

PHJ10ENIS PALMEEL 



PUAIOHL 



Pheeomis palmeri, Rothschild, Avif. Laysan, p. 67. 



Under the heading of Phceo^nis myiadestina, I have already mentioned in this work that 

 Mr. Gay believed that a second species of the present genus existed in Kauai, of which 

 he had seen a skin, subsequently destroyed by rats. That gentleman stated that it 

 was smaller than its congener, with lighter-tinted feet, light colour about the head, 

 and narrower bill, thereby giving a very good idea of the points wherein P. palmeri 

 differs from P. myiadestina. This species Mr. Eothschild's collectors, from one 

 of whom it takes its specific title, thereafter procured. For a knowledge of the habits 

 I am indebted to Mr. Perkins, the following being an epitome of his notes taken from 

 a letter to Mr. Evans. 



It has the appearance of a diminutive Kamao (P. myiadestina), but it is difficult to 

 obtain a good view of the bird on account of its excessive shyness. The favourite spots 

 are those where koas grow amongst the brushwood, and the ground is covered with 

 dead leaves and fallen twigs ; here it flits about the lower branches in a restless 

 manner, and at times descends to the ground in search of food, consisting of lepi- 

 dopterous larvae, beetles, spiders, and, exceptionally, of small molluscs. The flight is 

 generally low, rapid, and direct, recalling that of the Kingfisher, while the song is 

 usually uttered from the top of a tree, though occasionally when on the wing, as 

 is the case with its congeners. The notes, which are very strong and constantly 

 repeated, resemble those of the Nukupuu (Heterorhynchus hanapejpe), but are louder 

 and shorter ; a squeaking noise is also produced when in company with the female, and 

 the alarm-note is of a grating nature. This species is found up to an altitude of at 

 least 4000 feet. 



llescription. — Adult male. Above dull brown, with darker head and almost uniform 

 wings and tail, the latter when expanded showing buff on the inner web of the external 

 pair of feathers and in the centre of the next pair. A white ring surrounds the eye. 

 Beneath greyish, becoming nearly white on the abdomen and buff on the lower tail- 

 coverts, while a distinct whitish patch marks the under sm face of the wing-quills. 

 Iris brown, bill blackish, feet pearly white. 



Dimensions. — Total length 6 - 75 inches, wing 3-87, tail 2"5, tarsus 1*37, culmen -62. 



