are constructed of the softest fibres only, which are reflected over the lower portion of the entrance, so as
to fasten down its rim, imparting thus a neatness of finish to this p art o f the stru c tu re ; above the floor
of the entrance is an overhanging roof or canopy, formed by the lining of the upper third or more o f the
nest being made to project semicircularly over the orifice, and then finished externally, like the rest, with
coarser material, and some bits of leaves and the like, to disguise the nature o f the fabric.”
Capt. Tytler says, “ T he little Sun-bird,” as the charming Nectarinia zeylonica is called, is very common,
and forms a beautiful addition to the fauna of Barrackpoore. Early in the morning are these busy little
creatures seen sucking the nectar from flowers. I had several of their ne sts; they are elegantly constructed,
and are suspended to the branch of a creeper o r other bu sh ; I found a very pretty one suspended to some
creepers inside a bower over my bedroom-window. The eggs vary in size and colour as well as in number.”
Mr. Layard states that it is very abundant in the southern part o f Ceylon, and very pugnacious.
As will be seen by the accompanying Plate, the sexes differ greatly in colour, the female being devoid of
the brilliant hue which renders the male so beautiful and conspicuous.
The male has the crown of the head and shoulders deep glossy metallic bronzy p u rp le; throat equally
rich deep steel-blue; lower part of the back and upper tail-coverts fine metallic blue ; sides o f the neck,
a band across the lower part of the throat, back of the neck, back, and wing-coverts very deep maroon-red;
wings very dark brown, with light cinnamon-brown margins; tail black; under wing-coverts wh ite ;
abdomen sulpbur-yellow, fading nearly into white on the under tail-coverts; bill and legs black.
The female has the upper surface and wings olive, tinged with rufous ; throat and flanks g rey ; abdomen,
vent, and under tail-coverts pale sulphur-yellow.
The Plate represents two males and a female, o f the natural size. The name o f the beautiful orchid is
Dendrobium pulc/tellum.