pSV APN ABATU BALIN TESS 34 169 
BIRD NOTES. 
Tue WHITE-BACKED Macpiz.—In New South Wales 
this bird (Gymnorhina leuconota) is typical of the southern 
tableland, and on the Manaro jis very abundant; the Black 
backed Magpie being seldom seen, It is a very beautiful 
bird, and it looks very fine when in flight, especially if 
viewed from above. Its call is rich and quaint, and in the 
early morning is an absolute “refresher.” While travelling 
through Yarrangobilly recently | was very interested to 
observe one only of these White-hacked Magpies among a 
large mob of the Black-backed form, which were spread 
about the place feeding industriously. From the locality 
noted, and towards the Manaro tableland, the bird becomes 
more abundant; while the Black-backed form correspond- 
ingly decreases. ’ 
Quainr Hapir of tHe WHire-NECKED Hrron.—This 
species (Notophoyx pacifica) has been observed by me in 
many places in the Western country of New South Wales, 
and several times | have had an opportunity of noting a 
very remarkable habit which it possesses. On one of 
these occasions ] was using a small boat on the Barwon 
River (in the vicinity of Walgett), and at its junction with 
the Namoi River, in connection with my Fishery work. 
The boat was being rowed down the river, and a little dis- 
_ tance away was one of the many giant Red-gums (Eucalyp- 
tus rostrata) which adorn the banks of the mighty, silent 
river. On a jutting bough was one of these White-necked 
Herons standing in an ordinary attitude. As I approached 
the bird slowly raised its bill and neck, and elevated its 
body until beak, neck, body and legs were almost in one 
vertical line. Simultaneously it dropped its wings loosely 
by its side until it looked exactly like a dead bird tied up 
by its beak and suspended—just as it would look if held 
in the hand under similar conditions. A knowledge of this 
habit enabled me on a number of occasions to discern this 
bird when otherwise it must have passed unnoticed—its 
general aspect at a little distance (under the conditions 
noted) being most unbirdlike. This species is sometimes 
called the White-necked Crane. 
Spotrep GRouND Birp (Cinclosoma punctatum)-— 
The bird to which, for want of a better designation, has 
been applied this most unsatisfactory vernacular name, is 
not often seen by the bush wanderer because of its extreme 
shyness. It will often run for quite a long distance (fre- 
