128 SHARLAXD & CRAXE, Birds of Hohart. U^.toT 



eastern side of the river, and at times many sea-birds are no- 

 ticed on the river itself. Comjjaratively speaking, Tasmania is 

 rather short of birds, both of varieties and individuals of varie- 

 ties, but, as will be seen from our list, the locality of Hobart 

 cannot lay claim to the scarcity. In the compilation of our list 

 we fixed on a five-mile radius from the General I'ost Office in 

 the centre of the town, and recorded both the resident birds and 

 casual visitors within that area (see map). Xo fewer than 88 

 species have been noticed. Those species breeding within the 

 five-mile radius are signified by an asterisk. 

 The following is our list : — 



Ccturnix pectoralis. Stubble Quail. — This species is fairly com- 

 mon on the eastern side of the River Dei-went at certain seasons of 

 the year. The birds do not, however, stay in one place for long. 



Synoicus ypsilophorus. Swamp Quail.* — Odd flocks move about the 

 outskirts of the city and on the Queen's Domain, where cover is 

 usually plentiful. This bird has also been observed in scrubby patches 

 on the slopes of Mt. Wellington. 



Phap.s chalcoptera. Bronzewing.* — A fairly common species on 

 the semi-open slopes of Mt. Nelson, and round about Bellerive on the 

 opposite side of the river. 



Phaps elegans. Brush Bronzewing.* — Like P. chalcoptera, this 

 species is common, but frequents denser country like that of Mt. Wel- 

 lington, where they breed freely. We sometimes find their nests 

 in gorse bushes two or three feet from the ground. A comparatively 

 tame species so far as our experience goes. 



Fulica atra. Coot. — Occasionally the Coot may be seen in the River 

 Derwent near Hobart, but is very shy. 



Eudyptula minor. Little Penguin. — Common in the River Der- 

 went and at Sandy Bay. We have found odd birds hiding amongst 

 rocks en shore in the process of moulting. Fairly large rookeries 

 exist on Bruny Island, a few miles south of Hobart. 



Oceanites oceanicus. Yellow-webbed Stonu-Petrel. — This dainty 

 and tiny little Petrel has been observed in the river just within the 

 five-mile radius. It is, however, a rare visitor; but is common out- 

 side the entrance to the Derwent. 



Puffinus tenuirostris. Short-tailed Petrel. — The "Mutton Bird,'* 

 which provides a living for the islanders of Bass Strait, is a fairly 

 common bird in the River Dei-went in summer and autumn, when it 

 may be seen in large flocks, all wheeling and dipping at the water 

 simultaneously. They are fast flyers, and are always zig-zagging 

 about the river. They often come close to the steamers, thus allow- 

 ing one a good view of them. 



Sterna caspia. Caspian Tern. — Generally to be observed slowly fly- 

 ing up or down the river on the lookout for food. We have seen them 

 a.s far as 25 mile.'' from the sea hunting over shallow lagoons. It is 

 one of the most handsome terns. 



Sterna striata. White-fronted Tern. — Probably the commonest 

 Tern about Hobart. May be seen practically any day in small flocks, 

 and in company with the Silver Gull. 



Larus nova'-hollandia'. Silver Gull. — Of the various species of sea- 

 birds fre(iuenting the River Derwent, the Silver Gull is the most 

 familiar. It congregates in immense flocks, especially at low tide, 

 along the beach or on reefs or mud banks. A fairly large rookery 

 exists on Cape Frederick Henry, Bruny Island, a few miles south of 

 Hobart. 



