38 



Harvey, Bird Notes from. Mackay, Q. 



r Emu 



I,.. Jul: 



bird became so engrossed in this new departure that he forgot 

 ail about his brooding mate, and we were beginning to fear that 

 he would entirely desert her. The brooding bird, however, 

 proved to be equal to the occasion. Leaving the nest, she at once 

 proceeded to the spot from whence came the love-song of her 



Black-and-White Fantail [Rhipiditya tricolor) on nest. 



PHOTO. IIY \V. (i. AND I). C. HAHVEY. 



erring mate. After thrashing her rival she succeeded in coaxing 

 her mate back to the nest ; but the outcast renewed her efforts 

 on several occasions, and only the watchfulness and prompt action 

 of the brooding bird prevented the male Fantail from committing 

 bigamy. 



Blue-faced Honey-eater (Entomyza cyanotis). — This large and 

 interesting Honey-eater is always found in the immediate neigh- 

 bourhood of the Fandamis palm — so much so, in fact, that it is 

 known to most people in this locality as the " Pandanus-Bird." 

 Not only do they build their nests in these palms, but during the 

 non-breeding season they derive an easy living from the many 

 species of insects which shelter among the leaves. Occasionally, 

 as the opportunity presents itself, they vary their diet with a 

 little ripe fruit or the nectar from blossoms. These birds have a 

 peculiar habit of performing an ecstatic dance or " corroboree " 

 in mid-air. This antic is performed by a dozen or more 

 Entomyzas, and at various times during the non-breeding season. 

 One bird generally takes the lead and flies up skyward, calling 

 excitedly to the others, who immediately take wing and follow 

 their leader to a height of from 30 to 40 feet above the tree-tops, 

 where an excited corroboree takes place. Why they do this is a 

 moot point, but it appears to us to be merely an overflow of mirth. 

 Another peculiarity of this bird is its primitive method of nest- 

 building. It is unable to suspend its nest from a branch as other 



