Notes on Northern Territory Birds by ALAN LENDON the Following Notes Represent the Observations Made by a Party Consisting of F

Home , Australian white ibis, Renner Springs

Vol. 2 JUNE 30, 1966 No.7

Notes on Northern Territory Birds By ALAN LENDON The following notes represent the observations made by a party consisting of F. L. Collison, C. E. Rix, D. A. G. Thomas and the writer in the course of a trip commencing on July 19 and ending on August 10, 1964. We travelled by car to Port Augusta; put the car on the train the following morning and left by train ourselves that afternoon, reaching Alice Springs the following evening. Taking delivery of the car the same night, we set off for Darwin the following morning, accomplishing the journey in three days with overnight stops at Renner Springs and Mataranka. We then spent a week in Darwin, making daily excursions of anything up to a fifty mile radius therefrom. After an all too short week there, we made Pine Creek our headquarters for the next three nights, spending the intervening two days on the fringes of Arnhem Land, in the vicinity of the South Alligator River. We then proceeded to Mataranka for another two nights with the intervening day spent in that vicinity and along the Roper River to the eastward. After a further night spent at Renner Springs we reached Alice Springs with a day to spare before entraining for the south. However, the car was only available to us for the morning, and the afternoon was rendered useless by the advent of a severe dust storm. The train left the following morning and we reached Port Augusta at midday the following day, and arrived at Adelaide by late afternoon. Emu (Dromaius novae-hollandiae). A single bird, in company with a wild donkey, was seen near Depot Creek. Scrub-Fowl (Megapodius freycinet). An active mound was found at Koolpinyah as well as the remains of several others in various places near Darwin; however, no birds were seen or even heard. Brown Quail (Synoicus australis). Small parties of up to eight birds were seen at Mataranka, at Holmes' Jungle near Darwin and in the vicinity of the South Alligator River. Chestnut-backed Quail (Turnix castanota). A single bird was flushed repeatedly from grass near the 192 LENDON, Northern Territory Bird.s [ Bird Watcher lagoon at Koolpinyah. A few days later another one was flushed at Plumtree Creek, and finally a bird was disturbed near Warlock Ponds and landed on the track ahead of the car, allowing a reasonable observation. The extraordinarily heavy bill was most conspicuous. Little Quail (T. velox). One flushed from roadside between Dunmarra and Larrimah. Rose-crowned Pigeon (Ptilinopus ewingi). Numerous observations of this exquisite little pigeon were made in the Darwin area, including the Botanic Gardens, and at Koolpinyah and Shoal Bay. They were surprisingly tame and much easier to observe than most Fruit Pigeons. Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida). First seen at Newcastle Waters Creek and thereafter it was extremely plentiful everywhere. Not seen south of Lake Woods on the return journey. Diamond-Dove (G. cuneata). First seen in the town of Tennant Creek and thereafter mod erately common as far north as Coomallie Creek, but not seen north of this point. To the eastward, it was seen at Beatrice Hills, on the Marrakai Road and on the El Sherana Road. On the return journey it was again seen as far south as Tennant Creek and finally on the Todd River at Alice Springs. Bar-shouldered Dove (G. humeralis). Seen everywhere in suitable country, from Mataranka to Darwin and on the South Alligator River. Occurs mainly along creek beds and in the mangroves. Green-winged Pigeon (Chalcophaps chrysochlora). Seen only at Holmes' Jungle, Koolpinyah and Shoal Bay. Surprisingly shy and elusive. Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera). Numerous on the roadside between Warlock Ponds and Mataranka and a single bird at Elsey Station. Not seen elsewhere. Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon (Petrophassa rufipennis). A brief sighting by F.L.C. on the first day at Plumtree Creek was followed next day by the very satisfying observation of more than a dozen birds in the same area. They were reasonably tame and their colouring harmonised remarkably with the dark purplish brown of the rocks on which they lived. Partridge-Pigeon (Geophaps smithii). Between forty and fifty birds were flushed from dry grass near the South Alligator River on the first visit to the area. Subsequently three more birds were seen near Plumtree Creek, one of which perched nearby and allowed close observation, including the slightly ruffled appearance of the nape feathers. Surprisingly none was seen in the area the following day. Plumed Pigeon (Lophophaps plumifera). A pair was seen about nine miles south of Renner Springs, and one of them permitted easy observation from the car whilst June J LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 193 1966 resting on a rock a few yards from the roadside. Next morning five more were seen feeding in a paddock behind the Renner Springs Hotel. Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes). Seen between Alice Springs and Aileron and also between Elliott and Pine Creek in fair numbers. Little Grebe (Podiceps ruficollis). Seen on Knuckey's Lagoon, near Darwin, and on small lagoons near Humpty Doo. Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris). Seen at Beatrice Creek, Koolpinyah and Elsey Lagoon in small numbers. Pied Cormorant (P. varius). Two birds were on the Waterhouse River at Mataranka. Little Pied Cormorant (P. melanoleucus). Scattered throughout all areas north of Mataranka. Australian Darter ( Anhinga novae-hollandiae). Fairly comman on all the larger sheets of water in the vicinity of Darwin, and also observed on the Marrakai Road, at Elsey Station and at Newcastle Waters. Brown Gannet {Sula leucogaster ). Large numbers seen resting on the remains of the anti-submarine device at East Point. Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus}. Single birds at Fogg's Dam and Shoal Bay and two at Newcastle Waters. Whi.te-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucoptera). Single birds, considered to be this species in non-breeding plumage, seen at Knuckey's Lagoon and at Koolpinyah. Whiskered Tern (C. hybrida). Several on dams near H umpty Doo and also at Koolpinyah. Gull-billed Tern {Gelochelidon nilotica). One bird on the beach at Lee Point and two at Shoal Bay. Caspian Tern (Hyd1roprogne cm·pia). Several on the beach at Lee Point and two at Lake Woods. Crested Tern (Sterna bergii). Several at Lee Point. Sooty Tern (S. fuscata). Certainly two, and probably more, at Lee Point. Masked Plover {Lobibyx miles). In the vicinity of most of the larger sheets of water near Darwin and at Humpty Doo. Not seen further south and not nearly as plentiful as anticipated. Large Sand-Dotterel (Charadrius leschenaultii). About a dozen birds on the tidal flats at Shoal Bay. Red-capped Dotterel (C. alexandlrinus). Several at Shoal Bay. Black-fronted Dotterel (C. melanops). A pair at Warlock Ponds, several at Fogg's Dam and a pair in the vicinity of Alice Springs. 194 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bird Watcher

