Ixii 
INTRODUCTION. 
354. Climacteris picumnus, Temm. . . . . ... . . . . Vol. IV. PI. 98. 
Certhia leucophcea, Lath. Gen. Hist., vol. iv. p. 182. 
Genus Orthonyx, Temm. 
Much difference of opinion has arisen among ornithologists respecting the situation of this bird in the natural 
system, and as to what genus it is most nearly alhed ; I regret to say that not having seen much of it in its native 
wilds, I am unahle to clear up these disputed points. The form is strictly Australian, and the single species known 
is confined to the south-eastern part of the country. 
355. Orthonyx spinicaudus, Temm. . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. IV. PI. 99. 
M. Jules Verreaux, who has written a highly interesting account of this bird, states that it is strictly terrestrial, 
and scratches among the detritus and fallen leaves for its food, throwing back the earth like the Gallinacece. It 
never climbs, as was formerly supposed, but I'uns over fallen trunks of trees ; — is rather solitary in its habits, seldom 
more than two being seen together. Its often-repeated cry of cri-cri-cri-crite betrays its presence, when its native 
haunts, the most retired parts of the forest, are visited. Its chief food consists of insects, their larvae, and wood- 
bugs. It builds a large domed nest, of slender mosses ; the entrance being by a lateral hole near the bottom. 
The eggs are Avhite and disproportionately large. The situation of the nest is the side of a slanting rock or large 
stone, the entrance-hole being level with the surface. — Revue Zoologique, July 1847. 
Genus Ptiloris, Sivains. 
In placing this beautiful bird near the Climacteres, I am influenced in the first place by the great similarity of 
its structure, and in the next by the account I have received of its actions in a state of nature ; I allude more 
particularly to its mode of ascending the trees, which precisely resembles that of the Certhia}. One species only of 
this form is found in Australia, but many alhed genera, Promerops, &c., inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring 
islands. 
356. Ptiloris paradiseus. Swains. ............ Vol. IV. PI. 100. 
That the range of this species extends from the eastern parts of Australia to within the tropics, is proved by 
Mr. Gilbert's having once seen it near the Gulf of Carpentaria during his last Expedition. 
Genus Sittella, Swains. 
The Sittella chrysoptera was the only species of this Australian form known to previous writers ; to this has 
been added one from Southern and Western Australia, another from Moreton Bay, and a third from the north 
coast. 
The form does not exist in Van Diemen's Land. 
357. Sittella chrysoptera . . ... ,. . Vol. IV. PI. 101. 
358. Sittella leucocephala, Gould ............ Vol. IV. PL 102. 
359. Sittella leucoptera, Gould . . . . . . Vol. IV. PI. 103. 
360. Sittella pileata, Gould . Vol. IV. PI. 104. 
Family PSITTACID^, Leac/i. 
No one group of birds gives to Australia so tropical and foreign an air as the numerous species of this great 
family, by which it is tenanted, each and all of which are individually very abundant. Immense flocks of white 
Cockatoos may be seen perched among the green foliage of the Eucalypti; the brilliant scarlet breasts of the 
Rose-hills blaze forth from the yellow-flowering Acacia ; the Trichoglossi or Honey-eating Parrakeets enliven the 
