26 OBERHOLSER, A New Wren from Alaska. ae 
ciliary streak ill-defined, dull buff; lower parts wood brown, rather 
deeper and more ochraceous on breast and jugulum, paler on abdomen; 
crissum and abdomen heavily barred with blackish. 
Anorthura meligera seems to be most closely allied to A. 
alascensis, from which, however, it is quite distinct. The gen- 
erally darker and much less reddish color, particularly above, is 
perhaps the best character for identification. The rump and 
upper tail-coverts are more evidently barred; the transverse 
markings on the abdomen are heavier and extend somewhat 
farther forward; the wing and the bill average rather longer. In 
the lack of rufescence above, and in the conspicuous barring of 
the posterior lower surface the present species resembles Avor- 
thura pallescens Ridgway,’ from the Commander Islands, but is 
much darker above and much more ochraceous on the anterior 
under parts. It is thus to some extent intermediate in color 
between /Aadlescens and alascensis, as might be expected from its 
geographical position. The specimens examined are from Attu, 
Kyska and Atka Islands, and seem practically identical, indicating 
no intergradation with 4. alascensis. 
The following millimeter measurements are averages of five 
ndividuals (four males and one female): 
Wing. Tail. Exposed | Tarsus. | Middle 
culmen. Toe. 
Anorthura meligera 52.9 34.3 Tel 19.2 14. 
Anorthura alascensis 50.8 34.2 Oy 19.3 13.4 
This very interesting addition to the Alaskan avifauna is here 
described through the kindness of Mr. Robert Ridgway. 
Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., VI, 1883, p. 93. 