White-headed Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus). Four birds at a small lagoon near Humpty Doo and three at Lake Woods. Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis). Small numbers at both Ludmilla Creek and Shoal Bay. Whimbrel (N. phaeopus). In small numbers on M.1 beaches in the Darwin area. Little Whimbrel (Mesoscolopax minutus). Two birds at Shoal Bay. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica). Several at Shoal Bay. Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus). Two birds at Shoal Bay, extremely active when feeding. Red-necked Stint (Erolia ruficollis). Two at Shoal Bay. Knot (Calidris canutus). About twenty birds seen at Shoal Bay. This may be a first record for the Northern Territory. Lotus-Bird (lrediparra gallinacea). Numerous on all large sheets of water of Knuckey's Lagoon, Fogg's Dam and Koolpinyah. Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella). In vast numbers on the mud fiats below Fogg's Dam, and common at Knuckey's Lagoon. Not seen further south than the vicinity of Darwin. Australian Bustard (Eupodotis australis). A pair seen on Elsey Station, a single bird at Mataranka and an immature bird on the Stuart Highway between Renner Springs and Tennant Creek. Brolga (Grus rubicundus). Seen as far south as Banka Banka. In small numbers at many places north thereof and in large numbers below Fogg's Dam and on Holmes' Jungle swamp. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). A few at Holmes' Jungle and about twenty at Fogg's Dam. Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca). Reasonably plentiful close to Darwin, but not seen further south than Humpty Doo. Straw-necked Ibis (T. spinicollis). In enormous numbers in vicinity of Darwin, where they competed with the Kites as scavengers. Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia). Fairly common on large swamps near Darwin, one seen at Lake Woods. Jabiru (Xenorhynchus asiaticus). Seen, mostly singly, at Humpty Doo, Koolpinyah and Shoal Bay and surprisingly, a pair together, well away from water, on Marrakai Road. Great-billed Heron ( Ardea sumatrana). Certainly two and probably three, seen on Waterhouse River, at Mataranka, exactly as described by Sharland. June J LENDON, No.vthern Territory Birds 195 1966

