Order INSESSORES, Vig.

Family CAPRIMULGIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Ægotheles, Vig. & Horsf.

The known species of this genus are two in number, both of which, so far as has yet been ascertained, are confined to Australia. In many of their actions, and in their nidification, they are very owl-like, depositing, like those birds, their four or five round white eggs in the hollows of trees, without any nest.

38. Ægotheles Novæ-Hollandiæ Vol. II. Pl. 1.

Inhabits the whole of the southern parts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

39. Ægotheles leucogaster, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 2.

Inhabits the northern or intertropical parts of Australia, where it represents the Æ. Novæ-Hollandiæ.

Genus Podargus, Cuv.

With no one group of the Australian birds have I had so much difficulty in discriminating the species as the genus Podargus. It is almost impossible to determine with certainty the older species described by Latham; could this have been done satisfactorily, even in a single instance, it would have greatly facilitated the investigation of the remainder. Messrs. Vigors and Horsfield regarded the specimens in the Linnean Collection as referable to three species, and have described them under the names of Stanleyanus, humeralis, and Cuvieri; Latham’s description of the species named by him megacephalus accords so well with the P. Stanleyanus, that I suspect both those terms have been applied to one and the same species, an opinion strengthened by Latham’s remarks as to the great size of the head and mandibles of his bird, the total length of which he states to be thirty inches, which is evidently an error.

After examining a large number of specimens comprising individuals of all ages, I have come to the conclusion that the Australian members of this genus constitute six species; four of which, namely, P. megacephalus, P. humeralis, P. Cuvieri, and P. brachypterus, are most closely allied to each other; and two, namely, P. plumiferus and P. Phalænoides, which present specific characters that cannot be mistaken. We have then in Australia a large group of nocturnal birds of this form destined, as it would seem, to keep in check the great families of Cicadæ and Phasmidæ, upon which they mainly subsist; but they do not refuse other insects, and even berries have been found in their stomachs. They are an inanimate and sluggish group of birds, and do not procure their food on the wing so much as other Caprimulgi, but obtain it by traversing the branches of the various trees upon which their favourite insects reside; at intervals during the night they sit about in open places, on rails, stumps of trees, on the roofs of houses and on the tombstones in the churchyards, and by superstitious persons are regarded as omens of death, their hoarse disagreeable voice adding not a little to the terrors induced by their presence.

In their nidification the Podargi differ in a most remarkable manner from all the other Caprimulgidæ, inasmuch as while the eggs of the Ægothelæ are deposited in the holes of trees, and those of the members of the other genera of this family on the ground, these birds construct a flat nest of small sticks on the horizontal branches of trees for the reception of theirs, which are moreover of the purest white.

Although I have no satisfactory evidence that these birds resort to a kind of hybernation for short periods during some portions of the year, I must not omit to mention that I have been assured that they do occasionally retire to and remain secluded in the hollow parts of the trees; and if such should prove to be the case, it may account for the extreme obesity of many of the individuals I procured, which was often so great as to prevent me from preserving their skins. I trust that these remarks will cause the subject to be investigated by those who are xxviiifavourably situated for so doing; for my own part I see no reason why a bird should not pass a portion of its existence in a state of hybernation as well as some species of quadrupeds, animals much higher in the scale of creation.

So great a similarity in plumage reigns throughout the first four of the species enumerated below that I have thought it unnecessary to figure more than two, viz. P. humeralis and P. Cuvieri; the other two may be readily distinguished by the descriptions I have given of them, particularly if the localities be attended to.

40. Podargus megacephalus.

Caprimulgus megacephalus, Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp., p. lviii.

Great-headed Goatsucker, Lath. Gen. Syn. Supp., vol. ii. p. 265.—Shaw, Gen. Zool., vol. x. p. 141.—Lath. Gen. Hist., vol. vii. p. 364.

Wedge-tailed Goatsucker, Lath. Gen. Hist., vol. vii. p. 368?

Podargus Stanleyanus, Lath. MSS., Vig. & Horsf. in Linn. Trans., vol. xv. p. 197?

In the general colouring, form and arrangement of its markings, this species so closely resembles the P. humeralis, that one description applies equally to both; but it may be distinguished by its being somewhat larger in the body and much larger in the head, and by the very great development of the mandibles.

It inhabits the brushes of the east coast, and in its habits and economy resembles the other species of the group.

41. Podargus humeralis, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 3.

42. Podargus Cuvieri, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 4.

43. Podargus brachypterus, Gould.

Podargus brachypterus, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part VIII. p. 163.

In its general appearance this bird closely resembles the P. humeralis, but is even smaller in size than P. Cuvieri, while at the same time the bill is larger than that of the former species, and projects much farther from the face than in any other of its congeners; it also differs in the shortness of its wings, which circumstance suggested the specific appellation I have assigned to it.

It is a native of Western Australia.

44. Podargus Phalænoïdes, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 5.

45. Podargus plumiferus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 6.

Genus Eurostopodus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill somewhat more produced and stouter than in Caprimulgus; nostrils lateral and linear; rictus entirely devoid of bristles, but furnished with short, weak, divided and branching hairs; wings longer and more powerful than in Caprimulgus; first and second quills equal and longest; tail moderately long and nearly square; tarsi stout, and clothed anteriorly for their whole length; toes short, thick and fleshy; outer ones equal, and united to the middle one by a membrane for more than half their length; nail of the middle toe strongly pectinated on the inner side.

This genus, so far as is yet known, comprises but two species, both of which are natives of and confined to Australia. They differ considerably in their habits from the true Caprimulgi. Their wing-powers being enormous, they pass through the air with great rapidity, and while hawking for insects during the twilight of the early dawn and evening, they make the most abrupt and sudden turns in order to secure their prey. Like the typical Caprimulgi, they rest on the ground during the day. In every instance in which the site employed for incubation has been discovered, a single egg only has been found; it is deposited on the bare ground, and differs from those of the other Caprimulgi in being much more round in form, and of a dull olive-green spotted with jet black.

The members of this genus are very nearly allied to the Lyncorni, a group of birds inhabiting the Indian Islands.

46. Eurostopodus albogularis Vol. II. Pl. 7.

47. Eurostopodus guttatus Vol. II. Pl. 8.

Fichtel’s Goatsucker, Lath. Gen. Hist., vol. vii. p. 345.

xxix

Genus Caprimulgus, Linn.

Europe, Asia and Africa are the great strongholds of the members of this genus as at present restricted. A single species only has yet been discovered in Australia, where it frequents the northern or intertropical parts of the country.

48. Caprimulgus macrurus, Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 9.

This bird is found in Java, and I believe in Southern India.

Family HIRUNDINIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Acanthylis, Boie.

A group of birds possessing enormous powers of flight, and the members of which are distributed over the Indian Islands and Asia; the form is also found in Africa and in America, but in those countries the species are fewer in number: one species only has yet been discovered in Australia.

49. Acanthylis caudacuta Vol. II. Pl. 10.

A migratory bird in most parts of Australia, but whence it comes or whither it goes has not yet been ascertained; of its nidification also nothing is known.

I have alluded to the great wing-powers of the birds of the genus Acanthylis, and in confirmation of which I may mention that an individual of this species was killed in England during the past year: it would be interesting to know the route pursued by the bird in travelling so great a distance as it must have done.

Genus Cypselus, Ill.

Of this genus, as of Acanthylis, there is but one species peculiar to Australia: other members of the group inhabit the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, but not America.

50. Cypselus Australis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 11.

Hirundo pacifica, Lath.?

Genus Atticora, Boie.

The members of this genus are principally American.

I am not fully satisfied of the propriety of placing the bird I described in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ as Hirundo leucosternon in the present genus: if on a further knowledge of the Australian birds it should prove that I have been correct in so doing, the species will be found to inhabit Australia, Africa and America.

51. Atticora leucosternon, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 12.

Since I described and figured this species I have received numerous examples from Swan River, where Mr. Gilbert observed it on the 19th of August flying about the holes of the Boodee (Bettongia Grayii) in pairs; but it was not until the latter end of September that he succeeded in finding their nests placed at the extremities of holes bored in the side of a bank. All the holes that he saw were perfectly round, not more than two inches in diameter, running horizontally, and of the same dimensions, for three feet from the entrance, and then expanding to the extent of four inches and forming the receptacle of the nest, which is constructed of the broad portions of dried grasses and the dry dead leaves of the Acacia. Mr. Johnson Drummond informed him that he had frequently found seven and even nine eggs in a single nest, from which he inferred that more than one female lays in the same nest: the eggs are white, somewhat lengthened, and pointed in form. It would seem that the holes are not constructed exclusively for the purpose of nidification, for upon Mr. Gilbert’s inserting a long grass stalk into one of them five birds made their way out, all of which he succeeded in catching; upon his digging to the extremity in the hope of procuring their eggs, no nest was found, and hence he concludes that their holes are also used as places of resort for the night.

xxx

Genus Hirundo, Linn.

The members of the genus Hirundo, or true Swallows, inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, where the European and American chimney Swallows, Hirundo rustica and H. rufa, are beautifully represented by the H. neoxena.

52. Hirundo neoxena, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 13.

Hirundo neoxena, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part X. p. 113.

Genus Chelidon, Boie.

I find that by some unaccountable mistake I have placed the Australian members of this genus in that of Collocalia,—an error which I take this opportunity of correcting.

