Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/listofinsectivor12nort A LIST OF THE INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS OF NEW SOUTH WALES; BY ALFRED J. NORTH, C.M.Z.S.; ORNITHOLOGIST OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. SYDNEY : CHARLES POTTER, GOVERNMENT PRINTER. lib 17—96 1896. VJUAjLrU, ^ 5 77- *7?Hi N tf f A List of tt]e Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. By ALFRED J. NORTH, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist to the Australian Museum. In the following list of the insectivorous birds of New South Wales a refer- ence is given to where an accurate figure of each species may be found ; also to a more detailed description of its nest or a figure of its egg The vernacular name of each bird is given, and, by request, as far as possible, its Local appellation. Care, however, must be taken m the use. of the latter class of nomenclature, for a local name is often more apt to mislead and con- fuse than to assist one in recognising the particular species on which it is bestowed. This is chiefly due to the same local name being applied to two or more species. For instance, Corcorax melcinorliamplius , Xerophila Jeucopsis , and Myzantla garrula are all locally known in different parts of the Colony by the name of “ Squeaker.” .... A brief description of the nidification of each species is also given to enable those who are unacquainted with the economy of our avi-faunato recognise the nests and eggs of insectivorous birds beneficial or harmful to the pursuits of man. . , Several useful papers on the subject have appeared m the official magazine of the Department of Agriculture. One by the Honorable Dr. James Norton, M.L.C., entitled “Australian Birds ; Useful and Noxious, * m which sixty-seven species are specially referred to, besides many others in general terms. This paper, the result of many years’ observation and practical experience, in addition to containing other valuable information, deals principally with the good and bad qualities of birds so. far as they affect the agriculturist and horticulturist, and the particular kind of food £acli species subsists upon. In the same journal (Appendix F, p. 210), Dr. E. P. Eamsay, F.L.S., F.R.S.E., also contributes a paper on “Birds Useful, to Agriculturists, Fruit-growers, and Farmers,” and enumerates eighty-nine insectivorous birds usually found in and about the farms, gardens, and orchards of the Colony. The food of many species is given, also a reference number to his “ Tabular List of Australian Birds,” which shows the further ran^e of each species over the continent. A third paper also appears in the same number, p. 151, by Mr. A. U. Hamilton, of Mount^ Ivembla, entitled, “ Birds which are Enemies or Friends of Fruit-growers. In this list the writer divides the 108 insectivorous or partially insectivorous birds enumerated into three groups, giving their distribution east or west of the Note.— Contributions from the Australian Museum, by permission of the Trustees. # Department of Agriculture, N.S.W. j Bull. No. 1, App. Cl., p. 245 (1890). 2 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S.W. Dividing Range, and notes as to their food. A fourth group, consisting entirely of the parrots found in the Colony, is included under the heading of “ Birds living on Grain and Fruit, very destructive.” I have adopted a similar plan as regards the insectivorous birds included in this list, dividing the different species into three groups, as follows : — 1st. Those exclusively insectivorous, and, unless otherwise stated, beneficial. 2nd. Those partially insectivorous ; also beneficial. 3rd. Those both insectivorous and frugivorous — more or less harmful. Although I have termed many species migratory, for they make their appearance in New South Wales chiefly during the spring and summer months, with the exception of Chcetura caudacuta , Gypselus pacificus, Merops ornatus, Eurystomus pacificus , and Eetrochelidon nigricans , they are truly only nomads, and do not leave the Australian continent. It is well known that immense flocks of the three latter species arrive at and take their departure from Cape York every year, but it is not improbable that large numbers remain to winter in Australia. The normal food of the birds included in the first group consisting entirely of insects of various kinds, no further reference will be made to it. 1.— Birds Exclusively Insectivorous. 1. uEgotheles NOV^-HOLLA^DiiE, Vig. and Horsf. “ Owlet Nightjar.” JEgotJieles novce-hollandice , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n, pi. i (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 26, pi. xiv, fig. 11 (1889). A resident and nocturnal species, resorting to the hollow limbs of trees during the daytime, also for the purpose of breeding. Although widely dispersed, it is seldom met with. Eggs pure white, length 1T5 x 0*87 inch. 2. Ettbostopus albigtjlabis, Vig. and Horsf. “ White-throated Nightjar.” Eurostopodus albigularis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed.,Vol. ii, pi. 7 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 28., pi. xi, fig. 3 (1889). A nocturnal species, generally met with about dusk, and more especially in the neighbourhood of tanks and waterholes. This bird is possessed of rapid powers of flight, and captures a large number of insects while on the wing. It breeds upon the ground, depositing a single egg, usually upon the side of some gravelly ridge or near a stone or fallen log. The egg is of a cream ground colour, sparingly spotted with black, or blackish -brown markings ; length 1*5 x IT inch. 3. Eubostopus guttatus, Vig. and Horsf. “ Spotted Nightjar.” Eurostopodus guttatus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 8 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 27, pi. xi, fig. 2 (1889). The habits of this species are similar to those of the White-throated Night- ar, sleeping or resting upon the ground during the day, and procuring its jood while on the wing at dusk or in the twilight. Although widely distributed, both are comparatively rare species. Egg dull greenish-white, sparingly spotted with black ; length, 1*38 x 1 inch. Agricultural G age tie of N. S .Wales, Vol Vll EUROSTOPUS ALBIGULARIS, Vig & Horsf WlriLe-ttiraate'd. NigtW ar ' I- " % •v S The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TV. 3 4. Ch^ttjea catjdacuta, Latham “ Spine-tailed Swift.”_ Acanthylis caudacuta , G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. iifpL 10 (1848). A migratory species, flocks of whicli arrive in New South "Wales during the hottest months of the year. Like the following species, it passes the whole of the day on the wing. Breeds in northern China. 5. Cypselus pacieicus, Latham. “ White-rumped Swift.” Gypselus australis , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 11 (1848). A summer visitant to Australia, arriving about the same time and fre- quently seen in company with the above species : It breeds in southern Siberia. Large numbers of these birds appeared in the neighbourhood of Sydney during the unusually hot weather of January, 1896. 6. Hieunuo neoxexa, Gould. “ Common House Swallow,” “ Welcome Swallow.” Hirundo neoxena , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 13 (1848); North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 30 (1889). This common and well-known species arrives in large numbers in New South Wales during the month of July, and takes its departure again about the end of May. A few straggling pairs, however, remain in the localities they once were plentiful throughout the winter. When frequenting our cities and towns the nest of this Swallow is placed upon any narrow ledge of woodwork or masonry, but usually a site is chosen that is protected by a verandah. In the country districts it is more often built about stables and outbuildings, while on the rocky portions of our coast its nest is placed upon the cliffs. Eggs, four or five in number, white, sprinkled with yellowish and reddish brown markings, and underlying freckles of bluish-grey ; length, 0 74 x 0 58 inch. 7. Lagenoplastes aeiel, Gould. “ Eairy Martin,” “ Bottle Swallow.” Collocalia ariel , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed , Yol. ii, pi. 15 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 32 (1889). A migratory species arriving in New South Wales in July. It breeds in communities, building retort-shaped nests of mud under the eaves of houses, the shelter of an overhanging rock or river-bank, and occasionally in the hollow trunk of some large tree. Hundreds of the nests of this species may be seen underneath the capping of the stone piers of the railway bridge that crosses the Nepean River at Penrith. With but few exceptions, these birds take their departure at the end of April. Eggs usually five in number for a sitting, some being pure white, others marked with yellowish- brown spots on the larger end ; length, 073 x 048 inch. 8. Peteocheltdon xigeicans, Vieillot. “ Tree Swallow.” Collocalia arborea, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ir, pi. 14 (1848). Petrochelidon nigricans. North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds, p. 32, pi. xiii, fig. 14 (1889). Although migratory, a few stragglers remain throughout the year. Breeds in September and October, depositing its eggs, three or four in number, on the decaying wood or dust in the hollow branch of a tree ; they are fleshy- white with a zone of minute freckles of light rusty -brown and greyish-lilac on the larger end, others are uniformly marked over the entire surface of the shell ; length, 0 73 x 0’55 inch. Blocks of these birds seen at Ashfield, June 21st, 1896. 4 The Insectivorous Birds of JV.S. W. 9. Cheram(eca lettcosternum, Gould. “ White-breasted Swallow,” “ Black and White Swallow.” Atticora leucosternon, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ir, pi. 12 (1S48). Cheramoeca leucosternun}, North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., pp. 33, 383, pi. Xlii, fig. 14- (1889). A resident species, generally met with in small flocks, from five to seven in number, but only in the interior and western districts of the Colony. It breeds in small communities during October and November, boring a tunnel from 8 inches to 2 feet in the side of a dry creek or dam, and frequently in the sides of the entrances to the burrows of the common Babbit-like Bandi- coot, Peragale lagotis, at the extremity of which it deposits from four to six pure white eggs; length, 0 68 x 0*5 inch. The greater portion of the day is passed by this Swallow on the wing, and in common with all the members of the family LLirundinidce , it is a destroyer of large numbersi)£:msects . 10. Merops ornatus, Lcitliam. “ Australian Bee-eater.” Merops ornatus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed:, Yol. ir, pi. 16 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of .^ustr. Bds., p. 34 (1889). This attractive bird is strictly migratory, arriving ’in New South Wales early in October, and departing again at the end of March. Like the pre- ceding species, for the purposes of breeding, it tunnels a hole in the soft sandy soil, generally in a sloping bank, at the extremity of which a chamber is hollowed out, and five or six pure white eggs deposited therein. The eggs measure 0 87 inch in length by 0'72 inch in breadth. This species does not find favour with ajnarists, for, amongst other insects destroyed by it, bees, as its vernacular name implies, when obtainable, constitute no small portion of its food. 11. Eurystomus pacificus, Latham. “ The Australian Boiler,” or “ Dollar Bird.” Eurystomus australis , Gould., Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 17 (1848). Eurystomus pacificus, North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 35, pi. xiy, fig. 7 (1889). A migratory species arriving in New South Wales, usually during the month of October, and departing again at the end of March. I have seen young birds, however, that were taken from the nesting-place in the hollow bough of a eucalyptus near Newcastle on the 2nd of October, 1892, but this was an exceptional instance. This bird nests in the hollow limbs of trees, and lays three or four pearly-white eggs for a sitting ; length, L45 x 108 inch. Its food consists chiefly of beetles. 