish-brown markings. Breeding-season: October to December or January. 8. Yellow Fig-bird Sphecotheres flaviventris Gould—8A. Female fldv-i-ven'-tris—L., flavus , yellow; L., venter, belly. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland. notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Fig-bird. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting both scrub and open forest-lands. Very BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS I 9 similar in habits to the Southern Fig-bird. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. A neatly made, saucer-shaped structure, without lining, com¬ posed of long pieces of vine-tendrils and a few twigs. Generally attached to the end of a drooping branch of a tree, at heights up to 50 feet from the ground. This species often nests in the same tree as the Drongo or the Helmeted Friar-bird. eggs. Usually three, greenish to greenish-white or greenish-brown, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown or purplish-red; many of the markings appear as if beneath the shell. Breeding-season: October to January. 9. Spotted Cat-bird Ailurccdus melanotus Gray A il-ur-ccd'-us—Gk, ailouros, cat; Gk , eidos, form: mel'-an-o-tus-Gk. melas (melanos ), black; Gk, otos, genitive of ous , ear. distribution. Northern Queensland; also occurs in the Aru Islands. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes. It is very similar in habits to the Green Cat-biid and uttcis the same cat-like cries. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. A large, open, bowl-shaped structure, composed of long twigs and broad leaves; lined with twigs and dead wiry^ stems of climbing plants. Usually placed near the top of a bushy sapling or small tree in dense scrub, at heights up to 20 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually two, rarely three, cream-coloured. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 10. Green Cat-bird Ailurccdus crassirostris Paykull crass-i-ros'-tris— L., crassus , thick; L., rostrum , bill. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales. . notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting chiefly the big scrubs and brushes of the coastal districts. It is often observed in the company of the Regent and Satin Bower-birds, feeding upon difoent kinds^of native fruits and berries. Its quaint call a cat-like Meow uttered more frequently at daybreak and towards dusk, is a feature_o£ the brushes. Apart from the rather loud Me-ow , it ias ' ‘ , ? call, a low plantive “hiss”, used mostly when alarmed. Tood. native fruits and berries; it is very fond of the seeds of the bangalow and cabbage-tree palms; also insects, chiefly beetles. nest. A bowl-shaped structure, composed of long twigs and stems of climbing plants entwined around a layer of long broad leaves, and occasionally moss; lined with fine dried twigs. Usua y p acec top of a low bushy tree, or in a leafy mass of vines, at heights up to 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually two, sometimes three, cream or pale creamy-white. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 20 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 11. Tooth-billed Bower-bird Scenopceetes dentirostris Ramsay Scen'-o-poe-e'-tes— Gk, scenos, tent; Gk, poietes , maker: dent-i-ros'-tris —L., dens, tooih; L., rostrum , bill. distribution. Northern Queensland (Bellenden Ker Range district). notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes chiefly of the mountain ranges, it is often seen in the company of the Spotted Cat-bird, feeding in native fruit and berry¬ bearing trees. This species makes a playground, or what some observers call a “circus-ring”—a cleared space on the ground, about 3 to 5 feet in diameter, upon which the l}irds place fresh leaves, usually from one particular kind of tree. As the leaves wither they are removed and fresh ones added. The birds assemble at these playgrounds to display and gambol. Usually old-established playgrounds are encircled by a great accumulation of the discarded leaves. It is said to be one of the finest of our bird mimics. Food: native fruits and berries; also insects, chiefly beetles. nest. A frail, open, shallow structure, composed of thin dry sticks; lined with thin dry twigs. Usually placed in a thick mass of foliage or clump of vines in a tree, at heights up to 80 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually two, rich creamy-brown. Breeding-season: October to December. 12. Top-knot Pigeon Lopholaimus anlarcticus Shaw Loph'-o-laim-us— Gk, lophos, crest; Gk, laimos, throat: an-tarc'-tic-us— L., antarcticus, southern. distribution. Eastern Australia; accidental to Tasmania. notes. Also called Flock-pigeon. Usually in flocks, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes. It is nomadic in habits, its movements coin¬ ciding with the ripening of different native fruits and berries and the seeds of the bangalow and cabbage-tree palms. Its flesh is excellent eating, and, until protected, great numbers of these birds were shot. During the autumn and winter months it congregates in immense flocks, which travel great distances seeking food; when not feeding in the scrub, it usually keeps to the topmost branches of the highest trees. nest. A platform of fairly stout twigs, usually placed in the thin branches of a tall tree, at heights up to 70 feet from the ground. She- oaks and turpentine-trees are favourite nesting-trees. egg. Pearly white. Breeding-season: October to December. 13. Wompoo Pigeon Megaloprepia magnified Temminck Meg-al-o-prcp'-i-a— Gk, megaloprepes, magnificent: mag-nif'-i-ca— L.. magnificus, magnificent. distribution. Eastern Australia, as far south as Wollongong (New South Wales); also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called Magnificent Fruit-pigeon, Purple-breasted Pigeon, Plum-breasted Pigeon, and Bubbly Mary. Usually in pairs or BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 21 small flocks, frequenting the big scrubs and brushes, chiefly of the coastal districts. It is generally observed feeding in fruit and berry¬ bearing trees, often in the company of the Red-crowned or the Purple- crowned Pigeons. It has an extraordinary call, really startling when first heard, die deep bubbling notes resembling “Wallock-a-woo”, or the well-known gobble of a domestic turkey. Food: native fruits, berries, and seeds. NEST. A scanty platform of sticks laid crosswise in the horizontal branches of a scrub tree, at heights up to 30 feet from the ground. Usually the egg can be seen from beneath the nest. egg. Pure white. Breeding-season: October to February. 14. White-headed Pigeon Columba norfolciensis Latham Col-um'-ba- L., columba , dove: norfolciensis- from Norfolk Island (named in error as it does not occur there). distribution. Eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales, to as far south as the Port Hacking district. notes. Also called Baldy. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequent¬ ing chiefly the coastal scrubs and brushes. It is nomadic, its movements being regulated by the supply of food. It is often observed feeding on native fruits and berries, the seeds of bangalow and cabbage-tree palms, and the berries of the ink-weed. Frequently it is flushed from the ground. Its call-note is a loud “Coo-coo-cook”, uttered continuously. nest. A scanty platform of sticks, laid crosswise in the horizontal branches of a scrub tree or placed in a tangle of vines, usually at heights up to 20 feet from the ground. eggs. One, rarely two, dull white. Breeding-season: October to January or February. 15. Brown Pigeon Macropygia phasianella Temminck Mac-ro-pyg'-i-a (g = j)-Gk, macros, long; Gk, pyge, rump, tail: pha-si- d-nel’-la- L., phasianella, little pheasant. distribution. Northern Territory, Queensland to southern New South Wales; also occurs from the Philippine Islands to New Guinea. notes. Also called Large-tailed Pigeon, Pheasant Pigeon, and Brownie. Usually in pairs or small flocks frequenting the big scrubs and brushes of the coastal districts. It prefers the more open parts of the scrubs, bush-tracks, and clearings, where it spends much of its time on the ground feeding upon fallen seeds and beiries. When flushed, it usually settles again on a nearby branch. Food: berries o the ink-weed, wild raspberry, and Cape gooseberry. nest. A scanty platform of sticks, laid crosswise in a tangle ot vines or on the horizontal branches of a scrub tree, up to 10 feet from the ground. eggs. One, rarely two, dull white or faint creamy-white. Breeding- season: October to^December (New South Wales); November, January, February, June, and July (north-eastern Queensland). 22 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 16. Torres Strait Pigeon Myristicivora spilorrhoa Gray My-ris'-ti-cix/-or-a— L., myristica, wild nutmeg; L., vorare, to eat: spii orr (/i)'-o-a—Gk, spilos, spot; Gk, orrhos, tail. distribution. Northern Australia, from Kimberley (north-western Australia) to Port Denison (northern Queensland) and the islands of Torres Strait; also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called White Nutmeg Pigeon. A migrant, arriving in flocks in Australia during September or October; after breeding it departs at the end of March or April. It breeds chiefly on the islands off the coast, and visits the mainland each day seeking food, which consists of native fruits and berries, such as quandongs, wild nutmegs, and date plums. During the period of incubation the birds carry from the mainland food in their crops for their sitting mates. Until protected many thousands were killed each year. nest. A scanty structure, consisting of a few twigs laid across each other in the fork of a horizontal branch of a tree, chiefly mangroves and tea-trees; often the egg is visible from below. egg. Pure white. Breeding-season: October to the end of January or February. 17. Black-banded Pigeon Leucotreron alligator Collett Leuc-dt'-rer-on— Gk, leucos , white; Gk, treron , timorous: alligator— Alligator River, Northern Territory. distribution. Northern Territory (Arnhem Land). notes. The only published note stated that they were never seen except in the region near the sources of the South Alligator River in Arnhem Land; that their flight was very noisy, and that their food consisted mainly of the figs of the bonjon tree, tne fruit of which is not bigger than the berries of the mountain ash. nest. Undescribed. eggs. U ndescribed. PLATE IV BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS I. White-tailed Kingfisher Tanysiptera sylvia Gould Tan-y-sip'-ter-a—Gk, tanysipteros, long-feathered: syl'-vi-a— N.L., sylvia, woodland bird. distribution. Northern Queensland; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. A spring and summer migrant to the coastal districts, in¬ habits the dense brushes of those areas. Usually in pairs; arrives in November and departs in February or March, sometimes as late as May. Call-note, a persistent trilling, not unlike that of the Sacred Kingfisher. Food: insects and small reptiles. nest. In a hole in a termites* (white ants) nest in a tree or on the ground. eggs. Three to four, pure white. Breeding-season: November to January. 2. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis pyrrhophanus Vieillot Cac-o-man'-tis-G k, caatf, bad; Gk, mantis, prophet: pyr-rho-pha-nus- Gk, pyrrhos, fire-coloured; Gk, phanos, bright. distribution. Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Northern Territory, and north-western Australia; also occurs in the Molucca Is- lands, Timor, and New Guinea. notes. Also called Square-tailed Cuckoo; a migrant, arriving in New South Wales and Victoria in October and departing during Feb¬ ruary or March. Usually singly; inhabits the brushes and dense scrubs, similar in habits to the Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Food: insects of various kinds, especially hairy caterpillars. parasitic. Species that build open, cup-shaped nests are usually selected as foster-parents; over thirty species have been recorded as hosts of this Cuckoo. egc White with a band round the larger end, blotched and spotted with tain! purplish-brown and lavender markings. Breed.ng-season: October to January. 3. Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Latham Rhip-id-ur'-a- Gk, r hi pis, rliipidos, fan; Gk, ura -L., rufus, red; L., Irons, forehead. distribution. North-western and. northein Australia (from Cape York to Victoria). (oura ), tail; ru'-fi-frons Australia, and eastern *4 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. A migrant, arriving in New South Wales during Octobei and departing in February or March. Usually in pairs, frequenting the brushes and dense scrubs. Similar in habits to the Grey Fantail, but unlike that species it is often observed on the ground or on fallen logs, seeking its food. Food: insects, chiefly flies, caught on the wing or on the ground. nest. Shaped like a wineglass without the foot-piece, composed of dried grasses and bark-fibre held together with cobwebs, and lined with finer materials; the tail-piece is about 2 to 3 inches in length. Built on a horizontal thin branch of a tree up to 20 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Two, sometimes three, stone or buff-coloured, with a zone of lavender round the larger end. Breeding-season: November to January. 4. Boat-billed Flycatcher Machcerirhynchus flaviventer Gould —4A. Female. Mach &r'-i-rhynch'-us— Gk, machaira, sword; Gk, rhynchos ( rhugchos ), beak: flav-i-ven'-ter— L., flavus, yellow; L., venter, belly. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Cape York to Cardwell. notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Wherrybill; usually in pairs, in¬ habiting the dense scrubs of the coastal areas. A very active and lively species, constantly on the move, uttering an agreeable twittering song. Food: insects, caught both on the wing and among the leaves of trees. nest. A saucer-shaped structure, composed of dried stalks of flower¬ ing plants, matted together with cobwebs, the inner portion consisting entirely of fine dried tendrils of plants. Built in the angle of a thin horizontal forked branch of a bushy tree. eggs. Two, white, with a zone of purplish-red spots round the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December. 5. Pied Flycatcher Arses kaupi Gould Ar'-ses—L., arses, a raising or lifting of the voice or foot: kaupi— J. J. Kaup, German ornithologist. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cairns district). notes. Also called Kaup’s Flycatcher and Black-breasted Flycatcher. In pairs, frequenting the dense scrubs; very active, spreading its tail and erecting the feathers on the nape and crest; it creeps and hops about the trunks and branches of trees seeking insects, chiefly moths and their larvae, in the crevices of the bark. nest. Like a miniature basket or hammock, attached on two sides to two thin pendent parallel stems of a vine, composed of thin dried stalks of ferns and tendrils of plants, bound together with cobwebs, and decorated with lichen; lined with fine rootlets. Often built in a tree or in vines, up to 30 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, whitish, spotted, particularly at the larger end, with reddish and lavender markings. Breeding-season: November to January. Plate IV BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 25 6. Frill-neckcd Flycatcher Arses lorcalis De Vis lor-e-a-lis— L., lorealis, lored. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York). notes. Also called White-lored Flycatcher. Usually in pairs, fre¬ quenting the dense scrubs. Similar in habits to the Pied Flycatcher. nest. Similar to that of the Pied Flycatcher. f.ggs. Two, whitish, spotted with dull and purplish-red markings Breeding-season: November to January. 7. Black-faced Flycatcher Monarcha melanopsis Vieillot Mon-arch'-a-Gk f monarchos, ruler: mel'-an-op'-sis-G k, melas ( mela - nos), black; Gk, opsis, appearance. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cape York to eastern Vic¬ toria; also occurs in Timor and New Guinea. notes. Also called Carinated Flycatcher. A migrant, arriving in New South Wales in the spring, departing during February or March; inhabits brushes and dense scrubs, it is very active, searching for food among the leaves and branches, or in the air. Call-note, a louc 1 whistle, “Why-yew, witch-yew”. Food: insects of various kinds. nest. Goblet-shaped, composed of green moss and lined with fine rootlets. Usually built in a thin forked horizontal or upright forked branch of a leafy tree, up to 30 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, white, covered, sometimes more at the larger end, with reddish and lavender spots. Breeding-season: November to January. 8. Pearly Flycatcher Monarcha cancscens Salvador! can-es'-ccns- L., canescens, becoming hoary. distribution. Cape York Peninsula (northern Queensland). notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting open forest as well as big scrubs. Similar in habits to the Black-faced Flycatcher. nest. Goblet-shaped, composed of fine strips and flakes of papei bark, bound together with cobwebs; lined with vegetable hair. fggs. Three, white, dotted all over with small reddish-brown irre¬ gular-shaped spots with a few underlying markings of pale purple, forming a zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: January. 9. Spectacled Flycatcher Monarcha trivirgata 1 cmminck tri-vir-ga'-ta—Gk, tri, three; L., virgatus, striped. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cape York to north-eastern New South Wales; also occurs in Timor, the Molucca Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Also called Black-fronted Flycatcher Usually in pai«; « a migrant, arriving in New South Wales late in September and depart¬ ing during February or March. Inhabits the brushes and dense scrubs. Similar in habits to the Black-faced Flycatcher. 26 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. A deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of fine strips of bark held together with spiders’ webs; lined with fine rootlets and decorated on the outside with cocoons and moss. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a low tree or in the fork of a hanging vine, up to 20 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, dull white, spotted, more so at the larger end, with purple or reddish-brown markings. Breeding-season: October to January. 10. White-eared Flycatcher Carlerornis leucotis Gould Carterornis— Tom Carter, Australian ornithologist, born in England: leuc-dt'-is— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, otos, genitive of ous, ear. distribution. Northern and eastern Queensland; also occurs in the Louisiade Archipelago and New Guinea. notes. In pairs, frequenting coastal scrubs; very active, catching most of its food on the wing. It hovers about the leaves of the tree- tops, in much the same manner as the Spinebill Honey-eater does. A very inquisitive and noisy bird, calling and chattering incessantly. Food: small insects of various kinds. nest. A deep, cup-shaped structure, composed entirely of soft moss, spiders' cocoons, and cobwebs; lined with fine pieces of palm-fibre and hair-like black fern-stems. Built into the upright fork of a small shrub at about 10 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, whitish, evenly dotted all over with small but irregular spots of reddish-brown. (Type clutch taken on Fraser Island, Queens¬ land, October 1930.) 11. White-breasted Robin Quoyornis g eorgianus Quoy and Gaimard Quoyornis— Jean Rene Quoy (1790-1869), French scientist and explorer associated with Gaimard: georgianus— King George’s Sound, Western Australia. distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the dense scrubs; it is a very shy species, clinging to the bark of upright tree-trunks and branches in search of food; its call-notes resemble “Kawhow, kawhow, whowah, whow”, uttered loudly. Food: insects. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark, fine twigs, and leaves; lined with fine rootlets and grass. eggs. Two, olive or bronze-green, darker at the larger end. Breeding- season: October. 12. Grey-headed Robin Heteromyias cinereifrons Ramsay Het'-er-o-my-V-as— Gk, heteros, other; Gk, myia, fly: cin-er'-e-i-frons—L., cinereus, ashen; L., from, forehead. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cardwell district). notes. Also called Ashy-fronted Robin; usually in pairs, frequent¬ ing the densely timbered ranges; it is seldom seen at any great height BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 27 from the ground. Similar in habits to the Yellow Robin. Food: insects of various kinds and their larvas. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs, rootlets, and moss; lined with fibre from the lawyer-vine. Usually built between the forked stems of a lawyer-vine. eggs. One, rarely two, greenish or buffy-white, marked with heavy blotches of umber and underlying markings of lavender, chiefly at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to January. 13. Wliite-browed Robin Poecilodryas superciliosa Gould Poe'-cil-o-dry'-as-Gk, poicilos, mottled; Gk, dry as, a dryad: su-per-cil-i - os-a— L., superciliosus, browed. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting the margins of scrubs; it is similar in habits to the Yellow Robin, but much shyer. Food: insects. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs and grass, matted together with cobwebs; lined with fibre. eggs. Two, pale greenish, spotted and blotched with purplish-brown or chestnut with underlying markings of lavender. Breeding-season: October to January. 14. Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris Gould cer-vi-ni-ven'-tris— L., cervinus, coloured like a stag; L., venter, belly. distribution. North-western Australia to western Queensland (from Derby to Gregory River). notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting brushes and mangroves; it is very tame, and feeds on the ground, but also searches the tree-trunks for food. Call-note, a loud piping whistle, repeated four times. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A cup-shaped structure, neatly composed of very fine rootlets and tendrils, and decorated with strips of bark. eggs. Two, pale green, banded on the larger end with blotches of reddish-brown, some of which are distributed over the surface. Breed ing-season: October to December (north-western Australia). 15. Northern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria chrysorrhoa Gould £-op-sal'-tri-a-G k, eos, drawn; psaltria, harper: chrys-orr(hy‘ 0 -a-Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, orrhos, tail. distribution. Northern and eastern Queensland and north¬ eastern New South Wales. notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs. Similar in habits to the Eastern Yellow Robin, but less confiding. nest. Similar to that of the Eastern Yellow Robin. eggs. Similar to those of the Eastern Yellow Robin. 28 THE BIRDS OF. AUSTRALIA 16. Pale Yellow Robin Eopsaltria capilo Gould cap'-it-o— L., capito, big-headed. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cairns to the Hunter River. notes. Also called Large-headed Robin. Usually in pairs, inhabit¬ ing the brushes and big scrubs. It is very quiet in habits, and has a low twittering call-note; its food is caught on the wing or on the ground. Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of pieces of bark and leaves matted together with cobwebs; lined with fibre, and decorated outside with lichen. Built in lawyer-vines up to 30 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, greenish-white, dotted and blotched with yellowish or chestnut-brown markings, particularly on the larger end. Breeding- season: September to December. 17. White-faced Robin Eopsaltria leucops Salvadori leuc'-ops— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, ops, face. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Cape York to the Claudie River; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called White-throated Robin or Fly Robin. In pairs, inhabiting thick scrubs, where it is very quiet; call-note, a short, harsh “Chee-chee-chee”, uttered occasionally. nest. A compact, cup-shaped structure, composed of fine strips of bark and fibres; lined with fine fibres, and decorated outside with pieces of white paper-bark. Built in lawyer-vines. eggs. Two, greenish-white, marked all over with reddish dots or spots, which are closer together on the larger end. Breeding-season: December to January. 18. Golden Whistler Pacliycephala pectoralis Latham— 18A. Female Pach'-y-ceph'-al-a—G k, pachys , thick; Gk, cephale, head: pcc-tor-a f -lis— L., pectoralis, breasted. distribution. North-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, Vic¬ toria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Whistler, White-throated Whistler, Thickhead, Thunder-bird, Cut-throat, and Coachwhip-bird. Usually in pairs, inhabiting brushes, thick scrub, or open forest. It has a rich, sweet, and varied song. It obtains most of its food among the leaves and branches of the trees. Food: insects of various kinds and native seeds and berries. nest. A cup-shaped structure composed of rootlets, plant-stems, and leaves; lined with finer materials. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a tree at various heights up to 12 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Two or three, stone-coloured or white, speckled with umber- brown, forming a zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. A TYPICAL BRUSH Photo. K. A. Hindwood BIRDS OF THE BRUSHES AND BIG SCRUBS 29 19. Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea Vigors and Horsfield ol-iv-a'-ce-a—L., olivaceus, olive-coloured. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria, Tasmania, and the islands of Bass Strait. notes. Also called Olive Thickhead and Native Thrush. Usually in pairs, inhabiting dense scrubs, more especially those of the ranges; it is shy, preferring the seclusion of the thickets; its call-note resembles “Peec-ee-pooooo"; other notes have a sharp, crack-like ending. Food: insects of various kinds, also seeds and berries. nest. A cup-shaped structure, loosely constructed of strips of bark and fine twigs; lined with finer materials. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a tree. eggs. Two or three, pale yellowish-white, sparsely dotted and blotched with dull grey and umber markings. Breeding-season: Sep¬ tember to January. 20. Rufous Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha Quoy and Gaimard Coll-u-ri-cinc'-la—Gk, collurion, shrike; Gk, cinclos, bird (thrush): meg- a-rhynch'-a-G k, megas {megalos ), large; Gk, rhynchos ( rhugchos ), beaL distribution. Northern Queensland to north-eastern New South Wales; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Rufous-breasted Shrike-thrush and Red Thrush. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs; jt is very active and graceful, and has a pleasing series of call-notes, one of which resembles “Tu-whee-wot-wot”; it is also a fine mimic. Food: insects of various kinds, mostly procured on the ground. nest. A large, cup-shaped structure, composed of dried leaves, strips of bark, and rootlets; lined with fine rootlets, plant-stems, and grass. Usually built in a bush or tree or in a mass of vines. eggs. Two or three, pale pinkish-white, heavily spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and dull purplish-grey markings, chiefly at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to January. 21. Bower Shrike-thrush Colluricincla boweri Ramsay frozen—Thomas Henry Bowyer-Bower (1862-1886), a British collector. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cairns to Cardwell). notes. Also called Stripe-breasted Shrike-thrush. Usually in pairs, frequenting big scrubs of the ranges. Food: insects. nest. A large, cup-shaped structure, composed of dead leaves, bark, and plant-stems; lined with fine rootlets. Usually placed in a dense mass of foliage or lawyer-vines, up to 2 0 feet fiom the ground. eggs. Two or three, pale pinkish-white or creamy-white, spotted and blotched with dark olive or reddish-brown and dull slate markings. Breeding-season: October to December. D 3° THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 22. Eastern Whip-bird Psophodes olivaceus Latham Psoph-d'-dcs—Gk, psophodes , noisy: ol-iv-d'-ce-us— L., olivaceus , olive- coloured. distribution. Eastern Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria. notes. Also called Coachwhip-bird. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the brushes and scrubs, and also the coastal thickets; a shy bird, seeking the seclusion of the undergrowth, spending a considerable time on the ground, turning over fallen leaves and debris for insects. Its name is derived from its extraordinary call-notes—two soft drawn-out whistles ending on a loud “whipcrack” note, followed instantly by two notes— “Chew, chew”, which are generally uttered by the female, or occasionally by the male. Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A loosely built, cup-shaped structure, composed of rootlets, and lined with finer materials. Usually built in a low bush or among the undergrowth. eggs. Two, pale blue or bluish-white, spotted with irregular mark¬ ings of black and lavender. Breeding-season: August to January. 23. Western Whip-bird Psophodes nigrogularis Gould ni-gro-gu-ld'-ris— L., niger, black; L., gularis, throated. distribution. South-western Australia and Mallee of Victoria. notes. Also called Black-throated Coachwhip-bird and Rain-bird, it once inhabited the tea-tree scrubs adjacent to the coast, but has not been observed for many years. nest. A small, saucer-shaped structure, composed of twigs, and placed in low scrubby undergrowth. eggs. Similar to those of the Eastern Whip-bird, but smaller. Note. Mallee Whip-bird Psophodes nigrogularis leucogasler Howe and Ross. nest. A fairly large bowl-shaped structure of bark, lined with fine wiry grass, some dead, some green; outside the nest proper is a thick layer of broom twigs, interwoven with sprigs of green broom tips and tea-tree, more particularly about the rim. Average measurement externally is five inches in diameter by four inches in depth; egg- cavity three inches across by two and one half inches deep. Placed about a foot from the ground in a dense bush. eggs. Two, delicate shade of blue, one egg being slightly paler in colour than the other, marked with fine black and umber spots, the latter colour appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell. Some markings about the larger end assume a scrawling character, and others are hieroglyphic in nature. Type-clutch taken at Manya, north-eastern Victoria, in September 1920. Plate V NOCTURNAL BIRDS PLATE V NOCTURNAL BIRDS 1. Barn Owl Tyto alba Scopoli Ty'-to—Gk, tyto, night owl: al'-ba— L., albus, white. distribution. Australia and Tasmania (cosmopolitan). notes. Also called Delicate Owl, Screech Owl, and Lesser Masked Owl. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forest-lands generally. During the day it roosts in a hollow in a tree; such a hollow is also used as a nesting-place. It also frequents as resting-places, wool-sheds, lofts, stables, and other out-buildings, and occasionally a leafy canopy in some thick bush. Its call is a loud screeching note, difficult to describe in words. Food: rats, mice, bats, small birds, and insects, chiefly beetles. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three to seven, dull white, oval in form. Breeding-season: August to December. 2. Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Gould ten-e-bric-d’-sa— L., tenebricosus, dark. distribution. Northern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, eastern Victoria, and the islands of Bass Straits; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Nothing has yet been recorded of the habits of this species. nest. In a hollow in a tree. eggs. Three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: October, Novem¬ ber, December. 3. Masked Owl Tyto novce-hollandice Stephens novcE-hollandice, of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forest-lands generally. During the day it roosts in hollows in trees or among thick leafy foliage; occasionally it takes up its abode near homesteads. At night its screeching usually attracts attention. Food: rodents (chiefly rabbits) and small mammals. nest. In a large hollow in a tree or in a cliff. eggs. Probably two, pearly-white. Breeding-season: December is the only month recorded. 32 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 4. Cave Owl Tyto novce-hollandice troughtoni sub.-sp. nov. troughtoni— Ellis Le G. Troughton, Mammologist, Australian Museum, Sydney. distribution. Nullarbor Plain (South Australia). notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the Nullarbor Plain. It roosts and nests in blow-holes and underground caves, venturing forth at night in search of prey. Food: small lizards, small mammals, and rodents. nest. In a blow-hole, eggs deposited on the bare sand. eggs. Two, white and oval, texture of shell coarse, with a faint gloss. Eggs taken on the Nullarbor Plains, in November 1931. description. Type, adult female, collected at Ooldca, East-West Line, South Australia, by Messrs Troughton and Wright on 16 October 1921, Registered Number 026568, Australian Museum, Sydney. Differs from the typical Masked Owl (Tyto novce-hollandicc) in its smaller size, lighter coloration on the back, and in having fewer spots on the under¬ parts. Measurements: total length, 460 mm.; wing, 326; oilmen, 26; tail, 161; tarsus, 75. Females of the Masked Owl are noticeably larger and darker than the males; the type of the Cave Owl, however, which is a female, is comparable to an average-sized male of the Masked Owl. 5. Tasmanian Masked Owl Tyto castanops Gould cas'-tan-ops— Gk, castanon, chestnut; Gk, ops, face. distribution. Tasmania. notes. Also called Chestnut-faced Owl. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forests of large and thinly scattered trees skirting open country. It is similar in habits and economy to the Masked Owl. The sexes differ considerably in size, the female being larger, more power¬ ful, and darker in coloration than the male. nest. In a hollow in a tree or in a cliff. eggs. Not recorded. 6 . Grass Owl Tyto longimembris Jerdon lon-gi-mem'-bris— L., longus, long; L., membrum, limb. distribution. Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria; also occurs in India, China, the Philippine Islands, New Caledonia, and Fiji. notes. Usually singly, frequenting grass-lands, chiefly of the coastal areas. Very little has been recorded of its habits. It rests during the day in “squats" or “hides" under a tussock of grass. Food: rodents, large insects, and frogs. nest. Under or in a tussock of grass. egc-s. Usually four, white, oval in form. Breeding-season: May to July. NOCTURNAL BIRDS S3 7. Owlet-nightjar /Egotheles cristata Shaw ALg-o-theY-cs— Gk, aigotheles, goatsucker: cris-ta'-ta— L., cristatus, crested. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea and New Caledonia. notes. Also called Little Nightjar, Banded Goatsucker, Crested Goatsucker, and Moth Owl. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forest-lands generally. During the day it resorts to hollows in trees, sallying forth in quest of insects (chiefly moths and beetles) as night approaches. When disturbed in its roosting hollow, it utters a loud churring noise, and often while it is “hawking” one hears the same call. nest. In a hole in a tree or stump; lined with leaves. eggs. Three or four, white and rounded, occasionally spotted. Breeding-season: September to December. $. Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus Quoy and Gaimard Pd-daP-gus-tYom Fr. podarge of Cuvier, probably for le podarge, gouty foot: o-cell-a'-tus— L., ocellatus ; marked with little eyes (spotted). distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula); also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the thick scrubs. During the day it shelters among masses of vines or other tangled vegetation. At night it hunts in the scrub. Call-note, a monotonously repeated “Kooloo, kooloo, kooloo”. Food: insects, chiefly beetles. nest. A flat platform of twigs, placed on a branch of a tree grow¬ ing in thick scrub. eggs. Two, white and rounded. Breeding-season: October is the only month recorded. 9. Plumed Frogmouth Podargus plurnifcrus Gould plu-mif'-er-us —L., pluma, feather; L., fero , I bear. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. notes. This rare species is an inhabitant of the brushes, and so far. nothing has been recorded of its habits. nest. A flat platform of sticks, placed on a branch of a tree at about twenty feet from the ground. A box-tree is generally selected as a nesting-site, and the nest is built of sticks broken off the boughs which overhang the nesting-site. eggs. Two or three, glossy white and rather rounded. Breeding- season: not recorded. 10. Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Latham strig-did'-es-G k, strigos, owl; Gk, - oides , from eidos, form = like. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. / 34 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Also called Tawny-shouldered Frogmouth, Tawny-shouldered Podargus and Mopoke. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forest¬ lands generally. It is strictly nocturnal, sleeping in an upright posi¬ tion throughout the day on a branch of a tree. When at rest it simulates the bark of the branch so well that it is often difficult to locate. Its call is a low booming or grunting note like “Oom”, repeated twenty or more times, and easily imitated by closing the mouth and making a grunting sound through the nose. Food: insects. nest. An open platform, composed of sticks loosely put together. Generally placed in a horizontal forked branch of a tree up to 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: August to December. 11. Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis Quoy and Gaimard papuensis—oi Papua or New Guinea. distribution. Northern Queensland (from Cape York to Cairns); also occurs in New Guinea and the Aru Islands. notes. Also called Large Frogmouth and Plumed Frogmouth. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open forests and scrubs. During the day it rests in an upright “dead-stick” attitude on a branch. At times it utters a weird and ghostly “laugh”—a rapid “Hoo-hoo-hoo”; it also has a call like the Tawny Frogmouth, a series of "Oooms”, uttered for long periods at night. Food: insects, chiefly beetles. nest. A compactly-built platform of sticks and twigs; generally placed in a horizontal forked branch of a tree up to 50 feet from the ground. egg.W hite and rounded. Breeding-season: September to December, sometimes as late as February. 12. Boobook Owl Ninox boobook Latham Ni'-nox—ni , definition not known; L., nox f night: boobook—an aborig¬ inal name. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Cuckoo Owl and Mopoke. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting forests generally. During the day it roosts in a hollow in a tree, in the crevice of a rock, or under the thick foliage of a tree. At dusk it ventures forth and searches for food, which consists of insects, small rodents, and small birds. It utters the well-known call resembling “Mo-poke”, “More pork”, or “Boo-book.” nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three or four, white and rounded. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 13. Spotted Owl Ninox novce-zeelandin Gmelin novce-zeelandice—oi New Zealand. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Zealand. NOCTURNAL BIRDS 35 notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the thick scrubs. It is similar in habits and economy to the Boobook Owl. It utters the “Mopoke” call, but not quite as loud as the call of the Boobook Owl. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: October to January 14. Red Boobook Owl Ninox lurida De Vis lu'-rid-a— L., luridus, red. distribution. North-eastern Queensland. notes. This species inhabits the big scrubs, and is considered rare. It keeps to the darkest and thickest growths during the day, and at dusk flies out into the open areas. Its call is “Mopoke”, often repeated. Food: insects, rodents, and small birds. nest. Not recorded. eggs. Not recorded. 15. Northern Boobook Owl Ninox ocellata Bonaparte o-cell-d'-ta- L., ocellatus , marked with little eyes (spotted). distribution. North-western Australia and northern Queensland; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Fawn-bellied Owl and Marbled Owl. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open forests and scrubs, chiefly in the neighbourhood of watercourses. It is similar in habits to the Boobook Owl. Food: insects, rodents, and small birds. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tiee. eggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: September to January. 16. Winking Owl Ninox connivens Latham con-riiv’-ens— L., connivens , winking. distribution. Australia generally; also occurs in New Guinea and the Molucca Islands. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open forest-lands, brushes and scrubs. During the day it rests in a hollow in a tree or anions thick foliage. When disturbed, it utters a growling noise. Its call varies from “Ho-wuk-wuk” or “Keow” when mating, to “Karr, karr, karr, karr, koo-wook” when hawking for insects. Food: insects (chiefly beetles and grasshoppers); also mammals and birds. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree; occasionally in a rabbit- burrow. eggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: August, September, October. 17. Rufous Owl Ninox rufn Gould ru'-fa— L., rnfus , red. distribution. North-western Australia, Northern Territory, and northern Queensland; also occurs in New Guinea. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3 6 notes. Little has been recorded of the habits of this fine Owl. During the day it inhabits, for the most part, the big scrubs, hunting at night in the open forest. This species has a low call-note, “Hoo- hoooo”, repeated at intervals. Food: chiefly insects and small mammals. nest. In a hollow in a tree. eggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: July and the following months. 18. Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Gould stren'-u-a— L., strenuus , powerful. distribution. Eastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, and eastern and southern Victoria. notes. Also called Great Scrub Owl. Usually singly or in pairs, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs. It rests during the day in hollows in trees or under a canopy of leaves; when disturbed, it flies away with remarkable swiftness. Its call is a hideous scream, not easily forgotten. Food: birds and mammals. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree growing in dense scrub. f.ggs. Two or three, white and rounded. Breeding-season: November is the only month recorded. PLATE VI MOUND-BUILDING BIRDS 1 , Lyretail Menura Menura novce-hollandiee Latham—1A. Female Men-uV-a-G k, menos, might; Gk, oura, tail: novce-hollandia :-of New Holland. distribution. South-eastern Australia, from Stanthorpe (southern Queensland) to Victoria. notes. Also called Superb Lyre-bird, Lyre-bird, and Native Pheasant. The vernacular name above, being more appropriate, has been adopted. Generally observed singly, occasionally in pairs, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs. It is the king of all bird mimics, imitating most of the calls of other species of birds in its locality, as well as sounds produced through human agency. It has several calls of its own. the chief of which is a resounding “Choo! chool chool usually uttered at daybreak, or as a prelude to a bush-bird concert, when it is not unusual for a Lyretail, male or female, to imitate as many as twenty different calls of birds. It is a very shy bird and is more often heard than seen, the male especially beingahvays difficult to approach. The male builds for himself “dancing , display , or “scratching” mounds, which are low hillocks about 3 feet across, which he rakes up in the damp soil of the scrubs. As a rule, he makes a series of these mounds and visits them in turn, stopping long enoug 1 at each to display and give his repertoire of calls. A male in display is a magnificent spectacle, and it is then only that the observer sees his beautiful lyre-shaped tail to advantage. The tail !S spread like an opened fan over his back and head, thus showing the light under¬ colouring of the feathers, which contrasts with the rather sombre colouring above. The tasks of nest-building, incubating the egg, and rearing the young one are performed entirely by the female, and it is doubtful if the male ever visits the nest. During the day the Lyretail spends its time on the ground scratching among the fallen leaves and debris, or tearing rotten logs to pieces in search of food, which consists of insects of various kinds, worms, land crustaceans and small land molluscs. At night it roosts high up in the branches of tall trees. Truly it is the world's wonder bird. nest. A bulky structure with an entrance at the side, composed outwardly of sticks, twigs, dried fern leaves, and mosses, with an inner wall neatly made of wiry rootlets and bark-fibre; lined with long downy feathers from the flanks and back of the bird. Usually built on aledge of rock, in the end of a hollow log, in a hole in a stump, on top ot a leaning tree-fern, or between the trunks of two small trees. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 38 egg. Varying from a light stone-grey to deep purplish-brown, having short streaks, spots, and blotches of different shades of deep slaty- grey and dark blackish-brown equally distributed over the surface. Some eggs have well-defined zones at the larger end. Breeding-season: nidification usually begins late in May or early in June, the egg being laid in July, while the young Lyretail leaves the nest about the end of September. 2. Albert Menura Menura alberti Bonaparte—2A. Female alberti— Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria. distribution. Southern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, from the Macpherson Range to the Richmond River. notes. Also called Albert's Lyre-bird, Prince Albert's Lyre-bird, and Northern Lyre-bird. Mostly singly, occasionally in pairs, inhabiting a very restricted area of dense scrubs and brushes. It is very similar in habits and economy to the Lyretail Menura, and has the same powers of mimicry, some observers stating that it is the better mimic. nest. A large, dome-shaped structure, outwardly formed of sticks and twigs, dried ferns, mosses, and black hair-like rootlets, the inside of the nest being lined with downy feathers; it is not unlike the nest of the Lyretail Menura. A favourite nesting site is between the large buttressed roots of a fig-tree. egg. Very similar to the egg of the Lyretail Menura. Breeding- season: June and July. 3. Brush Turkey Alectura lathami Gray Al-ect-ur'-a— Gk, alector, cock; Gk, ura (ouro ), tail: lathami— Dr John Latham (1740-1837), English ornithologist, who published in 1801 the first important work on Australian birds. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cape York to as far south as the lllawarra district (New South Wales). notes. Also called Scrub Turkey and Wattled Talegallus. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs. At one time this interesting species was plentiful in the brushes of the lllawarra district, but it is doubtful if any exist there now. It is an active bird, spending most of its time on the ground, scratching among the fallen leaves and debris for insect-life. When flushed, it partly runs and flies, covering the ground with great rapidity, and only occasionally will it seek refuge in trees except for roosting at night. Food: insects of various kinds and their larvae and native fruits and seeds. nest. A large mound of earth, leaves, sticks, and debris, raked together from the surrounding surface of the ground. These natural incubators vary in size according to age or to the number of birds occupying them; a new mound usually measures from 7 to 10 feet in diameter, by about 3 feet in height; an old one may measure as much as 30 feet in diameter by 6 feet in height. Nesting mounds are repaired (scratched over) and added to each breeding-season. The Plate VI mound-building birds * ♦ / V .*> i * ■ 9 • , * " ' .V MOUND-BUILDING BIRDS 39 eggs are deposited on end (the larger end uppermost) in holes about 18 inches to 2 feet deep, and are then covered over. The young are fully feathered when hatched, and fight their way out of the mound unassisted. eggs. White when first deposited in the mound, soon becoming soiled and stained. The clutch varies from seven to twelve, but as many as thirty or more have been taken from a mound, such a number being the result of two or three birds laying in the same mound. Breeding-season: September to January, and sometimes as late as March. 4. Mallee Fowl Leipoa ocellata Gould Leip-d'-a- Gk, leipein, to leave; Gk, oon (plural oa), egg: o-cell-a'-ta- L., ocellatus, marked with little eyes. distribution. Southern Australia and the inland poitions of New South Wales, north-western Victoria, South Australia to south¬ western Australia. n otes. Also called Lowan, Gnow, Mallee Hen, Pheasant, and Native Pheasant. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the dry inland scrubs (the mallee country chiefly). Owing to its shy disposition and waiy nature, it is seldom seen. Its flesh is much sought after as an article of food, and although protected, it is frequently shot. The food of this species consists chiefly of berries, seeds, and insects and their aivas. This valuable and interesting bird is in grave danger of extermination, because of the depredations of the introduced fox. nest. A large mound of leaves and grass covered with gravel, sand, and debris, and raised into a pyramidal heap. An opening is made in the fermenting material into which the eggs are deposited in the form of a circle; a full clutch generally consists of three layers. Nesting- mounds are usually constructed in situations exposed to the sunshine. eggs. The number of eggs varies from six to twelve, probably two birds lay in the same mound. When fresh they are a delicate pink, but soon become soiled and stained a dull reddish-brown. Breeding- season: September to February or March. 5. Scrub Fowl Magapodius reinwardt Dumont Meg-a-pod'-ius-G k, megas, large; Gk t pus (pous), podos, foot: rem- wardt— Reinwardt, Dutch collector in the East Indies. distribution. Northern Australia, from Kimberley (noith-westei n Australia), to Yeppoon (Queensland); also found from Lombok to New Guinea, notes. Also called Scrub Hen and Jungle Fowl. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting the scrubs of the coastal districts. It is cautious in habits and, when disturbed, it will eit lei run, or y clumsily and settle on the lower branch of a tree.. It has a.Pearly harsh and loud cry, uttered at break of day, and ofttn d nwg .the night while at roost. Food: native fruits, berries, seeds, and the young shoots of many kinds of trees and shru s. 4 o THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. An immense nesting-mound, consisting of sand, leaves, sticks, and debris of all sorts, raked into a heap from the surrounding surface of the ground. The sites selected are generally in the densest part of the scrub, sheltered above by large trees. The mounds vary in size accord¬ ing to the time they have been in use; usually they measure about 40 or 50 feet in circumference and 12 or 15 feet in height. The eggs are deposited on their ends (the larger end upwards) in holes scratched out of the mound, at depths varying from 18 inches to 3 feet. eggs. Six or eight appears to be a normal clutch; when newly laid they are a pale pinkish-brown, soon passing into a light coffee-brown, and becoming darker after being in the mound a few days. Breeding- season; September to December or January. PLATE VII GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS 1. Nullarbor Quail-thrush Cinclosoma alisteri Mathews—1A. Female Cin-clo-som'-a— Gk, cinclos (kigklos ), bird; Gk, soma, body: alisteri— Alister, son of Gregory M. Mathews, ornithologist. distribution. Western Australia (Nullarbor Plain). notes. Also called Black-breasted Ground-bird. In pairs or family parties, according to the season of the year; it is very shy and difficult to approach, and keeps out of sight in the shelter of bushes. When flushed, it rises with a “whirring” noise of the wings, flies a short distance, and then alights seeking further cover. Food: chiefly insects. nest. An excavation in the ground, neatly lined with dried grasses, the rim being finished off with a thick edging of coarse herbage. Usually placed at the foot of a dead blue-bush. eggs. Three, dull creamy-white with a very faint greenish tinge, spotted and blotched all over with olive-brown and slaty-grey markings, more numerous at the larger end. Breeding-season: October is the only month on record. 2. Cinnamon Quail-thrush Cinclosoma cinnamomeum Gould—2A. Female cin-na~md7n r ~e~\im—L>, cinnamomeus , cinnamon. distribution. The interior of Australia, and South Australia (Gawler Ranges). NOTES. Also called Cinnamon Ground-bird and Cinnamon Ground- thrush Usually in pairs or family parties; lives in the most arid stony country where the colours of its plumage closely harmonize with the surroundings. During early morning it roams the open country seeking food, but keeps to the shelter of low dense bushes during the heat of the day. Food: chiefly insects. nest. Open cup-shaped, formed of a few twigs and dead leaves; placed at the foot of a low bush. eggs Two greyish-white to brownish-grey, marked with large blotches and longitudinal streaks of umber brown and a few underlying markings of dull bluish-grey. Breeding-season: March, April. 3. Chestnut Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castanolum Gould cas-ta-not’-um- Gk, castanon, shortened to casta, rb'-'nut; Gk, noton, back. distribution. Interior of New South Wales, south-western Queens- 42 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA land, Victoria, and South Australia; also south-western Australia and central Australia. notes. Also called Chestnut-backed Ground-bird and Chestnut- backed Ground-thrush. Usually in pairs or family parties. It is shy and local in habits; when flushed it rises with a “whirr", flies a short distance, and alights on the ground or on a low limb of a tree. Fre¬ quents alike open forest country, mallee, “marlock”, and mulga scrubs. Call-note, a low piping whistle. Food: chiefly insects. The female is duller than the male, the throat and chest being grey. nest. A depression in the ground, loosely lined with twigs, strips of bark, and dead leaves; sheltered by a dead bush. eggs. Two, dull white or greyish-white, spotted all over, more so at the larger end, with brown and lavender markings. Breeding-season: August to December. 4. Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castaneothorax Gould cas-tari-e-o-tho'-rax— L., castaneus, chestnut; Gk, thorax, chest. distribution. Southern Queensland, inland to north-western Australia, and Western Australia. notes. Also called Chestnut-breasted Ground-thrush. Little is known of the habits of this rare species except that it frequents scrubby belts of trees; when flushed it is difficult to find again. The female is duller in colour than the male. nest. Not described. eggs. A. J. North describes an egg said to be of this species as dull white, thickly sprinkled with irregular shaped dots, spots, and small blotches of blackish-brown, intermingled with similar underlying markings of inky-grey, which predominate on the larger end. 5. Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma pnnctatum Shaw panc-ta'-tum—L., punctatus, spotted. distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Spotted Ground-bird, Ground-thrush, Ground- dove, and Babbling-thrush. Usually in pairs or family parties; local in habits. It is rather a shy species, and when flushed rises like a Quail, flies a short distance away, and either alights on the ground or on a limb of a tree. Food: chiefly insects, procured on the ground under debris. The female is duller in colour than the male, has the throat white, the spot on the side of the neck is light rufous, but lacks the black band across the breast. nest. Cup-shaped, loosely put together, and composed of strips of bark, leaves, and grasses; lined with softer materials. Usually built at the foot of a tree, near a rock or log, or hidden against a tuft of grass or low bush. f.ggs. Two, sometimes three, dull white, spotted all over with dark brown and lavender markings. Breeding-season: August to February. Plate VII GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS 43 6. Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris Gould Pit'-ta— N.L., pitta, a bird: i-ris, Gk, iris, the rainbow. distribution. North-western Australia and Northern Territory. notes. Inhabits the dense bamboo jungles, mangroves, and scrubs near the coast, through which it runs with ease; the boldness and richness of its markings make it a most attractive bird. nest. A large, covered structure with an entrance at the side, com¬ posed of dead strips of bamboo leaves and other plant sheaths, loosely put together; built in the mangroves or in clumps of bamboo at about 6 feet from the ground; occasionally on the ground. eggs. Four, creamy-white, dotted, spotted, and sparingly blotched with sepia and underlying markings of dull purplish-grey. Breeding- season: January to March. 7. Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor Swainson ver'-si-col-or— L., versicolor, different coloured. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cape York to northern New South Wales. notes. Also called Dragoon-bird. Inhabits the dense brushes and big scrubs; very inquisitive and will answer an imitation of its call- notes—“Walk to work" or “Want a watch". It lives almost entirely on the ground, feeding on land snails, slugs, and insects. The “breaking- ground" is a stone or small stump, where it breaks the shells of land snails. nest. A large, dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, composed of thin sticks, twigs, and green mosses; built on the ground, usually between the buttresses of a fig-tree. eggs. Three to five, usually four, creamy-white, spotted and blotched with blackish-brown and underlying markings of bluish-grey. Breeding- season: October to December or January. 8. Blue-breasted Pitta Pitta mackloti Temminck mackloti— Macklot, a Dutch traveller. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Cape York to Cardwell; also occurs in New Guinea, the Aru Islands, Malaysia, and Java. notes. It is a migrant, arriving in Australia about October, probably from New Guinea. Inhabits the dense scrubs, where it hops along the ground with great rapidity. Its call is a mournful whistle of two notes like “Wantok watch"; it is said to be a perfect ventriloquist. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, com¬ posed of twigs and leaves; lined with fine, hair-like fibres. It is usually built on a stump or in a mass of vines as high as 8 feet from the ground. eggs. Three to four, creamy-white, dotted, spotted, and blotched with purplish-brown and underlying markings of bluish-grey. Breeding- season: October to December. 44 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 9. Black-breasted Quail Turnix melanogaster Gould Tur'-nix—L., turnix , quail: mel'-an-o-gas'-ter— Gk, melas ( melanos ), black; Gk, gaster, belly. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Rockingham Bay to northern New South Wales. notes. Also called Black-fronted Quail. A very rare species; inhabits the thick scrubs, rarely going beyond the outer fringes of the scrub. It is similar in habits to the Painted Quail. The bird figured is a female; the male has a brown crown and a whitish throat. nest. A depression in the ground under a low bush or tussock of grass; lined with grasses. eggs. Three or four, pale buffy-white, minutely and thickly freckled all over with light vinous-brown, with which are intermingled spots and blotches of chestnut-brown, purplish-grey, and black, also under¬ lying markings of faint lilac-grey. Breeding-season: probably February or March. 10. Painted Quail Turnix varia Latham vaf-i-a— L., varius, different. distribution. Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Varied Quail, Scrub Quail, and Dotterel Quail. Inhabits open forest, heath-lands, lightly timbered ridges, also big scrub, and is usually in pairs or family parties. It is partly nocturnal, and has a booming note somewhat resembling that of the Bronze-wing Pigeon. The female is slightly larger than the male. nest. A shallow depression, scratched in the ground; thinly lined with fine dried glasses, and placed beneath the shelter of a tuft of grass, low bush, or rank herbage. eggs. Usually four, faint buffy to greyish-white, almost obscured with freckles, dots, and spots of chestnut or wood-brown, dull violet, and slaty-grey markings. Breeding-season: September to February (eastern Australia). 11. Chowchilla (Northern Log-runner) Orthonyx spaldingi Ramsay — 11A. Female Or'-thon-yx—Gk, orthos , straight; Gk, onyx , claw: spaldingi —Edward Spalding, collector and taxidermist, Queensland. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cairns district). notes. Also called Spalding's Spinetail. Inhabits the dense scrubs of the mountain ranges, usually in small parties; it is shy and very noisy, and is more often heard than seen. Call, a series of notes, like "Chow-chilla-chow-chow-chUla”. It is also said to be a wonderful mimic, capable of imitating almost any sound. Food: insects, worms, and berries. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, com- OPEN FOREST COUNTRY Photo. P. A. Gilbert GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS 45 posed of sticks, twigs, dead leaves, and mosses. Usually placed in a mass of lawyer vines, in a staghorn or bird’s-nest fern growing on a tree or on a log. egg. Pure white. Breeding-season: May to August or November. 12. Log-runner Orthonyx temmincki Ranzani—12A. Female temmincki-C. J. Temminck (1778-1858), Dutch ornithologist. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. notes. Also called Spinetail and Spine-tailed Log-runner. Inhabits the dense scrubs and brushes; usually in pairs or family parties; it is very noisy, but possesses a pretty song, a series of “Quicks”, usually uttered in an apparently excited manner. Its food consists of insects, chiefly beetles and small land snails and slugs, collected by scratching among the fallen leaves and other debris. It uses both legs and tail— the tail with a “sideway” action, its spine-like tips making a perfect rake. nest A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, com¬ posed of sticks; lined with mosses; built on or near the ground. eggs. Two, pure white. Breeding-season: April to July. 13. Fern-wren Oreoscopus guttuTalis De Vis Or'-e-o-scop'-us-Gk, oros, oreos, mountain: gut-tur-d'-lis- L., gutturalis, throated. distribution. Northern Queensland (Herbcrton Range to Cairns). motes Inhabits the dense scrubs of the mountain ranges; is local, nreferring damp places in the scrub, where, if one stands quiet for a while one is almost sure to hear its low plaintive call, or hear it scratching among the debris and fallen leaves. Its food consists chiefly of nsccts procured among ferns, lichens, and mosses, or underneath the partly stripped-off bark of some fallen giant of the scrub. mpst A large, dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, NEST ‘ 1 nf f res h green mosses and fine black fern-stems. Built on the ar p.r.ly bail, inlo a hole in a bank of a gully. eggs. Two, pure white. Breeding-season: extends from July to February. 14. Rock-warbler Origma rubricata Latham Origma- Gk, orygma, a hollow, cave: ru-bri-cd’-ia-L., rubricatus, reddened. entral eastern New South Wales (Hawkesbury DISTRIB UTium. sandstone area). Cataract .bird, Cave-bird, Rock Robin, and Rock notes. Also irSj frequenting chiefly rocky ravines and Swallow. usu f /f om water. It is an active bird, moving with rapidity 4 6 THE BIRDS Of AUSTRALIA over the surface or under rocks and fallen logs, seeking insects of all kinds. Its clear call-notes, some of which resemble those of the White- browed Scrub-wren, are uttered at intervals. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side hooded over, composed of bark-fibre and grasses, coated with fine green moss and also cobwebs and spiders’ egg-bags; lined with fine bark-fibres and feathers. The upper portion of the nest, where it is attached to the ceiling of the cave, is formed almost entirely of cobwebs. Nests are built in all maimer of situations—sheds, out-houses, under culverts, in drains or shafts, but mostly in caves. eggs. Three, pure white, occasionally marked with very fine spots. Breeding-season: July to December. 15. Pilot-bird Pycnoptilus floccosus Gould Pyc-nop'-til-us—Gk, pycnos , thick; ptilon, feather: flocc-d'-sus— L., //oc- cosus , downy. distribution. South-eastern New South Wales to eastern Victoria (Dandenong Ranges). notes. Also called Downy Pycnoptilus. Usually in pairs, inhabiting heavily timbered mountain ranges and dense scrubs. It is more often heard than seen; its beautiful notes, resembling "Glinea-a-wcek”, are heard above the songs of most other birds. It is very active while seeking insect-life among the debris and fallen leaves. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, com¬ posed of strips of bark and bark-fibre, with which are interwoven leaves, fern rootlets, and grass; lined with bark-fibre and feathers. Built on the ground. eggs. Two, varying from drab to smoky-brown and dusky-grey, darker at the larger end, usually forming a zone. Breeding-season: August to February. 16. Ground-thrush Oreocincla lunulata Latham Or'-e-o-cinc'-la— Gk, oros, oreos, mountain; Gk, cinclos , bird: lu-nu-la'-ta —L., marked with little moons (crescents). distribution. Eastern Australia (from northern Queensland to Victoria), South Australia, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Mountain Thrush and King Thrush. Usually in pairs or family parties. Inhabits chiefly the floors of dense scrubs and brushes, where large moss-covered rocks and logs abound. Its food is procured on the ground among fallen leaves and debris, and consists of insects of various kinds, worms, land crustaceans, and molluscs. Its notes resemble the noise made by a ratchet-drill boring a metal plate. nest. A round, open, cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark, green mosses, or wiry rootlets. Usually placed in a fork of a low tree, wedged between a thick forked trunk of a tree, or on a horizontal moss-covered branch. GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS 47 eggs. Two or three, either dull bluish-grey, buff, or pale stone- coloured, marked all over with reddish-brown freckles and blotches. Breeding-season: July to October. 17. Southern Scrub-robin Drymodes brunneopygia Gould Dry-mo'-des-Gk, drymodes, of the woods: brun'-ne-o-pyg'-i-a- L., brun- neus, brown; Gk, pyge, rump, tail. distribution. Interior districts of Victoria, South Australia, and south-western and mid-western Australia. notes. Inhabits low scrub-lands, chiefly mallee, mulga, “marlock”, and pine scrubs; usually in pairs, is friendly and answers imitations of its call-notes, which resemble "Chip-pip-er-ee”, "Chip-pip-ee", and “Chip-peer-a-peet". Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the ground among fallen leaves and debris. nest. Cup-shaped, somewhat loosely constructed, composed of strips of bark outwardly protected by twigs; lined with grass and a few root¬ lets. Built in a slight depression scraped in the ground among scrub. egg. Greenish-grey, spotted and blotched with brown, often with a zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to November or January. 18. Northern Scrub-robin Drymodes superciliaris Gould su-per-cil-i-dr'-is- L., superciliaris, browed (above the eye). distribution. Eastern Northern Territory and northern Queens¬ land. notes Usually in pairs, living on the ground, where it hops about quietly turning over leaves and other debris in search of msect-life. Its note is a loud shrill whistle, which it will answer if imitated. The female alone builds the nest and incubates the eggs. nest A circular depression scratched in the ground, roughly lined with long wiry tendrils of plants, leaves, and fine fibres. Usually placed at the foot of a small tree. eggs Two dull white or stone-grey, uniformly freckled and spotted with shades of brown and underlying markings of faint bluish-grey. Breeding-season: November to January. 19. Noisy Scrub-bird Atnchornis clamosus Gould A-trich-orn’-is—G k, atrichos, without hair or bristles; Gk, ornis, bird: cla-mo'-sus —L., clamosus, noisy. distribution. South-western Australia only, apparently extinct. notes To date only males of this species have been recorded. It once inhabited the dense thickets and undergrowth of a limited area and was very shy but noisy; its call was a sharp whistle repeated eight or nine times rapidly, with crescendo, concluding with a sharp resounding crack. nest. Unknown. eggs. Unknown. 4® THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 20. Rufous Scrub-bird Atrichornis rufescens Ramsay ru-fes'-cens—L., rufescens, reddish. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, from the Macpherson Range to the Chichester River. notes. Usually in isolated pairs, inhabiting the dense tangled under¬ growth of the big scrubs and brushes. An extremely shy bird, rarely exposing itself, creeping mouse-like among the debris and rotting leaves. It is a wonderful mimic and ventriloquist, and for its size possesses the loudest call-notes of all the birds of the scrubs. Its “Chip- chip-chip” call, rapidly repeated with crescendo, is deafening, and is the one call in which its ventriloquial powers are not used. Its food consists of insects of various kinds and small land crustaceans. The female differs from the male in not having the black feathers on the breast. nest. Like a coconut with an entrance at the side; instead of fibre, the outside covering is composed of dead leaves, ferns, twigs, and broad grass-stems; lined with a curious material like papier machd or wood-pulp, and perfectly smooth inside. Usually built in a clump of grass or mass of ferns at about 6 inches from the ground. eggs. Two, pinkish-white or pinkish-buff, spotted and blotched with pinkish-red or reddish-brown and purplish-brown markings, chiefly near the larger end. Breeding-season: October is the only month recorded. 21. White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis Temminck Eu-ro'-sto-pod'-us-G k, eurostos, strong; Gk, pous, podos t foot: mys-ta- ca'-lis—L., mystacalis , moustache. distribution. Eastern and southern Australia and New Guinea. notes. Also called Night Hawk, Moth Hawk, and Fern Owl. Usually met with singly during the day, resting on the ground; at night numbers may be seen “hawking” for insects. It has an extraordinary call, difficult to describe. Prefers open forest country, keeping to the ridges separated by thickly timbered gullies. Its food consists of insects, principally large moths. nest. None, the single egg being deposited on the ground. f.gg. Buff, stone, or cream-coloured, sparingly spotted and blotched with black and underlying markings of bluish-grey. Breeding-season: October to December or January. 22. Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus guttatus Vigors and Horsfield gut-td f -tus— L., guttatus, spotted. distribution. Australia generally; also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Ireland. notes. Usually singly, at rest on the ground during the day; when flushed, it rises and flies off to settle again on the ground. At twilight numbers may be seen “hawking” insects above the tree-tops or over the grasslands. It has a peculiar call like “Caw, caw, caw, gobble. GROUND-FREQUENTING BIRDS 49 gobble, gobble”, the “caws” being loud and the "gobbles” gradually diminishing in volume. Its food is similar to that of other Nightjars. nest. None, the egg is deposited on the bare ground. egg. Yellowish-olive, sparingly spotted and blotched with reddish- purple or roundish lavender markings. Breeding-season: September to December 23. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Horsfield Cap-ri-mu /g'-u s—L., caper, goat; L., mulgere, to suck: mac-rur'-us- Gk, macros, long; Gk, ura (oura ), tail. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland. notes. Usually singly, at rest during the day on the ground or on a log Inhabits forest country near the coast, and the pockets on the mountains; it has a strange call like “Chop, chop”, resembling the cutting down of a tree heard at a distance. Food: insects of various kinds, chiefly moths. nest. None, the eggs are deposited on the bare ground. eggs. Two, pinkish-stone or a faint reddish-cream, with indistinct spots, blotches, and clouded markings of purplish-brown and slate-grey. Breeding-season: September to October. ELATE VIII BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 1. Magpie-lark Grallina cyanolcuca Latham Gral-lV-na—grallina , N.L., from grallae , stilts: cy-an-o-leuc'-a—Gk, cyanos, blue; Gk, leucos , white. distribution. Australia generally; accidental to Tasmania. notes. Also called Peewee, Mudlark, Murray Magpie, Little Mag¬ pie, Peewit, and Pugwall. One of the most graceful, as well as useful, of our birds. It is found mostly in the open, and never far from water. Its call is responsible for its name “Peewee" which is usually uttered, accompanied with peculiar wing-beats, when it alights. It has an uncommon flight, straight, with a heavy, flapping motion of the wings. Food: insect-life procured on the ground, and pond-snails. The female has a white forehead and throat. nest. A bowl-shaped structure, composed of mud, which is rein¬ forced with horse-hair, fur, grass, and feathers; lined with grass and occasionally feathers. Generally built upon a bare horizontal limb of a tree, preferably one growing in, or near, water. Frequently one finds the nest of the Willie Wagtail in the same tree, usually on a lower branch. eggs. Three to six, usually four, varying from pure white to pinkish or reddish-white, spotted and blotched with purplish-red and under¬ lying markings of slate-grey, chiefly towards the larger end, often forming a well-defined zone. Breeding-season: July to March. 2. Silver-backed Butcher-bird Cracticus argenteus Gould Crac'-tic'-us— Gk, cracticos , loud-voiced: ar-gen'-te-us— L., argenteus , silver. distribution. North-western Australia and Northern Territory. notes. An intermediate form between the Grey and Pied Butcher¬ birds. Similar in habits and song to the former. nest. An open structure, composed of dead twigs and roots; lined with dead grass or rootlets. Mostly placed in a forked branch of a tree at about 20 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually three, pale greyish-green, with spots of burnt sienna, chiefly at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to January. 3. Grey Butcher-bird Cracticus torquatus Latham tor-qua'-tus— L., torquatus , collared. distribution. Eastern Australia (to central Queensland), south¬ ern. Western, and central Australia, and Tasmania. BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 5 ' notes. Also called Collared Butcher-bird, Collared Crow-shrike, Derwent Jackass, Tasmanian Jackass, and Whistling Jackass. Usually in pairs; its rich, mellow, flute-like notes are among the finest of our bird songs. It is an early riser and one of the first birds to call. It has the true shrike habit of making a “larder”, hanging parts of its “kill" on thorns or in small forks of a tree, to be eaten at leisure. It is a menace to caged birds, visiting the cages and tearing off the legs, wings, or heads of the occupants when they fly against the wire. Food, insects of various kinds, chiefly beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers; also small reptiles, birds, and field-mice. nest. A shallow, cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs, rootlets and vine-tendrils; lined with rootlets, dead grasses, and other material. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a tree, at heights up to 40 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Three or four, varying in pale shades of greyish-green, greyish- blue, olive, and light brown, spotted and blotched with dull reddish- brown, purplish-red, or chestnut-brown, the markings being confined almost entirely to the larger end, often forming a zone. Breeding- season; August to January. 4. Black-backed Butcher-bird Cracticus mentalis Salvadori and D’Albertis. men-ta'-lis— L., mentalis, chinned. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York district only); also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Usually in pairs; it is similar in habits to the Grey Butcher¬ bird; its notes are also similar, but are very much weaker, and can only be heard a short distance away. Food: insects, chiefly beetles. nest. A shallow, cup-shaped structure, composed of sticks; lined with strong grass-roots. Placed in the forked branches of a tree in forest country, at heights up to 35 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Usually three, pale greenish-grey or pale brown, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown, purplish-brown, and dull slate markings, chiefly at the larger end. Breeding-season: October to December. 5. Pied Butcher-bird Cracticus nigrogularis Gould ni-gro-gu-la'-ris —L., niger, black; L., gulaiis, thioated. distribution. Australia (except southern Victoria and south¬ western Australia). notes. Also called Black-throated Butcher-bird, Black-throated Crow-shrike, and Organ-bird. Usually in isolated pairs. It possesses the most musical flute-like notes of any of our birds, heard at their best at break of day. An attractive bird in addition to its song, and somewhat retiring in its habits. It will defend its nest vigorously, a habit of all Butcher-birds. Food: insects, principally beetles and crickets; also mice, reptiles, and small birds. 5* THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. An open and fairly deep structure, composed of sticks and twigs; lined with dried grasses and rootlets. Usually built in the upright forked branch of a tree up to 40 feet from the ground. Favourite nesting trees are gums and oaks. eggs. Three to five, usually four, greyish-green, pale olive, or pale brown, spotted and blotched or thinly freckled with darker shades of the ground colour, or with shades of brown and some black spots, often with well-defined caps at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December or January. 6. Western Magpie Gymnorhina dorsalis Campbell Gym-no-rhin'-a— Gk, gymnos, bare; Gk, rhis (rhinos), nose: dors-a'-lis— L., dorsalis, backed. * distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Similar in habits to the Black-backed Magpie. nest. A large, bowl-shaped structure, composed of sticks and twigs; lined with bark, grass, wool, hair, or fur. Usually placed at heights up to 40 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Three to five, four being the usual clutch. A typical clutch is pale bluish-white, almost obliterated with smudges and blotches of umber, brownish-red, and pale purplish-slate. Breeding-season: July to February. 7. White-backed Magpie Gymnorhina hypoleuca Gould hy-po-leuc'-a—G k, hypo, under; Gk, leucos, white. distribution. Southern Australia (except south-western portion), central Australia, and Tasmania; introduced into New Zealand. notes. Similar in habits to the Black-backed Magpie. nest. Similar to that of the Black-backed Magpie. eggs. Similar to those of the Black-backed Magpie. 8. Black-backed Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Latham tl-bV-cen— L., tibicen, a flute-player. distribution. Australia (except southern Victoria and south¬ western Australia); introduced into New Zealand. notes. Also called Piping Crow-shrike, Varied Crow-shrike, Organ- bird, Flute-bird, and Singing White Crow. Few birds are better known than the Magpies, either in a wild state or in captivity. The Black- backed Magpie, like other Magpies, shows a preference for open forest country, partly cleared lands, and cultivation paddocks. It is very useful in destroying all manner of insect pests. Its song is a delightful carol of melodious flute-like notes heard at its best in the early morning; this is one of the outstanding bird songsters of the world. It will protect its home vigorously, inflicting severe punishment on an intruder. BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 53 nest. A deep, bowl-shaped structure, composed of sticks and twigs; neatly lined with fibrous roots, coarse grasses, bark-fibre, cow-hair, wool, or other soft material. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a tall tree, at heights up to 60 feet from the ground. eggs. Three to five, usually four; the ground colour varies from greenish-blue to dull bluish-white, or from reddish-grey to dull brown, almost obscured with streaks, scratches, and smears of reddish or chestnut-brown, and underlying markings of darker shades of the ground colour. Breeding-season: July to February. 9. White-winged Chough Corcorax mdanorhamphus Vieillot Cor'-cor-ax— Gk, corax, crow, raven: mel'-an-o-rham'-phus—G k, melas (melanos), black; Gk, rhamphos, bill. distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Jackdaw, Black Magpie, Black Jay, Apostle-bird, and Mutton-bird. Usually in small flocks; it spends most of its time on the ground, and when disturbed, rises with harsh grating cries of alarm. Flops about in the trees from limb to limb, spreading and elevating its tail in a peculiar manner. The call-note is a low mournful whistle. Food: chiefly insects and their larva:; occasionally soft cultivated fruits. nest. A large, bowl-shaped structure, composed of mud reinforced with grass; lined with fur, dried grasses, strips of bark-fibre, or wool. Usually built on a horizontal branch of a tree, at various heights from the ground. Generally three or more birds help in the construction of the nest, while two females may lay in the same nest. eggs. Five to seven, sometimes nine, pale creamy-white, spotted and blotched with olive-brown, blackish-brown, and slate-grey mark¬ ings. Breeding-season: August to December. 10. Black-winged Currawong (Bell-magpie) Strepera melanoptera Gould Strep'-er-a—L., strepere, to make a noise: mel'-an-op'-tera—G k, melas (melanos), black; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. North-western Victoria (Mallee), South Australia, and Kangaroo Island. notes. Usually singly or in pairs; frequents timbered country in the breeding-season, and in the autumn and winter months more open areas Call-note, a loud ringing whistle, usually uttered while on the wing. Food: chiefly insects; it is also destructive in orchards. nest. A large, open structure, composed of sticks; lined with bark and grasses. Usually built in perpendicular forks near the extremity of a branch—a very difficult nest to get at. eggs. Two or three, varying from a pale huffy-white to rich vinous- brown freckled, streaked, and blotched with shades of brown; some have tlie markings uniform, in others they predominate at the larger end, often forming a cap. Breeding-season: September and October. 54 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 11. Black Currawong Strepera fuliginosa Gould fu-li'-gin-o-sa— L., fuliginosus, sooty. distribution. Tasmania and King Island (Bass Strait). notes. Also called Sooty Crow-shrike, Black Magpie, and Black Jay. Usually in flocks; it is bold and inquisitive and incessantly noisy. It is considered a pest, doing considerable damage in gardens and orchards; it also eats chickens and ducklings. nest. A large, open structure, composed of sticks; lined with rootlets and grass. Usually built in an upright forked branch of a tall tree. eggs. Two or three, purplish-buff, spotted and blotched with dull purplish-brown and reddish-brown shades, closer together at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December. 12. Clinking Currawong Strepera arguta Gould ar-gu'-ta— L., argulus, clear-voiced. distribution. Tasmania. notes. Also called Hill Crow-shrike, Mountain Magpie, and Black Jay. Usually in small parties during the breeding-season; congregates in large flocks in autumn and winter. Frequents the hilly country chiefly, and is the largest of the group; it derives its name from its call, a loud ringing series of notes “Clink, clink“, or “Kling-klang”. Food: insects chiefly, and native fruits and berries, nest. A round, deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of sticks; lined with fibrous roots and other fine materials. Generally placed on a horizontal branch of a tree at various heights from the ground. eggs. Usually three, varying from dull vinous-white to vinous-grey, streaked, spotted, or irregularly blotched with pale brown, and other underlying markings of bluish-grey. Breeding-season: August to December. 13. Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Latham ver'-si-col-or— L., versicolor , different coloured. distribution. Eastern and southern Australia. notes. Also called Grey Crow-shrike, Grey Magpie, Rain-bird, and Squeaker. In the breeding-season it is met with in small flocks, but congregates in large flocks during autumn and winter. In habits it is similar to the other Currawongs. Food: insects, chiefly procured on the ground; also native fruits and berries. nest. Similar in structure and size to those of the other Currawongs. eggs. Two or three, varying from pale buff and chocolate-brown to rich vinous-brown and vinous-grey, with freckles, streaks, and small blotches of darker shades of the ground colour. Breeding-season: September to December. Plate VIII birds of the open forest 0 BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST f>5 14. Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Shaw grac-u-li'-na—L., graculimis, like a graculus, jackdaw. distribution. Eastern Australia and Lord Howe Island. notes. Also called Pied Crow-shrike, Black Magpie, and Mutton- bird. Congregates in flocks, small or large, according to the seasons of the year. Frequents all classes of country, its movements being influ¬ enced by the food-supply available; derives its name from its call, “Curra-wong—curra-wong—curra-wack”. It is one of our worst bird pests; apart from the damage it does in orchards and in spreading the prickly pear, it destroys countless numbers of useful species of birds, eating both their eggs and young. nest. A large, open, roughly formed structure, composed of twigs and sticks; lined with rootlets, bark-fibre, and other fine materials. Usually built in an upright or leaning forked branch of a tall tree, generally in inaccessible positions. eccs. Two to four, usually three, varying from pale brown to pale vinous-brown, faintly freckled, blotched, or streaked with darker shades of the ground colour. Breeding-season: September to January. 15. Brown Currawong Strepera intermedia Sharpe in-ter-med'-i-a —L., mtermediuSt intermediate. distribution. South Australia (Port Lincoln). notes This is an intermediate form between the Black-winged Currawong and the Grey Currawong, with habits similar to both species. nest. Similar to those of the above two species. eccs. Similar to those of the above two species. 16. Raven Corvus coronoides Vigors and Horsfield Qoy'.yus _L., corvus, crow: cor-on-oid'-cs Gk, corone, raven, - oides , from Gk, eidos, form = like. distribution. Eastern Australia to as far north as Rockhampton, southern Australia to Perth, and Tasmania. _. n T r s In the breeding-season it is usually in pairs, but in the autumn and winter it is gregarious. Prefers open country where it spends most VhP dav returning to the timbered areas at dusk. It is a particularly wary bird and difficult to approach. It is exceedingly destructive during ™lomhinir-season, picking out the eyes of lambs. The call-note, "ink » a loud and deep -Gwar^ar-gwar-r", varied with a shrill “Korr-korr”. This species is omnivorous, but prefers the flesh of animals; it also destroys large numbers of insects. A larcre open, rather deep structure, composed of sticks and --•lined with strips of bark, grasses, hair, and wool. Usually placed in the forked branches of a tall tree. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 5 6 eggs. Four to six, pale green or bluish-white, freckled, spotted, and blotched with blackish-brown and light umber, the markings being larger and more plentiful at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December 17. Little Crow Corvus bennetti North bennetti— Kenric H. Bennett, ornithologist and collector, Riverina, New South Wales. distribution. Northern and central Australia and the interior generally. notes. Also called Small-billed Crow. Usually in pairs or small parties; it is not destructive, feeding chiefly on insects and small reptiles, to which are added seeds and berries. The call-note is “Car", repeated six or eight times. nest. Similar to that of the Raven, but usually placed in a scrub tree away from the creek timber. eggs. Four or five to six or seven, pale greenish-grey, speckled and uniformly spotted all over with blackish-brown and olive-brown markings. Breeding-season: August to November. 18. Crow Corvus cecilce Mathews cecilce —from the name of a relative of Gregory M. Mathews. distribution. Tropical northern Australia, Dirk Hartog Island, central Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and north-eastern New South Wales. notes. Also called Hazel-eyed Crow. In the breeding-season it is met with in isolated pairs, but congregates in flocks during autumn and winter. Frequents alike mountain ranges and belts of timber bordering inland rivers and creeks. Food: carrion, insects, young birds, and eggs; also cultivated fruits of all kinds. Useful in keeping down the blow-fly pest. It is often mistaken for the Raven and blamed for killing lambs. Crows are distinguished from the Raven in having the bases of the feathers on the upper-parts white and dusky-grey, those of the Raven being black. nest. Similar in construction and situation to that of the Raven. eggs. Four to five, sometimes six: a typical clutch is pale greenish- grey, speckled, spotted, and blotched with blackish-brown and olive- brown markings. Breeding-season: August to January. PLATE IX BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 1. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novce-hollandicz Gmelin Cor-a-cV-na— Gk, coracinos, raven-like: novce-hollandice— of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; accidental to New Zealand; also occurs in the Celebes, Timor, Molucca Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Also called Blue Jay, Summer-bird, Blue Pigeon, Lapwing, Cherry-hawk, Leatherhead, and Jay. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest-lands chiefly. It is partly nomadic, being ob¬ served less in the winter than in the summer. Its flight is undulating and powerful; it is seldom seen upon the ground. The call is a strange rattle of flute-like notes often uttered while in flight. Food: large insects and their larvae, procured among the leaves of the trees; also berries. nest. A small, nearly flat structure, composed of fine twigs, grass, bark-fibre, plant-stems or leaves, and fibrous rootlets, bound together with cobwebs. Some nests are decorated on the outside with small pieces of bark. Usually built in the angle of a forked horizontal branch of a tree. eggs. Usually three, olive-green to pale olive-brown, spotted, chiefly on the larger end, with different shades of umber and chestnut-brown, and underlying spots of dull grey. Breeding-season: August to January (New South Wales); February, March, and July (Queensland). 2. White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike Coracina hypoleuca Gould hy-po-lcud-a— Gk, hypo , under; Gk, leucos , white. distribution. Northern tropical Australia; also occurs in the Aru Islands, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest country. It is very similar in habits and economy to the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. nest. A small, nearly flat structure, composed of grass and fine twigs, bound together with cobwebs. Usually built in the angle of a forked horizontal branch of a tree. eggs. Usually two, bluish-green, blotched with different shades of brown, and underlying markings of purplish-grey. Breeding-season: October to January. 58 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3. Little Cuckoo-shrike Coracina robusta Latham—3A. Immature. ro-bus'-ta— L., robustus, strong. distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Varied Graucalus and Lesser Blue Jay. Usually in pairs, frequenting the tall trees of the open forests. It appears to be nomadic in habits. Its call, “Kiseek, kiseek”, cannot possibly be mis¬ taken for that of any other species. Food: insects and their larvae, procured among the branches or on the wing. nest. A small, nearly flat structure, composed of glass, twigs, and other materials, bound together with cobwebs. Usually built in the angle of a forked horizontal branch of a tree, at a considerable height from the ground. eggs. Two or three, various shades of green, blotched with different shades of brown, with underlying markings of purplish-grey. Breeding- season: August to December. 4. Papuan Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Gmelin papuensis—oi Papua or New Guinea. distribution. Northern Queensland, also occurs in the Molucca Islands, Papuan Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting the open forest country and mangroves. Resembles the other Cuckoo-shrikes in habits and economy. nest. Resembles that of the White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike. eggs. Resemble those of the White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike. 5. Gascoyne Cuckoo-shrike Coracina gascoynensis Ashby gascoynensis— Gascoyne River, Western Australia. distribution. Gascoyne River (mid-western Australia). notes. Resembles the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike in habits, frequent¬ ing similar classes of country. nest. Not recorded. eggs. Not recorded. 6. Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata Swainson lin-e-d'-ta- L., lineatus , lined. distribution. Eastern Queensland and New South Wales. notes. Also called Swainson's Cuckoo-shrike. Usually in pairs, frequenting open forest and scrub-lands. It appears to be nomadic in northern New South Wales, where it is most common in September or October, but is rarely seen during the autumn or winter months. It is often observed with other species feeding upon different kinds of wild figs, other native fruits, and berries. nest. A shallow, open structure, composed of fine twigs and rootlets, bound together with cobwebs. Built in the horizontal fork of a tree up to 40 feet or more from the ground. Plate JX BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 59 eggs. Usually two, white, spotted (more so at the larger end where a zone is formed) with various shades of brown and purplish-grey. Breeding-season: October to January. 7. Ground Cuckoo-shrike Pteropodocys maxima Ruppell Pter'-o-pod-d'-cys—G k, pteron, wing; Gk, podocys , swift-footed: max'- im-a— L., maximus, greatest. distribution. Australia (except the north-western area). notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, chiefly frequenting the sparsely timbered areas of the inland districts. It spends a good deal of its time on the ground over which it moves rapidly; when flushed, its flight is undulating. Generally when disturbed it flies to the nearest timber; as a rule it is shy and cautious. It has a peculiar, plaintive, rippling call-note, usually uttered while on the wing, also another note which is a prolonged, harsh cry. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A saucer-shaped structure, composed of grass, plant-stems, rootlets, or wool, bound together with cobwebs; lined with fine grass. Usually placed in a horizontal forked branch of a tree, at heights up to 70 feet from the ground. eggs. Usually three, dull asparagus-green, more or less obscured by numerous indistinct fleecy markings of olive-brown. Breeding- season: August to December. 8. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachi Vigors and Horsfield —8A. Female Da-ce'-lo —anagram of alcedo, L., alcedo, inis , kingfisher: leachi—D r W. E. Leach (1790-1836), Keeper of Zoology, British Museum. distribution. Northwestern and mid-western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Leach's Kingfisher, Blue-rumped Kingfisher, Howling Jackass, and Queensland Kookaburra. Usually in pairs, inhabiting open forest country. It is similar in habits and economy to the Laughing Kookaburra. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three or four, pure white. Breeding-season: September to November. 9. Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo gigas Boddaert gt'-gas—G k, gigas> giant. distribution. Eastern and southern Australia; introduced to Western Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Brown Kingfisher, Great Kingfisher, Giant King¬ fisher Laughing Jackass, Bushman’s Clock, and Settler’s Clock. Usually in pairs or small parties, chiefly frequenting open forest-lands. Its extraordinary laughing notes are a constant delight to all bird lovers, and are heard at their best in the early morn or just after 6o THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA sunset. It is not uncommon in parks and gardens. Food: small reptiles, insects and their larvae, and crabs. It also robs the nests of other birds of their young, and occasionally preys on chickens. nest. In a hollow limb, in a hole in a tree, or in a termites' nest in a tree. eggs. Two to four, pure white. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 10. Apostle-bird Struthidea cinera Gould S truth-id'-e-a— Gk, strouthos , bird; Gk, eidos, form: cin-er'-e-a— L., cinereus, ashen. distribution. Northern Territory and the interior of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. notes. Also called Grey Jumper and Twelve Apostles. Usually in small flocks, comprised of twelve or more birds, chiefly frequenting the open forest-lands. It is generally observed feeding on the ground over which it hops in a rather quaint manner. When disturbed, it flies to the lower branches of a nearby tree, ascending from branch to branch by a series of leaps, uttering harsh, grating cries the while. It often establishes itself near homesteads, and soon becomes fearless. Food: insects and seeds. nest. A basin-shaped structure, composed of mud, bound together and reinforced with grass; usually lined with very fine grass. Generally placed on a horizontal limb of a tree at heights up to 40 feet or more from the ground. This species is a communal nest-builder. eggs. Five to eight, pale bluish-white, sparingly marked with brush¬ like streaks of blackish-brown and dull purplish-grey, the markings usually being thicker about the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 11. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novte-hollandics Latham Scy'-throps— Gk, scythros , sullen (faced): novce-hollandice—oi New Holland. distribution. Australia (except the south-western and mid- western areas); accidental to Tasmania; also occurs in the Celebes, Flores, Molucca, and Aru Islands, and in New Guinea. notes. Also called Fig-hawk, Hornbill, Toucan, Giant Cuckoo, Storm Cuckoo, Flood-bird, and Rain-bird. Observed singly, in pairs! or in small flocks, frequenting alike open forests and scrub-lands. It is a migrant, usually arriving in south-eastern Australia during September or October, departing again in March. Its loud, awesome, screaming call, difficult to describe, is uttered both ir flight or when perched. Food: insects, native fruits, and berries. parasitic. Recorded foster-parents number five species, chiefly Currawongs and Crows. 7 egg. Dull white to pale yellowish-brown, spotted and blotched, particularly at the larger end, with brown and lavender. Breeding- season: October to December or January (south-eastern Australia). BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 6l 12. Stone-curlew Burhinus magnirostris Latham Bu-rhin'-us—G k, bu (bou ), big; Gk, rhynchos (rhugchos ), beak: mag-ni - ros'-tris— L., magnus , great; L., rostrum , bill. distribution. Australia generally, accidental to Tasmania. notes. Also called Stone-plover, Curlew, Thick-knee, Scrub Curlew, and Willaroo. Usually in pairs, frequenting open forest country, and plains intersected with belts of timber. Generally it is shy and cautious, and when disturbed, flies off as an intruder approaches. Occasionally it will remain quite stationary, either in an upright position, or else crouched near the ground, relying on its protective coloration to help it escape being detected. Its familiar call, “Ker-Ioo” or “Koo-loo”, is weird and melancholy, and is mostly uttered after nightfall, when the bird is dancing, especially on moonlight nights. Food: insects and their larvae. NEST. None, the eggs being deposited in a slight depression in the grass or on the bare ground. eggs. Usually two, varying greatly in the ground-colour; typical eggs are light yellowish-stone or yellowish-grey, more or less obscured with spots and blotches of light brown, dull umber, and some under¬ lying markings of inky-grey. Breeding-season: August to January. PLATE X BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST (Some Permanent Residents) 1. Robust Whistler Pachycephala robusta Masters—1A. Female Pach'-y-ceph-al-a—G k, pachys, thick; Gk, cephale, head: rd-bus'-ta— L., robustus , strong. distribution. Tropical northern Australia, from Parry Harbour (north-western Australia) to Cape York (northern Queensland). notes. Also known as the Big-billed Whistler and Big-billed Thick¬ head. It is found chiefly in the coastal districts and on all the islands along the coast on which there is any scrub. Its call-notes are similar to those of the other Yellow-breasted Whistlers. Food: insects. nest. Cup-shaped, composed of rootlets held together with cobwebs; lined with fine rootlets. Usually built in an upright fork of a tree. eggs. Two or three, stone or buff-coloured, spotted with dark brown or umber, with a well-defined zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: November and December. 2. Black-tailed Whistler Pachycephala melanura Gould—2A. Female mel'-an-ur'-a— Gk, melas (melanos ), black; ura (oura ), tail. distribution. North-western Australia, from Point Cloates to Derby. notes. Mostly found in coastal forests and mangrove swamps. This species is placed here for comparison with the Robust Whistler, with which is has long been confused. It is very inquisitive, searching for insects in debris left by the tides. Call-note similar to, but less powerful than that of the Robust Whistler. nest. Cup-shaped, composed of coarse rootlets; lined with finer rootlets, and lightly covered outside with cobwebs. Usually built in an upright fork of a mangrove tree. eggs. Two, whitish, spotted with chestnut and underlying spots of lavender, with a heavy zone of reddish-brown at the larger end. Breeding-season: December (to March?). 3. Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata Latham—3A. Female Mel'-an-o-dry'-as— Gk, melas (melanos), black; Gk, dryas, a dryad: cu-cul-la'-ta— L., cucullatus , hooded. distribution. Australia generally (except northern Queensland). Plate X BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST (some permanent residents) BIRDS OF THE OPEN FOREST 6 3 notes. Also called Black-and-white Robin, Black Robin, and Pied Robin. Usually in pairs; the conspicuous plumage of the male attracts attention; it is unobtrusive in habits, with a feeble call-note. Food: insects, mostly procured on the ground. nest. Cup-shaped, composed of fine rootlets, bark and grass, bound together with cobwebs; lined with very fine rootlets; occasionally decorated with strips of bark. Usually built in an upright fork of a tree up to 12 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pale olive to apple-green, more or less clouded with rich brown, particularly at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 4. Southern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Shaw E-op-sal'-tri-a— Gk, eos , dawn; Gk, psaltria , harper (“Dawn-singer”): australis— L., australis , southern (Australian). distribution. Eastern and south-eastern Australia. notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Shrike-robin, Yellow Bob, Bark Robin, and Yellow-hammer. A friendly bird and easily tamed; one of the earliest birds to awaken and one of the last to go to roost. It has a habit of perching sideways on a tree-trunk. Call-note, a pleasing continuous piping, heard at its best at dawn and dusk. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. Cup-shaped, composed of grass-stems and rootlets joined with cobw r ebs; lined with finer rootlets; beautifully decorated on the outside with strips of bark and pieces of lichen. Often built in an upright or horizontal fork, and sometimes on a horizontal branch of a low tree, frequently within hands’ reach from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pale apple-green to greenish-blue, spotted and blotched with reddish or chestnut-brown and paler markings. Some eggs are evenly marked, others have a well-defined zone or cap at the larger end. Breeding-season: July to January. 5. Little Yellow Robin Eopsaltria kempi Mathews Kempi— Robin Kemp, British collector, who has done field-work in Australia. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Cape York to Claudie River. notes. Has the habits of a Flycatcher, making short flights from branch to branch and occasionally into the air to capture insects, uttering the while a continuous subdued piping call, resembling “Zzt, zzt, zzt". nest. Not described. eggs. Not described. 6. Western Yellow Robin Eospsaltria griseogularis Gould gris'-c-o-gu-la'-ris- L., griseus, grey; L., gularis , throated. distribution. South-western and South Australia, from the Won- gan Hills to Eyre’s Peninsula. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 64 notes. Also known as the Grey-breasted Robin and Grey-breasted Shrike-robin. It is similar in habits to the Southern Yellow Robin. nest. Similar to that of the Southern Yellow Robin. eggs. Two or three, varying from dull apple-green to pale yellowish- green, spotted or blotched with shades of chestnut, red, or brown; some have a well-defined zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to October. 7. Jacky Winter (Brown Flycatcher) Microeca fascinans Latham Micr-cec'-a—G k, micros , small; oikos, house: fas'-ci-nans— L., fascinans , fascinating. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Peter-Peter, Post-boy, Post-sitter, White-tail, Stump-bird, and Spinks. A general favourite, friendly and confiding; it frequents gardens, orchards, and parks. It has a sweet and melodious song, and in addition utters a call resembling “Pretty, pretty, pretty; peter, peter, peter**, or “You did, you did, you did*’. Ever on the move, with its tail swaying from side to side. Food: insects of various kinds, captured on the wing or on the ground. nest. A small, saucer-shaped structure about 2£ inches wide by £ inch deep, composed of fine grass mixed with horse-hair, pieces of bark, and lichen. Generally built into the angle of a forked horizontal dead branch of a tree up to 70 feet from the ground, and fastened with cobwebs. eggs. Usually two, greenish-blue, spotted and blotched with purplish- brown and underlying markings of greyish-lilac; some have well- defined zones at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 8. Lemon-breasted Flycatcher Micrceca flavigaster Gould fiav-i-gas'-ter—L., flavus, yellow; Gk, gaster, belly. distribution. Northern Territory and northern and north-eastern Queensland; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Similar in habits to the Jacky Winter, but soars in circles like a singing Skylark. nest. A very small, saucer-shaped structure about 1£ inches across by \ inch deep, composed of fibrous bark and grass, bound together with cobwebs. Usually built into the fork of a dead horizontal limb. egg. Faint blue, finely dotted all over with pale purplish-red. Breeding-season: October to January. 9. Brown-tailed Flycatcher Micrcea brunneicauda Campbell brun'-ne-i19 NEST. A deep, cup-shaped structure, composed almost entirely of elongated pieces of hark and cobwebs; lined with the same material, alid placed in an upright forked limb; the outs.de shingles of bark resemble the branch on which the nest is placed. eggs. Three, white, and lightly marked towards the sm ^ with large, dark, slate-coloured markings; the markings at the g end are confluent, but do not form a zone. Breeding-season. August to December. 4 . White-headed Sittella Neositta leucocephala Gould leuc-o-ceph'-al-a- Gk, leucos, white; Gk, cephale, head. distribution. Queensland and northern New South Wales. notes. Similar in habits to the other Sittellas. nest. Very similar to that of the Orange-winged Sittella and placed in similar situations. ,, , , eggs. Usually three, pale greyish-white, spotted and blotched, pai- ticularly at the larger end, with sepia and slate markings. Breeding- season: September to December. 5. Pied Sittella Neositta albata Ramsay al-ba’-ta—L., albatus, whitened distri b uti on. Northern Queensland. notes. Usually in open forest country; similar in habits to the other Sittellas. nest. Similar to that of the White-headed Sittella. eggs. Very similar to those of the White-headed Sittella. Breeding- season: September to December. White-winged Sittella Neositta leucoptera Gould leiic-op'-ter-a—G k, leucos, white; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. Tropical northern Australia. notes. By no means plentiful; inhabits forest country, usually keep¬ ing to the tops of tall trees. nest. Similar to those of the other Sittellas. eggs. Three, similar in colour and markings but much smaller than those of the Orange-winged Sittella. Breeding-season: August to Decem¬ ber (June, July). 7 . Brown Tree-creeper Climacteris picumnus 7 emminck Cli-mac-ter'-is-G k, climacter, staircase: pi-cum'-nus- L., picumnus, woodpecker. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria, South Australia, and central Australia. notes. Also called Woodpecker. Usually in pairs, showing a prefer¬ ence for open forests and partly cleared lands, where it is met with 120 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA feeding upon the ground, or hopping up the trunks of trees, stumps, or fence posts. When disturbed, it flies with a skimming motion of the wings to the nearest tree, generally settling near the base, and ascend¬ ing the trunk spirally. It has a sharp piercing call, frequently uttered, especially when alarmed. It is friendly and will visit homesteads and eat any scraps of food left about. nest. Composed of fur, hair, and fine feathers. Placed in a hollow limb or the trunk of a tree, often in a hole in a fence post or stump, and situated at heights up to 30 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pinkish-white, almost covered with small spots and specks of pinkish-red and purplish markings. Breeding-season: July to October. 8 . Rufous Tree-creeper Climacteris rufa Gould ru'-/a—L., rufus, red. distribution. South-western Australia and the western parts of South Australia. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting open forest and scrub-lands. Similar in habits to the Brown Tree-creeper, often seeking its food, in¬ sects of various kinds, on the ground. Its note is a single piercing call, uttered more rapidly and loudly when disturbed. nest. Similar to that of the Brown Tree-creeper and placed in the same situations. eggs. Two or three, pinkish-buff, well spotted, blotched, and speckled all over with markings of reddish-brown and dull purple. Breeding- season: September to December. 9. Black Tree-creeper Clhnacteris melanota Gould—9A. Female mel'-an-o-ta'— Gk, melas (:melanos ), black; Gk, noton , back. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula). notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting open forest country. Call-note, a loud “Spink, spink”, frequently uttered. Similar in habits to the Brown Tree-creeper. nest. Built in a hollow limb of a tree. The only record to date. eggs. Two, pinkish-white, well marked all over, and particularly at the larger end, with specks and blotches of pale to rich reddish- brown and purplish markings, the latter being chiefly confined to the larger end. Breeding-season: October and November. 10. White-throated Tree-creeper Climacteris leucophcea Latham leuc-o-phce'-a— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, phaios, grey. distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Usually in pairs, showing a preference for big scrubs and brushes. Strictly arboreal in habits, ascending the trunks rapidly in search of insects. It has a shrill piping cry, “Pink, pink”, high pitched BIRDS OF THE TREE-TRUNKS AND BRANCHES 121 and quickly uttered six to eight or more times. Female has an orange- red spot below the cheek. nest. Placed within a hollow limb or trunk of a tree, the hollow being lined with pieces of bark, grass, and fur; placed at heights up to 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, white, sparingly marked with spots of reddish brown and purplish-brown, which are more numerous near the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 11. Little Tree-creeper Climacteris minor Ramsay mV-nor— L., minor, smaller. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cairns district). notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the big scrubs. Similar in habits to the White-throated Tree-creeper. Female has an orange-red spot below the cheek. nest. Placed in a hollow limb or trunk of a small tree, and com¬ posed of green moss and soft bark. eggs. Two, pale creamy-white, sparingly marked all over with very small spots and specks of reddish-brown and pale lilac. Breeding- season: October. 12. Red-browed Tree-creeper Climacteris erythrops Gould—12A. Female c-iyth'-rops— Gk, erythros, red; Gk, ops, face. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria. notes. Usually in pairs, inhabiting big scrubs and brushes. Similar in habits to the White-throated Tree-creeper; besides its high-pitched, staccato notes, it has other calls which are softer and tremulous. nest. Composed of a compact mass of bark, well lined with fur; placed in a hollow limb or trunk of a tree at heights up to 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pinkish-white, well marked all over with small spots and specks of reddish-brown and dull purple. Breeding-season: August to January. 13. White-browed Tree-creeper Climacteris affinis Blyth af-fin'-is— L. # affinis, allied. distribution. Interior of southern Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and central Australia. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting scrub-lands of the interior; secures its food, insects of various kinds, by spirally ascending tree- trunks or searching fallen timber. The call-notes resemble those of the White-throated Tree-creeper, both in the loud staccato call and in the sweet, low, tremulous notes. The female has rusty-red markings on its fore-neck. 122 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA NEST. Composed of fur, hair, strips of soft bark, dried grasses, and vegetable down; placed in a hollow limb or the trunk of a tree at heights up to 30 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pinkish-white, spotted and speckled with pink¬ ish-red and purplish-red markings. Breeding-season: September to December. 14. Black-tailed Tree-creeper Climacteris melanura Gould-14A. Female mel'-an-ur'-a— Gk, melas ( melanos ), black; Gk, ura ( oura ), tail. distribution. North-western Australia (from Derby) to western Queensland. notes. Usually in pairs; found in timbered river-flats clothed in coolabah, bloodwood, wattle, bauhinia, and silver box. Habits similar to the other Tree-creepers. nest. Composed of soft bark, fur, and dried grasses, and placed in a hollow spout or trunk of a tree. eggs. Two, pinkish-white, spotted, blotched, and speckled with num¬ erous and well-distributed markings of pinkish-red and purple, with a well-defined cap at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to January. 15. Allied Tree-creeper Climacteris wellsi Grant wellsi— T. Wells, ornithologist, British Museum, London. distribution. Mid-western Australia. notes. Native name Chinin-chinin. Similar in habits to the other Tree-creepers. The female has a rusty-red marking on its fore-neck. nest. Similar to that of the Black-tailed Tree-creeper. eggs. Similar to those of the Black-tailed Tree-creeper. Plate XVIII SOME BIRDS OF THE SCRUB LANDS s PLATE XV111 SOME BIRDS OF THE SCRUB-LANDS 1. Red-throated Whistler Pachycephala rufogularis Gould 1A. Female Pach'-y-ceph'-al-a- Gk, pachys, thick; Gk, cephale, head: ru'-fo-gu-ld'- ris—L., rufus, red; L., gula, throat. distrib ution. North-western Victoria and South Australia not es^. Also called Red-throated Thickhead and Red-lored Thick¬ head Usually in pairs, inhabiting the malice scrubs. It is considered a rare species and little has been recorded concerning its habits. Food: insects. , nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark and grasses bound together with cobwebs; lined with soft materials. Gener¬ ally placed in the branches of a low bush. eggs Two or three, stone or buff-coloured, spotted, particularly at the larger end, where a zone is formed, with dark brown or umber and lavender. Breeding-season: September to December. 2 Gilbert Whistler Pachycephala inomata Gould in-orn-d-ta— L., inornatus, unadorned. distribution. From north-western Victoria to south-v-stern Aus- t. 1" # l l i 2 notes. Also called Black-lored Thickhead and Gilbert Thickhead. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the scrub-lands, chiefly mallee and pine scrubs It has a variety of clear, rich call-notes, some of which are ventriioquial. Food: insects. The female is similar to the female Red-throated Whistler. nest. A cup-shaped structure, resembling the nest of the Red- throated Whistler. Usually placed in a low bush, on a stump, or on top of an old Babbler’s nest. eggs. Very similar to those of the Red-throated Whistler. Breeding- season: September to November. 3. Crested Bell-bird Oreoica gutturalis Vigors and Horsfield Or-e-dic'-a— Gk, oros, oreos, mountain; Gk, oicos, house: gut-tur-d'-lis— L., gutturalis, throated. distribution. Throughout the interior of Australia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, inhabiting the dry scrub-lands. It spends much of its time on the ground searching for insects. Hops 24 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA about with crest erect. It is a wonderful ventriloquist, and its call of “Reep-reep-reephok”, with the final bell-like notes, is difficult at times to locate. Food: insects and seeds. nest. A deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark, twigs, and leaves; lined with dried grasses and rootlets. Frequently caterpillars are found in the nest. Usually placed among a mass of upright suckers near the ground, in a thick fork of a tree, or in a hollow stump. eggs. Two to four, pale bluish-white, spotted and blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with sepia and black. Breeding-season: July to January, and in the northern part of its range as late as March. 4. Wedgebill Sphenostoma cristatum Gould Splieri-o-stom'-a—GY , sphen, wedge; Gk, stoma, mouth: cris-ta-tum— L., cristatus, crested. distribution. The interior of Australia generally. notes. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting low scrubs growing in gullies and watercourses. It is a shy and wary species and has a very pleasing song. Some of its notes are said to be ventriloquial. Food: insects and seeds. nest. An open, shallow, cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs and grass; lined with grass, fur, bark-fibre, or fine rootlets. Usually placed in a low bush within a few feet of the ground. eggs. Two or three, bluish-green, marked with blackish spots here and there. Breeding-season: August or September to January. 5. Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Vigors and Hors- field Po'-mat-o-stom'-ns— Gk, poma (pomatos ), lid; Gk, stoma, mouth: tem - por-d'-lis—L. t temporalis, belonging to the temple. distribution. Eastern and south-eastern Australia. notes. Also called Apostle-bird, Chatterer, Cackler, Barker, Pine- bird, Cat-bird, Dog-bird, Codlin-moth-eater, Hopper, Jumper, Yahoo, Happy Family, Happy Jack, Twelve Apostles, and Parson-bird. Usually in small flocks of from eight to twelve birds, frequenting the sctud and open forest country. It is exceedingly noisy and active, and spends a considerable part of its time on the ground, hopping about in search of insects. Owing to its quaint chattering or cackling notes and playful habits, it is a general favourite wherever it is found. Many of its calls are difficult to describe, but the loud “Ya-hoo, Ya hoo” is a very familiar call. Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A large, dome-shaped structure, with a narrow spout-like entrance, outwardly formed of sticks and twigs loosely interwoven; lined with bark-fibre, grasses, cow-dung, or wool. Usually built near the extremity of a forked horizontal branch of a tree at heights up to 20 feet or more from the ground. PINE SCRUB MALLfiE SCRUB Photos. L. G. Chandler SOME BIRDS OF THE SCRUB-LANDS I2 5 eggs. Three to six, varying from pale brown to purplish-brown and buff, covered all over with hair-like markings of dark brown. Breed¬ ing-season: August to December. 6 . Red-breasted Babbler Pomatostomus rubeculus Gould ru-be'-cu-lus— L., rubcclus, reddish. distribution. North-western Australia, Northern Territory, north-western Queensland, and central Australia. notes. Also called Rufous-breasted Chatterer and Cat-bird. Usually in small flocks of from six to twelve birds, frequenting scrub and open forest-lands. Jt is similar in habits and economy to the Grey-crowned Babbler. nest. A dome-shaped structure similar to that of the Grey-crowned Babbler. eggs. Usually three, resembling those of the Grey-crowned Babbler but slightly smaller. Breeding-season: August to January or February; eggs have also been recorded in June. 7. White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus Vigors and Horsfield sii-per-cil-i’ds'-us— L., superciliosus, browed. distribution. From northern New South Wales to Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. notes. Also called White-eyebrowed Chatterer, Go-away, Stick-bird, and Kangaroo-bird. Usually in small flocks, frequenting scrub and open forest-lands. It is a sociable species and very plentiful. In habits and economy it resembles the Grey-crowned Babbler. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, composed of sticks or twigs; lined with grass, wool, or other soft materials. Usually placed in horizontal branches of trees and often in low bushes. eggs. Three to five, various shades of brown, covered all over with hair-like markings of dark brown. Breeding-season: May to Decem¬ ber. 8 . Chestnut-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus ruficeps Hartlaub ru’-fi-ceps—L ., rufus, red; ceps, from L., caput, itis, head. distribution. The interior of southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Chatterer. Usually in small flocks, frequenting the scrub-lands. It resembles the other Babblers in habits, but is less garrulous and shyer in disposition. Food: insects. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, similar in con¬ struction to the nests of the other Babblers. fogs. Four to five, light stone-colour or various shades of brown, marked all over, but chiefly about the larger end, with hair-like mark¬ ings of sepia or blackish-brown. Breeding-season: July to December. K 1*6 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 9. Spotted Bower-bird Chlamydera maculata Gould Chlam-yd'-er-a— Gk, chlamys, mantle; Gk, dere, neck: mac-u-la'-ta— L., maculatus, spotted. distribution. From north-western Queensland to Victoria and South Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the scrub-lands of the inland districts. In habits it closely resembles the Satin Bower- bird, but is of a shyer disposition. Often, however, birds that take up quarters near homesteads soon become very tame and make nuisances of themselves in the orchards. It has a harsh, grating call, somewhat like the calls of the Satin and Regent Bower-birds. It is an excellent mimic, imitating perfectly the calls of other birds and Tush sounds generally. It builds playgrounds or bowers, like other Bower-birds, but much larger, averaging about 3 feet in length, and decorated with an assort¬ ment of bleached bones, pieces of glass, and other bright objects. The bowsers are usually built in a patch of scrub and are often pulled down and rebuilt time and again. Food: insects, seeds, and native fruits and berries. nest. A rather flat and shallow saucer-shaped structure, composed of thin dead sticks and twigs; lined with fine twigs, and sometimes with dried grasses. Generally placed in a leafy tree, at heights up to 30 feet from the ground. Usually the nest is a frail structure through which the eggs may be seen from beneath. eggs. Usually two, pale greenish-yellow, well marked with numer¬ ous lines of light to dark umber and blackish-brown, with others nearly black, and underlying lines of pale purplish-grey. Many eggs are beautifully marked, the tangled tracery of lines forming strange designs. Breeding-season: usually October to December. 10. Western Bower-bird Chlamydera guttata Gould gut-ta'-ta— L., guttatuSj spotted. distribution. Mid-western, north-western, and central Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting the scrub-lands. It is similar in habits to the Spotted Bower-bird, though the bowers are smaller and less substantial structures; the decorations include pieces of white or grey limestone, with the usual collection of bleached bones. Food: insects (chiefly beetles), seeds, and native fruits and berries. nest. A frail, saucer-shaped structure, similar in construction to that of the Spotted Bower-bird, and usually placed in a small or large tree, at heights up to 20 feet or more from the ground. f.ggs. Usually two, pale greenish-grey, similarly marked with a tangled network of lines like those of the Spotted Bower-bird. Breeding, season: September or October to December, sometimes as late as February. 11. Fawn-breasted Bower-bird Chlamydera cerviniventris Gould cer-vi-ni-veri-tris— L., ceruivus, coloured like a stag; L., venter, belly. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula, on the SOME BIRDS OF THE SCRUB-LANDS 127 eastern side of the coastal range); also occurs in New Guinea and the Louisiade Archipelago. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the scrub, open forest, and mangroves. It is a shy species, more often heard than seen. Usually the bower built by this bird is a compact structure of closely interwoven sticks and twigs, in fact so compact are the walls of the bower that they can be moved en masse . The decorations used about the bowers are mostly bunches of green berries. This species is an excellent mimic. Food: seeds, and native fruits and berries. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed of sticks, twigs, and bark; lined with finer materials. Usually placed in a tree, at heights up to 30 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Usually one; pale creamy-white, covered with a tangled net¬ work of lines and hair-like markings of olive-brown, umber, purplish- grey, and blackish-brown. Breeding-season: September to December. 12. Great Bower-bird Chlamydera nuchalis Jardine and Selby—12A. Female nu-cha'-lis— L., nuchalis, naped. distribution. Tropical northern Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the scrub, open forest, and mangroves. It is said to be less noisy and not such a good mimic as the Spotted Bower-bird. Its bowers are usually built in isolated patches of scrub; they average about 2 feet in length by 18 inches in width and 15 inches in height; often they are roofed over. The decorations usually consist of bleached shells of land-snails or pieces of bleached coral. Food: seeds, and native fruits and berries. nest. Like that of the Spotted Bower-bird, but often not so well built. It is generally composed of a few sticks and twigs, and placed in a thick bunch of twigs in a tree at heights up to 20 feet or more from the ground. eggs. One or two, pale greyish-green, marked, like those of the Spotted Bower-bird, with a tangled tracery of lines and hair-like mark¬ ings of olive-brown, umber, blackish-brown, and purplish-grey. Breed¬ ing-season: September to February. PLATE XIX BIRDS OF THE FOREST BORDERS AND GRASS LANDS 1. Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor Gmelin—1A. Female Pet-rdic'-a— Gk, petros, rock; Gk, oicos, house: mul'-ti-col-or— L., multi* color, many coloured. distribution. Extra-tropical Australia, and Tasmania; also occurs in Norfolk Island. notes. Also called White-capped Robin, Scarlet-breasted Robin, and Robin Redbreast. Usually in pairs, frequenting chiefly the mountain ranges during the spring and summer, and the flats and open forest¬ lands near the coast in the autumn and winter. It is also commonly seen in parks, orchaids, and gardens. Its call-note is sweet and low; it also has a melodious song. Food: insects of various kinds and their larvae. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark, mosses, and dried grasses, woven and bound together with cobwebs; lined with hair, fur, feathers, or other soft materials. Generally built in a forked limb or on a horizontal branch of a low tree. Often the nest is placed between a piece of projecting bark and the trunk of a tree. eggs. Three or four, bluish, greenish, or brownish-white, thickly freckled, spotted, and blotched with shades of brown and underlying markings of purplish-grey. Breeding-season: July or August to Decem¬ ber. 2. Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Vigors and Horsfield— 2A. Female. goodenovii— Samuel Goodenough, Vice-President, Linnean Society, London. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Redhead. Usually in pairs, frequenting chiefly open scrub-lands of the inland districts. This species is similar in habits to the Scarlet Robin. It has a peculiar call-note somewhat like the ticking of a clock or the gentle tapping of wood. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A small, cup-shaped structure, composed of fine shreds of bark and dried grasses, bound together with cobwebs; lined with hair and fur, occasionally with a few feathers; decorated on the outside with pieces of lichen. Generally built on the top of a thick horizontal branch or in an upright fork of a low tree. fgcs. Two or three, bluish or greyish-white, minutely dotted, spotted. Plate XIX birds of thf foresi borders and grasslands BIRDS OF THE FOREST BORDERS AND GRASS-LANDS 12g or blotched with shades of brown, and underlying spots of dull violet- grey; the markings usually predominate on the larger end. Breeding- season: July or August to December. 3. Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster Drapiez—3A. Female rod-in-o-gas'-ter—G k, rodinos (rhodinos ), rosy; Gk, gaster, belly. distribution. Victoria and Tasmania; accidental to South Aus¬ tralia. notes. Also called Pink-breasted Robin and Magenta-breasted Robin. Usually in pairs, frequenting heavily timbered mountain ranges and gullies during the spring and summer, moving to more open country in autumn and winter. Its call-note closely resembles “Tick, tick, tick”. Food: insects of various kinds and their larvae. nest. A small, cup-shaped structure, composed of green moss bound together with cobwebs; lined with fur and down from the fronds of tree-ferns; the nest is decorated on the outside with lichen. Generally built into a forked horizontal branch. eggs. Three or four, greenish-white, minutely dotted and spotted with pale brown, and underlying markings of lavender predominating at the larger end. Breeding-season: October to December or January. 4. Rose Robin Petroica rosea Gould—4A. Female ro'-se-a— L., roseus, rosy. distribution. Eastern Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria. notes. Also called Rose-breasted Robin. Usually in pairs, frequent¬ ing coastal rain forests and contiguous mountain ranges, where it breeds. During the autumn and winter months it frequents chiefly the more open country. Its call-note resembles “Tick, tick, tick”; it also has a pretty song like “We-we-widi-wre-etle”. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A small, cup-shaped structure, composed of soft fibres and moss, bound together with cobwebs; lined with fur or plant down. Beautifully decorated on the outside with lichen. Generally built at a considerable height on a horizontal branch. eggs. Three, bluish-grey, minutely dotted and spotted, especially on the larger end, with purplish-brown markings. Breeding-season: October to December. 5. Flame Robin Petroica phcenicea Gould—5A. Female phce-nic'-e-a— Gk, phoiniceos, red. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the islands of Bass Strait, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Flame-breasted Robin. Usually in pairs, fre¬ quenting cleared areas in the coastal ranges, and during the colder months the warmer lowlands. Its song is best expressed by the words “You-may-come, if-you-will, to-the-sea”. Food: insects of various kinds and their lame. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 130 nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of soft bark, grasses, and rootlets; coated with mosses and cobwebs; lined with hair, fur, or plant down. Generally built between a projecting piece of bark and the side of a tree, in a bumt-out trunk or hollow log, or in a crevice of a rocky embankment. eggs. Three to four, pale greenish or bluish-white, finely dotted or irregularly blotched with shades of brown and underlying markings of dull lavender, more so at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 6 . Eastern White-face Aphelocephala leucopsis Gould Aph-el-o-ceph'-a-la— Gk, apheles , smooth; Gk, cephale, head: leuc-ops'-is —Gk, leucos , white; Gk, opsis, appearance. distribution. Southern and central Australia. notes. Also called White-faced Titmouse and Squeaker. Usually in pairs or flocks, and often observed feeding in the company of the Yellow-tailed Thornhill, it frequents chiefly open forest country and cleared lands, securing most of its food on the ground. A sociable species with a cheerful song. Food: insects and their larvae, and seeds. nest. A domed structure, loosely constructed of strips of bark and grasses; lined with feathers or other soft materials. Generally placed in the cavity of a stump or post, and often in a shed or dwelling. eggs. Three to five, white to pale buff, profusely spotted and blotched with shades of brown and purplish-grey markings, often forming a zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: June to October or November. 7. Western White-face Aphelocephala castaneiventris Milligan cas-tan'-e-i-ven'-tris— L., castaneus, chestnut; L., venter , belly. distribution. Western and north-western Australia to central Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting chiefly open scrub¬ lands. It is similar in habits to the Eastern White-face. Its call-note is musical, though rather plaintive. Food: insects of various kinds and seeds procured on the ground. nest. Similar in shape and construction to that of the Eastern White- face. Generally placed in a hollow stump or tree-trunk, or in a prickly bush. eggs. Three to four, pinkish-white, profusely spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and purplish-grey markings, forming a large and dark zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: August, September, and October. 8 . Chestnut-breasted White-face Aphelocephala pectoralis Gould pec-tor-a'-lis— L., pectoralis , breasted. distribution. Central Australia and the interior of South Australia. BIRDS OF THE FOREST BORDERS AND GRASS-LANDS 13I notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open country and open scrub-lands. Similar in habits to the other White-faces. Its call-note is low and plaintive; it is rather a shy bird. Food: insects and seeds, procured on the ground. nest. Not recorded. eggs. Not recorded. 9. Banded White-face Aphelocephala nigricincta North ni-gri’Cinc f ’ta—'L., niger , black; L., cinctus , banded. distribution. Central Australia. notes. Also called Black-banded White-face. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open country. It is similar in habits to the other White-faces, but its call-note is different and much sweeter. Food: insects and seeds, procured on the ground. nest. A bulky, dome-shaped structure with a long spout-like entrance, composed of dark-coloured twigs; lined with flower-stems, flower-pods, and feathers. Generally placed in a prickly bush or shrub. eggs. Usually three, pale pinkish-white, speckled and spotted with pale reddish-brown and purplish-grey markings, forming an irregular zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: April and May. 10. Slender Thornhill Acanthiza morgani Mathews Ac-anth-iz'-a—G k, acantheon, thorny brake; Gk, zao, I live: morgani— Dr A. M. Morgan, Honorary Ornithologist, National Museum, Adelaide, South Australia distribution. Interior of South Australia, central Australia to Western Australia (Shark Bay). notes. Also called Thin-billed Tit. Usually in pairs or flocks, fre- a uenting open country studded with low bushes, rocky hillsides, and le margins of salt lakes. It is inconspicuous in habits; has a feeble song, and a call-note resembling "Tip-tip-tip”, uttered rapidly. Food: insects and their larvae, procured on the ground and in low bushes. nest. An oblong, domed structure with an opening near the top, loosely constructed of thin strips of bark and soft plant-stems, woven together with cobwebs; warmly lined with plant down. Generally built in a low bush. eggs. Usually three, pinkish-white, marked all over, but particularly at the larger end, with very small spots of dull reddish-brown. Breed¬ ing-season: July to August. 11. Dark Thornhill Acanthiza hedleyi Mathews hedleyi— Charles Hedley, scientist, of Sydney, Australia. distribution. Western Victoria and southern South Australia. notes. Also called Dark Brown Tit. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting samphire flats. It is extremely shy and quiet, and keeps very close to cover. It has a pleasant, half-twittering, half-warbling song, of short duration. Food: insects and their larvae. li*2 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. A domed structure with a side entrance near the top, com¬ posed of swamp grasses and plant down; lined with feathers and plant down. The nest was placed in a clump of small bushes in a dry swamp at about 2 feet 6 inches from the ground. (Only one record.) eggs. Two? white, sparsely spotted with pink all over, with fewer spots towards the smaller end, and a decided ring of spots about one- third of its length from the larger end. Breeding-season: October. 12. Varied Thornbill Acanthiza squamata Dc Vis squa-ma'-ta— L., squamatus, scaled. distribution. Northern and eastern Queensland. notes. Also called Scaly-breasted Tit-warbler. Frequents mountain ranges; probably similar in habits and economy to the Buff-tailed Thornbill. nest. Similar to that of the Buff-tailed Thornbill. eggs. Similar to those of the Buff-tailed Thornbill. 13. Yellow-tailed Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Quoy and Gaimard chrys-orr(h)'-o-a— Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, orrhos, tail. distribution. Australia (except north-western Australia and Northern Territory) and Tasmania. notes. Also called Yellow-rumped Tit, Yellow-rumped Tit-warbler, and Yellow-tail. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open forest and partly cleared lands; it is also common in orchards, vineyards, parks, and gardens. It spends much of its time on the ground, and when flushed, rarely flies any distance. Its song is a succession of soft, sweet notes, following a sharp “Chip, chip". Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A double nest, consisting of a dome-shaped structure with a narrow entrance at the side, with a roughly formed, open, cup-shaped addition built on top; composed of dried grasses, plant-stalks, cob¬ webs, spiders* egg-bags, wool, or other soft materials, all matted together; lined with fine dried grass, hair, wool, fur, and feathers. The upper compartment is believed to be used by the male at night. Generally built in the bushy end of a drooping branch, or in some thickly foliaged tree. eggs. Three or four, white or pale flesh-colour, sometimes speckled with pale red or reddish-brown markings at the larger end. Breeding- season: July to December, and often until May. 14. Buff-tailed Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides Vigors and Horsfield reg-u-ldi'-des— L., regulus, European genus = kinglet; -oides from Gk, eidos, form = like. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria and South Aus¬ tralia. notes. Also called Buff-rumped Tit, Buff-rumped Tit-warbler, and Bark-tit. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open scrub-lands, lightly BIRDS OF THE FOREST BORDERS AND GRASS-LANDS 1J3 timbered ranges, and open forests. It procures its food either among the leaves and branches or on the ground. When in flight it spreads its tail, and flits along with a jerky motion. Food: insects and their larva?. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, slightly protected by a small hood. It is composed of grass and bark, bound together with cobwebs and feathers, sometimes with hair or fur; lined with soft materials. Generally built between a piece of loose bark and the trunk of a tree, or in a shallow hole or a niche in a tree; sometimes in a low bush or in a grass-tree. eggs. Three or four, white or fleshy-white, sprinkled with freckles and small irregular-shaped spots of light red to rich brownish-red, the markings being chiefly confined to the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 15. Chestnut-tailed Thornhill Acanthiza uropygialis Gould tir-o-pyg-i-a'-lis— Gk, lira (oura), tail; Gk, pyge, rump, tail. distribution. Southern half of the Australian continent. notes. Also called Chestnut-rumped Tit and Chestnut-rumped Tit- warbler. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly the scrubs of the dry inland districts. It is a restless species, always on the move, uttering a little twittering call-note as it searches for food on the ground or in the bushes. It also has a cheerful little song. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A domed structure with an entrance at the side, composed of bark and grass, bound together with cobwebs; lined with feathers. Generally placed in a hollow in a dead tree-trunk or a fallen log, mostly the entrance is through a crack or knothole. eggs. Usually three, fleshy white, freckled all over, but more so at the larger end, with reddish-brown markings. Breeding-season: July and August to December. 16. White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons Jardine and Selby 16A. Female Ep-tlii-ari’Ur'-a— derivation unknown: al'-bi-frons— L., albus, white; L., from, forehead. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria to south-western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Tang, Banded Tintac, Ringlet, Nun, Clipper, Dotterel, Jenny-wren, Ballyhead, Gar, Bumps, Moon-bird, and Ring- neck. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly open country studded with low bushes, or swampy localities. In certain districts it is a resident species, but generally it is a nomad. It is a sprightly bird, and spends most of its time on the ground. Its call-note is a metallic "tang". Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs, grass, and fine rootlets; lined with hair. Generally placed in a low bush, in a shrub, or in tall grass. *34 THE BIRDS Of AUSTRALIA eggs. Three or four, white, with reddish-brown spots on the larger end. Breeding-season: July to December and often in the autumn months. 17. Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor Gould—17A. Female tri-col-or— L., tricolor, three-coloured. distribution. Australia (except Cape York Peninsula). notes. Also called Tricoloured Chat. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting open country studded with low bushes. It is nomadic in habits, and like the White-fronted Chat, spends much of its time on the ground. It is often seen in company with the Orange Chat. Its call-note is a metallic “ting-ting”. Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of grass and rootlets; lined with finer materials. Generally placed in a low bush or shrub or in a tuft of long grass. eggs. Three or four, white, sparingly spotted with reddish-purple markings. Breeding-season: October to December (east); July to March (west). 18. Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons Gould—18A. Female aur'-i-frons— L., aurum, gold; L; frons, forehead. distribution. Interior of Australia generally. notes. Also called Orange-fronted Chat, Yellow Tintac, and Salt¬ bush Canary. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting open country studded with low bushes or samphire flats. It is nomadic in habits, and although chiefly found in the inland areas, also visits the samphire swamps bordering the coast. It is similar in habits and economy to the Crimson Chau nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of grass and rootlets; lined with finer materials. Generally placed in a low bush or in a tuft of long grass. 8 eggs. Usually three, white, dotted all over, but more so at the larger end, with purplish-red markings. Breeding-season: September to Feb¬ ruary. 19. Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea Castelnau and Ramsay— 19A. Female cro'-ce-a— L. f croceus, yellow. distribution. Interior of northern Australia, from Fitzroy River (north-western Australia) to Norman River (northern Queensland). notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Chat. Usually in pairs, fre¬ quenting marshy swamps. It is not a shy species, but when disturbed, makes for safety among the grasses. It procures its food, consisting of insects, among the grasses or in small bushes. It has a simple call-note, but no song. BIRDS OF THE FOREST BORDERS AND GRASS-LANDS 1J5 nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of grasses and rootlets; lined with finer materials. Generally placed in a low bush. eggs. Usually three, white, dotted all over with purplish-red mark¬ ings. Breeding-season: November to January. 20. Gibber-bird Ashbyia lovensis Ashby Ashbyia —Edwin Ashby, ornithologist, Blackwood, South Australia: lovensis— J. R. Love, collector of Australian birds for Edwin Ashby. distribution. Central Australia and the interior of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. notes. Also called Desert Chat. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting open country—chiefly gibber plains. It is unlike the other Chats in habits, for it spends most of its time on the ground and rarely takes to the low bushes. It also mounts high in the air, after the man¬ ner of a Song-lark, and in its descent utters a sharp 4 ‘Whit-whit-whit". Food: insects of various kinds. nest. A deep, neat structure, composed of small twigs and dry grass; neatly lined with rootlets. Built in a comparatively deep hole, the rim extending or overlapping all round and slightly higher than the level of the ground. eggs. Usually three, pure white, with reddish-brown spots clustered round the larger end; sometimes other spots are scattered over the smaller end. Breeding-season: May to October or after rain. 21. Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata Latham Chtho-nic'-o-la—Gk, chthon, earth; L., colere, to inhabit: sa-git-ta'-ta— L., sagittatus, marked with arrows. distribution. South-eastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Little Field-lark, Little Wren, Speckled Jack, Blood-tit, and Jenny-wren. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequent¬ ing open forest country and open areas. It is often seen in the com¬ pany of the Yellow-tailed Thornbill, Buff-tailed Thornbill, and Brown Thornbill. It spends much of its time on the ground, and is very trustful. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A domed structure with a side entrance, composed of dried grasses; lined with soft materials. Built in a slight depression in the ground. eggs. Three or four, glossy reddish-brown, with a darker zone at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to January. PLATE XX PARROTS AND COCKATOOS OF THE FOREST-LANDS 1. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geofjroyi Bechstein—1A. Female Geoflroyus— Geoflroy St Hilaire, French naturalist: geoffroyi— Geoffroy St Hilaire. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula); also occurs from Timor to New Guinea. » - notes. Very little has been recorded of the habits of this Parrot, except that it frequents the scrub fringing the banks of rivers, and that its call and flight differ from other Australian Parrots. nest. In a hollow in a scrub tree. (W. McLennan found a nest containing two young birds in the scrub at Rocky River, Cape York Peninsula, in December 1920.) eggs. Not recorded. 2. Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsoni Desmarest Po-lyt'-el-is— Gk, polyteles, magnificent: swainsoni—William Swainson (1789-1855), English ornithologist and artist. distribution. Interior of New South Wales and Victoria (River- ina district and Murray River basin). notes. Also called Green Leek, Barraband Parakeet, and Scarlet¬ breasted Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly belts of timber bordering watercourses, and adjoining grass lands. It is generally observed either feeding on the seeds of grasses and other plants, or seeking nectar in the blossoms of eucalypts. Females and immature males are duller in colour than the adult male, and they do not possess the yellow markings on the head, cheeks, and throat, or the red band on the chest. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, at a considerable height from the ground. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 3. Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandra Gould alexandrcE— Queen Alexandra. distribution. Central Australia to Western and north-western Australia. Plate XX PARROTS AND COCKATOOS OF THE FORESTLANDS PARROTS AND COCKATOOS OF THE FOREST-LANDS 137 notes. Also called Queen Alexandra's Parakeet, Alexandra Parrot, Alexandrine Parrot, and Princess of Wales’ Parakeet. Usual y in pairs or small Hocks; appears to be nomadic in habits. It is generally seen in belts of timber near watercourses, and spends much of its time on the eround searching for the seeds of various grasses, chiefly spimfex. It has the singular habit of lying on a stout limb of a tree like a lizaid, instead of perching on a twig or thin branch. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: September, October, and November. 4. Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus Lear an-tho-pep'-lus-Gk, anthos, flower; Gk, pcplos, robe. distribution. Interior of Victoria, New South Wales, South Aus¬ tralia, and Western Australia. notes. Also called Black-tailed Parrot, Rock Pcbbler, Smoker Mar- lock Parakeet, and Mountain Parrot. Usually in pairs or small Hocks, frequenting scrub-lands and timber bordering watercourses. It is very similar to the Superb Parrot in habits and economy. Females and im¬ mature males are much duller in colour than the adult male. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 5. Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Gmelin A-pros-mict'-us- Gk, aprosmictos, not mixing with others: e-ryth-rop'- terus-G k, erylhros, red; Gk, pleron, wing. distribution. Northern Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. notes. Also called Red-winged Lory and Crimson-winged Parrot. Usually in pairs or small Hocks, frequenting scrub-lands and timber bordering watercourses. It is usually a shy and wary species, and lias a rather heavy laboured flight when disturbed. While on the wing it frequently utters a loud screeching call. Food: seeds, berries, nectar, and* buds of flowers; also insect larvae of various kinds. Females and immature males difler from the adult male in being duller in colour; they also lack the dark blue back and rump as well as the crimson on the wings. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three to six, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 6. King Parrot Aprosmictus scapularis Lichtenstein scap-u-la'-ris- L., scapularis , shouldered. distribution. Eastern Australia, from Cairns to Victoria. notes. Also called King Lory. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting chiefly heavily timbered ranges and brushes. It is not so THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 138 active as most Parrots, and its flight is laboured. Although its call- notes are harsh and loud, the male at times utters a soft and musical double note. It feeds almost entirely on native seeds, fruits, and berries; in certain districts it does damage to ripening maize crops. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three to six, white. Breeding-season: October to December. 7. Red-sided Parrot Lorius pectoralis P. L. S. Muller—7A. Female Lor'-i-us— N.L. from a Malay word for parrot: pec-tor-a'-lis— L., pec¬ toralis, breasted. distribution. Northern Queensland (eastern Cape York Penin¬ sula, from the Pascoe River to Rocky River); also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. notes. This beautiful Parrot was discovered in the scrubs bordering the Pascoe River, where it is fairly plentiful. It feeds on nuts and seeds of tall scrub trees, which it visits at daybreak, returning to its roosting-placc at night. The call-note of the male is a long throaty “Kurrrah”, uttered at intervals and occasionally repeated rapidly, and the call of the female is a screeching whistle resembling “Kluk kalert”. nest. In a large hole in a tall deciduous tree, leafed fig-tree, or Moreton Bay chestnut-tree, growing in the scrub, at heights up to 70 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, white. Breeding-season: October to December. 8. Galah Kakatoe roseicapilla Vieillot Kak-a-to'-e— Fr., kakatoes , cockatoo: ro-se-i-cap-ill'-a—L., roseus, rosy; L., capillus, hair of the head. distribution. Australia, chiefly inland; accidental to Tasmania. notes. Also called Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Willie-willock, and VVillock. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open country, chiefly inland plains interspersed with belts of timber, or trees bordering watercourses. It spends much of its time on the ground feeding on the seeds of grasses and other plants; when disturbed it rises with loud shrill cries. A flock in flight presents a wonderful spectacle of colour, as the birds turn simultaneously exposing their rose-pink underparts. Food: seeds of grasses, plants, trees, bulbs, and roots; it causes con¬ siderable damage to crops, but also devours immense quantities of seeds of plant pests. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree; lined with green leaves. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: September and Novem¬ ber (eastern Australia); February and March (north-western Australia). 9. Little Corella Kakatoe sanguinea Gould san-guin'-e-a— L., sanguineus, blood-stained. distribution. Northern, central, north-western, and South Aus¬ tralia, and New South Wales; inland chiefly. PARROTS AND COCKATOOS OF THE FOREST-LANDS *39 notes Also called Bare-eyed Cockatoo and Blood-stained Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting open country interspersed with belts of scrub, or timber bordering watercourses. It spends much of its time on the ground feeding on the seeds of grasses and other plants, also on bulbs and roots, it generally feeds just after sunrise and before dusk, spending the rest of the day in a tree, where it occupies itself by stripping off leaves, twigs, and bark, very often completely destroying many trees. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. ecgs. Usually three, white. Breeding-season: August to October. 10. Corel la Kahaloe tenuirostris Kuhl ten-u-i-ros'-tris— L., tenuis, slender; L., rostrum, bill. distribution. Southern, Western, and north-western Australia. notes. Also called Long-billed Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting plains or timber bordering watercourses. It spends much of its time on the ground, feeding on the seeds of grasses and other plants and on bulbous roots. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Two to four, white. Breeding-season: August to November. 11. White Cockatoo Kahaloe galerila Latham gal-er-i'-ta-L., galeritus, crested. distribution. Australia (except Western Australia, south of the Fitzroy River), King Island, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. notes Also called Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or flocks frequenting heavily timbered mountain ranges, open forest¬ lands’ and timber bordering watercourses. The normal food of this Cockatoo consists of seeds and bulbous roots. While the flock is feeding individual birds perch on the topmost branches of a high tree to act as sentinels, giving a shrill screech to warn the flock when an enemy approaches. This species causes considerable damage to crops, chiefly wheat and maize, either when newly planted or when ripening. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree; also in holes in cliffs. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: August to November. 12. Pink Cockatoo Kahatoe leadbeateri Vigors leadbeateri —Benjamin Leadbeater, a London naturalist. distribution. North-western, Western and South Australia, and the interior of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. notes. Also called Major Mitchell, Wee Juggler, and Leadbeater’s Cockatoo Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting thickly tim¬ bered scrub (mallee chiefly) and arid lands. It spends much of us time on the ground feeding on bulbous roots and the seeds of plants and 140 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA grasses. When disturbed, it rises with a loud screech, sometimes alight¬ ing on a dead tree, but mostly on the ground again. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three or four, white. Breeding-season: September to Novem¬ ber. 13. Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Grant— 13A. Female. Cal-lo-ceph'-al-on—G k, callos, beauty; Gk, cephale, head: fim-bri-a-tum —L., fimbriatus, fringed. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, King Is¬ land, and formerly in South Australia. notes. Also called Red-headed Cockatoo or Parrot, Red-crowned Cockatoo or Parrot, and Galah. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly heavily timbered mountain ranges. It procures most of its food in trees, and is generally seen feeding on the seeds of eucalypts as well as different species of acacia. It has a peculiar wheezy call-note, and when feeding also utters a quaint growling sound. Food: seeds of various kinds of trees, particularly acacias, generally eaten when green. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, at a considerable height from the ground. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: October to December or January. 14. Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Temminck Cal-ypt-o-rhynch'-us— Gk, calyptos, hidden; Gk, rhynchos ( rhugchos ), beak: lathami —John Latham (1740-1837), famous English ornitholo¬ gist who described many Australian birds. distribution. From central Queensland to Victoria and South Australia (Kangaroo Island). notes. Also called Leach’s Black Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting heavily timbered mountain ranges and open forest-lands. It is generally s^en feeding on different species of casuarinas, the seeds of which appear to constitute its principal food. When feeding it is easy to approach, and when alarmed it moves, with a particularly laboured and heavy flight, to a nearby tree. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. egg. Dull white. Breeding-season: March to August. 15. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus Shaw fun-er'-e-us— L., funereus , funereal , black. distribution. From central Queensland to Victoria and South Australia, King Island, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Funereal Black Cockatoo and Black Cockatoo. MANGROVES MANGROVE SWAMP Photo. G. F. Hill PARROTS AND COCKATOOS OF THE FOREST LANDS 14I Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting heavily timbered mountain ranges and adjacent open forest-lands, also banksia scrubs during the winter months. It has a slow, laboured flight, and when on the wing usually utters a weak but harsh and discordant cry. Usually it is shy and wary, but occasionally while feeding the observer can approach quite near before it flies olf. Its food consists mostly of seeds of banksias, casuarinas, and hakeas, and large white horny grubs found living in eucalypts. To reach these grubs it tears off the bark and wood with its powerful bill, often making holes 8 or more inches in depth into a branch or tree-trunk. It is considered a useful bird, helping to keep in check many timber-destroying insect pests. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, usually high up from the ground. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: May, June, and fuly (Queensland); December and January in the south. 16. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksi Latham banksia- Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), a naturalist, companion of Captain Cook on his first voyage (1768). distribution. Australia (except Cape York), and King Island. notes. Also called Banks’s Black Cockatoo and Banksian Black Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting alike heavily- timbered and open forest-lands, also banksia scrubs. Its food consists chiefly of seeds of eucalypts, casuarinas, and banksias, and also large white grubs, the larvae of longicorn beetles. It is very similar in habits to the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. The female is duller in colour than the male, and has yellow spots on the head, neck, and cheeks, and black bars on the red portion of the tail-feathers. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. egg. White. Breeding-season: May to July. 17. White-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudini Lear baudini- Captain Baudin (1756-1803), of a French scientific expedi¬ tion to Australia. distribution. South-western Australia, to Murchison River. notes. Also called Baudin's Black Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting heavily timbered and open forest-lands, also banksia scrubs. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of the genus. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Two, white. Breeding-season: August to October. 18. Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus Gmelin Pro-bos'-ci-ger-G k, proboscis, nose; Gk, gero, to carry: a-terr'-i-mus- L„ aterrimus, very black. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York district only); also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. L 142 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Also called Cape York Cockatoo and Great Palm Cockatoo. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the scrubs and open forests. It breeds in the forest country, and feeds in the scrub on the kernels of large fruits and on grubs torn out of rotten wood. On several occasions a flock of these birds has been seen at play in a big tree, going through a series of displays and antics. A favourite food is the hard nut or stone of the nonda plum or weeba-tree. nest. In a hole either in a dead stump or a tree; if in a tree, usually about 35 feet from the ground, and of an average depth of 4 feet from the entrance; lined with splintered twigs. egg. White. Breeding-season: August to January. Plate XXI PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS PLATE XXI PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 1. Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis Collett—1A. Female Pseph-o'-tus—G k, psephotus, inlaid with pebbles: dis-sim'-il-is—L., dissimilis, unlike. distribution. Northern Territory. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting the open forest¬ lands and spinifex country. It possesses a singular jarring call-note; it is generally observed feeding on the ground on grass seeds. When dis¬ turbed, it flies to a nearby tree; its flight is swift and slightly un¬ dulating. Food: seeds of glasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a termites' mound. Usually in the large magnetic and spire-shaped termitaria. This bird makes an entrance tunnel, at the end of which it excavates a nesting-chamber. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: not recorded, probably May to January. 2. Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius Gould chrys-op-ter-yg-i-us-Gk, chrysos , golden; Gk, pteryx (pterygos ), wing. distribution. Northern Queensland, from Normanton to the Watson River. notes. Also called Golden-winged Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest country, preferably areas dotted with magnetic and spire-shaped termitaria; it also inhabits mangroves. It is an active bird, and has, in addition to the typical "Cluk-cluk" note, a soft and pleasing whistle resembling “Joee-joee", with an occasional “Jeeo". It. is generally observed feeding on the ground. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. The female is similar to the female Hooded Parrot. nest. In a termites' mound, like that of the Hooded Parrot. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: April and May. 3. Paradise Parrot Psephotus pulcherrimus Gould—3A. Female pul-cher'-rim-us— L., pulcherrimus , very pretty. distribution. Queensland; also northern New South Wales. notes. Also called Beautiful Parrot and Ground Parrot. This extremely rare and beautiful Parrot frequents sparsely timbered grass¬ lands, where it is usually in pairs or small flocks. It was for many years considered “lost", but recently isolated pairs have been recorded. It *44 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA is generally observed feeding on the ground, and when disturbed flies to a nearby tree. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. A hollowed-out chamber in a termites* mound on the ground, entered through a narrow tunnel. eggs. Three to five, white. Breeding-season: usually August to December, and as late as March or April. 4. Red-backed Parrot Psephotus heematonotus Gould—4A. Female hie'-mat-o-ndt'-us— Gk, haima, haimatos , blood; Gk, noton , back. distribution. South-western Queensland, New South Wales, Vic¬ toria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Red-rumped Parrot, Grass Parrot, and Ground Parrot. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting sparsely timbered grass¬ lands. It is more often seen on the ground than in trees. The call-note is a pleasing whistle, almost a song, which is uttered while the bird is perched in a tree or when in flight. Food: seeds of grasses and other plants. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to seven, white. Breeding-season: September to November or December. 5. Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius Clark vaP-i-us— L. t varius, different. distribution. Central Australia, inland from southern Queens¬ land to Victoria to Western Australia. notes. Also called Many-coloured Parrot and Varied Parrot. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting open scrub-lands and timber bordering watercourses. It spends much of its time on the ground in search of seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants; it is by no means shy. When disturbed, it flics to a nearby tree, returning to the ground again immediately the observer moves away. Its note is a slight chattering call, or whistle, often repeated. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree—usually a eucalyptus bordering a watercourse. 1 eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: July to December. 6. Little Blue Bonnet Psephotus narethce H. L. White nare//ur—Naretha, on Transcontinental Railway (Western Australia). distribution. South-eastern portion of Western Australia. notes. Also called Naretha Parrot. Usually in pairs, family parties or flocks, inhabiting open country dotted with patches of scrub. It has a soft, flute-like note resembling “Cloote-cloote". Generally observed feeding on the ground or in low shrubs. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hole in a tree—chiefly a casuarina. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: August to December. PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS Hh 7. Blue Bonnet Psephotus hce.matogastcr Gould hce-mat-o-gas'-ter— Gk, haima, haimatos, blood; Gk, g aster, belly. distribution. Inland flora southern Queensland to Victoria, and South Australia. notes. Also called Crimson-bellied Parrot, Yellow-vented Parakeet, and Bulloak Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting timber bordering watercourses and open country dotted with scrub. It is generally observed feeding on the ground and is by no means shy; when flushea it flies to a nearby tree. Food: seeds of grasses and her¬ baceous plants. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three to seven, white. Breeding-season: August to December. 8. Cockatiel Leptolophus hollandicus Kerr Lep'-to-loph'-us— Gk, leptos , delicate; Gk, lophos, crest: hollandicus— of (New) Holland. distribution. Interior of Australia generally; accidental to Tas¬ mania. notes. Also called Quarrian and Cockatoo Parrot. Usually in pairs or flocks, inhabiting timber bordering watercourses and open country dotted with scrub. It appears to be nomadic in habits, its movements being regulated by the supply of food. It is generally seen on the ground searching for food, and, when disturbed, usually flies to a dead tree. It has a pleasant chattering note. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. The female is duller in colouring than the male and differs in having the tail barred. nest. In a hollow limb, a hole in a tree, or in a stump. Mostly rather large holes in dead trees are selected. eggs. Four to seven, white. Breeding-season: August to December. 9. Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Shaw Plat-y-cerc'-us— Gk, platys, flat; Gk, cercos , tail: ex-im'-i-us— L., eximius , excellent. distribution. From southern Queensland to Victoria to South Australia (Adelaide Hills), and Tasmania. notes. Also called Rosella, Rosehill Parakeet, and Nonpareil Parrot. Usually in pairs or flocks, inhabiting open forest country and partly cleared lands. It spends much of its time on the ground in search of seeds of grasses, which, with wild fruits and berries, constitute its normal food. It is destructive in orchards and cultivation paddocks to such an extent that it is considered a pest. When disturbed, it flies to a nearby tree; its flight is short and undulating; its call is a pleasant whistling note. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to nine, white. Breeding-season: September to January. 146 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 10. Yellow Rosella Platycercus flaveolus Gould flaiS-e-dl-us-L., flaveolus , yellowish. distribution. Interior of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia (Murray River Valley). notes. Also called Yellow Parrot, Yellow-rumped Parakeet, Murray Smoker, and Swamp Lory. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting chiefly timber bordering watercourses, and the adjoining open country. It is generally seen on the ground in search of seeds of grasses and other plants. When disturbed, it flies to the nearest timber, uttering its whistling call-note while on the wing. There is considerable variation in the plumage of this species. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: September to December or January. 11. Western Rosella Platycercus icterotis Kuhl ic-ter-d'-tis— Gk, icteros, yellow; Gk, otos , genitive of ous f ear. distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Also called Yellow-cheeked Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest-lands and partly cleared country. It is known to be fearless, and is common about homesteads and gardens. Food: seeds of grasses and other plants; also wild fruits and berries. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Three to six or seven, white. Breeding-season: August to November. 12. Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus Latham ad-sci'-tus— L., adscitus , adopted, new. distribution. Eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. notes. Also called Blue-cheeked Parrot and Moreton Bay Rosella. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest-lands. There is considerable variation in the plumage of this species; resembles the other Rosellas in habits and economy. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. i.ggs. Three to five, white. Breeding-season: in New South Wales, September to December; in Queensland, at any time of the year after rams. 13. Green Rosella Platycercus caledonicus Gmelin caledonicus—ol (New) Caledonia (in error, the bird inhabits Tasmania). distribution. Tasmania and the islands of Bass Strait. notes. Also called Yellow-bellied Parakeet and Green Parrot. Usually in pairs or flocks, inhabiting open forest and partly cleared areas as well as heavily timbered country. It is generally seen either PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 147 feeding among the blossoms of flowering eucalypts or searching on the ground for seeds of grasses and other plants. In certain districts it is common about homesteads. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: November and December. 14. Northern Rosella Plalycercus venustus Kuhl ven-ust'-us— L., venustus , comely. distribution. North-western Australia and Northern Territory. notes. Also called Smutty Parrot, Brown’s Parrot, and Brown’s Parakeet. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest country; it is often observed in mangroves. It frequently utters a rapid succession of double notes resembling “Trin-se trin-se”. Its flight is low and somewhat rapid, taking a zigzag course. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, and native fruits and berries. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Two or three, white. Breeding-season: August to October. 15. Adelaide Rosella Platycercus adelaidce Gould adelaidcv—diy of Adelaide, South Australia. distribution. South Australia (Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges). notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest and partly cleared lands. It is very similar in habits and economy to the Eastern Rosella. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Five to seven, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 16. Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans Gmelin el'-e-gans— L., elegans, handsome. distribution. From Cape York to Victoria, Kangaroo Island, and King Island; also occurs on Norfolk Island. notes. Also called Crimson Parrot, Pennant’s Parakeet, Red Lory, and Mountain Lowry. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting alike heavily timbered ranges, brushes, big scrubs, open forest, and partly cleared lands. It is generally observed feeding either on the ground upon the seeds of grasses and other plants, or in blossom, fruit, and berry-bearing trees. Its call is a shrill screech; it also utters a chattering note when feeding. It is very destructive in orchards. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, usually close to the ground. eggs. Six to eight, white. Breeding-season: October to January. 17. Cloncurry Parrot Barnardius macgillivrayi North Barnardius— Edward Barnard, ornithologist, member of Linnean Society, London: macgillivrayi— Alexander Sykes MacGillivray, Leila- vale Station, Cloncurry, Northern Queensland. distribution. Interior of northern Queensland. 148 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting open forest country, scrub-lands, and belts of timber bordering watercourses. Similar in habits and economy to the Ringneck Parrot. nest. In a hollow limb of a tree (A. J. Marshall). eggs. Four or five, white, the latter number laid in captivity; three infertile of which are the types (Dr A. Lenden). 18. Ringneck Parrot Bamardius barnardi Vigors and Horsfield barnardi— Edward Barnard. distribution. Interior of southern Queensland, New South Wales, north-western Victoria, and South Australia, and Flinders Range (South Australia). notes. Also called Mallee Parrot, Barnard’s Parakeet, Bulla-Bulla, and Buln Buln. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting scrub and open forest-lands, or timber bordering watercourses. It is generally seen on the ground searching for the seeds of grasses and other plants. At other times it may be observed feeding on the flower-buds of eucalypts, and when thus engaged it keeps up a continuous chatter. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants; also native fruits, berries, and flowers. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: July to December. 19. Port Lincoln Parrot Bamardius zonarius Shaw zo-na'-ri’US— L., zonarius , banded. distribution. From South Australia (Spencer Gulf) to central Australia, Western Australia (Murchison River), and north-western Australia. notes. Also called Yellow-banded Parrot and Banded Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting open forest, scrub-lands, or belts of timber bordering watercourses. It is like the Ringneck Parrot in habits and economy. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: August to November generally (but varies according to the seasonal conditions in different localities). 20. Twenty-eight Parrot Bamardius semitorquatus Quoy and Gaimard semi-tor-qua'-tus—L., semi , half; L., torquatus , collared. distribution. South-western Australia, from Albany to Perth. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, inhabiting open forest and scrub¬ lands. It is named “Twenty-eight” from its call. In habits and economy it resembles the other members of the genus. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to six or seven, white. Breeding-season: August to December. PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 14 g 21. Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurius Kuhl Pur-pu'-re-i-ceph'-a-lus— L., purpurcus y purple; Gk, cephale, head: spu'-rius— L., spurius, false. distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Also called King Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting forest and scrub-lands. It is generally observed in the tall eucalypts, upon the seeds of which it feeds. It also feeds on the seeds of grasses and other plants; at times it is destructive in orchards. It has a peculiar harsh grating call-note repeated several times. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Five or six, white. Breeding-season: August to November. PLATE XXII PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES 1. Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma Kuhl Ne-o-phem'-a— Gk, neos , new; Gk, pheme, voice: chrys-o-stom'-a— Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, stoma , mouth. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, King Island, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Blue-banded Grass-parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the grass-lands and sparsely timbered country. It is nomadic in habits, and is found either on the coastal sandhills or in the inland areas. It appears to be a definite migrant to Tasmania, where it usually arrives during September, remains to breed, and departs in February or March. Like the other members of the genus this species is generally seen feeding among the grass, and it will often allow an observer to approach quite closely before it flies away. When disturbed, the birds usually rise simultaneously, uttering feeble call- notes, but soon settle again, either on the ground or in a nearby tree. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hole in a tree, stump, or log. eggs. Five to seven, pure white. Breeding-season: October to January. 2. Orange-breasted Parrot Neophema chiysogaster Latham chrys-o-gas'-ter— Gk, chrysos , golden; Gk, gaster f belly. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Orange-bellied Grass-parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting grass-lands or partly timbered areas. Like the Blue-winged Parrot this species is a summer visitant to Tasmania. It is becoming extremely rare, both on the mainland and in Tasmania. In habits and economy it is similar to the Blue-winged Parrot. nest. Usually in a hole in a limb; sometimes in a stump or log lying on the ground. ® eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: November to January. 3. Elegant Parrot Neophema elegans Gould el'-e-gans— L., elegans , handsome. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES I5I notes. Also called Grass-parrot and Elegant Grass-parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the grass-lands, often out on the plains away from trees, barren sandy belts bordering the coast, and sparsely timbered areas. It is nomadic in habits and generally very shy. When flushed, it flies in a peculiar zigzag manner, sometimes alighting on the ground within a short distance, but more frequently ascending to a great altitude and disappearing from sight, hood: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hole in a branch of a tree. eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to October. 