XL.The Birds of North Queensland.Part I. on Two

On the Birds of North Queensland. 617 lining; they lay their eggs on the dry soil, of wliicli the mound is composed. The hole the birds make is small com- pared with the size of t!ie birds themsclvcs. Two eggs are laid, being pure white and well glossed. They measure: A 1.58~1-14, n 1.48 x 1.15 inch. These specimens were found 011 the 4th of October, 1899.

XL.---?%c Birds of Norlh Queenslnnd.--Part I. On two C'ollectianx from ('ooklown and the Neiyhbourhood of Cairns. Dy IlEHHEKP c. HOH1NSO.Y alitl M'. s. LAVEK~CIK,M.A., B.Sc., Assiatant iii tlie Derby R1 LIY~UIII,Liverpool. With Field-notes by 14;. OLII.E. ABOUT:he niitldle of last year Mr. E. Olive of Cooktown, a port situated on tlle east coast of Uuecnsland, about 400 miles south of Ci~pc k'ork, the northmimost point of Australia, sent to one of 11s a small collection of birds which, though liriiited in cstent,contained examples of several species of coiisidcrahlc interrst. At our suggestion he somewhat later prorrchl to Cairiis, some 100 miles south of Cooktown, 11 liere lie cotlcctotl on the slopes of the Bellenden-Ker niouiitaiiiu, wliiclr attain an altitude of 5500 fcet, being the highest in Qiiwiislautl. The collections there formed were priticipally from the lowcr slopes ot' hloiint Sapplriri (which is pr,,bal)ly tlic Moiiiit Sophia of the Admiralty Chart), and from \loiiiit F3cllcnderi Ker itself, which was ascended on tlirec owa-ioiis. Ilcre a camp was formd for about a week at nn altitude of somewhat over 4030 feet, whence the rnountiiiti was worked to the summit. The collections from high elevations arc unfortunately riot YO exhaiistivc as might have been hoped, for, owing to the unusual wetnws oE the seasou ttic mountain was enveloped in a perpetiial fog, which made collccting a matter of extreme difficuliy, and in addition thc majority of the birds were in full moult. Xcverthelcss the material obtaiiicd does riot appear to bear out Jlr. De Yis's statement (Rep. Sciciit. Exp. N.E. 618 Messrs. H. C. Robinson and W.S. Laverock on Queendand), that there is no change of fauna at higher elevations. Many species do not appear to range above 2000 feet, while others seem to be of only exceptional occurrence below that elevation. The fauna of the Cape York Peninsula is well known to present well-marked Papuan affinities, as is shown by the occurrence of such genera as Rhododendron in plants, Symn, Tanysiptera, and Casuarius in birds, and Dendrvlaps, Cuscus, and Dactylopsila in mammals. In fact, it would appear that the portion of Australia between Cape York and the mouth of thc Herbert River and east of the watershed should be regarded as a well-marked division belonging quite as much to the Papuati as to the Australian faunal rcgion. In the following list wc have indicated by a those species which occur only it1 the Cooktown Collection, while those which we have received from Cairns ouly have R t attached ; species represented in both collcctiona being unmarked.

1. *UROSPIZIASAPPROXIMANS (Vig. & Horsf.). Aslur approximans Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. i. p. 126 (1874). A small series of adult and immature birds. ‘‘ Shy and not particiilarly plentiful. Iris arid feet Fellow ; bill black ” (Olioe).

2. *LEUCOSFIZIASCINEKBUS (Vieill.). Astur cinereqcs Sharpc, t. c. p. 117. Several specimcris of both sexes, all of which liavc the ashy-brown semilunar marks on the feathers of the breast supposed to indicate immaturity. ‘‘ Of only occasional occurreuce. Iris atid feet yellow ; bill black ” (Wive).

3. *ERYTHROTRIOKCHISRADIATUS (Lath.). Urvspirias radintus Sharpe, t. c. p. 159. Of this rare Goyhawk we have received a single slightly immature male in somewbat worn plumage, ‘‘ Iris brown ; feet yellow ; bill black. Birds and insects in crop ” (Olire). the Birds of Xorth Queensland. 619

4. *ACCIPITEH CIRROCEPHALVS (Vieill.) ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 141. Two females, both in immature plumage; one of them shot in Juue is moulting into the adult livery, as one or two fresh feathers with cross-bars are showing on the breast. “Plentiful, but shy and extremely difficult to procure, as they fly very high. Iris and feet yellow ; biil black ” (Olive).

5. BAZASUBCRISTATA (Gould) ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 357. Evidently somewhat dificult to procure, though not really rare ; we have received two adults only, one from Cooktown and the other from the neighbourliood of Bellenden Ker. Regarding the latter Mr. Olive remarks that thc species is not uncommon on the margins of the thick scrubs, where it is frequently to be secu perchiug on the loftier brauches of dcad trees, but thcrc is difficulty in getting rithin shootingdistance. Iris yellow ; feet bluish white; upper mandilde black, lower yellowish.

6. “HALIASTIJRGIURENERA (vieill.); Sharp, t. C. p. 315. A single adult female.

“ Found siiigly in forest country near the sea, but not at all plentiful : shy, and usually flies at a great elevation. Iris brown ; feet dirty white ; bill slate-grey ” (Olizje).

7. *HALIASTURSPHENURUS (Vieill.) ; Sharpc, t. c. p. 316. A pair of somewhat immature birds. ‘(A carrion-feeder : circles in the air at a great height looking for food. Twenty or thirty may be occasioually found fecding on a dead beast, some even going inside the carcase. I have noticed that they arc able to tear up and devour their food 011 the wing. Iris brown ; feet whitistl ; bill blackish slate ” (Olive).

8. *HIERACII)EAORIEKTALIS (Schleg.) ; Sharpr, t. c. p. 422. A small series of young and adult birds of both sexes.

9. *HIERACIDEAHEHIGORA (Vig. & Horsf.) ; Stinrpe, t. c. p. 421. A pair of adult birds. It seems strange that thia species and the preccding, which 620 hlcssrs. 11. C. Kobiusori mid 1V. S. Laverock on apprar to lie rcprrsciitatiw forms of one another, should occrri in the saiiie district. H. beriyoru is gciiera~~ycon- sidered to be a dry country form of H. orientulis. Both spies, however, haw becri rccortled from Port Morcsby, arid a third form, H. nova+giiinee Meper, has bccn described fiwu German New Guirica.

10. *PASI)IOS J.F~~~(’OCll’HAl~t‘S~Ollld ; sll2l’]K’,t. C. 1). 451. ‘l’ITo fet11:1les. Very shy and scarce : gciierally foiinrl in 1 airs in the nciglibourhood of tlic sea, but sonietirncs fiirtli(*r rip the Endeavour River. Iris ycllow ; feet Llrriah wiiitc ; bill black ” (Oliw).

11. *STKIXCANDIDA ‘pick.; Siiarpc, Cat. Hirds Brit. JIus. ii. p. 308 (1875). Scarcc. Iris black ; fcet and bill whitish Iiorn-colour. Jiisccts iii crop ” (Olive).

12. *sTRIX DICLICA1’CI.A c;Olll(l. ,%i.r./iam~/wa Sliarpc, t. c. 1). 291. Iris black ; feet hewn ; bill \rliitisli 1ioi.n-coloiir ’’ (Olire).

13. *HIEROGLAIISHV\IEIt,iLIS (Ilotnhr. k Jiicq.1. Ni?tox iiurrtcrrrlis Sht~rpe,t. c. 1). 18!). A siiig!e specinirn, of which tlic label has niilbrtuiiately heen lost, agrevs nc.ll with a11 esaniplc of this spcc:ics lroni (juiiiea with wliicli we hvc coniparcd it. It has breu 1JwviousIy recorded as i\ustrali:ui by Nr. Uc \is (Ann. Rep. 13rit. Sew (iiiiiiea, Appctid. l

1.k. tIIIEROGI.AC‘X (‘OSSIVENS (Lath.). A’inos comicens Sharpe, t. c. p. 176. A single male from Aft. Sapphiri, Cairns. ‘l’liis specimen Iias tlic strip 011 the flanks somewhat more rcdtlish-hrowri, arid the coloration of the npper surface riit1it.r paler thaii the t!pical forni. 111 this it would np~ic:irto :igrcc with tl:c forrn wpnratod as LYit/o,/,~,~,f/i?~.~/////7.~.~ Y~rl~ad., n liicli, lioacwi., i> dcsciil~cdas bcing wry coiisidcrably sninllcr tlinii typical If. connireits. lJ~eHiids of iVoA Queeiisland. 621 The present bird, however, is fully equal in size to average specimens of H. conniueiis, having the wing 311 and the tail 191 mm. “ Scarce aud shy : the specimen sent was shot roosting on the limb of a tree during the day. Iris yellow ; feet yellow ; bill yellow, with a black tip. A rat and some insects were in the stomach, and the orbital cavity was infested with a species of En tozoon ” (Olive).

