MYZOMELA CINERACEA. 
Ash-coloured Honey-eater. 
Myzornela cineracea , Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1879, p. 448, pi. xxxvii. fig. 1 ; 1880, p. 65. — Salvad. Ann. Mus. 
Civ. Genova, xvi. p. 73, no. 15 (1880). — Id. Orn. della PapuasiajScc. ii. p. 304 (1881). 
cinerea, Reichenow et Schalow, Jouvn. f. Orn. 1880, p. 197. 
This plain-coloured Honey-eater was met with by the Rev. G. Brown in New Britain, and belongs to the 
section of the genus without any bright colouring on the throat, and with the under surface of the body of 
the same colour as the upper surface. Its nearest ally is my Myzornela obscura from Northern Australia, 
which has also been found to inhabit South-eastern New Guinea. The latter bird, however, in addition to 
its dusky grey colour, has a slight vinous tinge on the head ; this is absent in M. cineracea , which is entirely 
ash-coloured above and below. Beyond the mere fact of recording the discovery of this species, I regret 
to say that I have absolutely nothing to add respecting the habits or mode of life. These are doubtless the 
same as those of the other species of the genus. As Mr. Forbes remarks, “ in their habits the Myzomelce 
seem to resemble the other smaller Honeysuckers, frequenting flowering shrubs and trees, not apparently 
so much for the sake of the nectar of the flowers as for the insects attracted thereby.” 
The following short description of the species is a translation of that given by Dr. Sclater in his paper 
on Mr. Brown’s fourth collection : — Uniform dark ashy ; under wing-coverts and inner margins of quills 
white ; bill and feet black. Total length 5 - 5 inches, wing 2 - 8, tail 24, tarsus 0'8, hill from gape 1‘05. 
I am again indebted to Dr. Sclater for the opportunity of figuring this species, which lias since been 
added to the collection of the British Museum. The figures in the Plate are drawn from the typical 
example, and represent the bird in different attitudes, all the figures being of about the size of life. 
