MOUND-BUILDING BIRDS 
39 
eggs are deposited on end (the larger end uppermost) in holes about 
18 inches to 2 feet deep, and are then covered over. The young are 
fully feathered when hatched, and fight their way out of the mound 
unassisted. 
eggs. White when first deposited in the mound, soon becoming 
soiled and stained. The clutch varies from seven to twelve, but as 
many as thirty or more have been taken from a mound, such a number 
being the result of two or three birds laying in the same mound. 
Breeding-season: September to January, and sometimes as late as 
March. 
4. Mallee Fowl Leipoa ocellata Gould 
Leip-d'-a- Gk, leipein, to leave; Gk, oon (plural oa), egg: o-cell-a'-ta- L., 
ocellatus, marked with little eyes. 
distribution. Southern Australia and the inland poitions of 
New South Wales, north-western Victoria, South Australia to south¬ 
western Australia. 
n otes. Also called Lowan, Gnow, Mallee Hen, Pheasant, and Native 
Pheasant. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting the dry inland scrubs 
(the mallee country chiefly). Owing to its shy disposition and waiy 
nature, it is seldom seen. Its flesh is much sought after as an article of 
food, and although protected, it is frequently shot. The food of this 
species consists chiefly of berries, seeds, and insects and their aivas. 
This valuable and interesting bird is in grave danger of extermination, 
because of the depredations of the introduced fox. 
nest. A large mound of leaves and grass covered with gravel, sand, 
and debris, and raised into a pyramidal heap. An opening is made in 
the fermenting material into which the eggs are deposited in the form 
of a circle; a full clutch generally consists of three layers. Nesting- 
mounds are usually constructed in situations exposed to the sunshine. 
eggs. The number of eggs varies from six to twelve, probably two 
birds lay in the same mound. When fresh they are a delicate pink, 
but soon become soiled and stained a dull reddish-brown. Breeding- 
season: September to February or March. 
5. Scrub Fowl Magapodius reinwardt Dumont 
Meg-a-pod'-ius-G k, megas, large; Gk t pus (pous), podos, foot: rem- 
wardt— Reinwardt, Dutch collector in the East Indies. 
distribution. Northern Australia, from Kimberley (noith-westei n 
Australia), to Yeppoon (Queensland); also found from Lombok to 
New Guinea, 
notes. Also called Scrub Hen and Jungle Fowl. Usually in pairs 
or small parties, frequenting the scrubs of the coastal districts. It is 
cautious in habits and, when disturbed, it will eit lei run, or y 
clumsily and settle on the lower branch of a tree.. It has a.Pearly 
harsh and loud cry, uttered at break of day, and ofttn d nwg .the 
night while at roost. Food: native fruits, berries, seeds, and the young 
shoots of many kinds of trees and shru s. 
