"The _Dacelo gigantea_," says Gould, "is a bird with which every traveller in New South Wales is acquainted, for, independently of its large size, its voice is so extraordinary as to be unlike that of any other living creature. In its disposition it is by no means shy, and when any new objects are presented to its notice--such as a party traversing the bush, or pitching their tent--it becomes very prying and inquisitive, often perching on the dead branch of some neighbouring tree, and watching with the greatest curiosity the kindling of the fire and the preparation of the meal. Its presence, however, owing to the quietude with which it passes through the forest, and the almost noiseless manner in which it settles, is seldom detected, until it emits its extraordinary gurgling, laughing note, which has obtained for it the name of the 'Laughing Jackass.'" Captain Sturt describes this strange cry as "resembling a chorus of wild spirits." Gould states that this species seldom or never drinks, and is therefore as much at home on arid plains as near the coast or river-banks. "Its food, which is of a mixed character," continues the same writer, "consists of animal substances. Reptiles, insects, and crabs, however, appear to be its favourite diet; it devours lizards with avidity, and it is not uncommon to see it bearing off a snake in its bill, to be eaten at leisure. Unlike most other species, the _Dacelo gigantea_ frequents every variety of situation; the luxuriant brushes extending along the coast, the more thinly-timbered forest, the belts of trees studding the parched plains, and the brushwood of the higher ranges being alike favoured by its presence. Over all these localities it is dispersed, but is nowhere numerous. It breeds during the months of August and September, and generally selects a hole in a large gum-tree for the purpose; making no nest, but depositing its beautiful pearl-white eggs on the decomposed wood at the bottom of the hole. The parent bird defends its young with the greatest courage and daring, darting down upon any intruder who may attempt to ascend the tree, and inflicting severe and even dangerous wounds with its pointed bill. It bears confinement remarkably well, and is one of the most amusing birds for an aviary with which I am acquainted." * * * * * The PARADISE ALCYONS (_Tanysiptera_) are recognisable from the above groups by the unusual length of the centre tail-feathers; the beak, somewhat longer than the head, is conical in form, its upper mandible almost straight, while the lower one curves slightly upwards. In the wing, the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length; the long and graduated tail varies considerably in its formation. THE TRUE PARADISE ALCYON.