15. *SPILOQLAUXOCEI.I.ATA (IIombr. &L Jacq.). Ninox ocellata Sharpe, t. t:. p. 170. The two specimens sent agree well with one collected by Everett in Savu. ‘‘ Scarce and shy, spentliug the day in hollow trees. Iris yellow ; feet whitish ; bill black ” (Olive).

16. tSrrLosLaux LUHIDA (De Vis). Ninor lurida De Vis, Rep. Sci. Exped. N.E. Queensland, p. 31 (1889) ; North, Cat. Birds Austral. Mus., Striges (2nd ed.) p. 16 (1898). A single female of this species was shot on Dec. 12th at the font of Bellenden Ker. It is apparently quite distinct from Spiloglaux boobook, from which it is at once distinguished by its very much smaller size. Wing 211, tail 128 mm. ‘‘ Apparently fairly commou, judging by the noise they make at night, but very difficult to obtain. The prevent specimen was one of four which were found perched on one tree. Iris yellow ; feet whitish horn ; bill Mack, the culmeu bluish slate. The stomach contained insects ” (Olive).

17. STKEPERAQHACULIKA (White) ; Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. iii. p. 57 (1877). At Cooktown this species occurs only during the three winter months, but in the higher rauges round Cairns it is apparently found throughout the year, as specimens were shot on the summit of Mount Bellenden Ker at the conimence- ment of December. -411 the specirnciis sent are somewhat smallcr than SEH. VII.-VOL. VI. 2U G22 Mcssrs. 11. '2. Hobirison mid \Y.S. Lawrock ou others froin New South Wales, as the following ditnensions show :-

IVitig. Tail. t':iliii. Tars. 111111. LIIIII. 111111. IIII~. Cooktown, Aug., 2 8... . . , 241-244.7 li!)-l82 60--61 46-48 9, ,, 3 2,...... 230-433 171-173 53.5-.5i 4.5-46 Nt. Bellenden Ker, Dec., .I z. 240-2.1'3 b.1 190 57-(;2 46-53 7, ,, ,, 9 . . 248 17fi 61 4 *5 N.S. \V~PS[Livq. Nus.) . 2O(i "70 211-2Iti 62 61 49-53

18. tPnLowiis ~ICTOHI.'EGoultl ; Sharp, t. (*. 1). 155. A very cxtctisivc serics from Mouut Sappliiri and Bel- lenden Kcr ; about half the nuniher arc nialcs in full breeding plumage, which sccuis to have bccii rcc:cntly acqiiired, the remaindcr bcing either females or indcs in iion-breeding plumagc rescmb5ng the fcmnlcs. In tlic largc scrics bcfore us the clinractcr of tlic markings on tlie iitid~rsurfwc varies much, onc spcciincn being entircly unil'orni fawn bcncatlt, while in young birds the 1,lactlr V-slqed bars are very marked. " Occurring singly in the lower brnncltcs of trees in scrub country : very shy but exccedirigly plentiful Ureeding malcs have the iris bromii ; feet and bill black ; and the angle of the gape yellowish. Ot1Lt.r specitncns are similar, but havc thc fcct cithcr blackish slate or hluisli white. The species does not occur ahovc about 2500 frct " (Oliue).

I!). I'RION~DURANE\v'rOsIAs,i Dc Vis, Proc. Linn. SOC. N.S.\T. vii. 1). 582; Robinson, Bull. Livcrp. Miis. ii. p. 116 (1'300). \Vc have (loc. cit.) rccordetl a specimen from Cooktown, w1ii:bIi is apparently the extreme northcru limit of thc species. M'c have also reccivcd a large serics from Mt. Bellenden Ker, sliot at an altitude of 4000-5000 feet. Bcwtdiiig to IIr. Olive, it is plentiful abow 2000 fwt, but Iic states that he has not seen any in tlic low country. Tlie bower is geuerally built against n tree growing on a slope, and is 3 fect long by 2 feet thick and about 3 feet in height; there are generally four pnssages meeting at right angles in the Birclu uf North Queeizsluntl. 623 the centre of the bower, though some have three openings and others none at all. A little fruit is scattered about in and outside the bowcr. Iris yellowish white; feet black (iu younger specimens greenish slate) ; bill brow~i.

20. tTEcToNoRNrs DENTIROSTKIS (Ramsay). Scenopus denlirostris Sliarpc, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. pi. p. 394 (1881). Occurring in company with the preccdiug species on the higher levels of Rlt. Bcllenden Kcr. Iris brown ; feet greenish white; hill black. The I‘ playground ” of this species is LL bare space 6 x 4 feet, cleared of sticks and old leaves and oruarnented with Ereshly plucked grccn leaves placed with the upper surfaces down- wards. The birds amuse tlicmselves by hopping about in this open space and arranging and rearranging these leaves. This genus is evidently a transitional form between Chlamydera and the Gaidencr Bowcr-bird5 (Arnblyornis) of New Guinea.

21. f’ELURmDUs MACUI.oSUS Hamsay ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 383. Many specimens. Evidently exceedingly common in the dense scrubs of the coast range, although rather difficult to procure as it is very shy and in plumage assimilates closely to the surrounding foliage. “Iris red; fcct lightish slatc or greenish slate; bill bluish white ” (Olive). A nest with two eggs in an advanced state of incubation was procured 011 November 22nd, aud the male bird was shot off the nest, which is bowl-shaped in form, 160 mm. in external diameter and 120 mm. internal. Its external depth is 110, internal 50 mm. It is composed almost entirely of fine twigs neatly wound round and covered on the outside with the leaves of what is known locally as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, some of which are partially skeletonized. It was situated in dense scrub on the branch of a tree at a height of some 15 feet ahove the ground. The eggs are somewhat swollen ovals of a delicate creamy yellow approaching the 20 2 624 Messrs. H. C. Robinson and W. S. Laverock 011 colour of old ivory, and with a smooth shining surface. They measure : A, 41 x 31 mm. ; B, 38 x 29 mm. (approx.). A third egg obtained on December 12th measures 88 x 28.5 mm.

22. *CHLAMYDEHAOHIENTALIS Qould. Chfamydoderaorientafia Sharpe, t. c. p. 389. Six specimens, all males, from Cooktown have been sent, shot in June and July, two of which are just assuming the lilac occipital patch. “Iris white; feet slaty green ; bill black ” (Olive).

23. *GHALLINAPICATA (Lath.) ; Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. iii. p. 272 (1877). A single specimen of this widespread Australian form. “ Iris white; feet black ; bill white. Food, insects ” (Olire).

24. CH~BIABKACTEATA (Gould) ; Sharpc, t. c. p. 236. Many specimens of this common North Australian bird from Cooktown and the coast-ranges south of Cairns. At Cooktown, according to Mr. Olive, it is somewhat scarce in summer though plentiful in winter. ‘I Iris red; bill and feet black ’’ (Ofbe). The nests and three clutches of eggs were also procured iu November aud December. One clutch consisted of one egg and the other two of three each, which is probably the normal number, while two uests each containing three freshly hatchet1 birds were obtained on December 12th. The nest was placed on the limb of a tree about 20 feet above the ground in an open country, aud is a loose structure composed entirely of the branched teudrils of some climbing plant. It is rather shallow and roughly circular iri form, measuring 148 mm. in diameter and 82 mm. iu depth externally, and 95 x 52 mm. internally. The eggs are a slightly pointed oval of il dull chalky white, moderately spotted, especially at the larger end, with medium- sized purplish-howu blotches, many of which appear as it’ beneath the surface of the slicll. the Birds of North Queenstand. 625 One clutch obtained on December 8th mcasures : A, 29 x 21 ; B, 25.5 x 21.5 j C, 29 x 22 mm.

