302 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
ground-colour from white to cream and buff ; the 
markings, usually reddish and grey, are disposed in a 
zone about the larger end. 
In the Geelong district the Magpie-lark is most 
plentiful along the two rivers, but is found also 
wherever there are large water-holes with gum trees 
in the vicinity. It seems to have a liking for farm 
homesteads ; there are few of the older country- 
houses but have their pair of Magpie-larks. 
The female has the throat white, the male's is 
black ; this is the easiest way to distinguish the sexes. 
MAGPIE 
Gymnorhina hypoleuca leuconota 
Of all our birds the Magpie, without question, is the 
one which has adapted itself best to extending civilisa- 
tion. Not always blameless at such times as the 
sprouting fields offer banquets of grain to be had 
for the pulling up, the Magpie has yet succeeded 
in inducing the greater part of the community to 
place him, with the Jackass and the Swallow, in the 
category of sacred birds, and that quite apart from 
the protection which the law affords him. I do not 
suppose the Magpie does any more economic good 
than the Quail, which we cheerfully do our best to 
exterminate ; but not even the town boy will kill a 
Magpie — it is " bad luck." 
Is the Magpie one of the greatest living song-birds ? 
