114 



TENUIROSTRES. 



SUB-FAMILY III. 

 Melithkeptin.e.'"' The Honey -feeders. 



Gen. Chakac. — Bill short, sub-conic, slightly curved, and the sides much 

 compressed towards the tip, which is sometimes emarginated and acute ; 

 the wings more or less long, with the fourth to the seventh quills generally 

 the longest; the tarsi short and strong; the toes more or less long, the 

 lateral toes unequal, the outer the longest, and united at its base ; the claws 

 moderate, compressed, and acute. 





Fig. 41. — tbe white-tukoated honey-feeder. 

 (Melitkreptus (jidaris. ) 



The Honey-feeders constitute another group 

 peculiar to Australia^ where they may be seen, in 

 small parties J frequenting the Eucalypti and Acacias. 

 They usually creep about the leafy and flower-bearing 

 branches with perfect ease and great rapidity, search- 

 ing for insects and the pollen of flowers ; they also 

 frequent orchards, to feed upon the fruit, amongst 

 which they commit great havoc. Sometimes they 



* ji'tXi, meli, honey ; GpeK-^og, tlireptos, nourished. 