25. MIMETAFLAVICINCTA King. Orioluspavicinctus Sharpe, t. c. p. 206. Oriolus viridivsimuv Sharpe, t. c. p. 207. A considcrable series of old arid young birds from the same localities as the preceding species. The young birds agree well with the description of 0. viridissinzus Heine, as given by Sharpc (loc. cit.), which species is evidently not tenable. It is curious that ill this species the young birds should he so miich brighter in coloration than the adults, which is not the case in other spccies of Mimeta. Adult birds havc the iris red; feet slate; bill brownish red. Youiigcr birds haw the bill and feet black ; iris brown. 26. *MIAXETASACITTATA (Lath.). Oriolus viridis Sharpe, t. c. p. 212. Six specimens from-Cooktown, shot in June and September. ‘‘ Found plentifully in forcst-country either in flocks or in pairs, feeding on the fruit of a species of Ficus. Iris red ; feet slate ; bill reddish brown ” (Olive). The material at our disposal is not sufficient to settle whether the form described as M. u@is (Gould) from Port Essington is valid, and, if so, whether these specimens should be referred to it. After examining Gould’s types, Mr. Whitmer Stone (Proc. Philad. Acad. 1891, p. 430) has stated that M. a&is is a perfectly valid specics. Australian ornithologists recognize both forms and record them as occ:urring together in Northern Qurcnsland (cf. Ramsay, Tab. List Australian Birds, pp. 11, 32, 1888). Both forms certainly appear to be represented amongst thirteen specimens now bcfore us from various parts of Northern Qneensland. But whether those birds which assimilate most closely to M. uJZnis are merely immature specimens of M. sagittutu (as we are inclined to think) we cannot at present decide. The name M. riridis, hitherto iiiiivcrsallp used for thc 626 Messrs. €1. C. Ito1)irisori and W. S. Laverock on Southern spccics, is uiifortunatcly untennblc, being founded on the Green Grackle of Latharii ((;en. Pyn. Suppl. ii. p. 129, ISOl), siibscquciitly Latinizctl as G,mculn cirirlis (Iiid. Orn. Suppl. p. xxviii, 1801). On rcatliiig the original description, howewr, it is obvious that it really applies to the Australian Cat-bird, Alurcedus ciridis, to which, iiidecd, it has been applied by Dr. Sharpe (Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. vi. p. 385), evidently forgcttirig that he had prcviously referred the samc description to the bird we are now discussing. The proper namc’, then, for the prcneiit spccics is Mimetu sagittaicr, founded oti the Sfrialed Roller of Latham (Cren. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 122, 1801), Latinizcd as Coracias SQgittUfU (Ind. Oni. Suppl. 1). xxvi, ISOI). The specimen on whicli this iiaiiie was founded passed into Lord Derby’s Collretiori, :iid is fottiirintc4y still in cxistence iii the Liverpool >I iiscwin.

27. SPIIECOTIIERESYLIVIVESTI~IS Gorild ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 2?5. Man!. specinlens from both Cooktown and Cairns, where it sccms to be one of thc comtrioncst birds. “ Adult malm harc the iris brow ; bill black j feet pink ; and the harc skin round tlie eyes red. Females and young malcs : iris brown ; feet slate; bill brownish ; orhitnl skin slate ” (Olire). The series of irnni:tture indcs that is before 11s affords very strong evidence t1i:it this species attains its adult plumage, partially at least, hp direct colour-chaiige in the feather, as many of the Iweast-feathers of the specimens btfore us have a marked yellow edging, whilst still rctairiing the brown sliaft-stripe characteristicof the inimaturc plumage. We have also rcceivcd a clutch of two cggs obtained on December 30th in a high forest-tree 25 fect above the ground ; they are of a very pale brownish olive with a tinge of green, thickly spotted, more especially towards the smaller end, nith medium-sized reddish-brown spots ; iri shape they are a very pointed oval, almost pyriform. They nieasurr : A, 30 x 22.5 ; B, 29 x 23 mm. the Birds of hTorlhQueensland. 627

28. tCoLLYHiocINci,i ROWEI~I Ramsay, Proc. Linn. SOC. N.S.W. x. p. 244. One spcciiueri, confounded with the two succecding spccies by Mr. Olive, agrees wvtll with two specirncns in the British Museum collcctcd by Cairns and Grant. It is undoubtcdly very distinct, and might be describcd as a diminutive richly-coloured race of C. harmonica. Whole upper surface dull lead-grey ; the primaries dull brown edged with pale brown exteriorly ; lores whitibh, an ill-defincd stripe from tlic lorcs to the eyc rufoos. Under surface pale rufous, the feathers of' tile throat and upper breast with stroiigly marked grey shaft-stripes. " Bill black ; feet reddish brown j iris brown " ( OIive). hlcasurenicnts : total lcugth 200, Miiig 101, tail 85, tars. 27, culirr. 23 mni.

23. *COLLFKIOCINCLACERVINEIVENTHIS Sorth, llee. Austr. Mus. iii. p. 49 (1807). A single male from Cooktowii agrees fairly well with the diagnosis of the above species, which is described as coming from the Dau son Rivcr, Ccntral Queensland. Iris, bill, and feet hrown. The measurements of the specinicn before us are : wing 96, tail 81, tars. 26, culni. 21 mm. , We are by no means sure that this species will not ultimately prove to be fouuded on specimens of the true C. rufignster Goi~ld,in somewhat blcachcd plumage-i. e., specimens from districts of low rainfall.

29 A. tCoLLYRiocrscLA COULDI (G. M. Gray). Myiolestes gouldi G. It. Gray, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 180 (young ?). ? MyiofestesyriseafusG. It. Gray, t. c. p. 180 (old?). Colluricincln parvissima Gould, Ann. & Mag. N. H. (4) x. p. 114 (1872) (young). Pinarolpstes rujiyaster Sharpc (nec Gould) , Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. iii. p. 296 (1877). We hare had many speciniriis before IIY (males and females) 628 Messrs. 11. C. ltobirisoti mid W. S. Lavcrock 0))

which must he referred to this spccirs : evidently a smaller arid morc richly cdourrd racc of C‘. ryfignster. Thc mrasiirements are :-

As regards its name, it is otwioiis that .I/yio/estes youldi (;. R. Cir. should be rmployed iti prcferencc to C. pnw”sirnn Ciould, which was published 14 years latcr.

30. GHAUCALUSHYPOLKUCUS Goultl ; Sliarpe, Cat. Birds Hrit. 3111s.iv. p. 36 (187‘3). A largc series from Cooktoivii aid Mouut Sapphiri. Iris brown ; feet and bill hlacdi. A nest, obtained on December 12th at Hcllcridcn Ker, was situatcd in the fork of a trcc, aboiit 25 feet from the ground, and contained one frcsh egg, which is oval, nicasuring 30 x 2 1.3 min., of a dull olive-green, thickly marked with diill reddish-brown blotches, which form a zone at thc larger end.

31. *GR.\CCALUSMELASOPS (Lath.) ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 30. Aclult and immature hirds of hoth sexes were shot at Cooktowti in June and July. Iris &e. as in the preceding species.

32. (;H.iUCAI.US SWAINSON1 Goultl. Graitcnlus liiientus Sharpe, t. c. 1). 40. Somewhat scarce at Cooktown, but evidently much coni- moner round Cairns. “ Iris yellowish white ; feet and bill black ” (Olive). Immature birds have the feathers of the rump and lower back tipped with white, the whitc bars on the lower surface broader than in older birds, and the iiridcr wing-coverts aiid axillaries pure white, only faintly harrcd with black. Ihe Riids of iVorlli Qiieenslutrtl. 629 A still younger specimen has obsolete barrings on the throat and upper breast.

33. EDOLIISOMATENUIROSTKE (Jard.) ; Sliarpe, t. c. p. 55. “ Generally fouiid in company with Gmucalw melanops, but by no means common. Iris brown; hill arid feet black ” (Olive).

34. *LALAGE KAiiu (Less. & Garn.) ; Harkrt, Mov. zool. v. 1’. 521 (1898). Lalage leucomelena Sharpc, t. c. p. 106 (partim). Two males and a fem.ilc from Cooktown. “ Very plentiful and not shy ; ge~iernllyit1 pairs. Iris brown ; bill and feet black ” (Olive).

35. *PIEZOHHYNCHUSNITIDUS Gould ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 416. Two males. “ Plentiful in thc mangrove swamp. Iris brown; fect black ; bill slate with the tip black.” (Olive).

36. tPrEzoKHuNcHus COULDI (G. K. Gr.) ; Sharpe, t. c. p. 419 (partim). Two specimens, also a nest and eggs, in almost every respect indistinguishable from the nest and eggs of Arses candidior described by Mr. Le Souef in ‘ Ibis,’ 1897, p. 397.

37. tMoNARCHA MELANOPSIS (Vieill.) ; Sharp?, t. C. p. 430. “ Iris brown ; feet black ; bill slate ” (Olive).

38. tAnses KAUPI Gould; Sharpe, t. c. p. 411. “ Fairly plentiful in scrub country, and not shy; they rim up and down the tree-trunks somewhat like a Creeper. Iris brown ; feet black ; bill bluish slate ; wattle round eye royal blue ” (Olive).

39. tHETERoMYlAS CINEREIFRONS (kUUStty) ; Sharpe, t. C. p. 239. Three specimens. Apparently an upland species found above 2000 feet. According to Mr. Olive they are ground birds, and only take refuge in the trees when disturbed. “ Iris brown ; feet whitish j bill black with a whitc tip” (Olive). 630 Mcsbrs. 11. c‘. Robinson and W. S. Laverock on

40. tPmcILoDRy.is NANA (Ramsay) ; Sliarpe, t. c. p. 245. A single female from Brlleiitlcn Ker apparently belongs to this species.

