CHLAMYDERA GUTTAT CARTERI MATHEWS, 1920 – AN OVERLOOKED SUBSPECIES OF WESTER BOWERBIRD (PTILONORHYNCHIDAE) FROM NORT WEST CAPE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract - The subspecies of Western Bowerbird named Chlamydera guttata carteri Mathews 1920, known only from the North West Cape of Western Australia, has remained in the synonymy of C. guttata since 1930. A review of all known specimens of C. g. carteri and of 33 other C. guttata skins from adjacent areas of Western Australia indicate that C. g. carteri of North West Cape is a valid subspecies distinctive in its significant small size, particularly wing length, and plumage markings and coloration. Populations of nine other passerine species isolated on North West Cape, one a diminutive endemic subspecies, indicate this as a historic centre for avian subspeciation.

Author(s) FRITH CLIFFORD B. AND FRITH DAWN W. : Part 3
Page Number
225