BIRDS OF THE SOUTHEEtN' AND WESTEaN LAKE EYRE DRAINAGE F. J. BADMAN Continued from last issue, which contains map, gazetteer and references. AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE Stiltia isabella Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; three Only a few records for this species during the at Purni Bore on March 25. early part of 1977, and none was seen between SILVER GULL February 15 and August 27, 1977, nor after Larus novaehollandiae March 25, 1978, until the time of writing (June Only one bird was seen before my visit to 1978). This suggests that this species may be Lake Eyre in August 1977. Many were seen migratory in this area. Usually seen on open after this time, perhaps birds that had begun to gibber plains, and often at stock watering places, disperse from Lake Eyre. Also seen in large in late afternoon. numbers along Cooper Creek. Found at both 1976: four at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on Dec­ fresh and salt water habitats, and also far from ember 19. any water on two occasions after light rain. 1977: three at Algebuckinna on February 11 1977: one at Warrangaranna Bore, Nilpinna, and one often seen at our camp during Feb­ on March 9; 100-plus at Lake Eyre, east of ruary; two near Eaglehawk Dam, The Neales, William Creek, on August 26, 200-plus on on February 15; one at Lake Eyre, east of Wil­ August 27, and 100-plus on October 3; three at liam Creek, on August 27, and one on October Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., and one at 4; four at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on Nunns Bore on August 28; one at The BUbbler, September 24; six at Welcome Bore, Stuart Stuart Creek Stn., on September 16 and 24, Creek Stn., on September 26, 'and at least four and two on December 16; 11 at Albies Dam, on September 30; one at Albies Dam, Stuart Stuart Creek Stn., on September 17; two at Creek Stn., on September 27; eight at McEwens Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on September Bore and two at Angas Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., 26, and one on September 30; one at Angas on October 1; three at Lake Kopperamanna on Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on October 1; 100-plus October 7 and up to 100 along Cooper Creek at Cooper Creek on October 6-7 and November on November 12-13; two at Lake Harry on 12-13; several hundreds at Lake Harry on October 8 and two on November 25 - along October 8; one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, the bore drain; two 10 km west of Lake Harry on October 9; two in the main street of Marree on October 9; cAD at Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ after light rain, on December 1. ' oorina, on October 9 - these birds were near 1978: one at Nunns Bore on January 30 and water and many were seen to rise about one one on February 27; three at Irrapatana Dam metre into the air while flapping their wings, on January 30; one at Blanket W.H., The then land and repeat this display; two at Dav­ Neales, OIl; February 1; five at Margaret Creek, enport Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on Octo­ near Curdimurka, on February 3; one at Morris ber 20, and two on November 1; two at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; one at Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November 4; one Crows Nest Bore and one at Frome Creek near Rosella Dam, and two at One Tree Bore, Muloorina, on March 8; seven at Peake Creek: Nilpinna, on December 19; one at the Neales, near the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing, on five km downstream from Wirriaranna Dam, March 23; one at our camp at Lake Eyre South and one at Tardetakarinna W.H. on December from May 28-30, and three, including one im­ 21. mature bird, from May 31 to June 2 - follow­ 1978: two regularly around our camp at ing light rain in the area. Many immatures Wangianna during January and February and were seen along Cooper Creek during July 1978. until March 12, and four on February 16; a WHISKERED TERN Chlidonias hybrida pair with a nest containing eggs at Badmans This species was very common at Lake Eyre Dam, Nilpinna, on January 20 (J. Nunn); two during 1977. Fairly large flocks were also seen at Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on January 24; at several other locations. It was usually seen one 8 km south of Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on large areas of open water. and one near Alberrie Creek R.S. on January All records are for 1977. 100-plus at Nunns 29; one at Toongamoona Dam, one 3 km south­ Bore on August 28; one at The Bubbler and west of Armistice Bore, at least six at Armistice one at Coward Springs on September 24; c.20 "Bore, and two 12 km to the east, on Anna Creek at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on October Stn., on January 30; four at Number One Dam, 1; 300-plus at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; seven at Julies on October 3 and many tens of thousands on Dam, Nilpinna, on February 2; one at Daven­ the following day. These were in one large flock port Creek on February 20; one at Beatrice which first appeared as a cloud on the horizon 58 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

and eventually the edge of the flock passed lake at 28° 24'S, 139°E., on July 15; two at Lake overhead; several hundreds at Lake Harry on Killalpaninna on July 16. October 8; one at Crows Nest Bore, M uloorina, on October 9; c.100 flew over our camp near FERAL PIGEON Columba livia Wangianna, heading east, on November 22; A flock of about 10 birds is resident in the 100-plus at Lake Killamperpunna on Novem­ town of Marree. It was formerly resident at ber 12; seven at Tardetakarinna W.H., and two Anna Creek H.S., but the free-living birds have 3 km to the north-west, over The Neales, on been destroyed by predators. December 21. Most of the birds seen were in breeding plumage. PEACEFUL DOVE Ceopelia placida Small groups of up to 10 birds were seen at Apparently an uncommon species in this area. all lakes and large waterholes along Cooper Cox and Pedler (1977) reported a similar situa­ Creek, from Lake Killalpaninna to Lake Hope, tion to the east of Lake Eyre during 1974-6. with c.50 at Lake Appadare, on July 10-16, Usually seen in woodland or scrub. 1978. 1977: one at Dalhousie Springs on May 20; one at The Macumba, north of Macumba H.S., GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica on May 21; at least two in acacias and eucalypts Not as common as the preceding species. It near a large sandhill two km west of Lake Kop­ was seen in the same habitat as C. hybrida, and peramanna on October 7, and c.IO on Novem­ the two species were often seen together. It suc­ ber 13. cessfully bred in large numbers on an island at 1978: at least one at Blanket W.H., The Watts Bank, Nilpinna, about September 1974 Neales, on February 1; nine at Muloorina on (J. Nunn, pers. comm.). March 8 - in dense acacias and eucalypts along 1977: eight at Lake Eyre, east of William Frome Creek; one in a dead bush one km west Creek, on August 26, three on August 27, and of Purni Bore on March 25; two at Clayton on 10 on October 3; up to 10 at Lake Harry on july vll ; one at Lake Warrawarrina, Cooper October 8; one in non-breeding plumage at Creek on July 12; at least five at Waukatanna Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on Novem­ W.H., Cooper Creek, on July 14; at least two ber 4; one at Lake Killamperpunna on Novem­ near Lake Kopperamanna on July 16. ber 12; several at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16. DIAMOND DOVE Geopelia cuneata 1978: 44 at Fat Bullock Swamp, Anna Creek Much more common than G. placida, this Stn., on January 31 - forty of these were in species was found in similar habitat - wood­ breeding plumage. Most of the birds seen were land and scrub, usually along watercourses. in breeding plumage. 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 8, 20 on February 16 (including 15 in one dead CASPIAN TERN Hydroprogne caspia tree) and lO-plus on June 26 - all in Cooli­ This species was recorded only at large areas bahs by the waterhole; one in Coolibahs at of open water, especially lakes. Ockenden Creek on February 11; three at Peake 1977: three at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, near the railway bridge, on March 8, and Creek, on August 26 and four on the following seven on December 19 - all in Coolibahs near day; three at Cooper Creek, upstream from the water and many observed drinking soon after Birdsville Track ferry crossing, on October 6; sunrise; one near Federal, in Gidgea, on April five at Lake Kopperamanna on October 7; five 10; several at The Stevenson, east of Pedirka, at Lake Killamperpunna on October 8, 'and on May 17; several in Coolibahs and Tea-trees nine on November 12; at least two at Lake at Stuart Creek, near Curdimurka, on June 24, Harry on October 8. and at least four on November 13; two at Purni 1978: seven at Cooper Creek, two km up­ Bore, in dense acacias, on July 24; several at stream from ·the Birdsville Track ferry crossing, Federal on July 27; at least one at Margaret four at Lake Warrawarrinna, one at a large Creek, near Curdimurka, on September 21; 10­ waterhole 16 km upstream and two at the large plus, in scrub between sandhills, at Lake Kop­ wa:terhole a further 19 km upstream on July 12; peramanna on October 7, and c.30 on Novem­ up to 100 at Lake Hope on July 13 - thirty ber 13; one or more at Margaret Creek, near were counted on one sandy point running into Mt. Hamilton ruins, on December 16; one in the lakea:t one time and 11 more on the shore Gidgea at Wirriaranna Dam, The Neales, on of the lake nearby, with many more flying over December 21. the lake and at other parts of the lake; one at 1978: one at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on Lake Appadare on July 14; five at the large February 2; one at Deep Creek, two km east of 59 SEPTEMBER, 1979 1977: very common at Algebuckinr;a and Finniss Springs H.S., on March 5; two or more along The Neales and at Peake Creek 1D Feb­ at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; three ruary and March; several at Evelyn Cree~ on at The Macumba, near Macumba H.S., one or March 5' several at The Stevenson, Ennga, more in Coolibahs at Oolgawa W.H., and one Mt. Rebecca R.S., Oodnadatt~, and Alka 6 km and two 13 km north of Oolgawa W.H. ~he Seltzer Bore on the edge of the Simpson Desert on March 24; c.20 at Peake Creek, near in April and May; many at Nunns Bore, .Alge­ railway bridge, and one near The Peake rums buckinna, Nilpinna, Mt. Sarah H.S., Purni B?re on April 1. and Eringa and many places between, ~u~ng June and July; two at Warrina, 33 n.ear Wl1ham COMMON BRONZEWING Phaps chalcoptera Creek and one at Nunns Bore dunng August; Apparently uncommon in this area. Both several at Coward Springs and along Stuart sightings were in woodlands along watercourses. Creek and Margaret Creek in September; 1977: six in dense Gidgea at Eringa, about several at Curdimurka, two at McEwens Bore, two km west of the waterhole, on July 28; one two at Skylark Dam, 20-plus at Marree, c..lOO at Gregory Creek, in Coolibahs, on September at Cooper Creek, and 32 at Davenport SprlD&s 5. during October; two at Marree, two at Morns Bore one at Emerald Spring, c.100 at Cooper CRESTED PIGEON Ocyphaps lophotes Creek c.100 at Callanna Railway Dam and A very common species, it was found through­ four ,;t Frome Creek, Marrec in November; up out the region, showing a preference for lightly to 100 at Callanna Railway Dam, four at timbered areas. Usually seen singly or in pairs Farina, c.lO at Mt. Hamilton ;uins, four at or small groups. The most notable exception Rocky Dam, many at Algebuckmna, c.100 at was at Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn., where Smithfield W.H. and along The Neales during up to 1000 birds of this species were seen drink­ December. ing at the dam late in the afternoon of August 1978: 17 at Wangianna, c.500 in Red Gums 26, 1977. At this time all other dams in the area at Rischbieth Well, 30 at Welcome Springs, 100­ were dry. Crested Pigeons lined- the edges of the plus along Kennebery Creek, 90-plus along water and many hundreds were seen perched Rischbieth Creek, 35 at Callanna Railway Dam, in trees and bushes near the dam. About 100 20-plus four km and two 11 km south-east of were seen at Nunns Bore in one flock on August 28, 1977 and 100-plus along Cooper Tarlton Knob, c.20 near Coward Springs, c.30 Creek on October 6-7, 1977. It was seen in small near Cooranna Bore, six at Skylark Dam, seven numbers at every watercourse and watering at Breakfast Time Bore, c.20 at Fat Bullock point visited during January and February 1978 Swamp, two at Douglas Creek and four at in the William Creek area. Two were seen in Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., and four 13 km acacias 30 km east of Purni Bore, in the Simp­ north-east of Number Two Dam on Peake Stn. son Desert, on March 26, 1978, and more than during January; c.lO at Sunny Creek, two at 40 along Peake Creek near the railway bridge Up and Down Dam and 50-plus nearby, two at on April 1, 1978. Teemurrina W.H., four at Blanket W.H., c.15 at Sandhill W.H., 55-plus at Umbum Bore, 40­ plus at McLeans Bore, eight at George Creek RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO Bore, and nine 16 km to the north; one at Levi Calyptorhynchus magnificus Spring and 10-plus at Bulldog Creek, all on Not recorded by me within South Australia, Peake Stn., one at Warrina, c.10 at Nilpinna, but 50-plus just north of Charlotte Waters, 20-plus at Rocky Dam, c.20 at Regs Dam, four N.T., in lightly timbered country on April 10, at Wangianna, and 100-plus at Edwards Creek 1977 and c.50 at Finke, in Red Gums, on April R.S., during February; 200-plus along Deep 10-11, 1977. Mr. R. Lowe, of Mt. Dare Stn., Creek, six at Old Finniss Springs H.S., eight at told me that this species has previously been Morris Bore, c.50 at Wangianna, c.500 at Frome seen in quite large numbers as far south as Creek near Muloorina, two at Box Creek, c.20 Federal. at Nilpinna, three at Algebuckinna, 100-plus at Macumba, and many north along the edge of GALAH Cacatua roseicapilla the Simpson Desert to Purni Bore and along The most common of the Psittaciformes, it is The Finke to Mt. Dare H.S. (c.50 at Purni found throughout the area, and large concen­ Bore, but none seen east of there in the Simpson trations are often seen near water. It is often Desert); 12 at Eringa and several between seen in company with Little Corellas, Eringa and Peake Creek during March. 60 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28 LITTLE CO~ELLA Cacaiua sanguinea Often seen m large numbers in trees near 30) c.1500 at Peake Creek near the railway water, and also feeding on the ground in open bndge on the morning of April 1, and c.1500, country. probably the same flock, arrived downstream at Warrawaroona W.H. that afternoon from up­ 1~77 : several hundreds at Algebuckinna stream. durmg February and March, and up to 100 on J~ne 26; c.lO at Edward Creek, near the Nil­ PINK COCKATOO Cacatua leadbeateri pmna-Allandale boundary, and several hundreds My only record is of two at Finke, N.T., in at Warrangarranna Bore, Nilpinna, on March 8; Red Gur.ns alonS\" the ~inke River on April 11, several at The Stevenson east of Pedirka on 1977. Pairs of this species have occasionally been April 7, an~ up to 100 o~ May 16; sever~l at seen on Mt Dare Stn. (R. Lowe, pers. comm.). Coward Sprmgs on April 17 and September 16, c.300 on September 24, and c.lOO on October COCKATIEL Nymphicus hollandicus 1; 100-plus at Nilpinna on June 29; up to 100 Although this species was fairly common in at Federal on July 27; two at Eringa on July the Oodnadatta area during 1976 and early ~8; c.100 at Warrina on August 16; 30 at Wil­ 1977, it was not recorded anywhere by me be­ ham Creek on August 22; six at Campoven tween March 13 and December 20, 1977. It was Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28 and usually seen in trees near water. several on October 10; several at Stuart Creek, 1976: c.20 near the railway bridge over Peake near Curdimurka, on September 22; two 10 km Creek on December 15; several at Edwards south-west of Old Billa Kalina on September Creek R.S. during December. 26; 20-plus at Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., 1977: 12 in Coolibahs at Smithfield W.H., on October 4; 1000-plus at Lake Harry on The Neales, on February 15; 16 at Wirriaranna October 6 and about four km to the east on Dam, The Neales, on March 13; two 4 km October 9; several hundreds at Cannuwauka­ south-east of Smithfield W.H. on December 20 ninna Bore on October 6; 100-plus at Crows - in Coolibahs along The Neales. Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; up to 1000 1978: 12 in Red Gums at Deep Creek, near at the Marree railway trucking yards on Nov­ Finniss Springs H.S., on February 22. This ember 2; c.20 at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs species has often bred along Deep Creek in past Stn., on November 4; 25 at Emerald Spring, years (N. Wood, pers. comm.); two flew over Stuart Creek Stn., on November 5; up to 100 Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on March 8; seven near the Birdsville Track ferry crossing of 15 km south-west of Mt. Dare H.S. on March Cooper Creek on November 12; 100-plus at 30; more than 50 at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Nunns Bore and 20-plus at Patsys Dam, Nil­ Hamilton Stn., on March 31 - in Coolibahs pinna, on December 17. and Red Gums and some birds constantly flying 1978: 300-plus at Marree railway trucking over the waterhole. yards on January 10; c.lOO at Welcome Springs, Callanna Stn., on January 19; 100-plus at Ken­ BUDGERYGAH Melopsittacus undulatus nebery W.H., Muloorina, on January 24; three Uncommon during 1977, but many were seen in the William Creek area in January 1978, fol­ at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29, and c.50 on March 8; cAOO at Beresford on lowing good local rains in November 1977. It January 30; c.30 at Breakfast Time Bore, c.15 was seen in lightly timbered country, along watercourses and at dams and waterholes. at Fat Bullock Swamp, and c.50 at Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; five at 1976: several at Warrina on December 15. Teemurrinna W.H., Umbum Creek, on Feb­ 1977: several at Evelyn Creek, near Copper ruary 1; c.lOO at Warrina, 200-plus at Jimboys Hill H.S., on March 5; one at Peake Creek, near Dam, 400-plus at Watts Bank and 100-plus at the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing on March Nilpinna on February 2; two in Red Gums 8; c.lO at The Stevenson, near Hamilton Bore, along Deep Creek, near Finniss Springs H.S., on April 7; several at a dry, Ccolibah-lined on March 5, and four 12 km to the west on swamp near Mt. Rebecca R.S. on May 16 ­ March 6; 300-plus at Frome Creek, Muloorina one pair observed feeding young in a hollow on March 8; cAOO at Frome Creek, Marree, on Coolibah; two at Purni Bore on May 19; several March 9; 100-plus at Box Creek and 40-plus at The Macumba, north of Macumba H.S., on at Nilpinna on March 23; c.400 at Algebuck­ May 21; 13 in Mulga among sandhills near inna on March 23, and c.200 on March 31; Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on December 17; two at several hundreds at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba The Neales, four km south-east of Smithfield Stn., on March 24; three at Eringa on March W.H., on December 20. SEPTEMBER, 1979 61

