THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
of them were claw-marked. This was on 27th September, and must have 
been rather a late laying. I seldom have the luck to get a perfect clutch of 
Parrots’ eggs — one or other is sure to be cracked or to have a small hole 
pierced in the shell.” 
Though, as recorded above, variation has been observed, it is comparatively 
restricted and the species is easily split up into well-marked subspecies. This 
was observed when I made up my “ Reference List to the Birds of Australia ” 
(Nov. Zool ., Vol. XVIII., p. 274/5, 1912), when, instead of two or three species, 
I recognised five subspecies, thus : 
Platycercus zonarius zonarius (Shaw and Nodder), South Australia. 
Platycercus zonarius semitorquatus (Quoy and Oaimard), South-west 
Australia. 
Platycercus zonarius dundasi. 
“Differs from P. z. semitorquatus in lacking the red frontal band: and 
from P . z. zonarius in the deep green on the upper surface. Lake Dundas, 
West Australia.” 
Platycercus zonarius connectens. 
“ Differs from P. z. occidentalis in having the rump uniform with the 
back ; the yellow band on the abdomen more distinct, but not as bright as 
in P. 2 . zonarius .” East Murchison, Mid-Westralia. 
Platycercus zonarius occidentalis North. North-west Australia.” 
After reconsideration these were maintained, the genus name Barnardius 
being revived, in my List of the Birds of Australia , published in 1913. 
Since then Captain S. A. White has distinguished the Central Australian 
form as Barnardius zonarius myrtce , and a coloured plate of this has been given 
in the Emu. 
Again reviewing the species, I recognise six subspecies, as when series are 
laid out these are easily separable, and as a rule single birds are determinable 
at sight. It is necessary to note that the yellow lower breast band is subject 
to variation as is also the red forehead : the latter is generally well pronounced 
in the large green subspecies semitorquatus , but as recorded by Carter and 
North is sometimes missing : it is commonly absent in the other subspecies, 
but indications are often seen in those. 
To recapitulate : 
Barnardius zonarius zonarius (Shaw & Nodder). Eyre’s Peninsula, 
South Australia. 
Barnardius zonarius myrtce S. A. White. Central Australia. 
To give the author’s own wording : “ Differs in having a much brighter 
coloration throughout, and, being a somewhat larger bird, the feathers of the 
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