RED-HEADED HONEY-EATER. 
confined to the larger end of both eggs. Swollen ovals in shape, surface of shell 
fine and smooth, and slightly glossy. 15 mm. by 12. 
Nest. Similar to that of M. s. sanguineoleuta. 
Breeding-months. October to January. 
This beautiful species was apparently discovered by Gilbert, as Gould’s note 
reads: “ The Redheaded Honey-eater is so distinctly marked as almost to 
preclude the possibility of its being confounded with any known Australian 
species of the genus. The northern portion of the country appears to be its 
true habitat, all the specimens that have come under my notice having been 
procured at Port Essington, where it is exclusively confined to the extensive 
beds of mangroves bordering the inlets of the sea. From the flowers of these 
trees it collects its favourite food, which, like that of the other species of the 
group, consists of insects and honey. It is a most active little creature, 
flitting from one cluster of flowers to another, and from branch to branch with 
the greatest rapidity, uttering at the same time its rather sharp and harsh 
chirrup. Gilbert states that it is far from being abundant, and is so seldom 
seen near the settlement that no examples had been procured prior to his visit.” 
Mr. J. P. Rogers wrote me from Derby, North-west Australia: “ These 
birds frequent mangrove scrub and I have never seen them elsewhere. They 
are not numerous, but I see a few every day.” From Melville Island he wrote : 
Coopers Camp. Up to Nov. 20, 1911, this species was very numerous, and 
on the 15th Dec. was still numerous. Is nearly always found in the mangroves 
and I have seldom seen it elsewhere and then only at a very short distance 
from its favourite haunts. None were seen on the north side of the island, 
but there I was not near the sea or salt creeks (tidal) so there were no mangroves. 
At Coopers Camp on Jan. 28, 1912, is still in the mangroves but not so 
numerous as in December.” 
Previously: u In the thick scrub of the Stewart River was difficult to 
collect. It was very tame and quite numerous, but always at the muzzle of 
the gun before it could be seen. A few feet is the usual range of sight.” 
Hill wrote from Kimberley, North-west Australia : “ A resident and fairly 
plentiful species in the mangroves from Derby northwards. They rarely leave 
the mangroves, and when they do so it is only to visit flowering eucalypts 
close by. The denseness of the foliage renders it almost impossible to watch 
tbeir movements or to locate their nests, which are generally placed in 
the tops of the highest mangroves. The heads of female birds are always 
tinged -with red. A regular supply of honey is obtainable from the man¬ 
grove flowers, and it is from these that most of their food is obtained 
throughout the year.” 
VOL. XI. 
313 
