OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 77 



The method of hunting for food adopted by these birds is 

 a thorough one. 



A given area is apparently marked out, easily surveyed 

 from a position which a pair of birds takes up on suitable 

 tree stumps. Passing insects thus run little chance of escap- 

 ing the vigilant watchers, who, ever alert, dart out as the 

 doomed prey approaches, capture it, and then return to the 

 same stump in readiness for a second attack. This is done 

 several times in succession, the birds meanwhile affecting (as 

 they do all day) a lateral movement of the tail like a 

 cat which is about to pounce on some luckless sparrow or 

 mouse. 



They also forage among the foliage in suitable weather. 



Both sexes are gentle, and exhibit little fear of man. It is 

 often a matter of some difficulty to remove a sitting bird, 

 forcible ejection only answering in many cases. 



The fascinating ways and the opportunity to note them 

 and their nesting habits are so readily secured that the 

 observer is drawn to watch them, and becomes interested at 

 the same time in the nests. 



One I found built near a roadside was so prettily orna- 

 mented on that side, the one to view, that I feel inclined to 

 maintain it possesses a sense of beauty. Passers-by could 

 easily observe the special uniform bark-lamellae, whereas the 

 other side, away from view, was devoid of taste and 

 uniformity. 



If the eggs be extracted from a nest and not returned, the 

 owner will destroy the nest, and with the same material re- 

 build in another spot near at hand. 



Although two eggs form the usual clutch, on three occasions 

 I have noted four in a single nest, and in one case, in the 

 year 1895, as late as 26th February. It was in a Cleopatra 

 apple tree, and situated 4 feet from ploughed ground. Octo- 

 ber is the regular month for building. 



