762 



The Sparrow-like Birds 



Albert Rifle-bird. The only other Australian species of the genus, known 

 as the Albert Rifle-bird (P. alberti), is confined to the Cape York Peninsula in 

 Queensland. Slightly larger than the two species just described, it, in com- 

 pany with the remaining members of the genus, differs in having the metallic 

 shield extending from the chin to the upper breast, and followed by a double 

 band of purple and oily golden green, while the long, silky flank plumes reach 

 far beyond the tail. This species, according to Gould and others, is an ex- 

 tremely shy bird, frequenting only the densest "brushes," into the mazes of 

 which it plunges on the slightest suspicious movement. It feeds mainly upon 

 insects, but is known also to make use of berries, seeds, etc., and has been noted 

 climbing about the trunks and limbs of trees in search of its food. "Its cry," 

 says Macgillivray, "is very striking; upon being imitated by man, which may 

 easily be done, the male bird will answer; it consists of a loud whistle resembling 

 ivheeoo repeated three times, and ending abruptly in a note like who-o-o. Both 



sexes utter the same note, but that of 

 the male is much the loudest." The 

 pose assumed by the males when dis- 

 playing for the benefit of the females 

 is described by Mr. Harry Barnard 

 as follows: "It generally selects a 

 large horizontal vine, stretched be- 

 tween two trees, throws its wings 

 forward till the ends meet, and rub- 

 bing them together makes a loud 

 rustling noise, which can be heard 

 some distance away; at the same 

 time the bird throws its head from 

 side to side, or first dver one shoulder 

 and then over the other. At other 

 times he would get on an upright vine 

 or stick, spread its wings and tail, and 

 then throw itself first round on one 

 side of its support and then on the 

 other, the head being thrown well 

 back." The nest and eggs are simi- 

 lar to those of the other Rifle-birds. 

 Magnificent Rifle-bird. Most 

 closely related to the last is the 

 Magnificent Rifle-bird (P. magnified) 

 FIG. 213. - Magnificent Rifle-bird, Ptilorhis mag. of New Guinea, the male of which has 

 nifica. the entire upper parts a deep, velvety 



black, with rich dark purple refle.c- 



tions, the secondaries being black with green reflections, while the top of the 

 head, center of the throat, and upper breast are shining bluish green, becoming 

 purple in certain lights; the flanks, abdomen, and side plumes are purple, the 



