AVIFAUNA OF LAYSAN, ETC. 



207 



THE GENUS CHL0RID0PS. 



Chloridops, Wilson, P. Z. S. 1888, p. 218. Type C. Una. 



This remarkable genus, characterized by its enormous bill, which reminds one inadvertently 

 of the Geospizce of the Galapagos Islands, was very justly created by Mr. Scott B. Wilson. 

 The most singular fact in the bill of Chloridops is that the two mandibles do not quite fit 

 together, but that a narrow open slit, through which one can look, remains near the base. 

 The coloured Plate, as well as the bill on the Plate of bills, shows this form well. 



In the moderately sized wing the first primary is quite minute ; the tip of the wing is 

 formed by the third, fourth, and fifth primaries, which are equal in length, the second is 

 about equal to the sixth. Neither the tail nor the feet show anything specially remarkable. 

 The plumage is rather soft and full; the feathers have a soft, fluffy aftershaft. 



The sexes are similar ; the first plumage of the young is not known. 



One species only is known. 



