Vol. III. 

 1904 



Carter, Birds Occurring in the Region of N.W. Cape. 2 I I 



breeding regularly in low bushes on Frazer Island, where we used to collect 

 their eggs for culinary purposes from about nth to 28th July. 



(163.) PHALACROCORAX SULC1R0STRIS (Little Black Cormorant).— 

 The only noted occurrence of this species was at the flooded white gum 

 swamp in April, 1900, when they were in considerable numbers. 



(164.) TACHYPETES MINOR (Lesser Frigate-Bird, Wannoo).— The appear- 

 ance of these fine birds was a certain indication of an approaching hurricane 

 or of very stormy weather further north, and they were classed by the 

 natives, with other occasional visitors at such times, as " rain-brothers." 

 There were some numbers of them at Point Cloates at the commencement 

 of the severe hurricane of 25th and 26th January, 1898. Several of them 

 hovering over the house and kitchen, two were secured by a right and 

 left barrel shot, 31st March, 1899. A small flock was seen also 10th 

 February, 1900. As soon as the weather cleared they returned north, 

 and on one occasion were distinctly seen, late at night, flying north by 

 the bright moonlight. 



(165.) PHAETON RUBRICAUDA (Red-tailed Tropic-Bird).— One of these 

 beautiful birds was shot at Point Cloates 23rd April, 1891, while hovering 

 over a camp. It was the only one noted. 



(166.) SULA SERRATOR (Gannet).— The only specimen noted of this bird 

 was found dead on the beach, 30th September, 1901. 



(167.) PODICIPES NESTOR (Hoary-headed Grebe).— Occurs rather spar- 

 ingly on inland pools. While sailing in my cutter near Point Cloates in 

 the drought, February, 1 897, we saw one of these birds about half a mile 

 from the land, and one of the natives, diving into the sea, captured it. 

 Another was caught on the sea, close to the house, 19th February, 1900, 

 by some natives who were swimming. 



(168.) PODICIPES NOV.B-HOLLANDI^E (Black-throated Grebe). — Rather 

 more numerous in inland pools than the preceding. 



(169.) CHENOPIS ATRATA (Black Swan).— This fine bird occurs in con- 

 siderable numbers when heavy rains have filled the larger pools and swamps 

 with water. On the " Lake " near the Minilya River 300 or more birds 

 could frequently be seen, and they bred there when the water lasted long 

 enough ; also on the Nichol Bay flats, south of the Gascoyne River, and 

 in the large cane-grass clay-pans near Winning. At the latter locality 

 the water dried up one year after many eggs were laid, and consequently 

 the birds forsook them. In the wet year, 1900, odd pairs of birds bred 

 at many small waterholes. There was a nest containing seven eggs in an 

 islet covered with samphire on the flooded salt-marsh at Maud's Landing, 

 1st May. Eggs were noted between that date and 12th July in different 

 seasons. 



(170.) ANSERANAS SEMIPALMATA (Pied Goose).— 1 8th September, 1892, 

 a small flock of these birds was resting on the beach at Maud's Landing 

 and allowed me to ride past within a few yards of them without taking 

 flight. Soon after they were observed swimming on the sea. In 1900 

 numbers of these birds were on the flooded clay-pans near Winning. 



(171.) DENDROCYCNA EYTONI (Plumed Whistling-Duck).— Plentiful in 

 wet seasons, notably in 1900, when they were in great numbers at even- 

 pool. 



(172.) ANAS SUPERCILIOSA (Black Duck).— This Duck was scarce, and 

 not nearly so numerous as the preceding species, N. gibberifrons, Nyroca 

 australis, and M alacorhynchus membranaceus. 



