VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 171 Birds of Victoria Downs Station and of Y arralin, Part 1 By CON BOEKEL, Ngukurra, , via Darwin, Northern Territory, 5791.

Introduction Knowledge of the avifauna of the area surrounding the of the Wickham and Victoria , Northern Territory, is particularly sketchy. This paper presents data covering the occurrence, habitats, breeding, movements and behaviour of birds recorded between February 1975 and December 1977. Study Area Observations were made in an area bounded by Lesson Creek in the Fitzgerald Range, thence east across the Victoria River to Middle Creek, south along the valley of the Victoria to the region of Pompey Knob, west of there along the hills and valley of the Wickham River to its confluence with Deep Creek, thence north-easterly to Crawford Springs, finally crossing the Fitzgerald Range to the headwaters of Lesson Creek. Method A monthly checklist was kept during 1976-1977. Somewhat irregular counts were made of waterfowl and waders at the various billabongs. A checklist of habitats and breeding species was also kept. Once a bird had been positively recorded as breeding attention was switched to those species for which breeding was yet to be recorded. Almost the whole of the study area was covered on foot. Observer coverage was good in The Dry but suffered due to inaccessibility in The Wet. Climate The climate is monsoonal with a long warm dry season (The Dry) between April and October, and a hot rainy season from November to March (The Wet). Rainfall is mostly from thunderstorms associated with the northwest monsoon; the annual average ranges from 600 mm in the northwest to about 500 mm in the southwest. At Victoria River Downs Homestead the daily average maximum and minimum for the coolest month, July, are 27.3°C and 8.8°C, respectively. The average daily maximum exceeds 37.8°C from October to February. The highest average maximum occurs in February, 40.7°C, when the average mini·­ mum is 26°C. Although frost occurred at Pigeonhole and Mount Sand­ ford to the south of the study area, none was recorded during the study period. Habitats Riverine Canopy: This habitat i~ of variable consistency and density. It is most dense where Leichardt Pines and fig trees form associated stands. It is least dense where the rivers are fringed by paperbarks, coolabahs and river gums. The composition of the canopy affects the composition of the avifauna. Riverine Understorey: Also ranges from straggly assortments of bushes to dense stands of Pandanus aquaticus, sapling paperbarks and compact bushes. AUSTRALIAN 172 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Coolabahs: Form extended stands along some stretches of the major rivers and billabongs in particular. Savanna Woodland: Extends from the riverbanks to the foot of the scarps. Included here are all associations of trees with the exception of spinifex woodland. Extremes range from a rather rocky limestone association of limestone, grass and rather sparse stunted trees, to rank 1-1! m grass and taller trees. Spinifex Woodland: Is found on the slopes and plateaux which ring the study area. No birds which are specific to spinifex habitats are found in the study area. Shrub Thicket: Some shrubs in isolated areas have formed into dense thickets. In general they lack a diversity of species. Ficus Thicket: Most of the plateaux are edged with cliffs of varying height. Ficus thickets are found in these places. They are generally of stunted trees, often associated with a very poor form of monsoon scrub characterised by vines and the absence of a ground layer of grasses. Grassy Plain: Characterised by black soil, these consist of grasses growing 1-2 m high. Large areas of these are inundated to a shallow depth during The Wet. They are heavily grazed by cattle so that by the end of The Dry they are either covered with short grass or are bare. Shrub Grassland: Is intermediate between savanna woodland and grassy plain. Usually it is formed of dense tangles of mixed grass, small shrubs and herbs. Usually found on, or bordering, depressions and hollows. Deep Creek area: Where Deep Creek flows into the Wickham River there is a concentration of cliffs and old watercourses which has led to an unusually lush growth of riverine vegetation and savanna woodland. Aquatic: This includes many ephemeral streams and pools, deep permanent holes in the two major rivers, permanent billabongs (Mauka and Crocodile) and ephemeral billabongs (Racecourse). Human Factors Influencing Environment Two cultures and hence economies affect the area. The original culture was that of the Ngarinman tribe, which persists in modified form. Firing was practised and it is assumed that this has had similar effects in the study area to that described elsewhere. Most species of bird were regarded as food, whether birds were adult, nestling or egg. Many of the larger species, mainly waterfowl and the Australian Bustard, are still keenly hunted albeit with rifle and shotgun. The feathers or raptors, in particular those of the Black Kite, are still used for ceremonial purposes. Previously eagle traps were constructed of rocks and saplings covered with spinifex grass. Fires were lit nearby and a small bird was twirled on the end of a string by a hunter who was concealed inside a hide. R aptors attracted by the fires would be caught when they attempted to take the bait. This was apparently very successful and an old man described to me how as a boy he had accompanied his father in such a hide. They had to stop midway through the operation because the number of dead raptors stopped movement inside the hide. These traps are located mainly on the edges of escarpments and are very common in some areas. Habitat modification now is limited to the collection of firewood and the chopping down of trees for the sugarbag (wild bee hives) they contain and also as raw material for the manufacture of boomerangs and spears. The second culture has had substantial impact since about the 1870's VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 173 when the pastoral industry was established. The effect of European culture is difficult to measure because there are few early records of conditions pertaining at the onset. However, there is considerable evidence of environmental degradation. Erosion is widespread on the riverbanks. Introduced species such as Parkinsonia arcuata, Rubberbush, and a wide variety of burrs and prickles are widespread and completely dominate some areas, particularly along the riverbanks and watercourses. Bunch Spear Grass also dominates some areas, Feral cats and donkeys are abundant. An estimated 150,000 cattle are run on an area of just under 5,000 square miles. Approximately half of these are out of control by virtue of their being able to escape helicopter muster in rough country or in well-treed riverbank areas. Attempts to fence off the river frontage have been frustrated by floods and the depressed state of the cattle industry. Some birds are kept as pets. Some waterfowl are hunted. Raptors including Black-breasted Buzzards, Black Kites and Wedge-tail Eagles are shot.

