
ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—
Ajnong narriers may be mentioned the Allied and Jai-diue's;
tho latter, wliich is very numerous on the eastern coast, is noted
for its beauty of plumage.
The Family Strigid®, n-liieli includes t i e true nocturnal Owl, has a
very geueral distribution. The follomng sjieeies ure amoug those
best k n o w n T h e llasked, Sooty, Dolieatn, Rufous, "Winking, Boobook,
and Spotted Owls, and t io great Owl of tho brusbes. The
uamo 33oobook, which distinguishes one of the species, like a large
number of words in the laugange of the aborigines, is oiiomatopoetio
in chai-ncter, and when prononiiced resembles tbe cry of the bird.
Its note is not unlike the European Cuckoo, from which circumstanoe
it often gets that name, Its nocturnal habits, contrasting with those
of the Cuckoo projier, are generally regarded as one of the proofs of
the popular theory that eveiything in Australia is tho revei-se of
what obtains in England.
The Passerine Order, which includes Honey-eaters IMelipliagidte),
Kingiishei-s (Akedimdx), and the numerous family of Parrots [Pnttacida),
also the Lyre-bird and Eifle-bird, well-known for the beauty
of their plimiage, is very largely represented thronghont Australia.
In this respect it stands in marked couti-ast to the class, the instincts
of which are raptorial in their chni'Boter.
The Genus Podargiis, of which at lea-st about twontj- species
are known, is common in various parts of the continent, and also
in Tasmania and Now Guinea.
The Tairay-shouldcred species frequents tho brush-lands on the
banks of the eastern rivers, and also the low forests o£ the interior.
Nocturnal in its habits, as is the whole of the genus, it sleeps all
day on a branch of a ti'ee; as evening approaches it becomes
active, and, issuing forth in the tmlight, commences its search for
food, which consists of varicxis kinds of insects.
The More-pork, so called in imitation of its cry, is another species.
I t fi-eqnents the thick branches of the Cafuarinx, and is common in
Tasmania. The Moth-plumage d, Short-^vinged, Papuan, Plnmed, and
Marbled Podargi are among the best known of the remaining members
of this group. The Goatsackei', remarkable for the rapidity of its
flight, is found in the brushes and jungles of the east coast.
The Swift {Cypselida!) one of the migi-atory class, visits Australia
duiing tho summer months, penetrating so far south as Tasmania. It
is well known for tho rapidity of its flight, and the great altitude
maintained during its journey. It is frequently seen in so great numbers
as to appear like small clouds moving at a cousidei-able elevation.
The Swallow [Eirundinida;), tho arrival of which in a country
is indicative of tho approach of Spring, reaches the southoi-n
parts of the continent about September of each year. Some few
remain throughout the Winter, but dnring this season their numbers
become very much reduced. They breed generally in tho clefts of
rocks, but their neste are now common under the eaves of houses and
verandahs, and in barns and churches. The Fairy Martin, another
member of this gi'oup, makes its appearance frequently in August. The
following, in addition to that just refen'ed to, are the best knoivn
species:—The Welcome Swallow, which is similar in many respects
to the common EngUsh bird, the Tree Swallow, and the White-breasted
Swallow.
The Australian Bee-eater (lierops omatva) is elegant in form, graceful
in movement, and possesses in its plumage a harmonious blending
of colours that makes it much admired. Migratory in character, it may
be found (genei-aJIy some distance inland) bet^voen the months of
August and March. Its food consists of insects, which it captures
while flj-ing. This bird is numerous in almost evei7 part of the
tablelands and the interior.
Sevei-al genera of the Kingfisher family {Alccdinidsi) are found in
Australia, one large species being characteristic of it. Some members
of this group are remarkable for the beauty of their plumage, while
that of others does not attract any special attention. A marked
similarity in sti-ucture is found to obtain throughout the whole
The Gigantic Kingfisher, or Laughing Jackass as it is familiarly
called by colonists, is perhaps the best known species of tho Akedinxdw.
I t is very numerous in New South Wales, where it is caUed Gogo-bera
by the aborigines. At interrals during the day, its cry, which roaembles
prolonged laughing, may be heard in almost every direction in the
bush. Not unfrequently two or throe birds assemble in one
tree, when their combined efforts, representing sounds which differ
considerably in pitch, produce an effect ludicrous in the esti'eme. It
has been noticed that they herald tho approach of day in this way,
and as the sun sets they may again be heard before retiiing to rest.
Tho following description of tho laughing noise of this bird is ft'om
Mr. Bennett's "Wanderings," and is quoted by Mr. Gould in his
"Birds of Australia":—" Its peculiar gurgling laugh, commencing in a
" low, and gradually rising to a high and loud tone, is often heard.
