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THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 



Nest usually made of vegetation in swampy situations, 

 sometimes raised above the shallow water and at other times on 

 a small knoll, with very little nest. The two eggs are usually 

 drab, but sometimes white, and are marked with brownish 

 blotches, mostly on the larger end. They measure about 3.50 

 X 2.33 inch. 



The light-coloured eggs are generally found in Northern 

 Australia. When the nesting season is over, these birds often 



Jabiru: Xenorhynchus asiaticus. 



Macleay Museum. 

 Australian Crane; Antipone australaaiana. 



congregate in considerable flocks. Like all the Cranes, the 

 Native Companions are birds of stately form, and, under 

 ordinary conditions, of dignified demeanour, recalling the 

 elegant manners of the eighteenth century. Perhaps the bow 

 is a little overdone, and certainly the steps of the dance which 

 they much affect do not rival the grace of the minuet. In 

 captivity they are fairly easily tamed, but are not very trust- 

 worthy, and the dart of the long powerful bill is dangerous. 

 They live on lizards and insects, and will tear up the ground 

 with the beak in search of edible roots and bulbs. These birds 



