WESTERN DOTTEREL. 
and nearly black ironstone; The only vegetation was a sparse growth of 
stunted samphire, the tallest sprays of which did not exceed six inches in 
height. After packing the eggs, I turned my attention to the female. She 
had not moved from her point of vantage. I walked towards her, and she ran 
for a few paces as before, but now she gave utterance to a low note resembling 
the syllable ‘ Kr-root,’ the r being uttered in rather a guttural manner. 
There was no sign of the male bird . . , Much to my disappointment this 
was the only nest of these rare eggs I found. I visited the locality again and 
again, and often encountered the main flock, but, despite much searching, 
all was in vain. I can only surmise that, the species being resident, many 
pairs may breed during the summer rains, when insect life is so much more 
abundant in these interior regions . . . When feeding, a flock keeps in open 
order and one or other is constantly on the run. If approached carefully 
they are not timid, but if fired at usually fly away to some distance. Amongst 
the samphire this Dottrel is very inconspicuous, and looks grey rather than 
ferruginous in colour. This may be due to the glare, which is very trying to 
the eye until one is accustomed to it. In addition to the syllable ‘ Kr-root ’ 
before described, this bird has a sharper call, which can be heard at some 
distance ; it resembles the word ‘ quick ’ uttered in a slightly metallic tone.”* 
The differences between the Eastern and Western birds were first 
noticed by A. J. Campbell {lx.), who wrote: “Examples of Peltohyas 
{Eudromias) australis were smaller and of a richer red (buff) compared, 
say, with examples found in Riverina, N.S.W. Possibly Mr. Mathews, in 
his forthcoming work, wiU find it expedient to make two races of this 
interesting bird.” 
The type figured and described was collected at Day Dawn, West 
Australia, on May 19th, 1903. 
* Whitlock, Emu, Vol. IX., p. 189, 1912. 
VOL. m. 
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