183 



they passed. On reaching the top of the tree, they immediately 

 flew off to the base of the next, where the operation was 

 repeated. 



No. 83. SiTTELLA PILE ATA (Black-capped Sittella). 

 Flocks of these birds were noted near Lake Augusta during 

 the months of August and September, and also at the Fitzroy 

 River in January. They seemed to confine their attention to 

 the smaller trees in the scrub, whereas the Oraage-winged 

 Sittella delights in running up and down the tallest box-trees. 



No. 84. Phaps chalcoptera (Bronzewing Pigeon). 

 During our stay at the camel depot on Creek I 



found these birds in considerable numbers in the open scrub. 

 They came out to feed and drink morning and evening, but 

 during the heat of the day sought the shade of some low bush. 

 At such times they proved very wary ; but when they came to 

 water in the evening they often alighted on the ground within 

 10 feet of where T sat. At Johanna Springs they were especially 

 numerous, as many as thirty being counted on a bare patch of 

 ground at one time. As from three to four usually fell to a shot, 

 they formed a welcome addition to our larder. Whenever this 

 bird is observed at sunset, it is almost certain to be going to 

 drink ; but as their power of flight is wonderful, they travel a 

 great distance in a short spa.ce of time. Although many 

 hundreds of these birds were seen during the trip, I never 

 noticed one perch on a tree. They were all either flying or on 

 the ground. 



No. 85. Geopelia tranquilla (Peaceful Dove). 



These birds were only found near to the Fitzroy River and in 

 the neighbourhood of Derby. They were generally seen singly or 

 in pairs, their low plaintive note revealing their presence. 



No. 86. Leipoa ocellata (Ocellated Leipoa). 

 The presence of this bird in the mulga scrubs between Cue and 

 Separation Well was established by the finding of their mounds, 

 feathers, and footprints : but as they are extremely shy, they 

 retired on the approach of the caravan, and sought shelter in the 

 scrub. 



No. 87. Syxoicus Australia (Swamp Quail). 



Amongst the tall kangaroo grass between Lake Way and the 

 camel depot numbers of these birds were seen, and several shot. 

 One female killed on 20th August contained a perfect egg in the 

 oviduct. Others were seen near Mount Arthur in April, and 

 several clutches of their eggs were picked up as we crossed a 



