Family “ PRIQNOPID.E.” 
The birds classed by Sharpe in Colluricincla were placed by him in the 
family Prionopidm and widely separated from the Pachycephaline species 
with which I suggest they should be compared. I noted this in connection 
with the Pachycephaline groups but could not at that time make the necessary 
readjustment on account of the preparation of the work. 
I find that many years ago Hartert, who is world-famed for his genus 
lumping, was dissatisfied with the above association as he has recorded “ the 
motley crew of 4 Prionopidce ’ which is an artificial, assemblage of rather 
divergent genera, mostly Laniidse.” (Nov. Zool ., Vol. IX., p. 438, footnote, 
1902.) 
Gould placed the genus next to Pachycephala and wrote : “ Like the 
last group, the present is strictly confined to Australia . . . they have 
many characters in common with the Pachycephaloe, , which they also resemble 
in their actions, food, economy and nidification. They are neither Shrikes 
nor Thrushes, but are most nearly allied to the former; they are insect 
feeders to a very great extent, but occasionally partake of mollusks and 
berries. . . Their voice is a loud whistle, some parts of which are not 
devoid of melody, particularly the loud swelling notes.” 
It may also be observed that when Sharpe wrote his “ Review of recent 
attempts to Classify Birds,” he discarded this family, apparently lumping 
the species in the family Laniidse of which he wrote : “ The ossification of 
the olfactory capsule and the spine like process on the posterior end of the 
palatines are characters almost confined to the Laniidse alone. The palate 
and nasal aperture in the skull of the Wood-Shrikes, which I formerly kept 
distinct under the heading of Prionopidce, will have to be carefully examined. 
Some of the genera may have, to be located with the Flycatchers.” 
Sharpe revived the family in the Handlist Birds as another waste paper 
basket, and as far as Australian Ornithology is concerned it may at once be 
rejected, as only two groups, the Colluricincloid series and Grallina, are there 
referred. The former appear to be very closely related to the Pachycephalids 
and the latter is also a relative of the “ Monarchct ” Flycatchers. Some New 
Guinea Collurieincloids have been classed as Pachycepkala and vice versa, and 
others have been thrown into the 64 Timeliidse.” The immature plumage 
stages show the close alliance and every field naturalist has drawn attention 
274 
