1152 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS' EGGS. 



Anas supercilosa, Gmel. 



The eggs of this species vary in number from 6 to 10 for a 

 sitting. The nest is often placed at some distance from the water 

 among herbage on the ground, which hides the bird from view when 

 sitting. Often a small " run " through the long grass and herbs 

 leads to the nest itself. A great variety of situations is chosen for 

 the nest, and the eggs are always covered over with down and 

 feathers of the parent bird when she leaves the nest. The colour 

 is a pale cream tint, sometimes with a greenish shade. One egg I 

 have seen has a round green spot, but this must be looked upon 

 as quite accidental. Average length 2*2 by 1-9 inches in breadth. 

 {Note-booh, 1880-1,/?. 4.) 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIX. 



Eggs of Australian Birds. 



Fig. 1. — Egg of Chlamydodera macidata. 



Fig. 2. — ,, Ptilonorhynchus violacem. 



Fig. 3. — ,, Pachycex>liala gutturalis, showing a double band of spots 



caused by retention in the oviduct. 

 Fig. 4. — ,, Sericidus melinus. 

 Fig. 5. — ,, Pachycephalia gilberti. 

 Fig. 6 — ,, Ailurcedus crassirostris. 



