36 



Wilson, Oologists in the Mallee. 



r Emu 

 List Jul 



Porcupine-grass or spinifex. 



FROM A PHOTO. BY A. H. E. MATTINGLEY. 



Stipiturus mallee. Mallee Emu-Wren. — One of the objects of our trip was 

 to bring to light the hitherto undescribed female* of this species, and we 

 succeeded in coming back with six skins, besides several skins of the little- 

 known male bird. Wherever a thick belt of porcupine grass grew there 

 would this dainty little bird be found if great patience and care were 

 exercised. They have a very faint call-note — fainter, indeed, than that of 

 6". malachin-us^ and it is only on calm days that it may be heard. In windy 

 weather they seldom show themselves, feeding low down in the porcupine 

 grass. When surprised in an isolated tuft they are very loth to leave it, and 

 we sometimes kicked a large tuft to pieces, and jumped upon it till we were 

 tired, before succeeding in dislodging them. In fact, when the first nest and 

 eggs were obtained by Messrs. Geo. Dunn and F. Estick (see paper by 

 F. E. Howe, Euni^ vol. x., p. 336), they were only apprised of the bird's 

 presence in the tussock when half of it had been burnt. About 2 miles 

 north of the boring camp where we stayed there is a large expanse of 

 porcupine-grass country, interspersed with small mallee gum saplings and 

 acacia. It was here that we found the Emu-Wrens to be very plentiful. 

 We were too early to get eggs, but found four nests building, besides several 

 old ones. Most of these were placed in the heart of the porcupine tussocks. 

 In two cases, however, the grass had grown in the form of a horse-shoe, the 

 nests being placed on the edge of the inner side, being thus easily 

 discernible without disturbing the tussock. The interior of one nest was 

 beautifully lined with rabbit's fur and white feathers. On calm, hot days 

 these little creatures would mount to the top of a porcupine clump or small 

 melaleuca and give utterance to their faint squeaking notes. 



Amytornis striatus. Striated Grass- Wren.— This bird, to which Mr. 

 * Since described in Emu, vol. xi. , p. 247 — Eds. 



