Vol, XVII, 



1Q17 



] Campbell AST) Bars ARV, Birds of N\ Queensland. 31 



A fledgeling * that had fallen ironi a tree was picked up for examina- 

 tion, when the old birds perched on the hand of the observer and 

 commenced to feed the young. When, however, the young one was 

 released and placed on a bush, a big Brown Kingfisher (Jackass) 

 sailed past and snapped the little one before it could be rescued. 



Of course, we understand that it sometimes takes several sub- 

 species to make one species. But, as field observers of this bird 

 from the north to the south of its habitat, we venture to believe 

 that an important error has been made in classing the following 

 species — M. alhognlaris — a sub-species of M. lumtlaUis. We found 

 these two birds a few miles only apart as " the Crow flies." And is it 

 not an axiom, even among sub-specificists, that two sub-species ol 

 the sanie species cannot exist in same locality ? 



This Honey-eater is plentiful in Central Queensland, on the 

 Dawson Ri\cr, among the hills and gorges of the Expedition Range. 



Melithreptus albogularis. White-throated Honey-eater. 



Melitliveptns Innatiis vinitinctus . 



These birds were in numbei's feasting upon the abundant flowers 

 of the blue gums ''Eucalyptus tereticornis), and making a chorus with 

 their high-pitched " T-tee, t-tee, t-tee " notes. It was a pleasure 

 to recline under a tree and watch their active movements, while left 

 alone : but they were often put to flight by the arrival of larger birds 

 — Leatherheads, &c. 



As pointed out in the precedmg species, M. albogularis is distinct 

 from M. iunulatus. Amongst other specific distinctions, the naked 

 space above and behind the eye is scarlet or orange in the latter 

 bird, and in the former greenish-blue. These colours are constant in 

 the respective species. In Central Queensland M . Iunulatus is found 

 in the ranges only, while .1/. albogularis is found on the lower forest 

 country. 



[Regarding M. albogularis found in Central Queensland and the 

 Northern one, the former appears larger, brighter in colour, and more 

 robust generally ; also its note is much stronger and clearer. — H. G. B.] 



Plectorhyncha lanceolata. Striped Honey-eater. 



Plectorhyncha lanreolala lanceolata. 



The occurrence of one or two of this usually inland species on Gcold 

 Island, near Hinchinbrook Island and about 10 miles from the main- 

 land, surprised us. We secured a specimen for identification, and 

 saw it nowhere else. However, Ramsay stated it was to be found 

 60 miles inland. 



There had been a drought the previous season, and these birds mav 

 have been driven from their usual habitat, and, finding existence 

 on the island congenial, had there remained. 



Myzomela sanguineolenta. Sanguineous Honey-eater. 



Myzomela saiiguiiieoleiita slepliensi. 



Whether for appearance or pleasing song,t these little Honey-eaters 

 are gems, and the rich red portion of their uniform brightens the 

 picture wherever they fly for nectar — whether on to cylindrical, 

 greenish tea-tree flowers, or golden bunches of gum-blossom, or are 

 " drowned " in their own colour in the red bottle-brush of Callistemon. 



* Rough description: — Under surface yellowish, especiallv throat; nape- 

 mark dull yellow ; edges of [)rimaries, &c.. yellowish-green. 



t Like the sound produced by a person ruljbing a damp cork on a window- 

 pane, only not so harsh. 



