Irena melanochlamys Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. (1877), 3, 266;
Trans. Linn. Soc. 2d ser. Zool. (1877), 1, 334, pl. 51, fig. 2;
Hand-List (1901), 3, 309; McGregor and Worcester, Hand-List
(1906), 79.
Basilan (Steere, Everett, Steere Exp., Bourns & Worcester,
McGregor); Mindanao (Bourns & Worcester).
Adult.--Very similar to Irena cyanogastra, but the upper back and
mantle black instead of deep blue. Iris cherry red; bill, legs, and
nails black. Length, about 230. A male from Basilan measures: Wing,
121; tail, 102; culmen from base, 27; bill from nostril, 19; tarsus,
18. A female measures: Wing, 118; tail, 98; culmen from base, 28;
tarsus, 20.
"This fairy bluebird is a strictly deep woods form and a very fine
singer; it is rather shy, but can readily be procured, as it never
remains silent for any length of time. It is often difficult to
distinguish from Dicrurus striatus when seen at a little distance,
unless its tail is in plain view. All of the Philippine Irenidæ are
difficult to collect in good condition. They have very thin skins
and loose feathers, and frequently ruin themselves in falling. They
all feed on fruit. Ten males from Basilan average: Length, 236;
wing, 120; tail, 98; culmen, 30; tarsus, 18; middle toe with claw,
22. Eleven females, length, 229; wing, 116; tail, 96; culmen, 30;
tarsus, 17; middle toe with claw, 22." (Bourns and Worcester MS.)