BLUE-HEADED HONEY- SUCKER ,.— Nectannia cyanocep/iala. 
The Blue-headed Honey-sucker is an inhabitant of Brazil, where it is extremely 
common, and by the bright gorgeousness of its plumage, and the restless activity 
of its movements, adds much to the beauty of the wondrous scenery among which 
it dwells. 
It is found over the whole of Brazil, and may always be found haunting the 
blossoming trees and plants, dashing to and fro with its glancing flight, hovering 
with tremulous wing over the flowers and plunging its long beak eagerly into their 
newly-opened blossoms, where it finds its food. 
It is not known to feed while on the wing, as is the case with the humming- 
birds, but perches near or upon the flower, and clings with its strong little feet 
while taking its meal. 
The Blue-headed Honey-sucker derives its name from the azure-blue which 
decorates its head, and which is very 'changeable in different lights. The throat, 
the back, the tail, and the wings are black, except that the quill-feathers are 
edged with blue. 
The female bird does not possess the beautiful tints of her mate, the greater 
part of her plumage being green, tinged with blue upon the head and the 
scapularies ; the throat is grey. This bird is kown by several other titles, such 
as the Cayenne Warbler, the Blue-headed Warbler, and the Blue-headed 
Creeper. 
6 * 
