BLUE-FACED HONEY-EATER. 
calling excitedly to the others, who immediately take wing and follow then* 
leader to a height of from 30 to 40 feet above the tree tops, where an excited 
corroboree takes place. Why they do this is a moot point, but it appears to 
us to be merely an overflow of mirth. Another peculiarity of this bird is 
its primitive method of nest-building. It is unable to suspend its nest from 
a branch as other Honey-eaters do, but as time goes on it may evolve this 
habit. In the Mackay district it usually builds its nest in the Pandanus or 
screw-palm. It will also build in a hollow spout or reline other birds’ nests, 
such as the Magpie Lark, Friar Bird, Little Friar Bird and Butcher Bird. 
On one occasion we discovered a nest on a paper-bark ( Melaleuca) which 
appeared to have been built by a pair of Entomyzas, but closer investigation 
revealed the outline of a Little Friar Bird’s nest. This Honey-eater is a 
favourite with the Ivoel Cuckoo. One nest we observed contained two eggs 
of the Koel as well as a full clutch of the foster parents’ eggs.” 
Gilbert discovered a distinct form which Gould described as a separate 
species, writing: “ Exhibits as many specific differences from the E. cyanotis, 
that it is almost impossible for one to be mistaken for the other ; in the first 
place it is smaller in size, and in the next the tints of the plumage are more 
strongly contrasted ; besides which, the white at the basal portion of the quills 
is a character which will at all times distinguish it from its near ally. So far 
as is yet known, its habitat is confined to the northern coast of Australia, where 
it is said to be rather abundant, particularly in the neighbourhood of the settle¬ 
ment at Port Essington. Gilbert states that it ‘ is one of the first birds heard 
in the morning, and often utters its plaintive peet half an hour before daylight; 
but as soon as the sun is fairly above the horizon its note is changed to a harsh 
squeaking tone, which is frequently uttered while the bird is on the wing, and 
repeated at intervals throughout the day ; it often takes long flights, mounts 
high above the trees, and then progresses steadily and horizontally. It is mostly 
met with in small families of from six to ten in number, frequenting the topmost 
branches of the loftiest trees and is seldom seen on or near the ground ! ’ ” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote me from Melville Island: “Nov. 20th, 1911. 
Cooper’s Camp. This species has not been numerous up to the present and is 
usually seen in small parties up to half a dozen individuals in the forest 
country. Dec. 10th. Where trees are in bloom this species is numerous, 
especially on a small creek two miles north of here. Jan. 13th, 1912. This 
species was very numerous on the north side of the island, where many trees 
were in blossom.” 
Under the name E. albipennis, Barnard recorded from Cape York : 
“Fairly plentiful in forest country, and on the west coast of Cape York 
Peninsula, feeding on the blossoms of the red-flowered tea-tree ( Melaleuca ). 
295 