" the deafening noise being pomtd forth while the
"bird remains perched upon a neighboui'ing tree; it rises with the
" dawn, when the woods re-echo mt h its gurgling laugh ; at sunset it
" i s again heard; and as that glorious ovb sinks in tho west, a last
" 'goodnight' is given in its peculiar tones to all within hearing,"
Leach's Kingfisher, another species, is peculiar to Cape York and
tho north of Queensland. The Fawn-breasted Kingfisher, a remarkably
shy bird, frequents tho forests of the northern pa rt of Western Australia,
where its loud noise, which has little of music in it, may bo heard with
deafening effect. The Sacred Kingfisher is very -widely distributed
throughout Australia. It proceeds south in Snmmei-, but retires north
with the siin. Its favourite I'esorts, in the coast district, are tho thick
brushes of the rivei--lands,and tho mangrove forests which line the shores
of many of the estuaries- It is also frequently met with in tho iiiterioi',
at a great distance from water in any form. The Red-backed Kingfisher
is peculiar to the myaU-scmbs of tho interior. Among the
remaining members of the family may be mentioned the Sordid,
MacLea/s, the Tellow-bUled, White-tailed, Azure, and Little Kingfishers.
The Wood Swallow {Famil'j Artimid<e], which closely resembles in
very many respects the ordinary migratory Swallow, is found extensively
distributed over the southern parts of the continent, and also
Tasmania. The following may be m e n t i o n e dTh e '\Vood Swallow,
Littlo Wood Swallow, and the Grey-breasted, White-vented, Blackfaced,
Masked, White-eyebi-owed, and White-rumped spccies.
The Diamond Bird, of which there are at least sbc species, is
found in Australia, aud is very common in Tasmania.
The Laniids or Shrikes, which include the various Magpies of the
colonists, Butcher birds, and the Ca-ruck of the aborigines of the
east coast, are mdely distributed throughout Australia, and ore
pai-ticularly abundant on the south-east coast, Tasmania, and the
islands of Bass Strait. Many of the species are peculiar. In general
appearance aud sLie, they somewhat resemble the Corvidce or Crow
Family. In their numerous visits to the orchards and fields of the
settlors, they not unfrequently do a largo amount of damage.
Several species of the Flycatcher family {Mufcicapidse), found in
nearly every part of the earth, are common in Australia. Among
theso may be mentioned the Fantails and variously-coloured Flycatchers.
Kobins, of which there are several species, are found in nearly
every part of the continent. Tho Scadet-breasted Bobin, one of the
most beautiful members of this family, is very common in Now South
Wales, where, on account of its attractive appearance and friendly
character, it is a favourite, and becomes almost as tame as does its
northern prototype, when winter's snow lies thick on the fields.
The Lyre-bii'd, popularly known as the Pheasant, is the most
conspicuous member of the Mvnvrldcv Family, and is found in the
scrubby jungles of the eastern coast, and the most secluded valleys
in the adjacent mountainous regions. It is very shy, and difficult
to capture. The name ai-ose through tho lyre-like form wliich
the feathers of the tail are made to assume at the pleasure of the
bird. Of a restless nature, it is continually ghding through the
nndergrowth from one part of its regular haunt to another. This
beautiful bird was at one time very numerous in tho Illawarra
District, south from Sydney, but the progress of settlement has
caused its almost total disappearance. Queen Victoria's Lyi'e-bird
of the south coast, and Prince Albert's Lyre-bird, which frequents
the eastern seaboard, aro also members of this family. The Coachwhip
bird, the cry of which resembles the ci'ack of a whip, is an
allied species.
The Wren family, of which there are several genera, is very
numerous throughout Australia, Tasmnuia, and the adjacent islauds.
The Australian Lark somewhat resembles the European bird, but
is docidodly iufei'ior to it in note.
Tho Syhiadcp, \vhich include the Heed-warbler, and the Longbilled
Heed-warbler, are very common near tho vast swamp-growths
met witli in various parts of the contiuent.
Of Finches there ore at least about twenty species; they dillev
considerably in habits, somo frequenting the plains of the interior,
others the hilly coxmtry, and not a few the grassy slopes bordering
the sea.
The Co>rid<c, which are so well known iu almost every part of tho
world, are represented iu Austi'alia by the White-cyod Crow. In
many respects it is similar to tho common Uarriou Crow, but in uthei'S
it approaches tho Raven of the British Islauds.
Honey-eaters {Meliphagidu:), among which are included the Bellbird,
Friar-bird, and Gill-bird, are numerous and very widely distributed.
