268. 



MELIPHAGID/E. 



magnificent bird 1 have selected the following : Its 

 size is about that of Paradisea sexsetacea, and its ge- 

 neral colour is a deep velvet-black, glossed on the 

 upper parts with rich brownish-lilac, which in some 

 lights leaves the margin of each feather black, and 

 gives them a scale-like appearance : this gloss is very 

 rich on the scapulars, but is only seen on the outer 

 sides of the greater quiil-feathers : the entire upper 

 part of the head is clothed by a crown of small scale- 

 like feathers, of a splendid metallic blue-green ; each 

 colour alternately predominating as the direction of 

 the light is varied : the middle of the throat has a 

 patch of the same colour, which divides and forms a 

 stripe on each side as it approaches the breast : the 

 chin and breast are intense velvety-black, glossed 

 with beautiful reflections of lilac and purple : the 

 feathers of the body are in some directions apparently 

 black, in others black, margined by a rich olive- 

 green ; while in another portion the black centre of 

 each feather is glossed by brilliant reflections of lilac 

 and purple intermixed, and relieved by a narrow 

 line of light-green, bordering the duller hue of the 

 margin : the feathers on the flanks are the same, and 

 lengthened : the side feathers are very long and 

 black : the wings are black and glossy ; the quills 

 broad, the greater one scarcely exceeding the other 

 in length ; all the shafts, except those nearest the 

 body, end in a lengthened pointed line extending 

 beyond the radii : the first quill is half as long as 

 the second, and pointed ; the second is but slightly 

 pointed, and is scarcely shorter than the third : 

 the tail is short, fasciculated, somewhat concave 



