BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA.

Northland Age, Volume VIII, Issue 11, 3 November 1911, Page 8

BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA.

THE BLACK SWAN. From " Natural History ot Australia.” The Black Swan (Chenopis atrata) —no true swan, by the way—is found sparingly in the southern colonies, particularly in Western Australia. The Rev. J. G. Wood says " this bird is found in Australia and Jamaica,” but Tasmania must have been meant.

Its presence in our parks, where it breeds freely, has familiarised every one with the black plumage and red beak ; but there are few opportunities of observing the sharp contrast offered by the white wings as it flies overhead uttering at short intervals its soft call-note. In its native swamps it nests just before Christmas, the eight or nine pale green eggs being slightly smaller than those of the true swan. It is said that in England these birds have reared two broods in the year. The young birds are not bad eating. In Tasmania the bird is getting very scarce.

THE SONG THRUSH. From “ Useful Birds of Southern Australia.” It is said that no true Thrushes occurred in Australia until this species arrived from Europe in 1872. The grey bird we know as the Harmonious Shrike-Thrush is our nearest vocal counterpart. Both are forms in whose company the people of each country may justly find much pleasure. It is an olive-brown bird, with forefelt, chest, and sides of body bright golden-buff, thickly marked with triangular or ovate spots of black, which become streaked upon the sides of the body, with the centre of breast and abdomen white.

Mountain-Thrush.. Both male and female sit in turn upon the eggs to incubate them, and when the young are ready to fly they accompany their parents in search of worms. It is a pretty sight to see an old Thrush teaching one of its progeny to pick up a .worm all for itself.

In the Thrush the garden shellSnail finds an active enemy. It is of much importance to those who love their garden to encourage as many of these species to stay about the place as possible. Young people should be induced to be kindly disposed towards the Thrush, because it is a tame and confiding bird, with an interest in life that lends a charm to ours. Busy people need rest : go, therefore, at times into partnership with the bird and the field of the twilight, and get it. Draw from the gloaming its secret 0 f joy.