410 A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF THE MUDGEE DISTRICT, 



76. Anthus australis, Vigr. & Horsf. 



Eggs August 1st to November 20th. Sometimes a set is met with 

 differing from the ordinary type in having bold blotches on the 

 usual ground ; they then resemble the eggs of Artamus super- 

 ciliosus. Known as " Ground-lark." 



77. Cincloramphus cruralis, Vig. dh Horsf. 



A summer bird, rare here till 1884 and 1885, when it was 

 extremely common. In 1886 few were seen, but they remained 

 all winter, and we noticed them singing early in August. In 

 1887 they were rare still, although there were more than in the 

 previous year, but in 1888 and 1889 we saw none at all, Eggs 

 in October and November. Known as " Singing-lark." 



78. Cincloramphus rufescens, Vig. <& Horsj. ( = Ptenoedus 



RUFESCENS). 



The remarks on the previous species apply equally to this. 

 Eggs August 1st to December 7th. A rare type of ^gg is pale 

 flesh colour with a cap of deep chocolate. Known as " Singing- 

 lark." 



79. Calamoherpe australis, Gld. 



Found on the river bank wherever a bed of reeds or bulrushes 

 occurs. They arrive here in August, and lay from September 25th 

 to December 16 th. We have observed them feeding their young 

 about the middle of March, and by the beginning of April they 

 are all gone. They sometimes construct the nest in hanging 

 branches of Casuarina or willow, as well as in reeds. They use 

 wet and partly decomposed Typha leaves and water-weeds in 

 building. Their song is heard all through the night in summer, 

 especially on moonlight nights. Known as " Reed-bird." 



80. MiRAFRA Horspieldii, Gld. 

 Rare. 



81. Estrilda Bichenovii, Vig. (Sc Horsf. 



First observed by us in 1886, and then seen all through the 

 winter, and up till September in small flocks mingled with Estrilda 



