^''loio^'l Campbell and White, Bivds on Capricorn Group. 107 



Sacred Kingfisher {Halcyon sanctiis). 



Some Kingfishers were noticed about the islands similar to the 

 ordinary Sacred species, but more brownish about the breast and 

 flanks. Notwithstanding three struck the steamer's lights one 

 night as she was riding at anchor off the island (proving a migra- 

 tory disposition), some of these birds remain to breed on the 

 Capricorns, because a nest containing eggs was observed on North- 

 West Island. The nesting-place was a hollow limb of a Pisonia 

 tree. 

 Broad-billed Broxze-Cuckoo {Chalcococcyx liicidus). 



Several beautiful Bronze-Cuckoos, in uniform metallic-green upper 

 plumage, were observed, and specimens secured. These birds were 

 exceedingly tame, catching insect prey near our camps. By dress 

 and song it is not the Bronze-Cuckoo (C. plagosiis) of southern parts, 

 but is nearest in description to the New Zealand Shining Cuckoo 

 (C. lucidus). In this opinion Mr. A. W. Milligan and other experts 

 share. The winter home of the New Zealand species is supposed to 

 be Northern Queensland and New Guinea ; if that be so the Capri- 

 corns would be within the fly-line,* while October is about the time 

 these Cuckoos reach New Zealand. The finding of these birds at 

 the Capricorns is one of ths interesting features of the expedition 

 of the R.A.O.U. 



Square-tailed Cuckoo {Cacomnntis variolosiis). 



One or two observed, and a skin procured for museum purposes. 

 KoEL {Endynamis cyanocephala). 



This curious Cuckoo was not observed on North-West Island, but 

 a shining black male was observed on Tryon Island. Probably 

 more were about, but, being alarmed, retired into the denser scrub. 

 What appeared to be a female Koel was noticed on Heron Island. 



Barred-shouldered Dove {Geopelia Jvimeralis). 



Several of these Doves were observed on Mast-Head Island, 

 where a nest and eggs were photographed in a low bush. Very 

 few of these birds were observed on North-West Island. Evi- 

 dently wild domestic cats have exterminated them several times, 

 but a few odd birds find their way from the other islands. This 

 bird was found on Tryon Island. 

 Pectoral Rail [Hypotcsnidia philippinensis). 



Rails with squeaking notes were frequently heard calling, and 

 on two occasions nests with eggs were found. Several dry car- 

 casses or remains of Pectoral Rails were seen in the scrub on Mast- 

 Head Island. As there were no cats or other enemies likely to 

 kill these birds in this secure retreat, it was a mystery how they 

 came to be destroyed. None was observed on North-West Island, 

 where the cats had destroyed the species ; but on Tryon Island 

 Rails were exceedingly plentiful — in fact, so many in such a small 



* In this connection, see late Capt. Hutton's Presidential Address^ Emu, vol. iv., 

 P- 93- 



