i8o 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
notes. Numerous in porcupine grass and rocks in the ranges and 
high sandstone country; is very shy, hiding among the rocks. 
nest. A bulky, dome-shaped structure (in shape much like the nest 
of a Finch), composed of the dry seed stems of spinifex and dry stringy- 
bark leaves; lined with soft dead leaves of spinifex; the whole structure 
well bedded into the top of a bunch of spinifex. 
eggs. Three, white, with faint shades of pinkish markings scattered 
all over the surface, but more numerous at the larger end. Breeding- 
season: January (McArthur River, Northern Territory). 
20. Black Grass-wren Amytornis housei Milligan 
housei —Dr F. M. House, Western Australia. 
distribution. North-western Australia (north-western Kimberley). 
notes. Only recorded from exceedingly rough country, strewn with 
piled-up masses of sandstone, which in colour varies from red to 
black. It runs over the boulders with its head and tail lowered. Food: 
insects. The female differs from the male in having the breast and 
under-parts chestnut. 
nest. Undescribed. 
eggs. Undescribed. 
21. Eastern Bristle-bird Dasyornis brachyplerus Latham 
Das-y-orn'-is— Gk, dasys, hairy; Gk,. ornis, bird: brach-ypt'-cr-us— Gk, 
brachys, short; Gk, pteron, wing. 
distribution. Eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria. 
notes. Usually in pairs, frequenting swampy heath-lands and rank 
undergrowth. It is shy, and seldom exposes itself, spending much of 
its time on the ground among the thick vegetation; it is very active 
in all its movements, and carries its tail erect. Food: insects of various 
kinds and seeds. 
nest. A dome-shaped structure with a side entrance, very loosely 
constructed and composed of dry bark, leaves, long grasses, and stalks 
of plants; warmly lined with soft materials. It is usually placed near 
the ground in a mass of grass, ferns, or a low bush. 
eggs. Two, dull white or whitish-brown, with minute freckles and 
dots of slaty-brown, wood-brown, and purplish-brown, the markings 
being prominent at the larger end, sometimes forming a zone. Breeding- 
season: September to December. 
22. Western Bristle-bird Dasyornis longirostris Gould 
lon-gi-ros'-tris— L., longus , long; L., rostrum , bill. 
distribution. South-western Australia. 
notes. Also known as the Long-billed Bristle-bird; is very rare, there 
being no recent records. Searches made during the past few years have 
proved fruitless. It was once found frequenting the reed-beds and 
