272, 273, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281, 281A, 282 - click to enlarge
238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243 - click to enlarge
F. 118. HIRUNDINIDAE (6), SWALLOWS, MARTINS, 116 sp.—9(6)A., 25(7)O., 16(2)P., 54(50)E., 10(1)Nc., 34(27)Nl.340238*Welcome Swallow(House),Chelidon (Hirundo) neoxena, A., T. =vt. Eur. House Swallow.Mig. c.houses6.6Breast, throat, forehead rust-red; abdomen whitish; head, back, rump black; tail forked, a band of whitish spots; f., duller. Flying insects.11239 White-backed Swallow(Black and White, White-breasted, White-capped),Cheramoeca leucosternum, A., exc. N. Ter. =vt. Eur. Sand-Martin.Stat. r.inland5.8Back, throat, chest white; wings, tail, rump, abdomen black; no rust-red; f., sim. Insects.210240*Tree Martin, Tree Swallow,Petrochelidon nigricans, Mol., N.G., A., T., Bass St. Is., N.Z. =vt. Eur. Tree Swallow.Mig. flocks, v.c.timber5.1Head, back black; under, rump whitish-gray; indistinct whitish collar; rust-red forehead; f., sim. Flying insects.241 Fairy Martin, Bottle (Land, Cliff, Retort) Swallow,P. ariel, E.A., S.A., T. (occ).Mig. c.cliffs,banks4.7Head rust-red; black back; rump, under white; tail slightly forked; f., sim. Insects.F. 119. MUSCICAPIDAE (71), FLYCATCHERS, 690 sp.—354(346)A., 164(148)O., 14(1)P., 155(151)E., 5(2)Nc., 20(17)Nl.411242*Australian Brown Flycatcher, Jacky Winter, Postboy, Post-sitter, White-tail, Stump-Bird, Spinks, Peter-Peter,Microeca fascinans, E.A., S.A.Stat. c.open,forest5.2Upper pale-brown; side tail white; under lighter; chin, abdomen white; swings tail sideways; f., sim. Insects. Songster.243 Allied Flycatcher(Lesser Brown),M. assimilis, N.A., V. (acc), W.A. Insects.Stat. c.open,forest4.6Like 242, but smaller; outer tail feathers brown at base.
F. 118. HIRUNDINIDAE (6), SWALLOWS, MARTINS, 116 sp.—9(6)A., 25(7)O., 16(2)P., 54(50)E., 10(1)Nc., 34(27)Nl.
340
238*Welcome Swallow(House),Chelidon (Hirundo) neoxena, A., T. =vt. Eur. House Swallow.
Mig. c.houses6.6
Breast, throat, forehead rust-red; abdomen whitish; head, back, rump black; tail forked, a band of whitish spots; f., duller. Flying insects.
11
239 White-backed Swallow(Black and White, White-breasted, White-capped),Cheramoeca leucosternum, A., exc. N. Ter. =vt. Eur. Sand-Martin.
Stat. r.inland5.8
Back, throat, chest white; wings, tail, rump, abdomen black; no rust-red; f., sim. Insects.
210
240*Tree Martin, Tree Swallow,Petrochelidon nigricans, Mol., N.G., A., T., Bass St. Is., N.Z. =vt. Eur. Tree Swallow.
Mig. flocks, v.c.timber5.1
Head, back black; under, rump whitish-gray; indistinct whitish collar; rust-red forehead; f., sim. Flying insects.
241 Fairy Martin, Bottle (Land, Cliff, Retort) Swallow,P. ariel, E.A., S.A., T. (occ).
Mig. c.cliffs,banks4.7
Head rust-red; black back; rump, under white; tail slightly forked; f., sim. Insects.
F. 119. MUSCICAPIDAE (71), FLYCATCHERS, 690 sp.—354(346)A., 164(148)O., 14(1)P., 155(151)E., 5(2)Nc., 20(17)Nl.
411
242*Australian Brown Flycatcher, Jacky Winter, Postboy, Post-sitter, White-tail, Stump-Bird, Spinks, Peter-Peter,Microeca fascinans, E.A., S.A.
Stat. c.open,forest5.2
Upper pale-brown; side tail white; under lighter; chin, abdomen white; swings tail sideways; f., sim. Insects. Songster.
243 Allied Flycatcher(Lesser Brown),M. assimilis, N.A., V. (acc), W.A. Insects.
Stat. c.open,forest4.6
Like 242, but smaller; outer tail feathers brown at base.
244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 - click to enlarge
1117244*Scarlet-breasted Robin,Petroica leggei, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., W.A., T.Mig. c. (winter)open, (summer)forest gullies5.2Head, throat, upper black; cap white; white bands on wing; breast scarlet; lower-abdomen dull-white; outer-tail white; bill, feet black; f.,*upper, under brown; breast tinged red; white marks on wing. Insects.245*Flame-breasted Robin,P. phoenicea, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., T., Bass St. Is.Mig. c. (winter)open, (summer)mt.-gullies5.3Crown, upper sooty-gray; small white forehead; white on wing; outer-tail white; chin sooty-gray; under scarlet; under base tail white; f.,*under brown; outer-tail white; under reddish-gray. Insects.246 Pink-breasted Robin,P. rhodinogaster, V., S.A., T., Bass St. Is.Stat. v.r.deep forest,gullies5.2Head, neck, back sooty-black; white spot on forehead; breast, abdomen rose-pink; under base tail white; f., upper brown; buff marks on wing; under gray; under base tail white. Insects. "Tick-tick-tick;" like snapping dead twig.247 Rose-breasted Robin,P. rosea, E.A. Insects.Stat. r.dense brushes,gullies4.5Crown, throat, upper dark slate-gray; narrow white forehead; chest rich rose-red; under base tail white; outer-tail white; f., forehead buff; upper grayish-brown.248*Red-capped Robin, Redhead (e),P. goodenovii, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., C.A., W.A.Nom. r.open inland scrubs4.7Crown, breast scarlet; upper, neck black; white stripe on wing; abdomen, under tail white; f.,*dark-brown upper; forehead tinged reddish; throat, breast faintly tinged red. Insects.249 Hooded Robin(Black and White, Black, Pied),P. bicolor, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., W.A., N.W.A.Stat. r.open,forest6.5Head, upper, throat black; patch on wing, abdomen, under base tail, outer-tail white; f., brownish-gray instead of black. Insects.
1117
244*Scarlet-breasted Robin,Petroica leggei, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., W.A., T.
Mig. c. (winter)open, (summer)forest gullies5.2
Head, throat, upper black; cap white; white bands on wing; breast scarlet; lower-abdomen dull-white; outer-tail white; bill, feet black; f.,*upper, under brown; breast tinged red; white marks on wing. Insects.
