ii km atopus rr l i < ; i Nosrs (Gouidj. 



S(x>T)- uYSTElt CATCHER. (Jknts: LLkmatopus. 



TMlllS bird is considerably Larger than its ally, floniato/ms [jonf/irostris, but, owing to the sombre 

 I- colour <>l its plumage, it is not nearly so handsome or attractive. Having the same habits and 

 economy, it is fco be found abundantly in the same localities (except the Coast of New Guinea), 

 [ndeed, both may be Looked for wherever a tiny islet or coast-line occurs. This is a strictly stationary 

 species, breeding year after year in the same spot, unless driven by sense of danger to find a new 

 home in some more isolated spot. 



The eggs are two in number, % 2 inches H lines long, by I inch 9 lines broad, of a light 

 stone-colour, blotched all over with large, irregular markings of dark brown, some of which have the 

 appearance of being beneath the surface, and are of a dark purplish hue. (Could). 



Entire plumage, sooty black, slightly glossed on the neck and under-surface with green ; bill 

 and eyelash, rich orange-yellow ; h ides, red ; legs and feet, dull brick-red. 



Total length, L5 inches. 



Habitats : Australia and Tasmania, except Derby (N.W.A.), Dawson l\iver (G.B.), the Interior, 

 and New Guinea. 



