December ] WHEELER, Birds of etc. 55 1967 open forest close to the town. However, the colour was wrong, as it was not orange-red; a colour with which she was familiar. The next day the bird returned to the same tree, and during the afternoon of the following Saturday, while I was working in the garden, my wife called that the robin was in the tree again. I ap­ proached from behind a dense Hakea tree and saw, about two yards away, a robin which could not be mistaken. The pink colour which extended from the throat to beyond the legs, and the dense black back could only belong to the Pink Robin (P. rodinogaster). The bird stayed for several minutes, eating aphis, before flying away, and it was not seen again. This is the first recorded sighting of the Pink Robin in the Mary­ borough district. Jack Rogan, Maryborough, Victoria. 24/2/1967.

The Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and the Atherton Tablelands By W. R. WHEELER, Melbourne SUMMARY An account is given of the birds that were observed by the members of the Bird Observers Club, during their tour of an area in north-eastern , between September 26, 1964 and October 11, 1964, together with references to other records that have been made for the district. GENERAL The 1964 outing of the Bird Observers Club was made to the Cairns, Cooktown and areas of north-eastern Queensland, and it lasted for sixteen days between September 26 and October 11, 1964. The party assembled at Cairns on September 26, and on the following day proceeded to on the Atherton Table­ land, where accommodation had been arranged at the Eacham Hotel/Motel. A chartered bus enabled the members to visit the main tourist areas, and also to see some of the various types of habitats and their associated birds. In addition to the official itinerary some members made private trips to Green Island, and also inspected the various localities between Cairns and . . Another group made a weekend excursion to Cooktown, proceeding via Mount Molloy. and Helenvale. The group that went to Michaelmas Cay was disappointed, as high seas made a successful landing impossible. PERSONNEL Members who took part in the outing were - Austrafian Capital Territory- Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Temple-Watts. - Mr. I. V. Manton. 56 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher

New South Wales- Mr. N. Chaffer, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Guthrie, Miss E. K. Pratt and Mesdames E. McCullock and E. G. Rice. Queensland- Mesdames M. L. Cassels and E. M. Green, Miss N. Hopkins, Mr. H. H. Innes, Mrs. C. Williams and Mr. E. E. Zillman. South - Mr. and Mrs. J. Fleming. Victoria- Mr. and Mrs. Roy P. Cooper, Mrs. W. L. Denney, Mr. F. Fehrer, Misses M. B. Field, D. Goodenough, Mr. G. E. Hale, Miss H. M. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Hough, Mr. and Mrs. Reg Johnson, Misses M. McKenzie, B. G. Moore, D. Moroney, E. Nott, D. Quayle, Mr. J. Rogan, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wheeler, and Mr. E. J. Whitbourn. Visitors from nearby areas included Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Gill, Messrs. K. Gill, J. A. Bravery, J. Cassels, B. Cook, S. Cantarella and Miss M. Bullen; and from Victoria Mr. L. Harvey and Lt. P. Brook. BIRD LIFE OF THE AREA A total of 290 species of birds was recorded for the trip. This is a remarkable number of different birds to be seen in the short period of sixteen days, even by such a large party, and it is indicative of the wealth of bird-life that is in the area. Birds that were not seen by the party, but which have been recorded elsewhere, have been included in the general list. They are clearly marked by an asterisk before the common name, and the reference is given in the text. In the following list of birds, the areas stated under each species are shown on the accompanying map, while in the letterpress the various types of habitat are indicated. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS My appreciation is expressed to the many people who assisted in so many ways to make our stay so enjoyable, especially to Mrs. Kehoe and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Coleman, Yungaburra; Mr. and Mrs. Barrow, Atherton; Mr. and Mrs. Waters, Cooktown, and to Mrs. Alcorn of Julatten. To Mr. G. Prior and to Mr. D. Sinclair for their competence in handling the difficult task of transport, and to the President and members of the Natu­ ralists Club for their hospitality. For assistance in the preparation of the list of birds I must thank all the members of the party, and also Mesdames H . B. Gill and M. L. Cassels and Messrs. L. 0 . Amiet, J. A. Bravery and L. Harvey.

LIST OF BIRDS In addition to the species of birds · that were observed by the members of the Bird Observers Club, all additional records for the area have been included. These latter observations are marked by an asterisk before each species. *Emu (Dromaius novae-hollandiae). West of Normanby River, 40 miles south of Cooktown. The Emu, Vol. 53, p. 228. Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius). One of the party (F.F.) was fortunate enough to see a fine male bird, on a timber track in the Herberton Range, December ] Birdls of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 57 1967 and another bird near . Tracks and droppings were found at Mobo Creek. Scrub-Fowl (Megapodius freycinet). Recorded in rain-forest areas at and Eacham, Herberton Range, D anbulla Forest, English's "The Jungle" at Malanda, Mount Hypipamee and at Kuranda. At Hartleys Creek and Port Douglas the birds were seen in mangroves and coastal scrub. Several large nesting mounds were observed. Brush-Turkey (Alectura lathami). At Lake Eacham and these birds were feeding right down to the waters edge. Young birds were observed in the Herberton Range, and three active nesting mounds were inspected at "The Jungle", Malanda. Stubble-Quail (Corturnix pectoralis). Seen near Petersons Creek, Yunga­ burra. Brown Quail (Synoicus australis). This common quail was often seen on the roads near Yungaburra and along the unused railway line. Also re·ported near the Tinaroo , Coleman's Swamp near Yungaburra, Mount Mulloy, Kaban, Archer Creek, Cairns and Port Douglas. King-Quail (Excalfactoria chinensis). Recorded on the edge of the Curtaiil Fig Jungle near Yungaburra; near Tinnaburra and at Kaban. Red-backed Quail (Turnix maculosa). Seen at both Tinnaburra and Coleman's Swamp. The remains of a Quail found at Bromfields Crater (Swamp) was sent to K. A. Hindwood for identification, and it proved to be this species. Painted Quail (T. varia). Only reported at Holdcroft Drive, in open forest country eight miles south of Atherton. *Black-breasted Quail (T. melanogaster). Atherton, 1957 and 1958. The Emu, Vol. 59, p. 181. Little Quail (T. velox). Two birds were seen on different visits to Bromfield's Swamp (F.S.) . *Red-chested Quail (T. pyrrhothorax). Atherton, usually in monsoon seasons. Birds of the Atherton District, J. Bravery. Red-crowned Pigeon (Ptilinopus regina). This Pigeon was reported nesting on Green Island on September 24 (F.S.). It was seen at Mobo Creek and at Lake Eacham, and two immature birds, in practically all green plumage, were seen at Port Douglas on October 11 . A yellow patch around the eye and yellow under parts were the only other noticeable colouring (R.W.). Purple-crowned Pigeon (P. superbus). Only seen at Lakes Barrine and Eacham, where they were observed feeding on the fruit bearing trees. Wompoo (Megaloprepia magnifica). Recorded at the Curtain Fig, Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Herberton Range, Malanda "The Jungle", and Mount Hypipamee Crater. Torres Strait Pigeon (Myristicivora spilorrhoa). This species was re­ corded nesting in numbers on Green Island. Birds were seen arriving back from the mainland at the rate of 200 in five minutes (K.H.). Small parties of the species were also reported from Pebbly Beach near Port Douglas and at North Cairns. Topknot-Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus). Small parties of this bird were recorded at Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo; at Dunbulla Forest and Mobo Creek. It has a swift and effortless flight. White-headed Pigeon (Columba norfolciensis). As many as three birds were often seen at Lake Eacham, where a pair were busy nest building. Also reported from the Herberton Range, , Danbulla Forest and Tully Falls. Brown Pigeon (Macropygia phasianella). All patches of scrub con­ tained these birds and wherever wild grew they were in abundance. In the Herberton Range a nest, that was built on a lawyer vine at the height of six feet containing one egg, was found. Occurred in the same areas as the Wompoo and, in addition, at Lake Euramoo, Danbulla Forest and at Kuranda. Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida). Very common at Cairns. Plentiful around Yungaburra, Atherton, and Mount Molloy. Also reported at Kairi, Julatten, Malanda, Kuranda, Kahan and Mount Garnet. At Kahan 58 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher

a bird was nesting at 20 feet in a eucalypt. En route to Cooktown it was common in open country. Diamond-Dove (G. cuneata). Reported at Mareeba, Mount Garnet and Mount Carbine. Bar-shouldered Dove (G. humeralis). Seen at Cairns and Port Douglas, and it was a common bird at Cooktown. On the Tableland recorded at Yungaburra, in the giant bamboos near the hotel, and at 4 A.T., about eight miles south-east of Atherton on the Malanda Road. Indian Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia chinensis). An introduced species released in the Gordonvale area in mid-1940, it is now numerous in the Cairns district and is reported from Atherton and Mareeba. Rock Dove (Domestic Pigeon) (Columba Iivia). Common in Cairns and Atherton. Green-winged Pigeon (Chalcophaps chrysochlora). Seen at Cairns, Lake Placid, Port Douglas, Cooktown and Green Island, and on the Tableland at Yungaburra, Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Mobo Creek, Tully F alls and along the Clohesy River. *Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera). Atherton District, Granite Creek, May, 1962, and , June, 1963 (J. Bravery) . *Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta). Mount Garnet, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 96. Atherton District, ·"Birds of the Artherton District" by J. Bravery. *Lewin Water-Rail (Rallus pectoralis). Cairns, November, 1953, L. Amiet; Julatten, September 1957, R. Wheeler, and by others. Banded Landrail (Hypotaenidia philippensis). First noted near the Forestry Camp in the Herberton Range, this species was later observed in the early morning along the creek at Yungaburra. At 4 A.T. wireless station in the early morning, as many as six birds were seen feeding on the lawns. Birds were also seen on the roads at night, and at Hasties Swamp near Atherton. *Red-necked Rail (Rallina tricolor). Pingin Hill, Innisfail, where a bird was successfully photographed. Other records include Stratford, near Cairns, M. Cassels, and Mobo Creek, B. Gill. *Marsh-Crake (Porzana pusi/la). Cairris. The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 97. Spotless Crake (P. tabuensis). As many as a dozen birds were heard calling in the rushes and reeds at Bromfields Swamp, and two birds were seen by F. Smith. *White-browed Crake (Poliolimnas cinereus). Atherton, November 1959 and September 1964, J. Bravery; Innisfail Swamp, October 1964, with three young, F. Smith; and the same area to January 1965, B. Gill. *Bushhen (Amaurornis ruftcrissus). Cairns, The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 97; Pingin Hill area at Innisfail, B. Gill; Leslie Creek at Yungaburra, L. Harvey; and Cairns, October 13, 1964, F. Smith. Dusky Moorhen (Ga/linu/a tenebrosa). Seen on the ; Leslie Creek and the Barron River near Yungaburra; Lake· Barrine; Bromfields Swamp (one), and on the lagoons at Kahan. Eastern Swamphen (Porphyria melanotus). Frequented the swampy localitie·s; Scrubby Creek and the Barron River near Yungaburra; Brom­ fields Swamp; Battles Swamp; Abattoirs Swamp; Hasties Swamp near Atherton and the Kahan lagoons. Coot (Fulica atra). Numbers were seen on the Tinaroo Dam; a few on Lake Barrine and on Bromfields Swamp; Abattoirs Swamp, and on the lagoons at Kahan. Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Small numbers of less than a dozen birds on Lakes Barrine and Eacham; sighted on the Dam at Tinnaburra and three birds on Lake Euramoo. Little Grebe (P. ruftcollis). Reported in various sections of the Tinaroo Dam; Lake Eacliam, Bromfields Swamp and the lagoons at K ahan. *Wilson Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus). Recorded at sea in the Cairns and Cooktown areas, May to Septe'mber, L. Amiet. *Wedge-tailed Shearwatcr (Puffinus paciftcus). Breeds on cays and reefs east of Cairns, "Birds of the South-west Coral Sea," Division of Wildlife Research Technical Paper, No. 3. December J Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 59 1967

N

'==;:o:::i===:5" Mo les {approx.)

~· GREEN ISLAND

Drawn by A. Stirling.

Map showing the area of north-eastern Queensland that was covered by the party, also stating the place names that are mentioned in the text. 60 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher

Greater Frigate-bird (Fregata minor). Seen ove:r Green Island, Michael­ mas and Upola Cays. *Lesser Frigate-bird (F. ariel). Common in coastal areas Februar5i to May, L. Amiet. Also recorded Green Island, October 1957, R. Wheeler; Trinity Bay, Cairns, October 1964, E. Whitbourn; Port Douglas, B. Gill. Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). A few birds seen on the water­ front at Cairns and others on the Tinaroo Dam. Little Black Cormorant (P. sulcirostris). Reported from areas of the Tinaroo Dam. Pied Cormorant (P. varius). Recorded on the Tinaroo Dam, in small numbers. Little Pied Cormorant (P. melanoleucus). A common species along the foreshore at Cairns and en route to Michaelmas Cay. Well distributed on the Tableland, particularly around the Tinaroo Dam, Lakes Barrine and Euramoo, Bromfields Swamp, Kuranda, Petersons Creek near Yungaburra, Walkamin, Kuranda and the Kaban lagoons. Australian Darter (Anhinga novae-hollandiae). Several were seen on the [inaroo Dam; one bird was asleep with its head under its wing and down its back. Seen flying over the Herberton Range at 4,500 feet and others seen on Lakes Eacham and Barrine, Bromfields Swamp, Abattoirs Swamp, and at the Kaban lagoons. Brown Gannet (Sui a leucogaster). Reported at Green Island, mainly rt:sting on the old pier-piles. Five birds seen en route to Michaelmas Cay. *Red-footed Gannet (S. sula). Cairns. The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 98. *Masked Gannet (S. dactylatra). Cairns. The Emu, Vol. 54, p. 36. Australian Pelican (·Pelecanus conspicillatus). Several birds seen at Cairns and Smithfield. As many as 20 birds reported on the Tinaroo Dam. *Red-tailed Tropic-bird (Phaethon rubricaudus). Breeds on cays and reefs east of Cairns, "Birds of the South-west Coral Sea," Division of Wild­ life Research Technical Paper No. 3. *White-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucoptera). Cairns. World Bird Day District Bird Lists, December, 1959, p. 5; Mareeba, December 1965, B. Gill; and Tinaroo Dam November 1964, J. Bravery. Whiskered (Marsh) Tern (C. hybrida). One bird, in non-breeding plumage, at Bromfields Swamp, October 1 (F.S.). Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). Common on the Cairns water­ front. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia). In small numbers on the beach at Cairns, Cooktown and Green Island, and also seen at Upola Cay. Several birds were seen over the Tinaroo Dam, Lakes Eacham and Barrine. The birds that visited Lake Barrine were observed only in the early morning. *Common Tern (Sterna hirunda). The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 98, Cairns and Low Island, November and December, 1944; Cairns, October 1964, F. Smith. *Roseate Tern (S. dougallii). Sighted off Cairns occasionally by L. Amiet. Crested Tern (S. bergii). Reported at Green Island and on navigation posts in Trinity Bay, Cairns. A few were seen at Cooktown. Lesser Crested Tern (S. bengalensis). One bird seen on the Cairns fore­ shore (R.C.) and appeared to be nesting at Michaelmas Cay on October 11. Little Tern (S. albifrons). A few birds scattered amongst the other terns along the foreshore and in Trinity Bay, Cairns. *Biack-naped Tern (S. sumatrana). Low Island, The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 99; Green Island, R. Wheeler, October 1957. Sooty Tern (S. fuscata). Thousands of birds nesting on Michaelmas Cay and Upola Cay on October 11. Single egg to young in all stages. Bridled Tern (S. anaetheta). One bird reported on Cairns foreshore (R.C.) . Noddy (A no us stolidus). Nesting with Sooty Terns on Michaelmas and Upola Cays on October 11 . *White-capped Noddy (A . minutus). Breeds on cays and reefs east of Cairns. "Birds of the South-west Coral Sea", Division of Wildlife Research Technical Paper, No. 3. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 61 1967

