RUFOUS FANTAIL. 
Cape York migrating from New Guinea, and was seen frequently flying low 
over the waves, coming to the mainland. After resting for a few days they 
departed farther south. None seen after the end of October.” 
Macgilhvray’s notes read: “ Bhipidura dryas (?) Wood-Fantail. First 
observed on the Gregory River at first camp, and thence all the way down. 
This bird occurs at Cape York in fair numbers, but does not breed, leaving by 
the end of November or beginning of December, to reappear in February, 
staying two months, and disappearing in April. This applies to the seasons 
1911 and 1912. This species is more probably B. rufifrons, B. dryas not 
appearing east of the Gulf.” 
Later Macgillivray added : “ Was occasionally met with in the scrub 
(at the Claudie River). A few were noted by Mr. McLennan along the Archer 
River. He notes : ‘ These birds do not seem to breed at Cape York,’ giving 
data as above recorded.” 
As recorded above this species was named from a Sydney bird by Latham, 
and it is curious that this seems to be one of the more recent immigrants into 
Australia as it just reaches to Victoria, does not occur in South or South-west 
Australia nor in Tasmania, while related forms are more common in the islands 
to the north of Australia. Gould described the bird from “ the north-western 
portion ” of Australia as a distinct species, but, of course, he intended what 
we now call a subspecies. His differences were smaller size, more white tipping 
and less rufous base to tail-feathers, and the lack of the spotted markings on 
the chest. These were accepted as distinct species for many years, and then 
North described a B. intermedia from the Bellenden Ker Range, for which he 
gave almost the same diagnosis as Gould had done for his north-western species. 
Later Ashby redescribed Gould’s dryas, depending upon Gould’s statement that 
the spotted markings on the chest were lacking. 
That only subspecies were indicated was certain and in 1912 I recognised 
six, introducing three as new, thus : 
Bhipidura rufifrons inexpectata. 
“ Differs from B. r. rufifrons in its larger size and darker coloration 
throughout. (Dandenong Ranges) Victoria.” 
and Bhipidura rufifrons kempi. 
“ Differs from B. r. intermedia in its fighter coloured (fight brown) ear- 
coverts, and smaller size. Cape York, North Queensland.” 
also Bhipidura rufifrons parryi. 
“ Differs from B. r. rufifrons in lacking the scale-like markings on the 
breast. (Parry’s Creek) North-west Australia.” 
These subspecies were fisted without alteration in my 1913 “ List ” and' 
none have since been added. 
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