THE' S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 59 NEW AND INTERESTING DISTRIBUTION RECORDS OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN BIRDS By SHANE PARKER Animal Industries Branch, Northern Territory Administration, Alice Springs, N.T. This paper is an attempt to bring together south-western corner of the Territory, from recent distribution records of Central Aus­ Curtin Springs west to the Petermann tralian birds which appear interesting in the Ranges, then north to the Kintore and light of Storr's List of Northern Territory Ehrenburg Ranges. Most of their speci­ Birds, 1967. In the past few years a wealth mens are now at the British Museum (Na­ of information, mostly unpublished, has tural History), London, though their series accumulated on bird distribution in the of Amytornis and several other specimens Centre. The bird collection housed in the were kindly presented to the Northern Terri­ Northern Territory Museum (Biology Sec­ tory Museum (NTM). In August and Sep­ tion, Animal Industry and Agriculture tember, 1967, Mr. Dean Fisher of Michigan Branch), Alice Springs, started by Mr. University formed a small collection of birds Warren Hitchcock in 1954-55, has been in the Banka Banka-Tennant Creek area. added to by other AI.B. Wildlife Officers (Reports on these last two collections are in since that date, and includes specimens preparation) . taken during faunal surveys of the Jervois The sources of reliable sight records from and Sandover Stock Routes, Tanami Sanc­ which I have drawn are even more nu­ tuary, Palm Valley Sanctuary, the Petermann merous, and include the notes of Mr. B. L. Ranges and other seldom-visited areas. In Bolton (BLB) and Mr. David Howe (DH) August, 1960, Mr. Ken Buller of the Western of the Biology Section, AI.B., Alice Springs; Australian Museum (WAM) formed a small Mr. David Stewart (DS) and Mr. Lindsay collection of birds from several localities in Clack (LC), patrol officers in the Depart­ the Territory. In April and May, 1962, a ment of Welfare; Mr. Andrew Shipway, Mr. party from the South Australian Museum Peter Hanisch and Mr. Harry Wakefield of (SAM) collected birds at various points from the C.S.I.R.O. Dingo Section (CSIRODS); the Alice Springs district north to Darwin Mr. Anthony Nicholls (AN), Botanist, and the upper South Alligator River. In AI.B., to whom with his colleague Mr. John April, 1965, a joint team from the Australian Maconochie I am indebted for the identifi­ Museum and AI.B., Alice Springs, collected cation of plant material; Mr. Desmond Nel­ birds from Hermannsburg and Alice Springs, son (DN), Botany Section, AI.B.; Mr. Tom east to Numery and north to Yuendumu Hare (TH) of the Northern Territory Re­ and Tanami Sanctuary; these specimens, in­ serves Board; Mr. John Elliott (JE), De­ cluding two skins of Acanthiza apicalis partment of Transport; Max and Mary Bo­ tanami Mathews (Condon, Disney and rella (M & MB), two local ornithologists of Slater, 1966) are now at the Australian considerable experience; Mr. R. K. (Sam) Museum (AM). The Northern Territory Carruthers (RKC), Mount Isa; Mrs. Billie Bustard Expedition of 1966, with Mr. Allan Gill (BG), Innisfail; the published observa­ McEvey of the National Museum of Victoria tions of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Watson (Watson (NMV) as ornithologist, formed from 14th 1966, 1967a, 1967b), and the many ornitho­ February to 3rd March a small bird collec­ logical references amongst the files of the tion and made many interesting observations Biology Section, A.I.B. I thank also Dr. in the vicinity of Attack Creek, Brunchilly Glen M. Storr for his valuable comments Station (McEvey, 1967). In March and on the draft of this paper. Lastly there April, 1967, the British Joint Services Expe­ are my own observations (SP), made from dition carried out a faunal survey of the April to December, 1967, over 8,500 bird­ watching miles throughout the Territory. The northern boundary of Central Aus­ The nomenclature used in this paper is that of G. M. Storr's, List of Northern Territory Birds. tralia as here treated runs from the Tanami Spec. Publ. W. Aust. Mus. 4 : 1-90 (1967). eastwards to Banka Banka then south-east 60 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST along the southern flank of the Barkly late April-early May, 1967 (Austin, 1968 Tableland, though where the range of a bird 2) . of mainly central distribution has been ex­ tended north of this line (e.g. Eremiornis BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atra.tus). carteri, Barnardius zonarius), then the more The only previous record seems to be northerly localities are given. from Whitlock (1924 : 256) who noted one The evaluation of these fresh data would bird at Finke Gap. Three pairs nested on have been a laborious' task without the ex­ a dam at Mt. Ebenezer during August and cellent compilation of Storr's, mentioned September 1966; in 1967, following the good above. Species are listed in Storr's 1967 rains of 1966-67, other birds were noted: order; as this is not a taxonomic paper, bino­ two adults and four cygnets on large swamp mials only are used, except in such cases as one mile west of Old Andado Hstd., 31st the Tanami Tit and the White-backed May (AN); on swamp 120 miles south of Magpie. where trinomials are given. Alice Springs, on Finke road, two nests, one with 4 eggs, one with 5 eggs (one of HOARY-HEADED GREBE (Podiceps which had just hatched), 21st July (LC); poliocephalus). pair nesting on large lagoon near Palmer Storr (1967 : 11) lists three localities: the Valley Hstd., March, 1967 (C. Lovegrove); Lander (220 2' 1" S.), Brunette Downs and 6 birds on waterhole near Deep Well Hstd., Banka Banka. Additional records indicate early December, 1967 (anon.); one bird that this species is not uncommon on shallow . on Libby Hole, Shakespeare Creek, Avon waters (dams, swamps, claypans): Curtin Downs (no date, RKC). Springs, one bird, end-October, 1960, brought in to A.LB., Alice Springs but died FRECKLED DUCK (Stictonetta naevosa). en route; claypan at 2009'S., 1300 15' E., The only previous record is of a specimen Tanami Sanctuary, 5th April, 1965 (2 spe­ collected on the South Alligator River on cimens in AM); Brunchilly, nine birds on a 10th October, 1902 by J. Tunney (Hartert, bore waterhole (McEvey, 1967 : 19); Alice 1905 : 206). A great number of ducks was Springs sewage beds, three birds during present along Brunette Creek and Corella February, 1967 (M & MB), and others in Creek, Brunette Downs, during October, late July (DS) and late September (SP) of 1966; of two hundred and eighty shot, one same year; dam near Temple Bar Creek, hundred and sixty were Freckled Ducks. south-west of Alice Springs, 25th June, 1967 This species is present during most winters (NTM 3667); commonly' sighted on dams on waterholes on Brunette Downs, though on Alcoota, Yamba and Hamilton Downs usually in much smaller numbers; in March, stations during first half of 1967 (CSIR­ 1960, a few were also recorded from Austral