Family ——?

Genus Dicæum, Cuv.

The continent of India, the Indian Islands and New Guinea are the countries in which the members of this genus abound; as yet only a single species has been found in Australia.

75. Dicæum hirundinaceum[Vol. II. ] Pl. 34.

Family PIPRIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Pardalotus, Vieill.

This form is peculiar to Australia, in every portion of which great country, including Van Diemen’s Land, one or other of the species I have figured are to be found; some of them associated in the same district, and even inhabiting the same trees, while in other parts only a single species exists; for instance, the P. punctatus, P. quadragintus and P. affinis inhabit Van Diemen’s Land; on the whole of the southern coast of the continent from east to west P. punctatus and P. striatus are associated; the north coast is the cradle of the species I have called P. uropygialis, and the east coast that of P. melanocephalus, from both of which countries the others are excluded; the true habitat of the beautiful species I have figured and described as P. rubricatus is not yet known.

The seven species of this little group are each individually very numerous, which, together with their general distribution, may enable them to effect some important operation in the economy of nature; their chief food consisting of the larvæ of insects.

76. Pardalotus punctatus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 35.
77. Pardalotus rubricatus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 36.
78. Pardalotus quadragintus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 37.
79. Pardalotus striatus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 38.
80. Pardalotus affinis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 39.
81. Pardalotus melanocephalus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 40.
82. Pardalotus uropygialis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 41.

Family LANIADÆ, Vig.

Genus Strepera, Less.

Prior to the commencement of the present work only two species of this form (S. graculina and S. Anaphonensis) had been described, and these had been referred to a different genus by almost every author who had occasion to mention them; the older writers assigning them to Corvus, Coracias and Gracula, and the more modern ones to Cracticus and Barita: finding that their structure did not agree with the character of either of those genera, I (in 1837) proposed to make the first-mentioned species the type of a new genus (Coronica), not being aware at the time that this had been done some years before by M. Lesson, whose name, having the priority, is necessarily the one adopted.

My researches in Australia have enabled me to add four other species to the group, three possessing well-defined specific characters, and one, the distinctive markings of which are not so apparent, but which, in my opinion, is equally distinct; the specific characters of some groups of birds are, in fact, so difficult to be determined, both from the similarity of the species and the want of a knowledge of their natural habits, as to cause the naturalist no little trouble and research in properly distinguishing them; and to no group does this remark more strongly apply than to the one under consideration; the ample materials, however, at my command, and the possession of a large number of specimens, the sexes of which have all been ascertained by dissection, and the habits of which have been observed in their native localities, enables me to give as perfect an account of this curious group as any I have yet attempted.

On a careful examination of the members of this genus, it will be perceived that their relationship to the Corvidæ, to which they have been usually assigned, is very remote, their size and colour being, in fact, the only features of resemblance; their whole structure and economy is indeed very different from those of every other bird known, except those of Gymnorhina and Cracticus, with which genera they form a very natural group among the great family of Laniadæ or Shrikes.

All the species yet discovered are not only peculiar to Australia, but are strictly confined to the southern portion of that continent; their range being limited to the country comprised within the 25th and 40th degrees of south latitude; future research may, however, add both to the number of species and to the extent of their range; still their great stronghold is undoubtedly the most southern portion of the Australian continent, the islands of Bass’s Straits and Van Diemen’s Land.

Most of these birds seek their food on or near the ground, sometimes in swampy situations, and even on the sea-shore, at others on the most sterile plains far distant from water; grasshoppers and insects of every order are eaten by them with avidity, and to these grain, seeds and fruits are frequently added; they hop with remarkable agility over the broken surface of the ground, and leap from branch to branch with great alacrity: their flight is feeble and protracted, and they seldom mount high in the air, except for the purpose of crossing a gully, or for passing from one part of the forest to another, and then merely over the tops of the trees; during flight they usually utter a peculiar shrill cry, which is frequently repeated and answered by other birds of the same troop, for they mostly flit about in small companies of from four to six in number, apparently the parents and their offspring of the year. All the species occasionally descend to the cultivated grounds, orchards and gardens of the settlers, and commit considerable havoc among their fruits and grain; in many parts of Australia, particularly in Van Diemen’s Land, they form an article of food, and are considered good and even delicate eating. They usually build open cup-shaped nests as large as that of the Crow, composed of sticks and other coarse materials, lined with grasses or any other suitable substance that may be at hand; the eggs are generally three, but are sometimes four, in number. The sexes are similar in plumage, and the young assume the livery of the adult from the time they leave the nest.

83. Strepera graculina[Vol. II. ] Pl. 42.
84. Strepera fuliginosa, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 43.
85. Strepera Arguta, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 44.
86. Strepera Anaphonensis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 45.
87. Strepera melanoptera, Gould.

All the upper surface, wings, and tail black; under surface brownish black, tinged with grey on the abdomen; under tail-coverts and tips of all but the two centre tail-feathers white; irides yellow; bill and feet black.

Total length, 19 inches; bill, 2; wings, 11; tail, 9; tarsi, 2⅝.

This species inhabits South Australia, and is distinguished from all its congeners by the total absence of any white mark on the wings; in other respects it is so similar to S. Arguta, that I have not considered it necessary to give a figure of it.

Genus Gymnorhina, G. R. Gray.

Like Strepera this is strictly an Australian form, all the species of which frequent exclusively the southern parts of the country. Their structure is a mere modification of that of the members of the last genus adapted to a somewhat different mode of life and habits. They are more pastoral than the Streperæ, frequenting as they do the open plains and grassy downs, over which they run or rather hop with great facility. Their chief food consists of grasshoppers and other insects, to which berries and fruits are added, when such kinds of food are procurable. If unmolested in their natural haunts they may be considered a more familiar race than the Streperæ, but if persecuted they become extremely shy and distrustful. Few birds are more ornamental, or give a more animated appearance to the country than the members of this genus, either when running over the surface of the lawn-like ground, or when pouring forth their singular choral-like notes while perched together on the bare branches of a fallen Eucalyptus. The form and situation of the nest is the same as those of the Streperæ, larger, but not unlike that of the European Crow.

Specimens of this form from Western Australia exhibit some trifling differences, but I have not as yet been able to satisfy myself whether they are or are not distinct.

88. Gymnorhina Tibicen[Vol. II. ] Pl. 46.
89. Gymnorhina leuconota, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 47.
90. Gymnorhina organicum, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 48.

Genus Cracticus, Vieill.

The members of this genus, which are universally dispersed over Australia, prey upon small quadrupeds, birds, lizards and insects, which they frequently impale after the manner of the ordinary Shrikes. Their nidification resembles that of the species belonging to the genera Strepera and Gymnorhina, the nest being a large round structure placed among the branches of the trees, and the eggs four in number. So great a similarity exists between the birds inhabiting New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land, and Swan River, that I have thought it unnecessary to figure the whole, but the annexed descriptions, with a due attention to the localities, will obviate all difficulty in determining the species.

91. Cracticus nigrogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 49.
92. Cracticus picatus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 50.
93. Cracticus argenteus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl 51.
94. Cracticus destructor[Vol. II. ] Pl. 52.
95. Cracticus cinereus, Gould.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land, and may be distinguished from C. destructor by its much longer bill, and, when fully adult, by its grey back.

96. Cracticus leucopterus, Gould.

Inhabits Western Australia; is of the same size as C. destructor, but has the white mark on the wings much larger and more clearly defined.

97. Cracticus Quoyii[Vol. II. ] Pl. 53.

Genus Grallina, Vieill.

Only one species of this genus is at present known. It is peculiar to Australia, over every portion of which country it is dispersed; and it may be considered one of the anomalies of the Australian ornithology, since its alliance to any group of birds with which we are acquainted is very remote.

98. Grallina Australis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 54.

Genus Graucalus, Cuv.

The woods of every part of the Old World from India to Australia are tenanted by species of this genus, which, from their great size, their being strictly insectivorous, and individually very numerous, must tend to keep insect life in check, and consequently perform a most important part in the economy of nature.

In my description of Graucalus melanops, I have stated that New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land, Swan River and Port Essington, are each inhabited by Grauculi so nearly allied to each other that it was questionable whether they were not one and the same species, and that the slight differences they present were attributable to some peculiarity in the districts they inhabit; after much attention to the subject, I have been induced to regard the Van Diemen’s Land bird as distinct, and I have therefore assigned it a name, parvirostris; those of the other countries appear to be local varieties or races peculiar to their respective habitats.

All the members of the group build a flat slight nest of fine short dead twigs, curiously joined together with cobwebs, on which they lay two eggs.

99. Graucalus melanops[Vol. II. ] Pl. 55.
100. Graucalus parvirostris, Gould.

Forehead, sides of the face and the throat jet black; crown of the head, all the upper surface and centre of the wings delicate grey; primaries and the inner webs of the secondaries deep brownish black, the former narrowly and the latter broadly margined with greyish white; tail grey at the base, passing into deep brownish black and largely tipped with white, the grey colour predominating on the two centre feathers, which are destitute of the white tips; chest grey, into which the black of the throat gradually passes; lower part of the abdomen, under surface of the wing and under tail-coverts white; flanks and thighs grey; bill and feet brownish black.

Total length, 12 inches; bill, 1½; wing, 7½; tail, 6; tarsi, 1.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land.

101. Graucalus mentalis, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 56.
102. Graucalus hypoleucus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 57.
103. Graucalus Swainsonii, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 58.

Genus Pteropodocys, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill small, shorter than the head, nearly cylindrical; tomia curved and pointing downwards; a well-defined notch at the extremity of the upper mandible; nostrils basal, round, and covered with the short feathers of the forehead; wings long and pointed, the fourth feather the longest; tail lengthened, the four middle and the lateral feather on each side shorter than the rest; tarsi long, stout; toes rather short, the inner toe longer than the outer one, hind-toe large and lengthened, the toe and nail nearly equalling in length the middle toe and nail.

The general structure of the only known species of this form resembles that of Graucalus and of Campephaga, but the bill is so small as to be quite out of proportion with the body; its lengthened wings and tarsi adapt it both for flight and for moving rapidly over the surface of the ground.

104. Pteropodocys Phasianellus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 59.

Inhabits the whole of the interior of Southern Australia from east to west; the extent of its range northward has not been ascertained. It has many habits in common with the Graucali; but while those birds are destined for the trees the present bird is adapted for the ground, where it procures and feeds upon insects of various genera, particularly locusts and grasshoppers. It frequents the open plains in small companies of from three to six or eight in number, and is very animated in its actions, but at the same time most cautious and shy.

Genus Campephaga, Vieill.

The members of this genus are spread over India and the Indian Islands, and the fauna of Australia comprises four species; they are allied to the Graucali, but are much smaller in size, and more active among the branches.

The sexes are generally very dissimilar in colour and markings, while in Graucalus they are alike. The nidification and the form of the nests of the two genera are very similar.

105. Campephaga Jardinii, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 60.
106. Campephaga Karu[Vol. II. ] Pl. 61.
107. Campephaga leucomela, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 62.
108. Campephaga humeralis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 63.

Genus Pachycephala, Swains.

The Pachycephala gutturalis may be regarded as the type of this group of birds, which is peculiarly Australian, and comprises many species, universally distributed over the country. Their habits differ from those of most other insectivorous birds, particularly in their quiet mode of hopping about and traversing the branches of the trees in search of insects and their larvæ: caterpillars constitute a great portion of their food; but coleoptera and other insects are not rejected. The more gaily-attired species, such as P. gutturalis, P. glaucura, P. melanura and P. pectoralis, resort to the flowering Acaciæ, Eucalypti and other stately trees, while the more dull-coloured ones frequent the ground: they all build a neat, round, cup-shaped nest, and the eggs are generally four in number. Their powers of flight are not great: some of the species enjoy a wide range of habitat, while others are extremely local. The song of some is loud and rather pleasing, while others merely emit a whistling note, slowly but frequently repeated.

109. Pachycephala gutturalis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 64.
110. Pachycephala glaucura, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 65.
111. Pachycephala melanura, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 66.
112. Pachycephala pectoralis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 67.
113. Pachycephala falcata, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 68.
114. Pachycephala Lanoïdes, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 69.
115. Pachycephala rufogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 70.
116. Pachycephala Gilbertii, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 71.
117. Pachycephala simplex, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 72.
118. Pachycephala olivacea, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 73.

The two birds described by me in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part V. p. 164, as P. xanthoprocta and P. longirostris, are both immature birds, and are, I believe, from Norfolk Island.

Genus Colluricincla, Vig. & Horsf.

Like the last group, the present is strictly confined to Australia, every one of the colonies of which country, from north to south and from east to west, is inhabited by a species peculiarly and restrictedly its own. They have many characters in common with the Pachycephalæ, which they also resemble in their actions, food, economy and nidification. They are neither Shrikes nor Thrushes, but are most nearly allied to the former; they are insect-feeders to a very great extent, but occasionally partake of mollusks and berries. Some of them defend themselves vigorously with both bill and claws when attacked. Their voice is a loud whistle, some parts of which are not devoid of melody, particularly the loud swelling notes.

The nest is rather slightly built, round and cup-shaped in form, and is mostly placed in the hollow spout of a tree: the eggs are four in number.

119. Colluricincla harmonica[Vol. II. ] Pl. 74.

Inhabits New South Wales.

120. Colluricincla rufiventris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 75.

Inhabits Western Australia.

121. Colluricincla brunnea, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 76.

Inhabits Port Essington.

122. Colluricincla Selbii, Jard.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 77.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land.

123. Colluricincla parvula, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 78.

Inhabits the northern parts of the country.

124. Colluricincla rufogaster, Gould.

I have assigned this name to a bird lately sent to me by Mr. Strange from the brushes of the Clarence in New South Wales; it may hereafter prove to be identical with the last-mentioned species, C. parvula, the form and admeasurements being precisely the same; but the bird from New South Wales has a lighter coloured bill, and the whole of the under surface washed with deep rufous.

The locality of the bird described by me in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part IV. p. 6, as Colluricincla fusca, being still unknown, that species has not been included.

Genus Falcunculus, Vieill.

The two species of this genus are not only strictly Australian, but are confined to the southern parts of the country; the F. frontatus inhabiting New South Wales and South Australia, and the F. leucogaster Western Australia. When attacked by their natural enemies or by man, both species defend themselves with their powerful bill and claws with the utmost fury; they also by the same means readily tear off pieces of rotten wood and the thin scaly bark of the Eucalypti in search of insects. The branches of trees are their usual place of resort, and in many of their actions and habits they closely resemble the Tits of Europe and India (genus Parus), while they also assimilate to the Pachycephalæ. They build a round, cup-shaped nest.

125. Falcunculus frontatus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 79.
126. Falcunculus leucogaster, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 80.

Mr. Gilbert states that while staying in the Toodyay district of Western Australia in the month of October, he found the nest of this species among the topmost and weakest perpendicular branches of a Eucalyptus, at a height of at least fifty feet: it was of a deep cup-shaped form, composed of the stringy bark of the gum-tree, and lined with fine grasses, the whole matted together externally with cobwebs; the eggs, which are three or four in number, are of a glossy white with numerous minute speckles of dark olive most thickly disposed at the larger end; they are seven-eighths of an inch long by five-eighths of an inch in breadth. He adds, that under ordinary circumstances it is a somewhat shy bird, but when breeding becomes bold and familiar; as an evidence of which he adduces the fact that a flock of sheep were driven every night beneath the tree upon which the nest was being constructed without giving the least alarm to the birds.

Genus Oreoïca, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, stout, compressed laterally, and notched at the tip; culmen bent gradually downwards from the base; lower mandible nearly as stout as the upper; nostrils basal, round, and nearly covered with very fine short hair-like feathers directed forwards, among which are intermingled a few long fine hairs; wings rather long, the first quill short, the third the longest; tertiaries very long, and nearly equalling the primaries; tail short and very slightly rounded; tarsi moderately long and stout, entire posteriorly, and defended anteriorly with hard scuta; feet adapted for the ground; toes very short, particularly the hind one, inner toe rather shorter than the outer; claws short, and nearly straight.

The only species known of this form is strictly Australian, and is a sprightly animated bird frequenting the sterile districts studded with large trees, scrubs, and open glades, where it hops about on the ground in search of insects. Notwithstanding the singularly lengthened form of its scapularies and its terrestrial habits, it appears to me to belong to the same type of form as the Pachycephalæ; its loud piping note and mode of nidification also favours this opinion. It lays three or four eggs, in a round, cup-shaped nest, placed either in a grass tree (Xanthorrhœa) or in a hole or stump of a decayed upright tree.

127. Oreoïca gutturalis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 81.

Genus Dicrurus, Vieill.

A genus of which many species inhabit India and Africa, but of which only one has yet been found in Australia.

128. Dicrurus bracteatus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 82.

Family MUSCICAPIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Rhipidura, Vig. & Horsf.

Many species of this genus occur in India, the Indian Islands, New Guinea, and Polynesia; and five or six are comprised in the fauna of Australia, over every part of which country, including Van Diemen’s Land, one or other member of the group is found to exist.

129. Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 83.
130. Rhipidura rufifrons[Vol. II. ] Pl. 84.
131. Rhipidura Dryas, Gould.

Inhabits the north coast. I have not figured this species because it only differs from R. rufifrons in being of a smaller size, and in the red colouring at the base of the tail-feathers being more extensive.

132. Rhipidura isura, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 85.
133. Rhipidura Motacilloïdes, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 86.
134. Rhipidura picata, Gould.

Not figured, being similar in colour but much smaller than R. Motacilloïdes; it inhabits Port Essington.

Genus Seïsura, Vig. & Horsf.

The present genus and Rhipidura are mere modifications of each other; a difference of structure, however, exists of sufficient importance to justify their separation, and, as is always the case, a corresponding difference is found in the habits of the species.

The present form is restricted to Australia.

135. Seïsura inquieta[Vol. II. ] Pl. 87.

Genus Piezorhynchus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill longer than the head; deeper than broad, almost cylindrical; compressed on the sides, notched at the tip; nostrils basal, small and round; wings short; first primary moderate, the fourth the longest; tail rather short and round; tarsi moderately long and somewhat feeble; the inner and middle toes connected as far as the first joint, the outer one the longest.

The only species of this genus yet discovered is a native of the northern parts of Australia, from Cape York to Port Essington, where it frequents the dense beds of Mangroves.

136. Piezorhynchus nitidus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 88.

Genus Myiägra, Vig. & Horsf.

A group of insectivorous birds, the greater number of which inhabit the Indian Islands and Polynesia, and of which four species are found in Australia.

137. Myiägra plumbea, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 89.
138. Myiägra concinna, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 90.
139. Myiägra nitida, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 91.
140. Myiägra latirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 92.

Genus Micrœca, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, depressed, broad at the base; gonys straight; curving downwards and slightly notched at the tip; nostrils round, placed at the base of the bill, which is beset with strong bristles; wings lengthened and powerful, first primary short, the third the longest; tail rather short and nearly square; tarsi moderate and feeble; toes feeble, the external toe much longer than the internal one.

Three species of this genus inhabit Australia, to which country they are confined.

141. Micrœca macroptera.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 93.
142. Micrœca assimilis, Gould.

All the upper surface brown, primaries dark brown; tail brownish black; the tips and the terminal half of the external margins of the two outer feathers white; the three next on each side also tipped with white, the extent of the white becoming less upon each feather as they approach the centre of the tail; the four middle feathers without the white tip; throat, centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts white, passing into pale brown on the sides of the chest and flanks; irides reddish brown; bill and feet blackish brown.

Total length, 4⅝ inches; bill, 9
16; wings, 3⅜; tail, 2⅛; tarsi, 9
16.

Inhabits Western Australia; and is so nearly allied to the Micrœca macroptera, from which it only differs in being much less in size and in having the base of the outer tail-feather brown, that I have not considered it necessary to figure it.

143. Micrœca flavigaster[Vol. II. ] Pl. 94.

Genus Monarcha, Vig. & Horsf.

Several species of this genus occur in the Indian Islands and two in Australia. They are insectivorous birds, and procure their food by quietly hopping about among the branches of the trees.

144. Monarcha carinata[Vol. II. ] Pl. 95.
145. Monarcha trivirgata[Vol. II. ] Pl. 96.

Genus Gerygone, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, swollen, notched at the tip; commissure straight; nostrils basal, lateral, oval; rictus beset with two or three extremely fine and weak bristles; wings moderately long, first quill almost spurious, second long, third, fourth and fifth equal and longest; tail rather short and square; tarsi entire, slender, moderately long; toes extremely short and small, the lateral toes even, and united to the middle one nearly to the first joint; claws much curved.

The term Psilopus was originally proposed by me for this genus, but that name having been previously employed, Gerygone was substituted for it.

A group inhabiting every part of Australia, and probably New Guinea and Polynesia. Their chief food consists of insects of the most diminutive size, such as aphides, gnats and mosquitos. The more thickly-billed species may probably feed upon larger insects and their larvæ. They mostly frequent the thick umbrageous woods, where they dart about for insects under the canopy of the dense foliage, or sally forth into the open glade like true Flycatchers. Their nests are of a domed form, with the entrance near the top, some species protecting the opening by constructing a projection above it like the eaves of a house; the eggs are generally four in number, and spotted with red like those of the Maluri and Pari.

146. Gerygone albogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 97.
147. Gerygone fusca, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 98.
148. Gerygone culicivorus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 99.
149. Gerygone magnirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 100.
150. Gerygone lævigaster, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 101.
151. Gerygone chloronotus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 102.

Genus Smicrornis, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very small and short, swollen at the sides; nostrils basal, oblong and protected by an operculum; at the base of the bill a few fine hairs; wings moderately long, first quill very short; the first, third, fourth and fifth equal and the longest; tail short and square; tarsi moderate; toes rather short, adapted for clinging; the hinder and the middle toes equal in length.

