OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 



141 



bouglis of trees whilst searching every crevice for grubs and 

 insects. 



In contradistinction to the Tree-creepers (Climacteris), 

 which move spirally upwards as they search for food, the 

 Tree-runners work spirally downwards, the head towards the 

 earth. Both genera, however, agree in so far as they both 

 feed largely on hard-winged insects. 



The Sittellse go in small flocks of eight or ten individuals, 



Black-capped Tree-runner. 



and when disturbed fly heavily in a compact mass, appearing 

 to be one solid body rather than several light bird shapes. 



Of two specimens obtained on 25th July, 1896, I found 

 that one, the male, had a yellow band at the base of upper 

 mandible, evidently a sign of immaturity, as the sexes in the 

 adult stage are, according to Mr. Gould, alike in this respect. 

 When the male bird on this particular^occasion lost his mate, 



