Vol. II. 

 1903 



1 MiLLIGAN, New Melithreptiis from Western Australia. I 6 I 



blackish chin is distinctly marked, as also the greyish breast ; 

 {d) the cheeks are white ; and {e) the head is blackish brown. 



I therefore assign to the new bird the scientific name of 

 Mdithreptus leiicogenys, and the vernacular name of the Western 

 Brown-headed Honey-eater, 



Some Notes from the Geelong and Otway Districts. 



By H. E. Hill. 



These notes have been made at odd times when I have been in 

 this district during the last ten years. There will, therefore, be 

 noticed numerous gaps — e.g., in the sea birds and water birds 

 generally. But as I am not likely to add to them for a con- 

 siderable time, it is perhaps as well to get them together in case 

 there should be any items which may be of use to others. I 

 have included all my notes made anywhere near Geelong, so 

 that the ground covered includes a considerable part of the 

 Otway Forest and a fairly large extent of the plains around 

 Geelong. A complete census of the birds of the plains would 

 number about 250, according to my own reckoning. 



The Wedge-tailed Eagle {Uroaeius aiuiax). — Although common on 

 the plains and in the forest country both, this bird is not very often seen 

 within 10 miles of the town, but it does occur occasionally. A specimen 

 was shot at the Corio Cricket Ground on 9th May last. 



The White-bellied Sea-Eagle {Haliaiitus lencogaster). — Occurs along 

 the coast. 



Whistling Eagle {Haliastur sphcimnis). — Rather uncommon. 



Brown Hawk {Hieraddea oriefttalis). — Fairly common. 



Kestrel {Cerchncis coichr aides'). — Common everywhere on the plains, 

 but especially abundant on the edge of the Otways. Occasional in the 

 more open parts of the forest itself, but never common. Breeding. 



White Goshawk {Astur 7iovce-hollandia). — Fairly common in the 

 forest ; rare on the plains. 



Goshawk {Astur approximans). — Common on the plains. 



Sparrow-hawk {Accipitcr cirrlwcepJialus). — Very rare. 



Harrier {Circus gouldi). — One of the Harriers is common throughout 

 the plains, and probably both, but I have not identified the Spotted 

 Harrier myself C. gouldi breeds here. 



Lesser Masked Owl {Strix delicatula). — Occurs at long intervals. 



BOOBOOK Owl {Ninox boobook).— Common in both the plains and forest 

 country. 



Spotted Owl {Ninox maadata). — Also occurs, but I do not know if it 

 is common. I have only seen one or two. 



Owlet Nightjar {Mgothelcs novcc-hollandicc). — Not infrequent. 

 Breeding. 



Frogmouth {Podargus strigoides). — Common everywhere. Breeding. 



