THE 
NATURAL HISTORY 
OP THE 
NECTARINIADiE OR SUN-BIRDS. 
DESCRIPTIONS. 
Among the typical genus of the Neetariniadas, we 
have the greatest contrast of species, as well as 
considerable variety of form ; the latter occurring 
principally in the shape of the tail, which is even, 
much elongated, and wedge-shaped, or having the 
two central feathers only narrow and lengthened. 
The wings are rather rounded, with the first quill 
short, and the plumage is extremely brilliant, 
having generally a coronal and gular patch of me- 
