12 



THE BIEDS OF AUSTEALIA 



The fledglings can fly as soon as hatched, and they lead an 

 independent existence until mated. The birds can run well, 

 but fly heavily, and do not use their wings unless compelled. 

 The eggs are usually of a delicate pink colour, but the colouring 

 matter easily flakes off, showing the white shell underneath. 

 Sometimes the pink colouring matter is altogether absent. The 

 shell of the eggs is very fragile, and they measure about 3.71 

 X 2.34 inches. 



D. Le Souef. 

 Yellow-wattled Brusli Turkey: Talegallus lathami (Gatheturvs) . 



Genus Gatheturus. 

 Head and neck almost bare, thinly covered with hair-like 

 feathers; a large vascular wattle at the base of the neck, tail 

 long, composed of 18 feathers. 



The Yellow^wattled Brush Turkey. 



Gatheturus lathami. 



North-east and East Australia. 



Upper parts brownish-black, lighter on the lower back and 

 upper tail-coverts; the under parts dark brownish-grey, edged 

 with white; tail black. Skin of head and neck pink-red, with a 

 few hair-like dark brown feathers. Wattle bright yellow, tinged with 

 red where it unites with the red of the neck. Bill black, iris and feet 

 brown. Total length 25.5 inches, wing 12, tail 9.8 to 10.2, tarsus about 4. 