“ Scarcc, but not sliy ; generally in pairs ; frequeiits. lo^ shrubs. Iris brown ; feet tiesh-colour ; bill brown ” (Oliue).

41.t-\ral.uRus .\31.\B1I.Is ~ould; s~I:wpe,t. c. 11. .ZH. A small series conil,rising adult inales (M.~tailili~), adult females (M,hypoleuci/s), atid young birds of both sexes in the 1)rowri plumage characteristic of immature birds belonging to all species of the genus.

I‘ PIeiitifuI, occurring in small parties ot’ (JW adult male arid four or fivc young males and females, ant1 frequenting low sliritbs. Adult males hnve the iris black, fcct brown, bill hI:ick ; an adult fciriale, iris black, fwt flesh-colour, hill bl:tck ; end young hirtls, iris hiuwii, tkct and hill light brown ” (Wire).

42. -tC;I:ociciii..a cuNEA’r.i Dc Vis, l’roc.. ltoy. SOC. Quceusl. vi. 1). 24.3 (188‘3) ; Scebohm, Moii. Tiirdidrc, part i. pl. vii. (1838).

Shot at an altitiitle of over 2OOO fcet on I3cllcnden KiSr, and the only one as yet seen l~yJIr. Olive.

‘I Iris brown ; feet nliitish I)ron.n ; Iill brown ” (Olice). A fairly distinct species, readily distiiiguishcd from all the other Australian Geocichh hy its very long hill.

-1.3. tCisTrcota ESILIS i Lath.) ; Shrpe, Cat. 13irtls 13rit. hlus. vii. p. 271 (1883). A pair only, from Bellentlen Kcr ; thr inale iii the plumage described by Goiild as C. rujceps. ‘((hnerally three or four together, always in lorig grays. Iris brownish white ; feet flesh-colour ; bill brown ” (Olive).

44. ~~sorrion~sCKEPITASS l.ATEKAI,IS North, ~~CcoI’ds Australian Mus. iii. p. 13 (1807). Numeroils specimens agreeing wcll with the description and dimensions given by hlr. North, the female being a very milch snialler htrd than the male.

“ Fairly plentiful in scrub coiiiitry, but of very skiilkinc the Bird.? of iVorth Queensland. 63 1 habits, keeping almost exclusively to the groutid ; they are generally found in partics of thrve (two adults and a young bird). The feathers ou thc top of the liead form a crest, which can bc erected at will. Iris brown; feet and bill black ” (Olive).

45. tORTiIONYX RPALDINGI ltamsay ; Sharp, t. c. p. 331. We have received a fine scrics of this very distinct spccies, includiug immature birds. A young male has the upper surface much as in 0. spinicauda, and the under surface dull rusty brown, each feather broadly cdgcd wit,h blackish, while one or two white feathers of the adult plumage arc just appearing. In soniewhat older males the lores and sides of the head are rufous as in thc fcmale. “ Scarce and shy ; found iu much the same situations as the preceding species, and, like them, keeping entirely to the ground ; tlicy arc very noisy when disturbed, and if only wounded whcn shot, mill take shelter in the first hole available. Iris brown ; feet and bill black ; skin round the eye bluish white” (Olive). 46. tPACHYCEPAAL.4 GUTTURALIS (Lath.); Gadow, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. viii. p. 192 (1883). ? Pachpephah queenslandica Reicheiiow, Ornith. Monatsb. vii. 1). 8 (1899). ‘‘ Four males, shot at high elcvations on 11 t. Bellenden Ker, seem to bclong to this species. ‘(Iris broau ; bill and feet black ” (Olive).

47. *PACAYCEPHALARUPIVEN I‘RIS (Lath.) ; Gadow, t. c. p. 208. Two males and two females from Cooktown. One male bhot in June differs from the other in having broad black shaft-stripes to the feathers of’ the crown. ‘‘ Iris red ; feet brown ; bill black ” (Olive).

48. OCRACTICUS NIGROGULARIS PICATUS Gould ; Gadow, t. c. p. 96. A single adult female from Cooktown shot in November. Iris brown ; feet black ; bill slate-colonr tipped with black ” (Olive). 632 Messrs. 1-1. C. Itohirisoil and W. S. Lavcrock on From its dimensions-wing 161, tail 1.30, culmen 39.5, tarsiis 31 mm.-it is evident that this specimen must be referred to this race, originally described from Port Essington, hut which has not (so far as we are aware) been hitllcrto rccorded from fiirtlier east than the Gulf of Carpentaria.

49. CHACTICL‘SRUFESCENS De iris, Yroc, Liiin. SOC. N.S.W. rii. 1’. 562 (1883); Sharpe in Goultl’s Birds of New Giiinea, iii. pI. xvi. (1887) ; Hothsch. Bull. 13. 0. c. vol. s. I). xl ; id. Jhis, 1900, p. 374. Cractiats yuoyi. auct. from Eastern Australia. It is after very considerable hesitation that wc haw comc to the coriclusion that all specimens of‘ the Mack Cracticus from Eastern Australia must be rcferrccl to C. rufescens l>c Vis. This name, howcver, is rather mislcading, as it is only the young bird that is rufesccnt. In the coupsc of the last ttircc months some thirty specinicns of the species from Cooktowii aid Cairns have passed through oiir hnnds. Of these, three havc: been in the plumage figured and dcscrihed as C‘. rujescens. Iii one specirncii, however, several of the primaries were black, mid iii another the irndcr wing-coverts werc partially blwk. We had called Mr. Olive’s spccial attention to the point, aid tic assurcs us that the C. n&scms in brown plumage sent from Bellenden Kcr was found associatiiig with the black-plumaged birds, and that lie had no doubt whatever that they were one and the samc spccics, as he has stated on the label. The large series of birds in black plumage prescnt certain difficulties among thcmsclvcs, somc hcing less lustrous than others, and having the basal portions of the flank-feathers greyer ; but they cannot certainly be distinguished from the Port Essington and New Guinea bird, which is, however, black in mery stage of plumage.

(( Found generally in thick scrub country, and only plentiful during the winter months. Iris brown; fcct black; bill black, the basal portion bluish ” (Olive).

50. tDic,imhi HiRuNDiZIAcEu>i (Lath.) ; Sharpc, cat. Rinls bit. J1us. s. 1’. 1!1 (18%). ‘J’wo malcs fiom Hclleiidcii Kcr. the Birds of North Queerisland. 63.3 “Rather scarce; generally in pairs, and always in trees near the ground. Iris brown; bill and feet black. Food, insects ” (Olive).

51. tCINNYRlS FHENATA (s. Mull.) ; Gadow, Cat. Birds Brit. hlus. ix. p. 85 (1884). Several males from Bellenden Ker, aud a female with the nest and two eggs from Mount Sapphiri. ‘‘ Iris brown ; feet and bill black ” (Olive). Thc nest is a spindle-shaped structure 420 mm. long, and 30 mm. wide at its widest part, of which 120 mm. of the middle third is occupied by a11 elliptical chamber lined with feathers and the pappus of some composite plant. It is corn- posed of a felted mass of spider-web and skeletonized leaves, and is rather thickly covered with irregular strings or masses of the excrement of caterpillars (the occurrence of which may be purely accidental), and is attached to the long trailing runiier of a grass overhanging the steep bank of a creek. The eggs, two in number, are. pointed ovals of a whitish ground-colour, very thickly and evenly clouded with firie mottling of a greenish-brown tint, so thickly, indeed, at the larger end as to obscure the ground-colour of the eggs, which measure, A 17x 12 mm., €3 17x 12.5 mm.

52. MYZOMELAOBPCURA Gould ; Gadow, t. c. p. 1.13. ‘(Iris brown; feet hwnor greenish slate ; bill black. . Food, honey ” (Olive).

53. tPTILoTl NOTATAS Gould. Ptilotis analoga Gadow, t. c. p. 227 (partini). A small series apparently belonging to this species, arid not to the closely allied P.ytacilis. “Iris brown; feet slate; bill black; gapc yellow ’’ (Olive).

54. tPTrLoTis MACLEAYANA llams. Ptilotis jlavistriata Gadow, t. c. p. 232. Three malcs of this iiiterestirig Honey-eatcr from Mourlt Sapphiri. Iris &c. as in the preceding species. This species is apparently of very liniitetl distribution ; it does not, so far as we are aware, occw south of Cardwell, 6:+& 3Iessi.s. 11. C. Kohinsoii and IY. S. Laverock on and reaches its northern limit at Cooktow~i,where one of us (11. C. R.) obtained two specimens in Au~.1896.

