^°um^' J KUSSEIJ.. /r,rds of Barunah Phuus. 137 



Oriolus viridis. Australian Oriole. — Migrant. Arrival, during 

 Febi-uary, 1914 and 1915; winters here. 1919: Arrival, February; de- 

 parted, end of March. 



Ptilonorhynchus violaceus. Satin Bower-Bird. — Mijjciant. A pair 

 visited us, 191(5. 



Corvus coronoides. Australian Crow. — Local. Common, in refer- 

 ence to this and the following species, I have not ascertained which 

 is more numer^jjs. They nest here; similar habits; and move about 

 either in pairs or small flocks. They build stick nests in the high 

 branches of gums. In winter fairly numerous, April to June; nest 

 from September to December. 



Corvus australis. Australian Raven. — Local. Same notes as pre- 

 ceding species. 



Strepera graculina. Pied Bell-Magpie.— Migrant. 21/6/19: "A 

 pair was seen feeding in a Moreton Bay fig tree." Departed 9/7/19. 



Strepera versicolor. Grey Bell-Magpie. — Stray migrant. May, 

 1915: A solitary bird noted this month. 



Gymnorhina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie. — Stray migrant. 



28/6/14: A single bird noted. 3/7/14: Departure. 5/3/19: A bird 

 resided here till last week of month. 



Birds of Barunah Plains and District 



JAMES RUSSELL, R.A.O.U., Barunah Plains, Victoria. 



Before listing the birds of this district and recording their 

 local habits, it may be as well to describe, for the benefit of the 

 many readers of The Bniu, the nature of the country and the 

 locality. 



Barunah Plains is on the well-known volcanic area which 

 stretches for many miles in the west of Victoria, approximately, 

 30 miles west of Geelong, 40 miles south of Ballarat, and 120 

 miles east of Hamilton, and as the crow flies, within 30 miles 

 of the Otway Ranges. 



The country was originally devoid of any timber, with the 

 exception of perhaps a few Banksia (Honeysuckle) trees, now 

 long since gone. However, for many years past, plantations 

 have been extensively planted, and around the homestead in 

 particular trees at the present time are fairly numerous. The 

 country is more or less flat, intercepted with "stoney rises" of 

 rough, angular lava blocks, and swamps. Two creeks having 

 numerous permanent waterholes run through the property. 



Considering the seemingly small attraction for bird life, it is 

 surprising to note that I have recorded about 60 species, of 

 which about 50 per cent, are ])crmanent and nest here each 

 season. 



Coturnix pectorali*>. Stubble Quail. — Not altogether a resident 

 species, but an odd nird may generally be seen at all times of the 

 year. During certain seasons the birds appear in great numbers. 

 Notes on nests I have observed contained eleven, six and eight eggs; 

 nesting months from September to January. 



