[24 



THE BIRDS OF THE COBBORA DISTRICT. 



laying in the same nest. I have taken eggs from September 1st up till December 15th. which was 

 a second laying, as I had already taken their eggs the same season. If not much disturbed they will 

 often remain about the same locality for years, even breeding in the same tree season after season. 



Nest and eggs of the Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina robusla) 

 in branch of a Native Apple Tree. 



Coracina robust a (Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike). — A \ery common species throughout the whole 

 district, just as often met with in the open ringbarked country, where only a few shade trees have 

 been left growing, as in the thick ironbark forests. After the breeding season they sometimes 

 become a great nuisance in orchards, but more especially in vineyards, devouring large quantities of 

 grapes. After flight, when perched, thev have a peculiar habit of slightly lifting their wings, one 

 after the other, several times, giving an observer the impression that the wings did not fit down 

 comfortably on the body. They breed here very freely, usually laying three eggs for a sitting ; I 

 have never seen a larger clutch, and their eggs have a wonderful range of variation, it being difficult 

 t< • find two sets alike. Of a great number of nests I have examined containing eggs, more than half 

 of them have been during the month of October, but I have taken eggs as early as September 29th and 

 as late as December 15th. 



Lalage tricolor (White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater). — Never have I known this species to remain 

 here during the winter. They arrive in large numbers some years during the spring, mostly in October, 

 but odd birds may sometimes be seen towards the end of September. Some of the males are inclined 

 to be pugnacious during the resting season, but this is not the general rule, because I have frequently 

 found several pairs nesting in the same tree in perfect harmony. In fact, this nesting together seems 

 to lie a peculiarity with them ; where one nest is found there are generally many of them, not always 

 in the same tree, but near by in the same clump of trees. Both birds assist not only in building the 

 nest, but also in the task of incubation. They arc late breeders. I have never taken eggs before 

 October 20th, but I have taken fresh eggs as late as December 20th, 