Silver Gull (Larus novae-hollandiae). Common along the Cairns water­ front, and in Jesser numbers at Green Island and Cooktown. Only three binl.s seen at Michaelmas Cay. Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). As many as 10 birds noted on the Cairns *Pied Oyster-catcher (Haematopus ostralegus). Cooktown. R.A.O.U. water-front during our visits. Also seen at Upola Cay. Checklist, 1926. Mathews, p. 22. Sooty Oyster-catcher (H. unicolor). One bird seen at Cooktown on October 4 (R.I.). Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus). Twelve birds were seen around the edge of the Tinaroo Dam at Tinnaburra (F.S.). Also reported at Bromfields Swamp and the Kahan lagoons. Australian Spur-winged Plover (Lobibyx novae-hollandiae). One bird was seen with Masked Plovers on the North Cairns Sports Oval on October II. Masked Plover (L. miles). Well distributed along the Esplanade at Cairns. Three nests were found at Tinnaburra. One of these nests was destroyed by a grass-mower, but the birds nested again two weeks later. A pair with two chicks was seen at Malanda and others were reported at 4 A.T.; Hasties Swamp near Atherton, and at the Kahan lagoons. *Banded Plover (Zonifer tricolor). Atherton. The Emu, Vol. 64, p. 62. *Grey Plover (Pluvialis squataro/a). Cairns, The Emu, Vol. 57, p. 242: Tinaroo Dam, ibid., Vol. 64, p. 62. Eastern Golden Plover (P. dominicus). Up to 100 birds were noted on the Cairns foreshore, and many were in part breeding plumage. Also seen on Green Island and at Cooktown. A flock of 14 birds were seen in a partly ploughed paddock near Malanda. Mongolian Sand-Dotterel (Charadrius mongo/us). About 50 birds fre­ quented the Cairns foreshore. Also seen on the beach at Port Douglas. *Double-banded Dotterel (C. bicinctus). Cairns. The Australian Bird Watcher, Vol. I. p. 84. Large Sand-Dotterel (C. leschenaultii). Mr. F . T. H. Smith counted up to 40 birds along the foreshore at Cairns. *Oriental Dottercl (C. veredus). Cairns. The Emu, Vol. 57, p. 242. Tinaroo Dam, ibid., Vol. 64, p. 62. Red-capped Dottercl (C. alexandrinus). Three birds on the foreshore at Cairns, and a few at Cooktown. Black-fronted Dotterel (C. melanops). As many as nine birds were seen together on the water's edge at Tinnaburra. Also observed at Bromfields Swamp, Hasties Swamp, Julatten and Cairns. White-headed Stilt (Himantopus /eucocephalusj. Several birds, some in immature plumage, were seen at Smiths Creek, Cairns. Several birds were seen on the Tinaroo Dam at Tinnaburra, and 10 birds were on Bromfields Swamp. *Red-necked Avocet ( R ecurvirostra nol'ae-hollandiae). Tinaroo Dam. The Emu, Vol. 64, p. 62. Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis). Up to nine birds were seen on the Cairns foreshore. Whimbrel (N. phaeopus). As many as 50 birds frequented the foreshore at Cairns, and on Green Island, numbers perched in the trees. Recorded in the mangroves at Cooktown. Little Whimbrel (Mesoscolopax minutus) One reported on the· Cairns foreshore (R.C.) and a few days later one was seen on the North Cairns Sports Oval (F.S.). Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). Two birds were on the foreshore at Cairns. Bar-tailed Godwit (L. lapponica). Sixty birds were re·corded on the Cairns water-front. Wood-Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Only associated with fresh-water swamps. Two were seen at Hasties Swamp near Atherton, one at Coleman's Swamp, Yungaburra, and two on a fast drying marsh at . Grev-tailed Tattler (T. brevipes). Up to 60 birds on the Cairns fore­ shore, including some in full breeding plumage. Ten birds were observed 62 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher at Smiths Creek, Cairns; two were seen on Green Island, and a few at Cooktown. *Wandering Tattler (T. incana). Port Douglas, August 21, 1964, in partial breeding plumage, John McKean, Canberra. Common Sandpiper (T. hypoleuca). Reported on tidal creeks at Cairns, and odd birds were seen at Tinnaburra, on the Barron River at Kuranda, Cooktown, and at Port Douglas. At Cooktown a bird, perched on the bridge over the Endeavour River, did not move when the bus passed within a few inches of it. Greenshank (T. nebularia). As many as 12 birds were on the Cairns water-front, and others frequented the mangroves along Smiths Creek. Recorded at Tinnaburra and at Hasties Swamp. Marsh-Sandpiper (T. stagnatilis). One bird was seen on a tidal creek at Cairns, and another on Bromfields Swamp. Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus). The busiest feeder of all the waders. Up to 30 birds frequented the mud-flats along the Cairns foreshore. Curlew-Sandpiper (Erolia ferruginea). A few birds were seen at Green Island; 12 birds were listed on the Cairns mud-flats, and one bird was at Bromfields Swamp. Red-necked (Little) Stint (E. ruficollis). A daily average of 250 birds was recorded along the Cairns foreshore. A few were noted at Port Douglas and others on the edge of the Tinaroo Dam, at Tinnaburra. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (E. acuminata). Up to 100 birds were observed on the foreshore at Cairns. A few others were noted at Tinnaburra and at Bromfields Swamp. Knot (Calidris canutus). One bird was seen (D.M. and R.W.) on the edge of mangroves, at Cooktown. Cairns, The Emu, Vol. 57, p. 242. Great Knot (C. tenuirostris). From four birds to 12 birds were along the water-front at Cairns. Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinella). Daily recordings were 2, 5, 8, 12, at Cairns. Australian Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii). Flushed from several marshy localities on the Tableland; Coleman's Swamp, Leslie Creek, Bromfields Swamp, Abattoirs Swamp and on the edges of the Tinaroo Dam, at Tinnaburra. Lotus-bird (Irediparra gallinacea). This bird was seen walking on water­ lillies in several localities; Emerald Creek near Mareeba, Tinaroo Dam near Tinaroo, Lake Euramoo, Bromfields Swamp, Abattoirs Swamp, Kaban lagoons, and on a back-water of the Endeavour River, at Cooktown. *Oriental Pratincole (Glareola pratincola). Cairns, February and March 1964, J. Bravery; Innisfail Aerodrome, December, 1964, B. Gill. *Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella). Atherton, regular visitor, "Birds of the Ather~on District", J. Bravery. Southern Stone-Curlew (Burhinus magnirostris). Reported at Cairns, Cooktown, Atherton, Yungaburra, Kahan and Malanda. At Malanda two parties of four birds were seen in open country on a hillside. The following account was sent in by E .P. "At Leslie Creek, near Yungaburra, at 4 p.m ., on October 4, 12 Stone-Curlews were seen displaying in a corner of a paddock. They were standing in a rough circle bobbing and bowing to each other; then one would crouch down and start calling, then half rose and ran off in this half-crouched stance. The others would then go through the same performance and followed the leader in single file. They would then re-group with much wing displaying and calling. The birds were under observation for at least 10 minutes and went through the display three times, moving about 30 feet each time." Beach Stone-Curlew (Orthorhamphus magnirostris). One bird was seen at Palm Beach, about 16 miles north of Cairns. Australian Bustard (Eupodotis australis). A bird was seen near Athe'rton on September 28 (J.B.) , and the remains of a bird were found at Archer Creek, between Ravenshoe and Mt. Garnet. Brolga (Grus rubicundus). Flocks of up to 200 birds were observed often on the Tableland. In paddocks that were being ploughed between Yungaburra and Atherton, up to 100 birds were seen following the tractor. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 63 1967

