Vol. XXI. 1 

 1922 J 



H. L. WHITE, Ttvo Nezo Snh-spccics. 163 



Two New Subspecies of Birds 



By H. J.. WHITE, M.15.0.U., C.E.A.(J.U., "Belllrees," N.S.W. 



Gyninorhina tibiccn cylandtoisis. sub sp. n. 



Adult Male. — Differs from typical Black-backed Magpie 

 (Gyninorhina tibicen) by longer bill, more slender tarsi, in- 

 tensely black (glossy black) and purer white parts, narrower 

 band of black at tip of tail (30 as against 60 mm.), by the 

 mottled tibia (instead of wholly black), and by less black on 

 the tips of white feathers of shoulder patches. 



Adult Female. — Instead of cloudy greyish patch on neck, as 

 in G. tibicen, the nape is a ])ure white, and blends mto patch of 

 dusky feathers, which are edged with white, and broadly centred 

 with black. 



Immature Male. — Most resembles female, with all the dark 

 portions more or less mottled greyish, blackish-brown, and rust 

 colour, the latter tipping the feathers, particularly on back, 

 breast and face. 



Dimensions in mm. — 



c? Length ... 370; wing, 224; cul, 57; tail, 145; tar., 58. 

 ? Length ... 370; wing, 220; cul., 53; tail, 145; tar., 50. 

 cf Imm. length, 365; wing, 222; cul., 57; tail, 140; tar., 55. 

 d Imm. length, 375; wing, 232; cul., 59; tail, 148; tar., 53. 

 Dimensions typical G. tibicen. See Proc. Roy. Soc, Vic, viii., 

 1895 (Campbell). 



d L., 400 mm.; W., 257 mm.; cul., 51 mm.; tail, 152 mm.; 



tar., 51 mm. 

 9 L., 400 mm.; W., 247 mm.; cul., 42 mm.; tail, 1^2 mm.; 

 tar., 51 mm. 



Collected by Mr. W. McLennan, on Groote Eylandt, N.T., 



8/5/1921. 



GeopJiaps scripta peninsulcc. Sub sp. n. The southern variety 

 of this bird has apparently become scarce in many of its former 

 strongholds ; it is pleasing to note that a northern form is still 

 plentiful, and it has on more than one occasion supplied Mr. 

 McLennan with a very welcome change of diet. It is a quie<" 

 confiding bird, and takes little trouble to hide its nest. 



.Idult Male. — Smaller and lighter coloured than typical bird. 

 Colour in general above, light drab to drab, instead of snuff- 

 brown to sepia as in type ; wing speculum purple, not green ; ab- 

 domen patch, dull gull grey (see "Color Standards," Ridgway's). 



Dimensions. — Length, 286 mm.; wing, 140; tail, 102; tar., 25; 

 cul., 16, as against typical male — Geophaps scripta:— Length, 

 325 mm.; wing, 148; tail, 110; tar., 25; cul., 22. 



Collected by Mr. W. McLennan at Coen, Cape York Penin- 

 sula, North Queensland, September, 1921. 