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Map of Study Area, Victoria River Downs. AUSTRALIAN 174 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Species List Emu Parties of less than ten birds, sometimes with young, were occasionally reported. Apparently more common formerly. The Ngarinman have a substantial body of lore relating to the habits of emus and how best to hunt them. Reports indicate that emus occupy areas remote from river valleys during The Wet and approach these in The Dry. Even so, they appear to avoid better-grassed areas and stay on local rises with sparser vegetation. Australasian Grebe Are present throughout the year on all larger billabongs. On Crocodile Billabong they avoid deep open areas, apparently fearing the Freshwater Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni. They are concentrated on Racecourse Billabong, with up to twelve birds, while other billabongs generally carry but ones and twos. Breeding: Two adults with four small young at Race­ course Billabong on March 28, 1976; an adult with two large young on an unnamed billabong a short distance east of the station homestead on May 12, 1976. Absent from even the largest of river pools and from minor streams. Australian Pelican Flocks generally numbered between twenty and fifty on billabongs between May and December, with isolated occurrences in other months. Presumably moves off to breeding grounds in the intervening months. Birds use the "elbow" of the wings to scratch the otherwise inaccessible portions of the head. This bird suffers above all from indiscriminate shooting by both Ngarinman and Europeans. Observations at Wycliffe Swamp indicate that this may well be a Territory-wide practice. Law enforcement is not possible owing to the sparse population distributed in often inaccessible areas. The only way to protect wildlife in the Northern Territory is through proper education and social pressure. Thus attempts from "Down South" to improve the situation are likely to be met with hostility from those sections of the community which indulge in indis­ criminate killing. Darter Throughout the year but does not breed locally. It is common along major rivers and billabongs, but rare in pools along smaller streams. Numbers low in the period January to May but increase as breeding birds and immatures return. Darters do not flock locally but maintain an even distribution in a given length of river or billabong. When disturbed they can soar to great heights and can be seen to fly over long distances of sandstone and spinifex habitats. Great Cormorant Rare non-breeding visitor (see Boeke!, 1978). Pied Cormorant Rare non-breeding visitor to Crocodile Billabong and deep river pools of the Wickham River (see Boeke!, 1978). Little Black Cormorant Flocks of up to thirty were on Mauka and Middle Creek Billabongs; uncommon on other billabongs and along major rivers. They frequently feed with Australian Pelicans. On February 13, 1977 a Little Black VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 175

Cormorant flying with a fish in its bill was harried by fi ve Black Kites. The Cormorant sought to escape by landing on the water. It was instantly harassed again and dived. A little later it surfaced, the fish still visible. One Black Kite repeated its attack and the Cormorant again dived. When it resurfaced the Black Kites had given up and the Cormor­ ant ate the fish. Not recorded in February or April 1976. It does not breed locally and is either absent, or present only in small numbers, during the breeding season. Little Pied Cormorant Uncommon on billabongs and large rivers, rare on smaller streams and ephemeral waters. Either absent or as isolated single birds from February to April. Thereafter present in every month. Pacific Heron Throughout the year; widespread in shallow waters but generally only in small groups of three or four. Locally common during The Wet in areas of inundated grassland, particularly those of black soil plains. These areas quickly build up large populations of suitable prey, e.g., Spangled Grunters Madigania unicolor (Family Teraponidae, Pisces) frogs and land crabs. White-faced Heron Similar in numbers distribution and seasonal pattern to the foregoing species. However, it is more likely to be found along margins of small streams as well. Breeding: a nest in a tree canopy overhanging a pool in Sandy Creek contained well-feathered young in April 1977; a second nest in fringing vegetation of the Wickham River near Humbert Crossing on May 16, 1977 contained well-fledged young about to leave. Pied Heron A small number of adults on Racecourse Billabong in October and November 1976. Cattle Egret A single bird on the margins of Crocodile Billabong in November 1976, in typical orange breeding plumage. Great Egret Common on billabongs but uncommon along rivers and small streams. Does not breed locally. Rare on Crocodile Billabong from February to end of May. Thereafter numbers gradually increase to a peak of about twelve. Little Egret Generally absent or uncommon on larger bodies of water. Largest number was five at Middle Creek Billabong on June 2, 1976. Often seen with the Great Egret. Absent from January to the beginning of June in 1976, and from February to the end of May in 1977. Rufous Night Heron Present throughout 1976. Not recorded in February or June 1977, but this does not preclude their presence in those months. In The Dry it is well distributed in small numbers along major rivers. In The Wet it spreads to billabongs, small streams and springs. R egularly roosts in paperbarks and pandanus and less regularly in other fringing trees. Both immatures and adults present, the majority being adults. A report of a young bird which could not fly suggests that birds breed in the locality. Bill Midgely reports birds feeding in shallows of the Wickham River, often within metres of Crocodylus johnstoni. AUSTRALIAN 176 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Black Bittern A single sighting m dense growth of grassy tussocks at Crawford Springs. Black-necked Stork Present all year on shallow areas of water. In The Wet it -Visits in­ undated areas of black soil plains. Many remnants of land crabs indicate that this is the prey taken. Otherwise it favours receding billabongs when large numbers of small fish, grunters, become available. On two occasions a special feeding behaviour was observed. Each time the water was very muddy, preventing observation of the prey. The stork walked along, stabbing its bill several times in an arc with each step. As the bill was raised it would open and towards the end of each down­ ward thrust it would close. In general this species is very wary and has a high critical distance, i.e., the distance to which the birds limit human approach. Four was the maximum number seen. No breeding was recorded locally. Kerry Slingsby reported on May 7, 1976 two large nests in the tree tops seen from a helicopter whilst he was mustering cattle. They were located at the con­ fluence of Stevens Creek and Victoria River, south of the study area. One nest contained two young and the other, eggs. The adults attending the nests refused to leave, even when the helicopter came quite close. Glossy Ibis Most occurrences were during The Wet, or the later months of The Dry, with single birds only present from June to September. Feeds along receding margins of billabongs during the later months of The Dry. Apparently uses the Wickham River as a fly,-way. A flock numbering between forty and fifty which had been resident for some months at Racecourse Billabong flew high and in formation taking an easterly direction along the Wickham River on March 22, 1976. Flocks generally contained less than ten. Sacred Ibis One or two were on the billabongs, and always in company with the following species. Straw-necked Ibis This species principally occupied four habitats locally. Flocks of from ten to twenty were consistently found feeding on short grass and in small pools left by drying billabongs, in shallows rich in aquatic vegetation or in the farm area, particularly after ploughing and harvesting. Flocks of hundreds apparently follow movements of plague locusts. In late March 1976 the disappearance of both ibises and locusts coincided with the appearance of both at Pigeonhole to the south (Bob Verberg, pers. comm.) Royal Spoonbill Generally less than ten in any locality, they were confined to billabongs often with some of the following species. Fewer were present from March to July. In June 1976 two birds were eating plague locusts on the short­ grassed verge of Crocodile Billabong. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Found in pairs or small groups on billabong margins. Absent from February to June 1977. A nest containing a single nestling was found on July 18, 1976. It represents the first breeding record in the Northern Territory. The nest was situated near the top of a paperbark fringing VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 177

