THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
bolder, but these variations have not been connected yet with geographical 
ranges. Wliether a red phase occurs at aU at Port Essington is quite doubtful, 
while its predominance on the north-west coast is exactly in accordance 
with the facts collected by the distribution of leracidea herigora. It will be 
again noticed how the distributional features of the forms of leracidea are 
confirmed by so many other distinct groups. Thus HaU noted the rufous 
phase on the north-west and determined it as a distinct species. It occurs 
more commonly there than on any other coastal district, though generally 
the reddish coloration is associated with inland conditions. I cannot, however, 
at the present time distinguish definitely between the birds ranging from 
Derby to Alexandra, Northern Territory, so that I do not recognise Hall’s 
rufa, but should the Port Essington birds (when a good series can be compared) 
prove subspecifically distinct, then Hall’s name would be valid for the other 
form. 
I separated the East Murchison form as being paler than the rufous 
phase of “ rtt/a,” and it is here maintained : — 
Mgotheles cristata murcTiisoniana Mathews. Mid Westralia. 
Only rufous birds have been seen from this locafity, and it seems certain 
that grey birds, if they occur at aU, are very rare in the interior districts. 
When Captain S. A. Wliite wrote up the account of his Expedition 
into Central Austraha, in 1913, he recorded [Trans. Roy. 8oc. South Austr., 
Vol. XXXVIII., 1914, p. 428) : ^^JSgotheles (?) (Owlet Nightjar). We pro- 
cured a very reddish species of this bird and, owing to the lack of material 
for comparison, have been unable to make sure of its identity, but have 
forwarded specimen to Mr. G. M. Mathews, of England, for his opinion.” 
He also sent me the following note : “ The Coastal form of this bird is 
of a uniform colour, grey with dark markings, showing little or no rufus 
markings, but the Interior bird is a puzzle. I have often thought there are 
two forms found there, one a grey with darker markings somewhat like the 
Coastal bird, while others are more or less coloured with rufous, and the latter 
bird seems to be somewhat smaller. A bird taken during our Central 
Australian Expedition in 1913 and sent to you resembled c. rufa, yet the 
dark bird was found in the same district. I do not see why it is not possible 
for there to be two forms in the Interior. The species lays from three to five 
eggs, white and almost round, on the decayed wood of a hollow limb or spout. 
The birds roost during the daytime in hollow spouts, and when disturbed will 
fly to the nearest tree, and seem to see well in the daylight. Their call at times 
is low and soft, at others a shrill squeak like an insect. Their food consists of 
nocturnal insects. The young covered in soft white down. I have found it 
as far north as I have been, and it is widely distributed over South Austraha.” 
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