4. Rock Parrot Ncophevia petrophila Gould pet-roph'-il-a-G k, petros, rock; Gk, philos, fond of. distribution. Coasts of South Australia and Western Australia. notes. Also called Rock Parakeet. Usually in pairs or small flocks, chiefly frequenting the islands off the coast, and swampy situations of the coastal areas. Its flight is swift and erratic; at times it mounts to a great height in the air. Strangely enough, it appears to select the most exposed and bleak situations possible in which to dwell and breed. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. A favourite food is the seed of a species of Mesembryanthemum, common on most islands off the south-western coast. nest. In a hole in a cliff or in a cavity under a rock. eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: September to December. 5. Bourke Parrot Neophema bourki Gould tour/a'-Bourke, New South Wales. distribution. Interior of Queensland, western New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and central Australia. notes. Also called Bourke’s Grass-parrot, Night Parrot, and Pink- bellied Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting thick acacia scrubs. It passes most of its time on the ground searching for the seeds of various grasses, herbaceous plants, and acacia trees, which constitute its food. It also has the peculiar habit of visiting the watering places after dark or before dawn. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to October. 6. Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Shaw pul-chel'-la- L., pulchellus, pretty. distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA *52 notes. Also called Beautiful Grass-parrot, Chestnut-shouldered Grass-parrot, and Chestnut-winged Grass-parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the grass-lands bordering open forest country. It spends most of its time on Lhe ground searching for the seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, which constitute its food. When Hushed it flies swiftly to the nearest timber, uttering a feeble call-note. This species is extremely rare, probably verging on extinction. The female is very like the female Scarlet-chested Parrot. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, occasionally in a stump or log lying on the ground. eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to December. 7. Scarlet-chestcd Parrot Neophema Splendida Gould—7A. Female splen'-did-a— L., splendidus, bright. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. notes. Also called Splendid Grass-parrot and Orange-throated Grass-parrot. Rarely recorded, then only as isolated pairs. It appears to inhabit dry inland areas interspersed with patches of low scrub, often far from water. In habits it is said to resemble the other species of this genus. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hole in a tree or hollow limb. eggs. Four, pure white and almost lustreless. Breeding-season: Sep¬ tember is the only month recorded. 8. Blue-browed Lorilet Opopsitta coxeni Gould Op-op-sitt’-a— error in spelling 1 = Cyclopsitta—G k, cyclops, round-faced; Gk, psitte , parrot: coxeni—Charles Coxen of Queensland, ornithologist* and brother-in-law of John Gould. distribution. South-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. notes. Also called Red-faced Lorilet and Fig Parrot. Usually i n small flocks, inhabiting the brushes and big scrubs. Very little is known of its habits, except that it frequents the tall fruit-bearing trees, chiefly the different species of ficus. It is exceptionally quiet and difficult to observe. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. In a hollow stump. eggs. Two, pure white, and with a slight lustre on the shell (Kinghorn). 9. Red-browed Lorilet Opopsitta Icadbeateri McCoy leadbeateri— Leadbeater, a past assistant, National Museum, Mel¬ bourne. distribution. Northern Queensland. notes. Also called Blue-faced Lorilet or Fig Parrot. Usually in small flocks, inhabiting the big scrubs and forest country. It is generally PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES *53 observed in fruit-bearing trees, chiefly native figs, being at all times remarkably quiet. Mostly the only indication of its presence is that afforded by the quantity of fruit that drops while it is feeding; even then it is difficult to locate among the leaves. Food: native fruits and berries. nest. In a hole in a tree, usually about 40 feet from the ground. eggs. Three or four, white. Breeding-season: September to November. 10. Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla Shaw Gloss-op-sit'-ta—G k, glossa t tongue; Gk, psitte , parrot: pu-sil'-la— L., pusillus , very small. distribution. Eastern Australia (from Cairns to Victoria), South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Little Keet, Jerryang, and Green Parakeet. Usually in flocks, chiefly frequenting flowering eucalypts and other blossom or fruit-bearing trees. Generally it is remarkably fearless and noisy, both while feeding and when in flight. Its flight is swift, and flocks of these birds travel great distances in search of flowering trees. Occasion¬ ally it does considerable damage in orchards. Food: nectar, native and cultivated fruits, and berries. nest. In a hole in a tree, usually at about 20 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, white. Breeding-season: August to December. 11. Purple-crowned Lorikeet Glossopsitta porphyrocephala Dietrichsen por-phyr'-o-ceph'-a-la—G k, porphyrios, purple; Gk, cephale, head. distribution. Southern Australia. notes. Also called Purple-crowned Keet. Usually in flocks, frequent¬ ing flowering eucalypts and other blossom or fruit-bearing trees. It is very similar in habits to the Little Lorikeet, and, like that species, is nomadic, its movements being regulated by the various flowering seasons of our eucalypts. Its flight is swift; it utters its sharp screeching notes when on the wing, and constantly while feeding. Food: nectar, native and cultivated fruits, and berries. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: usually September to November. ^ 12. Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Shaw con-cin'-na— L., concinnus, pretty, distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Green Keet and Green Leek. Usually in flocks, frequenting flowering eucalypts and other blossom or fruit-bearing trees. It is nomadic in habits, and is often in the company of other ‘54 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA species of Lorikeets. It is considered a pest, as it does considerable damage in orchards. Food: nectar, native and cultivated fruits, and berries. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: August to December. 13. Varied Lorikeet Psitteuleles versicolor Lear Psitt-eu'-tel-es— Gk f psitte, parrot; Gk, euteles, paltry: ver'-si-col-or— L., versicolor, different coloured. distribution. Tropical northern Australia. notes. Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering eucalypts and melaleucas. It appears to be nomadic in habits, and resembles the Musk Lorikeet in its flight and call-notes. Food: nectar and flowers. nest. In a hollow or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: May to January. 14. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Kuhl T rich-o-gloss'-us— Gk, trichos, hair; Gk, glossa, tongue: chlor-o-lep-id- d'-tus— Gk, chloros , yellow-green; Gk, lepidotus, scaly. distribution. Northern and eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales. notes. Usually in flocks, inhabiting open forest country and cul¬ tivated fields; it is generally observed among the flowering eucalypts. It is nomadic, and resembles the Musk and Little Lorikeets in habits. At times it does considerable damage in orchards. Food: nectar, native and cultivated fruits, and berries. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: May or June to January. 15. Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Vigors and Horsfield ru-bri-tof-quis— L., ruber, red; L., torques, collar. distribution. North-western Australia, Northern Territory, and the Gulf of Carpentaria (northern Queensland). notes. Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering eucalypts and other nectar-bearing trees. It is said to resemble the Rainbow Lorikeet in habits and economy. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: May to December. 16. Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus Gmelin moluccanus—ol the Molucca Islands. distribution. Eastern Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Blue Mountain Parrot and Blue-bellied Lorikeet. Plate XXII Sc a tv Onvfuot PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES 155 Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering eucalypts, and often in the company of the Scaly-breasted, Musk, and Little Lorikeets. Its flight is swift and the flocks travel great distances seeking blossom-laden trees. It utters an incessant chattering and screeching while feeding, and a sharp call-note when on the wing. It does considerable damage in orchards and on this account is considered a pest. Food: nectar, flowers, and native and cultivated fruits. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: usually October to January. 17. Budgerigar Mclopsittacus undulatus Shaw Mel-op-sitl'-ac-us—G k, melos, song; Gk, psittacos , parrot: un-du-la'-tus —L., undulatus , marked with waves. distribution. Australia, chiefly the inland areas. notes. Also called Shell Parrot, Warbling Grass-parrot, Canary Parrot, Zebra Parrot, Betcherrygah, and Love-bird. Usually in flocks, inhabiting the open country, chiefly those areas interspersed with belts of timber, or isolated patches of scrub. It is a migratory species, and generally appears in the southern portions of the continent in late winter or early spring, departing during February or March. It is generally observed feeding in the grass, and when disturbed, rises with the rest of the flock and settles in the nearest tree. While feeding, or when perched in a tree it is constantly warbling and chattering in a most pleasant manner. Its flight is remarkably straight and rapid, and is generally accompanied by screeching call-notes. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. From four to eight, pure white. Breeding-season: usually October to December. 18. Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Shaw Lathamus— Dr John Latham (1740-1837), English ornithologist who published in 1801 the first descriptions of many Australian birds: dis'-col-or—L., discolor , different coloured. distribution. South-eastern Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Red-shouldered Parrot, Swift-flying Parakeet, and Swift-flying Lorikeet. Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering eucalypts and other nectar-bearing trees. It is a migratory species in Tasmania, but appears to be nomadic on the mainland. In the north¬ eastern portion of New South Wales its movements coincide with the flowering of the various species of eucalypts. It is aptly named Swift Parrot, as its flight is remarkably rapid; mostly one hears its screeching note and sees a flash of green as it passes overhead. Food: nectar and flowers. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: November to January. 156 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 19. Ground Parrot Pezoporas wallicus Kerr Pez'-o-por'-us— Gk, pezoporos, going on foot: xuallicns—oi (New South) Wales. distribution. Coastal areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, south-eastern Australia, and Tasmania; also recorded from Frazer Island (Queensland). notes. Also called Swamp Parrot. This extremely shy and rare Parrot inhabits the swampy heath-lands, where it is mostly observed singly or in pairs. Owing to its recluse habits and great running powers, it is seldom or rarely seen until Hushed. When disturbed, it rises in much the same manner as a Quail, Hies rapidly away across the swamp, and then suddenly hurls itself down into cover again. It emits a strong scent, like ordinary game-birds, consequently dogs will set it, sports¬ men shooting it to add to the game-bag. Its flesh is excellent eating, and said to be the equal of Quail or Snipe. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. A hollow in the ground, lined with grass, and situated in rushes or thick grass. eggs. Three or four, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 20. Night Parrot Gcopsittacus occidentalis Gould Ge-o-psit'-ta-cus— Gk, ge, earth; Gk, psittacos, parrot: oc-ci-den-ta'-lis — L., occidentalis , western. distribution. The inland areas of Western Australia, South Aus¬ tralia, and central Australia. notes. Little is known of the habits of this extremely rare species except that it inhabits the sandstone ranges, spinifex country, and shrubby samphire flats. It is nocturnal in habits, seeking cover in rocky caves and tussocks of spinifex during the day, venturing out to drink at the nearest water at dusk, and to feed on the seeds of spinifex and other grasses. The aborigines call it “Myrrlumbing" from the supposed resemblance of its whistling note; when alarmed, it utters a peculiar note, like the croak of a frog. Food: seeds of various grasses. nest. A depression in the ground, usually under spinifex grass. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: not recorded. PLATE XXIII SOME BIRDS OF THE MANGROVES 1. Large-billed Warbler Gerygone magnirostris Gould Ge - ryg '- on - e — Gk, gerygone , born of sound: mag - ni - ros '- tris — L., magnus great; L., rostrum , bill. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland (Cape York to Cardwell district). notes. Also called Large-billed Bush-warbler, Large-billed Fly-eater, and Flood-bird. Inhabits the mangroves, where is spends most of its time among the leaves and blossoms capturing the smaller kinds of insects; it has an extremely weak, twittering song. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a hooded entrance at the side; several inches of nesting material hang from the body of the nest, which is composed of fine bark woven together with wool and spiders* webs; lined with leathers. Placed in the foliage of a mangrove tree, at about 7 feet from the ground. eggs. Two, white, heavily marked on the larger end with reddish- brown markings. Breeding-season: November (Melville Island). 2. Grecn-backed Warbler Gerygone chloronota Gould chlor-o-ndt'-a— Gk, chloros , yellow-green; Gk, noton , back. distribution. North-western Australia and Northern Territory. notes. Also called Green-backed Fly-eater. Inhabits the mangroves and adjacent scrubs; it is very shy and retiring in disposition and difficult to locate among the leaves of the mangroves as it creeps about in search of insects upon which it solely subsists; it has a piping note though occasionally other notes are uttered in slow succession. nest. Similar in shape to that of the Large-billed Warbler; com¬ posed of soft shreds of grass and fine rootlets, and thickly lined with thistledown. Built among the foliage of a mangrove tree. eggs. Two or three, white, freely marked with fine, elongated, reddish-brown dots, which predominate at the larger end, sometimes forming a zone. Breeding-season: December. 3. Dusky Warbler Gerygone tenebrosa Hall tcji-e-brd'-sa— L., tenebrosus, dark. distribution. Mid and north-western Australia, from Carnarvon to the Fitzroy River. M i 5 8 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Inhabits the mangroves; similar in habits to the other Warblers; has a plaintive little song, also a harsh scolding note. nest. Similar to that of the Large-billed Warbler; very neatly made and composed of shreds of bark and spiders* webs. Placed in a man¬ grove tree up to 8 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Two, white, with reddish-brown dots and splashes, rather freely distributed over the larger end. Breeding-season: October (Port Hedland). 4. Mangrove-warbler Gerygone cantator Weatherill can-ta'-tor— L., cantator , singer. distribution. South-eastern Queensland. notes. Also called Singing Warbler, Singing Fly-eater, and Queens¬ land Canary. Inhabits the mangroves and adjacent scrubs and gardens; it has a very melodious song; perhaps the finest among the Warblers* it fiequents the leaves, branches, and blossoms of the mangroves and other flowering trees, seeking small insects of various kinds. nest. Similar to that of the other Warblers, but with a smaller and more slender appendage, composed of fibrous bark, fine roots, and drv grasses, firmly bound together with spiders' webs and ornamented with their cocoons; lined with feathers, thistledown, and other soft material Built in a mangrove tree at various heights from the ground. eggs. Three, pale pink, some speckled all over with reddish-brown spots, others with the spots forming a dark red zone at the larger end Breeding-season: October to December. 5. Dusky Honey-eater Myzomela obscura Gould myz'-o-mel'-a— Gk, myzein , to suck; Gk, meli, honey: ob-scur'-a—L nh scurus , dusky. *' uo Tropical northern Australia to southern Queens- DISTRIBUTION land. notes. Inhabits the mangroves, adjacent scrubs, and open fore pale pinkish-white, spotted and blotched nartiY,, arly at the larger end, with reddish-brown and dull purple markino ’ Breeding-season: generally July or August to January 1 . ,ngS - 17. White-eared Honey-eater Meliphaga leucatis Latham meli ’ hone >’ : Gk ’ P ha g'in, to eat: leuc-ot'-is- Gk leucos, white; Gk, otos, genitive of ous, ear. 1BUTI °N. Southern Queensland to Victoria, South Australia Kangaioo Island, and south-western Australia. c * ia ' notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting alike heath and SOME BIRDS OF THE HEATH AND UNDERGROWTH 173 scrub-lands, and open forest country. In New South Wales it chiefly inhabits heath and adjoining scrub; it has a loud, clear call-note, and a double short note, resembling “Chop-chop". During the breeding- season it becomes very tame; there are many instances of the female alighting on the heads and clothes of observers, seeking hair and wool for nesting-material. Food: insects and nectar. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed of thin strips of bark and grasses, well bound together with cobwebs; lined with fur, hair, or other warm materials. Usually it is placed in a low bush or small tree, at heights up to 10 feet from the ground. eggs. Two or three, pale flesh-coloured or white, sparsely spotted and blotched with pinkish-red and reddish-brown markings, becoming more numerous at the larger end. Breeding-season: July to December. 18. Yellow-throated Honey-eater Meliphaga ftavicollis Vieillot flav'-i-coll'-is— L., /lavus , yellow; L., collum , neck. distribution. Tasmania and the islands of Bass Strait (King Island and Flinders Group). notes. Very similar in habits to the White-eared Honey-eater. Its song is a loud, often repeated, whistle-like call, usually uttered while the bird is perched on the topmost twig of a low tree. Food: chiefly insects, procured among the leaves and flowers or in the crevices of bark on tree-trunks; also nectar. nest. A deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark and grasses; lined with hair, fur, or other soft materials. Usually placed in a small bush or thickly foliaged tree. eggs. Two or three, pale pinkish-white, thickly spotted or blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish-brown and purplish-grey markings. Breeding-season: July to November, sometimes as late as January. 19. Little Wattle-bird Anthochcera chrysoptera Latham An-tho-chccr'-a—G k, anthos , flower; Gk, chairein, to rejoice: chrys-op'- ter-a-G k, chrysos , golden; Gk, pteron , wing. distribution. Southern Queensland to Victoria, South and south¬ western Australia, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Brush Wattle-bird, Mock Gill-bird, Mocker, and Cookay-cock. In pairs or small parties, frequenting chiefly heath-lands of the coastal districts. It is a very active and noisy bird, especially during the breeding-season, constantly uttering a variety of harsh call- notes, somewhat like “Get-up, Get-up, Wak, Wak, Keik Kewick, Keik Kewick”. Food: insects chiefly, and nectar. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of small twigs, loosely put together; neatly lined with soft grasses and very fine soft bark. Usually placed in a fork of a low tree or bush. eggs. One to three, pinkish-buff, spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish-brown and purplish-grey markings. Breeding-season: August to December. N PLATE XXV BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS 1. Redthroat Pyrrholcemus brunneus Gould Pyr-rho-lcem'-us— Gk, pyrrhos, fire-coloured; Gk, laimos , throat: brun'- tie-us— L., brunneus , brown. distribution. Central Australia, including the inland areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, inhabiting low stunted scrub-lands. Spends much of its time on the ground, over which it moves rapidly; it is extremely shy and possesses a very sweet and melodious song, frequently uttered while perched on the topmost twig of a low bush; it is also a splendid mimic. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the ground or among the herbage and undergrowth. nest. A round structure with an entrance at the side, composed of bark-fibre and grasses; sometimes lined with feathers. Uusually built in a low bush close to the ground. eggs. Three or four, of various shades of purplish-brown with a clouded zone or cap of a darker shade of the ground colour at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to November (March, April). 2. Spinif ex-bird Eremiornis car ter i North E-rem'-i-orn'-is— Gk, eremia, desert; Gk, ornis, bird: carteri —'Tom Carter, British ornithologist, who resided in Western Australia for many years. distribution. Mid-western and north-western Australia and Monte Bello Island and Barrow Island. notes. Also called Desert-bird. Usually in pairs, inhabiting spinifex (Triodia ) and low scrub; it is shy and retiring in habits, spending most of its time on the ground. The song of the male is likened to the French words, Je suis, a vous, and the notes of the female to “Thrio- beedes ^°°^ : * nsects °* var * ous kinds, chiefly small grasshoppers and nest. Cup-shaped, substantially built of finely shredded grass or herbage, lined with fine roots, and placed in a bunch of spinifex. eggs. Two, pinkish-white, closely covered all over, particularly at the larger end, with minute markings of pale lilac and purplish- August (B^uitf “ d " k rcdai!h br ° Wn - BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS 1 75 3. Emu Wren Stipiturus malachurus Shaw—3A. Female Stip-it-ur'-us— L., stipes, stipitis, stem; Gk, lira (oura), tail: mal-a- chur'-us—G k, malacos, soft; Gk, ura (oura), tail. distribution. South-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, Vic¬ toria, South Australia, south-western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. According to seasons, in pairs or small parties; inhabits swampy heath-lands. It is very shy, keeping to the rank undergrowth, through which it moves in a mouse-like manner. It has a low, squeak¬ ing call-note, and, when flushed, utters a slight twitter. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the ground or among the rank under¬ growth. nest. A round structure with an entrance at the side, composed of grass loosely put together, lined with finer grasses, and built in a tuft of grass or low bush. eggs. Three or four, white, freckled or spotted all over with red markings, especially at the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 4. Mallee Emu Wren Stipiturus mallee Campbell mallee— name of district where the mallee (species of eucalyptus) grows. distribution. The mallee districts of north-western Victoria and South Australia. notes. In pairs or small parties, inhabiting the undergrowth of the mallee scrubs and surrounding low scrub. Similar in habits-to the Emu Wren. The female does not possess stripes above the eyes, or on the cheeks or throat (see female of the Emu Wren). nest. Very similar to that of the Emu Wren. eggs. Very similar to those of the Emu Wren. 5. Rufous-crowned Emu Wren Stipiturus ruficeps Campbell ru'-fi-ccps- L., rufus, red; ceps , from L., caput, capitis , head. distribution. Central Australia to mid-western Australian coast. notes. In pairs or small parties, inhabiting spinifex country or stunted scrub-lands. Similar in habits to the other Emu Wrens. The female differs from the male in the same manner as the females of the other species. nest. An oval structure with an entrance at the side, composed of fine bark, grass, and spiders' webs; lined with feathers and plant down; placed in a tussock of spinifex or low bush. eggs. Two, white, slightly tinged with pinkish-buff, well marked all over, particularly at the larger end, with spots and specks of reddish-brown and others of light umber. Breeding-season: October. 6. Heath-wren Hylacola pyrrhopygia Vigors and Horsfield Hy-lac'-o-la-Gk, hyle, wood; L., colere , to inhabit: pyr-rho-pyg-i-a (g = j)—Gk, pyrrhos , fire-coloured; Gk, pyge, rump, tail. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia (Mount Lofty Range). THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 176 notes. Also called Chestnut-rumped (or tailed) Ground-wren and Scrub-warbler. In pairs or small parties, according to the seasons, fre¬ quenting heath-lands. It is shy and retiring, moving along the ground or among the undergrowth with great rapidity. Has a melodious song and is a wonderful mimic. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the ground or in the vegetation. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, composed of grasses and bark; lined with feathers; placed on or near the ground in a low bush. eggs. Two or three, pinkish-white to buff, spotted with shades of purplish-brown, more so at the larger end where a zone is formed. Breeding-season: July to December. 7. Shy Heath-wren Hylacola cauta Gould cant-a— L., cautus, shy. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia to south-western Australia and Kangaroo Island. n otes. Also called Shy Ground-wren and Shy Scrub-warbler. Similar in habits to the Heath-wren. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, composed of bark and grasses; lined with finer grasses, sometimes with feathers or other soft material; placed near the ground. eggs. Two or three, faint purplish-brown, minutely freckled with purplish-brown markings, slightly deeper at the larger end, often forming a zone. Breeding-season: September to November or December. 8. Striated Field-wren Calamanthus fuliginosus Vigors and Horsfield CaLam-anth f -us— Gk, calarnos, reed; Gk, anthos, bird: fu-li'-gin-d'-sus — L., fuliginosns , sooty. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Striated Reed-lark and Mock Quail. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting heath-lands and low stunted scrub¬ lands. A shy bird, spending most of its time on the ground, over which it hops or moves among the undergrowth with great celerity. Has a very pleasing song, usually uttered while perched on the top¬ most twig of a low bush. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on (he ground or among the vegetation. All the species of this genus carry their tails erect. & nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side, com¬ posed of moss, dried grasses, and leaves; lined with feathers; placed on or near the ground. eggs. Three, of various shades of brown, clouded with darker shades of the ground colour, often forming a zone at the larger end. Breeding- season: July or August to December. Plate XXV BIRDS OF THK 11 FA I II LANDS BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS *77 9. Rock Field-wren Calamanthus montanellus Milligan mont-an-ell'-us—L., montanellus, of the mountains. distribution. Mid-western Australia (Dirk Hartog Island) to south-western Australia (Stirling Ranges). notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting low scrub¬ lands as well as the rocky or stony foothills of the Stirling Ranges. Similar in habits to the Striated Field-wren. nest. Similar to that of the Striated Field-wren. eggs. Similar to those of the Striated Field-wren. 10. Rufous Field-wren Calamanthus campestris Gould cam-pes'-lris— L., campestris, of the fields. distribution. Interior of New South Wales, from Broken Hill to Eyre’s Peninsula (South Australia). notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting open plains covered with salt-bush, blue-bush, and low scrub-lands. It is shy and very cautious, running mouse-like over the ground among the herbage. Call-note, a sweet and melodious song. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the ground or among the vegetation. nest. Globular in form with an entrance at the side, composed of dried grasses: lined with feathers. Placed beneath a low bush or on the bare ground. eggs. Three or four, uniform pale chocolate, darker on the larger end, sometimes having an indistinct zone. Breeding-season: July or after rains in summer or winter. 11. Rusty Field-wen Calamanthus isabellinus North is-a-bell-i'-nus—L., isabellinus, isabelline (i.e. drab) in colour. distribution. Interior of South Australia, central Australia, to Western Australia. notes. Inhabits heath and low scrub-lands, also dry sandy waste¬ lands. Similar in habits to the other Field-wrens. nest. Similar in construction and shape to those of other species of the genus; often placed on the bare ground as well as under low bushes and in tufts of grass. eggs. Similar to, but slightly paler generally than the Rufous Field- wren. Breeding-season: after rains, both in summer and winter. 12. Western Grass-wren Amytornis textilis Dumont A-my-torn’-is-Gk, amytis, daughter of Astyages; Gk, omis, a bird- tex'-til-is— L., textilis , woven. distribution. Central Australia to Western Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting salt-bush spinifex, and low scrub-lands; is almost always on the ground- carries its tail very erect, and runs and hops over the surface of the’ground THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 178 and through the undergrowth with great speed. It has a low plaintive song uttered while at rest, also a faint high-pitched call-note. Food: insects and seeds, procured on the ground and among the vegetation. The female is distinguished from the male by the rufous patches at the sides of the breast. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed of bark and long portions of a soft white flowering plant; lined with short, soft pieces of flat grass and plant-stems, also a quantity of soft white vegetable matter. Placed in the centre of a low bush close to the ground. eggs. Two or three, white or reddish-white, sprinkled over with dots and small irregular spots, with a few blotches of rich red or pinkish-red and a few underlying markings of lilac-grey, becoming confluent and forming an irregular zone at the larger end. Breeding- season: August to October. 13. Dusky Grass-wren Amytornis purnelli Mathews purnelli— H. A. Purnell, ornithologist, Geelong, Victoria. distribution. Central Australia (Macdonnell, Musgrave, and Everard Ranges). notes. Inhabits the porcupine grass growing on the foothills of the ranges; it is extremely shy and possesses a sweet, twittering song. Food: insects and seeds. The female has rufous patches on the sides of the breast. nest. Not described. eggs. Not described. 14. Thick-billed Grass-wren Amytornis modestus North mod-est'-us— L., modestus , modest (in colour). distribution. Interior of New South Wales, western Victoria, South Australia, and central Australia. notes. In pairs or small parties, inhabiting spinifex, blue-bush, and dry sandy watercourses. Similar in habits to other Grass-wrens. nest. Similar to that of the Western Grass-wren. eggs. Two, dull creamy-white, well marked all over, more particu¬ larly at the larger end, with spots and blotches of brown, as well as dull to reddish and rusty-brown markings. Breeding-season: after rain, early in the year. 15. Striped Grass-wren Amytornis striatus Gould stri-a'-tus— L., striatus , striped. distribution. Interior of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. notes. More often called Striated Grass-wren; usually in pairs or small partes, frequenting low scrub and sandy areas. Simliar in habits to other Grass-wrens. The female has rufous patches on the sides of the breast. BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS l 79 nest. Partly domed, composed of bark-fibre and the dried blades or spines of porcupine grass, built on a foundation of pieces of bark. Placed close to the ground, in or under the shelter of a spinifex tussock. eggs. Two, white, well marked with spots of reddish-brown and scattered markings of pale lilac, particularly about the larger end. Breeding-season: after rain, early in the year. 16. Rufous Grass-wren Amytornis whitei Mathews whitei— Captain S. A. White, ornithologist, Adelaide, South Australia. distribution. Mid-western Australia, north-western Australia, and the interior of Northern Territory. notes. Inhabits spinifex country; the male has a pleasing song, long sustained, also a clear, liquid, musical call-note, M Tu-tu-tu”. The female has rufous patches on sides of the breast. nest. Cup-shaped, composed of dried spinifex leaves; lined with kangaroo fur, the walls cl the nest being thin and much interwoven with the growing spinifex in which it is placed. eggs. Two, white, marked all over, but particularly at the larger end, with small irregular-shaped brownish-red dots and splashes. Breeding-season: after rain. 17. Eyrean Grass-wren Amytornis goyderi Gould goyderi— G. W. Goyder (1826-1898), explorer and surveyor-general. South Australia. distribution. South Australia (Lake Eyre). NOTES. Only one pair known; nothing is recorded of its life history. nest. Unknown. eggs. Unknown. 18. White-throated Grass-wren Amytornis woodwardi Hartert woodwardi— B. H. Woodward, a former director of Perth Museum Western Australia. distribution. Northern Territory (South Alligator River). notes. The only notes published are: "Runs very fast and hide under rocks." The female differs in having the abdomen chestnut not cinnamon-rufous as in the male. nest. Not described. eggs. Not described. 19. Dorothy Grass-wren Amytornis dorothece Mathews dor othece—Dorothy t daughter of H. L. White, Belltrees, Scone, Net South Wales. distribution. Eastern Northern Territory (McArthur River, Gulf of Carpentaria). i8o THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Numerous in porcupine grass and rocks in the ranges and high sandstone country; is very shy, hiding among the rocks. nest. A bulky, dome-shaped structure (in shape much like the nest of a Finch), composed of the dry seed stems of spinifex and dry stringy- bark leaves; lined with soft dead leaves of spinifex; the whole structure well bedded into the top of a bunch of spinifex. eggs. Three, white, with faint shades of pinkish markings scattered all over the surface, but more numerous at the larger end. Breeding- season: January (McArthur River, Northern Territory). 20. Black Grass-wren Amytornis housei Milligan housei —Dr F. M. House, Western Australia. distribution. North-western Australia (north-western Kimberley). notes. Only recorded from exceedingly rough country, strewn with piled-up masses of sandstone, which in colour varies from red to black. It runs over the boulders with its head and tail lowered. Food: insects. The female differs from the male in having the breast and under-parts chestnut. nest. Undescribed. eggs. Undescribed. 21. Eastern Bristle-bird Dasyornis brachyplerus Latham Das-y-orn'-is— Gk, dasys, hairy; Gk,. ornis, bird: brach-ypt'-cr-us— Gk, brachys, short; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. Eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting swampy heath-lands and rank undergrowth. It is shy, and seldom exposes itself, spending much of its time on the ground among the thick vegetation; it is very active in all its movements, and carries its tail erect. Food: insects of various kinds and seeds. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, very loosely constructed and composed of dry bark, leaves, long grasses, and stalks of plants; warmly lined with soft materials. It is usually placed near the ground in a mass of grass, ferns, or a low bush. eggs. Two, dull white or whitish-brown, with minute freckles and dots of slaty-brown, wood-brown, and purplish-brown, the markings being prominent at the larger end, sometimes forming a zone. Breeding- season: September to December. 22. Western Bristle-bird Dasyornis longirostris Gould lon-gi-ros'-tris— L., longus , long; L., rostrum , bill. distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Also known as the Long-billed Bristle-bird; is very rare, there being no recent records. Searches made during the past few years have proved fruitless. It was once found frequenting the reed-beds and BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS 181 scrubby swamp-lands near the coast at King George’s Sound; it was remarkably shy, spending most of its time on the ground. Its actions were extremely quick, and its call-notes loud, clear, and varied. It carried its tail erect and rarely took flight. Food: insects and seeds. NEST. Oval in shape, with a side entrance, composed entirely of dried, hollow grass-stalks, with a small portion of finer grasses placed inside the lining. eggs. Two, dull white, minutely freckled and spotted with wood- brown and purplish-brown markings, especially at the larger end, forming a zone. Breeding-season: October to January. 23. Rufous Bristle-bird Dasyornis broadbenti McCoy broadbenti —Kendall Broadbent (1837-1911), field naturalist and orni¬ thologist, Queensland Museum. distribution. Western Victoria, South Australia, and south¬ western Australia. notes. Also called Cartwheel-bird, its call-note resembling the noise produced by an ungreased axle. Inhabits low scrub-lands matted with rank grass; it is shy and cautious, carries its tail erect, rarely flies, and spends most of its time on the ground. Food: insects and seeds. nest. Oval in shape, with a side entrance, composed of rootlets and dried grasses, loosely put together; lined with finer materials. eggs. Two, dull pinkish-white, well marked all over with specks and dots of purplish-brown, especially at the larger end, forming a zone. Breeding-season: September to December. i PLATE XXVI FAIRY WRENS OF THE HEATH AND SHRUBS 1. Blue Wren Malums cyaneus Latham—1 A. Female Mal-uP-us— Gk, malacos, soft; Gk, oura, tail: cy-an'-e-ns— Gk, cyanos , blue. distribution. From southern Queensland to Victoria and South Australia, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania. notes. Also called Superb Warbler, Blue Warbler, Blue Bonnet, Blue Cap, Blue Tit, Mormon Wren, and Cocktail. Usually in pairs or family parties, according to the season of the year. Its favourite haunts are thickets on the fringes of scrubs and the banks of water¬ courses; it is also plentiful in orchards and gardens. It has a pretty, tremulous song, somewhat like a musical alarm clock. Food: insects and their larvae. The young male resembles the female; the first change in plumage is the appearance of a dark blue tail and dark brown bill. Later other changes follow quickly; black feathers appear on the nape and chest, and blue feathers on the crown, cheeks, and back. After each breeding-season the male moults into the brown phase again, until he is about three years old, when he retains his adult plumage. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance at the side slightly protected by a hood, composed of grasses, bark-fibre, rootlets, cobwebs, and cocoons; lined with feathers, fur, hair, wool, or other soft materials. Usually built near the ground in shrubs, more especially those with grass growing through them. eggs. Three or four, fleshy or reddish-white, minutely dotted, spotted, or blotched with pale red, or different shades of reddish-brown, the markings being more numerous on the larger end. Breeding-season: July to February. 2. Black-backed Wren Malurus melanotus Gould—2A. Female mel'-an-o-tus— Gk, melas (melanos ), black; Gk, noton , back. distribution. Central-western Queensland, western New South Wales, and north-western Victoria to the border of Western Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or family parties, inhabiting low bushes growing on the plains, in mallec, mulga, and brigalow scrubs, and in the thickets on the slopes of hills, or in sheltered gullies. Very similar in habits to the Blue Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a rounded entrance near the top, composed of grasses, bark-fibre and wool; lined with feathers, fine FAIRY WRENS OF THE HEATH AND SHRUBS 183 grasses, or wool. Usually placed near the ground in a low bush, favourite nesting-sites being salt-bushes and blue-bushes. eggs. Three or four, white to rich pinkish or faint reddish-white, finely freckled, dotted, and blotched with shades varying from rich pinkish-red to rich red, the markings being more numerous at the larger end, where sometimes a zone is formed. Breeding-season: September to November or December. 3. Turquoise Wren Malurus calldinus Gould cal-ld-'i-nus-G k, calla'inos, like the callais (turquoise). distribution. South Australia (Spencer Gulf) to central Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or family parties, freely dispersed through low scrub and salt-bush, more especially along creeks, and gorges in the ranges. Similar in habits to the Blue Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. The female is very similar to the female Black-backed Wren. nest. A dome-shaped structure, composed throughout of soft dead grey grasses, intermingled with silky-white and brown plant down, the latter material also being used as a lining. Usually placed in a salt-bush, tangled cane-grass, or in a dead bush lying on the ground. eggs. Three or four, white, finely freckled, spotted, or blotched with dilferent shades varying from a bright red to dull reddish-brotvn. Breeding-season: usually commences in November and lasts until the end of April. 4. Splendid Wren Malurus splendens Quoy and Gaimard splen'-dens- L., splendens , shining. distribution. South-western Australia, from the Stirling Ranges to Geraldton. notes. Also called Banded Wren. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting the thickets and low scrub of the coastal districts. Very similar in habits to the Blue Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. The female is similar in plumage to the female Black-backed Wren, but differs in having bluish outer webs to the bases of the flight feathers. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a rounded entrance near the top, composed of dried grasses; lined with finer grasses, wool, or feathers. Usually placed in a low bush near the ground. eggs. Three or four, white to pinkish-white, freckled or spotted with purplish-brown, the markings being more numerous on the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 5. Black-and-White Wren Malurus leucopterus Dumont-5A. Female leuc-op'-ter-us— Gk, leucos , white; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. Mid-western Australia (Dirk Hartog Island and Barrow Island). 184 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. In pairs or family parties, inhabiting dwarf scrub-lands and spinifex. The male is extremely shy and keeps to the cover of bushes or spinifex. Similar in habits to the other species of Wrens. Food- insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance near the top, composed of very fine dried grasses matted together with spiders' webs, cocoons, and wool; lined with fine grasses, cocoons, and wool. Usually placed in a low bush or in a tuft of spinifex. eggs. Three or four, white, marked all over, but particularly at the larger end, with small dots and splashes of pale reddish-brown, where sometimes a zone is formed. Breeding-season: June to September. 6. Blue-and-white Wren Malurus cyanotus Gould-6A. Female cy -a-not'-us—Gk, cyanos, blue; Gk, noton , back. DisTR 1 bu ti °n. The interior of southern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, to the coastal districts of Western Australia. notes. Also called White-winged Wren. In pairs or family parties showing a preference for spinifex, salt-bush, blue-bush, and open rolv- poly country. Except that the fully coloured male is shy, it is similar in habits to the other species of Wrens. Food: insects and their larvse. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance near the ton composed of dried grasses, and lined with feathers or wool. Usually placed m a low bush or in a tuft of tall grass, close to the ground. f.ggs. Three or four, white, finely freckled with purplish or reddish brown markings; some eggs have a well-defined zone at the larger end Breeding-season: September to January 6 7. White-backed Wren Malurus leuconotus Gould leuc-o-not'-us— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, noton f back. distribution. Interior of South Australia. NOTES. Nothing is definitely known of the habits or economy of this species, few specimens only being in existence. The female is similar to the female Blue-and-white Wren. nest. A dome-shaped oblong structure of fine grass, ornamented and mixed with cobweb and wool, and lined inside with cotton from l i e f “J™ 5 ^“on-bush”, or the silky down from the seed-pods of an Asclepiad . I laced in a small tuft of coarse grass near the ground at other times among the lower branches and grass at the base of a cotton-bush. b 01 a eggs. Three or four, white, with a faint pinkish or reddish tintre minutely freckled and spotted with dull red, particularly at the lareer end where often a zone is formed. 7 g 8 ^Fenufle^ ' Vren ^ Ia ^ urus lamberti Vigors and Horsfield-8A London!” A B ' Lambm < 176M842 )’ **retary, Linnean Society, Plate XXVI FAIRY WRENS OF THE HEATH AND SHRUBS FAIRY WRENS OF THE HEATH AND SHRUBS 185 distribution. Throughout the coastal districts of southern Queensland and New South Wales. notes. Also called Lambert’s Wren. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting the undergrowth, heath-lands, and thickets on the fringes of scrubs. It is very local in habits, a pair keeping to its own territory; a much shyer species than the Blue Wren; its call is a subdued twittering. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance near the top, com¬ posed of dried grasses, bark-fibre, and spiders' egg-bags; lined with line dried grasses, bark-fibre, fur, hair, or plant down. Usually placed near the ground in a low bush, tuft of grass, or clump of ferns. eggs. 1 hree or four, white or fleshy to reddish-white, speckled or spotted with different shades of red, the markings being more numerous on the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December. 9. Purple-backed Wren Malurus assimilis North as-sim'-i-lis—L., assimilis , similar. distribution. Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia to Western Australia (Dirk Hartog Island). notes. Chiefly an inland species, usually met with in pairs or family parties. Its favourite haunts are mulga, mixed acacia scrubs, or under¬ growth bordering creeks; also spinifex country. Very similar in habits to the Variegated Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. The female is similar in plumage to the female Variegated Wren. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a narrow entrance near the top, composed of dried grasses and plant-stalks; lined with plant down. Usually placed in a bush, up to 5 feet from the ground. eggs. Three or four, white, sprinkled with dots, spots, and blotches of faint pinkish-red, the markings being more numerous on the larger end. Breeding-season: October and November. 10. Red-winged Wren Malurus elegans Gould—10A. Female el'-e-gans— L., elegans, handsome. distribution. The coastal districts of south-western Australia, from Perth to Albany. notes. Also called Graceful Wren. Usually in pairs or family parties, inhabiting chiefly the heath-lands bordering swamps. It is very shy! resorting to the seclusion of the undergrowth. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance near the top, composed of dried grasses and strips of bark; lined with feathers! Usually placed in a low bush near the ground. EGGS. Three or four, pinkish-white, freckled with spots of reddish- brown, the markings being more numerous on the larger end. Breeding- season: September to December. i86 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 11. Lovely Wren Malurus amabilis Gould—11 A. Female am-a-bil-is— L., amabilis , lovely. distribution. Tropical northern Australia. notes. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting dwarf scrub¬ lands and spinifex country. It is very shy, seldom being seen away from cover; similar in habits to the Variegated Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with an entrance near the top, com¬ posed of dried grasses and skeletons of leaves, mixed with spiders' webs and egg-bags; lined with fine grasses, rootlets, and fur. Generally placed in a low bush. eggs. Usually three, white or pinkish-white, sprinkled over with minute specks and spots of dull reddish-brown, the markings pre¬ dominating at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to October. 12. Blue-breasted Wren Malurus pulcherrimus Gould—12A. Female pul-cher'-rim-us— L., pulcherrimus , very pretty. distribution. South Australia to Western Australia (Eyre Penin¬ sula to the Wongan Hills and Stirling Ranges). notes. In pairs or family parties according to the season of the year, its favourite haunts being dwarf marlock or mallee scrubs growing in patches on or about hills and dry creek-beds. It is very secretive in its movements, more especially the male, otherwise this species is similar in habits to the Variegated Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance near the top, similar in construction to the nests of the other species of Wrens. eggs. Usually three, white, spotted with reddish-brown at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to November. 13. Red-backed Wren Malurus melanocephalus Latham—13A. Female mel'-an-o-ceph'-al-us—Gk, melas ( melanos ), black; Gk, cephale , head. distribution. From Derby (north-western Australia) across tropical northern Australia to northern Queensland, and eastern Australia as far south as the Hunter River (New South Wales). notes. Also called Scarlet-backed Wren and Black-headed Wren. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting dwarf scrubs, heath- lands, and swampy grass-flats. Very similar in habits to the Variegated Wren. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance near the top, composed of dried grasses; lined with finer materials. Usually placed in a tuft of grass, within a few inches of the ground. eggs. Three or four, white, spotted chiefly at the larger end with reddish-brown markings. Breeding-season: August to February. FAIRY WRENS OF THE HEATH AND SHRUBS 187 14. Purple-crowned Wren Rosina coronata Gould—14A. Female Rosina —in honour of the late Mrs S. A. White of Adelaide, South Australia: cor-on~d'-ta— L., coronatus , crowned. distribution. From Derby (north-western Australia) through the Northern Territory to the Leichhardt River (northern Queensland). notes. In pairs or family parties, inhabiting the cane-grass and areas of pandanus palms growing near rivers. It has no song, but utters a “chirp” while searching for food among the tall grasses, up the stems of which it climbs with ease; it also catches food on the wing. Food: insects and their larva?. nest. A bulky structure with a side entrance near the top, composed of strips of paper bark and blades of cane-grass; lined with fine grass roots; it frequently has a platform of grass built below the entrance. Generally placed in cane-grass. eggs. Usually three, pinkish-white, marked all over, but chiefly at the larger end, with ill-defined spots or splashes of dark brownish-pink. Breeding-season: January to June (July to December). PLATE XXV11 SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES 1. Little Wood-swallow Artamus minor Vieillot AP-tam-us-G k, artamos, butcher: mi'-nor— L., nfinor, smaller. distribution. Australia (except the southern portion); also occurs in Timor. notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the plains, chiefly those studded with low trees; also the rugged ranges of the interior and northern parts. This species is very similar in habits and economy to the Dusky Wood-swallow. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure of twigs and plant-stems, lined with rootlets; placed in the end of a hollow limb, in a cavity in the trunk of a tree, or in clefts of cliffs. Often the nest consists only of a scanty lining of materials placed in a hollow. eggs. Usually three, dull white, spotted and blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with shades of brown and underlying markings of slaty- grey. Breeding-season: October to January. 2. Dusky Wood-swallow Artamus cyanopterus Latham cy-an-op'-ier-us—G k, cyanos , blue; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. Australia (except tropical northern Australia), Tas¬ mania, and the islands of Bass Strait. notes. Also called Sordid Wood-swallow, Martin, and Jacky Martin. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the open spaces in forest country and partly cleared lands. It also frequents orchards and gardens, where it does an immense amount of good in destroying insect pests of various kinds. Like the other species of Wood-swallows, its flight is swift and graceful; it has the habit of roosting clustered together, like a swarm of bees, on the limb of a tree, especially during very cold* weather. Food: insects of various kinds, procured on the wing. nest. An open, cup-shaped structure, composed of thin, dried twigs; lined with grasses, rootlets, and occasionally horse-hair. Usually placed in a thick forked branch of a tree, sometimes inside a projecting piece of bark on a tree trunk, or on top of a stump, at heights up to 40 feet or more from the ground. eggs. Three or four, white or creamy-white, spotted and blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with varying shades of brown, black, and grey markings, and often with well-defined zones. Breeding-season: September to January. Plate XXVII Scato SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES 189 3. Grey Swiftlet Collocalia francica Gmelin Coll-o-caV’i-a— Gk, colla, glue; Gk, calia , nest: francica— Isle of France, now called Mauritius. distribution. Northern Queensland and the islands off the coast; also occurs from the Mauritius to Oceania. notes. Usually in small flocks, flying over the open spaces of the coastal ranges, the tops of the scrub, or about the precipitous sides of rocky ridges. Occurs commonly at Dunk Island, the only recorded breeding-place of the species, where it nests in caves. Food: small insects, caught on the wing. nest. A small, shallow, saucer-shaped structure, composed of a glutinous substance made from the bird’s saliva, with which is mixed fibre, grass-stems, and sheaths of grass-stalks; lined with feathers. Nests are usually attached together, and fastened to the walls of the cave with the same glutinous substance. eggs. Usually one, pure white. Breeding-season: September to December. 4. Fork-tailed Swift Micropus pacificus Latham Micr'-o-pus— Gk, micros , small; Gk, pus (pous ), podos, foot: pac-if'-ic-us —pacificus, of the Pacific Ocean. distribution. Australia, accidental to Tasmania and New Zea¬ land; also occurs in north-eastern Asia, India, Malaysia, and New Guinea. notes. Also called White-rumped Swift. Usually in flocks which visit Australia during the spring and summer months. Generally seen “hawking” for insects high in the air, or just above the tree-tops; at times, close to the ground. It is usual for large flocks to appear during unsettled weather conditions. Food: insects, caught on the wing. nest. A small, perfectly round plate of straw, thickest at the rim and very slightly dished in the centre; a few feathers are worked into the outer part of it, which is hardened with glutinous matter produced by the bird. Placed in a vertical cranny or in a horizontal fissure in a low rocky cliff, at about a full arm’s length from the entrance. Breeds in small colonies on a small island off the north-eastern coast of China. eggs. One to three, pure white and elongated in shape. Breeding- season: June (Capt. Henry Lane Cochrane, R.N., M.B.O.U.). 5. Spine-tailed Swift Hirandapus caudacutus Latham Hi-run-da'-pus— L., hirundo , swallow; Gk, apus (apous) t without feet: caud-ac-u’-tus— L., cauda t tail; L., acutus, sharp. distribution. Australia generally (except the interior), Tasmania, and accidental to New Zealand; also occurs in Siberia, China, and Japan. notes. Also called Needle-tailed Swift. In flocks, visiting Australia during the spring and summer months. It is similar in habits to the Fork-tailed Swift. Food: insects, caught on the wing. o 190 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. Like that of other swifts, composed of materials picked up in the air and, according to some writers, a gelatinous substance secreted by the bird. Breeds in crevices of cliffs and, according to Przevalsky, also in hollow trees. eggs. Two or three, dull white, long oval in form. 6. Fairy Martin Hylochelidon ariel Gould Hy-lo-chel-i'-don—G k, hyle, wood; Gk, c/ielidon, swallow: ar-i'-el— Gk, aerios, airy; ariel , a fairy, sprite. distribution. Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Bottle Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and Land Swallow, in flocks, frequenting open country, chiefly in the neighbourhood of creeks and rivers. This species is nomadic in its movements, but if the weather conditions are mild, it will remain in the same locality through¬ out the year. Food: insects, caught on the wing. nest. A retort or bottle-shaped structure, composed of pellets of mud; lined with dried grasses and feathers. Nests are built in rows or clusters and often the entrances only arc visible. They are placed under the eaves of buildings, under the ledges of river-banks, under culverts, or in hollow trees and caves. eggs. Four or five, dull white, finely freckled with yellowish or very faint reddish-brown markings, chiefly at the larger end, often forming a zone. Breeding-season: August to January or February. 7. Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Gould Hi-run'-do—la., hirundo , a swallow: ne-ox'-en-a— Gk, neos , new; Gk, xenos, strange. distribution. Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called House Swallow. A common and very well-known bird, frequenting park-lands and settled areas. It is, for the most part, a migratory species; prior to departure for the northern parts of Aus¬ tralia, in the autumn, it congregates in large flocks. In many districts numbers remain throughout the year. It has a sweet, twittering song. Food: small flying insects. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of pellets of mud reinforced with small pieces of grass; lined with grass, horse-hair, and feathers. Nests are built under eaves of buildings, verandas, bridges, and in sheltered caves. eggs. Four or five, w f hite, freckled and spotted, particularly towards the larger end, with purplish-brown and underlying markings of lavender. Breeding-season: August to December, occasionally during the autumn months. 8. White-backed Swallow Cheramceca leucosterna Gould Cher-am-ccc'-a— Gk, cheramos , cleft; Gk, oicos , house: leuc-o-stern'-a— Gk, leucos , white; Gk, sternon, breast. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Black-and-White Swallow, White-breasted Swal* SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES lgi low, and White-capped Swallow. Usually in small flocks, inhabiting open country in the neighbourhood of rivers and creeks. It is chiefly found in the inland districts. Nomadic generally, though at times stationary. In cold windy weather it often shelters in numbers in old nesting burrows. Food: small insects, caught on the wing. nest. In a burrow in the vertical bank of a creek, about 2 or 3 feet in length, with an oval nesting-chamber at the end which is lined with small leaves, grass, and other material. eggs. Four to six, usually five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to December. 9. Cinnamon Bush-lark Mirafra woodwardi Milligan Mira fra —native name: woodwardi— B. H. Woodward, a former director of Perth Museum, Western Australia. distribution. Mid-western Australia (Onslow). notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting the plains. When flushed, it flies a few yards only with a peculiar jerky flight, often re¬ maining for a second on quivering wings before suddenly dropping into the shelter of the grass. It is one of our finest songsters and is an excellent mimic. Like the Horsfield Bush-lark, it has the habit of ascending to considerable heights, and there remains hovering in mid-air, or flying slowly about, while it pours forth its pleasing song. It sings during the day and night, and is to be heard at its very best during the moonlight nights of midsummer. Food: insects and seeds. nest. A cup-shaped hollow scraped in the ground; thickly lined with dried grasses. Nests are generally well concealed in a tuft of grass. eggs. Usually four, greyish-white, minutely speckled and spotted all over, but chiefly about the larger end, with olive and dull slaty- grey markings. Breeding-season: August to December, and even Feb¬ ruary or March. 