6 THE USEFUL BtUDS 



colour is that of protection from enemies, for so closely do 

 the birds simulate their surroundings that it is most difficult 

 to perceive them in their natural haunts. To the naturalist, 

 however, a second interest attaches to the change of colour, 

 for he finds therein sufficient grounds for regarding the 

 variously coloured larks as different species. 



White-backed Magpie 



(White-backed Crow-Shrike), 



Gyiiiiiorliiiui leiicoiiota, («ld. 



Jim-nd-rV nd lu-ko-no ta. 

 Gumnos, naked ; rhinos, nostril ; leukos, white ; noton, back. 



Gymnorhina leuconota, Gould, " Birds of Australia," fol., vol. ii., 



pi. 47. 



Key to the Species. — Adult male — Whole of back pure white, like 

 neck and rump ; throat and breast black ; bill pointed and slightly 

 hooked; nostrils bare of feathers, and placed about the middle of 

 the bill (longitudinal slit). 



Adult female — Similar to the male, but not so white on back. 

 Young — Whole of back clouded with grey. 



Though Magpies are not wholly gregarious, they are generally 

 to be seen in families of two to five members, occupying a 

 small area, which they preserve against the encroachments of 

 all intruders. Sometimes a pair, or the occupiers of a block, 

 will not breed for one year, but they generally breed as usual 

 in the following summer. Magpies are doubtless fond of 

 wheat, but they much prefer the luscious grasshopper, a 

 horde of which they will attack in a manner most bene- 

 ficial to the agriculturist. Their dependence on insect life 

 as a staple article of diet is well illustrated by the fact that 

 during the season 1897-98 many young Magpies died of starva- 



