It is just possible that your birds may breed ; if so, it will be a

triumph for you ; as, I believe, there is no record of this species ever

having bred in captivity. In its wild state it lays in the hollow spouts of

lofty eucalyptus trees, but always at such a height that it is impossible to

take the eggs. It would, therefore, be well to fix your log-nest or barrel as

close as possible to the top of your aviary. A. G. ButeER-



THE) WOOD-SWALLOW SHRIKES.


Sir,— I have just received the Avicultural Magazine for May, and have

read with interest Mr. Fulljames’ article on the Wood Swallows.


The description he refers to, as given by Dr. Brehm of A. sordidus,

viz. : “ The hen is smaller than the cock, and presents a spotted appearance,

&c.” is evidently that of a young bird in its nest feathers, and not that of a

mature female.


I have obtained specimens in Australia just able to fly, and they are

brown spotted all over with dirty-white, with the exception of the flights

and tail, which are dusky slate colour. The old birds of both sexes are

without spots of any kind.


I believe that the young of all the Wood Swallows are more or less

spotted when they leave the nest. Norman B. Roberts.



