THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
I have described the large Christmas Island bird as a distinct new species 
in the Austral Av. Becord, Vol. II., p. 120, 1914, as 
Fregata andrewsi 
Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. 
This species is remarkably distinguished by having in both sexes a white 
patch on the belly. 
In addition, however, it is well characterised by the large size of the bill, 
the measurements reading : 
^ Culmen 112.5-115 wing 600-625 tail 375-400 middle toe 54-60 mm. 
$ „ 127-136 „ 635-643 „ 430-450 „ 60 
The adult male has the head-feathers long and narrow, the lanceolate 
plumes of the back with a reddish-bronze sheen : otherwise all black save 
the beUy, which is white ; the wing-coverts ashy brown with lighter tips 
forming a prominent band. From the skin the bill appears to be lead blue, 
the feet flesh-coloured. 
The adult female has the head-feathers long and black with a metallic 
green lustre ; the feathers of the back not elongate and lanceolate but with 
a distinct coppery sheen ; the wing-coverts ashy with light tips, making a 
noticeable bar. The head and neck all round black, the chest and all under- 
parts pure white, the under tail-coverts alone being black. From the skin 
the bill was deep rose colour and the feet red. 
The immature appear to have the same coloration and plumage-changes 
as shown in Fregata minor. 
Dr. Andrews tells me that Frigate Birds are present aU the year round 
at Christmas Island. This appears to be the case at every other breeding 
locality, showing as a matter of fact that these birds are resident and wander to 
a very slight degree. 
My conclusions are, therefore, that four species of Frigate Bird exist, viz. : 
Fregata aquila (Linne). 
Restricted to Ascension Island. 
(No subspecies.) 
Fregata minor (Gmelin). 
World- wide ; in the Atlantic, Indian and 
Pacific Oceans, in the Tropics and Sub- 
tropics ; with many easily differentiated 
subspecies. 
Fregata andrewsi Mathews 
Confined to Christmas Island Indian Ocean. 
(No subspecies.) 
270 
