PASSERINE. CONIROSTRES. 275 



the bill. Then turning its back to the spectator, 

 the actions above-mentioned are repeated, but not 

 in so careful a manner : elevating its tail and long 

 shaft feathers, it raises the delicate plumage of a 

 similar character to the sub-alar, forming a beau- 

 tiful dorsal crest, and, throwing its feathers up with 

 much grace, appears as proud as a lady dressed in 

 her full ball-dress. Having completed the toilet, 

 he utters the usual cawing notes, at the same time 

 looking archly at the spectators, as if ready to re- 

 ceive all the admiration that it considers its elegant 

 form and display of plumage demands : it then takes 

 exercise by hopping in a rapid but graceful manner, 

 from one end of the upper perch to the other, and 

 descends suddenly upon the second perch, close to 

 the bars of the cage, looking out for the grasshop- 

 pers which it is accustomed to receive at this time. 



" His prehensile power in the feet is very strong, 

 and, still retaining his hold, the bird will turn himself 

 round upon the perch. He delights to be sheltered 

 from the glare of the sun, as that luminary is a 

 great source of annoyance to him, if permitted to 

 dart its fervent rays directly upon the cage. The 

 iris frequently expanding and contracting, adds to 

 the arch, wicked look of this animated bird, as he 

 throws the head on one side to glance at visitors, 

 uttering the cawing notes, or barking aloud, to the 

 astonishment of the auditors. Having concluded, 

 he jumps down to the low perch in search of dona- 

 tions of living grasshoppers, seemingly in the most 

 happy and good-humoured manner."* 



* Wanderings in New South Wales, &c., vol. ii. p. 41. 