Little Egret (Egretta garzettu). Plentiful at Dinah Beach, Darwin, and m one and twos at other nearby beaches and at Fogg's Dam. Plumed Egret (E. intermedza). Very common on all swamps in the vicinity of Darwin and at Humpty Doo. Not seen further south. White Egret (E. alba). On all swamps in the Darwin area and Humpty Doo. Also seen at Warlock Ponds and Elsey. White-faced Heron ( Ardea novae-hollandiae). Scattered around Darwin area but not in large numbers. Also single birds on Marrakai Road, South Alligator River, Elsey and Waterhouse River. White-necked Heron (A. pacifica). In small numbers around Darwin. Odd birds seen at South Alligator River, Warlock Ponds, Newcastle Waters, Lake Woods and Renner Springs. Pied Heron (A. picata). Surprisingly uncommon. Two birds seen at Fogg's Dam and one near Knuckey's Lagoon. Reef-Heron (Egretta sacra). A few of the grey phase seen at East Point and Lee Point and one of the white phase at the former place. Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus). Numerous at Holmes' Jungle and odd birds on Humpty Doo Road, Manton Dam and Mataranka. Mangrove-Heron (Butorides striata). One at Lee Point and another at Ludmilla Creek. Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis) . One seen by D.A.G.T at Coomallie Creek. Pied Goose ( Anseranas semipalmata). Although a few birds were to be found at most lagoons near Darwin, the only large flocks encountered were in the Humpty Doo area, and here they numbered hundreds only and not the vast flocks which we had anticipated. Green Pigmy Goose (Nettapus pulchellus). On most of the Darwin lagoons, the biggest flock being about seventy birds at Knuckey's. Four birds were also seen at a lagoon on Elsey Station. Whistling Tree-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata). Seen only at Knuckey's Lagoon and Koolpinyah, in each case in flocks of several hundred birds. White-headed Shelduck (Tadorna radljah). Seen on only one occasion, when a flock of between thirty and forty birds was located on Fogg's Dam. They were remarkably tame. Grey Duck ( Anas superciliosa). In small numbers on the Darwin lagoons and also at Elsey, Newcastle Waters and Lake Woods. 196 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bird Watcher

Grey Teal (A. gibberifrons). Small numbers at Knuckey's Lagoon, Elsey, Newcastle Waters, Lake Woods and on the roadside between Renner Springs and Banka Banka. Hardhead ( Aythya australis). Small numbers at Elsey and Newcastle Waters. Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis). One seen near Wauchope and one at Banka Banka. Swamp-Harrier (C. approximans). Three birds seen, all at "the Top End". White Goshawk (Accipiter novae-hollandiae). A single bird, remarkably tame, allowed repeated observation along Plumtree Creek. Australian Goshawk (A. fasciatus). Widely distributed. Collared Sparrowhawk (A. cirrocephalus). Seen at Humpty Doo, South Alligator River and Alice Springs. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax). Widely distributed between Alice Springs and Mataranka, and also two at Shoal Bay. Australian Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides). About half a dozen recordings in all, from as far south as Barrow Creek to Humpty Doo and El Sherana. White-breasted Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster ). Four recordings, all inland, at Fogg's Dam, Manton Dam, Marrakai Road and Newcastle Waters. Red-backed Sea-Eagle (Haliastur indus). One in Darwin Harbour and one at Ludmilla Creek. Whistling Eagle (H. sphenurus). Numerous everywhere. Fork-tailed Kite (Milvus migrans). In vast numbers, especially around towns. Square-tailed Kite ( Lophoictinia isura). One on El Sherana Road and another a:t Newcastle Waters. Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosterna). Six birds seen in all, a pair being flushed from the ground between Barrow Creek and Wauchope. The other recordings were between Wauchope and Tennant Creek, near Katherine, at Beatrice Hills and near Newcastle Waters Creek. The "windows" in the wings make this striking species quite unmistakable. Australian Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus notatus). Two seen at Humpty Doo. Little Falcon (Falco longipennis). One between Katherine and Pine Creek and another, at Plum tree Creek, seen by C.E.R . to take an immature Crimson Finch. Black Falcon (F. subniger). Several observations at "the Top End" only. June J LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 197 1966

Budgerygahs, male and female at nesting hollow.

