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

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.

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.

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.

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, fifth 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 and 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_ short, 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.

Subfamily 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. 243. 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.

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.

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.

Family ——?

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 it 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.

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. & Vol. IV. Pl. 22.
Horsf._

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.

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.

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.

Genus ACANTHOGENYS, _Gould_.

Generic characters.

_Bill_ as long as the head, compressed, slightly arched, acute at the tip; the edges of the upper mandible notched near the tip, and delicately serrated; _nostrils_ sub-basal; from the base of the mandibles a naked stripe runs below the eyes, and below this the cheeks are covered with stiff spines; _wings_ moderate, the first quill-feather very short, third, fourth and fifth equal and the longest; _tail_ moderate, nearly equal; _feet_ robust, hind-toe strong and longer than the middle one, outer toe united at its base to the middle toe; _claws_ hooked.

The genus _Acanthogenys_, of which only one species is known, is a form intermediate in size and in structure between the smaller Honey-eaters (_Meliphagæ_, _Ptiloti_, &c.) on the one hand, and the larger kinds (_Anthochæræ_) on the other.

304. Acanthogenys rufogularis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 53.

This species is widely distributed over the interior of the southern portion of Australia, from east to west; the sexes are alike in plumage, and the young are very similar, but are destitute of the spines on the cheek, which are scarcely assumed during the first year. The _Banksiæ_ are the trees mostly frequented by this bird, the presence of which is indicative of sterile sandy districts.

Genus ANTHOCHÆRA, _Vig. & Horsf._

A genus peculiarly Australian, three species of which are exclusively confined to the southern or extra-tropical parts of the country, and one to Van Diemen’s Land.

305. Anthochæra inauris, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 54. 306. Anthochæra carunculata Vol. IV. Pl. 55. 307. Anthochæra mellivora Vol. IV. Pl. 56. 308. Anthochæra lunulata, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 57.

These four birds might with propriety be separated into two genera, those with auricular appendages, _A. inauris_ and _A. carunculata_, having many characters differing from those of _A. mellivora_ and _A. lunulata_.

Genus TROPIDORHYNCHUS, _Vig. & Horsf._

The law of representation in Australia is chiefly confined to the species inhabiting the eastern and western coasts, but with the members of this genus it takes the opposite direction, or north and south, for more singular and perfect representatives of each other cannot be found than are the _T. corniculatus_ and _T. citreogularis_ of the south-eastern parts of the country, the _T. argenticeps_ and _T. sordidus_ of the north-western. Extra Australian species inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring countries.

309. Tropidorhynchus corniculatus Vol. IV. Pl. 58. 310. Tropidorhynchus argenticeps, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 59. 311. Tropidorhynchus citreogularis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 60. 312. Tropidorhynchus sordidus.

Inhabits the Cobourg Peninsula, and is precisely similar to _T. citreogularis_, but is smaller in all its admeasurements except in the bill, which is more developed.

Genus ACANTHORHYNCHUS, _Gould_.

_Bill_ elongated, slender and acute, compressed on the sides; _tomia_ incurved; _culmen_ acute and elevated; _nostrils_ basal, elongated, and covered with an operculum; _wings_ moderate in size and semi-rotund; first and fifth primaries equal; the third and fourth nearly equal in length, and the longest; _tail_ moderate in size and slightly forked; _tarsi_ lengthened and strong; middle toe long and robust, external toe exceeding the inner one in length.

This genus, like many others of the family, may be regarded as strictly Australian: it comprises two, if not three, well-marked species, each of which is confined to a particular part of the country; the _A. tenuirostris_ dwelling in the eastern, and the _A. superciliosus_ in the western districts: both inhabit countries precisely in the same degree of latitude, and form beautiful representatives of each other. Van Diemen’s Land is the native habitat of the species I have named _A. dubius_, which, as will be seen, I had made synonymous with _A. tenuirostris_, but which I am now inclined to consider distinct, an opinion in which Mr. Blyth coincides.

313. Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Vol. IV. Pl. 61. 314. Acanthorhynchus dubius, _Gould_. 315. Acanthorhynchus superciliosus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 62.

Genus MYZOMELA, _Vig. & Horsf._

Five well-marked species of this genus are distributed over Australia; numerous others are found in New Guinea and the neighbouring islands; the form also occurs in the Polynesian Islands, but is not found in Van Diemen’s Land.

316. Myzomela sanguineolenta Vol. IV. Pl. 63. 317. Myzomela erythrocephala, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 64. 318. Myzomela pectoralis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 65. 319. Myzomela nigra, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 66. 320. Myzomela obscura, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 67.

