PLATE 



GENUS CALAMOHERPE {Meyer). 



~J^>OTH Europe and India contain members of this genus, of which two species inhabit Australia. 



CALAMOHERPE LOXGIROSTRIS (Gould). 



LONG-BILLED HEED- WARBLER. 



THE present species is found among the reed-beds on the banks of most of the rivers and lakes, near 

 the coast of Western Australia. 



It is very difficult to obtain specimens, as it is exceedingly shy, rarefy showing itself above the 

 tops of the reeds, and never going more than a few yards from the nest. Its presence, however, ma}' 

 be discovered by the beautiful song, which it pours forth incessantly, both in the day and night. 



The food consists of insects obtained among the reeds. 



It breeds in August and September, when it constructs a cup-shaped nest of dried rushes, lined 

 inside with the soft skin of reeds. The eggs, four in number, are in length three-quarters of an inch, 

 and in breadth five-eighths of an inch. They are greenish-white in colour, with patches of dark and 

 light olive irregularly distributed over the surface. 



All upper surface and wings greyish-brown ; tail, dark brown ; under surface and line over the 

 •eye, fawn colour ; h ides, light brown ; bill, dark fawn colour ; legs and feet, black. 



The sexes are exactly alike both in plumage and size. 



Total length, 6^ inches; bill, inch; wing, :) inches; tail, •"! inches; tarsi, I inch. 

 Habitat : Western Australia. 



CALAMOHERPE AUSTRALIS (Gould). 



REED- WARBLER. 



THE Reed- Warbler may be found in most of the marshy places bordering the rivers and lagoons oi 

 New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, but never visits Tasmania. 



It remains in Australia from September till about the end of May, when it migrates to a 

 warmer climate, returning again when the winter is over. 



Its food consists of coleopterous and other insects. 