ODS); dam 12 miles north of Mt, Riddock Downs (RKC). [One record from Alice Hstd., three birds in July, 1967 (DS); Springs, 1958 (Frith, 1967 : 117.)] swamp near Warrabri Settlement, south­ east of Wauchope, one bird, October, 1967 WOOD DUCK (Chenonetta jubata). (DS). Listed as uncommon by Storr (1967 : 16), In contradistinction to the shallow-water along the Finke and its major tributaries. preference of Podiceps poliocephalus, that of Recent records are: one bird on Alice Springs the Little Grebe, P. nouaehollandiae, seems, sewage beds in late-October/early November, in Central Australia, to be the deeper, more ~ 1966 (Watson, 1967a : 3) and another in permanent water of rockholes and waterholes late July, 1967 (DS, SP); dams on Hamilton along the larger rivercourses. Downs, Yamba and Numery, common (par­ ties up to 12) during February-May, 1967 GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus). (CSIRODS); Old Andado Swamp, 12 A northern species. A pair was present birds, 1st May, 1967 (SP).i dam on Tempe at Alice Springs sewage beds from 9th Downs, 3 birds, 10th June, 1967 (SP); Mt. February to mid-April, 1967 (M & MB, Undoolya dam, 40-50 birds, September, 1967 SP, BLB, DH); a few miles south of Mt. (M & MB); Papunya, present during Allan, one bird observed in some shallow December, 1967 (LC); Brunette Downs and water, June, 1962 (BG); south of Mount the Georgina River system, N.T., very com­ Conner, a small group on residual water, mon most years (RKC). THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 61

MOUNTAIN DUCK (Tadorna west of Alice Springs, June-July (M & MB); tadornoides) . one bird observed 74 miles north of Alice Listed by Storr (1967 : 16) as a rare Springs on Stuart Highway, 10th July vagrant along the Palmer and the Finke. (BLB); near Connellan's airstrip, Alice A northern record is from Avon Downs, one Springs, nesting pair, September (M & MB). bird shot, June, 1961 (RKC). 1967 was a good year for most of the hawks, following a build-up of prey populations PINK-EARED DUCK (Malacorhynchus after the heavy rains of 1966-67. membranaceus). [Storr, in litt., 23rd April, 1968: "This Listed by Storr (1967 : 17) as locally species [notatus] seems to be going through common after heavy rains but not often ob­ a cycle of abundance just now. In a trip served. This species was fairly numerous in last year [1967] through the Western Aus­ 1966-67: Attack Creek, Brunchilly, two birds tralian wheatbelt I saw more of these kites (McEvey 1967 : 19); Alice Springs sewage than Nankeen Kestrels. As for E. scriptus, beds, a pair (Watson, 1967a : 3); frequently I am inclined now to accept only the Barkly seen on dams on Alcoota (November, 1966) Tableland records"]. and Bond Springs and Yamba (February, 1967) (CSIRODS); small numbers on LETTER-WINGED KITE swamps near Old Andado Hstd., 1st May, (Elanus scriptus). 1967 (NTM 3515, 3519, SP); large flock at No southern records since those of 1894-5 Old Andado Hstd., and few birds on Indinda (but see under preceding species). A Well, 31st May, 1967 (AN); dam on Mt. northern record is from Attack Creek, Riddock Station, ten birds in late September, Brunchilly, two birds seen and collected (Mc­ 1967 (CSIRODS); Alice Springs sewage Evey, 1967 : 20, 31; specimens in NMV). beds, 3 birds, mid-December, 1967 (SP, This species was common on the Barkly DH). Tableland during August and September, BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE 1967. (Elanus notatus). BLACK-BREASTED BUZZARD Storr (1967 : 15) suggests that the four (Hamirostra melanosternon). far southern records of this species may be Listed by Storr (1967 : 18) as uncommon. referable to E. scriptus, the Letter-winged Recent records are from Attack Creek, Brun­ Kite. On the contrary, I suggest that the chilly, where light and dark phase birds were two 1894-5 records of E. scriptus from Me­ regularly seen over savannah woodland, Minn's Creek are probably referable to E. shrub woodland and grassland (McEvey notatus. In 1967 the Black-shouldered Kite 1967 : 20); Alcoota, 14th July, 1967, sub­ was common, especially so amongst the adult picked up dead (NTM 3849); fre­ ranges around Alice Springs. Recent records quently sighted sailing over the wattle/ are: 1966: one bird on Stuart Highway 40 HakealPlectrachne savannah and scrubby miles north of Alice Springs (Watson, 1967a bloodwood woodland between Barrow Creek : 4); 1967: 6 miles south of Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek during July, August and 20th April, one bird quarteri~g !Iakea/ September, 1967 (SP BLB, AN); 35 miles ironwood flats (NTM 3495; this bird had east of Frewena, B~rkly Highway, 13th been present in the area for about five August, 1967, one bird over bloodwood/ months); three birds seen along Hale River wattle savannah (SP); 33 and 53 miles west on Numery Station, 7th May (CSIRODS); of Frewena, single birds, 22nd August, 1967 Acacia Bore, on Arltunga road, 27th May, (BG); Mt. Riddock, late September, 1967, one bird (SP); 3 miles north of Arltunga, one bird (CSIRODS). two birds, one of which was immature, quartering open hummocky plain, 27th May SPOTTED HARRIER (Circus assimilis). (SP) . Temple Bar Creek, nesting pair, June Listed by Storr (1967 : 19) as scarce else­ (JE, JM & MB); J~ssie Gap, east of Alice where than on the Barkly Tableland. Recent Springs, nesting paIr, June (~ & ~B); records are from Alice Springs, 24th Todd River southern edge of Ahce Sprmgs, February, 1965 (NTM 2705); Alice Springs nesting pai: July-August (SP, DS); pairs, airport, one bird for several months up to probably nesting, seen·also at Honeymoon November, 1967, and sewage beds, one bird Gap and 4-5 miles west of Honeymoon Gap, during November, 1967 (M: & MB); near 62 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST

Ooraminna Rockhole, south of Alice Springs, Creek, town dam, one preying on drinking one bird quartering flat open areas with few Budgerigahs, 19th October, 1967 (DS); 4 trees and rocky piles, 26th June, 1967 (SP, miles south of Alice Springs, in wattle/ BLB); single birds at Spinifex Bore, Mac­ ironwood/H akea woodland, one bird picked Donald Downs, 1st June, 1967, 70 miles west up dead from roadside with Galah feathers of Tarlton Downs, 15th June, 1967, and in its claws, 14th November, 1967 (NTM Harts Range, 27th June, 1967 (DS); 3935); Oorobra Rockhole, Jinka, one bird, Standley Chasm turnoff, a pair, 30th August, 20th November, 1967, and 16-mile dam, 1967 (BG). Sightings along the North-West Hamilton Downs, a pair preying on Budge­ Stock Route: Hamilton Downs, one bird, rigahs, 26th November, 1967 (CSIRODS); 23rd June, 1967 (DS); single birds 48 and Connor's Well, 55 miles north of Alice 76 miles south-east of Napperby Creek, 27th Springs, one bird on 5th September, 1967 August, 1967 (BG); Central Mt. Wedge (BG). turnoff, 3 birds, 25th August, 1967 (BG); Renahan's Bore, one bird, 18th December, PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus). 