Undescribed land birds from the Cook Islands, Pacific Ocean

Abstract

During a survey of the birds of the Cook Islands from July-September 1973, the birds of the islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Mangaia were investigated for the first time. Series of seven land birds that apparently represent undescribed forms were collected. This paper gives descriptions of these forms, in advance of a fuller report on their biology and that of the other birds seen. The specimens collected will be lodged in the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., excepting one paratype of each new form given to the British Museum (Natural History).