Vol. XII. 

 igi2 



Chandler, Notes on the Mistletoe-Bird. 



131 



on the vine, the stalks had grown a h'ttle longer, but the roots 

 were very small. The parasite, even at this immature stage, 

 appeared to be perfectly healthy. The Mistletoe-Bird is more 

 abundant than many persons realize. 



Owing to its small size and restless habits, it can be 

 easily overlooked, if one is not familiar with the call-note. 

 One may hear the sharp notes of a Dicaeum while some 

 distance away, and, next moment the bird will be rapidly 

 working through a clump of mistletoe above one's head. 

 A few minutes' respite and it is away again, perhaps on 



Nest of Mistletoe-Bird. 



FROM A PHOTO. BY L. G.- CHANDLER 



a flight of several hundred yards, although there may be 

 a number of mistletoe plants close at hand. This species 

 has a variety of short calls and a series of exceedingly sweet 

 notes ; it is among the best of our small song-birds. On several 

 occasions I have listened with pleasure to the beautiful song. 

 Whilst singing, the bird — contrary to its usual custom — will 

 remain in a tree for some time. It invariably perches on an 

 exposed limb when singing. One call, used apparently only in 

 the breeding season, resembles a familiar call of the Sericornis 

 frontalis. When one hears a male bird emitting these notes it 

 is a sign that a nest is not far away. 