At I3romficlds Swamp Mr. F. T. H. Smith was kneeling down under a tree when 180 Brolgas landed around him. Birds were seen dancing on several occasions. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis fa/cine/Ius). Odd birds were noted at Hasties Swamp, Bromfields Swamp and at Tinnaburra. Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca). Well distributed and recorded at Cairns, Cooktown, Yungaburra, Tinnaburra, Battles Swamp, Bromfields Swamp, Mt. Molloy and over the Clohesy River area. Straw-necked Ibis (T. spinicol/is). More widely distributed than the White Ibis, and in addition to the areas where this species was recorded the Straw-necked was seen as Mossman, Kairi, Mareeba, Malanda, Kaban and along the to Cooktown. Royal Spoonbill ('Platalea regia). Observed at Cairns, mainly along the foreshore, and at Tinnaburra, Hasties Swamp, Kaban lagoons, Mt. Garnet and on the Palmer River, south of Cooktown *Yellow-billed Spoonbill (P. flavipes). Yungaburra. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 106; Julatten, R. Wheeler, October 1957. Jabiru (Xenorhynchus asiaticus). Two birds were seen at Cairns, one near the air-port and the other on the foreshore area. Another was seen flying near Mt. Molloy. *Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana). Cairns, The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 102; , The Bird Observer, No. 298. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). Several were feeding with other Egrets on the foreshore at Cairns. One was reported on the Tinaroo Dam, and another on the East Normanby River on the way to Cooktown. Plumed Egret (E. intermedia). Several were on the foreshore at Cairns, and others were in the paddocks with cattle, around Yungaburra. This association with cattle is a characteristic of the Cattle Egret but investiga­ tion proved these birds to be Plumed Egrets. Also reported at Bromfields Swamp, Hasties Swamp and at Malanda. White Egret (E. alba). Frequenting the Cairns foreshore with the previous two species. Also recorded around the Tinaroo Dam, near Yungaburra, the Abattoirs Swamp and at the lagoons at Kaban. Cattle Egret (A rdeola ibis). Only two birds were reported. One, with a well coloured neck and back, at Bromfields Swamp, and a second bird at the Tinaroo Dam, at Tinnaburra. White-faced Heron ( Ardea novae-hollandiae). Seen in most areas visited. At Rawsons Pool, near Millaa Millaa, a bird was being chased by a Pied Currawong. White-necked Heron (A. pacifica). Only recorded at Hasties Swamp, near Atherton, and at the lagoons at Kaban. *Pied lH'·cron (A. picata). Several reports from Kaban, Atherton, Tinaroo Dam, B. Gill, J. Bravery, and others. Reef Heron (Egretta sacra). Widely distributed on the reef at Green Island. This species has a white and a grey phase of plumage, and the grey phase predominated. Also seen at Cairns, Port Douglas and the Mowbray River about three mi'les south of Mossman. Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax ca/edonicus). Has been roosting in the trees at the Cairns Hospital for years. Also reported at Lake Barrine, Bromfields Swamp, the Clohesy River and the lagoons at Kaban. Mangrove Heron (Butorides striata). One or two birds were seen along the Cairns foreshore, on the tidal mud. These birds moved with a slow, stealthy gait, and on occasions feed within a few feet of the observers. *Little Bittern (lxobrvchus minutus). Ravenshoe, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 97 . . *Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis). Cooktown, The Emu, Vol. 53, p. 234. Pied Goose ( Anseranas semipalmata). Three birds were noted on Brom­ fields Swamp. A pair on the Abattoirs Swamp circled overhead when they were· disturbed. and aliphted in nearby trees, giving the observers an excell ent view. Up to 25 birds were seert at Hasties Swamp. White-quilled Pigmy-Goose (Nettapus coromandelianus). Up to 24 birds wee seen on the Tinaroo D am, near Tinnaburra. Two birds were sighted early on the tour and then eight and finally 24. A pair was seen 64 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher on the Kahan lagoon. The white head was the distinguishing field mark. Green Pigmy-Goose (N. pulchellus). Twelve of this species were seen on Bromfields Swamp, 10 on the Abattoirs Swamp and others on the Tinaroo Dam. Maned Goose (Chenonetta jubata). As many as 23 birds were recorded on the Tinaroo Dam, and three were noted among the Tree-ducks at the Kahan lagoons. Black Swan (Cygnus atratus). Approximately 20 birds were observed on the Tinaroo Dam. Whistling Tree-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata). Reported in two areas in small numbers; the Tinaroo Dam and on a lagoon at Kahan. At Kahan the Whistlers were on one lagoon, and the Plumed species were on the others. Plumed Tr.ee-Ducks (D. eytoni). As many as 1,000 birds were observed on the Tinaroo Dam, and up to 3,500 on the lagoons at Kahan. At Kahan the dead trees were festooned with the birds perched on them, and hundreds of more birds were lining the banks. *White-headed Shelduck (Tadorna radjah). Cooktown, Checklist of the Birds of Australia, 1926, p. 34. Also reported from Atherton, Tinaroo Dam, and Kahan by J. Bravery and others. Black Duck ( Anas superciliosa). Distributed in small parties at Tinna­ burra, Yungaburra, Lake Barrine, Bromfields Swamp, Abattoirs Swamp, Hasties Swamp, Kuranda, Kahan and Cooktown. *Chestnut Teal (A. castanea). On rare occasions reported at Tinaroo Dam and swamps near Atherton, by J. Bravery and others. Grey Teal (A. gibberifrons). Parties of up to 30 birds were seen on the mud-flats at Cairns. Recorded at Yungaburra, Tinnaburra and other parts of the Tinaroo Dam, Bromfields and Hasties Swamps and at the Kahan lagoons. Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). Two birds were seen often on a back-water of the Tinaroo Dam at Tinnaburra. Hardhead (White-eyed Duck) (Aythya australis). This species was fairly well spread and was recorded in several parts of the Tinaroo Dam, Lake Barrine, Bromfields Swamp, at Mt. Molloy and on the Kahan lagoons. Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis). A single bird was seen near Yunga­ burra on October 5 and October 10. Possibly the same bird. Swamp-Harrier (C. approximans). Not common but seen on several occasions along the Barron River between Yungaburra and Atherton, Kairi, Bromfields Swamp and at 4 A.T. Atherton. Grey (White) Goshawk (Accipiter novae-hollandia.e). Confined to the rain forested areas. Two were seen in the Herberton Range, three in the Danbulla Forest, another between Malanda and Lake Eacham and one bird near the Millaa Millaa Lookout. Australian Goshawk (A. fasciatus). Not common. Recorded twice at Atherton, once at Tully Falls, and at Archer Creek. Collared Sparrowhawk (A. cirrocephalus). This small hawk was seen on two occasions in open forest country between the Evelyn Highway and Kahan, and again at Archer Creek. Also seen near Palmer River. Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus). A large hawk that was flushed from along the Forestry Road in the Herberton Range, was recognised by H. Innes and E . Zillman as this species. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax). A pair was over the Herberton Range, another pair was between Mareeba and Mt. Molloy, and a bird was near Mt. Hypipomee. A dead bird was on the side of the road near Palmer River. *Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides). Rare and only seen in dry seasons, "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. A bird was seen at Atherton in 1962, R. Schoddee, and a pair at Yungaburra, October 1964, L. Harvey. White-breasted Sea-Eagle (Hallaeetus leucogaster). A pair frequented the sea-front at Cairns; one bird was observed at Lake Barrine; a pair was noted at the , and another bird was seen over the Barron River, near Yungaburra. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 65 1967 Red-backed Sea-Eagle (Haliastur indus). Observed several times patrol­ ling the mud-flats at Cairns and also over Trinity Bay. Seen along the water-front at Cooktown. Whistling Eagle (H. sphenurus). Well distributed. Reported from Cairns, Cooktown, Tinaroo, Yungaburra, Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Kairi, Malanda and near Mt. Hypipomee. At times this species was associated with Fork-tailed Kites, and on another occasion it was seen feeding on a dead paddy-melon (wallaby) on the roadside. One bird was seen with a badly smashed lower mandible at Wongabel. Fork-tailed Kite (Milvus migrans). Numbers were seen over the cane­ fields near Cairns. As many as 20 birds circled over the paddocks being fallowed near Yungaburra, Atherton and Kairi. Also noted over the Dan­ bulla Forest, Malanda, Mt. Garnet and near Cooktown. Square-tailed Kite (Lophoictinia isura). One bird was over the Forestry Camp near Lake Euramoo, on September 30, a second bird was at Tully Falls on October 5 and a third report was from the Tinaroo Dam. The black tip on the tail and spotted wing-fingers showed to advantage. Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosterna). One bird was sighted on the Cooktown road, on October 4. Australian Black-shouldered Kite (Elan us nota/us). Well distributed on the Tableland, where a pair was nesting near Kairi. Recorded at Yunga­ burra, Atherton, Malanda, Mareeba and the Evelyn Highway. Crested Hawk (A viceda subcristata). Pairs of this hawk were seen at the Curtain Fig, Herberton Range, Malanda and Wongabel. Little Falcon (Falco longipennis). One bird was over the Cairns fore­ shore, another was at Cooktown, and a third bird was flushed near Lake Euramoo. *Grey Falcon (F. hypoleucus). Very rare. "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. Other reports include Kuranda and Millaa Millaa, L. Amiet. Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus). One bird was noted flying over the mangrove creeks at Cairns. It was attacked by a pair of Masked Plovers. *Black Falcon (F. subniger). Reported occasionally at Atherton, and a sighting at Cooktown in December 1959, J. Bravery. Brown Hawk (F. berigora). Only birds seen on the Tableland were two with a party of Fork-tailed Kites near Kairi. It was reported at Cook­ town. Nankeen Kestrel (F. cenchroides). Seen at Cairns and Cooktown. On the Tableland it was noted at Yungaburra, Atherton, Mt. Molloy, Mareeba and Malanda. Osprey (Fish-Hawk) (Pandion haliaetus). One bird flew along the Pebbly Beach near Port Douglas on October 11, and, on the same day, two birds were seen at Michaelmas and Upola Cays. Boobook Owl (Ninox novae-see/andiae). Heard nightly at Yungaburra, Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Winking Owl (N. connivens). A bird was flushed in an open forest gully, between the Evelyn Highway and Kahan (F.S.). *Rufous Owl (N. rufa). Very rare. "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery; Julatten, September 1958. World Bird Day District Bird Lists, 1958-61. Supplement to The Bird Observer, April 1962. Barn-Owl (Tyto alba). Observed several nights in the same part of Yungaburra by T. Guthrie, when a bird flew close to him. Near Coleman's, at Yungaburra, a bird had died recently when caught by its foot in a crack of the tree near the roosting hollow. Other dead birds were noticed on the roadway at Lake Eacham and near Atherton. *Masked Owl (T. novae-hollandiae). Atherton, 1958, reports of a dead bird and also a bird in a large fig tree, J. Bravery. *Sooty Owl (T. tenebricosa). Yungaburra, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 115; "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus). Common in all areas visited, coastal, tableland and north to Cooktown. Observed feeding at Lake Eacham in an Umbrella Tree, and at Julatten in a scrub tree. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (T. chlorolepidotus). Found in most areas visited. A pair was nesting in a hollow eucalypt at 70 feet at Kahan, and another pair was feeding flying young at Yungaburra. 66 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla). Reported in the forests at Lake Euramoo, Yungaburra, Julatten, Millstream, Kaban and Hartleys Creek. Lorilet (Opopsitta diophthalma). Reported at Ellis Beach on the Cook Highway; seen feeding on the red-flowering Umbrella Tree at Lake Eacliam; a small flock was perched on the top of a dead tree at Kuranda, and it was observed at Lake Barrine, Lake Euramoo and Curtain Fig Jungle. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii). A large party of about 100 birds was seen near the junction of the Laura turnoff on October 4, and six birds were observed in open forest near the Evelyn Highway two days later. White Cockatoo (Kakatoe galerita). Flocks were seen in the Caire.> and Lake Placid areas and it was well distributed on the Tablelands. *Little Corella ( K. sanguinea). Innisfail, February 16, 1945. The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 105. Galah ( K. roseicapilla). Parties were at Springvale, 40 miles south of Cooktown, and eight birds were seen in a paddock between Ravenshoe and the Crater. '''Cockatiel (Leptolophus hollandicus). Recorded only in very dry seasons. "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus). Reported near the Springvale Station and at Helenvale. King-Parrot (A. scapu/aris). Recorded along the , Lake Barrine, Herberton Range, Lake Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Rawsons Pool five miles north of Millaa Millaa and at the Mt. Hypipamee Crater where a pair was nesting at 20 feet in a hollow forest tree. Crimson Rosella (Platycercus e/egans). Recorded in the Herberton Range, Mt. Hypipamee, Lakes Eacham and Barrine and on the roadside near the School. Pale-headed Rosella (P adscitus). Found mainly in open forests, the largest party of 23 birds at , near Mt. Garnet. Common en route to Cooktown and seen about Yungaburra, Mareeba, Julatten, Mt. Molloy, Kaban and Hartleys Creek. Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides). Two pairs were seen at Yungaburra, one bird with brown coloured plumage. Pair with a nest at Wongabel, seen at Hasties Swamp near Atherton, heard calling at Mobo Creek and a head found at Archer Creek. *Marbled Frogmouth (P. ace/latus). Reported from Mr. W. H. Coleman's property at Yungaburra, October 13, 1964, L. Harvey. *Papuan Frogmouth (P. papuensis). "Checklist of the Birds of Australia", 1926, Cairns, 1912, p. 52. Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristata). Reported at Lake Eacham (B.G.), and a bird was seen near Mt. Carbine (E.Z.). Dollar-bird (Eurystomus orienta/is). Seen in the Herberton Range, Lake Euramoo, Gillies Highway, between Mareeba and Mt. Molloy, Archer Creek and Hartleys Creek. Azure Kingfisher ( Alcyone azurea). Seen at Lake Placid, Lake Barrine, , Julatten and Kaban. Little Kingfisher (A. pusil/a). Seen on two occasions at the bridge over the Mobo Creel<, between Lake Euramoo and Lake Barrine. Laughing Kookaburra (Dace/a gigas). Reported mainly in open forests at Yungaburra, Malanda, Atherton, Herberton Range, Mareeba, Mt. Molloy, Ravenshoe, Kaban, Archer Creek, Lake Barrine, Cooktown, Port Dougla~ and Hartleys Creek. Blue-winged Kookaburra (D. /eachii). Observed at Yungaburra, Tinaroo Dam, near Mt. Molloy, Millaa Millaa Lookout, Ravenshoe, Clohesy River and Hasties Swamp. A road-side count from Yungaburra to Cooktown listed 28 of this species and 13 of the Laughing Kookaburra. Forest-Kingfisher (Halcyon macleayii). Common in all areas visited. Observed nesting in a termite mound at the Clohesy River. Not reported on Green Island. *Red-backed Kingfisher (H. pyrrhopygius). Rocky Creek and Mt. Garnet. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 99. Recorded "The Birds of the Atherton District" , J. Bravery. Sacred Kingfisher (H. sanctus). Seen at Cairns and on Green Island. December J Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 67 1967

