252 THE USEFUL BIRDS 



and nicely hidden beneath low overhanging branches. Its 

 length was about two feet, and height ten inches, the top 

 edges slightly overlapping. 



It is asserted by some observers that this bird is the greatest 

 pest the orchardist has to contend against, should his property 

 border a brake of scrub resorted to by the pillager. Though 

 it is a suspicious, shy, and wary bird, it is also a bold one, as 

 evidenced by the coolness with which it will dash into a 

 fruit tree within a few yards of the spot where a man may be 

 working, calling out defiance in a very brave, almost impudent, 

 way. Yet the slightest hostile movement will cause it to 

 vanish hke magic. 



The food of the Spotted Bower-bird is partly composed of 

 insects, varied in the season by garden produce such as 

 tomatoes and chilies, the latter being swallowed whole, so as 

 to obviate the unpleasant hotness. In Queensland they favour 

 small fruits of a bright colour, siu'h as guavas, to the detriment 

 of the grower. 



The generic name Chlamydodera, terrifying on first acquaint- 

 ance, explains the leading character of the bird. It is derived 

 from two Greek words, meaning mantled neck, and refers to 

 the bright lilac feathers which form a kind of mantle around 

 the neck. 



Nest. — Similar to the preceding one. 



Eggs. — Two to a sitting ; much streaked and marked with 

 blackish " hieroglyphics " over a pale greenish ground. 

 Length of an ordinary specimen, 1.5 inches; breadth, 1 inch. 

 It is a handsome egg, and marks a beauty spot in the 

 magnificent collection of Australian birds' eggs in the 

 possession of Dr. Charles Kyan. 



