BLACK-BACKED MAGPIE. 
typical clutch, or one of the commoner forms met with, is quite pyriform in shape, 
ground-colour very pale greenish-white, well marked with streaks and spots of 
brownish-red and dull slate, becoming more closely set together at the larger end. 
Surface of shell slightly granulate, and possessing very little gloss. The clutch 
measures 34-38 mm. by 25-26. Eggs are smaller than those of G. tibicen, found 
further south. Another clutch of four eggs, very swollen or rounded ovals in 
shape, possess a ground-colour of a pale bluish-grey, boldly but sparingly spotted 
with dark purplish-black and black, and give the eggs a very striking appearance. 
Around the edges of the dark spots a purplish tinge plainly shows in many. Surface 
of shell fairly smooth and glossy. The clutch measures 34-38 mm. by 27. Another 
clutch, though much the same colour as the last, is of quite a different shape and 
size, being long oval, and very much pointed at the smaller end. The clutch 
measures 38-40 mm. by 25-26. 
Nest. The usual large open structure ; is constructed of sticks, and neatly lined with grass, 
roots, and sometimes vines, and placed in the fork of a tree, or in a bunch of small 
twigs, or Mistletoe ( Loranthus ) growth in a forest tree. This northern species 
does not use fur or hair in the lining of its nest. Dimensions of nest are : across 
over all 14 inches, depth over all 5J inches. Egg cavity across 5f inches by 31- 
inches deep. 
Eggs. In the Southern bird a clutch of four eggs has a ground-colour of pale greenish- 
white, well marked with smears and streaks of light to dark umber and dull slate, 
the markings being chiefly confined to the larger end of each egg. Surface of shell 
smoothly granular, and rather glossy. The clutch measures 41 mm. by 29. 
Nest. The usual large stick structure, lined with grass and wool, etc. 
Eggs. In the Mid-west Australian bird the eggs of this species vary in their general colour 
and markings, and also in shape and size, but not nearly so greatly as is the case with 
G. tibicen. They vary from three to five for a setting, and four are often found. A 
clutch of four is long oval in shape, ground-colour pale pinkish-white, very uniformly 
marked all over with numerous minute specks and small smudges and streaks of 
brownish-red. Surface of shell rather smooth and slightly glossy. The clutch 
measures 37 mm. by 24. Another clutch containing five eggs are lengthened ovals 
in shape. Ground-colour of a pale greyish- white, minutely marked all over with 
pale brown, upon which are scattered large spots of umber, and dull to dark slate. 
Surface of shell rather smooth and glossj^. The clutch measures 40 mm. by 27. 
Another clutch containing four eggs, has a pale greenish- white ground-colour, over 
which are scattered numerous very minute specks of brownish-red, as well as spots 
of dark brownish-red, black, and pale slate. The clutch measures 38-39 mm. 
by 24-26. 
Nest. The usual large open structure of sticks and twigs, and lined with grasses, rootlets, 
etc., and placed in a tree at heights varying from 12 to 30 feet or more. 
Breeding season. July to February. 
Characteristic of Australia is the “ Magpie,” and it is very pleasing to 
record a clean history, though extraordinarily enough it does not date back far, 
the first recognition arising from the much discussed “ Watling ” drawings,, 
when a most beautiful painting was included, upon which was founded 
Latham’s Coracias tibicen , a specific name at once utilised and never since 
challenged. 
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