12. Artamus sordidus, Lath. “ Sombre Wood-Swallow,” “ Dusky Wood- S wallow,”- Tree Martin.” Artamus sordidus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, ph 27 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 42, pi. vin, fig. 14 (1889). A familiar and well-known species to agriculturists and orchardists ; it arrives in large flocks during September, and departs again at the end of March, a few straggling pairs remaining throughout the year. The nest of this species is a shallow cup-shaped structure, outwardly composed of thin twigs, and lined inside with fibrous roots or fine grasses, and is placed usually between the forked limbs of some rough-barked tree, or held in position by Agricultural Gagette of N. S. Wales, Vbl Vll MbROPS ORTNTATUS, Lath. Australian Bee-eater. ArTAMUS SDRDIDUS, Lath Sombre Wood Swallow The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TP. 5 a projecting piece of bark from the trunk of a tree. The eggs are three in number for a sitting, of a dull white, spotted with dark brown or brownish- black markings, particularly at the larger end ; length, 0 88 x 067 inch. Upon their arrival, and before separating into pairs, and again when flocking, immediately before taking their departure, these birds have the peculiar habit, when roosting at night, of clinging to each other in large clusters similar to swarms of bees. Like all the members of the genus, the food of this species consists exclusively of insects and their larva©. It is very destruc- tive to bees. In the Colo Yale District, several apiarists have lost almost their entire stock by the wholesale depredations of this Wood-Swallow. Three specimens shot by Mr. R. Etheridge, the Curator of the Australian Museum, in that locality on the 8th of September, 1891, were found to be perfectly gorged with these industrious and valuable insects. 13. Artamus superciliosus, Gould. “ White-eyebrowed Wood-Swallow.” Artamus superciliosus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. it, pi. 32 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 47 (1889). A migratory species abundantly distributed in the western portions of New South Wales, and which seldom visits the districts near the coast. During the excessively dry season of 1895, these birds made their appearance in the neighbourhood of Sydney, and where they had not been seen for twenty years. It is also destructive to bees, but compensates for this mischief by the immense amount of good it does in destroying large quantities of noxious insects. The same remark applies to all the species of this genus. 11. Artamus persouatus, Gould. “ Masked Wood-Swallow.” Artamus personatus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., pi. 31 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 41 (1889). A spring visitant to the inland portions of the Colony, arriving about the end of September in company with A. superciliosus , the two species- frequently associating together in flocks, and breeding near each other. The nest is an exceedingly frail structure formed of a few thin twigs and grasses, and is placed in the fork of a low tree, or in the cavity at the top of a hollow stump. It lays two or three eggs, usually the former number, of a greyish- white ground colour, spotted and blotched all over with light brown markings, and a few underlying spots of grey ; length, 0'81 x 067 inch. In the mode of nidification, and the number and colour of its eggs, A. personal us closely resembles the preceding species. 15. Artamus leucogaster, Valenc. “ White-rumped Wood-Swallow.” Artamus leucopygialis , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 33 (1848). Artamus leucogaster , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 43 (1SS9). A resident species in the interior of New South Wales, seldom found far away from the vicinity of w r ater. This bird rarely constructs a nest like the other species of Wood-Swallows, but relines the deserted mud nest of Qrallina picata , wherein to deposit its eggs, which are three in number for a sitting, of a dull white spotted and blotched with faint markings of yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, and underlying spots of bluish-gi ey ; length, 092 x 003 inch. Although widely distributed over the Australian Continent, it is by no means a common species. 6 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. W. 16. Artamus melanops, Gould. “ Black-faced Wood-Swallow.” Artamus melanops , Gould, Suppl. to Bds. of Austr., fol. ed., pi. 7 (1869) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 46, pi. yiii, fig. 13 (1889). This is a resident species in the western districts and the interior of New South Wales. It breeds during September, and the three following months, constructing a round open nest of dried stems of herbaceous plants or fibrous roots, and lined inside with fine wiry grasses, and which is usually placed in some low tree or shrub, and occasionally in top of a hollow stump. Eggs, four in number for a sitting, of a fleshy- white ground colour, spotted and blotched all over with bright red or reddish-brown markings ; length, 0‘87 x 0*67 inch. The Black-faced Wood-Swallow is never seen in the coastal districts of New South Wales. 17. Artamus albiyentris, Gould. “ White- vented Wood-Swallow.” Artamus albiventris , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n, pi. 30 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds. Inhabits the northern and north-western portions of the Colony. Com- paratively rare in New South Wales, as is also the following species. 18. Abtamus minor, Gould. “ Little Wood-Swallow.” Artamus minor , Gould, Bds. of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n, pi. 28 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 47 (1889). Confined to the northern portions of New South Wales. 19. Pardalotus punctatus, Temm. “ Spotted Diamond-bird.” JPardalotus punctatus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 35 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 48 (1889). A familiar and resident species found over most parts of New South Wales, and more particularly in our heavily timber-clad ranges, and open forest country near the coast. It is a fearless and active little bird, and may be often seen diligently searching for insects among the leafy twigs of some low tree in our parks or gardens. Eor the purposes of breeding, it tunnels a hole in a bank, or in the side of some slight depression in the ground, at the extremity of which it constructs a beautifully woven nest of strips of bark, and deposits therein four pure white eggs ; length, 0’6 x 0‘5 inch. 20. Pardalotus melanocephalus, Gould. “ Black-headed Diamond- bird.” JPardalotus melanocephalus , Gould, Bds. of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 40 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 52 (1889). In New South Wales the range of the Black-headed Pardalote is confined to the northern coastal districts. It is freely dispersed throughout the scrubs of the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed Rivers, and usually breeds during August and the five following months. Nests, however, with eggs have been obtained in May and June. Eggs white ; length, 0'67 x 0 54 inch. IIA I°A ‘ sa TOA.'S N. J° aTT-^S^D T_9arLV[n dui§v Grallina pieata. Lath. “ Pied Grallina.” Gymnorhina tibieen, Lath. ” Black-backed Crow Shrike.” Plate IV. (//<, 17- 96) The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. IV. 7 21. Pardalotus affents, Gould. “ Allied Diamond-bird.” Pardalotus affinis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n., pi. 39 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 51 (1889). Common in the tall Eucalypti of south-eastern New South Wales. It differs from either of the preceding species by constructing a nest of bark and grasses in the hollow limb of a tree. Eggs white ; length, 072 x 055 inch. 22. Pardalotus ornatus, Temm. “ Striated Diamond-bird.” Pardalotus striatus, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. ed., Vol. ii., pi. 38 (1848). Pardalotus ornatus , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 50 (1889). A resident species freely dispersed throughout the inland portions of New South Wales. It is an indefatigable destroyer of insects, searching all day among the leafy foliage of the tall Eucalypti and other trees for small insects and their larvae, which constitute its food The usual nesting place of this species is in the hollow limb of a tree, but frequently it takes possession of the deserted nest of the Eairy Martin ( Lagenoplastes ariel ), or about farm houses and outbuildings constructs its dome-shaped nest of bark and grasses, and feathered between the ceiling and roof, or in any situation under cover. It also resorts to the bank of a creek, forming a nest at the extremity of a tunnel like P. punctatus and P. melanocephalus , and about Louth and Bourke is often found breeding in company with the White- breasted Swallow ( Cheramceca leucosternum'). Eggs pure white; length, 0‘72 x 0*56 inch. 23. Pardalotus rubricates, Gould. “ Eawn-eyebrowed Diamond-bird.” Pardalotus rubricatus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n., pi. 36 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 54 (1889). A species rarely met with in New South Wales, inhabiting the north- western portions of the Colony. It breeds at the end of a tunnel it forms in the bank of a creek. Eggs pure white ; length, OB x 06 inch. 24. Pardalotus xanthopygius, McCoy. “ Golden-rumped Diamond-bird.” Pardalotus xanthopygius , Gould, Suppl. to the Birds of Austr., fol. ed., pi. 8 (1869) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 50 (1889). This bird is sometimes obtained in the Blue Mountains, but it is a rare species in New South Wales. Breeding habits similar to P. punctatus , which it greatly resembles except in the colour of the rump. Eggs white ; length, 063 x 051 inch. 25. Gymnorhina tibicex, Latham. “Black-backed Crow-shrike,” “Black- backed Magpie.” GymnorJiina tibicen , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n, pi. 46, (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 58, pi. yii, figs. 4, 5 and 6 (1889). One of the most useful of all Australian birds to the pastoralist and agricul- turist, devouring immense quantities of grasshoppers, caterpillars, and grubs every year. Both this, and the following species, whose habits are similar, are well known to all residents of Australia as “Magpies.” It is distributed over the greater portion of New South Wales, which may be considered the stronghold of the species. 8 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S.JV. Complaints are sometimes made that the Magpie delights in pulling or digging up the freshly-germinating seeds of grain crops, but when an examination has been made it has been proved in nearly every instance that the bird was only in search of the grub that was attacking the seed at its base. When there is a paucity of insect life this bird may be driven to eat grain for a subsistence, but never from choice. Even admitting that a small quantity of grain is consumed or destroyed every year by this species, it fully compensates for this mischief, by ridding the land of countless numbers of injurious insect pests. 26. Gymnorhena. letjcofota, Gould. “White-backed Crow-shrike,” “ White- backed Magpie.” Gymnorhina leuconota , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 47 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 59 (1889). This species replaces G. tibicen in the southern districts of the Colony, and is particularly plentiful in the neighbourhood of Cooma, Tumut, and the Manaro Ranges. Like the preceding species, it constructs a large bowl- shaped nest of sticks and twigs, lined with hair, and lays three eggs, which are subject to great variation in their colour and markings. 27. Grallina picata, Latham. “ Pied Grallina,” “ Magpie-lark,” “ Mud- lark,” “ Peewit.” Grallina australis , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 54 (1848). Grallina picata , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., page 79, pi. vni, fig. 12 (1889). A well-known resident species, found all over Australia. Breeds during September and the three following months, building a cup-shaped nest of mud lined with grasses, which is usually placed on the bare horizontal branch of a tree, but not unfrequently selecting one where a few green leafy twigs are growing out of it, and which partially hide the structure. During the autumn months it assembles in large flocks, passing most of its time on the ground in search of insects. Eggs four or five in number for a sitting, white or reddish-white with purplish-red spots and blotches, usually forming a zone on the larger end ; length, 118 x 08 inch. Dr. N. A. Cobb, Patholo- gist to the Department of Agriculture, has recently discovered that this bird is most useful in destroying large numbers of a species of land mollusc, an intermediate host of fluke. The figure represents a male. 28. Pteropodocys phasianella, Gould. “ Ground Graucalus.” Pteropodocys phasianella , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 59 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 76, pi. ix, fig. 2 (1889). Widely distributed throughout the inland portions of the Colony, but not numerous anywhere. 