Vol. XI. 



1912 



] Cii.\NnLER, Field Notes on White-hvowed Field-Wren. 237 



Field Notes on the White-browed Field-Wren 

 (Calamanthus albiloris). 

 By L. G. Chandler, R.A.O.U., Melbourne. 

 {Read before the Bird Observers' Club, lyth January, 191 2.) 

 In the open, heathy scrubs around Frankston, Victoria, the 

 White-browed Field-Wren is fairly numerous. Wherever the 

 dwarf sheoak {Caiisarina distyla) flourishes, one is almost certain 

 to find this species. The sheoak bushes afford excellent hiding 

 and a shade from the sun. C. albiloris is also partial to bayonet- 

 grass country, and although it generally frequents damp, swampy 

 ground, I have frequently observed specimens in summer on a dry, 

 treeless hillside. However, during the winter months these slopes 

 are wet and slippery through numerous small springs, which 

 bubble and trickle through the soil. In April, 1909, several days 

 were spent studying the habits of those shy little aviforms, and I 

 have taken every opportunity since to verify and add to my 

 observations. In one paddock about six pairs of birds were 

 located, and their warbling songs could be heard from the bush- 

 tops in all directions. The usual song may be described as a 

 repetition of a series of sweet notes, mingled with a few notes that 

 are slightly harsh. One call, used apparently during the breeding 

 season, resembles the familiar "tang" note of the White-fronted 

 Chat [E. albifrons). When mounting a bush-top to sing, the WYens 

 are extremely wary. The song is often begun in a low key, and 

 repeated in this strain for some time. By actual count, one bird 

 sang for twenty seconds. The effect is ventriloquial, the song 

 seeming to come from hundreds of yards away. Having satisfied 

 itself that no danger is at hand, the bird breaks into the full- 

 throated song. As it sings the head is restlessly moved from side 

 to side, the bud being ever on the watch for an enemy. At almost 

 any time of the day one may hear the song of the Calamanthus, 

 and in the dark I have heard one pouring forth its joyous notes! 

 The bird allows one to approach to within about 30 yards, and 

 then its song ceases. The tail is moved swiftly from side to'side, 

 the body swaying too, and suddenly the bird darts nto the bush 

 below. From my observations it would appear to be the male 

 bird which sings so vehemently, the female being remarkably quiet. 

 The female, lacking the white eyebrow and throat of her mate, 

 would be readily distinguished when singing on a bush- top, and 

 every example I have noticed was a male. 



Owing to the protective colours of their plumage, the birds are 

 not easily detected when hiding. The speed with which they 

 run is amazing. In the curious crouching attitude which the 

 Calamanthus assumes it resembles a mouse when running swiftly 

 through the grass. It almost invariably alights on the ground 

 after a flight. On the wing the tail is lowered to the plane of the 

 body. For a second or two, when the bird settles, the tail is 

 elevated over the back, and immediately lowered as the bird darts 



