186 D.WIS. Xotes from Uillis Island fisffan.** 



Hypotaenidia philippensis. Buff-banded Land-Rail. — A few Rails 

 are to be seen on the island. They are apparently unable to fly, 

 but dart about in the lonjr jjrass, and have been observed coming out 

 of the Mutton Birds' burrows. The Rails apparently nest in holes in 

 the sand, but a nest has not been seen. Two younj^- Rails were born 

 in December; the nest bein^ situated under a water tank, was unget- 

 atable. These birds have become much tamer during: our residence 

 amongst them, and frequently come into the hut and pick crumbs 

 frcm the floor. Number about twelve. 



March 20th: — One of the small Rails found drowned in water 

 cask, which is kept outside as a precaution in case of fire. 



March 22nd. — Another Rail found drowned in water cask. We 

 have been without rain for six days. Skin preserved as far as pos- 

 sible for specimen. 



••STkAXCICKS" AT THE ISLAND. 



[ii addition lo wliat Captain I)a\is lias had to sa}- in the fore- 

 .i^oing notes, he made less detailed observations upon xarious other 

 l)irds which he describes as strangers that visited the island dur- 

 ing his stay. Where these have been identified the names are 

 given in brackets. Tlie notes are as follow : — 



No. 1. — Several birds resembling Gulls observed during February, 

 flying in flocks of a dozen or so, and keeping up a shrill, screaming 

 noise. They have grey wings, yellowish beaks, and white necks, 

 above which is a curious black or topknot. April 4. — Six seen 

 to-day. They lay the e^ff on a bare sand patch on top of the island. 

 There is no nest other than a scooped-out hollow. (Crested Tern, 

 Sterna bergi) . 



No. 2. — Small bird found dead on beach on February 8th. (Roseate 

 Tern, Sterna doitgalli, immature bird.) 



No. 3. — Body of bird with a long bill, like a Snipe, found dead on 

 beach, December 2nd. It had been dead for some time. (Bar-tailed 

 God wit, Ltmosa Uipponica). 



No. 4. — Body of strange bird, with yellow legs, found on beach. 

 This bird had been seen flying about the island since early in Janu- 

 ary, after the north-east winds began. (Oriental Cuckoo, Cuatlus 

 optatus) . 



No. 5. — Two very small birds, with greenish-sheeny wings, red- 

 dish under throat, and light greyish breast and body. April 11th. 

 Silvereye (Zosterops). 



No. 6. — Brown and grey bird, with long legs, something like pic- 

 ture of Banded Stilt, observed standing on old tree on beach. It 

 flew ofi" when I approached. March 27th. (Query.) 



No. 7. — Several small birds flying about beach; very difficult to get 

 near. The lower half of the body is white, and the wings and tail 

 black, with white markings like a bar across wings and down back. 

 Legs in one case seen closely, about the size of those of a Sparrow, 

 were red. March 4th. (Query.) 



No. 8. — A new kind of Gannet, resembling a Red-legged Gannet 

 but with brown plumage, blackish beak, whitish brown head, chest 

 and abdomen; wings and tail feathers light brown, and feet a brown 

 stone colour. This bird is alone, and evidently is accustomed to 

 perch on trees; it perches on the stays, etc., like the Red Gannets,. 

 not frequenting the beach. February. (Query.) 



