Genus Sericulus. 477 



all other known birds,* cannot I think be questioned; it has 

 the bill of a frugivorous bird, without even the slightest indica- 

 tion of those weak bristles or hairs which, in the Thrushes, 

 are situated on each side the rictus. The size and shape of its 

 bill, in fact, is that of a genuine Oriole ; the resemblance ex- 

 tends to the nares, and even to the proportional length of the 

 wings and quill feathers: but the tarsi put on quite a distinct 

 form ; and by their lengthened, robust structure, give us every 

 reason to suppose that the habits of the bird assimilate to those of 

 the Merulidce which seek their food, not only among trees, but 

 upon the ground. We are struck by another anomaly in the tail, 

 which, unlike that of any birds in the two last mentioned groups, 

 is slightly though distinctly forked ; this structure we generally 

 find is indicative of a superiority of flight ; and is quite unknown 

 to me in any species of Oriolus, Turdus, or Meliphaga. 



From a consideration of the above characters, and arguing from 

 theory, I should therefore say that Sericulus would indicate that 

 passage between the true Orioles and the Merulidce, which at 

 present appears undiscovered ; and that its habits and economy 

 may consequently assimilate to both these groups. 



But against this theory, there is at present a strong, and appa- 

 rently an insurmountable objection. For this very bird has been 

 described as nectiferous, in other words, as deriving its suste- 

 nance from flowers ; and this fact is implied by the name it has 

 received from a Naturalist who lived in its native country, and 

 certainly had the best opportunity of ascertaining the truth. 

 Lewin, who founded the genus Meliphaga, describes this as the 

 first species, by the name of King Honey sucker. Yet so little 

 does it accord in outward structure, even in one solitary instance, 

 with those birds, that I hope not to be considered too sceptical 

 if I withhold my belief from testimony apparently so conclusive. 

 Besides, it must be remembered that Lewin says nothing ex- 

 pressly about its manners or mode of feeding ; and that although 

 in many instances an accurate observer, he might err on this 



* I must here except the Paradisea aurea of Latham, placed by Linnaeus 

 among the Orioles, and which seems from the description of authors, closely 

 allied to Sericulus. 



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