THE BIRDS OF THE COBBORA DISTRICT. 



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nests are very difficult lo find, mostly being placed near the ground in a dense bush. They generally 

 lay two t'sys for a sitting, but occasionally three, and 1 have only taken them during the months 

 01 September and October. 



Xest and eggs of the White-eared I [oney-eater [Ptilolis It ucotis) in a Blueberry Grass bush. 



Ptolitis penicillata (White-plumed Honey-eater). — Wherever there are trees growing in the 

 vicinity of water this species is sure to be found. In the redgums growing along the Talbragar River 

 they are very numerous, nesting freely in their drooping branches, also in the river oaks, and several 

 pairs breed in my garden every year. They nearly always lay three eggs for a sitting, and I have 

 examined nests containing eggs from the first week in September till early in January. 



Myzantha garrula (Noisy Miner). — A very common species in the open forests on the estate, 

 but not found in the thick ironbark forests on the ranges. When the grapes are ripe they come 

 into my garden to feast upon them, and become very tame, even coming into the house and hopping 

 about without showing the least sign of fear. They breed here in fair numbers, usually placing their 

 nests low down in a small tree or bush, but occasionally they will be seen high up in a very large 

 tree. Generally they lay three eggs for a sitting, but sometimes four. I have never taken a larger 

 clutch, and I have examined nests containing eggs from August 25th till as late as October 31st. 



Anthochaera carimculata (Red Wattle Bird). — Some years, towards the end of the winter, more 

 especially if the native apple trees are in bloom, this species arrives in thousands, and the effect of 

 their curious notes uttered by so many birds is most extraordinary. Not many of them remain here 

 to breed, but those that do so mostly commence very early. I have seen young birds out of the 

 nest early in September, and have taken their eggs from August 22nd up till October 19th. The 

 clutch is usually two, only twdce have I found three. 



Entomyza cyanotis (Blue-faced Honey-eater). — A common species on the estate at all times, 

 usually met with in pairs or small flocks of about half a dozen or more, but I have never seen them 



