An Erroneous Record for the Japanese Pipit in Alaska
An Erroneous Record for the Japanese Pipit in Alaska
In the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences (vol. 9. 1919. D. 176) and in the Auk (1920. P. 261) Dr. G. Dallas Hanna has recorded a pipit taken on St. Paul Island, in the Pribilof group, on August 29, 1916, as Anthus spinoletta japonicus, from an identification made by Dr. H. C. Oberholser. In recent comparisons of skins of this genus we have had occasion to examine the specimen in question (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 266,173) and find that it is the American Pipit, Anthus spinoletta rubescens. The bird is somewhat darker than average but is not abnormal, as a number of other specimens seen in similar stage of plumage appear identical. It is strikingly different from japonicus, which is paler below, with heavier markings, duller, less buffy above, has the wing bars more prominently white, and differs in the coloration of the sides of the head.
This form, therefore, should be removed from the list of birds recorded from the Pribilofs (see Preble. North American Fauna. no. 46. 1923. P. 98) and from this record is not valid for inclusion in the A. O. U. Check-list.
J. H. Riley and A. Wetmore
U. S. National Musem, Washirngton, D. C., Februmy 18, 1928
