i So



Mr. Reginald Phillipps,



G. litsitsirupa *. Nor does any species seem to have a spring

moult beyond the replacement of a few injured feathers.”


And page 148 “ No species of this genus is found in


Europe or in South America, except accidentally 011 migration.

On the other hand, it is the only genus of the family found in

Australia . . . .”


Professor Newton, in his Dictionary, at page 961 refers to

Geocichla as a phantom name, and at page 388 says :—“ Ground-

Thrush, a name long ago used for birds of the genus Pitta and

its allies (Jerdon, B. Ind. /., p. 502) ; but latterly an attempt has

been made (Cat. B. Br. Mus. V. p. 147) to foist it on a composite

group of some 40 species of Thrushes which have been referred

to a ghost-like genus Geocichla , the characters and type of which

continue to defy discovery.” Since Vol. V. of the Museum

Catalogue was published in 18S1, the genus Geocichla has been

revised, and many of the species then included in it have been

gathered into other genera. In Vol. IV. of the Hand-list

published last July, Geocichla contains but 28 species. Whether

applicable or not, the generic names “ Geocichla” and “ Ground-

Thrush ” have come into such common use it will be convenient

that they be retained, and that the latter be used only for birds

of this group.


My own personal knowledge of the Ground-Thrushes is

limited, and to what extent they are ground birds I cannot speak

from personal observation. In the Catalogue Mr. Seebohm

tells us :—“ All the Thrushes are principal^ ground-feeders,

especially in summer ; but the species of this genus are par

excellence Ground-Thrushes, being still less frequently found in

trees than their near allies. Their legs and feet are strong, and

pale in colour.” Again, in the Emu (III., p. 82), Mi'. Frank M.

Littler, writing of the Tasmanian or Earge - billed Ground-

Thrush, Geocichla macrorhyncha (since removed from Geocichla to

a new genus Oreocichla), a species peculiar to Tasmania, says :—

“ This Thrush seldom employs its wings, which are not really

strong, but trusts rather to its feet. The rapidity with which

it can get from place to place is really astonishing.” But



The South African Ground-Thrush, now in the genus Psophocichla.—R. P.



