151 



with a few rounded spots and dots of dark -purplish-red on the 

 larger end ; while appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell 

 are underlying spots of faint purplish-grey-gjrey. Length, TOS x 

 0-73 inch. Another specimen has dull-purplish-red blotches 

 uniformly distributed over the surface of shell, except on one 

 side, and the ground-colour almost obscured with numerous 

 streaky markings of faint purplish-grey. Length, 1-12 x 0-77 

 inch. 



[ In the neighbourhood of the Fitzroy River, and especially at 

 Derby, these birds were very numerous. They seemed to require 

 water as frequently as Finches and Pigeons, and dearly love a 

 bath. Often whilst watching the different birds arriving and 

 departing from the water-troughs I was annoyed by the visit of 

 one or more of these birds, whose sudden arrival caused the 

 immediate dispersal of all other species from the water. It is 

 very pugnacious, and chases any intruders from the vicinity of 

 its nest. Should an Owl be disturbed during the day he is 

 immediately noticed by the Friar bird, and chased and worried 

 for a great distance during which time many other birds join in 

 the hunt. Many of their nests were found near the river, but 

 only two eggs obtained. The nests were made of coarse grass, 

 cup-shaped, and placed in the drooping foliage of the Eucalypt. 

 When seen from below they bore a strong resemblance to those- 

 of the Chestnut-eared Finch. One of the birds was distinguished 

 by its darker plumage and yellow markings on the sides of the 

 neck. Whether another species or simply a variation in plumage 

 with age I was unable to determine. It was being constantly 

 attacked by the Sordid Friar-birds, which were numerous in the 

 locality where it was shot.] 



No. 44. Melithreptus l^tior (Yellow-backed Honey-eater). 



MfJitlireptus Icetior, Gould, Ann. and Mag. Nat. His., 4th 

 series, vol. XVI., pi. 287 (1875) ; id., Bds. New Guinea, foL, vol. 

 IIL, pi. 40 (1875-88) ; Ramsay, Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S. W., vol. L, 

 2nd series, p. 1,093 (1886). 



Three adult males, one immature male. Camp near the junc- 

 tion of the Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers. Four examples of this 

 beautiful Honey-eater, with its conspicuous bright-yellow hind 

 neck and rump. The immature male has the outer primaries, 

 most of the inner secondaries, and the lateral tail-feathers pale- 

 brown. Wing, 3-3 inches. This very distinct species is alsa 

 found in the Gulf District, Northern Queensland. In vol. IX. 

 of the Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum its name is 

 erroneously placed as a synonym of M. gidaris. 



[The neighbourhood of the Fitzroy River from Derby to its 

 junction with the Margaret River appears to be the stronghold 



