20 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
11. Tooth-billed Bower-bird Scenopceetes dentirostris Ramsay 
Scen'-o-poe-e'-tes— Gk, scenos, tent; Gk, poietes , maker: dent-i-ros'-tris 
—L., dens, tooih; L., rostrum , bill. 
distribution. Northern Queensland (Bellenden Ker Range 
district). 
notes. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the big scrubs 
and brushes chiefly of the mountain ranges, it is often seen in the 
company of the Spotted Cat-bird, feeding in native fruit and berry¬ 
bearing trees. This species makes a playground, or what some observers 
call a “circus-ring”—a cleared space on the ground, about 3 to 5 feet 
in diameter, upon which the l}irds place fresh leaves, usually from 
one particular kind of tree. As the leaves wither they are removed 
and fresh ones added. The birds assemble at these playgrounds to 
display and gambol. Usually old-established playgrounds are encircled 
by a great accumulation of the discarded leaves. It is said to be one 
of the finest of our bird mimics. Food: native fruits and berries; also 
insects, chiefly beetles. 
nest. A frail, open, shallow structure, composed of thin dry sticks; 
lined with thin dry twigs. Usually placed in a thick mass of foliage or 
clump of vines in a tree, at heights up to 80 feet from the ground. 
eggs. Usually two, rich creamy-brown. Breeding-season: October 
to December. 
12. Top-knot Pigeon Lopholaimus anlarcticus Shaw 
Loph'-o-laim-us— Gk, lophos, crest; Gk, laimos, throat: an-tarc'-tic-us— 
L., antarcticus, southern. 
distribution. Eastern Australia; accidental to Tasmania. 
notes. Also called Flock-pigeon. Usually in flocks, frequenting the 
big scrubs and brushes. It is nomadic in habits, its movements coin¬ 
ciding with the ripening of different native fruits and berries and the 
seeds of the bangalow and cabbage-tree palms. Its flesh is excellent 
eating, and, until protected, great numbers of these birds were shot. 
During the autumn and winter months it congregates in immense 
flocks, which travel great distances seeking food; when not feeding in 
the scrub, it usually keeps to the topmost branches of the highest trees. 
nest. A platform of fairly stout twigs, usually placed in the thin 
branches of a tall tree, at heights up to 70 feet from the ground. She- 
oaks and turpentine-trees are favourite nesting-trees. 
egg. Pearly white. Breeding-season: October to December. 
13. Wompoo Pigeon Megaloprepia magnified Temminck 
Meg-al-o-prcp'-i-a— Gk, megaloprepes, magnificent: mag-nif'-i-ca— L.. 
magnificus, magnificent. 
distribution. Eastern Australia, as far south as Wollongong (New 
South Wales); also occurs in the Molucca Islands and New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Magnificent Fruit-pigeon, Purple-breasted 
Pigeon, Plum-breasted Pigeon, and Bubbly Mary. Usually in pairs or 
