The Australaisn Bittern is a partly nocturnal bird who resides in costal and sub-coastal locations in south-west mainland Australia, south east Australia and Tasmania. They can be found in wetlands, swamps and among reeds. These birds are mostly brown and yellow in colour and with short legs and a stocky body. The "woomph" sound made by the Bittern late at night is thought to have been the origin of the traditional Aboriginal myth of the Bunyip. The Bunyip, like the Australasian Bittern, was believed to reside in reedy swamps. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This Australaisn Bittern is a stocky bird stylised in a standing position with brown colouring. This colouring makes the bird difficult to see in the dense, reedy vegetation it resides amongst in shallow freshwater wetlands. When threatened, the Australaisn Bittern will raise its bill skyward in a pose which helps it camouflage. This specimen has streaked yellow-brown feathers, a yellow bill and legs which are a yellow-green colour. It stands on a wooden platform.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, bunyip, myths, australaisn bittern, bittern

The Tawny Frogmouth, although often mistaken for an owl, is a nocturnal Australian bird of the Podargidae family that is more closely related to the nightjars. They are widespread in terms of distribution and can be found all across mainland Australia and Tasmania in a diverse variety of habitats from woodlands, forests and urban areas. Masters of camouflage, the Tawny Frogmouth sleeps during the day on tree branches in a stiff upward facing position (as with this specimen) to mimic broken tree branches, their feathers assist in this deception as the mottled grey and brown colours blend into the environment seamlessly. This specimen differs in colours from the usual appearance of a Tawny Frogmouth, as the beak is usually a olive-grey to blackish tone and the plumage is generally more dominantly grey all over the bird. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Tawny Frogmouth has a broad head and a creamy beige coloured wide triangular beak with a hooked tip. The plumage on the head and back of the bird is a combination of darker and rufous browns, mottled with streaks of cream and grey. The underside of the bird from the bottom of the beak to the tail tip is a lighter cream colour with streaks of rufous-brown. The feet are an orange-brown colour. This specimen is adopting the skyward looking pose associated with the species, mimicking dead tree branches.1a. / More-Park / See Catalogue, page 7 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, tawny frogmouth, frogmouth

The Superb Lyrebird is a large ground-dwelling bird with powerful legs and long tail. Found in rainforest habitats in southeastern Australia, it forages in leaf litter for food. It has a very powerful song and is known for mimicking other species. The males have spectacular long tail comprising a variety of feather types, where juveniles and females lack the longer tail feathers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This male Superb Lyrebird is primarily grey/brown. It has striking tail feathers that are white, beige and darker brown that vary in size. Aside from the middle of its tail feathers, the parts of the bird which are darker brown include the top of its head, wings and back. The bird has strong legs and a small beak. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, superb lyrebird

The Superb Lyrebird is a large ground-dwelling bird with powerful legs and long tail. Found in rainforest habitats in southeastern Australia, it forages in leaf litter for food. It has a very powerful song and is known for mimicking other species. The males have spectacular long tail comprising a variety of feather types, where juveniles and females lack the longer tail feathers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This male Superb Lyrebird is primarily grey/brown. It has striking tail feathers that are white, beige and darker brown that vary in size. Aside from the middle of its tail feathers, the parts of the bird which are darker brown include the top of its head, wings and back. The bird has strong legs and a small beak. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, superb lyrebird

William Turner, a Scottish born free-lance designer, who was contracted to GP&J Baker, painted the image on which the design was based in 1918. Turner had trained as a furniture designer before leaving for London in the 1890s, where he rose to prominence as an Arts & Crafts designer. The bird that gives this design its name is adapted from Robert Havell’s ‘A Collection of Birds of Paradise’, published in 1835, and was a favourite of Victorian chintz designers.“Paradise Bird” has been in continuous production since its creation. The hand-block print, of which these curtains are an early example, was supplemented by a version engraved on copper rollers in 1962, and was updated onto screens in 1982. The curtains have significance to the collection because of their intrinsic value and for the link to one of the historic mansions in the City of Boroondara. The curtains by G.P & J Baker of London use one of the exemplary designs in this manufacturer’s output. The first use of the design was in 1918, following the Great War, and the design is said to reflect the hope for peace which was a feature of the postwar years. The curtains are an early example of the Paradise Bird design, and were block printed. A pair of curtains originally situated in one of the front reception rooms of 'Tourmont' in Balwyn Road, Balwyn (now Fintona Girls’ School). The fabric in the curtains was manufactured by the English firm of GP&J Baker. The textile design is variably named as ‘Paradise Bird’ or more recently, ‘Hydrangea Bird’. Turner’s bird perches in a blossoming branch directly above a woodpecker, which is an attribute of Mars, god of war. Thus the design reads as a symbolic statement where War is reversed and Paradise returns (a hopeful message at the end of WWI). “Paradise Bird” has been in continuous production since its creation. . curtains, fabric design, historic buildings

