BIRDS 



283 



Besides the song just described tlie species has several ordinary 

 notes. One resembles cheek, the k sound at the end distinguishing it 

 from the notes of other Geospizee. The vowel sound of this may be 

 varied to ckook, but the terminal k is retained. When hopping about 

 they also utter a very low sound resembling cheep. Another common 

 note very characteristic of the species, and one by which it may readily 

 be known, is a rather harsh, prolonged sound, having e as the vowel 

 and the stress declining toward the end. 



MEASUREMENTS OF ADULT SPECIMENS OF GeOSpiza hcltobates. 



We know nothing concerning the breeding habits of the species. 

 The nesting season apparently does not begin till after March. It is 

 still to be determined, also, whether the bird occurs in the mangrove 

 swamps of other islands such as Indefatigable. 



There are in the collection seven adult males, seven adult females, 

 five immature males and one immature female from the mangrove 

 swamp at Turtle Point north of Tagus Cove, Albemarle, taken in 

 January ; two adult males, two adult females and one immature male 



