132 



THE BIRDS OF THE COBBORA DISTRICT. 



in an ironbark tree, in each case in flower. I know of no species building in a tree, the eggs of which 

 are more difficult to secure. I have had to resort to means such as I have never used before. It 

 is remarkable that the eggs or even the young birds remain in the nest during windy weather; it 

 can only be by the birds sitting upon them. 



Nest and eggs of the Painted Honey-eater [Entomophila picta) in branch of an Ironbark Tree. 



Meliphaga phrygia (Warty-faced Honey-eater). — Being a nomadic species, it arrives some years 

 towards the end of the winter ; as a rule most of them depart before the end of November. Some 

 years, or even several years in succession, not a bird will be seen. Only once have I known them to 

 remain here all through the winter. They breed here in great numbers, laying mostly two eggs 

 for a sitting, but occasionally three, and they often become the foster parents of the Pallid Cuckoo. 

 The nests are sometimes placed within a few feet of the ground, but it is no unusual thing to see them 

 forty or fifty feet up. The earliest date on which I have taken their eggs is September 2nd, and 

 the latest November 26th. The eggs vary considerably ; I have them from a very pale salmon 

 pink all over, with practically no markings, to a very rich reddish-buff, very darkly spotted on the 

 apex, being darker in colour than any other Honey-eaters' eggs I have seen. 



Ptilotis chrysops (Yellow-faced Honey-eater). — A very rare species in the whole district, and 

 what few there are about are more often heard than seen. They live in the thick undergrowth on 

 the ranges. I have only found two of their nests, one on November 16th, which contained an egg 

 of the rightful owner, also an egg of the Pallid Cuckoo ; the other, on September 17th, contained 

 two heavily incubated eggs. 



Ptilotis leucotis (White-eared Honey-eater). — Rather a common species on the ranges where 

 there is thick undergrowth. Although a very shy bird, their curiosity often overcomes their fear. 

 If an intruder keeps quite still they will gradually approach to within a few feet and peer at one in 

 a most curious manner, but with the slightest movement they dart away into the scrub. Their 



