WHITE-EYE. 
and caught them; but almost at any time while feeding on fruit they become 
so fearless of man’s approach they will almost allow themselves to be caught 
by hand. I have often tried to do this, but have never actually been successful, 
excepting as above mentioned. They have a little song, but more often their 
call is a monotonous single note.” 
Mr. E. J. Christian’s notes read: “ This little bird is found more 
commonly in the moister districts, though we get a few here, but they are not 
found in great numbers. He is called ‘ Silver Eye,' ‘ Ring-Eye ’ and 
‘ Blight-bird,’ no doubt deserving the last on account of the work it does in 
orchards. It eats many larvje of different moths and does good work amongst 
Aphis. It does not confine itself to fruit trees, but very often is found among 
the Acacias. These little buds generally go in small flocks of from three or 
four to eight or nine. Sometimes the flocks are larger, and in Tasmania I have 
seen flocks as big as fifteen to twenty. However, in most cases, the small flock 
seems to be the general rule. As they fly they call with rather a plaintive fit tie 
note which to me has always a ring of sadness in it. However, sometimes when 
in the cool shade of a leafy tree on a warm day one can hear them singing a song 
very low and sweet. It does not carry far and one has to be right underneath 
the tree to hear and appreciate it.” 
A very nice account of this species has been published in the South 
Australian Ornithologist, and as it covers the economy so neatly I make no 
apology for quoting the major portion : 
“ Habits.—It spends most of its time in low trees and bushy undergrowth, 
congregating into small flocks in the autumn and winter, and separating into 
pairs for the breeding-season. It apparently appreciates civilization, being 
much commoner in gardens and orchards than in unsettled country. They 
are most fearless little birds : shooting, scarecrows, and every other means 
the gardener can devise, do not frighten them in the least. 
“ Food.—All soft fruits, especially figs, grapes, apricots, and olives. The 
full extent of the damage done by these birds is not so much the quantity 
eaten as the habit they have of pecking small holes in the most forward portion 
of the ripening fruit. They are also very destructive amongst strawberry 
and raspberry crops. Mistletoe berries and pepper-tree berries (Shinus molle) 
are also eaten. This accounts for seedlings of the latter tree coming up in places 
frequented by this bird, especially near water taps and other damp places where 
they drink. Insects are captured on the wing, the bird returning to its perch 
with the prize. In winter the principal food is aphides, the blight of fruit-trees 
and flowers; in this respect they do much good. At this time they also work 
for insects on the ground. 
“ Flight. Quick and jerky. They do not fly more than a few yards except 
