240 



CASSF.l L'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



presented to the Zoological Gardens in the Regent's Tark some few years ago, and a bower, 

 constructed by them, may be seen in excellent preservation in the British Museum. 



The COLLAR BIRDS (Clihwiyckra) are nearly allied to the group last described, and are 

 addicted to the same remarkable habit of bower-building. In these species the beak is compressed 

 at its sides and notched towards its tip ; the upper mandible is slightly vaulted ; the wings are long 

 and pointed, their third and fourth quills being of greater length than the rest ; the tail is long and 

 slightly rounded ; the tarsi are covered in front with broad scales ; the toes are large, and furnished 

 with sharp-pointed claws. 



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m 



Mil 



THE SPOTTED COLLAR BIRD (Chlamydera macidata). 



THE SPOTTED COLLAR BIRD. 



The Spotted Collar Bird (Chlamydcra metadata) is about ten inches long ; the feathers upon 

 the top of the head and region of the throat are of a beautiful brown, surrounded by a narrow black 

 line, those upon the head being tipped with silver grey ; the neck is surrounded by an elegant collar 

 or plume of long feathers, of the colour of a peach blossom ; the entire back, wings, and tail are 

 covered with deep brown feathers, marked at their extremities with a round, brownish-yellow spot ; 

 the lower parts of the body are greyish white, the feathers upon the sides streaked with a zig-zag, pale 

 brown line ; the eye is deep brown, the beak and feet of a lighter shade. The young are without the 

 feathery collar round the neck. 



These interesting birds are inhabitants of Central Australia, where they make their nests and 

 spend the greater part of their lives upon the numerous low bushes with which the plains are covered, 



