1877.] NORTH-EASTERN QUEENSLAND. 343 
is admirably adapted for its habits, abounding in extensive swamps 
and lagoons. I have also met with, I believe, the same species in 
New Zealand. They are still found to be not rare within a few miles 
of Sydney; but the Illawarra district is the great stronghold of this 
species. 
237. BuTOROIDES FLAVICOLLIS. 
Butoroides flavicoilis, Gould, Handbk. B. Austr. ii. p. 315. 
The yellow-necked Mangrove-Bittern is plentiful in situations 
suitable to its habits all over Queensland. I found this species more 
common there than in New South Wales. In the extensive man- 
grove swamps and mud flats at the mouth of the Herbert river it is 
one of the most common birds. 
238. ARDETTA PUSILLA. 
Ardetta pusilla, Gould, Handbk. B. Austr. ii. p- 319. 
I am happy to report that this beautiful little species is still plen- 
tiful in the neighbourhood of Cleveland Bay and also in the Herbert- 
river district; from both places have I received specimens. The 
species was once tolerably numerous near Sydney ; and there are still 
specimens in the Dobroyde collection which were shot at Botany 
Bay and near Newtown. I observe no difference in plumage or size 
in the Northern Queensland specimens and those shot near Sydney. 
~ 
239. PorPHYRIO MELANOTUS. 
Porphyrio melanotus, Gould, Handbk. B. Austr. ii. p. 321. 
Common all over the country, in similar situations to those fre- 
quented by it in New South Wales. The “ Red-bill” prefers the 
swamps and extensive lagoons; but where such places are not met 
with readily, it takes to the banks and margins of the rivers. This 
species is easily domesticated, and, even in the wild state, when not 
disturbed, becomes very tame, entering the gardens and farm-yards 
and feeding with the poultry, to the young of which they prove very 
destructive. In certain parts of the country, where they are nu- 
merous, they do considerable damage to the crops, especially to the 
young maize. They are also very fond of the Indian corn when 
ripe: perching on the side of the stems, they detach the “cobs,” 
which they hold steady on the ground with one foot while they pick 
off and eat the grains. I have seen them eating pieces of cooked and 
raw meat, holding them in the same way. ‘The nest is a rough 
structure of rushes and water-weeds &c., placed among the reeds 
and sedges near the water, or built among reeds in the lagoons, at 
a considerable distance from the edge, just above water-mark. The 
eggs are from three to five in number, of a light brown or yellowish 
stone-colour, varying considerably in tint and in the shape of the 
markings, but usually spotted and blotched with umber, dark blackish 
brown, and slaty grey. The young are of a uniform blackish slate- 
colour on leaving the nest. 
