PLATE XLYI. 



PACHYCEPHALA LANOIDES (Gould). 



SHRIKE-LIKE THICKHEAD. 



THE Pachycephala Lanoides, which is found on the north-west coast of Australia, differs considerably 

 in structure from the other members of the genus, so much so indeed that it is very doubtful 

 if it should not be made the type of a new genus. 



Its food consists of the larger kinds of insects. Of its other habits, nothing is definitely 



known. 



The crown of the head, ear-coverts, chest, wings, back, and tail are blackish-grey, the back 

 of the chest being bounded posteriorly with chestnut-brown ; throat, abdomen, and under tail-coverts, 

 greyish- white ; irides, dark brown ; bill, legs, and feet, black. 



Habitat : North-west coast of Australia. 



GENUS GRALLINA (Vieillot). 



THIS genus stands quite alone in Australian ornithology, not resembling in a great degree any 

 of the other groups of birds. Only one species is known. 



GRALLINA PICATA. (StricM.) 



PIED GRALLINA. 



rPHIS bird inhabits all parts of the continent of Australia, being most often found on the sides of 

 creeks, or in flat and swampy places. 



It is sometimes seen in pairs, and sometimes in, more or less, large flocks. It is very tame, 

 and may be constantly seen in the close vicinity of houses. 



Of its flight Gould says : " The flight of the Pied Grallina is very peculiar, unlike that of 

 any other Australian bird that came under my notice, and is performed in a straight line, with a 

 heavy flapping motion of the wings." 



During the months of October and November it lays either three or four eggs, in a nest 

 constructed of clay, or, where that is not easily obtainable, of soil mixed with dried grass. The 



