188 



No. 105. Grus australianus (Native Companion). 



These birds were generally met with in pairs until April, when 

 they were seen in large flocks. They were found in the river 

 bed and on the open plains, but seem to prefer the timbered 

 country. Their loud notes often betrayed their presence some 

 time before the birds themselves were soen. 



No. 106. Xenorhynchus australis (Australian Jabiru). 



These birds were observed on several occasions near the 

 junction of the Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers, and one of their 

 old nests on the latter stream was pointed out to me. It 

 consisted of a large mass of sticks, and, viewed from beneath, 

 somewhat resembled the nest of Aquila audax, though a trifle 

 smaller. The natives occasionally secure the young birds. 



No. 107. Ardea pacifica (Pacific Heron). 



These birds were first noted soon after leaving Cue, and were 

 afterwards found at all surface waters passed ; but as soon as 

 rain fell, they were seen in great numbers at the swamps near 

 the Fitzroy River. Their strange habit of standing motionless 

 in the swamps or on trees near the water, rendered their long 

 white necks a marked feature in the locality. Their food 

 consisted of water beetles, frogs, and small fre«h-water snails. 



No. 108. Ardea NOViE-HOLLANDi^ (White-fronted Heron ) 



This well-known Heron was frequently met with during the 

 early part of our journey, but they were more numerous in the 

 vicinity of the Fitzroy River. Although generally found singly, 

 they were occasionally seen in flocks, varying from three to a 

 dozen. 



No. 109. Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Heron). 



In searching amongst the dense timber on the banks of the 

 Fitzroy River, I disturbed many hundreds of these birds. 

 Although nocturnal in their habits, they are very wary, and not 

 easily surprised during the day. They breed in great numbers 

 amongst the tall mangroves, and the young birds form an 

 important item in the menu of the natives. 



No. 110. PoRPHYRio BELLUS (Azure-breasted Porphyrio). 



Several of these birds were found near the junction of the 

 Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers, where they were seen wading in 

 the shallow swamps, or perched on trees growing in the water. 

 Their habits are identical with those of the well-known Black- 

 backed Porphyrio. 



