Introduction to tlie First Edition of Part I. 



The fine collection of the Australian Diurnal Birds of Prey now 

 exliibited in our Museum contains, with one exception,* examples 

 of all the species which at the present time are known to inhabit 

 this vast continent. Eyen in so extensive an exhibition of but 

 comparatively a small group, certain breaks arising from the 

 absence of specimens to duly represent the varied stages of 

 growth, still occur and interfere with the regularity of the series 

 appropriate to each species. 



In order then to render this descriptive Catalogue of our rap- 

 torial birds as complete as possible, other collections have been 

 carefully examined, and the additional information thus obtained 

 has been embodied in the general text. In two or three instances 

 where the specimens were very indifferent, or altogether wanting, 

 recourse has been had for their description to the British Museum 

 Catalogue of 1874, always in such cases pointing out the authori- 

 ties relied on. 



The total number examined of specimens belonging to this 

 group (Diurnal Birds of Prey) amounted to over 250, of which 

 liO, comprising 26 species, are in the Museum collection ; and for 

 this ample display we are chiefly indebted to the exertions of 

 our talented late Collector and Assistant Curator, Mr. George 

 Masters, now in charge of the Macleay Collection. 



This Catalogue contains not only an account and description 

 of all the known species of Diurnal Accipitres indigenous to 

 this coimtry, but exhibits clearly what examples are required 

 as desiderata for the accomplishment of a perfect series of the 

 group, even from the nestling to the adult in each species. f 

 We call attention to these wants, and urge our friends to assist 

 by their contributions towards the completion of our national 

 collection. 



E. PIERSON RAMSAY. 



Sydney, 1876. 



* The Black-breasted Buzzard, Gypoictinia mclanosteraa. 

 f XoTE. — A complete series of any species would be fairly represented by a 

 male and female in each of the sections A, B, C, and D — 



A representing the adults in full plumage. 

 B ,, semi-adult. 



C „ the young. 



D ,, the nestling. 



