Avifauna of the Fiji Islands. 301 



Lalage pacifica (Gmel.). 



This is by far the commonest and most familiar native bird 

 in Vitilevu, It retains the dull barred plumage all the 

 year round. In the months of January and February it 

 is in full moult. The plumage of both sexes is alike; the 

 young in their first moult accompanj'ing their parents 

 resemble the adults in plumage, but are darker. The 

 forehead-feathers of the adult l)ird are erectile. 



These birds are of a noisy disposition^ constantly chasing- 

 one another in small parties from tree to tree. They feed on 

 the ground, hopping in passerine fashion. The nesting- season 

 commences in September, when the rain-trees are bare of 

 leaves. The nest, which is a plain cup-shaped structure 

 formed of fibres, is placed in a prominent position, and 

 those examined contained one or two young. No birds 

 referable to this species were seen in Loma Loma on Yanua 

 Yua, or in Lakemba. 



Two individuals were shot near my house when engaged 

 in building a nest. 



I paid a short visit to the little-known island of Oueata 

 in August ; I was only there a few hours. I noticed, 

 however, a species of Lalage of much larger size and 

 whiter breast than any I had seen in Vitilevu. Not only 

 was it different in appearance, but the note was much louder 

 and shriller than that of the smaller species. I never saw 

 any specimens in Vitilevu with a white breast, all there 

 being barred. 



A nest was found in a Pandanus, with which the higher 

 parts of the island are abundantly clothed ; it was 

 situated about five feet from the ground, and contained 

 two hard-set eggs. These were green in colour, marked 

 with dark blotches, evenly distributed. The nest and eggs 

 were sent to Dr. Ticehurst and the brooding bird was 

 secured. 



[1. 'i . Sept. 26, 1910. Suva, Vitilevu. Iris hazel ; 

 feet blue-black. Wing 86 mm. ; tail 60 ; bill 10 5. 



2.?. Sept. 14, 1910. Suva, Vitilevu. Iris hazel ; feet 

 blue-black. Wing 87-5 mm.; tail 59*5; bill 11. 



y2 



