The island was named by Captain John Moresby after Sir James Fergusson, who was Governor-General of New Zealand from 1873-74.
The two remaining species, O. cervicalis from the eastern part of its range and O. insularis from Fergusson Island, have a grey nape and a black nape (concolour with the remaining black neck) respectively.
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The Fergusson Island form, which may be distinct from H. rufescens proper, is infected by the nematode Moaciria moraveci.
In August 1943 they moved to Fergusson Island, New Guinea and later in November 1943 the unit was relocated to Milne Bay, with many men being redeployed to other units.