Tahiti and the Society Group. 379 
group along with specimens of Coriphilus taitianus, also 
considers it distinct. Dr. Finsch says in a letter to me:— 
“ After a careful and repeated comparison I have not 
the slightest’ doubt that the two dark blue birds are by no 
means young birds, but old ones. 
“The blue colour is as bright as in the specimen of 
C. taitianus, also the rather stiff shafts of the feathers on the 
head are similar, although not quite so long. The tips of 
the tail-feathers are worn, as would be the case in old birds ; 
and I cannot think that such a small bird would need two 
years to become mature. The few feathers tipped with dull 
white on the upper and lower mandible are, in my opinion, 
accidental, and no sign of immaturity. 
“The Paumotu specimen is duller in colour and has the base 
of the bill lighter, on account of its having been preserved 
in alcohol. The two dark specimens are also smaller.” 
Dr. Finsch concludes by giving the following diagnosis :— 
“ CORIPHILUS CYANEUS, Sp. Nov. 
“The blue parts just the same as in C. éaitianus, but 
cheeks, chin, and throat not white, but dull black. 
<* Bill and feet not red, but black.’’ 
Description —Adult male. Wholly of a deep rich glossy 
purple, excepting the chin and throat, which are duller 
(inclining to dusky) and blend into the upper breast ; the 
basal half of the throat-feathers greyish white; the tail and 
primaries bluish, shot with purple, chiefly on outer webs : 
the inner webs of the secondaries blackish; the feathers of the 
crown reaching to the nape, linear, lanceolate and of a 
shining purple colour. Bill, legs, and feet black. 
Dimensions.—Total length 52 in.; wing 4:4 in.; tail ex- 
tending } in. beyond wing; culmen ,°, in.; tarsus 3 in, 
N.B.—In C. taitianus the white on the fore-neck goes 
further down, and covers the upper breast also, whereas in 
C. cyaneus the black covers only the throat. 
