180 Mr. E. P. Ramsay on the Birds of Sydney. 



they pair off and seek for breeding-places, each pair taking a 

 locality to themselves, which they keep during the whole of that 

 season ; and, like the Grallina australis, if the nests are taken, 

 they will continue building, and near the same place, until the 

 season has expired. 



In all respects the nest is like that of the Friar-bird {Tropi- 

 dorhynchus corniculatus) , differing only in the size, which is a little 

 smaller, being from 4 to 5 inches in diameter, 3 to 4 inches 

 wide inside, and about 3| inches deep. It is cup-shaped, com- 

 posed of shreds of the bark of the Stringy-bark tree {Eucalyptus, 

 sp.), strongly interwoven ; the inside is made thick and more 

 compact by addition of the white paper-like bark of the Tea-tree, 

 or, in its absence, any other material adapted for the purpose ; 

 lastly, it is lined with the narrow leaves of the native oaks, or with 

 grass and hair. 



The nest is usually suspended between a fork at the very end 

 of a horizontal bough of Eucalyptus, Tea-tree, Turpentine-tree, 

 &c. &c., and often in very exposed situations. 



The eggs are from two to three in number, usually three. In 

 two instances only did we find four — the first of these being in 

 1860, and the second in 1861. In length the eggs are from 

 1 inch 2 lines to 1 inch 4 lines ; in breadth, from 9 lines to 1 inch. 

 The ground-colour varies from a rich cream to a dull white or 

 very light brown, minutely dotted and blotched with umber and 

 blackish brown, with faint lilac spots which appear beneath the 

 surface, all over in some; but generally the spots are more 

 numerous at the larger end, where they form an indistinct band. 



The note of this Oriole is very melodious and varied. It may 

 often be seen perched in some shady tree, with its head thrown 

 back, showing to perfection its mottled breast, singing in its low 

 tone, and imitating the notes of many other birds, including the 

 Zosterops australis, and particularly the Black or Fruit-eating 

 Magpie. It also indulges in a harsh guttural sort of squeak, 

 which it frequently emits while feeding. During the breeding- 

 season (which commences at the end of September, and ends with 

 January), it confines itself to a very monotonous although me- 

 lodious cry, the first part of which is quickly repeated and which 

 ends in a lower note. 



