77 
WHAT'S THAT?— SOME UNCOMMON BIRDS SEEN 
RECENTLY 
Marjory Hawken 
White-fronted Tern (Sterna striota Gmelln): Three observed at Reef 
Pt,, Scarborough, early in March, 1956, in the company of mixed waders 
and terns more usually found in this region, namely, the Caspian, Crested 
and Little Tern. The conspicuous black mark on the shoulder and the 
size, intermediate between that of the Crested and the Little Tern, draw 
attention to the White-fronted Tern. 
Whit-winger Black Tern (Chlidonias ieucoptera Temminck): Three 
observed at Raby Bay by Mr. L. Amiet in April, 1955, and reported in 
the "'Emu" 56 (2). This bird has not been reported here since Easter, 
1925, when it was seen by Mrs. Mayo near King Island, Moreton Bay. 
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa L.): A large flock first observed at 
Thornside, 6.xi, 1955, and later a small flock seen about the Sandgate 
area for some time. Their habit of raising their wings above their head 
when at rest, showing the black end white marking, made them con- 
spicuous in the mixed company of Bar-tailed Godwits and other shore birds. 
Double-banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus Jardine & Selby). A 
regular winter visitor from New Zealand, but not usually seen so far north. 
As it arrives In eclipse plumage it is sometimes confused with the 
Mongolian Dotterel, 
Little Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina robusta Latham): Two seen at Brook- 
field in July, 1956. Their smaller size, that of a peewit, and black tail 
rather than the black eye marking confirmed our determination. 
Striped Honey-eater (Plecforhyncha lanceolata Gould): Two seen at 
Brookfield on the Club outing in June this year (1956). 
Yellow-tufted Honey-eater (Meliphaga meianops Latham): Observed 
during the Club excursion, 15.xi, 1953, at Redbank Plains in trees in the 
house grounds of our host, Mr. Jones. 
This species and the two preceding species are regarded as inland 
birds, but, as with the white-backed Swallow and red-backed Kingfisher, 
are seen from time to time. The Bronze-winged Pigeon now appears to be 
a permanent resident here. 
Blue Wren (Malurus cyaneus Latham): Observed by Miss M. Holland 
nesting for the last three years near her home in Toowong. It is many 
years since this bird was previously seen in the Brisbane district. 
Brolga (Megalornis rubicundus Perry): Two adults and well-grown 
young one observed on the swamp at Bald Hills in October, 1955. The 
owner of the property informed us that it had bred there. 
Jabiru (Xenorhynchus asiaticus Latham): Seen at the Bald Hills 
Swamp and at other places around Brisbane. 
Currawong (Strepera graculina Shaw): Invaded the city area in con- 
siderable numbers last year (1955), but only occasional ones seen this 
year, 
A reminder for those who frequent the beaches: Keep a watch out 
for bird casualties. The Queensland Museum would welcome such 
specimens. 
