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Show 1877-] DR. O. FINSCH ON BIRDS FROM NIUAFOU ISLAND. 587 11. ACTITIS INCANA (Gm.). Native name Kiu-lega-lega, Hiibner. Three specimens, shot in October (1876) ; two in full winter garb, one moulting from summer to winter dress, showing most of the latter. 12. ARDEA SACRA, Gm. Native name Motuku, Hiibner. One female, of a dusky slate-colour (October 1876). 13. ORTYGOMETRA, sp. inc. A species of Ortygometra is mentioned by Mr. Hiibner; most probably it will turn out to be O. cinerea, Vieill. (quadristrigata, Horsf), the most widely distributed and commonest species in the Pacific. 14. RALLUS PHILIPPENSIS, Briss. Native name Veka, Hiibner. Three specimens (October 1876). One old male shows only traces of the maroon-coloured pectoral band, in every respect agreeing with specimens from the Navigators', Palaus, Tongas, New Zealand, and New Holland. Two young birds, one still half in dun feathers, are coloured in the same pattern as the old, but duller and colours less decided. 15. PORPHYRIO, sp. inc. Mr. F. Hiibner mentions the occurrence, according to the reports of the natives, of a Porphyrio which is probably P. samoensis, Peale. 16. ANAS SUPERCILIOSA, L. Native name Toloa, Hiibner. One specimen (October 1876). Al. Caud. Eostr. Tars. in. lin. in. lin. lin. lin. 8 3 2 9 20 18 Agrees with specimens from Eua and Navigators' which are, apparently, constantly smaller than the true A. superciliosa from New Zealand, as has been remarked already by Peale. In their smaller size they agree with A. pelewensis, H. & F. (Journ. Mus. Godeffr. 1875, p. 40); but the latter has tbe eye-stripe and sides of head isabelline-rusty, and the black cheek-stripe is nearly wanting. 17. ANOUS STOLIDUS, L. Native name Gogo, Hiibner. < A young bird (October 1876), just developing the wings and tail-feathers, uniform dusky, with white front. Bill not yet full-grown therefore very short (only 14'"), as are the wings (only 7" 5'"). " This species breeds on trees or the precipitous rocks on the seaside, and always lays but one egg."-Hiibner. |