FT1LOTKS FITSCUS.. fouM.
S&S.&uUddaM,. C.OMkoM / ^ .
PTILOTIS FUSCUS, Gould.
Fuscous Honey-eater.
Meliphaga fusca, Gould in Syn. Birds of Australia, Part II.
Ptilotis fusca, lb., Part IV.
T h is 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 o f 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 o f 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 o f the group.
Like them it is generally found among the flowers and the most leafy branches o f the trees. I have never
seen it on the plains, nor have I received specimens from any other part o f 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 o f 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 o f black feathers surrounds
the ey e; ear-coverts blackish brown; behind the ear a small patch of yellow; throat, chest, and under
surface li°-ht greyish brown; irides light yellow; eyelash bright yellow; gape and corners o f the mouth
yellow; hill 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.