302 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPH^E. 



thing between both and unlike either, a note entirely 

 sui-genei'is and inimitable, at least on paper. 



The bird is short-legged, big-billed, and thickset ; its 

 ])luniage is grey, diversitied by hints of green and buff on 





the wings, and blue on the head, which is covered with 

 thick, rather long feathers, which it can erect into a very 

 tolerable crest at will. It is found in the driest and most 

 arid places, as well as in the vicinity of lagoons and creeks, 



