278 



TEE PIPING GROW SHRIKE. 



The Piping Crow Sheike, sometimes called the Magpie by the colonists, on account of 

 its magpie-like white and black plumage, is a native of New South Wales, and towards the 

 interior is very plentiful. 



This bird is found in almost every pai-t of the country, preferring, however, the open 

 localities to the wooded districts, especially if they are cleared by artificial means. For the 

 Piping Crow Shrike is a wonderfully trustful bird, attaching itself instinctively to mankind, 

 and haunting the vicinity of barns and farm-yards. On the very slightest encouragement the 

 bird will take possession of a barn, garden, or plantation, and, with the exception of a favored 

 few, will not suffer any of his friends to intrude upon his property. The owner of the garden 

 is well repaid for his hospitality by the rich and varied song which the bird pours forth in 

 the early morning and towards evening, as if in gratitude for the protection which has been 

 afforded it. 



The notes of this bird ai'e peculiarly rich and mellow, and in speaking of them the author 

 of " Bush Wanderings in Australia" remarks : " No bush-bird, to my fancy, had a clearer or 



PIPING CBOyf.—OymrwrMna liMcen. 



richer note than the Magpie : one of the earliest birds of morning, it was also one of the latest 

 at night, and the deep tlute-like evening song of the Magjiie was heard in the forest long after 

 all the other birds of day had retired to roost. The Magj^ie is a very common bird throughout 

 the land during the whole year, often in small companies, and in the autumn the old and 

 young birds congregate in flocks. The young Magpies are excellent eating." The name 

 "tibicen" signifies a flute-player. 



As it is a very hardy bird and bears captivity well, Mr. Gould thinks that it would be 

 easily adapted to colder climates, and in that case would be a very valuable addition to the 

 list of cage-birds. In its native country it has little of the migTating spirit, generally remain- 

 ing stationary throughout the year in the spot which it has adopted for its home. The food 

 of the Piping Crow consists mostly of insects, the large grasshoppers being especial dainties. 

 The bird is an excellent hunter, pursuing its active prey over the ground with considerable 

 agility, and pouncing upon it at last with I'emarkable acciiracy of aim. In captivity it will 

 eat almost any description of animal food, and also feeds ujjon different fruits and berries. 



The nest of the Piping Crow is a large and not very neatly constructed edifice, made prin- 

 cipally of sticks, leaves, and small grasses. It is loosely placed among the branches of a lofty 



