50 HAWAIIAN BIRDS. 



tially a bird of the low undergrowth, though by no means ex- 

 clusively confined to it. As the undergrowth in Maui in unoccu- 

 pied by any bird, Oreomyza has changed its habits and extended 

 its hunting grounds, being indeed far more an inhabitant of the 

 scrub than of the trees. In other words its habits are far less 

 specialized in Maui than are those of its relative upon Hawaii 

 where competition is keener. 



, Upon a few occasions I saw this species feeding upon nectar 

 from the ohias, but this I believe must be considered a rare habit, 

 as Mr. Perkins, who noted the same habit, also concludes. 



In June the old birds were everywhere leading about young, 

 and were feeding them principally upon the small green cater- 

 pillars of the koa and ohia. 



; The call note is quite unlike that of mana, being very similar to 

 the chirp of our familiar song sparrow. Only once did I Hear 

 anything resembling a song from this bird. Then I was close to 

 several younglings whom I was watching when a male flew almost 

 to my feet and, after a chorus of excited chirps and pleading 

 notes, burst into an ecstatic warbling song. It may be doubted 

 if this outpouring is the regular song of the species, as it was 

 quite unlike the voice of any other Hawaiian bird known to me. 

 It was a melody born of extreme agitation and of the alternate 

 emotions of hope and fear. If intended, as no doubt it was, to 

 divert my attention and to secure immunity for its young it was 

 a most touching and "effective device. 



Oreomyza maculata (Cabanis). Oahu Creeper. 



This is the Oahu creeper. According to Wilson, this species 

 is fairly common in the district of Halemanu where there are 

 still some remains of the former forest. Palmer found it not rare 

 in the upland districts of Waialua from 1,500 feet upwards. 

 Perkins found it also at Kaiwaloa. 



Description. — Adult male. Forehead, superciliary stripe, chin, cheeks, 

 ear-coverts, throat, and breast golden yellow; rest of upper parts olive- 

 green. Wing and tail feathers blackish brown, with olive-green edges, 

 •loral spot dusky. Beneath yellow, more whitish on the middle of the 

 lower abdomen; sides of breast and flanks washed with olive-green. Under 