On the Tablelands it was reported at Tinaroo -fum, Lake Barrine, Herberton Range, Bromfields Swamp, Clohesy River, and Kahan. Nesting in a termite mound, on a tree, near Malanda. Mangrove-Kingfisher (H. chloris). Noted at Palm Beach on the Cook Highway, and on the foreshore at Cairns. *White-tailed Kingfisher (Tanysiptera sylvia). A regular summer migrant to this district, usually arriving in November. Rainbow-bird (Merops ornatus). Along the coast it was seen at Cairns, Port Douglas, nesting at Hartleys Creek and attacking a goanna near Cooktown. On the Tableland it was seen at Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Euramoo, Bromfields Swamp, Herberton Range, Tully Falls, Kahan, Kuranda, Archer Creek and en route to Cooktown. White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis). Only recorded one evening at Yungaburra (N.H.). Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus). Recorded at Yungaburra, Tinnaburra and Atherton. Often heard "chop, chop, chop" at night. Grey Swiftlet (Collocalia francica). Parties were seen over Cairns, Herberton Range, Lake Barrine, Danbulla Forest, Mareeba, Millaa Millaa Lookout and at the Clohesy River. Hundreds of birds were seen in the gorge below the Tully Falls, and many were entering a cave. Spine-tailed Swift (Hirundapus caudacutus). Over Yungaburra four birds were seen flying south-east at 6.5 p.m. on October 5 (D.M.), and six birds were moving eastward on October 7 (F.S.). Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus). Three birds were seen moving in an easterly direction over Lake Barrine, at 7 a.m. on October 9. Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus). One bird was observed closely in lhe Herberton Range, on September 29 (M.M.). Pallid Cuckoo (C. pallidus). A bird was heard calling at Tinnaburra on October 4, and remained in this area until October 6. Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis pyrrhophanus). Confined to the rain forests at Curtain Fig Jungle, Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Euramoo, Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Tully Falls and Mt. Hypipamee area. Two birds were seen together at Lake Barrine. Bmsh Cuckoo (C. variolosus). Reported at Lake Eacham, Malanda, Kuranda, Hartleys Creek and Cooktown. *Black-eared Cuckoo (Misocalius osculans). An occasional visitor to the Atherton district where it feeds on caterpillers, J. Bravery; Cairns, Cleo Seaton. Horsfield Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites basalis). One bird seen by Mrs. Gill at Tinnaburra. *Shining Bronze-Cuckoo (C. lucidus). Atherton. A regular visitor to the district in the winter months, J. Bravery. Golden Bronze-Cuckoo (C. plagosus). Recorded in the rain forest areas at Lake Barrine, Herberton Range, Curtain Fig, Danbulla Forest, Malanda, Julatten, Hasties Swamp near Atherton and Mt. Hypipamee area. Rufous-breasted Bronze-Cuckoo (C. russatus). Observed at Gordon­ vale, Julatten, Kuranda and Hartleys Creek. Koel (Eudynamys orienta/is). Heard calling at Cairns and Yungaburra. Also at the Herberton Range, Bromfields Swamp, Tinnaburra, Lake Barrine, Clohesy River and Cooktown. Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novae-hollandiae). Recorded at Tinna­ burra and Mt. Molloy. Pheasant-Coucal (Centropus phasianinus). Plentiful around Yungaburra and often seen perched on a fence, tree or bush. Several noted killed on the roadways. Also seen at Cairns, Hartleys Creek, Cooktown, Malanda and Kaban. Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor). A pair frequented the scrub at the Curtain Fig, and another bird was at Lake Barrine. *Blue-breasted Pitta (P. macklotii). Lake Barrine. The Emu, Vol. 54, p. 40. Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena). Nesting under shop verandahs at Cairns. Ravenshoe and Atherton. Also reported at Mareeba and Brom­ fields Swamp. 68 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher Australian Tree-Martin (Hylochelidon nigricans). Noted at Atherton and Kahan. A large flock of Tree and Fairy Martins was observed at Tinnaburra on October 6. Fairy Martin (H. ariel). At Tinnaburra, where a large flock of Fairy and Tree Martins was reported, the Fairy Martins were gathering mud and starting nest building in a nearby bank. Others were seen at Yunga­ burra, Lake Barrine, Atherton and Malanda. Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa). Common in all rain forest areas on the Tableland, notably Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Malanda Forest, Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Hypipamee Crater, Rawsons Pool near Millaa Millaa and Kaban. Rufous Fantail (R. rufifrons). On the coast it was reported at Lake Placid, Hartleys Creek and Port Douglas. On the Tableland it was mainly confined to the rain-forest, and was seen at Curtain Fig, Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Danbulla Forest, Malanda Forest, Julatten, Hypipamee Crater and Kahan. One bird was seen in open forest at Archer Creek between Ravenshoe and Mt. Garnet. Northern Fantail (R. setosa). Observed in open forest near Herberton Range, Julatten and between Cooktown and Hopevale Mission. Willie Wagtail (R. leucophrys). Found in all open forest country visited. A nest with young was found at Atherton (7 feet), and another oest near Tinnaburra was in the same tree as a nesting pair of Magpie-larks. Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula). A well distributed species. Reported from Green Island, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Yungaburra, Malanda, Tinnaburra, Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Tully Falls, Herberton Range and Kaban. Satin Flycatcher (M. cyanoleuca). Recorded at the Curtain Fig Jungle and at Lake Barrine. Broad-billed Flycatcher (M. rufico/lis). Seen on the edge of the man­ groves near the old Railway Station at Cooktown (R.W.) . Also reported Pebbly Beach (N.H.). Boat-billed Flycatcher (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer). Four birds were seen together at Lake Placid. Regularly seen at the Curtain Fig, and at Lakes Eacham and Barrine, Mobo Creek and at Wongabel. *Restless Flycatcher (Seisura inquieta). Yungaburra, The Emu, Vol. 47 , p. 115. Atherton, J.B. Australian Pied Flycatcher (Arses kaupi). Seen at Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Curtain Fig, Danbulla Forest and Julatten. Spirals up trees in tree­ creeper fashion. *Frill-necked Flycatcher (A. telescophthalmus). Mossman. The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 109. Shining Flycatcher (Piezorhynchus alecto). Seen at Wrights Creek near Gordonvale. Black-faced Flycatcher (Monarcha melanopsis). Well distributed in most rain-forest areas. Listed on Green Island and at Lake Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Malanda Forest, Tully Falls and Julatten. Spectacled Flycatcher (M. trivirgata). Listed from jungle areas at Lakes Barrine and Eacham, the Curtain Fig, Danbulla Forest, Mobo Creek, Malanda Forest, Julatten, Mt. Hypipamee and along the Clohesy River. White-eared Flycatcher (M. leucotis). Only recorded at the Curtain Fig, Danbulla Forest and at Julatten. Jacky Winter (Microeca leucophaea). Only reported near the Barron River, Atherton; Kaban and near the Palmer River. Lemon-breasted Flycatcher (M. flavigaster ). Recorded near Helenvale. *Little yellow Robin (M. griseoceps). Cairns and Mossman, The Emu, Vol. 46, p. 110. Evelyn Scrubs, ibid., Vol. 47, p. 102. Atherton Tableland, J.B. Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons). Frequented the Curtain Fig area, where a pair had a nest on a lawyer vine about eight feet from the ground. Two nests were found at Lake Barrine, both on lawyer vine, one being built. Nesting at Lake Eacham and with flying young in the Herberton Range. Also seen at Tully Falls and the Malanda Forest. White-browed Robin (Poeci/odryas superciliosa). A pair of this species was found by E. Zillman in scrub along the Clohesy River, on October 7. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and< Tablelands 1967 69

