THE PIPING CROW SHEIKE. 379 



male by the blacker crest, the paler tint of the transverse bars, and the uniform aslien- 

 grey of the under parts. The total length of this species is about thirteen inches. 



There are many species of Bush Shrikes, the greater number being inhabitants of the 

 eastern hemisphere. As their name imports, they all live among the thickest brushwood 

 and in forests, and their food consists chiefly of insects. They are rather silent birds, 

 their note being merely a single syllable constantly repeated, and only uttered during the 

 breeding season. 



We now arrive at a very large and important group, called from the shape of their 

 beaks the Conirostres, or Cone-billed Birds. In these birds the bill varies in length 

 and development, in some being exceedingly short, while in others it is much elongated ; 

 in some being straight and simple, while in others it is curiously curved and fui^nished 

 with singular appendages ; in some being toothless, while in others there is a small but 

 perceptible tooth near the tip. In all, however, the bill is more or less conical in form, 

 being very thick and rounded at the base, and diminishing to a point at the extremity. 

 There are no less than eight recognised families of this large group, containing some of 

 the most important and most remarkable members of the feathered race. 



The first family is that which is well known under the title of Corvid^ or Crows, 

 containing the crows, rooks, magpies, starlings, and other familiar birds, together with the 

 equally celebrated but less. known paradise birds, bower birds, troopials, and orioles. 

 The beak of all these birds is long, powerful, and somewhat compressed, — i. e. flattened at 

 the sides, — curved more or less on the ridge of the upper mandible, and with a notch at the 

 extremity. This family is divided into several smaller groups or sub-families, the first of 

 which is the Phonygamin^e, or Piping Crows. These birds are inhabitants of Australia, 

 New Holland, New Guinea, and several adjacent islands, and may be distinguished by 

 the long, narrow, and naked nostrils. 



The Piping Crow Shrike, 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 part 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 farmyards. On the very slightest 

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

 exception of a favoured 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 aflbrded it. 



The notes of this bird are 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 richer note than the Magpie : one of the earliest birds of morning, it was also 

 one of the latest at night, and the deep flute-like evening song of the Magpie was heard 

 in the forest long after all the other birds of day had retired to roost. The Magpie 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 the English climate, and in that case would be a very valuable addition 

 to our list of cage-birds. In its native country it has little of the migrating spirit, 

 generally remaining 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 grass- 

 hoppers being especial dainties. The bird is an excellent hunter, pursuing its active 

 prey over the ground with considerable agility, and poimcing upon it at last with 

 remarkable accuracy of aim. In captivity it will eat almost any description of animal 

 food, and also feeds upon different fruits and berries. 



