INTRODUCTION 
XIX 
and Birds of the Ocean and Shore . These divisions have been 
subdivided into groups, such as Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs, 
Birds of the Open Forest, and so on. A full list oi these groups is 
shown in the list of plates. 
coloured plates. Each coloured plate is accompanied by 
the letterpress relating to the species figured on that plate, the numbers 
coinciding. Photographs illustrating typical habitats are also included. 
measurements. The size-key on each plate indicates the size: 
of the birds in proportion to their life-size. 
scientific names. The scientific names used are those 
accepted by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union and pub 
lished in the Official Checklist of the Birds of Australia (2nd edition. 
1926). This is the nomenclature generally used by Australian 
ornithologists. 
pronunciation. Guidance to the pronunciation of scientific 
names: The mark ' indicates the syllable to be accented. The marks 
~ and v over vowels show their quantity; that is, whether they are 
long or short. Diphthongs are always long. The pronunciation here 
indicated is the English, not the “continental” or “Roman” pro¬ 
nunciation of Latin 
Pronounce 
a as in fate; 3 as in fat; 
e as in Peter; e as in pet; 
I as in site; I as in sit; 
6 as in note; 6 as in not; 
u as in cute; u as in cut; 
au as in audience; 
ae and oe as e; ai as I; 
c (soft) as s before e, i, and y; 
c (hard) as k before a, o, and u; 
ch as k 
Vowels not marked are short 
derivation. The derivations of the generic and specific names 
are based on the investigations of the late H. Wolstenholme, whose 
researches in this province appear in an appendix to the Checklist . 
Mr Wolstenholme was unable to find the origin of some Australian 
generic names. When the originator leaves no reason for the name he 
has chosen, it is impossible always to know what was in his mind to 
suggest that name. 
abbreviations. Gk=: Greek 
L. = Latin 
N.L. = New Latin (a latinized form of a word 
from another language). 
vernacular names. With few exceptions the common names 
used are those accepted and published in the Checklist. Common 
names other than those used in the Checklist are included, but their 
use should be discarded to avoid confusion. 
distribution. Except in some few instances where slight 
additions and amendments are made, the range distribution used is 
taken from the Checklist . 