1978: c.10 in Coolibahs near Flat Hill, Cal­ away, without the aid of binoculars. They ap­ lanna Stn., on January 19; two at Rischbieth peared bright green with yellow abdomens and Creek, Callanna Stn., on January 25; 50-plus at possibly pale red rumps. Two days later more Skylark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; than 20 of the same species were seen in the c.30 at Douglas Creek and c.lO at Nancys Bore, same area, also in flight, without the aid of Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; cAO at Sunny binoculars. After examining specimens of P. Creek, c.lO at Up and Down Dam and seven haematonotus and also of Elegant Parrots near Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; Neophema elegans and Blue-winged Parrots 50-plus at McLeans Bore, two near Levi Spring, Neophema chrysostoma in the S.A. Museum, I c.15 at Bulldog Creek, Peake Stn., and four at am confident that the species I saw was P. Warrina on February 2; at least seven at Regs haematonotus. Further searches in the area Dam, Nilpinna, 30-plus at Rocky Dam and 10­ failed to find these birds again. Weather in the plus at Kangaroo Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on area at the time was very hot and humid. A February 3; two at Deep Creek, near Finniss thunderstorm produced 40 mm of rain on Springs H.S., on March 7; five at Box Creek January 23, and a further 25 mm of rain fell on and four near Nilpinna H.S. on March 23; two January 24. 32 km north of Macumba H.S. on March 24.

PORT LINCOLN RINGNECK MULGA PARROT Psephoius varius Barnardius zonarius Apparently uncommon, perhaps because of This species is present in small numbers in poor seasonal conditions. It was not recorded suitable habitat throughout the area to the south of Warrina. Usually seen in open wood­ south and west of Lake Eyre, though it is more land, especially along watercourses. common north of Oodnadatta. It favours Red 1976: two in Red Gums at Warrina on Dec­ Gums but was also seen in Coolibahs and ember 15. Mulga. 1977: two in Coolibahs at Algebuckinna on 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 28 February 28; several at Evelyn Creek, near and at least six on March 4; c.lO at Coongra Copper Hill, on March 5; several at Coongra Creek, Todmorden, on March 6; two 20 km Creek, Todmorden, on March 6; a pair at the south of Nilpinna, in Red Gums, on March Oodnadatta-Mt, Sarah road crossing of The 11; several in Red Gums along The Stevenson, Alberga on May 16; a pair at Federal on July east of Pedirka, on May 16, and c.lO on July 27; six along The Stevenson, near Whylies Well, 23; several along The Macumba, near on July 28. Macumba H.S., on May 21; two at Allandale 1978: one male at Eringa on March 30. H.S. on July 22; up to 10 in Red Gums at Eringa on July 27; four in Mulga at Willyallal­ linna Creek, Anna Creek Stn., on August 17. BLUE BONNET Psephotus haematogaster My only records of this species within the 1978: two in Red Gums at Rischbieth Well, Lake Eyre drainage basin are in the vicinity of Witchelina Stn., on January 15 and two on Cooper Creek, where it was fairly common in January 27; one in Coolibahs at McLeans Bore, open country with scattered trees. Peake Stn., on February 2; at least two in Red 1977: two upstream from the Birdsville Track Gums along Deep Creek, near Finniss Springs ferry crossing on October 6 and two the follow­ II.S., on March 5 and three 2 km to the east on ing morning; two at the Birdsville Track road March 7; five at The Macumba, near Macumba crossing and four at Lake Kopperamanna on H.S., on March 24; at least eight at Eringa on March 30. October 7; three at Lake Kopperamanna on November 12. P. haematogaster was quite common along RED-RUMPED PARROT Cooper Creek, from Lake Killalpaninna to Lake Psephoius haematonotus Appadare and at Lake Hope during my visit in Lendon (1968) gave the range of this species July 1978. It was usually seen in pairs, and as east of the Flinders Ranges, with no records sometimes as many as three pairs were seen at to the west of the Ranges. However, Paton the same waterhole. A total of 55 birds of this \1~75) cites records of this species at Nanning species was seen during this trip. in 1973 and Siam in 1974. On January 21, Although not within the area covered by this 1978 six birds, believed to be this species, were paper, I saw 22 birds of this species in seven seen at Kennebery W.H., 30 km west of Marree. groups on Parakylia and Roxby Downs on Sep­ These birds were only seen in flight about 50 m tember 26-;27, 1977. All were seen in sandy 62 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

country, lightly timbered with Mulga and which would not have taken them near the native pines Callitris sp. bore at any stage. Time of the sighting was 08.00, the day fine and clear, and visibility BOURKE'S PARROT Neophema bourkii excellent. Eckert (1975) gives the area north and west ~f O~dnadatta as the stronghold of N. bourkii PALLID CUCKO Cuculus pallidus III this state. I would extend this area south­ A single record of one bird in sandhills with wa.:ds to include The Neales and Peake Creek. scattered small acacias two km north-east of This species favours lightly timbered country, Alka Seltzer Bore, on the edge of the Simpson usually along watercourses. Desert, on July 26, 1977. 1977: five near Eagle~awk Dam, The NeaIes, BLACK-EARED CUCKOO on February 22 - feeding on the ground just Chrysococcyx osculans befo~e sun?et, in lig~tly timbered country Apparently an uncommon and solitary species. (mainly Gidgea) . ThIS area was still well Only four birds were recorded, all north of ~overed with grass and shrubs following a flood Peake Creek. It was seen alonz watercourses and III The Neales in October 1976; six feeding on among sandhills. 0 ?pen ground ~t Peake Creek, near Joys Dam, Just after sunrise on March. 9 - this part of the 1977: one in sandhiIIs with scattered acacias creek was lightly timbered with Gidgea and two km north-east of Alka Seltzer Bore on July 26, about 400 m from the preceding species' Coolibah; two drinking at Eaglehawk Dam soon o~ after sunrise on March 13; two in Tea-trees at two at Cootanoorina W.H., Peake Creek, Dalhousie Springs, mid-morning on April 4' December 19; one at Algebuckinna on Decem­ four in Mineritchie at a watercourse about 10 ber 20. km west of Dalhousie Springs at mid-day on HORSFIELD'S BRONZE-CUCKOO April 9; two in Coolibahs along the bore drain Chrysococcyx basalis at Stevenson Bore on July 31 - surrounding The most common of the Cuculiformes this sandh~lls habitat w;;S with canegrass and many species was observed in small numbers through­ small acacias: one III mulga along a watercourse out the area. Favours lightly timbered country. bordered by gibber plains with rocky outcrops, near Rocky Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on August 1977: two at Alka Seltzer Bore on May 18' 17 - this is c.150 km south of Oodnadatta, in one at Dalhousie Springs on May 20 and one on the area cited by Eckert as being devoid of July 23; four 2 km north of Alka Seltzer Bore records of N. bourkii; one in a dead Coolibah, in bushy acacias, and one 30 km east of Dal­ near the railway bridge over Peake Creek on housie Springs on July 26; one at Kennebery December 19. W.?, Muloorina, on December 3; two at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on December 21. 1978: two seen flying along a watercourse timbered with Mineritchie and Gidgea, between 1978: one at Kennebery W.H. on January gibber plains, 46 km north of Oolgawa W.H., 24; two at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on Macumba Stn., on March 25. Two birds, pro­ January 29, and one on March 8; one at Coer­ bably the same two, flew past in the opposite anna Bore, Muloorina, on January 29; one 6 direction about 30 minutes later. krn north of Alka Seltzer Bore on March 28. SCARLET-CHESTED PARROT SOUTHERN BOOBOOK Neophema splendida Ninox novaeseelandiae A single record of a pair one km west of This is another species which was seldom seen Purni Bore on May 19, 1977. These birds were or heard during 1977-8. It was recorded at only observed flying past as I was watching a pair of two localities in the Lake Eyre drainage basin Budgerygahs Melopsitiacus undulatus through in South Australia, one in the extreme north 12 x 50 binoculars. They appeared to be the and one in. the south-east. same size as M. undulatus but were probably 1977: two flushed from a Coolibah, III a larger as .they were further from me. One bird, patch of dense scrub, two km west of Lake p~esumably the male, appeared bright green Kopperamanna on November 12. with a scarlet chest and yellow abdomen. The 1978: one heard at night in dense Coolibah ather bird was paler and lacked the scarlet and acacia scrub along The Finke, near Oasis chest. Voice was a constant soft twittering in Bore, on March 29. flight. Flight was swift and erratic. They were A further record from The Finke is of one 150 m from me, about 15 m above the ground bird flushed from Red Gums near Finke, N.T., and flying between two sand dunes, a course on April 11, 1977. As soon as this bird alighted SEPTEMBER, 1979 63 it was mobbed by -three Yellow-throated Mi~ers. 1978: one at The Macumba, near Macumba Manorina fiavigula. Several times the M~ne:s H.S., on March 23; one at The Finke, near were seen actually to hit the owl, until It Oasis Bore, on March 28. eventually flew away with the miners in pursuit. SPOTTED NIGHTJAR BARN OWL Tyto alba Caprimulgus guttatus Although I recorded this species as common A freshly dead bird was found on a gibb~r along Peake Creek in January 1975, during a plain, by the roadside, 10 km east of Alberne plague of Long-haired Rats, and although Cox Creek R.S. on February 4, 1977. Presumably and Pedler (1977) also recorded T. alba as this bird was killed by a motor vehicle the pre­ being very common to the east of L~e Eyre vious night. Habitat consisted of grasses, includ­ durinzb 1975, it was seldom seen durmg the ing Mitchell Grass, and chenopods, about five period under review. It was not seen or heard km from a Coolibah-lined watercourse. south of Nilpinna Station until June 1978. Following general rains in June and July 1977: two at Algebuckinna on February 8 ­ 1978, one bird was flushed from under Atriplex flushed from Coolibahs just before sunset; -two vesicaria and Acacia victoriae along a small at Evelyn Creek, near Copper Rill, on March gully, 13 km west of Gregory Creek, on July 9. 5 - flushed from Coolibahs soon after dawn; Although I have camped out for long periods one at Edward Creek, near Jimboys Dam, on in this area, and find the call of the species un­ March 12 - flushed from eucalypts at mid­ mistakeable, I have never heard it call at night day. in this area, and can only conclude that it must 1978: one at Eringa on March 30 - flushed be rare, at least at the present time. from Red Gums by the waterhole just before sunset; one hunting near Margaret R.S. ruins RED-BACKED KINGFISHER at night on June 17. Halcyon pyrrhopygia Usually seen along watercourses, often dry TAWNY FROGMOUTH Podargus strigoides ones, and also in lightly-timbered country. This species, which was heard more often than it was seen, favours large trees along 1977: two at Algebuckinna on February 8, and one on December 20; one at Mot. Wil­ watercourses. loughby on March 5; one at The Stevenson, 1976: two flushed from Gidgea at Box Creek, near Hamilton Bore, on April 7; one at The Nilpinna, on December 7. Stevenson, north-west of Macumba H.S., and 1977: two flushed from Coolibahs at Cooper one at The Macumba, near Macumba R.S., on Creek, upstream from the Birdsville Track ferry May 21; two at Dalhousie Springs on July 23; crossing, on October 10 and one heard the fol­ three at The Stevenson, near Whylies Well, on lowing night; one heard at Callanna Railway July 28; one at Gregory Creek Overflow on Dam, at night on December 2. September 5; one in scrub near Lake Harry on 1978: one heard at Sunny Creek, Peake Stn., October 9; one in Palm trees at Crows Nest on February 1; one heard at McLeans Bore, Bore, Muloorina, on October 9 and 10; one at Peake Stn., on February 2; one flushed from Gregory Creek on November 5; one at Lake Coolibahs at Finniss Creek, three km south of Killamperpunna on November 12; one at Frome Alberrie Creek R.S., on March 5; at least one Creek, Marree, on December 4; one at Sandy heard at The Macurnba, near Macumba H.S., Creek, north of Marree, on December 6 'and 7; at night on March 25. one at Cootanoorina W.R., Peake Creek, on December 19. AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR 1978: one at Rischbieth Creek, Callanna Stn., Aegotheles cristatus on January 25; four (possibly immatures) on a As with other nocturnal species, A. cristatus stony hillside, 10 km south of Rischbieth Well was seldom seen or heard during the period - an apparently recently used nesting hole was under review. Occasionally, it was observed near found in the vertical wall of a disused mine its roosting hole around sunset. nearby; one at Deep Creek, two km west of 1977: one near the railway bridge over Peake Finniss Springs H.S., on March 5; one 2 km Creek on January 14; one at The Neales, near east of Finniss Springs R.S., along Deep Creek, Eaglehawk Dam, on February 23; one at on March 7; one at The Macumba, north of Irrapatana on September 9; one at Cooper Macumba H.S., and one 32 km to the north, Creek, upstream from the Birdsville Track ferry on March 24; one at Waukatanna W.R., crossing, on October 7. Cooper Creek, on July 14. 64 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

