restricted habitat of this species, I have lately received a letter from
Mr. Strange of Sydney, in which he states a female had been procured in
the neighbourhood of Botany Bay. I am also in possession of an egg of
this bird, which in general character resembles that of _Turnix_; it is
somewhat suddenly contracted at the smaller end, the ground-colour is
stone-white, sprinkled with small blotches of umber-brown and
vinous-grey, the latter colour appearing as if beneath the surface of
the shell, the sprinkled markings predominating at the larger end; the
length of the egg is 1 inch and one-eighth by seven-eighths in breadth.
443. Pedionomus torquatus, _Gould_, female Vol. V. Pl. 80.
—— microurus, _Gould_, male.
Genus TURNIX, _Bonn_.
However widely the members of this genus are dispersed, inhabiting as
one or other of them do all quarters of the Old World, Australia is the
great nursery of the race, since it is in that country that we find the
species more numerous than elsewhere; they not only inhabit every part
of the continent that has yet been explored, but they extend their range
to the islands adjacent to the coast and even to Van Diemen’s Land; some
species enjoy a wide range across the continent from east to west, while
others are very local; grassy plains and stony ridges thickly
interspersed with scrubs and grasses are the situations they frequent;
their eggs are invariably four in number, pointed in form, and very like
those of the Sandpipers; their only nest is a few grasses placed in a
hollow on the ground; in their habits and actions they differ
considerably from the Quails and Partridges, and, strange as it may
appear, approach more closely to the _Tringæ_, particularly to those
species with the more attenuated form of bill; when rising from almost
beneath your feet, they fly, especially the smaller species, straight
and with arrow-like swiftness to the distance of one or two hundred
yards, and then suddenly pitch to the ground. Their flesh, although
eatable, is dry and deficient in flavour when compared with that of the
Quails and Partridges.
444. Turnix melanogaster.
Hemipodius melanogaster, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 81.
445. Turnix varius.
Hemipodius varius Vol. V. Pl. 82.
446. Turnix scintillans.
447. Hemipodius scintillans, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 83.
448. Turnix melanotus.
Hemipodius melanotus, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 84.
449. Turnix castanotus.
Hemipodius castanotus, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 85.
450. Turnix pyrrhothorax.
Hemipodius pyrrhothorax, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 86.
451. Turnix velox.
Hemipodius velox, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 87.
Family TETRAONIDÆ, _Leach_.
Genus COTURNIX, _Mœhr_.
One true Quail is all that has yet been described as inhabiting
Australia; as might be expected, it is a denizen of the plains, as well
as of all the open districts of any extent where grass-lands occur; it
also resorts to the arable districts in great abundance. A difference
exists in specimens from the western and eastern coasts, the former
having a deep fawn or light rufous tint pervading the under surface; and
it is possible that this difference of colouring may be characteristic
of a second and distinct species.
452. Coturnix pectoralis, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 88.
Genus SYNOÏCUS, _Gould_.
Generic characters.
As in _Perdix_, but with no spur on the tarsi, and the tail almost
obsolete.
The great paucity of the _Gallinaceæ_ in Australia is very remarkable,
the members of the present genus being almost the only representatives
of that group of birds inhabiting the country. The similarity of the
habits and economy of these birds to those of the true Partridges,
particularly to our own well-known species the _Perdix cinerea_, allies
them more nearly to those birds than to the Quails.
Grassy meads, the sides of rushy creeks, and districts clothed with
dense herbage, are the favourite resorts of these birds, which move
about in small coveys, and when flushed fly but a short distance before
they again alight. As an article of food they are all that can be
wished.
Every part of the country, from Port Essington on the north to Van
Diemen’s Land on the south, is inhabited by one or other species of the
genus, which are, I doubt not, more numerous than I have represented,
for I feel confident that the bird found at Port Essington is quite
distinct from those of the south coast.
453. Synoïcus Australis Vol. V. Pl. 89.
454. Synoïcus Diemenensis, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 90.
455. Synoïcus sordidus, _Gould_ Vol. V. Pl. 91.
456. Synoïcus? Chinensis Vol. V. Pl. 92.
Order GRALLATORES, _Ill._
Family STRUTHIONIDÆ, _Vig._
Genus DROMAIUS, _Vieill._
I formerly entertained an opinion that there were two species of Emu
inhabiting Australia, but I have not had sufficient proofs that such is
the case. The small specimens in the possession of the Linnean Society
of London and in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, may only be stunted
birds which had been kept in captivity, but as some doubt still remains
in my mind the subject should be kept in view.
457. Dromaius Novæ-Hollandiæ Vol. VI. Pl. 1.
Genus APTERYX, _Shaw_.
