6 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
notes. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting alike lakes, rivers, and 
swamps of the inland areas as well as similar situations in the coastal 
regions. It lives and breeds freely in parks and gardens. Its trumpet¬ 
like call as it flies from one feeding-ground to another, is well known 
to most bird lovers. These flights are mostly during the evening and 
more especially on moonlight nights. Its food consists of aquatic 
plants and animals. 
nest. A large, open, thick-walled structure, composed of twigs, 
rushes and aquatic plants; slightly lined inside with down. Generally 
placed in swamps and lakes, favourite sites being small islands of 
rushes and reeds surrounded by water-a protection against the fox. 
eggs. Usually five or six, sometimes as many as eight or nine, pale 
green or dull greenish-white and slightly lustrous. Breeding-season: 
August to December. 
9. Emu Dromaius nov<e-hollandicF Latham 
Drom-ai'-us—G k, dromaios, swift-footed: novce-hollandice—oi New 
Holland. 
distribution. Australia generally; extinct in Tasmania, King 
Island, and Kangaroo Island. 
NOTES. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting plains. Although 
once plentifully distributed over the continent, increasing settlement 
has driven it farther afield, and few people are privileged to see this 
bird in its wild state. Many pastoralists consider it a nuisance, as it 
fouls pasture-lands, but while it should be kept in check, it certainly 
should not be exterminated. During times of drought this bird suffers 
greatly, as it generally feeds on “green” grass and herbage. Cater¬ 
pillars and grasshoppers are also eaten. 
nest. Usually a flat bed or platform, composed of grass or other 
herbage trampled down on the ground. Nests are frequently in the 
open without much attempt at concealment. The male does most of 
the incubation. 
eggs. Usually about nine, but varying from seven to eighteen dark 
green, with a granulated surface. Breeding-season: April to November 
or according to weather conditions. 
