2 6 ?. - - , The Oologkts' Record, June \, 192 1. 



and singing as lustily as possible. Nests varied much in size 

 and structure, though the materials were usually the same. Fine 

 dead grasses and vegetable down preponderated, the former as 

 foundation and general materials — the latter interwoven and used 

 for the lining which also frequently contained some fine rootlets 

 and an occasional horsehair. All nests had rather a woolly appear- 

 ance which instanth^ distinguished them from those of other species. 

 Some nests were flimsy and small, others solid and deep and almost 

 purse-shaped, and this description fitted the majority — others 

 compact and round, and as sohd and neat as a well-built Gold- 

 finch's nest. Situations varied in height from 8 feet above the 

 ground to less than 2 feet. Nests were never too easy to see 

 although I would hardly call them well concealed, but their situation 

 and construction both tended towards concealment — so they may 

 aptly be described as very inconspicuous — and no nests were 

 obvious. Eucalyptus groves were sure finds, and usually inhabited 

 by many pairs of these birds. Almond groves were the next popular, 

 while occasional nests were found in orange and lemon groves, 

 peppermint and reed beds, brambles and low scrubby bushes. 1 

 found no nests in the very prevalent mimosa hedges, casuarinas, 

 olive trees or vineyards. I will not describe the eggs, which varied 

 but little, except perhaps in size and shape and which did not 

 differ from typical eggs of this species, but I will give a list of actual 

 nests as found in the Various types of trees and herbage. 



Eucalyptus ... ... ... 26. 



Almond ... ... ... ... 4 with eggs — but also many 



empty nests. 



Orange ... ... ... ... 6 — nests always placed near 



edge of grove. 



Reeds and peppermint 2 — placed over running 



water — also several 

 empty nests. Somewhat 

 gregarious in this sort 

 of cover. 



Brambles ... ... ... ... 2 — evidently both nests of 



one bird. 



Low scrubby bush (not 2 feet high) i — in dried up marsh land. 



Eggs in the same clutch show practically no variation what- 

 soever. The shells are very thin, and before cleaning, fresh eggs 



