Vol. III. 

 i9°3 



MlLLIGAN, Description- of a Nczv Gymnorhina. QQ 



of the chief characteristics of the adult female and the young of 

 both sexes of G. dorsalis. 



Observations on Gymnorhina dorsalis. 



During the systematic examination mentioned I handled some 

 22 skins of this species, of both sexes, and both adult and young, 

 procured in different parts of the State, and propose to now 

 record the results of my observations. These do not wholly 

 support or confirm the several distinctions made by Mr. Campbell 

 in separating the species from the Gymnorhina leuconota (Gould), 

 but nevertheless they must not be taken as challenging the 

 validity of the species (for I consider it a firm one), but as for 

 better information. 



Mr. Campbell's distinctions, shortly stated, are as follows : — 

 (a) Smaller in size than Gymnorhina leuconota ; (b) bill more 

 narrow and longer ; (c) wing edges mottled instead of white ; 

 and (d) black terminal tail-band more narrow and concentric. 



Dealing with the first distinction, I measured the skins of seven 

 males, in which the measurements in inches from base of skull 

 to tip of tail and from base of skull to point of mandibles (over all) 

 were respectively as follow : — 13 x 4, 1 3-J x 4^-, 1 3^ x 4^, 1 3^ x 4^, 

 13J x 4, 13 x4, 1 3-! x4|. As I have not similar measurements 

 of a series of Gymnorhina leuconota, I am unable to make a com- 

 parison, but from a long acquaintance with each in its own habitat 

 I do not hesitate to say that the Western form is a more robust 

 and longer bird. As regards the second point of distinction, Mr. 

 Campbell is undoubtedly correct, for the bill is more narrow and 

 longer. In six of the males referred to the measurements in 

 inches of the culmen were 2.25, 2.4, 2.4, 2.25, 2.4, 2.4, and 2.5. 

 Respecting the third point, I am unable to agree with Mr. Camp- 

 bell, as in every instance I found the wing edge white, but not 

 mottled. I confirm the fourth distinction, for the terminal tail- 

 band is as a rule more narrow and concentric. The narrowness 

 of the band is, however, purely a matter of age. For instance, 

 in two adult males in full and mature plumage the tail-band 

 measured 1 inch and |- of an inch respectively, while in another 

 adult bird, who had almost attained full and mature plumage, 

 the same band was 1^ inches, while in three other younger birds 

 the bands were if, if-, and if inches respectively. 



Another noteworthy feature in connection with the tails of the 

 Western species is the relative colouring of the stems of the tail 

 feathers. In the two oldest birds mentioned these stems were 

 white to the extent of the white bands, and black to the extent 

 of the terminal black band. In the adult male, which had almost 

 attained full plumage, the stems of the white-coloured portion of 

 the tail were partially black and partially white, and in the 

 younger birds the stems were wholly black for the whole length 

 of the stem. 



The same remarks apply with equal force to Gymnorhina 

 longiroslris, just described. The size of the white vent-patch also 



