IREDIPAREA. 
monotypic genus : it is distinguislied from all the others at a glance in having 
a frontal leaf-like lappet with an erect central comb. It approaches nearest 
in coloration to the East Indian MetO'pidius, than which it is less in size, with 
other details. The coincidence of coloration, however, suggests that the 
Australian bird is a degenerate and specialised descendant of Metopidius. 
In all the species a prominent rhamphotheca is present, the nostril 
placed in the basal portion in a groove: no groove is present in the lower 
mandible. The metatarsal covering consists of regular scutes which, on 
account of the length of the metatarsus, shows throughout the group a strong 
tendency to fusion — ^in many genera a complete podotheca being observed in 
adult and senile birds, though the regular scutellation can be easily seen in 
immature specimens. 
