Vol ‘i925 IV ' ] CHURCH, Birds of Burketoum, N. Old. 293 
two (lays before Christmas, and have since then seen several more on 
the lagoon. They appear to mix freely with D. javanica, but 
whether inter-breeding takes place or not, I could not determine. All 
the specimens I shot were absolutely true to type. 
Anas superciliosa. Grey (Black) Duck.—By no means as common 
as the two former species. 
Virago castanea. Chestnut Teal.—I saw two only on the bore 
drain. They may have been V. cribberifrons (Grey Teal), but I could 
see no white band on the neck. 
Phalacrocorax, sp. Cormorant.—Noted a pair on a trip down the 
river, but they were very shy, and flew away as soon as we came 
within 100 yards; so that I am unable to state definitely whether they 
were the Pied Cormorant (P. varius). 
Sula leucogaster. Brown Gannet.—Three of these foolish “Boo¬ 
bies” roosted on the mast head and rigging of the “Kalatina” the 
night it entered the mouth of the Albert River. 
Fregata minor. Greater Frigate-bird.—Though this bird has really 
no place in these notes, I feel that so noble a flier cannot be over¬ 
looked. Two followed the boat from the Norman River across the 
Gulf of Carpentaria, and their wonderful gliding performances 
brought forth applause from all on board. 
Pelecanus conspicillatus. Australian Pelican.—Four of these huge 
birds visited the plains immediately after the flood, and remained 
several days. Their immense wing-span and peculiar “wheeling” 
flight made them objects of interest to all. 
Circus assimilis. Spotted Harrier.—I noted quite a number of 
these birds during my rides over the plains. Their method of “beat¬ 
ing” the long, wavy grass was very systematic. Each bird appeared 
to take a given area, and though I watched them for a considerable 
time, they seemed quite satisfied to go over their own particular patch 
of ground again and again. 
Circus approximans. Swamp Harrier.—One of these birds con¬ 
tinually worked the stunted mangroves and grass at the edge of the 
river. I never saw the second one, and do not believe the female was 
in the vicinity. One day I shot a small snake, and, almost at once, a 
Swamp Harrier swooped down and flew off with it. 
I need hardly say that the “Falconidae” are perhaps the most diffi¬ 
cult of birds to recognise on the wing; it is more t^an probable there¬ 
fore that I may be mistaken in some of my identifications. 
Milvus migrans. Black (Fork-tailed) Kite.—A large number of 
these useful birds stayed around the few scattered houses that con¬ 
stitute the town. Their flight is particularly interesting. The tail 
appears to take the place of a rudder, and can be elevated or lowered 
and twisted from side to side at will. The wings are, as far as I 
could judge, not moved at all. These birds are fortunately protected 
by the local inhabitants, who realise the useful work they perform. 
Lophcictinia isura. Square-tailed Kite.—I have a note of one of 
these birds observed during a visit to the lagoon, but my view was 
from a fair distance, so that I cannot speak with certainty. 
Ieracidea berigora. Brown Hawk.—These useful birds were quite 
common. As they lived chiefly on grasshoppers and insects, they had 
a very “rich” field in which to work. 
Haliastur indus. White-headed Sea-Eagle.—A fine specimen of 
this species was observed on the coast. Its graceful flight and com¬ 
plete indifference to human interference, made it a popular object of 
interest. 
Calyptorhynchus, sp. Black Cockatoo.—Several small flocks of 
these birds flew over the lake whilst I was there, but as they 
did not alight on any of the trees, I. had small chance of observing 
them closely. Their size made me think they were not the Red-tailed 
Black Cockatoo (C. banksi). 
Alcyone azure. Blue Kingfisher.—-These very beautiful birds were 
common on the river, and I also noticed a pair on the bore drain. 
