16 
BEAUTIFUL BIEDS. 
characters belonging to this type, namely, a very 
strong and lengthened hind toe and claw, formed, how- 
ever, as in ordinary perchers. In every other respect 
the feet would indicate (from the length of the tarsus) 
that these birds occasionally frequent the ground, 
although (from the inequality of the lateral toes) 
their chief residence was among trees ; this latter sup- 
position is confirmed by their habits. Their food, as 
already intimated, consists of the nectar of the 
flowering trees of New Holland, which they lick with 
their brush-like tongue, together with such insects as 
frequent the same blossoms. 
The wings of the Honey-suckers are rounded, and 
generally of moderate size. The plumage in general 
is dull, or at least destitute of those brilliant tints 
which are so strikingly developed in the generality of 
birds of this order. 
Peculiar to the warmer continent of the New AYorld, 
as the Sun-birds are to the tropical districts of the Old, 
Nectarinidce, or Nectar-birds, are distinguished by 
the bill being in general shorter than the head, wide at 
the base, but compressed from the nostrils. Top of 
the upper mandible with a distinct notch. AVings 
long ; the three first quills nearly equal. The species 
of this family are but few, and their habits but im- 
perfectly known. They do not climb, nor poise them- 
selves upon the wing when searching for food, but hop 
from flower to flower, exploring the nectary of each. 
