Sydney Porter—Notes on Birds of Fiji



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from Fiji and three of an allied kind (H. p. assimilis). No matter into

what aviary I put them the wretched rats followed and were not content

until they had all the birds. I think they must have had a very strong

scent because they did not molest other species of waterfowl.


The Fijian Scarlet Sunbird (Myzomela jugularis)


This very lovely Sunbird is one of the tiniest birds found on the

islands, and is common everywhere. It is seen around the town of

Suva, where it frequents the garden and also the native plantations.

It is not nearly as conspicuous as the African Sunbirds, and in its

demeanour rather resembles a tiny creeper.


I have watched dozens of them as they seemed to work along with

the Zosterops. They are very tame and allow a close approach. The

food seems to consist more of tiny insects than nectar.


The Caterpillar-eater (Lalage woodi ?)


This handsome bird is one of the commonest of the Fijian species,

not counting, of course, the imported birds. It is a quiet and unassuming

bird, moving actively but silently through the foliage searching for the

insects which constitute its sole food. It is one of the few birds which

are continually active in the intense midday heat.


It is very common in and around Suva, where it is to be seen in

nearly all the gardens. The Caterpillar-eaters (Campephagidae), or

Cuckoo-Shrikes as they are sometimes called, are distributed all over

the tropical countries in the Old World and are especially common

on the islands of the Pacific.


The Fijian Kingfisher (Halcyon sacra vitiensis)


The Fijian Kingfisher is one of the well-known Sacred Kingfishers

which are found all over the islands of the South Seas, Australia, and

New Zealand. None of the various species differ very much from each

other except in the colouring of the breast. The bird in question is

one of the brightest coloured—brilliant blue on the wings, back, and

tail, the breast creamy white with faint black markings ; there is a

broad black stripe from the beak to the back of the head. The bird

also has a black cap on the head.



