lO A. G. Campbell, Birds of North-Eastcrn Victoria. [,,fj"| 



in a series of notes, it is hoped will prove of interest, if not 

 of some service. 



The district under notice, it must be observed, although 

 somewhat small, contains country of no less than four distinct 

 types, but from the bird inhabitants of these I do not doubt that 

 an estimate or gauge of the whole north-eastern portion of the 

 State can be obtained, and further even, for it should include 

 eastern Riverina also. 



The notes which follow were collected within an area extend- 

 ing from about twenty miles to the south of the Murray to an 

 equal distance on the other side. Thus there is included in the 

 extreme south a portion of the granite ranges in which Beech- 

 worth is situated, and, near Chiltern, an extensive silurian out- 

 crop clothed with ironbark timber (species of eucalypt). These 

 two portions may be grouped, the ironbark especiall}^ having very 

 distinctive bird life. Northward toward Rutherglen fairly open 

 undulating country exists. At places in the low-lying portions 

 large patches of red gum and box trees (both species of 

 eucalypts) point significantly to the approach of the great river. 

 The third group takes in the bird life of the river itself, with 

 its timbered flats, scored with billabongs and swampy reed-beds ; 

 while the fourth carries us quickly to regions where the bull-oak 

 (Casuarina) and Murray pine (Callitris) flourish among sand- 

 hills and broad stretches of fertile plain. This last group 

 includes the sheep country to the north of Corovva, N.S.W'., 

 and has, too, like each of the three other divisions into which 

 the physical face has been roughly divided, birds of its own, 

 rarely, if ever, found outside its domains. 



It will be as well, however, to take the birds in order, com- 

 mencing with the Raptores, and those which specially represent 

 a particular class of country will be mentioned in their proper 

 places. 



The Spotted Harrier {Circus jardiiiii) and the common 

 Harrier {^C. gouldi) z.x& local birds, the former preferring for its 

 domain a patch of reed-beds, and the latter seemingly with more 

 delight for a crop ot wheat or long grass, where it can hunt up 

 and down for such provender as Quails and young hares, and 

 where often its nest is to be found. The Goshawk {Astur 

 approxiinans), Sparrowhawk {Accipiter cirr]ioc(;J)]ialiis), Little 

 Eagle {Nisachts inorp/inoides), and Whistling Eagle {Haliastur 

 sphenurus) are constant visitors during summer, autumn, and 

 winter, but depart evidently for more suitable breeding grounds 

 during spring. The last-named species may often be seen, three, 

 four, or five together, on a fine da)', sailing round and upward in 

 large circles, occasionally uttering their curious whistle-like cry. 

 One often wonders what is the object of such soaring. The Black- 

 cheeked Falcon {Falco jnelanogenys) and the Little Falcon 

 {F. liinidatus) keep Sparrows and all small fry in mortal terror, 



