189 



No. 111. HvpOTiENiDiA PHiLLiPPENSis (Pectoral Rail). 

 A few of these birds were flushed near the camel depot on 

 Brockman Creek, and also near the junction of the Fitzroy 

 and Margaret Rivers. At the latter place two clutches of hard- 

 set eggs were taken during February. 



No. 112. FuLiCA AUSTRALis (Australian Coot). 



Large flocks of these birds were seen at the lagoons passed on 

 the south side of the Fitzroy River. When disturbed, they 

 simply flew a short distance, and settled on the water like a flock 

 of ducks. 



No. 113. Herodias alba (Australian Egret). 



These birds form a prominent feature in the avi-fauna of the 

 vicinity of the Fitzroy River. Scarcely a lagoon or stretch of 

 water in the river was passed without seeing one or more of 

 these birds solemnly wading in the shallows in quest of prey, or 

 sleeping on one leg. Although slow in its movements, the Egret 

 is very shy, and considerable care is required to approach it 

 within shot. A second species of White Egret, much smaller 

 than the above, was seen, but at too great a distance to identify. 



No 114. Cereopsis NOViE-HOLLAXDiiE (Cereopsis Goose). 



Several of these birds were observed flying from islands to 

 the mainland, as the " Australind" steamed down the west coast 

 to the Australian Bight ; and I was informed by Mr, T. 

 Carter, a fellow-passenger, that they are occasionally shot near 

 Carnarvon. 



No. 115. Anseraxas melanoleuca (Senipalmated Goose). 

 A small flock of these birds was observed at a lagoon about 

 100 miles south-east of Derby. I was informed that they are 

 more numerous further east. 



No. 116. Chlamydochen jubata (Maned Goose). 

 These birds were not by any means numerous, a few being seen 

 near Lake Way, and a pair were shot at a fresh-water creek, 

 near Lake Augusta. They were also found in small flocks at 

 several lagoons along the course of the Fitzroy River. 



No. 117. Nettapus pulchellus (Pygmy Goose). 

 Several flocks of these little Geese were seen on the south side 

 of the Fitzroy River. They were very shy, and difficult to 

 approach. When disturbed, they arose quicklyj and flew near 

 the surface of the water, making a peculiar whistling noise all 

 the time they were on the wing. I was informed that several of 

 their nests are generally found near together, but they were not 

 breeding at the time of my visit, 

 o 



