228 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



Sp. 129. FALCUNCULUS FRONTATUS, VieiUot 

 Frontal Shrike-Tit. 



Lanius frontatus, Lath. Ind. Orn,, p. xviii. 



Frontal Shrike, Lath. Gen. Syn. Supp., vol. ii. p. 75, pi. 122. 



Falcunculus frontatus, Vieill. Gal. des Ois., torn. i. pi. 138. 



flavigulus, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc, part v. p. 144, female. 



Gouldi, Cab. Mus. Hein., Theil i. p. 66. 



Falcunculus frontatus, Gould, Birds of Australia, foL, voL ii. 

 pi. 79. 



I had many opportunities of observing this bird, both in 

 New South Wales and South Australia, over both of which 

 countries it is very generally although not numerously dis- 

 persed. It alike inhabits the thick brushes as well as the 

 trees of the open plains. Its chief food is insects, which are 

 either obtained among the foliage or under the bark of the 

 larger brandies and trunks of the tree ; in procuring these it 

 displays great dexterity, stripping off the bark in the most 

 determined manner, for which purpose its powerful bill is ad- 

 mirably adapted. 



It is very animated and sprightly in its actions, and in 

 many of its habits bears a striking resemblance to the Tits, 

 particularly in the manner in which it clings to and climbs 

 among the branches in search of food. While thus employed 

 it frequently erects its crest and assumes many pert and lively 

 positions : no bird of its size with which I am acquainted 

 possesses greater strength in its mandibles, or is capable of 

 inflicting severer wounds, as I experienced on handling one I 

 had previously winged, and which fastened on my hand in 

 the most ferocious manner. 



As far as I am aware, the Falcunculus frontatus is not dis- 

 tinguished by any powers of song, for I only heard it utter a 

 few low piping notes. 



I could neither succeed in procuring the nest of this species 

 nor obtain any authentic information respecting its nidification. 



