172 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA: 



It was noticed that both these birds and their tiny 

 companions, the wrens, were somewhat shy, and even 

 when not approached, seemed timid and anxious to get 

 away into the more dense cover of the stunted mallee. 

 Judging by the manner in which these birds were insect 

 hunting, when I saw them, I should say that for their 

 size they can have but few equals as insectivorous birds. 

 The female, as will be seen from the plate, is of the 

 same sombre colors as the females of the other robins, 

 the male alone carrying the bright plumage, and also 

 the greater risk of being killed for ' ' scientific ' ' or 

 other purposes. 



The mallee farmer knows the value of this useful 

 little bird, and any person attempting their destructive 

 work would, in all probability, have a bad time of it. It 

 is found also in New South Wales, South Queensland,, 

 South Australia, and in West Australia. 



