INTRODUCTION 
xix 
Open Country; Birds of the Lakes, Streams, and Swamps; and Birds of the 
Ocean and Shore. These divisions have been subdivided into groups, such as 
Birds of the Brushes and Big Scrubs, Birds of the Open Forest, and so on. 
A full list of these groups is shown in the list of plates. 
Coloured plates. Each coloured plate is followed by the letterpress 
relating to the species figured on that plate, the numbers coinciding. 
Photographs illustrating typical habitats are also included. 
Measurements. The size-key on each plate indicates the sizes of the 
birds in proportion to their life-size. 
Scientific names. The scientific names used are those accepted by the 
Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union and published in the Official Check¬ 
list of the Birds of Australia (2nd edition, 1926). This is the nomenclature 
generally used by Australian ornithologists. 
Pronunciation. Guidance to the pronunciation of scientific names: The 
mark ' indicates the syllable to be accented. The marks “ and M over 
vowels show their quantity; that is, whether they are long or short. 
Diphthongs are always long. The pronunciation here indicated is the English, 
not the “continental” or “Roman” pronunciation of Latin. 
Pronounce 
a as in fate; a as in fat; 
e as in Peter; e <cs in pet; 
I as in site; I as in sit ; 
6 as in note; 6 as in not; 
u as in cute; u as in cut; 
au as in audience; 
se and ce as e; ai as I; 
c (soft) as s before e, i, and y; 
c (hard) as k before a, o, and u; 
ch as k. 
Vowels not marked are short. 
Derivation. The derivations of the generic and specific names are based 
on the investigations of the late H. Wolstenholme, whose researches in this 
province appear in an appendix to the Checklist. Mr Wolstenholme was 
unable to find the origin of some Australian generic names. When the 
originator leaves no reason for the name he has chosen, it is impossible 
always to know what was in his mind to suggest that name. 
Abbreviations. Gk = Greek 
L. = Latin 
N.L. = New Latin (a latinized form of a word from 
another language). 
Vernacular names. With few exceptions the common names used are 
those accepted and published in the Checklist. Common names other than 
those used in the Checklist are included, but their use should be discarded 
to avoid confusion. 
Distribution. Except in some few instances where slight additions and 
amendments are made, the range distribution used is taken from the 
Checklist. 
