102 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
notes. Inhabits the mangroves chiefly, also tea-tree swamps and 
river margins. Usually in pairs; it is shy, and is generally seen moving 
about close to the ground among the roots of the mangroves; it utters 
a note closely resembling the croak of a frog, and it also has a pleasing 
whistling call-note. Food: insects of various kinds and small crus¬ 
taceans. 
nest. A cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark bound 
together with spiders’ webs, decorated on the outside with pieces of 
bark and lichen; lined with fine rootlets. Usually built in trees or 
vines overhanging water. 
eggs. Two or three, bluish- or greenish-white, spotted with brownish 
and lavender markings, particularly at the larger end, often forming 
a zone. Breeding-season: October to January or February. 
16. Yellow-billed Kingfisher Syma torotoro Lesson—16A. Female 
Syma—S yme Island in the i£gean Sea: torotoro —native name. 
distribution. Northern Queensland (Cape York); also occurs in 
the Aru Islands and New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Saw-billed Kingfisher. The New Guinea form is 
a mangrove-dwelling species, whilst the Cape York form usually 
inhabits the scrub and open forest-lands. It has a mournful trilling 
call, ascending the scale, and difficult to locate. Food: insects (chiefly 
beetles), small reptiles, and crustaceans. 
nest. In a hole in a termites’ nest in a tree. 
eggs. Three or four, pure white. Breeding-season: November and 
December or January. 
17. Mangrove Kingfisher Halcyon chloris Boddaert 
Hal'-cy-on—G k, alcyon, a sea-bird, later the kingfisher, hal, the sea, 
cyon, breeding: chlor'-is— Gk, chloros , yellow-green. 
distribution. Northern Australia, as far south as Brisbane on 
the east coast and Point Cloates on the west coast. 
notes. A migratory species, inhabiting the mangroves; its note is 
similar to that of the Sacred Kingfisher, but much louder; it is usually 
seen in pairs or small parties. Food: small fish and crustaceans. 7 
nest. In a hole in a termites* nest, in a hollow limb, or in a hole in 
a tree. 
eggs. Three, pure white. Breeding-season: October to December. 
18. Black Butcher-bird Cracticus quoyi Lesson and Garnot-18A. Red 
Phase 
Crac'-tic'-us— Gk, cracticos, loud-voiced: quoyi —Jean Rcn£ Quoy (1790- 
1869), French scientist and explorer, associated with Gaimard. 
distribution. Northern Territory and northern Queensland; also 
occurs in New Guinea. 
notes. Two colour phases are known; both often occur in the same 
brood, the black phase being the more plentiful. Usually in pairs, 
