BIRDS. 61 



usually breaks off abruptly and flies away after sustaining his dance for one or 

 two minutes. The performance as shared in by both the male and female birds, 

 as above described, no doubt represents the fullest development of the singular 

 phenomenon. 



The other two male birds, scarlet and black-headed varieties, in the author's 

 collection, are at the present time, although provided with mates, utterly indifferent 

 to feminine blandishments, but are most devotedly attached to each other, dancing 

 together or warbling to one another alternately, while the other extends his head and 

 neck towards his companion in an attitude of the most rapt attention. These two 

 inseparable friends were, it must be confessed, a few months since at daggers drawn, 

 the disturbing element being, as might be anticipated, a lady bird. Since, however, 

 the removal by death of that or these particular bone or bones of contention, peace 

 has been restored to the camp, and, like burnt children who dread the fire, they 

 have apparently forsworn, for the love of each other's company, all further dealings 

 with the fairer sex. 



One of these male Poephike, when first received by the author in August, 

 1895, while the finest' individual and the most persistent songster, was, it may be 

 mentioned, remarkably cross-grained If set at liberty with the others, he maltreated 

 and tyrannised over them unmercifully, and would not respond to any friendly over- 

 tures. Consigned, however, to durance vile, while they were at liberty, he would, 

 if they alighted on or near his cage, both dance and sing to them, and he would also 

 do the same to a preserved skin of his own species if held near him. It is this bird 

 which has recently become very sociable, and the most devoted companion of the 

 scarlet-headed male. 



While no mention whatever is made of either the singing or dancing accomplish- 

 ments of these Poephilse in Dr. Butler's Monograph, a reference is made to certain other 

 types in which a so-called love dance is indulged in by the male bird for the delectation 

 of his mate. The well-known White-headed Finch or Diamond Sparrow of New South 

 Wales, Steganophora guttata, is among the forms notable for this peculiarity. The 

 male, when courting, stretches his neck up to an extravagant height, draws in the 

 breast, and expands the chest and abdomen in such manner as to somewhat resemble 

 an oil flask, and bobs up and down on his perch with, may be, a grass-stalk in his beak, 

 and giving voice to his song, which is described by Dr. Russ as consisting of a flute- 

 like call-note and a monotonous bass one. The author has also observed a very 

 similar exhibition by the Firetailed Finch, Estralda bella, further referred to in 