10. Horsfield Bush-lark Mirafra javanica Horsfield javanica—ot Java. distribution. Australia (except the south-western portion). notes. Also called Skylark. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting open plains, grassy flats, and cultivation paddocks. It is similar in habits and economy to the Cinnamon Bush-lark. nest. Like that of the Cinnamon Bush-lark. eggs. Usually three, greyish-white or yellowish-grey, thickly freckled all over with dark grey or greyish-brown; some eggs have the markings confluent towards the larger end, forming a zone. Breeding-season: August to December, often as late as February. 11. Ground-lark (Pipit) Anthus australis Vieillot An'-thus— Gk, anthos, bird: australis— southern (Australian). distribution. Australia and Tasmania. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 192 notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open country generally. It is common everywhere, even in the public parks of our cities. Frequently, when flushed, it rises with a graceful undulating flight, uttering with each upward movement its warbling notes, then suddenly it drops to the ground. It rarely flies for any great distance, generally relying on short flights, or running to keep out of one's way. Food: chiefly insects; also seeds. nest. A rather deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses, and built in a hollow in the ground. It is generally placed near or under a tuft of grass, and sometimes near a bush or stone. eggs. Three or four, greyish-white, finely spotted and freckled all over, but chiefly at the larger end, with pale umber and dull slaty- grey markings. Breeding-season: August to January. 12. Chestnut-backed Quail Turnix castanota Gould Tur'-nix- L., turnix , quail: cas-ta-ndt'-a- Gk, castanon , chestnut; Gk, noton, back. distribution. From Kimberley (north-western Australia) to Arn¬ hem Land (Northern Territory). notes. Usually in coveys of from fifteen to thirty in number, fre¬ quenting the sandstone country. When disturbed, these birds seldom rise together, but run along the ground; it is only when very closely pressed that they will take wing, and then they merely fly a short distance. While running on the ground their heads are thrown up as high as their necks will permit, and as their bodies are carried very erect, a waddling motion is given to their gait, which is very amusing. Food: mainly seeds. The female is much larger than the male. nest. A depression beneath a tussock or in a clump of grass, especi¬ ally in the neighbourhood of water. eggs. Usually four, greenish-white; some are boldly speckled with very dark brown, or almost black, markings, especially on the larger end, while others have much smaller faint spots of purplish-brown. Breeding-season: January. 13. Buff-breasted Quail Turnix olivei Robinson olivei— E. Olive, collector, Cooktown, Queensland. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula). notes. Usually in pairs or small coveys, inhabiting the rank grass¬ lands in open forest country. Little is known of its habits, except that it is remarkably shy and difficult to flush. Food: seeds; a large quantity of fine gravel is swallowed to aid digestion. The female is much larger than the male. NEST. An ovate structure with an entrance at the side, composed of soft, dry, narrow blades of long fine grass; placed in a shallow depres¬ sion in the ground. 1 eggs. Usually four, whitish, minutely speckled, spotted, and blotched all over with markings of reddish-brown, bluish-grey, and black, the last two colours being the most predominant. Breeding-season: March r HEATH-LANDS Photo. K. A. Hindwood HEATH Photo. P. A. Gilbert SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES 193 14. Little Quail Turnix velox Gould ve'-lox—L., velox , swift. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Button Quail, Swift-flying Quail, Dotterel Quail, Butterfly Quail, and Thick-billed Quail. Usually in coveys, large or small, inhabiting the open plains. It is nomadic, its appearance being regulated by the rainfall; if the season is a good one, large flocks appear; in times of drought it seldom visits its old haunts. It lies close, and when flushed, flies short distances at a great speed. Generally the flocks scatter when disturbed, making it difficult to flush them again. Food: seeds and fine gravel. The female is larger than the male. nest. A slight depression in the ground, lined with grass; usually placed near and partly hidden by a tuft of grass. eggs. Usually four, buffy-white, thickly spotted with slate-grey, chestnut, and odd spots of purplish-brown. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to December, but individuals may be found breeding practically throughout the year. 15. Red-chested Quail Turnix pyrrhothorax Gould pyr-rho-tho'-rax— Gk, pyrrhos, fire-coloured; Gk, thorax , chest. distribution. Northern, eastern, southern, and central Australia. notes. Also called Chestnut-breasted Quail and Yellow Quail. Usually in pairs or small coveys, inhabiting grass-lands, either in high dry country or river-flats. It is nomadic in habits. Food: seeds. nest. A slight depression in the ground, scantily lined with grasses, usually protected by a grass tuft or sheltered by a low shrub; sometimes situated in a grain crop. eggs. Usually four, buffy-white, spotted with slate-grey, chestnut, and dark brown markings. Breeding-season: September to December. 16. Red-backed Quail Turnix maculosa Temminck—J 16 A. Female mac'-u-lo'-sa— L., maculosus , full of spots. distribution. Northern and eastern Australia to as far south as northern Victoria; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Black-backed Quail, Orange-breasted Quail, and Black-spotted Quail. Usually in pairs or small coveys, chiefly inhabiting low marshy lands studded with low scrub. It is a shy species, lies very close, and is very difficult to flush. Food: seeds. nest. A hollow in the ground, scantily lined with grass; sheltered by a tuft of grass, a low bush, or herbage. eggs. Usually four, greyish-white to a faint yellowish or light stone- grey, almost entirely hidden by very minute freckles of pale umber intermingled with other markings of varied shades of grey. Breeding- season: October to January or February. 194 the birds of Australia 17. Stubble-quail Coturnix pectoralis Gould—17A. Female Cot-urn'-ix— L., coturnix, quail: pec-tor-a'-lis— L., pectoralis, breasted. distribution. Australia (except the tropical coastal districts) and Tasmania. notes. Usually in coveys, large or small, inhabiting open plains, well-grassed lands, and cultivation paddocks. It is nomadic in habits, often appearing in immense flocks in good seasons. It is considered to be one of the finest game birds of Australia, as well as one of the most useful. Food: seeds (mostly of noxious weeds), green grasses of various kinds, and insects and their larvae. nest. A grass-lined depression in the ground, sheltered by a tuft of grass, herbage, or low bush; sometimes situated in standing crops. eggs. Usually about seven or eight, bufTy, freckled and blotched with reddish-brown over the entire surface. Breeding-season: usually September to January or February. 18. Plain Wanderer Pedionomus torquatus Gould—18A. Female Ped'-i-o-nom'-us—Gk, pedionomos, plain-wandering: tor-quo!-tus— L., torquatus , collared. distribution. Western New South Wales, western Victoria, central Australia, and South Australia. notes. Also called Collared Plain Wanderer and Turkey Quail. Usually singly or in pairs, inhabiting open plains and level grassed lands. It flies only when compelled to do so, and when disturbed, crouches down to hide itself in the grass. When running about it has the habit of raising itself in an upright position on its toes, to enable it to take a wide survey of its surroundings. Food: seeds and insects. nest. A grass-lined depression in the ground, frequently sheltered by a tuft of grass, occasionally a herbaceous plant, or low bush. eggs. Usually four, stone-coloured or yellowish-white, thickly freckled and blotched with a few smudges, interspersed with different shades of umber and slaty-grey; some markings appear as if beneath the shell. Breeding-season: September to January or February. 19. Brown Song-lark Cinclorhamphus cruralis Vigors and Horsfield Cin-clo-rhamph'-us-G k, cinclos (higklos), bird; Gk, rhamphos, bill: crur-d'-lis— L., cruralis (strong) legged. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Black-breasted Lark, Flarvest-bird, Singing Lark, Skylark, and Corn Crake. Usually in pairs, inhabiting grass lands and cultivation paddocks. It is a migratory species, usually arriving in south-eastern Australia during August or September, departing about February. It spends much of its time on the ground, but frequently perches on fences and stumps, or in dead trees. Usually when flushed it will sing as it flies away. It is one of our finest songsters, ascending high in the air, singing as it rises or while hovering with trembling SOME BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OPEN SPACES 195 wings; it then suddenly descends, uttering a chuckling sound as it drops. Food: insects of various kinds. The plumage of the male during the breeding-season is much darker; the female is considerably smaller than the male. nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses; lined with softer materials. Built in a depression in the ground, and usually placed near a tuft of grass or a low shrub. eggs. Three or four, salmon-pink, marked all over with pinkish- red markings, with a well-defined zone at the larger end. Breeding- season: September to December, January, or February. PLATE XXV111 BIRDS OF THE REED-BEDS AND GRASS-LANDS 1. Black-ringed Finch Steganopleura annulosa Gould Steg-an-o-pleur'-a— Gk, steganos, covered; Gk, pleura, side: an-nu-ld'-sa —L., annulosus, ringed. distribution. North-western Australia and Northern Territory. notes. Also called Black-rumped Double-bar. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting grass lands bordering watercourses. It is generally seen in tall grass or low thickets. It has a few notes which are uttered in an undertone. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. nest. A bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses; lined with finer materials. Generally placed in an exposed situation in a low bush. eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: February to June, and July to December. 2. Banded Finch Steganopleura bichenovii Vigors and Horsfield bichenovii-1Mche.no, a secretary of the Linnean Society, London, 1826. distribution. Tropical northern Australia to New South Wales. notes. Also called Double-bar, White-rumped Double-bar, White- rumped Banded Finch, Owl-faced Finch, and Bicheno’s Finch. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting grass lands bordering watercourses and plains, particularly those intersected with low scrubby bushes. It is a friendly bird and is generally seen feeding on the seeds of grasses and other plants, and also on figs and berries. Its song is very like that of the Black-ringed Finch. nest. A bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses; lined with feathers and other soft materials. Generally built in a small bush or in tall grass. eggs. Four to eight, white. Breeding-season: under normal con¬ ditions, July to December. 3. Zebra Finch Taniopygia castanotis Gould—3A. Female Tatn'-i-o-pyg'-i-a-Gk, tainia, band; Gk, pyge, rump, tail: cas-tan-dt'-is- Gk, castanon, chestnut; Gk, otos, genitive of ous, ear. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Chestnut-eared Finch. Usually in pairs or flocks frequenting grass lands bordering watercourses and plains intersected BIRDS OF THE REED-BEDS AND GRASS-LANDS *97 with scrub; also common in partly cleared and cultivated lands. It is nomadic in habits, and spends much of its time on the ground feeding chiefly on the seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. Its song is a quaint soft trill, somewhat like a tune played on a toy musical-box. nest. A bottle-shaped structure, built on its side, composed of dried grasses and soft plant-stalks; lined with feathers and other soft materials. Generally placed in a low bush, in vines or shrubs growing in gardens, in hollow limbs or holes in trees, in houses or sheds, and even in rabbit burrows. eggs. Four to eight, faint bluish-white. Breeding-season: under normal conditions, August to December. 4. Painted Finch Cayleyna picta Gould Cayleyna— N. W. Cayley, the author of this book: pid-ta— L., pictus, painted. distribution. Mid-western and north-western Australia, Northern Territory, central Australia, and north-western Queensland (Cloncurry Range). notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting stony hillsides where spinifex flourishes or grass-lands bordering watercourses. It has no song, but utters a pleasing twitter when flushed. It spends much of its time on the ground, searching for the seeds of grasses and other plants. nest. A flimsy, bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses, chiefly spinifex stems; lined with plant down. Generally placed in a natural cavity near the top of a clump of spinifex, or in a low bush. eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: in any month from April to October or December. 5. Red-browed Finch ALgintha temporalis Latham AL-gin'-tha— Gk, aigintha, a kind of bird: tem-por-a'-lis— L., temporalis, templed. distribution. Eastern Australia, from northern Queensland to South Australia. notes. Also called Redhead, Waxbill, Sydney Waxbill, Redbill, and Temporal Finch. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting alike grass¬ lands, partly cleared and cultivated lands, open forest, and the fringes of scrub-lands. It is a common species and abundant in the neighbour¬ hood of towns and cities. It spends much of its time on the ground, feeding on the seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. It has no song, but utters a plaintive twitter when flushed or when in flight. nest. A bulky, bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried and green grasses; lined with feathers and fine grasses. Generally placed in a small tree or bush, frequently in one entangled with vines. eggs. Five to eight, white. Breeding-season: September to January. 198 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 6 . Star Finch Bathilda ruficauda Gould Bath-il'-da— from a girl’s name (Fr.), relation or sister of Prince Lucien Bonaparte: ru-fi-caud f -a— L., rufus , red; L., cauda, tail. distribution. Northern Australia, as far south as New South Wales on the east and the Coongan River on the west. notes. Also called Red-faced Finch and Red-tailed Finch. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting chiefly grass-lands bordering water¬ courses. It is generally seen on the ground searching for the seeds of grasses and other plants. It has a feeble call-note, somewhat like that of the Grey-breasted Silver-eye. nest. A bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses; lined with fine grasses and feathers. Generally placed in a low tree or a bush. eggs. Three to five, white.' Breeding-season: probably September to January. 7. Blue-faced Finch Erythura trichroa Kittlitz E-ryth-ur'-a— Gk, erythos, red; Gk, ura (oura ), tail: tri-chro'-a—G k, tri, three; Gk, chroa, colour. distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York to Cairns dis¬ trict); also occurs in the Molucca Islands, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands, Caroline Islands, and Bismarck Archipelago. notes. Also called Tricoloured Parrot-finch. Only four records are known of the occurrence of this Finch in Australia. Probably these records are of stragglers as this species has not otherwise been observed. In the islands they are plentiful, and congregate in pairs or flocks, and nest in the gardens of the settlers and natives. nest. A neat, rounded structure, with a small entrance at the side, composed of fibre or grass; lined with soft materials. Generally placed in shrubs or in mango trees. eggs. Three to six, white. Breeding-season: not recorded. 8 . Plum-headed Finch Aidemosyne modesta Gould Ai-de-mos'-y-ne— Gk, aidemosyne , modesty: mod-est'-a— L., modestus modest. distribution. From Queensland to Victoria. notes. Also called Modest Finch, Cherry Finch, Plain-coloured Finch, and Diadem Finch. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting grass-lands and the open areas bordering watercourses. It is generally seen feeding either on or near the ground on the seeds of grasses and other plants. The female is much duller in coloration than the male, and does not possess the blackish chin. nest. A bottle-shaped structure, composed of dried grasses; lined with feathers. Generally built in tall grass, among thistles, or in a low bush. eggs. Five to seven, white. Breeding-season: September to January. Plate XXVIII JkSUlt' - 1 - 1 - r - 1 1 -- . - . - J 1 2 3 4 ^Onr p PLATE XXIX DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 1. Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Vigors and Horsfield Fal'-co— L., falco, falcon: cen-chroV-des-Gk, cencliris, speckled hawk; -oides, from Gk, eidos, form = like. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Windhover, Mosquito-hawk, and Sparrow-hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country. It is a common and useful species, being numerous in culti¬ vated areas, where it does valuable service in helping to keep in check many pests. It is generally observed skimming about or hovering over paddocks, crops, and grass-lands, every now and again darting down to capture its prey. It has a peculiar chattering call which Is often uttered in an apparently excited manner. Food: grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects, small reptiles, rodents, and the young of ground¬ breeding birds. nest. In a hollow limb of a tree or crevice in a rock; sometimes a deserted nest of a Crow or Raven is used. eggs. Four or five, buff, covered with reddish-brown markings, which in some eggs are very pale in colour. Breeding-season: August to November or December. 6 2. Collared Sparrow-hawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Vieillot Ac-cip'-it-er- L., accipiter, hawk: cir-ro-ceph'-al-us— Gk, cirros, tawny Gk, cephale, head. ’ distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Sparrow-hawk and Chicken-hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country. It is generally observed skimming above the surface of the ground or in and about timbered areas. During flight it is remarkably quick in its movements, and fearless when in pursuit of its prey. Its food consists almost entirely of small birds. The female is considerably larger than the male. 6 nest. A platform composed of thin twigs, either dead or green, and lined with leaves. Generally placed on a thin forked limb of a tall tree Occasionally a deserted nest of a Whistling Eagle is used. eggs. Two to four, dull white or bluish-white, sometimes spotted or blotched with reddish-brown or lavender markings. Breeding-season- September to December (east); July (west). Plate XXIX 9 /on One foot Wffrt fhf/j 1 w 11 . % • / DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY o DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 20 7 3. Little Falcon Falco longipennis Swainson lon-gi-pen'-nis— L., longus, long; L., penna, feather. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called White-fronted Falcon, Duck-hawk, and Austra¬ lian Hobby. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country, or mountain ranges. It is more courageous in dis¬ position and stronger on the wing in proportion to its size than any other species of Australian Hawk. Its food consists chiefly of small birds, caught on the wing; also large insects. nest. A loosely made structure of sticks and twigs, lined with soft bark; placed in the topmost branches of a tall tree. Sometimes the deserted nest of another species is used, in which case it is relined with bark. eggs. Three, pale pinkish or bufTy-white, almost hidden with reddish- brown markings, mostly thicker and heavier at the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December in eastern Australia. 4. Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucus Gould hy-po-leuc'-us-G k, hypo, under; Gk, leucos, white. distribution. Australia, chiefly the inland areas. notes. Also called Blue Hawk and Smoke Hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country or moun¬ tain ranges. It is a rare species, being less courageous in disposition and slower on the wing than the other Falcons. Its food consists of small birds, reptiles, and small mammals. nest. A large and loosely built structure, composed of sticks and lined with soft bark or wool. Generally placed in the thin branches near the top of a tall tree. eggs. Two to four, buff or buffy-white, covered with small spots and blotches of rusty-red. Breeding-season: July to October. 5. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Tunstall per-c-gri'-nus— L., peregrinus, wandering. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. notes. Also called Black-cheeked Falcon. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting alike inland and coastal districts, but showing a decided preference lor heavily timbered and rugged mountainous country. It is a bold and fearless bird, and in flight is easily the strongest and swiftest of all Australian Hawks. It preys upon various species of birds, such as Ducks and the smaller Parrots, all of which are killed from a blow with the hind claw delivered while making a lightning- like swoop. nest. Usually in a crevice of a precipitous rocky cliff; sometimes in a hollow limb of a tree. 208 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA eggs. Two or three, buff, covered all over with reddish-brown mark¬ ings; some have the markings more numerous about the centre of the eggs. Breeding-season: August to November. 6. Black Falcon Falco subniger Gray sub-ni'-ger— L., subniger , somewhat black. distribution. Australia generally. NOTES. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country, chiefly of the inland districts. Its flight is remark¬ ably swift and it also possesses wonderful powers of endurance while on the wing. It preys on several species of Quail, the movements of which are followed by this Falcon. Besides Quail its food consists of larger birds inhabiting open areas, which it procures in the same manner as the other Falcons. nest. A platform composed of sticks; generally a deserted nest of a Crow or another species of Hawk is used. eggs. Three or four, buff, closely sprinkled with spots of reddish- brown, and a few purplish-brown markings. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to December. 7. Brown Hawk Falco berigora Vigors and Horsfield berigora— the native name of this bird. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Cackling Hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, fre¬ quenting open and lightly timbered country. It is generally seen flying over open spaces, or perched upon telegraph posts and wires or fences. It feeds upon mice, beetles, caterpillars, and small birds; it catches birds by pouncing upon them instead of taking them on the wing. In Western Australia this species is more reddish in coloration. nest. A platform composed of sticks and lined with bark; usually placed in a forked branch near the top of a tall tree. Sometimes a deserted nest of a Crow or another species of Hawk is used. eggs. Two to four, buff, generally well covered with reddish-brown blotches; some have a well-defined zone at the larger end, whereas others have only a few dots of reddish-brown. Breeding-season: June to November, occasionally later. 8. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Latham El'-dn-us— Gk, elanos, kite: ax-ill-a'-ris— L., axillaris, shouldered. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country in coastal areas. It appears to be migratory in habits, generally arriving in the south and south-eastern districts during May, departing about November. It is frequently seen in the neighbour¬ hood of farms, either flying over paddocks and crops or else perched on DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 209 fences, stumps, or dead trees. Food: mice, lizards, grasshoppers, and other large insects. nest. A platform composed of sticks and lined with leaves; often a deserted nest of a Crow or Magpie is used. eggs. Usually three, whitish, coarsely blotched with reddish-brown markings; some eggs have the markings confined to the larger end, in others they are evenly distributed. Breeding-season: June to Novem¬ ber. 9. Letter-winged Kite Elanus scriptus Gould scrip'-tus— L., scriptus, written. distribution. Southern and western Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and central Australia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, occasionally in flocks, frequenting open and lightly timbered country of the inland areas. It is similar in habits and economy to the Black-shouldered Kite. In central and western Queensland this speciqs congregates in flocks to feed on native rats, irruptions of which occur periodically. nest. A platform composed of fine sticks and lined with leaves and fur. eggs. Three or four, bluish-white, densely blotched with brown and blood red markings, sometimes about the larger end only. Breeding- season: August to November. 10. Grey Goshawk Astur novcc-hollandia* Gmelin As'-tur— L., astur, goshawk: novce-hollandia—oi New Holland. distribution. Northern, eastern, and southern Australia, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting chiefly the thickly timbered coastal districts and inland forest country. It attacks small birds and also feeds on large insects such as grasshoppers, cicadas, and beetles. There are two forms of this species, a white and a grey, which have been known to mate. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves; generally placed among the topmost branches of a tall tree. eggs. Usually two, faint bluish-white; some eggs have a few brown markings about the larger end. Breeding-season: August to December. 11. Goshawk Astur fasciatus Vigors and Horsfield fas'-ci-a'-tus— L., fasciatus, banded. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in Flores, Timor to New Guinea, and New Caledonia. notes. Also called Chicken-hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, fre¬ quenting heavily timbered districts, the margins of watercourses, and scrub-lands. It is a wary species, dreaded by all the smaller birds; procures its food more by stealth than by chase. The food of this 210 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA species consists of birds and their young. The female is considerably larger than the male. nest. A small, flat structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves. Placed among the topmost branches or on a horizontal fork of a tree; in the interior districts it selects low trees, but resorts to taller ones in the coastal areas. eggs. Two to four, bluish-white, sometimes spotted and blotched with reddish-brown or lavender markings. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to January. 12. Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Latham E-ryth'-ro-tri-orch'-is—G k, erythros, red; Gk, triorchns, bird of prey: rad-i-d'-tus— L., radiatus, barred. distribution. Northern and eastern Australia, from Kimberley (north-western Australia) to New South Wales. notes. Also called Rufous-bellicd Buzzard. It is a rare species, usually seen singly or in pairs, frequenting the margins of swamps and belts of timber bordering open country. Food: birds, reptiles and small mammals. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves. Placed among the branches of a tall tree. eggs. Two, bluish-white, occasionally faintly smeared with pale brown or lavender markings. Breeding-season: August to November. 13. Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Jardine and Selby Cir'-cus— Gk, circos, hawk: as-sim'-i-lis—L., assimilis, similar. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs from the Celebes to New Guinea. notes. Also called Spotted Swamp-hawk and Jardine’s Harrier. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open country generally. It is mostly observed flying slowly above open plains, swamps and cul¬ tivated lands; procures its food both on the wing and on the ground. Food: birds, reptiles, and small mammals. nest. A loosely constructed platform, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves; usually well concealed in a bushy tree. eggs. Usually three, sometimes four, bluish-white, without gloss, the inside of the shell green. Breeding-season: August to October. 14. Swamp-harrier Circus approxirnans Peale ap-prox'-i-mans— L., approxirnans, approaching. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Zealand, and Fiji. notes. Also called Gould’s Harrier, Allied Harrier, Swamp-hawk, Wheat-hawk, and Kahu. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 211 swamps, reed-beds, and cultivated lands. It is exceptionally bold and is mostly observed flying slowly over, or just clear of, the tops of the reeds and crops. Food: birds (chiefly waterfowl) and small mam¬ mals. nest. A bulky platform, composed of sticks, reeds, weeds, and long grasses. Placed on the ground among long rushes growing in a swamp or in a standing crop. eggs. Three to five, bluish-white, without gloss. Breeding-season: September to January. PLATE XXX DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 1. Crested Hawk Baza subcristata Gould Baz'-a —N.L., baza, hawk: sub-cris-ta'-ta—sub as prefix, often slightly; L., cristatus, crested. distribution. Northern and eastern Australia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the margins of scrubs and belts of timber bordering rivers and plains. It is a harmless, in¬ offensive species, feeding chiefly on insects and their larvae, or occasion¬ ally on dead animals. When in flight it has a peculiar habit of “tumbling", uttering the while a clear whistling cry unlike that of any other Australian species of Hawk. nest. A slightly cupped structure, composed of sticks and twigs; lined with leaves. Generally placed on a thin horizontal branch, and supported by a few upright leafy twigs; built at heights up to 60 feet from the ground. eggs. Three or four, uniform faint bluish-white, unless nest-stained. Breeding-season: October to December. 2. Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanoslerna Gould Ham-i-ros'-tra- L., hamus, hook; L., rostrum, bill: mel'-an-o-ster'-na- Gk, melas (melanos), black; Gk, sternon , breast. distribution. New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Terri¬ tory, north-western Australia, and South Australia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open country, and nesting in belts of timber growing on plains or along watercourses. It is generally seen soaring high in the air, much after the manner of the Wedge-tailed Eagle. Except when visiting its nest, it seldom frequents trees, but generally rests on the ground. There is con¬ siderable variation in the plumage coloration of this species; some birds have little, or no, black on the breast. The female is larger and more conspicuously coloured than the male. Food: reptiles ^chiefly lizards) and animals (mostly rabbits); it has the singular habit of robbing the nests of Emus and Bustards, and breaking the eggs with a stone grasped in its talons. nest. A large, flat structure, composed of sticks; lined with leaves. Usually placed on a horizontal fork of a tree. eggs. Usually two, white to buff, boldly blotched with reddish- purple and lavender markings. Breeding-season: September to Decem¬ ber. DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 21 g 3. Osprey Pandion halicztus Linne Pan-dV-on— a mythical King of Athens, father of Procne (progne, swal¬ low) and Philomela (nightingale); he was changed into an osprey: hal-i-a'-et-us—G k, hals, sea; Gk, cctos, eagle. distribution. Australia and Tasmania (cosmopolitan, except southern South America and the Pacific Islands). notes. Also called White-headed Osprey and Fish-hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the borders of rivers, lakes, inlets of the sea, and small islands lying ofF the coast. Its food consists almost en¬ tirely of living fish, caught by plunging from above and grasping them with its talons. nest. A large and bulky structure, composed of sticks; lined with seaweed and occasionally with palm-leaves. Generally placed on a rock overlooking the sea, but sometimes in trees. eggs. Two or three, rarely four, buff, heavily blotched at the larger end with large reddish-purple markings, the remainder of the surface being sparingly spotted with lavender and reddish-brown markings. Breeding-season: May to September. 4. Fork-tailed Kite Milvus mi grans Boddaert Mil'-vus— L., milvus, kite: mV-grans— L., migrans, wandering. distribution. Australia generally; also occurs in Europe, north¬ western Africa, and Asia to the Malay Archipelago. notes. Also called Black Kite and Allied Kite. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the inland districts chiefly. It is a common species about homesteads and camps, and is a well-known scavenger. Its food consists of small mammals, reptiles, and grasshoppers; also offal and garbage. nest. A small, fiat, compact structure, composed of sticks; lined with wool or fur. Generally placed in the main fork of a tree or near the end of a horizontal branch, at heights up to 30 feet or more from the ground. Old nests are often relined and used year after year. eggs. Two or three, dull white, more or less marked with spots, blotches, short wavy streaks, or hair-like lines of umber or reddish- brown. Some have the markings chiefly around the larger end, others have paler or clouded markings. Breeding-season: September to January (south); May to July (north). 5. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Gould Loph'-o-ic-tin’-i-a-Gk, lophos, crest; Gk, ictinos, kite: js-ur'-a-Gk, isos, equal, square; Gk, ura (oura), tail. distribution. Australia generally, though rare in southern Aus- tralia. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting alike the coastal districts and the inland plains. It shows a marked preference for the smaller watercourses, where it breeds in the adjoining belts of timber. Its food consists mostly of birds, usually young ones taken from nests. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves; 214 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA generally placed in a tree at various heights from the ground. Old nests of other species of Hawks are also used. eggs. Two or three, white or buffy-white, boldly spotted with reddish-brown and lavender markings. Breeding-season: August to November. 6. Red-backed Sea Eagle Haliastur indus Boddaert Hal-i-as'-tur— Gk, hals, sea; L., astur, goshawk: indus—Indian distribution. Northern Australia and eastern Australia to as far south as the Hunter River (New South Wales); also occurs in India, Burma to the Philippine Islands, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. notes. Also called White-headed Sea Eagle, Rufous-backed Sea Eagle, Salmon-hawk, and Rufous-backed Fish-hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting inlets and estuaries and islands lying oil the coast, but particularly mangrove swamps. Its food consists chiefly of fish, crabs, sea-snakes, and cuttle-fish. Its call-note is a curiously modulated “Pee-ah-h-h”, the last syllable rather drawn out and uttered in a tremulous manner. nest. A large structure, composed of twigs and sticks; lined with fine bark, grass, or leaves, and sometimes with lichen; occasionally decorated on the sides with streamers of bleached seaweed. Generally placed near the top of a large mangrove tree or a tall tree growing on an island. eggs. Usually two, dull white or bluish-white, sparingly marked, but more so at the larger end, with spots or blotches or with fine streaks and wavy lines of chestnut or brown. Breeding-season: April or May to September (north); August to October (east). 7. Whistling Eagle Haliastur sphenurus Vieillot sphen-ur'-ns— Gk, sphen, wedge; Gk, ura (otira), tail. distribution. Australia generally; also occurs in New Guinea and New Caledonia. notes. Also called Whistling Hawk. Usually in pairs, frequenting alike coastal and inland districts. Its flight is buoyant and easy; this species often soars to a great height, uttering a shrill whistling cry audible at a distance of half a mile or more. In the coastal districts it is a great scavenger, feeding upon dead fish and offal left by the tides. It also feeds on small mammals, birds, lizards, carrion, and the larvae of insects; in many districts rabbits form the chief item of its diet. nest. A large, rather flat structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves. Generally placed on a horizontal branch of a tall tree. eggs. Two or three, white or bluish-white, either sparsely spotted with lavender markings or with large blotches of reddish-brown. Breeding-season: practically throughout the year. Plate XXX DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 215 8. Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Gould Hi'-er-a-d f -et-us— Gk, hierax, acos, hawk; Gk, aetos, eagle: morph-noid'- cs— Gk, morphnos, kind of eagle; - oides from Gk, eidos, form = like. distribution. Australia (except the south-western portion); also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting chiefly the inland districts where it shows a preference for country intersected by creeks. It is a quiet and inoffensive species, in some districts subsisting almost en¬ tirely on rabbits. It also feeds on small mammals, reptiles, carrion, and young birds. Its call-note is a plaintive piping whistle. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves. Generally placed on a slender forked limb at the top of a tree. eggs. One, sometimes two, bluish-white, sparsely and at times faintly marked with reddish-brown spots. Breeding-season: August to November. 9. Wedge-tailed Eagle Uroaetus audax Latham Or-o-a'-et-us— Gk, ura (oura ), tail; Gk, aetos, eagle: au'-dax— L., audax, bold. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Eagle-hawk—a ridiculous name considering that it is the largest species of Eagle in the world. It frequents alike timbered country and plains, and is generally observed singly or in pairs soaring high in the air as if on motionless wings, but nevertheless travelling with great rapidity. When in pursuit of its prey the speed of its flight is astounding, for it darts down as swift as an arrow and rarely misses its intended victim. It has a bad reputation as a lamb-killer, though unquestionably it does more good than harm, for it destroys many thousands of rabbits, to an occasional lamb. The food of the species consists chiefly of rabbits and small marsupials, also carrion. The average wing-spread is about 7 feet. nest. A very large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with soft bark and leaves. Placed in a very large tree and mostly in one that is isolated or so situated that the sitting bird has an uninterrupted view of the surrounding country. A nest often measures 8 feet across and sometimes is almost as deep. eggs. Usually two, occasionally three, white or light buff, often covered all over with spots or blotches of lavender or dull red, the marking generally being more noticeable at the larger end. Breeding- season: usually July to September. 10. White-breasted Sea Eagle Haliccetus leucogaster Gmelin Hal-i-ce-et-us— Gk, hals, sea; Gk, aetos, eagle: leuc-o-gas'-ter— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, gaster, belly. distribution. Australia and Tasmania; also occurs in India, southern China, and Oceania. 2l6 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Also called White-bellied Sea Eagle and White-bellied Fish- hawk. Usually in pairs, frequenting the salt-water rivers, inlets, islands off the coast, and occasionally inland rivers and lakes. It is generally observed flying lazily above the foreshores, mud-flats, or sand-spits, searching for ofTal and carrion left by the tides. It is a most useful scavenger and rarely destroys domestic animals. The food of this species consists of various mammals, birds, tortoises, sea-snakes, fish, eels, and the larger crustaceans. It has a peculiar cackling cry. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks, and lined with leaves. Generally placed in a tall tree; sometimes on a projecting ledge of rock. Nests are used for years in succession. eggs. Usually two, white and slightly glossy, green inside, unless nest-stained. Breeding-season: generally June to October. BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS V - Plate XXXI 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 / 2 « * s >" " BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS AND SWAMPS PLATE XXXI BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 1. Little Kingfisher Alcyone pusilla Temminck Al -cy-d-ne—a daughter of jEolus, the wind god, who, when her hus¬ band Ccyx was drowned, threw herself into the sea and both were changed by the gods into kingfishers: pu-sil'-la— L., pusillusj very small. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland; also occurs in the Molucca Islands, New Guinea, and Solomon Islands. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting streams in the densest parts of scrubs, but chiefly small creeks running through mangrove swamps. Its note is a shrill, piping cry, uttered mostly while on the wing. Food: small fishes. nest. In a hole in a bank of a creek; sometimes in an old stump. eggs. Usually five, white, rounded and glossy. Breeding-season: February (Cape York). 2. Azure Kingfisher Alcyone azurea Latham az-ur'-e-a— L., azureus, blue. distribution. Northern, eastern and southern Australia, and Tas¬ mania; also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called Blue Kingfisher, Water Kingfisher, and River Kingfisher. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting fresh and salt-water streams. Its flight is swift and it generally keeps close to the surface of the water as it flies up or down a stream. While in flight it utters a shrill, piercing call-note. Food: small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. nest. In a hole in a bank of a stream. eggs. Five or six, white, rounded and glossy. Breeding-season: October to December. 3. Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea Gould Por-za'-na— N.L., porzana , crake: (lum-in'-e-a— L., flumineus , belonging to rivers. distribution. Eastern, southern, and south-western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Water-crake. Usually singly or in pairs, frequent¬ ing marshy localities thickly overgrown with rank herbage or the reed- lined banks of swamps and streams. It is extremely shy and wary, keeping to the seclusion of the reeds and herbage. When startled, it disappears from sight with amazing quickness, and if driven from its 220 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA retreat, takes to the water where it soon evades pursuit by swimming and diving. Food: aquatic insects and the green shoots of aquatn plants. nest. An open structure, composed of coarse grasses; generally placed at the base of a tussock of grass or reeds growing in or surrounded by water. eggs. Four or five, pale stone-brown, tinged with olive, and freckled, spotted and blotched with different shades of purplish-brown and grey markings. Breeding-season: August to January. 4. Marsh Crake Porzana pusilla Pallas pu-sil'-la— L., pusillus, very small. distribution. Australia (coastal) and Tasmania; also occurs in the eastern hemisphere, Europe, Africa to Japan and New Guinea, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Little Crake. Usually singly or in pairs, frequent¬ ing swamps and reed or mangrove-lined streams and inlets. It is timid and wary, rarely leaving the seclusion of its haunts, and is a difficult species to observe. Although it swims and dives expertly, it prefers to keep to the shallows, seeking its food while wading. Its call-note is a sharp “Krek” or “Crake”, usually uttered at dusk or at daybreak. Food: aquatic insects, small freshwater molluscs, and the green shoots of aquatic plants. nest. A slightly concave structure, composed of dried coarse grasses and aquatic plants; generally well concealed, and built in a clump of reeds or a low bush growing in water. eggs. Five or six, varying from pale brown tinged with olive to dark olive-brown; some closely resemble pebbles, others are slightly covered with streaks of a darker shade of the ground colour. Breeding-season; October to January. 5. Spotless Crake Porzana plurnbca Gray plum'-be-a— L., plumbcus , leaden. distribution. Eastern and southern Australia, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Malay Archipelago, Philippine Islands to Tonga, New Zealand, and Chatham Islands. notes. Also called Leaden Crake, Tabuan Crake, Swamp-rail, Little Swamp-hen, Pukeko, and Putoto. Usually singly or in pairs, frequent¬ ing swamps and the reed-lined margins of streams. It is similar in habits and economy to the Spotted and Marsh Crakes. nest. An open structure, composed of dried, coarse grass-stalks; generally built low down in a tussock of grass. eggs. Four or five, sometimes as many as seven, pale creamy-brown, thickly covered with faint markings of light chestnut-brown. Breeding- season: September or October to January. 221 birds of the lakes, streams, and swamps 6. Lewin Water-rail Rallus pectoralis Temminck Rail -us— N.L., rallus , rail: pec-tor-a'-lis— L., pectoralis , breasted. distribution. Eastern, southern, and south-western Australia (coastal), and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Slate-breasted Rail, Short-toed Rail, and Pectoral Rail. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting swamps and the reed- lined margins of streams. It is exceedingly shy and retiring in habits, and difficult of observation. If flushed, it rarely flies far, but seeks refuge among the tall grasses. When in flight its long legs hang down, and, although not web-footed, it swims with great facility and dives if closely pursued. It utters an alarm note, resembling "Creek” or “Crick”, when startled. Food: worms, freshwater snails, and insects of various kinds. nest. A shallow, saucer-shaped structure, composed of coarse plant- stalks and grass-stems, and well-concealed among tall rushes, grass, or aquatic plants. eggs. Three to five, occasionally more, dull white or warm creamy- white, covered with freckles, streaks, spots, and blotches of purplish- brown, chestnut-brown, and violet-grey markings. Breeding-season: August to December. 7. Red-necked Rail Rallina tricolor Gray Rall-V-na— N.L., rallina , rail: tri-col-or— L., tricolor , three-coloured. distribution. Northern Queensland (coastal); also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called Tricoloured Rail. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the dense tropical scrubs bordering creeks or on the sides of stony ridges. It appears to be migratory, arriving in northern Australia at the beginning of the wet season. Generally it is shy and difficult to observe. Its call is a loud shriek, many times repeated, resembling "Rare, kare, kare”, and another short sharp note like "Tock, tock, tock”. Food: insects and freshwater animals of various kinds. nest. A hole scooped in the ground, in which a few dead leaves are placed; generally situated at the foot of a tree. eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: January to April. 8. Banded Landrail Hypatcenidia philippensis Linne Hy'-po-ta-nid'-i-a— Gk, hypo , under; Gk, tainidion , small band: philips pensis— of the Philippine Islands. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Philippine Islands to New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. notes. Also called Buff-banded Landrail, Landrail, Painted Rail, Pectoral Rail, and Corn-crake. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting scrub and rank herbage in swampy localities, also the margins of streams and cultivation paddocks. It is shy and wary, being difficult to observe; it rarely takes to the wing, evading its enemies by running. Q / Z22 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA When startled, it utters an alarm note, “Krek”, which is instantly answered by other birds in the vicinity. Food: insects, seeds, small freshwater molluscs, and the green shoots of various plants. nest. A flat structure, composed of dried grasses and herbage, and generally placed in or near a tussock of grass or among herbage. eggs. Five or six, sometimes as many as eleven, creamy-butf or a faint buffy-white, spotted and blotched with brownish-red, purplish- red, and pale violet-grey markings. Breeding-season: October to January. 9. Bush-hen Amaurornis ruficrissus Gould Am-aur'-orn'-is-Gk, amauros, dark; Gk, ornis, bird: ru-fi-criss'-us—L., rujus, red; L., crissum, vent feathers. distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting swampy areas, chiefly of the coastal districts. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Rails. nest. An open structure, composed of coarse grass and other herbage- generally well concealed, and built in a tussock of grass. eggs. Four to six, white or faint creamy-white, dotted, spotted, and finely blotched with pale purplish-red and purplish-grey markings intermingled with underlying markings of violet-grey. Breeding-season’ October to March. ° 10. Australian Pratincole Stiltia Isabella Vieillot Stilt'-i-a—N.L., stiltia, from English stilt: is-a-bell-a'- N.L., isabella from the colour isabelline. distribution. Australia (except Western Australia south of the Fitzroy River); also occurs in Borneo, Java to New Guinea. notes. Also called Swallow Plover. Usually in flocks, frequenting the chy inland plains. It is a migrant, generally arriving during September or October, departing in February or March. Plains and bare areas, entirely destitute of vegetation, are its chosen habitat It runs over the ground with great rapidity; its flight, although appearing clumsy, is nevertheless light and buoyant, and is characterized bv erratic zigzag motions. Food: insects, captured both on the ground and on the wing. 6 nest. A bare space on the ground. EGGS Two, pale Stone-colour, covered all over (sometimes very heavily) with irregular-shaped markings of dark brown and underlying ones of grey. Breeding-season: September to February. 1 8 11. Australian Dotterel Peltohyas australis Gould (Austrahan)7 Gk ’ Shield; Gk ’ hya5 ‘ a plover: ««rt™fo-southern distribution. Australia (except the northern, eastern, and south- eastern coastal districts). 50Utn notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting plains and the samphires growing on the margins of lakes and streams. It appears to be nomadic in habits, although in many localities it is found through BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 22g out the year. If approached carefully it is not timid, but when startled, flies a considerable distance before alighting again. Its call-note resembles “Quick” uttered in a slightly metallic tone, and it also has another low note like “Kr-root”. Food: insects of various kinds and seeds. nest. A depression in the ground. eggs. Usually three, rich cream or buff, sparingly sprinkled all over with irregular spots and some elongated crooked markings of choco¬ late-black with a few minute dots and dashes of a lighter tint. When the bird has occasion to leave the nest it covers the eggs with debris. Breeding-season: April, May, August, September, and October. 12. Lotus-bird Irediparra gallinacea Temminck l-red-i-parf-a— Tom Iredale, ornithologist, Australian Museum, Sydney —L., parra, kind of bird: gal-lin-a'-ce-a— L., gallinaceus , like a fowl. distribution. Northern Australia (coastal), from Derby (north¬ western Australia) to the Hawkesbury River (New South Wales); also occurs in Borneo, Celebes to New Guinea. notes. Also called Comb-crested Jacana, Comb-crested Parra, Lily Trotter, and Christ-bird. Usually in pairs or small flocks of five or six, frequenting swamps, lagoons, and streams, chiefly those covered with aquatic vegetation. It is generally observed running or skipping over the broad leaves of the waterlilies and similar plants. Habitually shy and wary. When disturbed, it utters a shrill trumpet-like alarm note and flies to another part of the swamp or stream. Its flight is weak and laboured, its long legs being held out horizontally to their full extent. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. A flat structure, composed of sedge, grass, and acquatic plants, and built upon bunches of weeds or grass growing in the water. It is generally placed near the edge of a swamp or stream, and is so flat that the eggs are almost level with the surface of the water, sometimes partly under water when the bird sits on the nest. eggs. Four, pale brown, pale yellowish-brown, or brownish-red, covered with well-defined black lines, criss-crossing the surface in all directions. The surface is smooth, appearing as if varnished or highly polished. Breeding-season: September to January. 13. Australian Snipe Gallinago hardwicki Gray Gal-lin-d'-go— L., gallinago , feminine form from gallus, a game-bird: hardwicki— General Hardwicke, associated with J. E. Gray in Indian Zoology, died 1835. distribution. Japan, migrating southwards to eastern and southern Australia, and Tasmania; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Common Snipe, Japanese Snipe, Jack Snipe, Latham’s Snipe, Long-bill, and Bleater. Usually in flocks, arriving in Australia during September, departing in March or April. It frequents river-flats, swamps, and marshes, and is a timid and wary species. Sportsmen give it first place among game-birds, and although plentiful THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 8*4 within settled districts, very little is known of its habits while in Australia. Food: insects and worms. nest. A depression in the ground. eggs. Three or four, pale stone-colour, blotched all over, but more so on the larger end, with dark purplish-red spots and underlying markings of lavender. Breeding-season: May and June (Japan). 14. Pin-tailed Snipe Ga.llina.go megala Swinhoe meg'-al-a'— Gk, megas (megalos ), large. distribution. Eastern Siberia, migrating southwards to the Malay Archipelago to New Guinea and northern Australia. notes. Also called Large Pin-tailed Snipe and Little Australian Snipe. Usually in flocks, arriving in Australia during September or October, departing in March or April. It frequents moist, marshy country and swamps, and is similar in habits to the Australian Snipe. nest. A depression in the ground, lined with grass. eggs. Four, creamy-white or pale ochre, spotted with pale reddish- brown on the smaller end and dark reddish-brown on the larger end, with dots and stripes on the rest of the surface. Breeding-season: June. 15. Painted Snipe Rostratula australis Gould Ros-tra'-tu-la- L., rostratulus, diminutive of rostratus, beaked: australis —southern (Australian). distribution. Australia (except central Australia) and Tasmania. notes. Also called Australian Painted Snipe and Australian Rhyn- chaea. Usually in pairs, frequenting the margins of swamps and streams, more especially those covered with low and stunted vegetation. It is partly nomadic, generally arriving in New South Wales during September or October, remaining to breed, and departing again in February or March. Occasionally odd pairs remain in a locality through¬ out the year. When flushed, it flies close to the ground, making for the nearest cover, and is then exceedingly difficult to flush again. Food: insects and worms. The female is larger and brighter in colour than the male, especially on the wings, and also differs in having the hind-neck chestnut. ° nest. A shallow depression in the ground, lined with grass or leaves and frequently sheltered by a low bush or tuft of grass. eggs. Four, creamy-white or dull yellowish-stone, covered with short thick streaks and irregular-shaped spots and blotches of black, with which are intermingled a few spots of brown, brownish-black, and underlying markings of grey. Breeding-season: October to January. 16. Little Grebe Podiceps nificollis Vroeg Po'-di-ceps- an abbreviation L., pes, foot: ru-fi-coll'-is- L., of Podiceps- L., podex (podicis ), rump; rtifus, red, L., collum , neck. distribution. Caledonia. Eastern hemisphere, Australia, Tasmania, and New BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 225 notes. Also called Black-throated Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Dab- chick, and White-bellied Diver. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting still waters of lakes, swampy lagoons, and dams. It is generally seen in clear open water far out from the shore, and rarely on the land. When disturbed it suddenly disappears under the \v T ater, to reappear on the surface some distance away. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. A raft-like structure, composed of reeds and other aquatic plants, generally only a few inches above the surface of the water, and attached to reeds, twigs of a fallen branch of a tree, or other debris. eggs. Four to seven, white, soon becoming stained due to a thick coating of lime. Breeding-season: October to March or April. 17. Hoary-headed Grebe Podiceps poliocephalus Jardine and Selby pol-i-o-ceph'-al-us— Gk, polios , grey; Gk, cephale, head. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Dabchick and Tom Pudding. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting lakes and streams, salt-water inlets, and the estuaries of rivers. Similar in habits and economy to the Little Grebe. They are often seen together. nest. Similar to that of the Little Grebe. eggs. Like those of the Little Grebe. Breeding-season: October to January or February. 18. Wood-sandpiper Tringa glareola Linn6 Tring-a— N.L., from Gk, tryngas, a species of bird: glar-e-oV-a— L., glareolus , gravelly. distribution. Northern Europe and northern Asia, migrating southwards to South Africa, India, Malaysia, and Australia. notes. A rare visitor to Australia during the spring and summer months. It frequents marshy areas, swims well, and also perches on trees. Food: shell-fish, grasshoppers, and other insects. nest. A depression in the ground. eggs. Four, bluish, covered with large spots and blotches of dark purplish-red markings, more so at the larger end, and underlying spots of lavender. Breeding-season: May and June (Siberia). 19. Marsh-sandpiper Tringa slagnatilis Bechstein stag-nd'-til-is— L., stagnatilis, of marshes. distribution. Central Europe and northern Asia, migrating south¬ wards to South Africa, India, Malaysia, to northern and eastern Australia. notes. Also called Little Greenshank. A rare visitor to Australia during the spring and summer months, where it frequents salt marshes. Nothing is recorded of its habits while in Australia. nest. A depression in the ground among grass. 226 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA eggs. Four, very pale yellow, sometimes shading to a greenish tint, covered all over (but more so on the larger end, where they often form an irregular zone) with spots of deep brown or coffee-brown, and underlying markings of grey. Breeding-season: June (Siberia). 20. White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Gould Hi-mant'-o-pus— Gk, himantopous , water-bird: leuc-o-ceph'-al-us— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, cephale , head. distribution. Australia and Tasmania; also occurs in Sumbawa, Timor, the Moluccas, New Guinea, Lord Howe Island, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Pied Stilt, Longshanks, Stilt-bird, and Long- legged Plover. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting shallow lakes, swamps, and tidal flats. It often associates with the Red-necked Avocet and other Waders. The call-note of this species is not unlike the bark of a small dog. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. Either a slight hollow in the mud at the water’s edge, or a compact structure, composed of dried aquatic plants, built in a swamp. It usually breeds in colonies, but the nests are scattered along the margins of the lakes or swamps. eggs. Four, greenish-stone, covered with irregular-shaped spots and blotches of dark purplish-brown, and smaller underlying markings of lavender. Breeding-season: August to December. 21. Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus Vieillot Clad-o-rhynch'-us—G k, clados, curving branch; Gk, rhynchos, beak: leuc-o-ceph'-al-us— Gk, leucos , white; Gk, cephale , head. distribution. Australia and Tasmania; accidental to New Zea¬ land. notes. Also called Rottnest Snipe. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting lakes, swamps, the margins of streams, and tidal flats. It is very similar in habits and economy to the White-headed Stilt, except that it seems to prefer salt lakes and salt-water to fresh. nest. A slight depression in the ground. Like Terns, it breeds in compact colonies. The two recorded breeding-areas are Lake Grace (Western Australia) and Lake Callabonna (South Australia). eggs. Two to four, dull white or faintly tinged with cream, covered with a tangle of irregular, twisted, and interlacing lines of black or brown, and underlying markings of grey; some eggs are marked with blotches and large spots, while others are almost unmarked. Breeding- season: July and December are the only months recorded. 22. Red-necked Avocet Recunnrostra novce-hollanduv VieHlot Re-curv'-i-ros'-tra—L., reeuwus , turned back; L., rostrum , bill: novee- hollanditf —of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Cobbler, Cobbler’s Awl, Painted Lady, Scooper, Trumpeter, and Yclper. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting lakes, BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 227 streams, and swamps. It is generally shy and quiet, but becomes very noisy if its nest is approached. Besides its call-note, which is somewhat like the bark of a dog, it has a peculiar squeaky trumpet-like whistle generally uttered during flight. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. A depression in the ground, usually among herbage close to the water’s edge. Some nests have a few twigs, pebbles, or pieces of hardened mud placed round the edge to keep the eggs in position. eggs. Four, light yellowish-stone to creamy-brown, over which are distributed spots, freckles, and blotches of black, and underlying markings of inky-grey. Breeding-season: August to December. 23. Masked Plover Lobibyx miles Boddaert Lob-V-byx— Gk, lobos, lobe; Gk, ibyx, a variant of ibis, a bird: mi'-les —L., miles, soldier. distribution. Northern Australia, from Broome (Western Aus¬ tralia) to Brisbane (Queensland); also occurs in the Molucca Islands, Timor, Aru Islands, and New Guinea. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the margins of swamps, lagoons, and streams. It is nomadic, although odd pairs will remain in a district throughout the year. The call-note of this species resembles “Keerk, keerk, keerk”, usually uttered when alarmed or when in flight. Food: insects, small crustaceans, and herbage. nest. A depression in the ground. EGGS. Four, greenish-olive or yellowish-stone, covered with freckles, spots, and irregular-shaped markings of olive-brown and blackish-brown and underlying spots of dull slate. Breeding-season: January to April. 24. Spur-winged Plover Lobibyx nova-hollandicc Stephens novce-hollandia—ol New Holland. distri bution. South-eastern Australia (front Coopers Cieek, central Australia, to the Fitzroy River, central Queensland), and Tas¬ mania; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Wattled Plover and Alarm-bird. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the margins of swamps, lagoons, and streams. It is very shy and wary, and when disturbed utters a shrill alaim note, warning its companions as well as other birds in the neighbouihood. The call-note “Kurra-Carrak”, is generally voiced while the bird is in flight, and is mostly heard at dusk or at daybreak. Food: insects, small crustaceans, and herbage. nest. A slight depression in the ground. eggs. Four, light yellowish-olive or brownish-olive, spotted, freckled, and blotched with brownish-black markings and underlying spots of dull grey. Breeding-season: July to January. 25. Banded Plover Zonifer tricolor Vieillot Zon'-i-fer—L., zona, band; L., fero, I bear: tri-color— L., tricolor , three- coloured. 228 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA distribution. Australia (except the northern portion) and Tas¬ mania. notes. Also called Black-breasted Plover, Flock Plover, Plain Plover, and Tricoloured Plover. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting well- grassed lands in the vicinity of water, as well as plains far from it. It is partly nomadic, its movements from one district to another being influenced by the seasonal conditions. Like the other species of Plovers, it resents any interference with its eggs or young, and employs all manner of wiles to lure the intruder away, or, protesting loudly, will make bold swoops at an observer. Food: insects and their larvae, also seeds of grasses and other plants. nest. A shallow depression in the ground. eggs. Four, light brown, covered with irregular-shaped spots and blotches of brown, blackish-brown, and some underlying markings of grey. Breeding-season: July to November. 26. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucoptera Temminck Chlid-on'-i-as— Gk, chlidon = ornament: leuc-op'-ter-a—G k, leucos, white; Gk, pteron , wing. distribution. Southern and central Europe, across central Asia to China, migrating southwards to Africa, India, Malaysia, to Australia; accidental to North America and New Zealand. notes. Also called Eastern White-winged Tern. This species visits northern Australia during the spring and summer months, where it frequents lakes and swamps. Very little has been recorded of its habits while in Australia. The coloured figure represents an adult in winter plumage; an adult in breeding plumage has the entire head, neck, upper back, breast, flanks, and abdomen glossy black; lower back and rump, greyish-black; upper tail-coverts and tail, pure white. nest. Composed of vegetable debris piled to form a fairly large structure, and placed on water-surrounded clumps of fixed vegetation; occasionally on accumulations of pond material floating on the surface. Breeds in large colonies, often in association with the Whiskered Tern. eggs. Usually three, varying from deep olive or pale chocolate to greenish-grey or buff, covered with blotches, dots, or streaks of black or umber, generally forming an irregular belt round the larger end. Breeding-season: May, June, and July (does not breed in Australia). 27. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Pallas hy'-brid-a—L., hibrida, a mongrel. distribution. Australia and Tasmania; also occurs in Europe, Africa, central and southern Asia, and Malaysia. notes. Also called Marsh Tern. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly lakes and swamps of the inland districts. It has an easy and extremely graceful flight as it passes over the lakes, every now and then darting down into the water after food, which consists mostly of live fish and aquatic insects and their larvae. BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 22Q nfst. Composed of rushes or aquatic plants, forming a flat structure, generally floating upon the surface ol the water. Sometimes placed among rushes growing in deep water, some distance from the shore. eggs. Two or three, greenish-buff, blotched all over with blackish- brown and some underlying markings of grey. Breeding-season: October, November, and December. 28. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Gmelin Gc-lo-chel-V-don—gelo, derivation unknown; Gk, chelidon , swallow: nilotica— from the River Nile. distribution. Australia (except the south-western portion), and Tasmania; also occurs along the Atlantic caost of America, and in Europe, Africa, southern Asia, Malaysia, and New Guinea. notes. Also called Long-legged Tern. Usually in flocks, frequenting both inland lakes and swamps and the seashore, it is generally seen skimming in hawk-like fashion over the swamps, lakes, or surrounding plains, or above salt-water marshes and estuaries. Food: live fish, insects, and small reptiles. nest. A depression in the soil surrounded by any debris near at hand collected and added to as incubation proceeds. Breeds in colonies. eggs. Two to four, buffy-white or whitish-brown, sparingly covered with light umber markings, over which are splashes and spots of purplish-red and purplish-grey and others of a lighter tint, appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell. Breeding-season: October to March (eastern Australia); May (north-western Australia). 29. Roseate Tern Sterna dougalli Montagu Stern'-a- N.L., sterna, gull: dougalli- Dr MacDougall of Glasgow, 1808. distribution. Central, eastern, and northern America, and Europe, Africa, Australia (except the south-eastern portion), and New Caledonia. notes. Also called Graceful Tern. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly the islands off the coast, salt marshes, and often lakes and swamps of inland districts. It is an extremely graceful bird in flight, and its beautiful rose-tinted under-parts, seen only in certain lights, distinguish it from the other species of ferns. Food: chiefly live fish. nest. A slight depression in the sand or on a ridge of dead coral; sometimes partly lined with fine pieces of coral, or shells. Breeds in colonies on islands off the coast, chiefly in tropical latitudes. eggs. Usually two, varying from light yellowish to a faint greyish- stone, uniformly covered with dots, spots, and a few small irregular¬ shaped blotches of brownish or inky-black with underlying markings of faint bluish or inky-grey. Some eggs are marked by a few large conspicuous blotches with smaller dots of the same hues on the larger end. Breeding-season: September to December or January. PLATE XXXII BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 1. Black-tailed Water-hen Tribonyx ventralis Gould Trib'-on-yx— Gk, tri, three; Gk, onyx (onychos ), claw: ven-tra!-lis— L., ventralis , bellied. distribution. Australia (except the interior of Western Aus¬ tralia); accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Black-tailed Native Hen, Swamp-hen, and Black¬ tailed Gallinule. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting swamps, lakes, or the reed-beds and backwaters of rivers. It is nomadic in habits, often appearing in huge flocks in districts where it has not previously been recorded. During these visitations it does considerable damage to crops and gardens. It is a sprightly bird, flicking its tail as it runs in and out of the reeds, and flying only when hard-pressed. Food: grass and aquatic plants and animals. nest. An open, deep, saucer-shaped structure, composed of plant- stems, dried grasses, or rushes. Generally placed on the ground in a clump of reeds, under a low bush, on a mass of debris, or in similar situations. eggs. Five to nine, varying from a dull light green to pale sage- green, sparsely but evenly dotted and spotted with purplish-brown, intermixed with faint markings of dull violet-grey. Breeding-season: August to December. 2. Tasmanian Water-hen Tribonyx mortieri Du Bus mortieri—Mortler or Dumortier, who seems to have been curator of the Brussels Museum. distribution. Tasmania. notes. Also called Native Hen. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequent¬ ing marshes, swamps, and reedy margins of lakes and streams. It is rather shy, disappearing in the rank herbage when disturbed. The call resembles the sound of steel being sharpened; the bird has another note—a. loud resonant “Cluck”. Food: aquatic plants and insects, mixed with large quantities of gravel. nest. An open, bulky structure, composed of dry herbage and reed- stalks. Built on the ground and sheltered beneath a clump of rushes or a low bush. Plate XXXII birds of the lakes, streams and swamps BIRDS OF THE LARES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 2$1 eggs. Five to eight, varying from dull yellowish-stone to light buffy-brown, sparingly and uniformly spotted and blotched with shades of chestnut-brown and faint markings of purplish-brown. Breeding- season: September to December. 3. Dusky Moor-hen Gallinula tenebrosa Gould Gal-lin'-u-la— L., gallinula , small fowl: ten-e-brd'-sa— L., tenebrosus, dark. distribution. Australia (except north-western Australia, Northern Territory, and central Australia); also occurs in New Guinea. notes. Also called Black Moor-hen and Black Gallinule. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting swamps and the margins of lakes or streams. It is an active bird, and runs, swims, or dives with equal celerity; occasionally when disturbed it flies with a heavy and laboured flight from one side of a stream or swamp to the other. Food: aquatic plants and insects. nest. An open structure, composed of reed-stems and dried grasses; placed on a broken-down tussock of grass or rushes. eggs. Five to seven, occasionally ten, varying from pale creamy-white to putty colour, covered with dots and irregular-shaped spots and blotches of dull reddish-brown and purplish-brown. Breeding-season: August to December. 4. Chestnut Rail Eulabeornis castaneoventris Gould Eu-lab-e-orn'-is—Gk, eulabes , cautious; Gk, ornis, bird: cas-tan'-c-o-vcn tris— L., castaneus , chestnut; L., venter , belly. distribution. Northern Australia, from Kimberley (north-western Australia) to Cape York Peninsula; also occurs in the Aru Islands. notes. Also called Chestnut-breasted Rail. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting muddy shores and mangroves, where it is not often seen owing to its shyness and wariness. It rarely takes to the wing when alarmed, generally seeking safety by running. Food: insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. nest. A flat, unlined structure, composed of sticks; generally placed on a low slanting branch of a mangrove tree. f.ggs. Four, pale pinkish-white, sparsely dotted all over with reddish- chestnut; some markings appear as if beneath the surface of the shell. Breeding-season: September to November. 5. Eastern Swamp-hen Porphyrio melanotus Temminck Por-phyr J -i-o-G k, porphyrios , purple: mel’-an-o'-tus— Gk, melas (mcla- nos), black; Gk, noton , back. distribution. Australia (except the south-western portion), and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Bald Coot, Purple Gallinule, Purple Water-hen, Black-backed Water-hen, Macquarie Hen, Redbill, and Pukeko. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 232 Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the reedy margins and flats of rivers, back-waters, and swamps. It also congregates in large flocks and occasionally does considerable damage to crops and gardens. The call-note is loud and shrill and is generally uttered during the night or when the bird is startled. It swims readily; when walking it flicks its tail continually. Food: grass, aquatic plants, and freshwater mol¬ luscs. Uses foot to hold food when feeding. nest. An open structure, composed of reeds, rushes, and other plant material; placed on a platform of broken-down reeds or in a tussock of lignum. ecgs. Five to seven, varying from pale brown to faint creamy-brown, covered with evenly scattered dots, spots, and small irregular-shaped blotches of dull reddish or purplish-brown, and faint markings of pale slate-grey. Breeding-season: August to December or January. 6. Western Swamp-hen Porphyrio bellus Gould bell'-us— L., bellus , beautiful. distribution. South-western Australia. notes. Also called Bald Coot, Azure-breasted Gallinule, and Blue¬ breasted Swamp-hen. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting swamps and the margins of rivers and lakes. It is similar in habits and economy to the Eastern Swamp-hen. nest. Very similar to that of the Eastern Swamp-hen. eggs. Four to seven, pale or creamy-brown, covered with dots, spots, and rounded blotches of pale purplish-red, and underlying markings of purplish-grey and faint inky-grey. Breeding-season: August or September to December or January. 7. Coot Fulica atra Linn£ Fu'-ZZc-a—L., fulica , coot: a-tra— L., ater , black. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in Europe, northern Africa, and Asia; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting lakes, swamps, or back¬ waters of streams. An expert swimmer and diver; a most graceful bird in the water, but with a rather clumsy gait on land. When swimming it constantly jerks its head backwards and forwards, apparently keeping time with the paddle-like strokes of its feet. It is also a noisy bird, with a variety of notes. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. An open, bulky structure, composed of aquatic plants; lined with the sheaths and leaves of reeds; built in a bunch of reeds or on top of a low bush growing in water. Some nests have rough pathways of reeds leading to them. eggs. Seven to ten, dull whitish-brown, uniformly covered with dots and spots of purplish-brown and a few faint markings of dull violet- grey. Breeding-season: August to February. BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 233 8. Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Linne Po'-di-ceps— L., podex (podicis ), rump; L., pes, foot: cris-ta'-tus— L., cristatus, crested. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the eastern hemisphere and New Zealand. notes. Also called Great Crested Grebe, Tippet Grebe, Loon, Gaunt, and Carr Goose. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting lakes, streams, and swamps. It is partly a migrant, wintering in the warmer latitudes and arriving in southern Australia during early spring. Deep pools and reaches are its favourite haunts, where it is generally seen floating placidly on the water. When alarmed, it utters a guttural note re¬ sembling “Hek", and sinks its body almost entirely beneath the water, while its long neck is stretched upwards to its fullest extent. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A flat, floating platform of green rushes, reeds, and other water plants, merely laid one on top of the other, and moored to rushes or the branches of a floating tree. Usually it rests just above the surface of the water, frequently being quite wet. eggs. Five to seven, greenish-white, soon becoming soiled from contact with the more or less decaying vegetation of which the nest is composed. Breeding-season: November to February. 9. Darter Anhinga novte-hollandice Gould An-hing-a—anhinga , native Brazilian name of the bird: novce-hollandice —of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally; also occurs in New Guinea; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Snake-necked Darter, Snake-bird, Diver, and Shag. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting chiefly inland lakes, streams, and swamps. Generally shy and wary; its favourite haunts being deep pools and secluded reaches. If disturbed while swimming it immediately sinks its body beneath the water, leaving only its head and neck above the surface, or dives, to reappear some distance away. Food: fish and aquatic animals. nest. A substantial platform composed of twigs and sticks, and covered with green branchlets which droop over the sides; generally placed in the branches of a low tree, overhanging or standing in water. eggs. Three to five, greenish and covered with a coating of whitish lime. Breeding-season: October to January (eastern Australia); Feb¬ ruary and March (north-western Australia); May and June (Northern Territory. 10. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Linn£ Ple'-ga-dis— Gk, plegas, plegados, sickle: fal-cin-ell'-us— L., falcinella y little scythe. (Both names refer to the shape of the bill.) distribution. Australia (usually the northern half), and Tas¬ mania; also occurs in eastern United States of America, southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Malaysia; accidental to New Zealand. 234 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA notes. Also called Black Curlew. Usually in pairs or flocks, fre¬ quenting swamps, margins of lakes and streams, and adjoining grass¬ lands. It is a very useful bird and is generally fearless, often visiting farms to follow the plough. Food: insects and their larvae. nest. A platform composed of sticks, lined with reeds and other aquatic plants; generally placed in an upright forked branch of a tree. Some nests are composed entirely of leafy branches, without extra lining, and are rather deep structures. Breeds in the most inaccessible parts of large swamps or watercourses. eggs. Three or four, deep greenish-blue, the surface being slightly rough and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to December. 11. White Ibis T/ireskiornis molucca Cuvier Thresk-i-orn'is— Gk, threskos, sacred; Gk, ornis , bird: molucca— of the Molucca Islands. distribution. Australia (except Western Australia, south of North West Cape); also occurs in the Molucca Islands to New Guinea; acci¬ dental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Black-necked Ibis and Sickle-bird. Usually in flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins of streams and lakes which adjoin grasslands. It is a very useful bird and destroys countless numbers of injurious insects and their larvae. Generally it prefers secluded situations where it can search for food or build its nest and breed undisturbed. In many districts, however, it has become quite tame, and is common in paddocks and cultivated areas. nest. A platform made by bending down polygonum, reeds, and other acquatic herbage. Breeds in colonies, which are generally situated in the centre of a swamp; it is often in the company of the Straw-necked Ibis. eggs. Two to five, dull white and lustreless. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to December. 12. Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Jameson spi-ni’Coll'-is— L., spina , thorn; L., collum, neck. distribution. Australia generally; accidental to Tasmania. notes. Also called Farmer’s Friend, Dryweather-bird, and Letter- bird. Usually in flocks, frequenting swamps, the margins of streams and lakes, or pastoral lands. It is one of the most useful birds we have in Australia; fortunately it is common, and generally receives the pro¬ tection it deserves. Being chiefly nomadic in habits it travels over a vast area of country. One sees it dotted over pastoral lands, intent on the capture of injurious insects or their larvae, or following in the wake of a plough, feeding on the insects thus disturbed. nest. Similar in construction and material to that of the White¬ necked Ibis. Breeds in colonies generally numbering thousands of birds. Favourite situations of colonies are small islands of reeds or lignum bushes scattered over a swamp. eggs. Three to five, dull white and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to December BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 235 13. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Gould Plat-al'-e-a—Gk, platalea, spoonbill: re'-gi-a— L., regius, regal. distribution. Australia (except Western Australia, south of North West Cape); also occurs in Borneo, and the Celebes to New Guinea; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Black-billed Spoonbill. Observed singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, frequenting swamps, lagoons, and reed-covered mar¬ gins of rivers. It is a typical wading bird, and stalks its food in the shallow weed-covered swamps, showing a preference for large swampy areas, where it can keep far out from the margins. Food: small fish, aquatic insects, and molluscs. In breeding plumage an adult has the nuchal crest feathers elongated. nest. An open platform, composed of broken-down reeds and twigs, placed a few feet above the water. Some nests are placed among the branches of low leafy trees. Isolated nests of White and Straw-necked Ibises are often found in breeding colonies of this species. eggs. Three or four, dull chalky-white, covered more or less with spots, blotches, and smears of pale yellowish-brown or reddish-brown markings. Breeding-season: October to April. 14. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Gould flav-i-pes-L., flavus, yellow; L., pcs (pedis), foot. distribution. Australia generally. notes. Also called Yellow-legged Spoonbill. Observed singly, in pairs, or in flocks, frequenting swamps, margins of lakes and streams, or flood-covered flats. It is generally seen stalking gracefully about the edge of a swamp in search of food, often in the company of other wading birds. Except when breeding, it is extremely shy and wary, and its habit of perching on the branch of a dead tree makes it difficult of approach. Food: fish, aquatic insects, and molluscs. nest. A large structure, composed of sticks loosely interlaced; generally placed in an upright forked branch of a tree, preferably one growing in water. Breeds in colonies, mostly in the company of Cor¬ morants and Herons. eggs. Three or four, dull chalky-white and lustreless. Breeding- season: September to January. 15. Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Raffles Ard'-e-a— L., ardea, heron: sumatrana— of Sumatra. distribution. Northern Australia, from King Sound (north¬ western Australia) to Broad Sound (Queensland); also occurs in Malaysia. notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting chiefly mangrove swamps. It is a shy bird and haunts the quiet reaches and channels which intersect the large areas of mangroves. When disturbed, it flies with a lazy and rather ungainly (light to a more secluded part of the swamp. Its note is a hoarse croak. Food: marine animals of vanous kinds. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 236 nest. A rather flat, bulky structure, composed of coarse sticks; placed in a mangrove tree, generally in one overhanging a narrow channel. eggs. Usually two, light bluish-green, the surface being slightly glossy and minutely pitted. Breeding-season: April (Queensland); February (Northern Territory). 16. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Linnaeus E-gret'-ta— N.L., egretta, egret: gar-zet f -ta— N.L., garzetta , little heron. f - distribution. Northern and eastern Australia; also occurs in southern Europe, Africa, central and southern Asia, and Malaysia to New Guinea. notes. Also called Lesser Egret and Spotless Egret. Observed singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins of lakes and streams. Except when breeding, it is exceptionally shy and wary, generally keeping away from the shore so that it may have an uninterrupted view of its surroundings. It is nomadic, and by no means plentiful. Food: aquatic animals. An adult in non-breeding plumage does not possess the plumes on the back or the ornamental feathers on the fore-neck. nest. A platform composed of sticks, placed in the branches of a tree growing in or at the edge of water. Breeds in colonies, often in association with other wading birds. eggs. Three to five, light or pale bluish-green, the surface being slightly glossy and minutely pitted. Breeding-season: October to December or January (New South Wales); March and April (northern Queensland). 17. Plumed Egret Egretta intermedia Wagler in-ter-med'-i-a— L., intermedins, intermediate. distribution. Northern, eastern, and southern Australia; also occurs in southern and eastern Africa, southern Asia, and Malaysia to New Guinea. notes. Also called White Crane. Observed singly, in pairs, or in flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins of lakes and streams. It is nomadic and is similar in habits and economy to the Little Egret. An adult in non-breeding plumage does not possess the plumes on the back or the ornamental feathers on the fore-neck. nest. An almost flat structure, composed of thin sticks and twigs, in some instances with leaves attached; placed in the branches of a tree growing in or near water. Breeds in colonies, often in association with other wading birds. eggs. Three to five, pale sea-green, the surface being either smooth or finely pitted and lustreless. Breeding-season: October to December or January. TYPICAL STREAM Photo. A. J. Campbell & BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS *37 18. Egret Egretta alba Linn£ aV-ba— L., albus, white. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in southern Europe, Africa, central and southern Asia, Malaysia to the Philippine Islands, New Guinea, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Great Egret and White Crane. Observed singly, in pairs, or in flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins of lakes and streams. It is nomadic, and when not breeding is generally seen scattered over the shallow waters of lakes and swamps, silently wading in quest of prey. Food: fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. An adult in non-breeding plumage does not possess the plumes on the back or the ornamental feathers on the fore-neck. nest. A platform composed of sticks; placed in the branches of a tree growing in or near water. Breeds in colonies, often in association with other wading birds. eggs. Three to five, bluish-green, the surface being minutely pitted. Breeding-season: November to January. 19. White-faced Heron Notophoyx novce-hollandice Latham Not-o-phd'-yx— Gk, notos, south; Gk, phoyx , heron: novce-hollandice— of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Celebes, Molucca Islands, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, and New Zealand. notes. Also called White-fronted Heron and Blue Crane. Observed singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, frequenting swamps, the margins of lakes and streams, mud-fiats, and mangroves. It is generally seen either wading in shallow water or perched on a dead limb of a tree near water. When disturbed, it utters a loud croaking note, rises slowly with a laboured flight, then wends it way to safety. Food: yabbies, fresh¬ water snails, frogs, and insects of various kinds. nest. A rather scanty platform, composed of sticks, placed in the branches of a tree growing in or near water. Breeds singly or in colonies. eggs. Three to six, pale bluish-green, the surface being smooth and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to January. 20. White-necked Heron Notophoyx pacifica Latham pac-if'-ic-a—pacificus, of the Pacific Ocean. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Pacific Heron and White-necked Crane. Observed singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, frequenting swamps or the mar¬ gins of lakes and streams, it is generally very shy and wary, keeping to more or less open situations, where it has an uninterrupted view of its surroundings. Food: fish, small reptiles, freshwater molluscs, frogs, aquatic insects, and small mammals. R *3 8 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA nest. A rather bulky platform, composed of sticks; placed in the branches of a tree growing in or near water. Breeds in colonies, often in association with Spoonbills and Cormorants. Generally dead trees, chiefly those standing in swamps or flooded lands, are used as nesting- sites. eggs. Usually four, rarely five, pale greenish-blue, the surface being smooth and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to January. 21. Pied Heron Notophoyx aruensis Gray aruensis— of the Aru Islands, south of New Guinea. distribution. Northern Australia, from Wyndham (north-western Australia), to Cape York Peninsula; also occurs in the Celebes, Molucca Islands, New Guinea, and the Aru Islands. notes. Observed singly, in pairs, or in flocks, frequenting chiefly mangroves and swampy areas. Very little has been recorded of its habits and economy. It is believed to be a migrant, visiting Australia during the spring and summer months. nest. A slightly concave structure, composed of small mangrove sticks and twigs; placed in a mangrove tree, at heights up to 15 feet from the ground. eggs. Three or four, deep blue-green. Breeding-season: April (or March to May). 22. Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Linn£ Phal'-a-cro-cof-ax— Gk, phalacros, bald; Gk, corax, crow or raven: car'-bo— L., carbo, charcoal (black). distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in eastern North America, Europe, Africa, Asia to New Guinea, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Black Shag. Usually singly or in small flocks, frequenting lakes, streams, rocky islets, or inlets. It is generally seen perched on poles or snags in streams, on rocks, or resting on sand¬ banks and mud-flats. This bird often dives from its perch after fish and yabbies though the usual method of securing food is to submerge and pursue its prey under water. nest. An open and almost flat structure, composed of sticks, twigs, aquatic herbage, and debris; placed either on a horizontal branch of a tree, in a low bush, or on a ledge of rock. Breeds in colonies. eggs. Three to five, pale bluish-white, thickly and often roughly coated with lime; the eggs soon become scratched and nest-stained. Breeding-season: July to October (eastern Australia); September to December (Tasmania). 23. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax ater Lesson a-ter— L., ater, black. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 239 Java, Borneo to New Guinea, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Little Black Shag. Usually singly or in Hocks, frequenting lakes, streams, rocky islets, or inlets. It is similar in habits and economy to the Black Cormorant, though more plentiful than that species. nest. A platform, composed of sticks and thin twigs, often with leaves attached, placed on a horizontal branch of a tree. Usually breeds in large colonies. eggs. Three to six, pale green, coated with lime. Breeding-season: August to December (southern Australia); May and June (northern Australia). 24. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens Vieillot fus-ces'-cens—L.fuscescens, becoming brown. distribution. Southern Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Black-and-white Shag. Usually singly or in flocks, frequenting rocky islands and inlets. It is chiefly a coastal bird and is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Cormorants. nest. A flat structure, composed of seaweed and flotsam; placed on a ledge of rock. Breeds in large colonies on islands. eggs. Two to four, pale bluish-white, the surface being more or less coated with lime. Breeding-season: October to January. 25. Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Gmelin vaP-i-us— L., varius, different. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occur? in Lord Howe Island and New Zealand. notes. Also called Black-and-white Shag. Usually singly or in flocks, frequenting swamps, lakes, streams, inlets, or rocky islands. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Cormorants, with which it often congregates. nest. A substantial structure, built on a firm foundation of sticks; lined with green eucalypt leaves and the bird’s quill feathers; placed on a horizontal branch of a tree, on a low bush, or on the ground. Breeds in large colonies on islands, in mangroves, or in inland swamps. eggs. Three to five, pale bluish-white, more or less obscured by a coating of lime. Breeding-season: September to December; March to July. 26. Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucus Vieillot Micr-o-carb'-o—G k, micros, small; L., carbo, charcoal: mcl'-an-o-leuc-us —Gk, melas (melanos), black; Gk, leucos, white. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in Sumatra, Celebes to New Guinea, New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, and New Zealand. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 24O notes. Also called Little Black-and-white Shag and Frilled Shag. Usually singly or in flocks, frequenting lakes, swamps, streams, inlets, or rocky islets. It is very plentiful in inland districts, and is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Cormorants. nest. A platform composed of sticks and small green twigs; placed on a branch of a tree, usually one growing in or near water. Breeds in large colonies, often in association with different species of wading birds. eggs. Four to seven, usually five, pale bluish-while, more or less obscured with a coating of lime. Breeding-season: usually September to January. PLATE XXXIII BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 1. White-eyed Duck Nyroca australis Eyton Ny-roc'-a—N.L., from Russian nyrok, a kind of duck: austra/zs-south- ern (Australian). distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Hardhead, White-winged Duck, Barwing, Brown- head, and Karakahia. Usually in pairs or flocks, showing a preference for the deep still reaches and pools of swamps, streams, or shallow water. It is exceedingly shy and wary, as well as being perhaps the fastest flier of our Ducks. Most of its food is procured by diving; it remains under water some considerable time, raking the mud in search of shell-fish or other food. nest. A slight depression in the ground, lined with grass mixed with down and feathers; often in lignum or cane-grass, well concealed, and composed of grass with very little down; and sometimes in a hole or hollow spout of a tree. eggs. Eleven to as many as twenty-five, light creamy-white (unless nest-stained), the surface being glossy and greasy. Breeding-season: September or October to December. 2. Grey Teal Querquedula gibberifrons Muller Quer-qued'-u-la-N.L., querquedula, duck: gib'-ber-i-frons-L., gibberus, humped; L., from, forehead. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Celebes, Java to New Guinea, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Wood Teal and Slender Teal. Usually in flocks, frequenting streams, swamps, and lagoons, either inland or near the coast. It usually congregates in large numbers and is tolerably fear¬ less, unless disturbed by too much shooting. The call-note is a peculiar little “Cack-cack-cack”, repeated in quick succession. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. Composed of grass, and always well lined with down; placed in a hollow limb, a hole in a tree, or in lignum or grass. eggs. Five to twelve, creamy-white (unless nest-stained), the sur¬ face being smooth and slightly glossy. Breeding-season: practically throughout the year, influenced by the rainfall. 242 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3. Chestnut Teal Querquedula castanea Eyton cas-tan'-e-a— L., castaneus, chestnut. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, south and mid-western Australia, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Chestnut-breasted Teal, Green-headed Teal, Black Teal, Mountain Teal, and Tete. Usually in small flocks, often in the company of the Grey Teal, frequenting salt-water lakes, inlets, and swamps, as well as inland streams and lagoons. It is similar in habits and economy to the Grey Teal. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, but occasionally on the ground in grass or herbage in the vicinity of water; lined with down. eggs. Nine to thirteen, cream-coloured (unless nest-stained), the surface being glossy and greasy. Breeding-season: June to December. 4. Garganey Teal Querquedula querquedula Linn£ quer-qued'-u-la— N.L., querquedula, duck. distribution. Northern Europe, Asia, tropical Africa to New Guinea; accidental to Australia. notes. Also called Summer Teal and Cricket Teal. There are only three records of the occurrence of this species in Australia, the speci¬ mens being secured in Victoria. The female diflers from the adult male chiefly by the absence of the chocolate-brown on the sides of the face and foreneck, the dark brown spot on the chin (this part being white), the ornamental feathers on the scapulars, and the fine barring on the lower abdomen. nest. A depression in the ground among grass or herbage, lined with grass and down. eggs. Eight to fourteen, buffish-white or cream-coloured (unless nest-stained), the surface being smooth and glossy. Not known to breed in Australia. 5. Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Gould Ox-y-ur'-a— Gk, oxys , sharp; Gk, oura, tail: australis— southern (Aus¬ tralian). distribution. Southern Australia (from Moora, Western Australia, to Chinchilla, Queensland) and Tasmania. notes. Also called Spiny-tailed Duck, Stiff-tailed Duck, Diving Duck, Musk Duck. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly lakes, lagoons, or swamps. It is a shy and wary bird; generally keeps to the deep reaches and pools or to the small islands of reeds and flags, growing well away from the margins of lakes or swamps. Most •j ltS ii° 0C * * S - P rocure d by diving; it remains under water for con¬ siderable periods. Food: aquatic animals and plants. The female is freckled grey-brown, the under-parts being lighter than those of the male. nest. A bulky structure, composed of flags or reeds, and lined with down. The nest is made by bending down and interlacing the flags. BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 243 eggs. Four to six, pale greenish-white (unless nest-stained), the surface being slightly glossy and rough Breeding-season: October to December or January. 6. White-quilled Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Gmelin Net'-ta-pus- Gk, netta, duck; Gk, pus (pous ), podos , foot: coromandel¬ ianus— of the Coromandel coast, India. distribution. North-eastern Australia, as far south as the Clarence River (New South Wales); also occurs in India, China, Malaysia to the Celebes, and Sunda Island. notes. Also called White-quilled Goose-teal. Very little has been recorded of its habits. It is said to frequent lakes, streams, and swamps, where it congregates in small flocks. nest. In a hole in a tree. eggs. One authentic egg is described as faint creamy-white, the shell being very fine and smooth and without gloss. Breeding-season: not recorded. 7. Green Pygmy Goose Nettapus pulchellus Gould pul-cheV-lus— L., pulchellus , pretty. distribution. North-western Australia, Northern Territory, and northern Queensland; also occurs from the Celebes to New Guinea. notes. Also called Green Goose-teal. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting lakes, streams, or swamps. It is generally shy and difficult to approach. When disturbed, it rises quickly and utters a peculiar whistling note while on the wing. Food: aquatic animals and plants. nest. A flat structure, occasionally with a slight cavity, composed of long dry grasses; lined with feathers and down. Generally placed among herbage growing in water. It also nests in a hole in a tree. eggs. Four to eleven or even more, faint creamy-white (unless nest- stained), the surface being smooth and lustrous. Breeding-season: February and March, or during the rainy season. 8. Maned Goose Chenonetta jubata Latham Chen-o-net’-ta- Gk, chen, goose; Gk, netta, duck: jub-d'-ta-L., jubatus, maned. distribution. Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Wood Duck. Usually in pairs or flocks, showing a preference for the upper reaches of streams and the timbered margins to the more open spaces of swamps. It procures most of its food out of the water, feeding on grass and herbage growing on the margins of streams and swamps; it often frequents flats some distance from water. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree, lined with down and feathers; often high up, and sometimes far from water. 244 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA eggs. Six to twelve, creamy or creamy-white, the surface being smooth and lustrous. Breeding-season: all the year round, dependent on rainfall. 9. Freckled Duck Stictonetta ncevosa Gould Stic-to-net'-ta— Gk, stictos, freckled; Gk, netta , duck: ncev-6'sa— L., ruevosus, spotted. distribution. Southern Australia (as far north as North West Cape, Western Australia, and the Flinders River, northern Queens¬ land) and Tasmania. notes. Also called Monkey Duck and Speckled Duck. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting chiefly lakes and swamps of the inland districts. It is a rare species in coastal areas, generally arriving in the interior during periods of drought. Although a fast flier, it is rather a quiet species, spending much of its time resting on banks and fallen logs or floating lazily upon the water. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A flat structure, composed of grass and herbage; lined with down. Generally well hidden among herbage growing in or near water, and sometimes with a platform leading to it. eggs. Five to seven or tw r elve, pale creamy-brown, the surface being smooth and highly lustrous. Breeding-season: September to November or December. 10. Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Latham Mal'-ac-o-rhynch'-us—Gk, malacos , soft; Gk, rhynchos (rhugchos ), beak: mem-bra-nd'-ce-us— L., membranaceus, adj. from membrana, membrane. distribution. Australia (except Western Australia south of North West Cape) and Tasmania. notes. Also called Zebra Duck, Pink-eyed Duck, and Widgeon. Usually in pairs, occasionally in small flocks, frequenting chiefly shallow lakes and swamps. It is mostly confined to the inland districts and only occasionally visits the coast. Most of its food is procured by “shovelling’* about with its bill in the mud at the bottom of the water; it often keeps its head under water for lengthy periods. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A rounded mass of down plucked from the breasts of the parent birds and placed among grass or herbage glowing in water, or on a deserted platform-shaped nest of another species. Not infrequently the nest is placed some feet from the entrance of a hollow limb or hole in a tree, from w r ater-level up to a height of 20 feet or more. eggs. Six to eight, creamy-white, the surface being dull. Breeding- season: August to December. 11. Whistling Tree-duck Dendrocygna arcuata Horsfield Den-dro-cyg'-na—G k, dendron , tree; Gk, cycnos , and L., cygnus, swan: ar-cu-a-ta— L., arcuatus , curved like a bow. distribution. Northern, eastern, and occasionally southern Aus- BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 245 tralia; also occurs in the Philippines to Malaysia, New Caledonia, and Oceania. notes. Also called Whistling Duck and Tree-duck. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly streams, lakes, or lagoons of the inland districts. Most of its food is procured out on the plains, which it visits at night, resorting to streams and lakes during the day, where it rests and sleeps, either on the water or in nearby trees. It is called Whistling Duck on account of its whistling or piping call. Food: chiefly grass and other herbage. nest. A depression in the grass, without lining; often a great distance from water. eggs. Eight to twelve or more, creamy-white, slightly glossy, and pointed at both ends. Breeding-season: February, March, May, and November. 12. Plumed Tree-duck Dendrocygna eytoni Eyton eytoni— T. C. Eyton (1809-1880), British ornithologist. distribution. Northern, central, and occasionally southern Aus¬ tralia; accidental to Tasmania and New Zealand. notes. Also called Plumed Whistling Duck and Eyton's Tree-duck. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly streams, lakes, swamps, or water- holes of the northern inland districts. It prefers shallow water near the margins of streams or swamps, except during the breeding-season, when it resorts to well-grassed lands some distance from water. It also perches in trees. Like the Whistling Tree-duck, it has a loud whistling call. Food: chiefly grass and other herbage. nest. A slight hollow in the ground, lined with dried grasses; placed among grass or herbage growing upon plains, and generally far from water. eggs. Eight to twelve, pale cream colour, with a glossy surface; sometimes stained or minutely spotted with light brown. Breeding- season: September to December, occasionally as late as February. 13. White-headed Shelduck Tadorna radjah Garnot Tad-orn'-a— N.L., tadorna , from an Italian word for duck: radjah — native name of the duck was said to be radja. distribution. North-western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland, accidental to New South Wales; also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. notes. Also called Burdekin Duck, Mangrove Duck, and White- headed Shielduck. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting lakes and swamps. It prefers shallow water and often resorts to adjacent grass-lands and mangrove swamps. Food: aquatic plants and animals, crabs, molluscs, and other marine-life. nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. eggs. Four to eleven, rich creamy-white, the surface being smooth and slightly glossy. Breeding-season: December to February. 246 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 14. Chestnut-breasted Shelduck Casarca tadornoides Jardine and Selby Cas-arc'-a— N.L., casarca , from a Russian word for goose: tad-om-old'-es —N.L., tadorna, from an Italian word for duck, a specific name of an allied species; - oides , from Gk, eidos, form =r like. distribution. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia (as far north as the Fitzroy River), and Tasmania. notes. Also called Mountain-duck and Chestnut-coloured Shelduck. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting lakes, swamps, or open plains. It is generally shy and wary and keeps far out on the shallow lakes or swamps; when disturbed, it rises quickly, uttering a harsh cry resembling “Chank, chank”, and leaves the locality. Food: chiefly grass and other herbage, also aquatic plants and animals. nest. Composed of dried grasses and lined with down, usually placed in a hollow limb, or hole in a tree, sometimes in or near water, often far from it; at times it is placed on the ground or in a rabbit burrow. eggs. Eight to fourteen, creamy-white, with a glossy surface. Breeding- season: July to December. 15. Black Duck Anas superciliosa Gmelin An'-as— L., anas, anatis, duck; su-per-cil-i-ds'-a— L., superciliosus, browed. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Celebes, Java to the Pelew Islands, New Guinea to Tahiti, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Grey Duck, Australian Wild Duck, Brown Duck, and Parera. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting streams, lakes, or swamps both inland and coastal. It is the best known of our Ducks and is fast becoming domesticated. Food: grass, herbage, and aquatic plants and animals. nest. An open structure, composed of dried grass, and lined with feathers and down; placed in a variety of situations—on the ground among rushes or grass growing near water, in herbage growing in a field far from water, on a deserted platform-shaped nest of another species, or in a hollow stump or limb of a tree. eggs. Eight to thirteen, pale cream or creamy-white, occasionally tinged with green, which soon becomes nest-stained, the surface being smooth and slightly glossy. Breeding-season: in normal times, July to December, 16. Blue-winged Shoveller Spatula rhynchotis Latham Spat'-u-la— L., spatula , spoon: rhynch-d-tis— Gk, rhynchos, beak. distribution. Southern Australia (from North West Cape, Western Australia, to Richmond, Queensland), Tasmania, and New Zealand. BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 247 notes. Also called Spoonbill-duck, Stinker, and Kuruwhengi. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting swamps, lagoons, or freshwater lakes, both near the coast and inland. It is very shy and wary, mostly keeping to the open spaces in the swamps far out from the water’s edge. When flushed, it makes a peculiar whistling or humming noise with its wings. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A slightly grass-lined depression in the ground, placed under the shelter of a tussock of grass or clump of low herbage, sometimes out on an open plain, but usually not far from water. eggs. Four to eleven, creamy-wliite tinged with green, the surface being slightly glossy. Breeding-season: August to December. 17. Musk Duck Biziura lobata Shaw Bi-zi-ur'-a— origin unknown: lob-a'-ta— L., lobatus, lobed. distribution. Southern Australia (from North West Cape, Western Australia, to Rockhampton, central Queensland) and Tas¬ mania. notes. Also called Mould Goose. Usually singly or in pairs, occasion¬ ally in small flocks, frequenting inland streams and lakes and inlets of the coast. It is an interesting duck with many quaint habits; an old drake will often amuse himself by throwing out jets of water on each side with a rapid back-kick of his feet, accompanied by a deep-toned note, or will place his bill on his tail or throw back his head and, with pouch inflated and tail spread, spin round and round on the water. Food: aquatic plants and animals. nest. A bulky structure placed among reeds and made by bending down and interlacing the stems, forming a cup-shaped mass which is lined with grass and down. eggs. Three to six, pale green, the surface being rough and slightly glossy. Breeding-season: August to December. 18. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Linn£ Ixo-bry'-chus—G k, ixos , reed; Gk, brycliein , to roar: min-u'-tus— L., minutus , little. distribution. Europe, Africa, Asia, coastal Australia (except the southern and north-western portion), and New Zealand. notes. Also called Minute Bittern and Kaoriki. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the margins of streams, and swamps. It is remark¬ ably shy and seclusive in habits, and difficult to flush. Generally it trusts to a crouching or an upright posture, hoping to avoid obser¬ vation. Food: small fish and aquatic animals. nest. An open structure, composed of dead pieces of aquatic plants and grasses, and geneially attached to reeds just above the surface of the water. eggs. Four, pure white, oval in form. Breeding-season: November. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 19. Nankeen Night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus Gmelin Nyc'-ti-cor'-ax—G k, nyx, nyctos , night; Gk, corax , crow, raven: caledoni¬ cus—o[ (New) Caledonia. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in the Celebes, Timor to New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, New Cale¬ donia, and Lord Howe Island; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Nankeen Crane. Usually in pairs or flocks, fre¬ quenting the margins of streams and swamps. It is a nocturnal feeder, and is generally seen during the day roosting among the bushy limbs of a tree growing in or near water, or it will remain well hidden in the tall reeds of a swamp. Towards dusk it issues forth from cover, and flies to its feeding-grounds. It utters a harsh croaking note during the night or when disturbed at its roosting place. Food: yabbies, fresh¬ water molluscs, frogs, and aquatic insects. nest. A scanty platform, composed of sticks, and generally placed on a horizontal branch of a tree; river-oaks and willows are favourite nesting-trees. eggs. Two or three, occasionally four, pale bluish-green. Breeding- season: September to January usually, but practically all the year round. 20. Mangrove Bittern Butorides striata Linn£ Bu-to-rY-des— Fr. butor , bittern; - oides , from Gk, eidos , form = like: stri-d'-ta— L., striatus, striped. distribution. Coastal mid-western, northern, and eastern Aus¬ tralia, as far south as New South Wales; also occurs in South America, the Pacific Islands, Africa, India to Japan, and Malaysia. notes. Also called Little Mangrove Bittern, Mangrove Heron, and Green-backed Bittern. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the muddy foreshores and flats of inlets and rivers, more particularly localities thickly covered with mangroves. It is generally seen skulking about the flats seeking food, or perched among the branches of trees growing in or near water. When disturbed, it utters a loud squawking note, and sometimes adopts the stick-like attitude of other species of Bitterns, especially when perched in a tree, hoping to avoid obser¬ vation. Food: fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and annelids. nest. A loosely constructed platform, composed of sticks, and placed in the branches of a tree, usually a mangrove, growing in or near water. eggs. Three or four, pale bluish-green, the surface being dull and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to December. 21. Red Mangrove Bittern Butorides rogersi Mathews rogersi— John P. Rogers, collector for G. M. Mathews in north-western Australia. distribution. Mid-western Australia (Onslow). notes. It inhabits similar localities to those frequented by the Plate XXXIII birds of the lakes, streams and swamps BIRDS OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS 249 Mangrove Bittern, and is considered by many ornithologists to be only a red-coloured phase of that species. It is also similar in habits and economy. nest. Not recorded. eggs. Not recorded. 22. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Latham Du-pe'-tor—Gk, dupetor, roarer: flav-i-coll'-is— L., flavus, yellow; L., collum , neck. distribution. Australia (except the southern portions); also occurs in India, China, and Malaysia to New Guinea. notes Also called Yellow-necked Bittern and Yellow-necked Man¬ grove Bittern. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting timbered margins of streams, mangrove flats, and tree and reed-lined lakes and swamps. It is more plentiful near the coast than inland; it is also more noc¬ turnal in habits than the Mangrove Bittern. During the day it is mostly seen perched in a tree or resting among reeds, and when startled, generally assumes the stick-like attitude common to all Bitterns. Food: fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. nest A platform composed of sticks, placed in a fork of a horizontal branch of a tree, and generally in a branch overhanging water. eggs. Three to five, white, with a greenish tinge inside the shell. Breeding-season: September to January. 23. Brown Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Wagler Bo-laur'-us— probably a combination of two Latin words for bull (bos, taurus — botaurus ): pdi-ci-lop'-til-us-G k, poicilos, mottled; Gk, ptdon, feather. distribution. Southern Australia (from Shark Bay, Western Aus¬ tralia, to the Clarence River, New South Wales) and lasmama; also occurs in New Caledonia and New Zealand. notes Also called Australian Bittern, Black-backed Bittern, Boomer, and Bull-bird. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting margins of streams lakes, and swamps. It is nocturnal in habits, and, keeping as it does to the depths of a dismal swamp, is seldom seen during the dai The "booming” call of this Bittern, which comprises three, rarely four, deep booms, with a distinct interval between each, has been likened to the bellowing of a bull, and is also generally connected with that fabulous creature, the bunyip, said to dwell in the dark interiors of swamps and other such weird places. Food: fish, frogs, yabbies, and aquatic animals of all kinds. nest A platform made with bent-over and interlaced reeds and rushes and usually placed in the densest part of a swamp, about 6 inches’above the surface of the water. eggs Four or five, uniform pale olive-green, the surface being smooth and lustrous. Breeding-season: October to January or February. 250 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 24. Pheasant-coucal Centropus phasianinus Latham Cen'-lro-pus— Gk, ccntron, spur; Gk, pus (pous ), podos, foot: pha-si-a * nY-nus— L., phasiani?ius, pheasant-like. distribution. Western Australia (as far south as the Ashburton River), northern Australia, and eastern Australia (as far south as Mallacoota Inlet). notes. Also called Coucal and Swamp Pheasant. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the margins of streams, lakes, and swamps, chiefly of the coastal districts. It is shy and wary, and when flushed, generally flies from tree to tree or drops like a stone to cover and passes swiftly through the tall reeds and grasses. The loud whooping call, resembling “Coop, coop”, or “Book, book”, repeated for long periods, is mostly uttered at daybreak and at dusk. Food: frogs, small reptiles, aquatic insects, also eggs and young of other birds. nest. A large, globular structure built in a tussock of tall grass, formed by drawing the tops of the grasses together, and lining the inside with dried leaves; often a pathway is built leading up to the entrance. Sometimes nests are made in low bushes. eggs. Three to five, dull white, the surface being smooth and slightly lustrous. Breeding-season: November to March. BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SHORE ■» Photo. A. R. McCulloch AN OCEAN HOME OF SEA BIRDS " ■ Ji Photo. C. L. Barrett SEA-SHORE HOME OF WADERS PLATE XXXIV BIRDS OF THE SHORES AND RIVER MARGINS 1. Knot Calidris canutus Linne Cal-id’-ris- Gk, calidris (or scalidris), kind of bird: canutus- King Canute. distribution. Siberia, migrating southwards to Africa, India, and Ceylon, Australasia, and South America down the east coast to Brazil. notes. Usually in Hocks, visiting mainly the eastern and southern coasts, where it frequents sand-flats or the muddy shores of inlets and rivers. It arrives from the north during spring, and departs at the beginning of autumn. Generally it is seen in small parties, and occasionally in midsummer in very large (locks. It is usually very shy and wary, and when flushed, instead of flying to another feeding- ground, it rises to a great height and circles around. nest. Merely a small hollow, apparently rudely shaped by the nesting bird; placed in shallow depressions among the brown clumps of Diyas integrifolia and Elyana bellardi which glow among the rubbles and gravel of the high ridges ( Calidris canutus rufus Wilson): north-western Greenland (Crockerland Arctic Expedition). eggs. Four, greenish-grey, covered with close, oblique spots of dark reddish-brown, intermingled with underlying markings of greyish- violet and greyish-blue, forming a zone at the larger end where there are a few surface spots and streaks of dark blackish-brown ( Calidris canutus). Breeding-season: December (Otto Ottosson, M.D., Lenhofda, Sweden). 2. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Horsfield ten-u-i-ros'-tris—L., tenuis, slender; L., rostrum, bill. distribution. Eastern Siberia, migrating southwards to Australia. notes. Usually in flocks, frequenting the shores and river margins of the coastal areas of Western Australia, northern Australia, and Queensland. It is a spring and summer visitor to our shores, and little has been recorded of its habits. nest. A slight depression in short reindeer moss. Breeding-area located at about 1500 feet elevation on a barren mountain ridge near the mouth of the River Kolyma in north-eastern Siberia. eggs. Four, greyish-yellow, uniformly and closely speckled with reddish-brown markings, between which are underlying spots of lilac. At the broad end of the egg the reddish-brown forms a distinct cap or zone with a few twisted lines of a brown colour. Breeding-season: June, s 254 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3. Red-capped Dotterel Charadrius ruficapillus Temminck Char-ad'-ri-us— Gk, charadrios, valley bird: ru-fi-cap-ill'-us— L., rufus, red; L., capillus, hair of the head. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in southern New Guinea; accidental to New Zealand. notes. Also called Red-necked Plover and Sand-lark. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting the shores of inlets or the margins of lakes and rivers. It is generally seen running with quick little strides along the edge of the water, and if disturbed flies a few paces away, alights, and repeats these movements. Food: chiefly insects and small crus¬ taceans. nest. A depression in the sand, usually lined with broken pieces of shell or tiny pebbles. Favourite sites are the crowns of slight ridges, not far from water; this species has been known to nest two miles from the nearest water. eggs. Usually two, pale greenish, covered all over with dots and lines of dark brown to purplish-black markings and a few underlying spots of lavender. Breeding-season: August to December or January. 4. Black-fronted Dotterel Charadrius mela?iops Vicillot mel'-an-ops— Gk, mclas (mclanos ), black; Gk, ops t face. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania. notes. Also called Sandpiper. Usually in pairs or family parties, frequenting chiefly shingly and muddy banks of rivers, lakes, or waterholes, also the shores of inlets. It is generally observed near the water’s edge, along which it runs with great rapidity. When flushed, it rises quickly, and frequently utters a plaintive note like “Chick chick”. Food: aquatic insects, worms, and small crustaceans. nest. A depression in the ground, favourite sites being shingly flats of rivers, rarely far from the water. eggs. Usually three, stone, or greyish-yellow, covered with various shaped markings of brown and lavender. Breeding-season: September to December (southern); April to September (northern). 5. Large Sand-dotterel Charadrius leschenaulti Lesson lesclienaulti— J. B. Leschenault de la Tour (1773-1826), French collec¬ tor and botanist. distribution. Tibet and eastern Siberia, migrating southwards to Africa and Australia; accidental to Europe. notes. Usually in Hocks, frequenting tidal salt creeks and the sea¬ shore. It is common in north-western Australia during the summer months, where it is generally observed on mud-banks and sandy or shingly beaches. Little has been lecorded of its habits and economy. An adult in breeding plumage is coloured cinnamon-rufous on the crown of the head, the hind-neck, and on a narrow collar round the fore-neck. nest. A depression in the sand and fine shingle on the borders of a lake (Mathews and Iredale) Plate XXXIV BIRDS OF THE SHORES AND RIVER MARGINS BIRDS OF THE SHORES AND RIVER MARGINS *55 eggs. Four eggs, pale stone, heavily marked at the larger end, and sparingly on the smaller end, with dark purplish-black and lavender spots; about the middle o£ the shell there are some spots of pale greenish-yellow; axis 40 mm., diameter 29 mm. (Mathews and Iredale). An egg from the “Seebohm Collection”. Found breeding in south¬ east Kangai, in northern Gobi, S.S.W. of Ulan-bator and on Lake Orok-nor, where they were numerous. 6. Oriental Dotterel Charadrius veredns Gould ver-e'cafc BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEA SHORE BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 273 Reef and the north-eastern coast of Queensland and those of Torres Strait. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Terns. Breeds in colonies on coral islands throughout its range, and often in association with the Roseate Tern. nest. A depression in coral fragments or in the sand; generally placed just above high-water mark. eggs. Usually two, white or pale creamy-white, over which are dis¬ tributed irregular-shaped freckles, spots, and blotches of brownish, reddish, or purplish-black, purplish-grey, or dark umber, with under¬ lying markings of lavender. The markings vary considerably in shape, colour, and distribution. Breeding-season: September to December (north-eastern Australia). 24. Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata Linne fns-ca'-ta— L., fuscatus, darkened. distribution. The coast of mid-western to northern and eastern Australia (as far south as New South Wales); occurs generally through¬ out tropical and sub-tropical seas. notes. Also called Wide-awake Tern, Whale-bird, and Egg-bird. Usually in large flocks, often in company with other species of Terns, frequenting chiefly the seas in the vicinity of islands on which it breeds. Breeds in immense colonies on islands throughout its range. Immature birds have the feathers sooty-brown above, the mantle being tipped with white and the under-parts lighter than in the adult. nest. The egg may be deposited on the bare ground or grass, under the shelter of a tussock of grass, or exposed on earth, sandy soil, or bare rock. EGG. One, varying considerably in colour and markings, the com¬ monest being dull white or faint reddish-white, spotted, freckled, or blotched, more or less over the entire surface, with different shades of led, reddish-brown, and purplish-red markings. Breeding-season: October to January; throughout the year in dilferent localities. 25. Bridled Tern Sterna ancetheta Scopoli an-ce-the'-ta— Gk, anaisthetos, without sense. distribution. The coasts of Western Australia, northern Aus¬ tralia, and eastern Australia, to as far south as the Bunker Group and Lady Elliott Island; occurs generally throughout tropical and sub¬ tropical seas. notes. Also called Brown-winged Tern, Panayan Tern, Smaller Sooty I ern, and Dog Tern. Usually in flocks, frequenting the seas in the vicinity of islands on which it breeds; similar in habits and economy to the other species of Terns. Its note is somewhat like the “yap-yapping” of a puppy, hence the local name of Dog Tern. nest. A depression scraped in the sand, well concealed under a tussock of grass; sometimes in a crevice between rocks, or under bushes. 274 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA egg. One, varying considerably in colour and markings, a common type being dull white uniformly covered with dots, freckles, spots, and a few irregular-shaped blotches of reddish-purple and faint underlying markings of dull purplish-grey. Breeding-season: September to January (Australia). 26. Noddy Anous stolidus Linn£ An'-dus— Gk, anous , senseless: stol'-i-dus— L., stolidus, stupid. distribution. The coast of mid-western, northern, and north¬ eastern Australia (Great Barrier Reef); occurs in tropical and sub¬ tropical seas (except the west coast of South America), occasionally ranging to Bermuda and the British Isles. notes. Also called Common Noddy. Usually in immense flocks frequenting the seas in the vicinity of its breeding-places. It procures its food, consisting of small fishes, squids, and other marine animals, mostly from the surface of the open seas beyond the reefs, rarely fishing on the calm waters inside. Breeds in very large colonies on islands and reefs throughout its range. nest. A flat structure, composed of seaweed and dried grass, loosely packed together, with a slight depression in the centre; nearly always lined with small sea-shells. Placed on the ground, on grass, or upon a low shrubby bush. egg. One, varying considerably in colour, shape, and the distribution of the markings, a common type being dull white or buffy-white, spotted and blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with different shades of purplish-red and purplish-brown, and smaller underlying markings of dull grey. Breeding-season: July to January (Australia). 27. Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris Temminck ten-u-i-ros'-tris— L., tenuis, slender; L., rostrum, bill. distribution. South-western Australia; occurs generally in the Indian Ocean. notes. Usually in very large flocks, frequenting chiefly the seas in the vicinity of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, the only known breed¬ ing-place of this species in Australia, although it breeds on the Seychelle Islands. It is similar in habits and economy to the Noddy, from which it may be distinguished by its smaller size, longer bill, and almost white cap. nest. A loosely made structure, composed of seaweed, placed, with¬ out any regard to shape, across a branch of a mangrove tree; often long pieces of seaweed hang down beneath the nest giving it the appearance of being a much more substantial structure than it really is. Nests are built as close together as possible among the branches of mangrove trees, at heights up to 10 feet from the ground. egg. One, varying considerably in colour, form, and the distribution of the markings, a common type being a faint reddish-white, huffy- BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE *75 white, or creamy-buff, over which are distributed irregular-shaped spots and blotches of reddish-brown or purplish-red, and fainter underlying markings of lavender or grey. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to December. 28. White-capped Noddy Anous minutus Boie min-u'-tus— L., minutus, little. distribution. The coast of Northern Territory and Queensland; occurs generally in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. notes. Usually in very large flocks, frequenting the seas in the vicinity of its island haunts. During the night it rests in trees, leaving at daybreak for feeding-places on the surface of the open seas beyond the reefs. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Noddies, from which it may be distinguished by its smaller size and whiter cap. Breeds in large colonies on islands and reefs throughout its range. nest. An almost flat structure, composed of the leaves of the tree on which it is built, laid on one another, with a very slight addition of seaweed, and cemented together with the bird's excrement, giving the exterior, and especially the egg cavity, a white-washed appearance. Nests are placed as close together as possible on the branches of trees, at heights up to 50 feet from the ground; also on the ground in rare cases. egg. One, either pure white, creamy, reddish, or buffy-white, over which are sparingly distributed irregular-shaped spots and blotches of purplish and purplish-grey and underlying markings of dull bluish- grey, the markings usually predominating on the larger end. Breed¬ ing-season: September to December (Australia). 29. Silver Gull Larus novce-hollandice Stephens Lar-us— Gk, laros, sea-bird: novce-hollandice— of New Holland. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; occurs also in New Caledonia and New Zealand. notes. Also called Red-legged Gull, Crimson-billed Gull, Jameson Gull, Mackerel Gull, Seagull, and Sea-pigeon. This species is plentiful throughout the year on our harbours, inlets, and coastal rivers, and at times it is observed in large flocks on lakes and rivers hundreds of miles inland. Iufeeds on almost anything, but its natural food con¬ sists principally of small fishes and other marine-life; it is also a notorious nest-robber, eating the eggs of other sea-birds. As a scavengei it is useful, helping in no small way to keep harbours and rivers clean by eating the scraps of waste food and offal thrown overboard from ships. Breeds in colonies, sometimes on headlands and occasionally on inland lakes, but mostly on small islands throughout its range. nest. Usually a slight depression in the ground, lined more or less thickly with grass or dried seaweed; some nests are built externally of thin twigs and coarse grass, and lined with finer grasses, while others are compactly made and composed entirely of fine grasses. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 276 eggs. Two or three, sometimes four or even five, varying consider¬ ably in the ground colour and distribution of the markings, a common type being pale green or brown, uniformly spotted and blotched with umber or dark olive-brown, and faint underlying markings of dull violet-grey. Breeding-season: October to January or February (Aus¬ tralia). 30. Pied Oyster-catcher Hcvmatopus ostralegns Linnd Hce-mat'-o-pus— Gk, haimatos, blood; Gk, pons, foot: os-tral'-eg-us— Gk, ostreon, oyster; Gk, legein, to gather. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; occurs also in Europe, northern Africa, and Asia to the Moluccas, New Guinea, Aru Islands, and New Zealand. notes. Also called White-breasted Oyster-catcher, Black-and-white Oyster-catcher, Seapie, Olive, Rcdbill, and Torea. Usually singly or in pairs, occasionally in small parties of from four to eight, frequenting sea-shores. It prefers shores with stones and reef outcrops, where it obtains most of its food, consisting chiefly of small molluscs, crus¬ taceans, and other marine animals. Being a sociable bird, it is often seen in the company of other shore-roving species, such as Curlews and Sandpipers; it is exceptionally wary. nest. A depression in the sand; generally on the shore, above high- water mark. eggs. Two, pale stone-colour or brownish-white, covered with irregular-shaped spots, blotches, and short streaks of blackish-brown and umber and underlying markings of inky-grey; the colour, shape, and distribution of the markings vary considerably. Breeding-season: October to January (southern Australia); July to September (north¬ western Australia). 31. Sooty Oyster-catcher Hcvmatopus unicolor Forster u'-ni-col-or— L., unicolor, of one colour. distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; occurs also in New Zealand. notes. Also called Black Oyster-catcher, Rcdbill, and Toreo-pango. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting chiefly rocky shores, islands, and reefs. It is similar in habits and economy to the Pied Oyster- catcher, but is even more wary than that species. nest. A shallow depression in the sand, lined with pieces of herbage, dried grass, seaweed, fragments of coral, or broken shells. It generally breeds on islands and reefs, often on a grass-covered ledge, some height above the water. eggs. Two, rarely three, pale yellow-stone or pale brown, covered with irregular-shaped spots, blotches, and short streaks of blackish brown or dull black, and a few underlying markings of light brown and inky-grey. Breeding-season: October to January. BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 277 32. Reef Heron Demigretta sacra Gmelin Dem-i-gret'-ta z=z demi—c gretta—Fr., dcmi, half, (L., dimidius ); N.L., egretta, egret: sa-cra— L., sacer— L., sacred. distribution. Australia generally, Tasmania, and New Zealand; occurs also in India to Japan and Malaysia to Oceania. notes. Also called Sacred Heron, Blue Heron, and White Heron. There are two plumage phases of this species, one being dark slaty- grey, the other white; the two forms interbreed. The dark phase appears to be the only form frequenting the coasts and islands of southern Australia and Tasmania; the white-plumaged bird being found in the tropical regions. It is generally met with singly or in pairs, frequenting rocky coasts, islands, and reefs. When not stalking among the rocks at low tide for food, it squats in a most dejected- looking atitude on a rock. Food: small fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, and other marine animals. nest. A platform of sticks, placed either on a rock or in the branches of a low bushy tree. eggs. Two or three, occasionally four, pale bluish-white. Breeding- season: September and October to January, but practically throughout the year. PLATE XXXV1 BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 1. Crested Penguin Eudyptes cristatus Miller Eu-dyp'-tes— L., eu, well, good; L., dyptes, diver: cris-ta'-tus—cristatus, crested. distribution. Sub-Antarctic seas to southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand notes. Also called Rock-hopper Penguin and Tufted Jackass Pen¬ guin. There are only a few records of the occurrence of this species in Australian seas. It breeds in colonies on Prince Edward, Marion, the Crozet, Kerguelen, St Paul, Campbell, and Antipodes Islands. Food: cuttle-fish and crustaceans, procured by diving. nest. None made. eggs. Two, bluish-white. Breeding-season: September to December. 2. Thick-billed Penguin Eudyptes pachyrhynchus Gray pach-y-rhynch'-us—Gk, pachys, thick; Gk, rhynchos, beak. distribution. New Zealand to southern Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Victoria Penguin and Big-crested Penguin. This species breeds on the coast of New Zealand and on Stewart Island and Snares Island. The Australian records are few, the most important being an immature bird collected at Ettalong Beach, New South Wales. Food: fish, cuttle-fish, and crustaceans. nest. None made. eggs. One or two, pale green, with a coating of lime. Breeding- season: September to December. 3. Little Penguin Eudyptula minor Forster Eu-dyp'-tu-la- L., eu, well, good; L., dyptes, diver: mi'-nor- L., minor, smaller. distribution. Southern and eastern Australia (from Fremantle, Western Australia, to Moreton Bay, Queensland), and Tasmania; also occurs in New Zealand. notes. Also called Little Blue Penguin, Blue Penguin, and Fairy Penguin. Usually seen on our coasts from September to March, where it takes up its quarters in well-established rookeries extending along the coast and on many islands. Its quickness in swimming, diving, and * BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 279 turning, when pursuing food, is marvellous. When disturbed at its nest or when “sporting” in the water, it utters a sharp barking note. Food: fish, cuttle-fish, and crustaceans. nest. A little dry grass or sea-weeds placed in cavities between rocks, in a hollow scraped out underneath tussock grass or other vege¬ tation, or sometimes in a deserted burrow of a Petrel. eggs. Two, occasionally three, dull white. Breeding-season: Septem¬ ber to March. 4. Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans Linne Di-o-me-de'-a— from Diomede, a Trojan war hero: ex'-u-lans— L., exul¬ ans, wandering. distribution. Southern oceans, chiefly between latitudes 60°S. and 30°S., occasionally ranging northwards to the trope of Capricorn. notes. Also called Man-o’-war Bird, Cape Sheep, and Toroa. Usually seen following in the wake of a ship, and occasionally in harbours and bays during stormy weather. Its flight is remarkable as well as graceful, there being no apparent motion of the wings as it glides and circles with effortless ease. Food: cuttle-fish, fish, and other marine animals, as well as galley-refuse from ships. Breeds in colonies on Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia, and Gough, Auckland, and Antipodes Islands. nest. A large cone-shaped structure, composed of earth and grass cemented together with excreta; placed on the ground. egg. White, but mostly nest-stained, the surface being rough and lustreless. Breeding-season: December to February. 5. Snowy Albatross Diomedea chionoptcra Salvin chi-on-op'-ter-a— Gk, chion, snow; Gk, pteron, wing. distribution. The southern seas of Australia, Tasmania, and Africa, between latitudes 60°S. and 30°S. notes. This species is similar in habits and economy to the Wan¬ dering Albatross, but may be distinguished by its lighter coloration generally, especially its white tail. Breeds on Marion, Prince Edward, the Crozet, and Kerguelen Islands. nest. A large, bowl-shaped structure, composed of earth and grass, cemented together with excreta; placed on the ground. egg. Chalky-white, the surface being coarse and lustreless. Breeding- season: January and February. 6. Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris Temminck mel-an-oph'-ris— Gk, melas (melanos ), black; Gk, phrys (phrus ), brow. distribution. The southern seas of Australia and Tasmania; occurs generally in the southern oceans between latitudes 60°S. and 20 °S. NOTES. Also called Black-browed Mollymawk and Mollymawk. This 28 o THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA is the commonest Albatross off the eastern coast of Australia; it is often seen following ships and is particularly noticeable near trawlers. It is similar in habits and economy to the Wandering Albatross, but easily distinguished by its darker coloration and smaller size. Breeds on South Georgia, and Falkland, Kerguelen, Auckland, Campbell, and Ildefonso Islands. nest. A large, cone-shaped structure, composed of mud mi-xed with vegetable materials; lined with finer substances; placed on the ground. egg. Dull white, with a zone of reddish-brown specks and blotches on the larger end. Breeding-season: November to January. 7. Yellow-nosed Albatross Diomedea chlororhyncha Gmelin chlor-o-rhynch'-a— Gk., chloros, yellow-green; Gk, rhynchos, beak. distribution. The eastern, southern, and western seas of Aus¬ tralia, and Tasmania; occurs generally in the southern oceans, chiefly between latitudes 50°S. and 20°S. notes. Also called Yellow-nosed Mollymawk. Its range is more northern than that of its congeners, which it resembles in habits and economy. Breeds on Tristan da Cunha, and Gough,-the Crozet, and St Paul Islands. nest. A cylindrical shaped structure composed of tufts of grass, clay and sedge, with a shallow concavity on top, and is built on the ground. The nest is neat and round and measures fourteen inches in diameter and ten inches in height (Moisey). egg. White, faintly marked with reddish spots, the surface being slightly lustrous (Moisey). 8. Grey-headed Albatross Diomedea chrysosto?na Forster chrys-o-stom'-a-G k, chrysos, golden; Gk, stoma, mouth. distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; occurs generally in the southern oceans, between latitudes 50°S. and 30°S. notes. Also called Gould’s Yellow-nosed Mollymawk and Flat¬ billed Mollymawk. This species is rare in Australian seas, and is very difficult to distinguish from the Yellow-nosed Albatross. Its range is more southerly than that of the Yellow-nosed Albatross, which it resembles in habits and economy. Breeds on Diego Ramirez Islands, Cape Horn, South Georgia, and Kerguelen and Campbell Islands. nest. Not recorded. eggs. Not recorded. 9. White-capped Albatross Diomedea cauta Gould caut'-a— L., cautus, shy. distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; occurs generally in the southern Indian and Pacific Oceans from South Africa to South America. Plate XXXVI BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEA-SHORF BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 28l notes. Also called Shy Albatross and Shy Mollymawk. This species is well named, for it rarely comes near a ship. It may be distinguished from the other dark-backed species in having the under-surface of the wings white, except at the tips. Apart from being shy, it resembles the other Albatrosses in habits and economy. Breeds on Albatross Island (Bass Strait), also on Pyramid Rock and the Chatham and Bounty Islands. nest. A flat, bowl-shaped structure, composed of soil and excrement mixed with roots and grasses; placed on the ground. egg. Dull white or creamy-white, freckled or capped, more or less, with reddish-brown surface markings on the larger end; some eggs are almost devoid of markings. The surface is coarse-grained and minutely pitted all over and is almost lustreless. Breeding-season: August to October. 10. Sooty Albatross Plicebetria fnsca Hilsenberg Phce-be'-tri-a— Gk, phoibetria, prophetess: fus'-ca— L., fuscus, brown. distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; occurs generally in the southern oceans from latitude 30°S. to the Antarctic Circle. notes. A common bird in Australian seas, and often confused with the young of the Wandering Albatross, but may be distinguished by its smaller size and wedge-shaped tail. It is similar in habits and economy to the other Albatrosses. Breeds on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island. nest. A small and low crater-shaped structure composed of grass and mud; usually built on cliffs or projecting ricks and placed separately. egg. White with a slight greyish tint, covered all over with minute specks of reddish-brown; usually the specks become larger and thicker about the larger end, occasionally forming a zone (Cromer). 11. Grey-mantled Albatross Phcebctria palpebrata Forster pal-pc-bra'-ta— L., palpebratus, marked around the eye. distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; occurs generally from latitude 33°S. to the Antarctic Circle. notes. Also called Light-mantled Albatross. This species is only a casual visitor to Australian seas, and may be distinguished from the Sooty Albatross by its grey back and under-parts. It resembles the Sooty Albatross in habits and economy, but its range is more southern than that species. Breeds on South Georgia, and Kerguelen, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, and Macquarie Islands. nest. Placed in crevices in rocks. egg. Whitish, covered round the larger end with very small reddish- brown spots, which merge together at the apex. Breeding-season: October to January. 282 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 12. Red-tailed Tropic-bird Phaethon rubricaudus Boddaert Pha'-eth-on— Gk, phaethon, shining: ru-bri-caud'-us— L., ruber, red; L., cauda, tail. distribution. Tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, from Mada¬ gascar and the Mauritius to the Galapagos Islands, and from the Bonin and Hawaiian Islands to Australia and the Kermadec Islands. notes. Also called Red-tailed Bos’n-bird. This species is only a straggler to the south-eastern coast, but is common on Norfolk, Lord Howe, and Raine Islands. It may be distinguished from the smaller White-tailed Tropic-bird by the two long red streamers in its tail. Breeds on the Mauritius and Christmas Islands, on islands off the north-western coast of Australia, and on Raine Island; also on Lord Howe, Norfolk, the Society, Palmerston, Bonin, and Hawaiian Islands. nest. A depression in the ground, sheltered by a bush or rock; some¬ times on a ledge or in a crevice of a rocky cliff. egg. Dull white or pale pinkish-red, almost obscured by minute freckles, spots, or smudges of pinkish-red to blackish-brown, inter¬ mingled with larger underlying markings of purplish-grey, the darker markings being frequently confined to the larger end, where often a zone is formed. Breeding-season: September to March (Lord Howe Is¬ land, and Phillip Island off Norfolk Island); practically throughout the year elsewhere. 13. White-tailed Tropic-bird Phaethon lepturus Daudin tcp-tuf-us— Gk, leptos, delicate; Gk, oura, tail. distribution. Tropical seas. notes. Also called White-tailed Bos'n-bird. A rare straggler to the coasts of northern and eastern Australia. The most southern record is an immature bird collected at Botany Bay, New South Wales. Breeds on numerous islands throughout the tropical seas. nest. A depression in sand on the floor of a crevice in a rocky cliff. egg. Buff, freckled all over with purplish-brown markings. Breeding- season: December to September. 14. Greater Frigate-bird Fregata minor Gmelin Fre-ga'-ta- latinized from Fr. fregate, a frigate: mV-nor- L., minor, smaller. distribution. The seas of northern and southern Australia; occurs generally in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. notes. Also called Great Frigate-bird, Man-o’-war Hawk, and Sea- hawk. Usually seen soaring over the sea or circling an island, often so high in the air as to appear a mere speck against the sky. Its flight is remarkably swift and graceful, and it remains on the wing piactically throughout the whole day. This species procures its food from the surface of the water, or by compelling Terns, Ganncts, and other sea¬ birds to disgorge their prey, which it adroitly catches. Food: young BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 283 turtles, fish, cuttle-fish, and small crustaceans. Breeds in colonies on South Trinidad, Seychelle, Aldabra, and Christmas Islands, Paracel Reefs (South China Sea), and the Hawaiian and Galapagos Islands. nest. A rather bulky structure, composed of sticks, grass, and other herbage, placed on the ground or on top of a small bush. egg. White, covered with creamy lime. Breeding-season: March to J ul Y- 15. Lesser Frigate-bird Fregata ariel Gray ariel— ariel, a fairy; Gk, aerios , airy distribution. The seas of north-western, northern, north-eastern, and southern Australia; occurs in the tropical oceans generally. notes. Also called Man-o’-war Hawk and Sea-hawk. It is similar in habits and economy to the Greater Frigate-bird, from which it may be distinguished by its smaller size and white flanks. Breeds on Raine Island, also on South Trinidad, Bedout, and Aldabra Islands. nest. Usually a rather bulky structure, composed of small sticks, grass, and other herbage, placed on the ground or on top of a low bush. eggs. One, occasionally two, white, with a slight coating of lime. Breeding-season: April to July. 16. Dark Soudiern Skua Catharacta lonnbergi Mathews Cath-a-ract'-a— from Gk, catarrhact.es or catarractes, bird of prey: lonn¬ bergi— E. Lonnberg, Scandinavian scientist. distribution. Southern oceans and sub-Antarctic islands, to southern Australia and Tasmania. notes. Also called Dark Skua and Robber Gull. A rare visitor to our shores, and then chiefly during the winter months. It is generally seen among flocks of Gulls and Terns, which it attacks, forcing them to give up any food they may have secured. Among sea-birds it is analo¬ gous to the birds of prey; it feeds on small mammals, insects, eggs, young birds, fish, carrion, and animal refuse. Breeds on South Georgia, the South Orkneys, Kerguelen Island, the South Island of New Zealand, and Chatham, Auckland, Campbell, and Macquarie Islands. nest. A shallow depression in the ground, slightly lined with grass and weeds. eggs. Two, glossy dark stone, heavily marked with blotches of brown, and a few dark markings round the middle. Breeding-season: November to January. 17. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Linn£ Ster-co-rd - ri-us—h ., stercorarius , dungy: par-a-si-tic-us— Gk, parasiticos, feeding on another. distribution. Ai ctic seas, migrating southwards to South America, South Africa, Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 284 notes. Also called Richardson’s Skua, Long-tailed Jaeger, Sea- pirate, Parasite Gull, Robber Gull, and Teaser. Usually arrives in the southern hemisphere during October or November, departing about February or March. It is similar in habits and economy to the Dark Southern Skua. Besides the bird figured, there is a light phase, differ¬ ing in having the sides of the head and neck straw-yellow, chin and breast dull white, and the remainder of the under-parts ash-brown. Breeds on Commander and Aleutian Islands, and in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scotland, northern Europe, and Siberia. nest. A shallow depression in the ground, slightly lined with grass or moss. eggs. Two, dark stone to greenish-buff, spotted chiefly at the larger end, with very dark brown to light grey markings; other eggs have large irregular-shaped markings of light brown. Breeding-season: May to July. 18. Brown Gannet Sula leucogaster Boddaert Su'-la— Gk, sulan, to plunder: leuc-o-gas'-ter— Gk, leucos, white; Gk, gastcr, belly. distribution. Seas of north-western, northern, and north-eastern Australia, to the tropic of Capricorn: occurs generally in the tropical oceans. notes. Also called Brown Booby. Usually in small parties or large flocks, generally flying with a direct, steady flight rather close to the surface of the water. Its food consists of fish, which it obtains by diving from the air and then pursuing them under water. This species not uncommonly dives from a height of GO feet or more. Breeds in colonies on several islands of the Great Barrier Reef, on Bunker, Raine, Darn- ley, and Bedout Islands, Ellis Island (Gulf of Carpentaria), and also on islands in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and tropical Atlan¬ tic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. nest. A depression in soil or sand, around which is placed any material near at hand, such as pieces of coral and seaweed, and added to as incubation proceeds. eggs. Two, bluish-white, with a coating of lime. Breeding-season: from July probably to December or later. 19. Red-footed Gannet Sula sula Linn£ su'la— Gk, sulan, to plunder. distribution. Seas of north-eastern Australia; occurs in the tropi¬ cal seas (except the Pacific coast of South America). notes. Also called Red-legged Gannet and Red-footed Booby. It is similar in habits and economy to the Brown Gannet. Breeds in colonies on Raine Island, also on islands in the Caribbean Sea, on Ascension and South Trinidad Islands, and on many islands in the Indian Ocean and western and central Pacific Ocean. nest. A substantial platform of interwoven sticks, with a shallow BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 285 depression in the centre; generally placed in a shrubby bush, well off the ground. egg. Pale greenish or bluish-white, with a coating of lime; gener¬ ally nest-stained and scratched by the feet and toes of the sitting bird. Breeding-season: May and July to September. 20. Australian Gannet Sula senator Gray ser-ra'tor—lj., senator, sawyer. distribution. Coast of Australia (south of Fremantle, Western Australia, and Brisbane, Queensland), Tasmania, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Takupu. A fairly common species off the coasts. Similar in habits and economy to the other species of Gannets. Breeds in colonies on islands in Bass Strait, off Tasmania, on Lawrence Rock (off Portland, Victoria), and on the North Island of New Zealand. nest. Usually a well-built structure, composed of kelp, twigs, grass, and other plants, placed on a fiat cone-shaped mound of earth and guano. eggs. One or two, pale bluish-white, thickly coated with lime; gen¬ erally nest-stained and scratched by the feet and toes of the sitting bird. Breeding-season: July to January. 21. Masked Gannet Sula dactylatra Lesson dac-ty-la'-tra— Gk, dactylon, finger; L., atra, black. distribution. Seas of north-western, northern, and north-eastern Australia; occurs generally in the tropical seas. notes. Also called Masked Booby and Blue-faced Booby. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Gannets. Breeds in colonies on Bedout, Adele, and Raine Islands off the Australian coasts, on Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, and also on isolated islands in the tropical oceans. nest. A depression in the sand or earth, around which twigs, grass, or weeds are strewn, and added to as incubation proceeds. eggs. Usually two, pale bluish-white, more or less covered with lime. Although two eggs are laid, usually only one young one is reared. Breeding-season: July to December, or later according to the season and the locality. 22. Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Gmelin Puff'-in-us— N.L., puffinus, puffin: pacificus —of the Pacific Ocean. distribution. The western and eastern coasts of Australia; occurs generally throughout the tropical and semi-tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. notes. Also called Wedge-tailed Petrel and Wedge-tailed Mutton- bird. Arrives in immense flocks along the coasts during September and November, and establishes itself in rookeries on islands lying off the mainland, especially along the Great Barrier Reef. Both sexes take part in incubation, one remaining silently in the burrow all day, while u 286 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA its mate ranges the ocean for food, which consists of small fish and squids, crustaceans, and other floating or surface-living animals, and also scraps from ships. Although a silent place during the day, throughout the night a rookery is noisy with the cries, shrieks, and wails of the birds. Breeds on many islands elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean, and in the Indian Ocean. nest. In a hollow at the end of a burrow or in a natural cavity; lined with a few pieces of grass or feathers. egc. White. Breeding-season: November to March (southern hemi¬ sphere); May to August (northern hemisphere). 23. Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris Temminck ten-u-i-ros'-tris—L., tenuis, slender; L., rostrum, bill. distribution. Bass Strait, the coasts of Tasmania, southern and south-eastern Australia, and New Zealand, and the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Sea. notes. Also called Mutton-bird, Seal-bird, Whale-bird, Sooty Shear¬ water, Bonaparte's Shearwater, and Slender-billed Petrel. Arrives in immense flocks oil our coasts during November, where it takes up its quarters in old-established rookeries on islands in Bass Strait, and on the coasts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. It is similar in habits and economy to the Wedge-tailed Shearwater. In Bass Strait its eggs and young form the main support of the islanders. Also breeds on the Bounty Islands. nest. In a hollow at the end of a burrow, lined with grass or feathers. ° egg. White. Breeding-season: November to March. 24. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Gmelin gris’-e-us— L„ griseus, grey. distribution. The coasts of New South Wales, New Zealand and South America, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to Kamchatka Alaska, Labrador, Greenland, and The Faeroes. NOTES. Also called Mutton-bird and Sombre Shearwater A rare visitor to the coast of New South Wales. Similar in habits and economy to the other Shearwaters. Breeds in colonies on the South Island of New Zealand, and on Stewart, the Snares, Chatham, and Auckland Islands; also in the Andes of northern Chile, on islands off Cape Horn, and on the Falkland Islands. There is one breeding record from Broughton Island. ° nest. In a hollow at the end of a burrow, lined with crass or feathers. b egg. White. Breeding-season: November to April. 25. Fleshy-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes Gould car'-ne-i-pes— L., carneus, fleshy; L., pes (pedis ), foot. distribution. The coasts of south-western and southern Aus- BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 287 tralia, and Tasmania, Lord Howe Island, the North Island of New Zealand, the eastern Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean to Japan and California. notes. Also called Mutton-bird, Pale-faced Shearwater, and Fleshy- footed Petrel. Usually arrives off our coasts during September or November. Similar in habits and economy to the other Shearwaters. Breeds in colonies on islands off the south coast of Western Australia, on Lord Howe Island, and the North Island of New Zealand. nest. In a hollow at the end of a long burrow, lined with pieces of weeds, grass, or feathers. egg. White. Breeding-season: November to March. 26. Silver-grey Petrel Priocella anlarctica Stephens Pri-o-cell'-a —compound of prion, a saw, and procella, storm: antarc- tica—oL the Antarctic. distribution. Southern oceans, from Antarctica north to St Helena, New Zealand, and Peru; accidental to Victoria and Tasmania. notes. There are only a few records of the occurrence of this species in Australian seas, and little has been published concerning its habits. Breeds on Cape Hunter (Stillwell Island, Antarctica). nest. On ledges of clilfs. egg. White. Breeding-season: November and December. 27. Grey Petrel Procellaria cinerea Gmelin Pro-cell-ar'-i-a—Lprocella, storm; Gk, laros, sea-bird: cin-er'-e-a— L., cinereus, ashen. distribution. Southern oceans from about latitude 55°S. to about 30°S. and on the western coast of South America to Peru; not un¬ common off the coasts of southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. notes. Also called Brown Petrel. Gould collected specimens of this Petrel between Hobart and Sydney. Practically nothing has been recorded of its habits and economy. Breeds on Gough, Kerguelen, Macquarie, and Antipodes Islands. nest. In a large chamber at the end of a burrow. egg. White. Breeding-season: November to April; October to Decem¬ ber (Macquarie Island). 28. Giant Petrel Macronectcs giganteus Gmelin Mac-ro-jiec'-tes—G k, macros, large; Gk, nectes, swimmer: gi'-gan-te'-us —L., giganteus, giant. distribution. Southern oceans, from the Antarctic Continent to the tropic of Capricorn, ranging farther north to the western coast of South America. notes. Also called Giant Fulmar, Mother Carey's Goose, Nelly, Stinker, and Glutton. This species is fairly common in the seas of 288 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA southern Australia; it may be distinguished from the dark Albatrosses by its stouter form, shorter wings, and large pale bill. Its flight is not so graceful and buoyant as that of an Albatross, being more laboured and flapping in character. Most of its food, which is procured from the surface of the water, consists of fish, squids, crustaceans, and other marine-life, also refuse from ships. This Petrel is a scavenger, it also kills and devours other sea-birds. There is a white phase of this species which is practically confined to the neighbourhood of the Antarctic Circle. Breeds on the South Shedands, South Orkneys, and South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, and the Gough, Prince Edward, Marion, the Crozet, Kerguelen, Macquarie, and Heard Islands, and the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand. nest. A hollowed, cone-shaped structure, composed of earth and excreta. egg. White. Breeding-season: September to January. 29. Pacific Gull Gabianus pacificus Latham Gab-i-a'-nus— N.L., gabianus , gull: pacificus —of the Pacific Ocean. distribution. Tasmania and southern Australia, from Shark Bay (Western Australia) to Rockhampton (Queensland). notes. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting chiefly the seas of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and the larger islands of Bass Strait, being rather rare in Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. It is a true scavenger and also a notorious egg robber. Most of its food is procured from the surface of the water, and consists of fish and marine animals, also galley-refuse from ships. Breeds on islands in Bass Strait and headlands of Tasmania. Immature birds are brown, the feathers being mottled with pale edges. nest. A depression in the ground, neatly lined with grass or other herbage; generally situated in the shelter of a tussock of grass or a low bush. eggs. One to three, varying from pale olive or grey to pale olive- brown, blotched all over with reddish-brown and la\endcr markings. Breeding-season: September to January. APPENDIX BIRDS INTRODUCED AND ESTABLISHED IN AUSTRALIA 1* Indian Turtle-dove Streptopelia suratensis Gmelin distribution. Afghanistan, India, and Ceylon. description. Head, grey; back and wings, brown; hind-neck and sides of neck, black with white spots; tail-feathers, blackish, all but the centre pair tipped with white; throat, whitish; remainder of under¬ parts, cinnamon. Length about 13 inches. notes. Also called Spotted Dove. A common bird in parks and gaidens of cities and suburbs of the coastal areas, and is gradually extending its range inland. It is a destructive bird in gardens. Food: seeds, buds, and young shoots of plants. 2. Red-whiskered Bulbul Otocompsa emeria Linnseus distribution. India, China, Malay Peninsula, and the Mauritius. description. Forehead, crown of head and crest, front of cheeks and bill, black; patch behind the eye, pale crimson; back, wings, and tail, biown, cheeks and under-parts, white, with an incomplete black band on the chest, and washed with pale brown on the sides of neck, and abdomen; under tail-covers, pinkish-red. Length about 7 inches! notes. Also called Red-vented Bulbul and Top-knot. This serious pest is unfortunately becoming very common in parks, gardens, and orchards of Sydney and suburbs, and is gradually establishing itself in Melbourne. Food: insects and their lame, seeds, fruits, and the buds and young shoots of plants. 3. Black-bird Turdus merula Linnaeus distribution. Europe, northern Africa, Egypt, Syria, Persia, and the Azores. description. Adult male: uniform glossy black; bill, orange- yellow. Female: dark brown above; under-parts, rufous-brown streaked with blackish-brown; bill, brown. Length about 10 inches. notes. This beautiful songster is extremely common in the parks, gardens, and surrounding districts of Melbourne and Adelaide. It is gradually extending its range northwards and inland. Food: insects and their larvsc, snails, and fruits. Occasionally destructive in gardens. 4. Song-thrush Turdus philomclos Brehm distribution. Europe, western Asia, and India. description. Dark olive-brown above; breast and sides of body. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 292 yellowish streaked and spotted with blackish-brown; remainder of under-parts, white. Length about 9 inches. notes. Also called Continental Song-thrush. This fine songster has firmly established itself in Victoria and South Australia, where it is fairly common in parks, gardens and orchards. Food: insects and their larvae, snails, and worms. 5. Skylark Alauda arvensis Linnaeus distribution. Europe and northern Africa. description. Golden-brown above, with blackish centres to the feathers, light streak over the eye, and white edges to the outermost tail-feathers; under-parts, buffy-white, spotted and streaked with black¬ ish-brown on the throat, breast, and flanks. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Length about 7 inches. notes. This famous songster is firmly established throughout the grass-lands of the coastal areas of southern and south-eastern Aus¬ tralia. Food: insects and their larvae, and seeds. 6. Greenfinch Chloris chloris Linnaeus distribution. Europe to Persia. description. Olive-green; yellowish forehead and rump; under¬ parts greenish-yellow, darker on the flanks. The female is much duller, and slightly smaller than the male. Length about 6 inches. notes. Also called Green Linnet. This finch is fairly well distri¬ buted over the settled areas of southern and south-eastern Australia, where its pretty song is often heard in parks, gardens, and orchards. Food: seeds. 7. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Linnaeus distribution. Europe, Canary Islands to Egypt, Persia, and Siberia. description. Forehead, front of face, and chin, crimson; crown of head, lores, and feathers behind the cheeks, black; back, greyish copper-brown; wings, black with yellow markings; tail-feathers, black, the centre ones tipped with white; feathers behind the eye, throat, and remainder of under-parts, white. Length about 5 inches. notes. Also called Thistle-finch. A well-established species through¬ out the grass-lands and cultivated areas of south-eastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, and southern Australia. Food: seeds and insects. 8. Tree-sparrow Passer montanus Linnaeus distribution. Europe and northern Asia. description. This species is like the House-sparrow but slightly smaller in size. Chestnut crown and nape, white-bordered triangular black patch on the cheeks, a second white bar across the wing. The sexes are alike. Length about 5 inches. BIRDS INTRODUCED TO AUSTRALIA 293 notes. This Sparrow is by no means common. Found chiefly in the cultivated and cleared areas of southern New South Wales and Victoria. Food: seeds and insects. 9. House-sparrow Passer domesticus Linnaeus distribution. Europe to Siberia. description. Male; crown, nape, and lower back, slate-grey, slightly washed with olive-green; back, brown; wings, brown with one white bar; chestnut band on side of neck; cheeks and throat, black; under-parts, whitish. The female is duller above and darker on the under-parts than the male, and is without black on the throat. Length about 5 inches. notes. Also called Common Sparrow. The commonest bird through¬ out the cities, towns, and cultivated areas of Australia (except Western Australia). Food: insects and their larvae, and seeds. 10. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus distribution. Europe to Siberia. description. Glossy black with metallic sheen; excepting the head and neck, the feathers of the upper-parts are tipped with buff, and those of the under-parts tipped with white. Young birds are greyish- brown. Length about 8 inches. notes. This bird is extremely common throughout the settled por¬ tion of Australia. It does much damage to fruit and crops, but never¬ theless destroys countless numbers of injurious insects. Food: insects and their larvae, seeds, and fruits. 11. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus distribution. India and Afghanistan. description. Head and neck, black; upper-parts, brown with large white patches on wings, and white tips to the tail-feathers; under-parts, rich vinous-brown; a large patch round the eye; bill and legs, yellow. Length about 10 inches. notes. A fairly well-established species in Australia, chiefly in the coastal areas, where it keeps to the cities and towns. Food: insects and their larvae, seeds, and fruit. INDEX INDEX (Explanatory Note. The numbers following each entry in this Index indicate, respectively, the plate, the figure on the plate, and the page of the corresponding letterpress. Thus: Apostle-bird, viii, 9, 53, refers to plate viii, figure 9, depicting the Apostle-bird, on the plate, and page 53, where the descriptive details concerning the Apostle-bird will be found.) A. Acanthagenys rufogularis , xii, 2, 80 Acanthiza albiventris, xvi, 21, 115 apicalis, xvi, 19, 114 Chrysorrhoa, xix, 13, 132 ewingi, xvi, 14, 113 hamiltoni , xvi, 20, 114 hedleyi, xix, II, 131 inornata, xvi, 13, 112 katheriiiQ, xvi, 16, 113 lineal a, xvi, 12, 112 morgani, xix, 10, 131 nana, xvi, II, 112 pusilla, xvi, 18, 114 reguloides, xix, 14, 132 robustirostris, xvi, 17, 113 squamala, xix, 12, 132 uropygialis, xix, 15, 133 tuhillocki, xvi, 15, 113 Acanlhorhynclius suPerciliosus, xv, 15, 105 tenuirostris , xv, 14, 104 Acanthornis magtms, xxiv, 1, 167 Accipiter cirrocephalus, xxix, 2, 206 Acridotheres iritis , appendix, 11, 293 Acrocephalus australis, xxviii, 23, 203 itgintha temporalis, xxviii, 5, 197 JEgotheles crislata, v, 7, 33 Aidemosyne modesta, xxviii, 8, 198 Ailurcedus erassirostris, iii, 10, 18 melanotus , iii, 9, 18 Alarm-bird, xxxi, 24, 227 Alauda awensis, appendix, 5, 292 Albatross, Black-browed, xxxvi, 6, 279 Grey-headed, xxxvi, 8, 280 Grey-mantled, xxxvi, II, 281 Light-mantled, xxxvi, 11, 281 Shy, xxxvi, 9, 281 Snowy, xxxvi, 5, 279 Sooty, xxxvi, 10, 281 Wandering, xxxvi, 4, 279 White-capped, xxxvi, 9, 280 Yellow-nosed, xxxvi, 7, 280 Alcyone azure a, xxxi, 2, 219 pusilla, xxxi, I, 219 Alectura lath ami, vi, 3, 38 Amaurodryas vittata, x, 29, 71 Amaurornis ruficrissus , xxxi, 9, 222 Amytornis dorothete, xxv, 19, 179 goyderi , xxv, 17, 179 housei, xxv, 20, 180 modestus, xxv, 14, 178 purnelli, xxv, 13, 178 striatus, xxv, 15, 178 textilis, xxv, 12, 177 whitei, xxv, 16, 179 woodwardi, xxv, 18, 179 Anas superciliosa, xxxiii, 15, 246 Anhinga novee-hollandiee, xxxii, 9, 233 Anous minutus, xxxv, 28, 275 stolidus, xxxv, 26, 274 tenuirustrisj xxxv, 27, 274 Anseranas semipalmata, i, 1, 3, Anthochcera carunculata, xii, 14, 84 chrysoplera, xxiv, 19, 173 paradoxa, xii, 15, 85 Antlius australis, xxvii, 11, 191 Aphelocepliala castaneiventris, xix, 7, 130 leucopsis, xix, 6, 130 nigncincla, xix, 9, 131 pectoralis, xix, 8, 130 Aplonis metallic a, ii, 7, 11 Apostle-bird, viii, 9. 53; ix, 10, 60; xviii, 5, 124 Aprosmictus erythroplerus, xx, 5, 137 scapularis, xx, 6, 137 Ardea sumatrana, xxxii, 15, 235 Arenaria inter pres, xxxiv, 29, 264 Arses kaupi, iv, 5, 24 lorealis, iv, 6, 25 Artamus cyanopterus, xxvii, 2, 188 leucorhynchus, xi, 15, 77 melanops, xi, 16, 78 minor, xxvii, 1, 188 personalus, xi, 18, 78 superciliosus, xi, 17, 78 Ashbyia lovensis, xix, 20, 135 Astur fasciatus, xxix, 11, 209 novce-hollandia, xxix, 10, 209 Atrichornis clamosus, vii, 19, 47 mfescens, vii, 20, 48 Avocet, Red-necked, xxxi, 22, 226 B. Babbler, Chesnut-crowned, xviii, 8, 125 Grey-crowned, xviii, 5, 124 Red-breasted, xviii, 6, 125 White-browed, xviii, 7, 125 Bald Coot, xxxii, 5, 231; 6, 232 Baldy, iii, 14, 21 Ballyhead, xix, 16, 133 Banana-bird, ii, 1, 9; iii, 7, 18; xii, 4, Barker, xviii, 5, 124 Bark pecker, xvii, 1, 118 Bark-tit, x, 11, 65 Barley-bird, xxviii, 12, 200; 20, 202 Barnardius barnardi, xxi, 18, 148 macgillivrayi, xxi, 17, 147 semitorquatus, xxi, 20, 148 zonarius, xxi, 19, 148 Barwitig, xxxiii, 1, 241 Bat Hilda ruficauda, xxviii, 6, 198 Baza suberistata, xxx, 1, 212 Beach-bird, xxxiv, 29, 264 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 298 Bee-eater, xi, 14, 77 Bell Miner, xiv, 17, 97 Bell-bird, xiv, 17, 97 Bell-bird, Crested, xviii, 3. 123 Belchenygah, xxii, 17, 155 Bird of Paradise, Australian, ii, 11, 14 Bittern, Australian, xxxiii, 23, 249 Black, xxxiii. 22. 249 Black-backed, xxxiii, 23, 249 Brown, xxxiii, 23, 249 Green-backed, xxxiii, 20, 248 Lillie, xxxiii, 18, 247 Little Mangrove, xxxiii, 20, 248 Mangrove, xxxiii, 20, 248 Minute, xxxiii, 18, 247 Red Mangrove, xxxiii, 21, 248 Yellow-necked, xxxiii, 22, 249 Yellow-necked Mangrove, xxxiii, 22, 249 Diziura lobata, xxxiii, 17, 247 Black bird, appendix, 3, 291 Blackcap, xv, 16, 105 Black-throat, xxviii, 15, 201 Blcater, xxxi, 13, 223 Blight-bird, xv, 3, 101 Blood-bird, xv, 6, 101 Blue Bonnet, xxi, 7, 145; xxvl, I. 182 Little, xxi, 6, 144 Blue Cap, xxvi, 1, 182 Blue-bird, xi, 18, 78 Blue-eye, xii, 4, 81 Blue Martin, xi, 18, 78 Booby, Blue-faced, xxxvi, 21, 285 Brown, xxxvi, 18, 284 Masked, xxxvi, 21, 285 Red-footed, xxxvi, 19, 284 Boomer, xxxiii, 23, 249 Bos’n-bird, Red-tailed, xxxvi, 12, 282 White-tailed, xxxvi, 13. 282 Dotaurus poiciloptilus, xxxiii, 23, 249 Bower-bird, Fawn-breasted, xviii, 11, 126 Golden, ii, 9, 12 Great, xviii, 12, 127 Newton’s, ii, 9, 13 Regent, ii, 8, 12 Satin, ii, 13, 14 Spotted, xviii, 9, 126 Tooth-billed, iii, 11, 20 Western, xviii, 10, 126 Brain-fever Bird, xi, 8, 75 Bristle-bird, Eastern, xxv, 21, 180 Long-billed, xxv, 22, 180 Rufous, xxv, 23, 181 Western, xxv, 22, 180 Brolga, t, 7, 5 Bronze Cuckoo, Broad-billed, x, 28, 71 Golden, x, 28, 70 Horsefield, x, 25, 70 Little, x, 26, 70 Narrow-billed, x, 25, 70 Rufous-breasted, x, 24, 69 Shining, x, 27, 70 Bronze-wing, Crested, xiii, 8, 88 Harlequin, xiii, 11, 89 Partridge, xiii, 9, 88 Plumed, xiii, 4, 87 Rust-coloured, xiii, 5, 87 Smith’s Partridge, xiii, 10, 89 Bronze-wing Pigeon, xii, 13, 90 Brush, xiii, 12, 90 Brownhead, xxxiii, 1, 241 Brownie, iii, 15, 21 Brush Bronze-wing Pigeon, xiii, 12, 90 Brush Turkey, vi, 3, 38 Bubbly Mary, iii, 13, 20 Budgerygah, xxii, 17, 155 Bulbul, Red-vented, appendix, 2, 291 Red-whiskcrcd, appendix, 2, 291 Bull-bird, xxxiii, 23, 249 Bulla-Bulla, xxi, 18, 148 Bullfinch, xxviii, 12, 200 Buln Buin, xxi, 18, 148 Bumps, xix, 16, 133 Ihirlnnus magmrostris, ix, 12, 61 Bush Marlin, xi, 18, 78 Bush-hen, xxxi, 9, 222 Bush-lark, Cinnamon, xxvii, 9, 191 Horsficld, xxvii, 10, 191 Bush-warbler, Brown, xvi, 4, 109 White-throated, xvi, 3, 109 Bushman’s Clock, ix, 9, 59 Bustard, i, 5, 4 Butcher-bird, Black, xxiii, 18, 162 Black-backed, viii, 4, 51 Black-throated, viii, 5. 51 Collared, viii, 3, 51 Grey, viii, 3, 50 Pied, viii, 5, 51 Silver-backed, viii, 2, 50 Butondes rogersi, xxxiii, 21, 248 striata, xxxiii, 20, 248 Buzzard, Black-breasted, xxx, 2, 212 Rufous-bellied, xxix, 12, 210 C. Cackler, xviii, 5, 124 Cacomantis caslaueivenlris, x, 23, 69 pabelliformis, x, 22, 69 pyrrliophatius, iv, 2, 23 Calamatithus campcstris, xxv, 10, 177 fuhgtnosus, xxv, 8, 176 isabellinus, xxv, 11, 177 montauellus, xxv, 9, 177 Calico-bird, xxxiv, 29, 264 Calidris canutus, xxxiv, 1, 253 tenuirostris, xxxiv, 2, 253 Callacephalon pmbriatum, xx, IS, 140 Calyplorltynchus banksi, xx, 16, 141 banditti, xx, 17, 141 Junereus, xx, 15, 140 latliami, xx, 14, 140 Canary, Australian, xiv, 13, 96 Bush, xvi, 3, 109 Native, xvi, 3, 109 Queensland, xxiii, 4, 158 Saltbush, xix, 18, 134 Canary Parrot, xxii, 17, 155 Cape Sheep, xxxvi, 4, 279 Caftrimulgus mac rums, vii, 23, 49 Carduelis cardue.lis, appendix, 7, 292 Carterornts leucolis, iv, 10, 26 Cartwheel-bird, xxv, 23, 181 Casarca tadornoides, xxxiii, 14, 246 Cassowary, i, 3, 4 Casuarius casuarius, i, 3, 4 Cat-bird, xviii, 5, 124; 6. 125 Green, iii, 10, 19 Spotted, iii, 9, 19 Cataract-bird, vii, 14, 45 Caterpillar-eater, Jardinc, xl, 4, 73 Pied, xi, 3, 73 Whitc-cycbrowcd, xi, 3, 73 White-shouldered, xi, 2, 72 Caiharacta lotmbergi, xxxvi, 16, 283 Cave-bird, vii, 14, 45 Cayleyna pitta, xxviii, 4, 197 Centropus phasianinus, xxxiii, 24, 250 INDEX *99 Cereopsis nova-hollandiee, i, 4, 4 Certliionyx variegatus, xxiv, 9, 169 Chalcites basalis, x, 25, 70 Chalcophaps chrysochlora, iii, 4, 17 Charadrius bicinclus, xxxiv, 8, 255 cucullatus, xxxiv, 9, 256 leschenaulti, xxxiv, 5, 254 melanops, xxxiv, 4, 254 mongoUts, xxxiv, 7, 255 ruficapillus, xxxiv, 3, 154 veredus , xxxiv, 6, 255 Chat, Crimson, xix, 17, 134 Desert, xix, 20, 135 Orange, xix, 18, 134 Orange fronted, xix, 18, 134 Tricoloured, xix, 17, 134 White-fronted, xix, 16, 133 Yellow, xix, 19, 134 Yellow-breasted, xix, 19, 134 Chatterer, xviii, 5, 124; 8, 125 Rufous-breasted, xviii, 6, 125 White-eyebrowed, xviii, 7, 125 Chenonetta jubata, xxxiii, 8, 243 Chenopis ash ala, i, 8, 5 Cheratmrca leucosterna, xxvii, 8, 190 Cherry-eater, xii, 5, 81 Cherry-hawk, ix, 1, 57 Chibia bracteata, ii, 10, 13 Chick-chock, xxiv, 14, 171 Chicken. Mother Carey’s, xxxv, 1, 264; 2, 264; 3. 265; 4. 265 Chickoowce, xiv, 13, 96 Chickup, xiv, II, 95 Chinin-chinin, xvii, 15, 122 Chlatnydera cerviniventris, xviii, 11, 126 guttata, xviii, 10, 126 maculata, xviii, 9. 125 nuchal is, xviii, 12, 127 Chlidonias leucopareia, xxxl, 27, 228 leucoptera, xxxi, 26, 228 Chloris chloris, appendix, 6, 292 Chough, White-winged, viii, 9, 53 Chowchilla, vii, 11, 44 Christ-bird, xxxi, 12, 223 Chlhonicola sagittala, xix, 21, 135 Cicada-bird, xi, 4, 73 Cinclorhatnphus cruralis, xxvii, 19, 194 mathewsi, xi, 20, 79 Cinclosoma aluteri, vii, 1, 41 castancothorax, vii, 4, 42 castanolum, vii, 3, 41 cinnamotncum, vii, 2, 41 punctatum, vii, 5, 42 Circus approximate, xxix, 14, 210 assimilis, xxix, 13. 210 Cisticola exilis, xxviii, 20, 202 Cladorhyuchus leucocephalus, xxxi, 21, 226 Climacleris aliens, xvii, 13, 121 erythrops, xvii, 12, 121 leucophtra, xvii, 10, 120 melauota, xvii, 9, 120 melanura, xvii, 14, 122 minor, xvii, II, 121 picumnus, xvii, 7, 119 rufa, xvii, 8, 120 wellsi, xvii, 15, 122 Clipper, xix, 16, 133 Coachman, Flying, xiv, 16, 97 Coach whip-bird, iv, 18, 28; 22, 30 Black-throated, iv, 23, 30 Cobbler, xxxi, 22, 226 Cobbler's Awl, xv, 14, 104; xxxi, 22, 226 Cockatiel, xxi, 8, 145 Cockatoo, Banksian Black, xx, 16, 141 Banks’s Black, xx, 16, 141 Bare-eyed, xx. 9, 139 Baudin’s Black, xx, 17, 141 Black, xx, 15, 140 Blood-stained, xx, 9. 139 Cape York, xx, 18, 142 Funereal Black, xx, 15, 140 Gang-gang, xx, 13, 140 Glossy Black, xx, 14, 140 Great Palm, xx, 18, 142 Leach’s Black, xx, 14, 140 Leadbeatcr’s, xx, 12, 139 Long-billed, xx, 10, 139 Palm, xx, 18, 141 Pink, xx. 12, 139 Red-crowned, xx, 13, 140 Red headed, xx, 13, 140 Red-tailed Black, xx, 16, 141 Rose-breasted, xx, 8, 138 Sulphur-crested, xx, II, 139 White, xx, II, 139 White-tailed Black, xx, 17, 141 Yellow-tailed Black, xx, 15, 140 Cockatoo Parrot, xxi, 8, 145 Cocktail, xxvi, I, 182 Cod I in-moth-eater, xviii, 5, 124 Collocalia francica, xxvii, 3, 189 Colluricincla boiveri, iv, 21. 