The members of this genus are the smallest birds of the Australian fauna. I have described two species, one inhabiting New South Wales and the other Port Essington; and had I characterized the bird of this form inhabiting Western Australia as distinct, I should most likely not have been in error, as it is probable that when the subject has been more fully investigated it will prove to be so.

152. Smicrornis brevirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 103.
153. Smicrornis flavescens, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 104.

Family SYLVIADÆ, Vig.

Subfamily SAXICOLINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Erythrodryas, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Petroïca, but with the bill shorter and more flattened at the base, where it is beset with a number of fine hairs which curve forward and overhang the nostrils; wings shorter and more rounded; first and second primaries much shorter than the rest; the fifth the longest; tarsi shorter; toes more lengthened; lateral toes nearly even; claws much sharper and more curved.

The members of the genus Erythrodryas are much more delicate in structure than the Petroïcæ, have their feeble bill strongly beset with bristles, and are more arboreal in their habits; their usual places of resort being the innermost recesses of the forest, where, in a state of quiet seclusion, they flit about in search of insects; the true Petroïcæ, on the other hand, frequent open plains, are more bold and vigorous, and possess a structure which adapts them for the ground over which they pass like the Saxicolæ.

The two species of this genus, all that are at present known, are confined to the south-eastern portions of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

154. Erythrodryas rhodinogaster[Vol. II. ] Pl. 1.
155. Erythrodryas rosea, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 2.

Genus Petroïca, Swains.

The birds I have retained in this genus might with propriety be divided by separating the pied Robins from the red-breasted species. The dusky Robin of Van Diemen’s Land and the white eyebrowed Robin of the north-east coast of Australia would also constitute another group of equal value with Erythrodryas, Drymodes and Eöpsaltria.

The red-breasted Petroïcæ are confined to the south-eastern portions of Australia, Van Diemen’s Land and Norfolk Island; but I believe that the range of the pied birds extends to New Guinea.

Each of the sections I have indicated present some difference in their nidification and in the colouring of their eggs, which tends to confirm the propriety of the view I have taken of the subject.

156. Petroïca multicolor[Vol. II. ] Pl. 3.
157. Petroïca erythrogastra[Vol. II. ] Pl. 4.
158. Petroïca Goodenovii[Vol. II. ] Pl. 5.
159. Petroïca phœnicea, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 6.
160. Petroïca bicolor, Swains.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 7.
161. Petroïca fusca, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 8.
162. Petroïca superciliosa, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 9.

Genus Drymodes, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill straight, rather compressed on the sides near the tip, nearly as long as the head; a slight notch at the tip; beset at the base with a few fine bristles; wings moderately long, rounded, the first quill very short, the fifth the longest; tail rather long, slightly rounded; tarsi long, slender, entire before; toes moderately long, the outer toe rather longer than the inner; the hind-toe and nail shorter than the middle toe and nail.

The only species of this genus yet discovered ranges over the whole of the country from Southern to Western Australia. Its form is adapted for the ground, but it occasionally resorts to low shrubby trees.

163. Drymodes brunneopygia, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 10.

Genus Eöpsaltria, Swains.

Three species of this genus are all that are yet known; two of these are natives of Western Australia, and the third of New South Wales.

164. Eöpsaltria Australis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 11.
165. Eöpsaltria griseogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 12.
166. Eöpsaltria leucogaster, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 13.

Subfamily MENURINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Menura, Dav.

It might have been expected that the various explorations which have of late years been made into the previously unknown regions of Australia would have led to the discovery of some additional species of this genus, or of some new form more nearly allied to it than those with which it is associated, but nothing of the kind has occurred.

167. Menura superba, Dav.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 14.

This remarkable bird is not only confined to Australia, but exclusively to the south-eastern part of the country. I regret to say that I have not been able to gain any further information respecting its nidification, although I have urged many persons in Australia to pay particular attention to the subject.

Genus Psophodes, Vig. & Horsf.

Among the many novelties comprised in the present work is a second species of this form, of which only one was previously known.

168. Psophodes crepitans[Vol. II. ] Pl. 15.

Inhabits the south-eastern parts of Australia.

169. Psophodes nigrogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 16.

This new species is a native of the western coast.

Genus Sphenostoma, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very short, compressed laterally, wedge-shaped, upper mandible without a notch at the tip, two or three fine hairs at the base; tomia straight; nostrils basal, round, open; wings very short and round, the fourth, fifth and sixth primaries nearly equal and the longest; tail long and graduated; tarsi moderately long and strong, shielded before with several plates, entire behind; toes short, hind-toe strong, lateral toes unequal, the inner one the shortest.

The only known species of this genus frequents the sterile parts of the interior of Australia generally, particularly those portions of the country clothed with low shrubs and bushes.

170. Sphenostoma cristata, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 17.

Genus Malurus, Vieill.

The members of this genus are among the most beautiful of the Australian birds; in no group, in fact, with the exception of the Trochilidæ or Humming-birds, is the splendour of their plumage excelled. Their gay attire is, however, only assumed during the pairing season, and is retained for a very short period, after which the sexes are alike in colouring.

The genus is strictly an Australian one, and with one or two exceptions, all the species are confined to the southern parts of the continent and Van Diemen’s Land.

171. Malurus cyaneus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 18.
172. Malurus longicaudus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 19.
173. Malurus melanotus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 20.
174. Malurus splendens[Vol. II. ] Pl. 21.
175. Malurus elegans, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 22.
176. Malurus pulcherrimus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 23.
177. Malurus Lamberti, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 24.
178. Malurus leucopterus, Quoy & Gaim.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 25.
179. Malurus melanocephalus, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 26.
180. Malurus Brownii, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 27.

Genus Amytis, Less.

A form nearly allied to Malurus, strictly Australian, and of which three species are known, inhabiting the southern half of the country and not occurring in Van Diemen’s Land.

181. Amytis textilis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 28.
182. Amytis striatus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 29.
183. Amytis macrourus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 30.

Genus Stipiturus, Less.

A form confined to Australia. Although some slight variation occurs in the specimens from Van Diemen’s Land, Southern and Western Australia, I believe that they are all referable to one and the same species, viz.—

184. Stipiturus malachurus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 31.

Genus Dasyornis, Vig. & Horsf.

A group of birds adapted for situations covered with an almost impenetrable vegetation, reed-beds, &c. The two species figured are all that are at present known; of these one is from the eastern and the other from the western parts of Australia.

185. Dasyornis Australis, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 32.
186. Dasyornis longirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 33.

Prior to my visit to Australia, I described a bird in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ Part V. p. 150, as D.? brunneus, but as I have not since met with the bird in any collection from Australia I presume it is not a native of that country.

Genus Atrichia, Gould.

Rictus totally devoid of bristles; bill as long as the head, compressed laterally; the upper mandible distinctly notched at the tip; gonys ascending from the rictus and then following the line of the bill; culmen ascending high in front; nostrils moderately large, covered with an operculum, and placed in a groove near the base of the bill; wings short, round, concave, the first three primaries graduated, the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh equal; tail lengthened, rounded, the stems rigid, the webs loose and decomposed; tarsi and feet robust, the hind-toe armed with a strong nail; outer and inner toes equal in length.

The only species of this genus yet discovered is as singular in its structure as it is shy and retiring in its habits; the total absence of vibrissæ in a bird apparently closely allied to Dasyornis, in which they are so much developed, renders it one of the anomalies of the Australian fauna.

187. Atrichia clamosa, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 34.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Sphenœacus, Strickl.

A group of reed- and grass-frequenting birds, which are found not only in every part of Australia, but also in the Indian Islands and India.

188. Sphenœacus galactotes[Vol. II. ] Pl. 35.
189. Sphenœacus gramineus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 36.

Genus Acrocephalus, Naum.

Of this European and Indian form two species inhabit Australia, where they frequent the reed-beds and the dense herbage of marshy situations.

190. Acrocephalus Australis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 37.
191. Acrocephalus longirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 38.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Hylacola, Gould.

Bill shorter than the head, compressed; equally broad and high at the base; culmen gradually declining from the base to the tip; slightly notched at the apex; rictus beset with a few fine hairs; nostrils basal, oblong, rather large and defended by an operculum; wings short, round and concave; first, second and third primaries graduated; the fourth, fifth and sixth equal, and the longest; tail rather long and round; tarsi moderate in size; toes rather lengthened, the lateral toes equal.

A genus comprising two species peculiar to the southern parts of the country, one of which enjoys an extensive range from South Australia to Moreton Bay; the other has, as yet, only been found in the Great Murray Scrub.

192. Hylacola pyrrhopygia[Vol. II. ] Pl. 39.
193. Hylacola cauta, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 40.

When I characterized this species in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,’ I had only seen a single example; I have since received a second, proving the correctness of my view of its being quite distinct from the H. pyrrhopygia, a fact disputed by Mr. Strickland, who had stated it to be his opinion that my figures were referable to one and the same species, but who upon an examination of the specimens themselves acknowledged he was in error.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Cysticola, Less.

However numerous birds of this form may be in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Indian Islands, Australia outvies them all in the number of species that frequent its grassy plains. With the exception of Van Diemen’s Land, every colony is inhabited by one or more species performing there precisely similar offices to those executed by the remaining species in the other parts of the world.

194. Cysticola magna, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 41.
195. Cysticola exilis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 42.
196. Cysticola lineocapilla, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 43.
197. Cysticola isura, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 44.
198. Cysticola ruficeps, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 45.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Sericornis, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill strong, straight, nearly as long as the head, compressed laterally towards and notched at the tip; nostrils basal, lateral, oval, and covered by an operculum; wings moderate, rounded, the first quill very short, the fourth, fifth and sixth nearly equal and the longest; tail moderate and square; tarsi long; hind-toe and claw strong, and nearly equal to the middle toe and claw in length; outer and inner toes equal; plumage soft and silky to the touch.

A group of small birds peculiar to Australia, and confined almost exclusively to the southern portion of the country. Their habits lead them to frequent the most retired parts of the forests, damp and secluded places and scrubby gullies where the herbage is thick and dense; but some species are found on the flat islands near the coast, covered with Salsolæ and other shrub-like trees; they usually frequent the ground, over which they pass with celerity, and when their haunts are intruded upon conceal themselves under the fallen or elided herbage. Their flight is peculiar and never protracted, and they all build domed nests like that of the common Wren (Troglodytes Europæus).

199. Sericornis citreogularis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 46.
200. Sericornis humilis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 47.
201. Sericornis osculans, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 48.
202. Sericornis frontalis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 49.
203. Sericornis lævigaster, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 50.
204. Sericornis maculatus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 51.
205. Sericornis magnirostris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 52.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Acanthiza, Vig. & Horsf.

With the exception of the north coast, the Acanthizæ are dispersed over all the wooded districts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land; some species frequenting the brushes, while others tenant the shrubs and belts of trees on the plains; others again are only found in such districts as the belts of the Murray.

Like some other large groups at present included under one generic title, the Acanthizæ might be divided with propriety; thus the A. pusilla, A. Diemenensis, &c., which are feeble in structure and strictly arboreal, might form one section; while the A. chrysorrhœa, A. Reguloïdes, &c., which resort to the ground, might form another. The nests of all the species that I have seen are of a domed form like that of the European Wren.

The members of this genus and the Maluri are frequently the foster-parents of the shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus).

206. Acanthiza pusilla[Vol. II. ] Pl. 53.
207. Acanthiza Diemenensis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 54.
208. Acanthiza Ewingii, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 55.
209. Acanthiza uropygialis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 56.
210. Acanthiza apicalis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 57.
211. Acanthiza pyrrhopygia, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 58.
212. Acanthiza inornata, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 59.
213. Acanthiza nana, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 60.
214. Acanthiza lineata, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 61.
215. Acanthiza Reguloïdes, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 62.
216. Acanthiza chrysorrhœa[Vol. II. ] Pl. 63.

Genus Ephthianura, Gould.

Bill shorter than the head, nearly straight, compressed laterally, notched at the tip, gonys incurved; nostrils basal, linear, and covered by a membrane; wings long, first quill spurious, second very long, third and fourth equal and longest; tertials very long; tail short and truncate; tarsi entire, moderately long, slight; toes slender, the hinder toe and claw shorter than the middle one, the inner toe rather shorter than the outer.

Three species of this form are all that are at present known, and of these two are figured for the first time in the present work. They all inhabit the southern part of Australia, where they frequent the open districts studded with bushes and low trees; the E. albifrons is occasionally found on the open plains.

217. Ephthianura albifrons[Vol. II. ] Pl. 64.
218. Ephthianura aurifrons, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 65.
219. Ephthianura tricolor, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 66.

Genus Xerophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill short, semiconical, robust at the base, without any notch at the tip; and provided with a few hairs at the base of the upper mandible; nostrils round and covered by minute feathers; wings moderate in size; first primary short, the third and fourth the longest; tertiaries broad and somewhat elongated; tail moderate, square and slightly concave; tarsi robust; hind-toe strong, anterior toes feeble, the exterior longer than the inner one.

A curious form, of which only one species is known, and the situation of which in the natural system is quite undetermined. It has many of the actions and manners of the Acanthizæ, but its robust and gibbose bill precludes its being placed with that group. It is mainly terrestrial in its habits and builds a domed nest.

220. Xerophila leucopsis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 67.

Genus Pyrrholæmus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, slightly compressed at the sides, with a very minute notch at the tip, and beset with a few hairs at the base; nostrils linear and covered with an operculum; wings short, round, first primary rather short, the third the longest; tail short, round and concave, tarsi moderate; external toe longer than the inner one.

Another anomalous form, the structure of which does not approximate very nearly to that of any other genus, but is perhaps most nearly allied to Acanthiza. The only species known frequents scrubby places and thick underwood; is much on the ground, but occasionally mounts on a twig to sing.

221. Pyrrholæmus brunneus, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 68.

Genus Origma, Gould.

Bill nearly as long as the head, incurved, carinated, indented near the tip; nostrils oval, lateral, basal, and covered by an operculum; wings moderate, rounded, first quill short, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh nearly equal and longest; tail moderate and slightly rounded; tarsi moderate; toes rather short, the outer toe much longer than the inner; plumage dense.

We are here again presented with another form, the structure, habits, and manners of which are all equally singular. The only species yet discovered inhabits New South Wales, where it frequents stony gullies and rocky situations in the neighbourhood of caverns, to the roofs of which it attaches its pendent nest, as shown in the Plate.

222. Origma rubricata[Vol. II. ] Pl. 69.

Genus Calamanthus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, dilated at the base, compressed laterally towards the tip; culmen sharp and advancing upon the forehead; nostrils lateral, large, oval, and covered by an operculum; rictus destitute of bristles; wings short, round, the fourth quill the longest, the third, fifth, sixth and seventh equal; tail rather short and round; tarsi moderately long, defended anteriorly with indistinct scales; hind-toe rather long, with a long claw; lateral toes uneven, the outer one the shortest.

This group comprises two species, one inhabiting Van Diemen’s Land, the other Southern and Western Australia; they are terrestrial in their habits, but occasionally perch on the smaller branches of the trees.

223. Calamanthus fuliginosus[Vol. II. ] Pl. 70.
224. Calamanthus campestris, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 71.

Genus Chthonicola, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill short, gradually descending from the base; the upper mandible slightly notched at the tip, compressed laterally; tomia curving inwards; wings concave; the first primary very short, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth nearly equal and the longest; tail slightly concave, and all the feathers of an equal length; tarsi moderately long; toes short, the hinder toe somewhat longer than the middle one; front claws more curved than in the genus Anthus.

The single species known of this genus combines in a remarkable manner the outward appearance, habits and manners of the Acanthizæ and Anthi, but is, I believe, more nearly allied to the former than to the latter.

225. Chthonicola minima[Vol. II. ] Pl. 72.

Rather widely dispersed over the grassy flats of New South Wales, and constructs a domed nest in a depression of the ground like the true Sylviæ.

Subfamily MOTACILLINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Anthus, Bechst.

Whether this Old World form is represented in Australia by more than a single species, is a point I have not satisfactorily determined; every part of its extra-tropical regions, including Van Diemen’s Land, is inhabited by Pipits which differ somewhat in size in almost every colony; still their difference is so slight that I have hitherto regarded them as mere varieties or local races.

226. Anthus Australis, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 73.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Cincloramphus, Gould.

Bill rather shorter than the head; culmen slightly arched; the tip distinctly notched; the commissure slightly angulated at the base, and somewhat incurved for the remainder of its length; nostrils lateral, oval; wings moderate, rigid, first quill very long and nearly equal to the second and third, which are the longest; tertials nearly as long as the primaries; tail rather small and cuneiform; tarsi very strong and scutellated anteriorly; toes long and powerful, particularly the hinder one and claw, which is articulated on the same plane with the inner toe; lateral toes nearly equal.

The members of this genus, which are three in number, are closely allied to the Indian genus Megalurus, and present even a greater disparity in the size of the sexes; they are all confined to Australia, where they frequent the grassy plains and open districts. The song of the males is more animated than that of any other bird inhabiting the country.

227. Cincloramphus cruralis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 74.
228. Cincloramphus cantillans, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 75.
229. Cincloramphus rufescens, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 76.

Subfamily ALAUDINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Mirafra, Horsf.

One, if not two, species of this well-defined genus inhabit Australia. At present one only has been characterized; but the bird of this form, frequenting the intertropical portions of the country, may prove to be a distinct species.

230. Mirafra Horsfieldii, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 77.

Family FRINGILLIDÆ, Vig.

The Finches of Australia comprise twenty well-marked species, referable to several genera or subgenera, each of which exhibit a slight difference in structure, accompanied, as is always the case, by a difference in habit, and in the districts inhabited; thus the true Estreldæ frequent grassy patches in the glades of the forests, the open parts of gullies, &c.; the Amadinæ, the stony hills and flats; the Poëphilæ, the grass beds of the open plains; and the Donacolæ, the grasses of the marshy districts and reed-beds: of the habits of Emblema nothing is known; its pointed bill indicates some peculiarity in its economy differing from those of the other genera.

All the species build, I believe, large grassy nests with a spout-like opening.

The whole of those figured are peculiar to Australia.

Genus Estrelda, Swains.

231. Estrelda bella[Vol. II. ] Pl. 78.
232. Estrelda oculea[Vol. II. ] Pl. 79.
233. Estrelda Bichenovii[Vol. II. ] Pl. 80.
234. Estrelda annulosa, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 81.
235. Estrelda temporalis[Vol. II. ] Pl. 82.
236. Estrelda Phaëton, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 83.
237. Estrelda ruficauda, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 84.
238. Estrelda modesta.
    Amadina modesta, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 85.

Genus Amadina, Swains.

239. Amadina Lathami[Vol. II. ] Pl. 86.
240. Amadina castanotis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 87.

Genus Poëphila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill considerably swollen at the base, rendering it nearly as deep and broad as it is long; wings moderately long, the first quill rudimentary, the four next equal in length; feet plantigrade, toes slender; the middle toe much longer than the lateral ones, which are equal in length; hind-toe much shorter than the middle one; tail strictly cuneiform, the two middle feathers much produced.

241. Poëphila Gouldiæ.
    Amadina Gouldiæ, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 88.
242. Poëphila mirabilis, Homb. et Jacq.[Vol. II. ] Pl. 89.
243. Poëphila acuticauda, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 90.
244. Poëphila personata, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 91.
245. Poëphila leucotis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 92.
246. Poëphila cincta, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 93.

Genus Donacola, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in the genus Amadina, but with the bill much more developed and gibbose at the base, with the culmen elevated and the lower mandible retiring backward on the face; wings shorter and rounder; feet more adapted for clinging, and remarkable for the greater development of the hind-toe and nail; tail-feathers rigid.

247. Donacola castaneothorax, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 94.
248. Donacola pectoralis, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 95.
249. Donacola flaviprymna, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 96.

Genus Emblema, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, conical, and much resembling that of the genus Ploceus; wings moderately long as compared with the body; first quill rudimentary, the four next equal in length; tertiaries much lengthened; tail moderately long and nearly square, or slightly rounded; feet plantigrade; toes extremely slender, the middle toe much longer than the lateral ones, which are equal in length.

250. Emblema picta, Gould[Vol. II. ] Pl. 97.

The single example of this beautiful bird, which was procured and presented to me by B. Bynoe, Esq., is I believe all that has ever been seen; I regret to say it no longer graces my collection, having been stolen therefrom, together with some other valuable birds, in the year 1846.

Family MERULIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Pitta, Vieill.

The members of this genus extend from tropical India throughout the islands of the Indian Archipelago to Australia; one or two species also occur in Africa. Of the three inhabiting Australia the Pitta Iris is figured for the first time in the present work, and is one of the very finest species of this lovely group of birds.

251. Pitta strepitans, Temm.[Vol. IV. ] Pl. 1.

Since my account of this species was printed I have received its eggs, accompanied by the following notes from Mr. Strange of Sydney:—

“I never saw any bird whose actions are more graceful than those of the Pitta strepitans, when seen in its native brushes, where its presence is indicated by its singular call, resembling the words ‘want a watch,’ by imitating which you can call it close to the muzzle of your gun; no sooner, however, does it commence breeding than it becomes shy and retiring, keeping out of sight in the most artful manner, moving about from place to place, and occasionally uttering its cry until it has drawn you away from the nest. The nests I have seen were placed in the spur of a fig-tree near the ground, outwardly constructed of sticks and lined with moss, leaves and fine pieces of bark; the eggs are four in number,” of a pale creamy-white marked all over with irregularly-shaped blotches of brown and deep vinous grey, the latter appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell; they are one inch and a quarter in length by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth.

252. Pitta Vigorsii, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 2.

I regret to say that up to the present time I have not been able to obtain any information respecting this species, the specimen of which, in the Linnean Society’s Collection, is the only evidence we have of its occurring in Australia; I believe New Guinea to be its true habitat.

