132 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 



of the latter; bill yellow; naked space before and behind the eye greenish 

 yellow. Total length 30 inches, culmen 4.4, wing 15, tail 6.3, tarsus 5.2 

 to 6.4. 



Nest a slightly hollow platform of sticks on a tree, usually- 

 over or very near water. They generally build in colonies, 

 frequently accompanied by Cormorants, Nankeen Herons, &c. 

 From three to four eggs are laid, of a pale bluish-green colour. 

 They measure about 2.21 x 1.51 inch. 



Genus Notophoyx.. 

 A full crest but no nape plumes. Dorsal train not extending 

 beyond tail. Tail quills 12. 



The White-fronted Heron (Blue Crane). 



Notophoyx novce-hollandice. 



Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, New Caledonia, New Gruinea, and 

 the Moluccas. 



Above dark bluish grey, with long lanceolate plumes on the back and 

 scapulars; lower back lighter; primary coverts blackish; crown very dark 

 grey, the nape-feathers forming a crest; forehead, behind the eye, cheeks 

 and throat white; the long feathers at the sides of the upper breast grey. 

 Total length 26 inches, culmen 3.15, wing 12.5, tail 5.2, tarsus 3.75. The 

 amount of white on the face varies. 



A stick nest usually built on a horizontal branch, frequently 

 over water. Five eggs is the full clutch. They are a delicate 

 bluish-green colour. They measure about 2. x 1.38 inch. These 

 birds do not nest in rookeries. 



The White-necked Heron. 



Notophoyx pacifica. 



Australia and Tasmania. 



Above glossy olive-green, the long feathers slaty grey; the scapular 

 plumes maroon; lower back slaty grey; wing coverts glossy green; the 

 tip and edge of the wing white; tail dark slate-colour; head and neck 

 vinous isabelline; throat white in centre, with a few black spots; feathers 

 of fore-neck elongated with white at ends; under parts blackish, with 

 longitudinal streaks of white. The neck is occasionally mostly white. 

 Total .length about 30 inches. 



A nearly flat stick nest, usually in trees over water. They 

 generally build in small companies. Four pale bluish-green eggs 

 are laid, and they measure about 2.12 x 1.60 inch. 



