406 A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF THE MUDGEE DISTRICT, 



aware that the beauty of their plumage renders them a desirable 

 mark for the stone-throwing boy. We have not taken the eggs, 

 nor are we able to state the times of its arrival and departure. 



46. Pachycephala rufiventris, Lath. 



This species arrives in September, and most of them leave us in 

 March, although we have noticed their plaintive call in the middle 

 of May. A sudden noise, as the report ot a gun, will always start 

 them singing, and in this they resemble the Coach- whip bird, as 

 also in their possessing ventriloquial powers. We have taken 

 eggs from November 1st to December 7th. The male takes a 

 turn in sitting on the eggs. 



47. COLLYRIOCINCLA HARMONICA, Lath. 



Builds in all manner of unexpected places, hollow posts, stumps, 

 and even in banks where there is a hollow on the edge. For five 

 years consecutively a pair has built in an old iron pot standing 

 on a shelf in a carpenter's shop where work is frequently going 

 on, at Cullenbone. On an occasion we took a set of eggs out of 

 an old nest of Pomatostomus tempo7'alis. Eggs in September, 

 October, and November. 



48. Falcunculus frontatus, Lath. 



A rare bird, but when seen, many birds may be observed. 



49. Oreoica cristata. Lew. 



This bird also possesses ventriloquial powers. Eggs in August 

 and September. 



50. Rhipidura albiscapa, Gld. 



We have seen an unfinished nest as late as December 15th. 

 Gould says the eggs are invariably two, but one of us has seen 

 three. Locally known as " Devil-bird." In bathing it hops into 

 water and beats the water over itself, and then goes out, repeating 

 the proceeding several times. 



