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and also near the Fitzroy River. Their habits are too well 

 known to require further comment 



No. 67. PoMATOSTOMUS suPERCiLiosus ( White-eyebroweci 

 Pomatostomus). 

 These birds were found in several places between Mullawa and 

 Lake Augusta, and afterwards at Fitzroy River and along the 

 Nerrima and Jilgelly Creeks, their noisy chatter and sprightly 

 antics frequently causing much amusement. They were breeding 

 near Cue in June and at Fitzroy River in February. On two 

 occasions they were seen in company with P. ruheculus. 



No. 68. PoEPHiLA MiRABiLis (Crimson-headed Finch). 

 Although T only obtained an immature live bird, caught at 

 Derby, Mr. Wells brought evidence in the shape of a cageful of 

 adults that they are plentiful in that locality. I was also 

 informed that they are numerous at Wyndham, a fact which 

 shows that they range across the northern portion of the 

 continent from east to west. 



No. 69. TiENEOPYGiA CASTANOTis (Chesnut-eared Finch). 

 These little birds had a peculiar share in our interest, as their 

 presence in numbers is a pretty good indication of the proximity 

 of water. Wherever rockholes or wells containing water were 

 found immense flocks of these birds were seen. They seem to 

 possess an insatiable thirst, and will alight in flocks to drink 

 close to where men are working. When we were baling water 

 for the camels they frequently perched on the sides of the dishes 

 to drink. I am strongly of opinion that they possess the ability 

 to scent water, as on several occasions during the hot days of 

 April flocks perched on the trees under which we were enjoying 

 the midday halt, and were not easily scared, but kept hopping on 

 the water casks and near the pannikins containing hot tea. 

 Although constantly chased by my dog, they simply evaded the 

 attack, and as soon as allowe'd drank from a tin of water placed 

 for them. At one rockhole passed soon after leaving Lake Way 

 they were in such numbers as to pollute the water with their 

 droppings. They were found from Mullawa to the Fitzroy River, 

 In some cases three or four nests containing fresh eggs were 

 found on one bush. They build in all sorts of places, nests 

 being found in the tall desert gums, in holes in hollow logs, on 

 low bushes, or on the ground under the low-spreading saltbush. 

 They often start laying as soon as the foundation of the nest is 

 placed in position, and kept on building and laying until both 

 operations were finished. The material used is invariably dry 

 grass stems. The birds seek the shelter of their nests at night, 

 even after their broods are hatched. Notwithstanding that one 



