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, Gould | Vol. VI. Pl. 49. |
| 506. Platalea regia, Gould | Vol. 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.