

LANIIN^. 



rounded, and concealed by the projecting feathers. Wings moderate and rounded ; with the third, fourth, 

 and fifth quills nearly equal and longest. Tail moderate, emarginated, and rounded on the sides. 

 Tarsi longer than the middle toe, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes moderate; 

 with the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at its base ; the hind toe long, and broadly padded ; 

 the claws moderate, curved, and acute. 



The species are peculiar to the vast continent of Australia. They are found both in the thick bushes and on the 

 trees of the open plains. Their food chiefly consists of insects, which are either obtained among the foliage or under 

 the bark of the larger branches and trunks of the trees ; in procuring these they display great dexterity, stripping off 

 the bark in the most determined manner, for which purpose their powerful bill is admirably adapted. " It is very 

 animated," says Mr. Gould, speaking of one of the species, " and sprightly in its actions, and in many of its habits bears a 

 striking resemblance to the Tits, particularly in the manner in which it clings to, and climbs about, the branches in 

 search of food : while thus employed it frequently erects its crest, and assumes many pert and lively positions." 



1. F. frontatus (Lath.) Vieill. Lamb. Icon. ined. i. 49., Lewin's 

 Birds of N. S. W. pi. 26'., PI. col. 77-, Gal. des Ois. t. 187. 



2. F.flavigulus Gould, Proc. Z. S. 1837. P- 144. 



3. F. leucocjaster Gould, Proc. Z. S. 1837. p. 144. 



4. F. erectus (Lath.) Lamb. Icon. ined. iii. 20. 



Oreoica Gould.* 



Bill moderate, with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is emarginated ; 

 the gonys long and ascending ; the gape furnished with two or three short weak bristles ; the nostrils 

 lateral, with the opening rounded and partly covered by the frontal feathers. Wings rather long and 

 rounded, with the fourth quill the longest. Tail short, and slightly rounded. Tarsi as long as the 

 middle toe, strong, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes short ; the inner toe rather shorter 

 than the outer, which is slightly united at its base ; the hind toe long, and broadly padded ; the claws 

 moderate, nearly straight, and acute. 



It is only in Australia that the species which constitutes this genus is found. They are seen in the open places of 

 the forests, and resort much, says Mr. Gould, to the ground, over the surface of which they hop with great quickness, 

 often in small companies of from three to six in number. When flushed they fly but a short distance, generally to a 

 horizontal branch of a neighbouring tree, along which they pass in a succession of quick hops. They are very 

 animated in many of their actions ; and their flight is a heavy undulating sweep, generally so near the ground that they 

 seem as if they would scarcely take the trouble to rise above the scrub or small trees that may he in their course. 

 The note is commenced in so low a tone that it sounds as if at a considerable distance, and then gradually increases in 

 volume until it appears as if over the head of the wondering hearer ; the bird that utters it being all the while on the 

 dead branch of a tree, perhaps not more than three or four yards distant, its motionless attitude rendering its 

 discovery very difficult. The nest is cup-shaped, and formed of strings of bark, lined with a few fine dried grasses, 

 and is generally placed on a grass-tree. The female lays usually three eggs. 



O. cristata (Lewin), G. R. Gray, Lewin, B. of N. S. W. pi. 9. — Falcunculus gutturalis Fig. % Horsf. Gould, B. of Austr. pi. 



Mr. Gould established this genus in 1837 (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 151.). 



