134 HAWAIIAN BIRDS. 



TETRAONID^. GROUSE AND QUAIL FAMILY, 



Lophortyx calif ornicus (Shaw.). California Valley Quail. 



Introduced many years ago and formerly abundant on all the 

 islands. In* most regions the bird has been practically extermin- 

 ated from the lowlands but in certain localities, as upon Hawaii, 

 is still abundant in the regions above heavy timber, at an eleva- 

 tion of 6,000 or 7,000 feet, where the mongoose, its deadly enemy, 

 has but a slight foothold. 



Description. — Adult male. Above brownish ash; occiput brown; crest 

 black ; throat black, bordered by white line ; - breast slaty, blue ; belly chest- 

 nut, with scale-like marjdngs. Female smaller and duller. Length about 

 II inches. 



THASIANID^. PHEASANT FAMILY. 



Phasianus torquatus Gmel. Mongolian Pheasant. 



Introduced from China several years ago and now well estab- 

 lished on Oahu, Molokai and Kauai. 



Description. — Adult male. Upper parts chestnut; a white ring around 

 the metallic green neck; breast with metallic reflections. Female duller 

 and smaller. Length 20 to 30 inches. 



Phasianellus versicolor Vieill. Japanese Pheasant. 



Occupies about the same status in the islands as the preceding 

 species. 



Description. — Adult. General color dark green, lower neck and mantle 

 variegated with buff; no white nuchal ring. Female duller and blacker. 

 Length 24-29 inches. 



RALLIDJE. RAIL GALLINULE FAMILY. 



Porphyrio melanotus Newton. Alae awi. 



This Gallinule seems to be rather numerous in the taro patches 

 and rice swamps of Oahu, having been introduced from Australia. 

 So far as I am informed it has not reached the other islands. 