Mig. c. (winter)open, (summer)mt.-gullies5.3
Crown, upper sooty-gray; small white forehead; white on wing; outer-tail white; chin sooty-gray; under scarlet; under base tail white; f.,*under brown; outer-tail white; under reddish-gray. Insects.
246 Pink-breasted Robin,P. rhodinogaster, V., S.A., T., Bass St. Is.
Stat. v.r.deep forest,gullies5.2
Head, neck, back sooty-black; white spot on forehead; breast, abdomen rose-pink; under base tail white; f., upper brown; buff marks on wing; under gray; under base tail white. Insects. "Tick-tick-tick;" like snapping dead twig.
247 Rose-breasted Robin,P. rosea, E.A. Insects.
Stat. r.dense brushes,gullies4.5
Crown, throat, upper dark slate-gray; narrow white forehead; chest rich rose-red; under base tail white; outer-tail white; f., forehead buff; upper grayish-brown.
248*Red-capped Robin, Redhead (e),P. goodenovii, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., C.A., W.A.
Nom. r.open inland scrubs4.7
Crown, breast scarlet; upper, neck black; white stripe on wing; abdomen, under tail white; f.,*dark-brown upper; forehead tinged reddish; throat, breast faintly tinged red. Insects.
249 Hooded Robin(Black and White, Black, Pied),P. bicolor, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., W.A., N.W.A.
Stat. r.open,forest6.5
Head, upper, throat black; patch on wing, abdomen, under base tail, outer-tail white; f., brownish-gray instead of black. Insects.
250, 251, 252, 253, 254 - click to enlarge
22250 Short-billed Tree-Tit(Sombre), Scrub-Tit,Smicrornis brevirostris, E.A., S.A., W.A.Stat. c.treetops3.5Crown brownish-gray; back olive; behind eye reddish-brown; throat, chest whitish; abdomen citron-yellow; tail brown at base, banded blackish, spotted white at tip; short bill brown; f., sim. Insects. Clear whistle.1662251*White-throated Flyeater, Native Canary (e), Bush-Warbler,Gerygone albigularis, N.A., E.A., N.W.A. Insects. Musician.Mig. c.tree-tops4.3Upper ashy-brown; throat, face white; chest, abdomen greenish-yellow; tail blackish band, white tip; f., sim.252 Southern Flyeater(Western), White-tailed Bush-Warbler,G. (Pseudogerygone) culicivora, E.A., S.A., C.A., W.A. f. sim. Insects.v.r.forests,scrubs4.2Upper olive-brown; throat, chest light-gray; abdomen white; tail white base; black band, tip spotted white.253 Brown Flyeater, Brown Bush-Warbler,G. fusca, E.A.Stat. c.forest,scrubs3.8Back, sides reddish-brown; forehead, eyebrow, throat, chest gray; tail black band, tip spotted white; f., sim. Insects. Feeble "What is it? What is it?"1099254*White-shafted Fantail(-Flycatcher, -Flysnapper), Cranky Fan, Devil-Bird, Land-Wagtail (e),Rhipidura albiscapa, E.A., S.A.Stat. c.open forest6Upper, band across chest sooty-black; under buff; stripe over eye, mark behind eye, throat, bars on wing, shafts of tail feathers (except 2 centre feathers) white; outer-tail, tip white; f., sim. Insects. Musical song.255*Rufous Fantail(-Flycatcher),R. rufifrons, E.A.Part.-Mig. (winter)open, (summer)gullies,brushes6.2Crown, hind-neck brown; forehead, lower-back, base tail rust-red; throat, centre-abdomen white; chest black; flanks, under base tail light fawn; f., smaller. Insects.
22
250 Short-billed Tree-Tit(Sombre), Scrub-Tit,Smicrornis brevirostris, E.A., S.A., W.A.
Stat. c.treetops3.5
Crown brownish-gray; back olive; behind eye reddish-brown; throat, chest whitish; abdomen citron-yellow; tail brown at base, banded blackish, spotted white at tip; short bill brown; f., sim. Insects. Clear whistle.
1662
251*White-throated Flyeater, Native Canary (e), Bush-Warbler,Gerygone albigularis, N.A., E.A., N.W.A. Insects. Musician.
Mig. c.tree-tops4.3
Upper ashy-brown; throat, face white; chest, abdomen greenish-yellow; tail blackish band, white tip; f., sim.
252 Southern Flyeater(Western), White-tailed Bush-Warbler,G. (Pseudogerygone) culicivora, E.A., S.A., C.A., W.A. f. sim. Insects.
v.r.forests,scrubs4.2
Upper olive-brown; throat, chest light-gray; abdomen white; tail white base; black band, tip spotted white.
253 Brown Flyeater, Brown Bush-Warbler,G. fusca, E.A.
Stat. c.forest,scrubs3.8
Back, sides reddish-brown; forehead, eyebrow, throat, chest gray; tail black band, tip spotted white; f., sim. Insects. Feeble "What is it? What is it?"
1099
254*White-shafted Fantail(-Flycatcher, -Flysnapper), Cranky Fan, Devil-Bird, Land-Wagtail (e),Rhipidura albiscapa, E.A., S.A.
Stat. c.open forest6
Upper, band across chest sooty-black; under buff; stripe over eye, mark behind eye, throat, bars on wing, shafts of tail feathers (except 2 centre feathers) white; outer-tail, tip white; f., sim. Insects. Musical song.
255*Rufous Fantail(-Flycatcher),R. rufifrons, E.A.
Part.-Mig. (winter)open, (summer)gullies,brushes6.2
Crown, hind-neck brown; forehead, lower-back, base tail rust-red; throat, centre-abdomen white; chest black; flanks, under base tail light fawn; f., smaller. Insects.
255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260 - click to enlarge
256*Black and White Fantail(-Flycatcher), Shepherd's Companion, Willie Wagtail, Wagtail (e), Frog (Morning) Bird,R. motacilloides (tricolor), Mol., N.G., A. "Sweet pretty little creature."Stat. v.c.open forest7.5Upper, throat, breast black; eyebrow, rest under white; long fan-tail; f., sim. Insects. Often sings at night.429257 Leaden Flycatcher(-Flysnapper), Frog-Bird,Myiagra rubecula, N.G., A., T.Mig. r.coast scrubs,gullies6.5Upper, wings, tail, breast leaden-gray glossed with green; abdomen, under base tail white; f., throat, breast rust-red. Insects. Squeaking note.258 Satin Flycatcher(Shining), Satin Sparrow (e),M. nitida, Louisiade Is., E.A., S.A., T.Mig. r.gullies6.5Upper, breast blackish metallic-green; abdomen, under base tail white; f., upper duller; throat, breast rust-red. Insects. Loud piping whistle.22259*Restless Flycatcher, Scissors Grinder, Grinder, Willie Wagtail (e), Dishwasher (e), Who-are-you?Seisura inquieta, A.Stat. c.open,scrub8Upper shining black; under white; like 256 but throat white; hovers; f., throat, breast buff. Insects. Harsh grinding, "Tu-whee, tu-whee."28260 Black-faced Flycatcher(Carinated),Monarcha melanopsis, Timor, N.G., N. Ter., E.A.Stat. r.brushes6.7Forehead, face, throat black; upper gray; wings, tail brown; chest gray; abdomen rufous; f., sim. Insects. Loud whistle, "Why-yew, witch-yew."
