xpedition from the Darling
in the early part of November 1844, in latitude 32 degrees, and on the
return of the party from the interior, in December 1845, several
specimens were seen as low as Cawndilla, and ranging along the banks of
the Darling. In the interval they were seen in flocks of from thirty to
forty, either soaring in the air or congregated together in trees. They
were never seen to stoop at any thing, nor could we detect on what they
fed, but I am led to believe that it was mice. They are fond of hovering
in the air, and in such a position look beautiful, the black bar across
the wing underneath them appearing like a W, and contrasting strongly
with the otherwise delicate plumage of the bird. They left us for a time
whilst we remained at the Depot, and the first that were afterwards seen
by us were on the return of Mr. Browne and myself from our first northern
journey.

These birds are widely distributed over that part of the interior
traversed by the Expedition. Like Elanus notatus, it has a bright full
eye, the iris inclined to a light pink. Its shoulders are black, and its
back like a sea-gull, slate-coloured.

11. CIRCUS JARDINII, GOULD.--Jardine's Harrier.

This bird, with its spotted plumage, was not common. A specimen was shot
on the banks of the Darling, between Williorara and the junction with the
Murray. None of the same bird were seen in the N.W. interior, or to the
westward of the Barrier Range.

12. STRIX PERSONATA, VIG.--Masked Barn Owl.

This fine night bird was very rare in the interior, and only one specimen
was procured. Its plumage is characterised by that softness so peculiar
to the genus to which it belongs, and in consequence of which its flight
is so silent and stealthy that, like the foot-fall of the cat, it is
unheard.

This owl was shot on the Darling, after having been startled out of a
tree.

13. STRIX DELICATULUS, GOULD.--Delicate Owl.

Nearly allied to the Strix flammea, or Barn Owl of England. This bird,
widely spread over the continent of Australia, inhabits the interior in
great numbers, wherever there are trees large enough for it to build in.
Their young were just fledged when the Expedition descended into the
western interior, and at sunset came out on the branches of the
gum-trees, where they sat for several hours to be fed, making a most
discordant noise every time the old birds came with a fresh supply of
food, which was about every quarter of an hour. It was