so confusing to observer. Only with a good series of specimens from all 3 islands on the table together in this variable species could the real position be arrived at as regards races and their different characteristics as in the field passing from one island to another the impression of all 3 being the same is given because habits and behaviour are so alike and songs are so similar. Probably the only differences would be the amount of white in the tails (size of spots and on which feathers). One gains a slight impression that Uvea birds seem the most robus having a slightly louder and more robust song possibly heavier (? doubtful) and fatter, Mare race next and Lifu the weakest song and less robust bird. Weights of males adult definitely show such a tendency; females probably because of few numbers to a less degree. If Sarasin is correct, evidently the white on tail goes irregularly to weight. On all islands males appeared to greatly outnumber females and especially so on Uvea. Observer believes this is not a true picture of the sex ratio and the reason was that females were much shier and did not approach so closely to observer and when two birds are seen which know of observer's presence if the furthest away is shot it is generally a female. Results of Lifu bore this out. Also generally speaking, females hunt very close to the ground in thickets and are more generally overlooked or manage to disappear more rapidly in the denser undergrowth, only being visible when at too close range for shooting. Observer believes there is a slight male preponderance, but not excessive, on all islands, though on Mare the position is not normal in many areas and anything is possible in such places.