The two species inhabiting Australia are both represented by others in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. They differ somewhat from each other in habits, one always resorting to the holes of trees for the purpose of nidification, and the other building a clay nest similar to those constructed by the martins of Europe and America.

53. Chelidon arborea.

Collocalia arborea, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 14.

54. Chelidon Ariel.

Collocalia Ariel, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 15.

Family MEROPIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Merops, Linn.

India and Africa may be said to be the great nursery of this lovely group of birds; one species of which, common in the southern parts of Europe, is beautifully represented in Australia by the Merops ornatus, the only species inhabiting that country.

55. Merops ornatus, Lath. Vol. II. Pl. 16.

Family ——?

Genus Eurystomus, Vieill.

One species of this genus is found in Australia, and others inhabit India and Africa. They are closely allied to the Rollers, and not very distantly related to the Halcyons.

56. Eurystomus Australis, Swains. Vol. II. Pl. 17.

Family HALCYONIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Dacelo, Leach.

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 xxxiexclusively 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.

Genus Halcyon, Swains.

The members of this genus, as now restricted, are found in all the islands of the Indian Archipelago, Australia, and New Zealand. The Australian species, which are four in number, have many habits in common with the Dacelos, and like them dwell among other places on the open plains, far away from water, and consequently must live for considerable periods without a supply of that element.

60. Halcyon sanctus, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 21.

61. Halcyon pyrrhopygia, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 22.

Captain Sturt found this species at the Depôt, and I have received specimens from the Swan River Settlement; consequently it has a very wide range, but is more an inhabitant of the interior than of the districts near the coast.

62. Halcyon sordidus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 23.

63. Halcyon MacLeayii, Jard. & Selb. Vol. II. Pl. 24.

Independently of the Cobourg Peninsula, I have received specimens of this bird from Moreton Bay and other parts of the east coast.

Genus Alcyone, Swains.

The Australian members of this genus are so intimately allied that I have only deemed it necessary to figure two species, viz. Alcyone azurea and A. pusilla; the two species not figured are both nearly allied to A. azurea, and may be considered its northern and southern prototypes, since the one to which I have given the name of pulchra inhabits the north coast, and the other, which I have called Diemenensis, inhabits Van Diemen’s Land. The A. azurea inhabits the intermediate or rather the south-eastern portions of the country, but no species of the genus has yet been found in Western Australia. They all frequent the margins of rivers, and live on small fish and insects, and have many habits in common with the members of the genus Alcedo, of which the Kingfisher of Europe, A. Ispida, is the type. Although some species are found in New Guinea and the Indian Islands, Australia is the country in which birds of this form are most abundant.

64. Alcyone azurea Vol. II. Pl. 25.

65. Alcyone Diemenensis, Gould.

Alcyone Diemenensis, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XIV. p. 19.

All the upper surface deep blue, becoming more vivid on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wings black xxxiiwashed with blue; throat buff; under surface of the body and wings ferruginous orange; on each side of the chest a patch of bluish black; lores and a small patch behind the ears buff; crown of the head indistinctly barred with black; irides and bill black; feet orange. Total length 6½ inches; bill, 2; wing, 3⅛; tail, 1¾; tarsi, ½.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land.

More robust than Alcyone azurea, or A. pulchra, and differing from both in the blue of the upper surface being tinged with green.

66. Alcyone pulchra, Gould.

Alcyone pulchra, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XIV. p. 19.

All the upper surface shining purplish blue; wings brownish black; lores, tuft behind the ear, and throat buff; under surface deep ferruginous orange; sides of the chest fine purplish blue, passing into a rich vinous tint on the flanks; irides and bill black; feet orange. Total length 6 inches; bill, 2; wing, 2⅞; tail, 1½; tarsi ½.

Inhabits the north coast of Australia.

This is the finest coloured species of the Australian Alcyones, and is distinguished by the beautiful vinous colouring of the flanks.

67. Alcyone pusilla Vol. II. Pl. 26.

Family ——?

Genus Artamus, Vieill.

The members of this singular genus are distributed over New Guinea, Ceram, the Indian Islands and the continent of India, but are more numerous in Australia than elsewhere, its fauna comprising no less than seven well-defined species.

68. Artamus sordidus Vol. II. Pl. 27.

69. Artamus minor, Vieill. Vol. II. Pl. 28.

Mr. Gilbert found this species breeding in the interior of the country during Dr. Leichardt’s overland journey to Port Essington.

70. Artamus cinereus, Vieill. Vol. II. Pl. 29.

71. Artamus albiventris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 30.

72. Artamus personatus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 31.

73. Artamus superciliosus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 32.

74. Artamus leucopygialis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 33.

Family ——?

Genus Dicæum, Cuv.

The continent of India, the Indian Islands and New Guinea are the countries in which the members of this genus abound; as yet only a single species has been found in Australia.

75. Dicæum hirundinaceum Vol. II. Pl. 34.

Family PIPRIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Pardalotus, Vieill.

This form is peculiar to Australia, in every portion of which great country, including Van Diemen’s Land, one or other of the species I have figured are to be found; some of them associated in the same district, and even inhabiting the same trees, while in other parts only a single species exists; for instance, the P. punctatus, xxxiiiP. quadragintus and P. affinis inhabit Van Diemen’s Land; on the whole of the southern coast of the continent from east to west P. punctatus and P. striatus are associated; the north coast is the cradle of the species I have called P. uropygialis, and the east coast that of P. melanocephalus, from both of which countries the others are excluded; the true habitat of the beautiful species I have figured and described as P. rubricatus is not yet known.

The seven species of this little group are each individually very numerous, which, together with their general distribution, may enable them to effect some important operation in the economy of nature; their chief food consisting of the larvæ of insects.

76. Pardalotus punctatus Vol. II. Pl. 35.

77. Pardalotus rubricatus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 36.

78. Pardalotus quadragintus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 37.

79. Pardalotus striatus Vol. II. Pl. 38.

80. Pardalotus affinis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 39.

81. Pardalotus melanocephalus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 40.

82. Pardalotus uropygialis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 41.

Family LANIADÆ, Vig.

Genus Strepera, Less.

Prior to the commencement of the present work only two species of this form (S. graculina and S. Anaphonensis) had been described, and these had been referred to a different genus by almost every author who had occasion to mention them; the older writers assigning them to Corvus, Coracias and Gracula, and the more modern ones to Cracticus and Barita: finding that their structure did not agree with the character of either of those genera, I (in 1837) proposed to make the first-mentioned species the type of a new genus (Coronica), not being aware at the time that this had been done some years before by M. Lesson, whose name, having the priority, is necessarily the one adopted.

My researches in Australia have enabled me to add four other species to the group, three possessing well-defined specific characters, and one, the distinctive markings of which are not so apparent, but which, in my opinion, is equally distinct; the specific characters of some groups of birds are, in fact, so difficult to be determined, both from the similarity of the species and the want of a knowledge of their natural habits, as to cause the naturalist no little trouble and research in properly distinguishing them; and to no group does this remark more strongly apply than to the one under consideration; the ample materials, however, at my command, and the possession of a large number of specimens, the sexes of which have all been ascertained by dissection, and the habits of which have been observed in their native localities, enables me to give as perfect an account of this curious group as any I have yet attempted.

On a careful examination of the members of this genus, it will be perceived that their relationship to the Corvidæ, to which they have been usually assigned, is very remote, their size and colour being, in fact, the only features of resemblance; their whole structure and economy is indeed very different from those of every other bird known, except those of Gymnorhina and Cracticus, with which genera they form a very natural group among the great family of Laniadæ or Shrikes.

All the species yet discovered are not only peculiar to Australia, but are strictly confined to the southern portion of that continent; their range being limited to the country comprised within the 25th and 40th degrees of south latitude; future research may, however, add both to the number of species and to the extent of their range; still their great stronghold is undoubtedly the most southern portion of the Australian continent, the islands of Bass’s Straits and Van Diemen’s Land.

Most of these birds seek their food on or near the ground, sometimes in swampy situations, and even on the sea-shore, at others on the most sterile plains far distant from water; grasshoppers and insects of every order are eaten by them with avidity, and to these grain, seeds and fruits are frequently added; they hop with remarkable agility over the broken surface of the ground, and leap from branch to branch with great alacrity: their flight is xxxivfeeble and protracted, and they seldom mount high in the air, except for the purpose of crossing a gully, or for passing from one part of the forest to another, and then merely over the tops of the trees; during flight they usually utter a peculiar shrill cry, which is frequently repeated and answered by other birds of the same troop, for they mostly flit about in small companies of from four to six in number, apparently the parents and their offspring of the year. All the species occasionally descend to the cultivated grounds, orchards and gardens of the settlers, and commit considerable havoc among their fruits and grain; in many parts of Australia, particularly in Van Diemen’s Land, they form an article of food, and are considered good and even delicate eating. They usually build open cup-shaped nests as large as that of the Crow, composed of sticks and other coarse materials, lined with grasses or any other suitable substance that may be at hand; the eggs are generally three, but are sometimes four, in number. The sexes are similar in plumage, and the young assume the livery of the adult from the time they leave the nest.

83. Strepera graculina Vol. II. Pl. 42.

84. Strepera fuliginosa, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 43.

85. Strepera Arguta, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 44.

86. Strepera Anaphonensis Vol. II. Pl. 45.

Corvus versicolor, Lath.?

87. Strepera melanoptera, Gould.

Strepera melanoptera, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XIV. p. 20.

