636 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



with lighter-coloured shafts ; in other respects the colouring 

 is similar to the adult, except that the markings of the tail are 

 more distinct. 



The eyes of the birds at Port Essington are said to be red. 



Sp. 389. CENTROPUS MACROURUS, Gould. 

 Great-tailed Coucal. 



Centropus macrourus, Gould, Birds of Australia, foL, vol. i. Introd. 

 p. 68 ; and vol. iv. text to pi. 92. 



Mr. Gregory informs me that " this bird is almost invariably 

 found in thickets or cane-brakes near water, and appears to live 

 principally upon seeds and insects; but one was observed 

 devouring a Cockatoo that had been recently shot and fallen 

 in a jungle. In flight it somewhat resembles the Common 

 Hawk, but with an irregular and uncertain movement; it 

 runs over the ground with great speed, and then resembles a 

 hen Pheasant ; in the trees their actions are much like those 

 of Jays and Magpies. The eye has a rich golden tint, and is 

 remarkably keen and Hawk-like. The body is slender, and 

 by no means fleshy. We observed it generally in small 

 companies, and sometimes only in pairs." 



Sp. 390. CENTROPUS MELANURUS, Gould. 

 Black-tailed Coucal. 



Centropus melanurus, Gould, Birds of Australia, fol., vol. i. Introd. 

 p. 68 ; and vol. iv. text to pi. 92. 



See remarks in Centropus phasianm. 



end of vol. I. 



Printed by Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 



