This particular species is native to Australia and can be located throughout the mainland, preferably in the south-western interior. It is known for its distinctively upturned bill, the males of this species have a slightly more upturn to their bill than the female. This style of bill is unusual among birds and is used to assist them forage in the water of shallow wetlands. These birds feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and seeds. The name of this species is derived from the distinctive chestnut brown/red colouring of the head and neck. Interestingly, the call of this bird has been described as a "yapping" sound which is similar to the sound of dogs barking when performed by a flock in flight. 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 Red Necked Avocat specimen is stylized in a standing position upon a wooden platform. There is a pale brown identification tag tied around its left leg. The bird has long pale grey coloured legs and a characteristic long, thin and black upturned bill. The plumage of this species is largely white. It has a chestnut brown/red coloured head which is where this species gets its name. The wings are white with black tips.25c. / Avocet / Catalogue, page, 36. / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, large bird, red necked avocat, avocat

This particular species is native to Australia and can be located throughout the mainland, preferably in the south-western interior. It is known for its distinctively upturned bill, the males of this species have a slightly more upturn to their bill than the female. This style of bill is unusual among birds and is used to assist them forage in the water of shallow wetlands. These birds feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and seeds. The name of this species is derived from the distinctive chestnut brown/red colouring of the head and neck. Interestingly, the call of this bird has been described as a "yapping" sound which is similar to the sound of dogs barking when performed by a flock in flight. 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 Red Necked Avocat specimen is stylized in a standing position upon a wooden platform. There is a pale brown identification tag tied around its left leg. The bird has long pale grey coloured legs and a characteristic long, thin and black upturned bill. The plumage of this species is largely white. It has a chestnut brown/red coloured head which is where this species gets its name. The wings are white with black tips.24c. / Avocat / Catalogue, page, 36. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, large bird, red necked avocat, avocat

Ivy WILSON (1907-1998) Ballarat | Australia Ivy Wilson lived at 17 Mair Street with her parents while she studied at the Ballarat Technical Art School. Her student folio contains several stencils hand-cut from paper and card. Among them are stylised graphics of correa, waratah, gum, and kangaroo apple as well as kookaburras, cockatoos and a koala. One example of a wreath was subsequently translated into embroidered needlework. Wilson’s folio possibly consists of mostly junior technical work, as she appears to only have sat a single senior Education Department examination, Drawing Plant Forms from Nature. Alternatively, given her focus on textile-based arts, she may have been an evening trade student. A number of digitised images taken from a folder of works by Ivy Wilson undertaken at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School between 1920 and 1922. The folio of work was later donated 'In memory of my mother Ivy Wilson'.ballarat school of mines, wilson, ballarat technical art school, dressmaking, art, ivy wilson, stencilling, stencil, embroidery, australian flora, australian birds

This specimen was originally identified as a young Black-Cuckoo-shrike and catalogued as such in the Burke Museum original catalogue. Analysis conducted as part of a conservation treatment in 2024 reclassified the specimen as a white-bellied cuckooshrike. The white-bellied cuckooshrike inhabits regions across Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. In Australia, it is distributed widely, occurring in tropical northern areas as well as in the eastern parts of the country, including northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and southeastern South Australia. The species is prevalent throughout Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, but less frequently observed in Indonesia. Within Indonesia, it is most commonly found in the northern Moluccas, with occasional sightings in Eastern Wallacea. Today, the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike has a protected status in Australia, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. 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 specimen is a young White-bellied cuckooshrike which stands perched on a wooden mount. It has pale grey colouring which is darker on the rear. The wings are tipped with grey-brown feathers and the same colour feathers also appear on the bird's tale. The specimen has dark limbs and bill and this specimen is provided with two glass eyes which are dark in colouring. The bird has a more creamy pale grey on the throat and stomach. It has a black facial mask which is restricted to an eye stripe. 21a / Black Faced Graculus / See catalogue page 11taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, cuckoo, shrike, common birds, australian birds, australian bird, white-bellied cuckooshrike