New Zealand is the only country wherein the members of this genus now
exist; but they doubtless formerly ranged over that continent of which
the greater part is submerged beneath the surface of the ocean, and of
which a few isolated spots—New Zealand, Norfolk and Phillip Islands
among others—alone remain.
458. Apteryx Australis, _Shaw_ Vol. VI. Pl. 2.
459. Apteryx Owenii, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 3.
Genus OTIS, _Linn._
A country better adapted than Australia for the members of this genus
can scarcely be imagined, yet singularly enough only one species has yet
been found there. Africa may be considered the cradle of the race, for
it is on that continent that they are most numerous; Europe and India
are also inhabited by various species. The _Otis nigriceps_ of the
plains of Upper India, and the _O. Australis_ are beautiful
representatives of each other in the respective countries they inhabit.
460. Otis Australis, _Gray_.
_Otis Australis_, Gray in Griff. An. King., vol. iii. p. 305.
Otis Australasianus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 4.
The range of this bird over the country is probably universal; both Dr.
Leichardt and Mr. Gilbert observed it within the tropical portion of
Australia, and Captain Sturt found it in the desert interior.
Family CHARADRIADÆ, _Leach_.
Genus ŒDICNEMUS, _Temm._
The Œdicnemi occur in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, in which
latter country one if not two species exist that are not found
elsewhere.
461. Œdicnemus grallarius Vol. VI. Pl. 5.
The birds of this form inhabiting the northern coast have longer legs
and shorter wings, and I have no doubt are distinct; but I have not seen
a sufficient number of specimens to enable me to affirm that such is
actually the case.
Genus ESACUS, _Less._
The genera _Œdicnemus_ and _Esacus_ are merely modifications of the same
form; the variation in that of the bill being expressly adapted for
procuring the kinds of food upon which the species respectively subsist;
the _Œdicnemus_ frequenting the stony deserts of the interior of the
country feeds upon insects of various kinds, and the tender shoots of
herbage; while the _Esacus_, resorting to the salt-marshes and the
shores of the sea, lives upon crabs, mollusks and other marine animals.
462. Esacus magnirostris Vol. VI. Pl. 6.
So far as our knowledge extends, the present bird is confined to the
shores of the northern and north-western parts of Australia. It is
beautifully represented in India by the _E. recurvirostris_, and these
two species are all that are known to ornithologists.
Genus HÆMATOPUS, _Linn._
I believe that there is no country in the world of any extent the shores
of which are not inhabited by one or other of the numerous species of
this genus; but it would seem that all those which exist in the southern
hemisphere are totally different from those of the northern.
Two species inhabit Australia, viz.
463. Hæmatopus longirostris, _Vieill._ Vol. VI. Pl. 7.
464. Hæmatopus fuliginosus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 8.
Genus LOBIVANELLUS, _Strikl._
Two species of this beautiful form inhabit Australia, one the northern
and the other the southern parts of the country; I believe they are both
confined to this portion of the globe. Other species are found in India
and Africa.
465. Lobivanellus lobatus Vol. VI. Pl. 9.
466. Lobivanellus personatus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 10.
Genus SARCIOPHORUS, _Strickl._
A genus nearly allied to the last, and of which a single species
inhabits Australia; like _Lobivanellus_, it is an Old World form.
467. Sarciophorus pectoralis Vol. VI. Pl. 11.
Genus SQUATAROLA, _Cuv._
The single species of this genus inhabits Europe, Asia, North America
and Australia.
468. Squatarola Helvetica Vol. VI. Pl. 12.
Genus CHARADRIUS, _Linn._
The Australian fauna comprises two species of this form, of which one,
the _Charadrius veredus_, might, perhaps, with propriety be separated
into a distinct genus, or placed in that of _Eudromias_.
469. Charadrius xanthocheilus, _Wagl._ Vol. VI. Pl. 13.
470. Charadrius veredus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 14.
Genus EUDROMIAS, _Boie_.
Of this genus of upland Plovers two species at least are known, viz. the
_E. morinellus_ of Europe and the _E. Australis_ of Australia.
471. Eudromias Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 15.
This bird inhabits the low hills and plains of the interior, a kind of
habitat precisely similar to that of its European prototype.
Since my account of this species was written some additional information
has been acquired respecting it.
“This singular bird,” says Captain Sturt, in the Appendix to his Account
of his recent expedition into the interior of South Australia, “made its
appearance in 1841 suddenly on the plains of Adelaide, seeming to have
come from the north. It occupied the sand-hills at the edge of the
Mangrove swamps and fed round the puddles of water on the plains. This
bird afforded my friend, Mr. Torrens, an abundant harvest, as it was
numerous round his house; but although some few have visited South
Australia every subsequent year, they have never appeared in such
numbers as on the first occasion. It runs very fast along the ground.
