THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
8 to 9 inches long, by 15 inches or more in circumference at the widest part. Usually 
placed low down in a bush, or tuft of spinifex. 
Breeding-months. Probably August to December. 
Gould recorded: “ This beautiful Finch is a native of the north-west 
coast of Austraha, where it was procured by the late IVIr. Bynoe. The single 
mdividual sent me by that gentleman was unaccompanied by any account 
whatever of its habits and economy. The example is, I believe, aU that has 
ever been seen; I regret to say it no longer graces my collection, having 
been stolen therefrom, together with some other valuable birds, in the 
year 1846.” 
Mr. Tom Carter has written me : “ The first specimen of the Painted Finch 
obtained (and seen) was shot ofi a ledge of the great cliffs of the Yardie Creek 
(Jacob Remessens River) near North-West Cape on April 5th, 1898. After 
that date small parties of the birds were seen on several occasions, and I 
think there is no doubt that they have extended their range, as they were 
seen in fresh localities, and such beautiful and boldly marked birds are hkely 
to attract attention. In October, 1900, I shot two from a small party about 
30 nfiles inland, S.E. of Point Cloates. From May to September in 1901, 
many small parties were often seen from six to ten m number, feeding on the 
rocky ranges of the North-West Cape Peninsula. All birds obtained had 
their crops containing what seemed to be small grass seeds. Dec. 10, 1902. 
They were numerous in the Yardie Creek and druikuig at the permanent pools 
there. On one occasion I counted thirty perched on one of the huge boulders 
alongside a pool. At another place on tliis creek, where water drips from the 
roof of a large cave, Painted Finches and Keartland Honey-eaters were drinking 
from a little ‘ dub ’ on the floor. I was told by a friend that durhig a heat 
wave at Pardoo (Lat. 20° S.) in 1910, considerable numbers of these birds 
appeared, and several were caught inside his house, while sheltering from the 
heat. His natives said they did not know the birds. In September, 1913, 
I had good evidence that a few of these birds breed near Camarvm (my 
informant made a specialty of caged Finches).” 
Dr. Cleland has written that he fomid a nest with bird on it (caught) 
in a tuft of spinifex near bank of dry creek, StreUy River, Aug. 11, 1907; the 
nest contained one mifledged yomig and two pmn wlute eggs. 
Mj. J. P. Rogers’s notes read : “ A few small flocks of these Finches were 
seen flying up to Mungi Rock hole for water. The only places I have seen 
these birds resident m are rough spinifex-covered lulls or stony plains covered 
with spinifex. On the Louisa River, one of the heads of the Fitzroj^ this 
species is very numerous, and is also plentiful aromid Hall’s Creek, Kimberley 
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