posted on 2023-11-22, 08:40authored byWilliam Vincent Legge
I have much pleasure in bringing to the notice of the Fellows of the Society this evening the occurrence of the Australian Drongo in Tasmania, and exhibiting a specimen of this bird, which was shot on the 1st of May, at Falmouth, by Master Steele. Of all the occasional visitants to Tasmania, which have from time to time been recorded, the present is, perhaps, one of the most interesting, as on reference to Mr.Ramsay's distribution list it does not appear to have been hitherto noticed farther south than New South Wales, on the mainland, and its occurrence, therefore, in the more southern locality of Tasmania, is all the more remarkable. Its having been met with on the East Coast, tolerably far North, is a proof that the Bass Straits Islands form a halting or resting place for any birds that may under pressure of strong northerly winds, wander beyond their usual habitat in this direction, and taking a further flight southwards arrive on the shores of Tasmania, about the locality where this bird was killed. It is noteworthy that once before an occasional visitant to this island was first recorded from the same place. I speak of the Leaden Flycatcher, Myiagra rubeiula, obtained by myself when on a visit to this island in 1868.
History
Publication title
Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Pagination
93-94
Rights statement
In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania..