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NEW HOLLAND HONEY-EATER.— Jfehp/ta^a Novcb Holldndice. 



great stronghold of the species. At the same time, I must not fail to observe that the 

 districts bordering the sea-coast are most favourable to the growth of their favourite tree ; 

 hence, while it is there most numerous, in the interior of the country it is seldom to be 

 seen. 



It evinces a more decided preference for shrubs and low trees than for those of a larger 

 growth ; consequently it is a species particularly subject to the notice of man, while it 

 flits from bush to bush. ISTor is it the least attractive of the Australian fauna ; the 

 strikingly contrasted markings of its plumage, and the beautiful appearance of its golden- 

 edged wings, when passing with its quick, devious, and jumping flight from shrub to 

 shrub, rendering it a conspicuous and pleasing object. 



It has a loud, shrill, liquid, though monotonous, note. Its food, which consists of the 

 pollen and juices of flowers, is procured while clinging and creeping among them in 

 every variety of position ; it also feeds on fruit and insects. 



It usually rears two or three broods during the course of the season, which lasts from 

 August to January : the nest is very easily found, being placed, in the forest, in any low 

 open bush ; and, in the gardens, among the shrubs and flowers. One of the nests in my 

 collection was taken from a row of peas in the kitchen-garden of the Government House 

 at Sydney. It is usually placed at about eighteen inches or two feet from the ground, and is 

 a somewhat compact structure, composed of small wiry sticks, coarse grasses, and broad 

 and narrow strips of bark ; the inside is lined with the soft woolly portions of the 

 blossoms of small ground plants. 



It usually lays two, but occasionally three, eggs, which are of a pale biiff, thinly 

 spotted and freckled with deep chestnut-brown, particularly at the larger end, where they 

 not unfrequently assume the form of a zone." 



The White-pinioned Honey-eatee is found, according to Mr. Gould, upon the north 

 coast of Australia, and is very plentiful, especially near the settlement at Port Essington. 



In its habits it is partly gregarious, being seen in little flocks, perhaps families, of 

 six or seven in number, flitting about the tops of lofty trees and ever in active motion. 

 Partly on account of the great elevation at which it loves to dwell, and partly because of 



