HORN EXPEDITION—AVES. 
107 
No. 3. Gypoicttnia melanosternon. Black-breasted Kite. 
Near Darweiit Creek several Kites were seen, but no specimens secured. 
Soaring overhead, the white base of the primaries contrasted with the black 
breasts. One seen devouring the remains of a wallaby disputed the feast with a 
dingo, but although busily engaged avoided all my attempts at approaching it, nor 
was our black boy any more successful. 
No. 4. Elands scriptus. Letter-winged Kite. 
These graceful Kites were seen near McMinn’s Eange, always in pairs. As 
they soared overhead the V-shaped marks on the under surface of the wings were 
very conspicuous. At times they were very numerous. Flying over the coarse 
grass and saltbush they prey on the small animals, lizards and grasshoppers, which 
are plentiful in the sand hills. Their nests, which are placed in the eucalypts 
along the course of the rivers or in the gorges, are built of sticks. Eggs in my 
collection are dull white, heavily blotched with chocolate. The Letter-winged Kite 
has a very wide range, and is found in nearly all parts of the continent of 
Australia. 
No. 5. Elands axillaris. Black-shouldered Kite. 
This Kite, when reposing on the lofty branch of a dry .ti’ee, bears a striking 
resemblance to tlie last described species, but lacks the characteristic V-shaped 
markings beneath the wings. Its habits are similar to those of E. scriptus. 
No. G. Ealco iivpoledcds. Grey Falcon. 
Several fine birds of this species were seen at Levi Range, but all too wary to 
approach. They appeared to be hunting for lizards. Their nests closely resemble 
those of Astur approxiiiians, built of small sticks. Two eggs in my collection bear 
a striking resemblance to light specimens of Hieracidea berigora. Surface light 
brown, almost obscured by darker markings. They were taken by Mr. E. C. Cowle 
near Illamurta, Central Australia. 
No. 7. Geopsittacds occidentalis. Western Ground Parrakeet. 
Owing to the nocturnal habits of these birds I was unable to obtain specimens, 
but the remains of those recently killed by dingoes were frequently found. 
During the summer of 1892 many were brought in by cats at Alice Springs 
telegraph station; and whilst there I was shown by Mr. Field portions of skins. 