55. tPTiLoT19 FILENATA (Ramsay) ; (;adoW, t. C. 11. 231. Tlirce sl~r:cirncnsmere secured 011 Moiiiit, I3ellentleli Ker at an altitude of OVCI' 2000 fcct.

1r Plcntit'ul ; occurring either in pairs or flocks, cspecially on trers in hloom, feeding on thc nectar. Iris slntish blue ; feet slate; hill Mack, the basal portion yellom ; pcriocular skin whitish " (Oliw).

56. t(;LYL'IPHIL.+ MoDEb'l'.+ (i.I{. c;~'. ; GdOW, t. C. 11. 21s.

A\ pair of this sonibre-coloured littlc hid, with tlieir liest and eggs, were sccuretl on Kov. 1st. " Iris, fcrt, iind tiill reddish hrown " (Oliur). The ncst, w1iic.h is a slightly eloiigteil purse-shaped structure, was fonnd suspcrrdcd to tlrc tcruiinal twig3 of a small Eucalyptus on the Imiks of a rrccli, ahout five feet above tlic wntcr. Jt is almost entircly cotuposcd of the papcry hrk of the Ti trcc, ant1 is furnished with a flat corcriug or dome woven into thc leaves of the Eucalyptus to which it is attached. Two fresh eggs were in the uest : they :ire slightlv elongated ovals, somcaliat poiutcd at one end, of :I pearly white with a few scatterctl spots of a dull blackish l)rown, which forni an ill-drfi~rctlzoiie at the larger end, the spots heing very much 1nrgc.r oti one egg than the otticr. They measuic: A 16.3~12 mni, l3 17x 13 nim. A single egg ohtaiued on thc sanie chtc lias tlic markings more evciily distiibiitcd, :iiid mea-urcs 17 x 13 niiii. 57. tPrr IL~MoNI%L'CEH0II)EJ Swaiiisou; Gadow, t. c. p. P72. '' Iris brown ; feet slatish green ; hill black ; bare parts black " (Olire).

58. tPrrirxaros CITREOGULAHIS (Gouldj ; Gadow, t. c. p. 277. A single sprcimcn from hlount Sappliiri, marked female and apparently young, as it lias the cliin aud throat yellow, though the prculiar whitish spatulatc tips to the breast-feathers, iisually a sign of maturity, are well developed. '' Iris brown ; teet slatc j bill black ; lmrc parts slatc " (Olive). tile Birds of Norlh Queerisfund. 635

59. *PHILEMON ARGP:NTICEPS (Gould) ; Gatlow, t. c. p. 270. ('Found in flocks; are very noisy and pugriacious birds, generally fIequenting trecs in flower and feeding on the insects attracted thereby. Iris red; feet aud bill black; hare parts slaty black " (Olive).

60. t*E"To>iYZ.i CYASOTIS HAKTERTI, SUhSp. 11OV. Specimens froiii Cooktown obtained in June and July prcseiit such tli8'creiices from the typical forin, that we think they may be regarded as rc~~rcsentii~ga distirrct race. The huffedgiugs to the inner webs of thc prirnarics are somewhat I'aler arid more cxteiisive (reaching to the shaft) than is the case witti a series of eight specimens from N. S. Wales and Southern dlueciisland, with which we have conipared them. The primaries, with the exception of tlie two 'outer ones, have their outer webs narrowly cdgcd sith greenish sul;)Iiur- yellow, a feature we haw not noticed in Southern specimeiis, but whieli would probably show only in freshly-nioulted birds. The median band of black feathcrs on the crown is also much narrower. The most niarlccd point of difference, however, is thc very much smaller size, as the following table shows :- Wing. Tail. mm. IllW. Co8)lito\rn(Olire col/.) (threo femnles). . 135 -139 108-112 New South Wales and Jloreton Bay (eight epecinienu) (Liverp. Mu%) . . . . lGU-161 1.35-156 " Iris white ; feet slate; hill black ; skin above the eye indigo, bclow pale blue " ( O/ire). Is'. albipennis Gould, from Port Essington, whence we have a typical specimen in the Liverpool Museum, is a very distinct species, readily recognizable by the while coloration of the inncr webs of the primatics extending quite to the shaft, which coloration is visible on the exterrial aspect of the wiug, and by having the proximal half of the outer webs of the primaries pale jellowisti green, sharply defined from the blackish termiual portion. In life the coloration of the naked ocular region would probably be different, as in the skin of E. a&- pennis before us it is dull greyish, not black as in E. cyandi.9. 036 Messrs. H. C. ftohiiisoii atid W. S. Larerock O)L

63. LAMPROCORAXMETALLICA (‘kmm.). Culornis inetnllica Sharp, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 138 ; Le Souef, Ibis, 1898, p. 53. This bird was very common at all thc localities visited by Mr. Olive, who obtained a large series of adult birds, together with the nests and numerous clutches of‘ eggs. The latter have recently been well described by Mr. Le SouEf (foc.cit.). The greatest numbcr of eggs in any of the clutches we have received is four.

(iz. t\KTAZIUS LEUCORHYNCHUS I.EUCOPYGI.4l.IS GOllld. Artamus kwogaster Sharp, t. c. 1). 3. Artamus leucorhyiicfius subsp. pni~i~rIlartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 424 (1899). Australian specimens have the bill certainly smaller thau the form found in Java and the Philippineq, though in fire examples before 11s from Cooktowii and Cairns wc find the culmen to be 17.5-19 nm., and not 15-16 mm. as given by Mr. Hartert. Possibly we measure in a different way. In any case Gould’s name for the form is tlic one that must he nscd.

63. PITTASTREPITANS SIMILI.IniA Goiild ; Sclater, cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xiv. p. 428. Not very common at Cooktown, but much more abundant at Cairns, where it frcquents dcnse scrub and is very hard to see, though it may bc heard pattering over the dead leavcs. “ Iris brown ; fcct flesh-colour ; bill black ” (Oliae). The oiily constant character by which this subspecies can be distinguished from the typical form is its smaller size. The white speculum on the wing is very variable; normally it extends from the inner web of the fourth to the outer wcb of the sixth primary, and this is the case in five out of the t?iglitadult spccimcns before us. In one it extends to the outer web of the scvcnth, in anothrr it commences on the inner web of the third, whilst in yet another the speculum in almost abseiit, being but faintly indicated 011 the outer we11 of the fifth primary. the Birds of LVvrth Queensland. 637

64. CAPRIMULOUSblACRURU8 Horsf: ; Hartert, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 537. ‘‘ Iris brown ; feet pale pink ; hill blackish brown ” (Olive).

65. ~EUROST~PUJALBICULAHIS (Vig. & Iiorsf.) ; Hartert, t. c. p. A07. A single male from Cairns, regarding which Mr. Oliie notes: “ This specimen was procured in forest-country at the foot of >It. Sapphiri. The species seemy to be scarce, as I have only seen this specimen, which it took me over a week to secure. Iris brown; feet reddish brown; bill brown. lnsects in stomach.”

66. *EURUST~PCSAKGUS Hartert ; id. t. c. p. 608. “ Several specimens from Cooktown and Mt. Sapphiri. Always iti pairs. Sleep on the ground duritig the day, and are very hard to find, as it is impossihle to see them until they are fliisiird, as their colour assiniiltites so closely to dead leaves. They make no iiest, but lay thrir siuglc egg 011 the groiitid, generally on a stony ridge. Iris, feet, and bill brown ’’ (Olive).

67. P~DAHWSPAPUENSIS Q. k G. ; Hartert, t. c. p. 630. A solitary specimen from Cairns aiid a large series from Cooktown in vcry varying plumage, wtne of them apparently iri the stage of plumage deswibetl t)y Cioultl as C. phmiferua. Some of them are labelled as having the iris “ red,” others yellow, aud the more rufous birds arc sexed female. 68. *PODAROUSPBALENOIDES Gould; Hartert, t. c. p. 634, ‘‘ Iris yellow ; feet purplish brown ; bill brow11 ” (Olive).

69. *&GOTHELES NQYB-HOLLANDIR (Lath.) ; Hartert, t. C. p. 651. Three specitncns, with rufous auriculiirs ant1 the centre of the abdomeu pure white, are evidently referable to B.ltuco- yaster Gould, if that species is valid, which these specilneris seem to show may be the case. ‘‘ Iris bronn ; feet pale pink ; bill black ” (Olive). SEE. VI1.-VOL. VI. :!Y are fouiid oil dead trecs. Iris hrowii ; feet ycllowis!i wliitc ; bill black above, ycllowi*li whitc bciicntli " ( Olive).

