Vol. XVIII. 



19:8 



] Mathews, " Wha( are Atislralian Petrels?'-'- 87 



I luive specimens of both from Australian waters, so that the 

 two species \\'oukl read — 



Diomcdea cxulans rothschildi. 

 Diomcdea chionoptera rohiii. 



The last-named is much rarer than the lirst named, wliile they 

 also appear to be more shy and not so easily approached. 



The last Petrel to be discussed is Gould's D. ciiliiiiiiatiis. This 

 was described from a varied locality, Bass Strait being indicated, 

 while Gould later wrote : — " This species appears to be more 

 plentiful in the Australian seas than elsewhere : numbers came 

 under my notice during a voyage from Launceston to Adelaide, 

 particularly off Capes Jervis and Northumberland. I frequently 

 observed it between Sydney and the northern extremity of New 

 Zealand. . It is a powerful bird, and directly intermediate 



in size between Diomedea caiita and D. chlororhynchiis. The 

 specific differences of the three species are so apparent that I liad 

 no difficulty whatever in distinguishing them while on the wing." 

 In view of this clear statement, Ramsay gave 10, 12, 13, 14, 

 though there was no specimen in the Museum. Campbell added 

 nothing, but under Diomedea melanophrys gave a table which is 

 a guide to other observers. 



Captain Anthon " logged " Albatrosses as to occurrence in 

 the Great Australian Bight, with the result that they were absent 

 during the months of December, January, and February, few 

 being seen in March, increasing in April, and numerous from May 

 to October, decreasing in November. This may be the reason 

 why Gould's culminatus has .not since been seen, observers having 

 looked at the wrong time. Moreover, the above results refer 

 to " Albatrosses." A specialist might note that different species 

 were more numerous at different times. At any rate, the present 

 species has not since Gould's day been commonly met with, and 

 recently my correspondents have failed to secure one at any place. 



The preceding notes will, I hope, assist in the observation of 

 Petrels, as it is obvious that the species observed by Gould should 

 be re-stated, .\nother species which Gould procured, Garrodia 

 nereis, seems to have escaped recognition since his time. The 

 difficulty in finding their breeding-places is well exemplified by 

 the cases of Reinholdia reinholdi byroni, Pterodroma macroptera 

 albani, Pterodroma rnelanopus, and Cookilaria cookii lencoptera, to 

 give the recent records. 



I feel sure that more species will be found l)reeding on outlying 

 islets, both east and west as well as south, but it is certain that 

 we still have much to learn about Australian Petrels, and I con- 

 clude we cannot admit any Petrel as Australian unless there is a 

 definite record and skin to verify it. Hence mv title, and con- 

 clusion that a number at present included in our lists are not yet 

 Australian Petrels. 



Emu, vol. xvii., p. 41 (1917). — In a footnote Alexander notes 

 Ph(vl)etria palpeJiratd as occurring in the Bight — one in the 



