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Mattingley, The Ground-Parrot. 



r Ell 



List A 



April 



The Ground'Parrot (Pezoporus formosus). 



By a. H. E. Mattingley, C.M.Z.S.. 

 These beautiful birds are to be sought where the wind goes 

 alternatively sobbing, soughing, whistling, and sighing through 

 the harsh herbage, which renders the bird's light-timbred call 

 difficult of segregation. This separation from other bird-calls 

 and subsequent fixture of the position of the Ground-Parrot's 

 voice is a requisite essential to successful observation and the 

 discovery of the bird and its place of abode without its being 

 startled by being forced to fiy up to disclose itself, which act is 

 contrary to its desire and usual habit of comporting itself. 



The Ground-Parrot. 



PHOTO. BY A. H. E MATTINGLEY. CM Z.S. 



This interesting bird is local in habit, and can usually be found 

 in the same area of country — moorlands or coastal plains. To 

 seek out a bird one should requisition the services of a well-trained 

 pointer or setter, which can help one considerably to find and 

 flush the bird when desired, or to " point " it out. These birds 

 have a " scent," and dogs can readily " pick up " their trail, run 

 them down, and " set " them. As they go singly or in pairs, 

 and are sparsely distributed, a dog that " ranges " well will soon 

 indicate their presence or absence. 



In selecting its home, the Ground-Parrot naturally frequents 

 a type of country that affords a close covert as a protection from 

 observation from above, and in harmony with its own colour ; 



