HAWAIIAN BIBDS. 53 



vane of the five outer primaries, and both vanes of the next four, as well 

 as those proceeding from the olecranon. Four middle rectrices , glossy 

 black, the rest more or less brown, and showing a patch of dull white near 

 the tip, which though indistinct on the inner feathers becomes very dis- 

 tinct on the extreme pair. Bill and legs apparently deep brown. Total 

 length about 8 inches. (Wilson.) 



Drepanis funerea A. Newton. Black Mamo. 



This species was discovered by Mr. Perkins upon the island of 

 Molokai, to which island it is confined. He obtained several spec- 

 imens at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. It appears to be rather 

 closely related to the mamo and is somewhat smaller. 



Description. Black throughout, except the outer edges of the primaries 

 which are grey. Bill long and very much decurved; upper- mandible much 

 longer than the lower. Length about 8 inches. 



Vestiaria coccinea (Forster). liwi. 



This is one of the few birds which is generally distributed 

 throughout the islands and, except at low altitudes, it is every- 

 where numerous. 



The most highly colored of all Hawaiian birds, the iiwi, is also 

 one of the most interesting. The disconnected notes of its rather 

 sweet song may be heard coming all day long from the tall ohias 

 when in blossom. 



The iiwi is exceedingly fond of nectar, which is obtains chiefly 

 from the blossoms of the ohia, but the bird does not disdain to 

 rifle it from other flowers, both wild and cultivated. Nasturtiums 

 and canna are especial favorites with it, and any one who is for- 

 tunate enough to live where the bird is common^ may attract num- 

 bers close to the house by planting the above named flowers. The 

 birds will soon learn to visit the flower beds daily, especially in 

 early morning and at eventide. Unable to reach the nectaries 

 from the mouth of the nasturtium flower, even with their long 

 bills, the iiwi has learned to pierce the spur of the blossom just 

 above the coveted honey, and the brush tipped tongue enables 

 them to scoop out the sweet drops and leave not a trace behind. 



The iiwi is at all seasons also an energetic insect hunter. 



