DAETER. 
Little is known of the life-history of this strange bird, and little interest 
seems to have been as yet taken in it by Australian ornithologists. 
Mr. J. W. MeUor has written me : “ This bird is not common in South 
Australia i)ut I have noted it on the River Murray, also on the waters of the 
River Clarence and Richmond River in New South Wales.” 
Mr. Tom Carter states : “ According to my experience this curious bird 
is rare in West Australia, having only twice come under my observation 
during a residence there of nearly thirty years. One was seen and shot by 
me at a pool on my inland run 60 miles S.E. of Point Cloates. Some of my 
natives called my attention to it as being a strange bird to them. The 
remains of a dead Darter were picked up on the banks of the PaUenup (or 
Salt) River which runs S.E. from Broome HilL The head was in good 
condition and proved the identity beyond any doubt.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers has added : “ March 14, 1902. Jimbaloora Swamp 
near Derby, North-west Australia. Large colony found ; nests were built in 
some low Coolibah trees in the centre of the swamp. Depth of water about 
four feet. There were also many nests of a Cormorant (species not known 
for sure). The two species were friendly with each other, as the nests were 
buUt close together. Most of the nests contained young naked birds. The 
Plotus young were flesh-colour, and the Cormorants black. The number in 
a clutch is four, being the same in each species. 
‘^Jan. 13, 1912. Ten miles South-east of Snake Bay, Melville Island. 
A bird of this species was seen to-day. Jan. 14, 1912. I heard one 
calling to-day but could not see it. These were the only two I have 
seen or heard on the Island.” 
Berney {Emu, Vol. VI., p. 155, 1907) notes : “ This species is seen 
occasionally (Richmond District, North Queensland), but is far from common 
on our larger and deeper water-holes. When chasing fish beneath the surface 
of the water it pierces its prey through the centre with the upper bill, and 
coming to the surface tosses it into the air, catches it and swallows it. I 
think the prey is taken by impaling every time.” 
Gould’s account has not yet been much improved though written over 
fifty years ago : ‘‘ Shy and seclusive in disposition, it usually takes up its 
abode in localities little frequented by man : seeks its prey in the water, 
dives with the greatest ease to the bottom of the deepest pools, and is as 
active in this element as can well be imagined. It ordinarily swims with a 
considerable portion of the body above the surface of the water, but upon 
being disturbed immediately sinks beneath it, leaving the head and neck 
only to be seen, and these, from their form and the motion communicated 
to them by the action of swimming, present a close resemblance to those of 
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