190 



No. 118. Casarca tadornoides (Chestnut-coloured Sheldrake). 

 Near Lake Way a pair of these Ducks passed our camp just 

 out of range, and others were seen at three places near the 

 Fitzroy River, either singly or in pairs. 



No. 119. Dendrocygxa vagans (Whistling Duck). 



These birds were found in large flocks on the margin of the 

 pools near the Fitzroy River. During the day they sleep under 

 the shade of the bushes around the water, but at night travel 

 out on to the open plains to feed. Whilst on the wing they keep 

 up an incessant whistling noise, from which they derive their 

 name. They deposit their eggs amongst the spinifex and cane- 

 grass some distance from water. 



No. 120. Dendrocygna eytoni (Eyton's Tree Duck). 



The open plains near the Fitzroy River appear to be the strong- 

 hold of this species. Whilst travelling at night near Noon- 

 koombah we frequently disturbed them in thousands as they were 

 feeding amongst the dry grass, probably on the seed. Towards 

 morning they return to the water, and after a short bath repair 

 to the shelter of the bushes on the margin. These birds lie so 

 close together when sleeping that seven or eight are often secured 

 at one discharge. On several occasions I killed birds of the two 

 species (Eytoni and vagans) at the one shot. Both species breed 

 very freely in the coarse grass near Mount Campbell, and the 

 natives in that neighbourhood make sad havoc amongst their 

 «ggs. 



No. 121. Anas superciliosa (Australian Wild Duck). 



A few pairs of these birds were found at most of the surface 

 waters seen. At a large clay pan east of Cue we saw old birds 

 swimming with their young broods as early as June 29, and 

 during August several immature birds were shot. In the 

 neighbourhood of the Fitzroy River fresh eggs were taken during 

 January and February, thus showing that the breeding season is 

 largely influenced by the rainfall. On several occasions single 

 birds of this species were seen flying in company with a flock of 

 common Teal {Anas gibherifrons), and at one pool I shot one in 

 company with Nyroca australis. Both birds were adults, and 

 arrived at the water together. This habit of diff^erent species 

 mingling together was noted on a much larger scale at some of 

 the pools near the Fitzroy River. 



No. 122. Anas gibberifrons (Slender Teal). 

 Until reaching the Fitzroy River this Teal proved to be by far 

 the most plentiful species of Duck. They were found at all 

 clay pans and creeks passed, and frequently proved an acceptable 



