130 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



Breeding Season. — According to the late Sir W. Buller, 

 August to December. 



Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania and several of its de- 

 pendencies, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and several 

 other islands in the Pacific. 



Observations. — So far as I am aware the eggs of this species 

 have not yet been found either in Tasmania or Australia, its 

 breeding stronghold being New Zealand. Gould obsei-\'ed large 

 numbers in the vicinity of George Tow^n during the month of May ; 

 they were on migration. The late Mr. Ronald Gunn stated that 

 the species was plentifully dispersed along the northern shores 

 of the island. Colonel Legge is of opinion that the Double-banded 

 Dottrel breeds on some of the islands in Bass Strait. This may 

 be so, but, taking into consideration the attention that the various 

 groups have received during the past few years, it is strange that 

 if the bird really does breed on any of them its eggs have not been 

 found. The late Sir W. Buller, the well-known authority on New 

 Zealand birds, says : — "In location of the nest itself there is very 

 little attempt at concealment, the bird apparently trusting more 

 for protection to the assimilation of colouring ; but after the young 

 are hatched out the old birds (and particularly the female) mani- 

 fest considerable sohcitude for the safety of their offspring, and 

 feign lameness or a damaged wing for alluring intruders away — a 

 device which very often succeeds. The young bird runs the 

 moment it quits the shell, and is not slow to second its parent in 

 the art of self-preservation. Its sandy colour makes it almost 

 indistinguishable when squatting on the ground, and it has the 

 instinct to remain perfectly motionless the moment it hears the 

 note of alarm, even allowing itself to be handled without betraying 

 a sign of vitality." 



The following interesting note was forwarded by ]\Ir. H. Stuart 

 Dove: — " On the afternoon of 16th July, 1909, which was warm 

 and sunny, about 30 of this species were feeding in a swampy 

 paddock at East Devonport. The flock was wary, and would not 

 allow me near enough to make out the bands; but it is my own 

 opinion, and that of a distinguished ornithologist to whom I 

 refeiTed the matter, that the party was of this species. As the 

 conspicuous black band pales to ashy-brown in winter, it is not 

 remarkable that this was not to be made out at a distance without 

 glasses, and the chestnut band would not be very conspicuous 

 either under these conditions. Upper surface appeared brownish, 

 under surface white, with whitish patch at rump when on wing. 

 The wings were somewhat curv^ed, and a pretty effect was produced 

 when they all wheeled together before alighting. This species is 

 not infrequent along East Devonport sands." Under date of 6th 

 December he again writes: — "It may interest you to know that 

 I have seen the Double-banded Dottrel several times this spring 

 on our beaches, although it is supposed to go to southern New 



