THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
lower flanks and under tail-coverts rust-brown like the under wing-coverts ; under- 
surface of flight-quills hair-brown, tinged with rufous on the margins ; lower aspect 
of tail similar to its upper-surface. Total length 220 mm. ; culmen 12, wing 75, 
tail 95, tarsus 28. Figured. Collected in New South Wales. 
Adult female. Similar to the adult male. 
Immature. Very similar to the adult. 
Nest. “ Domed-shaped structure, rather rounded, with hole on the side, very loosely 
constructed, composed of dry bark, leaves and grasses, of decayed vegetation, and 
placed near the ground in a thick mass of grass, ferns or low bush, usually near a 
creek. The nest is a very frail structure, and will scarcely stand removal. It is 
usually warmly lined. Dimensions, about 6 inches across by 4| to 5|- inches in 
height.” (H. L. White.) 
Eggs. “ Clutch two. Dull white or whitish-brown, minutely but distinctly flecked and 
dotted with slaty-brown, wood-brown and purplish-brown ; the markings becoming 
larger and darker on the thicker end, where, intermingling with underlying spots 
of slaty-grey, they sometimes form a zone 26 mm. by 19.” (North.) 
Breeding-season. September to December. 
When Latham described this species, he added : “ Inhabits New South 
Wales, and is chiefly seen on the ground, or at most, taking very short 
flights, being unable to accomplish long ones, from the shortness of the 
wings.” Two species later he acknowledged : “ For the description of 
several of the above, I am indebted to my friend Mr. Lambert,” and upon 
reference to the “ Watling ” drawings we find a note : “ This is a ground 
bird with very small wings and very short flight.” 
Vigors and Horsfield, when they examined a specimen of the bird 
itself, did not recognise it from Latham’s description, so proposed a new genus 
and species for it, giving as notes : “ This bird Mr. Caley procured in a 
scrubby place on the north side of Parramatta. He was able to ascertain 
nothing of its habits. He calls it in his notes 4 Bristle Bird .’ ” 
Gould’s notes read : “ This bird inhabits reed-beds and thickets, 
particularly such as are overgrown with creepers and rank vegetation ; I 
believe it to be found throughout New South Wales in all places suitable to 
its habits, although, from the recluse nature of its disposition, it is a species 
familiar to few, even of those who have been long resident in the colony. 
Its powers of flight are very limited, but it threads the thickets and runs 
over the ground with the greatest facility. It resembles the true Maluri 
in carrying the tail erect, and in many other of its actions. My own im- 
pression is, that it is a stationary species, since its powers of flight are 
inadequate to enable it to pass over much extent of country, and the thick 
bushes near the coast afford it ample shelter in winter. The food consists 
of insects of various orders.” 
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