440 Rev. S. J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds. 



13. Myiagra albiventris, Peale. I have not found a Sa- 

 moan name for this. 



Only occasionally seen in the bush. As far as my own ob- 

 servation goes, I think it is rare. I have exhibited the bird 

 to a number of natives, and none know any name for it. 

 Some even say they have never observed it before. I have 

 noticed it stationed on a branch in the peculiar watchful atti- 

 tude of the Flycatchers, and darting after any passing insect. 

 I have never procured its nest or eggs. 



14. Pachycephala icteroides, Peale. Vasavasa. 

 Common. This bird approaches nearest to a song-bird of 



any in Samoa. In fact it has a very pretty note, which is 

 sustained for a length of time. I was once asked by a gentle- 

 man if I had lost a Canary, because he had observed a yellow 

 song-bird on the trees of his garden. While we were talking 

 of it the bird returned, and I recognized the Vasavasa. I 

 have heard other people remark how like its note is to that of 

 a rather poor-singing Canary. I have long wished to try and 

 keep it as a cage-bird, but have never succeeded in procuring 

 young from the nest, or an uninjured adult bird. 



15. Lalage terat (Bodd.). Miti, Miti-sina, and Miti-tai. 

 This is very common about the villages — I think, the most 



common bird we have. It may be constantly seen hopping 

 about the ground and picking up grubs &c. 



16. Aplonis brevirostris, Peale. Miti-uli and Miti-vao. 



This bird, as one of its Samoan names indicates, is con- 

 fined to the bush, Miti-vao meaning Bush-Miti. The native 

 names of animals often have some meaning in reference to 

 their appearance or habits. I know nothing of the habits of 

 this bird, except that it appears to lay only two eggs. 



17. Sturnoides atrifusca, Peale. Fuia. 



A very common and exceedingly bold bird. It levies heavy 

 contributions on all our fruit-trees. We can scarcely keep 

 any fruit on the trees to ripen (except oranges) without having 

 it injured by the Fuia. It comes close to the house, and even 

 commits its depredations before our eyes. The yellow Guava 



