242 birds. [1839- 



Australia, the same is equally true of animal existence in 

 this singular region. There are three hundred and sixteen 

 different species of birds, but twenty-seven of which are 

 common to this and other countries ; yet there is no order of 

 birds without its representative, and there are only two, the 

 Australian species of which are wholly peculiar. Of the com- 

 mon species, the most numerous are the birds of prey, eagle- 

 haws, crows, shrikes, pies, and others of similar character. 

 The most remarkable of the rapacious birds is a white eagle, 

 which was at one time supposed to be an albino of some oth- 

 er species, or a hawk, but has since been proven to be a true 

 ?agle. The usual singing birds are wanting. There is a bird, 

 called the superb warbler, having the habits of the redbreast, 

 and a number of variegated thrushes, which are very beau- 

 tiful, yet, notwithstanding their names, they are said to be 

 songless. The mountain pheasant, however, and the Austra- 

 lian magpie, are birds of song. 



A species of thrush, called the thunder bird, has received 

 from the colonists the name of the "laughing jackass," from 

 s peculiarly shrill and discordant cry. Swallows, goatsuck- 

 s. crows, magpies, and larks, are quite numerous. The lark 

 < a poor imitation of the European bird, and the swallow is 

 inch smaller. Birds of paradise, and the various species of 

 ie epimachi, whose beautiful plumage has so often called 

 >rth the encomiums of the poet, are confined to the northern 

 art of Australia. The sacred kingfisher and the variegated 

 ee. eater are likewise famous for the brilliancy and beauty of 

 ieir covering. The parrots, parroquets, and cockatoos, are 

 minerous, and are peculiar to the country. Of the bustard 

 here are several species, two of which have been often mis- 

 taken for wild turkeys: the emu, or Australian cassowary, 

 >ngs to the same order. It resembles tho ostrich very 

 much in appearance, but its legs are thicker, and it is more 

 toutly built. It runs with great rapidity, and will outstrip 

 lie swiftest racer. It has small wings, which are nearly hid- 

 len beneath the thick tufts of feathers that lie above them, 



