THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
Although Gould described this species he acknowledged : “ My knowledge 
of the range of this species is very limited ; a single specimen was sent me 
from South Australia, while fine examples were killed by Gilbert in the 
colony of Swan River. Its richly coloured black face and throat, separated 
from the delicate grey of the breast by a narrow line of snowy- white, at once 
distinguishes it from every other species, while the strong contrast of these 
colours renders it a conspicuous object among the trees. In size and 
structure it more nearly resembles the Artamus superciliosus than any other, 
and the two species form beautiful analogues of each other, one being in all 
probability confined to the eastern portion of the country, and the other to 
the western. ‘ I have only met ’ says Gilbert, ‘ with this species in the York 
and Toodyay districts. It is very like Artamus sordiclus in its habits, but 
is more shy and retired, never being seen but in the most secluded parts of the 
bush. It is merely a summer visitant here, generally making its appearance 
in the latter part of October, and immediately commencing the task of 
incubation. Its voice very much resembles the chirping of the English 
Sparrow. Its food consists of insects generally and their larvae.’ ” 
Captain S. A. White has written : “ This bird is found all over the 
state of South Australia from the seacoast to the far interior. They come 
south in some years in great numbers, often accompanied by C. superciliosus, 
and have often selected an avenue of pines, the entrance to my home, where 
they have nested on almost every limb, behind pieces of bark, on old stumps, 
etc., often but a foot or so from the ground. The nest is a rather open one, 
composed of rootlets and not lined ; three being the usual number of eggs, 
but many nests only contain two. The young are born almost naked, only 
a very small tuft of down on the shoulders and sometimes a spot or two down 
the back; they grow very rapidly and soon leave the nest. The parent 
birds are most confiding, but should one go near the nest they will swoop 
down, making loud calls and snapping their bills. Very large flocks are to 
be seen flying very high up and evidently moving according to food supply. 
At other times they are to be seen hawking close to the ground. To my mind 
their aerial movements are the most beautiful of all birds, and their call very 
distinctive of the family.” 
Mr. E. J. Christian has written : “ This species arrives in Northern 
Victoria towards the middle of September ; in 1907 they began to arrive 
Sept. 15 ; in 1908, on Oct. 1st. On April 10, 1909, flocks passed north, and 
big mobs returned on Oct. 16.” 
Dr. Cleland has written me : “ On Nov. 27, 1897, large numbers were 
near Adelaide, fifty might be seen at one place. Some would pitch on, others 
hover over, the ground ; others sitting on the posts and taking short flights. 
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