AUSTRALIAN GOSHAWK. 
approximans ’^ and made notes upon the variation observed. He commented 
upon Salvadori’s recognition of the New Guinea birds as being referable to 
torquatus, and considered them as distinct under the name sharpei R4msay, 
and approaching nearer to approximans than torquatus. He also discussed 
the New Caledonian form which Sarasin {Vogel Neu-Caledoniens, p. 8, 1913) 
has named Astur approximans insularis. I hope to discuss this form later. 
In the same place {Ihis, p. 605-7) Salvador! replied, observing that if the 
New Guinea bird were considered distinct it would need a new name, as 
Astur sharpei Ramsay was preoccupied. Salvador! also stated that when he 
examined Lesson’s type of Nisus australis he did not accept any differences 
between the torquatus and approximans group as later admitted, and he 
therefore was unable to decide whether Lesson’s bird was the Timor or West 
Australian. In view of this. Lesson’s name cannot be correctly utilised until 
re-examination of the bird is made. 
In view of the continued discussion about Astur sharpei Ramsay, I am 
more than puzzled at the lack of mention of it by Rothschild and Hartert 
when they described Accipiter fasciatus polycryptus. Such an oversight suggests 
the possibility of other names being overlooked and causes uneasiness as to the 
acceptance of their results. 
As before indicated, in determining the subspecies in this group the 
personal equation predominates, and I would at the present time class 
U. /. cruenta as a very doubtful form and range the species thus : 
Urospiza fasciata fasciata (Vigors and Horsfield). South Australia ; 
Tasmania ; Victoria ; New South Wales ; South Queensland. 
Of this form, Astur approximans Vigors and Horsfield and Astur 
maculosus Coles are synonyms, both based on the immature plumage of 
this species, the former from New South Wales, the latter from Victoria. 
Hartert suggested there might be a darker subspecies in Victoria, as one 
specimen was “ much darker brown above,” but did not observe there w^s a 
name already applicable if such should prove the case. I have similar dark- 
coloured birds, also from Victoria, but procured at the same time and place 
are typical specimens showing this to be merely a phase and consequently 
negligible without long series. 
Urospiza fasciata didima (Mathews). North Queensland ; Northern 
Territory ; North-west Australia. 
Doubtful subspecies are : — 
Urospiza fasciata cruenta (Gould). West Australia. 
This may be Nisus australis Lesson, which name has priority, but 
at the present time the type is inaccessible. 
71 