73. *D,tcEr.o LEACIII Vig. B Itorsf.; Sliarpc, t. c. p. BOG. Adults aud inimaturc birds from Coolitown. " IIabits similar to thc ahove, but tlic iicst is made iri hollow trccs, thc usual number of eggs being two or tlircc (Olive).

7.1.. IIALCYOS SANCTUS (Vig. PL Horsf.) ; Sliarpc, t. c. p. 267. 75. €IAI.CY~NBIACLEAYI Jard. ik Selby ; Sliarpc, t. c. 1'. 254. " Very plcntiful ; soinetiuics fniirid iii partics of five or six, hut more usually in pairs. Ncsts iu termites' rtiouiids, ant1 lays fivc eggs. Iris bronn ; feet blacli ; bill black abuvc., yellowish berieatli " (Olice).

76. tfIALCYoN SOllDlDUS C;OUld ; Shrp?, t. C. p. 278. A single spccilrleri from tlic rnangroves at the mouth of thc Russell River seciiis rathrr hriglltly coloured 011 tile wings ant1 tail. '' Iris browii ; fcct Ihcli ; bill black abovc, vcllowish wliitc bciic;itli " (0liz.e).

77. t:lLCYoSE PUSII.I.A (TC~IIII.); SIiarp~, t. C. 1). 171. Two nialcs of this soilrewhat rare littlc Iiiiigtislicr froui hlt. Sapphiri. (' Very pleiitiful, but cxccedingly sliy aid difficult to obtniri. 'I'liey gciicrally occur ill pitirs, sittiug on I,origlis overhanging creclts in thick scrub. Iris Iwonn ; feet aiitl hill black. Food, fish " (Olice).

78. tALcYose AZUREA PCJLCHRA Goultl ; Sliarp, t. c. p. 169; IIartert, Xov. Zool. vi. p. 427"-(1899). A small wries of adult atid immature hirtls from 3lounts Sapphiri and Bellenden Kcr sccnis to Lclong to this subspecies, althougli tlic blue and lilac 011 the fl:irilcs is not so pronounced :is in the birds froiii Port Essiiigton. Tile dimcnsions arc slightly larger thari tliose given by Mr. IIar- tert (Zoc. cit.) for specimens from Cap: York, tlie wing in tlit: adult birds being 76-77 iiiiii. 2X 2 610 Messrs. H. C. Itobiiisoii ad\C. S. Laveruck oti

“ Habits similar to those of tlic prcccdiug species; the iiest is made in holes in the banks of creeks, and tive eggs tire the usual complement. Iris brown; feet red; bill black with whitish tip” (Olive).

79. t1’Ah’YSIPTERA SYLVIA Gould; Shnrpe, t. c. p. 300; Le Souef, Ibis, 1898, p. 55. Two adult females from Bellcndcii Ker. ‘l’he ncst of this bird was discovered on December 5th. It was a chambcr about 3 irichm in diameter at the ciid ot’ a tunnel 18 inches long, cxcavated in a terrnitcd mound, and coiiteincd two eggs, whieh were uiifortuiiatcly somewhat darnaged in blowing. They are subspherical, of a beautiful translucent pcarly whitc, arid measure : h 26.5 x 2 I mni., 13 28 x 24 mui. 80. *CUCVLCSPALLIDUS (Lath.); Slielley, Cat. Birds Brit. Jlus. xix. 1). 261.

“ Iris brown; feet and bill black. k’ootl, insects ” (Olive).

81. tCUCKLCS ISTEKXIEDIUS lralll ; Sllelley, t. C. 1). 23.2. Evidently not unconimoii iti the neighbourhood of 13ellenden Ker, as eight specimens were c:ollccted duriiig December. ‘‘ Iris hwn; fcrt y~llow; hill black ; skiii round the eyes yellow ” (Oliw).

82. *C:ACOYANTISFI..*~F:LI.II.’OR>IIS (1,atli.) ; Sliellq, t. c. p 266. Several adult birds. ‘‘ Found singly at Cooktown duriiig the winter months. Iris aiitl feet brown ; bill black ; orbital skin yellow ” (Oliae). 83. tCacoirAsTIs VAKIOL~SUS (Horuf.) ; Shelley, t. c. p. 272. One spccimcn which is ncarly adult and a very immature hi1.d appear to belong to this spccies ; the latter may, however, be an immature C‘acoinantis jlabelliformis.

84. tCIinLcococcvx H.\S;ALIS (Horsf.) ; Shelley, t. c. p. 294. Three specimens from Belleriden Ker. One is very young and has thc iindcr surface almost the Birds oj’ North Qtiernsland. 6%1 uniform nhite, with oiily faint indications of bars on the throat; under wing-coverts uniform white, unbarred ; tail with much less rufous than in the adult. “Iris brown; feet slatish green ; bill blackish. Food, insects ” (Olive).

85. *CHALCOCOCCYXPL4GOSUS (Lath.); Shelley, t. c. p. 297.

‘I Rather scarce at Cooktown, where it occurs only during the four winter months. Iris yellow in the male, brown or whitish brown in the female; feet brown or black; bill black ” (Olive).

86. tEUDYNAMIS CYAKOCEPHALA (L:Lth.) ; Shelley, t. C. p. 321.. Three males from Bellcndcn Kcr aiid Sapphiri, one of which still shows remnants of the immature plumage. ‘I Iris red; feet slate; bill bluish white. Food, fruit” (Olive).

87. CENTROPUSPHAsiANus (Lath.) ; Shelley, t. c. p. 340. I‘ Plentiful in forest country, ferding on the ground. When disturbed they fly to the nearest tree and ascend it by a series of short flights from branch to branch. They neht in tussocks of grass and lay three eggs.” Mr. Olive has sent four specimens from Cooktown, shot in June and July, of which one is in the black brecding-plumage with a few rcmnants of the lighter plumage oti the lower surface ; another, possibly a young bird, is moulting into the non- breeding-plumage, whilst two others are just acquiring the breeding-plumage. All these birds have the iris white ; feet slate ; bill black or brown. Eight specimens from ,Moiirit Sapphiri, collectcd in October, have almost completed thcir moult into thc brecdiug-plumage and have the iris red, feet and bill slate. In this species female3 are distinctly largcr than males, thc diffcrcnce in the length of the tail being very marked.

88. tSCYTAROPS N0V.E-HOLLANDIR (Lath.) ; Shelley, t. C. p. 330. A small series of adult and immature birds from Mount Sapphiri; the latter have the abdomen and under wing- coverts faiiitly barred with greyish black,

the Ilirds of iYorth Qrteetdmc/. 6 13 roostitlg in the trecs close togetlirr ; it1 tlie morning tlley scparate atitl go out iii siiiall flo1.k~to their feding-grounds and rcturii to their roosting-place after sunset. Tl~cytiip oti‘ all thc Icavcs atid sinallcr twigs from tlic trccs 011 \$Ilictl they roost. Iris hrowii; fret iitid Ilill I)lrlc:k ; bare skit1 on the faoe bluish white ” (Wire). At least five forins of‘ the larger Siilpliur-crcstet1 Cockatoo h\.e 1)ecii described at clitfcreiit times, viz. :- C. ydwita. Rustrali:i. C. tic tit rt orhy n cit a. Tasni a t i i a. (,’. tritoii. Cctitral Dutch Sew Guiuca. C. mocrolophn. Western l’apnaii 1sl:inds aid .\ro Islands. C‘. trobriautli. Louisiadcs arid D’Eiitrceastraiix group. If all tlicsc form, wliicli are niaitily !i)undctl ou differcnccs in dimeiisions, aud only two of which, C,’. galerita and C. triton, arc gcnerally rccogiiiz:d, arc to be ni:iintaincd, it bccomcs a question to nliicli of thcm our speciinctis with the wiiig 311-‘!3O mm. are to he referred. The colour of the skin round thc cyc, tioted by Mr. Olive as bltcisli white, sc‘cms to iiidicate an :ipliroacIi to the race occurring at Port Moresby, C. triton auct., to which species a fetnale collccted by l)r. Coppinger at Ilamruontl Island, Torres Straits, has becii referred by Salvadori (loc. cit.). 111 :itlilition, the yellow tirige 011 tlie car-coveits is less markcd th:ui in speciuiens frorii more soutlicrii parts of Australia. There is 110 doubt tliat if dl the forms cited were inliabi- tatits of oue cotitiiictit:il arca, it would be considered by many ullrlccessary to distiiiguisli specifically evon such niarkedly (liffcreut forms as C. trobriandi and C. yalerita. ]f wc compare speciiuens from Northern Ncw Guinea wit11 others frotn Tifirnailin or Nmv Poiitli wale^, the tliffcr- CllCe in di~riensions is sufficiently striking, wliilst the bare parts arc also tliffereutly c.olourct1. According to Salvadori, holyever (Oru. 1’~1p.i. p. !I>),spceimens fully cyiial in size to tllc larger examples froin =\ustralia do occur in Ncw Guinea, wliilc, 011 the otlicr liaiid, spccitnens froni Northern Australia are ulidoubtetlly sniallcr tliaii many of‘ those from New Guinea. fit-L Jlcssrs. 11. (1. Ihbiiisoii ad\\-. S. Larerock on

