THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
Flocks of these birds may be seen in the Eucalypti trees, when in flower, in 
different parts of the country, but in the greatest number near their breeding- 
places. It does not eat any kind of grain, even when in a domesticated 
state. It is much subject to fits, which generally prove fatal, and it is rare 
to find an individual kept alive above a couple of years. One that I kept, 
on being shown a figure of a coloured plant, used to put its tongue to the 
flowers, as if with the intent of sucking them ; and I have seen it make the 
same attempt with a piece of cotton furniture. The flesh of this bird is very 
good eating.’” 
They also included Trichoglossus capistratus as of Bechstein, but the 
bird they must have handled would probably belong to this species and not 
to Bechstein’ s. 
Gould’s notes are also worthy of transcription : “ The flowers of the 
various species of Eucalypti furnish this bird with an abundant supply of food, 
and so exclusively is it confined to the forests composed of those trees, that 
I do not recollect to have met with it in any other. However graphically it 
might be described, I scarcely believe it possible to convey an idea of the 
appearance of a forest of flowering gums tenanted by Trichoglossi, three or 
four species being frequently seen on the same tree, and often simultaneously 
attacking the pendant blossoms of the same branch. The incessant din 
produced by their thousand voices, and the screaming notes they emit when 
a flock of either species simultaneously leave the trees for some other part 
of the forest, is not easily described, and must be seen and heard to be fully 
comprehended. So intent are they for some time after sunrise upon 
extracting their honeyfood, that they are not easily alarmed or made to 
quit the trees upon which they are feeding. The report of a gun discharged 
immediately beneath them has no other effect than to elicit an extra scream, 
or cause them to move to a neighbouring branch, where they again recommence 
feeding with avidity, creeping among the leaves and clinging beneath the 
branches in every variety of position. During one of my morning rambles 
in the brushes of the Hunter, I came suddenly upon an immense Eucalyptus, 
which was at least two hundred feet high. The blossoms of this noble tree 
had attracted hundreds of birds, both Parrots and Honey-suckers ; and 
from a single branch I killed the four species of the former inhabiting the 
district, viz., Trichoglossus multicolor and T. chlorolepidotus , Glossopsitta 
australis and G. pusilla. I mention this fact in proof of the perfect harmony 
existing between these species while feeding ; a night’s rest, however, and 
the taming effect of hunger doubtless contributed much to this harmonious 
feeling, as I observed that at other periods of the day they were not so 
friendly.” 
18 
