NEW SOUTH WALES 81 



D. From northern New South Wales in December 

 drought into central Queensland. Tens of 

 thousands of Native Hens (M. ventralis) erupt 

 and eat out the tender grass of all dam- 

 frontages, leaving quietly in a mass a few 

 months later. 



PERMANENT SPECIES 

 (Plate 2, Fig. 74) 



Certain birds, e.g., the Lyre Bird, are thoroughly 

 fixed to their place of birth. Others, as the Bell- 

 Bird, are slightly nomadic when the food gives out, 

 while the Magpie-Lark will temporarily move 

 beyond its close range. 



There are forests in which many species may be 

 seen at any time of the year. Take for example the 

 Macpherson Range in the north, and we may find 

 at any time the Scrub Wren (Atrichornis), Olive 

 Whistler (P. olivaceus), and Pilot Bird (Pycnop- 

 tilus.) In the south at Bega we will at all times 

 of the year see the Black and White Fantail, the 

 White-backed Magpie and the Noisy Miner. 



By dividing the forests of the Coast Range into 

 three parts we find three species of Lyre Birds, 

 each permanently fixed in its area. 



It is rather wonderful that thousands of migra- 

 tory birds pass along- and beyond these forests 

 twice a vear, 



