VERTEBRATA. AVES. 



alights and disappears behind the trunk, to take your 

 stand behind an adjoining one, and keep a sharp look 

 out twenty or thirty feet up the body of the tree 

 he is upon, for he generally mounts very regularly 

 to a considerable height, examining the whole way as 

 he advances. In a minute or two, hearing all still, 

 he will make his appearance on one side or other of 

 the tree, and give you an opportunity of observing 

 him."* 



Cinnyris,^ the SunUrds. 



These minute but brilliant little birds, shining in 

 the most resplendent plumage, represent, together with 

 the Honeysuckers, (Meliphaga^) the Humming-birds 

 in the tropical regions of the old world. They are 

 found in Africa and the Isles of India in the great- 

 est abundance, whence they are frequently brought to 

 Europe, and are the ornament of our museums. They 

 are closely allied to the Creepers in form, and are often 

 called by the same name ; it would appear that they 

 retain somewhat of their habits also, for though the 

 tongue is tubular, and the food consists principally of 

 the honey contained in deep flowers, they are said to 

 feed not upon the wing, as the Humming-birds do, 

 but adhering by their feet to the perpendicular stalks 

 of the shrubs and flowers. They thus shew a 

 beautiful transition between these two genera. The 

 tongue of the Honeysuckers terminates in a branch 



* Am. Orn. vol. ii. p. 196. [Constable's Ed.] 

 "f" The Greek name of a small bird unknown, 

 f Mi>.t, meli, honey, $.yw,phago, to eat. 



