88 INSECTIVOEOU^ BIBDS 



LITTLE CUCKOO SHRIKE 



(Yaeied Graucalus), 



C«raucalii8 meutalis, Vig'. and Ilors. 



Grd'ka-lus mental' is. 

 Graucalus, a perversion oigraculus, a jackdaw ; mentaUs, of the mind. 



Graucalus mentalis, Gould, "Birds of Australia," foL, vol. ii., 



pi. 56. 

 Geographical Distribution. — Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. 



Key to the ^vt£.qi%s.— Adult — General appearance greyish-white ; 

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

 coverts pure white ; thighs slaty-grey ; hinder rim of eyelid 

 white ; bill broad. 



Yoniig -T)\.\Y\ng 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 it is smaller than G. melanops. In habit it is much 

 the same. The species has an extensive range through the 

 continent and it is not by any means an uncommon bird. 

 As an insectivorous member it is in every way a useful 

 bird, keeping in subjection those species that would, with- 

 out such means, become too numerous. Occasionally it 

 will give trouble when the fruit is ripening. Considering 

 the distinct service it renders as an insectivorous bird, this 

 should not be placed to the discredit of the species. It 

 nidifies in the months of October, November, and 

 December. 



Nest. — In all respects like that of the previous species. 

 Large eucalypt trees are chosen where possible, though a 

 nest is occasionally placed in smaller trees, as the Banksia. 



Eggs. — Three to the clutch ; ground colour heavy green, 

 with spots of violet-grey, appearing fainter than some 

 reddish spots. Length, 1'25 inches; breadth, 0'75 inch. 



