62 
NATURE STUDY NOTES 
NEST—Built on the ground, in dense hedge, or 
in thick shrub—seldom more than a few feet from 
the ground. October, November and December. 
(See pp. 43, 46.) 
HABITS—Prefers the open country and the 
hedgerows rather than the haunts -of men. Usually 
seen in small flocks. Its flight is undulating and 
fairly rapid. 
THE WHITE-EYE 
SONGS— . ' 
Key F: | f.m: :f“m 
te u te u Repeated at intervals. 
Key F: |f.f:f.m|f.m: |f.f:f.m|f.m: || 
te te te u te u 
DESCRIPTION—Also called “Silver-eye,” “Wax- 
eye,” “Blight-bird.” Each eye is surrounded by 
tiny, pure white feathers, so compact that they look 
like wax. Back, green and dark grey. Sides, pale 
brown. Under parts, light chestnut brown. A 
very pretty small bird. (Illustration, p. 51.) 
FOOD—Small insects and fungi (blights) ; also 
nectar of shrub flowers and small berries. 
NEST-—Built in low brushwood or in lower 
branches of a shrub; usually around a forked twig. 
October to March (two broods). Nest not so deep 
as that of other small birds. (See pp. 43, 46). 3 or 
4 eggs. 
HABITS—Always in small flocks. Moves quickly 
among the outer branches of hedge-shrubs and 
trees in short hops and twittering flight. Often 
hangs upside down when searching for minute 
insects and blights. 
