The Birds of King Island.
By A. G. Campbell.
King Island, lying at the western end of Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from the mainland of Australia, has always been of great interest to the biologist. A study of its lifeforms has materially assisted in proving that the island State at no very remote period was of much greater area than it is at present, and, further, was actually connected with the mainland before the mighty forces of the ocean succeeded in opening up a strait along some weak spot. King Island is in area about 272,000 acres, 40 miles long by 16 miles at its widest part. Though only 50 miles separate the north point from Cape Otway on the mainland, and a similar distance the south point from the northwest of Tasmania, yet to the south are found several islands and rocks, and the straits between are very shallow, pointing to the fact that King Island was attached to Tasmania at a later period than to the mainland. In fact, the strait on the north undoubtedly marks the spot where the sea first broke in and commenced its work of severing Tasmania from Australia, for on the eastern side of Bass Strait, between Wilson Promontory and the north-east point of Tasmania, the continuous chain of islets, all built of a similar granitoid rock, proves that there a land bridge existed at a more recent date, when some of the higher animals were in existence.
The presence of the Emu and kangaroo in Tasmania can only be accounted for by this fact. The existence, however, of these on King Island has yet to be proved, though remains of an extinct wombat of the Tasmanian species have been discovered in the sand dunes. But when an examination is made of the existing avifauna, it is impossible to dispute its distinctly Tasmanian character. Of some 80 species recorded from King Island 14 are purely Tasmanian, 64 are common to both Tasmania and the mainland (one, a Wren, however, has recently been made a new species), while only two are peculiar to the mainland: one, a small land form (Cisticola), is migratory, and has apparently just overstepped its southern limit; another does not count for much, being a sea bird with roving habit.
In November, 1887, an examination was made of King Island by an expedition organised by the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. An account of the birds identified, together with other reports, appeared in the official journal of the Club, the Victorian Naturalist, vol. iv., No. 9.
The list published therein is a record of 69 species, most of which are land forms either peculiar to Tasmania or found both in Tasmania and on the mainland. Though 11 more species are now added to the list, there are doubtless some still unrecorded. A residence of several seasons on the island would be the only effectual means of noting all the birds, particularly those that are merely visitants.
It may not be an inopportune time to publish a few extra notes which were collected during a visit in November last; for the face of King Island has so altered during the last fifteen years that it may not be long before some forms are driven away or killed out, as a result of the opening up of the land for dairy farming and cattle rearing. Year by year the native timber (eucalyptus) is becoming less; even now it is a difficult matter to get sufficient for fencing purposes, and the only large tracts on the island, along the east coast, have been decimated by bush fires. The characteristic vegetation is a short, thick scrub, consisting of tea-tree, both Leptospermum and Melaleuca, Banksia, or native honeysuckle, and the broad-leaved "boobyalla" (Myoporum). This scrub occupies sheltered hillsides and pockets between the sand hills, but on the flat areas, which are boggy at some seasons, mostly fresh-water tea-tree (Melaleuca) is found. The gum trees (principally. E. globulus) are found along the valleys of some of the rivulets, and in one or two patches away from running water. Growing in the kindly shade of the eucalypts are frequently found blackwood acacia, hazel, and "boobyalla" trees, with an occasional tree fern, while the ground is clothed with several varieties of ground ferns.
At Pass River there is an excellent patch of native timber, with the birds undisturbed; but that is practically the only spot on the west coast of which this can be said. From a bird's point of view, it is now like an oasis in a desert of pasture.
King Island is noticeably poor in sea birds, but that is probably because the smaller and less disturbed islands offer safer retreats. Of the land birds, the majority, if not all, are found breeding on the island.
In the following list a complete record is given of all species that have been noted for King Island. Where the name only appears, it signifies that the species was observed by the Field Naturalists' expedition, but not by myself on my recent trip, while those marked with an asterisk are the species not previously recorded.
Circus gouldi (Harrier).—This species will doubtless increase in numbers as the island is more opened up; for in the magnificent pastures, as well as in the lagoons and swamps, it will find abundant feeding and nesting grounds.
Astur novæ-hollandiæ (White Goshawk).
*Astur aproximans (Goshawk).—Occasionally seen.
Uroaëtus audax (Wedge-tailed Eagle).
Haliaëtus leucogaster (White-bellied Sea-eagle).—Two or three pairs only are known about the island, and they are jealously guarded by the residents.
