The Emu. 
45 
the Austro-Malayan region, forms a connecting link between 
the two famiHes, and has a foothold in Australia through the 
five species found in the north of the continent. 
Certain characteristic and well-represented groups, the mem- 
bers of which are more or less numerous, should now be 
alluded to as representing many points of interest to workers in 
Australia, some of their genera containing species about which 
much has still to be learnt : — 
1. The Muscicapidce (Fly-catchers), fairly well represented by 
the Asiatic and Oceanic genera Rhipidura and Myiagra respect- 
ively, and cc-ntaining slightly aberrant groups — viz., the Robin- 
Chats {Peinvca), which are the strictly Australian representatives 
of the European " Chats," and the Wren-Warblers or " Chat- 
Wrens," as they might well be called, represented by the beautiful 
genus Malurus. Both of these genera are typical of the Australian 
open lands and sparsely timbered districts, and attract universal 
notice on account of their lively habits and showy plumage. 
Associated with the Fly-catchers are the several species of that 
peculiar Australian and Oceanian genus Gerygofie, and which 
have been named Fly-eaters in the recently compiled vernacular 
list, owing to the peculiar mode of feeding which these tiny 
arboreal birds possess. 
2. The beautiful Finches, with their representative genera 
Estrilda and Poephila. 
3. The Tree-creepers {CertJiiidce), represented here by the 
genera Cliviacteris and SittelLa, both of which are highly interest- 
ing as being the Austro-Malayan and Australian prototypes of 
the old world " Creepers " and " Nuthatches " respectively. 
4. The members of that unwieldy family the TiineliidcE^ 
and represented with us in part by the Tits (Acanthiza) and the 
allied Scrub-Wrens {Serzcornis), denizens of our thick scrubs 
and forests ; the Babblers {Poniatorhijms^, a pleasing link 
between Australia and India ; and the genus Ephthiajmra, the 
species of which are true " Chats " in mode of life, deportment, 
and nidification. 
5. The Australian representatives of the important family 
Laniidce — namely, the Crow-Shrikes {Gyinnor]iina)^\.\\^ " Butcher 
Birds" {Cracticus), and the numerously represented "Thick- 
heads " {Pachycephald), all of which are wxll-known birds, but 
of such interesting habits that they present a never-tiring topic 
for study. 
Sundry other groups might be mentioned, but it will suffice 
to have enumerated the above, and allusion need only now be 
made to several remarkable genera which add no little interest 
to ornithology in Australia. Those typical and well-known 
forms, discovered before the days of Gould, and which we may 
style our characteristic Australian birds — such as the Emu, 
Lyre Bird, Brush Turkey, Mallee Hen, Bower Bird, and, one 
might almost say, the Laughing Jackass — will always hold our 
