SCALY-BREASTED LORRIKEET .~Tricl<,oglossus cklorolejridotus. 
The Scaly-breasted Lorrikeet is a good example of a very large genus ; 
and as the habits of ail the species are very similar, more than a single example 
is not necessary. The name Trichoglossus signifies “ hairy tongue/’ and is given 
to these birds in consequence of the structure of that member, which is furnished 
with bristly hairs, like the tongue of the honey-eaters, and is employed for the 
same purpose. This species may generally be found in those bush ranges which 
are interspersed with lofty gum-trees, from the blossoms of which it extracts the 
sweet juices on which it feeds. While employed in feeding, it clings so tightly 
to the blossoms, that if shot dead its feet will retain their hold. The amount of 
honey consumed by these birds is really surprising, a teaspoonful of honey 
having been taken from the crop of a single bird. Whenever the natives kill 
one of these birds, they always put its head in their mouths and suck the honey 
out of its crop. Young birds are always very well supplied with this sweet food, 
and are consequently in great favour with the native epicures. 
When captured it is readily tamed, and is sufficiently hardy to live in a cage, 
provided that it be well supplied with sugar as well as seeds. 
It assembles in large flocks of a thousand or more in number ; and when one of 
the vast assemblies is seen perched on a tree, the effect is most magnificent. 
This species will associate with others very harmoniously. 
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