BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS 
175 
3. Emu Wren Stipiturus malachurus Shaw — 3 A. Female 
Stip-it-ur'-us — L., stipes , stipitis , stem; Gk, ura ( our a ), tail: mal-a- 
chur-us — Gk, malacos, soft; Gk, ura ( oura ), tail. 
Distribution. — South-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, Vic- 
toria, South Australia, south-western Australia, and Tasmania. 
Notes . — According to seasons, in pairs or small parties; inhabits 
swampy heath-lands. It is very shy, keeping to the rank undergrowth, 
through which it moves in a mouse-like manner. It has a low, squeaking 
call-note, and, when flushed, utters a slight twitter. Food: insects of 
various kinds, procured on the ground or among the rank undergrowth. 
Nest. — A round structure with an entrance at the side, composed of 
grass loosely put together, lined with finer grasses, and built in a tuft of 
grass or low bush. 
Eggs. — Three or four, white, freckled or spotted all over with red 
markings, especially at the larger end. Breeding-season : August to De- 
cember. 
4. Mallee Emu Wren Stipiturus mallee Campbell 
mallee — name of district where the mallee (species of eucalyptus) grows. 
Distribution . — The mallee districts of north-western Victoria and 
South Australia. 
Notes. — In pairs or small parties, inhabiting the undergrowth of the 
mallee scrubs and surrounding low scrub. Similar in habits to the Emu 
Wren. The female does not possess stripes above the eyes, or on the 
cheeks or throat (see female of the Emu Wren). 
Nest. — Very similar to that of the Emu Wren. 
Eggs . — Very similar to those of the Emu Wren. 
5. Rufous-crowned Emu Wren Stipiturus ruficeps Campbell 
ru-fi-ceps — L., rufus, red ; ceps, from L. caput , capitis , head. 
Distribution. — Central Australia to mid-western Australian coast. 
Notes. — In pairs or small parties, inhabiting spinifex country or 
stunted scrub-lands. Similar in habits to the other Emu Wrens. The 
female differs from the male in the same manner as the females of the 
other species. 
Nest . — An oval structure with an entrance at the side, composed of 
fine bark, grass, and spiders’ webs; lined with feathers and plant down; 
placed in a tussock of spinifex or low bush. 
Eggs. — Two, white, slightly tinged with pinkish-buff, well marked 
all over, particularly at the larger end, with spots and specks of reddish- 
brown and others of light umber. Breeding-season: October. 
6. Heath-wren Hylacola pyrrhopygia Vigors and Horsfield 
Hy-lac-o-la— Gk, hyle, wood; L., colere, to inhabit: pyr-rho-pyg'-i-fi 
(g = j)— Gk, pyrrhos , fire-coloured; Gk, pyge, rump, tail. 
Distribution. — New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia 
(Mount Lofty Range). 