J,ucality. \Viiqz,. Culluen. 111111. 111111. Port Moresby (('. triton) (Lit-erp..Vtc.*.) .... 314 4i Snlwatti (C. f~in~dophit) , . . "YO 38

I'ort Esaington, I .... 313 :irj " South Australia " (probably Xorthern 'Lewi- tory) (Liwp.nrfu.)...... 318 Cape York, 2 (Literp. Mw.) ...... 30" C'ooktown, d ( O/iw C'uII.)...... Xi

(9 (7 3J ...... 330 alt. Snpyhiii, ('aims, c7 (Olire Col/.)...... 31.5

l> I? cc ...... 31.5

1' 11 d 7 ...... 311 )It. Hrlleilden Kvr, Cairns, 8 (0lit.r (id/.) . . 222 Sew South \Vrrlra (('.yoleritn)( Licerp. .Vus.) 370 I.auncetm~,Tssmania ...... :M.' ,t ,, ( c. /ionetorhyJichn) . . 34s 'I'his table sho\rs tl.at tlie Northern ilustraliari specimriis eonit! near thow froin Kew (iuiiirn in sizc at least; we liarc accordingly ~ecortlrtltlic-ni a5 f,'. triton, regarding a11 these forins mercly as bcloiiging to onc very 1 ariuhle species, shich may or may not be divided into subspecies accord- iiig to iiidividuitl opiuiori.

92. tXPHosxIi( TUS CYASOPYGIUJ (Vicill.) ; Salvatl. 1. c. 1'. 486. Mr. Olive has foraardc d R very large series ot' this cpecics from the nciglibourhood of Cairns. Thc dimensions arc slightly less, and the scarlet of the. head and iiiider surface much deeper, than in sperimcns from Noreton Ray arid Port Stepheris. '' I'lmtiful, hut very shy, occurring in large flocks and oceasiotiiilly in pairs; not always easy to procure, as thc linc of flight is usually wry high. Malr: iris ycllow ; feet h1:ic.k ; hill red, with the tip of the upper mandible and the wliolc of the lower black. Fern&; iris yellow ; feet arid bill black " (Olive). l'hc eggs of this bird were proeiiretl 011 October 26th ; the neat was situated in the hollow of a trce, with tlie cmtrance about twenty feet aboie the ground. 'I'hc rggs weie tilr in nuni\)er and nere much iiicubatcd, so much so the Birds of ,Vorth Queenslatid. 645 that tmo of them hatched out before they were blown. They are white in coloiir, with a slight gloss, subspherical in form, and measure : A 34,x 28.5, R 34.5 x 29, C 35 x 28 mm.

93. *PTISTESERYTIIROPTERUS (Gm.) ; Salvad. t. c. p. 481. “ Four specimens from Cooktown. “ Found in forest-country, generally in parties of two or thrce, but occasionally in flocks. They nest in hollow trees, generally about ten to twelve feet from the entrance, and lay two or three eggs ” (Olive). P. coccineopterus Goultl, of wliicli there is an authentic specimeii from Port Essington in the Derby Collection, is almost inseparable from the true P. wythropterus. It is undoubtedly slightly smaller than specinlens from Moreton Ray, but thc difference is inconsiderable, and docs not appear to be constant, as Salvadori (loc. cit.) has observed. We cannot recognize the diffcrenccs in coloration mentioned by Mr. Le Sou3 (Ibis, 1800, p. 360).

94. *tI’LATYCERCUS AJIATHUSIA np. ; Salvad. t. C. p. 548. “A ground bird, living on sceds; generally found in parties of two or three, but by no means plentiful. Iris brown ; feet slate-grcy ; bill white ” (Olive). This species is one of tlie rarer of thc Australian Psittaci, aud though widely distributed over the northern portion of the continent scems to be nowhere plcutiful. Like many specimens of its near ally, P. pallidiceps, the prcseut species is frequcntly irregularly flecked with red about the head. Two out of three skins before us are so marked.

93. *tl’LATYCERCUS ELEQAKS NIORESCENS Rams. ; Palvad. t. e. p. 543, note. We have five specimens of this racc from near the Eummit of Bellenden Ker; they agree well with Mr. Itamsay’s diagnosis, except that he dcscribcs it, possibly by a lapw calami, as having “ the feathers on the head, hind-neck, and back almost all black.” In our specimens the head is dark red, uniform in colour with the lower surfacc. ‘‘ Very plentiful but shy. Found in flocks and pairs, but

thlliivls of LYorthQueetulrnd. 617

wliitc, of the iisud Pigcoii type, is iii furm a slightly swollen oval, and nieasurcs 31 x 27 mm., nhilst aiiotlicr collected ou October 26th is 36 x 26 mm., being slightly morc elongate in shape.

99. MYHISTICIIOHASPILOHRIIOA (G. It. Gr.) ; Salvad. t. c. 1). 231. " Abundant at Cooktonri (luring the winter month ; breeding in cnormous mnltitudes on thc outlying islands of thc Barrier Kecf, some eight or ninc miles from the mainland. 111the carly morning they wcnd their way to thcir feeding- grounds in the scrubs, sometimes flying as grcat a distaiice its 4,O miles, aid rcturii to roost 011 the islands at riiglit. They feed principelly on a spccics of nutmeg (Myristica insipida), ot' which I havc fouiid as many ciglit or ninc fruits in the crop. Iris dark brown ; fcct Muish slate ; hill greenish yellow " (Olive).

100. tCOLUMB.4 NOHFOLCIENSIS Lath. Cohintbn lwcomela Salvad. t. e. p. 320. 11 single male was shot on RIt. Hellenden Kcr, whcrc the species occurs in flocks. JIr. Olive did not rucct with it in the low country. '' Iris yellowish rcd ; fect red ; bill red ; tlic orbital skin also rccl " (Olice).

101. IIACROPYGIA PHASIAKELLA (Tcmm.) j SalVad. t. C. p. 349. Fourspeciinensfrom Cooktownand tlircefrom31t. Uellendrn Ker. These spccimcns scem rather sni:tll hi diineusions, with tlte occiput in tlie adult mole very much greyer thatr iri specimens from Southcrii Australia. JVhcn a largcr series of properly sexed specimens froiii definite localities is available, it will probably be possible to scparate the North Queeiisland bird (subsliecifically at least) from the form iuliabitiiig New South Wales aud South Australia. The males sent hy hlr. Olive seem certaiiily to approacli

L%f. cinereiceps Tristr., from the Louisintlcs and Southcrn New Guiuea. G18 hIcssrs. 11. C‘. Ho1)iiison rind IY. S. J,avcrnck on

102. CHAL(WPHAYSCHHYSOCIILOKA (WagI.) ; Salvad. t. c. 1’. 511. Three spccimens from Cooktown and many from Cairns. Of Cooktown specinicns Mr. Olive says that the species is common there only (luring the winter months, when it may lic found feeding on the ground in partics of one, t\so, 01’ three, but never more. Tris brown ; fect arid bill red. The Northern race of this widcsprcad spccics has hen separatcd as (‘h. Zongirostris Gould ; the differences in the size of the bill, homeser: arc minute and apparently not \cry constant, wlicn large series arc asailnhle for comparison. rilhc ashy bars on the back atid rump secrn somcwhat inore defincd iii birds from Sorth Australia, as is also thc casr in specimens from Timor and the Ncw Hebritles.

103. *S~sacr:s..iiisTHAi.Is (1,atli.) j Ogilvic Grant, Cat. Jiirds Brit. Miis. xxii. 1). 217 (1893). Two pairs of adult birds from Cookto\\ II belong to the mallcr and grcpr form, S. cerz~inusGoultl. “ Iris brown j fect and legs yellow ; hill horn-colour ” (Olive).

10.1. tExc.\I.P.\croKIA CIIINENS~SLINEATA (Scop.) ; Ogilvie (;rant, t. c. p. 253. A single female from Hcllenden Kcr.

