DASYORNIS AUSTRALIS, Vigors % Horsfield. 

 New Holland Bristle Bird. 



PLATE LXXIII. 



D. supra brunneus, subtus pallidior, jugulo abdomineque medio albidis ; ante oculis 

 vibrissis fortibus instructis. 



Dasyornis australis, Vig. <$' Horsf. Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xv. p. 232. 



This curious species, known to the colonists of New Holland under the 

 name of " Bristle Bird" forms the type of the genus Dasyornis of Vigors 

 and Horsfield, and we should say the only individual yet discovered be- 

 longing to it. These gentlemen have mentioned the Motacilla Africana as 

 a congener ; but there appears a good deal of discrepancy in the characters, 

 and it is more probable it will rank with some others. We would place it 

 along with Timalia of Dr Horsfield, near to the thrushes ; but the ha- 

 bits of the species, when better ascertained, must determine its true situa- 

 tion. 



The bill is rather strong, high at the base, somewhat compressed, and 

 the space between the rictus and the eyes furnished with very strong de- 

 cumbent bristles, generally three on each side, whence the colonial name. 

 The plumage is of a loose texture, and above entirely of an umber-brown 

 colour, with a tinge of Sienna red upon the wings and tail : the under 

 parts are of a paler shade, but upon the throat and middle of the breast 

 nearly pure white : the wings are short and rounded, first quill about half 

 the length of the longest : the tail long and graduated, and in form some- 

 what similar to the Maluri and the Megaluri of Dr Horsfield. The 

 feet, legs and claws, approach very near to some of the stronger SylviacUe. 



Mr Caley says that they inhabit scrubby places, and it is probable that 

 their food is in a great measure insectivorous. We believe our specimens 

 were killed in the neighbourhood of Sidney. 



