CERTHILAUDA GARRULA. 
tail ; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers of equal length and 
longest, the second rather shorter, the first rudimentary, or at least short as 
compared with the second. Tail short and even, or very slightly rounded. 
Legs and toes rather strong, the latter anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire, 
the claws of the toes directed forwards, short, flattish, slightly curved, and 
blunt at the point, the claw of the hinder toe long, straight, pointed, and 
directed obliquely backwards and upwards. Bill moderately strong and 
slightly arched, the curvature greatest towards the point. Nostrils small, 
circular, bare, and superiorly edged with membrane. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. Lines. 
Length from the point of the bill to the 
base of the tail 6 6 
of the bill to the angle of the 
mouth 1 1 
of the tail 2 8 
wings when folded 3 3 
Inches. Lines. 
Length of the tarsus 1 44 
outer toe 0 3-L 
middle toe 0 
inner toe 0 3£ 
hinder toe 0 4J 
hinder claw 0 
The colours of the female are not quite so bright as those of the male ; in 
other respects, she differs but little in external appearances. 
This species inhabits the northern parts of the colony, is very noisy, and generally found in 
small flocks. It moves rapidly, and when at rest is found either on the ground, or perched on 
ant-heaps or small shrubs. It constructs its nest in a hole or excavation in the ground; 
the foundation is small twigs, the inner parts grass and hair. It lays four or five eggs of an 
olive colour, with darker spots of olive-brown. In cases in which the nest cannot be placed 
sufficiently deep in the ground to ensure it protection from the winds and rains which prevails 
principally from the north, the bird raises a rude fabric on the north side to possess what can- 
not otherwise be secured. 
