Vol. IX. 



1909 



] Hall, hlotes on the Magpie (Gymnorhina ieticono(a). ly 



inseparable; while again in the far backcountr\' of all the eastern 

 States is shown the strong evidence of lesser dimensions, apart 

 from dichromatism. Yet these lesser dimensions are not quite 

 confined to the inland and drier area. Their points of resem- 

 blance are so many and those of difference so few that one 

 strongly inclines to mark them as one variable species. In 

 habitat both are the same ; flight, gait, mode of hunting for food, 

 and the food itself are of the same kind. The shape of the nest 

 and the materials are the same. The lining of the nest is 

 furnished in the same manner. The eggs are similar in size and 

 colour ; in brooding the male and female take part in both 

 cases, while the female of each does most of the sitting, during 

 which time she is fed by the male. The difference appears to be 

 in the plumage markings ; possibly, too, in warble and tempera- 

 ment, varying with the area. 



In one district under observation the " Black-back " prefers to 

 place his nest on smaller trees — medium-sized saplings — into 

 forks near the trunk of the tree. The " White-back " prefers 

 large trees, and selects an upper branch somewhere near the 

 crown, and places the nest near the end of the branch in a 

 horizontal fork. In the Wimmera, Victoria, both place their 

 nests on the eastern side of either branch or tree, this being the 

 most sheltered position of the tree, the prevailing winter winds 

 here being north and north-west. 



The warble of the " Black-back " consists of about twelve 

 distinct syllables, and is finished with an indescribable, 

 delightful jubilant note. In every instance the female 

 commences the warble, the male falling in at the last note, but 

 holding it out longer than the female. The " White-back " 

 rarely indulges in a song, rendering it in a less musical style, 

 and only in a chorus. The syllables are fewer and shorter. The 

 last note is finished with a sharp piping " Coo-oo," the emphasis 

 being put upon the " Coo," whereas the " Black-back's " last note 

 is a distinct "Croo-00-00," the stress being placed upon the 

 "Croo" and the last "coo." This accentuation is, however, 

 peculiar to the male bird only. 



In temperament the " White-back " appears to be more 

 savage than the "Black-back." In breeding time the "White- 

 back " will attack almost any living thing of large dimensions, 

 the " Black-back " rarely interfering with anybody. About the 

 fowl-yard the " White-back " becomes a nuisance, disturbing 

 the poultry and killing the chicks, and in the field it is constantly 

 pursuing some bird that comes within its area — its own selected 

 block. Every " family " of species and variety has an area of 

 its own, this always being about the roosting-place. The tree 

 which carries the nest is generally its roost. This is jealously 

 guarded, and woe betide the namesake that dares to perch on 

 the tree which is some other Magpie's roost. A severe fight is 