Green framed drawing of an abstract bird on a black table. If you can assist with information on this artist or artwork please use the comment link below. bird, artwork, available, horsham campus art collection

Bettie Elizabeth Bird VF508756 (born Bendigo, enlisted Melbourne) in the Australian Women's Army Service on 10.4.43. She was discharged from the army on 18.8.44. Colin Odlum VX45898 2/23Batt AIF, KIA 12.7.42 at El Alamein. Colin and Bettie were engaged prior to him embarking. Refer 127.56 re Colin. Refer 1601 re William (Billy) Betties brother. .1) Photograph, B&W of Bettie Bird in uniform. .2) Newspaper clipping with photo of Colin Odlum re "Xmas greetings to Miss Bettie Bird".1) "Kalma studio Pall Mall Bendigo" .2) "Greetings from Tobruk"documents, newspapers, uniforms female, photographs, army, photography

Unlined booklet of handwritten notes of nature observations of the birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans and insects. Includes an introduction by A. D. Hardy. Also typed notes of the booklet with annotations by the leading scientist from the Phillip Island Nature Park. Dr. Peter Dann.non-fictionNotes on local flora and faunaanderson family, mary potter, animals, birds, flora, fauna

The White-necked Heron (also known as the Pacific Heron) is commonly found throughout mainland Australia. It resides mainly in locations with freshwater and in tidal areas. These birds are carnivores and mainly eat fish, crustaceans, amphibians and insects. They are also known to feed on young freshwater rats, young ducklings and lizards. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The White-Necked Heron has been stylised in a standing position on a wooden platform. The bird has long black legs and a long white neck with black spots decorating the front of the neck. The head is also white and the bill black. The front torso of the bird is cream mixed with brown plumage and the back. The rear and wings are a dark brown. [illegible] Heron / See Catalogue, page 33. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, white-necked heron, heron, pacific heron

Information of the Kiewa area commissioned by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria for use by the general public.To inform the interested public, visiting the Kiewa area, about the Geology, Flora and birds as documented by various professionals and commissioned by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria.1. Foolscap x 4 sheets, numbers 11-80 list of birds and description 2. A4 size x 4 sheets "Birds of the Bushland" 3. A4 size x 4 sheets "The Three Floras of Bogong" 4. A4 Size x 4 sheets "General Geology of the Kiewa Area" 1. -2- centre top of first page. List of birds 11-27. …/3 bottom Rt. hand corner of top page 2. Photocopied sheets, printed on Rt. side of paper only. Heading is "BIRDS of the BUSHLAND" followed by diagrams and name of 13 birds. Photocopied using right half of paper only. 3. 'THE THREE FLORAS OF BOGONG' inside a rectangular box. Midway down page 'Published by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria" and towards bottom of page 'October, 1964'. Both inscriptions inside a rectangular box. Photocopied using right half of paper only. 4. photocopied sheets on right side of paper only, GENERAL GEOLOGY OF THE KIEWA AREA by F>C> Beavis, Ph.D., B.SC. June, 1963. 4.flora; geology; birds; kiewa area; secv; tourism; environment

A collection of birds and beasts at home fiction stories for young children. Clem Thiele presumably owned the book indicated by the stamps inside with his name.Children's hardcover collection of Birds and Beasts at Home stories by W. Gilhespy. The cover has a coloured picture of a squirrel sitting on a branch of a tree and a mother bird feeding her babies in a nest. The title is printed in blue. The spine has the title and an illustration of a dovecote, along with the publisher Nelson written below. A coloured plate is at the front and throughout there are black and white illustrations. A child has stamped birds and other pictures here and there.Clem Thiele Doncaster is stamped four times on the endpaper at the front with stamps of a gentleman and his dog too.children's fiction, animal stories, bird stories