253. Pitta Iris, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 3.

Genus Cinclosoma, Vig. & Horsf.

Among the novelties comprised in the present work, there are none more important than the additional members of this genus; three well-defined species being described and figured, of which only one was previously known. The form is peculiar to Australia, and is, I believe, closely allied to my genus Ianthocincla, a group of birds confined to India.

254. Cinclosoma punctatum, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 4.
255. Cinclosoma castanotus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 5.
256. Cinclosoma cinnamomeus, GouldVol. IV. Pl 6.

When my drawing of this species was made, I had only seen the male; since then Captain Sturt has presented me with a female, which differs from the opposite sex in the absence of the black markings of the throat, breast and wings, which parts are brownish grey.

Genus Oreocincla, Gould.

Bill as long, or longer than the head, slightly incurved, compressed laterally; the tip of the upper mandible overhanging the under; notch considerably removed from the tip; tomia or cutting edges sharp; nostrils basal, oval; rictus beset with a few short hairs; wings moderately long and rigid, first quill very short, the fourth and fifth nearly equal, and the longest; tail rather short and square, the feathers rigid, and running to a point exteriorly; tarsi moderate, scales entire; toes slender, particularly the hinder one; outer toes nearly equal, but the inner one rather the shortest; general plumage silky to the touch; the rump-feathers spinous, as in Ceblepyris and Graucalus.

Species of this genus inhabit India, the Indian Islands and Australia, in which latter country, although much difference in size is observable in specimens from different localities, I believe only one exists. It is decidedly a brush bird, and has many habits in common with the typical Thrushes, but is more shy and retiring.

257. Oreocincla lunulataVol. IV. Pl. 7.

Family PARADISEIDÆ, G. R. Gray.

I certainly consider the accounts I have given of the extraordinary habits of the Chlamyderæ and Ptilonorhynchi as some of the most valuable and interesting portions of my work, and however incredible they may appear I am happy to say they have been fully confirmed by other observers.

Genus Chlamydera, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill moderate, culmen elevated, and arched to the tip which is emarginated, compressed on the sides; gonys slightly advancing upwards; nostrils basal, lateral, exposed, rounded, and pierced in a membrane; wings long and pointed, first primary short, second primary shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal, and the longest; tail long and slightly rounded; tarsi robust, defended anteriorly with broad scuta; toes long and strong; outer toe longer than the inner, hind-toe long and robust; claws long, curved, and acute.

258. Chlamydera maculata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 8.

Inhabits South Australia, New South Wales, and according to Mr. Gilbert’s Journal of his overland journey to Port Essington, the intertropical regions of the east coast.

In one of Mr. Gilbert’s many interesting letters received since the account above referred to was printed, he says, “the questions as to the nidification of Chlamydera is now settled by Mr. C. Coxon having found a nest in December with three young birds; in form it was very similar to that of the common Thrush of Europe, being of a cup-shape, constructed of dried sticks with a slight lining of feathers, and fine grass, and was placed among the smaller branches of an Acacia overhanging a pool of water.”

259. Chlamydera nuchalisVol. IV. Pl. 9.

“I found matter for conjecture,” says Captain Stokes, “in noticing a number of twigs with their ends stuck in the ground, which was strewed over with shells, and their tops brought together so as to form a small bower; this was 2½ feet long, 1½ feet wide at either end. it was not until my next visit to Port Essington that I thought this anything but some Australian mother’s toy to amuse her child; there I was asked, one day, to go and see the ‘birds’ playhouse,’ when I immediately recognised the same kind of construction I had seen at the Victoria River; the bird (Chlamydera nuchalis of Mr. Gould’s work) was amusing itself by flying backwards and forwards, taking a shell alternately from each side, and carrying it through the archway in its mouth.”—Discoveries in Australia, vol. ii, p. 97.

Genus Ptilonorhynchus, Kuhl.

260. Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus, Kuhl.Vol. IV. Pl. 10.

That this bird continues its singular habits under the disadvantages of captivity, I learn from the following passage in a letter lately received from Mr. Strange of Sydney.

“My aviary is now tenanted by a pair of Satin Birds, which I hoped would have bred, as for the last two months they have been constantly engaged in constructing bowers, which I find are built for the express purpose of courting the female in. Both sexes assist in their erection, but the male is the principal workman. At times the male will chase the female all over the aviary, then go to the bower, pick up a gay feather or a large leaf, utter a curious kind of noise, set all his feather erect, and run around the bower, into which at length the female proceeds, when he becomes so excited that his eyes appear ready to start from his head, and he continues opening first one wing and then the other, uttering a low whistling note, and like the common Cock, seems to be picking up something from the ground, until at last the female goes gently towards him, when, after two turns around her, he suddenly makes a dash and the scene ends.” This pair of birds was sent to England by Mr. Strange for the Earl of Derby, and had they not unfortunately died from cold while rounding Cape Horn, they would doubtless have continued their singular habits in his lordship’s magnificent aviary at Knowsley.

The habitat of this species appears to be confined to the south-eastern part of New South Wales, for it has not as yet been found in any other portion of the country.

261. Ptilonorhynchus Smithii, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 11.

Genus Sericulus, Swains.

A single species only of this form has yet been discovered.

262. Sericulus chrysocephalusVol. IV. Pl. 12.

The brushes of the south-eastern part of Australia is the only locality in which this bird has yet been found.

Family ——?

Subfamily ORIOLINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Oriolus, Linn.

Typical Orioles are widely distributed over Europe, Africa, Asia, the Indian Islands and Australia, but none have yet been discovered in Polynesia or America.

Three species inhabit Australia, two of which are figured; the third from the northern part of the country is so nearly allied to the O. viridis, that a description alone will be sufficient.

263. Oriolus viridis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 13.
264. Oriolus affinis, Gould.

Inhabits the neighbourhood of Port Essington, and only differs from the preceding species in having a shorter wing, a much larger bill, and the white spots at the tip of the lateral tail-feathers much smaller.

265. Oriolus flavovinctusVol. IV. Pl. 14.

Genus Sphecotheres, Vieill.

Australia presents us with a single species of this genus; others inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring islands; but as yet we have no evidence of the form occurring on the continent of India.

266. Sphecotheres Australis, Swains.Vol. IV. Pl. 15.

Nothing whatever is known of the nidification of this bird; in all probability it will prove to be very similar to that of the Orioles.

Family ——?

Genus Corcorax, Less.

A genus containing only one species which possesses many singular habits; its actions among the branches, its mode of progression over the ground, and its nidification, being equally remarkable.

267. Corcorax leucopterusVol. IV. Pl. 16.

Family ——?

Genus Struthidea, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, robust, swollen, arched above, deeper than broad; gonys angular; nostrils basal, lateral, round and open; wings moderate, round, first primary short, the fourth and fifth the longest; secondaries long and broad; tarsi scutellated in front, plain behind; toes long and strong, the outer one longer than the inner one; claws strong, compressed and much curved.

The only known species of this form is confined to the interior of the southern and eastern parts of Australia, where it inhabits stony ridges, and is mostly observed on the Callitris.

268. Struthidea cinerea, GouldVol. IV. Pl 17.

In my account of this species, I have stated that its actions are very similar to those of the Corcorax leucopterus, and the following extract from Mr. Gilbert’s Journal of his overland journey to Port Essington shows that the two birds assimilate still more closely in their nidification:—

“Oct. 19.—Strolled about in search of novelties, and was amply repaid by finding the eggs of Struthidea cinerea. I disturbed the bird several times from a rosewood-tree growing in a small patch of scrub, and felt assured it had a nest, but could only find one, which I considered to be that of a Grallina; determined, if possible, to solve the difficulty, I lay down at a short distance within full view of the tree, and was not a little surprised at seeing the bird take possession of, as I believed, the Grallina’s nest; I immediately climbed the tree and found four eggs, the medium length of which was one inch and a quarter by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth; their colour was white, with blotches, principally at the larger end, of reddish brown, purplish grey and greenish grey; some of the blotches appearing as if they had been laid on with a soft brush. From the appearance of the nest I should say it was an old one of a Grallina, but it contained a much greater quantity of grass for a lining than I ever observed in the nest of that bird; if this be not the case, then the nests of the two birds are precisely similar, being like a great basin made of mud, and placed on a horizontal branch.

“Oct. 21.—In the evening I again met with the Struthidea, which I disturbed from a nest like the one above described, and from the new appearance of the structure I am inclined to believe it to be constructed by the bird itself, although it does so closely resemble that of Grallina, especially as in this case the nest was placed in a situation far from water, and there were no Grallinæ in the neighbourhood. This nest, like the last, had a very thick lining of fine grass, and appeared as if just finished for the reception of the eggs.”

There is no doubt that the nests above described by Mr. Gilbert were those of Struthidea; those of Corcorax and Grallina are precisely similar; and it is somewhat singular that three birds differing so much in structure should build the same kind of mud nests.

Family CORVIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Corvus, Linn.

It is exceedingly interesting to trace the range of the members of this genus or the true Crows; not so much on account of their wide distribution, as from the circumstance of the form being non-existent in some countries which appear admirably adapted for their well-being; thus while the species are widely distributed over the whole of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, none are to be found in South America, Polynesia or New Zealand.

269. Corvus Coronoides, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 18.

This is the only species that has yet been discovered in Australia.

Family ——?

Genus Neomorpha, Gould.

This form is strictly Polynesian, and the species confined to New Zealand.

270. Neomorpha Gouldii, G. R. GrayVol. IV. Pl. 19

Genus Pomatorhinus, Horsf.

The members of this genus range from India throughout all the islands to Australia, but are not found in Africa or Polynesia; three species are comprised in the fauna of Australia.

Much diversity of opinion exists among ornithologists as to the place this group should occupy in the general system; by most writers they have been placed with the Meliphagidæ, but having had ample opportunities of observing the Australian species in a state of nature, I am enabled to affirm that they do not assimilate in any degree with those birds either in their habits, actions, economy or nidification, in all which particulars they differ from every group of birds that has come under my notice.

271. Pomatorhinus temporalisVol. IV. Pl. 20.
272. Pomatorhinus rubeculus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 21.
273. Pomatorhinus superciliosus, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 22.

Family MELIPHAGIDÆ, Vig.

By far the greater and most prominent portion of the botany of Australia consisting of only two or three genera of trees—the Eucalypti, Banksiæ, &c.—we should naturally expect its ornithology to comprise some great groups of birds destined to dwell thereon, and such we find to be the case, the true Honey-eaters and the Honey-feeding Parrakeets being remarkably numerous; the former tribe of birds comprise no less than fifty-eight species, which appear to be naturally divided into several groups, each characterized by some modification of structure: although the whole are truly insectivorous, the pollen and the honey in the flower-cups of the Eucalypti are largely partaken of, and for procuring which their lengthened tongue terminating in filaments assuming the form of a brush is most admirably adapted, combined with which is a remarkably narrow gape and an incapacious stomach.

Australia is the great nursery of this tribe of birds, but a few species are found in New Guinea and some of the Polynesian islands.

Genus Meliphaga, Vig. & Horsf.

No example of this genus has yet been discovered in the northern or intertropical regions of Australia, all the species known being confined to the southern parts of the continent, the islands in Bass’s Straits and Van Diemen’s Land. The members of this group feed principally upon the pollen and honey of the flower-cups, but occasionally upon insects; in disposition they are tame and familiar; and they frequent the Banksiæ in preference to other trees.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young assume the adult plumage at an early period of their existence.

274. Meliphaga Novæ-HollandiæVol. IV. Pl. 23.
275. Meliphaga longirostris, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 24.
276. Meliphaga sericea, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 25.
277. Meliphaga mystacalis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 26.
278. Meliphaga AustralasianaVol. IV. Pl. 27.

Genus Glyciphila, Swains.

The members of this genus resort to higher trees than the Meliphaga, are more shy in disposition, possess considerable powers of flight, and partake more exclusively of insect food. Of the four Australian species, two, G. fulvifrons and G. albifrons, inhabit the southern parts of the country, the G. fasciata the northern portion, and the little G. ocularis is universally distributed over the country, and if I mistake not, is also found in New Guinea and Timor.

The young of G. fulvifrons and G. albifrons differ considerably from the adult in their markings.

279. Glyciphila fulvifronsVol. IV. Pl. 28.
280. Glyciphila albifrons, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 29.
281. Glyciphila fasciata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 30.
282. Glyciphila ocularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 31.

Genus Ptilotis, Swains.

The species of this group are not only more numerous than those of any other division of the Meliphagidæ, but they also comprise some of the most beautiful and gaily-coloured members of the family. Nearly all the species are either prettily marked about the face, or have the ear-coverts largely developed and characterized by a colouring different from that of the other parts of the plumage. The Eucalypti and Acaciæ are the trees upon which they are usually found; the species with olive-green backs, such as P. flavigula and P. leucotis, frequent the dwarf or thickly-leaved kinds, the foliage of which assimilates in colour to that of their plumage; the more gaily-attired species with bright yellow cheeks and ear-coverts, such as P. ornatus and P. plumulus, are most frequently found among the flowering Acaciæ; some species, particularly P. penicillata, descend from the trees and seek Coleoptera and other insects on the ground; the Casuarinæ are the favourite trees of P. sonorus and P. versicolor; while the P. chrysotis, P. chrysops and P. fusca are almost entirely confined to the brushes and seek their food among the Eucalypti, the hanging festoons of Tecoma and other beautiful brush creepers. The members of this group are principally Australian, but I believe that some species inhabit New Guinea; they mainly subsist upon insects, to which berries are sometimes added.

The sexes are alike in plumage, but the females are smaller than the males, and the young assume the adult livery from the nest.

283. Ptilotis chrysotisVol. IV. Pl 32.
284. Ptilotis sonorus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 33.
285. Ptilotis versicolor, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 34.
286. Ptilotis flavigula, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 35.
287. Ptilotis leucotisVol. IV. Pl. 36.
288. Ptilotis auricomisVol. IV. Pl 37.
289. Ptilotis cratitius, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 38.
290. Ptilotis ornatus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 39.
291. Ptilotis plumulus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 40.
292. Ptilotis flavescens, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 41.
293. Ptilotis flava, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 42.
294. Ptilotis penicillatus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 43.
295. Ptilotis fusca, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 44.
296. Ptilotis chrysopsVol. IV. Pl. 45.
297. Ptilotis unicolor, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 46.

Genus Plectorhyncha, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, slightly arched, very pointed, almost conical and acute; nostrils basal and partly covered by an operculum; an obsolete notch near the tip of the upper mandible; wings moderate, the first feather short, the third and fourth the longest; tail moderate and square; tarsi strong; hind-toe and claw long, powerful and longer than the middle toe and claw; lateral toes unequal; the outer one the longest, and united to the middle one nearly to the first joint.

Of this singular form only one species has yet been discovered. It inhabits the plains of the eastern portion of Australia, where it dwells among the Eucalypti and Acaciæ; and is a very noisy garrulous bird.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young assume the adult plumage at a very early age.

298. Plectorhyncha lanceolata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 47.

Genus Xanthomyza, Swains.

Of this genus only one species is known.

299. Xanthomyza PhrygiaVol. IV. Pl. 48.

The habitat of this bird appears to be confined to the south-eastern portion of Australia. It generally frequents the highest branches of the lofty Eucalypti, both of the brushes and of the plains, but is most abundant in the districts near the coast. In its disposition it is bold and extremely pugnacious.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and but little difference is observable between nestling and adult birds.

The nests I saw were round and cup-shaped, and were mostly placed in the fork of a tree.

Genus Melicophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill as long as the head, gradually curving downwards from the base, nearly cylindrical and very pointed; nostrils basal and covered with an operculum; wings rather lengthened, the first primary short, the third the longest; tail moderately long, and nearly square; tarsi long and stout.

A genus containing only a single species, which so far as we yet know is confined to Southern and Western Australia.

300. Melicophila picata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 49.

Possesses many singular habits, and differs from most other species of the Meliphagidæ in the totally different colouring of the sexes; as well as in assembling in vast flocks, which continue soaring about during the greater portion of the day. I was not aware until after my drawing was made that this bird has a small fleshy appendage beneath the eye of an ashy-grey colour, which is invisible in a dried skin. The nest and eggs are said to be very similar to those of Petroïca multicolor, and to be placed in similar situations.

Genus Entomophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, somewhat broad at the base, becoming compressed and pointed at the apex; tomia of the upper mandible arched and slightly notched at the tip; nostrils basal, oval, pierced in a membrane and protected by an operculum; wings rather long, first quill spurious, the second nearly as long as the third, which is the longest; tail short and nearly square; tarsi short and rather feeble; hind-toe short and stout; lateral toes unequal, the inner one being rather the shortest.

301. Entomophila picta, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 50.

The pointed wings of the examples of this bird I had seen prior to my visit to Australia, led me to infer that its habits were more aërial than those of the other members of the family, and such proved to be the case; for while the greater number of the latter cling to and creep about the branches, the present bird flies about the trees, captures insects on the wing, and during flight displays the beautiful yellow of its wings and the white markings of its tail to the greatest advantage.

Its frail cup-shaped nest is sometimes suspended among the drooping leaves of the Acacia pendula.

302. Entomophila albogularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 51.
303. Entomophila rufogularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 52.

I fear I have committed an error in referring the birds from the north coast (E. albogularis and E. rufogularis) to the present genus, for upon further consideration I believe they will prove to be sufficiently different from every other form yet characterized to justify their being separated into a distinct genus.

Genus Acanthogenys, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill as long as the head, compressed, slightly arched, acute at the tip; the edges of the upper mandible notched near the tip, and delicately serrated; nostrils sub-basal; from the base of the mandibles a naked stripe runs below the eyes, and below this the cheeks are covered with stiff spines; wings moderate, the first quill-feather very short, third, fourth and fifth equal and the longest; tail moderate, nearly equal; feet robust, hind-toe strong and longer than the middle one, outer toe united at its base to the middle toe; claws hooked.

The genus Acanthogenys, of which only one species is known, is a form intermediate in size and in structure between the smaller Honey-eaters (Meliphagæ, Ptiloti, &c.) on the one hand, and the larger kinds (Anthochæræ) on the other.

304. Acanthogenys rufogularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 53.

This species is widely distributed over the interior of the southern portion of Australia, from east to west; the sexes are alike in plumage, and the young are very similar, but are destitute of the spines on the cheek, which are scarcely assumed during the first year. The Banksiæ are the trees mostly frequented by this bird, the presence of which is indicative of sterile sandy districts.

Genus Anthochæra, Vig. & Horsf.

A genus peculiarly Australian, three species of which are exclusively confined to the southern or extra-tropical parts of the country, and one to Van Diemen’s Land.

305. Anthochæra inauris, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 54.
306. Anthochæra carunculataVol. IV. Pl. 55.
307. Anthochæra mellivoraVol. IV. Pl. 56.
308. Anthochæra lunulata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 57.

These four birds might with propriety be separated into two genera, those with auricular appendages, A. inauris and A. carunculata, having many characters differing from those of A. mellivora and A. lunulata.

Genus Tropidorhynchus, Vig. & Horsf.

The law of representation in Australia is chiefly confined to the species inhabiting the eastern and western coasts, but with the members of this genus it takes the opposite direction, or north and south, for more singular and perfect representatives of each other cannot be found than are the T. corniculatus and T. citreogularis of the south-eastern parts of the country, the T. argenticeps and T. sordidus of the north-western. Extra Australian species inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring countries.

309. Tropidorhynchus corniculatusVol. IV. Pl. 58.
310. Tropidorhynchus argenticeps, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 59.
311. Tropidorhynchus citreogularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 60.
312. Tropidorhynchus sordidus.

Inhabits the Cobourg Peninsula, and is precisely similar to T. citreogularis, but is smaller in all its admeasurements except in the bill, which is more developed.

Genus Acanthorhynchus, Gould.

Bill elongated, slender and acute, compressed on the sides; tomia incurved; culmen acute and elevated; nostrils basal, elongated, and covered with an operculum; wings moderate in size and semi-rotund; first and fifth primaries equal; the third and fourth nearly equal in length, and the longest; tail moderate in size and slightly forked; tarsi lengthened and strong; middle toe long and robust, external toe exceeding the inner one in length.

This genus, like many others of the family, may be regarded as strictly Australian: it comprises two, if not three, well-marked species, each of which is confined to a particular part of the country; the A. tenuirostris dwelling in the eastern, and the A. superciliosus in the western districts: both inhabit countries precisely in the same degree of latitude, and form beautiful representatives of each other. Van Diemen’s Land is the native habitat of the species I have named A. dubius, which, as will be seen, I had made synonymous with A. tenuirostris, but which I am now inclined to consider distinct, an opinion in which Mr. Blyth coincides.

313. Acanthorhynchus tenuirostrisVol. IV. Pl. 61.
314. Acanthorhynchus dubius, Gould.
315. Acanthorhynchus superciliosus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 62.

Genus Myzomela, Vig. & Horsf.

Five well-marked species of this genus are distributed over Australia; numerous others are found in New Guinea and the neighbouring islands; the form also occurs in the Polynesian Islands, but is not found in Van Diemen’s Land.

316. Myzomela sanguineolentaVol. IV. Pl. 63.
317. Myzomela erythrocephala, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 64.
318. Myzomela pectoralis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 65.
319. Myzomela nigra, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 66.
320. Myzomela obscura, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 67.

Genus Entomyza, Swains.

Two species of this well-defined genus are comprised in the Australian fauna, one of which inhabits the south-eastern parts of the country, or New South Wales; the other, which so far as we yet know is strictly confined to the north-eastern coast, is very plentiful at Port Essington and in the neighbouring districts.

The form appears to be confined to Australia, for I have never seen it from any other country.