1967 (DH). Stuart Highway: 35 miles Storr (1967 : 20) has ten records. Addi­ north of Alice Springs, one bird hawking tional records are from the Arena, Tanami over grassland (Watson 1967a : 4); seven Sanctuary, one bird, 19th October, 1965 sightings over shrub savannah (bloodwood, (DH); observed several times in the ranges Hakea, Acacia, Plecirachne, etc.) between near Alice Springs, especially at gaps with Tea-tree Well and Wauchope, July to Sep­ rock-pools (Watson 1967a : 4); Brunchilly tember 1967 (SP, BLB, AN, BG). Frequent Station, one or two birds (McEvey 1967 : along Barkly Highway: Frewena, a pair, and 20); Glen Helen Gorge, pair nesting, Sep­ one bird a few miles further west, 22nd tember, 1967 (BG); Simpson's Gap and Mt. August, 1967 (BG); 18 miles east of Frew­ Undoolya, single birds, September, 1967 ena, one bird over bloodwood/Grevillea/ (SP, M & MB); Mt. Gillen, a pair, Sep­ Melaleuca savannah, 13th August, 1967 tember, 1967, and Alice Springs airport one (SP); Soudan, one bird, and 63 miles west bird, 26th November, 1967 (CSIRODS). of Camooweal, a pair, over grassland, 21st August, 1967 (BG). Also recorded from GREY FALCON (Falco hypoleucos). Attack Creek, Brunchilly, over shrub savan­ Storr (1967 : 20) has six records, four of nah and grassland, not common (McEvey, which are from the south. Recent records 1967 : 19). are from the 8-mile Waterhole, Georgina SWAMP HARRIER (Circus apptoximans). River, Austral Downs, September, 1966 Listed by Storr (1967 : 19) as occurring (RKC); North-West Stock Route: Sandy's south to Brunette Downs. Additional re­ Bore, Napperby Creek, 17th December, 1967 cords are from Alice Springs, 3rd March, (NTM 4006), one mile west of Queen's Visit 1965 (NTM 2708-9); one bird over flooded Bore, a pair, indulging in fast and swift Micropteranthes woodland, Newcastle Wa­ 'play flights,' 27th August, 1967 (BG), Mt. ters Creek, 11th July, 1967 (SP, BLB); Doreen Station, a pair hunting at a bore, single birds over Alice Springs sewage beds, November, 1966 (M & MB), Chilla Well, 4th June, (DS) and 30th September, 1967 one bird hunting Budgerigahs and Zebra (SP); one over large dam at Mt. Undoolya, Finches at bore, 20th June, 1967 (SP, DH), September, 1967 (M & MB). and Sangster's Bore, a pair hunting, October, 1965 (DH); Mt. Nancy, Alice Springs, a BLACK FALCON (Falco subniger). pair flying extremely low over observer, in Storr (1967 : 19) has five records for the scrubby flats between low rocky piles, June, N.T. Additional records are from near 1967 (SP); Alice Springs trucking yards, one Simpson's Gap, west of Alice Springs, one bird in play-flight amongst a flock of Galahs, bird preying on Budgerigahs at a dam (Wat­ not attempting to catch any, 2nd September, son, 1967a : 4); Heavitree Gap, Alice 1967 (BG); waterhole on Tempe Downs, one Springs, 9th April; 1967, one bird being hunting, 10th June, 1967 (SP); King's mobbed by Fork-tailed Kites (SP); seen Canyon, one hunting between canyon walls, twice at Harts Range during June, 1967 11th June, 1967 (SP); Sandscreen Bore, (DS); Mt, Undoolya, pair flying low over Hamilton Downs, one bird, 24th October, dam. September, 1967 (M & MB) ; Tennant 1967 (CSIRODS). THE S.A. ORNITH"OLbGIST 63

BROWN HAWK (Falco berigora). MASKED PLOVER (Vanellus miles). It is interesting to note that the eight Storr (1967 : 24) gives the range as south specimens in the NTM collected in 1964-65 to Wauchope and Avon Downs. Several (i.e. before the drought broke) (South birds were present at Alice Springs sewage Barkly Stock Route, 1; near Tennant Creek, beds during October, 1965 (M & MB); same 2; Lander River floodout, 1; Alice Springs, place, 6-8 birds always present (Watson 4) are all pale-phase birds, whereas all birds 1967a : 3). In April and May, 1967, one seen by me in the Centre in 1967 have been Masked Plover and one Spurwing (V. novae­ dark-phase. hollandiae) were seen regularly together at the sewage beds (SP, DS, BLB, DH) and [Storr, in litt., 23rd April, 1968: "This change in phase frequency ... could be by June and July there were three Spurwings due to an influx of birds from other regions, and two Masked Plovers, forming a small or due to much local breeding (I believe party. On 30th September, through to immature birds of (centralia' are inclined December, 1967, only Masked Plovers were to be dark)"]. present (SP). STUBBLE QUAIL (Coturnix pectoralis). SPURWINGED PLOVER Not listed by Storr. McEvey (1967 : (Vanellus nouaehollandiae), 19, 30) has the first published record of this . Not r~corded by Storr. See under preced­ species for the Territory: he reported it as mg speCIes. fairly common, more frequently heard than BANDED PLOVER (Vanellus tricolor). seen, at Attack Creek, Brunchilly during late Storr (1967 : 24) gives the status of this February and early March, 1966, in black­ species as uncommon and nomadic, and the soil tree savannah and blacksoil grassland. A ran~e female, NMV. W7078, was obtained on 1st as north to the James Range, Alice March. Other records are from Alice Sprmgs and MacDonald Downs. Recent Springs, 5th March, 1955 (NTM 3956), and records are from Jervois, 8th May, 1955 (NTM 3972); 5 miles south of Ilbumric Harry Creek, 30 miles north of Alice Springs, nig~t, 29th April, 1962 (specimen in SAM). bore, heard calling at 16th May, 1954, and Argadargada, nest WIth four eggs, 16th BROWN QUAIL (Coturnix ypsilophora). July, 1959 (DN); Harry Creek, 30 miles McEvey (1967 : 19, 30) has the most north. of ~lice Springs, 30th April, 1962 southerly authenticated record for the N.T. (specimen m SAM); heard calling at night of this species, having collected a breeding over Alice Springs (Watson, 1967a : 3); female on 24th February (NMV. W7102) north-western edge of the Simpson Desert in damp savannah at Attack Creek. around Old and New Andado, 1st May; 1967, very common, many pairs with downy BANDED LANDRAIL yo.ung around claypans and swamps (SP); 5 (Rallus philippensis). miles west of t~e Palmer crossing, towards Storr (1967 : 22) has four records south Wallara, one bird in chenopod flats near to Katherine and the McArthur. There are ranges, 10th June, 1967 (SP); 62 miles three records from Alice Springs: 17th south of Bonney Well, Stuart Highway 3 January, 1956, one found dead on garden birds by roadside in bloodwood/Hakea 'sa­ lawn (A.I.B. files); 12th February, (NTM vannah, .1Oth J~ly, 1967 (?p, BLB); Traeger 2706), and 9th March, 1965, (NTM 2751). Park, Ahce Sprmgs, 11 birds present during Nover,nber, 1967 .(M & MB). Northernmost SPOTTED CRAKE (Porzana fluminea). breeding record IS from 29 miles northwest The .first N.T. record of this species was ?f Willowra, two downy chicks, (photograph of a bird (NTM 3617) collected at Alice m A.I.B. files), 30th July, 1958. Springs sewage beds on 3rd June, 1967. A second bird was present at the sewage beds RED-CAPPED DOTTEREL during July and August, 1967 (DS, JE) (Charadrius ruficapillus). and on 21st September six birds were ob­ Listed by Storr (1967 : 24) as a bird of the served, one pair of which was probably nest­ north and east coasts. There is a specimen ing (M & MB). The birds were rather in ~e ,AM collected on a claypan at 2009'S., secretive, keeping mainly to the dense water­ 130 15 E., Tanami Sanctuary on 4th April side vegetation. 1965. " 64 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST

