The members of the genus Dacelo comprise the largest species of the great family of the Halcyonidæ, and form a conspicuous portion of the ornithology of Australia; but remarkably enough are confined to the south-eastern and northern portions of the country, the south-western parts being uninhabited by any species of this group. I believe that water is not essential to their existence, and that they seldom if ever drink. They feed almost exclusively upon animal substances, small quadrupeds, birds, snakes, lizards, and insects of every kind being equally acceptable.
Three species inhabit Australia.
| 57. Dacelo gigantea | [Vol. II. ] Pl. 18. |
Inhabits the south-eastern portion of Australia, from South Australia to Moreton Bay.
| 58. Dacelo Leachii, Vig. & Horsf. | [Vol. II. ] Pl. 19. |
Inhabits the north-eastern portion of Australia, and is common at Cape York.
| 59. Dacelo cervina, Gould | [Vol. II. ] Pl. 20. |
Inhabits the north-western parts of Australia, particularly the Cobourg Peninsula.
In his ‘Journal of an Overland Expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington,’ Dr. Leichardt states that when near the Gulf of Carpentaria, “The laughing jackass (Dacelo Cervina, Gould) of this part of the country is of a different species from that of the eastern coast, is of a smaller size and speaks a different language; but the noise is by no means so ridiculous as that of Dacelo gigantea; he is heard before sunrise, and immediately after sunset, like his representative of the eastern coast; the latter was observed as far as the upper Lynd, where the new one made its appearance.”—P. 326.