256*Black and White Fantail(-Flycatcher), Shepherd's Companion, Willie Wagtail, Wagtail (e), Frog (Morning) Bird,R. motacilloides (tricolor), Mol., N.G., A. "Sweet pretty little creature."
Stat. v.c.open forest7.5
Upper, throat, breast black; eyebrow, rest under white; long fan-tail; f., sim. Insects. Often sings at night.
429
257 Leaden Flycatcher(-Flysnapper), Frog-Bird,Myiagra rubecula, N.G., A., T.
Mig. r.coast scrubs,gullies6.5
Upper, wings, tail, breast leaden-gray glossed with green; abdomen, under base tail white; f., throat, breast rust-red. Insects. Squeaking note.
258 Satin Flycatcher(Shining), Satin Sparrow (e),M. nitida, Louisiade Is., E.A., S.A., T.
Mig. r.gullies6.5
Upper, breast blackish metallic-green; abdomen, under base tail white; f., upper duller; throat, breast rust-red. Insects. Loud piping whistle.
22
259*Restless Flycatcher, Scissors Grinder, Grinder, Willie Wagtail (e), Dishwasher (e), Who-are-you?Seisura inquieta, A.
Stat. c.open,scrub8
Upper shining black; under white; like 256 but throat white; hovers; f., throat, breast buff. Insects. Harsh grinding, "Tu-whee, tu-whee."
28
260 Black-faced Flycatcher(Carinated),Monarcha melanopsis, Timor, N.G., N. Ter., E.A.
Stat. r.brushes6.7
Forehead, face, throat black; upper gray; wings, tail brown; chest gray; abdomen rufous; f., sim. Insects. Loud whistle, "Why-yew, witch-yew."
More than half the species of birds making up the family of Caterpillar-eaters are restricted to the Australian region.
The common Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike has many names. Leatherhead, Blue Pigeon, and Blue Jay are amongst the most common, and all are wrong. The Leatherhead is a Honey-eater, and is better known as the Friar-Bird. The Cuckoo-Shrike is not a Pigeon, but is a perching bird; nor is it a Jay, which is a Northern Hemisphere bird, a member of the Crow family.
The Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike is partly migratory, being stationary in the northern parts of its range, but migratory in the south. It occasionally reaches New Zealand. These birdsundergo many changes of plumage before assuming the adult dress. The Little Cuckoo-Shrike, in particular, has several plumage phases, the throat and neck being black in the young, but gray in the adult. Its Cuckoo-like flight undoubtedly suggested part of the name. When young males are unlike the adult males, they usually resemble the female. Here, however, the adults of both sexes are similar.
The male White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater resembles a Hooded Robin (249). It is supposed to be shy, but at the Tallangatta excursion, two pairs were attending to domestic duties in the school ground and surprised all by their fine musical performances. The male called "Peter, Peter," or some syllabize it "Pretty Joey," and then broke into a trilling song that fully equalled any canary performance I have heard. This was repeated frequently during the day. The female seemed to havea creak in her note, which, however, was musical. The bill is slender in this species.
The Jardine Caterpillar-eater is rare and very shy. It keeps to the topmost branches of lofty trees. The male is dark blue-gray and black, and has a strong bill. The brown female is quite dissimilar, her whitish under surface being crossed with numerous brown arrow-head markings.
The Cuckoo-Shrikes and Caterpillar-eaters are, like the Cuckoos, very fond of caterpillars, and so should receive all the protection we can give them.
(continued below)
261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 265A - click to enlarge
F. 120. CAMPOPHAGIDAE (10), CUCKOO-SHRIKES, Caterpillar-eaters, 186 sp.—104(103)A., 63(61)O., 2(1)P., 19(19)E.11261 Ground Cuckoo-Shrike, Ground Graucalus, Ground (Long-tailed) Jay (e),Pteropodocys phasianella, Q., N.S.W., V., C.A., W.A. (interior).Stat. v.r.plains13Head, neck, chest, back delicate-gray; abdomen, rump white, many narrow black bars; under base tail white; wings, tail black; side tail tipped white; f., sim. Insects, larvae. Shrill note.534262*Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Leatherhead (e), Cherry-Hawk (e), Lapwing (e), Summer (Blue) Bird, Blue (Gray) Jay (e), Blue (Mountain) Pigeon (e), Australian Shrike (N.Z.),Coracina robusta (Graucalus melanops), Cel., Mol., N.G., A., N.Z. (acc.).Part.-Mig. v.c.plains,timber13Delicate gray; forehead, face, throat black; wing-quills black edged gray; tail gray base, black centre, tip white; lifts wings after settling; f., sim. Caterpillars, insects, fruit. Purring note.263 Little Cuckoo-Shrike, Varied Graucalus, Lesser Blue-Jay (e),C. mentalis, E.A.Stat. r.forest10.5Upper dark slate-gray; wing-quills black; tail black tipped white; about eye black; throat, breast gray (adult), under wing, under base tail white; young many changes of color; head, neck black; f., sim. Caterpillars, insects, berries. Soft rolling note.135264 Jardine Caterpillar-eater(-Campophaga),Edolisoma tenuirostre, N. Ter., E.A.Stat. r.treetops10.6Face black: upper, under, centre-tail deep blue-gray; wing-quills, outer-tail black; f., smaller; upper, wings, tail feathers brown, edged lighter; under creamy-buff with many blackish bars; line over eye buff. Insect larvae. "Kree-kree."225265*White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater(-Campophaga), Peewee-Lark (e),Lalage tricolor, N.G., A., T.Mig. c.thick timber6.5Crown, hind-neck, upper-back black; shoulders, line on wing white; rest wing black; lower-back gray; tail black outer tipped white; under white; somewhat like 248 but throat white; f.,*upper brown; wing marked light lines; under whitish. Insects. Fine musician, canary-like song.F. 121.Pycnonotidae, Bulbuls, 257 sp.—7(6)A., 148(145)O., 6(4)P., 99(99)E.