321. Entomyza cyanotisVol. IV. Pl. 68.

This bird has the habit—a somewhat remarkable one among the Honey-eaters—of selecting the nest of Pomatorhinus temporalis for the reception of its eggs.

322. Entomyza albipennis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 69.

Genus Melithreptus, Vieill.

No one group of birds is more universally distributed over Australia than the Melithrepti, for their range extends from Van Diemen’s Land on the south to the most northern part of the continent; and they are equally numerous from east to west, each part of country being inhabited by a species peculiarly its own. The Eucalypti are the trees upon which they are almost exclusively found. I believe the form is unknown out of Australia.

323. Melithreptus validirostris, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 70.
324. Melithreptus gularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 71.
325. Melithreptus lunulatusVol. IV. Pl. 72.
326. Melithreptus chloropsis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 73.
327. Melithreptus albogularis, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 74.
328. Melithreptus melanocephalus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 75.

Genus Myzantha, Vig. & Horsf.

During the progress of this work three additional species of this genus have been discovered, one in the interior of New South Wales, the second at Swan River, and the third on the north-west coast; consequently it is a genus the members of which are widely distributed over nearly every part of Australia.

329. Myzantha garrulaVol. IV. Pl. 76.
330. Myzantha obscura, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 77.
331. Myzantha lutea, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 78.
332. Myzantha flavigula, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 79.
333. Myzantha melanophrysVol. IV. Pl. 80.

Family ——?

Genus Zosterops, Vig. & Horsf.

Three well-defined species of this genus inhabit the continent of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land; two are found on Norfolk Island, and numerous others inhabit the Indian Islands and the continent of India even to the Himalaya Mountains.

In placing this group next to the Honey-eaters, I have been influenced by their approximation to those birds in some of their habits: they also exhibit a further degree of affinity in the form and structure of their nest, but not in the colouring of their eggs, which are always blue in colour.

334. Zosterops dorsalis, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 81.
335. Zosterops chloronotus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 82.
336. Zosterops luteus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 83.

Family CUCULIDÆ, Leach.

The family Cuculidæ is very fairly represented in Australia, since we there find species belonging to the greater number of the Old World genera, and one, Scythrops, which has not hitherto, I believe, been found elsewhere. With the exception of Centropus and Eudynamys, they, like their prototypes, are parasitic in their nidification, and depend upon other birds for the hatching of their eggs and the feeding of their offspring.

Genus Cuculus, Linn.

337. Cuculus optatus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 84.

Since my description of this species was printed I have seen specimens from India, with the name of Cuculus micropterus attached to them: should this name have been published prior to the one I have assigned to it, my name must sink into a synonym.

338. Cuculus inornatus, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 85.
    Columba pallida, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. viii. p. 30.
339. Cuculus cineraceus, Vig. & Horsf.Vol. IV. Pl. 86.
340. Cuculus insperatus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 87.
341. Cuculus dumetorum, Gould

This species, which inhabits the north-western coast, differs from C. insperatus in being of a much smaller size and in the whole of the plumage being of a browner hue.

Genus Chrysococcyx, Boie.

The members of this genus are distributed over most parts of the Old World; two species occur in Australia.

342. Chrysococcyx osculans.
    Chalcites osculans, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 88.
343. Chrysococcyx lucidusVol. IV. Pl. 89.

Genus Scythrops, Lath.

The only known species of this remarkable form inhabits the eastern parts of Australia, and according to information derived from the notes made by Mr. Gilbert during Dr. Leichardt’s Expedition, extends its range northward from thence to within the tropics.

I have recently had a young specimen presented to me by Lady Dowling, one of two taken from a branch of a tree while being fed by birds not of its own species, an important fact as showing the parasitic habits of the bird.

344. Scythrops Novæ-Hollandiæ, Lath.Vol. IV. Pl. 90.

Genus Eudynamys, Vig. & Horsf.

One species only of this form inhabits Australia; others are found in the Indian Islands and on the continent of India.

345. Eudynamys FlindersiiVol. IV. Pl. 91.

Genus Centropus, Ill.

On reference to my account of the Centropus Phasianus, it will be seen I have stated that some variation exists in the form of the bill in specimens from different localities, intimated a belief of there being more than one species, and remarked that should such prove to be the case, the term macrourus might be applied to the Port Essington birds, and melanurus to those from the north-west coast; and these names are provisionally given until future research has proved whether they be or be not distinct.

346. Centropus PhasianusVol. IV. Pl. 92.
347. Centropus macrourus, Gould.
348. Centropus melanurus, Gould.

Family CERTHIADÆ, Vig.

Genus Climacteris, Temm.

Several species of this well-defined and singular group of Australian birds have lately been discovered; two out of the six now known are all that had been described prior to the publication of the present work. With the exception of Van Diemen’s Land and the Cobourg Peninsula, every colony is inhabited by one or other of the following species:—

349. Climacteris scandens, Temm.Vol. IV. Pl. 93.
350. Climacteris rufa, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 94.
351. Climacteris erythrops, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 95.
352. Climacteris melanotus, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 96.
353. Climacteris melanura, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 97.
354. Climacteris picumnus, Temm.Vol. IV. Pl. 98.

Genus Orthonyx, Temm.

Much difference of opinion has arisen among ornithologists respecting the situation of this bird in the natural system, and as to what genus it is most nearly allied; I regret to say that not having seen much of it in its native wilds, I am unable to clear up these disputed points. The form is strictly Australian, and the single species known is confined to the south-eastern part of the country.

355. Orthonyx spinicaudus, Temm.Vol. IV. Pl. 99.

M. Jules Verreaux, who has written a highly interesting account of this bird, states that it is strictly terrestrial, and scratches among the detritus and fallen leaves for its food, throwing back the earth like the Gallinaceæ. It never climbs, as was formerly supposed, but runs over fallen trunks of trees;—is rather solitary in its habits, seldom more than two being seen together. Its often-repeated cry of cri-cri-cri-crite betrays its presence, when its native haunts, the most retired parts of the forest, are visited. Its chief food consists of insects, their larvæ, and woodbugs. It builds a large domed nest, of slender mosses; the entrance being by a lateral hole near the bottom. The eggs are white and disproportionately large. The situation of the nest is the side of a slanting rock or large stone, the entrance-hole being level with the surface.—Revue Zoologique, July 1847.

Genus Ptiloris, Swains.

In placing this beautiful bird near the Climacteres, I am influenced in the first place by the great similarity of its structure, and in the next by the account I have received of its actions in a state of nature; I allude more particularly to its mode of ascending the trees, which precisely resembles that of the Certhiæ. One species only of this form is found in Australia, but many allied genera, Promerops, &c., inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring islands.

356. Ptiloris paradiseus, Swains.Vol. IV. Pl. 100.

That the range of this species extends from the eastern parts of Australia to within the tropics, is proved by Mr. Gilbert’s having once seen it near the Gulf of Carpentaria during his last Expedition.

Genus Sittella, Swains.

The Sittella chrysoptera was the only species of this Australian form known to previous writers; to this has been added one from Southern and Western Australia, another from Moreton Bay, and a third from the north coast.

The form does not exist in Van Diemen’s Land.

357. Sittella chrysopteraVol. IV. Pl. 101.
358. Sittella leucocephala, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 102.
359. Sittella leucoptera, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 103.
360. Sittella pileata, GouldVol. IV. Pl. 104.

Family PSITTACIDÆ, Leach.

No one group of birds gives to Australia so tropical and foreign an air as the numerous species of this great family, by which it is tenanted, each and all of which are individually very abundant. Immense flocks of white Cockatoos may be seen perched among the green foliage of the Eucalypti; the brilliant scarlet breasts of the Rose-hills blaze forth from the yellow-flowering Acaciæ; the Trichoglossi or Honey-eating Parrakeets enliven the flowering branches of the larger Eucalypti with their beauty and their lively actions; the little Grass Parrakeets frequent the plains of the interior and render these solitary spots a world of animation; nay, the very towns, particularly Hobart Town and Adelaide, are constantly visited by flights of this beautiful tribe of birds, which traverse the streets with arrow-like swiftness, and chase each other precisely after the manner the Swifts are seen to do in our own islands. In the public roads of Van Diemen’s Land the beautiful Platycerci may be constantly seen in small companies, performing precisely the same offices as the Sparrow in England. I have also seen flocks of from fifty to a hundred, like tame pigeons, at the barn-doors in the farm-yards of the settlers, to which they descend for the refuse grain thrown out with the straw by the threshers. As might naturally be expected, the agriculturist is often sadly annoyed by the destruction certain species effect among his newly-sown and ripening corn, particularly where the land has been recently cleared and is adjacent to the brushes. Fifty-five well-defined species of this great family are described and figured in the present work. They appear to constitute four great groups, each comprising several genera, nearly the whole of which are strictly and peculiarly Australian; for instance, neither Calyptorhynchus, Platycercus, Euphema, Psephotus, Melopsittacus, or Nymphicus have been found in any other country; and whether we consider the elegance of their forms or the beauty of their plumage, they may vie with the members of this extensive family from any part of the world.

Genus Cacatua, Briss.

Australia, the Molucca and Philippine Islands and New Guinea are the great nurseries of the members of this genus. They incubate in holes of trees or in rocks, and lay two eggs.

361. Cacatua galerita[Vol. V. ] Pl. 1.

There are evidently several varieties or races of this species in Australia, each possessing a modification in the form of the bill doubtless given for some specific purpose; the Van Diemen’s Land bird is the largest, and has the upper mandible attenuated, while the Port Essington bird is altogether smaller, and has a much more arched bill.

362. Cacatua Leadbeaterii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 2.

This species ranges over all the southern portions of Australia between the 20th and 30th degrees of S. latitude. I have never seen a specimen from the north, and I believe it does not inhabit that part of the country; its true habitat appears to be the interior, for it is never found near the coast.

363. Cacatua sanguinea, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 3.

This species has been found on the north coast, and was observed by Captain Sturt at the Depôt in Central Australia; we may hence infer that its range extends over all the intermediate country.

364. Cacatua Eos[Vol. V. ] Pl. 4.

This fine bird, which is strictly Australian, is distributed over all parts of the interior of the country, and is as abundant in the north as it is in the south; it was also observed by Captain Sturt at the Depôt.

The specimens from the north are of a larger size and have the orbits more denuded than those from the south.

Genus Licmetis, Wagl.

The two species forming the genus Licmetis are not only confined to Australia, but, so far as we yet know, to the southern portions of that continent; one inhabits the western and the other the eastern part of the country. Their singularly formed bill being admirably adapted for procuring their food on the ground, they are more terrestrial in their habits than the other members of the family.

365. Licmetis nasicus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 5.
366. Licmetis pastinator,Gould.

Lores scarlet; general plumage white; the base of the feathers of the head and front of the neck scarlet, showing through and giving those parts a stained appearance; the basal half of the inner webs of the primaries, the inner webs of all the other feathers of the wing, and the inner webs of the tail-feathers beautiful brimstone-yellow; naked space round the eye greenish blue; irides light brown; bill white; feet dull olive-grey.

Inhabits Western Australia.

Differs from L. nasicus in being of a much larger size; but the colouring being similar, I have not thought it necessary to figure it.

Genus Nestor, Wagl.

Of this genus two species are known, one of which was exclusively confined to Phillip Island, and the other inhabits New Zealand; they are evidently the remains of a race, all the other members of which are probably extinct.

367. Nestor productus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 6.

The few examples of this species that may exist in captivity are all that survive, none remaining on Phillip Island, their native habitat.

Genus Calyptorhynchus, Vig. & Horsf.

The Calyptorhynchi are strictly arboreal, and are evidently formed to live upon the seeds of the Banksiæ, Eucalypti, and other trees peculiar to the country they inhabit; they diversify their food by occasionally devouring large caterpillars; as they mostly move about in small companies of from four to six in number they can scarcely be considered gregarious. Their flight is rather powerful, but at the same time laboured and heavy; and their voice is a low crying call, totally different from the harsh screaming notes of the Cacatuæ. Each division of the country, from the north coast of the continent to Van Diemen’s Land, is inhabited by its own peculiar species.

I have never seen a member of this genus from any other country than Australia, but I have heard that an extraordinary Parrot, said to be larger than any at present in our collections, inhabits New Guinea, and which, from the description given of it, will probably be of this form. The Calyptorhynchi lay from two to four eggs in the holes of trees.

368. Calyptorhynchus Banksii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 7.
369. Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 8.

Inhabits the north coast, where it represents the C. Banksii of the eastern and the C. naso of the western coasts.

370. Calyptorhynchus naso, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 9.

This species, which is confined to Western Australia, is rendered conspicuous by the small size of its crest, and by its bill being nearly as large as that of C. macrorhynchus, while its wings are much shorter than those of that species.

371. Calyptorhynchus Leachii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 10.

Inhabits the south-eastern parts of the continent, and differs from all the others in its smaller size, the gibbose form of its bill, and in the paucity of its crest.

372. Calyptorhynchus funereus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 11.

Confined, I believe, to New South Wales, and South Australia?

373. Calyptorhynchus xanthonotus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 12.

The true habitat of this species is Van Diemen’s Land, but I have lately received a specimen from Port Lincoln, which proves that its range extends to South Australia. It is distinguished from C. funereus by its much smaller size, and by the uniformity of the yellow colouring of the tail.

374. Calyptorhynchus Baudinii, Vig.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 13.

Inhabits Western Australia, and is distinguished by its small size and by the white marks on the tail.

Genus Callocephalon, Less.

Of this form only a single species is known.

375. Callocephalon galeatum[Vol. V. ] Pl. 14.

Inhabits the southern coast of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

Genus Polytelis, Wagl.

This genus comprises two species, both of which are peculiar to the southern portions of Australia. They have many characters common to, and resemble in appearance, the Palæorni of India.

376. Polytelis Barrabandi[Vol. V. ] Pl. 15.
377. Polytelis melanura[Vol. V. ] Pl. 16.

Genus Aprosmictus, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Platycercus, but the bill more feeble; cere and nostrils covered with fine hair-like feathers; wings longer and less concave; tail more square; tarsi shorter and toes longer than in that genus.

Two, if not three species of this form inhabit Australia, and others are found in New Guinea and the neighbouring islands. They are distinguished from the Platycerci by the possession of a well-developed os furcatorium, a bone which is entirely wanting in the members of that genus; in their habits they are mainly arboreal, and in their disposition are morose and sullen.

378. Aprosmictus scapulatus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 17.

This species appears to be confined to New South Wales.

379. Aprosmictus erythropterus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 18.

The red-winged Parrakeets from the north coast are nearly a fourth smaller than those inhabiting the Liverpool plains and similar districts of the south coast; are they varieties of each other or distinct species?

Genus Platycercus, Vig.

In my opinion the New Zealand birds that have been placed in this genus are not true Platycerci, all the known species of which are confined to Australia; they comprise fourteen species which appear to be naturally divisible into minor groups, to which generic appellations may hereafter be given; for instance the P. semitorquatus, P. Baueri, P. Barnardi, &c. form one; the P. Adelaidiæ, P. Pennantii, P. flaveolus, P. flaviventris, &c. form another; P. eximius, P. splendidus, P. icterotis, &c. form a third; and P. pileatus a fourth.

The members of this and the two next genera lay from seven to ten eggs in the holes of trees.

380. Platycercus semitorquatus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 19.
381. Platycercus Baueri[Vol. V. ] Pl. 20.
382. Platycercus Barnardii, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 21.
383. Platycercus Adelaidiæ, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 22.
384. Platycercus Pennantii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 23.
385. Platycercus flaviventris[Vol. V. ] Pl. 24.
386. Platycercus flaveolus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 25
387. Platycercus palliceps, Vig.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 26.
388. Platycercus eximius[Vol. V. ] Pl. 27.
389. Platycercus splendidus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 28.
390. Platycercus icterotis[Vol. V. ] Pl. 29.
391. Platycercus ignitus, Leadb.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 30.
392. Platycercus Brownii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 31.
393. Platycercus pileatus, Vig.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 32.

Genus Psephotus, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Euphema, but the cere, in which the nostrils are placed, more swollen or developed; wings rather short and the tail much lengthened; the lateral feathers short and not so regularly graduated; feet more adapted for terrestrial progression.

All the members of this genus are confined to Australia, and hold an intermediate station between the Platycerci on the one hand and the Euphemæ on the other. They pass much of their time on the ground, where the principal part of their food is procured; inhabit the interior rather than the country near the coast, and are adapted for the open plains, where they often assemble in vast flocks.

I have figured four species, and I have seen a drawing in the possession of Mr. Brown, made by Ferdinand Bauer from a bird said to have been found near the Gulf of Carpentaria, which will probably form a fifth.

394. Psephotus hæmatogaster, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 33.

This species differs from all the other members of the genus, as well as from those of the allied genera, in the pointed form of the tips of its primaries.

If they be not local varieties of each other, there are two birds confounded under this name, one having yellow and the other scarlet under tail-coverts; it will be necessary, however, to see other examples before we can decide whether they are or are not distinct. Captain Sturt brought specimens with yellow under tail-coverts from the Depôt in the interior of South Australia.

395. Psephotus pulcherrimus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 34.
396. Psephotus multicolor[Vol. V. ] Pl. 35.
397. Psephotus hæmatonotus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 36.

Genus Euphema, Wagl.

The members of this genus are exclusively Australian and appear to be confined to the extra-tropical parts of the country, no species having yet been seen from the north coast. Our knowledge of this group has been extended from three to seven species, all of which are abundantly distributed over the southern portions of the continent, and two of them over Van Diemen’s Land.

398. Euphema chrysostoma[Vol. V. ] Pl. 37.
399. Euphema elegans, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 38.
400. Euphema aurantia, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 39.
401. Euphema petrophila, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 40.
402. Euphema pulchella[Vol. V. ] Pl. 41.
403. Euphema splendida, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 42.

Captain Sturt procured a single male example of this beautiful bird during his journey into the interior of South Australia.

404. Euphema Bourkii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 43.

Captain Sturt found this species in abundance at the Depôt in Central Australia.

Genus Melopsittacus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill moderate; culmen arched; tomia descending at the base, then ascending and curving downwards to the tip; nostrils basal, lateral, open, and seated in a broad swollen cere; wings rather long, pointed, first primary very long, the second the longest; tail long and much graduated; tarsi moderate and covered with minute scales; toes slender, the outer toe much longer than the inner one.

The only known species of this form is strictly gregarious, assembles in vast flocks, and is admirably adapted for plains and downs covered with grasses, upon the seeds of which it entirely subsists.

405. Melopsittacus undulatus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 44.

In all probability this bird is universally dispersed over the whole of the interior of Australia, since independently of its previously known range from Swan River on the west to New South Wales on the east, Mr. Gilbert observed it in every part of the country between Moreton Bay and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Genus Nymphicus, Wagl.

As of Melopsittacus, there is only one species known of this genus. It is strictly Australian, and will doubtless hereafter be found to be universally distributed over that vast country; it is equally adapted for the plains, and the two birds are frequently found associated.

406. Nymphicus Novæ-Hollandiæ[Vol. V. ] Pl. 45.

There are two distinct varieties of this species, one having a much darker colouring than the other.

Genus Pezoporus, Ill.

Of this terrestrial form but one species is known, which is very generally distributed over the temperate portions of Australia, the islands in Bass’s Straits and Van Diemen’s Land. The eggs are laid on the bare ground.

407. Pezoporus formosus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 46.

Genus Lathamus, Less.

Of this form only a single species is known to exist in Australia, and that species had been assigned to a different genus by almost every recent writer on ornithology, Messrs. Vigors and Horsfield placing it in their genus Nanodes, Wagler in his genus Euphema, &c.; subsequently M. Lesson made it the type of his genus Lathamus, giving it at the same time the specific appellation of rubrifrons, which must of course give place to that of discolor, long before applied to it by Latham.

Having had ample opportunities of observing this bird in a state of nature, I concur in the propriety of M. Lesson’s views in separating it into a distinct genus; at the same time I must remark that in its habits, nidification, food and whole economy, it is most closely allied to the Trichoglossi or honey-eating Parrakeets, and in no degree related to the Euphemæ.

408. Lathamus discolor[Vol. V. ] Pl. 47.

Genus Trichoglossus, Vig. & Horsf.

The arboreal group of Trichoglossi or honey-eating Lorikeets, if not so numerous in species as the grass-feeding Parrakeets, are individually much more abundant and are more universally dispersed, being found in every part of the country yet visited; several species inhabit New South Wales: only one has yet been found in Western Australia. Other members of the genus are found in New Guinea and the Moluccas, but Australia is the great nursery for the birds of this form.

In their structure, habits and mode of nidification, and in their economy, no two groups of the same family can be more widely different than the Trichoglossi and the Platycerci; the pencilled tongue, diminutive stomach, thick skin, tough flesh, and fœtid odour of the former presenting a decided contrast to the simple tongue, capacious crop and stomach, thin skin, delicate flesh and freedom from odour of the latter; besides which the Trichoglossi possess a strong os furcatorium, which organ is wanting in the Platycerci; hence while the Trichoglossi are powerful, swift and arrow-like in their flight, the Platycerci are feeble, pass through the air in a succession of undulations near the ground, and never fly to any great distance. The mode in which the two groups approach and alight upon and quit the trees is also remarkably different; the Trichoglossi dashing among and alighting upon the branches simultaneously, and with the utmost rapidity, and quitting them in like manner, leaving the deafening sound of their thousand voices echoing through the woods; while the Platycerci rise to the branches after their undulating flight and leave them again in the like quiet manner, no sound being heard but their inward piping note.

The eggs of the Trichoglossi are from two to four in number.

409. Trichoglossus Swainsonii, Jard. & Selb.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 48.
410. Trichoglossus rubritorquis, Vig. & Horsf.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 49.

“Procured at Port Molle on the north-east coast, previously only found at Port Essington.”—J. M’Gillivray.

411. Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 50.
412. Trichoglossus versicolor, Vig.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 51.
413. Trichoglossus concinnus.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 52.
414. Trichoglossus porphyrocephalus, Diet.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 53.
415. Trichoglossus pusillus.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 54.

Order RASORES, Ill.

Family COLUMBIDÆ, Leach.

The members of this important family are distributed over every portion of the globe, in no part of which are they more numerous than in Australia, since that country is inhabited by no less than twenty-one species, which, like its Psittacidæ, comprise several well-marked and distinct genera, and appear to be naturally divided into two great groups, the one arboreal, the other terrestrial; the Ptilinopi, Carpophagæ and Lopholaimus, with their expansive gullets and broad hand-like feet forming part of the former, and the Phaps, Geophaps and Geopeliæ the latter. The Ptilinopi and other allied forms are, in consequence of the peculiar character of the vegetation, confined, without a single exception, to the eastern and northern parts of the country.

The species of the genus Phaps, a form which I believe to be confined to Australia, are more widely dispersed than those of any other section of the family, being universally distributed over the entire country from north to south and from east to west; even the parched deserts of the interior are visited by them if a supply of water be within reach of their evening flight, which is performed with the most extraordinary rapidity and power.

Genus Ptilinopus, Swains.

The species of this genus, the most brilliant and highly-coloured of the Columbidæ, range over Australia, New Guinea, Malacca, Celebes, and Polynesia; two of the three Australian species are I believe confined to that country.

416. Ptilinopus Swainsonii, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 55.
417. Ptilinopus Ewingii, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 56.
418. Ptilinopus superbus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 57.

Genus Carpophaga, Selby.

The species of this genus are widely dispersed over Australia, New Guinea, Malacca, Celebes and Polynesia. Strictly arboreal in their habits and feeding entirely upon fruits, berries and seeds, they frequent the towering fig-trees when their fruit is ripe, and the lofty palms for the sake of their large round seeds. I have frequently observed large flocks moving about from one part of the forest to another, consequently they may be considered a gregarious race; their short tarsi and dilated feet are ill-adapted for the ground, and I have never seen them descend from the trees, not even for water.

419. Carpophaga magnifica[Vol. V. ] Pl. 58.
420. Carpophaga leucomela[Vol. V. ] Pl. 59.
421. Carpophaga luctuosa[Vol. V. ] Pl. 60.

Genus Lopholaimus, G. R. Gray.

The single species of this genus is strictly a fruit-eating Pigeon, and is confined, so far as we yet know, to the brushes of New South Wales, where it moves about in large flocks and feeds upon the wild figs and other fruits and berries which the trees of the brushes afford.

422. Lopholaimus Antarcticus[Vol. V. ] Pl. 61.

A noble bird ornamented with a large occipital crest.

Genus Chalcophaps, Gould.

Generic characters.

“Bill slender, moderate and straight, the tip vaulted and rather arched; nostrils lateral, membranous and swollen, with the opening in the middle of the bill; wings long, second and third primaries nearly equal and the longest; tail moderate and much rounded; tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe, robust and covered with transverse scales; toes long, the lateral and the hind-toes nearly as long as the outer; claws moderate and curved.”—Gray and Mitchell’s Genera of Birds, Art. Gourinæ.

A genus of Brush Pigeons, the members of which seek their food on the ground and live on the fallen seeds and berries they find there. Two species inhabit Australia, one of which is confined to the eastern and the other to the northern coast; other species are found in Java, Sumatra, and on the continent of India, the whole forming a group well worthy of investigation by the scientific ornithologist.

423. Chalcophaps chrysochlora[Vol. V. ] Pl. 62.

The bird of this form inhabiting the country in the neighbourhood of Port Essington differs from those inhabiting New South Wales in the much greater length of the mandibles, and is altogether a much finer bird: consequently I am induced to believe that it is distinct from its southern prototype; I would therefore provisionally name it—

424. Chalcophaps longirostris.

I have not figured it, inasmuch as the colouring is similar, but more brilliant, and has the bands across the rump more distinct than in C. chrysochlora.

Genus Leucosarcia, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill lengthened, almost cylindrical, fleshy for two-thirds of its length from the base; nostrils lateral and covered by an oval swollen operculum; wings very short and concave; tail short; tarsi lengthened and defended in front by large distinct scuta; toes rather short, hind-toe situated high upon the tarsus.

A genus proposed by me for the reception of the Wonga-Wonga Pigeon of the Australian Brushes, a bird having many peculiar habits, but which, being mainly terrestrial, lead it to frequent the ground in the midst of the dense forests, where it moves about in pairs, feeding upon seeds and berries. Its flesh being remarkably white and extremely delicate, it is one of the best birds for the table inhabiting Australia, or indeed any other country.

The colour of the flesh suggested the generic term I have assigned to it.

425. Leucosarcia picata[Vol. V. ] Pl. 63.

Genus Phaps, Selby.

The members of this genus, generally known by the name of Bronze-wings, form an excellent viand for the settlers, and one of the greatest boons bestowed upon the explorer, since they not only furnish him with a supply of nutritious food, but direct him by their straight and arrow-like evening flight to the situations where he may find water, that element without which man cannot exist.

426. Phaps chalcoptera.
    Peristera chalcoptera[Vol. V. ] Pl. 64.
427. Phaps elegans.
    Peristera elegans[Vol. V. ] Pl. 65.
428. Phaps histrionica.
    Peristera histrionica, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 66.

“This beautiful pigeon,” says Captain Sturt, “is an inhabitant of the interior. It lays its eggs in February, depositing them under any low bush in the middle of the open plains. In the end of March and the beginning of April they collect in large flocks and live on the seed of the rice-grass, which the natives also collect for food. During the short period this harvest lasts the flavour of this pigeon is most delicious, but at other times it is indifferent. It flies to water at sunset, but like the Bronze-wing only wets the bill. It is astonishing indeed that so small a quantity as a bare mouthful should be sufficient to quench its thirst in the burning deserts it inhabits. It left us in the beginning of May, and I think migrated to the N.E., for the further we went to the westward the fewer did we see of it.”

Mr. Gilbert observed this species in vast flocks on the plains in latitude 19° S.

Genus Geophaps, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very short and robust; eyes surrounded with a bare skin; wings very short and rounded; tertiaries long, and broad at their ends; tarsi moderately long; toes shorter than the tarsus, the inner toe rather the longest.

The members of this genus are peculiar to Australia; are more terrestrial in their habits than any other form of pigeons inhabiting that country; incubate on the ground; squat like the partridges when their haunts are intruded upon; inhabit the plains and open downs; have white pectoral muscles; are excellent food for man; run with great rapidity; fly swiftly for short distances; and when disturbed either perch on the larger branches, on which they squat lengthwise, or descend to the ground and run off after the manner of the true Gallinaceæ.

429. Geophaps scripta[Vol. V. ] Pl. 67.
430. Geophaps Smithii[Vol. V. ] Pl. 68.
431. Geophaps plumifera, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 69.

“Lat. 17° 30′, March 6. I was fortunate enough to kill for the first time Geophaps plumifera, a species hitherto only known from a single specimen sent home by Mr. Bynoe of H.M.S. Beagle. The irides are bright orange, the naked skin before and surrounding the eyes bright crimson; the bill dark greenish grey; the scales of the legs and toes greenish grey; skin between the scales light ashy grey. Its flight and actions on the ground are precisely similar to those of the other species of the genus. I only saw the specimen I killed, but afterwards learned that one of my companions had seen a flock rise precisely like Geophaps scripta.”—Gilbert’s Journal.

“It was on the return of my party from the eastern extremity of Cooper’s Creek,” says Captain Sturt, “that we first saw and procured specimens of this beautiful little bird. Its locality was entirely confined to about thirty miles along the banks of the creek in question; it was generally perched on some rock fully exposed to the sun’s rays, and evidently taking a pleasure in basking in the tremendous heat. It was very wild and took wing on hearing the least noise, but its flight was short and rapid. In the afternoon this little pigeon was seen running in the grass on the creek side, and could hardly be distinguished from a quail. It never perched on the trees; when it dropped after rising from the ground, it could seldom be flushed again, but ran with such speed through the grass as to elude our search.”

Genus Ocyphaps, Gould.

Generic characters.

Head furnished with a lengthened occipital crest; wings rather short, the third primary gradually narrowed to a point; tail rather long and much rounded; tarsi as long as the middle toe; the inner toe shorter than the outer.

A genus consisting of a single species whose natural habitat is the basin of the interior of Australia, over the vast expanse of which its long pointed wings enable it to pass at pleasure from one district to another whenever a scarcity of food prompts it so to do: although mainly terrestrial in its habits, it is more frequently seen on the trees than the members of the genus Phaps; its food consists of small seeds and berries.

432. Ocyphaps Lophotes[Vol. V. ] Pl. 70.

Genus Petrophassa, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Ocyphaps, but with the wings shorter, more rounded and destitute of the bronzy lustre; and with a more rounded tail.

So little is known respecting the single species of this Australian genus that I am unable to say more than that it inhabits rocky situations near the sea-coast.

433. Petrophassa albipennis, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 71.

Genus Geopelia, Swains.

A form of Ground Doves very generally distributed over the Indian Islands and Australia, and of which three or four species are peculiar to the latter country; grassy hills, flats and extensive plains are the situations these birds affect, consequently in Australia they are almost exclusively confined to the interior; they pass over the ground in a quiet and peaceful manner; and when disturbed fly to some neighbouring tree, descend again almost immediately and search about for the minute seeds of annuals and other plants, upon which they principally subsist.

434. Geopelia humeralis[Vol. V. ] Pl. 72.
435. Geopelia tranquilla, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 73.
436. Geopelia placida, Gould.

Inhabits the neighbourhood of Port Essington, is much smaller than G. tranquilla, but in colour and marking is precisely similar to that species.

437. Geopelia cuneata[Vol. V. ] Pl. 74.

“All that we read or imagine of the softness and innocence of the dove,” says Captain Sturt, “is realized in this beautiful and delicate bird; it is common on the Murray and the Darling, and was met with in various parts of the interior. Two remained with us at the Depôt in latitude 39° 40′, longitude 142°, during a great part of the winter, and on one occasion roosted on the tent-ropes near the fire. Its note is exceedingly plaintive, similar to, but softer than, that of the turtle-dove of Europe.”

Genus Macropygia, Swains.

A genus the members of which are distributed over India, Java, New Guinea, Ceram, the Moluccas, Australia, &c. Only one species, M. Phasianella, has yet been found in the last-mentioned country, but others may be discovered when its eastern and northern parts have been more fully explored.

438. Macropygia Phasianella[Vol. V. ] Pl. 75.

The interior of the dense brushes are the favourite haunts of this bird, but it occasionally resorts to the crowns of the low hills and the open glades of the forest, where it searches for its food on the ground; on being disturbed it flies to the branches of the nearest tree, spreading out its broad tail at the moment of alighting.

Genus Didunculus, Peale.

Since I drew and described this most anomalous form, under the name assigned to it by Sir William Jardine, two important facts have been ascertained respecting it, viz. that it is identical with the bird described by Mr. Titian Peale of America under the name of Didunculus, and that the Samoan Islands and not Australia is its true habitat.

Didunculus strigirostris.

439. Gnathodon strigirostris, Jard.[Vol. V. ] Pl. 76.

Family MEGAPODIDÆ, G. R. Gray.

The genera Talegalla, Leipoa and Megapodius form part of a great family of birds inhabiting Australia, New Guinea, Celebes, and the Philippine Islands, whose habits and economy are most singular and differ from those of every other group of birds which now exists upon the surface of our globe. In their structure they are most nearly allied to the Gallinaceæ, while in some of their actions and in their mode of flight they much resemble the Rallidæ; the small size of their brain, coupled with the extraordinary means employed for the incubation of their eggs, indicates an extremely low degree of organization.

The three species of the family inhabiting Australia, although referable to three distinct genera, have many habits in common, particularly in their mode of nidification—each and all depositing their eggs in mounds of earth and leaves, which, becoming heated either by the fermentation of the vegetable matter, or by the sun’s rays, form a kind of natural hatching-apparatus, from which the young at length emerge fully feathered, and capable of sustaining life by their own unaided efforts.

Genus Talegalla, Less.

440. Talegalla Lathami[Vol. V. ] Pl. 77.

Inhabits all the brushes and scrubby forests of the eastern parts of Australia. Mr. M’Gillivray informs me, in a letter lately received from him, dated on board H.M.S. “Rattlesnake,” February 6th, 1848, “At Port Molle I shot in the brushes both Megapodius and Talegalla,” which proves that the range of the latter bird is much greater than I have stated.

Genus Leipoa, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, slender, swollen at the base; tomia undulating, and curving downwards; nostrils large, oblong, defended by an operculum and placed in the centre of a groove; head sub-crested; wings large, round and concave; the first five primaries equal and longest; tertiaries nearly as long as the primaries; tail round and composed of fourteen feathers; tarsi moderately robust, scutellated in front, posteriorly defended with round scales; toes somewhat short; the lateral toes nearly equal in length.

441. Leipoa ocellata, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 78.

Since I wrote my account of this bird, it has been found to be abundantly dispersed over all parts of the Murray Scrub in South Australia.

The following highly interesting account has been forwarded to me by His Excellency Captain Sir George Grey, being the result of his observations of the bird made while Governor of South Australia:—

“Government House, Adelaide, December 12th, 1842.

“My dear Mr. Gould,

“I have lately returned from the Murray, where I have been studying the habits and manners of the Leipoa ocellata, which is very plentiful in the sandy districts of the Scrub. The eyes of the living bird are of a bright, light hazel; its legs and feet dark brown, but not so dark as shown in your Plate; whilst the bare parts on the head and face are of a very delicate and clear blue. The gizzard is very large and muscular; the inner coats peculiarly horny and hard. Its food consists chiefly of insects, such as Phasmidæ and a species of Cimex; it also feeds on the seeds of various shrubs. The entire lungs and intestines of the one which I dissected were full of Tænioïdes. I have never seen any other animal infested with them to anything like the same extent, and yet the bird was perfectly healthy. It possesses the power of running with extraordinary rapidity; it roosts at night on trees, and never flies if it can avoid so doing;—the male bird weighs about four pounds and a half.

“The mounds they construct are from 12 to 13 yards in circumference at the base, and from 2 to 3 feet in height; the general form being that of a dome. The sand and grass are sometimes scraped up for a distance of from 15 to 16 feet from its outer edge.

“The mound appears to be constructed as follows: a nearly circular hole of about 18 inches in diameter, is scratched in the ground to the depth of 7 or 8 inches, and filled with dead leaves, dead grass and similar materials; and a large mass of the same substances is placed all round it upon the ground. Over this first layer a large mound of sand, mixed with dried grass, &c., is thrown, and finally the whole assumes the form of a dome, as I have before stated.

“When an egg is to be deposited, the top is laid open, and a hole scraped in its centre to within 2 or 3 inches of the bottom of the layer of dead leaves. The egg is placed in the sand just at the edge of the hole, in a vertical position, with the smaller end downwards. The sand is then thrown in again, and the mound left in its original form. The egg which has been thus deposited is therefore completely surrounded and enveloped in soft sand, having from 4 to 6 inches of sand between the lower end of the egg and the layer of dead leaves. When a second egg is laid it is deposited in precisely the same plane as the first, but at the opposite side of the hole before alluded to. When a third egg is laid it is placed in the same plane as the others, but, as it were, at the third corner of a square. When the fourth egg is laid, it is still placed in the same plane; but in the fourth corner of the square, or rather of the lozenge, the figure being of this form,

; the next four eggs in succession are placed in the interstices, but always in the same plane, so that at last there is a circle of eight eggs all standing upright in the sand with several inches of sand intervening between each. The male bird assists the female in opening and covering up the mound; and provided the birds are not themselves disturbed, the female continues to lay in the same mound, even after it has been several times robbed. The natives say that the females lay an egg every day.

“Eight is the greatest number I have heard of from good authority as having been found in one nest; but I opened a mound which had been previously robbed of several eggs, and found that two had been laid opposite to each other in the same plane in the usual manner; and a third deposited in a plane parallel to that in which the other two were placed, but 4½ inches below them. This circumstance led me to imagine it was possible that there might be sometimes successive circles of eggs in different planes.

“I enclose three sketches which will convey to you a complete idea of the form of the mound, and of the manner in which the eggs are placed in it. These sketches were drawn by Mr. Knight, from a rude one of mine, and are very accurate.

No. 1.
This sketch represents a section through the mound after the sand has been cleared out in
such a manner that the eggs could all be removed, and the bottom of the nest of leaves be laid
bare. It shows the form of the opening the natives make in the mound when they rob it of its
eggs; this opening has however been continued below where the eggs are placed, in order to
show the form of the interior nest.
The pale tint represents that portion which is made of sand; the darker tint the part which is
made of leaves, &c.

No. 2.
This sketch represents a section through the mound in its undisturbed state; the pale tint
indicates the portion of sand, the darker tint the leaves, &c.

No. 3.
This sketch shows a bird’s eye view of the mound as seen from
above; the sand is supposed to have been so far thrown out as to
leave the tops of the eggs exposed, and to show them standing
upright in their relative positions.

“One of the mounds of these birds which had been robbed of its eggs on the 11th November, some of which were quite fresh, had two fresh eggs laid in it on the 27th of the same month, and the birds were seen at the nest on the morning of the 28th, apparently for the purpose of laying, when the male bird was shot.

“Sometimes several of these mounds are constructed close to one another. I found two within 200 or 300 yards, and have seen five within the distance of four or five miles. They were built in precisely the same situations that I have seen them in other parts of the continent, that is, in a sandy, scrubby country, the site of the mound being in some little open glade, in the very thickest part of the scrub.

“The eggs are of a light pink, the colour being brightest and most uniform when freshly laid. As the time of hatching approaches, they become discoloured and marked in places with dark spots.

The greatest length of these eggs is about36
10 inches.
The greatest breadth of these eggs is about22
10 inches.
Circumference in direction of length10 inches.
Circumference in direction of breadth72
10 inches.

“The temperature of the nests I have examined has always been warm; not so much so, however, as I should have thought necessary for the purpose of hatching eggs.

“There are two great peculiarities about these eggs; the first is, that both ends are of nearly the same size; which form is peculiarly adapted to the position in which they are always placed; the egg being compressed in every part as nearly as possible towards the axis, in which the centre of gravity lies, there is the least possible tendency to its equilibrium being destroyed when it is placed in a vertical position. A second peculiarity is the extreme thinness of the shell, and its consequent fragility. This is so great, that unless the egg is handled with the greatest care, it is sure to be broken, and every effort which has been made to hatch these eggs under domestic fowls has failed, the egg having in every instance been broken by the bird under which it was placed.

“The native name for the bird on the Murray River is Marrak-ko or Marra-ko; in Western Australia the name of the bird is Ngow-o or Ngow. The name in Western Australia is given from the tuft on its head, Ngoweer meaning a tuft of feathers.

“I have found this bird in different parts of that portion of Australia included between the 26th and 36th parallels of south latitude, and the 113th and 141st parallels of east longitude, and I think that there is every probability that it inhabits a much wider range. It is found in all the scrubby districts of South Australia.

“Yours truly, G. Grey.”

“December 14th.

“P.S.—I have, by cross examination of several natives, elicited the following account of this bird, and I am quite satisfied of its truth.

“There is only one male and one female to each nest: they repair an old nest, and do not build a new one; both assist in scratching the sand to the nest. The female commences laying about the beginning of September, or when the spear-grass begins to shoot. Both sexes approach the nest together when the female is about to lay, and they take an equal share in the labour of covering and uncovering the mound. After every sunrise the female lays an egg, and lays altogether from eight to ten. If the natives rob the nest, the female will lay again in the same nest, but she will only lay the full number of eggs twice in one summer. From the commencement of building, until the last eggs are hatched, four moons elapse (this would give a very long period of time before the eggs were hatched). The young one scratches its way out alone; the mother does not assist it. They usually come out one at a time; occasionally a pair appear together. The mother, who is feeding in the scrub in the vicinity, hears its call and runs to it. She then takes care of the young one as a European hen does of its chick. When the young are all hatched the mother is accompanied by eight or ten young ones, who remain with her until they are more than half-grown. The male bird does not accompany them. The two sexes have different calls: that of the female is constantly uttered while she walks about in the scrub with her young ones.

“The natives frequently find the eggs and nests, but they seldom see the old birds, which are very timid and quick-sighted. They run very fast, like the Emu, roost on trees, and live for a long time without water, but drink when it rains. The natives state that the Entozoæ which I found in the bird mentioned above were unusual, and that it must have been in ill health.

“It is a remarkably stout, compact bird, and appears, when alive, to have as large a body as the female turkey, but it is shorter on the legs.”

To this valuable account I may add the following, furnished by Mr. Gilbert:—

“Wongan Hills, Western Australia, September 28, 1842.

