BAWAIIAN BIRD8. 67 



nbdomen. The wing of the Oahu form is also said to be shorter 

 and the upper side to have a more ohve tint. 



Loxioides bailleui Oustalet. Palila. 



While in general appearance so much resembling the on that 

 the natives frequently confound the two and call both ou, the 

 present species diflfers in many important particulars, especially in 

 the size and shape of the bill. 



The palila is not only limited lo the island of Hawaii but, so 

 far as is known, is confined to the districts of Kona and Hainakua 

 where it lives in the upper woods. Here it is said to subsist upon 

 the seeds of the mamane tree. This tree is not common on the 

 windvvard side of the island, not being found at all in the lower 

 v/oods, and this fact may explain the bird's absence there. 



Mr. Wilson heard no song from the palila. It had, however, a 

 clear whistle-like note which, when often repeated, is held by the 

 natives to be a sign of approaching rain. Should the palila prove 

 on further investigation to be without song, the fact will be a re- 

 markable one in the light of the decided musical powers of its 

 relative, the ou. 



Description. — Adult male. Head and neck deep gamboge-yellow; rest 

 of upper surface ashy grey, lighter on the rump; wing-coverts, rectrices 

 and tetrices dusky black, edged with olive-yellow. Throat and upper 

 part of breast gamboge-yellow ; rest of under surface dusk white ; bill and 

 feet slaty purple. Length about 6.5 inches. Female auUer. 



Telespiza cantans Wilson. Laysan Finch. 



According to Rothschild the Laysan finch is common; all: over 

 the island of Laysan, to which it is confined. "They are q;uit€ 

 omnivorous, eating insects and other birds' eggs, and seem fond 

 of bathing in water. Mr. Freeth says he has seen a small flock 

 feeding on a dead albatross." The nests were built of grass audi 

 small twigs and were placed in the scrub or in the tussocks of 

 grass. They nest about May, and lay from two to four eggs. 

 Many of these birds are brought to Honolulu in cages, and soldi 

 for cage birds. They thrive well for a time but ultimately die. 



