I 72 Carter, Birds Occurring in the Region of N.W. Cape, [ 7t hjan. 



of the great cliffs. In a smaller gorge in the range, about six miles from 

 the homestead, three pairs almost invariably bred, and although the nests 

 were never disturbed, being in an inaccessible situation, the number of 

 birds remaining to breed was the same every year. They obtained water 

 from caves in the gorge, where water dripped most of the time from stalac- 

 tite formation. The eggs are laid from about 25th August to 22nd 

 September, the second week in September being the best time to look 

 for them. The clutch is two or three. Occasionally eggs are laid in holes 

 in the large white ant hills on the flats nearer the coast, where timber 

 is absent. The birds are very hardy in captivity, and make amusing pets, 

 but are quick to bite. 



(91.) CACATUA KOSEICAPILLA (Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Culerrit). — This 

 beautiful species was never seen on the coast, but was fairly common 

 inland. A flock of these birds flying is a really splendid sight, as it also 

 is to see a number of them perched all over a great gum-tree, their plumage 

 forming a beautiful contrast to the dark green foliage and white bark. 

 These birds were never noted breeding in the gum-trees, but seemed to 

 lay only in the mulga (" jam ") and gidyea timber. A pair were seen 

 enlarging a nesting-hole as early as 18th May, but the laying season seems 

 to be early in September. These birds are not nearly such hardy cage 

 birds as their Bare-eyed brethren. 



(92.) CALOPSITTACUS NOV.E-HOLLANDLE (Cockatoo-Parrot, Wec-arra, 

 Wamba). — Fairly common inland, and occasionally visiting the coast 

 from April to July, after rains. Eggs appear to be laid according to the 

 season, as they were obtained on various dates from 16th July to nth 

 September. They make charming cage birds and breed in captivity. 



(93.) BARNARDIUS OCCIDENTALIS (North Parrakeet, Mullin-coorin). — 

 These beautiful birds were nowhere plentiful, but occurred from the 

 Gascoyne River to the Nor'-West Cape. Rather curiously, I never 

 succeeded in taking their eggs. 



(94.) PSEPHOTUS MULTICOLOR (Many-coloured Parrakeet). — These birds 

 were not uncommon a little north of the Gascoyne River early in 1887. 

 When camped out there with sheep, gaining " colonial experience," I shot 

 several at the troughs, but never saw any of the birds at any subsequent 

 date. The season was very droughty. 



(95.) NEOPHEMA ELEGANS (Grass-Parrakeet). — Only one specimen of this 

 species was obtained. It was picked up dead by a native near Point Cloates 

 (31st March, 1900), and was not in full plumage. 



(96.) MELOPSITTACUS UNDULATUS (Warbling Grass-Parrakeet, Padda- 

 moora). — This lovely little bird was very abundant, especially in wet 

 seasons. Its eggs could be found in any suitable gum-spout. These birds 

 lay after rain, irrespective of seasons. The natives frequently annoyed 

 me very much by their thoughtless cruelty in securing the young birds. 

 A sharp-pointed stick was used to impale them as they lay at the bottom 

 of the nesting cavity, and being transfixed and brought to the aperture 

 they were thrown to the ground, then collected by the native or his gin, and 

 thrown, squirming and squeaking, on to the hot coals of a fire to be cooked 

 for " light refreshment." All natives appear to think animals are quite 

 incapable of suffering pain. 



(97.) GEOPELIA TRANQUILLA (Ground-Dove). — Specimens of this bird 

 were shot in the Gascoyne River in January, 1901, but not noted else- 

 where. 



(98.) GEOPELIA CUNEATA (Little Dove). — Very common in the summer 



