22 
found about ovoiy farm in tlio southern and interior plains of the 
colony. Its powers of song eclipse those of any other Anstmliun bird. 
During the nesting season its loud organ-like notes are constantly 
heard, and are indescribably sweet and liquid. The birds arc easily 
tamed, and show equally as much cunning and sense a.s does the mag¬ 
pie of Europe. They learn to talk, and repeat the words clearly and 
distinctly. A tame one is genenilly to be seen hopping about oveiy 
homestead in the bush. There are sevei-al species of them, and they 
are among the fai'mcrs’ best friends, eating all kinds of insects 
destructive to the crops. 
The Magpie-Lahk (grallina-picata) is another bird seen about every 
homestead, provided there is water in the neighbourhood. Its shrill 
whistbng note is a common sound of the farm. The bird is about the 
size of, and not unlike, the English lapwing, and it will be easily 
recognised by this desenption, coupled with its pied black and white 
plumage. It builds a lai*ge nest of mud on some bare bi-ancb over¬ 
hanging the -water. 
The family of Flycatctikrs {^[uscicapitlm^ has many representatives 
in Austmlia, all of which ar e to be found in Queensland. Some of the 
species are vciy common both in the country and in the town suburbs. 
Following the aim of this essay, which is just to speak of such birds 
as are sure to be seen by the immigrant, or else are of such peculiaiity 
as to demand special notice— 
I must mention the Black Fantail {sanlaprocta motacilloides). 
This bird is universally distributed over the wliolo of Australia. It 
is one of the most tame and familiar of birds, evincing not the slightest 
fear of man or animal. It is constantly in motion, skipping about 
the horses, the cattle, the sheep, and snapjnng up the flies that 
torment them. It flies on to the back, mns along, mounts on to the 
boms, snapping at the flies, and all the time incessantly opening and 
shutting its tail and its wings, and uttering its short cheerful chirping 
note. It is well named the “shepherd’s companion,” for it is his 
constant attendant, his cheerful little mate. Some of the species are 
triumphant architects, constructing closely-feltcd nests of elegant, 
wineglass-shaped form. 
The Robins are by no means left behind when the immigrant sails 
from the “ old country.” Under the family name of SaxicoUdoi there 
are nearly a score of species of many dilTcrent colours, and yet they 
are all robins in appearance. Accustomed as the British fanner is to 
the sombre hue of the Redbreast, he will bo astonished l)eyond 
measure the first time he sees perched upon the fun-ow slice ho has 
jnst ploughed, the gorgeous scarlet, black and white robins of Aus¬ 
tralia. The contiust of these colours is so vivid that it excites 
involuntary surpiase. The head and upper parts are black, with 
white on the wings, and a white tip on the forehead, and the wliole of 
the breast is vivid gei'anium scarlet. They show all the boldness and 
familiai-ity of their European prototype, and in habits and manners 
are very similar, but they do not nest on the ground in lianks; on 
the contmry they construct a beautifully neat, chaflinch-like nest in 
