146 



THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 



freckled with fulvous; tail and coverts black; wing-coverts white; 

 primaries and coverts black; a glossy green speculum. Total length 24 

 inches, wing 14, tail 6, culmen 1.8, tarsus 2.25. The female has a mottled 

 white ring round the base of the bill. 



Australian Museum. 

 Chestnut Sheldrake; Casarea tadornoides. 



Nest sometimes in hollows in trees and sometimes on the 

 ground in long grass near a log or fallen branch, well lined 

 with down and grass. From eight to thirteen cream-coloured 

 eggs are laid, and they measure about 2.78 x 1.98 inch. 



These birds are often seen in pairs on the plains and 

 frequent the salt lakes. Their call is a deep toned "honch." 



