ALTER Bigserial error

Hi,
I'm trying to alter in a bigserial on GP/PG 8.1 I'm getting the error

ERROR: type "bigserial" does not exist
SQL state: 42704

I understand that bigserial isn't a 'true' type, that it's a notational convenience.
And that I can alter in the default.

But it is listed in the type table in the doc and I can create new tables with it.
I should be able to use it in an alter.
Is there a way to fix this bug?
What would need to change for this issue to be resolved.
Thanks

Doug Little

Sr. Data Warehouse Architect | Enterprise Data Management | Orbitz Worldwide
500 W. Madison, Suite 1000 Chicago IL 60661| Office 312.260.2588 | Fax 312.894.5164 | Cell 847-997-5741
Douglas(dot)Little(at)orbitz(dot)com<mailto:Douglas(dot)Little(at)orbitz(dot)com>
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