It will be seen that Mr. Rothschild originally referred this species to the family 

 Meliphagidse ; but that he subsequently modified his opinion is clear from his statement, 

 in the 'Avifauna of Laysan,' to the effect that the genus comes "nearest to Oreomyza." 

 It undoubtedly belongs to the Drepanididae, as that group is now understood. In the 

 work just mentioned a new version of the generic characters is given, which runs as 

 follows : — 



" Bill straight or very slightly curved, high and stout at base, attenuating towards 

 the tip, which is sharply pointed. Nostrils protected by an upper operculum, only at 

 base a little overhung by short feathers. Wing rather broad ; first primary entirely 

 rudimentary; fourth and fifth about equal and longest, gradually becoming shorter 

 towards both sides; second slightly shorter than the seventh, and about equal to the 

 eighth. Tail somewhat short, nearly even at tip. Legs and feet strong. Plumage 

 rich and soft. 



' ; Sexes similar." 