Plate 41. Photo by L. N. Robinson 198 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bi rd Watcher

Brown Hawk (F . berigora). Very common throughout the trip. Nankeen Kestrel (F. cenchroides). Numerous throughout. Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook). One flushed from roadside scrub between Aileron and Alice Springs. Northern Boobook Owl (N. ocellata). A dead bird found hanging on a fence at Mataranka. Red-collared Lorikeet (Trichoglossus rubritorquis). Found in vast numbers everywhere north of Larrimah. Appeared to be feeding mainly on orange-coloured blossoms of Eucalyptus miniata. Varied Lorikeet (Psitteuteles versicolor). First seen between Larrimah and Warlock Ponds and not met with north of Humpty Doo Road. Not nearly as numerous as foregoing, although two reasonably large concentrations seen. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii). Although a few were seen flying over Alice Springs, it was not otherwise seen south of Newcastle Waters Creek. Everywhere to the north of this point it was numerous, mainly in small parties, although several flocks of up to fifty birds were encountered. White Coclmtoo (Kakatoe galerita). Encountered at many places north of Mataranka; never more than three at a time and remarkably silent. Little Corella (K. sanguinea). ln large flocks at Knuckey's Lagoon and Fogg's Dam and at Newcastle Waters; also small numbers seen between Banka Banka and Tennant Creek and from the train south of Alice Springs. Galah (K. roseicapilla). Everywhere in the Territory; the northern birds being noticeably smaller and paler. Cockatiel ( Leptolophus hollandicus). Numerous between Newcastle Waters Creek and Adelaide River and a few on the El Sherana Road. Not seen elsewhere. Red-winged Parrot ( Aprosmictus erythropterus). Plentiful everywhere north of Warlock Ponds in small parties. Noticeably red-winged as opposed to the crimson-winged birds of eastern Australia. Northern Rosella (Platycercus venustus). A pair seen on Stuart Highway a few miles north of Katherine and five pairs seen on El Sherana Road. Never flushed from the ground as is commonly the case with other members of the genus. Port Lincoln Parrot (Barnard:ius zonarius). Numerous in immediate vicinity of Alice Springs. Mulga-Parrot (Psephotus varius). Small parties seen between Alice Springs and Aileron and also from the train south of Alice Springs. Budgerygah (M elopsittacus undulatus). Numerous between Mataranka and Tennant Creek; a few small parties immediately north and south of these limits. June ] LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 199 1966

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides). One at Berry Springs and another on Marrakai Road. Azure Kingfisher ( Alcyone azurea). One on Waterhouse River at Mataranka. Little Kingfisher (A. pusilla). One seen by C.E.R. at Berry Springs. Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii). Not seen south of Warlock Ponds. Very numerous in all areas north of this point. Forest-Kingfisher (Halcyon macleayii). Seen only north of Manton Dam and at South Alligator River. Not particularly common. Red-backed Kingfisher (H. pyrrhopygius). First seen at Banka Banka and numerous thereafter, particularly in Darwin area. Sacred Kingfisher (H. sanctus). Plentiful in Darwin and surroundings, also at Humpty Doo and on Marrakai Road. Mangrove-Kingfisher (H. chloris) . Sparsely distributed on beaches in the Darwin area. Rainbow-Bird (Merops ornatus). Very common around Darwin; seen as far south as Lake Woods. Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus) . Three observations in the vicinity of Darwin and also seen from the train near Alice Springs. Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis pyrrhophanus). Plentiful in Darwin area. Pheasant-Coucal (Centropus phasianinus). About half a dozen sightings, principall y at Humpty Doo, Kool pinyah and South Alligator River. White-backed Swallow (Cheramoeca leucosterna). Scattered along Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Banka Banka. Australian Tree-Martin (Hylochelidon nigricans). Seen in several areas north of Mataranka. Fairy Martin (H. ariel) . Seen only in Humpty Doo area, where they were very numerous. Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons). Seen only at Holmes' Jungle and Shoal Bay. Northern Fantail ( R . setosa). Widely distributed to as far south as Mataranka. Willie Wagtail (R. leucophrys). Ubiquitous. Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula). This delightful fl ycatcher was encountered m all areas from Mataranka northward. 200 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bird Watcher

