Bill as long, or longer than the head, slightly incurved, compressed laterally; the tip of the upper mandible overhanging the under; notch considerably removed from the tip; tomia or cutting edges sharp; nostrils basal, oval; rictus beset with a few short hairs; wings moderately long and rigid, first quill very short, the fourth and fifth nearly equal, and the longest; tail rather short and square, the feathers rigid, and running to a point exteriorly; tarsi moderate, scales entire; toes slender, particularly the hinder one; outer toes nearly equal, but the inner one rather the shortest; general plumage silky to the touch; the rump-feathers spinous, as in Ceblepyris and Graucalus.
Species of this genus inhabit India, the Indian Islands and Australia, in which latter country, although much difference in size is observable in specimens from different localities, I believe only one exists. It is decidedly a brush bird, and has many habits in common with the typical Thrushes, but is more shy and retiring.
| 257. Oreocincla lunulata | Vol. IV. Pl. 7. |
Family PARADISEIDÆ, G. R. Gray.
I certainly consider the accounts I have given of the extraordinary habits of the Chlamyderæ and Ptilonorhynchi as some of the most valuable and interesting portions of my work, and however incredible they may appear I am happy to say they have been fully confirmed by other observers.
Genus Chlamydera, Gould.
Generic characters.
Bill moderate, culmen elevated, and arched to the tip which is emarginated, compressed on the sides; gonys slightly advancing upwards; nostrils basal, lateral, exposed, rounded, and pierced in a membrane; wings long and pointed, first primary short, second primary shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal, and the longest; tail long and slightly rounded; tarsi robust, defended anteriorly with broad scuta; toes long and strong; outer toe longer than the inner, hind-toe long and robust; claws long, curved, and acute.
| 258. Chlamydera maculata, Gould | Vol. IV. Pl. 8. |
Inhabits South Australia, New South Wales, and according to Mr. Gilbert’s Journal of his overland journey to Port Essington, the intertropical regions of the east coast.