THE GAPERS. 



137 



but becomes suddenly narrow towards its extremity, and terminates in a flat hook ; the lower mandible 

 is furnished with a hollow rim that encloses the curved tip of the upper part of the beak. The 

 plumage is soft in texture, except around the beak and in the region of the eyes and brows, these 

 parts being covered with a bristle-like growth. 



THE TRUE DWARF OWL SWALLOW. 

 The True Dwarf Owl Swallow (AUgotheks Nova Hollanditz) is about nine inches and a 

 quarter long, and above twelve in breadth. The upper part of the body is dark brown, streaked with 

 white ; the entire under surface, a spot near the eye, and two sickle-shaped lines, the one on the neck 

 and the other at the back of the head, are grey, dotted with black and reddish yellow ; the anterior 

 quills are brown, spotted with light brown and grey on the inner web ; the tail is dark brown, regularly 



THE TRUE DWARF OWL SWALLOW {Aigotheles Nova Hollandia). 



striped with grey, and dotted with black ; the iris is nut-brown ; the feet of a pink flesh-colour. The 

 sexes are alike in size, and similarly tinted, but the plumage of the young is darker than that of the 

 adult bird. Gould tells us that this species lives and breeds in all woodland districts throughout 

 Southern Australia and Tasmania, and that it also frequents the shrubs and bushes upon the coast. 

 Its flight is direct and slow, and, when perched, its attitudes resemble those of an Owl ; like that bird, 

 if disturbed, it turns its head rapidly in all directions, and emits a low, hissing sound. The Dwarf 

 Owl Swallow breeds twice in the year, and deposits its four or five round pure white eggs in the 

 hollows of trees. One strange habit possessed by this bird renders the discovery of its retreat very 

 easy ; for no sooner is any unusual sound made in the vicinity of its hole than the active little 

 occupant at once scrambles up to the entrance, and putting out its head, peers around to discover 

 the cause of the disturbance. Should danger seem imminent it at once takes flight, and seeks safety 

 elsewhere ; but should nothing alarming be in view, it quietly returns to the bottom of its abode, 

 until again roused by some voice from the outer world. 

 vol. 11.— 57 



