Introductory paragraph: "I DON'T think it is quite true that "fine feathers make fine birds," for it is well known that the best of the Australian birds are not at all gorgeous in colour. Although there are many Australian birds that are very beautiful, their feathers being bright with all the colours of the rainbow, they are not nearly so interesting as many of those that have very plain plumage, but clever brains or sweet voices, and often both. It is not wise to judge a bird by its plumage. Some of the most delightful songs are those of birds so small and plain-coloured that we would not notice them at all if we did not hear them singing, and it is also those which build the delicate little nests and lay the lovely eggs. Others that are fairly large but not beautiful to look at are the most interesting to read about. It is those that you will read most about in
this book. "
