MASKED FINCH. 
Nest. The usual bulky bottle-shaped structiu’e, composed of dried grasses, and lined with 
feathem and small pieces of charcoal about the same size as the eggs. It is often 
built in grass, and placed near or actuallj'^ upon the ground, and at other times in 
a busli or small tree, and situated six feet or more up from the gi'ound. 
Breeding-months. August to December, and often as late as April, May and June. 
Another of Gilbert’s fine discoveries; Gould wrote : “ This beautiful and well- 
marked species of Grass-Finch is a native of the north-west coast of Austraha, 
whore several specimens were shot by Gilbert durhig an exctu'sion from Port 
Esshigton towards the iaiterior of the country, who states that it inhabits grassy 
meadows near streams, feeding on grass seeds, etc. It was tolerably abundant, 
being congregated in flocks of from twenty to forty. When on the wing it 
utters a very feeble cry of hoit, twit, twit, but at other times pours forth a drawn- 
out, mournful note, like that of some of the other Grass-Finches.” 
Hill recorded from North-Avestem Australia : “A few birds were seen 
near Napier Broome Bay at rare intervals, but m the barren comitry near the 
Drysdale River this species is more plentiful than P. acuticauda. The nests 
are more often built in the grass than in trees, and m many cases rest on the 
grovmd near a stump or log. About a teaspoonful of finely broken charcoal 
was fomid in each iiest.” 
From Borroloola, Northern Tenitory, Hill Avrote : “ More frequently met 
Avith than P. acuticauda. In April these birds Avere nesting A^eiy freely hi 
the Roper River country. The nests are nearly ahvays built m one of the 
foUoAAing positions: (a) on termites’ nests, (6) on bare ground at the base of 
termites’ nests, (c) hi tussocks of grass at the base of termites’ nests, {d) rarely 
in shrubs groAAong through or against termites’ nests. I caimot recollect liaAdng 
seen a shigle nest built anyAvhere but in close proxhnity to termites’ nests, 
but a reliable ornithologist informed me that he fomid several nests near Pine 
• Creek in the grass, and that he had not noticed any partiahty on the part 
of these Fhiches for termites’ nests. Bill yeUoAV.” 
MacgilliATTay recorded: “ Poephila personata: First noted on the 
Leichhardt Rh-er, tAvo miles beyond Augustus Doaauis. On the Gregory 
River they AA'ere numerous. Stomach contents, grass seeds. Bill yellow.” 
Baniard then recorded from Borroloola, Northern Territory: “ Often 
seen hi small flocks of from eight to tAvelve. This bird builds its bulky grass 
nest hi short grass, often almost, if not quite, on the ground. It resembles a 
bunch of dead grass. Small pieces of charcoal are built in Avith the layers of 
grass in formhig the nest, and loose pieces are left hi Aidth the eggs. When first 
laid the eggs are pure Avhite, but in a feAV days they take on a sooty 
appearance from coming in contact Avith the charcoal. This is intensified 
as the brooding is carried on, and, when hard sat, the eggs are much the 
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