THE IIOKEY BIRDS. 419 



The Epimachina:, or Plumed Birtls, are found in Xew Zealand, New 

 Guinea, and Australia. Of these, the iSFeomorpha GouhUi is found on the 

 Torirua range of mountains in Xew Zealand. " It is usually observed perched 

 on the lower brandies of the trees, quickly moving from branch to brancii, 

 and at the same time spreading out its tail, and throwing up the wings in a 

 grotesque manner. The food of tliis bird consists of seeds, and various 

 kinds of berries. The. species of Ejiiuiac/ins, which inhabits Australia, 

 has been noticed as ascending the uprigiit boles of trees, precisely after the 

 manner of creeping birds ; and, like them, its powers of fligiit are very lim- 

 ited, being seldom exerted except to transport itself from tree to tree, or 

 from one portion of the forest to another." 



These birds are generally of most gorgeous plumage ; but little is on 

 record concerning their habits, and tliat little is indefinite. They present 

 an interesting field for the study of future naturalists. 



Family Nectarixid.e. The Honey Birds. 



This very extensive group, as given by Lilljeborg, comprehends genera 

 that other systems exclude. Our space will not permit an extended review 

 of the literature on this subject, and we must content ourselves with a brief, 

 general view of the fiimily. 



The Dacnidime, of which Dacnis, of Gray, is a good type, are found in 

 South American forests, particularly where flowering plants and shrubs are 

 abundant. The JV^jcldrinuue, of which jVectnrinia, of Gray, is the type, 

 are distributed tlu-oughout the continent of Africa, as well as India and its 

 archipelago. Gray says of the genus JS^ectarinia, — 



" It is on the upper smaller branches of trees and bushes that they are seen 

 in pairs or in small parties, hopping about with a quick motion, and at the 

 same time continuallj' moving their wings in a tremulous manner, while 

 searching the Howcrs to obtain the nectar and the minute insects which arc 

 found in them. They are occasionally observed hovering on the wing before 

 flowers wliile engaged in the same occupation. Spiders also form a portion 

 of their subsistence ; these the bird drags from their hiding-places and from 

 their webs while fluttering in the air, and it will also occasionally snap at an 

 insect while it is flying. The notes seem to vary with the species ; but they 

 are usually weak, though pleasing. The nest is usually suspended, and of 

 a hemispherical form, having generally an opening on one side nearer the 

 bottom than the top, with a small roof over it. It is composed of dry fibres, 

 mixed with moss and down within. The exterior portion of the nest is 

 sometimes kept together by means of a thick spider's web, which the bird 

 uses in the first instance as a framework to attach the various materials on. 

 The eggs are generally two in number." 