All the upper surface, wings, and tail black; under surface brownish black, tinged with grey on the abdomen; under tail-coverts and tips of all but the two centre tail-feathers white; irides yellow; bill and feet black.

Total length, 19 inches; bill, 2; wings, 11; tail, 9; tarsi, 2⅝.

This species inhabits South Australia, and is distinguished from all its congeners by the total absence of any white mark on the wings; in other respects it is so similar to S. Arguta, that I have not considered it necessary to give a figure of it.

Genus Gymnorhina, G. R. Gray.

Like Strepera this is strictly an Australian form, all the species of which frequent exclusively the southern parts of the country. Their structure is a mere modification of that of the members of the last genus adapted to a somewhat different mode of life and habits. They are more pastoral than the Streperæ, frequenting as they do the open plains and grassy downs, over which they run or rather hop with great facility. Their chief food consists of grasshoppers and other insects, to which berries and fruits are added, when such kinds of food are procurable. If unmolested in their natural haunts they may be considered a more familiar race than the Streperæ, but if persecuted they become extremely shy and distrustful. Few birds are more ornamental, or give a more animated appearance to the country than the members of this genus, either when running over the surface of the lawn-like ground, or when pouring forth their singular choral-like notes while perched together on the bare branches of a fallen Eucalyptus. The form and situation of the nest is the same as those of the Streperæ, larger, but not unlike that of the European Crow.

Specimens of this form from Western Australia exhibit some trifling differences, but I have not as yet been able to satisfy myself whether they are or are not distinct.

88. Gymnorhina Tibicen Vol. II. Pl. 46.

89. Gymnorhina leuconota, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 47.

90. Gymnorhina organicum, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 48.

Genus Cracticus, Vieill.

The members of this genus, which are universally dispersed over Australia, prey upon small quadrupeds, birds, lizards and insects, which they frequently impale after the manner of the ordinary Shrikes. Their xxxvnidification resembles that of the species belonging to the genera Strepera and Gymnorhina, the nest being a large round structure placed among the branches of the trees, and the eggs four in number. So great a similarity exists between the birds inhabiting New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land, and Swan River, that I have thought it unnecessary to figure the whole, but the annexed descriptions, with a due attention to the localities, will obviate all difficulty in determining the species.

91. Cracticus nigrogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 49.

Lanius robustus, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. ii. p. 67?

92. Cracticus picatus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 50.

93. Cracticus argenteus, Gould Vol. II. Pl 51.

94. Cracticus destructor Vol. II. Pl. 52.

Lanius curvirostris, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. ii. p. 52.

Lanius torquatus, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. ii. p. 70.

95. Cracticus cinereus, Gould.

Vanga cinerea, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part IV. p. 143.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land, and may be distinguished from C. destructor by its much longer bill, and, when fully adult, by its grey back.

96. Cracticus leucopterus, Gould.

Inhabits Western Australia; is of the same size as C. destructor, but has the white mark on the wings much larger and more clearly defined.

97. Cracticus Quoyii Vol. II. Pl. 53.

Genus Grallina, Vieill.

Only one species of this genus is at present known. It is peculiar to Australia, over every portion of which country it is dispersed; and it may be considered one of the anomalies of the Australian ornithology, since its alliance to any group of birds with which we are acquainted is very remote.

98. Grallina Australis Vol. II. Pl. 54.

Genus Graucalus, Cuv.

The woods of every part of the Old World from India to Australia are tenanted by species of this genus, which, from their great size, their being strictly insectivorous, and individually very numerous, must tend to keep insect life in check, and consequently perform a most important part in the economy of nature.

In my description of Graucalus melanops, I have stated that New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land, Swan River and Port Essington, are each inhabited by Grauculi so nearly allied to each other that it was questionable whether they were not one and the same species, and that the slight differences they present were attributable to some peculiarity in the districts they inhabit; after much attention to the subject, I have been induced to regard the Van Diemen’s Land bird as distinct, and I have therefore assigned it a name, parvirostris; those of the other countries appear to be local varieties or races peculiar to their respective habitats.

All the members of the group build a flat slight nest of fine short dead twigs, curiously joined together with cobwebs, on which they lay two eggs.

99. Graucalus melanops Vol. II. Pl. 55.

Graucalus melanotis, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part V. p. 143; and in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part IV. Young.

100. Graucalus parvirostris, Gould.

Graucalus parvirostris, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part V. p. 143; and Syn. Birds of Australia, Part. IV.

Forehead, sides of the face and the throat jet black; crown of the head, all the upper surface and centre of xxxvithe wings delicate grey; primaries and the inner webs of the secondaries deep brownish black, the former narrowly and the latter broadly margined with greyish white; tail grey at the base, passing into deep brownish black and largely tipped with white, the grey colour predominating on the two centre feathers, which are destitute of the white tips; chest grey, into which the black of the throat gradually passes; lower part of the abdomen, under surface of the wing and under tail-coverts white; flanks and thighs grey; bill and feet brownish black.

Total length, 12 inches; bill, 1½; wing, 7½; tail, 6; tarsi, 1.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land.

101. Graucalus mentalis, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 56.

102. Graucalus hypoleucus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 57.

103. Graucalus Swainsonii, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 58.

Genus Pteropodocys, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill small, shorter than the head, nearly cylindrical; tomia curved and pointing downwards; a well-defined notch at the extremity of the upper mandible; nostrils basal, round, and covered with the short feathers of the forehead; wings long and pointed, the fourth feather the longest; tail lengthened, the four middle and the lateral feather on each side shorter than the rest; tarsi long, stout; toes rather short, the inner toe longer than the outer one, hind-toe large and lengthened, the toe and nail nearly equalling in length the middle toe and nail.

The general structure of the only known species of this form resembles that of Graucalus and of Campephaga, but the bill is so small as to be quite out of proportion with the body; its lengthened wings and tarsi adapt it both for flight and for moving rapidly over the surface of the ground.

104. Pteropodocys Phasianellus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 59.

Inhabits the whole of the interior of Southern Australia from east to west; the extent of its range northward has not been ascertained. It has many habits in common with the Graucali; but while those birds are destined for the trees the present bird is adapted for the ground, where it procures and feeds upon insects of various genera, particularly locusts and grasshoppers. It frequents the open plains in small companies of from three to six or eight in number, and is very animated in its actions, but at the same time most cautious and shy.

Genus Campephaga, Vieill.

The members of this genus are spread over India and the Indian Islands, and the fauna of Australia comprises four species; they are allied to the Graucali, but are much smaller in size, and more active among the branches.

The sexes are generally very dissimilar in colour and markings, while in Graucalus they are alike. The nidification and the form of the nests of the two genera are very similar.

105. Campephaga Jardinii, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 60.

106. Campephaga Karu Vol. II. Pl. 61.

107. Campephaga leucomela, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 62.

108. Campephaga humeralis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 63.

Genus Pachycephala, Swains.

The Pachycephala gutturalis may be regarded as the type of this group of birds, which is peculiarly Australian, and comprises many species, universally distributed over the country. Their habits differ from those of most other insectivorous birds, particularly in their quiet mode of hopping about and traversing the branches of the trees in search of insects and their larvæ: caterpillars constitute a great portion of their food; but coleoptera and other insects are not rejected. The more gaily-attired species, such as P. gutturalis, P. glaucura, P. melanura and P. pectoralis, resort to the flowering Acaciæ, Eucalypti and other stately trees, while the more dull-coloured ones xxxviifrequent the ground: they all build a neat, round, cup-shaped nest, and the eggs are generally four in number. Their powers of flight are not great: some of the species enjoy a wide range of habitat, while others are extremely local. The song of some is loud and rather pleasing, while others merely emit a whistling note, slowly but frequently repeated.

109. Pachycephala gutturalis Vol. II. Pl. 64.

110. Pachycephala glaucura, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 65.

111. Pachycephala melanura, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 66.

112. Pachycephala pectoralis Vol. II. Pl. 67.

Sylvia rufiventris, Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp., p. liv.

Rufous-vented Warbler, Lath. Gen. Syn. Supp., vol. ii. p. 248.—Shaw, Gen. Zool., vol. x. p. 696.

Turdus prasinus, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 121?

113. Pachycephala falcata, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 68.

114. Pachycephala Lanoïdes, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 69.

115. Pachycephala rufogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 70.

116. Pachycephala Gilbertii, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 71.

Pachycephala inornata, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part VIII. p. 164. Young?

117. Pachycephala simplex, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 72.

118. Pachycephala olivacea, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 73.

The two birds described by me in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part V. p. 164, as P. xanthoprocta and P. longirostris, are both immature birds, and are, I believe, from Norfolk Island.

Genus Colluricincla, Vig. & Horsf.

Like the last group, the present is strictly confined to Australia, every one of the colonies of which country, from north to south and from east to west, is inhabited by a species peculiarly and restrictedly its own. They have many characters in common with the Pachycephalæ, which they also resemble in their actions, food, economy and nidification. They are neither Shrikes nor Thrushes, but are most nearly allied to the former; they are insect-feeders to a very great extent, but occasionally partake of mollusks and berries. Some of them defend themselves vigorously with both bill and claws when attacked. Their voice is a loud whistle, some parts of which are not devoid of melody, particularly the loud swelling notes.

The nest is rather slightly built, round and cup-shaped in form, and is mostly placed in the hollow spout of a tree: the eggs are four in number.

119. Colluricincla harmonica Vol. II. Pl. 74.

Certhia canescens, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. iv. p. 180?

