On the Nest and Eggs of the Coach-whip Bird, ^c. 141 



Art, \1. — On the Nest and Eggs of the Coach-tvhip Bird 

 (Psopliodcs Crepitans^ Gould), and of the White-fronted 

 Epthianura (Eptliianura xVlbifrons, Gould), loith some gene- 

 ral remarks on the Nidification of Australian Birds. By 

 A. DoBUEE, Esq. 



[Read before the Royal Society, August 27, 1S61.] 



As neither Mr. Gould's work on Australian ornithology, nor 

 such others as I have been able to consult, contain any par- 

 ticulars of the nidification of the two above-mentioned species, 

 I am led to the conclusion that, although probablj'^ casually 

 discovered, no description has as yet been published, and beg 

 therefore to communicate the following notes, from personal 

 observation. 



\st. Psophodes Crejntans (Gould). Coach-tvhip Bird. 



This bird is well known to most Australian colonists, 

 though, probably, far more frequently by the peculiar note 

 whence it derives its current name, than by its appearance, as 

 it generally keeps itself concealed amidst thickets and brushes. 

 To naturalists this species is extremely interesting, as its sin- 

 gular characteristics have long rendered it a matter of doubt 

 what precise place to assign to it in the ranks of Australian 

 birds. The details of its nidification may tend to the fui'ther 

 elucidation of this point. 



It will not be out of place first to quote a few of Mr. Gould's 

 very accurate remarks on tlie habits of this bird. He says, 

 *' It is only to be found in dense brushes, and is a shy and 

 recluse species ; for although its full notes — ending sharply 

 like the crack of a whip — indicate its presence, it rarely ex- 

 poses itself to view, but generally keeps in the midst of the 

 densest foliage and among the thickest climbing plants, fre- 

 quenting alike those that have intertwined themselves with 

 the branches of the tallest shrubs, and those that form almost 

 impenetrable masses near the ground, and through which it 

 threads its way with the utmost ease. It is extremely ani- 

 mated and sprightly in all its actions. Of its nidification, I 

 regret to say I know nothing, although I paid great attention 

 to the subject myself, and offered rewards for its nest and 

 eggs, and for any information respecting them." 



