INTRODUCTION 
xviii 
group the species according to their environment — an important rule. 
Such record of observations spread over several years will give a good 
indication of the movements of the different species; and when used in 
conjunction with records from other districts will be of great assistance in 
determining the distribution of species throughout the year. 
The first essential of any up-to-date field-observer’s equipment is a pair 
of good field-glasses, by their means he is able to bring within close range 
even the most timid birds. 
A pocket-book is another necessity. Field-notes should include date and 
locality, feeding-habits, call-notes or song, composition and situation of 
nest, descriptions of eggs and number in clutch, and plumage of fledgelings 
(as well as the various changes to adult plumage). These particulars should 
be recorded “on the spot” and later transferred to a loose-leaf book, or to 
folders devoted to the particular species. 
The observer should remember that drab-coloured clothing is much 
more inconspicuous in the field than bright or light-coloured, and has a less 
disturbing effect on birds. Nests out of reach may be investigated with the 
aid of a mirror tilted and affixed to the end of a long stick. A mirror is also 
useful in reflecting light into dark holes and similar places used as nesting- 
sites. 
A brief description of the habitats mentioned in the text may be useful. 
Brushes and Big Scrubs . Dense vegetation of the rain-forest type; 
generally very tall trees with luxuriant top foliage, creepers, palms, and 
abundant undergrowth, particularly along the watercourses and near the 
borders. Interspersed are true rain-forest zones restricted to moist gullies 
and regions of a higher rainfall. Known as “scrub” in Queensland, and 
“brush” and “big scrub” in New South Wales. 
Open Forest. An even growth of tall trees with a scanty undergrowth 
except along the creeks and watercourses or the sides of hills. 
Scrub-lands. Consist of Mallee and Marlock (dwarf Eucalypts) , Mulga, 
Myall, Gidgea, Pindum, Brigalow, Belah, Wilga, Dead Finish (Acacias), 
Pine (Callitris) , and She-oak ( Casuarina ) scrubs of the dry inland or semi- 
desert areas. 
Heath-lands . Areas consisting of the flat tops of hills or gently sloping 
plateaux with a stunted and semi-drought-resisting vegetation, mostly about 
two to six feet in height. 
Open country. Includes plains, desert, and semi-desert areas. Plains 
are chiefly associated with Mitchell ( Astrebla ) and Flinders ( Iseilema ) 
grasses; desert areas with spinifex, porcupine, and cane grasses (Triodia) ; 
and semi-desert areas with salt-bush ( Atriplex ), blue-bush, and cotton-bush 
(Kochia). 
Plan of the Book. 
Divisions. Instead of chapters, the species are arranged under four 
main divisions: Forest-frequenting Birds; Birds of the Heath-lands and 
