69 
what genus it is most nearly allied ; I regret to say that not having 
seen much of the bird in its native wilds, I am unable to clear up 
these disputed points. The form is strictly Australian, and the 
single species known is confined to the south-eastern part of the 
country. 
355. Orthonyx spinicaudus, Temm Vol. IV. PI. 99. 
M. Jules Verreaux, who has written a highly interesting account 
. of this bird, states that it is strictly terrestrial, and scratches among 
the detritus and fallen leaves for its food, throwing back the earth 
like the Gallinacece. It never climbs, as was formerly supposed, 
but runs over fallen trunks of trees ; — is rather a solitary bird, sel- 
dom more than two being seen together. Its often-repeated cry of 
cri-cri-cri-crite betrays its presence, when its native haunts, the 
most retired parts of the forest, are visited. Its chief food consists 
of insects, their larvae, and wood-bugs. It builds a large domed 
nest, of slender mosses ; the entrance being by a lateral hole near 
the bottom. The eggs are white and disproportionately large. The 
situation of the nest is the side of a slanting rock or large stone, 
the entrance-hole being level with the surface. — Revue Zoolo- 
gique , July 1847. 
Genus Ptiloris. 
In placing this beautiful bird near the Climacteric I am influenced 
in the first place by the great similarity of its structure, and in the 
next bv the account I have received of its actions in a state of na- 
ture ; I allude more particularly to its mode of ascending the trees, 
which precisely resembles that of the tree Creepers. One species 
only of this form is found in Australia, many representatives of 
which, in nearly allied genera, Promerops, &c., inhabit New Guinea 
and the neighbouring islands. 
356. Ptiloris paradiseus, Swains Vol. IV. PI. 100. 
That the range of this species extends from the eastern parts of 
Australia to within the tropics, is proved by Mr. Gilbert’s having 
once seen it during his last Expedition. 
Genus Sittella. 
Numerous additions have also been made to this strictly Austra- 
lian form. The Sittella chrysoptera was the only one known to 
previous writers ; to this has been added one from Southern and 
Western Australia, another from Moreton Bay, and a third from the 
north coast. 
The form does not exist in Van Diemen’s Land. 
357. Sittella chrysoptera . 
358. Sittella leucocephala, Goulel . 
359. Sittella leucoptera, Gould , 
360. Sittella pileata, Gould , 
♦ 
Vol. IV. PI. 101. 
Vol, IV. PI. 102, 
Vol. IV. PL 103. 
Vol, IV. PL 104. 
