Vol. xiv.-j Campbell, Missing Birds. 167 



i9«5 



Missing Birds. 



By a. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.U. (Melbourne). 

 On reflecting, one alights sometimes on beautiful or rare birds 

 which are disappearing, or, perchance, have disapfpeared for ever, 

 Hke the Labrador Duck, the Great Auk, and the Passenger Pigeon 

 of America. It would be interesting to know if three beautiful 

 Australian Parrots still exist, or have been exterminated. If the 

 birds are extinct, what is the cause or causes of their extinction ? 

 Similar birds may follow suit unless remedial measures are taken 

 quickly. Briefly mentioned, the three missing species of Parrots 

 are : — 



I. Scarlet-shouldered Parrot {Psephotus pulcherrimus). — This 

 most elegant species was fairly common in Queensland and 

 adjacent portion of New South Wales. All that remain to-day 

 appear to be a few stuffed specimens in collections. Perhaps Mr. 

 Chas. Barnard, Coomooboolaroo (Queensland), could state when 

 these birds were last observed in his district, where they existed 

 and laid their eggs in ant-hillocks.* 



2.' Chestnut-shouldered Grass-Parrot [Euphema pulchella).— 

 The habitat, in certain locahties, of this small, beautiful species 

 extended from Victoria up to South Queensland. Some authorities 

 include South AustraHa. Many years ago I used to notice the 

 Chestnut-shouldered Grass-Parrot on the flats about the Dan- 

 denong Range, about 20 miles to the eastward of Melbourne. 

 The bird frequented the thick, scrubby, alluvial flats, and when 

 flushed flew into the nearest tree, where, on a twig, it displayed 

 its perfect little figure. It was also found at Berwick and other 

 places in Gippsland. 



3. Night-Parrot {Geopsittacus occidentalis). —Being a nocturnal 

 species, this Parrot was always scarce, or was rarely seen, although 

 its habitat extended from North-West Victoria to North-West 

 Australia. My friend Mr. Alfred Walker, who resided at Inna- 

 mincka. Cooper's Creek, for over 25 years, has frequently seen 

 the bird, but he states that of recent years, according to the 

 testimony of both whites and blacks, the bird has entirely dis- 

 appeared. Captain S. A. White, M.B.O.U., in his recent orni- 

 thological explorations through the interior, was specially on the 

 look-out for the Night-Parrot, but failed to find it, while we know 

 that Victorian field observers, during excursions to the north- 

 west corner of their State, which the Night-Parrot used to frequent, 

 also failed to trace it. Evidently this Parrot has been exterm- 

 inated. Few skins remain of this remarkable species, while 

 there is not an egg in any collection. 



The disappearance of the three kinds of birds mentioned is 



*Mr Barnard has replied :—" i?e Scarlet-shouldered Parrot. We have 

 not seen a bird since the 1902 drought, and from what I can learn they are 

 very scarce on Fairfield, where we first took their eggs. AH being well next 

 September I must try for a run up there to see for myself." 



