Vol. in."] Littler, Notes on Some Birds Peculiar to Tasmania. 2 7 



1903 j ' / 



2-|- in. ; depth, 2\ in., not including the tail-like appendage, 

 2 in. ; egg cavity, if in. in diameter ; depth i-| in. 



Much discussion has arisen at various times as to the use or 

 otherwise of the tail-like appendage. It is never finished off as 

 neatly as the rest of the structure, and after a time is unravelled 

 by the wind, and falls off to a great extent. Some writers believe 

 it is useful in steadying the nest when placed in an exposed 

 position ; others, again, are inclined to consider it a piece of 

 pure mimicry, the bird desiring to imitate an excrescence on a 

 limb. This last applies when the nest is placed in the open. 

 Usually three eggs are laid ; the ground colour is a dirty shade 

 of white, somewhat heavily spotted and blotched with reddish- 

 brown, especially in the vicinity of the apex, where the spots 

 form a confluent band. 



The food of the Dusky Fantail consists almost entirely of 

 insects, which are largely captured in the air. When flitting 

 from bough to bough it has a rather head-over-heels kind of 

 flight ; it is from this curious habit it gains the name of " Cranky 

 Fan." It is very tame in disposition, and has often been known 

 to enter dwellings in the bush and amuse itself catching flies 

 on the window panes. Although preferring the vicinity of creeks 

 and shady dells, it is no uncommon object in the gardens round 

 and about Launceston. Many times have I seen one or more 

 specimens flitting about the trees in our garden. The bump of 

 curiosity seems to be largely developed in these birds ; oftentimes 

 have I had them flitting round my head and face when standing 

 quietly observing their habits in the bush. The presence of a 

 human being about their haunts seems to excite and fascinate 

 them ; they seem impelled to come and investigate the creature. 

 The flight is weak and wavering, many strange antics being 

 performed when on the wing. The song is also weak, but pretty. 

 I always enjoy sitting in some thickly wooded gully and listening 

 to the Dusky Fantail pouring forth its notes to the accompani- 

 ment of a babbling rill. 



Long-tailed Blue Wren (Malurus gouldi). — Under various 

 names, such as " Gould's Blue Wren," " Cocktail," " Blue-cap," 

 &c, is this beautiful little species known to us. Its dainty little 

 form is almost as familiar as that of the sturdy, ubiquitous sparrow. 

 This species is the insular form of the mainland Blue Wren 

 (JMalurus cyaneus), and, so far as my experience goes, is very 

 evenly distributed over at least the northern districts of Tas- 

 mania. The summer plumage of the male, which is exquisite, 

 is as follows : — The head, ear coverts, and a lunar-shaped mark 

 on the upper part of the back are a rich blue — when it catches 

 the reflection of the sun the sheen is very beautiful ; the rest 

 of the upper surface is black ; the throat and chest are purplish- 

 black ; the wings brown ; the tail when viewed in a dull light 

 appears blackish-brown, but when seen in the full sunlight will 

 be found a distinct shade of blue ; the legs and feet are brown. 

 The winter plumage of the male resembles that which his com- 



