43 
Genus Smicrornis. 
Generic characters. 
Bill very small and short, swollen at the sides ; nostrils basal, ob- 
long, and protected by an operculum ; at the base of the bill a few 
fine hairs ; wings moderately long, first quill very short ; the first, 
third, fourth and fifth equal and the longest ; tail short and square ; 
tarsi moderate ; toes rather short, adapted for clinging ; the hinder 
and the middle toes equal in length. 
The members of this genus are the smallest birds of the Austra- 
lian fauna. I have described two species, one inhabiting New South 
Wales and the other Port Essington ; and had I characterized the 
bird of this form inhabiting Western Australia as distinct, I should 
probably not have been in error, as it is more than probable that 
when the subject has been more fully investigated it will prove to 
be so. 
J52. Smicrornis brevirostris, Gould .... Vol. II. PI. 103. 
153. Smicrornis flavescens, Gould Vol. II. PI. 104. 
Family SYLVIADiE. 
Subfamily SAXICOLIN^E. 
Genus Erythrodryas. 
Generic characters. 
As in Petro'ica , but with the bill shorter and more flattened at 
the base, where it is beset with a number of fine hairs which curve 
forward and overhang the nostrils ; wings shorter and more rounded ; 
first and second primaries much shorter than the rest ; the fifth the 
longest ; tarsi shorter ; toes more lengthened ; lateral toes nearly 
even ; claws much sharper and more curved. 
The members of the genus Erythrodryas are much more delicate 
in structure than the Petrdicee , have their feeble bill strongly beset 
with bristles, and are more arboreal in their habits ; their usual 
places of resort being the innermost recesses of the forest, where, in 
a state of quiet seclusion, they flit about in search -of insects; the 
true Peirdicce , on the other hand, frequent open plains, are more 
bold and vigorous, and possess a structure which adapts them for 
the ground over which they pass like the Saxicolce. 
The two species of this genus, all that are at present known, are 
confined to the south-eastern portions of Australia and Van Die- 
men’s Land. 
154. Erythrodryas rhodinogaster Vol. III. PI. 1. 
155. Erythrodryas rosea, Gould Vol. III. PL 2. 
Genus Petroica. 
The birds I have retained in this genus might with propriety be 