Hieracidea berigora (Brown Hawk).—A trait exhibited by this species on King Island shows that there is no fear of man induced when in undisturbed retreats. A brooding bird did not leave her nest although four Melithrepti were shot from the leafy tops of the tree in which it was placed. During the journey across Bass Strait one of these Hawks was noticed following the steamer. It appeared to have been on the wing for some time, and was flying heavily. On endeavouring to perch on the taffrail of the boat, a strong gust of wind swept it into the water, where the poor thing was left to its fate.
*Cerchneis cenchroides (Kestrel).—Occasionally seen.
Ninox maculata (Spotted Owl).—This was plentiful in the timbered valley of the Pass River. Its call is pitched a little higher than that of the mainland (Boobook) species.
Corone australis (Raven).—Parties of these birds frequently cross the Strait to and from Tasmania.
Strepera fuliginosa (Black Crow-Shrike).—Most plentiful. Assembles in rowdy mobs along the beach to search among the kelp for sand-hoppers and other dainty morsels. Nesting usually commences about the second week in November, the birds building their conspicuous nests in any convenient scrub. Birds in immature plumage are common, it being probably three years before the rusty-brown edgings to the feathers of the back, wings, and particularly the under surface, give place to the stainless black and deep grey of maturity.
Collyriocincla rectirostris (Whistling Shrike-Thrush).—A shy species inhabiting the belts of fresh-water tea-tree (Melaleuca). Its strong notes are often heard in answer to a rival in a neighbouring patch.
Graucalus parvirostris (Small-billed Cuckoo-Shrike).—Found chiefly in the timber, but in flocks of a dozen or more may be seen feeding out in heathy country.
Petrœca phœnicea (Flame-breasted Robin).—A common summer visitant, nesting in the dead trees and stumps in clearings adjacent to timber.
Petrœca rhodinogastra (Pink-breasted Robin).—Found in one or two sheltered nooks along the Pass River where hazel, boobyalla, and blackwood flourish under the kindly shade of a few tall eucalypts. Attention is often first attracted to the bird by its sharp note, resembling very much the click of the grasshopper. A nest containing three eggs taken in November proves it to be a late breeder.
Petrœca vittata (Dusky Robin).—A species common everywhere, nesting sometimes on the dead trees in the clearings and sometimes in living scrub. The young, when they leave the nest, are streaky in appearance, and somewhat conspicuous objects when sitting on a dead twig waiting to be fed; each feather of the head and back has a light-coloured stripe down the centre, and the light-coloured feathers of the under surface are edged with brown. The old birds are very homely in appearance and in their ways, though at times they may become pugnacious. Their efforts at song are more indicative of their vivacity than their musical taste.
Rhipidura diemenensis (Dusky Fantail).—This inhabits the Melaleuca scrub, and, excepting that its song differs, it appears to be very close to the mainland species, R. albiscapa.
Malurus elizabethæ (Dark Blue Wren), (Plate X.)—This was taken by the Field Naturalists' expedition in 1887 to be M. gouldi of Tasmania, but an examination of a series of skins at a later date proved it to be distinct—a much larger and darker bird. A number of skins procured during the recent trip fully justifies its separation as a new species. One specimen, however, appeared to be a connecting link, as regards colour, with M. gouldi; but as against this it is the largest in size of any yet taken, with a bill .55 inches in length. The measurements of the male of M. elizabethæ, taken in the flesh, are:—Length, 5.5 inches; bill, .5 in.; wing, 2.1 in.; tail, 2.5 in.; tarsus, 1.0 in. The dark intensified colour is seen not only in the blue but in the black of the upper surface; throat very deep Prussian blue, separated from the whitish abdomen by a band of black, below which again is a washing of light blue, half an inch wide on the flanks, but narrowing towards the centre of the chest; the lesser wing coverts are Prussian blue, and primaries are edged with light blue. The female has a brownish-blue tail, but the young in the first year have the tail of similar colour (brown) to the mantle. This Wren is one of the commonest birds on the island, being found not only in every patch of scrub and timber, but also inhabiting the tall grass and trefoil in the pasture. The theory that the Blue Wren of the mainland is polygamous is rendered uncertain when it is remembered that the females and immature males by far outnumber the full-plumaged males, and it has been suggested that several brown ones follow each brilliant lord about for company. On King Island the sexes are more evenly balanced. As proof that the Wrens are sociable, one incident will suffice, for when a party of three little short-tailed brown young ones, recently from the nest, was disturbed, no less than three brilliant males appeared, and, flitting up and down a log, within a foot or two of the intruder, showed as much concern as the mother bird herself.
