PLATE XVII. 



GENUS STOMIOPERA (Reichenbach). 



THE difference in the habits of the Stomiopera Unicolor from those of the true Ptilotes would 

 appear to justify Dr. Reichenbach's action in forming it into a new genus. 



S T OMIOPERA U N I C L O R (Gould j. 



UNIFORM-COLOURED HONEY-EATER. 



THE Stomiopera Unicolor, which differs considerably from t*he Ptilotes both in structure and habits, 

 was first procured by Gilbert at Port Essington. It is generally seen in pairs in the vicinity 

 of swampy thickets. It resembles the Sittellce greatly in the manner in which it runs and creeps 

 upon the branches of trees in search of insects. Its flight is very feeble and peculiar, being performed 

 with a rapid motion of the wings, the tail at the same time being retroverted over the back, giving 

 the bird a most ludicrous appearance. 



The stomach, which is small, but very muscular, is usually found on dissection to contain 

 honey, various insects, and seeds. 



The lores and orbits are deep brown ; all the plumage brownish-olive, the under surface being 

 paler than the upper ; primaries bordered with brighter olive than the other parts of the body ; under 

 surface of the shoulder, pale buff; irides, dull red; bill, dark olive-brown; legs and feet, grey. 



Total length, 7 inches ; bill, 1 inch ; wing, 3| inches ; tail, 3^ inches ; tarsi, 1 inch. 



Habitat : Port Essington. 



PTILOTIS FLAVESCENS (Gould). 



YELLOW- TINTED HONEY-EATER. 



VEKY little is known of the habits and economy of this species, of which Mr. Bynoe obtained 

 the first specimen on the north coast of Australia. In all probability, however, it does not 

 differ widely from the other members of the genus. 



The head and all the under surface arc citron-yellow ; under the ear-coverts there is a spot 

 of blackish-brown, posterior to which is a spot of bright yellow ; the remainder of the plumage is 

 olive-grey. 



Total length, -U inches ; bill, % inch ; wing, 2| inches : tail, 2}, inches ; tarsi, § inch. 

 Habitat : North coast of Australia. 