Broad-billed Flycatcher (M. ruficollis). Seen only in the mangroves bordering Ludmilla Creek. Both sexes are alike and closely resemble the female Leaden Flycatcher in colouring but the broad bill is noticeable. Restless Flycatcher (Seisura inquieta). In small numbers in most areas as far south as Lake Woods. Shining Flycatcher (Piezorhynchus alecto ). Found in the vicinity of creeks in all areas from Mataranka northwards. A most striking species with marked sexual dimorphism. Jacky Winter (Microeca leucophaea). Seen only in a restricted area between Lake Woods and Ferguson River and also on Marrakai and El Sherana Roads in an easterly direction. Brown-tailed Flycatcher (M. brunneicauda). This insignificant little bird was only seen at Holmes' Jungle and Ludmilla Creek. Lemon-breasted Flycatcher {M. flavigaster ). Very plentiful in all areas from Mataranka northward. Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii). A few observations between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek. Hooded Robin (P. cucullata). Sparsely distributed along Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Mataranka. Buff-sided Robin (Poecilodryas cerviniventris). A pair, which was remarkably tame, was seen in a dry, bamboo lined creek bed on the Marrakai Road; others were seen in Holmes' Jungle, and on the Mary and Waterhouse Rivers. They have an unusual habit of tilting the tail upwards on alighting. Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris). Numerous in most areas from Dunmara northwards. White-breasted Whistler (P. lanioides). A brief glimpse of a pair and later a good view of a female was obtained in the Shoal Bay area. The female is very like the female Rufous Whistler, only much larger. Brown Whistler (P . simplex). Seen at Berry Springs and in the vicinity of several of the Darwin beaches. Could be easily confused with Brown-tailed Fly catcher. Brown Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla brunnea). Seen on Berry Springs and Marrakai Roads, at Shoal Bay and at Plumtree Creek. Indistinguishable in the field from the Grey Shrike Thrush of the south. Brown-breasted Shrike-Thrush (C. woodwardi). Seen only in the vicinity of Plumtree Creek. Little Shrike-Thrush (C. parvula). Seen only at Holmes' Jungle, Shoal Bay and on Marrakai Road. Noticeably smaller than other species. Magpie-Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca). In large numbers everywhere. June J LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 201 1966

Crested Bellbird (Oreoica gutturalis). Numerous between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek and again seen north of Tennant Creek. Ground Cuckoo-Shrike (Pteropodocys maxima). A party of about eight birds near Mataranka. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina novae-hollandiae). Sparsely distributed between Alice Springs and Elliott; very common everywhere between Mataranka and Darwin. White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike (C. hypoleuca). Reasonably plentiful everywhere between Warlock Ponds and Darwin, but probably outnumbered by the former species in ratio of about twenty to one. White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii). Plentiful in all areas from Renner Springs north as far as Humpty Doo turnoff, and on all roads to east of main highway. Not seen in the immediate vicinity of Darwin. Varied Triller (L. leucomela). Plentiful in Darwin area where it appeared to replace the former species; also seen in Humpty Doo area. Yellow Figbird (Sphecotheres flaviventris) . Numerous around Darwin and seen as far south as Hayes Creek. Red-breasted Babbler (Pomatostomus rubeculus). Seen in all areas from Alice Springs right up to and around Darwin. Never observed in flocks of more than five birds. Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor). Scattered all along Stuart Highway from Alice Springs as far north as Pine Creek and on El Sherana Road. We were puzzled by the apparent vast preponderance of females, but learnt on our return that the males undergo an eclipse plumage in captivity; it seems doubtful whether this has previously been recorded. White-throated Warbler (Gerygone olivacea). Only in the immediate vicinity of Darwin. Large-billed Warbler (G. magnirostris). In the Darwin area and also further afield, at Koolpinyah and Humpty Doo. Green-backed Warbler (G. chloronota). Apparently the same distribution as the previous species, also seen in bamboos on Marrakai Road. Buff-breasted Warbler (G. levigaster). Seen on Marrakai Road and on Waterhouse River. Yellow Weebill (Smicrornis flavescens). Many recordings north of Daly Waters; also at Alice Springs. Eastern Whiteface ( Aphelocephala leucopsis). Fairly numerous in the vicinity of Alice Springs. Yellow-tailed Thornhill ( Acanthiza chrysorrhoa). In the vicinity of Alice Springs. 202 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bird Watcher

