40 



THE USEFUL BIRDS 



Artamus shows no partiality for any particular kind of 

 timber in which to place its nest, building in all kinds in- 

 discriminately. In disposition they are very gentle. The 

 nesting season lasts from September to December. 



The largest and the most beautiful form of Artamus is 

 found along the Murray River. It has a white rump and 

 abdomen, and is known as the White-rumped Wood-Swallow 

 [Artamus leiicogaster, Valenc.) 



Eggs of White-ruraped Wood-Swallow in old nest of Magpie-Lark. 



Nest. — Very similar to the preceding two species. The bird 

 shows a preference for spouts of trees, at the ends of which 

 the slight nests are placed, but the position injthe timber may 

 vary greatly. The figure on p. 38 cost Mr. Mattingley thirteen 



