Vo|-xn.j Wilson, Oologists in the Mallee. 3I 



We identified 79 species of birds on the trip, but spent most 

 of our time in tiie porcupine-grass tracts, as the avifauna met 

 with there has a particular charm of its own. The scientific 

 names are according to Mathews' " Hand-list " {Emu, vol. vii.) 



Lipoa ocellata. Mallee-Fowl. — Judging by the number of old nest- 

 mounds observed of this species, they must have been very numerous at one 

 time in the Kow Plains district. Now, however, sad to relate, they are getting 

 very scarce, and only one new nest was found during the trip. This nest 

 was being prepared for the reception of the eggs, and was situated in a 

 dense brake of bottle-bush {Callistcinon) growing on the top of a sand- 

 ridge. An immense hole had been scooped out of the earth, and the sand 

 piled up around the edges. In the centre of this depression was a conical 

 heap of vegetable debris^ consisting principally of mallee gum leaves, twigs, 

 and seed-pods. The ground had been scratched perfectly clean for many 

 yards around, and in fact had the appearance of having been swept. This 

 nest was situated within about 50 yards of a large dingo burrow, so that it 

 is highly probable that, even if the young were reared out, they vv-ould 

 fall an easy victim to these unscrupulous vermin. We obtained an 

 immature female bird, which was singularly tame, allowing us to approach 

 within about 20 yards of her. 



Geopelia cuneata. Diamond (Little) Dove. — A few pairs of these 

 birds were observed both at Ouyen and at Kow Plains, but at the time of 

 our visit they seemed rather rare. 



Phaps chalcoptera. Bronze-winged Pigeon. — We frequently flushed 

 these fine birds in the tea-tree flats and amongst the porcupine grass at 

 Ouyen and Kow Plains. Just at dusk they would come whirring down to 

 the soak near our camp for their evening drink. This habit of going to 

 water at night is frecjuently taken advantage of by Mallee settlers, who shoot 

 numbers of them. 



Zonifer tricolor. Black-breasted Plover. — These familiar birds were 

 often seen in the open patches of country near Kow Plains, and a nest 

 containing four incubated eggs was taken for us just prior to our visit. 



Astur cruentus. Lesser Goshawk. — On three occasions we saw these 

 birds at Kow Plains. 



Uroaetus audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. — These noble birds were 

 Irequently seen during the trip, and several nests observed, two of which 

 were occupied. One was placed about 25 feet up in a leaning mallee-tree, 

 and contained one ^^•g^ but on revisiting it a week later the &<g'g had 

 disappeared. The vast quantity of rabbit remains strewn about the nests 

 testified to the immense amount of good these birds undoubtedly do, 

 and which I think nullifies the harm they are accused of doing in taking a 

 stray lamb occasionally. Another nest was located on the top of a Murray 

 pine that had been broken off near the summit, and contained two chipping 

 egg^s. The female, on being flushed from the nest, immediately flew out of 

 sight, and did not return while we were in the neighbourhood. 



Hieracidea berigora. Striped Brown Hawk. — This species is common 

 through the Mallee, but only three nests were discovered. One found 

 by Mr. Howe near North Dam was placed in a small mallee-tree, and 

 contained a fresh clutch of brilliantly-blotched eggs. 



Ninox boobook. Boobook Owl.- — A solitary bird was seen when we were 

 staying at Kow Plains homestead. 



Glossopsittacus porphyrocephalus. Purple-crowned Lorikeet. — Wherever 

 there was a patch of big mallee eucalyptus, there these birds were nesting 

 in flocks, every available hole being utilized as a nesting site. Nests 

 containin": everv sta^e from the first egg to the chick readv to leave the 



