9S PASSERES. 



true creepers, they are usually seen running upon the trunks of 

 trees, searching for their subsistence, which chiefly consists of 

 minute insects, though they occasionally feed on small seeds. 

 The typical species — 





^i 



W9 



Fig. so. — The ViiLLuw-nE.xDtu Orthony.v (flrthonyx ochrocephalus 



The Spine-tailed Orthonyx ( Ortlwnyx'* spinicauda) is rather more than 

 eight inches in length. Jt has the shafts of the tail-feathers prolonged beyond 

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

 tail. This bird is found 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. The orthonyx, in fact, may be said to be 

 aground-climber; it frequents rough banks, broken plots of ground, and 

 similar localities, which it explores, traversing all the ii regularities of the sur- 

 face and peeping diligently, with prying eyes, into every crack and crevice 

 capable of affording shelter to its victims. In its progress it is greatly assisted 

 by its tail, which is generally found to be considerably worn. The size of the 

 Spine-tailed Orthonyx is about that of a lark. We are quite unacquainted 

 with its mode of nidihcation. 



* 6pQb<i, orthos, straight ; &i;|, onyx, a daw: straight-clawed. 



