134 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
A T es t. _ A cup-shaped structure, composed of twigs, grass, and fine 
rootlets; lined with hair. Generally placed in a low bush, in a shrub, or 
in tall grass. 
Eggs. _Three or four, white, with reddish-brown spots on the larger 
end. Breeding-season: July to December and often in the autumn months. 
17. Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor Gould—17A. Female 
trl-col-or —L., tricolor, three-coloured. 
Distribution .—Australia (except northern Queensland). 
Motes . — Also called Tricoloured Chat. Usually in pairs or small 
flocks, frequenting open country studded with low bushes. It is nomadic 
in habits, and like the White-fronted Chat, spends much of its time on 
the ground. It is often seen in company with the Orange Chat. Its call- 
note is a metallic “ting-ting.” Food: insects of various kinds. 
Nest .—A cup-shaped structure, composed of grass and rootlets; lined 
with finer materials. Generally placed in a low bush or shrub or in a tuft 
of long grass. 
Eggs .—Three or four, white, sparingly spotted with reddish-purple 
markings. Breeding-season: October to December (east) ; July to 
March (west). 
18. Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons Gould—18A. Female 
aur-i-frons — L., aiirum, gold; L., frons, forehead. 
Distribution .—Interior of Australia generally. 
Notes .—Also called Orange-fronted Chat, Yellow Tintac, and Salt¬ 
bush Canary. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting open country 
studded with low bushes or samphire flats. It is nomadic in habits, and 
although chiefly found in the inland areas, also visits the samphire swamps 
bordering the coast. It is similar in habits and economy to the Crimson 
Chat. 
Nest. —A cup-shaped structure, composed of grass and rootlets; lined 
with finer materials. Generally placed in a low bush or in a tuft of Ion? 
grass. 
Egg s - Usually three, white, dotted all over, but more so at the larger 
end, with purplish-red markings. Breeding-season : September to February. 
19. Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea Castelnau and Ramsay—19A. 
Female 
cro-ce-a — L., croceus, yellow. 
Distribution . — Interior of northern Australia, from Fitzrov River 
(north-western Australia) to Norman River (northern Queensland). 
Notes. Also called Yellow-breasted Chat. Usually in pairs, fre¬ 
quenting marshy swamps. It is not a shy species, but when disturbed, 
makes for safety among the grasses. It procures its food, consisting of 
insects, among the glasses or in small bushes. It has a simple call-note, 
but no song. _ 1 
