TAWNY FROGMOUTH. 
b© found in decayed and hollow trees. The whole contour of the bird shows that 
it is not formed for extensive flight or for performing those rapid evolutions that 
are necessary for the capture of its prey in the air, the wing bemg short and con- 
cave in comparison with those of the true aerial Nightjars, and particularly 
with the Austrahan form to which I have given the name of Eurosfopodus. Of 
its mode of nidification I can speak with confidence, having seen many pairs 
breeding during my rambles in the woods. It makes a slightly-constructed flat 
nest of sticks carelessly interwoven together, and placed at the fork of a hori- 
zontal branch of sufficient size to ensure its safety ; the trees most frequently 
chosen are the Eucalypti, but I have occasionally seen the nest on an Apple-tree 
{Angophora) or a Swamp-Oak {Casuarina). In every instance one of the birds was 
sitting on the eggs and the other perched on a neighbouring tree, both invariably 
asleep ; that the male participates in the duty of incubation I ascertained by 
having shot a bird on the nest, wliich on dissection proved to be a male. . . . 
Like the other species of the genus, it is subject to considerable variation in its 
colouring ; the young, which assume the adult hvery at an early age, being some- 
what darker in aU their markings. In some a rich tawny colour predominates, 
while others are more grey. The night call of this species is a loud, hoarse noise, 
consisting of two distinct sounds, wliich cannot be correctly described. The 
stomach is thick and muscular, and is lined with a thick, hairlike substance like 
that of the Common Cuckoo.” 
Gould recognised the Tasmanian race as a distinct species, and I give his 
notes hereafter, but here it may be noted that he gave as its name More-pork 
of the residents of Tasmania,” and observed, “ Like the owl, it is considered 
by superstitious people a bird of ill omen, principally from the extraordinary 
sound of its hoarse, unearthly cry, which resembles the words more park ; it 
approaches the immediate vicinity of the houses and frequently emits this soimd 
wlnle perched on their verandahs.” 
In the Handbook, Vol. I., p. 89, 1865, Gould included Podargus mega- 
cephalus, writing : “I believe I have good grounds for regardhig the Podargus mega- 
cephalus as distinct from P. humeralis. For many years two birds of this form 
have lived m the Gardens of the Zoological Society, one of which is doubtless the 
P. humeralis ; the other, which is much larger and possesses greatly (ieveloped 
mandibles, is to all appearance distinct, and is so considered by the keeper who 
has charge of these Nocturnes . , . but I must admit the question is an open one.” 
Gould was unaware when he wrote this that P. megacepkalus was simply based 
on an exaggerated drawing of the form he called P. humeralis. 
Captain S. A. White has forwarded me the following notes concerning 
Podargus strigordes : — “ I am very uncertain about there being two subspecies in 
Victoria and South Australia, while sometimes I think there is a subspecies on the 
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