Vol. II. 

 1903 



] A. G. Campbell, The Birds of King Island. 205 



King Island is noticeably poor in sea birds, but that is 

 probably because the smaller and less disturbed islands offer 

 safer retreats. Of the land birds, the majority, if not all, are 

 found breeding on the island. 



In the following list a complete record is given of all species 

 that have been noted for King Island. Where the name only 

 appears, it signifies that the species was observed by the Field 

 Naturalists' expedition, but not by myself on my recent trip, 

 while those marked with an asterisk are the species not 

 previously recorded. 



Circus GOULDI (Harrier). — This species will doubtless increase in numbers 

 as the island is more opened up ; for in the magnificent pastures, as well 

 as in the lagoons and swamps, it will find abundant feeding and nesting 

 grounds. 



AsTUR NOV^-HOLLANDI.E (White Goshawk). 



*ASTUR APROXIMANS (Goshawk). — Occasionally seen. 



UROAiiTUS AUDAX (Wedge- tailed Eagle). 



Haliaetus LEUCOGASTER (White-bellied Sea-eagle). — Two or three pairs 

 only are known about the island, and they are jealously guarded by the 

 residents. 



HiERACIDEA BERIGORA (Brown Hawk). — A trait exhibited by this species 

 on King Island shows that there is no fear of man induced when in un- 

 disturbed retreats. A brooding bird did not leave her nest although four 

 Melithrepti were shot from the leafy tops of the tree in which it was placed. 

 During the journey across Bass Strait one of these Hawks was noticed 

 following the steamer. It appeared to have been on the wing for some 

 time, and was flying heavily. On endeavouring to perch on the taffrail 

 of the boat, a strong gust of wind swept it into the water, where the poor 

 thing was left to its fate. 



*Cerchneis cenchroides (Kestrel). — Occasionally seen. 



NiNOX MACULATA (Spotted Owl). — This was plentiful in the timbered 

 valley of the Pass River. Its call is pitched a little higher than that of 

 the mainland (Boobook) species. 



CORONE AUSTRALIS (Raven). — Parties of these birds frequently cross the 

 Strait to and from Tasmania. 



Strepera FULIGINOSA (Black Crow-Shrike). — Most plentiful. Assembles 

 in rowdy mobs along the beach to search among the kelp for sand-hoppers 

 and other dainty niorsels. Nesting usually commences about the second 

 week in November, the birds building their conspicuous nests in any con- 

 venient scrub. Birds in immature plumage are common, it being probably 

 three years before the rusty-brown edgings to the feathers of the back, 

 wings, and particularly the under surface, give place to the stainless black 

 and deep grey of maturity. 



COLLYRIOCINCLA RECTIROSTRIS (Whistling Shrike-Thrush). — A shy species 

 inhabiting the belts of fresh-water tea-tree (^Melaleuca). Its strong notes 

 are often heard in answer to a rival in a neighbouring patch. 



Graucalus parvirostriS (Small-billed Cuckoo-Shrike). — Found chiefly 

 in the timber, but in flocks of a dozen or more may be seen feeding out 

 in heathy country. 



Petrceca phcenicea (Flame-breasted Robin"). — A common summer 



