BY J. D. COX AND A. G. HAMILTON. 403 



nest composed of green clover leaves, quite fresh and moist, 

 placed in a knot-hole of a fallen tree. Eggs October 6th to 

 November 18th. All three species are locally known as "Blue- 

 larks " and " Martins." 



34. Pardalotus punctatus, Temm. 



Kare in most parts of the district, but common at Cooyal on 

 the Dividing Range, eighteen miles east of Mudgee. Eggs 

 October 12th. Known as "Diamond-bird." 



35. Pardalotus ornatus, Vig. ds Horsf. ( = P. striatus, Temm.) 

 This bird here, in addition to its habit of nesting in hollow 



branches and Fairy-martins' nests, also burrows into banks on 

 river sides and creeks, building a stringy bark nest about 18 

 inches from opening It sometimes takes possession of the Fairy- 

 martin's nest by force of arms. They nest in spouts and Martins' 

 nests in August and September, and in burrows in September. 

 Eggs taken from burrow on October 4th. 



36. Strepera graculina, White. 



Although stray birds may be observed at any time, they first 

 appear in force on the newly ploughed ground in April. We 

 have not taken eggs, but they breed in the highest hills of the 

 district. We have shot full fledged young birds on January 21st. 

 Gould observed them only in small families, but here they are 

 seen in flocks of 10 to 20, and at Mt. Wilson one of us has often 

 noticed flocks of 100 or more making the mountain resound with 

 their cries. They are very destructive in orchards and vineyards. 

 Known locally as " Black Magpies." 



37. Strepera cuneicaudata, Vieill. 



Not generally seen in pairs in the centre of the district, but 

 common at Cudgegong and Ilford in the southern part. They 

 do not usually attack fruit when wild, but in a state of captivity 

 eat it greedily. Gould attributes the metallic call of dinky 

 clink to S. argiUa, but, if this is not a mistake, the present 



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