THE LONG-BILLED NANDU.
The LONG-BILLED NANDU (Rhea macrorhyncha) is distinguished from the species above described by its dark brown plumage, which on the lower neck is nearly black, and on the upper neck of a whitish grey colour.
THE DWARF NANDU.
The DWARF NANDU (Rhea Darwinii) is smaller than the preceding; its plumage is principally of a light brownish grey, each feather being enlivened by a whitish edge. This species, which is named after Mr. Darwin, was first heard of by him in North Patagonia, where it is called the avestruy petise. The eggs were well known to the Indians, who described them as being a little smaller than those of the Common Rhea, but of a slightly different form, and of a blue tinge. Several of these birds were met with at Santa Cruz in parties of four or five, or in pairs. Unlike the more northern species, they did not spread their wings when starting at full speed.
THE EMU (Dromæus Novæ Hollandiæ).
The EMUS (Dromæus), a group of strange and interesting birds inhabiting Australia, form as it were the connecting link between the Ostrich and the Cassowary, nearly resembling the former in their general appearance, but differing from it in the comparative shortness of their legs and neck, and the less prominent development of the hinder parts of the body. The beak is straight, compressed at its sides, round at its extremity, and furnished with a ridge at its culmen; the large nostrils are covered with a skin and situated in the centre of the bill. The wings and tail are but slightly developed, the strong legs are covered with scales, and the foot furnished with three toes armed with powerful claws. At a distance the plumage somewhat resembles hair, the webs of the feathers being all loose and separate; as is the case with the Ostrich, they take their origin by pairs from the same shaft. The wings are clothed with feathers exactly resembling those of the back, which divide from a middle line and fall gracefully over on either side. The entire plumage is of a dull brown, mottled with dirty grey; the feathers on the head and neck becoming gradually shorter, and so thinly placed, that the purplish hue of the skin of the throat and a patch round the ears is perfectly visible. The sexes differ but little in size, and are alike in colour. We have to thank Dr. Bennett for the first full account of these remarkable birds, drawn from observation of several kept about his own house. With their life in a wild state we are unfortunately but little acquainted, except that they frequent the open plains in large flocks, and are especially numerous about Botany Bay and Port Jackson.
THE EMU.