OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 259 



(Strepera), the note of which they often imitate. They 

 frequent nearly all the orchards and gardens about Sydney, 

 especially if they contain any of the native olive or Moreton 

 Bay fig trees in fruit, to which they are very partial. I have 

 known them, though seemingly with great reluctance, eat the 

 berries of the white cedar. Towards the beginning of 

 September those near Sydney pair and seek for breeding 

 places, each couple selecting a distinct locality, where they 

 remain during the whole of the season ; even if the nest be 

 taken, they will, like the Grallina australis, continue building 

 near the same place until the season has expired." 



There is a divergence between the Orioles of the mainland 

 and those of the Malay Archipelago, as noted by Mr. Wallace, 

 and interesting as a case of protective mimicry. The two 

 species of the islands unconsciously mimic the Leatherheads 

 {Philemon), and thus lead birds of prey to believe they have 

 to deal with the pugnacious Leatherhead instead of the harm- 

 less bird under notice. 



Nest. — Open and suspended to a swaying branch ; built of 

 grasses and leaves, lined internally with soft materials ; 

 diameter about 4 inches. 



Eggs. — Three to a sitting, generally ; the ground colour is 

 cream, over which are umber and brown spots, and faint lilac 

 marks- appearing as if beneath the surface. Length, 1.25 

 inches ; breadth, 0.9 inches. 



