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Nature Notes

Rare specimens to be seen in our Ornithological Cabinet, Molesworth Street.

The Savage Premier—a bird inaptly named, as it is of a mild and retiring disposition. The head is marked with heavy black rings around the eyes—not unlike the common owl. This bird on being approached utters a rather plaintive cry resembling the sound "Ooo-av-nothing-tu-fear," which is repeated with a monotonous frequency. Contrary to the conclusions of earlier Investigations, it has turned out to be of definite migratory habits.

The Lyre Bird (Sempla vulgaris Australis)—Habitat: main roads and highways. It derives its Latin name from the curious fact that its plumage, although in youth is a bright scarlet, fades in later life to a delicate pink and subsequently is transformed, when it posses its prime, to an ever-deepening blue—hence the name "Blue Tit" which it is frequently called. When angered, this wily bird rotates its whiskers fiercely. Feeds chiefly on warthogs, hoadhogs, suckers, saps, bankers, and communists.

The Mason Bird (or common Bushlawer)—Unlike its colleagues, this bird feathers its nest with stones, and has often been known to drop a brick when carrying heavy loads of building material to its nest. The first known of the species roosted at Victoria for a number of years.

The Webbrd Crow (consciencis objectoris)—Lives mostly in dark holes such as mines, shafts, and coal cellars. Thrives well in captivity.

The Luere Bird (Gnashus ftnancus or incometaxici as it is sometimes called). Habitat New Zealand, but also of a migratory disposition especially at the "Crown" of the year; is carnivorous by nature—appetite quite insatiable, particularly round about the end of March—once it secures its victim it does not cease its terrible repast until the bones are picked quite clean—will eat anything but lives principally on Tacks.

Parry's Parrot—This bird shows a great affection for its afflicted fellows, but is seldom found outside a Museum.

Davy Jones Penguin (Fide Defensor et Radio)—chiefly notable for its inadequate means of Defence, as its Latin name signifies. Despite its sombre plumage and dejected appearance, this bird is a singer of merit, although so far all efforts to broadcast from the Parliamentary grounds where it was heard singing recently, have been unavailing. Will eat anything but radio jam.

The Students Frasa Bird—Habitat Scotland, but will make its home anywhere. This bird feeds on paper, parchment, etc., and some ornithologists believe that it is closely related to the cuckoo family as of late it has been frequently observed doing a job for itself in its neighbours' nests during their temporary absence in the migratory season.

Armstrong Warbler—or Bald Pated Finch—also known as the Broody Wanderer. This bird is a strenuous worker and has the amusing habit of scolding any of its own kind which it regards at loafers: it has even been known to eat its young. When irritated, flaps its wings violently and indulges in discordant screeching.