WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE. 
bird, constantly flitting about the branches overhanging the houses of the 
settlement. In its general habits, manners, and note it closely assimilates 
to the Graucalus melanops. It is abundant in every part of the Cobourg 
Peninsula, and is generally seen in small families of from four to ten or 
twelve in number. The whiteness of the under-surface serves to distinguish 
this from all the other species of the genus yet discovered in Australia. The 
stomach is muscular, and the food consists of insects of various genera, which 
are generally taken from the leafy branches of the highest trees. The sexes 
assimilate very closely in colouring, and only differ in the females, and young 
males having the lores of a dull brown instead of black.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote, regarding this species on Melville Island : 
“Cooper’s Camp, Nov. 20, 1911: These birds are very numerous and are 
one of the common birds of the island. Dec. 10, 1911 : This species is still 
numerous, and has bred lately, as three birds in young plumage were pro- 
cured. Jan. 13, 1912 : 10 miles south-east of Snake Bay (north side of the 
Island). Not so numerous as at Cooper’s Camp, still they are fairly common. 
Feb. 5, 1912 : Cooper’s Camp. This species appears to be stationary here, 
as they are still very numerous.” 
Hill has stated : “ Fairly numerous on the mainland and islands. Their 
food consists principally of large caterpillars and Mantidce .” 
Barnard has recorded that at Cape York it was “ fairly plentiful in forest 
country, where it was found breeding, several nests being observed, mostly 
containing young. Habits resemble those of the other members of the 
Coracina family. The species was very shy, and seemed to migrate south, 
as shortly after my arrival none was to be seen. I have also noted the species 
on the Dawson River, where it was only an occasional visitor.” 
Macgillivray noted : “ Seen only at Cape York, where they were most 
numerous down towards the Jardine River, and were present all the year 
round. The nest in the early summer months, in open forest. Stomach 
contents, large winged insects and caterpillars.” 
At the McArthur River, Northern Territory, Barnard found them 
“ fairly plentiful ; were breeding in December ” ; while from King River 
H. L. White recorded McLennan’ s notes : “ Occasionally met with in forest 
country and in mangroves. 5/1/16. Nest containing two eggs found. 
Stomach, insect remains.” 
Campbell and Barnard record this species from North Queensland, stating : 
“ The smaller Cuckoo-Shrike seen was not G. mentalis , as Broadbent indicates, 
although that species may possibly be found at other periods of the year. It 
is a variety of hypoleuca, and agrees with the subspecies stalkeri of Mathews.” 
Campbell later added in connection with specimens from King River : 
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