BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 75 



Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania aucl the principal groups 

 in Bass Strait; Victoria, \ew South Wales, South Australia, and 

 South Queensland. 



Observations. — Owing to the extensive clearing of large areas 

 of undergrowth and heavy timber, this species has entirely' dis- 

 appeared from some localities, and is much reduced in numbers 

 in others. The Fire-tailed Finch prefers fairly heavily timbered 

 country, where among the fallen leaves and grass it obtains the 

 bulk of its food. Although sh}- in disposition, it speedily becomes 

 tame when not molested. During the early morning hours in any 

 suitable locality small flocks may be seen searching through the 

 grass for tiny snails and the like. It is very quick on the wing, 

 and has a somewhat plaintive whistling note. As a cage-bird it is 

 very much sought after, notwithstanding its being on the totally 

 protected list, on account of its hardiness. 



ORDER— PICARI/E : PICARIAN BIRDS. 



Sub-Order — Coraciae. 



FAMILY-CYPSELIDvt (2 species). 



Sub-Family — Cypselinas. 



WHITE-EUMPED SWIFT 



(Micropus pacijicus, Lath.) 



Male. — "Upper plumage dark blackish-brown with a greenish 

 gloss, the feathers narrowly edged with whity-bi'own, these edges 

 becoming more indistinct if the birds are quite adult; a band 

 across the rump pure white, with narrow brown shaft-streaks; 

 chin and throat white with brown shaft-streaks ; remainder of the 

 lower parts, under wing coverts, and under tail coverts brown, 

 with white edges and blackish subterminal bars to the feathers in 

 all stages ; ' iris brown ; bill black ; feet pinkish ; claws dark brown ' 

 (Gates). Total length, nearly 7 in.; wing, 7 to 7.3; lateral rec- 

 trices, 3.3; central, 2.1; tarsus, 0.45" (B. M. Cat.) 



Female. — Similar in plumage. 



Nest. — "The nest consists of a few straws and feathers 

 cemented with saliva " (E. Hall). 



Eggs. — "Clutch two usually; oval in shape, while others are 

 exceedingly elongated and bluntly pointed at the smaller end; 

 texture of shell fine ; surface has a faint trace of gloss ; colour 

 pure white. Dimensions in inches of a proper clutch : — (1) 1.01 x 

 .66, (2) 1.0 X .6; of a more oval example, .95 x .7" (A. J. 

 Campbell). 



Breeding Season. — (?). 



Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania (rare visitor), Australia 