RAINBOW BEE-EATER Merops ornatus over the Spring Creek flood plain, east of Dal­ A fairly common visitor from October to housie Springs, on July 26; two at Whylies March, this species favours open country and Well, Hamilton Stn., on July 29; two at Sky­ lightly-timbered watercourses. lark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on August 27; one 1977: 15-plus at Algebuckinna during Jan­ at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and two uary, February and early March, three on at Nunns Bore, on August 28; three at the dog March 22 and several on December 20; 10 fence, 27 km west of Marree, on August 29; along The Neales, near Smithfield W.H., on several nesting in the bank of a sandy creek, 15 February 15; several 'along Peake Creek on km south of Stuart Creek H.S., on September March 16; up to 50 along Cooper Creek on 22; three at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., October 6-7 and lO-plus on November 12; two on September 30; four at Lake Eyre South, five at Callanna Railway Dam on October 6, Nov­ km east of Curdimurka, on November 6; two at ember 27, and December 2; four at Gregory Cooper Creek, upstream from the Birdsville Creek 'and one at Stuart Creek, near Curdi­ Track ferry crossing, on October 6, and 15-plus murka, on November 5; one at Sandy Creek, along Cooper Creek on November 12-13; one 13 km north of Marree, on December 6; two on at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; December 7, and one on December 8; one at two at Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on Margaret Creek, near Mt. Hamilton ruins, on October 9, and one on December 16; six near December 16; one near Julies Dam, and two Davenport Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on in Mulga 10 km north of Wants Bank, Nilpinna, November 3; c.lO at Sandy Creek, 13 km north on December 17. of Marree, on December 6 and 7; one near the 1978: one at Sandy Creek on January 7; two Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of Peake Creek on December 20. at Callanna Railway Dam on January 26; four at Rischbieth Well, Witchelina Stn., on January 1978: one near Welcome Springs, Callanna 27 and 28; eight at McEwens Bore, Stuart Stn., on January 19; one at Rischbieth Creek, Creek Stn., on January 30; at least four near Callanna Stn., on January 25; 12 at McEwens Breakfast Time Bore and two at Douglas Creek, Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 30; three Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; one at Sunny at Skylark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January Creek, two at Up and Down Dam, two at Tee­ 31; two at Up and Down Dam and one at murrina W.HI two at Blanket W.H., at least Teemurrina W.H., Peake Stn., on February 1; four at Sandhill W.H., and four near Umbum two at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; at least four at 2; c.lO at Coward Springs on February 3; two McLeans Bore, two at George Creek Bore, at Venable Bore and one at Old Finniss Springs Peake Stn., two at Warrina and two at Jimboys on March 6; two 6 km north of Oolgawa W.H., Dam, Nilpinna, on February 2; one at Edwards Macumba Stn., on March 24; six 5 km south of Creek R.S. on February 26; at least three at Alka Seltzer Bore and 18 in ones, twos and Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 9. threes, from Purni Bore up to 105 km east in the Simpson Desert, on March 26-27; one at Peake Creek on April 1. WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW Cheramoeca leucosternum This species is common throughout, especially WELCOME SWALLOW Hirundo neoxena in sandy country and near watercourses with This species is common around bores, springs steep banks. and buildings and less common at waterholes. 1977: two at Eaglehawk Dam, The Neales, 1977: several at Nunns Bore on January 1, on February 15; two at Wirrinjinnie Creek, June 24, August 8 and September 5, c.20 on Allandale Stn., often seen during February and September 9, more than 10 on September 13, March, and on August 13; two at Wondillinna and one on December 17; several at Warrangar­ ruins, Allandale, on March 7; two at Jimboys ranna Bore, Nilpinna on March 9 and Decemb­ Dam, Nilpinna, on March 12; three near Ham­ ber 17; lO-plus at Dalhousie Springs on April ilton Bore on May 17; two near Alka Seltzer 4, c.lO on May 17, and two seen repairing an Bore, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, on old nest on the side of a building on July 23; May 18 and one on July 25; two at Margaret c.IO at Coward Springs on April 17 and several Creek, near Curdimurka, on June; 24, and one on September 5-24; one at Gregory Creek on on September 5; two at Coward Springs on April 17; lO-plus at a windmill near Wire Creek June 24, and one on September 16 and 24; at R.S. on May 16; several at Purni Bore on May least two at Algebuckinna on June 26; several 18 and July 24; several at Margaret Creek, near SEPTEMBER, 1979

Curdimurka, on June 24; several at Algebuc­ c.lO on December 20; 10-plus at Eringa on July kinna on June 26; c.lO at Dugglers Well, 27; lO-plus and birds feeding young in a hollow Hamilton Stn., on July 29; one at Warrina on Coolibah at Umbum Creek, about 10 km south­ August 14; three 5 km north-west of William west of Umbum Bore] on August 27; lO-plus Creek on August 22 - along a sandy Coolibah­ at Coward Springs on September 5; several at lined dry watercourse; two at Welcome Bore, Albies Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on September Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28, two on Sep­ 17; 10-plus at Lake Harry H.S. on October 6; tember 26, and several on September 30; c.lO lOO-plus at Cooper Creek - and nests with at the dog fence, west of Marree, on August 29; young in Coolibahs near water - on October one at Curdimurka on September 5, and several 6, and up to 100 on November 12; up to 100 on September 19 and October 3; lO-plus at The at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 14, one at Allandale Swamp, Nilpinna, on Decem­ 17 and 24; one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek ber 17; c.10 at The Neales, near Wirriaranna Stn., on September 30; two at 'the Cooper Creek Dam, on December 21. ferry crossing on October 7 and up to 10 on 1978: lO-plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, November 12; one at Lake Harry H.S. on on January 29 and about five on March 8; 20­ October 9; several at Callanna Railway Dam on plus at Welcome Bore and c.15 at McEwens October 24; several at Davenport Springs, Fin­ Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 30; c.20 niss Springs Stn., on November 3; c.LO at at Sunny Creek, Peake Stn., on February 1; 50­ Morris Bore, Einniss Springs Stn., on November plus at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., and c.10 at 4; c.10 at Emerald Spring, Stuart Creek Stn., Jimboys Dam, Nilpinna, on February 2; at least on November 5; about five at Campoven Dam, three at Deviation Creek] 25 km south of Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16. Marree, on February 16; 20-plus along Deep 1978: two at the dam four km south-east of Creek, 12 km west of Finniss Springs H.S., on Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., on January 28; March 6; 100-plus at Frome Creek, Muloorina, 22-plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on Jan­ on March 8; one at Nilpinna on March 23; uary 29, and two on March 8; up to 50 at Wel­ c.lO at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on come Bore, at least two at McEwens Bore, March 24; two at Purni Bore on March 28; one Stuart Creek Stn., at least four at Beresford, near the Peake Creek railway bridge and 10­ and two at Irrapatana Dam on January 30; plus near The Peake ruins on April 1. one at Mcl.eans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 2; two at Nunns Bore and lO-plus at Coward FAIRY MARTIN Cecropis ariel Springs on February 3; 10-plus at Morris Bore, Not as common as the preceding species. Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; up to 10 at Favours open woodland near water] especially Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8-9; two at where there are high cliffs along watercourses. Peake Creek, near the Marree-Oodnadatta road A few of this species sometimes seen in larger crossing, on March 23; two at Purni Bore on flocks of Tree Martins. March 25 and 28; four at Ludgates Well, Hamilton Stn., on March 31; four near The 1977: two at Algebuckinna on February 13; Peake ruins, on April 1; c.lO at Coward Springs up to 10 at Dalhousie Springs on April 7; sev­ on April 2; two at Cannuwaukaninna Bore, on eral at Federal on July 27; c.lO at Nunns Bore the Birdsville Track, on July 16. on September 12 and 20-plus on 'the following day; several at Coward Springs on September 24; 20-plus at Stuart Creek, near Curdimurka, TREE MARTIN Cecropis nigricans on October 3 - many birds were engaged in Fairly common in open woodland, usually building nests on a 10 m high cliff and many along watercourses and near water. Recorded in old nests were also seen on 'this cliff; 10-plus at all months of the year. Albies Dam, Stuart Creek] on October 10 ­ 1977: four at Old Nilpinna on March 9; many old nests seen on a nearby cliff; c.10 at several at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on Davenport Springs] Finniss Springs Stn., on March 13; many hundreds at Dalhousie Springs October 20 and November 1 - many old nests on April 7 and July 23; 20-plus at Hamilton along a vertical creek bank nearby; c.10 near Bore on May 16; lO-plus at The Macumba, Curdimurka on November 5; one near the neal' Macumba H.S., on May 21; several at Birdsville Track ferry crossing of Cooper Creek Farina on June 23; several at Margaret Creek, on November 12; c.10 at Smithfield W.H., The near Curdimurka, on June 24; lO-plus at Neales, on December 20. Nunns Bore on June 24, and several on Septem­ 1978: two at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on ber 5; several at Algebuckinna on June 26, and January 29; two at McEwens Bore, Stuart 66 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Creek Stn., on January 30; one at Skylark Dam, Finniss Springs Stn., and five more nearby on Anna Creek stn., on January 31; one at Sunny January 24; one at Wangianna on January 27, Creek, 20-plus at Up and Down Dam and one one 10 km to the south on January 28, and at Teemurrina W.H., Peake Stn., on February seven between Wangianna and seven km south 1; one at Bulldog Creek, Peake Stn., on Feb­ on March 7; four between Kennebery W.H. and ruary 2; at least one at Nunns Bore on February Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January 28; two 3; at least one at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs near Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January Stn., on March 6; one at Frome Creek, Mul­ 29, and one on March 8; one at Welcome Bore, oorina, on March 9; one at Purni Bore on Stuart Creek Stn., and two near Skylark Dam, March 28; lO-plus at Antikoolirrinna W.H. Anna Greek Stn., on January 30; one at Armis­ Hamilton Stn., on March 31. tice Bore, one near Cooinchinna Dam, Anna Creek Stn., and three north-east of Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January 31; five be­ RICHARD'S PIPIT tween Sunny Creek and Up and Down Dam, Anthus nouaeseelandiae two at Up and Down Dam and one near Wild­ A very common bird of grasslands and gibber horse Dam, Peake Stn., on February 1; one near plains. It was very occasionally observed George Creek Bore and one near Bulldog Creek perched in dead trees. Usually seen singly or in Bore, Peake Stn., on February 2; one near pairs. Rocky Dam, Anna Creek Stn., and one near 1977: one at Copper Hill on March 5; four Coward Springs on February 3; two near the at Wondillinna ruins, Allandale, on March 7; dog fence, west of Marree, on February 10 and one at Peake Creek on March 8; one at The 11; one near Alberrie Creek R.S. on March 5; Neales, near Eaglehawk Dam, on March 13; one at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on one at Opossum Bore, Mt. Dare- Stn., on April March 6; two between Muloorina and Marree 8; at least two near Eringa on April 11; one on March 9; two at Box Creek, Nilpinna, on near Gregory Creek on April 17; one near March 23; seven between seven km south-west Hamilton Bore on May 16; five 7 km south of of Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., and Alka Alka Seltzer Bore on May 19, and two on July Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on March 24­ 24 - on a grassy plain between sand-dunes of 25; four between Abminga and Bloods Creek the Simpson Desert; two near Mt. Sarah H.S. Bore and three near Eringa on March 30; one on July 23; three near Whylies Well, Hamilton near The Peake ruins on April 1. Stn., on July 28; one at Warrina on August 15; c.lO near William Creek on August 20; one at Nunns Bore, two at Welcome Bore and c.lO BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE between Campoven Dam and Gregory Creek on Coracina nouaehollandiae August 28; one at Gregory Creek Overflow on This species was not seen. from September to September 5; three between Beresford and November, but this may have been due to the Coward Springs on September 14; one at Albies fact that I was in the Coward Springs area at Dam, Stuart Creek, on September 17; one at that time, an area where I have yet to record Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Sepem­ C. nouaehollandiae. It is widespread in well ber 26 'and two on September 30; one 27 km timbered areas throughout the rest of the and two 57 km west of Old Billa Kalina on region. September 26; two between Midway Dam and 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 8, William Creek on October 3; one at Dulkaninna three on February 16, eight on February 18, on October 6; one at the Birdsville Track cross­ three on February 23 - several immatures were ing of Cooper Creek on October 8; up to 10 seen during February - several on March 23, between Lake Harry and Marree, and -two 50 June 26 and December 20; one at Ockenden km west of Lake Harry on October 9; one at Creek, Allandale, on February 11; several at Davenport Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on Evelyn Creek, Copper Hill, on March 5; one October 24; two at Charles Angas Bore, Finniss at The Neales, near Oodnadatta, and several at Springs Stn., on November 4; two upstream Coongra Creek, Todmorden, on March 6; two from the Birdsville Track ferry crossing on at Peake Creek, near Joys Dam, on March 9; November 12; one 2 km east of Kennebery at least five along The Stevenson, near Hamil­ W.H., Muloorina, on December 2; one at The ton Bore, on April 7 and several on May 16 and Neales, near Wirriaranna Dam, on December July 23; several at The Macumba, near Mac­ 21. umba H.S., on May 21; one near Oodnadatta 1978: three at Rischbieth Well, Witchelina on July 22; one in eucalypts between sandhills Stn., on January 15; three at Davenport Springs, near Alka Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on July SEPTEMBER, 1979 67

