296 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
SORDID WOOD-SWALLOW 
Pseudartamus cyanopterus 
This is a duller-coloured and less conspicuous bird 
than either of the other Wood-swallows, and di^fers 
from them also in that it is regularly found in the 
same spots throughout the spring and summer; and 
although it is generally called a migratory species, I 
believe many of the birds stay with us during the 
winter as well. 
Never yet have I seen a flock of these Wood-swallows 
on the wing, nor more than, at most, a dozen together. 
They are usually in pairs, and are fond of perching 
on the tops of charred stumps of trees, whence they 
sally forth in quest of flying insects. Their flight 
closely resembles that of the other species, Swallow- 
like glides with outstretched wings alternating with 
a few very quick wing-strokes. 
The note is usually hardly more than a sharp 
twitter, but there is a regular little spring-song, 
generally sung by a mated pair sitting close together 
on a bough. 
The season of nesting commences towards the 
middle of October ; eggs may be found until early 
in December. The nest is larger and more carefully 
constructed than those of the other Wood-swallows, 
but is built of similar materials — that is, thin dry 
twigs externally, with a lining of roots. 
The position chosen for it varies greatly, the 
