Although I have placed this species in the genus Ptilotis, it is more than probable that it will hereafter be found necessary to constitute it the type of a distinct form, as on a careful comparison it will be seen that it differs from the true Ptiloti in some parts of its structure and in the uniform colouring of its plumage; besides which, its habits and manners are also somewhat different. It is one of the many species that rewarded Mr. Gilbert’s researches at Port Essington; where he states it was seldom met with in the immediate vicinity of the harbour, but that it gradually increased in number as he approached the narrow neck of the peninsula and the mainland about Mountnorris Bay. The situations in which it was usually observed were those adjacent to swampy thickets, and here it was generally seen in pairs: it appears to be of a most lively disposition, being always in motion; its actions much resemble those of the Tropidorhynchus argenticeps, with which bird it often fights severe battles. When among the trees its movements are very amusing, and its agility in running upon and creeping round the branches in search of insects is fully equal to that of the Sittellæ. Its flight is very short, feeble and peculiar, rarely extending to a greater distance than from branch to branch or from tree to tree, and is performed with a very rapid motion of the wings; the tail being at the same time much retroverted over the back, gives the bird a most ludicrous appearance. It emits a great variety of notes and calls; frequently giving utterance to a loud chattering cry much resembling that of the Myzanthæ, but more often a note so similar to the well-known chirrup of the common English Sparrow, that it might be easily mistaken for the note of that bird.
The stomach is diminutive but muscular, and the food consists of honey, insects of various kinds, seeds and berries.
Lores and orbits deep brown; all the plumage brownish olive; the under surface paler than the upper; primaries margined with brighter olive than the other parts of the body; under surface of the shoulder pale buff; irides obscure red; bill dark olive-brown; naked gape fleshy white, passing into yellow at the corner of the mouth; legs and feet light ash-grey.
The Plate represents the bird of the natural size.
PLECTORHYNCHA LANCEOLATA: Gould.
J. & E. Gould del et lith. C. Hullmandel Imp.
PLECTORHYNCHA LANCEOLATA, Gould.
Lanceolate Honey-eater.
Plectorhyncha lanceolata, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part V. p. 153; and in Syn. of Birds of Australia, Part IV.
The Liverpool Plains and the country immediately to the northward thereof are, I believe, the only portions of the Australian continent in which this bird has been seen. I found it rather sparingly dispersed over the forests bordering the rivers Mokai and Namoi, and it appeared to increase in number as I descended the latter stream towards the interior. It was generally observed alone, or in pairs, keeping almost exclusively to the Acaciæ and Eucalypti. Its chief food is the pollen of flowers and insects, for the procuring of which among the blossoms, and for constructing its beautiful nest, its pointed spine-like bill is admirably adapted. I find it stated in my notes taken on the spot, that this bird possesses the peculiar habit of sitting motionless among the thickest foliage of the topmost branches of the highest trees, where it cannot be seen without the closest observation, although its immediate locality is indicated by its powerful whistling note; I have also heard these notes uttered by the bird while on the wing. Upon one occasion only did I discover its nest, which was suspended from the extreme tip of a branch of a Casuarina overhanging the stream, and in which the female was sitting, as represented in the Plate. The nest is outwardly composed of grasses, interwoven with wool and the cotton-like texture of flowers. The eggs are two in number, rather lengthened in shape, being eleven and a half lines long by eight lines broad; they are of a flesh-white, very minutely sprinkled with reddish buff, forming an indistinct zone at the larger end. So closely do the sexes resemble each other in colour, that dissection alone will enable us to distinguish them; the male, however, rather exceeds the female in size.
The young, of which I killed several specimens in the month of January, had even at that early age assumed the general markings of the adult; and from the circumstance of there being fully-fledged young and eggs at the same time, proves that these birds rear at least two broods in the season.