“ Scarce; generally in pairs in thick grass, from which thcy are only flushed with great difficulty. lris rcdtlish brown ; feet yellow ; hill \)lack ” (0lit.e). 105. C.4TIlETURUS LATHAhlI (J. E. (;raF) ; OgilViC Grant, t. c. p. 468; Le Souef, Ibis, 1809, pp. 14, 16. A finc series of this specics in breediiig and non-breeding plumage from Cooktown and Cairns. It is very abundant at Cooktown and, though scarce on Mount Sapphiri, is evideiitly extremely common on the lower spiirs of Mount Bcllende~iKw. Four nialcs from Cooktown, shot in Junc and thc Iattrr part of September, show hardly any tracc of‘ the wattle at the back of the neck, mhich in one specimen from Jlourit Sapphiri, and iti three others from Mount Bcllctidcn licr, shot the Birris of *Vorth Queenslatid. 619 in October atid November, has expanded to a large serui- circular collar some 80 min. in diameter. Non-breeding birds have the iris yellow, feet aiid bill black, head and upper part of neck red, the remainder being yellow. Breeding bids have the iris brownish white, the feet yellow, the bill black, and the coloiirs of the bare parts of the head and neck much brighter. We havc also received a large series of eggs of this bird obtaiued in the latter part of Novcmbcr arid the first half of I)ecember, the greatest number found in one mound beiug thirteen, with three chicks. The eggs are of a dull white colour, fiuely granulated iu texture; they vary much in size, ranging from 94-104 mm. in length by 60-65 mm. iii hreadth, the average size being 99x 63 mm.

106. MEGAP~DIUSUUPERHEYI Less. & Cram. ; Ogilvic Grant, t. c. p. 454; Le Souef, Ibis, 1899, pp. 14, 16. A single specimen from Cooktown aud several from Cairns, with a large series of eggs from the latter locality. “Iris brown; feet aid legs orange, with black edges to the scutes ; bill brown ” (Olive). The eggs are in sliapa a long oval, from 86.5-9G mm. iii length and 51-66 mm. in hreadth. Wheii fresh they are coated with a delicate soft lajer of pinky-brown material, which darkens to coffee-brown with age. tt is very deciduous, and can be readily removed by moisture and rubbing.

107. *TCrRNix oI.ivrr ltobinsou, Bull. B. 0. c. vol. x. p. xliii ; id. Ibis, 1900, p. 375. We have as yet received only onc female, from Cooktown, of this very distinct Bustard-Quail, which appears to have been hitherto confonnded with T. castanonotus. It is, however, readily distinguishable by its considerably larger dimensions, and by the abaence of whita tips to the froiital feathers, and also, as bIr. Ogilvie Grant has kindly pointed Out, by the longer aud more slender bill.

4~ Iris yellow ; feet yellow ; bill hrown ” (Olive), dull greenish olive in 8kin.

the Bids of L2Torth Qitrenslrtnd. G5 1

113. tIIrrERorrorh ACUMIXATA (Iiorsf.) ; Sliarpe, t. c. p. 336. One niale from I3ellctitleri Iicr. ‘‘ lris brown ; feet ycllow ; bill black ” (O/irr).

114. tTR1F;GoIDEs IIYPoI.EUCUS (TJinn.) ; Sliarpe, t. c. p. 456. A single spccinicri from thc mouth of the AIulgrave River, wliere the species was found to be very nl)und:int oil the shore. ‘‘ Iris brown ; fect yellowish nhitr. ; bill I)lack ” (Olile).

116. tIws MOLUCCA Cuv. ; Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mua. xxvi. p. 9. A fine male iti full brccditi,v-plurn:Lge was sccurcrl 011 Nov. 99th. It tias the hare skin undcr the wings briglit brick-rcd, even iu shin. “ Pou11d near creeks arid wlrcre the grass has becn recently burnt, but not pleutifiil. Iris brown ; feet red ; bill black ; bare parts black, with pink spots on the crowu and back of licad ” (Wive).

116. *IIEHODIASTI~IORIENSIS (Less.) ; Sliarpc, t. c. p. 98. A siiiglc male in winter plurnagc \vas ob’aincd in July at Cooktown. “ Very shy and SL‘:L~CC; found spnritrglp aloiig creeks and lagoons ; when flyiiig their iieck is carricd doubl~dback 011 thcir shoiildcrs. Iris yellow; fcct mid tarsi black; bill ycllow ” (Olive). I (11. C. R.) fount1 this and the succceding species, and also what was probably M-Yiphoyx plumifera, fairly abundant in the flat country at the head of Princess Cliarlotte Bay iu August 189G ; they werc, however, exceedingly wary, and I found it impossiblc to obtaiu spccimeus with a shot- gun.

117. +NOTOPIIOYXNOVR-HOLLANDIR (Lath.) ; Shnrpe, t. c. p. 109. Adults and an iiniiiaturc bird from Mounts Sapphiri and Bellenden Ker. “ Fairly pleutifiil. Iris, feet, and bare parts ycllow ; bill slate-colour ” (Olive). 652 Jicssrs. 11. C. Robirisoil mid W. S. Laverock on

118. tGARZETTA NIQHIPES ('huni.) ; Sharpe, t. c. 1). 122. A single nialc in breeding-plumage Iiaviiig the oriiaiuental plumes on the breast and tlie dorsal train, though thc napc- plumcs are not apparent. " Scarcc ; the speciinen sent was shot on a freshwater- creek. Iris gcllom; feet black; bill black, the lower mandible partially yellow " (Olive).

119. NYCTICOKAXCALEDONICUS (Gm.); Sliarpc, t. c. p. 158. Specimens are sent from each locality visited j they are all adults, and mnvt of them show the nuclial plumes indicative of breeding birds. " Iris yellow, orbital skill greenish yellow ; feet yello\r.ish green; upper portion and tip of each mandible black, the lower portion yellowish " (Olive).

120. tPHaL.wtwcoiiAx MELANOLEUCUS (\'itill.) j Ogilvic Grant, Cat. I3irtls B. RI. xxsvi. 1). 398. A small series in freshly-acquired bi~ccdi~ig-pluxui~gefrom tlie ticighhourliood of >It. Uellciiden Ker. '' Jris brown ; feet Llacli ; bill aud bare parts yelluw " (0Iii.e).

121. t;iNSER.\NAS SEJIIYALMATA (Vieill.) ; SalVad. Cat. 13irds 1-rit. Mus. xxvii. p. 4-4. Three specimens in very wort1 plumage ad15 ith tlie uiitler surfacc much staiued with ruet arc seut fi.oiii Relleuden Ker.

122. *NETTOPUSPuLciiELi.us Gould ; Salvad. t. c'. p. 67. Apparently of' only sporadic occurrence in the neighbourhood of Cooktown. Mr. Olive obtaincd four speciiriens out of one flock, which he says was the first seen iri the district for years. I (11. C. It.) found it abundant iu the ncighboiir- hood of the Kennedy aiid Haiiu Rivers, cotisidcrahly to tlic north of Cooktown, in August 1896, wlieu it afforded u wclcomc addition to our fare. Kaiiisay (P. Z. S. 1877, p. 346) notes it as exceedingly rare iu Eastern Queensland, whence Iic had sccn oiily tlirec skins-much rarer than LV. ulbipetinio, \vhich, curiously enoiigh, ?vIr. Olivc litis iiot obtaiiied. the Birds of North Queemland. G53 (‘Iris brown ; feet blackish slate ; bill brown. Food, seeds and weeds.” (0Zive). Count Salvadori, in liis Key to the subfamilies of the And&, makes Nettopus fall into the section with the hid toe not lobed. In this species and in N. coroniondelianur (Blanford, Faun. Brit. Ind., Aves, iv. p. 433) the hind toe is distinctly lobed ; more so certainly than iu some species of Dendrocygna.

’ 123. *DENDHOCYGNAARCUAT.~ (Cuv.) ; Salvad. t. c. p. 153. A single specimen only from Cooktown. “ Plentiful when there is dry weather inland ; coming here only at night and returning inlaiid at daylight, sometimes in pairs, but more generally in flocks. This oue was in the river by itself, having evidently got separated from its mates. Very shy and quick 011 the wing. uttering a whistling sound when flying. Iris brown ; fcet and bill black. Food, seeds and weeds.” (Olive).

124. t.\NAs SUPERCILIOSA Grn. ; Salvad. t. c. p. 206. Numerous specimens. “ Rather scarce, occurring in flocks of about 20, feeding in the swamps at the foot of the mountains. Iris brown ; feet yellowish ; bill Mack or greenish slate.” (Olive).

125. tCASUAHlUS AUSTRALIS Wall ; Salvad. t. C. p. 594. Abundant in the scrubs round Mount Sapphiri. Mr. Olive tells us that he secured an adult which was remarkable for having a layer of fat half an inch thick all over the body. The skin has not yct been received.

In conclusion we must express our thanks to Mr. Peter Cowell, Chief Lihrarian to the City of Liverpool, and to the Committee of the Free PulJic Museum, Liverpool ; also to the Hon. Walter Itothschild and Mr. Hartert for the use of‘ material belonging to the ‘rring Museum.

SER. V11.-VOL. VI. 2Y