Records 
of the 
Western Australian Museum 
The Records of the Western Australian Museum publishes the results of research into all branches of natural 
sciences, and social and cultural history, primarily based on the collections of the Western Australian 
Museum and on research carried out by its staff members. 
Collections and research at the Western Australian Museum are centred on Earth and Planetary Sciences, 
Zoology, Anthropology, Archaeology and History. In particular the following areas are covered: systematics, 
ecology, biogeography and evolution of living and fossil organisms; mineralogy; meteoritics; anthropology 
and archaeology; history; maritime history and maritime archaeology; and conservation. 
Western Australian Museum 
Francis Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000 
Tel. (09) 328 4411 
Fax. (09) 328 8686 
E-mail ouseya@muswa.dialix.oz.au 
Minister for the Arts 
Chair of Trustees 
Executive Director 
Editors 
The Hon. Peter G. Foss MLC 
Dr Robert L. Vickery AM, B.Sc., Dip.Ed., M.S., Ed.D., 
F.A.C.E., F.W.A.I.E.A. 
Mr Andrew P. Reeves B.A. (Hons), M.A. 
Dr Kenneth J. McNamara B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D. 
Dr Mark S. Harvey B.Sc., Ph.D. 
The Records of the Western Australian Museum is published twice a year. A series of Supplements are also 
produced. The Records are available for sale and exchange, the current price being $10 plus postage per part. 
Each volume comprises four parts. Subscriptions can be taken out for whole volumes at a rate of $30 plus 
postage. Supplements can be purchased from the W.A. Museum Bookshop. Prices on request. 
Printed and published by the Western Australian Museum 
© Western Australian Museum, December 1996 
ISSN 0312 3162 
Cover: The Nicobar Pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica, from Indonesia. 
Illustration by Jillian Ruse. 
