THE 



NATURAL HISTORY 



OF THE 



NECTARINIAD^E OR SUN-BIRDS. 



DESCRIPTIONS. 



AMONG the typical genus of the Nectariniadge, we 

 have the greatest contrast of species, as well as 

 considerable variety of form ; the latter occurring 

 principally in the shape of the tail, which is even, 

 much elongated, and wedge-shaped, or having the 

 two central feathers only narrow and lengthened. 

 The wings are rather rounded, with the first quill 



short, and the plumage is extremely brilliant, 

 having generally a coronal and gular patch of me- 