F. 120. CAMPOPHAGIDAE (10), CUCKOO-SHRIKES, Caterpillar-eaters, 186 sp.—104(103)A., 63(61)O., 2(1)P., 19(19)E.
11
261 Ground Cuckoo-Shrike, Ground Graucalus, Ground (Long-tailed) Jay (e),Pteropodocys phasianella, Q., N.S.W., V., C.A., W.A. (interior).
Stat. v.r.plains13
Head, neck, chest, back delicate-gray; abdomen, rump white, many narrow black bars; under base tail white; wings, tail black; side tail tipped white; f., sim. Insects, larvae. Shrill note.
534
262*Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Leatherhead (e), Cherry-Hawk (e), Lapwing (e), Summer (Blue) Bird, Blue (Gray) Jay (e), Blue (Mountain) Pigeon (e), Australian Shrike (N.Z.),Coracina robusta (Graucalus melanops), Cel., Mol., N.G., A., N.Z. (acc.).
Part.-Mig. v.c.plains,timber13
Delicate gray; forehead, face, throat black; wing-quills black edged gray; tail gray base, black centre, tip white; lifts wings after settling; f., sim. Caterpillars, insects, fruit. Purring note.
263 Little Cuckoo-Shrike, Varied Graucalus, Lesser Blue-Jay (e),C. mentalis, E.A.
Stat. r.forest10.5
Upper dark slate-gray; wing-quills black; tail black tipped white; about eye black; throat, breast gray (adult), under wing, under base tail white; young many changes of color; head, neck black; f., sim. Caterpillars, insects, berries. Soft rolling note.
135
264 Jardine Caterpillar-eater(-Campophaga),Edolisoma tenuirostre, N. Ter., E.A.
Stat. r.treetops10.6
Face black: upper, under, centre-tail deep blue-gray; wing-quills, outer-tail black; f., smaller; upper, wings, tail feathers brown, edged lighter; under creamy-buff with many blackish bars; line over eye buff. Insect larvae. "Kree-kree."
225
265*White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater(-Campophaga), Peewee-Lark (e),Lalage tricolor, N.G., A., T.
Mig. c.thick timber6.5
Crown, hind-neck, upper-back black; shoulders, line on wing white; rest wing black; lower-back gray; tail black outer tipped white; under white; somewhat like 248 but throat white; f.,*upper brown; wing marked light lines; under whitish. Insects. Fine musician, canary-like song.
F. 121.Pycnonotidae, Bulbuls, 257 sp.—7(6)A., 148(145)O., 6(4)P., 99(99)E.
The familyTimeliidaeis an ill-defined one, the members of which are mostly ground birds, or, at least, spend a good deal of time on the ground.
The Spotted and Chestnut-backed Ground-Birds are rare and are very quiet and shy as they run back under the shade of a bush. Thus, they are seldom seen, though they are very beautiful in their richly-spotted plumage. Driving along mallee roads, one sometimes sees these birds make a short, quick run to cover. A good name is required for them. Ground-Bird is not very definite.
The rich brown Pilot Bird rarely flies, but keeps low down in the dense tangles and undergrowths in country like that about Ferntree Gully. It must be patiently waited for, as it is very shy. It, apparently, values its services highly, for it often calls "A-guinea-a-week."
The larger Scrub-Robin which lives only in the interior flies little, but, as shown in the figure, it has long legs, suitable for running. Its color is not the dark-brown suitable for dark scrubs, but is the light-brown which matches the dead mallee twigs lying so thickly on the ground under the scrub. We met the Scrub-Robin on Eyre Peninsula, but it was difficult to get a second lookat it. Almost as rare are the closely-similar Chestnut-rumped and Red-rumped Ground-Wrens. Few will see these birds, as they live only in the drier parts.
That interesting bird—the Coachwhip Bird—is far more often heard than seen. Along the densely-scrubbed creeks of Eastern Australia, the interesting whip-crack of this bird is very often heard. An exact representative lives in West Australian scrubs. I was surprised to hear, in several places lately, the Rufous-breasted Whistler (Thickhead) called the Coachwhip Bird. It has been found that both birds take part in the peculiar call which has a loud crack very like that of a whip. This bird dwells in the dense eastern scrubs, and uses its short wings but little for flight. It was seen, however, recently at Sandringham, a few miles from Melbourne.
The Australian Babblers are of interest from all points of view. Their habits are peculiar; their calls are varied and usuallypleasant, and their large domed stick nests are common objects along a country road. Usually seen in companies of from four to a dozen, these birds work energetically and systematically. They are entirely insectivorous, and so are of great value economically. They are tame, as I have watched a flock at work in the gardens in the middle of a town such as Dunolly. They occasionally visit orchards and attack the codlin moth pupae. They are said never to squabble, and so are called "Happy Family" or "Happy Jacks." Their names, however, are many. The commonest is, perhaps, "Catbird." There is a "Catbird," a Bower-Bird, in Queensland, so the use of that name should be discouraged. Babblers sometimes make six or seven nests, laying only in one. The others are said to be shelter nests, or possibly play nests.
That pleasing songster—the White-browed Field-Wren—is uniformly streaked with black both above and below. It is fairly common, but is not often seen unless looked for. Dogs will follow the scent of this bird, as they do that of a quail; so it is sometimes called the Stink-Bird by sportsmen.
Now we come to two of the four native Skylarks. Who has not, while lying on his back on the grass enjoying a rest in the warm sunshine, felt pleasure at the beautiful song of the Rufous Song-Lark as it soars singing away so high overhead? TheBritish Skylark often receives the credit for the harmony of our four Skylarks. Two belong to this family, and two come later with the Larks and Pipits. One is larger and darker on the breast, hence the name Black-breasted Song-Lark. I saw many of these birds, when examining the glacial deposits at Hallet's Cove, near Adelaide. As there was a continuous chorus of these fine songsters above the crops, the reason for the name Harvest Birds was apparent.
The Thrush family (Turdidae) includes the British Song-Thrush, Blackbird, Nightingale, and many other famous songsters, The Australian Mountain-Thrush is larger and more prettily marked, but is not such a good songster as its European cousin—the Song-Thrush. It, however, has one of its calls closely similar to one of the calls of its more famous relative. It is a quiet, shy bird, though I walked within five feet of one this morning as it was busy digging up worms on the lawn in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. I left it at work pleased that my presence had caused no feeling of fear in so beautiful and so shy a bird. Its beautiful moss-covered nest is built even so early as July.It flies little, preferring to keep near the dark scrubs, especially the tea-tree scrub along the coast.
