272 A MANUAL OF THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
back, somewhat darker on the inner webs ; tail black, grey at the base and crossed 
by a buff band near the tip ; frontal crest grey, occipital portion chestnut, some of 
the lateral feathers black; feathers of the breast, hind-neck and upper mantle 
trifurcated, showing black on the middle portion, more particularly on the upper 
mantle, where it imparts a more or less streaked appearance ; remainder of under- 
surface, including the under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ashy-grey; bill rose- 
red, inclining to lilac at the tip, fleshy part covering the nostrils and base of 
lower mandible greenish-lead colour; iris fiery orange, bare space round the eyes 
red; feet purplish-red, back of tarsus and soles of feet greyish-brown. Total 
length 460 mm. ; culmen (exp.) 14, wing 283, tail 172, tarsus 29. 
Adult female—Scarcely different from the male. Bill vermilion, base slate 
colour; iris clear yellowish, with brownish stains round the pupil surrounded by 
orange ; feet pinkish-purple. Total length 407 mm. ; culmen 14, wing 265, tail 170, 
tarsus 25. 
Nest.—A platform of fairly stout twigs placed in a tall tree. Dimensions 
8 to 10 inches across by about 3 inches in thickness. 
Eggs.—Clutch, one; elliptical in form, sometimes with the ends peculiarly 
pointed, especially the smaller ; texture of shell somewhat granular ; surface glossy ; 
colour pearly-white. Dimension 42-45 mm. by 31. 
Breeding-season.—October to December. 
Distribution and forms.—Confined to eastern Australia but may occur in New 
Guinea, Two subspecies have been distinguished : L. a. antarcticus (Shaw) from 
New South Wales, Victoria, and Southern Queensland, and L. a. minor Mathews 
from North Queensland, differing in smaller size and paler coloration. 
