CYSTICOLA LINEOCAPILLA, Gow.
Lineated Warbler.

Cysticola lineocapilla, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Jan. 27, 1847.

 

Tur Cysticola lineocapilla is a much smaller and more delicately formed species than the C. ewilis, and may,
moreover, be distinguished from that and every other member of the genus with which If am acquainted
by the lmeated form of the markings of the head. It is a native of the north coast of Australia, and all
the specimens I have seen were from the neighbourhood of Port Essington. Mr. Gilbert states that it ‘“ is
very rarely seen in consequence of its generally inhabiting the long grass of the swamps, where it creeps
about more like a mouse than a bird, and if once alarmed it is no easy task to get a sight of it again ; its
note is a short and feeble, but very pleasing song.

‘The stomach is muscular, and the food consists of insects of various kinds.”

General plumage pale rufous, with broad and conspicuous striz of blackish brown forming lines down
the centre of the feathers of the head and back ; the under surface fading into white on the throat and
centre of the chest ; tail-feathers with a conspicuous blackish spot on the under surface near the tip ;
irides light reddish brown ; bill and feet flesh-brown

The figures are of the natural size.