25; nine at Eringa on July 27; one at Douglas 1978: one female at Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ Creek, Anna Creek Stn., on August 27; three at oorina, on January 29; one male at Nanc~s Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on December 3; Bore Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; a palr several at Margaret Creek, near Mt. Hamilton at F~ome Creek, Muloorina, on March 9. ruins, on December 16; one at Rocky Dam, RED-CAPPED ROBIN Petroica goodenooii Anna Creek Stn., on December 17; one at Apparently uncommon, and most. records Edward Creek, near the Allanda1e-Ni1pinna from north of Nilpinna. Usually seen In open boundary, on December 19; two 5 km south of country with a few scattered trees and also Wirriaranna Dam, The Nea1es, on December along watercourses. 21. 1978: four at Rischbieth Well, Witche1ina 1977: one at Coongra Creek, Todmorden, on March 6; a pair at Peake Creek, near Gracies Stn., on January 15; one at Up and Down Da:n, Dam, Nilpinna on March 8; one male at Bun­ one immature bird at Umbum Bore, and SIX, including one immature, at Mcl.eans Bore, gapoorinna, Nilpinna, on March 9 - in a dead Peake Stn., on February 1; at least one at bush on a sand dune; one at Dalhousie Springs Finniss Creek, south of A1berrie Creek R.S., on on April 8 - in Tea-tree one km from a large March 5; two (one immature) at Deep Creek, mound spring; a pair on the Spring Creek flood near Finniss Springs H.S., on March 6; one at plain, 40 km east of Dalhousie Springs on M.ay Box Creek, Ni1pinna, on March 23; three 17 km 20; a pair at The Stevenson, north of WIre north of Macumba and three, including one Creek Bore, on May 21; one male at The Finke, immature, 40 km north of Macumba on March two km north of Alka Seltzer Bore, on July 25; 24; four at Oasis Bore and at least one at Ever­ one at The Stevenson, near Whylies Well, on glades Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on March 29; one July 28; one male five km west of 'the Birdsville at Abminga and c.lO at Eringa on March 30; Track, perched on the dog fence, on October at least one at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamilton 9; three at Gracies Dam on December 12 - two Stn., on March 31; three at Peake Creek, near males, and one female-plumaged bird seen in the railway bridge, and two near The Peake Gidgea along Peake Creek near the dam. ruins on April 1; four, including one immature, 1978: one at Screechowl Creek, Finniss at Clayton on July 11. Springs Stn., on March 6;· a pair near the Farina-Marree road crossing of Paradise Creek GROUND CUCKOO-SHRIKE on June 23; one male 13 km west of Gregory Coracina maxima Creek on July 9; a pair at Lake Kopperamanna A single record of two birds feeding on the and one male among sandhills six km to the ground among sandhills, about one km north north-west on July 16. of the Birdsville Track ferry crossing of Cooper Creek, on November 12, 1977. HOODED ROBIN Melanodryas cucullata; Apparently uncommon 'and most records from WHITE-WINGED TRILLER Lalage sueurii north of Nilpinna. Habitat preference similar to This seasonal visitor was present in the area that of Red-capped Robin. from September to March. It was seen in lightly 1977: one male bird at Ockenden Creek, near timbered country, usually along watercourses. Mt. Dutton R.S., on February 12; a pair at The It was not common anywhere except along Neales, near Eaglehawk Dam, on March 1; a Peake Creek and, to a lesser extent, The Nea1es. pair at Peake Creek, near Graeies Dam, on 1977: one male at Gregory Creek Overflow, March 8, and a pair on December 19; a pair at on September 5, in Coolibahs; one male in the Spring Creek flood plain, east of Dalhousie acacias at Coward Springs on September 16, Springs, on May 20; one at The Finke, two and 'two on September 24; two in Coolibahs km north of Alka Seltzer Bore, on July 25; a near McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Sep­ pair near Bitchera Well, Hamilton Stn., on July -tember 26; five at Lake Kopperamanna on Nov­ 29; a pair eight km south-east of Alberrie Creek ember 12; a pair at Frome Creek, near Marree, R.S. on October 10. on December 4; one male at Sandy Creek, 1978: one male bird 41 km north of Oolgawa north-east of Marree, on December 8; one male W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 25. in Mulga near Watts Bank, one male in Mulga at Allandale Swamp, and very numerous at JACKY WINTER Microeca leucophaea Graeies Dam, Nilpinna, and along Peake Creek Not recorded within the area covered by this on December 17; more than 10 atAlgebuckinna paper. A single bird was seen in acacias and and c.10 at Smithfield W.H. and along The native pines on a sandhill at the edge of a gibber Neales on December 20. plain, 15 km south-west of Andamooka Opal 68 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Field, on September 27, 1977. This bird was' Stevenson, 27°00's, 135°30'E, on May 22 ­ sitting on an exposed perch, from where it this bird had grey undertail coverts. All other would dart after insects and return to the same birds seen had the cinnamon-buff undertail perch. Song was a prolonged "peter-peter". coverts characteristic of the western form C. h. Back was brownish, underparts white, outer tail rufiventris; three at Eringa on July 28 - in Red feathers were white and wing feathers had white Gums by the waterhole; one at Stevenson Bore edges. on July 31. No bird of this species was seen This sighting is possibly referable to the sub­ during later visits to Eringa and Graeies Dam, species M. l. assimilis, which in South Australia though a special watch was kept for them. has previously been recorded west and south of Two C. harmonica were seen in sandy Mulga a line through Mount Davies, Mount Lindsay, country on Parakylia Stn. on September 26, the Maralinga district, Kingoonya and 27 km 1977. north of Port Augusta (S.A. Parker, pers. comm.}. CRESTED BELLBIRD Oreoica gutturalis Apparently not common. Favours dry wood­ RUFOUS WHISTLER lands and arid scrub with scattered trees. Pachycephala rufiventris 1977: two in Gidgea near Peake H.S. on Apparently uncommon, and most records January 8; four at the Oodnadatta-Mt. Sarah from north of Nilpinna. Usually seen in trees road crossing of The Alberga on May 16 and along watercourses, not necessarily near water. two on July 23; four at the Spring Creek flood 1977: one male at Dalhousie Springs on April plain, east of Dalhousie Springs, on May 20 ­ 8 - in Tea-trees overhanging a large mound in open saltbush (to two m) with many small spring; one 10 km south of Pedirka on May 16 acacias; one on a sand dune 10 km south of - in mulga between sand dunes; one at The Alka Seltzer Bore, on the edge of the Simpson Stevenson, near Wire Creek Bore, on May 21; Desert, on July 24; two near Bitchera Well, one male at Eringa on July 27 - in Red Gums; Hamilton Stn. on July 29; one near Lake Kop­ one 2 km west of Lake Kopperamanna on peramanna on November 12 - in a dead tree October 7 -in a patch of dense eucalypts and on a sand dune two km west of the Lake; one acacias at the base of a large sand dune; one at at Peake Creek, near Gracies Dam, on Decem­ Peake Creek, near Gracies Dam, on December ber 19. 19. 1978: one near Breakfast Time Bore, near 1978: one at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on William Creek, on January 31; one or more 30 March 8 - in dense eucalypts near the water­ km east of Purni Bore on March 26 - among hole; two 41 km north of Oolgawa W.H., sand dunes with canegrass, Triodia and small Macumba Stn., on March 25 - in Mineritchie acacias, in the Simpson Desert; two at Lake along a stony watercourse. One bird was in full Kopperamanna on July 16. male plumage and the other in partial male plumage; one male four km north-north-west FLYCATCHER Myiagra spp. of Alka Seltzer Bore on March 28; a pair 11 km A female-phase myiagrine flycatcher was ob­ south-west of Mt, Dare H.S., and one male at served at Purni Bore, just inside the western Eringa on March 30 - all in Red Gums. edge of the Simpson Desert, on March 25, 1978. This single bird was seen in dense low acacias GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH (up to three metres) bordering the lagoon at Colluricincla harmonica the bore. My field notes give the following des­ Apparently uncommon, all records are from cription: head and neck blue-grey, extending to North of Peake Creek, and no records from the below the eye; lower back, tail and wings, dark Lake Eyre Basin since July 1977. All sightings brown; throat and breast (to well below the of this species were in or near large trees, level of the shoulder) cinnamon-buff; abdomen usually eucalypts, along watercourses. greyish-white; white ring around dark eye; legs black or dark brown; bill blue-grey; faint white 1976: at least three at Graeies Dam on Dec­ edges to primaries 'and secondaries; size esti­ ember 21. mated to be between that of a robin and a 1977: two along the South Branch of The whistler. The bird was first seen on a dead Neales, 65 km west of Oodnadatta, on March branch a few em above the ground, about 20 5 and 6; one at Coongra Creek, Todmorden, m away, through 8 x 40 binoculars. It was later on March 6; two in Gidgea at Peake Creek, seen 1.5 m above the ground in an acacia. The near Graeies Dam, on March 8; one at The day was hot and fine, visibility very good, and SEPTEMBER, 1979 69

