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.
I observed nothing remarkable in its economy, or in which it differed from the other members of the group. Like them it is generally found among the flowers and the most leafy branches of the trees. I have never seen it on the plains, nor have I received specimens from any other part of 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 of 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 of black feathers surrounds the eye; ear-coverts blackish brown; behind the ear a small patch of yellow; throat, chest, and under surface light greyish brown; irides light yellow; eyelash bright yellow; gape and corners of the mouth yellow; bill 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.