Radjah Shelducks are rare visitors. Plate 50 Photo by B . & K . R ichards the Victoria River a few kilometres so uth of its junction with the Wickham River. The river is marked by a multitude of flood channels, large tracts of Coolabahs and dense fringing vegetation. When the Spoonbill was breeding the river here was narrow and still flowing. Magpie Goose Gilbert McAntee reported that Magpie Geese were formerly common on irrigated pasture and sorghum crops. When irrigating eventually ceased the geese stopped coming. It is now a rare vagrant. Single birds were recorded in November 1976, and October 1977, on Crocodile Billabong. In the latter bird the normal black plumage was replaced by brown, a condition known as "agouti". Wandering Whistling-Duck Recorded in every month but absent at times, particularly in August and September. Found on the margins of billabongs and occasionally on riverbanks. Sixty-four were at Crocodile Billabong, February 1977. Plumed Whistling-Duck Recorded in every month, although periodically absent. The greatest numbers occur early in The Dry, and then again during The Wet: 132 at Crocodile Billabong on February 11, 1977 and 588 at Racecourse Billabong on August 5, 1976. Breeding: broods of two, six and seven were found on May 1, 1976 at Racecourse Billabong. Radjah Shelduck A rare visitor. Single ducks or pairs in April, October and November. Seen on billabongs or flying along the Victoria River. AUSTRALIAN 178 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Pacific Black Duck These are widespread in all aquatic habitats but rare on major rivers and other streams. Its range extends to take in all bodies of water created during The Wet, then contracts as these dry out. Peak numbers were 54 at Racecourse Billabong on June 15, 1976, and 42 at Crocodile Billabong on August 30, 1977. It breeds along billabongs, small streams and areas of temporary inundation. Breeding: a raft of 20 ducklings on Racecourse Billabong on April 3, 1976, a single adult with seven very small ducklings on May 12, 1976 on another billabong, and in April 1977 ducklings on a pool in Sandy Creek took to land to escape a canoeist. Grey Teal Recorded on billabongs with extensive areas of shallows in all months of 1976 except February when observations were few. Present in small numbers February 1977 and from June onwards. Breeding: on June 23, 1976 two adults and five ducklings; on June 14, 1976 another five very small ducklings were seen; both broods on Racecourse Billabong. Pink-eared Duck A rare non-breeding visitor. It appeared a few days at a time in March and May 1976 and in August 1977 at Racecourse Billabong. Five was the maximum number. Hardhead Occurs sporadically on the larger billabongs with 27 seen in February 1977. Other sightings of less than 10 birds were concentrated between February and June, plus an isolated occurrence in August. Green Pygmy-Goose This is a regular breeding visitor, occurring from December to June on the larger billabongs. The maximum number was 14 including young of the year. Breeding: two adults and six young on Crocodile Billabong on May 17, 1976; broods of five and six were each accompanied by adult pairs at Racecourse Billabong on April 3, 1976. Black-shouldered Kite Thought not to breed in the study area. Never more than a pair at a time; sightings were concentrated near watercourses but also in Savanna Woodland. Present at any time of the year but absent on occasion and generally rare. Black Kite Abundant throughout the year, with local concentrations about cattle yards, killing sites, plague locusts, the airfield, Aboriginal camps, the homestead area, fires and herds being driven across country. Although a lot of time was spent trying to find evidence of breeding, none was obtained. A large number of nests, mainly in the riverine canopy may have belonged to this species. Black-breasted Buzzard Seen throughout the river plains, mostly near rivers and billabongs. Probably two territories and perhaps three in the study area. No breeding recorded. Whistling Kite Whistling Kites have a distribution similar to the foregoing but are more likely to be seen over water. Present throughout the year. Nests were in the riverine canopies of the Victoria and Wickham Rivers as well as in a Coolabah on the margins of Crocodile Billabong. Nestlings VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 179 were observed in November and October 1976. No flocking was noted. Brown Goshawk Uncommon along the major rivers and the more densely vegetated margins of the minor streams; rare in Savanna Woodland. Breeding: a pair copulated near a nest on August 7, 1976. The nest was in a large paperbark in the vegetation fringing the Victoria R iver and a few kilometres south of its junction with the Wickham R iver. Collared Sparrowhawk Less common than the Brown Goshawk but more widely distributed along the minor streams and Ficus thickets of the escarpments. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Occurs along the major rivers and billabongs during The Wet. Apparently nomadic during this period since it is not seen for weeks or months at a time. Of particular interest are sightings of a pair of adults from July onwards in The Dry of 1977. A report included the comment that one or two birds were seen picking up sticks and taking them to one end of a pool a little south of the study area. The possibility that Sea­ Eagles breed inland along the major rivers, as elsewhere in their range, requires further study. The Sea-Eagles took fish and turtles and reportedly fruit bats. They often flew about a colony containing in excess of 1000 bats but were never seen to take any. Wedge-tailed Eagle Present all year throughout the study area. They often soared on the escarpment up-draughts. A very large nest and numbers of immatures were indications of breeding. Little Eagle Rare with scattered sightings in the Deep Creek area. Spotted Harrier Well-distributed and present throughout the year. Characteristically seeks prey by gliding very low over grassy areas. Generally seen singly or in pairs, with up to four occasionally. Marsh Harrier Rare wet season visitor to the margins of billabongs and inundated grasslands. Australian Hobby These are common and present throughout the year. They favour the margins of watercourses, streams, billabongs and the major rivers. They are frequently unsuccessful in hunting Budgerigars. On August 8, 1976 a bird failed while making repeated passes through a flock of about 1000 Budgerigars. They commonly fed on flying-stage locusts. Breeding: an incident was observed in a Coolabah stand south of the Wickham River and near the