The Song-Thrush and Blackbird have been successfully introduced, and they are common in suburban gardens. Their delightful song makes richer the lives of busy city dwellers, though their attentions to soft fruits are not always appreciated. For sweetness and fulness of notes, however, these introduced birds cannot compare with our Harmonious Shrike-Thrush (315), deservedly namedharmonicaby Latham, a British ornithologist. The call of the latter bird, however, is not so continuous as that of the introduced birds.
The four Australian birds known as Chats take the next sub-family to themselves. The common Chat is known as a "Tang," "Nun," and "Tin-tac." While the White-fronted Chat is very common in the South, the beautiful Crimson-breasted Chat, with its crimson cap and pure white throat, and the Orange-fronted Chat, are found mostly in the dry interior, where they are known as Salt-bush Canaries. A good common name is urgently required for this Australian sub-family of birds. North calls them Nuns; but that name is preoccupied, and is suitable only for one of them. I was much interested last week (January, 1911) to see a male White-fronted Chat feeding a fully-fledged young Bronze Cuckoo. Two female Sparrows were also in attendance, one of which fed the Cuckoo three times while I was observing it. A female Bronze Cuckoo sat for some time by the young one, but did not interfere, or offer to feed it. The Chat returned the fifth time for the purpose of feeding the young Cuckoo, when the passing of a motor-car broke up the party. The young Cuckoo flew across the road and some distance on to a bush, where it resumed its constant wheezing whine. It is unusual to find birds so far apart as a Finch, like the Sparrow and a member of the Thrush family, like the Chat, feeding the one young Cuckoo.
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266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272 - click to enlarge
F. 122. TIMELIIDAE (27), BABBLERS, BABBLING-THRUSHES, 590 sp.—65(65)A., 447(443)O., 7(3)P., 75(75)E. (an ill-defined family).66266*Spotted Ground-Bird(-Thrush, -Dove), Babbling-Thrush,Cinclosoma punctatum, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., T.Stat. r.scrubby10.7Crown, back rufous-brown; back striped black; shoulders steel-black spotted white; throat, narrow chest band steel-black; eyebrow, patches on throat white; breast gray; tail tipped white; f., upper lighter; throat white, rufous patch at side. Insects. Rise with a whirr-r-r. Low piping whistle.267 Chestnut-backed Ground-Bird(-Thrush),C. castano-notum, W.N.S.W., W.V., S.A., W.A., N.W.A.Stat. r.plains9Upper chestnut-brown; eyebrow, side-throat white; throat, chest black; shoulder black spotted white; tail tipped white; f., duller; throat, chest gray. Insects.11268 Pilot Bird,Pycnoptilus floccosus, E.N.S.W., E.V.Stat. v.r.dense scrubby gullies6.7Rich dark-brown; throat rufous mottled dusky; f., sim. Insects. "Guinea-a-week."35269 Scrub-Robin,Drymodes brunneipygius, N.S.W., V., S.A. (interior).Stat. v.r.mallee,scrub8Upper brown; wings brown barred white; tail brown, slightly tipped white; under grayish-brown; long legs; shy, runs; f., smaller. Insects. Monotonous whistle.22270 Chestnut-rumped Ground-Wren, Red-rumped Scrub-Warbler,Hylacola pyrrhopygia, N.S.W., V., S.A.Stat. v.r.dry scrubs5.3Upper brown; base tail chestnut-red, tip white; eyebrow white; under streaked black, white; f., sim. Agreeable song.271 Shy Ground-Wren(Red-rumped, Cautious, Rufous-rumped), Shy Scrub-Warbler,H. cauta, V., S.A., W.A.Stat. v.r.dry scrubs5.7Like 270, but small white patch near outer edge of wing; shier; f., sim. Insects.33272*Coachwhip Bird(Whip, Stockwhip),Psophodes crepitans, E.S.Q., E.N.S.W., E.V.Stat. c.dense scrubs10Dark olive-green; black crest, breast; white side of throat, centre of abdomen, tip-tail; f., smaller, duller. Insects. Loud full note ends in a whip crack.
F. 122. TIMELIIDAE (27), BABBLERS, BABBLING-THRUSHES, 590 sp.—65(65)A., 447(443)O., 7(3)P., 75(75)E. (an ill-defined family).
66
266*Spotted Ground-Bird(-Thrush, -Dove), Babbling-Thrush,Cinclosoma punctatum, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A., T.
Stat. r.scrubby10.7
Crown, back rufous-brown; back striped black; shoulders steel-black spotted white; throat, narrow chest band steel-black; eyebrow, patches on throat white; breast gray; tail tipped white; f., upper lighter; throat white, rufous patch at side. Insects. Rise with a whirr-r-r. Low piping whistle.
267 Chestnut-backed Ground-Bird(-Thrush),C. castano-notum, W.N.S.W., W.V., S.A., W.A., N.W.A.
Stat. r.plains9
Upper chestnut-brown; eyebrow, side-throat white; throat, chest black; shoulder black spotted white; tail tipped white; f., duller; throat, chest gray. Insects.
11
268 Pilot Bird,Pycnoptilus floccosus, E.N.S.W., E.V.
Stat. v.r.dense scrubby gullies6.7
Rich dark-brown; throat rufous mottled dusky; f., sim. Insects. "Guinea-a-week."
35
269 Scrub-Robin,Drymodes brunneipygius, N.S.W., V., S.A. (interior).
Stat. v.r.mallee,scrub8
Upper brown; wings brown barred white; tail brown, slightly tipped white; under grayish-brown; long legs; shy, runs; f., smaller. Insects. Monotonous whistle.
22
270 Chestnut-rumped Ground-Wren, Red-rumped Scrub-Warbler,Hylacola pyrrhopygia, N.S.W., V., S.A.
Stat. v.r.dry scrubs5.3
Upper brown; base tail chestnut-red, tip white; eyebrow white; under streaked black, white; f., sim. Agreeable song.
271 Shy Ground-Wren(Red-rumped, Cautious, Rufous-rumped), Shy Scrub-Warbler,H. cauta, V., S.A., W.A.
Stat. v.r.dry scrubs5.7
Like 270, but small white patch near outer edge of wing; shier; f., sim. Insects.
33
272*Coachwhip Bird(Whip, Stockwhip),Psophodes crepitans, E.S.Q., E.N.S.W., E.V.
Stat. c.dense scrubs10
Dark olive-green; black crest, breast; white side of throat, centre of abdomen, tip-tail; f., smaller, duller. Insects. Loud full note ends in a whip crack.
