21.  Halcyon PYRRHOPYGIA, Gould.—­Red-backed Halcyon.

Similar in shape and figure to the last, but differing in plumage and in size, having dull red feathers over the rump, the blue being also of a duller shade.  It ranges far north.

22.  Artamus SORDIDUS.—­Wood Swallow.

The flight and habits of this bird are very like those of the swallow tribe.  They huddle together to roost:  selecting a flat round stump, round the edge of which they sit with their heads inwards, so presenting a singular appearance:  or else they cling together to the number of thirty or forty on a branch like a swarm of bees.  They were seen in every part of the interior over the whole of which they appear to range.

23.  Artamus PERSONATUS, Gould.—­Masked wood Swallow.

So called because of a black mark on the throat and cheek resembling a mask in some measure.  The plumage of this bird is light, the breast of the male almost approaching to a white, for size and shape there is little difference between this and the last.  Both are equally common, and are seen together, ranging the brushes at a great distance from water.

24.  Artamus SUPERCILIOSUS, Gould.—­White eyebrowed wood Swallow.

A white line over the eye is the distinguishing mark of this bird.  One or other species of Artamus was found when no other birds were to be seen.  They generally sat on dead branches, and their flight extended no farther than from the one to the other.

25.  PARDALOTUS STRIATUS, TEMM.—­Striated Pardalote.

There are several species of this beautiful tribe of little birds, but the above was the only kind procured.  The species under consideration occupies the higher branches of the gum-trees, and is so small that it is seen with difficulty.

26.  GYMNORHINA LEUCONOTA, Gould.—­The White-backed Crow Shrike.

This bird is somewhat larger than, and very much resembles a magpie, but the proportion of white is greater, and there is no metallic or varied tint on the black feathers as on the European bird.  In South Australia it is a winter bird, and his clear fine note was always the most heard on the coldest morning, as if that temperature best suited him.  All the species of this genus are easily domesticated, and learn to pipe tunes.  They are mischievous birds about a house, but are useful in a garden.  I had one that ranged the fields to a great distance round the house, but always returned to sleep in it.

27.  CRACTICUS destructor.

This bird has the strong, straight, and hooked bill.  He is an ugly brute in shape and plumage, but is a magnificent songster.  His own notes ring through the wilds, and there is not a bird of the forest that he does not imitate.  One of these birds regularly visited the camp at Flood Creek every morning to learn a tune one of the men used to whistle to him, and he always gave notice of his presence by a loud note of the most metallic sound.  It breeds on the hills, and is generally found wherever there is shade and water.