The Insectivorous Birds of N.8.W. 



Dividing Range, and notes as to their food. A fourth group, consisting 

 entirely of the parrots found in the Colony, is included under the heading 

 of " Birds living on Grain and Fruit, very destructive." 



I have adopted a similar plan as regards the insectivorous birds included 

 in this list, dividing the different species into three groups, as follows : — 



1st. Those exclusively insectivorous, and, unless otherwise stated, 



beneficial. 

 2nd. Those partially insectivorous ; also beneficial. 

 3rd. Those both insectivorous and frugivorous — more or less harmful. 



Although I have termed many species migratory, for they make their 

 appearance in New South Wales chiefly during the spring and summer 

 months, with the exception of Olicetura caudacuta, Gi/pselus pacificus, Merops 

 ornatus, Eurystomus pacificus, and Petroclielidon nigricans, they are truly 

 only nomads, and do not leave the Australian continent. It is well known 

 that immense flocks of the three latter species arrive at and take their 

 departure from Cape York every year, but it is not improbable that large 

 numbers remain to winter in Australia. 



The normal food of the birds included in the first group consisting 

 entirely of insects of various kinds, no further reference will be made to it. 



1.— Birds Exclusively Insectivorous. 



1. JEgotheles nov^-hollandi^:, Vig. and Horsf. " Owlet Nightjar." 



JEgotJieles novce-hollandics, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. i 

 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 26, pi. xiv, fig. 11 

 (1889). 



A resident and nocturnal species, resorting to the hollow limbs of trees 

 during the daytime, also for the purpose of breeding. Although widely 

 dispersed, it is seldom met with. Eggs pure white, length 1*15 x 0'S7 inch. 



2. Ettrostopus albigulabis, Vig. and Horsf " "White-throated Nightjar." 



JEurostopodus albigularis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed.,Yol. n, pi. 7 (1S18) ; 

 North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 28., pi. xi, fig. 3 (1889). 



A nocturnal species, generally met with about dusk, and more especially 

 in the neighbourhood of tanks and waterholes. This bird is possessed of 

 rapid powers of flight, and captures a large number of insects while on the 

 wing. It breeds upon the ground, depositing a single egg, usually upon 

 the side of some gravelly ridge or near a stone or fallen log. The egg is of 

 a cream ground colour, sparingly spotted with black, or blackish -brown 

 markings ; length 1*5 x l'l inch. 



3. EuitosTorus guttatus, Vig. and Horsf. " Spotted Nightjar." 



Etirostopodus guttatus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ir, pi. 8 

 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 27, pi. xi, fig. 2 (1889). 



The habits of this species are similar to those of the White-throated Night- 

 ar, sleeping or resting upon the ground during the day, and procuring its 

 jood while on the wing at dusk or in the twilight. Although widely 

 distributed, both are comparatively rare species. Egg dull greenish-white, 

 sparingly spotted with black ; length, 1*38 x 1 inch. 



