MELIPHAGID.E. 1 ] :^ 



but their rapid and jerking flight is only extended 

 from tree to tree. Their note consists of a loud 

 whistle, which in many species is agreeable to the 

 ear. Their nest is usually built in some low tree or 

 bush; it is composed of small twigs, coarse grass, 

 moss, and chips of bark, lined internally with soft 

 materials principally derived from plants. The eggs 

 are two or three in number. 



The type of the race, — 



The Tropidorhynchus inornatus, is found in most pai-ts 

 of Australia and New Guinea. They are usually seen 

 on the various trees in blossom, the flowers of which they 

 search for the purpose of extracting the pollen, and for 

 the various insects which frequent them for a smiilar 

 purpose. Berries, wild figs, and the juice which exudes 

 from wounds in trees, are also said to form a part of theii- 

 subsistence. They are often observed in small parties 

 on the upper branches, to which they cling, and hang in 

 various graceful positions while seeking their food : whilst 

 thus engaged, they emit a loud and monotonous cry. The 

 eggs are deposited by the female of one species on the top 

 of the domed nests of the Pomatorhini, whilst others form 

 suspended nests, of a large size, in the form of a cup, and 

 composed of stringy bark, wool, and twigs, lined with 

 gTass and fibrous roots. The eggs are usually two or 

 three in number. 