The Australasian Wood Duck is commonly described as 'goose-like' in appearance. They reside throughout Australia and Tasmania in regions including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast and bays. Unlike some breeds of ducks, this species can walk on land with ease and can often be seen perched on logs and in trees. The Wood Duck eat grass, clover and other herbs. On occasion they eat insects. 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 Australian Wood Duck has a dark brown head with a pale brown-grey speckled body. The lower belly of this specimen is dark brown and the bill is a pale grey-yellow. The legs are a pale grey and stand upon a wooden platform. There is a paper tag tied to the upper part of the Wood Duck's right leg, a white label attached to the front right of the wooden platform and a grey label on the left beside the white label. 132. / Maned Goose / Male / 132taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, australaisian shovelor, shovelor, wood duck, male, male duck, australian wood duck

The red wattlebird is a passerine bird native to southern Australia. Measuring 33–37 cm (13–14.5 inches) in length, it ranks as the second-largest species among Australian honeyeaters. The species was first described by John White in 1790, and three subspecies are currently recognised. The red wattlebird is found across southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and southwest Western Australia, inhabiting open forests, woodlands, and urban gardens or parks. Known for its loud and conspicuous presence, the red wattlebird primarily forages in trees, although it occasionally searches for food on the ground. As one of the world's largest nectar-feeding birds, it consumes nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with insects. Territorial and sometimes aggressive, it defends rich nectar sources from other bird species. Breeding occurs throughout its range, with the species constructing cup-shaped nests in trees and raising one or two broods annually. Despite localized declines due to habitat loss, the red wattlebird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This specimen was falsely identified as a yellow wattlebird in original catalogue records and 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 red wattlebird has predominantly grey-brown plumage, featuring red eyes, pale pinkish-red wattles on each side of the neck, white streaking on the chest, and a prominent yellow patch on the lower belly. Swing-tag: 58a. / Wattled - Honeyeater / See catalogue page 18taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, bird, yellow wattlebird, tasmanian wattlebird, anthochaera paradoxa, australian birds, wattlebird, red wattlebird

The Australasian Wood Duck is commonly described as 'goose-like' in appearance. They reside throughout Australia and Tasmania in regions including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast and bays. Unlike some breeds of ducks, this species can walk on land with ease and can often be seen perched on logs and in trees. The Wood Duck eat grass, clover and other herbs. On occasion they eat insects. 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 female Wood Duck has a pale brown head with dark glass eyes. The head is looking backwards over left shoulder. The bill is a dull grey colour and the legs are a similar grey.The breast is speckled cream-grey with a white lower belly and under-tail. There is a paper tag tied to the upper part of the Wood Duck's right leg, a white label attached to the front right of the wooden platform and a grey label on the left beside the white label.....[missing] Goose / ....[missing] page 38. / 133 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, australaisian shovelor, shovelor, wood duck, australian wood duck, female duck, maned duck, female

The Australasian swamphen is a visually striking and socially complex bird found across Oceania. It can be found in eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, Aru, and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia. As a member of the rail family (Rallidae), it belongs to the diverse order Gruiformes, which also includes cranes and other rail species. Like other rails, it possesses relatively short wings and a strong, elongated bill, both adaptations suited to its semi-aquatic wetland habitat. This swamphen is easily identified by its deep blue-purple plumage, prominent red frontal shield, and sturdy red legs. It primarily inhabits swamps, marshes, and other wet lowland areas, though its range has expanded to include pastures, roadsides, and farmland due to significant landscape modifications over the past 150 years. Unlike many wetland birds, it is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and human-altered environments. Its diet is similarly flexible, consisting mostly of plant material such as grass stems, shoots, and leaves, but also including invertebrates and, on occasion, the young of other bird species. This specimen was misidentified as a Purple Swamphen in original catalogue records and 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 taxidermy specimen is of a Australasian swamphen which is mounted standing on a wooden platform and has a paper identification tag tied to its upper left leg. The specimen has dark colouring on its back and head with a purple-blue coloured neck, breast and belly. The bill is oversized and is orange/red which is the same colour as the frontal shield on the bird's face. The eyes are made from a red and black glass and the legs of this specimen are orange. The legs are elongated and the toes also long and unwebbed. 17e. / Purple Gallinule / Catalogue Page 35 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swamphen, moorhen, purple bird, hen, purple swamphen, water bird

Circular cake tin with depictions of Australian birds aroud the sides and word cake on lid.domestic equipment, food storage & preservation, cake tin

