OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 113 



the interior of the continent, and is more a border bird or 

 visitor to the parts at present being civilized. 



P. temporalis has been called, because of its partiality for 

 this pest, the " Codlin-moth eater." In any case, it is a 

 most useful friend to the cultivators of introduced fruit trees. 



The fourth species of the genus is a resident of North- 

 Western Australia, extending into Central Australia. 



The nesting habits of the genus are comparatively strange. 

 About half a dozen nests are built before a decision has been 

 made in which one the eggs are to be finally laid. This habit 

 gives a very great advantage to the birds in the preservation 

 of their eggs, for animals with felonious intent can visit five 

 nests before finding the particular one desired, and may well 

 give up the search before reaching the sixth. 



The whole flock join in the nest-building — a kind of mutual 

 aid arrangement — and three to five eggs are laid by each 

 pair. 



Nest. — Rugged appearance, large and spherical, with side 

 entrance, spouted ; made of twigs, and lined with grasses, &c.; 

 situated in a small tree. 



Eggs. — Four eggs generally to a sitting ; pale brown, with 

 peculiar cobweb or hair-like lines irregularly placed upon 

 them. Length, 1 inch ; breadth, 0.35 inch. 



