168 MORGAN — Note on the Migration of Swallows in S.A. 



Nest — The nest is built low down, rarely higher than six 

 feet, in some thick bush, such as banksia, kakea, or Kangaroo 

 thorn, in gardens they sometimes build in the fruit trees; the 

 principal breeding season is from July to end of September, 

 but odd nests may be found in any month of the jeav. They 

 are occasionally the hosts of the pallid cuckoo. 



The nest is constructed of fine dry twigs, rootlets or 

 grasses, bound together with wool or cobwebs, occasionally 

 it is unlined, but usually with fluffy seeds, sheep's wool, or 

 rabbit fur, the unfertile seeds of the banksia are a favourite 

 lining. The nest is paced in an upright fork, and not sus- 

 pended by the rim. Two broods are hatched in the season. 

 The young leave the nest when about three weeks old. 



An average nest measured, height 2 '3/8 in. diameter x 1^ 

 inches deep. 



Eggs — Ground colour creamy buff, with an irregular zone 

 of diffuse reddish brown spots, intermingled with a few darker 

 sharply defined ones. Average measurement of eight eggs, 

 1.98 cm. x 1.54 cm. Largest egg 2.15 cm. x 1.55 cm. 



A Note on the Migration of Swallows in 

 Sonth Australia. 



By A. M. Morgan, M.B., Ch.B. 



This year the tree swallows have returned to their old 

 gathering place on the University Oval. I missed the date of 

 assembly, but they were numerous early in March, and did not 

 break up until the beginning of May. They have now, June 

 8th, all left the spot, but are still numerous about the houses, 

 river, and park lands. 



Welcome swallows are as numerous- now as they 

 have been all the summer. I do not think any have left this 

 year, perhaps on account of the mildness of the season. They 

 have however, left the neighbourhood of the houses, and are 

 mostly to be seen skimming the surface of the river and other 

 waters. 



