| 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.—