INT RODU ClTLON

Genus Ruyncnma, Cu.

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 con-

tizuous to marshy lands, where they can readily procure food and water.
5 / d

497. Rhynchea Australis, Gould. : : : ; : : ; : : : : Wol Wi, Bl, 4)

“This beautiful bird,” says Captain Sturt, “was very scarce in the interior, and indeed is not common
anywhere. Some three or four couples visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in the 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 Numentus, Linn.

Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which part 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  . : : : . : : : : : : a Volevalee ea}
499. Numenius uropygialis, Gould : : : : : Vol Vileacieass
500. Numenius minutus, Gould : ; : , : : ; : : : Wolk Wb PL 44

Family ARDEIDA, Leach.

Subfamily TANTALINAE, G. R. Gray.

Genus Geronticus, Wag.

The three species of Jbises 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 Threskiornis 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 oppor-
tunity of observing its habits.

501. Geronticus spinicollis . : : : : : : : : : : : Wolk, Wil, Bb 46.

I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than Australia, which would therefore
appear to be its restricted habitat.

Genus Tureskiornis, G. R. Gray.

502. Threskiornis strictipennis : : : : : : : Vol. VI. Pl. 46.

Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons.

903. Falcinellus igneus. . : ‘ : é Vol. VI. Pl. 47.