ZIBTZ — Current Observation*. 29 



quently visit the almond blossoms in search of nectar. The 

 White-backed Magpies (Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota) are 

 pairing. During the winter they congregate in large flocks; 

 26 were seen on about a quarter of an acre of newly ploughed 

 ground in our neighbourhood. Small companies of Silver 

 eyes (Zosterops lateralis ivesternensis) are often seen busy 

 amongst the shrubs in search of caterpillars and aphides. 

 Although they damage soft fruit they do a great deal of good 

 in destroying insect pests, especially when rearing their 

 broods. Their nests are often built amongst the lower 

 branches of the almond trees. They also eat the berries of 

 the Pepper tree (Shinus molle), the seeds of which are often 

 found adhering to the water taps where these birds come to 

 drink. 



A pair of Blue Wrens (Malurus cyaneus leggei) have built 

 their nest in the Kaffir Apple hedge about 3 feet 6 inches from 

 the ground. It took them about a week to build, and they have 

 now commenced to line it with feathers. 



Flame-breasted or White-fronted Robins (Littlera chrysop- 

 tera phopnicea) have not been seen since the 9th August; they 

 have evidently left us for their breeding grounds. 



Blue^Billed Ducks (Oxyura australis) 

 and Freckled Ducks (Stictonetta naevosa). 



By F. R. Zietz. 



In June and July of 1896 a number of Blue-billed Ducks 

 (Oxyura australis) and Freckled Ducks (Stictonetta nwvosa) 

 were sold at the Adelaide Fish and Game Market. Since that 

 time these birds have not been included in consignments of 

 game received in Adelaide. The former, which are excellent 

 table birds, often became entangled in the fishermen's nets. 

 They have been found breeding on the lower Murray on several 

 occasions. The Freckled Ducks had assumed their nuptial 

 plumage; the males are handsome birds and can readily be 

 distinguished from the females by the elongated feathers of 

 the crown of the head which can be erected in the shape of a 

 pointed crest, and the crimson colour at the base of the upper 

 mandible. Over twenty of these birds were sold at one sale. 



