136 THE USEFUL BIRDS 



WHITE-FRONTED CHAT 



(Jenny-Wren, Tang, Nun), 



Ephtliianura albifroiis, Jard. and Selb. 



Ef-thi-a-nu rd al'bi-frotis. 

 Ephthos, perhaps languid ; oura, tail ; albus, white ; frons, forehead. 



Ephthianura albifrons, Gould, "Birds of Australia," foL, vol. iii., 



pi. 64. 



Geographical Distribution. — Areas 4, 6, 7, 9. 



Key to the Species. — Male — Black crescent across white breast ; 

 throat white; forehead white; hinder crown black. Bill slender. 

 Total length, 4 inches. 



Female — The blacks and whites are much reduced in contrast, 

 and all the parts are greyer. 



The White-fronted Chat is one of four very beautiful and 

 conspicuous species of a genus pecuHar to the Commonwealth, 

 and, moreover, is worthy of note in so far as it is the only one 

 of the three species of " Chats " that does not migrate north- 

 wards during the late summer. 



A bird of graceful form and handsome markings, it is found 

 associated in small flocks in the southern parts of Australia 

 during the months between February and July^ frequenting 

 the high grass and low bushes of open country. The peculiar 

 metallic " tang " uttered by these pretty birds as they fly 

 off at the approach of a stranger is well known to those who 

 have visited its haunts. 



It is a nomadic bird, wandering freely through the large 

 stretches of country suited to its habits, and, in an exception- 

 ally severe season, will even leave the most southerly parts 

 for more genial climes, never, however, wandering so far as to 

 merit the term migrant. 



The White-fronted Chat is an early builder. Before the end 

 of July the males become most pugnacious, engaging in noisy 



