>n^ White, An Ornithological Cruise. [ 



Emu 



2IU1 Oct. 



Leggeornis lamberti assimilis (Malurus assimilis). Purple-backed 

 Wren. These birds were again seen in the scrub crowning the sand- 

 dunes at Pondalowie Bay. A specimen was secured in non-breeding 

 plumage, the red feathers just showing. 



Zosterops lateralis westernensis (Z. dorsalis). Southern White-eye. 

 — Numerous on Althorpe Island, Cape Yorke, and at Pondalowie 

 Bay. A specimen procured at the latter place measured — total 

 length, 4|" ; wing, from axilla to tip, t,^" ; spread, /Y'. 



Meliphaga s. sonora {Ptiloiis sonora^. Southern Singing Honey- 

 eater. — Numerous at Pondalowie Bay. 



Acanthagenys rufogularis cygnus (A. rufoqularis). Southern Spiny- 

 cheeked Honey-eater. — Numbers were calling loudly at Pondalowie 

 Bay. One specimen was taken — iris light blue ; base of bill and gape 

 bright pink ; sere bluish ; feet slaty-blue. Total length, q1" ; wing, 

 from axilla to tip, 5|" ; spread of wings, 12". 



Anthus australis adelaidensis (A. australis). Southern Pipit. — 

 Found at Cape Yorke, Pondalowie Bay, and Troubridge Light. 



Stagonopleura guttata philordi (S. c;uttata). Southern Spotted-sided 

 Finch. — Several were seen at Pondalowie Bay. 



Corvus coronoides perplexus (C. coronoides). Southern Raven. — 

 Every evening, while we were at Althorpe Island, a bird of this species 

 flew along about the same time as if on its way to roost, perched 

 for a while on the wire-rope of the flying fox, gave a few mournful 

 calls, and went on its way. 



Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota (G. leiicono/a). White-backed 

 Magpie. — Several birds were seen at Cape Yorke. 



When comparing the list of birds with that of the first trip, it 

 will be seen that some species of birds met with the first time were 

 not seen during the second visit, while other species were not 

 nearly so numerous. 



Some discussion has taken place over the possibility of the 

 Pacific Gull [Gabianus p. pacificiis) carrying the large shells Turbo 

 stamineus, and dropping them on the rocks as a means to abstract 

 the contents for food. These birds have always been credited 

 for doing this work, and the Messrs. Golley, of Wedge Island, 

 state that they have seen these Gulls dropping the shells. My 

 old friend. Dr. Morgan, is of the opinion that the shells mentioned 

 are far too heavy for the Pacific Gulls to carry up, and thinks it 

 must be the White-headed Osprey, this bird being able to grasp 

 the large shells in its claws. I am of the opinion that it must be 

 the Gull, for Nature must have provided that powerful bill for 

 some such purpose. Three shells {Turbo stamineus, Martyn), 

 weighed while alive, resulted as follows : — No. i. 8 ozs. ; No. 2, 

 10 ozs. ; No. 3, 9I ozs. 



Since writing the above I have had the pleasure of a long talk 

 with Capt. W. G. Randall, Senior Inspector of Oyster Fisheries 

 of Port Lincoln. This gentleman has had much experience of 

 the ways of the sea-birds along our coast-line. He states that he 