time of the sighting was 15.05. Flight was noted during August; Gregory Creek Overflow, to be direct, but the bird appeared to be very Nunns Bore, Coward Springs, 20 km south-west lethargic. I have no previous field experience of Old Billa Kalina, McEwens Bore, Skylark with any of the Myiagra flycatchers, but after Dam, Ill-plus at Cooper Creek, Lake Harry and studying the specimens in the S.A. Museum, I Crows Nest Bore during September and am inclined to think that the bird I saw was October; Gregory Creek, 10-plus at Cooper M. cyanoleuca. (for other S.A. records of Creek, Farina, Margaret Creek, near Watts Myiagra flycatchers, see Shurc1iff 1977, and Bank, Algebuckinna and along The Neales dur­ Reid and Cox, 1978). ing November and December. The known distribution of both these species 1978: Frome Creek near Marree, Kennebery is restricted to the east and north coasts of W.H., Tarlton Knob, Rischbieth Well, Wangi­ Australia. The only previous record of a anna, Crows Nest Bore, McEwens Bore, Yard lvlyiagra flycatcher in the far north of South W.H., Beresford, Skylark Dam, Douglas Creek Australia was on April 12, 1976 at Victory Well and Nancys Bore during January; Sunny Creek, in ·the Everard Ranges (Shurcliff, 1977). This Up and Down Dam, Coolibah Yard, Umbum is approximately 370 km west of Purni Bore. Bore, McLeans Bore, Levi Spring, Melon Greek, The fact that these two sightings were less than Warrina, Regs Dam, Rocky Dam, Kangaroo three weeks apart supports the suggestion (Reid Dam and Coward Springs during February; and Cox, 1978) that some birds pass over this Wangianna, Deep Creek, Crows Nest Bore, part of the State during their annual northerly Frome Creek at Muloorina, Macumba and migration. Oolgawa W.H. and many places between and north to Everglades Bore, a pair 21 km south­ RESTLESS FLYCATCHER Myiagra inquieta east of Macumba Number One Oil Well in the A single record of one bird at Lake Appadare, Simpson Desert, along the Finke to Mt, Dare Cooper Creek, on July 14, 1978. It was seen and H.S., Mt. Dare, Eringa and Hamilton and many heard in low Coolibahs near the lake, and was places in between during March; Peake Creek seen in association with Willie Wagtails, and and Coward Springs in April. also alone. It favoured low eocposed perches, where it would give its harsh scissors-grinding CHIRRUPING WEDGEBILL call. It would often dart after insects and return Psophodes cristatus to the same perch, and was viewed from as close as five m. CHIMING WEDGEBILL Psophodes occidentalis GREY FANTAIL Rhipidura fuliginosa These species will be fully covered by a paper This species was recorded at only two loca­ at present in preparation (Badman and Parker, tions, both in 1977. One at Dalhousie Springs forthcoming) . on May 17 - in Tea-trees near a large mound spring; one at Margaret Creek, near the Mar­ CINNAMON QUAIL-THRUSH ree-Oodnadatta road crossing, on June 24 - in Cinclosoma cinnamomeum acacias and Tea-trees near a small water-hole. Common throughout the area. Found on An autumn-winter visitor to northern S.A. gibber plains and in sandy country, especially (S.A. Parker, pers. comm.) along small gullies and where there were low bushes. WILLIE WAGTAIL Rhipidura leucophrys 1977: four near Gate W.H., Nilpinna, on A very common and widespread species, March 9 and several on December 19; one at occurring throughout the area, especially where Algebuckinna on March 21; a pair at Gregory a few trees or shrubs are present. Usually seen Creek on April 17, and two on June 24; one singly or in pairs. near Dalhousie Springs on May 17; three near 1977: seen at Ockenden Creek, The Neales, Fountain Bore, Allandale, on May 21; one 20 Peake Creek and Evelyn Creek during February km south of Nilpinna on June 29; two near Mt. and March; along The Stevenson, Gregory Sarah H.S. on July 23; one 5 km south of Alka Creek, Coward Springs, The Alberga, Mt. Sarah Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on July 25; two R.S., and Alka Seltzer Bore on the edge of the near Bitchera Well, Hamilton Stn., on July 29; Simpson Desert in April and May; Gregory three near Regs Dam, Nilpinna, on August 18; Creek, Coward Springs, Nilpinna and Algebuc­ five near William Greek, on August 20, one on kinna during June: The Alberga, Mt. Sarah, October 3, and two on December 17; two near Purni Bore and Eringa during July; Warrina, Beresford on August 25; five near Irrapatana William Creek, Beresford and Gregory Creek on August 28, and two on September 9; two at 70 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Lake Eyre South, near Curdimurka, on Septem­ grey crown as well as reddish breast was used ber 5; one at Stuart Creek, near Curdimurka, as an aid to identification. on September 23; three near Welcome Bore, Four Grey-crowned Babblers were seen at Stuart Creek Stn., on September 26; two at Charlotte Waters, N.T., on April 11, 1977. McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Septem­ ber 30; two 10 km north of Farina on Novem­ WHITE-BROWED BABBLER ber 11; one near Etadunna on November 13; Pomatostomus superciliosus one near Yard W.H., Stuart Creek Stn., on Apparently not common, but found through­ December 16; one 5 km south of Algebuckinna out the area. Usually seen along watercourses, on December 20; c.lO south of Wirriaranna in trees and bushes, or on the ground. Dam, Peake Stn., on December 2l. 1976: about five near Anna Creek R.S. on November 2. 1978: four near Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, 1977: several 72 km west of Ocdnadatta, and three along Kennebery Creek, Callanna along the South Branch of The Neales, on Stn., on January 18; a pair near Wangianna March 5 - in Dead Finish Acacia tetragono­ Spring on January 25; one at Welcome Bore, phyUa,' several 35 km north-west of Oodna­ Stuart Creek Stn., on January 30; at least three datta, and several at Coongra Creek, Todmor­ near Armistice Bore, two 13 km west of Lake den, on March 6; three in Tea-trees along Eyre, one near Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn., Stuart Creek, near Curdimurka, on June 24; and one near Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., several south of Pedirka on July 23 - in acacias on January 31; two north of Sunny Creek and on a small sandhill; at least six at Bitchera at Teemurrinna W.H., Coolibah Yard and Well, Hamilton Stn., on July 29; two at Willy­ McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; two allallinna Creek, Anna Creek Stn., on August 2 km west of McLeans Bore on February 2; one 16; four in Tea-trees 10 km south of Stuart near Kangaroo Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on-Feb­ Creek H.S. on October 10; about five at ruary 3; four near Wangianna on February 8-9, Gregory Creek on November 5; four at Sandy and one 10 km to the south on March 7; at Creek, north-east of Marree, on December 7; least two at the dog fence, west of Marree, on one in acacias at Weedina W.H., Nilpinna, on February 10 and 11; two 16 km south of Marree December 17. on February 16; two 5 km south of Bopeechee R.S. on February 27; one at Deviation Creek, 1978: at least four at Sandy Creek on Jan­ south of Marree, on March 9; two 10 km east uary 7; two 10 km south of Wangianna, in of Kennebery W.H. on March 13; at least one Dead Finish bushes, on January 28; two in at Box Creek, Nilpinna, on March 23; a pair Acacia Victoriae at Breakfast Time Creek, two 17 km north of Macumba and at least one 37 km east of Breakfast Time Bore, and two at km north of Oolgawa W.H. on March 24; one Douglas Creek, Anna Creek Stn., all January 30 km east of Purni Bore, three 7 km south and 31; five 9 km north of Finniss Springs H.S. on one 17 km south of Macumba Number One oil March 5 - in acacias along a rocky gully; at well on March 25-26 - on grassy flats between least one in Red Gums 15 km west of Finniss sand dunes of the Simpson Desert; one 25 km Springs H.S. on March 6; at least four in north of Hamilton H.S. on March 31; at least acacias two km east of Finniss Springs H.S. on one near the railway bridge over Peake Creek March 7; at least four at Box Creek, Nilpinna, and two downstream near The Peake ruins on on March 23; at least five 11 km south-west of April 1. Mt. Dare H.S. on March 30. CHESTNUT-CROWNED BABBLER GREY-CROWNED BABBLER Pomatostomus ruficeps Pomatostomus temporalis This species is not found west of Lake Eyre. This species was recorded as far south as My only records are in the vicinity of Cooper Macumba. All sightings were in woodland and, Creek. perhaps coincidentally, near water. 1977 : at least four in a patch of dense 1977: two at The Stevenson, near Hamilton eucalypt and acacia scrub at the base of a sand­ Bore, on April 7 and several on May 17 and hill, two km west of Lake Kopperamanna on July 23 - habitat in each case was Mineritchie October 7. A similar number of birds was seen and Red Gums; several at Macumba on May at the same location on November 12. On both 21 - in Coolibahs along The Macumba; about occasions, the chestnut crown and two white five in Mulga on a sandhill at Federal on July wing bars were clearly seen. This is a much 26; at least one in Mulga near Bitchera W.H., more elusive species than either of the other Hamilton Stn., on July 29. In each case the babblers found in the area covered by this 71 SEPTEMBER, 1979 paper. One nest was found, about five m ~bove on September 30; several at Crows Nest Bore, the ground, in a eucalypt growing on the side of Muloorina, on October 9; at least one at a sandhill on the edge of the scrub. Emerald Spring, Stuart Creek Stn., on Novem­ ber 5· several at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allan­ During July 1978 this species was recorded at ~n the previously mentioned location and about dale, December 20. one km to the west. Two birds were also seen 1978: lO-plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloor­ within 100 m of the Birdsville Track crossing ina on January 28, and at least one on March of Cooper Creek on July 15 - in Coolibahs and 8; 'one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, and at dense acacias on the northern side of the creek. least two at Welcome Bore on January 29; at at Nunns Bore on January 30, two on February CLAMOROUS REED-WARBLER 27, and at least three on April 2; at least two Acrocephalus stentoreus at the seismic bore hole two km west of Apparently not as common as the Little McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 2; two Grassbird, though it shares the same reed hab­ at Coward Springs on February 3; at least two itat and the two species were often seen at the at Cooranna Bore, and three or more at Frome same locations. Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; at least two at 1977: two at Purni Bore on May 19; several Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; at least two at an artesian bore 10 km north of Mt. Sarah at the bore near The Peake ruins on April 1; at R.S. on May 22; at least one at Dalhousie least one at Kopperamanna Bore on July 16. Springs on July 23; at least one at Stevenson Bore on July 31; at least one at Coward Springs BROWN SONGLARK on August 28, September 16 and 24, and Cinclorhamphus cruralis October 1; one at Nunns Bore on September 9, Until December 1977 only five individuals of and two on September 13; at least one this species were seen. Following floods in The at Mcliwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Sep­ Neales, and Peake Creek, C. cruralis was quite tember 30; several at Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ common along these watercourses during my oorina, on October 9; at least one at Emerald visit in December. It was also common around Spring, Stuart Creek Stn., on November 5; up Wangianna following rain in January 1978, but to 10 at Old Nilpinna on December 18; several had left this area by the middle of March. A at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allandale on Decem- few solitary birds were seen near Alka Seltzer ber 20. . Bore during the winter of 1977, so odd birds 1978: at least three at Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ must remain in this northern part of the area oorina, on January 28, and at least two on throughout the year. March 8; at least two at McEwens Bore on 1977: one near William Creek on January 2; January 30; one at Coward Springs on February one at the Spring Creek flood plain, east of 3, and at least one on April 2; at least four at Dalhousie Springs, and one 5 km south of Alka Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; at least Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on May 19; one two at Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; at least 10 km west of Alka Seltzer Bore on July 26; one five at the bore near The Peake ruins on April at Strangways Springs on October 4; one at 1. Rosella Dam and many along Peake Creek, especially around Cootanoorina W.H., Nilpinna, LITTLE GRASSBTRD M egalurus gramineus on December 19; many along The Neales, from This species was seen at many artesian bores Smithfield W.H. to Tardetakarinna W.H., on and mound springs where dense reeds and long December 20 and 21. grass are present. It was heard more than seen. 1978: many at Wangianna, Kennebery W.H., 1977: several at Nunns Bore on January 1 Crows Nest Bore, and throughout the surround­ and April 17, three on June 24, at least one on ing open grasslands and gibber plains from J an­ August 28, up to 10 during September and more uary 7 until March 8; one 4 km south-east of than two on December 17; at least one at Old Tarlton Knob, in the Willouran Range, on NiIpinna on March 9, and up to 10 on Decem­ January. 28 - this was the only Brown Song­ ber 18; at least one at Strangways Springs on lark seen in the hills, though they were com­ April 17; several at Dalhousie Springs on May mon right up to the foothills; one at Welcome 17 and July 24; at least one at Purni Bore on Bore and one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek May 19 and several on July 24; at least one at Stn., on January 30; one 8 km west of Skylark Coward Springs on June 24 and September 5, Dam, Anna Creek Stn., and one 3 km north of 16 and 24; at least two at Welcome Bore, and Number Two Dam and one 5 km north of several at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January 72 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

