PACHYCEPHALA GILBERTII, Gowa. 
Gilbert’s Pachycephala. 
Pachycephala Gilbertti, Gould in Proc, of Zool, Soc., Part XII. p. 107. 
Aurnouas the practice of naming species after individuals is a means by which the names of men eminent 
for their scientific attainments may be perpetuated to after-ages, I have ever questioned its propriety, 
and have rarely resorted to it; but in assigning the name of Gi/bertii to this new and interesting species, 
I feel that I am only paying a just compliment to one who has most assiduously assisted me in the laborious 
investigations required for the production of the present work, and who was the discoverer of the birds 
forming the subject of this paper. The specimens transmitted to me by Mr. Gilbert are I believe all that 
have yet been procured, 
Although the P, Gilbertii is nearly allied to the P. rufagularis, it may be readily distinguished by the 
rufous colouring being confined to the throat, and not ascending upon the forehead and occupying the space 
between the bill and the eyes as in that species; it is also a smaller bird in all its admeasurements, 
Gilbert’s Pachycephala is an inhabitant of the interior of Western Australia. The following notes, which 
are all that is known of its history, accompanied the specimens sent to me :—*‘ This species inhabits the 
thick brushes of the interior. It is an early breeder, as is proved by my finding a nest with three newly- 
hatched young birds in the middle of August. The nest was built in the upright fork of a small shrub 
about four feet from the ground, It was deep, cup-shaped in form, and constructed of dried grasses, and 
except that it was rather more compactly built, it was very similar to those of the other members of the 
genus.” 
I trust that the publication of this species will induce Mr. Burgess, Mr. Drummond and other residents 
in Western Australia to seek for and investigate its history. To Mr. Drummond, and his son Mr. Johnson 
Drummond, botanical science is indebted for many valuable discoveries, and that this slight tribute to their 
labours in that department may induce them to turn their attention to other branches of natural history is 
my earnest wish, 
The sexes of the present bird, as will be seen on reference to the accompanying Plate, exhibit a similar 
difference in colour as in the P. rufogularis; the females of both species being very sombre and devoid of 
any rufous colouring on the throat and breast. 
The male has the upper surface dark greyish olive-brown ; head dark slate-grey ; breast of a lighter grey ; 
lores black ; throat rust-red; under surface of the shoulder, centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts 
sandy buff; irides light brown; bill and feet black. 
The figures represent the two sexes of the natural size. 
