Its powers of progression on the ground are considerable, and are only equalled by those of flight; when disturbed it flies across the plain to the belts of lofty trees, among the branches of which it appears to be quite as much at ease as upon the ground. During flight the white mark on the rump is very conspicuous, and may be seen at a considerable distance.
The food consists of insects and seeds of various kinds.
That its range extends over the whole of the interior of Australia is more than probable, as I have lately received a specimen from Swan River, in which part of the country it doubtless inhabits localities similar to those it frequents on the east coast.
Of its nidification I regret to say nothing is at present known.
The sexes, which exhibit no external differences, may be thus described:—
Head, neck, chest and back delicate grey, becoming darker on the ear-coverts; rump and abdomen white, crossed by narrow irregular bars of black; under tail-coverts white; wings and tail black, the latter having the tips of the outer and the basal portion of all the feathers white; bill and feet black, tinged with olive; irides butty white.
The figures are of the natural size.
CAMPEPHAGA JARDINII.
J. Gould and H. C. Richter del et lith. Hullmandel & Walton Imp.