AUSTRALIAN DOTTEREL of Old Andado Hstd., north-western edge of (Peltohyas australis). the Simpson Desert, a pair of birds almost Recorded by Storr (1967 : 24) north to certainly breeding, 1st May, 1967 (SP); the Macdonnell Ranges. McEvey (1967 : Indinda Well, Andado, up to 10 birds on 19) records a few birds seen, one with young, large shallow swamp, 31st May, 1967 (AN). in blacksoil grassland at Attack Creek, Brunchilly. Other records from Hamilton AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE Downs, 7 birds on 21st June, 1962, and (Stiltia isabella). Central Mt. Wedge airstrip, one bird on 26th Listed by Storr (1967 : 28) as ranging August, 1967 (BG). south to Banka Banka, Soudan and Avon Downs; rare vagrant to the Finke. Addi­ LITTLE WHIMBREL tional records are from Lake Nash, 11th (Numenius minutus). May, 1955 (NTM 3973-4); Alice Springs Listed by Storr .(1967 : 25) as a Visitor airport, several flocks of c.50 birds each, {rom September to February, east to the during December-January, 1965-66 and King River and south to the Katherine. December-January, 1966-67, inactive during There is a specimen in the AM, taken on a the heat of the day, and feeding at night claypan at 2009'S., 130015'E., Tanami Sanc­ on insects attracted by airport lights (M & tuary, on 5th April, 1965. McEvey (1967 : MB); 30 miles north of Alice Springs, it 28) records that M. C. Downes and H. pair probably nesting, and several others Wright found this species in thousands in seen in same oEen treeless area (Watson grassland at Attack Creek, Brunchilly, 1967a : 3); between Alcoota and Mt. Rid­ during April, 1966. dock, a small party, June, 1967 (DS); 6 miles south of Alice fuJrings, several birds MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis). in a lucerne patch, late November-December, Listed by Storr (1967 : 26) as an un­ 1967 (NTM 4002, SP). common visitor to the far north. A southern record is from Alice Springs, up to eleven ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE birds at the sewage beds (Watson 1967a : (Glareola maldivarum). 3) . Storr (1967 : 28) lists the only N.T. record as specimens from Alexandria. At CURLEW SANDPIPER Alice Springs airport, during late December­ (Calidris ferruginea). early January, 1965-66, one bird was pre­ Storr (1967 : 27) lists four far northern sent for about a fortnight, moving around records. At Alice Springs sewage beds, up to with the parties of Stiltia isabella (M & 5 birds were present during late October­ MB). early November, 1966 (Watson 1967a : 3). SILVER GULL (Larus novaehollandiae). (WHITE-HEADED) STILT Listed by Storr (1967 : 28) as a rare (Himantopus himantopus). vagrant to the interior (MacDonald Downs Listed by Storr (1967 : 27) as a rare and Charlotte Waters). At Alice Springs vagrant in the south. Several pairs nested sewage beds, single bird present during April, at Alice Springs sewage beds in September­ 1967 (SP, BLB, DH); on large shallow October, 1966 and September, 1967 (M & swamps at Old Andado Hstd., at least 20 MB, DS, DH, BLB), and in November­ birds, feeding on the crustacean Triops, December, 1967, up to 30 birds were present which was abundant in the warm muddy on the beds. water, 1st May, 1967 (SP); same number still present at Old Andado, 31st May, RED-NECKED AVOCET . 1967 (AN). (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae). Listed by Storr (1967 : 28) as scarce; no WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida). breeding records. Recent records: Alice Listed by Storr (1967 : 28) as ranging Springs sewage beds, 35-40 birds, including south to Banka Banka, Brunette Creek and two young ones, (Watson, 1967a : 3); same Alexandria. Additional records are from the place, few birds in February, 1967 (M & Tanami Sanctuary, five specimens in AM, MB) and about a dozen during November­ collected on claypan at 2009'S., 130015'E., December, 1967 (SP, DH); on shallow 4-6 April, 1965; Alice Springs sewage beds, swamp between sand-dunes a few miles north three adults (Watson 1966 : 4); same place, THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 65

one immature in early September, 1967 (JE, good years this pigeon spills off the Barkly DS) and four adults in mid-December, 1967 Tableland to occur in small numbers over (SP, DH). most of the Territory, as is indicated by the following records: 1955: Sandover River, GULL-BILLED TERN near Utopia, 13th May (NTM 3951); 1961: (Gelochelidoa nilotica). Alexandria (N.T.), Glenormiston, Monkira, Listed by Storr (1967" : 29) as moderately Coorabulka, Marion Downs (western common around north-west coast from the Queensland, near N.T. border) (D. M. Victoria to the King; Groote Eylandt; one Fraser in litt.); 1962: Ammaroo, Sandover record from the interior (Charlotte Waters). Stock 'Route, one bird, 3rd April, Argadar­ Additional records are from the Alice Springs gada, Sandover Stock Route, 6 birds, 4th sewage beds, a party of 12 (Watson 1967 : April (TH); Bonney Well, 2nd May (3 spe­ 2) and 5 birds, 2nd September, 1967 (BG); cimens in SAM) ; Andado, unspecified num­ Attack Creek, Brunchilly, a small flock (one ber seen in early June (G. Hampton); 6 secured, NMV. W7079) (McEvey 1967 : miles south of Alice Springs, small party 19, 31); single bird seen over large shallow feeding in lucerne patch, 5th October (NTM swamp'at Old Andado Hstd., 1st May, 1967 431, 473); 1965: Monkaderry Waterhole, (SP); single bird over flooded woodland, Banka Banka, 12th September _(NTM 3074, Newcastle Waters Creek, 11th July, 1967 3479); Merrina Waterhole, Winnecke Creek, (SP). 15th October (NTM 3477); the Arena, Tanami Sanctuary, 19th October (NTM COMMON BRONZEWING 3476); 1966: Attack Creek, Brunchilly, (Phaps chalcoptera). small numbers during late February-early Listed by Storr (1967 : 31) as uncommon March, flocks of up to 1,500 seen during in the southern part of the Territory. In April (McEvey, 1967 : 19, 28); Yuendumu 1967 it was extremely common in some road, from Stuart Highway for 70-80 miles areas: near Arltunga, one bird, 27th May towards Yuendumu, small parties frequently (SP); small parties regularly seen at bores seen, end-November (M & MB); 1967: on Garden, Yamba and Hamilton Downs north-western edge of Simpson Desert, north Stations, May (CSIRODS); 22 miles from of Old Andado, 1st May, 2 birds, then 3, Wallara towards Kings Canyon, one bird in circling small pool amongst sand dunes dense mulga, 10th June (SP); jervols Mine, (SP); 12 miles south of Mt. Skinner Hstd., a pair, 14th June (DS); Kunoth Well, 4 birds, 26th June (DS); Warrabri Settle­ .Hamilton Downs, about 50 birds, 25th Sep­ ment, south-east of Wauchope, one bird, and tember (M & MB); abundant around Mary­ 11 miles south of Aileron, one bird, 2nd vale, Hugh River Stock Route, early October July (DS); Tennant Creek town dam, flock (LC); flock of 50-60 birds coming in at of about 20, 19th October (DS). dusk to Ooraminna Rockhole, from rocky mulga country, 28th November (SP, DH). LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua tenuirostris sanguinea) FLOCK PIGEON Storr (1967 : 33) gives the range of this (Histrio pliaps histrionica). species as south to Tennant Creek and Storr (1967 : 32) mentions only two re­ MacDonald Downs. Eastern records are cords since 1934. Although it is widely­ from Tarlton Downs and Lucy Creek, mid­ held belief that this species is staging a June, 1967 (DS) and Tobermorey (R. remarkable come-back after years of near­ Bryan, A.LB.). extinction, information gathered in 1967 from stock inspectors and station-workers PRINCESS PARROT was to the effect that the Flock Pigeon has (Polytelis alexandrae), been present in thousands for many years Listed by Storr (1967 : 33) as highly on the Barkly Tableland. Frequent flocks of nomadic and evidently scarce. Recent re­ several hundred birds were seen over black cords are from 5 miles east of Atlee Creek, soil grassland north of Gallipoli in August 21°49'S., 131°29'E., 27th October, 1965 and September, 1967'(BLB, DH, SP) and (NTM 3332); Mount Doreen, five birds, a flock of 3-4,000 birds over grassland a few 30 miles west of Haast's Bluff, six birds, and miles east of Burketown, north-west Queens­ Napperby, two birds, August-September, land, in May, 1964 (SP). Presumably in 1967 (LC). 66 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST

PORT LINCOLN PARROT desert, north of'Old Andado, a pair near (Barnardius zonarius), small pool amongst sand dunes, 1st May Listed by Storr (1967 : 34) as occurring (SP); Bond Springs, dead bird by roadside, north to the Petermanns, Mt. Olga and 31st May (CSIRODS); Jay Creek, party of Ayers Rock, Haast's Bluff, Coniston, Wi!­ about 12, 11th June (DS); 5 miles east of lowra and Banka Banka, and east to Mac­ Wallara, one bird in mulga/Eucalyptus donald Downs and the lower Finke. gamophylla woodland, 12th June (SP); 15 Northernmost recent record is of a pair, miles south of Aileron, 3 birds, 13th June probably stragglers, at Newcastle Waters (NTM 3649); Blackhill Dam, Hamilton Creek, 19th June, 1966 (A. Shipway); Downs, 20th June, 8 birds (CSIRODS); eastern and north-eastern records are from Refrigerator Bore, North-West Stock Route, 44 miles east of Ammaroo, Sandover River, 20th June, 6 + birds amongst Cassia. bushes, 12th May, 1955 (NTM 3952-3); Elkedra, with undergrowth of chenopods and Ptilotus, abundant amongst the cultivated sorghum areas of bare red soil between plants (SP); (DN); Dulcie Ranges, Jinka, October, 1967 The Granites, North-West Stock Route, 21st (CSIRODS); Arthur Creek crossing, few June, a pair in dense yellow-flowering tur­ miles west of Tarlton Downs, 15th June, pentine, Acacia lysiphloia, much bare red 1967 (DS). A pair of this species (prob­ soil between bushes (SP); lO-miIe bore, ably of the north-west Australian race B.z. north of Alice Springs, 4th July, pair in occidentalis) was observed on 27th July, mulga, undergrowth of seeding grasses, nu­ 1961, on the W.A./N.T. border east of merous areas of bare red soil (SP); Devil's Nicholson, W.A. (M & MB). Marbles, Stuart Highway, July (Lendon, BOURKE PARROT (Neophema bourkii). 1968 : 15); near Ooraminna Rockhole, 3rd Listed by Storr (1967 : 34) as ranging August, pair in open mulga woodland, with north to Alice Springs and east to Finke. seeding grasses and bare red soil amongst Ford (1961) gives an excellent account of trees (SP, BLB) ; near Aileron, early August, the recent increase of this species in the pair in mulga woodland (JE2; fairly com­ mulga zone of mid-western Australia, and mon on A1coota and Yamba, August suggests that this may be due to the decline (CSIRODS); Kunoth, Well, Hamilton in pastoral activity in this area since about ­ Downs, 25th September, 50-60 birds drink­ 1936. At present the Bourke Parrot is in a ing (M & MB); near Ooraminna Rockhole, similar state of comparative abundance in 27th September, 5 birds in open mulga southern N.T.; this may also be due to the (SP); near Orange Creek IIstd., Hugh River decrease in the number of livestock in the Stock Route, early November, several parties Centre, which is of a more recent date (i.e. seen over 40-mile stretch; Temple Bar Creek, within the last ten years) than the one Ford south-west of Alice Springs, early November, gives for Western Australia. It is also one bird; Tempe Downs, 4 birds, and Gosse interesting to consider that the year this Bluff, 9 birds, early November (CSIRODS). parrot was first recorded in the Northern Territory, 1932 (Finlayson, 1933 : 47) is four SCARLET-CHESTED PARROT years earlier than the tentative date given (Neophema splendida), by Ford as the beginning of the decline of Storr (1967 : 70) lists in his appendix sheep farming in Western Australia. Liddle's 1932 sight record of this species at Recent records from the Northern Terri­ Angas Downs (13 miles east of north of the tory are: Warren Creek Bore, 52 miles west eastern end of the Basedow Range, precise­ of Papunya, 15th March, 1964, many birds ly). At Undoolya Hstd., east of Alice (DS); a little 'west of Barry Caves Motel, Springs, on 28th March, 1961, a young Barkly Highway, a pair in grass by roadside, bird tNTM 437) just out of the nest, flew 13th February, 1966 (A. McEvey in litt; the into the tennis court wire and was captured. furthest north-east record); Piltardi Rock­ Later that year it won first prize in the hole, Petermann Ranges, a pair, 3rd April, Alice Springs Show. A pair was observed 1966 (NTM 3545); Palm Valley, flock of at close quarters in mulga at Hamilton at least 50 birds feeding on ground amongst Downs in August, 1962 (R. Darkin). One seeding grasses, October, 1966 (DH); 1967: bird seen near N.T. border south of Ayers Bond Springs Hstd., one bird, 20th April Rock, late April-early May, 1967 (Austin, (CSIRODSl.; north-western edge of Simpson 1968 : 3). THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 67

