THE BOWER BIRDS 



1513 



natives. This is a stationary species, but roams from one part of the district to 

 another in search of food. It appears to have particular times in the day for feed- 

 ing, and when thus engaged may be approached within a few feet, although at 

 other times the old males are shy and watchful. In autumn these bower birds 

 associate in small flocks, and may often be seen on the ground near the sides of the 

 rivers. The adult male is entirely of a deep, shining blue black, closely resembling 

 satin, with the exception of the wings and tail, which are of a deep velvety black. 

 The female has all the upper parts grayish green; the under surface being similar, 



SATIN BOWER BIRDS AND NEST. 



(One-third natural size. ) 



but lighter and washed with yellow; and each feather 01 the under surface having 

 a crescentic mark of dark brown near the extremity. ' Young males closely resemble 

 the females. There are other species of the genus. 



The five species of this genus differ from the preceding group 



Birds ky having the nostrils exposed, instead of completely hidden by silky 



plumes; while from an allied form they are distinguished by the 



nostrils being oval in shape and overhung by a membrane behind, as well as by the 



longer and more slender beak. In color the upper parts of the common spotted 



