McUlLP BEOS.— Bird Notes. 235 



swan and numerous species of ducks. We found scores of 

 swans' nests, but the blacks (half castes) had robbed nearly all 

 of their contents only tAvo were seen with seven eggs in each. It 

 seems a shame that so many of these beautiful birds should 

 have their eggs taken. The coloured people were shifted to a dis- 

 tant part of the run, and it is to be hoped that the swan will 

 lay again and hatch out their young in peace. 



The following notes were written by Mr. J. Neil McGilp in 

 answer to a letter from S. A. White. Since reading your let- 

 ter, re Kites, I do not think we have the Square-tailed Kite, we 

 often get half a dozen in the fowl yard when they go after the 

 scraps, but do not trouble the fowls ; all appear to have a forked 

 tail, but as mentioned before nearly square at times. 



Yes the Little Eagle is here, not very plentiful, still one 

 could not say rare. There is no mistaking this bird when once 

 handled. It is an Eagle Hawk in miniature, the head espe 

 cially so, and the feathers down to the feet. When seen on the 

 wing this bird cannot be confused with others. The note is 

 one shrill whistle, and I have only heard it used when chasing 

 or being chased by other birds. This bird can be approached 

 quite closely when nesting, at other times it is wary, and llies 

 very high. Have you noticed that this bird seems to have a 

 set. on the Whistling Eagle. When the Little Eagle is about 

 he or she will not let the Whistling Eagle alone, and swoops 

 down on the resting bird, the latter bird often closes for a fight, 

 but I have never seen any damage done. The Little Eagle does 

 not appear to resent any other of the hawk family, and is 

 often seen soaring contentedly round with Kites, Wedge-tailed 

 Eagles, etc., but as soon as the Whistling Eagles get up, they 

 invariably start chasing one another. 



A Shell Parrot was observed to leave a White-browed Bab- 

 blers nest ; upon examination three Shell Parrot's eggs were 

 found. Such a strange nesting place is often used, for the young 

 have been noticed twenty to forty miles from hollow trees. 

 Have you ever noticed Rose-breasted Cockatoos breeding in old 

 rabbit warrens? My black boy pointed out a case a couple of 

 years ago (about 30 miles from timber) when I found 3 eggs. 

 These Cockatoos were close at hand all the time. I under- 

 stand from my stockmen that they now and then flush these 

 Galahs from holes in the ground. 



A great many Pratincoles have visited us this year, but 

 they did not stay long, and have now gone to other parts. Bee- 

 eaters were in thousands in th? Hamilton Creek during Febru- 

 ary and March. 



