582 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



there is scarcely an estate in either of the colonies in which it 

 may not be found either as a permanent resident or an 

 occasional visitor. 



Its natural disposition, leading it to confine itself almost 

 exclusively to the topmost branches of the loftiest trees, is 

 doubtless the cause of its not being more generally known 

 than it is ; its rich scarlet breast, not even attracting notice 

 at the distance from the ground at which it generally 

 keeps; and, in obtaining specimens, I was more frequently 

 made aware of its presence by its pretty warbling song than 

 by its movements among the branches ; so small an object, 

 in fact, is most difficult of detection among the thick foliage 

 of the lofty CasuarincB, to which trees it is extremely partial, 

 particularly to those growing on the banks of creeks and 

 rivers. It is also frequently to be seen among the clusters 

 of the beautiful parasitic Lorcmthus, which is very common on 

 the Casuarin(B in the neighbourhood of the Upper Hunter. 

 Whether the bird is attracted to this misseltoe-like plant for 

 the purpose of feeding upon its sweet and juicy berries I 

 could not ascertain ; its chief food is insects, but in all 

 probability it may occasionally vary its food. 



The Swallow Dicseum has neither the actions of the 

 Pardalotes nor of the Honey-eaters; it differs from the 

 former in its quick darting flight, and from the latter in its 

 less prying, clinging, and creeping actions among the leaves, &c. 

 When perched on a branch it sits more upright, and is more 

 Swallow-like in its contour than either of the forms alluded 

 to ; the structure of its nest and the mode of its nidification 

 are also very dissimilar. 



Its song is a very animated and long-continued strain, but 

 is uttered so inwardly, that it is almost necessary to stand 

 beneath the tree upon which the bird is perched, before its 

 notes can be heard. 



It would appear that the range of this species extends to 

 all parts of the Australian continent, since I have received 



