THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
notes of the species around Melbourne. I felt convinced that an 
examination of the two types would prove the Mallee bird to be a new species. 
However, Mr. A. J. Campbell, to whom the skins were submitted for com- 
parison, states that they do not differ in plumage.” 
In connection with his Census of the Birds of the Pilliga Scrub, New 
South Wales, Cleland recorded : “ Sixteen birds counted, uniformly 
distributed throughout the journey. Estimated minimum population, 
1 , 056 .” 
Le Souef and Macpherson record from Sydney, the original locality 
whence this species was described one hundred and thirty years ago : “ The 
familiar Grey Shrike-Thrush is a very welcome resident, living sometimes 
in the larger gardens. It seems to feed a good deal on the ground, and will 
be seen hopping along the paths in the morning after stray worms and snails. 
It is quite local, and each pair seems to live in a comparatively small area.” 
Campbell and Barnard regarding Cardwell birds commented : “ The 
Grey Thrushes were a trifle puzzling, although frequently in evidence. 
Local birds are lighter in tint, and more uniform coloured on the back than 
southern specimens,” and then cited in connection my name given to this 
pallid form. 
Gould wrote : “ The Colluricincla Selbii is a native of, and a permanent 
resident in, Tasmania and Flinders Island, over all parts of which it is very 
generally, but nowhere very abundantly, distributed ; it appears to give 
a decided preference to the thick woods, wherein its presence may always 
be detected by its loud, clear, liquid, and melodious whistle. It does not 
appear to confine itself to any particular part of the forest ; for it may 
sometimes be observed on the low scrub near the ground, and at others on 
the topmost branches of the highest trees. It is distinguished from all the 
other members of the genus by the greater length of the bill. It feeds on 
caterpillars and insects of various kinds, which it often procures by tearing 
off the bark from the branches of the trees in the most dexterous manner 
with its powerful bill, and while thus employed frequently pours forth its 
remarkable note. In disposition it is lively and animated, confident and 
fearless, and might doubtless be easily tamed, when it would become a most 
interesting bird for the aviary.” 
Mr. Frank Littler has written me : “ Commonly known as ‘ Whistling 
Dick ’ on account of its noisy and general cheerfulness. It always makes 
its presence known (long before it can be seen) with its loud and melodious 
whistling notes. The denser portions of the bush are most favoured by this 
bird, it is rarely seen in the open, except when passing through a cleared 
portion of the forest to get into the scrub on the other side. Caterpillars 
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