Page:The Emu volume 2.djvu/45

 Vol. II. ■ 1902 "I Stray Feathers. 29 shallow, open well in sandy soil, I disturbed a Pardalote {P. inelanocephalus) from its nest. On digging the nest out I found two eggs, both considerably incubated. Surely April is a curious time to breed. Dacelo leachii as a Poultry Thief. — This bird bears a rather evil reputation in this district as a chicken-stealer. That it does kill and eat chickens in considerable numbers there is no doubt, for the residents here agree in considering it as bad as a hawk. It deals with chickens just as with lizards, &c., pouncing on and carrying them off to a neighbouring tree, where, after knocking their brains out against a limb, it swallows them whole. The great Kingfisher often seizes the chicks in spite of a brave resistance on the part of the mother. Only small chickens, up to about two or three weeks old, are taken. This bad habit of an otherwise harmless and useful bird will probably lead to the destruction of a large number, the Birds Protection Act notwith- standing.

A Singular Nesting Site. — A few days ago I found a nest of the Crimson Finch {NeocJiniia phaeton) in a curious position. It was placed in the thatch of a grass-built hut, just below the edge of the roof and close to the door, the hut at the time being occupied by some Chinamen. It was firmly wedged in, the entrance being scarcely visible, and contained three eggs in a very advanced stage of incubation. Though by far the greater number of these Finches build in this district in the pandanus palms, I have often found their nests in growing sugar-cane, wedged in amongst the dead " trash " which adheres to the stalk. Both the Crimson Finch and the Chestnut-breasted {Mnnia castaneithorax) are at present breeding plentifully, and appear to do so all the year round. — Edgar H. Webb. Macknade, N.O., 12/5/02.

"The Biter Bit." — As Mr. Balke, Presbyterian missioner, was travelling from Ailsa to Warracknabeal, his attention was attracted by something rose-coloured rising up and down from the ground. Drawing nearer, he was surprised to find a Hawk (Harrier) with a Rose-breasted Cockatoo attached to it, the Cockatoo having hold of the Hawk by the two legs (thighs). The Hawk tried in vain to "get at" the Cockatoo till it (the Hawk) was completely exhausted. Mr. Balke finished the Hawk with a stick, and as soon as it lay dead the Cockatoo loosed its grip, and, to Mr. Balke's intense surprise, said, "Poor Cockie!" Mr. Balke, acting the "Good Samaritan," took the bird home ; but an advertisement brought the rightful owner, who lived several miles from where Mr. Balke came across the fight.—. Kewell, Vic, 3/5/02.