RHIPIDURA ALBISCAPA, Gowda.

White-shafted Fantail.

pag gaveliierd, Vig. and Horsf. in Linn, Trans., vol, xv. p. 247, excl. of Syn.—Swains, Nat. Lis Orn., vol. x.;
Flycatchers, p. 124, pl. 10; and Class. of Birds, vol. ii. p. 257. ce
Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould, in Proc. of Zool. Soc., September 8, 1840.

 

Iv would appear that two species of Fan-tailed F lycatchers have hitherto been confounded under one specific
appellation ; for if a comparison be made, it will be obvious to every one, that the bird here represented
is quite distinct from that described and figured by Latham, in the sixth volume of his “General History of
Birds,” as Motacilla flabellifera, and which he states is a native of New Zealand. It is true, the Australian
birds from different localities present considerable variations in the depth of their colour, still they never
have the lateral tail-feathers entirely white as in the New Zealand bird : specimens from Van Diemen’s Land
are always much darker than those of the continent, and have the tail-feathers less marked with white ;
others from Western Australia, again, are somewhat lighter in colour, and have the white markings of the
tail more extensive than in those collected in South Australia or New South Wales. The accompanying
illustration represents the darkest of these varieties, and with the nest and plant (Culcitium salicinum) was
drawn in Van Diemen’s Land.

Judging from what facts I could gather respecting the economy of the White-shafted Fantail, I am
induced to regard it as a permanent resident rather than a migratory species, changing its localities
according to the season of the year; resorting to the more open parts during the summer months, and
retiring in autumn to thick brushes and warm secluded gullies, where it: still finds a supply of food, such
as aphides and other small insects, upon which it almost exclusively subsists.

In Van Diemen’s Land I have seen it in the depth of winter in the gullies on the sunny sides of Mount
Wellington ; and it is my opinion, that instead of migrating they only retire at this season to such localities
as are sheltered from the bleak south-westerly winds which then so generally prevail, and where insects are
still to be found. The bird is also subject to the same law on the continent of Australia; but as the
temperature of that country is more equable, its effects are not so apparent; and in support of this opinion
I may adduce the remark of Caley, who says, ‘The species is very common about Paramatta; and I do not
recollect having missed it at any period of the year.”

It is generally found in pairs, but I have occasionally seen as many as four or five together. It inhabits
alike the topmost branches of the highest trees, those of a more moderate arom and the shrouded and
gloomy foliaged dells in the neighbourhood of rivulets: from these cere it darts coe shont distance
to capture insects, and in most instances returns again to the same branch it had left. While m oe air it
assumes a number of lively and beautiful positions, at one moment mounting almost perpendicularly,
constantly spreading out its tail to the full extent, and frequently tumbling completely over in the descent ;
at another it may be seen flitting through the branches, and seeking for insects among the flowers and leaves,
repeatedly uttering a sweet twittering song. ; ee

The Fantail is rather a late breeder, scarcely ever commencing before October, during which ant the
three following months it rears two, and often three broods. Its elegant little nest, closely ee a
wine-glass in shape, is woven together with exquisite skill, and 1s generally ones ‘ i ae a :
species of Eucalyptus, neatly lined with the down of the Cee 2. ee pee a s
moss, and outwardly matted together with the webs of spiders, which not only serve y “ oe ae :
but are also employed to strengthen its attachment to he branch on which it SS eee ; ‘i ie :
of the nest is much varied: I have observed it in the midst of dense bushes, in the more open fores i
placed on a branch overhanging a mountain rivulet, but a all times within 2 al feet of the ground. Me

i i in 1 ~ seven lines long; their ground colour white, blotched all over, but par
eggs are invariably two in number, seven One ere : Lae
ightly tinged with olive: the young from the nest assume y

ic t the larger end, with brown sl (eee 3 °.
oy that they are only to be distinguished by the secondaries and wing-

: : yearance of the adults, i
oe i c -e lost after the first moult. The adults are so precisely alike,
coverts being margined with brown, a feature lost aft
that actual dissection is necessary to determine the Sexes.

In its disposition this little bird is one of the tamest im
Re ‘ Cee es
mcir slichtes - and will even enter the hous
evincing the slightest timidity, an Ce oe die
: a breeding-season, however, it exhibits extreme anxiety at the 8
: b T S > = ~ T S e ra i - ry 2g
of which is always betrayed by its becoming more agitated
if red, 1 ten seen mountin
d active in its movements as he draws near: if approached unobserved, it may be of ¢
and active in 1 ‘ Scone
i 1 : 10n.
1 i ine ile its mé ; performing the duty of incuba
: singing while its mate is performing i
ae 7 tated it will be seen that this species has a most extensive range over the
From what I have here stated 1 2 oe
ility 1 P of that vast country.
i in ¢ t will be found in every par
rti -alia, and in all probability 1 :
southern portion of Australia, < a eee
Adult - ds from Van Diemen’s Land have the whole of the upper surface, ear-co ; ee ea
ee i 1 ar ‘toral band being ra
slichtly tinged with olive, the tail, crown of the head, and pec g
me Ma I 1 mark behind the eye throat, tips of the wing-coverts, margins
tri sve, lunar-shaped mark , :
the darkest ; stripe over the eye, es eae
f ie i i hafts, outer webs and tips of all but the two middle tail-feat 5
of the secondaries, shaits, out

buff; eyes black ; bill and feet brownish black.
The figures are of the natural size.

aginable, allowing of a near approach without
of persons resident in the bush in pursuit of

gnats and other insects. During the
an intruder in the vicinity of its nest, the site