PLATE XXIV 
SOME BIRDS OF THE HEATH AND UNDERGROWTH 
1. Scrub-tit Acanthornis magnus Gould 
Ac-anth-orn'-is— Gk, acantha, spine, thorn; Gk, ornis, bird: mag'-nus — 
L., magnus , great. 
distribution. Tasmania. 
notes. Usually singly or in pairs, keeping to the undergrowth; 
similar in habits to the Scrub-wrens. It is a shy bird, and moves among 
the tree-ferns and fallen logs with great rapidity, searching for insect- 
life. 
nest. A dome-shaped structure, composed of green moss, shreds of 
bark, and fern down; lined with fur or feathers. Usually built in a 
perpendicular fork of a large tree, up to 6 feet from the ground. 
eggs. Three, white, blotched with purple markings, particularly at 
the larger end. Breeding-season: August to January. 
2. White-browed Scrub-wren Sericornis frontalis Vigors and Horsfield 
Ser-ic-orn'-is—G k, sericos , silken; Gk, ornis , bird: front-a'-lis— L., front - 
atus ( frons ), with conspicuous forehead. 
distribution. From southern Queensland to Victoria and South 
Australia, and the Kent Group (Bass Strait). 
notes. In pairs, inhabiting localities clothed with thick under¬ 
growth, such as creek-banks and gullies. It is very active and fearless. 
Its food is procured among leaves and debris; call-note, a double 
whistle repeated many times; it utters a harsh scolding note when one 
approaches its nest. Food: chiefly insects. 
nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, loosely com¬ 
posed of bark, leaves, and fine grass; lined with feathers or other soft 
materials. Usually placed on the ground beneath thick undergrowth 
or under a heap of debris. 
eggs. Three, whitish-stone or grey, with a dark zone of purplish- 
brown at the larger end. Breeding-season: July to December. 
3. Buff-breasted Scrub-wren Sericornis laevigaster Gould 
laev-i-gas-ter—L., levis t light, meaning pale; Gk, gaster , belly. 
distribution. From Herberton (northern Queensland) to north¬ 
eastern New South Wales. 
