30 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
22. Eastern Whip-bird Psophodes olivaceus Latham 
Psoph-o'-des —Gk, psophodes , noisy: ol-iv-a-ce-us —L., olivaceus , olive- 
coloured. 
Distribution. —Eastern Australia, from northern Queensland to Vic¬ 
toria. 
Notes. —Also called Coachwhip-bird. Usually in pairs, inhabiting the 
brushes and scrubs, and also the coastal thickets; a shy bird, seeking the 
seclusion of the undergrowth, spending a considerable time on the 
ground, turning over fallen leaves and debris for insects. Its name is de¬ 
rived from its extraordinary call-notes—two soft drawn-out whistles end¬ 
ing on a loud “whipcrack” note, followed instantly by two notes—“Chew, 
chew,” which are generally uttered by the female, or occasionally by the 
male. Food: insects of various kinds. 
Nest. —A loosely built, cup-shaped structure, composed of rootlets, 
and lined with finer materials. Usually built in a low bush or among the 
undergrowth. 
Eggs. —Two, pale blue or bluish-white, spotted with irregular mark¬ 
ings of black and lavender. Breeding-season: August to January. 
23. Western Whip-bird Psophodes nigrogularis Gould 
ni-gro-gu-la-ris —L., niger, black; L., gularis , throated. 
Distribution. —South-western Australia. 
Notes. —Also called Black-throated Coachwhip-bird and Rain-bird. It 
once inhabited the tea-tree scrubs adjacent to the coast, but has not been 
observed for many years. 
Nest .—A small, saucer-shaped structure, composed of twigs, and 
placed in low scrubby undergrowth. 
Eggs. —Similar to those of the Eastern Whip-bird, but smaller. 
