Aplornis opaca opaca, Hand-list Japanese Birds, 3d ed., 1942, p. 188 (Kusaie).

Aplonis opacus opacus Mayr, Birds Southwest Pacific, 1945, p. 298 (Kusaie).

Geographic range.—Micronesia: Caroline Islands—Kusaie.

Characters.—Adult: Feathers black with dusky appearance caused by lighter bases; edges of feathers with slight amount of steel-green gloss; underparts slightly duller than upper parts; bill black, with maxilla rather strongly curved; feet black, iris yellow. Females slightly smaller.

Immature: Resembles adult, but upper parts more brown and less black; underparts dusky with edges of feathers tinged with smoky yellow producing a streaked appearance; base of bill horn-colored.

Measurements.—Measurements are listed in [table 45].

Specimens examined.—Total number, 30 (18 males, 12 females), as follows: Caroline Islands, USNM—Kusaie, 5 (Feb. 8); AMNH—Kusaie, 25 (Jan., Feb., March).

Table 45. Measurements of Adult Specimens of Aplonis opacus

Table 45. Measurements of Adult Specimens of Aplonis opacus