OF THE - BIDS MENTIONED 213 
snap, immediately returning to the same perch. A 
small bird, length 54 inches (about). Plumage: A 
brown colour on the back parts, and beak brown, under 
parts a dirty white; also darker brown spots (whence 
name) or rather longitudinal streaks on head, sides of 
neck, upper breast and sides. . Recognized easily, as it 
is almost always seen sitting as described, alone, or 
with mate at nesting time, on a few chosen perches 7m 
same locality, in a humped way, and looking dull and 
impassive, but is very active in catching the insects. 
Found: Fairly distributed, but few in the north. Fre- 
quents wooded districts, edges of shrubberies, gardens, 
orchards, etc. (preferring cultivated parts), and likes 
the neighbourhood of houses, outhouses, etc. Not shy. 
Migratory : Arrives in early May, and leaves September 
to October. Note: A weak chirrup, but not often. 
Said also to ‘sing’ a few weak notes. Male and female : 
Alike. Nest: About end of May. Svztuated: Often 
near a dwelling house, verandah, outhouse, etc., in 
shrubs, ivy, trained creepers, trellis, etc. Same spot 
often chosen each year. Open, cup-shaped. Second 
nests: Only one brood yearly. Made of : Moss, dried 
grass and feathers, and lined with horsehair and a few 
thin roots. Eggs: Pale greenish- or bluish-white 
clouded, blotched and spotted a faded blood colour, 
(but vary considerably in shades and markings). Five 
Or SIX. 
