PLATE 



LII 



SYNOi'CUS DIEMENENSIS {Gould). 



TASMANIAN SWAMP QUAIL, Genus: Stnoious. 



THIS variety differs from the allied species chiefly in its greater size, being quite one-third larger 

 than the ordinary Swamp Quail. It inhabits much the same localities as the latter, frequenting 

 low swampy ground. 



The eggs have more of a greenish hue than those of the Syno'icus Australis, and are closely 

 spotted with tiny brown specks : the number found in a nest being from twelve to eighteen, which 

 measure 1 inch and 7-lGths by 1 inch and l-8th. 



The forehead is buff ; the lores and chin are grey, with a brownish shade ; a broad line of 

 buff runs down the crown of the head, on each side of which the feathers are brown. The upper 

 surfaces have beautiful bold markings of various shades of brown and chestnut, each feather with a 

 light stripe down the centre ; the point of the wing has a band of blue. The primaries are yellow, 

 with deej) brown markings ; the under surface is buff, with dark-brown arrow-shaped bars. The bill 

 is blue, with a black tip ; the irides, deep yellow ; the feet, a lighter shade of yellow. 



Total length, 8i inches; bill, | inch; wing, 4.} inches; tarsi, L-L inch. 



Habitat : Tasmania. 



SYNOICUS SORDIDUS {Gould). 



SOMBRE SWAMP QUAIL. Genus: Synoicus. 



THIS variety is more rarely met with than those of its allied genera ; its peculiarities are, 



therefore, much less known. Gould records having received but two specimens, both of which 



came from South Australia. Thus little can be said of its habits, which in all probability resemble 

 those of the better-known species. 



As the name indicates, the plumage of this species shows less boldness and variety in its 

 markings than that of other members of the genus. The prevailing tone is a dull brown, with small 

 dark markings; the sides of the head and primaries have a grey tinge; the feathers of the upper 

 par ts have a grey stripe down the centre : the under surface is buff, with arrow-shaped brown 

 markings ; the bill is slaty-blue, with a black tip, and is narrower than in the rest of the species ; 

 the feet are brown. 



Total length, 7 inches; bill, | inch: wing, 3| inches; tarsi, £. inch. 



Habitat: South Australia. 