29. Edoliisoha tenuirostre, Jar dine. “ Jardine’s Campephaga.” C ampephaga jardinii, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., pi. 60 (1848). Edoliisoma tenuirostre , North, Records, Austr. Mus., Yol. ii, p. 13 (1892). Seldom met with in New South Wales, except in the scrubs and brushes of the coast. ,-v * i\i o. vvaitj o, vui vii. aitui'di u a/jd lie ui FaLCUNCULTTS FRONTATUS. Lath Crested Shrike -Tit PaGHYGEPHALA GUT’TURAIjIS. Lath. ' / p }\ i o\^-^TRas te d Th.i ckh. ead PL v The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. W. 9 30. Lalage leucomelaina, Vig . and Horsf. “ Bufous-vented Lalage.” Campephaga leucomela, Grould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 62 (1848). Lalage leucomelcena , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 77 (1889). A common species in the brushes of the Clarence, Bichmond, and Tweed Bivers, its range in the Colony being confined to the northern coastal districts. Nest similar to that of the next species, L. tricolor, its lesser congener, but, strange to say, smaller, and barely sufficient to hold the young bird when hatched. Only one egg is laid for a sitting, of an apple- green ground colour, thickly freckled, dotted and spotted with reddish- yellowish-brown, in some specimens forming a zone ; length, 1 x 0 72 inch. 31. Lalage teicoloe, Swainson. “White-shouldered Lalage,” “Little Magpie Lark.” Campephaga humeralis, Grould, Birds of Austr., fol., Yol. ii, pi. 63 (1818). Lalage tricolor , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 78 (1889). A migratory species, arriving in New South Wales about the middle of September, and departing again at the end of February. From the con- spicuous black and white plumage of the male, it is locally known in some districts as the “ Little Magpie Lark.” It has a pleasing song, which can be heard some distance away. The nest of this species is a scanty structure formed of grasses loosely interwoven and held together with cobwebs, and is usually placed at the junction of a forked horizontal branch of a Eucalyptus or Syncarpia, the rim and outside of the nest having small pieces of bark attached so as to resemble the branch on which it is placed. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a light-green ground colour, blotched all over with reddish-brown markings ; length, 0’82 x 0’65 inch. 32. Pacuycephala gtjttttealis, Latham . “Yellow-breasted Thickhead.” Pachycephala gutturalis, G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 61 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs, of Austr. Bds., p. 64 (1889). A resident species frequenting the open forest country and lightly- timbered scrubs of eastern New South Wales. The nest is an open cup- shaped structure, composed of thin twigs, fibrous roots, or the wiry thread- like leaves of the Casuarina, and is usually placed in the upright fork of a tree, within 6 or 7 feet from the ground. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a yellowish or brownish buff, thickly marked with freckles of dark amber and blackish-brown, particularly towards the thicker end, where, intermingled with underlying spots of violet-grey, they become confluent and form a zone ; length, 0 95 x 0 68 inch. From its habit of starting to sing immediately after a clap of thunder, the report of a gun, or any other loud and sudden noise, it is known to many residents of New South Wales as the “ Thunder -bird.” The specimen figured is a male. 33. Pachycephala etjfiventeis, Latham. “ Bufous-breasted Thickhead.” Pachycephala pectoralis, Grould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 67 (1848). Pachycephala rufiventris , North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 67, pi. hi, fig. 11 (1889). A resident species, but more frequently met with during the spring and summer months. It builds a scanty nest of rootlets or twigs, and lays three eggs of an olive ground colour, spotted and blotched with dark umber-brpwn 10 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S.TT. or sepia markings ; length, 0'87 x 0 68 inch. The breeding season in New South Wales commences early in October, and continues until the end of January. Also known as the Thunder-bird. 34. Pachycephala oliyacea, Vig. and Horsf “ Olivaceous Thickhead.” Pachycephala olivacea , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. ii, pi. 73 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 68, pi. viii, fig. 11 (1889). A comparatively rare species in New South Wales, frequenting the under- growth of our mountain ranges, and more particularly those of the New England district. Eggs buffy-white, spotted and dotted on the thicker end with reddish and blackish-brown markings and underlying spots of dark lilac ; length, 1*08 x 0 78 inch. 35. Pachycephala gilberti, Gould. “ Gilbert’s Thickhead.” Pachycephala gilberti , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. ii, pi. 71 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 67, pi. viii, fig. 10 (1889). A species seldom met with in New South Wales ; inhabiting the central and western districts of the Colony. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a yellowish-buff ground colour, spotted with blackish- brown and underlying spots of bluish-grey; length, 0 93 x 072 inch. 36. Collyriocincla harmonica, Latham. “ Harmonious Thrush,” “ Grey Thrush.” Colluricincla harmonica, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. n, pi. 74 (1848). O ollyriocincla harmonica , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 80, pi. viii, figs. 2, 3, and 4 (1889). A familiar and well-known resident species, distributed over the greater portion of New South Wales. It frequents scrubs, partially-cleared lands and open forest country, our mountain ranges, and the timbered portions of the sides and banks of inland rivers and water-courses, but is never met with in the clumps or belts of trees growing out on the plains. The nest, which is formed of strips of bark and lined with fibrous roots, is usually placed in the hollow top of a stump, the fork of a tree, or on a narrow ledge of rock. The eggs are three in number for a sitting, rarely four, and are subject to considerable variation ; the most usual variety found are pearly-white with spots and blotches of brownish-black, and underlying markings of deep slaty- grey ; length, 1*2 x 09 inch. The breeding season commences in August, and continues until the end of December. While searching for insects, which constitute its food, the Harmonious Thrush progresses over the limbs and branches of the trees in a series of short hops. 37. Collyriocincla RUEiGASTER, Gould. “ Bufous-breasted Thrush.” O olluricincla rufogaster , Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1845, p. 80. Colly riocincla ruhgaster , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 83 (1889). In New South Wales this species is found only in the scrubs and brushes of the northern coastal districts. It breeds during October and the three following months, constructing a deep cup-shaped nest of leaves and the pliant-stems of climbing plants, neatly lined inside with wiry rootlets, and is usually built in the fork of a vine or in a tangled mass of creepers. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, and resemble those of the preceding species, C. harmonica , but are much smaller ; length, 1*05 x 073 inch. Agricultural Gagette of N. S. Wales, Vol Vll. COLLYRIOCINCLA. HARMONICA, Latin. H a riTLG m ou s r hrush . ORBOICA CRISTATA, Lewm. Crested Bell Bnrd. PL VI . The Insectivorous Birds of N.SJV. 11 38. Ealcuuculijs eroutatus, Vieillot. “ Crested Shrike-Tit.” Falcunculus front atus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. it, pi. 79 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 69, pl.Yin, fig. 9 (1889). A resident species widely distributed over the greater portion of New South Wales. It usually frequents the tall Eucalypti, and w T hile engaged in its search for insects among their leafy tops, utters a low plaintive note. The nest is a beautiful inverted cone-shaped structure outwardly composed of shreds of fibrous bark bound round, and held together with spider’s webs, the inside being lined with very fine wiry grasses and thin strips of bark, and is always placed in the thin topmost leafy twigs of a tree, usually a lofty Eucalyptus, but sometimes in a gum sapling. The eggs are white, minutely dotted, and spotted with slaty -black markings ; length, 0 92 x 0'04 inch. The figure represents a male. 39. Oreoica cristata, Leicin. “ Crested Oreoica,” “ Bell-bird.” Oreoica gutturalis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. it, pi. 81 (1848). Oreoica cristata , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 70, pi. viii, fig G (1889). A resident species common in the inland portions of the Colony. It possesses the powers of ventriloquism, and from some of its notes uttered, usually when perched upon the branch of some lofty tree, and which resemble the solemn tolling of a bell, it is known to the residents of the interior and western portions of New South Wales by the local name of “ Bell-bird.” This bird, however, must not be confounded with the Bell-bird ( Myzantlia melanophrys) , found near the coast, whose ceaseless and somewhat monotonous note sounds like a sheep-bell. The nest which is built of strips of bark and leaves, and lined with fibrous roots and grasses is usually placed in the hollow top of a stump, or in the three pronged fork of a low tree. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a faint bluish-white minutely spotted, and blotched w T ith irregular-shaped black markings ; length, T05 x 0‘83 inch. August and the three following months constitutes the normal breeding season of this species. The figure represents a male. 40. Sphe^ostoma cristata, Goulcl. “ Crested Wedge-bill.” Sphenostoma cristatum, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 17 (1848). SphenostoJiia cristata , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 71, pi. viii, fig. 5 (1889). A species seldom met with except in the scrubby undergrowth of the central and western districts of New South Wales. It builds an open cup- shaped nest of thin twigs and grasses, usually placed in some low bush, and lays two eggs of a bluish-green ground colour, spotted and dotted with black or purplish-brown markings ; length, 0’92 x 0 7 inch. 41. Psophodes crepitans, Vig. and Horsf. “ Whip-bird.” Foophodes crepitans , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 15 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 72, pi. win, fig. 7 (1889). A shy and retiring species, widely distributed over the eastern portion of New South Wales. It frequents the scrubs and brushes near the coast, as well as the fern- clad gullies of our mountain ranges, although the loud note of the male, resembling the cracking of a stockman’s whip, is more often heard than the bird is seen. This species forms an open cup-shaped nest, rather irregularly formed on the exterior with long thin twigs and fibrous 12 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TP. roots, the inside being neatly lined with finer rootlets. It is usually placed in a low bush in the thick undergrowth, or in a mass of climbing plants, or in the dead leafy top of a fallen gum sapling. Near Sydney the shrub usually selected by this bird for a nesting site is the Blackthorn ( Bursaria spinosa). The eggs are two, rarely three, in number for a sitting, of a beautiful bluish or greenish-white ground colour sparingly spotted and blotched with irregular-shaped black markings ; length, 1*07 x 082 inch. Although the Whip-bird is frequently heard in the vicinity of orchards and gardens, it seldom ventures into them in search of insects which constitutes its sole food. 42. Sphexuea brachyptera, Latham. “ Bristle-bird.” Rasyornis australis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed. Yol. iit, pi. 32 (1848). Sphenura brachyptera , North, Nv it and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 125, pi. vnr, fig. 16 (1889). An inhabitant chiefly of the coastal scrubs of the Colony, over which it is sparingly dispersed. It is usually a shy and cautious species, but sometimes it may be observed during spring, in the neighbourhood of Randwick, perched on the top of a low bush, pouring forth its rich and varied notes, resembling those of the acclimatised Skylark ( Alauda arvensis ), and which it probably mimics, as they are plentiful in that locality. The nest of this species is usually built at the bottom of a stunted bush ; it is oval in form, with an entrance in the side, and is constructed of dried wiry grasses. The eggs are three in number for a sitting, of a A ;11 white ground colour thickly freckled and dotted with reddish-brown ano ackisli-brown markings. 43. Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould. “White-shafted Fantail,” “Land Wag- tail,” “ Devil-bird.” Rhipidura albiscapa , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 83 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 84 (1889). A well-known and useful little bird of active and lively habits freely dis- tributed over the greater portion of New South Wales. It evinces a decided preference for open forest country with a light undergrowth, and is also frequently met with in gardens or orchards in newly-settled districts. The White-shafted Eantail, which lives exclusively on insects, principally flies and gnats, may be often seen darting suddenly forth at passing insects, or flitting from tree to tree, seldom remaining long in one position, and fre- quently expanding its fan-shaped tail. The nest of this species is an exceedingly neat and peculiar structure ; it is shaped like a wine-glass with the base or stand broken off, and is composed of very fine strips of bark securely held and bound together on the outside with spider’s web, and neatly lined inside with fibrous roots or wiry grasses. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a creamy-white ground colour, spotted and blotched with brown markings and a few obsolete spots of bluish-grey ; length, 0 64 x 0'5 inch. The nest is usually placed on the thin dead branch of a gum sapling or Melaleuca. 44. Rhipidura rufifrons, Latham. “ Rufous-rumped Eantail.” Rhipidura rujifrons, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 84 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 87 (1889). This species inhabits the coastal scrubs of the Colony ; it visits thecontigu- uous open forest lands during winter, and retires again to the secluded gullies Vol Vll A i c u Itural 0 azette N. S Wales. * V v ?, •; i ■* V '•> " :>., /■ . V,- • - .c .;>• V ".-' - - / ;-v *« . / •' ■ * * ' , f- •'■'sf ' < • yj K L" , §: %■ : • , V '• ■ . «v I -*-V .. 5: ■: :V 's v ' ijiiuiiliilJIjiS liiiiiiiiiiiifc lyaU^Vlj::!!: Sauloprocta motaeilloides, Vig. & Horsf. “ Black and White Fantail.” Seisura inquieta, Lath. “Restless Flycatcher.’’ Plate VIII. The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TV. 13 and dense brushes of the coast to breed early in October. It resembles the preceding species in its habits, but is far less frequently met with. Eggs creamy-white, with a zone of dull blackish-brown and violet-grey markings on the thicker end ; length, 0’72 x 0 53 inch. 45. Sauloprocta motacilloides, Viq. and Horsf. “ Black and White Eantail,” “ Water Wagtail.” JRJupidura motacilloides , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ti, pi. 86 (1848). Sauloprocta motacilloides , North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 88 (1889). A resident and well-known species found over most parts of New South Wales. It frequents the vicinity of farms, outbuildings, gardens, and orchards, and may be often seen perched on the backs of cows, or securing the insects disturbed by them while feeding. From this bird’s habit of constantly swaying its lengthened tail feathers from side to side it is locally known in many districts as the “Willy Wagtail.” It breeds in September and the three following months, constructing a remarkably neat cup-shaped nest of thin strips of bark and dried grasses beautifully held together and woven round with cobwebs, and lined inside with thin wiry grasses or fibrous roots. The eggs are three or four in number for a sitting, of a pale yellowdsh or creamy-white ground colour, spotted and dotted with yellowish- brown and ashy-grey, principally at the thicker end, where the markings frequently assume the form of a zone; length, 08 x 0 6 inch. The nest of this species is usually built on the branch of a tree overhanging w r ater, but may be sometimes found a considerable distance from any stream. Its call note resembles the sound of the words, “ Sweet Pretty Creature.” 46. Seisura ifquieta, Latham. “ Eestless Flycatcher.” “Razor-grinder.” Seisura inguieta , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ir, pi. 87 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 89. A resident species ; although widely distributed, it is not so frequently met with as the Black and White Eantail, which bird it somewhat resembles. Its curious note, however, which is uttered generally when hovering a few feet above the ground, and the pure white throat as well as the remainder of the under surface of the body, will at once serve to distinguish it from the preceding species. The nest of this bird is usually built at the end of a dead bough, and is outwardly composed of strips of bark, grasses, and cobwebs ; the inside being neatly lined with rootlets, grasses, and hair. The eggs are three in number for a sitting, of a dull white ground colour blotched and spotted with dull chestnut-brown, principally towards the larger end, where, intermingled with underlying markings of pale slaty-grey, they frequently form a well-defined zone; length, 0'75 x 06 inch. The breeding season commences in September, and continues until the end of December. 47. Myiagra rubecula, Latham. “ Lead-coloured Flycatcher.” “ Frog- bird.” Myiagra plumbea, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol., Yol. it, pi. 89 (1848). Myiagra rubecula , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 92 (1889). A migratory and by no means common species arriving in New South Wales during September, and leaving again about the end of March. It is usually met with in pairs in the secluded gullies of the coastal districts of the Colony. The nest is a very beautiful structure, composed of small 14 The Insectivorous Birds of N.SJV, pieces of bark and wiry rootlets held together with cobwebs, and ornamented on the outside with pale green lichens ; usually it is placed on the top of an horizontal bough, and frequently at a great height from the ground. The eggs are three in number for a sitting, dull bluish-white in ground colour, with a zone of dark, slaty-blue spots around the centre or towards the larger end of the egg; length, 0'74 x 0‘55 inch. Although far less common than the preceding species it is an active and assiduous destroyer of insects. 48. Myiagba nitida, Gould. “ Shining Flycatcher.” Myicigra nitida , G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 91 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 94 (1889). This comparatively rare species in New South Wales resembles the pre- ceding one, but is larger, and the male has the feathers of the head, throat, and upper surface glossy steel-black, instead of leaden-grey, as in M. rubecula. Its habits and mode of nidification are similar to those of the Leaden-coloured Flycatcher. 49. Micbasca fas Cuban's, Latham. Brown Flycatcher. “ Jacky Winter.” Micrceca macroptera , G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 93 (1848). Micrceca fascinans, North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 95 (1889). A resident and well-known species as freely distributed inland as it is near the coast, where it may be found frequenting alike the tall Eucalypti and the low undergrowth, and is equally common in the parks and gardens of Sydney. This sombre little bird with its conspicuous white lateral tail feathers, which shows to advantage when flying, is an indefatigable des- troyer of insects, and being of a fearless and sociable disposition, is a general favourite with orchardists and agriculturists. It usually commences to breed in September, and continues the three following months, but nests have been found in August and as late as the end of January. The nest is very small and shallow, and is composed of grasses built in the fork of a horizontal bough, a dead branch being usually the site selected, the rim of the nest, which is level with the top of the forked branch, being ornamented with pieces of bark and lichen. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a bluish-green ground colour, spotted and blotched with purplish- brown and underlying blotches of deep bluish-grey ; length, 072 x 0 55 inch. 50. Monarcha melanopsis, Vieillot. “ Black-faced Flycatcher.” Monarcha carinata , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. Yol. ir, pi. 95 (1848). Monarcha melanopsis , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 96 (1889). A migratory species arriving in New South Wales during the month of September, and departing again at the end of March. It frequents the dense coastal brushes and the secluded gullies of our mountain ranges. The nest of this species is generally built in a low tree, and is a most beautiful structure, outwardly composed of fine green mosses, and neatly lined inside with fine black hair-like rootlets on the wiry leaves of the Gasuarina. The eggs are two in number for a sitting, varying in ground colour from pure white to pinkish- white, with numerous spots and dots of bright red scattered over the surface of the shell ; length, 09 x 07 inch. When these birds first arrive they may be frequently observed in pairs in the open forest lands, assiduously searching for insects among the branches of the Eucalypti. Agricultural Qagette of N. S.' Wales , Vol Vll MlCR/E CA FAS G I NAN S, L ath. Brown. Flycatotier'. MONARCHA ME.LANOPSIS, Vie ill Black-faced. Flycatcher. PL. TX J The Insectivorous Birds of N.S.JB. 15 51 . Piezoehynchus gouldi, Gray. Gould’s “ Ply catcher,” “Black-fronted Ply catcher.” Monarcha trivirgata, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. n, pi. 96 (1848). Piezorlynchm gouldii, North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Birds, p. 90 (1889). A rarer species allied to the above, and frequenting the same situations. The nest of this Ely catcher is usually built between the stems of the lawyer vine, Calamus australis, and is outwardly composed of shreds of hark fibre, grasses, and dried skeletons of leaves, ornamented, and held together with spiders’ webs and egg bags, the inside being neatly lined with fine, black hair- like roots. The eggs are two in number fora sitting ; pure white, with dots and spots of bright reddish-brown, thickly distributed over the surface of the shell ; length, 0'8 x 0 58 inch. This bird is more frequently met with m the tropical brushes of north eastern Queensland. 52. Gerygone albigularis, Gould. “ "White-throated G-ery gone, Native Canary.” Gerygone albogularis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ir, pi. 97 (1848). Gerygone albigularis , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 97 (1889). This migratory and well-known species arrives in New South Wales during the month of September, and takes its departure again about the end of March or April. Prom its yellow breast and sweet and pleasing notes, it is known in many parts of the Colony as the “ Native Canary. When not engaged in the duties of incubation, this little bird may be fre- quently seen in the neighbourhood of Sydney, diligently searching in the leafy recesses of the Turpentine tree ( Syncarpia launfolia ), or gum saplings, for minute insects, which constitute its sole food. The nest of this species, which is suspended from the leafy twig of a bushy tree, is oblong-oval m shape with a narrow entrance in the side, which is almost concealed by a small ’protecting hood; and the bottom of the nest terminates m a small beard or tail several inches in length. It is outwardly constructed of strips of bark, grasses, and cobwebs matted up and interwoven together ; the inside being warmly lined with hair, opossum fur, or the silky-white down of the Cotton Plant {Gomphocarpus fruticosus') . The eggs are three m number for a sitting, elongate in form, and of a pure white, thickly freckled, and spotted with dull red markings ; length, 0*75 x 0‘5 inch The White-throated Gerygone is frequently the foster-parent of the Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo, Lamprococcyx basalis , and the Barred-breasted Bronze Cuckoo, L. plagosus. 53. Gerygone etjsca, Gould. “ Brown Gerygone.” Geruaone fusca, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii, pi. 98 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 99 (1889). This species is not so frequently met with as the preceding one, and is far less attractive, both in plumage and song. It mhabrts the dense brushes near the coast, out of which it is seldom observed. During September and the three following months it may be found breeding m the neighbourhood of Gosford and Ourimbab, and in similar localities on all the northern rivers. The nest, which is nearly spherical in shape, with a small entrance in the side, is attached at the top to the end of a thin twig or branch, and frequently to the prickly stem of the lawyer vine, Calamus australis. It is constructed of very fine black wiry rootlets and thin shreds of bark, matted up together, and having an exterior covering of green mosses orna- mented here and there with mouse-eared lichen, the inside being lined with 16 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. W. fine grasses, and the white down of the Cotton Plant. