l66 Mellor, The A.O.U. in Tasmania. [ist'^'Aprii 



olivacea. The notes of these birds were loud and clear, and but 

 for their frequent repetition the birds would be passed even by 

 the close observer, as they delight to frequent the thick, low 

 eucalypt and acacia scrubs, where they build and rear their 

 young. Both species had their offspring full grown, the colour 

 of the latter being of a peculiar rusty-red colour on the under 

 surface. A fairly common bird was the Brown Scrub-Wren, 

 which hopped over the logs in the shaded and damp places, 

 often followed by two young ones, which were occasionally fed 

 by their parents with some insect tit-bit. These birds were 

 extremely inquisitive if one lay down and quietly watched the 

 birds at work. The Flame-breasted Robin was abundant, while 

 the Scarlet-breasted variety was scarce. In the way of Tits, the 

 secluded leafy retreats formed beautiful hunting grounds for 

 these little friends of the garden and field, which are ever on the 

 alert to search out and devour in their small yet ever 

 persistent way the small insects that do such damage to 

 trees and flowers and all vegetable life. The species were 

 few but individually well represented — the Brown-rumped Tit 

 {Acant/nza diemenensis) and the Yellow-rumped Tit {A, 

 chrysorrhoa). ZoncBgintJius bellus was fairly plentiful, and 

 had just commenced to nest, as pairs were seen carrying 

 bits of straw to construct their nests, which were afterwards 

 found in the high acacias and low gum trees. The Hone)'- 

 eaters were fairly numerous, as their food supply is in abundance, 

 especially when the multitudinous species of flowers are in 

 bloom, with plenty of insects to vary their diet, as the Honey- 

 eater likes a certain portion of these to keep up its healthy 

 condition, especially in the cold weather. The largest of the 

 family was the Yellow Wattle-bird, which was rare indeed. 

 The Brush Wattle-Bird {A. inellwora), with its harsh, cackling 

 note, was in evidence, but the most plentiful was the Yellow- 

 throated Honey-eater. The White-bearded and Crescent 

 Honey -eaters were also abundant, while the Tasmanian Spinebill 

 flitted from tree to tree in search of its honey food. The Strong- 

 billed Honey-eater {Me/ithrcpttts validirostris) was often seen in 

 the low trees, while its ally, the Black-headed {M^ iiielano- 

 cepJialiis) kept in more elevated positions in the tops of the high 

 towering gums, almost out of sight. The Grey Butcher-Bird 

 (yCracticus cinereus) was seen on several occasions in the timbered 

 localities, and the Magpie {Gymnor'hina Jiyperleuca) frequented 

 more open country, while Ravens were observed in the giant 

 trees of the forest, well up out of harm's way. The Small-billed 

 Cuckoo-Shrike was fairly plentiful in all situations, its habits 

 being identical with those of its near ally of the mainland. The 

 Yellow-tipped Diamond-Bird was also a common bird, while the 

 Spotted variety {P. punctatns) was rare. A sharp look-out was 

 kept for the smaller and more sombre species, the Forty-spotted 



