150 



R N I T H L G Y. 



distill ffuislied from others in the Australian collection of birds in the 

 Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. There 

 is, however, in different specimens, a considerable A^ariety in the shade 

 and intensity of the color of the throat, most observable in specimens 

 which have not the appearance of being in mature plumage. In 

 adults, this color is deep rufous or russet, gradually becoming paler as 

 it approaches the white of the breast and abdomen. It is possible that 

 some of the synonymes above given, may be more properly applicable 

 to the females of other species of Australia, though all the measure- 

 ments are those of this bird. 

 Mr. Peale observes : 

 The two sexes vary but little, if at all, in size. The female has 

 the head dark-gray, instead of black, also the rufous on the throat and 

 breast is not so bright. This species is not uncommon at the Samoan 

 Islands. It delights in thick shady forests, and patiently watches for 

 insects, which it takes on the wing." 



4. Genus RHIPIDURA, Vig. and Hori^f. Trans. Linn. Soc. London, 

 XV, p. 246 (1825). 



1. Rhipiduea albiscapa, Gould. 



Rliiiyulura alhiscapa, GouLD, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1840, p. 113. 



Gould, B. of Aust. II, Plate LXXXIII. 



Respecting this little species, specimens of which are from New 

 Zealand ; the naturalists of the Expedition have some interesting ob- 

 servations. 



Mr. Peale gives the following : 



" This beautiful and familiar bird was quite common in all the forest 

 districts around the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Whenever we 

 entered a bushy and retired situation, we were sure to be attacked by 

 numerous mosquitoes, and whenever so attacked, we were sure to hear 

 the ' Hee-ivaka-waha,' as this bird is there called from its cry ; it was 

 almost certain to come to our relief, darting after the mosquitoes within 

 a few inches of our faces, then alighting on low branches, and skipping 

 around, its wings drooping and beautiful fan-like tail carried nearly 

 perpendicular over its back. 



