120 GvB\^Yi , Bird-Life on Sandy Creek, Riverina,N.S.lV. risf"oct 

 Hooded Robin {Petrceca bicolor). — Frequently seen with the flock of 



P. 



Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel). — The Martins' mud nests are 

 numerous along the clay-banks of the creek. The birds leave our 

 district about the end of April, but the early spring brings them back 

 again. 



House-Swallow (Hirundo neoxena). — Our Swallows are faithful 

 to us all the year round. In June and July they have rather a quiet 

 time, frequently spending 15 hours a day under the verandah roof. 



Brown Tree-creeper {Climacteris scandens). — The shrill and piping 

 cry of C. scandens is heard at all seasons along the timbered line of the 

 creek. A fairly common species. 



White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphus). — Often seen 

 in small flocks — up to 12 birds. In the present state of the country 

 these birds are rather useful ; but the settlers who plant look upon 

 them with a certain amount of suspicion. 



Crow (Corvus coronoides). — The loud cry of the Crow is to be heard 

 here all the year round. The sheep-owner regards the species as his 

 worst enemy. 



Raven (Corvus australis). — Note on previous species applies to the 

 Raven. 



BuTCHER-BiRD (CvacHcus destructor). — ^The gay and musical note 

 of the Butcher-Bird is heard during autumn and winter. 



Great Brown Kingfisher (Dacelo gigas). — This useful bird is very 

 well distributed all over the country ; frequents the large eucalypts 

 along the creek. 



Black-backed Magpie (Gymnorliina tibicen). — Very common, and 

 well protected by the law and by the sympathy of the farmers. 



Whistling Eagle (Haliastur sphenurus). — A frequent visitor during 

 autumn and winter, circling in pairs above the open country. 



Brown Hawk (Hieracidea orientalis). — Frequently seen perching on 

 the highest dry branches of the ringbarked trees. 



Noisy Miner {Myzantha garrula). — A very common bird in this 

 district, keeping near the high eucalypts along the creek and the main 

 roads. 



White-browed Babbler (Pomatorhinus super ciliosus). — These agile 

 birds are with us at all seasons. They wholly enjoy the farmers' and 

 orchardists' goodwill and protection. 



Grey Jumper (Struthidea cinerea). — Common. 



Musk-Lorikeet (Glossopsittactis concinnus), Little Lorikeet 

 (Glossopsittacus pusillus), Rosella (Platycercus eximius), Yellow- 

 bellied Parrakeet (Platycercus flaviventris). — All these species are 

 fairly abundant. 



Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook). — Apparently well distributed all 

 over the country. 



Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides). — Call often heard. 



Black-fronted Dottrel (^gialitis melanops). — From March till 

 July we have invariably a small flock of this Dottrel on fields, fallowed 

 lands, and cultivation paddocks. 