MASKED OWL (Tyto novaehollandiae). mulga-loving species has recently been re­ Listed by Storr (1967 : 36) as occurring corded further afield, from Bushy Park south to the Daly, Brocks Creek and the Me­ Hstd., 27th September, 1967, in thick mulga Arthur. See McEvey (1967: 20, 21) on the (NTM .3847). [Storr, in litt., 23rd April, possible presence of this owl at Attack Creek, 1968: "The Victory Downs record of casta­ Brunchilly. notum is my own observation, and I no longer accept it; all I can say is that it was SACRED KINGFISHER (Halcyon austra­ not cinnamomeum"]. lasia - H. sancta auctorum). Listed by Storr (1967 : 39) as ranging WHITE-BROWED BABBLER south to Attack Creek and Alexandria. The (Pomatostomus superciliosus), Watsons (1967b : 4) recorded a few birds Listed by Storr (1967 : 43) as occurring around Alice Springs in late October-early north to Hermannsburg and east to Char­ November, 1966; no local ornithologist has lotte Waters. Present northern limits ap­ ever reported any kingfisher but H. pyrrho­ pear to be Harry Creek, 30 miles north of pygia, the Red-backed, in the Centre. Alice Springs (Watson 1967b : 5); Delmore WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW Downs, 14th July, 1967 (NTM 3685); (Cheramoeca leucosterna). Arthur Creek crossing, west of Tarlton Listed by Stan' (1967 : 40) as occurring Downs, 15th June, 1967, party of 3 (DS)" generally north to Coniston and Macdonald Boyland and Ogilvie (1966 : 19) record Downs, thence patchily northward to White-browed Babblers in the Queensland Morphett Creek. Northern boundary at sector of the Simpson Desert, but this record present recorded as Willowra (LC) ; is almost certainly referable to P. ruficeps. Morphett Creek; Macdonald Downs; Jervois LITTLE GRASSBIRD Range and Tarlton Downs, mid-June, 1967 (Megalurus gramineus). (DS). This beautiful little swallow also The only previous N.T. record is from occurs around the fringes of the Simpson the Finke Gorge in the James Range (Whit­ Desert: Rodinga Range (near Steele Gap), lock, 1924 : 268). During August and Sep­ and first sand dunes south of Steele Gap, tember, 1967, several birds were present in 29-30th April, 1967 (SP); Birdsville (anon.}. thick herbage at Alice Springs sewage beds CINNAMON QUAIL THRUSH (heard more than seen), and a nest was (Cinclosoma cinnamomium). located containing at least two eggs (M & Listed by Storr (1967 : 42) as ranging MB, SP, BG). north to Cockroach Waterhole (i.e., 19 miles east of Cockroach WH, Jervois Stock Route, WESTERN WARBLER (Gerygone fusca). 9th May, 1955, NTM 3999), and west to Listed by Storr (1967 : 45) as ranging Illamurta and Erldunda, moderately com­ north and east to Alice Springs. Recent mon on lower Finke but seldom reported records of this seldom-noted warbler include: from elsewhere. In 1967, this species was 6 miles south of Alice Springs, in Hakea] exceedingly common on open stony chenopod ironwood flats, 1st July, 1965 (NTM 3013) ; plains around Henbury and along: the Hugh along Stuart Highway, from Alice Springs to River Stock Route .(Orange Creek - Mary­ 45 miles north (Watson, 1967b : 5); 15 vale): 8 birds in 5 miles, 10th June (NTM miles along Yuendumu road from Stuart 3653, from Meteorite Craters, Henbury, Highway, 23rd September, 1967 (M & MB). SP); c.50 birds in 40 miles, 2-3rd October The last two records are from mulga areas. (LC); 'many birds' in 40 miles, early No­ vember (CSIRODS). In the AM there is BANDED WHITEFACE a specimen taken 'east of Alice Springs' (i.e. (Aphelocephala nigricincta). along the Arltunga road) on 23rd April, Listed by Storr (1967 : 46) as occurring 1965. north to Tanami, Barrow Creek and the Simpson Desert. Recent north-eastern CHESTNUT QUAIL THRUSH records are from the Jervois Stock Route: (Cinclosoma cinnamomeum). 5 miles east of Whistleduck, 7th May, 1955 Listed by Storr (1967 : 42) as occurring (NTM 456, 3992); 7 miles east of Cock­ north to the western Macdonnells and east roach Waterhole, 9th May (NTM 453); to Hermannsburg and Victory Downs. This Tarlton Downs, 15th June, 1967 (DS). 68 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST

(WESTERN) WHITEFACE that this species' preference is for tall spinifex (Aphelocephala leucopsis). (3' - 8') especially that growing along Listed by Storr (1967 : 45) as occurring creek beds. north to the Tropic and east to Charlotte Waters. In mid-June, 1967, during a patrol DUSKY GRASSWREN to Tarlton Downs, DS observed this species (Amytornis textilis). infrequently from Alice Springs as far east Listed by Storr (1967 : 47) as occurring; as the Jervois Range, but not further east. from the Macdonnell Ranges south to Peter­ mann Creek and the James Range. Recent· TANAMI TIT (Acanthiza apicalis tanami records include: Mannanana Range, Peter­ - Acanthiza pusilla tanami auctorum). mann Ranges, 29th March, 1966 (NTM Apart from the holotype in the American 3464-5); Gosse Bluff, 5th February, 1955 Museum of Natural History, and the two (NTM 443-5) ; Areyonga, 24th August, 1960 specimens in the AM recently collected at (specimens in WAM); Kings Canyon, 11th Camp Noll, Tanami Sanctuary (Condon, June, 1967 (SP); Mt. Zeil (BLB1; Central Disney and Slater, loc. cit.), there is another Mt. Stuart (A. Newsome); one mile north specimen, NTM 2233, from the Refuge of Tennant Creek, May, 1962 (3 specimens Basin, Tanami Sanctuary, 11th September, in SAM). In view of these additional data, 1964. the records from Barrow Creek and Coniston, not wholly accepted by Storr, may be con­ CHESTNUT-TAILED THORNBILL sidered validated. The Coniston locality is (Acanthiza uropygialis). actually Arragoona WH, Lander River, Listed by Storr (1967 : 46) as occurring 22°2'1"S. (Hill 1913 : 246, Campbell & north to Coniston (Cockatoo Creek), and Kershaw 1913 : 245). See also Podiceps east to Charlotte Waters. Present recorded poliocephalus. distribution limits are Warren Creek Bore, 52 miles west of Papunya, 18th April, 1964, WEDGEBILL (Sphenostoma cristatum). one mistnetted (DS); Coniston; Mt. Rid­ Listed by Storr (1967 : 53) as occurring dock, 6th May, 1955 (NTM 455); Paradise in the Finke Valley from Hermannsburg Bore, Jervois Range, 15th June, 1967 (DS); south-east to Charlotte Waters, with records Ringwood, 23rd April, 1965 (specimen in from north-west of Tennant Creek (19°S) A¥-); Charlotte Waters. and Tanami. Recent records of this local bird are from the Derwent River, 23°11'S., REDTHROAT (Pyrrholaemus brunneus). 132°9'E., 7th February, 1955 (NTM 448); Listed by Storr (1967 : 46) as occurring 19 miles east of Cockroach Waterhole, jer­ from the Macdonnell Ranges east to Alice vois Stock Route, 9th May, 1955 (NTM Springs and south to the upper Palmer and 3997) . Alice Well. A northern record is from a few miles south of the Granites, North-West GOLDEN-BACKED HONEYEATER Stock Route, November, 1966 (M & MB). (Melithreptus laetior). Listed by Storr (1967 : 55) as occurring SPINIFEX BIRD (Eremiornis carteri). from Katherine and Borroloola south to the Recorded by Whitlock (1924 : 268-9) Macdonnell Ranges and the upper Finke. from the Krichauff and James Ranges (Glen Recent central records of this uncommon of Palms, Coporyllia Spring, and between honeyeater are from Honeymoon Gap, 2nd Gilbert Springs and Gosse Ranges). Recent June, 1965 (NTM 2951-2); Attack Creek, records are from 14 miles south-west of Brunchilly (McEvey, )967 : 22); between Arltunga, 27th May, 1967 (NTM 3604-5); Arthur Creek and Tarlton Downs, 15th Wave Hill, 14th August, 1960 (specimens in June, 1967 (DS); 33 miles west of Frewena, WAM); between Ooraminna Rockhole and two juveniles, 22nd August, 1967 (BG). Deep Well road, 27th September, 1967 (SP, BLB); 15 and 17 miles south down Deep BLACK HONEYEATER Well road (Watson 1967b : 6, and in litt.) ; (Myzomela nigra). Corroboree Rock, ~ast of Alice Springs (SP, Listed by Storr (1967 : 55) as occurring M & MB); Honeymoon Gap and Serpentine north to Tanami, Powell Creek, (and the Gorge, west of Alice Springs, September, Nowranie, Qld.). Recent records of this 1967 (M & MB). Where habitat notes highly nomadic bird are from Connor's accompany these observations, they indicate Well, 55 miles north of Alice Springs, THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 69

