1861] MR. G. R. GRAY ON THE MEGAPODES. 291 



doubt that they will prove distinct species from each other, and even 

 from all the other known species. 



1 9. ? MeGAPODIUS ? ANDERSONI. 



Tetrao avstralis, Anders. MSS. 

 " Fused nigraque ; pedibtis tiudis." 



New Caledonia. 



The name given above (with the very short specific characters) was 

 found among others in the manuscripts of Anderson, who was as- 

 sistant-surgeon during the third voyage of the famous circumnavi- 

 gator Cook. Though the description is so short and concise, I am, 

 however, induced to suppose that it can only be referred to a species 

 of Megapodius ; certainly it cannot be reconciled with any of the 

 present known birds from New Caledonia. I refer to it in the hope 

 that this slight indication may lead to its being searched for by col- 

 lectors and others who may be located in that island, thus proving 

 whether I am right in my supposition with regard to its being one of 

 this remarkable genus. 



The family of Megapodiidee is composed of a series of birds which 

 are very remarkable for the extraordinary and anomalous contri- 

 vances resorted to by the different species for obtaining the artificial 

 heat that is necessary for bringing their eggs to maturity ; and for 

 other singularities in their general habits, &c. The account which 

 follows is principally collected together into one view from different 

 published sources. 



These birds are all, with one solitary exception, as far as is at pre- 

 sent known, inhabitants of certain localities within the tropics, viz. : — 



Nicobar Islands, Lombock, Borneo (N.W.), Labuan, and Lu^^on. 



Celebes, Gilolo, Batchian, Ceram, Amboina, Banda Islands, Guebe, 

 Boui, and Waigiou Islands. 



New Guinea, Louisiade Archipelago, Aru and Ke Islands. 



Australia ( North, West, and South), Islands in Endeavour and 

 Torres' Straits. 



Ladrone or Marian Islands. They are also known to exist in Ha- 

 pace or Habai Islands, Samoan or Navigator's Islands ; and pro- 

 bably in New Caledonia. 



They generally inhabit the dense forests, brushes, and mangrove 

 swamps, or jungles of luxuriant vegetation, especially those that 

 border the sea-beach, or rivers and creeks ; but others {Leipoa ocel- 

 lata) prefer the sandy districts of the scrub. 



Their appearance when walking in open places is stately and some- 

 what sedate, which may be occasioned by their habit of lifting their 

 feet very high, and of setting their backs up, somewhat like the 

 guinea-fowls. Their extreme shyness and timidity causes them to 

 reside in, or to remain in close approximation to, the thickets, &c., 

 that they may escape, if disturbed, by running (which they do with 

 great quickness) among the vegetation ; but should they fail thus to 

 conceal themselves, they then fly on to the lower branches of the 

 trees, where they remain quite motionless, with the neck sometimes 