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, and resemble those of the preceding species, but are smaller ; length, 0G3 x 0 45 inch. 54. Shiceoenis eeeyieosteis, Gould. “ Short-billed Smicrornis,” “ Scrub Tit.” Smicrornis hrevirostsis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. ii., pi. 103 ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 100. (1889). A resident species more freely distributed over the inland portions of the Colony than near the coast. It is a very useful bird, although the most diminutive member of our New South Wales avi-fauna, and may be constantly seen prying into the leafy recesses of Acacias and the tall Eucalypti, in search of insects which constitute its food. The nest of this species is usually built in the leafy twigs near the top of a gum sapling or in a Melaleuca ; it is of a domed or swollen pear-shaped form, with a narrow entrance near the top, and is outwardly constructed of mosses, grasses, and spiders’ cocoons matted up together, and scantily lined inside with feathers. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a dull bully-white, minutely freckled, and passing into a buffy-brown on the larger end of the egg ; length, 0 02 x 0 43 inch. 55. Eeytiieodeyas eosea, Gould. “ Bose-breasted Bobin.” ErytJirodryas rosea, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 2. (1818) ; North, Yict., Nat. vol. xii., Eeb. (1896.) During the winter months this species may be seen in pairs in open forest lands, contiguous to the rich brushes and coastal scrubs ; retiring again to the latter localities for the purposes of breeding early in the spring, and remaining there throughout the hot summer months. The nest of this species has been found in the secluded valleys of the Illawarra district, and is one of the most beautiful belonging to any of our Australian birds. It is placed on the top of a horizontal branch of a low tree, aDd is a small deep cup- shaped structure composed of very fine mosses, the exterior and rim being ornamented and thickly covered with mouse-eared lichen, and the inside lined with the downy covering of the newly-budded fronds of the tree- fern. All the Bobins are indefatigable destroyers of insects. 56. Pete(ECA leggit, Sharpe. “ Scarlet-breasted Bobin.” Petroica multicolor, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 3. (1818). Petroeca leggii , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 102. (1889). A well-known and familiar species frequenting open forest lands during winter, but returning in the spring to breed in the mountain ranges. The nest of this species is usually built in the hollow trunk of a large tree, or on a piece of projecting bark within 6 or 7 feet from the ground, on the top of a horizontal branch of a Melaleuca, or placed against its stem, and supported by a small twig. It is cup-shaped and composed of strips of bark and grasses, held together with cobwebs, and ornamented on the outside and rim of the nest, which is very thick, with pieces of lichen, rendering it diffi- cult of detection, and closely resembling the branch on which it is placed ; the inside is neatly and w'armly lined with hair or opossum fur. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a greenish-white ground colour, freckled and spotted all over the surface of the shell, with purplish-brown, wood-brown, and bluish-grey markings ; length, G‘72 x 0‘6 inch. September and the three following months constitutes the usual breeding season of this species. The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TV. 17 57. Petececa niCENiCEA, Gould. “ Flame-breasted Eobin.” Petroica pboenica, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 6 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 101 (1889). Frequents the same situations, and is similar in habits to the preceding species. Nests in old tree stumps and on the sides of steep banks. 58. Pete(eca goodehovii, Vigors and Horsfield. “ Bed-capped Eobin. Petroica goodenovii, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., vol. in, pi. 5 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 103 (1889). This species is only found in the inland districts of the Colony. It is freely dispersed throughout the western portions of New South Wales wherever there is any light timber or scrub. The nest of this Eobin is a beautiful cup-shaped structure, composed externally of bark fibre, held together with fur or fragments of wool, and lined inside with hair or opposum fur. The edge of the nest is thick and rounded, and the whole exterior is ornamented with pieces of mouse-eared lichen, so as to resemble the branch on which it is placed. The eggs are two or three in number for a sitting, of a greyish-green ground colour, thickly freckled with purplish-brown markings, which become confluent towards the larger end, and form a well-defined zone ; length, 0 63 x 0*5 inch. The Bed-capped Eobin is not unfrequently the foster parent of the Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo, another insectivorous species. 59. Melanodeyas bicoloe, Vig. and Horsf. “ Hooded Eobin,” “ Black and White Eobin.” Petroica dicolor , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed , Yol. nr, pi. 7 (1848). Melanodryas bicolor, North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 105 (1889). With the exception of the districts immediately contiguous to the coast, this species is found all over New South Wales. It may be met with on the wooded flats and open forest country between Blacktown and Penrith, and on the Blue Mountains, but is far more freely distributed in the low pine scrubs on the western side of the range. The nest of this species is a neat, open, shallow structure, composed of strips of soft bark, held together with cobwebs, and lined inside with fine wiry grasses. It *is usually placed in the fork of a low tree, within a few feet of the ground. Eggs, two or three in number for a sitting, of an olive or apple-green colour, but frequently washed or spotted with reddish-brown on the larger end ; length, 0‘83 x 0'65 inch. Beetles and their larva) constitute the principal portion of this bird’s food. The figure represents a male. GO. Melanodeyas picata, Gould. “Pied Eobin.” Melanodryas picata , Gould, Haudbk. Bds., Austr., Yol. i, sp. 169, p. 285 (1865) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 105 (1889). A smaller race of the above species, inhabiting north-western Australia, and only on one occasion recorded from New South Wales, when it was found breeding near Bourke. 61. Deymodes beunneopygia, Gould. “ Brown Scrub Eobin.” Brymodes brunneopygia , Gould, Bds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 10 (1848). A very rare species in New South Wales, and confined to the thick mallee scrubs in the south-western portions of the Colony. It breeds on the 18 The Insectivorous Birds of N.S. TV. ground in these localities, constructing a nest among the dead leaves at the foot of a small tree. The food of this species consists of insects and their larvae. 62. Eopsaltria australis, Latham . “ Yellow-breasted Robin.” Eopsaltria australis , Grould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. hi, pi. 11 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 108 (1889). This resident and well-known species is freely distributed over the greater portion of eastern New South Wale3. It is very common in the scrubs near the coast, and is equally plentiful in the damp and humid gullies of our heavily-timbered mountain ranges inland. Probably there is no more familiar or useful bird to the orchardist and viticulturist, for being of a tame and fearless disposition, it readily enters into orchards and vineyards in search of insects and their larvae, which constitute its food. Near Sydney this species is one of the first to breed, commencing early in July and con- tinuing until the end of December, during which time two or more broods are reared. The nest, which is usually placed in the fork of a low tree, is a round cup-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark and fibrous roots, bound round and held together with cobwebs, the outside and rim being beautifully ornamented with lichen and pieces of bark attached by means of cobweb, and which hang perpendicularly around the nest. It is lined inside witb wiry grasses, and generally has a few dried Eucalyptus leaves at the bottom. Eggs, two or three in number for a sitting, of a bright apple or bluish-green ground colour, freckled and spotted all over with different shades of reddish and chestnut-brown. In some instances these markings predominate towards the thicker end, and becoming confluent, form a well- defined zone ; length, 0‘83 x 0'62 inch. 63. Pcecilodryas capito, Gould. “ Large-headed Robin,” “ White-lored Robin.” Eopsaltria capito , Grould, Birds of Austr. Suppl., pi. 17 (1869) ; North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 109 (1889). This species frequents the rich brushes that clothe the sides of the northern coastal rivers, its range extending as far south as the neighbourhood of the Bellinger River. Although by no means an uncommon bird in this portion of the Colony, it is never met with elsewhere in New South Wales. The nest, which is usually built in a low tree, is a deep cup-shaped structure, composed of the dead leaves of the “ lawyer- vine” ( Calamus australis ), held together with a few wiry grass-stems, the exterior being covered with mosses and a few pieces of lichen. Eggs, two in number for a sitting, of a dull greenish-white ground colour, indistinctly marked with yellowish and reddish brown, particularly towards the larger end ; length, 0‘8 x 0‘6 inch. Sydney : Charles Potter, Government Printer. — 189G. EoPSALTRIA AUSTRALIS, Lath. YellGw-hreastecl Robin. MeLANQDRYAS BICOLOR, ViQ atliprsf. Black & White Rohiri. PL X. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES. Miscellaneous Publication, No. 128. A LIST OF THE NSECTIVOROUS BIRDS OF NEW SOUTH WALES; BY ALFRED J. NORTH, C.M.Z.S., ORNITHOLOGIST OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. PART II- SYDNEY ; WILLIAM APPLEGATE GULLICK, GOVERNMENT PRINTER. 1897, 115 62-97 Prom Agricultural Gazette op N. S. Wales. January , 1897. A List of tl]e Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. By ALFRED J. NORTH, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist to the Australian Museum. Part II. (Continued from Vol. VII, p. 397, 1896.) 64. Malurus cyaneus, Ellis. Superb Warbler, “Blue Wren,” “Cock-tail.” Malurus cyaneus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. nr, pi. 18 (1818); North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 112 (1889). A resident and well-known species inhabiting most parts of Eastern New South Wales. It has decided preference for those localities near the coast which are covered with a scrubby undergrowth ; and it is also a common species about orchards and gardens. Eew of our birds are better known about the public parks and gardens of Sydney than the pert and lively Superb Warbler; the rich velvety blue and black attire of the male fre- quently arresting one’s attention as it trips across the grassy lawns, or pours foi*th its cheerful song from the top of some low bush. The nest of this species is dome-shaped, with a narrow entrance in the side ; it is constructed of dried grasses, and lined inside with feathers, hair, or the soft down from the seed-pods of the “ Cotton Plant.” Usually it is built in a low bush, but occasionally in long grass. The eggs are three or four in number for a sit- ting, of a pale fleshy- white ground colour, spotted and blotched with different shades of reddish-brown ; length, 0 67 x 05 inch. The breeding season of the Superb Warbler commences in August and continues until the end of Eebruary. Erequently the llufous-tailed Bronze Cuckoo ( Lamprococcyx basalis ) deposits its egg in the nest of this species. The figure represents an adult male ; the female and young males are brown. 65. Malurus lamberti, Vigors and Horsfield. Lambert’s Superb Warbler, “ Chestnut-backed Superb Warbler.” Malurus lamberti , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. 24 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 113 (1889). The range of the Chestnut-backed Warbler extends over most parts of the Colony ; it is, however, far less frequently met with than the preceding species. Its nest is like that of M. cyaneus , but it is usually placed in a tuft of long grass, or in a low shrub in which the grass is growing through it. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, of a pale fleshy- white, spotted or blotched with dark red ; length, 0‘66 x 048 inch. Note. — Contributions from the Australian Museum, by permission of the Trustees. 20 Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 66. Malurus melanotus, Gould. Black-backed Superb Warbler. Malurus melanotus , Gould, Birds of A.ustr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 20 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs, Austr. Bds., p. 114, pi. xiii, fig. 19 (1889). This species is only met with in the scrubby arid back country of the south-western portions of the Colony. In habits and mode of nidification it resembles M. cyaneus of the coast. