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J. Cassidy—Australian Bird-Beauties



deep blue towards the extremities of the tertiaries, which are broadly

margined with yellow ; primaries slaty-grey on their inner webs and

green on the outer, very slightly margined with yellow ; tail feathers

deep green, largely tipped with rich yellow. The beautiful combina¬

tion of vivid rich colours and delicate tints, produce a brilliant

effect.


The total length of this gay little bird is about 9 inches.


Food. —Figs, wild grapes, and palm-nuts which abound in the forests

(brush). The Pigeon, being an excellent judge, selects the best and

ripest fruit, so frequently to be found at the extreme end of the bough

or spray.


The Gallinacce, which are included in the Order has ores, are

represented but meagrely in Australia. The Turnices and Quails are

but poor substitutes for the gorgeous Peacocks, the Partridges and

Pheasants, Grouse, etc., of other lands. The Turnices and Quails are

probably distantly related to the Partridges, but the alliance is some¬

what remote. We pass on at once to the Order grallatores, which

includes the Emu, the Cassowary, the Bustard, many varieties of

Plover, the Dotterels, the Sandpipers, the Stilts, the Snipes, the Curlews,

the Egrets, the Herons, and other beautiful birds of which many are

found in all parts of the world.


One of the most ornamental of the Grallatores is seen in the Wattled

Plover ( Lobivanellus lobatus).


It is a showy, attractive bird, somewhat fearless as it frequents

small ponds, near the dwellings of man. It is equally at home on

open flats, or high dry grounds. It is common in many parts of New

South Wales and Bass’s Straits, particularly on Green Island in the

Straits. Its manners are bold and attractive. It has been nicknamed

“ The Alarm Bird ” because when it sees an intruder it rises from

the ground, flies round and round uttering shrill screams of protest

which are a signal to any birds and beasts in the neighbourhood to be

on the alert.


It breeds in January. Its food consists of insects and worms.

In many respects it resembles the European Peewit, but the wings are

longer, so that its flight is more elegant and far less laboured in

appearance.



