94 RUDOLF SÖDERBERG, STUDIES OF THE BIRDS IN NORTH WEST AUSTRALIA. 
red part: the white follows, sometimes very slightly developed. Feathers are found 
with a very differently developed red in the pale yellow-brown colour, and even 
only with white spots mixed in the dark part of the feather. In the breast-feathers 
on the other hand, dark spots appear in the white part beneath the red one. 
(Plate 1, fig. 6.) 
Whether the red in such partly coloured feathers is not able to expand, as is 
said by Dr. STRONG, when the feather, though grown out, is not old, is a. question, 
to which I have not had any opportunity of giving any attention. 
This bird migrates from south of Australia to the north during the winter. 
The moulting-season for Lalayge takes place during or shortly before breeding, but 
that of this form seems to come later on shortly before they migrate (in March, 
April, May). 
Ecological. — The first time this species was observed was in Hot Spring in 
the beginning of March, and in Derby at the end of the month. The season had 
come, when migratory hirds began to appear in Kimberley. At the coast of King's 
Sound the species lived in greater or smaller flocks, which got their food (according 
to specimens opened this consisted of small beetles, locusts and other insects) from 
the grass or on the part of the beach that is left exposed, when the tide goes out. 
It was also common in Meda in the beginning of May, at Broome and in Beagle bay 
in July. According to information, received from Mr. VAN DER PFORDTEN, who knew the 
bird-life in the neighbourhood of Broome very well, the bird was also common there 
in March. 
Fam. Sylviidee. 
Cisticola exilis lineocapilla MATH. 
Math. handl. n:r 552. 9 ad., I ad. Meda, Kimb. /s, !7/5 1911, moult. (tail.); I ad. Beagle bay, 
Dampier 1. 3/7 1911 (moult.?, tail). 
Moulting. — Concerning the moulting of this species Cat. of Birds says: »All 
birds collected by Mr. OaATtES in month of April (from Pegu, Malay Archipelago) are 
in full moulting, from which it appears that before breeding in May they change at 
least the greater part of their plumage — — — Leaving Burma and examining a 
series from Australia (we find the full-plumaged males with rufous heads, while the 
females have striped heads); but one skin, shot by Mr. GooDpWIN in March on the 
Richmond river, is moulting from the black-headed striped stage into the rufous- 
headed dress, and there can be little doubt that the winter-plumage of both sexes 
is blackish with streaked backs and heads.» 
My three specimens are in moulting, no. 1 is dropping strongly on back and 
under parts; no. 2 has the body ready but is moulting in the tail; no. 3 seems to 
be full-plumaged. Al have the winter plumage. Apparently their breeding season 
is, as is usual in Australia, during the summer, and the moulting for the winter-dress 
in April and May. Probably a later moulting in Oct. and Nov. (or even later?) 
takes place. 
