THE POE BIRD. 



339 



and the under tail-coverts scarlet, of a less brilliant hue than in the 

 male. In its dimensions the Dicseum is hardly so large as our common 

 wren. 



HONEY-EATERS. 



The true Honey-eaters form a very numerous group of birds, all of 

 which are graceful in their forms and pleasing in the color of their plum- 

 age, while in some instances the hues with which they are decorated are 

 so bright as to afford ground for classing them among the really beauti- 

 ful birds. They all feed on similar substances, which, as indicated by 

 their name, consist chiefly of honey and the sweet juices of flowers, 

 although they also vary their diet by insects and other small living 

 beings. 



Among this group of birds the Poe Bird, or Tue, or Parson Bird, 

 is one of the most conspicuous, being nearly as remarkable for its pecu- 



The Poe Bird {Pro&thtinadti a ZetUindioc). 



liar coloring as the rifle bird itself, although the hues of its feathers are 

 not quite so resplendently brilliant as in that creature. 



The Poe Bird is a native of New Zealand, where it is far from un- 

 common, and is captured by the natives for the purpose of sale. Many 



