POIMMIYIMO BKLIJ S n;<m\<i). 



AZURE-BREASTED PORPHYRIO. Genus: Porphyrio. 



X T ATURE often strikes a curious balance in the distribution of her gifts; and in no instance is this 

 -i-^l more striking than in the distribution of the two Porphyrios. Together they inhabit all Australasia, 

 yet neither trends on the precincts of the other. The Mel < mot us is found everywhere except in Western 

 and North-western Australia, the Bellus nowhere but in these two localities. 



However, it makes up for its rarity by its superior size and beauty, being the larger of the two 

 species we possess. 



It is very abundant at Swan River, inhabiting the swamps and reed-beds about Perth and 

 Preemantle. In its habits and economy it so closely resembles Porphyrio melanotics that a description of 

 the one is true of the other, and therefore need not be repeated. 



The egg is oval in form, slightly swollen towards the larger end. Colour, deep warm stone, 

 fairly marked with spots and patches or blotches of purplish brown of various shades, the dull shades 

 appearing as if under the shell's surface. Length, 2 inches 2^-3| lines ; breadth, 1 inch 1\ lines. 



The only difference observable between the sexes is that the male is larger and more brilliantly 



coloured. 



Top of head, blackish brown, passing into the light violet purple, which spreads over the nape, 

 Hanks and abdomen; throat, cheeks, fore part of the neck and breast, light azure blue, with metallic lights; 

 all upper surfaces, deep chocolate-brown; shoulders and spurious wings, azure-blue; primaries, blackish- 

 brown ; outer webs, strongly tinged with green ; under-tail coverts, white ; irides, bright red ; bill, red ; knees, 

 lower part of the tarsi, and inside of the feet, dark greenish grey ; remainder of the legs and feet, grass- 

 green. 



Total length, 18 inches. 



Habitats: Derby, N.W.A.; West and South-west Australia. 



