April, 1922 The Queensland Naturalist. 85 
seemed in danger, but none that could carry it out with 
such thoroughness as this Bower-bird. 
Intermittently, the mimicry and antics of pretence 
would continue as long as I stood perfectly still, but for 
me to make one move, especially to place my hand at the 
nest, would cause her to dart with a hiss and a scold, and, 
with feathers ruffled, show plenty of fight. Although the 
bird did not actually strike my hand, once or twice she 
came too close to be pleasant. 
The mother-bird feeding the young was not without 
interest. As well as I could judge from my hiding bower, 
about twenty yards distant, variety seemed to be the main 
feature of the menu. Grasshoppers, moths, caterpillars, 
Baby Spotted Bower-birds; aibout one week old. 
(They will sham death in >any position in which they are 
placed at that age.) 
and many kinds of berries all seemed to be acceptable. 
Sometimes the morsel was more than the youngster could 
swallow easily, then the old bird would give assistance with 
such determination as almost to suggest that she was aware* 
she had no time to waste on delicate appetites, formalities, 
or good manners. 
Strangely enough, I did not see any other Bower- 
birds than the one about this nest until the young ones were 
almost ready to fly. For about a week prior to their 
being ready to leave, two other birds came along. They 
did not seem, however, to be interested in any of the 
proceedings. They did no mimicking and made no attempt 