“This morning I had the good fortune to penetrate into the dense thicket I had been so long anxious to visit in search of the Leipoa’s eggs, and had not proceeded far before the native who was with me told me to keep a good look-out, as we were among the Ngou-oo’s hillocks, and in half an hour after we found one, around which the brush was so thick that we were almost running over before seeing it; so anxious was I to see the hidden treasures within that in my haste I threw aside the black fellow and began scraping off the upper part of the mound; this did not at all please him, and he became very indignant, at the same time making me understand, ‘that as I had never seen this nest before I had better trust to him to get out the eggs, or I should, in my haste and impatience, certainly break them.’ I therefore let him have his own way, and he began scraping off the earth very carefully from the centre, throwing it over the side, so that the mound very soon presented the appearance of a huge basin; about two feet in depth of earth was in this way thrown off, when the large ends of two eggs met my anxious gaze; both these eggs were resting on their smaller apex, and the earth around them had to be very carefully removed to avoid breaking the shell, which is extremely fragile when first exposed to the atmosphere; this mound was about three feet in height and seven to nine feet in circumference; the form, as left by the bird, was in outline the segment of a circle. About a hundred yards from this first nest we came upon a second, rather larger, of the same external form and appearance; it contained three eggs. Although we saw seven or eight more mounds, only these two contained eggs; we were too early; a week later and we should doubtless have found many more. To give you an idea of the place this bird chooses for its remarkable mode of rearing its young, I will describe it as nearly as I can:—The Wongan Hills are about thirteen hundred feet above the level of the sea, in a north-north-east direction from Drummond’s house in the Toodyay; their sides are thickly clothed with a dense forest of Eucalypti; and at their base is a thicket, extending for several miles, of upright-growing and thick, bushy plants, so high in most parts that we could not see over their tops, and so dense, that if we separated only for a few yards, we were obliged to cooey, to prevent our straying from each other; this thicket is again shadowed by a very curious species of dwarf Eucalyptus bearing yellow blossoms and growing from fifteen to thirty feet in height, known to the natives as the spear-wood, and of which they make their spears, digging sticks, dowaks, &c.; the whole formation is a fine reddish ironstone gravel, and this the Leipoa scratches up from several yards around, and thus forms its mound, to be afterwards converted into a hot-bed for the reproduction of its offspring. The interior of the mounds is composed of the finer particles of the gravel mixed with vegetable matter, the fermentation of which produces a warmth sufficient for the purpose of hatching. Mr. Drummond, who had been for years accustomed to hot-beds in England, gave it as his opinion that the heat around the eggs was about 80°. In both the nests with eggs the White Ant was very numerous, making its little covered galleries of earth around and attached to the shell, thus showing a beautiful provision of Nature in preparing the necessary tender food for the young bird when emerging from the shell; one of the eggs I have preserved shows the White Ant’s tracks most beautifully; the largest mound I saw, and which appeared as if in a state of preparation for eggs, measured forty-five feet in circumference, and if rounded in proportion on the top would have been full five feet in height. I remarked in all the nests not ready for the reception of eggs the inside or vegetable portion was always wet and cold, and I imagine, from the state of others, that the bird turns out the whole of the materials to dry before depositing its eggs and covering them up with the soil; in both cases where I found eggs the upper part of the mound was perfectly and smoothly rounded over, so that any one passing it without knowing the singular habit of the bird might very readily suppose it to be an ant-hill: mounds in this state always contain eggs within, while those without eggs are not only not rounded over, but have the centres so scooped out that they form a hollow. The eggs are deposited in a very different manner from those of the Megapodius; instead of each being placed in a separate excavation in different parts of the mound, they are laid directly in the centre, all at the same depth, separated only by about three inches of earth, and so placed as to form a circle. I regret we were so early; had we been a week later, the probability is I should have found the circle of eggs complete. Is it not singular that all the eggs were equally fresh, as if their development was arrested until the full number was deposited, so that the young might all appear about the same time? No one considering the immense size of the egg can for a moment suppose the bird capable of laying more than one without at least the intermission of a day, and perhaps even more. The average weight of the egg is eight ounces, and four of them on being blown yielded nearly a pint and a half. Like those of the Megapodius, they are covered with an epidermis-like coating, and are certainly as large, being three inches and three quarters in length, by two and a half in breadth; they vary in colour from a very light brown to a light salmon. During the whole day we did not succeed in obtaining sight of the bird, although we saw numerous tracks of its feet, and many places where it had been scratching; we also saw its tracks on the sand when crossing the dried beds of the swamps at least two miles from the breeding thicket, which proves that the bird, in procuring its food, does not confine itself to the brushes around its nest, but merely resorts to them for the purpose of incubating. The native informed us that the only chance of procuring the bird was by stationing ourselves in sight of the mound at a little distance, and remaining quiet and immoveable till it made its appearance at sun-down; this I attempted, and, with the native, encamped within twenty yards of the mound about an hour before sunset, taking the precaution to conceal ourselves well with bushes from the quick eye of the bird, but leaving just a sufficient opening to get a fair sight with my gun; in a half-sitting, half-crouching position I thus remained in breathless anxiety for the approach of the bird I had so long wished to see, not daring to move a muscle, for fear of moving a branch or making a noise by crushing a dead leaf, till I was so cramped I could scarcely bear the pain in my limbs; the bird did not however make its appearance, and the native, with the fear of wading through the thicket in darkness (for there was no moon), became so impatient, that he started up and began to talk so loud and make so much noise, that I was compelled to give up all hopes of seeing the bird that night; however, just as we were passing the mound we started the bird from the opposite side, but from the denseness of the thicket and the darkness closing around us, I had no chance of getting a shot at it. Mr. Roe, the Surveyor-general, who examined several mounds during his expedition to the interior in the year 1836, found the eggs nearly ready to hatch in the month of November, and invariably seven or eight in number; while another authority has informed me of an instance of fourteen being taken from one mound.”

In a subsequent letter Mr. Gilbert states that the flavour of the egg is very similar to that of the Tortoise or Turtle, and that when mixed with tea its similarity to the peculiar roughness and earthy flavour of that of the Hawk’s-bill Turtle is very remarkable.

Genus Megapodius, Quoy & Gaim.

The members of this genus inhabit all the Indian and Philippine Islands and Australia. Mr. G. R. Gray informs me that “the females of some species associate together in bands during the night and deposit their eggs in a cavity which they dig to the depth of two or three feet; that the successive deposits of eggs amount to a hundred or more and are left to be hatched by the solar rays; that some cover them with sand and others with the remains of plants; and that the eggs are extremely large for the size of the birds, and are generally of a cinnamon colour.”

442. Megapodius tumulus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 79.

The following interesting account of the breeding-places of this remarkable bird has been transmitted to me by Mr. John M’Gillivray as the result of his observations on Nogo or Megapodius Island in Endeavour Straits. It will be seen that its range is more extensive than I had assigned to it:—

“The most southern locality known to me for this singular bird is Haggerston Island (in lat. 12° 3′ south), where I observed several of its mounds of very large size, but did not see any of the birds. During the survey of Endeavour Straits in H.M.S. Bramble, I was more fortunate, having succeeded in procuring both male and female on the island marked ‘Nogo’ upon the chart, where I resided for several days for that sole purpose. On this small island, not more than half a mile in length, rising at one extremity into a low rounded hill densely covered with jungle (or what in New South Wales would be called ‘brush’), three mounds, one of them apparently deserted before completion, were found. The two others were examined by Mr. Jukes and myself. The most recent, judging from the smoothness of its sides and the want of vegetable matter, was situated upon the crest of the hill, and measured 8 feet in height (or 13½ from the base of the slope to the summit) and 77 feet in circumference. In this mound, after several hours’ hard digging into a well-packed mass of earth, stones, decaying branches and leaves and other vegetable matter, and the living roots of trees, we found numerous fragments of eggs, besides one broken egg containing a dead and putrid chick, and another whole one, which proved to be addled. All were imbedded at a depth of six feet from the nearest part of the surface, at which place the heat produced by the fermentation of the mass was considerable. The egg, 3¼ by 2⅛ inches, was dirty brown, covered with a kind of epidermis, which easily chipped off, exposing a pure white surface beneath. Another mound, situated at the foot of the hill close to the beach, measured no less than 150 feet in circumference, and to form this immense accumulation of materials the ground in the vicinity had been scraped quite bare by the birds, and numerous shallow excavations pointed out whence the materials had been derived. Its form was an irregular oval, the flattened summit not being central as in the first instance, but situated nearer the larger end, which was elevated 14 feet from the ground, the slope measuring in various directions 18, 21½, and 24 feet. At Port Lihou, in a small bay a few miles to the westward, at Cape York and at Port Essington, I found other mounds which were comparatively low, and appeared to have been dug into by the natives. The great size the tumuli (which are probably the work of several generations) have attained on Haggerston and Nogo Islands arises doubtless from those places being seldom visited by the Aborigines. I found several eggs of large size in the ovarium of a female shot in August, while the condition of the oviduct showed that an egg had very recently passed; hence it is probable that, in spite of their great comparative size, one bird lays several; but whether each mound is resorted to by more than one pair, I had not the means of ascertaining.

“Few birds are more wary and less easily procured than the Megapodius; it inhabits the belts of brush along the coast, and I never found the tumulus at a greater distance from the sea than a few hundred yards. When disturbed it seldom rises at once, unless on the margin of a thicket, but runs off to some distance and then takes to wing, flying heavily, but without any of the whirring noise of the true Gallinaceæ. It seldom takes a long flight, and usually perches on a tree, remaining there in a crouching attitude with outstretched neck, but flying off again upon observing any motion made by its pursuer; and it is only by cautiously creeping up under cover of the largest trees that it can be approached within gunshot. As an example of its shyness, I may mention that a party of three persons, scattered about in a small jungle on Nogo Island, for the purpose of shooting the Megapodius, did not see a single bird, although they put up several, one of which came towards me and perched, unconscious of my presence, within 20 yards. At Port Essington I have shot this bird among mangroves, the roots of which were washed by the sea at high water; and Capt. F. P. Blackwood killed one while running on the mud in a similar locality, in both instances close to a mound. I never witnessed the escape of the young from the mound; but one, as large as a quail, and covered with feathers, was brought to Lieut. Ince by a native, who affirmed that he had dug it out along with several eggs.

“Iris yellowish brown; stomach a complete gizzard, being thick and muscular, containing small quartz pebbles, small shells (Helix and Bulimus), and black seeds; intestine 34 inches in length, of the size of a goosequill, and nearly uniform in thickness, much twisted and contracted at intervals; cæcum slender, dilated at the extremity, and 46
8 inches in length.”

Family TINAMIDÆ?, G. R. Gray.

Subfamily TURNICINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Pedionomus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, straight, compressed towards the tip; nostrils basal, placed in a groove, and protected by an operculum; wings short and concave, first, second and third primaries equal in length; tertiaries longer than the primaries; tail nearly obsolete; tarsi elongated and defended in front with transverse scales; toes four in number, the hinder one feeble and placed high on the tarsus.

Few of the discoveries I made in Australia interested me more than that of the species forming the subject of the present genus, and of which during my sojourn in the country I only obtained a male. Subsequently Mr. Strange sent me another example, which from its much larger size and the circumstance of its neck being adorned with a beautiful collar of mingled black and white feathers, I considered a distinct species and characterized it as such, under the name P. torquatus, and assigned that of microurus to the males or birds destitute of the collar, an error which the observations of Sir George Grey and Mr. Strange have enabled me to rectify, and which shows that this bird is another of the anomalies so often met with in Australia, since, contrary to the general rule, the female is a far finer and more conspicuously-coloured bird than her mate.

“You ask me,” says Sir George Grey, “to tell you something about Pedionomus. There is but one species; you have described two, P. torquatus and P. microurus; the former is the female and the latter is the male. We have now three of these birds in confinement, all similar to your P. torquatus. We had four; the fourth, which died, was like your P. microurus; and was certainly a male; they were all caught in the same net, hence I infer that several females associate with one male.

“We have had several of these birds in confinement at different times; they eat pounded wheat, raw and boiled rice, bread and flies; the latter appear to be their favourite food. They soon become perfectly tame; the three now in our possession we have had for upwards of four months.

“These birds are migratory; they appear at Adelaide in June and disappear about January; where they go has not yet been ascertained. They never fly if they can avoid so doing, and are often caught by dogs; when disturbed, they crouch down and endeavour to hide themselves in a tuft of grass. When running about they are in the habit of raising themselves in a nearly perpendicular position on the extremities of their toes, so that the hinder part of the foot does not touch the ground, and of taking a wide survey around them. The Emu sometimes stands in a similar position. I have not yet ascertained anything respecting their nests, eggs or time of breeding. The call of those we have in confinement precisely resembles that of the Emu, not the whistle, but the hollow-sounding noise like that produced by tapping on a cask, which the Emu utters, but is of course much fainter.”

The Plate therefore represents two females, and the appellation of microurus given to the male bird should be the one adopted. As the male has not been figured, the following description of that sex is given:—

Crown of the head, back and upper surface mottled with black, brown and fawn-colour, the latter occupying the external edge of the feathers, and the black and brown forming alternate circular markings on each feather; throat, neck, chest and flanks dull fawn-colour, the feathers of the neck and chest blotched with brown; flanks marked with the same colour, assuming the form of bars; tail-feathers almost invisible; centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts buffy-white, without spots or markings; irides straw-yellow passing into black at the point; feet greenish yellow.

Total length, 4½ inches; bill, 11
16; wing, 3¼; tarsi, ⅞.

Independently of the plains of South Australia formerly given as the restricted habitat of this species, I have lately received a letter from Mr. Strange of Sydney, in which he states a female had been procured in the neighbourhood of Botany Bay. I am also in possession of an egg of this bird, which in general character resembles that of Turnix; it is somewhat suddenly contracted at the smaller end, the ground-colour is stone-white, sprinkled with small blotches of umber-brown and vinous-grey, the latter colour appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell, the sprinkled markings predominating at the larger end; the length of the egg is 1 inch and one-eighth by seven-eighths in breadth.

443. Pedionomus torquatus, Gould, female[Vol. V. ] Pl. 80.
    —— microurus, Gould, male.

Genus Turnix, Bonn.

However widely the members of this genus are dispersed, inhabiting as one or other of them do all quarters of the Old World, Australia is the great nursery of the race, since it is in that country that we find the species more numerous than elsewhere; they not only inhabit every part of the continent that has yet been explored, but they extend their range to the islands adjacent to the coast and even to Van Diemen’s Land; some species enjoy a wide range across the continent from east to west, while others are very local; grassy plains and stony ridges thickly interspersed with scrubs and grasses are the situations they frequent; their eggs are invariably four in number, pointed in form, and very like those of the Sandpipers; their only nest is a few grasses placed in a hollow on the ground; in their habits and actions they differ considerably from the Quails and Partridges, and, strange as it may appear, approach more closely to the Tringæ, particularly to those species with the more attenuated form of bill; when rising from almost beneath your feet, they fly, especially the smaller species, straight and with arrow-like swiftness to the distance of one or two hundred yards, and then suddenly pitch to the ground. Their flesh, although eatable, is dry and deficient in flavour when compared with that of the Quails and Partridges.

444. Turnix melanogaster.
    Hemipodius melanogaster, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 81.
445. Turnix varius.
    Hemipodius varius[Vol. V. ] Pl. 82.
446. Turnix scintillans.
447. Hemipodius scintillans, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 83.
448. Turnix melanotus.
    Hemipodius melanotus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 84.
449. Turnix castanotus.
    Hemipodius castanotus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 85.
450. Turnix pyrrhothorax.
    Hemipodius pyrrhothorax, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 86.
451. Turnix velox.
    Hemipodius velox, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 87.

Family TETRAONIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Coturnix, Mœhr.

One true Quail is all that has yet been described as inhabiting Australia; as might be expected, it is a denizen of the plains, as well as of all the open districts of any extent where grass-lands occur; it also resorts to the arable districts in great abundance. A difference exists in specimens from the western and eastern coasts, the former having a deep fawn or light rufous tint pervading the under surface; and it is possible that this difference of colouring may be characteristic of a second and distinct species.

452. Coturnix pectoralis, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 88.

Genus Synoïcus, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Perdix, but with no spur on the tarsi, and the tail almost obsolete.

The great paucity of the Gallinaceæ in Australia is very remarkable, the members of the present genus being almost the only representatives of that group of birds inhabiting the country. The similarity of the habits and economy of these birds to those of the true Partridges, particularly to our own well-known species the Perdix cinerea, allies them more nearly to those birds than to the Quails.

Grassy meads, the sides of rushy creeks, and districts clothed with dense herbage, are the favourite resorts of these birds, which move about in small coveys, and when flushed fly but a short distance before they again alight. As an article of food they are all that can be wished.

Every part of the country, from Port Essington on the north to Van Diemen’s Land on the south, is inhabited by one or other species of the genus, which are, I doubt not, more numerous than I have represented, for I feel confident that the bird found at Port Essington is quite distinct from those of the south coast.

453. Synoïcus Australis[Vol. V. ] Pl. 89.
454. Synoïcus Diemenensis, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 90.
455. Synoïcus sordidus, Gould[Vol. V. ] Pl. 91.
456. Synoïcus? Chinensis[Vol. V. ] Pl. 92.

Order GRALLATORES, Ill.

Family STRUTHIONIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Dromaius, Vieill.

I formerly entertained an opinion that there were two species of Emu inhabiting Australia, but I have not had sufficient proofs that such is the case. The small specimens in the possession of the Linnean Society of London and in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, may only be stunted birds which had been kept in captivity, but as some doubt still remains in my mind the subject should be kept in view.

457. Dromaius Novæ-HollandiæVol. VI. Pl. 1.

Genus Apteryx, Shaw.

New Zealand is the only country wherein the members of this genus now exist; but they doubtless formerly ranged over that continent of which the greater part is submerged beneath the surface of the ocean, and of which a few isolated spots—New Zealand, Norfolk and Phillip Islands among others—alone remain.

458. Apteryx Australis, ShawVol. VI. Pl. 2.
459. Apteryx Owenii, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 3.

Genus Otis, Linn.

A country better adapted than Australia for the members of this genus can scarcely be imagined, yet singularly enough only one species has yet been found there. Africa may be considered the cradle of the race, for it is on that continent that they are most numerous; Europe and India are also inhabited by various species. The Otis nigriceps of the plains of Upper India, and the O. Australis are beautiful representatives of each other in the respective countries they inhabit.

460. Otis Australis, Gray.
    Otis Australasianus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 4.

The range of this bird over the country is probably universal; both Dr. Leichardt and Mr. Gilbert observed it within the tropical portion of Australia, and Captain Sturt found it in the desert interior.

Family CHARADRIADÆ, Leach.

Genus Œdicnemus, Temm.

The Œdicnemi occur in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, in which latter country one if not two species exist that are not found elsewhere.

461. Œdicnemus grallariusVol. VI. Pl. 5.

The birds of this form inhabiting the northern coast have longer legs and shorter wings, and I have no doubt are distinct; but I have not seen a sufficient number of specimens to enable me to affirm that such is actually the case.

Genus Esacus, Less.

The genera Œdicnemus and Esacus are merely modifications of the same form; the variation in that of the bill being expressly adapted for procuring the kinds of food upon which the species respectively subsist; the Œdicnemus frequenting the stony deserts of the interior of the country feeds upon insects of various kinds, and the tender shoots of herbage; while the Esacus, resorting to the salt-marshes and the shores of the sea, lives upon crabs, mollusks and other marine animals.

462. Esacus magnirostrisVol. VI. Pl. 6.

So far as our knowledge extends, the present bird is confined to the shores of the northern and north-western parts of Australia. It is beautifully represented in India by the E. recurvirostris, and these two species are all that are known to ornithologists.

Genus Hæmatopus, Linn.

I believe that there is no country in the world of any extent the shores of which are not inhabited by one or other of the numerous species of this genus; but it would seem that all those which exist in the southern hemisphere are totally different from those of the northern.

Two species inhabit Australia, viz.

463. Hæmatopus longirostris, Vieill.Vol. VI. Pl. 7.
464. Hæmatopus fuliginosus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 8.

Genus Lobivanellus, Strikl.

Two species of this beautiful form inhabit Australia, one the northern and the other the southern parts of the country; I believe they are both confined to this portion of the globe. Other species are found in India and Africa.

465. Lobivanellus lobatusVol. VI. Pl. 9.
466. Lobivanellus personatus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 10.

Genus Sarciophorus, Strickl.

A genus nearly allied to the last, and of which a single species inhabits Australia; like Lobivanellus, it is an Old World form.

467. Sarciophorus pectoralisVol. VI. Pl. 11.

Genus Squatarola, Cuv.

The single species of this genus inhabits Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

468. Squatarola HelveticaVol. VI. Pl. 12.

Genus Charadrius, Linn.

The Australian fauna comprises two species of this form, of which one, the Charadrius veredus, might, perhaps, with propriety be separated into a distinct genus, or placed in that of Eudromias.

469. Charadrius xanthocheilus, Wagl.Vol. VI. Pl. 13.
470. Charadrius veredus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 14.

Genus Eudromias, Boie.

Of this genus of upland Plovers two species at least are known, viz. the E. morinellus of Europe and the E. Australis of Australia.

471. Eudromias Australis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 15.

This bird inhabits the low hills and plains of the interior, a kind of habitat precisely similar to that of its European prototype.

Since my account of this species was written some additional information has been acquired respecting it.

“This singular bird,” says Captain Sturt, in the Appendix to his Account of his recent expedition into the interior of South Australia, “made its appearance in 1841 suddenly on the plains of Adelaide, seeming to have come from the north. It occupied the sand-hills at the edge of the Mangrove swamps and fed round the puddles of water on the plains. This bird afforded my friend, Mr. Torrens, an abundant harvest, as it was numerous round his house; but although some few have visited South Australia every subsequent year, they have never appeared in such numbers as on the first occasion. It runs very fast along the ground. Mr. Browne and I met or rather crossed several flights of these birds in August of 1845, going south. They were on the large open plains and were very wild.”

Genus Hiaticula, G. R. Gray.

Five species of this genus inhabit Australia, and others occur in New Zealand, the Indian Islands, India, Europe, Africa and America, consequently few genera have their members more widely dispersed. Almost all the species found in Australia are peculiar to the country, and are more numerous on the southern than they are on the northern parts of that continent; shingly beaches and low flat shores are their principal places of resort.

472. Hiaticula bicinctaVol. VI. Pl. 16.
473. Hiaticula ruficapillaVol. VI. Pl. 17.
474. Hiaticula monachaVol. VI. Pl. 18.
475. Hiaticula inornata, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 19.
476. Hiaticula nigrifronsVol. VI. Pl. 20.

