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.
