RED-BELLIED SHRIKE-THRUSH. 
Nest. “ A cup-shaped structure, composed entirely of the reddish-brown roots of Spinifex 
( Triodio ), and usually placed in cracks or holes in sandstone cliffs, with rocks over- 
hanging. Measurements : outside diameter, 6 inches ; inside diameter, 3 inches 
outside depth, 2-| inches ; inside depth, 1§ inches.” 
Breeding-season. December. 
When Hartert described this beautiful species he recorded no field notes. 
A little later Le Souef described the eggs from Port Darwin, but recently 
H. L. White has stated that these must have been the eggs of C. brunnea. 
Then G. F. Hill recorded : “ These rare birds inhabit the broken sand- 
stone plateau east of Napier Broome Bay, where they take the place of C. 
brunnea in the open forest country. They are extremely shy, and difficult 
to approach in this rugged country, as they fly and hop from rock to rock, 
exposing themselves only for an instant before concealing themselves in 
crevices or under overhanging ledges. The notes are very strong and clear, 
and when uttered amidst such surroundings the two quickly repeated whistles 
are multiplied by many echoes, producing an effect that is not equalled by 
any bird in the north-west. I feel sure that this species is a resident one, 
although I saw it very occasionally, and never twice in the same locality.” 
Then Barnard found them on the McArthur River and gave a good 
account of his search for the eggs, and recorded : “ These birds were first 
noticed in high sandstone country at the junction of the McArthur and Clyde 
Rivers, in September, but they were not breeding. Later we found them 
in the same belt of country, west of Borroloola. Three weeks after taking 
the first nest (as recorded previously) I again visited the same locality, and 
was successful in taking several sets, each containing three eggs. The nests 
were all placed in holes or on the ledges of the large overhanging sandstone 
rocks. All were composed of the fine reddish roots of the spinifex. The 
country inhabited by these birds has to be seen before an idea of its roughness 
can be formed.” 
These eggs w T ere described by H. L. White, who pointed out that Le 
Souef’ s record was probably wrong. 
Then H. L. White recorded McLennan’ s notes that at the King River 
it was "‘Numerous in the sandstone . ranges. Stomach: remains of insects, 
grasshoppers and spiders. Worms under skin.” 
I separated as 
Colluricincla woodwardi assimilis. 
“ Differs from C. w. woodioardi in being much paler on the under-surface. 
Iris brown ; bill and feet black. Napier Broome Bay, North-west Australia ” 
and 
Alphacincla woodwardi didimus. 
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