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XVII. Description of Menura superba, a Bird of New South Wales.
By Major-General Thomas Davies, F.R.S. and L.S.
Read November 4, 1800.
MENURA.
Char. Gen. Rostrum validiusculum, convexo-conicum.
- Nares ovatae in medio roftri.
- Rectrices elongatae, pinnulis decompositis; intermediae 2 longiores angustas, exteriores ad apicem patulae, revolutae.
- Pedes validi ambulatorii.
MENURA superba.
Tab. XXII.
The total length of this singular bird from the point of the bill to the end of the broad tail feathers is 43 inches; 25 of which are in the tail alone. The bill rather exceeds an inch in length, is strong, formed much like that of a peacock, and black, with the nostrils, which are long open slits, rather large, placed near the middle of its length. The head, which is somewhat crested at the hind part, neck, shoulders, back, upper tail coverts, and upper surface of the tail feathers, of a dark brownish black. Throat rufous, reaching some way down the middle of the neck. Breast, belly, and vent gray. The feathers of the latter are long, very soft, and of a silky texture. Thighs nearly of the same colour, rather long, and feathered
