2Q0 Hill, Field Notes on Birds of Ktmberley, N.-W. Aust. [j,^"'!^^ 



Neochmia I'HAETON (Crimson Finch). 



This beautiful bird is resident and fairly plentiful about all the creeks and 

 springs from Napier Hroome Bay to the Drysdale River. The nests are 

 generally built in pandanus palms, or in the forks of large cajaput trees, at 

 from lo to 50 feet from the ground. Plate XXXIV. shows the sites of three 

 nests in the bark of a fallen tree. The materials used in nest-building are 

 partly decayed leaves of a coarse swamp grass or cajaput bark on the out- 

 side, with feathers or grass as lining. Both sexes assist in building their 

 large and roughly constructed nests. Flower buds and seeds of many small 

 plants, honey from the flowers of Chrvillca^ and grass seeds form the chief 

 articles of diet. Green tree-ants {U'lcopliylla S)iia7-ni^dina) destroy many 

 eggs and young of this species. 



Oriolus affinis (Northern Oriole). 

 Uncommon. 



Oriolus flavicinctus (Yellow Oriole). 



I saw a few pairs at Parry Harbour and on Mary Island, in the densest 

 foliage, where they are difficult to locate on account of their protective 

 colouring and habit of remaining motionless when approached. 



Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Total length. Wing. Tarsus. Bill. Tail. 



(? ... 295 ... 139 ... 23.5... 30 ... 107 

 ? ... 282 ... 136 ... 25 ... 28 ... 105 



Chibia bracteata (Spangled Drongo).* 



Were fairly plentiful near Parry Harbour, but ver) uncommon in other 

 localities. 



Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Total length. Wing. 

 (J ... 324 ... 156 

 ? ... 292 ... 154 



Chlamydodera nuchalls (Great Bower-Bird). 



Seen at Napier Broome Bay and Parry Harbour. .Se\eral bowers were 

 found in both localities, at some distance from the coast, amongst thin, 

 stunted scrub. Most of these were ornamented with coral and shells, or 

 quartz crystals and freshly picked fruit of eucalyptus trees. Their food 

 consists principally of wild figs, grapes, and other fruits. 



CORVUS CORONOIDES (Crow). 



Were seen in all localities I visited, including the islands. Locusts and 

 lizards only were found in the crops. 

 Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Tail. 



204 

 190 



Bird Day. 



Bird Day was celebrated throughout Victoria on Friday, 28th 

 October, 1910. The Minister for Education, Mr. A. A. Billson, 

 had suggested that on that day school work should proceed as 

 usual in the morning, but that a special programme should be 

 carried out in the afternoon, as follows : — School song ; brief 

 statement of the aims of the Gould League of Bird Lovers ; 

 enrolment of members of the Gould League of Bird Lovers ; 



