liv 
INTRODUCTION. 
it had a nest, but could only find one, which I considered to be that of a Grallina ; determined, if possible, to solve 
the difficulty, I lay down at a short distance within full view of the tree, and was not a little surprised at seeing 
the bird take possession of, as I believed, the Grallina s nest ; I immediately climbed the tree and found four eggs, 
the medium length of which was one inch and a quarter by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth ; their colour was 
white, with blotches, principally at the larger end, of reddish brown,' purplish grey and greenish grey ; some of the 
blotches appearing as if they had been laid on with a soft brush. From the appearance of the nest I should say it 
was an old one of a Grallina, but it contained a much greater quantity of grass for a lining than I ever observed in 
the nest of that bird ; if this be not the case, then the nests of the two birds are precisely similar, being like a 
great basin made of mud, and placed on a horizontal branch. 
" Oct. 21. — In the evening I again met with the Struthidea, which I disturbed from a nest like the one above 
described, and from the new appearance of the structure I am inclined to believe it to be constructed by the bird 
itself, although it does so closely resemble that of Grallina, especially as in this case the nest was placed in a situa- 
tion far from water, and there were no Grallince in the neighbourhood. This nest, like the last, had a very thick 
lining of fine grass, and appeared as if just finished for the reception of the eggs." 
There is no doubt that the nests above described by Mr. Gilbert were those of Struthidea ; those of Corcorax 
and Grallina are precisely similar ; and it is somewhat singular that three birds differing so much in structure 
should build the same kind of mud nests. 
■(■ ■ 
Family CORVID^, LeacA. 
Genus CoRVUs, Linn. 
It is exceedingly interesting to trace the range of the members of this genus or the true Crows ; not so much 
on account of their wide distribution, as from the circumstance of the form being non-existent in some countries 
which appear admirably adapted for their well-being ; thus while the species are widely distributed over the whole 
of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, none are to be found in South America, 
Polynesia or New Zealand. 
269. Corvus Coronoi'des, Vig. ^ Horsf. . Vol. IV. PI. 18. 
This is the only species that has yet been discovered in Australia. 
Family ? 
Genus Neomorpha, Gould. 
This form is strictly Polynesian, and the species confined to New Zealand. 
270. Neomorpha Gouldii, G. R. Gray . Vol. IV. PI. 19. 
Genus Pomatorhinus, Horsf. 
The members of this genus range from India throughout all the islands to Australia, but are not found in 
Africa or Polynesia ; three species are comprised in the fauna of Australia. 
Much diversity of opinion exists among ornithologists as to the place this group should occupy in the general 
system ; by most writers they have been placed with the Meliphagidce, but having had ample opportunities of 
observing the Australian species in a state of nature, I am enabled to affirm that they do not assimilate in any 
degree with those birds either in their habits, actions, economy or nidification, in all which particulars they differ 
from every group of birds that has come under my notice. 
