90 



AVIFAUNA OF LATSAX, ETC. 



Palmer found this rare bird on the mountains of Lanai, where it inhabits the upper forest- 

 region. It seems to live on insects, which it extracts from the partially decayed bark of 

 the various trees. The stomachs of the three specimens which were procured were full of 

 beetles and other insects. They were also seen sucking the flowers of the " Haha." Palmer 

 found them shy and very rare. They were very quick in their movements from flower 

 to flower. Their flight is quick and straight ; no jerky movements were noticed. 



Palmer heard the birds utter " a whistle, clear, but yet with something hollow in it, very 

 difficult to express in words." Their note and song resemble those of Hemignathus obscurus 

 from Hawaii, but are much clearer. 



