86 



in his opinion, "it would be to greater advantage if it were considered only as a sub-species 

 of the same." 



Dr. Lorenz, in his account of the collection referred to ('Ann. Hofm.,' Wien, xvii., pp. 

 301-22), proposes to keep Cyanorhamphus hochstetteri, of which he gives a minute description, 

 distinct from C. erythrotis. The following is a translation of his remarks on this point : 



Forbes and likewise Eothschild agree in this view that G. hochstetteri, from Antipodes Island, is not 

 specifically different from G. erythrotis, Wagler, from Macquarie Island. We ourselves think that in 

 that instance we have to deal with two forms which must be kept separate as sub-specific, the two islands 

 being situated at considerable distance apart from each other. As Eothschild quite correctly remarked 

 when he set up C.forbesi, from the Chatham Islands, in the case of the various species of Cyanorhamphus, 

 the birds inhabiting different islands are always constant forms. Undoubtedly it is more practicable to 

 maintain in doubtful cases, like the present, the separation than to draw together prematurely forms that 

 may have in the end to be again separated. Eeischek narrates that these birds live on the ground, fre- 

 quenting cavities and passages which exist under the perennial roots of the grass, and that they are very 

 reluctant to rise. 



Order PSITTACIFOEMES.l 



[Family PSITTACID^. 



CYANORHAMPHUS ERYTHROTIS. 



(THE AUCKLAND-ISLAND PAERAKEET.) 



Platycercus erythrotis (Wagler), Buller, Birds of New Zealand, vol. i., p. 137 (as synonym 



of P. novcB-zealandice). 



Cueiously enough, associated with Cyanorhamphus unicolor on Antipodes Island, as already 

 stated, is a form more nearly allied to our Eed-fronted Parrakeet. This is Cyanorhamphus 

 erythrotis, of which several living examples were brought to me by the officers of the 

 'Hinemoa.' The Parrakeet from the Auckland Islands is no doubt referable to the same 

 species. That from Macaulay Island (Kermadec group), of which several were brought by 

 the ' Hinemoa,' is undoubtedly the same as our Cyanorhamphus novce-zealandice, which 

 enjoys a wide geographic range. 



I had one of these birds caged for some time. Its hides were of a clear pink colour when in 

 health, but they became paler when the bird sickened and died. From this specimen I obtained 

 the following measurements : Extreme length, 17 in. ; extent of wings, 12 in. ; wing from flexure, 

 5'75 in. ; tail, 6 in. ; bill, along the ridge, '90 in., along the edge of lower mandible, "50 in. ; 

 tarsus, *90 in. ; longer fore-toe and claw, 1*25 in. ; longer hind-toe and claw, 1*20 in. It proved 

 on dissection to be a male. 



This species has a peculiar cry — a short, shrill note — which further distinguishes it from 

 Cyanorhamphus novce-zealanclice . 



Count Salvadori is of opinion that this species should be regarded as Cyanorhamphus 

 hochstetteri (Cf. Salvad., 'Cat. B. B.M.,' xx., p. 577), Cyanorhamphus erythrotis being the 

 representative form on Macquarie Island. I have never seen the British Museum example 

 mentioned by Dr. Finsch in his 'Die Papageien,' vol. ii., p. 275; but he treats it as a mere 



