Vol. XIII. 

 1913 



] White, Pield Ornithology in South Australia. 25 



of a mass of rocks, near the water. Many nests were finished, but 

 none contained eggs. 



Microeca assimilis. Allied Brown Flycatcher. — Met with in pairs 

 on the edge of scrubs at times ; not at all plentiful. 



Petroica goodenovii. Red-capped Robin. — Wherever sufficient 

 scrub was found to form cover these birds were observed, and on all 

 occasions they were remarkably tame, allowing us to approach within a 

 few feet of them. They had paired, but had not apparently started 

 to nest ; this, no doubt, was owing to the very rough weather ex- 

 perienced at the time. 



Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robin. — These Robins were met with 

 on the plains to the south of the ranges, and were tlrinly dispersed 

 through the hilly country. They were in pairs, but not nesting. 



Oreoica cristata. Crested Bell-Bird. — Bell-Birds were observed on 

 the plains and through the ranges alike. Wherever a little scrub 

 afforded shelter they were sure to be found. Their beautiful note is 

 a characteristic of the country, and the first blush of dawn is the 

 signal for these birds to call. They procure most of their food on 

 the ground, hopping over the stones and sand after the fashion of 

 the Colluricincla. Many nests were seen, mostly containing eggs, 

 and none without the ordinary adornment of hairy caterpillars in a 

 torpid state. The reason these insects are placed in the nest is a 

 mystery. Stomach contents : — i larva of moth, 4 small larvae of moth, 

 fragments of large fly, two kinds of seeds. 



Pachycephala rufiveatris^ Rufous-breasted Whistler. — Whistlers 

 were met with in pairs occasionally, both in the ranges and on the 

 plains. The colouration of all birds which came under notice was 

 very pale — many shades paler than the birds found further south. 



Pachycephala gilberti. Gilbert Whistler. — Was very plentiful 

 through the ranges ; its loud and clear note could be heard at some 

 distance. It seems to be very pugnacious, for it was often seen 

 attacking much larger birds, and, although we did not see a nest, 

 from its restless manner and loud calling nesting time must have been 

 close handy. When we re-discovered P. rufogularis last year (see 

 Emu, vol xii., p. 180), I remarked upon its distinct call, and was told 

 by more than one ornithologist that it was their opinion that P. gilberti 

 made the same call. I am now in the position to affirm my first 

 statement, for we listened to dozens of P. gilberti calling at different 

 times, and never once did we hear a note resembling that of P. 

 rufogularis. We found P. gilberti to be great ventriloquists. 



Rhipidura motaclUoides. Black-and-Wliite Fantail. — Few of these 

 familiar birds were seen. Dr. A.. M. Morgan is of the opinion that 

 these birds differ from those down south. Not having procured a 

 specimen, owing to my reluctance to kill one, prevents my passing 

 any decided opinion. 



Rhipidura albiseapa. White-shafted Fantail. — We met with this 

 bird only on one or two occasions in the thick mulga scrub. 



Seisura inquieta. Restless Flycatcher. — These Flycatchers were 

 noticed but once on this trip, and that was near Donald's Plain, our 

 attention being drawn to a pair of birds by their strange notes 



Graucalus melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike. — Were thinly 

 scattered over the ranges and plains alike ; no sign of nesting. 



