394 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



Sp. 241. CINCLORAMPHUS CRURALIS. 



Brown Cincloramphus. 



Megalurus cruralis, Vig. and Horsf. in Linn, Trans, vol. xv. p. 228. 

 Cincloi'amphus cruralis, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc, part v. p. 150. 



Cincloramphus cruralis, Gould, Birds of Australia, fol., vol. iii. 

 pi. 74. 



As there are two, if not three, species of this very singular 

 genus inhabiting the southern portion of Australia, which 

 bear a great resemblance to each other, it becomes necessary 

 to state that this is the one commonly seen during the months 

 of spring and summer in all the open districts of New South 

 Wales, where it arrives in August, and after performing the 

 task of incubation, departs again in January or February. 

 Open downs, grassy flats, and fields of corn are its favourite 

 places of resort. It is certainly one of the most animated of 

 the Australian birds. Had I not visited Australia and per- 

 sonally studied its habits, my credulity would have been 

 severely taxed upon being informed that the two birds, differ- 

 ing so greatly in size, were the male and female of the same 

 species, many genera having been instituted upon much 

 slighter grounds of difference ; I had abundant proofs, how- 

 ever, that such is really the case, having seen many of the 

 nests and eggs with the parent bird in the act of incubation, 

 during the two seasons I spent in the country. In most of 

 its habits and in its economy this bird closely assimilates to 

 the Skylark of Europe. During the early months of spring 

 it trips over the ground in the most sprightly manner with 

 its tail nearly erect ; mounts on the dead limbs of trees and 

 the fences of enclosures, and runs along them with the 

 greatest dexterity ; at this season of the year also the male 

 may be frequently seen rvmning beside its diminutive partner, 

 and so busily engaged in pouring forth his song for her 

 amusement, as to be apparently unconscious of the presence 

 of any other object. After the female has chosen the place 