Genus Erythrogonys, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill longer than the head, straight, rather depressed; nostrils basal, linear; wings long and powerful, the first feather the longest; tertiaries nearly as long as the primaries; tail short and nearly square; legs long; toes four in number, slender, the hind-toe extremely diminutive and free, the outer toe united to the middle one nearly to the first joint; thighs naked above the knee.

The single species of this genus appears to be strictly Australian, for I have never seen examples from any other country.

477. Erythrogonys cinctus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 21.

In structure, actions and economy this elegantly formed bird is very nearly allied to the Hiaticulæ on the one hand, and the Schœnicli on the other.

Genus Glareola, Briss.

I have for many years questioned the propriety of placing the Pratincoles in the same group with the Plovers, or even in the same order, believing them as I do to be a terrestrial form of the Fissirostral birds. Linnæus placed them near the Swallows, and I think he was right in so doing; and Mr. Blyth, one of the most philosophical of ornithologists, entertains, I believe, the same opinion; but as nearly all other writers have placed them with the Charadriadæ, I have adopted their view of the subject, and have accordingly retained them in that group.

Species of this genus inhabit India, the Indian Islands, Europe and Africa.

478. Glareola grallaria, Temm.Vol. VI. Pl. 22.
479. Glareola Orientalis, LeachVol. VI. Pl. 23.

Family SCOLOPACIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Himantopus., Briss.

Europe, India and Africa are inhabited by one, North America by a second, South America by a third and perhaps a fourth, New Zealand by a fifth, and Australia by a sixth species of this elegant but singular genus; the Australian bird, which is more abundant in the southern than in the northern parts of the country, is perhaps the finest and most ornamental of the whole.

480. Himantopus leucocephalus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 24.
481. Himantopus Novæ-ZealandiæVol. VI. Pl. 25.

Genus Chladorhynchus, G. R. Gray.

The only known species of this form is peculiar to Australia.

482. Chladorhynchus pectoralisVol. VI. Pl. 26.

Observed in great numbers by Captain Sturt, during his journey into the interior, in the Appendix to which he says,—“This singular bird, with legs so admirably adapted by their length for wading into the shallow lakes and sheets of water, near which it is found, was seen in large flocks. It was very abundant on Lepson’s Lake to the northward of Cooper’s Creek; and on Strzelecki’s Creek it was sitting on the water with other wild fowl making a singular plaintive whistle.”

Genus Recurvirostra, Linn.

This form, like that of Himantopus, is widely distributed over the globe, since species inhabit America, Africa, Europe, India and Australia, in which latter country, as in Europe, only one species is found, viz.

483. Recurvirostra rubricollis, Temm.Vol. VI. Pl. 27.

Genus Limosa, Briss.

Two very distinct species of this genus inhabit Australia, one the southern and the other the northern divisions of the country; others occur in Java, Sumatra, India, Africa, Europe and North America.

484. Limosa Melanuroïdes, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 28.
485. Limosa uropygialis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 29.

Genus Schœniclus, Mœhr.

I have figured four species of this genus as inhabiting Australia, not more than one, or at most two, of which, however, is or are peculiar to that country. The species of this genus range over many degrees of latitude, and occur in America as well as in most parts of the Old World.

486. Schœniclus AustralisVol. VI. Pl. 30.
487. Schœniclus albescensVol. VI. Pl. 31.
488. Schœniclus subarquatusVol. VI. Pl. 32.
489. Schœniclus magnus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 33.

This species, I believe, also inhabits India and Japan.

Genus Terekia, Bonap.

The only known species of this form inhabits Java, Sumatra, India and Europe, and as I killed a specimen in Australia that country must also be included within its range.

490. Terekia cinereaVol. VI. Pl. 34.

Genus Actitis, Ill.

One species of this genus inhabits Australia, where it represents the Actitis hypoleucus of Europe and Actitis macularius of America.

491. Actitis empusa, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 35.

Genus Glottis, Nils.

The only species of this genus found in Australia appears to me to be identical with the Glottis Glottoïdes of India.

492. Glottis GlottoïdesVol. VI. Pl. 36.

Genus Totanus, Bechst.

Of this genus two species are all that have yet been discovered in Australia; one of these I have regarded as identical with the Totanus stagnatilis of Europe, and if this view be correct, then the range of the species will extend from Asia to Australia; certain it is that I have seen specimens from all the intermediate countries which are strictly identical with the European bird. The second species is an inhabitant of the north coast, and is allied to the T. calidris.

493. Totanus stagnatilisVol. VI. Pl. 37.
494. Totanus griseopygius, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 38.

Genus Strepsilas, Ill.

If any bird may be regarded as a Cosmopolite it is the Turnstone, for it inhabits the sea-shores of every part of the globe.

495. Strepsilas InterpresVol. VI. Pl. 39.

Genus Scolopax, Linn.

If the slight difference which occurs in the Snipes from Port Essington on the north and from Van Diemen’s Land on the south be regarded as mere local variations, then only one species of this form exists in Australia.

496. Scolopax Australis, Lath.Vol. VI. Pl. 40.

Captain Sturt informs us that this Snipe is common in South Australia, but scarce in the interior of the country; that it breeds in great numbers in the valley of Mypunga, but is only to be found in those localities where the ground is constantly soft.

Genus Rhynchæa, Cuv.

The few species comprised in this genus are widely dispersed over the face of the globe; one inhabits the southernmost parts of America, another South Africa, a third India, and a fourth Australia. They affect different situations from those resorted to by the true Snipes, usually selecting drier ground and knolls under low bushes contiguous to marshy lands, where they can readily procure food and water.

497. Rhynchæa Australis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 41.

“This beautiful bird,” says Captain Sturt, “was very scarce in the interior, and indeed is not common anywhere. Some three or four couples visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in the high reeds at the bottom of the creek, among which they doubtless breed, but I never found one of their nests. They lie basking in the shade of a tree on the sand-hills during the day, and separate when alarmed.”

Genus Numenius, Linn.

Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which part of the globe they are confined, and wherein they represent the species inhabiting the northern hemisphere, with which their habits, actions and economy are strictly in accordance.

498. Numenius Australis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 42.
499. Numenius uropygialis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 43.
500. Numenius minutus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 44.

Family ARDEIDÆ, Leach.

Subfamily TANTALINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Geronticus, Wagl.

The three species of Ibises inhabiting Australia have been separated by ornithologists into as many genera, and the difference which exists in their habits and economy tends to prove the propriety of their subdivision; for while the Geronticus congregates in flocks of thousands and mainly subsists upon caterpillars, grasshoppers and locusts, a kind of food which it readily obtains on the heated plains, the Threskiornis assembles in small companies of from four to six in number and resorts to the rushy banks of the lagoons and other humid situations, and feeds upon newts, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish, and the Falcinellus resorts to similar situations, but I have had no opportunity of observing its habits.

501. Geronticus spinicollisVol. VI. Pl. 45.

I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than Australia, which would therefore appear to be its restricted habitat.

Genus Threskiornis, G. R. Gray.

502. Threskiornis strictipennisVol. VI. Pl. 46.

Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons.

503. Falcinellus igneusVol. VI. Pl. 47.

This species is numerous in the northern and eastern districts of Australia, whence its range extends throughout the whole of the islands to India and Europe.

Subfamily GRUINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Grus, Linn.

Species of this genus inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia.

504. Grus Australasianus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 48.

The Australian Crane is a noble bird, and is deservedly admired both by the Aborigines and Europeans. The eastern and northern parts of the country are the only localities yet known to be inhabited by this fine bird; future research may however find that it possesses a wider range.

Subfamily PLATALEINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Platalea, Linn.

Two species of this genus inhabit Australia, both of which are, I believe, peculiar to that country, where they perform precisely the same offices as their prototypes in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.

505. Platalea flavipes, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 49.
506. Platalea regia, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 50.

Subfamily CICONINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Mycteria, Linn.

The noble species of this genus inhabiting Australia is, I believe, identical with the bird of the same form inhabiting India, and if such be the case, then it enjoys a wide range of habitat. Africa and America are inhabited by species belonging to this or to a very nearly allied genus.

507. Mycteria Australis, Lath.Vol. VI. Pl. 51.

Subfamily ARDEINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Ardea, Linn.

The Herons range over every part of the globe. The sixteen species inhabiting Australia include examples of the genera Ardea, Herodias, Nycticorax, Botaurus and Ardetta, and I think they should be still further divided, the Reef Herons, Herodias jugularis, H. Greyii, &c. differing considerably both in structure and habits from the other members of the genus; the Ardea pacifica and A. Novæ-Hollandiæ also, are not typical Ardeæ, but fill a station intermediate between the true Herons and the Egrets.

508. Ardea pacifica, Lath.Vol. VI. Pl. 52.

Numerous in the southern but rare within the tropical parts of Australia.

509. Ardea Novæ-Hollandiæ, Lath.Vol. VI. Pl. 53.

Frequents the whole of the southern coasts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

510. Ardea rectirostris, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 54.

Found on the north coast of Australia, and I believe also in the Indian Islands.

511. Ardea leucophæa, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 55.

The range of this species, which is very rare in Australia, appears to extend to the southern parts of India.

Genus Herodias, Boie.

Nearly every part of the globe is tenanted by members of this genus. Those inhabiting Australia are very nearly allied to, but I believe are quite distinct from, the species found in India, Europe and America, and of which they are the Australian representatives.

512. Herodias syrmatophorus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 56.
513. Herodias plumiferus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 57.
514. Herodias immaculata, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 58.
515. Herodias pannosus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 59.
516. Herodias jugularisVol. VI. Pl. 60.
517. Herodias GreyiiVol. VI. Pl. 61.
518. Herodias picata, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 62.

Genus Nycticorax, Steph.

Europe, Africa and America are all inhabited by Night Herons; consequently it is one of the most widely-distributed sections of the family.

The single Australian species of this well-defined genus is rendered conspicuously different from all other known species by the cinnamon colour of its back.

519. Nycticorax CaledonicusVol. VI. Pl. 63.

“Shot at Cape York and Port Essington, in which latter place it is rather abundant. Yangko of the Cape York aborigines, Alăwool of the Port Essington natives.”—J. M’Gillivray.

Genus Botaurus, Steph.

520. Botaurus Australis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 64.

The Australian Bittern is very similar to the European, B. stellaris.

Genus Ardetta, G. R. Gray.

The members of this genus of Mangrove Bitterns usually frequent the extensive belts of mangroves and low dells covered with reed-beds and dense herbage.

Africa and America are each inhabited by birds of this form, one species of which is also found in Europe, several in India and the adjacent islands, and three in Australia, viz.—

521. Ardetta flavicollisVol. VI. Pl. 65.

This species is said to inhabit Java and India, and although I have figured it under the name assigned to the Indian and Javanese bird, I am still inclined to believe that it is distinct.

522. Ardetta macrorhyncha, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 66.
523. Ardetta stagnatilis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 67.
524. Ardetta pusillaVol. VI. Pl. 68.

This species, with the little Bittern of the British Islands and several others inhabiting Africa and America, would admit of being separated into a distinct genus.

Family RALLIDÆ, Leach.

Of this family no less than sixteen species inhabit Australia, and are comprised in the following genera, viz. Porphyrio, Fulica, Gallinula, Rallus and Porzana, all of which are European forms; and Parra, Eulabeornis and Tribonyx: of the latter, the first is common to India and the Indian Islands, and the other two are confined, so far as we know, to Australia.

Genus Porphyrio, Briss.

525. Porphyrio melanotus, Temm.Vol. VI. Pl. 69.
526. Porphyrio bellus, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 70.

Genus Tribonyx, DuBus.

527. Tribonyx Mortieri, DuBusVol. VI. Pl. 71.

Inhabits the southern parts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

528. Tribonyx ventralis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 72.

Inhabits the interior of Australia.

“This bird,” says Captain Sturt, “appeared suddenly in South Australia in 1840. It came from the north, fresh flights coming up and pushing on those which had preceded them. It was moreover evident that they had been unaccustomed to the sight of man, for they dropped in great numbers in the streets and gardens of Adelaide and ran about like fowls. At last they increased so much in number as to swarm on all the waters and creeks, doing great damage to the crops in their neighbourhood. They took the entire possession of the creek near my house, and broke down and wholly destroyed about an acre and a quarter of wheat as if cattle had bedded on it. They made their first appearance in November, and left in the beginning of March, gradually retiring northwards as they had advanced.”

Genus Gallinula, Briss.

The true Gallinulæ are very numerous, and are found in nearly every part of the world. Australia is inhabited by a species peculiarly its own, distributed over all the southern parts of the continent.

529. Gallinula tenebrosa, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 73.

Nearly allied to, and a representative of, the Water-Hen of Europe, Gallinula chloropus.

Genus Fulica, Linn.

Fulicæ are found in nearly every part of the great continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and one species in Australia.

530. Fulica Australis, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 74.

This bird, which is strictly confined to Australia, is rather smaller than its European ally.

Genus Parra, Linn.

A tropical form, the structure of which is admirably adapted for progression over the aquatic plants and floating leaves of the lagoons and inland waters it frequents and over which it passes with facility; its expansive feet, spreading over a large surface of fallen grasses and leaves, readily sustaining it, which they would not do were they of the ordinary form.

Species of this form are found in India, Africa and America.

531. Parra gallinacea, Temm.Vol. VI. Pl. 75.

Inhabits the northern parts of Australia and New Guinea.

Genus Rallus, Linn.

We have here again a genus of birds the range of the species of which is most extensive, for there is no country in which one or other of them is not to be found.

532. Rallus pectoralis, Cuv.Vol. VI. Pl. 76.
533. Rallus Lewinii, Swains.Vol. VI. Pl. 77.

Genus Eulabeornis, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill longer than the head, nearly straight, but slightly curved downwards; compressed laterally; nostril long and open, situated in a large groove which runs along the upper mandible for nearly two-thirds of its length from the base; wings rather short and feeble, very much rounded; tertiaries long, nearly reaching to the end of the wing; legs rather long, more powerful than in the genus Rallus; toes not so much lengthened as in that genus; tail long cuneiform; the webs loose and of a decomposed character.

A genus established for the reception of a singular species of Rail inhabiting the north coast of Australia, and in which Mr. G. R. Gray has since placed four other species from different localities.

534. Eulabeornis castaneoventris, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 78.

Genus Porzana, Vieill.

The Porzanæ inhabit Europe, Africa, India and Australia; the four species inhabiting the latter country are generally distributed, even within the tropics.

535. Porzana fluminea, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 79.
536. Porzana palustris, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 80.
537. Porzana leucophrys, GouldVol. VI. Pl. 81.
538. Porzana immaculataVol. VI. Pl. 82.

Order NATATORES, Ill.

Upon taking a general view of the birds of this Order inhabiting Europe and Australia, our attention cannot fail to be arrested by some remarkable contrasts which present themselves to our notice. I allude to the great excess in the number of species of some of the principal groups, and the paucity of others; for instance, of the true Anatidæ or Ducks, exclusive of the Mergansers, the European fauna comprises at least forty species, while eighteen are all that are known in Australia; of the Laridæ or Gulls, exclusive of the Terns, twenty species inhabit Europe, while three are all that are known in Australia; on the other hand, sixteen species of Terns frequent the shores of Australia, while only twelve resort to those of Europe; of the family Procellaridæ or Petrels, nearly forty species enliven the Australian seas, while seven are all that are known to inhabit the seas of Europe; no Puffins or Guillemots are found in the seas south of the Equator; while the Penguins are unknown north of the line; and the Grebes and Cormorants are equally numerous in both hemispheres.

Family ANATIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Cereopsis, Lath.

But one species of this singular and strictly Australian form has yet been discovered.

539. Cereopsis Novæ-Hollandiæ, Lath.Vol. VII. Pl. 1.

Genus Anseranas, Less.

Like Cereopsis, this genus contains but a single species, which is equally confined to Australia.

540. Anseranas melanoleucaVol. VII. Pl. 2.

Genus Bernicla, Steph.

The Australian bird hitherto referred to this genus should certainly receive a new generic appellation, since it does not agree either in form or habits with the true Berniclæ.

541. Bernicla jubataVol. VII. Pl. 3.

Genus Nettapus, Brandt.

Of this beautiful genus of Pygmy Geese there are at least four species known; one inhabiting Africa, one India, and two Australia.

542. Nettapus pulchellus, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 4.
543. Nettapus albipennis, Gould.
    Nettapus CoromandelianusVol. VII. Pl. 5.

I feel confident that the Australian bird which I have figured under the name of N. Coromandelianus, is quite distinct from the Indian, and I have therefore assigned it a new name.

My figures are stated to be of the natural size, but this is an error: they are considerably smaller.

Genus Cygnus, Linn.

Only one species, the C. atratus, is, I believe, found south of the line; for the Black-necked Swan of Chili will doubtless prove to be generically distinct.

544. Cygnus atratusVol. VII. Pl. 6.

This “rara avis in terris” is not only strictly confined to Australia, but is so exclusively an inhabitant of the southern districts, that no notice has been recorded of its having been seen in Torres’ Straits, or on any part of the north coast.

Genus Casarca, Bonap.

This ornamental section of the Anatidæ is not very numerous in species.

545. Casarca TadornoïdesVol. VII. Pl. 7.

A beautiful representative of the C. rutila of Europe.

Genus Tadorna, Leach.

546. Tadorna RadjahVol. VII. Pl. 8.

An equally beautiful representative of the T. Vulpanser.

Genus Anas, Linn.

Of true Ducks three species are found in Australia.

547. Anas superciliosa, Gmel.Vol. VII. Pl. 9.

This bird assimilates very closely in its structure and in its economy to the Anas Boschas of Europe, but in its plumage it is very different.

548. Anas nævosa, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 10.

A very singular Duck, perhaps more nearly allied to Chaulelasmus than to Anas. It is a very rare bird, and has only yet been seen on the western and southern coasts of Australia; its true habitat is probably the distant interior.

549. Anas punctata, Cuv.Vol. VII. Pl. 11.

This species has much the appearance of the Teal (genus Querquedula), but in its structure is nearly allied to the true ducks (genus Anas), with which I have provisionally placed it.

Genus Spatula, Boie.

The great continents of America, Africa, Asia and Australia, are each inhabited by one or more species of this restricted genus.

550. Spatula RhynchotisVol. VII. Pl. 12.

This bird is, I believe, restricted to Australia.

Genus Malacorhynchus, Swains.

A very delicate form, of which the single species, confined to Australia, is the only one known.

551. Malacorhynchus membranaceusVol. VII. Pl. 13.

Genus Dendrocygna, Swains.

This form is found in India, Africa, America and Australia: the bird I have separated into a distinct genus, under the appellation of Leptotarsis, should be included in this genus, the difference which it presents being too slight to warrant their separation.

552. Dendrocygna arcuataVol. VII. Pl. 14.
553. Dendrocygna Eytoni.
    Leptotarsis Eytoni, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 15.

“Many of the reaches,” says Captain Stokes, when speaking of the river Adelaide of the north-western part of Australia, “swarmed with wild fowl, consisting almost wholly of ducks, which, from a habit of perching on the trees, have received the name of Wood Ducks. Their singularly long legs, with the web very much arched near the toes, gives great pliability to the foot and a power of grasping, which enables them to perch on trees. When on the wing they make a peculiar pleasing, whistling sound, that can be heard at a great distance, and which changes as they alight into a sort of chatter. Their perching on trees is performed in a very clumsy manner, swinging and pitching to and fro. We subsequently often found them on the rivers of the north coast, but not within some miles of their mouths or near their upper waters, from which it would appear that they inhabit certain reaches of the rivers only; we never found them in swamps. The farthest south they were met with was on the Albert River, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in lat. 18° S., which gives them a range of six and a half degrees of latitude over the northern part of the continent. These ducks are the Leptotarsis Eytoni of Mr. Gould.”

Genus Nyroca, Flem.

Two species at least of this genus are known, one inhabiting Europe and India and the other Australia: both have the irides white.

554. Nyroca Australis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 16.

Genus Erismatura, Bonap.

The members of this genus, although but few in number, are found in Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia.

555. Erismatura AustralisVol. VII. Pl. 17.

This species, the only one of the genus inhabiting Australia, is, I believe, strictly confined to the western parts of the country, as hitherto it has not been seen elsewhere.

Genus Biziura, Leach.

A genus of which only a single species is known to exist, and which is singularly different from every other member of the family. It is strictly Australian, and may be regarded as one of the anomalies of its fauna.

556. Biziura lobataVol. VII. Pl. 18.

Family LARIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Larus, Linn.

The members of this genus are distributed over the sea-shores of every part of the globe. Only one species inhabits Australia, to which country it is confined, and where it represents the Larus marinus of Europe and America.

557. Larus PacificusVol. VII. Pl. 19.

Genus Xema, Leach.

A genus of Gulls, the members of which are delicate in their structure, elegant in their appearance, and graceful in all their actions. Many species are found in Europe and America, and others inhabit Africa; one species only has been characterized as Australian, but I believe that another will be found in Torres’ Straits very similar to, but much larger than, the X. Jamesonii of the southern parts of that continent.

558. Xema JamesoniiVol. VII. Pl. 20.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Lestris, Ill.

The high latitudes of both the northern and southern hemispheres are frequented by parasitic Gulls.

One species of this form has been found in the Australian seas, and another has been discovered within the Antarctic circle.

559. Lestris CatarractesVol. VII. Pl. 21.

Although I have figured and described this Australian bird as identical with the Skua Gull of Europe, it is likely that hereafter reasons may be found for separating them.