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, white, spotted with rich red ; length, 0 65 x 0'45 inch. 67. Malleus leucopterus, Quoy et Gaimard. ’White- winged Superb Warbler, “ White-winged Wren.” Mctlurus leucopterus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 25 (1848); North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 116 (1889). An inland species rather freely dispersed over the “Saltbush” ( Rhogodia ) covered plains of the central and south-western portions of the Colony. It is of a shy disposition and so feeble are its powers of flight that in dry seasons when the country is bare, it can easily be run down on horseback. The White-winged Superb Warbler constructs its dome-shaped nest in a low bush close to the ground. Eggs, four in number for a sitting, some being almost pure white or but finely freckled with pale reddish-brown, other speci- mens being blotched or zoned with light red on the larger end ; length, (158 x 0’43 inch. 68. Malurtts leuconotus, Gould. White-backed Superb Warbler. Mcilarus leuconolus, Gould, Suppl. Birds of Austr., pi. 24 (1869) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 117 (1889). The White-backed Superb Warbler is an extremely rare species, differing only from the preceding bird in having the back as well as the inner coverts and inner secondaries pure white. Only on one occasion has its occurrence been recorded in New South Wales, when it was found breeding near Bourke. 69. Malurus callaihus, Gould. Turquoisine Superb Warbler. Malurus callainus, Gould, Suppl. Birds of Australia, pi. 23 (1809); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Eds., p. 118, pi. xiii, fig. 18 (1889). One of the most beautiful species of this interesting group of birds inhabiting New South Wales, and met with only in the dense scrubs in the central and western portions of the Colony. It builds a dome-shaped nest in a low bush or shrub, and lays three or four eggs, white, with dots, spots, and blotches of rich red ; length, 0*67 x 048 inch. Like all the species of this genus, upon the Turquoisine Superb Warbler frequently devolves the duty of hatching the egg, and rearing the young of the Bufous-tailed Bronze Cuckoo ( Lamprococcyx basalts). 70. Malurus melakocepiialus, Vigors and Horsjleld. Black-headed Warbler, “ Scarlet-backed Superb Warbler.” Malurus melanoceplialus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed. Yol. iii, pi. 26 (1848); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 117 (1889). The Scarlet-backed Superb Warbler is freely dispersed throughout the rich brushes of the northern coastal rivers, and the grassy gullies and valleys of their watershed. The nest is similar to that of M. cyaneus , and is usually built in a tuft of long grass. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, white, spotted, and minutely freckled, or dotted with rich red ; length, 062 x 0’43 MALURUS MELANOCEPHALUS, Vig. & Horsf. Black-headed Superb Warbler. MALURUS CYANEUS, Ellis. Superb Warbler. Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 21 inch. All the members of this genus are strictly insectivorous, but with the exception of M. cyaneus , M. lamberti , and the present species, they are only met with on the large pastoral areas in the interior of the Colony. The figure represents an adult male. 71. Menura stjperba, Davies. Lyre-bird, “ Native Pheasant.” Menura superba , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. itt, pi. 14 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 119, pi. X, fig. 4 (1889). Inhabits the brushes of the coast, but is far more freely dispersed throughout the dense undergrowlh that clothes the side3 of our mountain ranges, particularly those in the south-eastern portion of the Colony. This bird is of a shy and retiring disposition, and although known by its rich and varied notes to most residents living in the localities which it frequents, it is more often heard than seen. It breeds in June, July, and August, con- structing a large oval-shaped nest of sticks, twigs, ferns, and mosses, having an entrance in the side, and lined with rootlets and the downy feathers from the flanks of the parent bird. The nest is usually placed on or near the ground at the foot of some stump, or between the stems of two small trees growing near one another. Sometimes it is built upon a ledge of rock, and not unfrequently in the thick bushy top of a tree-fern. Only one egg is laid for a sitting, varying in ground colour from slaty-grey to blackish or purplish-brown, and having spots and blotches of a deeper hue distributed over the surface of the shell ; length, 2*45 x 165 inch. With the exception of small molluscs and terrestrial Crustacea obtained chiefly under fallen leaves, the food of the Lyre-bird consists of insects. It is, however, too cautious to venture upon cleared lands or into orchards in search of them. 72. Menura albertt, Gouid. Prince Albert’s Lyre-bird. Menura alberti , Gould, Birds of Austr., suppl., pi. 19 (1869) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 122, pi. X., fig. 4 (1889). A rarer species, and the tail feathers not so long as in M. superba , but winch it resembles in habits and in its mode of nidifieation. It frequents the mountain ranges and dense brushes of the northern coastal districts lying between the Clarence and TVeed Bivers. The egg is slightly smaller than that of the preceding species. 73. Amytis stbiatus, Gould. Striated Wren. Amytis striatus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. iii, pi. 29 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 123, pi. IX, fig. X (1889). This species is an inhabitant of the mallee scrubs and those large areas covered with a dense grow r th of Porcupine grass ( Triodia irritans) in the central and western portions of the Colony. The nest of the Striated Wren, which is built upon the ground, under the shelter of a bush or in a tuft of grass, is a partially-domed structure composed of bark fibre and the dried blades or spines of the Porcupine grass. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, w T hite, thickly freckled and spotted with rich red ; length, 0*85 x 0’65 inch. 74. Amytis textilis, Qaoy et Gaimard. Bufous-flanked Wren. Amytis textilis , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 28 (1848). A common West and Central Australian species, but extremely rare in New South Wales. Gould, who visited Australia in 1838-9, states he found it very abundant on the Lower Namoi ; but I did not meet with it during a collecting-trip made there in November, 1896. 22 Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales . 75. Stipiturus malacurhs, Lailiam. Emu Wren. Stipiturus malachurus, Gould, Birds Austr, fol. ed., Vol. hi, pi. 31 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 124 (1889). A resident species evincing a decided preference for marshy districts covered with rushes near the coast ; and less sparingly distributed throughout the low contiguous scrubby undergrowth. The nest which is nearly spherical in form with an entrance in the side, is usually built under the shelter of a tuft of rank grass or overhanging rushes ; it is constructed of grasses and rootlets, and is lined with feathers, mosses, or other soft and warm materials. Eggs, three in number, for a sitting, white, sprinkled over with minute dots and spots of light reddish-brown ; length, 0*64 x 0'5 inch. This bird is strictly insectivorous, but it is seldom seen on cultivated lauds. 76. Hylacola pyrrhopygia. Bed-rumped Wren, “ Scrub Wren.” Hylacola pyrrhopygia, Gould, Bds. of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 39 (184S) ; North, Nest and Eggs of Austr. Birds, p. 127 (1889). This species is sparingly distributed in favourable situations over most parts of the Colony. It frequents low scrubby undergrowth, and more particularly those portions in which the Epacris and stunted Banksia abound. Near Hornsby and Thornleigli on the northern line it may be met with in the bush, but it seldom ventures into the neighbouring orchards. The nest of the Red-rumped Wren is a dome-shaped structure with a narrow protruding entrance in the side, and is composed of strips of bark, grasses, and wiry rootlets, slightly lined inside with feathers or other soft material; it is usually built in a thick bush within a few inches of the ground. Eggs, two or three in number for a sitting, varying in ground colour from a warm pinky-wdiite which becomes darker at the larger end, to a light clove browm; the surface of the shell being sparingly marked with different shades of chocolate-brown, but predominating as usual towards the thicker end. Some specimens are entirely free from markings, but usually the ground colour is much darker on the thicker end ; length, 0'77 x 0‘58 inch. 77. Atrichia PcUfescens, Ramsay. Bufous Scrub-bird. Atrichia rufescens , Gould, Suppl. Birds, Austr., fol. ed., pi. 26 (1869). A rare species inhabiting the dense brushes of the Bichmond Biver. Ihis bird is a perfect mimic and ventriloquist, and may he heard imitating the notes of many species frequenting the same situations, but seldom exposes itself to* view. Its food consists of insects, which are procured chiefly among fallen and decaying timber. Nothing is known of its nidification, and its nest and eggs would be a welcome addition to the Museum collection. 78. Pyckoptilus floccosus, Gould , Downy Pycnoptilus, “ Pilot-bird.” Eycnoptilus floccosus, Gould, Suppl. Bds., Austr., fol ed., pi. 27 (1869) ; North,’ Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 128, pi. 9, fig. 6 (1889). This species is an inhabitant of the thick undergrowth of the humid gullies and ranges of the Illawarra district, and the scrubs that clothe the sides of the Blue Mountains. It passes most of its time upon the ground hopping about the tangled masses of luxuriant vegetation or among the fallen and decaying timber in search of insects and seeds of various kinds, which constitute its food, stopping ever and anon to pour forth its rich and clear notes which can be heard a considerable distance away. Although never Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 23 frequenting cultivated lands or orchards it is by no means a shy species, and will often venture on to the side of a mountain track in search of food if one is only a few feet away, and remains perfectly still. The nest is a dome- shaped structure with an entrance in the side, and is composed of strips of hark and rootlets, lined inside with feathers ; it is usually built in the thick undergrowth near the ground. Eggs, two in number for a sitting, of a slaty or purplish-brown ground colour, with a zone of indistinct blackish markings on the thicker end ; length, 1 x 0‘75 inch. 79. Cisticola exilis, Vigors and Horsfield. Grass Warbler, “ Corn-bird,” “ Barley-bird.” Cysticola exilis , Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 42 (1848). Gysticola lineocapilla , Gould, Bds. Austr , fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 43 (1848). Cysticola isura , Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 44 (1848). Cysticola rujiceps , Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 45 (1848). The above synonymy has been worked out by Dr. B. B. Sharpe in the seventh volume of the catalogue of birds in the British Museum, p. 269, after a careful examination of a large series of specimens, and who has conclusively proved that the four plates figured in Gould’s work, and referred to above, are only sexual and seasonal variations of the present species, C. exilis ; and specimens shot in the neighbourhood of Sydney sustain Dr. Sharpe’s determination. This little bird has a most extensive range, being found in favourable situations all over Australia, the Papuan and Moluccan Islands, the Phillipines and South-eastern Asia. In Hew South Wales it is more frequently met with in the grass beds near the coast ; and in cultivated parts of the Colony, the standing grain crops. The nest is usually built near the ground upon three or four grass stalks growing through some broad-leaved plant; when built in crops, frequently a thistle. It is a neat dome-shaped structure, formed of thistledown, fine grasses, and the dead flowering portions of grass stems beautifully woven together, and usually almost concealed by two or three of the surrounding leaves being worked on to the sides of the nest. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, blue, spotted or blotched, particularly at the larger end, with brownish-red. The food of this bird consists exclusively of minute insects. From its habits of building in stand- ing crops in agricultural districts it is known in some parts of the Colony under the local name of “ Corn” or “Barley-bird.” 80. Sericornis citreogttlaris, Gould. Yellow-throated Sericornis. Sericornis citreogularis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., pi. 46 (1868) Horth, .Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 129, pi. 9, fig. 5 (1889). This species is freely dispersed throughout the rich coastal brushes of the Colony. It is common in the luxuriant undergrowth that clothes the sides of the ^Richmond and Clarence Eivers, and the humid gullies of the Illawarra District. The nest of this species is a large, pendent, dome-shaped structure, composed of rootlets and mosses, with a narrow entrance in the side, and is usually attached to the end of a drooping branch. