WHITE-BACKED MAGPIE. 
but it may be fairly taken for granted that a species stands good where the 
specific markings or features are constant as a rule. Upon this rule, as well 
as on geographical distribution, the Magpies can be readily divided into four 
species or races, at least, which Mr. Hill has not apparently disproved. (I) There 
are the adult birds (male and female respectively) with white and grey backs 
(G. leuconota) confined to the south-eastern coastal region chiefly ; (2) the lesser- 
sized white and grey backs ( G . hypoleuca) to Tasmania ; (3) the white and 
dark grey or black backs (G. dorsalis ) to the western territory ; while (4) the 
black backs (both male and female) G. tibicen, represent the great balance of 
the continent, particularly the eastern half. With regard to the nestlings of the 
extreme eastern and western ‘ White-backs ’ there is a noticeable difference. 
Those of the east ( leuconota ) possess rust-coloured or greyish mottled backs, 
while those of the west {dorsalis), not to mention their longer and narrower bills, 
have brownish-black or almost black backs. . . . By the way, it may be noted 
too that the further north the smaller the birds.” 
This review of the “ races,” be it noted that these were suggested of the 
Magpies, is good and had the suggested investigation resulted much might have 
been done. 
Last year Cole published the results of criticism of a series of birds in the 
“ overlapping districts ” showing evolution of white-backs from black-backs 
and this may to some extent be admitted. 
This brought forth a note from Hall stating : “ The position of Magpies, 
as I now see it, is 
Gymnorhina tibicen Latham — The Australian Magpie.” 
A. B. Dimorphics. 
A. Black-backed Magpie. 
White-backed Magpie. 
B. 
a 1 
Southern Race. 
a 11 
Northern Race. 
a 111 
Western Race. 
¥ 
Tasmanian Race. 
b 11 
South-eastern Race. 
b 111 
Western Race. 
put Latham’s name, though I should 
The matter 
Yielding to the law of priority, 
have preferred Gould’s hypoleuca, for the more developed bird, 
of races is still an open one.” 
Translated into present day scientific nomenclature this reads : 
Gymnorhina tibicen Latham. 
a 1 Gymnorhina tibicen tibicen. 
a 
ii 
terrceregince. 
363 
