The SPOTTED EMU (_Dromæus irroratus_) is readily distinguished from the
above birds by its comparatively slender build, weaker feet, longer toes,
and the spots upon its plumage. This species differs from the _Dromæus
Novæ-Hollandiæ_ in having the whole of the body-feathers distinctly marked
with narrow transverse bars of light grey and brownish black; the feathers
on the back and sides are broader, longer, and less silky in texture than
those of the common kind, the latter difference being quite evident to the
touch. The upper part of the body and the neck are nearly black, and the
feathers appear thicker than those on the same parts in the other species.
"Having seen," says Mr. Gould, "adult and youthful examples of this Emu,
all bearing the characters which suggested its specific name, I have no
doubt of its being distinct from the _D. Novæ-Hollandiæ_. I am almost
equally certain that it is confined to the western division of Australia,
and that it represents there the Emu of the eastern coast. Whether the two
species incubate in South Australia, and if the present bird extends its
range to north and north-west, future research must determine."
* * * * *
The CASSOWARIES (_Casuarii_) are distinguishable from the group above
described by their compact body, short thick neck, low but powerful
legs, as also by the helmet that adorns their head, the peculiarity of
their plumage, and the formation of their beak and toes. In these birds
the bill is straight, compressed at its sides, arched at its culmen,
slightly hooked at its tip, and incised at both margins; the small,
oval-shaped nostrils are situated at the extremity, and the elevated,
compressed helmet at the base of the beak; the neck, which is bare and
brightly coloured on its upper portion, is furnished with either one or
two lappets; the wings consist of five strong, unwebbed, and rounded
shafts; the tail is not developed; the long robust tarsi are covered with
hexagonal scales except near the toes, where the scales are transverse.
The lateral toes are longer than the middle one, and the outer toe longest
of all; the claws are moderate and blunt, that on the centre toe very
long and powerful. The plumage resembles hair rather than feathers, the
webs being disunited and streaming. Five, or according to Gould six,
species of these remarkable birds have been discovered, but with three
of them we are almost entirely unacquainted; even the habitat of the _C.
uniappendiculatus_ and _C. bicarunculatus_ is uncertain. We also know
nothing of the _C. Kaupii_, the type of the race, except that it was found
by Rosenberg in New Guinea, and called by him after Kaup the naturalist.