Both birds were perched on a horizontal limb and the male was displaying to the female with out-spread wings, which were being opened and closed. They then appeared to touch their bills together and finally the female flew off. The birds later displayed on the ground, a display that was much like that of the Rifle-bird. Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis). This northern form is a much brighter bird than its southern counterpart. It was reported at Lake Placid, Lake Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Malanda Forest and Kaban. A nest was found, at 9 feet, in a thin sapling in the Herberton Range, and near Kahan a nest containing young was seen in a Casuarina, at 8 feet. Pale-yellow Robin (E. capita). Confined to jungle areas, such as the Curtain Fig, where a nest with young was found on a lawyer vine, at about 8 feet. Also nesting at Lakes Barrine and Eacham. Reported in the Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Mobo Creek, Tully Falls and at Julatten. Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis). Formerly known as the Robust Whistler this northern form was well distributed in the rain forests. Reported at Lakes Barrine, Eacham, and Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Malanda Forest, Hypipamee Crater, Herberton Range, Kuranda and Rawsons Pool near Millaa Millaa. Rufous Whistler (P. rufiventris). Confined to the open forests around Yungaburra, Holdcroft Drive, eight miles south of Atherton, Tinaroo Dam, Hasties Swamp, Clohesy River, Kahan, Hartleys Creek and at Palmer River. Grey Whistler (P. griseiceps). Observed at Lakes Placid, Barrine and Eacham, the Curtain Fig, the Herberton Range and the Hypipamee Crater. Grey Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica). Seen at Leslie Creek near Yungaburra, at Tinnaburra, Lake Eacham, Malanda Forest, Herberton Range and Kaban. Rufous Shrike-Thrush (C. megarhyncha). Found in most rain-forest areas such as Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Curtain Fig, Leslie Creek, Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Malanda Forest, Julatten, Bromfields Swamp, Kuranda and Hypipamee Crater. Bower Shrike-Thrush (C. boweri). Recorded at Lake Eacham, Danbulla Forest, Mobo Creek and the Hypipamee Crater, where a pair was nesting at 15 feet in a lawyer vine. Magpie-Lark (Grallina cyano/euca). Very common in the open country and nesting everywhere. At Yungaburra there was a nest in the giant bamboos, and at Atherton four nests were observed in one street, mostly in Jacaranda trees. A pair was nesting at the Tinaroo Dam, and another nest at Yungaburra contained well grown young. This species fed in the red soil paddocks between Yungaburra and Atherton and, from contact with the soil, had reddish coloured tails. This reddish stain was also apparent in other black and white species. Eastern Shrike-Tit (Falcunculus frontatus). Observed only in the open forests between the Evelyn Highway and Kaban. *Crested Bellbird (Oreoica gutturalis). Wondecla. The Emu, Vol. 47 , p. 103. Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus). Confined to the heavy rain­ forest areas on the Atherton Tableland, where it was very common. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina novae-hollandiae). Common in all areas visited. A flock of 15 birds observed near Malanda. Nesting in a eucalypt, at 25 feet, at Yungaburra. White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike (C. hy poleuca). A wide-spread species. Two pairs were nesting at Lake Eacham; another pair at Julatten at 15 feet, and another pair at Port Douglas at 25 feet. *Papuan Cuckoo-Shrike (C. papuensis). Cooktown. "Checklist of the Birds of Australia" 1926, p. 70. Little Cuckoo-Shrike (C. robusta). Several of our party, who were well acquainted with this species in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, agreed that it occurs in north-east Queensland. They are supported by others in The Emu, Vol. 47 , p. 103, and Vol. 53, p. 240. Observations were made at Palm Beach, Yungaburra, Herberton Range, 70 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher

Tinaroo Dam, Archer Creek, Innot and Cooktown. A pair at Yungaburra was nesting at 25 feet in a stringy bark type of eucalypt. Barred Cuckoo-Shrike (C. lineata). Reported at Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, Tully Falls, Herberton Range, Kuranda and Mt. Hypipamee. At Julatten 24 birds were seen, and at the Curtain Fig they were always in evidence. Cicada-bird (Edoliisoma tenuirostre). Heard and 3een at Tinnaburra and in the Herberton Range. White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii). Reported at Yungaburra, Malanda, Tinnaburra, and Hasties Swamp, near Atherton. All open forest areas. Varied Triller (L. leucomela). Well distributed on the Tablelands and along the coast. Recorded at the Curtain Fig area, Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Moho Creek, Julatten, Kuranda, Brom­ fields Swamp, Ellis Beach, Port Douglas and at Cooktown. *Southern Figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti). Atherton and Wondecla. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 104. Yellow Figbird (S. flaviventris). Very common in most areas visited inland and coastal. Nesting and with young at Yungaburra, building at Kuranda, and a male bird incubating three eggs in a nest, at 15 feet, in a fig-tree at Port Douglas. Northern Chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingi). Reported in the thick rain­ forest areas around Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Danbulla Forest, Moho Creek and at the Curtain Fig. At Lake Eacham a nest that had only recently been vacated was found. F. T. H. Smith reported that a young bird was flushed near the track at Lake Barrine and it flew 30 feet, and then hung upside down for fully 10 minutes, while the parent birds fed unconcerned nearby. *Northern Scrub-Robin (Drymodes superciliaris). Listed in "The Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery; at Kuranda "Paradise" in the World Bird Day District Bird Lists, 1954. Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis). Parties of from three to five birds were observed in open forest country between Mareeba and Mt. Molloy. Other parties noted and nests seen from the road between Innot and Mt. Garnet. Several parties seen between Palmer River and Cooktown. Australian Ground-Thrush (Oreocincla lunulata). A bird of this species was reported in the Malanda Forest. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 104, records the species from Kairi to Ravenshoe. White-throated Warbler (Gerygone olivacea). Observed in the open forest at Leslie Creek, Holdcroft Drive near Atherton, Kahan, Bromfields Swamp and Archer Creek. Black-throated Warbler (G. palpebrosa). Seen on several occasions near the Curtain Fig and Leslie Creek areas. Also reported along the Clohesy River and at Cooktown. Has a livelv, continuous warble. Fairy Warbler (G. flavida). A p·air was seen building a nest at Mt. Kooyong, Julatten. One bird gave the typical "gerygone" call, with its abrupt ending. Also reported along the Clohesy River. Large-billed Warbler (G. magnirostris). Confined to the coastal belt, where it was seen in the mangroves at Cairns. At Port Douglas a nest was being built on an aerial root of a fig tree, about six feet from the ground. The nest was over a foot in length. Northern Warbler (G. mouki). Common in all heavily forested areas on the Tableland and many nests were reported. They were usually con­ structed on hanging vines, and were placed at varying heights up to 60 feet. Birds were seen nesting at Danbulla Forest, near Bromfields Swamp, Lake Eacham and along the Clohesy River. Brown Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris). The Yellow Weebill of the north is now regarded as the northern form of the Brown Weebill. This very yellow-coloured bird was seen in the open forest areas between Mt. Carbine and the junction on the way to Cooktown. It was also reported in the open forests between Archer Creek, Innot Springs and Mt. Garnet. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 71 1967

Little Thornhill (Acanthiza nana). Seen in the open eucalypt forests near Kahan. Brown Thornbill (A. pusilla). This north-eastern type, until recently known as the Mountain Thornhill (A. katherina), is now reduced to sub­ specific rank. Recorded in the thick forests about Lakes Eacham and Barrine and at the Mt. Hypipamee Crater. In the Herberton Range a pair was nest building in rushes on the side of the Forestry Road. Buff-tailed Thornhill (A. reguloides). The Varied Thornbill is now regarded as a race of the Buff-tailed. This species was found in open forest country near Kahan, where it was feeding young that were not long out of the nest (F.S.). Buff-breasted Scrub-Wren (Sericornis laevigaster). Another bird of the jungle areas. Reported nest building and feeding young in two areas near Lake Eacham. Also seen in the Herberton Range, Julatten, Tully Falls and Mt. Hypipamee Crater. *Little Scrub-Wren (S. minimus). Lake Barrine, September 19, 1953, The Emu, Vol. 54, p. 42; "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. Yellow-throated Scrub-Wren (S. lathami). Well distributed in the heavy rain-forest at Lakes Barrine and Eacham, the Herberton Range, Hypipamee Crater and along Moho Creek. Large-billed Scrub-Wren (S. magnirostris). Another frequenter of the jungle areas and seen at the Curtain Fig, Lakes Eacham and Barrine, Herberton Range, Malanda Forest, Tully Falls and Mt. Hypipamee Crater. Fern-Wren (Oreoscopus gutturalis). Reported on several occasions at Lake Barrine. At the Mt. Hypipamee Crater a family party was feeding among the fallen leaves. The two youngsters were not long out of the nest. Also recorded in the Danbulla Forest. ''Brown Songlark (Cinclorhamphus crurslis). Atherton, nomadic. Two birds in 1959, and one seen 1961, J. Bravery. Rufous Songlark (C. mathewsi). A bird seen on the edge of Bromfields Swamp, on October 1, was the only record (F.S.). Little Grassbird (Megalurus gramineus). For many years there has been doubt whether this species occurred in this area. Bourke and Austin, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 114, "feel reasonably certain of its presence-we heard its long plaintive whistle, which we consider almost unmistakable". The same plaintive call was heard at Bromfields Swamp on a number of occasions and a bird was seen. Another bird was calling at Tinnaburra. Tawny Grassbird (M. timoriensis). Reported in several areas on the outskirts of Yungaburra and at Leslie Creek. Also seen at Tinnaburra and Bromfields Swamp near Malanda. Australian Reed-Warbler ( Acrocephalus australis). Heard and seen along the creek at Yungaburra, Bromfields Swamp and on the edges of the Tinaroo Dam at Tinnaburra. Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler (Cisticola exilis). A common bird in the cane-fields about Cairns. Often seen perched on the top of the flowering cane or on overhead wires nearby. Found in all well grassed areas at Yungaburra, Atherton, Bromfields Swamp and Tinnaburra. Streaked Fantail-Warbler (C. juncidis). This swamp loving species has been recorded north (Normanton) and south (Ayr) of this area. Mr. F. T. H. Smith and others had perfect views of this larger Cisticola with the darkly s:reaked head and back and white underneath, and a different call, but they feel that others should substantiate the observation before it is officially listed for this area. As many as four birds were seen together at Bromfields Swamp on two different visits. The Golden-headed species was also there for comparison. Lovely Wren (Malurus amabilis). This very attractive wren was reported in three localities. In lantana along Bushy Creek, Julatten, at Kuranda and in grasses at Hartleys Creek. Red-backed Wren (M. m elanocephalus). Reported in many localities including areas about Yungaburra. Herberton Range, Forestry Camp near Lake Euramoo, Malanda, Mt. Molloy, Tinnaburra, Millaa Millaa Lookout, Kuranda, Kahan, Archer Creek and near Lake Eacham. Also seen at 72 WHEELER [ Bird Watcher

