Genus R h y n c h æ a , C u e .
The few species comprised in this genus are widely dispersed over the face of the globe; one inhabits the
southernmost parts of America, another South Africa, a third India, and a fourth Australia. They affect different
situations from those resorted to by the true Snipes, usually selecting drier ground and knolls under low bushes contiguous
to marshy lands, where they can readily procure food and water.
497. Rhynchæa Australis, G o u l d ................................................................................................................... y j pj
This beautiful bird, says Captain Sturt, “ was very scarce in the interior, and indeed is not common
any where. Some three or four couples visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in thé high reeds at the
bottom of the creek, among which they doubtless breed, but I never found one of their nests. They lie basking
in the shade of a tree on the sand-hills during the day, and separate when alarmed.”
Genus N u m e n iu s , Linn.
Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which pa rt of the globe they are confined, and wherein
they represent the species inhabiting the northern hemisphere, with which their habits, actions and economy are
strictly in accordance.
498. Numenius Australis, Gould
499. Numenius uropygialis, Gould
500. Numenius minutus, Gould
Family ARDEIDA5, Leach.
Subfamily TANTALIN^E, G. R . Gray.
Genus G e r o n t ic u s , Wagl.
Vol. VI. PI. 42.
Vol. VI. PI? 43.
Vol. VI. PI. 44.
The three species of ibises inhabiting Australia have been separated by ornithologists into as many genera,
and the difference which exists in their habits and economy tends to prove the propriety of their subdivision; for
while the Geronticus congregates in flocks of thousands and mainly subsists upon caterpillars, grasshoppers and
locusts, a kind of food which it readily obtains on the heated plains, the Threskiomis assembles in small companies
of from four to six in number and resorts to the rushy banks of the lagoons and other humid situations, and feeds
upon newts, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish, and the Falcinellus resorts to similar situations, but I have had no opportunity
of observing its habits.
5 0 1 . Geronticus sp in ic o llis .......................................................... ' ..............................................y 0 j y j p j
I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than Australia, which would therefore
appear to be its restricted habitat.
Genus T h r e sk io r n i s , G. R . Gray.
502. Threskiomis s t r i c t i p e n n i s y j p j 46
Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons.
503. Falcinellus ig n e u s y j p j 4 7
This species is numerous in the northern and eastern districts of Australia, whence its range extends throughout
the whole of the islands to India and Europe.
Subfamily GRUINA3, G. R . Gray.
Genus G r u s , Linn.
Species of this genus inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia.
504. Grus Australasianus, Gould . . . . . . . . , . . . Vol. VI. PI. 48.
The Australian .Crane is a,noble, bird, and is deservedly admired both by the Aborigines and Europeans. The
eastern and northern parts of the country are the only localities yet known to be inhabited by this fine bird ; future
research may however find that it possesses a wider range.
Subfamily PLATALEINjE, Bonap.
Genus Platalea, Linn.
Two species of this genus inhabit Australia, both of which are, I believe, peculiar to that country, where they
perform precisely the same offices as their prototypes in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
505. Platalea flavipes, Gould . . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VI. PI. 49.
506. Platalea regia, Gould . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VI. PI. 50.
Subfamily CICONINiE, G. R . Gray.
Genus Mycteria, Linn.
The noble species of this genus inhabiting Australia is, I believe, identical with the bird of the same form
inhabiting India, and if such be the case, then it enjoys a wide range of habitat. Africa and America are inhabited
by species belonging to this or to a very nearly allied genus.
507. Mycteria Australis, Lath. . . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VI. PI. 51.
Subfamily ARDEINA5, G. R . Gray.
Genus Ardea, Linn.
The Herons range over every p art of the globe. The sixteen species inhabiting Australia include examples of
the genera Ardea, Herodias, Nycticorax, Botaurus and Ardetta, and I think they should be still further divided, the
Reef Herons, Herodias jugularis, H. Greyii, fyc. differing considerably both in structure and habits from the other
members of the genus ; the Ardea pacifica and A. Nova-Holland ice also, are not typical Ardea, but fill a station
intermediate between the true Herons and the Egrets.
608. Ardea pacifica, Lath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . y 0], y i . pj. 52.
Numerous in the southern but rare within the tropical parts of Australia.
509. Ardea Novte-Hollandise, Lath. . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VI. PI. 53
Frequents the whole of the southern coasts of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.
510. Ardearectirostris, Gould. . . . . . . . . .. , _ _ Vol. VI PI 54
Found on the north coast of Australia, and I believe also in the Indian Islands.
511. Ardea leucophssa, Gould . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. VI. PI. 55.
The range of this species, which is very rare in Australia, appears to extend to the southern parts of India.