BY E. P. RAMSAY, ESQ. 305 



SEISURA INQUIETA. 



The Restless Fly-catcher. (Gould, B., Austr., Vol. II., pi. 181.) 

 PL L, Fig. 6. 



This pretty Fly- catcher which is distributed over the whole 

 of the South-eastern and Western portion of Australia, is one of 

 our most interesting and lively species ; among most school-boys 

 it . is known in New South Wales under the name of the Land- 

 Wagtail, in contradistinction, I suppose, to the Water- Wagtail, 

 (Eliipidura Motacilloides) to which it closely assimilates in plumage, 

 nidification, and habits ; and indeed, the name is not altogether 

 inappropriate, inasmuch as the present species prefers to build its 

 nest far away from the water, and not unfrequently high up 

 among the branches of the trees, whereas that of the Water- 

 Wagtail, is nearly always found in the vicinity of some creek or 

 river, very often on a bough overhanging the water and within 

 a few inches of its surface. 



The restless Fly-catcher, is not a migratory species. During 

 the winter months it frequents the gardens and orchards, 

 and becomes exceedingly tame ; it is often seen around the 

 out-houses and yards, and not nnfrequently hopping over the 

 backs of the cattle and horses, doubtless in search of flies ; it is 

 always on the move, and well merits its name ; runs lightly and 

 quickly over the ground, wagging its long tail from side to side 

 as it goes along. 



Its note is loud and clear, but it also indulges in a guttural sort 

 of squeak, uttered when flying, or settling on a bough, in addition 

 to this, it has also a peculiar habit of poising itself in the air a few 

 feet from the ground, and during this operation, emits a sort of 

 gurgling sound not unlike the sharpening of an instrument on a 

 grind- stone, on account of which, it has obtained the name of 

 " The Grinder." This ceremony finishes by the bird darting 

 down to the ground, seizing some worm or caterpillar, and flying 

 off, uttering a loud squeak of satisfaction. Whether this is a sort 

 of jubilation over some fine fat worm which it has espied lurking 

 in the grass, I leave to others who understand the language of 

 birds to decide. 



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