90 BIRDS or MARIA ISLAND. 



consisting of ten species, the most northerly ranging of which 

 finds a home in New Guinea, and another, the handsoma 

 chestnut-backed ground thrush is a well-known inhabitant of 

 the Murray districts. 



The stoutly scaled tarsus, short rounded wing, with lengthened 

 first primary, graduated tail, and conical-shaped bill, distinguish- 

 the genus Cinclosoma from the thrushes and denoted to b& 

 strictly a Timaline bird. 



26. StiPITTJRTJS MAIiACHURIIS, Slmiv. 



The Emu-wren was seen by Mr. Morton. 



This pretty little bird is more widely distributed than the 

 ordinary observer imagines, for its skulking habits lead to its 

 being passed over in many districts which it inhabits. A 

 favourite locality for it is the vicinity of damp fern brakes 

 which intersect the open, sparsely-covered wastes near the sea 

 coast. 



27. Sericornis htjmilis, Gould. 



The Bush-tit is common about the creeks in the bush, a 

 locality in which it is usually found all over the island (L). 

 Mr. Morton likewise found it about rocks near the sea coast. 



The inquisitive nature of this little bird renders it very- 

 familiar, and in the unfrequeDted districts of the "West it is 

 so tame that I have had it alight close to my feet and hop 

 about, peering into my face in a charmingly fearless manner. 

 The wing in the male measures 2*4 to 2"5 inches, and in the 

 female 2 "2 



28. ACANTHIZA DIEMEKENSIS, Gould. 



The Brown-tail is common about the creeks along the "West 

 Coast of the island (L). 



29. AcANTHiZA CHETSOERH^A, Quoy. et G. 



The Yellow-tail was very common in all suitable localities on 

 the West Coast (L). 



30. ACANTHOEHTNCHUS TENUIEOSTRIS, Jard. 



This handsome Honey-eater is found in the heath-covered 

 wastes near the lagoons on the sea coast (L^. 



The " Spine-bill " wanders from its ordinary haunts when 

 honey -bearing plants are in flower. It is often to be seen in 

 gardens in the heart of the city, hovering about flowers, and 

 flitting actively from branch to branch, its graceful form 

 clinging to a twig while it adroitly inserts its long bill into the 

 heart of the blossom which aff"ords it its favourite food. 



