06 



AVIFAUNA OF LAYS AN, ETC. 



There is nothing extraordinary in it if we assume that the Phaornis, inhabiting also low- 

 lying regions, crosses from Lanai to Molokai, and therefore is the same species on both 

 islands, while some other birds of the higher regions have developed into different species 

 by isolation; but at the same time the forms from both islands could be different, since 

 several birds of one island are not to be found on the other. The birds from each island 

 may still be in the process of developing into different forms, and might be separated into 

 subspecies of little value; but the differences being so slight and not quite constant at all, 

 I prefer to use Wilson's name for both. 



The Olomao, as it is called, both on Lanai and Molokai, is not rare on both these islands, 

 and Palmer saw it in the lowland as well as at the highest elevations. In the stomachs he 

 found seeds and berries of different plants. When seen on a tree they were generally 

 shaking their wings or "trembling," as Palmer calls it. They have that clear call-note 

 peculiar to this group, and also another deep hoarse cry. Their song is " of a jerky nature," 

 and consists of several clear notes. Nest and eggs unknown. 



