282 THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF N. S. W. 



had built a nest near his camp, so he had frequent opportunities of 

 watching the birds, and they were the only pair of the kind he had 

 up to that time met with. 



I am fully convinced that the female of Foephila mirabilis has 

 been described by Mr. Gould as P. Gouldice. The fact of the birds 

 with black heads and more highly colored breasts being found 

 breeding with similar but less brightly tinted females does not 

 prove that they are a distinct species, but is easily accounted for 

 if we remember that many birds are found breeding before they 

 attain the fully adult plumage; and I have no doubt further inves- 

 tigation into this matter will prove that the young males retain 

 the plumage of the adult female for a considerable period before 

 obtaining the red heads which characterise the fully adult males. 

 It is much to be regretted that the name bestowed on this beautiful 

 finch by Mr. Gould, in honour of his talented and departed wife, 

 must sink into a synonym. The name of I'o'epliila mirabilis, that 

 previously employed, and originally given to these birds hy Messrs. 

 Hombron and Jacquinot must be resumed, and Poephila Gouldice 

 must in future be recognised us the female of P. mirabilis of 

 Hombron and Jacquinot. 



