Field Notes on Virago Castanea and Virago Gibberifrons. 11 



Incubation lasts 10 days, and the young leave the nest 

 about 12 days later, but are fed by the parents for a long time 

 after leaving. 



Average measurement of 15 eggs, 2.05 cm. x 1.5 cm. 

 Largest egg, 2.30 cm. x 1.55 cm. Smallest egg, 1.90 cm. x 

 1.45 cm. 



Ptilotula penicillata wMtei comes under the second schedule 

 of the Bird Protection Act of 1900, being protected from 

 July 1 to December 20. 



Field Notes on Virago Castanea (Eastern Teal), 

 and Virago Gibberifrons (Grey Teal). 



By S. A. White, M.B.O.U. 



A discussion arose lately about these birds, and I was 

 surprised to hear that some were still under the impression 

 that they were but one species, and that the grey birds were 

 the same as the Chestnut, only out of plumage, or immature. 

 Furthermore I have been requested to express my opinion on 

 the subject through the pages of this journal. I may state 

 that there is not a shadow of doubt in my mind about their 

 being two distinct species, and good ones at that. My re- 

 marks are those of a field ornithologist. I leave the osteology 

 of these birds to more able minds. Firstly, the Eastern Teal, 

 Mountain Teal, or Chestnut-breasted Teal, whatever you like 

 to call it in the vernacular, known to science as Virago can- 

 lanea (Mareca castanea, Eyton Monograph Anat. p. 119, 183S, 

 N.S. W.), and described by John Gould as Anas punctata. Birds 

 of Australia, Vol. VII., pt. II., 1845, is a heavier bird than the 

 grey species, and not nearly so common. One could safely say, 

 as far as South Australian waters are concerned, that for every 

 one of the Chestnut species one would see a hundred or more 

 of the grey birds. It is true a few birds may be seen mixed 

 up with the vast flocks of Grey Teal, but this I have always 

 put down to the fact of their having been driven off from their 

 kind and their haunts by sportsmen and other factors, and for 

 the time have attached themselves to the ranks of their grey 

 cousins. This I think I can prove later on. 



V. castanea is a beautiful bird in full plumage, especially 

 the male bird. The bronzy green head and neck shining iD 



