The very quaint, and rather 
grotesque bird which is represented 
in the accompanying illustration 
is an inhabitant of Australia, and 
is very common in the southern 
parts of that continent, although 
at present it has not been seen in 
Van Diemen’s Land. 
By the colonists it is known by 
a variety of names, some relating 
to its aspect and others to its 
voice. Thus, it is named the 
Friar Bird because the bare, 
oddly shaped head, with its pro- 
jecting knob upon the forehead, is 
considered as resembling the bare 
shaven poll of the ancient friar. 
Another analogous name is the 
Monk Bird. Another name is 
Leather-head, a title which refers 
to the dark leathery aspect of the 
whole head, which is as stiff in 
outline and as dark in colour 
during life as after death. On 
account of its peculiar voice, it is 
also known by the names of 
“ Pimlico,” “ Poor-soldier,” or 
“Four-o’clock,” as its cry is said 
to resemble these words. The 
resemblance, however, cannot be 
very close, as neither of the words 
which it is supposed to utter could 
be mistaken for the other, so that 
the Friar Bird cannot be remark- 
able for the distinctness of its articulation. By the natives it is called Coldong. 
The Friar Bird is very talkative, delighting to get upon the topmost branch of 
some lofty tree, and there chatter by the hour together at the top of its loud and 
peculiar voice, as if it were desirous of attracting attention to its powers. Among 
the branches it is extremely active, traversing them in all directions with great 
ease, and clinging to their rough bark by the grasp of its powerful toes and 
curved claws. 
f 2 
FRIAR BIRD .- — Trojpidorhynclms 
corniculdtus . 
67 
