WHITE-SHAFTED FAN-TAIL. 
The White-shafted Fantaii* 
is a native of Australia, and is 
remarkable for the singular form 
of its nest. It is termed the 
Fantail on account of the man- 
ner in which it spreads the 
feathers of the tail while flying. 
In its habits it is brisk, cheer- 
ful, and lively, mounting high 
into the air with a few rapid 
strokes of the wings, and then 
descending, upon some conveni- 
ent bank in a headlong, reckless 
style, after turning completely 
over in the air after the fashion 
of the tumbler pigeons. While 
descending, it spreads its wings 
and tail widely, the latter organ 
being so broad as to resemble 
a feather fan. It is daring and 
confiding in its nature, per- 
mitting the close approach of 
human beings, haunting the 
neighbourhood of human habi- 
tations, and even boldly entering 
houses in chase of flies and other 
insects. Its song is not power- 
fid or varied, but is full and 
pleasing, consisting of a soft 
and sweet twittering sound. 
During the breeding season it 
becomes suddenly shy, wary, and 
restless, and should it perceive 
an enemy in too close proximity 
to its nest, puts in practice a 
Rhipidura Albiscapa. 
series of rather transparent wiles in order to induce the intruder on its domestic 
joys to leave the vicinity. For this purpose it feigns lameness, and flutters before 
the supposed foe in a manner that is intended to induce a belief in its easy 
capture, and to lure it from the cherished spot where all its loves and hopes are 
concentrated. 
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