PLATE I "V. 

 STICTOPTERA (Reichenbach). 



GENUS 



USTRALIA possesses two members of this genus, both of which are distinguished by a black zone 

 across the breast. 



STICTOPTERA BICHENOVIL 



BICHENO'S FINCH. 



Tl^HE plains of the interior of Australia, particularly where small trees and bushes grow at intervals, 

 J- abound in specimens of this species, but it is difficult to define its exact locality. 



It is very tame, and when disturbed from the ground, merely flies oft' to a neighbouring bush, 

 never going far. As a matter of fact, it would be impossible to go any distance, since its wings, from 

 their form, are evidently not intended for long flights. 



It is seen in small flocks of from four to eight, generally on the ground procuring the seeds 

 which constitute its food. 



The face, ear-coverts and throat are white, bounded all round by a band of black ; crown of 

 the head and upper surface, dark brown ; upper part of the rump, black ; lower part of the rump and 

 upper tail-coverts, white : wings, black ; all the feathers except the primaries spotted with white ; chest, 

 bufty-white, bounded below by a broad line of black ; rest of under surface, buffy-white ; tail, black ; 

 irides, brownish-grey ; bill, pale blue ; legs and feet, blackish-grey. 



The plumage of the female is not so brilliant as that of the male, but otherwise is the same. 

 Habitat : The interior of Australia. 



STICTOPTERA ANNULOSA (Gould). 



BLACK-BUMPED FINCH. 



THIS is the northern representative of Stictoptera Bichenovii, from which it differs slightly in colouring, 

 though their habits are very much the same. 



It is found on the north-west coast and on the Cobourg Peninsula, generally on the grassy 

 banks of a river or small stream. 



