54. CRYSOCOCCYX LUCIDUS.--The shining Cuckoo.
This is the smallest of the Cuckoo tribe, and is known by the metallic lustre of its wings. It is beautifully figured in Mr. Gould's work. It was frequently seen in the interior.
55. CLIMACTERIS SCANDENS, TEMM.--Brown Tree-Creeper.
This creeper was, with another Climacteris Picumnus, common in the pine forests and on the open box-tree flats all over the interior. It is not a showy bird in any way, but is very active and indefatigable in its search for insects. It is remarkable that no Picus has been found in Australia.
56. ACROCEPHALUS AUSTRALIS.--The reed singing Bird.
This beautiful warbler is common in south-eastern Australia, wherever there are reeds by the banks of the rivers or creeks, but where they were wanting its voice was silent. On the banks of the Murray and the Darling its note was to be heard during the greater part of the night, almost equal to that of the nightingale, and like that delightful bird, its plumage is any thing but brilliant, it is however somewhat larger, and although its general shade is brown, it has a light shade of yellow in the breast that makes it brighter in its plumage than the European songster.
57. HYLACOLA PYRHOPYGIA.
A common species inhabiting scrubs.
58. HYLACOLA CAUTA, GOULD.
A small bush bird, common to the belts of the Murray and other similar localities.