BIRDS OF THE HEATH-LANDS 
*77 
9. Rock Field-wren Calamanthus montanellus Milligan 
mont-an-ell'-us—L., montanellus, of the mountains. 
distribution. Mid-western Australia (Dirk Hartog Island) to 
south-western Australia (Stirling Ranges). 
notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting low scrub¬ 
lands as well as the rocky or stony foothills of the Stirling Ranges. 
Similar in habits to the Striated Field-wren. 
nest. Similar to that of the Striated Field-wren. 
eggs. Similar to those of the Striated Field-wren. 
10. Rufous Field-wren Calamanthus campestris Gould 
cam-pes'-lris— L., campestris, of the fields. 
distribution. Interior of New South Wales, from Broken Hill to 
Eyre’s Peninsula (South Australia). 
notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, inhabiting open plains 
covered with salt-bush, blue-bush, and low scrub-lands. It is shy and 
very cautious, running mouse-like over the ground among the herbage. 
Call-note, a sweet and melodious song. Food: insects of various kinds, 
procured on the ground or among the vegetation. 
nest. Globular in form with an entrance at the side, composed of 
dried grasses: lined with feathers. Placed beneath a low bush or on 
the bare ground. 
eggs. Three or four, uniform pale chocolate, darker on the larger 
end, sometimes having an indistinct zone. Breeding-season: July or 
after rains in summer or winter. 
11. Rusty Field-wen Calamanthus isabellinus North 
is-a-bell-i'-nus—L., isabellinus, isabelline (i.e. drab) in colour. 
distribution. Interior of South Australia, central Australia, to 
Western Australia. 
notes. Inhabits heath and low scrub-lands, also dry sandy waste¬ 
lands. Similar in habits to the other Field-wrens. 
nest. Similar in construction and shape to those of other species of 
the genus; often placed on the bare ground as well as under low bushes 
and in tufts of grass. 
eggs. Similar to, but slightly paler generally than the Rufous Field- 
wren. Breeding-season: after rains, both in summer and winter. 
12. Western Grass-wren Amytornis textilis Dumont 
A-my-torn’-is-Gk, amytis, daughter of Astyages; Gk, omis, a bird- 
tex'-til-is— L., textilis , woven. 
distribution. Central Australia to Western Australia. 
notes. Usually in pairs or small parties, frequenting salt-bush 
spinifex, and low scrub-lands; is almost always on the ground- carries 
its tail very erect, and runs and hops over the surface of the’ground 
