Ceyx samarensis Steere, List Birds & Mams. Steere Exped. (1890),
10; Grant, Ibis (1897), 243; Sharpe, Hand-List (1900), 2, 53;
McGregor and Worcester, Hand-List (1906), 53.
Ceyx melanura Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. (1892), 17, 180 (part).
Leyte (Steere Exp.); Samar (Steere Exp., Bourns & Worcester,
Whitehead).
"Upper surface deep rufous; interscapulars forming two broad black
bands; wings black, coverts black and spotted with cobalt; sides
of the head rich lilac; breast and upper abdomen lilac, fainter
behind. Length, 147; tail, 30; bill, 30; wing, 66; middle toe with
claw, 15. Differs from true C. melanura of Luzon in its larger size,
in coloring of cheeks and breast, and in amount of coloring on the
lower surface." (Steere.)
"We obtained a fine series of specimens in Samar which agree in every
detail with the description of C. melanura. The specimens secured by
us were found among the hills in deep forest and invariably away from
water." (Bourns and Worcester.)