^°9.'^' ] Whitf, Bird-Life in fhe Riverina. 2O9 



be \-ery fond of the Scotch thistle seeds. We noticed small parties 

 of 4 or 5, and often a single pair, of those beautiful Parrakeets 

 known to the settlers as (ireen Leeks {Polytt'lis barrabandi) nearly 

 always on the wing, and travelling very swiftly from the river 

 outback. We came to the conclusion that they were returning 

 to some feeding-ground after watering at the river. This surmise 

 proved correct, for we drove out into the back country, and, 

 calling at a settler's home, we were informed that some very 

 pretty birds were destroying his crops. Sure enough, a flock of 

 between 20 and 30 (ireen Leeks was busy amongst the standing 

 wheat, which at this time was ripening. I believe that these birds 

 are becoming very scarce in districts where they once were 

 numerous. A few specimens of the Red-vented Parrakeet {P. 

 hcBinatorrhoiis) were noted, and I was told that they nest in the 

 district. I was shown a young bird in captivity which had been 

 taken from the nest by an aborigine. The Sulphur-crested 

 Cockatoo was met with all along the river, and we saw the Spur- 

 winged Plover. Large flocks of Maned Geese were also seen on 

 the river. Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut-breasted Teal, Marsh 

 Terns, White-faced Herons, Pacific Herons, Cranes, and Emus 

 were all observed in the marshy country. Crows were every- 

 where. White-backed Magpies were fairly plentiful, and Noisy 

 Miners were seen in almost every tree. The Friar-Bird {Tropido- 

 rhynchits corniculatus) was noticed on the tops of some of the high 

 gum-trees. Out on the plains we saw the White-fronted 

 Ephthianura, and we were told that E. tricoloy was often seen 

 there. The Pied Fantail {Rhipidiira tricolor) and the Welcome 

 Swallow were observed round the homestead. We were only in 

 this fertile country for three days, and every hour of that time 

 was well occupied. 



Stray Feathers. 



The Dottrel (PeUohyas anstralis) in Riverina. — I have observed 

 many Dottrel nests here since 190Q, and have taken particular 

 notice of them all. I have never seen any with five eggs. All 

 except one nest contained three eggs, and one nest contained 

 four. The Dottrel seems to have no particular breeding season 

 here. I occasionally drop on their nests all through the year. 

 Their principal enemy here is the fox, owing to the birds making 

 their nests on the ground. — L. K. Turner. Booligal, 14/2/11. 

 * * * 



Stilts Breeding near Melbourne. — I saw some nests and eggs 

 lately of tlic White-headed Stilt {Hiniantopus leitcocephahis) in 

 a swamp (> miles from Melbourne, and obtained a fine clutch of 

 five eggs, two nests, and four young birds (about a week old) for 

 the National Museum. The Curator, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, intends 

 having a life-group made of these. The birds, I learn, have been 