29 brunnea, x, 14, 66 harmonica, x, 13, 66 megarhyncha, iv, 20, 29 parrula, x, 15, 66 rufiventris, 10, 16, 67 tvoodwardi, x, 17, 67 Coltimba tiorjolciensis, iii, 14, 21 Conopophila albogularis, xxiii, 7, 159 rufogularis, xv, 12, 103 Cooec-bird, ii, 12, 14 Cookay-cock, xxiv, 19, 173 Coot, xxxii, 7, 232 Coracina gascoynemis, ix, 5, 58 hypoleuca, ix, 2, 57 lineata, ix, 6, 58 novec-hollandia, ix, 1, 57 papuensis, ix, 4, 58 robusta, ix, 3, 58 Corcorax melanorhatnphus, viH, 9, 53 Corella, xx, 10, 139 Corella, Little, xx, 9, 138 Cormorant, Black, xxxii, 22, 238 Little Black, xxxii, 23, 239 Little Pied, xxxii, 26, 239 Pied, xxxii, 25, 239 White-breasted, xxxii, 24, 239 Corn Crake, xxvii, 19, 194 Corn-bird, xxviii, 20, 202 Corvus bennetti, viii, 17, 56 ceciltz, viii, 18, 56 coronoides, viii, 16, 55 Coturnix pcctoralis, xxvii, 17, 194 Coucal, xxxiii, 24, 250 Pheasant, xxxiii, 24, 250 Cracticus argenteus, viii, 2, 50 mentalis, viii, 4, 51 nigrogularis, viii, 5, 51 quoyi, xxiii, 18, 162 torquatus, viii, 3, 50 Crake, Corn, xxvii, 19, 194; xxxi, 8, 221 Leaden, xxxi, 5, 220 Little, xxxi, 4, 220 3°° THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA Crake ( continued ) Marsh, xxxi, 4, 220 Spotless, xxxi, 5, 220 Spotted, xxxi, 3, 219 - Tabuan, xxxi, 5, 220 Water, xxxi, 3, 219 White-browed, xxiii, 19, 163 Crane, Australian, i, 7, 5 Blue, xxxii, 19, 237 Nankeen, xxxiii, 19, 248 White, xxxii. 17, 236; 18, 237 White-necked, xxxii, 20, 237 Cranky Fan, x, 19, 68 Crocethia alba , xxxiv, 17, 259 Crow, viii, 18, 56 Hazel-eyed, viii, 18, 56 Little, viii, 17, 56 Singing White, viii, 8, 52 Small-billed, viii, 17, 56 Crow-shrike, black-throated, viii, 5, 51 Collared, viii, 3, 51 Grey, viii, 13, 54 Hill, viii, 12, 54 Pied, viii, 14, 55 Piping, viii, 8, 52 Sooty, viii, 11, 54 Varied, viii, 8, 52 Cuckoo, Ash coloured, x, 22, 69 Black-eared, xi, 7, 74 Broad-billed Bronze, x, 28, 71 Brush, iv, 2, 23 Channel-billed, ix, II, 60 Chestnut-breasted, x, 23, 69 Fan-tailed, x, 22, 69 Flinders, ii. 12, 14 Giant, ix, 11, 60 Golden Bronze, x, 28, 70 llorsficld Bronze, x, 25, 70 Little Bronze, x, 26, 70 Narrow-billed Bronze, x, 25, 70 Oriental, xi, 9, 75 Pallid, xi, 8, 75 Rufous-breasted Bronze, x, 24, 69 Shining Bronze, x, 27, 70 Square-tailed, iv, 2, 23 Storm, ix, 11, 60 Cuckoo-shrike, Barred, ix, 6, 58 Black-faced, ix, 1, 57 Gascoyne, ix, 5, 58 Ground, ix, 7, 59 Little, ix, 3, 58 Papuan, ix 4, 58 White-breasted, ix, 2, 57 Cuculus oplains, xi, 9, 75 pallidus, xi, 8, 75 Curlew, ix, 12, 61; xxxiv, 25, 262 Australian, xxxiv, 25, 262 Beach Stone, xxxiv, 30, 264 Black, xxxii, 10, 234 Jack, xxxiv, 26, 262 Pygmy, xxxiv, 19, 260 Scrub, ix, 12, 61 Sea, xxxiv, 25, 262 Stone, ix, 12, 61 Curlew-sandpiper, xxxiv, 19. 260 Curlew-stint, xxxiv, 19, 260 Curlew-whelp, xxxiv, 25, 262 Curley-sandpiper, xxxiv, 19, 260 Currawong, Black, viii, 11, 54 Black-winged, viii, 10, 53 Brown, viii, 15, 55 Clinking, viii, 12, 54 Currawong ( continued) Grey, viii, 13, 54 Pied, viii, 14, 55 Cut throat, iv, 18, 28 Cyrtostomus frenatus, xv, 1, 100 D. Dabchick, xxxi, 16, 224; 17. 225 Dacelo, gigas, ix, 9, 59 leachi, ix, 8, 59 Dairy-bird, xiv, 18, 98 Daption capcme, xxxv, II, 268 Darter, xxxii, 9, 233 Snake-necked, xxxii, 9, 233 Dasyoruis brachypterus, xxv, 21, 180 broad bent i, xxv, 23, 181 lougiroslris, xxv, 22, 180 Demigretla sacra, xxxv, 32, 277 Dcndrocygna arcuata, xxxiii, II, 244 eylom, xxxiii, 12, 245 Desert-bird, 25, 2, 174 Devil-bird, ii, 2, 9; x, 19, 68 Diamond, Ground, xvi, 22, 115 Diamond-bird, xvi, 22, 115 Golden-nimped, xvi, 23, 115 Striated, 16, 24, 116 Diamond-dove, xiii, 2, 86 Dicaeum hirundinaceurn, xvi, 10, 111 Diomedea caula, xxxvi, 9, 280 chionoplera, xxxvi, 5, 279 chlororhyncha, xxxvi, 7, 280 chrysoslorna, xxxvi, 8, 280 exulans, xxxvi, 4, 279 melanaphris, xxxvi, 6, 279 Dishwater, x, 20, 68 Diver, xxxii, 9, 233 Whitc-bcllicd, xxxi, 16, 225 Dog-bird, xviil, 5, 124 Dollarbird, xi, 13, 77 Donacola castancotborax, xxviii, 12, 199 flaviprymna, xxviii, 10, 199 pectoralis, xxviii, 11, 199 Doo-doo, xiii, 1, 86 Dotterel, xix, 16, 133 Australian, xxxi, 11, 222 Black-fronted, xxxiv, 4, 254 Double-banded, xxxiv, 8, 255 Hooded, xxxiv, 9, 256 Large Sand, xxxiv, 5, 254 Mongolian Sand, xxxiv, 7, 255 Oriental, xxxiv, 6, 255 Red-capped, xxxiv, 3, 254 Red-kneed, xxxiv, 10, 256 Sea, xxxiv, 29, 264 Dotterel Quail, xxvii, 14, 193 Double-bar, xxviii, 2, 196 Black-rumped, xxviii, 1, 196 White-rutnpcd, xxviii, 2, 196 Dove, Bar-shouldered, xiii, 3, 86 Barred-shouldered, xiii, 3, 86 Diamond, xiii, 2, 86 Ground, vii, 5, 42; xiii, 1, 86 Indian Turtle, appendix, 1, 291 Little, xiii, 2. 86 Mangrove, xiii, 3, 86 Peaceful, xiii, 1, 86 Pink-headed, iii, 3, 16 Red-eyed. xiii. 2, 86 Spotted, appendix, 1, 291 Turtle, xiii, 2, 86 Dove-petrel, xxxv, 13, 268; 14, 268 Dove-prion, xxxv, 15, 269 Dragoon bird, vii, 7, 43 INDEX 3 01 Dromaius novce-hollandice, i, 9, 6 Drongo, Spangled, ii, 10, 13 Drymodes brunneopygia, vii, 17, 47 superciliaris, vii, 18, 47 Dryweathcr-bird, xxxii, 12, 234 Duck, Australian Wild, xxxiii, 15, 246 Black, xxxiii, 15, 246 Blue-billed, xxxiii, 5, 242 Brown, xxxiii, 15, 246 Burdckin, xxxiii, 13, 245 Diving, xxxiii, 5, 242 Eyton’s Tree, xxxiii, 12, 245 Freckled, xxxiii, 9, 244 Grey, xxxiii, 15, 216 Little Musk, xxxiii, 5, 242 Mangrove, xxxiii, 13, 245 Monkey, xxxiii, 9, 244 Mountain, xxxiii, 14, 246 Musk, xxxiii, 17, 247 Pink-eared, xxxiii, 10, 244 Pink-eyed, xxxiii, 10, 244 Plumed Tree, xxxiii, 12. 245 Plumed Whistling, xxxiii, 12, 245 Speckled, xxxiii, 9, 244 Spiny-tailed, xxxiii, 5, 242 Spoonbill, xxxiii, 16, 247 Stid-tailed, xxxiii, 5, 242 Tree, xxxiii, 11, 245 Whistling, xxxiii, 11, 245 Whistling Tree, xxxiii, 11, 244 White-eyed, xxxiii, 1, 241 White-winged, xxxiii, 1, 241 Wood, xxxiii, 8, 243 Zebra, xxxiii, 10, 244 Duck-hawk, xxix, 3, 207 Dunlin, Little, xxxiv, 18, 259 Dupetor flavicollis, xxxiii, 22, 249 Dyke, Diamond, xvi, 22, 115 Ground, xvi, 22, 115 E. Eagle, Little, xxx, 8, 215 Red-backed Sea, xxx, 6, 214 Rufous-backed Sea, xxx, 6, 214 Wedge-tailed, xxx, 9, 215 Whistling, xxx, 7, 214 White-bellied Sea, xxx, 10, 216 White-breasted Sea, xxx, 10, 215 White-headed Sea, xxx, 6, 214 Eagle-hawk, xxx, 9, 215 Echong, xi, 1, 72 Edoliisoma tenuiroslre, xi, 4, 73 Egg-bird, xxxv, 24, 273 Egret, xxxii, 18, 237 Great, xxxii, 18, 237 Lesser, xxxii, 16, 236 Little, xxxii, 16, 236 Plumed, xxxii, 17, 236 Spotless, xxxii, 16, 236 Egretta alba, xxxii, 18, 237 garzetta, xxxii, 16, 236 intermedia, xxxii, 17, 236 Elanus axillaris, xxix, 8, 208 scriptus, xxix, 9, 209 Emu, i, 9, 6 Emu Wren, xxv, 3, 175 Mallee, xxv, 4, 175 Rufous-crowned, xxv, 5, 175 Entomyzon cyanotis, xii, 4, 81 Eopsaltria australis , x, 4, 63 capita, iv, 16, 27 chrysorrhoa, iv, 15, 27 Eopsaltria australis ( continued) griseogularis, x, 6, 63 kempi, x, 5, 63 leucops, iv, 17, 28 Epthianura albifrons, xix, 16, 133 aurifrons, xix, 18, 134 crocea, xix, 19, 134 tricolor, xix, 17, 134 Eremiornis carteri, xxv, 2, 174 Erolia acuminata, xxxiv, 20, 260 ruficollis, xxxiv, 18, 259 testacea, xxxiv, 19, 260 Erythrogonys cinclus, xxxiv, 10, 256 Erythrotriorchis radiatus, xxix, 12, 210 Erythura trichroa, xxviii, 7, 198 Eudynamys orientalis, ii, 12, 14 Eudyptes cristatus, xxxvi, 1, 278 pachyrhynchus, xxxvi, 2, 278 Eudyptula minor, xxxvi, 3, 278 Eulabeornis caslaneoventris, xxxii, 4, 231 Eupodolis, australis, i, 5, 4 Eurostopodus guttatus, vii, 22, 48 mystacalis, vii, 21, 48 Eurystomus orientalis, xi, 13, 76 Excalfactoria chinensis, xxviii, 26, 204 F. Falco berigora, xxix, 7, 208 cenchroides, xxix, 1, 206 hypoleucus, xxix, 4, 207 longipennis, xxix, 3, 207 peregrinus, xxix, 5, 207 subniger, xxix, 6, 208 Falcon, Black, xxix, 6, 208 Black-cheeked, xxix, 4, 207 Grey, xxix, 4, 207 Little, xxix, 3, 207 Peregrine, xxix, 5, 207 White-fronted, xxix, 3, 207 Falcon-shrike, x, 11, 65 Falcunculus frontatus, x, II, 65 leucogaster, x, 12, 65 whitei, x, 10, 65 Fantail, Black-and-white, x, 21, 68 Grey, x, 19, 67 Northern, x, 18, 67 Rufous, iv, 3, 23 White-shafted, x, 19, 68 Fantail-warblcr, xxviii, 20, 202 Golden-headed, xxviii, 20, 202 Farmer's Friend, xxxii, 12, 234 Fig-bird, iii, 7, 18 Yellow, iii, 8, 18 Yellow-breasted, iii, 8, 18 Finch, Banded, xxviii, 2, 196 Beautiful Firetail, xxiv, 10, 170 Bicheno’s, xxviii, 2, 196 Black-ringed, xxviii, 1, 196 Black-rumped, xxviii, 16, 201 Black-tailed, xxviii, 16, 201 Black-throated, xxviii, 15, 201 Blood, xxviii, 18, 201 Blue-faced, xxviii, 7, 198 Cherry, xxviii, 8, 198 Chestnut, xxviii, 12, 200 Chestnut-breasted, xxviii, 12, 199 Chestnut-eared, xxviii, 3, 196 Crimson, xxviii, 18, 201 Diadem, xxviii, 8, 198 Diggles’, xxviii, 16, 201 Firetail, xxiv, 10, 170 Gouldian, xxviii, 13, 200 V THE BIRDS OP AUSTRALIA joii Finch ( continued) Long-tailed, xxviii, 17, 201 Long-tailed Grass, xxviii, 17, 201 Masked, xxviii, 14, 200 Modest, xxviii, 8, 198 Owl-faced, xxviii, 2, 19G Painted, xxviii, 4, 197; 13, 200 Pale Crimson, xxviii, 19, 202 Parson, xxviii, 15, 201 Pictorclla, xxviii, 11, 199 Plain-coloured, xxviii, 8, 198 Plum-headed, xxviii, 8, 198 Purple-breasted, xxviii, 13, 200 Red-browed, xxviii, 5, 197 Red-eared, xxiv, II, 170 Red-eared Firctail, xxiv, II, 170 Red-faced, xxviii, 0, 198 Red-tailed, xxviii, 6, 198 Spotted-sided, xxviii, 9, 199 Star, xxviii, 6, 19S Temporal, xxviii, 5, 197 Thistle, appendix, 7, 292 Tricoloured Parrot, xxviii, 7, 198 White-bellied Crimson, xxviii, 19, 202 White-breasted, xxviii, 11, 199 White-rurnped Banded, xxviii, 2, 19G Ycllow-ruinpcd, xxviii, 10, 199 Yellow-tailed, xxviii, 10, 199 Zebra, xxiv, II, 170; xxviii, 3, 196 Firctail, Diamond, xxviii, 9, 199 Flock-pigeon, iii, 12, 20 Flood-bird, ix, II, GO; xxiii, I, 157 Flowerpccker, xvi, 10, 111 Flute-bird, viii, 8, 52 Flycatcher, Black-breasted, iv, 5. 24 Black-faced, iv, 7. 25 Black-fronted, iv, 9, 25 Boat-billed, iv, 4, 24 Broad-billed, xxiii, 10, 160 Brown, x, 7, 64 Brown-tailed, x, 9, 64 Carinated, iv, 7. 25 Frill-necked, iv. 6, 25 Kaup's, iv, 5, 24 Leaden, xi, 5, 73 Lemon-breasted, x, 8, 64 Pearly, iv, 8, 25 Pied, iv, 5, 24 Restless, x, 20, 68 Satin, xi, 6, 74 Shining, xi, 6, 74; xxiii, 15, 161 Spectacled, iv, 9. 25 White-eared, iv, 10, 26 Whitc-Iored, iv, 66, 25 White-shafted, x. 19, 68 Fly-eater, Brown, xvi, 4, 109 Green-backed, xxiii, 2, 157 Large-billed, xxiii, 1, 157 Queensland, xvi, 6, 110 Singing, xxiii, 4, 158 White-throated, xvi, 3, 109 Four-o'-clock, xii. 13. 84 Fowl, Jungle, vi, 5, 39 Mallee, vi, 4, 39 Scrub, vi, 5, 39 Fregata minor, xxxvi, 14, 282 oriel, xxxvi, 15, 283 Fregetta tropica, xxxv, 4, 266 Friar-bird, Hclmetcd, xii, 12, 83 Little, xii, II, 83 Melville Island, xii, 10, 83 Noisy, xii, 13, 84 Silver-crowned, xii, 9, 83 Yellow-throated, xii, 11, 83 Frigate-bird, Great, xxxvi, 14, 282 Greater, xxxvi, 14, 282 Lesser, xxxvi, 15, 283 Frog-bird, x, 21, 68 Frogmouth, Large, v, 11, 34 Marbled, v, 8, 33 Papuan, v, 11, 34 Plumed, v, 9, 33; II, 34 Tawny, v, 10, 33 Tawny-shouldered, v, 10, 33 Fruit-pigeon, Magnificent, iii, 13, 20 Superb, iii, 2, 16 Swainson's, iii, 3, 16 Fulica atra, xxxii, 7, 232 Fulmar, Giant, xxxvi, 28, 287 G. Gabianus pacificus, xxxvi, 29, 288 Galah, xx, 8. 138; 13, 140 Gallinaga hardwicki, xxxi, 13, 223 megala, xxxi, 14, 224 Gallinula tenebrosa, xxxii, 3, 231 Gallinuie, Azure-breasted, xxxii, 6, 232 Black, xxxii, 3, 231 Black-tailed, xxxii, I, 230 Purple, xxxii, 5, 231 Gannct, Australian, xxxvi, 20, 285 Brown, xxxvi, 18, 284 Masked, xxxvi, 21, 285 Red-footed, xxxvi, 19, 284 Red-legged, xxxvi, 19, 284 Gar, xix, IG, .133 Garrodia nereis, xxxv, 2, 265 Gaunt, xxxii. 8, 233 Geloclielidon nilotica, xxxi, 28, 229 GeotJroyus geofjroyi, xx, 1, 136 Geopclia enneala, xiii, 2, 86 humeralis xiii, 3, 86 placida, xiii, I, 8G Geo pi i a pi scripla. xiii, 9. 88 smilhi, xiii, 10, 89 Geopsittacus occidentalis, xxii, 20, 156 Gerygone cantator , xxiii, 4. 158 chloronola, xxiii, 2, 157 flavida, xvi, 5, 109 fusca, xvi, 9, 111 levigasler, xvi, 7. 110 maguirostris, xxiii, 1, 157 mouki, xvi, 6, 110 olivacea, xvi, 3, 109 palpebrosa, xvi, 8, 110 richmondi, xvi, 4, 109 tenebrosa, xxiii, 3, 157 Gibber-bird, xix, 20, 135 Gill-bird, xii, 14, 84 Mock, xxiv, 19, 173 Glareola maldivarum, xxxiv, 11, 257 Gliciphila albifrons, xxiv, 16, 172 fasciata, xv, II, 103 indistincta, xxiv, 8, 169 melanops, xxiv, 15, 172 modesta. xxiii, 6, 158 Glossopiitla concinna, xxii, 12, 153 porphyrocephala, xxii, II, 153 pusilla, xxii, 10, 153 Glutton, xxxvi, 28, 287 Glycichtera claudi, xv, 10, 103 Gnow, vi, 4, 39 Go-away, xviii, 7, 125 Goatsucker, Banded, v# 7, 33 Crested, v, 7, 33 INDEX 3°3 Godwit, Bar tailed, xxxiv, 23. 261 Barred-rumped, xxxiv, 23, 261 Black-tailed, xxxiv, 24, 262 Pacific, xxxiv, 23, 261 Goldfinch, appendix, 7, 292 Goose, Black-and-white, i, 1, 3 Cape Barren, i, 4, 4 Carr, xxxii, 8, 233 Green Pygmy, xxxiii, 7, 243 Magpie, i, 1, 3 Maned, xxxiii, 8, 243 Mother Carey’s, xxxvi, 28, 287 Mould, xxxiii, 17, 247 Pied, i, 1, 3 Pig, i, 4, 4 Scinipal mated, i, 1, 3 White-quilled Pygmy, xxxiii, 6, 243 Goose-teal, Green, xxxiii, 7, 243 White-quilled, xxxiii, 6, 243 Goshawk, xxix, 11, 209 Grey, xxix, 10, 209 Red, xxix, 12, 210 Grallma cyanoleuca, viii, 1, 50 Granliella picta, xiv, 15, 96 Grape-eater, xv, 3, 101 Grass-bird. Little, xxviii, 21, 202 Tawny, xxviii, 22, 203 Grass-parrot, xxii, 3, 151 Beautiful, xxii, 6, 152 Blue-bamlcd, xxii, 1, 150 Bourkc's xxii, 5. 151 Chestnut-shouldered, .xii, 6, 152 Chestnut-winged, xxii, 6, 152 Elegant, xxii, 3, 151 Orange-bellied, xxii, 2, 150 Orange-Uiroaled, xxii, 7, 152 Splendid, xxii, 7, 152 Warbling, xii, 17, 155 Grasshopper Hawk, xi, 8, 75 Graucalus, Varied, ix, 3, 58 Grebe, Black-throated, xxxi, 16, 225 Crested, xxxu, 8, 233 Great Crested, xxxii, 8, 233 Hoary-headed, xxxi, 17, 225 Little, xxxi, 16, 224 Tippet, xxxii, 8, 233 Red-necked, xxxi, 16, 225 Grccnhnch, appendix, J 0, 292 G rctme, xiv, 13, 96 Grccnsliank, xxxiv, 15, 258 Little, xxxi, 19, 225 Grey Jumper, ix, 10, 60 Grinder, x, 20, 68 Ground-bird, Black-breasted, vii, 1, 4i Chestnut-backed, vii, 3, 42 Cinnamon, vii 2, 41 Spotted, vii, 5, 42 Ground-dove, xiii, 1, 86 Ground-lark, xxvii, 11, 191 Gull, Crimson-billed, xxxv, 29, 275 Jameson, xxxv, 29, 275 Mackerel, xxxv, 29, 27 Pacific, xxxvi, 29, 288 Paiasiic, xxxvi, 17, 284 Red-legged, xxxv, 29, 275 Robber, xxxvi, 16, 283; 17, 284 Silver, xxxv, 29, 275 Gymnorhina dorsalis, viii, 6, 52 hypolcuca, viii, 7, 52 tibiccn , viii, 8, 52 H. Hamatopus ostralegus, xxxv, 30, 276 unicolor, xxxv, 31, 276 Halcyon chloris, xxiii, 17, 162 macleayi, xi, 11, 76 pyrrhopygius, xi, 12, 76 sanctus, xi, 10, 75 Haliteelus leucogasler , xxx, 10, 215 Haliastur indus, xxx, 6, 214 sphenurus, xxx, 7, 214 Halobana carulea, xxxv, 12, 268 Hamirostra mclanostcrna , xxx, 2, 21? Happy Family, xviii, 5, 124 Happy Jack, xviii, 5, 124 Harbingcr-of-Spring, xi, 8, 75 Hardhead, xxxiii, 1, 241 Harrier, Allied, xxix, 14, 210 Gould’s, xxix, 14, 210 Jarditie’s, xxix, 13, 210 Spotted, xxix, 13, 210 Swamp, xxix, 14, 210 Harvest-bird, xxvii, 19, 194 Hawk, Blue, xxix, 4, 207 Brown, xxix, 7, 208 Cackling, xxix, 7, 208 Chicken, xxix, 2, 206; 11, 209 Collared Sparrow, xxix, 2, 206 Crested, xxx, 1, 212 Duck, xxix, 3, 207 Eagle, xxx, 9, 215 Fig, ix, 11, 60 Fish, xxx, 3, 213 Grasshopper, xi, 8, 75 Man-o'-war, xxxvi, 14, 282; 15, 283 Mosquito, xxix, 1, 206 Moth, vii, 21, 48 Night, vii, 21, 48 Rufous-backed Fish, xxx, 6, 214 Salmon, xxx, 6, 214 Sea, xxxvi, 14, 282; 15, 283 Smoke, xxix, 4, 207 Sparrow, xxix, 1, 206; 2, 206 Spotted Swamp, xxix, 13, 210 Swamp, xxix, 14, 210 Wheat, xxix, 14, 210 Whistling, xxx, 7, 214 White-bellied Fish, xxx, 10, 216 Hen, Black-backed Water, xxxii, 5, 231 Black-tailed Native, xxxii, 1, 230 Black-tailed Water, xxxii, 1, 230 Black Moor, xxxii, 3, 231 Blue-breasted Swamp, xxxii, 6, 232 Bush, xxxi, 9, 222 Dusky Moor, xxxii, 3, 231 Eastern Swamp, xxxii, 5, 231 Macquarie, xxxii, 5, 231 Malice, vi, 4, 39 Native, xxxii, 2, 230 Purple Water, xxxii, 5, 231 Scrub, vi, 5 Swamp, xxxii, 1, 230 Tasmanian Water, xxxii, 2, 23 * Western Swamp, xxxii, 6, 232 Heron, Blue, xxxv, 32, 277 Great-billed, xxxii, 15, 235 Mangrove, xxxiii, 20, 248 Nankeen Night, xxxiii, 19, 248 Pacific, xxxii, 20, 237 Pied, xxxii, 21, 238 Reef, xxxv, 32, 277 Sacred, xxxv, 32, 277 White, xxxv, 32, 277 3°4 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA Heron ( continued) White-faced, xxxii, 19. 237 White-fronted, xxxii, 19, 237 White-necked, xxxii, 20, 237 Hcteromyias cineifrons, iv, 12, 26 Hieraaetus morphnoides, xxx, 8. 215 liimantapus leucocc phalus , xxxi, 20, 226 Hirundapus caudacutus, xxvii, 5, 189 Hirundo ncoxena, xxvii, 7, 190 HiUriophaf^s histrionica, xiii, 11, 89 Hobby, Australian, xxix, 3, 207 Honey-cater, Banded, xv, 8, 102 Black, xv, 9, 102 - Black-chinned, xv, 18, 106 v Black-hcaded, xv, 22, 107 Blue-faced, xii, 4, 81 Bridled, xiv, 19, 98 Brown, xxiv, 8, 169 Brow it-backed, xxiii, 6, 158 Brown-headed, xv, 21, 106 Bull-backed, xv, 10, 103 Cockerel, xiv, 3, 92 " Crescent, xxiv, 14, 171 Dusky, xxiii, 5, 158 Egypt, xxiv, 14, 171 Fulvous-frontcd, xxiv, 15, 172 Fuscous, xiv, 9, 94 Garrulous, xii, 5, 81 Golden-backed, xv, 19, 106 Graceful, xiv, 4, 93 Green-backed, xv, 10, 103 Grey, xv, 13, 104 Giey-headed, xiv, 8, 94 Helmctcd, xiv, 20, 98 Horseshoe, xxiv, 14, 171 Inconspicuous, xv, 13, 104 Island, xxiii, 9, 160 Heartland's, xiv, 8, 94 Lanccolated, xii, 3, 81 Least, xxiv, 8, 169 Lesser Lew in, xiv, 1, 92 Lewin, ii, 1, 9 Little Yellow-spotted, xiv, 4, 93 Lunulated, xv, 16, 105 Macleay, xiv, 5, 93 Mangrove, xxiii, 9, 159 Moustached, xxiv, 13, 171 New Holland, xxiv, 12, 170 Painted, xiv, 15, 96 Pied, xxiv, 9, 169 Plumed, xiv, 7, 94 Purple-gaped, xiv. 2, 92 Red-headed, xv, 7. 102 Red-throated, xv, 12, 104 Regent, xiv. 16. 97 Rufous-banded, xxiii, 7, 159 Rufous-throated, xv, 12, 103 Sanguineous, xv, 6, 101 Scaly-throated, xxiii, 9, 160 Scarlet, xv, 6, 101 Singing, xiv, 18, 98 Spine-billed, xv, 14, 104 Spiny-checked, xii, 2, 80 Streak-tiapcd, xii, 1, 80 Streaked, xii, I, 80 Striped, xii, 3, 80 Strong-billed, xv, 20, 106 Tasmanian, xxiv, 14, 171 Tawny-breasted, xii, 1, 80 Tawny-crowned, xxiv, 15, 172 Varied, xxiii, 8, 159 Warty-faced, xiv, 16, 97 Honey-eater ( continued) Wattle-cheeked, xiv, 2, 92 Wattled, xii. 14, 84 White-bearded, xxiv, 12, 170 White-breasted, xv, 11, 103 White-checked, xxiv. 13, 171 White-chinned, xv, 17, 105 White-cared, xxiv, 17, 172 White-fronted, xxiv, 16, 172 While-gaped, xii, 8, 82 White-lined, xiv, 6, 93 White-naped, xv, 16, 105 White-plumed, xiv, 13, 96 White-streaked, xiv, 3, 9^ While-striped, xiv, 6, 93 White-throated, xv, 17, 105 Yellow, xiv, 10, 95 Yellow-eared, ii, 1, 9 Yellow-faced, xiv, II, 95 Yellow-fronted, xiv, 7, 94 Yellow-plumed, xiv, 14, 96 Yellow-spotted, xiv, I, 92 Yellow-streaked, xiv, 5, 93 Yellow-throated, xxiv, 18, 173 Yellow-tinted, xiv, 12, 95 Yellow-tufted, xiv, 21, 99 Yellow-winged, xxiv, 12, 171 Hopper, xvlll, 5, 124 Hornbill, ix, II, 60 Humming-bird, xv, 14, 104 Ilydrnpmgnc ca\pia, xxxv, 17, 270 Hylacola caula, xxv, 7, 176 pyrrhopygia, xxv, 6, 175 Hyluchdidnn arid, xxvii, 6, 190 nigricans, xi, 19, 79 Hypoteenidia philippensis, xxxi, 8, 221 I. Ibis, Black-ncckcd, xxxii, II, 234 Glossy, xxxii, 233 Straw-necked, xxxii, 12, 234 White, xxxii, II, 234 Ice-bird, xxxv, 13, 269 Irediparra gallinacea, xxxi, 12, 223 IxovrycUus minutus , xxxiii, 18, 247 J. Jabiru, 1, 6, 5 J at ana, Comb-crcsted, xxxi, 12. 223 Jack, Speckled, xix, 21, 135 Jackass, Derwent, viii, 3, 51 Howling, ix, 8, 59 Laughing, ix, 9, 59 Tasmanian, viii, 3, 51 Whistling, viii, 3, 51 Jackass Penguin, Tufted, xxxvi, 1, 277 Jackdaw, viii, 9, 53 Jacky Winter, x, 7, 64 Jaeger, Long-tailed, xxxvi, 17, 284 Jardinc Calerpillar-calcr, xi, 4, 73 Jay, ix, I, 57 Black, viii. 9, 53; 11, 54; 12, 54 Blue, ix, I, 57 Lesser Blue, Ix, 3, 58 Jerryang, xxii, 10, 153 Jew-bird, xxiv, 12, 170 Jumper, xviii, 5, 124 Jungle Fowl, vi, 5, 39 INDEX 3°5 K. Kahu, xxix, 14, 210 Kakatoe galerita, xx, 11, 139 leadbealcri, xx, 12, 139 roseicapilla, xx, 8, 138 sanguinea, xx, 9, 138 tenuirostris, xx, 10, 139 Kangaroo-bird, xviit, 7, 125 Kaoriki, xxxiii, 18, 247 Karakahia, xxxiii, 1, 241 Keet, Green, xxii, 12, 153 Little, xxii, 10. 153 Purplc-crowncd, xxii, 11, 153 Kestrel, Nankeen, xxlx, 1, 206 King Parrot, xx, 6, 137; xxi, 21, 149 Kingfisher, xi, 14, 77 Azure, xxxi, 2. 219 Blue, xi, 11, 76; xxxi. 2, 219 Blue-winged, ix, 8, 59 Brown, ix, 9, 59 Bush, xi, 11, 76 Forest, xi, 10, 75; II, 76 Giant, ix, 9, 59 Golden, xi, 12, 76 Great, ix, 9, 59 Green, xi, 10, 75 Leach's, ix, 8, 59 Little, xxxi, 1, 219 Maclcay’s, xi. II, 76 Mangrove, xxiii, 17, 162 Red-backcd, xi, 12, 76 River, xxxi, 2, 219 Sacred, xi, 10. 75 Saw-billed, xxiii, 16, 162 Tree, xi. 10, 75 Water, xxxi, 2, 219 White-tailed, iv, 1, 23 Wood, xi, 10, 75 Yellow-billed, xxiii. 16, 162 Kite, Allied, xxx, 4, 213 Black, xxx, 4, 213 Black-shouldered, xxix, 8, 208 Fork-tailed, xxx, 4, 213 Letter-winged, xxix, 9, 209 Square-tailed, xxx, 5, 213 Knot, xxxiv, 1, 253 Great, xxxiv, 2. 253 Kocl, ii, 12. 14 Kookaburra, Blue-ramped, ix, 8, 59 Laughing, ix, 9, 59 Queensland, ix, 8, 59 Kuaka, xxxiv, 23, 261 Kuruwhengi, xxxiii, 16, 247 L. Lacuslroica whitei, xv, 13, 104 Lalage leucomela, xi, 3, 73 tricolor, xi, 2, 72 Lamprococcyx luciclus, x, 27, 70 minutillus, x, 26, 70 plagosus, x, 28, 70 russatus, x, 24, 69 Landrail, xxxi, 8. 221 Banded, xxxi, 8, 221 Buff-banded, xxxi, 8, 221 Lapwing, ix, 1, 57 Lark, Black-breasted, xxvii, 19, 194 Brown Song, xxvii, 19, 194 Cinnamon Bush, xxvii, 9, 191 Ground, xxvii, 11, 191 Horsficld Bush, xxvii, 10, 191 Lark ( continued ) Little Field, xix, 21. 135 Magpie, viii, 1, 50 Pcewee, xi, 2, 72 Rufous-rumped Singing, xi, 20, 79 Rufous Song, xi, 20, 79 Sand, xxxiv, 3, 254 Singing, xxvii, 19, 194 Sky, xi, 20, 79; xxvii, 10 , 191; 19, 194 Striated Reed, xxv, 8, 176 Larus nova-hollandiee, xxxv, 29, 275 Lathamus discolor, xxii, 18, 155 Leatherhead, ix, 1. 57; xii, 13, 84 Little, xii, 11. 83 Leek, Green, xx. 2. 136; xxii, 12, 153 Leipoa ocellala, vi, 4, 39 Leptolophus hollandicus, xxi, 8, 145 Letter-bird, xxxii, 12, 234 Leucosarcia melanoleuca, xiii, 14, 90 Leucotreron alligator, iii, 17, 22 Limicola falcinella, xxxiv, 28, 263 Limosa lapponica, xxxiv. 23. 261 limosa, xxxiv, 24, 262 Linnet, xiv, 13, 96 Green, appendix, 6. 292 Lobibyx miles, xxxi, 23, 227 nova ho Hand ia, xxxi, 24, 227 Log-runner, vii, 12, 45 Northern, vii, 11, 44 Spine-tailed, vii, 12, 45 Long-bill, xxxi, 13, 223 Longshanks, xxxi, 20, 226 Loon, xxxii, 8, 233 Lophoictina isura, xxx, 5, 213 Lopholaimus antarcticus, iii, 12, 20 Lophopliaps Jerruginea, xiii, 5, 87 plumifera , xiii, 4, 87 Lorikeet, Blue-bellied, xxii, 16, 154 Little, xxii, 10, 153 Musk, xxii, 12, 153 Purple-crowned, xxii, 11 , 153 Rainbow, xxii, 16, 154 Red-collared, xxii, 15, 154 Scaly-breasted, xxii, 14, 154 Swift-flying, xxii, 18, 155 Varied, xxii, 13, 154 Lorilet, Blue-browed, xxii, 8, 152 Blue-faced, xxii, 9, 152 Red-browed, xxii, 9, 153 Red-faced, xxii, 8, 152 Lorius pectoralis, xx, 7, 138 Lory King, xx, 6, 137 Red, xxi, 16, 147 Red-winged, xx, 5, 137 Swamp, xxi, 10, 146 Lotus-bird, xxxi, 12, 223 Love-bjrd, xxii, 17, 155 Lowan, vi, 4, 39 Lowry. Mountain, xxi, 16, 147 Lyre-bird, vi, 1, 37 Albert's, vi, 2, 38 No-thern, vi, 2, 38 Prince Albert’s, vi, 2, 38 Superb, vi, 1, 37 M. Machaerirhynchus flaviventer, iv, 4, 24 Macronectes giganteus, xxxvi, 28, 287 Macropygia phasianella, iii, 15, 21 Mad Fan, x, 19, 68 Magpie, Black, vi, 11, 54; viii, 9, 53; 14, 55 Black-backed, viii, 8, 52 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3°6 Magpie ( continued ) Bell, viii, 10, 53 Grey, viii, 13, 54 Little, viii, 1, 50 Mountain, vii, 12, 54 Murray, viii, 1, 50 Western, viii, 6, 52 White-backed, viii, 7, 52 Magpie-lark, viii, 1, 50 Major Mitchell, xx, 12, 139 Malacorhynchus membranaceus, xxxlu, 10, 244 Mai lee Fowl, vi, 4, 39 Malice Hen, vi, 4, 39 Malurus arnabilis, xxvi, 11, 186 assimilis, xxvi. 9, 185 callainus, xxvi, 3, 183 cyaneus , xxvi, 1, 182 cyanotus, xxvi, 6, 184 elegant, xxvi, 10, 185 lamberti, xxvi, 8, 184 leuconotus, xxvi, 7, 184 leucopterus, xxvi, 5, 183 melanoccphalus, xxvi, 13, 186 melanotus, xxvi, 2, 182 pulcherritnus, xxvi, 12, 186 splendent, xxvi, 4, 183 Man grove-dove, xiii. 3, 86 Manor ina melanophrys, xiv, 17, 97 Man-o’-war Bird, xxxvi, 4, 279 Manucodc. ii, 11, 14 Martin, xi. 17, 78; xxvii, 2, 188 Blue, xi, 18. 78 Bush, xi, 18, 78 Fairy, xxvii, 6, 190 Jacky, xxvii, 2, 188 Tree, xi, 19, 78 Maycock, xxxiv, 21, 260 May-fowl, xxxiv, 26, 262 Megaloprepia rnugnifica, iii, 13, 20 Megalornis rubicundus, i, 7, 5 Megabit us galactotes, xxviii, 22, 203 gtamineus, xxviii, 21, 202 Mcgapodius reimuardt, vi, 5, 39 Melanodryas cucullaia, x, 3, 62 Metiornis uiger, xxiv, 13. 171^ novte-hollandite, xxiv, 12, 170 Mehphaga albilmeata, xiv, 6, 93 analoga, xiv, I, 92 cassidix, xiv, 20, 98 chrysops, xiv, 11, 95 cralitia. xiv, 2, 92 fasciogutaris, xxiii, 9, 159 flava , xiv, 10, 95 flavetcent, xiv, 12, 95 flavicollis, xxiv, 18, 173 frenala, xiv. 19, 98 fusca, xiv, 9, 94 gracilis, xiv. 4, 93 keartlandi, xiv, 8, 94 leucolis, xxiv, 17, 172 leu/ini, ii, 1, 9 macteayana, xiv, 5, 93 melanops, xiv, 21, 99 omala, xiv, 14, 96 penicillala, xiv, 13, 96 plumula, xiv, 7, 94 versicolor, xxiii, 8, 159 vireseens, xiv, 18, 98 Melithreptus affinis, xv, 22, 107 albogularis , xv, 17, 105 bret'irostris, xv, 21, . gu laris, xv, 18, 106 laetior , xv, 19, 106 Melithreptus affinis ( continued) lunatus, xv, 16, 105 valdiriostris, xv, 20, 106 Melopsittacus undulatus, xxii, 17, 155 Menura, Albert, vi, 2, 38 Lyrctail, vi, 1, 37 Menura alberti, vi, 2, 38 novte'holland'ue, vi, 1, 37 Merops oruatus, xi, 14, 77 Mesoscolopax minutus, xxxiv, 27, 263 Micky, xii, 5, 81 Microcarbo melanoleucus, xxii, 26, 239 Micrtrca brunneicanda, x, 9, 64 fascinans, x, 7, 64 flavigaster, x, 8, 64 Micropus pad ficus, xxvii, 4, 189 Milvus migrant, xxx, 4, 213 Miner, Blackcd-hcaded, xii, 5, 81 Dusky, xii, 6, 82 Noisy, xii, 5, 81 Yellow-throated, xii, 7, 82 Mirajra lavanica, xxvii, 10, 191 woodwardi, xxvii, 9, 191 Mistletoe-bird, xvi, 10, 111 Mocker, xxiv, 19, 173 Mollymawk, xxxvi, 6, 279 Black-browed, xxxvi, G, 279 Flat-billed, xxxvi, 8, 280 Gould’s Yellow-nosed, xxxvi, 8, 280 Shy, xxxvi, 9, 281 Yellow-nosed, xxxvi. 7, 280 Monarcha canescens, iv, 8, 25 melanopsis, iv, 7, 25 trivirgala, iv, 9, 25 Monk, xi, 13, 84 Moon-bird, xix, 16, 133 Mopokc, v. 10, 33; 12. 34 Morning-bini, x, 21, 68 Mother Carey’s Chicken, xxxv, 1, 265; 2, 265; 3. 266; 4. 2G6 Mother Carey’s Goose, xxxvi, 28, 286 Mourner, x, 13, 66 Mudlark, viii, 1, 50 Mulberry-bird, iii, 7, 18 Murray Smoker, xxi, 10, 146 Mutton-bird, viii, 9, 53; 14, 55; xii, 14, 84; xxxvi, 23. 286; 24, 286; 25, 287 Wedge-tailed, xxxvi, 22, 285 Myiagra cyanoleuca, xi, 6, 74 rubecula, xi, 5, 73 ruficollis, xxiii, 10, 160 Myna, Common, appendix, 11, 293 Myritticivora spilorrhoa, iii, 16, 22 Myianllia flavigula, xii, 7, 82 melanocephala, xii, 5, 81 obscura, xii, 6. 82 Myzomela crythrocephala, xv, 7, 102 nigra, xv, 9, 102 obscura, xxviii, 5, 158 pectoralis, xv, 8, 102 sanguinolcnta, xv, 6, 101 N. Nankeen Kestrel, xxix, 1, 206 Nankeen Night-heron, xxxiii, 19, 248 Native Companion, i, 7, 5 Nelly, xxxvi, 28, 287 Neochmia albiventer, xxviii, 19, 202 phaeton, xxviii, 18, 201 Neophetna bourki, xxii, 5, 151 chrysogaster, xxii, 2, 150 chrysostoma, xxii, 1, 150 INDEX 3°7 Seophema bourki ( continued) elegans, xxii, 3, 150 petrophila, xxii, 4, 151 pulchella, xxii, 6, 151 splendida, xxii, 7, 152 Neositta albata, xviii, 5, 119 chrysoptera, xvii. 1, 118 leucocephala, xvii, 4, 119 leucoptera, xvii, 6, 119 pileata, xvii, 2, 118 striata, xvii, 3. 118 Nettapus coromandelianus, xxxiii, 6, 243 pulchellus , xxxiii, 7, 243 Nightingale, xxviii, 23, 203 Nightjar, Large tailed, vii, 23, 49 Little, v, 7, 33 Owlet, v, 7, 33 Spotted, vii, 22, 48 White-throated, vii, 21, 48 Ninox boobook, v, 12, 34 connivens, v, 16, 35 lurida, v, 14, 35 novee-ieclandite, v, 13, 34 ocellata, v., 15, 35 rufa, v, 17, 35 stenua, v, 18, 36 Noddy, xxxv, 26, 274 Common, xxxv, 26, 274 Lesser, xxxv, 27, 274 White-capped, xxxv, 28, 275 Notophoyx aruensis, xxxii. 21, 238 nova-hollandia, xxxii, 19, 237 Pacifica, xxxii, 20, 237 Numenius cyan opus, xxxiv, 25, 262 phaopus, xxxiv, 20, 262 Nun, xix, 16, 133 Nuthatch, xvii, 1, 118 Nutmeg Pigeon, White, iii, 16, 22 Nycticorax caledonicus, xxxiii, 19, 248 Nyroca australis, xxxiii, 1, 241 O, Oceanites oceanictis, xxxv. 1, 265 Ocyphaps lophotes, xiii, 8,* 88 Olive, xxxv, 30, 276 Opopsitta coxeni, xxii, 8, 152 leadbealeri, xxii, 8, 153 Oreocincla lunulata, vii, 16, 46 Orcoica gulturalis, xviii, 3. 123 Oreoscopus gulturalis, vii, 13, 45 Organ-bird, vii, 5, 51; 8, 52 Origma rubrical a, vii, 14, 45 Oriole, Olive-backed, iii, 6, 18 Yellow, iii, 5, 17 Oriolus flavocinctus, iii, 5, 17 sagittatus, iii, 6, 18 Orthonyx spaldingi, vii, 11, 44 temtnincki, vii, 12. 45 Orthorhamphus tnagnirostris, xxxiv, 30, 264 Osprey, xxx, 3, 213 White-headed, xxx, 3, 213 Otocompsa etneria, appendix, 2, 291 Owcnavis osculans, xi, 7, 74 Owl, Barn, v, 1, 31 Boobook, v, 12, 34 Cave, v, 4, 32 Chestnut-faced, v, 5, 32 Cuckoo, v, 12, 34 Delicate, v, 1, 31 Fawn-bellied, v, 15, 35 Fern, vii, 21, 48 Great Scrub, v, 18, 36 Owl ( continued ) Grass, v, 6, 32 Lesser Masked, v, 1, 31 Marbled, v, 15. 35 Masked, v. 3, 31 Moth, v, 7. 33 Northern Boobook, v, 15, 35 Powerful, v, 18, 36 Red Boobook, v, 14, 35 Rufous, v, 17, 35 Screech, v, 1, 31 Sooty, v, 2, 31 Spotted, v, 13, 34 Tasmanian Masked, v, 5, 32 Winking, v, 16, 35 Owlet-nightjar, v, 7, 33 Oxyura australis, xxxiii, 5, 242 Oyster-catcher, Black, xxxv, 31. 276 Black-and-white, xxxv, 30, 276 Pied, xxxv, 30, 276 Sooty, xxxv, 31, 276 White-breasted, xxxv, 30. 276 P. Pachyccphala griseiceps, ii, 3, 10 inornata, xviii, 2, 123 lanioides, xxiii, 14, 161 melanura, x, 2, 62 olixacea, iv, 19, 29 pectoral is, iv, 18, 28 robusla, x, 1, 62 rufix'entris , xi, 1, 72 rufogularis, xviii, 1, 123 simplex, xxiii, 12, 160 Pachyptila desolata, xxxv, 15, 269 turtur, xxxv, 14, 269 viltata, xxxv, 13, 269 Painted Lady, xxxi, 22, 226 Pandion haliatus, xxx, 3, 213 Parakeet, Barnard’s, xxi, 18, 148 Barraband, xx, 2, 136 Brown’s, xxi, 14, 147 Green, xxii, 10, 153 Marlock, xx, 4, 137 Pennant’s, xxi, 16. 147 Princess of Wales’, xx, 3, 137 Queen Alexandra’s, xx, 3, 137 Rock, xxii, 4, 151 Rosehill, xxi, 9, 145 Swift-flying, xxii, 18, 155 Yellow-bellied, xxi, 13, 146 Yellow-rutnpcd, xxi, 10. 146 Yellow-vented, xxi, 7, 145 Pardalote, Black-headed, xvi, 28, 117 Forty-spotted, xvi, 26, 116 Red-browed, xvi, 27, 116 Red-tipped, xvi, 25, 116 Spotted, xvi, 22, 115 Striated, xvi, 24, 116 Yellow-tailed, xvi, 23, 115 Pardalotus melonocephalus, xvi, 28, 117 ornatus, xvi, 25, 116 punctalus, xvi, 22, 115 quadragintus, xvi, 26, 116 rubricalus, xvi, 27, 116 striatus , xvi, 24, 116 xauthopygus, xvi, 23, 115 Parera, xxxiii, 15, 246 Parra, Comb-crested, xxxi, 12. 223 Parrot, Alexandra, xx, 3, 137 Alexandrine, xx, 3, 137 Banded, xxi, 19, 148 Beautiful, xxi, 3, 143 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA J°8 Parrot ( continued ) Beautiful Grass, xxii, 6, 152 Black-tailed, xx, 4, 137 Blue Mountain, xxii, 16, 154 Blue-banded Grass, xxii, 1, 150 Blue-cheeked, xxi, 12, 146 Blue-winged, xxii, 1, 150 Bourke, xxii, 5, 151 Bourke’s Grass, xxii, 5, 151 Brown’s, xxi, 14, 147 Bulloak, xxi, 7, 145 Canary, xxii, 17, 155 Chestnut-shouldered Grass, xxii, 6, 152 Chestnut-winged Grass, xxii, 6, 152 Cloncurry, xxi, 17, 147 Cockatoo, xxi, 8, 145 Crimson, xxi, 16, 147 Crimson-bellied, xxi, 7, 145 Crimson-winged, xx, 5, 137 Elegant, xxii, 3, 150 Elegant Grass, xxii, 3, 151 Fig, xxii, 8, 152; 9, 152 Golden-shouldered, xxi, 2, 143 Golden- winged, xxi, 2. 143 Grass, xxi, 4, 144; xxii, 3, 151 Green, xxi, 13, 146 Ground, xxi, 3. 143; 4, 144; xxii, 19, 156 Hooded, xxi, 1, 143 King, xx, 6, 137; xxi, 21, 149 Malice, xxi, 18, 148 Many-coloured, xxi, 5, 144 Mountain, xx, 4, 137 Mulga, xxi, 5, 144 Naretha, xxi, 6, 144 Night, xxii, 5, 151; 20, 156 Nonpareil, xxi, 9, 145 Orange-bellied Grass, xxii, 2, 150 Orange-breasted, xxii, 2, 150 Orange-throated Grass, xxii, 7, 152 Paradise, xxi, 3, 143 Pink-bellied, xxii, 5, 151 Port Lincoln, xxi, 19, 148 Princess, xx, 3, 136 Red-backed, xxi, 4, 144 Red-capped, xxi, 21, 149 Red-cheeked, xx, 1, 136 Red-crowned, xx, 13, 140 Red-headed, xx, 13, 140 Rcd-rumped, xxi, 4, 144 Red-shouldered, xxii, 18, 155 Red-sided, xx, 7, 138 Red-winged, xx, 5, 137 Regent, xx, 4, 137 Ringncck, xxi, 18, 148 Rock, xxii, 4, 151 Rose!la. See Rosella. Scarlet-breasted, xx, 2, 136 Scarlet-chested, xxii, 7, 152 Shell, xxii, 17, 155 Smutty, xxi, 14, 147 Splendid Grass, xxii, 7, 152 Superb, xx, 2, 136 Swamp, xxii, 19, 156 Swift, xxii, 18, 155 Turquoise, xxii, 6, 151 Twenty-eight, xxi, 20, 148 Varied, xxi, 5, 144 Warbling Grass, xxii, 17, 155 Yellow, xxi, 10, 146 Yellow-banded, xxi, 19, 148 Yellow-checked, xxi, 11, 146 Zebra, xxii, 17, 155 Parrot-finch, Tricoloured, xxviii, 7, 198 Parson-bird, xvii, 5, 124 Partridge, Bronge-wing, xiii, 9, 88 Smith, xiii, 10, 89 Partridge Pigeon, xiii, 10, 89 Bare-eyed, xiii, 10, 89 Nakcd-eycd, xiii, 10, 89 Passer domesticus, appendix, 9, 293 montanus, appendix, 8, 292 Pebbler, Rock, xx, 4, 137 Pedionomus torquatus, xxvii, 18, 194 Pecwcc, viii, 1, 50 Peewee-lark, xi, 2, 72 Peewit, viii, 1, 50 Pelagodroma marina, xxxv, 3, 266 Pelecanoides urinatrix , xxxv, 16, 270 Pelecanus conspicillatus, i, 2, 3 Pelican, i, 2, 3 Peltohyas australis , xxxi, 11, 222 Penguin, Big-crcstcd, xxxvi, 2, 278 Blue, xxxvi, 3, 278 Crested, xxxvi, 1, 278 Fairy, xxxvi, 3, 278 Little, xxxvi, 3, 278 Little Blue, xxxvi, 3, 278 Rock-hopper, xxxvi, 1, 278 Thick-billed, xxxvi. 2, 278 Tufted Jackass, xxxvi, 1, 278 Victoria, xxxvi, 2, 278 Peter-Peter, x, 7, 64 Petrel, Allied, xxxv, 5, 266 Banks's, xxxv. 15, 269 Black-and-white, xxxv, 11, 268 Black-bellied Stortn, xxxv, 4, 266 Blue, xxxv, 12, 268 Brown, xxxvi, 27, 287 Brown-hacked, xxxv, 6, 267 Cape, xxxv, II, 2G8 Common Diving, xxxv, 16, 270 Diving, xxxv, 16, 270 Dove, xxxv, 13, 269; 14, 269 Flat-clawed Storm, xxxvi, I, 265 Fleshy-footed, xxxvi, 25, 287 Frigate, xxxv, 3, 266 Giant, xxxvi, 28, 287 Gould's, xxxv, 10, 268 Gould’s Storm, xxxv, 4, 266 Great-winged, xxxv, 7, 267 Grey, xxxvi, 27, 287 Grey-backed Storm, xxxv, 2, 265 Grey-faced, xxxv, 7, 267 Pied, xxxv, 11, 268 Pintado, xxxv, 11, 268 Silver-grey, xxxvi, 26, 287 Slender-billed, xxxvi, 23, 286 Smaller Diving, xxxv, 16, 270 Soft plumagcd, xxxv, 8, 267 Spotted, xxxv, 11, 268 Wedge-tailed, xxxvi, 22, 285 White-breasted Storm, xxxv, 3, 266 Whitc-faccd Storm, xxxv, 3, 266 White-headed, xxxv, 9, 267 White-winged, xxxv, 10, 268 Wilson's Storm, xxxv, 1, 265 Yellow'-webbed Storm, xxxv, I, 265 Petruica goodenovii, xix, 2, 128 multicolor , xix, I, 128 pharnicea, xix, 5, 129 rodingogasler, xix, 3, 129 rosea, xix, 4, 129 Petrophassa albipennis, xiii, 6, 87 rufipennis, xiii, 7, 88 Pezoporus wallicus, xxii, 19, 156 INDEX 3°9 Phcelhon lepturus, xxxvi, 13, 282 rtibricaudus, xxxvi, 12, 282 Phalacrocorax ater, xxxii, 23, 238 carbo, xxxii, 22, 238 fuscescens, xxxii, 24, 239 varius, xxxii, 25, 239 Phaps chalcuptera, xiii, 13, 90 elegans, xiii, 12, 90 Pheasant, vi, 4, 39 Native, vi, I, 37; 4, 39 Swamp, xxxiii, 24, 250 Pheasant-coucal, xxxiii, 24, 250 Philemon argenticcps, xii, 9, 83 citreogularis, xii, 11, 83 corniculatus, xii, 13, 84 gordoni, xii, 10, 83 yorki, xii, 12, 83 Phvebetria fusca, xxxvi, 10, 281 palpebrata , xxxvi, 11, 281 Phonygarnmus keraudreui, ii, 11, 14 Phylidonyris pyrrhoplera, xxiv, 14, 171 Piezorhynchus alecto, xxiii, 15, 161 Pigeon, Bare-cycd Partridge, xiii, 10, 89 Black-banded, lii, 17, 22 Blue, ix, 1, 57 Bronze-wing, xiii, 13, 90 Brown, iii, 15, 21 Brush Bronze-wing, xiii, 12, 90 Cape, xxxv, 11, 268 Cedar, iii, 6, 18 Chestnut-quilled Rock, xiii, 7, 88 Crested, xiii, 8, 88 Crested Bronze-wing, xiii, 8, 88 Flock, iii, 12, 20; xiii, 11, 89 Green-winged, iii, 4, 17 Harlequin Bronze-wing, xiii, 11, 89 Large-tailed, iii, 15, 21 Little Green, iii, 4, 17 Magnificent Fruit, iii, 13, 20 Naked-eyed Partridge, xiii, 10, 89 Partridge, xiii, 10, 89 Partridge Bronze-wing, xiii, 9, 88 Pheasant, iii, 15, 21 Plum-breasted, iii, 13, 20 Plumed, xiii, 4, 87 Purple-breasted, iii, 13, 20 Purple-crowned, iii, 2, 16 Red-crowned, iii, 3, 16 Rcd-pluined, xiii, 5, 87 Rock, xiii, 6, 88 Rose-crowned, iii, I, 16 Rust-coloured Bronze-wing, xiii, 5, 87 Sea, xxxv, 29, 275 Smith's Partridge Bronze-wing, xiii, 10, 89 Spinifex, xiii, 4, 87 Squatter, xiii, 9, 88 Superb Fruit, iii, 2. 16 Swainson’s Fruit, iii, 3, 16 Top-knot, iii, 12. 20; xiii. 8, 88 Torres Strait, iii, 16, 22 White Nutmeg, iii, 16, 22 White-headed, iii, 14, 21 White-quilled Rock, 1 xiii, 6, 87 Wompoo, iii, 13, 20 Wonga, xiii, 14, 90 Pilot-bird, vii, 15, 46 Pimlico, xii, 13, 84 Pine-bird, xviii, 5, 124 Pintail, xi, 14, 77 Pipit, xxvii, 11, 191 Pitta, Blue-breasted, vii, 8, 43 Noisy, vii, 7, 43 Rainbow, vii, 6, 43 Pitta iris, vii, 6, 43 mackloti, vii, 8. 43 versicolor, vii, 7, 43 Plain Wanderer, xxvii, 18, 194 Collared, xxvii, 18, 194 Platalea flauipes, xxxii, 14, 235 regia, xxxii, 13, 235 Platycercus adelaidtc, xxi, 15, 147 adscitus, xxi, 12, 146 caledonicus, xxi, 13, 146 elegans , xxi, 16, 147 exitnius, xxi, 9, 145 flaveolus, xxi, 10, 146 icterotis, xxi, 11, 146 venustus, xxi, 14, 147 Plectorhyncha lanceolata, xii, 3, 80 Plegadis falcinellus, xxxii, 10, 233 Plover, Australian Golden, xxxiv, 22, 261 Australian Long-billed, xxxiv, 30, 264 Banded, xxxi, 25, 227 Black-bellied, xxxiv, 21, 260 Black-breasted, xxxi, 25, 228 Eastern Golden, xxxiv, 22, 261 Flock, xxxi, 25, 228 Golden, xxxiv, 22, 261 Grey, xxxiv, 21, 260 Large-billed Shore, xxxiv, 30, 264 Lesser Golden, xxxiv, 22, 261 Long-legged, xxxi, 20, 226 Masked, xxxi, 23, 227 Pacific Golden, xxxiv, 22, 261 Plain, xxxi, 25, 228 Red-necked, xxxiv, 3, 254 Spur-winged, xxxi, 24, 227 Stone, ix, 12, 61 Swallow, xxxi, 10, 222; xxxiv, 11, 257 Tricoloured, xxxi, 25, 228 Wattled, xxxi, 24, 227 Pluff, x, 13, 66 Pluvialis dominicus, xxxiv, 22, 261 Podargus, Tawny-shouldered, v, 10, 33 Podargus ocellatus, v, 8, 33 papuensis, v, II, 34 plutnifems, v, 9, 33 strigoides, v, 10, 33 Podiceps crislatus, xxxii, 8, 233 poliocephalus, xxxi, 17, 225 ruficollis, xxxi, 16, 224 Potcilodryas cervinivcntris, iv, 14, 27 superciliosa, iv, 13, 27 Poephila acuticauda, xxviii, 17, 201 atropygialis, xxviii, 16, 201 cincta, xxviii, 15, 201 gouldiee, xxviii, 13, 200 personata, xxviii, 14, 200 Poliolimnas cinereus, xxiii, 19, 163 Polytelis alexandra, xx, 3, 130 anthopeplus, xx, 4, 137 swainsoni, xx, 2, 136 Pomatostomus rubeculus, xviii, 6, 125 ruficeps, xviii, 8, 125 snpcrciliosus, xviii, 7, 125 temporalis, xviii, 5, 124 Poor Soldier, xii, 13, 84 Porphyrio bcllus, xxxii, 6, 232 melanolus, xxxii, 5, 231 Porzana fluminea, xxxi, 3, 219 plumbea, xxxi, 5, 220 pusilta, xxxi, 4, 220 Post-boy, x, 7, 64 Post-sitter, x, 7, 64 Pratincole, Australian, xxxi, 10, 222 Oriental, xxxiv, 11, 257 310 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA Priocella antarctica, xxxvi, 26, 287 Prion, Broad-billed, xxxv, 13, 269 Dove, xxxv, 15, 269 Fairy, xxxv, 14. 269 Short-billed, xxxv, 14, 269 Prionodura newtoniana , ii. 9, 12 Ptobosciger aierrimus , xx, 18, 141 Procellaria, cinera, xxxvi, 27, 287 Psephotus chryso piety gius, xxi 2, 143 dissimilis, xxi, 1, 143 hamalogasler, xxi, 7, 145 hamalonotus , xxi, 4, 144 narelha, xxi, 6. 144 pulcherrimus, xxi, 3, 143 varius, xxi, 5, 144 Psitteuielcs versicolor, xxii, 13, 154 Psophodes nigrogularis, iv, 23, 30 olivaceus, iv, 22, 30 Pterdrorna lessoni, xxxv, 9, 269 leucoptera, xxxv, 10, 268 macroptera, xxxv, 7, 267 mollis, xxxv, 8, 267 Pteropodocys maxima, ix, 7, 59 Plilinopus ewingi, iii, 1, 16 regina, iii, 3, 16 superbus, iii, 2, 16 Ptilonorhynchus violaceus, ii, 13, 14 Pteiroris magnificus, ii, 4, 10 paradiseus, ii, 6, 11 victoria, ii, 5, 10 Puffinus assimilis, xxxv, 5, 266 carneipes, xxxvi, 25, 286 gavia, xxxv. 6, 267 griseus, xxxvi, 24, 286 Pacificus, xxxvi, 22. 285 tenuirostris, xxxvi, 23, 286 Pugwall, viii, 1, 50 Pukcko, xxxi, 5, 220: xxxii, 5, 231 Ptirpureicephalus spurius, xxi, 21, 149 Putoto, xxxi, 5, 220 Pycnoptilus floccosus, vii, 15, 46 Pyrrholamus brunneus, xxv, 1, 174 Q- Quail, Black-backed, xxvii, 16, 193 Black-breasted, vii, 9, 44 Black-fronted, vii, 9, 44 Black-spotted, xxvii, 16, 193 Brown, xxviii, 24, 204 Buff-breasted, xxvii, 13, 192 Butterfly, xxvii, 14, 193 Button, xxvii, 14, 193 Chest nut-backed, xxvii, 12, 192 Chestnut-bellied, xxviii, 26, 204 Chestnut-breasted, xxvii, 15, 193 Dotterel, xxvii, 14, 193 Dwarf, xxviii. 26, 204 King, xxviii, 26, 204 Least, xxviii, 26, 204 Little, xxvii, 14, 193 Mock, xxv, 8, 176 Orange-breasted, xxvii, 16, 193 Painted, vii, 10, 44 Partridge, xxviii, 24, 204 Red-barked, xxvii, 16, 193 Red-chested, xxvii, 15, 193 Scrub, vii, 10, 44 Silver, xxviii, 25. 204 Stubble, xxvii, 17, 194 Swamp, xxviii, 24, 204: 25, 204: 26. 204 Swift-flying, xxvii, 14, 193 Tasmanian, xxviii, 25, 204 Quail ( continued ) Thick-billed, xxvii. 14, 193 Turkey, xxvii, 18, 194 Varied, vii, 10, 44 Yellow, xxvii, 15, 193 Quail-thrush, Chestnut, vii, 3, 41 Chestnut-breasted, vii, 4, 42 Cinnamon, vii, 2, 41 NuHarbor, vii, 1, 41 Spotted, vii, 5, 42 Quarrian, xxi, 8, 145 Querquedula castanea, xxxiii, 3, 242 gibberifrons, xxxiii, 2, 241 querquedula, xxxiii, 4, 242 ( Quoyornis georgianus, iv, 11, 26 leucurus, xxiii, 11, 160 R. Rail, Banded Land, xxxi, 8, 221 Buff-banded Land, xxxi, 8, 221 Chestnut, xxxii. 4. 231 Chestnut-breasted, xxxii, 4, 231 Land, xxxi, 8, 221 Lew in Water, xxxi, 6, 221 Painted, xxxi, 8, 221 Pectoral, xxxi, 6, 221; 8, 221 Red-necked, xxxi, 7, 221 Short-toed, xxxi, 6, 221 Slate-breasted, xxxi, 6, 221 Swamp, xxxi, 5, 220 Tricoloured, xxxi, 7, 221 Rain-bird, iv, 23, 30; viii, 13, 54; ix, II, 60 Rainbow-bird, xi, 14, 77 Rallina tricolor, xxxi, 7, 221 Rallus pectoralis, xxxi, 6, 221 Raven, viii, 16, 55 Recurvirostra nova-hollandia, xxxi, 22, 226 Redbill, xxviii, 5. 197; xxxii, 5, 231; xxxv, 30, 276; 31, 276 Redhead, xix, 2, 128; xxviii, 5, 197 Redthroat, xxv, 1, 174 Rccd-bird. xxviii. 23, 203 Reed-warbler, xxviii, 23, 202 Regent, Mock, xiv, 16, 97 Regent-bird, ii, 8, 12 Rhipidura flabellifera, x, 19, 67 leucophrys, x, 21. 68 rufifrons, iv, 3, 23 sclosa, x, 18, 67 Rhynchxa, Australian, xxxi, 15, 224 Rifle bird. Lesser, ii, 5, 10 Magnificent, ii, 4, 10 Paradise, ii, 6, 11 Victoria, ii, 5, 10 Ring Coachman, xi, 1, 72 Ringeye, xiv, 13, 96 Ringlet, xix, 16, 133 Ringneck, xiv, 13, 96; xix, 16, 133 Robin, Ashy-frontcd, iv, 12, 26 Bark, x, 4. 63 Black, x. 3, 63 Black-and-white, x, 3, 63 Buff-sided, iv, 14, 27 Dusky, x. 29. 71 Flame, xix, 5, 129 Flame-breasted, xix, 5, 129 Fly, iv. 17, 28 Grey-breasted, x, 6, 64 Grey-breasted Shrike, x, 6, 64 Grey-headed, iv, f2, 26 Hooded, x, 3, 62 Large-headed, iv, 16, 28 INDEX Robin ( continued ) Little Yellow, x, 5, 63 Magenta-breasted, xix, 3, 129 Mangrove, xxiii, II, 160 Northern Scrub, vii, 18, 47 Northern Yellow, iv, 15, 27 Pale Yellow, iv, 16, 28 Pink, xix. 3, 129 Pink-breasted, xix. 3, 129 Pied, x, 3, 63 Redbreast, xix, 1, 128 Red-capped, xix, 2, 128 Rock, vii, 14, 45 Rose, xix, 4, 129 Rose-breasted, xix, 4, 129 Scarlet, xix, I, 128 Scarlet-breasted, xix, I, 128 Southern Scrub, vii, 17, 47 Southern Yellow, x, 4, 63 Stump, x, 29, 71 Western Yellow, x, 6, 63 White-breasted, iv, 11, 26 White-browed, iv, 13, 27 White-capped, xix, 1, 128 White-faced, iv, 17, 28 White-tailed Shrike, xxiii, 11, 160 White-throated, iv, 17, 28 Yellow-breasted Shrike, x, 4, 63 Rock-pigeon, xiii, 6, 88 Chestnut-quilled, xiii, 7, 88 White-quilled, xiii, 6, 87 Roller, Broad-billed, xi, 13, 76 Rosclla, xxi, 9, 145 Adelaide, xxi, 15, 147 Crimson, xxi, 16 147 Eastern, xxi, 9, 145 Green, xxi, 13, 146 Moreton Bay, xxi, 12, 146 Northern, xxi, 14, 147 Pale-headed, xxi, 12, 146 Western, xxi, 11, 146 Yellow, xxi, 10, 146 Rosina coronala, xxvi, 14, 187 Rostratula australis, xxxi, 15, 224 S. Sanderling xxxiv, 17, 259 Sandpiper, xi, 14, 77; xxxiv, 4, 254; 10, 256 Asiatic, xxxiv, 20, 260 Broad-billed, xxxiv, 28, 263 Common, xxxiv, 16, 258 Curlew, xxxiv, 19, 260 Curley, xxxiv, 19, 260 Grey, xxxiv, 21, 260 Grcy-rumped, xxxiv, 14, 258 Marsh, xxxi, 19, 225; xxxiv, 20, 260 Pectoral, xxxiv, 20, 260 Red-necked, xxxiv, 18, 259 Sharp-tailed, xxxiv, 20, 260 Siberian, xxxiv, 20, 260 ''Terek, xxxiv, 12, 257 Wood, xxi, 18, 225 Scale-bird, xi, 8, 75 Scenopccetes dentirostris , iii, 11, 20 Scissors Grinder, x, 20, 68 Scooper. xxxi, 22, 226 Scrub Fowl, vi, 5, 39 Hen, vi, 5, 39 Turkey, vi, 3, 38 Scrub-bird, Noisy, vii, 19, 47 Rufous, vii, 20, 48 Scrub-robin, Northern, vii, 18, 47 Southern, vii, 17, 47 Scrub-tit, xvi, 2. lok; xxiv, 1, 167 Short-billed, xvi, 2, 108 Yellow-tinted, xvi, 1 , 108 Scrub-warbler, xxv, 6, 176 Shy. xxv, 7. 176 Scrub-wren, Brown, xxiv, 7, 169 Buff-breasted, xxiv, 3, 167 Large-billed, xxiv, 6, 168 Little, xxiv, 4, 168 Spotted, xxiv, 5, 168 White-browed, xxiv, 2, 167 Yellow-throated, ii, 2, 9 Scythrops novtr-hollandiar, ix, 11, 60 Seagull, xxxv, 29, 275 Sea-pirate, xxxvi, 17. 284 Seal-bird, xxxvi, 23, 286 Seapie, xxxv, 30, 276 Seisura inquiet a, x, 20, 68 Semitone-bird, xi, 8, 75 Sericornis frontalis, xxiv, 2, 167 hutniits, xxiv, 7, 169 laevigaster, xxiv, 3, 167 lathami, ii, 2, 9 mactilatus, xxiv, 5, 168 magnirostris, xxiv, 6, 168 minimus, xxiv, 4, 168 Sericulus chrysocephalus, ii, 8, 12 Settler’s Clock, ix, 9, 59 Shag, xxxii, 9, 233 Black, xxxii, 22, 238 Black-and-white, xxxii, 24, 239; 25, 239 Frilled, xxxii, 26, 240 Little Black, xxxii, 23, 239 Little Black-and-white, xxxii, 26, 240 Shearwater, Allied, xxxv, 5, 266 Bonaparte’s, xxxvi, 23, 286 Dusky, xxxv, 5, 266 Flesh-footed, xxxvi, 25, 286 Fluttering, xxxv, 6, 267 Lillie, xxxv, 5, 266 Pale-footed, xxxvi, 25. 287 Short-tailed, xxxvi, 23. 286 Sombre, xxxvi, 24, 286 Sooty, xxxvi, 23, 286; 24, 286 Wedge-tailed, xxxvi, 22, 285 Shelduck, Chestnut-breasted, xxxiii, 14 , 246 Chestnut-coloured, xxxiii, 14. 246 White-headed, xxxiii, 13, 245 Shepherd’s Companion, x, 21, 68 Shoveller, Blue-winged, xxxiii, 16, 247 Shrike, Barred Cuckoo, ix, 6, 58 Black-faced Cuckoo, ix, 1, 57 Black-throated Crow, viii, 5, 51 Collared Crow, viii, 3, 51 Falcon, x, II, 65 Gascoyne Cuckoo, ix, 5, 58 Grey Crow, viii, 13, 54 Ground Cuckoo, ix, 7, 59 Hill Crow, viii, 12, 54 Little Cuckoo, ix, 3, 58 Papuan Cuckoo, ix, 4, 58 Pied Crow, viii, 14, 55 Piping Crow, viii, 8, 52 Sooty Crow, viii, 11, 54 Swainson’s Cuckoo, ix, 6, 58 Varied Crow, viii, 8, 52 White-breasted Cuckoo, ix. 2, 57 Shrike-robin, Grey-breasted, x, 6, 64 White-tailed, xxiii, 11, 160 Yellow-breasted, x, 4, 63 312 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA Shrike-thrush, Bower, iv, 21, 29 Brown, x, 14, 66 Brown-breasted, x, 17, 67 Buff-bellied, x, 16, 67 Grey, x, 13, 66 Little, x, 15, 66 Rufous-breasted, iv, 20, 29 Stripe-breasted, iv, 21, 29 Western, x, 16, 67 Shrike-tit, Eastern, x, 11, 65 Frontal, x, 11, 65 Northern, x, 10, 65 Western, x, 12, 65 Sickle-bird, xxxii, 11, 234 Silver-eye, Grey-backed, xv, 2, 100 Grey-breasted, xv, 3, 101 Pale, xv, 5, 101 Western, xv, 4, 101 Yellow, xxiii, 13, 161 Singing-lark, Rufous-rumped, xi, 20, 79 Sittella, Black-capped, xvii, 2, 118 Orange-winged, xvii, 1, 118 Pied, xvii, 5, 119 Striated xvii. 3, 118 White-headed, xvii, 4, 119 Whitc-wingcd, xvii, 6, 119 Siwc, xv, 3, 101 Skua, Arctic, xxxvi, 17, 283 Dark, xxxvi, 16, 283 Dark Southern, xxxvi, 16, 283 Richardson’s, xxxvi, 17, 284 Skylark, xi. 20, 79; xxvii, 10, 191; 19, appendix, 5, 292 Smoker, xx, 4, 137 Smicrornis brevirostris, xvi, 2, 108 flavescens, xvi, 1, 108 Snake-bird, xii, 5, 81; xxxii, 9, 233 Snapper, x, 19, 68 Snipe, Australian, xxxi, 13, 223 Australian Painted, xxxi, 15, 224 Common, xxxi, 13, 223 Jack, xxxi, 13, 223 Japanese, xxxi, 13, 223 Land, xxxiv, 18, 259 Large Pin-tailed, xxxi, 14, 224 Latham, xxxi, 13, 223 Little Australian, xxxi, 14, 224 Painted, xxxi, 15, 224 Pin-tailed, xxxi, 14, 224 Rottncst, xxxi, 21, 226 Summer, xxxiv, 16, 258 Soldier-bird, xii, 5, 81 Song-lark, Brown, xxvii, 19, 194 Rufous, xi, 20, 79 Sparrow, Barley, xxviii, 12, 200 Common, appendix, 9. 293 Diamond, xxviii, 9, 199 House, appendix. 9, 293 Java, xxviii, 9. 199 Satin, xi, 6, 74 Tree, appendix, 8, 292 Water, xxviii, 23. 203 Sparrow-hawk, xxix, 1, 206; 2, 206 Collared, xxix, 2, 206 Spatula rhynchotis, xxxiii, 16. 246 Sphecotheres flaviventris, iii, 8, 18 vieilloti, iii, 7, 18 Sphenosloma cristalum, xviii, 4, 124 Spinebill, Eastern, xv, 14, 104 Western, xv, 15, 105 White-browed, xv, 15, 105 Spinctail, vii, 12, 45; xi, 14, 77 Spalding’s, vii, 11, 44 Spine-tailed Log-runner, vii, 12, 45 Spinks, x, 7, 64 Spinifex-bird, xxv, 2, 174 Spoonbill, Black-billed, xxxii, 13, 235 Royal, xxxii, 13, 235 Yellow-billed, xxxii, 14, 235 Yellow-legged, xxxii, 14, 235 Squatarola squatarola, xxxiv, 21, 260 Squeaker, viii, 13, 54; xii, 5, 81; xix* 6, Stalling, appendix, 10, 293 Shining, ii, 7. 11 Steganopleura annulosa, xxviii, 1, 196 bichenovii, xxviii, 2, 196 Sterna albijrons, xxxv, 21, 272 anathcla, xxxv, 25, 273 bengalensis, xxxv, 20, 271 bergii, xxxv, 19, 271 dougalli, xxxi. 29, 229 fuscala, xxxv, 24, 273 nereis, xxxv, 22, 272 striata, xxxv, 18, 270 surnatrana, xxxv, 23, 272 Stercorarius parasiticus, xxxvi, 17, 283 Stick-bird, xviii, 7, 125 Sticonelta mevosa, xxxiii, 9, 244 Stilt, Banded, xxxi, 21, 226 Pied, xxi, 20, 226 White-headed, xxxi, 20, 226 Stilt-bird, xxxi. 20. 226 Stiltia Isabella, xxxi, 10, 222 Stinker, xxxiii, 16, 247; xxxvi, 28, 287 194; Stint. Curlew, xxxiv, 19, 259 Little, xxxiv, 18, 259 Red-necked, xxxiv, 18, 259 Sharp-tailed, xxxiv, 20, 259 Stipiturus malachurus, xxv, 3, 175 malice, xxv, 4, 175 Stomiol>cra unicolor , xii, 8, 82 Slonc-curlcw, ix, 12, 61 Stone-plover, ix, 12, 61 Stork, Black-necked, i, 6, 5 Storm-bird, x, 22, 69; xi, 8, 75 Little, xxxiv, II, 257 Strcpera arguta, viii, 12, 54 futiginosa, viii, 11, 54 graculina, viii, 14, 55 intermedia, viii, 15, 55 melanoptera, viii, 10, 53 versicolor, viii, 13, 54 Slreplopelia smatensis, appendix, 1, 291 Struthidea cinerea, ix, 10, 60 Stubble-quail, xxvii, 17, 194 Stump-bird, x, 7, 64 Sturnus vulgaris, appendix, 10, 293 Sula dartylatra, xxxvi, 21, 285 leucogaster, xxxvi, 18, 284 serrator, xxxvi, 20, 285 sula, xxxvi, 19, 284 Summer-bird, ix, 1, 57; xi, 17, 78 Sunbird, Yellow-breasted, xv, 1, 100 Swaimon’s Cuckoo-shrike, ix, 6, 58 Swallow, Black-and-white, xxvii, 8, 190 Black-faced Wood, xi, 16, 78 Bottle, xxvii, 6, 190 Cliff, xxvii, 6, 190 Dusky Wood, xxvii, 2, 188 House, xxvii, 7, 190 Land, xxvii, 6, 190 Little Wood, xxvii, I, 188 Masked, Wood, xi, 18. 78 Mistletoe, xvi, 10, 111 Rock, vii, 14, 45 Sea, xxxv, 21, 272; 22. 272 INDEX 313 Swallow ( continued) Sordid Wood, xxvii, 2, 188 Tree, xi, 19, 79 Welcome, xxvii, 7, 190 White-backed, xxvii, 8, 190 White-breasted, xxvii, 8, 190 White-breasted Wood, xi, 15, 77 White-browed Wood, xi, 17, 78 White-capped, xxvii, 8, 191 Swallow, Plover, xxxi, 10, 222; xxxiv, 11, 256 Swamp-hen, Little, xxxi, 5, 220 Swamp-rail, xxxi, 5, 220 Swan, Black, I, 8, 5 Swift, Fork tailed, xxvii, 4, 189 Needle-tailed, xxvii, 5, 189 Spine-tailed, xxvii, 5, 189 White-romped, xxvii, 4, 189 Swiftlet, Grey, xxvii, 3, 189 Syrua lorotoro, xxiil, 16, 162 Synoicus australis, xxviii, 24, 204 ypsilophorus, xxviii, 25, 204 T. Tadorna radjah , xxxiii, 13, 245 Taniopygia castanotis, xxviii, 3, 196 Takupu, xxxvi, 20, 285 Talegallus, Wattled, vi, 3, 38 Tang, xix, 1G, 133 Tanysiptera sylvia, iv, 1, 23 Tattler. Grey-tailed, xxxiv, 14, 258 Wandering, xxxiv, 13, 257 Teal, Black, xxxiii, 3, 242 Chestnut, xxxiii, 3, 242 Chestnut-breasted, xxxiii, 3, 242 Cricket, xxxiii, 4, 242 Garganey, xxxiii, 4, 242 Green Goose, xxxiii, 7, 243 Green-headed, xxxiii, 3, 242 Grey, xxxiii, 2. 241 Mountain, xxxiii, 3, 242 Slender, xxxiii, 2, 241 Summer, xxxiii, 4, 242 White-quilled Goose, xxxiii, 6, 243 Wood, xxxiii, 2, 241 Teaser, xxxvi, 17, 284 Terekia citicrca, xxxiv, 12, 257 Tern, Bass Strait, xxxv, 19, 271 Black-loted, xxxv, 21, 272 Black-naped, xxxv, 23, 272 Bridled, xxxv, 25, 273 Brown-winged, xxv, 25, 273 Caspian, xxxv, 17, 270 Crested, xxxv, 19. 271 Dog, xxxv. 25. 273 Eastern White-winged, xxxi, 26, 228 Fairy, xxxv, 22. 272 Graceful, xxxi, 29, 229 Gull-billed, xxxi, 28. 229 Lesser Crested, xxxv, 20, 271 Little, xxxv. 21. 272; 22. 272 Long-legged, xxxi, 28, 229 Marsh, xxxi, 27, 228 Panayan, xxxv, 25, 273 Roseate, xxxi, 29, 229 Ruppell, xxxv, 19, 271 Smaller Sooty, xxxv, 25, 273 Sootv, xxxv. 24, 273 Southern White-fronted, xxxv, 18, 271 Swift, xxxv, 19, 271 Torres Strait, xxxv, 19, 271 Whiskered, xxxi, 27, 228 White-fronted, xxxv. 18, 270 Tern ( continued) White-winged Black, xxxi, 26, 228 Wide-awake, xxxv, 24, 273 Ternlct, White-faced, xxxv, 22, 272 White-shafted, xxxv, 21, 272 Tete, xxxiii, 3, 242 Thickhead, iv, 18, 28 Big-billed, x, 1, 62 Black-lored, xviii, 2, 123 Brown, xxiii, 12, 161 Gilbert, xviii, 2, 123 Olive, iv, 19, 29 Rcd-lorcd, xviii, 1, 123 Red-throated, xviii, 1, 123 Rufous-breasted, xi, 1, 72 White-bellied, xxiii, 14, 161 Thick-knee, ix, 12, 61 Thornhill, Broad-tailed, xvi, 19, 114 Brown, xvi, 18, 114 Buff-tailed, xix, 14, 132 Chestnut-tailed, xix, 15, 133 Dark, xix. 11, 131 Ewing's, xvi, 14, 113 Inland, xvi, 21, 115 Little, xvi, 11, 112 Mountain, xvi, 16, 113 Red-tailed, xvi, 20, 114 Robust, xvi, 17, 113 Rufous-rumped, xvi, 20, 114 Scrub, xvi, 18, 114 Slender, xix, 10, 131 Striated, xvi, 12, 112 Tasmanian, xvi, 14, 113 Western, xvi, 13, 112 White-vented, xvi, 21, 115 Whitlock, xvi, 15, 113 Varied, xix, 12, 132 Yellow-tailed, xix, 13, 132 Thereskiornis motucca, xxxii, 11, 234 spinicollis , xxxii, 12, 234 Thrush, Babbling, vii, 5, 42 Bower Shrike, iv, 21, 29 Brown Shrike, x, 14, 66 Brown-breasted Shrike, x, 17, 67 BuIf-bellied Shrike, x, 16, 67 Chestnut-backed Ground, vii, 3, 42 Chestnut-breasted Ground, vii, 4, 42 Chestnut Quail, vii, 3, 41 Chestnut-breasted Quail, vii, *, 42 Cinnamon Cround, vii, 2. 41 Cinnamon Quail, vii, 2, 41 Continental Song-, appendix, 4, 291 Green, iii, 6, 18 Grey Shrike, x, 13, 66 Ground, vii, 5, 42; 16, 46 Harmonious, x, 13, 66 King, vii, 16, 46 Little Shrike, x, 15, 66 Mountain, vii, 16, 46 Native, iv, 19; x, 13, 66 Nil Harbor Quail, vii, 1, 41 Red, iv, 20, 29 Rufous-breasted Shrike, iv, 20, 29 Rufous Shrike, iv, 20, 29 Song-, appendix, 4, 291 Spotted Quail, vii. 5, 42 Stripe-breasted Shrike, iv, 21, 29 Western Shrike, x, 16, 67 Thunder-bird. iv. 18, 28; xi, 1, 72 Tintac, Banded, xix, 16, 133 Yellow, xix, 18, 134 Tit, Bark, x, 11, 65; xix, 14, 132 Blood, xix, 21, 135 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 3*4 Tit ( continued ) Blue, xxvi, 1, 182 Brown, xvi, 18, 114 Bulf-rumped, xix, 14, 132 Chestnut-rumped, xix, 15, 133 Dark Brown, xix, 11, 131 Eastern Shrike, x, II, 65 Frontal Shrike, x, II, 65 Lake Way, xvi, 15, 113 Little, xvi. II, 112 Northern Shrike, x, 10, 65 Plain-coloured, xvi, 13, 112 Short-billed Scrub, xvi, 2, 108 Short-billed Tree, xvi, 2, 108 Scrub, xvi, 2, 108; xxiv, 1, 167 Striated, xvi. 12, 112 Thick-billed, xvi, 17, 113 Thin-billed, xix, 10, 131 Western Shrike, x, 12, 65 White-scaled, xvi. 15, 113 Yellow-rumpcd, xix, 13, 132 Yellow-tinted Scrub, xvi, I, 108 Yellow-tinted Tree, xvi, 1, 108 Tit-warbler, BulT-rumped. xix, 14, 132 Chestnut-rumped, xix, 15, 133 Scaly-breasted, xix, 12. 132 Yellow-rumped, xix, 13, 132 Titmouse, White-faced, xix, 6, 130 Tom Pudding, xxxi, 17, 225 Top-knot, appendix, 2, 291 Torca, xxxv, 30, 276 Toreo-pango, xxxv, 31, 276 Toroa, xxxvi, 4, 279 Toucan, ix, 11, 60 Tree Martin, xi, 19, 78 Tree-creeper, Allied xvii, 15, 122 Black, xvii, 9, 120 Black-tailed, xvii, 14, 122 Brown, xvii, 7, 119 Little, xvii, 11, 121 Red-browed, xvii, 12. 121 Rufous, xvii, 8, 120 White-browed, xvii, IS, 121 White-throated, xvii, 10, 120 Tree-runner, xvii, 1, 118 Tree-swallow, xi, 19, 79 Tree-til, Short-billed, xvi, 2, 108 Yellow-tinted, xvi. 1. 108 » Tribonyx morticri , xxxii, 2, 230 t entrails, xxxii, 1, 230 Tnchodere cockerelli, xiv, 3, 92 Trichoglossus chorolcpidptus, xxii, 154 moluccanus, xxii, 16, 154 rubritorquis, xxii, 15, 154 Trillcr, Varied, xi. 3. 73 White-winged, xi, 2. 72 Tringa, Marsh, xxxiv, 20, 260 Tringa brevipts, xxxiv, 14, 258 glareola, xxxi, 18, 225 hypoleuca, xxxiv, 16, 258 incana, xxxiv, 13, 257 nebularia, xxxiv, 15, 258 stagnatilis, xxxi, 19, 225 Tropic-bird, Red-tailed, xxxvi, 12, 282 White-tailed, xxxvi, 13, 282 Trotter, Lily, xxxi, 12, 223 Trumpet-bird, ii, II, 14 Trumpeter, xxxi, 22, 226 Turdus merula, appendix, 3, 291 philomelos, appendix, 4, 291 Turkey, Brush, vi, 3, 38 Plain, i. 5, 4 Turkey ( continued) Scrub, vi, 3. 38 Quail, xxvii, 18, 194 Turkey-bird, xiv, 16, 97 Turnix caitanota, xxvii, 12. 192 maculosa, xxvii, 16, 193 melanogaster, vii, 9, 44 olivei, xxvii, 13, 192 pynholhorax , xxvii, 15, 193 vana, vii, 10, 44 velox, xxvii, 14, 193 Turnstone, xxxiv, 29, 264 Eastern, xxxiv, 29, 264 Turtle-dove, xiii, 2, 186 Indian, appendix, 1, 291 Twelve Apostles, ix, 10, 60; xviii. 5, 124 Tyto alba, v, 1, 31 castanops, v, 5, 32 longimembris, v, 6, 32 nova-hullanditt, v, 3, 31 n./i. troughtoni, v, 4, 32 tenebricosa, v, 2, 31 U. Vroailus audax, xxx, 9, 215 V. Village Blacksmith, xxxv, 19, 271 W. Wagtail, x, 21, 68 Crested, x, 20, 68 Land, x, 19, 68 Willie, x, 21, 68 Wanderer, Collared, xxvii, 18, 194 Plain, xxvii, 18, 194 Warbler, Black-throated, xvi, 8, 110 Blue, xxvi, 1, 182 Brown, xvi, 4, 109 Brown Bush, xvi, 7, 110 Bui!-breasted, xvi, 7, 110 Bull-rumpcd Tit, xix, 14, 132 Chestnut-rumped Tit, xix, 15, 133 Dusky, xxiii, 3, 157 Exiled, xxviii, 20, 202 Fairy, xvi, 5, 109 Fantail, xxviii, 20, 202 Golden-headed Faintail, xxviii, 20, 202 Grass, xviii. 20, 202 Green-backed, xxiii, 2, 157 Large-billed, xxiii, 1, 157 Large-billed Bush, xxiii, 1, 157 Mangrove, xxiii, 4, 158 Marsh, xxviii, 21, 202 Northern, xvi, 6, 110 Reed, xxviii, 21. 203; 23, 202 Rock, vii, 14, 45 Scaly-breasted Tit, xix, 12, 132 Scrub, xxv, 6, 176 Shy Scrub, xxv, 7, 176 Singing, xxiii, 4, 158 Speckled, xix, 21, 135 Superb, xxvi, 1, 182 Western, xvi, 9, 111 White-throated, xvi, 3, 109 White-throated Bush, xvi, 3, 109 Yellow, xvi, 5, 110 Yellow-rumpcd Tit, xix, 13, 132 Wattle-bird, xii, 15, 85 Brush, xxiv, 19, 173 Little, xxiv, 10, 173 INDEX 3 l 5 Wattle-bird ( continued) Red, xii, In, 84 Yellow, xii, 15, 85 Waxbill, xxviii, 5. 197 Sydney, xxviii, 5, 197 Wcdgcbill, xviii, 4, 124 Wee Juggler, xx, 12, 159 Wccbill, Brown, xvi, 2, 108 Yellow, xvi, 1, 108 Whale-bird, xxxv, 13, 269; 14, 269; 15, 269; 24. 273; xxxvi, 23. 286 Wherrybill, Yellow-breasted, iv, 4, 24 Whiinbrel. xxxiv, 26, 262 Australian, xxxiv, 26, 262 Little, xxxiv. 27, 263 Whip-bird, Eastern, iv, 22, 30 Western, iv, 23, 30 Whisker, Yellow, xiv, 21, 99 Whisky, xiv. 21, 99 Whistler, Black-tailed, x, 2, 62 Big-billed, x, 1, 62 Brown, xxiii, 2, 160 Gilbert, xviii, 2, 123 Golden, iv, 18, 28 Grey, ii, 3, 10 Olive, iv, 19. 29 Red-throated, xviii, 1, 123 Robust, x, 1, 62 Rufous, xi, I, 72 White-breasted, xxii, 14, 161 White-throated, iv, 18, 28 Yellow-breasted, iv, 18, 28 Whistling Dick, x, 13, 66 White-eye, xv, 3, 101 rale-bellied, xv, 5, 101 Yellow, xxiii, 13, 161 White-face, Banded, xix, 9, 131 Black-banded, xix, 9, 131 Chestnut-breasted, xix, 8, 130 Eastern, xix, 6, 130 Western, xix, 7, 130 White-tail, x, 64 Widgeon, xxxiii, 10, 244 Willaroo, ix, 12, 61 Willie-willock, xx, 8, 138 Wiliock, xx, 8, 138 Windhover, xxix, I, 206 Wonga-wonga, xiii, 14, 90 Woodpecker, xvii. 1, 118; 7, 119 Wood-swallow, Black-faced, xi, 16, 78 Dusky, xxviii, 2, 188 Little, xxvii, 1, 188 Masked, xi, 18, 78 Sordid, xxvii, 2, 188 White-breasted, xi, 15, 77 White-browed, xi, 17, 78 Wren, Banded, xxvi, 4, 183 Black Grass, xxv, 20, 180 Black-and-white, xxvi, 5, 183 Black-backcd, xxvi, 2, 182 Black-headed, xxvi, 13, 186 Blue, xxvi, I, 182 Bluc-and-white, xxvi, 6, 184 Blue-breasted, xxvi, 12, 186 Brown Scrub, xxiv, 7, 169 Buff-breasted Scrub, xxiv, 3, 167 Chcstnut-rumped Ground, xxv, 6, 176 Chestnut-tailed Ground, xxv, 6, 176 Wren (continued) Dorothy Grass, xxv, 19, 179 Dusky Grass, xxv, 13, 178 Emu, xxv, 3, 175 Eyrean Grass, xxv, 17, 179 Fern, vii, 13, 45 Graceful, xxvi, 10, 185 Heath, xxv, 6, 175 Jenny, xix, 16, 133; 21, 135 Lambert’s, xxvi, 8, 185 Large-billed Scrub, xxiv, 6, 168 Little, xix, 21, 135 Little Scrub, xxiv, 4, 168 Lovely, xxvi, II, 186 Mallec Emu, xxv, 4, 175 Mormon, xxvi, 1, 182 Purple-backed, xxvi, 9, 185 Purple-crowned, xxvi, 14, 187 Red-backed, xxvi, 13, 186 Red-winged, xxvi, 10, 185 Rock Field, xxv, 9, 177 Rufous-crowned Emu, xxv, 5, 175 Rufous Field, xxv, 10, 177 Rufous Grass, xxv, 16, 179 Rusty Field, xxv. 11, 177 Scarlet-backed, xxvi, 13, 186 Shy Ground, xxv, 7, 176 Shy Heath, xxv, 7, 176 Splendid, xxvi, 4, 183 Spotted Scrub, xxiv, 5, 168 Striated Field, xxv, 8, 176 Striated Grass, xxv, 15, 178 Striped Grass, xxv, 15, 178 Thick-billed Grass, xxv, 14, 178 Turquoise, xxvi, 3, 183 Variegated, xxvi, 8, 184 Western Grass, xxv, 12, 177 White-backed, xxvi, 7, 184 White-browed Scrub, xxiv, 2, 167 White-throated Grass, xxv, 18, 179 White-winged, xxvi, 6, 184 Yellow-throated Scrub, ii, 2, 9 X. Xanthotis flaviventer, xi, I, 80 kenorhynchus asiaticus, i, 6, 5 Y. Yahoo, xvii, 5, 124 Yellow Bob, x, 4, 63 Yellow-hammer, x, 4, 63; 11, 65 Yellow-tail, xix, 13, 132 Yelpcr, xxxi, 22, 226 Z. Zanthomiza phrygia, xiv, 16, 97 Zotiarginthus bellus, xxiv, 10, 170 guttatus, xxviii, 9, 199 ocutalus, xxiv, 11, 170 Zonifer tricolor, xxxi, 25, 227 Zoslerops albiventris, xv, 5, 101 australasur, xv, 4, 101 haltnalurina, xv, 2, 100 lateralis, xv, 3, 101 lutta, xxiii, 13, 161 %