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Harvev, Bird Notes from Mackay, Q. 



Bird Notes from Mackay, Q. 



Bv W. G. AND R. C. Harvey. 



The Lemon-breasted Flycatcher '{Micraca fiavigaster) is fairly 

 plentiful in open forest country, where it may be seen perched on 

 some dry twig, and occasionally darting off in pursuit of an 

 insect, which it generally secures with a loud snap of its bill. It 

 has a delightful little song, which may be heard at its best during 

 the spring and early summer. The most remarkable feature in 

 the life-history of this bird is its nest, which ranks as the smallest 

 nest in Australia, if not in the whole world. The nest is so 

 designed that it holds only one egg, which is almost as large as 

 the egg-cavity. When sitting the . bird screens the entire nest 

 from observation by spreading her breast feathers around it — 

 a fact which has been revealed by the camera, but hitherto 

 unnoticed by us. The young -bird is a marvel of protective 

 coloration. When danger threatens, it will sit quite still, with 

 its beak pointing upwards, and so well does it blend with its 

 surroundings that only the most practised eye can detect it. 

 " Keep your back to the sun " seems to be its motto, for we have 

 not observed it in any other position. As the sun goes round, 

 so also does the young Flycatcher. 



The Peaceful Dove [Geopelia placida) is a very common bird in 

 this district — a fact which is due, no doubt, to their prolific habits. 

 Nests containing either eggs or young birds have been observed 

 all the year round. Several pairs of Doves seem to use the same 



Peaceful Dove {Geopelia placida) on nest. 



