The BELL BIRD (_Strepera graculina_) is of a beautiful blue black; the
roots of the primary wing-quills, from the fourth to the eighth, the tip
of the tail, and the lower tail-covers, are white, thus giving their
plumage the effect of being piebald, the tail appearing entirely white,
with the exception of a regular patch of black across its terminal
margin; the eyes are of a beautiful yellow, the beak and legs black. In
length this species does not exceed seventeen inches. The Bell Bird,
like the Flute Bird, is an inhabitant of New South Wales, where it is
distributed widely over the face of the country, occasionally appearing
upon the coast, but preferring, at least during the breeding season, well
watered valleys, abounding in trees; in such localities it also finds
its principal supply of food, which consists of berries, fruits, and
seeds. When either upon the ground or amongst the branches, these birds
are usually seen in very small parties, and but rarely in pairs or large
flocks: they live principally in trees, and, though quite at their ease
upon the ground, seldom come down to disport themselves upon its surface.
Their flight is quite unlike that of our Crows; when in the air their
movements are extremely sweeping and majestic, but cannot be sustained
for any length of time. Whilst on the wing they utter a most peculiar
resounding cry, from which they derive their name. The nest is large,
round, and very open, formed of twigs and lined with moss and grass. With
the appearance of the three or four eggs that constitute their brood,
we are entirely unacquainted. The settlers of New South Wales hunt the
Bell Magpie, as they do the Flute Bird, on account of its flesh, which
is regarded as a great delicacy. Very few of this species have as yet
reached Europe alive.