THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
I have decided to sink D. regia as a synonym of D. epomophora, as it 
was based on a mixture, and the first bird mentioned as being described 
and figured in the Birds of New Zealand ^ 2nd ed., as well as the young and 
breeding-locality designated, refer to D. epomophora. 
In my Handlist I included D. regia, but omitted it from my Reference 
List. I have here included it as it appears to have been met with by Solander, 
and there seems little reason why it should not occur. It would be interesting 
to learn of any authentic occurrence in Austrahan waters, but that it does 
so seems certain. The following extract from a letter received from Mr. Robin 
Kemp seems to refer to this bird, though it may be that very fine D. exulans 
approach closely to D. epomophora. One conclusion is that observations made 
at sea are comparatively valueless in this group. 
“ April 5th, 1912. No sooner did we enter the Great Australian Bight 
than we have been attended by one or more pairs of Albatroses during three 
consecutive days. These Albatroses are white with black terminations to the 
primaries. This evening (April 5th — 250 miles west of Port Adelaide) I notice 
for the first time that a pair of black Albatroses are following in our wake in 
company with a pair of the white variety. Though the light is poor I make out 
that the pair of black Albatroses have identically the same movement and 
action as their white congeners. In size of body I judge them to be slightly 
inferior to the white birds, but the expanse of wing seems to be equal in both 
varieties. The description of the new comers will be as follows, but owing to 
the failing light and the distance they keep from the stern of the boat, I cannot 
give greater detail : Entire plumage sooty-black, with greyish-white under 
surfaces to the wings, the face and beak white.” 
The description of the “ black Albatroses ” is quite sufficient to recognise 
the immature plumage of D. exulans, but what are the “ white Albatroses ” ? 
The description applies best to D. chionoptera, but it may belong to D. 
epomophora, or only the very adult of D. exulans rothschildi. 
A further note made by Mr. Kemp reads : “ April 10th, 1912, — 10 miles 
off St. George Head, Tasman Sea. The Albatroses I notice this evening are 
different from those reported above. There are three pairs — description as 
follows : Head, neck, breast, belly, vent and rump white, back and upper 
surface of wings black. Tail black above and below. Under surface of 
primaries white, remainder of under surface of wings black. Beak yellow. 
“ There is also one pair only — larger than above. Description — entirely 
white, except the upper surface of wings which are black. But the black 
does not seem to reach quite up to the body.” 
Here, again, the first description enables the recognition (presumptive) 
of D. 7 nelanophris. But to what, again, would the second one apply ? 
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