August, 1963 (M & MB); area around Springs, 19th March, 1967 (NTM 3427); Alice Springs (Watson, 1967b : 6); 9 miles common around Alice Springs from July, north of Barrow Creek, a pair, June, 1962; 1966 to March, 1967 (3 breeding records), 91 miles east of Frewena, a pair, Jurie, 1962, when they departed (DS); 92 miles south of and 33 miles west of Frewena, 22nd August, Tennant Creek, a pair, 17th October, 1967 1967 (BG). (DS); common between Nicholson, W.A., and Inverway, N.T., early December, 1967 WHITE-FRONTED HONEYEATER (DS) ; many birds in small area of flowering (Phylidonyris albifrons). shrubs 33 miles west of Frewena, 22nd Au­ Listed by Storr (1967 : 56) as occurring gust, 1967 (BG); Papunya, one immature from Wycliffe Creek south to Angas Downs. mistnetted on 9th May, 1964 (DS). Recent records of this nomadic honeyeater are from Harry Creek, 30 miles north of YELLOW-FRONTED HONEYEATER Alice Springs, 28th April, 1962, and (Meliphaga plumula). Wauchope, 1st May, 1962 (4 specimens in Listed by Storr (1967 : 57) as ranging SAM); Connor's Well, 55 miles north of north to Banka Banka and Alexandria. Alice Springs, August, 1963, common and North-western records are from Wave Hill nesting (M & MB); Connellan's Creek, and Hooker Creek, commonly mistnetted Alice Springs, 19th March, 1967 (NTM between November, 1962 and January, 1963 3428-9); south of Mt. Gillen, 14th May, (DS). 1967 (NTM 3588); Valley of Eagles, 27th May, 1967, one bird (SP); Hamilton Downs, PAINTED FINCH (Emblema picta). 31st July, 1966 (NTM 3347); McLaren Listed by Storr (1967 : 59) as occurring Creek, 7th June, 1962, many amongst blos­ north to Tanami, Banka Banka, and Alexan­ som, other sightings from little north of Alice dria, with the comment that although it Springs to little north of Tennant Creek, was formerly common in the Central Aus­ early July, 1962 (BG); Warren Creek Bore, tralian cattle belt it is now generally scarce. 52 miles west of Papunya, eight adults mist­ The abundance of recent records does not netted on 15th March, 1964 (DS). support this view. 1961: Wave Hill, August, large flock at waterhole (M & MB) ; GREY HONEYEATER (Conopophila 1965: Smoke Hills, Tanami area, 24th whitei - Lacustroica whitei auctorum). October (NTM 3490); Camp Noll, Tanami Collected by Whitlock (1924 : 276-7) Sanctuary, 8th April (specimen in AM); from Boggy Pool, upper Finke, and five 1966: Attack Creek, Brunchilly, indefinite miles east of Hennannsburg Mission, in sightings (McEvey, 1967 : 22) ; the Granites, mulga. Recent records are from 15 miles North-West Stock Route, November, small up the Yuendumu road from Stuart High­ flock (M & MB); 1967: Valley of Eagles, way, in dense mulga, 28-29th August, 1967 east of Alice Springs, 27th May, several birds (BG); about 10 miles east of Hamilton (SP); Mt. Gillen, frequently during May, Downs, 27th August, 1967, a pair in mulga June and July (SP); Central Mt. Wedge, (BG); Wave Hill, 3rd January, 1963, one 27th May, party of up to 6 on steep rocky netted, banded, photographed and released slope with Triodia, Eriachne, and bushes of (DS); Tanami Range, 13th May, 1952, (spe­ Acacia and Ptilotus (AN); Ormiston Gorge, cimen in AM). 27th May, small numbers (DS); John Hayes PIED HONEYEATER Rockhole, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, (Certhionyx variegatus). Serpentine Gorge, frequent, August-Septem­ Listed by Storr (1967 : 56) as ranging ber (TH); Desert Block (Napperby), com­ north to Tanami and north-west of Tennant mon between May and November (B. Ganley Creek (19°5), and east in the Simpson and D. Wark, A.LB.); Simpson's Gap, Sep­ Desert nearly to the Hay. Recent records tember (M & MB); China Wall, north of this highly nomadic species are from bank of upper Nicholson River, and Spring­ Harry Creek, 29th April, 1962 (4 specimens vale (between upper Nicholson and Galli­ in SAM); same place, nest with three young poli), early September, several birds (SP); (Watson, 1967b 7); Connor's Well, Boggy Waterhole Bore, Hugh River, west of August, 1963 (M & MB); Honeymoon Jay Creek, one bird at bore on Hakea] Gap, west of Alice Springs, 1st October, ironwood flats amongst ranges, 1st October 1965 (M & MB); Connellan's Creek, Alice (SP). 70 THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST

APOSTLE-BIRD (Struthidea cinerea). far east as Macdonald Downs (i.e. Dulcie Listed by Storr (1967 : 61) as occurring Range). Recently recorded further east at between Dunmarra and Elliott. Additional Paradise Bore, Jervois Range, one bird, 15th records are from halfway between Dunmarra June, 1967 (DS). and Top Springs, Murranji Stock Route, in AUSTRALIAN CROW (Corvus orru). lancewood, 40-50 birds, August, 1961 (M & Although listed by Storr (1967 : 64) as MB); Red Lily Lagoon, Elsey, upper Roper occurring throughout the Territory, this River, 20th May, 1962 (3 specimens in species is apparently absent from the hemi­ SAM). In the NMV there are six speci­ circle of country bounded by the Petermann mens from Borroloola and two from Munda, Ranges, George Gill Range and the western 55 miles ENE of Newcastle Waters, taken in tip of the Macdonnells, Barrow Creek, 1902 by Spencer, and Gillen CA. McEvey, Attack Creek and the Victoria. River depot, in litt.). as well as from the Simpson Desert. WHITE-BROWED WOODSWALLOW REFERENCES (Artamus superciliosus). Austin, C., 1968. Centralian Expedition, Bird Listed by Storr (1967 : 62) from Darwin, List (cont.), Bird Observer, 434 : 2-6. the McArthur, Alexandria and Alice Springs. Boyland, D., and Ogilvie, P., 1966. A flora and fauna reconnaissance of the far south-west At 42 miles east of the Stuart Highway ­ corner of Queensland. Arid Zone Newsletter, Barkly Highway junction, on 30th June, 1966 : 17-20. 1967, at least two of this species were ob­ Campbell, A. J., and Kershaw, J. A., 1913. Notes served with about 30 Masked Woodswal­ on a small collection of bird skins from the Northern Territory. Emu, 12 : 274-278. lows, Artamus personaius, feeding amongst Condon, H. T., Disney, H. J., and Slater, K:. R., blossoms of Eucalyptus terminalis in Euca­ 1966. The taxonomic position of the Tanami lyptus/ Acacia-dominated woodland (AN). Tit. Emu, 66 : 117-20. Common, with A. personatus, in shrub sa­ Finlayson, H. H., 1933. Two strange parrots in the Interior. S. Aust. Orn., 12 : 46-48. vannah between Tennant Creek and Elliott, Ford, J., 1961. The increase in abundance of July, 1967 (SP), north to Katherine and the Bourke Parrot in Western Australia, 1938­ east to Borroloola, same period (RKC). 