R A S R E S. 



263 



than that comprising the numerous islands and groups of islands to 

 which we allude. 



This bird is represented in the plate of our Atlas, above cited, about 

 three-fourths of the natural size. 



5, Carpophaga microcera [Bonaparte). 



Glohlccra microcera, BoNAP. Consp. Av. 11, p. 31 (1854). 



Atlas, Ornithology, Plate XXIX. Adult. 



In the collection of the Expedition are several specimens from the 

 Samoan or Navigator Islands, which appear to be this species. They 

 are in mature plumage and good preservation, and constantly present 

 the characters indicated in the Prince Bonaparte's description, espe- 

 cially the uniform vinaceous coloring of the under parts of the body, 

 and the deep chestnut of the under tail-coverts. 



This bird is evidently nearly related to Columha glohicera, Wagler, 

 described also by Forster in Desc. An. p. 106. It has the appendage 

 attached to the cere at the base of the bill, larger than would be in- 

 ferred from Bonaparte's specific name, and probably nearly equal to 

 that of any other species of this group. In this respect, the name 

 microcera, is not entirely appropriate. 



This species appears to be restricted to the Samoan Islands, and is 

 alluded to by Mr. Peale under the name Carpophaeja oceanica, from 

 which, however, it is quite distinct. 



In reference to this bird, Mr. Peale gives the following interesting 

 particulars : 



" At the Samoan Islands, particularly Upolu, we saw this species in 

 great abundance ; the woods abounded with them wherever fruit or 

 berries occurred ; they were exceedingly flxt, and afforded us many 

 delicious meals. At Tongatabu, we saw them, but not in such great 

 numbers ; and again, a few were seen at the Duke of York's Island. 



" While crossing the Island of Upolu, we now and then saw little 

 thatched houses of only four or five feet elevation, by six or seven 

 long, which were built in open spaces on mountain promontories, and 

 we were informed had been constructed as blinds or places of conceal- 

 ment, from which 'Lupis were caught with arrows. 



