MORGAN— The Birds of Kallioota. 15 



35. Cyanalcyon pyrrhopygius (Red-backed Kingfisher). The 

 first bird arrived on August 28th, and began calling close to 

 the house. The note is a mournful "chow" repeated about 24 

 times a minute. A few more arrived each day and were call- 

 ing in the gum trees about the creek. Mr. Merryfield found a 

 nest in the bank of the creek after we had left. 



36. Hetcroscenes pallidus (Pallid Cuckoo). First bird seen 

 on August 13th, and they soon became numerous. No eggs 

 found. 



37. Neochalcites basalts (Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo). 

 Common. Three eggs found, one each in nest of Hallornis 

 cyanotics, Ephthianura albifrons, and Malurus melanoius cal- 

 lainus. The Cuckoo's egg was upon the side of the Ephthianura 

 nest, and not with the other eggs. The egg found in the 

 nest of M. callainus was not blown for 24 hours after taking; 

 it proved to be nnblowable, the embryo was still alive, though 

 those in the Malurus eggs were quite dead. The zygodactylate 

 foot of the young Cuckoo easily distinguished it from any 

 other bird. This may be used as a means of identifying 

 Cuckoo's eggs when they closely resemble those of their hosts. 



38. Hylochelidon nigricans caleyi (Tree Swallow). Not com- 

 mon. A few pairs nesting in hollow gums near the creek. 



39. Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow). Common. Nest- 

 ing in sheds and down wells 



40. Lagenoplastes arid (Bottle Swallow). A colony of 

 about 40 nests building on an overhanging bank of the creek. 

 Mr. R. Smith informed me that these birds always build close 

 to water in a dry season because the mud dries before they 

 can get to the nests. For the same reason on bright days they 

 build only in the morning and evening. 



41. Cheramceca leucosternum stonei (Eastern Black-and- 

 White Swallow). Common. Many old nests in the bank of 

 the creek. Two were dug out on August 28th; one contained 

 two fresh eggs, and the other three fresh eggs. No full 

 clutches were taken. The first hole was one foot deep, and the 

 second H feet deep. In each case the nesting chamber took 

 a turn to the right. The nests were made of dry grass and 

 narrow gum leaves. 



42. Whiteornis goodenovi (Red-capped Robin). The only 

 Robin seen. They were very common, and were nesting 

 freely. Thirteen nests were examined; 11 contained three 

 eggs or three young birds each, one contained two nearlv fresh 



