28 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



month the majority of them were regaining their blue coats. " 12th 

 July, the Blue Wren still not moulted." The following year I 

 note that on 5th May a solitary male was still in summer plumage ; 

 all others round Launcston had acquired their winter dress. The 

 date of either putting off or on the breeding plumage greatly 

 depends on the climatic conditions. This is the crux of the whole 

 matter. 



Much has been written on the subject of the Maluridae being 

 polygamous or not. At one time I was quite of opinion that our 

 familiar Blue Wren was polygamous, but I have come to modify 

 that opinion, and now hold that it is an uncommon occurrence 

 for this to happen. During the non-breeding season one often sees 

 a male accompanied by a small harem. The young birds of the 

 year more often follow the males than the females when searching 

 for food. Even during the winter the males do riot consort much 

 together. One generally, if not always, sees a male (to be dis- 

 tinguished by his distinctly blue tail) accompanied by one, two, 

 or sometimes three females or young birds, forming a little party 

 by themselves. Each little harem keeps to itself; although one 

 may see several groups feeding together, yet there is no indis- 

 criminate mingling. The male does not lose his song entirely in 

 winter, but at the same time it has not the same joyous ring as 

 during the breeding season. 



Bound homesteads the Blue Wren becomes very tame, hopping 

 about the doorways and even into the passages in search of crumbs, 

 &c. 



When in the scrub it prefers to use its legs when moving from 

 place to place. Its powers of running are very great; it is as 

 nimble on its feet as a mouse in fact, it has the appearance of one 

 when seen a few yards off as it scurries over and under logs and 

 stones. Its flight is rather feeble, and only resorted to when 

 desirous of moving from one locality to another, or when suddenly 

 startled. The song is a weak but rather pleasing run of notes, 

 usually uttered when perched on some elevation. 



DARK BLUE WEEN 

 (Malarus elizabethce, Campbell). 



Male. Colouring richer and more intensified than in Gould's 

 Blue Wren. "Length, 5.5 in.; bill, .5 in.; wing, 2.1 in.; tail, 

 2.5 in.; tarsus, 1.0 in. " (A. G. Campbell). 



Female. Differs in plumage from the female of M. gouldi in 

 that the tail is tinged with blue. " Length, 5.5 in. ; bill, .32 in. ; 

 wing, 2.08 in. ; tail, 2.3 in. ; tarsus, 1.0 in. " (A. J. Campbell). 



Young. Similar to female, only that the tail has no bluish 

 tinge. 



Nest. Similar to M. gouldi. 