273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279 - click to enlarge
434273*Gray-crowned Babbler, Chatterer (e), Cackler, Barker, Pine (Cat (e), Dog) Bird, Codlin-Moth-eater, Hopper, Jumper (e), Yahoo, Happy Family, Happy Jack, Twelve Apostles (e), Apostle-Bird (e),Pomatorhinus frivolus (temporalis), E.A., S.A.Stat. flocks, c.open timber11Dark brown; crown light-gray; brow white; throat, breast white; tail tipped white; bill long black, curved; runs; f., sim. Insects. Many peculiar notes, noisy.274 White-browed Babbler, Go-aways, Stick-Birds,P. superciliosus, A. inland (exc. N. Ter., N.Q.).Stat. flocks, c.open timber8Like 273, but smaller; crown dark-brown; f., sim. Insects. "Most noisy bird I ever observed." (G.) Many notes.275 Chestnut-crowned Babbler,P. ruficeps, N.S.W., V., S.A. (interior). Insects. Noisy.Stat. c.timber8.5Like 273, 274, but crown, hind-neck chestnut; f., sim.77276*White-browed Field-Wren, White-lored Reed-Lark, Rush Warbler (e), Stink-Bird,Calamanthus albiloris, N.S.W., V., S.A.Stat. c.grass,heath5Greenish-brown streaked black; face, brow white; throat whitish streaked black; erect tail; shy; f., sim. Insects. Pretty song on bush-top.277 Field-Wren, Field Reed-Lark,C. campestris, V., S.A., N.W.A.Stat. v.r.open plains4.6Upper ashy-brown streaked dark-brown; upper base tail rufous-brown; side tail tipped white, banded black; forehead rufous streaked dark-brown; eyebrow white; under whitish streaked dark-brown; f., sim. Insects.22278*Brown Song-Lark(Black-breasted), Australian Skylark, Harvest-Bird, Singing-Lark, Corn-Crake (e),Cincloramphus cruralis, A. exc. C.A.Mig. c.crops9Dark-brown, upper feathers edged lighter; abdomen blackish; f., much smaller; paler; eyebrow, under whitish. Insects. "Fine songster, ranks with the Skylark;" sings flying like Skylark.279*Rufous Song-Lark(Rufous-tinted), Rufous-rumped Singing-Lark, Skylark,C. rufescens, A.Mig. c.grass,crops7.5Upper brown, feathers edged lighter; upper base tail rufous; brow, throat whitish; under brownish-gray; side face darker; f., smaller; face not dark. Insects. "Amongst the richest and sweetest of Australian bird songs." Sings flying like Skylark.
434
273*Gray-crowned Babbler, Chatterer (e), Cackler, Barker, Pine (Cat (e), Dog) Bird, Codlin-Moth-eater, Hopper, Jumper (e), Yahoo, Happy Family, Happy Jack, Twelve Apostles (e), Apostle-Bird (e),Pomatorhinus frivolus (temporalis), E.A., S.A.
Stat. flocks, c.open timber11
Dark brown; crown light-gray; brow white; throat, breast white; tail tipped white; bill long black, curved; runs; f., sim. Insects. Many peculiar notes, noisy.
274 White-browed Babbler, Go-aways, Stick-Birds,P. superciliosus, A. inland (exc. N. Ter., N.Q.).
Stat. flocks, c.open timber8
Like 273, but smaller; crown dark-brown; f., sim. Insects. "Most noisy bird I ever observed." (G.) Many notes.
275 Chestnut-crowned Babbler,P. ruficeps, N.S.W., V., S.A. (interior). Insects. Noisy.
Stat. c.timber8.5
Like 273, 274, but crown, hind-neck chestnut; f., sim.
77
276*White-browed Field-Wren, White-lored Reed-Lark, Rush Warbler (e), Stink-Bird,Calamanthus albiloris, N.S.W., V., S.A.
Stat. c.grass,heath5
Greenish-brown streaked black; face, brow white; throat whitish streaked black; erect tail; shy; f., sim. Insects. Pretty song on bush-top.
277 Field-Wren, Field Reed-Lark,C. campestris, V., S.A., N.W.A.
Stat. v.r.open plains4.6
Upper ashy-brown streaked dark-brown; upper base tail rufous-brown; side tail tipped white, banded black; forehead rufous streaked dark-brown; eyebrow white; under whitish streaked dark-brown; f., sim. Insects.
22
278*Brown Song-Lark(Black-breasted), Australian Skylark, Harvest-Bird, Singing-Lark, Corn-Crake (e),Cincloramphus cruralis, A. exc. C.A.
Mig. c.crops9
Dark-brown, upper feathers edged lighter; abdomen blackish; f., much smaller; paler; eyebrow, under whitish. Insects. "Fine songster, ranks with the Skylark;" sings flying like Skylark.
279*Rufous Song-Lark(Rufous-tinted), Rufous-rumped Singing-Lark, Skylark,C. rufescens, A.
Mig. c.grass,crops7.5
Upper brown, feathers edged lighter; upper base tail rufous; brow, throat whitish; under brownish-gray; side face darker; f., smaller; face not dark. Insects. "Amongst the richest and sweetest of Australian bird songs." Sings flying like Skylark.
279A, 280, 280A, 281, 282, 283 - click to enlarge
F. 123.Troglodytidae, Wrens, 255 sp.—2(1)A., 18(17)O., 10(10)P., 43(32)Nc., 194(183)Nl.F. 124.Cinclidae, Dippers, Water-Ouzels, 19 sp.—5(2)O., 11(8)P., 1(0)Nc., 6(5)Nl.F. 125.Mimidae, Mocking-Birds, Thrashers, 71 sp.—17(10)Nc., 61(54)Nl.F. 126. TURDIDAE (8), THRUSHES (Blackbird (Br.), Nightingale, Robin (Br.), Wheatear, Bluebird (Am.), Redstart, Hedge-Sparrow), 588 sp.—48(44)A., 167(117)O., 124(53)P., 192(163)E., 29(14)Nc., 132(118)Nl.1114279aBlackbird,Turdus merula, Eur., N. Afr., Egypt, Syria, Persia, Azores, A. (introduced).Stat. c.timber10Black; bill yellow; f., dark-brown; breast reddish-brown marked darker. Insects, snails, fruit. Songster.413280*Australian Mountain Thrush(Ground), King Thrush,Turdus (Oreocichla) lunulata, N.S.W., V., S.A.Stat. c.coastal scrubs,mt. gullies10.5Upper brown marked with black half-moons; under white stained buff on breast, flanks, marked with black half-moons; f., sim. Snails, insects, worms.124280aSong Thrush,T. musicus, Eur., W. Asia, India, A. (introduced).Stat. c.gardens9Upper brown; breast yellowish spotted brown; throat, abdomen white; f., sim. Snails, insects, worms. Famous singer.55281*White-fronted Chat, Banded Tintac, Tang, Ringlet (e), Clipper, Nun, Dottrel (e), Jenny-Wren (e), Ballyhead, Gar, Ringneck (e),Epthianura albifrons, Bass St. Is., T., A. exc. N. Ter. Insects. Dull metallic "tang."Mig. v.c.grass4.5Forehead, face, under, tip tail white; back gray; band on chest, wings, tail black; f.,*duller, faint band on chest.282*Crimson-breasted Chat(Tricolored), Saltbush Canary (e),E. tricolor, A. exc. N. Ter.Mig. r.timber4.3Crown, base tail, breast, abdomen scarlet; face, back of head, back dark-brown; tip-tail spotted white; throat, under base tail white; f., duller. Insects.283 Orange-fronted Chat, Saltbush Canary,E. aurifrons, A. exc. N. Ter.Nom. r.open plains4.3Head, upper base tail, under golden-orange; back brown; tip tail spotted white; chin black; f., duller. Grasshoppers, other insects.
