FANTAIL. 
Australian one, but introduced a new genus Bhipidura for it and the other 
Australian F ant ails. 
Caley’s notes read : “ There is something singular in the habits of this 
bird. It frequents the small trees and bushes, from whence it suddenly darts 
at its prey, spreading out its tail like a fan, and to appearance turning over 
like a tumbler Pigeon, and then immediately returning to the same twig or 
bough from whence it sprang. These actions it continues constantly to repeat. 
The skin is very tender ; and it is difficult after having taken it off the body to 
restore it again to its proper shape.” 
Gould wrote : “In Tasmania I have seen the White-shafted Fantail in the 
depth of winter in the gullies on the sunny sides of Mount Wellington ; and it 
is my opinion that it only retires at this season to such localities as are sheltered 
from the bleak south-westerly winds which then so generally prevail, and where 
insects are still to be found. The bird is also subject to the same law on the 
continent of Australia ; but as the temperature of that country is more equable, 
its effects are not so decided. It is generally found in pairs, but I have occa- 
sionally seen as many as four or five together. It inhabits alike the topmost 
branches of the highest trees, those of a more moderate growth, and the shrouded 
and gloomy foliaged dells in the neighbourhood of rivulets ; from these retreats 
it darts out a short distance to capture insects, and in most instances returns 
again to the same branch it had left. While in the air it often assumes a 
number of lively and beautiful positions, at one moment mounting almost 
perpendicularly, constantly spreading out its tail to the full extent, and 
frequently tumbling completely over in the descent ; at another it may be 
seen flitting through the branches, and seeking for insects among the flowers and 
leaves, repeatedly uttering a sweet, twittering song. In its disposition this 
little bird is one of the tamest imaginable, allowing of a near approach without 
evincing the slightest timidity, and will even enter the houses of persons 
resident in the bush in pursuit of gnats and other insects. During the breeding- 
season, however, it exhibits extreme anxiety at the sight of an intruder in the 
vicinity of its nest.” 
Mr. F. E. Howe has written me : “ Although this is a migratory form a fair 
number remain in the district throughout the year. What naturalist has not 
been enchanted with its beautiful nest or wondered at the antics of this lively 
little bird ? At Ringwood a female of Pachycephala gutturalis so much admired 
a nest that she was tempted to sit in it until driven off by the Fantail. The 
clutch is as a rule three, but often two eggs only are laid and two broods are 
reared. Eggs have been seen early in October and as late as the end of January. 
The young of this bird are born blind and featherless ; gape creamy-yellow 
and mouth orange. At five days old the eyes are first opening, the primaries 
VOL. IX. 
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