Ixxxvi 
INTRODUCTION. 
Genus RhynchjEA, Cm. 
The few species comprised in this genus are widely dispersed over the face of the globe; one inhabits the 
southernmost parts of America, another South Africa, a third India, and a fourth Australia. They affect different 
situations from those resorted to by the true Snipes, usually selecting drier ground and knolls under low bushes con- 
tiguous to marshy lands, where they can readily procure food and water. 
497. Rhynchsea Australis, Gould Vol. VI. PL 41. 
" This beautiful bird," says Captain Sturt, " was very scarce in the interior, and indeed is not common 
anyAvhere. Some three or four couples visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in the high reeds at the 
bottom of the creek, among which they doubtless breed, but I never found one of their nests. They lie basking 
in the shade of a tree on the sand-hills during the day, and separate when alarmed." 
Genus Numenius, Linn. 
Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which part of the globe they are confined, and wherein 
I 
they represent the species inhabiting the northern hemisphere, with which their habits, actions and economy are 
strictly in accordance. 
498. Numenius Austrahs, Gould Vol. VI. PI. 42. 
499. Numenius uropygialis, Gould Vol. VI. PI. 43. 
500. Numenius minutus, Gould ............ Vol. VI. PL 44. 
Family ARDEIDvE, Leac/i. 
Subfamily TANTALIN^, G. R. Gray. 
Genus Geronticus, Wagl. 
The three species of Ilises inhabiting Australia have been separated by ornithologists into as many genera, 
and the difference which exists in their habits and economy tends to prove the propriety of their subdivision ; for 
while the Geronticus congregates in flocks of thousands and mainly subsists upon caterpillars, grasshoppers and 
locusts, a kind of food which it readily obtains on the heated plains, the Threshiornis assembles in small companies 
of from four to six in number and resorts to the rushy banks of the lagoons and other humid situations, and feeds 
upon newts, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish, and the Falcinellus vesovts to similar situations, but I have had no oppor- 
tunity of observing its habits. 
501. Geronticus spinicoUis • • Vol. VI. PI. 45. 
I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than Australia, which would therefore 
appear to be its restricted habitat. 
Genus Threskiornis, G. R. Gray. 
502. Threskiornis strictipennis . . . . • . • • • • • • • Vol. VI. PL 46. 
Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons. 
503. Falcinellus igneus • Vol. VI. PI. 47. 
