Chapter VI: Part I: p. 19. 2nd edit. p. 41 (1)

_Pernis (Hyptiopus) subcristatus_, Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 343.

I have no additional information respecting this noble species; all the examples of which, that have come under my notice, have been obtained in the brushes of the east coast of Australia.

Genus CIRCUS, _Lacep_.

Two if not three kinds of Harriers inhabit Australia, consequently the number of species is nearly equal in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Australia; those inhabiting the latter country are precisely of the same form, and perform the same offices as their near allies do in the other parts of the world.

26. Circus assimilis, _Jard. & Selb._ Vol. I. Pl. 26. 27. Circus Jardinii, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 27.

_Circus (Spilocircus) Jardinii_, Kaup, Isis, 847, p. 102.

Family STRIGIDÆ, _Leach_.

Genus STRIX, _Linn_.

While as a general rule other countries are only inhabited by a single species of the restricted genus _Strix_, the Fauna of Australia comprises no less than four, all of which appear to be necessary in order to prevent an inordinate increase of the smaller quadrupeds which there abound.

28. Strix castanops, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 28. 29. Strix personata, _Vig._ Vol. I. Pl. 29. 30. Strix tenebricosus, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 30. 31. Strix delicatulus, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 31.

_Strix flammea?_ Vig. & Horsf. in Linn. Trans., vol. xv. p. 190.

Genus ATHENE, _Boie_.

A genus of diurnal Owls, of which five species are natives of Australia; the smaller kinds are represented in Europe and Asia by the _Athene noctua_, _A. Cuculoides_ and _A. Brama_; the larger kinds have no representatives in the northern hemisphere.

32. Athene Boobook Vol. I. Pl. 32. 33. Athene maculata Vol. I. Pl. 33. 34. Athene marmorata, _Gould_.

_Athene marmorata_, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XIV. p. 18.

All the upper surface, wings and tail dark brown, obscurely spotted with white round the back of the neck, on the wing-coverts and scapularies; inner webs of the primaries at their base, and the inner webs of the lateral tail-feathers crossed by bands, which are buff next the shaft and white towards the extremity of the webs; face and chin whitish; under surface dark brown, blotched with white and sandy brown; legs and thighs fawn-colour; bill horn-colour; feet yellow.

Inhabits South Australia, is much larger than _A. maculata_, but so nearly allied to, and so much like that species, that I have not thought it necessary to give a separate figure of it.

35. Athene connivens Vol. I. Pl. 34.

_Buteo connivens_, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., tom. iv. p.
481.

36. Athene strenua, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 35. 37. Athene rufa, _Gould_ Vol. I. Pl. 36.

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 favourably 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.

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.

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 exclusively upon animal substances, small quadrupeds, birds, snakes, lizards, and insects of every kind being equally acceptable.

Three species inhabit Australia.

57. Dacelo gigantea Vol. II. Pl. 18.

Inhabits the south-eastern portion of Australia, from South Australia to Moreton Bay.

58. Dacelo Leachii, _Vig. & Horsf._ Vol. II. Pl. 19.

Inhabits the north-eastern portion of Australia, and is common at Cape York.

59. Dacelo cervina, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 20.

Inhabits the north-western parts of Australia, particularly the Cobourg Peninsula.

In his ‘Journal of an Overland Expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington,’ Dr. Leichardt states that when near the Gulf of Carpentaria, “The laughing jackass (Dacelo Cervina, _Gould_) of this part of the country is of a different species from that of the eastern coast, is of a smaller size and speaks a different language; but the noise is by no means so ridiculous as that of _Dacelo gigantea_; he is heard before sunrise, and immediately after sunset, like his representative of the eastern coast; the latter was observed as far as the upper Lynd, where the new one made its appearance.”—P. 326.

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 washed 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_, _P. 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 feeble 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 nidification 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 the 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 frequent 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 admeasurements 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.

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.

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_.

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.

Each 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._