546 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



forests of the interior. My own observations induce me to 

 consider it as a summer visitant only to New South Wales ; 

 but as a lengthened residence in the country would be neces- 

 sary to determine this point, my limited stay may have led me 

 into error. It does not visit Tasmania, neither have I traced 

 it so far to the westward as South Australia. 



The Friar Bird, selecting the topmost dead branch of the 

 most lofty trees whereon to perch and pour forth its garrulous 

 and singular notes, attracts attention more by its loud and 

 extraordinary call than by its appearance. From the fancied 

 resemblance of its notes to those words, it has obtained from 

 the Colonists the various names of " Poor Soldier," " Pimlico," 

 " Four o'clock," &c. Its bare head and neck have also suggested 

 the names of " Friar Bird," " Monk," " Leather Head," &c. 



Its flight is undulating and powerful, and it may frequently 

 be seen passing over the tops of the trees from one part of the 

 forest to another. While among the branches it displays a 

 more than ordinary number of singular positions ; its curved 

 and powerful claws enabling it to cling in every variety of 

 attitude, frequently hanging by one foot with its head down- 

 wards, &c. If seized when only w^ounded, it inflicts with 

 its sharp claws severe and deep wounds on the hands of its 

 captor. 



Its food consists of the pollen of the Eucalypti and insects, 

 to which are added wild figs and berries. 



It commences breeding in November, when it becomes 

 animated and fierce, readily attacking hawks, crows, magpies 

 {Gymnorhina), or other large birds that may venture within 

 the precincts of its nest, never desisting from the attack 

 until they are driven to a considerable distance. The nest, 

 which is rather rudely constructed, and of a large size for 

 a Honey-eater, is cup-shaped, and outwardly composed of 

 the inner rind of the stringy bark and wool, to which suc- 

 ceeds a layer of fine twigs lined with grasses and fibrous 

 roots, the whole being suspended to the horizontal branch 



