Australian Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society. 307 



him that the bird was only seen in summer, that he knew nothino- 

 of its nest, but that it ïeà upon figs at the Fkits. These birds 

 had also been pointed out by the natives to Mr. Caley in their 

 flight ; at which time he observed them very high in the air, and 

 wheeling about with great swiftness. That gentleman adds, that 

 the present individual had two large caterpillars and some of the 

 gold beetles {Anoplognathus viridi-ceneus, &c., Leach) in its sto- 

 mach at the time he shot it. Seeds of the red gum and pepper- 

 mint trees have also, as we are informed*, been found in the 

 crops of these birds. Like the South American genera Ram- 

 phastos and Pteroglossus, which in conjunction with the present 

 group compose the family of Rampliastidie, they may probably 

 be considered to be omnivorous. 



Tribus. Tenu: rostres. Cuv. 

 Fam. Meliphagid.ï:. 

 The chief groups which compose the tenuirostral Tribe of the 

 Insessores, or that assemblage of birds which derive their main 

 nourishment from the suctorial powers of their tongue, are 

 distinguished not only by their geographical distribution, but 

 by striking peculiarities which point out their greater or less 

 accordance with the typical characters of the Tribe. The most 

 prominent indication of typical pre-eminence among them is 

 exhibited in the superior developement of those organs or 

 powers which contribute to the purposes of feeding by suction 

 on the wing, and the consequent deficiency of those members 

 which are suited for functions of a diti'erent nature. And in 

 determining the différent stations of the various groups of the 

 Tribe, we are thus guided to the central or typical assemblage 

 by detecting the superior powers of flight exhibited in the wings 

 and tail, and the accompanying Aveakness of the bill and legs. 



* See Latham's Gen. Hist. ii. p. 301. 



2 R 2 In 