Gould League was set up in 1909 to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate students to protect Australian birds.It was a pioneer in environmental education in Australian schools.HistoricalColoured certificate showing various Australian birds, portrait of John Gould, names of office bearers of Gould League and name and signature of Marjorie Bradley.The Gould league of Bird Lovers of Victoria. This is to certify that Marjorie Bradley is a member of the Gould league of Bird Lovers.certificates, gould league, bradley family, birds, education

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate belonged to Patricia Legge. Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League continues in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Patricia Dawn Legge 1959. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. There is also the Bird Lover's Pledge unsigned in the middle.In pen - Patricia Dawn Legge 1959certificate gould-league

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate was owned to Ruth Scott of Nicholson Street Orbost when she was 10 years old. She was a member of the Gould League for 61 years. Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. There are Gould League certificates for both children in the collection.The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League still functions in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Ruth Scott. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. In the middle there is also the Bird Lover's Pledge signed by Ruth Scott..The pledge has been signed by Ruth Scott.certificate gould-league

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate belonged to Kevin Legge. The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League still functions in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Kevin Legge. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. In the middle there is also the Bird Lover's Pledge signed by Kevin Legge . Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. Kevin was born in 1958.The pledge has been signed by Kevin Legge.

This book was written by Edward Vidler (1863-1942), a printer, publisher and author. Born in England, Vidler was in Geelong in the 1880s and produced there a commemorative volume on that city. He came to Warrnambool in the early years of the 20th century and was Secretary of the Warrnambool and District Progress League and the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While in Warrnambool he produced an important 1907 publication, ‘Warrnambool Past and Present – Sixty Years of Progress’ and also organized the production of the Pioneer Honour Board featuring portraits of 204 Warrnambool and district pioneer men. After he left Warrnambool he lived in Melbourne where he edited magazines and published his own and other writings. He was a foundation member of the group that established the Maranoa Native Gardens in Balwyn and promoted Australian flora and fauna. This book is of great interest s it was written by Edward Vidler, a resident of Warrnambool in the early 1900s and an important and influential figure in our history. He left behind in Warrnambool two most important legacies – the Pioneer Honour Board and the book ‘Warrnambool Past and Present’, a history of Warrnambool that has proved invaluable to researchers today. No information has been found on the original owner of the book, William Ewers. This is a 1931 soft cover book of 96 pages. The cover has a grey-coloured background and a sepia-coloured photograph of two kookaburras on a tree branch on the front cover and an advertisement for a publication called ‘Songs of the Bush’ on the back cover. The book is dedicated to the Gould League of Bird Lovers. It has a Contents page, a Foreword, a Preface, pages on Australian birds and an Index. It has many black and white photographs of Australian birds. It is glued and bound with blue tape.Signature on front cover and inside first page: ‘Wm. D. Ewers’edward vidler, history of warrnambool, warrnambool pioneer honour board, 1907 warrnambool history book, ‘warrnambool past and present’.

.1) Signed Ex Libris Brian Dunlop bookplate by Irena Sibley. The imagery includes Australian birds such as swans, ducks cockatoos and honeyeaters .2) framed unsigned Ex Libris Brian Dunlop bookplate bookplate, framed bookplate, irena sibley, brian dunlop, keith wingrove memorial trust

Just over A5 size soft cover book. Aqua cover with picture of Mugga Ironbark flowering on the front, colourful map of Australia on the back with honeycomb on it & surrounded by Australian birds on flowering gums 239 pagesThis volume was published under the guidance of - Prof. Dr. Eng. V Harnaj - President of Apimondia John Guilfoyle - President of the First Australian Bee congress Dr. Francis Smith - Editor of the scientific papers

Detailed descriptions of Australian native birds at all life stages, including their calls and range of habitat.Maps, colour illustrations, colour photographsbirds, australia, identification

