INTRODUCTION.

Genus Leucosarcia, Gould.

Generic characters.
Bill lengthened, almost cylindrical, fleshy for two-thirds of its length from the base ; nostrils lateral and covere a

by an oval swollen operculum ; wings very short and concave ; tail short ; ¢arsi lengthened and defended in front by

large distinct scuta ; foes rather short, hind-toe situated high upon the tarsus.

A genus proposed by me for the reception of the Wonga-Wonga Pigeon of the Australian Brushes, a bird
having many peculiar habits, but which, being mainly terrestrial, lead it to frequent the ground in the midst of the
dense forests, where it moves about in pairs, feeding upon seeds and berries. Its flesh being remarkably white and
extremely delicate, it is one of the best birds for the table inhabiting Australia, or indeed any other country.

The colour of the flesh suggested the generic term I have assigned to it.

425. Leucosarcia picata E : ' : : 3 : : : : ; : : Vol. V. Pl. 63.

Genus Puaps, Se/by.

The members of this genus, generally known by the name of Bronze-wings, form an excellent viand for the
settlers, and one of the greatest boons bestowed upon the explorer, since they not only furnish him with a supply
of nutritious food, but direct him by their straight and arrow-like evening flight to the situations where he may

find water, that element without which man cannot exist.

426. Phaps chalcoptera.

Peristera chalcoptera : : : . : : : : : ; : : Vol. V. Pl. 64.
427. Phaps elegans.

Peristera elegans : : : : : : : : : . i : | Volavaiaae
428. Phaps histrionica.

Peristera histrionica, Gould : s : : : : : ; oe Vol. V. Pl. 66.

“This beautiful pigeon,” says Captain Sturt, “is an imhabitant of the interior. It lays its eggs in February,
depositing them under any low bush in the middle of the open plains. In the end of March and the beginning of
April they collect in large flocks and live on the seed of the rice-grass, which the natives also collect for food.
During the short period this harvest lasts the flavour of this pigeon is most delicious, but at other times it is in-
different. It flies to water at sunset, but like the Bronze-wing only wets the bill. It is astonishing indeed that so
small a quantity as a bare mouthful should be sufficient to quench its thirst in the burning deserts it inhabits. It
left us in the beginning of May, and I think migrated to the N.E., for the further we went to the westward the
fewer did we see of it.”

Mr. Gilbert observed this species in vast flocks on the plains in latitude 19° S.

Genus Geopnars, Gould.

Generic characters.

Bill very short and robust ; eyes surrounded with a bare skin ; wings very short and rounded ; tertiaries long,
and broad at their ends ; tarsi moderately long ; toes shorter than the tarsus, the inner toe rather the longest.

The members of this genus are peculiar to Australia; are more terrestrial in their habits than any other form of
pigeons inhabiting that country ; incubate on the ground ; squat like the partridges when their haunts are intruded
upon; inhabit the plains and open downs ; have white pectoral muscles ; are excellent food for man; run with great
rapidity ; fly swiftly for short distances; and when disturbed either perch on the larger branches, on which they

squat lengthwise, or descend to the ground and run off after the manner of the true Gallinacee.

429. Geophaps scripta ; : ‘ : ‘ : : : Vol. V. Pl. 67.
430. Geophaps Smithii . : ; ‘ , Vol. V. Pl. 68.