31; two at Levi Spring and two at Bulldog south of Alberrie Creek R.S., Screechowl Creek Creek, Peake Stn., on February 2' one 19 km M~rch Deep Creek, Morris Bore, Crows Nest Bore; west of Finniss Springs H.S. on 6. Frome Creek at Muloorina, Kennebery Creek, SPLENDID FAIRY-WREN Box Creek on Nilpinna, 40 krn north of Malurus splendens callainus Macumba, Pumi Bore and through 'the Simpson Desert up to 100 km east of Purni Bore. In the A single :ecord of a coloured male at Whylies Simpson Desert this species was not as common Well, HamIlton Stn., on July 28, 1977. This bird as M. leueo pterus. lvI. lamberti was found only was seen in dense Eremophila bushes and Mulga on sand dunes with many acacias, and in acacias on a rocky hill at the edge of The Stevenson. between the dunes. M. leucopterus was found on least four at McEwens Bore on January 30; two all sand dunes; several 15 km south-west of Mt. VARIEGATED FAIRY-WREN Dare H.S., 10 km south of Hamilton H.S., Malurus Lamberti: along Peake Creek in March and many other This species is both common and widespread. places in between. It is found wherever there is dense, low vege­ tation such as saltbush, lignum and acacias. It WHITE-WINGED FAIRY-WREN is not found in such open country as the follow­ M alurus leueo pterus ing species. On several occasions coloured males A very common and widespread species. of M. Lamberti and M, leucopterus were seen in Habitat preference is for low vegetation on tree­ the same bush or small tree. less plains. I t is common in samphire and salt­ 1977: several at Algebuckinna and along The bush around salt lakes, and on gibber plains. It Neales during January, February and March; was found on almost every sandhill in the many at Ockenden Creek and several at Wir­ Simpson Desert in March 1978. Coloured males rinjinnie Creek, Allandale, during February; of this species were also observed on several several at Evelyn Creek and along Peake Creek occasions up to four metres above the ground during March; many at Dalhousie Springs and in trees bordering open country. M. leucopterus several at Gregory Creek during April; several was usually seen in small family parties. at The Alberga, Dalhousie Springs and Alka 1977: seen around Algebuckinna and country Seltzer Bore during May; several at Gregory bordering The Neales during February; along Creek and Algebuckinna during June; at The Neales and Edward Greek during March; Ockenden Creek, The Alberga, Dalhousie many at Dalhousie Springs and at Curdimurka Springs, Alka Seltzer Bore and Eringa during in April; along the Alberga and at Mt. Rebecca July; at Gregory Creek, William Creek and R.S. and around Purni Bore during May; at Rocky Dam during August; at Margaret Creek, Farina and Gregory Creek in June; along The Curdimurka and Irrapatana during September; Alberga and at Pedirka, Alka Seltzer and Purni at McEwens Bore, Lake Kopperamanna, Lake Bores and around Eringa and many places be­ Harry and Crows Nest Bore during October; at tween during July; at Skylark Dam on Anna Deviation Creek, Davenport Springs, Morris Creek Stn., Campoven Dam and Stuart Greek Bore, Gregory Creek, Cooper Creek, many at during August; at Margaret Creek, Curdi­ Callanna Railway Dam, and Frome Creek, murka, Irrapatana, Coward Springs, Stuart Marree during November; at Sandy Creek, Creek and Welcome Bore during September; at Callanna Railway Dam, Yard W.H., Weedina Skylark Dam, Lake Harry, Lake Koppera­ W.H., Algebuckinna and along The Neales manna, and Crows Nest Bore during October; during December. on sand dunes near Lake Kopperarnanna during 1978: several at Ccoranna Bore, Frome November; near Marree, at Sandy Creek, Creek near Marree, Sandy Creek, Wangianna, Farina, near Beresford, William Creek, Gate Kenneberry Creek, Alberrie Creek Railway W.H. on Nilpinna and along the Neales during Dam, Callanna Railway Dam, Rischbieth December. Creek, Crows Nest Bore, Breakfast Time 1978: around Wangianna, Kennebery Creek, Creek, three km north-east of Cooin­ Rischbieth Creek, Tarlton Knob and surround­ chinna Dam and along Douglas Creek ing areas, Crows Nest Bore, The Bubbler, Wel­ during January; many at Sunny Creek and come Bore, McEwens Bore, Nunns Bore and several at Up and Down Dam, Teemurrina Armistice Bore during January; Teemurrina W.H. and along Umbum Creek, Blanket W.H., Umbum Bore, Melon Creek and Wangi­ W.H. and along The Neales, Regs anna during February; Davenport Springs, Deep Dam on Nilpinna, Coward Springs and Creek, Wangianna, Crows Nest Bore, Muloor­ Deviation Creek during February; two km ina, Macumba, Oolgawa W.H., Alka Seltzer and 73 SEPTEMBER, 1979

Purni Bores, throughout the western Simpson with white, underparts were only slightly paler Desert up to 110 km east of Purni Bore, at than the upperparts, but with no white. They Bloods Creek Bore and Ludgates Well on The were very furtive and were not seen to fly. Stevenson and many places in between during Travel between bushes was by means of March; at the. Peake ruins on April 1. "bouncing" over the ground at a considerable speed. Habitat was low saltbush (to one metre) EYREAN GRASSWREN along a gully on a gibber plain. Amytornis goyderi . This species is probably far more common One near Makari airstrip, 40 km east of than this single record would indicate. Two Purni Bore in 'the Simpson Desert, on March birds were observed scuttling into saltbush, in 27, 1978. Seen in sandhill Canegrass at the an identical type of habitat, near Midway Dam crest of a large sand dune. This bird had cinna­ (some 15 km to the south-east of where A. mon-brown upperparts, streaked with white, textilis was recorded) earlier that same morn­ and had all white underparts .In size it was ing. Although I was unable to find these birds, larger than a Malurus tureti (none was avail­ I think it very likely that they were also A. able for direct comparison, but I had seen textilis (see Parker 1972). many NI. leucopterus and NI. Lamberti in the preceding few days, in identical habitat). This CALAMANTHUS Sericornis fuliginosus grasswren was not seen to fly, but "bounced" Apparently uncommon. All birds seen were between tussocks of canegrass with wings par­ reddish-brown streaked darker, with chestnut tially extended. It was entirely terrestial during rumps. the period of observation. I had three sightings 1977: one at Coward Springs on September of the bird in a 30-minute period, as it dashed 5 -- in dense saltbush and samphire near the from one clump to the next, on one occasion bore; one near Gate W.H., Nilpinna, on Dec­ standing in the open for a few seconds before ember 19 - in dense saltbush along a small beginning its dash. gully on a gibber plain. This species has recently been rediscoverd in 1978: two 8 km west of Skylark Dam, Anna the Simpson Desert (May, 1977; Parker, May and Head, 1978). They recorded A. goyderi as Creek Stn. on January 31 - in dense saltbush quite common in this area; yet I found only in a small gully on a gibber plain. Both birds were seen perched on top of a bush. (These this single specimen in three days spent in the desert. After finding A. goyderi, I realised that populations belong to the very rufous form pre­ I had seen its distinctive tracks on the previous viously known as Calamanthus isabellinus, the day, approximately 90 km east of Purni Bore, Rusty Fieldwren). and also west of Purni Bore two days previously. At the time of this visit the desert vegetation WEEBILL Smicrornis brevirostris was in a markedly worse condition than Not recorded south of Algebuckinna. Quite during my previous visit (July 1977). In March common. at some locations, viz. The Alberga, I travelled as far as 120 km east of Purni Bore The Macumba and Eringa, while The Finke, on WAA Line, and in all places the canegrass where it is very common, is the stronghold of was very dry and appeared to be dying off. Con­ this species in this area. All birds were seen in siderable recent sand drifts were evident over leafy eucalypts along watercourses. the -track on the crests of many dunes. 1.977: one at Algebuckinna on February 16 ­ On my return journey I looked for A. goyderi not seen again despite several searches; two at to the west of Purni Bore. I again found tracks, Evelyn Creek, near Copper Hill, on March 5; probably of this species, but, because of a several along The Alberga, near the old rising wind and drifting sand, I was forced to Macumba R.S., on May 16; several near the abandon the search without finding any birds. Oodnadatta-Mt, Sarah road crossing of The The bird I saw had a reeling song, harsher Alberga on .Tuly 23; several from two km to than a Molurus. Some squeaky notes were also five krn- north-west of Alka Seltzer Bore, along heard. The faint high-piched "swi-it" mentioned The Finke, on July 24 and 25; several at Eringa by Slater (1974) and others was not heard. on July 27. 1978: lO-plus at The Macumba, north of THICK-BILLED GRASSWREN Macumba H.S., on March 24; many along The Amytornis textilis Finke, from four km north-north-west of Alka A single record nine km east of William Seltzer Bore to 38 km north-west of Everglades Creek; three birds on January 31, 1978. These Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on March 28 and 29. This birds were cinnamon-brown above, streaked species was encountered almost every time I 74 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

stopped my vehicle and went for a short walk Yellow-rumped Thombills seen were in open among eucalypts along The Finke; several at woodland or along lightly timbered water­ Eringa on March 30; c.20 at Paddys Yard on courses. The Stevenson on March 31. 1977: 15 on a grassy plain with scattered INLAND THORNBILL shrubs and a few acacias, five km south of Alka Acanthiza apicalis Seltzer Bore on the edge of the Simpson Desert This species was not recorded by me in the on May 18; several at Eringa on July 28. area under discussion. My only records from 1978: c.15 in Acacia tetragonophylla and on nearby are of about six in sandy Mulga country a grassy plain five km west of Coolibah Yard, on Parakylia Stn. on September 26, and several Peake Stn., on February 1; two along a small among native pines on Roxby Downs the fol­ watercourse seven km south-west of Mt. Dare lowing day. H.S. on March 30; three at Curdimurka, on a CHESTNUT-RUMPED THORNBILL gibber plain, on May 21 and 29. Acanthiza uropygialis Two single birds of this species were also seen Only two records for this species in the Lake in sandy country on Roxby Downs on Sep­ Eyre Basin both during 1977. More 'than 10 at tember 27, 1977 - among pines Callitris spp. a small watercourse 15 km west of Eringa on Three species of thornbill were seen in one day July 28 - birds seen in small acacias, including on Roxby Downs. This is country with a higher Mulga and A. tetragonophylla and on the and more reliable rainfall than the area covered ground; six in small acacias, lignum and Cooli­ by this paper, and perhaps this is the reason for bahs and on the ground at the edge of Lake Kil­ the apparently greater abundance of thombills lamperpunna on November 13. there. About 10 of this species were also seen in sandy Mulga country on Roxby Downs on SOUTHERN WHITEFACE September 27, 1977. ' Aphelocephala leucopsis Widely distributed, but few birds were seen. White (1915) recorded this species as being Favours open country with scattered trees and "very common" in the country west of Oodna­ shrubs, particularly in sandy soils. datta, even though the area was at that time in the grip of a nine-year drought. 1976: two 8 km south-west of Nilpinna on November 10 - in open grassland with a few SLATE-BACKED THORNBILL acacias and shrubs, in sandy country bordering Acanthiza robustirostris Duff Creek. In south Australia, known so far only from 1977: one near Eaglehawk Dam on March the North-West, where it has been recorded east 1 - on a gibber plain with scattered shru?s to Granite Downs. I have three records, all from bordering The Neales; five near Welboum HIll east of the known range: 1977: about eight in on March 5; two at old Nilpinna on March 8 dense Gidyea at a waterhole 15 km south-east - on a sandhill with small acacias; two at of Federal on July 26; about six in dense Mulga Federal on April 10 - on a sandhill wit~ small at Whylies well, Hamilton Stn., on July 28. acacias near the waterhole; four at Bitchera 1978: five-plus in dense acacias and White­ Well Hamilton Stn., on July 29 - in open wood four km north of Alka Seltzer Bore on the grassiand with scattered acacias, including westem edge of the Simpson Desert, March 28. Mulga, in sandy country away from water; two My fieldnotes give the following description: at the Birdsville Track crossing of Cooper thombill with a greyish appearance, forehead Creek on October 7 - in open woodland; one streaked darker, pale grey un streaked breast at Lake Killamperpunna on November 12 - in with a cinnamon tinge, dark eye, pinkish rump, sandy country with scattered shrubs bordering very active, arbon;al and greg?-rious. SoniS w~s the lake; two at Weedina W.H., Nilpinna, on noted as a 'twittenng', also a single soft ZIt. BIll December 18 - in sandhills with scattered and legs were black, and the tail was tipped shrubs and acacias near 'the waterhole. white. This bird was not observed on the 1978: two 11 km south-west of Mt. Dare H.S. ground. on March 30 - in shrubs and small acacias YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL along a small watercourse. Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Very few thombills were seen, perhaps BANDED WHITEFACE because of poor seasonal conditions - though Aphelocephala nigricincta no increase in numbers was evident in the few Most sightings were north of Oodnadatta, places where good rain did fall. Most of the with one record from Nilpinna and one on SEPTEMBER, 1979 75

Anna Creek Stn. More than half the records eral at Farina Creek on December 1 and 15; are from the Simpson Desert. All birds were at least two at Callanna Railway Dam on Dec­ seen in open, sandy country with scattered ember 2; at least two at Sandy Creek, north of shrubs, small acacias and grasses. Marree, on December 7; one at Weedina W.H., 1977: three in sandhills 10 km south of Nilpinna, on December 18. Pedirka R.S. on May 16; one 5 km south of 1978: two at Alberrie Creek Railway Dam on Alka Seltzer Bore on May 19 and six at the January 24; one at Callanna Railway Dam on same place on July 24 - on a grassy flat be­ January 26; two and two Immatures at Douglas tween sandhills with scattered Mulga, on the Creek, Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; two at edge of the Simpson Desert. Deviation Creek, 25 km south of Marree, on 1978: one on a sandhill five km north of February 16; at least one at Deep Creek, 12 km Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January west of Finniss Springs H.S., on March 6; four 31; one on a sandy plain with scattered Mulga at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; at two km west of Julies Dam Nilpinna, on Feb­ least four at Box Creek, Nilpinna, on March ruary 2; two 25 km north of Macumba H.S. 23; one at The Finke, four km north-north-west and four 13 km south-south-west of Oolgawa of Alka Seltzer Bore, on March 28; two at The W.H. on March 24 - both records on sandhills Finke, near Everglades Bore, and at least one with small acacias; two 13 km east of Purni 11 km north of Everglades Bore, and two 38 Bore on March 25; two 43 km east of Purni km north-west of Everglades Bore on March 29; Bore and. two 78 km east of Purni Bore on at least four 11 km south-west of Mt. Dare H.S. March 26; two 105 km east of Purni Bore on on March 30; at least four at Eringa on March March 27 - all in small acacias and scattered 31; at least one at the Peake ruins on April 1. shrubs between sand dunes.