Inhabits New South Wales.

120. Colluricincla rufiventris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 75.

Inhabits Western Australia.

121. Colluricincla brunnea, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 76.

Inhabits Port Essington.

122. Colluricincla Selbii, Jard. Vol. II. Pl. 77.

Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land.

123. Colluricincla parvula, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 78.

Inhabits the northern parts of the country.

124. Colluricincla rufogaster, Gould.

Colluricincla rufogaster, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XIII. p. 80.

I have assigned this name to a bird lately sent to me by Mr. Strange from the brushes of the Clarence in New South Wales; it may hereafter prove to be identical with the last-mentioned species, C. parvula, the form and xxxviiiadmeasurements being precisely the same; but the bird from New South Wales has a lighter coloured bill, and the whole of the under surface washed with deep rufous.

The locality of the bird described by me in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part IV. p. 6, as Colluricincla fusca, being still unknown, that species has not been included.

Genus Falcunculus, Vieill.

The two species of this genus are not only strictly Australian, but are confined to the southern parts of the country; the F. frontatus inhabiting New South Wales and South Australia, and the F. leucogaster Western Australia. When attacked by their natural enemies or by man, both species defend themselves with their powerful bill and claws with the utmost fury; they also by the same means readily tear off pieces of rotten wood and the thin scaly bark of the Eucalypti in search of insects. The branches of trees are their usual place of resort, and in many of their actions and habits they closely resemble the Tits of Europe and India (genus Parus), while they also assimilate to the Pachycephalæ. They build a round, cup-shaped nest.

125. Falcunculus frontatus Vol. II. Pl. 79.

126. Falcunculus leucogaster, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 80.

Mr. Gilbert states that while staying in the Toodyay district of Western Australia in the month of October, he found the nest of this species among the topmost and weakest perpendicular branches of a Eucalyptus, at a height of at least fifty feet: it was of a deep cup-shaped form, composed of the stringy bark of the gum-tree, and lined with fine grasses, the whole matted together externally with cobwebs; the eggs, which are three or four in number, are of a glossy white with numerous minute speckles of dark olive most thickly disposed at the larger end; they are seven-eighths of an inch long by five-eighths of an inch in breadth. He adds, that under ordinary circumstances it is a somewhat shy bird, but when breeding becomes bold and familiar; as an evidence of which he adduces the fact that a flock of sheep were driven every night beneath the tree upon which the nest was being constructed without giving the least alarm to the birds.

Genus Oreoïca, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, stout, compressed laterally, and notched at the tip; culmen bent gradually downwards from the base; lower mandible nearly as stout as the upper; nostrils basal, round, and nearly covered with very fine short hair-like feathers directed forwards, among which are intermingled a few long fine hairs; wings rather long, the first quill short, the third the longest; tertiaries very long, and nearly equalling the primaries; tail short and very slightly rounded; tarsi moderately long and stout, entire posteriorly, and defended anteriorly with hard scuta; feet adapted for the ground; toes very short, particularly the hind one, inner toe rather shorter than the outer; claws short, and nearly straight.

The only species known of this form is strictly Australian, and is a sprightly animated bird frequenting the sterile districts studded with large trees, scrubs, and open glades, where it hops about on the ground in search of insects. Notwithstanding the singularly lengthened form of its scapularies and its terrestrial habits, it appears to me to belong to the same type of form as the Pachycephalæ; its loud piping note and mode of nidification also favours this opinion. It lays three or four eggs, in a round, cup-shaped nest, placed either in a grass tree (Xanthorrhœa) or in a hole or stump of a decayed upright tree.

127. Oreoïca gutturalis Vol. II. Pl. 81.

Genus Dicrurus, Vieill.

A genus of which many species inhabit India and Africa, but of which only one has yet been found in Australia.

128. Dicrurus bracteatus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 82.

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Family MUSCICAPIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Rhipidura, Vig. & Horsf.

Many species of this genus occur in India, the Indian Islands, New Guinea, and Polynesia; and five or six are comprised in the fauna of Australia, over every part of which country, including Van Diemen’s Land, one or other member of the group is found to exist.

129. Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 83.

130. Rhipidura rufifrons Vol. II. Pl. 84.

131. Rhipidura Dryas, Gould.

Inhabits the north coast. I have not figured this species because it only differs from R. rufifrons in being of a smaller size, and in the red colouring at the base of the tail-feathers being more extensive.

132. Rhipidura isura, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 85.

133. Rhipidura Motacilloïdes, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 86.

134. Rhipidura picata, Gould.

Not figured, being similar in colour but much smaller than R. Motacilloïdes; it inhabits Port Essington.

Genus Seïsura, Vig. & Horsf.

The present genus and Rhipidura are mere modifications of each other; a difference of structure, however, exists of sufficient importance to justify their separation, and, as is always the case, a corresponding difference is found in the habits of the species.

The present form is restricted to Australia.

135. Seïsura inquieta Vol. II. Pl. 87.

Turdus muscicola, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 123.

—— dubius, Lath.

Genus Piezorhynchus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill longer than the head; deeper than broad, almost cylindrical; compressed on the sides, notched at the tip; nostrils basal, small and round; wings short; first primary moderate, the fourth the longest; tail rather short and round; tarsi moderately long and somewhat feeble; the inner and middle toes connected as far as the first joint, the outer one the longest.

The only species of this genus yet discovered is a native of the northern parts of Australia, from Cape York to Port Essington, where it frequents the dense beds of Mangroves.

136. Piezorhynchus nitidus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 88.

Genus Myiägra, Vig. & Horsf.

A group of insectivorous birds, the greater number of which inhabit the Indian Islands and Polynesia, and of which four species are found in Australia.

137. Myiägra plumbea, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 89.

138. Myiägra concinna, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 90.

139. Myiägra nitida, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 91.

140. Myiägra latirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 92.

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Genus Micrœca, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, depressed, broad at the base; gonys straight; curving downwards and slightly notched at the tip; nostrils round, placed at the base of the bill, which is beset with strong bristles; wings lengthened and powerful, first primary short, the third the longest; tail rather short and nearly square; tarsi moderate and feeble; toes feeble, the external toe much longer than the internal one.

Three species of this genus inhabit Australia, to which country they are confined.

141. Micrœca macroptera. Vol. II. Pl. 93.

Sylvia leucophœa, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vii. p. 139.

142. Micrœca assimilis, Gould.

Micrœca assimilis, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part VIII. p. 172.

All the upper surface brown, primaries dark brown; tail brownish black; the tips and the terminal half of the external margins of the two outer feathers white; the three next on each side also tipped with white, the extent of the white becoming less upon each feather as they approach the centre of the tail; the four middle feathers without the white tip; throat, centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts white, passing into pale brown on the sides of the chest and flanks; irides reddish brown; bill and feet blackish brown.

Total length, 4⅝ inches; bill, 9 16; wings, 3⅜; tail, 2⅛; tarsi, 9 16.

Inhabits Western Australia; and is so nearly allied to the Micrœca macroptera, from which it only differs in being much less in size and in having the base of the outer tail-feather brown, that I have not considered it necessary to figure it.

143. Micrœca flavigaster Vol. II. Pl. 94.

Genus Monarcha, Vig. & Horsf.

Several species of this genus occur in the Indian Islands and two in Australia. They are insectivorous birds, and procure their food by quietly hopping about among the branches of the trees.

144. Monarcha carinata Vol. II. Pl. 95.

145. Monarcha trivirgata Vol. II. Pl. 96.

Genus Gerygone, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, swollen, notched at the tip; commissure straight; nostrils basal, lateral, oval; rictus beset with two or three extremely fine and weak bristles; wings moderately long, first quill almost spurious, second long, third, fourth and fifth equal and longest; tail rather short and square; tarsi entire, slender, moderately long; toes extremely short and small, the lateral toes even, and united to the middle one nearly to the first joint; claws much curved.

The term Psilopus was originally proposed by me for this genus, but that name having been previously employed, Gerygone was substituted for it.

A group inhabiting every part of Australia, and probably New Guinea and Polynesia. Their chief food consists of insects of the most diminutive size, such as aphides, gnats and mosquitos. The more thickly-billed species may probably feed upon larger insects and their larvæ. They mostly frequent the thick umbrageous woods, where they dart about for insects under the canopy of the dense foliage, or sally forth into the open glade like true Flycatchers. Their nests are of a domed form, with the entrance near the top, some species protecting the opening by constructing a projection above it like the eaves of a house; the eggs are generally four in number, and spotted with red like those of the Maluri and Pari.

xli

146. Gerygone albogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 97.

Psilopus olivaceus, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part V. p. 147, Young.

147. Gerygone fusca, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 98.

148. Gerygone culicivorus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 99.

149. Gerygone magnirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 100.

150. Gerygone lævigaster, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 101.

151. Gerygone chloronotus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 102.

Genus Smicrornis, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very small and short, swollen at the sides; nostrils basal, oblong and protected by an operculum; at the base of the bill a few fine hairs; wings moderately long, first quill very short; the first, third, fourth and fifth equal and the longest; tail short and square; tarsi moderate; toes rather short, adapted for clinging; the hinder and the middle toes equal in length.

The members of this genus are the smallest birds of the Australian fauna. I have described two species, one inhabiting New South Wales and the other Port Essington; and had I characterized the bird of this form inhabiting Western Australia as distinct, I should most likely not have been in error, as it is probable that when the subject has been more fully investigated it will prove to be so.