Mr. Browne and I met or rather crossed several flights of these birds in
August of 1845, going south. They were on the large open plains and were
very wild.”
Genus HIATICULA, _G. R. Gray_.
Five species of this genus inhabit Australia, and others occur in New
Zealand, the Indian Islands, India, Europe, Africa and America,
consequently few genera have their members more widely dispersed. Almost
all the species found in Australia are peculiar to the country, and are
more numerous on the southern than they are on the northern parts of
that continent; shingly beaches and low flat shores are their principal
places of resort.
472. Hiaticula bicincta Vol. VI. Pl. 16.
473. Hiaticula ruficapilla Vol. VI. Pl. 17.
474. Hiaticula monacha Vol. VI. Pl. 18.
475. Hiaticula inornata, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 19.
476. Hiaticula nigrifrons Vol. VI. Pl. 20.
Genus ERYTHROGONYS, _Gould_.
Generic characters.
_Bill_ longer than the head, straight, rather depressed; _nostrils_
basal, linear; _wings_ long and powerful, the first feather the longest;
tertiaries nearly as long as the primaries; _tail_ short and nearly
square; _legs_ long; _toes_ four in number, slender, the hind-toe
extremely diminutive and free, the outer toe united to the middle one
nearly to the first joint; thighs naked above the knee.
The single species of this genus appears to be strictly Australian, for
I have never seen examples from any other country.
477. Erythrogonys cinctus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 21.
In structure, actions and economy this elegantly formed bird is very
nearly allied to the _Hiaticulæ_ on the one hand, and the _Schœnicli_ on
the other.
Genus GLAREOLA, _Briss._
I have for many years questioned the propriety of placing the
Pratincoles in the same group with the Plovers, or even in the same
order, believing them as I do to be a terrestrial form of the
Fissirostral birds. Linnæus placed them near the Swallows, and I think
he was right in so doing; and Mr. Blyth, one of the most philosophical
of ornithologists, entertains, I believe, the same opinion; but as
nearly all other writers have placed them with the _Charadriadæ_, I have
adopted their view of the subject, and have accordingly retained them in
that group.
Species of this genus inhabit India, the Indian Islands, Europe and
Africa.
478. Glareola grallaria, _Temm._ Vol. VI. Pl. 22.
479. Glareola Orientalis, _Leach_ Vol. VI. Pl. 23.
Family SCOLOPACIDÆ, _Vig._
Genus HIMANTOPUS., _Briss._
Europe, India and Africa are inhabited by one, North America by a
second, South America by a third and perhaps a fourth, New Zealand by a
fifth, and Australia by a sixth species of this elegant but singular
genus; the Australian bird, which is more abundant in the southern than
in the northern parts of the country, is perhaps the finest and most
ornamental of the whole.
480. Himantopus leucocephalus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 24.
481. Himantopus Novæ-Zealandiæ Vol. VI. Pl. 25.
Genus CHLADORHYNCHUS, _G. R. Gray_.
The only known species of this form is peculiar to Australia.
482. Chladorhynchus pectoralis Vol. VI. Pl. 26.
Observed in great numbers by Captain Sturt, during his journey into the
interior, in the Appendix to which he says,—“This singular bird, with
legs so admirably adapted by their length for wading into the shallow
lakes and sheets of water, near which it is found, was seen in large
flocks. It was very abundant on Lepson’s Lake to the northward of
Cooper’s Creek; and on Strzelecki’s Creek it was sitting on the water
with other wild fowl making a singular plaintive whistle.”
Genus RECURVIROSTRA, _Linn._
This form, like that of _Himantopus_, is widely distributed over the
globe, since species inhabit America, Africa, Europe, India and
Australia, in which latter country, as in Europe, only one species is
found, viz.
483. Recurvirostra rubricollis, _Temm._ Vol. VI. Pl. 27.
Genus LIMOSA, _Briss._
Two very distinct species of this genus inhabit Australia, one the
southern and the other the northern divisions of the country; others
occur in Java, Sumatra, India, Africa, Europe and North America.
484. Limosa Melanuroïdes, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 28.
485. Limosa uropygialis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 29.
Genus SCHŒNICLUS, _Mœhr._
I have figured four species of this genus as inhabiting Australia, not
more than one, or at most two, of which, however, is or are peculiar to
that country. The species of this genus range over many degrees of
latitude, and occur in America as well as in most parts of the Old
World.
