THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
This species received four* names from Latham from four different paintings, 
but as one description was accompanied by a note, “ Is said to be a noisy, 
chattering species, insomuch as to give the alarm in the manner of the Jay, 
so as to prevent tJie sportsman getting a shot at the Pattegorang;' this name 
gained acceptance. 
Sharpe copied from the Wathng Drawings two notes, iM'iting: “ No. 96. 
Watling’s note : ‘One-half the natm-al size. Tliis chattering bird often gives 
notice to the Kangaroo when the sportsmen are after them. It is pretty 
numerous, and always at war with others of the feathered land. The jmllow 
beliind the eye is bare of feathers, and has just the appearance of yellow Morocco 
leather. The general likeness is good.’ [The first paragraph given by Sharpe 
under tliis No. 96 refers to No. 94.] No. 97. Wathng’s note ‘ Natural size. 
The iris is doubtful. A chattering bird and often prevents the sportsman 
from getting a shot at the Potrigorang.’ ” This is the note Latham copied. 
Vigors and Horsfield recognised tliis description and added: “ Caley’s note; 
‘ The native name of this bird is Cobafgin ; it is a veiy common bud, and 
may be seen at all times of the year. Its note is loud, and like a kind of laugh. 
I once killed six of these bii'ds at a shot, when on the wing hovering over a 
part of a tree whence some substance had exuded ; but they are not gregarious.’ ” 
Gould wrote : “ The natural habits of this bird lead it to frequent the 
tlnnly timbered forest of Eucalypti clotliing the plains and low hiUs, rather 
than the dense bushes. It moves about in small companies of from four to ten 
in number. In disposition it is restless, inquisitive, bold, and noisy, and 
frequently performs the most grotesque actions, spreading out the vings and 
tail, hanging from the branches in every possible variety of position, and keepmg 
up all the time an incessant babbling; ivere this only momentary or for a short 
time, their di’oll attitudes and smgular note would be rather amusing than 
otherwise ; but when they foUow you through the entire forest, leaping and 
flying from branch to branch, they become very troublesome and aimoying.” 
■ Ml’. Thos. P. Austin has written me from Cobbora, New South Wales: 
“ A very common species throughout the whole district, but more especially 
so in the open forests and pai-tly cleared land, seldom entering thickly timbered 
country where there is scrub or undergrowth. It commonly’^ goes by the 
name of Noisy Miner or Soldier Bird and is well known to almost eveiy country 
lad. Like the White-plumed Honey-Eater, when disturbed or at the approach 
of any danger, they often congregate in small flocks, but instead of withm a 
few feet of the intruder, they keep well out of harm’s way, probably perched 
upon a dead branch near the top of the tree, bolding forth their wanung notes 
of alarm. This chattering warning has been the means of preventing many 
a duck being shot by a sportsman. Their usual food consists of pollen of 
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