OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 33 



WHITE-BROWED WOOD SWALLOW 



(Martin, Summer-bird), 

 Artaiiius superciliosus, Gld. 



Ar'ta-tHUS i< fi-persil-i-o siis. 

 Artamos, a butcher ; super, over; ciliiun, eyelid. 



AiiTAMUS sui'ERCiLiosus, Could, " l'>irds of Australia," fol., vol. ii., 



pi. 32. 



Geogkai'hical Distribution. — Areas 3, 4, (>. 



Key to the Species. — Under surface of body vinaceous chestnut ; a 

 broad white eyebrow ; bill long and pointed, the cuhnen exceeding 

 the length of the hind toe and claw. 



The White- browed Wood-Swallow shows a remarkable instinct 

 in the choice of a locality where insect life is specially 

 abundant. The decision is evidently arrived at some time 

 previous to their return from the North, though how the 

 knowledge regarding the suitability of the chosen areas is 

 arrived at is a matter shrouded in mystery. 



It is also noticeable that a certain number are associated 

 with a distinct area, to which they jealously keep, deriving a 

 deal of their sustenance from the grassed lands, over which 

 they move by a series of hops and jumps. 



Often a single bird, chattering incessantly, will settle upon 

 the upper portion of a tree, some 20 feet above the ground, 

 and from this point start out in pursuit of some winged 

 insect which, unfortunately for itself, has come within the 

 bird's purview. Eeturning, it essays another chase, con- 

 tinuing to repeat the same for a considerable time, soaring 

 downwa.rds and winging its active upward way by a series of 

 rapid flaps. 



Previous to entering upon the serious business of their life, 

 that of nesting, the birds assemble in flocks in the higher 



