592 



BIRDS OF THE GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO -KIDGWAY. vol.xix. 



One sixH'imen of this smaller form, an adult male, was obtained at 

 Tower Island, September <>, 181)1, by ^Messrs. Baur and Adams. 



Besides being considerably smaller, this bird differs from the three 

 examples of true F. a(]i(i]<i in coloration, the plumajie bein<;' much more 

 glossy, and the metallic coloring of the back and scapulars brilliant 

 green mixed with a little purple, instead of just the reverse. The 

 lesser wing-coverts also have a large area of dull brownish feathers, 

 running i)arallel with the anterior l)order of the wing, there being no 

 trace of such coloration in the three specimens of /^ aquila. 



The measurements of this specimen are herewith given, as well as 

 those of three adult males of true F. aquila from the (lala[)agos and an 

 equal number (the smallest of six) from the Bahamas. 



Meanicretncntfi of Frvijata aquila minor. 



Measuremeniii of Fregata aquila from the (ialapagos. 



Adult male. 



Do 



Do 



Tower Island, Galapagos ! Sept. 3,1891 , 25 70 ! 18 75 4.38 



Barrington Island, Galapagos I July 8,1891 25 51 18.80 4.38 



do 'do : 24.30 ' 18.00 4.05 



2 18 

 2.15 

 2.05 



Average 25.17 I 18 52 I 4.27 ' 2.13 



Measurements of Fregata aquila from the Bahavias. 



Whether or not F. aquila minor be worthy of recognition as a sepa- 

 rate form from true F. aquila, there can be no question as to the fact 

 that it was upon this form that Gmelin's name PeleeanHs minor was 

 based. It is Cijually certain that the name Attagen ariel, Gould, so 

 generally quoted as a synonym of F. minor, does not at all belong to 

 the latter bird, but to a very distinct species inhabiting the seas be- 

 tween Africa and Australia (and doubtless elsewhere). F. ariel is still 

 smaller than F. a. minor, very much more slender, and differs further 

 in several very conspicuous color-characters, among wliich may be 

 mentioned a large white Hank-patch, of which there is no trace in either 

 F. aquila or its smaller form. 