152. Smicrornis brevirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 103.

153. Smicrornis flavescens, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 104.

Family SYLVIADÆ, Vig.

Subfamily SAXICOLINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Erythrodryas, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Petroïca, but with the bill shorter and more flattened at the base, where it is beset with a number of fine hairs which curve forward and overhang the nostrils; wings shorter and more rounded; first and second primaries much shorter than the rest; the fifth the longest; tarsi shorter; toes more lengthened; lateral toes nearly even; claws much sharper and more curved.

The members of the genus Erythrodryas are much more delicate in structure than the Petroïcæ, have their feeble bill strongly beset with bristles, and are more arboreal in their habits; their usual places of resort being the innermost recesses of the forest, where, in a state of quiet seclusion, they flit about in search of insects; the true Petroïcæ, on the other hand, frequent open plains, are more bold and vigorous, and possess a structure which adapts them for the ground over which they pass like the Saxicolæ.

The two species of this genus, all that are at present known, are confined to the south-eastern portions of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

154. Erythrodryas rhodinogaster Vol. II. Pl. 1.

155. Erythrodryas rosea, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 2.

Genus Petroïca, Swains.

The birds I have retained in this genus might with propriety be divided by separating the pied Robins from the red-breasted species. The dusky Robin of Van Diemen’s Land and the white eyebrowed Robin of the north-east coast of Australia would also constitute another group of equal value with Erythrodryas, Drymodes and Eöpsaltria.

The red-breasted Petroïcæ are confined to the south-eastern portions of Australia, Van Diemen’s Land and Norfolk Island; but I believe that the range of the pied birds extends to New Guinea.

xliiEach of the sections I have indicated present some difference in their nidification and in the colouring of their eggs, which tends to confirm the propriety of the view I have taken of the subject.

156. Petroïca multicolor Vol. II. Pl. 3.

157. Petroïca erythrogastra Vol. II. Pl. 4.

158. Petroïca Goodenovii Vol. II. Pl. 5.

159. Petroïca phœnicea, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 6.

Muscicapa erythrogaster, var. Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vi. p. 217.

160. Petroïca bicolor, Swains. Vol. II. Pl. 7.

161. Petroïca fusca, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 8.

Muscicapa vittata, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrolabe, pl. 3, fig. 2?

162. Petroïca superciliosa, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 9.

Genus Drymodes, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill straight, rather compressed on the sides near the tip, nearly as long as the head; a slight notch at the tip; beset at the base with a few fine bristles; wings moderately long, rounded, the first quill very short, the fifth the longest; tail rather long, slightly rounded; tarsi long, slender, entire before; toes moderately long, the outer toe rather longer than the inner; the hind-toe and nail shorter than the middle toe and nail.

The only species of this genus yet discovered ranges over the whole of the country from Southern to Western Australia. Its form is adapted for the ground, but it occasionally resorts to low shrubby trees.

163. Drymodes brunneopygia, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 10.

Genus Eöpsaltria, Swains.

Three species of this genus are all that are yet known; two of these are natives of Western Australia, and the third of New South Wales.

164. Eöpsaltria Australis Vol. II. Pl. 11.

Sylvia flavigastra, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vii. p. 137?

165. Eöpsaltria griseogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 12.

Muscicapa Georgiana, Quoy. et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrolabe, pl. 3, fig. 4?

166. Eöpsaltria leucogaster, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 13.

Muscicapa gularis, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de l’Astrolabe, pl. 4, fig. 1?

Subfamily MENURINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Menura, Dav.

It might have been expected that the various explorations which have of late years been made into the previously unknown regions of Australia would have led to the discovery of some additional species of this genus, or of some new form more nearly allied to it than those with which it is associated, but nothing of the kind has occurred.

167. Menura superba, Dav. Vol. II. Pl. 14.

This remarkable bird is not only confined to Australia, but exclusively to the south-eastern part of the country. I regret to say that I have not been able to gain any further information respecting its nidification, although I have urged many persons in Australia to pay particular attention to the subject.

xliii

Genus Psophodes, Vig. & Horsf.

Among the many novelties comprised in the present work is a second species of this form, of which only one was previously known.

168. Psophodes crepitans Vol. II. Pl. 15.

Corvus auritus, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. iii. p. 42.

Inhabits the south-eastern parts of Australia.

169. Psophodes nigrogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 16.

This new species is a native of the western coast.

Genus Sphenostoma, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very short, compressed laterally, wedge-shaped, upper mandible without a notch at the tip, two or three fine hairs at the base; tomia straight; nostrils basal, round, open; wings very short and round, the fourth, fifth and sixth primaries nearly equal and the longest; tail long and graduated; tarsi moderately long and strong, shielded before with several plates, entire behind; toes short, hind-toe strong, lateral toes unequal, the inner one the shortest.

The only known species of this genus frequents the sterile parts of the interior of Australia generally, particularly those portions of the country clothed with low shrubs and bushes.

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.

xliv

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.—

184. Stipiturus malachurus Vol. II. Pl. 31.

Genus Dasyornis, Vig. & Horsf.

A group of birds adapted for situations covered with an almost impenetrable vegetation, reed-beds, &c. The two species figured are all that are at present known; of these one is from the eastern and the other from the western parts of Australia.

185. Dasyornis Australis, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 32.

186. Dasyornis longirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 33.

Prior to my visit to Australia, I described a bird in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ Part V. p. 150, as D.? brunneus, but as I have not since met with the bird in any collection from Australia I presume it is not a native of that country.

Genus Atrichia, Gould.

Rictus totally devoid of bristles; bill as long as the head, compressed laterally; the upper mandible distinctly notched at the tip; gonys ascending from the rictus and then following the line of the bill; culmen ascending high in front; nostrils moderately large, covered with an operculum, and placed in a groove near the base of the bill; wings short, round, concave, the first three primaries graduated, the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh equal; tail lengthened, rounded, the stems rigid, the webs loose and decomposed; tarsi and feet robust, the hind-toe armed with a strong nail; outer and inner toes equal in length.

The only species of this genus yet discovered is as singular in its structure as it is shy and retiring in its habits; the total absence of vibrissæ in a bird apparently closely allied to Dasyornis, in which they are so much developed, renders it one of the anomalies of the Australian fauna.

187. Atrichia clamosa, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 34.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Sphenœacus, Strickl.

A group of reed- and grass-frequenting birds, which are found not only in every part of Australia, but also in the Indian Islands and India.

188. Sphenœacus galactotes Vol. II. Pl. 35.

189. Sphenœacus gramineus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 36.

xlv

Genus Acrocephalus, Naum.

Of this European and Indian form two species inhabit Australia, where they frequent the reed-beds and the dense herbage of marshy situations.

190. Acrocephalus Australis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 37.

191. Acrocephalus longirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 38.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Hylacola, Gould.

Bill shorter than the head, compressed; equally broad and high at the base; culmen gradually declining from the base to the tip; slightly notched at the apex; rictus beset with a few fine hairs; nostrils basal, oblong, rather large and defended by an operculum; wings short, round and concave; first, second and third primaries graduated; the fourth, fifth and sixth equal, and the longest; tail rather long and round; tarsi moderate in size; toes rather lengthened, the lateral toes equal.

A genus comprising two species peculiar to the southern parts of the country, one of which enjoys an extensive range from South Australia to Moreton Bay; the other has, as yet, only been found in the Great Murray Scrub.

192. Hylacola pyrrhopygia Vol. II. Pl. 39.

193. Hylacola cauta, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 40.

When I characterized this species in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,’ I had only seen a single example; I have since received a second, proving the correctness of my view of its being quite distinct from the H. pyrrhopygia, a fact disputed by Mr. Strickland, who had stated it to be his opinion that my figures were referable to one and the same species, but who upon an examination of the specimens themselves acknowledged he was in error.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Cysticola, Less.

However numerous birds of this form may be in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Indian Islands, Australia outvies them all in the number of species that frequent its grassy plains. With the exception of Van Diemen’s Land, every colony is inhabited by one or more species performing there precisely similar offices to those executed by the remaining species in the other parts of the world.

194. Cysticola magna, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 41.

195. Cysticola exilis Vol. II. Pl. 42.

196. Cysticola lineocapilla, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 43.

197. Cysticola isura, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 44.

198. Cysticola ruficeps, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 45.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Sericornis, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill strong, straight, nearly as long as the head, compressed laterally towards and notched at the tip; nostrils basal, lateral, oval, and covered by an operculum; wings moderate, rounded, the first quill very short, the fourth, xlvififth and sixth nearly equal and the longest; tail moderate and square; tarsi long; hind-toe and claw strong, and nearly equal to the middle toe and claw in length; outer and inner toes equal; plumage soft and silky to the touch.

A group of small birds peculiar to Australia, and confined almost exclusively to the southern portion of the country. Their habits lead them to frequent the most retired parts of the forests, damp and secluded places and scrubby gullies where the herbage is thick and dense; but some species are found on the flat islands near the coast, covered with Salsolæ and other shrub-like trees; they usually frequent the ground, over which they pass with celerity, and when their haunts are intruded upon conceal themselves under the fallen or elided herbage. Their flight is peculiar and never protracted, and they all build domed nests like that of the common Wren (Troglodytes Europæus).

199. Sericornis citreogularis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 46.

Muscicapa barbata, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vi. p. 215?