YELLOW-THROATED MINER SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER M anorina fiavigula Acanthagenys rufogularis Not as common as the Singing and White­ This species is fairly common, though not as plumed Honeyeater, but often seen in large common as the Singing and White-plumed numbers at suitable locations. Favours eucalypts Honeyeaters. It is widespread and is found in along watercourses. most types of scrub and in woodland. 1977: seen at Evelyn Creek, The Neales and 1977: several at Evelyn Creek on March 4; Peake Creek during March; The Alberga, Mt. one near Edwards Creek R.S. on March 10; Rebecca R.S. and The Macumba during May; several at The Neales, near Eaglehawk Dam, Mt. Sarah, The Finke and Eringa durinsr July' · d t:>' on March 13; several at The Stevenson, near many at Warnna an at Alberrie Creek and Hamilton Bore, on April 7 and May 17; one at five km north-west of William Creek during Purni Bore on May 18 and July 24; several at August; Gregory Creek Overflow, Stuart Creek The Macumba, near Macumba H.S., on July 21; and near Irrapatana during September; Skylark several at the Oodnadatta-Mt. Sarah road Dam, Lake Harry, Callanna Railway Dam and crossing of The Alberga on July 22; 20-plus Cooper Creek during October - this was the along The Stevenson, near Mt. Sarah RS., on commonest honeyeater along Cooper Creek; July 23 - this was the commonest honeyeater three km east of Davenport Springs, Gregory seen here; several at the Spring Creek flood Creek and I?any at Cooper Creek during Nov­ plain, east ~f Dalhousie Springs, on July 24; ember; Fanna Creek, Margaret Creek seven several at Ennga on July 27; two at Warrina on km north-west of William Creek, Rocky Dam August 13; three at Coward Springs on Septem­ and five km south of Wirriaranna Dam during ber 24; six at Margaret Creek, n~ar McEwens December. Bore, on September 26; one at Skylark Dam, 1978: Rischbieth Creek - several in acacias Anna Creek Stn., on October 4; one at Lake south of Rischbieth Well, and in Red Gums Kopperamanna on October 8 and several on along the creek - Frome Creek near Marree November 12 - in acacia and eucalypt scrub Breakfast Time Creek and Douglas Creek dur~ at the base of a large sand dune; lO-plus at ing January; Sunny Creek, Up and Down Dam Lake Harry and one at Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ McLeans Bore, Finniss Creek and Deep Creek oorina, on October 9; one at the Marree-Ood­ during. February; Finniss Creek, Deep Creek] nadatta road crossing of Finniss Creek on Nov­ Alberrie Creek, Frome Creek at Muloorina, Box ember 5; c.10 at Frome Creek, Marree, on Creek] The Macumba, along The Finke from November 30, and five on December 4; sev- Alka Seltzer Bore to 70 km east of Mt. Dare 76 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITB:OLOGIST, 28

H.S.) Eringa, The Stevenson and Antikoolir­ lands, and also seen in saltbush and samphire rinna W.H. during March. habitats. of the many birds seen north of Oodnadatta in May and July 1977, no males SINGING HONEYEATER were seen in full crimson plumage. Lichenostomus uirescens 1977: one at The Alberga, five km west of A very common species, found throughout the Macumba R.S., on May 16; large numbers on area. Usually seen in pairs or small parties. the Spring Creek flood plain, east of Dalhousie Favours acacias and is often seen along small, Springs, on May 19-20 and many on July 25; dry, acacia-lined gullies. It is seldom seen along up to 20 at Alka Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., large eucalypt-lined watercourses, apparent!y on May 19, and c. 20 two km to the south on preferring smaller trees and more open, and July 25; three at Skylark Dam, Anna Creek country. L. virescens was the only honeyeater Stn., on August 27; c.lO in open scrub at Lake seen on my visits to the Simpson Desert. During Harry on October 9; c.lO near William Creek March 1978 it was seen singly and in pairs up on December 17; two at Edward Creek, near to 90 km east of Purni Bore, and is probably the Nilpinna-Allandale boundary, on Decem­ present throughout the desert. ber 18; 20-plus in Mulgas between sandhills near Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on December 19; lO-plus at The Neales, near Smithfield W.H., WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER on December 20. Lichenostomus penicillatus 1978: at least three at Skylark Dam, two at A very common and widespread species, Breakfast Time Bore, and c.20 at Douglas water-co~lfSes. especially in eucalypts alo.ng It Creek, Anna Creek Stn., and 14-plus three km is not found in the more arid parts and IS absent north-east of Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., from the Simpson Desert. In colour this bird is on January 31; two 13 km south-west of 001­ paler and not as green as those found in the gawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24; 30­ Lower North and Murray Mallee. Usually seen plus 95 km east of Purni Bore, in the Simpson in loose flocks. Desert, on March 27 - only one of this flock Many immature birds were present at Alge­ was in full male plumage. buckinna in January 1977. Irnmatures were 'also Crimson Chats were present in several flocks seen at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., dur­ of up to 50 birds each between Charlotte ina September 1977; Skylark Dam, Anna Creek Waters and New Crown Stn., N.T., on April 11, Stn., during October 1977; Cooper C!reek dur­ 1977, in lightly timbered sandy grassland. On~y ing November 1977, and along The Fmke, nea;r four males in full plumage were recorded In Oasis Bore, on March 28, 1978. these flocks.

WHITE-FRONTED HONEYEATER ORANGE CHAT Ephthianura aurijrons Phylidonyris albilrons ... A very common species, favouring samphire During 1977 I recorded this nomadic specIes and saltbush around saltpans, and also gibber only once. Three birds were seen two km east plains. Usually seen in pairs and small groups. of the Oodnadatta-Mt. Sarah Road crossing of 1977: several at Nunns Bore on January 1; The Alberga on July 22. They were seen in a pair at Algebuckinna an~ two at The Neales, Mulza bordering The Alberga. O~ ~irds near Eaglehawk Dam, during February; many July 10, 1978, I recorded c.10 .of at Gate W.H., South Well and Old Nilpinna this species in a rocky gully at Herrn:t HIll, during March; several at D~housie: Springs, Finniss Springs Stn. They were feeding on Abminga and Nunns Bore dunng April: several Eremophila bushes. Several more were heard at Dalhousie Springs, and a pair at Wire Creek among Eremophila bushes in another gully Bore in May; a pair at Nunns Bore on June 24; nearby.' .. c~ many east of Dalhousie Springs on the Spring The paucity of records of this specIes only Creek flood plain, and c.15 south of Alka be attributable to the poor seasons expenenced Seltzer Bore during July; 15 at Lake Eyre, east in this area during 1976-7. of William Creek, c.10 at Umbum Bore and one at Nunns Bore during August; four at Nunns CRIMSON CHAT Ephthianura tricolor Bore, c.lO at The Bubbler, c.lO at Coward Recorded throughout the area with more Springs, three at Welcome Bore, and four at sightings in the north than in the south (perhaps McEwens Bore during September; c.lO at Lake because of seasonal conditions), but not com­ Harry, three at the Birdsville Track crossing of mon anywhere. Prefers lightly timbered grass- Cooper Creek, two at the dog fence, north of SEPTEMBER, 1979 77

on January 30' one 13 km west of Lake Eyre on Marrec, and one at Davenport Springs during t~o October' four at Charles Angas Bore, two at January 31; 3 km north of Wildhorse Dan;, . Morris Bore, one at Emerald Spring and 10­ Peake Stn., on February 1; one near Curdi­ plus at Lake Killamperpunna during Novem­ murka on May 20 - this bird was observed dista~ce le~t ber' lO-plus at Tardetakarinna W.H., and many following a grader for a of at one along' The Neales a pair at South Well, and kilometre and apparently feeding on seeds m the c.10 at Hurdle Creek Dam, Nilpinna, and a windrow; two at Curdimurka on June 2. pair at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allandale, dur­ Several of this species were seen near Char­ ing December. lotte Waters, N.T., on April 10 and 11, 1977. 1978: five 2 km east of Kennebery W.H., a pair at Wangianna, five at Wangianna Spring, MISTLETOEBIRD Dicaeum hirundinaceum a pair four km, and three 10 km south-east of This species appears to be generally uncom­ Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., four at Crows -mon, though fairly common locally in a few Nest Bore, Muloorina, two at Nunns Bore, one places. Most records are from north of Alge­ at We1come Bore, one at Toongamoona Dam, buckinna. Habitat varies from large trees along Armistice Bore 'and Breakfast Time Bore, several watercourses to isolated patches of scrub. In all at Number One Dam, Up and Down Dam, and cases this species was seen in close proximity to many places between, on Anna Creek Stn., and mistletoe. Peake Stn., during January; two at Coolib

Alberga ~n May 16; several at the Spring Creek this species seems to be flourishing at both flood plain, cAO km east of Dalhousie Springs places. on July 24; several along The Finke, north of Alka Seltzer Bore, on July 25; four at Eringa ZEBRA FINCH Poephila euttata and two at The Stevenson, near Whylies Well, This species is very com':non and widespread on July 28; wherever 'there are a few bushes and is some- 1978: two in acacias at Deep Creek 10 km times seen in very large numbers. About 1000 east of Finniss Springs H.S., on March 7; at were seen at Armistice Bore, Anna Creek Stn., least two 8 km north-north-west of Alka Seltzer on August 26, 1977, though Zebra Finches were Bore on March 28; several along The Finke, at usually seen in flocks of 50-150 birds. 11 km north and 38 km north-west of Ever- Breeding was observed in most months with glades Bore on March 29; two or more near the increased breeding activity around William Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of Peake Creek and Oodnadatta following rain in Nov­ Creek on April 1. On several occasions along embe~ 1.977. A nest con!aining four young was The Finke this species was seen in association seen inside a shed at Bitchera Well, Hamilton with P. Striatus. ~tn., on July 27, 1977. Nests were usually seen P. rubricatus was quite common along Cooper m Needle-bushes Hakea spp - and Dead Finish Creek during July, 1978, where it was also seen Bushes, with as many as 10 occupied nests in in association with P. striatus on two occasions. the one bush. During March 1978 about 500 Zebra Finches STRIATED PARDALOTE Pardalotus striatus were seen around Purni Bore, in the Simpson Locally common along The Finke, otherwise Desert. This species was seen in the desert up to apparently uncommon. No records south of 27 km east of Purni Bore. There was no surface Algebuckinna, Favours Red Gums and water present at the time, and these birds would Coolibahs. have had to return to Purni Bore to drink. 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 16; many along The Alberga, near the Oodnadatta­ COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Mt. Sarah road crossing, on May 16 and July Up to 20 of this species were seen at Frome 23; two at Eringa 'and two at The Stevenson, Creek, Muloorina, on March 9, 1978. They near Whylies Well, on July 28. were seen in acacias near water and also in flight, when their irridescent green and -purple 1978: several along The Finke, four km north ~heen was clearly seen. One bird was seen prob­ of Everglades Bore, and 20-plus 38 km north­ mg among grass by the water's edge with its bill, west of Everglades Bore on March 29; several apparently eating seeds. at Eringa on March 30. All Striated Pardalotes seen in this area had streaked crowns and a red spot at the base of broad white wing stripes, AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE-LARK characteristics of the subspecies P. s. substriatus. Grallina cyanoleuca A common and widespread species, it was This species was also recorded at Cooper usually found near water in pairs or small Creek during July 1978; two 16 km upstream from Lake Warrawarrinna on July 12; two at groups. Waukatanna W.H. on July 14; at least one at 1977: at Algebuckinna and Ockenden Creek Lake Kopperamanna on July 16. during February; along The Neales, Evelyn In South Australia this form breeds north to Creek, Coongra Creek and Peake Creek during the northern end of the Flinders Ranges. Else­ March; Hamilton Bore, Eringa, Coward Springs where in the northern interior of the State, and and Stuart Creek during April; The Alberga, also in the southern N.T. (Storr 1973) it Mt. Rebecca R.S. and Alka Seltzer Bore ­ appears to be a non-breeding visitor, Feb.-Aug. away from water - during May; Stuart Creek, (S.A. Parker, pers. comm.). Nunns Bore, Algebuckinna and Nilpinna during June; The Alberga, Mt. Sarah R.S., Purni Bore HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus and Eringa during July; Warrina, Armistice This species is a common breeding resident Bore, Umbum Bore, a pair, one sitting on a nest, in the town of Marree. It is also apparently resi­ at Sunny Creek Bore, Nunns Bore and Camp­ dent -at Muloorina H.S., Wangianna R.S., Old oven Dam during August; Gregory Creek Over­ Finniss Springs H.S., Coward Springs, William flow, Coward Springs, Nunns Bore, Welcome Creek, Anna Creek H.S., Nilpinna H.S., Peake Bore, Old Billa Kalina and McEwens Bore H.S. and Oodnadatta and is probably breeding during September; Coward Springs, Skylark at these places. Wangianna R.S. and Old Dam, Lake Harry, and 0.100 at Cooper Creek Finniss Springs H.S. are both abandoned, yet during October; Gregory Creek, Stuart Creek, SEPTEMBER, 1979 79