Geocichla macrorhyncha (Large-billed Ground-Thrush).—A pair of birds was noted in a patch of tea-tree, among gum saplings The very delicate song of the male late in the afternoon is a counterpart of that of the mainland species, G. lunulata.
*Megalurus gramineus (Grass-Bird).—This is easily identified by its shrill whistle among the reed-beds bordering the lagoons.
Cisticola Exilis (Grass-Warbler).—Common.
Acanthizæ (Tits).—One bird shot on the Pass River coincides in every particular with the description of A. ewingii of Gould, which was afterwards merged by that naturalist, presumably for want of further material, with A. diemenensis. At the same time attention was drawn to its being the slenderer bird, with more brown at the base of the primaries. A second Acanthiza, which inhabits more the shorter scrub of King Island, away from the watercourses, proves to be a species quite distinct from any known; a description of it is given in another part of this issue (page 202), under the name of A. magnirostris, or Great-billed Tit.
Sericornis.—The species of Scrub-Wren common on King Island approaches nearest S. humilis of Tasmania, in having dusky under parts, but from its smaller size, lighter colour on the back, and the possession of a distinct band on the tail, it appears to be a link between that form and S. osculans of the southern part of Victoria. Further research may prove these two species to be very closely allied.
*Ephthianura Albifrons (White-fronted Chat).—A sombre-coloured bird shot on the margin of some scrub proved to be a young female of this species, but no mature birds, nor indeed any other specimens, were seen.
Pachycephala olivacea (Olive Thickhead).—This large Thickhead with beautiful aesthetic markings, is characteristic of the dense scrubs of King Island, but its distinctive whistle is more often heard than the bird is seen.
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (Spine-bill).—This seems even more at home in the gardens about the homesteads than in the native bush, where the flowers are small and not so laden with honey and insects.
Zosterops cœrulescens (White-eye).—Common.
Melithreptus validirostris (Strong-billed Honey-eater).—This powerfully built bird is ever on the move, in parties of five or six, among the gum trees along the ridges and in the valley of the Pass River, where alone on the island it is found. Not only does it search among the leafy tree tops for its food, but it can be seen climbing about the loose shreds of bark, and prying into every crevice. It has a harsh cry.
Melithreptus melanocephalus (Black-headed Honey-eater).—This is another bird seen only in the timber about Pass River, and is there even more plentiful than the preceding species. It is a very energetic little Honey-eater, and rather pugnacious, driving away even the larger Yellow-throated Honey-eater from its domains. On one occasion two Black-headed Honey-eaters fell at my feet struggling in one another's claws, and they continued the dispute on the ground for some seconds. They, too, pry about actively on the eucalyptus bark in search of food. The fully-fledged young are brown on the back, quite yellow on the under surface, and the complete brilliant black hood characteristic of the adult is represented only by dull black on the face and chin.
Ptilotis flavigularis (Yellow-throated Honey-eater).—Inhabits the dense scrubs. Its note and all its habits are similar to P. leucotis of the mainland.
Meliornis australasiana (Crescent Honey-eater).—Is a rowdy denizen of tea-tree scrubs along the watercourses.
Meliornis novæ-hollandiæ (White-bearded Honey-eater).—Few in number, but more easily found among cultivated flowers than among the native.
Acanthochæra inauris (Yellow Wattle-Bird).— One pair noted feeding on a flowering blue gum tree.
Pardalotus affinis (Yellow-tipped Pardalote).—Common only where gum trees exist.
Pardalotus quadragintus (Forty-spotted Pardalote).
Hirundo neoxena (Swallow).—Common.
Petrochelidon nigricans (Tree Martin).—Found among the gum trees.
Anthus australis (Ground-Lark).—Common in the pastures.
Artamus sordidus (Wood-Swallow).—A few pairs arc found in the timber.
Halcyon sanctus (Sacred Kingfisher).
Cuculus pallidus (Pallid Cuckoo).—Occasionally heard.
Cacomantis flabelliformis (Fan-tailed Cuckoo).—Occasionally heard.
*Chalcococcyx basalis (Narrow-billed Cuckoo).—One specimen shot.
Chalcococcyx plagosus (Bronze Cuckoo). It is noticed that the female Cuckoos are silent and very shy, while the males of the smaller species whistle, during the nesting season, at all times of the day, sometimes rivalling one another from adjacent tree tops.
Calyptorhynchus funereus, var. xanthonotus (Black Cockatoo).
Callocephalon galeatum (Gang-Gang Cockatoo).
