COACHWHIP BIRD 



four plates, and this result involved eight hours or more of 

 hard and trying work. 



Some description of the Whip Bird, other than that given 

 by the picture, is necessary. Jn size, shape, and excitable 

 disposition, it is not unlike the introduced Blackbird of our 

 gardens. When disturbed from its home in the thickets it 

 leaves with similar commotion and much scolding. It is 

 a dark-coloured bird, too, dark greenish black, harmonising 

 well with the position usually chosen as its home. The 

 only relief to the colouring mentioned is a large white mark 

 at the lower portion of the head and neck, and a white 

 mottled marking on the breast. The outstanding feature 

 of the Whip Bird's appearance, however, is a crest which 

 adorns its head. The photograph shows it clearly. The 

 picture also gives the impression of a bird full of life and 

 vigour, and in this respect is a true likeness. We have 

 seen, besides those taken by ourselves, two or three photo- 

 graphs of the Whip Bird, and the alert, active appearance 

 is evident in all. 



Two eggs invariably form the clutch. Their ground 

 colour is of light blue, while a limited number of black spots 

 and markings appear evenly distributed over their surface. 

 They are exceedingly pretty. 



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