Cairns, Mountain View on the Gillies Highway and at the Palmer River. White-breasted Wood-Swallow ( Artamus leucorhynchus). Common about Cairns and re,ported on Green Island, where a bird was building a nest in a date palm. The Green Island birds had greyish breasts. Reported at Hartleys Creek, Leslie Creek, the Herberton Range, Lake Euramoo and at Kuranda. *Masked Wood-Swallow (A . persona/us). Atherton District, an erratic visitor, J. Bravery; Kaban, June 1961, a flock of 500 birds, B. Gill. *White-browed Wood-Swallow (A. superciliosus). Like the preceding species an erratic visitor to the Atherton District, J. Bravery; Kahan, June 1961, numbers about, B. Gill. *Black-faced Wood-Swallow (A. cinereus). Cairns. The Emu, Vol. 46, p . 115; Kairi, ibid., Vol. 47, p. 106, Atherton "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. Dusky Wood-Swallow (A. cyanopterus). Reported only from open areas near Kahan, particularly paddocks with dead timber. Little Wood-Swallow (A. minor). Only observed in the Byerstown Range, about 60 miles south of Cooktown. *While-winged Sitella (Neositta leucoptera). Tolga. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 106; Atherton District, J. Bravery. Striated Sitella (N. striata). Recorded in open forest along Holdcroft Drive, south of Atherton, Hasties Swamp two miles from Atherton, and at Kahan. In the last named area a flock of over 30 birds came through the tree-tops with a tremendous chatter, which could be heard nearly half a mile away. Black Tree-Creeper (Climacteris m elanota). Recorded in the open forests between Mareeba and Mt. Molloy and about Kaban. Sighted several times between Mt. Carbine and Palmer River. A very confiding bird and very like the Brown Tree-Creeper in appearances Little Tree-Creeper (C. minor). The tree-creeper of the rain-forests. Observed at the Curtain Fig, Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Mobo Creek, Tully Falls, Hypipamee Crater and at Kuranda. Mistletoe-bird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum). Well distributed, Cairns, Lake Placid, Palm Beach, Ellis Beach, Hartleys Creek, Port Douglas and Cook­ town. At Edge Hill, near Cairns, a pair was nesting two feet from the ground in a Cassia; at Ellis Beach a pair was feeding young in a nest at 20 feet. On the Tableland the bird was common at Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Euramoo, Bromfields Swamp, Julatten, Tully Falls, Millstream Falls, Clohesy River, Moho Creek and Kuranda. A pair was nest building in lawyer vine at 30 feet in Danbulla Forest, and building at eight feet at the entrance to the Malanda Forest. Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus puncta/us). Only observed in open forest country on Holdcroft Drive and Herberton Range area near Atherton, and at Kaban. *Red-tipped Pardalote (P. ornatus). Ravenshoe. The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 106. Black-headed Pardalote (P. melanocephalus). A bird of the open forest country. Found nesting in a ground burrow on Holdcroft Drive near Atherton and at Julatten. Others were recorded at Kahan, Clohesy River and at Innot Hot Springs, near Mt. Garnet. · *Red-browed Pardalote (P. rubricatus). Often observed in Mareeba District, J. Bravery; Wondecla, October 1961 , Tineroo Creek, April 1962, B. Gill; Herberton, October 1961, and at Cooktown, L. Harvey. Yellow-breasted Sunbird (Cyrtostomus frena/us). At Cairns a pair was nesting in a dry paper-bark near the Gas Works; another nest was in a paper-bark at Ellis Beach; nesting at the hotel at Port Douglas and near the Kiosk at Hartleys Creek. Seen on Green Island and at Cooktown. Pairs frequented the garden at the Lake Eacham Hotel at Yungaburra and others were nesting at Julatten and Kuranda. Grey-breasted Silvereye (Zosterops latera/is). Common at Cairns, Green Island and Cooktown. On the Tablelands listed for Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, Herberton Range, Danbulla and Malanda Forests, Julatten, Atherton, Clohesy River and Kuranda. December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 73 1967

White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus). Seen bathing in a creek near the Herberton Range, and parties were in the open forests near Kaban. White-throated Honeyeater (M. albogularis). On the coast reported at Palm Beach and Ellis Beach on the Cook Highway. Elsewhere found at Yungaburra, Herberton Range, Mobo Creek, Mt. Molloy, Millstream, Kaban and feeding young in the nest at the Clohesy River. At Archer Creek birds were much brighter in colour than elsewhere. *Black-chinned Honeyeater (M. gularis). Rare but visits open forests each year near Atherton, J. Bravery; Kaban, January 1965, two birds, B. Gill. *Golden-backed Honeyeater (M. laetior). Occasionally seen in more arid areas of Mareeba, Watsonville, Atherton and Herberton Districts, J. Bravery. Also reported Hartleys Creek, 1956, L. Amiet, and at Herberton September 1953, L. Harvey. Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela sanguinolenta). Well distributed on the Tablelands and north to Cooktown. Recorded at Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, Danbulla Forest, Mt. Molloy, Julatten, Tully Falls, Hypipamee Crater and at Kaban. Red-headed Honeye'ater (M. erythr:xephala). Observed in a flowe.ring Black Bean at Julatten, and at Kaban (L.H.). Banded Honeyeater (hf. pectoralis). Seen at Kaban and along the Clohesy River, and at the Palmer Crossing. Dusky Honeyeater (M. obscura). Common along the coast from Cairns to Cooktown. On the Tableland reported at the Curtain Fig, Lakes Eacham and Euramoo, very common at Julatten and also seen in the Danbulla Forest, Tully Falls, Hypipamee Crater , along the Clohesy River and at Kuranda. Eastern Spinebill ( Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris). Odd birds noted in the Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest, Lake Eacham, Millaa Millaa Look­ out and Rawson's Pool, and at the Hypipamee Crater. Brown-backed Honeyeater (Gliciphila m odesta). Seen in the mangroves near Smiths Creek, at Cairns. At Port Douglas a domed nest, at five feet, thought to belong to the White-breasted species, was later found to belong to this species. It contained young. *White-breasted Honeyeater (G. fasciata). Hartleys Creek, October I, 1954, pair nesting, R. Wheeler. Brown Honeyeater (G. indistincta). Observed at Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Palmer River, Yungaburra, Lake Eacham, Herberton Range, Tinnaburra, Mt. Molloy, Julatten, Kuranda, Kaban and Archer Creek. *Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta). Kairi, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 107 : "Birds of the Atherton District", J. Bravery. *Rufous-throated Honeyeater (Conopophila rufogularis). Summer visitor to the flowering Callistemons and larger paper-barks near Atherton, J. Bravery. Lewin Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii). Plentiful on the Tableland and reported at Lakes Bartine, Eacham and Euramoo, the Curtain Fig, nesting at 30 feet in the Danbulla Forest, Tully Falls, Mt. H ypipamee, Bromfields Swamp, Malanda Forest, Rawson's Pool and Kaban. Lesser Lewin lHoneyeater (M. notata). Recorded at Port Douglas, Cooktown, Kuranda and Julatten. At Julatten very common in lantana along Bushy Creek. Varied Honeyeater (M. versicolor). A noisy bird which was always present in the trees along the Cairns Esplanade. Nesting at 12 feet in a at the sea-front. Bridled Honeyeater (M. frenata). Found in most rain-forest areas such as Lakes Eacham and Barrine, Herberton Range, H ypipamee Crater, Danbulla Forest, Julatten and Rawson's Pool near Millaa Millaa. At Lake Eacham it was feeding in a flowering Umbrella Tree. Graceful Honeyeater (M. gracilis). On the coast recorded at Trinity Beach, Hartleys Creek and at Cooktown. This species was common in the lantana along Bushy Creek at Julatten, and also seen along the Clohesy River. Its only call, "pick", was most noticeable as the birds feed busily in the lantana. 74 WHEELER [ B ird Watcher

