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



(173.) Nettion cast ax hum (Teal). — Not nearly so common as gibberi- 

 frons, and only noted in mangrove creeks, where they breed, in some 

 cases as many as 10 miles from the nearest fresh water. Young in down 

 seen 21st July, 1900. 



(174.) Nettion gibberifrons (Grey Teal, Wang-anner). — The com- 

 monest Duck in the locality, breeding in hollow gum spouts. Eggs noted 

 from April to August. The native name is applied to Ducks generally. 



(175.) Spatula rhynchotis (Shoveller). — Only one specimen was seen, 

 and shot, near Winning, 30th October, 1900, but I heard that another 

 was secured on the Minilya River same year. 



(176.) Malacorhynchus membranaceus (Pink-eared Duck). — Not un- 

 common, occurring mostly on shallow clay-pans. 



(177.) NYROCA AUSTRALIS (White-eyed Duck). — With the exception of 

 N. gibberifrons this was the commonest Duck. 



(178.) STICTONETTA N.EVOSA (Freckled Duck). — Only once noted — viz., 

 at Cardabia Pool, 23rd July, iqoo, when three were shot out of a small 

 flock. 



(179.) BlZIl'RA LOBATA iMusk-Duck). — A single specimen was observed 

 on Cardabia Pool in 1900. 



(180.) DROM.EUS IRRORATUS (Spotted Emu, Yalla-biddee). — These birds 

 were very abundant, but were considerably reduced in numbers by the 

 droughts, especially that of 1894-96, in which distressing season they died 

 wholesale. In the corner of one paddock seventy-five, were seen dead 

 in the space of about 200 yards, the birds having apparently wandered 

 into the angle of the fence and died from thirst. They were frequently 

 seen in mobs on the beach drinking sea water. The natives, upon seeing 

 a mob approaching, would conceal themselves in an extended line or 

 semi-circle, and when the poor birds were opposite the centre of them 

 would rush down and drive them into the sea where they were soon caught, 

 as the natives were much the more expert swimmers. On several occasions 

 a pair or more of these birds came to water at the troughs of the wells 

 with the sheep, and, squatting down, would drink within a few yards of 

 the natives or white men drawing the water. What appear to be birds 

 about three -parts grown frequently exhibit great curiosity, and I have 

 seen them come within 10 yards of where I was having an al fresco meal, 

 and remain some time, gazing intently, while my dog was barking furiously 

 at them. The breeding season is usually about the middle or end of May, 

 when most eggs have been noted, but is much influenced by the weather, 

 being delayed if winter rains are late in falling, or put off altogether for 

 that year if it proves very dry. 20th March, 1887, a female was shot with 

 eggs considerably developed in ovaries. Eggs were noted in nests on 25 th 

 May, 1887, and 28th May, 1888. Eleven eggs were once found in a deserted 

 nest. Spinifex country appears to be the most favourite nesting ground, 

 and many birds visited the salt-marsh country near the coast for breeding 

 purposes, laying on the " islands " surrounded by salt-marsh. 



(181.) CORVUS BENNETTI (Short-billed Crow). — As mentioned in the 

 earlier part of these notes, there are evidently two species of Crows occurring 

 with us, but not the so-called Raven, and on Dr. E. Hartert and myself 

 comparing the smaller Short-billed skins from my collection with Mr. A. J. 

 North's description of C. bennetti* we came to the conclusion that they 



* Victorian Naturalist, vol. xvii., p. 170 (1901). 



