OF VICTORIA. ]17 



BELL-BIRD 



(Crested Oreoica), 



Oreoica cristata, Lewiii, 



O're-oi'kd kris'tatci. 

 Oros, a mountain ; oikos, dwelling ; crista, a crest [cristata, tufted). 



Oreoica guttdralir, Gould, "Birds of Australia," fol., vol. ii., 



pi. 81. 

 Geographical Distribution.-— Areas 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9. 



Key to the Species.— il/a?e— Crest deep brownish-black ; upper 

 surface reddish-brown ; forehead and lores white ; black stripe 

 extends over cheeks and unites with black of lower throat ; 

 chin and upper parts of throat white ; upper part of breast 

 deep brownish black ; lower breast and abdomen white. Total 

 length, 8'5 inches. 



Female— Uighiav in colour; lower throat and upper breast 

 nearly uniform reddish-brown. 



The crested Bell-bird is an inhabitant of the dry parts of 

 north-west Victoria and the interior of the continent. It 

 is not to be confused with the Bell-bird of Gippsland, which 

 is correctly termed the Bell Minah, being classed as a 

 Honey-eater with the Native Minah. 



The Oreoica cristata is the only species of the genus, and 

 it is confined to this continent. The actions are spirited — a 

 series of hops, and when disturbed a flight into the nearest 

 tree. The bulk of its food is found near or upon the 

 ground, and insects, their larvse, and seeds form the diet. 

 In many respects it is like the Collyriocinclse, that frequent 

 the drier regions. It stays in the same district during the 

 winter just as in summer, and in October sets about the 

 preparations for rearing a first brood. Mr. Gilbert, the 

 able coadjutor of Gould, describes accurately the vocal 

 powers of the species. " The most singular feature," says 