It is supposed that there are upwards of fifty difFurent species
in Australia. 'I'licy aro, as a class, well adapted for a life which finds
the essentials of its existence in the honey drawn from tho blossoms
AUSTRALIA.
surrounding them, and as n rule, prefer the Banhria: or honeysuckles
to other trees. They are confined to the southern parts of the continent
together with the adjoining islands. Tbe Bell-bii-d, a >v-eil-known
species, utters a note which resembles the distant chimes of a sheepbell.
It is very common iu the scrub-gi'owths of the east coast, and
makes the air resound with its tinkling, us it flits fi'om branch to
branch in sport or in search of food. The Fi'iai--bivd, called by tho
aborigines Coldong, is veiy numerous in the brushes and forest-lands of
New South "Wales. It receives the name of Old Soldier in some
localities, from a fancied resemblance in its call to these words. The
bare appearance of the head and neck has suggested such names
ns Friar-bird, Monk, and Leather-head, all of which are applied to it.
The PniTotfamily(Pffiii(ici(te) forms undoubtedly one of the most
prominent features in the Ornithology of Australia, both in regard to
numbei-s and variety of plumage. They are very widely distributed,
being fouud on the plains, in the forests, aud throughout tho brushes
which line the banks of many of the rivers. At least about eighty
•different species are known. Tho Sulphui-crested Cockatoo, a conspicuous
member of the tribe, has a very wide range. Its pluma.ire is
white, and tho topmost feathers of the head form a beautiful crest of
a yellow colour, which, when erected, gives this bird a very noble
appearance. Of a remarkably cunning nature, its ravages on the
maize-fields of the settlers near its haunts, frequently necessitate a
regul.ir watch to prevent the spoliation of the whole crop. ^VhUe
engaged on a field, two or thi-ee of the most eaqjerienced birds ni«
invariably posted as sentries on the to|) of oue of the adjacent trees,
and on the approach of danger a peculiar cry is raised, upon hearing
which the whole ilock rises, and from somo elevated and safe position,
watches another opportunity to descend. To get within shooting distance,
is a matter of no ordinary difficulty, aud can only be done by
tho USB of sti'atagem. '\\Tien caught young they are easily tamed;
their ready imitation of different sounds causes them to become great
favourites. The Bose-breasted Cockatoo is verj' common ou the plains
of the interior. Like the white species it is seen iu large llocks; during
flight the rose-colour of the under parts becomes visible, and produces
a very beautiful effect. The Black Cockatoo is suspicious, and being
less numerous than the white, is difficult to obtain. It frequents the
Bfinfcrii«, Casuannai, aud Eucalypti, the seeds of which constitute its
chief food. This bird never assembles iu large numbers, but is fi-equently
met with in ))airs. Its habitat appeai-s to be limited to the
east and south-east coasts. The Gang-gang very much resembles the
Black Cockatoo in appearance aud habit«, and is known by its loud
discordant cry. The King Pai rot, one of the most sho^7 members of
the Puiilaeidai, a^jpears to be limited to the middle poi'tion of the east
coast, and is there found in great numbers, in the jungle-growths of
the l iver-lands. There U considerable difference in colour of plumage
in the male and female, that of the former being much more
brilliant. In the maiiie-fields, just as the gi'ain is beginning to ripen, it
often does great damage, and on this account has frequently to succumb
to the effects of a shot. The Lory, which is numerous in most parts of
the eastei'u portion of Australia, is oue of the most beautiful species of
the Pan-ot tribe, and being easily tawed, soon becomes a favourite.
Its vaiious shades of crimson, harmoniously blended ivith other colours,
give it an appearance beautiful in the extreme- Though its food is
chiefly found in the forest, it occasionally visits the coi-n-fields, but does
not possess those posvers of destruction so well known in connection with
the Cockatoo. In the Pari'akeets, of which there ai-e very many
species and varieties, are seen the smaller membei-s of the great Parrot
family. They ai« touud in every part of the continent, somo frequenting
the open grassy glades of the forests, othei-s evincing a
preference for the highest branches of the most lofty Eucali/pli, where
their chattering noise may be heard, as it mingles -with the sound of
the wind among the leaves. Many of these smaller species are remarkable
for the varied hues found in the colouring of their plumage.
The more prominent members of the order BiiJiorcj or Scratchers
do not occupy a place amoug the birds of A ustralia. There are no
Grouse or Partridges, so well kno«-n to the sportsmen of the Old
World, and the Pheasant family, among which are the different
domestic species, is totally unrepresented. The Pigeon {Colambacei}
is, perhaps, the most conspicuous o£ the Rasores found in Australia.
