

BRUSH TURKEY. Tuttegalla Latluimi. 



ANOTHER very remarkable bird possesses many of the same habits as the two preceding 

 species. This is the BRUSH TURKEY, sometimes called the WATTLED TALLEGALLA or the 

 NEW HOLLAND VULTURE, the latter extraordinary title having been given to it on account 

 of its head and neck, which in some parts are devoid of feathers, in others are covered 

 only with short hair, and in others are decorated with naked fleshy wattles. The 

 native name is Weelah. 



This bird is far from uncommon in many parts of New South Wales, and inhabits the 

 densest bushes of that country. Like the Leipoa, when pursued it endeavours to effect its 

 escape by running through the tangled brush, a feat which it can perform very adroitly, 

 but it is not so silly as to allow itself to be taken by hand as in the case of the preceding 

 species. When very close pursued, and unable to escape by speed, it jumps into the 

 lowest branch of some tree, leaps from bough to bough until it has reached th top, and 

 either perches there or flies off to another part of the brash. 



The Brush Turkey is a gregarious bird, living in small companies, and, like the true 

 turkey, is very wary and suspicious. The great enemy of this bird is the dingo or native 

 dog, which persecutes the flocks sadly, and often hunts them down. From this foe they 

 are safe by flying into a tree ; but this elevated position only makes them the more subject 

 to the colonist's gun, and as the birds seem stunned or bewildered by the report, they will 

 suffer several rounds to be fired before they will fly away. Moreover, they have a habit 

 of resorting to the trees at midday, and sheltering themselves from the sun under the 

 spreading foliage, so that any one who has a knowledge of the customs of this bird may 

 bp sure of good sport and a heavy bag. 



