PLATE XLYII 



GENUS FALCUNCULUS (Vieillot). 



THIS is an exclusively Australian genus, of which there are two species, both inhabiting the southern 

 portion of the continent. 



FALCUNCULUS FKONTATUS (Vieillot). 



FRONTAL SHRIKE-TIT. 



MOST parts of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are inhabited by the present species, 

 which is found both in the brushes and in the open forests of the interior. 



It feeds on insects and berries, obtaining the former from among the leaves of trees, or from 

 underneath the bark, which it tears off with its strong bill. Whilst obtaining its food, it climbs about 

 the branches and clings to them in every variety of graceful attitude. 



The crown of the head, a line through the eye, and the throat, are black ; sides of the face 

 and neck, greyish-white ; back, olive-green ; wings, grey, margined with dark-brown ; tail, grey ; under 

 surface, yellow ; irides, dark brown ; bill, black ; legs and feet, grey. 



The only difference in the colouring of the sexes is that the female has the throat green 

 instead of black. 



Habitats : New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. 



FALCUNCULUS LEUCOGASTEB (Gould). 



1 1 'HITE-BELLIED SHRIKE-TIT. 



TI^HIS, the western representative of the genus Falcunculus, is found in most parts of Western Australia, 

 J- though never in any m*eat abundance. 



Being of a very shy disposition, it is usually seen in the thickest and least frequented part of 

 the forest, mostly in pairs. Contrary to the usual rule it becomes much less timid during the breeding 

 season. 



It obtains its food in the same manner as its congener, Falcunculus Frontatus. 



Its powers of flight are not great, and are seldom used except to enable it to pass from 

 tree to tree. 



The nest, which is built in October, is constructed of strips of bark, matted together with 

 cobwebs, and lined with fine grasses, and is placed on one of the topmost branches of a high tree. 

 Three or four eggs are laid, seven-eighths of an inch long, and five-eighths of an inch wide. In colour they 

 are white, spotted, particularly at the larger end, with dark olive. 



