Its slightly-constructed nest, formed of grasses and wool, is
cup-shaped, and is suspended by the rim, like those of the other
Honey-eaters; I ascertained that the eggs are two in number, but
unfortunately did not succeed in procuring specimens of them.
The figures in the accompanying Plate represent the birds coloured so
closely after nature as to render the following description almost
unnecessary. The beautiful tree upon which they are placed is one of the
numerous Acacias that abound in the interior of the country.
Sides of the face and ear-coverts pale yellow; behind the ear-coverts a
small tuft of white silky feathers; upper surface rich yellowish grey,
the outer edges of the quill- and tail-feathers tinged with a richer
colour; under surface light yellowish brown; bill black; legs purplish
flesh-colour; irides very dark brown.
The figures are of the natural size.
[Illustration:
PTILOTIS FUSCUS: _Gould_.
_J. & E. Gould del et lith._ _C. Hullmandel Imp._
]
PTILOTIS FUSCUS, _Gould_.
Fuscous Honey-eater.
_Meliphaga fusca_, Gould in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part II.
_Ptilotis fusca_, Ib., Part IV.
This species of Honey-eater, which is not distinguished by any
brilliancy in its plumage, is abundantly dispersed over the thick
brushes of New South Wales; and in the months of August and September,
when the beautiful _Tecoma_ 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 Australis_.
[Illustration:
PTILOTIS CHRYSOPS.
_J. Gould and H. C. Richter del et lith._ _Hullmandel & Walton Imp._
]
PTILOTIS CHRYSOPS.
Yellow-faced Honey-eater.
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