72 Campbell, l^ruil-cating Birds. [2nd'oct. 



contained over 2,000 young locusts, and this number only repre- 

 sented one meal for one individual in a flock of many hundreds. 



Against that other vegetation-destroyer, the caterpillar or army 

 worm, the Ibis would still be useful, together with such as the 

 Raven, Magpie, Chough, Jumper, Plover, and Wild Turkey. 



An examination, then, of the case of fruit-eating birds shows 

 many points in their favour, for they give many compensations in 

 ways that would be more readily estimated perhaps in the sorrows 

 of a community were they removed. The fruit-eating birds are 

 deserving of much better treatment that is usally given them. 



Field Notes on Birds of the Richmond District, 

 North Queensland. 



By Fredc. L. Berney. 



Part II. 



Pale Flycatcher {Micvceca pallida). — The Pale Flycatcher is a 

 constant resident with us. I think, judging by the volume of song, 

 that they commence pairing in July ; I found a nest with one youngster 

 on 19th August, 1899, and another with two youngsters on 24th October 

 the year previous. The feathers were just showing on the first lot ; 

 the others were half-fledged. They feed very late in the evening. I 

 have noticed them when it was almost dark darting off some coign of 

 vantage after insects on the wing. They are sweet singers, one of our 

 best, and one of the earliest to be heard in the morning — it is hardly 

 daylight when they start. 



White-shafted Fantail (Rhipidviva albiscapa). — A winter visitor, 

 never numerous, generally singly, occasionally a pair. In the course 

 of seven years I have only one summer record — 9th January this year. 

 Of one I obtained for examination (2nd May, female, ovaries very 

 minute), Mr. A. J. Campbell wrote : — " The white parts in tail of 

 specimen sent are more extensive than usual." A most energetic 

 little bird, always on the go. 



Black-and-White Fantail (RJiipidura tricolor). — Always with us, 

 but prefers the lightly timbered country to the open downs. I cannot 

 recognize any regular migratory movement among them, but we had 

 during April and May last year (1904) a very large influx ot " Shepherds' 

 Companions," as they are universally called. Mating commences in 

 September. My earliest note of eggs is ist October, and the latest 23rd 

 January. The clutch seems to be three eggs as often as four. I have 

 known the same nest used for three broods in succession — a late brood 

 one year and two the following season. Their " sweet pretty creature " 

 calls may often be heard during moonlight nights. 



Restless Flycatcher {Sisura inquieia). — Only seen occasionally, 

 during the winter months. 



Red-capped Robin {Petrceca goodenovi). — This showy little Robin 

 was here through the winters of 1902 and 1904, but I did not see them 

 at any time during 1903 ; they showed up suddenly at the end of 

 January this year, and have been with us in considerable numbers ever 

 since. 