F. 123.Troglodytidae, Wrens, 255 sp.—2(1)A., 18(17)O., 10(10)P., 43(32)Nc., 194(183)Nl.
F. 124.Cinclidae, Dippers, Water-Ouzels, 19 sp.—5(2)O., 11(8)P., 1(0)Nc., 6(5)Nl.
F. 125.Mimidae, Mocking-Birds, Thrashers, 71 sp.—17(10)Nc., 61(54)Nl.
F. 126. TURDIDAE (8), THRUSHES (Blackbird (Br.), Nightingale, Robin (Br.), Wheatear, Bluebird (Am.), Redstart, Hedge-Sparrow), 588 sp.—48(44)A., 167(117)O., 124(53)P., 192(163)E., 29(14)Nc., 132(118)Nl.
1114
279aBlackbird,Turdus merula, Eur., N. Afr., Egypt, Syria, Persia, Azores, A. (introduced).
Stat. c.timber10
Black; bill yellow; f., dark-brown; breast reddish-brown marked darker. Insects, snails, fruit. Songster.
413
280*Australian Mountain Thrush(Ground), King Thrush,Turdus (Oreocichla) lunulata, N.S.W., V., S.A.
Stat. c.coastal scrubs,mt. gullies10.5
Upper brown marked with black half-moons; under white stained buff on breast, flanks, marked with black half-moons; f., sim. Snails, insects, worms.
124
280aSong Thrush,T. musicus, Eur., W. Asia, India, A. (introduced).
Stat. c.gardens9
Upper brown; breast yellowish spotted brown; throat, abdomen white; f., sim. Snails, insects, worms. Famous singer.
55
281*White-fronted Chat, Banded Tintac, Tang, Ringlet (e), Clipper, Nun, Dottrel (e), Jenny-Wren (e), Ballyhead, Gar, Ringneck (e),Epthianura albifrons, Bass St. Is., T., A. exc. N. Ter. Insects. Dull metallic "tang."
Mig. v.c.grass4.5
Forehead, face, under, tip tail white; back gray; band on chest, wings, tail black; f.,*duller, faint band on chest.
282*Crimson-breasted Chat(Tricolored), Saltbush Canary (e),E. tricolor, A. exc. N. Ter.
Mig. r.timber4.3
Crown, base tail, breast, abdomen scarlet; face, back of head, back dark-brown; tip-tail spotted white; throat, under base tail white; f., duller. Insects.
283 Orange-fronted Chat, Saltbush Canary,E. aurifrons, A. exc. N. Ter.
Nom. r.open plains4.3
Head, upper base tail, under golden-orange; back brown; tip tail spotted white; chin black; f., duller. Grasshoppers, other insects.
The Warbler family,Sylviidae, is a large one, found all through the Eastern Hemisphere. One migratory species crosses Behring Strait each year to summer in Alaska.
As no less than 79 Australian small birds have been grouped in this family, it is of considerable importance to our bird lovers. At the head of the family, we have an exact representative of the Reed-Warbler of Europe in the delightful plain-brown songster which charms all who frequent river sides. Its song is "louder and more melodious than that of any of its European relations except" the Reed-Warbler. It is a welcome spring visitor, and can be heard on any spring or summer day in the Botanic Gardens, or in any reed bed by stream or lake.
The next bird is the Australian representative of the Fantail-Warblers (Cisticola). These birds are related to the Tailor-Bird.
Much has been written of the Tailor-Bird of India which so cleverly sews leaves together to enclose its nest, but few know we have a bird that does similar work when building its nest.Dr. Sharpe has decided that our bird is identical with an Indian species, so we must take the Indian name—Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler. This bird moults twice a year. At the autumn moult, it obtains a long tail and a streaked crown. The four Australian species described by Gould are now known to be but different forms of the one species which undergoes seasonal change.
Speckled Jack, the Speckled Warbler (Little Field-Wren), is a tame little bird with a pleasing song. Its chocolate-colored egg used to be much valued in the days when schoolboys collected eggs. It walks instead of hopping.
The Yellow-tailed Tit-Warbler (Acanthiza) is a member of an Australian genus, which has been split up into 27 species, all of which, except a New Guinea form, are restricted to Australia. Some are pleasing songsters. The two-storied nest of the Yellow-tail is well known and is peculiar. What is the use of the upper nest—for the male to rest in, to delude the cuckoo, or what?
These birds are not Tits (Paridae). They have been called Thornbills by Mr. A. J. North. The name Tit-Warbler has been adopted by the "names" sub-committee of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union, pending the completion of the Australian Check-List. The common White-browed Scrub-Wren is not a Wren, but is a Warbler. He is the best known of the genus, though even he is seldom seen. His dark-brown color leads one to suspect a dark scrub as his dwelling place. Though common in places, he is seldom noticed, but if you sit down in a quiet scrubby corner, his inquisitiveness will often impel him to run almost over your feet. Some light spots on the shoulder and the white eyebrow will assist you in identifying him. His mouse-like run further assists in identification.
Amongst the glories of the bird world, the Superb-Warbler stands high. His beautiful enamel-blue and black costume, and his cheery, fussy song justify his name. He is generally accompanied by four or five plain-colored mates, and is said to lose his beautiful coat of blue each autumn, but the balance of evidence now seems to be with Mr. Keartland and Dr. Horne, who claim that he gets the permanent beautiful coat late in life (that is, when three or four years old), and does not lose it afterwards, except for a few days at moulting time. But, being so conspicuous, he soon falls a prey to one of his numerous enemies, of whom the small boy with a pea-rifle is probably the worst. I, too frequently, hear of these enemies of their country being caught with three or four of these lovely little birds in their possession. However, Bird Day in the schools did much good, and the next generation of boy will probably have less of the savage in him.
