218 



AVIFAUNA OF LAYSAN, ETC. 



Moho braccatus is less typical than the other species, and might, by a very rabid genus- 

 splitter, be placed in a different genus, for which, however, I do not see any necessity. 

 Eggs and nidifi cation unknown. 



The genus contains, so far as is known, four species, three of which have been known for 

 a considerable time, while one was described by me quite recently. The species from Oahu 

 is evidently extinct. 



A remarkable peculiarity of the species of Moho is the very strong somewhat musky 

 smell, reminding one of that of many of the Petrels. This smell has been supposed to be a 

 special feature of the Drepanicke ; but this idea cannot be upheld, as it is even stronger 

 in the species of the genus Moho. It is, nevertheless, most singular that so many of the 

 Hawaiian Passeres have this extraordinary smell. 



Key to the Genus Moho. 



A. Central tail-feathers greatly elongated j tail considerably longer than the wing ; con- 



spicuous yellow pectoral tufts. 

 a. Yellow feathers along the flanks j all but the central pair of tail- feathers tipped with 



white 



b. No yellow feathers along the flanks ; only the two outer pairs of tail-feathers, or 



M. apicalis. 



none, tipped with white. 



a 1 . No yellow tufts on the sides of the head 



M. nobilis. 

 M. bishopi. 



b 1 . Yellow tufts on the sides of the head 



B. Central tail-feathers less elongated ; tail shorter than the wing or nearly equal (not 

 longer) ; no yellow pectoral shafts 



M. braccatus. 



