156 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
19. Ground Parrot Pezoporas wallicus Kerr 
Pez'-o-por'-us— Gk, pezoporos, going on foot: xuallicns—oi (New South) 
Wales. 
distribution. Coastal areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South 
Australia, south-eastern Australia, and Tasmania; also recorded from 
Frazer Island (Queensland). 
notes. Also called Swamp Parrot. This extremely shy and rare 
Parrot inhabits the swampy heath-lands, where it is mostly observed 
singly or in pairs. Owing to its recluse habits and great running powers, 
it is seldom or rarely seen until Hushed. When disturbed, it rises in 
much the same manner as a Quail, Hies rapidly away across the swamp, 
and then suddenly hurls itself down into cover again. It emits a strong 
scent, like ordinary game-birds, consequently dogs will set it, sports¬ 
men shooting it to add to the game-bag. Its flesh is excellent eating, and 
said to be the equal of Quail or Snipe. Food: seeds of grasses and 
herbaceous plants. 
nest. A hollow in the ground, lined with grass, and situated in 
rushes or thick grass. 
eggs. Three or four, white. Breeding-season: September to December. 
20. Night Parrot Gcopsittacus occidentalis Gould 
Ge-o-psit'-ta-cus— Gk, ge, earth; Gk, psittacos, parrot: oc-ci-den-ta'-lis — 
L., occidentalis , western. 
distribution. The inland areas of Western Australia, South Aus¬ 
tralia, and central Australia. 
notes. Little is known of the habits of this extremely rare species 
except that it inhabits the sandstone ranges, spinifex country, and 
shrubby samphire flats. It is nocturnal in habits, seeking cover in rocky 
caves and tussocks of spinifex during the day, venturing out to drink 
at the nearest water at dusk, and to feed on the seeds of spinifex and 
other grasses. The aborigines call it “Myrrlumbing" from the supposed 
resemblance of its whistling note; when alarmed, it utters a peculiar 
note, like the croak of a frog. Food: seeds of various grasses. 
nest. A depression in the ground, usually under spinifex grass. 
eggs. Four or five, white. Breeding-season: not recorded. 
