282 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
You Yangs and the Ocean Grove to Drysdale bush it 
is less common, but is, nevertheless, to be found in 
both localities. 
OTWAY SCRUB-WREN 
Sericornis longirostris harterti 
From Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale and thence at 
intervals along the coast, as for instance at the White 
Bank at Ocean Grove, and the mouth of Bream 
Creek, there is a more or less dense growth of ti-tree 
(Leptospermum) of the kind which is greatly in favour 
for making hedges round seaside cottages. This 
scrub grows immediately on the landward slope of 
the sand-hummocks, the trees often attaining a 
considerable size, and so affording shelter to a number 
of kinds of small birds. Of these undoubtedly the 
commonest, though from its inconspicuous appearance 
the least known, is the Scrub-wren or Sericornis. 
The back is of a dark chestnut-brown, lighter on 
the tail, and gradually darkening towards the neck 
and head. Some of the feathers on the forehead and 
at the base of the bill are white, edged with black or 
dark brown, giving a spotted appearance ; no white 
stripe over eyebrow ; bill horn-colour ; eyes black ; 
throat white, some of the feathers having black spots ; 
belly and chest creamy-white clouded with light 
umber and grey. Tail same as lower back, no mark- 
ings. Tips of some of the shoulder feathers white, 
giving effect of spots ; flanks light brown. This 
