BLUE-FACED HONEY-EATEK. 



471 



natives Batiein (Entomyza cya-natis). It is a pretty bird, the 

 plumage being marked boldly with black and white, and a patch 

 of bare skin round the eyes being bright azure. This peculiarity 

 has earned for the bird the specific title of cyanotia, or " blue- 

 eared." 



HONEY-EATER IN HST. 



Like all the Honey-eaters, it is a most lively and interestirg 

 bird, and to the careful observer affords an endless fund of 

 amusement. It is never still, but traverses the branches with 

 astonishing celerity, skipping from one to another, probing every 

 crevice with its needle-like tongue, hanging with its head down- 

 wards, and even suspending itseK by a single claw, while it 

 secures a tempting insect. It is generally to be foimd on the 

 eucalypti, or gum-trees, and is one of the stationary birds, 

 remaining in the same locality throughout the year. 



The generality of the Honey-eaters are skilful architects, but 

 the Batikin seems not to share the ability of its relatives, or, at 

 all events, not to exercise it. Mr. Gould thinks that the bii'd 



