128 



TENUIROSTRES. 



(jf minute insects, tliougli they occasionally feed on 

 small seeds. 



The typical spc 



cies, 



The Spine-tailed Orthonyx {Orfhonyx spinicanda), is 

 rather more than eight inches in length. It has the 

 shafts of the tail-feathers prolonged beyond tlie webs, 

 forming, as indicated by the name, a set of spines at the 

 a])ex of the tail. This bird is fonnd in the most retired 

 spots in the bushes skirting the coast of the south- 

 eastern angle of Australia. Here it is seen running 

 over the fallen trunks of trees, and mossy stones, in 

 search of the insects, principally beetles, which constitute 

 its food 



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