200. Sericornis humilis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 47.

201. Sericornis osculans, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 48.

202. Sericornis frontalis Vol. II. Pl. 49.

203. Sericornis lævigaster, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 50.

204. Sericornis maculatus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 51.

205. Sericornis magnirostris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 52.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Acanthiza, Vig. & Horsf.

With the exception of the north coast, the Acanthizæ are dispersed over all the wooded districts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land; some species frequenting the brushes, while others tenant the shrubs and belts of trees on the plains; others again are only found in such districts as the belts of the Murray.

Like some other large groups at present included under one generic title, the Acanthizæ might be divided with propriety; thus the A. pusilla, A. Diemenensis, &c., which are feeble in structure and strictly arboreal, might form one section; while the A. chrysorrhœa, A. Reguloïdes, &c., which resort to the ground, might form another. The nests of all the species that I have seen are of a domed form like that of the European Wren.

The members of this genus and the Maluri are frequently the foster-parents of the shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus).

206. Acanthiza pusilla Vol. II. Pl. 53.

207. Acanthiza Diemenensis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 54.

208. Acanthiza Ewingii, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 55.

209. Acanthiza uropygialis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 56.

210. Acanthiza apicalis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 57.

211. Acanthiza pyrrhopygia, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 58.

212. Acanthiza inornata, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 59.

213. Acanthiza nana, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 60.

214. Acanthiza lineata, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 61.

215. Acanthiza Reguloïdes, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 62.

216. Acanthiza chrysorrhœa Vol. II. Pl. 63.

Genus Ephthianura, Gould.

Bill shorter than the head, nearly straight, compressed laterally, notched at the tip, gonys incurved; nostrils basal, linear, and covered by a membrane; wings long, first quill spurious, second very long, third and fourth equal xlviiand longest; tertials very long; tail short and truncate; tarsi entire, moderately long, slight; toes slender, the hinder toe and claw shorter than the middle one, the inner toe rather shorter than the outer.

Three species of this form are all that are at present known, and of these two are figured for the first time in the present work. They all inhabit the southern part of Australia, where they frequent the open districts studded with bushes and low trees; the E. albifrons is occasionally found on the open plains.

217. Ephthianura albifrons Vol. II. Pl. 64.

218. Ephthianura aurifrons, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 65.

219. Ephthianura tricolor, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 66.

Genus Xerophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill short, semiconical, robust at the base, without any notch at the tip; and provided with a few hairs at the base of the upper mandible; nostrils round and covered by minute feathers; wings moderate in size; first primary short, the third and fourth the longest; tertiaries broad and somewhat elongated; tail moderate, square and slightly concave; tarsi robust; hind-toe strong, anterior toes feeble, the exterior longer than the inner one.

A curious form, of which only one species is known, and the situation of which in the natural system is quite undetermined. It has many of the actions and manners of the Acanthizæ, but its robust and gibbose bill precludes its being placed with that group. It is mainly terrestrial in its habits and builds a domed nest.

220. Xerophila leucopsis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 67.

Genus Pyrrholæmus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, slightly compressed at the sides, with a very minute notch at the tip, and beset with a few hairs at the base; nostrils linear and covered with an operculum; wings short, round, first primary rather short, the third the longest; tail short, round and concave, tarsi moderate; external toe longer than the inner one.

Another anomalous form, the structure of which does not approximate very nearly to that of any other genus, but is perhaps most nearly allied to Acanthiza. The only species known frequents scrubby places and thick underwood; is much on the ground, but occasionally mounts on a twig to sing.

221. Pyrrholæmus brunneus, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 68.

Genus Origma, Gould.

Bill nearly as long as the head, incurved, carinated, indented near the tip; nostrils oval, lateral, basal, and covered by an operculum; wings moderate, rounded, first quill short, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh nearly equal and longest; tail moderate and slightly rounded; tarsi moderate; toes rather short, the outer toe much longer than the inner; plumage dense.

We are here again presented with another form, the structure, habits, and manners of which are all equally singular. The only species yet discovered inhabits New South Wales, where it frequents stony gullies and rocky situations in the neighbourhood of caverns, to the roofs of which it attaches its pendent nest, as shown in the Plate.

222. Origma rubricata Vol. II. Pl. 69.

Genus Calamanthus, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, dilated at the base, compressed laterally towards the tip; culmen sharp and advancing upon the forehead; nostrils lateral, large, oval, and covered by an operculum; rictus destitute of bristles; wings xlviiishort, round, the fourth quill the longest, the third, fifth, sixth and seventh equal; tail rather short and round; tarsi moderately long, defended anteriorly with indistinct scales; hind-toe rather long, with a long claw; lateral toes uneven, the outer one the shortest.

This group comprises two species, one inhabiting Van Diemen’s Land, the other Southern and Western Australia; they are terrestrial in their habits, but occasionally perch on the smaller branches of the trees.

223. Calamanthus fuliginosus Vol. II. Pl. 70.

224. Calamanthus campestris, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 71.

Genus Chthonicola, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill short, gradually descending from the base; the upper mandible slightly notched at the tip, compressed laterally; tomia curving inwards; wings concave; the first primary very short, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth nearly equal and the longest; tail slightly concave, and all the feathers of an equal length; tarsi moderately long; toes short, the hinder toe somewhat longer than the middle one; front claws more curved than in the genus Anthus.

The single species known of this genus combines in a remarkable manner the outward appearance, habits and manners of the Acanthizæ and Anthi, but is, I believe, more nearly allied to the former than to the latter.

225. Chthonicola minima Vol. II. Pl. 72.

Sylvia sagittata, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vii. p. 136?

Rather widely dispersed over the grassy flats of New South Wales, and constructs a domed nest in a depression of the ground like the true Sylviæ.

Subfamily MOTACILLINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Anthus, Bechst.

Whether this Old World form is represented in Australia by more than a single species, is a point I have not satisfactorily determined; every part of its extra-tropical regions, including Van Diemen’s Land, is inhabited by Pipits which differ somewhat in size in almost every colony; still their difference is so slight that I have hitherto regarded them as mere varieties or local races.

226. Anthus Australis, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. II. Pl. 73.

Subfamily ——?

Genus Cincloramphus, Gould.

Bill rather shorter than the head; culmen slightly arched; the tip distinctly notched; the commissure slightly angulated at the base, and somewhat incurved for the remainder of its length; nostrils lateral, oval; wings moderate, rigid, first quill very long and nearly equal to the second and third, which are the longest; tertials nearly as long as the primaries; tail rather small and cuneiform; tarsi very strong and scutellated anteriorly; toes long and powerful, particularly the hinder one and claw, which is articulated on the same plane with the inner toe; lateral toes nearly equal.

The members of this genus, which are three in number, are closely allied to the Indian genus Megalurus, and present even a greater disparity in the size of the sexes; they are all confined to Australia, where they frequent the grassy plains and open districts. The song of the males is more animated than that of any other bird inhabiting the country.

227. Cincloramphus cruralis Vol. II. Pl. 74.

228. Cincloramphus cantillans, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 75.

229. Cincloramphus rufescens, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 76.

xlixSubfamily ALAUDINÆ, Bonap.

Genus Mirafra, Horsf.

One, if not two, species of this well-defined genus inhabit Australia. At present one only has been characterized; but the bird of this form, frequenting the intertropical portions of the country, may prove to be a distinct species.

230. Mirafra Horsfieldii, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 77.

Family FRINGILLIDÆ, Vig.

The Finches of Australia comprise twenty well-marked species, referable to several genera or subgenera, each of which exhibit a slight difference in structure, accompanied, as is always the case, by a difference in habit, and in the districts inhabited; thus the true Estreldæ frequent grassy patches in the glades of the forests, the open parts of gullies, &c.; the Amadinæ, the stony hills and flats; the Poëphilæ, the grass beds of the open plains; and the Donacolæ, the grasses of the marshy districts and reed-beds: of the habits of Emblema nothing is known; its pointed bill indicates some peculiarity in its economy differing from those of the other genera.

All the species build, I believe, large grassy nests with a spout-like opening.

The whole of those figured are peculiar to Australia.

Genus Estrelda, Swains.

231. Estrelda bella Vol. II. Pl. 78.

Loxia nitida, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 268?

232. Estrelda oculea Vol. II. Pl. 79.

233. Estrelda Bichenovii Vol. II. Pl. 80.

234. Estrelda annulosa, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 81.

235. Estrelda temporalis Vol. II. Pl. 82.

236. Estrelda Phaëton, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 83.

237. Estrelda ruficauda, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 84.

238. Estrelda modesta.

Amadina modesta, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 85.

Genus Amadina, Swains.

239. Amadina Lathami Vol. II. Pl. 86.

240. Amadina castanotis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 87.

Genus Poëphila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill considerably swollen at the base, rendering it nearly as deep and broad as it is long; wings moderately long, the first quill rudimentary, the four next equal in length; feet plantigrade, toes slender; the middle toe much longer than the lateral ones, which are equal in length; hind-toe much shorter than the middle one; tail strictly cuneiform, the two middle feathers much produced.

241. Poëphila Gouldiæ.

Amadina Gouldiæ, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 88.

242. Poëphila mirabilis, Homb. et Jacq. Vol. II. Pl. 89.

l243. Poëphila acuticauda, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 90.

244. Poëphila personata, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 91.

245. Poëphila leucotis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 92.

246. Poëphila cincta, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 93.

Genus Donacola, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in the genus Amadina, but with the bill much more developed and gibbose at the base, with the culmen elevated and the lower mandible retiring backward on the face; wings shorter and rounder; feet more adapted for clinging, and remarkable for the greater development of the hind-toe and nail; tail-feathers rigid.

