78 



AVIFAUNA OF LAYS AN, ETC. 



After the many careful observations of Mr. Palmer and Mr. E. Gay of Kauai, there can be no 

 doubt whatever that the white-rumped and the rufous-rumped birds are old and young of the 

 same species, although called by different names (Elejpaio and Apekepeke) by the natives. 

 They keep together and have the same notes. 



This species is regularly distributed over the island of Kauai, and is found in the lower 

 and higher parts of the island. They are tame and fearless. 



Palmer found a nest on which he caught the adult male. This fact and also that he saw 

 both parents feed their young clearly indicate that both sexes take part in incubating the 

 eggs and feeding the young. 



The nest was placed in the fork of some thin branches of a tree, about fifteen feet from 

 the ground, and was rather exposed. It was built of moss and fine ferns, open above, and 

 contained two eggs, which were whitish and spotted with reddish broAvn. Unfortunately both 

 were smashed on the journey down the hills. 



These birds feed on insects, which they often catch on the wing. Palmer saw them 

 swallowing enormous caterpillars, for their size, and pulling to pieces large moths while 

 holding them down with their claws. 



