^14 ^'ESTS AND EGGS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. 



Nest. — Cup-shaped ; somewhat rough outwardly, but thoroughly con- 

 structed of fine twigs, strips of bark, leaves, &c. ; in some instances 

 nearly all dry grass ; inside of variegated appearance, lined with zamia 

 (Cyrod ) wool and downy substance from banksia cones ; sometimes soft 

 leaves or a feather are added, in other instances silky seed-vessels or 

 clematis down are used chiefly ; usually situated low in the centre of 

 bushes. Dimensions over all, 3^' inches by 2| inches in depth ; egg 

 cavity, 2 inches across by IJ inches deep. 



E(igf: — Clutch, two usually, sometimes three ; stout oval in shape ; 

 texture of sliell fine ; surface witliout gloss ; colour, pale or delicate 

 buff, spotted, and sometimes blotched with nifous or reddish-chestnut, 

 the markings being more around the apex. Dimensions in inches of a 

 proper pair : (1) -82 x -61, (2) -79 x -6. 



Observations. — The Long-billed Honeyeater is the beautiful western 

 variety of the familiar White-bearded Honeyeater. It has been found 

 as far east as Encounter Bay (South Australia). Dr. Ramsay, in his 

 " List of Australian Birds," assigns the bird to the New South Wales 

 and Wide Bay district columns, and makes the bird a sub-species. 

 No doubt the White-bearded Honeyeater and the Long-billed are very 

 closely allied ; but on seeing the respective birds at home, as I have 

 enjoyed doing, there appear characteristic differences even in their 

 voices, not to mention the specific distinction of the longer bill of the 

 western bird. 



In the recesses of the western forests I found many nests and eggs 

 which agree with Gilbert's original description of those of the bird 

 which is locally called the " Yellow Wing." The birds axe numerous 

 and frisky about the under scrub, chii-ping like chickens, or perhaps may 

 be seen turning somersaults from some swaying bough after insect prey. 

 The nests are usually placed a foot or two from the ground in a thick, 

 low bush, such as an acacia. The birds sat closely, in many instances 

 letting me almost place my hand upon them. Sometimes at my 

 approach a pretty bird settling well down in its nest would anxiously 

 watch me with its pearly-white eyes. 



Breeding season July to December, the principal months being the 

 last three. 



348. — Meliornis sericea, Gould. — (298) 



WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER. 



Figure. — Gould: Birds of Australia, fol., vol. iv., pi. 25. 



Reference. — Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. ix., p. 254. 



Previous Descriptions of Eggs. — Campbell : Southern Science Record 



(1883) ; North : Austn. Mus. Cat., p. 193, pi. 12, fig. 19 (1889) ; 



Campbell : Proc. .A.ustn. Assoc, vol. vii., p. 633 (i8g8). 



Geographical Distrihution. — Queensland, New South Wales, and 

 Victoria. 