Cacatua galerita (White Cockatoo).
Platycercus flaviventris (Green Parrakeet).—This species is one of the few of this genus having the immature plumage differing from the adult. The adult Green Parrakeet of King Island is very large, measuring 15½ inches in length. The back is black, with indigo-green edgings to the feathers; the under surface greenish-yellow, with under tail coverts washed with crimson. The young birds, probably until three years of age, are a uniform smudgy olive-green, excepting the blue on primaries and cheeks and the crimson on forehead, which, however, are not so bright as in the adult. November is the nesting season.
Neophema venusta (Blue-winged Grass-Parrakeet).
Phaps elegans (Brush Bronze-wing).—A few are found in scrubby areas.
Turnix varia (Painted Quail).—May be flushed in short scrub.
Hypotænidia brachypus (Slate-breasted Rail).
*Porphyrio melanonotus (Bald-Coot).—Seen running about on weedy marshes.
*Fulica australis (Coot).—In flocks on the larger lagoons.
Hæmatopus longirostris (Pied Oyster-catcher).—This species is found on the sandy beaches nesting among loose seaweed. Large young ones were seen early in November.
Hæmatopus unicolor (Black Oyster-catcher).—This larger species is not so common, and lives mostly among the rocky parts of the coast. At one place, an old resident affirms, a pair of these birds has lived and reared young each season for 25 years at least.
Lobivanellus lobatus (Spur-winged Plover).—Occasionally seen.
Ægialitis ruficapilla (Red-capped Dottrel).
Ægialitis cucullata (Hooded Dottrel).—Plentiful on the sandy beaches and also found around some of the lagoons. Newly-hatched young were seen during the second week in November. With striped downy coats, when planting alongside some bit of seaweed they are easily passed by.
Numenius cyanopus (Curlew). Doubtless several other wading birds could be recorded during an extended residence on King Island.
Hydroprogne caspia (Caspian Tern).—In 1887 the Field Naturalists' expedition, while on the east coast, shot a Caspian Tern, and also took its eggs. To this day the other bird lives alone at the same spot where it was bereaved of mate and progeny at one fell stroke. Probably they were the only birds of this species about the island.
Sterna bergii (Crested Tern).
Larus novæ-hollandæ (Silver Gull).—A colony of these birds' nests yearly on a rock standing in Currie Harbour, on the west coast. They begin laying in November. Some years, when robbed by the local residents of their fresh eggs, they depart en masse to a reserve rookery further north.
Gabianus pacificus (Pacific Gull).—This terror of all smaller sea birds, and shore birds too, is seen in all its stages from the mottled brown and grey of the immature plumage to the brilliant white of the adult, relieved by black wings and back, this being assumed when three years old. An unusual spectacle of a bird flying backwards was seen one day when a Pacific Gull on rounding a point met with a strong breeze, and with its wings still moving was driven backward.
Cymodroma grallaria (White-bellied Storm Petrel).
Puffinus assimilis (Allied Petrel).
Puffinus tenuirostris (Short-tailed Petrel).—When on shipboard about the latitude of Wilson Promontory, at 6 a.m. one morning in November, thousands of Mutton-Birds were seen flying out to westward for the day.
Prion desolatus (Dove-Petrel).
Phalacrocorax carbo (Black Cormorant).
Phalacrocorax gouldi (White-breasted Cormorant).
Sula serrator (Gannet).—A graceful diver.
*Podiceps cristatus (Tippet Grebe).—Occasionally seen on lagoons.
*Podiceps nestor (Hoary-headed Grebe).—Seen on lagoons.
Catarrhactes chrysocome (Crested Penguin).
Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin).
Chenopis atrata (Black Swan).—Common.
Anas superciliosa (Black Duck).—Common.
Nettion castaneum (Teal).—This and the preceding species find much of their food in the kelp on the seashore, and in the shallow water among rocks. They also frequent inland lagoons in company with the other swimmers enumerated, all of which nest on the island.
*Spatula rhyncotis (Shoveller).
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck).—Common. When swimming fast to get away from an intruder, like a ship at high speed, this bird sinks deeply into the water, only the head and neck being visible.
It may be as well to conclude with the interesting fact that Albatrosses—apparently Thalassogeron cautus—are found on Reid Rocks, about 10 miles south-east of King Island. Passing in the steamer on the north side, 20 or 30 birds were distinctly visible sitting upon nests. Should not the Tasmanian Government extend the protection it gives to Albatross Rock, a few miles away, to Reid Rocks also?