1960. Emu, 61 : 211-217. Frith, H. J., 1967. Waterfowl in Australia. WHITE-BACKED MAGPIE Angas and Robertson, Sydney. (Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota). Hartert, E., 1905. List of birds collected in Storr (1967 : 63, and in litt.) points out North-Western Australia and Arnhem-Land by Mr. J. T. Tunney. Noult, Zool., 12 : 194-242. that old males of Gymnorhina tibicen, the Hill, G. F., 1913. Ornithological notes, Barclay Black-backed Magpie, may have the back Expedition, Emu, 12 : 238-262. white, as in the males of G. hypoleuca leu­ Lendon, A., 1968. The distribution of the Aus­ conota, the White-backed Magpie. In such tralian psittacines. S. Aust. Orn., 25 : 3'-17. McEvey, A., 1967. Birds of the Victorian cases they would be indistinguishable in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department Northern field from males of the latter, and acceptance Territory Bustard Expedition, 1966. Pp. 1-39. of the presence of G. hypoleuca leuconota in Storr, G. M., 1967. List of Northern Territory the Centre must rest on specimens NTM Birds. Spec. Publ. W. Aust. Mus., 4 : 1-90. Watson, J. D., 1966. Birds listed in. Alice 2964 (Alice Springs, 11th June, 1965) and Springs area, October 18-November 3" 1966. NTM 3006 (Alice Springs, 29th June, Bird Observer, 421 : 4. 1965), both grey-backed females, typical of Watson, J. D., 1967a. Birds listed in Alice females of the White-backed Magpie. A Springs area (contd.). Bird Observer, 422 : 2-4. sight record referable to the White-backed Watson, J. D., 1967b. Birds listed in Alice is from five miles south down the Deep Springs area (concl.), Bird Observer, 423 : Well road, 131:1}. December, 1967, one white­ 4-7. backed and one grey-backed bird, a pair Whitlock, F. L., 1924. In search of the Night (SP, DH). Parrot. Emu, 23 : 248-281. Whether these two forms actually breed APPENDIX Gazetteer of Northern Territory localities men­ sympatrically in the Centre, and if so, tioned in text other than those found in Storr whether they interbreed, is a matter for (1967). further investigation. Acacia Bore, 23°35'S., 134°22'E. Ammaroo, cattle station, 21°45'S., 135°17'E. WESTERN BOWERBIRD Arena, The, Tanami Sanctuary, 20014'S., 131°11'E. (Chlamydera maculata). Areyonga, native settlement, 2405'S., 132°16'E. Listed by Storr (1967 : 64) as ranging as Argadargada, cattle station, 21°42'S., 136°40'E. THE S.A. ORNITHOLOGIST 71

Arthur Creek, crosses Jervois Stock Route at North-West Stock Route, begins 16 miles north 22°41'S. 136°41'E. of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, con­ Austral D~wns, cattle station, 20'30'S., 137°46'E. tinuing north-west to Tanami and Western Barry Caves Motel, Barkly Highway 27 miles west Australia. of Soudan Station. Numery, cattle station on the Hale, 23°53'S., Blackhill Dam, Hamilton Downs, approx. 23°33'S., 135°27'E. 133°24'E. Old Andado, 25°23'S., 135°26'E. Boggy Waterhole Bore, on the Hugh River at Ooraminna Rockhole = Ooraminna Waterhole, about 23°45'S., 133°22'E. Storr [q.u.), Bond Springs, cattle station, 23°33'S., 133°56'E. Oorobra Rockhole, .]inka station, 22°42'S., Bushy Park, cattle station, 22°54'S., 133°56'E. 135°44'E. Camp Noll, Tanami Sanctuary, 20026'S., 130:42,'E. Orange Creek, (= Renner's Rock), cattle station, Chilla Well, North-West Stock Route, 2130 S., 24°22'S., 133°25'E. 130053'E. Ormiston Gorge, 23°39'S., 132°44'E. China Wall, on north bank of upper Nicholson R., Palmer Crossing, 24°37'30"S., 132°48'E. 17°46'S., 137°13'E. . Palmer Valley, cattle station, 24°46'S., 133°14'E. Corella Creek, Brunette Downs, 18°27'S., 135°48'E. Papunya, native settlement, 23°17'S., 131°47'E. Corroboree Rock, approx, 23°40'S., 134°14'E. Paradise Bore, Jervois Range, 22°36'S., 136°25'E. Deep Well, 24°22'S., 134°3'E. Piltardi Rockhole, Petermann Ranges, 2507'S., Deep Well, cattle station, 24°18'S., 134°9'E. 129°55'E. Deep Well Road, between a point 7 miles south Queen's Visit Bore, North-West Stock Route, of Alice Springs and Deep Well. . 2302'S., 132°41'E. Delmore Downs, cattle station, 22°28'S., 134°51'E. Refrigerator Bore, North-West Stock Route, Desert Block, section of Napperby Station, 2304'S., 2103'S., 130045'E. 133°1'E. Refuge Basin, Tanami Sanctuary, 20032'S., Elkedra, cattle station, 21°10'S., 135°28'E. 130056'30"E. Garden, cattle station, 23°17'S., 134°25'E. Renahan's Bore, North-West Stock Route, 27 Gibson Creek, crosses Stuart Highway at 19°12'S., miles NW of Chilla Well. 134°10'E. Ringwood, cattle station, 23°50'S., 134°56'E. Gosse Bluff, Gosse Range, 23°51'S., 132°18'E. Rodinga Range, approx, 24°30'S., 134°20'• Hamilton Downs, cattle station, 23°32'S., 133°16'E. 135°20'E. Honeymoon Gap, 23°44'S., 133°44'E. Sandscreen Bore, Hamilton Downs, approx. Hugh River Stock Route, from Deep Well west­ 23'25'S., 133°23'E. ward to the Palmer. Serpentine Gorge, 23°43'S., 132°51'E. llbumric bore, 21°27'S., 135°14'E. Shaw Creek, Petermann Ranges, 25°12'S., Indinda Well, near Old Andado Homestead, 129°46'E. 25°23'S., 135°23'E. Sixteen-mile dam, Hamilton Downs, approx. Inverway, cattle station, 17°51'S., 129°38'E. 23°21'S., 133°29'E. Jervois Range (hills and mine), approx. 22°39'S., Smoke Hills, Tanami area, 2005'S., 13008'E. 136°16'E. South Barkly Stock Route, from Attack Creek Jinka, cattle station, 22°43'S., 135°45'E. (Stuart Highway), roughly eastwards through John Hayes Rockhole, 23°32'S., 134°21'E. BrunchilIy, Rockhampton Downs, and Alroy Kunoth Well and Bore, North-West Stock Route, Downs to Ranken. 23°31'S., 133°34'E. Spinifex Bore, Macdonald Downs, approx. Lake Nash, cattle station on the Georgina, 058'S., 22°22'S., 135°6'E. 20 137°55'E. Springvale, 18°30'S., 137°32'E. Lander River floodout, approx. 200S., 131°35'E. Steele Gap, eastern Rodinga Range, 24°24'S., Libby Hole, Shakespeare Creek, 20014'S., 137°42'E. 135°5'E. Lucy Creek, cattle station, 22°26'S., 136°17'E. Tarlton Downs, cattle station, 22°39'S., 136°54'E. Mannanana (Mannagana) Range, 24°58'S., Temple Bar Creek, 23°45'S., 133°45'E. 129°17'E. Tobermorey, cattle station, 22°17'S., 137°56'E. Maryville road-train depot, spelt Maryvale in Storr Top Springs, Victoria River Downs, 1608'S., (q.o.). 131°50'E. McLaren Creek, crosses Stuart Highway at 020'S., Utopia, cattle station, 22°14'S., 134°33'E. 20 134°14'E. Valley of Eagles, Macdonnell Ranges, 23°21'S., Merrina Waterhole, Winnecke Creek, approx. 135°33'E. 18°44'S'J 131°15'E. Vaughan Springs, cattle station, 22°18'S., 130052'E. Meteorite Craters, Henbury Station, 24°35'S., Wallara, ranch, 24°38'S., 132°17'E. 133°8'E. Warrabri, native settlement, 21°S., 134°24'E. Monkaderry Waterhole, Banka Banka station, Warren Creek bore, 23°20'S., 131°13'E. 18°35'S., 134°33'E. Wave Hill, cattle station, 17°29'S., 130057'E. 03'S., Mount Doreen, cattle station, 22 131°19'E. Whistle duck (mine), Jervois Stock Route, approx. Mount Riddock (or Riddoch), cattle station, 22°50'S., 135°32'E. 23'2'S., 134°40'E. 08'S., Mount Skinner, (= Harper Springs), cattle Yamba, cattle station, 23 133°50'E. station, 22°12'S., 134°5'E. ' Yuendumu, native settlement, 22°15'S., 131°48'E. Mount Solitary, 22°11'S., 133°39'E. Yuendumu road: the south-east section of the Napperby Creek, crosses North-West Stock Route North-West Stock Route, from its beginning at at 22°49'S., 132°35'E. the Stuart Highway 16 miles north of Alice New Andado, cattle station, 25°26'S., 135°17'E. Springs, north-west to Yuendumu.