Callanna Railway Dam, Frome Creek near 1977: one at Dalhousie Springs on July 24 ~ Marree and 100-plus at Cooper Creek during flying low over a large mound spring; one at November; Callanna Railway Dam, Margaret Lake Killamperpunna on November 13; one at Creek, Julies Dam and 20-plus along The Peake Creek, near Gracies Dam, and c.lOO at Neales during December. Peake Creek, around Cootanoorina W.H., on 1978: Kennebery W.H., Rischbieth Creek, December 19. Callanna Railway Dam, Yard W.H., Beresford, 1978: 20-plus, including several immatures, Skylark Dam, Breakfast Time Bore and Nancys at Douglas Creek on January 31; two 40 km Bore during January; at least one pair at almost north of Macumba on March 24. All birds seen, every dam and waterhole visited on Anna Creek except the one at Dalhousie Springs, were in or Stn., Peake Stn., and Nilpinna Stn., and at near large watercourses with many eucalypts. Wangianna, during February; c.lO along Deep Creek, c.15 at Frome Creek, Muloorina, and at WHITE-BROWED WOODSWALLOW Wangianna, Nilpinna, Algebuckinna, 20-plus at Artamus superciliosus Macumba, Oolgawa W.H., Purni Bore, Oasis A single record of three birds 30 km north of Bore and Everglades Bore - not near water, Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24, these two bores are not in use at present - Mt. 1978. This location is just to the west of the Dare H.S., Abminga, 20-plus at Eringa, eight Simpson Desert. Habitat was a patch of acacia at Antikoolirrinna W.H., and Algebuckinna and scrub bordering a Coolibah-lined watercourse. many places between during March; Peake Creek and Coward Springs during April. The surrounding country consists of gibber plains. WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW Artamus leucorhynchus BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW Fairly common and widspread, with records Artamus cinereus as far south as Lake Harry and M uloorina, A very common and widespread species, this Only seen in trees near water. is the commonest member of the genus in the 1977: c.20 at Algebuckinna during February, western Lake Eyre Basin. It is found throughout several on June 26 and one on December 20; the region in savannah woodland and is often lO-plus at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on seen perched on the telephone line by the February 15 and March 13, and two on Decem­ Marrec-Alice Springs railway. Usually seen ber 20; several at Hamilton Bore on The Stev­ singly, in pairs or small groups, though 100-plus enson on May 16 and July 23; one at the Birds­ were present along Cooper Creek during Octo­ ville Track ferry crossing of Cooper Creek on ber 1977. This species was observed breeding at October 8, and two just upstream on November Sandy Creek, north of Marree, in January 1978, 12; seven at Lake Harry on October 9 - in at Sunny Creek, Anna Creek Stn., in Feb­ Coolibahs along a creek near the lake; three at ruary 1978 and at Deep Creek, near the Finniss Gregory Creek on November 5 - only small Springs H.S., inMarch 1978. Black-faced Wood­ pools of salt water were present in this creek at swallows were very common between William the time of this sighting; one at The Neales, Creek and Lake Eyre, in flocks of up to 20 four km south-east of Smithfield W.H. on Dec­ birds, during January 1978. They were also very ember 20. common between Macumba and Alka Seltzer 1978: two at Up and Down Dam, Peake Bore in flocks of c.If birds, and ·along The Stn., on February 1; c.30 at Frome Creek, Finke and at Eringa and Abminga in flocks of Muloorina, on March 8; three at Oolgawa up to 20 dur-ing March 1978. W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24. Small numbers were seen in the Simpson Desert at several places between Purni Bore and MASKED WOODSWALLOW 90 km to the east. Artamus personatus This species is apparently uncommon, but this GREY BUTCHERBIRD may have been due to poor seasonal conditions, Cracticus torquatus as its numbers increased at two localities fol­ White (1915) recorded this species on only lowing rain in November 1977. Masked Wood­ one or two occasions in the Oodnadatta area. swallows were not seen south of Douglas Creek He regarded it as very rare in the district. I (north-east of William Creek) but this could have only one record from this area: one bird also have been due to poor seasonal conditions five km south of Alka Seltzer Bore on May 19 further south. 1977, perched in a small eucalypt on a gibbe~ 80 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

plain between sand dunes" being repeatedly qreek during October; Kennebery W.H., Mor­ attacked by a Black-faced Woodswallow until it ns Bore, Gregory Creek and Cooper Creek, up­ flew away. stre~m from the Birdsville Track ferry crossing, Further south I recorded one bird in Myall dunng November; Sandy Creek, Farina, Mt. Acacia sowdenii on Roxby Downs on September Hamilton ruins, Smithfield W.H. and five km 27, 1977. south of Wirriaranna Dam during December. 1978: Wangianna, Kennebery W.H., seven PIED BUTCHERBIRD Cracticus nigrogularis km south-east of Tarlton Knob, Crows Nest Bore, Skylark Dam and Nancys Bore during This species was not seen south of the latitude January; Sunny Creek, McLeans Bore, George of Algebuckinna, Even north of there it was Creek Bore and Watts Bank during February; apparently uncommon. Rocky Dam, Kangaroo Dam, Regs Dam, two 1977: two at Evelyn Creek, near Copper Hill, km south of Alberrie Creek R.S., two km east on March 5; several at Coongra Creek Tod­ of ~inniss Springs H.S., Cooranna Bore, Mul­ morden, on March 6; seven C (including' two oorma, Macumba and Oolgawa W.H. and many brown-throated immatures) at Eringa on July places between and along the western edge of 28 (and two at same place on March 30, 1978). the Simpson Desert and along The Finke from All sightings were near water, and a preference Purni Bore up to 85 km to the east ~ all was shown for Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Rix Magpies seen in the Simpson Desert were G.t. (1970) recorded this species at Finke, southern tibicen - 'Eringa, Ludgates Well and Alge­ N.T., where I have also seen it. buckinna during March; the Peake ruins in Condon (1969: 105) wrote of this species: April. "Southern Australia generally, but not reaching the coast of South Australia. Fairly common in G.T. leuconota was seen only in pairs, with the Murray Mallee (near the River) 'and the a single record of three birds. arid interior". This is very misleading; in South 1977: Wirrinjinnie Creek in February; Smith­ Australia the Pied Butcherbird is definitely field W.H. in March; Dalhousie Springs in known only from the North-West and from the April and July; 30 km south of Nilpinna in River Murray downstream to Morgan (S. June; ,at the Oodnadatta-Mt. Sarah road cross­ Parker, pers. comm.). ing of The Alberga in July; Nilpinna in Dec­ ember. AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE: 1978: Kennebery Creek, Callanna Railway BLACK-BACKED MAGPIE Dam and Breakfast Time Bore in January; Up Gymnorhina tibicen tibicen and Down Dam in February; three at Deep Creek, 12 km west of Finniss Springs H.S. in WHITE-BACKED MAGPIE March. Gymnorhina tibicen leuconota All magpies seen were very wary and difficult Common and found throughout the area in to approach. open timbered country. Groups of Magpies observed ranged in size from two to 10 birds, AUSTRALIAN RAVEN Corvus coronoides with the majority of groups numbering two to The majority ofcorvids seen

Purni Bore in May, but was absent in July Skylark Dam, Marree, Cannuwaukaninna Bore, when only Little Crows Corvus bennetti wer~ c.100 at Lake Harry and at Campoven Dam found in this area. Several were present at Purni during October; Davenport Springs, Mar~ee, Bore in March 1978; Gregory Creek, Coward Charles Angas Bore and Cooper Creek dunng Springs and 30 km south of Nilpinna during November' Sandy Creek, Farina, several pairs June; The Alberga, Pedirka and Abminga nesting seven km north-east of William Creek, during July; Warrina, William Creek, Skylark Rocky Dam, Algebuckinna and Wirriaranna Dam, Nunns Bore and Stuart Creek during Dam during December. August; Marree, Coward Springs, Curdimurka, 1978: Welcome Springs, Kennebery Creek, Welcome Bore and a pair with a nest and one Rischbieth Creek, Tarlton Knob, 200-plus near chick three km west of Old Billa Kalina during Cooranna Bore, Crows Nest Bore, Lake Eyre September; Curdimurka, Welcome Bore, Sky­ south, The Bubbler, Welcome Bore, McEwens lark Dam, Lake Harry and Cooper Creek dur­ Bore, Beresford, Nunns Bore, Irrapatana Dam, ing October; Cooper Creek and Frome Creek at Midway Dam, Toongamoona Dam, Armistice Marree during November; Sandy Creek, Farina, Bore, Skylark Dam, Breakfast Time Bore, 400­ Yard W.H., Tardetakarinna W.H., Rocky Dam plus at Fat Bullock Swamp, c.200 at Cooin­ and Algebuckinna during December. chinna Dam, Douglas Creek and c.500 at 1978: Welcome Springs, Marree, Cooranna Nancys Bore during January; Sunny Creek, Up Bore, Wangianna - a flock of c.50 birds, mostly and Down Dam, Teemurrina W.H., Blanket immatures - Kennebery Creek, Rischbieth W.H., Number Three Bore, Sandhill W.H., Creek, Davenport Creek, McEwens Bore, Beres­ Umbum Bore, McLeans Bore, 100-plus at five ford, Irrapatana, Skylark Dam, 14 km south­ km north of Melon Creek, Warrina, Jimboys west of Armistice Bore, Douglas Creek and Dam, Watts Bank, Nilpinna, Regs Dam, Kan­ Nancys Bore during January; Sunny Creek, Up garoo Dam, Angas Bore, Coward Springs, Devi­ and Down Dam, Blanket W.H., Sandhill W.H., ation Creek and Edwards Creek during Feb­ McLeans Bore, Bulldog Creek, Warrina, Jim­ ruary; c.300 at Davenport Springs, and at boys Dam, Coward Springs, Wangianna and Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina and 11 km west, Edwards Creek R.S. during February; 20-plus several places between Macumba and Oolgawa at Wangianna, and at Deep Creek, Charles W.H., and Purni Bore, many small flocks of up Angas Bore, Morris Bore, Cooranna Bore, Crows to six birds up to 90 km east of Purni Bore in Nest Bore, Muloorina, Box Creek, Nilpinna, the Simpson Desert, Everglades Bore and Eringa Peake Creek, Macumba, Oolgawa W.H., Oasis during March; Peake Creek in April. Bore, Everglades Bore, Mt. Dare H.S., Hamilton H.S., Eringa, Ludgates Well, Antikoolirrinna TORRESIAN CROW Corvus orru W.H., and many places between during March; A single record of two birds at Eringa on July Peake Creek and Coward Springs during April. 28, 1977. Call was noted as 'ok-ok-ok' with no 'a' sounds. Repeated wing shuffling on landing LITTLE CROW Corvus bennetti was noted. Habitat was Red Gums by a large See comments on C. coronoides. This species waterhole. C. coronoides and C. bennetti were is also common and widespread. It sometimes also present at this waterhole. During my subse­ occupies the same habitat as C. coronoides, but quent visit to this waterhole, on March 30-31, generally prefers more open country with 1978, I was unable to find this species again, smaller trees and is often near water. Sometimes even though a special watch was kept for it. seen in large flocks of up to 500 birds. In South Australia this species occurs only in the North-West, previous records being from 1977: Algebuckinna during February; Peake Emabella, Wilu Wiluru, Moorilyanna Soak, Creek and Warrangarranna Bore during March; Wantapella Swamp and Granite Downs Station. Hamilton Bore in April; The Alberga and 150­ It occurs mainly in the vicinity of long-lasting plus at Ambutchera Creek during May; Gregory waterholes. Eringa is further east than the pre­ Creek and Nunns Bore during June.; the Spring vious records. (S.A. Parker, pel's. cornm.). Creek flood plain, Pumi Bore and Eringa ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS during July; Rocky Dam, five km north-west of I should like to thank Shane Parker who kindly read the William Creek, 100-plus at Lake Eyre - east of original draft and offered helpful advice. I am also indebted to him for allowing me to examine specimens in the S.A. William Creek - Nunns Bore and Campoven Museum. I arn indebted to many local station people, in particular to Jimmy Nunn and Norm Wood for helping Dam during August; Marree, Gregory Creek, me with the names of places I vislted, and also for some Coward Springs, Albies Dam and We1come Bore observations of their own. Thanks are due to John Cox for doing the map, and to Part; Bowie, Evelyn Bristowe and during September; Curdimurka, We1come Bore, Judy Saunders for doing the typing. ' Concluded