Victoria River on July 25, 1976. A Crow left a tree, containing a large stick nest, in what may be called a 'sneaky' manner. A few minutes later a pair of .Hobbies were heard calling as they approached, one landing on the rim of the nest. The Crow returned and drove it off, subsequently perching about a metre below the nest. The male Hobby then flew to the nest only to be driven off by the female, whereupon the Crow left its perch and in turn began to chase her. Both Hobbies now turned on the Crow and on a second Crow which arrived in the meantime. The Crows having been driven off, the female Hobby returned to the nest. She crouched in the nest, turning round in it. AUSTRALIAN 180 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Both Hobbies then took wing to drive off a passing Whistling Kite. They did not return. Brown Falcon Distribution is similar to the foregoing but is more likely to be found in Savanna Woodland and Spinifex Savanna. After the Black Kite it is the most common raptor in the area. Breeding: one bird seen frequently leaving and returning to a nest, and also brooding there. Brown Falcons fed frequently on locusts, taking prey in the air and on the ground. Australian Kestrel Generally uncommon in Savanna Woodland, Spinifex Savanna and Grassy Plains. There is some evidence of a small increase in numbers during The Dry. Brown Quail Common in Woodland Savanna, Spinifex Savanna, Grassy Plains and Shrub Grassland. Its local distribution expands in The Wet and contracts during The Dry, when it is found in the tall grass on the margins of watercourses and billabongs. A covey was flushed on one occasion from a small stand of cane-grass bordering the Wickham River. Little Button-quail A single bird on Spinifex Woodland in May 1976 and singles or small coveys in sparsely grassed red river-sand banks in February, March and April 1977. Identification was based on obvious white underparts, "chip, chip, chip" call, small size and lack of the sexual dimorphism found in the King Quail. White-browed Crake A regular wet season migrant to the margins of Racecourse Billabong: also isolated sightings at Crocodile Billabong and possibly on a black soil plain. It is possibly much more common than sightings suggest. On one occasion a pair walked through some reeds to where they formed a peninsula in the billabong. On being approached they entered the water until only the heads showed. On still closer approach they ducked under completely and either swam off underwater or crawled along the reeds below the surface. Black-tailed Native-hen This record is the most northerly for the western third of the Northern Territory. A single bird was occasionally flushed from long grass surrounding Crocodile Billabong. The spots on the flank separated it from the Bush-hen. In November a fire destroyed the vegetation which had sheltered this bird. About the same time children reported catching baby "chooks" in the area which proved to be young Native-hens, as yet flightless and still wobbly. The chicks attempted to escape first by crouching in the pug-marks of cattle and then by running away. Purple Swamphen A single record in January 1976 on Racecourse Billabong. Eurasian Coot Present from January to May 1976, and February to April 1977 on the larger billabongs; in ones and twos. Brolga Present throughout the year in the river valleys. Young birds are often missed when a family party is disturbed; the parents move off in one direction calling loudly while the runner lowers its neck to the VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 181 horizontal, hunches its body and sneaks off in another. An old nest was found on an erstwhile island in Crocodile Billabong. Reports from helicopter pilots told of many groups of adults and young birds. Locally it is widespread in The Wet but contracts in The Dry to the margins of the billabongs. Flocks of up to 22 were seen. Runners were seen on May 25, 1976 and June 12, 1977. Sarus Cranes were looked for but not found. Australian Bustard These are more common in The Wet and when large concentrations of locusts occur, but they are present throughout the year numbering up to twenty-seven in a flock. They are hunted extensively by both Europeans and Aboriginal people, being large, easy to shoot and d eJec t~ able. Apart from setting up and policing reserves large enough to support breeding populations, the survival of bustards is problematic. There is little interest or concern for conservation. A young flightless chick, seen on December 12, 1976 constitutes the northern most breeding record in the western third of the Territory. Comb-crested Jacana From August to October 1976 a single bird was seen at Crocodile Billabong. It left when horses ate its habitat. Its identity was positively checked against the Pheasant,-tailed Jacana recently recorded in Western (Storr & Johnstone, 1975). Bush Thick-knee Heard frequently at night, but not often sighted, on lightly grassed Savanna Woodland and on black soil plains near watercourses. Painted Snipe A single bird in the rush margins of Racecourse Billabong in May 1976. Masked Lapwing Found on the short-grassed margins of billabongs, bore overflows, inundated areas of grassy plains and near road-side puddles. Absent in May 1976, and from June to September 1977. Flocks numbered less than ten. A flightless runner was seen in February 1976. Lesser Golden Plover Single bird was sighted nine times between October 22 and October 25, 1977. It preferred the short-grassed or muddy margins of the receding Racecourse Billabong. Remains of the blackish underparts of the breed­ ing plumage were evident throughout its stay. Previous inland records for this species in the Territory are for Larrimah and Tennant Creek (Storr, 1977). Red-kneed Dotterel Present from September to November 1976, and in February 1977, in ones and twos on the margins of billabongs, particularly in shallow water over a muddy bottom. Large Sand Plover A single bird stayed for a day in November 1976. Oriental Plover Habitats: short-grassed margins of billabongs, in an area of Spinifex Savanna which had been burnt and, more commonly, on cattle camps. The common factor in these sightings was the bare or nearly bare ground. When disturbed the members of a flock fly sometimes but a short distance from the observer, land facing away, and then freeze for several minutes. AUSTRALIAN 182 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Black-fronted Plover Habitats: temporary puddles, margins of billabongs and stony shallow sections of the rivers and streams. It is present throughout the year but its distribution expands during The Wet and contracts during The Dry. Flocks often appear with the first rains, presumably from outside the district. A nest containing three eggs was shown to me by Bill Midgely on July 11, 1976. Black-winged Stilt Present in small numbers from August 1976 until November 1977, except for April and May 1977. They apparently did not breed in the study area. Little Curlew Up to three birds sighted on Racecourse Billabong from September 17, to October 25, 1977. They fed amongst emergent grasses. Wood Sandpiper Recorded in October and November 1976 and in February, August, September and October 1977, on the margins of Crocodile and Race­ course Billabongs. Whereas other waders leave rising water margins, Wood Sandpipers stay. Thirty-five individual birds, with up to three at a time, were recorded over 41 visits. Common Sandpiper Recorded in January, March and April 1976 and from February to April and August to October 1977. In 47 visits to suitable localities 42 individuals were present. Flocks of up to five represented group arrivals which soon dispersed along the margins of billabongs, small streams, ephemeral pools and river-banks. Greenshank Up to four birds present at the billabongs between September and November 1976 and August to November 1977. Marsh Sandpiper Singles on the billabongs from August to October in 1976 and 1977. Snipe Species It is doubtful that the members of the Gallinago genus can be separated in the field (A. R. McEvey, pers. comm.; Storr, 1977:38). Two species have been recorded in the Northern Territory; others are possibilities. I believe that two species were present at Crocodile Billabong in the latter months of 1976. One group was gregarious, with three or four birds together at the same time. Typically, they fed in shallow water or in short grass closely adjacent to water. They allowed a close approach and would settle in a pugmark or under some debris when the observer approached more closely. At the same time single birds widely separated from this group tended to feed in areas of taller grass and were flushed more readily when approached. No difference in plumage could be discerned. