180 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



in size and to differ in their markings, and they will probably 

 prove to be a distinct species. Tasmanian specimens, having 

 an average weight of five ounces each, are rather larger than 

 those of New South Wales ; no difference, however, occurs 

 in their markings, and I consider them to be mere local 

 varieties : no example has yet come under my notice from 

 the north coast, and the range of the species doubtless does 

 not extend to within several degrees of that latitude. 



It runs remarkably quick, and when flushed flies low, its 

 pointed wings giving it much the appearance of a Snipe or 

 Sandpiper. When running or walking over the ground the 

 neck is stretched out and the head carried very high, which 

 together with the rounded contour of the back give it a very 

 grotesque appearance. The breeding-season commences in 

 August or September and terminates in January, during 

 which period at least two broods are reared. The eggs are 

 invariably four in number, and are either deposited on the 

 bare ground or in a slightly constructed nest of grasses, 

 placed in some shallow depression, not unfrequently under the 

 lee of a stone or at the foot of a tuft of grass ; they are more 

 pointed than those of other gallinaceous birds, are of a very 

 pale buff, very minutely and thickly spotted and freckled 

 with reddish brown, chestnut, and purplish grey, and are 

 one inch and a quarter long by one inch broad. 



The note of the Varied Turnix is a loud and plaintive 

 sound, which is often repeated, particularly during the pairing- 

 season. 



One very remarkable feature connected with this bird, and 

 indeed with all the species of the genus, is the large size of 

 the female when compared with that of the male ; no difference 

 however exists in their colour and markings. 



The young run as soon as they are hatched, and their 

 appearance then assimilates so closely to that of the young 

 Partridges and Quails that they can scarcely be distinguished. 

 The pretty downy coat with which they are then covered soon 



