GENUS CI ST I CO LA (Kaup). 



MEMBERS of this genus are found distributed over all the eastern portion of the continent of 

 Australia. 



CISTICOLA EXILIS. 



EXIL E GRA SS- WA RBLER. 



THIS bird, which was known as far back as the time of Latham, and which was placed by him in 

 the genus Mahinis, inhabits New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. 



It is found in all plains covered with long grass, among which it creeps, allowing itself to be 

 almost trodden upon before rising. Its powers of flight are only used on a last extremity to 

 save itself. 



The food consists of insects of various kinds. 



The male is slightly larger than the female, but as far as the colouring of the plumage is 

 concerned there is no difference between them. 



All the upper surface, wings, and tail are blackish-brown, each feather narrowly margined with 

 rufous; chin and centre of abdomen, white; rest of under surface, legs, and feet, yellowish-buff: i rides, 

 brown ; bill, black. 



Habitats : New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. 



CISTICOLA LJNEOCAPILLA (Gould). 



LINE A TED GRA SS- WA RB LER. 



THIS, the smallest member of the genus, inhabits the north coast of Australia, where it was first 

 discovered by Gilbert in a swampy place near Port Essington. 



It is exceedingly shy in disposition, and remains entirely on the ground, always choosing places 

 thickly covered with long grass, which serves to effectually conceal it from view. The early morning 

 in the spring months is the best time to obtain a sight of it, as then the male often perches on a 

 high piece of grass, and pours forth a very musical, but feeble song. 



Insects obtained among the grass constitute its food. 



