742 



NESTS AND EGGS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. 



in a short time, and on it ai-e deposited five eggs. Found everywhere 

 in Queensland. Took eggs near Mount Mclntyre watershed, 1880." 



The usual breeding months are from September to December, but 

 during the Calvert Expedition in the North-west, two nests contam- 

 ing hard set clutches were observed in February near the junction of 

 the Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers. 



576. EULABEORNIS CASTANEIVENTRIS, Gould. (572) 



CHESTNUT-BELLIED RAIL. 



Figure. — Gould : Birds of Australia, fol., vol. vi., pi. 78. 



Reference. — Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. xxiii., p. 49. 



Previous Descriptions of Eggs. — Gould : Birds of Australia (1848) , 

 also Handbook, vol. ii., p. 338 (1S65). 



Gengraphical Dlstrihution. — Northern Territory and North Queens- 

 land ; also the Aru Islands. 



Ned. — Not described. 



Eyrj^. — Clutch, — ; rather lengthened in form, swollen about the 

 upper quarter and somewhat pointed at either end ; texture of shell 

 strong and coarse ; surface glossy ; colour, warm-white, sparingly marked 

 with roundish blotches and spots of chestnut and dull pui-jjlish-brown . 

 Dimensions in inches : 2-0 x 1-4 (Nehrkom collection) ; according to 

 Gould : 212 X 162. In shape these eggs are more of the Gallinule type. 



Observations. — This fine, large, and singular species of Rail frequents 

 the low muddy shores and mangrove swamps of the northern coast. 



Gould received his original specimen from Rear-Admiral Stokes, 

 who was siu'veying in H.M.S. " Beagle " at that time in the Gulf of 

 Cariientaria. 



Gould some time previously had received the eggs of this species 

 from Port Essington (probably Gilbert's collecting), but owing to its 

 extreme shyness the bird could never be obtained. It runs with extra- 

 ordinary fleetness, taking alarm the instant the vicinity of its liabitat 

 is invaded, and vanishing amongst the dense herbage and mangroves. 



577. — Rallina TRiroi.oH, Gray. 

 RED-NECKED RAIL. 



Figure. — Gould: Birds of Australia, fol.,supp., pi. 78. 



Reference. — Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. xxiii., p. 79. 



Previous Descriptions of Eggs. — Ramsay : Proc. Z00I. Soc, p. 603 

 (1875); North: Austn. Mus. Cat', pi. 17, fig. 5 (18S9), 



Ortu/rfiphicaJ Distrihutinn. — North Queensland; also Now Guinea, 

 Mysol, Waigiou. Aru Islands, &c. 



