THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
northward of this being comparatively unknown, it is impossible to say how 
far its range may extend in that direction. It has not been discovered in 
Tasmania or South Austraha. It differs materially in its habits and disposition 
from the M. novoeliollandice, being less exclusively confined to the brushes, 
and affecting localities of a more open character. I observed it to be tolerably 
abundant in the lUawarra district, particularly among the shrubs surrounding 
the open glades of the forest; it is also common at Botany Bay and on most 
parts of the sea-coast between that place and the River Clarence ; but I never 
met vdth it during any of my excursions into the interior of the country. 
Unlike its near ally, it is a remarkably shy species; so much so that I had 
much difficulty in getting withur gunshot of it. When perched on the trees 
it is a most showy bird, its wliite cheek-feathers and contrasted tints of 
colouring rendering it very conspicuous.” 
Under the name Meliphaga mystacalis Gould described this Western form 
as a distinct species, observing, is a native of Western Australia, in which 
country it beautifully represents the M. sericea of New South Wales. It is 
abundant in the vicinity of Perth and Fremantle, and is sparingly dispersed 
over many other districts of the Swan River colony; according to Gilbert it 
is remarkably shy, and only found in the most secluded places in the bush, 
or on the summits of the hmestone hiUs running parallel with the beach; it 
generally feeds on the topmost branches of the Banksice, and is very pugnacious, 
defending its young from intruders with the most determined courage. Its 
flight is very varied, and is occasionally characterized by a great degree of 
rapidity ; dm-ing the season of incubation it frequentty rises above its nest in 
a perpendicular direction, and, having attained a considerable height, suddenly 
closes its vrings and descends abruptly until it reaches the top of the scrub, 
when the wings are again expanded, and it flies horizontally for a few yards, 
perches, and then utters its peculiar sharp, chirping note; it also occasionally 
hovers over small trees, and captures insects after the manner of the Fly¬ 
catchers. It is a very early breeder, young bhds ready to leave the nest 
having been found on the 8th of August; it has also been met with breeding 
as late as November; it doubtless, therefore, produces more than one brood 
in the course of the season.” 
Milligan wrote from the Margaret River district: “ These were numerous, 
but principally in the thorny dryandras on the limestone Mils. Their peculiar 
weird notes always betrayed their whereabouts,” and from the Stirling Ranges 
“ Not common.” 
Alexander has recorded “ that at the present time in the Perth district 
it is resident but not nearly so plentiful as the preceding {M. novcehollandw), 
but found in various localities about Perth and Fremantle.” 
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