46 New Species of Birds from Dominica. 



IV. — Descriptions of New Species of Birds from the Island of 



Dominica. 



By GEOEGE K". lawkexce. 

 Bead October 1, ]877. 



An exploration of some of the least known of the West 

 India islands, for the purpose of elucidating their natural 

 history, has been undertaken by Mr. Fred. A Ober, of Bever- 

 ly, Massachusetts, under the auspices of the Smithsonian 

 Institution. As yet, his investigations have been coufined to 

 Dominica, whence two collectious of birds have been received, 

 and sent to me for determination. 



In his last letter (July 2d) he states that he intended leav- 

 ing for Antigua, to remain about two months, and then return 

 to Dominica, to conclude his exploration of that island during 

 the hurricane months, when he expected to get the migrants 

 that appeared at that season, and a few other resident species 

 which he had heard of. When this collection is received, a 

 list of the birds of that island will be published, together with 

 the notes and observations made by Mr. Ober. He has already 

 sent every species heretofore obtained in Dominica, with twen- 

 ty-three additional ones. His first collection consists of 150 

 specimens, embracing thirty-one species, three of which I con- 

 sider new and have described below. Of this collection he 

 writes as follows: "The first collection was made in the 

 mountains of the Caribbean side of Dominica, though it in- 

 cludes also birds of the lower hills and valleys, there seeming 

 to be but few kinds of the low lands that do not ascend to the 

 mountains; though there are many birds of the mountains and 

 upper valleys that never descend into the low country near 

 the coast." 



Besides the three species of humming birds well known as 

 inhabitants of the island, I was greatly surprised to find an- 

 other species in the collection, viz., Thalurania Wagleri, of 

 which there are seven specimens — all males. The only locality 



