51. Atticora leucosternon, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 12.

Since I described and figured this species I have received numerous examples from Swan River, where Mr. Gilbert observed it on the 19th of August flying about the holes of the Boodee (Bettongia Grayii) in pairs; but it was not until the latter end of September that he succeeded in finding their nests placed at the extremities of holes bored in the side of a bank. All the holes that he saw were perfectly round, not more than two inches in diameter, running horizontally, and of the same dimensions, for three feet from the entrance, and then expanding to the extent of four inches and forming the receptacle of the nest, which is constructed of the broad portions of dried grasses and the dry dead leaves of the Acacia. Mr. Johnson Drummond informed him that he had frequently found seven and even nine eggs in a single nest, from which he inferred that more than one female lays in the same nest: the eggs are white, somewhat lengthened, and pointed in form. It would seem that the holes are not constructed exclusively for the purpose of nidification, for upon Mr. Gilbert’s inserting a long grass stalk into one of them five birds made their way out, all of which he succeeded in catching; upon his digging to the extremity in the hope of procuring their eggs, no nest was found, and hence he concludes that their holes are also used as places of resort for the night.

Genus Hirundo, Linn.

The members of the genus Hirundo, or true Swallows, inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, where the European and American chimney Swallows, Hirundo rustica and H. rufa, are beautifully represented by the H. neoxena.

52. Hirundo neoxena, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 13.

Genus Chelidon, Boie.

I find that by some unaccountable mistake I have placed the Australian members of this genus in that of Collocalia,—an error which I take this opportunity of correcting.

The two species inhabiting Australia are both represented by others in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. They differ somewhat from each other in habits, one always resorting to the holes of trees for the purpose of nidification, and the other building a clay nest similar to those constructed by the martins of Europe and America.

53. Chelidon arborea.
    Collocalia arborea, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 14.
54. Chelidon Ariel.
    Collocalia Ariel, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 15.