^"'w' ] Hill, Birds of Ararat District. I^Q 



Scrub-Wren {Sericorm's, sp.*) — I was not able to identify the species, 

 which is fairly plentiful on Mt. Mistake and Mt. Cole. 



Spotted Ground-Bird {Cindosoma pundaitim). — Formerly plentiful 

 in the scrub country, but has become scarce. 



Chestnut-backed Ground-Bird (C. castanonotum). — A pair was seen 

 on the southern slope of the Dividing Range, where they brought out a 

 brood of young. This is the only note I have of this species being seen 

 here. 



Babbler {Poinafor/u'nns fcmporalis). — These birds are numerous on the 

 red gum flats, but are seldom seen in scrubby country or far from creeks. 



White-browed Babbler {P. superdliosus). — Generally found on 

 higher country than the former species, and in the vicinity of acacia hedges. 

 Nesting commences in July. 



Rufous Song-Lark {Cindorhamphus rufesccns). — A late spring visitor. 

 In 1898 and '99 they were fairly numerous, and eggs were taken during the 

 first week of November both years, but I do not recollect seeing them since 

 1899. 



Brown Song-Lark (C cruralis). — Unlike C. rufesccns^ this species is 

 not found in all parts of the district, but is peculiar to the low country lying 

 on the southern side of the Dividing Range. 



White-fronted Chat {Ephthiaimra albifrons). — A regular spring 

 visitor, found usually in the more open parts, and about the vineyards, where 

 their nests may be found resting on the crowns of the vines. 



Whiteface {Xerophtla leiicopsis). — This bird remains in the district 

 throughout the year. As regards sites for their nests they are not particular. 

 Nests were found in bushes, hollow branches of both standing and fallen 

 trees, under loose sheets of bark, in mortice-holes of fencing posts, and even 

 in hollow branches lying on the wood-heap. 



White-backed Magpie {GymnorJima leuco)wfa).— 'W\\en insect life is 

 scarce I have seen old Magpies become so tame that they would eat from 

 the hand, but when grain or grapes are to be had they become both 

 destructive and difficult to shoot. I am unable to say if they are increasing 

 in numbers here, though I think that poisoned grain and pollard laid for 

 rabbits will prevent any noticeable increase. 



BUTCHER-BiRD {O'adicus destfudor). — An occasional bird may be seen 

 in the winter. 



Shrike-Tit {Falcimculus fro7itatus). 



Bell-Bird {Oreoica cristata). — Usually found in the thickest scrub, 

 where the nests, which are built of bark, leaves, and twigs, and lined with 

 fine grass, rootlets, and a few flat pieces of bark, are found resting on the 

 tops of small stumps which have been cut down a few feet from the ground 

 and have thrown out a strong second growth. I have watched these birds 

 with a view to finding out whether their rich notes are made by the male 

 birds only, or partly by the males and partly by the females, and I am 

 satisfied that the latter is the case. 



Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin {Eopsaliria aiistralis).~0\-\ 9th 

 October, 1898, two eggs, of uniform sky-blue, each measuring .76 inch x 

 .66 inch, were taken from a nest, and in the following year a nest was found 

 on the same branch containing two eggs of the usual shape and colour. 



White-throated Thickhead {Padiycepkala gutturalis). 



Rufous-breasted Thickhead {P. nifiventris), 



* Probably S, osctilans. — Eds. 



