The RED-HEADED HONEY-EATER (_Myzomela erythrocephala_) is a beautiful
species, bright scarlet upon the head, throat, and rump; the tail and
a band upon the breast are chocolate-brown; the lower breast and belly
are brownish yellow, the eye is reddish brown, the beak olive-brown, and
the foot olive-grey. The female is brown above, and light fawn-colour on
the under side. The length of this species is four inches and a half.
The wing measures two inches and a quarter, and the tail one inch and
three-quarters.
This magnificent little bird frequents the groves and groups of
almond-trees that abound in the northern parts of Australia, and enlivens
its favourite haunts as much by the briskness and activity of its
movements as by the brightness of its plumage. Its voice is sharp and
twittering. We are entirely without particulars of the manner in which
incubation is carried on.
* * * * *
The TUFTED HONEY-EATERS (_Ptilotis_) are remarkable for the unusual
development of the feathers in the region of the ear. Their body is
elongate, their wings short, and tail long. The strong, slightly-curved
beak is short, and the foot of moderate size.