216 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS 



assume the garb of the parents at an early date. How very 

 carefully the nest is concealed is only known to those who 

 have sought for it, and one might hunt for days without 

 success unless the system necessary to the finding of ground 

 birds' nests is adopted. Patience is the virtue ever to be 

 commended. Under a small cluster of leaves of any native 

 shrub, and with the upper portion closely mimicking its 

 surroundings, a dome-shaped, side- entranced nest is placed 

 upon, and partly in, the ground, and of material loosely put 

 together, yet with symmetry. Dimensions, 7x4x4 inches. 

 The eggs, which are laid each alternate day, are strangely 

 overlaid with uniform dark chocolate, and nature has 

 certainly provided ample protection to the bird through its 

 habit and colours, to the nest in the manner of its position, 

 and, as if these two were not sufficient, to the eggs in 

 similarity of shade to their surroundings. Even a fox, that 

 finds the Sericornis' nest and devours its contents, will need 

 to use more than its powers of sight to be successful in its 

 raid upon the young of the Chthonicola. 



Nest. — Dome-shaped, side entrance ; placed upon the 

 ground in a slight depression, and covered with mosses to 

 appear like its surroundings ; grass, lined with feathers. 



Eggs. — Three or four to a clutch ; much swollen ; bright 

 chocolate appearance, no spots. Length, 075 inch ; breadth, 

 0-6 inch. 



