REPORT ON THE BIRDS— TONGA, THE FIJIS, API, AND TAHITI. 53 



I have already repeatedly noticed the smaller size of Central-Polynesian specimens 

 in comparison with examples of the true Anas superciliosa from New Zealand. The Fiji 

 specimens before me confirm my statement ; but going again closely into the matter, I feel 

 rather doubtful with respect to our Anas pelewensis. I formerly thought it possible to 

 separate this form specifically by the buff coloration of the sides of the head, chin, and 

 throat, and by the imperfect dark moustache-stripe always so conspicuous in New- 

 Zealand specimens ; but the Fiji specimens prove these characters not to be constant, as 

 No. 108 agrees perfectly with the Pelew bird, whereas No. 98 shows the dark moustache. 

 The rusty-brown longitudinal band on the outer web of the last secondaries also, as 1 

 have noticed since, is not a constant character for Anas pelewensis. Therefore only the 

 smaller size remains noticeable ; but in comparing the table of measurements given above 

 it seems rather difficult to found upon this an available specific character ; and I think 

 Anas pelewensis cannot be allowed to be more than a scarcely smaller raci 



C. BIRDS OF API, NEW HEBRIDES. 



[Our parties were landed for about three hours on Api, with orders not to wander 

 far from the beach. During this time six specimens of birds were obtained, belonging to 

 five species.] 



1. Hirundo tahitica, Gm. 



Hrrundo tahitica, Finsch, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1877, p. 738. 



[No. 120. Api. Female. Eyes, legs, and bill black. Stomach contained 

 insects.] 



This example agrees exactly with specimens from Fiji. 



2. Collocalia uropygialis, G. E. Gray. 



Colloculia uropygialis, G. R. Gray, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, vol. xvii. p. 123 (New- 

 Hebrides); Finsch, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1877, p. 738. 



[No. 121. Api. Male. 



No. 122. Api. Male. Legs, eyes, and bill black. Stomach contained insects. 

 These birds were in great numbers at the mouth of a small stream. They were always 

 on the wing and difficult to shoot.] 



This is a very remarkable species, of which I subjoin a description. 



Upper parts black, with a very distinct dark steel-green stripe on the head, back, and 

 shoulders, which, under certain lights, changes into steel blue-black on the wings and 

 tail ; on the rump a broad band of pure silky white ; second and third tail-feathers with 



