It;8 NESTS AND EGGS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. 



Since the above was written, my son found several pairs breeding at 

 Rutherglen, in the north-western district of Victoria, during September 

 (1899). The nests were situated at heights varying from two feet to 

 ten feet from the ground. He sent for my inspection two nests (one 

 accompanied by skin of the bird), both having the usual tail-Uke appendage. 

 One was elongated (lOi inches in length by 2A inches in diameter), and 

 the other roundish (7 inches by 3| inches). They are similar to those 

 described by Gould from Western AustraUa, but without moss in their 

 construction, having instead such evidences of civilization as cattle hair, 

 fragments of old newspapers, &c. The eggs also differ, one set being 

 redder than those already described by me, while the other was more 

 purple and more beautiful in colour of markings. 



131. — PsErDOGERYGONE BRUNNEIPECTUS, Sharpe. 

 BROWN-BREASTED FLY EATER. 



Reference. — Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. iv., p. 221. 



Gcograj)hical Distribution. — North Australia (Sharpe); also New 

 Guinea and Aiii Islands. 



West and Eggs. — ^Undescribed. 



Observations. — This httle-known Gerygone, wliich may be distinguished 

 by its reddish-brown breast, flanks and ear coverts, is stated by Dr. Shai-pe 

 to be very doubtfully distinct from P. conspicillata of New Guinea. 



132. PSEUDOGERYGONE MAGNIROSTRIS, Gould. (158) 



LARGE-BILLED FLY EATER. 



Figure.— GouM: Birds of Australia, fol.. vol. ii , pi loo. 

 Reference. — Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. iv., p. 222. 

 Previous Description of Eggs. — Nil. 



Geographical Distribution. — Northern Territory and North Queens- 

 land; also New Guinea (probably). 



Nest. — Exceedingly long, ragged, bulky, resembling a bunch of flood 

 debris suspended from branches over the water; constnicted of strings 

 of grass (dead), skeleton leaves, rootlets, &c. ; the nest proper, which is 

 near the bottom, sometimes nearer the top, being built of finer materials, 

 mixed with cocoons, and lined with soft stuff — feathers, &c. It is shghtly 

 pointed or bearded, and has the side entrance partly hooded. Dimensions : 

 Total length, 17 or 18 inches by 5 inches broad in thickest part; nest 

 proper, 5 inches long (including tail, 2 inches) by 4 inches broad ; the 

 entrance, situated 5 inches from the bottom, | inch across. 



