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.
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.