142 INSEGTIVOReUS BIRDS 



bird. In a recent paper by the writer it has been proved 

 that both the above birds are here, and further suggested 

 that it is P. assimilis which breeds in the ground and 

 P. 07'natus in the trees. On this point further evidence is 

 needed. This I trust will be supplied by some specially 

 intelligent observer favourably situated. 



Nest. — A drilled hole in the bank of a creek, or possibly 

 a tree hollow, at the end of which (say 18 inches) is a 

 compact and rounded open nest of grasses, sometimes 

 almost domed. 



J^ggs. — Four or five to a sitting ; white, rounded. Length, 

 0"65 inch; breadth, 0'55 inch. 



ALLIED PARDALOTE 



(WiT-E-CHU), 



Pardalotiis assimilis, Rams. 



(Sub-species of P. orkatus, Tenim.) 

 Pdr-da-lo tus a-sun-i'lis. 

 Pardalvtus, spotted like the panther ; assimilis, like. 

 Geographical Distribution.— Areas 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9. 



Key to the Species.— Head streaked white ; third or third and 

 fourth primaries edged with white ; speculum scarlet, crimson, 

 orange, or yellow ; bill strong and short, the mandibles about 

 equal ; nasal membrane concealed by plumes. 



The bird does not stay to winter in its breeding haunt, and 

 is away long before sure signs of the coming fall are 

 generally noticeable. Quickly bounding in its flight, it 

 shows the usual methods of the diamond-birds. Rushing 

 from bough to bough, and eucalypt to eucalypt, in search of 

 insects, it leads an active life. The same vigour is shown 