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper This is the most common Palaearctic migrant. It was present from August to November 1976, and in February and from August to November 1977. Commonly up to five birds at a time found on the billabongs. Flocks numbering 14 and 21 were seen in October 1977. Early arrivals were often exhausted and suffered additionally from the intense heat. One such bird hid under a tangle of vegetation and died there. VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 183

Australian Pratincole, a seasonal visitor. Plate 51 Photo by B . & K . Richards Red-necked Stint Singles in September to November 1976, and September and October 1977. Curlew Sandpiper Singles noted on the billabong margins in August and November 1976, absent 1977. Oriental Pratincole Arrived with first wet season rains or with thunderstorms. It catches locusts on the wing. Most flocks numbered less than fifty, although one numbered over two hundred. They tend to roost on the margins of Crocodile Billabong during hot afternoons. They leave before the end of The Wet. Australian Pratincole Present January, April and August 1976, and September and October 1977; seen on bare patches of ground in the valleys, on roads and the margins of billabongs. Generally ones or twos and not exceeding ten. Their arrival is often coincidental to the arrival of batches of Palaearctic migrants, perhaps partly in company with them. Whiskered Tern Seen in May, October and November 1976, and from February to April, and in June and September 1977. Although breeding is not thought to be likely, numbers of the birds were immatures. Food taken from the billabongs and the Victoria River, which seems to act as a fly-way. AUSTRALIAN 184 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Caspian Tern A single bird was at Crocodile Billabong in November 1976. Peaceful Dove Very common in all areas except Spinifex Woodland, where the following species takes over. After days of heavy showers, flocks of up to thirty appear in this habitat as well. Breeding: building February 13, 1976; brooding eggs, twice on February 12, once February 13 and once April 2, 1977. Bauhinias were the favoured trees; clutches consisted of two eggs. Diamond Dove Common in Spinifex Savanna but reaching into the valleys as the dry season advanced. A bird brooding a single egg was flushed on October 3, 1976 in Spinifex Savanna. Bar-shouldered Dove This resident is found along the fringing vegetation of the major rivers, in isolated pockets of vegetation along some of the minor streams, and more rarely in isolated heavier pockets of the more closely treed Savanna Woodland in the vicinity of Deep Creek. Small numbers occupied the Ficus thickets along the escarpments. Breeding: copulating September 4, 1977; recently fledged birds September 10, 1977. A nest being built in the Riverine understorey was destroyed by a rise in the river level. Flock Bronzewing Present in May, July, September and October 1976. Generally only in small numbers, with 44 being the highest. Appear to be more common to the south and east in the vicinity of bores. Crested Pigeon Most common in the vicinity of settlement with flocks of up to 50. Otherwise uncommon in habitats except for Woodland Savanna. Breeding: incubating a clutch of two in a small shrub near a billabong August 14, 1976. White-quilled Rock-Pigeon Common at Jasper Gorge. Two or three birds present near Deep Creek in November 1976 were driven off by a fire. Present at a small between Jasper Gorge and Deep Creek, along the escarpment, at 922845 in map No. 5065 of the Australian 1:100 000 series. It is likely that this species has a scattered distribution along the escarpment between Jasper Gorge and Deep Creek and that this represents the most southerly distribution along this longitude in the Northern Territory. It is absent from the Fitzgerald Range, and the apparently more suitable sandstone plateaux immediately south of the station homestead. Spinifex Pigeon Common amongst the fords and rocky areas around the major billa­ bongs in the east of the study area. Rare in similar habitat along Sandy Creek and Victoria River. Despite its name and habits elsewhere it was seen amongst spinifex on only one occasion. Resident, but no nests found. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo A nomadic resident. In The Dry large flocks form and seem to have particular sites for drinking and resting. Three such are Humbert Crossing, Yarralin on the Wickham River and Crawford Springs. At such times flocks number from 75 to 100, although normally less than 10. VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 185

Galah Resident, mainly in Woodland Savanna and vegetation fringing water. The latter is used for roosting and as preliminary perches prior to approaching water for drinking. Common about cattle yards where they feed on spilled sorghum. Breeding: many birds entering and leaving hollows, the entrances of which had been chewed. Little Corella Flocks of 350-400 are resident near sorghum crops and yards containing spilled sorghum seeds. Otherwise roosting in Coolabahs and rarely, in small numbers, found away from the rivers. Breeding: nestlings to be raised in captivity were taken locally. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Resident, with flocks of 10 to 20 inhabiting the fringing vegetation of major rivers. However, singles strayed everywhere except Spinifex Savanna. Seldom on the ground, the birds are far more arboreal than in southern Australia. They often feed on the seeds of the introduced Rubberbush, the only species to do so. Breeding: a young bird was raised in captivity in the last quarter of 1975. Red-collared Lorikeet Absent March, April, June and September 1976, but resident in 1977. Visits flowering trees throughout the study area but is most often along the margins of major watercourses in flocks of up to fifteen. Breeding: chattering was heard in what appeared to be nesting hollows on July 25, 1976 and September 14, 1977. The behaviour of the pair noted in 1976 is as follows. One bird chattered continuously near a hollow in a tree. It entered then left the hollow. It returned, looked into the nest and flew to another perch. Another bird followed it out of the nest. A short while later both birds chattered some distance from the tree. One of them returned, saw me and flew off. Some hours later I returned and one of the birds was in the hollow, while the other appeared to be calling to the one inside. When I was noticed both birds flew to a perch about two metres from the hollow and squawked in a loud and unpleasant manner, accompanying their calls by occasionally flapping their wings. One of the birds had a frayed tail; that of the other was neat. Silver Box was flowering extensively at this period. Varied Lorikeet A resident commonly seen in flocks of about ten, and less