42 Barnard, Northern Territory Birds. [Tst^"?"!' 



Gypoictinia melanosternon {G. melanosterna decepta). — A fair 

 number of these fine birds was seen. Generally they were hawking 

 over the tree-tops. When on the wing they are easily distinguished 

 from other Hawks by the white patch on the wing and the black 

 breast. They were breeding in September, 191 3. 



Elanus axillaris {E. a. parryi). — Only a few birds were seen. A 

 nest containing three young birds was found in May, 191 3. 



Falco hypoleucos. — Only one pair of these beautiful Falcons was 

 seen ; one of these was shot. 



Falco subniger. — Only a few of these birds were seen ; they were 

 always in pairs. 



Falco lunulatus {F. longipennis apsleyi). — Fairly common; found 

 breeding in the tall Melaleuca trees growing along the river. A set 

 of three eggs was taken from a nest in September, and, a month later, 

 a second set of three eggs was taken from the same nest. 



Hleracidea berigora (leracidea b. melvillensis). — These birds were 

 very numerous, and a number of nests was found. From skins of 

 both old and young birds forwarded to Mr. H. L. White, and com- 

 pared with skins in his collection obtained from various parts of 

 Australia, together with my observations of these birds in Eastern 

 and Western Queensland, I am of the opinion that we have only one 

 Brown Hawk, and not two, as has always been stated. I know that 

 in making this statement I am pitting my opinions against those of 

 eminent men, but I venture to state that no one could separate the 

 Eastern and Western forms without having localities to go on. My 

 contentions are that the variations are merely those of changes of 

 plumage. 



Cerchneis eenchroides (C. c. milligani). — Rather uncommon on the 

 M'Arthur River. 



Ninox boobook {Spiloglaux h. mixta). — These birds were fairly 

 numerous, and a number of nests was found ; most of these contained 

 young. 



Ninox occidentalis (Hieracoglauv connivens occidentalis). — These 

 birds were found roosting in the brush during the day. In the 

 nesting season the female remains in the nesting hollow during the 

 day, while the male roosts in the branches of a neighbouring tree. 

 He often attracts attention by uttering a low growl as a person passes. 

 The female can be flushed from the hollow by hitting the butt of the 

 tree with a tomahawk. 



Ninox rufa. — A pair of birds which I think were referable to this 

 species was flushed from some brush near the river. One was shot, 

 but fell in the river, which at this part was infested with crocodiles, 

 so that it was unsafe to venture into the water. 



Strix delicatula (Tyto alba delicatula). — These birds were fairly 

 often flushed from hollows in trees, but only in one instance was a 

 nest found. 



Strix novae-hoUandise {Tyto n. melvillensis.) — Uncommon. An 

 immature bird shot contained the hind legs and tail of a large rat in 

 its stomach. 



ffigotheles novse-hollandise (A. cristata leucogaster). — Frequently 

 fiushed^from hollow spouts. Eggs were taken in October, 191 3, and 

 January, 1914. 