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a pale chocolate-brown or uniform drab ground colour, minutely freckled at the larger end with blackish-brown, forming a well- defined zone ; length, 0 95 x 068 inch. The food of this genus of birds, which consists of insects of various kinds, is chiefly obtained on the ground, among the fallen timber or debris in the low undergrowth, but they seldom venture on to cleared or cultivated lands. 24 Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales . 81. Sericornis magnirostris, Gould. Large-billed Sericornis. Sericornis magnirostris , Gould, Birds Austr.,£ol. ed , Yol. in, pi. 52 (1848) ; North, Nests aDd Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 132 (1889). A smaller species, frequenting the same situations as the Yellow- throated Sericornis, and which it resembles in habits and mode of nidification. Eggs r three or four in number for a sitting, of a faint purplish-white ground colour, indistinctly spotted with dark-brown, the markings usually being confined to the larger end of the egg, and forming a confluent patch or well-defined zone ; length, 077 x 0'58 inch. The Large-billed Sericornis is frequently the foster-parent of the Ean-tailed Cuckoo ( Cacomantis Uabelliformis) . 82. Sericornis frontalis, Vigors and Korsfield. White-fronted Seri- cornis. Sericornis frontalis , Gould, Birds Austr., fol. ed., Yol. iii, pi. 49 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 131, pi. 9, fig. 16 (1889). This is the % most common species of the genus in New South Wales, inhabiting not only the coastal brushes, like S. citreogularis and S. magni- rosiris , but also the scrubby undergrowth of the mountain ranges inland. The nest is a dome-shaped structure, with a narrow entrance in the side ; it is outwardly composed of leaves, dried portions of fern fronds, and wiry rootlets, and lined inside with feathers or hair. Usually it is well- concealed at the bottom of a scrubby bush, or under the shelter of a tuft of grass. Sometimes it is placed in the dead, leafy top of a fallen sapling, or in a clump of low ferns. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a faint purplish-brown ground colour, with a well-defined zone of dark purplish-brown markings on the larger end ; length, 078 x 0'6 inch. This species commences to breed in August, and continues the four following months. 83. Sericornis maculates, Gould. Spotted Sericornis. Sericornis maculatus , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 51 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 133. The scrubs of the south-western portion of the Colony are the only places in New South Wales this species is met with. In habits and mode of nidification it resembles the preceding species. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a fleshy-white ground colour, freckled and spotted with dark purplish and slaty-grey markings, which predominate as usual towards the larger end ; length, 078 x 0 54 inch. 84. Pyrrhola:mus brunnea, Gould. Bed-Throat. Pyrrholcemus brunneus, Gould, Birds of A.ustr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 68 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds , p. 145, pi. ix, fig. 15, (1889). The Red-Throat inhabits the arid scrubs of the central and south-western portions of the Colony, but where it is by no means numerous. The nest, which is usually placed in a low bush near the ground, is spherical in form, with a small hole in the side, and is composed of soft dried grasses, lined inside with feathers or fur. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, of a uniform olivaceous-brown, chocolate-brown, or bronze tint, some specimens having an indistinct zone or cap on the larger end. The food of the Bed- Throat consists exclusively of insects. ACANTHIZA NANA, ViG. & Horsf. Yellow Acanthiza. GEOBASILEUS CHRYSORRHOA, Quoy et Gaim Y E L LOW - R U M PE D GEOBASILEUS. Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 25 85. Acanthiza pusilla, Latham. Little Brown Acanthiza, “ Tomtit.” Acanthiza pusilla , G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 53 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 133 (1889). The species belonging to the closely allied genera, Acanthiza and Geo- basileus, found in New South. Wales, are well known to most residents of the Colony under the local names of “ Tomtits ” and “ Dickies,” which are bestowed on all members of these genera. Being strictly insectivorous, and frequenting orchards and gardens in search of food, they are most useful little birds. The present species, A. pusilla , is more often met with in the scrubby undergrowth near the coast than inland. It commences to breed in July, constructing a dome-shaped nest of strips of bark and grasses, lined inside with the w^hite down from the seed-pods of the introduced “ Cotton Plant ” ( Gomphocarpus fruticosus ) and feathers. The nest is usually built near the ground, and frequently in the low fern ( Pteris aquilina'). Eggs, three in number for a sitting, pure white, finely freckled with dull reddish- brown on the thicker end, where in some instances the markings assume the form of a zone ; length, 0'66 x 049 inch. 86. Acanthiza lineata, Gould. Lineated Acanthiza, “ Striped-headed Tomtit.” Acanthiza lineata , G-ould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 61 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 138 (1889). The Lineated Acanthiza is frequently met with in the same localities as the preceding species, but it is more freely dispersed throughout the low gum saplings that clothe the sides of our mountain ranges than the scrubby undergrowth near the coast. The nest of this species, which is usually built among the leafy twigs of a gum sapling, is a neat dome-shaped, structure, with a protecting hood sheltering the narrow entrance near the top ; it is composed of bark fibre closely interwoven, and ornamented on the outside with spiders’ nests or the white paper-like bark of the Melaleuca , and warmly lined with feathers or opossum-fur. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, elongate in form, of a pinky-white ground colour, distinctly zoned on the larger end with brownish-red markings ; length, 0 7 x 0'5 inch. Erom its habit of building a pendent nest, this bird is known locally by bird-nesting boys in the neighbourhood of Sydney as the “ Hanging Dicky.” 87. Acanthiza nana, Vigors and Horsfield. Little Yellow Acanthiza, “ Yellow Tomtit.” Acanthiza nana , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 60 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 137, pi. xin, fig. 16 (1889). This species is freely dispersed throughout the eastern portions of the Colony. Near the coast it may be constantly met with in the light under- growth, or among the Casuarince and Eucalypti , diligently searching for minute insects which constitute its food. The nest is built in the topmost twigs of a low tree, usually a Melaleuca or gum sapling, and not unfre- quently at the extremity of a bushy bough of the acclimatised Finns insignus ; it is a dome-shaped structure with a narrow entrance near the top, and is composed of bark fibre and grasses, ornamented on the outside 26 Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. with spiders’ bags or fine green mosses, and warmly lined with finer grasses, feathers, or the silky down from the seed-pods of the “ Cotton Plant.” Eggs, three in number for a sitting, white, with longitudinal blotches and freckles of dull reddish or chocolate-brown uniformly dispersed over the surface of the shell ; length, 065 x 045 inch. All the species of Acanthizce inhab iting New South Wales are frequently the foster-parents of the Pan tailed and Bronze Cuckoos. The specimen from which the figure is taken is a male, but the sexes are alike in plumage. This species is also known locally in the neighbourhood of Sydney as the “Little Hanger” or “ Little- Hanging Dicky.” 88. Acanthiza uropygtalis, Gould. Chestnut- rumped Acanthiza. Acanthiza uropyqialis , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed.,Yol. nr, pi. 56 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 135 (1889). This species inhabits the scrubby portions of the central and western districts of the Colony. Its nest, which is built in the hollow limb or trunk of some small tree, or firmly wedged between the upright stems of two trees growing close to each other, is dome-shaped, and composed of soft dried grasses and bark-fibre neatly lined with feathers and fur. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a delicate fleshy-white, minutely freckled all over with light reddish-brown markings ; length, 065 x 0 48 inch. 89. Geobasileus chrysorrhoa, Quoy et Gaimard. Yellow-rumped Geobasiieus, “Yellow-tail,” “ Tomtit,” “ Double Dick.” Acanthiza chrysorrhcea , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed , Yol. iii, pi. 63 (1848). Geobasileus chrysorrhcea , North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 141 (1889). A common and well-known species found all over New South Wale3. It frequents gardens and orchards, and is exceedingly useful in ridding the trees of many insect pests. The normal breeding season of this bird com- mences in July and continues until the end of December, but nests are sometimes found containing eggs or young ones during February and March. The nest is usually built in the bushy end of a drooping bough or in a thick shrub, and in gardens, frequently in orange-trees, prickly hedges, and the acclimatised pines, Araucaria excelsa and Pinus insignus. It is a roughly-formed dome-shaped structure, with a narrow entrance in the side, and is composed of dried grasses, strips of bark, wool, cobwebs, the flowering portions of grasses all matted up together, and lined inside with finer grasses and feathers. On the top of the nest is a small cup-shaped depression without any lining, which is used by the male bird as a roosting-place. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, pure white, but occasionally they are found with minute dots and spots of reddish and yellowish brown sparingly dis- tributed over the surface of the shell; length, 068 x 05 inch. This species more often than any other bird is the foster-parent of the Bronze Cuckoo, (Lamprococcyx playosus.) The open cup-shaped depression or second nest on the top of the lower structure is not so symmetrically formed as figured in Gould’s work. From this bird’s habit of building an open nest on the top of the domed one, it is known locally in the neighbourhood of Sydney as the “ Double Dick.” Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 27 90. Geobasileus reguloides, Vigors and Horsfield. Buff-rumped Geobasileus. Acanthiza reguloides , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. iit, pi. 62 (1848). Geobasileus reguloides , North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 140 (1889). The Buff-rumped Geobasileus is often found in the same localities as the preceding species, and is distributed over most parts of the Colony. It is usually met with in autumn rnd winter in small flocks of from seven to ten in number, busily engaged in searching for insects in the grassy glades of the lightly-timbered undergrowth near the coast, or open forest country inland. The nest of this species, which is usually built in the forked trunk of a tree, and hidden by strips of bark, or under an overhanging bank, is a dome-shaped structure, composed of strips of bark and grasses, lined inside with feathers, opossum-fur, or the silky down from the seed-pods of the “ Cotton Plant.” Erequently, too, the nestis placed in the mortise-hole of a post, or at the bottom of a low shrub. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, of a delicate white ground colour, freckled and spotted on the thicker end with different shades of reddish and purplish brown, which in most instances become confluent and assume the form of a zone; length, 067 x 047 inch. This species is not uncommon in the orchards near Eastwood, and where I saw several feeding a young Fan-tailed Cuckooo on the 1st of January. 91. Epiitiiiaxuba albifrons, Jardine and Selbg. White-fronted Ephthianura. Ephthianura albifrons , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. nr, pi. 61 (1848); North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 144, pi. xrii, fig. 11 (1889). -A resident species, frequently met with during spring and summer in marshy localities, or among low ferns on the sand-covered w'astes near the coast, and on the open plains and partially-cleared country inland. The nest of this bird is usually built in a tuft of rushes, or in a low bush near the ground ; it is an open, cup-shaped structure, outwardly composed of very- fine twigs or coarse grasses, and neatly lined inside with finer grasses and hair. