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THE PIPING CROW SHRIKE. 
The Piping Crow Shrike, sometimes called the Magpie by the colonists, on account of 
its magpie-like white and black plumage, is a native of New South Wales, and towards the 
interior is very plentiful. 
This bird is found in almost every part of the country, preferring, however, the open 
localities to the wooded districts, especially if they are cleared by artificial means. For the 
Piping Crow Shrike is a wonderfully trustful bird, attaching itself instinctively to mankind, 
and haunting the vicinity of barns and farm-yards. On the very slightest encouragement the 
bird will take possession of a barn, garden, or plantation, and, with the exception of a favored 
few, will not suffer any of his friends to intrude upon his property. The owner of the garden 
is well repaid for his hospitality by the rich and varied song which the bird pours forth in 
the early morning and towards evening, as if in gratitude for the protection which has been 
afforded it. 
The* notes of this bird are peculiarly rich and mellow, and in speaking of them the author 
of “ Bush Wanderings in Australia” remarks : “No bush-bird, to my fancy, had a clearer or 
PIPING CEOW . — Gymrwrhina tibicen. 
richer note than the Magpie : one of the earliest birds of morning, it was also one of the latest 
at night, and the deep flute-like evening song of the Magpie was heard in the forest long after 
all the other birds of day had retired to roost. The Magpie is a very common bird throughout 
the land during the whole year, often in small companies, and in the autumn the old and 
young birds congregate in Hocks. The young Magpies are excellent eating.” The name 
“tibicen” signifies a flute-player. 
As it is a very hardy bird and bears captivity well, Mr. Gould thinks that it would be 
easily adapted to colder climates, and in that case would be a very valuable addition to the 
list of cage-birds. In its native country it has little of the migrating spirit, generally remain- 
ing stationary throughout the year in the spot which it has adopted for its home. The food 
of the Piping Crow consists mostly of insects, the large grasshoppers being especial dainties. 
The bird is an excellent hunter, pursuing its active prey over the ground with considerable 
agility, and pouncing upon it at last with remarkable accuracy of aim. In captivity it will 
eat almost any description of animal food, and also feeds upon different fruits and berries. 
The nest of the Piping Crow is a large and not very neatly constructed edifice, made prin- 
cipally of sticks, leaves, and small grasses. It is loosely placed among the branches of a lofty 