Masked Owls are an Australian barn owl species ranging across most of mainland Australia and Tasmania, generally within 300 km of coastline. Masked Owls are a medium sized bird averaging 390-500mm in length with wing spans up to 1250mm. There are several subspecies across Australia and the Tasmanian Masked Owl is the largest. Female Masked Owls are markedly larger than males. Masked Owls prefer forested, woodland, or timbered waterway habitats to open country, and nest in tall trees with suitable hollows and adjacent areas for foraging. They are territorial and hunt small mammals, rodents, rabbits, reptiles and small marsupials. Population numbers are in decline on the mainland and in Victoria the species is considered threatened. 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 Masked Owl specimen is medium sized with a large head and distinctive heart-shaped facial markings. The plumage is mostly brown, patterned with flecks and patches of white, chestnut and light grey. The tail is short and largely concealed by long wing feathers. The face, feathered tarsi and underparts are much paler in contrast to the dorsal plumage, and the facial mask is edged by a distinct dark brown line. The eyes are large and yellow. This specimen stands on a wooden perch pedestal with identification tags attached to its leg. 12. / Delicate Owl / See Catalogue, page, 3 /taxidermy, taxidermy mount, masked owl, burke museum, australian museum, owls, birds of prey, heart-shaped faced owl, nocturnal birds, predator birds, barn owl, carnivore, tyto novaehollandiae, australian masked owl, tytonidae, tyto, territorial owl, threatened species, animalia, australian owls, tasmanian masked owl

Ural Owls are one of the largest nocturnal birds of prey and are distributed across Northern hemisphere land masses from Scandinavia in the west, across Russia and China to Japan in the east. They average between 500-640mm in length, have large ears, a very long tail, and wing spans up to 1340mm. Ural Owls display reverse sexual dimorphism. They have a range of calls and sounds that vary between regions and among subspecies. Ural Owls prefer mature primary forest habitats that are not too dense, but adapt to a range of environments, including damp heathland and high elevation mountain forests. The species is considered nocturnal but may be more correctly described as ‘cathemeral’, due to frequent daylight activity in the taiga zone. Ural Owls are non-migratory and highly territorial. They prefer to hunt from a perch into open areas of forest, seeking small mammal prey, such as voles, as well as birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. Ural Owls have a broad, rounded head and a well-developed round facial disc with a small V-shaped indentation. They tend to be plain greyish-brown to whitish overall, though some subspecies display darker colour variation. The underparts are pale cream to grey-brown and boldly overlaid with dark brown streaking. Ural Owls lack the richer colour tones of other Strix owls. Their flight style gives the appearance of a large bird. The eyes are dark brown and relatively small, and the bill is yellowish. Tarsi and toes are feathered grey and the talons are yellowish brown with darker tips. 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 Ural Owl is an average sized specimen with a broad, rounded head and characteristic V-shaped facial marking between the eyes. Overall plumage is plain and consistent in colour and pattern, with white, brown and grey streaks. The eyes are large and the bill is small and yellow. This specimen stands on a wooden perch with identification tags attached to its leg.Swing tag: Strix noctua / Athene noctua, [illegible] / near leiden / 26 Mai 1860. / Holland / Other tag: N38 / Strix noctua / Holland. / Metal tag: 4062 /taxidermy, taxidermy mount, burke museum, australian museum, owls, birds of prey, heart-shaped faced owl, nocturnal birds, predator birds, carnivore, territorial owl, animalia, large owl, long-tailed owls, ural mountains, taiga zone owls, cathemeral, monogamous, iucn red list, strix, wood owl, attacking owl, long-tailed owl, large-eared owl, owls with facial disc

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour photograph, four black swan cygnets in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, black swans, cygnets, bryant west

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Black Shouldered Kite perched on branch. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, black shouldered kite

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph -two young and eggs of Eastern Swamp Hen in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, eastern swamp hen, eastern swamp hen young, birds eggs

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - three newly hatched Spur Winged Plovers and egg in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, spur winged plover hatchlings, birds eggs

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - three Little Pied Cormorant Nestlings in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, pied cormorant nestlings

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - four eggs and newly hatched Little Grebe in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, little grebe hatchling, birds eggs

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Little Grebe newly hatchedlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, little grebe hatchling

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - nest of Grebe eggs covered by parent before leaving nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, little grebe, birds eggs

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian Birdscolour Photograph - two young Royal Spoon Bills in nest - Rhyll Swamp. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, royal spoonbills, rhyll swamp, phillip island

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Sharp-tailed Sand Piper Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, sharp tailed sandpiper

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - three young Eastern Rosella. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, eastern rosellas