Fuscous Honeyeater (M. fusca). Only recorded in the open eucalypt­ forests between the Evelyn Highway and Kaban. Birds were feeding young in a nest at I t'feet in a casuarina. Yellow-faced Honeyeater (M. chrysops). Plentiful in open forests around Yungaburra, Atherton, Julatten, Clohesy River, Kuranda and Kaban. Macleay Honeyeater (M. macleayana). Confined mainly to the heavy rain-forest areas around Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, the Curtain Fig, Julat,en and the Clohesy River scrubs. At Lake Eacham a bird was in a flowering Umbrella Tree. Yellow-tinted Honeyeater (M. flavescens). Reported by L. Harvey drinking at a creek in the open forests near Kahan. Yellow Honeyeater (M. flava). Mainly seen in open forests and along wafer-courses. Noted at Cairns, Hartleys Creek, Tinnaburra, Atherton, Julatten, Mt. Molloy and along the Clohesy River on the Tablelands. *White-gaped Honeyeater (Stomiopera unicolor). Helenvale, The Emu, Vol. 53, p. 244. White-cheeked Honeyeater (Meliornis niger). In a Hoop Pine on the Herberton Range there was a nest of this species, at about nine feet. The birds feed on sap oozing from a tree nearby. The only other record was at Wongabel, where the birds were feeding in flowering Callistemon on Scrubby Creek. Noisy Miner (Myzantha melanocephala). Small colonies of this bird were seen along Holdcroft Drive near Atherton, at the Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe, along the Clohesy River, Kaban and Archer Creek. The birds at Kahan were feeding flying young. Bh1e-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis). First sighting was at the Abattoirs Swamp. Others were seen along the Clohesy River, Innot, Archer Creek and Cooktown, all in open forest areas. Helmeted Friar-bird (Philemon yorki). Well distributed along the coast from Cairns to Cooktown. Several birds were feeding in the African Tulip Trees at Kuranda. Also reported at Malanda. *Silver-crowned Friar-bird (P. argenticeps). Cairns. The Emu, Vol. 54, p. 44. Noisy Friar-bird (P. corniculatus). Observed in several localities in open forests. Yungaburra, Atherton, Millstream Falls, Clohesy River, Kaban and Cooktown. Little Friar-bird (P. citreogularis). Only recorded in the open forests near Kaban and along the Clohesy River. Australian Pipit (Anthus australis). Most open paddocks had a quota of this species, particularly on the Tablelands. A bird was seen carrying food at Millaa Millaa. Recorded at Cairns, Yungaburra, Tinaroo Dam, Kairi, Bromfields Swamp, Mareeba, and Malanda. Horsfield Bushlark (Mirafra javanica). Another bird of the open areas. Seen at Yungaburra, Tinnaburra, Bromfields Swamp, Mareeba and Mt. Molloy. *Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia castano/is). Yungaburra, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 11 5. Banded Finch (Steganop/eura bichenovii). Reported on the Tablelands at Yungaburra, Mareeba and Julatten. Parties were also seen at the Palmer River crossing on the coast. Chestnut-breasted Finch (Donacola castaneothorax). Common at Cairns, and parties were seen at Yungaburra, Malanda, Atherton, Tinnaburra and at Kuranda, where a pair was nest building. *Blue-faced Finch (Erythrura trichroa). Ravenshoe, The Emu, Vol. 47, p. 109. Red-browed Finch ( Aegintha temporalis). A well distributed species. At Yungaburra birds were nesting in the Bunya Pines in the streets and in the Giant Bamboos. In the Herberton Range they were found nesting in a Hoop Pine at the Forestry Camp, and at Rawson's Pool near Millaa Millaa nesting in a tree overhanging the pool. Others were seen at the Forestry Camp near Lake Euramoo, Malanda, Julatten, Clohesy River, Kuranda, Mobo Creek and Kaban. Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton). Reported at Palm Beach 16 miles December ] Birds of Cairns, Cooktown and Tablelands 75 1967 north of Cairns, on the Kuranda Highway and at Smithfield, near Cairns. *Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta). Well distributed in Mareeba and Cooktown districts, J. Bravery. Also reported at Mt. Carbine and Tinaroo Creek Road, May-August 1960, and in April 1963, M. Cassels. Black-tailed Finch (P. atropygialis). Parties seen at Mareeba and another party on the roadside on the outskirts of Kaban. Spice Finch (Lonchura punctulata). This introduced species is spreading rapidly through north-eastern Queensland. It was not reported by the R.A.O.U. party at the Lake Barrine Field Outing in September, 1953, but it is now well established around Cairns and it was reported at Port Doublas. At Yungabutra parties were seen near the disused Railway Station and along the line towards Atherton. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Another introduced species moving into these areas. Birds were reported in Cairns and in North Cairns. Also reported at Atherton and Mareeba and one at Mt. Carbine. Indian Myna ( Acridotheres tristis). Introduced into the northern cane­ fields in 1883 in order to assist in the control of pests, this species has been firmly established for many years. It was observed in all areas from Cairns to Port Douglas, and from Mt. Garnet to Mt. Carbine. Nesting at Yungaburra. Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus). Recorded at the Curtain Fig, Lakes Eacham and Euramoo, the Danbulla Forest, Julatten, Clohesy River, Archer Creek and Cooktown. Yellow Oriole (0. flavocinctus). First reported at Mountain View, on the Gillies Highway. A pair was nesting at 25 feet in a paper-bark tree at Port Douglas, and it was common at Cooktown. Spangled Drongo (Chibia bracteata). Recorded at Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown. On the Tablelands it was well distributed and noisy. Seen at Yungaburra, Lake Barrine, Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest and Mobo Creek, Bromfields Swamp, Malanda, Millstream, Tinnaburra, Hasties Swamp, Clohesy River, Kuranda, Julatten and Archer Creek. Shining Starling (Ap/onis metallica). Reported at Cairns, Gordonvale and Port Douglas. A small party of from six to eight birds roosted nightly in the Giant Bamboos at Yungaburra. Also recorded at Atherton and Kuranda. Apostle-bird (Struthidea cinerea). Our only sighting was a flock of 20 birds near the Desailly River, on the Mulligan Highway, about 16 miles from Mt. Carbine. ., Spotted Catbird (Ailuroedus melanotus). Confined to heavy rain-forests at Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, Curtain Fig, Herberton Range, Danbulla and Malanda Forests, Rawson's Pool, Moho Creek, Kuranda and Mt. Hypipamee Crater. A pair was nesting at 100 feet at Lake Barrine. Tooth-billed Bower-bird (Scenopoeetes dentirostris). Plentiful in most rain-forest areas, big or small. Very common at Lakes Barrine and Eacham. At Lake Eacham eight play-grounds were found within a few hundred yards, some containing up to 150 leaves. The mimicry of the birds was of a great variety, and one bird, perched only three feet above the playground at Lake Eacham, gave a great performance for some minutes. At Malanda Forest of only 45 acres, the whole place resounded with their calls and playgrounds were numerous. Also recorded at the Curtain Fig, the Herberton Range, Danbulla Forest and Moho Creek, the Tully Falls and at the Hypipamee Crater. Satin Bower-bird (Pti/onorhynchus violaceus). A small bower decorated with snail shells was found in the Herberton Range where the species was well distributed. Birds were seen at the Millaa Millaa Lookout feeding on wild tobacco bushes. Also reported at Lake Eacham and the Mt. Hypipamee Crater. Great Bower-bird (Chlamydera nucha/is). As many as from three to five birds were seen at Mt. Molloy and three were seen at Mt. Garnet. At Helenvale there was a bower near the hotel. Several birds were seen along the Mulligan Highway in the St. George's Creek area. Golden Bower-bird (Prionodura newtoniana). This is one of the show species of the area. Both male and female were first seen by the party in 76 A new species of AMYTORNIS [ Bird Watcher the Herberton Range. At the Mt. Hypipamee Crater, P. Brook found a bower that -was about 18 inches high and to which lichen had been added recently. On October 8 the male bird was seen sitting on a perch within a few feet of the observers. Victoria Rifle-bird (Ptiloris victoriae). Most rain-forest areas contained this attractive species, which belongs to the family of the Birds of Paradise. However, the majority of the birds were in the plain coloured plumage, and in the Herberton Range as many as eight plain coloured birds were seen to one fully plumaged male. Others were seen at Lakes Placid, Barrine and Eacham, Tully Falls, Danbulla Forest and Kuranda. At Lake Barrine a mature male and an immature male were seen in display. Plain coloured birds were feeding on a flowering Umbrella Tree at Lake Eacham. Australian Crow (Corvus cecilae). Although widespread over the entire area by no means common. Reported at Cairns, Yungaburra, Atherton, Malanda, Mt. Molloy, Tolga, Kahan, Ravenshoe and Cooktown. Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina). Seen at Mountain View on the Gillies Highway, Lakes Barrine and Euramoo, Atherton, Herberton Range, Julatten, Tully Falls, Hypipamee Crater, Kahan, Archer Creek and in the Desailly Range. Pied Butcher-bird (Cracticus nigrogularis). The common butcher-bird of the Tablelands. Seen in all open and cleared areas. At Archer Creek birds were feeding flying young. Seen as far as Helenvale turn-off on the road to Cooktown. Black Butcher-bird (C. quoyi). Seen in the mangroves at the back of Cairns and heard calling at Tinnaburra. A bird in the brown phase was seen near Lake Eacham and others were seen at Kuranda and at Cook­ town. Grey Butcher-bird (C. torquatus). Only reported at Millstream Falls, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe and Archer Creek. Black-backed Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). Plentiful in the· settled areas on the Tablelands. A pair was on eggs, in a nest at 30 feet at Yungaburra, and another pair was nesting at 25 feet at Kahan. Recorded as far as the Normanby River.

A NEW SPECIES OF AMYTORNIS At the congress of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union held in Adelaide on October 28, 1967, a specimen and a clutch of eggs of a new species of Amytornis, that had been collected by N. J. Favaloro in the far north-west of New South Wales in early July, 1967, was exhibited. The original description of the species with accompanying field notes is in a paper by Favaloro and McEvey in press for the next issue of the Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria, R.P.C.

The cost of the additional pages of this issue was defrayed by a generous grant from the Trustees of the M. A. Ingram Trust.

A BIRD OBSERVERS ClUB PUBLICATION . ~.