Order Piisseriformis, Family Melipliagidce, Ginus Meliphaga. 9 



Order Passeriformes, Family Meliphagidaej 

 Genus Neliphaga. 



Meliphaga sonora (Singing Honey-eater) — Mr. Gregory M. 

 Mathews has divided this s})ecies into eight sub-species. 



Description — All under surface, light grey, a light brown 

 stripe down the centre of each feather on the breast ; top of the 

 head and all the upper surface, greenish grey; a broad black 

 line passing from the base of the bill through the eye, on to the 

 neck, almost to the shoulder; ear-coverts and a line passing un- 

 der the eye, bright yellow ; wings, brown, external margins, 

 yellowish green ; tail, brown, each feather margined with green- 

 ish yellow; bill, black; feet, slatey grey to brown. 



Distribution — Almost over the whole of Australia and ad- 

 jacent islands, the coastal belts of Queensland being the only 

 locality which it does not seem to favour. 



Habitat — It seems to frequent all kinds of situations, the 

 low scrub along the seashore, the ranges with large timber, and 

 the mulga covered plains.of the interior. 



Habits — Often a shy bird, keeping to the thick under- 

 growth, yet at times it will become quite inquisitive, and is very 

 pugnacious at nesting time, attacking any bird which 

 approaches its nest. It is often seen upon the ground in search 

 of insects, and it will also catch much of its insect diet upon the 

 wing. 



Flight — Not long sustained, fitful, and at times, erratic. 



Note— Although loud, very full and musical. 



Food — Insects, honey, and at times, beiTies and seeds. 



Nesting Season — Varies much according to locality; they 

 are very erratic breeders in the interior, but on the coastline 

 the breeding seasonis generally from August to^ November. 



Nest sometimes placed in an upright fork, at others in an 

 overhanging branch composed of small twigs and rootlets, bound 

 together with cobwebs and spider cocoons; at times the wooly 

 flowerheads are used. 



Clutch — One to three. 



Average measurement of 10 epgs- 2.36 cm. x l.«>8 cm.; 

 lar,oest egg, 2.80 cm. x 1.70 cm.; smallest egg, 2.15 cm. x 1.65 

 cm. 



