160 THE WATTLED HONEY-EATER. 



lawn that are denominated "bands," and which flutter beneath the chins of ecclesiastics in 

 their official costume. The brown tint of the lower part of the back changes to steely-blue, 

 and the tail is brown, "shot" with the same beautiful tint. The quill-feathers of the wings 

 are brown, edged with blue, and the whole under surface is reddish-brown. 



In size the Poe Bird equals a large blackbird or a small pigeon, being about twelve inches 

 in total length. The long generic title of Prosthemadera is formed from two Greek words — the 

 former signifying an appendage, and the latter the neck — and is given to the bird in allusion 

 to the white tufts of feathers which depend from the neck. 



The very quaint and rather grotesque Friar Bird, which we may notice, is an inhabitant 

 of Australia, and is very common in the southern parts of that continent, although at present 

 it has not been seen in Van Piemen's Land. 



By the colonists it is known by a variety of names, some relating to its aspect and others 

 to its voice. Thus it is named the Friar Bird, because the bare, oddly-shaped head, with its 

 projecting knob upon the forehead, is considered as resembling the bare, shaven poll of the 

 ancient friar. Another analogous name is the Monk Bird. Another name is Leather-head, 

 a title which refers to the dark leathery aspect of the whole head, which is as rigid in outline 

 and as dark in color during life as after death. On account of its peculiar voice, it is also 

 known by the names of "Pimlico, " Poor-soldier," or "Four-o'clock," as its cry is said 

 to resemble these words. The resemblance, however, cannot be very close, as neither of the 

 words which it is supposed to utter could be mistaken for the other, so that the Friar Bird 

 cannot be very remarkable for the distinctness of its articulation. By the natives it is called 

 Coldong. 



The Friar Bird is possessed of unextinguishable loquacity, delighting to get upon the top- 

 most branch of some lofty tree, and there chatter by the hour together at the top of its loud 

 and peculiar voice, as if it were desirous of attracting attention to its powers of elocution. 

 Among the branches it is extremely active, traversing them in all directions with great ease, 

 and clinging to their rough bark by the grasp of its powerful toes and curved claws. So 

 strong is the grip of the foot, that the bird may often be seen hanging from a branch sus- 

 pended only by a single foot, while it is engaged in peering into the recesses of the bark, in 

 search of the little insects that may be concealed under its rough surface. 



Like all the honey-birds, it is fond of feeding upon the nectar and pollen of flowers, gen- 

 erally preferring those of the eucalyptus, or gum-tree, as it is popularly termed, and also 

 delights in fishing out the little insects that are to be found in the depths of all honey-bearing 

 flowers. It does not, however, disdain to feed upon the larger beetles and other insects that 

 take up their residence under the flakes of bark, and is also known to eat various kinds of 

 berries. 



Another common and rather striking example of the Honey-eaters is the Wattled 

 Hoxey-eater, or Brush Wattle Bird, of Australia. 



This pretty bird is spread over the whole of Southern Australia, and is one of the best 

 known of the birds belonging to that country. It may generally be found upon lofty trees, 

 and, like others of the same group, especially haunts the eucalypti for the purpose of feeding 

 upon the juices of the flowers. It always chooses the most recently opened blossoms, as they 

 are not so likely to be rifled of their sweet stores as those which have been exposed to the 

 attacks of the honey-eating insects and birds. The method of feeding is the same as that 

 which is pursued by the other Honey-eaters, viz., by plunging the long bill and slender tongue 

 into the very depths of the blossoms, and brushing out their contents. It also has a great 

 affection for the flowers of the Banksia, and is sure to be found wherever these plants are in 

 blossom, thereby doing good service to the intending purchaser of land; for the Banksia 

 always grows upon poor soil, so that, according to Mr. Gould, the harsh cry of the Wattle 

 Bird is a trusty indication to the wary settler that the land on which it is heard is not worth 

 purchasing. 