486. Schœniclus Australis Vol. VI. Pl. 30.
487. Schœniclus albescens Vol. VI. Pl. 31.
488. Schœniclus subarquatus Vol. VI. Pl. 32.
489. Schœniclus magnus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 33.
This species, I believe, also inhabits India and Japan.
Genus TEREKIA, _Bonap._
The only known species of this form inhabits Java, Sumatra, India and
Europe, and as I killed a specimen in Australia that country must also
be included within its range.
490. Terekia cinerea Vol. VI. Pl. 34.
Genus ACTITIS, _Ill._
One species of this genus inhabits Australia, where it represents the
_Actitis hypoleucus_ of Europe and _Actitis macularius_ of America.
491. Actitis empusa, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 35.
Genus GLOTTIS, _Nils._
The only species of this genus found in Australia appears to me to be
identical with the _Glottis Glottoïdes_ of India.
492. Glottis Glottoïdes Vol. VI. Pl. 36.
Genus TOTANUS, _Bechst._
Of this genus two species are all that have yet been discovered in
Australia; one of these I have regarded as identical with the _Totanus
stagnatilis_ of Europe, and if this view be correct, then the range of
the species will extend from Asia to Australia; certain it is that I
have seen specimens from all the intermediate countries which are
strictly identical with the European bird. The second species is an
inhabitant of the north coast, and is allied to the _T. calidris_.
493. Totanus stagnatilis Vol. VI. Pl. 37.
494. Totanus griseopygius, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 38.
Genus STREPSILAS, _Ill._
If any bird may be regarded as a Cosmopolite it is the Turnstone, for it
inhabits the sea-shores of every part of the globe.
495. Strepsilas Interpres Vol. VI. Pl. 39.
Genus SCOLOPAX, _Linn._
If the slight difference which occurs in the Snipes from Port Essington
on the north and from Van Diemen’s Land on the south be regarded as mere
local variations, then only one species of this form exists in
Australia.
496. Scolopax Australis, _Lath._ Vol. VI. Pl. 40.
Captain Sturt informs us that this Snipe is common in South Australia,
but scarce in the interior of the country; that it breeds in great
numbers in the valley of Mypunga, but is only to be found in those
localities where the ground is constantly soft.
Genus RHYNCHÆA, _Cuv._
The few species comprised in this genus are widely dispersed over the
face of the globe; one inhabits the southernmost parts of America,
another South Africa, a third India, and a fourth Australia. They affect
different situations from those resorted to by the true Snipes, usually
selecting drier ground and knolls under low bushes contiguous to marshy
lands, where they can readily procure food and water.
497. Rhynchæa Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 41.
“This beautiful bird,” says Captain Sturt, “was very scarce in the
interior, and indeed is not common anywhere. Some three or four couples
visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in the high reeds at the
bottom of the creek, among which they doubtless breed, but I never found
one of their nests. They lie basking in the shade of a tree on the
sand-hills during the day, and separate when alarmed.”
Genus NUMENIUS, _Linn._
Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which part of the
globe they are confined, and wherein they represent the species
inhabiting the northern hemisphere, with which their habits, actions and
economy are strictly in accordance.
498. Numenius Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 42.
499. Numenius uropygialis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 43.
500. Numenius minutus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 44.
Family ARDEIDÆ, _Leach_.
Subfamily TANTALINÆ, _G. R. Gray_.
Genus GERONTICUS, _Wagl._
The three species of _Ibises_ inhabiting Australia have been separated
by ornithologists into as many genera, and the difference which exists
in their habits and economy tends to prove the propriety of their
subdivision; for while the _Geronticus_ congregates in flocks of
thousands and mainly subsists upon caterpillars, grasshoppers and
locusts, a kind of food which it readily obtains on the heated plains,
the _Threskiornis_ assembles in small companies of from four to six in
number and resorts to the rushy banks of the lagoons and other humid
situations, and feeds upon newts, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish, and
the _Falcinellus_ resorts to similar situations, but I have had no
opportunity of observing its habits.
501. Geronticus spinicollis Vol. VI. Pl. 45.
I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than
Australia, which would therefore appear to be its restricted habitat.
Genus THRESKIORNIS, _G. R. Gray_.
502. Threskiornis strictipennis Vol. VI. Pl. 46.
Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons.
503. Falcinellus igneus Vol. VI. Pl. 47.
This species is numerous in the northern and eastern districts of
Australia, whence its range extends throughout the whole of the islands
to India and Europe.
Subfamily GRUINÆ, _G. R. Gray_.
Genus GRUS, _Linn._
Species of this genus inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and
Australia.
