YELLOW-THROATED FRIAR-BIRD. 
Macgillivray recorded this species under the name Philemon sordidua as: 
“ Common in Gulf country and at Cape York in the more open coimtry. One 
nest fomid on the Cloncm'ry River contained young birds in February; 
another, wliich had tAvo eggs in it, was vigorously defended by the parent 
birds when Mr. McLennan attempted to examine it. . . . Common at 
Cooktown and also on the Archer River. 
Gould described the northern form as a distinct species, wiiting “inhabits 
the Cobom-g Peninsula, and is very similar to T. citreogularis, but is smaller 
in all its admeasurements except in the bill, which is more developed. Gilbert 
informed me that its habits and manners are precisely similar to those of 
T. argenticeps, but that it is less abundant, less active, and has not so deep 
a voice as that species.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote me from North-west Australia: “At Mamgle 
Creek in a belt of floweiing paper-bark trees there were great numbers of 
these birds, many in immature plumage. At Mungi in the patches of flowering 
gums I occasionally saAv a few of these birds. They are partial migrants, 
as some always remain in localities frequented by this bird, while they are 
usually very numerous when trees cany a large number of blossoms. Is 
widely distributed through the ICimberley district.” From MelviUe Island 
Rogers wrote: “ Cooper’s Camp, Nov. 20, 1911. This species is not so 
numerous as P. argenticeps, in fact is rather rare in the parts I have visited. 
Is found in the forests and on the heavily timbered creeks. Jan. 14, 1912. 
None were seen on the north side of the Island.” 
Roger’s previous notes from Derby, published by Hall, read: “ In the 
early morning (July) a large number of this species gather in a huge ‘ boat ’ 
tree in front of the house I am staying at and hold a ‘ corroboree.' One 
seems to lead, and the rest join in the chorus. After the song they fly to a 
second tree and repeat the performance, keeping it going for about an hour. 
After this they leave for their feeding grounds, at present in the blossoming 
banliinia trees. On 31st January I found a nest with three eggs instead of 
two, the usual clutch, as well as I knoAA^” 
Hill has written: “ Tliis species was fairly plentiful on the eastern side 
of Napier Broome Bay where it is resident. The nesting season appears to 
extend from December to March. The food is chiefly honey, insects and 
fruits.” 
Barnard found it fairly numerous at Borroloola. 
After Gould had named the Port Essington form, Ramsay recorded the 
Derby bii’d as agreeing well with Gould’s sordidua, but added: “ Philemon 
occidentalis, sp. nov., similar to P. sordidua juv., but having the sides of neck 
and chest tinged with citron-yellow,” from Derby. 
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