Page:The Emu volume 13.djvu/117

 foliaged shrub about 5 feet from the ground, and was built chiefly of fine grass, and lined with downy feathers, representative of several forms of bird-life. The nest resembled somewhat in shape that of Sericornis citrcogularis, but was much smaller and more compact, the neck or dome-like structure being woven amongst the foliage and extending vertically above the body of the nest about 12 inches, giving to the whole a banjo shape. Entrance upon the side of the body or lower structure of the nest.

of birds identified within a 30-mile radius of Moora is given herewith. The country in the immediate vicinity of Moora is flat, covered mostly with salmon and white gum (eucalypts) and undergrowth. Further east it becomes more hilly, the timber being then mostly jam, manna (both acacias), and York gum, with occasional belts of salmon gum and white gum, the latter occurring on any ironstone hills. Going west from Moora there is a large belt of sand-plain and gravelly ironstone country. Ten miles out the red gum country begins, and from there on the country is totally different, as well as the timber. Certain birds occur there which are never seen near Moora, and there is also a small "local migration" among some species.

There is a post-office 22 miles west, Dandaragan by name. The rainfall there is about 27 inches; at Moora it is 18½; and 30 miles east, at Wongan Hills, about 12 inches. But no records have been kept for any length of time at the last place. From the difference in rainfall it may be judged that the timber would vary considerably, and with it certain forms of bird-life. Also, close to Moora there are several swamps, which last all through the summer after wet winters. Further west the swamps are permanent. Practically no water has run here during the last two winters, so that we have had to go upwards of 50 miles west when out Duck-shooting. A party went out last January and found Ducks in hundreds; but the swamps are so thick with tea-tree that it is a difficult matter to find fallen birds.

Moora is shown only on the more recent maps. It is on the Perth-Geraldton line, 108 miles from Perth, and about 60 miles from the coast in a direct line. The railway line itself was built by an English company on the land-grant system.

Dromaius novæ-hollandiæ. Emu.—Becoming rarer each year; once very plentiful.

Leipoa ocellata. Mallee-Fowl.—A rare bird, occurring 30 miles east; more plentiful in the early days.

Coturnix pectoralis. Stubble-Quail.—Uncommon.

Turnix velox. Uncommon.