INTRODUCTION 
xviii 
special districts will, of course, be divided into habitats. Thus he is 
enabled to group the species according to their environment-an 
important rule. Such record of observations spread over several years 
will give a good indication of the movements of the different species, 
and when used in conjunction with records from other districts wiJ 
be of great assistance in determining the distribution of species through- 
° U Thc L ta essential of any up-to-date field-observer’s equipment 
is a pair of good field-glasses; by their means he is able to bring within 
close range even the most timid birds. , , 
A pocket-book is another necessity. Field-notes should include date 
and locality, feeding-habits, call-notes or song, composition and situa¬ 
tion of nest, descriptions of eggs and number in clutch, and plumage 
of fledglings (as well as the various changes to adult plumage). These 
particulars should be recorded “on the spot" and later transfeired 
to a loose-leaf book, or to folders devoted to the particular species. 
The observer should remember that drab-coloured clothing is much 
more inconspicuous in the field than bright or light-coloured, and 
has a less disturbing effect on birds. Nests out of reach may be 
investigated with the aid of a mirror tilted and affixed to the end 
of a long stick. A mirror is also useful in reflecting light into dark 
holes and similar places used as nesting-sites. 
A brief description of the habitats mentioned in the text may be 
useful. 
brushes AND Bic scrubs. Dense vegetation of the rain¬ 
forest type; generally very tall trees with luxuriant top foliage, 
creepers, palms, and abundant undergrowth, particularly along the 
watercourses and near the borders. Interspersed arc true rain-forest 
zones restricted to moist gullies and regions of a higher rainfall. Known 
as “scrub" in Queensland, and “brush" and “big scrub" in New South 
Wales. 
open forest. An even growth of tall trees with a scanty 
undergrowth except along the creeks and watercourses or the sides 
of hills. 
scrub-lands. Consist of Mallee and Marlock (dwarf Eucalypts), 
Mulga, Myall, Gidgea, Pindum, Brigalow, Belah, Wilga, Dead Finish 
(Acacias), Pine ( Callitris ), and She-oak (Casuarina) scrubs of the dry 
inland or semi-desert areas. 
heath-lands. Areas consisting of the flat-tops of hills or gently 
sloping plateaux with a stunted and semi-drought-resisting vegetation, 
mostly about two to six feet in height. 
open country. Includes plains, desert, and semi-desert areas. 
Plains are chiefly associated with Mitchell (Astrcbla) and Flinders 
(Iseilema) grasses; desert areas with spinifex, porcupine, and cane 
grasses ( Triodia ); and semi-desert areas with salt-bush (Atriplex), 
blue-bush, and cotton-bush ( Kochia ). 
PLAN OF THE BOOK 
divisions. Instead of chapters, the species are arranged under 
four main divisions: Forest-frequenting Birds; Birds of the Heath- 
lands and Open Country; Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps; 