The Satin Bowerbird is a medium-sized common bird found from Queensland to Victoria in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forest. During the summer, the diet consists mostly of fruit, with insects as a supplement. They're famous for their courtship behaviour and for decorating stick-structured nests with blue sparkling objects. With it's stunning glossy blue-black feathers, which evolve from green-brown in appearance, this Satin Bowerbird is more than seven years old, and therefore, not any younger as they are often mistaken for females, which are supposed to look like the green catbird. The eyes of this mature male are violet-blue, and the bill is pale bluish white. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Satin Bowerbirds are medium-sized birds. The adult male has striking glossy blue-black plumage, a pale bluish white bill and a violet-blue iris.Swing tag: National Museum Victoria / Satin Bowerbird / Ptilonorhynchus Violaceus / B2027 / (Vieillot) / W. Shaw Collin. / Mount: PTILONORHYNCHUS / VIOLACEUS / SATIN BOWERBIRD / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird

Item given to Geoff MURRAY in Vietnam by Sister Augustine from the Baria Orphanage. The figure, a bird feeding its young with rice in its mouth reminded the Sister of Geoff feeding the Orphanage with all his help he gave to them. Refer Reg No 638P for Geoffs service history and other items re the Baria Orphanage.Small arrangement, bone china representing a tree trunk, birds nest, floral arrangement with bird in nest & mother feeding. Colours range from white, pink, green & blue.On base: "Bone China SEYEA"ceramics - porcelain, military history - souvenirs, vietnam

Lyre Bird Gully and Lyre Bird Gully Track run alongside the Olinda Falls. The area has been a popular walking track in the from the 1920s onwards. The photograph is from the album of Ivy Child. Ivy May Child (1910 – 1989) was the daughter of Arthur Edward (Ted) Child (1878 – 1964) and Ethel May Madden (1888 – 1970). Ted Child was the son of Matthew Francis Child (1839 – 1933) and Martha Jeeves (1857 – 1926). He was the grandson of one of the early pioneers Francis Child. Ivy grew up on the family property on Childs Road and took many photographs. Most of these are glued into her photo album. The album covered the years from c1927 – 1932. Ivy married Henry William Burgess (1906 – 1968) in 1944. The photographs remain in their original state in the album with individual copies made. Black and white photograph showing a row of tree ferns in the foreground with bush behind.Written below photograph in album: OLINDA FALLS AND LYRE BIRD GULLYolinda falls, falls, lyrebird, lyrebird gully, lyrebird track

The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre is on the 4th level of the E.J. Barker Library (Mt Helen Campus). Many birds used the window ledge.Colour photographs on the window ledge of the Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre at the Federation University Mount Helen Campus. corella, bird

The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre is on the 4th level of the E.J. Barker Library (Mt Helen Campus). Many birds used the window ledge.Colour photographs on the window ledge of the Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre at the Federation University Mount Helen Campus. corella, bird

The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre is on the 4th level of the E.J. Barker Library (Mt Helen Campus). Many birds used the window ledge.Colour photographs on the window ledge of the Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre at the Federation University Mount Helen Campus. corella, bird

Used by Donor in 'Blackburn - A Picturesque History'.Black and white photo of Surrey Road, Blackburn, looking south from Springfield Road 1918. Children are Ormond and Jack Bird. Page 55 of Da Costa book.bird, ormond, jack, surrey road blackburn

The white-browed babbler is a a very active bird and is often found in noisy social groups. It lays two nests: one to lay its eggs in, and a separate nest to roost in. The Babbler is located in dry sclerophyll woodlands throughout mainland Australia. The diet of this species is varied: including insects, spiders and other invertebrates, small amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. These birds will also eat fruits and seeds. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. The White-browed Babbler is a small bird with dark brown/grey plumage. It has a white throat, a white tipped tail and a long, pointed curved bill. This species have a distinct white brow and dark eye stripe which inspired its name. The specimen stands upon a wooden mount and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Label: 68a. / White-[illegible] Pomatostomus superciliosus /See Catalogue, page 20 /taxidermy mount, cancel, taxidermy, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, bird, white browed babbler

Bell Bird Reach,downwards. This is a return view of the last.Black and white photograph of Bell Bird Reach in Lake Tyers. It shows the lake from the downward slope, surrounded by thick vegetation Lake Tyers VictoriaBellbird Reach Downwardswaterways, topography

