86 FASSERES. 



{Glyciphild) frequent the various species of Eucalypti, for the purpose of pro- 

 curing the nectar from the flowers, and the small insects that are attracted for 

 the same object : there these birds may be seen chnging and hanging from 

 the slender flowering branches in a variety of attitudes. Their nest is placed 

 on a low bush, and is composed of grasses and hned with softer materials. 



Sub-Family II. 

 THE HONEY-EATERS PROPER. MELIPHAGIN.^<:. 



General Characteristics. — Bill more or less long and slender, with the tip slightly 

 emarginated, and usually acute ; wings moderate and rounded, with the fourth to tlie 

 sixth quills generally the longest; tarsi generally short and strong; toes moderate, 

 with the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at its base, the hind toe long 

 and strong; the claws moderate, curved, and very acute. 



The Honey-Eaters likewise belong to the Australian continent, 

 though a few have been discovered on islands that present almost 

 a tropical climate. 



Wherever the Eucalypti and the Bauksias arc in flower, there 

 these birds may be seen, sucking the nectar from their blossoms. 

 They also feed on the small insects that lie concealed in flowers 

 and on the fruits and berries of various plants. Their movements 

 among the branches are active and graceful, but their rapid and 

 jerking flight is only extended from tree to tree. Their note con- 

 sists 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 strips 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 parts 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 similar purpose. Berries, wild 

 figs, and the juice which exudes from wounds in trees, are also said to form a 

 part of their 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 mono- 

 tonous cry. The eggs are deposited by the female of one species on the top 

 of the domed nests of the Pfl!nato?-/iiiii, 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 grass and fibrous roots. The eggs are usually two or three 

 in number. Other species {Aiitkoc/ia:m), of kindred habits as regards their 



