SOME BIRDS OF THE HEATH AND UNDERGROWTH 1 69 
drooping branch of a leafy tree, a tree-fern, or in a vine. A deserted 
nest of the Yellow-throated Scrub-wren is often relined and used by 
this species. 
eggs. Three, whitish or grey, finely spotted with brown markings, 
particularly on the larger end, where a zone is formed. Breeding- 
season: August to January. 
7. Brown Scrub-wren Sericornis humilis Gould 
hu'-mil-is—L., humilis, humble. 
distribution. Tasmania and the islands of Bass Strait. 
notes. In pairs or small parties, frequenting alike the thick under¬ 
growth of the deep gullies and open scrub-lands. Similar in habits to 
the White-browed Scrub-wren. 
nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, composed 
of fine bark, moss, leaves, and grass; lined with feathers and other 
soft materials. Usually built in a bushy tree or tussock close to the 
ground. 
eggs. Usually three, purplish-buff or reddish, spotted with umber 
markings, particularly at the larger end, where a zone is formed. 
Breeding-season: August to December. 
8. Brown Honey-eater Gliciphila indistincta Vigors and Horsfield 
GU-ciph'-il-a-Gk, glycys, sweet; Gk, philos, fond of: in-dis-tinc'-ta- L., 
indistinctus, not clear. 
distribution. Australia (except Victoria and South Australia); 
also occurs in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Least Honey-eater. In flocks, frequenting heath 
and waste lands, dwarf scrub, and mangroves. Procures its food among 
the blossoms and foliage. One of the sweetest songsters of the Honey- 
eaters. Food: insects and nectar. 
nest. A small, cup-shaped structure, composed chiefly of soft bark; 
lined with plant down. Usually suspended in a small forked branch 
of a shrub, often overhanging water. 
eggs. Usually two, white, with a few minute specks of pale chestnut 
scattered about the larger end. Breeding-season: June to January. 
9. Pied Honey-eater Ccrlhionyx variegalus Lesson—9A. Female 
Certh'-i-on-yx—Gk, certhios, bird, i.e., creeper; Gk, onyx, ( onychos), 
claw: var-i-e-gd’-tus— L., variegalus, pied. 
distribution. Interior of Australia, from New South Wales to 
Western and north-western Australia. 
notes. In pairs or small parties, frequenting chiefly heath and 
scrub-lands and acacia scrubs, feeding among the flowering shrubs and 
trees on insects, nectar, and pollen. It is shy and very quick on the wing, 
and has the habit of flying high in the air, uttering its mournful 
whistling song; it will then drop suddenly, always turning over back¬ 
wards in its descent to cover. 