504. Grus Australasianus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 48.
The Australian Crane is a noble bird, and is deservedly admired both by
the Aborigines and Europeans. The eastern and northern parts of the
country are the only localities yet known to be inhabited by this fine
bird; future research may however find that it possesses a wider range.
Subfamily PLATALEINÆ, _Bonap._
Genus PLATALEA, _Linn._
Two species of this genus inhabit Australia, both of which are, I
believe, peculiar to that country, where they perform precisely the same
offices as their prototypes in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
505. Platalea flavipes, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 49.
506. Platalea regia, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 50.
Subfamily CICONINÆ, _G. R. Gray_.
Genus MYCTERIA, _Linn._
The noble species of this genus inhabiting Australia is, I believe,
identical with the bird of the same form inhabiting India, and if such
be the case, then it enjoys a wide range of habitat. Africa and America
are inhabited by species belonging to this or to a very nearly allied
genus.
507. Mycteria Australis, _Lath._ Vol. VI. Pl. 51.
Subfamily ARDEINÆ, _G. R. Gray_.
Genus ARDEA, _Linn._
The Herons range over every part of the globe. The sixteen species
inhabiting Australia include examples of the genera _Ardea_, _Herodias_,
_Nycticorax_, _Botaurus_ and _Ardetta_, and I think they should be still
further divided, the Reef Herons, _Herodias jugularis_, _H. Greyii_, &c.
differing considerably both in structure and habits from the other
members of the genus; the _Ardea pacifica_ and _A. Novæ-Hollandiæ_ also,
are not typical _Ardeæ_, but fill a station intermediate between the
true Herons and the Egrets.
508. Ardea pacifica, _Lath._ Vol. VI. Pl. 52.
Numerous in the southern but rare within the tropical parts of
Australia.
509. Ardea Novæ-Hollandiæ, _Lath._ Vol. VI. Pl. 53.
Frequents the whole of the southern coasts of Australia and Van Diemen’s
Land.
510. Ardea rectirostris, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 54.
Found on the north coast of Australia, and I believe also in the Indian
Islands.
511. Ardea leucophæa, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 55.
The range of this species, which is very rare in Australia, appears to
extend to the southern parts of India.
Genus HERODIAS, _Boie_.
Nearly every part of the globe is tenanted by members of this genus.
Those inhabiting Australia are very nearly allied to, but I believe are
quite distinct from, the species found in India, Europe and America, and
of which they are the Australian representatives.
512. Herodias syrmatophorus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 56.
513. Herodias plumiferus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 57.
514. Herodias immaculata, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 58.
515. Herodias pannosus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 59.
516. Herodias jugularis Vol. VI. Pl. 60.
517. Herodias Greyii Vol. VI. Pl. 61.
518. Herodias picata, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 62.
Genus NYCTICORAX, _Steph._
Europe, Africa and America are all inhabited by Night Herons;
consequently it is one of the most widely-distributed sections of the
family.
The single Australian species of this well-defined genus is rendered
conspicuously different from all other known species by the cinnamon
colour of its back.
519. Nycticorax Caledonicus Vol. VI. Pl. 63.
“Shot at Cape York and Port Essington, in which latter place it is
rather abundant. _Yangko_ of the Cape York aborigines, _Alăwool_ of the
Port Essington natives.”—_J. M’Gillivray._
Genus BOTAURUS, _Steph._
520. Botaurus Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 64.
The Australian Bittern is very similar to the European, _B. stellaris_.
Genus ARDETTA, _G. R. Gray_.
The members of this genus of Mangrove Bitterns usually frequent the
extensive belts of mangroves and low dells covered with reed-beds and
dense herbage.
Africa and America are each inhabited by birds of this form, one species
of which is also found in Europe, several in India and the adjacent
islands, and three in Australia, viz.—
521. Ardetta flavicollis Vol. VI. Pl. 65.
This species is said to inhabit Java and India, and although I have
figured it under the name assigned to the Indian and Javanese bird, I am
still inclined to believe that it is distinct.
522. Ardetta macrorhyncha, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 66.
523. Ardetta stagnatilis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 67.
524. Ardetta pusilla Vol. VI. Pl. 68.
This species, with the little Bittern of the British Islands and several
others inhabiting Africa and America, would admit of being separated
into a distinct genus.
Family RALLIDÆ, _Leach_.
Of this family no less than sixteen species inhabit Australia, and are
comprised in the following genera, viz. _Porphyrio_, _Fulica_,
_Gallinula_, _Rallus_ and _Porzana_, all of which are European forms;
and _Parra_, _Eulabeornis_ and _Tribonyx_: of the latter, the first is
common to India and the Indian Islands, and the other two are confined,
so far as we know, to Australia.