File:The birds of Australia (16245263833).jpg

PLATE IV.
FAMILY CERTHIAD^E.
GENUS CLIMACTERIS (Temm.)
ALL the colonies except Tasmania are inhabited by at least one species of this genus. Out of the-
six known species, four were first described by Gould.
CLIMACTERIS MELANURA .Gould).
PL A CK - TAILED TREE - CREEPER.
FX10 Mr. Bynoe belongs the honour of discovering this species on the north coast, thereby proving
J- that the genus is not confined to the southern portions of Australia, as was thought before. It
exceeds all its congeners in size, and in colouring has its own characteristic markings, particularly the
lanceolate feathers on the throat, and the black tail.
Owing to the habitat of this bird being restricted to the northern coast, it has been impossible
to gather any information concerning its habits ; but in all probability they do not differ widely from
those of the other species.
The forehead, all the upper surface, and the tail feathers, velvety brownish-black ; the occiput
and back of the neck stained with ferruginous-brown ; primaries and secondaries, dark brown at the
base and at the tip, the intermediate space buff, forming a conspicuous band across the wing when
expanded ; feathers of the throat, white, edged all round with black, giving the throat a striated
appearance; abdomen and flanks, ferruginous-brown; bill and feet, black.