Genus ENTOMYZA, _Swains._

Two species of this well-defined genus are comprised in the Australian fauna, one of which inhabits the south-eastern parts of the country, or New South Wales; the other, which so far as we yet know is strictly confined to the north-eastern coast, is very plentiful at Port Essington and in the neighbouring districts.

The form appears to be confined to Australia, for I have never seen it from any other country.

321. Entomyza cyanotis Vol. IV. Pl. 68.

This bird has the habit—a somewhat remarkable one among the Honey-eaters—of selecting the nest of _Pomatorhinus temporalis_ for the reception of its eggs.

322. Entomyza albipennis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 69.

Genus MELITHREPTUS, _Vieill._

No one group of birds is more universally distributed over Australia than the _Melithrepti_, for their range extends from Van Diemen’s Land on the south to the most northern part of the continent; and they are equally numerous from east to west, each part of country being inhabited by a species peculiarly its own. The _Eucalypti_ are the trees upon which they are almost exclusively found. I believe the form is unknown out of Australia.

323. Melithreptus validirostris, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 70. 324. Melithreptus gularis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 71. 325. Melithreptus lunulatus Vol. IV. Pl. 72. 326. Melithreptus chloropsis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 73. 327. Melithreptus albogularis, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 74. 328. Melithreptus melanocephalus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 75.

_Certhia agilis_, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. iv. p. 204.

Genus MYZANTHA, _Vig. & Horsf._

During the progress of this work three additional species of this genus have been discovered, one in the interior of New South Wales, the second at Swan River, and the third on the north-west coast; consequently it is a genus the members of which are widely distributed over nearly every part of Australia.

329. Myzantha garrula Vol. IV. Pl. 76. 330. Myzantha obscura, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 77. 331. Myzantha lutea, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 78. 332. Myzantha flavigula, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 79. 333. Myzantha melanophrys Vol. IV. Pl. 80.

Family ——?

Genus ZOSTEROPS, _Vig. & Horsf._

Three well-defined species of this genus inhabit the continent of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land; two are found on Norfolk Island, and numerous others inhabit the Indian Islands and the continent of India even to the Himalaya Mountains.

In placing this group next to the Honey-eaters, I have been influenced by their approximation to those birds in some of their habits: they also exhibit a further degree of affinity in the form and structure of their nest, but not in the colouring of their eggs, which are always blue in colour.

334. Zosterops dorsalis, _Vig. & Horsf._ Vol. IV. Pl. 81. 335. Zosterops chloronotus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 82. 336. Zosterops luteus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 83.

Family CUCULIDÆ, _Leach_.

The family _Cuculidæ_ is very fairly represented in Australia, since we there find species belonging to the greater number of the Old World genera, and one, _Scythrops_, which has not hitherto, I believe, been found elsewhere. With the exception of _Centropus_ and _Eudynamys_, they, like their prototypes, are parasitic in their nidification, and depend upon other birds for the hatching of their eggs and the feeding of their offspring.

Genus CUCULUS, _Linn._

337. Cuculus optatus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 84.

Since my description of this species was printed I have seen specimens from India, with the name of _Cuculus micropterus_ attached to them: should this name have been published prior to the one I have assigned to it, my name must sink into a synonym.

338. Cuculus inornatus, _Vig. & Horsf._ Vol. IV. Pl. 85.

_Columba pallida_, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol.
viii. p. 30.

339. Cuculus cineraceus, _Vig. & Horsf._ Vol. IV. Pl. 86.

340. Cuculus insperatus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 87.

341. Cuculus dumetorum, _Gould_

This species, which inhabits the north-western coast, differs from _C. insperatus_ in being of a much smaller size and in the whole of the plumage being of a browner hue.

Genus CHRYSOCOCCYX, _Boie_.

The members of this genus are distributed over most parts of the Old World; two species occur in Australia.

342. Chrysococcyx osculans. Chalcites osculans, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 88. 343. Chrysococcyx lucidus Vol. IV. Pl. 89.

_Sylvia versicolor_, Lath. in Lambert’s Drawings.

Genus SCYTHROPS, _Lath._

The only known species of this remarkable form inhabits the eastern parts of Australia, and according to information derived from the notes made by Mr. Gilbert during Dr. Leichardt’s Expedition, extends its range northward from thence to within the tropics.

I have recently had a young specimen presented to me by Lady Dowling, one of two taken from a branch of a tree while being fed by birds not of its own species, an important fact as showing the parasitic habits of the bird.

344. Scythrops Novæ-Hollandiæ, _Lath._ Vol. IV. Pl. 90.

Genus EUDYNAMYS, _Vig. & Horsf._