94 THE USEFUL BIRDS 



LITTLE CUCKOO SHRIKE 



(Varied Graucalus), 



Graucalu!^ mental is, Vig. and Hors. 



Grajka-his nieji-talis. 

 Graucalus, a perversion of gracidus, a, jackdaw; mentalis, of the chin. 

 Graucalus mentalis, Gould, " Birds of Australia," fol., vol. ii., pi. 5(5. 

 Geographical Distributiox. — Areas 1, 2, 3. 4, (i. 



Key to the Species. — Adult — 'General appearance greyish- white ; 

 throat and breast grey; lower part of abdomen and under tail 

 coverts pure white ; thighs slaty-grey ; liinder rira of eyelid white ; 

 bill broad. 



Young — During the first few months the throat, chest, and back 

 of neck are jet black ; the white chest and abdomen are rayed with 

 obscure arrow-shaped markings on a white ground. 



In size this bird is smaller than G. melanops ; in habits it is 

 much the same. 



The species has an extensive range through the continent, 

 and is not by any means an uncommon bird. 



As an insectivorous member it is a most useful bird, keeping 

 in subjection those species of harmful insects that would, 

 without such help, become too numerous. Occasionally it 

 will give trouble when the fruit is ripening. 'Considering, 

 however, the distinct service it renders as an insectivorous 

 bird during the greater part of the year, and the short period 

 in which it troubles the orchardist, this little falling away in 

 its habits should not be placed to the discredit of the 

 species. 



It nests in the months of October, November, and 

 December. 



Nest. — In all respects hke that oi the previous species. 

 Large eucalypt trees are chosen where possible, though a nest 

 is occasionally placed in smaller trees, as the banksia. 



