INSESSORES. 



127 



Much resembling the preceding {A. marginata) but smaller, and with 

 the bill shorter; plumage of the head above equally scale-like, but 

 narrower and more pointed. Wings rather long; tail short and 

 even. Entire plumage above, sepia-brown, very dark, and having 

 a purplish metallic lustre on the head, greater wing-coverts, and 

 primaries. Secondaries narrowly edged with white on their outer 

 webs. Under parts brownish cinereous, tinged with yellowish, 

 nearly every feather having a longitudinal central line of white. 

 Iris bright orange ; bill and feet reddish horn-color. 



Dimensions. — Total length (of skin), about six and three-fourths 

 inches ; wing four and one-fourth inches ; tail two and a half inches. 

 "Extent of wings twelve and a half inches" (Peale). 



Hab. — Samoan Islands. Specimen in Nat. Mus. Washington City. 



This species is nearly related to the preceding, and only differs mate- 

 rially in size. It is another of the instances of the near relationship 

 of species, which appear to be peculiar to different islands. 



The specimens in the collection, like those of the preceding, have 

 not to us the appearance of maturity. 



This bird inhabits the Samoan Islands, and, according to Mr. Peale, 

 is possessed of considerable musical powers; but we regret to say, that 

 we find no other memoranda, by either of the naturalists of the Expe- 

 dition, relating to its history or habits. 



9. Genus AGELAIUS, VieiU. Analyse, p. 33 (181G). 

 1. Agelaius gubernator {Waglei'). 



Psaromlius fjubernator, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 281. 



Aud. B. of Am. Plate CCCCXX, fig. 1 ; oct. ed. IV, Plate CCXV. 



This handsome species appears to be peculiar to Western North 

 America, and fine specimens of adult and of young birds are in the 

 collection of the Expedition. According to Mr. Peale, this species 



