k.4. 
R . ^lapp 
1964 
Oct# 12 S ibylla Isla nd# Taongl Atoll 
Arose at 6:-2:0 and collected 5 Wandering Tattlers 
on the windward si-do of ^ibylla. 
Of particular interest was. the similarity of 
I Vi 
molt in these birds. With the exception’ of 3001 ^ 
these birds were essentially the same in their 
• « I «| ♦ •• * t *♦ V » ' I •• ' 
molt# Coutning from outward-inward primaries 
6-10 (30010-30012) and 7-10 (30009( v/ere the 
primaries involved in molt. In two 6 was absent; 
in one 6 w as in sheath - and in one 7 was in 
sheath. 8-10 were new feathers.’ These could be 
easily distinguished bv the blacker color as well 
as the lesser wear. 
There was no tail molt except for ,one 
individual x^hich was replacing one of the central 
tectrices of the 17 . 
Conclusions : 
1. Primary molt initiates the replacement of 
flight feathers and begins before either 
secondary or rectricia] replacement begins. 
7. Replacement in the primaries is proximal- 
distal beginning with P 10. 
3# Primary coverts are replaced with their 
primaries. 
4. The preceding feather in the primary molt 
sequence is partially our of sheath or well 
grown in sheath before the next primary is 
dropped. 
■ 7 ' 
5# Apparently no more than 7 primaries are 
non-functional during primary molt. 
6. Light body molt is occurring on all birds 
on about Oct. 12 in the Marshalls. 
In the afternoon collected some frigate egg 
white, molluscs, and banded Fairy Tern and 
R.T.T. Bird. 
The single ^olden Plover collected bv Huber 
in the morning was generally not' in molt. A few 
body feathers were’ in sheath and two rectrices 
were in sheath (L7 and Rl. ...All, the other tail 
# • *i « ♦ t • 
feathers -appeared old. 
Crested Tern nests were found on the northern 
beadh of the islet by Pinion* s party. Some 
7 eggs, about 12 adults. 
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