The specific distinctions of birds having a uniform black plumage, is at all times difficult; and more so, when we attempt to identify them with the descriptions of authors. Of the black Cuckows of Africa, our bird comes nearest to the _Coucou criard_ of Levaillant, (Ois. d'Af. pl. 204-5,) but differs in having the bill and feet black instead of yellow: it cannot be the _Cuculus Indicus niger_ of Brisson, as _that_ has the quills, internally, "tout à fait noir:" neither is it the black Indian Cuckow of Edwards, pl. 58, (_Cuculus niger_ Lin.,) whose bill and feet are red. We were inclined to think that the second species of Buffon's _Coukeels_ might be our bird, notwithstanding the difference of their locality; but Commerson's original description decides the question; his words are "_Cuculus cristatus mindanensis coeruleo nigricans totus_," (Buff. ed. Son. 54. p. 54.) Our bird has no crest. We have here consulted only original writers; for subsequent transcribers have so blended these birds under one name, that it is scarcely possible to disentangle their synonyms. M. Vieillot has increased the confusion, by transposing the specific names of Linnæus: the true _C. niger_, L. being his _Orientalis_ (En. Meth. Orn. 1331). Our bird was sent to us for examination by Mr. Ward. It is a genuine Cuckow: the nostrils being round, the third quill longest, and the second shorter than the fourth. It came from Western Africa. Total length, 12½; bill, 1-1/10; wings, 6¾; tail, 6½. * * * * * * [Illustration: _Blue necked Lory_] LORIUS Isidorii. _Blue-necked Lory._ ---- Family Psittacidæ. GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2. 148. ---- SPECIFIC CHARACTER. _Crimson; crown, nape, neck, throat, and middle of the belly violet blue; quill covers tipt with black; tail moderate, graduated, reddish brown._ ---- A splendid specimen of this lovely bird (the only one we believe in this kingdom), came into our possession some years ago through Mr. Warwick, a travelling naturalist of great merit. It was purchased by him, alive, in the Isle of France, where it had been brought in a trading vessel from New Guinea: but it unfortunately died on its passage to England.