HAWAIIAN BIRDS. 129: 



wing twice banded with white; throat blackhead grayish with patch of 

 chestnut; under parts grayish. Female duller. Length 5.50-6.25. 



Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis (Say). Crimson-headed Finch. 

 "Linnet." 



This pretty finch is probably established on all the islands. 

 Upon certain parts of the islands of Hawaii and Maui it is ex- 

 ceedingly numerous and is increasing all the time. The wind- 

 ward and rainy regions are not well suited to its habits, but in 

 dry climates as in Kau, Hawaii, and in some districts of Maui 

 the bird flourishes remarkably and may there be seen in large 

 flocks. Were it not for its fruit-eating proclivities, the trim form 

 and pleasant song of this finch would make it a welcome addition- 

 to the island avifauna. 



Description. — Adult male. Above ashy brown, streaked with darker; 

 forehead lores, throat, breast and rump crimson; sides much streaked 

 with brown; abdomen ashy. Female duller. Length about 5.50. 



STURNID.ai:. STARLING FAMILY. 



Acridotheres tristis (Linn.). Mynah. 



The mynah, originally a native of India, is now widespread 

 over the islands, and there is no doubt that the bird is constantly 

 increasing in numbers. Notwithstanding that the mynah des- 

 troys vast numbers of insects and in this way is of direct and' 

 great value in the cane-fields, in the pastures and among horses and 

 cattle, there is a strong and growing prejudice in the islands; 

 again.st the bird. 



The charge is made that the mynah invades the cote of the' 

 domestic pigeon, and even ejects the eggs and young birds. That 

 the mynah sometimes dispossess the pigeon of its home there is 

 no doubt, although, on the other hand, it not rarely "shares a. por- 

 tion of the cote with the proper owners, and seems to rear its: 

 young on not unfriendly terms with them. The object of the 

 mynah is not direct injury to the pigeons — for apparently it- eats 

 neither their eggs nor their young — but is solely to find a safe 



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