247. Donacola castaneothorax, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 94.

248. Donacola pectoralis, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 95.

249. Donacola flaviprymna, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 96.

Genus Emblema, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, conical, and much resembling that of the genus Ploceus; wings moderately long as compared with the body; first quill rudimentary, the four next equal in length; tertiaries much lengthened; tail moderately long and nearly square, or slightly rounded; feet plantigrade; toes extremely slender, the middle toe much longer than the lateral ones, which are equal in length.

250. Emblema picta, Gould Vol. II. Pl. 97.

The single example of this beautiful bird, which was procured and presented to me by B. Bynoe, Esq., is I believe all that has ever been seen; I regret to say it no longer graces my collection, having been stolen therefrom, together with some other valuable birds, in the year 1846.

Family MERULIDÆ, Vig.

Genus Pitta, Vieill.

The members of this genus extend from tropical India throughout the islands of the Indian Archipelago to Australia; one or two species also occur in Africa. Of the three inhabiting Australia the Pitta Iris is figured for the first time in the present work, and is one of the very finest species of this lovely group of birds.

251. Pitta strepitans, Temm. Vol. IV. Pl. 1.

Since my account of this species was printed I have received its eggs, accompanied by the following notes from Mr. Strange of Sydney:—

“I never saw any bird whose actions are more graceful than those of the Pitta strepitans, when seen in its native brushes, where its presence is indicated by its singular call, resembling the words ‘want a watch,’ by imitating which you can call it close to the muzzle of your gun; no sooner, however, does it commence breeding than it becomes shy and retiring, keeping out of sight in the most artful manner, moving about from place to place, and occasionally uttering its cry until it has drawn you away from the nest. The nests I have seen were placed in the spur of a fig-tree near the ground, outwardly constructed of sticks and lined with moss, leaves and fine pieces of bark; the eggs are four in number,” of a pale creamy-white marked all over with irregularly-shaped blotches of brown and deep vinous grey, the latter appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell; they are one inch and a quarter in length by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth.

li

252. Pitta Vigorsii, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 2.

I regret to say that up to the present time I have not been able to obtain any information respecting this species, the specimen of which, in the Linnean Society’s Collection, is the only evidence we have of its occurring in Australia; I believe New Guinea to be its true habitat.

253. Pitta Iris, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 3.

Genus Cinclosoma, Vig. & Horsf.

Among the novelties comprised in the present work, there are none more important than the additional members of this genus; three well-defined species being described and figured, of which only one was previously known. The form is peculiar to Australia, and is, I believe, closely allied to my genus Ianthocincla, a group of birds confined to India.

254. Cinclosoma punctatum, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. IV. Pl. 4.

255. Cinclosoma castanotus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 5.

256. Cinclosoma cinnamomeus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl 6.

When my drawing of this species was made, I had only seen the male; since then Captain Sturt has presented me with a female, which differs from the opposite sex in the absence of the black markings of the throat, breast and wings, which parts are brownish grey.

Genus Oreocincla, Gould.

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.

lii

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.

In one of Mr. Gilbert’s many interesting letters received since the account above referred to was printed, he says, “the questions as to the nidification of Chlamydera is now settled by Mr. C. Coxon having found a nest in December with three young birds; in form it was very similar to that of the common Thrush of Europe, being of a cup-shape, constructed of dried sticks with a slight lining of feathers, and fine grass, and was placed among the smaller branches of an Acacia overhanging a pool of water.”

259. Chlamydera nuchalis Vol. IV. Pl. 9.

“I found matter for conjecture,” says Captain Stokes, “in noticing a number of twigs with their ends stuck in the ground, which was strewed over with shells, and their tops brought together so as to form a small bower; this was 2½ feet long, 1½ feet wide at either end. it was not until my next visit to Port Essington that I thought this anything but some Australian mother’s toy to amuse her child; there I was asked, one day, to go and see the ‘birds’ playhouse,’ when I immediately recognised the same kind of construction I had seen at the Victoria River; the bird (Chlamydera nuchalis of Mr. Gould’s work) was amusing itself by flying backwards and forwards, taking a shell alternately from each side, and carrying it through the archway in its mouth.”—Discoveries in Australia, vol. ii, p. 97.

Genus Ptilonorhynchus, Kuhl.

260. Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus, Kuhl. Vol. IV. Pl. 10.

That this bird continues its singular habits under the disadvantages of captivity, I learn from the following passage in a letter lately received from Mr. Strange of Sydney.

“My aviary is now tenanted by a pair of Satin Birds, which I hoped would have bred, as for the last two months they have been constantly engaged in constructing bowers, which I find are built for the express purpose of courting the female in. Both sexes assist in their erection, but the male is the principal workman. At times the male will chase the female all over the aviary, then go to the bower, pick up a gay feather or a large leaf, utter a curious kind of noise, set all his feather erect, and run around the bower, into which at length the female proceeds, when he becomes so excited that his eyes appear ready to start from his head, and he continues opening first one wing and then the other, uttering a low whistling note, and like the common Cock, seems to be picking up something from the ground, until at last the female goes gently towards him, when, after two turns around her, he suddenly makes a dash and the scene ends.” This pair of birds was sent to England by Mr. Strange for the Earl of Derby, and had they not unfortunately died from cold while rounding Cape Horn, they would doubtless have continued their singular habits in his lordship’s magnificent aviary at Knowsley.

The habitat of this species appears to be confined to the south-eastern part of New South Wales, for it has not as yet been found in any other portion of the country.

261. Ptilonorhynchus Smithii, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. IV. Pl. 11.

Genus Sericulus, Swains.

A single species only of this form has yet been discovered.

262. Sericulus chrysocephalus Vol. IV. Pl. 12.

Sericulus magnirostris, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part V. p. 145; and in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part IV. Young.

The brushes of the south-eastern part of Australia is the only locality in which this bird has yet been found.

liiiFamily ——?

Subfamily ORIOLINÆ, G. R. Gray.

Genus Oriolus, Linn.

Typical Orioles are widely distributed over Europe, Africa, Asia, the Indian Islands and Australia, but none have yet been discovered in Polynesia or America.

Three species inhabit Australia, two of which are figured; the third from the northern part of the country is so nearly allied to the O. viridis, that a description alone will be sufficient.

263. Oriolus viridis, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 13.

264. Oriolus affinis, Gould.

Inhabits the neighbourhood of Port Essington, and only differs from the preceding species in having a shorter wing, a much larger bill, and the white spots at the tip of the lateral tail-feathers much smaller.

265. Oriolus flavovinctus Vol. IV. Pl. 14.

Genus Sphecotheres, Vieill.

Australia presents us with a single species of this genus; others inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring islands; but as yet we have no evidence of the form occurring on the continent of India.

266. Sphecotheres Australis, Swains. Vol. IV. Pl. 15.

Turdus maxillaris, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 129?

Nothing whatever is known of the nidification of this bird; in all probability it will prove to be very similar to that of the Orioles.

Family ——?

Genus Corcorax, Less.

A genus containing only one species which possesses many singular habits; its actions among the branches, its mode of progression over the ground, and its nidification, being equally remarkable.

267. Corcorax leucopterus Vol. IV. Pl. 16.

Family ——?

Genus Struthidea, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, robust, swollen, arched above, deeper than broad; gonys angular; nostrils basal, lateral, round and open; wings moderate, round, first primary short, the fourth and fifth the longest; secondaries long and broad; tarsi scutellated in front, plain behind; toes long and strong, the outer one longer than the inner one; claws strong, compressed and much curved.

The only known species of this form is confined to the interior of the southern and eastern parts of Australia, where it inhabits stony ridges, and is mostly observed on the Callitris.

268. Struthidea cinerea, Gould Vol. IV. Pl 17.

In my account of this species, I have stated that its actions are very similar to those of the Corcorax leucopterus, and the following extract from Mr. Gilbert’s Journal of his overland journey to Port Essington shows that the two birds assimilate still more closely in their nidification:—

“Oct. 19.—Strolled about in search of novelties, and was amply repaid by finding the eggs of Struthidea cinerea. I disturbed the bird several times from a rosewood-tree growing in a small patch of scrub, and felt assured livit had a nest, but could only find one, which I considered to be that of a Grallina; determined, if possible, to solve the difficulty, I lay down at a short distance within full view of the tree, and was not a little surprised at seeing the bird take possession of, as I believed, the Grallina’s nest; I immediately climbed the tree and found four eggs, the medium length of which was one inch and a quarter by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth; their colour was white, with blotches, principally at the larger end, of reddish brown, purplish grey and greenish grey; some of the blotches appearing as if they had been laid on with a soft brush. From the appearance of the nest I should say it was an old one of a Grallina, but it contained a much greater quantity of grass for a lining than I ever observed in the nest of that bird; if this be not the case, then the nests of the two birds are precisely similar, being like a great basin made of mud, and placed on a horizontal branch.

“Oct. 21.—In the evening I again met with the Struthidea, which I disturbed from a nest like the one above described, and from the new appearance of the structure I am inclined to believe it to be constructed by the bird itself, although it does so closely resemble that of Grallina, especially as in this case the nest was placed in a situation far from water, and there were no Grallinæ in the neighbourhood. This nest, like the last, had a very thick lining of fine grass, and appeared as if just finished for the reception of the eggs.”