likely than the preceding to be found along the rivers. Breeding: single birds were noted, including one thought to have flown from a hollow. A bird coming into drink by itself was taken by a crocodile. Red-winged Parrot This common resident follows flowering trees and shrubs. It clasps in its foot the red flower of a Bauhinia, nips off the top with its bill and thus reaches the nectar or pollen within the flower. Breeding: a female fed a fledgling in the latter part of 1977. Cockatiel This resident is generally in flocks of about ten and ranges across the study area. It is most common in the more lightly grassed areas of the river valleys and rare in the heavily grassed areas of the plains. Breeding: on July 20, 1976 nestlings were recovered from a tree chopped down for firewood on the margin of Crocodile Billabong. AUSTRALIAN 186 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Budgerigar Absent from January to March 1976 but resident in 1977, it is scarce in The Wet. Flocks of up to 1000 gathered to drink; but they rarely numbered above 50 and concentrate in areas where Limestone Grass was common. Breeding: on May 15, numbers were inspecting hollows; nestlings were killed by firewood felling on July 8 and a further nestling was killed in the same way on July 6, 1977. No details are available for breeding which also occurred in 1976. Northern Rosella Although this species is absent from the study area, it is common at Jasper Gorge in the series of small gorges which are cut into the sandstone of the gorge proper. This is a substantial extension of range to the south­ west compared with the limits defined by Storr (1977). Oriental Cuckoo Small numbers fed on caterpillars in the Poinciana trees surrounding the homestead in January 1977. Thereafter, a single bird in the Riverine Understorey in February 1977. Pallid Cuckoo An uncommon visitor in January and February 1976 and in January 1977. Found throughout, but is slightly more common in Riverine Canopy and Understorey and in Savanna Woodland. Brush Cuckoo Recorded from February to May, and m August and September. Uncommon throughout the study area. Black-eared Cuckoo Rare in fringing vegetation and gardens in January, July, September and October 1976, and in February and April 1977. Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Recorded in January and from June to October in 1976, and in August and September 1977. Rare in Shrub Thickets, Riverine Under­ storey and Shrub Grassland. Common Koel Noted in February and March 1976. A pair of Little Friarbirds were feeding a fledgling about the homestead on March 20, 1976. Also seen at Crawford Springs. Channel-billed Cuckoo Present from September to February. They are uncommon in fringing vegetation. Birds in the latter part of 1976 were frequently harrassed by crows. On February 20 a large fledgling was being fed by a crow. As these two flew off they were joined by a second crow. Pheasant Coucal Uncommon in the taller grass on the banks of rivers and in stands of Pandanus. Southern Boobook Common throughout; it is frequently seen on roads after rain. Although breeding was not proved small family parties were often noted. Boobooks roost in paperbarks, in riverine shrubs shrouded by wild passionfruit, in Coolabahs, in clumps of bananas, and in small dense shrubs on the margins of small intermittent watercourses in the sandstone plateaux. Birds frequently fed on insects attracted by night lights. VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 187

Barking Owl Rare amongst the denser stands of Leichardt Pine and Paperbark. Barn Owl Recorded in April and May 1976, and in March and April 1977. One bird roosted in a sandstone cleft. Birds fed in open habitats such as the Grassy Plains and Savanna Woodland. Tawny Frogmouth Resident throughout; these common birds, except for two roosting in a Pandanus thicket, generally roost in more sparsely foliaged trees than does the Boobook. Nest and eggs were reported. One bird was found dead caught on the top strand of a barbed-wire fence. Australian Owlet-nigbtjar Common along the fringes of watercourses and billabongs as well as the rivers. Moves to the Grassy Plains to feed at night. Uncommon in Spinifex Woodland. Spotted Nigbtjar While spotlighting for owls or driving at night this bird is rarely seen; generally sightings were weU-distributed and near bare ground. Of particular interest are the following observations made at a low ridge whose slopes were covered with thickets of flowering wattles. The thickets extended a few hundred metres beyond the foot of the slope and along the plain which was covered by Silver Box Savanna Woodland. The top of the ridge was fiat and bare scattered with boulders mostly between ten and 20 centimetres in diameter. The vegetation here was sparse spinifex and a few straggly eucalypts. The area was burnt about thirteen months previously. A single Nightjar flushed first. The large white spot on the wing and the lack of white on the tail were noted. Although I scanned the area carefully I saw nothing. I took another step and flushed another ten birds. Some of them called, making a low-pitched "quark" "quark"; perhaps all of them did. I had time to check the identification of about four individuals. They tallied with the first bird, which had landed behind the trunk of a nearby tree. Another bird landed near a rock, and after seeming to take a look at me scurried behind the rock. None of the birds flew far before landing. Several clusters of scats lay about, one pile numbering fourteen some of which appeared to be quite old. It is unlikely that any of these could date from before the last heavy rain around March. The estimated area of the roost was five square metres. On July 4 only four birds remained. Macdonald (1973) and Cayley (1964) describe the Spotted Nightjar as usually being met singly, apparently overlooking G. A. Keartland's notes, first published in 1900, as they appear in A. J. Campbell (facsimile edition 1974). "On the hillside near Mount Campbell, I disturbed fourteen birds from about half-an-acre of ground, and subsequently flushed several lots of five or six, . ....". Fork-tailed Swift Noted during thunderstorm activity in March 1976, and February and March 1977, the largest flock being 24. Azure Kingfisher Some birds are present throughout the year, although markedly less common from June to August suggesting some sort of withdrawal. They AUSTRALIAN 188 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER are restricted 't'o rivers and adjacent portions of minor streams but absent from the billabongs, presumably because of poor vegetation cover. Breeding: fledglings being fed along the Wickham River on May 17, 1977. Blue-winged Kookaburra These are common residents along the rivers, uncommon near billa­ bongs, rare along the smaller streams and the thicker patches of Savanna Woodland. Breeding: not proved; several birds left and entered hollows and adults sometimes carried food long distances. Red-backed Kingfisher This is a common resident in Savanna Woodland, uncommon in Spinifex Woodland. Breeding: nestlings were fed on November 21, 1975 and November 31, 1976. Two nestlings brought by children were de­ fo rmed, the wings on each being unevenly developed. Some primaries had failed to develop while others were well-developed. The birds appeared healthy and were kept alive for a week on a diet of locusts which they killed by bashing with repeated sidways and downward motions of the head. The birds died as a consequence of attacks by mosquitoes and ants. Sacred Kingfisher Some are resident but there is an influx just before the breeding season. The first "churring" presumably a territorial call was heard on September 14, 1977. Very common along all margins of water it is also found in Savanna Woodland. In The Dry birds are found