402 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornithulo'jy of [Ibis, 



conducive to simplicity. I find it noted in all tlie winter 

 months, whilst some summers I specially state that none at 

 all have been observed. 



The hitter part of October and the first half of November 

 constitute the nesting-season, to judge from the half-dozen 

 nests which have come under my notice. These were situ- 

 ated in an Elder bush, a young " Coronillo" tree (Scutia 

 huxifolia Reiss.), or a thorn bush, all about three feet 

 from the ground. In form compact and rather deep, they 

 are built of lichens with some fine grassy filaments and a 

 horsehair or two, and lined with feathers. Three is the full 

 clutch of eggs. 



The eggs are bluff-pointed, of a pale yellowish buff or 

 cream-colour, and measure 15 X 12 mm. 



147. Serpophaga nigricans (Vieill.). Blackish Tyrant. 



Iris dark brown; bill and feet black. 



More frequently observed than the previous species, and 

 not so strictly confined to the woods. It may frequently be 

 seen about the buildings of the head-station, in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the water-tanks and feed-tubs; and is equally 

 at home amongst the rushes of a swamp. 



It nests from the middle of October to the middle of 

 November, and the sites selected are curiously varied. In 

 an Elder tree or bush, at any height from three to twelve 

 feet ; suspended below the eaves of a house ; in a hanging 

 flower-pot in a verandah; hung underneath the timbers of a 

 bridge, or built into the top of a " Durasnillo " growing 

 below ; placed between a vine and the iron netting of a 

 window ; and "down the side of a well," as instanced by 

 Mr. Grant. 



As a rule, the small nest is very neat and compact, and 

 rather deep. The materials embrace moss, wool, dry grass 

 and plant-stems, fine roots, and spider^ s-webs — all quilted 

 together ; the lining consists of fine feathers. 



Three is the usual clutch of eggs. These are yellowish 

 buff or cream-colour ; unspotted, and not glossy. Measure- 

 ments : 18x 14 mm. 



