70 INSECT! VOBO US BIRDS 



because the tail is much shorter than that of the White- 

 shafted (Rhipidura alhiscapa, Gld). If it is one of the least 

 ornamental birds in Australia there are some compensations. 

 The graceful actions and pleasing voice make up for much 

 that is absent, not to mention its charmingly small house, 

 through which it has probably received its classical name. 

 Passing flies have to run the gauntlet when approaching 

 this species, because it generally waits for its prey in pairs. 

 By waiting I mean that a given area of ground is worked 

 as the birds perch on stumps, and when the time for 

 attack comes they simply fly out, capture, and return to the 

 same stumps for several times in succession. It also 

 forages amongst the foliage accordingly as the weather is 

 suitable or not. All day long a lateral movement of the 

 tail is effected. The fascinating ways and the opportunity 

 to note them and their nesting habits are so readily 

 secured that you are drawn to watch it, and become 

 interested also in its nest. One was 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 beau- 

 tiful. Passers by could easily observe the special uniform 

 bark-lam ellse, whereas the other side, away from view, was 

 devoid of taste and uniformity. 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 boys at times call the " White Peter," 

 or " White Robin." Although two eggs form the clutch, on 

 three occasions I have noted four was the number in all, 

 and in one case as late as 26th February, 1895. It was 

 in a Cleopatra apple tree, and situated four feet from 

 ploughed ground. October is the month for building. 