The Emu-Wren, which has tail feathers like Emu feathers, is easily recognized if seen. It is difficult to cause it to fly out of the rushes round a swamp. The Bristle-Birds are Australian, and are fairly common in some dense scrubs.
Grass-Wrens are not Wrens, but are placed in the Warbler family. They are Central Australian birds. They seldom fly, but "progress like a rubber ball" with great swiftness. Theyare of the light tawny color that so well matches desert sands. It is very difficult to get a second look at one, as it hides in the grass and scrub, and almost refuses to be flushed. Sometimes it nearly allows itself to be walked upon.
Fourteen of the 17 members of the Wood-Swallow family are confined to the Australian region. The White-rumped Wood-Swallow extends from Australia through the islands to the Andaman Islands; another kind is found in India, Ceylon, and Burma. Some kinds are migratory. They appear suddenly in great companies, build a flimsy, careless nest in any spot high or low, and soon have the young on the wing. They are the "Blue-Birds," "Summer-Birds," or "Martins" of our youth. Some of these birds have the remarkable habit of hanging in a cluster similar to a great swarm of bees. Like Honey-eaters, they take honey from the flowering eucalypts. The street trees of Bendigo were alive with these birds in May, 1909. The Sordid Wood-Swallowis partly migratory, and lives in small companies. Most towns in Southern Australia have a company of these birds in the neighborhood. One such company lives in the Domain, near the entrance to the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.
These tame woodland birds, admirable in their graceful wheeling and floating flight, destroy numbers of destructive insects. Occasionally, a company has discovered that a good food supply can easily be obtained close to a beehive. Thus rarely they do a slight amount of harm, but the balance is overwhelmingly in their favor.
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284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 291, 293, 297 - click to enlarge
300, 300A, 302, 304, 306, 311, 312, 313, 315 - click to enlarge
319 320, 321, 322, 322A, 323, 323A, 326, 327 - click to enlarge
284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289 - click to enlarge
F. 127. SYLVIIDAE (79), WARBLERS (Whitethroat, Blackcap (Br.), Chiffchaff), 525 sp.—107(102)A., 137(84)O., 108(22)P., 267(228)E., 1(0)Nc.229284*Australian Reed-Warbler, Reed-Bird, (Nightingale), Water-Sparrow (e),Acrocephalus australis, Lombok, E.A., S.A., T. =vt. Eur. Reed-Warbler.Mig. c.reeds6.2Brown; head darker; under lighter; throat whitish; bill long, pointed; f., sim. Insects. Rich melodious song.151285*Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler, Grass-Warbler (Exiled), Corn (Barley) Bird,Cisticola exilis, Ind., Formosa to A. (exc. C.A.), King Is.Stat. r.grass,crops3.6Golden-buff; upper streaked blackish; tail 1.2in., blackish, edged buff; f., crown streaked black. Winter*crown streaked black; throat whitish; tail 1.9in.; f., sim.310286*Grass-Bird(Little Reed), Marsh-Warbler,Megalurus gramineus, N.S.W., V., S.A., T.Stat. v.r.tussocks5.2Upper brown streaked, lined blackish; throat, chest gray faintly streaked black; tail reddish-brown; f., sim. Insects. "Four or five plaintive notes."11287*Speckled Warbler, Little Field-Lark (-Wren), Speckled Jack, Blood Tit (e), Jenny-Wren (e),Chthonicola sagittata, E.A., S.A.Stat. r.grass5Under whitish boldly streaked black; head brown faintly streaked white; back brown, feathers edged lighter; tip-tail spotted white; f., sim. Insects. Singer.2627288*Little Tit-Warbler(Yellow), Yellow-breasted Thornbill, Tomtit, Little Tit,Acanthiza nana, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A.Stat. c.trees3.5Upper dull olive-green; under yellow; tail grayish-brown, black band; f., sim. Insects. "Tiz, tiz, tiz."289*Brown Tit-Warbler(Tit), Scrub Thornbill, Dwarf Warbler,A. pusilla, E.A., S.A.Stat. c.scrub3.7Upper, wings brown; tail brown, banded black, slightly tipped white; throat, chest spotted black and white; flanks, abdomen buff; f., sim. Insects. Singer.
F. 127. SYLVIIDAE (79), WARBLERS (Whitethroat, Blackcap (Br.), Chiffchaff), 525 sp.—107(102)A., 137(84)O., 108(22)P., 267(228)E., 1(0)Nc.
229
284*Australian Reed-Warbler, Reed-Bird, (Nightingale), Water-Sparrow (e),Acrocephalus australis, Lombok, E.A., S.A., T. =vt. Eur. Reed-Warbler.
Mig. c.reeds6.2
Brown; head darker; under lighter; throat whitish; bill long, pointed; f., sim. Insects. Rich melodious song.
151
285*Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler, Grass-Warbler (Exiled), Corn (Barley) Bird,Cisticola exilis, Ind., Formosa to A. (exc. C.A.), King Is.
Stat. r.grass,crops3.6
Golden-buff; upper streaked blackish; tail 1.2in., blackish, edged buff; f., crown streaked black. Winter*crown streaked black; throat whitish; tail 1.9in.; f., sim.
310
286*Grass-Bird(Little Reed), Marsh-Warbler,Megalurus gramineus, N.S.W., V., S.A., T.
Stat. v.r.tussocks5.2
Upper brown streaked, lined blackish; throat, chest gray faintly streaked black; tail reddish-brown; f., sim. Insects. "Four or five plaintive notes."
11
287*Speckled Warbler, Little Field-Lark (-Wren), Speckled Jack, Blood Tit (e), Jenny-Wren (e),Chthonicola sagittata, E.A., S.A.
Stat. r.grass5
Under whitish boldly streaked black; head brown faintly streaked white; back brown, feathers edged lighter; tip-tail spotted white; f., sim. Insects. Singer.
2627
288*Little Tit-Warbler(Yellow), Yellow-breasted Thornbill, Tomtit, Little Tit,Acanthiza nana, S.Q., N.S.W., V., S.A.
Stat. c.trees3.5
Upper dull olive-green; under yellow; tail grayish-brown, black band; f., sim. Insects. "Tiz, tiz, tiz."
289*Brown Tit-Warbler(Tit), Scrub Thornbill, Dwarf Warbler,A. pusilla, E.A., S.A.
Stat. c.scrub3.7
Upper, wings brown; tail brown, banded black, slightly tipped white; throat, chest spotted black and white; flanks, abdomen buff; f., sim. Insects. Singer.