RIVER-SIDE GREY TYRANT 171 



as in S. subcristata, there is a hidden spot of white 

 under the loose feathers forming the crest, 



It frequents the borders of running streams, 

 seldom being found far from a water-course ; and it 

 alights as often on stones or on the bare ground as 

 on plants. Male and female are always seen together, 

 as it pairs for life, and the migration, if it has any, 

 is only partial. It flits restlessly along the borders 

 of the stream it frequents, making repeated excur- 

 sions after small winged insects, taking them in the 

 air, or snatching them up from the surface of the 

 water, and frequently returning to the same stand. 

 While thus employed it perpetually utters a loud, 

 complaining chuck, and at intervals the two birds 

 meet, and, with crests erect and flirting their wings 

 and tails, utter a series of trills and hurried sharp 

 notes in concert. 



The nest is generally placed beneath an over- 

 hanging bank, attached to hanging roots or grass, a 

 few inches above the water ; but it is sometimes 

 placed in a bush growing on the borders of a stream. 

 It is a neat, cup-shaped, but rather shallow structure, 

 thickly lined inside with feathers. The eggs are four, 

 pointed, white or pale cream-colour, with black and 

 grey spots at the large end. 