in atypical environments, commonly in the Riverine Understorey. Breeding: entering a hollow in a Coolabah November 2, 1976; single birds flu shed from hollows in Coola­ bahs November 21, 1976; on December 12, 1977 adults were feeding nestlings in a tree on the banks of Sandy Creek. Rainbow Bee-eater This resident is present throughout and very common in the VICinity of water. It is uncommon in Savanna Woodland and rare in Spinifex Savanna. Breeding: copulating on October 12, 1975; feeding nestlings on November 30, 1975 and digging a nest-tunnel on September 4, 1976. Dollarbird This breeding migrant is common along the rivers and rare on the margins of billabongs. It is not found in 9ther habitats. The manner of migration of this bird is not well-known. They are present from September to April. Although migratory flocks have not been seen, I have noted numbers of "fresh" birds which have apparently moved in simultaneously overnight. Macdonald (1973) states that Dollarbirds are solitary. Normally this is the case in the study area but sightings on February 2 and 23, 1977 proved exceptions. On the first occasion I did not fully appreciate the oddness of the event and took only scant notes:- "_,<\bout '17 birds flying ab

from its vicinity. They flew from a few metres above the ground to great heights. The flight was the normal alteration between flapping and gliding with occasional variations as they changed course to catch insects. It was less a flock than a loose aggregation of birds held together by a source of food. The calls were "kak" uttered singly and at long intervals. This contrasts with the call made when one bird displaces another from a perch, the "kak" being then repeated many times, at a rapid rate and increasing in pitch with each utterance. At 18.15 hours the birds had drifted eastwards. By 18.20 hours they had disappeared." Black-faced Woodswallows and Willie Wagtails were also feeding above the Riverine Canopy. The source of food was probably a species of flying ant. At the time when the birds were overhead I noted four ants hovering about. The weather conditions seem to be typical of the swarming conditions for these insects. Breeding is not easy to prove for this species as they appear to be very wary during the breeding season and are able to scan long stretches of riverbank from the perches usually chosen from the tallest branches of dead trees. On October 30, 1976 a pair were observed to copulate. When first seen the two birds were perched close together. The female shook her head sideways and then up and down, whereupon the male mounted her. Singing Bushlark This resident is very common in Savanna Woodland and uncommon in Spinifex Woodland. During The Dry it forms flocks which are appar­ ently only locally nomadic as the overall numbers seem to remain steady. Some individuals do not join these flocks and remain distributed through­ out the study area. These flocks feed in Grassy Plains and on the margins of receding billabongs. During the breeding season this species often erects the crest. During the greatest heat of the day these birds roost in well-formed hollows at the base of Bunch Spear Grass tussocks. Breed­ ing: two different birds carrying nest material on November 13, 1976; brooding a clutch of three eggs on February 11, 1977. Barn Swallow A single bird fed around Crocodile Billabong on November 23, 24 and 26, 1976. About five hours was spent in the locality during that time. The bird was seen on each occasion. The conditions for observation ranged from poor to excellent. Probably the clearest sighting was when the bird flew directly overhead only a metre above me. The following characters were noted at one time or another:- dark rump, deeply forked tail, white spots on the tail, dark throat patch, rufous patch on the fore­ head, black band separating throat patch from the rest of the off-white underparts and bill, legs and eyes all dark. It commonly associated with a flock of Fairy Martins and several com­ parisons were made. The flight patterns are different. The Barn Swallow is speedier, its flight being strong~r more direct and without the frequent glides used by Fairy Martins. The evening of November 22 was marked by violent thunderstorms accompanied by a strong north to north-westerly wind. Ten Glossy Ibis, a Whiskered Tern and a Red-necked Stint arrived with the storms. Tree Martin Present from April to July; it is uncommon in Savanna Woodland; there are local concentrations near water. AUSTRALIAN 190 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER

Fairy Martin More common than the preceding species and found in simibr habitats. Mud nests were common all along the escarpment including Jasper Gorge. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Common where there are trees; absent from Grassy Plains. Breeding: nestlings were fed on January 29, 1976; fledglings were being fed on March 9, 1977. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Less common than the former species, with a similar distribution; it is more likely to be tied to watercourses and is also found among the Ficus thickets along the cliffs. Breeding: nestlings were being fed on March 17, 1977. The nest was three-quarters to the top of a large Coolabah on the margin of a watercourse. Ground Cuckoo-shrike Small parties occurred in the short-grassed and more arid areas. Seen in January and from March to August 1976 but only in May 1977. On one occasion it reached north of Jasper Gorge. White-winged Triller This bird is always present but with marked seasonal fluctuations. Some birds remain scattered throughout the study area during the year but the majority from post,-breeding flocks numbering about twenty, fre­ quently with some Black-faced Woodswallows. It is found wherever there are perches available to survey feeding areas. Breeding: building on November 25, 1975; brooding on December 1, 1976 and January 1976; feeding flying young on January 28, 1976; feeding nestlings on February 9, 1977 and a male was flushed from a nest on March 13, 1977. Hooded Robin This species is absent from the study area, the nearest being at the first creek crossing on the Timber Creek Road south of the Victoria Highway. Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Rare. Thinly scattered along the more lush portions of the major rivers. There are no records in June and July and only one in August over the two years. Jacky Winter Recorded from April to July 1976 and in September 1977. Found near water where perches overlook patches of bare ground and short grass. Most sightings were made near the Victoria River and adjacent portions of its . White-browed Robin Rare in scattered sections of the more lush Riverine Understorey. Noted once at an isolated spring and once along a minor stream. Local birds frequently noted in new locations and it may be that the restricted suitable habitat forces the birds to move around. Rufous Whistler These were patchily distributed throughout the study area. Breeding: a bird was brooding on January 28, 1976. Sandstone Shrike-thrush Not found in the south and east of the study area. Its southernmost distribution in this part of the Territory probably runs from Jasper VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 191

