FRIAR-BIRD. 
head and neck have also suggested the names of ‘ Friar Bird,’ ‘ Monk,’ 
‘ Leather Head,’ etc. Its flight is undulating and powerfxil, and it may 
frequently be seen passing over the tops of the trees from one part of the forest 
to another. While among the branches it displays a more than ordinai’y number 
of singular positions, its curved and powerful claws enabling it to chng in every 
variety of attitude, frequently hanging by one foot with its head downwards, 
etc. If seized when only wounded, it inflicts with its sharp claws severe and 
deep wounds on the hands of its captor. Its food consists of the poUen of 
the Eucalypti and insects, to which are added wild flgs and berries. It 
commences breeding in November, when it becomes animated and fierce, 
readily attacking hawks, crows, magpies (Gymnorhince), or other large birds 
that may venture within the precincts of its nest, never desisting from the 
attack until they are driven to a considerable distanice.” 
IMr. J. W. MeUor has written me: “I noted these birds in southern 
Queensland in October and November, 1910, from Brisbane to Gladstone; 
they were very noisy and animated in their actions, seeking theii’ food in the 
flowering trees ; they eat honey, and also catch many flies and other insects 
that are attracted to the flowering trees and shrubs wliich they haunt.” 
Mr. E. J. Christian has written : “This bird, commonly called the ‘Leather 
head ’ from its peculiar bare, leathery-looking head, is found from Queens¬ 
land to South Australia. The bird seems to prefer to sit at the very top of a 
tree and call out its peculiar notes. It has tremendous claws on it which are 
very sharp, and when wounded it vill try to retaliate with them. These 
birds seem to live on insects and honey in the blossoms, berries, and now and 
then some fniit. It is a bit of a nuisance in the summer just about Xmas¬ 
time.” 
Ml’. A. G. Campbell writes : “ Common in northern Victoria, frequenting 
mainly the timber along the Murray and its tributaries. It is very severe 
on soft fiiiit orchards near the water-courses. In southern Victoria the nest 
of a solitai’y pair was taken at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in 1901.” 
Mr. F. E. Howe’s notes read: “ The Leather-head is occasionally met 
Avith in small families of from four to eight feeding in the taU gums. They 
possess a strange, song-Hke medley of notes that are indeed laughable. They 
evidently breed in this district and have been noted from October to January.” 
Bemey has recorded: “ The common Friar-Bird is only occasionally met 
with along the Flinders River, but about the heads of the creeks that issue 
from the basalt ranges their chattering cries are always to be heard.” 
Campbell and Barnard wrote from the Rockingham Bay district: “ This 
common bird was observed, and specimens seemed, on the table-land. They 
are smaller birds (half an inch shorter on the wing), otherwise there is no 
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