INSESSORES. 561 



in winter and summer. I also shot a single specimen on the 

 Namoi, but as this was almost the only one I saw beyond the 

 mountain ranges, I believe its most natural habitat to be 

 between the great dividing chain of mountains and the sea. 

 In all probability it may be found far to the northward on the 

 eastern coast, but it has not yet been observed in South 

 Australia, neither is it an inhabitant of Tasmania. 



In habits and actions the Blue-faced Honey-eater bears a 

 striking resemblance to the members of the genera Ptilotis 

 and Melithreptus \ like them, it is found almost exclusively 

 on the Eiicali/pti, searching among the blossoms and smaller 

 leafy branches for its food, which is of a mixed character, 

 consisting partly of insects and partly of honey, and probably, 

 berries and fruits, but this latter supposition I was not able 

 to verify. Mr. Cayley states, that he once saw " several of 

 them frequenting a tree, where they were very busy in obtain- 

 ning something that appeared to have exuded from a wounded 

 part. I do not know what the substance could be otherwise 

 than a kind of gum of a bitter and astringent taste." As 

 I have never detected them in feeding on this or any similar 

 substance, I should rather suppose they were in search of 

 the insects attracted by this exudation. 



I have frequently seen eight or ten of these bold and 

 spirited birds on a single tree, displaying the most elegant 

 and easy movements, clinging and hanging in every variety of 

 position, frequently at the extreme ends of the small, thickly- 

 flowered branches, bending them down with their weight ; 

 they may be easily distinguished from other birds with which 

 they are frequently in company by their superior size, the 

 brilliancy of their blue face, and the contrasted colours of their 

 plumage ; they are rendered equally conspicuous by the pug- 

 nacity with which they chase and drive about the other species 

 resorting to the same tree. 



It frequently utters a rather loud and monotonous cry, not 

 worthy the name of a song. 



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