PTILOTIS FUSCUS, Gow. 
Fuscous Honey-eater. 
Meliphaga fusca, Gould in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part IT. 
Piilotis fusca, Ib., Part IV. 
Tus species of Honey-eater, which is not distinguished by any brilliancy in its plumage, is abundantly dis- 
persed over the thick brushes of New South Wales; and in the months of August and September, when 
the beautiful Zecoma upon which it is figured is in blossom, it may be seen flitting about among the thick 
clusters of the pendent flowers in search of insects, which are sometimes captured while on the wing, but 
more generally extracted from the tubular florets. 
I observed nothing remarkable in its economy, or in which it differed from the other members of the group. 
Like them it is generally found among the flowers and the most leafy branches of the trees. I have never 
seen it on the plains, nor have I received specimens from any other part of Australia than New South 
Wales, where it is to be met with both in winter and summer. 
The sexes are very nearly alike in colouring ; in fact, with the exception of the female being a trifle smaller 
than her mate, no outward distinction is visible. 
The whole of the upper surface greyish brown with a tinge of olive; a ring of black feathers surrounds 
the eye; ear-coverts blackish brown; behind the ear a small patch of yellow; throat, chest, and under 
surface light greyish brown ; irides light yellow ; eyelash bright yellow ; gape and corners of the mouth 
yellow ; bill dull yellow at the base and black at the tip; feet fleshy brown. 
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size on the Tecoma Australs. 
