<p>branches of the myall and gum trees, sometimes on those growing out on the hot plains, at <br>
others on those close by the river side. I succeeded in obtaining both old and young birds, <br>
which, judging from the plumage of the latter, I should suppose had left their breeding- <br>
place about a month before I arrived in the neighbourhood of the Namoi in December. I <br>
also saw in this district the Common or Sacred Kingfisher, but in far less abundance than <br>
between the ranges and the coast. This latter species may be hereafter found to be an <br>
inhabitant of the country bordering the sea, while the Red-backed Kingfisher may be <br>
exclusively a denizen of the interior. The unusual colour of the back at once distinguishes <br>
it from all the other members of the genus inhabiting Australia, but in its general economy <br>
and mode of living it presents no observable difference." <br>
"Gilbert procured examples of this species during Dr. Leichart's overland expedition; <br>
Captain Sturt found it at the depot in South Australia ; and I have received specimens <br>
from the interior of Swan River: consequently it has a very wide range." <br>
Further on Mr. Gould continues : — <br><i> Since the above account of this species was published in the folio edition, I have been <br></i>
informed by the late Mr. Elsey that he saw the Red-backed Kingfisher on the Macarthur <br>
River about one hundred miles from the coast, in lat. 26° 15' S. Two eggs in my collection <br>
are very round in form and of the usual white colour, but they were doubtless pinky white <br>
before they were blown. They are one inch long by seven- eighths broad." <br>
For the following note I am indebted to my kind friend, Mr. E. P. Ramsay of <br>
Dobroyde, N.S.W.:— <br>
"At present I know nothing of the habits of this Kingfisher from personal experience, <br>
but I have received it from various parts of New South Wales far inland, and from Port <br>
Denison, where it was also procured at some distance from the coast. It appears to be <br>
confined to the central part of the southern corner of Australia, but to venture nearer to <br>
the coast in the northern part. Its eggs, three of which I have received from Southern <br>
Australia, could not be distinguished from those of H. sancta, of which species it is the <br>
Central Australian representative. The eggs in my collection are '95 inches in length by <br>
•9 inches in breadth. They are nearly round, more so than those of IT. sancta. The sexes <br>
are alike both in size and plumage." <br>
The figure and description are taken from a very fine skin in my collection from <br></p>
Australia.
Sharpe, Richard Bowdler
1868-71.
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