the Cuckoos of the Genus Neomorphus. 289 



("jeune age") ; in this figure the blue-black colour extends 

 quite down on the hind neck, whereas in the specimen it 

 is restricted to the occiput. There is also in the specimen a 

 blue-black mark under the ey e ; this is absent in plate 7 . These 

 are probably errors in colouring, as the black mark under the 

 eye is shown in plate 6, in which the black also exists on the 

 hind neck, but it does not extend so far down as in plate 7. 

 Both of Prof. Orton's specimens have the black under the eye, 

 and the lower edge is just on a line with that of the same 

 colour on the occiput. In plate 6 the black on the hind neck 

 extends further down than on a line with the same colour 

 under the eye. 



The specimen of the female is apparently more mature, and 

 agrees quite accurately with plate 6 (" adult male ") in having 

 the narrow black edgings on the feathers of the lower part 

 of the throat, and in the central tail-feathers being of a lus- 

 trous reddish purple ; the difference of the extension of the 

 black colouring on the hind neck I do not consider of much 

 account. 



As supposed by M. Deville, the black edgings to the throat- 

 feathers are probably evidence of maturity, they are clearly 

 not sexual, as the female specimen is so marked ; on the 

 throat-feathers of the male there are slight indications of these 

 dark margins. Neither of the specimens has the appearance 

 of immaturity ; yet one is quite likely older than the other. 

 In general appearance and plumage both are exceedingly like 

 the figures given in the ' Zoology of Castelnau's Voyage/ 

 both having the deep-red carmine bills ; this character does 

 not seem one likely to exist in immature birds. 



There are some differences between the specimens and the 

 plates, in the grey, brown, and rufous colouring of the ab- 

 domen and sides; but I do not regard these as of much 

 importance. 



The following descriptions of the different species are taken 

 from specimens which I have had under examination : — 



1. Neomorphus geoffroyi (Temm.). 



Female. Bill pale yellow, dusky at the base ; chin and upper 

 part of throat grey, obscurely banded with dusky, lower part 