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, pure white, sparingly spotted and dotted or irregularly marked with rich reddish-brown; length, 0‘67 x 0’48 inch. The food of this species, like the other members of the genus Ephthianura, consists principally of caterpillars and soft-bodied insects. The figure represents a male. August and the two following months con- stitute the usual breeding season, but nests containing fresh eggs have been found during March and April near Sydney. 92. Ephthianura aurifrons, Gould. Orange-fronted Ephthianura. Ephthianura aurifrons, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. 65 ' (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 144 (1889). A plain-frequenting species, inhabiting the central and western districts of the Colony. It is usually met with in small flocks of from ten to twe nty individuals, the brilliant orange-coloured plumage of the male frequently attracting one’s attention w r hen travelling over those wide expanses in which the “Cotton Bush” ( Kochia aphylla ) and “Salt Bush” {Rhagodia para- bolical abound. The nest of the Yellow-fronted Ephthianura is usually 28 Insectivorous Birds of Neic South Wales. built in a low busb near the ground, and although slightly smaller, in other respects closely resembles that of the preceding species. Eggs, three in number, white, spotted and dotted with rich red ; length, 063 x 0'49 inch. The figure represents a male. 93. Ephthianura tricolor, Gould. Crimson-fronted Ephthianura. JEphthianura tricolor , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. GO (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs of Austr. Bds., p. 143, pi. xiii, fig. 12 (1889). A migratory species arriving in the inland portions of the Colony in October, and departing again at the end of January. It frequents scrub or timbered lands, on the outskirts of which it builds its nest in some low bush or tuft of grass near the ground. Eggs white, spotted and dotted with dark red ; length, 0*63 x 051 inch. The plumage of the adult male is even more conspicuous than that of the Orange-fronted Ephthianura. 94. Origata rubricata, Latham. Rock Warbler, “ Cave-bird.” Origma rubricata, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. m, pi. 69 (1848) ; North, Nest and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 142, pi. xiit, fig. 8 (1889). Although sparingly distributed over Eastern New South Wales, the Rock Warbler is more often met with in that portion of the colony lying between the Manning and Shoalhaven Rivers, frequenting the rocky sides of rivers and gullies near the coast, and the ravines of the mountain ranges inland. It is strictly insectivorous, and obtains its food upon the ground among rocks or debris, but is too shy to enter the gardens of settlers. The nest of this species is oval in form with an entrance in the side, and is composed of fibrous roots lined inside with feathers ; it is usually suspended to the roof of a small cave or overhanging rock ; but not unfrequently it is built in a disused coal-pit. Eggs, pure white, and three in number for a setting ; length, 0 8 x 06 inch. The members of the following genera, Xerophila , Clithonicola, Anthus , Cincloramphus , and Mirafra I have included in this list, although they are not exclusively insectivorous, their food consisting to a certain extent also of the seeds of various grasses, but they do no harm, and all are exceedingly useful birds to the agriculturist. 95. Xerophila leucopsis, Gould. White-faced Xerophila, “Squeaker.” Xerophila leucopsis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. nr, pi. 67 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 150, pi. lx, fig. 14 (1889). This species is freely dispersed throughout the inland districts of the Colony. It is usually met with both on the plains and in timbered country in small flocks numbering from eight to twenty individuals, and almost always on the ground, searching for the seeds of various grasses or insects, which constitute its food. The nest, which is a rather large domed structure, composed of strips of bark and grasses, lined inside with feathers or hair, is usually placed in the hollow limb or trunk of a small tree, and occasionally at the bottom of a thick shrub ; at other times it is placed in the mortise- hole of a p.ost or in the interstices beneath the nest of the Wedge-tailed Eagle. The eggs are four or five in number for a sitting, of a dull white, Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 29 thickly freckled and spotted with different shades of reddish and chocolate brown, some specimens having underlying spots of deep bluish-grey, in others the markings being confined to the larger end, and forming a well- defined zone ; length, 072 x 0'55 inch. 96. Chthonicola sagittata, Latham. “ Speckled Ground Lark.” Chthonicola minima , Gould, Birds Austr., fol. ed., Vol. nr, pi. 72 (1848). Chthonicola sagittata , North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 149 (1889). This is a resident species, and with the exception of the western portions of the Colony, is found in most parts of New South Wales. It passes most of its time on the ground, and is usually met with in open forest country, especially where the Casurince abound, or in the grassy glades of the lightly- timbered undergrowth near the coast. The nest of this species is a domed- shaped structure, built underneath or at the side of a tuft of overhanging grass, and is constructed throughout of dried grasses, and lined with fur or a few feathers at the bottom. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, of a uniform bright chocolate red, and easily distinguished by the depth and intensity of their colouring from those of any other Australian bird; length, 076 x 0 6 inch. The Speckled Ground Lark commences to breed in August, and continues the four following months. Erequently this species is the foster-parent of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo {C acomantis Jlabelliformis) . 97. Antiius australis, Vigors and Horsjield. Australian Pipit, “ Common Ground Lark.” Anthus australis , Gould, Birds Austr., fol. ed., Yol. nr, pi. 73 (1848) ; North. Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 158 (1889). A well-known and useful species, found all over Australia. It is common on grassy plains, partially-cleared lands, and cultivation paddocks. The nest of this bird is formed in a hollow scraped in the ground, usually under some overhanging tuft of grass or among low rushes. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, of a dull, white ground colour, which is almost obscured with freckles of slaty-brown, umber-brown, and ashy-grey ; length, 0’86 x 0 65 inch. The food of this species consists of insects and small seeds, principally the former. The sexes are alike in plumage. 98. Cinclorampuus cruralis, Vigors and Horsjield. “ Brown Skylark.” Cincloramjphus cruralis. Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. iii, pi. 74 (1818) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 152 (1889). A migratory species, arriving in New South Wales about August, and departing again at the end of February. Its appearance, however, is greatly influenced by the state of the seasons, for in periods of drought it is seldom seen, while after an abundant rainfall, and when the paddocks are clothed ■with luxuriant grasses and herbage, it is often met with. It breeds in September and October, constructing a nest of dried grasses in a slight hollow in the ground, and usually sheltered by a tuft of long grass. The eggs are four in number for a sitting, of a dull white ground colour, which is almost obscured by very fine isabelline or salmon-coloured freckles and spots ; in some instances zones of indistinct markings appear on the thicker end ; length, 0*95 x 07 inch. This bird is possessed of powers of ven- triloquism in addition to its loud and pleasing song. It is more frequently met with in the inland districts of the Colony than near the coast. 30 Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 99. Cincloramphus rufescens, Vigors and Horsfield. “ Kufous-rumped Skylark,” “ Singing Lark.” Cincloramphus rufescens, Gould, Birds Austr., fol. ed., Vol. m, pi. 76 (1843) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 153 (1889). The llufous-rumped Skylark is a smaller species than the preceding one, but precisely similar in habits, and in the times of its arrival and departure from New South Wales. The nest is cup-shaped, and is composed of dried grasses lined with hair ; it is usually built in a hollow scraped in the earth at the side of a tuft of grass, or hidden by the dead leafy twigs of a fallen tree. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, and subject to considerable variation, the most usual variety found being of a purplish white ground colour, thickly freckled and spotted with reddish-chestnut, chestnut, and purplish-brown markings ; length, 0 81 x 0‘62 inch*. 100. Mirafra horsfieldii, Gould. * Horsfield’s Bush Lark, “ Thick- billed Lark.” Mirafra horsfieldi , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. 77 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., p. 159 (1889). The present species frequents open grassy flats, low heath grounds, and cultivation paddocks. When disturbed it only flies a few yards with a peculiar jerky flight, and then suddenly drops into concealment again. It is one of our most pleasing songsters, and may be often heard singing at night while flying slowly about high in the air, and more especially on bright moonlight nights about midsummer. The Thick-billed Lark breeds during January and February, constructing a partially-domed nest of dried grasses in a slight hollow in the ground, sheltered by a tuft of grass, or by the surrounding crop when built in culti- vation paddocks. Eggs, three in number for a sitting, closely resembling small specimens of those of Anthus australis ; length, 0‘78 x 0 - 5 inch. The sexes are alike in plumage. 101. Megalurus galactotes, Temminclc. Tawny Grass-bird. Sphenoeacus galactotes , Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. 35 (1848). Megalurus galactotes, North, Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S.W., Vol. x, 2nd Series, p. 217 (1895). A rare species, seldom met with except in the north-eastern portions of the Colony. 102. Megalurus gramineu3, Gould. Little Grass-bird. Sphenoeacus gramineus, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Vol. in, pi. 36 (1848). Megalurus gramineus , North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Birds, p. 146 (1889). The Little Grass-bird is dispersed in favourable situations over most parts of New South Wales. It frequents dense grass-beds growing in swampy localities, the rush or reed lined margins of watercourses, and, near the coast, the mangrove-fringed estuaries or sides of rivers. The nest of this species, which is a deep cup-shaped structure, is composed of dried aquatic plants, coarse grasses, or fibrous roots lined inside with feathers, the entrance at the top being slightly narrowed or domed, and is usually placed at the bottom of a tuft of rushes, or on the forked, upright, leafy stems of a mangrove. Eggs, four in number for a sitting, of a reddish-white ground MIRAFRA HORSFIELDI, Gould. Horsfield’S Bush Lark. ANTHUS AUSTRALIS, ViG. &. Horsf. Australian Pipit. Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 31 colour, finely freckled all over with purplish-red or reddish-brown markings ; length, 076 x 053 inch. This species is extremely shy, and it is seldom possible to get a glimpse of it, except when it flies over a clear expanse of water from one clump of rushes to another. In summer its plaintive note may be heard during the night. 103. Acrocephalus atjstralis, Gould. “ Heed Warbler.” Acrocephalus australis, Gould, Birds of Austr., fol. ed., Yol. in, pi. 37 (1848) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Birds, p. 169. A migratory species, arriving in New South Wales about the end of September, and departing again in March. It frequents the reedy margins of rivers and lagoons, and is freely dispersed over most parts of the Colony. The nest of the Beed Warbler is usually built between two or three upright reeds growing in the water. It is a deep cup- shaped structure, outwardly composed of the soft, paper-like sheaths of reeds and decaying water-weeds, and lined inside with grasses, sometimes a few feathers being worked into the bottom of the nest. Eggs, three or four in number for a sitting, of a greyish- white ground colour, spotted and blotched all over with different shades of yellowish-brown, blackish-brown, and underlying markings of deep violet-grey ; length, 08 x 055 inch. The breeding season commences in October, and lasts until the end of January. Not unfrequently this bird resorts to gardens, especially those containing a reed-fringed creek or water- hole. Like the preceding species, the cheerful notes of the Reed Warbler may be frequently heard during the night. {To be continued .) [Four plates.] Sydney : "William Applegate Gullick, Government Printer.— 1897.