Brown Songlark (Cinclorhamphus cruralis). Several at Koolpinyah; the males were in an eclipse plumage, although the size disparity was obvious. Also seen at Barrow Creek. Rufous Songlark (C . mathewsi). Seen at Mataranka and between Katherine and Pine Creek. Tawny Grassbird (M egalurus timoriensis). One at Darwin Harbour, another at Koolpinyah and a pair between Banka Banka and Tennant Creek. Australian Reed-Warbler ( Acrocephalus australis). Seen at Fogg's Dam, not singing. Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler (Cisticola exilis). In all suitable localities in Darwin area. Turquoise Wren (Malurus callainus). Seen in Alice Springs area and also about 40 miles to the north on the Stuart Highway. Purple-backed Wren (M. assimilis). Seen on the Stuart Highway at Morphett Creek, between Banka Banka and Tennant Creek. Red-backed Wren (M. melanocephalus). Numerous from Warlock Ponds northwards but not in the immediate vicinity of Darwin; also on Marrakai and El Sherana Roads. White-breasted Wood-Swallow ( Artamus leucorhynchus). Seen in suitable areas, always in the vicinity of water, from Warlock Ponds northward. Very plentiful in Darwin itself. Masked Wood-Swallow (A. personatus). Not further south than Elliott and Lake Woods. In countless thousands in vicinity of Mataranka. Not seen north of Pine Creek. White-browed Wood-Swallow (A. superciliosus). Very sparsely distributed amongst flocks of the foregoing species, certainly not more frequently than one in a hundred and probably much less. Black-faced Wood-Swallow (A. cinereus). Seen from train north of Abminga and then very numerous between Alice Springs and Mataranka, further north and east infrequently seen. Little Wood-Swallow (A . minor). Not seen south of Larrimah, but plentiful in all other areas visited to the north thereof, except the immediate surroundings of Darwin. Black-capped S3 ~tella (Neositta pileata). Two birds between Alice Springs and Simpson's Gap; only one previous record (Hermannsburg) for this area. White-winged Sittella (N. leucoptera). A few small flocks seen near Mataranka and also recorded on Marrakai Road; not common. White-browed Tree-Creeper (Climacteris affinis). Two birds on the outskirts of Alice Springs. June ] LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 203 1966 204 LENDON, Northern Territory Birrfis [ Bird Watcher

Black-tailed Tree-Creeper (C. me/anura). Plentiful north of Larrimah, with exception of immediate surroundings of Darwin. Also one bird at Lake Woods. Mistletoe-Bird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum). Seen everywhere north of Larrimah and also at Alice Springs. Red-tipped Pardalote (Pardalotus substriatus). A small party seen on the outskirts of Alice Springs. Black-headed Pardalote (P . melanocephalus). Very common north of Warlock Ponds. Red-browed Pardalote (P. rubricatus). Heard, but not seen, in Todd River, Alice Springs. Yellow Silvereye (Zosterops lutea). Several at Ludmilla Creek and Shoal Bay, but not plentiful. White-throated Honeyeater (M elithreptus albogularis). Very numerous in all areas north of Mataranka. Golden-backed Honeyeater (M. laetior). Originally identified on account of the similarity of its call to that of the Black-chinned Honeyeater. Seen at Lake Woods, between Dunmarra and Larrimah and between Katherine and Pine Creek. Red-headed Honeyeater (Myzomela erythrocephala). Numerous in mangroves in the vicinity of Darwin and all adjacent areas of coastal scrub. Banded Honeyeater (M. pectoralis). A few seen at Plumtree Creek, numerous between Katherine and Pine Creek and a few on Waterhouse River. Dusky Honeyeater (M. obscura). Very numerous in the Darwin area and surroundings, also on Marrakai Road and at South Alligator River. White-breasted Honeyeater (Gliciphila fasciata). This inappropriately named bird was seen in the Berry Springs Darwin River area, also at Ludmilla Creek and Manton Dam. Brown Honeyeater (G. indistincta). Extraordinarily common; the reed-warbler like call being seldom far away. Seen as far south as Lake Woods. Rufous-banded Honeyeater (Conopopht1a albogularis). Seen in the suburbs of Darwin and on the adjacent beaches, also at Humpty Doo and Koolpinyah. Rufous-throated Honeyeater (C. rufogularis). Seen in several areas between Katherine and Pine Creek, also on South Alligator River. White-lined Honeyeater (Meliphaga albilineata). Seen at Plumtree Creek on both visits; apparently a tree-top dweller and not easy to observe. Singing Honeyeater (M. virescens). Seen in several areas from Banka Banka north to Mataranka, also between Wauchope and Barrow Creek. Grey-headed Honeyeater (M. keartlandi). Seen only in a few places, viz. Alice Springs, between Tennant Creek and Banka Banka and between Renner Springs and Elliott. June ] LENDON, Northern Territory Birds 205 1966

