GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH. 
repertoire and the liquid sweetness of its notes always seems to me to surpass 
those of the mainland form. In this island State it is deservedly a great 
favourite and is universally known as ‘ Whistling Wick.’ ” 
Gould did not write much apparently on account of its commonness, 
thus : “ Is an inhabitant of New South Wales and South Australia. So 
generally is it dispersed over the countries of which it is a native, that there 
are few localities in which it is not to be found ; the brushes near the coast, 
as well as the plains of the interior, being equally frequented by it ; it is a 
very active bird, living much among the branches, and feeding upon insects 
of various kinds, caterpillars and their larvae. The term harmonica applied 
to this species is very appropriate ; for although it does not give utterance 
to any continued song, it frequently pours forth a number of powerful 
swelling notes, louder but less varied than those of the Song-Thrush of Europe ; 
and it is somewhat singular that these notes are emitted whilst in the act 
of feeding, and while engaged in search of its insect food.” 
Mr. F. E. Howe has written me : “ After a gunshot this bird 
immediately gives vent to its call and in this respect is like the Rufous 
Thickhead. Most bird notes are in half tones, but in this form we have a 
most delightful songster that has a most wonderful range. To hear it at 
its best one wants to hear it on a cold and windy morning in September, when 
it will stay in a tree and sing for hours.” 
Mr. L. Chandler confirmed this note and added : “ Fledglings about 
two days old : — Blackish-brown down on wings and back ; legs and feet flesh 
colour ; gape very pale yellow’ ; mouth orange. The nest containing these 
young birds was found at Blackburn, Victoria.” 
Mr. T. P. Austin has written from Cobbora, New r South Wales : 
“ I cannot say the present species is common here, but pairs are met with 
throughout the district in all lands of country, but are a little more numerous 
in the scrubs, and it is a resident species. Once they take up their quarters 
in any favourable locality they will remain thereabouts for years, but my 
experience is, that in this district they are extremely shy breeders. I have 
known of three pairs living for the last three or four years within a mile of 
my house, and although I have watched them closely I have never seen them 
nesting, and during the fifteen years I have been here, I have only known 
four pairs to breed, and, strange to relate, I found three of these nests the 
same day. I have found a few other nests in course of construction, but 
as the birds saw me near them they were all deserted. They are of a very 
shy disposition, always trying to keep out of sight, and are rather difficult 
to approach, but when disturbed seldom fly far, but continually keep moving 
away from an intruder. This appears very strange to me, because in all 
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