BLACK-BACKED MAGPIE. 
approached they became more plentiful. They were certainly far more 
numerous than the White-backed bird. North-west of Arltunga in the Hart 
Mountains both species were observed on the same plain within a mile of each 
other. I met with these birds on the Cooper Creek in 1916 ; they were much, 
more numerous than the White-backed species, but the two species were not 
seen together. They were nesting in October.” 
Mr. J. W. Mellor has written me : “ The Black-backed Magpie is common 
throughout New South W ales and Queensland, where I have met with it in all 
open country, especially in the localities that are cultivated. It is extremely 
useful in eating up large grubs and insects that do a great deal of damage to 
the crops. The call of the Magpie is a pleasant and hearty piping noise, full of 
melody and long and voluminous. The nesting time is from July to December 
or according to the rainy season.” 
Mr. Thos. P. Austin has written me from Cobbora, New* South Wales : 
“ Gymnorhina tibicen is never to be found in any of the thick scrubs, but always 
fairly numerous in open forests, ‘ ringbarked ’ country, cultivation paddocks 
and cleared land ; generally met with in pairs or small flocks, but more often a 
pair of old birds with their last season’s young. Few of our birds, if any, are 
better known, or a more universal favourite. Although very much respected 
and seldom interfered with, it is rather a shy bird, and will not allow of a close 
approach, but where a pair or more take up their abode about a dwelling they 
become less shy, showing less fear of man, but even in these cases they are 
always very suspicious of anything strange. The flute-like carol of the Magpie, 
mostly heard in early morn, is one of the most melodious and pleasing sounds 
that nature provides, but they also have other notes, which are more of a 
harsh squark, but these are more frequently uttered at the approach of danger, 
or when alarmed. During times of drought they are very silent, but as soon 
as a good rain storm has fallen, we hear their sweet carol again. The flight is 
rapid and very direct, with quick and regular wing-beats, often travelling a 
mile at a stretch, from one feeding ground to another. If not disturbed they 
will nest about the same spot year after year, often in the same tree, sometimes 
becoming very savage, to such an extent that they are perfectly dangerous ; 
upon four occasions I have had to shoot birds for this reason, it was no use to 
simply rob their nests, it only infuriated them the more. Many a time while 
riding through my paddocks, I have been attacked by one of these birds, which, 
driving its bill through my hat, has brought the blood from the crown of my 
head. I shall never forget my first experience of this kind ; as I was cantering 
along quickly, when suddenly there was a loud crack, and a stinging pain on 
the side of my head and my hat fell to the ground. I was sure someone had 
raced up behind me, and struck me with a stock whip, but upon looking round 
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