There is no doubt that the nests above described by Mr. Gilbert were those of Struthidea; those of Corcorax and Grallina are precisely similar; and it is somewhat singular that three birds differing so much in structure should build the same kind of mud nests.

Family CORVIDÆ, Leach.

Genus Corvus, Linn.

It is exceedingly interesting to trace the range of the members of this genus or the true Crows; not so much on account of their wide distribution, as from the circumstance of the form being non-existent in some countries which appear admirably adapted for their well-being; thus while the species are widely distributed over the whole of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, none are to be found in South America, Polynesia or New Zealand.

269. Corvus Coronoides, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. IV. Pl. 18.

This is the only species that has yet been discovered in Australia.

Family ——?

Genus Neomorpha, Gould.

This form is strictly Polynesian, and the species confined to New Zealand.

270. Neomorpha Gouldii, G. R. Gray Vol. IV. Pl. 19

Genus Pomatorhinus, Horsf.

The members of this genus range from India throughout all the islands to Australia, but are not found in Africa or Polynesia; three species are comprised in the fauna of Australia.

Much diversity of opinion exists among ornithologists as to the place this group should occupy in the general system; by most writers they have been placed with the Meliphagidæ, but having had ample opportunities of observing the Australian species in a state of nature, I am enabled to affirm that they do not assimilate in any degree with those birds either in their habits, actions, economy or nidification, in all which particulars they differ from every group of birds that has come under my notice.

lv

271. Pomatorhinus temporalis Vol. IV. Pl. 20.

Turdus frivolus, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 127?

272. Pomatorhinus rubeculus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 21.

273. Pomatorhinus superciliosus, Vig. & Horsf. Vol. IV. Pl. 22.

Family MELIPHAGIDÆ, Vig.

By far the greater and most prominent portion of the botany of Australia consisting of only two or three genera of trees—the Eucalypti, Banksiæ, &c.—we should naturally expect its ornithology to comprise some great groups of birds destined to dwell thereon, and such we find to be the case, the true Honey-eaters and the Honey-feeding Parrakeets being remarkably numerous; the former tribe of birds comprise no less than fifty-eight species, which appear to be naturally divided into several groups, each characterized by some modification of structure: although the whole are truly insectivorous, the pollen and the honey in the flower-cups of the Eucalypti are largely partaken of, and for procuring which their lengthened tongue terminating in filaments assuming the form of a brush is most admirably adapted, combined with which is a remarkably narrow gape and an incapacious stomach.

Australia is the great nursery of this tribe of birds, but a few species are found in New Guinea and some of the Polynesian islands.

Genus Meliphaga, Vig. & Horsf.

No example of this genus has yet been discovered in the northern or intertropical regions of Australia, all the species known being confined to the southern parts of the continent, the islands in Bass’s Straits and Van Diemen’s Land. The members of this group feed principally upon the pollen and honey of the flower-cups, but occasionally upon insects; in disposition they are tame and familiar; and they frequent the Banksiæ in preference to other trees.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young assume the adult plumage at an early period of their existence.

274. Meliphaga Novæ-Hollandiæ Vol. IV. Pl. 23.

275. Meliphaga longirostris, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 24.

276. Meliphaga sericea, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 25.

277. Meliphaga mystacalis, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 26.

278. Meliphaga Australasiana Vol. IV. Pl. 27.

Certhia pyrrhoptera, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. iv. p. 197?

Genus Glyciphila, Swains.

The members of this genus resort to higher trees than the Meliphaga, are more shy in disposition, possess considerable powers of flight, and partake more exclusively of insect food. Of the four Australian species, two, G. fulvifrons and G. albifrons, inhabit the southern parts of the country, the G. fasciata the northern portion, and the little G. ocularis is universally distributed over the country, and if I mistake not, is also found in New Guinea and Timor.

The young of G. fulvifrons and G. albifrons differ considerably from the adult in their markings.

279. Glyciphila fulvifrons Vol. IV. Pl. 28.

Certhia melanops, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. iv. p. 173?

280. Glyciphila albifrons, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 29.

281. Glyciphila fasciata, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 30.

282. Glyciphila ocularis, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 31.

lvi

Genus Ptilotis, Swains.

The species of this group are not only more numerous than those of any other division of the Meliphagidæ, but they also comprise some of the most beautiful and gaily-coloured members of the family. Nearly all the species are either prettily marked about the face, or have the ear-coverts largely developed and characterized by a colouring different from that of the other parts of the plumage. The Eucalypti and Acaciæ are the trees upon which they are usually found; the species with olive-green backs, such as P. flavigula and P. leucotis, frequent the dwarf or thickly-leaved kinds, the foliage of which assimilates in colour to that of their plumage; the more gaily-attired species with bright yellow cheeks and ear-coverts, such as P. ornatus and P. plumulus, are most frequently found among the flowering Acaciæ; some species, particularly P. penicillata, descend from the trees and seek Coleoptera and other insects on the ground; the Casuarinæ are the favourite trees of P. sonorus and P. versicolor; while the P. chrysotis, P. chrysops and P. fusca are almost entirely confined to the brushes and seek their food among the Eucalypti, the hanging festoons of Tecoma and other beautiful brush creepers. The members of this group are principally Australian, but I believe that some species inhabit New Guinea; they mainly subsist upon insects, to which berries are sometimes added.

The sexes are alike in plumage, but the females are smaller than the males, and the young assume the adult livery from the nest.

283. Ptilotis chrysotis Vol. IV. Pl 32.

Ptilotis Lewinii, Swains. Class. of Birds, vol. ii. p. 326?

284. Ptilotis sonorus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 33.

285. Ptilotis versicolor, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 34.

286. Ptilotis flavigula, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 35.

287. Ptilotis leucotis Vol. IV. Pl. 36.

288. Ptilotis auricomis Vol. IV. Pl 37.

289. Ptilotis cratitius, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 38.

290. Ptilotis ornatus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 39.

291. Ptilotis plumulus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 40.

292. Ptilotis flavescens, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 41.

293. Ptilotis flava, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 42.

294. Ptilotis penicillatus, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 43.

295. Ptilotis fusca, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 44.

296. Ptilotis chrysops Vol. IV. Pl. 45.

297. Ptilotis unicolor, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 46.

Genus Plectorhyncha, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill shorter than the head, slightly arched, very pointed, almost conical and acute; nostrils basal and partly covered by an operculum; an obsolete notch near the tip of the upper mandible; wings moderate, the first feather short, the third and fourth the longest; tail moderate and square; tarsi strong; hind-toe and claw long, powerful and longer than the middle toe and claw; lateral toes unequal; the outer one the longest, and united to the middle one nearly to the first joint.

Of this singular form only one species has yet been discovered. It inhabits the plains of the eastern portion of Australia, where it dwells among the Eucalypti and Acaciæ; and is a very noisy garrulous bird.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young assume the adult plumage at a very early age.

298. Plectorhyncha lanceolata, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 47.

Genus Xanthomyza, Swains.

Of this genus only one species is known.

lvii

299. Xanthomyza Phrygia Vol. IV. Pl. 48.

The habitat of this bird appears to be confined to the south-eastern portion of Australia. It generally frequents the highest branches of the lofty Eucalypti, both of the brushes and of the plains, but is most abundant in the districts near the coast. In its disposition it is bold and extremely pugnacious.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and but little difference is observable between nestling and adult birds.

The nests I saw were round and cup-shaped, and were mostly placed in the fork of a tree.

Genus Melicophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill as long as the head, gradually curving downwards from the base, nearly cylindrical and very pointed; nostrils basal and covered with an operculum; wings rather lengthened, the first primary short, the third the longest; tail moderately long, and nearly square; tarsi long and stout.

A genus containing only a single species, which so far as we yet know is confined to Southern and Western Australia.

300. Melicophila picata, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 49.

Possesses many singular habits, and differs from most other species of the Meliphagidæ in the totally different colouring of the sexes; as well as in assembling in vast flocks, which continue soaring about during the greater portion of the day. I was not aware until after my drawing was made that this bird has a small fleshy appendage beneath the eye of an ashy-grey colour, which is invisible in a dried skin. The nest and eggs are said to be very similar to those of Petroïca multicolor, and to be placed in similar situations.

Genus Entomophila, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill nearly as long as the head, somewhat broad at the base, becoming compressed and pointed at the apex; tomia of the upper mandible arched and slightly notched at the tip; nostrils basal, oval, pierced in a membrane and protected by an operculum; wings rather long, first quill spurious, the second nearly as long as the third, which is the longest; tail short and nearly square; tarsi short and rather feeble; hind-toe short and stout; lateral toes unequal, the inner one being rather the shortest.

301. Entomophila picta, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 50.

The pointed wings of the examples of this bird I had seen prior to my visit to Australia, led me to infer that its habits were more aërial than those of the other members of the family, and such proved to be the case; for while the greater number of the latter cling to and creep about the branches, the present bird flies about the trees, captures insects on the wing, and during flight displays the beautiful yellow of its wings and the white markings of its tail to the greatest advantage.

Its frail cup-shaped nest is sometimes suspended among the drooping leaves of the Acacia pendula.

302. Entomophila albogularis, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 51.

303. Entomophila rufogularis, Gould Vol. IV. Pl. 52.

I fear I have committed an error in referring the birds from the north coast (E. albogularis and E. rufogularis) to the present genus, for upon further consideration I believe they will prove to be sufficiently different from every other form yet characterized to justify their being separated into a distinct genus.