regarious, and building clay nests, like bottles stuck against a
tree, in rows one above the other. Instinct guides these little birds to
select a tree that slopes and is concave, in which the nests will be
protected from rain or storms. A white-headed swallow was also frequently
seen, but it was always under circumstances that prevented our procuring
a specimen.

19. MEROPS ORNATUS, LATH.--Australian Bee-eater.

This beautiful little bird, with its varied plumage, is migratory, and
visits the southern parts of the continent during summer, when its
locality is near any river, or chain of ponds, although it is also found
in other places. I first shot this pretty bird on the banks of the
Macquarie in 1828, where it was in considerable numbers. It visits
Adelaide, and we saw it in the interior almost to our extreme north.

20. HALCYON SANCTUS, VIG. AND HORSF.--Sacred Halcyon.

This ill-proportioned bird in shape and general appearance is like the
Kingfisher. Instead however of living on fish, he contents himself with
lizards, beetles, grasshoppers, etc., and amongst these he makes a great
havoc. The range of this bird did not extend beyond the lat. of the
Depot.

21. HALCYON PYRRHOPYGIA, GOULD.--Red-backed Halcyon.

Similar in shape and figure to the last, but differing in plumage and in
size, having dull red feathers over the rump, the blue being also of a
duller shade. It ranges far north.

22. ARTAMUS SORDIDUS.--Wood Swallow.

The flight and habits of this bird are very like those of the swallow
tribe. They huddle together to roost: selecting a flat round stump, round
the edge of which they sit with their heads inwards, so presenting a
singular appearance: or else they cling together to the number of thirty
or forty on a branch like a swarm of bees. They were seen in every part
of the interior over the whole of which they appear to range.

23. ARTAMUS PERSONATUS, GOULD.--Masked wood Swallow.

So called because of a black mark on the throat and cheek resembling a
mask in some measure. The plumage of this bird is light, the breast of
the male almost approaching to a white, for size and shape there is
little difference between this and the last. Both are equally common, and
are seen together, ranging the brushes at a great distance from water.

24. ARTAMUS SUPERCILIOSUS, GOULD.--White eyebrowed wood Swallow.

A white line over the eye is the distinguishing mark of this bird. One or
other species of Artamus was