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THE GEELONG NATURALIST. 
delicate nature I doubt whether they would stand the colder winters 
of the South. They utter the usual discordant ery of this genus, 
but look very fine when flitting about among the tops of the lofty 
gums near the river in the early morning. 
7. Cacatua roseicapilla (Pink-breasted Cockatoo.) Locally 
called the “ Gjlah." It extends over all the plains across Riverina, 
and occurs in large flocks, which fly rather closely packed, and 
turn and swerve together with great precision. These birds are 
especially fond of recently sown or harvested fields of grain, etc., 
and do much damage thereupon. 
8. Polytelis barrabandi (Barraband's Long-tail.) This parą- 2 | 
keet is rather rare about here, but ranges generally over all these 
plains, and is allied to P. alexandrae, lately noted by the Horn 
exploring party. It flies very swiftly. The male is very handsome 
in its plumage, and sometimes may be seen perched upon a topmost 
dry bough of a gum tree. 
9. Barnardius barnardi (Barnard’s Broad-tail.) This parakeet ^J: 
is fairly common here in the vicinity of water-courses, etc., occurring 
„in small flocks, and in general resembling Platycercus eximius 
(Rosella) of Southern parts, in its shape and habits. The young 
birds make very cheerful and intelligent pets. 
10. Ochyphaps lophotes (Crested Pigeon.) This elegant pigeon 
frequents the sandy ridges with Murray pines growing thereon; 
being usually found feeding below these trees in the shade. Upon 
being flushed, they fly away with a swift skimming motion of the 
wings. The most remarkable feature of their appearance is the 
long, loose occipital plumes which form a small crest erected when: 
the birds are alarmed. 
11. Gallinula tenebrosa (Sombre Gallinule) is fairly numerous 
around thelignum swamps. I have seen a company of 18 to 21 birds 
about sunset running amongst the bushes just like a lot of fowls. 
They run very rapidly, and are shy in disposition, and only take to 
flight when closely pressed. 
19. <Aigialitis nigrifrons (Black-fronted Dotterel.) This 
beautiful little species of the Plover family is found very 
numerously dispersed along the margins of lagoons and billabongs 
on these plains. I once saw a pair on the Barwon River, near 
Geelong; but strictly speaking, it is an inland species. It is much 
Jess stout in shape than Æ. ruficapillus or Æ. monachus which are 
common along the coast line, but do not occur in the interior. 
This species resembles, in its habits, the others mentioned above. 
I handed you an egg of this species when leaving Geelong, and should 
I remain here until next breeding season, doubtless, as the birds 
are plentiful, I should be able to secure you more examples. 
18. Erythogenys cinctus (Red-kneed Dotterel.) This also, I 
am of opinion, is an inland species. I have never seen it alive 
elsewhere, but on a shallow lagoon, some miles away, it is fairly 
numerous, frequenting same localities as the last species, and 
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