GERYGONE LAEVIG ASTER (Gould). 



B UFF-BREA ST ED GER YGONE. 



TI^HE same situations in which the Gerygone Chloronotus is found, namely, the Mangrove swamps on 

 -L the north coast of Australia, are also frequented by this bird, which, however, differs considerably 

 in habits from its congener. 



It seeks its food among the foliage of the trees, and while engaged in this occupation, utters 

 a feeble but rather musical note. In disposition it is very tame, and it is possible to approach so 

 closely as to almost seize it with the hand before it leaves the branch on which it is perched. 



Dissection is necessary to distinguish the sexes, so much alike are they in appearance. 



All the upper surface and wings are brown ; tail, brown, rufous at the base, and tipped with 

 white ; under surface, greyish-white ; hides, yellow ; bill, legs, and feet, black. 



Total length, 3f inches ; bill, ^ inch ; wing, 2 inches ; tail, 1^ inch ; tarsi, § inch. 



Habitat : North Coast of Australia. 



