112 



Description of a New Species of Acantiiiza 



CA. tenuirostrisj. 



By A. Zietz, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., Assistant-Director of the 



S.A. Museum. 



[Read November 6, 1900.] 



This new species is nearest allied to Acanthisa reguloides. 



Its more diminutive size, its feeble bill, tiie different shade of 

 the rump feathers, and the absence of the bright rufous 

 colouring oi die basal third of the tail feathers, distinguish 

 it from Acanthiza reguloides. which, according to Gould, is 

 a fairly common species about Adelaide. 



Tavo specimens have been collected by E. M. Hawker. Esq.. 

 at Leigh Creek, in August. 1895. 



I propose for this new species the name Acanthiza tenui- 

 rostris (the small-billed Tit). 



With the general characters of J.. [Geobasileus) reguloides. 

 Upper surface of a more greyish tinge instead of olive brown. 

 The feathers on the forehead are much darker and broadly 

 margined with white. Upper tail coverts of a yellowish 

 white tinge: in A. reguloides they are ochreous. Under sur- 

 face whitish and slightlv tinned with vellow. Throat and 

 chest still paler, each feather with a very slight broken 

 margin of brown. Base of tail only with a faint, just per- 

 ceptible, rufous tinge. The external margin of the centre 

 tail feathers, and the tips of all greyish. Upper tail coverts- 

 whitish, slightly shaded with fawn. 



For comparison I give the measurements of A. reguloidrs 

 from the hills east of Adelaide, together with those of the 

 new bird. 





A, 



, tenuirostris. 



A. 



reguloides. 



Total length 





3*5 inches 





4 inches 



Length of wing 





1-9 " 



m . 



O " 



Length of culmen... 





•3 " 



. . 



•4 " 



Height of bill 





T 





■12 " 



