144 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



on flood waters. Yet the birds will merrily sing all through the 

 night. 



35. Leaden-coloured Flycatcher [Myiagra rubecula, Lath.) 

 Somewhat rare. 



36. Brown Flycatcher, W. (Micrceia fascinans, Lath.) 



The fascinating ways and the opportunity to note them are so 

 readily secured that you are drawn to watch it and become inter- 

 ested also in its nest, one being built near a roadside, so prettily 

 ornamented on that side, the one to view, that I feel inclined to 

 maintain it has a sense of the beautiful. Passers by could easily 

 observe the special uniform bark lamellae, whereas the other side, 

 away from view, was devoid of taste and uniformity — this 

 decoration is not erratic. If the eggs are extracted from a nest 

 and not returned, the bird will destroy the nest, and with the 

 same material rebuild elsewhere near at hand. Both sexes are 

 gentle, and to remove a sitting bird you will often enough require 

 to despatch sticks before dislodging what our local boys call the 

 " White Peter " or " White Robin." 



Although two eggs form the clutch, on three occasions this 

 season four was the number in all, and in one case as late as 

 26th February, 1895, in a Cleopatra apple tree, situate four feet 

 from ploughed ground. October is the month for building. 



37. Rose-breasted Wood Robin {Erythrodryas rosea, Gould). 

 Apparently it is only a visitor. I saw the bird during 1893, 



and on 8th September, 1894, obtained a male skin, so that of the 

 six species here known this has been the least often seen. 



38. Pink-breasted Robin {E. rhodinogasier, Drap.) 

 Preferring the ranges beyond Bayswater, where you may there 



observe its habits and obtain the nest if you are in favour with 

 Dame Fortune ; otherwise time may be better spent, judging by 

 results. The nest, without doubt, is an elegant structure, built in 

 a musk tree, and some 20 feet from the ground. 



Although the birds are occasionally seen in the timber at Bays- 

 water, I do not think a nest has yet been found there. 



39. Scarlet-breasted Robin, W. (Petrceca Leggi, Sharpe).* 

 Robins are low-flying, have peaceful natures, and are sensitive. 



The Robin is an earlier builder than the majority of its fraternity, 

 for in August (though more especially this species) you will find 

 eggs, ist and 19th September to as late as 24th November 

 clutches of three were found. The owners will keep away from 

 the nest, while you may be there, making short flights at the 

 distance. 



40. Red-capped Robin {P. Goodenovii, V. and H.) 



Once only have I seen this red-capped member, so quickly 



