434 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



be frequently seen to run along the fallen trunks so common 

 in the Australian forests. 



Unlike many others of the Thrush family which are cele- 

 brated for their song, the note of this species merely consists 

 of a low piping whistle, frequently repeated while among the 

 underwood, and by which its presence is often indicated. 



In Hobart Town it is frequently exposed for sale in the 

 markets with Bronzewing Pigeons and Wattlebirds, where it 

 is known by the name of Ground-Dove, an appellation which 

 has doubtless been given both from its habit of running and 

 feeding upon the ground like the Pigeons, and the circum- 

 stance of its flesh being very delicate eating ; to its excellence 

 in this respect I can bear testimony. The pectoral muscles 

 are very largely developed, and the body, when plucked, has 

 much the contour of a Quail. 



The duty of incubation is performed in October and the 

 three following months, during which period two and often 

 three broods are produced. The nest is a slight and rather 

 careless structure, composed of leaves and the inner bark of 

 trees, and is of a round open form ; it is always placed on the 

 ground, under the shelter of a large stone, stump of a tree, or 

 a tuft of grass. The eggs are two, and sometimes three, in 

 number, one inch and three lines long, and are white, blotched 

 with large marks of olive-brown, particularly at the larger end, 

 some of the spots appearing as if on the inner surface of the 

 shell. The young, which at two or three days old are thickly 

 clothed with long black downy feathers, soon acquire the 

 power of running, and at an early age assume the plumage of 

 the adult, after which they are subject to no periodical change 

 in their plumage. The stomach is very muscular, and in those 

 dissected were found the remains of seeds and caterpillars 

 mingled with sand. 



Adult males have the forehead and chest ash-grey ; crown 

 of the head, back, rump, and the middle tail-feathers rufous- 

 brown, each feather of the back having a broad longitudinal 