Gorge along the escarpment to the Deep Creek area. It is not found in the Fitzgerald Range to the east probably because the rocks, which are of different composition, rarely form cliffs with large boulder screes. Nor is it found in the cliffs to the immediate south of the station homestead area. In its range it is most frequently found where creeks have formed indentations along the escarpment line. Here the vegetation is generally thicker and the boulders larger as a consequence of more rapid erosion. They are not found in the Spinifex Woodland beyond the cliffs. Several old nests were found in the Jasper Gorge and Deep Creek areas. lbis species is rather shy outside the breeding season and is difficult to locate amongst the boulders. However when the birds are singing they are very bold and may be "sung up" even by quite crude imitations. Grey Shrike-thrush Virtually restricted to vegetation fringing watercourses and rivers particularly where there are shrubs as well as trees. It is scarce in Savanna Woodland and was noted on only one occasion in Spinifex Woodland. This latter bird may have been displaced as it did not stay in the one locality but moved in a fairly direct line until lost from sight. The general behaviour of the birds in the study area is different from those observed in Victoria. It is shy and retiring. It was not found in the homestead gardens where the habitat would have been suitable. Leaden Flycatcher Pairs seen on odd occasions in the Deep Creek area but with greater regularity in the Jasper Gorge area. Shining Flycatcher Uncommon in the Riverine Understorey where it is particularly likely to inhabit Pandanus thickets. It has been sighted in nearly every month and gaps presumably represent poor coverage rather than movement. Restless Flycatcher Common in the fringing vegetation of nearly all bodies of water. Uncommon in Savanna Woodland during The Wet, it retreats to fringing vegetation in The Dry. A fledgling was being fed on March 6, 1977. Grey Fantail Three individuals were present along the Victoria River one day in August 1976. These were presumably passage birds as further searches of the area were fruitless. Northern Fantail Uncommon in the Riverine Understorey during The Dry. In The Wet it moves up adjacent portions of minor streams provided they have shrub cover. Birds were observed building a nest. An attempt made to ascertain the date of first laying by using a mirror on a stick caused abandonment of this nest and the construction of a new nest some distance away. Willie Wagtail . Common in fringing vegetation, uncommon elsewhere. Birds fed on insects disturbed by grazing cattle and also on surface skimmers on the Wickham River. Breeding: building on October 4, 1976; flying young being fed on January 28, 1976 and a separate group of fledglings begging for food on January 26, 1976. Grey-crowned Babbler Present throughout. Breeding: groups of their stick nests could be AUSTRALIAN 192 BOEKEL BIRD WATCHER found almosb anywhere. Birds were sometimes flushed from the nests in daylight and on January 26 and 28, 1976 two parties of birds were adding sticks to well-formed nests. Golden-headed Cisticola Very common in areas of Shrub Grassland and Grassy Plains; un­ common in Savanna Woodland where grass is tall; scarce or absent elsewhere. Present throughout the year but subject to at least local move­ ment as the advance of The Dry and overgrazing by cattle eliminates their habitat. Breeding: adults were feeding three fledglings in an are::t of shrub grassland on February 20, 1977. Rufous Songlark Common wherever there are shrubs or trees interspersed with grass­ land. Absent from Spinifex Woodland. It is present throughout the year but numbers increase after The Wet. Brown Songlark Singles in April, June and September. It is unlikely that any were mistaken for the former species. They were seen in the sparsely wooded margins of Grassy Plains. Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Strictly limited in both habitat and range. Threatened with local extinction along with the remainder of the western subspecies elsewhere. Sedentary with local movement to accommodate inundation of habitat. It breeds in the study area. Variegated Fairy-wren Found mainly in shrub spinifex associations with rocky substrates. It is found in all the rocky hills to the north of the Wickham River from the Fitzgerald Range to the Deep Creek area. Not seen east of the Victoria River. Only one group was found south of the Wickham River about fifteen kilometres from the northern population. It is probable that this gap breaks the populations of Malurus lamberti rogersi and M alurus l. assimilis. It is most common on the slopes of the escarpment being concentrated in rocky gullies. On several occasions the following species was also observed sharing this habitat and conflict was once observed between parties of the two species. Breeding: fledglings were fed and a nest dis­ similar to that of the following species was found in habitat appropriate to Variegated Wrens. Red-backed Fairy-wren Common on Grassy Plains, Savanna Woodland and Shrub Grassland. It is also frequently seen in the waterside vegetation of smaller streams. It is uncommon in other habitats and rare in the geographic ranges of both of the preceding species Seen in trees only after being disturbed. Breeding: fledglings being fed on January 29 and May 4, 1976, and February 11, 1977. Weebill This species is common wherever there are trees, especially eucalypts such as River Gums, Coolabahs and Bloodwoods. Although it is present throughout the year, breeding was not proven. Green-backed Gerygone Small numbers in the middle canopy of the Deep Creek area notably in Leichardt Pines and Ficus trees. Not found elsewhere in the study area but more common in Jasper Gorge. VOL. 8 (6) JUNE, 1980 Birds of Victoria River Downs 193

Varied Sittella Common in Riverine Canopy, Coolabahs, Savanna Woodland and in trees bordering watercourses. Present throughout the year. Breeding: on March 10, 1977 birds made two visits to a nearly completed nest in a Coolabah about twenty metres from the shore of Crocodile Billabong and standing in water one metre deep. On May 15 , 1976 a bird was brooding in a nest in a tree on a dry watercourse. Black-tailed Treecreeper Common in Savanna Woodland and Coolabahs; uncommon in Spinifex Woodland and rare in Shrub Thickets; absent from the Riverine Canopy. Often fed on the ground. One bird seen drinking from a billabong. Breeding: it carried either food or nesting material to hollows on July 31 and September 7, 1976. Nestlings were fed on October 18 ana February 12, 1977. Silver-crowned Friarbird Rare. Small parties present in October and November 1976, and in February 1977. The birds fed in Ficus thickets along the cliff and flower­ ing eucalypts in the Deep Creek area indicating an extension of known range south from the Victoria River Depot. Little Friarbird Very common in all habitats except the Grassy Plains and Spinifex Woodland. Even in the latter habitat it is common during the flowering of the eucalypts. A pair fed a fledgling Koel on March 20, 1976. On January 29, 1977 a pair were feeding two of their own fledglings. Blue-faced Honeyeater Seen on scattered occasions in the Deep Creek area including Savanna Woodland Spinifex Woodland and Riverine Canopy habitats. Both blue­ and green-faced individuals present. Yellow-throated Miner Uncommon in the drier Woodland Savanna away from water. No tree type was favoured. They are probably nomadic in the study area as they were rarely seen twice in the same place. Singing Honeyeater Restricted to Savanna Woodland interspersed with Shrub Thickets. They probably benefit from the presence of cattle as they are often found in Rosewoods and Nutwoods which have been kept to shrub size by grazing. In the study area they were the only species apparently tied closely to the dolomitic and limestone rises. White-gaped Honeyeater White-gaped Honeyeaters are common in Riverine Canopy, Riverine Understorey, Shrub Thickets and in Ficus Thickets. They are generally close to water. They remain in · the Riverine Canopy even when the understorey is covered during floods. Present throughout the year, although their local range contracts during The Dry. Breeding: fledglings were being fed on January 27 and March 19, 1976 and February 28, 1977.

To be concluded in Part 2. ABW