Its members, which enjoy so wide a distribution over the face of our
globe, ure here very numerous, upwards of twenty species being
known. They may be divided into t'vo gi-oups—one frequenting
ti'ees, the other seldom rising from tho giound, except when distiu
bed. The Wonga-wonga and Bronze-wing are among tho best
known species, and ai-e much sought after ou account of the delicacy
of their flesh, the former being more highly prized. Like the
Lyre-bird they frequent the thick brushes of tho coast nud mountainous
districts, and are seldom found perching on trees. The
Top-knot Pigeon has it-s hiibitat in tho brushes of the east coast, and
vvRS at oue time very plentiful in the district of Illawarra, but the
progress of eettlement has caused it to disappear to u very large
extent from its fonner haunts. Gregarious in hiibits, it assembles in
large uumbei's ou the Cubbnge-])ahiis and Fig-treoj", in order to feed
upon the seeds, to which it is veiy partial. This K)iooieK is veiy
attractive in appearance, but the flesh is coarse and diy.
Among tho smaller members of the Pigeon family indigenous to
Australia, are several species of Doves, many of which ure very
beautiful.
The Meg<^wUd,e or Mound-builders, of which there are three
distinct genera, are among the most singular in their habits of the bird.s
of Australia. They are known to colonist-f by tlie names Brush-turkey.
Native Pheasant, and Jungle-fowl, li is often remarked that anomalies
appear in every department of Australian Flora and Fauna, and
certainly in the wonderful Mound-buildei's we see an addition to their
The Brush-turke
found in tho dense !
female turkey, and finds its way
gi-owths which it favours. The
are very noticeable in the consti-u.
ti-eatment of their eggs.
" The mo
I'allegallu, which is peculiar to Australia, is
of the east coast. It is about as large as a
way rapidly through the thick iinderigular
habits of the whole family
>n of mounds, and the subsequent
.•emarkable circumstc
" this species, is the fact of its eggs
"of other birds. At the coinme
"Tallegallus scratches together an
" table matter, as a depository for tii
"engendei'ed by tbe process of fern
" of the young. The heap employed
" the bird,, during several weeks prer
varies in size from two to nuiny
' i s of a pyramid
^'the woi'k of 01
^•labours of sevt
3 pair of birdic, .
•al; tho same sit
"several years in succession, the birds addi
" materials each succeeding season-"*
The Native Pheasant or Leipoa, another o
famih", is also peculiar to Australia, and inhabii
trable thickets of the west coast. In habits it
Tallegalla. The mound in which its eggs
id leaves of ti-ees
oung force their
connected with the economy of
being incubated in the manner
ment of sjiring the Wattled
heap of decaying vege-
»•gs, and trusts to the heat
ation tor the development
this puipose is collected by
¡nous to the period of laying; it
irt-ioads, and, in most instances,
struction of the mound is either
>r, as some suppose, the united
3 appears to be rosoi'ted to foi'
birds adding a fresh supply of
the a
of sand, g
of debris'
>nd-building
lost impeneclosely
resembles the
leposited, is composed
When the process of incubation
the side,'- of this mass
d at once begin to look for food, and avoid danger.
The Australian Megapode or Jungle-fowl is one of a genus, species
of which are found in New Guinea, and other islands of the Bast
Indian Archipelago, and frequents the bottle-scrubs of the north em
coast, being particularly numerous in the Coburg Peninsula. The
mounds of these birds are generally composed of sand and shells, and
are constructed near tho sea-beach, in many cases only a few feet
above high-water niarlc. They are of a conical shape, and often
feet around the base, with a height of about five
feet.
Several members of the (¿uail
Though classed with the Gullhwi
tho Plover in habits. Tbe Stubl
Australia.
!y approach
re perhaps
Members of tho order Cunoivji or Runners, are found in almost
••ei-y part of Australia, but as settlement has become exteudcd their
imbei-s decrease; there is also evidence in remains found, that
gigantic forms, now long since •
As the Kangaroo among its i
found in its forests and on its pla:
neutly characteristic of Australia,
it is distinguished in part by the i
act, had a aplac
r of s whUe
mmals, so in the birds which are
, the Emu {Dromaiiw} is pre-emiike
the other members of the order,
dimentary character of its wings,
•unning, but are never used for
tho body it is diBicult to discover
3mu resembles the Ostrich, but is
pur])oses of flight. When close to tho
them. In general appearance, the Emi
somewhat smaller. In Governor Philli
published in 1789, quoted by Gould in
described as th
lyage to Botany Bay,"
irds of Australia," it is
Holland Cassowary," Its average height is
about five or six foot. At a distance the feather are not unlike hair.
The Emu is very widely spread over Australia, and was at one time
nujnerous in tho vicinity of Sydney. Flinders and Pcron found them
in great numbers on Kangaroo and King Islands, It is verj-inofi'ensive
and mild in disposition. Its food consists of fruit, i-oots, and
the herbage of the plains. Tho flesh is not unlike coarse beef; that
of the youug is particularly delicate. Fleet of foot, it is not easily over-
•GouM-"TliuIli