THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
156 
19. Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus Kerr 
Pez-d-por'-us— Gk, pezoporos, going on foot: wallicus— of (New South) 
Wales. 
Distribution. —Coastal areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South 
Australia, south-western Australia, and Tasmania; also recorded from 
Frazer Island (Queensland). 
Notes. —Also called Swamp Parrot. This extremely shy and rare 
Parrot inhabits the swampy heath-lands, where it is mostly observed singly 
or in pairs. Owing to its recluse habits and great running powers, it is 
seldom or rarely seen until flushed. When disturbed, it rises in much 
the same manner as a Quail, flies rapidly away across the swamp, and then 
suddenly hurls itself down into cover again. It emits a strong scent, like 
ordinary game-birds, consequently dogs will set it, sportsmen shooting it 
to add to the game-bag. Its flesh is excellent eating, and said to be the 
equal of Quail or Snipe. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
Nest. —A hollow in the ground, lined with grass, and situated in 
rushes or thick grass. 
Eggs. —Three or four, white. Breeding-season: September to 
December. 
20. Night Parrot Geopsittaciis occidentals Gould 
Ge-o-psit'-ta-cus —Gk, ge, earth; Gk, psittacos, parrot: oc-ci-den-ta-lis — 
L., occidentalism western. 
Distribution .—The inland areas of Western Australia, South Aus¬ 
tralia, and central Australia. 
Notes. —Little is known of the habits of this extremely rare species 
except that it inhabits the sandstone ranges, spinifex country, and shrubby 
samphire flats. It is nocturnal in habits, seeking cover in rocky caves 
and tussocks of spinifex during the day, venturing out to drink at the 
nearest water at dusk, and to feed on the seeds of spinifex and other 
grasses. The aborigines call it “Myrrlumbing” from the supposed 
resemblance of its whistling note; when alarmed, it utters a peculiar 
note, like the croak of a frog. Food: seeds of various grasses. 
Nest. —A depression in the ground, usually under spinifex grass. 
Eggs. —Four or five, white. Breeding-season: not recorded. 
