OP THE GALAPAGOS AECHIPELAGO. 483 



this term in the series makes Geospiza fortis well defined, so far as these two islands 

 are concerned, from G. parvula. But then we find G. strenua, the next larger in point 

 of size to G. fortis; so that no rule can be traced showing that in each island the 

 Geospizce are well defined by the omission of some one or more intermediate species 

 to be sought for in some other island. 



Of this bird Dr. Habel says, " The members of this species, like the rest of the mem- 

 bers of the genus Geosj)iza, associate in small flocks. Although seeds and other vegetable 

 substances form their chief food, they resort at low tide to the sea-shore in search of 

 sustenance." — //. 



Geospiza paevula. 



Geospiza parvula, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 6; Darwin, Zool. Vog. Beagle, iii. p. 102, t. xxxix. ; 

 Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 323; Sundevall, P. Z. S. 1871, p. 125. 



Species quoad colores G. strenuce similis, sed totius generis minima. 



Hab. James Island {Darwin) ; Chatham Island {Sundevall) ; Bindloe and Abingdon 

 Islands {Habel). 



Considerable variation is shown in the size of individuals of this species, as will be 

 seen from the following table : — 



Wing varies from .... 2'15 inches to 2*40 inches, or 0-25 inch. 

 Tail varies from .... 1'30 inch to 1-50 inch, or 0-20 inch. 

 Tarsus varies from . . . 0-63 inch to 0-72 inch, or 0-09 inch. 



the variations in the bill being, as in the former cases, shown by the woodcuts : — 



Geospiza parvula ^ Geospiza parvula 2 



(Bindloe Island). (Bindloe Island). 



" In habits this species resembles the foregoing, with which it consorts." — H. 



Geospiza dentirosteis. 

 Geospiza dentirostris, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 6; Darwin, Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii. p. 102; Scl. & Salv. 

 P. Z. S. 1870, p. 323. 



cJ niger, crisso stricte albo marginato : rostro nigro, maxilla dentata: pedibus obscure 

 corylinis: long, tota 4'5, alse 2-4, caudse 1-4, tarsi 0-8. 



S fusco-nigra, subtus pallido fusco variegata: long, tota 4-3, alse 2-35, caudse 1-35, 

 tarsi 0'8. 



Hab. Galapagos {Darwin) ; Abingdon Island {Habel). 



Dr. Habel obtained five specimens of this species in Abingdon Island, of which four 

 are marked males and one female. One only of the males is in the black dress of the 



