THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
Whitlock, writing of the Birds on the Pilbarra Goldfield, Western 
Australia, wrote: “ This beautiful species was a local bird on the upper 
Coongan, where it occurs in small family parties, even during what must be 
its breeding-season. On the de Grey it was rare. I also obtained an example 
at a large creek not far from the Shaw River. Its favourite haunt is clumps 
or a series of eucalypt saplings, and here its remarkably loud call-note 
inevitably attracts attention. I have no hesitation in stating that the call 
of this species could be distinguished at a distance of 1,000 yards on a calm 
morning. It is a. fussy, active bird, hurrying hither and thither without 
apparent aim or object. I must confess I could make nothing out concerning 
its breeding habits. I spent hours in watching it, but I saw no signs of 
building material being conveyed to a nest or food to a young bird. 
It is possible it may be a late breeder, and that I left the Coongan 
just before operations had commenced. The gums were on the point of 
flowering, and it is possible this Honey-eater may defer operations until 
such time as they are in full bloom.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote me : “Of M. Icetior a few were seen every day 
at Mamgle Creek and the same at Mungi. In West Kimberley occasionally 
these birds are numerous. From the latter place the skin above and behind 
eye is yellowish-green, shading to blue behind. This colour is not so bright 
as in birds procured at Derby.” 
Rogers’ previous notes from Derby w r ere recorded by Hall. “For the 
first time (4/3/00) I have seen this species in large numbers—generally in pairs 
before. While visiting a gorge in the Grant Range I found them in nearly every 
tree in bloom. Being shy and flying continuously from tree to tree, I had 
difficulty in securing the skins for identification. In the trees the yellow back 
is not so conspicuous as one is led to believe by handling a skin. The only note I 
heard was a short, rather musical one, with a strange grating sound through it.” 
Mr. Tom Carter has sent me the following account: “ Melithreptus Icetior, 
the Golden-backed Honey-eater, is given in your 1912 ‘List’ as occurring 
ONLY in the Northern Territory. On June 18th, 1902, I was fortunate 
enough to secure two males on the west side of the Exmouth Gulf, where 
they appeared to be breeding. A third bird was shot, but lost in the dense 
undergrowth. Several others were seen at the same place, all feeding on 
the honey contained in the yellow pendent blossoms of Cork-trees. They 
were very shy, and active in their movements. My attention was first 
attracted to them by their harsh grating notes, which somewhat resemble 
the song of Petrceca goodenovii .” The naked skin round the eyes of those 
shot was, immediately after the birds were picked up, gamboge-yellow in 
front of the eye, and emerald-green posteriorly, but a few hours afterwards, 
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