YELLOW-BELLIED SHRIKE-TIT. 
Nest. Placed in the topmost twigs of a tall, stringy bark ( Eucalyptus) sapling. It is 
deep and cup-shaped, constructed of shreds of stringy-bark held together with 
cobwebs ; lined with very fine stringy-bark and grass. Outside measurements: 
depth, 4 inches ; width, 3 inches ; inside depth, II inches ; width, If inches. 
Breeding-season. August to January or February. 
This very distinct form was described and figured by Latham from the 
collection of General Davies and was of course immediately recognised. 
Vigors and Horsfield included it in their Essay but without any notes, 
so that Gould’s account is the first written, thus : “ I had many opportunities 
of observing this bird, both in New South Wales and South Australia, over 
both of which countries it is very generally, although not numerously, dispersed. 
It alike inhabits the thick brushes as well as the trees of the open plains. Its 
chief food is insects, which are either obtained among the foliage or under 
the bark of the larger branches and trunks of the tree ; in procuring these 
it displays great dexterity, stripping off the bark in the most determined 
manner, for which purpose its powerful bill is admirably adapted. It is very 
animated and sprightly in its actions, and in many of its habits bears a striking 
resemblance to the Tits, particularly in the manner in which it clings to and 
climbs among the branches in search of food. While thus employed it 
frequently erects its crest and assumes many pert and lively positions ; no 
bird of its size with which I am acquainted possesses greater strength in its 
mandibles, or is capable of inflicting severer wounds, as I experienced on 
handling one I had previously winged, and which fastened on my hand in 
the most ferocious manner. As far as I am aware (this bird) is not distinguished 
by any powers of song, for I only heard it utter a few low piping notes. 
The stomachs of the specimens I dissected were filled with the larvae of insects 
and berries.” 
Mr. J. W. Mellor has written me: “ This bird is by no means plentiful 
anywhere, being seen only in pairs, or more often only singly, but when its 
brood is off it may be seen searching about amongst the leaves of the eucalypts, 
getting insects, grubs, etc., upon which to feed them. In the way of eating 
insects it is very useful indeed, its strong short thickset bill enabling it to 
get at many injurious insects that would otherwise be missed by more slender 
billed birds. I have often heard it hi the trees about our estate as it prises 
off a piece of bark from the tree, making quite a loud snapping sound in 
pecking away a small portion of the edge of the bark, preparatory to pushing 
its little thick bill beneath, and forcing the lump off; it is generally behind 
these presumably secure places that many bisect pests rest. I have also 
seen it tearing open the large tough cocoons that are bound together so well 
that no other small bird has a chance of getting them open.” 
5 
