44 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



Female. Similar to male, except that the chin and throat 

 are dull yellow or buff instead of white. Dimensions in mm. : 

 Length, 135; bill, 10.5; wing, 58; tail, 48; tarsus, 22.5. 



Nest. Roundish, more or less domed or hooded; constructed 

 outwardly of grass, leaves, moss, &c., then a layer of fine grass, 

 finally feathers and hair. The usual situation is either on or close 

 to the ground in a clump of long grass, rushes, gorse, or briers. 

 When young are in the nest ths entrance is opened out, so that 

 it takes on a bowl-shaped appearance. 



Eggs. Clutch three to four; roundish, with one end distinctly 

 pointed ; texture fine ; surface glossy ; colour vinaceous-buff ; 

 round the apex is a broad belt of reddish or purplish brown. 

 Dimensions in mm. of a clutch: (1) 20 x 16, (2) 20 x 15.5, (3) 

 19.75 x 16, (4) 20.5 x 15.75. 



Breeding Season. August to December. 



Geographical Distribution. Tasmania, New South Wales, and 

 South Australia. 



Observations. When searching for food among tussock-grass 

 and similar light growth favoured by this Field- Wren, its tail is 

 carried in a line with its body, and not erect like Gould's Blue 

 W 7 ren. The means by which a person observing this bird quietly 

 feeding, and who had not before seen it, could tell it belonged 

 to the erect-tailed Wrens would be by the narrowness of the tail 

 at the base, and the manner in which the feathers fold over one 

 another. As soon as the bird comes out into the open the tail 

 is erected and kept so. After coming to rest en a branch or post, 

 the tail is jerked backwards and forwards several times. On the 

 ground it is a quick runner on occasions, but when searching for 

 food it progresses with a hopping motion. Open grassy country, 

 studded with band-grass and cutting-grass, is mostly favoured. 

 When flushed in the open it flies with rapid motion, just clearing 

 the ground, only rising sufficiently to clear any obstacle, and 

 quickly drops on the ground out of sight. Rarely does it perch 

 on a bush at the end of its flight after being flushed. On account 

 of its strong odour it is known to quail-shooters as the " Stink- 

 Bird." Sporting dogs will often set to it in mistake for their 

 proper quarry. During the breeding season especially it has a 

 very sweet little song, which is most frequently uttered when 

 perched on the top of a brier or gorse bush. The rest of the year 

 it is practically voiceless. 



*WHITE-FRONTED CHAT 

 (Ephthianura albifrons, Jard. and Selby). 



Male. Forehead, sides of the head, cheeks, and throat white; 

 crown of the head and nape black; rest of the upper surface dull 

 grey ; upper tail coverts black ; tail feathers dark brown, central 

 pair uniform, rest tipped with white on the inner web; primaries 