Yellow-fronted Honeyeater (M. plumula). Seen at Simpson's Gap and between Dunmarra and Larrimah. Yellow-tinted Honeyeater (M. flavescens). Seen only between Dunmarra and some distance south of Pine Creek. White-plumed Honeyeater (M. penicillata). Around Alice Springs and north to Aileron, also at Newcastle Waters and Lake Woods. White-gaped Honeyeater (Stomiopera unicolor). Widely spread everywhere north of Warlock Ponds. Yellow-throated Miner (Myzantha flavigula). Widely distributed from Alice Springs north as far as Noonamah, also on El Sherana Road. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater ( Acanthagenys rufogularis). Scattered from Alice Springs north to Lake Woods. Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis). First seen at Mataranka, thereafter very common in all areas. All birds belonged to the very distinct white-quilled race ( albipennis). Silver-crowned Friar-Bird (Philemon argenticeps). Not seen south of Larrimah but very plentiful everywhere north thereof. If the Melville Island Friar-Bird (P. gordloni) is present on the mainland, as has been suggested, it would be very difficult to identify in the field. Australian Pipit ( Anthus australis). Scattered along the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Renner Springs. Horsfield Bushlark (Mirafra javanica). Two seen at Koolpinyah and one at Warlock Ponds. Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia castanotis). Plentiful along the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs north ward as far as Dunmarra; thereafter becoming less common and not seen north of Mataranka. Painted Finch (Emblema picta). A small flock of between twenty and thirty birds seen on a spinifex-covered, rocky hillside between Wauchope and Banka Banka. Black-ringed Finch (Steganopleura annulosa). Not seen south of Dunmarra but very numerous in all areas north thereof. Chestnut-breasted Finch (Donacola castaneothorax). A flock of about fifty birds, both adults and immatures, seen in a gully on the Darwin foreshore; surprisingly, not seen else where. Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton). Seen from Mataranka northwards, but always associated with the Pandanus palm in the vicinity of water. Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda). First encountered at Larrimah, where a large flock was observed; thereafter plentiful in most areas but not in the immediate vicinity of Darwin. All birds were of the red-billed subspecies (hecki). 206 LENDON, Northern Territory Birds [ Bird Watcher

Masked Finch (P. personata). Distribution apparently identical with that of previous species, but only in small parties compared with the relatively large numbers of the Long-tailed Finch. Both species were observed feeding newly fledged young. Gouldian Finch (P. gouldiae). A large flock of some fifty-odd birds was flushed from the roadside between Warlock Ponds and Mataranka. This flock comprised adults of both red and black-headed phases, and immatures. Another flock at Hayes Creek and two further parties on El Sherana Road. Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus). Reasonably plentiful in Darwin and surroundings, also seen at Mataranka. Yellow Oriole (0. flavocinctus). Probably more common than the foregoing m the vicinity of Darwin, also seen on Marrakai Road. Spangled Drongo (Chibia bracteata). Plentiful at "the Top End" and as far south as the El Sherana Road and South Alligator River. Apostle-bird (Struthidea cinerea). A large flock at Newcastle Waters Creek and smaller parties at Mataranka, Elsey and between Larrimah and Daly Waters. Great Bower-bird (Chlamydera nuchalis). Extremely plentiful in all areas north of Dunmarra; two bowers found. Australian Crow (Corvus cecilae). All corvids north of Alice Springs were assumed to belong to this species and this was confirmed by examination of a dead bird. Not very plentiful in the immediate vicinity of Darwin. Pied Butcher-bird (Cracticus nigrogularis). Seen from the train south of Alice Springs and thereafter every where along Stuart Highway, particularly common at "the Top End". Black Butcher-bird (C. quoyi). Fleeting glimpses of two birds of the black phase were obtained in the Shoal Bay area; attention was drawn to one of these by the Currawong-like call described by Sharland. Silver-backed Butcher-bird (C. argenteus). Not at all common compared with the Pied and not seen further south than the El Sherana Road, with the exception of a doubtful identification between Larrimah and Warlock Ponds. Black-backed Magp;e (Gymnorhina tibicen). Reasonably common around Alice Springs and north to Renner Springs, thereafter becoming sparse; the farthest north recording was between Newcastle Waters Creek and Dunmarra.