In a letter just arrived from Mr. J. M’Gillivray, dated on board H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Feb. 6, 1848, that gentleman says, “The Lestris Catarractes was noticed on various occasions in different parts of the South Indian Ocean; while off the Cape of Good Hope a solitary individual and subsequently two in company were seen. I have observed it following and hovering over a bait towing astern, and once saw it chase a Cape Petrel and force it to alight on the water. This bird seldom remained with us for more than half an hour at a time, during which it made a few circular flights about the ship.”

Subfamily STERNINÆ, Bonap.

The members of this family inhabiting Australia and Europe are nearly equal in number, and in each country examples of the same forms are found to exist; the Australian fauna has also a Gygis and an Onychoprion neither of which inhabit the European seas, and four species of Anoüs, of which only one frequents the northern hemisphere.

Genus Sylochelidon, Brehm.

560. Sylochelidon strenuusVol. VII. Pl. 22.

A representative of the S. Caspius of Europe.

Genus Thalasseus, Boie.

The members of this genus, the type of which is the T. Cantiacus of the British Islands, are widely dispersed over most parts of the Old World, and three distinct species inhabit Australia.

561. Thalasseus PelecanoïdesVol. VII. Pl. 23.
562. Thalasseus poliocercus, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 24.
563. Thalasseus Torresii, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 25.

Since my account of this species was printed I have seen adult specimens from Southern India, which country is in all probability its true habitat.

Genus Sterna, Linn.

The members of this genus, as now restricted, enjoy so wide a range over the globe, that they may be said to be universally dispersed: three species are found in Australia.

564. Sterna melanorhyncha, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 26.
565. Sterna gracilis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 27.
566. Sterna melanauchen, Temm.Vol. VII. Pl. 28.

“This beautiful bird,” says Mr. M’Gillivray, “is very local in its breeding-places, the only one known to me being one of the ‘three sand-banks’ near Sir Charles Hardy’s Islands. The eggs are two in number, deposited in a slight hollow in the sand. I have seen this bird on another neighbouring sand-bank, also on Solitary Island, near Cape York, and in Endeavour Straits, but was unable to procure a specimen from any of the three last-mentioned localities, on account of its excessive shyness. It is one of the most noisy of the Terns, and I generally saw it in small parties of half-a-dozen, or thereabouts. The fully-fledged young of the year differs from the adult in having the black on the head dark brown mottled with white, and the whole of the upper surface and wings variegated with dark brownish grey.”

Genus Sternula, Boie.

Europe and Australia are both tenanted by little Terns, the specific distinctness of which cannot be questioned, however much that of the large Terns (genus Sylochelidon) may be: ought we not then to infer that some peculiar law prevails, and that if one be distinct the other is also? However that may be, it is certain that birds regarded as identically the same, because no external difference is perceptible, breed at opposite seasons in the two hemispheres, and that if the birds of one hemisphere be brought and retained in the other, they continue to moult their feathers and to breed at the same period that they would have done had they remained in their native country.

567. Sternula Nereis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 29.

Genus Gelochelidon, Brehm.

It would be strange if this form did not exist in Australia, when all the other European genera of Terns are found there; still I have no other evidence of such being the case, than that of a specimen in the collection of King’s College, London, which is said to be from Van Diemen’s Land, and to which in the year 1837 I gave the name of Sterna macrotarsa.

568. Gelochelidon macrotarsus, Gould.

Crown of the head and back of the neck black; all the upper surface and primaries light silvery-grey; remainder of the plumage white; bill and feet black.

As I did not meet with this bird myself either in Van Diemen’s Land or in any other of the Australian regions, I have not figured it.

Genus Gygis, Wagl.

One species of this Polynesian genus of Terns is found in Australia.

569. Gygis candidaVol. VII. Pl. 30.

Genus Hydrochelidon, Boie.

The value of minor genera or subgenera, as naturalists may choose to designate them, is much strengthened, when species, which have been assigned to either of them from countries so distant from each other as Australia and Europe, are found to possess similar habits, but differing from those of the other members of the family. Thus the members of the present little group inhabit the inland waters and marshes of both countries; make their nests among the rushes, and lay thickly-marked eggs, in both of which particulars they differ from the other Terns; the generality of which deposit their eggs on the shingles of the sea-shore, while others, the Gygis candida for instance, lay their single egg on the horizontal branch of a tree, so totally unprotected, that how it is retained in its position during windy weather is a perfect mystery; others again, such as the Noddies, bring together large masses of sea-weed, which they either pile upon the swinging branch of a Mangrove or on the jutting point of a rock. All these facts should be studied by ornithologists before they discard subgenera proposed by their fellow-labourers, and replace the species they may have so divided in the genera of the older writers, who must necessarily have known less of the subject; for wherever a difference occurs in the habits of the members of any great family a variation more or less marked will be found in their structure. So far as my own observations go, and they have not been few, if I have read the great book of nature aright, the genera, instead of being reduced, might with propriety be multiplied without the risk of our being burthened with a genus for every species, as some writers affect to fear would then be the case.

570. Hydrochelidon fluviatilis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 31.

A fine marsh Tern differing from its European prototypes H. nigra, H. leucoptera and H. leucopareia.

Genus Onychoprion, Wagl.

Of this form two species frequent the Australian seas.

571. Onychoprion fuliginosusVol. VII. Pl. 32.

Although I have figured one of the two Australian birds of this genus under the above appellation, rather than run the risk of unnecessarily adding to the number of species, I have no doubt it will prove to be distinct from the American bird.

“Found breeding in prodigious numbers on Raine’s Islet and Bramble Key in May and June, associated with Noddies (Anoüs stolidus). The Sooty Tern deposits its solitary egg in a slight excavation in the sand without lining of any kind. The egg varies considerably in its markings. After the party employed in building the beacon on Raine’s Islet had been on shore about ten days, and the Terns had had their nests robbed repeatedly, the birds collected into two or three large flocks and laid their eggs in company, shifting their quarters repeatedly on finding themselves continually molested; for new-laid eggs were much in request among people who had for some time been living upon ship’s fare. By sitting down and keeping quiet I have seen the poor birds dropping their eggs within two yards of where I sat, apparently glad to get rid of their burthen at all hazards. During the month of June 1844 about 1500 dozen of eggs were procured by the party upon the Island. About the 20th of June nearly one half of the young birds (hatched twenty-five or thirty days previously) were able to fly, and many were quite strong upon the wing. Great numbers of young birds unable to fly were killed for the pot;—in one mess of twenty-two men the average number consumed daily in June was fifty, and supposing the convicts (twenty in number) to have consumed as many, 3000 young birds must have been killed in one month; yet I could observe no sensible diminution of the number of young, a circumstance which will give the reader some idea of the vast numbers of birds of this species congregated on a mere vegetated sand-bank like Raine’s Islet.”—J. M’Gillivray.

572. Onychoprion PanayaVol. VII. Pl. 33.

Genus Anoüs, Leach.

Unlike other Terns which frequent the sea-shores and rivers, the Noddies inhabit the wide ocean, far remote from land, and which, like the Petrels, they seldom quit, except at the breeding season, when they congregate in vast multitudes on small islands suited to the purpose. Great nurseries of this kind are to be found in every ocean; in the North Atlantic, one of the Tortugas, called Noddy Key, is a favourite resort, and the Bahama Islands are another; in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, beside other situations, the Houtmann’s Abrolhos, off the western coast of Australia, are resorted to in such immense numbers that Mr. Gilbert was perfectly astonished at the multitudes with which he found himself surrounded, upon landing on those remote and little-explored islands.

573. Anoüs stolidusVol. VII. Pl. 34.

“The large Noddy,” says Mr. M’Gillivray, “is abundantly distributed over Torres’ Straits, but I never met with it to the southward of Raine’s Islet, on which, as at Bramble Key, it was found breeding in prodigious numbers. Unlike its constant associate, the Sooty Tern, it constructs a shallow nest of small twigs arranged in a slovenly manner, over which are strewed about a handful of fragments of coral from the beach, shells, and occasionally portions of tortoise-shell and bones of turtle. The nest is sometimes placed upon the ground, but more usually upon tufts of grass and other herbage, at about a foot from the ground.”

574. Anoüs melanops, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 35.
575. Anoüs leucocapillus, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 36.
576. Anoüs cinereus, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 37.

Family PROCELLARIDÆ, Bonap.

There is perhaps no group of birds respecting which so much confusion exists and the extent of whose range over the ocean is so little known, as that forming the present family.

Having, as I have before stated, paid much attention to these birds during my voyages to and from Australia and in its neighbourhood, my researches were rewarded by my obtaining a knowledge of at least forty different species, nearly all of which are peculiar to the seas of the southern hemisphere. The powers of flight with which these birds are endowed are perfectly astonishing: they appear to be constantly performing migrations round the globe from west to east; and Australia lying in their tract, all the species may be found near its shores at one or other season of the year.

It is but natural to suppose that this great group of birds has been created for some especial purpose, and may we not infer that they have been placed in the Southern Ocean to prevent an undue increase of the myriads of mollusks and other low marine animals with which those seas abound, and upon which all the Procellaridæ mainly subsist?

Genus Diomedea, Linn.

Of this genus, which comprises among its members the largest of the Oceanic birds, three species range over the North Pacific Ocean; and six others the seas southward of the equator.

577. Diomedea exulans, Linn.Vol. VII. Pl. 38.

The weight of this species varies from seventeen to twenty pounds, and the expanse of its extended wings averages the enormous breadth of 11 feet.

578. Diomedea brachyura, Temm.Vol. VII. Pl. 39.
579. Diomedea cauta, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 40.
580. Diomedea culminata, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 41.
581. Diomedea chlororhynchos, Lath.Vol. VII. Pl. 42.
582. Diomedea melanophrys, Temm.Vol. VII. Pl. 43.
583. Diomedea fuliginosaVol. VII. Pl. 44.
584. Diomedea gibbosa, Gould.

Face, ear-coverts, chin, abdomen, upper and under tail-coverts white; the remainder of the plumage very dark brown, approaching on the occiput, back of the neck and wings to black; bill yellowish horn-colour, becoming darker at the tip and at the base; feet in the dried specimen dark brown, but doubtless of a bluish grey, inclining to flesh-colour in the living bird.

The above is the description of a specimen in the collection of the Zoological Society of London, to which it was presented by F. Debell Bennett, Esq., who had procured it in the North Pacific. It differs from every other that has come under my notice in the peculiar swollen and raised form of the base of the upper mandible, which moreover advances high upon the forehead.

585. Diomedea olivaceorhyncha, Gould.

I propose this name for a species, examples of which are wanting to our collections, and of which a bill only has as yet come under my notice. It is in the possession of Sir Wm. Jardine, Bart., is 3 inches and ⅜ths long from the gape to the tip, of a uniform olive-green, and in form more slender and elegant than that of the other members of the genus. The locality in which it was procured is not known, but it is supposed to have been obtained in the China seas.

The last two species were not seen by me in the Australian seas, but are given in order to complete a monograph of the Diomedeæ.

Genus Procellaria, Linn.

Of the fifteen species I have placed in this genus as now restricted, figures of only eight have been given.

586. Procellaria giganteaVol. VII. Pl. 45.
587. Procellaria Æquinoctialis.
588. Procellaria conspicillata, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 46.
589. Procellaria hasitata, Kuhl.Vol. VII. Pl. 47.
590. Procellaria Atlantica, Gould.

Male: the whole of the plumage deep chocolate-black; bill and feet jet-black.

This is one of the commonest species inhabiting the Atlantic, and no ship passes between our shores and the Cape of Good Hope without encountering it; it is a species respecting which very considerable confusion exists in the writings of nearly all the older authors. It is the P. fuliginosa of Forster’s Drawings, No. 93 B, and the P. fuliginosa of Lichtenstein’s edition of Forster’s MSS. p. 23, which term cannot be retained, as it had already been applied by Latham to a very different bird from Otaheite; it is the P. grisea of Kuhl but not of Linnæus, who has given the term to another species, consequently grisea cannot be retained for it; and hence I have been induced to give it a new appellation, and thereby prevent misapprehension for the future.

591. Procellaria macroptera, Smith.

I think that a bird I killed in the seas off Van Diemen’s Land, where it was tolerably abundant, and which differs from the last in being of a larger size, in having much longer wings and a greyer face, may be identical with the P. macroptera of Smith, and I therefore retain it under that appellation, in preference to assigning it a new name.

592. Procellaria Solandri, Gould.

Head, back of the neck, shoulders, primaries and tail dark brown; back, wing-coverts and upper tail-coverts slate-grey, each feather margined with dark brown; face and all the under surface brown, washed with grey on the abdomen; bill, tarsi, toes and membranes black.

This is a remarkably robust and compact bird. I shot a single individual in Bass’s Straits on the 13th of March 1839. M. Natterer thought that it might be identical with the bird figured in Banks’s drawings, to which Dr. Solander has affixed the term melanopus, an opinion in which I cannot concur; I have therefore named it in honour of that celebrated botanist. The specimen above described may possibly not be fully adult, as the dark colouring of the under surface only occupies the extreme tips of the feathers, the basal portions of which are snow-white.

593. Procellaria Glacialoïdes, SmithVol. VII. Pl. 48.
594. Procellaria Lessonii, Garn.Vol. VII. Pl. 49.
595. Procellaria mollis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 50.
596. Procellaria Cookii, G. R. GrayVol. VII. Pl. 51.
597. Procellaria cœrulea, Gmel.Vol. VII. Pl. 52.
598. Procellaria flavirostris, Gould.

Feathers of the head and all the upper surface brown with pearl edges, fading into white on the tips of the upper tail-coverts; wings and tail deep blackish brown; all the under surface pure white; the feathers of the under surface of the shoulder with a streak of brown down the centre; bill yellow, passing into dark horn-colour at the tip; tarsi and feet fleshy white.

This fine species was procured off the Cape of Good Hope, in lat. 36° 39′ S., long. 10° 3′ E., by His Excellency Governor Grey, on his passage to South Australia. It is distinguished from its congeners by its much larger size, and by the yellow colouring of the bill. The female is somewhat smaller than her mate.

This bird so nearly approaches in form the members of the genus Puffinus, that it is almost questionable whether it should not be included in that group.

599. Procellaria nivea, Gmel.
600. Procellaria Antarctica, Gmel.

Genus Daption, Steph.

A genus established for the reception of the Procellaria Capensis of Linnæus, a species abounding in all the temperate latitudes of the southern seas.

601. Daption CapensisVol. VII. Pl. 53.

Genus Prion, Lacep.

A genus of fairy-like Petrels confined to the southern hemisphere: much confusion exists respecting these birds, and they are so puzzling that I regret to say I have not been able to throw any light upon the subject.

Of the following species two only have been figured:—

602. Prion TurturVol. VII. Pl. 54.
603. Prion vittatusVol. VII. Pl. 55.
604. Prion Banksii.

Found in the temperate latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific, and I believe in similar latitudes all round the globe.

605. Prion Ariel, Gould.

I killed this species in Bass’s Straits, where it was rather numerous.

Genus Puffinus, Briss.

The members of this genus inhabit the seas of both the northern and southern hemisphere, but are nowhere more abundant than round Australia, the fauna of which country comprises four species, which make one or other of the groups of islands lying off the coast their great nurseries or breeding-places.

606. Puffinus brevicaudus, BrandtVol. VII. Pl. 56.

It will be seen that I have alluded in forcible terms to the great abundance of this species in Bass’s Straits, in confirmation of which I annex the following extract from Flinders’ Voyage, vol. i. p. 170:—

“A large flock of Gannets was observed at daylight, and they were followed by such a number of the sooty petrels as we had never seen equalled. There was a stream of from fifty to eighty yards in depth, and of three hundred yards or more in breadth; the birds were not scattered, but were flying as compactly as a free movement of their wings seemed to allow; and during a full hour and a half this stream of Petrels continued to pass without interruption, at a rate little inferior to the swiftness of the Pigeon. On the lowest computation I think the number could not have been less than a hundred millions. Taking the stream to have been fifty yards deep by three hundred in width, and that it moved at the rate of thirty miles an hour, and allowing nine cubic yards of space to each bird, the number would amount to 151,500,000. The burrows required to lodge this quantity of birds would be 75,750,000; and allowing a square yard to each burrow, they would cover something more than 18½ geographic square miles of ground.”

607. Puffinus carneipes, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 57.
608. Puffinus sphenurus, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 58.
609. Puffinus assimilis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 59.

Genus Puffinuria, Less.

One species of this genus inhabits the Australian seas.

610. Puffinuria UrinatrixVol. VII. Pl. 60.

Genus Thalassidroma, Vig.

The little tenants of the ocean belonging to this genus are so universally dispersed, that they are found in all the seas except those of the very high latitudes of both hemispheres. The Australian fauna is particularly rich in birds of this form, inasmuch as no less than five distinct species frequent the seas which wash the shores of that country.

611. Thalassidroma marina, Less.Vol. VII. Pl. 61.
612. Thalassidroma melanogaster, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 62.
613. Thalassidroma leucogaster, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 63.
    Thalassidroma Tropica, Gould.

Head, back, wings, tail and breast dark sooty black; chin, under coverts of the wings, abdomen, flanks, under tail-coverts, and a broad crescent-shaped band across the upper tail-coverts snow-white; bill, feet and legs black.

Total length, 7¾ inches; bill, ⅞; wing, 6½; tail, 3½; tarsi, 1¾; middle toe and nail, 1¼.

I observed this species in the Atlantic, where it is confined to the equatorial regions, being most abundant in the vicinity of the line. It is the largest member of the genus with which I am acquainted, and is rendered very conspicuous by the white mark on its throat.

614. Thalassidroma Nereis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 64.
615. Thalassidroma Wilsonii, Bonap.Vol. VII. Pl. 65.

Family PELECANIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Phalacrocorax, Briss.

The great family of the Cormorants, whose range is universal, are well represented in Australia, since five species inhabit and are peculiar to that country, where they perform precisely the same offices as the other species of the genus do in Europe and America.

616. Phalacrocorax Carboïdes, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 66.
617. Phalacrocorax sulcirostrisVol. VII. Pl. 67.
618. Phalacrocorax hypoleucusVol. VII. Pl. 68.
619. Phalacrocorax leucogaster, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 69.
620. Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, Vieill.Vol. VII. Pl. 70.
621. Phalacrocorax punctatusVol. VII. Pl. 71.

Genus Attagen, Mœhr.

Although I have figured but one, there are evidently two if not three species of this genus which visit the Australian shores; but I have not had sufficient opportunities to investigate the subject satisfactorily.

622. Attagen Ariel, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 72.
623. Attagen Aquila?

Genus Phaëton, Linn.

The beautiful species of this form which graces the fauna of Australia, ranges over the greater part of the Pacific Ocean, and among other places retires to Norfolk Island and Raine’s Islet for the purpose of breeding.

624. Phaëton phœnicurusVol. VII. Pl. 73.

Genus Pelecanus, Linn.

The members of this genus are very widely dispersed, since every great country has one or more species assigned to it. That inhabiting Australia is as fine and as beautifully marked as any other member of the group.

625. Pelecanus conspicillatus, Temm.Vol. VII. Pl. 74.

Genus Plotus, Linn.

Asia, Africa, America and Australia are each tenanted by a species of this genus, the members of which, although few in number, are not well understood nor are their specific differences easily decyphered.

626. Plotus Novæ-Hollandiæ, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 75.

Genus Sula, Briss.

Four fine species of this genus appertain to the Australian fauna, since they not only frequent the seas adjacent to the shores of that country, but all of them resort to its rocks and islands for the purpose of breeding.

The genus comprises several other species which inhabit the sea coasts of nearly every part of the globe.

627. Sula Australis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 76.

Inhabits the southern coast of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land, and is a beautiful representative of the Sula Bassana and S. melanura of Europe.

628. Sula personata, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 77.

Common on the east coast.

629. Sula fusca, Briss.Vol. VII. Pl. 78.

“This species of Booby,” says Mr. M’Gillivray, “is generally distributed on the north-east and north coasts of New Holland; but I found it breeding only upon Bramble Key, although I once, on Raine’s Islet, found a solitary egg. The nest is slovenly made of dried herbage, a foot in diameter, with scarcely any cavity, and contains two eggs, of which in every instance one was clean and the other very dirty. The eggs, which are white, vary considerably in size. The largest measured 28
12 inches by 17
12; the smallest 24½
12 by 17½
12, and one of average size, 2½ by 1¾ inches. Both sexes incubate, and the birds while sitting on their eggs allowed of a very near approach, and before flying off disgorged the contents of their stomachs, chiefly a species of Clupea or herring. I need scarcely add that their bite is very severe. During our visits to Darnley Island I observed several tame Boobies among the native villages, generally perched on the canoes hauled up on the beach. These birds were allowed their full liberty, and after fishing in the weirs upon the reefs until they had procured a sufficiency of food, returned to the huts.”

Inhabits the north coast.

630. Sula piscator, Linn.Vol. VII. Pl. 79.

Inhabits the north coast.

Family COLYMBIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Podiceps, Lath.

There is no country of any extent wherein Grebes are not to be found; and as their wing-powers are very limited, they are mostly stationary.

I have elsewhere remarked how beautifully the European Grebes are represented by those inhabiting Australia, and the truth of this remark will be rendered at once apparent on reference to the Plates of the following species:—

631. Podiceps Australis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 80.
632. Podiceps gularis, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 81.
633. Podiceps poliocephalus, Jard. & Selb.Vol. VII. Pl. 82.

Family SPHENISCIDÆ, Gould.

Of this southern group of birds three or four species have been known to visit the shores of Van Diemen’s Land and the islands in Bass’s Straits, which, in fact, constitute one of the great breeding-places of some of the members of this family.

Genus Eudyptes, Vieill.

634. Eudyptes chrysocomeVol. VII. Pl. 83.

Genus Spheniscus, Briss.

635. Spheniscus minor, Temm.Vol. VII. Pl. 84.
636. Spheniscus Undina, GouldVol. VII. Pl. 85.