88 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
floated on the water, and were kept in position by 
growing grass. As water was from time to time 
pumped into the swamp, the birds built up the nests 
to keep the eggs dry, and at last even covered the eggs 
over with grass. 
BANDED STILT 
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus 
In general appearance and habits this bird resembles 
the Long-legged Stilt, but has much shorter legs, 
and is also to be distinguished by the broad chestnut 
band across the breast, from which it derives its 
name. Curiously enough, this band is not attained 
until maturity, the young having a pure white breast ; 
examples of each stage of plumage are in the Geelong 
Museum. I have not myself noted the Banded Stilt 
in this district, although Mr. W. Lewis, formerly of 
Connewarre Lake, assured me that they accompany 
the White-headed Stilts to the Lake annually in the 
late spring. Mr. Mulder has seen birds of this species 
near the Old Pump on the river above Prince's Bridge. 
No record can be discovered of the Banded Stilt 
breeding anywhere in the vicinity of Geelong. 
AVOCET 
Recurvirostra novce-hollandice 
It is on the authority of Mr. Wm. Lewis and of Mr, 
J. F. Mulder that I record this bird for the district. 
Mr. Lewis states that they are very rare visitants to 