This glass jar once contained Australian-made Nestle’s Malted Milk. The jar carries the company’s familiar logo. This jar would have originally had a screw-top metal lid. The large jar may have been used in a canteen, hospitality business or hospital due to its capacity. The jar was owned by Dr W.R. Angus, surgeon and oculist, who lived in Warrnambool with his wife and growing family for over thirty years. It may have been purchased from the Nestle factory in nearby Dennington. The jar was donated by his family and is part of the W.R Angus Collection. Nestles Malted Milk powder is usually added to either hot or cold milk as a nutritious drink supplement. The powder is a combination of evaporated whole milk powder, malted barley and wheat flour. Nestle began in 1867 and its products were available in Australia since the 1880s. Australia had become Nestle’s second-largest export market by 1906 and by 1908 Nestle had set up business in Australia. The Nestle factory in Dennington, Warrnambool, opened in 1911 and was the world’s largest condensed milk plant. For over 100 years the factory produced dried milk powder from the produce of local dairy farmers. It was a major employer for the district until an announcement was made on May 2019 by its recent owner Fonterra that it was closing its Dennington site for financial reasons. This Nestle Malted Milk jar is connected to the history of Warrnambool, as it was owned by the daughter of Dr W. R. Angus and his wife Gladys. It is part of the W.R. Angus Collection, which is notable for still being located at the site connected to Doctor Angus, Warrnambool’s last Port Medical Officer. It is also connected through its manufacturer Nestle. which had a branch in Warrnambool from 1911 to 2019, overlapping the time when the Angus family resided there, from 1939 to the 1970s. The jar is also significant as an example of the early-20th-century food found in local households and businesses, and could have been purchased from the local Nestle factory.Round tall clear glass jar with a wide mouth, short neck and straight sides on a cylindrical body. The jar has been blow-moulded in two pieces with a side seam running from the base to the top of the lip. There are air bubbles in the glass, and the base has been ground flat. The outside of the mouth is threaded. Inscriptions are moulded on one side and there is a round logo with text around an image of a mother bird with three young birds in a nest. The jar once contained Nestles Malted Milk and was made in Australia around the 1920s. The jar is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.Inscription: “PREPARED / IN AUSTRALIA” and “TRADE MARK / REGISTERED” Logo; “NESTLES MALTED MILK” around image [bird feeding young in next]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, nestle, malted milk, glass jar, nestle jar, nestle malted milk, dennington, nestle australia, w.r. angus collection

The photograph shows two tramcars and two trailers on a school excursion for Bird Day, October 1913 in what is now Brougham St Geelong, led by tram No 4 with the MESCo Power station behind. Many students can be seen in the first trailer. Yields information about the use of trams for a school excursion.Black and white photograph with some details on rear.In ink "State school excursion bird day Oct 1913" and "Tramcars in services in 1947 but not trailers"tramways, trams, geelong, brougham st, tram 4, mesco, power station, geelong tramway

A metal bird, flower and six petaled flower, thought to have been made at the Ballarat Technical Art School.sculpture, metalwork, ballarat technical art school, bird, flower, flora, fauna

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Drawing of a bird. If you are able to provide information on this artist or artwork please leave a message in the comment box below. art, artwork, ron walker, bird, federation college, drawing, available

The Ring Ouzel is a member of the Thrush family, Turdis, of which there are about 85 different species, commonly located in Europe. They are found in upland Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. This species is identified by their dark colouring which contrasts to the white crescent across the breast and the white edging on the wings and some body feathers which provides a scale-like appearance. The diet of this species consists of invertebrates, some small vertebrates and a wide range of fruit. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Ring Ouzel specimen is stylised perched on a wooden platform. It is a medium sized bird of the thrush family. This particular specimen is a brown colour with pale edging to the wing feathers rather than the plumage being a darker black which can help identify this bird as female. The feathers have a white edging on the stomach giving this bird a scaly appearance. The bird has a small dark bill, two glass eyes, black legs and a long tail. Around the front of the upper breast, the bird has a striking white crescent shaped band. "Label 1 110a. / Ring Thrush / Catalogue Page 29 / Lable 2 Furdus torquaters / [illegible] 10 OCT. 1859 / near Leiden /"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, european birds, ring ouzel, blackbird, ouzel

The white-throated Needletail is a migratory bird, breeding in Central Asia and southern Siberia, and wintering south in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. This large swift is often mistaken in flight for a small predatory bird, but its long curved wings and white markings help to identify it. Needle-tailed Swifts get their name from the spined end of their tail, which is not forked as it is in the more common Swifts of the genus Apus. They build their nests in rock crevices in cliffs or hollow trees. These birds do not like to sit on the ground, spending spend most of their time in the air. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This white-throated Needletail is predominantly grey-brown in colour. The throat and under tail of he bird are dusky-white. This specimen has a white spot on the lower rim of each of its wings. The eyes are made from glass and the specimen has been styalised standing on a wooden mount.Label: 3a/ Spine-tailed Swift / See catalogue page 7.stormbird, taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, quail, migratory bird, white-throated needletail, needle-tailed swift, spine-tailed swift, hirundapus caudacutus