THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
Mr. Frank Littler also wrote me : “Is a migratory species, leaves 
Tasmania during winter. Sometimes it arrives early in August, at others 
not till September. Return migration proceeds from end of March to 
middle of April ; none seen after April. The Tasmanian form is said to 
be larger than the mainland one. This species has the very peculiar habit 
of occasionally hanging in clusters on the underside of a bough. Its food 
consists of insects, most of which are captured while on the wing. The 
movements of this Wood-Swallow when on the wing are graceful in the 
extreme. Its broad pinions are eminently suited for sailing over and 
among the trees. Occasionally it ascends to great heights until it becomes 
a tiny speck in the blue sky. Even when almost quite out of sight its not 
unpleasant reedy notes can be distinctly heard. When at rest it has a 
curious habit of every now and then flicking its tail from side to side.” 
A good and complete account appeared in the South Australian 
Ornithologist, Vol. II., pt. 4, Oct., 1915, pp. 87-90, from which I quote : 
“It is a resident bird in South Australia, though, perhaps, not so plentiful 
in winter as in spring and summer ; possibly there is a partial migration or 
they may wander in search of better food supplies. Odd pairs have been 
known to stay in the same locality for several years. They like open forest 
country rather than thick scrub. When perched they have a habit of 
lifting one wing, partially opening it as though to stretch it and closing it 
again ; this is repeated many times. After nesting time they congregate 
in parties of from 10 to 40 in number, and occasionally in much larger flocks. 
They do not nest in companies ; each pair keeps its own beat, and drives 
away all intruders of the same species. At this time they will attack any 
birds or animals, large or small, which come near the nest, and will even 
attack man, swooping swiftly down up(on) him with harsh cries, and 
snapping the bill. Food. This is mostly taken upon the wing, much after 
the manner of swallows, but they also search the bark of trees for insects, 
clinging to it with the feet, and using the out-spread tail as a support. 
Occasionally they take their food upon the ground. It is not uncommon 
to see them searching the flowers of eucalypia, hakea, and other flowering 
shrubs, but whether for the nectar or for insects is not known. With this 
possible exception the food consists entirely of insects of all classes. They 
are especially fond of bees, and for that reason are not beloved by the 
apiarist. Flight. Graceful and gliding ; very like that of swallows. 
Song. While hawking for insects or sitting upon a perch they utter a single, 
rather harsh and plaintive note frequently repeated. In the spring they 
have a continuous twittering song, soft and musical, but so low pitched as 
not to be heard at any great distance. When singing they have a habit of 
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