WOOD-SWALLOW. 
wagging the partly outspread tail from side to side. . . Two, sometimes 
three, broods are reared in the season (which) lasts from August to 
December.” 
Mr. Tom Carter’s observations read : “ Artamus cyanopterus. The 
Wood-Swallow occurs through the South-west, but was never observed in 
North-west Australia. They were noted as common about Kellarberin 
in January, 1903. The nests are usually placed at a higher elevation than 
those of other species of this genus, usually from 15 to 25 feet above the 
ground and often towards the end of a limb, so not easily approached. 
About Broome Hill, and I think generally, the breeding season is late, being 
from October until the end of December, and sometimes extending into 
January. The clutch of eggs is three or four. Fresh eggs in nests were 
noted on Nov. 11, 1906, Dec. 11, 1906; Oct. 7 to Nov. 1, 1907, several nests 
with eggs. Nov. 29, 1908, fresh eggs ; Oct. 27, 1912, nest completed, no 
eggs. Feb. 12, 1906, noted recently fledged young. Dec. 15, 1907, young 
in nest. Dec. 12, 1911, recently fledged young.” 
In the Emu, Vol. VIII., p. 215, 1909, Chisholm wrote : “ I quote a note 
taken at the time of observation last summer : — 4 What would seem to be a 
strange systematic trait of periodical changing of localities has taken place 
among the Wood-Swallows here. Last year these birds were represented 
by practically only one species — viz., the Wood-Swallow ( A . sordidus). 
This season things have changed. Owing to the drought up north, the 
White-browed ( A . superciliosus) and rarer Masked (A. personatus ) species 
are here in considerable numbers whilst a Wood-Swallow ( A . sordidus) is a 
comparative rarity. In Oct. -Nov. of this year I found White-brows and 
their nests (but no Masked) in two or three distinct areas. Now (Dec. -Jan.) 
the White-brows have almost totally disappeared from these areas, and in 
their place the Masked species has proportionately increased. Query — 
Should this be regarded as an accidental happening, or an habitual trait ? 
I think the former theory more probable among migratory birds such as 
these.’ After the sudden influx of Wood-Swallows detailed above, the birds 
have disappeared as suddenly as they came, and there are now but few of 
either species to be noted hereabouts, therefore, if the strange locality- 
changing noted last summer were again going on, it would hardly be noticeable. 
I have watched closely for any indication of the occurrence, but, seeing none, 
am convinced that the happening was accidental or capricious.” 
For many years this, the “Wood-Swallow,” was known by the technical 
name of Artamus sordidus , not a really nice name if choice were allowed. 
It had received a couple of other names, but Latham’s T urdus sordidus was 
the earliest and on the score of priority alone was tenable. 
VOL. X. 
265 
