106 
HORN EXPEDITION—AVES. 
No. 78. Anas gidberiprons, Milller. Wood Teal. 
A 7 ias gibberifrons, Muller, Land en Volkenk., p. 159 (1841); North, Nests 
and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 342 (1889). 
Two young in down. 
[These birds were numerous along the rivers and waterholes, and the same 
remarks apply to them as to A. superciliosa. We found newly-hatched birds on a 
small swamp near Horseshoe Bend, on the Finke River, on 21st May, and saw a 
number of “ flappers ” a few weeks later. The Chestnut-breasted Teal {A. castaiiea) 
was not met with.] 
The following notes by Mr. G. A. Keartland refer to birds observed during 
the Expedition, but of which specimens were not brought down : — 
No. 1. Aquila audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. 
All along the route these eagles were seen, sometimes soaring high overhead 
or perched on tall trees and crags of the various ranges. Occasionally they 
disputed with the dingo the right to a carcase well treated with strychnine, and 
as a natural consequence shared the same fate. At Heavitree Gap five eagles and 
six dogs were found lying near a dead cow, all victims to poison. At Finke 
Gorge a pair of eagles were seen in pursuit of a wallaby. The birds took turns in 
attacking their prey, which kept close to the rocks, around which it dodged to 
escape its pursuers; but in endeavouring to cross a small open space it was 
pounced upon and carried off. Some of these eagles are very dai’k in colour, 
whilst others are of a light brown. This variation in plumage may possibly be 
due to age. Several of their old nests were seen in the eucalypts along the course 
of the Finke and Palmer Rivers. 
No. 2. Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling Eagle. 
At each waterhole a pair of these birds was generally found. They appear to 
feed on any dead animal, but when hungry lizards are not despised by them. 
Those shot had a decided odor of dead bullock. At several camps they accom¬ 
panied the crows, which came to clear up any bits of meat or fat thrown away. 
Perched on a neighbouring tree they waited until a crow had secured a choice 
morsel, when the eagles swooped down on him and soon deprived him of his prize. 
Many of their nests were seen, but no eggs were found. 
