CH. VII.] BIRDS. 309 



depth below, for notliingless than a pickaxe can penetrate 

 to the larvae ; but those of another variety of the common 

 kind, which construct mounds, are eaten by the native fe- 

 males and children, who carry wooden shovels forthepurpose 

 ofdissfinir them out. 



The bronze-wing pigeon was here, as elsewhere, the most 

 numerous of that kind of bird. Next in abundance was the 

 crested pigeon, which seems more peculiar to these low 

 levels. There were large Hocks of a brown pigeon with 

 a white head, and not an uncommon bird elsewhere ; also a 

 small species of dove with very handsome plumage. The 

 large black cockatoo was sometimes seen, and about the river 

 banks, the common white cockatoo with yellow top-knot 

 {Plyctolophus galeritus). The smaller bird of this genus 

 with a scarlet and yellow crest, and pink wings {Plyctolo- 

 phus Leadheateri), was rarely noticed, and it appeared to come 

 from a distance, flying usually very high. The pink- 

 coloured wings and glowing crest of this beautiful bird, 

 might have embellished the air of a more voluptuous region; 

 and, indeed, from its transient visits, it did not seem quite 

 at home on the banks of the Darling. The plumage of 

 several kinds of parrots was extremely rich, and even the 

 small birds were clothed in pink and blue. But the air, 

 however much adorned by the feathered race, had its 

 thieves, as well as the earth. The croAvs were amazingly 

 bold, always accompanying us from camp to camp. It was 

 absolutely necessary to watch our meat while in kettles on 

 the fire, and, on one occasion, notwithstanding our cook's 

 vigilance, a piece of pork weighing three pounds, was taken 

 from a boiling pot, and carried off by one of these birds ! 

 The hawks were equally voracious. A pigeon had been no 

 sooner shot by Burnett, than an audacious hawk carried 

 it away, and, as if fearless of a similar fate, he flew but a 

 very short distance from the fowler, before he had taken half 

 the feathers off. 



