288 NESTS AND EGGS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. 



The nest, and at all events tlie eggs, forwarded to Gould by the 

 collector, Mr. F. Strange, as pertaining to the White Face, evidently 

 belonged to another bird — most probably the Yellow-tailed Tit 

 ( Acanilriza chryxurrlioa ), which I have found breeding in the same 

 bushes with the White Face. Hence a ca,se of mistaken identity may 

 have occurred. 



The nests of the White Face I have more particularly noticed were 

 on the Miu'ray plains, where the birds built large cosy nests in the thick 

 polygonum bushes. I think it is Mr. Bennett who stated that he once 

 found a nest attached to an Eagle's nest. 



Breeding months, usually August to December. 



I have a note of an instance wlien a nest with four eggs was found 

 at Cooper's Creek as late as 24th March (1887). It was built of fine 

 twigs, lined with feathers, and placed in a cotton-bush. 



The following is one of Mr. Kcartland's interesting western notes 

 refeiTing to the White Face : — 



" In the mulga scrubs between Mullawa and Lake Way these birds 

 were frequently seen, either .singly or in small flocks. They are very 

 active, either on the ground or amongst the scrub. Their bulky nests 

 are usually located amongst drooping foUage of the casuarina or acacia, 

 but on one occa.sion Mr. Jones pointed out a hollow log about eight 

 feet high into which he had noticed a small bird disappear, and on 

 sphtting it open we were surprised to find a Xerophila's nest, containing 

 three fresh eggs at the bottom of the spout (date 8th FebniaiT, 1896). 

 A few days aftoi-wards another wa.s found in a similar position. The 

 Xcrophila was not fovmd fiu-ther north than Lake Augusta." 



Tlie following interesting note by Mr. Robert Hall I'especting the 

 nesting of the Wliite Face appeai-ed in the " Victorian Naturalist," 

 Jimc, 1897: — 



" For years past several pairs have, along with the common Sparrow, 

 occupied portions of the verandah, etc., of a wayside inn at Lake Boga, 

 Swan Hill District, Victoria. The nest is loosely constructed, rather 

 smaller than that of the Sparrow, and generally contains foiu- or five 

 eggs at a sitting, several broods being reared in the season. Tlie birds 

 are generally considered insectivorous, but here they seem quite partial 

 to ci-umbs and refuse from the house, as well as to the company of man, 

 for one nest was built within a few feet of the business door of the 

 establishment. Had the birds been living among the timber in their 

 natural way, dried grass would have been chosen for the nesting 

 material ; but in the case under notice a great variety of material was 

 brought together, such as portions of lace veils, wool, cloth, string, gi'ass 

 and feathers, which often lie about the doors of country houses. 

 Perhaps the most peculiar action of these birds was the choice, last 

 September, by a pair of them, of the end of a loosely rolled up curtain 

 of a waggonette in which to build their nest. The vehicle had not 

 been used for some weeks, bvit before they could have sat long upon 

 the eggs the waggonette was used for a couple of short joimieys on 

 alternate days without the birds being noticed or disturbed. However, 

 five days after, the trap was sent a Journey of twenty-two miles, and 



