BROWN THICKHEAD. 
Nest. “ An open structure, composed of long pieces of coarse grass, lined with the feathery 
seed-top of some kind of grass and a few white feathers. Measurements : outside, 
4 inches by 2J deep. Inside, 2 by 2 inches.” (Le Souef.) 
Eggs. Clutch, two. “ Pale buff, with spots of dark brown, rather more numerous on the 
larger end. The markings under the surface, which are also numerous, are lilac. 
.85 to. 92 by .62.” {id.) 
Gould wrote : “ The Pachycephala simplex is a native of the north-western 
parts of Australia, but does not appear to be very numerous in any locality 
yet explored ; Gilbert, who discovered it in the neighbourhood of Port 
Essington, states that it is of a very shy and retiring disposition, and that it 
is usually met with in pairs hopping and creeping about among the under- 
wood or very thickly foliaged trees, but may be more frequently seen in 
thickets situated in the midst of swamps or among the mangroves. In its 
mode of feeding and in many of its actions it greatly resembles the Flycatcher, 
but does not, like them, shake the tail. Its voice is peculiarly soft and 
mournful, and its call consists of a single note four times repeated with rather 
lengthened intervals ; at other times it utters a somewhat pleasing and 
lengthened song ; ‘ but,’ says Gilbert, ‘ I never heard it emit that sharp 
terminating note, resembling the smack of a whip, which concludes the song 
of all the other species of the genus.’ The stomach is muscular, and the 
food consists of insects and seeds of various kinds.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote from Melville Island: “Cooper’s Camp, Nov. 15, 
1911. This species is not very common, and is found in the mangroves. As 
it is a silent bird at present, and frequents dense mangroves, it may be more 
numerous than it appears to be. Dec. 14, 1911. Occasionally I see one or 
two of them, usually in the mangroves, or in the dense growths on the creeks 
near the mangroves. Jan. 14, 1912. 10 miles S.E. of Snake Bay. A few 
have been seen here in the paper-bark trees bordering the great swamp. Jan. 
22, 1912. Cooper’s Camp. This species is more animated now ; its call is 
more often heard in the mangroves than before I left here for the north side 
of the island.” \\ 
McLennan’s notes, published by H. L. White, read: “ Glyde River, 
10/9/15, and Liverpool River, 19/9/15. Heard calling in mangroves. King 
River. Numerous in mangroves. Call and habits similar to Pachycephala 
inovnata. Howard Island Channel, 31/1/16. Heard in mangroves. Port 
Bradshaw, 5/2/16. Heard in patches of scrub. Stomach, remains of small 
beetles and insect eggs.” 
When I received specimens from Melville Island I separated the island 
form as differing from P. g. simplex in being lighter above and below and in 
having a thicker bill. 
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