RED-THROATED HONEY-EATER. 
two-thirds of its height with fine stiff stems of grass which stiffen the nest and 
keep it in shape. Dimensions : outside 2J by If by 4 tI inches deep ; inside 
ltt by ltt by 4f inches deep. 
5th of December, 1910. Three eggs in full clutch were partly incubated. Tree 
paper-bark. Height from ground eight feet. Nest was suspended from some fine 
twigs, the outer nest being built with strips of fine soft paper-bark, pieces of silk¬ 
like cocoons and cobwebs closely woven together. Was lined for three-quarters of 
its height with fine stiff stems of grasses. When the outer nest is finished it is soft, 
limp and shapeless, but after the lining is finished the nest is strong and well 
shaped; is larger at the bottom than top. Dimensions : outside at top 
2tV by 2tV by 4 inches deep; at bottom by 2tV inches; inside at top 
Htb by 1* by 3| inches deep ; at bottom 2 by 2 inches. 
Eggs . Two to three eggs form the clutch. A clutch of three eggs taken at the junction 
of the Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers, North-west Australia, on the 12th of February, 
1897, is of a white ground-colour, marked with small spots and specks of dark 
reddish-brown or chestnut, and slate-grey, confined mostly to the larger end of 
each egg. Swollen ovals in shape ; surface of shell fine and slightly glossy. The 
clutch measures 16-18 by 12 mm. A clutch of three eggs taken at Brunnette Downs, 
Northern Territory, on the 28th of February, 1913, measures A. 16 by 12 mm.* 
C. 15 by 12 mm. 
Nest . A small cup-shaped structure, rather deep ; composed of soft bark and grass* 
and woven together with cobwebs ; no soft lining inside. Dimensions over all, 
2\ inches across by 3 inches deep ; inside 1J inches across by 2i inches deep. 
Nest generalty suspended from the end of a small leafy branch, and situated from 
6 to 20 feet from the ground. 
Breeding-months. October to February or March. 
“ This is another of the novelties that has rewarded the researches of 
the Officers of H.M.S. 6 Beagle ’ on the northern coast of Australia. It is the 
least of the genus yet discovered, and is nearly allied to E. albigularis , from 
which it may at once be distinguished by the red colouring of its throat. 
The sexes, judging from the specimens sent me by Bynoe, are very similar 
in their markings. Nothing whatever is known of its habits and economy.” 
Thus Gould wTote, and since his time not a great deal has been added. 
Mr. J. P. Rogers has written me : “ This was one of the commonest- 
Honey-eaters at Marngle Creek but no adults were seen. The birds were 
also very numerous on the Eitzroy and also on Jegurra Creek but only one 
was seen at Mungi. This bird is one of the commonest Honey-eaters throughout 
West Kimberley.” 
Hall recorded Rogers’ notes from Derby, North-west Australia : “ The 
present species is often seen feeding within the long grasses. It chases flies 
and small beetles, occasionally darting straight into the air and promptly 
across to its perch,” and added “ Sir. Rogers writes about seeing one bird with 
rufous on sides of chest instead of on the throat,” and reported that the 
immature had not the red throat. 
VOL. XI. 
393 
